bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-read genome sequencing and variant reanalysis increase diagnostic yield in neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Hiatt Susan M. , Lawlor James M.J. , Handley Lori H. , Latner Donald R. , Bonnstetter Zachary T. , Finnila Candice R. , Thompson Michelle L. , Boston Lori Beth , Williams Melissa , Rodriguez Nunez Ivan , Jenkins Jerry , Kelley Whitley V. , Bebin E. Martina , Lopez Michael A. , Hurst Anna C.E. , Korf Bruce R. , Schmutz Jeremy , Grimwood Jane , Cooper Gregory M.
Published: September 2024

Variant detection from long-read genome sequencing (lrGS) has proven to be more accurate and comprehensive than variant detection from short-read genome sequencing (srGS). However, the rate at which lrGS can increase molecular diagnostic yield for rare disease is not yet precisely characterized. We performed lrGS using Pacific Biosciences “HiFi” technology on 96 short-read-negative probands with rare diseases that were suspected to be genetic. We generated hg38-aligned variants and de novo phased genome assemblies, and subsequently annotated, filtered, and curated variants using clinical standards. New disease-relevant or potentially relevant genetic findings were identified in 16/96 (16.7%) probands, nine of which (8/96, ∼9.4%) harbored pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. Nine probands (∼9.4%) had variants that were accurately called in both srGS and lrGS and represent changes to clinical interpretation, mostly from recently published gene-disease associations. Seven cases included variants that were only correctly interpreted in lrGS, including copy-number variants (CNVs), an inversion, a mobile element insertion, two low-complexity repeat expansions, and a 1 bp deletion. While evidence for each of these variants is, in retrospect, visible in srGS, they were either not called within srGS data, were represented by calls with incorrect sizes or structures, or failed quality control and filtration. Thus, while reanalysis of older srGS data clearly increases diagnostic yield, we find that lrGS allows for substantial additional yield (7/96, 7.3%) beyond srGS. We anticipate that as lrGS analysis improves, and as lrGS data sets grow allowing for better variant-frequency annotation, the additional lrGS-only rare disease yield will grow over time.
Atomistic spin dynamics simulations of magnonic spin Seebeck and spin Nernst effects in altermagnets
Authors: Weißenhofer Markus , Marmodoro Alberto
Published: September 2024

Magnon band structures in altermagnets are characterized by an energy splitting of modes with opposite chirality, even in the absence of applied external fields and relativistic effects, because of an anisotropy in the Heisenberg exchange interactions. We perform quantitative atomistic spin dynamics simulations based on electronic structure calculations on rutile RuO2, a prototypical “d-wave” altermagnet, to study magnon currents generated by thermal gradients. We report substantial spin Seebeck and spin Nernst effects, i.e., longitudinal or transverse spin currents, depending on the propagation direction of the magnons with respect to the crystal, together with a finite spin accumulation associated with nonlinearities in the temperature profile. Our findings are consistent with the altermagnetic spin-group symmetry, as well as predictions from linear spin-wave theory and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bipartite Sachdev-Ye models with Read-Saleur symmetries
Authors: Classen-Howes J. , Fendley P. , Pandey A. , Parameswaran S. A.
Published: September 2024

We introduce an SU(M)-symmetric disordered bipartite spin model with unusual characteristics. Although superficially similar to the Sachdev-Ye (SY) model, it has several markedly different properties for M≥3. In particular, it has a large nontrivial nullspace whose dimension grows exponentially with system size. The states in this nullspace are frustration-free and are ground states when the interactions are ferromagnetic. The exponential growth of the nullspace leads to Hilbert-space fragmentation and a violation of the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis. We demonstrate that the commutant algebra responsible for this fragmentation is a nontrivial subalgebra of the Read-Saleur commutant algebra of certain nearest-neighbor models such as the spin-1 biquadratic spin chain. We also discuss the low-energy behavior of correlations for the disordered version of this model in the limit of a large number of spins and large M, using techniques similar to those applied to the SY model. We conclude by generalizing the Shiraishi-Mori embedding formalism to nonlocal models, and apply it to turn some of our nullspace states into quantum many-body scars.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nodal spectral functions stabilized by non-Hermitian topology of quasiparticles
Authors: Lehmann Carl , Micallo Tommaso , Budich Jan Carl
Published: September 2024

In quantum materials, basic observables such as spectral functions and susceptibilities are determined by Green's functions and their complex quasiparticle spectrum rather than by bare electrons. Even in closed many-body systems, this makes a description in terms of effective non-Hermitian (NH) Bloch Hamiltonians natural and intuitive. Here, we discuss how the abundance and stability of nodal phases is drastically affected by NH topology. While previous work has mostly considered complex degeneracies known as exceptional points as the NH counterpart of nodal points, we propose to relax this assumption by only requiring a crossing of the real part of the complex quasiparticle spectra, which entails a band crossing in the spectral function, i.e., a nodal spectral function. Interestingly, such real crossings are topologically protected by the braiding properties of the complex Bloch bands, and thus generically occur already in one-dimensional systems without symmetry or fine tuning. We propose and study a microscopic lattice model in which a sublattice-dependent interaction stabilizes nodal spectral functions. Besides the gapless spectrum, we identify nonreciprocal charge transport properties after a local potential quench as a key signature of nontrivial band braiding. Finally, in the limit of zero interaction on one of the sublattices, we find a perfectly ballistic unidirectional mode in a nonintegrable environment, reminiscent of a chiral edge state known from quantum Hall phases. Our analysis is corroborated by numerical simulations both in the framework of exact diagonalization and within the conserving second Born approximation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Magnetic coupled electronic landscape in bilayer-distorted titanium-based kagome metals
Authors: Hu Yong , Le Congcong , Chen Long , Deng Hanbin , Zhou Ying , Plumb Nicholas C. , Radovic Milan , Thomale Ronny , Schnyder Andreas P. , Yin Jia-Xin , Wang Gang , Wu Xianxin , Shi Ming
Published: September 2024

Quantum materials whose atoms are arranged on a lattice of corner-sharing triangles, i.e., the kagome lattice, have recently emerged as a captivating platform for investigating exotic correlated and topological electronic phenomena. Here, we combine ultralow temperature angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) with scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations to reveal the fascinating electronic structure of the bilayer-distorted kagome material LnTi3Bi4, where stands for Nd and Yb. Distinct from other kagome materials, LnTi3Bi4 exhibits twofold, rather than sixfold, symmetries, stemming from the distorted kagome lattice, which leads to a unique electronic structure. Combining experiment and theory we map out the electronic structure and discover double flat bands as well as multiple Van Hove singularities (VHSs), with one VHS exhibiting higher-order characteristics near the Fermi level. Notably, in the magnetic version NdTi3Bi4, the ultralow base temperature ARPES measurements unveil an unconventional band splitting in the band dispersions which is induced by the ferromagnetic ordering. These findings reveal the potential of bilayer-distorted kagome metals LnTi3Bi4 as a promising platform for exploring novel emergent phases of matter at the intersection of strong correlation and magnetism.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Laser-assisted deuterium-tritium fusion: A quantum dynamical model
Authors: Thomson N. , Moschini L. , Diaz-Torres A.
Published: September 2024

Deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion is a key to generating safe, clean, and limitless energy on Earth in future fusion power plants. Its understanding at low collision energies is incomplete, as D-T fusion is a quantum tunneling process affected by resonances whose origin is linked to properties of not fully understood nuclear forces. Simplified quantum dynamical calculations of laser-assisted D-T fusion are presented, suggesting that laser-nucleus interaction can enhance the average D-T fusion probability by 7–70% at deep subbarrier energies using laser fields of intensity 1027–1029 Wcm−2 and a photon energy of 1 eV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fermion mass generation without symmetry breaking
Authors: Cresswell-Hogg Charlie , Litim Daniel F.
Published: September 2024

We study the generation of fermion mass in a context where interactions break a discrete chiral symmetry. Then, fermion mass is not protected by a symmetry, no symmetry is broken by the generation of mass, and a vanishing mass no longer enhances a symmetry. We elaborate these scenarios for template fermionic and Yukawa theories in three dimensions where mass can be generated either by fluctuations, strong dynamics, or the vacuum expectation value of a scalar field. We find that fluctuation-induced contributions to fermion mass are parametrically suppressed in the number of fermion flavors N. The generation of fermion mass then takes the form of a rapid crossover which turns into a second order quantum phase transition for large N, much like in settings with fundamental chiral symmetry. We further discuss theories where fermion mass can be generated spontaneously without breaking any symmetry other than scale symmetry. Implications of our findings are discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Casimir energy with perfect electromagnetic boundary conditions and duality: A field-theoretic approach
Authors: Dudal David , Gobeyn Aaron , Oosthuyse Thomas , Stouten Sebbe , Vercauteren David
Published: September 2024

Using functional integral methods, we study the Casimir effect for the case of two infinite parallel plates in the QED vacuum, with (different) perfect electromagnetic boundary conditions applied to both plates. To enforce these boundary conditions, we add two Lagrange multiplier fields to the action. We subsequently recover the known Casimir energy in two ways: once directly from the path integral and once as the vacuum expectation value of the 00 component of the energy-momentum tensor. Comparing both methods, we show that the energy-momentum tensor must be modified and that it picks up boundary contributions as a consequence. We also discuss electromagnetic duality invariance of the theory and its interplay with the boundaries by generalizing the Deser-Teitelboim implementation of the duality transformation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Higgs branch of 6D (1, 0) SCFTs and little string theories with Dynkin DE-type SUSY enhancement
Authors: Lawrie Craig , Mansi Lorenzo
Published: September 2024

We detail the Higgs branches of 6D (1, 0) superconformal field theories (SCFTs) and little string theories (LSTs) that exhibit supersymmetry-enhancing Higgs branch renormalization group flows to the 6D (2, 0) SCFTs and LSTs of type DE. Generically, such theories are geometrically engineered in F-theory via a configuration of (−2)-curves, arranged in an (affine) DE-type Dynkin diagram, and supporting special unitary gauge algebras; this describes the effective field theory on the tensor branch of the SCFT. For the Higgsable to D-type (2, 0) SCFTs/LSTs, there generically also exists a type IIA brane description, involving a Neveu-Schwarz orientifold plane, which allows for the derivation of a magnetic quiver for the Higgs branch. These are 3D N=4 unitary-orthosymplectic quivers whose Coulomb branch is isomorphic to the Higgs branch of the 6D theories. From this magnetic quiver, together with an extended quiver subtraction algorithm that we explain, the foliation structure of the Higgs branch as a symplectic singularity is unveiled. For this class of 6D SCFTs, we observe a simple rule, which we refer to as “slice subtraction,” to read off the transverse slice in the foliation from the tensor branch. Based on this slice subtraction observation, we conjecture the transverse slices in the Higgsable to E-type (2, 0) Hasse diagram, where the SCFTs lack any known magnetic quiver for their Higgs branches.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Wakefield-driven filamentation of warm beams in plasma
Authors: Walter Erwin , Farmer John P. , Weidl Martin S. , Pukhov Alexander , Jenko Frank
Published: September 2024

Charged and quasineutral beams propagating through an unmagnetized plasma are subject to numerous collisionless instabilities on the small scale of the plasma skin depth. The electrostatic two-stream instability, driven by longitudinal and transverse wakefields, dominates for dilute beams. This leads to modulation of the beam along the propagation direction and, for wide beams, transverse filamentation. A three-dimensional spatiotemporal two-stream theory for warm beams with a finite extent is developed. Unlike the cold beam limit, diffusion due to a finite emittance gives rise to a dominant wave number and a cutoff wave number above which filamentation is suppressed. Particle-in-cell simulations with quasineutral electron-positron beams in the relativistic regime give excellent agreement with the theoretical model. This paper provides deeper insights into the effect of diffusion on filamentation of finite beams, crucial for comprehending plasma-based accelerators in laboratory and cosmic settings.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Extreme-Mass-Ratio Inspirals in Ultralight Dark Matter
Authors: Duque Francisco , Macedo Caio F. B. , Vicente Rodrigo , Cardoso Vitor
Published: September 2024

Previous works have argued that future gravitational-wave detectors will be able to probe the properties of astrophysical environments where binaries coalesce, including accretion disks, but also dark matter structures. Most analyses have resorted to a Newtonian modeling of the environmental effects, which are not suited to study extreme-mass-ratio inspirals immersed in structures of ultralight bosons. In this Letter, we use relativistic perturbation theory to consistently study these systems in spherical symmetry. We compute the flux of scalar particles and the rate at which orbital energy is dissipated via gravitational radiation and depletion of scalars, i.e., dynamical friction. Our results confirm that the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna will be able to probe ultralight dark matter structures by tracking the phase of extreme-mass-ratio inspirals.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Plasma-Plasma Third Order Phase Transition from Type IIB Supergravity
Authors: Anabalón Andrés , Oliva Julio
Published: September 2024

We show that the planar, charged black hole in asymptotically anti–de Sitter spacetime, dual to the strongly coupled quark-gluon plasma thermal state of large N, SU(N), N=4 super Yang-Mills at finite chemical potential undergoes a third-order phase transition in the grand canonical ensemble to a hairy black hole of type IIB supergravity. The hairy phase is another strongly coupled fluid with a conformal equation of state and can be interpreted as another kind of quark-gluon plasma. This new quark-gluon plasma has less entropy and, therefore, seems to characterize some form of smooth hadronization. The locus of the transition in terms of the critical values of the “baryon” chemical potential μc and the temperature Tc is μc=2πTc.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring tourist preferences for local food: a Best-Worst Scaling analysis and market segmentation approach
Authors: Tiganis Antonios , Chrysochou Polymeros
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Local food impacts tourist satisfaction and drives the choice of a tourist destination. However, it is not clear which attributes of local food products drive tourists’ preferences. More specifically, little is known about potential segments in the tourist market. Acknowledging consumers’ divergent inclinations, we explore tourist preferences toward local food attributes through a market segmentation approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the Best-Worst Scaling method to examine the preferences of 311 tourists for attributes of local food products that are known to affect their choices. We employ a Latent Class Analysis to identify market segments with distinct preferences.

Findings

Results indicate that tourists prioritize taste, quality, authenticity, healthiness, connection to local culture and tradition and environmental friendliness over price, appearance, enhancement of local economy, availability and packaging. We further identify three segments: Sensory Seekers, Cultural Experiencers, and Price Conscious. The largest segment, Sensory Seekers, is driven by taste and quality attributes, while Cultural Experiencers prioritize connection to local culture and authenticity. The Price Conscious segment places a greater emphasis on price than the other segments. Cultural Experiencers demonstrate the highest willingness to pay for local food products.

Practical implications

The positioning of local products should target Cultural Experiencers. Agri-firms and state agencies promoting a tourist destination internationally can also use the connection to local culture and authenticity in their marketing campaigns.

Originality/value

Our research contributes to food marketing literature by showing which local food attributes drive tourist preferences. Moreover, we uncover unobservable heterogeneous preferences among tourists.
Green purchase behaviour of Arab millennials towards eco-friendly products: the moderating role of eco-labelling
Authors: Ghouse Suhail Mohammad , Shekhar Rishabh , Ali Sulaiman Mohammed Ali Bait , Azam Afshan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine millennial consumers’ intentions towards purchasing eco-friendly products in the emerging Arab nation of Oman, focusing on the moderating role of eco-labelling (EL).

Design/methodology/approach

Environmental knowledge (EK) and environmental concern (EC) are integrated into the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) framework as independent variables, along with EL as a moderating variable. The data was collected through a self-administered survey and consisted of 705 random responses that was tabulated and analysed through the structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

ECs, subjective norms (SNs) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) significantly influence consumer attitudes towards green eco-friendly products. Consumers’ EK and attitudes positively influence the purchase intention (PI) to make green purchases. SNs and PBC substantially influence consumer attitudes towards adopting green products. However, the findings reveal a non-significant moderating influence of EL on the relationship between EC and PI for millennial Omani consumers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are limited to only one Arab country, Oman, which limits the scope of the study. This study contributes to the TPB by using additional dimensions to examine the green purchasing behaviour of millennials.

Practical implications

Marketers can use these insights to develop strategies that emphasise the environmental benefits of products, leverage social influences and empower consumers to make environmentally conscious choices. Incorporating EL and green packaging can enhance the visibility and attractiveness of green products.

Social implications

Promoting environmental education, awareness campaigns and policy interventions that highlight the importance of eco-friendly product choices can foster more sustainable consumption patterns among Arab consumers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the green PIs of millennials in an Arab context, specifically focusing on the moderating role of EL.
A TOPSIS analysis of regional competitiveness at European level
Authors: Ferrarini Filippo , Muzzioli Silvia , De Baets Bernard
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The measurement of regional competitiveness is becoming essential for policymakers to address territorial disparities, while considering the issue of correlations among indicators. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to measure regional competitiveness using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) by considering different distance measures and two levels of analysis to provide a comparative and comprehensive measurement of regional competitiveness in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply TOPSIS based on three different distance measures (the Manhattan, the Euclidean and the Mahalanobis distance measures) to the regions of the EU Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI) 2019, which is taken as the frame of reference.

Findings

The authors replicate the RCI by using TOPSIS with a less preferred choice of distance measure, indicating TOPSIS as a valuable method for policymakers in the analysis of regional competitiveness. The authors argue in favour of the Mahalanobis distance measure as the best of the three, as it considers correlations among macro-economic indicators.

Originality/value

This study aims to make three contributions. Firstly, by replicating the RCI by means of TOPSIS with a less preferred choice of distance measure, the paper provides a benchmark for future research on regional competitiveness. Secondly, by suggesting the use of TOPSIS with the use of the Mahalanobis distance measure, the authors show how to measure regional competitiveness by taking into account correlations among pillars. Thirdly, the authors argue in favour of considering clusters of regions when measuring regional competitiveness.
Does corporate green innovation unlock financial doors? The mediating role of environmental performance
Authors: Zaid Mohammad A.A. , Issa Ayman , Deari Fitim , Kijkasiwat Ploypailin , Kumar Vijay
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to respond to the latest research calls to precisely revisit the nexus between corporate green innovation (CGI) and financial decisions through deeply investigating the mediating effect of corporate environmental performance measured by the effectiveness of emission reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes nonfinancial-listed firms on the Australian Securities Exchange from 2002 to 2019 using multiple regression analysis on a panel data set. Initially, different static panel data approaches were used. To account for the potential endogeneity issue and generate robust outcomes, the authors apply the one-step system generalized method of moment, two-stage least squares and lagged model approaches.

Findings

The results provide a clear indication that the practices of green innovation can favorably contribute to the level of environmental performance, which in turn affect the firm’s ability in opening the new financial doors and shape solid capital structure. In this context, the effective environmental performance fully mediates the nexus between CGI and capital structure of a firm. More importantly, the outcomes are robust and coherent across different estimation techniques.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its utilization of mediation analysis to explore the relationship between CGI and a firm's financial structure. This approach distinguishes it from previous research by offering a thorough and nuanced understanding of how green innovation practices influence the financing decisions of a firm.
Adoption of virtual library systems and services in university libraries: an empirical investigation from the Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Shahzad Khurram , Perveen Abida
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the status of virtual library system development in university libraries. It also attempted to examine the availability of virtual library services and reveal the challenges being faced by university librarians of Punjab province, Pakistan in providing virtual library services.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative research method by using a questionnaire to address the study’s objectives. In total, 62 university libraries in Punjab province, Pakistan were the population of the study. A purposive sampling technique was applied to gather the required data from the respondents.

Findings

Results showed that most of the study’s respondents are well aware of the potential benefits of virtual library systems in universities for the delivery of innovative smart services to library patrons. The libraries delivered different virtual library services to meet the diverse needs of the library patrons. The respondents faced the challenges of funding, expertise, technical support, leadership, strategic planning and training to adopt virtual library systems and services in university libraries.

Originality/value

The study has provided a framework based on empirical findings of the study to efficiently adopt virtual library systems and services in university libraries for the delivery of smart services to end users. It has provided pertinent theoretical and practical implications.
Exploring empathy in artificial intelligence: synthesis and paths for future research
Authors: Chaturvedi Anurag
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The current research elucidates the role of empathy in design of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in healthcare context, through a structured literature review, analysis and synthesis of academic literature published between 1990 and 2024.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to advance the domain of empathy in AI by adopting theory constructs context method approach using the PRISMA 2020 framework.

Findings

The study presents a current state-of-the-art literature to review the connections between empathy and AI and identifying four clusters showing the emerging trajectories in the field of AI and empathy in healthcare setting.

Originality/value

Despite a rise in empirical research, the potential pathways enhancing AI accountability by incorporation of empathy is unclear. The research aims to contribute to the existing literature on AI and empathy in the healthcare sector by carving out four distinct clusters depicting the future research avenues.
Exploring the mechanism to understand workaholism effects on positive and negative behaviors: a moderated mediated study
Authors: Ghafoor Azka , Haar Jarrod
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Workaholism negatively impacts desired behavioral outcomes. However, understanding the role of workaholism dimensions (excessiveness and compulsiveness) can help differentiate and address employee motivators towards behavioral outcomes. Using conservation of resource theory, this study explores the influence of these workaholism dimensions, as resource-consuming elements, on positive organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) and counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs). Further, work–family conflict (WFC) and family–work conflict (FWC) are included as mediators, and time-control as a moderator, and ultimately, a moderated mediation model is tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected using a time-lagged data from 306 New Zealand employee respondents. Data were analysed for moderated mediation using the PROCESS macro.

Findings

Both dimensions of workaholism positively relate to OCBs but only excessiveness to CWBs. We find significant indirect effects of excessiveness and compulsiveness on CWBs through FWC, where time control acts as a boundary condition, showing moderated mediation effects.

Research limitations/implications

Fundamentally, the unique effects found encourage workaholism researchers to undertake more complex models to provide new insights.

Originality/value

This is a unique study examining time control as a boundary condition. The findings of moderated mediation provide unique insights and show that workaholism effects depend on other factors.
Examining consumers' perceptions of relationship value with retailers: a multi-method approach
Authors: Abid Muhammad , Fazal e Hasan Syed Muhammad , Ahmadi Hormoz , Amrollahi Alireza , Mortimer Gary
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study employs a multi-method approach to investigate how perceived relationship marketing investment affects perceived relationship value and consumer gratitude, influencing consumer involvement, word-of-mouth intentions, and long-term relationships across three retail consumer types.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyses a model involving 542 consumers, employing structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to identify distinctive factor configurations across public, semi-public, and private retail organizations.

Findings

A retailer’s investment in relationship marketing significantly enhances relationship value and consumer gratitude, leading to increased engagement and word-of-mouth intentions. Perceived benevolence moderates the effect of relationship marketing on gratitude. However, gratitude alone does not ensure long-term relationships. Using fsQCA, we identify four distinct consumer configurations, providing nuanced insights.

Research limitations/implications

Retail organizations broaden relationship marketing strategies to boost perceived value and elicit consumer gratitude, influencing consumer performance outcomes.

Practical implications

Retail organizations should broaden relationship marketing strategies to boost perceived value and elicit consumer gratitude, influencing consumer performance outcomes.

Social implications

Managers should develop strategies that lead to consumer gratitude toward the firm, such as journey mapping can help visualize retail delivery. Grateful consumers may contribute to firms’ profitability by influencing current and potential consumers in their social networks and communicating their expertise through review/feedback for improvement. Therefore, various strategies are needed to stimulate positive comments from grateful consumers about the firm’s excellent performance.

Originality/value

This study builds on Lawler’s affect theory, highlighting how relationship value and consumer gratitude profoundly influence exchange process outcomes. It introduces new psychological mechanisms to explain the impact of perceived relationship marketing investment on performance outcomes. Integrating these elements provides a comprehensive understanding of retailer–consumer dynamics, revealing how emotional and psychological factors shape marketing strategies and business performance. This contribution enriches theoretical frameworks and offers practical insights for enhancing relationship marketing practices.
Public perceptions of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria and the European Union
Authors: Obe Adebowale , Button Mark
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perception and experience of counter pharmaceuticals in Nigeria compared to the European Union.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings from this paper are based upon a survey of 362 Nigerians sourced in public places with the data and then compared results from a survey by the European Union.

Findings

The key findings from this research showed some areas of similarity between Nigerians and Europeans on their views on the acceptability of purchasing counterfeits. However, Nigerians were more open to purchasing counterfeits despite the risks. There was also more anxiety over the risk of purchasing counterfeit medicines compared to the European Union.

Research limitations/implications

Due to security issues, survey data could only be sourced from Abuja, Lagos and the relatively peaceful southwestern region of Nigeria. The data is, therefore, not representative of Nigeria.

Practical implications

The purchasing experience of counterfeit medicines by Nigerians along with their anxieties highlights the need for more enforcement action to tackle this problem and reassure the public.

Social implications

The paper highlights the challenges of securing genuine pharmaceutical products in the Global South and the need for more greater cross-border action to tackle the problem.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first survey of Nigerian citizens on this issue.
Advancing towards sustainable and net-zero supply chains: a comprehensive analysis of knowledge capabilities and industry dynamism
Authors: Singh Rohit Kumar , Mathiyazhagan K. , Gunasekaran Angappa
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the relationship between knowledge capabilities, engagement capabilities, operational capabilities and sustainable supply chain flexibility in the steel production industry. In addition, it seeks to understand how these elements contribute toward achieving a net-zero supply chain, under the moderation of industry dynamism.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 371 people have responded to the self-administered survey that the authors developed. The nonresponse bias analysis was carried out before diving into fundamental assumptions, such as homoscedasticity and normality. The data's reliability and construct validity were assessed by using confirmatory factor analysis. The hypothesized conclusions were supported by subsequent regression outputs, strengthening the body of existing academic research.

Findings

The research's empirical results highlight the positive relationship among knowledge capabilities, operational capabilities, sustainable supply chain flexibility and net-zero supply chain, particularly under the influence of industry dynamism. Information obtained from the steel production industry corroborates these findings. Moderation role of industry dynamism in the relationship between operational capabilities, engagement capability and sustainable supply chain flexibility was found significant.

Originality/value

This conceptual framework clarifies how knowledge capability, dynamic capabilities and the flexibility of a sustainable supply chain interact. It highlights how these factors collectively work together to attain a sustainable supply chain with net-zero environmental impact.
Supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations: examining the role of self-organisation, information integration and adaptability in South Sudan
Authors: Tukamuhabwa Benjamin R. , Mutebi Henry , Mbatsi Anne
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and validate a theoretical model to investigate the relationship between self-organisation, information integration, adaptability and supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was developed from extant studies and assessed through a structured questionnaire survey of 86 humanitarian organisations operating in South Sudan. The data were analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling.

Findings

The study found that self-organisation has a discernible positive influence on supply chain agility not only directly but also indirectly through adaptability. Further, information integration does not significantly influence supply chain agility directly but is fully mediated by adaptability. Together, the antecedent variables account for 53.9% variance in supply chain agility.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to providing an empirical understanding of a humanitarian supply chain as a complex adaptive system and hence the need to incorporate self-organising and adaptive dimensions in supply chain management practice. Furthermore, it confirms the centrality of the complex adaptive system feature of adaptability when building supply chain agility through self-organisation and information integration.

Practical implications

The findings provide a firm ground for managerial decisions on investment in self-organisation and information integration dimensions so as to enhance adaptability and improve supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations.

Originality/value

This study is distinctive in the sense that it uses the complex adaptive system variables to empirically validate the relationships between self-organisation, information integration, adaptability and supply chain agility in humanitarian organisations in the world’s youngest developing economy with a long history of conflict and humanitarian intervention. The mediating influence of adaptability examined in this study is also novel.
Moderating effects of gender and place of residence on the relationship between loneliness and smartphone addiction
Authors: Kingston Deepak , Shekhar Suraj Kushe
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between loneliness and addiction to smartphones, specifically examining whether gender and place of residence have a moderating effect on this association.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a comprehensive investigation to assess the correlation between loneliness and smartphone addiction, focusing on the potential moderating roles of gender and place of residence.

Findings

It was found that loneliness significantly contributes to the development of smartphone addiction across various demographics, irrespective of gender and place of residence. The initial hypothesis that gender and place of residence would moderate the relationship between loneliness and smartphone addiction was not supported.

Originality/value

This study advances our understanding of the mechanisms through which loneliness can lead to smartphone addiction, highlighting its role in potentially exacerbating mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The findings underscore the universal impact of loneliness on smartphone addiction, contributing to the broader discourse on mental health and technology use.
A randomized controlled trial of a virtual community-based mental health and substance use program in the Philippines
Authors: Labastilla Sikini , Hechanova Maria Regina , Tuliao Antover , Tee Mariel Rizza C. , Zalun Jigette Cyril , Canonoy Jr Romeo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the delivery of a virtual community-based mental health and substance use program for Filipino drug users during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

It used a randomized control longitudinal design with data collected prior to the program and every two months for 10 months. The programs focused on building recovery skills, life skills and family modules. Program length ranged from a brief intervention of three sessions to 24 sessions depending on whether clients were low risk, moderate risk or those arrested for drug use.

Findings

Results revealed significant improvements in recovery skills of participants in the treatment group compared to those in the control group. Mental health illness symptoms decreased for both control and treatment groups; however, no differences were found in recovery capital and cravings.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of significant changes in certain variables, such as recovery capital, requires more data to understand the barriers to enable greater recovery. The study was limited to virtual delivery of rehabilitation services conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies may wish to compare modalities of online and onsite delivery to enable a comparison of effectiveness.

Practical implications

Results suggest the feasibility of virtual delivery of mental health and substance use treatment implemented by trained paraprofessionals. However, it also highlights the necessity to build the capacity of service providers and address connectivity challenges.

Social implications

Stigma and discrimination prevent people who use drugs from seeking treatment. Virtual delivery of mental health and substance use treatment can provide a platform where people can seek help while maintaining some privacy.

Originality/value

The study provides evidence from under-represented populations – persons who use drugs in the Philippines.
A multi-level study on principals’ Guanxi-driven impact on teachers’ work and home life: insights from Malaysia
Authors: Low Man Chung , Jayasingam Sharmila , Abu Bakar Raida , Omar Safiah
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Guided by the conservation of resources theory, this study aims to present a comprehensive framework examining leadership, Guanxi, work-family conflict and work engagement. It specifically explores how group-level transformational leadership influences individual-level Guanxi and work-family conflict and how these factors, in turn, impact work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed 473 teachers in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, and used hierarchical linear modelling.

Findings

The results reveal that transformational leadership directly enhances non-work relationships, reduces work-family conflict and indirectly predicts increased work engagement. This indirect influence occurs through the mediation of Guanxi and the work-family conflict. Notably, while stronger Guanxi is associated with greater work engagement in the professional sphere, it does not necessarily mitigate the work-family conflict in the personal domain.

Originality/value

These findings provide valuable insights into maintaining and enhancing work engagement by implementing transformational leadership through more effective channels, such as Guanxi and work-family conflict management.
Preparation and properties of fluorinated VAc-VeoVa10 latex emulsified with allyl nonyl phenoxy propyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether ammonium sulphate
Authors: Chen Lijun , Zhao Wanting , Gong Zheqing
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The traditional VeoVa10-VAc copolymer latex, which prepared via the emulsion polymerization of the mixed monomers of VAc and VeoVa10, has the poor water resistance and thermal stability because of the migration of the conventional emulsifier molecules and the low bond energy of C-C bond. The purpose of this work is that the fluorinated monomer is used to modify the latex. The film of the resultant latex has the C-F bond with high bond energy and low surface energy, which can effectively improve the heat resistance and water resistance of the resultant film. In addition, the reactive emulsifier is used to replace the conventional emulsifier. The drawbacks of the conventional emulsifier molecules migrate and desorb can be avoided when the polymer latex is stored, thereby also improving the water resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

The modified VAc-VeoVa10 latex has been successfully synthesized via the semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization, which VAc and VeoVa10 is used as the main monomers and HFMA was used as the functional monomer. KPS and reactive surfactants of SE-10 were used as the initiator and emulsifier, respectively. The structure of resultant latex film was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The latex films were tested by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and contact angle (CA). The particle size and its distribution of the latex were measured by the nano particle size analyzer.

Findings

The factors that had an influence on the properties of the latex and the film were investigated in detail. The stability of the resultant latex is good. The average particles of the latex and its distribution are small and uniform, respectively. In comparison with the conventional latex film, the thermal stability and hydrophobicity of the resultant latex film are improved obviously.

Practical implications

The resultant latex can be used in both the waterborne interior and exterior wall coatings, pickering stabilized waterborne polymer dispersions, polymer powders, environmentally friendly polymer-modified waterproof mortar and other fields, which can be satisfied with the high demand of thermal stability and hydrophobicity.

Originality/value

The modification of poly (VAc-VeoVa10) by reactive surfactant and fluorinated monomer is seldom reported. In this study, the fluorinated poly (VAC-VeoVa) latex is prepared via the reactive surfactants, which VAc and VeoVa10 is used as the main monomers and hexafluorobutyl methacrylate is used as the functional monomer. Potassium persulfate (KPS) and allyl nonyl phenoxy propyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether ammonium sulfate are used as the initiator and emulsifier, respectively.
A review on sustainability challenges of flame retardants for textiles
Authors: Venant Haule Liberato
Published: September 2024

Purpose

A review of sustainability challenges of flame retardants (FRs) for textiles has been conducted. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to identify and recommend solutions to sustainability challenges emanating from the raw material, processing technology and performance of the FRs used for textiles.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in preparing this paper was based on the review of various scholarly databases about the subject matter. The review approach is designed to inform the readers about the sustainability challenges of FRs for textiles. The science of burning and FRs for synthetic and cellulosic fibres were reviewed. Both synthetic and natural biodegradable FRs for textiles has been identified. The obtained literature was then synthesised to get information about sustainable challenges of non-halogenated FRs both synthetic and natural biodegradable. Finally, possible approaches for mitigating the identified challenges have been recommended.

Findings

The sustainability challenges of the FRs in terms of raw material, processing, affordability and performance have been identified. Synthetic FRs suffer from sustainability challenges in terms of raw materials, processing and non-renewability. Despite the environmental friendliness and sustainability in terms of being renewability, processability and biodegradability, natural biodegradable FRs have poor performance compared to synthetic ones. Moreover, natural biodegradable FRs depend on geographical condition and lack economic variability data. Potentially, the challenges of FRs can be mitigated through eco-friendly synthesis, chemical modification and sustainable methods of applications. Because of its renewability and environmental friendliness, biodegradable FRs have a potential to becoming sustainable if researched more.

Originality/value

In this review, a collection of literature about sustainability challenges of FRs and the approaches to overcome the challenges has been provided. The collected information was analysed and synthesised to bring understanding of the science of burning, types and application of FRs for textiles and biodegradable FRs. Sustainability challenges have been identified, and mitigation approaches are provided.