bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Charged critical behavior and nonperturbative continuum limit of three-dimensional lattice
SU(Nc)
gauge Higgs models
Authors: Bonati Claudio , Pelissetto Andrea , Soler Calero Ivan , Vicari Ettore 
Published: November 2024

We consider three-dimensional (3D) lattice SU(Nc) gauge Higgs theories with multicomponent (Nf>1) degenerate scalar fields and U(Nf) global symmetry, focusing on systems with Nc=2, to identify critical behaviors that can be effectively described by the corresponding 3D SU(Nc) gauge Higgs field theory. The field-theoretical analysis of the RG flow allows one to identify a stable charged fixed point for large values of Nf, that would control transitions characterized by the global symmetry-breaking pattern U(Nf)→SU(2)⊗U(Nf−2). Continuous transitions with the same symmetry-breaking pattern are observed in the SU(2) lattice gauge model for Nf≥30. Here we present a detailed finite-size scaling analysis of the Monte Carlo data for several large values of Nf. The results are in substantial agreement with the field-theoretical predictions obtained in the large-Nf limit. This provides evidence that the SU(Nc) gauge Higgs field theories provide the correct effective description of the 3D large-Nf continuous transitions between the disordered and the Higgs phase, where the flavor symmetry breaks to SU(2)⊗U(Nf−2). Therefore, at least for large enough Nf, the 3D SU(Nc) gauge Higgs field theories with multicomponent scalar fields can be nonperturbatively defined by the continuum limit of lattice discretized models with the same local and global symmetries.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Factors influencing business model change: a case study for the European crop protection industry
Authors: Bourgeois Liselot , Van Meensel Jef , Marchand Fleur , Van Passel Steven 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis paper proposes a theoretical framework for the comprehensive study of business model (BM) change by taking different types of influencing factors and different levels of analysis into account (business, industry and macro-environment).Design/methodology/approachEvaluation of the added value of using the combination of three existing frameworks (the business model canvas (Osterwalder and Pigneur, 2010), Porter’s five forces framework (Porter, 1980) and PESTEL (Johnson et al., 2017)) based on semi-structured interviews with eight companies active in the European crop protection industry. The proposed theoretical framework was used to analyse several BM change situations as presented by the companies.FindingsOur findings reveal that the study of BM change is improved when a third type of influencing factors is considered besides drivers and facilitating/hindering factors. This third type includes factors that shape cohesion between BM components or between the BM and its environment. Second, the interaction of different types of influencing factors at different levels of analysis should be considered, as this generates a comprehensive view of the BM change situation.Originality/valueThis paper meets the demand for a theoretical handle that results in improved and more comprehensive analysis of BM change. The proposed theoretical framework combines different types of internal (business) and external (industry and macro-environment) factors that shape a BM change and considers their interaction.
Exploratory analysis of influential factors in the choices of using single-use or reusable cups in vending
Authors: Bertossi Alberto , Rizzi Laura , Troiano Stefania , Marangon Francesco 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the variables that play a role in the purchase intention of a hot beverage at a vending machine (1) served in a 100% recyclable plastic single-use cup, (2) served in a biodegradable paper single-use cup and (3) served in personal, reusable cups brought by customers. The variables considered are perceived environmental benefits (PEBs), perceived contamination risk (PCR), social norms (SNs), value for money (VM), gender and age. The secondary objective is to investigate respondents’ perceptions of these cups using the first four variables and to assess the existence of significant differences among them.Design/methodology/approachFor the first purpose, three separate logistic regression models on purchase intention were created, considering PEBs, PCR, SNs, VM, gender and age as independent variables. For the second purpose, the analysis relied on Friedman’s nonparametric test. The entire survey was conducted in Italy on a sample of 1,006 consumers.FindingsSNs and VM are the variables with the greatest influence on final purchase intention. PEBs seem to have an effect only in the case of the plastic and paper single-use cups, while PCR only in the case of the reusable cup. Neither gender nor age seem to play a significant role in final purchase intention. Friedman’s test revealed significant differences among the three cup types in terms of perceptions, but not in the case of the PCR variable.Originality/valueThe study is the first to compare new single-use cups with reusable cups from vending machines in terms of consumers’ perceptions and preferences.
Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on household food insecurity: evidence from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ali Beshir M. , Manikas Ioannis , Sundarakani Balan 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe objective of this study was to measure the prevalence and severity of food insecurity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during May 2021 to June 2022, and to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food insecurity.Design/methodology/approachThis study measured the prevalence of household food insecurity in UAE during May 2021 to June 2022 by employing FAO’s Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food security was evaluated by employing a truncated regression model, using survey data from 504 respondents.FindingsAbout 34% of the households were found to be food secure. About 22% of them experienced moderate or severe food insecurity (i.e. have eaten less than they thought should have) whereas almost none have experienced severe food insecurity during the sample period. The truncated model results show that households’ region of residence, livelihood source, education level, income and number of elderlies have a significant association with the probability of experiencing food insecurity. The pandemic-induced unemployment and disruptions in physical access to food positively associated with the probability of experiencing food insecurity.Social implicationsIt is critical to regularly monitor households’ food security status, and design strategies that explicitly consider the food security status of UAE’s significant expat population; most of whom are migrant manual labourers earning low wages, are less job-secured and have poorer access to health care.Originality/valueAlthough several studies assessed the impact of the pandemic on food security in different countries, there is a lack of studies assessing the impact of the pandemic on food security in the import-dependent Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, whose food security might be severely impacted due to the COVID-19-induced global food supply chain disruptions. Our application of the truncated regression model also contributes to the food security literature.
Rayleigh wave propagation in an initially stressed orthotropic elastic solid half-space lying under inviscid liquid and viscous liquid layers
Authors: Gaddam Rajkumar , Kamidi Somaiah , Remidi Srinivas 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this article is the propagation of Rayleigh waves in a homogeneous, isotropic, initially stressed orthotropic elastic solid half-space lying under a homogeneous, viscous, inviscid liquid layer of finite thickness.Design/methodology/approachIn the presence of both viscous and inviscid liquids, it derives the phase velocity, initial stress, and wave number-dependent frequency equation for an orthotropic elastic solid. With the help of the MATLAB program, the thickness effects of liquid layers, initial stress, and viscosity on the phase velocity and attenuation coefficient of the Rayleigh wave are explained for a particular model.FindingsThe phase velocity-dependent dispersion relation of Rayleigh waves at the interface of viscous liquid and solid half-space is a function of initial stress and wave number. Rayleigh waves along the free surface of an orthotropic elastic half-space are also derived as a particular case. The classical results of an inviscid liquid are achieved when the thickness of a viscous liquid approaches zero. Well-known classical results for initially stressed orthotropic elastic solids were also derived.Originality/valueSo far, many researchers have looked into the propagation of surface waves at the interfaces of solid–inviscid liquid, solid–solid, and multilayer interfaces. But in this article, the dispersion behavior of Rayleigh wave propagation in an initially stressed homogeneous orthotropic elastic solid half-space under a double layer of viscous liquid and inviscid liquid is studied.
Institutional quality configuration for encouraging private capital participation in PPP projects: evidence from 36 belt and road countries
Authors: Wang Liyang , Sun Yanfang , Tiong Robert L.K. 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study aims to explore how institutional quality impacts private capital participation in large-scale infrastructure development, particularly in public–private partnership (PPP) projects, aiming to enhance incentives for private sector involvement.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on new institutional theory, a triangular theoretical framework was constructed to analyze the high participation of private capital in PPP projects, focusing on seven key institutional factors. Data from 1,319 PPP projects across 36 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries from 2015 to 2020 were then analyzed using a combination of necessary condition analysis (NCA) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to evaluate the combined impact and interactions of these factors.FindingsResults indicate that high private capital participation does not hinge on a single institutional quality factor but results from the synergistic influence of multiple factors. The paths leading to high private capital participation can be categorized as regulatory-led, normative-cognitive synergistic, regulatory-normative synergistic and institutional failure-led. Among these, regulatory quality plays a central role in the regulatory-led; the synergy between political stability and voice and accountability is pivotal in the normative-cognitive synergistic, and the rule of law, in combination with voice and accountability, is essential to the regulatory-normative synergistic.Originality/valueThis research systematically examines the multidimensional impact of institutional quality, revealing how different institutional factors interact to influence private capital’s willingness to participate and behavior. It enriches applied research in institutional economics within PPP projects and provides a new theoretical perspective and methodological framework to the scholarly community.
Limitations of trust and legitimacy in blockchain: exploring the effectiveness of decentralisation, immutability and consensus mechanisms in blockchain governance
Authors: Curry Dion 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis paper examines to what extent blockchain creates legitimacy and trust in different modes of public governance. It posits that while blockchain aims for political legitimacy through decentralising, immutable and consensus-based mechanisms, the execution of these mechanisms is limited in legitimating governance, which has knock-on effects on trust. It provides an original contribution by recontextualising and reframing blockchain as a governance mechanism that should, and must, perform a legitimating function in order to engender trust.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a comprehensive framework for understanding the legitimacy of blockchain governance, positioning it in terms of co-governance, self-governance and hierarchical governance modes. It systematically analyses blockchain whitepapers, legislation, government documents and other sources in three paradigmatic case studies where blockchain governance failed. These cases are then used to assess blockchain according to three key characteristics of decentralisation, immutability and consensus.FindingsThe research finds that blockchain’s use in governance settings still relies on legitimacy conferred from other sources – namely state – in order to generate trust. Significant limitations in its de facto political decentralisation, immutability and consensus protocols can create failures in co-governance, self-governance and hierarchical-governance applications, thus limiting the legitimation function of blockchain in facilitating political trust.Originality/valueThese findings are significant in highlighting blockchain’s limitations as a decentralised, immutable and consensus-driven legitimating tool, which has knock-on effects on trust in technology and governance more broadly. It also has broader implications in more clearly highlighting the interconnectedness of political trust and legitimacy in governance processes.
Social protection for inclusive growth: a tale of two countries Pakistan and Bangladesh
Authors: Nisar Sadaf , Chaudhry Mumtaz Anwar , Awan Asma , Faisal Faisal , Rahman Sami Ur 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis paper examines and compares the role of social protection to promote inclusive growth in two countries (once related), Pakistan and Bangladesh, from 1984 to 2020, using annual time series data.Design/methodology/approachThe study used principal component analysis to develop the index of social protection, inclusive growth and macroeconomic stability. It also employed co-integration with impulse response function and fully modified ordinary least squares test for long-run cointegration.FindingsThe key results highlighted that social protection positively promotes inclusive growth in both countries. However, Bangladesh attains a high position in achieving inclusive growth through the mechanism of welfare programs. Findings show that institutional quality, macroeconomic stability and globalization are the positive and significant drivers of inclusive growth in both countries. It also confirms that macroeconomic stability and globalization are contributing more to achieving inclusive growth in Bangladesh as compared to Pakistan.Practical implicationsInstitutions and macroeconomic stability in both countries are critical toward providing a transparent system of welfare schemes to achieve inclusive growth. Shocks to social protection schemes in Pakistan are inconsistent for achieving inclusive growth as compared to Bangladesh.Originality/valueThe study extends the empirical measurement of social protection and inclusive growth while using protracted dimensions and indicators. It further examines and compares the dynamics of social protection programs for inclusive growth in two countries once related. For further originality and reliability, this study checks the robustness of long-run estimates by disaggregating the institutional quality and globalization into their key dimensions.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-07-2023-0548
Comparison of inelasticity creep failure evaluation codes for elevated-temperature non-nuclear pressure equipment
Authors: Gong Wei , Wang Xiao-Yan , Wang Xiao , Wang Wen , Yang Yan-Li 
Published: November 2024

PurposeTo ensure the reliable and safe operation of elevated-temperature pipes and equipment in the long term, it is essential to thoroughly assess the creep rupture life. Nevertheless, there is currently no design code that specifies a creep rupture life evaluation method for non-nuclear elevated-temperature equipment. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis was conducted to compare the differences and conservativeness in calculating creep strain using three major codes (ASME-CC-2843, API-579 and BS-7910) based on the results of the 316H creep constitutive model and creep strain prediction. In addition, the creep resistances of 316H, 304H and 347H were compared. Subsequently, the ANSYS Usercreep subroutine was developed to compare the discrepancies between different codes under multiaxial stress conditions using numerical simulations.FindingsBS-7910 employs the Norton creep model with calculation parameters for the average creep strain rate, which is not applicable for the engineering design stage. ASME-CC2843 code primarily focuses on the primary and secondary creep stages, making it more suitable for non-nuclear pipeline and equipment design. For 316H, the creep strain curves predicted by ASME-CC2843 and API-579 typically intersect at a specific point. By combining the creep strain predicted by ASME-CC2843 and API-579, 347H exhibits superior predicted creep resistance compared to 316H, whereas 316H exhibited better predicted creep resistance than 304H.Originality/valueThis study provides a guide for future evaluation methods and material choices for non-nuclear equipment and pipelines operating at elevated temperatures.
A reliability calculation method based on ISSA-BP neural network
Authors: Wang Jingyuan , Li Yong-Hua , Wang Denglong , Chai Min 
Published: November 2024

PurposeTo address the shortcomings of the traditional back propagation (BP) neural network agent model, such as insufficient fitting accuracy and low computational efficiency, an improved method is proposed.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, an improved sparrow search algorithm (ISSA) is developed to optimize the reliability calculation of the BP neural network (ISSA-BP) using an enhanced BP neural network model. The traditional sparrow search algorithm is enhanced by incorporating a golden sine strategy to improve its position-updating mechanism, thereby overcoming its tendency to converge prematurely to local optima. Additionally, an opposition-based learning strategy is integrated to explore the reverse solution around the optimal solution of the sparrow search algorithm, mitigating the risk of local optima.FindingsThe results of the test function demonstrate that the proposed method significantly enhances fitting accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency. Finally, by applying this approach to the metro bogie frame as a case study, the structural reliability of the bogie frame is evaluated using the Monte Carlo method, providing valuable insights for subsequent analysis and structural optimization.Originality/valueThe use of the surrogate model approach for structural reliability analysis significantly improves solution efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of ISSA with the BP neural network enhances both fitting accuracy and computational efficiency, demonstrating the superiority and practicality of the proposed method.
Assessment of the association between aesthetic products and perceived product quality: an analysis of customer attitudes
Authors: Baghirov Fakhri , Zhang Ye 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to high vs. low aesthetic designed products, investigating how perceived quality acts as a mediator between aesthetic design and product attitude. The authors test how different individuals, such as minimalists vs. maximalists, hedonists vs. utilitarians and self-esteem levels, modify this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
Seven hypotheses and a research framework model were developed. Three studies were conducted using the PROCESS Macro V4.3 for analysis, with the results subsequently discussed. A finalized research framework is presented.

Findings
The authors observed that aesthetically pleasing designs positively influence consumer attitudes towards products. Hedonism versus utilitarianism and self-esteem are essential components within the indirect pathway, connecting aesthetic design to perceived quality and subsequently to product attitude, while minimalism directly affects the relationship between aesthetic design and product attitude.

Practical implications
Marketers must comprehend diverse consumer preferences and traits for business success. Perceived quality, distinct from actual quality, strongly shapes pre-purchase product attitudes. Therefore, aligning design with perceived quality is crucial.

Originality/value
This study provides valuable insights into how individual factors influence the choice of products with different aesthetic designs.
Gravity data inversion for parameters assessment over geologically faulted structures—A hybrid particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithm technique
Authors: Kumar Nitesh , Sarkar Kuldeep , Singh Upendra K. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractInterpreting gravity anomalies caused by fault formations is associated with hydrocarbon systems, mineralized areas and hazardous zones and is the main goal of this research. To achieve an effective and robust model over the geologically faulted structures from gravity anomalies, we present a nature‐inspired hybrid algorithm, which synergizes the physics of the particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithm with variable inertia weights. The basic principle of developed particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithm method is to synergistically use the exploratory strengths of gravitational search algorithm with the exploitation capacity of particle swarm optimization in order to optimize and enhance the effectiveness by both algorithms. The technique has been tested on synthetic gravity data with varying settings of noises over geologically faulted structure before being applied to field data taken from Ahiri‐Cherla and Aswaraopet master fault present in Pranhita–Godavari valley, India. The optimization process is further refined through normalized Gaussian probability density functions, confidence intervals, histograms and correlation matrices to quantify uncertainty, stability, sensitivity and resolution. When dealing with field data, the true model is never known; in these circumstances, the quality of the outcome can only be inferred from the uncertainty in the mean model. The research utilizes a 68.27% confidence intervals to identify a location where the probability density function is more dominant. This region is then used to evaluate the mean model, which is expected to be more appropriate and closer to the genuine model. Correlation matrices further provide a clear demonstration of the strong connection between layer parameters. The results suggest that particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithm is less affected by model parameters and yields geologically more consistent outcomes with little uncertainty in the model, aligning well with the available results. The analysed results show that the method we came up with works well and is stable when it comes to solving the two‐dimensional gravity inverse problem. Future research may involve extending the approach to three‐dimensional inversion problems, with potential improvements in computational efficiency and search accuracy for global optimization methods.