bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy quarkonia, heavy-light tetraquarks, and the chiral quark-soliton model
Authors: Kucab Maciej , Praszałowicz Michał
Published: April 2024

We apply the chiral quark-soliton model, used previously to describe baryons with one heavy quark, to the case of heavy tetraquarks. We argue that the model is insensitive to the nature of the heavy object bound by the soliton, i.e., to its mass and spin. Therefore, a heavy quark can be replaced by an antidiquark without modifying the soliton background. Diquark dynamics is taken into account by means of the nonrelativistic Schrödinger equation with the Cornell potential. We fix the Cornell potential parameters from the charmonia and bottomonia spectra. We first compute Bc-meson masses to check our fitting procedure, and then compute diquark masses by appropriately rescaling color factors in the Cornell potential. We then compute tetraquark masses and confirm previous findings that only bb tetraquarks are bound.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Heavy quarkonium spectral function in an anisotropic background
Authors: Chang Wen-Bin , Hou De-fu
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we use a five-dimensional Einstein-dilaton-two-Maxwell holographic QCD model to investigate the dissociation effects of J/Ψ and ϒ(1S) states in an anisotropic medium by calculating their spectral functions. First, we present the holographic quarkonium masses at zero temperature via physics-informed neural networks. Then, at a finite temperature, we derive the spectral functions, representing heavy vector mesons as peaks, and observe that with increasing anisotropy, temperature, chemical potential, and warp factor, the peak height diminishes while its width expands, indicating an accelerated dissociation process. Additionally, the results indicate the anisotropy induces a stronger dissociation effect in the direction parallel to the polarization compared to the perpendicular, revealing the anisotropy’s directional influence.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Analytic third-order QCD corrections to top-quark and semileptonic
b→u
decays
Authors: Chen Long-Bin , Li Hai Tao , Li Zhao , Wang Jian , Wang Yefan , Wu Quan-feng
Published: April 2024

We present the first analytic results of next-to-next-to-next-to-leading-order (N3LO) QCD corrections to the top-quark decay width. We focus on the dominant leading color contribution, which includes light-quark loops. At next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO), this dominant contribution accounts for 95% of the total correction. By utilizing the optical theorem, the N3LO corrections are related to the imaginary parts of the four-loop self-energy Feynman diagrams, which are calculated with differential equations. The results are expressed in terms of harmonic polylogarithms, enabling fast and accurate evaluation. The third-order QCD corrections decrease the leading-order decay width by 0.667%, and the scale uncertainty is reduced by half compared to the NNLO result. The most precise prediction for the top-quark width is now 1.321 GeV for mt=172.69  GeV. Additionally, we obtain the third-order QCD corrections to the dilepton invariant mass spectrum and decay width in the semileptonic b→u transition. The perturbative series in the on-shell mass scheme exhibits poor convergence behavior. In the MS¯ mass scheme, the scale dependence is greatly improved. A more precise determination of the CKM matrix element

V

u

b

could be obtained with such higher-order corrections.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Charge-order melting in the one-dimensional Edwards model
Authors: Lange Florian , Wellein Gerhard , Fehske Holger
Published: April 2024

We use infinite matrix-product-state techniques to study the time evolution of the charge-density-wave (CDW) order after a quench or a light pulse in a fundamental fermion-boson model. The motion of fermions in the model is linked to the creation of bosonic excitations, which counteracts the melting of the CDW order. For low-energy quenches corresponding to a change of the boson relaxation rate, we find behavior similar to that in an effective t−V model. When the boson energy is quenched instead or a light pulse is applied to the system, the transient dynamics are more complex, with the CDW order first quickly decreasing to an intermediate value while the density-wave-like order of the bosons rises. In the case of pulse irradiation, the subsequent time evolution of the CDW order depends strongly on the photon frequency. For frequencies slightly below the boson energy, we observe a temporary increase of the CDW order parameter. Our results reveal the complex physics of driven Mott insulators in low-dimensional systems with strong correlations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Parameter-Free Tour of the Binary Black Hole Population
Authors: Callister Thomas A. , Farr Will M.
Published: April 2024

The continued operation of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo gravitational-wave detectors is enabling the first detailed measurements of the mass, spin, and redshift distributions of the merging binary black hole population. Our present knowledge of these distributions, however, is based largely on strongly parametric models. Such models typically assume the distributions of binary parameters to be superpositions of “building block” features like power laws, peaks, dips, and breaks. Although this approach has yielded great progress in the initial characterization of the compact binary population, the strong assumptions entailed often leave it unclear which physical conclusions are driven by observation and which by the specific choice of model. In this paper, we instead model the merger rate of binary black holes as an unknown autoregressive process over the space of binary parameters, allowing us to measure the distributions of binary black hole masses, redshifts, component spins, and effective spins with near-complete agnosticism. We find the primary mass spectrum of binary black holes to be doubly peaked, with a fairly flat continuum that steepens at high masses. We identify signs of unexpected structure in the redshift distribution of binary black holes: a uniform-in-comoving volume merger rate at low redshift followed by an increase in the merger rate beyond redshift z≈0.5. Finally, we find that the distribution of black hole spin magnitudes is unimodal and concentrated at small but nonzero values, and that spin orientations span a wide range of spin-orbit misalignment angles but are also moderately unlikely to be truly isotropic.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Information Propagation in Multilayer Systems with Higher-Order Interactions across Timescales
Authors: Nicoletti Giorgio , Busiello Daniel Maria
Published: April 2024

Complex systems are characterized by multiple spatial and temporal scales. A natural framework to capture their multiscale nature is that of multilayer networks, where different layers represent distinct physical processes that often regulate each other indirectly. We model these regulatory mechanisms through triadic higher-order interactions between nodes and edges. In this work, we focus on how the different timescales associated with each layer impact their reciprocal effective couplings. First, we rigorously derive a decomposition of the joint probability distribution of any dynamical process acting on such multilayer networks. By inspecting this probabilistic structure, we unravel the general principles governing how information propagates across timescales, elucidating the interplay between mutual information and causality in multiscale systems. In particular, we show that feedback interactions, i.e., those representing regulatory mechanisms from slow to fast variables, generate mutual information between layers. On the contrary, direct interactions, i.e., from fast to slow layers, can propagate this information only under certain conditions that depend solely on the structure of the underlying higher-order couplings. We introduce the mutual information matrix for multiscale observables to capture these emergent functional couplings. We apply our results to study archetypal examples of biological signaling networks and effective environmental dependencies in stochastic processes. Our framework generalizes to any dynamics on multilayer networks, paving the way for a deeper understanding of how the multiscale nature of real-world systems shapes their information content and complexity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Engineering 3D Floquet Codes by Rewinding
Authors: Dua Arpit , Tantivasadakarn Nathanan , Sullivan Joseph , Ellison Tyler D.
Published: April 2024

Floquet codes are a novel class of quantum error-correcting codes with dynamically generated logical qubits arising from a periodic schedule of noncommuting measurements. We utilize the interpretation of measurements in terms of condensation of topological excitations and the rewinding of measurement sequences to engineer new examples of Floquet codes. In particular, rewinding is advantageous for obtaining a desired set of instantaneous stabilizer groups on both toric and planar layouts. Our first example is a Floquet code with instantaneous stabilizer codes that have the same topological order as the three-dimensional (3D) toric code(s). This Floquet code also exhibits a splitting of the topological order of the 3D toric code under the associated sequence of measurements, i.e., an instantaneous stabilizer group of a single copy of the 3D toric code in one round transforms into an instantaneous stabilizer group of two copies of the 3D toric code up to nonlocal stabilizers in the following round. We further construct boundaries for this 3D code and argue that stacking it with two copies of the 3D subsystem toric code allows for a transversal implementation of the logical non-Clifford controlled-controlled-Z gate. We also show that the coupled-layer construction of the X-cube Floquet code can be modified by a rewinding schedule such that each of the instantaneous stabilizer codes is finite depth equivalent to the X-cube model up to toric codes; the X-cube Floquet code exhibits a splitting of the X-cube model into a copy of the X-cube model and toric codes under the measurement sequence. Our final 3D example is a generalization of the 2D Floquet toric code on the honeycomb lattice to three dimensions, which has instantaneous stabilizer codes with the same topological order as the 3D fermionic toric code.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
At-wavelength metrology of an X-ray mirror using a downstream wavefront modulator
Authors: Zhou Tunhe , Hu Lingfei , Wang Hongchang
Published: April 2024

At-wavelength metrology of X-ray optics plays a crucial role in evaluating the performance of optics under actual beamline operating conditions, enabling in situ diagnostics and optimization. Techniques utilizing a wavefront random modulator have gained increasing attention in recent years. However, accurately mapping the measured wavefront slope to a curved X-ray mirror surface when the modulator is downstream of the mirror has posed a challenge. To address this problem, an iterative method has been developed in this study. The results demonstrate a significant improvement compared with conventional approaches and agree with offline measurements obtained from optical metrology. We believe that the proposed method enhances the accuracy of at-wavelength metrology techniques, and empowers them to play a greater role in beamline operation and optics fabrication.
Understanding masstige wine brands’ potential for consumer-brand relationships
Authors: Rodrigues Paula , Sousa Ana , Borges Ana Pinto , Matos Graça Ramos Paulo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to fill various gaps detected in the literature on mass prestige (hereafter referred to as masstige) theory. The originality of the work stems from the multidimensional application of Paul’s (2015) model, the introduction of brand addiction as a construct from the consumer-brand relationship (CBR) theory within the context of wines and the exploration of a new and less studied sector in masstige strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was distributed to collect data from masstige wine brand buyers in Portugal, of whom 166 completed the questionnaire correctly. A conceptual model was developed and tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings include that only two dimensions of Paul’s (2015) masstige scale affect brand addiction: brand knowledge and excitement and status. Brand addiction has a positive effect on brand loyalty and electronic word of mouth (eWOM), and brand loyalty has a positive impact on eWOM. Theoretical and managerial implications were explored.

Originality/value

This research added a CBR perspective to masstige theory and applied masstige theory to wine brands for the first time. These three distinctive aspects collectively contribute to the novelty and significance of the research, opening up exciting possibilities for future investigations and providing a valuable contribution to the academic community and the wine industry alike.
Roti Azan: post-pandemic competitive strategy
Authors: Abd Jalil Abdul Rahim , Adham Khairul Akmaliah , Abd Aziz Sumaiyah
Published: April 2024

Learning outcomes

After completion of the case study, students are expected to demonstrate understanding of the process of strategy formulation (which include conducting situational analysis) and strategy implementation.

Case overview/synopsis

Perusahaan Azan, which trades under the brand name Roti Azan for its fresh bread and Azan for its dry bread or rusks, was established as a family business in 1968 by Haji Abu Bakar bin Ali in his hometown in Kuala Pilah, in the state of Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia. In the mid-1980s, the management of the business was passed on by Haji Abu Bakar to one of his sons, Haji Mohd Ghazali bin Haji Abu Bakar. Haji Ghazali was named managing director in 1985 and officially inherited his father’s company in 1987. By 2004, Perusahaan Azan breads had started to penetrate major grocery stores nationwide, and later the business began to expand internationally in 2010, with Oman and Iraq among the first countries it ventured into. The company sold both its fresh and dry bread in local stores; however, in the international market, only dry bread types were sold, specifically wholemeal rusks and long rusks, which had longer shelf lives. Post-pandemic, by 2022, the company had exited the retail fresh bread market and had focused only on its contractual fresh bread and retail dry bread markets. He thought about the main strategic choices he had of going forward, either to revive its retail fresh bread segment or venture into a coffee shop business. The former was the bread and butter of the company in the last 50 years. However, he knew that re-entering this market was getting more difficult, as it requires competing head-to-head with the giant breadmakers. There were also issues of rising costs and high wastage. For the latter coffee shop project, the company did not have experience in directly “serving” the customers, with its businesses so far had been mainly in production. He pondered on the best decision to undertake to sustain the company’s profitability into the next generation. Few family businesses can pass this crucial stage. He knew he had to act fast to ensure that the company’s plans for the future could be successfully implemented. The case study is suitable for use in teaching courses in strategic management, organisational management and integrated case study for advanced undergraduates and postgraduates in the programmes of business administration, Muamalat administration and accounting.

Complexity academic level

The case study is suitable for use in advanced undergraduate students in management, business administration, Muamalat administration and postgraduate students in MBA, Master in Muamalat Administration or other related master’s programmes with a course in strategic management, organisational management and integrated case study.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
The effects of expertise diversity on efficiency and creativity in healthcare project teams
Authors: Yoo Sangok , Kang Ji Yun
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effects of expertise diversity on project efficiency and creativity in health-care project teams.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes hierarchical linear models using multi-source data from 50 project teams in a large health-care organization in the USA. This data set includes self-reported survey responses from 274 team members and human resource information for all 515 members across the 50 teams. Expertise diversity is operationalized by professional diversity and positional diversity reflecting two dimensions, domain and level, of the concept of expertise.

Findings

This study reveals that professional diversity is negatively related to project efficiency and project creativity, whereas positional diversity is positively related to project efficiency.

Originality/value

Successfully managing a project team of experts within a limited time frame is a challenge for organizations. This study advances the understanding of the double-edged sword effect of expertise diversity on project teams, focusing on professional and positional diversity. It provides important insights for human resource development in terms of the composition of project teams regarding members’ expertise.
How healthcare entrepreneurship enhances ecosystem outcomes: the relationship between venture capital-funded start-ups and county-level health
Authors: Gai Yunwei , Crocker Alia , Brush Candida , Glover Wiljeana Jackson
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Research has examined how new ventures strengthen local economic outcomes; however, limited research examines health-oriented ventures and their impact on social outcomes, including health outcomes. Increased VC investment in healthcare service start-ups signals more activity toward this end, and the need for further academic inquiry. We examine the relationship between these start-ups and county-level health outcomes, health factors, and hospital utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on start-ups funded via institutional venture capital from PitchBook were merged with US county-level outcomes from the County Health Rankings and Area Health Resources Files for 2010 to 2019. We investigated how the number of VC-funded healthcare service start-ups, as well as a subset defined as innovative, were associated with county-level health measures. We used panel models with two-way fixed effects and Propensity Score Matched (PSM), controlling for demographics and socioeconomic factors.

Findings

Each additional VC-funded healthcare service start-up was related to a significant 0.01 percentage point decrease in diabetes prevalence (p < 0.01), a decrease of 1.54 HIV cases per 100,000 population (p < 0.1), a 0.02 percentage point decrease in obesity rates (p < 0.01), and a 0.03 percentage point decrease in binge drinking (p < 0.01). VC-funded healthcare service start-ups were not related to hospital utilization.

Originality/value

This work expands our understanding of how industry-specific start-ups, in this case healthcare start-ups, relate to positive social outcomes. The results underscore the importance of evidence-based evaluation, the need for expanded outcome measures for VC investment, and the possibilities for integration of healthcare services and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Nonlinear effects of climate change on tourism development: evidence from China
Authors: Wang Tingwei , Zhang Hui , Wang Ya
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to have a deeper understanding of the nonlinear relationship between the impact of climate change on tourism development. Current studies on the effects of climate change on tourism development primarily rely on linear correlation assumptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the New Institutional Economics theory, the institutional setting inherently motivates and ensures the growth of the tourism industry. For a precise evaluation of the nonlinear consequences of climate change on tourism, this paper concentrates on Chinese cities between 2011 and 2021, methodically analyzing the influence of climate change on tourism.

Findings

The study findings suggest that there is an “inverse U”-shaped nonlinear relationship between climate change and tourism development, initially strengthening and subsequently weakening. Based on these findings, the research further delves into how institutional contexts shape the nonlinear association between climate change and tourism growth. It was found that in a higher institutional backdrop, the “inverse U” curve tends to flatten and surpass the curve adjusted for a lesser institutional context. Upon deeper mechanism analysis, it was observed that cities with more advanced marketization, improved industrial restructuring and enhanced educational growth exhibit a more evident “inverse U”-shaped nonlinear connection between climate change and tourism evolution.

Originality/value

First, previous studies on climate change and tourism development largely rely on questionnaire data (Hu et al., 2022). In contrast to these studies, this paper uses dynamic panel data, which to some extent overcomes the subjectivity and difficulty of causality identification in questionnaire data, making our research conclusions more accurate and reliable. Second, this study breaks through the linear relationship hypothesis of previous literature regarding climate change and tourism development. By evaluating the nonlinear relationship of climate change to tourism development from the institutional pressure perspective, it more intricately delineates their interplay mechanism, expanding and supplementing the research literature on the relationship mechanism between climate change and tourism development. Thirdly, the conclusions of this study are beneficial for policymakers to better understand and assess the scope of climate change impacts. It also aids relevant departments in clarifying the direction of institutional environment optimization to elevate the level of tourism development when faced with adverse impacts brought about by climate change.
Spillover effects of data breach on consumer perceptions: evidence from the E-commerce industry
Authors: Park Jaeyoung , Shin Woosik , Kim Beomsoo , Kim Miyea
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the spillover effects of data breaches from a consumer perspective in the e-commerce context. Specifically, we investigate how an online retailer’s data breach affects consumers’ privacy risk perceptions of competing firms, and further how it affects shopping intention for the competitors. We also examine how the privacy risk contagion effect varies depending on the characteristics of competitors and their competitive responses.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted two scenario-based experiments with surveys. To assess the spillover effects and the moderating effects, we employed an analysis of covariance. We also performed bootstrapping-based mediation analyses using the PROCESS macro.

Findings

We find evidence for the privacy risk contagion effect and demonstrate that it negatively influences consumers’ shopping intention for a competing firm. We also find that a competitor’s cybersecurity message is effective in avoiding the privacy risk contagion effect and the competitor even benefits from it.

Originality/value

While previous studies have examined the impacts of data breaches on customer perceptions of the breached firm, our study focuses on customer perceptions of the non-breached firms. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to provide empirical evidence for the negative spillover effects of a data breach from a consumer perspective. More importantly, this study empirically demonstrates that the non-breached competitor’s competitive response is effective in preventing unintended negative spillover in the context of the data breach.
How does excess cash affect corporate financial performance?
Authors: Kalash Ismail
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This article analyzes the moderating role of investment opportunities, business risk and agency costs in shaping the nexus between excess cash and corporate performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses dynamic regression models (two-step system generalized method of moments) to analyze the data related to 200 Turkish companies listed on Borsa Istanbul (BIST) for the years between 2009 and 2020.

Findings

The findings indicate that when excess cash increases, the financial performance deteriorates only for firms with lower investments compared to firms with more investments. In addition, investment contributes to better financial performance for firms that hold cash surplus, whereas the influence of investment is insignificant for firms that have insufficient cash. Agency costs of equity exacerbate the adverse impact of excess cash on financial performance while agency costs of debt mitigate this effect. Excess cash reduces the financial performance of highly leveraged firms. However, this impact becomes insignificant when debt ratio decreases. The findings also show that investment has more significant role than business risk in building the precautionary motive to hold cash.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this article are limited to the Turkish market. Future research is still needed in other emerging markets to compare the results and reveal more about the effect of excess cash on firm performance, and how other factors can change this effect.

Practical implications

The findings verify the increased significance of excess cash in the presence of investment opportunities and difficulties in accessing external funds. Nevertheless, the role of the equity related agency problem in reducing the benefits of cash surplus confirms the necessity of policies that support corporate governance, especially in emerging markets.

Originality/value

This article, according to the knowledge of author, is the first to examine the role of agency costs associated with debt and equity, and the compound effect of investment opportunities and business risk on the nexus between excess internal funds and corporate financial performance in emerging markets.
Climate change and the financial performance of basic materials companies: empirical evidence in Vietnam
Authors: Thi Nguyen My-Linh , Huu Nguyen Tuan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study examines the evidence of the impact of climate change on the financial performance of basic materials companies in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sample includes eighty-two basic materials companies listed on the Vietnamese stock market from 2003 to 2022. This study used one-way and two-way fixed-effects feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) estimation methods.

Findings

Climate change, measured through variables including changes in temperature, average rainfall, greenhouse gas emissions and rising sea levels, has a negative impact on the financial performance of companies in this industry. The study also found that, with rising temperatures, the financial performance of steel manufacturing companies decreased less than that of coal mining and forestry companies, but increasing greenhouse gases and rising sea levels reduced the financial performance of steel companies. We did not find evidence of any difference in the impact of climate change on the financial performance of basic materials companies before and after the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 21). This is a new finding, which is consistent with empirical studies in Vietnam and different from previous studies in that it provides new evidence on the impact of climate change on the financial performance of basic materials companies in the Vietnamese market and cross-checks the impact of climate change by sector and over time.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first articles on climate change and the financial performance of basic materials companies.
An implementation model for socio-technical digital tools
Authors: Kassem Bassel , Rossini Matteo , Frecassetti Stefano , Costa Federica , Portioli Staudacher Alberto
Published: April 2024

Purpose

While Digitalisation is gaining momentum among practitioners and the scientific world, there is still a struggle to embark on the digitalisation journey successfully. The struggles are more significant for SMEs compared to large companies. Such transformation could face internal resistance, which evokes the need to put it into a socio-technical perspective such as lean. This paper investigates how SMEs could implement digital tools and technologies in their operations.

Design/methodology/approach

We relied on a multiple case study design in three SME manufacturing companies in Italy. Based on the experience of those companies, the struggles in the implementation and the lessons learned, we formulate an implementation model of digital tools driven by lean thinking.

Findings

Companies tend to implement first digital tools that help with real-time data collection and stress that introducing digital tools becomes challenging without reducing waste in production. The model stresses top management commitment, middle-line involvement and operator training to resist change. All these factors coincide with socio-technical lean bundles developed by seminal works. In addition, the study highlights that financial incentives are not necessarily the common barrier to digital tools implementation in SMEs but rather the cultural aspect.

Originality/value

Our paper enriches the extant body of knowledge by deriving knowledge around digitalisation implementation through lessons learned and corrective actions. It allows managers to benchmark and compare the current state of the implementation process with that of other companies and the one proposed to make corrective actions when necessary.
Building a thematic framework of cybersecurity: a systematic literature review approach
Authors: Khaw Tze Yin , Amran Azlan , Teoh Ai Ping
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the factors affecting cybersecurity implementation in organizations in various countries and develop a cybersecurity framework to improve cybersecurity practices within organizations for cybersecurity risk management through a systematic literature review (SLR) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This SLR adhered to RepOrting Standards for Systematics Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) publication standards and used various research approaches. The study’s article selection process involved using Scopus, one of the most important scientific databases, to review articles published between 2014 and 2023.

Findings

This review identified the four main themes: individual factors, organizational factors, technological factors and governmental role. In addition, nine subthemes that relate to these primary topics were established.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on the multifaceted nature of cybersecurity by exploring factors influencing implementation and developing an improvement framework, offering valuable insights for researchers to advance theoretical developments, assisting industry practitioners in tailoring cybersecurity strategies to their needs and providing policymakers with a basis for creating more effective cybersecurity regulations and standards.
Electronic public service delivery: progress and challenges in Bangladesh
Authors: Huque Ahmed Shafiqul , Ferdous Jannatul
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the state of electronic service delivery in Bangladesh. It reviews the structure and operation of the “e-service” centers at the district, sub-district (upazila), and union levels by taking an inventory and assessing their contributions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of the functions and operations of the service delivery agencies with reference to the claims made by the government. It is based on secondary materials obtained from academic studies, government documents, relevant websites, and media reports.

Findings

Electronic delivery of public services in Bangladesh has not been effective as planned. There are issues regarding channels of communication, the competence of public officials, human and financial resources, and political will to support the agencies delivering public services.

Originality/value

The paper examines the arrangements, practices, and problems of delivery of public services in Bangladesh through e-service centers at the local levels to determine the progress and potentials of employing digital technology for addressing problems. It proposes the strategy for public service delivery by using digital technology in the country.
Negotiating with technology: advancing the virtual in qualitative research methods
Authors: Kanjilal Mahuya , Davis Jennifer , Arnull Elaine
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to describe key elements that are critical to virtual qualitative research especially while working with practitioners as participants.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes a reflexive researcher approach using a case study to explore how researchers adopted a qualitative research approach using digital technology. We use five principles suggested by Boland et al. (2022) as a framework to consider and reflect on our experiences as researchers and those of our participants.

Findings

We highlight the gatekeeper’s support, trusted relationship with the organisations, interpersonal skills of interviewers, stringent measures of securing data and shared experiences of interviewee and interviewers helped complete virtual research. We recommend that four key factors such as digital competency, feasibility, flexibility and resilience should be considered while undertaking or commissioning virtual, qualitative research studies.

Originality/value

Social care practitioners and qualitative researchers increasingly negotiate with digital technologies to undertake their work. In this paper, we evidence how online qualitative approaches can be effective provided challenges are dealt with diligently in each stage of the research process.
Bridging the gap: state-of-the-art on vertical integration
Authors: Beal Partyka Raul , Laureano Paiva Ely
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present the vertical integration state-of-the-art and propose an expansion of the operations and supply chain management (OSCM) field by identifying gaps and bottlenecks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a systematic literature review based on a sample of 173 OSCM field articles, collected from Scopus and Web of Science databases.

Findings

There are no single factors, such as future costs, structures or skills development, in the decision to vertically integrate operations. It is necessary to combine the vision of production costs with the perspective of governance and transaction costs. In addition, it is essential to consider the competency perspective and its impact on capability building.

Research limitations/implications

Few studies have attempted to understand how vertical integration is used in terms of OSCM research themes and theories. Vertical integration can help companies face challenges and serve as a potential solution for achieving better prices, demand control and quality management.

Practical implications

The significant role of vertical integration mechanisms in supply chains is crucial for managers evaluating a firm's reconfiguration with more vertical operations. Policymakers interested in supporting the smoothness of vertical integration decisions in regulatory agencies play a key role as contingencies.

Social implications

In times of global challenges, vertical integration is a strategy known to be more effective for firms to obtain a competitive advantage, making them more resilient.

Originality/value

This paper addresses gaps in the vertical integration theme and provides insights for future research development.
A systematic review of the socio-cultural and economic value of Ghanaian weaving art tradition
Authors: Fobiri George Kwame , Howard Ebenezer Kofi , Ayesu Solomon Marfo , Timpabi Ama Kour , Oppong Diana
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of Ghanaian weaving art tradition to humanity from socio-cultural and economic points of view. This study sought to answer questions such as “What is the interest of researchers regarding Ghanaian textile weaving art tradition?”, “To what extent has weaving art tradition projected the Ghanaian culture?” and “What is the socio-economic value of Ghanaian weaving art tradition?”

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review approach was used to analyse data obtained from the Scopus online database. The PRISMA framework was adopted to select 22 relevant studies for analysis and conclusions. Also, the VOSviewer software was used to analyse and understand the co-occurrence of keywords.

Findings

It was revealed that Ghanaian weaving art tradition stands as a major craft that projects Ghana globally. Researchers around the world keep adding knowledge on Ghanaian traditional weaving and its value to humanity, resulting in a significant rise recently in the publication trend. Also, the rich cloth from the art is celebrated annually to invite people around the globe to learn the Ghanaian culture for social development. This study again found that traditional weaving serves as a major source of income for weavers and marketers of indigenous Ghanaian woven fabrics.

Practical implications

The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call to the Government of Ghana, institutional actors and national leaders to practically engage in the projection of the local art by playing individual roles such as financially supporting the craftsmen, initiating and implementing appropriate policies and displaying the local cloth on international occasions. This will make the local art more attractive for effective marketing and cultural preservation.

Originality/value

With reliable information extracted from the Scopus online database, this study presents original results and makes appropriate suggestions worth adopting for the improvement of the Ghanaian weaving art tradition.
To lose is to win: Long‐term co‐occurrence of two asexual populations realized by a dormant strategy of the inferior competitor
Authors: Maruoka Natsumi , Yamaki Kenyu , Makino Wataru , Urabe Jotaro
Published: April 2024

Asexual organisms are ubiquitous. While being members of a single species with the same ecological requirements, multiple asexual genotypes within a species are often found in a single habitat. Niche partitioning in time and space among genotypes has been proposed to explain this phenomenon. However, it is not clear whether these different genotypes co‐occur in the long term.

Therefore, we examined the population dynamics of two asexual Daphnia cf. pulex genotypes (JPN1 and JPN2) over 9 years in a small mountain lake. These two genotypes consistently occurred in the same seasons and layers, suggesting that niche partitioning cannot explain their long‐term co‐occurrence. The abundance of JPN1 was typically higher in most years. However, the abundance of dormant eggs in lake sediments was at the same level between the genotypes.

Results of a laboratory experiment showed that JPN1 competitively excluded JPN2. However, many JPN2 individuals produced dormant eggs before JPN1 competitively excluded them from the experiment. Furthermore, the competitively inferior JPN2 produced dormant eggs abundantly in the medium containing a crowding cue from JPN1 while no such trend was observed for JPN1.

These results showed that a competitively inferior asexual genotype could maintain a population with a competitively superior genotype for a long period of time because it had the ability to detect an increase in competitors and produce dormant eggs each year before being competitively eliminated.

Based on these results, we suggest that the variation in genotype‐specific response in dormant egg production to environmental change plays a key role in the long‐term co‐occurrence of different asexual genotypes in single habitats.

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Double‐difference constrained reflection tomography in two‐dimensional elastic media
Authors: Zhang Kai , Yang Haotian , Li Zhenchun , Hu Min
Published: April 2024

The inverted velocity model obtained from the reflection tomography based on the angle domain common‐image gathers has a certain fuzziness. The inverted velocity model's stratigraphic interface is always not clear enough in areas with complex stratigraphic structure. In order to improve the accuracy and resolution of the inverted velocity model, a double‐difference constraint condition is added on the basis of minimizing the absolute travel‐time residual at the subsurface imaging points. This constraint makes the inverted velocity model local structure information more refined by minimizing the differential travel‐time residual at adjacent imaging points (i.e. closely spaced points within the same layer) and makes the variation of velocity model information within a certain range more accurate. The method in this paper is based on angle domain common‐image gathers, the tomography inversion equation is established by using the ray tracing method, and the conversion relationship between the traveltime residual and the residual curvature of the angle domain common‐image gathers. Then, by adding differential constraint and double‐differential constraint conditions and using the least squares QR decomposition method to solve the set of equations, the inverted velocity model can be obtained through multiple iterations, which provides a high‐precision velocity field for the migration and improves the accuracy of seismic imaging. Numerical experiments on both one typical model and a field data example demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed double‐difference constrained elastic reflection tomography in generating high‐precision velocity models.
Mujeres Públicas and women in public: Scrutinising the history of prostitution in eighteenth‐ and nineteenth‐century Mexico
Authors: Jaffary Nora E. , Londoño Luis
Published: April 2024

Past studies of prostitution have mislabelled Mexican women as prostitutes when it is not clear that they had engaged in transactional sex. Here, we examine the history of prostitution between 1750 and 1865, detailing both legal frameworks and judicial evidence to address the reasons for the inflation of prostitution's presence in Mexico. These sources reveal that the exaggeration of prostitution's presence is explained by the fact that prostitution was often associated with another legal category – amancebamiento (cohabitation), and that female cohabiters were recreated in the minds of court officials and other observers when their ‘scanadalous’ behaviour rendered them prostitutes.
A novel QTL region for pH and meat color in Duroc pigs
Authors: Molinero Eduard , Pena Ramona N. , Estany Joan , Ros‐Freixedes Roger
Published: April 2024

One of the most important processes that occur during the transformation of muscle to meat is the pH decline as a consequence of the post‐mortem metabolism of muscle tissue. Abnormal pH declines lead to pork defects such as pale, soft, and exudative meat. There is genetic variance for ultimate pH and the role of some genes on this phenotype is well established. After conducting a genome‐wide association study on ultimate pH using 526 purebred Duroc pigs, we identified associated regions on Sus scrofa chromosomes (SSC) 3, 8, and 15. Functional candidate genes in these regions included PRKAG3 and PHKG1. The SSC8 region, at 71.6 Mb, was novel and, although no candidate causative gene could be identified, it may have regulatory effects. Subsequent analysis on 828 pigs from the same population confirmed the impact of the three associated regions on pH and meat color. We detected no interaction between the three regions. Further investigations are necessary to unravel the functional significance of the novel genomic region at SSC8. These variants could be used as markers in marker‐assisted selection for improving meat quality.
Nasal ala V‐Y island flap with a superior vascular pedicle based on inferior perforators of the superior alar artery
Authors: Read Jazlyn , Coates Dougal , Pagliaro John , Gaspar Zoran
Published: April 2024

For small defects of the anterior nasal ala, a V‐Y pedicle advancement flap within the subunit is a useful repair option. Here we propose a modification of this technique, utilising careful dissection to identify inferior perforators of the superior alar artery. Basing this flap on a visualised vascular pedicle aims to prevent common complications of internal mucosal buckling and free margin notching, by allowing more extensive dissection without compromising the vascularity of the flap.
PDE5is‐naïve versus non‐naïve patients at first investigation for erectile dysfunction—findings from a long‐term, real‐life cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cilio Simone , Capogrosso Paolo , Pozzi Edoardo , Belladelli Federico , Corsini Christian , Raffo Massimiliano , Candela Luigi , Fallara Giuseppe , Boeri Luca , d'Arma Alessia , Imbimbo Ciro , Mirone Vincenzo , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: April 2024

Background

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) represent a first‐line pharmacological therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED). Men could obtain PDE5is for recreational purposes without any proper medical prescription.

Objective

We aimed to analyze clinical characteristics of patients who already used any PDE5i for ED without previous formal medical prescription.

Materials and methods

Data from 2012 heterosexual, sexually active men seeking first medical help for ED at our outpatient clinic between 2005 and 2022 were analyzed. All patients were assessed with a comprehensive sexual and medical history and completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) at baseline. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Thereof, according to exposure to any PDE5i before their first visit, patients were subdivided into: PDE5i‐naïve and non‐PDE5i‐naïve patients. Descriptive statistics tested the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of both groups. A logistic regression model predicted the likelihood of being PDE5i‐naïve at the baseline. Linear regression analysis (LRA) estimated the likelihood of being PDE5i‐naïve versus non‐PDE5i‐naïve over the analyzed timeframe. Lastly, local polynomial regression models graphically explored the likelihood of being PDE5i‐naïve at the first clinical assessment over the analyzed timeframe, and the sensitivity analyses tested the probability of being PDE5i‐naïve at baseline.

Results

Overall, 1,491 (70.9%) patients were PDE5i‐naïve and 611 (29.1%) were non‐PDE5i‐naïve at the first assessment. PDE5is‐naïve patients were younger, with a lower prevalence of CCI ≥ 1 and of normal erectile function (EF) than non‐PDE5i‐naïve men (all p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression found that patients with lower BMI (OR: 0.99), higher IIEF‐EF scores (OR: 1.02), lower rates of severe ED (OR: 0.94), and who had been assessed earlier throughout the study timeframe (OR: 1.27) were less likely to be PDE5i‐naïve at baseline. Univariate LRA revealed that younger patients (Coeff: −0.02), with lower CCI (Coeff: −0.29) and higher alcohol intake per week (Coeff: 0.52) were more likely to be PDE5i‐naïve over the analyzed timeframe. Moreover, for the same IIEF‐EF score, patients with higher CCI had lower probability of being PDE5i‐naïve.

Conclusions

Self‐prescription of PDE5is is an attitude presents in the general population, despite this phenomenon has decreased overtime. Current data outline the importance to keep promoting educational campaigns to promote PDE5is as effective and safe medicinal products, while avoiding their improper use.