bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of Complex Network Topologies from Flow-Weighted Optimization of Network Efficiency
Authors: Bontorin Sebastiano , Cencetti Giulia , Gallotti Riccardo , Lepri Bruno , De Domenico Manlio
Published: June 2024

Transportation and distribution networks are a class of spatial networks that have been of interest in recent years. These networks are often characterized by the presence of complex structures such as central loops paired with peripheral branches, which can appear both in natural and manmade systems, such as subway and railway networks. In this study, we investigate the conditions for the emergence of these nontrivial topological structures in the context of human transportation in cities. We propose a simple model for spatial networks generation, where a network lattice acts as a planar substrate and edge speeds define an effective temporal distance which we aim to optimize and quantifies the efficiency in exploring the urban space. Complex network topologies can be recovered from the optimization of edges’ speeds and we study how the interplay between a flow probability between two nodes in space and the associated travel cost influences the resulting optimal network. In the perspective of urban transportation we simulate these flows by means of human mobility models to obtain origin-destination matrices. We find that when using simple lattices, the obtained optimal topologies transition from treelike structures to more regular networks, depending on the spatial range of flows. Remarkably, we find that branches paired to large loops structures appear as optimal structures when the network is optimized for an interplay between heterogeneous mobility patterns of small range travels and longer-range ones typical of commuting. Moreover, when congestion dynamics in traffic routing is considered, we study the emergence of additional edges from the tree structure to mitigate temporal delays. Finally, we show that our framework is able to recover the statistical spatial properties of the Greater London area subway network.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mango wiggler as a novel insertion device providing a large and symmetrical imaging field of view
Authors: Zhang Dongni , Li Ming , Li Xiaoyu , Lu Huihua , Li Yuhui , Zhang Jie , Li Gang , Zhang Weiwei , Dong Yuhui , Tao Ye , Sheng Weifan , Liu Peng
Published: June 2024

A novel insertion device is introduced, designated as the Mango wiggler, designed for synchrotron radiation (SR) imaging that provides a large field of view. This innovative device is constructed from two orthogonal planar wigglers with a small difference in their period lengths, eliciting the phase difference of the magnetic fields to incrementally transitions from 0 to π/2. Such a configuration enlarges the vertical divergence of the light source, as with the horizontal divergence. The appellation `Mango wiggler' derives from the distinctive mango-shaped contour of its radiation field. A comprehensive suite of theoretical analyses and simulations has been executed to elucidate the radiation properties of the Mango wiggler, employing SPECTRA and Mathematica as calculation tools. In conjunction with the ongoing construction of the High Energy Photon Source in Beijing a practical Mango wiggler device has been fabricated for utilization in SR imaging applications. Theoretical analyses were applied to this particular Mango wiggler to yield several theoretical conclusions, and several simulations were performed according to the measured magnetic field results.
A modified phase-retrieval algorithm to facilitate automatic de novo macromolecular structure determination in single-wavelength anomalous diffraction
Authors: Fu Xingke , Geng Zhi , Jiao Zhichao , Ding Wei
Published: June 2024

The success of experimental phasing in macromolecular crystallography relies primarily on the accurate locations of heavy atoms bound to the target crystal. To improve the process of substructure determination, a modified phase-retrieval algorithm built on the framework of the relaxed alternating averaged reflection (RAAR) algorithm has been developed. Importantly, the proposed algorithm features a combination of the π-half phase perturbation for weak reflections and enforces the direct-method-based tangent formula for strong reflections in reciprocal space. The proposed algorithm is extensively demonstrated on a total of 100 single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD) experimental datasets, comprising both protein and nucleic acid structures of different qualities. Compared with the standard RAAR algorithm, the modified phase-retrieval algorithm exhibits significantly improved effectiveness and accuracy in SAD substructure determination, highlighting the importance of additional constraints for algorithmic performance. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm can be performed without human intervention under most conditions owing to the self-adaptive property of the input parameters, thus making it convenient to be integrated into the structural determination pipeline. In conjunction with the IPCAS software suite, we demonstrated experimentally that automatic de novo structure determination is possible on the basis of our proposed algorithm.
Interactive effects of market orientation, innovation orientation and sales control systems on firm performance in B2B markets
Authors: Aydin Ugur Burak , Alniacik Umit
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study examines the interaction between sales control systems and firm level strategic orientations and their joint effects on company performance in B2B context. Independent and joint effects of market orientation (MO), innovation orientation (IO) and sales control systems (SCS) on firm performance were analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research methodology is adopted to compile firm-level primary data from manufacturing companies located in an organized industrial zone. Research data were collected by face-to-face surveys from 302 sales professionals. The research model and hypotheses were tested by using partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS 3.0.

Findings

In addition to confirming the positive effects of MO and IO on performance, data analyses revealed that SCS exert an indirect effect on company performance which is fully mediated by MO.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to a developing country context and research data was collected from a convenient sample of B2B companies by a cross-sectional study. Cross-cultural and longitudinal studies may provide additional insights. Firm level strategic orientations and sales control systems must be examined together in an integrated way to explore their effects on company performance. The individual effects of these structures on business performance may manifest differently when they come together.

Practical implications

Results indicate that the sales control system setup is critical for the implementation of a market-oriented strategy. This study highlights the importance of setting a compatible sales control system to achieve organizational goals in accordance with the strategic orientations which affect the success of particular organizational strategies.

Originality/value

Although the current literature identifies the independent and joint effects of market orientation and innovation orientation on company performance, empirical studies probing the interaction of sales control systems with these constructs is very scarce. Understanding how sales control systems relate to strategic orientations will help design a more effective sales organization and improve company performance. This study contributes to the literature by promoting additional insights by linking sales control systems with market orientation, innovation orientation and company performance.
Spatial–temporal evaluation of total-factor energy efficiency in Chinese construction industry based on three-stage super-efficiency SBM-DEA model
Authors: Shi Qianqian , Wang Ziyu
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The study aims to enhance energy efficiency within the high-energy consuming construction industry. It explores the spatial-temporal dynamics and distribution patterns of total factor energy efficiency (TFEE) across China’s construction industry, aiming to inform targeted emission reduction policies at provincial and city levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a three-stage super-efficiency SBM-DEA model that integrates carbon emissions, the TFEE in 30 Chinese provinces and cities from 2004 to 2019 is assessed. Through kernel density estimation and exploratory spatial data analysis, the dynamic evolution and spatial patterns of TFEE are examined.

Findings

Analysis reveals that environmental investments positively impact TFEE, whereas Gross Regional Product (GRP) exerts a negative influence. R&D expenditure intensity and marketization show mixed effects. Excluding environmental and random factors, TFEE averages declined, aligning more closely with actual development trends, showing a gradual decrease from east to west. TFEE exhibited fluctuating growth with a trend moving from inefficient clusters to a more even distribution. Spatially, TFEE demonstrated aggregation effects and characteristics of space-time transition.

Originality/value

This research employs the three-stage super-efficiency SBM-DEA model to measure the total factor energy efficiency of the construction industry, taking into account external environment, random disturbances, and multiple effective decision-making units. It also evaluates energy efficiency changes before and after removing disturbances and comprehensively examines regional and temporal differences from static and dynamic, overall and phased perspectives. Additionally, Moran scatter plots and LISA cluster maps are used to objectively analyze the spatial agglomeration and factors influencing energy efficiency.
“I love your brand! I engage with you, and I do online brand-related activities (COBRAs)”: the role of brand value
Authors: Castro-González Sandra , Bande Belén , Fernández-Ferrín Pilar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Few studies have explained how and when consumers are willing to engage in online brand-related activities (COBRAs). This study examines the role of brand love in a consumer’s decision to engage in online brand-related activities, considering the mediating effect of attitudinal brand engagement and the moderating effect of brand value on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analysed data from 404 Spanish consumers using structural equation modelling and the PROCESS package in SPSS to test hypotheses, including mediation and moderation effects.

Findings

The study expands on previous research by revealing the mediating role of brand attitudinal engagement in the relationship between brand love and COBRAs and the moderating role of brand value in the relationship between brand engagement and COBRAs. The results show that online consumers who feel brand love from an online store are likelier to be engaged with the brand. This predisposes them to comment on, share, and create content related to the company or brand. Furthermore, consumers who attribute a high value to the brand are likelier to engage in brand-related online activities.

Originality/value

This study offers valuable insights into mechanisms to encourage consumers to generate content, known as user-generated content, to the extent that the tools for developing this content are the same.
If you are different, you are inferior: how does ethnocentric behaviour disengage employees?
Authors: Khan Mehedi Hasan , Jin Jiafei
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study advances ethnocentric behaviour research by exploring its impact on individuals' work disengagement in multicultural work settings. Ethnocentrism research focused mainly on consumer ethnocentric behaviour but did not consider the role of employees’ ethnocentric behaviour in the multicultural workplace. This study aims to address this gap by utilizing social identity theory. The authors propose that ethnocentric behaviour has an impact on employee work disengagement and also affects social undermining and workplace conflict as an outcome.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used cross-sectional data (N = 326) collected from employees working for Chinese multinational firms in Bangladesh. The authors used Likert-type scale to collect data. To check the hypothesis, the authors employed Hayes' PROCESS macro 4.0v.

Findings

The authors found that employee ethnocentric behaviour positively impacts workers' work disengagement. Ethnocentric behaviour positively affects social undermining and workplace conflict, whereas social undermining and workplace conflict partially mediate the indirect effects of ethnocentrism on work disengagement. The authors also found that core self-evaluation (CSE) weakens the indirect impact of ethnocentrism on work disengagement through social undermining and workplace conflict.

Practical implications

The authors recommend that organizations recruit employees with positive CSE and provide cultural sensitivity training to reduce ethnocentrism in the culturally diverse workplace.

Originality/value

This study is a unique effort to examine the influence of employees’ ethnocentric conduct by employing social identity theory in the emerging economy subsidiaries of multinational businesses operating in developing countries. This study also addressed the moderating effect of employees' CSE. This adds a unique dimension to ethnocentrism and employee work disengagement research. The authors have also discussed the future research avenue, theoretical and practical implications in detail.
Examining the impact of intra-industry trade on business cycle alignment within the ECOWAS
Authors: Diendere Louis-Joel Basneouinde , Diendere Achille Augustin , Eggoh Jude
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of intra-industry trade on business cycle synchronization within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS region is characterized by limited intracommunity trade and a low level of foreign direct investment.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this research uses the two-digit level harmonized system classification to measure intra-industry trade, which is straightforward to interpret and compute, making it suitable for countries with low trade intensity. Second, it uses the system generalized method of moments (system-GMM) to examine the dynamic relationship between variables and address endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The results obtained from the system-GMM estimation reveal a positive and significant correlation between intra-industry trade intensity and business cycle synchronization, as well as an inhibiting effect of economic freedom on the relationship between intra-industry trade and business cycle synchronization. These results highlight the need to implement policies aimed at reducing tariff barriers, improving financial integration and intensifying production.

Originality/value

This research analyze the link between intra-industry trade and business cycle synchronization within the ECOWAS. It also analyze the role of economic freedom on the link between intra-industry trade and business cycle synchronization.
The controversial role of Incentives-based marketing tactics in the realm of OFD services
Authors: Kalantarzadeh Tezerjany Seyedeh Fatemeh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The principal objective of this research is to delve into the intricate dynamics surrounding the contentious exploitation of incentive-based marketing tactics within online food delivery (OFD) services in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection process involved the development of an online survey questionnaire rooted in quantitative research methodology. To ascertain a representative sample, a probability-based simple random sampling approach was undertaken, and the data was gathered using the Google Form survey tool. To empirically test the proposed model, data was collected from a sample of 350 participants. The hypotheses were evaluated using the PLS-SEM technique to scrutinize the relationships within the model and assess potential variations across different groups.

Findings

The results delineated that all the hypotheses were supported; however, Irritation was rejected and unable to have an influence on consumer attitudes and purchase behaviour towards mobile advertising.

Practical implications

By offering incentives, marketers can foster greater acceptance of advertising among consumers, thereby enhancing their engagement and interaction with mobile advertising in the OFD services.

Originality/value

The advancement of mobile technology has facilitated the emergence of innovative marketing tactics, enabling firms and brands to establish direct communication channels with prospective consumers.
Adaptive autonomous navigation system for coal mine inspection robots: overcoming intersection challenges
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Li Chao , Liang Wei , Wang Di , Yao Linhu
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In response to the navigation challenges faced by coal mine tunnel inspection robots in semistructured underground intersection environments, many current studies rely on structured map-based planning algorithms and trajectory tracking techniques. However, this approach is highly dependent on the accuracy of the global map, which can lead to deviations from the predetermined route or collisions with obstacles. To improve the environmental adaptability and navigation precision of the robot, this paper aims to propose an adaptive navigation system based on a two-dimensional (2D) LiDAR.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging the geometric features of coal mine tunnel environments, the clustering and fitting algorithms are used to construct a geometric model within the navigation system. This not only reduces the complexity of the navigation system but also optimizes local positioning. By constructing a local potential field, there is no need for path-fitting planning, thus enhancing the robot’s adaptability in intersection environments. The feasibility of the algorithm principles is validated through MATLAB and robot operating system simulations in this paper.

Findings

The experiments demonstrate that this method enables autonomous driving and optimized positioning capabilities in harsh environments, with high real-time performance and environmental adaptability, achieving a positioning error rate of less than 3%.

Originality/value

This paper presents an adaptive navigation system for a coal mine tunnel inspection robot using a 2D LiDAR sensor. The system improves robot attitude estimation and motion control accuracy to ensure safe and reliable navigation, especially at tunnel intersections.
Buffering the adverse effects of social nonmarket strategy on corporate financial performance
Authors: Doyle James D. , Parnell John A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Firms are advocating for social change to a growing extent, but the performance implications of corporate activism are not clearly understood. This study aims to introduce social nonmarket strategy (SNMS) as a goal-directed form of corporate activism, explore whether such strategy harms corporate financial performance (CFP), and assess the buffering potential of effective market-based strategy and good standing with stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

A reflective measurement model and all hypothesized relationships were tested using consistent partial least squares structural equation modeling on a data set of 202 US-based small, medium, and large manufacturing and service firms.

Findings

SNMS is positively related to good standing with stakeholders but negatively related to CFP. By contrast, a higher market strategy (MS) is positively associated with both stakeholder performance and CFP. MS and stakeholder performance buffer but do not fully neutralize the adverse financial effect of SNMS.

Practical implications

Firms undertaking SNMS face serious risks. However, effective MS and higher levels of stakeholder performance can buffer but not fully neutralize the adverse financial effect of SNMS.

Originality/value

This research introduces SNMS as a goal-directed form of corporate activism, establishes the conflicting performance effects of such strategy and estimates the buffering potential of MS and stakeholder performance.
How language power, white subalternity and compressed modernity frame highly-skilled non-Western migrants in an East-German company: insights from multi-sited ethnography
Authors: Mahadevan Jasmin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper shows the benefits of multi-sited ethnography for global migration studies in management, in particular when cosmopolitan self-initiated expatriates meet a local setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted a multi-sited ethnography to trace how a local East German research organization’s well-intended approach to integration becomes condescending.

Findings

Highly skilled non-Western migrant employees who represent English-language cosmopolitanism are framed as negatively “foreign” by corporate discourses and practices. This phenomenon can only be understood if one follows the interconnections of language power, White subalternity and compressed modernity and if one considers the immediate surroundings, the historical context of East German identity and wider migration frames in Germany.

Research limitations/implications

Multi-sited ethnography, if power-sensitive and historically-aware, is suitable for understanding the multi-level phenomenon of global migration and identifying limiting framing-effects on management and organizations. Researcher standpoint is both its strength and its limitation.

Practical implications

Managers and companies can “imagine otherwise” and move beyond the unquestioned dominant frames limiting their problem analyses and, consequently, their strategies and actions.

Social implications

Managers and companies are enabled to move beyond individual- and corporate-level approaches to managing migration at work and can thus take up full social responsibility in the sense of good corporate citizenship on a global level. Global mobility researchers can work towards an inclusive migration theory.

Originality/value

Multi-sited ethnography, in particular, one that is power-sensitive and historically aware, is an approach not yet applied to migration in the context of management and organization. By means of an example, this paper illustrates the value of this approach and enables researchers to understand its main principles. Compressed modernity and White subalternity are introduced as novel concepts structuring migration, and language power emerges as relevant far beyond the scope of the multinational corporation.
Kicking the robots: the roles of transformational leadership and fear on service robot risk awareness and robot abuse relationship
Authors: Shum Cass , Min Hyounae (Kelly) , Sun Jie , Yu Heyao (Chandler) , He Zhaoli
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Service robots are increasingly prevalent in the hospitality industry. While studies have explored the concept of service robot risk awareness (SRRA) – an employee’s perception of service robots posing a threat to human labor – the impact of SRRA on robot abuse and its emotional mechanism through which it affects employees remains unclear. This research leverages emotional appraisal theory to investigate the mediating role of fear of robots in the relationship between SRRA and robot abuse. Additionally, considering the influential role of leadership in shaping emotional appraisal, this study aims to examine the moderating impact of transformational leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed model, time-lagged survey data were collected from 283 employees working under 54 leaders in 18 hotels in China. The model was analyzed using multilevel modeling in Mplus 7.3.

Findings

At the individual level, SRRA indirectly increases robot abuse through the mediation of fear of robots. However, there is a cross-level moderation: the indirect relationship is alleviated when leaders exhibit high levels of transformational leadership.

Originality/value

This study pioneers the concept of robot abuse in hospitality and tourism settings. It extends emotional appraisal theory by highlighting the significant mediating role played by fear of robots. Furthermore, demonstrating how transformational leadership can mitigate the effects of SRRA offers valuable insights for leadership selection and training to facilitate the successful implementation of service robots.
The emerging landscape of halal tourism in the digital era: an IT perspective
Authors: Hendrik Hendrik , Kusumawardani Sri Suning , Permanasari Adhistya Erna
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive literature review on the application of information technology (IT) in Halal tourism. Halal tourism is a segment of the tourism business catering to Muslims in accordance with Islamic law, which has significant potential for economic growth and is an important export market for the global tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the guidelines of Kitchenham, this study developed four research questions to achieve its objective. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology, collecting and assessing 163 English-language publications published between 2016 and 2022, resulting in 18 relevant documents.

Findings

The review identified nine key research topics related to IT in Halal tourism, which are organized into three major themes: technology-enhanced Halal tourism, digital marketing and communications in Halal tourism and quality and satisfaction in Halal tourism.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the existing literature by synthesizing the current research on the use of IT in Halal tourism. It also proposes potential areas for future research, such as developing artificial intelligence-powered applications for Halal tourism through the creation of a domain-specific knowledge graph.
Impact of social media usage on technostress among employees in IT sector
Authors: Saini Savita , Phoolka Shivinder
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Social media is now regularly used by employees for both personal and professional reasons. Its potential significance in industry 5.0 cannot be denied. Social media usage can stress out employees, despite its benefits. Numerous adverse outcomes have been associated with using social media for work-related purposes. The current study too aimed at understanding how using social media for job related activities affect technostress amongst employees at IT sector in India before and during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to determine whether the data were reliable and valid, confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were used. After that, using a structural equation model, the impact of social media usage intensity for job related activities on techostress through social media is measured.

Findings

The study’s findings confirmed that using social media for work-related purposes had a positive relationship with technological stress both during and before COVID-19 situation.

Originality/value

The study is an original piece of work by the authors with no conflict of interest with any party, person or organization.
Does CSR committee presence, stakeholder engagement, gender equality (SDG 5) and firm value influence ESG performance reporting? An EU pre and during Covid-19 analysis
Authors: Monteiro Albertina Paula , Cepêda Catarina , Borges Ana Pinto , Vieira Elvira
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the corporate social responsibility (CSR) Committee presence and gender equality influence on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance reporting in a pre- and during Covid-19 crisis in European Union (EU) listed entities.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goal, an empirical analysis was conducted with 1,221 listed companies in EU as support for the economics years 2017–2021. Statistical technique used to analyse the relationship between the variables under study was regression analysis with panel data.

Findings

Results show that CSR committee presence, stakeholder engagement and gender equality are positively associated with ESG performance reporting, but the Covid-19 crisis and the book value per share do not influence the dependent variable. The model variables determine 99% of the ESG performance reporting.

Practical implications

The results are useful for managers, governments and organizations in developing sustainability reporting standards. As companies navigate the complex landscape of sustainability challenges, integrating sustainable development goals into their strategies and ESG reports provides a roadmap for creating positive, lasting impacts on a global scale.

Originality/value

This research covers listed firms from throughout the EU and the pre- and during-Covid era.
Facilitating the circular economy: insights from novel supply network actors
Authors: Ratsimandresy Anne , Miemczyk Joe
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This research studies circularity brokers, the economic actors facilitating the transition of companies towards circular operations. The purpose of this paper is to extend the understanding of “circular brokerage”, deriving from the concept of brokerage existing in network theory and applied to the specific context of the circular supply network. Recent papers have been devoted to particular facets of circular brokerage, with studies dedicated to circular incubators or platforms. This study proposes how these new actors can have a significant role in facilitating circular economy in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is qualitative using 17 semi-directed interviews with circularity brokers. The theoretical approach draws on the network view and builds on recent developments of the theory in the context of circular economy.

Findings

Circularity brokers support organisations and their networks, helping them to overcome the problems that stand in their way of adopting circular economy at different levels (micro, meso and macro). To do this, circularity brokers deploy a wide range of activities involving technical, methodological and relational skills. The study extends previous research by elaborating on the relationship between the position these actors occupy within their network and the benefits they can bring in terms of circularity.

Originality/value

This research provides evidence on the role of circularity brokers and moves the state of knowledge from a specific sector or cases to other sectors and a broader role beyond network position specifics. Network theory, with the constructs of broker exchanges and the influence of embeddedness, is used to develop theoretical implications.
Population genetics of Zamia decumbens (Zamiaceae, Cycadales), an endangered cycad from the Maya Mountains of Belize
Authors: Calonje Michael , Meerow Alan W. , Meerman Jan , Francisco‐Ortega Javier , Griffith M. Patrick
Published: June 2024

We utilized 10 microsatellite loci to examine the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and demographic history of Zamia decumbens Calonje, Meerman, M.P. Griff. & Hoese, an endangered cycad species occurring in small populations on karst topography within the Maya Mountains of Belize. Four populations in two distinct habitats were sampled: three inside dolines (one at a cave entrance and two at the bottom of sinkholes) and one on a rocky hilltop. Genetic variation in the species reflects the demographic history of the sampled populations which appears closely linked to the karstification of the limestone bedrock on which it occurs rather than being structured geographically or by habitat type. Contemporary gene flow between populations is low, with the cave population facilitating most of the genetic connectivity in the region as a source of migrants to other populations. Coalescent‐based modeling revealed that the two sinkhole populations were established first, and the hilltop and cave populations were more recently founded from a common ancestral population. All populations were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and moderately heterozygous, yet signatures for recent bottleneck events were recovered for the doline populations. Furthermore, a high inbreeding coefficient and high average pairwise relatedness were found for the hilltop population, the latter possibly the result of recent illegal harvesting activities.
Citizen support for democracy, anti‐pluralist parties in power and democratic backsliding
Authors: JACOB MARC S.
Published: June 2024

Anti‐pluralist parties have come to power in democracies around the world. However, only a subset of them have induced democratic backsliding while in government, raising the question of why some anti‐pluralist governments subvert democracy while others are more reluctant. I argue that anti‐pluralist incumbents undermine democratic institutions most severely during times of weak citizen support for democracy. In such settings, anti‐pluralist parties in power face a low risk of voter punishment and public backlash. By contrast, in democracies where citizens' commitment to democratic rule is strong, the cost of attacking democratic institutions for incumbents is considerably higher, making democratic backsliding less likely. I test this theory by combining data from public opinion surveys, party systems and democratic downturns in 100 democracies and implement dynamic time‐series cross‐section models covering the period from 1990 to 2019. Consistent with expectations, periods in which anti‐pluralist parties are in government during times of weak citizen support for democracy predict episodes of democratic decline. These findings have implications for the potential of citizens to constrain anti‐pluralist incumbents in pursuing undemocratic reforms.
Progress of plant‐derived non‐starch polysaccharides and their challenges and applications in future foods
Authors: Guo Qing , Zhang Min , Mujumdar Arun S.
Published: June 2024

The development of future food is devoted not only to obtaining a sustainable food supply but also to providing high‐quality foods for humans. Plant‐derived non‐starch polysaccharides (PNPs) are widely available, biocompatible, and nontoxic and have been largely applied to the food industry owing to their mechanical properties and biological activities. PNPs are considered excellent biomaterials and food ingredients contributing to future food development. However, a comprehensive review of the potential applications of PNPs in future food has not been reported. This review summarized the physicochemical and biological activities of PNPs and then discussed the structure–activity relationships of PNPs. Latest studies of PNPs on future foods including cell‐cultured meat, food for special medical purposes (FSMPs), and three‐dimensional‐printed foods were reviewed. The challenges and prospects of PNPs applied to future food were critically proposed. PNPs with strong thermal stability are considered good thickeners, emulsifiers, and gelatinizers that greatly improve the processing adaptability of foods. The mechanical properties of PNPs and decellularized plant‐based PNPs make them desirable scaffolds for cultured meat manufacturing. In addition, the biological activities of PNPs exhibit multiple health‐promoting effects; therefore, PNPs can act as food ingredients producing FSMP to promote human health. Three‐dimensional printing technology enhances food structures and biological activities of functional foods, which is in favor of expanding the application scopes of PNPs in future food. PNPs are promising in future food manufacturing, and more efforts need to be made to realize their commercial applications.
Migrant domestic workers and transnational foodcare chains in pandemic times
Authors: Somaiah Bittiandra Chand , Yeoh Brenda S. A. , Acedera Kristel Anne F. , Lam Theodora
Published: June 2024

In view of heightened food security issues in COVID‐19 times, we employ a transnational lens to give bifocal attention to migrant women’s experiences during the pandemic, as they sought to secure access to food for themselves and for left‐behind children and family members in Indonesia and the Philippines. In conjunction with the classic idea of global care chains and the notion of foodwork, we propose the idea of transnational foodcare chains. This distinctly agentic, migrant, and maternal food labour came to the fore under exceptional times of pandemic‐induced social distancing, economic precarity, and limited travel. First, we argue that these foodcare chains are multi‐relational, involving interdependence and reciprocity among a web of caregivers to secure food gaps. Second, we suggest that foodcare chains also extend to friendship networks forged among fellow migrant domestic workers in Singapore. Third, under pandemic conditions, we argue that foodcare chains enter the domain of well‐being and healthcare as food becomes evoked as medicine and cures. Drawing on findings from 40 qualitative interviews with Indonesian and Filipino migrant domestic workers in Singapore, we focus on developing, within studies of food (in)security, the idea of foodcare chains by foregrounding the maternal, relational, and often invisible labour of achieving food security for migrant women and their left‐behind families.
Advances in relieving exercise fatigue for curcumin: Molecular targets, bioavailability, and potential mechanism
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Kang Rui , Song Tiancong , Ren Feiyue , Liu Jie , Wang Jing
Published: June 2024

Intense and prolonged physical activity can lead to a decrease in muscle capacity, making it difficult to maintain the desired exercise intensity and resulting in exercise fatigue. The long‐term effects of exercise fatigue can be very damaging to the body, so it is an urgent problem to be addressed. The intervention of foodborne active substances will be an effective measure. There is growing evidence that the molecular structure and function of curcumin have a positive effect on relieving fatigue. In this review, we summarize curcumin's molecular structure, which enables it to bind to a wealth of molecular targets, regulate signaling pathways, and thus alleviate exercise fatigue through a variety of mechanisms, including reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, reducing metabolite accumulation, and regulating energy metabolism. The effects of curcumin on fatigue‐related markers were analyzed from the perspective of animal models and human models and based on the bidirectional interaction between curcumin and intestinal microbiota: Intestinal microbiota can transform curcumin, and curcumin regulates gut microbiota through metabolic pathways, providing a new perspective for alleviating fatigue. This review contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the possible molecular mechanisms of curcumin in anti‐fatigue and provides a new possibility for the development of functional foods in the future.
Three nonconventional starch: Comparison of physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility
Authors: Wu Xiuli , Wang Mengyang , Liu Rui , Miao Xinzhu , Liu Jinliang
Published: June 2024

Extraction of starch from waste is also an effective way to recover resources and provide new sources of starch. In this study, starch was isolated from white kidney bean residue, chickpea residue, and tiger nut meal after protein or oil extraction, and the morphology of starch particles was observed to determine their physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility. All these isolated starches had unique properties, among which white kidney bean starch (KBS) had a high amylose content (43.48%), and its structure was better ordered. Scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct granular morphologies for the three starches. KBS and chickpea starch (CHS) were medium‐granular starches, whereas tiger nut starch was a small granular starch. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the absence of significant differences in functional groups and chemical bonds among the three starch molecules. In vitro digestibility studies showed that CHS is more resistant to enzymatic degradation. Overall, these results will facilitate the development of products based on the separation of nonconventional starches from waste.
Clinical validation of the ineffective social support network nursing diagnosis in violence‐victimized women
Authors: Farias Camila EL , Mendes Ryanne CMG , Lopes Marcos VO , França Michelline S , Perrelli Jaqueline GA , Pontes Cleide M , Mangueira Suzana O
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To verify clinical validity evidence for the ineffective social support network nursing diagnosis.

Method

A quantitative, descriptive, cross‐sectional study was performed with 98 violence‐victimized women treated in two reference centers for violence in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The women were interviewed from August 2021 to June 2022.

Findings

The clinical indicators that best predicted the nursing diagnosis were as follows: Frustration with unmet support expectations, negative social interaction, perceived neglect of support demands, feeling of abandonment, low reciprocity, and encouragement of negative behaviors. Etiological factors that showed greater association were excessive demand for support, limited social network, social isolation, the fragility of institutional service networked organizations, and inadequate appreciation of available social support.

Conclusions

The clinical validity evidence for the ineffective social support network nursing diagnosis has been verified. Thus, the validated clinical indicators and etiological factors can accurately diagnose and predict the emergence of this phenomenon in violence‐victimized women.

Implications for nursing practice

The results contribute to advancing scientific knowledge in nursing teaching, research, and practice and support the nursing process in violence‐victimized women.
Global availability and uptake of psychological services for adults, caregivers and children with food allergy
Authors: Knibb R. C. , Herbert L. J. , Jones C. J. , Protudjer J. L. P. , Screti C. , Roleston C. , Brough H. A. , Warren C. , Lombard L. , Santos A. F. , Gupta R. , Vickery B. P. , Marchisotto M. J.
Published: June 2024

Background

Food allergy (FA) is associated with poor health‐related quality of life and high levels of psychological distress. Psychological support is extremely important but not always available. As part of the Global Access to Psychological Services for Food Allergy (GAPS) study, we aimed to assess psychological distress and service use among adults, caregivers and children with FA in a global survey.

Methods

Participants (n = 1329 adults with FA; n = 1907 caregivers of children with FA) from >20 countries were recruited through patient organisations, social media advertisements and online survey panels to complete an online survey. Surveys were available in six languages.

Results

A total of 67.7% of adults and 77.2% of caregivers reported direct experience, and 51.6% of caregivers said their child had experienced FA‐related psychological distress. The most commonly reported issue was anxiety about having an allergic reaction. Less than 20% had been assessed for FA‐related psychological distress. There were significant differences across countries for levels of distress, screening for distress, seeing a mental health professional and being diagnosed with a FA‐related mental health disorder (all p < .001). The United Kingdom, Australia and Brazil had the highest number of participants reporting distress. The most commonly reported barrier to seeing a mental health professional was cost.

Conclusions

FA‐related distress is common across countries, but with substantial country‐to‐country variability. Allergy providers are encouraged to routinely assess families for psychological distress and provide access to appropriate mental health resources. Development and implementation of evidence‐based, patient‐informed accessible, affordable FA interventions in multiple languages is urgently needed.
Economic impacts of the EU–China comprehensive investment agreement: A dynamic general equilibrium analysis
Authors: Zhai Fan , Zhuang Juzhong
Published: June 2024

Using a global dynamic general equilibrium model with foreign direct investment (FDI) and technology capital, this paper finds that the EU–China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) could bring modest but nonnegligible benefits to both sides. Under an illustrative scenario in which the CAI increases the degree of openness to bilateral FDI by 10%, the EU's FDI to China could rise by a factor of 3–4 and China's FDI to the EU by a factor of 3. These would generate a gain in the steady‐state gross national product (GNP) of 0.23% for China and 0.73% for the EU. The cumulative household welfare gain in the present value term is equivalent to 0.36% and 0.13% of GNP annually for China and the EU, respectively.
One out of two idiopathic infertile men has pathologic sperm DNA fragmentation values: Potential implications for clinical practice
Authors: Boeri Luca , Pozzi Edoardo , Belladelli Federico , Corsini Christian , Cilio Simone , Bertini Alessandro , Lanzaro Francesco , Candela Luigi , Raffo Massimiliano , Negri Fausto , Cella Ludovica , Fantin Margherita , Fallara Giuseppe , Capogrosso Paolo , d'Arma Alessia , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To investigate the distribution of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) values and their association with clinical and seminal parameters in idiopathic infertile men.

Design, Patients, Measurements

Data from 3224 primary infertile men (belonging to couples having failed to conceive a pregnancy within 12 months) who underwent a thorough diagnostic work‐up were analysed. A SDF value ≥ 30% (according to Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay) was considered pathologic. We excluded: (1) men with genetic abnormalities; (2) men with history of cryptorchidism; (3) men with biochemical hypogonadism; (4) men with clinical varicocele; and (5) men with other possible known aetiological factors. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to describe the whole cohort.

Results

Of all, 792 (23%) men with at least one abnormal WHO semen parameter but without any identified aetiologic factor for infertility, were considered as idiopathic infertile men. Of 792, 418 (52.7%) men had SDF ≥30%. Men with pathologic SDF were older (p = .02), had higher Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) (p = .04) but lower total testosterone (p = .03) values than those with SDF <30%. The homoeostatic model assessment index for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was higher in men with SDF ≥30% (p = .01). Idiopathic infertile men with SDF ≥30% presented with lower sperm concentration (p < .001) and lower progressive sperm motility (p < .01) than those with SDF < 30%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (OR: 1.1, p = .02) and higher HOMA‐IR score (OR: 1.8, p = .03) were associated with SDF ≥ 30%, after accounting for FSH and sperm concentration values.

Conclusions

Approximately half of infertile men categorized as idiopathic had pathologic SDF values. Idiopathic infertile men with pathologic SDF showed worse clinical, hormonal and semen parameters than those with normal SDF values. These results suggest that including SDF testing could be clinically relevant over the real‐life management work‐up of infertile men.