bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameter dependence of entanglement spectra in quantum field theories
Authors: Guo Wu-zhong , Xu Jin
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we explore the characteristics of reduced density matrix spectra in quantum field theories. Previous studies mainly focus on the function P(λ)≔∑iδ(λ−λi), where λi denote the eigenvalues of the reduced density matrix. We introduce a series of functions designed to capture the parameter dependencies of these spectra. These functions encompass information regarding the derivatives of eigenvalues concerning the parameters, notably including the function PαJ(λ)≔∑i∂λi∂αJδ(λ−λi), where αJ denotes the specific parameter. Computation of these functions is achievable through the utilization of Rényi entropy. Intriguingly, we uncover compelling relationships among these functions and demonstrate their utility in constructing the eigenvalues of reduced density matrices for select cases. We perform computations of these functions across several illustrative examples. Especially, we conducted a detailed study of the variations of P(λ) and PαJ(λ) under general perturbation, elucidating their physical implications. In the context of holographic theory, we ascertain that the zero point of the function PαJ(λ) possesses universality, determined as λ0=e−S, where S denotes the entanglement entropy of the reduced density matrix. Furthermore, we exhibit potential applications of these functions in analyzing the properties of entanglement entropy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Celestial OPE in self-dual gravity
Authors: Banerjee Shamik , Kulkarni Harshal , Paul Partha
Published: April 2024

In this paper we compute the celestial operator product expansion between two outgoing positive helicity gravitons in the self-dual gravity. It has been shown that the self-dual gravity is a w1+∞-invariant theory whose scattering amplitudes are one-loop exact with all positive helicity gravitons. Celestial w1+∞ symmetry is generated by an infinite tower of (conformally soft) gravitons which are holomorphic conserved currents. We find that at any given order only the descendants of a finite number of w1+∞ currents contribute to the operator product expansion. This is somewhat surprising but, this is consistent with our earlier analysis based on w1+∞ symmetry alone. The phenomenon of truncation also suggests that in some (unknown) formulation the spectrum of conformal dimensions in the dual two dimensional theory can be bounded from below.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Energy storage properties influenced by relaxor ferroelectric properties dependent on the growth direction of epitaxial Bi2SiO5 thin films
Authors: Lee Eunmi , Son Jong Yeog
Published: April 2024

Ferroelectric Bi2SiO5 (BSO) thin films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition on Nb-doped (100), (110) and (111) SrTiO3 (Nb:STO) substrates, resulting in (001)-, (113)- and (204)-oriented epitaxial films. Due to the crystallinity of BSO, in which the Bi2O2 layers are formed perpendicular to the c-axis direction, the (001)-oriented epitaxial BSO thin film showed the lowest remanent polarization and the best leakage current characteristics. On the other hand, the (113)- and (204)-oriented films showed an increase in remanent polarization due to the improvement of a-oriented crystallinity. Through experiments using vertical and lateral piezoresponse force microscopy, it has been confirmed that the distribution of in-plane-oriented domains reducing remanent polarization decreases in the order of (001)-, (113)- and (204)-oriented epitaxial BSO thin films. The epitaxial BSO thin films that exhibit ferroelectric hysteresis loops similar to the relaxor ferroelectric thin films tended to have improved energy storage characteristics as a result of improved remanent polarization and saturation polarization. In particular, the (113)-oriented epitaxial BSO thin film showed a high recoverable energy density of about 41.6 J cm−3 and an energy storage efficiency of about 85.6%.
Design and fabrication of 3D-printed in situ crystallization plates for probing microcrystals in an external electric field
Authors: Khakurel Krishna Prasad , Nemergut Michal , Džupponová Veronika , Kropielnicki Kamil , Savko Martin , Žoldák Gabriel , Andreasson Jakob
Published: April 2024

X-ray crystallography is an established tool to probe the structure of macromolecules with atomic resolution. Compared with alternative techniques such as single-particle cryo-electron microscopy and micro-electron diffraction, X-ray crystallography is uniquely suited to room-temperature studies and for obtaining a detailed picture of macromolecules subjected to an external electric field (EEF). The impact of an EEF on proteins has been extensively explored through single-crystal X-ray crystallography, which works well with larger high-quality protein crystals. This article introduces a novel design for a 3D-printed in situ crystallization plate that serves a dual purpose: fostering crystal growth and allowing the concurrent examination of the effects of an EEF on crystals of varying sizes. The plate's compatibility with established X-ray crystallography techniques is evaluated.
Applications of the Clifford torus to material textures
Authors: De Graef Marc
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces a new 2D representation of the orientation distribution function for an arbitrary material texture. The approach is based on the isometric square torus mapping of the Clifford torus, which allows for points on the unit quaternion hypersphere (each corresponding to a 3D orientation) to be represented in a periodic 2D square map. The combination of three such orthogonal mappings into a single RGB (red–green–blue) image provides a compact periodic representation of any set of orientations. Square torus representations of five different orientation sampling methods are compared and analyzed in terms of the Riesz s energies that quantify the uniformity of the samplings. The effect of crystallographic symmetry on the square torus map is analyzed in terms of the Rodrigues fundamental zones for the rotational symmetry groups. The paper concludes with example representations of important texture components in cubic and hexagonal materials. The new RGB representation provides a convenient and compact way of generating training data for the automated analysis of material textures by means of neural networks.
The impacts of Fintech adoption, green finance and competitiveness on banks’ sustainable performance: digital transformation as moderator
Authors: Hidayat-ur-Rehman Imdadullah , Hossain Md Nahin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The global emphasis on sustainability is driving organizations to embrace financial technology (Fintech) solutions as a means of enhancing their sustainable performance. This study seeks to unveil the intermediary role played by green finance and competitiveness, along with the moderating impact of digital transformation (DT), in the intricate relationship between Fintech adoption and sustainable performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on existing literature, we construct a comprehensive conceptual framework to thoroughly analyse these interconnected variables. To empirical validate of our model, a dual structural equation modelling–artificial neural network) SEM–ANN approach was employed, adding a robust layer of validation to our study’s proposed framework. A sample of 438 banking employees in Pakistan was collected using a simple random sampling technique, with 411 samples deemed suitable for subsequent analysis. Initially, data scrutiny and hypothesis testing were carried out using Smart-PLS 4.0 and SPSS-23. Subsequently, the ANN technique was utilized to assess the importance of exogenous factors in forecasting endogenous factors.

Findings

The findings from this research underscore the direct and significant influence of Fintech adoption and DT on the sustainable performance of banks. Notably, green finance and competitiveness emerge as pivotal mediators, bridging the gap between Fintech adoption and sustainable performance. Moreover, DT emerges as a critical moderator, shaping the relationships between Fintech adoption and both green finance and competitiveness. The integration of the ANN approach enhances the SEM analysis, providing deeper insights and a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the enhanced comprehension of Fintech, green finance, competitiveness, DT and the sustainable performance of banks. Recognizing the importance of amalgamating Fintech adoption, green finance and transformational leadership becomes essential for elevating the sustainable performance of banks. The insights garnered from this study hold valuable implications for policymakers, practitioners and scholars aiming to enhance the sustainable performance of banks within the competitive business landscape.
Improving emergency evacuation capacity for subway stations based on agent-based modelling
Authors: Shi Xiaobo , Qiao Yaning , Zhao Xinyu , Liu Yan , Liu Chenchen , Huang Ruopeng , Cui Yuanlong
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Modern subway transportation systems need to satisfy increasing safety demands to rapidly evacuate passengers under hazardous emergency circumstances, such as fires, accidents or terrorist attacks, to reduce passenger injuries or life losses. The emergency evacuation capacity (EEC) of a subway station needs to be revised timely, in case passenger demand increases or the evacuation route changes in the future. However, traditional ways of estimating EEC, e.g. fire drills are time- and resource-consuming and are difficult to revise from time to time. The purpose of this study is to establish an intuitive modelling approach to increase the EEC of subway stations in a stepwised manner.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops an approach to combine agent-based evacuation modelling and building information modelling (BIM) technology to estimate the total evacuation time of a subway station.

Findings

Evacuation time can be saved (33% in the studied case) from iterative improvements including stopping escalators running against the evacuation flow and modifying the geometry around escalator exits. Such iterative improvements rely on integrating agent-based modelling and BIM.

Originality/value

The agent-based model can provide a more realistic simulation of intelligent individual movements under emergency circumstances and provides precise feedback on locations of evacuation bottlenecks. This study also examined the effectiveness of two rounds of stepwise improvements in terms of operation or design to increase the EEC of the station.
Exploring the relationship between student green engagement and entrepreneurial behavior: a serial mediation approach
Authors: Chatterjee Rajat Subhra , Khan Naveed R. , Hameed Irfan , Waris Idrees
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to emphasize the youth community’s importance in sustaining green entrepreneurial efforts. The study used the stimulus organism response framework as the theoretical base using two separate studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 commences the development of the student green engagement construct through a focus group, panel discussion and exploratory factor analysis, which supported five items. Study 2 measures the relationship of student green engagement with green entrepreneurial intention by mediating university entrepreneurial support and entrepreneurial motivation. Data from 448 students were gathered from five Malaysian private institutions using a purposive sampling technique.

Findings

Findings indicate a robust association of student green engagement (stimuli) with green entrepreneurial intention (organism). Furthermore, mediation analysis shows strong mediating effects of university entrepreneurial support and entrepreneurial motivation on green entrepreneurship behavior (response).

Originality/value

The study’s findings can help the universities and concerned governmental departments instill a sense of sustainable entrepreneurship in university students.
Tracing the origins of manipulation: modeling the enablers behind dark patterns usage in e-commerce through TISM and MICMAC analysis
Authors: Singh Vibhav , Vishvakarma Niraj Kumar , Kumar Vinod
Published: April 2024

Purpose

E-commerce companies often manipulate customer decisions through dark patterns to meet their interests. Therefore, this study aims to identify, model and rank the enablers behind dark patterns usage in e-commerce companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Dark pattern enablers were identified from existing literature and validated by industry experts. Total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) was used to model the enablers. In addition, “matriced impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classement” (MICMAC) analysis categorized and ranked the enablers into four groups.

Findings

Partial human command over cognitive biases, fighting market competition and partial human command over emotional triggers were ranked as the most influential enablers of dark patterns in e-commerce companies. At the same time, meeting long-term economic goals was identified as the most challenging enabler of dark patterns, which has the lowest dependency and impact over the other enablers.

Research limitations/implications

TISM results are reliant on the opinion of industry experts. Therefore, alternative statistical approaches could be used for validation.

Practical implications

The insights of this study could be used by business managers to eliminate dark patterns from their platforms and meet the motivations of the enablers of dark patterns with alternate strategies. Furthermore, this research would aid legal agencies and online communities in developing methods to combat dark patterns.

Originality/value

Although a few studies have developed taxonomies and classified dark patterns, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has identified the enablers behind the use of dark patterns by e-commerce organizations. The study further models the enablers and explains the mutual relationships.
Researchers and social networking sites usage: the application of UTAUT theory
Authors: Al Badi Aaisha , Rasmussen McAdie Diane
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the use of social networking sites (SNS) by researchers and their behaviours when conducting research-related activities by applying the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was distributed. This study’s design is derived from the UTAUT framework’s questionnaire items. The sample of this study comprised 216 respondents from 40 universities in the United Kingdom. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.

Findings

Respondents revealed a positive relationship between the four constructs of the UTAUT framework (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating condition) associated with their intention to use SNS.

Research limitations/implications

Most of the respondents were from the University of Strathclyde, so the authors cannot generalize the findings to other universities.

Practical implications

The findings will offer an extensive understanding of the value of SNSs, which will aid researchers to increase their visibility, and research activities online.

Originality/value

The results will provide an in-depth knowledge of the importance of SNSs, helping scholars to become more visible and engage in online research. A number of factors impacted how researchers behaved on SNSs and what they intended to use for research-related activity. School administrators, experts and other sponsors could take action to promote the use of SNSs in educational settings based on the findings. The study’s findings offer insightful knowledge to those who create SNS websites. By using this information, they will be able to improve these sites for research and study and gain a better understanding of the demands of SNS users.
Resilient and agile employees’ pursuit of innovative performance and well-being: the role of job crafting
Authors: Panda Prerna , Singh Pankaj
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association of employee resilience and agility with innovative performance and subjective well-being. Moreover, it tests job crafting as the underlying mechanism through which resilient and agile employees perform innovatively and experience higher subjective well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey-based research design and structural equation modeling technique to examine the proposed hypotheses. Data was collected from a sample of 380 employees working in the Indian information technology sector using survey questionnaires.

Findings

The results show that highly resilient and agile employees participate in job crafting that positively influences their innovative performance and subjective well-being. Job crafting fully mediates the association of resilience with work and well-being outcomes and partially mediates agility and outcomes.

Practical implications

There is a value in promoting the development of employee resilience and agility to foster ways in which employees can craft their jobs and, thus, maximize their innovative performance and subjective well-being.

Originality/value

This study makes an important contribution by underscoring the importance of personal resources (resilience and agility) as drivers of job crafting for higher innovative performance and subjective well-being.
The paradox of immersive artificial intelligence (AI) in luxury hospitality: how immersive AI shapes consumer differentiation and luxury value
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Rita , Costa Pinto Diego , Shuqair Saleh , Mattila Anna , Imanbay Anel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to bridge the extended reality framework and the luxury hospitality literature by providing insights into how immersive technologies using artificial intelligence (AI) can shape luxury value and consumer differentiation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted three experimental studies comparing immersive AI versus traditional hospitality across luxury contexts (hotels, restaurants and spas). Study 1 investigates the effect of immersive AI (vs traditional hospitality) on customers’ behavioral intentions and the need for differentiation using virtual-assisted reality. Study 2 tests the underlying mechanism of the need for differentiation and luxury value in an augmented reality context. Study 3 provides additional support for the proposed underlying mechanism using virtual-assisted reality in luxury hospitality.

Findings

The findings reveal that immersive AI (vs traditional) luxury hospitality reduces customers’ behavioral intentions of using such services and perceived luxury value. Moreover, the findings indicate that the intention to use immersive AI (vs traditional) luxury hospitality services is contingent upon customers’ need for differentiation.

Originality/value

The findings have important theoretical and managerial implications for immersive technologies in luxury hospitality. They shed light on the dynamics between integrating immersive AI into luxury hospitality and its impact on customers’ differentiation motives and perceived luxury value. The findings reveal the detrimental effect of using immersive AI (vs traditional hospitality) within this context.
Selling by contributing: the monetization strategy of individual content providers in the light of human brand
Authors: Zhou Sha , Su Yaqin , Shahzad Muhammad Aamir , Liu Zhengchi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The integration of social media and e-commerce has resulted in a rising phenomenon among individual content providers (ICPs), who used to offer free content, to provide consumers with paid content, such as online courses, Q&As or consultations. Despite the prevalence of ICPs’ content monetization, empirical research has rarely studied its underlying mechanism. This paper examines how the characteristics of free content contributed by ICPs on social media platforms influence their paid content sales, focusing on the perspective of human brand.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical setting is an online knowledge exchange platform, where users are allowed to provide free content (e.g. answers) on the social media platform and launch paid content (e.g. lectures) on the e-commerce platform. A machine learning technique is employed to construct measures for the characteristics of free content, and fixed-effects estimation is presented to confirm which factors have a significant influence on the sales of paid content.

Findings

The empirical results show that the quality, diversity and expertness of free content have a significant positive impact on the sales of the ICP-paid content, with the brand popularity of ICP playing a mediating role.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to demystify the relationship between content contribution and ICPs’ content monetization from the perspective of human brand. The findings validate the effectiveness of the “Selling by Contribution” strategy and provide valuable insights for ICPs and social media platforms.
Driving factors behind mobile payment app users’ continuance intention: insights for service providers in Malaysia
Authors: Chaw Lee Yen , Tang Chun Meng , Ali Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Purpose

As the competition to retain current and attract new mobile payment app users intensifies, meeting users’ needs has become fundamental for mobile payment app service providers to stay competitive. This study aims to investigate the relationship between users’ needs, users’ attitude towards mobile payment apps and users’ continuance intention to use mobile payment apps.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design, this study first conducted three focus groups in the qualitative phase to investigate issues or concerns faced by current users of mobile payment apps. The study then conducted an online questionnaire survey in the quantitative phase to collect responses from users of mobile payment apps. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse 110 valid responses.

Findings

Findings show that usefulness (modelled as a second-order reflective construct consisting of three first-order reflective constructs, i.e. ease of use, acceptability and responsiveness), traceability and security had a statistically significant relationship with attitude towards mobile payment apps (which in turn had a statistically significant relationship with continuance intention to use mobile payment apps). It was also found that attitude towards mobile payment mediated the relationships between usefulness, traceability and security; and continuance intention to use mobile payment apps.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can help mobile payment app service providers and developers design apps that offer the functions and features that their users need.

Originality/value

Although some recent studies have investigated the adoption of mobile payments in the Malaysian context, few of these studies examined current users’ continuance intention to use mobile payment apps.
The preparation and wettability of the Sn-9Zn-2.5Bi-1.5In solder paste for SMT process and high shear ball performance
Authors: Li Bingyi , Qu Songtao , Zhang Gong
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the surface mount technology (SMT) mass production process of Sn-9Zn-2.5Bi-1.5In solder. It explores it with some components that will provide theoretical support for the industrial SMT application of Sn-Zn solder.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates the properties of solder pastes and selects a more appropriate reflow parameter by comparing the microstructure of solder joints with different reflow soldering profile parameters. The aim is to provide an economical and reliable process for SMT production in the industry.

Findings

Solder paste wettability and solder ball testing in a nitrogen environment with an oxygen content of 3,000 ppm meet the requirements of industrial production. The printing performance of the solder paste is good and can achieve a printing rate of 100–160 mm/s. When soldering with a traditional stepped reflow soldering profile, air bubbles are generated on the surface of the solder joint, and there are many voids and defects in the solder joint. A linear reflow soldering profile reduces the residence time below the melting point of the solder paste (approximately 110 s). This reduces the time the zinc is oxidized, reducing solder joint defects. The joint strength of tin-zinc joints soldered with the optimized reflow parameters is close to that of Sn-58Bi and SAC305, with high joint strength.

Originality/value

This study attempts to industrialize the application of Sn-Zn solder and solves the problem that Sn-Zn solder paste is prone to be oxidized in the application and obtains the SMT process parameters suitable for Sn-9Zn-2.5Bi-1.5In solder.
Audience engagement in outrage factors embedded in COVID‐19 news: A content analysis of South Korean news articles and reader comments
Authors: Ju Youngkee
Published: April 2024

The risk perception of lay people is believed to be guided by qualitative characteristics of risk they perceive. Outrage factors refer to perceived characteristics of risk that arouse emotional responses and thereby influence risk perception. Conducting a content analysis of coronavirus disease 2019 online news coverage, we identified outrage factors embedded in news stories to determine how those factors are associated with audience engagement, measured by counting news consumer comments and clicks on emotional expressions on each news story. As a result, the average outrage score for a news story was significantly associated with the number of clicks on emotional expressions and comments. When it comes to individual outrage factors, a news story covering a case of violation against social distancing or other governmental guidelines was found to be accompanied by more comments and more emotional expressions, indicating the strongest power of moral nature. The outrage factor of voluntariness, human origin, accident history and controllability were also associated with one or both types of the audience responses. The news stories of business owners who involuntarily shut down their businesses or those comparing the current pandemic to Middle East respiratory syndrome that broke out in 2015 in the nation showed a similar pattern of audience engagement. Furthermore, liberal media were more likely to convey outrage factors than media with a less liberal orientation, which was manifested in the outrage score for each story. We discuss the potential of outrage factors as a new content‐based factor for audience engagement in online risk communication.
Updated distribution of spotted hyaenas in Gabon reveals resident populations
Authors: Orbell Christopher , Abernethy Katharine A. , Akomo‐Okoue Etienne François , Bourgeois Stéphanie , Bunnefeld Nils , Dloniak Stephanie M. , Ebang‐Mbele Alex , Nguema Andy Gilda Ebe , Ebouta Fabrice , Fonteyn Davy , Kakoua Jean‐Louis , Maganga Pierre‐Brice , Kouima Guy‐Landry Mamboundou , Mangama Koumba Lilian Brice , Tsongue Wilfried Mbombe , Nguelet Fred Loique Mindonga , Momboua Brice Roxan , Ntie Stephan , Ibouanga Ange Nzamba , Nzamba Brave Sévère , Koumba Christophe Roland Zinga , Rembeyo Christian , Robinson Hugh S. , Scalbert Morgane , White Lee J. T. , Whytock Robin C. , Henschel Philipp
Published: April 2024

Spotted hyaena distribution currently widely encompasses sub‐Saharan Africa, apart from the Congo Basin. Formerly described as residents of Gabon but considered extinct, vagrant individuals have been recorded since 2003, but no systematic species presence assessment has been made. Based on records of killed individuals, tracks and camera‐trap sightings, we show that not only vagrant individuals are roaming in Gabon, but a small resident population occurs in the North‐East of the country. The records collated here formed the basis for spotted hyaenas to be listed as protected in Gabon, were included in the IUCN Red List species' range map update and showcased the importance of large‐scale by‐catch data analysis in updating species distributions.
Coblation versus BiZact extra‐capsular tonsillectomy in adults: a randomized control trial
Authors: Tierney Jack , Harrison Ella , Hodge John‐Charles , Carney A. Simon
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Tonsillectomy is a frequently performed otolaryngological procedure and is associated with significant postoperative pain and bleeding. A number of studies have investigated methods to reduce pain and bleeding. Coblation and BiZact devices have both been claimed to have favourable pain outcomes following tonsillectomy. This study was designed to investigate these two techniques in a direct comparison of postoperative pain and bleeding.

Methods

In this single blinded, randomized control trial, 61 patients were randomly assigned to undergo tonsillectomy with either the BiZact or Coblation device. Pain scores were collected for 14 days postoperatively using a Visual Analogue Score scale. Secondary outcome data was collected for duration of surgery, intra‐operative bleeding, return to normal, and secondary bleeding rates.

Results

Coblation was found to have lower postoperative pain on day 1 (P < 0.05). BiZact was found to have lower postoperative pain on day 7 (P < 0.05) and day 11 (P < 0.05). Pain scores for other days were not significant. There was no significant difference in set‐up time, procedural time and return to normal activities. The BiZact group had a longer time to achieve haemostasis (P < 0.001) and greater intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.01). There was a trend towards more significant secondary bleeding in the BiZact arm, however, this study was not adequately powered to assess this finding.

Conclusion

Both Coblation and BiZact devices appear to provide a safe and effective method for tonsillectomy in adults. Reduced pain on day 1 may make Coblation more suitable for day‐case surgery.
Their bad experiences make me think twice: Customer‐to‐colleague incivility, self‐reflection, and improved service delivery
Authors: Gao Wenyang , Weng Qingxiong (Derek) , Popelnukha Anastasiia , Sungu Lincoln Jisuvei
Published: April 2024

Prior research has shown that customer incivility impacts targeted employees' performance. Yet, whether such experiences also influence bystander employees has been overlooked. In this work, we take a third‐party perspective and suggest that observed customer‐to‐colleague incivility may have a positive impact on bystander employees' service performance. Drawing on social learning theory, we develop a model where we study the consequence of observed customer‐to‐colleague incivility on service performance through self‐reflection. A two‐week experience sampling study with data collected from 99 nurses revealed that, observed daily customer‐to‐colleague incivility was positively related to bystander employees' daily self‐reflection, which in turn was positively associated with their daily service performance. Moreover, we identified performance‐based self‐esteem (i.e., the importance of performance to self‐esteem) as a key boundary condition that explains for whom witnessing customer‐to‐colleague incivility is more likely to engender higher self‐reflection. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Does voluntary environmental, social, and governance disclosure impact initial public offer withdrawal risk?
Authors: Jamaani Fouad , Alidarous Manal
Published: April 2024

Despite much research now being published on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) withdrawal risk, there appears to be a lack of evidence on the prospective IPO withdrawal risk associated with voluntary disclosure of ESG policies. This paper investigates the influence of ESG disclosure on IPO withdrawal by comparing voluntary ESG disclosure to conventional IPOs in the international market. A large data set is employed here, containing 33,535 failed and successful IPOs from 1995 to 2019 from several nations with their own legal systems, cultural norms, and economic systems. The findings reveal that voluntary disclosure of ESG practices does significantly reduce the likelihood of an IPO withdrawal, by as much as 48%. These findings strongly suggest that organizations engaged in ESG activities perceive voluntary disclosure as an incentive, to adhere to social expectations. Consequently, reducing the asymmetry of information between IPO participants minimizes the withdrawal risk these companies face, hence diminishing doubts about their legitimacy. The results have consequences for IPO businesses, investors, researchers, and regulators.
HaLo‐NeRF: Learning Geometry‐Guided Semantics for Exploring Unconstrained Photo Collections
Authors: Dudai Chen , Alper Morris , Bezalel Hana , Hanocka Rana , Lang Itai , Averbuch‐Elor Hadar
Published: April 2024

Internet image collections containing photos captured by crowds of photographers show promise for enabling digital exploration of large‐scale tourist landmarks. However, prior works focus primarily on geometric reconstruction and visualization, neglecting the key role of language in providing a semantic interface for navigation and fine‐grained understanding. In more constrained 3D domains, recent methods have leveraged modern vision‐and‐language models as a strong prior of 2D visual semantics. While these models display an excellent understanding of broad visual semantics, they struggle with unconstrained photo collections depicting such tourist landmarks, as they lack expert knowledge of the architectural domain and fail to exploit the geometric consistency of images capturing multiple views of such scenes. In this work, we present a localization system that connects neural representations of scenes depicting large‐scale landmarks with text describing a semantic region within the scene, by harnessing the power of SOTA vision‐and‐language models with adaptations for understanding landmark scene semantics. To bolster such models with fine‐grained knowledge, we leverage large‐scale Internet data containing images of similar landmarks along with weakly‐related textual information. Our approach is built upon the premise that images physically grounded in space can provide a powerful supervision signal for localizing new concepts, whose semantics may be unlocked from Internet textual metadata with large language models. We use correspondences between views of scenes to bootstrap spatial understanding of these semantics, providing guidance for 3D‐compatible segmentation that ultimately lifts to a volumetric scene representation. To evaluate our method, we present a new benchmark dataset containing large‐scale scenes with ground‐truth segmentations for multiple semantic concepts. Our results show that HaLo‐NeRF can accurately localize a variety of semantic concepts related to architectural landmarks, surpassing the results of other 3D models as well as strong 2D segmentation baselines. Our code and data are publicly available at https://tau‐vailab.github.io/HaLo‐NeRF/.
Intraoperative renal replacement therapy during liver transplantation in children: Safety, efficacy and impact on survival
Authors: Dolan Kristin J. , Arikan Ayse , Banc‐Husu Anna M. , Mian Muhammad Umair Mukhtar , Thadani Sameer , Lee Jeffrey Quinn , Stribling Lacey , Galván N. Thao N. , Goss John , Baijal Rahul , Desai Moreshwar S.
Published: April 2024

Background

Intraoperative Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (iCRRT) can prevent life‐threatening complications, facilitate fluid management, and maintain metabolic homeostasis during liver transplantation (LT) in adults. There is a paucity of data in pediatric LT. We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and impact on survival of iCRRT in pediatric LT.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all children requiring CRRT pre‐OLT at a quaternary children's hospital from 2014 to 2022. Demographic characteristics, intraoperative events, and post‐LT outcomes were compared between those who received iCRRT and those who did not.

Results

Out of 306 patients who received LT, 30 (10%) were supported with CRRT at least 24 h prior to LT, of which 11 (36%) received iCRRT. The two cohorts were similar in demographics, diagnosis of liver disease, and severity of illness. The iCRRT patients experienced massive blood loss and increased transfusion requirements. There was no difference in intraoperative metabolic balance. One‐year post‐LT mortality rates were similar.

Conclusion

ICRRT is safe in critically ill children with pre‐LT renal dysfunction. It optimizes fluid and blood product resuscitation while maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Candidates need to be carefully chosen for this highly resource‐intensive therapy to benefit this fragile population.
Kidney after liver transplantation does not have an increased risk of rejection compared to liver alone
Authors: Ghali Peter , Ibrahim Ramez M. , Hodge David , White Launia , Wadei Hani M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Simultaneous liver kidney (SLK) transplant protects against acute cellular rejection. In 2017, UNOS implemented a “safety net” policy to allow patients with renal recovery to avoid renal transplantation. Whether kidney after liver transplantation (KALT) increases the risk of rejection is unknown.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) database of adult patients who received liver transplant, SLK or KALT between 2010 and 2020. We examined rejection of the liver within 6 months and 1 year of the liver transplant, as well as rejection of the kidney within 6 months and 1 year of receiving the kidney, as well as patient and graft loss.

Results

Sixty‐six thousand seventy‐nine patients were transplanted; 60 168 with liver transplant alone, 5627 with SLK, and 284 with KALT. Acute or chronic liver rejection rates within 6 or 12 months were statistically higher in the KALT group (10.0% and 10.9%) compared to the SLK group (6.1% and 7.5%), but comparable to the LTA group (9.3% and 11.1%). Kidney rejection and graft survival rates were not different. Liver graft survival was worse in KALT than SLK or LTA (Kaplan‐Meier estimates .61 vs. .89 and .90), but these patients were more ill at the time of transplantation. KDPI and LDRI scores were notably lower in the SLK than KALT group. Patient survival was not clinically different between the groups.

Conclusion

KALT does not increase the risk of acute or chronic kidney rejection. SLK has a lower risk of early liver rejection, but this effect diminishes by one year to being not clinically different compared to KALT. Given that KALT is immunologically safe, and potentially avoids unnecessary renal graft use, it should be preferred over SLK.

Brief summary

Patients undergoing sequential kidney after liver transplant do not have an increased risk of liver or kidney rejection when compared to liver transplant alone or simultaneous liver and kidney transplant.
Quality of education in migration hotspot areas in Ethiopia: Input‐process‐outcome‐context approach
Authors: Admas Fantahun , Minaye Abebaw , Habtamu Kassahun , Zeleke Seleshi , Tibebu Abera , Kotecho Mesay Gebremariam , Adgeh Yohannis , Getnet Habtamu
Published: April 2024

While the lack of educational opportunities limits the future of most people in Ethiopia, they pose dire consequences to young people in migration hotspot areas. Using input‐process‐outcome‐context‐education quality framework, this study investigated the quality of education in eight migration hotspot areas of Ethiopia and its association with migration. A random sample of 1,187 participants (793 students, 262 teachers and 132 parents) completed a survey. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that participants’ overall rating of education quality was low. Over a third of participants perceived that input, process and outcome components of education in migration hotspot areas have a quality problem. Over 80% of the participants believed that poor quality of education could be a cause for migration. More specifically, a significant portion of the participants (37%) reported that there was no pedagogical centre in their respective schools; continuous assessment was practiced rarely (36%); and creativity and discovery among students was almost non‐existent (40%). The participants' ratings indicated that the top five factors that contribute to the poor quality of education are low level of teacher competence, poor student motivation, poverty, value attached to education and large class size.
Computational analysis of 3D printing: Selecting the better among newly released materials
Authors: Namsoy Ege , Sadikoglu Ismail Serhat , Ozverel Cenk Serhan , Erdag Emine
Published: April 2024

Resin‐based three‐dimensional (3D) printing finds extensive application in the field of dentistry. Although studies of cytotoxicity, mechanical and physical properties have been conducted for newly released 3D printing resins such as Crowntec (Saremco), Temporary Crown Resin (Formlabs) and Crown & Bridge (Nextdent), the resistance of these materials to esterases in saliva has not been demonstrated at the molecular level. Therefore, in this study, the binding affinities and stability of these new 3D printing resins to the catalytic sites of esterases were investigated using molecular docking and molecular mechanics with Poisson–Bolzmann and surface area solvation (MM/PBSA) methods after active pocket screening. Toxicity predictions of the materials were also performed using ProTox‐II and Toxtree servers. The materials were analyzed for mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, and carcinogenicity, and LD50 values were predicted from their molecular structures. The results indicated that out of the three novel 3D printing materials, Nexdent exhibited reduced binding affinity to esterases, indicating enhanced resistance to enzymatic degradation and possessing a superior toxicity profile.
Coupling life prediction of bending very high cycle fatigue of completion strings made of different materials using deep wise separable convolution
Authors: Zhu Zhenyu , Chen Maolin , He Mingge , Zhang Junliang , Huang Yanyan , Chen Siqi , Du Xuanyu , Chai Guocai , Wang Qingyuan
Published: April 2024

This article predicts bending very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) life of three typical nickel‐based alloys SM2550, BG2532, and G3 used for completion strings. Fatigue tests were conducted on the three alloys using an ultrasonic fatigue system at a frequency of 20 kHz. The results showed that the fatigue strength ranges of the three alloys were markedly different, reflecting their different sensitivities to fatigue loading. Scanning electron microscope observations revealed numerous fatigue crack origins with internal decohesion in the fatigue source region. To achieve unified prediction of the fatigue life for the three alloys, a prediction model based on deep learning was built with inputs including fatigue initiation quantity, cleavage facet size, and other fatigue fracture characteristics. It was found that single source feature was insufficient to obtain satisfactory prediction accuracy for all alloys, while multifeature coupling integration could significantly improve the prediction precision, enabling reliable prediction of alloy fatigue life. This study provides new insights into bending VHCF life prediction.
Damage mechanism of 30Cr1Mo1V rotor steel during thermal fatigue at 540°C
Authors: Risu Na , Zhang Yuetao , Zhang Fubao , Wang Xiao
Published: April 2024

This paper reports the damage mechanism of 30Cr1Mo1V rotor steel during thermal fatigue at 540°C. Detailed information on macro‐failure characteristics and micro‐failure mechanisms was revealed here. The results showed that both intragranular micro‐defects and intergranular micro‐crackings were formed during the fatigue process. The formation of intragranular micro‐defects was related to the dislocation tangle inside the ferrite sub‐grains, while the formation of intergranular micro‐cracking could be related to the weakening of atomic cohesion at the matrix/cementite interface. Eventually, the transgranular crackings occurred in the 30Cr1Mo1V steel. The morphology of these crackings presented an edge‐shaped discontinuity, which may propagate perpendicularly to the loading direction and cause the material to fracture.
Digital light processing‐based additive manufacturing of orientation‐controlled Al2O3 ceramics with improved damage tolerance
Authors: Wang Yang , Han Zhuoqun , Zhou Qingxuan , Han Yongning , Bi Lunan , Zhang Xia , Lu Xiang , Zhao Jie , Chu Wei , Li Jian , Zhao Zhicheng , Wang Yingying , Li Ling , Liu Futian
Published: April 2024

Digital light processing (DLP) provides a promising avenue for constructing ceramic parts with high precision and complex shapes, yet the inherent brittleness and strength‐toughness trade‐off hinder their wide applications. Here, according to DLP 3D printing, the textured alumina ceramic components with horizontally aligned textured microstructure were successfully created by adding anisotropically shaped platelets. As a critical process in the preparation of textured ceramics, the alumina platelets were aligned horizontally during printing by using the special shear fields and forming capabilities of DLP technology. The shrinkage, density, microstructure, mechanical performance, and damage‐tolerance behavior of alumina parts with different platelet concentrations were examined, and the toughening mechanisms were investigated. The strength and toughness of ceramics with 5 vol.% platelet addition are increased by 22% and 43%, respectively, as compared with those without platelets. The improved damage tolerance capabilities were primarily ascribed to the collaborative toughening mechanisms stimulated by the platelet addition, including crack branching, crack deflection, uncracked‐ligament bridging, and platelet pull‐out, which increased the crack tortuosity and consumed more fracture energy. The strategy opens up new opportunities to design complex 3D ceramic geometries with bio‐inspired layered or textured architectures, providing optimized damage tolerance.
Population Aging and the Retirement Age
Authors: Halliday Daniel
Published: April 2024

Numerous jurisdictions have recently raised the age of retirement or plan to do so. Pressure to extend people's working lives is due to population aging, which makes it harder to fund retirement through existing methods. Raising the retirement age can improve the ‘dependency ratio’ by increasing the fraction of the population that works (and pays taxes) relative to the fraction retired. This article gives sustained attention to connecting the case for retirement with one view about wellbeing, according to which old age is subject to distinctive goods. The importance of being able to access these goods in old age favours an eventual exit from labour market participation that retirement provisions enable. This view is stronger than one that treats retirement as merely a safety net to enable people to stop work only when advanced aging makes it unreasonably burdensome. At the same time, the view likely does not justify status quo retirement ages, meaning that some increase to the retirement age might be defensible. The article also seeks to illuminate ways in which different aspects of population aging – in particular the distinction between dependency ratios and inequalities in longevity – bear differently on the wider debate about justice and retirement.