bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genome-wide screen inex vivogallbladders identifiesListeria monocytogenesfactors required for virulencein vivo
Authors: Schwardt Nicole H. , Halsey Cortney R. , Sanchez Madison E. , Reniere Michelle L.
Published: August 2024

Listeria monocytogenesis a Gram-positive pathogen that causes the severe foodborne disease listeriosis. Following oral infection of the host,L. monocytogenesdisseminates from the gastrointestinal tract to peripheral organs, including the gallbladder, where it replicates to high densities. The gallbladder then becomes the primary bacterial reservoir and source of fecally excreted bacteria. Despite its importance in pathogenesis, little is known about howL. monocytogenessurvives and replicates in the gallbladder. In this study, we assessed theL. monocytogenesgenes required for growth and survival inex vivonon-human primate gallbladders using a transposon sequencing approach. The screen identified 43 genes required for replication in the gallbladder, some of which were known to be important for virulence, and others had not been previously studied in the context of infection. We evaluated the roles of 19 genes identified in our screen bothin vitroandin vivo, and demonstrate that most were required for replication in bilein vitro, for intracellular infection of murine cells in tissue culture, and for virulence in an oral murine model of listeriosis. Interestingly, strains lacking the mannose phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS) permeases Mpt and Mpo exhibited no defects in intracellular growth or intercellular spread but were significantly attenuated during murine infection. While the roles of PTS systemsin vivowere not previously appreciated, these results suggest that PTS permeases are necessary for extracellular replication during infection. Overall, this study demonstrates thatL. monocytogenesgenes required for replication in the gallbladder also play broader roles in disease.
Lower degree of microsatellite instability in colorectal carcinomas fromMSH6-associated Lynch syndrome patients
Authors: Helderman Noah C. , Strobel Fabian , Bohaumilitzky Lena , Terlouw Diantha , van der Werf – ′t Lam Anne-Sophie , van Wezel Tom , Morreau Hans , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus , Nielsen Maartje , Kloor Matthias , Ahadova Aysel
Published: August 2024

Background

Numerous observational and molecular studies focusing on Lynch syndrome (LS) have revealed significant variation in the phenotype and molecular characteristics among carriers of pathogenic variants in mismatch repair genes (path_MMR). Recently, we demonstrated that colorectal carcinomas inpath_MSH6carriers exhibit fewer insertion/deletion mutations compared to CRCs from other MMR groups, raising the question of whetherMSH6-mutated CRCs might display a lower degree of microsatellite instability (MSI).

Methods

Mutations at twenty coding microsatellites (cMS) were analyzed in 39MSH6-, 18MLH1-, 16MSH2- and 22PMS2-mutated CRCs and 35 sporadic MSI CRCs, and mutation frequencies and mutant allele ratios were compared among the different MMR-deficient groups. Considering factors such asHLA-A*02:01 type,B2Mstatus, and the anticipated immunogenicity of frameshift peptides derived from cMS mutations, the identified cMS mutation profiles ofMSH6-mutated CRCs were further investigated to assess their potential impact on immunotherapeutic strategies.

Results

MSH6-mutated CRCs exhibited lower mutation frequencies and mutant allele ratios across most cMS. The cMS mutations inMSH6-mutated CRCs demonstrated inverse correlations with the predicted immunogenicity of the resulting frameshift peptides, which may suggest negative selection of cell clones bearing highly immunogenic frameshift peptides.

Conclusions

MSH6-mutated CRCs display a lower degree of MSI, which may be connected to lower penetrance and later onset of the disease inpath_MSH6carriers. Moreover, this lower MSI level may implicate an altered immune response compared to other MSI CRCs, which could have implications for the success of immunotherapy inMSH6-mutated CRCs. Future studies should carefully evaluate this possibility. If confirmed, these results would reinforce the notion of classifying LS as distinct syndromes associated with specific MMR genes.
Dark matter from phase transition generated PBH evaporation with gravitational waves signatures
Authors: Borah Debasish , Das Suruj Jyoti , Saha Indrajit
Published: August 2024

We study the possibility of generating dark matter (DM) purely from ultralight primordial black hole (PBH) evaporation with the latter being produced from a first order phase transition (FOPT) in the early Universe. If such ultralight PBH leads to an early matter domination, it can give rise to a doubly peaked gravitational wave (GW) spectrum in Hz-kHz ballpark with the low frequency peak generated from PBH density fluctuations being within near future experimental sensitivity. In the subdominant PBH regime, the FOPT generated GW spectrum comes within sensitivity due to absence of entropy dilution. In both the regimes, PBH mass from a few kg can be probed by GW experiments like BBO, ET, CE, UDECIGO etc. while DM mass gets restricted to the superheavy ballpark in the PBH dominance case. Apart from distinct DM mass ranges in the two scenarios, GW observations can differentiate by measuring their distinct spectral shapes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Axion string source modeling
Authors: Drew Amelia , Kinowski Tomasz , Shellard E. P. S.
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we investigate the effect of the string radius of curvature RGaussian on the massive and massless scalar radiation emitted from collisions of traveling waves propagating along an axion (global cosmic) string. We construct initial conditions for two colliding Gaussians and perform parameter scans over their amplitude A and standard deviation σd. We show that these collisions emit isotropic bursts of massless radiation and that the energy emitted via this channel obeys a power law ∼∝Aγ, where the coefficient γ depends on the regime of A/δ and δ is the string width. Massive radiation is exponentially suppressed ∼∝e−ζRGaussian in the quasilinear regime σd≫δ and exhibits power-law decay ∼∝RGaussian−γ′ in the nonlinear regime σd≲2δ, with different ζ and γ′ in different regimes of RGaussian. In this nonlinear regime, massive particle radiation can comprise up to 50% of the total energy emitted. Drawing on a known parallel between axion radiation from global strings and gravitational radiation from Abelian-Higgs strings, this suggests that massive particle radiation may become significant with respect to the massless (gravitational) channel for such nonlinear burst signals. For all configurations studied, we obtain a spectral index q≳1 for the axion radiation, where q→1 as A increases; i.e., a higher proportion of radiation is emitted in high-frequency modes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Carroll-invariant propagating fields
Authors: Ecker Florian , Grumiller Daniel , Henneaux Marc , Salgado-Rebolledo Patricio
Published: August 2024

We construct Carroll-invariant theories with fields propagating outside the Carroll light cone, i.e., at a speed strictly greater than zero (“Carroll swiftons”). We first consider models in flat Carroll spacetime in general dimensions, where we present scalar and vector Carroll swifton field theories. We then turn to the coupling to gravity and achieve in particular in two dimensions a Carroll-invariant scalar swifton by coupling it suitably to Carroll dilaton gravity. Its backreaction on the geometry generates dynamical torsion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Testing for Markovian character of transfer of fluctuations in solar wind turbulence on kinetic scales
Authors: Wójcik Dariusz , Macek Wiesław M.
Published: August 2024

We apply statistical analysis to search for processes responsible for turbulence in physical systems. In our previous studies, we have shown that solar wind turbulence in the inertial range of large magnetohydrodynamic scales exhibits Markov properties. We have recently extended this approach on much smaller kinetic scales. Here we are testing for the Markovian character of stochastic processes in a kinetic regime based on magnetic field and velocity fluctuations in the solar wind, measured onboard the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission: behind the bow shock, inside the magnetosheath, and near the magnetopause. We have verified that the Chapman-Kolmogorov necessary conditions for Markov processes is satisfied for transfer of energy between the magnetic and velocity fields also on kinetic scales. We have confirmed that for magnetic fluctuations, the first Kramers-Moyal coefficient is linear, while the second term is quadratic, corresponding to drift and diffusion processes in the resulting Fokker-Planck equation. It means that magnetic self-similar turbulence is described by generalized Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes. We show that for the magnetic case, the Fokker-Planck equation leads to the probability density functions of the kappa distributions, which exhibit global universal with a linear scaling and lack of intermittency. On the contrary, for velocity fluctuations, higher order Kramers-Moyal coefficients should be taken into account and hence scale invariance is not observed. However, the nonextensity parameter in Tsallis entropy provides a robust measure of the departure of the system from equilibrium. The obtained results are important for a better understanding of the physical mechanism governing turbulent systems in space and laboratory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Characterization of entanglement on superconducting quantum computers of up to 414 qubits
Authors: Kam John F. , Kang Haiyue , Hill Charles D. , Mooney Gary J. , Hollenberg Lloyd C. L.
Published: August 2024

As quantum technology advances and the size of quantum computers grow, it becomes increasingly important to understand the extent of quality in the devices. As large-scale entanglement is a quantum resource crucial for achieving quantum advantage, the challenge in its generation makes it a valuable benchmark for measuring the performance of universal quantum devices. In this paper, we study entanglement in Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) and graph states prepared on the range of IBM Quantum devices. We generate GHZ states and investigate their coherence times with respect to state size and dynamical decoupling techniques. A GHZ fidelity of 0.519±0.014 is measured on a 32-qubit GHZ state, certifying its genuine multipartite entanglement (GME). We show a substantial improvement in GHZ decoherence rates for a seven-qubit GHZ state after implementing dynamical decoupling, and observe a linear trend in the decoherence rate of α=(7.13N+5.54)×10−3µs−1 for up to N=15 qubits, confirming the absence of superdecoherence. Additionally, we prepare and characterize fully bipartite entangled native-graph states on 22 superconducting quantum devices with qubit counts as high as 414 qubits, all active qubits of the 433-qubit IBM Osprey device. Analysis of the decay of two-qubit entanglement within the prepared states shows suppression of coherent noise signals with the implementation of dynamical decoupling techniques. Additionally, we observe that the entanglement in some qubit pairs oscillates over time, which is likely caused by residual ZZ-interactions. Characterizing entanglement in native-graph states, along with detecting entanglement oscillations, can be an effective approach to low-level device benchmarking that encapsulates two-qubit error rates along with additional sources of noise, with possible applications to quantum circuit compilation. We develop several tools to automate the preparation and entanglement characterization of GHZ and graph states. In particular, a method to characterize graph state bipartite entanglement using just 36 circuits, constant with respect to the number of qubits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Odd-frequency superfluidity from a particle-number-conserving perspective
Authors: Thompson K. , Zülicke U. , Schmalian J , Governale M. , Brand J.
Published: August 2024

We investigate odd-in-time—or —pairing of fermions in equilibrium systems within the particle-number-conserving framework of Penrose, Onsager, and Yang, where superfluid order is defined by macroscopic eigenvalues of reduced density matrices. We show that odd-frequency pair correlations are synonymous with even fermion-exchange symmetry in a time-dependent correlation function that generalises the two-body reduced density matrix. Macroscopic even-under-fermion-exchange pairing is found to emerge from conventional Penrose-Onsager-Yang condensation in two-body or higher-order reduced density matrices through the symmetry-mixing properties of the Hamiltonian. We identify and characterize a matrix responsible for producing macroscopic even fermion-exchange correlations that coexist with a conventional Cooper-pair condensate, while a matrix is shown to be responsible for creating macroscopic even fermion-exchange correlations from hidden orders such as a multiparticle condensate. The transformer scenario is illustrated using the spin-balanced s-wave superfluid with Zeeman splitting as an example. The generator scenario is demonstrated by the composite-boson condensate arising for itinerant electrons coupled to magnetic excitations. Structural analysis of the transformer and generator matrices is shown to provide general conditions for odd-frequency pairing order to arise in a given system. Our formalism facilitates a fully general derivation of the Meissner effect for odd-frequency superconductors that holds also beyond the regime of validity for mean-field theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dichloridotetrakis(3-methoxyaniline)nickel(II)
Authors: Mukda Benjamin A. , Dickie Diane A. , Turnbull Mark M.
Published: August 2024

The reaction of nickel(II) chloride with 3-methoxyaniline yielded dichloridotetrakis(3-methoxyaniline)nickel(II), [NiCl2(C7H9NO)4], as yellow crystals. The NiII ion is pseudo-octahedral with the chloride ions trans to each other. The four 3-methoxyaniline ligands differ primarily due to different conformations about the Ni—N bond, which also affect the hydrogen bonding. Intermolecular N—H... Cl hydrogen bonds and short Cl...Cl contacts between molecules link them into chains parallel to the b axis.
The effect of a trampoline exercise program on motor and behavioral characteristics of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Giagazoglou Paraskevi , Kannas Theodoros , Dampa Athanasia , Iliopoulou Stalakti , Alivizatou Ioulia , Chalatzoglidis Georgios
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a trampoline intervention program on motor and behavioral characteristics of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-six male students aged 15–18 years with ASD participated in the study. They were equally divided into two groups of 13 students. The intervention group followed an individualized trampoline exercise program that was applied three times a week for 30 min for 12 weeks. Before the intervention program and after the end of this, the motor performance was evaluated through the recording of the total number of jumps. The behavioral characteristics were evaluated with the Behavior Problem Inventory questionnaire.

Findings

According to the findings, there were statistically significant differences between the intervention group and the control group across all variables. In conclusion, it seems that an intervention program with the use of a trampoline, adapted to the needs and capabilities of adolescents with ASD can improve their motor performance and behavioral characteristics.

Originality/value

The authors report on the impact of a trampoline exercise program on motor skills and behavioral traits in adolescents diagnosed with ASD. This is significant because our research focused on investigating the effects of a structured trampoline exercise program both on motor skills and behavioral characteristics. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting targeted exercise programs as effective interventions for addressing motor and behavioral challenges in adolescents with ASD. The authors believe the research aligns closely with the aims and scope of research in developmental disabilities, and the authors hope that it will make a meaningful impact on the field of autism research and intervention.
Collaborative online shopping: customer satisfaction and the influence of product type, gender and involvement
Authors: Li Jia , Yen David C. , Zhang Pengzhu , Liu Xuan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Online shopping has recently been evolving more toward the subject area of collaborative online shopping (COS), and customer satisfaction is one of the key determinants for the success of COS. In this study, we investigate the effect of product type and gender and their interaction with customer satisfaction through user involvement in a collaborative online shopping context.

Design/methodology/approach

We developed a lab experiment with a mixed two-by-two factorial design to test the proposed research model. We chose gender (male versus female) as the between-subjects factor and product type (utilitarian product versus hedonic product) as the within-subjects factor.

Findings

The obtained results indicate that collaborative shopping may require group members to be more involved for a hedonic product than a utilitarian product. When collaboratively shopping for utilitarian products, male groups tend to show a higher level of involvement than female groups. In contrast, female groups show a higher level of involvement than male groups when collaboratively shopping for hedonic products. Furthermore, our results indicate that greater involvement in COS may lead to higher satisfaction.

Social implications

Websites that sell hedonic products should first adopt the design elements that support COS. Meanwhile, online sellers should be aware that the gender gap still exists as online shopping evolves toward social online shopping. In addition, COS websites should provide more design elements (e.g. co-browsing, avatar embodiment, video chat and voting tools) to stimulate user involvement.

Originality/value

In this paper, we employ the theory of consumption values, which decomposes COS value into the utilitarian and hedonic dimensions, as a theoretical foundation to investigate the effect of product type and gender together as well as their interactions in the COS context. The obtained findings may provide various insights and empirical evidence to improve the understanding of how to target male and female customers across different product types in the COS context.
Does social media marketing important for MSMEs performance in Indonesia?
Authors: Tatik Tatik , Setiawan Doddy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the main factors that influence the adoption of social media marketing (SMM) by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia and how the influence of social media marketing on the performance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. This research can provide input for teaching, public policy toward digital infrastructure and influence public attitudes toward digital involvement in business. This implication is in line with the findings of this research, which bridges theory and practice and has the potential to influence economic growth and quality of life.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection method used is a survey method by distributing questionnaires to MSME actors. The number of samples in this study was 234 respondents. This study was analyzed using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) with the help of SmartPLS software.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that marketing through social media has an effect on the performance of MSMEs. MSMEs need to adopt digital media considering the rapid development of digital technology today to be in line with the demands of business development. Using social media platforms, consumers can instantly connect with new products, services and brands with ease.

Originality/value

This article provides a significant and original contribution to the literature by examining the influence of social media marketing on the performance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. This report provides new insights into the adoption and impact of SMM in the Indonesian context, where internet and social media use is very high.
Exploring the nexus between influencers and brand evangelism
Authors: Sharma Purvendu , Khandeparkar Kapil
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the antecedents that nudge followers of social media (SM) influencers into brand evangelism (BE). In doing so, we study how influencer-related attributes such as their homophily, trust, and popularity impact their followers’ BE. Additional interlinkages pertaining to popularity, content, warmth, and prestige are examined, impacting BE.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey obtained information about the focal constructs from 206 participants. Quantitative procedures using partial least square-based structural equation modeling were implemented to analyze the collected data and the proposed relationships.

Findings

The findings indicate homophily’s role in influencing trust, content, and prestige. BE is developed through warmth and content, whereas trust and prestige inspire warmth. Further, an influencer’s popularity impacts homophily and content. Lastly, the mediating role of warmth, homophile, trust, exciting content, and prestige advances the understanding of influencers and BE.

Research limitations/implications

We converge literature from branding, influencer marketing, and social psychology to understand consumers' facets of promoting BE on SM. This work is a primary attempt to interlink and tie these crucial research streams together.

Practical implications

The study offers managers helpful guidance on strategically assessing influencers' traits to build BE. Additionally, recommendations for tactically assessing and engaging influencers for brands are offered.

Originality/value

This is the first study to identify influencer-related parameters contributing to BE. Secondly, we study unique drivers such as homophily, trust, and warmth, which are important yet remain unexplored as far as BE in influencer marketing is concerned. Furthermore, this study also highlights the mediating role of key constructs that possess a potential to strengthen consumer brand relationships.
The influence of urban campus landscape on college students' exercise participation and mental health: an approach using deep learning and street view images
Authors: Zheng Zhenhua , Chen Linquan , Zeng Min , Liu Wanting , Chen Hong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

College student’s mental health issues have emerged as a significant public health concern. The urban campus environment, being the primary habitat for college students, plays a crucial role in influencing their mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on survey data from 34 Chinese universities and 1173 college students in 2021, this study utilized deep learning and street view images to explore the relationship between various urban campus landscapes, college students' exercise participation, and mental health.

Findings

The study revealed substantial variations in campus landscape features, particularly in terms of spatial openness. While green campus landscapes (measured by the Green View Index and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) showed no significant impact on exercise participation or mental health, the Sky View Factor did. Higher levels of campus openness and exercise frequency were associated with better mental health. The study also underscored that the influence of urban campus landscapes on college students' mental health was mediated by their exercise participation. Notably, spatial openness emerged as the most prominent differentiating factor among urban campus landscape attributes, significantly affecting students' exercise participation and mental health.

Originality/value

Thus, fostering open campus environments and reducing spatial constraints are vital steps in creating a sustainable urban landscape that can help alleviate potential negative effects on college students' mental health issues.
Dynamic propagation of tensile and shear fractures induced by impact load in rock based on the dual bilinear cohesive zone model
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Zhao Yongcai , Zhang Xin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to simulate the tensile and shear types of fractures using the mixed fracture criteria considering the energy evolution based on the dual bilinear cohesive zone model and investigate the dynamic propagation of tensile and shear fractures induced by an impact load in rock. The propagation of tension and shear at different scales induced by the impact load is also an important aspect of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, based on the well-developed dual bilinear cohesive zone model and combined finite element-discrete element method, the dynamic propagation of tensile and shear fractures induced by the impact load in rock is investigated. Some key technologies, such as the governing partial differential equations, fracture criteria, numerical discretisation and detection and separation, are introduced to form the global algorithm and procedure. By comparing with the tensile and shear fractures induced by the impact load in rock disc in typical experiments, the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed method are well verified.

Findings

The dynamic propagation of tensile and shear fractures in the laboratory- and engineering-scale rock disc and rock strata are derived. The influence of mesh sensitivity, impact load velocities and load positions are investigated. The larger load velocities may induce larger fracture width and entire failure. When the impact load is applied near the left support constraint boundary, concentrated shear fractures appear around the loading region, as well as induced shear fracture band, which may induce local instability. The proposed method shows good applicability in studying the propagation of tensile and shear fractures under impact loads.

Originality/value

The proposed method can identify fracture propagation via the stress and energy evolution of rock masses under the impact load, which has potential to be extended into the investigation of the mixed fractures and disturbance of in-situ stresses during dynamic strata mining in deep energy development.
The impact of Fintech innovations on digital currency adoption: a blockchain-based study in India
Authors: Bhatnagr Puneett , Rajesh Anupama , Misra Richa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to integrate customer value theory (CVT) and protection motivation theory (PMT) to understand the factors that have an impact on customer experience, e-trust and intention to recommend, which influence the adoption behaviour of digital currency users.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sampling technique was used, and data were gathered through an online survey of 414 respondents. The measurement and structural models were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling to establish linkages between the constructs.

Findings

Functional, emotional and social values positively impact customer experience. Furthermore, perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, response efficacy and self-efficacy had a positive impact on e-trust. E-trust positively affects customer experience and intention to use the digital currency directly. The study demonstrated that perceived value and protection motivation factors play a significant role in influencing the use of digital currency.

Practical implications

For managers and policymakers interested in the Indian digital currency market, it is suggested that functional utility and emotional and social benefits can enhance user satisfaction. In an e-trust model, user education to increase risk and protection awareness, effectiveness of responses and self-efficacy are critical to building e-trust.

Originality/value

Building on CVT and PMT’s usage in the broader financial services domain, this research empirically confirms the significance of perceived value and protection motivation factors while adopting digital currency. It provides an extensive and multifaceted approach to comprehending customer involvement and trust in digital financial services, thus enhancing the theoretical and empirical knowledge of both the fintech and blockchain industries.
Digital transformation in financial industry: antecedents of fintech adoption, financial literacy and quality of life
Authors: Alkhwaldi Abeer F.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the variables that could contribute to facilitating or hindering FinTech adoption in Jordan and how that will affect human well-being (quality of life [QoL]).

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework was formulated through the integration of “the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology” (UTAUT), “task-technology fit” (TTF) model and two additional factors, namely, “financial literacy” (FL) and “quality of life” (QoL). A cross-sectional online survey was used to obtain data from 378 FinTech users employing a quantitative method. AMOS 26.0 was utilized to analyse the data based on “structural equation modelling” (SEM).

Findings

The analysis of the structural path found that UTAUT constructs including “performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), facilitating conditions (FC), social influence (SI)”, and TTF were significant determinants of FinTech adoption. Only technology characteristics (TECH) was a significant predictor of TTF. Also, the analysis of empirical data revealed a significant mediating impact of FinTech adoption on the association between FL and QoL, underlining the important role of digital FL in digitalizing societies. Likewise, FL affected the QoL directly.

Practical implications

This research will be beneficial for “FinTech service providers” (FSPs) and policymakers to offer thorough insights regarding the current relatively low acceptance rates of FinTech, contributing to strategies’ formulation that could promote FinTech usage by Jordanian customers, where FinTech is still considered an innovative technology. In addition, FL needs to integrate digital literacy to utilize state-of-the-art technologies for more effective financial management. This is with being able to make decisions facilitating the management of life outcomes which could result in better QoL.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this research is the first research paper that integrates the UTAUT and TTF models and also adds two additional constructs, namely, FL and QoL, to investigate the FinTech in the Jordanian setting. This study could contribute to the literature on IT adoption by considering FinTech usage and incorporation into individuals’ life in Jordan.
Nonfinancial 8-K disclosures and individual investors' trading during earnings announcement window
Authors: Jiang Jinglin , Wang Weiwei
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the influence of nonfinancial 8-K disclosures released during the earnings announcement window on the abnormal trading activities of individual investors.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ regression analysis in this empirical study to examine the impact of nonfinancial 8-K filings on individual investors' abnormal trading activities.

Findings

Our results reveal that individual investors exhibit higher levels of abnormal trading activities when firms release nonfinancial 8-Ks during the (0,1) window of earnings announcements. This effect is observed for both buyer-initiated and seller-initiated transactions and is particularly pronounced for firms reporting an operating loss. Negative sentiment in 8-Ks significantly intensifies such effect. Additionally, we find that buy-sell consensus increases significantly with concurrent nonfinancial 8-Ks. This suggests that 8-Ks may reduce information noise, leading individuals to trade with greater conviction.

Originality/value

Our study examines the joint influence of nonfinancial 8-Ks and earnings announcements on individual investors' trading activities, thereby providing a novel perspective on the mechanisms through which 8-K filings affect individual investors' trading behaviors.
The moderating role of knowledge sharing in the relationship of transformational leadership style and environmental sustainability: an empirical study on the employee of ministries in the United Arab Emirate
Authors: Faqera Abdulaziz Fahmi Omar , Manaf Halimah Abdul
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In response to the prevalent significance of combating climate change, government agencies are required to achieve the critical goals of protecting natural resources, fostering long-term growth and promoting environmental sustainability. On this account, this study aims to investigate the moderating effect of knowledge sharing on the relationship between transformational leadership style and environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

To ensure the accuracy of the outcome, the study was designed using the resource-based view approach, comprising a sample of 276 employees across various United Arab Emirates (UAE) ministries, administering a validated questionnaire. The non-parametric software (i.e. Smart PLS 4) was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings indicated that three dimensions of transformational leadership style, idealised influence, individualised consideration and intellectual stimulation, were significantly related to environmental sustainability. Inspirational motivation, however, did not predict environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

In terms of value, the novelty of this study is the theoretical foundations that it provides for future research on the role of knowledge sharing that can affect transformational leadership and environmental sustainability among the ministries in the UAE. This study also sets a benchmark for these ministries and other public sectors’ strategic decision-making process of increasing knowledge sharing through a transformational leadership style.
Moral intensity and ethical decision-making: a combined importance-performance map analysis for professional accountants
Authors: P. Ishwara , Mekonnen Naod
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of moral intensity on the ethical decision-making process of professional accountants based on a combined importance-performance map analysis (cIPMA).

Design/methodology/approach

Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on data from 309 accountants, the study examined the relationships between four moral intensity dimensions: magnitude of consequences, social consensus, probability of effect and concentration of effect, and the ethical decision-making process. The study also methodologically complemented by a combined importance-performance map analysis and necessary condition analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that moral recognition and moral judgment are necessary conditions for predicting accountants’ moral intent. However, in terms of importance and performance, moral recognition plays a less significant role compared to moral judgment. Furthermore, the influence of moral intensity dimensions is pronounced on moral recognition, while their influence on moral judgment and moral intent is more context dependent. This is also exhibited in the combined importance-performance map analysis results.

Research limitations/implications

The study highlights the importance of considering specific ethical dilemmas and the differential influence of moral intensity when developing strategies to strengthen ethical decision-making in the accounting profession. Future research is encouraged to explore how cultural backgrounds and diverse settings influence accountants’ ethical decision-making with tailored measurement tools for a more comprehensive understanding.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is among the first to complement the results of PLS-SEM with importance-performance map analysis and necessary condition analysis to examine the relationship between moral intensity and ethical decision-making of accountants.
Productivity in motion: a structuration theory lens and inductive analysis of MTM in engineering consulting firms
Authors: Rahi Khalil , Thoumy Mira , Saqib Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the impact of multiple team membership (MTM) on the productivity of team members in engineering consulting firms. MTM refers to employees participating concurrently in multiple teams, a concept closely linked to projectification. Despite the fact that this concept can enhance collaboration, it also introduces coordination challenges that may negatively affect productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an inductive approach involving 12 semi-structured interviews with engineering consulting professionals specializing in water and energy infrastructure projects, this paper examines the factors affecting team member productivity in an MTM setting. Following the interviews, a Delphi technique was employed, engaging 16 experts to rank the factors and sub-factors identified from the interview data. This two-stage approach ensured a comprehensive and validated assessment of productivity factors.

Findings

This study develops 8 factors process model grounded in structuration theory to explain the socio-technical mechanisms by which multiple team membership shapes productivity outcomes in engineering consulting firms specialized in water and energy infrastructure projects. Key findings surface micro-foundations, tensions in technology provisions, planning processes, and career development that inform theoretical advances and practical improvements.

Originality/value

This research contributes empirically insights into managing MTM in expert service contexts. Applying Giddens' structuration theory, this study reveals how agency and structures shape productivity across organizational, team, and individual levels. In practice, this study provides recommendations for improving productivity within projectified environments, mainly for team members working in an MTM environment in engineering consulting firms specializing in water and energy infrastructure projects.
Determinants of donation intentions in Malaysia
Authors: Kamarudin Mohd Khairy , Mustaffa Fatin Nur Ainaa , Ganti Norhaifa , Mohamad Norzilan Nur Izzati , Noor Zainan Nurul Izzah , Khidzir Masyitah
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The current study examines the factors that affect trust and donation intention in donation-based crowdfunding.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study utilized web-based questionnaires to examine the donation intention of Malaysian donors in donation-based crowdfunding, employing the information system success (ISS) framework. The collected data were investigated using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that information quality, service quality and system quality have a significant positive effect on trust in donation-based crowdfunding. Additionally, donation intention in donation-based crowdfunding is significantly and positively influenced by information quality, service quality and trust.

Practical implications

The study’s results can be used by donation-based crowdfunding platforms to enhance their information, service and system quality to increase donor trust and intention to donate, including improving the platform’s design, navigation, aesthetics, comprehensibility of content, providing timely customer support and regularly updating and maintaining the system.

Originality/value

By exploring the relationship between information quality, service quality, system quality, trust and donation intention, this study contributes to the existing knowledge on donors’ behavior in crowdfunding.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2023-0291
A visual scoping review of how knowledge graphs and search engine results page designs represent uncertainty and disagreement
Authors: Knight Simon , Bowdler Isabella , Ford Heather , Zhou Jianlong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Informational conflict and uncertainty are common features across a range of sources, topics and tasks. Search engines and their presentation of results via search engine results pages (SERPs) often underpinned by knowledge graphs (KGs) are commonly used across tasks. Yet, it is not clear how search does, or could, represent the informational conflict that exists across and within returned results. The purpose of this paper is to review KG and SERP designs for representation of uncertainty or disagreement.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors address the aim through a systematic analysis of material regarding uncertainty and disagreement in KG and SERP contexts. Specifically, the authors focus on the material representation – user interface design features – that have been developed in the context of uncertainty and disagreement representation for KGs and SERPs.

Findings

Searches identified n = 136 items as relevant, with n = 4 sets of visual materials identified from these for analysis of their design features. Design elements were extracted against sets of design principles, highlighting tensions in the design of such features.

Originality/value

The authors conclude by highlighting two key challenges for interface design and recommending six design principles in representing uncertainty and conflict in SERPs. Given the important role technologies play in mediating information access and learning, addressing the representation of uncertainty and disagreement in the representation of information is crucial.
Oil market volatility and foreign ownership: the case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhassan Abdulrahman , Kalyanaraman Lakshmi , Alhussayen Hanan Mohammed
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the resource curse hypothesis in an oil-dependent economy, Saudi Arabia, through examining the impact of oil price volatility on foreign ownership among Saudi listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes a unique data set of firm-level data on foreign ownership for the period 2009–2015. A multivariate regression model was applied to analyze the relationships under study.

Findings

The analysis reveals a negative association between oil price volatility and foreign ownership in firms with high leverage and low stock volatility.

Research limitations/implications

Policymakers are encouraged to develop policies to control shocks in the supply and demand of oil and enforce economic diversification. Investors can better understand the dynamics of an oil-based economy stock market based on the investment behavior of foreign investors and their response to oil price shocks.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature by analyzing the relationship understudy in an oil-rich and oil-dependent emerging economy, where its critical economic parameters are influenced by oil price volatility and it has the largest and the most liquid stock exchange in the MENA region.
Board monitoring and corporate disclosure: the role of the institutional environment and firm-level governance
Authors: Muravyev Alexander
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This article aims to answer two research questions that remain controversial in the accounting and corporate governance literature: (1) how corporate disclosure is related to board monitoring and (2) how this link is affected by the institutional environment and firm-level governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on S&P data on corporate disclosure by Russian companies collected over 2002–2010 and supplemented by information from the SKRIN database. The dataset covers 125 non-financial companies, with 559 observations in total. We use three indicators of board monitoring: the percentage of non-executive directors, a dummy for two-tier boards, and a dummy for an audit committee. The firm’s governance is proxied by a dummy for single class stock, while the institutional environment is proxied by a dummy for ADRs/GDRs. We apply conventional methods of panel data analysis with several robustness checks, including the random- and fixed-effects models, 2SLS that addresses the potential endogeneity of board composition, alternative definitions of the dependent variable, and an extended list of controls.

Findings

We find a positive (complementary) relationship between the amount of disclosure and the proxies for board monitoring employed. This complementary relationship turns out to be the strongest among companies that have better internal governance but face a weaker institutional environment. There is little evidence of such complementarity under strong institutions.

Practical implications

The findings may be of interest to investors and policymakers. As to the former, the results warn of firms that provide limited disclosure in the presence of strong corporate governance arrangements, such as independent boards, as these factors are not substitutes for each other. As to the latter, the results support comprehensive policies aimed at simultaneous improvements in both board governance and corporate disclosure in weak institutional settings.

Originality/value

This paper uses a unique setting and rich, partly proprietary data to extend the existing literature on the relationship between corporate disclosure and board monitoring, with an emphasis on the moderating role of the institutional environment and firm-level governance. It is also one of the very few studies of corporate disclosure in Russia, an important emerging economy of the early 2000s.
Does the S-curve demonstrate an asymmetrical response to fluctuations in exchange rates?
Authors: Ahmad Sareer , Iqbal Javed , Nosheen Misbah , Shil Nikhil Chandra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the asymmetric S-curve between the trade balances of Pakistan and China at the commodity level using disaggregated data.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on Pakistan and China bilateral trade based on commodity-level data. This study delves into the S-curve phenomena by examining time series data from 1980 to 2023 across 32 three-digit industries/commodities.

Findings

The findings show significant evidence in favor of the “asymmetric S-curve” in 27 out of the 32 industries studied. This study confirms that the devaluation of home currency is not a viable solution always to improve trade balance.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers 32 three-digit industries limiting the generalizability of findings. Due to data unavailability, the authors fail to consider other industries. In the absence of quarterly data on industry-level trade between Pakistan and China, annual data from 1980 to 2023 were used in generating the cross-correlation functions. Previous literature frequently resorted to the general consumer price index with its inherent aggregation issues, whereas this study has opted for commodity price indices to overcome the shortcomings in the estimation of S-curves at the commodity level.

Practical implications

The findings have practical relevance in guiding policy decisions regarding commodity trade, whereas the industry-wise analysis enriches the understanding of the short-term effects of currency depreciation on trade balance dynamics.

Originality/value

The S-curve hypothesis predicts a negative cross-correlation between a country's current exchange rate and its past trade balance and a positive cross-correlation between the current exchange rate and its future trade balance. Previous empirical S-curve studies had the limitation of assuming symmetry in cross-correlation with both current and future trade balance values.