【Abstract】Foundation models are used to train a broad system of general data to build adaptations to new bottlenecks. Typically, they contain hundreds of billions of hyperparameters that have been trained with hundreds of gigabytes of data. However, this type of black-box vulnerability places foundation models at risk of data poisoning attacks that are designed to pass on misinformation or purposely introduce machine bias. Moreover, ordinary researchers have not been able to completely participate due to the rise in deployment standards. This study introduces the theoretical framework of scenarios engineering (SE) for building accessible and reliable foundation models in metaverse, namely, "SE-enabled foundation models in metaverse." Particularly, the research framework comprises a six-layer architecture (infrastructure layer, operation layer, knowledge layer, intelligence layer, management layer, and interaction layer), which can provide controllability, trustworthiness, and interactivity for the foundation models in metaverse. This creates closed-loop, virtual-real, and human-machine environments that provides the best indices and goals for the foundation models, which allows us to fully validate and calibrate the corresponding models. Then, examples of use cases from the automotive industry are listed to provide transparency on the possible use and benefits of our approach. Finally, the open research topics of related frameworks are discussed.
【Abstract】Using survey data from Sentix which records whether investors are bullish, bearish, or neutral about the future price of Bitcoin, we examine how investors form expectations about Bitcoin returns. We use a model for expectations with an exponential decay of weights on past returns and find that investors extrapolate from Bitcoin's past returns in a way that puts more weight on more recent returns. Compared to institutional investors, individuals display a higher degree of extrapolation, consistent with the perception that nonprofessionals are more prone to behavioral biases. The extrapolative component of expectations is a significant predictor of Bitcoin returns in the short term, however, its explanatory power is small. Understanding how investors in the cryptocurrency market form their beliefs is important because variation in beliefs could affect Bitcoin price dynamics and potentially lead to excess volatility, momentum, and reversal.
【Abstract】This paper explores the economic dynamics of the metaverse by using on-chain data of token holdings from a blockchain game. We use the New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model to examine the token inflation of the metaverse economy. We extend the standard DSGE models with in-game cryptocurrency to capture the demand and supply of NFTs assets. We compare the responses to tokenomic shocks that drive the metaverse economy. This paper is the first to use on-chain token holding data and DSGE models to study the metaverse economy.
【Abstract】The study examines the relationship between economic uncertainty, as measured by the Twitterbased economic uncertainty index (TEU), and Metaverse stocks across different time-frequency domains. By employing Wavelet Local Multiple Correlation analysis, we identify a substantial and statistically significant correlation between TEU and the Metaverse stock market across all time horizons examined. The positive correlation is confirmed when two alternative measures of economic uncertainty: crude oil and gold volatility, are included. The results highlight the importance of considering real-world economic uncertainty in decision-making processes involving virtual reality environments.
【Abstract】In this study, the possible effects of current and probable developments in the Metaverse on tourism are examined by applying an exploratory research approach. In this context, from the definition of tourism to its characteristics, tourism businesses to employment, tourism experiences to satisfaction, the classical problems of tourism to its sustainability, the opinions and evaluations of the participants about the Metaverse-tourism interaction were presented. Interview techniques from qualitative research methods were used. Interviews were conducted with 26 participants determined by the purposive sampling method, within the framework of a semi-structured interview form. According to the participants, the Metaverse has the potential to change the traditional concepts and characteristics of tourism, as well as to create a tourism literature and sector of its own. It was emphasized by the participants that Metaverse will positively affect and support tourism with its potential to create sales and marketing, participation of disadvantaged groups, creating new jobs and employment, education and virtual experiences that are closest to reality. In addition, legal and personal concerns regarding the Metaverse, reservations and issues about the possible effects of sustainability and tourism's structural problems were other prominent emphases.
【Abstract】This study was conducted to identify users' motivations for using the metaverse from a uses and gratification perspective and to identify users' categories based on their motives. In addition, this research investigated whether the degree of flow differs according to a user's motivation and segment. This study also examined the relationship between flow and the frequency of offline activity. Five motives (seeking advantages, extended social interactions, extended entertainment, virtual experience, and transfer consciousness) were identified. Among these, seeking advantage, extended social interactions, extended entertainment, and transfer consciousness positively influenced the degree of flow when using metaverse. Furthermore, among three distinct groups of metaverse users (goalless drift, pursuing a new world, and ego-boosting) the segment of pursuing a new world had the highest degree of flow. In addition, we confirmed that flow was negatively correlated with the amount of offline activity.
【Abstract】Proponents of Bitcoin argue that demand for electricity from Bitcoin miners can lead to an increase in renewable electricity capacity. We rigorously evaluate this claim by estimating a Bitcoin electricity demand curve and include this demand curve in a long-run model of the Texas electricity market. We find that while Bitcoin mining can indeed increase renewable capacity, it also increases carbon emissions. When Bitcoin miners provide grid management services in the form of demand response, their emissions impact is largely mitigated.& COPY; 2023 Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
【Abstract】Metaverse has been a hot topic of discussion among academics and practitioners with the advancements of VR, AR, blockchain, 5G, as well as non-face-to-face communications. This paper intends to give a synthesis and systematic review of the current status of metaverse-related research. The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) has been employed in this study. The review reveals the importance to (i) enhance the amount of comprehensive academic studies on metaverse (ii) have a clear definition of metaverse, (iii) keep up with technologies advancements, (iv) be more detailed on promotion of the metaverse application, (v) increase studies relating to engagement of metaverse users, (vi) social and personal impacts of metaverse be further explored, (vii) pay more attention to studies on deviant behaviors resulting from metaverse. This paper offers a summary of metaverse definitions, what theories and the underlying technologies are needed for the metaverse, how and where metaverse is employed in specific areas, and challenges faced in the use of metaverse (e.g., psychological effects metaverse brings about). Based on the findings, this study demonstrates the dynamics of metaverse research and discusses future research directions in the six in-depth research agenda relating to technological and social issues.
【Abstract】This study presents an insightful examination of the conceptual and practical facets of the Metaverse by establishing a novel theoretical framework underpinned by an empirical case study of the Sandbox platform. Anchored in the principles of legality, virtual-reality integration, technological affinity, and community-driven innovation, the paper elucidates the inherent characteristics and potentialities of the Metaverse. Through meticulous research, the paper investigates the antecedents and evolution of the Metaverse, postulating an open, decentralized, and self-regulating ecosystem predicated on user-generated content and engagement. Furthermore, an in-depth case study of the Sandbox elucidates the practical applications, challenges, and opportunities associated with the operationalization of the Metaverse. The study showcases how avant-garde technologies such as blockchain, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence are instrumental in fostering immersive experiences, safeguarding virtual asset ownership, and facilitating tailored services. Moreover, the paper accentuates the indispensable role of community engagement and continuous innovation in cultivating a flourishing Metaverse environment. The analysis exposes that the burgeoning development of the Metaverse is intrinsically linked to the amalgamation of the virtual and the tangible, extending the frontiers of the digital economy. While shedding light on the virtues of the Metaverse, the study recognizes its nascent state and encourages further scholarly inquiry to comprehend and navigate its complexities. This research contributes significantly to the academic and practical understanding of the Metaverse, serving as a cornerstone for future investigations and technological advancements in this paradigm-shifting domain.
【Keywords】Metaverse; key characteristics; theoretical framework; digitalization of assets; governance by law; combination of virtual and real; Rule of Technological Association
【Abstract】This study explores the effectiveness of technical and fundamental analysis in predicting and trading the returns of 12 cryptocurrencies, namely Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Dash, Cardano, Avalanche, Binance Coin, Dogecoin, Polkadot, Litecoin, Terra and Solana. A universe of 7846 technical rules, five log moving average-based ratios and 59 fundamental factors are used to test predictability and profitability through the Lucky Factors methodology and Superior Predictive Ability test. We observe predictability for a small set of technical and fundamental rules, while only the short-term log moving average-based ratio and Hashrate Index demonstrate genuine in-sample and out-of-sample profitability. Our findings question the value of both technical and fundamental analysis on cryptocurrencies.
【摘要】元宇宙已在全球范围内引起各界的广泛关注,相关研究和应用不断涌现。为了深入了解国内外元宇宙研究和产业应用的现状、热点和趋势,本文采用了中国知网(CNKI)、Web of Science等权威数据库作为数据源,检索了元宇宙研究领域的重要文献,综合运用VOSviewer、CiteSpace等可视化分析工具,对发文量、关键词共现网络、关键词聚类、关键词共现时区图谱、关键词突现时间线以及高被引文献进行了深度分析。结果表明,元宇宙是多种技术的系统集成,相关研究经历了较长的积累期,发文量和总被引频次在近两年呈现爆发式增长态势,其中中国的发文量领先。此外,该领域的研究内容涵盖面广泛,所属学科多元化,研究热点和前沿主要集中在虚拟现实、人工智能、区块链等方面。