Expansion Strategy Research Articles

Netflix and the Transnationalisation of Teen Television

With the renewed popularity of teen television, SVOD services such as Netflix are increasingly investing in the production and distribution of teen series. Netflix is one of the first SVOD service to have adapted the genre outside of the western world. This transnationalisation of teen television is, we argue, infused with the streamer increasing emphasis on diversity. Based on a qualitative analysis of Netflix’s teen series trailers, this contribution explores how the streamer (a) challenges existing televisual conventions and (b) establishes its cultural authority through distinct negotiations of the global and the local. We highlight four dimensions of Netflix’s transnationalisation of teen television and conclude that, more than mere diversification of its catalog, Netflix managed to encapsulate different dimensions of diversity within the teen genre as part, on the one hand of its transnational strategy of expansion, and, on the other hand, its cultural politics.

Improving racial/ethnic health equity and naloxone access among people at risk for opioid overdose: A simulation modeling analysis of community-based naloxone distribution strategies in Massachusetts, United States.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge in opioid overdose deaths (OODs) in Massachusetts, USA, particularly among Black and Hispanic/Latinx populations. Despite the increasing racial and ethnic disparities in OODs, there was no compensatory increase in naloxone distributed to these groups. We aimed to evaluate two community-based naloxone expansion strategies, with the objective of identifying approaches that could mitigate mortality and racial and ethnic disparities in OODs. Individual-based simulation model. We measured naloxone availability using naloxone kits per OOD and evaluated scenarios of achieving higher benchmarks for naloxone availability (i.e. 40, 60 and 80 kits per OOD) from 2022 levels (overall: 26.0, White: 28.8, Black: 17.3, Hispanic/Latinx: 18.9). We compared two naloxone distribution strategies: (1) proportional distribution: achieving the benchmark ratio at the overall population level while distributing additional kits proportional to the 2022 level for each racial/ethnic group (at 40 kits per OOD benchmark: overall: 40, White: 44.3, Black: 26.6, Hispanic/Latinx: 29.1), and (2) equity-focused distribution: achieving the benchmark ratio among each racial/ethnic group (at 40 kits per OOD benchmark: 40 for all groups). Massachusetts, United States. People at risk of OOD. Annual number and rate of OODs, total healthcare costs of increasing naloxone availability. Both naloxone distribution strategies yielded comparable predicted reductions in total OODs in 2025 and incurred similar incremental costs. However, the relative reduction in the rate of OODs differed across groups. For achieving an 80 kits per OOD benchmark, proportional distribution resulted in a projected 6.7%, 6.5% and 7.1% reduction in annual OODs in 2025 among White, Black and Hispanic/Latinx populations, respectively. In contrast, equity-focused distribution achieved a reduction of 5.7%, 11.3% and 10.2% in the respective groups. In all scenarios, the cost per OOD averted was lower than the generally accepted thresholds for cost per life saved. An equity-focused naloxone distribution strategy designed to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in naloxone availability could improve health equity among racial and ethnic groups while potentially improving overall population health at lower healthcare costs per opioid overdose death averted than a proportional distribution strategy.

The Biosynthesis and Applications of Protein Lipidation.

Protein lipidation dramatically affects protein structure, localization, and trafficking via remodeling protein-membrane and protein-protein interactions through hydrophobic lipid moieties. Understanding the biosynthesis of lipidated proteins, whether natural ones or mimetics, is crucial for reconstructing, validating, and studying the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of protein lipidation. In this Perspective, we first provide an overview of the natural enzymatic biosynthetic pathways of protein lipidation in mammalian cells, focusing on the enzymatic machineries and their chemical linkages. We then discuss strategies to biosynthesize protein lipidation in mammalian cells by engineering modification machineries and substrates. Additionally, we explore site-specific protein lipidation biosynthesis in vitro via enzyme-mediated ligations and in vivo primarily through genetic code expansion strategies. We also discuss the use of small molecule tools to modulate the process of protein lipidation biosynthesis. Finally, we provide concluding remarks and discuss future directions for the biosynthesis and applications of protein lipidation.

Precursor-Directed Biosynthesis of Panepoxydone Derivatives with Nitric Oxide Production Inhibitory Activity.

Panepoxydone is a natural NF-кB inhibitor isolated from basidiomycetes belonging to the genus Panus and Lentinus. It is biosynthesized from prenylhydroquinone through successive hydroxylation, epoxidation, and reduction reactions. In this study, we establish an efficient precursor-directed biosynthesis strategy for the structural expansion of panepoxydone based on its biosynthetic pathway. Supplementation of the panepoxydone-producing strain, Panus rudis, with various prenylhydroquinone analogues enabled the production of fourteen previously undescribed panepoxydone derivatives, panepoxyquinoid A-N (2-14). The obtained panepoxydone derivatives together with their parental molecules were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 1, 5-6, 10-11, and 14-15 displayed significant suppressive effects on LPS-induced NO production with IC50 values ranging from 4.3 to 30.1 μM.

Research on Netflix’s Expansion and Competitive Strategies in the Global Markets

This study examines Netflix’s global expansion and competitive strategies, emphasizing their importance in the rapidly evolving entertainment industry. Netflix’s transformation from a DVD rental service to a leading global streaming platform highlights the significance of localized content, technological innovation, and original content production. The analysis identifies three major challenges for Netflix: navigating diverse regulatory environments, sustaining long-term subscriber growth, and managing content saturation and quality. Proposed solutions include partnering with local streaming services, enhancing recommendation algorithms, and focusing on producing high-quality content. The research offers valuable insights into effective global market entry strategies, underscoring Netflix’s role in fostering cross-cultural exchange and contributing to a more interconnected global community. Although the study relies on secondary data, it underscores the need for future research incorporating primary data to deepen understanding of Netflix’s strategies and their long-term sustainability. By addressing these challenges, Netflix can continue to thrive in the competitive global market and maintain its position as a pioneer in the entertainment industry.

Improving the ablative properties of silicone rubber by adding aluminum foil/expanded perlite

In this study, aluminum foil (AF) and expanded perlite (EP) were used as the reinforcing fillers to improve the ablation properties of phenyl methyl vinyl silicone rubber composites. The expansion and caramelization of char layer enhanced the ablation and thermal insulation performance of silicone rubber-based composites. The improved bonding of char layer provided a good basis for enhancing ablative properties. The presence of EP increased the emissivity of the char layer which improved the heat radiation properties during ablation process, and it was advantageous to lower surface temperature and reduce thermal erosion. The graphitic degree of char layer was increased which improved high-temperature and oxidative resistance. SEM observations revealed that the surface and cross-section of the char layer were densified, as characterized by the pore size distribution analysis. The above results indicated that the ablation and anti-erosion resistance as well as thermal insulation behavior of silicone rubbers were significantly improved by implementing the expansion and caramelization strategy, which exhibit promising applications as flexible anti-ablation materials for thermal protection purposes.

Unveiling the role of city commercial banks in influencing land financialization: Evidence from China

Local financial development is crucial for advancing regional financial supply side structural reform, enabling local governments to leverage financial instruments to effectively mobilize land resources and foster competitive growth. The introduction of numerous financial products linked to land-related rights and interests has resulted in a pronounced transmission and interconnection of fiscal and financial risks across regions. This study examines the impact of local financial development on land financialization in China using panel data from prefecture-level cities and detailed information on land mortgages. The findings indicate that the establishment of city commercial banks (CCBs) contributes to the progress of land financialization by incentivizing local government financing vehicles to participate in land mortgage financing, increasing the transfer of debt risks to the financial sector. Notably, the impact of CCBs on land financialization is more pronounced in regions with urban agglomeration, high GDP manipulation, inadequate local financial regulation, and robust implicit government guarantees. Further analysis reveals that CCB establishment has negative spillover effects on land financialization in neighboring areas, while expansion strategies such as establishing intercity branches, engaging in cross-regional mergers, and relaxing regulations have mitigated the rise of land financialization at the regional level. This study provides policy recommendations that focus on reducing local governments’ reliance on land financing and enhancing the prevention and management of financial risks.

Ever-shifting border: West Bank case study, Palestine

ABSTRACT In 1949, the West Bank “Green Line” (or the “Armistice Line”) was established and drawn on maps of Palestine, but it is not a firm border: the line is continuously shifting due to its elastic and virtual nature. The border in the region has shifted to accommodate Israeli expansion strategies. Colonies, checkpoints, military areas, security zones, and a physical wall are the driving forces of border elasticity and dynamics. This study aims to shed light on the chronological border shifting by Israel, leading to changes in the current border situation on the ground. The research presented here focuses on a study area of 30 × 30-km sq, in which the border was shifted many times inside the West Bank region. Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies were used as the main analytical tool. The outcomes of the research are maps illustrating the border shifts and its reasons.

Exploring the geographical equity-efficiency tradeoff in cycling infrastructure planning

Cycling is affordable, healthy, and sustainable, but access to destinations on low-stress safe cycling routes in most cities is both limited and unevenly distributed. Many cities are expanding cycling networks to improve safety, increase cycling mode share, and increase diversity in access to cycling, however resources remain limited which requires prioritization of infrastructure. When proposed infrastructure locations are optimized to provide the highest average access to opportunities using a utilitarian definition of accessibility, marginalized groups and locations may be further left behind. This occurs since the greatest gains to network connectivity, using a utility definition, come from expansions inside or directly adjacent to the densest network areas. We compare utilitarian and equity-driven planning strategies for cycling network expansion and explore tradeoffs in spatial coverage, equity, and efficiency, using Toronto, Canada as a case study. We find that optimizing accessibility in several small regions instead of city-wide leads to an infrastructure plan that is more spatially dispersed. Further, we show that an optimization model targeting low-access areas produces an infrastructure plan with more regions meeting a minimum threshold of accessibility but with lower average accessibility gains, indicating the presence of an equity-efficiency tradeoff. We also find that infrastructure projects that maximize a region's accessibility to jobs are often located outside that region, challenging political perceptions of "local" infrastructure and benefits. These results inform planning, advocacy, design, and policy, and shed light on spatial and socio-demographic equity tradeoffs in deciding where to add cycling infrastructure.

Tennis teaching assistance model based on double chain shared unsupervised action recognition algorithm

The traditional self-supervised methods based on skeleton data frequently categorize the various enhancements of a given sample as positive examples, while the remaining samples are designated as negative examples. This approach results in a significant imbalance in the ratio of positive to negative samples, which in turn constrains the efficacy of samples with identical semantic information. Therefore, to further improve the training quality in tennis teaching and enhance the accuracy of action recognition, a dual chain sharing unsupervised action recognition algorithm has been proposed. This study first designs a skeleton topology data augmentation method based on the physical connections of human joints to obtain advanced semantic embeddings. Then, an improved positive sample expansion strategy is utilized to enhance the diversity and quality of training data. Next, an unsupervised learning mechanism is employed to autonomously learn and recognize complex patterns of tennis movements. To measure the performance of the model, tests were conducted on its accuracy, F1 score, recognition time, and fitting degree. The experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm could reach its optimal state after 23 iterations of training, and its F1 value reached 0.918, with an average accuracy of 92.9 % and an average recognition time of 7.4 s. The research algorithms were superior to the multi-input branch graph convolutional network action recognition algorithms used for comparison, pull-push contrastive loss action recognition algorithms, and multi-granularity anchor contrastive representation learning action recognition algorithms. Its accuracy was leading by 8.6 %-23.5 %, and the recognition time has been reduced by 2.3s-7.4 s. In addition, in terms of the fitting degree of action recognition, compared with other methods, the proposed method had a fitting degree of up to 95.7 %, which was at least 8.1 % higher. This research method can improve the timeliness of feedback from trainers by accurately and quickly recognizing movements, helping coaches develop more targeted training plans, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of tennis teaching.

A frequency domain analysis method for the dynamic response of a submerged floating tunnel under wave action

To investigate the dynamic response of a submerged floating tunnel (SFT) under the action of waves, a modal superposition method in the frequency domain was established, and the amplitudes of the modals were determined using the generalized wave loads and hydrodynamic coefficients of the structural modals. In this model, the SFT was simplified as a constant-cross-section Euler–Bernoulli beam with multiple anchor cables, and its structural modals were resolved using the finite element method (FEM). The generalized wave loads and generalized hydrodynamic coefficients were obtained using the Fourier expansion strategy of the modal function, by which the hydrodynamic problem can be converted into 2D problems with the modified Helmholtz controlling equation and solved using the matched higher-order boundary element method (HOBEM) and eigenfunction expansion. The effects of the diameter of the anchor cables and length of the SFT on the stiffness of the structure and the dynamic response of an SFT with anchor cables under wave action were investigated. Furthermore, the effects of different added mass calculation methods on the structural response were studied. In addition, the wave exciting forces were calculated using potential flow theory or linearized Morison equations according to the wave scale. Finally, the effects of the incident wave frequencies and incident angles were investigated in detail to reveal the combined resonance mechanism.

Supercapacitive behaviors of N/S co-doped biomass porous carbon-based supercapacitors in “water-in-salt” electrolyte

The design of carbon electrode materials and electrolytes is distinct significance for improving the energy density of supercapacitors. Herein, N/S co-doped biomass porous carbon materials based on sustainable resource were prepared by in-situ expansion, heteroatom doping, and subsequent KOH activation strategy by using camellia seed shell as carbon source and ammonium persulfate as dopant and expander. The as-prepared N/S co-doped biomass porous carbon (N/S-CSAC-650) possesses the characteristics of high specific surface area, large pore volume, and suitable heteroatom content. The N/S-CSAC-650 electrode achieves a high specific capacitance of 335.9 F g−1 in the 3 M KOH electrolyte at 0.5 A g−1. The constructed symmetric supercapacitor demonstrates excellent cyclic stability and shows a high retention rate of 98.4 % after 30,000 charge and discharge processes at 2 A g−1. Especially, the energy density of supercapacitors is usually constrained by the narrow electrochemical stability window (ESW) of dilute aqueous solution (1.23 V), in order to effectively widen the ESW of water, herein the “water-in-salt” (WIS) electrolyte strategy is put forward and the ESW of water was extended to 2.94 V by using a 25 M KAc WIS electrolyte. The operating voltage window of the symmetric supercapacitor assembled by 25 M KAc WIS electrolyte and N/S-CSAC-650 electrodes can reach 2.0 V, and a high energy density of 48.86 Wh kg−1 is realized.

An investigation of the predictors of credit risk among Ghanaian rural banks

This study investigated the predictors of credit risk in rural and community banks (RCBs), and the effects of rural banking in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study examined the correlation between credit risk as the dependent factor and a set of 8 systemic and unsystemic factors of credit risk as independent variables. The systemic variables were GDP growth rate, interest rate, inflation rate and unemployment rate. The unsystemic factors analyzed were branch network, total assets, return on assets and capital adequacy ratio. Secondary data was collected from 15 RCBs which were selected through purposive sampling, stratified random sampling and simple random sampling. Data collected was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and STATA software applications. Dataset ranged from the year 2008 to 2017. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlational analysis and regression analysis were undertaken. The study found that, return on assets, branch network and size were the significant unsystemic predictors of credit risk whilst interest rate, inflation and unemployment were the significant systemic predictors of credit risk in RCBs in Ghana. Furthermore, the study revealed that RCBs have had considerable positive impact on the communities where they operated. Managers of RCBs must consider pursuing a strategy of branch expansion and improving efficiency of staff because of the moderating effects of these factors on credit risk. This study contributed to the understanding of the relationship between unsystemic predictors of credit risk and systemic predictors of credit risk in RCBs, as intervening variables.

Covering the land with oil palm: revelation, value, and landownership among the Kairak‐speaking Baining of Papua New Guinea

AbstractThis article explores how a displaced Papua New Guinean people decided to lease their customary land for oil palm plantation farming to restore their land use rights and resolve ongoing disputes with migrant settlers. By transforming the landscape into a territorialized space as a plantation, Kairak‐speaking Baining hoped to gain actual landownership status and control over their land, which in turn, they believed, could bring them the development they had long dreamed of. I argue that Kairak conceptions about the plantation as a tool to reveal their landownership and remove the settlers drew on Melanesian notions about covering and revelation, changing perceptions of value, and discourse around ‘settlerhood’ and ‘nativism’, and show how agribusiness capital expansion strategies leverage regional politics of identity and autochthony. By illustrating how the plantation expansion unfolded differently in this region, the material offers new insights on the Plantationocene, global land grabs, dispossession and migration, and reaffirms the consequences reported elsewhere in the world where enclosures of exclusion lead to forceful rearrangements of people's social and economic lives, leaving their hopes and plantation promises unrealized.

Shoprite Holdings Ltd Case Study: Shoprite Holdings Ltd Case Study

This study investigates the obstacles faced by the African expansion efforts of Shoprite Holdings Ltd., a South African retailer. Shoprite pursued mergers and acquisitions within its native country but established wholly owned subsidiaries as its preferred entry route for expanding into other African states. As a result, Shoprite significantly increased its operations by expanding to 16 nations by 2020. However, Shoprite currently focuses its operation in ten countries, exclusively in southern African countries and its home country. This study seeks to comprehend the reasons behind Shoprite's rapid withdrawal from multiple African countries and shed insight into the challenges of conducting business in Africa's demanding business climate. The analysis revealed a combination of economic variables, such as reduced purchasing power of customers, currency volatility, increased operational costs, and the economic shocks caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, high customer preference for informal markets and social factors were also identified. The findings indicate that Shoprite should prioritize strategic location selection, adopt a lower entry mode, and consider the potential for developing e-commerce as feasible measures. The report proposes that African retail businesses should comprehend the intricacies of the African market and employ strategies for international expansion, entrance techniques, and the significance of adjusting operations to local conditions and regulatory environments. These discussions offer insights to organizations considering international expansion, seeking to mitigate risks, and aiming to optimize their market entry strategy in various locations, specifically Africa.

Research on Trajectory Planning of Autonomous Vehicles in Constrained Spaces.

This paper addresses the challenge of trajectory planning for autonomous vehicles operating in complex, constrained environments. The proposed method enhances the hybrid A-star algorithm through back-end optimization. An adaptive node expansion strategy is introduced to handle varying environmental complexities. By integrating Dijkstra's shortest path search, the method improves direction selection and refines the estimated cost function. Utilizing the characteristics of hybrid A-star path planning, a quadratic programming approach with designed constraints smooths discrete path points. This results in a smoothed trajectory that supports speed planning using S-curve profiles. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the improved hybrid A-star search significantly boosts efficiency. The trajectory shows continuous and smooth transitions in heading angle and speed, leading to notable improvements in trajectory planning efficiency and overall comfort for autonomous vehicles in challenging environments.

Directions for Effective Use of Modern Marketing Research in Increasing the Export of Leguminous Products

This paper explores the pivotal role of modern marketing research methodologies in augmenting the export potential of leguminous products. In a global marketplace, the demand for legumes continues to rise, creating an opportune moment for exporters. However, realizing this potential necessitates a nuanced understanding of market dynamics, consumer preferences, and effective marketing strategies. The paper begins by delineating the current landscape of leguminous product exports, highlighting the challenges faced by exporters in penetrating diverse international markets. It then delves into the multifaceted benefits of employing modern marketing research techniques, emphasizing their role in identifying target markets, understanding consumer behavior, and crafting tailored marketing campaigns. Moreover, the research delineates various modern marketing research methodologies, including data analytics, consumer surveys, and trend analysis, elucidating their practical applications in the leguminous export industry. By integrating these methodologies, exporters can gain insights into market trends, competitive positioning, and consumer perceptions, enabling them to develop innovative strategies for market expansion. Furthermore, the paper offers a strategic framework for the effective utilization of modern marketing research in the context of leguminous exports. It emphasizes the significance of data-driven decision-making, adaptive marketing strategies, and agile market responsiveness. In conclusion, this paper underscores the indispensable role of modern marketing research in enhancing the export prospects of leguminous products. By leveraging these methodologies effectively, exporters can navigate the complexities of global markets, capitalize on emerging trends, and foster sustained growth in the leguminous product export industry.

BRIDGING CORPORATE VALUE: UNVEILING THE POWER OF COMPANY REPUTATION IN ESG SCORE IMPACT

The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the moderator variable (company reputation) on ESG score on corporate value. The sample is 79 companies going public on the Indonesia stock exchange in 2022. Linear regression used to test the variables, while to test the moderator variable using Process Hayes (2013). The findings demonstrated that the company's worth is significantly impacted by its ESG score. Then Company reputation at small values, moderator (W or Int_1) is low, attention to the ESG score may not be fully relevant or effective in explaining variations in the Corporate value. At low values of moderators, research expansion or more specific strategies may be required to understand other factors that may influence the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. At medium values, attention to ESG score tends to provide consistent or moderate results in explaining variation in corporate value. At medium values of moderators, more general or holistic research or strategies may be quite effective for understanding the relationship between the ESG score and corporate value the moderator variable strengthens the independent variable (ESG score), and finally at high values of the moderator, where the effect of the ESG score tends to be stronger or even increased. This interpretation suggests that under conditions or situations where the value of the moderator (W or Int_1) is high, attention to the ESG score may be particularly relevant and effective in explaining variations in the corporate value.

Author Meets Critics: Buy Now: How Amazon Branded Convenience and Normalized Monopoly

Abstract: In this book discussion, a panel of advertising, communication, and media studies scholars meet with Emily West to discuss her 2022 book Buy Now: How Amazon Branded Convenience and Normalized Monopoly (MIT Press). The conversation unpacks key concepts from the book, such as platform capitalism, affective branding, and distribution fetishism, which examine how Amazon's unique approach to scaling its business and normalizing surveillance has made it a dominant global entity. West emphasizes Amazon's focus on service and relational marketing, contrasting it with aspirational brands like Nike or Coca-Cola. The group focuses on the book's exploration of the "served self," a consumer subjectivity shaped by convenience-driven platforms, and how Amazon's practices reduce consumer decision-making power. They also explore Amazon's global expansion strategy, noting its success in India and failure in China, and its influence on retail markets worldwide. The talk also touches on Amazon's branding and advertising strategy, particularly its use of algorithms to control product visibility, and its expanding role in digital advertising, such as displaying ads on Echo Show devices. The participants reflect on how West's book can be used in teaching to help students understand corporate monopolies, platform power, and consumer culture in the digital age.

Controlled assembly engineering of Co@Co9S8-Glass micro-nano composite hollow microspheres towards microwave absorption improvement

Multiscale shell structure design is a rational and promising way to regulate the performance of hollow spheres in terms of both functionality and structural robustness, but it remains a big challenge to realize micro-nano engineering of the thin shell while maintaining the low density. In this work, the divisional shell design strategy was adopted to obtain the glass-cobalt-cobalt sulfide composite hollow microspheres (CSH), and an unprecedented stepwise high-temperature chemical reaction-induced aggregation and subsequent volume expansion strategy was developed to achieve rational regulation of core-shell structured cobalt-cobalt sulfide building units (BU) assembled on hollow glass microspheres. Special attention has been paid to the sulfidation degree-induced volume control with the underlying mechanism of volume expansion during chemical conversion from metallic cobalt to cobalt sulfide. The electromagnetic property was found to depend largely on the sulfidation degree due to the volume expansion-induced interconnecting status regulation among the BU. When evaluated as microwave absorbent, an optimized broad bandwidth of 5.12 GHz and a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of –45.58 dB of our CSH can be achieved at a thin matching thickness of 1.67 mm and a low filling ratio of 20.04 wt%. In addition to functionality, the divisional shell design also brings the CSH high structural strength (92.36% survival rate at a high hydrostatic pressure of 20 MPa) at low density (0.73 g cm–3).