Relative Impact Research Articles

Ventilation's role in adaptable school buildings: Comparing traditional and adaptable strategies through life cycle assessment

Adaptable buildings are a promising enabler in the transition towards a more circular economy, with the ambition of using materials as efficiently as possible. To exploit adaptable buildings to their full potential, HVAC designers should critically rethink how to design technical services and ventilation systems in particular. This case study illustrates how five ventilation strategies perform from an environmental point of view in a school building where the configuration of the floorplan changes every five years, each of the changes reflecting a pedagogical vision. Consequential LCA is used to assess the environmental impact. A decentralized balanced mechanical ventilation system, which requires almost no adaptations when the configuration changes, has the lowest environmental impact while mechanical exhaust ventilation has the highest. However, when the configuration of the floorplan layout alters more rapidly, the relative environmental impact of the latter decreases substantially. The main conclusion is that, in a flexible context, the material-related environmental impact gains importance over the energy-related impact. With respect to this conclusion, a key finding is that minimizing the material use of ductwork (rather than oversizing ductwork dimensions to decrease the energy consumption of the fan) is more sustainable from an environmental point of view. Finally, distributing the ductwork over two shafts offers more flexibility and results in a lower environmental impact as this allows for the use of smaller dimensions of ductwork.

An epidemiological model for analysing pandemic trends of novel coronavirus transmission with optimal control

ABSTRACT Symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals play a significant role in the transmission dynamics of novel Coronaviruses. By considering the dynamical behaviour of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, this study examines the temporal dynamics and optimal control of Coronavirus disease propagation using an epidemiological model. Biologically and mathematically, the well-posed epidemic problem is examined, as well as the threshold quantity with parameter sensitivity. Model parameters are quantified and their relative impact on the disease is evaluated. Additionally, the steady states are investigated to determine the model's stability and bifurcation. Using the dynamics and parameters sensitivity, we then introduce optimal control strategies for the elimination of the disease. Using real disease data, numerical simulations and model validation are performed to support theoretical findings and show the effects of control strategies.

Landslide Risk Management in Areas Affected by Wildfires or Floods: A Comprehensive Framework Integrating GIS, Remote Sensing Techniques, and Regional Climate Models

Over the past few decades, numerous studies and technical surveys have documented a significant number of landslides activated in areas that had recently been affected by wildfires or floods, thereby suggesting a potential link between landslides and these phenomena. With the climate crisis exacerbating the intensity and frequency of wildfires and floods, understanding this link has nowadays become even more crucial and requires further exploration. This study proceeds along this path and establishes a comprehensive framework for rapidly evaluating the effect of a wildfire or a flood on the local landslide mechanism, as well as for effectively managing landslide hazards in the affected area. The proposed framework incorporates advanced Geographical Information System (GIS) tools, remote sensing techniques, and state of the art regional climate models, to assess landslide hazard and risk from wildfires and floods on the impacted area, as well as to offer vital tools for landslide management. Consequently, it provides a comprehensive and thorough assessment of the impact of these catastrophic phenomena on affected areas. Remote sensing and GIS techniques offer a cost-effective solution, as these methods, contrary to traditional in-situ methods, can be easily and rapidly applied even on large and complex areas. The integration of regional climate models also ensures the long-term viability of the proposed approach, as it takes under consideration the impacts of the climate crisis. As a result, the proposed framework contributes to scientists’ ongoing efforts in understanding the dynamic character of the landslides phenomenon that evolves and interacts with other natural disasters. Simultaneously, the results of the proposed methodology can effectively contribute to the local stakeholders’ efforts to promptly assess the relative impact and make informed decisions regarding the required mitigation measures. Wildfires that ravaged the Chania regional unit in western Crete, Greece, in 2021, are selected as a case study to highlight the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed framework.

ANALISIS PENGARUH HUMAN RELATION, DISIPLIN KERJA, DAN FAKTOR LINGKUNGAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN DI DSOCIETY CABANG MEDAN SEBAGAI STARTUP

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of Human Relations, Work Discipline, and Work Environment on Employee Performance at the Medan Branch of DSociety Start Up Company. The research adopts a quantitative approach and focuses on the employees of the DSociety Medan Branch Start Up Company as the population. A sample of 31 respondents was selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected through a questionnaire method, utilizing a Likert scale for measurement. The analytical techniques employed in this study include the classical assumption test, multiple linear regression analysis, multiple correlation analysis, and hypothesis testing using SPSS. The findings of this study reveal that Human Relations, Work Discipline, and Work Environment significantly influence Employee Performance. The Adjusted R Square value of 0.375 indicates that these variables collectively account for 37.5% of the variance in Employee Performance. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a direct correlation between Human Relations, Work Discipline, Work Environment, and Employee Performance. The remaining variance in Employee Performance is attributed to other unexamined variables.

Impacts of water constraints on economic outputs and trade: A multi-regional input-output analysis in China

Water resource constraints pose significant challenges to sustainable development of economy, environment, and human society. This study addresses the existing gap in understanding the impacts of water resource constraints on economic outputs and inter-provincial trade in China. A water-use constrained multi-regional input-output (MRIO) model is developed to analyze the impacts on economic outputs resulting from different water constraints imposed on economic sectors. A series of scenarios are designed to represent different levels of sectoral water use restrictions based on short-term water policy and water stress alleviation targets. Results reveal that regions experience different levels of water stress displaying diverse economic impacts due to future water restrictions. Overall, national economic outputs will experience a 0.76–1.14% decrease compared to the baseline scenario, that is, the “business-as-usual” scenario. Provinces with lower levels of economic development tend to be less resilient to the economic losses arising from water constraints. As such, Ningxia and Shanxi show with the greatest relative economic impact, accounting for 7.09% and 4.21% of their respective provinces’ economic outputs under the baseline scenario. Furthermore, the direction of net bilateral trade, such as net trade between Henan and Shaanxi or between Henan and Hunan, would reverse under water constraint scenarios from the baseline scenario. This underscores the importance of considering the cascading effects of local water constraints on inter-provincial trade. Our study highlights the trade-offs between water conservation and economic development, emphasizing the need for region-specific water-saving measures.

The Role of Public Relations on Reputation Management: A Case Study of Orange Mobile Company Sierra Leone Limited

A case study of Orange Mobile Company in Sierra Leone was used in the study to assess the impact of public relations on reputation management. The study's goals were to understand the roles that public relations play in managing Orange Sierra Leone's reputation, identify the problems with public relations that arise when managing Orange Sierra Leone's reputation, identify the best solutions to these problems, and look into the relationship between public relations and Orange Sierra Leone's reputation management. The study used an informal research design to reflect various aspects of study respondents' perceptions, feelings, experiences, facts, and emotional reactions to the study issue. This was a study of a problem or subject that looked at how one factor or variable affected another. This was due to the fact that the resulting research questions need explanatory, descriptive, and analytical components of the research to be observed. The study used a 60-person sample that was taken from a 600-person population. The top administrators of Orange Sierra Leone participated in key informant interviews, which the researcher coordinated and which enriched the study's findings. Data was as well gathered through self-administered questionnaires, which were given to representatives of the Public Relations department so they may respond. The majority of respondents generally felt that representing the company or individual to the media is one of the most well-known functions, which is proof that the concept of public relations is very important to the brand image of the organization. The study comes to the conclusion that creating written and oral documentation is another role of public relations. The study suggests that public relations training should be established in order to provide managers and practitioners with the necessary information and abilities. It is important to arrange seminars and conferences so that staff employees and practitioners with less experience can pick the brains of more knowledgeable individuals. This tactic should reduce dial errors brought on by limited experience.

The Trajectory of Prefrontal GABA Levels in Initially Antipsychotic-Naïve Patients With Psychosis During 2 Years of Treatment and Associations With Striatal Cerebral Blood Flow and Outcome

BackgroundGABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) function in the prefrontal cortex seems dysfunctional in patients with first-episode psychosis, but the impact of longer-term treatment and relationship to clinical outcomes and striatal activity are unknown. MethodsA longitudinal study of 39 antipsychotic-naïve and benzodiazepine-free patients with psychosis (22.4 ± 5.4 years, 64% women) and 54 matched healthy control participants (HCs) (22.2 ± 4.3 years, 61% women) who were followed up after 6 weeks (28 patients, 51 HCs), 6 months (17 patients, 47 HCs), and 2 years (21 patients, 43 HCs) was completed. GABA levels in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and striatal resting cerebral blood flow were assessed on a 3T magnetic resonance scanner at all visits. ResultsGABA levels in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex were significantly lower in patients at baseline and after 6 weeks but not after 6 months or 2 years. Analyses of groups separately revealed decreased GABA levels after 2 years in HCs but stable levels in patients. Treatment increased striatal resting cerebral blood flow after 6 weeks and 6 months but not after 2 years. GABA levels were negatively associated with striatal resting cerebral blood flow in both groups at all visits. Last, lower baseline GABA levels in patients were related to less functional improvement after 2 years. ConclusionsThe findings suggest a different trajectory of GABA levels and striatal perfusion in first-episode patients over 2 years of antipsychotic treatment compared with HCs and indicate a downregulatory role of prefrontal GABAergic function on the striatum. Moreover, abnormally low prefrontal GABA level at illness onset may be a marker for a more severe prognosis.

A pilot recruitment strategy to enhance ethical and equitable access to Covid-19 pediatric vaccine trials.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic disproportionately impacted communities with lower access to health care in the United States, particularly before vaccines were widely available. These same communities are often underrepresented in clinical trials. Efforts to ensure equitable enrollment of participants in trials related to treatment and prevention of Covid-19 can raise concerns about exploitation if communities with lower access to health care are targeted for recruitment. To enhance equity while avoiding exploitation, our site developed and implemented a three-part recruitment strategy for pediatric Covid-19 vaccine studies. First, we publicized a registry for potentially interested participants. Next, we applied public health community and social vulnerability indices to categorize the residence of families who had signed up for the registry into three levels to reflect the relative impact of the pandemic on their community: high, medium, and low. Finally, we preferentially offered study participation to interested families living in areas categorized by these indices as having high impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their community. This approach allowed us to meet goals for study recruitment based on public health metrics related to disease burden, which contributed to a racially diverse study population that mirrored the surrounding community demographics. While this three-part recruitment strategy improved representation of minoritized groups from areas heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, important limitations were identified that would benefit from further study. Future use of this approach to enhance equitable access to research while avoiding exploitation should test different methods to build trust and communicate with underserved communities more effectively.

Cross-Lingual Sentiment Analysis: Comparative Study of Opinion Expression Across Different Languages

Understanding the interconnectedness of the Jordanian language, culture, and emotion is the purpose of this research. To accomplish this objective, the study employs cross-lingual sentiment analysis, a method that permits a comprehensive examination of the subject. By employing this analysis method, the study aims to offer a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between culture, language, and emotion in Jordan. Comparing the manners in which speakers of Arabic and English express emotion in their respective languages was the primary objective of this study. The findings of this research shed light on the intricate relationship between the selection of a language and one's cultural identity, illustrating how this dynamic substantially influences the emotional landscape. This inquiry showcases the substantial impact of linguistic relativity and the inherent emotional intensity inscribed in language through the disclosure of a substantial increase in sentiment ratings for posts written in the English language. The results of this research further demonstrate the significance of the influence of linguistic imperialism on the social classification of feelings. The findings above offer significant insights into the complex dynamics between language, culture, and emotion within a heterogeneous and multicultural society.

The Impact of Network Status Resources on Health: Moderation by Cultural

The article is devoted to such a problem as the impact of social relations on people’s health. One of the directions in researching this issue is linked to analyzing social capital — network resources available to an individual to solve everyday problems. The conceptual basis of the research is the theory of positional network capital by N. Lin, according to which being acquainted to persons with high professional status provides an individual with access to resources that are vital for one’s health and improves its condition. Previous studies conducted in certain countries in different parts of the world generally confirm this theoretical assumption, but it remains unclear why the impact of social capital varies across countries and whether this is due to contextual factors of their socio-economic development and cultural characteristics. To clarify these issues, survey data from the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) 2017 for 30 countries and information (statistical and aggregated) about the differences between them were used. The results of verifying the theoretical ideas about the dependence of state of health on the network resources available to an individual demonstrated that status resources really play an important role in contributing to preserving one’s health. It was also shown that the impact of status and social capital on health depends on the cultural context and is more clearly manifested when trust in other people is widespread in society.

How does industrial transformative process shape the spatial dynamics of urban development?

Rapid global expansion of built-up areas and industrialization has led to significant environmental challenges, particularly in terms of anthropogenic carbon emissions. Consequently, it has become crucial to comprehensively understand the spatial dynamics of urban built-up areas and the associated socioeconomic transitions. This understanding serves as a critical foundation for formulating effective land use and industrial policies that not only promote economic sustainability but also contribute to the pursuit of environment related- sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, our knowledge about the dynamic relationship between urban industrial structure and built-up area patterns is limited. To address this gap, we use partial redundancy analysis (PRDA) to quantify the relative impact of key industrial employment sectors. The results indicate that the transformation of industrial structure has a significant influence on the spatial dynamics and morphologies of urban built-up areas. In addition, we found that the decline in agricultural population is associated with an increase in spatial isolation, while the growth of the manufacturing population affects changes in spatial extent and regularity. Furthermore, the combined impact of industrial and economic drivers accounts for up to 24.4% of the dynamics of urban built-up areas, with industrial transformation having a 3.82% greater impact than economic growth. These findings provide a valuable understanding of the interconnectedness between the spatial evolution of built-up areas and socioeconomic transitions, not only in China but also in other city clusters worldwide. Moreover, they might contribute to the knowledge of carbon neutrality pathways, further promoting sustainable development efforts.

BIOMARKERS HELP CLARIFY HOW SYSTEMIC AGING CONTRIBUTES TO MORTALITY: UTILIZING A MACHINE-LEARNING APPROACH IN HRS

Abstract Research suggests aging is a coordinated physiological decline occurring in multiple systems and at multiple biological levels. However, it is largely unknown how general biological aging and specific systemic aging co-occur and influence one another to affect mortality. There is also emerging interest in understanding how social exposures may differentially accelerate decline in individual physiological systems. We utilize data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of about 4000 US adults over age 55. We used eXtreme Gradient Boosting (xgboost) in a training subsample to create estimates of mortality risk based on sets of biomarkers representing biological systems (e.g., brain and nervous system, adaptive immune system, cardiovascular system, renal system) as well as cellular aging (using epigenetic clocks and telomere length). These models generated mortality risk scores for each system (e.g., renal functioning using BUN, creatinine, and cystatin C). Mortality was regressed on these scores in a testing subsample to assess the relative impact of each system on mortality risk. Results suggest cellular aging, cardiovascular aging, and age-related metabolic dysfunction contribute most to mortality risk. Aging of these systems also partially mediates the mortality risk associated with age, race/ethnicity, sex, and education. These results suggest aging of specific systems may be differentially affected by sociodemographic exposures and may differentially contribute to mortality risk. This research may help guide interventions focused on reducing inequalities in mortality risk by identifying health risks that would have the greatest impact on mortality at the population level.

Efficacy and safety of ketamine-assisted electroconvulsive therapy in major depressive episode: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

To meta-analyze clinical efficacy and safety of ketamine compared with other anesthetic agents in the course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in major depressive episode (MDE). PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, GoogleScholar, and US and European trial registries were searched from inception through May 23, 2023, with no language limits. We included RCTs with (1) a diagnosis of MDE; (2) ECT intervention with ketamine and/or other anesthetic agents; and (3) measures included: depressive symptoms, cognitive performance, remission or response rates, and serious adverse events. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed to compare ketamine and 7 other anesthetic agents. Hedges' g standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used for continuous measures, and relative risks (RRs) were used for other binary outcomes using random-effects models. Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review. A total of 2322 patients from 17 RCTs were included in the NMA. The overall pooled SMD of ketamine, as compared with propofol as a reference group, was -2.21 (95% confidence interval [CI], -3.79 to -0.64) in depressive symptoms, indicating that ketamine had better antidepressant efficacy than propofol. In a sensitivity analysis, however, ketamine-treated patients had a worse outcome in cognitive performance than propofol-treated patients (SMD, -0.18; 95% CI, -0.28 to -0.09). No other statistically significant differences were found. Ketamine-assisted ECT is tolerable and may be efficacious in improving depressive symptoms, but a relative adverse impact on cognition may be an important clinical consideration. Anesthetic agents should be considered based on patient profiles and/or preferences to improve effectiveness and safety of ECT use.

Can a Solution-Focused Coaching Approach Go Beyond the Ocean and Campus? Comparing Solution and Problem-Focused Approaches for Japanese Students and Business People

Previous studies comparing solution- and problem-focused coaching approaches have revealed that solution-focused approaches are consistently superior to problem-focused approaches. However, these studies were conducted in Australia and Europe, and all the participants have been students. Little is known about whether a solution-focused approach is more effective than a problem-focused approach even in other areas, particularly Asia. Moreover, investigating whether a solution-focused approach is more effective than a problem-focused approach even for other groups, especially businesspersons, is necessary. This study compares the relative impact of solution-focused questions with problem-focused questions on Japanese university students and businesspersons. In Study 1, 118 Japanese university students participated, and 36 Japanese company employees participated in Study 2. Before and after answering the questions, they completed a set of measures to assess self-efficacy, understanding of the problem, and positive and negative affect. In Study 1, the solution-focused approach was more effective in increasing self-efficacy and lessening negative affect. The problem-focused approach reduced the positive affect. In Study 2, the solution-focused approach was superior in terms of promoting self-efficacy and decreasing negative affect. This study provides empirical support for the effectiveness of a solution-focused approach for Japanese students and employees.

Correlation and related impact of migratory routes of seasonal birds in India and Japanese encephalitis (JE) epidemic regions in India

Japanese encephalitis (JE) which is also called epidemic encephalitis B, is able to cause severe inflammation in human body especially the central nervous system (CNS). Base on the fact that birds are able to transmit virus as same as pigs in the local regions in India, here will be more discussions and analyses about the correlation and related impact of migratory routes of seasonal birds in India and JE epidemic regions in India base on the case studies in the upcoming articles. Additionally, to figure out the solution of the problem of the continuously JE epidemic over the whole country. Throughout the process, a tight relation between wild birds and JEV was discovered from the previous researches, which also reflected the tendency of JE endemic in regions in India affected by the distribution of bird sanctuaries. Based on policies established for other epidemic prevention before in other countries, a few suggestions were listed to give a supportive reference for potential JE epidemics. This can either enhance the security of citizens living in the endemic area and raise the awareness to wildlife around them.

The actual impact of ride-splitting: An empirical study based on large-scale GPS data

Online ride-splitting has rapidly evolved worldwide, providing new means to enhance the efficiency of urban travel and reduce the number of vehicles and traffic congestion. While ride-splitting is currently believed to improve vehicle occupancy rates and decrease total travel distances, passengers may perceive it as resulting in additional travel due to ride sharing. To gain a more intuitive understanding of the current operations of ride-splitting, this study delves into carpooling behavior and analyzes its relative impact using GPS trajectory data from DiDi Chuxing in Chengdu, China. The investigation focuses on the behavior of ride-splitting and examines its relative impact based on disparities in total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and travel duration between ride-splitting traveling (RST) and corresponding separated traveling (ST), aiming to estimate the effect of RST on urban mobility. Following are the three main findings of this study: (a) The existing operation of RST induces 7%–10% extra VMT and 20%–35% extra duration for RST users; (b) The RST achieves 30%–35% VMT and 10%–20% duration saving for drivers who are willing to provide RST service; (c) The RST saves up to 10% VMT and duration varying by time in a day. This paper offers some insights to quantify the current impact of RST and evaluate the orientation of mobility service quality improvement.

Gauging Growth: AGI’s Mathematical Metrics for Economic Progress

Today, the economy is greatly influenced by Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of the quantitative relations of AGI on the country's economic parameters. The authors use the analysis of historical data in the research, develop a new mathematical algorithm that refers to the level of AGI development, and conduct the regression analysis. The economic effect of AGI is deduced if it affects the growth of real GDP. As a result of the analysis, it is revealed that there is a positive Pearson correlation between the growth of AGI and real GDP, that is, to increase GDP by 1%, an average increase of 12.5% of AGI is required.

Time in Tight Glucose Range in Type 1 Diabetes: Predictive Factors and Achievable Targets in Real-World Users of the MiniMed 780G System.

We studied time in tight range (TITR) (70-140 mg/dL) in real-world users of the MiniMed 780G system (MM780G). CareLink Personal data were extracted (August 2020 to December 2022) to examine TITR and its relationship with time in range (TIR; 70-180 mg/dL), factors predicting higher TITR, and which TITR target is a reasonable treatment goal. The 13,461 users (3,762 age ≤15 years and 9,699 age >15 years) showed an average TITR of 48.9% in those age ≤15 years and 48.8% in the older group (vs. TIR 71.2% and 73.9%, respectively). Consistent use of a glucose target (GT) of 100 mg/dL and active insulin time (AIT) of 2 h were the most relevant factors predicting higher TITR (P < 0.0001). In users consistently applying these optimal settings, TITR was 56.7% in those age ≤15 years and 57.0% in the older group, and the relative impact of these settings on TITR was 60% and 86% greater than that on TIR, respectively. TITRs of ∼45% (age ≤15 years 46.3% and older group 45.4%), ∼50% (50.7% and 50.7%) and ∼55% (56.4% and 58.0%) were best associated with glucose management indicators <7.0%, <6.8%, and <6.5%, respectively. TITRs of >45%, >50%, and >55% were achieved in 91%, 74%, and 55% of those age ≤15 years and 93%, 81%, and 57% of older group users, respectively, at optimal settings. This study demonstrates that 1) mean TIR is high with a high mean TITR in MM780G users (>48%), 2) consistent use of optimal GT/AIT improves TITR (>56%), 3) the impact of these settings on TITR is larger than on TIR, and 4) a TITR target >50% is our suggested treatment goal.

Determinants of academic major choice: a comparative study of business programs in Bangladesh

This paper aims to examine the determinants influencing students' choices of academic majors, with a specific focus on business programs at private universities in Bangladesh. It evaluates the relative impact of various factors including subject interest, perceived prestige of the major, faculty reputation, earning potential, and availability of the major. Additionally, this study seeks to analyze how these determinants align with broader socio-economic and institutional contexts. Employing a hybrid analytics method, the study utilizes both quantitative analysis and factor analysis techniques. A dataset of 276 students from three private universities in Bangladesh was surveyed using a structured questionnaire based on a Likert scale. This data was collected over a period that reflects the current trends and perceptions among students regarding their choice of academic majors. The main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) intrinsic interest in the subject significantly influences major choice, (ii) perceptions of economic outcomes associated with the profession, such as earning potential, play a crucial role, and finally, (iii) institutional factors like faculty reputation and the prestige of the major also significantly impact students' decisions. These findings underscore the complexity of factors that students consider when choosing their academic majors, highlighting the interplay between personal interests, economic considerations, and institutional attributes.

The power of embeddedness: how nodal power affects the value appropriation potential of firms in economic networks?

PurposeThis paper explains why some firms manage to capture disproportionate value from their network of relationships, leading to superior performance. The paper examines how a firm's dependencies affect its value appropriation potential (VAP) in economic networks.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows the axiomatic method and the embeddedness perspective of firms to develop an index called nodal power, which captures the power that accrues to a firm in exchange-based economic networks. Thereafter, using the formal method and simulation, it shows nodal power reflects a firm's VAP in economic networks.FindingsThe study analysis and findings prove that a firm's dyadic level exchange relations and the embedded network structure determine its VAP by affecting the nodal power. A firm with lesser nodal power is likely to appropriate less value from its relations even if it equally contributes to the value creation. This finding explains how the structural and relational characteristics of a firm's network enable disproportionate value appropriation.Practical implicationsNodal power furthers the scope of analyzing firms' economic relationships and changing power equations in dynamic networks. It can help firms build optimal strategic networks and manage the portfolio of relationships by predicting the impact of changing relations on firms' VAP.Originality/valueThe paper's original contribution is to explain, through formal analysis, why and how the structure and nature of relations of firms affect their VAP. The paper also formalizes the power-dependence principle through a dependency-based index called nodal power and uses it to show how interfirm dependencies are key to value appropriation.