Excelsior College

Purpose Mobile applications (apps) have become integral to daily life, yet fostering continued user engagement remains a challenge. This study aims to investigate factors influencing continuance intention by comparing goal-directed (e.g. educational) and experiential (e.g. gaming) apps. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling analysis was applied to data extracted from 452 valid survey responses collected from users of popular Chinese mobile apps to determine the mediating effects of inner and social self-relevance and positive and negative emotions and the moderating role of app types (goal-directed vs experiential). Findings Our findings indicate that utilitarian value and social value positively influence both inner and social self-relevance, which in turn positively influence positive emotions, while hedonic value primarily impacts inner self-relevance. Inner self-relevance slightly affects brand love, while negative emotions negatively influence brand love. Furthermore, inherent (hedonic) value has a stronger influence on positive emotions than utilitarian value. A mediation analysis confirmed the mediating roles of inner and social self-relevance in the relationship between perceived value and brand love as well as the indirect effects of perceived value on negative emotions mediated via social self-relevance. Furthermore, a multiple-group analysis revealed significant variations in the influence of perceived value on self-relevance, emotions and brand love for goal-directed vis-à-vis experiential apps. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by comprehensively examining brand love formation in mobile apps, considering both goal-directed and experiential categories. The findings provide valuable guidance for marketers and designers seeking to enhance user engagement and cultivate user-app relationships in a competitive mobile app market.

Purpose This study examines the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance on private equity financing in European Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It specifically explores the impact of aggregated ESG scores and individual environmental, social and governance dimensions on private equity investment decisions. Design/methodology/approach The analysis employs fixed-effects panel regressions using a dataset of European SMEs from 2015 to 2023. The study assesses the relationships between private equity involvement, ESG scores and individual ESG sub-components while controlling for firm-specific financial attributes and macroeconomic factors. Findings Results indicate that SMEs with higher aggregated ESG scores attract significantly greater private equity investment. Specifically, environmental and governance sub-components have a positive and significant impact on investment decisions, signaling investor preferences for ecological risk management, regulatory compliance and corporate transparency. Conversely, the social dimension lacks a significant effect, highlighting less emphasis on social sustainability factors by private equity investors. Additionally, macroeconomic conditions, liquidity and sales growth have a positive influence on private equity financing, whereas country-level emissions have a negative impact on investment flows. Research limitations/implications The findings indicate the importance of embedding comprehensive ESG frameworks into SME financing strategies. Future research should investigate sector-specific differences and the impact of regulatory changes on investor behavior toward ESG criteria. Practical implications The study offers practical insights for entrepreneurs and policymakers, suggesting an enhanced emphasis on environmental and governance practices to attract private equity. Policymakers are recommended to incentivize ESG adoption among SMEs through targeted financial incentives, regulatory simplification and supportive sustainability-focused policies. Originality/value This research addresses a significant gap in entrepreneurial finance literature by empirically linking distinct ESG dimensions to private equity financing within European SMEs. The findings highlight the strategic benefits for SMEs that adopt robust ESG practices in attracting external finance and achieving long-term resilience.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b was first detected in birds in 2021 in the United States (U.S.). An ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle began in early 2024 involving genotype B3.13. At least 70 U.S. cases have been identified in humans with exposure to infected cattle, poultry, and wild birds. No human-to-human transmission has yet been documented. However, for diagnostic preparedness, we evaluated the ability of currently available influenza tests to detect 2024 U.S. H5N1 genotypes, B3.13 and D1.1, predominant in wild birds and poultry. Contrived nasal swab samples were prepared using live or inactivated virus and used to test 12 rapid antigen tests (lateral flow assays, [LFA]), including 10 commercially available influenza A and two H5-specific LFAs. Five point-of-care (POC) molecular assays were also tested. An inclusivity testing protocol utilizing a predetermined dilution series was used to evaluate each assay, enabling a head-to-head comparison of performances. All LFAs and POC molecular tests were able to detect bovine 2024 H5N1 genotype B3.13. Sensitivity for the POC molecular tests (heat-inactivated B3.13) ranged from 1.55 to 7.75 TCID50/swab. For 11/12 LFAs, 10 commercial influenza A, and an RUO H5 assay, the sensitivity (live B3.13) ranged from 78 to 1550 TCID50/swab. The 12th LFA detected 77,500 TCID50/mL transport media. Testing of four LFAs confirmed inclusivity for genotype D1.1. Available influenza tests can detect 2024 U.S. H5N1 strains in contrived samples with a wide range of analytical sensitivity. In the event of human-to-human transmission, clinical performance and optimal sample types would need to be established.IMPORTANCETo date, at least 70 human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 have been reported. Human-to-human transmission has not yet been reported, but there is ongoing HPAI H5N1 spread within animal and bird populations. As part of pandemic preparedness, it is critical to know whether available tests capable of detecting seasonal influenza A can also detect HPAI H5N1. Our paper describes results from the first study to assess and compare the ability of 10 commercially available influenza A lateral flow assays (LFAs), two LFAs specific for H5 influenza, and five POC molecular tests from three manufacturers to detect the H5N1 virus circulating in U.S. cattle (genotype B3.13). We found that all tests detect HPAI H5N1 in contrived nasal swab specimens, with varying degrees of analytical sensitivity. We also tested a subset of LFAs (three 510k-cleared COVID/flu multiplex tests and an RUO H5-specific LFA) to confirm that they were able to detect a D1.1 genotype (the predominant genotype in wild birds and poultry) strain isolated from a human case of H5N1 in Washington State. Given the persistent circulation of HPAI H5N1 cases, it is critical to know that available tests can analytically detect H5N1. Clinical performance and optimal sample types should be evaluated if human-to-human transmission is observed.

This research examines the reliability of high-rate optical transmission systems through comprehensive simulations conducted with OptiSystem. As the demand for greater bandwidth and high-speed data rates rises, ensuring the robustness of optical communication networks becomes essential. The study employs OptiSystem to model various high-speed transmission scenarios, focusing on performance metrics like bit error rate (BER), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and system margins across diverse environmental conditions. The research considers fiber lengths ranging from 10 km to 95 km. It has an attenuation constant of 0.15 dB/km and a reference wavelength of 1750 nm. The Q factor decreases with increasing fiber length from very high to very low, whereas BER decreases from very low to critical. When using RZ with Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulation, the system performance decreases at larger distances considerably. By utilizing advanced modulation techniques and optimizing system parameters, the simulation aims to identify the best combinations that enhance reliability and overall performance. The results highlight critical factors affecting system dependability, offering a framework for future enhancements in high-speed optical communications. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to develop more resilient optical networks that can meet the challenges posed by next-generation data traffic demands.

The demand for higher speeds and lower latency in reliable data communications will meet with acceptance in the wireless communication networks. Among the newest additions to the field is 5 G Device-to-Device (D2D) communication, which allows direct device communications not dependent on base stations or access points. However, environmental changes, signal interference, and differential mobility cause tremendous challenges in maintaining high throughput in wireless networks. Adjusting transmission rate according to real-time channel conditions provides optimal data transfer with minimal packet loss and transfer delays through a Rate Adaptation Algorithm (RAA). Essentially, classical Minstrel implementations become inefficient over quickly changing environments, thus taking decisions on rate that are not optimal, leading to increased packet loss and variable throughput. To overcome these disadvantages, this paper introduces a variety of changes, including modifications for dynamic retry adjustment, rate selection criteria, and sampling method optimization, which prevents unnecessary retransmissions. Simulation scenarios are run under diverse mobility and error rates, with analysis conducted on the performance of the enhanced Minstrel algorithm. The results demonstrate significant improvements in increased throughput, loss of packets, and stability of the network compared with traditional RAAs. The changes would allow modified Minstrel to adapt better 0highmobility scenarios. Improvements to the algorithm render a modified Minstrel a good candidate for future high-speed, adaptive wireless networks.

Smart transportation networks are challenged by a critical challenge of traffic congestion and inevitably requires a complex package of management solutions. This paper introduces a Secure Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) framework that optimizes traffic whilst protecting from malicious threats. Traffic Prediction Dataset accessible through Kaggle is used as the foundation for training reinforcement learning agents from four junctions who cooperate to manage traffic signals. The widespread preprocessing procedures that also dealt with data gaps in addition to dimension transformation and value normalization generated genuine traffic prediction models. The Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning framework reduced the mean waiting time by 45.7% with a 47.0% traffic passing rate higher than that achieved using standard fixed-duration signal control techniques. Homomorphic encryption, when integrated with blockchain protocols, instituted novel security protocols for agent to agent communication, and this yielded a reduction of adversarial attacks below 90% levels. The implementation framework provided a 39.3% reduction in the fuel consumption when implemented in real-time urban traffic management systems. Secure Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) systems show their potential aptitude to propel smart transportation networks in the while providing increased efficiency and security as well as sustainability effectiveness.

Introduction: The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a powerful independent screening tool for coronary artery disease (CAD). Elevated CAC score has been significantly associated with increased rates of revascularization, however the Framingham Risk Score remains the most used method of predicting patients’ risk for future revascularization. Hypothesis: The CAC score is a superior predictor of adverse cardiac events than the traditionally accepted Framingham Risk Score. Methods: Data was analyzed retrospectively of patients who underwent calcium score scans between August 2011 and April 2021 as part of the Sanford Cardiovascular Prevention Program and were categorized into low (<100), moderate (100-399), or high (≥400) CAC groups. The accuracy of revascularization prediction between subjects with CAC score and those without CAC score were evaluated by a ROC curve. Results: A total of 28,187 patients were screened for CAC score. 46% were females and the mean age was 61.4 ± 9.9 years. ROC predictive accuracy of patients with CAC scores (0.76) compared against those with no CAC score (0.71) was found to be statistically significant (Z = -6.27, P<0.01). Furthermore, total CAC was found to a significant predictor (b=.001, p<0.01) of revascularization above and beyond the additional risk factors with the pseudo R2 increasing from .08 for starting risk factors to .15 when total CAC was added for a pseudo R2 change of .07 Conclusions: In our study, CAC scoring was not only able to better predict the need for future revascularization compared to Framingham components but also able to improve the specificity of revascularization prediction when added to the Framingham components.

Abstract: Cement production has a significant environmental impact, causing air pollution in the form of dust, gases, and noise during quarrying and milling. To address this concern, modified cement, a cementitious material that surpasses Portland cement's performance by incorporating recycled and waste materials, is proposed as a sustainable construction option. By reducing the use of raw materials, modified cement can lead to essential environmental benefits. In this experimental study, the feasibility of using sea shell and Titanium Di Oxide as alternative cementitious materials is explored. These materials demonstrate good pozzolanic reactivity and the ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A mix design based on the Indian standard method of M25 is adopted, and three replacement levels (10%, 15%, and 20%) are considered for investigation. CO2 emissions from cement production are a major concern in the building industry. By utilizing sea shell and Titanium Di Oxide as cement substitutes, this study aims to contribute to energy conservation and environmental preservation. Trial mixes are prepared for each composition, and the results are compared with conventional concrete at different design mixes. The use of sea shell and Titanium Di Oxide as cement alternatives shows potential for achieving CO2 adsorption and reducing environmental impacts. This research offers insights into sustainable construction practices, paving the way for eco-friendly and resource-efficient building materials.

The construction industry forms an important part of the economies of all countries, employing a substantial workforce. It is also one of the most hazardous industries in the world. Some construction site jobs include: building houses, roads, tree forts, workplaces and repair and maintain infrastructures. Major safety hazards for construction workers include working at heights, in excavations and tunnels, on highways and in confined spaces; exposure to electricity, construction machinery, noise, dust, power tools and equipment, etc. The leading safety hazards on construction sites include falls, being caught between objects, electrocutions, and being struck by objects. These hazards have caused injuries and deaths on construction sites throughout the world. Failures in hazard identification are often due to limited or improper training and supervision of workers. Areas where there is limited training include tasks in design for safety, safety inspection, and monitoring safety. Most incidents can be prevented by taking simple measures or adopting proper working procedures. This handbook is intended to outline important issues on safety and health that should be paid attention to on construction sites for easy reference by the workers. If we work carefully and take appropriate safety measures, there will definitely be fewer work injury cases, and our sites will become a safe and secure place to work in. Other legislation applicable to construction sites includes the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation, particularly the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations. Employees should cooperate with their employers and other persons in complying with the safety legislation and guidelines, and should not do anything to endanger themselves and other persons.