Current Context Research Articles

Identifying minibonds issued level’s determinants to empower companies’ funding managerial strategies

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the determinants of the level of minibonds issued by companies. In doing so, it discusses the importance of minibonds in providing a market-based funding source. In the empirical analysis, special attention is paid to the study of the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is carried out through an econometric approach, on the basis of a high-quality empirical dataset related to the Italian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The reference period covers the recent pandemic. From a theoretical point of view, a regression model is implemented, including a multicollinearity analysis and an outlier detection procedure.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that factors such as leverage, cash flow, firm collaterals and seniority can explain the amount of minibonds issued. These findings provide valuable insights into the drivers of minibond issuance and highlight the potential benefits of minibonds as a funding option for Italian SMEs.Practical implicationsImportantly, results highlight relevant managerial implications at two levels. On one side, we carry on a managerial discussion about the worthiness of accessing the minibonds market; on the other side, we give insights on the managerial implications related to the features of the companies issuing minibonds.Originality/valueThe paper investigates an innovative financial instrument that has been introduced recently and has not yet been studied in depth. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first contribution assessing the main drivers for minibonds issuance level, which is a timely and relevant managerial research topic. In addition, this study also takes into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on minibond issuance, making the analysis appropriate for explaining the current economic context.

Building and Developing Smart Cities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Current Situation and Solutions

Building and developing smart cities is an inevitable trend globally, including in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is one of Vietnam's largest cities, experiencing rapid development and urbanization. Establishing and developing smart cities in Ho Chi Minh City is a necessity in the context of the fourth industrial revolution and the ongoing digital transformation in all sectors, aiming at the ultimate goal of serving and improving the quality of life for the city's residents. This article focuses on clarifying several issues: (1) Analyzing the concept and criteria of the smart city model; (2) Investigating the current situation of building and developing smart cities in Ho Chi Minh City, including both the achievements and existing limitations; (3) Proposing solutions to enhance the effectiveness of building and developing smart cities in Ho Chi Minh City in the current context.

Projected Life Expectancy for Adolescents With HIV in the US

Life expectancy is a key measure of overall population health. Life expectancy estimates for youth with HIV in the US are needed in the current HIV care and treatment context to guide health policies and resource allocation. To compare life expectancy between 18-year-old youth with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV), youth with nonperinatally acquired HIV (NPHIV), and youth without HIV. Using a US-focused adolescent-specific Monte Carlo state-transition HIV model, we simulated individuals from age 18 years until death. We estimated probabilities of HIV treatment and care engagement, HIV progression, clinical events, and mortality from observational cohorts and clinical trials for model input parameters. The simulated individuals were 18-year-old race and ethnicity-matched youth with PHIV, youth with NPHIV, and youth without HIV; 47%, 85%, and 50% were assigned male sex at birth, respectively. Individuals were categorized by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-defined HIV acquisition risk: men who have sex with men, people who ever injected drugs, heterosexually active individuals at increased risk for HIV infection, or average risk for HIV infection. Distributions were 3%, 2%, 12%, and 83% for youth with PHIV and youth without HIV, and 80%, 6%, 14%, and 0% for youth with NPHIV, respectively. Among the simulated youth in this analysis, individuals were 61% Black, 24% Hispanic, and 15% White, respectively. HIV status by timing of acquisition. Life expectancy loss for youth with PHIV and youth with NPHIV: difference between mean projected life expectancy under current and ideal HIV care scenarios compared with youth without HIV. Uncertainty intervals reflect varying adolescent HIV-related mortality inputs (95% CIs). Compared with youth without HIV (life expectancy: male, 76.3 years; female, 81.7 years), male youth with PHIV and youth with NPHIV had projected life expectancy losses of 10.4 years (95% CI, 5.5-18.1) and 15.0 years (95% CI, 9.3-26.8); female youth with PHIV and youth with NPHIV had projected life expectancy losses of 11.8 years (95% CI, 6.4-20.2) and 19.5 years (95% CI, 13.8-31.6), respectively. When receiving ideal HIV care, life expectancy losses were projected to improve for youth with PHIV (male: 0.5 years [95% CI, 0.3-1.8]: female: 0.6 years [95% CI, 0.4-2.1]) but were projected to persist for youth with NPHIV (male: 6.0 years [95% CI, 5.0-9.1]; female: 10.4 years [95% CI, 9.4-13.6]). This adolescent-focused microsimulation modeling analysis projected that youth with HIV would have shorter life expectancy than youth without HIV. Projected differences were larger for youth with NPHIV compared with youth with PHIV. Differences in mortality by sex at birth, sexual behavior, and injection drug use contributed to lower projected life expectancy among youth with NPHIV. Interventions focused on HIV care and social factors are needed to improve life expectancy for youth with HIV in the US.

The use of supramolecular systems in biomedical applications for antimicrobial properties, biocompatibility, and drug delivery.

Supramolecular chemistry is versatile for developing stimuli-responsive, dynamic and multifunctional structures. In the context of biomedical engineering applications, supramolecular assemblies are particularly useful as coatings for they can closely mimic the natural structure and organisation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), they can also fabricate other complex systems like drug delivery systems and bioinks. In the current context of growing medical device-associated complications and the developments in the controlled drug delivery and regenerative medicine fields,supramolecular assemblies are becoming an indispensable part of the biomedical engineering arsenal. This review covers the different supramolecular assemblies in different biomedical applications with a specific focus on antimicrobial coatings, coatings that enhance biocompatibility, surface modifications on implantable medical devices, systems that promote therapeutic efficiency in cancer therapy, and the development in bioinks. The introduced supramolecularsystems include multilayer coating by polyelectrolytes, polymers incorporated with nanoparticles, coating simulation of ECM, and drug delivery systems. A perspective on the application of supramolecular systems is also included.

Analysis of Determinant Factors Customer Loyalty Towards Brand in The Telecommunication Industry With The Digitalization Paradigm

The goal of this research is to determine whether company parties have implemented engagement strategies in the current digital context. This research uses a qualitative marketing research approach. We used a digital platform for the initial data collection stage. The analysis then continued with the creation of a textual corpus. A deep understanding of consumer engagement with brands can help companies build stronger relationships with consumers, create greater value for brands, and maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. By paying attention to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions, companies can develop more holistic and effective strategies for managing consumer engagement and strengthening their brand positioning. Research results reveal that consumers actively seek knowledge and information to enhance their decision-making about brands and products. Mobile telecoms have well-implemented Customer Brand Engagement strategies, but they also need to have a proactive approach in dialogue with customers to maintain their engagement. This means that in addition to understanding and responding to consumer needs and desires, companies also need to be proactive in communicating with customers to strengthen their relationship and engagement with the brand. According to a careful analysis of the lexical units in cluster one, the majority come from Twitter. Cluster two highlights the comparisons that consumers make regarding the technical characteristics of products and services with those of various competitors. Meanwhile, cluster three shows that consumers are increasingly looking for personal services that can meet their needs. Cluster four warns management about loss phenomena that are specific to certain areas or regions. Finally, Cluster Five allows management to understand that consumers are currently less involved in innovative services such as payments via smartphone.

Application of the concepts of triple, quadruple and quintuple helices: a pilot project addressing the university-company relationship, innovation and entrepreneurship and the dissemination of technological knowledge

The importance of the university-company relationship has been growing in innovation studies, as the university is a great source of information for the innovative needs of companies. The objective of this work was to discuss the university-company relationship, considering the concepts of triple, quadruple and quintuple helix as factors that promote innovation. The methodology used was based on a systematic literature review, which presents a synthesis of the multiple articles evaluated and used. The evaluated results made it possible to highlight numerous advantages, barriers, facilitators and aspects that stimulate this relationship. Furthermore, it was possible to see how innovation, entrepreneurship and technological knowledge are important in the university-company relationship, showing that there is a need to stimulate this relationship with the aim of reducing the relationship barriers identified, as, in the current context of globalization and high-level technology development, this cooperation is of great importance for the country, positively influencing technological advances.

A comparative study between nanostructured lipid carriers and invasomes for the topical delivery of luteolin: Design, optimization and pre-clinical investigations for psoriasis treatment

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition manifested by hyper-proliferation and reactive aberrant epidermal differentiation, in which genetic and environmental factors have a significant role. The current context is focused on designing novel nanovesicular systems (invasomes) incorporating terpenes with reported anti-inflammatory potential and loaded with a nutraceutical compound (luteolin/Lut) for treatment of psoriasis. Additionally, their topical efficacy in psoriasis treatment compared to lipid-based nanocarriers (nanostructured lipid carriers) was investigated. Invasomes were assessed regarding their particle size (PS), zeta potential (ζ-potential), drug entrapment (EE%), storage stability, in-vitro drug release profile and release kinetics. The optimized vesicles were investigated for their ex-vivo skin deposition and in-vitro anti-inflammatory potential in comparison with nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The optimized formulation was selected to carry out the in-vivo study using rat model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis. Luteolin-invasomes were found to have spherical shape and promising colloidal properties. They possessed PS ranging from 277.80 to 812.91 nm, negative ζ-potential (−35.22–38.55 mV), and high EE% values, which ranged from 89.38 to 99.75 %. Furthermore, they exhibited good stability properties and significant sustainment of drug release in comparison to NLCs. In addition, they were able to enhance Lut deposition by 2.1-fold in the stratum corneum (SC) and 5.5-fold in epidermis and dermis compared to control suspension of Lut. Moreover, invasomes showed more potential to retain Lut into deep skin layers 1.5-fold higher than NLCs. They also displayed higher in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity compared to plain invasomes and control suspension, and comparable activity compared to NLCs. In the in-vivo animal study, the ability of Lut to alleviate psoriatic symptoms was significantly enhanced after its encapsulation in invasomal dispersions, where Lut-invasomes possessed a great inhibitory potential compared to the control Lut suspension, and even to Lut-NLCs. This suggests their efficiency in treating psoriasis, delineating them promising for further use in treating other inflammatory skin conditions.

Preservation Solutions for Cuc Phuong National Park From a Tourism Perspective

Purpose: the purpose of this paper is to present solutions to preserve cuc phuong national park from tourism view Methods: The study employs qualitative methods including synthesis, inductive and explanatory methods. The overall purpose of this study is to obtain the understanding of Cuc Phuong National Park residents’ perceptions and satisfaction toward tourism impacts as well as their attitudes for tourism development. Besides that, this study also points out the main issues of current ecotourism strategies in Cuc Phuong National Park. Based on the results, ecotourism strategies were proposed to response to ecotourism criteria. The interview questions and questionnaire were developed in English To gain an in-depth understanding of local householders’ perceptions on ecotourism and the current ecotourism strategies in Cuc Phuong National Park. Results and Discussion: to improve the efficiency of conservation activity, Cuc Phuong National Park should give more power for local people in implementing and managing activities. Besides that, the law enforcement about illegal activities must to enhance in order to catch of the current context. Based on the practical observation of researcher, the current law is too weak to prevent the illegal activities. Therefore, stronger law policies are very necessary to promulgate soon and implement in strict and opened ways. Originality/Value: the results of study and the author’s proposed strategies will help Cuc Phuong National Park improve tourism activities in a sustainable way, harmony among benefits, especially focus on community and conservation. Besides that, it also helps the local government, tour-operators and tourism promoters be aware of real concerns, issues of current tourism activities in Cuc Phuong National Park and then have appropriate program designs and actions to be effective, satisfying community benefits and minimizing the problems for the natural environment.

Proposed System of Integrated Geriatric and Disability Care Services in Sri Lanka (A Concept Note)

The global landscape is witnessing a significant transformation marked by a rapid increase in the aging population, driven by epidemiological and demographic transitions. Sri Lanka, like many other countries, is experiencing a significant demographic shift with an increase of older population. Notably, Sri Lanka stands out in South Asia, with 12.3% of its population aged 60 or older, the highest proportion in the region. Similar to other countries Sri Lanka also experiencing the increasing of elderly population. Sri Lanka is not geared to cater the elderly population and their needs as well as related health conditions, hence; it is the need in the current context. Objective of this paper is to propose a service delivery framework for elderly and related health care to the Sri Lankan health system based on the current findings. Methodology used are a desk reviews and key informant interviews to gather current data on elderly care and develop the model based on these findings. The development of geriatric health services in Sri Lanka is crucial to ensure that the growing elderly population receives the care and support they need to age healthily and maintain their quality of life. By addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by the elderly, we can enhance the overall health and well-being of the elderly population in the nation.

Big data analytics usage in the banking industry in Tanzania: does perceived risk play a moderating role on the technological factors

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to examine the adoption of big data analytics (BDA) in the Tanzania banking industry by investigating the influence of technological, environmental and organizational (TOE) factors while exploring the moderating role of perceived risk (PR).Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a qualitative research design, and the research instrument was developed using per-defined measurement items adopted from prior studies; the items were slightly adjusted to fit the current context. The questionnaires were distributed to top and middle managers in selected banks in Tanzania using the snowball sampling technique. Out of 360 received responses, 302 were considered complete and valid for data analysis. The study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the developed conceptual framework.FindingsTop management support and financial resources emerged as influential organizational factors, as did competition intensity for the environmental factors. Notably, bank size and perceived trends showed no significant impacts on BDA adoption. The study's novelty lies in revealing PR as a moderating factor, weakening the link between technological readiness, perceived usefulness and the intent to adopt BDA.Originality/valueThis study extends literature by extending the TOE model, through examining the moderating roles of PR on technological factors. Furthermore, the study provides useful managerial support for the adoption of BDA in banking in emerging economies.

Exploration of virtual reality as a tool for simulating leadership and teamwork situations among university students

In the current educational context, virtual reality emerges as a revolutionary tool. By immersing students in immersive simulated environments, it facilitates deep understanding of abstract concepts and practical application of knowledge. The present study seeks to analyze the application of virtual reality as a tool to improve leadership and teamwork skills among university students through a literature review. A literature review of existing literature on the topic of virtual reality and its application in higher education was carried out, focusing specifically on studies that address the simulation of leadership and teamwork situations. Relevant research that provided insight into the benefits and challenges of VR in this context was selected and reviewed. The results of the literature review revealed a variety of studies that support the potential of virtual reality to improve the leadership and teamwork skills of university students. Virtual reality has been found to provide immersive experiences, safe environments, and immediate feedback that promote the development of these skills. However, challenges such as assessing the impact and accessibility of the technology have also been identified.

Crop HTP Technologies: Applications and Prospects

In order to rapidly breed high-quality varieties, an increasing number of plant researchers have identified the functions of a large number of genes, but there is a serious lack of research on plants’ phenotypic traits. This severely hampers the breeding process and exacerbates the dual challenges of scarce resources and resource development and utilization. Currently, research on crop phenotyping has gradually transitioned from traditional methods to HTP technologies, highlighting the high regard scientists have for these technologies. It is well known that different crops’ phenotypic traits exhibit certain differences. Therefore, in rapidly acquiring phenotypic data and efficiently extracting key information from massive datasets is precisely where HTP technologies play a crucial role in agricultural development. The core content of this article, starting from the perspective of crop phenomics, summarizes the current research status of HTP technology, both domestically and internationally; the application of HTP technology in above-ground and underground parts of crops; and its integration with precision agriculture implementation and multi-omics research. Finally, the bottleneck and countermeasures of HTP technology in the current agricultural context are proposed in order to provide a new method for phenotype research. HTP technologies dynamically monitor plant growth conditions with multi-scale, comprehensive, and automated assessments. This enables a more effective exploration of the intrinsic “genotype-phenotype-environment” relationships, unveiling the mechanisms behind specific biological traits. In doing so, these technologies support the improvement and evolution of superior varieties.

‘One country, two narratives’ of China as a nation: comparing Chinese history education in mainland China and Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This study explores the narration of China as a nation in history education in two regions – mainland China and Hong Kong – that share cultural roots but different socio-political contexts. Inductive analysis of data from junior-secondary Chinese history textbooks used in the regions in the late 2010s revealed that whereas mainland China’s textbooks constructed China as a nation by stressing its constitutive territory and ethnic inclusiveness, Hong Kong’s highlighted its constitutive ethnicity and changing territory, more frequently and directly narrated interethnic conflicts, and more explicitly promoted Han superiority. The study proposes constructing the nation in history education as a contextualised and socio-political exercise of reinterpreting the past to reflect current contexts and needs.

How the (Digital) Black Press (Still) Counters Hegemony, Redeems Democracy, and Cultivates Care

This paper examines the Black press and its role in fulfilling the promises of a society that claimed all men were created equal. It explores how the Black press helped realize journalistic principles and democratic ideals by countering hegemony and being characterized by care ethics. After briefly addressing the transformation of the Black press in the digital age as well as its concomitant challenges for advocacy, the project concludes with contemporary examples and discuss the current state of this Black media care ethic. Ultimately, the Black press serves all citizens, and it is in everyone’s best interest for Black media to flourish and thrive. Furthermore, and considering our current context, we should question who is able to profit from the Black digital press, and how its specific relationship to funding, larger society, and the digital environment might influence its ability to fully critique the social order and advocate for otherwise underserved citizens.

Social Media Use by Vietnamese Journalists: Current Status and Solutions

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate to contribute to more clarity on the current status and solutions of social media use by Vietnamese journalists.   Theoretical Framwork: The study uses a survey research framework to collect detailed data.   Method: Using qualitative and quantitative social research methods this study surveyed 55 Vietnamese journalists from all four media types: print, online, radio, and television.   Results and Discussion: The study found that the majority of Vietnamese journalists use social media, but their use varies in terms of the content they share, their privacy settings, and their use of social media for professional purposes. The results of the survey show that 78.2% of Vietnamese journalists see social media platforms as journalistic tools, while 21.8% do not.   Research Implications: This research is discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of Journalistic practices.   Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the novelty of Vietnamese journalists' approach to social media in practice (the surveyed group). The study sheds light on the impact of social media communication on journalistic practices. This study contributes to the research and understanding of how Vietnamese journalists use social media platforms in the current context.

Perception versus Historical Knowledge in Baccalaureate: A Comparative Study Mediated by Augmented Reality and Historical Thinking

Numerous studies have shown that a traditional model persists in the teaching of history, in which students are not allowed to think for themselves and are assigned a passive role based on the mere memorisation of information. This reality is in opposition to the technological and technical boom taking place in the current educational context and to the enhancement of innovative strategies and methodologies that mark the role that students must occupy as protagonists of their own learning. This paper aims to compare the perceptions and historical knowledge of 93 baccalaureate students (16–18 years of age) following the implementation of an intervention programme based on active learning situations mediated by augmented reality and historical thinking skills. A quasi-experimental quantitative design with a non-equivalent control group was employed to meet these objectives. The results showed higher scores in the perception and knowledge of students in the experimental group compared with those in the control group. This line of work should be continued in the future with new studies to corroborate these findings, prioritising pedagogical models based on student activity and protagonism via the use of technology and critical thinking.

Impact of Drip Irrigation on Crop Growth, Yield, Water Productivity, and Weed Dynamics: A Review

The global water scenario indicates efficient water management practices are required to sustain agricultural productivity. The scarcity of groundwater resources is a global issue that is caused by increasing global population and climate change in the form of global warming. To alleviate the issue, the major water-consuming area implemented drip irrigation projects. It is recognized for its water-saving potential and gained prominence in crop cultivation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of drip irrigation on the growth, yield, water productivity, and weed dynamics of various crops. Results revealed that wheat under drip irrigation exhibited enhanced growth parameters, including increased plant height, leaf area index, and dry matter accumulation attributed to optimized soil moisture content. Drip irrigation significantly improved yield and yield attributes compared to traditional irrigation methods. Importantly, drip irrigation increased water productivity while reducing water use per unit of production. These findings highlight the potential of drip irrigation to reduce water shortages and increase crop output in the current global water context.

Carbon Emissions Disclosures: A Bibliometric Review

This study aims to examine the research output on Carbon Emissions Disclosures from 2005 to 2023. This study found a link between Carbon Emissions Disclosures, GHG Disclosure, and Climate Change Disclosures. The relationship between all three has received research attention. The study describes the interaction between Carbon Emissions Disclosures, GHG Disclosures, and Climate Change Disclosures. It is a bibliometric analysis of the literature and assesses the current state of science. Data for this study were generated from the 42 top-level academic journals registered in the Scopus database. Understanding of Carbon Emissions Disclosure, GHG Disclosure, and Climate Change Disclosure was shaped and enhanced through researchers’ collaborative network maps. Their reach extends to a variety of networks, core themes, and streams, as research topics evolve. The results of this research can be used by academic researchers to aid their understanding of Carbon Emissions Disclosures, GHG Disclosures, and Climate Change Disclosures, to identify the current context and to develop future research agendas. The findings of this research can increase industry practices on Carbon Emissions Disclosures, GHG Disclosures, Climate Change Disclosures, and how these can be used as tools to address various challenges. Keywords: carbon emissions disclosures, GHG disclosures, climate change disclosures, bibliometric review

Impact of susceptible wheat cultivars on epidemiological parameters involved in the introduction and spread of wheat dwarf disease

AbstractDefence mechanisms in plants have been naturally or artificially selected to cope with virus infection and/or insect colonization. This creates a range of host susceptibility to viruses and/or insects that can impact the epidemiology of insect‐borne viral diseases. Wheat dwarf disease (WDD), one of the most important viral diseases on small‐grain cereals, is caused by wheat dwarf virus (WDV), which is transmitted by the leafhopper Psammotettix alienus. In the current context of the unavailability of either WDV‐resistant/tolerant wheat cultivars or effective methods to control WDD in French cereal fields, the accurate characterization of WDV‐susceptible genotypes must be considered to improve management strategies against this viral disease. In this study, the impact of 12 wheat cultivars on epidemiological parameters related to the introduction (host selection and virus infection) and spread (insect performance and virus transmission) of WDD was evaluated. Results showed no differences between the tested cultivars for host selection made by P. alienus, whereas four tested cultivars (Complice, Filon, Hyking and Nemo) reduced survival and/or fecundity of the leafhopper. Characterization of virus–host interactions highlights the lower host and source quality of cv. Filon for WDV. Finally, multivariate analyses allowed the identification of cvs Filon, Boregar, Solindo CS, Complice and Hyking as less suitable hosts for WDV and/or P. alienus, suggesting that these cultivars could present interesting genetic resource(s) that should be considered for future breeding programmes against WDD.

New cold war or ‘world civil war’? Wertkritik and the critical theory of capitalism in an age of conflict

This article explores the contribution of Wertkritik, a contemporary tendency in German critical Marxist thought, to the theorisation of capitalism, and in particular its relationship with geopolitical conflict and war. Against traditional Marxist and liberal determinism, Wertkritik emphasises how the rationally organised ‘forces of production’ do not motivate the historical development of capitalism, but rather the forces of destruction. This article suggests that Wertkritik illuminates contemporary capitalist development insofar as it lays bare how the apparent ‘post-neoliberal’ turn to state-driven industrial policy is motivated less by a drive to unleash the productive forces in pursuit of a more dynamic or green economy and more by the management of the unfolding destructive forces represented in the new forms of conflict and competition arising between warring military and economic powers. The explanation this offers of the cultural dynamics shaping a context of authoritarian convergence provides vital materials towards a critical theory of a capitalism conditioned by increasing geopolitical tensions. Offering the concept of a ‘world civil war’ as an alternative to the rationalisations inherent in prevailing notions of a ‘new’ or ‘second’ cold war, this theorisation also offers pointers for an emancipatory praxis attuned to the current context.