bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the genomic determinants of fitness inE. coliST131 using phylodynamics
Authors: Kepler Lenora M. , Jara Manuel , Mahmud Bejan , Dantas Gautam , Dubberke Erik R. , Lanzas Cristina , Rasmussen David A.
Published: June 2024

Antimicrobial resistant pathogens such asEscherichia colisequence type 131 (ST131) pose a serious threat to public health globally. In the United States, ST131 acquired multiple antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and rapidly grew to its current high prevalence in healthcare settings. Notably, this coincided with the introduction and widespread use of antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones, suggesting AMR as the major driver of ST131’s expansion. Yet, within ST131, there remains considerable diversity between strains in resistance profiles and their repertoires of virulence factors, stress factors, plasmids, and other accessory elements. Understanding which genomic features contribute to ST131’s competitive advantage and their relative effects on population-level fitness therefore poses a considerable challenge. Here we use phylodynamic birth-death models to estimate the relative fitness of different ST131 lineages from bacterial phylogenies. By extending these phylodynamic methods to allow multiple genomic features to shape bacterial fitness, we further quantify the relative contribution of individual AMR genes to ST131’s fitness. Our analysis indicates that while many genomic elements, including various AMR genes, virulence factors, and plasmids, have all contributed substantially to ST131’s rapid growth, major increases in ST131’s fitness are largely attributable to mutations in gyrase A that confer resistance to fluoroquinolones.

Author summary

ST131 is a pandemic lineage ofE. colithat has spread globally and is now responsible for a large percentage of blood and urinary tract infections that cannot be treated with many common antibiotics. While antibiotic resistance has undoubtedly given ST131 a competitive edge, the relative importance of resistance compared with other factors shaping a pathogen’s growth or transmission potential (i.e. fitness) is often difficult to measure in natural settings. Here, we present a method that allows us to look at the entire spectrum of factors determining a pathogen’s fitness and estimate the individual contribution of each component to pathogen’s overall fitness. Our results suggest that resistance to fluoroquinolones, a widely used class of antibiotics, provides ST131 with a disproportionately large fitness advantage relative to many other factors with more moderate fitness effects. Understanding what determines the fitness of ST131 therefore provides insights that can be used to curb the spread of resistance and monitor for emerging lineages with high pandemic potential due to shared fitness enhancing attributes.
Hormone circuit analysis explains why most HPA drugs fail for mood disorders and predicts the few that work
Authors: Milo Tomer , Halber Shiraz Nir , Raz Moriya , Mayo Avi , Alon Uri
Published: June 2024

Elevated cortisol causes morbidity in chronic stress and mood disorders, including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. There is therefore interest in developing drugs that lower cortisol by targeting its endocrine pathway, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Several promising HPA-modulating drugs have, however, failed to lower long-term cortisol in mood disorders such as major depressive disorder despite their effectiveness in situations where high cortisol is caused by a tumor (Cushing’s syndrome). Why these drugs failed is not well understood. Here we use a mathematical model of the HPA axis to show that the pituitary and the adrenal glands compensate for the effect of drugs by adjusting their functional mass, a feedback compensation that is absent in Cushing tumors. To find potential drug targets, we carried out a systematicin silicoanalysis of points of intervention in the HPA axis. We find that only two interventions that target corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) can lower long-term cortisol. Other drug targets either fail to lower cortisol due to gland-mass compensation or lower cortisol but harm other aspects of the HPA axis. Thus, we identify potential drug targets, including CRH-neutralizing antibodies and CRH-synthesis inhibitors, for lowering long-term cortisol in mood disorders and in those suffering from chronic stress. More generally, this study indicates that understanding the slow compensatory mechanisms in endocrine axes can be crucial in order to prioritize drug targets.
Order parameters for gauge invariant condensation far from equilibrium
Authors: Berges Jürgen , Boguslavski Kirill , de Bruin Lillian , Butler Tara , Pawlowski Jan M.
Published: June 2024

Nuclear collisions at sufficiently high energies are expected to produce far-from-equilibrium matter with a high density of gluons at early times. We show gauge condensation, which occurs as a consequence of the large density of gluons. To identify this condensation phenomenon, we construct two local gauge invariant observables that carry the macroscopic zero mode of the gauge condensate. The first order parameter for gauge condensation investigated here is the correlator of the spatial Polyakov loop. We also consider, for the first time, the correlator of the gauge invariant scalar field, associated with the exponent of the Polyakov loop. Using real-time lattice simulations of classical-statistical SU(2) gauge theory, we find gauge condensation on a system-size-dependent timescale tcond∼L1/ζ with a universal scaling exponent ζ. Furthermore, we suggest an effective theory formulation describing the dynamics using one of the order parameters identified. The formation of a condensate at early times may have intriguing implications for the early stages in heavy-ion collisions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonfactorizable charming-loop contribution to FCNC
Bs→γl+l−
decay
Authors: Belov Ilia , Berezhnoy Alexander , Melikhov Dmitri
Published: June 2024

We present the first theoretical calculation of nonfactorizable charm-quark loop contributions to the Bs→γl+l− amplitude. We calculate the relevant form factors, HA,VNF(k′2,k2), and provide convenient parametrizations of our results in the form of fit functions of two variables, k′2 and k2, applicable in the region below hadron resonances, k′2<MJ/ψ2 and k2<Mϕ2. We report that factorizable and nonfactorizable charm contributions to the

B

s

→

γ

l

+

l

−

amplitude have opposite signs. To compare the charm and the top contributions, it is convenient to express nonfactorizable charming loop contribution as a nonuniversal (i.e., dependent on the reaction) q2-dependent correction ΔNFC7(q2) to the Wilson coefficient C7. For the Bs→γl+l− amplitude, the correction is found to be positive, ΔNFC7(q2)/C7>0.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Alternative approach to baryon masses in the
1/Nc
expansion of QCD
Authors: Flores-Mendieta Rubén , García-Monreal Sergio Alejandro , Ruiz-Robles Luis Román , Torres-Bautista Francisco Alberto
Published: June 2024

The baryon mass operator is studied within a combined expansion in 1/Nc and perturbative SU(3) flavor symmetry breaking, where Nc denotes the number of color charges. Flavor projection operators are used to classify the baryon operators involved in the expansion, which fall into the flavor representations 1, 8, 10+10¯, 27, 35+35¯, and 64. This approach allows one to incorporate up to third-order flavor symmetry breaking in the baryon mass operator in a rigorous and systematic way. Previous work on the subject is considered to validate the approach. A fit to data is performed to evaluate the free parameters in the theory and to produce some numerical values of baryon masses. Results are consistent and reaffirm the striking success of the 1/Nc expansion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum tomography of helicity states for general scattering processes
Authors: Bernal Alexander
Published: June 2024

Quantum tomography has become an indispensable tool in order to compute the density matrix ρ of quantum systems in physics. Recently, it has further gained importance as a basic step to test entanglement and violation of Bell inequalities in high-energy particle physics. In this work, we present the theoretical framework for reconstructing the helicity quantum initial state of a general scattering process. In particular, we perform an expansion of ρ over the irreducible tensor operators {TML} and compute the corresponding coefficients uniquely by averaging, under properly chosen Wigner D-matrices weights, the angular distribution data of the final particles. Besides, we provide the explicit angular dependence of a novel generalization of the production matrix Γ and of the normalized differential cross section of the scattering. Finally, we rederive all our previous results from a quantum-information perspective using the Weyl-Wigner-Moyal formalism and we obtain, in addition, simple analytical expressions for the Wigner P and Q symbols.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Swampland constraints on the symmetry topological field theory of supergravity
Authors: Gould Dewi S. W. , Lin Ling , Sabag Evyatar
Published: June 2024

We consider string/M-theory reductions on a compact space X=Xloc∪X∘, where Xloc contains the singular locus and X∘ is its complement. For the resulting supergravity theories, we construct a suitable symmetry topological field theory (SymTFT) associated with the boundary ∂Xloc∐∂X∘. We propose that boundary conditions for different Bogomol’nyi-Prasad-Sommerfield branes wrapping the same boundary cycles must be correlated for the SymTFT to yield an absolute theory consistent with quantum gravity. Using heterotic/M-theory duality, this constraint can be translated into a field-theoretic statement, which restricts the global structure of d≥7, N=1 supergravity theories to reproduce precisely the landscape of untwisted toroidal heterotic compactifications. Furthermore, for six-dimensional (2, 0) theories, we utilize a subtle interplay between gauged 0-, 2-, and 4-form symmetries to provide a bottom-up explanation of the correlated boundary conditions in K3 compactifications of type IIB.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Finite entanglement entropy in string theory
Authors: Dabholkar Atish , Moitra Upamanyu
Published: June 2024

We analyze the one-loop quantum entanglement entropy in ten-dimensional type-II string theory using the orbifold method by analytically continuing in N the genus-one partition function for string orbifolds on R2/ZN conical spaces known for all odd integers N>1. We show that the tachyonic contributions to the orbifold partition function can be appropriately summed and analytically continued to an expression that is finite in the physical region 0<N≤1 resulting in a finite and calculable answer for the entanglement entropy. We discuss the implications of the finiteness of the entanglement entropy for the information paradox, quantum gravity, and holography.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Scalar and Tensor Charmonium Resonances in Coupled-Channel Scattering from Lattice QCD
Authors: Wilson David J. , Thomas Christopher E. , Dudek Jozef J. , Edwards Robert G. ,   for the Hadron Spectrum Collaboration
Published: June 2024

We determine JPC=0++ and 2++ hadron-hadron scattering amplitudes in the charmonium energy region up to 4100 MeV using lattice QCD, a first-principles approach to QCD. Working at mπ≈391  MeV, more than 200 finite-volume energy levels are computed and these are used in extensions of the Lüscher formalism to determine infinite-volume coupled-channel scattering amplitudes. We find that this energy region contains a single χc0 and a single χc2 resonance. Both are found as pole singularities on the closest unphysical Riemann sheet, just below 4000 MeV with widths around 70 MeV. The largest couplings are to kinematically closed D*D¯* channels in S-wave, and couplings to several decay channels consisting of pairs of open-charm mesons are found to be large and significant in both cases. Above the ground state χc0, no other scalar bound states or near-DD¯ threshold resonances are found, in contrast to several theoretical and experimental studies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Merged-Beams Study of the Reaction of Cold
HD+
with C Atoms Reveals a Pronounced Intramolecular Kinetic Isotope Effect
Authors: Grussie Florian , Berger Lukas , Grieser Manfred , Kálosi Ábel , Müll Damian , Novotný Oldřich , Znotins Aigars , Dayou Fabrice , Urbain Xavier , Kreckel Holger
Published: June 2024

We present a merged-beams study of reactions between HD+ ions, stored in the Cryogenic Storage Ring (CSR), and laser-produced ground-term C atoms. The molecular ions are stored for up to 20 s in the extreme vacuum of the CSR, where they have time to relax radiatively until they reach their vibrational ground state (within 0.5 s of storage) and rotational states with J≤3 (after 5 s). We combine our experimental studies with quasiclassical trajectory calculations based on two reactive potential energy surfaces. In contrast to previous studies with internally excited H2+ and D2+ ions, our results reveal a pronounced isotope effect, favoring the production of CH+ over CD+ across all collision energies, and a significant increase in the absolute rate coefficient of the reaction. Our experimental results agree well with our theoretical calculations for vibrationally relaxed HD+ ions in their lowest rotational states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Androgynous
{101¯2}
twin in zinc
Authors: Merkel Sébastien , Hilairet Nadège , Wang Yanbin , Guignard Jérémy , Tomé Carlos N.
Published: June 2024

Under ambient conditions, Zn is a hexagonal metal with a large c/a ratio of 1.856. Plastic deformation is predominantly accommodated by basal 〈a〉 slip and compression twins on the {101¯2} planes. Increasing hydrostatic pressure drastically reduces the c/a ratio of Zn and, when a critical threshold of c/a=3 at about 10 GPa is crossed, the {101¯2} twins are predicted to change from compressive to tensile in nature. What happens at the transition point, when c/a=3, remains unknown. Here, we strain-cycle a textured polycrystalline sample of pure Zn at uniform hydrostatic pressures ranging between 2 and 17 GPa, over which the c/a ratio crosses the c/a=3 compressive-tensile transition for {101¯2} twins. During deformation, the state of the sample is monitored through x-ray diffraction to extract texture and internal strain evolution. By comparing the experimental results with the predictions of an elastoviscoplastic polycrystal simulation, we confirm the androgynous nature of {101¯2} twin response at low and high pressures. When c/a=3, polycrystalline Zn does not display any evidence of twinning and its plastic behavior is controlled by mostly basal and pyramidal 〈c+a〉 slip activity, with a very small contribution of prismatic 〈a〉 slip. Evidence for the activity of other {101¯n} twinning modes, which have been suggested for Zn under high pressure, are not observed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Cone beam neutron interferometry: From modeling to applications
Authors: Sarenac D. , Gorbet G. , Kapahi C. , Clark Charles W. , Cory D. G. , Ekinci H. , Garrad D. V. , Henderson M. E. , Huber M. G. , Hussey D. , Kienzle P. A. , Parker J. D. , Serrat R. , Shinohara T. , Song F. , Pushin D. A.
Published: June 2024

Phase-grating moiré interferometers (PGMIs) have emerged as promising candidates for the next generation of neutron interferometry, enabling the use of a polychromatic beam and manifesting interference patterns that can be directly imaged by existing neutron cameras. However, the modeling of the various PGMI configurations is limited to cumbersome numerical calculations and backward propagation models which often do not enable one to explore the setup parameters. Here we generalize the Fresnel scaling theorem to introduce a k-space model for PGMI setups illuminated by a cone beam, thus enabling an intuitive forward propagation model for a wide range of parameters and experimental setups. The interference manifested by a PGMI is shown to be a special case of the Talbot effect, and the optimal fringe visibility is shown to occur at the moiré location of the Talbot distances. We derive analytical expressions for the contrast and the propagating intensity profiles in various conditions and provide the first analysis of the PGMI dark-field imaging signal when considering sample characterization. The model's predictions are compared to experimental measurements and good agreement is found between them. Last, we propose and experimentally verify a method to recover contrast at typically inaccessible PGMI autocorrelation lengths. The presented work provides a toolbox for analyzing and understanding existing PGMI setups and their future applications, for example extensions to two-dimensional PGMIs and characterization of samples with nontrivial structures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Thermal activation signatures of the Anderson insulator and the Wigner solid forming near
ν=1
Authors: Myers S. A. , Huang Haoyun , Hussain Waseem , Pfeiffer L. N. , West K. W. , Csáthy G. A.
Published: June 2024

When interactions overcome disorder, integer quantum Hall plateaus support topological phases with different bulk insulators. In the center of the ν=1 plateau the bulk is an Anderson-type insulator, while in the flanks of the plateau the bulk is the integer quantum Hall Wigner solid. We find that the activation energy along the ν=1 plateau exhibits a very dramatic nonmonotonic dependence on the magnetic field, a dependence that is strongly correlated with the stability regions of the two phases. Furthermore, the activation energy has an unexpected minimum at the boundary between the Anderson insulator and the Wigner solid. Our findings constrain the theory of the integer quantum Hall Wigner solid, determine its thermodynamic properties, and reveal unusual behavior at the boundary between the Anderson insulator and the Wigner solid.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Two applications of stochastic thermodynamics to hydrodynamics
Authors: Yoshimura Kohei , Ito Sosuke
Published: June 2024

Recently, the theoretical framework of stochastic thermodynamics has been revealed to be useful for macroscopic systems. However, despite its conceptual and practical importance, the connection to hydrodynamics has yet to be explored. In this Letter, we reformulate the thermodynamics of compressible and incompressible Newtonian fluids so that it becomes comparable to stochastic thermodynamics and unveil their connections; we obtain the housekeeping–excess decomposition of the entropy production rate (EPR) for hydrodynamic systems and find a lower bound on EPR given by relative fluctuation similar to the thermodynamic uncertainty relation. These results not only prove the universality of stochastic thermodynamics but also suggest the potential extensibility of the thermodynamic theory of hydrodynamic systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
PYP4Training: designing digital games for business process training
Authors: Lopes Tatiane Neves , Araujo Renata Mendes de , Classe Tadeu Moreira de , Sant'Anna Flávio dos Santos
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Business process training is a crucial activity in the business process management lifecycle, performed whenever an organization needs to train workers about how to carry out their activities according to defined processes, after significant process changes, or whenever new workers come on board. Due to their motivational character, serious games have been understood as an unconventional alternative to support training in organizational processes. Still, methodologies to design serious digital games specifically for business process training are missing in the literature. This research paper presents a method – Play Your Process for Training (PYP4Training) – for designing digital games for business process training.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is guided by design science research methodologies and comprises the adaptation of Play Your Process (PYP), a method for designing business process-based digital games (BPBDG). PYP activities and supporting tools were shaped to cope with the specific requirements of BPBDG design for process training purposes, bringing to light a new method: PYP4Training.

Findings

PYP4Training was evaluated by designing a BPBDG for training a heavy equipment maintenance process in a multinational mining company. The game was evaluated by process owners and actors who reported a positive perception of the game as an option for process training. However, there is still space for improving trainees' engagement.

Originality/value

The research proposes an innovative way for business process training using digital games. Nevertheless, literature shows a lack of systematic procedures to build such games and results about their use.
Learning before, during and after entrepreneurial failure
Authors: Costa Paula L. , Ferreira João J.M. , Torres de Oliveira Rui
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine entrepreneurs’ learning before, during and after entrepreneurial failure and understand the relationship between learning and recovery from failure.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative multiple case study was carried out based on entrepreneur interviews who have experienced the failure of their businesses.

Findings

The study finds that entrepreneurs learn both during the company’s lifespan and post-failure, with distinct types and intensities of learning at different life cycle phases. It highlights the link between learning and emotions during the failure process, revealing entrepreneurs’ limited awareness of their knowledge gaps, particularly during successful business phases, and shows the difference between women and men.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that the companies are all located in northern and central Portugal, and the number of entrepreneurs starting new ventures post-failure is limited. Another is a lack of comprehensive measurement of the economic impact, especially on the health of individuals who have experienced the impact of failure. The absence of concrete data hampers understanding and the development of targeted support mechanisms for these individuals.

Originality/value

This study stands out for its unique approach, thoroughly exploring the intricate, profound and significant experiences during a crisis, such as a business failure, from the entrepreneurs’ perspective. It delves into their learning processes before, during and after the failure, providing a comprehensive understanding. This study evidence that significant learning occurs during the operation of the business, and not during or after failure, due to the limitations imposed by the pain and disorientation it causes. Therefore, if recovery does not occur, learning does not happen either. It also highlights the differences between women and men in their learning experiences, adding a new dimension to the research.
Improved drinking water, healthier children? Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Javed Rashid , Mughal Mazhar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

One of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals is to ensure the availability of improved drinking water for everyone. In this study, we examine the association between access to improved drinking water at the district level and child nutritional outcomes in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ district-level unbalanced panel data from Pakistan from various rounds of Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Surveys and Multiple Indicators Cluster Surveys compiled by the Data4Pakistan, Pakistan District Development Portal. We examine the impact of the percentage of the population in a given district with access to clean drinking water on the percentage of stunted, underweight and wasted children in the district. The analysis proceeds in two steps. In the first step, we explore the spatial distribution of improved drinking water coverage and child development outcomes across districts. In the second step, we study their relationship by employing standard panel estimation methods and controlling for district characteristics.

Findings

The spatial analysis reveals the large disparity among districts and provinces in terms of improved drinking water coverage and child nutrition. The estimation results indicate that there is a significant association between the accessibility of improved drinking water and child development outcomes. The effect is significant for child stunting and underweight but not for child wasting. The impact appears to be stronger in rural districts. These findings are robust to alternate empirical strategies.

Originality/value

This is the first such study to examine the provision of improved drinking water at the district level in relation to child developmental outcomes in a developing country context.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2023-0739
Influence of multisource errors of oil film contact surface on motion accuracy of hydrostatic guideway
Authors: He Xiangbo , Liang Xiaosheng , Li Ruirui , Zhang Kai , Chen Wenchuan , Peng Yunfeng
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of multisource deformation errors on the oil film contact surface, which arise from manufacturing, assembly, oil pressure and thermal influences, on the motion accuracy of hydrostatic guideway.

Design/methodology/approach

Using thermal-structural coupling simulations, this research investigates the effects of assembly, oil pressure and thermal factors on deformation errors of the oil film contact surface. By integrating these with manufacturing errors, a profile error model for the oil film contact surface is developed, characterizing the cumulative effect of these errors. Using kinematic theory and progressive Mengen flow controller characteristics, the motion error at any position of the hydrostatic guideway is quantified, examining how surface error traits impact motion accuracy.

Findings

The error averaging effect is affected by the profile error of oil film contact surface. Meanwhile, the motion accuracy of hydrostatic guideway is highly sensitive to the oil film contact surface error amplitude.

Originality/value

This approach allows for precise prediction and analysis of motion accuracy in hydrostatic guideways during the design and manufacturing stages. It also provides guidance for planning process tolerances.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2024-0063/
Preparation and properties of FeS/iron-based self-lubricating materials by chemical nickel plating-mechanical alloying
Authors: Zheng Haifei , Yin Yanguo , Li Rongrong , Liu Cong , Chen Qi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of chemical nickel plating and mechanical alloying on the mechanical and tribological properties of FeS/iron-based self-lubricating materials as well as the wear mechanism of the materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Surface modification of FeS powder was carried out by chemical nickel plating method and mechanical alloying of mixed powder by ball milling. The mechanical properties of the material were tested by tribological testing by M-200 ring block type friction and wear tester. Optical microscope was used to observe the surface morphology of the material and the transfer film on the surface of the mate parts, and scanning electron microscope and EDS were used to characterize the wear surface.

Findings

Mechanical alloying ball milling was carried out so that the lubricating particles in the matrix are uniformly dispersed; nickel-plated layer enhances the interfacial bonding of FeS and the matrix, and the combination of the two improves the mechanical properties of the material, and at the same time the friction side of the surface of the lubrication of FeS lubricant transfer film formed is denser and more intact, and the friction coefficient of friction side and the wear rate of the material have been greatly reduced.

Originality/value

This work aims to improve the mechanical and tribological properties of FeS/iron-based self-lubricating materials and to provide a reference for the preparation of materials with excellent overall properties.
A fractal model of rough surfaces based on ellipsoidal asperities
Authors: Yu Haifeng , Wang Yao , Gao Chuang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to use fractal theory to investigate the contact mechanics of two bidirectional anisotropic surfaces, taking into account the friction coefficient of the contact interface. This study introduces a model that centers on normal contact load and contact stiffness, providing an extensive framework to elucidate the interactions between these surfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts the Weierstrass–Mandelbrot (W-M) function for simulating bidirectional surface profiles. Through the application of elastic-plastic contact theory, it evaluates the contact area and load of a singular asperity across elasticity, elastoplasticity and plasticity phases. The contact load and stiffness of the rough surface are determined using a refined asperity density distribution function, and these findings are juxtaposed with extant models to validate their precision and rationality.

Findings

The study delineates the influence of fractal dimension (D), surface roughness (G), ellipse eccentricity (e) and friction coefficient (µ) on the contact area, load and stiffness. It reveals that the contact area enlarges with the fractal dimension (D) yet diminishes with increased eccentricity (e), roughness (G) and friction coefficient (µ). These elements considerably affect the contact load and stiffness, underscoring their significance in comprehending surface interactions.

Originality/value

This study applies fractal theory to analyze the contact mechanics of bidirectional anisotropic surfaces, considering the geometry and mechanics of ellipsoidal asperities on rough surfaces to develop a contact mechanics model. This model clarifies the deformation of an asperity in normal contact, presenting a more rational alternative to current models.
Do you want my loyalty? Then understand what drives my trust – a conventional and Islamic banking perspective
Authors: Roberts-Lombard Mornay , Petzer Daniël Johannes
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop an enhanced understanding of the drivers of trust and loyalty in a conventional and Islamic banking setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s sample included South African retail bank customers who had Islamic or conventional products and who were 18 years or older. A field services company collected data from respondents through the distribution of self-administered questionnaires and a total of 949 questionnaires were deemed suitable for data analysis. SmartPLS 3.2.7 and Hayes Process Macro for SPSS tested the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

Comparing conventional banking customers with Islamic banking customers, the path from trust to customer loyalty was statistically significantly different across customer type, while the paths between trust and customer orientation, information sharing, and service fairness were not statistically significantly different across customer type. A closer examination of the path coefficients reveals that the relationship between trust and loyalty is stronger for conventional banking customers than for Islamic banking customers.

Practical implications

The findings of the study guide both conventional and Islamic banks in South Africa on how banks should redesign their purpose as the providers of financial resources to their customer segments. It highlights the need for these banks to secure a more focused approach on how to deliver financial resources and consulting services to customers in a trusting, engaging and reliable manner.

Originality/value

The study provides insight into Islamic and retail bank customers’ perceptions of the drivers of trust and loyalty and how these constructs’ interrelationships differ between Islamic and conventional banking customers.
Boundary-spanning search and breakthrough innovation: the moderating role of big data analytics capability
Authors: Yang Miaomiao , Wang Juanru
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The rapid advancement of digital transformation requires a shift in firms’ focus from past met needs to both latent future and unmet past needs. However, how boundary-spanning search with future orientation and past orientation affects breakthrough innovation remains unclear. This study thus aims to investigate the relationship between boundary-spanning search and breakthrough innovation from the perspective of search orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

In terms of search orientation, this study divides boundary-spanning search into forward-looking search and backward-looking search. Drawing on resource-based view, this study develops a theoretical model in which big data analytics capability moderates the effects of forward-looking and backward-looking searches on breakthrough innovation. Empirical analyses were conducted on data from China’s advanced manufacturing firms. Research model and hypotheses were tested through multiple regression.

Findings

The results confirm that forward-looking search has a positive effect on breakthrough innovation, and big data analytics capability strengthens this positive effect. Furthermore, backward-looking search has an inverted U-shaped effect on breakthrough innovation. Interestingly, as big data analytics capability increases, this inverted U-shaped curve flattens and becomes almost linear.

Originality/value

This study uncovers the different effects of boundary-spanning search with different orientations on breakthrough innovation and extends the research on the relationship between boundary-spanning search and breakthrough innovation by incorporating search orientation. Furthermore, by demonstrating the moderating role of big data analytics capability, this study provides a crucial condition under which boundary-spanning search can enhance breakthrough innovation.
The AI humanness: how perceived personality builds trust and continuous usage intention
Authors: Hsieh Sara H. , Lee Crystal T.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) assistants and voice assistants provides a platform for AI to enter consumers’ everyday lives. As these voice assistants become ubiquitous, their widespread adoption underscores the need to understand how to create voice assistants that can naturally interact with and support users. Grounded in the stereotype content model from social psychology, this study aims to investigate the influence of perceived humanness and personality on building trust and continuous usage intentions in voice assistants. Specifically, a fresh perspective examining the determining factors that shape personality trait perceptions of competence and warmth in voice assistants is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of 457 participants and structural equation modeling is conducted to validate the research model.

Findings

Anthropomorphism, social presence and interactivity drive perceived warmth, whereas performance and effort expectations drive perceived competence. Perceived competence and perceived warmth together positively affect users’ trust in voice assistants, leading to a higher likelihood of continuous usage intentions.

Originality/value

This research provides profound theoretical contributions to the emerging field of human-AI interaction and offer practical implications for marketers aiming to leverage voice assistant personalities to build trusted and long-lasting interactions.
Impacts of the COVID-19 infodemic on emotions through cognitive appraisals
Authors: Han Wenna , Lee Hanna , Xu Yingjiao , Cheng Yang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 outbreak has been accompanied by a massive “infodemic”, characterized by an overabundance of information, both accurate and inaccurate, making it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance. This study aims to investigate how the COVID-19 infodemic (i.e. information overload and untrustworthiness) influences consumers’ emotions (i.e. fear, anxiety and hope) by shaping their cognitive appraisals of the pandemic (i.e. perceived risk and uncertainty). Additionally, this study also investigates how individual differences (i.e. COVID-19 involvement and infection experience) impact their emotion formation process.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 815 US consumers aged between 18 and 65 in November 2021 via an online survey. Structural equation modeling and multi-group comparison from AMOS 23 were used to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

Information overload increased one’s perceived risk and perceived uncertainty of COVID-19, which, in turn, structured the emotional states of fear, anxiety and hope. Information untrustworthiness had a significant impact on risk perception, which led to an increased feeling of fear. Additionally, individuals’ COVID-19 involvement and their infection experience with the coronavirus were found to moderate the cognitive appraisal process in developing emotions.

Originality/value

This study offers insights into the relationships between the information landscape and cognitive appraisals regarding health crises, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only enriching emotional well-being literature, it also lends managerial implications for effective communication strategies in global health emergencies.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-12-2023-0616
Genotypic variations appear in fine root morphological traits of Cryptomeria japonica trees grown in a common garden
Authors: Nakahata Ryo , Azuma Wakana A. , Tanabe Tomoko , Kawai Kiyosada , Hiura Tsutom
Published: June 2024

Fine root morphological traits regulate the belowground resource acquisition strategies of trees. Therefore, investigating genotypic variations isolated from environmental variations within tree species helps in understanding how genotypic backgrounds affect intragenerational tree acclimation to the growing environment. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the effects of genotypic variations on the fine root morphology of three types of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), which were derived from different provenances but were grown in a common garden. In the three geographically different provenances of C. japonica stands (Yanase, Yoshino, and Yaku), fine root morphological traits, such as root length and diameter and specific root length (SRL), were measured for each root up to the 4th branching order. Yaku cedar exhibited root traits distinct from the other provenances, such as growing longer and thinner roots in 1st root order to enhance root surface area. In addition, the SRL patterns with root orders and higher root tissue density suggested a resource conservation strategy. Yanase cedar demonstrated a significantly higher root branching ratio and specific root tips than the other provenances, indicating a strategy for investing resources in absorptive roots. Although Yoshino cedar had traits similar to those of Yanase cedar or intermediate between Yanase and Yaku cedars, high aboveground production may be achieved through nutrient acquisition with root exudates instead of absorptive root growth. Genotypic variations appeared in fine root morphological traits of C. japonica trees, even when grown in the same environments, implying distinct resource acquisition strategies characterized by each provenance.
‘Full‐Fat, Semi‐Skimmed or Skimmed?’ The Political Economy of Immigration Policy since Brexit
Authors: Hampshire James
Published: June 2024

Since the European Union referendum in 2016, UK net migration has increased to record levels. Despite the Leave campaign's promise to ‘take back control’—and a Conservative government that has adopted increasingly negative rhetoric about immigration—growing numbers of workers and international students have migrated to the UK. This apparent puzzle can be explained by examining the political economy of immigration policy. The UK economy is structurally dependent on migrants who take up jobs that British citizens shun and who address skills shortages caused by under‐investment in training and education, as well as international students who help finance UK universities. As free movement came to an end, the Johnson government responded by liberalising immigration policy selectively. More recently, political pressure from the right has prompted the Sunak government to adopt policies that restrict the rights of migrant workers, international students and many British citizens to live with their families.
Neonatal jaundice incidence, risk factors and outcomes in referral‐level facilities in Nigeria
Authors: Ochigbo Sunny , Ekpebe Patrick , Nyong Eno Etim , Ikechukwu Okonkwo , Ibeawuchi Amarabia , Eigbedion Andrew , Adeyemi Oyedeji Oladele , Abasiattai Aniekan , Orazulike Ngozi , Ekott Mabel , Omo‐Aghoja Lawrence , Ande Babatunde , Uwagboe Charles , Igbarumah Solomon , Idemudia Ebenovbe , Okagua Joyce , Lavin Tina , Gibbons Luz , Settecase Eugenia , Njoku Anthonia , Ibrahim Isa Ayuba , Etuk Saturday
Published: June 2024

Objective

To determine the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of babies with neonatal jaundice in a network of referral‐level hospitals in Nigeria.

Design

A cross‐sectional analysis of perinatal data collected over a 1‐year period.

Setting

Fifty‐four referral‐level hospitals (48 public and 6 private) across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Population

A total of 77 026 babies born at or admitted to the participating facilities (67 697 hospital live births; plus 9329 out‐born babies), with information on jaundice between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020.

Methods

Data were extracted and analysed to calculate incidence and sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for neonatal jaundice.

Main outcome measures

Incidence and risk factors of neonatal jaundice in the 54‐referral hospitals in Nigeria.

Results

Of 77 026 babies born in or admitted to the participating facilities, 3228 had jaundice (41.92 per 1000 live births). Of the 67 697 hospital live births, 845 babies had jaundice (12.48 per 1000 live births). The risk factors associated with neonatal jaundice were no formal education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.11–2.52) or post‐secondary education (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 0.99–1.38), previous caesarean section (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.40–2.03), booked antenatal care at <13 weeks or 13–26 weeks of gestation (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.20–2.08; aOR 1.15, 95% CI 0.93–1.42, respectively), preterm birth (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14–1.78) and labour more than 18 hours (aOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.74–2.63).

Conclusions

Hospital‐level and regional‐level strategies are needed to address newborn jaundice, which include a focus on management and discharge counselling on signs of jaundice.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices scale: A study of teachers in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Jakubovic Edinalda , Memisevic Haris
Published: June 2024

The Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices (TEIP) scale is a widely used instrument for assessing teachers' effectiveness in implementing inclusive practices. The TEIP has not been validated in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH). The goal of the present study was to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the TEIP in a sample of teachers in BIH. The sample consisted of 239 elementary school teachers (204 females, 35 males; mean age‐ 43.5 years, SD‐ 8.3 years). The results of the CFA found that the original TEIP structure was not a good fit for our data. However, through some modifications on the item level, we created a satisfactory model that retained the same structure as the original TEIC. The composite reliability and construct maximal reliability were well above the recommended cut point of 0.70 for all factors. Our findings suggest that the modified version of the TEIP has the potential to be an effective and useful instrument for assessing teachers' efficacy in inclusive practices in BIH. This study represents an important step towards the cultural adaptation and validation of the TEIP in BIH, highlighting areas for future research and application in diverse educational contexts.
A comprehensive review on novel synthetic foods: Potential risk factors, detection strategies, and processing technologies
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Zhao Jinlong , Jiang Lan , Zhang Lili , Raghavan Vijaya , Wang Jin
Published: June 2024

Nowadays, the food industry is facing challenges due to the simultaneous rise in global warming, population, and food consumption. As the integration of synthetic biology and food science, novel synthetic foods have obtained high attention to address these issues. However, these novel foods may cause potential risks related to human health. Four types of novel synthetic foods, including plant‐based foods, cultured meat, fermented foods, and microalgae‐based foods, were reviewed in the study. The original food sources, consumer acceptance, advantages and disadvantages of these foods were discussed. Furthermore, potential risk factors, such as nutritional, biological, and chemical risk factors, associated with these foods were described and analyzed. Additionally, the current detection methods (e.g., enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, biosensors, chromatography, polymerase chain reaction, isothermal amplification, and microfluidic technology) and processing technologies (e.g., microwave treatment, ohmic heating, steam explosion, high hydrostatic pressure, ultrasound, cold plasma, and supercritical carbon dioxide) were reviewed and discussed critically. Nonetheless, it is crucial to continue innovating and developing new detection and processing technologies to effectively evaluate these novel synthetic foods and ensure their safety. Finally, approaches to enhance the quality of these foods were briefly presented. It will provide insights into the development and management of novel synthetic foods for food industry.
Disaster victim identification: Stable isotope analysis and the identification of unknown decedents
Authors: Chesson Lesley A. , Berg Gregory E. , Megyesi Mary
Published: June 2024

Within the complex world of disaster victim identification, or DVI, forensic science practitioners use a variety of investigative techniques to work toward a common goal: identification of the decedents, bringing closure to the affected communities. Identification is a complex undertaking; the event (disaster) also can be extraordinarily complex, as it may be an acute event, or one that spans months or years. Compounding this time issue, remains may be heavily fragmented, dispersed, commingled, or otherwise disrupted by either the perpetrators or the disaster itself. To help solve these complexities, we explore the use of stable isotope analysis (SIA) in DVI events. SIA can be used with a variety of body tissues (hair, nail, bone, and teeth), and each represents different time depths in a decedent's life. Bone collagen and tooth enamel carbonate are useful to reconstruct an individual's diet and source water intakes, respectively, leading to likely population or geographic origin determinations. Additionally, the carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures of bone collagen have calculated intraperson ranges. These facts allow investigators to determine likely origin of remains using isotopic data and can be used to link skeletal elements (to an individual), or perhaps more importantly, show that remains are not linked. Application of SIA can thus speed remains identification by eliminating individuals from short lists for identification, linking or decoupling remains, and reducing the need for some DNA testing. These strategies and hypothesis tests should commence early in the DVI process to achieve maximum effectiveness.