Inhomogeneous Tensionless Superstrings

We construct a novel tensionless limit of Superstring theory that realises the Inhomogeneous Super Galilean Conformal Algebra (SGCA$_I$) as the residual symmetries in the analogue of the conformal gauge, as opposed to previous constructions of the tensionless superstring, where a smaller symmetry algebra called the Homogeneous SGCA emerged as the residual gauge symmetry on the worldsheet. We obtain various features of the new tensionless theory intrinsically as well as from a systematic limit of the corresponding features of the tensile theory. We discuss why it is desirable and also natural to work with this new tensionless limit and the larger algebra.Comment: 34 page

Risky Donation for Rewarding Innovation? Examining Transformation of Technology Consumers into Crowdfunding Patrons

Reward-based crowdfunding platforms transform technophilic consumers into technology patrons by enabling them to donate for technology development in lieu of receiving the finished product as reward in future. Literature specifically on crowdfunding of technologies is tenuous, and researchers have not yet established the causal factors which entice technology consumers to donate. Using Elaboration Likelihood Model as theoretical base, we conduct a 2x2x2 mixed-design experiment to examine the effects of three core elements of crowdfunding (value of reward, waiting time to receive technology, and affective cues in donor appeal) on a potential consumer’s likelihood to donate. Our results show positive impact of reward, and negative impact of waiting time, but surprisingly no effect of affective cues. Significant interaction between reward and waiting time has also been observed. Apart from theoretical contributions, the findings have tactical implications for technology start-ups planning to raise funding through donations, and design implications for crowdfunding platforms

Effect of Website Design Characteristics on the Concreteness of Online Reviews: A Construal Level Perspective

Online reviews are a crucial aspect of businesses’ success. Thus, businesses encourage reviewers to write reviews offering concrete helpful information but such reviews are scarce. This study attempts to move beyond the traditional approaches to understanding reviewers’ behavior and uses a novel lens of ‘human construal’. By drawing on Construal Level Theory (CLT) we tend to understand reviewers\u27 and readers’ perceptions and utilize that for the maximization of review concreteness. Review concreteness is a semantic characteristic of a review and is considered an important aspect of reviews’ perceived quality. We examine if reviewers’ and readers’ construal can be utilized to manipulate some factors of website design in a way that it drives reviewers to write and readers to perceive more concrete reviews and consequently enhance the overall concreteness of reviews. The study amalgamates literature from psychology, marketing, and information systems and has significant potential to benefit both businesses and consumer

Segmenting an Online Reviewer Community: Empirical Detection and Comparison of Reviewer Clusters

More people are travelling overseas for health or wellness reasons however, there is limited understanding of the background of those travelling and how information is sourced for decision making. Those travelling for treatment are likely to be unaware of all of the risks. Reliable information sources are scattered and not easy to find. Interviews were conducted with 51 Australians contemplating or who had travelled for stem cell treatment. Information sources people used were identified, and an analysis was undertaken of how this influenced their decision. The data highlight that health travellers are likely to search extensively using a wide range of sources including information on clinics’ websites, Facebook, blogs, friends and family. Interviewees highlight that often decisions are made based on unreliable sources. The implications are that without quality, reliable information health travellers are at risk of suffering adverse outcomes and spending significant funds without any improvement in their condition

Regional Disparity in E-Tailing Adoption: An Empirical Analysis from Districts of India

The retail boom in developing countries across the world has been fuelled by the rising dominance of e-tailing, an increasingly preferred domain for many start-up businesses. New e-tailers typically start their operations in metropolitan cities, and then expand to other developing areas. An important decision that businesses make during expansion is the choice of region – which area to target next? It is commonly observed that different regions in a country, especially large, vary in their tendencies to adopt e-tailing services. Using empirical analysis, this paper attempts to understand the region-specific characteristics which can account for these variations. Combining the classical Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity framework of consumer behavior, we hypothesize the relationships between various regional-level people related attributes and e-tailing adoption behavior. To gauge e-tailing levels of different regions, we use primary data from India Post on packages delivered in April-May 2016 across Indian districts, for a specific e-tailing company operating in India. OLS regression is used to statistically determine the intensity of the relationship between various socio-economic indicators and the level of e-tailing in respective districts. Results demonstrate a significant influence of regional-level technological access, learning readiness, personal transport availability, and economic status, but no impact of financial services access on e-tailing adoption. The model can be further developed to classify regions based on e-tailing consumption potential which can immensely help new e-tailers with their expansion strategies

I am Safe, so I will Help: Prosocial Impact of Marking Oneself Safe during Disasters

In the aftermath of disasters, people anxiously desire to immediately inquire or inform their loved ones about their safety. A social safety check system (SSCS) is a single-click safety status broadcasting mechanism on social platforms during crises. While millions of people use it globally during disasters, millions ignore the system. Research investigating the antecedents and consequents of SSCS adoption during disasters is scarce. We examine the unforeseen prosocial consequences (donations, volunteering, information sharing) of SSCS adoption. Based on theoretically established link between individuals’ state gratitude and prosocial tendencies, we posit that using SSCS would act as a gratitude intervention and will lead to higher prosocial intentions among adopters as compared to non-adopters. We test our hypotheses using scenario-based controlled experiment. A post-hoc study reveals the motivators and concerns in adoption of SSCS. The study investigates a sociotechnical tool in disaster management with impact on the societal welfare of disaster-hit communities