Key Relationship Research Articles

Quantum impurity in a Luttinger liquid: Universal conductance with entanglement renormalization

We study numerically the universal conductance of Luttinger liquids wire with a single impurity via the Muti-scale Entanglement Renormalization Ansatz (MERA). The scale invariant MERA provides an efficient way to extract scaling operators and scaling dimensions for both the bulk and the boundary conformal field theories. By utilizing the key relationship between the conductance tensor and ground-state correlation function, the universal conductance can be evaluated within the framework of the boundary MERA. We construct the boundary MERA to compute the correlation functions and scaling dimensions for the Kane-Fisher fixed points by modeling the single impurity as a junction (weak link) of two interacting wires. We show that the universal behavior of the junction can be easily identified within the MERA and argue that the boundary MERA framework has tremendous potential to classify the fixed points in general multi-wire junctions.

“The Way All Foster Care Should Be”: The Experience of Therapeutic Foster Carers in the Victorian Circle Program

Central to the success of therapeutic foster care (TFC) is the quality and stability of the relationship between the child and carer. This key relationship may, from a therapeutic perspective, facilitate healing by addressing the impact of complex developmental trauma experienced by the child who has been placed in care. Stability of the carer–child relationship is critical in this context. Therapeutic carers have been shown to be significantly more likely to remain in the role of carer than their counterparts in mainstream foster care. The research reported on in this paper draws upon findings from an evaluation of a TFC programme and gives voice to the Circle Carers, presenting the components of TFC which are important to them. The paper commences with the story of Ruby in TFC as told by a carer. The focus then becomes a detailed exploration of the experience of carers and their capacity to care. Implications for practice are identified.

Adverse outcome pathway development II: best practices.

Organization of existing and emerging toxicological knowledge into adverse outcome pathway (AOP) descriptions can facilitate greater application of mechanistic data, including those derived through high-throughput in vitro, high content omics and imaging, and biomarker approaches, in risk-based decision making. The previously ad hoc process of AOP development is being formalized through development of internationally harmonized guidance and principles. The goal of this article was to outline the information content desired for formal AOP description and some rules of thumb and best practices intended to facilitate reuse and connectivity of elements of an AOP description in a knowledgebase and network context. For example, key events (KEs) are measurements of change in biological state that are indicative of progression of a perturbation toward a specified adverse outcome. Best practices for KE description suggest that each KE should be defined as an independent measurement made at a particular level of biological organization. The concept of "functional equivalence" can help guide both decisions about how many KEs to include in an AOP and the specificity with which they are defined. Likewise, in describing both KEs and evidence that supports a causal linkage or statistical association between them (ie, a key event relationship; KER), best practice is to build from and contribute to existing KE or KER descriptions in the AOP knowledgebase rather than creating redundant descriptions. The best practices proposed address many of the challenges and uncertainties related to AOP development and help promote a consistent and reliable, yet flexible approach.

Prevalence and correlates of suicide ideation in patients with COPD: a mixed methods study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation (SI) in patients with stable moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Patients and methodsWe conducted an exploratory mixed methods analysis of data from participants in a longitudinal observational study of depression in COPD. We measured depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which includes an item on SI. We compared participants with and without SI in relation to sociodemographics, symptoms, anxiety, and healthcare resource use with independent t-tests and chi-square tests. Content analysis was performed on qualitative data gathered during a structured SI safety assessment.ResultsOf 202 participants, 121 (60%) had depressive symptoms (PHQ ≥6); 51 (25%) had a PHQ-9 ≥10, indicating a high likelihood of current major depression; and 22 (11%) reported SI. Compared to the 99 depressed participants without SI, those with SI were more likely to be female (59% vs 27%, P=0.004); had worse dyspnea (P=0.009), depression (P<0.001), and anxiety (P=0.003); and were also more likely to have received treatment for depression and/or anxiety (82% vs 40%, P<0.001) and more hospitalizations for COPD exacerbations (P=0.03) but had similar levels of airflow obstruction and functioning than participants without SI. Themes from the qualitative analysis among those with SI included current or prior adverse life situations, untreated or partially treated complex depression, loss of a key relationship, experience of illness and disability, and poor communication with providers.ConclusionOur findings suggest that current SI is common in COPD, may occur disproportionately in women, can persist despite mental health treatment, and has complex relationships with both health and life events. Adequate management of SI in COPD may therefore require tailored, comprehensive treatment approaches that integrate medical and mental health objectives.

The MOOClet Framework: Improving Online Education through Experimentation and Personalization of Modules

One goal for massive open online courses is that the educational benefits they provide scale as a function of the number and diversity of learners interacting with the platforms, since an increasing amount of data is available about what interactions and content increase engagement and learning, as well as which educational interactions are effective for which learners, particularly since more and more is known about each individual. This paper presents the MOOClet Framework for tackling this goal, which recognizes a key relationship between randomized experiments and personalization of content. The Framework defines MOOClets as modular components of online courses that can be modified to create different versions, which in turn can be iteratively and adaptively improved through experiments and personalized to characteristics of users. We show how the MOOClet Framework provides guidance in identifying MOOClets and augmenting existing platforms with a platform-independent layer that enables experimentation and personalization even when platforms do not provide native support. We present a concrete usage scenario of the framework in an implementation for the EdX platform, showing how the addition of reflection questions and other content to a lecture video could be experimentally evaluated and personalized. A modeling simulation is also presented to show how using the MOOClet Framework allows data-driven decisions about experimentation and personalization to be made using existing machine learning models. Consideration of the MOOClet Framework could help researchers, instructors, and course designers in identifying, implementing, and improving modular components of existing online education platforms through experimentation and personalization.

Measuring the bullwhip effect for supply chains with seasonal demand components

Abstract A bullwhip measure for a two-stage supply chain with an order-up-to inventory policy is derived for a general, stationary SARMA(p, q) × (P, Q)s demand process. Explicit expressions for several SARMA models are obtained to illustrate the key relationship between lead-time and seasonal lag. It is found that the bullwhip effect can be reduced considerably by shortening the lead-time in relation to the seasonal lag value.

Procedural Justice in Procurement Management and Inclusive Interorganizational Relations: An Institutional Perspective

This paper applies the concept of procedural justice to one of the most important focal points of interorganizational relations: the purchaser–supplier relationship. The few extant studies of the concept in the purchaser–supplier domain have overlooked an important aspect of this key relationship: that is, inclusiveness in procurement. This is despite the fact that interest in the specific empirical context of supply chain links between large purchasing organizations (LPOs) and ethnic minority suppliers (EMSs) from disadvantaged communities proceeds apace on both sides of the Atlantic. Institutional theory is used to examine the form that procedural justice takes in eight case studies of LPOs from the private and public sectors, which actively engage with inclusive procurement management initiatives in England. The guiding question is twofold: ‘What may LPO approaches to installing procedural justice in procurement management entail?’ and ‘How are these approaches shaped?’ This paper identifies specific approaches to installing procedural justice for inclusive procurement and submits theoretical propositions about how these are shaped. The study contributes to a macro‐level assessment of procedural justice, i.e. interorganizational procedural justice, as a significant aspect of inclusive interorganizational relationships, which is a domain in need of theoretical development.

Pre-eclampsia – The “uterine reinnervation” view

Difficult vaginal deliveries, gynaecological surgery, and, persistent straining during defaecation injure uterine nerves. Cytokines released from injured, uterine nerves cause regeneration of new nerves with altered structures and functions. In structural terms, these new nerves proliferate in chaotic and dysfunctional patterns with abnormal, cross-sectional profiles. In functional terms they are particularly sensitive to “stretch” or mechanosensory transduction. Release of neural cytokines also causes hyperplasia of the walls of adjacent, denervated uterine arterioles that may reduce uteroplacental blood flow during pregnancy.In the “uterine reinnervation” view, “stretch” applied to injured uterine nerves triggers uterorenal nerves to cause vasoconstriction in the renal cortex, hypertension and proteinuria i.e. the key features of preeclampsia. There are two intrauterine mechanisms that stretch injured, uterine nerves (a) in the placental bed, (b) in the extraplacental myometrium, respectively. In “early-onset” preeclampsia (<34weeks), continuing increases in maternal plasma volume, increase blood flow through denervated, and, narrowed uterine arterioles in the placental bed, stretching injured perivascular nerves resulting in preeclampsia with a small-for-gestational-age fetus. In “late-onset” preeclampsia (>34weeks), nulliparity, multiple pregnancy, concealed abruption and polyhydramnios increase myometrial tension and results in preeclampsia with an appropriate-for-gestational-age fetus. Widespread activation of autonomic nerves results in multi-system features of these syndromes. Changes in placental site and circulatory compliance may contribute to different phenotypes of the preeclamptic syndromes in subsequent pregnancies.The “uterine reinnervation” view offers an explanation of the common clinical features of the preeclamptic syndromes through a single pathophysiological mechanism, namely, prepregnancy injury to uterine nerves. Importantly, it offers an explanation for resolution of the symptoms and signs of preeclampsia with delivery of the fetus, the “early” and “late-onset” preeclamptic syndromes, and, the established clinical associations of the condition including nulliparity, hydramnios, multiple pregnancy, molar pregnancy, concealed abruption, etc. Establishing the presence of injured nerves expressing mechanoreceptors in the uterus, and, neural cytokines in thickened, uterine arterioles, will assist in developing this view. However, myometrial hyperplasia during the second half of pregnancy separates injured uterine nerves from injured uterine arterioles ensuring that the key pathoanatomical relationship in preeclampsia will be difficult to demonstrate.

The evolution of Chinese business ethics

Purpose– This article aims to present a historical overview of the evolution of business ethics in China and highlights the ways in which its ethical structure lags behind its rapid economic expansion. Understanding Guanxi, the Chinese social network of reciprocal business relations common in Confucian cultures, has long been recognized as one of the major success factors when doing business in China (Hwanget al., 2009). Recognizing the significant impact of Guanxi and its influence on everyday dealings in China is, thus, crucial for Western firms. Whereas considerable research has dealt with the growth of Chinese industries in recent years, the key relationship between changes in its economy and shifts in Chinese business ethics has been neglected although it impacts the ways Westerners, in particular, both clinch deals and judge Chinese firms. The implications of this disparity for global business are discussed.Design/methodology/approach– The discussion draws on the academic literature and the researchers’ experience in how business and business ethics are conducted between Western and Chinese firms. This paper presents a content analysis of theoretical articles and compares them to conceptual and empirical approaches, with an emphasis on a pragmatic approach to fostering a better understanding of the evolution of Chinese business ethics and its implications on business practices.Findings– Maps the evolution of business ethics in China and need to adapt to an ever changing business environment.Originality/value– This study offers a new insight to the evolution of Chinese business ethics and highlights its importance in business interactions. It illustrates the co-evolution of business ethics in parallel with the advancement of the Chinese economy. This paper is the first paper that addresses the issue of the evolution and formation of Chinese business ethics and links it to economic progress and opening up to the West.

Governance Choice, Sourcing Relationship Characteristics, and Relationship Performance

ABSTRACTPast work on exchange relationships has debated the efficacy of partnership versus arm's‐length governance on performance of a buyer–supplier relationship. However, how these governance approaches leverage key supplier specific relationship characteristics has not been examined. In this study, we examine the moderating role of governance choice (arm's‐length versus partnership governance) in leveraging key supplier specific characteristics to achieve superior performance for the buyer in a relationship. Specifically, drawing from residual rights theory, we argue that the governance choice buyers make moderates the impact of supplier flexibility, supplier human capital and relationship dependency on performance. Our findings suggest that, for a buyer, the benefits of supplier flexibility and relationship dependency are better realized in partnership governance as opposed to arm's‐length governance. Further, our findings suggest that although buyers choose a specific governance approach consistent with their outsourcing motivation, the choice of governance is critical to leveraging the impact of supplier characteristics due to the moderation effects studied. We elaborate on these effects and discuss the implications of our findings.

Crisis communication in key account relationships

Purpose– A deliberate and planned crisis communication strategy is an important part of key account management. The purpose of this paper is to draw links between key account managers (KAM) and crisis communication and explore the elements critical to crisis communication in key account relationships.Design/methodology/approach– The approach is qualitative. Data were gathered from people experienced in crisis communication and responsible for strategic accounts. The paper analysed managers’ stories of crisis processes and related communication in relationships.Findings– Successful crisis communication requires an open and active crisis communicator, one willing to solve problems, and also the company being a partner worth trusting and the retention of the relationship being worthwhile for the customer.Research limitations/implications– The present study focuses on the managerial view, and therefore a dyadic approach is suggested for future studies.Practical implications– The role of the KAM as a crisis communicator and primary identifier of the crisis is emphasized.Originality/value– Existing crisis communication discussions have been very media focused. This study focuses on the key account relationship and the related crisis communication. In addition, although earlier studies examine the influences of crises on business relationships (e.g. Saloet al., 2009; Thiessen and Ingenhoff, 2010; Tähtinen and Vaaland, 2006), research on crisis communication in business-to-business key account relationships is still scarce. The results will help to understand the characteristics of crisis communication in key account relationships and enhance communication with strategic accounts.

Relationship Marketing Key Concepts as Relationship Value Determinant

Although the literature about association between relationship marketing key elements and relationship value concept in Business to Business (B to B) context is condensed, it remains fairly fragmented. An empirical validation of a model presenting the impact of the first concept on the second one was conducted through a survey considering 292 purchasing managers of the electronic subcontracting sector in France. This research presents a contribution since it suggests ways of improvement for researchers and managers seeking to improve the value of relationships in B to B context

Different Results in Pressuremeter Theories

The limit pressure that evaluated from pressuremeter tests has been shown to represent a key constitutive relationship for bearing capacity and shallow foundation design. The theoretical and the conventional limits pressure have been evaluated from different methods of interpretation using different theories. This paper provides a new method for interpretation the conventional limit pressure, the new method showed very good agreements with other methods used for evaluating the conventional limit pressure. The new method named as conventional limit pressure. The results of Menard pressuremeter conducted in Abu-Dhabi site been analyzed in five methods of interpretation for conventional and theoretical limit pressure. The deduced results from different methods showed some discrepancies for the same tests. The tested soil can be described as poorly graded sand with silt.

Social Network Visualization Method using Inherence Relationship of User Based on Cloud

Most of social network visualization methods have been only focusing on presentation of social network relationship. However, the methods do not consider an efficient processing speed and computational complexity for increasing at the ratio of arithmetical of a big data regarding social network. This paper proposes a cloud based on visualization method to visualize an inherence relationship of user on social network. The proposed method can intuitionally understand the user's social relationship since the method uses correlation matrix to represent a hierarchical relationship of user nodes of social network. It also can easily identify a key role relationship of users on social network. In addition, the method uses Hadoop based on cloud for distributed parallel processing of visualization algorithm, which it can expedite the big data of social network.

Sharing of Temporary Structures: Formalization and Planning Application

Sharing temporary structures minimizes the risks and costs associated with their set-up and break-down. Yet sharing makes temporary structure planning and re-planning more complex, as construction engineers need to understand the conditions of activities to determine the accessibility and sharing possibilities. BIM (building information modeling) technology can extract and process geometric and action data in 3D models. Using BIM can increase consistency and speed in identification of sharing solutions for temporary structures. At present, the construction industry does not leverage advances in BIM for planning temporary structures because it lacks formalization that defines key properties and relationship variables for sharing. In this paper, the geometric and action conditions affecting temporary structure sharing are examined to put forth a formalization for a computer application (a proprietary tool developed by the primary author) called the Temporary Structure-Planning Generator (TSPG). The formalization for the TSPG allows construction engineers to rapidly generate multiple temporary structure-sharing options with a selection consistency not yet seen in current construction practice.

The role of highly skilled migrants in the process of inter-firm knowledge transfer across borders

Drawing on multiple case studies of Chinese highly skilled migrants working in the UK, we adopt an integrated approach that combines the contextualized explanation and processual approach to examine the role of individuals with a bilingual–bicultural background in the process of inter-firm international knowledge transfer (IKT). The findings reveal that the process is language and cultural dependent. Possessed with bilingual and bicultural competence, highly skilled migrants play a vital role at each stage of the knowledge transfer process between firms from their country-of-origin and from their adopted country, including identifying potential key contacts, relationship establishment and knowledge exchanges. The research advances existing IKT literature by bridging the analysis between a firm-level and individual-level of knowledge flows across borders, and by recognizing the impact of highly skilled migrants.

Boosting customer orientation through coaching: a Canadian study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent bank manager's coaching, a managerial relationship behavior based on mutual trust, openness and quality of exchanges, affects front-line employee's performance through the mediating effect of salesperson's customer orientation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper conducted a non-experimental, cross-sectional study; a Canadian bank agreed to participate in the study and 122 financial advisors with sales responsibilities answered a web-based survey; data were analyzed using structural equation modelling. Findings – The paper found support for the hypotheses that managerial coaching behavior can help bank employees develop their customer orientation and increase their performance, as well as reduce opportunistic behavior (sales orientation). The paper found that the direct link between coaching and performance, plus the mediating effect of sales orientation and customer orientation (SOCO) can potentially explain a significant variation in employee's performance (r2=0.23). The paper also found that the hypothesized model provided better explanations of the phenomenon when compared with two rival models, one considering SOCO as a full mediator between coaching and performance, and the other one considering only the effect of coaching on performance. Originality/value – In the banking sector, practitioners and scholars are paying increased attention to the role of trust and relationship behaviors in the development of market orientation and customer relationships. The paper identified a key relationship behavior (customer orientation) and tests its impact as a mediator between a relationship managerial behavior (coaching) and business outcomes (performance) in an international banking setting (Canada).

Mother–Pup Interactions: Rodents and Humans

In order to survive after birth, mammalian infants need a caretaker, usually the mother. Several behavioral strategies have evolved to guarantee the transition from a period of intense caregiving to offspring independence. Here, we examine a selection of literature on the genetic, epigenetic, physiological, and behavioral factors relating to development and mother–infant interactions. We intend to show the utility of comparisons between rodent and human models for deepening knowledge regarding this key relationship. Particular attention is paid to the following factors: the distinct developmental stages of the mother–pup relationship as relating to behavior; examples of key genetic components of mammalian mother–infant interactions, specifically those coding for the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin; and the possible functions of gene imprinting in mediating interactions between genetics and environment in the mother–infant relationship. As early mother–infant attachment seems to establish the basic parameters for later social interactions, ongoing investigations in this area are essential. We propose the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in order to better understand the network of genes, gene regulation, neuropeptide action, physiological processes, and feedback loops essential to understand the complex behaviors of mother–infant interaction.

Functional data analysis for point processes with rare events

In various applications one encounters samples of objects, where each object consists of a small number of repeated event times observed over a fixed time interval. For such rare event data there are no flexible methods available that can be applied when the shapes of the intensity functions that generate the observed event times are not known, or vary substantially between objects. We model the underlying intensity functions as nonparametric object-specific random functions. Applying a novel functional method to obtain the covariance structure of the associated random densities, we reconstruct object-specific density functions that reflect the distribution of event times. We demonstrate in simulations that the proposed functional approach is superior to conventional nonparametric methods, as it borrows strength from the entire sample of objects rather than aiming at the estimation of each object's density separately. Our method is based on a key relationship that allows one to reduce the covariance estimation problem for random densities to the simpler problem of estimating a non-random joint density from pooled event times. We describe an application to model bid arrivals for a sample of online auctions, and also include asymptotic justifications of the methodology.

In Good Company: How and When SMEs Benefit from a Relationship with a Key Strategic Partner

Whereas the importance of alliances for innovation and entrepreneurial activities is well-established, the role that a key relationship with a single strategic partner plays in promoting SME’s corp...