bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PACT prevents aberrant activation of PKR by endogenous dsRNA without sequestration
Authors: Ahmad Sadeem , Zou Tao , Zhao Linlin , Wang Xi , Hwang Jihee , Davydenko Anton , Buchumenski Ilana , Zhuang Patrick , Fishbein Alyssa R. , Capcha-Rodriguez Diego , Orgel Aaron , Levanon Erez Y. , Myong Sua , Chou James , Meyerson Matthew , Hur Sun
Published: October 2024

The innate immune sensor PKR for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is critical for antiviral defense, but its aberrant activation by cellular dsRNA is linked to various diseases. The dsRNA-binding protein PACT plays a critical yet controversial role in the PKR pathway. We demonstrate that PACT is a direct and specific suppressor of PKR against endogenous dsRNA ligands like inverted-repeat Alu RNAs, which robustly activate PKR in the absence of PACT. PACT-mediated inhibition does not involve competition for dsRNA binding. Instead, PACT impairs PKR’s ability to scan along dsRNA––a process necessary for PKR molecules to encounter and autophoshorylate each other for activation. By scanning along dsRNA and directly interacting with PKR, PACT restricts PKR’s movement on dsRNA, reducing the likelihood of PKR molecular collisions and subsequent autophosphorylation, effectively inhibiting PKR without sequestering dsRNA. Consequently, PKR inhibition is more robust with longer and less abundant dsRNA, and minimal with abundant or short dsRNA. Thus, PACT functions to adjust the PKR activation threshold for long endogenous dsRNA without altering its inherent activity, revealing new mechanisms for establishing self-tolerance.
UV1 cancer vaccine in pembrolizumab-treated patients with recurrent or metastatic PD-L1 positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: results from the randomized phase 2 FOCUS trial
Authors: Brandt Anna , Klinghammer Konrad , Schultheiss Christoph , Paschold Lisa , Wickenhauser Claudia , Bauer Marcus , Bergqvist Anna , Hahn Dennis , Schafhausen Philippe , Tometten Mareike , Blaurock Markus , Zech Henrike Barbara , Busch Chia-Jung , Dietz Andreas , Müller-Richter Urs , Alt Jürgen , Boehm Andreas , Kowoll Simone , Steighardt Jörg , Lasch Alexander , Hagen Westgaard Ingunn , Westhrin Marita , Stein Alexander , Hinke Axel , Binder Mascha
Published: October 2024

Background

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is highly expressed (75-100%) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The FOCUS study examines the role of the hTERT-directed vaccine UV1 in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) HNSCC.

Methods

The FOCUS trial, a two-armed, open-label, non-comparative, randomized, multicenter phase 2 study, was designed to assess the efficacy and feasibility of UV1 as an add-on to pembrolizumab in the first-line treatment of patients with R/M PD-L1 positive HNSCC. A progression-free survival rate at 6 months (PFSR@6) of 40% was deemed promising for further development in a phase 3 setting. The trial was conducted in 10 centers in Germany.

Results

From August 2021 to July 2023, 25 patients were enrolled in the calibration arm A and 50 patients in the UV1 arm B. Median age was 65 years and 18% of patients had an ECOG performance score of 2. The PFSR@6 was 30% in the UV1 arm. No specific safety signals were observed in the UV1 arm apart from a reversible allergic reaction that appeared in one patient. At a median follow-up of almost one year (11.3 months), median overall survival was 13.1 months in the calibration arm A and 12.6 months in the UV1 arm B. Clinical trial identification numberNCT05075122.

Conclusions

The addition of UV1 to pembrolizumab was safe but did not show an efficacy signal in this study population.
Random matrix approach to time-dependent forcing in many-body quantum systems
Authors: Dabelow Lennart , Reimann Peter
Published: October 2024

Changing some of its parameters over time is a paradigmatic way of driving an otherwise isolated many-body quantum system out of equilibrium, and a vital ingredient for building quantum computers and simulators. Here, we further develop a recently proposed nonlinear response theory which is based on typicality and random-matrix methods, and which is applicable to a wide variety of such parametrically perturbed systems in and out of equilibrium: We derive analytical approximations of the characteristic response function for the two limiting cases of fast driving and of strong and short-ranged-in-energy driving. Furthermore, we work out implications and predictions for common applications, including finite-time quenches and time-dependent forcing that breaks conservation laws of the underlying undriven system. Finally, we verify all predictions by numerical examples and discuss the theory's scope and limitations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
(g−2)e,μ
anomalies and decays
h, Z→ebea
in 3-3-1 models with inverse seesaw neutrinos
Authors: Hong T. T. , Phuong L. T. T. , Nguyen T. Phong , Nha N. H. T. , Hue L. T.
Published: October 2024

The lepton flavor violating (LFV) decays h,Z→ebea, and eb→eaγ are discussed in a class of general 3-3-1 models adding heavy neutral leptons and singly charged Higgs bosons to accommodate experimental data of neutrino oscillation and (g−2)ea anomalies of charged leptons through the inverse seesaw mechanism. We show that the models with the minimal number of inverse seesaw neutrinos cannot reach the 1σ range of (g−2)μ data due to the experimental upper bounds on decay rates of (τ→μγ) and (μ→eγ). Features of LFV decays are presented in detail, focusing on the regions of parameter space satisfying the 1σ ranges of (g−2)e,μ data.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Large
CP
violation from the minimum seesaw model
Authors: Qiu Yu-Cheng , Wang Jin-Wei , Yanagida Tsutomu T.
Published: October 2024

The minimum seesaw model with two right-handed neutrinos is considered, where the lightest neutrino is naturally massless. Instead of adopting texture zeros in the lepton Yukawa matrices, which cause both theoretical and experimental troubles, here we propose two-ε textures, where ε is a small number. Combined with neutrino oscillation experimental data, we find that a large CP angle is preferred for the normal neutrino mass order. In contrast, the CP angle almost vanishes for the inverted order. This can be well tested in near-future experiments, such as Hyper-Kamiokande. Besides, the predicted effective Majorana neutrino mass mee and the total neutrino mass ∑miν are also within reach of ongoing or future experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Neff
at CMB challenges
U(1)X
light gauge boson scenarios
Authors: Ghosh Dilip Kumar , Ghosh Purusottam , Jeesun Sk , Srivastava Rahul
Published: October 2024

The relativistic degrees of freedom (Neff) is one of the crucial cosmological parameters. The precise measurement of Neff at the time of cosmic microwave background formation, by Planck 2018 can be used to understand the new fundamental interactions, in particular involving light mediators. Presence of any new particle with sufficient energy density and sizeable interactions with Standard Model particles at the temperature around ∼MeV can significantly alter the neutrino decoupling and hence Neff. Thus the bound on Neff can place stringent constraints on various beyond Standard Model paradigms involving light particles. U(1)X models are among such scenarios and are widely studied in several aspects. In this work, we consider several popular U(1)X models with light Z′ boson like U(1)B−L, U(1)B−3Li, U(1)Bi−3Lj, U(1)Li−Lj; i,j=1,2,3 being the flavor indices and study their impact on Neff. We also examine the constraints from ground based experiments like Xenon1T, Borexino, trident, etc. Our analysis shows that for light mass MZ′≲O(MeV) the Neff provides the most stringent constraints on the Z′ mass and coupling, far exceeding the existing constraints from other experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Astrometric search for ultralight dark matter
Authors: Kim Hyungjin
Published: October 2024

Precision astrometry offers a way to probe new physics. By measuring the angular position of light sources at unprecedented precision, astrometry could probe minuscule fluctuations of underlying spacetime. This work explores the possibility of probing ultralight dark matter candidates using precision astrometry. Through the coherent and stochastic density fluctuations over the scale of its wavelength, ultralight dark matter perturbs the propagation of light and the geodesics of the observer and source, leading to unique time-dependent signatures in the angular position of background light sources. With detector specifications similar to the current and future astrometry observations, such as Gaia and the Roman Space Telescope, it is shown that the ultralight scalar dark matter of mass 10−18–10−16  eV could be probed when its density near the Solar System is about a few thousand times larger than the nominal dark matter density measured on a much larger kpc scale. This sensitivity is comparable to current pulsar timing array observations at a similar mass range. Explicit expressions for the angular deflection induced by most generic metric perturbations are derived and its gauge invariance is explicitly checked at the linear order.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Detection prospects of gravitational waves from SU(2) axion inflation
Authors: Badger Charles , Duval Hannah , Fujita Tomohiro , Kuroyanagi Sachiko , Romero-Rodríguez Alba , Sakellariadou Mairi
Published: October 2024

We study detection prospects of a gravitational-wave background (GWB) sourced by SU(2) gauge fields considering all possible observational constraints. More precisely, we consider bounds set by cosmic microwave background measurements, primordial black hole overproduction, as well as backreaction of the gauge fields on the background evolution. Gravitational-waves data from the first three observing runs of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration show no evidence for a GWB contribution from axion inflation. However, we are able to place conservative constraints on the parameters of the SU(2) inflation with current data. We investigate conditions on the inflationary potential that would lead to a detectable signal that evades astrophysical and cosmological constraints and discuss detection prospects for third generation networks.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Higher gauge theory and integrability
Authors: Chen Hank , Liniado Joaquin
Published: October 2024

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the study of integrable systems from a gauge theoretic perspective. This development originated with the introduction of four-dimensional Chern-Simons theory with defects, which provided a systematic framework for constructing two-dimensional integrable systems. In this article, we propose a novel approach to studying higher-dimensional integrable models employing techniques from higher category theory. Starting with higher Chern-Simons theory on the 4-manifold R×Y, we complexify and compactify the real line to CP1 and introduce the disorder defect ω=z−1dz. This procedure defines a holomorphic five-dimensional variant of higher Chern-Simons theory, which, when endowed with suitable boundary conditions, allows for the localization to a three-dimensional theory on Y. The equations of motion of the resulting model are equivalent to the flatness of a 2-connection (L,H), that we then use to construct the corresponding higher holonomies. We prove that these are invariants of homotopies relative boundary, which enables the construction of conserved quantities. The latter are labeled by both the categorical characters of a Lie crossed module and the infinite number of homotopy classes of surfaces relative boundary in

Y

. Moreover, we also demonstrate that the three-dimensional theory has left and right acting symmetries whose current algebra is given by an infinite-dimensional centrally extended affine Lie 2-algebra. Both of these conditions are direct higher homotopy analogs of the properties satisfied by the two-dimensional Wess-Zumino-Witten conformal field theory, which we therefore interpret as facets of integrable structures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Minimum-dissipation principle for synchronized stochastic oscillators far from equilibrium
Authors: Meibohm Jan , Esposito Massimiliano
Published: October 2024

We prove a linear stability-dissipation relation (SDR) for q-state Potts models driven far from equilibrium by a nonconservative force. At a critical coupling strength, these models exhibit a synchronization transition from a decoherent into a synchronized state. In the vicinity of this transition, the SDR connects the entropy production rate per oscillator to the phase-space contraction rate, a measure of stability, in a simple way. For large but finite systems, we argue that the SDR implies a minimum-dissipation principle for driven Potts models as the dynamics selects stable nonequilibrium states with least dissipation. This principle holds arbitrarily far from equilibrium, for any stochastic dynamics, and for all q.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Contributing factors to the improvement of conceptual understanding in a computer-based intervention in Newtonian dynamics
Authors: Weber Jannis , Wilhelm Thomas
Published: October 2024

Students experience many difficulties learning the fundamental relationships in Newtonian mechanics, partly due to preexisting mental models that originate from their everyday lives. These preconceptions often persist even after instruction in mechanics and lead to a supposed incompatibility between physics lessons in school and personal experiences. This article presents research that focuses on students’ concept knowledge and conceptual understanding in the field of Newtonian dynamics. Interventions are presented that discuss authentic experiments with friction using different software as a tool. Overall, the interventions lead to an increase in conceptual understanding with a large effect size. A hierarchical linear model (HLM) is used to identify factors that lead to a larger or smaller increase in conceptual understanding of the topic. With the HLM, we infer that the pretest score, the students’ interest in how physical properties interrelate (interest in “theoretical physics”), prior physics performance (in kinematics in this case, measured in the physics grade), and the (intrinsic and extraneous) cognitive load influence the post-test score. We discuss possible explanations as to why these factors influence students’ conceptual change.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Entanglement distribution through separable states via a zero-added-loss photon multiplexing inspired protocol
Authors: Campbell Conall J. , Hawkins Adam G. , Zicari Giorgio , Paternostro Mauro , McAleese Hannah
Published: October 2024

The recently proposed zero-added-loss multiplexing (ZALM) source of entangled photons enables higher efficiency in entanglement distribution than spontaneous parametric down-conversion sources and can be carried out using both space-to-ground and ground-to-ground links. We demonstrate the flexibility of ZALM architectures to be adapted to alternative entanglement distribution protocols. Focusing on the counterintuitive result that entanglement can be generated between distant parties without using any entanglement as a resource, we analyze two protocols for entanglement distribution to memories via separable states. Modeling them in a ZALM setup, we consider the effects of noise both in the communication channels and in the memories. We thereby identify the optimal protocol to use with respect to the highest entanglement generated, given the noise conditions of the network.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Evaluating a quantum-classical quantum Monte Carlo algorithm with Matchgate shadows
Authors: Huang Benchen , Chen Yi-Ting , Gupt Brajesh , Suchara Martin , Tran Anh , McArdle Sam , Galli Giulia
Published: October 2024

Solving the electronic structure problem of molecules and solids to high accuracy is a major challenge in quantum chemistry and condensed matter physics. The rapid emergence and development of quantum computers offer a promising route to systematically tackle this problem. Recent work by [Huggins , ] proposed a hybrid quantum-classical quantum Monte Carlo (QC-QMC) algorithm using Clifford shadows to determine the ground state of a Fermionic Hamiltonian. This approach displayed inherent noise resilience and the potential for improved accuracy compared to its purely classical counterpart. Nevertheless, the use of Clifford shadows introduces an exponentially scaling postprocessing cost. In this work, we investigate an improved QC-QMC scheme utilizing the recently developed Matchgate shadows technique [], which removes the aforementioned exponential bottleneck. We observe from experiments on quantum hardware that the use of Matchgate shadows in QC-QMC is inherently noise robust. We show that this noise resilience has a more subtle origin than in the case of Clifford shadows. Nevertheless, we find that classical postprocessing, while asymptotically efficient, requires hours of runtime on thousands of classical CPUs for even the smallest chemical systems, presenting a major challenge to the scalability of the algorithm.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Two-dimensional electronic conductivity in insulating ferroelectrics: Peculiar properties of domain walls
Authors: Verhoff Leonard M. , Pionteck Mike N. , Rüsing Michael , Fritze Holger , Eng Lukas M. , Sanna Simone
Published: October 2024

Ferroelectrics such as LiNbO3 (LN) are wide-band-gap insulators that may show a high local electric conductivity at the domain walls (DWs). The latter are interfaces separating regions of noncollinear polarization, which can be manipulated to build integrated nanoelectronic elements. In the present work, we model different DW types in LN from first principles. Our models reveal the DW morphology and shed light on their electronic properties: A strong band bending is predicted for charged DWs, leading to local metallicity. Defect trapping at the DW may further enhance the electric conductivity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Coherent Coupling of a Diamond Tin-Vacancy Center to a Tunable Open Microcavity
Authors: Herrmann Yanik , Fischer Julius , Brevoord Julia M. , Sauerzapf Colin , Wienhoven Leonardo G. C. , Feije Laurens J. , Pasini Matteo , Eschen Martin , Ruf Maximilian , Weaver Matthew J. , Hanson Ronald
Published: October 2024

Efficient coupling of optically active qubits to optical cavities is a key challenge for solid-state-based quantum optics experiments and future quantum technologies. Here we present a quantum photonic interface based on a single tin-vacancy center in a micrometer-thin diamond membrane coupled to a tunable open microcavity. We use the full tunability of the microcavity to selectively address individual tin-vacancy centers within the cavity mode volume. Purcell enhancement of the tin-vacancy center optical transition is evidenced both by optical excited state lifetime reduction and by optical linewidth broadening. As the emitter selectively reflects the single-photon component of the incident light, the coupled emitter-cavity system exhibits strong quantum nonlinear behavior. On resonance, we observe a transmission dip of 50% for low incident photon number per Purcell-reduced excited state lifetime, while the dip disappears as the emitter is saturated with higher photon number. Moreover, we demonstrate that the emitter strongly modifies the photon statistics of the transmitted light by observing photon bunching. This work establishes a versatile and tunable platform for advanced quantum optics experiments and proof-of-principle demonstrations on quantum networking with solid-state qubits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Measurement-Induced Transmon Ionization
Authors: Dumas Marie Frédérique , Groleau-Paré Benjamin , McDonald Alexander , Muñoz-Arias Manuel H. , Lledó Cristóbal , D’Anjou Benjamin , Blais Alexandre
Published: October 2024

Despite the high measurement fidelity that can now be reached, the dispersive qubit readout of circuit quantum electrodynamics is plagued by a loss of its quantum nondemolition character and a decrease in fidelity with increased measurement strength. In this work, we elucidate the nature of this dynamical process, which we refer to as transmon ionization. We develop a comprehensive framework which provides a physical picture of the origin of transmon ionization. This framework consists of three complementary levels of descriptions: a fully quantized transmon-resonator model, a semiclassical model where the resonator is treated as a classical drive on the transmon, and a fully classical model. Crucially, all three approaches preserve the full cosine potential of the transmon and lead to similar predictions. This framework identifies the multiphoton resonances responsible for transmon ionization. It also allows one to efficiently compute numerical estimates of the photon number threshold for ionization, which are in remarkable agreement with recent experimental results. The tools developed within this work are both conceptually and computationally simple, and we expect them to become an integral part of the theoretical underpinning of all circuit QED experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Multi-species cryoEM calibration and workflow verification standard
Authors: Bobe Daija , Kopylov Mykhailo , Miller Jessalyn , Owji Aaron P. , Eng Edward T.
Published: October 2024

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) is a rapidly growing structural biology modality that has been successful in revealing molecular details of biological systems. However, unlike established biophysical and analytical techniques with calibration standards, cryoEM has lacked comprehensive biological test samples. Here, a cryoEM calibration sample consisting of a mixture of compatible macromolecules is introduced that can not only be used for resolution optimization, but also provides multiple reference points for evaluating instrument performance, data quality and image-processing workflows in a single experiment. This combined test specimen provides researchers with a reference point for validating their cryoEM pipeline, benchmarking their methodologies and testing new algorithms.
Synthesis and structure of trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine-1,4-diium dihydrogen diphosphate
Authors: Mrad Houda , Elboulali Adel , Baptiste Benoît , Akriche Samah
Published: October 2024

In the title salt, C6H16N2
2+ ·H2P2O7
2−, the complete dication is generated by a crystallographic centre of symmetry with the methyl groups in equatorial orientations. The complete dianion is generated by a crystallographic twofold axis with the central O atom lying on the axis: the P—O—P bond angle is 135.50 (12)°. In the crystal, the dihydrogen diphosphate anions are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating (001) layers. The organic cations bond to the inorganic layers by way of N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. A Hirshfeld surface analysis shows that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are from O...H/H...O (60.5%) and H...H (39.4%) contacts.
(Z)-N-(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-1-[(2-methoxyphenyl)amino]methanimine oxide methanol monosolvate
Authors: Juma David O. , Zamisa Sizwe J. , Munzeiwa Wisdom , Omondi Bernard
Published: October 2024

In the title solvate, C16H18N2O2·CH4O, the dihedral angles between the formamidine backbone and the pendant 2-methoxyphenyl and 2,6-dimethylphenyl groups are 14.84 (11) and 81.61 (12)°, respectively. In the crystal, the components are linked by C—H...O, O—H...O and C—H... π hydrogen bonds, generating a supramolecular chain that extends along the crystallographic a-axis direction.
meso-5,15-Bis[3-(isopropylidenegalactopyranoxy)phenyl]-10,20-bis(4-methylphenyl)porphyrin
Authors: Vinodh Mickey , Alipour Fatemeh H. , Al-Azemi Talal F.
Published: October 2024

The crystal structure of a glycosylated porphyrin (P_Gal2) system, C70H70N4O12, where two isopropylidene protected galactose moieties are attached to the meso position of a substituted tetraaryl porphyrin is reported. This structure reveals that the parent porphyrin is planar, with the galactose moieties positioned above and below the porphyrin macrocycle. This orientation likely prevents porphyrin–porphyrin H-type aggregation, potentially enhancing its efficiency as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy. Notable non-bonding C—H...O and C—H...π interactions among adjacent P_Gal2 systems are observed in this crystal network. Additionally, the tolyl groups of each porphyrin can engage in π–π interactions with the delocalized π-systems of neighboring porphyrins.
Impact of entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, and competencies on MSME performance: an evidence from a developing country
Authors: Soomro Raheem Bux , Memon Sanam Gul , Soomro Marvi
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper is an empirical investigation of the effect of knowledge, skills and entrepreneur competencies on the performance of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating in Upper Sindh, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from owners/managers of MSMEs operating in major cities of Upper Sindh. A total of 1,100 respondents were identified through snowball and social contacts tools. A total of 316 respondents permitted researchers to visit their firms and collecting data from them by a survey questionnaire.

Findings

The findings shows that entrepreneurial skills and networking have a positive and significant effect on entrepreneurial competency. Then, entrepreneurial skills, networking and entrepreneurial competency have a positive effect on enterprise performance. The findings show a significant mediation effect of entrepreneurial competency on the relationships between entrepreneurial skills and networking and enterprise performance.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful conclusion in understanding the entrepreneur’s characteristics and their impact on performance MSMEs, which is crucial for promoting entrepreneurial activities and for enhancing socio-economic conditions among low-income households located in Upper Sindh, Pakistan. The government must make preparation in organizing trade fairs, seminars and road shows on certain services/ products to which MSMEs’ entrepreneurs, consumers and suppliers might be invited to ease their connections.
Natural or organic? How framing impacts choices of sustainable food and wine products
Authors: Minetti Francesco , Quercia Simone
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The paper investigates the choice preferences of Gen Z individuals between products labelled as “organic” versus products labelled as “natural”. While the former category guarantees production standards set by EU legislation, no codified standard exists for natural products. Understanding whether consumers value the difference is important for policy and marketing reasons.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a between-subject laboratory experiment. Participants are undergraduate students from a medium-sized university, randomized into two conditions. In both conditions, individuals choose between a conventional product and a sustainable one. In the first condition, we frame the organic product as “organic”. In the second condition, we frame the same organic product as “natural”. We always refer to the conventional product as “conventional”. This methodology is applied to a choice regarding wine and a choice regarding food. Choices are incentive-compatible, as one participant is randomly selected in each session to receive the chosen product.

Findings

We find no significant difference between the frequency of choices of the product framed as organic and the one framed as natural, neither for wine nor for food.

Originality/value

The paper tests in a controlled and incentivized laboratory experiment the choice differences regarding products framed as organic versus products framed as natural. The results provide policymakers and marketers with a better understanding of the effects of sustainability labelling on consumer behaviour. The policy implications of our results, which we discuss in the paper, are relevant and multifaceted.
Bump up daily positive affect and perseverance-promoting vigor at work day by day! The moderating effects of relational conflict
Authors: Park In-Jo , Hai Shenyang
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The present research aims to investigate perseverance and daily affect as antecedents of daily vigor at work. Furthermore, this research examines whether relational conflict acts as a cross-level moderator that influences the association between employees’ daily affect and daily vigor at work.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the experience sampling method (ESM), this research collected data twice a day over 10 workdays with a sample of 103 restaurant employees in China.

Findings

The results of hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analyses show that perseverance and daily positive affect were positively related to daily vigor at work. The association between daily negative affect and daily vigor at work was nonsignificant. Moreover, relational conflict attenuated the relationship between daily positive affect and daily vigor at work and strengthened the association between daily negative affect and daily vigor at work.

Originality/value

This research adds to the literature on the antecedents of vigor by revealing how perseverance and daily affect impact daily vigor at work. By investigating relational conflict as a moderator, this research highlights the important role of interpersonal relationships in shaping the relationship between daily affect and daily vigor at work. The use of the ESM helps to enhance the ecological validity of our results.
Low-velocity crashworthiness and optimization of a crash box filled with modularized graded honeycomb
Authors: Geng Furong , Zhao Yonghong , Chen Dong , Wang Tao , Li Zhen
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Graded honeycombs are materials that exhibit better energy absorption performance compared to uniform honeycombs without adding additional weight. This paper introduces a novel modularized graded honeycomb into a commercial crash box to improve its crashworthiness.

Design/methodology/approach

A modularized graded honeycomb is inserted into a commercial crash box to develop a novel crash box. Finite element analyses are conducted to investigate the crashworthiness. Pareto cumulative influence analysis is conducted to rank the effects of design parameters on crashworthiness. A surrogate model-based multi-objective optimization is carried out to improve energy absorption while limiting the impact peak force. An optimal Pareto solution set is obtained.

Findings

Modularized honeycomb-filled crash box outperforms that of its corresponding uniform honeycomb-filled crash box and empty crash box in resisting impact. Pareto cumulative influence analysis reveals that for most crashworthiness indicators, cell-wall thicknesses of crash box tube contribute the most, followed by average relative density and graded coefficient of modularized honeycomb (MH). Graded coefficient contributes nearly 10% on mean force and maximum displacement, but it has insignificant influence on peak force and weight. Optimization results show that the optimal designs can not only absorb more energy but also limit the peak force compared with those of uniform honeycomb-filled crash box.

Originality/value

This paper fills a MH into a commercial crash box to propose a novel crash box and demonstrates the positive impact of modularized design on crashworthiness compared with that of uniform honeycomb-filled crash box. Moreover, modularizing honeycomb does not change the weight of the filler, and thus, the novel crash box would benefit development of crash box with lightweight and excellent energy absorption capacity.
Accounting for change: the impact and implications of using the intervention-based research method GenderLAB at a big four accounting firm
Authors: Muhr Sara Louise , Storm Kai Inga Liehr
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This article shows how qualitative interventions can engender both an immediate impact and the possibility of sustained change at the research site. We investigate this by assessing the impact generated from a research project that utilized the GenderLAB method. In doing so, we expand the notion of impact to include the changes that intervention-based research can initiate at a research site.

Design/methodology/approach

We illustrate the impact of qualitative intervention-based research by exploring GenderLAB, which is a diversity and inclusion (D&I) intervention method that combines norm-critical approaches with design thinking to change norms and attitudes and to produce hands-on local solutions.

Findings

The GenderLAB intervention had immediate, medium-term and long-term impact in different participating organizations. As the intervention was aimed at participants’ attitudes and norms, the local impact it created resists numerical measurements. Nevertheless, we note how the organization’s leaders recreated exercises with their own staff and utilized ideas generated during the intervention to, for example, foster more inclusive working conditions for working parents, accommodate a broader spectrum of religious groups and cater to a larger variety of dietary needs. While we are currently in the process of publishing our theoretical findings from the research project to create research impact, the intervention itself has already had – and continues to have – practical impact on the D&I practices of the organizations in which we applied this methodology.

Originality/value

The intervention-based research method that we report on distinguishes itself from traditional qualitative methods, as it is designed to impact the research site as much as possible while gathering data. In contrast to quantitative approaches to interventions, it does not aim to generate quantifiable impact. Instead, we show how this research method pushes our definition of impact from a researcher-centered perspective to a perspective that emphasizes sustained change at the research site. Thus, we contribute to the growing literature on participatory methods, particularly the streams arguing for non-extractive methods that not only aim to take data but also to give knowledge to research sites.
Leveraging para-sport events for accessible tourism development in non-host cities: Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games
Authors: Takata Kosuke , Yamakita Ryutaro , Aoyama Masaki
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to explore Tokyo 2020’s non-host cities leveraging the Paralympic Games for accessible tourism development. Following their successful bid, the Japanese government launched a national initiative to promote an inclusive society, extending beyond Tokyo to include other regions and achieving the social model of disability. In particular, this study examined why and how non-host cities leveraged para-sport events for accessible tourism development.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted multiple case studies focusing on three non-host cities that engaged in the national initiative from Tokyo 2020. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with city employees from the authorities in October 2019 and the municipal council meeting minutes mentioning the initiative.

Findings

Thematic analysis identified contexts, strategic objectives, resources and means comprising the leveraging processes, differing from the previously suggested leveraging process. Notably, non-host cities embarked on leveraging when they realized alignment between their existing policies and the national initiative. Contrary to assumptions, our findings suggest that sport event leveraging does not always require pre-existing resources. This study also revealed the transfer of various resources (e.g. human, financial, social, image of the event) during the process. Additionally, non-host cities prioritize physical accessibility and a barrier-free mindset for accessible tourism development, diverging from typical sport event impacts on local tourism.

Originality/value

This research provides insights and lessons from Tokyo 2020, guiding future para-sport events. Focusing on the pre-event phase, our data not only enhances research quality by minimizing interviewee recall bias but also contributes to a deeper understanding of ongoing leveraging efforts.
Pedagogical content knowledge in physical education preservice teachers in view of researching on lesson studies
Authors: Marques Santinha Fernanda , Onofre Marcos , Martins Maria
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Researching on lesson studies in initial training of physical education (PE) teachers in Portugal, our group is especially interested in the potential of this methodology for developing the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of future PE teachers. The purpose of the present text is to synthesize the knowledge relating to this subject.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory searches in four multiple search databases were carried out, resulting in 51 records. Information about authors, year of publication, purposes, methodology and results was collected and analyzed.

Findings

Results highlight the diversity of purposes. The interview is recurrent in the qualitative studies, while the questionnaire is used in all the large quantitative studies. Regarding the findings, it appears the centrality of PCK, its development potential and its measurability, the consistency of the concept and its evolutionary dynamics, as well as the constructive criticism of initial teacher training models and practices.

Originality/value

To emphasize the relationship between lesson studies and the development of PCK in initial teacher training of PE teachers.
Do green practices and technologies mediate lean manufacturing’s impact on industrial performance? Evidence from the European manufacturing survey
Authors: Llach Josep , León-Mateos Fernando J. , Depino-Besada Nahuel , Sartal Antonio
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the mediating role that green practices (GPs) and green technologies (GTs) play in the relationship between lean manufacturing (LM) and industrial performance (IP). It is suggested that GPs and GTs are crucial for transforming lean routines into enhanced performance that simultaneously meet current environmental requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested using a mixed methodology, which includes a partial least squares structural equation modeling approach and a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) applied to a multisectoral sample from three European countries (Spain, Sweden and Croatia).

Findings

The results confirm that GPs mediate the relationship between LM and IP; however, in the case of GTs, this mediation does not appear to occur, although GTs emerge as a peripheral condition in the subsequent fsQCA. These findings highlight the need to avoid an exclusively technocentric approach and underscore the importance of implementing green organizational practices alongside technology investments to achieve successful lean initiatives.

Practical implications

It seems clear that managers should apply GPs, combined with LM, to improve sustainability and efficiency and should apply GTs once a more mature lean-green culture has been established.

Originality/value

In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly focused on the impact of implementing GPs and GTs on IP within LM plants. However, to the authors’ knowledge, no study has yet analyzed the combined effect of both initiatives. This paper seeks to address this gap by examining, in aggregate, the moderating effect of GPs and GTs on IP in LM plants.
Creativity is in the mind of the beholder: hail the analytic thinker
Authors: Benoit Ilgım Dara , Miller Elizabeth G. , Ekebas-Turedi Ceren , Kordrostami Elika
Published: October 2024

Purpose

While the extant literature establishes that creativity in advertisements enhances ad effectiveness, developing creative advertisements is costly and creativity perceptions are subjective varying from person to person. Therefore, it is important to study the factors that influence the creativity assessments of consumers. Accordingly, this paper aims to investigate the impact of thinking style on creativity assessments of advertisements.

Design/methodology/approach

Five studies (two surveys and three experiments) demonstrate that individuals with higher levels of analytic thinking style perceive creative advertisements as more creative. This result holds for a self-reported thinking style scale (Studies 1, 2 and 3) as well as for primed thinking styles (Studies 4 and 5) and for different product categories/ads (coffee in Study 1, furniture store in Study 2, and juice in Studies 3, 4 and 5).

Findings

The findings show that analytic thinkers perceive the same creative advertisement as more creative than holistic thinkers. In addition, the advanced creativity perception due to analytic thinking reflects positively on managerially important variables (willingness to pay a premium: Study 1, attitude toward ad: Study 2 and Study 4 post-test).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to investigate an individual difference, namely, thinking style, that impacts creativity judgments, which in turn enhances advertising effectiveness.
Big data analytics, company innovation and risk-taking: influence of absorptive capacity
Authors: Jalali Alireza , Palalić Ramo , Razzak Mohammad Rezaur , Al-Kharusi Sami
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the indirect effect of big data analytics capability (BDAC) on performance through innovativeness and risk-taking among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by considering the moderating role of absorptive capacity (ACAP).

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a quantitative method through a survey questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested with a sample size of 202 surveys completed by SME owners. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was administered to analyze data via the SmartPLS 4.0 software.

Findings

The analysis revealed that BDAC had an indirect effect on performance through innovativeness and risk-taking. ACAP strengthened the relationship between risk-taking and performance and also enhanced the link between BDAC and performance. Interestingly, ACAP weakened the connection between innovativeness and performance.

Practical implications

From a practical standpoint, our study offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs in the process of implementing BDAC. The mediating roles of innovativeness and risk-taking underscore their potential as drivers of SME performance. Also, it is crucial for managers to leverage lower-order capabilities (BDAC) to build higher-order organizational capabilities (innovativeness and risk-taking) and improve performance. Finally, managers are advised to utilize ACAP to identify external opportunities that contribute to performance.

Originality/value

The current study leverages the resource-based view (RBV) to provide new insights into the significance of innovativeness and risk-taking as key drivers to harness the benefits of BDAC for improving the performance of SMEs. Moreover, this study presents evidence of the moderating role of ACAP in the above relationships.
Love-type wave characteristics in the heterogeneous hydrogel layer pasted over the functionally graded piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composites semi-infinite substrate
Authors: Garg Khushboo , Vaishnav Pramod Kumar
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the characteristics of the Love wave propagation through a heterogeneous hydrogel layer bounded to a functionally graded PFRC substrate while determining the displacement and electric potential in a di-electrically faintly conducting, mechanically compliant interface.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to calculate the value of response variables, the Wave mode method has been used. The governing modeled equations are non-homogeneous. The analytical solution has been obtained by deploying the boundary conditions.

Findings

The effect of thickness on the field variables for different values of variation parameter, mechanical constant of proportionality, electrical constant of proportionality and volume fraction of the PFRC substrate is examined for both, electrically open and short cases.

Originality/value

To the best of authors' knowledge, no attempt has been made to analyze the propagation characteristics of Love wave through the heterogeneous hydrogel Layer bedded over the functionally graded piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composites substrate.
The plant ecology of nature‐based solutions for people, biodiversity and climate
Authors: Buckley Yvonne M. , Austin Amy , Bardgett Richard , Catford Jane A. , Hector Andy , Iler Amy , Mariotte Pierre
Published: October 2024

Integrated solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises—together with other global sustainability challenges—include the identification, design and implementation of nature‐based solutions (NbS). Living organisms mediate biogeochemical cycles and greenhouse gas fluxes from land and sea, and provide NbS to both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Plants, as the primary producers in ecosystems, lie at the heart of NbS.

Plant ecology provides the foundation for developing and evaluating NbS based on an understanding of the ecological processes that underlie ecosystem service flow to people. In this Special Feature, we provide a collection of mini‐reviews that presents concise and focused analysis of the plant ecology of NbS. The mini‐reviews highlight key insights, challenges and opportunities for future research.

The development of NbS that target specific ecosystem functions (e.g. carbon storage), or aim at increasing ecosystem resilience against perturbations (e.g. those associated with climate change), requires unification of ecological theory from areas such as biodiversity‐ecosystem function, plant–animal interactions, resilience and functional traits of organisms.

Synthesis. Plant ecology and nature‐based solutions (NbS) research are complementary. Plant ecology can inform the design and management of effective NbS, and provide insights for the creation of novel ecosystems that provide NbS; while learning from the implementation of NbS can progress theory. To deploy NbS at the speed and scale needed to mitigate and adapt to climate change, we must rapidly integrate ecological concepts into the design of NbS. At the same time, the design and deployment of NbS in different ecological contexts provides an unprecedented opportunity to learn how performances of individual NbS sites can be explained in an integrated way, leading to the development of general concepts. Ultimately, a mechanistic understanding of how plants and their functional traits contribute to ecosystem function and service provision is critical for the design, verification of benefits from and avoidance of adverse effects of NbS.
Threats to cycad biocultural heritage in the Amami Islands, Japan
Authors: Englehardt Joshua D. , Carrasco Michael D. , Gutiérrez‐Ortega José Said , Deloso Benjamin E. , Matsubara Nobuyuki
Published: October 2024

This article details the significance of Cycas revoluta in the cultural ecology of the Amami Islands, Japan. Although this plant was never domesticated, multiple lines of evidence elucidate a long history of its alimentary, ethnoecological, and symbolic saliency within Amami culture. Despite this fact, Amami cycad culture remains understudied and virtually unknown outside of Japan. This article summarizes previous and current research on the social roles and environmental significance of C. revoluta in the Amami Islands, with a specific focus on current threats to these plants and the cultural ecologies that surround them, including the ongoing biological invasion by the cycad aulacaspis scale. In doing so, the article seeks to highlight a unique form of biocultural heritage and ancestral cultural traditions that are in danger of being lost. It concludes with brief observations on potential avenues for future research that can both foment interest in and promote the holistic conservation of Amami cycad culture.