Future Expectations Research Articles

Dynamic characteristics of expectations of short-term interest rate and a generalized Vasicek model

This study's principal mathematical deduction exploits the importance of the specification of long-term equilibrium level in the mean-reversion short-term interest rate model—such as the CKLS (Chan, Karolyi, Longstaff, and Sanders) model—to describe the dynamic characteristics of future short-term interest rate expectations, especially long-horizon expectations. Therefore, we present a preferred model by introducing a stochastic long-run equilibrium level factor to extend the specifications of the Vasicek model's short-term interest rate dynamics. Using this new type of short-term interest rate as a driver we develop a two-factor affine arbitrage-free model of term structure, the generalized Vasicek mode. The empirical results show that the model not only has a good sample fitting ability to the Chinese government bond yield curve, but also has better performance in capturing the dynamic characteristics of short-term interest rates and short-term interest rate expectations. This study provides not only a promising avenue for future research on improving interest rate modeling techniques and their practical applications in the financial industry but also a new literature base for accurately identifying public expectations and explaining the underlying mechanisms of expectation changes.

The Predictors of Academic Motivation of University Students During COVID-19 Pandemic

Given the salience of personal and environmental-related factors in young people’s motivation during COVID-19, this study investigated if positive future expectations, social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, and perceived social support were related to university students’ intrinsic and extrinsic academic motivation and amotivation as well as if their academic motivations differed according to gender. Using a convenient sampling method, 805 university students (54% female) participated in the study in the spring semester of 2020-2021, during COVID-19 lockdowns. The results of multiple linear regression showed positive relations of positive future expectations and SEL skills with intrinsic and extrinsic academic motivations and negative relations with amotivation levels of university students. In addition, the results indicated a significant positive relationship between perceived social support and extrinsic motivation, yet no significant relation between intrinsic motivation and amotivation levels. Moreover, female students' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation levels were higher and their amotivation levels were lower than those of male students, with low effect sizes. The findings pointed to theoretical, research, and practical implications, which could be interpreted in a cultural context during COVID-19.

METAVERSE AND ITS COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR COMPANIES

The constant technological evolution has affected many people in recent years. In this new environment, a recent phenomenon called metaverse has grown exponentially after the emergence of the company Meta, formerly Facebook, which showed interest in developing technologies related to this platform. Therefore, this study proposed to analyze the current commercial applications of the metaverse, in addition to identifying opportunities and challenges faced by companies in its implementation. The study is based on bibliographical research of an exploratory-descriptive nature, consisting of a qualitative and a quantitative data analysis. Through the search carried out, a file was created containing 99 different publications found on the Internet on the metaverse topic, which were categorized, in order to understand the market's vision of this technology. Among the technologies associated with the metaverse, NFTs, avatars, virtual reality, blockchain, and augmented reality stood out. The study also mapped the main commercial applications of the metaverse, the benefits obtained, barriers to adoption, and future expectations regarding its use. The research is expected to help managers and academics interested in implementing this new technology in the business environment, in addition to listing the opportunities linked to the metaverse and understanding how companies are appropriating this new technological platform to do business.

Predicting Quality of Modified Product Attributes to Achieve Customer Satisfaction

In the era of the competitive environment, the improvement in current products is ensured through activities aimed at increasing a product’s quality level and, consequently, reducing the amount of waste. The dynamically changing production environment and sudden changes in customer expectations force us to take precise and well-thought-out development steps. Furthermore, it is important to anticipate favourable product changes to prepare for market changes over time. This is still an open problem. The aim of this study was to develop a method to predict the quality of potential product prototypes resulting from the proposed modifications of the product features. This methodology takes into account current customer expectations. The method was created based on the principles of creating Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in the context of taking into account current and future customer expectations regarding product features. This is a new approach to analysing product quality within the principles of the traditional QFD method. The originality of the study is the technique used in the method to estimate the expected values of product features and their importance (weights), taking into account current customer expectations. Its originality is also manifested in drawing conclusions supporting the decision-making process of product improvement, because it involves ensuring the pro-quality modification of selected features of current products in the order that is most advantageous from the customer’s point of view. The use of the proposed method allows for the analysis of the impact of modifying the current value of a product feature. The method is illustrated with an example of a vacuum cleaner for home use. However, the proposed method can be applied to the design of any product to predict products that will meet customer expectations.

Study of Commodity Relationships Based on Integrated Modelling

With the times, sound business decisions are crucial for superstores. Multiple metrics such as replenishment and pricing decisions, future sales volume expectations, etc. tend to have an important place in operational decisions. Firstly, data visualisation is performed to study the distribution pattern of category sales volume and find outliers. Second, the relationship between categories and categories, and between individual products and individual products is analysed by Spearman's correlation coefficient. Then the connection between category and single product is described by grey correlation analysis, and the sample single product is classified by clustering, so as to describe the distribution law of single product. At the same time, the Fourier transform was used to find the existence of cyclical changes in each category of vegetables, which further describes the sales distribution of the categories.

SMEFT analysis of charged lepton flavor violating B -meson decays

Charged lepton flavor violation (cLFV) processes, potentially important for various beyond the Standard Model physics scenarios are analyzed in the Standard Model effective field theory framework. We consider the most relevant two-quark–two-lepton (2q2ℓ) operators for the leptonic and semileptonic LFV B-decay (LFVBD) processes Bs→μ+e−,B+→K+μ+e−,B0→K*0μ+e−, and Bs→ϕμ−e+. We analyze the interplay among the Wilson coefficients responsible for these LFVBDs and other cLFV processes, like CR(μ→e), ℓi→ℓjγ, ℓi→ℓjℓkℓm, and Z→ℓiℓj, to find the maximal possible LFV effects in B-meson decays. We probe the scale of new physics in relation to the constraints imposed by both classes of the LFV decays while considering both the present bounds and future expectations. In view of proposed experiments at LHCb-II and Belle II to study charged LFV processes, we have also provided the upper limits on the indirect constraints on such LFVBDs. For the processes where the B meson is decaying to μ± and e∓, we show that new physics can be constrained by an enhancement of 2–4 orders of magnitude on the current sensitivities of the branching ratios of B+→K+μ+e−,B0→K*0μ+e−, and Bs→ϕμ±e∓. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Brain oscillations during emotion regulation and the two-dimensional model of adult attachment

Emotion Regulation (ER) refers to the processes by which individuals influence their own emotions. It is a crucial aspect of human behavior, affecting everything from interpersonal relationships to mental health. The relationship between ER and Attachment Theory (AT) is pivotal. AT suggests that early bonds with primary caregivers influence future relationship expectations and behaviors. These initial experiences shape internal models of self and others, affecting how individuals regulate their emotions. Understanding the interplay between ER and AT is essential for comprehending the human affective system. In this study, we explored the neural underpinnings of ER, focusing on two distinct strategies: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Using electroencephalography (EEG), we examined changes in neural oscillations from 52 adults during an ER task. Specifically, we observed increased frontal theta activity (3–6 Hz) during reappraisal compared to suppression strategies. This frontal theta activity suggests enhanced cognitive control engagement. Conversely, during suppression, we noted a decrease in beta frequency (15–30 Hz) activity from central electrodes, indicative of differing neural processes. Further integrating psychological theories, we explored the relationship between these neural markers and dimensions of human attachment. Employing the Experiences in Close Relationships-12 scale (ECR-12), we identified a negative correlation between attachment anxiety and frontal theta activity. Lower levels of attachment anxiety were associated with increased theta activity, reflecting potentially more effective emotion regulation. Additionally, we found that higher theta activity corresponded with fewer difficulties in emotional control measured by the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Regarding central beta activity, our findings revealed an interesting correlation with Emotional Inattention, a concept tied to Attachment Avoidance. This suggests that central beta activity may serve as a neural marker for specific attachment-related ER processing. These results highlight the distinct neural pathways involved in different ER strategies and their relationship with the AT and neural responses during emotional processing.

Students online learning experience during emergency remote teaching in higher education

For actionable insight, this study explored computer science and information technology students’ online learning experience in an emergency remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic in a public technical university in Ghana. A mixed method research of both quantitative and qualitative design was used to expand the evidence base. The inherent set of factors of the learning experience were determined by an exploratory factor analysis and confirmed with a multiple regression. Six factors comprising sense of concern, institutional support, effective communication, connectedness, mediated technologies, and stress levels explained 66.5% of the variance in the patterns of relationship. All factors had positive regression weights and added significantly to the prediction. Potentials identified comprised positive reactions to institutional support, improved lecturer-student interaction, active participation, accessible course contents, and moderately high future online learning expectations. The challenges included unpreparedness, unreliable Internet, high cost of data, and incidental learning design and pedagogy. Evidently, the higher education landscape shifted during the pandemic in obvious ways to merit further studies and reflective online learning administration to inform robust technology-oriented post-pandemic practices.

Does the entrepreneur intention vary among university students?

PurposeTo encourage entrepreneurship, which accelerates economic growth by increasing employment opportunities and competitiveness, stakeholders must conduct studies and develop policies that consider both the current situation and future expectations. This study aims to examine the environmental and personal factors that influence students’ entrepreneurial intentions (EIs), using a model based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and social cognitive theories (SCT).Design/methodology/approachThis study proposed an institutional framework demonstrating contextual features to achieve this objective. This theoretical framework is evaluated using a sample of 375 university students in Türkiye.FindingsThe empirical findings can help policymakers develop effective policies to encourage entrepreneurship.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on EIs; it is possible that even if a participant indicated a high EI in the survey, they will ultimately pursue a completely different career path.Practical implicationsThe study also contributes to entrepreneurship literature studies investigating the relationships between the TPB and SCT.Social implicationsBy testing specific hypotheses for Türkiye, this study contributes to the demand for entrepreneurship research in countries that are major global players but have vastly different sociocultural contexts than Western countries.Originality/valueThe study draws a theoretical model that explains the factors affecting the EIs of university students and attempts to explain the EIs of university students with and without business education within this model.

The Significance of Religion and Spirituality Among Turkish Women Surviving Breast Cancer Without Treatment: A Qualitative Study

The health of breast cancer survivors is a global concern. It is crucial to adopt a holistic approach when understanding their journey from illness to wellness in order to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible. This study focused on the experiences of Muslim women who had overcome breast cancer and were adapting to life post-treatment. Snowball sampling was used to select the participants for this qualitative study. Fifteen women who had successfully completed breast cancer treatment and been declared cancer-free were interviewed. These interviews were semi-structured, using open-ended questions to explore their experiences in-depth. The interviews were conducted by phone, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The study identified four main themes, nine subthemes, and 41 codes. The main themes were as follows: (a) a life changed by cancer and the difficulties encountered; (b) transition from active treatment to treatment-free living; (c) coping mechanisms; and (d) future hopes and expectations. The findings highlighted the survivors’ desire to move past their experience of cancer and normalize their lives, as well as emphasizing their need for support. The participants shared detailed accounts of their journey, the obstacles they encountered during this transition, and the critical role of religion and spirituality in overcoming these challenges. Understanding and effectively managing the experiences of women after breast cancer treatment is vital not only for improving survival rates but also for facilitating their healing process.

Can you hear me now? Identifying the effect of Chinese monetary policy announcements

Do Chinese monetary policy announcements matter? This study evaluates how relevant Chinese monetary policy announcements are to Chinese financial markets and the real side of the economy. Chinese monetary policy is identified by estimating a “target” factor measuring policy surprises and a “path” factor measuring future expectations of policy using price changes to Chinese financial derivatives on policy announcement dates. Local projection results show that 1) Chinese Treasury yields and interbank rates respond persistently, suggesting that policy transmission through an interest-rate channel exists; 2) Equities and exchange rates do not respond to policy announcements instantaneously, but with a lag; 3) Future expectations of Chinese monetary policy play a larger role than surprises, 4) Real variables show evidence of policy transmission, and 5) policy transmission may be sticky due to information frictions.

Artificial intelligence in restaurant businesses: a systematic review on service robots

PurposeWithin the scope of the research, articles about service robots were examined by the systematic review method.Design/methodology/approachThe research aims to evaluate the articles on service robots, an artificial intelligence (AI) application in restaurant businesses, using a systematic review method. In systematic reviews, the data obtained as a result of scanning databases to find an answer to a research question are synthesized and reported. The criterion sampling technique, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used for the sample of the research. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied within the scope of screening.FindingsThe articles on service robots were carried out between 2018 and 2023. In terms of research methods, most of the articles are quantitative, while there are studies on mixed and qualitative methods. In studies, data were generally collected by survey technique. The keywords of the studies on service robots are examined; the most commonly used words were service robot and AI, technology, restaurant, satisfaction, revisit intention, consumer behavior, intention, preference, hospitality and foods. The objectives of the articles pertinent to service robots are mostly to determine people's attitudes and acceptance toward these services focuses.Originality/valueThe studies seem to focus more on customer acceptance, trust, expectations, risks, adaptation, reasons for preference, impact on creative services, emotional and cognitive effects and human–robot interaction. Despite this, it is observed that there are fewer studies on topics such as the development of service robots in restaurant businesses, their reflections on the future, future opportunities and the quality of chef service robots. Based on this, it is recommended to consider studies that will serve as a reference for revealing innovative opportunities that can meet future expectations in order to increase the quality of service robots in restaurant businesses.

Research on User Expectations for Future Community Coworking Spaces

Driven by the rapid advancement of Intelligent technology, work practices and scenarios have undergone structural transformations, making community coworking a new urban office model. This study conducted an exploratory future research experiment using the 'setting the stage' method to uncover users' future expectations. The findings revealed dimensions of future expectations for community coworking spaces across overall, office, and non-office areas. It summarized design strategies for creating a smart ecological community coworking landscape, building a flexible shared office-life complex, and fostering interpersonal and community connections, offering references for designing future community workplaces.

Evaluation of sustainability reporting of the food industry in Hungary from an EU taxonomy perspective

Compliance with green requirements is becoming increasingly important in assessing the performance of companies. The new CSRD legislation requires a wider range of companies to produce sustainability reports and their content is influenced by the EU's taxonomy regulation setting out the framework for sustainable finance. The disclosure of information affects the perception of companies' sustainability performance, which will affect their access to financial resources and development opportunities. The main question is, both in theory and in practice, how companies can comply with the legislation in the future. It is essential for the competitiveness of Hungary's food industry to keep pace with future environmental sustainability requirements, so we examined the sustainability reporting practices of the sector's key companies in terms of their contribution to the environmental objectives set out in the taxonomy regulation. The research fits well with the EU's overall green transition regulatory procedure and our study is gap-filling at macro-regional and sectoral levels. The sustainability reports were assessed by content analysis using a scoring method. The results show that the sustainability reporting practices of food processing companies in Hungary differ significantly. Furthermore, greater emphasis must be placed on reporting and the credibility of the reports to meet future expectations. Foreign-owned companies and companies with more than 500 employees attribute greater importance to reporting. In the food processing sector, the disclosure of information and data under the taxonomy objectives of mitigation of climate change, sustainable use of water and marine resources, and transition to a circular economy was most common.

Liquid homeownership: Navigating future horizons to turn homeownership into assets in Bucharest, Romania

AbstractThis article examines the financialization and assetization of housing in an Eastern European context by focusing on the specific temporally bounded financial strategies to maintain housing as an asset and vehicle for social reproduction. It proposes the concept of liquid homeownership to account for the varied associations of housing with liquidity and the expectations of future increased exchange value that play an essential role in shaping financial decisions in the present. Drawing on ethnographic research in Bucharest, the article argues that upper‐middle‐class mortgage borrowers strategize their leveraged housing investment by navigating between two future horizons. To ensure that housing is an asset in the long term, mortgage borrowers prefer to evacuate the long‐term of the mortgage contract through medium‐term financial strategies of early repayment. Given the importance attributed to future liquidity from homeownership for providing for old age or securing children's future, the article argues that liquid homeownership, at least for ordinary homebuyers, is a reflection less of short‐term financial interest and more of a long‐term social reproduction need, pointing to the complex intermix of financial calculations and domestic concerns in the context of financialization of housing.

Chronic neck and low back pain from personal experiences: a written narrative approach.

Background: Chronic neck and low back pain are very common and have detrimental effects for people and society. In this study, we explore the experiences of individuals with neck and/or back pain using a written narrative methodology. Materials & methods: A total of 92 individuals explained their pain experience using written narratives. Narratives were analyzed through thematic analysis and text data mining. Results: Participants wrote about their experience in terms of pain characteristics, diagnosis process, pain consequences, coping strategies, pain triggers, well-beingand future expectations. Text data mining allowed us to identify concurrent networks that were basically related with pain characteristics, management and triggers. Conclusion: Written narratives are useful to understand individuals' experiences from their point of view.

A primary care-led weight management intervention for adults with diabetes and obesity: qualitative results from a randomised controlled trial of total meal replacement (DiRECT)

The UK Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) demonstrated that a weight loss strategy consisting of: (1) 12 weeks total diet replacement; (2) 4 to 6 weeks food reintroduction; and (3) a longer period of weight loss maintenance, is effective in reducing body weight, improving glycaemic control, and facilitating type 2 diabetes remission(1). The DiRECT protocol is now funded for type 2 diabetes management in the UK(2). Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem in Aotearoa New Zealand(3), but the acceptability and feasibility of the DiRECT intervention in our diverse sociocultural context remains unclear. We conducted a randomised controlled trial of DiRECT within a Māori primary healthcare provider in O¯tepoti Dunedin. Forty participants with diabetes and obesity who wanted to lose weight were randomised to receive the DiRECT intervention or usual care. Both groups received the same level of individualised support from an in-house dietitian. We conducted individual, semi-structured interviews with 26 participants after 3 months. Questions explored perspectives and experiences, barriers and facilitators, and future expectations regarding dietary habits and weight loss. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis(4). Participants struggled with weight management prior to the study. Advice from doctors, friends and whānau, and the internet was prolific, yet often impractical or unclear. The DiRECT intervention was mentally and physically challenging, but rapid weight loss and an improved sense of health and wellbeing enhanced motivation. Participants identified strategies which supported adaptation and adherence. Food reintroduction beyond 3 months was an exciting milestone, but the risk of reverting to previous habits was daunting. Participants feared weight regain and felt ongoing guidance was required for a successful transition to a real-food diet. Conversely, usual care participants described a gradual and ongoing process of health-focused dietary modification. While this approach did support behaviour change, a perceived slow rate of weight loss was often frustrating. Across both interventions, self-motivation and whānau support contributed to perceived success, whereas busy lifestyles, social and cultural norms, and financial concerns presented additional challenges. The role of individualised and non-judgemental dietetic support was a central theme across both groups. In addition to nutrition education and practical guidance, the in-house dietitian offered encouragement and promoted self-acceptance among participants. At 3 months, positive shifts in perspectives surrounding food, health, and sense of self were identified, which participants largely attributed to the level of nutrition support received: a new experience for many. The DiRECT protocol appears an acceptable weight loss approach among New Zealanders with diabetes and obesity, but tailored dietetic and behavioural support must be prioritised in its implementation. Future research should examine the broader health benefits associated with providing greater dietetic support and the cost-effectiveness of employing nutrition-trained health professionals within the primary care workforce.

Conference Report: Recent and Pending Cases at the Court of Justice of the European Union on Direct Taxation: Conference in Vienna 2023: Current Developments and Future Expectations

Conference Report: <i>Recent and Pending Cases at the Court of Justice of the European Union on Direct Taxation: Conference in Vienna 2023: Current Developments and Future Expectations</i>

Explanation of the personality factor with the Enneagram in the selection of the specialty branch of the intern doctors

IntroductionPersonality characteristics have an important place in the choices of interns who are at the stage of deciding how their profession will be shaped in the future. While the Big 5 personality model has been widely used in evaluating the personality traits factor in career planning, the Enneagram has increased in popularity in recent years. In this study, it was aimed to investigate how senior medical students evaluate their professional future between these choices and the students’ personality types.Objectives Forms and scales were presented to 221 interns who agreed to participate in our study and were studying in their final year in the 2022-2023 period at three different faculties, two state universities and one private university in the Marmara Region in Turkey.MethodsThe sociodemographic data form, Enneagram Personality Types and Subtypes Inventory, and Positive Future Expectation Scale, prepared by the researchers and containing questions about the factors that may be effective in choosing medical specialization, obtained through a face-to-face pilot interview with ten students and literature review, were applied to the participants. Participants answered the forms and scales via ‘Google forms’.Results211 out of 221 participants, who did not constitute outliers, were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 24.43 (S.E= 0.11)In terms of Enneagram typologies, Type 2 (39.3%) exhibited the highest prevalence, followed by Type 1 (13.3%), Type 6 (11.8%), and Type 7 (8.5%).Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was found between specialization area and Enneagram types (Fisher exact &lt;.001, p&lt; .001). Post-hoc examinations highlighted specific associations, such as the relationship between Type 3 and Cardiovascular Surgery, Orthopedics and Traumatology; Type 4 and Pneumology, Psychiatry; Type 5 and PRC, Type 6 and Infectious Diseases, Neurology, Medical Microbiology; Type 7 and Cardiology; Type 8 and Pediatrics, Medical Biochemistry; and Type 9 and Family Medicine, Radiology, Psychiatry, Medical Pathology.ConclusionsWhen the results are evaluated, the highest rate of type 2 and type 1 of the Enneagram typology in senior medical faculty students supports the fact that the medical profession consists of responsible and principled people who love helping others. It is compatible with the character traits of people with type 9 who avoid stress and conflict, preferring the department to have a low workload, and turning to family medicine, radiology, psychiatry and medical pathology departments, which are estimated to have relatively fewer working hours and emergency applications.Our study suggests that this scale be used more widely, as the Enneagram typology, which is used in many professional and career choices, shows results compatible with the participants’ preferences in choosing a medical specialty.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Concept Analysis of Resilience in Adolescent Living with HIV: Review of Limitations and Implications

Resilience is characterized by ‘the ability to bounce back from challenge and adversity’. However, being Adolescent Living with HIV (ALHIV) give larger challenges on an individual throughout their life because of their characteristic and illness. After all, positive results such as resilience are also feasible, yet knowledge on resilience in ALHIV remains limited and resilience assessment methods continue to be debated and need further clarification of the concept of resilience is needed about this population. In recent years, empirical research on resilience has grown, criticism have been mostly concentrates on ambiguity definition and implications. This concept analysis aims to identify the concept of the resilience ALHIV by identifying the attributes that determine the concept, antecedents and consequences. This study tries to discover the traits that determine the concept of resilience in ALHIV using Walker and Avant’s approach, with searches performed in the CINAHL, PubMed, Science Direct and PsycInfo. The results of the analysis reveal the resilience antecedents of ALHIV such as coping strategy, illness acceptance, positive adaptation, self-efficacy, positive future expectation, emotional regulation, family support, school connectedness and healthcare support. The consequences of the concept of resilience in ALHIV include positive outcomes include improved adherence to treatment, psychological well-being, positive coping strategy, better school performance and positive social relationship.