bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Scalable Adaptive Quadratic Kernel Method for Interpretable Epistasis Analysis in Complex Traits
Authors: Fu Boyang , Anand Prateek , Anand Aakarsh , Mefford Joel , Sankararaman Sriram 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOur knowledge of the contribution of genetic interactions (epistasis) to variation in human complex traits remains limited, partly due to the lack of efficient, powerful, and interpretable algorithms to detect interactions. Recently proposed approaches for set-based association tests show promise in improving power to detect epistasis by examining the aggregated effects of multiple variants. Nevertheless, these methods either do not scale to large numbers of individuals available in Biobank datasets or do not provide interpretable results. We, therefore, propose QuadKAST, a scalable algorithm focused on testing pairwise interaction effects (also termed asquadratic effects) of a set of genetic variants on a trait and quantifying the proportion of phenotypic variance explained by these effects.We performed comprehensive simulations and demonstrated that QuadKAST is well-calibrated. Additionally, QuadKAST is highly sensitive in detecting loci with epistatic signal and accurate in its estimation of quadratic effects. We applied QuadKAST to 53 quantitative phenotypes measured in ≈ 300, 000 unrelated white British individuals in the UK Biobank to test for quadratic effects within each of 9, 515 protein-coding genes (after accounting for linear additive effects). We detected 32 trait-gene pairs across 17 traits that demonstrate statistically significant signals of quadratic effects (accounting for the number of genes and traits tested). Our method enables the detailed investigation of epistasis on a large scale, offering new insights into its role and importance.
Same-sign taus signatures of maximally flavor-violating scalars at the LHC
Authors: Alves Alexandre , Dias Alex G. , Almeida Eduardo da Silva , Gonçalves Diego S. V. 
Published: March 2024

We explore single and double flavor-violating scalar (flavon) production at the 13 and 14 TeV LHC in an effective field theory formulation where flavons always change the flavor of the Standard Model fermions. When those scalars couple to mass, their flavor-changing couplings to top quarks and tau leptons are favored. Focusing on the mass region below the top-quark mass, we find couplings that fit the muon (g−2) discrepancy and avoid several current experimental constraints. We determine the potential of the LHC to exclude or discover such a new physics scenario with clean signatures consisting of same-sign tau leptons and the simultaneous observation of resonances in the tau plus electron or muon invariant mass. We found that in the double production mode, effective couplings down to order 10−2  TeV−1 can be probed for flavon masses in the 10–170 GeV range at the 14 TeV HL-LHC, but couplings down to 0.1  TeV−1 can already be excluded at 95% confidence level with data collected from the 13 TeV LHC in the same mass interval. We also explore the impact of sizeable diagonal flavon couplings on the prospects of LHC for the signals we propose.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Formation fault-tolerant control for multiple UAVs with external disturbances
Authors: Ma Ziyuan , Gong Huajun , Wang Xinhua 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to construct an event-triggered finite-time fault-tolerant formation tracking controller, which can achieve a time-varying formation control for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during actuator failures and external perturbations.

Design/methodology/approach
First, this study developed the formation tracking protocol for each follower using UAV formation members, defining the tracking inaccuracy of the UAV followers’ location. Subsequently, this study designed the multilayer event-triggered controller based on the backstepping method framework within finite time. Then, considering the actuator failures, and added self-adaptive thought for fault-tolerant control within finite time, the event-triggered closed-loop system is subsequently shown to be a finite-time stable system. Furthermore, the Zeno behavior is analyzed to prevent infinite triggering instances within a finite time. Finally, simulations are conducted with external disturbances and actuator failure conditions to demonstrate formation tracking controller performance.

Findings
It achieves improved performance in the presence of external disturbances and system failures. Combining limited-time adaptive control and event triggering improves system stability, increase robustness to disturbances and calculation efficiency. In addition, the designed formation tracking controller can effectively control the time-varying formation of the leader and followers to complete the task, and by adding a fixed-time observer, it can effectively compensate for external disturbances and improve formation control accuracy.

Originality/value
A formation-following controller is designed, which can handle both external disturbances and internal actuator failures during formation flight, and the proposed method can be applied to a variety of formation control scenarios and does not rely on a specific type of UAV or communication network.
Gender diversity in corporate boards of companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange: a quantile regression approach
Authors: Mvita Mpinda Freddy , Du Toit Elda 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the effect of female’s presence in corporate governance structures to reduce agency conflicts, using a quantile regression approach.

Design/methodology/approach
The research investigates the relationship between company performance and boardroom gender diversity using quantile regression methods. The study uses annual data of 111 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2020.

Findings
The study reveals that women on the board impact firm return on assets and enterprise value, varying across performance distribution. This contrasts fixed effect findings but aligns with two-stage least squares. However, quantile regression indicates that female executives and independent non-executive directors have notably negative impacts in high and low-performing companies, highlighting non-uniformity in the board gender diversity effect compared with previous assumptions.

Practical implications
The empirical findings suggest that companies with no women directors on the board are generally more likely to experience a decrease in performance and enterprise value relative to companies with women directors on the board. As recommended through the King Code of Corporate Governance, it is thus valuable to companies to ensure gender diversity on the board of directors.

Originality/value
The research confirms through rigorous statistical analyses that corporate governance policies, principles and guidelines should include gender diversity as a requirement for a board of directors.
Exploring the gender entrepreneurial dimension following a long-term crisis: the case of Cypriot and Greek micro and small firms
Authors: Sakellarios Nikolaos , Duarte Alonso Abel , Vu Oanh Thi Kim , O'Brien Seamus , Kok Seng , Velasquez Santiago 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine various key aspects associated with entrepreneurs’ behaviour following a long-term crisis. Specifically, the study compares the perceptions of female and male entrepreneurs operating in Cyprus and Greece concerning success factors and firm performance in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Conceptually, the study considers the organisational adaptation literature (Miles and Snow’s typology).Design/methodology/approachThe views of female and male micro and small firm owners-managers operating in Greece and Cyprus, a total of 406, were gathered through a questionnaire. To analyse the quantitative data, independent samples t-test and exploratory factor analysis were applied.FindingsParticipants’ responses reveal similar levels of perceived importance between genders regarding adaptive measures and strategies to confront a long-term crisis, as well as perceived firm performance. Nevertheless, exploratory factor analysis highlights differences in how male/female entrepreneurs perceive actions that, as in the case of financial management, can safeguard the immediate outlook of the firm.Originality/valueWhile scholarly discourses on gender and entrepreneurship abound, important knowledge gaps still exist, for instance, in entrepreneurs’ problem-solving strategies adopted by female and male entrepreneurs following crises. In addressing this scholarly gap cross-culturally, that is, drawing on cross-national data (Cyprus and Greece); the present study makes an important contribution. Empirically, the study ascertains similar entrepreneurial behavioural characteristics between female-male entrepreneurs. Theoretically, the study validates Miles and Snow’s typology and develops a theoretical framework linking the typology and dimensions emerging from the empirical findings.
Impact of AACSB accreditation on education quality: perceptions of faculty in an accredited school in Japan
Authors: Ito Hiroshi , Takeuchi Shinichi , Yokoyama Kenji , Makita Yukihiro , Ishii Masamichi 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis study examines the impact of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation on education quality. We discern the prospective influences of AACSB, focusing on shifts in teaching methods and content and assessment procedures.Design/methodology/approachUsing a case study approach, in-depth interviews are conducted with a Japanese-accredited business school’s faculty members to understand their perceptions of the school’s education-quality issues. The data were thematically analyzed.FindingsRespondents acknowledged that AACSB accreditation has positively influenced teaching, encouraging active learning and the case method. However, they also indicated that accreditation had a restrictive effect on assessment activities, pushing toward compliance rather than genuine learning evaluation. This dichotomy suggests a need for balancing standard adherence with the flexibility to maintain educational depth and assessment integrity.Research limitations/implicationsConvenience sampling may introduce self-selection bias. Furthermore, the qualitative case study approach does not allow for statistical generalization. However, when combined with existing literature, the findings can be analytically generalized and transferred to other contexts.Originality/valueWe provide insights regarding AACSB accreditation’s impact on business education, encompassing shifts in teaching methods and content and faculty perceptions of assessment. This study enhances the scholarly understanding of business school accreditation and offers guidance to accredited or accreditation-seeking academic institutions.
Employee withdrawal behavior during forced remote work: the roles of perceived organizational support and meaningful work
Authors: Rurkkhum Suthinee , Detnakarin Suteera 
Published: March 2024

PurposeEmployee withdrawal behavior can be costly for an organization. Referring to the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, this study assessed employee withdrawal behavior during forced remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Job demands in the recent crisis tend to be high, resulting in the use of job resources, that is, perceived organizational support (POS) during remote work and meaningful work. Thus, the study aimed to examine the roles of POS and meaningful work toward employee withdrawal behavior during forced remote work.Design/methodology/approachSelf-report questionnaires were received from 320 Thai forced remote employees in various industries. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, followed by structural equation model to test hypotheses.FindingsThe full mediating role of meaningful work between POS during remote work and employee withdrawal behavior was detected, emphasizing its significance as an intrinsic motivator to lessen the likelihood of withdrawal behavior.Originality/valueExisting knowledge of remote work is questioned in terms of how it applies to a forced remote situation. This study also confirmed the JD-R model in an unfamiliar scenario, contributing to our knowledge of remote work as a future of work.
Understanding store-loyal customers’ mobile channel migration: a trust-transfer perspective
Authors: Wei Xiaoyong , Huang Anwei , Chen Ruoyi , Yang Jiyue 
Published: March 2024

PurposeRetailers have recently leveraged store-loyal customers’ store attachment to maintain customer relationships and motivate patronage intentions. However, the COVID-19 outbreak has driven customer migration from offline to mobile channels. Mobile retail applications (APPs) have been used by numerous retailers to reach their customers. Nonetheless, it has yet to be determined (1) whether store attachment can facilitate (or impede) the adoption of mobile retail APPs and (2) whether store-loyal customers will continue visiting offline stores in the post-pandemic era. To address these questions, we propose a theoretical account using integrated theories on trust transfer and store attachment.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted multi-stage, longitudinal field surveys in two cities of mainland China: Beijing and Guangzhou. From two rounds of data collection, 237 and 103 responses were obtained in March 2022. Hypotheses were tested by partial least squares – structural equation modelling (PLS–SEM).FindingsResults showed that customer trust in an offline retailer can be transferred to the retailer’s mobile APP at the pre-adoption stage, facilitating APP adoption. Notably, store-loyal customers who exhibited a strong attachment to the physical store of a retailer were more inclined to transfer their trust to the mobile APP of the retailer. This occurrence leads to an increased adoption rate, enhanced post-adoption satisfaction and increased inclination to continue (rather than discontinue) usage.Originality/valueThis study is the first to investigate the changes in store-loyal customers' shopping behaviour in the mobile retail era and in the post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery. Our findings elucidate the role of physical store attachment in the trust-transfer mechanism. Furthermore, store attachment may not prevent customers’ channel migration behaviour. Retailers may have to re-consider how to manage channel cannibalisation issues in the post-pandemic recovery.
Nexus between participation in nonfarm enterprises and poverty among rural farm households: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Adeyonu Abigail , Akerele Dare , Kehinde Mojisola Olanike , Ologbon Olugbenga Adesoji Christopher , Akintayo Oluwaremilekun , Kolawole Roseline 
Published: March 2024

PurposeDespite a reduction in poverty the global population in 2015, the incidence of poverty remains very high in Sub-Saharan African countries. Most of the countries in the region are agrarian, with most of their population residing in rural areas, and a majority of the poor in the region are found in Nigeria. This study examined the nexus between participation in nonfarm enterprises (NFEs) and poverty among rural farm households in Nigeria and across the six geopolitical zones.Design/methodology/approachThe Nigerian Living Standard Survey (NLSS) conducted in 2018–2019 by the National Bureau of Statistics was used. We made use of 13,440 farm households with useful information for the purpose of this study. The sample comprises 6,885 households that participated in NFEs and 6,555 nonparticipating households. The data were analyzed with Foster, Greer, and Thorbecke (FGT) (1984) metrics, probit, and fractional probit models at p = 0.05.FindingsThe incidence of poverty was lower among the participating households than in the nonparticipating households. Participation in NFEs had a mitigating effect on poverty. We also established that zonal differentials in poverty rates exist among households in all the analyses. Participation in NFEs was influenced by individual, household, and institutional factors and was also able to explain the depth of poverty among the respondents.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that poverty alleviation policies should be targeted at improving access to nonfarm economic activities by rural farm households residing in vulnerable geopolitical zones.Originality/valueThis study is the first attempt to profile household poverty based on the type of NFEs they are involved in. The study also provides an insight into the effect of the state of residence on zonal poverty models, which is expedient if the country must achieve Sustainable Development Goal 1 on the eradication of poverty everywhere.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-06-2023-0493
Pathogen evolution following spillover from a resident to a migrant host population depends on interactions between host pace of life and tolerance to infection
Authors: Torstenson Martha , Shaw Allison K. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Changes to migration routes and phenology create novel contact patterns among hosts and pathogens. These novel contact patterns can lead to pathogens spilling over between resident and migrant populations. Predicting the consequences of such pathogen spillover events requires understanding how pathogen evolution depends on host movement behaviour. Following spillover, pathogens may evolve changes in their transmission rate and virulence phenotypes because different strategies are favoured by resident and migrant host populations. There is conflict in current theoretical predictions about what those differences might be. Some theory predicts lower pathogen virulence and transmission rates in migrant populations because migrants have lower tolerance to infection. Other theoretical work predicts higher pathogen virulence and transmission rates in migrants because migrants have more contacts with susceptible hosts.

We aim to understand how differences in tolerance to infection and host pace of life act together to determine the direction of pathogen evolution following pathogen spillover from a resident to a migrant population.

We constructed a spatially implicit model in which we investigate how pathogen strategy changes following the addition of a migrant population. We investigate how differences in tolerance to infection and pace of life between residents and migrants determine the effect of spillover on pathogen evolution and host population size.

When the paces of life of the migrant and resident hosts are equal, larger costs of infection in the migrants lead to lower pathogen transmission rate and virulence following spillover. When the tolerance to infection in migrant and resident populations is equal, faster migrant paces of life lead to increased transmission rate and virulence following spillover. However, the opposite can also occur: when the migrant population has lower tolerance to infection, faster migrant paces of life can lead to decreases in transmission rate and virulence.

Predicting the outcomes of pathogen spillover requires accounting for both differences in tolerance to infection and pace of life between populations. It is also important to consider how movement patterns of populations affect host contact opportunities for pathogens. These results have implications for wildlife conservation, agriculture and human health.
Soil fertility as a mediator of interactions between an introduced specialist beetle and a native generalist nematode on an exotic invasive plant and its native congener
Authors: Xiang Yao , Zhao Kaiqing , Guo Wenfeng , Li Xiaoqiong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Invasive plants are often attacked by both introduced specialist and native generalist natural enemies in new ranges. Soil fertility can potentially alter the interactions of these natural enemies with native versus invasive plants in ways that have largely unexplored implications for biological invasions and biological control.

A common garden experiment was conducted to compare the performance of an introduced specialist flea beetle, Agasicles hygrophila, and/or a native generalist nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, on invasive alligator weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides, and its native congener sessile joyweed, Alternanthera sessilis, under different levels of soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P).

At a relatively low or moderate N and P levels, the flea beetle and the nematodes were not significantly affected by each other. Under these conditions, alligator weed responded plastically by producing more branches and biomass, as well as longer stolons, in response to attack by the flea beetle and/or the nematode, compared to sessile joyweed responses to similar levels of damage. However, under a relatively high N and P levels, nematode infestations significantly reduced flea beetle damage on alligator weed, resulting in significantly greater above‐ and below‐ground biomass and longer stolons than plants without herbivory. In contrast, beetle herbivory significantly increased the level of nematode infestations on sessile joyweed, resulting in significantly fewer fine and coarse roots, and lower above‐ and below‐ground biomass compared to plants without herbivory.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings illustrate the importance of soil fertility in mediating interactions between specialist biocontrol agents and native generalists on native versus invasive plants. High phenotypic plasticity seems to be an important attribute that contributes to the success of invasive plants like alligator weed in relatively nutrient‐poor environments. However, nutrient‐rich environments could potentially confer greater growth benefits on invasive plants than on native ones by changing herbivore–herbivore interactions on plants differently. There is a great need to fully investigate the direct and indirect interactions between biocontrol agents and generalists across food webs following classical biocontrol releases. Nutrient measurements of both soil and water bodies should also be incorporated into all stages of biocontrol programmes.