bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexpected Transmission Dynamics in a University Town: Lessons from COVID-19
Authors: Clancey Erin , Mietchen Matthew S. , McMichael Corrin , Lofgren Eric T.
Published: January 2024

Institutions of higher education faced a number of challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief among them was whether or not to re-open during the second wave of COVID-19 in the fall of 2020, which was controversial because incidence in young adults was on the rise. The migration of students back to campuses worried many that transmission within student populations would spread into surrounding communities. In light of this, many colleges and universities implemented mitigation strategies, with varied degrees of success. Washington State University (WSU), located in the city of Pullman in Whitman County, WA, is an example of this type of university-community co-location, where the role of students returning to the area for the fall 2020 semester was contentious. Using COVID-19 incidence reported to Whitman County, we retrospectively study the transmission dynamics that occurred between the student and community subpopulations in fall 2020. We develop a two-population ordinary differential equation mechanistic model to infer transmission rates within and across the university student and community subpopulations. We use results from Bayesian parameter estimation to determine if sustained transmission of COVID-19 occurred in Whitman County and the magnitude of cross-transmission from students to community members. We find these results are consistent with estimation of the time-varying reproductive number and conclude that the students returning to WSU-Pullman did not place the surrounding community at disproportionate risk of COVID-19 during fall 2020 when mitigation efforts were in place.
Use of electronic health record data to identify hospital-associatedClostridioides difficileinfections: a validation study
Authors: Ray Michael J. , Lacanilao Kathleen L. , Lazaro Maela Robyne , Strnad Luke C. , Furuno Jon P. , Royster Kelly , McGregor Jessina C.
Published: January 2024

Background

Clinical research focused on the burden and impact ofClostridioides difficileinfection (CDI) often relies upon accurate identification of cases using existing health record data. Use of diagnosis codes alone can lead to misclassification of cases. Our goal was to develop and validate a multi-component algorithm to identify hospital-associated CDI (HA-CDI) cases using electronic health record (EHR) data.

Methods

We performed a validation study using a random sample of adult inpatients at a large academic hospital setting in Portland, Oregon from January 2018 to March 2020. We excluded patients with CDI on admission and those with short lengths of stay (< 4 days). We tested a multi-component algorithm to identify HA-CDI; case patients were required to have received an inpatient course of metronidazole, oral vancomycin, or fidaxomicin and have at least one of the following: a positiveC. difficilelaboratory test or the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code for non-recurrent CDI. For a random sample of 80 algorithm-identified HA-CDI cases and 80 non-cases, we performed manual EHR review to identify gold standard of HA-CDI diagnosis. We then calculated overall percent accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value for the algorithm overall and for the individual components.

Results

Our case definition algorithm identified HA-CDI cases with 94% accuracy (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 88% to 97%). We achieved 100% sensitivity (94% to 100%), 89% specificity (81% to 95%), 88% positive predictive value (78% to 94%), and 100% negative predictive value (95% to 100%). Requiring a positiveC. difficiletest as our gold standard further improved diagnostic performance (97% accuracy [93% to 99%], 93% PPV [85% to 98%]).

Conclusions

Our algorithm accurately detected true HA-CDI cases from EHR data in our patient population. A multi-component algorithm performs better than any isolated component. Requiring a positive laboratory test forC. difficilestrengthens diagnostic performance even further. Accurate detection could have important implications for CDI tracking and research.
Novel Mechanisms of Strigolactone-Induced DWARF14 Degradation inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sánchez Martín-Fontecha Elena , Cardinale Francesca , Bürger Marco , Prandi Cristina , Cubas Pilar
Published: January 2024

Strigolactones (SLs) are carotenoid-derived compounds that regulate various aspects of plant development, physiological responses and plant interactions with microorganisms. In angiosperms, the SL receptor is the α/β hydrolase D14 that, upon SL binding, undergoes conformational changes, triggers SL-dependent responses and hydrolyses SLs. Arabidopsis SL signalling involves the formation of a complex between SL-bound D14, the E3-ubiquitin ligase SCFMAX2and the transcriptional corepressors SMXL6/7/8 (SMXLs), which become ubiquitinated and degraded by the proteasome. However, the sequence of events that result in SL signalling and the requirement of SL hydrolysis for this process remain unclear. In addition, SL destabilises the D14 receptor. The biological significance of SL-induced D14 degradation is unclear, although it has been proposed to create a negative feedback loop in SL signalling. The current model proposes that D14 degradation occurs after SMXLs ubiquitination and proteolysis, via the same E3-ubiquitin ligase that targets the repressors.

In this work we quantitatively studied the degradation dynamics of Arabidopsis D14 in response to SLsin planta. For this, we conducted fluorescence and luminescence assays to monitor D14 stability dynamics upon SL treatments, in transgenic lines expressingD14fused toGREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN(GFP) orLUCIFERASE(LUC), in wild-type and SL-signalling mutant backgrounds. Mutant D14 proteins predicted to be non-functional for SL signalling were also examined, and their capability to bind SLsin vitrowas studied using Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF). Finally, we used a non-hydrolysable SL to test the requirements of SL hydrolysis for D14 and SMXL7 degradation. Our research revealed that SL-induced D14 degradation may occur in the absence of SCFMAX2and/or SMXLs by a proteasome-independent mechanism. Additionally, we observed conditions in which the efficiency of SL-induced degradation of D14 is not aligned with that of SMXL7 degradation. Finally, our results indicate that the hydrolysis of SLs is not a prerequisite to trigger either D14 or SMXL7 degradation. These findings suggest the existence of a regulatory mechanism governing D14 degradation more complex than anticipated, and provide novel insights into the dynamics of SL signalling in Arabidopsis.
Genome - nuclear lamina interactions are multivalent and cooperative
Authors: Dauban Lise , Eder Mathias , de Haas Marcel , Franceschini-Santos Vinícius H. , Yañez-Cuna J. Omar , van Schaik Tom , Leemans Christ , Rademaker Koen , Ara Miguel Martinez , Martinovic Moreno , de Wit Elzo , van Steensel Bas
Published: January 2024

Lamina-associated domains (LADs) are megabase-sized genomic regions that interact with the nuclear lamina (NL). It is not yet understood how their interactions with the NL are encoded in their DNA. Here, we designed an efficient LAD “scrambling” approach, based on transposon-mediated local hopping of loxP recombination sites, to generate series of large deletions and inversions that span LADs and flanking sequences. Mapping of NL interactions in these rearrangements revealed that a single LAD contacts the NL through multiple regions that act cooperatively or redundantly; some have more affinity for the NL than others and can pull neighbouring sequences to the NL. Genes drawn towards the NL showed often, but not always, reduced expression and increased H3K9me3 levels. Furthermore, neighbouring LADs can cooperatively interact with the NL when placed close enough to each other. These results elucidate principles that govern the positioning of megabase-sized genomic regions inside the cell nucleus.

Highlights

Efficient generation of LAD rearrangements by transposon hopping ofloxPelements.

NL interactions are multivalent, with some subregions being more potent tethers than others.

LADs can cooperate to promote their association to the NL.

Changes in NL association are often accompanied by changes in gene activity and H3K9me3.
Late consolidation of rRNA structure during co-transcriptional assembly inE. coliby time-resolved DMS footprinting
Authors: Hao Yumeng , Hulscher Ryan M. , Zinshteyn Boris , Woodson Sarah A.
Published: January 2024

The production of new ribosomes requires proper folding of the rRNA and the addition of more than 50 ribosomal proteins. The structures of some assembly intermediates have been determined by cryo-electron microscopy, yet these structures do not provide information on the folding dynamics of the rRNA. To visualize the changes in rRNA structure during ribosome assembly inE. colicells, transcripts were pulse-labeled with 4-thiouridine and the structure of newly made rRNA probed at various times by dimethyl sulfate modification and mutational profiling sequencing (4U-DMS-MaPseq). The in-cell DMS modification patterns revealed that many long-range rRNA tertiary interactions and protein binding sites through the 16S and 23S rRNA remain partially unfolded 1.5 min after transcription. By contrast, the active sites were continually shielded from DMS modification, suggesting that these critical regions are guarded by cellular factors throughout assembly. Later, bases near the peptidyl tRNA site exhibited specific rearrangements consistent with the binding and release of assembly factors. Time-dependent structure-probing in cells suggests that many tertiary interactions throughout the new ribosomal subunits remain mobile or unfolded until the late stages of subunit maturation.
Characterizing nuclear modification effects in high-energy O-O collisions at energies available at the CERN Large Hadron Collider: A transport model perspective
Authors: Behera Debadatta , Deb Suman , Singh Captain R. , Sahoo Raghunath
Published: January 2024

The present work focuses on oxygen-oxygen (O-O) collisions, which are planned at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Oxygen, being a doubly magic number nucleus, has some very unique features. This study attempts to probe the exotic state of QCD matter in O-O collisions. Additionally, the role of different nuclear density profiles in governing the final-state dynamics in ultrarelativistic nuclear collisions is also explored. Using a multiphase transport model, we obtain the nuclear modification factor (RAA) for all charged hadrons and identified particles for O-O collisions at sNN = 7 TeV. Furthermore, we investigate the behavior of RAA as a function of transverse momentum (pT) for three centralities (most central, mid-central, and peripheral) considering both α-cluster and Woods-Saxon nuclear density profiles. We also extend this work to study the rapidity dependence of RAA for all charged hadrons. To better understand our findings of O-O collisions, the results are confronted with the available data of RAA for Pb-Pb collisions. The present study sheds light on particle production mechanisms, emphasizing factors influencing particle yield from precollision to postcollision stages in the context of O-O collisions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mutual Neutralization of
NO+
with
O−
Authors: Poline Mathias , Dochain Arnaud , Rosén Stefan , Ji MingChao , Reinhed Peter , Simonsson Ansgar , Larsson Mats , Schmidt Henning T. , Zettergren Henning , Thomas Richard D. , Ard Shaun G. , Shuman Nicholas S. , Viggiano Albert A.
Published: January 2024

We have studied the mutual neutralization reaction of vibronically cold NO+ with O− at a collision energy of ≈0.1  eV and under single-collision conditions. The reaction is completely dominated by production of three ground-state atomic fragments. We employ product-momentum analysis in the framework of a simple model, which assumes the anion acts only as an electron donor and the product neutral molecule acts as a free rotor, to conclude that the process occurs in a two-step mechanism via an intermediate Rydberg state of NO which subsequently fragments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Phase behavior of triblock copolymer and homopolymer blends: Effect of copolymer topology
Authors: Xie Jiayu , Shi An-Chang
Published: January 2024

Two distinct linear triblock copolymers with different block sequences, ABA or BAB, are obtained when two identical AB diblock copolymers are jointed at their B or A ends, respectively, resulting in three homologous, AB diblock, ABA, and BAB triblock copolymers with the same chemical composition but different topologies. We demonstrate that the topological effect on the phase behaviors of these copolymers is amplified when A homopolymers are added to the system. Specifically, the phase behaviors of binary blends composed of ABA or BAB linear triblock copolymers and A homopolymers are studied by using the random-phase approximation (RPA) and self-consistent field theory (SCFT). The RPA analysis predicts that the Lifshitz point for the ABA/A blends behaves like a second-order transition but that for the BAB/A blends behaves like a first-order transition. The Lifshitz point of the BAB/A mixtures is found to occur at a much lower homopolymer concentration than that of the ABA/A mixtures, indicating a poorer miscibility of the A homopolymers into the BAB than ABA triblocks, which is also confirmed by SCFT. For sphere-forming triblock copolymers mixed with homopolymers, the poorer miscibility and the more diffused distribution of the A homopolymers in the BAB/A blends result in a phase behavior drastically different from that of the ABA/A and AB/A blends. The ABA/A blends stabilize the Frank-Kasper (FK) phases similar to the AB/A blends, but the stability window of FK phases becomes negligibly small in the corresponding BAB/A blends. Our results demonstrate that the topological effect of block copolymers on the equilibrium phase behaviors can be more prominent in multicomponent systems and thus more attention should be paid to copolymer topologies in the design of polymeric blends.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Variational quantum algorithm for ergotropy estimation in quantum many-body batteries
Authors: Hoang Duc Tuan , Metz Friederike , Thomasen Andreas , Anh-Tai Tran Duong , Busch Thomas , Fogarty Thomás
Published: January 2024

Quantum batteries are predicted to have the potential to outperform their classical counterparts and are therefore an important element in the development of quantum technologies. Of particular interest is the role of correlations in many-body quantum batteries and how these can affect the maximal work extraction, quantified by the ergotropy. In this paper we simulate the charging process and work extraction of many-body quantum batteries on noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices and devise the variational quantum ergotropy (VQErgo) algorithm, which finds the optimal unitary operation that maximizes work extraction from the battery. We test VQErgo by calculating the ergotropy of a many-body quantum battery undergoing transverse field Ising dynamics following a sudden quench. We investigate the battery for different system sizes and charging times and analyze the minimum number of ansatz circuit repetitions needed for the variational optimization using both ideal and noisy simulators. We also discuss how the growth of long-range correlations can hamper the accuracy of VQErgo in larger systems, requiring increased repetitions of the ansatz circuit to reduce error. Finally, we optimize part of the VQErgo algorithm and calculate the ergotropy on one of IBM's quantum devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Detecting fractionalization in critical spin liquids using color centers
Authors: Takei So , Tserkovnyak Yaroslav
Published: January 2024

Quantum spin liquids are highly entangled ground states of insulating spin systems, in which magnetic ordering is prevented down to the lowest temperatures due to quantum fluctuations. One of the most extraordinary characteristics of quantum spin liquid phases is their ability to support fractionalized, low-energy quasiparticles known as spinons, which carry spin-1/2 but bear no charge. Relaxometry based on color centers in crystalline materials—of which nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are a well-explored example—provides an exciting new platform to probe the spin spectral functions of magnetic materials with both energy and momentum resolution and to search for signatures of these elusive, fractionalized excitations. In this work, we theoretically investigate the color-center relaxometry of two archetypal quantum spin liquids: the two-dimensional U(1) quantum spin liquid with a spinon Fermi surface and the spin-1/2 antiferromagnetic spin chain. The former is characterized by a metallic, spin-split ground state of mobile, interacting spinons, which closely resembles a spin-polarized Fermi liquid ground state but with neutral quasiparticles. We show that the observation of the Stoner continuum and the collective spin wave mode in the spin spectral function would provide a strong evidence for the existence of spinons and fractionalization. In one dimension, mobile spinons form a Luttinger liquid ground state. We show that the spin spectral function exhibits strong features representing the collective density and spin-wave modes, which are broadened in an algebraic fashion with an exponent characterized by the Luttinger parameter. The possibilities of measuring these collective modes and detecting the power-law decay of the spectral weight using NV relaxometry are discussed. We also examine how the transition rates are modified by marginally irrelevant operators in the Heisenberg limit.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mechanisms of Sarcomere Assembly in Muscle Cells Inferred from Sequential Ordering of Myofibril Components
Authors: Kolley Francine , Sidor Clara , Dehapiot Benoit , Schnorrer Frank , Friedrich Benjamin M.
Published: January 2024

Voluntary movement in animals is driven by the contraction of myofibrils in striated muscle cells, which are linear chains of regular cytoskeletal units termed sarcomeres. While the ordered structure of mature sarcomeres, key to muscle contraction, is well established, the physical mechanism governing sarcomere assembly is still under debate. Here we put forward a theory of sarcomere self-assembly based on data. We measured the sequential ordering of sarcomere components in developing flight muscles, using a novel tracking-free algorithm. We find that myosin molecular motors, α-actinin cross-linkers, and the titin homologue Sallimus form periodic patterns before actin filaments become polarity sorted. Based on these, we propose that myosin, Sallimus, and sarcomere Z-disk proteins including α-actinin dynamically bind and unbind to an unordered bundle of actin to establish an initial periodic pattern. Periodicity of actin filaments is established only later. Our model proposes that nonlocal interactions between spatially extended myosin and titin/Sallimus containing complexes, and possibly tension-dependent feedback mediated by an α-actinin catch bond, drive this ordering process. We probe this hypothesis using mathematical models and derive predictive conditions for sarcomere pattern formation to guide future experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonlocal Finite-Depth Circuits for Constructing Symmetry-Protected Topological States and Quantum Cellular Automata
Authors: Stephen David T. , Dua Arpit , Lavasani Ali , Nandkishore Rahul
Published: January 2024

Whether a given target state can be prepared by starting with a simple product state and acting with a finite-depth quantum circuit is a key question in condensed matter physics and quantum information science. It underpins classifications of topological phases, as well as the understanding of topological quantum codes, and has obvious relevance for device implementations. Traditionally, this question assumes that the quantum circuit is made up of unitary gates that are . Inspired by the advent of noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices, we reconsider this question with k- gates, i.e., gates that act on no more than k degrees of freedom but are not restricted to be geometrically local. First, we construct explicit finite-depth circuits of symmetric k-local gates that create symmetry-protected topological (SPT) states from an initial product state. Our construction applies to SPT states protected by global symmetries or subsystem symmetries but not to those with higher-form symmetries, which we conjecture remain nontrivial. Next, we show how to implement arbitrary translationally invariant quantum cellular automata in any dimension using finite-depth circuits of k-local gates. These results imply that the topological classifications of SPT phases and quantum cellular automata both collapse to a single trivial phase in the presence of k-local interactions. We furthermore argue that SPT phases are fragile to

k

-local symmetric perturbations. We conclude by discussing the implications for other phases, such as fracton phases, and surveying future directions. Our analysis opens a new experimentally motivated conceptual direction examining the stability of phases and the feasibility of state preparation without the assumption of geometric locality.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of dibromidobis(2-methylpyridine N-oxide-κO)cobalt(II)
Authors: Näther Christian , Jess Inke
Published: January 2024

Reaction of CoBr2 with 2-methylpyridine N-oxide in n-butanol leads to the formation of the title compound, [CoBr2(C6H7NO)2] or [CoBr2(2-methylpyridine N-oxide)2]. Its asymmetric unit consists of one CoII cation as well as two bromide anions and two 2-methylpyridine N-oxide coligands in general positions. The CoII cations are tetrahedrally coordinated by two bromide anions and two 2-methylpyridine N-oxides, forming discrete complexes. In the crystal structure, these complexes are linked predominantly by weak C–H...Br hydrogen bonding into chains that propagate along the crystallographic a-axis. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) measurements indicate that a pure phase was obtained. Thermoanalytical investigations prove that the title compound melts before decomposition; before melting, a further endothermic signal of unknown origin was observed that does not correspond to a phase transition.
Monetization of first questions by text mining: how do peer patients respond to online health information in a Q&A forum?
Authors: Shi Dingyu , Zhang Xiaofei , Liu Libo , Hansen Preben , Li Xuguang
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Online health question-and-answer (Q&A) forums have developed a new business model whereby listeners (peer patients) can pay to read health information derived from consultations between askers (focal patients) and answerers (physicians). However, research exploring the mechanism behind peer patients' purchase decisions and the specific nature of the information driving these decisions has remained limited. This study aims to develop a theoretical model for understanding how peer patients make such decisions based on limited information, i.e. the first question displayed in each focal patient-physician interaction record, considering argument quality (interrogative form and information details) and source credibility (patient experience of focal patients), including the contingent role of urgency.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested by text mining 1,960 consultation records from a popular Chinese online health Q&A forum on the Yilu App. These records involved interactions between focal patients and physicians and were purchased by 447,718 peer patients seeking health-related information until this research.

Findings

Patient experience embedded in focal patients' questions plays a significant role in inducing peer patients to purchase previous consultation records featuring exchanges between focal patients and physicians; in particular, increasingly detailed information is associated with a reduced probability of making a purchase. When focal patients demonstrate a high level of urgency, the effect of information details is weakened, while the interrogative form is strengthened.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its exploration of the monetization mechanism forming the trilateral relationship between askers (focal patients), answerers (physicians) and listeners (peer patients) in the business model “paying to view others' answers” in the online health Q&A forum and the moderating role of urgency in explaining the mechanism of how first questions influence peer patients' purchasing behavior.
Understanding the Chinese online fresh agricultural market through the extended technology acceptance model: the moderating role of food safety trust
Authors: Xing Jingjing , Zhang Jun , Wang Xue
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study investigates how food safety trust works as a critical moderator in the Chinese online fresh agricultural market based on an extended technology acceptance model.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a research model that integrates attributes from the technology acceptance model, perceived product quality, logistics service quality, risk, and food safety trust. Structural equation modeling was applied to estimate the causal relationships using data from 851 Chinese customers.

Findings

The results indicated that perceived usefulness, product quality, and logistics service quality significantly enhance Chinese customers' intention to shop online for fresh agricultural products. Further, the positive effects increase when customer trust in food safety changes from low to high. In contrast, perceived risk reduces Chinese customers' willingness to engage in online shopping, but the negative influence is weaker for customers with high trust in food safety than for those with low trust. However, perceived ease of use plays an insignificant role in predicting online purchase intention and the impact does not vary depending on food safety trust.

Originality/value

This study suggests managers should consider the important moderating role of food safety trust to make effective strategies for fresh agricultural e-commerce development in China.
Work–family conflict and work engagement among construction professionals: role of psychological contract breach and gender
Authors: Agarwal Upasna A. , Baral Rupashree , Rastogi Mansi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Work–family conflict (WFC) is rife among construction professionals, leading to a significant negative impact on their work engagement. Building on an extant body of research, this study provides nuanced insights into the link between WFC, work–life balance (WLB) and work engagement and identifies the boundary conditions of these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 257 dyads of construction professionals and their immediate supervisors from a sample of five construction firms based in India using an online survey.

Findings

The results found that WLB mediates the relationship between WFC and work engagement, and the relationship is controlled by professionals' gender and perceptions of psychological contract breach (PCB). An important finding is that PCB accentuates the negative influence of WFC on work engagement via WLB. The study also reveals that the negative impact of WFC on WLB is stronger for women.

Practical implications

The findings are relevant for construction firms since they are primarily dominated by men and continue to struggle to attract more women professionals. The study insights provide avenues to expand existing research on the relationship between WFC and work engagement and offer managerial implications for improving construction professionals' work engagement in the high-pressure context of the construction industry.

Originality/value

The study significantly advances the underdeveloped literature on work–family interface, especially in the unique work settings of the construction industry, by establishing WFC as a predictor and revealing how engagement at work is affected. It highlights the importance of boundary conditions such as gender and PCB. It is one of the first to assess the relationship between WFC, WLB, PCB and work engagement among construction professionals in India.
Employee corporate social responsibility and well-being: the role of work, family and culture spillover
Authors: Bolt Ester Ellen Trees , Homer Stephen T.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Considering the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this research investigates the mediating roles of work, family and culture on the relationship between employee corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Self-administered questionnaire data from 403 employees working across multiple organisations in the United Kingdom were analysed using path analysis with SmartPLS.

Findings

Organisations can only maximally benefit from their CSR investment when specific HR strategies are in place, as no direct relationship between CSR and well-being outcomes was observed. Family-to-work spillover and work–family culture were significant mediators in the relationship between employee CSR and well-being.

Research limitations/implications

CSR strategies targeted at improving employee well-being do not necessarily do so in a direct approach. They, therefore, may not serve the desired performance outcomes of organisations. Boundary conditions of applying the crossover model of COR theory were observed.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the limited knowledge of the effectiveness of employee-related CSR strategies on HRM and well-being outcomes from an employees' perspective. Employee-related CSR strategies are unlikely to improve employee well-being if the inter-individual level of analysis, i.e. interchange between work, family and culture, is not considered.
Magneto-nanofluidic thermal transport and irreversibility in semicircular systems with heated wavy bottom under constant fluid volume and cooling surface constraints
Authors: Biswas Nirmalendu , Chatterjee Deep , Sarkar Sandip , Manna Nirmal K.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of wall curvature in a semicircular thermal annular system on magneto-nanofluidic flow, heat transfer and entropy generation. The analysis is conducted under constant cooling surface and fluid volume constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical equations describing the thermo-fluid flow in the semicircular system are solved using the finite element technique. Four different heating wall configurations are considered, varying the undulation numbers of the heated wall. Parametric variations of bottom wall undulation (f), buoyancy force characterized by the Rayleigh number (Ra), magnetic field strength represented by the Hartmann number (Ha) and inclination of the magnetic field (γ) on the overall thermal performance are studied extensively.

Findings

This study reveals that the fluid circulation strength is maximum in the case of a flat bottom wall. The analysis shows that the bottom wall contour and other control parameters significantly influence fluid flow, entropy production and heat transfer. The modified heated wall with a single undulation exhibits the highest entropy production and thermal convection, leading to a heat transfer enhancement of up to 21.85% compared to a flat bottom. The magnetic field intensity and orientation have a significant effect on heat transfer and irreversibility production.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can explore a wider range of parameter values, alternative heating wall profiles and boundary conditions to expand the understanding of magneto-nanofluidic flow in semicircular thermal systems.

Originality/value

This study introduces a constraint-based analysis of magneto-nanofluidic thermal behavior in a complex semicircular thermal system, providing insights into the impact of wall curvature on heat transfer performance. The findings contribute to the design and optimization of thermal systems in various applications.
The mediating role of competency in the effect of transformational leadership on lecturer performance
Authors: Nelly Nelly , Prabowo Harjanto , Bandur Agustinus , Elidjen Elidjen
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The major purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of job competency in the effect of transformational leadership to performance of university lecturers. This article also attempts to examine the direct effect of transformational leadership on job competency and lecturer performance.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of the study, quantitative research was applied by conducting an empirical survey with the active participation of 223 lecturers. The survey was conducted in ten high-ranked private universities in Jakarta, Indonesia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for the measurement and structural model analyses.

Findings

The results reveal that the effect of transformational leadership on lecturer performance is expressed only by indirect effect (through lecturer competency). Even though transformational leadership has a positive direct effect on lecturer performance, it is not statistically significant. This paper highlights the crucial role of lecturer competency in the performance of academic scholars. The findings suggest transformational leadership is fundamental in fostering competencies, which, in turn, improve the work performance of university lecturers.

Originality/value

This study makes significant contributions to the understanding of the interaction between transformational leadership and performance in higher education, and the statistical significance of lecturer work competency in mediating this relationship. The results of this study provide a snapshot of the contextual mechanism linking transformational leadership and lecturer performance.
Low-carbon energy transition in oil-dependent African countries: implication on fiscal revenue
Authors: Emmanuel Precious Muhammed , Ugwunna Ogochukwu Theresa , Azodo Chibuzor C. , Adewumi Oluseyi D.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically analyse the fiscal revenue implications for oil-dependent African countries in the face of low-carbon energy transition (LET).

Design/methodology/approach

The study combined the novel fully modified ordinary least squares, dynamic ordinary least squares and canonical cointegrating regressions estimators to analyse secondary data between 1990 and 2020 for the three major oil-dependent African Countries (Algeria, Angola and Nigeria).

Findings

The result shows that LET reduces oil revenue and non-revenue for specific countries (Algeria, Angola and Nigeria) and the panel, suggesting that low-carbon energy transiting is lowering the fiscal revenue of oil-dependent African nations.

Research limitations/implications

The seeming weakness of this study is its inability to broaden the scope to include all oil-producing African economies. However, since the study selected Africa’s top three oil-producing states, the sample can serve as a model for others with lesser crude oil outputs.

Practical implications

Oil-dependent African countries must urgently engage in sincere economic diversification in sectors like industry and manufacturing, the service sector and human capital development to promote economic transformation that will enhance fiscal revenue.

Originality/value

With the pace of energy transition towards low-carbon energy, it is not business as usual for oil-rich African countries (Algeria, Angola and Nigeria) due to fluctuating demand and price. As a result, it becomes worthy to examine how the transition is affecting oil-dependent economies in Africa. Also, this study’s method is unique as it has not been used in a similar study for Africa.
Leader bottom-line mentality and employee pro-self-unethical behavior: the moderating role of contingent rewards and punishments
Authors: Kamran Komal , Azam Akbar , Atif Mian Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the situational factors that intensify the impact of leader bottom-line mentality (BLM) on employee pro-self-unethical behavior. In particular, the moderating role of contingent rewards and punishments is evaluated under the lens of situational strength theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 218 full-time employees working in the USA in a time-lagged study and analyzed using SPSS Process Macro.

Findings

Statistical analysis reveal contingent rewards and punishments significantly moderate the positive relationship between BLM and pro-self-unethical behavior.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the need for more balanced reward systems that incorporate moral conduct into work performance. It also emphasizes the role of robust accountability and monitoring systems in minimizing employees’ unethical behavior.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the moderating role of contingent rewards and punishments on the relationship between leader BLM and subordinate pro-self-unethical behavior. Moreover, it provides significant empirical support to situational strength theory.
Are small- and medium-sized enterprises more likely to innovate when facing informal competition? Evidence from Kazakhstan
Authors: Aguzzi Tommaso , Ianole-Calin Rodica , Durst Susanne
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether Kazakh small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that claim to compete with the informal sector are more likely to invest in innovation than their competitors who do not perceive such pressure.

Design/methodology/approach

Logistic regression and classification trees are performed on the Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (2018–2020) to examine whether the degree of informal competition correlates with a firm's propensity to innovate.

Findings

The findings show that informal sector competition is a critical factor that shapes the organizational behaviour of Kazakh SMEs. There is a stimulating positive effect of informal competition on both product and process innovation, depending on its perceived intensity.

Originality/value

This study challenges conventional thinking that still views informal sector competition as a barrier to innovation and entrepreneurship by assessing whether innovation is compatible with informal entrepreneurial practice.
Towards the formation of we-intention to continue playing mobile multiplayer games: importance of gamification design elements and social play habit roles
Authors: Azman Ong Mohd Hanafi , Ibrahim Nur Syafikah
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship of gamification design elements on social play habit and we-intention to continue playing in a mobile multiplayer game context. The study further intends to reveal the mediating role of social play habit in the relationship between gamification design elements and we-intention to continue playing.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model was empirically evaluated using survey data collected from 292 PUBG users based in Malaysia. PLS-SEM analysis was used to assess the model since it includes formative and reflective constructs.

Findings

The results indicated that gamification design elements significantly affect social play habit in a positive direction. In the simultaneous condition, social play habit also significantly affects the we-intention to continue playing the mobile multiplayer game. However, these three elements of gamification design did not significantly affect the formation of we-intention to continue playing in the context of mobile multiplayer games. Notably, social play habit was found to fully mediate the relationships between immersive-related interaction, achievement-related interaction, social-related interaction and we-intention to continue playing.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the importance of social play habits as a factor linking the relationship between gamification design elements and we-intention to continue playing. In addition, this study also provides significant insights for the game creators to emphasise the gamification design elements so that the sustainability of the game can be secured from the perspective of retaining the current users through the social play habit element.

Originality/value

The study is noteworthy because it is the first attempt to use gamification design elements to explain how social play habit affect the formation of we-intention to continue playing in the setting of a mobile multiplayer game environment. In addition, the findings may add to the body of knowledge in the field of gamification theory.
Managers’ perception of product market competition and earnings management: a textual analysis of firms’ 10-K reports
Authors: Harris Terry
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In this study, the author examines the effect of managers’ perception of product market competition on accruals and real earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

The author develops a new text-based measure of the emphasis managers place on product market competition by conducting a textual analysis of firms’ 10-K filings. Using this measure, the author conducts a battery of econometric analyses and robustness checks to investigate the impact of this measure of product market competition on measures of accruals and real earnings management.

Findings

This study finds robust evidence that when management perceives more competitive threats, they are more likely to engage in accruals-based earnings manipulation but are less likely to engage in real earnings management activity. The author argues that these findings are due to managers’ career concerns enticing them to manage earnings via accrual when competition is high, but that greater product market competition discourages real earning management activity as it can diminish firms’ competitiveness.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper have important policy and practical implications since it signals that managers’ perceptions of product market competition is able to affect accounting choices, information environments and economic outcomes in firms.

Originality/value

This study develops a new text-based measure of managers’ perception of product market competition with the aid of GPT-4. The author then using this measure provides firm-level evidence on how this relates to earnings management.
Nexus between green intellectual capital and the sustainability business performance of manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia
Authors: Hina Khushbakht , Khalique Muhammad , Shaari Jamal Abdul Nassir , Mansor Shazali Abu , Kashmeeri Sundas , Yaacob Mohd Rafi bin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This research attempts to assess the role of green intellectual capital components with respect to the sustainability business performance of manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data for this study were gathered through structured questionnaire forms, from entrepreneurs, managers, and decision-makers of manufacturing, small and medium enterprises. A sample of 500 individuals from 170 manufacturing SMEs from Malaysia was participated. Partial Least Squares (PLS) Structural Equation Modelling technique was used to examine the impact of green intellectual capital on the sustainability business performance of SMEs.

Findings

Results expressed that green intellectual capital has a positive significant impact on the sustainability business performance of manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia. Results also posited that the three components such as green customer capital, green technological capital, and green spiritual capital were supported while green human capital, green structural capital, and green social capital were not supported.

Practical implications

The present study inspects how entrepreneurs, managers, and policymakers should practice the concept of green and sustainability to attain maximum benefits from green intellectual capital to increase the sustainability business performance of their organizations.

Originality/value

This pioneering research produces a comprehensive theoretical model of green intellectual capital, supporting the current literature where similar works have been yet. This theoretical model will guide entrepreneurs and managers of SMEs to measure green intellectual capital in SMEs. Despite the significant contribution, this study offers insights to researchers, academicians and practitioners to mitigate environmental destruction and to achieve the sustainable business performance of SMEs in Malaysia and developing countries.
Impact of high involvement work systems in shaping power, knowledge sharing, rewards and knowledge perception of employees
Authors: Nguyen Mai , Pontes Nicolas , Malik Ashish , Gupta Jaya , Gugnani Ritika
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Amid challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering employee creativity has become paramount for organizations. However, there is a scarcity of research on digitalization of the workplace and its implications for implementing high involvement work systems (HIWSs) in organizations, particularly in relation to their impact on employee outcomes, such as creativity and job satisfaction. Additionally, limited attention has been given to the role of job level and organizational type in driving change during times of adversity. This study aims to examine the factors within the HIWSs model using the PIRK model – power (P), information sharing (I), rewards (R) and knowledge (K) to explore how HIWSs shape the extent of power individuals have over their employment, the sharing of information, the types of rewards that engage and motivate employees and the knowledge required to fulfil employees’ responsibilities effectively, both individually and collectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative research methodology, this study uses thematic analysis for data collection, analysis and interpretation. Semi-structured interviews (n = 48) served as the primary data collection method. Using the theoretical lenses of high-involvement practices and employee perceptions of PIRK, the effect on employee creativity and job satisfaction is analysed.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that employee creativity is significantly influenced by how employees perceive power, information, rewards and knowledge. Moreover, the study highlights the role of transformational and transactional leadership in shaping employee perceptions of power, information and knowledge within HIWSs. A high perception of PIRK is found to positively impact employee job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers valuable insights for human resource management (HRM) professionals seeking to make informed decisions regarding best practices and initiatives for enhancing employee outcomes in the post-COVID era. By recognizing the pivotal role of HIWSs and their influence on employee perceptions, organizations can strategically implement HIWSs to foster creativity and job satisfaction. Furthermore, this research contributes to the existing literature by examining the interplay between HIWSs and the PIRK model in the context of workplace digitalization, emphasizing the importance of adapting HRM practices to address the evolving needs of the modern workforce.

Originality/value

This study will help HRM professionals in making informed decisions on the best practices and initiatives to enhance employee outcomes in the post-COVID era. This paper adds to the existing literature on HIWS and PIRK in the context of workplace digitalization.