bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating serum miRNAs predict response to platinum chemotherapy in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Suzuki Kazuhiro , Yokoi Akira , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Yoshida Kosuke , Yamamoto Yusuke , Kato Tomoyasu , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Ochiya Takahiro , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: February 2024

Background

Platinum chemotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC); however, validated biomarkers that can accurately predict platinum response are lacking. Based on their roles in the underlying pathophysiology, circulating microRNAs are potential, noninvasive biomarkers in cancer. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the circulating miRNA profiles of patients with HGSOC and to assess their potential utility as biomarkers to predict platinum response.

Methods

Pretreatment serum samples collected from patients who received platinum chemotherapy for stage III–IV HGSOC between 2008 and 2016 were analyzed using miRNA microarray. LASSO logistic regression analysis was used to construct predictive models for treatment-free interval of platinum (TFIp).

Results

The median follow-up was 54.6 (range, 3.5–144.1) months. The comprehensive analysis of 2,588 miRNAs was performed in serum samples of 153 eligible patients, and predictive models were constructed using a combination of circulating miRNAs with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.944 for TFIp > 1 month, 0.637 for TFIp ≥ 6 months, 0.705 for TFIp ≥ 12 months, and 0.938 for TFIp ≥ 36 months. Each predictive model provided a significant TFIp classification (p= 0.001 in TFIp >1 month,p= 0.013 in TFIp ≥ 6 months,p< 0.001 in TFIp ≥ 12 months, andp< 0.001 in TFIp ≥ 36 months).

Conclusion

Circulating miRNA profiles has potential utility in predicting platinum response in patients with HGSOC and can aid clinicians in choosing appropriate treatment strategies.
Symmetry breaking at a topological phase transition
Authors: Faulkner Michael F.
Published: February 2024

Spontaneous symmetry breaking is a foundational concept in physics. In condensed matter, it characterizes conventional continuous phase transitions but is absent at topological phase transitions such as the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) transition—as in the BKT case the expected norm (i.e., the magnitude) of the U(1) order parameter vanishes in the thermodynamic limit at all nonzero temperatures. Phenomena consistent with low-temperature broken symmetry have been observed, however, in many different BKT experiments. Examples include recent experiments on superconducting films and the seminal work on two-dimensional arrays of Josephson junctions. While the inaccessibility of the above thermodynamic limit partially explains this paradox in finite systems, the full dynamical framework of symmetry breaking at the BKT transition remains unresolved. Here we provide this by introducing the broader concept of . This encompasses both spontaneous symmetry breaking and the BKT case by allowing the expected norm of the order parameter to go to zero in the thermodynamic limit, provided its directional phase fluctuations are asymptotically smaller. We demonstrate this asymptotically slow directional mixing in the low-temperature BKT phase. This explicitly shows that the order parameter arbitrarily chooses some well-defined direction in the thermodynamic limit, predicting negligible phase fluctuations compared to the expected norm in arbitrarily large experimental BKT systems. Our results provide a model for directional mixing timescales across the diverse array of experimental BKT systems. We suggest various experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Projections of discovery potentials from expected background
Authors: Singh M. K. , Li H. B. , Wong H. T. , Sharma V. , Singh L. ,   TEXONO Collaboration
Published: February 2024

Background channels with their expected strength and uncertainty levels are usually known in the searches of novel phenomena prior to the experiments are conducted at their design stage. We quantitatively study the projected sensitivities in terms of discovery potentials. These are essential for the optimizations of the experimental specifications as well as of the cost effectiveness in various investments. Sensitivities in counting analysis are derived with complete Poisson statistics and its continuous approximation, and are compared with those using maximum likelihood analysis in which additional measurables are included as signatures. The roles and effects due to uncertainties in the background estimates are studied. Two expected features to establish positive effects are verified and quantified: (i) In counting-only experiments, the required signal strength can be derived with complete Poisson analysis, and the continuous approximation would underestimate the results. (ii) Incorporating continuous variables as additional constraints would reduce the required signal strength relative to that of counting-only analysis. The formulations are applied to the case on the experimental searches of neutrinoless double beta decay in which both ambient and two-neutrino backgrounds are considered.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Multiphoton signatures as a probe of
CP
violation in extended Higgs sectors
Authors: Kanemura Shinya , Katayama Kento , Mondal Tanmoy , Yagyu Kei
Published: February 2024

We propose a novel signature with four-photon final states to probe CP-violating (CPV) extended Higgs sectors via ff¯→Z*→H1H2→4γ processes with H1,2 being additional neutral Higgs bosons. We focus on the nearly Higgs alignment scenario, in which the discovered Higgs boson almost corresponds to a neutral scalar state belonging to the isospin doublet field with the vacuum expectation value v≃246  GeV. We show that the branching ratios of H1,2→γγ can simultaneously be sizable when CPV phases in the Higgs potential are of order one due to the enhancement of charged-Higgs boson loops. Such branching ratios can be especially significant when the fermiophobic scenario is taken into account. As a simple example, we consider the general two Higgs doublet model, and demonstrate that the cross section for the four-photon process can be 0.1 fb at LHC with the masses of H1,2 to be a few 100 GeV in the Higgs alignment limit under the constraints from electric dipole moments (EDMs) and LHC Run-II data. We also illustrate that the searches for EDMs and diphoton resonances at high-luminosity LHC play complementary roles to explore CPV extended Higgs sectors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonleptonic two-body weak decays of charmed baryons
Authors: Liu Chia-Wei
Published: February 2024

We analyze the two-body nonleptonic weak decays of charmed baryons, employing the pole approximation in tandem with the SU(3)F symmetry. We are able to make novel predictions for decay channels of Ωc0→BnP and Bcc→BcA,SP based on the experimental data of BcA→BnP. Here, Bn, BcA, BcS, and Bcc are the low-lying octet, antitriplet charmed, sextet charmed and doubly charmed baryons, respectively, and P is the pseudoscalar meson. Our findings reveal that the fitted effective Wilson coefficient C+=0.469 is notably smaller than the naïve expectation, and the low-lying pole approximation fails to account for B(Λc+→nπ+,Ξ0K+), despite consistencies with the soft meson limit. We further recommend the decay channel Ξcc+→Ξc0π+→Ξ−π+π+π+π− for exploring evidence of Ξcc+, estimating the branching fraction at (1.1±0.6)×10−3.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Spin-spin coupling at small
x
: Worm-gear and pretzelosity TMDs
Authors: Santiago M. Gabriel
Published: February 2024

We study the small-x asymptotics of the leading-twist quark transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs) which encode couplings between the polarization of the quarks and that of their parent hadron, with at least one of the two polarizations in the transverse direction: the two worm-gear TMDs g1T and h1L⊥, and the pretzelosity h1T⊥. We apply the light cone operator treatment which has been developed in recent years to rewrite the TMD operator definitions at small-x in terms of polarized dipole amplitudes, finding that in the flavor nonsinglet sector all three TMDs reduce in the small-x limit to previously known polarized dipole amplitudes, and thus the large-Nc, linearized, double logarithmic approximation (DLA) asymptotics have all been solved for previously. We have compiled these asymptotics together with those of the other five flavor nonsinglet, leading-twist quark TMDs into a single unified table.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Leading twist
T
-even TMDs for the spin-1 heavy vector mesons
Authors: Puhan Satyajit , Dahiya Harleen
Published: February 2024

We have presented the leading twist quark transverse momentum-dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs) for the spin-1 heavy vector mesons J/ψ-meson and ϒ-meson using the overlap of the light-front wave functions. We have computed their TMDs in the light-front holographic model (LFHM) as well as the light-front quark model (LFQM) and further compared the results with the Bethe-Salpeter (BSE) model. We have discussed the behavior of the TMDs with respect to momentum fraction carried by active quark (x) and the transverse quark momenta (k⊥) in both the models. We have also calculated the k⊥ moments of the quark in both the models and have compared the results with the BSE model. The predictions of LFQM are found to be in accord with the BSE model. Further, we have analyzed the leading twist parton distribution functions (PDFs) for both the heavy mesons in both the models and the results are found to be in accord with the basic light-front quantization (BLFQ) and BSE model.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nucleon axial and pseudoscalar form factors using twisted-mass fermion ensembles at the physical point
Authors: Alexandrou Constantia , Bacchio Simone , Constantinou Martha , Finkenrath Jacob , Frezzotti Roberto , Kostrzewa Bartosz , Koutsou Giannis , Spanoudes Gregoris , Urbach Carsten ,   Extended Twisted Mass Collaboration
Published: February 2024

We compute the nucleon axial and pseudoscalar form factors using three Nf=2+1+1 twisted-mass fermion ensembles with all quark masses tuned to approximately their physical values. The values of the lattice spacings of these three physical point ensembles are 0.080, 0.068, and 0.057 fm and spatial sizes 5.1, 5.44, and 5.47 fm, respectively, yielding mπL>3.6. Convergence to the ground-state matrix elements is assessed using multistate fits. We study the momentum dependence of the three form factors and check the partially conserved axial-vector current (PCAC) hypothesis and the pion pole dominance (PPD). We show that in the continuum limit, the PCAC and PPD relations are satisfied. We also show that the Goldberger-Treimann relation is approximately fulfilled and determine the Goldberger-Treiman discrepancy. Our final results are gA=1.245(28)(14) for the nucleon axial charge, ⟨rA2⟩=0.339(48)(06)fm2 for the axial radius, gπNN≡limQ2→−mπ2GπNN(Q2)=13.25(67)(69) for the pion-nucleon coupling constant, and GP(0.88mμ2)≡gP*=8.99(39)(49) for the induced pseudoscalar form factor at the muon capture point.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Information retrieval from Hawking radiation in the non-isometric model of black hole interior: Theory and quantum simulation
Authors: Li Ran , Wang Xuanhua , Zhang Kun , Wang Jin
Published: February 2024

The nonisometric holographic model of the black hole interior stands out as a potential resolution of the long-standing black hole information puzzle since it remedies the friction between the effective calculation and the microscopic description. In this study, combining the final-state projection model, the nonisometric model of black hole interior, and Hayden-Preskill thought experiment, we investigate the information recovery from decoding Hawking radiation and demonstrate the emergence of the Page time in this setup. We incorporate the effective modes into the scrambling inside the horizon, which are usually disregarded in Hayden-Preskill protocols, and show that the Page time can be identified as the transition of information transmission channels from the EPR projection to the local projections. This offers a new perspective on the Page time. We compute the decoupling condition under which retrieving information is feasible and show that this model computes the black hole entropy consistent with the quantum extremal surface calculation. Assuming the full knowledge of the dynamics of the black hole interior, we show how Yoshida-Kitaev decoding strategy can be employed in the modified Hayden-Preskill protocol. Furthermore, we perform experimental tests of both probabilistic and Grover’s search decoding strategies on the seven-qubit IBM quantum processors to validate our analytical findings and confirm the feasibility of retrieving information in the nonisometric model. This study would stimulate more interest to explore black hole information problem on the quantum processors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Parity-violating CFT and the gravitational chiral anomaly
Authors: Corianò Claudio , Lionetti Stefano , Maglio Matteo Maria
Published: February 2024

We illustrate how the conformal Ward identities (CWI) and the gravitational chiral anomaly completely determine the structure of the ⟨TTJ5⟩ (graviton-graviton-chiral gauge current) correlator in momentum space. This analysis extends our previous results on the anomaly vertices ⟨AVV⟩ and ⟨AAA⟩, as well as the ⟨TJJ⟩ parity-odd conformal anomaly vertex in general CFTs. The ⟨TTJ5⟩ plays a fundamental role in the analysis of the conformal backreaction in early Universe cosmology, affecting the particle content and the evolution of the primordial plasma. Our approach is nonperturbative and not Lagrangian based, requiring the inclusion of a single anomaly pole in the solution of the anomaly constraint. The pole and its residue, along with the CWIs, determine the entire correlator in all of its sectors (longitudinal/transverse), all of which are proportional to the same anomaly coefficient. The method does not rely on a specific expression of the CP-odd anomalous current, which in free field theory can be represented either by a bilinear fermion current or by a gauge-dependent Chern-Simons current; it relies solely on the symmetry constraints. We compute the correlator perturbatively at one loop in free field theory and verify its exact agreement with the nonperturbative result. A comparison with the perturbative analysis confirms the presence of a sum rule satisfied by the correlator, similar to the parity-even ⟨TJJ⟩ and the chiral ⟨AVV⟩.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Why quarkonium hybrid coupling to two
S
-wave heavy-light mesons is not suppressed
Authors: Bruschini R.
Published: February 2024

We examine the couplings of quarkonium hybrids to heavy-light meson pairs in the Born-Oppenheimer approximation for QCD. The lowest hybrid multiplets consist of bound states of the Πu and Σu− potentials. We find that the Σu− potential can couple to pairs of S-wave mesons through string breaking, while the Πu potential cannot. From this observation, we derive model-independent selection rules that contradict previous expectations that quarkonium hybrids are forbidden to decay into pairs of S-wave mesons. These Born-Oppenheimer selection rules are consistent with the partial decay widths of the lowest charmonium hybrid with exotic quantum numbers JPC=1−+ recently calculated using lattice QCD.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Lattice real-time simulations with learned optimal kernels
Authors: Alvestad Daniel , Rothkopf Alexander , Sexty Dénes
Published: February 2024

We present a simulation strategy for the real-time dynamics of quantum fields, inspired by reinforcement learning. It builds on the complex Langevin approach, which it amends with system-specific prior information, a necessary prerequisite to overcome this exceptionally severe sign problem. The optimization process underlying our machine-learning approach is made possible by deploying inherently stable solvers of the complex Langevin stochastic process and a novel optimality criterion derived from insight into so-called boundary terms. This conceptual and technical progress allows us to both significantly extend the range of real-time simulations in 1+1d scalar field theory beyond the state of the art and to avoid discretization artifacts that plagued previous real-time field theory simulations. Limitations of and promising future directions are discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Zigzag optical cavity for sensing and controlling torsional motion
Authors: Agafonova Sofia , Mishra Umang , Diorico Fritz , Hosten Onur
Published: February 2024

Precision sensing and manipulation of milligram-scale mechanical oscillators has attracted growing interest in the fields of table-top explorations of gravity and tests of quantum mechanics at macroscopic scales. Torsional oscillators present an opportunity in this regard due to their remarked isolation from environmental noise. For torsional motion, an effective employment of optical cavities to enhance optomechanical interactions—as already established for linear oscillators—so far faced certain challenges. Here, we propose a concept for sensing and manipulating torsional motion, where exclusively the torsional rotations of a pendulum are mapped onto the path length of a single two-mirror optical cavity. The concept inherently alleviates many limitations of previous approaches. A proof-of-principle experiment is conducted with a rigidly controlled pendulum to explore the sensing aspects of the concept and to identify practical limitations in a potential state-of-the art setup. Based on this study, we anticipate development of precision torque sensors utilizing torsional pendulums that can support sensitivities below 10−19Nm/Hz, while the motion of the pendulums are dominated by quantum radiation pressure noise at sub-microwatts of incoming laser power. These developments will provide horizons for experiments at the interface of quantum mechanics and gravity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Variational quantum time evolution without the quantum geometric tensor
Authors: Gacon Julien , Nys Jannes , Rossi Riccardo , Woerner Stefan , Carleo Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Real- and imaginary-time quantum state evolutions are crucial in physics and chemistry for exploring quantum dynamics, preparing ground states, and computing thermodynamic observables. On near-term devices, variational quantum time evolution is a promising candidate for these tasks, as the required circuit model can be tailored to the available devices' capabilities. Due to the evaluation of the quantum geometric tensor (QGT), however, this approach quickly becomes infeasible for relevant system sizes. Here, we propose a dual formulation for variational time evolution, which replaces the calculation of the QGT by solving a fidelity-based optimization to compute updates to the dynamics in each time step. We demonstrate our algorithm for the time evolution of the Heisenberg Hamiltonian and show that it accurately reproduces the system dynamics at a fraction of the cost of standard variational quantum time evolution algorithms.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum critical behavior of the hyperkagome magnet
Mn3CoSi
Authors: Yamauchi Hiroki , Sari Dita Puspita , Yasui Yukio , Sakakura Terutoshi , Kimura Hiroyuki , Nakao Akiko , Ohhara Takashi , Honda Takashi , Kodama Katsuaki , Igawa Naoki , Ikeda Kazutaka , Iida Kazuki , Ueta Daichi , Yokoo Tetsuya , Frontzek Matthias D. , Chi Songxue , Fernandez-Baca Jaime A. , Kojima Kenji M. , Arseneau Donald , Morris Gerald , Hitti Bassam , Cai Yipeng , Berlie Adam , Watanabe Isao , Hsu Pai-Tse , Chen Yu-Sheng , Lee Min Kai , Hall Amelia Elisabeth , Balakrishnan Geetha , Chang Lieh-Jeng , Shamoto Shin-ichi
Published: February 2024

β-Mn-type family alloys Mn3TX (T=Co, Rh, and Ir; X=Si and Ge) have a three-dimensional antiferromagnetic (AF) corner-shared triangular network, i.e., the hyperkagome lattice. The antiferromagnet Mn3RhSi shows magnetic short-range order over a wide temperature range of approximately 500 K above the Néel temperature TN of 190 K. In this family of compounds, as the lattice parameter decreases, the long-range magnetic ordering temperature decreases. Mn3CoSi has the smallest lattice parameter and the lowest TN in the family. The quantum critical point (QCP) from AF to the quantum paramagnetic state is expected near a cubic lattice parameter of 6.15 Å. Although the Néel temperature of Mn3CoSi is only 140 K, the emergence of the quantum critical behavior in Mn3CoSi is discussed. We study how the magnetic short-range order appears in Mn3CoSi by using neutron scattering, μSR, and bulk characterization such as specific heat capacity. According to the results, the neutron scattering intensity of the magnetic short-range order in

Mn

3

CoSi

does not change much at low temperatures from that of Mn3RhSi, although the μSR short-range order temperature of Mn3CoSi is largely suppressed to 240 K from that of Mn3RhSi. Correspondingly, the volume fraction of the magnetic short-range order regions, as shown by the initial asymmetry drop ratio of μSR above TN, also becomes small. Instead, the electronic-specific heat coefficient γ of Mn3CoSi is the largest in this Mn3TSi system, possibly due to the low-energy spin fluctuation near the quantum critical point.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Do family factors affect the usage intention of smart homes? A PLS-SEM empirical study from China
Authors: Cui Ting , Tang Shenlong , Hassan Siti Hasnah
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Despite the enormous benefits, smart homes (SHs) are still not widely adopted by residents in China. Furthermore, research on the intention to use SHs has overlooked the role of family factors. Thus, this study aims to propose a new research model to examine the impact of family factors on the usage intention (UI) of SHs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected 265 valid data from potential users of SHs in China using a convenience sampling method. The PLS-SEM method was applied to test the research model and related hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical results confirm the mediating role of optimism (OP) in perceived family support (PFS)/perceived family trust (PFT) and attitude (AT). Unsurprisingly, the results validated the relationship between perceived usefulness (PU), attitude (AT) and UI of SHs through TAM theory. Besides, this study also identified the moderating effect of perceived risk (PR) between AT and UI.

Practical implications

To improve SH adoption, practitioners should focus on family factors and utilize family influence to promote the spread of smart home reputation. Besides, SH practitioners should enhance user trust and reduce perceived risks through technological upgrades and security measures.

Originality/value

Based on the Social Impact Theory and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study is an empirical attempt to explore the impact of family factors on the intention to use SHs, expanding the research on smart home adoption.
Analysis of critical factors influencing sustainable infrastructure vulnerabilities using an ISM-MICMAC approach
Authors: Zhao Luwei , Wang Qing’e , Hwang Bon-Gang , Chang-Richards Alice Yan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a new hybrid method that combines interpretative structural modeling (ISM) and matrix cross-impact multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) to investigate the influencing factors of sustainable infrastructure vulnerability (SIV).

Design/methodology/approach

(1) Literature review and case study were used to identify the possible influencing factors; (2) a semi-structured interview was conducted to identify representative factors and the interrelationships among influencing factors; (3) ISM was adopted to identify the hierarchical structure of factors; (4) MICMAC was used to analyze the driving power (DRP) and dependence power (DEP) of each factor and (5) Semi-structured interview was used to propose strategies for overcoming SIV.

Findings

Results indicate that (1) 18 representative factors related to SIV were identified; (2) the relationship between these factors was divided into a five-layer hierarchical structure. The 18 representative factors were divided into driving factors, dependent factors, linkage factors and independent factors and (3) 12 strategies were presented to address the negative effects of these factors.

Originality/value

The findings illustrate the factors influencing SIV and their hierarchical structures, which can benefit the stakeholders and practitioners of an infrastructure project by encouraging them to take effective countermeasures to deal with related SIVs.
Collaborations between industry and academia for future workforce development: construction practitioners’ perspective
Authors: Yusuf Anthony Olukayode , Afolabi Adedeji , Akanmu Abiola , Murzi Homero , Nieto Leal Andres , Ball Sheryl , Ofori-Boadu Andrea
Published: February 2024

Purpose

There is a growing mismatch between the skill demands of the industry and the offerings of academia. One way of reducing this mismatch is by improving collaborations between practitioners and instructors using web-networking platforms. However, it is important to understand practitioners’ considerations while collaborating with instructors. Therefore, this study identified these considerations in order to infer inputs for the design of the graphical user interface (GUI) of a web-based platform for connecting instructors and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method was adopted through a survey and focus group. A survey was used to capture practitioners’ considerations while collaborating with instructors for student development, and a focus group helped uncover an in-depth understanding of the study phenomena. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and thematic analysis.

Findings

The results show the willingness of practitioners to collaborate with instructors for student development, the ways by which practitioners are willing to meet instructors' course-support needs and their considerations in deciding to do so. Slight differences were observed between the results of the survey and the focus group regarding the ranking of the practitioners’ considerations. The study highlighted demographic differences in practitioners’ considerations when deciding on meeting instructors' course-support needs. The results provide a basis to deduce the GUI inputs of web-networking platforms for connecting instructors and practitioners.

Originality/value

This study revealed practitioners’ design needs and GUI inputs to facilitate the design of web-networking platforms for connecting instructors and practitioners. This study also contributes to user interface design principles, theories on individual differences and practitioners’ involvement in student professional development.
Thresholds for dis/trust: exploring the impact of standards-based reforms on the process of being and becoming a VET teacher in England and Austria
Authors: Donovan Christina , Hautz Hannes
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper seeks to illustrate how interventionist education reforms shape dis/trust-building processes and their impact on teacher professionalism in vocational education and training (VET) across national contexts. Using trust as the object of analysis, we discuss the affective mechanisms of becoming a professional in a standards-based neoliberal environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an analysis of VET teacher narratives in England and Austria, the paper draws attention to the ways in which policy instrumentalism has created a culture of distrust in VET. Drawing upon foundational work on system trust developed by Niklas Luhmann, we illustrate how conditions for trust sit at symbolic thresholds, which set the conditions for professional recognition within VET.

Findings

Our analysis revealed that attempts to standardise VET strategy are fuelled by the need for existential security and predictability, leading to tensions in the cultivation of system trust. Conditions for professional recognition across both contexts were based on practices of documentation and subordination, narrowly defining modes of legitimate self-expression in organisations. This constitutes a crisis of trust in VET teacher professionalism, which undermines pedagogical autonomy and integrity.

Practical implications

We seek to highlight the impact that reduced trust in the governance of VET can have on issues associated with teacher motivation, well-being and retention. The consideration of trust is therefore essential both for policy design and implementation in VET organisations.

Originality/value

The application of trust theory offers a distinctive lens through which to understand the impact of accountability, performativity and governance processes upon teacher subjectivity within VET across national contexts.
Revisiting workaholism: lived experiences and new insights
Authors: Hassell Jack , Kuntz Joana , Wright Sarah
Published: February 2024

Purpose

While worker well-being is increasingly recognised as a performance driver and marker of socially responsible organisations, workaholism is ubiquitous and remains poorly understood. This study aims to uncover workaholism precursors, dynamics and trajectories, and explains how organisations can manage its emergence and impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of self-identified workaholics in New Zealand and analysed through interpretivist phenomenological analysis.

Findings

This study contributes to the workaholism literature by elucidating how the work–identity link is formed and maintained, the psychophysiological experiences and worldviews of workaholics and the role families, organisations and culture play in workaholism. The findings also elucidate the relationship between workaholism, work addiction and engagement.

Practical implications

The authors outline how leaders and organisations can detect and manage workaholism risk factors and understand its trajectories to develop healthy workplaces.

Originality/value

The retrospective experiential accounts obtained from a diverse sample of workaholics enabled the identification of workaholism precursors, including some previously undetected in the literature, their complex interrelations with environmental factors and workaholism trajectories.
Towards environmental sustainability: the nexus between green supply chain management, total quality management, and environmental management practices
Authors: Jum’a Luay , Alkalha Ziad , Alaraj Maher
Published: February 2024

Purpose

With the increasing concern over environmental pollution and global warming, companies are required to act responsibly to mitigate these environmental issues. Their activities should adhere to the standards of environmental sustainability. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impact of green supply chain management (GSCM) and total quality management (TQM) on environmental sustainability, with environmental management practices (EMP) as the moderating factor.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was adopted using the management data from various manufacturing companies in Jordan. A total of 362 responses were collected, and the proposed hypotheses were tested using a structural equation model.

Findings

The study findings revealed that both GSCM and TQM significantly and positively influenced environmental sustainability. The impact of TQM on environmental sustainability was higher than that of GSCM. Moreover, no evidence was found on the moderating role of EMP.

Practical implications

The study’s results highlighted to the decision-makers the main practices to expand the quality implementation across their supply chain to improve environmental sustainability. The study also demonstrated the reasons behind the insignificance of EMPs in strengthening the relationships between GSCM, TQM, and environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

While there are very few studies examining the relationships between GSCM and TQM on environmental sustainability. This study adds to the literature body as one of a few empirical studies that tested the integrated effect of GSCM and TQM practices within the context of the manufacturing industry in a developing country. Moreover, this study takes a holistic approach by tapping into EMP to confirm whether it moderated the relationships between GSCM, TQM, and environmental sustainability.
Design and experimental research of a rolling-adsorption wall-climbing robot
Authors: Cao Kai , Qin Guodong , Zhou Jian , Xu Jiajun , Xu Linsen , Ji Aihong
Published: February 2024

Purpose

With the popularity of high-rise buildings, wall inspection and cleaning are becoming more difficult and associated with danger. The best solution is to replace manual work with wall-climbing robots. Therefore, this paper proposes a design method for a rolling-adsorption wall-climbing robot (RWCR) based on vacuum negative pressure adsorption of the crawler. It can improve the operation efficiency while solving the safety problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The pulleys and tracks are used to form a dynamic sealing chamber to improve the dynamic adsorption effect and motion flexibility of the RWCR. The mapping relationship between the critical minimum adsorption force required for RWCR downward slip, longitudinal tipping and lateral overturning conditions for tipping and the wall inclination angle is calculated using the ultimate force method. The pressure and gas flow rate distribution of the negative pressure chamber under different slit heights of the negative pressure mechanism is analysed by the fluid dynamics software to derive the minimum negative pressure value that the fan needs to provide.

Findings

Simulation and test results show that the load capacity of the RWCR can reach up to 6.2 kg on the smooth glass wall, and the maximum load in the case of lateral movement is 4.2 kg, which verifies the rationality and effectiveness of the design.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new design method of a RWCR for different rough wall surfaces and analyses the ultimate force state and hydrodynamic characteristics.
Food safety and consumption of fruits and vegetables at local markets: a means-end chain approach
Authors: Campos Rita de Cássia Leal , Vilas Boas Luiz Henrique de Barros , Rezende Daniel Carvalho de , Botelho Delane
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to the attributes, consequences and personal values that motivate the behavior of consumers of fruits and vegetables (FV) at local markets and how these elements are associated with food safety.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative research that used the laddering in-depth interview technique for data collection. Fifty interviews were conducted with consumers from Minas Gerais, Brazil. From the codification of the interview content, a hierarchical value map was constructed, showing the relationships between the attributes, consequences and values involved in the consumers’ purchasing decision.

Findings

Consumers value characteristics related to the origin of the product and the way it is produced and marketed. They seek particular benefits – such as satisfaction with the purchase, care for their health/well-being and safety when consuming food – and social benefits, such as the possibility of contributing to the local economy. Issues related to hygiene, organization, exposure and handling of products were some of the concerns reported by respondents with regard to food safety.

Research limitations/implications

It is worth highlighting the application of the laddering technique itself. Analyzing the predictive validity of the method, there is a propensity for biases linked to possible interference by the researcher, especially in the coding stage of the elements.

Practical implications

This study can be used by producers, marketing professionals and public policymakers to promote FV sold at local markets and to encourage the improvement of food safety practices.

Originality/value

The research points to five consumer segments according to the different motivations that guide their purchase behavior for local FV. In addition, a focus is given to food safety, revealing its importance in the investigated context.
Is the financial industry ready for circular economy and sustainable development goals? A case of a developing country
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Hayat Mutahar , Rahman Haseeb Ur , Ali Wajahat
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of Pakistan’s banking industry in the transition toward a circular economy (CE) and the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative content analysis technique on 75 annual reports of 25 Pakistani banks. Data has been collected from websites and annual reports of concerned banks incorporating CE practices and SDGs in their annual reports. In addition, the data collected from the annual reports of concern sample is based on three dimensions of sustainable development (environmental, social and governance) along with the leading practices of CE to reduce, reuse, recycle, redesign, restructure, and recover.

Findings

The findings show that most firms have reported CE and SDGs. Also, the study explores the level and linkage of CE and SDGs practices among the sample firms.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides important insights for the regulators, policymakers, State Bank of Pakistan, commercial banks and stakeholders in Pakistan’s banking industry. It adds significant value to the CE and SDGs, especially in developing economies like Pakistan.

Originality/value

The study has explored and examined the ever-investigated dimensions of SDGs and CE in the banking industry of Pakistan.
A different type of leadership style: Michael Jordan – a great void or a shooting star?
Authors: Surdu Irina , Nardella Giulio
Published: February 2024

Research methodology

The data used to present this case was collected from secondary data sources. These sources included media reports associated with Michael Jordan and his trajectory since entering the sport, as well as specific information published about his time at the Chicago Bulls. Another key source of information is the ESPN documentary conducted specifically on Jordan’s relationship with his National Basketball Association (NBA) team.

Case overview/synopsis

The case follows the story of Michael Jordan, who took his team, the Chicago Bulls, to fame in a rather controversial manner. To do so, Michael Jordan had to alter his leadership style over the years to be respected as a leader and motivate his team to win one NBA championship after another. On 20th April 2020, ESPN’s “The Last Dance”, a 10-part documentary about Michael Jordan and his time playing for the Chicago Bulls was released to much acclaim. The documentary became highly noted as Jordan himself, both directed and starred in the documentary. Jordan’s great achievements stood out, but so did the conflicts that the basketball star had with The Bulls’ management team and mainly, his teammates. Relationships between teammates were far from harmonious, which led to questions around whether Michael Jordan was as good a leader, as he was a star player. Cultural change within the organisation was primarily linked to the often-contested leadership of Jordan.

Complexity academic level

The case can be used at UG, MSc and MBA levels. It works for in-person teaching and for online teaching. It is most suitable in leadership, strategy and strategy in practice courses. However, it is critical to note that the case can shed light on the dynamics that leaders and teammates have within their teams. Therefore, this case may be valuable to students studying courses where they themselves must work in groups and oftentimes encounter challenges in managing their team. These challenges can arise at all levels of experience. As such, the case provides particularly useful reflection for decision makers who may be beginning to develop their leadership skill (UG), those who have already experienced working in teams (MSc) or leading teams themselves (MBA, Executive MBA). The case addresses the challenges associated with achieving high team motivation and performance. It also sheds light on the challenges associated with leading a cultural change within a team and the approaches of different actors involved. It may be best to introduce the case in the context of a (1.5–2 h) workshop once students understand the basic frameworks and tools used to analyse leadership styles and their characteristics.
Metaversal sustainability: conceptualisation within the sustainable tourism paradigm
Authors: Mihalic Tanja
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to address the novel phenomenon of tourism in the metaverse and analyse possible scenarios that could influence the resilience of a sustainable tourism paradigm in response to this new phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Kuhn’s paradigmatic framework, this paper offers an innovative perspective for the integration of new theories and practise-relevant phenomena. It emphasises the relevance and commensurability of different paradigmatic dimensions and outlines the scenarios for the integration of metaversal sustainability.

Findings

The phenomenon of tourism in the metaverse of the 21st century poses a new challenge to the existing paradigm of sustainable tourism, which traditionally focuses on the economic and ecological sustainability of planet Earth’s physical environment. The adoption of a metaversal sustainability scenario for the virtual and mixed reality is key to a responsible implementation of the paradigm of sustainable tourism development that considers all its environments, whether fantastic or realistic.

Research limitations/implications

This study has its limitations, as metaversal tourism is still in the experimental phase. A more comprehensive understanding of the metaverse and its terminology is still evolving. There is potential to adapt the sustainable tourism paradigm to new technological environments if the metaverse is recognized as one in the future.

Practical implications

There are practical implications for tourism policy and practise. Tourism stakeholders need to adapt to the changing tourism landscape by recognising the metaverse as a viable environment committed to sustainable development. This will enable innovative strategies to govern, lead, promote and manage metaversal tourism and ensure that it is in line with the long-term goal of sustainability.

Social implications

The metaverse holds considerable potential for transforming social perception and behaviour. Integrating the metaverse into the sustainability pillars of the sustainable development paradigm implies a forward-looking approach that takes into account the dynamics of people’s evolving desires and preferences. This inclusion advocates for sustainable development in all environments in which people live and explore.

Originality/value

This research stands out for its pioneering role in advancing a sustainable tourism paradigm that goes beyond the traditional planetary dimensions. By examining the impact of tourism in the metaverse, it proposes a path towards a more holistic and future-oriented paradigm of sustainable tourism in both the physical and virtual worlds. The coining of the term “metaversal sustainability” contributes to the lexicon of paradigms for both tourism and societal sustainable development.
The Management of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Green‐top Guideline No. 69)
Authors: Nelson‐Piercy Catherine , Dean Caitlin , Shehmar Manjeet , Gadsby Roger , O'Hara Margaret , Hodson Kenneth , Nana Melanie ,   the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Published: February 2024

Key recommendations

An objective and validated index of nausea and vomiting such as the Pregnancy‐Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) and HyperEmesis Level Prediction (HELP) tools can be used to classify the severity of NVP and HG. [Grade C]

Ketonuria is not an indicator of dehydration and should not be used to assess severity. [Grade A]

There are safety and efficacy data for first line antiemetics such as anti (H1) histamines, phenothiazines and doxylamine/pyridoxine (Xonvea®) and they should be prescribed initially when required for NVP and HG (Appendix III). [Grade A]

There is evidence that ondansetron is safe and effective. Its use as a second line antiemetic should not be discouraged if first line antiemetics are ineffective. Women can be reassured regarding a very small increase in the absolute risk of orofacial clefting with ondansetron use in the first trimester, which should be balanced with the risks of poorly managed HG. [Grade B]

Metoclopramide is safe and effective and can be used alone or in combination with other antiemetics. [Grade B]

Because of the risk of extrapyramidal effects metoclopramide should be used as second‐line therapy. Intravenous doses should be administered by slow bolus injection over at least 3 minutes to help minimise these. [Grade C]

Women should be asked about previous adverse reactions to antiemetic therapies. If adverse reactions occur, there should be prompt cessation of the medications. [GPP]

Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) with additional potassium chloride in each bag, with administration guided by daily monitoring of electrolytes, is the most appropriate intravenous hydration. [Grade C]

Combinations of different drugs should be used in women who do not respond to a single antiemetic. Suggested antiemetics for UK use are given in Appendix III. [GPP]

Thiamine supplementation (either oral 100 mg tds or intravenous as part of vitamin B complex (Pabrinex®)) should be given to all women admitted with vomiting, or severely reduced dietary intake, especially before administration of dextrose or parenteral nutrition. [Grade D]

All therapeutic measures should have been tried before considering termination of pregnancy. [Grade C]
Maternal HLA class II alleles and haplotypes associated with altered risk of recurrent pregnancy loss: A case‐control study
Authors: Aimagambetova Gulzhanat , Kapasheva Aizhan , Bahia Wael , Atageldiyeva Kuralay , Almawi Wassim Y.
Published: February 2024

Problem

This study analyzed the contribution of DRB1, DQB1, and DPB1 HLA class II alleles and resulting 3‐locus haplotypes to the overall risk of idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Method of study

The study participants included 188 Tunisian participants comprising 84 women with established diagnoses of RPL, and 104 matched multiparous females as controls. Genotyping of HLA alleles was done by PCR‐SSP.

Results

The allelic frequencies of DPB1, DRB1, and DQB1 were consistent with Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium among control subjects. Among class II alleles, DRB1*04:01:01 (p = .03), DRB1*08:01:01 (p = .04), and DPB1*01:01:01 (p = .04) were positively associated, whereas DPB1*04:01:01 (p = .012) and DPB1*14:01:01 (p = .006) were negatively associated with risk of RPL. The association of DRB1 and DPB1 alleles with RPL was lost after correction for multiple comparisons. The prevalence of the seven determined DQB1 alleles was not significantly different among case and control groups. Higher prevalence of DRB1*07:01:01∼ DQB1*02:01:01∼DPB1*04:01:01 (0.0417 vs. 0.000; p = .049) coupled with lower prevalence of DRB1*13:01:01∼DQB1*06:01:01∼DPB1*02:01:01 (0.0167 vs. 0.1000; p = .014) haplotypes was noted in women with RPL, thus could be considered as an RPL at‐risk and RPL‐protective haplotype, respectively.

Conclusion

The study establishes weak/no contribution of class II alleles and corresponding 3‐locus haplotypes to the altered risk of RPL among Tunisian women and does not confirm previous findings on other Arab‐speaking populations of an HLA association with RPL.