Commercial Partners Research Articles

China-Australia Sustainable Bilateral Economic Relations in the Late 20th - Early 21st Century

Background: In the New Year 2024, Australia sees the light of hope for the development of relations with China. Relations began to strain when Australia called for an independent investigation into the origin of the coronavirus, and the Chinese government-imposed import bans on almost everything that Australia used to export to China. This ban created a problem between the two countries. The joining of Australia in the QUAD military alliance further strained relations, but the relationship is gradually improving. Objectives: This research aims to examine and assess the issues and opportunities for sustainable bilateral economic relations between China and Australia. Methods: This study uses secondary sources to gather perspectives on China-Australia relations. Although the study is qualitative, a quantitative method is also taken. A survey and data analysis were conducted with 101 participants, including international relations experts, researchers, analysts, government officials, students, businessmen, and civil society members. The data was analyzed using basic quantitative techniques for the trade data. Results: The results show that two-way trade between China and Australia has significantly increased in the last 40 years, making China Australia’s most significant commercial partner. China is Australia’s largest export market, the largest source of tourist spending, and the fastest-growing foreign investment source. Australia exports pearls, precious stones, meat, copper salt, and sulfur dioxide to China while importing electrical and electronic equipment, plastics, iron, and aluminum from China. Conclusion: The study indicates that China and Australia have strong economic interdependency, with China having the largest export markets and tourist destinations. Despite diplomatic issues, their relationship strengthens through trade and economics. In 2014, Australia and China signed an FTA, upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Focusing on economics rather than politics could improve trade and economic relations.

Commercial determinants of health: a new framework for studying relationships between food corporations and food charities in the UK

Relationships between food charities and commercial partners have been extensively critiqued by food charity scholars, particularly those that involve food corporations supporting charitable hunger relief whilst at the same time holding power over key drivers of food insecurity. This has important implications for health-related research on food charity that involves input from corporate donors. This paper argues that there is an opportunity to expand the field of health research on food insecurity and food charity by engaging with the Commercial Determinants of Health (CDoH) framework, to provide a new way of theoretically and analytically framing evidence and critiques on food charity with corporate involvement. The paper puts the CDoH framework into practice through an empirical study of food charity – food corporation relationships in the UK.Through the CDoH analysis, the findings reveal the different corporate practices that are employed in these relationships, and the disparity between these and the practices corporations could be using the address food insecurity. The framework provides important new avenues for research to further evidence and explore the deep ironies and inequalities embedded in these relationships, and the ways in which corporations leverage charitable efforts to improve their image, whilst holding significant power over key drivers of the very food insecurity that these charities seek to relieve..By applying the CDoH framework, research on food insecurity, food charity and the role of corporations can play an active part in the wider moves in public health towards understanding the impact of corporate entities and interests on health and equity.

THE NO REFLECTIVE LOSS PRINCIPLE IS NOT AN OLD-FASHIONED CORPORATE LAW RELIC

Abstract Shareholders are not allowed to bring actions for damages due to a fall in share value or loss of dividend, which are “reflective” of their company’s loss. Later, this principle also found its application to “reflective” losses of employees and creditors. The Supreme Court, however, in Marex Financial v Sevilleja, unanimously held that the principle would apply only to shareholders and not to creditors. The article argues that, while the majority opinion in the Marex decision is reasonably balanced, the minority opinion went a step further by even doubting the very existence of the no reflective loss principle without properly appreciating what shareholding entails. If the minority’s position becomes the law, it will jeopardise companies’ existence as separate legal entities with the capacity to decide with respect to their assets. Further, if the protection of the principle is removed, companies’ counterparties will have to worry constantly about facing numerous direct shareholders’ actions, whether they settle the dispute with the company or not. As a result, if the minority view becomes the law, it can potentially make the company a less dependable commercial partner.

Sporting clubs’ perceptions about harmful industry sponsorship: Lessons from gambling research

Abstract Background Unlike tobacco, there are no restrictions relating to gambling sponsorship in Australian sports. While some sporting teams have voluntarily refused sponsorship deals with gambling companies and other harmful industries, many are still actively entering into or renewing such deals. There is limited understanding of why, despite widespread public concern, sporting organisations continue to engage in commercial partnerships with gambling companies and venues. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the ethical and related practical issues associated with gambling sponsorship. Methods In-depth interviews were held with 24 key decision makers in Australian community sporting organisations. Participants were asked questions relating to attitudes towards gambling, decisions about gambling sponsorship within their clubs, and issues relating to alternative sponsors and sponsorship disparities. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Interviews revealed the difficulty for sporting organisations to avoid harmful industry sponsorship. When deciding to align with gambling companies, sporting organisations had to consider their own values and the reputational impact of such deals, and balance this with the financial viability of the sporting organisation. Despite sporting organisations relying heavily on sponsorship deals, some stated they would refuse gambling sponsorship for ethical reasons but recognised that sporting clubs in poorer financial positions may be more vulnerable to taking up gambling sponsorship. Conclusions As elite sporting organisations begin to move away from gambling sponsorship, gambling companies may target community sport. The authors consider practical strategies to protect communities from sponsorship from harmful industries. Key messages • Sporting organisations navigate ethical dilemmas when considering gambling sponsorships, weighing values, reputation, and financial viability. Policy action is needed to protect local communities. • Community sporting organisations face increased risk of gambling sponsorship as elite sporting clubs move away, prompting the need for protective strategies.

Dual-Use “New Space”: US Experience

The article explores the growing involvement of private space companies in military activities, with a primary focus on the United States. It delves into the specific contributions of private entities to national defense missions, particularly in the militarization of outer space. The authors analyze the strategic interests of government agencies in integrating non-state actors to enhance space capabilities, such as communication, Earth observation, situational awareness, and in-orbit servicing. The paper also assesses the potential implications of these trends for international security, highlighting the complexities that arise from the blurred lines between civil and military space operations. It points to the creation of the U.S. Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR), an initiative aimed at enhancing defense through commercial space partnerships, and discusses the operational and strategic challenges of managing vast satellite constellations. Additionally, the article reflects on the security risks posed by the militarization of commercial space infrastructure, examining the potential consequences for geopolitical stability and the future of space conflict management. Finally, it suggests that further research and regulatory measures are necessary to mitigate the military threats linked to the New Space

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus 2 infection among commercial sex workers in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Background: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV2) causes genital herpes, an incurable, lifelong sexually transmitted infection (STI). This study was conducted to describe the seroprevalence and associated factors of HSV2 infection in a cohort of Female Sex Workers (FSWs). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 136 FSWs who attended the central STD Clinic, in Colombo. They were assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire followed by serum sampling. Serum samples were tested for HSV2 IgG using an enzyme immunoassay specific for glycoprotein gG2 of HSV2. Results: HSV2 seroprevalence of FSW was 66.9% (91/136) of which only 14.3% (13/91) reported a history of genital infection. Age ≥35 years (OR 3.35, 95%CI 1.54-7.31, p=0.002), education ≥ grade 5 (OR 8.35, 95%CI 13.1- 64.7, p<0.001), lifetime sexual partners ≥ 200 (OR 5.33, 95% CI 2.3-12.36), p<0.001), duration of sex work ≥1 year (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.09-9.65, p<0.001) and history of STI (OR 4.52, 95% CI 1.9-10.78, p<0.001) were statistically significant risk factors for high HSV2 prevalence. Consistent condom use by commercial partners in the last 3 months was not a significant protective factor in preventing HSV2 infection (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.15-1.26, p = 0.12) in this cohort. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of HSV2 is high in this population and most of them did not report any genital infection. Multiple risk factors for higher prevalence were observed. Findings support the need for regular surveillance, monitoring of HSV-2 infection in high-risk populations, and expanding awareness of HSV-2 infection in the country.

Multilevel actor networks in China’s growing fossil-fuel based role in the global electricity sector

Abstract Chinese investments into fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity under its Belt and Road Initiative will create lock-in for decades. Despite China’s recent rise as major public finance provider for the electricity sector of the developing world and the related environmental impacts, there is limited knowledge of the extent and characteristics of non-Chinese participation in Chinese-funded projects. We apply complexity theory approaches and network modelling on a new dataset that links funding activities of Developmental Institutions (Chinese Developmental Institutions (CDIs), Western-backed Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)) and the involvement of companies in different roles (i.e., as direct investors, contractors, equipment suppliers, and other service providers) to power plants around the world at the unit-level (1999-2020). Previous literature suggests that CDI funded projects show preference to Chinese commercial partners, but we find more than 70% include non-Chinese participants. This also applies for fossil-fuel based technologies where we observe increasing shares of international actors that together account for nearly every third commercial linkage. However, involvement levels and interaction patterns not only differ by technologies (fossils, hydro, non-hydro renewable, nuclear) but also by the time period and types of commercial partners and we observe overall convergence between the CDI- and MDB-supported power plant networks over time. The decreasing involvement of Chinese companies in CDI-funded projects, across technologies, in favour of increasing Western involvement, has important implications for development and climate policy on which we elaborate. However, the failure of both MDB and CDI funding to promote domestic company involvement in the recipient countries may be the largest failing of both sets of agencies in the pursuit of development outcomes.

Recent and Local HIV Infections among Newly Diagnosed Cases in Two Districts of Chongqing, China (2019-2021).

Newly diagnosed HIV cases often do not clearly indicate whether they are recent or long-standing infections. We collected the history of HIV antibody testing, sexual behavior and initial CD4 + T cell (CD4) count of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS to determine the time and location of HIV infections. Of the included 612 cases, 17.3% were classified as recent HIV infection. Recent HIV infections were higher in cases aged < 30 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.267, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.856-9.813) and 30-49 (AOR = 2.847, 95%CI 1.356-5.977) vs. ≥50, and the transmission mode was men who have sex with men (MSM) (AOR = 4.130, 95%CI 1.815-9.399) was higher than heterosexual contact. Of the 582 cases, 80.8% were classified as local HIV infection (An infection occurred in the two survey districts). Local HIV infections were higher in cases being single and divorced/widowed (AOR = 2.511, 95% CI 1.271-4.962) vs. being married, residing in the survey districts ≥ 5 years (AOR = 168.962, 95%CI 64.942-439.593) vs. < 1 year, transmission mode was MSM (AOR = 8.669, 95%CI 2.668-28.163) vs. heterosexual contact, and acquired infections through spouses or steady partners (AOR = 11.493, 95%CI 3.236-40.819) vs. commercial partners. Both recent and local HIV infections were higher in cases whose transmission mode was MSM, we recommended using internet platforms and MSM dating apps for HIV education and intervention, promoting internet intervention tools to raise awareness about HIV and facilitate early detection.

Involving patients and the public in research using linked confidential patient information without consent: a case study on the COloRECTal cancer data Repository (CORECT-R)

Objective and ApproachIn 2017, the charity Cancer Research UK funded a UK Colorectal Cancer Intelligence Hub to create the COloRECTal cancer data Repository (CORECT-R). This was intended to be a single research data system that links all datasets across the UK relevant to colorectal cancer and makes them available for research. As the four home nations (i.e. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) have distinct data governance policies, data access and linkage has proven challenging. It has not yet been possible to create a UK-wide resource, hence limiting the potential of the data available. To address this, the Hub has recently sought to gain new governance approvals to link data from the four home nations. As part of this process, we aimed to investigate public acceptability of using confidential patient information (CPI) without consent in CORECT-R. ResultsSeventy-five participants from a diverse background attended one of four online consultation sessions. Participants raised a number of issues and concerns, including ensuring transparency in the access and use of CPI by academic and commercial partners, and being well-informed of how to opt-out. With open communication and explanation of our approach, participants gave almost unanimous support on the intended CPI use. ImplicationsInnovation and collaboration between researchers, data custodians and the public are essential to drive responsible and meaningful uses of population data. We showed an exemplar of embedding patient and public involvement in designing data linkage research. Key areas identified from the sessions will form the basis of future consultations.

Characteristics of and Factors Associated With Partner Service Uptake Cascade Among People With Newly Reported HIV/AIDS Diagnoses in Southeastern China in 2022: Cross-Sectional Survey.

HIV notification and testing integrated into partner service (PS) practices among HIV-positive individuals have been proven to be an efficient approach for case finding, although it remains a weak link in China. Although nonmarital sexual activities accounted for a large proportion of newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases in China, little is known about PS uptake and associated factors within nonmarital partnerships. This study aimed to describe HIV PS utilization and its associated factors among HIV-positive individuals with nonmarital sexual partners. We recruited newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals who had nonmarital sexual partners in 2022 in Zhejiang Province and offered them PS. We described the PS uptake cascade within sexual partner categories and analyzed the associated factors with 3 primary outcomes from the participants' perspective: nonmarital partner enumeration, HIV testing, and HIV positivity. In this study, 3509 HIV-positive individuals were recruited as participants, and they enumerated 2507 nonmarital sex partners (2507/14,556, 17.2% of all nonmarital sex partners) with contact information. Among these, 43.1% (1090/2507) underwent an HIV test, with an HIV-positive rate of 28.3% (309/1090). Heterosexual commercial partners were the least likely of being enumerated (441/4292, 10.3%) and had the highest HIV-positive rate (40/107, 37.4%). At the participant level, 48.1% (1688/3509) of the participants enumerated at least one nonmarital sex partner with contact information, 52.7% (890/1688) had a sex partner tested for HIV, and 31% (276/890) had at least one nonmarital sex partner who tested positive. Multivariate analysis indicated that gender and transmission route were associated with both nonmarital sex partner enumeration and HIV testing. Age and occupation were associated with nonmarital sex partner enumeration and HIV positivity. Compared with participants who had no regular nonmarital sex partner, those who had a regular nonmarital sex partner were more likely to enumerate nonmarital sex partners (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.017, 95% CI 2.560-3.554), have them get tested for HIV (aOR 1.725, 95% CI 1.403-2.122), and have an HIV-positive nonmarital sex partner (aOR 1.962, 95% CI 1.454-2.647). The percentage of partner enumeration was low, and HIV testing rate was moderate among nonmarital partnerships of HIV-positive individuals. More efforts should be made to improve PS practices among HIV-positive individuals and address the gap in partner enumeration, especially for heterosexual commercial nonmarital partnerships. Additionally, enhancing PS operational skills among health care personnel could increase the overall efficiency of PS uptake in China.

A new conception of port governance under climate change

The port governance literature has charted the trend towards devolution of port services to the private sector, also showing how the increasing influence of external private actors such as shipping lines and global terminal operators affects decisions on expansion and service provision, producing a more multifaceted and polycentric kind of port governance. In this paper we extend these notions to cover both mitigation of and adaptation to climate change. A growing body of literature on green ports discusses the various actions that can be taken to limit emissions in the port area, while another body of literature is growing on climate change adaptation measures, including the uncertain risks and rewards. Both mitigation and adaptation actions are partly linked to the commercial decisions of port actors but also partly driven by external actors (e.g. society, government, regulators). The analysis produces an updated conceptualisation of port governance under climate change, based on four stakeholder groups (public policy, commercial actors, indirect actors and international shipping governance) and produces three key conclusions. First, concession contracts and commercial relationships will need to change, with a more integrated vision and approach to sharing future (sometimes undefined or uncosted) costs and benefits between the port authority and commercial partners. Second, diversification of the port business model will see a larger focus on energy production and provision, requiring the more explicit inclusion of external stakeholders, particularly energy companies, in port governance. Third, port governance will see a return to prominence of the public dimension, both in terms of national decarbonisation plans and particularly regarding adaptation to an uncertain and turbulent future. As ports are both commercial activities and national infrastructure, these different identities will need to be united in a joint vision.

Scaling and Commercializing Continuous Supercritical Hydrothermal Single Crystal Cathode Active Material Manufacturing

Current polycrystalline cathode active materials (CAMs) in the market face a significant challenge during charge-discharge cycles. The lithiation and de-lithiation processes induce volume changes within the CAMs, leading to strain along grain boundaries. This strain, arising from the expansion of crystals in different orientations, often results in material pulverization, creating void fractions. Such deterioration leads to increased impedance, capacity degradation, and shorter cycle life.Addressing these challenges, there is an emerging demand for single crystal (SC) CAMs, which promise enhanced performance by eliminating internal void fractions and grain boundaries. The continuous supercritical hydrothermal process, invented at Argonne National Laboratory, offers an innovative and cost-effective method to produce SC CAMs. This method effectively reduces energy consumption and production costs, while also lowering carbon emissions.In this presentation, we provide a comprehensive overview of the advancements in scaling up and commercializing continuous supercritical hydrothermal process for SC CAM manufacturing. Our focus is on the efforts undertaken by ACT-ion Battery Technologies, the industry commercialization partner, highlighting the significant strides made towards implementing this promising solution on a practical level.

Deficit of Trust in Pakistan-Afghanistan Bilateral Relations: An Evaluation from a Security and Economic Perspective from 2001 to 2021

At the crossroads of Central and Southern Asia lie two Muslim neighbors i.e., Pakistan and Afghanistan. Similarities in religion, culture, ethnicity, race, and history were predicted to cement the harmonious bilateral connection between the two countries. There have been a lot of obstacles to the development of positive relations between the two republics ever since they were established. Afghanistan's alone neighbor and a key commercial partner, Pakistan and the two countries have a difficult history despite Afghanistan's reliance on Pakistan's seaports and international trade. Tense relations began with the conflicts over the Durand line and Pakhtunistan stunt supported by Afghan government and were exacerbated by subsequent events like the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the American involvement in the country after September 11, 2001. A large number of refugees fled to Pakistan as a result of these invasions, shaking up the country's politics and economy. India's involvement in Afghan politics has had a major effect on Pakistan's interests in the country and the surrounding region, especially after September 11th, when the United States attempted to offset Chinese influence in the area. India's engagement in Afghanistan and Pakistan's support in the US invasion of Afghanistan are at the root of the current state of bilateral ties. Normalizing bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan may require the involvement of a third party or agreement on confidence-building measures to enhance the welfare of persons living on the other side of the Durand line and encourage amicable interactions between the two countries. Using a qualitative approach, this article investigates the causes and consequences of the current mistrust in bilateral ties, with a particular emphasis on economic and security problems in the wake of 9/11.

The influence of service strategies and business relations on the growth of starup businesses in medium digital marketing

The lack of business land to foster the growth of new firms is the issue facing South Sulawesi's startup community. Getting funding is one of the biggest problems that companies have. Even with the abundance of public and private financing initiatives, getting funding is frequently a challenging and drawn-out procedure. There are still a number of places in South Sulawesi with restricted access to digital technology and the internet, despite the country's ongoing technical growth. This could be a barrier for new business, particularly those are in the technology industry. An industrial ecology is therefore required. The purpose of this study is to examine how digital marketing, business partnerships, and service initiatives affect the expansion of startup companies. additionally, to examine the ways in which digital marketing-related service tactics adopted by startups can impact the expansion of their enterprises. This may entail evaluating the ways in which service personalization, speed, and quality may affect client happiness and, eventually, company expansion. A sample of 225 startups was used in this study, and questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to collect data. To evaluate the data, the Smart-PLS application was used. The study's findings demonstrate the importance of service plans and commercial partnerships for both digital marketing in startup companies and digital marketing itself. Digital marketing, meanwhile, is powerless to mitigate the impact of commercial partnerships and service plans on fledgling companies.

Startup growth in pandemic: organizational resilience in an extreme crisis situation

PropósitoEste estudo examina a resiliência das startups peruanas durante a pandemia da COVID-19 usando uma abordagem proposta por Lengnick-Hall et al. (2011), na qual a resiliência tem um efeito fortalecedor nas organizações. Seu objetivo é identificar as características que permitiram que determinadas startups descobrissem oportunidades de crescimento em meio a essa crise.MetodologiaAnalisamos variáveis de capital humano, social e empresarial em start-ups peruanas usando dados de uma pesquisa realizada em julho de 2020. A regressão logística binária foi usada para determinar quais recursos organizacionais aumentaram a probabilidade de identificar oportunidades de crescimento durante a pandemia.ResultadosNossas análises sugerem que as capacidades humanas se tornam secundárias em crises extremas, como as pandemias. Os fatores essenciais para a resiliência das startups incluem parcerias comerciais com empresas estabelecidas, investimento de capital dos fundadores, maturidade dos negócios e adoção de tecnologias digitais avançadas.OriginalidadeEsta pesquisa fornece informações exclusivas sobre a resiliência e o crescimento de startups no Peru durante a crise da COVID-19. Observamos que o crescimento das empresas durante esse período foi amplamente imprevisível, com menos ênfase nas capacidades humanas. O estudo destaca a importância de fatores externos na resiliência, o papel da colaboração com empresas estabelecidas, a integração de tecnologias digitais avançadas e a influência dos investimentos dos fundadores e da maturidade dos negócios na superação de tempos difíceis.

Utilization of post-exposure prophylaxis potentially contributed to the changes of risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in China.

The HIV infection status among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China is a cause for concern. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) serves as a highly effective biomedical preventive measure against HIV infection. Substantial evidence has established an association between PEP utilization and risk behaviors among MSM, but whether the utilization of PEP has an impact on risk behaviors remains unknown. This study sought to elucidate the impact of PEP usage on risk behaviors among MSM and provide recommendations for developing targeted HIV prevention programs. A cohort study was conducted in Qingdao, China, from April 2021 to January 2022. Participants were enlisted by volunteers from community-based organizations through a snowball sampling method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect sociodemographic and behavioral information of participants. The study encompassed a retrospective investigation, baseline survey, and follow-up survey, representing periods before, during, and after PEP usage, respectively. Generalized estimating equations, fitting a Poisson regression model, were applied to scrutinize changes in risk behaviors of MSM during and after PEP usage, in comparison to before PEP usage. A total of 341 MSM were recruited in the cohort study, with 179 individuals completing the follow-up survey. In comparison to before PEP usage, there was a significant increase in the proportion of Rush Popper usage (17.6% vs. 23.8% vs. 29.6%) and commercial sexual partners (10.9% vs. 17.6% vs. 21.8%) among MSM during and after PEP usage. Before PEP usage, 88.7% of MSM reported having ≥3 temporary sexual partners in the last 6 months. This proportion exhibited no significant change during PEP usage (91.8%), but it significantly increased to 97.8% after PEP usage (P < 0.05). Notably, there was a significant decrease in group sex during and after PEP usage compared to before PEP usage (30.8% vs. 21.4% vs. 21.2%). The utilization of PEP may impact risk behaviors among MSM, potentially leading to increased Rush Popper usage, temporary sexual partners, and commercial sexual partners after PEP usage, accompanied by a decrease in group sex. Further research is imperative to elucidate the impact of PEP utilization on MSM and develop targeted HIV prevention programs.

Expatriate Merchants and Partnership Formation 1840–1920: Danish Merchants in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Trust is often the premier concern highlighted in relation to the formation of mercantile business partnerships, the role of culture, family, and religion at the forefront. This is especially the case for expatriate communities. However, the Danish merchants of nineteenth century Newcastle-upon-Tyne, as especially demonstrated in the diaries of one of their number, Richard Steenberg, did not conform to this trend. This article investigates Steenberg and two other leading merchants, the Borries cousins, as well as some of their former employees, who typify trends within a wider body of 126 businessmen. It will show that they strategically chose partners who had complimentary supplies of financial, human, and social capital to improve the position of a shared firm, and these supplies formed the key criteria in forming or entering these businesses. The role of trust is not denied. Rather, this article seeks to direct debate toward the importance of financial, human, and social capital in commercial partnership formation in relation to trust.

Generative artificial intelligence in drug discovery: basic framework, recent advances, challenges, and opportunities.

There are two main ways to discover or design small drug molecules. The first involves fine-tuning existing molecules or commercially successful drugs through quantitative structure-activity relationships and virtual screening. The second approach involves generating new molecules through de novo drug design or inverse quantitative structure-activity relationship. Both methods aim to get a drug molecule with the best pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. However, bringing a new drug to market is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor, with the average cost being estimated at around $2.5 billion. One of the biggest challenges is screening the vast number of potential drug candidates to find one that is both safe and effective. The development of artificial intelligence in recent years has been phenomenal, ushering in a revolution in many fields. The field of pharmaceutical sciences has also significantly benefited from multiple applications of artificial intelligence, especially drug discovery projects. Artificial intelligence models are finding use in molecular property prediction, molecule generation, virtual screening, synthesis planning, repurposing, among others. Lately, generative artificial intelligence has gained popularity across domains for its ability to generate entirely new data, such as images, sentences, audios, videos, novel chemical molecules, etc. Generative artificial intelligence has also delivered promising results in drug discovery and development. This review article delves into the fundamentals and framework of various generative artificial intelligence models in the context of drug discovery via de novo drug design approach. Various basic and advanced models have been discussed, along with their recent applications. The review also explores recent examples and advances in the generative artificial intelligence approach, as well as the challenges and ongoing efforts to fully harness the potential of generative artificial intelligence in generating novel drug molecules in a faster and more affordable manner. Some clinical-level assets generated form generative artificial intelligence have also been discussed in this review to show the ever-increasing application of artificial intelligence in drug discovery through commercial partnerships.

Managing authenticity in a kidfluencers’ world: A qualitative study with kidfluencers and their parents

Though kidfluencer marketing is becoming more prevalent, research into children as senders of commercial messages is scarce. Considering the roles of parents, followers and commercial partners, this study is the first to conceptualise and explore kidfluencers’ authenticity management. In total, 19 in-depth interviews with kidfluencers (aged 7–12 years) and their parents show that kidfluencer profiles are not an authentic representation of the children’s true digital selves, but rather a representation of how parents wish to present their children’s digital identities. This is achieved by parents balancing their own wishes against those of their children, followers and commercial parties. A privacy (openness) paradox thereby occurs and parents undertake measures in attempt to guard against the potential risks.

Value retention using remanufacturing: A case study on part and process down selection for wind turbine applications

As a key component of a circular economy, remanufacturing is gaining popularity across various sectors. This paper focuses on the wind energy sector, a major player in renewable technologies, which is gradually recognizing its increasing resource-intensive material usage. We present a case study outlining a method for selecting parts from an industrial supply chain partner’s inventory. This strategy is further employed to streamline the manufacturing processes for the chosen part. We utilized the Weighted Sum method, a multi-criteria decision-making strategy, in both instances. We discuss how expertise of process specialists and multi-criteria decision-making techniques could be synthesised for adopting a remanufacturing approach. Data from the commercial partners was collected and any identifying information was stripped. From this, we discovered that the Yaw gear pinion shaft is the top candidate for remanufacturing due to its high commercial value. After comparing various additive manufacturing technologies, Arc Directed Energy Deposition stands out as the best fit for remanufacturing this particular pinion shaft. Although our initial aim was to consider additive manufacturing technologies as solutions for remanufacturing, we show how even conventional manufacturing processes, such as friction welding, could emerge as strong contenders.