bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete analysis of the Landau-gauge three-gluon vertex from lattice QCD
Authors: Pinto-Gómez F. , De Soto F. , Rodríguez-Quintero J.
Published: July 2024

Several continuum and lattice investigations of the QCD three-gluon vertex have recently exposed its key properties, some intimately connected with the low-momentum behavior of the two-point gluon Green’s function and especially relevant for the emergence of a mass scale in this latter, via the Schwinger mechanism. In the present study, we report on a lattice determination of the Landau-gauge, transversely projected three-gluon vertex, particularly scrutinizing an outstanding one of these properties, termed , exploring its implications and capitalizing on it to gain further insight on the low-momentum running of both the three-gluon vertex and its associated strong coupling.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Symmetries of spatial correlators of light and heavy mesons in high temperature lattice QCD
Authors: Chiu Ting-Wai
Published: July 2024

The spatial z correlators of meson operators in Nf=2+1+1 lattice QCD with optimal domain-wall quarks at the physical point are studied for seven temperatures in the range of 190–1540 MeV. The meson operators include a complete set of Dirac bilinears (scalar, pseudoscalar, vector, axial vector, tensor vector, and axial-tensor vector), and each for six flavor combinations (u¯d, u¯s, s¯s, u¯c, s¯c, and c¯c). In a recent paper [], I focused on the meson correlators of u and d quarks, and discussed their implications for the effective restoration of SU(2)L×SU(2)R and U(1)A chiral symmetries, as well as the emergence of approximate SU(2)CS chiral spin symmetry. In this work, we extend our study to meson correlators of six flavor contents, and first observe the hierarchical restoration of chiral symmetries in QCD, from SU(2)L×SU(2)R×U(1)A to SU(3)L×SU(3)R×U(1)A, and to SU(4)L×SU(4)R×U(1)A, as the temperature is increased from 190 to 1540 MeV. Moreover, we compare the temperature windows for the emergence of the approximate SU(2)CS symmetry in light and heavy vector mesons, and find that the temperature windows are dominated by the (u¯c,s¯c,c¯c) sectors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Identifying physics beyond SMEFT in the angular distribution of
Λb→Λc(→Λπ)τν¯τ
decay
Authors: Karmakar Siddhartha , Chattopadhyay Susobhan , Dighe Amol
Published: July 2024

In the Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT), the SU(2)L×U(1)Y symmetry of the Standard Model is linearly realized. However, it is possible that more general effective field theories, such as the Higgs effective field theory (HEFT) where this symmetry is realized nonlinearly, are needed to describe the data. Identifying physics beyond SMEFT could shed light on the nature of Higgs and the realization of the electroweak symmetry. We explore the possibility of such an identification by studying the effects of scalar and vector new physics operators on the angular distribution of Λb→Λc(→Λπ)τν¯τ. This decay is sensitive to the six-dimensional effective operator OVLR≡(τ¯γμPLντ)(c¯γμPRb), which is present in HEFT but suppressed in SMEFT. We identify the angular observables that can have significant contributions from OVLR and hence would be useful for probing not only beyond the Standard Model physics but also physics beyond SMEFT. We further find that constraining the branching ratio of Bc→τν¯τ would be crucial for performing this task.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Strong cosmological constraints on the neutrino magnetic moment
Authors: Carenza Pierluca , Lucente Giuseppe , Gerbino Martina , Giannotti Maurizio , Lattanzi Massimiliano
Published: July 2024

A sizable magnetic moment for neutrinos would be evidence of exotic physics. In the early Universe, left-handed neutrinos with a magnetic moment would interact with electromagnetic fields in the primordial plasma, flipping their helicity and producing a population of right-handed (RH) neutrinos. In this work, we present a new calculation of the production rate of RH neutrinos in a multicomponent primordial plasma and quantify their contribution to the total energy density of relativistic species at early times, stressing the implications of the dependence on the initial time for production. We find that current cosmological data exclude values of the magnetic moment μ≳1.6×10−11μB, while future cosmological experiments will be able to probe nonthermal production of RH neutrinos, becoming competitive with stellar limits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Flowing between string vacua for the critical non-Abelian vortex with a deformation of
N=2
Liouville theory
Authors: Yung A.
Published: July 2024

It has been shown that non-Abelian solitonic vortex string supported in four-dimensional (4D) N=2 supersymmetric QCD (SQCD) with the U(2) gauge group and Nf=4 quark flavors becomes a critical superstring. This string propagates in the ten-dimensional space formed by a product of the flat 4D space and an internal space given by a Calabi-Yau noncompact threefold, namely, the conifold. The spectrum of low-lying closed string states was found and interpreted as a spectrum of hadrons in 4D N=2 SQCD. In particular, the lowest string state appears to be a massless Bogomol’nyi-Prasad-Sommerfield (BPS) baryon associated with the deformation of the complex structure modulus b of the conifold. It was recently shown that the Coulomb branch of the associated string sigma model which opens up at strong coupling can be described by N=2 Liouville theory. Building on these results we switch on quark masses in 4D N=2 SQCD and study the interpolation of the initial U(2) SQCD with Nf=4 quarks to the final SQCD with the U(4) gauge group and Nf=8 quarks. To find the true string vacuum which arises due to the mass deformation we solve the effective supergravity equations of motion associated with the deformed world sheet Liouville theory. We show that the massless BPS baryon b survives the deformation and that finding of the spectrum of low-lying massive hadrons in the final SQCD is linked to the Calogero problem.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
First order phase transition in the D3-D7 model from the point of view of the fermionic spectral functions
Authors: Ge Xian-Hui , Ishigaki Shuta , Sin Sang-Jin , Yuk Taewon
Published: July 2024

We consider the D3-D7 model and use the spectral function of a probe fermion on D7 to analyze the first order phase transition from the black-hole embedding phase to another black-hole embedding phase in the presence of the finite density and temperature. From the fermionic spectral functions, we study the temperature dependence of the decay rate, and we observe various phenomena that support the first order phase transition including jump in it at the critical temperature that corresponds to the first order phase transition.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring a nanostructured X-ray optical device for improved spatial resolution in laboratory X-ray diffraction imaging
Authors: Yamanashi Masaki
Published: July 2024

Analytical methods with wide field range and high spatial resolution are required to observe the distribution of the crystal structure in micro-regions undergoing macroscopic chemical reactions. A recent X-ray diffraction (XRD) imaging method combines XRD with an X-ray optical device such as a glass polycapillary consisting of a bundle of numerous monocapillaries. The former provides the crystal structure, while the latter controls the shape of the incident or diffracted X-rays and retains the positional information of the sample. Although reducing the monocapillary pore size should improve the spatial resolution, manufacturing technology challenges must be overcome. Here, an anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) film, which forms self-ordered porous nanostructures by anodic oxidation in an electrolyte, is applied as an X-ray optical device. The AAO film (pore diameter: 110 nm; size of the disc: 11 mm; and thickness: 620 µm) was fabricated by anodization in a mixture of oxalic acid and ethylene glycol. The film was incorporated into a laboratory XRD instrument. Compared with using a glass polycapillary alone, using a combination of a glass polycapillary and the AAO film improved the spatial resolution of the XRD imaging method by 40%. This XRD imaging method should not only provide practical analysis in a laboratory environment but also support various observations of the crystal structure distribution.
[1-(Anthracen-9-ylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane]chloridozinc(II) nitrate
Authors: Ichimaru Yoshimi , Sugiura Kirara , Kato Koichi , Kondo Yuki , Kurihara Masaaki , Jin Wanchun , Imai Masanori , Kurosaki Hiromasa
Published: July 2024

In the title salt, [ZnCl(C23H30N4)]NO3, the central ZnII atom of the complex cation is coordinated in a square-pyramidal arrangement by four nitrogen atoms from cyclen (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) in the basal plane and one chlorido ligand in the apical position. The anthracene group attached to cyclen contributes to the crystal packing through intermolecular T-shaped π interactions. Additionally, the nitrate anion participates in intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds with cyclen.
Decarbonisation at least cost: an analysis of the optimal portfolio of instruments
Authors: Álvarez Francisco , Arnedillo Óscar , Rodríguez Diego , Sanz Jorge
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a methodology for assessing an optimal portfolio of investment instruments that minimise the social costs of decarbonising economic activity while improving the environmental objectives proposed in EU legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology defines the net social cost of decarbonisation related to a portfolio of four instruments: installation of solar PV and wind generation, thermal insulation of households and deployment of heat pumps. The social cost is minimised by restricting it to the minimum level of the targets proposed in the Spanish National Energy and Climate Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase generation from renewable sources and reduce energy consumption. The empirical approach also includes differences between regions according to the expected effect for instruments.

Findings

The application of this methodology to the environmental objectives defined in the current Spanish National Energy and Climate Plan for 2030 concludes that it is clearly possible to reduce the social cost of decarbonisation while improving environmental performance through a reorientation of investment instruments. In this case, such a reorientation would be based on a minimisation of efforts in thermal insulation of households and a maximisation of measures aimed at the installation of heat pumps.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a novel methodology for a social cost assessment that improves the allocation of a portfolio of environmental instruments. This portfolio could be extended in further work to include instruments related to transport or support for industrial decarbonisation, such as the deployment of renewable hydrogen, among others.
The role of knowledge management to improve organizational performance through organizational ambidexterity within the uncertainties
Authors: Restuputri Dian Palupi , Masudin Ilyas , Septira Auraria Putri , Govindan Kannan , Widayat Widayat
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study highlights the significance of knowledge management in the relationship between organizational ambidexterity and organizational performance within the context of Indonesian SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a quantitative research approach, employing a survey questionnaire to collect data from a sample of SMEs operating in Indonesia. Structural Equation Modeling using Partial Least Square is used to investigate the relationship between variables.

Findings

The findings of this study show that in the context of small and medium enterprises, the variables of environmental and technological uncertainty are not driving factors in organizational ambidexterity. In contrast, market uncertainty has a significant effect on organizational ambidexterity. Moreover, it is also found that knowledge management does not support the variables of environmental, market, and technological uncertainty on organizational ambidexterity in small and medium enterprises. The results show that knowledge management plays a significant role in organizational ambidexterity. It also shows that knowledge management could support a significant way between organizational ambidexterity and organizational performance.

Originality/value

The findings of this study give insights for SMEs to attain a sustainable competitive edge in a dynamic business landscape by implementing efficient knowledge management techniques that bolster their ambidextrous capacities.
Unveiling the digital desire: UTAUT analysis of NFT investment intentions in Malaysia
Authors: Ramly Faezal Bin , Md Zabri Mohd Zaidi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study pioneers the investigation into the determinants influencing Malaysian investors' intentions towards Non-Fungible Token (NFT) investments, utilizing an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. It explores the burgeoning interest in NFTs within the Malaysian market, an emerging economy, and identifies the behavioral adoption determinants critical for NFT investment decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a quantitative methodology, the research engaged 183 experienced Malaysian investors through a structured online questionnaire survey. The study employed regression analysis to assess the impact of Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Perceived Usefulness, Social Support and Perceived Trust on NFT investment intentions.

Findings

The findings reveal that Performance Expectancy and Social Support significantly predict the intention to invest in NFTs, accounting for 47% of the variance in investment intentions. The study highlights the crucial role of perceived benefits and community support in shaping Malaysian investors' engagement with NFTs, amidst the complexities of the digital asset landscape.

Research limitations/implications

The study acknowledges the limitation posed by its sampling method and size, suggesting the need for broader investigations that include a more diverse demographic to enhance the generalizability of the findings. Future research could further delve into the specific behaviors, motivations and challenges of NFT investors and creators.

Practical implications

The significant predictive power of Performance Expectancy indicates a primary financial motivation among Malaysian NFT investors, suggesting policymakers consider regulations that foster innovation and growth in the NFT sector while safeguarding investors. The study also underscores the importance of community support, pointing towards the development of platforms that facilitate knowledge sharing among NFT enthusiasts.

Social implications

By demonstrating the pivotal role of social support in the NFT investment decision-making process, the research implies a powerful sense of community among investors in the digital asset space. It suggests the potential of NFTs to foster a more inclusive and accessible market for creative industry entrepreneurs, facilitating direct engagement and profit realization.

Originality/value

This research marks a significant departure from existing studies by tailoring the UTAUT model specifically to the NFT investment context in Malaysia. It unveils the nuanced dynamics influencing NFT investment intentions, emphasizing the unique contributions of Performance Expectancy and Social Support, thus providing a fresh perspective on NFT adoption in emerging markets.
The construction-related project management evolution and its future research directions
Authors: Russell Jeffrey S. , El-adaway Islam , Khalef Ramy , Salih Fareed , Ali Gasser
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Project management (PM) involves planning, allocating, directing and controlling project resources within a set of predetermined objectives. The modern definition of PM has evolved and grown into a broader concept. This paper supports the notion that PM evolved into four distinct phases: PM 1.0 is primarily concerned with planning, PM 2.0 with collaboration, PM 3.0 with proactive adaptation and PM 4.0 with using innovative technologies. Research efforts tackled critical aspects of PM, but none of them provided a clear foundation for the full context of PM principles and how they complement one another. This study fills this knowledge gap by investigating the evolution of PM over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected a dataset of research papers between 1960 and 2022 and performed a bibliometric analysis on the collected dataset to isolate the main trends that define the evolution of PM phases.

Findings

Results show that all PM phases overlap in terms of overarching themes, concepts, principles and contributions. More importantly, PM 5.0 may be around the corner to facilitate effective and efficient handling of time, cost, scope and risks within the ever-growing complexity of project initiatives.

Originality/value

This paper provides a data-driven study for a holistic understanding of the key trends in PM and the associated expectations of future research directions. This will be of interest to stakeholders within the overall PM domain and multidisciplinary work related to the construction industry.
Confronting social dominance ideology: how professional women manage career stereotypes in male-dominated occupations
Authors: Akanji Babatunde , Mordi Chima , Ajonbadi Hakeem Adeniyi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Using social dominance theory as a conceptual lens, this study explores how female managers and professionals strive to defy the perceived career stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated occupations.

Design/methodology/approach

The dataset comprises 30 interviews with female bank managers and senior engineers in Nigeria – a non-Western location and work group – a sample that is considered under-researched.

Findings

The qualitative analysis identifies how the interviewed women adopted three strategies in managing gender and career stereotypes, with some expressing concerns of experiencing emotional dissonance as they contend with occupational segregation based on gender.

Research limitations/implications

The extent to which the findings can be generalised may be constrained by the study’s limited sample size. Nevertheless, the findings shed light on the underlying importance of disclosing how working women exert themselves in navigating the social dominance ideology in Nigeria that is notable for extreme gender role differentiation. This often results in an intensification of the efforts made by female professionals in confronting the endemic nature of male chauvinism in Nigerian organisations.

Originality/value

Research on gender and career constraints has, in the main, restricted our understanding of the barriers that Nigerian women face in their careers as a result of the masculine hegemony perpetuated by social dominance. The present study aims to challenge, however, proponents of social dominance by unveiling the mitigating strategies that women living in an inegalitarian society adopt to confront occupational male-group ascendency.
Ensuring a smooth landing for starting VET teachers: integrating induction and HRM practices
Authors: Runhaar Piety , Gulikers Judith , Biemans Harm
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The goal of the current paper is to explore how induction of STs in VET schools can be improved by embedding induction in the broader human resources management (HRM) system. To this end, we will present and discuss the theoretical underpinning and the quantitative and qualitative outcomes of an online reflection instrument “Startwijzer,” developed in the Netherlands and which is based on literature on induction on one hand and on HRM literature on the other. In doing so the paper aims to contribute to induction theory and to formulate suggestions as to how provide STs with a smooth landing.

Design/methodology/approach

In the period 2018–2023, the Startwijzer was filled out by starting teachers (STs), their coaches, HRM officers, team leaders and managers working in various VET schools. Descriptive analyses were done on respondents” (n = 629) scores on 13 indicators, with a three-point-Likert-scale (where 1 = “in order”, 2 = “doubt” and 3 = “in order”) in SPSS. Also differences among stakeholders were examined. Respondents’ explanations of their scores were analyzed thematically, within and across indicators, to reach a deeper understanding of how STs can be provided a smooth landing.

Findings

With AMO-theory of performance (Appelbaum et al., 2001) – stating that performance is a function of: abilities (A); motivation (M) and opportunities offered to exert expertise (O) – as conceptual model, 13 indicators relevant for effective induction were distinguished. (A): Timely Recruitment; Lesson Observations; Individual Coaching; Personal Development Plan; Reflection on Teaching Practice; Development of Professional Identity; (M): Exchange of Mutual Expectancies; Distinction among Performance Assessment and Guidance; Differentiation among STs; (O) Provision of Practical Information; Enculturation; Appointment of Coaches; Workload reduction. Respondents were generally very positive about the help and care provided informally by colleagues but less satisfied with the formal procedures.

Originality/value

The paper bridges the literature on induction and that of human resources management (HRM). While the positive impact of HRM on employee outcomes such as performance, commitment and well-being has been attested by numerous studies (e.g. Combs et al., 2006), it is only recently that the potential benefits of HRM for teachers have been acknowledged (e.g. Runhaar, 2017). The theoretical elaboration as well as the empirical evidence discussed in the current paper suggest that unless induction activities are embedded in school HRM policy, STs already start their careers 1–0 down and it might be difficult for them to catch up.
Adaptability and integration influence on adaptive capacity of small- and medium-scale construction organisations
Authors: Pim-Wusu Mark , Aigbavboa Clinton , Adu Gyamfi Timothy , Didibhuku Thwala Wellington
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Adaptability and integration (ADI) are the core ingredients for environmentally sustainable construction (ESC), which preserves the ecology from unsupported human activities. However, the approach is lagging in developing countries, which has led to studying the influence of ADI on the adaptive capacity of small- and medium-scale construction organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a quantitative methodology, collecting 400 responses as a sample size. A construct of 14 influential factors concerning ADI within the Ghanaian small and medium-scale construction industry was developed. The data obtained from participants underwent analysis using SPSS version 26. The validity of the study’s findings was assessed by applying structural equation modelling (SEM) within the AMOS software.

Findings

It was evident that innovation advancement and ongoing training and evaluations significantly influence ADI for adaptive capacity. Moreover, the system internally and vulnerability (SIV) and perceived need for implementation (PNI) sub-scales were the main latent components for best construction practices.

Practical implications

Ghana’s small- and medium-scale construction organisations have yet to fully recognise the importance of ADI in enhancing adaptive capacity for the best ESC. However, the results indicated that ADI constructs will significantly influence implementation outcomes to ensure ESC.

Originality/value

The originality of this research also resides in identifying how ADI affect small- and medium-scale construction organisation’s ability to ensure ecologically sustainable building practices.
How to make ladies take higher risk? Female executives and corporate risk-taking in China: board social capital and marketization
Authors: Liu Xin , Cui Shengda , Du Chenxi , Brisker Eric R.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Chinese female executives and corporate risk-taking the contingencies that affect this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A integrated theoretical framework was established, on the basis of which theoretical hypotheses were developed and tested using 20,315 firm-year observations collected from China’s publicly listed companies during the period 2005–2020. Data were collected from China's Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share Stock Exchanges and analyzed using a moderated regression analysis, PSM, 2SLS-IV and PSM-DID model.

Findings

The empirical results indicate a negative effect of the ratio of female executives in top management team on corporate risk-taking, and this negative effect can be weakened by the social capital of board directors and the regional marketization.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to research on the relationship between female executives and risk-taking by considering the effect of eastern culture on female executives’ business decision-making and examining the moderating factors inside and outside the firm.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates the active steps that corporations can take to enhance female executives' willingness and capacity to take firm-related risks so as to improve the firm value in the long run.

Originality/value

The paper explores how Chinese culture and Chinese traditional value affect female executives’ decision-making on risky projects or uncertain investments. In addition, our study for the first time examines the moderating effect of board social capital as an internal factor and marketization as an external one on the relationship between Chinese female executives and corporate risk taking. The research examines the gender inequality in the work and competitive environment facing female executives in the areas of different marketization level, which would affect female executives’ cognition and motivation in corporate risk taking.
What sources do individuals use to validate arguments in scientific discourses today? An exploratory study of YouTube comments on vaccination
Authors: Kang Ju Hui , Ko Eun-Young , Choi Gi Woong
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore scientific discourses on vaccination in YouTube comments using the Connectivism theory as a foundational guide in the inquiry of understanding knowledge seeking and sharing. The authors sought to understand how individuals share and seek information by using external sources through URL links to validate their arguments.

Design/methodology/approach

Using content analysis, the authors extracted and analysed 584 random comments with URL links from eight YouTube videos scientifically addressing the purpose of vaccines. The comments were coded by stance (pro, anti, and neutral) and the type of resource to observe how their links were used.

Findings

The results showed that URL links were composed of quotes, questions, and opinions. Many sources came from research papers, conspiracy websites, or other videos. Some of the comments did not accurately reflect the information from research papers and showed little scientific reasoning. This suggests the need for critical evaluation among individuals when finding information online.

Research limitations/implications

The findings can be expanded to explore different types of information literacy practices in the comment section of social media for both informal and formal environments.

Practical implications

YouTube is useful in fostering scientific discourse and information-seeking/sharing practices among individuals. However, considering the inaccuracy of content deliverance, educators and individuals will need to consider how to teach/conduct information literacy skills when implementing social media for educational purposes.

Originality/value

Only a few studies have conducted research on comments using URL links, the originality of sources and how the sources were used in argumentation.
Impact of capital inflows on bank profitability: a comparative analysis of dual banking systems
Authors: AlKhazali Osamah , Aguir Iness , Helmi Mohamad , Mirzaei Ali
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Using data on 739 banks from 22 countries with a dual banking system from 2012 to 2019, this paper aims to examine whether capital inflows affect banks’ profitability in recipient countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors check the conjecture about the effect of capital inflows on the profitability of the host country’s banks by estimating the following regression:

Pict=α0+α1·CFct+α2·Islamici+α3·CFct×Islamici+δ·Xict+θ·Yct+εict (1)

where the dependent variable (Pict) refers to bank profitability, measured by either ROA or ROE for bank i, country c and year t. ROA is defined as the ratio of net profit to average total assets expressed as a percentage, which determines how efficiently a bank uses its assets to generate a profit. ROE is defined as the ratio of net profit to average total equity expressed as a percentage, which is a measure of increases in shareholders’ wealth.

Findings

The authors find that capital inflows are generally positively associated with bank profitability. However, cross-border capital inflows reduce the rate of return in Islamic banks relative to their conventional counterparts. When decomposing inflows by instrument, the authors find that the enhancing role of capital inflows on bank profitability comes mainly from debt inflows and borrowers; the authors observe that the documented results emanate mostly from the inflows to the financial sector. These results remain unchanged if holding a bank’s risk constant. Overall, foreign funds in the form of debt inflows targeting the financial sector can disproportionately improve the performance of commercial banks in recipient countries.

Originality/value

The paper is an original research project. The analysis contributes to the existing literature in several ways: the authors study whether the impact of capital inflows on bank profitability varies with the bank business model by looking at both the Islamic and conventional bank systems. The profitability of the banking system is an important catalyst for growth and stability. The authors also decompose capital inflows to recipient countries into their equity and debt components and study the differential impact of those components on the profitability of Islamic and conventional banks.
Toward an inclusive metaverse: maneuvering between acceptance of disability and need for uniqueness
Authors: Farah Maya F. , Ramadan Zahy
Published: July 2024

Purpose

While there has been a growing interest in the field of Metaverse-related research, its impact on vulnerable segments of the population, particularly those with special needs, is yet to be fully examined. This research develops the underlying scant theoretical knowledge related to the attachment of people with disabilities to the Metaverse and its effects on their need for uniqueness and acceptance of disability, and hence their sense of inclusivity and overall well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative approach using an Internet-based survey. The sample size consisted of 530 Metaverse users with a physical disability in the USA. The proposed model integrates virtual place attachment alongside disabled consumers' need for uniqueness, and acceptance of their physical disability. SPSS and LISREL were utilized for data analysis and SEM.

Findings

The study underscores the complexity of the interplay between virtual place attachment, disability acceptance and the need for uniqueness among physically disabled users in the Metaverse. It investigates how the attachment to virtual spaces by people with disability influence their psychological well-being.

Originality/value

This research adds to the interactive marketing and disabled consumer psychology literature exploring the theoretical and practical implications from an attachment and need for uniqueness theory perspectives.
Mapping content-driven engagement and attitudinal spillover effect of influencer marketing
Authors: Mir Imran Anwar , Salo Jari
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study analyzes the indirect (i.e. through brand content engagement-BCE) and direct effects of informative, credible, novel, and aesthetically pleasing attributes of influencer-generated branded content on endorsed brand-related attitude and a subsequent attitudinal spillover effect on the followers' firm-generated endorsed brand-related ad click behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected from 300 users who follow the top 40 Pakistani social media macro-influencers using an online survey. The conceptual model and hypotheses were tested through process macro and structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study finds informative, credible, novel, and aesthetically pleasing factors vital attributes of influencer-generated branded content, which indirectly (i.e. via BCE) and directly affects followers’ endorsed brand-related attitude. This study also finds that these factors have a positive attitudinal spillover effect on followers’ firm-generated endorsed brand-related ad-click behavior on social media.

Practical implications

This study presents guidelines to firms and their partner influencers about designing and implementing follower-valued content-driven influencer marketing campaigns.

Originality/value

This study contributes to extant influencer marketing literature by integrating multiple attributes of influencer-generated branded content, which carry different values for followers, and using the Self-perception theory, the Multi-attribute attitude model, and the Spillover theory to explain their indirect and direct effects on endorsed brand-related attitude and a subsequent attitudinal spillover effect on firm-generated endorsed brand-related ads.
Artificial intelligence for library and information science education: using mnemonics to improve learning and retention
Authors: Saeidnia Hamid Reza , Keshavarz Hamid
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to familiarize students and instructors in the field of library and information science (LIS) with some features and benefits of mnemonics in the context of learning artificial intelligence (AI).

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative review among literature exists on mnemonics, AI and library services.

Findings

In the field of LIS, the use of mnemonics can be highly beneficial for both students and instructors. Mnemonics can aid in the retention and recall of complex concepts, classification systems, information retrieval strategies, jargon learning and library memory that are fundamental to the field. In the field of AI, mnemonics can be a valuable tool for students learning complex algorithms, concepts and techniques. Mnemonics can help students remember key components of AI models, understand the underlying principles and apply them effectively in problem-solving.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first ones exploring the use of mnemonics for learning subject areas related to artificial intelligence in LIS.
ESG controversies and insolvency risk: evidence from the insurance industry
Authors: Giráldez-Puig Pilar , Moreno Ignacio , Perez-Calero Leticia , Guerrero Villegas Jaime
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the relationships between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) controversies and insolvency risk in the insurance sector. Drawing from legitimacy and stakeholder theories, the authors explore the impact of ESG controversies on insurers’ insolvency risk and the moderating effect of ESG practices on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilises a dataset comprising 120 stock insurance firms spanning from 2011 to 2022. The authors employed system-GMM estimations to control for potential endogeneity and conducted several robustness checks.

Findings

ESG controversy positively influences insurers’ insolvency risk, with ESG practices mitigating these positive effects. The Governance (G) component of ESG practices plays a key role in counteracting the effects of ESG controversies on insurance companies’ insolvency risk.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate the direct relationship between ESG controversies and insolvency risk in the insurance industry. It underscores the critical influence of stakeholders’ perceptions of the company’s legitimacy, which is determined by the number of ESG controversies undertaken by the insurer company, on its insolvency risk. Additionally, by examining the three components of ESG practices individually, the authors offer insights into how managers can gain a competitive edge, particularly by utilising governance practices as safeguards against the adverse effects of ESG controversies on their financial risk.
Development of trust-based autonomous driving framework in New Zealand
Authors: Rehman Attiqur , GhaffarianHoseini Ali , Naismith Nicola , Almhafdy Abdulbasit , Ghaffarianhoseini Amirhosein , Tookey John , Urrehman Shafiq
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have the potential to transform the infrastructure, mobility and social well-being paradigms in New Zealand (NZ) amid its unprecedented population and road safety challenges. But, public acceptance, co-evolution of regulations and AV technology based on interpersonal and institutional trust perspectives pose significant challenges. Previous theories and models need to be more comprehensive to address trust influencing autonomous driving (AD) factors in natural settings. Therefore, this study aims to find key AD factors corresponding to the chain of human-machine interaction (HMI) events happening in real time and formulate a guiding framework for the successful deployment of AVs in NZ.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a comprehensive literature review complemented by an AV users’ study with 15 participants. AV driving sprints were conducted on low, medium and high-density roads in Auckland, followed by 15 ideation workshops to gather data about the users’ observations, feelings and attitudes towards the AVs during HMI.

Findings

This research study determined nine essential trust-influencing AD determinants in HMI and legal readiness domains. These AD determinants were analyzed, corresponding to eight AV events in three phases. Subsequently, a guiding framework was developed based on these factors, i.e. human-machine interaction autonomous driving events relationship identification framework (HMI-ADERIF) for the deployment of AVs in New Zealand.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted only in specific Auckland areas.

Practical implications

This study is significant for advanced design research and provides valuable insights, guidelines and deployment pathways for designers, practitioners and regulators when developing HMI Systems for AD vehicles.

Originality/value

This study is the first-ever AV user study in New Zealand in live traffic conditions. This user study also claimed its novelty due to AV trials in congested and fast-moving traffic on the four-lane motorway in New Zealand. Previously, none of the studies conducted AV user study on SUV BMW vehicle and motorway in real-time traffic conditions; all operations were completely autonomous without any input from the driver. Thus, it explored the essential autonomous driving (AD) trust influencing variables in human factors and legal readiness domains. This research is also unique in identifying critical AD determinants that affect the user trust, acceptance and adoption of AVs in New Zealand by bridging the socio-technical gap with futuristic research insights.
Advancing predictive maintenance: a deep learning approach to sensor and event-log data fusion
Authors: Liu Zengkun , Hui Justine
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to introduce an innovative approach to predictive maintenance by integrating time-series sensor data with event logs, leveraging the synergistic potential of deep learning models. The primary goal is to enhance the accuracy of equipment failure predictions, thereby minimizing operational downtime.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology uses a dual-model architecture, combining the patch time series transformer (PatchTST) model for analyzing time-series sensor data and bidirectional encoder representations from transformers for processing textual event log data. Two distinct fusion strategies, namely, early and late fusion, are explored to integrate these data sources effectively. The early fusion approach merges data at the initial stages of processing, while late fusion combines model outputs toward the end. This research conducts thorough experiments using real-world data from wind turbines to validate the approach.

Findings

The results demonstrate a significant improvement in fault prediction accuracy, with early fusion strategies outperforming traditional methods by 2.6% to 16.9%. Late fusion strategies, while more stable, underscore the benefit of integrating diverse data types for predictive maintenance. The study provides empirical evidence of the superiority of the fusion-based methodology over singular data source approaches.

Originality/value

This research is distinguished by its novel fusion-based approach to predictive maintenance, marking a departure from conventional single-source data analysis methods. By incorporating both time-series sensor data and textual event logs, the study unveils a comprehensive and effective strategy for fault prediction, paving the way for future advancements in the field.
Earthworms promote crop growth by enhancing the connections among soil microbial communities
Authors: Shi Jin‐Hua , Hu Xin‐Jun , Zeng Zi‐Xuan , Sun Ze , Wang Chao , Abdelnabby Hazem , Jin Huanan , Wang Man‐Qun
Published: July 2024

Earthworms benefit plant growth and play a vital role in shaping soil microbial communities. However, how earthworms modify the soil microorganisms and thus affect plant growth is still unclear. Although fertilizers alter the assembly of microbial communities, further investigations are required to test the effect of fertilizer type on the relationship between earthworms, soil microbial communities and plants.

We evaluated the role of earthworms in soil microorganisms and maize plant growth characteristics under organic or chemical fertilizers in field and greenhouse experiments. We explored the relationships between earthworms, soil microbial community and plant growth under different fertilizer types.

We found that the presence of earthworms promoted plant growth, increased the amount of plant root exudates, and enhanced the connections between rhizosphere bacterial, fungal and protist communities. Both earthworms and fertilizer application significantly changed the structure of soil bacterial, fungal and protist communities. The complexity of the soil microbial community network increased under organic, compared to chemical fertilizer application. The greenhouse experiment showed that the effect of earthworms on plant growth was weakened when maize plants were grown in sterilized soil under organic or chemical fertilizers.

Synthesis and applications: Our study provides solid evidence that earthworms largely depend on soil microorganisms for their effects on plants under the application of different fertilizer conditions. This may provide new insights into reducing the amounts of fertilizer used by enhancing the role of earthworms and soil microorganisms.
Bottom‐up foreign policy? Finland, NATO and public opinion
Authors: Forsberg Tuomas
Published: July 2024

Finland's decision to apply for membership in NATO is a case of bottom‐up driven foreign policy. Public opinion had been rather stable for more than 25 years in the NATO issue with less than 30 per cent of the people supporting Finland's membership in NATO but almost overnight during the week when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, a majority of Finns were in favour of it. Only after that shift in public opinion did the decision‐makers support the idea of joining NATO. How was the bottom‐up driven change possible? First, the resistance to NATO membership in Finland was common but not deep. Second, in the run‐up to the war, Russia had demanded that NATO put a stop to its open door policy not only with regard to Ukraine but also for Finland. Third, Russia's unprovoked war on Ukraine constituted a particular frame in Finland, because the 1939 Winter War analogy was a key part of the collective memory. Finally, due to a strong tradition of national consensus in foreign and security policy, the shift in the public opinion became overwhelming: when the tide had turned, only very few resisted. In sum, four factors enabled the public opinion change: a rational basis for opinion change, a sense of urgency, an emotional push and the consensus effect. Although public opinion is often seen as stabilising and retardant force particularly in foreign and security policy, it can also be a driver for change when suitable conditions such as those in Finland exist.
Defining public warning failure
Authors: Bean Hamilton , Hasinoff Amy , Fields Sarah
Published: July 2024

Public warning failure is an undertheorized concept. A shared definition of public warning failure is needed to help stakeholders assess responsibility in the aftermath of government nonuse, misuse, or misunderstanding of public warning systems, especially mobile device‐based systems that have become a critical element of the public warning ecosystem. Although some uncertainty in the disaster information environment is inevitable, a shared definition of public warning failure could help clarify the roles and responsibilities of government officials and agencies across the arc of disaster communication: public preparation, hazard detection, warning message creation, message dissemination, and public response monitoring. In the context of earthquake early warning system performance, warning failure has been defined as false alert, missed alert, inaccurate alert, no alert, and late alert. Building upon this typology, in this essay, we propose an all‐hazards definition of public warning failure, illustrate it using a conceptual model, and assess the conceptual model using examples drawn from media reporting.