High-end Research Articles

Successful use of intravenous and oral levetiracetam in a goat to control refractory seizures secondary to suspected polioencephalomalacia.

To assess the clinical efficacy and plasma concentrations of levetiracetam in a goat with seizures. A 5-month-old doeling. The goat was referred because of progressive anorexia and lethargy over 3 days. Clinical signs consisted of weakness, obtundation, opisthotonos, anisocoria, and cortical blindness. Initial evaluation was most consistent with polioencephalomalacia. Neurologic improvement occurred within 4 hours of thiamine administration, with appetite returning over 12 hours. On day 3 of hospitalization, the goat suffered acute onset repetitive seizures that were incompletely responsive to standard interventions over 3 hours. Administration of IV levetiracetam (60 mg/kg) produced resolution of seizure activity within 20 minutes. Levetiracetam was continued twice daily IV, then PO after day 6. Plasma concentrations were above or within therapeutic ranges (5 to 45 μg/mL) as previously established for other species, following both IV and PO levetiracetam. Oral administration (60 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) resulted in plasma levetiracetam concentrations of 48.1 μg/mL 2 hours after a dose and 23.4 μg/mL 2 hours prior to the next dose. Levetiracetam is a newer anticonvulsant commonly used in humans and small animals due to its efficacy, cost, and wide safety margin. Its use has not previously been reported in domestic small ruminants. In this case, levetiracetam showed excellent clinical efficacy in the face of refractory seizures, with no apparent side effects. Plasma concentrations during oral administration were at the high end of the therapeutic range, indicating absorption in a nonmonogastric species. Further studies are warranted to determine optimal dosing in small ruminants.

Direct T e-based Metallicities of z = 2–9 Galaxies with JWST/NIRSpec: Empirical Metallicity Calibrations Applicable from Reionization to Cosmic Noon

We report detections of the [O iii]λ4364 auroral emission line for 16 galaxies at z = 2.1–8.7, measured from JWST/NIRSpec observations obtained as part of the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science (CEERS) survey program. We combine this CEERS sample with 9 objects from the literature at z = 4−9 with auroral-line detections from JWST/NIRSpec and 21 galaxies at z = 1.4−3.7 with auroral-line detections from ground-based spectroscopy. We derive electron temperature (T e) and direct-method oxygen abundances for the combined sample of 46 star-forming galaxies at z = 1.4−8.7. We use these measurements to construct the first high-redshift empirical T e-based metallicity calibrations for the strong-line ratios [O iii]/Hβ, [O ii]/Hβ, R23 = ([O iii]+[O ii])/Hβ, [O iii]/[O ii], and [Ne iii]/[O ii]. These new calibrations are valid over 12+log(O/H) = 7.4−8.3 and can be applied to samples of star-forming galaxies at z = 2−9, leading to an improvement in the accuracy of metallicity determinations at Cosmic Noon and in the Epoch of Reionization. The high-redshift strong-line relations are offset from calibrations based on typical z ∼ 0 galaxies or H ii regions, reflecting the known evolution of ionization conditions between z ∼ 0 and z ∼ 2. Deep spectroscopic programs with JWST/NIRSpec promise to improve statistics at the low and high ends of the metallicity range covered by the current sample, as well as to improve the detection rate of [N ii]λ6585 and thus allow the future assessment of N-based indicators. These new high-redshift calibrations will enable accurate characterizations of metallicity scaling relations at high redshift, improving our understanding of feedback and baryon cycling in the early Universe.

Collapsar Gamma-Ray Bursts Grind Their Black Hole Spins to a Halt

The spin of a newly formed black hole (BH) at the center of a massive star evolves from its natal value due to two competing processes: accretion of gas angular momentum that increases the spin and extraction of BH angular momentum by outflows that decreases the spin. Ultimately, the final, equilibrium spin is set by a balance between both processes. In order for the BH to launch relativistic jets and power a γ-ray burst (GRB), the BH magnetic field needs to be dynamically important. Thus, we consider the case of a magnetically arrested disk (MAD) driving the spin evolution of the BH. By applying the semianalytic MAD BH spin evolution model of Lowell et al. to collapsars, we show that if the BH accretes ∼20% of its initial mass, its dimensionless spin inevitably reaches small values, a ≲ 0.2. For such spins, and for mass accretion rates inferred from collapsar simulations, we show that our semianalytic model reproduces the energetics of typical GRB jets, L jet ∼ 1050 erg s−1. We show that our semianalytic model reproduces the nearly constant power of typical GRB jets. If the MAD onset is delayed, this allows powerful jets at the high end of the GRB luminosity distribution, L jet ∼ 1052 erg s−1, but the final spin remains low, a ≲ 0.3. These results are consistent with the low spins inferred from gravitational wave detections of binary BH mergers. In a companion paper by Gottlieb et al., we use GRB observations to constrain the natal BH spin to be a ≃ 0.2.

Is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) a Dimension or a Category? What Does the Relationship Between ADHD Traits and Psychosocial Quality of Life Tell Us?

Objective: The question of whether attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a discrete category or a continuous dimension remains clinically relevant. We report the first examination of this question from the viewpoint of the relationship between ADHD traits and psychosocial quality of life (QoL), and whether the level of QoL declines markedly around a certain high ADHD trait range suggestive of a categorical boundary. Methods: Parents/caregivers of 1,967 schoolchildren aged 6 to 11 from the general population completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and the ADHD-Rating Scale IV. Piecewise linear and non-linear regression analyses were performed. Results: No evidence for a non-linear association or an abrupt change in the rate of decrease in QoL was observed in the high end of the ADHD traits continuum. Instead, the relationship was consistent with linearity. Conclusion: Psychosocial QoL gradually declines in a linear manner as ADHD trait levels increase providing further support for a dimensional model.

Attribution of Global Warming Potential impacts in a multifunctional metals industry system using different system expansion and allocation methodologies

PurposeIn order to reach a more circular economy, materials previously classified as waste can be upgraded and turned into valuable co-products, with associated environmental benefits. The generation of co-products raises many questions around the multifunctionality issue from a life cycle perspective. This article explores the attribution of Global Warming Potential (GWP) impacts for an ironmaking process, HIsarna, which additionally produces two co-products: zinc-rich process dust and slag, suitable for the zinc and cement sectors, respectively.MethodsA wide range of LCA allocation methodologies are applied to attribute impacts between the main product, hot metal, and the two co-products. These include system expansion, physical allocation, economic allocation and zero burden allocation. Each method attributes a different GWP to each co-product. Additionally, different perspectives are explored to consider the most suitable methods according to the co-product user and the co-product producer. For instance, it might be in the co-product user’s interest that the co-product GWP was minimised, and lower than other material inputs performing a similar function. Conversely, the co-product producer may be incentivised to lower its primary product’s GWP by attributing the greatest possible burden to the co-products.Results and discussionThe GWP impacts for zinc-rich process dust range from 0 to 3.71 kg CO2 eq. per kg. At the higher end, the GWP of zinc-rich dust would be higher than that of primary zinc concentrate. A similarly wide range is applicable for slag, 0 to 1.27 kg CO2 eq. per kg. This impacts the final GWP applied to HIsarna hot metal, which has an initial GWP of 1.72 kg CO2 eq. per kg but could decrease to 1.17 kg CO2 eq. per kg depending on the allocation methods employed. This would be a substantial reduction of over 30%, larger than many decarbonisation options that are predicted to provide. This scenario would also heavily burden the co-products and could be in conflict with interests of a co-product user seeking to utilise low emissions feedstocks as part of a decarbonisation strategy.ConclusionsThe reduction in GWP impact attributed to hot metal with the different approaches highlights the relevance of harmonizing the allocation methods used for co-products. The appropriateness of each of the approaches for attributing GWP impacts has been explored, offering insights as to how the benefits of such systems could be assessed and attributed in the future as circularity strategies and valuable co-products become more prevalent.

Whether There Will Be Domestic Luxury Clothing Brands in China

In recent years, with the improvement of China's overall economic level, China's luxury goods market has also been expanding, becoming a major consumer of luxury goods. However, the competition in the luxury goods market is fierce, but there are no local luxury brands in China. This paper analyzes whether domestic luxury brands will appear in China by studying the behavior of Chinese consumers and the current development status of Chinese luxury goods. While it is uncertain whether domestic luxury goods will emerge in China, the rapid growth of the Chinese luxury market and the rise of Chinese domestic brands suggest that the possibility is increasing. The inroads made by Chinese domestic brands in the luxury market are providing more choices for Chinese consumers and driving change in the global luxury market. In the future, as China's domestic brands continue to grow, we can expect to see more made-in-China luxury goods emerging in the international market.

Research on the Development of China's Luxury Goods Industry-based on LVMH

LVMH, the leading conglomerate in the luxury goods industry, possesses a diverse portfolio of renowned brands. With projections indicating China's emergence as the largest luxury goods market by 2025, LVMH's notable growth in recent years can be attributed to the steadfastness of the Chinese market. This study aims to examine the successful case of LVMH in China, specifically focusing on the analysis of LVMH's product strategy and large-scale shop opening strategy in the Chinese market. Additionally, it will analyze the financial status of LVMH since 2021 and assess the future development prospects of LVMH in China and the global market. This analysis will be based on an understanding of the efforts made by LVMH in the Chinese market and its longer-term goals. Through a comprehensive examination of this notable case, recommendations can be formulated for local luxury brands operating in mainland China. Given the rapid growth of China's luxury market and the robust purchasing power of Chinese consumers, it is imperative to analyze how these publicly traded companies can effectively cultivate consumer preference within the favorable policy and market landscape in China.

Analyzing the Development Status of Contemporary Chinese Cosmetics Market via Practices of Merge and Acquisition in the Luxury Industry

China’s cosmetics industry has long been in a situation of potential problems. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the cosmetics industry suffered certain setbacks, resulting in limited development. The cosmetics market in China has always been dominated by foreign products. Through research, it has been found that there are many domestic cosmetics brands, but there is a lack of experience in management and operation. This article analyzes the mergers and acquisitions and development history of international luxury goods groups, and analyzes whether there are any parts that can be used for reference to promote the development of the domestic cosmetics industry. The article found that due to the unified production and non-reliance on manual characteristics of the cosmetics industry, only a portion of experience in management and operation can be learnt. It does not support Chinese brands to develop solely according to the merger and acquisition methods of luxury goods groups.

Research on the Opportunities for Chinese Domestic Cosmetics to Advance into High-end Products

In recent years, with the rapid growth of China's economy, domestic cosmetics brands have emerged; With the improvement of domestic people's living standards and the improvement of market purchasing power, China has become the third largest luxury consumer in the world, after the United States and Japan. As the entry-level industry of luxury goods, high-end cosmetics still occupy the main market by European and American international brands. This paper will take China's domestic cosmetics brands as the research object. This paper will mainly use the methods of qualitative analysis, general analysis, and case analysis, and analyze the development status of the domestic cosmetics market from the overall market and individual manufacturers through data analysis and chart analysis. SWOT analysis was used to analyze the market environment of domestic cosmetics brands of the Revised Group from macro and micro market environment and summarized the advantages and disadvantages, opportunities and hidden dangers at the present stage. It focuses on analyzing how to position domestic cosmetics brands and discusses how to carry out brand marketing around the target market. Finally, it summarizes the main factors that promote the success of brand positioning. Brand development planning is the soul of a product, especially high-end cosmetics, which determines whether a brand can gain a competitive advantage in a complex environment to strive for a larger market share. In the face of fierce competition and continuous development of the cosmetics market, domestic cosmetics only take the brand road, shape the brand image, strengthen the brand characteristics, and establish a strong competitive advantage, enterprises can continue to develop.

The Communication Strategy of Luxury Brands in China and the Benefit and Threats in Chinese Market to Improve in Localization-Taking Louis Vuitton as an Example

China's economy is growing rapidly. The consumption of luxury goods has ushered in a new era. Chinese market used thirty years' of change and discovery to accomplish the task that western countries finished in one century. Many luxury brands have pressed the accelerator button in the layout of the Chinese market. The occur of many luxury brands gives Chinese market unprecedented vitality and change the pattern of the world luxury market. From another perspective, the popularity of luxury goods in China is inseparable from the communication strategy of luxury brands in China. LVMH as a typical representative of luxury brands, it shows dignity to Chinese consumers through a variety of communication methods to present a noble and luxurious but friendly brand image, this successful communication strategy has set an example for Chinese luxury brands to follow and learn from. This paper conducts a comprehensive and profound analysis and research on Louis Vuitton's marketing methods in China, its advantages and disadvantages in the market, and how to improve them, so as to further provide useful experience for luxury brands in the Chinese market.

The more attention you get, the better you feel? A study on the influence of being envied on inconspicuous consumption

PurposeFrom a relational maintenance perspective, this study explores the impact of being envied (benignly vs maliciously) on consumers' feelings of social anxiety and its influence on their tendencies toward inconspicuous consumption, based on the resource conservation theory and the model of “Sensitivity about Being the Target of a Threatening Upward Comparison.” (STTUC)Design/methodology/approachFour studies were conducted in this paper. Studies 1a and 1b tested the main hypothesis that being maliciously envied (vs benignly) can increase consumers' inconspicuous consumption of luxury products and luxury hotel experiences. Study 2 replicated this finding and examined the mediating role of social anxiety. Study 3 investigated the moderating effect of ideal self-congruity (low vs high).FindingsThe findings reveal that being maliciously envied (vs benignly) is associated with higher levels of inconspicuous consumption and social anxiety acts as a mediating role. Moreover, when individuals have a strong sense of ideal self-congruity, the positive impact of being maliciously envied (vs benignly) on inconspicuous consumption is further amplified, confirming the moderating role of ideal self-congruity.Originality/valueThis study sheds light on a novel mechanism that elucidates how different types of being envied influence consumers' inconspicuous consumption and the conditions under which this impact is heightened.

Luxury goods and services in recession periods. Time trends and persistence analysis

Luxury goods and services in recession periods. Time trends and persistence analysis

State and prospects of external economic activity in Russian horse breeding in 2015–2023

The article examines the dynamics of export and import indicators of horse breeding products (in the category of goods “Live horses”) from 2015 to 2022, both in absolute and monetary terms, including taking into account the categories of breeding and use animals. For the first time, the foreign trade balance of the horse breeding industry in 2019–2022 has been analyzed, and the prospects for domestic and foreign markets for the products of Russian horse breeding farms have been assessed. It has been established that the export flows of the eastern regions of the country, and primarily the Trans-Baikal Territory, the Republic of Tyva, the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic, are focused primarily on the Republic of Kazakhstan, which makes commercial farms for the production of horses for meat production in the Siberian Federal District dependent on the political situation in Central Asia and the general state of veterinary well-being of the region. The ban on the export of horses classified as luxury goods from the European Union, introduced as part of a package of anti-Russian sanctions, affected the import of breeding and use animals, significantly limiting the opportunities for domestic consumers focused on trained horses. The state program for the development of horse breeding in the Republic of Uzbekistan may influence the increase in demand for products from enterprises involved in breeding riding horses.

Influence of Social Media Influencers on Parasocial Interaction Impacts Value Perception and Purchase Intention Luxury Bags


 
 
 This study aims to determine social media influencers, which in this case is measured based on attractiveness (social and physical) to parasocial interaction, as well as the effect of Parasocial Interaction on the value perception of luxury goods (social, personal, and conspicuous) on social media. This research is also conducted to determine whether value perception and parasocial interaction can influence purchase intention. In addition, this research will focus on one product, namely luxury bags. To achieve the research objectives and test the research model, a database-based questionnaire was developed and distributed to 350 respondents in Indonesia through an online platform. This research utilizes the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) method. The results of this study indicate that the attractiveness of Social Media Influencers has an influence on Parasocial Interaction, besides that Parasocial Interaction can build Luxury Brand Value Perception. This study also shows that Value Perception affects on Purchase Intention. Meanwhile, Parasocial Interaction have no significant effect on Purchase Intention. The findings of this study have important implications for marketers and influencer in designing more effective marketing strategies to increase the value perception and purchase intention of consumers towards luxury bags.
 
 

Exploring Shopper Psychographic Characteristics From a Human Ecosystem Perspective: A Proposed Typology of Millennial Luxury Consumers

An enhanced understanding of millennial luxury consumers is needed for luxury retailers to develop loyalty strategies and foster business success. Guided by the human ecosystem framework, the objective of this research was to classify millennial luxury consumers into a shopper typology based on shopper psychographic characteristics to provide an understanding of their shopping motivations and behaviors regarding luxury goods. Two studies were conducted. Semistructured interviews of millennial luxury consumers in Study 1, analyzed through interpretive analysis, resulted in 11 major themes or shopper psychographic characteristics. An online survey to a larger sample of millennial luxury consumers in Study 2 was then employed. Reliability and validity testing confirmed the 11 psychographic characteristics and latent profile analyses revealed a four-class shopper typology. Findings provide retail industry executives with in-depth information on customer profiles which includes shopping and product preferences, motivations, and customer expectations that was previously absent in the literature.

Analysis of the Impact of Luxury Marketing Model on Consumer Motivation: A Case Study of Louis Vuitton

With the improvement of Chinese people's consumption power, the Chinese market has gradually been attached importance by major luxury brands, and how to attract Chinese consumers has gradually become a topic of heated discussion. This paper takes Louis Vuitton as a case study and adopts the questionnaire survey method in the investigation stage. The consumer motivation and dissatisfaction with luxury goods are investigated. This paper discusses the specific marketing strategy of luxury goods, analyzes the shortcomings of existing marketing means, and puts forward the ideal marketing mode. According to the research, Louis Vuitton mainly adopts the strategy of hunger marketing and scarcity, and successfully maintains its noble sense and successfully attracts many high-end customers by building its own brand image. The purchasing motives of consumers mainly include: external factors that are impressed by the family growth environment or the future living environment, while internal factors are specifically divided into showiness, the pursuit of high-end and personal preference. This paper points out the problems in the existing marketing methods of luxury goods and makes corresponding suggestions for improvement: First, for consumers, the attitude of sales staff does not play a key role in reducing consumers' desire to buy, but a warm and friendly attitude is essential to promote consumption. Therefore, luxury brands must pay attention to the training and management of sales personnel. Secondly, better after-sales experience and service is also very important. Luxury brands should improve their warranty methods to make it more convenient for consumers to have a better impression on luxury brands.

Wealth inequality and economic growth: Evidence from the US and France

Economic inequality, in terms of income or wealth, is one of the most complex and perplexing challenges of our current capitalist economic system. While the dynamic relationship between income inequality and economic growth has been extensively investigated (since the beginning of the last century), the dynamic link between wealth inequality (or wealth concentration) and economic growth has been largely ignored in the literature, taking more attention in recent years. This paper asserts that the accumulation of non-productive assets/luxury goods is an important determinant of wealth inequality, as well as a determinant of the relationship between wealth inequality and economic growth. In this paper our aim is to show that an increase in wealth inequality is associated with a slowdown in economic growth. In particular, the paper shows that there is a negative relationship between wealth inequality and economic growth in France because poor households own a relatively large fraction of non-productive luxury goods. Nevertheless, this is not the case in the US, which is what explains that such negative relationship is not observed there. We conclude that a redistribution of wealth (from the rich to the poor) is important for attaining a sustained economic growth performance.

Exploring barriers to secondhand luxury consumption among Chinese consumers and changes during the COVID-19 pandemic

The purchasing environment for Chinese consumers is rife with rampant counterfeit luxury goods and strong superstitions and stereotypes about secondhand goods. Therefore, this study conceptualized five dimensions of perceived risk (perceived functional, financial, sales-source, physical, and psychosocial–superstitious) to explain Chinese consumers’ reluctance to purchase secondhand luxury goods (SLGs). Due to the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this research was divided into two studies: before and during the outbreak. The pre-outbreak results show that, except for financial risk, all perceived risks significantly negatively affected the perceived value of SLGs. Conversely, the second study revealed that all five categories had significant negative effects. Additionally, both studies showed that perceived value positively affected SLG purchase intention, while self-regulatory focus (prevention focus against promotion focus) had a significant moderating effect. This research has several significant theoretical and practical implications for establishing more effective marketing strategies for the sustainable development of SLG markets.

Impact of Digital Marketing Features on Consumer's Purchase Decision in High End Brand "ButtonScarves": Brand Image as a Mediator

The main objective of this research is to determine the influence of digital marketing on purchasing decisions. This research also aims to determine whether brand image mediates the relationship between digital marketing and purchasing decisions. The required data was obtained from a questionnaire via an online survey on Google Form. After going through responses from 45 respondents using Buttonscarves products who had made purchases on the Buttonscarves website, the data was analyzed using SEM PLS 3.0. The result is that there is a direct influence of digital marketing on brand image, but there is no significant influence of digital marketing on purchasing decisions. The results further state that brand image has a direct influence on purchasing decisions. Brand image is also able to mediate the indirect relationship between digital marketing and purchasing decisions. Theoretically, this research confirms that consumers do not immediately make purchasing decisions with digital marketing in a company, without knowledge about the brand image of the product they want to buy.

Geochemical characteristics of shale gas hydraulic fracturing flowback/produced water in Zheng’an block, northern Guizhou Province, China

Guizhou Province of China is rich in shale gas resources. In recent years, important progress has been made in the exploration and development of shale gas in the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in Zheng'an block in northern Guizhou, adjacent to Sichuan Basin. Due to the complex geological conditions and fragile ecological environment in the shale gas distribution area, serious environmental pollution risks may exist in shale gas exploitation. Therefore, this paper conducted element, hydrogen and oxygen isotope analyses for shale gas fracturing flowback/produced water of Well AY7-4 in Zheng'an block. The results showed that the contents of K, Na, Ca, Mg and NH4+ in the flowback/produced water of Well AY7-4 were very high, with an average of 118 mg/L, 7616 mg/L, 266 mg/L, 47 mg/L and 76 mg/L, respectively. The content of Na, Ca and Mg is similar to that of shale gas flowback/produced water in Weiyuan, but lower than that in Changning and Fuling. NH4+ content was similar to that in Changning, but much higher than that in Weiyuan. The average Cl content was 11605 mg/L, which was similar to that in Weiyuan, but lower than that in Changning and Fuling. The average Br content is 48 mg/L, slightly lower than that of Weiyuan, and about half of that of Changning and Fuling. Correspondingly, the Br/Cl value of Well AY7-4 is the lowest, reflecting its relatively low Br content. The average content of Li, B and Sr is 17 mg/L, 10 mg/L and 45 mg/L, respectively, which is similar to that of the Weiyuan, Changning and Fuling shale gas fields. The distribution model of Li and Sr is similar to that of Cl, Br and Na, but the B content and B/Cl value of Well AY7-4 are the lowest. The linear relationship between Br and Cl contents and between δD and δ18O of flowback/produced water of Well AY7-4, freshwater used for hydraulic fracturing and hydraulic fracturing injected fluid indicates that flowback/produced water of Well AY7-4 is mainly the mixed product between low salinity injected fracturing fluid and high salinity brine retained in shale formation. The hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions gradually become heavier over time, indicating that the proportion of high salt end formation brine in flowback/produced water is increasing. The contents of Cl, Br, Na and NH4+ in the flowback/produced water of Well AY7-4 are far higher than the allowable discharge value, which is a potential environmental pollution risk and cannot be discharged directly.