bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring New Physics with PandaX-4T Low Energy Electronic Recoil Data
Authors: Zeng Xinning , Bo Zihao , Chen Wei , Chen Xun , Chen Yunhua , Cheng Zhaokan , Cui Xiangyi , Fan Yingjie , Fang Deqing , Gao Zhixing , Geng Lisheng , Giboni Karl , Guo Xunan , Guo Xuyuan , Guo Zichao , Han Chencheng , Han Ke , He Changda , He Jinrong , Huang Di , Huang Houqi , Huang Junting , Hou Ruquan , Hou Yu , Ji Xiangdong , Ji Xiangpan , Ju Yonglin , Li Chenxiang , Li Jiafu , Li Mingchuan , Li Shuaijie , Li Tao , Li Zhiyuan , Lin Qing , Liu Jianglai , Lu Congcong , Lu Xiaoying , Luo Lingyin , Luo Yunyang , Ma Wenbo , Ma Yugang , Mao Yajun , Meng Yue , Ning Xuyang , Pang Binyu , Qi Ningchun , Qian Zhicheng , Ren Xiangxiang , Shan Dong , Shang Xiaofeng , Shao Xiyuan , Shen Guofang , Shen Manbin , Sun Wenliang , Tao Yi , Wang Anqing , Wang Guanbo , Wang Hao , Wang Jiamin , Wang Lei , Wang Meng , Wang Qiuhong , Wang Shaobo , Wang Siguang , Wang Wei , Wang Xiuli , Wang Xu , Wang Zhou , Wei Yuehuan , Wu Weihao , Wu Yuan , Xiao Mengjiao , Xiao Xiang , Xiong Kaizhi , Xu Yifan , Yao Shunyu , Yan Binbin , Yan Xiyu , Yang Yong , Ye Peihua , Yu Chunxu , Yuan Ying , Yuan Zhe , Yun Youhui , Zhang Minzhen , Zhang Peng , Zhang Shibo , Zhang Shu , Zhang Tao , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yang , Zhang Yingxin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Li , Zhou Jifang , Zhou Jiaxu , Zhou Jiayi , Zhou Ning , Zhou Xiaopeng , Zhou Yubo , Zhou Zhizhen ,   PandaX Collaboration
Published: January 2025

New particles beyond the standard model of particle physics, such as axions, can be effectively searched through their interactions with electrons. We use the large liquid xenon detector PandaX-4T to search for novel electronic recoil signals induced by solar axions, neutrinos with anomalous magnetic moment, axionlike particles, dark photons, and light fermionic dark matter. A detailed background model is established using the latest datasets with 1.54  ton yr exposure. No significant excess above the background has been observed, and we have obtained competitive constraints for axion couplings, neutrino magnetic moment, and fermionic dark matter interactions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Crystallography of the litharge to massicot phase transformation from neutron powder diffraction data
Authors: Hill Roderick J. , Cranswick Lachlan M. D.
Published: January 2025

The crystallographic phase change from tetragonal litharge (α-PbO; P4/nmm) to orthorhombic massicot (β-PbO; Pbcm) has been studied by full-matrix Rietveld analysis of high-temperature neutron powder diffraction data collected in equal steps from ambient temperature up to 925 K and back down to 350 K. The phase transformation takes place between 850 and 925 K, with the coexisting phases having equal abundance by weight at 885 K. The product massicot remains metastable on cooling to near ambient temperature. Both structures are layered networks of OPb4 tetrahedra and PbO4 square pyramids, with the space between alternate layers of Pb atoms (in approximate cubic close packing) occupied either by O atom layers or Pb atom lone pairs. In massicot, the symmetric Pb and O layers of litharge become deeply corrugated parallel to [001], with the O-atom layers splitting into two layers, although these are still sandwiched between the approximately cubic close-packed Pb atom layers. The crystallite size of the initial litharge component decreases from around 3500 Å to around 1100 Å at the midpoint of the phase change at 885 K, whereupon the size of the massicot crystallites increases from a similar value to around 2500 Å at 350 K during the cool-down stage. The unit-cell dimensions and atomic coordinates of litharge change smoothly throughout the phase change, but there is a rapid expansion of the c-axis immediately prior to the recrystallization to massicot, and the one free coordinate (Pb z) decreases significantly to producer a thinning of the layers. Increases in the O displacment parameters suggest that this atom is `on the move' as the transformation approaches. Changes in the massicot parameters as its crystallites emerge from the transformation are largely unremarkable. The formation of the heavily corrugated layers in massicot requires significant movements of the O atoms (∼1.2 Å) from their positions in litharge and thus for Pb—O bonds to be broken during the phase change. The requirement for these bonds to be re-broken in a conversion back to litharge is likely to be the reason why massicot is metastable at ambient temperature. Evidence of a temporary intermediate `amorphous' phase in the phase transformation from which the massicot grows is provided in the form of broad, very low amplitude `peaks' in the high-temperature diffraction patterns.
The linkage between economic growth, debt servicing, pollution and health expenditures: panel evidence from 42 African countries
Authors: Fosu Prince , Eshun Joseph , Ankrah Twumasi Martinson
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the determinants of public healthcare spending in Africa, focusing on the impact of pollution, debt servicing, birth rates, life expectancy, GDP per capita and urbanization.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed the fixed effect, IV GMM estimation and panel data of 42 African countries from 2000 to 2021 to examine the association between real GDP per capita, crude birth rate, debt servicing, CO2 emissions, population, urbanization and government healthcare expenditures.

Findings

The study result indicates that real GDP per capita, CO2 emissions and public debt servicing are the main determinants of government health expenditures in Africa. We again observed that income per capita and crude birth rate strongly impacted healthcare spending in upper-middle-income African countries more than in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, CO2 emissions have a more profound impact on healthcare spending in middle-income countries than in lower-income and upper-middle-income countries. Lastly, the association between debt servicing and health care expenditure is stronger for lower-income countries in Africa than for lower-middle- and upper-middle-income countries.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study has significant implications for macroeconomic and health policy not only for African economies but also for other developing and emerging economies. We suggest that African leaders adopt policies that lead to sustained growth in real GDP per capita, thereby stimulating healthcare spending. Governments should prioritize policies that curb CO2 emissions and continue to remain creditworthy to external lenders to secure more funds needed to boost health infrastructure spending.

Originality/value

While numerous studies have delved into the determinants of health expenditure, their focus has predominantly been on OECD and developed countries. Unfortunately, only a few studies have been done on African countries. Recent studies on the topic are scarce. The few recent studies on Africa related to the paper all seem to analyze how public healthcare expenditures affect health outcomes such as under-five mortality, life expectancy and maternal mortality. Our study is among the few studies analyzing the determinants of public healthcare expenditure in Africa.
Relationship marketing challenges in the Turkish banking industry: an exploratory study
Authors: Karageyim Meral Ahu , Durmusoglu Serdar S.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This exploratory research, designed with a grounded theory method, was conducted to reveal the current relationship marketing challenges and strategies in retail banking in an emerging economy, namely, Türkiye.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 bankers and then analyzed with a qualitative approach.

Findings

The research findings highlight four main challenges for relationship marketing in retail banking industry: omnichannel approach powered by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, new customer experience, and the expansion of financial services ecosystem.

Originality/value

Our research identifies new challenges in the field of relationship marketing, especially regarding strategies in the post Covid-19 pandemic era, specifically from the bank employees’ points-of-view.
The double-edged sword of ChatGPT: fostering and hindering creativity in postgraduate academics in Bengaluru
Authors: Rajan Shivakami , Niranjan L.R.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This research examines the complex relationship between usage of Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) amongst student and their creativity, learning and assessment using empirical data collected from postgraduate students. In addition, the study explores the student’s intrinsic motivation for usage to understand student categories. This research seeks to provide further insights into this artificial intelligence tool in enhancing the educational ecosystem for all stakeholders concerned.

Design/methodology/approach

The target population of this research – the students of post-graduation in diverse fields of science and management. A five-point Likert scale-structured questionnaire adapted from earlier literature relevant to the research questions was adopted for data collection. The data were collected for two months, resulted in 403 usable responses. Ethical considerations of assurance of confidentiality to the participants were strictly adhered to. Structured equation modelling (SEM) was employed to explore the relationships between the constructs of the study for the assessment of latent relationships. SmartPLS 4 was used to explore these relationships.

Findings

Usage has a negative impact on a student’s creativity, but increased usage of ChatGPT encourages a student’s adoption due to its perceived usability. Pedagogical applications of ChatGPT aid students as a learning tool but require controlled usage under supervision.

Originality/value

This study is innovative in the context of postgraduate students, where very little evidence of creativity exists. Through this research, the authors illuminate how ChatGPT use affects academic performance, benefiting educators as a tool but for evaluation and assessment, policymakers and students. The findings of the study provide implications that help to create effective digital education strategies for stakeholders.
Institutionally eclipsed organizational practices
Authors: Aksom Herman , Firsova Svitlana , Bilorus Tetiana , Olikh Lesya
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Institutional theory is focused on the prevalence of social value over economic imperatives in organizational life, but what happens when taken-for-granted practices offer neither technical nor institutional value at all? In this paper, the authors theorize an important but omitted in the organizational literature scenario and a class of institutionalized practices. The authors conceptualize them as institutionary eclipsed practices. The paper offers a theory of institutional shadow and institutional eclipsed practices that explains the remarkable persistence of institutions despite the obvious absence of value.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors offer a theoretical framework for studying institutional practices that have neither economic nor social value. The authors illustrate institutionally eclipsed practices with an example of educational organizations and practices, but the theory of institutional shadow developed in this paper goes beyond this case.

Findings

Organizations adopt global institutional standards for local organizational fields where different institutional norms prevail and different meanings and values are attached to these global institutions. In some cases, such institutions may lose their technical value and have no social (legitimizing) value in a new institutional context. Such practice is taken for granted, enacted, reproduced and maintained as necessary because it is encoded into the very institutional image of a profession (and social role). An institutionally eclipsed practice becomes a taken-for-granted, integral part of organizational members’ daily routines. Still, neither efficiency nor social benefits and value are offered by such a practice for organizational members. At the same time, as institutionalized practices are resistant and usually immune to technical, economic and social changes, they tend to endure and persist in organizations. Both a disintegrated practice and organizational members who enact it get into the limbo of the institutional shadow.

Originality/value

The authors distinguish and theorize three main conditions that allow institutionally eclipsed practices to emerge, proliferate and persist in organizations and across organizational fields. These factors include the presence of institutional meaning, the taken-for-granted quality (which means the immunity to technical, social and material changes) and the absence of contradictions. Together these three virtues allow institutionally eclipsed practices to be easily embedded into organizational contexts, being enacted by organizational members and avoiding abandonment and deinstitutionalization despite uselessness.
A strategic perspective on automated warehouse systems in retail: insights from a multiple case study
Authors: Kembro Joakim Hans , Norrman Andreas
Published: January 2025

Purpose

As the warehouse is increasingly viewed as a strategic component, retailers’ willingness to invest in automated warehouse systems (AWS) has increased. These investment decisions are influenced by well-known operational factors, but strategic factors, which have received limited attention in warehousing literature, also play a pivotal role. Addressing this gap, this study investigates how strategic factors influence AWS investment decisions in retail.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a theoretical foundation of technology adoption, strategic intent, and automation strategy, an abductive multiple case study is conducted with eight purposefully selected retailers that had implemented or were in the process of implementing a large AWS.

Findings

The study ranks 10 competitive priorities and 21 AWS evaluation aspects and shows how the firm’s strategic intent and the AWS investment decisions can be connected via the formulation of a warehouse automation strategy. The findings reveal the content for such a strategy – including 7 categories and 17 considerations – related to, for example, technology innovativeness, efficiency versus adaptiveness, technology-supplier relationships, control and ownership, and risk exposure. The study empirically shows how manager characteristics and owner strategies influence retailers’ AWS investment decisions. Four strategic intent profiles are abductively developed: reliability and delivery service; profitable deliveries; scalable logistics for volume growth; and platform building for logistics services. The study also provides evidence of a reciprocal relationship between strategic intent and AWS investment decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The study is conducted with a limited number of Swedish retailers, indicating a need for additional studies to test the findings across different contexts.

Practical implications

The study offers a framework for formulating a warehouse automation strategy. As a foundation for developing the framework, the study shares empirical insights from retailers in the forefront of AWS implementation.

Originality/value

The study contributes as a conversation changer by showing the importance of shifting from a tactical-operational focus to a strategic perspective on warehouse configuration in general and on AWS investment decisions in retail in particular.
Eco-pedagogy in chemistry education: challenging market-driven policies
Authors: Alhazmi Ahmed , Almashhour Rasha Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of market-driven policies on adoption and integration of green chemistry into higher education in Saudi Arabia, uncovering challenges and opportunities faced by educators and institutions in promoting sustainable scientific education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a grounded theory methodology to explore the integration of green chemistry in Saudi Arabian higher education amid market-driven policies. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 participants, and data were analyzed using a systematic coding process.

Findings

The study reveals that market-driven policies significantly influence the integration of green chemistry by prioritizing immediate economic returns over long-term sustainability goals. Key challenges include securing funding and aligning green chemistry with traditional curricula. Opportunities to promote sustainability through curricular reform and policy adaptation were identified.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to Saudi Arabian higher education, which may affect the generalizability of findings to other contexts.

Practical implications

Insights suggest policymakers should re-evaluate prioritization of short-term economic gains and develop incentives to integrate green chemistry. Institutions are encouraged to invest in faculty development, adopt interdisciplinary approaches and collaborate with industry and government.

Social implications

Integrating green chemistry into higher education promotes environmental stewardship and prepares future generations to address sustainability challenges. Institutions can shape environmentally conscious societies by fostering a culture of sustainability and ethical responsibilities.

Originality/value

This study contributes to discourse on sustainability in education by providing a grounded theoretical analysis of the dynamics between market-driven policies and green chemistry integration, offering insights for policymakers, educators and researchers.
Beyond fixed and growth mindsets: a holistic approach to growth and learning in education
Authors: Kashi Shiri , Hod Yotam
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to address the complexities of fixed and growth mindsets within educational settings and critique traditional assessment methods and interventions used in mindset research. It aims to develop a comprehensive approach – encompassing methodology, conception and practice – that incorporates mindsets within a broader growth orientation framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a holistic case study analysis of 14 higher education students, emphasizing their personal growth narratives. A uniquely designed course draws on person- and idea-centered principles that provide a rich environment to facilitate students’ growth. The analytical approach moves beyond standard mindset questionnaires by integrating self-awareness, cognitive biases and personal growth factors into a multidimensional growth orientation framework.

Findings

Results suggest that traditional mindset metrics may be indirectly related to actual growth orientations due to the influence of cognitive biases. This study finds that typical short, focused interventions may fail to reflect true changes in mindset, as they often do not engage with the broader personal growth orientations of the individuals involved.

Originality/value

This research is original in its application of a holistic and comprehensive approach to studying growth in education. By contextualizing mindsets within enriched learning environments that promote deep reflection and knowledge building, it provides new insights into how educational practices and research methodologies can better support authentic and sustained growth in learners.
Decarbonization of remanufacturing processes in circular supply chains: case study on rubber recycling industry
Authors: Wang Ching-Hsin , Chen Chih-Han , Chen Chih-Cheng , Hsieh Hsi-Huang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

At present, relevant studies on circular supply chains are gradually increasing. However, the majority only focus on precautions or obstacles in the implementation of supply chains, rather than delving deeper into the decarbonization of processes within circular supply chains. Therefore, this study took the rubber recycling industry as an example, highlighting the decarbonization of the manufacturing process for remanufactured products in this industry. Subsequently, a feasible framework for future practice was established, serving as a valuable reference for companies in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first selected key factors from the initial aspects and criteria using the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), followed by ranking the importance of the selected aspects and criteria using fuzzy decision-making trail and evaluating laboratory (FDEMATEL).

Findings

This study has confirmed which directions the manufacturing processes of remanufactured products need to move toward so as to achieve the goal of decarbonization when implementing circular supply chains. The main aspects include environmental, social and economic benefits as well as value recovery. In addition, the main directions for implementing circular supply chains in the industry are cooperating with different supply chain partners, having effective reverse logistics systems, collaborating with multiple companies, optimizing technology and developing the industrial symbiosis network.

Research limitations/implications

Research results vary due to industry differences. Although the results of this study can be used for reference in other high-pollution industries, they are unable to be perfectly in line with their current states. Therefore, more in-depth research is needed in the aspect of decarbonization for other industries.

Originality/value

The rubber recycling industry chosen by this study is different from general industries since its raw materials consist predominantly of waste. Therefore, it is an imperative trend to perform decarbonization in circular supply chains. This study establishes a novel framework to provide industry players and their stakeholders with clearer and more targeted implementation objectives for reference.
Street vending in times of crisis: exploring insecurity and spatial dynamics in Aizawl, Mizoram, India
Authors: Lyngwa Aayushi , Sahoo Bimal Kishore
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the influence of spatial dynamics on street vendors and examines the insecurities and coping mechanisms they faced and adopted during the pandemic. It examines the precarious nature of street vending during a global economic shock, highlighting the vulnerabilities and resilience of this informal sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a case study approach, conducting semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 74 street vendors in two key markets: Bara Bazaar (natural market) and Treasury Square (non-natural). The authors use the Gioia method, renowned for its systematic rigour in exploring the challenges and adaptations of street vendors during periods of economic uncertainty and crisis.

Findings

This study reveals that COVID-19 lockdowns profoundly impacted the security of tribal street vendors operating in natural and non-natural markets. It sheds light on the mechanism of shadow security, observed as a form of diverse coping mechanisms adopted by vendors during the pandemic, such as collective fund pooling, poultry farming and adapting new business models – from changing the goods they sell to transitioning between regular and mobile vending or from retail shops to street vending.

Social implications

This study used the grounded theory framework of sustainable livelihood strategies and explores how street vendors can achieve sustainability through street vending. It further proposes recommendations for urban policies tailored across various dimensions.

Originality/value

This paper highlights indigenous mechanisms to secure livelihoods, which act as safety nets and facilitate a form of shadow security. The paper also determines how the spatial dynamics of a vending location can preferably change the security of the street vendors in times of crisis. This research challenges the oversimplified notion that the social security of street vendors cannot be neatly categorised as secure or insecure. Instead, it underscores vendors’ dynamic strategies and resilience to sustain their livelihoods amidst economic disruptions.
Eco-friendly smart home technologies: exploring investor perspectives on adoption drivers and barriers
Authors: Schäfer Jennifer Julia , Hennig Kerstin Hiska
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper identifies the most significant eco-friendly smart home technology (eco-SHT) adoption drivers and barriers for investors. Findings highlight potential investor approaches to overcome these adoption barriers within the stages of the innovation-decision process (IDP), helping to increase investments towards eco-SHTs, ultimately fostering sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

With 42 interviews, the studies’ qualitative research design entails two in-depth semi-structured interview rounds. While integrating the IDP, the first set of interviews identify the most common investor adoption drivers and barriers regarding eco-SHTs. The second interview round fixates on potential approaches to overcome the identified barriers.

Findings

Regulatory and ideological factors, financial considerations, market dynamics and demand, user aspects and technology and integration are the main eco-SHT adoption drivers and barriers from an investor perspective. Approaches to overcome these obstacles entail educative and awareness initiatives, refined financial planning and incentives, strategic market positioning and partnerships, user-centric designs and feedback and improved technological integration and support.

Originality/value

By extending beyond traditional analyses of supply-demand dynamics, costs and returns, this research examines eco-SHTs from an investor’s perspective, while strategically investigating the key drivers, barriers and methods to address these challenges. The study incorporates multidimensional factors other than typical investor concerns, offering a comprehensive, multidisciplinary perspective. It covers all IDP stages, constructing a matrix of drivers, obstacles and supporting strategies to advance sustainability within the real estate sector.
Virtual land in the metaverse? Exploring the dynamic correlation with physical real estate
Authors: Leonhard Heiko , Nagl Maximilian , Schaefers Wolfgang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

As blockchain-based virtual worlds gain prominence within the emerging metaverse and Web3, numerous global companies and investors are buying purely virtual land to explore new business potentials and capitalize on digital assets. Given the similarities to physical real estate, this study examines the dynamics of the secondary market for virtual land and relates its returns to those of physical real estate.

Design/methodology/approach

Using transaction-level data from a prominent virtual land platform, the authors construct a virtual land market index based on repeat sales index methodology from traditional real estate studies. Wavelet coherence analysis is employed to examine the dynamic correlation between virtual land and various physical real estate market returns. The determinants of this correlation are estimated using stepwise regression analysis. A portfolio analysis explores the implications of adding virtual land to traditional asset portfolios.

Findings

The correlation between virtual and physical real estate market returns is generally low, reaching its lowest during the Covid-19 lockdowns from 2020 to 2022. It spikes during acute economic turmoil such as the initial Covid-19 outbreak or interest rate change announcements. The correlation is primarily driven by consumer and economic climate, the price of the virtual economy token and investor attention. Portfolio analysis indicates that virtual land can enhance risk-adjusted returns within a traditional portfolio, particularly when added to a commercial real estate portfolio.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines a single virtual land market, despite it being the oldest and one of the largest. Given the rapidly evolving nature of virtual worlds, it is crucial to further test the results and include new virtual land platforms as they emerge.

Practical implications

The findings provide actionable insights on portfolio implications for investors seeking alternative real-estate-like assets in the digital space. Additionally, this study offers strategic guidance for entering the metaverse, including a comprehensive overview of established virtual presences.

Originality/value

With the advancing digitization of real estate markets, this study is the first to explore the correlation between market returns of virtual land in the metaverse and traditional physical real estate. The findings provide valuable empirical insights for investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs and companies interested in the intersection of digital and traditional property markets.
Intellectual capital-based research impact management: a strategic approach to increase regional intellectual capital
Authors: Romano Marco , Cunningham James A. , Cuttone Giacomo , Munnia Alessia , Nicotra Melita
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Entrepreneurial universities, through their intellectual capital (IC), can promote the development of a third mission, which involves collaborating with business and societal organizations to create value. Joint research projects are undertaken within entrepreneurial universities leveraging their IC. These generate value for both the academic community and the territory as they generate impact, in terms of regional IC. At the micro level, scientists in the principal investigator (PI) role are influential actors in generating impact and IC that is beneficial for all joint project stakeholders. The purpose of the paper is to address the existing gap in entrepreneurial university literature concerning the impact generation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper represents a theoretical contribution adopting a deductive approach.

Findings

This paper proposes a novel approach to support PIs in entrepreneurial universities in the process of managing innovative initiatives toward IC impact generation. First, we present the IC-based Research Impact Tool (ICRIT) to guide PIs acting as explorative entrepreneurs; then we propose an IC-based Research Impact Report (ICRIR) including some key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate impact and IC.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical approach proposed could be developed further. This could be furthered through more empirical studies using initially, for example, comparative cross-country case study research.

Originality/value

The paper sheds new light on the importance of the final impact generated by research initiatives, focusing on the crucial role played by PIs and promoting the adoption of an IC-based strategic approach, to maximize the final impact of projects, in terms of regional IC.
Modelling the blockchain technology adoption barriers in the Indian education management system
Authors: Satvik Satvik , Naik B. Koteswararao , Dwivedi Rajeev , Yoshikuni Adilson Carlos
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Blockchain is a nascent technology that has the ability to revolutionize the workings of the educational landscape. However, there are several barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT). So, this paper aims to determine, rank and analyse the interdependent contextual relationship among the BCT adoption barriers within the education management system (EMS) of higher education institutes.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research principally uses the technology-organization-environment model for the classification of BCT adoption barriers in the EMS. An integrated dual phase best-worst method and interpretive structural modelling – cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (BWM-ISM-MICMAC) analysis is used for the identification, prioritization and analysis of the contextual relationships among the BCT barriers.

Findings

The findings of the research show that the environmental barrier among the primary barriers and the lack of government initiatives among the sub-barriers are crucial barriers to BCT adoption in the EMS.

Research limitations/implications

Certain barriers might not be selected during the literature review and expert opinions might be biased. Future studies should use structural equation modelling to validate the relationships between BCT barriers and conduct similar research across other business sectors to provide valuable insights for scholars and practitioners alike.

Practical implications

The study facilitates a better perspective of BCT barriers and explores possible solutions more comprehensively for policymakers and field managers. Consequently, it offers viable suggestions for the successful and effective implementation of BCT within the EMS.

Originality/value

The concept of using the blockchain in academics is a novel one. This study establishes a crucial research base for the smooth adoption of BCT in EMS.
Why are we failing to further our understanding of suicide?
Authors: Lester David
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to try and understand why our knowledge of why people take their own lives is so limited.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodological problems that have hindered our efforts to understand why people die by suicide are reviewed. Two solutions are proposed. The first describes a way of extrapolating from research on attempted suicides to those who die by suicide. The second solution is to develop a sound typology of suicides and search for causes for each type.

Findings

The piece provides a selective review of the literature on suicide.

Originality/value

This opinion piece is written by a researcher who has spent his entire career and much of his retirement studying the causes of suicide (Ed).
Challenges hindering industrialized wooden multi-story construction from a contractor’s perspective: a case study from Finland
Authors: Kinnunen Sakari , Annunen Petteri , Kujala Jaakko
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Industrialized construction (IC) is growing globally as an alternative and supplemental construction concept. High expectations have been set for IC to solve existing problems in the industry and enhance productivity. This study aims to identify the most intriguing challenges hindering industrialized wooden multi-story construction (WMC) in the Finnish context from a contractor’s perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodologically, this study was a qualitative, single-case study with an inductive approach. Data were collected through five semi-structured interviews and analyzed using NVivo software. Observations were coded and classified into 10 categories and finally synthesized into 3 themes.

Findings

The results revealed that industrialized WMC companies are generating many innovations, primarily occurring at the company level. However, shortages in product systems and operation models, such as concept inflexibility and insufficient design fidelity and quality control practices, hinder the progress of industrialization. The findings also indicate that within the pre-fabrication context, production capacity management and cash flow management are key control factors in industrialized WMC. Strong variation in regulatory interpretation by authorities creates a significant challenge for IC concept development and project management.

Originality/value

This study endorses the existing research findings, highlights a new perspective on challenges in IC and highlights the importance of increasing cooperation between companies engaged in industrialization measures, accelerating the development of individual companies and fostering a more appropriate industry structure.
Work/family border theory and work/family enrichment theory: a comparison, contrast and critique review
Authors: Dunn Stephanie N.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

As employees in today's society attempt to find a balance between work and family responsibilites, conflicts between the two continue to be a struggle. This paper aims to review two theories- work/family border theory and work/family enrichment theory- focusing on the challenges employees face trying to accomplish balance in a daily routine.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthesizes findings from existing literature.

Findings

While many employees continue to try to find a balance between work and family and avoid work-family conflict, many continue to place boundaries and not allow for negative impacts between their home and work environments. Many employees continue to struggle to find a daily routine that works for all living in the same household.

Practical implications

Developing a way to enrich the lives of all involved takes time and patience, as there has to be a balance involved while maintaining one’s ability to manage borders, roles and enrichment of their own lives, especially in today’s environment. By employees embracing the decision to find a balance of borders and roles that works for them, they can experience positive impacts in their lives.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing body of literature by providing strategies for enriching the lives of all involved while managing bordersand roles. Ensuring these are being properly managed at work and home, employees can create a smooth transition between these, reducing conflict and enhancing employee well-being.
Fault-tolerant reconfiguration estimation and control of vehicle state under sensor fault
Authors: Luo Jin , Yin Lebin , Lv Ruiqi , Wang Wei , Li Jing
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study proposes a strategy based on vehicle kinematics, dynamics and fusion estimation. The estimation signal of vehicle driving state is crucial for vehicle driving safety and stability control, and the issue of fault-tolerant reconstruction estimation of vehicle driving state under the failure of yaw rate or lateral acceleration sensors is a significant research topic.

Design/methodology/approach

A strategy based on vehicle kinematics, dynamics and fusion estimation is proposed. To address the issue of inaccurate calculation of tire forces because of sensor failure, a method combining adaptive sliding mode observer, genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to accurately calculate tire forces, and the Square Root Cubature Kalman Filter algorithm is used to reconstruct the estimation of vehicle driving state under sensor failure. To improve the accuracy of fault-tolerant reconstruction estimation of vehicle driving state, an error-weighted multi-method fusion estimation strategy for vehicle driving state is proposed. A fast terminal sliding mode control algorithm is proposed to control the stability of the fault-tolerant reconstruction estimation signal of vehicle driving state.

Findings

Simulation results show that the proposed fault-tolerant reconstruction estimation algorithm for vehicle driving state can accurately estimate the actual driving state of the vehicle and stably participate in the vehicle stability control system, achieving fault-tolerant reconstruction estimation and control of vehicle driving state under sensor failure.

Originality/value

The problem of vehicle motion state estimation under yaw velocity sensor fault or lateral acceleration sensor fault is solved, and fault tolerance control under sensor state is realized.
Divergence of vessel diameter explains interspecific variation in hydraulic safety to salinity in the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Qumruzzaman , Sarker Swapan Kumar , Imran Md. Imam Hossain , Datta Anup , Akhter Syeda Kaifee , Ahmed Zubayer , Beeckman Hans
Published: January 2025

Despite their crucial role in providing ecosystem services and livelihood support in 124 countries, mangroves are facing challenges from warming, altered seasonal precipitation and sea level rise (SLR) in the face of climate change. Variation in intra‐ and interspecific hydraulic traits and related xylem anatomy may allow trees to adapt to changing environmental conditions, yet little is known about adaptive plasticity in mangroves.

We examined (i) xylem and hydraulic trait variation across three (low, medium and high) salinity zones in three widespread mangrove species (Exocecaria agallocha, Xylocarpus moluccensis and Heritiera fomes) with distinct shade tolerance characteristics in the Bangladesh Sundarbans, (ii) associations of xylem and hydraulic traits, and (iii) habitat (regulator, resource and forest structure) effects on vessel diameter due to its strong influence on hydraulic conductivity variation.

Although potential conductivity (KP) and leaf‐specific conductivity (KL) showed species‐specific variation, a notably greater conductivity was found in the low‐salinity zone (LSZ), which had lower vessel wall reinforcement (t/b)2. Xylem and hydraulic traits exhibited mostly strong phylogenetic signals, whereas pairwise relationships between traits were phylogenetically independent. The study species had distinct hydraulic characteristics, where vessel diameter (D) was strongly related to the variation in KP and KL. Furthermore, the study species exhibited a weak trade‐off between hydraulic efficiency and safety.

A greater percentage of smaller vessel diameters in light‐demanding E. agallocha indicates greater hydraulic safety against cavitation under stressful conditions than in shade‐tolerant H. fomes, followed by X. moluccensis. Although species characteristics place broad bounds on xylem traits, the combined effects of salinity, nutrient availability and tree size modulate vessel diameter, which leads to hydraulic conductivity variation.

The contrasting safety in terms of vessel diameter in mangroves suggests an important role in adaptation to salinity and species distribution. The results also provide insight into salinity‐induced growth reduction and mortality in mangroves.

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RRphylogeography: A new method to find the area of origin of species and the history of past contacts between species
Authors: Mondanaro Alessandro , Castiglione Silvia , Di Febbraro Mirko , Timmermann Axel , Girardi Giorgia , Melchionna Marina , Serio Carmela , Belfiore Arianna Morena , Raia Pasquale
Published: January 2025

One of the main goals of historical biogeography is understanding where species originated, and how climate change and ecological interactions shaped their distribution. The task is complicated by both active and passive mechanisms, including habitat tracking, the separation of species into metapopulations of variably interconnected demes, and long‐distance dispersal, which may all obscure the geographic signature of species origin.

Current historical biogeography tools use phylogenies to infer the area of origin (AOO). They work by discretizing the geographic range occupied by the species into distinct areas and then applying ancestral character estimation to identify the area occupied at speciation. These methods are powerful and can account for different modes of speciation. Yet, they are bound to assume that the discrete areas currently occupied by the species are faithful representation of their climatic and historic affiliation and ignore metapopulation structures. Still, most methods cannot take advantage of fossil information or work with phylogenies including extinct species. Although explicit bioclimatic modelling is now possible under some implementations, these limitations are partly unresolved, which burdens the accuracy of the AOO estimation process.

We present a new tool written in R, named RRphylogeography, meant to find the AOO of species, and to locate feasible zones of contact between species throughout their history. RRphylogeography starts from the bioclimatic modelling of the species, identifies potential habitat patches occupied during speciation and finds the habitat patches most likely to represent the AOO or contact.

By using virtual species simulations, we compared RRphylogeography to common historical biogeography tools. We found RRphylogeography statistically outcompetes these alternatives under all study conditions, reaching especially accurate predictions. We additionally used RRphylogeography to investigate the complex phylogeographic history of the polar bear Ursus maritimus. The method placed the origin of the species in Northern Beringia. Intriguingly, it further shows possible contact zones between polar and brown bear in northwestern Europe during the late Pleistocene and in Beringia during the Pleistocene to Holocene transition, which is in perfect agreement with the known hybridization history between the two species.
Feather forensics: tracing the origins of parrots in wildlife trade with stable isotopes and citizen science
Authors: Hill K. G. W. , Delean S. , Hall T. , Tyler J. J. , Stringham O. C. , Cassey P.
Published: January 2025

To supply the high demand for wildlife as exotic pets, animals may be illegally and unsustainably harvested from the wild and laundered as captive bred. Consequently, there is considerable interest in wildlife forensic tools that are capable of verifying captive origins. Stable isotope analysis is an emerging tool for verifying captive and wild origins by identifying key differences in dietary intake. While previous studies have effectively classified origins by differences in their stable isotope ratios, these studies are often limited to species with small population sizes and geographic ranges, masking potential variation caused by different environments and diets. We tested the accuracy of stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope analyses to verify captive and wild origins using bird species that are common in pet trade, and have widespread distributions and generalist diets. Through a citizen science project in South Australia, we collected naturally dropped feathers from four native Australian cockatoo (Cacatuidae) species: Galahs (Eolophus roseicapilla); and three Cacatua species; sulphur‐crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), little corellas (C. sanguinea) and long‐billed Corellas (C. tenuirostris). We compared isotope ratios of captive and wild birds and calculated the classification accuracy of using stable isotopes to determine origin. Stable isotope values were significantly different between captive and wild adult birds, where captive birds had significantly higher δ13C and δ15N than wild birds. Captive and wild origins of individual Eolophus could be classified with relatively high accuracy (88%). However, Cacatua showed low repeatability and large overlaps between the origin groups, which reduced their classification accuracy (74%). Stable isotope analysis can be a potential classification tool in wildlife trade; however, before on‐ground implementation, we recommend that variation from different diets across a species' geographical range be more thoroughly investigated to better understand and explain the full range of possible δ13C and δ15N values.