Theory Arguments Research Articles

The Economics of Geographical Indications: An Update

We discuss the economics of geographical indications (GIs), a form of collective branding of products based on their geographic origin. GIs serve as essential tools in addressing market failures stemming from information asymmetries and supporting the provision of high-quality products in competitive settings. They are increasingly used in wine and food markets. We briefly review the institutional development of GIs, discuss the basic economic theory arguments that rationalize the use of GIs, and characterize their key functions. We then examine the empirical evidence from studies that have probed various features of GIs. We find consensus on the potential for GIs to address a very real market failure and the positive role that policies and supporting institutions can play. We also uncover limitations and unresolved problems. GIs have both efficiency and distributional consequences, their international implications remain controversial, and tensions between tradition and innovation emerge while confronting new challenges such as climate change.

On Generalizations of Pairwise Compatibility Graphs

A graph $G$ is a pairwise compatibility graph (PCG) if there exists an edge-weighted tree and an interval $I$, such that each leaf of the tree is a vertex of the graph, and there is an edge $\{ x, y \}$ in $G$ if and only if the weight of the path in the tree connecting $x$ and $y$ lies within the interval $I$. Originating in phylogenetics, PCGs are closely connected to important graph classes like leaf-powers and multi-threshold graphs, widely applied in bioinformatics, especially in understanding evolutionary processes. In this paper we introduce two natural generalizations of the PCG class, namely $k$-OR-PCG and $k$-AND-PCG, which are the classes of graphs that can be expressed as union and intersection, respectively, of $k$ PCGs. These classes can be also described using the concepts of the covering number and the intersection dimension of a graph in relation to the PCG class. We investigate how the classes of OR-PCG and AND-PCG are related to PCGs, $k$-interval-PCGs and other graph classes known in the literature. In particular, we provide upper bounds on the minimum $k$ for which an arbitrary graph $G$ belongs to $k$-interval-PCGs, $k$-OR-PCG or $k$-AND-PCG classes. For particular graph classes we improve these general bounds. Moreover, we show that, for every integer $k$, there exists a bipartite graph that is not in the $k$-interval-PCGs class, proving that there is no finite $k$ for which the $k$-interval-PCG class contains all the graphs. This answers an open question of Ahmed and Rahman from 2017. Finally, using a Ramsey theory argument, we show that for any $k$, there exists graphs that are not in $k$-AND-PCG, and graphs that are not in $k$-OR-PCG.

Analytic structure of diffusive correlation functions

Diffusion is a dissipative transport phenomenon ubiquitously present in nature. Its details can now be analyzed with modern effective field theory (EFT) techniques that use the closed-time-path (or Schwinger-Keldysh) formalism. We discuss the structure of the diffusive effective action appropriate for the analysis of stochastic or thermal loop effects, responsible for the so-called long-time tails, to all orders. We also elucidate and prove a number of properties of the EFT and use the theory to establish the analytic structure of the n-loop contributions to diffusive retarded two-point functions. Our analysis confirms a previously proposed result by Delacrétaz that used microscopic conformal field theory arguments. Then, we analyze a number of implications of these loop corrections to the dispersion relations of the diffusive mode and new, gapped modes that appear when the EFT is treated as exact. Finally, we discuss certain features of an all-loop model of diffusion that only retains a special subset of n-loop “banana” diagrams. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Russian Disjunction To li To li and Obligatory Ignorance

Abstract In this paper, we explore the behavior of one complex disjunction in Russian that has some special properties that set it apart from other simple and complex disjunctions: it never gives rise to free choice inferences in environments in which other disjunctions do and under universal quantifiers it behaves different from other disjunctions. We show that the data resist an analysis in terms of wide scope disjunction and propose that those special properties are due to obligatory ignorance inferences associated with this disjunction. The paper provides one more argument for a grammatical theory of ignorance along the lines of ( 7).

Cyclic base change of cuspidal automorphic representations over function fields

Let $G$ be a split semisimple group over a global function field $K$. Given a cuspidal automorphic representation $\Pi$ of $G$ satisfying a technical hypothesis, we prove that for almost all primes $\ell$, there is a cyclic base change lifting of $\Pi$ along any $\mathbb {Z}/\ell \mathbb {Z}$-extension of $K$. Our proof does not rely on any trace formulas; instead it is based on using modularity lifting theorems, together with a Smith theory argument, to obtain base change for residual representations. As an application, we also prove that for any split semisimple group $G$ over a local function field $F$, and almost all primes $\ell$, any irreducible admissible representation of $G(F)$ admits a base change along any $\mathbb {Z}/\ell \mathbb {Z}$-extension of $F$. Finally, we characterize local base change more explicitly for a class of toral representations considered in work of Chan and Oi.

Structural origin of spin-splitting anisotropy in janus dichalcogenides monolayers under pressure

Abstract Janus transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have drawn a great deal of attention because of their mirror plane symmetry breaking that allows the emergence of a built-in out-of-plane dipole which determine superior piezoelectric and spin-related properties. Furthermore, it has been shown in the recent literature that pressure application is capable of modulating spin-related phenomena in this class of materials. Generally, the spin-splitting presence in real systems is explored in terms of point group symmetry reduction using solely group theory arguments. However, we seek to associate the enhancement of spin-splitting in Janus TMDs monolayers by searching the most important local asymmetries responsible for the symmetry lowering that leads the monolayer larger spin-splitting energies. In this sense, we seek to unveil a possible structural descriptor that correlates with subbands splitting magnitude in Janus TMDs. To accomplish this, we performed a detailed first-principles investigation into WSSe Janus monolayers under biaxial in-plane strain to find that pressure induces a symmetry lowering from the C 3v to the C s point group. From these observations, we found that in-plane angle asymmetries between the chalcogens yield a distortion metric that can serve as a descriptor for enhanced spin-splitting in Janus WSSe since it strongly correlates with spin-splitting energies. Hence, our work establishes that, rather than solely global symmetry analysis, specific local distortions provide a key design principle to achieve strong spin-splitting in 2D Janus TMDs.

Marketing Outcomes and Shareholder Value: A Review and Research Agenda

One of the most fundamental management questions is how market-based assets affect shareholder value. To provide an answer, we review the extensive literature on marketing outcomes and shareholder value using the Theory, Context, Characteristics, and Methodology (TCCM) framework. The analysis reveals that researchers mainly rely on the efficient market hypothesis, signaling theory, and market-based arguments to theorize the relationship between customer-based market assets and shareholder value. Researchers predominantly collect secondary data and employ event study, persistence methods, and instrumental variables approach to show that marketing actions (such as advertising and brand building) and customer-based market assets (such as customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and brand equity) positively influence shareholder value. After outlining the findings, future research directions on the relationship between market assets and shareholder value are explored.

High‐status versus low‐status stakeholders

AbstractThe literature on stakeholder theory has largely ignored the difficult and central issue of how judges and firms should resolve disputes among stakeholders. When the issue is addressed, focus has largely been on the potential for management to use stakeholder theory as cover for rent‐seeking or on disputes between classes of stakeholders. Sharply underappreciated is the potential for disparate interests within a stakeholder class. That potential is particularly acute due to a (largely education‐driven) stark and growing class divide in the United States. There is a substantial difference between the interests of a highly educated professional and managerial elite and a pink‐collar and blue‐collar working class who mostly do not hold 4‐year degrees. Despite their smaller numbers, the professional and managerial elite will frequently win out in intra‐stakeholder disputes with working‐class stakeholders due to their greater status, power, and influence. Because this class divide is cultural, social, and political, as well as economic, these disputes will go beyond financial pie‐splitting to culture war issues. This threatens to be destabilizing for both the republic and individual firms and undermines both the practical and ethical arguments for the stakeholder theory.

Third-party perceptions of mistreatment: A meta-analysis and integrative model of reactions to perpetrators and victims.

Third parties have increasingly become the focus of research on mistreatment in organizations. Much of that work is grounded in deonance theory, which argues that third parties should react to the perpetrators of mistreatment with anger. Deonance theory is less explicit as to how third parties should react to the victims of mistreatment, though empirical work has pointed to empathy as one potential reaction. Deonance theory is less capable of explaining recent findings suggesting that third parties may react to mistreatment events with schadenfreude. The purpose of our study was to conduct a meta-analytic test of an integrative model specifying the relationships between third-party perceptions of mistreatment and reactions to perpetrators and victims. That model predicted that third-party perceptions of mistreatment would be associated with emotional reactions (anger toward the perpetrator, empathy toward the victim, schadenfreude from the event), cognitive reactions (evaluations of the perpetrator and victim), and behavioral reactions (antisocial and prosocial behaviors toward the perpetrator and victim). Our model testing provides the first quantitative synthesis of the third-party mistreatment literature while surfacing counterintuitive findings that would not be anticipated from deonance theory's arguments. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our work while providing guidance for future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Spectral properties of the Laplacian of temporal networks following a constant block Jacobi model.

We study the behavior of the eigenvectors associated with the smallest eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix of temporal networks. We consider the multilayer representation of temporal networks, i.e., a set of networks linked through ordinal interconnected layers. We analyze the Laplacian matrix, known as supra-Laplacian, constructed through the supraadjacency matrix associated with the multilayer formulation of temporal networks, using a constant block Jacobi model which has closed-form solution. To do this, we assume that the interlayer weights are perturbations of the Kronecker sum of the separate adjacency matrices forming the temporal network. Thus we investigate the properties of the eigenvectors associated with the smallest eigenvalues (close to zero) of the supra-Laplacian matrix. Using arguments of perturbation theory, we show that these eigenvectors can be approximated by linear combinations of the zero eigenvectors of the individual time layers. This finding is crucial in reconsidering and generalizing the role of the Fielder vector in supra-Laplacian matrices.

The impact of time constraints on new venture investment decisions: an experimental study

ABSTRACT Researchers have suggested that new venture investors quickly conclude their decisions and rely on heuristics. However, there is a paucity of empirical work exploring the impact of time constraints on new venture investment decisions. To fill this gap, we are exploring the impact of time constraints on the new venture investment decision process and the final investment decision using the arguments of the Dual Process Theory. A balanced experiment setup is used, where the treated group is given time constraints to make the decision. Results show that investors under time constraints consider only a subset of the available information signals to perceive the probable prospects and to make final investment decisions. This consideration of a subset of information signals results in a partial assessment of the proposal where investors focus more on return potential than risk exposure aspect of investment proposals. This inclination towards return potential increases the scale of investment.

Investment horizon, slack resources, and firm performance: Evidence from privately held european firms

Short-termism in investment decisions often results in poor firm performance, though excessively long investments can also harm performance by reducing internal flexibility. This study investigated a quadratic, inverted U-shaped relationship between investment horizon and performance. Building on agency theory and resource-constraint arguments, we proposed that organizational slack moderates the relationship between investment horizon and firm performance. For short investment horizons, slack represented unused resources that could have been invested, thus leading to lower performance. For long investment horizons, slack helped cover unanticipated expenses and increased firm performance. We found empirical support for our theory in a large sample of privately held European firms in the utilities and retail trade industries.

A comprehensive study of spatial spread and multiple time delay in an eco-epidemiological model with infected prey

This paper studies the dynamics of interacting Tilapia fish and Pelican bird population in the Salton Sea. We assume that the diseases spread in Tilapia fish follows the Holling type II response function, and the interaction between Tilapia and Pelican follows the Beddington–DeAngelis response function. The dynamics of diffusive and delayed system are discussed separately. Analytically, all the feasible equilibria and their stability are discussed. The criterion for Turing instability is derived. Based on the normal form theory and center manifold arguments, the existence of stability criterion and the direction of Hopf bifurcation are obtained. Numerical simulation shows the occurrence Hopf bifurcation, double Hopf bifurcation and transcritical bifurcation scenarios. The snap shot shows the spot, spot-strip mix patterns in the whole domain. Further, the stability switching phenomena is observed in the delayed system. Our comprehensive study highlights the effect of different parameters, multiple time delay and extinction in Pelican populations.

Love numbers and Love symmetries for p-form and gravitational perturbations of higher-dimensional spherically symmetric black holes

The static Love numbers of four-dimensional asymptotically flat, isolated, general-relativistic black holes are known to be identically vanishing. The Love symmetry proposal suggests that such vanishings are addressed by selection rules following from the emergence of an enhanced \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathrm{SL }\\left(2,{\\mathbb{R}}\\right)$$\\end{document} (“Love”) symmetry in the near-zone region; more specifically, it is the fact that the black hole perturbations belong to a highest-weight representation of this near-zone \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathrm{SL }\\left(2,{\\mathbb{R}}\\right)$$\\end{document} symmetry, rather than the existence of the Love symmetry itself, that outputs the vanishings of the corresponding Love numbers. In higher spacetime dimensions, some towers of magic zeroes with regards to the black hole response problem have also been reported for scalar, electromagnetic and gravitational perturbations of the Schwarzschild-Tangherlini black hole. Here, we extend these results by supplementing with p-form perturbations of the Schwarzschild-Tangherlini black hole. We furthermore analytically extract the static Love numbers and the leading order dissipation numbers associated with spin-0 scalar and spin-2 tensor-type tidal perturbations of the higher-dimensional Reissner-Nordström black hole. We find that Love symmetries exist and that the vanishings of the static Love numbers are captured by representation theory arguments even for these higher spin perturbations of the higher-dimensional spherically symmetric black holes of General Relativity. Interestingly, these near-zone \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathrm{SL }\\left(2,{\\mathbb{R}}\\right)$$\\end{document} structures acquire extensions to Witt algebras. Our setup allows to also study the p-form response problem of a static spherically symmetric black hole in a generic theory of gravity. We perform explicit computations for some black holes in the presence of string-theoretic corrections and investigate under what geometric conditions Love symmetries emerge in the near-zone.

Trilevel and multilevel optimization using monotone operator theory

AbstractWe consider rather a general class of multi-level optimization problems, where a convex objective function is to be minimized subject to constraints of optimality of nested convex optimization problems. As a special case, we consider a trilevel optimization problem, where the objective of the two lower layers consists of a sum of a smooth and a non-smooth term. Based on fixed-point theory and related arguments, we present a natural first-order algorithm and analyze its convergence and rates of convergence in several regimes of parameters.

Uniform stability of a semilinear coupled Timoshenko beam and an elastodynamic system in an inhomogeneous medium

In this paper, we consider a semilinear coupled Timoshenko beam and an elastodynamic system posed in an inhomogeneous one-dimensional medium subject to localized damping mechanisms acting in the three equations. We show uniform decay rates for the energy of the solutions of such a problem without assuming any restrictions on the non-constant coefficients. To establish these results, refined arguments of the Microlocal Analysis Theory are applied.

Effects of detuning on entropic uncertainty bound and quantum correlations in dissipative environments

One of the fundamental arguments in quantum information theory is the uncertainty principle. According to this principle, two incompatible observables cannot be measured with high precision at the same time. In this work, we will use the entropic uncertainty relation in the presence of quantum memory. Considering a dissipative environment, the effects of the detuning between the transition frequency of a quantum memory and the center frequency of a cavity on entropic uncertainty bound and the quantum correlation between quantum memory and measured particle will be studied. It is shown that by increasing the detuning, quantum correlation is maintained. As a result, due to the inverse relationship between the uncertainty bound and quantum correlations, the measurement results are guessed more accurately.

How do validity experts conceptualise argumentation? It's a rhetorical question.

Health professions education (HPE) has adopted the conceptualization of validity as an argument. However, the theoretical and practical aspects of how validity arguments should be developed, used and evaluated in HPE have not been deeply explored. Articulating the argumentation theory undergirding validity and validation can help HPE better operationalise validity as an argument. To better understand this, the authors explored how HPE validity scholars conceptualise assessment validity arguments and argumentation, seeking to understand potential consequences of these views on validation practices. The authors used critical case sampling to identify HPE assessment validity experts in three ways: (1) participation in a prominent validity research group, (2) appearing in a bibliometric study of HPE validity publications and (3) authorship of recent HPE validity literature. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 experts in HPE assessment validity from four different countries. The authors used reflexive thematic analysis to develop themes relevant to their research question. The authors developed three themes grounded in participants' responses: (1) In theory, HPE validity is a social and situated argument. (2) In practice, the absence of audience and evaluation stymies the social nature of HPE validity. (3) Lack of validity argumentation creates and maintains power differentials within HPE. Participants articulated that current HPE validation practices are rooted in post-positivist epistemology when they should be situated (i.e. context-dependent), audience-centric and inclusive. When discussing validity argumentation in theory, participants' descriptions reflect an interpretivist lens for evaluation that is misaligned with real-world validity practices. This misalignment likely arises from HPE's adoption of "validity as an argument" as a slogan, without integrating theoretical and practical principles of argumentation theory.

Digital capabilities to manage agri-food supply chain uncertainties and build supply chain resilience during compounding geopolitical disruptions

PurposeThe agricultural supply chain is susceptible to disruptive geopolitical events. Therefore, agri-food firms must devise robust resilience strategies to hasten recovery and mitigate global food security effects. Hence, the central aim of this paper is to investigate how supply chains could leverage digital technologies to design resilience strategies to manage uncertainty stemming from the external environment disrupted by a geopolitical event. The context of the study is the African agri-food supply chain during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ strategic contingency and dynamic capabilities theory arguments to explore the scenario and conditions under which African agri-food firms could leverage digital technologies to formulate contingency strategies and devise mitigation countermeasures. Then, the authors used a multi-case-study analysis of 14 African firms of different sizes and tiers within three main agri-food sectors (i.e. livestock farming, food-crop and fisheries-aquaculture) to explore, interpret and present data and their findings.FindingsDownstream firms (wholesalers and retailers) of the African agri-food supply chain are found to extensively use digital seizing and transforming capabilities to formulate worst-case assumptions amid geopolitical disruption, followed by proactive mitigation actions. These capabilities are mainly supported by advanced technologies such as blockchain and additive manufacturing. On the other hand, smaller upstream partners (SMEs, cooperatives and smallholders) are found to leverage less advanced technologies, such as mobile apps and cloud-based data analytics, to develop sensing capabilities necessary to formulate a “wait-and-see” strategy, allowing them to reduce perceptions of heightened supply chain uncertainty and take mainly reactive mitigation strategies. Finally, the authors integrate their findings into a conceptual framework that advances the research agenda on managing supply chain uncertainty in vulnerable areas.Originality/valueThis study is the first that sought to understand the contextual conditions (supply chain characteristics and firm characteristics) under which companies in the African agri-food supply chain could leverage digital technologies to manage uncertainty. The study advances contingency and dynamic capability theories by providing a new way of interacting in one specific context. In practice, this study assists managers in developing suitable strategies to manage uncertainty during geopolitical disruptions.

Does Ownership Influence Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? A Study Of Post-Csr Law Implementation In India

Objective: This study examines the influence of different ownership structures on corporate social responsibility spending in a mandatory CSR regime. Method: We use the CSR data under statutory mandate reported by the top 500 publicly listed Indian firms of the first four years after CSR law implementation in 2014 on Bombay Stock Exchange and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs website. Using institutional and agency theory arguments, we hypothesize that ownership structure influences CSR spending. We use multiple logistics regression for our statistical analyses. Results: In line with our prediction, our results reveal that different ownership structures influence the variation in CSR spending. Foreign firms spend on CSR at par with the statutory mandate. Government firms spend above the statutory mandate, and promoter-owned firms spend below the statutory mandate. Conclusion: Through CSR spending on social development initiatives, firms can contribute to the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs) and build their credibility among stakeholders. Our study explains the influence of different ownership structures on CSR spending in a mandatory CSR regime. This study can help policymakers revisit the CSR law provisions by understanding why some firms are spending more and why some firms are spending less on CSR and encourage firms to spend more on CSR initiatives. We leverage institutional and agency theory to explain our findings.