bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Care for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with Artificial Intelligence and Affective Computing
Authors: Garbey Marc , Lesport Quentin , Oztosun Gulsen , Ghodasara Veda , Kaminski Henry J. , Bayat Elham
Published: October 2024

Background: Patients with ALS often face difficulties expressing emotions due to impairments in facial expression, speech, body language, and cognitive function. This study aimed to develop non-invasive AI tools to detect and quantify emotional responsiveness in ALS patients, providing objective insights. Improved understanding of emotional responses could enhance patient-provider communication, telemedicine effectiveness, and clinical trial outcome measures. Methods: In this pilot study, fourteen patients with ALS had audio recordings performed during routine clinic visits while wearing a wireless pulse oximeter. Emotion-triggering questions related to symptom progression, breathing, mobility, feeding tube, and financial burden were randomly asked. The same questions were posed in separate psychiatric evaluations. Natural language processing (NLP) was used to analyze transcriptions, topic classifications, sentiment, and emotional states, combining pulse and speech data. AI-generated reports summarized the findings. Results: Pulse alterations consistent with emotional arousal were identified, with longer consultations and positive communication reducing pulse fluctuations. Financial concerns triggered the strongest emotional response, while discussions about breathing, mobility, and feeding tube increased anxiety. AI-generated reports prioritized patient concerns and streamlined documentation for providers. Conclusions: This study introduces a novel approach to linking pulse and speech analysis to evaluate emotional responses in ALS patients. AI and affective computing provide valuable insights into emotional states and disease progression, with potential applications for other neurological disorders. This approach could augment clinical trial outcomes by offering a more comprehensive view of patient well-being.
Post-COVID-Syndrome patients might overestimate own cognitive impairment
Authors: Wöhrstein Sofia , Matuz Tamara , Rötzer Lilli , Karnath Hans-Otto
Published: October 2024

After a COVID-19 infection, some patients experience long-term consequences known as Post-Covid Syndrome, which often includes cognitive impairment. We investigated the congruence between subjectively experienced and objectively measured cognitive deficits after a COVID-19 infection in an unselected, successively admitted cohort of 38 patients reporting subjective cognitive complaints (SCC). We employed a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery to assess objective cognitive impairment across various cognitive domains. Three different cut-off criteria were applied commonly used in the literature to define objective neurocognitive disorder (NCD). We observed a notably low congruence between SCC and NCD in Post-Covid Syndrome, regardless of the cut-off criterion. Depending on the cognitive domain, only 5% to maximally 36% of the SCC could be objectified. One possible explanation for this discrepancy could be the high rate of depressive symptoms observed in the group of patients studied, which may negatively influence the perception of own cognitive abilities. These findings emphasize the need for careful evaluation of SCC in Post-Covid Syndrome and suggest that treating depressive symptoms may also alleviate some of the perceived cognitive deficits.
Steroid hormone levels vary with sex, aging, lifestyle, and genetics
Authors: Deltourbe Léa G , Sugrue Jamie , Maloney Elizabeth , Dubois Florian , Jaquaniello Anthony , Bergstedt Jacob , Patin Etienne , Quintana-Murci Lluis , Ingersoll Molly A , Duffy Darragh ,   Milieu Intérieur Consortium
Published: October 2024

Steroid hormone levels vary greatly among individuals, between the sexes, with age, and across health and disease states. Nevertheless, what drives variance in steroid hormones and, globally, how steroid hormones vary in an individual over time are not well-studied. To address this fundamental gap in knowledge, we measured the levels of 17 steroid hormones in a sex-balanced cohort of 949 healthy donors ranging in age from 20-69 years. We investigated associations between steroid levels and biological sex, age, clinical and demographic data, genetics, and proteomics. Steroid hormone levels were strongly affected by biological sex and age as hypothesized, but also associated with a surprisingly high number of lifestyle habits. Key among our observations was the broad impact of hormonal birth control in female donors and the relationship with smoking in male donors. Using data collected from a 10-year follow-up of the cohort, we identified significant associations between steroid hormone levels and health status only in male donors. These observations provide a unique and comprehensive resource for steroid hormone level variance in healthy individuals and highlight biological and lifestyle parameters that can impact these levels. Our findings underly the importance of considering parameters, such as sex, age, and potentially gendered behaviors, in preventative health care and the treatment of hormone-related diseases.

One sentence summary

Circulating steroid hormone levels are influenced by biological sex, age, lifestyle behaviors, and host genetics.
The temporal copulatory patterns of female rat sexual behavior
Authors: Oyem John C. , Heijkoop Roy , Snoeren Eelke MS
Published: October 2024

Female sexual behavior is a naturally rewarding activity that plays an important role in reproduction and species survival. For female rats, regulating the timing of sexual interactions is essential for optimizing mating satisfaction and enhancing the physiological conditions needed for successful fertilization. So far, traditional research on female sexual behavior has relied on a limited set of behavioral parameters, which has certain shortcomings. To address this, our study aimed to develop a more detailed behavioral framework for assessing temporal copulatory patterns in female rats. We compared fully receptive females and less-receptive females, while also investigating the effects of (R)-(+)-8-OH-DPAT, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist known for its inhibitory impact on female sexual behavior. Additionally, we examined how sexual experience and pacing conditions influence these copulatory patterns. Our results revealed that female rats engage in structured patterns of sexual bouts and time-outs, with higher receptivity leading to more sexual bouts and shorter time-outs. This suggests that sexual bouts can be viewed as an indicator of copulatory intensity, while time-outs reflect motivation to continue mating. Sexual experience did not enhance sexual performance but did result in females receiving more copulatory events from males. Lastly, we found that the conditions under which mating occurs (paced vs. non-paced) may not significantly impact copulatory behavior in fully-receptive females but could be more relevant for less-receptive females. Despite this, paced mating conditions remain preferable for studying female sexual behavior.
Domain-selective and sex-dependent regulation of learning and memory in mice by GIRK channel activity in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the dorsal hippocampus
Authors: Luo Haichang , Frederick McKinzie , Marron Fernandez de Velasco Ezequiel , Oltmanns Jenna Osterlund , Wright Courtney , Wickman Kevin
Published: October 2024

G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+(GIRK) channels mediate the postsynaptic inhibitory effect of many neurotransmitters in the hippocampus and are implicated in neurological disorders characterized by cognitive deficits. Here, we show that enhancement or suppression of GIRK channel activity in dorsal CA1 pyramidal neurons disrupted novel object recognition in mice, without impacting open field activity or avoidance behavior. Contextual fear learning was also unaffected, but extinction of contextual fear was disrupted by suppression of GIRK channel activity in male mice. Thus, the strength of GIRK channel activity in dorsal CA1 pyramidal neurons regulates select cognitive task performance in mice.
Nonprojective Bell-state measurements
Authors: Wei Amanda , Cobucci Gabriele , Tavakoli Armin
Published: October 2024

The Bell-state measurement (BSM) is the projection of two qubits onto four orthogonal maximally entangled states. Here we first propose how to appropriately define more general BSMs, which have more than four possible outcomes, and then study whether they exist in quantum theory. We observe that nonprojective BSMs can be defined in a systematic way in terms of equiangular tight frames of maximally entangled states, i.e., a set of maximally entangled states, where every pair is equally, and in a sense maximally, distinguishable. We show that there exists a five-outcome BSM through an explicit construction and find that it admits a simple geometric representation. Then we prove that there exists no larger BSM on two qubits by showing that no six-outcome BSM is possible. We also determine the most distinguishable set of six equiangular maximally entangled states and show that it falls only somewhat short of forming a valid quantum measurement. Finally, we study the nonprojective BSM in the contexts of both local state discrimination and entanglement-assisted quantum communication. Our results put forward natural forms of nonprojective joint measurements and provide insight into the geometry of entangled quantum states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Propagation, dissipation, and breakdown in quantum anomalous Hall edge states probed by microwave edge plasmons
Authors: Röper Torsten , Thomas Hugo , Rosenbach Daniel , Uday Anjana , Lippertz Gertjan , Denis Anne , Morfin Pascal , Taskin Alexey A. , Ando Yoichi , Bocquillon Erwann
Published: October 2024

The quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect, with its single chiral, topologically protected edge state, offers a platform for flying Majorana states as well as nonreciprocal microwave devices. While recent research showed the nonreciprocity of edge plasmons in Cr-doped (BixSb1−x)2Te3, the understanding of their dissipation remains incomplete. Our study explores edge plasmon dissipation in V-doped (BixSb1−x)2Te3 films, analyzing microwave transmission across various conditions. We identify interactions with charge puddles as a primary source, providing insights critical for developing improved QAH-based technologies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Universal rapidity scaling of entanglement entropy inside hadrons from conformal invariance
Authors: Gürsoy Umut , Kharzeev Dmitri E. , Pedraza Juan F.
Published: October 2024

When a hadron is probed at high energy, a nontrivial quantum entanglement entropy inside the hadron emerges due to the lack of complete information about the hadron wave function extracted from this measurement. In the high-energy limit, the hadron becomes a maximally entangled state, with a linear dependence of entanglement entropy on rapidity, as has been found in a recent analysis based on parton description. In this paper, we use an effective conformal field theoretic description of hadrons on the light cone to show that the linear dependence of the entanglement entropy on rapidity found in parton description is a general consequence of approximate conformal invariance and does not depend on the assumption of weak coupling. Our result also provides further evidence for a duality between the parton and string descriptions of hadrons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mixing between flavor singlets in lattice gauge theories coupled to matter fields in multiple representations
Authors: Bennett Ed , Forzano Niccolò , Hong Deog Ki , Hsiao Ho , Lee Jong-Wan , Lin C.-J. David , Lucini Biagio , Piai Maurizio , Vadacchino Davide , Zierler Fabian
Published: October 2024

We provide the first extensive, numerical study of the nontrivial problem of mixing between flavor-singlet composite states emerging in strongly coupled lattice field theories with matter field content consisting of fermions transforming in different representations of the gauge group. The theory of interest is the minimal candidate for a composite Higgs model that also accommodates a mechanism for top partial compositeness: the Sp(4) gauge theory coupled to two (Dirac) fermions transforming as the fundamental and three as the two-index antisymmetric representation of the gauge group, respectively. We apply an admixture of APE smearing and Wuppertal smearings, as well as the generalized eigenvalue problem approach, to two-point functions involving flavor-singlet mesons, for ensembles having time extent longer than the space extent. We demonstrate that, in the region of lattice parameter space accessible to this study, both masses and mixing angles can be measured effectively, despite the presence of (numerically noisy) contributions from disconnected diagrams.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Renormalization of the nonprojectable Hořava theory
Authors: Bellorín Jorge , Bórquez Claudio , Droguett Byron
Published: October 2024

We present the proof of renormalization of the Hořava theory in the nonprojectable version. We obtain a form of the quantum action that exhibits a manifest Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin–symmetry structure. Previous analysis has shown that the divergences produced by irregular loops cancel completely between them. The remaining divergences are local. The renormalization is achieved by using the approach developed by Barvinsky with the background-field formalism.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Phenomenology of ultralight bosons around compact objects: In-medium suppression
Authors: Cannizzaro Enrico , Spieksma Thomas F. M.
Published: October 2024

Mixing between ultralight bosons and the Standard Model photon may allow access to the hitherto invisible Universe. In the presence of plasma, photons are dressed with an effective mass which will influence the conversion between the two. We study this phenomenon, known as , in the context of black hole physics. We consider both axion-photon mixing around charged black holes and dark photon-photon mixing around neutral black holes. We find that the presence of plasma indeed influences the conversion rate, possibly quenching it altogether for large plasma densities, and discuss implications for superradiance and observational signatures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hint to supersymmetry from the GR vacuum
Authors: Dvali Gia , Kobakhidze Archil , Sakhelashvili Otari
Published: October 2024

The S-matrix formulation of gravity suggests that the θ-vacuum structure must not be sustained by the theory. We point out that, when applied to the vacuum of general relativity, this criterion hints to supersymmetry. The topological susceptibility of gravitational vacuum induced by Eguchi-Hanson instantons can be eliminated neither by spin-1/2 fermions nor by an axion coupled via them since such fermions do not provide instanton zero modes. Instead, the job is done by a spin-3/2 fermion, hence realizing a local supersymmetry. This scenario also necessitates the spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry and predicts the existence of axion of R symmetry which gets mass exclusively from the gravitational instantons. The R axion can be a viable dark matter candidate. Matching between the index and the anomaly imposes a constraint that spin-1/2 fermions should not contribute to the chiral gravitational anomaly.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
All-Optical Control of Bubble and Skyrmion Breathing
Authors: Titze Tim , Koraltan Sabri , Schmidt Timo , Suess Dieter , Albrecht Manfred , Mathias Stefan , Steil Daniel
Published: October 2024

Controlling the dynamics of topologically protected spin objects by all-optical means promises enormous potential for future spintronic applications. Excitation of bubbles and skyrmions in ferrimagnetic [Fe(0.35  nm)/Gd(0.40  nm)]160 multilayers by ultrashort laser pulses leads to a periodic modulation of the core diameter of these spin objects, the so-called breathing mode. We demonstrate versatile amplitude and phase control of this breathing using a double excitation scheme, where the observed dynamics is controlled by the excitation delay. We gain insight into both the timescale on which the breathing mode is launched and the role of the spin object size on the dynamics. Our results demonstrate that ultrafast optical excitation allows for precise tuning of the spin dynamics of trivial and nontrivial spin objects, showing a possible control strategy in device applications.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Tuning Transduction from Hidden Observables to Optimize Information Harvesting
Authors: Nicoletti Giorgio , Busiello Daniel Maria
Published: October 2024

Biological and living organisms sense and process information from their surroundings, typically having access only to a subset of external observables for a limited amount of time. In this Letter, we uncover how biological systems can exploit these accessible degrees of freedom to transduce information from the inaccessible ones with a limited energy budget. We find that optimal transduction strategies may boost information harvesting over the ideal case in which all degrees of freedom are known, even when only finite-time trajectories are observed, at the price of higher dissipation. We apply our results to red blood cells, inferring the implemented transduction strategy from membrane flickering data and shedding light on the connection between mechanical stress and transduction efficiency. Our framework offers novel insights into the adaptive strategies of biological systems under nonequilibrium conditions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Phase transitions in quantum many-body scars
Authors: Larsen Peter Græns , Nielsen Anne E. B.
Published: October 2024

We propose a type of phase transition in quantum many-body systems that occurs in highly excited quantum many-body scar states while most of the spectrum is largely unaffected. Such scar-state phase transitions can be realized by embedding a matrix product state, known to undergo a phase transition, as a scar state into the thermal spectrum of a parent Hamiltonian. We find numerically that the mechanism for the scar-state phase transition involves the formation or presence of low-entropy states at energies similar to the scar state in the vicinity of the phase transition point.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A 25-micrometer Single-Photon-Sensitive Kinetic Inductance Detector
Authors: Day Peter K. , Cothard Nicholas F. , Albert Christopher , Foote Logan , Kane Elijah , Eom Byeong H. , Basu Thakur Ritoban , Janssen Reinier M. J. , Beyer Andrew , Echternach Pierre M. , van Berkel Sven , Hailey-Dunsheath Steven , Stevenson Thomas R. , Dabironezare Shahab , Baselmans Jochem J. A. , Glenn Jason , Bradford C. Matt , Leduc Henry G.
Published: October 2024

We report measurements characterizing the performance of a kinetic inductance detector array designed for a wavelength of 25 microns and very low optical background level suitable for applications such as a far-infrared instrument on a cryogenically cooled space telescope. In a pulse-counting mode of operation at low optical flux, the detectors can resolve individual 25-micron photons. In an integrating mode, the detectors remain photon noise limited over more than 6 orders of magnitude in absorbed power from 70 zW to 200 fW, with a limiting noise equivalent power of 4.6×10−20  W Hz−1 at 1 Hz. In addition, the detectors are highly stable with flat power spectra under optical load down to 1 mHz. Operational parameters of the detector are determined including the efficiency of conversion of the incident optical power into quasiparticles in the aluminum absorbing element and the quasiparticle self-recombination constant.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Robust Edge Flows in Swarming Bacterial Colonies
Authors: Li He , Chaté Hugues , Sano Masaki , Shi Xia-qing , Zhang H. P.
Published: October 2024

Understanding if and how the chirality of biomolecules is transferred across scales into larger components and active processes remains elusive. For instance, flagellated bacteria swim in helical trajectories but chirality seems absent from the active turbulence dynamics they display in dense suspensions. We address this question by examining multiscale dynamics in colonies. We find active turbulence without manifest chirality in the bulk, but wide, clockwise (viewed from the air side) circulation all along the tortuous centimeter-scale external boundary, while similar but counterclockwise flows follow internal boundaries. We trace the origin of these robust edge flows to an unexpected asymmetry at the individual level that is amplified by local interactions. We rationalize our findings with a model of noisy self-propelled particles immersed in a Stokes fluid that accounts faithfully for our observations. Our modeling and experimental efforts reveal that local nematic alignment and hydrodynamic interactions amplify the weak chiral bias in individual motion, promoting the formation of strong edge flows. The likely topological protection of these flows provides robust transport mechanism over large scales. Such robust boundary phenomena in weakly chiral active fluids may inspire new control strategies for active and biological matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Different forms of friendship: overseas and Indigenous students at the University of Melbourne, 1950–1960
Authors: Waghorne James
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The article examines the differences in the reception of international and Indigenous students to understand the challenges faced by the first students who identified as Indigenous, and to improve understanding of the 1950s, a pivotal decade in the development of university culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on archival sources and contemporary student magazines and newspapers, this article contrasts the attitudes towards international and Indigenous students at the University of Melbourne during the 1950s. It uses these populations to show that the idea of friendship specific to the populations of students and staff in the 20th century could both include and exclude groups within society.

Findings

The article shows that while students embraced the cultures of countries in Asia, and made friends with students who came to Australia to study, Indigenous students were less well received. This issue is explored in the context of the ongoing, earnest fundraising for scholarships for Indigenous students, and both the support and the backlash this engendered.

Research limitations/implications

The article focuses on the University of Melbourne, which established the Aboriginal Scholarships committee, and where the first Indigenous student graduated, but more work is needed to understand parallels elsewhere.

Practical implications

The article has implications for understanding the way in which university communities embrace outsiders and adapt to foreign cultures. It also sheds light on intolerance, informing approaches to respond to these issues today.

Social implications

The article reveals the many challenges faced by the first Indigenous students during the 1950s, the time when university education first became a priority. In this it helps to understand that the slow increase of numbers was not only caused by external factors but also originated within the academy.

Originality/value

This article makes a contribution to understanding the differences between the increasing acceptance in Australian universities of international students from Asia and the persistent resistance to accepting Indigenous Australian students.
Post-pandemic positions: new perspectives on international education and public diplomacy in Australia
Authors: Piccini Jon , Lowe David , Darian-Smith Kate , Oppenheimer Melanie
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In an era of internationalism, higher education and vocational training have been core to Australia’s nation-building, regional co-operation and public diplomacy. This essay examines what has become of the people-to-people aspect of Australia’s engagements in the Indo-Pacific region, as discussed in the Australian government’s influential White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century (2012). More recently, established patterns of international educational exchange, and their economic, social and cultural benefits, have been disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, shifting international relations and domestic politics, with consequences for international education and public diplomacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay introduces the scholarly context for a reappraisal of Australian histories of international education within the Indo-Pacific region since the mid-20th century, and the role of NGOs, academia and government in educational schemes and scholarships. It draws on an approach informed by international history, the history of education and diplomatic studies, to provide an overview of key themes and the past and present case studies discussed in the seven articles of this special journal issue.

Findings

The little-known histories of international education in Australia, and associated scholarship schemes, are important aspects of soft power or public diplomacy and the nation’s relations with the Indo-Pacific region. We argue that there needs to be greater acknowledgement of the vital role of these interpersonal interactions and the international organisations that facilitated such exchanges in histories of Australia’s internationalism and diplomacy. While Australian governments have initiated scholarship programmes, what is becoming clear is that understanding their significance for Australian–regional relationships demands a research focus on student expectations and experiences that often lay beyond government control.

Originality/value

This essay and the articles in this special issue offer new historic and current insights on international education policy and programmes and Australia’s diplomatic relations. Many of the highlighted case studies have not previously been analysed within this context, and fresh analysis makes an intervention into the field, revealing the complexities and limitations of international education and people-to-people relationships for Australia’s past and present connections with the Indo-Pacific region.
The role of Saudi women in advancing environmental sustainability: a case study of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aldosari Mubarak Saad
Published: October 2024

Purpose

A structured questionnaire was used in this study, which clarifies demographic, attitudinal and driver factors that influence their interest in environmental sustainability. The target population sampled in the study is predominantly teachers. They are aware of their influence in society but accept the necessity of expanding it beyond this professional group.

Design/methodology/approach

This research analyses the attitudes, barriers and prospects of 154 Saudi women in Riyadh, who are mostly educators, aged between 18 and 58, in Saudi Arabia towards implementing environmental sustainability.

Findings

The analysis delves into the role that higher education (76.0% with a bachelor’s, 22.0% with a master’s or doctoral degree) plays in environmental consciousness. Correlation results suggest that there is a significant connection between active engagement and personal barriers, benefits for future generations and perceived demand for improved environmental education. The study indicates diverging opinions on different aspects and a lack of interest in collaboration. The results of the correlation analysis support relationships between women’s contributions to environmental sustainability and policy changes, which also suggest the need for subtle interpretations. There are also priorities like increasing the scope of involvement, improving policymakers' understanding of factors affecting women’s participation and developing holistic initiatives that address roles in greater detail.

Originality/value

This study’s distinctive contribution resides in its correlation analysis, which uncovers associations between women’s contributions, policy changes and the requirement for subtle interpretations. This underscores the importance of comprehensive initiatives and increased participation.
Embracing methodological evolution and diversity in logistics and supply chain management research
Authors: Russo Ivan , Confente Ilenia , Holmström Jan , Öhman Mikael , Tokar Travis
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to highlight the significance of advancing research methodologies in logistics, operations and supply chain management. It seeks to expand the scope of research questions and explore areas previously constrained by traditional methodological approaches, thereby enhancing the exploration of complex, real-world business issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary introduces and discusses the special issue on “Advances in Research Methodologies for Logistics and Supply Chain Management,” exploring methodological innovations, diversity and their potential to address complex business and disciplinary challenges. The commentary assesses a broad spectrum of methodologies, ranging from traditional qualitative and quantitative approaches to overlooked methods such as qualitative comparative analysis, netnography, design science, Bayesian networks, machine learning and repertory grid technique. This diverse methodological approach enables a comprehensive examination of emerging and ongoing challenges in the supply chain. In the final summary section, we highlight additional areas of research method innovation not covered in this special issue, offering a broader perspective on future directions for methodological advancements in SCM research.

Findings

The findings suggest that integrating less explored methodologies from various disciplines encourages a richer, multi-level analysis of the supply chain management landscape. This integration facilitates a deeper understanding of emerging challenges, such as geopolitical issues, global supply chain disruptions and the integration of new technologies. Additionally, the exploration of ‘white space' in research methodologies indicates significant potential for discovering new insights that bridge practical problems with theoretical contributions.

Originality/value

The value of this methodological diversity extends beyond academic enrichment. It catalyzes the generation of innovative insights crucial for business practitioners, policymakers, consultants and academics. By adopting varied research designs and methodologies, the research note can offer a broader spectrum of analytical perspectives, crucial for uncovering nuanced insights into complex, cross-cultural and relationship-based dynamics in supply chain research.
The intermix of affect, perception and familism in African American financial well-being
Authors: Young John H.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Given that African Americans are at the bottom of household income, understanding how individuals can improve their financial well-being is critical. Cultural background influences family financial socialization processes, with cultural values shaping family roles and communication patterns. This study explores African Americans’ financial well-being by examining how the intermix of affect, perception and familism influences financial intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes the value–attitude–behavior hierarchy, the impact of subjective financial knowledge on financial behaviors and perceived behavioral control among African Americans. The research sample comprised 346 African Americans of a broad range of ages. A partial least squares structural equation model (SmartPLS 3) was used for the analysis.

Findings

The study found a positive and significant influence of the cultural value of familism on financial attitudes, consistent with previous studies. The influence of the cultural value of familism on financial well-being through financial attitudes without further mediation was found to be positive but insignificant. The influence of the cultural value of familism on perceived control was shown to have an insignificant impact on financial well-being, which is inconsistent with previous literature on the value–attitude–behavior hierarchy; this is particularly relevant among African Americans.

Originality/value

The findings illustrate the importance of the positive impact of interpersonal family relationships on actual financial behaviors (intentions), allowing individuals to improve their financial situations. However, subjective financial knowledge lacks significance when mediated through the influence of financial intentions on financial well-being.
A history of visual merchandising and American firearms
Authors: Witkowski Terrence H.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This article presents a history of the visual merchandising of American firearms from the mid-19th century until the present day. Although the scholarly literature has investigated visual representations of guns in advertising and popular media, it has paid far less attention to how sellers have displayed these objects at or near the point of purchase.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary sources include frescoes, engravings and photographs, plus papers, advertising and illustrations in popular newspapers and trade magazines. These and other period visual data are supplemented by secondary sources from a variety of fields, especially retailing and firearms history.

Findings

Evidence shows that American firearms were merchandised visually by Samuel Colt at three world expositions in the 1850s, by gunmakers and retailers in the latter 19th century, by Winchester and Remington dealers in the 1920s and 1930s, by high- and low-end retailers in New York in the first half of the 20th century and by gun stores, auctions and shows up to the present day.

Originality/value

The history of visual merchandising generally has focused upon major department stores, their alluring street-front windows and their fancy interior displays. This research explores past and present visual merchandising of firearms by manufacturers and smaller retailers. To the best of the author’s knowledge, it is the first such history of the subject.
Innovative horizons: the role of cultural intelligence in encouraging constructive deviance and the mediating role of employee engagement in hotels
Authors: Bukhari Shazia , Abas Basit , Farrukh Muhammad , Zargar Safura Muzaffar
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of cultural intelligence on employee engagement and constructive deviant behavior in the workplace. It also captures the moderating role of organizational support in the relationship between employee engagement and constructive deviance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a questionnaire (n = 416) from hotel industry employees using a convenience sampling approach. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results suggest that cultural intelligence has a significant positive relationship with constructive deviance, and employee engagement also mediates this relationship between cultural intelligence and constructive deviance.

Practical implications

Drawing on the findings of this study, we offer several practical implications for practitioners. We suggest that organizations should invest in training programs that may help employees increase their knowledge, skills and attitudes toward different cultures; in doing so, employees may develop a sense of inclusivity and appreciation for diverse cultures.

Originality/value

First, by concentrating on those working in the hotel industry, this study offers a more effective explanatory perspective on the social cognitive theory for future research. Second, this study explored hotel workers' constructive deviations, particularly in non-Western contexts.
An environmental mitigation behavior model predicting waste reduction among young coastal tourists in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Abdulla Al-Towfiq
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to develop an environmental mitigation behavior model (EMBM) for predicting waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists in Bangladesh by modifying and extending the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

The research has been administered by applying mixed method (both qualitative and quantitative), where study-1(qualitative) identifies factors, study-2 (quantitative) verifies factors by employing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) approach, and study-3 confirms factors influencing waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists by employing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Study-2 collects 385 valid responses and analyzes by applying the principal component analysis (PCA) technique with the Varimax rotation method by using SPSS-v25, and Study-3 collects 501 valid responses and analyzes by partial least structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique, using Smart PLS3.3.3.

Findings

The study findings have revealed that waste reduction intention and perceived ecological balance significantly influence waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists in Bangladesh. Further, waste reduction intention is significantly predicted by mitigation attitude, resource conservation norms and environmental perceptions. Furthermore, environmental ethics significantly affects mitigation attitudes and resource conservation norms.

Practical implications

The study offers several insightful implications (e.g. incentives, charging fines, environmental awareness-related knowledge-based campaign, etc.) for policymakers and industry operators, which may be a dynamic cost-effective mechanism for reducing waste at coastal tourism destinations in Bangladesh as well as in the world.

Originality/value

This study addresses the need for developing a model that can explain waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists in Bangladesh, and thus, the study uniquely postulates the theory of environmental mitigation behavior for predicting waste reduction behaviors by modifying and extending the TPB.
From knowledge to profit: business reputation as a mediator in the impact of green intellectual capital on business performance
Authors: Anser Muhammad Khalid , Naeem Muhammad , Ali Shoukat , Huizhen Wang , Farooq Sumair
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to support the green movement and improve corporate performance by focusing on green intellectual capital and its various components (e.g. green human capital, green structural capital and green relational capital). Furthermore, this study looks into the impact of business reputation in mediating the link between green intellectual capital qualities and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain data from the target population, this study employed quantitative techniques and a survey approach for data collection from respondents (managers and employees) of firms. The final sample size was 255.

Findings

According to structural equation modeling green human capital, green structural capital and green relational capital all have a positive and statistically significant impact on organizational performance. Furthermore, the study shows that a company’s reputation plays an important role in mediating the relationship between the green intellectual capital component and business performance. These findings are confirmed by the natural resource-based perspective theory. This shows that developing green intellectual capital and promoting a green environment increases a company’s reputation among stakeholders, which promotes organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s findings will help policymakers and administrators better understand the role of green intellectual capital in business reputation and performance. Based on empirical data, the study would contribute to the management, environmental science and performance literature.

Originality/value

To the best of the researcher's knowledge, this is the first study to apply the natural resource-based view theory and to consider corporate reputation as a mediator between green intellectual capital and business success.
Innovation capability as a mediator of the relation between talent management and entrepreneurial firm performance
Authors: Panya Fuangfa , Petchsawang Pawinee
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The study aims to investigate innovation capability as a mediator in the relationship between talent management (TM) and entrepreneurial firm performance in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Thailand based on employer perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was completed by 674 MSMEs in Thailand, both directly and online. Four hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The results demonstrated that TM has a significant and positive influence on innovation capability, but no evidence was found for a positive relationship between TM and entrepreneurial firm performance. However, innovation capability positively influences entrepreneurial firm performance, and it fully mediates the positive relationship between TM and entrepreneurial firm performance. These results suggest that TM can enhance entrepreneurial firm performance if it is implemented with effective innovation capability.

Research limitations/implications

The SEM model was employed with a limited number of enterprises, so the sample cannot represent the full population, as there are more than three million MSMEs in Thailand. More countries and factors should be incorporated into the model.

Practical implications

The owner-managers and HR practitioners of MSMEs can utilise the study results to develop talent strategies and innovative interventions that will enhance their firm’s performance.

Social implications

This study thus aims to strengthen the capacities of MSME entrepreneurs and policymakers to elevate inclusive innovation capability in MSMEs and to also accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); innovation is one of the three important aspects of SDG9.

Originality/value

The study contributes by filling the research gap related to TM in the MSME business and enterprise development literature, and it aids in creating innovation capability to increase effective investments in TM.
Constructing and co-authoring controller’s practice through cloud technologies: the case of IKEA Italy
Authors: Cinquini Lino , Leotta Antonio , Rizza Carmela , Ruggeri Daniela , Tenucci Andrea , Messina Mariastella
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the controller’s practice is constructed through the use of cloud technologies. Thus, the authors explore the possibilities that cloud technologies offer and how, through these technologies, actors can co-author a process that leads them to relate themselves to the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt pragmatic constructivism to investigate the construction of the controller’s practice through cloud technologies. Drilling down to a single case study, they chose two IKEA stores in Italy to ascertain, through interviews, how the controller’s practice has changed since switching to a cloud-based information management platform.

Findings

This case evidence sheds light on how cloud technologies help to construct the controller’s practice. Managers' interactions are now partly governed and partly supported by information in the cloud. Workers can collect and share data, promoting knowledge production at a range of organisational levels.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to studies on the hybrid nature of management control practice. The authors underline how using cloud technologies helps to construct controller’s practice. More specifically, using cloud technologies allows the controller to orchestrate a co-authoring process through which managers integrate facts, possibilities, values and communication to form a functioning construct causality. Overall, the result is better support for decision-making.
Numerical simulation of thermal and stress fields for multilayer and multi-pass weaving WAAM of magnesium alloy
Authors: Zhang Fan , Shen Junqi , Hu Shengsun , Geng Hui , Wang Shunxing
Published: October 2024

Purpose

A 3D finite element (FE) model based on the double ellipsoidal heat source was developed to investigate the evolution of temperature and stress fields during the multilayer and multi-pass wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process. This paper aims to investigate the evolution of temperature and stress fields during the multilayer and multi-pass wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process by developing a 3D finite element (FE) model based on the double ellipsoidal heat source.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental thermal cycle curves and residual stresses were obtained by thermocouples and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The validity of the model was verified by the corresponding experimental results.

Findings

The deposition process of the upper pass led to the partial remelting of the lower deposited pass. The thermal process of the current-deposited pass alleviated the stress concentration in the previous-formed passes. A more uniform temperature distribution could be obtained by using the reciprocating deposition path. Compared to the reciprocating deposition path, the peak values of the transverse and longitudinal tensile residual stresses of the deposited sample under the unidirectional deposition path were reduced by 15 MPa and increased by 13 MPa, respectively. The heat conduction in the deposited passes could be improved by extending the inter-pass cooling time appropriately. With an increase in the inter-pass cooling time, the longitudinal residual stress in the middle region of sample along longitudinal and transverse directions showed increase and decrease–increase trends, respectively, while the transverse residual stress exhibited decrease trend.

Originality/value

This study enhances the understanding of temperature and stress fields evolution during the multilayer and multi-pass cold metal transfer-WAAM processes of magnesium alloy and provides the reference for parameter optimization.
Innovative approaches to social impact measurement: a focus on the potential of artificial intelligence solutions
Authors: Abad-Itoiz Nerea , Solórzano-García Marta , Hernández-Marí Daniel
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The existing literature highlights challenges in measuring social impact within social and solidarity economy organisations, particularly regarding the social return on investment (SROI) methodology. This paper aims to address the barriers to SROI implementation while exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the measurement of social impact.

Design/methodology/approach

This review-based paper synthesises research on SROI methodology limitations and recent AI developments while focusing on ethical considerations. Drawing from these domains, the study constructs a conceptual framework to guide future research.

Findings

The study identifies necessary enhancements to existing AI systems for social impact measurement and explores how advances in generative AI could refine current tools and address SROI constraints. It advocates for open AI models to address ethical concerns.

Originality/value

This study pioneers the integration of social impact assessment and AI, an innovative intersection in the academic literature. The growing disparity between academia and the rapidly evolving AI industry is highlighted and scholarly discourse is enriched through theoretical deliberations and innovative technological solutions.