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Although testing the Bowersox and Daugherty (B&D) (1987) typology in international markets have provided valuable insights into the model’s relevance in logistics, literature has not re-examined the B&D model’s effectiveness during the post-pandemic business environments. The current research examines the robustness of the B&D logistics strategy framework during the post-COVID-19 Indian market environment. Using a structured questionnaire, the data for this study (n=372) was collected from the executives whose main job responsibility was related to distribution/logistics decisions in micro and small-sized (MSEs) manufacturers in India. Based on the conceptual relationships identified in the B&D typology, we used structural equation modeling to test the study hypotheses. Results show that overall logistics strategy comprised of three strategic priorities positively influences firms’ competitive responsiveness through the logistics coordination effectiveness and customer service commitment route, supporting the robustness of the model in the post COVID-19 environment. Effective logistics strategy does not occur in isolation. Emphasis in coordination and customer service must occur for a well thought out logistics strategy (process, market, and information orientation) to improve organizational competitive responsiveness in the context of Indian MSEs. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical support for the validity and the robustness of the B&D logistics strategy model during the post COVID-19 environment in an emerging market.

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT), which is a known indicator of cardiovascular risk and atherosclerosis, and uric acid level, which may be an easy marker for cardiovascular diseases due to its antioxidant and pro‐oxidant properties in hemodialysis patients. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, we evaluated 77 hemodialysis patients. The mean CIMT of these patients was measured and recorded by Doppler ultrasonography. Patients were divided into two groups according to their serum uric acid levels. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used to define the relationship between study parameters. Findings: The mean CIMT levels in the normouricemic group and the hyperuricemic group were 0.95 ± 0.15 and 1.07 ± 0.15, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant and moderate linear correlation between serum uric acid level and mean CIMT (r = 0.402; p = 0.002). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify variables that could independently affect the mean CIMT value. According to analysis, uric acid (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.008), albumin (p = 0.029), and C‐reactive protein (p = 0.042) were found independent risk factors for mean CIMT value. Discussion: We found a significant relationship between serum uric acid level and CIMT, which indicates carotid atherosclerosis. Serum uric acid level is a low‐cost laboratory parameter that can be measured in almost all laboratories, and it may be valuable in the hemodialysis patient group to identify patients at high risk of carotid atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of consumer ethnocentrism and xenocentrism beliefs in influencing purchase behavior in India. Given its status as the most populous nation globally, with diverse consumer cultures and backgrounds, understanding Indian consumers' biases toward domestic and foreign products holds significant value for both researchers and practitioners in refining their marketing communication strategies. A technology product, specifically a laptop computer, was selected to examine the ethnocentrism and xenocentrism tendencies of Indian consumers. Data (n = 373) for the study were collected through personal interviews with Indian consumers. The study's results indicate that both perceived brand image and brand attitudes exerted a robust positive influence on Indian consumers' purchase intentions for laptop computers. While the direct effects of ethnocentrism and xenocentrism on purchase intentions were minimal, they acted as moderators in the relationship between brand image, brand attitude, and purchase intentions for foreign brands. Developing a strong brand image and fostering positive brand attitudes should be prioritized in marketing communication campaigns to enhance global brand management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fair Trade (FT)-related empirical research studies have mainly focused on understanding consumers' purchase behaviours rather than understanding the perspectives of small businesses. For FT products to become mainstream in the US and around the globe, business adoption of FT business practices must develop alongside the improvements in consumer demand. They must take place simultaneously, otherwise FT will continue to stay as a niche market. The objective of this study is to explore perspectives, perceived barriers, opportunities and critical motivational factors for the adoption of FT business practices by small and medium-sized businesses. Data for the study are collected from 14 small businesses located in Media, PA, US, through the use of in-depth qualitative interviews. Results of this study show that businesses are concerned with a lack of consumer awareness and involvement, challenging profit opportunities, and the lack of collaborator (i.e., Fair Trade organizations) support. Improvements in FT value proposition, unified communication messages and active consumer awareness, engagement and care would be valuable in mainstreaming FT in the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly significant in modern warfare due to their versatility and capacity to perform high-risk missions without risking human lives. Beyond surveillance and reconnaissance, UAVs with jet propulsion and engagement capabilities are set to play roles similar to conventional jets. In various scenarios, military aircraft, drones, and UAVs face multiple threats while ground radar systems continuously monitor their positions. The interaction between these aerial platforms and radars causes temporal fluctuations in scattered echo power due to changes in aspect angle, impacting radar tracking accuracy. This study utilizes the potential radar cross-section (RCS) dynamics of an aircraft throughout its flight, using ground radar as a reference. Key factors influencing RCS include time, frequency, polarization, incident angle, physical geometry, and surface material, with a focus on the complex scattering geometry of the aircraft. The research evaluates the monostatic RCS case and examines the impact of attitude variations on RCS scintillation. Here, we present dynamic RCS modeling by examining the influence of flight dynamics on the RCS fluctuations of a UAV-sized aircraft. Dynamic RCS modeling is essential in creating a robust framework for operational analysis and developing effective countermeasure strategies, such as advanced active decoys. Especially in the cognitive radar concept, aircraft will desperately need more dynamic and adaptive active decoys. A methodology for calculating target aspect angles is proposed, using the aircraft's attitude and spherical position relative to the radar system. A realistic 6DoF (6 degrees of freedom) flight data time series generated by a commercial flight simulator is used to derive aircraft-to-radar aspect angles. By estimating aspect angles for a simulated complex flight trajectory, RCS scintillation throughout the flight is characterized. The study highlights the importance of maneuver parameters such as roll and pitch on the RCS measured at the radar by comparing datasets with and without these parameters. Significant differences were found, with a 32.44% difference in RCS data between full maneuver and no roll and pitch changes. Finally, proposed future research directions and insights are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequency hopping (FH) is a well-known technique that is commonly used in communication systems owing to its many advantages, including its strong anti-jamming capability. In this technique, basically, radio signals are transmitted by switching the carrier between different frequency channels. As a result, the FH signal is not stationary; hence, its spectrum is expected to change over time. Therefore, the task of detection and parameter estimation of FH signals is very challenging in practice. To address this challenge, the study presented in this article proposes a method that detects and estimates the parameters of multiple narrowband FH signals. In the proposed method, first, short-time Fourier transform (STFT) is utilized to analyze FH signals, and a practical binarization process based on thresholding is used to detect FH signals. Then, a new algorithm is proposed to ensure that the center frequencies of the detected signals are successfully separated. Next, another algorithm is proposed to estimate the parameters of the detected signals. After estimating the parameters for the entire spectrum, an approach is used to detect FH signals. Lastly, the hop-clustering process is applied to separate the hops into groups without time overlap. The simulation results show that the proposed method can be an efficient way for the fast and accurate parameter estimation and detection of multiple narrowband FH signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global pandemic of metabolic diseases has increased the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the context of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The downregulation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 has been linked to poor prognosis in different cancers including HCC. In order to investigate the role of TRIM21 in liver cancer progression on NASH, Trim21+/+ and Trim21−/− male mice were injected with streptozotocin at the neonatal stage. The hypoinsulinemic mice were then fed with a high‐fat high‐cholesterol diet (HFHCD) for 4, 8 or 12 weeks. All mice developed NASH which systematically resulted in HCC progression. Interestingly, compared to the Trim21+/+ control mice, liver damage was worsened in Trim21−/− mice, with more HCC nodules found after 12 weeks on HFHCD. Immune population analysis in the spleen and liver revealed a higher proportion of CD4+PD‐1+ and CD8+PD‐1+ T cells in Trim21−/− mice. The liver and HCC tumors of Trim21−/− mice also exhibited an increase in the number of PD‐L1+ and CD68+ PD‐L1+ cells. Thus, TRIM21 limits the emergence of HCC nodules in mice with NASH by potentially restricting the expression of PD‐1 in lymphocytes and PD‐L1 in tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this study, photocatalysis technology was used to reduce water pollution. Decolorization of Reactive Black 5 using nano-TiO2 (NT) as a photocatalyst was investigated by adsorption and degradation experiments. Effects of NT particle size and utilization ratio on the time-dependent flow performance, compressive-flexural strength, and Bohme abrasion resistance of cementitious systems were investigated. In addition to the NT-free control mixture, a total of six photocatalytic self-cleaning mortar mixtures (PSCM) were prepared using NT in two different particle sizes (28 and 38 nm) and three different ratios (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). The PSCM sample containing 38 nm NT exhibited superior performance in terms of photocatalytic properties compared to the 28 nm state. It was observed that the flow performance of PSCM mixtures with NT substitution is adversely affected regardless of the NT type. Mixtures containing NT with a lower particle size (28 nm) had higher compressive and flexural strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption and photocatalytic decolorization methods were used to remove Reactive Orange 16 dye from textile wastewater by using ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate and 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole, m-poly(EGDMA-VTA)-TiO2 polymer composite particles with magnetic synthesized by suspension polymerization. The characterization of the synthesized m-poly(EGDMA-VTA)-TiO2 particules were carried out by using XRD, FTIR, SEM–EDS-elemental mapping, ESR, and BET analyses. Both adsorption and photocatalytic decolorization processes of RO16 dye were applied to the polymer particles. The effects of solution pH, amount of adsorbent, initial dye concentration, temperature, and time on the adsorption capacity were investigated. The removal of R016 dye reached a maximum at pH 3. Dye substance removal decreased due to increasing temperature and adsorbent amount. As a result of experimental studies, the adsorption of RO16 dye was explained by the Langmuir isotherm, while its kinetics was stated by a pseudo-second-order mechanism. Additionally, thermodynamic functions (ΔHo, ΔGo, and ΔSo) have been determined. At the end of adsorption, the decolorization kinetics were elucidated by examining the adsorbent amount, time, and dye concentration parameters for the photocatalytic decolorization of non-adsorbed dyes. It was determined that the photocatalytic activity was highest at low dye concentration and high photocatalyst content. Additionally, it was determined that decolorization kinetics studies were compatible with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive microwave sensor for solid material characterization is proposed. A novel design consisting of split ring resonators (SRRs) within a three‐port power divider is developed. The three‐port junction is employed as the host to provide two output channels, and SRRs are loaded through electric coupling to the power divider as the sensing area. The SRRs are located symmetrically so that any change in the electric field of the SRRs is transferred equally to the transmission coefficients of the three‐port junction. The operation of the proposed sensor is based on the downshifting of the transmission zero caused by the loading of samples. The two identical outputs help to control cross‐sensitivity due to external effects. The performance of the fabricated prototype on a 22.2 × 18.8 × 1.6 mm3 printed circuit board is presented. It is shown that a 135 MHz shift per unit relative permittivity change can be achieved. The normalized sensitivity is found to be 3%, which is relatively higher than the sensors reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore Generation Z (Gen Z) consumers' sustainable consumption behaviors at a university campus by examining various antecedent and moderating influencers of their sustainable consumption behaviors. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research methodology is used in this study. A structured questionnaire was administered (n = 279) to young college students (Gen Z consumers in the context of this study) enrolled at a large state university in the USA. The structural equation model was used to test the hypothesized relationships in the conceptualized model. Findings: Study findings show that social responsibility (feelings, engagement and expectations) and external incentives (material and social) positively influence Gen Z consumers' sustainability interests, which in turn influences their sustainable consumption behaviors (actions). Collectivist cultural values did not appear to have any statistically significant effect on Gen Z consumers' sustainable consumption interests. Moreover, learned helplessness, perceived barriers and the awareness of the consequences of sustainability consumption actions did not have any significant moderating effect on Gen Z consumers' sustainable consumption behavior. Research limitations/implications: The questionnaire was only sent to students majoring in business degrees, which may limit the generalizability of this study to broader Gen Z consumer populations. Expanding this study to include non-business students may be valuable as a next step. Replicating this study in different cultural environments of international countries could enhance the relationships identified in this study. Practical implications: Consumer social responsibility education along with material and social incentives will encourage Gen Z consumers' participation in sustainable behaviors at college campuses. Originality/value: This research provides valuable insights into understanding the importance of consumer social responsibility and external incentives in influencing Gen Z consumers' sustainable consumption intentions and behaviors. Accordingly, consumer social responsibility education and incentive programs need to be developed to encourage the participation of Gen Z consumers in sustainable consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary In recent years, technological developments with user demands, reduced production, and launch costs have rapidly increased the number of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in space. Since LEO satellites use the same frequency band as existing Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, the interference coordination between the two satellite networks is vital. In order to minimize the co‐existent interference between these satellite networks, studies perform on different interference mitigation strategies. In this paper, analysis and comparative assessment of these interference mitigation techniques are presented for the co‐existent Non‐Geostationary Earth (NGEO) and GEO systems. More specifically, power control (PC) and spatial isolation‐based link adaptation (SILA) techniques are studied comparatively for the performance evaluation. It is shown that the communication link bandwidth is more efficiently utilized in the SILA technique when compared with the PC technique. Moreover, the multi‐objective optimization problem (MOP) approach in the SILA technique is demonstrated to be more effective when compared with the single‐objective optimization problem (SOP) approach used in the PC technique as the simultaneous prioritizing objective functions outperforms single prioritization. Finally, it is shown that when the PC technique is applied together with the SILA technique, the exclusive angle (EA) can be reduced up to 8% for 100 Mbps, and 8.5% for 200 Mbps transmission bit rates in different operational scenarios. The presented performance evaluation in this paper may help the satellite operator or decision‐maker gain insights on which mitigation technique can be used in the case of a co‐existent interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]