Case Study Research Articles

Public perceptions of international genetic information sharing for biomedical research in China: a case study of the social media debate on the article “A Pangenome Reference of 36 Chinese Populations” published in Nature

BackgroundThe international disclosure of Chinese human genetic data continues to be a contentious issue in China, generating public debates in both traditional and social media channels. Concerns have intensified after Chinese scientists’ research on pangenome data was published in the prestigious journal Nature.MethodsThis study scrutinized microblogs posted on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media site, in the two months immediately following the publication (June 14, 2023–August 21, 2023). Content analysis was conducted to assess the nature of public responses, justifications for positive or negative attitudes, and the users’ overall knowledge of how Chinese human genetic information is regulated and managed in China.ResultsWeibo users displayed contrasting attitudes towards the article’s public disclose of pangenome research data, with 18% positive, 64% negative, and 18% neutral. Positive attitudes came primarily from verified government and media accounts, which praised the publication. In contrast, negative attitudes originated from individual users who were concerned about national security and health risks and often believed that the researchers have betrayed China. The benefits of data sharing highlighted in the commentaries included advancements in disease research and scientific progress. Approximately 16% of the microblogs indicated that Weibo users had misunderstood existing regulations and laws governing data sharing and stewardship.ConclusionsBased on the predominantly negative public attitudes toward scientific data sharing established by our study, we recommend enhanced outreach by scientists and scientific institutions to increase the public understanding of developments in genetic research, international data sharing, and associated regulations. Additionally, governmental agencies can alleviate public fears and concerns by being more transparent about their security reviews of international collaborative research involving Chinese human genetic data and its cross-border transfer.

Disrupting the estate: Katharine Pleydell-Bouverie at Coleshill

ABSTRACT This article explores some of the ways in which queer women living in country houses have used their economic privilege and class leverage for their own purposes, disrupting and reshaping country house living to make space for their own independent endeavours. It takes as its case study the life of Katharine Pleydell-Bouverie (1895–1985), an innovative woman potter in the early British studio ceramics movement who rejected aristocratic, familial and societal expectations of duty and lineage to self-fashion an identity as an artist. Pleydell-Bouverie created a separate household on her family estate of Coleshill where she prioritised pleasurable domesticity with her female partners alongside creative expression and productivity. This essay investigates Pleydell-Bouverie’s use of the estate – both the conditions it afforded her and its ecological materiality – as a resource in her experimental artistic practice and in her alternative, non-heteronormative mode of living.

The four dimensions of metropolitanization: a case study of Warsaw, Wrocław and Lublin

ABSTRACT Metropolitanization represents a pivotal process viewed from various perspectives. It is approached diversely, yet underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of the metropolis and its immediate surroundings’ development. This study introduces a conceptual framework for metropolitanization across four dimensions, distinguishing between qualitative-quantitative and vertical-horizontal delineations. The spectrum of metropolitanization encompasses demographic expansion as well as nuanced qualitative shifts, influenced, for instance, by extensive integration into the global economy and the consolidation of the nation's economic dominance. The proposed framework is applied to three Polish agglomerations, each exhibiting relatively comparable settlement system structures but markedly distinct socio-economic conditions. This approach also assesses the vigour of metropolitanization at varying levels, facilitating the identification of metropolises that, due to their unique challenges relative to other cities, hold strategic importance for developmental policies.

Does seasonal flowering and fruiting patterns of cacao only depend on climatic factors? The case study of mixed genotype populations in Côte d'Ivoire

Theobroma cacao, a tropical cauliflorous fruit tree, typically produces flowers and fruits twice a year and exhibits alternate harvesting patterns over consecutive six-monthly seasons in regions with bi-modal rainfall distribution, such as Côte d'Ivoire. This study investigated seasonal variations in flowering and fruiting among trees in populations of mixed cacao genotypes. The intensities of crown and trunk flowering and pod production were monitored for eight consecutive six-monthly seasons on 114 adult cacao trees grown from seedlings. We investigated distributions of seasonal flowering and fruiting values, relationships between flowering and pod production, and the effects of seasonal cumulative rainfall. The patterns of seasonal flowering and fruiting series were analyzed using two descriptors: the first distinguishing between regular and variable patterns, and the second analyzing the structure of such variability, classifying it as either irregular or alternating. Despite being subjected to similar climate and agronomic management, individual trees exhibited highly variable flowering and fruiting behaviors within each season, as well as variable patterns of flowering and fruiting across seasons. Seasonal alternate fruiting on a population scale masked highly variable patterns among trees, and only 19 % of the trees exhibited marked alternate fruiting patterns. Variations in pod production on a tree scale were mainly related to variations in trunk flowering. Endogenous factors seemed to control seasonal variations in flowering and fruiting, even though exogenous factors, both climatic and agronomic, could structure flowering and fruiting patterns at the orchard scale.

New development: A resilient framework for optimizing the Republic of Kosovo's sustainable development

IMPACT This article offers critical insights for policy-makers, development strategists, environmental advocates, and academics engaged in the rigorous pursuit of sustainable development within the context of political uncertainties and evolving global challenges. It amplifies the discourse on integrating and reporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national development strategies, using Kosovo's endeavours as a pivotal case study. By emphasizing the role of resilience theory in enhancing adaptive governance and multi-sectoral collaboration for SDG achievement, this article substantiates the imperative for innovative, inclusive, and resilient approaches to SDG integration and reporting in national development planning. The findings and recommendations advocate for the strategic alignment of national development initiatives with global sustainability objectives, underscoring the importance of establishing environmental sustainability as a core pillar and the necessity for comprehensive stakeholder engagement in the policy-making process. As such, this work contributes to the broadening evidence base supporting the integration of resilience and sustainability principles into the governance and implementation of development strategies.

Symbolic association networks: A case study of orchestral programming’s effect on the reputation of composers

A type of symbolic association network for the development of reputation is described and tested. Associations between people in these networks are not based on individual interaction, but rather are created by “reputational entrepreneurs” based on perceived symbolic association between people. We argue the intent of this type of connection is to add to the reputational information about those connected and we test whether a network of such associations influence cultural recognition. To do this, we use dyadic connections between classical music composers created by conductors for orchestra performance and determine whether a composer’s symbolic association network (SAN) aids recognition in publications. We find SANs to have a significant impact on the extent of reputational recognition, even when holding a composer’s individual status achievements constant. Composers with a large symbolic association network and those who bridge unconnected composers tend to receive more recognition. We discuss the influence of symbolic association networks on perception of reputational significance. We suggest SANs may advance research in reputation and culture particularly when considering actors whose reputation is active beyond their work or lifetime, such as artists, writers, musicians, and historical figures.

Unveiling knowledge ecosystem dimensions for MSMEs’ digital transformation, toward a location-based brokerage

This study explores how knowledge ecosystems (KEs) led by a knowledge broker (KB) can support the digital transformation of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). By employing an exploratory research design and action research methodology, the paper proposes and applies an analytical framework to investigate the characteristics of KEs and the knowledge managed by the KB as the innovation intermediary acting as leader of the KE The case study selected uncovers the dimensions of a regional KE guided by a digital innovation hub (DIH) supporting MSMEs towards the adoption of the “Digital Artisan platform” deriving from an Industry 4.0 project.The findings highlight the importance of trust, strategic alignment, and dynamic capabilities of KBs in enhancing MSMEs' digital journey and emphasize the location dimension of the regional KE as a means for providing tailored support. This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of regional KEs enabling the digital transformation through KBs who are the innovation intermediaries covering the role of leaders of the ecosystem.

Shaping anti-corruption strategies: investigator perspectives on electronic records

Purpose This study aims to investigate the specific difficulties involved in implementing electronic recordkeeping for anti-corruption investigations in Nigeria. It recognises the importance of technological advancements in such investigations and the need for efficient, internationally recognised services, especially in a country where manual processes are prevalent. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative, exploratory case study approach. Data were gathered through interviews with 15 anti-corruption investigators in Nigeria in the year 2020 and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings This study identified two main challenges: resistance to adopting technological change and indifference towards information technology. Originality/value This study highlights the transformative potential of technology, specifically cloud computing and forensic technology, in an investigative context. By intentionally integrating technology, existing deficiencies can be addressed, investigative processes can be streamlined and a culture of accountability can be cultivated. It contributes to ongoing discussions and emphasises the capacity of technology to drive significant transformation in the pursuit of integrity and justice.

Pharmacist-led primary care interventions to promote medicines optimisation and reduce overprescribing: a systematic review of UK studies and initiatives

ObjectivesTo systematically review and synthesise evidence on the effectiveness and implementation barriers/facilitators of pharmacist-led interventions to promote medicines optimisation and reduce overprescribing in UK primary care.DesignSystematic review.SettingUK primary care.MethodsWe searched...

He Tuhi He Uta He Utu: Architecture As a Tool of Reply

ABSTRACT As the architectural profession adopts a more enlightened and collaborative turn by increasing engagement with indigenous knowledges, this paper explores the case study of Auckland Free Library and Art Gallery (1885–1888) and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki (2008–2011). Using archival material and grey literature, the critical analysis invites us to consider trans-Tasman circulations that impact the production of architecture. With a sustained focus on three key periods of time: pre-federation, the 1970s and the 2000s the entanglement of the Australian and New Zealand settler colonial project is considered and indigenous methods to subvert cultural schema through civic architecture are revealed. Supporting the findings of earlier research in this under explored field, this paper also finds that continuing tensions are inherent within civic projects that seek to represent indigeneity. Finally, the limit of contemporary architecture to fabricate “new” optimism is theorised, with indeterminate and unsatisfying conclusions from which further research directions emerge.

The spatial narratives and representation of slavery and colonial heritage on guided tours in Amsterdam

ABSTRACT Amidst increasing societal discussion on slavery and colonial heritage, tourism has emerged as a potential avenue to address such concerns. Yet, tourism and tour guiding suffers from a paradox. On the one hand, tourism narratives can form a part of an oppressive strategy in colonial approaches against socially excluded and marginalised groups while on the other hand, tourism can offer counter-narratives with progressive potential in transforming mindsets and enlarging perspectives. This article explores these conceptual issues in the context of guided city tours in Amsterdam utilising a qualitative case study design involving participant observation and interviews. We identify the spatial narratives tour guides use to (re)present slavery and colonial heritage, and the factors shaping these narratives. We make two main contributions to the literature. Firstly, we identify how the need for positive atmosphere and good vibes are central to the extent to which tour guides are willing to engage tourists with slavery and colonial narratives in the city. Secondly, we offer a spatial mapping of slavery and colonial heritage narratives offered on tours through Amsterdam. Our study therefore contributes to evidencing how tourism, and tour guides hold transformative potential in dealing with slavery and heritage in an European urban setting.

The influence of different diagenesis on the elastic properties of different shale lithofacies: a case study of the upper Permian Wujiaping formation in East Sichuan Basin, China

Understanding the impact of diagenesis on the elastic properties of organic-rich shale reservoirs is essential for evaluating unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs and interpreting seismic data. Recent advancements in the exploration of the Permian Wujiaping Formation in the eastern Sichuan Basin indicate its potential to become a significant succession within the Sichuan Basin. However, the effect of different lithofacies in the Wujiaping Formation on shale elastic properties under varying diagenetic conditions remains unclear, hindering detailed reservoir interpretation. This study employs X-ray diffraction, thin section analysis, scanning electron microscopy, organic geochemistry, and dynamic elastic property tests to investigate the Wujiaping Formation shale. The results reveal three primary lithofacies types: argillaceous shale, mixed shale, and siliceous shale. Argillaceous shale, subjected to intense compaction, forms a dense rock framework of oriented clay minerals, characterized by low porosity (1.66%), low elastic wave velocity (4122.30 m/s), low elastic modulus (2174.59 m/s), and high Poisson's ratio (32.24 GPa). Mixed shale, dominated by carbonates and quartz, exhibits a rock framework formed through dissolution and cementation, with high elastic wave velocity (5196.54 m/s), relatively high elastic modulus (2975.86 m/s), and moderate Poisson's ratio (58.53 GPa). Siliceous shale, comprising biogenic quartz particles, shows strong resistance to compaction. During hydrocarbon generation, it develops abundant organic matter pores, resulting in the highest porosity (2.36%), high elastic wave velocity (5177.92 m/s), high elastic modulus (2975.86 m/s), and low Poisson's ratio (62.23 GPa). The significant differences in mineral composition and diagenetic processes across the lithofacies lead to distinct elastic properties. This study provides a rock physics framework for the detailed seismic prediction of "sweet spots" in the Wujiaping Formation shale reservoirs and offers new insights into characterizing the diagenesis of unconventional shale reservoirs using geophysical properties.

De novo genome assembly of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) reveals the role of copy number variation in rapid environmental adaptation

BackgroundWhite clover (Trifolium repens) is a globally important perennial forage legume. This species also serves as an eco-evolutionary model system for studying within-species chemical defense variation; it features a well-studied polymorphism for cyanogenesis (HCN release following tissue damage), with higher frequencies of cyanogenic plants favored in warmer locations worldwide. Using a newly generated haplotype-resolved genome and two other long-read assemblies, we tested the hypothesis that copy number variants (CNVs) at cyanogenesis genes play a role in the ability of white clover to rapidly adapt to local environments. We also examined questions on subgenome evolution in this recently evolved allotetraploid species and on chromosomal rearrangements in the broader IRLC legume clade.ResultsIntegration of PacBio HiFi, Omni-C, Illumina, and linkage map data yielded a completely de novo genome assembly for white clover (created without a priori sequence assignment to subgenomes). We find that white clover has undergone extensive transposon diversification since its origin but otherwise shows highly conserved genome organization and composition with its diploid progenitors. Unlike some other clover species, its chromosomal structure is conserved with other IRLC legumes. We further find extensive evidence of CNVs at the major cyanogenesis loci; these contribute to quantitative variation in the cyanogenic phenotype and to local adaptation across wild North American populations.ConclusionsThis work provides a case study documenting the role of CNVs in local adaptation in a plant species, and it highlights the value of pan-genome data for identifying contributions of structural variants to adaptation in nature.

Adaptation planning of container ports in the context of typhoon risks: The case of Ningbo-Zhoushan port in China

This study conducts a comprehensive survey of the risk of typhoon to container ports by assessing the risk level of typhoons in China's major container ports, predicting their economic losses, and evaluating corresponding adaptation measures. It analyzes adaptation measures in response to typhoon impacts, with a case study of Ningbo-Zhoushan port, one of China's most representative regional ports. It identifies the inadequate supply of institutions and the absence and misbehavior of the main port stakeholders as the main cause of varying institutional imperfections in the port adaptation system. This study contributes to the development of efficient port typhoon prevention policies, reduction of economic losses and casualties, and improvement of port operational efficiency. It also fills an important research gap on climate risk and adaptation in China's container ports, with an emphasis in enhancing port resilience.

Assessing ChatGPT's Competency in Addressing Interdisciplinary Inquiries on Chatbot Uses in Sports Rehabilitation: Simulation Study.

ChatGPT showcases exceptional conversational capabilities and extensive cross-disciplinary knowledge. In addition, it can perform multiple roles in a single chat session. This unique multirole-playing feature positions ChatGPT as a promising tool for exploring interdisciplinary subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate ChatGPT's competency in addressing interdisciplinary inquiries based on a case study exploring the opportunities and challenges of chatbot uses in sports rehabilitation. We developed a model termed PanelGPT to assess ChatGPT's competency in addressing interdisciplinary topics through simulated panel discussions. Taking chatbot uses in sports rehabilitation as an example of an interdisciplinary topic, we prompted ChatGPT through PanelGPT to role-play a physiotherapist, psychologist, nutritionist, artificial intelligence expert, and athlete in a simulated panel discussion. During the simulation, we posed questions to the panel while ChatGPT acted as both the panelists for responses and the moderator for steering the discussion. We performed the simulation using ChatGPT-4 and evaluated the responses by referring to the literature and our human expertise. By tackling questions related to chatbot uses in sports rehabilitation with respect to patient education, physiotherapy, physiology, nutrition, and ethical considerations, responses from the ChatGPT-simulated panel discussion reasonably pointed to various benefits such as 24/7 support, personalized advice, automated tracking, and reminders. ChatGPT also correctly emphasized the importance of patient education, and identified challenges such as limited interaction modes, inaccuracies in emotion-related advice, assurance of data privacy and security, transparency in data handling, and fairness in model training. It also stressed that chatbots are to assist as a copilot, not to replace human health care professionals in the rehabilitation process. ChatGPT exhibits strong competency in addressing interdisciplinary inquiry by simulating multiple experts from complementary backgrounds, with significant implications in assisting medical education.

A community-engaged tool for evaluating food sovereignty in Haiti and beyond

ABSTRACT Researchers and community organizations are increasingly operationalizing food sovereignty, and argue that participatory, community-engaged food sovereignty metrics can enhance insights about local contexts, and opportunities for food sovereignty. In Haiti, one of the most food-insecure countries in the world, peasant and civil society organizations have been calling for food sovereignty for over a decade, and the state recently published a food sovereignty policy document, marking an important paradigm shift. In this paper, we share a case study of a food sovereignty tool that was designed through a participatory, community-based process in Northern Haiti, offering a blueprint and lessons learned that we hope will be useful to others working to operationalize food sovereignty.

Organisational Learning, Environmental NGOs, and Policy Advocacy in China

ABSTRACT While previous studies have mainly emphasised the role of structural factors in explaining how and why Chinese environmental NGOs (ENGOs) have become more engaged in policy advocacy since the early 2000s, this study offers an alternative perspective on these dynamics by adopting an organisational learning framework. Through in-depth case studies, we identify the production and application of knowledge – specifically regarding the significance, viability, and practical expertise of policy advocacy – as a pivotal driver that compels organisations to proactively engage in policy advocacy. Moreover, we delineate two primary approaches to organisational learning used by ENGOs – intra-organisational learning and trans-organisational learning – and illustrate their internal mechanisms. This study also underscores the significance of individual learning by organisational leaders in the Chinese context, which occurs in parallel with collective learning at the group level. This article thereby enriches our understanding of the trajectory of environmental activism in contemporary China.

Improve operational flexibility of distribution systems using transportable resources

With the continuous progress of carbon neutrality, the accelerating integration of distributed renewable energy sources (RES) poses tremendous pressure on distribution systems' safe and stable operation. The distribution systems that cannot be upgraded in time, e.g., those in border areas, are hard to adapt to the large-scale integration of RES and the growing energy demand, facing a severe lack of operational flexibility. In light of this, the integrated mobile energy station (IMES), which consists of a battery system and photovoltaic cells, is used to improve operational flexibility and alleviate the need for upgrades. An adaptive robust allocation and dispatch model is introduced to coordinate the operation of the distribution system and IMES under multiple uncertainties. The first stage of the proposed model optimizes the locations of IMES using the forecast information of RES and loads, while the second stage optimizes the dispatch plan that is adaptive to the realization of uncertainties. Since the uncertain photovoltaic power in the IMES depends on its deployment location, the proposed model is an adaptive robust optimization with decision-dependent uncertainty, bringing great challenges to the solution. To solve it efficiently, a warmstart-enhanced column-and-constraint generation algorithm is introduced, in which the bi-level subproblem is solved by the dual method and outer approximation algorithm. Finally, case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The participation of six IMESs can save 5.23 % on the system's total cost and avoid the load shedding caused by transmission congestion, indicating IMES's potential for economical and flexible operation of the system.

Navigating academic prestige: university choice and distinction of German upper milieu students

ABSTRACT This article examines the relevance of different institutional levels in higher education for the educational strategies of upper milieu students in a case study conducted in Germany. Based on our analysis of 95 qualitative interviews with Masters students from different social backgrounds, we show how upper milieu students take advantage of the new vertical stratification in the German higher education system such as the emergence of ‘universities of excellence’, national rankings and ‘elitist’ degree programmes and networks. They also have more resources at their disposal to deal with the new complexity created by the current transformations in the field of higher education in Germany. Instead of referring to common schemes that distinguish between vertical and horizontal differentiation in higher education, we propose to focus on ‘academic prestige configurations’ in order to better understand contemporary processes of social differentiation and distinction between students. In this way, we aim to advance the empirical and theoretical discussion in higher education research on upper class students. The focus of our study is not solely on elite education, but rather on exploring the status reproduction of upper milieus through education.

‘Social psychology of the emergence of Iranian neo-nationalism discourse in present-day Iran: a case study of the Persian Gulf Facebook channel’

ABSTRACT The discourse of Iranian nationalism exhibits distinct attributes, including Aryanism, anti-Arabism, and a yearning to restore ancient Iran. Originating during the Qajar period and prevailing throughout the Pahlavi era, this discourse faced marginalization following the Islamic Revolution, remaining dormant for three decades. However, in the past decade, it has experienced a gradual resurgence and gained media representation, termed ‘Iranian neo-nationalism’ for reasons elucidated in the introduction. This study aims to investigate the factors underlying this resurgence. Utilizing the qualitative content analysis method and the theory of politicized group identity from a social psychology perspective, the paper contends that this re-emergence is grounded in enduring political, cultural, and global processes, as well as immediate cognitive and psychological processes. These intertwined processes reveal an ‘identity security dilemma’ in Iran.