bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universal vortex statistics and stochastic geometry of Bose-Einstein condensation
Authors: Thudiyangal Mithun , del Campo Adolfo
Published: August 2024

The cooling of a Bose gas in finite time results in the formation of a Bose-Einstein condensate that is spontaneously proliferated with vortices. We propose that the vortex spatial statistics is described by a homogeneous Poisson point process (PPP) with a density dictated by the Kibble-Zurek mechanism (KZM). We validate this model using numerical simulations of the two-dimensional stochastic Gross-Pitaevskii equation (SGPE) for both a homogeneous and a hard-wall trapped condensate. The KZM scaling of the average vortex number with the cooling rate is established along with the universal character of the vortex number distribution. The spatial statistics between vortices is characterized by analyzing the two-point defect-defect correlation function, the corresponding spacing distributions, and the random tessellation of the vortex pattern using the Voronoi cell area statistics. Combining the PPP description with the KZM, we derive universal theoretical predictions for each of these quantities and find them in agreement with the SGPE simulations. Our results establish the universal character of the spatial statistics of point-like topological defects generated during a continuous phase transition and the associated stochastic geometry.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Algorithmic optimization of quantum optical storage in solids
Authors: Lei Yisheng , An Haechan , Li Zongfeng , Hosseini Mahdi
Published: August 2024

Quantum memory devices with high storage efficiency and bandwidth are essential elements for future quantum networks. Solid-state quantum memories can provide broadband storage, but they primarily suffer from low storage efficiency. We use passive optimization and algorithmic optimization techniques to demonstrate nearly a sixfold enhancement in quantum memory efficiency. In this regime, we demonstrate coherent and single-photon-level storage with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The optimization technique presented here can be applied to most solid-state quantum memories to significantly improve the storage efficiency without compromising the memory bandwidth.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A luminescent Cu2I2P2S2-type binuclear complex and its fluorescence sensing for pyridine
Authors: Wu Jin-Tao , Song Li , Xu Wen-Ze , Wei Xin-Yu , Zhang Yu-Xin , Zhang Ying-Ying , Du Xin-Yang , Chai Wen-Xiang
Published: August 2024

Luminescent CuI complexes are an important class of coordination compounds due to their relative abundance, low cost and ability to display excellent luminescence. The title Cu2I2P2S2-type binuclear complex, di-μ-iodido-bis[(thiourea-κS)(triphenylphosphine-κP)copper(I)], [Cu2I2(CH4N2S)2(C18H15P)2], conventionally abbreviated as Cu2I2TPP2TU2, where TPP and TU represent triphenylphosphine and thiourea, respectively, is described. In this complex, each CuI atom adopts a CuI2PS four-coordination mode and pairs of atoms are connected to each other by two μ2-I ligands to form a centrosymmetric binuclear cluster. It was also found that the paper-based film of this complex exhibited obvious luminescence light-up sensing for pyridine and 4-methylpyridine.
An assessment of methods to deal with endogeneity in corporate governance and reporting research
Authors: Khatib Saleh F.A.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive methodological review, exploring the strategies used to address endogeneity within the realms of corporate governance and financial reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

This research reviews the application of various methods to deal with endogeneity issue published in the 10 journals covering the corporate governance discipline included in the Web of Science’s Social Sciences Citation Index.

Findings

With a focus on empirical studies published in leading journals, the author scrutinizes the prevalence of endogeneity and the methodologies applied to mitigate its effects. The analysis reveals a predominant reliance on the two-stage least squares (2SLS) technique, a widely adopted instrumental variable (IV) approach. However, a notable observation emerges concerning the inconsistent utilization of clear exogenous IVs in some studies, highlighting a potential limitation in the application of 2SLS. Recognizing the challenges in identifying exogenous variables, the author proposes the generalized method of moments (GMM) as a viable alternative. GMM offers flexibility by not imposing the same exogeneity requirement on IVs but necessitates a larger sample size and an extended sample period.

Research limitations/implications

The paper sensitizes researchers to the critical concern of endogeneity bias in governance research. It provides an outline for diagnosing and correcting potential bias, contributing to the awareness among researchers and encouraging a more critical approach to methodological choices, recognizing the prevalence of endogeneity in empirical studies, particularly focusing on the widely adopted 2SLS technique.

Originality/value

Practitioners, including corporate executives and managers, can benefit from the study’s insights by recognizing the importance of rigorous empirical research. Understanding the limitations and strengths of methodologies like 2SLS and GMM can inform evidence-based decision-making in the corporate governance realm.
Dynamic J-A model improved by waveform scale parameters and R-L type fractional derivatives
Authors: Chen Long , Zhang Zheyu , An Ni , Wen Xin , Ben Tong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to model the global dynamic hysteresis properties with an improved Jiles–Atherton (J-A) model through a unified set of parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the waveform scaling parameters β, λk and λc are used to improve the calculation accuracy of hysteresis loops at low magnetic flux density. Second, the Riemann–Liouville (R-L) type fractional derivatives technique is applied to modified static inverse J-A model to compute the dynamic magnetic field considering the skin effect in wideband frequency magnetization conditions.

Findings

The proposed model is identified and verified by modeling the hysteresis loops whose maximum magnetic flux densities vary from 0.3 to 1.4 T up to 800 Hz using B30P105 electrical steel. Compared with the conventional J-A model, the global simulation ability of the proposed dynamic model is much improved.

Originality/value

Accurate modeling of the hysteresis properties of electrical steels is essential for analyzing the loss behavior of electrical equipment in finite element analysis (FEA). Nevertheless, the existing inverse Jiles–Atherton (J-A) model can only guarantee the simulation accuracy with higher magnetic flux densities, which cannot guarantee the analysis requirements of considering both low magnetic flux density and high magnetic flux density in FEA. This paper modifies the dynamic J-A model by introducing waveform scaling parameters and the R-L fractional derivative to improve the hysteresis loops’ simulation accuracy from low to high magnetic flux densities with the same set of parameters in a wide frequency range.
Decoding the role of leadership on employee's life satisfaction – through the mediating pathway of work passion and work-to-life interface
Authors: Goswami Munmun , Jena Lalatendu Kesari
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study explores the interactive domains of work passion, work–life interface and leadership behavior. Drawing support from the Conservation of Resources Theory and the Work-Home Resources Model, we empirically tested the mediating effect of dualistic work passion (harmonious, obsessive) and work-to-life interface (conflict, enrichment) between leadership behavior (transformational, abusive) and subordinates’ life satisfaction. The moderating effect of psychological detachment was also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 292 full-time white-collar workers from the adult Indian population using an online survey. SEM using SPSS 20.0 and AMOS 22.0 was conducted for empirical analysis.

Findings

Harmonious work passion and work-to-life enrichment positively mediated between transformational leadership and life satisfaction, and psychological detachment moderated the relationship between harmonious work passion and work-to-life interface. The mediating role of obsessive work passion and work-to-life conflict between abusive supervision and life satisfaction was not observed, and neither was the moderating role of psychological detachment established.

Practical implications

From the managerial perspective, organizations need to be sensitive to the needs of the diverse workforce they have. Especially in the post-COVID-19 scenario, people are more aware and focused on balancing their work and life domains. Thus, interactive policies and practices are the need of the hour rather than the prevalent blanket one.

Originality/value

This study explores the effect of leadership on subordinates’ life satisfaction, which has not been explored through the pathway of work passion and work-to-family interface. It thus contributes to leadership, work passion and work–life interface research.
Innovation and sustainability from the perspective of entrepreneurial intention: a cross-cultural approach
Authors: Paiva Luis Eduardo Brandão , Muñoz-Pascual Lucía , Galende Jesús
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), innovation and sustainability, through environmental awareness, in the formation of entrepreneurial intention (EI).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the alignment between theoretical axes, such as the theory of planned behavior, adaptation–innovation theory and the environmental axis of sustainability, quantitative research was developed with students from Brazilian and Spanish universities. We obtained a sample of 686 university students enrolled in courses related to management in both countries. Data analysis included exploratory factor analysis and logistic regression.

Findings

Our results revealed that the constructs of TPB (personal attitudes and perceived behavioral control) influenced EI, excluding subjective norms. Innovation had an influence on the EI of students from both countries. In Brazilians, valuing change predicts EI, highlighting the importance of flexibility. Conversely, Spaniards emphasize originality, valuing uniqueness and creativity as drivers of EI. Sustainability, via environmental awareness, did not influence EI.

Originality/value

With this study, we aim to encourage policies and practices aimed at higher education institutions globally, to broaden the understanding about the importance of environmental, innovative and social studies and practices aligned with the context of entrepreneurship. The final aim is to enhance social and environmental benefits generated by future entrepreneurs.
The role of suspicious accounts in setting political discourse: a study of the Pakistani Twitter space
Authors: Ahmed Umair , Saeed Muhammad , Alam Shah Jamal
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the use and impact of social media, specifically Twitter (now X), in political mobilization in Pakistan. It focuses on the events followed by the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan as Pakistan’s prime minister in April 2022 and the protest campaign that ensued, facilitated through the strategic use of the Urdu hashtag #امپورٹڈ_حکومت_نامنظور (translated as “imported-government unacceptable”) on Twitter, both within and outside Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Web scraping, data from Twitter was extracted and analyzed between 2022 and 2023. By probing into user account profiles and interactions with this hashtag, this paper investigates the claims surrounding the hashtag’s popularity, by identifying suspicious accounts and their contributions in the trending of the hashtag.

Findings

Findings suggest that the claim of the hashtag's unprecedented success was overhyped, further suggesting that the popularity and impact of the social media campaign were exaggerated. Despite high engagement rates, the study indicates a discrepancy between perceived influence and actual impact on public sentiment and political mobilization.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on social media’s role in political mobilization and agenda-setting in the Pakistani context. More generally, understanding hashtag dynamics and their impact on shaping public opinion, may be beneficial to academics and practitioners in better understanding the role of digital platforms in the politics.
What influences perceptions about the concept of return on investment from healthcare quality improvement programmes? An institutional theory perspective
Authors: Thusini S'thembile , Soukup Tayana , Henderson Claire
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the factors influencing the conceptualisation of return on investment (ROI) from healthcare quality improvement (QI) programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

In their previous work, the authors found that the concept of ROI from QI is broad and includes numerous internal and external benefits for organisations. In this paper, the authors developed a framework outlining the factors that influence this conceptualisation of QI-ROI from an institutional theory perspective. The framework is based on the synthesis of their serial studies on the determinants of the concept of ROI from QI. The research was performed from 2020–2023 and involved a global multidisciplinary systematic literature review (N = 68), qualitative interviews (N = 16) and a Delphi study (N = 23). The qualitative and Delphi studies were based on the publicly-funded mental healthcare in UK. Participants included board members, clinical and service directors, as well as QI leaders.

Findings

The authors outline a framework of internal and external institutional forces that influence the conceptualisation of ROI from QI programmes in mental healthcare and similar organisations. Based on these factors, the authors state several conjectures. In doing this, the authors highlight the ambiguities and uncertainties surrounding QI-ROI conceptualisation. These challenge leaders to balance various monetary and non-monetary benefits for organisations and health systems. This explains the broadness of the QI-ROI concept.

Originality/value

The authors developed a framework highlighting the forces underpinning the broad, ambiguous and sometimes uncertain nature of the QI-ROI concept. They raise awareness about dilemmas to be confronted in developing or applying any tool to evaluate the value for money of QI programmes. Specifically, the work highlights the limitations of the ROI methodology as a primary tool in the QI context and the need for a more comprehensive tool.
Influence of the steel disk on the NVH behavior of industrial wet disk clutches
Authors: Strobl Patrick , Voelkel Katharina , Schneider Thomas , Stahl Karsten
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Industrial drivetrains use wet disk clutches for safe and reliable shifting. Advances over the past decades regarding the formulation of lubricants and the composition of friction materials have led to reliable clutch systems. In this context, the friction behavior is crucial for the correct operation of the clutch. Nevertheless, the friction behavior and its influencing factors are still the object of modern research. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the choice of the steel disk influences the noise vibration and harshness (NVH) behavior of wet industrial clutches.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the influence of the steel disk on the friction and NVH behavior of industrial wet disk clutches, experimental investigations with relevant friction systems are conducted. These tests are performed at two optimized test rigs, guaranteeing transferable insights. The surface topography of the steel disk and the friction lining are measured for one friction system to identify possible relations between the surface topography and the friction behavior.

Findings

The steel disk can influence the friction behavior of wet disk clutches. Using a different steel disk surface finish, corresponding results can show differences in the shudder tendency, leading to a nonfavorable NVH behavior – different gradients of the coefficient of friction over sliding velocity cause this phenomenon.

Originality/value

This work gives novel insights into the friction and NVH behavior of industrial wet disk clutches. It supports engineers in the optimization of modern friction systems.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0054/
Is inclusive leadership a journey through tolerance, acceptance, value and celebration? – An exploratory study
Authors: Gupta Megha , Kuknor Sunaina , Sharma Kusum
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the factors that contribute to inclusive leadership (IL) through the lens of leaders and further segregate these factors into four levels to highlight the attributes required at each level in an inclusive leader’s growth journey.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative research method comprising 31 in-depth interviews with managers across various domains to comprehend their views on traits of an inclusive leader.

Findings

This paper provides valuable insights into the vital characteristics of an inclusive leader. The study demonstrates that an inclusive leader’s journey moves from tolerance to acceptance, value, and finally celebration. Leaders need to continuously work on their awareness, efforts, accommodation, openness and cultural intelligence to become truly inclusive. Leaders who appreciate diversity and embrace inclusion create a workplace that impacts employees positively and subsequently influences engagement, performance and productivity of the workforce.

Practical implications

This study will promote awareness and understanding amongst practitioners about critical attributes of inclusive leaders and how organizations can facilitate leaders’ journey in becoming truly inclusive leaders.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to explore the conceptualization of IL through various levels of inclusion (tolerance, acceptance, value and celebration) leading to maturity and growth as an inclusive leader.
Does financial materiality judgement matter in reporting intellectual capital? A systematic literature review and future research trends
Authors: Pozzoli Matteo , Paolone Francesco , de Nuccio Elbano , Tiscini Riccardo
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate materiality judgement providing insights, critiques and future research paths in light of the open debate on the role of materiality in corporate financial disclosure, highlighting potential connections and implications with sustainability and intellectual capital (IC) reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The research presents an overview of the analysis of financial materiality, including new stimuli from recent studies and regulatory requirements for financial and non-financial reporting. Accordingly, this study used a systematic literature review (SLR) based on a combination of content, text and bibliometric analysis of materiality in accounting research studies, collecting data from the Scopus database as one of the most relevant repositories.

Findings

The SLR identified four relevant research trends, concerning: (1) the relevance of materiality principles in corporate disclosure; (2) financial reporting practices and materiality; (3) theories and approaches in defining financial materiality and (4) the existence of quantitative and qualitative thresholds in the materiality judgement.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide theoretical and practical implications when comprehending the development of the concept of financial materiality in financial statements and whether they can be appropriate in reporting IC as well. We identified future research paths.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, this study is useful for companies implementing financial materiality based on stakeholder engagement and improving their transparency in financial and non-financial reporting practices.

Social implications

The research investigates if the process for assessing materiality is in line with the expectations of all stakeholders involved in financial and non-financial reporting.

Originality/value

This research is the first to investigate the scientific basis and applicability of the concept of financial materiality to sustainability and IC reporting.
How do stakeholders co-create value in a service ecosystem? Insight from mega-events
Authors: Mason Michela Cesarina , Iacuzzi Silvia , Zamparo Gioele , Garlatti Andrea
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper looks at how stakeholders co-create value at mega-events from a service ecosystem perspective. Despite the growing interest, little is known about how value is co-created through such initiatives for individual stakeholders and the community.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on institutional and stakeholder theory, the study focuses on Cortina 2021, the World Ski Championships held in Italy in February 2021. It investigates how multiple actors co-create value within a service ecosystem through qualitative interviews with key stakeholders combined with the analysis of official documents and reports.

Findings

The research established that key stakeholders were willing to get involved with Cortina 2021 if they recognised the value which could be co-created. Such an ecosystem requires a focal organisation with a clear regulative and normative framework and a common cultural basis. The latter helped resilience in the extraordinary circumstances of Cortina 2021 and safeguarded long-term impacts, even though the expected short-term ones were compromised.

Practical implications

From a managerial point of view, the evidence from Cortina 2021 shows how a clear strategy with well-defined stakeholder engagement mechanisms can facilitate value co-creation in service ecosystems. Moreover, when regulative and normative elements are blurred because of an extraordinary circumstance, resource integration and value creation processes need to be entrusted to those cultural elements that characterise an ecosystem.

Originality/value

The study takes an ecosystemic approach to mega-events to explore value creation for the whole community at the macro level, not only at the individual or organisational level, even during a crisis, which greatly impaired the preparation and running of the event.
How does CEO background affect stock market returns around product recall announcements? Evidence from the US automobile industry
Authors: Martins António Miguel , Pires Cesaltina
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the role of the CEO’s background in the stock market reaction to a product recall. Based on the upper echelons theory and the crisis management literature, we argue that the CEO’s background influences the expected response in a product harm crisis and the updating of investors’ expectations following a product recall announcement. We test if the CEO’s background influences the abnormal stock market returns around product recalls and how it affects the way investors interpret the recall strategy and severity.

Design/methodology/approach

We use an event study, for a sample of 2,576 product recalls in the US automobile industry, between January 2010 and June 2021.

Findings

We observe that the stock market’s reaction is less negative if the firm’s CEO presents a core specialist background and for firms led by insider CEOs. This result is in line with our argument that in the presence of a crisis that requires operational and firm-specific knowledge, such as product recalls, the best alignment in terms of the CEO’s background occurs when the CEO was recruited inside and is a core specialist. Finally, we also find that the CEO’s background has a moderating effect on the impact of the recall strategy and severity on the stock market reaction to a recall announcement. In particular, a recall with high severity has a more negative stock market reaction when the CEO is a core specialist as such an event is not expected by the market.

Practical implications

These results have important implications for practitioners and scholars working in the areas of product quality and corporate governance. Given the high frequency and high costs for firms to carry out these operations in the automobile industry, we recommend a careful analysis of the CEO’s background before their appointment as well as careful planning to prevent and to adequately react appropriately to product quality problems. While there is a common tendency among executives to cut discretionary expenditures such as spending on product safety, our results regarding the stock market reaction to product recall announcements suggest that investors expect firms led by insider and core specialist CEOs to be more likely to ensure product quality and to respond to product quality crisis.

Originality/value

We extend knowledge of product recalls by studying the role of the CEO’s background on the stock market reaction to product recall announcements.
How the COVID-19 pandemic changed Italians’ financial risk tolerance
Authors: Battaglia Francesca , Cervellati Enrico Maria , Salerno Dario , Stella Gian Paolo , Vannoni Valeria
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the impact of exogenous shocks on individuals' risk tolerance, particularly when originating outside the economic or financial sphere. Focusing on Italy as the first Western country affected by COVID-19, this paper explores whether the pandemic led to a decrease in Italians' financial risk tolerance (FRT).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a two-stage approach for data analysis. Initial examination of key variables used linear regression (ordinary least square [OLS]) with robust errors. Subsequently, a system of structural equations (structural equation model [SEM]) was used for a more nuanced exploration of hypothetical relationships between constructs and their observed indicators. SEM addressed reliability issues inherent in OLS, offering a robust analysis of structural models based on specified hypotheses. To assess the impact of COVID-19 on Italians' FRT, the Grable and Lytton Risk Tolerance Scale was used, measuring changes through a scored questionnaire with values ranging from 1 (greater risk aversion) to 4 (greater risk propensity).

Findings

This study used three distinct OLS regression models to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on Italians' FRT, considering mortality, infection and stringency rates. Findings revealed that older individuals exhibited lower risk tolerance across FRT dimensions, consistent with previous research. Men were more risk-prone, aligning with gender-related financial literacy disparities. Married respondents tended to be less risk-tolerant, supporting the idea that marital status influences risk attitude. Education level showed a slightly negative impact on investment risk. Professional instability, lower income and stock market inexperience were associated with lower risk tolerance. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant positive effect, making respondents more risk-averse. SEM methodology was used to examine the moderating effects of COVID-19 proxies on FRT changes.

Originality/value

This research brings a novel perspective to the ongoing debate on exogenous shocks' impact on individuals' risk tolerance, particularly when originating outside the economic or financial domain. Focusing on Italy, the first Western country hit by COVID-19, this study uniquely investigates the pandemic's effect on Italians' FRT. With a large and representative sample, the findings contribute significantly to the literature on risk attitude, shedding light on the pandemic's impact. This study's originality lies in providing reliable evidence with policy implications, emphasizing the imperative for government intervention in addressing both health and economic issues in the wake of such external shocks.
The “depraved killers” penalty: a commentary on the 2023 UK sentencing changes to individuals charged with sexually motivated or sadistic murders
Authors: Hammond Courtney , Thatcher Ashleigh S. , Fido Dean
Published: August 2024

Purpose

British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, recently introduced a “whole life order” sentence in response to sexually motivated or sadistic homicide offences (Gov.uk, 2023). Effectively, this condemns the recipient to the remainder of their life in incarceration and renders rehabilitative interventions redundant. The purpose of this paper is to explore the literature pertaining to public pedagogy, definitions and convictions, and rehabilitative interventions – all in relation to those considered to have committed sexuallymotivated or sadistic murders, with emphasis on the implications of such.

Design/methodology/approach

Through this commentary, this paper explores the following points in line with existing literature: (a) public knowledge of the criminal justice system and those who have committed homicide offences, (b) the manner of defining and convicting sexually motivated and sadistic murders and (c) current access to rehabilitation intervention programmes.

Findings

This paper closes by recommending future research initiatives to deliver forensic-specific education for the general public as well as qualitative studies into the discourse around retribution to enable a conjunction between public concern and academic underpinning. Wider implications concerning public understandings, convictions, rehabilitations and politics are discussed.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that explores the practical and theoretical implications of imposing a whole life order on those charged with sadistic or sexual-motivated murders.
The ups and downs of oil prices: asymmetric impacts of oil price volatility on corporate environmental responsibility
Authors: Yaghoubi Mona , Yaghoubi Reza
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to show the difference between the two types of oil price volatility resulting from either increases or decreases in oil prices and find evidence of the differential effect of oil price volatility on firms' environmental initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines how volatility in crude oil prices affect corporate environmental responsibility among US firms (excluding oil and gas producers) between 2002 and 2020, with a particular focus on the differential impact of oil price volatility.

Findings

The authors find that a one standard deviation increase in oil volatility resulting from positive changes in oil prices corresponds to a 12.7% decrease in environmental score, while the same increase in volatility from negative changes in oil prices leads to a 5.5% decrease in environmental score. Financial constraints are identified as a potential channel through which oil price volatility influences environmental activities. Specifically, a one standard deviation increase in oil volatility from positive price changes leads to an 18% decrease in environmental score for firms with high financial constraints, compared to an 8% decrease for firms with low financial constraints.

Originality/value

This study builds on the research of Phan et al. (2021) and Maghyereh and Abdoh (2020). Pan et al. reveal a negative association between oil price uncertainty and corporate social responsibility in the oil and gas sector, yet they overlook 1) the asymmetric impacts of oil price changes and sectoral disparities. Moreover, 2) their inclusion of a year-fixed effect undermines their findings’ reliability, as the oil price volatility variable remains constant across all firm-year observations, and including a year-fixed effect diminishes its explanatory power.
How do commodity futures respond to Ukraine–Russia, Taiwan Strait and Hamas–Israel crises? – An analysis using event study approach
Authors: Martins António Miguel
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study investigates the short-term market reaction of three commodity futures indices for four recent events of high geopolitical risk: the Ukraine–Russia war, the Taiwan Strait crisis and the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

The author examines three commodity futures indices at and around the beginning of four recent events of high geopolitical risk using an event study methodology.

Findings

The results show a positive abnormal return for the commodity futures indices for three of the four recent events considered in the analysis. The exception in terms of abnormal returns observed is the visit of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan on August 2, 2022, which resulted in statistically significant negative abnormal returns in the commodity futures around the visit. The other three geopolitical events, by causing an increase of uncertainty level and supply-side constraints, led to a rise in the price of most commodity futures. This allowed commodity-exporting countries to achieve positive and statistically significant abnormal returns. Policy implications of our findings are discussed.

Originality/value

The effect of high geopolitical risk events on commodity futures indices has been relatively little examined in the financial theory. This study intends to fill this gap in the literature.
Do social responsibility practices affect competitive advantage in banking industry? Study on selected commercial banks in Ethiopia
Authors: Waktola Bekan Serbessa , Singh Manjit , Singh Sandeep
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of social responsibility practices on competitive advantage. It focuses on analyzing how strategic initiatives addressing social responsibility practices influence banks’ competitive advantage (CA).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 463 customers of selected commercial banks in Ethiopia. Self-administrative questionnaire was used to collect data. The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2023. The study used a structural equation model to test relationships between variables.

Findings

This study’s empirical findings show that social responsibility practices positively affect CA. This suggests that banks actively engaging in social responsibility practices can boost their CA.

Research limitations/implications

The study only targeted customers as respondents and did not include other stakeholders such as employees and the community. This recommended that future research should include these stakeholders. This study relied solely on quantitative data. Future studies could consider incorporating qualitative data to complement the quantitative findings. The study’s sample was limited to Ethiopia’s banking sector. Other service sectors and manufacturing sectors will be considered in future studies to examine the relationship between social responsibility practices and CA.

Practical implications

This study provides insights for banks operating in dynamic markets by providing the strategic implications of social responsibility. Banks can strategically leverage social responsibility practices to gain an advantage in a competitive market. Banks should continuously innovate and adapt their social responsibility strategies to address evolving societal needs and emerging challenges and consider social responsibility an integral component of their strategic planning. The findings of this study can enhance managers’ understanding and enable them to better oversee their social responsibility initiatives to attain a sustainable CA.

Social implications

This study highlights businesses’ pivotal role in society beyond profit generation. The research findings emphasize the interconnectedness of business success and social responsibility. By integrating social responsibility practices into their operations, companies enhance their CA and contribute to society’s greater good. This underscores the importance of promoting a corporate culture that values social responsibility as a cornerstone of business success.

Originality/value

Empirically examining the relationship between social responsibility practices and CA contributes to the overview of the conceptual and practical base of social responsibility practices into strategic importance. The study provides insight into the importance of social responsibility practices in enhancing CA in developing country’s contexts.
Social and ethical factors versus tax fraud: the role of corporate social responsibility in the Romanian context
Authors: Amelio Stefano , Gazzola Patrizia , Vatamanescu Madalina , Dinu Elena
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Tax evasion and tax avoidance consistently strip national budgets of tremendous financial resources. Consequently, the discussion on tax fraud remains topical and a moving target subject matter. Various antecedents and moderators of tax fraud have been investigated over the years, yet the literature dedicated to the linkage between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and tax practices exhibited ambiguous results. In this respect, the purpose of this study is to present the results of an investigation into the nonfinancial factors affecting tax fraud and the moderating effect of CSR-related behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied in a multivariate statistical analysis technique to analyze structural relationships. The measurement and structural models were evaluated using component-based partial least squares (PLS), a rigorous statistical instrument. The opportunity to use PLS-SEM is supported by the advancement of models comprising both reflective and formative constructs as in the present case.

Findings

Data collected from a sample of 290 respondents from Romania confirmed that social and ethical factors significantly impact tax fraud and CSR-related behaviors. In addition, the latter plays a moderating effect between nonfinancial factors and tax fraud.

Research limitations/implications

The research sample is country-centric (i.e. subjects come from Romania) while the questionnaire-based survey relies on self-reported measures.

Originality/value

The paper adds new evidence to the extant knowledge and points to theoretical and managerial implications.
Modeling the spatial dynamics of land cover transitions and vegetation conditions in Abuja city, Nigeria
Authors: Mshelia Yoksa Salmamza , Onywere Simon Mang’erere , Letema Sammy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the current and future dynamics of land cover transitions and analyze the vegetation conditions in Abuja city since its establishment as the capital of Nigeria in 1991.

Design/methodology/approach

A random forest classifier embedded in the Google Earth Engine platform was used to classify Landsat imagery for the years 1990, 2001, 2014 and 2020. A post-classification comparison was used to detect the dynamics of land cover transitions. A hybrid simulation model that comprised cellular automata and Markovian was used to model the probable scenario of land cover changes for 2050. The trend of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index was examined using Mann–Kendall and Theil Sen’s from 2014 to 2022. Nighttime band data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were obtained to analyze the trend of urbanization from 2014 to 2022.

Findings

The findings show that built-up areas increased by 40%, while vegetation, bare land and agricultural land decreased by 27%, 7% and 8%, respectively. Vegetation had the highest declining rate at 3.15% per annum. Built-up areas are expected to increase by 17.1% between 2020 and 2050 in contrast with other land cover. The proportion of areas with moderate vegetation improvement is estimated to be 15.10%, while the proportion of areas with no significant change was 38.10%. The overall proportion of degraded areas stands at 46.8% due to urbanization.

Originality/value

The findings provide a comprehensive insight into the dynamics of land cover transitions and vegetation variability induced by rapid urbanization in Abuja city, Nigeria. In addition, the findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners to develop a sustainable land use policy that promotes inclusivity, safety and resilience.
Unravelling the complexities of biotic homogenization and heterogenization in the British avifauna
Authors: Wayman Joseph P. , Sadler Jonathan P. , Martin Thomas E. , Graham Laura J. , White Hannah J. , Tobias Joseph A. , Matthews Thomas J.
Published: August 2024

Biotic homogenization is a process whereby species assemblages become more similar through time. The standard way of identifying the process of biotic homogenization is to look for decreases in spatial beta–diversity. However, using a single assemblage‐level metric to assess homogenization can mask important changes in the occupancy patterns of individual species.

Here, we analysed changes in the spatial beta–diversity patterns (i.e. biotic heterogenization or homogenization) of British bird assemblages within 30 km × 30 km regions between two periods (1988–1991 and 2008–2011). We partitioned the change in spatial beta–diversity into extirpation and colonization‐resultant change (i.e. change in spatial beta–diversity within each region resulting from both extirpation and colonization). We used measures of abiotic change in combination with Bayesian modelling to disentangle the drivers of biotic heterogenization and homogenization.

We detected both heterogenization and homogenization across the two time periods and three measures of diversity (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional). In addition, both extirpation and colonization contributed to the observed changes, with heterogenization mainly driven by extirpation and homogenization by colonization. These assemblage‐level changes were primarily due to shifting occupancy patterns of generalist species.

Compared to habitat generalists, habitat specialists had significantly (i) higher average contributions to colonization‐resultant change (indicating heterogenization within a region due to colonization) and (ii) lower average contributions to extirpation‐resultant change (indicating homogenization from extirpation). Generalists showed the opposite pattern.

Increased extirpation‐resultant homogenization within regions was associated with increased urban land cover and decreased habitat diversity, precipitation, and temperature. Changes in extirpation‐resultant heterogenization and colonization‐resultant heterogenization were associated with differences in elevation between regions and changes in temperature and land cover.

Many of the ‘winners’ (i.e. species that increased in occupancy) were species that had benefitted from conservation action (e.g. buzzard (Buteo buteo)). The ‘losers’ (i.e. those that decreased in occupancy) consisted primarily of previously common species, such as cuckoo (Cuculus canorus).

Our results show that focusing purely on changes in spatial beta–diversity over time may obscure important information about how changes in the occupancy patterns of individual species contribute to homogenization and heterogenization.
Novel use of the rectus abdominus muscle flap for vaginal reconstruction in complex obstetric fistula repair: A case series
Authors: Patel Tulsi , Brown Rodger , Chipungu Ennet , Breen Michael , Draganchuk Jennifer , Nampandeni Patrick , Legesse Awol , Wilkinson Jeffrey
Published: August 2024

Objective

Globally, obstetric fistula is a tragic outcome following obstructed labour. Failure of complex repair and post‐operative incontinence are common. We describe an innovative surgical technique incorporating the rectus abdominus flap at the time of fistula repair.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Malawi, Fistula Care Centre.

Methods

Patients were followed for 3 months after discharge to determine continence and healing.

Results

Five of six patients were continent at 3 months and one was lost to follow‐up by dry at a one month post‐operative phone call. There were no major complications.

Conclusions

The rectus abdominus flap may be a useful adjunct to repair of complex obstetric fistula.
Implementation outcomes from a multi‐site stepped wedge cluster randomized family caregiver skills training trial
Authors: Van Houtven Courtney Harold , Decosimo Kasey , Drake Connor , Bruening Rebecca , Sperber Nina R. , Dadolf Joshua , Tucker Matthew , Coffman Cynthia J. , Grubber Janet M. , Stechuchak Karen M. , Kota Swetha , Christensen Leah , Colón‐Emeric Cathleen , Jackson George L. , Franzosa Emily , Zullig Leah L. , Allen Kelli D. , Hastings Susan N. , Wang Virginia
Published: August 2024

Objective

To assess whether a team collaboration strategy (CONNECT) improves implementation outcomes of a family caregiver skills training program (iHI‐FIVES).

Data Sources and Study Setting

iHI‐FIVES was delivered to caregivers at eight Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers. Data sources were electronic health records, staff surveys, and interviews.

Study Design

In a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial, sites were randomized to a 6‐month time interval start date for iHI‐FIVES launch. Sites were then randomized 1:1 to either (i) CONNECT, a team collaboration training strategy plus Replicating Effective Programs (REP), brief technical support training for staff, or (ii) REP only (non‐CONNECT arm). Implementation outcomes included reach (proportion of eligible caregivers enrolled) and fidelity (proportion of expected trainings delivered). Staff interviews and surveys assessed team function including communication, implementation experience, and their relation to CONNECT and iHI‐FIVES implementation outcomes.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The sample for assessing implementation outcomes included 571 Veterans referred to VA home‐ and community‐based services and their family caregivers eligible for iHI‐FIVES. Prior to iHI‐FIVES launch, staff completed 65 surveys and 62 interviews. After the start of iHI‐FIVES, staff completed 52 surveys and 38 interviews. Mixed methods evaluated reach and fidelity by arm.

Principal Findings

Fidelity was high overall with 88% of expected iHI‐FIVES trainings delivered, and higher among REP only (non‐CONNECT) compared with CONNECT sites (95% vs. 80%). Reach was 18% (average proportion of reach across eight sites) and higher among non‐CONNECT compared with CONNECT sites (22% vs. 14%). Qualitative interviews revealed strong leadership support at high‐reach sites. CONNECT did not influence self‐reported team function.

Conclusions

A team collaboration strategy (CONNECT), added to REP, required more resources to implement iHI‐FIVES than REP only and did not substantially enhance reach or fidelity. Leadership support was a key condition of implementation success and may be an important factor for improving iHI‐FIVES reach with national expansion.