bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic signatures of electron hydrodynamics
Authors: Estrada-Álvarez Jorge , Domínguez-Adame Francisco , Díaz Elena
Published: January 2025

Electron hydrodynamics refers to the transport regime where electrons collectively behave like a fluid. Its realization requires pure materials, some of which, such as bilayer graphene or PdCoO2, are anisotropic so that different in-plane transport directions can be defined. Collective electron flow also benefits from geometrically engineered devices because it is highly dependent on the nonuniformity of the electron flow. Here we analyze carrier transport in anisotropic materials where remarkable effects emerge after the proper directional design of the device. Simulations based on the Boltzmann transport equation demonstrate that electrical properties are clearly different when the device is set in the easy or the hard transport directions, namely, when the transport channel is aligned or not aligned to the group velocity at the Fermi level, respectively. Most importantly, the standard signatures of viscous electron flow, such as Poiseuille flow, superballistic conduction, and the formation of whirlpools, are enhanced when the anisotropic device operates in the hard transport directions. As a result, we demonstrate that electron hydrodynamics leads to a different route for efficient charge transport in the hard in-plane transport directions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Manipulation by magnetic frustration in ferrotoroidal spin chains via curvature and torsion
Authors: Pylypovskyi Oleksandr V. , Di Benedetto Enrico , Ortix Carmine , Makarov Denys
Published: January 2025

Geometric effects in curvilinear nanomagnets can enable chiral, anisotropic, and even magnetoelectric responses. Here, we study the effects of magnetic frustration in curvilinear (quasi-)one-dimensional magnets represented by spin chains arranged along closed space curves of constant torsion. Considering the cases of easy- and hard-axis anisotropy in ferro- and antiferromagnetic samples, we determine their ground states and analyze the related magnetoelectric multipoles. A constant torsion along the chain results in alternating regions of high and low curvature, facilitating the spin spiral state perturbed by the (anti)periodic boundary conditions on the magnetic order parameter. While easy-axis ferromagnetic chains develop a purely toroidal configuration with the magnetic toroidal moment oriented along the geometry symmetry axis, hard-axis antiferromagnetic chains support multiple magnetic toroidal domains. Our findings suggest that tailoring curvature and torsion of a spin chain enables a different physical mechanism for magnetic frustration, which can be observed in the inhomogeneity of the magnetic order parameter and in the local ferrotoroidal responses.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Nonperturbative mass renormalization effects in nonrelativistic quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Welakuh Davis M. , Rokaj Vasil , Ruggenthaler Michael , Rubio Angel
Published: January 2025

In this work we investigate the effects that multimode photonic environments, e.g., optical cavities, have on the properties of quantum matter. We highlight the importance of the nonperturbative mass renormalization procedure for quantum electrodynamics simulations and how it connects to common approximations used in polaritonic chemistry and cavity materials engineering. We focus on one-dimensional systems which can be solved exactly for large number of photon modes. First, we apply mass renormalization to free particles. The value of the renormalized mass depends on the details of the photonic environment and on the number of particles. We then show how the multimode photon field influences various ground- and excited-state properties of atomic and molecular systems. For instance, we observe the enhancement of particle confinement in the binding potential for the atomic system, and the modification of the potential energy surfaces of the molecular dimer due to photon-mediated long-range interactions. We also highlight how these changes compare to the common free-space mass-renormalization approximation employed in electronic structure theory and quantum chemistry. Since such phenomena are enhanced under strong light-matter coupling in a cavity environment they will become relevant for the emerging fields of polaritonic chemistry and cavity materials engineering.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Interpreting convolutional neural networks' low-dimensional approximation to quantum spin systems
Authors: Ju Yilong , Alam Shah Saad , Minoff Jonathan , Anselmi Fabio , Pu Han , Patel Ankit
Published: January 2025

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been employed along with variational Monte Carlo methods for finding the ground state of quantum many-body spin systems with great success. However, it remains uncertain how CNNs, with a model complexity that scales at most linearly with the number of particles, solve the “curse of dimensionality” and efficiently represent wavefunctions in exponentially large Hilbert spaces. In this work, we use methodologies from information theory, group theory and machine learning, to elucidate how CNN captures relevant physics of quantum systems. We connect CNNs to a class of restricted maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and entangled plaquette correlator product state (EP-CPS) models that approximate symmetry constrained classical correlations between subsystems. For the final part of the puzzle, inspired by similar analyses for matrix product states and tensor networks, we show that the CNNs rely on the spectrum of each subsystem's entanglement Hamiltonians as captured by the size of the convolutional filter. All put together, these allow CNNs to simulate exponential quantum wave functions using a model that scales at most linear in system size as well as provide clues into when CNNs might fail to simulate Hamiltonians. We incorporate our insights into a new training algorithm and demonstrate its improved efficiency, accuracy, and robustness. Finally, we use regression analysis to show how the CNNs solutions can be used to identify salient physical features of the system that are the most relevant to an efficient approximation. Our integrated approach can be extended to similarly analyzing other neural network architectures and quantum spin systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Policies and actions to support surfers in drowning prevention: insight from Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Le Dé Loïc , Mead Jamie
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Every year, thousands drown at coastal beaches worldwide. In recent years, several studies have documented the contribution of surfers in rescuing people from drowning. It is increasingly recognised that policies and actions should be developed to support surfers’ roles in drowning prevention. To date, limited studies have examined surfers’ views on the ways to empower them in preventing drowning, including the opportunities and barriers to implement such actions. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap and make policy recommendations to support surfers towards reducing drowning risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The research focused on Aotearoa New Zealand. It involved a mixed-methods approach with a questionnaire-based survey distributed nationally with 248 respondents and a focus group discussion using participatory methods with 12 surfers’ participants. The data produced were analysed thematically.

Findings

The study found that empowering New Zealand surfers in drowning prevention should involve training that caters for surfers’ experience and specific needs, strengthening collaboration with lifeguards, facilitating access to key rescue and resuscitation resources at coastal beaches and developing communication strategies that highlight surfers’ role for drowning prevention.

Originality/value

The study highlights that surfers make a considerable contribution to drowning reduction: it is critical that policymakers and practitioners work closely with surfers in their drowning prevention and water safety strategies. This research provides novel information about surfers’ views on ways to support them towards playing a greater role in drowning prevention. It makes actionable recommendations geared towards policymakers and practitioners involved in drowning prevention and disaster risk management.
Knowledge, attitude and practice towards blockchain potential for digital marketing: scale development and validation
Authors: Mahmoud Ali B. , Kumar V. , Berman Alexander , Elhajjar Samer , Fuxman Leonora
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore blockchain potential for digital marketing (BlkChn-Mk-KAP) by developing and validating a measurement model for assessing the constructs of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to blockchain technology in digital marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-study process was used. The first study reviewed the literature to develop a pool of possible measurement items. Using exploratory factor analysis and reliability assessments, Study 2 (n = 162) investigated the dimensionality of the items developed in Study 1. The factorial structure from Study 2 was validated in Study 3 (n = 204), and the measurement model invariance was assessed using covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM). Finally, in Study 4 (n = 203), the predictive validity of the BlkChn-Mk-KAP was tested using a CB-SEM approach, testing its constructs correlations with the perceived usefulness of blockchain for digital marketing.

Findings

The findings indicate that the BlkChn-Mk-KAP measurement model comprises three-dimensional multi-item scales: knowledge, attitude and practice.

Research limitations/implications

This study introduces a promising BlkChn-Mk-KAP model to examine blockchain’s role in digital marketing. The authors acknowledge the sampling limitation in this research. To enhance the generalisability of the findings, future research should expand to different groups, including generation, gender and age. In addition, further exploration of the explicit links between blockchain knowledge, attitudes and subsequent digital marketing performance is warranted.

Practical implications

Educating employees about blockchain technology’s unique features can shape favourable attitudes and stimulate the utilisation of blockchain-enabled technologies in digital marketing practice. BlkChn-Mk-KAP can offer a reliable and valid instrument to benchmark marketers’ KAP of blockchain-powered digital marketing as they implement blockchain technology to gain a competitive advantage.

Social implications

This study helps to adopt sustainable practices ensuring the wellbeing of the key stakeholders.

Originality/value

This research introduces the first validated conceptualisation and measurement model, BlkChn-Mk-KAP, to evaluate blockchain KAPs among digital marketing professionals.
Integrated risk analyses as part of national climate risk assessments: lessons learnt from the climate risk assessment of Germany
Authors: Kahlenborn Walter , Voss Maike , Porst Luise , Zebisch Marc , Renner Kathrin , Schauser Inke
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Climate risk assessments (CRAs) become more and more necessary to prepare and prioritise adaptation action. On a policy level, the results of CRAs offer the foundation for national adaptation strategies. However, existing CRAs oftentimes do not exploit their full potential by means of an integrated assessment, i.e. to illustrate the complexity of cascading risks, provide cross-sectoral results, integrate adaptive capacity and demonstrate spatial patterns. This paper seeks to fill this gap by dissecting integrated assessment approaches of national CRAs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on the integrated analyses of the results of CRAs. Based on a review of selected national, multi-sectoral CRAs, the authors explore the application of such analyses. Additionally, drawing on the latest climate impact and risk assessment for Germany, the authors highlight latest approaches and their implications.

Findings

The authors show that even though progress in establishing integrated assessment methods has been made, no common framework exists so far and only few national CRAs include extensive integrated analyses. Nevertheless, the German example demonstrates that integrated analyses can provide a comprehensive overview over risk dynamics, (spatial) patterns and needs for action thus providing practical advice for decision-making on a national adaptation policy level.

Originality/value

While it is common knowledge that CRAs in general provide better results, if the models applied are integrated (i.e. combining climate, geo-physical, economic, etc. factors), little attention has been given to the integrated analyses of their results. This paper provides valuable new insight on this aspect which will become far more important in the future.
A comparative study of job insecurity: who suffers more?
Authors: Darvishmotevali Mahlagha
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study is a pioneering attempt to explore a relatively unexplored research area that examines the differences experienced by subordinates and supervisors when confronted with both quantitative and qualitative job insecurity (JI) and its influence on their creative performance (green and non-green), taking into account their subjective well-being (SWB). Furthermore, this study aims to examine the potential role of supportive leadership in enhancing the SWB of both subordinates and supervisors, aiming to determine the level of support they receive from their supervisors/managers/leaders during challenging situations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from supervisors and subordinates working in upscale hotels in Guangzhou, China. The online survey platform WJX.com was used to gather the data. The confirmatory factor analysis, measurement reliability and validity assessment were carried out using a consistent partial least squares (PLS) algorithm. The causal relationships of the hypotheses were tested through consistent PLS bootstrapping.

Findings

At the subordinate level, quantitative JI positively influenced two forms of performance, whereas qualitative JI had a negative impact. SWB partially mediated the impact of qualitative JI on outcomes. At the supervisory level, quantitative JI had no significant impact on the measured variables. Supportive leadership partially moderated the qualitative JI-SWB relationships.

Originality/value

Building upon the transactional model of stress and conservation of resource - theory, this comparative study provides novel insight into how the hierarchy perceives JI and stress and how these perceptions and suffering impact their well-being and responsibilities. The novel findings contribute to the literature by highlighting that, in times of adversity (e.g., the recent health crisis), supervisors whose responsibility is to support subordinates may themselves feel uncertain about their job security and seek support from upper management.
Integrating sustainable development goals into HRM in emerging markets: an empirical investigation of Indian and Chinese banks
Authors: Shahid Sehrish , Kaur Kuldeep , Patel Parth , Kumar Sanjeev , Prikshat Verma
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study explores the role of human resource management (HRM) practices in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) within emerging markets. Specifically, we examine how HRM practices in financial institutions in the emerging markets of India and China promote SDGs 8 (decent work and economic growth), 10 (reduced inequalities) and 13 (climate action). We also propose a framework integrating these key SDG goals with core HRM functions.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data analysis was employed using data from sustainability reports of the top five Indian and Chinese banks listed in Forbes – the Global (2000) ranking for 2022–2023. These sustainability reports were analysed based on their reporting of indicators from the Global Reporting Initiative GRI 400 series, aligned with the SDGs 8, 10 and 13.

Findings

The result of the comparative analysis indicates that both Indian and Chinese banks use HRM practices of recruitment and selection, rewards and payments, workplace health and safety, and training and development to meet SDGs 8 (decent work and economic growth), 10 (reduced inequalities) and 13 (climate action). Regarding the reporting and disclosure of HRM practices in diversity, equity and inclusion, Indian banks outperform Chinese banks, and these practices contribute significantly to SDGs 8, 10 and 13. The dominance of state-owned initiatives in China dictates the alignment of HRM strategies with economic priorities at the national level, highlighting the challenge of balancing global sustainability initiatives with a centralised management system.

Originality/value

The study provides a comprehensive examination of sustainability reports with a specific focus on HRM practices and their role in advancing SDGs. It applies institutional theory to understand the differences in the reporting and implementation of HRM practices that contribute to the achievement of SDGs.
Exploring the nexus between intellectual capital, green innovation, sustainability and financial performance in creative industry MSMEs
Authors: Gidage Mithilesh , Bhide Shilpa
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of intellectual capital (IC) and green innovation (GI) on the financial performance (FP) of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within creative industry in India. It also explores the mediating role of sustainability in these relationships, aiming to provide insights into how these factors contribute to business success and long-term sustainability within the creative sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a quantitative methodology, analyzing data collected from creative MSMEs in India. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test the hypotheses. Data was gathered through a structured questionnaire, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the relationships among the constructs.

Findings

The study reveals significant positive relationships between IC, GI, sustainability and FP in small and midsize creative businesses. IC and GI positively influence FP, with sustainability acting as a mediating factor. These findings illustrate that integrating sustainability into business strategies can amplify the benefits derived from IC and GI.

Originality/value

This study advances the understanding of FP in creative MSMEs by examining the impact of IC and GI through the lens of sustainability. It introduces a framework that demonstrates how strategic resources and sustainable practices can be leveraged to achieve significant business outcomes. By providing insights into how sustainability initiatives enhance operational efficiency and profitability, this research offers a transformative approach to integrating sustainability into business strategy. The findings contribute to a generalizable model applicable across various sectors and regions, enriching the discourse on sustainable business practices.
The effect of SMEs’ digital supply chain capabilities on supply chain financing performance: an information processing theory perspective
Authors: Lu Qiang , Cui Shiyu , Jiang Yu , Wang Yu
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of digital supply chain capability (DSCC) on the supply chain financing performance (SCFP) of Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The mediating role of information sharing (IS) and the moderating role of environmental uncertainty (EU) were also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on information processing theory (IPT), this paper constructs a theoretical model to investigate the impact of DSCC on SCFP in 276 Chinese SMEs using ordinary least regression to test hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that both digital supply chain sensing capability (DSC) and digital supply chain responding capability (DRC) have positive effects on SCFP. IS plays a mediating role in the relationship between DSC and SCFP, while the EU strengthens the relationship between DRC and IS.

Originality/value

First, this study takes a capability perspective to explore the impact of DSCC on SCFP, which extends the related studies taking a technology perspective. Second, the inner mechanism between DSCC and SCFP is revealed by introducing IS as a mediator. Third, boundary conditions for the DSCC–IS link are clarified by considering EU as a source of information processing requirements.
A multi-objective robust optimization model with defective vaccine and reverse supply chain under uncertainty
Authors: Bouchenine Abderrahmen , Almaraj Ismail
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study introduces a multi-vaccine multi-echelon supply chain (MVMS) framework designed to ensure sustainable vaccine distribution during outbreaks. The framework aims to minimize the total costs of vaccine distribution and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to mitigate environmental impacts while maximizing job opportunities within the network.

Design/methodology/approach

Our proposed appraoch employs a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model.

Findings

The findings indicate that incorporating uncertainties related to demand and inspection errors significantly facilitates timely responses to unexpected shortages, fulfills the requirements of healthcare facilities, and enhances the supply chain’s resilience against future uncertainties. This study also explores managerial implications and suggests avenues for future research to further advance this field.

Originality/value

Existing literature on MVMS often relies on simplifying assumptions of perfect vaccines and primarily focuses on demand uncertainty. However, real-world supply chains are typically marked by imperfections, disruptions, and a variety of uncertainties beyond demand. In this work, we address several sources of parameter uncertainty, including demand variability, inspection errors, vaccine waste, and defective treatments rates to enhance the robustness of our model.
Assessing the value of artificial intelligence (AI) in governmental public procurement
Authors: Andersson Per Erik , Arbin Katarina , Rosenqvist Christopher
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to enhance knowledge regarding the early stages of planning for and adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in governmental public procurement. While there are numerous studies on AI and procurement in private companies, there is limited information on AI and public procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data consists of information obtained from 18 semi-structured interviews with procurement managers and individuals involved in the development of procurement at governmental agencies. Additionally, a workshop was conducted with the respondents to discuss and validate the study’s findings.

Findings

Findings indicate a generally low level of AI maturity in previous research and within the investigated governmental agencies. The perceived benefits of AI primarily revolve around improved operational capabilities, potential for certain process efficiencies and the ability to enhance monitoring through AI. Various challenges related to organizational, process, technological and data management were highlighted. Findings also indicate that perceived benefits and value created by AI can be viewed from a short-term perspective to a long-term perspective.

Social implications

The study provides insights into societal values that can be achieved using AI in public procurement.

Originality/value

This study provides a new perspective on AI in public procurement by focusing on governmental agencies. It explores the perceived benefits, interests and challenges associated with AI implementation in public procurement. Furthermore, this study discusses the potential outcomes of incorporating AI in public procurement and the impact it may have on the values created by the public service, both short- and long term.
Offshore property investment and market performance of South African REITs: a regime-switching CAPM analysis
Authors: Akinsomi Omokolade , Ametefe Frank Kwakutse , Moja Mabuse , Asami Yasushi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether South African real estate investment trusts (REITs) with significant foreign real estate holdings produce better market performance metrics when compared to REITs with larger domestic holdings. The paper also provides a comprehensive overview of the market performance of South African REITs in the decade following the inception of the REIT regime in 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), using different estimation techniques to determine the stability of the estimated parameters over time. In addition to the CAPM framework, several basic and advanced portfolio performance metrics are computed to assess the performance of the various REIT portfolios.

Findings

The results show that REITs with significant offshore allocations produce superior market returns than their counterparts. Across most of the risk measures analysed, the foreign-biased REIT portfolios were found to be riskier. On the whole, foreign-biased REITs performed better on a risk-adjusted basis. The results were consistent across the different sample periods and the performance metrics analysed.

Practical implications

The results suggest that the decision to diversify internationally has implications for the pricing of REITs on stock markets. The differences in the performance metrics for the foreign- and home-biased REIT portfolios also imply an opportunity for investors to further diversify REIT portfolios by holding a mix of home-biased and foreign-biased REITs.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few to consider the implications of international diversification on stock market performance rather than on more fundamental measures of REIT performance such as the net present value. This study also provides an emerging market (African) perspective to the literature.
Concept drift and trace clustering: insights for managers from mining
Authors: Ghourchian Nikoo , Akhondzadeh Noughabi Elham
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Process mining helps organizations improve their business processes in today’s data-rich environment. However, these processes can change over time due to factors like policy shifts or process trends, impacting model performance. This study examines process behavior in event logs and uses machine learning to detect concept drift.

Design/methodology/approach

The trace clustering and change mining techniques have been implemented on two processes, namely loan payment and temporary identity creation, to detect drifts. We use the bag-of-activities and edit distance methods, along with K-Mode and agglomerative hierarchical clustering techniques.

Findings

This study makes two important findings: trace clustering is a popular choice for detecting drifts, and the bag-of-activities method using K-Mode clustering and hamming distance proved highly effective at spotting drifts in various event logs. It also identifies different types of drifts occurring simultaneously in the processes.

Practical implications

The drifts discovered in different processes provide a real-world example of concept drift in the domains of loans and university administrations. This contributes to improving operational efficiency and overall organizational performance based on these detected drifts and assists in enhancing the process design.

Originality/value

This study is the first to employ a hybrid method of trace clustering and change mining to detect process changes. It is also the first to simultaneously detect sudden and recurring drift in the field of trace clustering in process mining. Furthermore, it stands out for investigating and comparing the performance of multiple clustering methods, in contrast to prior research that used a single technique. Additionally, it is pioneering in applying machine learning methods to detect drift in the domain of loan processes.
Go for green life: linking green dynamic capabilities and ethical leadership with green competitive advantage through green marketing strategy
Authors: Alhemimah Arej , Ali Murad , Badghish Saeed , Latan Hengky , Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel Jose
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examines how green dynamic capabilities (GDC) and ethical leadership (EL) influence a firm’s green sustained competitive advantage (GSCA) by focusing on the mediating role of green marketing strategy (GMS) within the natural resource-based view (NRBV) from the perspective of dynamic capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model is tested using multi-source and three-wave time-lagged data from 213 managers and their subordinates in the Saudi Arabian hospitality and tourism industry.

Findings

The empirical findings confirm that GDC and EL have a positive and statistically significant impact on GMS and GSCA. In addition, the results suggest that GMS partially mediates the links between GDC and GSCA as well as between EL and GSCA.

Originality/value

This is an original study that examines GDC, EL, GMS and GSCA in a single model. This study demonstrates how GDC and EL lead to high levels of GSCA through the mediation of GMS.
Navigating vaccine misinformation: a study on users’ motivations, active communicative action and anti-misinformation behavior via chatbots
Authors: Cheng Yang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The global prevalence of vaccine misinformation has underscored the crucial necessity to combat false information and explore innovative solutions like chatbots. These artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools play a pivotal role in disseminating accurate information and mitigating the adverse effects of misinformation. This study aimed to investigate what factors motivated users to combat vaccine misinformation using chatbot tools, and their active communication actions and anti-misinformation behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers surveyed 612 chatbot users in the United States and utilized structural equation modeling for data analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study revealed that both situational and gratification motivations of chatbot users significantly contributed to three essential types of communicative actions: information-seeking, forwarding and forfending. Meanwhile, the data demonstrated that except for information forfending, both information-seeking and forwarding communicative actions could enhance user engagement with anti-misinformation behavior.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its integration of two key motivational frameworks – gratification and situational motivations – within the context of AI-driven tools like chatbots, particularly in combating misinformation. While previous research has explored the use of chatbots or the role of situational motivations in communication separately, this study uniquely combines these concepts to enhance the situational theory of problem-solving (STOPS) model and uses and gratifications (U&G) theory. Additionally, the practical implications for chatbot design and communication strategies targeted at misinformation are a significant contribution, demonstrating how motivation-driven interactions can be used to improve user engagement and public health outcomes.
Relationships between online social interaction, social exclusion, and self-esteem: moderating role of familiarity
Authors: Liu Li-Ling
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Social interaction is an essential determinant of self-esteem. However, studies have rarely examined the psychological mechanisms underlying social interaction and self-esteem or variations in the relationship between these factors under different levels of familiarity between interactants. Therefore, the present study filled this research gap by investigating the relationships between online social interaction, social exclusion, self-esteem, and familiarity as well as the mediating effect of social exclusion and the moderation effect of familiarity on the relationship between social interaction and self-esteem.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed snowball sampling for conveniently and efficiently sampling a broad range of social media users to investigate how online social interaction affected their self-esteem through the mediating effect of social exclusion and the moderation effect of familiarity.

Findings

An analysis of 390 valid questionnaires indicated that online social interaction was positively related to self-esteem. Moreover, the results indicated that this relationship was mediated by social exclusion and moderated by familiarity.

Originality/value

We recommend that social media developers avoid including a “read” mark in their applications because such a mark can result in negative emotions, negative behaviors, and social problems in users.
Analysis on the adjustment of transportation structure and the logistics transformation of railway freight
Authors: Rong Chaohe , Li Xingchan , Zhang Gaiping , Wang Xuecheng
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the strategic adjustments in China's transportation structure, with a particular focus on the pivotal role of railway freight and its integration into the modern logistics system. It seeks to address the need for a more nuanced understanding of the “road to rail” policy, emphasizing the importance of intermodal collaboration and service of fragmented market demands.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a transport economics perspective to evaluate the achievements and shortcomings of China's transportation structure optimization. It bases its assessment of the current state of railway freight logistics, multi-modal transportation and the broader implications for the transportation service market on data analysis. The methodology includes a review of existing policies, an examination of industry practices and a comparative analysis with global trends in railway logistics.

Findings

The research underscores the importance of focusing on the development of non-bulk materials, noting the insufficiency in the development of China's rail multi-modal transportation and highlighting the instructive value of successful cases in open-top container road-rail intermodal transportation. The study posits that the railway sector must enhance cooperation with other market entities, aligning with the lead enterprises in the logistics chain that are characterized by speed, high value and strong coordination capabilities, in order to better serve the transportation market. This approach moves away from a reliance on the railway's own capabilities alone.

Originality/value

This paper offers original insights into the transformation of railway freight in China, contributing to the body of knowledge on transportation economics and logistics. It provides valuable recommendations for policymakers and industry practitioners, emphasizing the strategic importance of railway logistics in the context of China's economic development and intense competition in the supply chain. The value of the article lies in its comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in the adjustment of transportation structures, providing direction for the market-oriented reform of China's railway freight sector.
Orientation – invariant limb action recognition method for human-robot interaction
Authors: Song Chenyang , Wu Jianxuan , Wu Haibin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to address the issue that existing methods for limb action recognition typically assume a fixed wearing orientation of inertial sensors, which is not the case in real-world human-robot interaction due to variations in how operators wear it, installation errors, and sensor movement during operation.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the resulting decrease in recognition accuracy, this paper introduced a data transformation algorithm that integrated the Euclidean norm with singular value decomposition. This algorithm effectively mitigates the impact of orientation errors on data collected by inertial sensors. To further enhance recognition accuracy, this paper proposed a method for extracting features that incorporate both time-domain and time-frequency domain features, markedly improving the algorithm’s robustness. This paper used five classifiers to conduct comparative experiments on action recognition. Finally, this paper built an experimental human-robot interaction platform.

Findings

The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieved an average action recognition accuracy of 96.4%, conclusively proving its effectiveness. This approach allows for the recognition of data from sensors placed in any orientation, using only training samples conducted at an orientation.

Originality/value

This study addresses the challenge of reduced accuracy in limb action recognition caused by sensor misorientation. The human-robot interaction system developed in this paper was experimentally verified to effectively and efficiently guide the industrial robot to perform tasks based on the operator’s limb actions.
Motivating social media sharing of food user-generated content on Instagram: how incentives drive social commerce
Authors: Lian Qi Lilith , Wong IpKin Anthony , Xiong Xiling
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This research aims to explore the mechanisms and conditions that motivate diners to engage in foodstagramming. It focuses on intrinsic versus extrinsic motivations, and the role of the dining environment in facilitating social connection and social commerce intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Two scenario-based experiments were conducted among Chinese participants. Experiment 1 (n = 219) used a one-factor between-subjects design to test the effect of foodstagramming incentives (intrinsic vs extrinsic) on social commerce intention. Experiment 2 (n = 529) used a 2 (foodstagramming incentive: extrinsic vs intrinsic) × 2 (environmental attractiveness: low vs high) between-subjects design to examine the mediation of social connection and the moderation of environmental attractiveness.

Findings

Intrinsic incentives more effectively enhance tourists’ social commerce intention than extrinsic incentives. The attractiveness of the dining environment moderates this relationship. Extrinsic incentives significantly boost social commerce intention and social connection in low-attractiveness environments, but not in high-attractiveness environments. Social connection serves as a conditional mediator.

Practical implications

Restaurant managers should prioritize superior service and culinary offerings, and invest in appealing dining environments to encourage tourists to share their dining experiences, leveraging word-of-mouth promotions. In less attractive settings, external incentives like coupons or discounts can promote food selfie-taking and sharing, driving social commerce intention.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights into foodstagramming motivations, highlighting the effectiveness of economic incentives and the role of the service environment in influencing social commerce behaviors. It expands the literature on service environments by explaining their effect on tourists’ sharing, commenting, liking and repurchasing behaviors.
Stimulation values and life satisfaction among young people: the role of impulsive buying and financial problems
Authors: Tuominen Jesse , Nyrhinen Jussi , Rantala Eero , Wilska Terhi-Anna
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the connections between young Finnish consumers’ stimulation values, impulsive buying, financial problems and life satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Path analysis with maximum likelihood robust standard errors estimation was used to examine relationships between variables and composite variables, as well as to explore indirect connections among them. The data set included 2,297 respondents aged 18–29 years in Finland.

Findings

Results show that stimulation values were directly positively associated with greater life satisfaction and indirectly linked to lower life satisfaction through impulsive buying and financial problems. Findings also reveal the connections between stimulation values and impulsive buying and between impulsive buying and financial problems.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the authors’ understanding of Schwartz’s values theory by showing how consumers’ stimulation values have both positive (i.e. higher life satisfaction) and negative (i.e. lower life satisfaction) outcomes.

Practical implications

This study brings recommendations for educators to reinforce young consumers’ media literacy and financial literacy to prevent the youth from developing a tendency toward impulsive buying and to seek stimulation more constructively. Also, from a public policy perspective, it would be beneficial to include more financial literacy and financial skills courses in young people’s curricula to help them recognize and resist impulsive buying tendencies, which can further reduce financial problems.

Originality/value

This study broadens the knowledge of the important connections between young consumers’ stimulation values, impulsive buying, financial problems and life satisfaction, an area where the authors’ understanding has been limited.
A framework to predict zoonotic hosts under data uncertainty: A case study on betacoronaviruses
Authors: Tonelli Andrea , Blagrove Marcus S. C. , Wardeh Maya , Di Marco Moreno
Published: January 2025

Modelling approaches aimed at identifying unknown hosts of zoonotic pathogens have the potential to make high‐impact contributions to global strategies for zoonotic risk surveillance. However, geographical and taxonomic biases in host–pathogen associations affect the reliability of models and their predictions.

Here, we propose a methodological framework to mitigate the effect of biases in host–pathogen data and account for uncertainty in models' predictions. Our approach involves identifying ‘pseudo‐negative’ species and integrating sampling biases into the modelling pipeline. We present an application on the genus Betacoronavirus and provide estimates of mammal‐borne betacoronavirus hazard at a global scale.

We show that the inclusion of pseudo‐negatives in the analysis improved the overall validation performance of our model when compared to a model that does not use pseudo‐negatives, especially reducing the rate of false positives. Results of our application unveil currently unrecognised hotspots of betacoronavirus hazard in subequatorial Africa and the Americas.

Our approach addresses crucial limitations in host–pathogen association modelling, with important downstream implications for zoonotic risk assessments. The proposed framework is adaptable to different multi‐host disease systems and may be used to identify surveillance priorities as well as knowledge gaps in zoonotic pathogens' host‐range.
Nationwide trends in diagnosed sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use disorders in adolescents and young adults enrolled in Medicaid: 2001–2019
Authors: Bushnell Greta , Lloyd Kristen , Olfson Mark , Gerhard Tobias , Keyes Katherine , Cerdá Magdalena , Hasin Deborah
Published: January 2025

Background and Aim

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use disorders (SHA‐UD) are defined by significant impairment or distress caused by recurrent sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use. This study aimed to measure trends in the prevalence of SHA‐UD diagnoses in adolescent and young adult US Medicaid enrollees from 2001 to 2019.

Design

Annual, cross‐sectional study, 2001–2019.

Setting

Medicaid Analytic eXtracts (MAX) and Transformed Medicaid Analytic Files (TAF) from 42 US states with complete data.

Participants/Cases

Adolescents (13–17 years) and young adults (18–29 years) with ≥10 months Medicaid enrollment in the calendar year; analytic sample contained 5.7 (2001) to 13.2 (2019) million persons per year.

Measurements

Annual prevalence of SHA‐UD in adolescent and young adult Medicaid enrollees [defined as an inpatient or outpatient ICD code (304.1x, 305.4x, F13.1x, F13.2x) in the calendar year] was stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, receipt of a benzodiazepine, z‐hypnotic or barbiturate prescription, and selected mental health diagnoses. Absolute and relative percent‐changes from 2001 vs. 2019 were summarized. Secondary analyses were restricted to states with more consistent data capture.

Findings

The prevalence of SHA‐UD diagnoses statistically significantly increased for adolescents (0.01% to 0.04%) and young adults (0.05% to 0.24%) from 2001 to 2019. Increasing trends were observed in sex and race/ethnicity subgroups, with greatest relative increases among Non‐Hispanic Black (624%) and Hispanic (529%) young adults. The trend increased among those with and without a benzodiazepine, z‐hypnotic or barbiturate prescription; i.e. young adults with (2001 = 0.39% to 2019 = 1.77%) and without (2001 = 0.03% to 2019 = 0.18%) a prescription. Most adolescents (76%) and young adults (91%) with a SHA‐UD diagnosis in 2019 had a comorbid substance use disorder.

Conclusions

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use disorders (SHA‐UD) diagnoses increased 3‐ to 5‐fold between 2001 and 2019 for adolescent and young adult US Medicaid enrollees, with prevalence remaining low in adolescents. The increase over two decades may be attributed to changes in the availability, use and misuse of sedative, hypnotic and anxiolytic medications and to increased detection, awareness and diagnosing of SHA‐UD.
Ultrasound and single‐port laparoscopic‐guided microwave ablation of abdominal wall endometriosis lesions: A single‐center observational study
Authors: Yang Shunshi , Li Jueying , Li Jingjing , Zhao Xiaoyu , Li Mengying , Zhang Yi , Li Xiong , Chen Ying
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Raising the temperature of abdominal wall endometriosis lesions contributes to an effective ablation; however, providing sufficient protection to the surrounding tissues remains a challenge. In this study, we aimed to combine ultrasound and single‐port laparoscopic images to not only achieve complete ablation of abdominal wall endometriosis lesions but also protect surrounding tissues from damage. The adverse events and complications were Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 1 or Society of Interventional Radiology classification grade A.

Material and Methods

This historical study included 30 patients with abdominal wall endometriosis who underwent ultrasound and single‐port laparoscopic‐guided microwave ablation at the Ultrasonography and Gynecology Department of the Wuhan Central Hospital between October 2017 and February 2022. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to evaluate the number, size, and depth of the lesions. Pain levels were assessed using a visual analog scale. Subsequently, ultrasound and single‐port laparoscopic‐guided microwave ablation of the lesions was performed, and patients were followed up to monitor the lesion volume and pain.

Results

One patient experienced an intra‐abdominal wall burn that was detected by single‐port laparoscopy, and ablation was stopped immediately. No other complications were recorded. Following surgery, the lesion volume decreased and was lower than the preoperative lesion volume at 1 year postoperatively (1.6 ± 1.3 vs. 4.0 ± 3.6 cm3; p < 0.05). Visual analog scale scores revealed that, compared with preoperative levels, pain was reduced significantly at all postoperative time points (p < 0.01). The recurrence rate was 16.7% (5/30).

Conclusions

The addition of single‐port laparoscopy to ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation may allow greater protection of the surrounding tissues, particularly in cases involving deep lesions, and may, therefore, represent a promising clinical treatment strategy.