bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Masses and decay widths of the
S
-wave
ΛcΛ¯c
bound states
Authors: Cao Shi-Ji , Wang Zhen-Yang , Qi Jing-Juan , Guo Xin-Heng
Published: July 2024

In this work, we investigate possible bound states of the ΛcΛ¯c system in the Bethe-Salpeter formalism in the ladder and instantaneous approximations. By numerically solving the Bethe-Salpeter equation, we confirm the existence of ΛcΛ¯c bound states with quantum numbers JPC=0−+ and JPC=1−−. We further investigate the partial decay widths of the ΛcΛ¯c bound states into NN¯, DD¯, DD¯*, D*D¯*, ππ¯, and KK¯. Our results indicate that the decay width of the ΛcΛ¯c bound state with JPC=1−− is much larger than that with JPC=0−+, and among their decay channels, the DD¯* final state is the main decay mode. We suggest experiments to search for the ΛcΛ¯c bound states in the DD¯* final state.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Rapidity distribution of pseudoscalar Higgs boson to
NNLOA+NNLL¯
Authors: Ravindran V. , Sankar Aparna , Tiwari Surabhi
Published: July 2024

We present the differential predictions for the rapidity distribution of pseudoscalar Higgs boson through gluon fusion at the LHC. These results are obtained taking into account the soft-virtual (SV) as well as the next-to-soft virtual (NSV) resummation effects to next-to-next-to-leading-logarithmic (NNLL¯) accuracy and matching them to the approximate fixed order next-to-next-to-leading-order (NNLOA) computation. We perform the resummation in two-dimensional Mellin space by limiting ourselves to the contributions only from gluon-gluon (gg) initiated channels. The NNLOA rapidity distribution of pseudoscalar Higgs is obtained by applying a ratio method on the NNLO rapidity distribution of the scalar Higgs boson. We also present the first analytical results of N3LO rapidity distribution of pseudoscalar Higgs at

SV

+

NSV

accuracy. The phenomenological impacts of NNLOA+NNLL¯ predictions for 13 TeV LHC are studied. We observe that for mA=125(700)  GeV the SV+NSV resummation at the NNLL¯ level brings about 14.76% (11.48%) corrections to the NNLOA results at the central scale value of μR=μF=mA. Further, we find that the sensitivity to the renormalization scale gets improved substantially by the inclusion of NSV resummed predictions at NNLL¯ accuracy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
All OPEs invariant under the infinite symmetry algebra for gluons on the celestial sphere
Authors: Banerjee Shamik , Mandal Raju , Misra Sagnik , Panda Sudhakar , Paul Partha
Published: July 2024

S algebra is an infinite-dimensional Lie algebra, which is known to be the symmetry algebra of some gauge theories. It is a “colored version” of the w1+∞. In this paper, we write down all possible S-invariant (celestial) operator product expansions between two positive-helicity outgoing gluons and also find the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov type null states for these theories. Our analysis hints at the existence of an infinite number of S-invariant gauge theories which include the (tree-level) maximally helicity-violating sector and the self-dual Yang-Mills theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Example of the convergence of hydrodynamics in strong external fields
Authors: Cartwright Casey
Published: July 2024

The anti-de-Sitter/conformal field theory (AdS/CFT) correspondence is used to provide an estimate of the radius of convergence of the linearized gradient expansion of the hydrodynamic description of N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills (SYM) theory minimally coupled to U(1) gauge theory subjected to strong magnetic fields. The results of this work demonstrate that the dispersion relations of hydrodynamic modes continue to converge for magnetic field strengths far beyond those values for which a hydrodynamic description is expected. For magnetic field strengths much larger then the temperature scale the bulk dual interpolates between AdS4+1 and the product of a Bañados-Teitelboim-Zanelli (BTZ) black hole and a two dimensional manifold (BTZ2+1×R2) and may be regarded as a renormalization group flow of the 3+1 dimensional CFT to a 1+1 dimensional CFT. In this regime, we clarify past literature on the quasi-normal mode (QNM) spectrum of bulk scalar fields by introducing a new way to classify the behavior of QNM collisions in the complex frequency and momentum plane.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Power counting to saturation
Authors: Stewart Iain W. , Vaidya Varun
Published: July 2024

We present a description of saturation in small x deep inelastic scattering from power counting in a top-down effective theory derived from quantum chromodynamics (QCD). A factorization formula isolates the universal physics of the nucleus at leading power in x. The onset of saturation is then understood as a breakdown in the expansion in an emergent power counting parameter, which is defined by the matrix element of a gauge invariant operator. We identify a new radiation mode, which enables us to extend previous literature by distinguishing the appearance of the saturation scale from the transition to nonlinear evolution.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Waddington landscape for prototype learning in generalized Hopfield networks
Authors: Boukacem Nacer Eddine , Leary Allen , Thériault Robin , Gottlieb Felix , Mani Madhav , François Paul
Published: July 2024

Networks in machine learning offer examples of complex high-dimensional dynamical systems inspired by and reminiscent of biological systems. Here, we study the learning dynamics of generalized Hopfield networks, which permit visualization of internal memories. These networks have been shown to proceed through a “feature-to-prototype” transition, as the strength of network nonlinearity is increased, wherein the learned, or terminal, states of internal memories transition from mixed to pure states. Focusing on the prototype learning dynamics of the internal memories, we observe stereotypical dynamics of memories wherein similar subgroups of memories sequentially split at well-defined saddles. The splitting order is interpretable and reproducible from one simulation to the other. The dynamics prior to splits are robust to variations in many features of the system. To develop a more rigorous understanding of these global dynamics, we study smaller subsystems that exhibit similar properties to the full system. Within these smaller systems, we combine analytical calculations with numerical simulations to study the dynamics of the feature-to-prototype transition, and the emergence of saddle points in the learning landscape. We exhibit regimes where saddles appear and disappear through saddle-node bifurcations, qualitatively changing the distribution of learned memories as the strength of the nonlinearity is varied—allowing us to systematically investigate the mechanisms that underlie the emergence of the learning dynamics. Several features of the learning dynamics are reminiscent of the Waddington's caricature of cellular differentiation, and we attempt to make this analogy more precise. Memories can thus differentiate in a predictive and controlled way, revealing bridges between experimental biology, dynamical systems theory, and machine learning.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Symmetry Breaking in Geometric Quantum Machine Learning in the Presence of Noise
Authors: Tüysüz Cenk , Chang Su Yeon , Demidik Maria , Jansen Karl , Vallecorsa Sofia , Grossi Michele
Published: July 2024

Geometric quantum machine learning based on equivariant quantum neural networks (EQNNs) recently appeared as a promising direction in quantum machine learning. Despite encouraging progress, studies are still limited to theory, and the role of hardware noise in EQNN training has never been explored. This work studies the behavior of EQNN models in the presence of noise. We show that certain EQNN models can preserve equivariance under Pauli channels, while this is not possible under the amplitude damping channel. We claim that the symmetry breaks linearly in the number of layers and noise strength. We support our claims with numerical data from simulations as well as hardware up to 64 qubits. Furthermore, we provide strategies to enhance the symmetry protection of EQNN models in the presence of noise.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effectiveness of ab initio molecular dynamics in simulating EXAFS spectra from layered systems
Authors: d'Acapito F. , Rehman M. A.
Published: July 2024

The simulation of EXAFS spectra of thin films via ab initio methods is discussed. The procedure for producing the spectra is presented as well as an application to a two-dimensional material (WSe2) where the effectiveness of this method in reproducing the spectrum and the linear dichroic response is shown. A series of further examples in which the method has been employed for the structural determination of materials are given.
Unraveling the trends in business process management: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of management and business literature
Authors: Moreira Sérgio Adriany Santos , Dallavalle Silvia
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze international scientific production from 1960 to 2023 on business process management (BPM), highlighting the latest trends in BPM in the field of management and business during the 21st century.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a bibliometric analysis of 729 BPM articles from management and business journals using the SCOPUS database and VOSviewer software to map the scholarly landscape.

Findings

Nearly 45% of the papers were published between 2018 and 2023, prominently featuring the Business Process Management Journal. The University of São Paulo and Queensland University of Technology were the most prolific institutions. Significant emerging trends identified include Strategic Management, Digital Transformation, and IoT. Author Röglinger was noted for the highest publication rate.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis was restricted to journal articles from one database, potentially overlooking insights from conferences, books, and other formats.

Practical implications

The study highlights the significant benefits of integrating technologies like Artificial Intelligence and IoT in BPM, improving operational efficiency, competitiveness, and innovation in adaptability and service personalization.

Social implications

Technological advancements in BPM could enhance employment, require new skills, support a sustainable economy, and improve organizational transparency and service accessibility, bolstering corporate social responsibility and inclusion.

Originality/value

This research offers a unique overview of the integration of emerging technologies in BPM, shedding light on their strategic and social implications, and providing critical insights for optimizing processes and fostering business innovation.
Deferred maintenance of physical infrastructure and its association to hospital profitability in Washington State
Authors: Call Steven
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to understand health-care facilities’ practice of deferring maintenance and to identify the relationship between deferred maintenance and hospital profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

Financial statements from hospitals in Washington State were analyzed. Differences in building and equipment values were compared to the capital renewal investment benchmark. Then, linear regression analysis was conducted to identify correlations between deferring or sustaining maintenance and a hospital’s profitability.

Findings

The majority of hospitals in Washington State practice deferred maintenance, investing less in annual facility capital renewal than benchmark amounts. Hospitals in deferred and sustained maintenance states do not significantly differ in terms of facility size and plant operating expenses but there is a statistically significant difference in profit margins. Furthermore, a linear relationship exists between the level of investment in facility renewal and overall hospital expenses, revenue and profit.

Practical implications

The findings of this research can be used to support fiscal policies related to maintaining aging health-care facility infrastructure. The findings can also be used to overcome barriers to securing capital budgets that are sufficient to optimize the safety and performance of the built environment.

Originality/value

Hospitals in a state of deferred maintenance return higher profits than do hospitals in a state of sustained maintenance. Nevertheless, hospital spending on deferred maintenance backlog reduction generates a positive return on investment. While hospitals may achieve higher returns, in the short term, by spending less on facility capital renewal and focusing instead on higher-revenue-generating opportunities, additional research in necessary to understand the long-term costs of deferring facility infrastructure repairs and replacement.
Manager sentiment, policy uncertainty, ESG disclosure and firm performance: a large language model in corporate landscape
Authors: Sahu Asis Kumar , Debata Byomakesh , Dash Saumya Ranjan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of manager sentiment on the firm performance (FP) of Indian-listed nonfinancial firms. Further, it endeavors to investigate the moderating role of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and environment, social and governance (ESG) transparency in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A noble manager sentiment is introduced using FinBERT, a bidirectional encoder representation from a transformers (BERT)-type large language model. Using this deep learning-based natural language processing approach implemented through a Python-generated algorithm, this study constructs a manager sentiment for each firm and year based on the management discussions and analysis (MD&A) report. This research uses the system GMM to examine how manager sentiment affects FP.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that managers’ optimistic outlook in MD&A corporate disclosure sections tends to present higher performance. This positive association remains consistent after several robustness checks – using propensity score matching and instrumental variable approach to address further endogeneity, using alternative proxies of manager sentiment and FP and conducting subsample analysis based on financial constraints. Furthermore, the authors observe that the relationship is more pronounced for ESG-disclosed firms and during the low EPU.

Practical implications

The results demonstrate that the manager sentiment strongly predicts FP. Thus, this study may provide valuable insight for academics, practitioners, investors, corporates and policymakers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to predict FP by using FinBERT-based managerial sentiment, particularly in an emerging market context.
Natural resource rent's effect on Ethiopian inequality and manufacturing's moderating role: evidence from dynamic simulated ARDL model
Authors: Hordofa Dereje Fedasa
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the impact of natural resource rents on income inequality in Ethiopia from 1981 to 2022 and investigate whether investments in manufacturing moderate this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Dynamic autoregressive distributed lag simulation and Kernel-based regularized least squares (KRLS) models are used to analyses short- and long-run relationships, as well as the potential moderating role of manufacturing.

Findings

The bounds test indicates natural resource rents have a long-run positive effect on inequality but a short-run negative impact. The KRLS model finds manufacturing conditions for this linkage in the short run. In the long run, economic growth decreases inequality following an inverted Kuznets pattern, while government expenditures reduce disparities when directed at priority social services.

Research limitations/implications

The findings provide mixed support for theories while highlighting nuances not fully captured without local analyses. Strategic sectoral investments may help optimize outcomes from resource dependence.

Practical implications

The results imply Ethiopia should prudently govern resources, productively invest revenues and prioritize social spending to equitably manage industrialization and uphold stability.

Social implications

Reducing disparities through inclusive development aligned with empirical evidence could help Ethiopia sustain peace amid transformation and realize its goals of shared prosperity.

Originality/value

This study applies innovative econometrics to provide novel insights into Ethiopia's experience, resolving inconsistencies in the literature on relationships between key determinants and inequality.
Ambidextrous supply chain strategy: roles and consequences with agile manufacturing and resilience
Authors: Cao Ray Qing , Trimi Silvana , Schniederjans Dara G.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of ambidextrous strategy on supply chain resilience and its impact on firm performance, employing the Dynamic Capabilities View.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a survey of 215 supply chain professionals, the research employs a structural equation modeling analysis to examine the relationships between ambidexterity, agile operations, resilience, and performance.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the ambidextrous strategy significantly enhances both agile operations and supply chain resilience. In turn, agile operations and resilience positively impact firm performance. The study also reveals that agile operations and supply chain resilience partially mediate the relationship between ambidextrous strategy and firm performance.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the supply chain management literature by highlighting the importance of an ambidextrous approach in fostering agile operations and resilience, thereby improving firm performance. It extends the dynamic capabilities view framework by elucidating how ambidexterity acts as a pivotal mechanism for adapting to disruptions and securing competitive advantage in volatile markets. Finally, measurements of ambidextrous strategy and resilience are provided to further enhance practitioners’ understanding of building these important components in networks.
Optimization of cable-stayed force for asymmetric single tower cable-stayed bridge formation based on improved particle swarm algorithm
Authors: Xiong Hui-Zhong , Yang Xin , He Yong-Nan , Huang Yong
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to optimize cable-stayed force in asymmetric one-tower cable-stayed bridge formation using an improved particle swarm algorithm. It compares results with the traditional unconstrained minimum bending energy method.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an improved particle swarm algorithm to optimize cable-stayed force in bridge formation. It formulates a quadratic programming mathematical model considering the sum of bending energies of the main girder and bridge tower as the objective function. Constraints include displacements, stresses, cable-stayed force, and uniformity. The algorithm is applied to optimize the formation of an asymmetrical single-tower cable-stayed bridge, combining it with the finite element method.

Findings

The study’s findings reveal significant improvements over the minimum bending energy method. Results show that the structural displacement and internal force are within constraints, the maximum bending moment of the main girder decreases, resulting in smoother linear shape and more even internal force distribution. Additionally, the tower top offset decreases, and the bending moment change at the tower-beam junction is reduced. Moreover, diagonal cable force and cable force increase uniformly with cable length growth.

Originality/value

The improved particle swarm algorithm offers simplicity, effectiveness, and practicality in optimizing bridge-forming cable-staying force. It eliminates the need for arbitrary manual cable adjustments seen in traditional methods and effectively addresses the optimization challenge in asymmetric cable-stayed bridges.
Branding consistency across product portfolios in the wine industry
Authors: Jeffery Tayla , Hirche Martin , Faulkner Margaret , Page Bill , Trinh Giang , Bruwer Johan , Lockshin Larry
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine branding consistency for wine labels. The front label on wine bottles is important for identifying the brand and aiding purchase. Many brands are part of brand families, with the sub-brands linked to the overall brand family. This research provides an overview of how the front label varies across product portfolios of wine brands, noting the importance placed on branding elements and the level of consistency in their use across the brand portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose and test a new method to measure branding consistency on labels from the same brand family. Two coding frameworks were created. The first recorded the incidence of brand elements and wine attributes. The second coded wine labels within a company’s portfolio based on the consistency of various brand elements. A total of 3,000 branding elements and wine attributes from 300 wine labels were examined across 60 wine brands from a list of Australian wineries.

Findings

Grape variety, brand name and region are used across >90% of wine labels. Branding is presented more prominently than wine attributes. Sub-brand, region, price and variety did not influence branding consistency. Logo presence, logo image on label and colour elements contribute to the greatest variation in branding consistency across a product portfolio.

Originality/value

This study proposes and tests a novel method to measure branding consistency on wine labels and explores the extent to which consistent branding is used across product portfolios. Descriptive research is the first step to theory building. This study provides industry norms for attribute use and a measure of branding consistency for product portfolios giving valuable descriptive knowledge.
Strengthening organizational resilience: role of sustainable supply chain, digitalization and business model adaptation
Authors: Sharma Varun , Vijayaraghavan T.A.S. , Tata Raghu Ram , Raj Alok
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Organizational resilience is a prerequisite to ensure preparedness and quick recovery from disruptions for an organization. However, there is scant literature that examines antecedents that are associated with resilience. This study aims to evaluate antecedents of organizational resilience considering three factors: sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), business model adaptation (BMA) and digitalization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considers the dynamic capability view as a theoretical lens to formulate the hypotheses between the mentioned constructs. The authors test the hypotheses based on the data collected from 259 manufacturing companies. The authors consider structural equation modeling and mediation analysis to analyze the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results of structural equation modeling suggest that there is a positive association between SSCM and organizational resilience. Furthermore, the results suggest that digitalizing the business processes and deploying an adaptable business model can help organizations enhance their resilience levels.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by identifying dynamic capabilities that can influence organizational resilience and extending the relevance of BMA and digitalization in the context of sustainability and resilience. Furthermore, this research informs managers on effective pathways for managing future disruptions.
An overview of the replicability, generalizability and practical relevance of eyewitness testimony research in the Journal of Criminal Psychology
Authors: Riesthuis Paul , Otgaar Henry
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Before psychological research is used for policy reforms and recommendations, it is important to evaluate its replicability, generalizability and practical relevance. This paper aims to examine these three criteria for published articles in the Journal of Criminal Psychology.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a literature search for published articles in the Journal of Criminal Psychology related to the topics of the special issue Contemporary Developments in the Retrieval and Evaluation of Witness Testimony: Towards making research more applicable to investigations, this paper identified 158 eligible articles. For each article, this paper extracted variables related to the type of article, reported p-values, type of sample and stimuli, power analyses and conducted analyses and how effect sizes were used and interpreted. This paper analyzed these variables descriptively and conducted a z-curve analysis.

Findings

In terms of generalizability, the articles examined populations of interest (e.g. offenders, prisoners) and there was no sole reliance on Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich and Democratic samples. However, for replicability, there were currently no replication studies or published Registered Reports and the z-curve analysis indicated a low expected replication rate. Moreover, when examining practical relevance, almost no power analyses were conducted and when they were conducted, they were not reproducible or did not use meaningful effect sizes. Finally, although the majority of studies reported effect sizes, they were oftentimes not interpreted.

Originality/value

The present study sheds light on the potential societal impact of published articles in the Journal of Criminal Psychology.
Evaluating intellectual capital within developmental entrepreneurial environments: conceptualising the sequential role of education and ecosystems
Authors: Crammond Robert James
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper evaluates intellectual capital (IC) within entrepreneurial environments, towards conceptualising the sequential role of education, its institutions in practice, and wider ecosystems. Well-established attributes of entrepreneurialism, such as idea generation, problem-solving, market expertise and risk awareness are commensurate to that of expected IC practices within enterprising organisations. However, scarce research has been undertaken concerning the confronting of IC practices and activities across collaborative, and sequential, multistakeholder partnerships and activities. This includes alignment to distinct stages of developmental entrepreneurialism inclusive of education and ecosystem support: knowledge exchange and training; mentoring the emergence of the start-up; strategically timing scale-ups; and continued navigation within networks while enduring change.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative review of the relationship between IC, entrepreneurs and new ventures is undertaken to evaluate developmental IC practices as per this paper’s highlighted sequential stages, within entrepreneurial environments and organisational contexts.

Findings

Significant roles and responsibilities are evident among collaborative sectors, benefitting the entrepreneurial process and heightening the importance and emergence of IC within entrepreneurial environments. Exposure to enterprise-specific education and support emphasises the developmental human capital process of progressing and protecting ideas and ventures. Latterly, ecosystem engagement leads to consistent intrapreneurialism amongst employees and new venture partners, influencing structured IC systems and enterprising cultures and relational aspects of responsive branding of commercial activity and increased market agility.

Originality/value

Through presenting an attribute-based framework, this paper conceptualises sequential multistakeholder intervention of IC practices and organisational considerations within institutions, as well as guiding the developmental role of education in emboldening individuals and organisations through building IC and evidencing entrepreneurial thinking.
Multicultural online science resources: exploring preservice teachers’ perspectives
Authors: Prince Adepeju Olufunke
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Curriculum supplementation by teachers is an agelong tradition, and the widespread use of the internet has increased the use of online resources in the classroom. This paper aims to explore preservice teachers’ views on multicultural science resources and make a case for the representation of the changing demographics of the American classroom in online resource development.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative interpretive approach, this study explored the perceptions of preservice teachers on their access to and use of online science resources through the conceptual lens of the pedagogical design capacity framework (Brown, 2009) and the first two principles of critical and cultural approaches to ambitious science teaching (C2AST) (Thompson et al., 2021).

Findings

Participants in this study have not accessed culturally relevant online science resources. They adapt the resources to meet the demographic needs of their class.

Practical implications

This study aims to support the need for content creators of online educational repositories to develop multicultural science resources.

Originality/value

This work not only gives a background to why preservice early childhood science teachers could not access multicultural online resources, but it also makes a case for integrating skills needed for teachers to create culturally relevant resources into teacher training programs.
History’s view on the principal–agent relationship: including history, context and change. Evidence from three historical cases in the Southern Netherlands
Authors: Berghmans Sander
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The principal–agent literature often draws criticism for its ahistorical, acontextual and static nature, particularly when theories such as the agency or the stewardship theory are being used. This is because the field of economics tends to develop universalistic models and theories, excluding history, context and change, which renders them unusable for practitioners whose behavior is (partially) guided by the complex and differing environments in which they find themselves. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this criticism by investigating how (and if) history, context and change influence the principal–agent relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Instead of using the typical economic methodologies to study the principal–agent relationship, this paper makes use of the methodologies of the field of history to investigate how history, context and change affect principal–agent relationships in three cases in the early modern Southern Netherlands (the Dukes of Arenberg, the Roosewalle farm and Abbot De Loose of the Abbey of Ename). This methodology is especially suited, as it results in historical narratives that incorporate all of these three elements.

Findings

The main finding is that the cases show how history, context and change clearly affect the principal–agent relationship. These aspects are intricately intertwined, as earlier choices and context can cause a change in the principal–agent relationship, this creates a new presence (with an altered history) and sometimes even a new context. This results in a highly dynamic relationship that can evolve in very short periods, mostly in a path-dependent manner.

Research limitations/implications

The paper advocates by example for a shift in principal–agent research, emphasizing the necessity of considering history, context and change. This study demonstrates that these factors greatly affect the nature of the principal–agent relationship. In doing so, it may provide practitioners with better insights, as real-world principal–agent relationships are indeed impacted by these three factors.

Originality/value

By using historical methods, this study shows for the first time how context, change and history indeed influence principal–agent relationships. The findings of this paper encourage the development of theories and theoretical frameworks that more closely resemble reality, rather than being universalistic.
The impact of coaching leadership on work engagement: an empirical study from Chinese context
Authors: Wang Ling-yun , Zhang Chun-feng , Su Xiao-ying
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to unveil the efficacy of coaching leadership within Chinese organizations and bolster employees’ work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample data were collected through employing the questionnaire method. The participants consisted of 234 employees and 53 supervisors in Chinese enterprises. Hypothesis testing was conducted using multiple regression analysis and the Bootstrap method.

Findings

The coaching leadership exhibited a positive association with employees’ work engagement, psychological safety and self-efficacy. It was observed that employees’ psychological safety and self-efficacy played a dual-mediation role between coaching leadership and work engagement. Additionally, employees with power distance orientation (POD) amplified the positive effects of coaching leadership on psychological safety and self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature on coaching leadership and work engagement by elucidating their direct influence, as well as the dual-mediating roles of psychological safety and self-efficacy. Besides, our findings underscore the moderating effect of POD in amplifying the impacts of coaching leadership. However, the nonlongitudinal survey design adopted by our study should be noted for its potential limitations in establishing causality.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrate that coaching leadership, psychological safety and self-efficacy play a crucial role in fostering work engagement. Employees with higher POD are more likely to benefit from coaching leaders.

Originality/value

This study contributes to coaching leadership literature and provides insights into how and when coaching leadership affects work engagement in Chinese organizations.
Smart manufacturing implementation: identifying barriers and their related stakeholders and components of technology
Authors: Valipour Parkouhi Sahar , Safaei Ghadikolaei AbdolHamid , Fallah Lajimi Hamidreza , Salimi Negin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

One of the achievements of the fourth industrial revolution is smart manufacturing, a manufacturing system based on Industry 4.0 technologies that will increase systems' reliability, efficiency and productivity. Despite the many benefits, some barriers obstruct the implementation of this manufacturing system. This study aims to analyze these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the measures that must be taken is to identify and try to remove these barriers, which involves identifying the stakeholders and components of technology associated with each barrier. As such, the primary purpose of this paper is to present a systematic literature review in the field of smart manufacturing with a focus on barriers to implementation related to the stakeholders and components of technology.

Findings

This research conducted a systematic literature review in Scopus and Web of Science databases and considered the studies published until 2021 were examined. The central question of this paper is answered based on this literature review, in which 133 related studies and 15 barriers were identified.

Practical implications

The significant gap observed in the literature review is that no research has been conducted to determine the stakeholders and components of technology related to the barriers, making it a potentially worthwhile subject for future research. In addition, the results of this study may help managers to implement smart manufacturing.

Originality/value

This study provides two main originalities. The former is helpful information for managers to make effective decisions when they face smart manufacturing barriers. The latter is related to identifying critical research gaps through systematic literature review.
CEO inside debt and industry specialist auditor
Authors: Chung Hyeesoo (Sally) , Hao Jong-Yu Paula , Wynn Jinyoung
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of executive compensation incentives, specifically CEO inside debt holdings, on the choice of industry specialist auditor.

Design/methodology/approach

High inside debt holdings are expected to constrain excessive managerial risk-taking and align the interests of managers and outside debtholders. The authors hypothesize that reduced debtholders’ expropriation concerns will decrease the demand for high audit quality, measured by industry specialization. The authors investigate a sample of US firms from 2006 to 2018 using OLS regression and use CEO relative leverage to proxy for CEO inside debt holdings. The authors conduct an additional two-stage least squares regression analysis to address potential endogeneity issues.

Findings

The paper finds that firms with higher levels of CEO inside debt tend not to appoint an auditor with industry specialization. This result is consistent with the notion that inside debt mitigates agency conflicts between managers and debtholders, reducing the demand for high-quality audits as a monitoring mechanism. The paper also finds that among firms which are excessively leveraged, those with higher levels of CEO inside debt tend to appoint an industry specialist auditor.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature on agency cost and auditor choice by demonstrating that CEO inside debt has both substitutive and complementary effects on demand for industry specialist auditors.
Relationship between structural empowerment and work engagement in the health-care sector in Portugal: the mediating role of civility
Authors: Tomé Pires Catarina , Kulari Genta , Ribeiro Luísa , Laneiro Tito
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how nurses stay engaged in their work with the impact of structural empowerment and civility. It delves deeper into how kind, empathetic and respectful behaviours (civility) among colleagues influence the link between structural empowerment and nurses’ engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 580 nurses working in a Public Hospital in the metropolitan area of Lisbon. Self-report questionnaires measuring civility, structural empowerment and engagement were administered. Hayes’ PROCESS macro for mediation analysis in SPSS was used to test the hypothesised model.

Findings

Results demonstrated that civility and structural empowerment were positively associated (r = 0.491, p < 0.01) also showing a positive influence on nurses’ engagement (r = 0.492, p < 0.01; r = 0.485, p < 0.01, respectively). Civility was found to partially mediate the association between structural empowerment and engagement (ß = 0.315, 95% CI [0.222, 0.417], 5,000 bootstrap resamples).

Practical implications

Findings from this study may be used for health-care employees and organisations, implying that when nurses perceive themselves as structurally empowered at work within a respectful environment, they experience an enhanced sense of community and involvement in their organization.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt in exploring the relationship of combined workplace civility, structural empowerment and engagement in a sample of Portuguese nurses. Future research could substantially increase our understanding of how civility contributes to a positive workplace.
Framework for the application of explainable artificial intelligence techniques in the service of democracy
Authors: Marques da Encarnacao Marta Sofia , Anastasiadou Maria , Santos Vitor
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) in democracy, proposing an applicable framework. With artificial intelligence’s (AI) increasing use in democracies, the demand for transparency and accountability in AI decision-making is recognized. XAI addresses AI “black boxes” by enhancing model transparency.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes a thorough literature review of XAI. The methodology chosen was design science research to enable design theory and problem identification about XAI’s state of the art. Thereby finding and gathering crucial information to build a framework that aims to help solve issues and gaps where XAI can be of major influence in the service of democracy.

Findings

This framework has four main steps to be applied in the service of democracy by applying the different possible XAI techniques that may help mitigate existing challenges and risks for the democratic system. The proposed artifact intends to display and include all the necessary steps to select the most suitable XAI technology. Examples were given for every step of the artifact to provide a clear understanding of what was being proposed.

Originality/value

An evaluation of the proposed framework was made through interviews with specialists from different areas related to the topics in the study. The interviews were important for measuring the framework’s validity and originality.
Regenerative stakeholder framework in tourism
Authors: Husamoglu Barbaros , Akova Orhan , Cifci Ibrahim
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This research endeavours to achieve two primary objectives within the context of regenerative tourism (RT). Firstly, the study aims to explore the trends and conceptual structure of RT, mapping its scope through a bibliometric analysis. Building upon the knowledge garnered from the initial exploration, the second aim is to establish a regenerative stakeholder framework for tourism, grounded in biodiversity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus were collected for a bibliometric analysis in this research. The merged database found a total of 42 publications.

Findings

Based on bibliometric analysis in Biblioshiny, six indicators were identified (e.g. the annual publications, the most cited studies, productive countries, journals and thematic map). Furthermore, the authors' keyword analysis was conducted using the VOSviewer software package, revealing four clusters, namely, stakeholders, ecotourism, circular economy and climate change.

Research limitations/implications

This research's scope is restricted to Scopus and WoS through 21 February 2024. Future research could broaden RT perspectives through different databases.

Practical implications

The research offers the RT stakeholder framework developed based on the RT and stakeholder theory.

Originality/value

This research advances awareness of the Earth's current needs and the literature on tourism stakeholders by establishing a biodiversity-based regenerative stakeholders' framework in which both human and non-human stakeholders can coexist.
Seasonal and environmental factors contribute to the variation in the gut microbiome: A large‐scale study of a small bird
Authors: Liukkonen Martta , Muriel Jaime , Martínez‐Padilla Jesús , Nord Andreas , Pakanen Veli‐Matti , Rosivall Balázs , Tilgar Vallo , van Oers Kees , Grond Kirsten , Ruuskanen Suvi
Published: July 2024

Environmental variation can shape the gut microbiome, but broad/large‐scale data on among and within‐population heterogeneity in the gut microbiome and the associated environmental factors of wild populations is lacking. Furthermore, previous studies have limited taxonomical coverage, and knowledge about wild avian gut microbiomes is still scarce.

We investigated large‐scale environmental variation in the gut microbiome of wild adult great tits across the species' European distribution range. We collected fecal samples to represent the gut microbiome and used the 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the bacterial gut microbiome.

Our results show that gut microbiome diversity is higher during winter and that there are compositional differences between winter and summer gut microbiomes. During winter, individuals inhabiting mixed forest habitat show higher gut microbiome diversity, whereas there was no similar association during summer. Also, temperature was found to be a small contributor to compositional differences in the gut microbiome. We did not find significant differences in the gut microbiome among populations, nor any association between latitude, rainfall and the gut microbiome.

The results suggest that there is a seasonal change in wild avian gut microbiomes, but that there are still many unknown factors that shape the gut microbiome of wild bird populations.
Relationship between walking movement and reproductive traits in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Matsumura Kentarou
Published: July 2024

Many animal species have movement abilities. Behavior is important for evolutionary ecology because animal movement leads to dispersal, migration, search for food and mates, and escaping from enemies. However, individual differences in movement activity are found within a population. This phenomenon can be affected by various factors, one of which is suggesting that higher moving activity has fitness cost, whereas lower moving activity has benefits. Animal movement may also affect reproduction (e.g., resource allocation tradeoff between movement and reproduction as well as intra‐ and intersexual selection). Although many previous studies have investigated the relationship between movement and reproduction, less attention has been paid to walking movement. In this study, previous studies that investigated the relationship between movement and reproduction were reviewed using the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, a model insect in behavioral ecology and genetics. Several previous studies suggest that beetle walking is strongly associated with male and female reproductive traits. In recent years, empirical studies on the correlation between walking and other traits have increased, particularly in T. castaneum. Although this species can fly and walk, the movement is often discussed without discriminating between flight and walk. Differences in modes of movement may affect the correlation between movement and other traits; thus, discussing each mode of movement separately is necessary.