Global Crisis Research Articles

Supply Chain Risk in Eyeglass Manufacturing: An Empirical Case Study on Lens Inventory Management During Global Crises

The eyeglass lens manufacturing industry has become increasingly vulnerable to supply chain risks due to overlapping global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Suez Canal blockage, the Russia–Ukraine conflict, Red Sea shipping insecurity, and recent U.S. import tariffs. These events have challenged inventory planning, supplier coordination, and cost control across the industry. This study aims to evaluate how five operational constructs—stock system, inventory optimization, standardized methodology, production capability, and logistics performance—influence inventory resilience during global crises. Using an empirical case study, data were collected from 215 supply chain professionals at a multinational lens manufacturer in Southeast Asia and analyzed via Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results show that inventory optimization (β = 0.93) is the most influential factor in mitigating supply–demand imbalances, followed by logistics performance and production capability. This study offers practical recommendations, including real-time demand tracking, modular production systems, and scalable logistics strategies, to enhance inventory resilience. These findings contribute to both theory and practice by providing a validated framework tailored to high-precision manufacturing under persistent global risk.

Green Endoscopy: A Review of Global Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Endoscopic procedures are the cornerstone of intervention in gastroenterology-from evaluating common illnesses to non-surgically managing complex diseases. Expectedly, these procedures are linked to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally and contribute significantly to the global climate change crisis. Professional gastroenterology societies globally raise awareness of this evolving crisis and suggest specific measures to appropriately measure the burden contributed by endoscopy units and mitigate the environmental impact of this common clinical practice. To the unsuspecting eye, the solution to this crisis is relatively simple: decrease the utilization of endoscopic procedures. However, the dependence of modern medicine on these procedures, both diagnostically and therapeutically, makes it significantly more challenging to reduce their utilization. Instead, a structured approach to systematically consider the specific indications for each procedure, minimize waste generation, promote recycling of waste products, and limit the number of repeat endoscopies until clinically necessary may be more pragmatic to reduce GHG emissions globally. In this narrative review, we discuss the perspectives of global gastroenterology societies on sustainable or "green" endoscopy and summarize their recommendations to aid the day-to-day gastroenterologist in making their contribution to environmental sustainability while providing optimal care to their patients.

Price shocks and associated policy responses stemming from the Russia-Ukraine War and other global crises: Evidence from six African countries

Price shocks and associated policy responses stemming from the Russia-Ukraine War and other global crises: Evidence from six African countries

A novel MIR imaging approach for precise detection of S. epidermidis biofilms in seconds.

A novel MIR imaging approach for precise detection of S. epidermidis biofilms in seconds.

Intersecting vulnerabilities: Health and wellbeing of older adults in Uganda during a global health crisis

Intersecting vulnerabilities: Health and wellbeing of older adults in Uganda during a global health crisis

Design of a 1-D auger reactor for upcycling polystyrene to styrene via pyrolysis.

Design of a 1-D auger reactor for upcycling polystyrene to styrene via pyrolysis.

Herding effect of both global and local crises in BRICS countries

Herding effect of both global and local crises in BRICS countries

Microstructure manipulation in conductive polyethersulfone composite membranes: Impacts of carbon nanotube surface groups on its dispersion and segregation in membrane formation

Microstructure manipulation in conductive polyethersulfone composite membranes: Impacts of carbon nanotube surface groups on its dispersion and segregation in membrane formation

BiVO4/Bi4V2O10 isometallic heterojunction coupled with FeOOH/NiOOH cocatalysts for efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation.

BiVO4/Bi4V2O10 isometallic heterojunction coupled with FeOOH/NiOOH cocatalysts for efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation.

A transdisciplinary integrated approach to improve identification outcomes for decomposed decedents in medicolegal death investigations.

A transdisciplinary integrated approach to improve identification outcomes for decomposed decedents in medicolegal death investigations.

Lipid-lowering drug clofibric acid promotes conjugative transfer of RP4 plasmid carrying antibiotic resistance genes by multiple mechanisms.

Lipid-lowering drug clofibric acid promotes conjugative transfer of RP4 plasmid carrying antibiotic resistance genes by multiple mechanisms.

Short-term microplastic exposure: A double whammy to lung metabolism and fecal microflora in diabetic SD rats.

Short-term microplastic exposure: A double whammy to lung metabolism and fecal microflora in diabetic SD rats.

Unveiling the toxicity of micro-nanoplastics: A systematic exploration of understanding environmental and health implications.

Unveiling the toxicity of micro-nanoplastics: A systematic exploration of understanding environmental and health implications.

Sustainable water allocation under climate change: Deep learning approaches to predict drinking water shortages.

Sustainable water allocation under climate change: Deep learning approaches to predict drinking water shortages.

Evolution of corporate social responsibility in academic discourse: a bibliographic analysis

The purpose of the scientific article is to study the evolution of corporate social responsibility based on a bibliographic analysis of scientific research using the Scopus scientometric database. The bibliographic analysis was conducted using the VOSviewer 1.6.20 software product. The Scopus scientometric database was chosen as the information base for the study as one of the most authoritative multidisciplinary platforms for scientific research. Extrapolation and economic and mathematical modeling methods were used to predict the number of scientific research on CSR in the coming years. The study of the features of CSR implementation at each stage of its development was carried out using cluster analysis. The keyword “corporate social responsibility” was chosen to search for scientific publications in the Scopus scientometric database. The revealed evolution demonstrates the gradual development of CSR from local initiatives to global strategies for sustainable development. At the initial stage, the researchers focused on ethics, social behavior, human rights, and the interaction of business with society. Subsequently, research has become more global, with the integration of environmental and social aspects into business practice, with a focus on transparency, marketing, environmental sustainability and global reporting standards. The period 2020—2024 is marked by the adaptation of business to global crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, social inequality, environmental threats and gender diversity. The practical value of this research lies in the formation of a comprehensive understanding of the development of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in different time contexts, which will allow business, governments and other stakeholders to respond more effectively to the challenges of modernity. Future research in this area will concern the study of socially responsible practices in different countries or regions, in particular in war conditions. This will allow identifying local barriers and successful cases for the further development of CSR.

One health agriculture: Heat stress mitigation dilemma in agriculture.

One health agriculture: Heat stress mitigation dilemma in agriculture.

The evolution of habitat in modern architecture: a transdisciplinary perspective

ABSTRACT This study explores the evolution of the habitat concept in modern architecture and its impact on urban planning and sustainable development. The research aims to analyze how the concept has evolved over time and its interdisciplinary applications in architectural practice. Using a bibliometric analysis of 971 documents published between 1975 and 2023, the study examines publication trends, key themes, and shifts in research focus. Findings show a growing emphasis on sustainability and urban resilience, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially centered on residential areas – reflecting post-World War II reconstruction efforts and community identity – the habitat concept has expanded to include urban-scale planning and the integration of cultural, environmental, and social factors. Key milestones influencing this evolution include the 1953 IX CIAM Congress and the 1976 HABITAT I Conference, which, alongside the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, established global frameworks to address housing and urban challenges. This study contributes to architectural research by highlighting the expanding role of the habitat concept in creating compact, resilient cities. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable design in responding to global crises and shaping future urban environments, providing valuable insights for architects, urban planners, and policymakers.

The 30 Emerging Market Countries: New Developments and Changes

The global economic development of nations worldwide faces formidable challenges due to a confluence of factors, including the widespread COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and interest rate hikes in the United States and Europe. Has the developmental momentum of emerging market countries stalled due to these global crises? This is a topic of widespread concern. This study demonstrates that emerging market countries have exhibited remarkable resilience. The collective ascent of emerging market countries is an objective fact, and this upward momentum has remained unimpeded despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging market countries continue to make increasingly substantial contributions to global economic growth, and their pace of economic development continues to accelerate, surpassing that of developed nations. China, Chile, Malaysia, and other countries continue to lead the strong momentum in the economic development of emerging market countries. However, emerging market countries need to enhance their capacity for innovation, particularly focusing on strengthening education and financial development. JEL Classification F21, F23

Design and Validation of a Polyunit Epitope Vaccine Against Enterococcus faecium

Enterococcus faecium has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, worsening the global health crisis[Formula: see text] In this research study, immunoinformatics and biophysics approaches were applied to predict novel epitopes in the core proteins E. faecium. Bacterial pan-genome analysis predicted 4886 proteins as part of the core proteome. In the core proteins, seven proteins were found in extracellular region. In seven extracellular portions, three proteins were found to be virulent. In virulent proteins, one protein was predicted as an allergen and two proteins were nonallergens. Based on subtractive proteomics, two extracellular and probable antigenic proteins (glucosaminidase domain-containing protein and N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase) were selected for epitopes prediction analysis. In epitope prediction, six [Formula: see text]-cell novel epitopes of different lengths were predicted from each selected protein. Next immunoinformatics filters were utilized to assess immunoinformatics properties of vaccine construct, and eight novel epitopes SARHHRPKR, RHHRPKRKM, HADEQGSQTV, PQHVHADEQ, RFDTPSTGSA, STSSSSTTDV, SSSSTTDVN and KVSLETKEF have opted for epitope-based vaccine construction. The selected epitopes were connected through GPGPG linkers and coupled with the adjuvant through the EAAAK linker to design multi-epitopes vaccine construct. The 3D structure of the vaccine was modeled and used in interaction analysis. The interaction analysis revealed the best dock conformation with targeted immune receptors. Furthermore, through biophysics studies, the intermolecular binding mode of vaccine receptors was reported to be dynamically stable in 500 nanoseconds. Next, the C-ImmSim server predicted that the model vaccine could induce strong immunological responses against E. faecium. The study outcomes predicted the effectiveness of a multi-epitope-based vaccine as a promising therapeutic approach for E. faecium.

Enacting the Marketing Paradox of Value Creation and Value Appropriation: Small Enterprises’ Response to Crises

The study draws on the organizational paradox literature to develop and empirically test a conceptual model that considers marketing paradox enactment a crucial adaptive marketing response for small enterprises facing crises. We hypothesize that marketing paradox enactment positively impacts marketing performance and such effect is moderated by paradoxical leadership and perceived crisis severity. To test our hypotheses, we collected data through online surveys of 443 marketing managers from small businesses across multiple industries during an unprecedented global crisis. The results show that the performance of small enterprises that embrace the value creation–value appropriation paradox is less dampened by crises. Additionally, the paradoxical leadership of marketing executives and the firm’s sensitivity to the crisis are critical organizational levers. This study contributes to the literature on the adaptive role of the marketing function and how small businesses navigate crises.