bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Lipids as Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis: A Multi-cohort, Multi-omics Data Integration Analysis
Authors: Tien Nguyen Tran Nam , Yen Nguyen Thi Hai , Phat Nguyen Ky , Anh Nguyen Ky , Thu Nguyen Quang , Dinh Hoa Vu , Eunsu Cho , Kim Ho-Sook , Nguyen Duc Ninh , Kim Dong Hyun , Oh Jee Youn , Long Nguyen Phuoc
Published: August 2024

Background

Circulating immunometabolic biomarkers show promise for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of tuberculosis (TB). However, biomarkers that can distinguish TB from nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and other lung diseases (ODx) have not been elucidated. This study utilized a multi-cohort, multi-omics approach combined with predictive modeling to identify, validate, and prioritize biomarkers for the diagnosis of active TB.

Methods

Functional omics data were collected from two discovery cohorts (76 patients in the TB-NTM cohort and 72 patients in the TB-LTBI-ODx cohort) and one validation cohort (68 TB patients and 30 LTBI patients). An integrative multi-omics analysis was performed to identify the plasma multi-ome biosignatures. Machine learning-based predictive modeling was then applied to assess the performance of these biosignatures and prioritize the most promising candidates.

Results

Conventional statistical analyses of immune profiling and metabolomics indicated minor differences between active TB and non-TB groups, whereas the lipidome showed significant alteration. Muti-omics integrative analysis identified three multi-ome biosignatures that could distinguish active TB from non-TB with promising performance, achieving area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of 0.7–0.9 across groups in both the discovery and validation cohorts. The lipid PC(14:0_22:6) emerged as the most important predictor for differentiating active TB from non-TB controls, consistently presenting at lower levels in the active TB group compared with counterparts. Further validation using two independent external datasets demonstrated AUCs of 0.77–1.00, confirming the biomarkers’ efficacy in distinguishing TB from other non-TB groups.

Conclusion

Our integrative multi-omics reveals significant immunometabolic alteration in TB. Predictive modeling suggests lipids as promising biomarkers for TB-NTM differential diagnosis and TB-LTBI-ODx diagnosis. External validation further indicates PC(14:0_22:6) as a potential diagnostic marker candidate for TB.

Our multi-cohort, multi-omics data integration and predictive modeling identified reliable biomarkers and highlighted the importance of circulating lipids for distinguishing tuberculosis (TB) from complex conditions with similar clinical manifestations, latent infections, and healthy individuals.
Replicating a COVID-19 study in a national England database to assess the generalisability of research with regional electronic health record data
Authors: Williams Richard , Jenkins David , Bolton Thomas , Heald Adrian , Mizani Mehrdad A , Sperrin Matthew , Peek Niels
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To assess the degree to which we can replicate a study between a regional and a national database of electronic health record data in the United Kingdom.

Design

A replication of a retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Observational EHR data from primary and secondary care sources in the UK. The original study used data from a large, urbanised region (Greater Manchester Care Record, Greater Manchester, UK). This replication study used a national database covering the whole of England, UK (NHS England’s Secure Data Environment service for England, accessed via the BHF Data Science Centre’s CVD-COVID-UK/COVID-IMPACT Consortium).

Participants

Individuals with a diagnosis of T1D or T2D prior to a positive COVID-19 test result. The matched controls (3:1) were individuals who had a positive COVID-19 test result, but who did not have a diagnosis of diabetes on the date of their positive COVID-19 test result. Matching was done on age at COVID-19 diagnosis, sex and approximate date of COVID-19 test.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Hospitalization within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test.

Results

We found that many of the effect sizes did not show a statistically significant difference. Where effect sizes were statistically significant in the regional study, then they remained significant in the national study and the effect size was the same direction and of similar magnitude.

Conclusions

There is some evidence that the findings from studies in smaller regional datasets can be extrapolated to a larger, national setting. However, there were some significant differences and therefore replication studies remain an essential part of healthcare research.

Strengths and limitations of this study

The same team performed the original study and this replication study

The underlying data sources, while similar, had differences that may have affected the results

The focus of replication was a single outcome for a single condition and may not generalise to other disease areas
Study of the isoscalar scalar
bcu¯d¯
tetraquark
Tbc
with lattice QCD
Authors: Radhakrishnan Archana , Padmanath M. , Mathur Nilmani
Published: August 2024

We present a lattice QCD study of the elastic S-wave DB¯ scattering in search of tetraquark candidates with explicitly exotic flavor content bcu¯d¯ in the isospin I=0 and JP=0+ channel. We use four lattice QCD ensembles with dynamical u/d, s, and c quark fields generated by the MILC collaboration. A nonrelativistic QCD Hamiltonian, including improvement coefficients up to O(αsv4), is utilized for the bottom quarks. For the rest of the valence quarks we employ a relativistic overlap action. Five different valence quark masses are utilized to study the light quark mass dependence of the DB¯ scattering amplitude. The finite volume energy spectra are extracted following a variational approach. The elastic DB¯ scattering amplitudes are extracted employing Lüscher’s prescription. The light quark mass dependence of the continuum extrapolated amplitudes suggests an attractive interaction between the B¯ and D mesons. At the physical pseudoscalar meson mass (Mps=Mπ) the DB¯ scattering amplitude has a subthreshold pole corresponding to a binding energy of −39(−6+4)(−18+8)  MeV with respect to the DB¯ threshold. The critical Mps at which the DB¯ scattering length diverges and the system becomes unbound corresponds to Mps*=2.94(15)(5)  GeV. This result can hold significant experimental relevance in the search for a bound scalar Tbc tetraquark, which could well be the next “doubly heavy” bound tetraquark to be discovered with only weak decay modes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Constraining
νSMEFT
coefficients: The case of the extra
U(1)′
Authors: Colangelo Pietro , De Fazio Fulvia , Loparco Francesco , Losacco Nicola
Published: August 2024

We study the constraints on low-energy coefficients of the νSMEFT generalization of the Standard Model effective theory in the simple case of a U(1)′ enlargement of the Standard Model gauge group. In particular, we analyze the constraints imposed by the requirement that the extended theory remains free of gauge anomalies. We present the cases of explicit realizations, showing the obtained correlations among the coefficients of d=6 operators.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Leading order track functions in a hot and dense QGP
Authors: Barata João , Szafron Robert
Published: August 2024

We study the modifications to the fragmentation pattern of partons into charged particles in the presence of a hot and dense quark gluon plasma. To this end, we analyze the perturbative renormalization group equations of the track functions, which describe the energy fraction carried by charged hadrons. Focusing on pure Yang-Mills theory, we compute the lowest-order moments of the medium-modified track functions, which are found to be sensitive to the reduced phase space for emissions in the medium and to energy loss. We use the extracted moments to calculate the energy energy correlator (EEC) on tracks in the collinear limit. The EEC on medium-evolved tracks does not differ qualitatively from the EEC on vacuum tracks despite being sensitive to the color decoherence transition and suppressing the distribution due to quenching, as seen in other jet observables.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigating and improving student understanding of the basics of quantum computing
Authors: Hu Peter , Li Yangqiuting , Singh Chandralekha
Published: August 2024

Quantum information science and engineering (QISE) is a rapidly developing field that leverages the skills of experts from many disciplines to utilize the potential of quantum systems in a variety of applications. It requires talent from a wide variety of traditional fields, including physics, engineering, chemistry, and computer science, to name a few. To prepare students for such opportunities, it is important to give them a strong foundation in the basics of QISE, in which quantum computing plays a central role. In this study, we discuss the development, validation, and evaluation of a Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial, on the basics and applications of quantum computing. These include an overview of key quantum mechanical concepts relevant to quantum computation (including ways a quantum computer is different from a classical computer), properties of single- and multiqubit systems, and the basics of single-qubit quantum gates. The tutorial uses guided inquiry-based teaching-learning sequences. Its development and validation involved conducting cognitive task analysis from both expert and student perspectives and using common student difficulties as a guide. For example, before engaging with the tutorial, after traditional lecture-based instruction, one reasoning primitive that was common in student responses is that a major difference between an N-bit classical and N-qubit quantum computer is that various things associated with a number N for a classical computer should be replaced with the number 2N for a quantum computer (e.g., 2N qubits must be initialized and 2N bits of information are obtained as the output of the computation on the quantum computer). This type of reasoning primitive also led many students to incorrectly think that there are only N distinctly different states available when computation takes place on a classical computer. Research suggests that this type of reasoning primitive has its origins in students learning that quantum computers can provide exponential advantage for certain problems, e.g., Shor’s algorithm for factoring products of large prime numbers, and that the quantum state during the computation can be in a superposition of 2N linearly independent states. The inquiry-based learning sequences in the tutorial provide scaffolding support to help students develop a functional understanding. The final version of the validated tutorial was implemented in two distinct courses offered by the physics department with slightly different student populations and broader course goals. Students’ understanding was evaluated after traditional lecture-based instruction on the requisite concepts and again after engaging with the tutorial. We analyze and discuss their improvement in performance on concepts covered in the tutorial.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Area normalization of HERFD-XANES spectra
Authors: Bugarin Luca , Suarez Orduz Hugo Alexander , Glatzel Pieter
Published: August 2024

The normalization of X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra is required for comparing spectral features and extracting quantitative information in analytical techniques such as linear combination analysis, principal component analysis and multivariate curve resolution. Most published data are normalized to the edge-jump, but normalization to the spectral area has also been applied. The latter is particularly attractive if only a small energy range around the absorption can be recorded reliably. Here, the two normalization methods are compared at the L
3-edge of Pt, Pd and Rh, and at the Ni K-edge using experimental and calculated spectra. Normalization to the spectral area is found to be a viable approach if the range for the area normalization is sufficiently large.
In situ characterization of stresses, deformation and fracture of thin films using transmission X-ray nanodiffraction microscopy. Corrigendum
Authors: Lotze Gudrun , Iyer Anand H. S. , Bäcke Olof , Kalbfleisch Sebastian , Colliander Magnus Hörnqvist
Published: August 2024

Errors in variable subscripts, equations and Fig. 8 in Section 3.2 of the article by Lotze et al. [(2024). J. Synchrotron Rad.
31, 42–52] are corrected.
[SnF(bipy)(H2O)]2[SnF6], a mixed-valent inorganic tin(II)–tin(IV) compound
Authors: Röwekamp-Krugley Natalia , Reuter Hans
Published: August 2024

In the title compound, bis[aqua(2,2′-bipyridine)fluoridotin(II)] hexafluoridotin(IV), [SnF(C10H8N2)(H2O)]2[SnF6], an ionic mixed-valent tin(II)–tin(IV) compound, the bivalent tin atom is the center atom of the cation and the tetravalent tin atom is the center atom of the anion. With respect to the first coordination sphere, the cation is monomeric, with the tin(II) atom having a fourfold seesaw coordination with a fluorine atom in an equatorial position, a water molecule in an axial position and the two nitrogen atoms of the chelating 2,2′-bipyridine ligand in the remaining axial and equatorial positions. The bond lengths and angles of this hypervalent first coordination sphere are described by 2c–2e and 3c–4e bonds, respectively, all of which are based on the orthogonal 5p orbitals of the tin atom. In the second coordination sphere, which is based on an additional, very long tin–fluorine bond that leads to dimerization of the cation, the tin atom is trapezoidal–pyramidally coordinated. The tetravalent tin atom of the centrosymmetric anion has an octahedral coordination. The differences in its tin–fluorine bond lengths are attributed to hydrogen bonding, as the two of the four fluorine atoms are each involved in two hydrogen bonds, linking anions and cations together to form strands.
Multi-objective parameter matching of elastic ring for rotor system by using particle swarm optimization method
Authors: Sun Kai , Luo Zhong , Li Lei , Wu Fayong , Wu Xuanrui
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Elastic rings served as the elastic supporting elements which have been extensively used in the aeroengines for maneuverable planes with high overloading. However, under extreme conditions, the elastic ring contacts the bearing seat, causing elastic ring failure. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the matching parameters of the elastic ring in order to suppress the occurrence of elastic ring failure under harsh working conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a rotor system supported by elastic rings is researched and a multi-objective parameter matching method of elastic ring is proposed, considering the elastic ring failure, rotor system’s frequency forbidden zone and rotor system’s dynamic response. Then, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to dynamically constrain the parameter matching space and obtain the ideal solution for the elastic ring parameter matching.

Findings

By analyzing the elastic ring’s matching results (different unbalanced forces and disk masses), the relationship between the trend of Pareto front changes and rotor system parameters is studied. In addition, the rotor system’s dynamic characteristics before and after parameter matching are analyzed.

Originality/value

This article provides guidance for the design of elastic rings by matching the parameters of elastic rings.
Characterization, impact and wear properties of treated and as-received graphene nanosheets reinforcement in epoxy resin composites
Authors: Jazaa Yosef
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the enhancement of mechanical properties in epoxy resin composites through the incorporation of graphene nanoparticles, focusing on their impact and wear resistance. It investigates the role of graphene, both treated and untreated, as a reinforcing agent in composites, highlighting the significance of nanoparticle dispersion and surfactant treatment in optimizing mechanical performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a novel dispersion technique using a drawing brush, this research contrasts with traditional methods by examining the effects of graphene nanoparticle concentrations treated with surfactants – Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Sulphonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde (SNF) – on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites. The methodology includes conducting a series of impact and wear tests to assess the influence of graphene reinforcement on the composites' performance.

Findings

The findings reveal a marked enhancement in the composites impact resistance and energy absorption capabilities, which escalate with an increase in graphene content. Additionally, the study demonstrates a significant improvement in wear resistance, attributed to the superior mechanical properties, robust interface adhesion and effective dispersion of graphene. The use of surfactants for graphene treatment is identified as a crucial factor in these advancements, offering profound insights into the development of advanced composite materials for diverse industrial uses.

Originality/value

This study introduces a unique dispersion technique for graphene in epoxy composites, setting it apart from conventional methods. By focusing on the critical role of surfactant treatment in enhancing the mechanical properties of graphene-reinforced composites, it provides a novel insight into the optimization of impact and wear resistance.
Quantitative analysis of the relationship between expressing gratitude and forgiveness and user sentiment on social media
Authors: Hitl Mateo , Greb Nikola , Bagić Babac Marina
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how expressing gratitude and forgiveness on social media platforms relates to the overall sentiment of users, aiming to understand the impact of these expressions on social media interactions and individual well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypothesis posits that users who frequently express gratitude or forgiveness will exhibit more positive sentiment in all posts during the observed period, compared to those who express these emotions less often. To test the hypothesis, sentiment analysis and statistical inference will be used. Additionally, topic modelling algorithms will be used to identify and assess the correlation between expressing gratitude and forgiveness and various topics.

Findings

This research paper explores the relationship between expressing gratitude and forgiveness in X (formerly known as Twitter) posts and the overall sentiment of user posts. The findings suggest correlations between expressing these emotions and the overall tone of social media content. The findings of this study can inform future research on how expressing gratitude and forgiveness can affect online sentiment and communication.

Originality/value

The authors have demonstrated that social media users who frequently express gratitude or forgiveness over an extended period of time exhibit a more positive sentiment compared to those who express these emotions less. Additionally, the authors observed that BERTopic modelling analysis performs better than latent dirichlet allocation and Top2Vec modelling analyses when analysing short messages from social media. This research, through the application of innovative techniques and the confirmation of previous theoretical findings, paves the way for further studies in the fields of positive psychology and machine learning.
Aircraft ice accretion prediction based on geometrical constraints enhancement neural networks
Authors: Suo Wei , Sun Xuxiang , Zhang Weiwei , Yi Xian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish a novel airfoil icing prediction model using deep learning with geometrical constraints, called geometrical constraints enhancement neural networks, to improve the prediction accuracy compared to the non-geometrical constraints model.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is developed with flight velocity, ambient temperature, liquid water content, median volumetric diameter and icing time taken as inputs and icing thickness given as outputs. To enhance the icing prediction accuracy, the model involves geometrical constraints into the loss function. Then the model is trained according to icing samples of 2D NACA0012 airfoil acquired by numerical simulation.

Findings

The results show that the involvement of geometrical constraints effectively enhances the prediction accuracy of ice shape, by weakening the appearance of fluctuation features. After training, the airfoil icing prediction model can be used for quickly predicting airfoil icing.

Originality/value

This work involves geometrical constraints in airfoil icing prediction model. The proposed model has reasonable capability in the fast assessment of aircraft icing.
Lean sustainability and triple bottom line performance of manufacturing industries in a developing economy: does top management commitment matter?
Authors: Opoku Richard Kofi , Issifu Ramatu , Ofori Daniel , Wafa Sania , Asiedu Alfred
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Although literature abounds on lean sustainability (LS), its contributions to manufacturing industries’ triple bottom line performance (TBLP) through top management commitment (TMC) remain scanty. This research explores the mediating role of TMC in the nexus between LS and TBLP.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the study’s quantitative focus, the causal design was utilised. The structured questionnaire, a survey instrument, was used to gather primary data from 285 manufacturing organisations in Ghana, a developing country. Data analysis was done with structural equation modelling.

Findings

It was found that LS and TMC positively influence TBLP, whereas TMC partially mediates the connection between LS and TBLP of Ghanaian manufacturing organisations.

Research limitations/implications

The study concentrates on Ghana’s manufacturing industry and embraces the stakeholder theory and quantitative methods.

Practical implications

This research underlines why top managers must prioritise investment in LS to promote sustainable development and attain their organisations’ TBLP targets. The study also provides key insights for top managers to consistently commit enormous resources towards developing lean practices, contributing favourably to TBLP. By establishing the interplay among LS, TMC and TBLP, manufacturing practitioners and researchers can further advance new strategies to address the growing sustainability concerns and achieve higher economic, social and environmental performance.

Originality/value

The study’s originality lies in analysing the mediation effect of TMC on the linkage between LS and TBLP in a developing economy where manufacturing organisations are continuously exposed to resource and waste management problems and lack adequate commitments from top managers towards sustainability initiatives. It is also the first to establish relationships between top management commitment and TBLP in the manufacturing industries of developing economies, concentrating on Ghana.
On sensitivity analysis of the fundamental frequency of cracked fiber metal laminated (FML) beams using experimental survey and finite element method
Authors: Salmalian Kaveh , Alijani Ali , Ramezannejad Azarboni Habib
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In this research, the free vibration sensitivity analysis of cracked fiber metal laminated (FML) beams is investigated numerically and experimentally. The effects of single and double cracks on the frequency of the cantilever beams are simulated using the finite element method (FEM) and compared to the experimental results.

Design/methodology/approach

In FEM analysis, the crack defect is simulated by the contour integral technique without considering the crack growth. The specimens are fabricated with an aluminum sheet, woven carbon fiber and epoxy resin. The FML specimens are constructed by bonding five layers as [carbon fiber-epoxy/Al/carbon fiber-epoxy/Al/carbon fiber-epoxy]. First, the location and length of cracks are considered input factors for the frequency sensitivity analysis. Then, the design of the experiment is produced in the cases of single and double cracks to compute the frequency of the beams in the first and second modes using the FEM. The mechanical shaker is used to determine the natural frequency of the specimens. In addition, the predicted response values of the frequency for the beam are used to compare with the experimental results.

Findings

Consequently, the results of the sensitivity analysis demonstrate that the location and length of the crack have significant effects on the modes.

Originality/value

Effective interaction diagrams are introduced to investigate crack detection for input factors, including the location and length of cracks in the cases of single and double cracks.
The effect of corporate social responsibility hybridity on firm performance: moderating role of aspirational talk
Authors: Yuan Ruizhi , Liu Martin J. , Qian Lixian , Chen Yuhuilin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study explores a novel conception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) hybridity and investigates its effect on returns following CSR announcements and the moderating role of aspirational CSR talk.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an event study of 136 Chinese companies’ CSR announcements, this study empirically insights into an overall tension between the short-term firm performance (FP) loss and medium-term FP success of CSR hybridity.

Findings

First, CSR hybridity has a negative impact on short-term FP. Second, although there is positive effect on medium-term FP, this influence is not permanent. Third, aspirational CSR talk has a moderating role on the positive relationship between CSR hybridity and FP. These results point to the unique features of hybridity that require time to diffuse the impacts.

Originality/value

First, by adopting new concept of CSR hybridity, this study contributes to the literature by considering better solutions to integrate strategic CSR. Second, by investigating the complexity of the CSR hybridity–FP dialogue, the results provide insights into the questions of why and when organizations could be incentivized to adopt hybrid CSR approaches. Third, this study contributes to the CSR–FP and stakeholder literature by demonstrating that aspirational talk is key in CSR’s medium-term success. The implication of this is a growing pressure on companies’ CSR communications with investors through managerial talk that depicts organizational ambitions for CSR engagement.
Interconnectedness between Islamic and conventional banks: a multilayer network view
Authors: Miglietta Federica , Foglia Matteo , Wang Gang-Jin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine information (stock return, volatility and extreme risk) spillovers and interconnectedness within dual-banking systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Using multilayer information spillover networks, this paper conduct a deep analysis of contagion dynamics among 24 Islamic and 46 conventional banks from 2006 to 2022.

Findings

The findings show the network’s rapid response to financial shocks. Through cross-sector analysis, this paper identify information spillovers between and within Islamic and conventional banking systems. Furthermore, this research illustrates distinct roles played by Islamic and conventional banks within the multilayer network structure, contingent upon the nature of the financial shock.

Practical implications

Understanding the differential roles of Islamic and conventional banks in information transmission can aid policymakers and financial institutions in devising more effective risk management strategies, thereby enhancing financial stability within dual-banking systems.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the necessity of examining contagion mechanisms beyond traditional single-layer network structures, shedding light on the shadow dynamics of information transmission in dual-banking systems.
Understanding determinants of outward foreign direct investment: the role of economic policy uncertainty, institutional quality, and globalization
Authors: Ölmez Fevzi , Bilgiç Emre , Aydın Esra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the role of the economic policy uncertainty (EPU) in the outward FDI (OFDI) of the United Kingdom (UK) by considering the institutional quality (IQ) and globalization level of the host country as contextual factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The UK’s OFDI to its twenty partners is analyzed by using the factor augmented model for the 2005–2019 period.

Findings

The results show that the EPU of the host country has a negative and significant effect on the UK's OFDI. Furthermore, the findings surprisingly illustrate that the globalization level of the host country has a negative and significant impact on the UK's OFDI. In terms of IQ, this study indicates that, while government effectiveness and regulatory quality have a negative and significant influence on the UK's OFDI, the rule of law has a positive and significant effect on the UK's OFDI.

Originality/value

This will be one of a few studies considering OFDI in the scope of EPU. Also, the contradicting results of the study add unique perspectives to the literature about the relationship between OFDI, globalization, and IQ.
The impact of information technology capability on audit report lag and audit fees: empirical evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bani-Khaled Sakhr , Pinho Carlos
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of client information technology (IT) capabilities on audit report lag and audit fees in Jordanian companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analysed financial and non-financial data from 72 Jordanian public shareholding companies listed on the ASE between 2014 and 2021. Using fixed- and random-effects models, the authors examined the impact of client IT capabilities on audit report lag and audit fees. The authors also examined how the COVID-19 pandemic might affect audit report lag and audit fees. The analysis incorporated various control variables specific to the Jordanian context to ensure accuracy.

Findings

Empirical evidence indicates that client IT capabilities do not significantly impact audit report lag and audit fees. In contrast, the COVID-19 pandemic has positively impacted audit report lag and audit fees, leading to an increase in audit report lag of 60 to 67 days and an increase in audit fees of approximately 15%. It is worth noting that these effects are more pronounced when influenced by factors including return on assets, company losses and audits conducted by the Big 4 firms.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this study, which focuses on Jordanian firms, may limit the generalisability of the findings to other contexts. Reliance on aggregate IT infrastructure and software assets as proxies for IT capabilities might not fully capture their multifaceted nature, overlooking the qualitative aspects crucial for audit outcomes. Furthermore, excluding external factors such as governmental regulations underscores the need for future research to explore the nuanced interplay between IT capabilities, internal control systems and regulatory environments, enriching our understanding of audit practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to auditing literature by examining the interplay between IT capabilities and audit processes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan. This study highlights the unexpected finding that IT capabilities have minimal impact on audit report lags and fees, opening new avenues for research on how pandemics and similar crises can reshape auditing practices and influence regulatory policies in an evolving economic environment.
In-store augmented reality experiences and its effect on consumer perceptions and behaviour
Authors: Attri Rekha , Roy Subhadip , Choudhary Sharuti
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of augmented reality (AR) technologies on consumer information processing and value perceptions in physical stores. Specifically, it investigates how the vividness, novelty and interactivity of AR shape utilitarian and hedonic value perceptions, and influence consumer purchase and continuance behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the store intercept survey method at 15 retail outlets across four metro cities in India, representing nine prominent retail brands deploying AR technologies. The data collected (n = 650) were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

Major findings confirm a significant effect of vividness, novelty and interactivity on utilitarian and hedonic value perceptions of in-store AR experiences of customers in physical stores. Hedonic value was found to affect continuance intention but not purchase intention, while utilitarian value was found to affect purchase intention but not continuance.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the stimulus–organism–response model’s application to AR in physical stores by integrating the impact of vividness, novelty and interaction on both utilitarian and hedonic values and revealing their significance in influencing purchase intentions and continuance.

Practical implications

Major findings advise retailers to increase AR experience adoption in stores and illustrate the process through which purchase and continuance intentions may be influenced.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that explore the impact of AR on consumer attitudes and intentions in physical stores. In addition, the study explores the effect of AR tools as a process that passes through value perceptions and then affects the consumer.
FinTech and consumers: a systematic review and integrative framework
Authors: Abis Danilo , Pia Patrizia , Limbu Yam
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This review aims to present the state of the art regarding the impact of financial technology (FinTech) on financial inclusion and its implications for consumers and institutions in terms of accessibility, usage and quality. An integrated framework is developed to illustrate the primary thematic areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

We performed a systematic literature review (SLR) to summarize and synthesize existing research published in peer-reviewed academic journals. Forty-two eligible studies were identified from the Web of Science database and a cross-reference search.

Findings

The results suggest that FinTech promotes financial inclusion for consumers and businesses by increasing the accessibility, usage and quality of financial products. We present a multidisciplinary integrative framework that links the three dimensions of financial inclusion (i.e. access, usage and quality) to financial technology. Finally, we propose several avenues for future research.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first SLR on how FinTech is associated with the accessibility, usage and quality of financial products. We provide an integrative framework for understanding the topic with implications in different fields.
Exploring family supportive supervisor behaviours from a police perspective to ensure life satisfaction: an empirical investigation using importance-performance analysis
Authors: Jyoti  , Kaur Rupinder bir
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The primary aim of this research is to analyse the impact of family-supportive supervisor behaviours (FSSB) on the level of life satisfaction among individuals working in the police force. FSSB is informal support by supervisors, which is an emerging topic. Further, this study examines the intermediary role of career calling and job embeddedness in the association between supportive family behaviours of supervisors and life satisfaction. However, only limited studies have been conducted on how informal support by the supervisor performs for police personnel. This research aims to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of data collection from police personnel, we used a structured questionnaire. Variance-based partial least squares structural equational modelling (PLS-SEM) methodology was applied using SmartPLS software to investigate the conceptual model of the study. Additionally, using importance-performance map analysis (IMPA), we evaluate the importance and performance of each construct.

Findings

The data analysis findings indicate that job embeddedness and career calling function as complete mediating factors in the association between FSSB and life satisfaction. Additionally, the study revealed that career calling is the most performing construct for promoting life satisfaction but is not perceived as important by the police department.

Originality/value

According to the authors’ knowledge, there has been no research in the Indian context that examines the effects of supervisor family supportive behaviours, especially among police. The incorporation of career calling and job embeddedness as mediators provides a novel perspective in the examination of the correlation between FSSB and life satisfaction.
Exploring the linkage of green values and green attitude in green behaviour: moderating role of green climate among Indian employees
Authors: Lathabhavan Remya , Bharti Teena
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Employees behaviour is an important factor need to be reviewed while considering the implementation of green practices in the organisations. Green employee behaviour is widely discussed area both in research and practice, as organisations look for more green practices and environment friendly approaches. This study aims to understand the association of green values, green attitude and green behaviour of information technology (IT) employees in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 334 employees who works in IT/ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) organisations in India. For analysing the data, structural equation modelling was used.

Findings

The significant positive relationships were revealed in the associations of green values, green attitude and green behaviour. Green attitude found to be mediating the relationship between the green values and green behaviour. The study also explored the moderating roles of green culture and green HRM practices.

Originality/value

The study stands among the pioneers that discuss green perspectives of IT employees in an emerging economy context. The study can give remarkable inputs for organisations that try for environment friendly practices and its successful implementation.
Effect of the solder conductive particles and substrate widths on the current carrying capability for flex-on-board (FOB) assembly
Authors: Pan Yan , Zhang Shuye , Zhu Pengli , Paik Kyung W.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study aims to ascertain the influence of solder conductive particle types and substrate widths on the current carrying capability of flex-on-board (FOB) assemblies. By comparing Sn58Bi and SAC305 particles and varying substrate widths, the research sought to provide insights into the stability and performance of solder joints under different scenarios, particularly in high-power applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a comprehensive design/methodology, encompassing the investigation of solder conductive particle types (Sn58Bi and SAC305) and substrate widths on the current carrying capability of FOB assembly. Stable solder joints were obtained by manipulating the curing speed of anisotropic conductive films for both particle types. Various tests were conducted, including current carrying capability assessments under differing conditions.

Findings

The study revealed that larger substrate widths yielded higher current carrying capability due to increased contact area and reduced contact resistance. Notably, solder joints remained stable beyond the solder melting temperature due to encapsulation by cured epoxy resin. SAC305 solder joints exhibited superior current carrying capability over Sn58Bi in continuous high-voltage conditions. The results emphasized the stability of SAC305 solder joints and their suitability for robust interconnections in high-power FOB assemblies.

Originality/value

This study contributes by offering a comprehensive assessment of the impact of solder particle types and substrate widths on solder joint performance in FOB assemblies. The finding that SAC305 joints outperform Sn58Bi under continuous high-voltage conditions adds significant value. Moreover, the observation of stable solder joints beyond solder melting temperature due to resin encapsulation introduces a novel aspect to solder joint reliability. These insights provide valuable guidance for designing robust and high-performance interconnections in demanding applications.
Does gender impact the relationship between perceived value and intentions of use of natural processing models?
Authors: Testa Mario , Della Volpe Maddalena , D’Amato Antonio , Apuzzo Adriana
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In the era of artificial intelligence, natural language processing (NLP) models are revolutionizing numerous sectors. This research aims to explore the perceived value of them among university students. In particular, it aims to investigate how gender may influence students’ intention to use these models in educational contexts, highlighting potentially significant differences that could inform the implementation and adoption of educational technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the relationship between perceived value and students' intention to adopt NLP models, considering gender as a moderator. The research involves 562 students from the University of Salerno, in Italy, and uses confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the reliability and validity of the measurement scales. A regression model with robust errors is used to explore the moderating role of gender on the relationship between perceived value and intentions of use of NLP models.

Findings

The results reveal a significant positive association between perceived value and intention to use NLP models, confirming that students with higher perceived value are more likely to adopt these technologies. Furthermore, gender moderates this relationship, indicating that females are less prone to use NLP models than male counterparts.

Originality/value

Research takes on a significant role in the academic field, underlining the importance of adapting teaching practices to the increasingly widespread digitalization. The inclusion of NLP models in university programs emerges as a possible improvement of the learning experience, ensuring cutting-edge education in tune with the needs of the digital society.
Advances, challenges and future directions in the development of in vitro gastrointestinal models used in assessing infant formulas
Authors: Wang Ni , Duan Sufang , Wu Peng , Liu Biao , Ye Wenhui , He Jian , Szeto Ignatius Man‐Yau , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: August 2024

This review critically evaluates current in vitro gastrointestinal models for assessing infant formulas from a perspective focusing on a process along digestion, absorption and microbial fermentation. Despite their potential, none of the current in vitro gastrointestinal models fully considers the dynamics and continuous upstream‐downstream process of the human digestive tract. Considering the substantial differences between infants and adults, there is a pressing need for whole‐process gastrointestinal models tailored to infants. Developing such models is crucial for accurately assessing infant formula nutritional value and physiological function, enhancing the formulation of infant formulas to better meet the needs of infants.
Host specificity of two co‐occurring nesting‐forms of the bag‐shelter moth Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) is congruent with there being cryptic species
Authors: Perkins Lynda E. , Uemura Mizuki , Zalucki Myron P. , Cook Lyn G.
Published: August 2024

The Bag‐shelter moth, Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), is an Australian endemic species of Thaumetopoeinae with a univoltine life cycle and gregarious, herbivorous larvae. It is variable throughout its range across the continent, most noticeably by the species of host tree used and nest‐building behaviour. It has long been considered a species complex by some taxonomists, and the lack of gene flow between populations of ground‐nesters and above‐ground nesters at the same sites provides strong evidence for at least two species. We tested the specificity of host use and nesting behaviour of ground‐nesting and trunk‐nesting forms of O. lunifer by transplanting field‐collected egg masses to the other form's host, either in their natural position or in the position used by the other form. At the study site, ground‐nesting and trunk‐nesting (tree‐hugger) O. lunifer coexist. Ground‐nesting larvae are found on Acacia spp., and egg masses are laid at the base of host tree trunks where nests develop whereas tree‐hugger larvae are found on Blakella tessellaris, egg masses are laid in the outer canopy, and nests develop on the trunk or large branches. Of the 47 egg masses of O. lunifer transplanted to the unnatural host, only one cohort of tree‐hugger larvae developed through to adult moths. Placing an egg mass in its unnatural position on its natural host did not prevent the larvae from developing and successfully establishing nests for either nesting‐form, although all the ground‐nesters moved position (from the canopy to the ground) and the tree‐huggers mostly did not (from the ground to the canopy). Only the tree‐hugger form of O. lunifer developed a viable nest on the unnatural host species, established a nest at the unnatural oviposition site, and shared that nest with larvae of the other nesting‐form, suggesting tree‐hugger larvae are somewhat plastic in their behaviour and ecology. Our findings add to previous studies indicating that Acacia is likely the ancestral host of O. lunifer though large areas of its range remain unstudied.
Export Diversification in Bangladesh: Overcoming Policy Impediments
Authors: Ginting Edimon , Razzaque Mohammad Abdur , Hasan Rana
Published: August 2024

Despite substantial socio‐economic progress driven by the readymade garment (RMG) industry, Bangladesh faces a severe export concentration due to its heavy reliance on a single export sector. This present paper examines the policy barriers hindering export diversification in Bangladesh and suggests measures to tackle the problem. It highlights that excessive tariff protection has favored import‐competing sectors creating an anti‐export bias. To promote export diversification, Bangladesh must implement effective tariff rationalization measures to address the policy‐induced disincentives for exports. Additionally, attracting foreign direct investment, improving the investment climate, and addressing infrastructural and logistical challenges are crucial for enhancing the non‐RMG export response.