Future In-depth Research Research Articles

Thirty years and “I'm still Lovin’ it!”: brand perceptions of McDonald's among generation Y and generation Z consumers in China

PurposeRecognizing the differences between generations Y and Z, this exploratory study uses generational cohort theory as a framework to examine the brand perception of McDonald's, an international brand which has grown up with consumers for over 30 years in China. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachMeasures of brand perception was built based on Aaker's brand personality model. A total 1,103 valid questionnaires were collected through an online survey platform. Factor analysis is the primary method to analysis the data.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal a favourable brand perception of McDonald's among young Chinese consumers which is consistent with Aaker's brand personality model and support the use of generational cohort theory as a market segmentation tool for brand perception. The differences between the two generational cohorts are not shown to be significant.Originality/valueThe most important contribution of this study is the evaluation of the personality of a major brand in China for Gen Z, a topic with very little existing research. Also, this research suggests future in-depth research into generational cohort theory in a Chinese context by recognizing homogeneity and heterogeneity exist simultaneously between generational cohorts.

The Other Side of the (Policy) Coin: Analyzing Exnovation Policies for the Urban Mobility Transition in Eight Cities around the Globe

Many cities all over the world highlight the need to transform their urban mobility systems into more sustainable ones, to confront pressing issues such as air and noise pollution, and to deliver on climate change mitigation action. While the support of innovations is high on the agenda of both national and local authorities, consciously phasing-out unsustainable technologies and practices is often neglected. However, this other side of the policy coin, ‘exnovation’, is a crucial element for the mobility transition. We developed a framework to facilitate a more comprehensive assessment of urban mobility transition policies, systematically integrating exnovation policies. It links exnovation functions as identified in transition studies with insights from urban mobility studies and empirical findings from eight city case studies around the world. The findings suggest that most cities use some kinds of exnovation policies to address selective urban mobility issues, e.g., phasing-out diesel buses, restricting the use of polluting motor vehicles in some parts of the city, etc. Still, we found no evidence for a systematic exnovation approach alongside the innovation policies. Our framework specifies exnovation functions for the urban mobility transition by lining out policy levers and concrete measure examples. We hope that the framework inspires future in-depth research, but also political action to advance the urban mobility transition.

Analysis of key steps to overcome the crisis in tourism during a pandemic: the experience of Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom

Purpose of research. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown has created a significant threat to the global economy as well as the life of each of us. This paper examines the effect of coronavirus on tourism and proposes a framework of how Kazakhstan can adopt strategies from the international experience (e.g., the UK, Italy, Spain) in order to support tourism sector.Methodology. To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the study applies qualitative research method that includes in-depth literature reviews of secondary data including research publications (books, peer reviewed journal, reports, government portals, conference papers, online news/article sources etc.).Originality / value. The study includes the analysis of the secondary data concerning the consequences of COVID-19 on economy through comparative analysis between the actions concerning the recovery process of two governments: Kazakhstan and the UK. Based on that the most appropriate recovery steps were presented that would be helpful for tourism support.Findings. This study finds that in the short- term, it might be more appropriate for national economies to prioritize domestic rather than international tourism. Also, in terms of medium to long terms plans, it is important for Kazakhstan learning lessons from international experiences to take actions for the tourism recovery plan, e.g., the support scheme for heritage places and organizations.The article recognizes the practical impact of this review that it can be consulted as an action plan (or handbook) on which steps could be adopted to support tourism. The limitation is that this research is based on the secondary data which is scarce and that the COVID-19 is still happening and the recovery process is an ongoing event, there are not many reliable academic literatures published yet. The findings of the study are expected to aid the academics to conduct future in-depth research.

Data collection of safety accidents in sports training of athletes with Internet of Things technology

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology is an information technology developed in recent years with the development of electronic sensors, intelligence, network transmission and control technologies. This is the third revolution in the development of information technology. This article aims to study the algorithm of the Internet of Things technology, through the investigation of the hazards of athletes’ sports training, scientifically and rationally use the Internet of Things technology to collect data on safety accidents in athletes’ sports training, thereby reducing the risk of athletes’ sports training and making athletes better. In this article, the methods of literature research, analysis and condensing, questionnaire survey, theory and experiment combination, etc., investigate the safety accident data collection of the Internet of Things technology in athletes’ sports training, and provide certain theories and methods for future in-depth research practice basis. The experimental results in this article show that 82% of athletes who are surveyed under the Internet of Things technology will have partial injuries during training, reducing the risk of safety accidents in athletes’ sports training, and better enabling Chinese athletes to achieve a consistent level of competition and performance through a virtuous cycle of development.

Exogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Plays an Important Role Through Regulating Autophagy in Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is characterized by limiting blood supply to organs, then restoring blood flow and reoxygenation. It leads to many diseases, including acute kidney injury, myocardial infarction, circulatory arrest, ischemic stroke, trauma, and sickle cell disease. Autophagy is an important and conserved cellular pathway, in which cells transfer the cytoplasmic contents to lysosomes for degradation. It plays an important role in maintaining the balance of cell synthesis, decomposition and reuse, and participates in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), along with carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO), is an important gas signal molecule and regulates various physiological and pathological processes. In recent years, there are many studies on the improvement of I/R injury by H2S through regulating autophagy, but the related mechanisms are not completely clear. Therefore, we summarize the related research in the above aspects to provide theoretical reference for future in-depth research.

Nanomedicine to Overcome Multidrug Resistance Mechanisms in Colon and Pancreatic Cancer: Recent Progress.

Simple SummaryThe cellular mechanisms of drug resistance prevent the correct efficacy of the therapies used in various types of cancer and nanotechnology has been postulated as a possible alternative to avoid them. This review focuses on describing the different mechanisms of drug resistance and dis-covering which nanotechnology-based therapies have been used in recent years to evade them in colon (CRC) and pancreatic cancer (PAC). Here we summarize the use of different types of nanotechnology (mainly nanoparticles) that have shown efficacy in vitro and in vivo in preclinical phases, allowing future in-depth research in CRC and PAC and its translation to future clinical trials.The development of drug resistance is one of the main causes of cancer treatment failure. This phenomenon occurs very frequently in different types of cancer, including colon and pancreatic cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In recent years, nanomedicine has improved the delivery and efficacy of drugs, and has decreased their side effects. In addition, it has allowed to design drugs capable of avoiding certain resistance mechanisms of tumors. In this article, we review the main resistance mechanisms in colon and pancreatic cancers, along with the most relevant strategies offered by nanodrugs to overcome this obstacle. These strategies include the inhibition of efflux pumps, the use of specific targets, the development of nanomedicines affecting the environment of cancer-specific tissues, the modulation of DNA repair mechanisms or RNA (miRNA), and specific approaches to damage cancer stem cells, among others. This review aims to illustrate how advanced nanoformulations, including polymeric conjugates, micelles, dendrimers, liposomes, metallic and carbon-based nanoparticles, are allowing to overcome one of the main limitations in the treatment of colon and pancreatic cancers. The future development of nanomedicine opens new horizons for cancer treatment.

Comparisons between the Neighboring States of Amazonas and Pará in Brazil in the Second Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak and a Possible Role of Early Ambulatory Treatment.

Brazil and many countries are now experiencing a second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. The objective of this study is to compare results with statistical samples involving millions of people in the two largest neighboring states in Brazil, Amazonas and Pará, which in the first wave were similar but now show significant different results in combating COVID-19. During the first wave, in May 2020, the maximums of the 7-day average daily deaths per population of Amazonas and Pará were similar: 15.7 and 17.1 deaths per day per million people, respectively, which means a ratio 15.7/17.1 = 0.92 ≈ 1. Now, in the second wave of COVID-19 outbreak, Amazonas has entered a serious situation; meanwhile, Pará has presented a much smaller growth in the mortality. The accumulated mortality per population from 11 November 2020 to 15 March 2021 of Amazonas and Pará are 1645 and 296 deaths per million people, respectively. As 1645/296 = 5.55, Amazonas is presenting an accumulated mortality per population more than five times that of Pará. Future in-depth research can provide a grounded answer to explain this significant difference, nonetheless the explicit support of the Pará state government, after 21 May 2020, to early ambulatory treatment may have played some role on this result.

Phytochemistry and Therapeutic Potential of Acacia ferruginea: A Systematic Review

Background: Medicinal plants have a proven and promising role in the cure of various diseases. The aim of this mini review is to document the therapeutic effect and phytochemical prospects of one of the traditionally important Acacia plant species called Acacia ferruginea. Methods: Information on Acacia ferruginea was collected from various electronic databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus. Result: The presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, tannins, saponins has been ascertined by qualitative and quantitative analysis. The antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antihaemorrhoidal, larvicidal activities of the plant have been documented. It is found that the bark of the plant is much investigated.0 Discussion and Conclusion: Documentation of Acacia ferruginea is needed due its potential in healing tropical diseases. The authors emphasize the need for future in-depth research to investigate the pharmacological activity, safety and clinical efficacy. Very limited information on this plant is available in the literature and validation regarding its chemical constituents is also needed to standardize its extracts and to evaluate its clinical applications.

Embedded Design of 3D Image Intelligent Display System Based on Virtual Reality Technology

The previous 3D image intelligent display system is large in size and poor in accuracy, and the display effect and synchronization cannot meet the needs of users. Aiming at this phenomenon, a 3D image embedded intelligent display system based on virtual reality technology is designed. In recent years, with the rapid development of computer technology, three‐dimensional measurement technology has become increasingly mature, and three‐dimensional information technology has emerged in different fields in real life. With the development of computer science and automatic control technology, more and more intelligent robots appear in production and life. As an important subsystem of intelligent robot systems, the vision system is also receiving more and more attention. The three‐dimensional imaging system projects a structured grating on the surface of the target object, uses a digital sensor to collect the deformed structured light image modulated by the surface of the object, and comprehensively uses image processing technology and precision measurement technology to achieve noncontact three‐dimensional measurement of the object. This method of number of three‐dimensional coordinates has the advantage of not being damaged, high efficiency, high degree of automation, low cost, etc. It has very important significance and broad application prospects for improving product quality and manufacturing efficiency and reducing production costs. Through the investigation and analysis of the existing 3D image intelligent display system embedded, this paper designs and realizes the 3D image intelligent display embedded system, which includes a high‐speed structured light projection module, an embedded image acquisition and processing module, and a 3D reconstruction module. Among them, the embedded 3D imaging image acquisition and processing system is an important part of the embedded 3D measurement system, which provides a certain theoretical and practical basis for future in‐depth research. The experimental results in this article show that the acquisition module takes 1.934 s to obtain the folded phase of the measured object through phase demodulation and the algorithm, while the phase demodulation and unfolding takes 2.068 s. Therefore, the algorithm needs to be further optimized to speed up the image processing speed and reflect the real‐time effect of the system.

Novel Bioactive Polyketides Isolated from Marine Actinomycetes: An Update Review from 2013 to 2019.

Marine organism-associated actinobacteria represent a valuable resource for marine drugs due to their abundant secondary metabolites. The special environments in the ocean, for instance, high salt, high pressure, low temperature and oligotrophy, not only adapt to survival of actinomycetes but also enhance molecular diversity of actinomycete secondary metabolites production, thus making marine actinomycetes important sources of marine-based bioactive compounds, especially polyketides. Herein, we summarized the structures and pharmacological activities of polyketides from actinobacteria associated with marine organisms from 2013 to 2019; moreover, the main source species of actinomycetes were discussed as well. We expected that this review would be helpful for future in-depth research and development of marine-based bioactive polyketides.

Glasbeni arhiv starejših rokopisov v cerkvi sv. Danijela v Celju

Prispevek predstavlja potek urejanja in evidentiranja glasbene zbirke starejših rokopisov iz arhiva Opatijsko-mestne župnije Celje (SI-Co) ter nekatere novosti o slogovni podobi ohranjene glasbe ter njenih najpomembnejših prepisovalcih. Napredek v tehnologiji ter izboljšani raziskovalni pogoji so spodbudili ponovno obravnavo, ki je razkrila zanimiv, večplasten potencial za prihodnje poglobljene raziskave, zlasti zaradi sledi, ki nakazujejo na raznolik izvor gradiva in namembnost repertoarja.

Comprehensive Instructional Video Analysis: The COIN Dataset and Performance Evaluation.

Thanks to the substantial and explosively increased instructional videos on the Internet, novices are able to acquire knowledge for completing various tasks. Over the past decade, growing efforts have been devoted to investigating the problem on instructional video analysis. However, most existing instructional video datasets have limitations in diversity and scale, which makes them far from many real-world applications where more diverse activities occur. To address this, in this article, we propose a large-scale dataset called "COIN" for COmprehensive INstructional video analysis. Organized with a hierarchical structure, the COIN dataset contains 11,827 videos of 180 tasks in 12 domains (e.g., vehicles, gadgets, etc.) related to our daily life. With a new developed toolbox, all the videos are annotated efficiently with a series of step labels and the corresponding temporal boundaries. In order to provide a benchmark for instructional video analysis, we evaluate plenty of approaches on our COIN dataset under five different settings. Furthermore, we exploit two important characteristics (i.e., task-consistency and ordering-dependency) for localizing important steps in instructional videos. Accordingly, we propose two simple yet effective methods, which can be easily plugged into conventional proposal-based action detection models. We believe the introduction of the COIN dataset will promote the future in-depth research on instructional video analysis for the community. Our dataset, annotation toolbox and source codes are available at http://coin-dataset.github.io.

‘Land of Creation’: The Position, Brand Owners, and Contributors for Israel's Branding

Abstract The modern and independent State of Israel celebrated the seventieth anniversary of its proclamation of independence in 2018. Besides this landmark anniversary, the remarkable development of Israel's image in the past decade was also a cause for celebration. Nowadays, many people around the world consider Israel as a start-up nation, the stronghold of innovation and risk capital, and the home of outstanding researchers and research organizations – or at least people have this association. In recent years, the ‘industry of peace’, tourism has also undergone significant expansion in the country. This has not always been the case in the past – the change is the result of conscious efforts, which is primarily attributed to the real successes of the economic structure and secondarily to controlled positioning and country branding activity. How could this positive country brand of a ‘start-up nation’ and the ‘land of creation and creativity’ be created? How can it be that many people consider Israel as a country with vibrant, colourful, rich metropolises, the cradle of innovative enterprises, millions of USD in capital investment and world-changing patents instead of a powder keg and the Arab–Israeli conflict? The methodology to analyse the topic is based on an examination of relevant literature and in-depth interviews conducted by the authors in Israel, involving a synthesis of interviews with the important figures of the innovation ecosystem and organizations involved in country branding. The present article aims to describe the branding ecosystem of Israel, introduce its main actors and activities in order to pave the way for future in-depth research.

Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and therapeutic applications of Cedrela serrata Royle: A mini review.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCedrela serrata Royle (C. serrata) is a medicinal plant not only used for constructions but also an important conventional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as; diabetes, jaundice, liver diseases, diarrhea, fever, chronic infantile dysentery, intestinal worms, hypertension, skin and blood diseases.AimsThis review article documents and critically assesses, for the first time; up to date categorized information about C. serrata including its reported pharmacological activities, cultural uses, active compounds, and botanical description.Materials and methods: All provided information about C. serrata was collected using the electronic databases (e.g. Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct and Springer Link), books (e.g. Trees of Pakistan and Herbalism, Phytochemistry, and Ethnopharmacology) and thesis.ResultsQualitative and quantitative phytochemical studies on C. serrata revealed the presence of important chemical constituents such as; flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. The phytochemicals showed various in vitro activities like antioxidant, anti-infective, antiglycation, cytotoxic activities. Major areas of research conducted on C. serrata are its antioxidant and anti-infective activities. Few historical uses of C. serrata are supported by modern in vitro pharmacological studies such as; antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, and leishmanicidal activity.ConclusionThere were convincing evidence in in vitro studies supporting C. serrata antioxidant, anti-infective, anti-diabetic, anti-glycating, and cytotoxic activities. Nevertheless, all reported pharmacological activities were carried out in vitro and a gap in research i.e. preclinical and clinical investigation still exists. The authors emphasize the need for future in-depth research and clinical trials to investigate C. serrata pharmacological activity, clinical efficacy and safety. The potential chemical compounds with suggestive classes may need to be isolated and pharmacological activities must be established for these compounds. The plant has very limited information about pharmacological activities and the data available for supportive cultural uses needs proper validation.

Monitoring the Dynamic Response of a Buried Polyethylene Pipe to a Blast Wave: An Experimental Study

Although the use of polyethylene (PE) pipelines has become increasingly widespread in recent years, few studies have addressed their seismic design and ability to withstand blast waves. In order to establish their seismic capacity, the dynamic response of buried pipelines subjected to blast waves must be explored in depth. Here, we studied the dynamic response of PE pipes situated near an explosive source. Time histories of dynamic strains were measured by conventional strain gauges after simple waterproof treatment, and pipe and ground vibration velocity curves were obtained. Based on the experimental data, the attenuation law of the peak strains under the conditions of different charge masses and blast center distances was analyzed, and the spectrum characteristics of strain, velocity of the pipe, and ground velocity were studied. The results revealed that a large hoop strain on the PE pipes was produced due to the local impact near the explosive source. We found that peak hoop strain (PHS) or peak axial strain (PAS) had a power attenuation relationship with the scaled distance, and this relationship could also be derived by dimensional analysis. The average frequency of strains had the same attenuation form as the charge mass, which was between 10 Hz and 50 Hz. Additionally, the vibration of the pipe showed a low frequency. We also determined that the attenuation of the average frequency of pipe and ground vibration velocity was closely related to the charge mass and the scaled distance. Pipe peak vibration velocity (PPVV), ground peak particle velocity (GPPV), and the peak dynamic strain of pipe were highly positively correlated, which verifies the feasibility of using GPPV to characterize pipeline vibration and strain level. Thus, a blasting criterion of 10% minimum request strength (MRS) for PE pipe was proposed, which means that the additional PHS or PAS of the dangerous point must be less than 10% MRS, and we also propose limiting the safety distance–charge mass for blasts near buried PE pipelines by the criterion. Some results in this paper can serve as the basis for future in-depth theoretical research.

Chemical composition, sensory properties and application of Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum genus)

This review summarized the composition of volatile and nonvolatile compounds, the sensory mechanism and the application of Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum genus) as a spice and multifunctional food, such as antibacterial, inhibition of inflammation, and antioxidant among others. The aim is to provide a better understanding and potential future in-depth research and application of Sichuan pepper.

Region-resolved proteomics profiling of monkey heart.

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) play an indispensable role in biomedical research because of their similarities in genetics, physiological, and neurological function to humans. Proteomics profiling of monkey heart could reveal significant cardiac biomarkers and help us to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of heart disease. However, the proteomic study of monkey heart is relatively lacking. Here, we performed the proteomics profiling of the normal monkey heart by measuring three major anatomical regions (vessels, valves, and chambers) based on iTRAQ‐coupled LC‐MS/MS analysis. Over 3,200 proteins were identified and quantified from three heart tissue samples. Furthermore, multiple bioinformatics analyses such as gene ontology analysis, protein–protein interaction analysis, and gene‐diseases association were used to investigate biological network of those proteins from each area. More than 60 genes in three heart regions are implicated with heart diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and myocardial infarction. These genes associated with heart disease are mainly enriched in citrate cycle, amino acid degradation, and glycolysis pathway. At the anatomical level, the revelation of molecular characteristics of the healthy monkey heart would be an important starting point to investigate heart disease. As a unique resource, this study can serve as a reference map for future in‐depth research on cardiac disease‐related NHP model and novel biomarkers of cardiac injury.

Determinants of Tourist Competitiveness in the Case of Montenegro: Experts’ Assessment

Purpose – The competitiveness of tourist destinations is consistently attracting the attention of the scientific community. How can they strengthen their position on the tourist market? This is a very tough question for all tourist destinations. The goal of this research is to determine the critical competitiveness points of Montenegro as a tourist destination based on experts' assessments. Design – The determinants of the competitiveness of tourist destinations have been examined, based on the example of Montenegro. Actual available data about Montenegrin tourist competitiveness, the most significant models of tourist-destination competitiveness, and the applied methodology have been presented. Additionally, the research results are presented, instructions and recommendations are given and the limitations of the research are defined. Methodology – An interview-based method was used for this study, and the gathered data was processed by statistical methods: descriptive statistics; correlation; standard multiple regression; factorial analysis, and ANOVA and T-tests. Approach – A well-known model of tourist-destination competitiveness constructed by the authors Ritchie and Crouch has been used as a basis for this survey. Findings – The results obtained state that the experts' assessments do not deviate from the TCI results for Montenegro, and that the critical point of competitiveness for Montenegro is destination management, while destination planning, development and policy are closely connected to this factor. Originality of research – This is the first time that the competitiveness factors of Montenegro have been assessed in this manner, and there are almost no papers that consider this topic, which makes this study a significant contribution. The paper also represents an excellent basis for future in-depth research, as explained in the recommendations.

Global microarray profiling identified hsa_circ_0064428 as a potential immune-associated prognosis biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundIncreasing evidence has shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved tumourigenesis and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, progression about its function in HCC is relatively slow. Here, we aimed...

Encuentro multicultural en el arte de barniz de Pasto o la laca del Virreinato del Perú

Dentro de los múltiples influjos y fuentes de inspiración que pudieron existir para el desarrollo del arte del barniz de Pasto, este estudio se centra en identificar en él las huellas presentes del estilo namban, un tipo de laca japonesa de exportación (ca. 1580- ca. 1630). En esa medida, al analizar una arqueta de barniz de Pasto adornada con unas iconografías e inscripciones muy singulares, se indagan por los posibles influjos de la laca japonesa y del erudito mundo de los emblemas y libros moralizantes —desarrollados ampliamente en España durante los siglos XVI y XVII— en el arte del barniz de Pasto. Para completar el análisis iconográfico también se tuvieron en cuenta las imágenes basadas en la cultura quechua, en concreto, la de la serpiente Amaru. Tales averiguaciones se adelantaron mediante el método comparativo, ya que este permitió establecer dos tipos de paralelos: por un lado, contrastar las técnicas y motivos decorativos de la laca namban con los del barniz de Pasto; y por el otro, comparar las inscripciones e imágenes de este último con las imágenes y emblemas españoles de los siglos XVI y XVII. El estudio evidencia que el barniz de Pasto es representativo de la gran capacidad de los virreinatos americanos para absorber diferentes culturas, demostrando así que —a nivel material, en este caso— ellos fueron consecuencia de la fusión producida en el Nuevo Mundo entre la cultura europea, la asiática y la autóctona. El texto concluye que a pesar de la ausencia de evidencias documentales sobre los asentamientos de barnizadores en los Andes centrales y de los estilos cultivados allí, la arqueta analizada con la imagen de Amaru, se muestra como una prueba significativa para iniciar indagaciones a fondo sobre la posible presencia y elaboración de esta técnica mixta en dicha región.