bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilising selection enriches the tails of complex traits with rare alleles of large effect
Authors: Ori Anil P.S. , Giner-Delgado Carla , Hoggart Clive J. , O’Reilly Paul F.
Published: September 2024

Establishing the relative contribution of common and rare variants to complex trait heritability is a key goal of biomedical research. Recent statistical genetics inference suggests that common variants explain most complex trait heritability, but little is known about how genetic architecture varies across the trait continuum. If rare variants make a small contribution to heritability but have their effects concentrated in the tails of complex traits, where disease typically manifests, then they may have a greater clinical impact than previously inferred. Here, we perform simulations using the forward-in-time simulator SLiM to generate realistic population genetic and complex trait data, in which traits evolve under neutrality or stabilising selection. Recent studies suggest that stabilising selection is the dominant force shaping the genetic architecture of complex traits, consistent with our simulations in that data simulated under stabilising selection here more closely resembles real data. Moreover, we observe a shift of rare, large-effect alleles towards the tails of the complex trait distribution under stabilising selection. In our simulations, individuals in the tails of complex traits are, depending on the strength of selection, 10-20x more likely to harbour singleton or extremely rare alleles of large effect under stabilising selection than neutrality. Such an enrichment of rare, large-effect alleles in the tails of real complex traits subject to stabilising selection could have important implications for the design of studies to detect rare variants, as well as for the prediction and prevention of complex disease.
A flavin-based extracellular electron transfer strategy in a novel gram-positive microbeMicrobacterium deferresp. nov. strain A1-JK, isolated from cable bacteria enrichments
Authors: Lustermans Jamie J.M. , Basu Naja , Aiyer Kartik
Published: September 2024

Microbacteriaceaeare a class of metabolically versatile gram-positive bacteria found in diverse environments. In sediments populated with filamentous cable bacteria, electric interspecies interactions between microbes and cable bacteria have been suggested. A novel, gram-positive bacterium,Microbacterium deferrestrain A1-JK was isolated from the vicinity of a cable bacterium filament, capable of extracellular electron transfer (EET) to Fe(III) oxides and electrodes. Electrochemical experiments with pure cultures ofM.deferreA1-JK in three-electrode cells revealed the presence of soluble mediators diffusing through the cell wall, identified through HPLC analysis as flavins. Genomic analyses further uncovered the complete riboflavin synthesis pathway, with heightened flavin production observed under oxygen-limited conditions to facilitate EET.M. deferreA1-JK encodes the periplasmic cytochrome FccA, responsible for transferring electrons on flavin carriers.M. deferreA1-JK exhibited a fast switch from aerobic metabolism to EET-based metabolism, aside from demonstrating weak electroactivity in alkaline (pH 8-10) and saline (4% NaCl) conditions. These results underscore its adaptability to use EET as an efficient survival strategy to deal with rapidly fluctuating sediment environments. These results hold promise for elucidating metabolic dynamics at oxic-anoxic interfaces along with further understanding of biogeochemical cycling in sediments.
RoCi - A Single Step Multi-Copy Integration System Based on Rolling-Circle Replication
Authors: Antsotegi-Uskola Martzel , D’Ambrosio Vasil , Jarczynska Zofia Dorota , Vanegas Katherina García , Morera-Gómez Martí , Wang Xinhui , Larsen Thomas Ostenfeld , Mouillon Jean-Marie , Mortensen Uffe Hasbro
Published: September 2024

Fungi are often used as cell factories for homologous and heterologous production of enzymes and metabolites. One strategy to obtain high yielding strains is to enhance the expression level of the gene(s) responsible for production of the product by inserting multiple copies of the gene-expression cassette. Typically, this is achieved by transforming non-homologous end-joining proficient strains with large amounts of a DNA vector, which randomly integrates in multiple copies at different loci, or more often, into a single locus with copies arranged as mixed orientation repeats. The majority of strains produced in this manner are unstable and substantial screening is necessary to identify strains with high and stable production. Moreover, the randomness of the insertion processes makes it difficult to determine how and where the copies are positioned in the genome. To this end, we envisioned that the instability of gene clusters made by the classical method is mostly due to the presence of a mixture of directly and inverted repeats. In such clusters, hairpins formed by inverted repeats may cause frequent recombinogenic lesions during replication to induce gene-expression cassette copy-loss by direct-repeat recombination. It is therefore possible that strains with gene-expression cassette clusters made solely by direct repeats would be more stable. UsingAspergillus nidulansas a model, we tested this idea and developed RoCi, a simple and efficient method to facilitate integration of multiple directly repeated gene-expression cassettes into a defined genomic locus through rolling-circle replication without pre-engineering requirements for strain preparation. In addition, we demonstrate that RoCi can be performed withoutE. colibased cloning, making it compatible with medium-high throughput experiments. Analyzing strains produced by RoCi, we have constructed strains bearing up to 68mRFPGECs and we show that anmRFPmulti-copy gene-array supports high and stable mRFP production for at least ∼150 generations on solid medium. In liquid culture we observed a minor average copy loss at 1 L scale. This loss could be eliminated by extending the gene-expression cassette with a crippled selection marker. To demonstrate the strength of the method, we used it to produce stable and high yielding cell factories for production of the specialized metabolite cordycepin on solid medium and of the enzyme β-glucuronidase in submerged culture. Finally, we show that RoCi can also be applied in the industrial workhorsesA. nigerandA. oryzaeindicating that RoCi is generally applicable in fungi.
Theory of particle beams transport over curved plasma-discharge capillaries
Authors: Frazzitta A. , Pompili R. , Rossi A. R.
Published: September 2024

We present a new approach that demonstrates the deflection and guiding of relativistic electron beams over curved paths by means of the magnetic field generated in a plasma-discharge capillary. The active bending plasma (ABP) represents a promising solution that has been recently demonstrated with a proof of principle experiment. An ABP device consists of a curved capillary where large discharges (of the order of kA) are propagated in a plasma channel. Unlike conventional bending magnets, in which the field is constant over the bending plane, in the ABP, the azimuthal magnetic field generated by the discharge grows with the distance from the capillary axis. This features makes the device less affected by the beam chromatic dispersion so that it can be used to efficiently guide particle beams with non-negligible energy spreads. The study we present in the following aims to provide a theoretical basis of the main ABP features by presenting an analytical description of a single-particle motion and rms beam dynamics. The retrieved relationships are verified by means of numerical simulations and provide the theoretical matrix formalism needed to completely characterize such a new transport device.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Algebraic symmetries of the observables on the sky: Variable emitters and observers
Authors: Korzyński Mikołaj , Uzun Nezihe
Published: September 2024

In this paper we prove a number of exact relations between optical observables, such as trigonometric parallax, position drift, and the proper motion of a luminous source, in addition to the variations of redshift and the viewing angle. These relations are valid in general relativity for any spacetime, and they are of potential interest for astrometry and precise cosmology. They generalize the well-known Etherington’s reciprocity relation between the angular diameter distance and the luminosity distance. Similar to the Etherington’s relation, they hold independently of the spacetime metric, the positions, and the motions of a light source or an observer. We show that those relations follow from the symplectic property of the bilocal geodesic operator, i.e., the geometric object that describes the light propagation between two distant regions of a spacetime. The set of relations we present is complete in the sense that no other relations between those observables should hold, in general. In the meantime, we develop the mathematical machinery of the bilocal approach to light propagation in general relativity and its corresponding Hamiltonian formalism.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Entanglement asymmetry study of black hole radiation
Authors: Ares Filiberto , Murciano Sara , Piroli Lorenzo , Calabrese Pasquale
Published: September 2024

Hawking’s discovery that black holes can evaporate through radiation emission has posed a number of questions that with time became fundamental hallmarks for a quantum theory of gravity. The most famous one is likely the information paradox, which finds an elegant explanation in the Page argument suggesting that a black hole and its radiation can be effectively represented by a random state of qubits. Leveraging the same assumption, we ponder the extent to which a black hole may display emergent symmetries, employing the entanglement asymmetry as a modern, information-based indicator of symmetry breaking. We find that for a random state devoid of any symmetry, a U(1) symmetry emerges and it is exact in the thermodynamic limit before the Page time. At the Page time, the entanglement asymmetry shows a finite jump to a large value. Our findings imply that the emitted radiation is symmetric up to the Page time and then undergoes a sharp transition. Conversely the black hole is symmetric only after the Page time.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Constraining
CP
Violating Nucleon-Nucleon Long-Range Interactions in Diatomic eEDM Searches
Authors: Baruch Chaja , Changala P. Bryan , Shagam Yuval , Soreq Yotam
Published: September 2024

The searches for CP violating effects in diatomic molecules, such as HfF+ and ThO, are typically interpreted as a probe of the electron’s electric dipole moment (eEDM), a new electron-nucleon interaction, and a new electron-electron interaction. However, in the case of a nonvanishing nuclear spin, a new CP violating nucleon-nucleon long-range force will also affect the measurement, providing a new interpretation of the eEDM experimental results. Here, we use the HfF+ eEDM search and derive a new bound on this hypothetical interaction, which is the most stringent from terrestrial experiments in the 1 eV–10 keV mass range. These multiple new physics sources motivate independent searches in different molecular species for CP violation at low energy that result in model independent bounds, which are insensitive to cancellation among them.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Deposition of highly crystalline AlScN thin films using synchronized high-power impulse magnetron sputtering: From combinatorial screening to piezoelectric devices
Authors: Patidar Jyotish , Thorwarth Kerstin , Schmitz-Kempen Thorsten , Kessels Roland , Siol Sebastian
Published: September 2024

With the integration of 5G in day-to-day devices and the foreseeable 6G revolution, demand for advanced radio frequency (RF) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is growing. Aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN) has emerged as the material of choice for many of those applications due to its superior piezoelectric and electromechanical properties compared to aluminum nitride (AlN). However, synthesizing high-quality, textured AlScN thin films is challenging. Alloying of Sc in AlN induces structural frustration leading to strain, defects, disoriented grains, and disrupted crystal symmetry during growth. Higher deposition temperatures, while improving crystalline quality, risk undesirable phase precipitation and limit industrial sustainability. In addition, future MEMS technologies also demand conformal and textured coatings over diverse topographies. Addressing these challenges collectively requires new and innovative synthesis approaches. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of ionized physical vapor deposition to deposit highly oriented AlScN films with minimal defects at lower temperatures. To this end, we employ combinations of different deposition approaches, such as metal-ion synchronized (MIS) high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). Leveraging the high ionization rates of HiPIMS and optimally timed substrate bias potentials, we selectively bombard the growing film with Al and/or Sc ions to enhance the adatom mobility at low temperatures while simultaneously providing the ability to tune stress and coat complex structures conformally. The nonequilibrium solubility of Sc in wurtzite AlN under different conditions is investigated using a combinatorial deposition approach. Promising candidates with ∼20% Sc composition are isolated and characterized for crystallinity and residual stress. Disoriented grains, a significant issue in growing AlScN films, are observed through atomic force microscopy and found to be completely removed by substrate rotation and application of substrate biasing. The measured piezoelectric response of the films with approximately 20% Sc concentration ranges from 6.3 to 8.8 pm/V, in line with density functional theory predictions and experimentally reported values for films deposited in a production tool with coplanar geometry. At the same time, MIS-HiPIMS-deposited films offer unique properties and flexibility to tune their stress state and structural properties, thus presenting exciting opportunities for the fabrication of advanced RF filters and next-generation MEMS devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Multiplexed quantum state transfer in waveguides
Authors: Peñas Guillermo F. , Puebla Ricardo , García-Ripoll Juan José
Published: September 2024

In this article, we consider a realistic waveguide implementation of a quantum network that serves as a testbed to show how to maximize the storage and manipulation of quantum information in QED setups. We analyze two approaches using wavepacket engineering and quantum state transfer protocols. First, we propose and design a family of orthogonal photons in the time domain. These photons allow for a selective interaction with distinct targeted qubits. Yet, mode multiplexing employing resonant nodes is largely spoiled by cross-talk effects. This motivates the second approach, namely, frequency multiplexing. Here we explore the limits of frequency multiplexing through the waveguide, analyzing its capabilities to host and faithfully transmit photons of different frequencies within a given bandwidth. We perform detailed one- and two-photon simulations and provide theoretical bounds for the fidelity of coherent quantum state transfer protocols under realistic conditions. Our results show that state-of-the-art experiments can employ dozens of multiplexed photons with global fidelities fulfilling the requirements imposed by fault-tolerant quantum computing. This is with the caveat that the conditions for single-photon fidelity are met.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quasi-boson approximation yields accurate correlation energy in the 2D electron gas
Authors: Wolf Tobias M. R. , Huang Chunli
Published: September 2024

We report the successful adaptation of the quasi-boson approximation, a technique traditionally employed in nuclear physics, to the analysis of the two-dimensional electron gas. We show that the correlation energy estimated from this approximation agrees closely with the results obtained from quantum Monte Carlo simulations. Our methodology comprehensively incorporates the exchange self-energy, direct scattering, and exchange scattering for a particle-hole pair excited out of the mean-field ground state within the equation-of-motion framework. The linearization of the equation of motion leads to a generalized random phase approximation (gRPA) eigenvalue equation whose spectrum indicates that the plasmon dispersion remains unaffected by exchange effects, while the particle-hole continuum experiences a marked upward shift due to the exchange self-energy. Using the gRPA excitation spectrum, we calculate the zero-point energy of the quasi-boson Hamiltonian, thereby approximating the correlation energy of the original Hamiltonian. This research highlights the potential and effectiveness of applying the quasi-boson approximation to the gRPA spectrum, a fundamental technique in nuclear physics, to extended condensed matter systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Entanglement signature in quantum work statistics in the slow-driving regime
Authors: Li Jian , Mitchison Mark T. , Moreira Saulo V.
Published: September 2024

In slowly driven classical systems, work is a stochastic quantity and its probability distribution is known to satisfy the work fluctuation-dissipation relation, which states that the mean and variance of the dissipated work are linearly related. Recently, it was shown that generation of quantum coherence in the instantaneous energy eigenbasis leads to a correction to this linear relation in the slow-driving regime. Here, we go even further by investigating nonclassical features of work fluctuations in setups with more than one system. To do this, we first generalize slow control protocols to encompass multipartite systems, allowing for the generation of quantum correlations during the driving process. Then, focusing on two-qubit systems, we show that entanglement generation leads to a positive contribution to the dissipated work, which is distinct from the quantum correction due to local coherence generation known from previous work. Our results show that entanglement generated during slow control protocols, e.g., as an unavoidable consequence of qubit crosstalk, comes at the cost of increased dissipation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mitigating Scattering in a Quantum System Using Only an Integrating Sphere
Authors: Jiang Zhenfei , Li Tian , Boone Matthew L. , Yi Zhenhuan , Sokolov Alexei V. , Agarwal Girish S. , Scully Marlan O.
Published: September 2024

Strong quantum correlated sources are essential but delicate resources for quantum information science and engineering protocols. Decoherence and loss are the two main disruptive processes that lead to the loss of nonclassical behavior in quantum correlations. In quantum systems, scattering can contribute to both decoherence and loss. In this work, we present an experimental scheme capable of significantly mitigating the adverse impact of scattering in quantum systems. Our quantum system is composed of a two-mode squeezed light generated with the four-wave-mixing process in hot rubidium vapor and a scatterer is introduced to one of the two modes. An integrating sphere is then placed after the scatterer to recollect the scattered photons. We use mutual information between the two modes as the measure of quantum correlations and demonstrate a 47.5% mutual information recovery from scattering, despite an enormous photon loss of greater than 85%. Our scheme is the very first step toward recovering quantum correlations from disruptive random processes and thus has the potential to bridge the gap between proof-of-principle demonstrations and practical real-world implementations of quantum protocols.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Big data analytics adoption success: value chain process-level perspective
Authors: El-Haddadeh Ramzi , Fadlalla Adam , Hindi Nitham M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Despite the considerable hype about how Big Data Analytics (BDA) can transform businesses and advance their capabilities, recognising its strategic value through successful adoption is yet to be appreciated. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the process-level value-chain realisation of BDA adoption between SMEs and large organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Resource-based theory offered the lens for developing a conceptual BDA process-level value chain adoption model. A combined two-staged regression-artificial neural network approach has been utilised for 369 small, medium (SMEs) and large organisations to verify their critical value chain process-level drivers for successful organisational adoption of BDA.

Findings

The findings revealed that organisational BDA adoption success is driven predominantly by product—and service-process-level value, with distinctive discrepancies dependent on the organisation’s size. Large organisations primarily embrace BDA for their external value chain dimensions, while SMEs encompass its internal value chain cues. As such, businesses will be advised to acknowledge their organisational dynamics and precise size to develop the right strategies to adopt BDA successfully.

Research limitations/implications

The study advances the understanding of the role of internal and external value chain drivers in influencing how BDA can be successfully adopted in SMEs and large organisations. Thus, appreciating the organisation’s unique attributes, including its size, will need to be carefully examined. By investigating these elements, this research has shed new light on how developing such innovative capabilities and competencies must be carefully crafted to help create a sustainable competitive advantage.

Practical implications

For an organisational positioning, acknowledging the role of internal and external value chain drivers is critical for implementing the right strategies for adopting BDA. For larger businesses, resources for innovation often can be widely available compared to SMEs. As such, they can manage their costs and associated risks resourcefully. By considering the identified value-chain-related adoption success factors, businesses should be better positioned to assess their competencies while being prepared to adopt BDA.

Originality/value

The study offers the research and business community empirical-based insights into the strategies needed to successfully adopt big data in an organisation from a process-level value chain perspective.
Identifying the parameters of ultracapacitors based on variable forgetting factor recursive least square
Authors: Zhang Bo , Chen Xi , You Hanwen , Jin Hong , Peng Hongxiang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Ultracapacitors find extensive applications in various fields because of their high energy density and long cycling periods. However, due to the movement of ions and the arrangement patterns on rough/irregular electrode surfaces during the charge and discharge process of ultracapacitors, the parameters of ultracapacitors usually change with the variation of operating conditions. The purpose of this study is to accurately and quickly identify the parameters of ultracapacitors.

Design/methodology/approach

A variable forgetting factor recursive least square (VFFRLS) algorithm is proposed in this paper for online identifying the equivalent series resistance and capacitance C of ultracapacitors. In this work, a real-time error-based strategy is developed to adaptively regulate the value of the forgetting factor of traditional forgetting factor recursive least square (FFRLS) algorithm. The strategy uses the square of the average time autocorrelation estimation of the prior error and the posterior error between the predicted output and the actual output as the adjustment basis of forgetting factors.

Findings

Experiments were conducted using the proposed scheme, and the results were compared with the estimation results obtained by the recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm and the traditional FFRLS algorithm. The maximum root mean square error between the estimated values and actual values for VFFRLS is 3.63%, whereas for FFRLS it is 9.61%, and for RLS it is 19.33%.

Originality/value

By using the proposed VFFRLS algorithm, a relatively high precision can be achieved for the online parameter estimation of ultracapacitors. Besides, the dynamic balance between parameter stability and tracking performance can be validated by dynamically adjusting the forgetting factor.
Metaverse technologies in hospitality: using the theory of consumption values to reveal consumer attitudes and trust factors
Authors: Chakraborty Debarun , Mehta Prashant , Khorana Sangeeta
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to apply the theory of consumption value to analyze the utilization of Metaverse technologies within hospitality and tourism while examining the factors that impact consumer intentions to use the Metaverse.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to consider an extensive study spanning the period October 2021 to March 2023 was conducted to understand the shifts in an individual's intention to use Metaverse technologies in hospitality.

Findings

The findings of this study confirm that individual attitudes to the Metaverse and trust in Metaverse technologies significantly impact their intention to use the Metaverse.

Practical implications

The study aims to provide fresh insights into how individuals perceive Metaverse technologies in the context of choosing hotels and resorts, which enriches the understanding of consumer behaviors around Metaverse technology in hospitality.

Originality/value

This study aims to consider not only tourist intentions to use the Metaverse but also how diverse consumption values impact user attitudes, an area currently underresearched.
Quantifying the relationship between US residential mobility and fire service call volume
Authors: Franqueville Juliette I. , Scott James G. , Ezekoye Ofodike A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected the fire service: stay-at-home orders and potential exposure hazards disrupted standard fire service operations and incident patterns. The ability to predict incident volume during such disruptions is crucial for dynamic and efficient staff allocation planning. This work proposes a model to quantify the relationship between the increase in “residential mobility” (i.e. time spent at home) due to COVID-19 and fire and emergency medical services (EMS) call volume at the onset of the pandemic (February – May 2020). Understanding this relationship is beneficial should mobility disruptions of this scale occur again.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was run on 56 fire departments that subscribe to the National Fire Operations Reporting System (NFORS). This platform enables fire departments to report and visualize operational data. The model consists of a Bayesian hierarchical model. Text comments reported by first responders were also analyzed to provide additional context for the types of incidents that drive the model’s results.

Findings

Overall, a 1% increase in residential mobility (i.e. time spent at home) was associated with a 1.43% and 0.46% drop in EMS and fire call volume, respectively. Around 89% and 21% of departments had a significant decrease in EMS and fire call volume, respectively, as time spent at home increased.

Originality/value

A few papers have investigated the impact of COVID-19 on fire incidents in a few locations, but none have covered an extensive number of fire departments. Additionally, no studies have investigated the relationship between mobility and fire department call volumes.
Prevalence of COVID-19 in prison population: a meta-analysis of 35 studies
Authors: SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Yarmohammadi Soudabeh , Farahani Rad Farid , Rasheed Muhammad Ali , Javaherian Mohammad , Afsahi Amir Masoud , Siami Haleh , Bagheri AmirBehzad , Zand Ali , Dadras Omid , Mehraeen Esmaeil
Published: September 2024

Purpose

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Considering the restricted and enclosed nature of prisons and closed environments and the prolonged and close contact between individuals, COVID-19 is more likely to have a higher incidence in these settings. This study aims to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 among prisoners.

Design/methodology/approach

Papers published in English from 2019 to July 7, 2023, were identified using relevant keywords such as prevalence, COVID-19 and prisoner in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar. For the meta-analysis of the prevalence, Cochrane’sQstatistics were calculated. A random effect model was used due to the heterogeneity in COVID-19 prevalence across included studies in the meta-analysis. All analyses were performed in STATA-13.

Findings

The pooled data presented a COVID-19 prevalence of 20% [95%CI: 0.13, 0.26] and 24% [95%CI: 0.07, 0.41], respectively, in studies that used PCR and antibody tests. Furthermore, two study designs, cross-sectional and cohort, were used. The results of the meta-analysis showed studies with cross-sectional and cohort designs reported 20% [95%CI: 0.11, 0.29] and 25% [95%CI: 0.13, 0.38], respectively.

Originality/value

Through more meticulous planning, it is feasible to reduce the number of individuals in prison cells, thereby preventing the further spread of COVID-19.
Females’ consumer engagement with fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) retail businesses in North-Western India
Authors: Thakur Pankaj , Kathuria Kapil , Kumari Nisha
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The main fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) retail formats that customers engage with in India are Kirana stores, neighborhood convenience stores (NCS), supermarkets and online retailers. However, there has been less research done on the variables or antecedents that could favorably affect consumers' engagement with these FMCG retail formats. To improve retail practices, this study looks at how female consumers perceive the performance of FMCG retail formats on different antecedents of consumer engagement. The status of consumer engagement with FMCG retail formats was also analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study used exploratory as well as descriptive research design. Previous studies were analyzed to identify the antecedents of consumer engagement. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the primary data from 400 female respondents of two major urban cities in north-western India. The descriptive analysis and one-way ANOVA test were performed to analyze the data.

Findings

Kirana stores’ performance on most of the antecedents was not satisfactory. Supermarkets and online retailers performed better on all antecedents. Customer marketing orientation and experiential marketing were the antecedents that required more attention from Kirana stores, NCS and supermarkets. Consumer engagement with online retailers was highest, whereas consumer engagement with Kirana stores was least.

Originality/value

This study offers a comprehensive examination of the antecedents of consumer engagement and consumer engagement with FMCG retail, which no prior research has studied in the context of FMCG retail businesses.
Pro-environmental choices in Indonesia’s campus life: examining the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) for sustainable behavior in a university setting
Authors: Maulana Herdiyan , Nur Haerani , Erik Erik , Firdaus Faradillah , Damanik Novitasari
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The higher education sector plays an important role in a nation’s implementation of pro-environmental regulations. Environmental initiatives should be the focal point of a university's mission, and they are expected to be present in everyday academic life on campus. This study aims to propose the extended model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to understand the psychological aspects that may enhance the likelihood of university students engaging in environmentally friendly behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative approach involving a national sample of university student participants (N = 1,608) from various regions across Indonesia. The battery included extended TPB dimension measures (attitudes, norms, behavior control, environmental concern and habits on pro-environmental behavior intention) that were administered in the Indonesian language.

Findings

The structural equation modeling analysis revealed that the proposed extended TPB model met fit model indices and significantly predicted participants’ pro-environmental intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This theoretical model has the potential to assist relevant stakeholders and higher education institutions in the development of evidence-based pro-environmental policies and interventions to promote sustainable student behavior.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel approach to understanding the effect of the extended TPB model on participants’ ecological intentions in the Indonesian university setting. This study was among the first to propose a sustainable behavior intention model based on the TPB theory within the Indonesian context. The current findings challenged the established TPB framework and offered fresh insights into the behavioral-psychological interplay within university environmental contexts.
Innovative local authority public health interventions to support the mental health of children and young people
Authors: Spencer Liam , Redgate Sam , Hardy Christina , Adams Emma A. , Arnott Bronia , Brown Heather , Christie Anna , Harrison Helen , Kaner Eileen , Mawson Claire , McGovern William , Rankin Judith , McGovern Ruth
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Mental health champions (MHCs) and young health ambassadors (YHAs) are two innovative public health interventions. MHCs are practitioners who work in schools and other youth settings and aim to be the “go to” person for mental health in these settings. YHAs are a linked parallel network of young people, who champion mental health and advocate for youth involvement, which was co-produced with young people across all stages of development implementation. This paper aims to identify the potential benefits, barriers and facilitators of these interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 19) were undertaken with a purposive sample of n = 13 MHCs, and n = 6 YHAs, between June 2021 and March 2022. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, anonymised and then analysed following a thematic approach. Ethical approval was granted by Newcastle University’s Faculty of Medical Sciences Ethics Committee.

Findings

The findings are organised under five key themes: motivating factors and rewards for MHCs and YHAs; outcomes for children and young people (CYP) and others; impact on youth settings and culture; facilitators of successful implementation; and implementation challenges and opportunities.

Practical implications

These findings are intended to be of relevance to practice and policy, particularly to those exploring the design, commissioning or implementation of similar novel and low-cost interventions, which aim to improve mental health outcomes for CYP, within the context of youth settings.

Originality/value

The interventions reported on in the present paper are novel and innovative. Little research has previously been undertaken to explore similar approaches, and the individual experiences of those involved in the delivery of these types of interventions.
Ethical leadership and reporting behavior of employees: social cognitive perspective of morality on the bases of emotions
Authors: Farooq Mariam , Khan Farah
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The present study seeks to examine the impact of ethical leadership on employees’ voice behavior and internal whistleblowing in organizations. Specifically, the study investigates the mediating role of moral emotions in the link between ethical leadership and employees’ reporting behaviors such as voice behavior and internal whistleblowing.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilized a sample of 200 employees from various private companies in Pakistan, gathering data via questionnaires to validate the hypotheses. We employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to evaluate the model and conducted a mediation analysis using 5,000 bootstrap samples.

Findings

This research found that ethical leadership positively impacts employees' moral emotions, encouraging them to voice concerns and report misdeeds. Additionally, the study affirms a direct and positive connection between ethical leadership and employees' reporting behaviors, including voice behavior and internal whistleblowing.

Practical implications

The findings of the study emphasized the development of ethical leadership in organizations by highlighting the critical role of ethical leadership in enhancing moral emotions, voice behavior, and whistleblowing in organizations. It highlights the necessity of promoting moral behavior to enhance organizational effectiveness and the need for ethical leaders to foster an open environment in organizations that encourages whistle bellowing and reporting of unethical practices in organizations.

Originality/value

The current paper extends knowledge of ethical leadership based on the social cognitive theory of morality by considering that moral emotions serve as a strong motivational cognition between ethical leadership and reporting behaviors. Particularly, by examining the mediating role of moral emotion, this study provides a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanism through which ethical leadership influences reporting behaviors of employees at workplace.
Experiences of women and minoritized US military veteran business owners: descriptive evidence on “vetrepreneur” survival and growth
Authors: Deming Kristopher , Carpenter Craig Wesley , Anders John
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Publicly available datasets in the USA present data suppression issues that limit the ability to investigate entrepreneurial subgroups like military veterans, which account for about one in ten entrepreneurs in the USA. Thus, despite public desire to support veteran entrepreneurs (“vetrepreneurs”), there is a limited descriptive understanding on the relationship between veteran business owner demographics, such as gender and race, and their business survival and growth. We address this limited understanding in this article by providing descriptive evidence on veteran-owned business survival and growth, emphasizing variation across race and gender.

Design/methodology/approach

We use limited-access longitudinal microdata to provide descriptive evidence on the survival and growth of veteran-owned firms across race and gender.

Findings

Findings indicate statistically significant variation across demographic subgroups’ business survival and employment growth. For example, veteran-owned firms have high women ownership rates, greater employment, revenues and payrolls, but also lower employment and revenue growth. More generally we provide descriptive evidence that military experience or the military community help women overcome the gender gap in small business survival.

Originality/value

This type of descriptive research is common among entrepreneurial researchers, however, peer-reviewed research specific to US veterans is very limited. These descriptive results are useful for policymakers and for spurring future policy research related to veteran entrepreneurs.
Navigating uncertainty: the role of auditor demographics in key audit matters reporting amid COVID-19 in Egypt
Authors: Moubarak Hosam , Elamer Ahmed A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the auditors’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt, with a focus on how their demographic characteristics – specifically gender, work experience and audit firm size – affect their ability to identify key audit matters (KAMs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study used exploratory factor analysis to develop an index for evaluating auditors’ proficiency in distinguishing KAMs from non-KAMs, followed by multivariate regression analysis to analyze the impact of auditors’ demographics on this ability.

Findings

The study’s findings are significant as they highlight the influence of auditors’ gender and work experience on their capability to correctly classify KAMs. However, the size of the audit firm showed no significant effect on the auditors’ decision-making efficacy in identifying KAMs.

Research limitations/implications

While the study illuminates critical aspects of audit judgment during unprecedented times, it acknowledges limitations, including its geographical focus on Egypt and reliance on self-reported data. The implications stress the need for audit firms and regulators to consider auditors’ demographic characteristics when formulating policies to enhance audit quality and reliability during crises.

Originality/value

This research breaks new ground in the auditing literature by shedding light on the distinct role of auditor demographics in shaping audit opinion during crises. It is one of the pioneering studies to quantitatively assess the impact of auditors’ gender, experience and firm size on KAM identification in a global health crisis. It provides a unique perspective on audit practices in emerging economies.
Former teachers’ perceptions of psychosocial supports leading to attrition
Authors: Gorham Lindsey Brown , Fufaa Gudeta
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how former K-12 teachers’ perceptions of psychosocial support led to their decision to leave the profession.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher conducted eight interviews with former teachers who had been in the profession for 1.5–26 years and asked them about their thoughts on mental health interventions, leadership and collegial support and the stressors of teaching. The data were analyzed by qualitative analysis.

Findings

Former teachers had varying responses, and some of the biggest takeaways were the importance of strong leadership support, the request for more time and overall changes to the system and how teachers are supported overall. Results indicate the ultimate impetus for exiting the profession was not directly the result of mental health support or the lack thereof, yet support for well-being did play a role in job dissatisfaction with the teaching role.

Originality/value

Teacher attrition is a significant issue in many countries. This study focuses on teachers in South Carolina, USA, yet the literature indicates similar problems across the USA and globally. The focus on former teachers was compelling, as most studies focus on current teachers.
Bitcoin, Fintech stocks and Asian Pacific equity markets: a dependence analysis with implications for portfolio management
Authors: Abakah Emmanuel Joel Aikins , Trabelsi Nader , Tiwari Aviral Kumar , Nasreen Samia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to provide empirical evidence on the return and volatility spillover structures between Bitcoin, Fintech stocks and Asian-Pacific equity markets over time and during different market conditions, and their implications for portfolio management.

Design/methodology/approach

We use Time-varying parameter vector autoregressive and quantile frequency connectedness approach models for the connectedness framework, in conjunction with Diebold and Yilmaz’s connectivity approach. Additionally, we use the minimum connectedness portfolio model to highlight implications for portfolio management.

Findings

Regarding the uncertainty of the whole system, we show a small contribution from Bitcoin and Fintech, with a higher contribution from the four Asian Tigers (Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand). The quantile and frequency analyses also demonstrate that the link among assets is symmetric, with short-term spillovers having the largest influence. Finally, Bitcoins and Fintech stocks are excellent diversification and hedging instruments for Asian equity investors.

Practical implications

There is an instantaneous, symmetric and dynamic return and volatility spillover between Asian stock markets, Fintech and Bitcoin. This conclusion should be considered by investors and portfolio managers when creating risk diversification strategies, as well as by policymakers when implementing their financial stability policies.

Originality/value

The study’s major contribution is to analyze the volatility spillover between Bitcoin, Fintech and Asian stock markets, which is dynamic, symmetric and immediate.
Recycling firm-generated content on social media platforms: phenomenon and research propositions
Authors: Astvansh Vivek
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The manuscript aims to introduce the managerial practice of content recycling – that is, a firm's recycling of its posts on social media platforms. I define and distinguish the phenomenon from related ones and offer propositions for future research to test empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of the practitioner literature, in-situ observations with content managers, and a survey of content managers and Facebook users.

Findings

Managers recycle their posts to recoup the costs of content. Under some conditions, recycled content may yield more benefits than costs.

Research limitations/implications

I define the phenomenon of content recycling and differentiate it from related terms. I offer propositions for future research.

Practical implications

I inform managers of the benefits and costs of recycling content and conditions under which benefits may override costs.

Originality/value

The research is novel and helps develop a common managerial practice.
Medication-related harm (MRH) in Egyptian older adults post-hospital discharge: a health-care challenge
Authors: Jamil Moataz , Sweed Hala , Abou-Hashem Rania , Shaltoot Heba , Ali Khalid
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Ageing is associated with multi-morbidity, polypharmacy and medication-related harm (MRH). There is limited published literature on MRH in older Egyptian adults. This study aims to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with MRH in an Egyptian cohort of older patients in the 8-weeks period after hospital discharge.

Design/methodology/approach

This study recruited 400 Egyptian patients, aged = ≥ 60 years from 3 hospitals in Cairo and followed them up 8 weeks after discharge using a semi-structured telephone interview to verify MRH events (type, probability, severity and preventability) and related factors.

Findings

The participants’ ages ranged from 60 to 95 years with 53% females. In the final cohort of 325 patients analyzed, MRH occurred in 99 patients (incidence of 30.5%), of which 26 MRH cases (26.2%) were probable, serious and preventable. MRH included adverse drug reactions (ADRs), non-adherence and medication errors. Multivariate regression analysis showed that non-adherence and inappropriate prescription had highly significant association with MRH (P < 0.001), history of previous ADR, living alone and presence of paid caregiver had significant association (P 0.008, 0.012, 0.02 respectively), while age, medications number, length of stay (LOS) and cognitive impairment were not significantly associated with MRH.

Practical implications

These findings demonstrate the magnitude of MRH in Egypt affecting almost a third of older adults after leaving the hospital. These original data could guide decision-makers to enhance older patients’ medication safety through education, quality improvement and policy.

Originality/value

MRH in Egyptian older adults post-hospital discharge has not been adequately reported in scientific literature.