Global Dynamics Research Articles

Molecular Epidemiology of Human Metapneumovirus in East Japan before and after COVID-19, 2017-2022.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is genetically classified into two major subgroups, A and B, based on attachment glycoprotein (G protein) gene sequences. The A2 subgroup is further separated into three subdivisions, A2a, A2b (A2b1), and A2c (A2b2). Subgroup A2c viruses carrying 180- or 111-nucleotide duplications in the G gene (A2c 180nt-dup or A2c 111nt-dup ) have been reported in Japan and Spain. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted the epidemiological kinetics of other respiratory viruses, including hMPV. In this study, we analyzed the sequences of hMPV isolates in Tokyo and Fukushima obtained from 2017 to 2022, i.e., before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Subgroup A hMPV strains were detected from 2017 to 2019, and most cases were A2c 111nt-dup, suggesting ongoing transmission of this clade, consistent with global transmission dynamics. Subgroup B viruses, but not subgroup A viruses, were detected in 2022 after the COVID-19 peak. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the subgroup B viruses were closely related to strains detected in Yokohama from 2013 to 2016, and strains detected in Fukushima in 2019, suggesting the reappearance of local endemic viruses in East Japan.

Challenges in developing the Chinese traditional medical knowledge databases in China

This article discusses the development of a comprehensive database for traditional Chinese medical knowledge (TMK), addressing the dual goals of safeguarding this heritage and promoting its responsible utilization and dissemination, mindful of China’s cultural and historical nuances. It offers a critical analysis of the complex interplay between China’s unique historical and cultural fabric, global dynamics and the evolution of the TMK databases within the nation. The focus is on illuminating how these multifaceted elements converge to shape the way the TMK is managed and represented digitally, thereby offering insights for developing more responsive, culturally sensitive and effective TMK database systems.

Circular Economy Awareness and Motivations in the Furniture Industry: İnegöl as a Microcosm of Global South Dynamics

This study examines the distinctive characteristics of circular economy (CE) transitions in the Global South, with the aim of elucidating the complex dynamics. The furniture cluster in İnegöl, Turkey, is employed as a case study. A circular economy awareness survey is employed to illustrate the current perspective of the industry. In total, 40 companies from the cluster have been reached, and the results have been analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Furthermore, to gain a deeper understanding of the barriers and motivations for potential CE transitions, a semi-structured interview was conducted with a key figure within the ecosystem. The key findings of the study reveal that, in comparison to the Global North, companies operating in the Global South have less awareness of the coverage of CE, with applications confined to waste reduction and energy efficiency. Additionally, new design and innovation efforts are not identified among the expected benefits related to implementing CE. This paper highlights the fact that exporting companies from the Global South may face challenges for sustaining their competitive advantage in EU markets, particularly after 2026, due to their limited understanding of CE.

Global Dynamics of 3D Compressible Viscous and Heat-Conducting Micropolar Fluids with Vacuum at Infinity

Global Dynamics of 3D Compressible Viscous and Heat-Conducting Micropolar Fluids with Vacuum at Infinity

A Study of the Impact of Monetary Policies on Financial Crisis

Monetary policy stands as a pivotal instrument for macroeconomic management, pivotal in stabilizing economies, fostering growth, and mitigating inflationary pressures. In the wake of global financial upheavals, the efficacy and adaptability of monetary policy have garnered heightened scrutiny. The United States, boasting the world's largest economy, and the Federal Reserve, a stalwart among central banks, wield profound influence on global financial dynamics via their policy decisions. Each action taken by the Federal Reserve reverberates across borders, profoundly impacting numerous nations. Amidst global financial turmoil, the Federal Reserve's role assumes paramount significance. These crises inflict profound repercussions on both national economies and individual livelihoods. This paper endeavors to delve into the historical influence of United States monetary policy and the Federal Reserve on global financial crises, scrutinizing their interventions and assessing their efficacy. By tracing their impact across different epochs, this study aims to provide insights into the mechanisms through which monetary policy shapes the trajectory of global financial crises, shedding light on avenues for improvement and resilience-building measures.

GCTNet: a graph convolutional transformer network for major depressive disorder detection based on EEG signals.

Identifying major depressive disorder (MDD) using objective physiological signals has become a pressing challenge. Hence, this paper proposes a graph convolutional transformer network (GCTNet) for accurate and reliable MDD detection using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The developed framework integrates a residual graph convolutional network (ResGCN) block to capture spatial information and a Transformer block to extract global temporal dynamics. Additionally, we introduce the contrastive cross-entropy (CCE) loss that combines contrastive learning to enhance the stability and discriminability of the extracted features, thereby improving classification performance. The effectiveness of the GCTNet model and CCE loss was assessed using EEG data from 41 MDD patients and 44 normal controls (NC), in addition to a publicly available dataset. Utilizing a subject-independent data partitioning method and 10-fold cross-validation, the proposed method demonstrated significant performance, achieving an average Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.7693 and 0.9755 across both datasets, respectively. Comparative analyses demonstrated the superiority of the GCTNet framework with CCE loss over state-of-the-art algorithms in MDD detection tasks. The proposed method offers an objective and effective approach to MDD detection, providing valuable support for clinical-assisted diagnosis.

A new method for mapping vegetation structure parameters in forested areas using GEDI data

The spatially continuous mapping of vegetation structure parameters in forested areas serves as a crucial foundation for research in various fields, including ecosystem ecology, climate change, hydrology, and forest management and protection. However, there is a notable scarcity of regional scale data regarding vegetation structure parameters. Therefore, our objective was to fill this data gap by providing a methodology for mapping vegetation structure parameters in forested areas at regional-scale. Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) provides precise observational data on vegetation structure parameters across the world. Using GEDI vegetation structure parameter point data, we developed a vegetation state coefficient based on the ratio of plant area index (PAI) and vegetation coverage (COVER). Subsequently, we proposed a method for decomposing vegetation coverage to simulate layered vegetation coverage. Taking Jiangxi Province as a case study, we integrated machine learning models to generate a spatially continuous map of vegetation structure parameters in forested areas, including layered coverage and layered leaf area index, in 2020. The map has a spatial resolution of 30 m and a vertical resolution of 5 m. The model exhibits excellent performance. Among the 140 sets of models, approximately 63 % of them achieved an R2 surpassing 0.6, while 89 % of the models achieved a root mean square error (RMSE) below 0.3. This study can serve as a valuable reference for the decomposition of vegetation structure parameters at the regional scale and provide a more precise depiction of the spatial characteristics of vertical vegetation structure at the regional scale. It contributes by providing data support and methodological guidance for research related to forest structure analysis, resource management, and ecological process simulation at the regional scale.

Digital Transformation in the Tourism Industry: A Comparative Literature Review

This paper examines the digital transformation of the global tourism industry, focusing on the evolution of tourism marketing strategies. The study includes the integration of cutting-edge technologies with traditional paradigms. There is a significant disparity between international economies known for their robust theoretical frameworks in data analytics, customer segmentation, and digital channels for marketing, and China, which is characterized by practical innovations but lacks theoretical discourse. This manuscript conducts a comparative analysis by conducting a literature review and synthesizing theoretical and empirical applications from international and Chinese tourism literature. The aim is to bridge the gap between theory and practice and provide insights for more effective tourism marketing in a digitally transformed landscape. This study addresses the disparity between international and Chinese approaches to digital transformation in tourism. Through comparative analysis, the research explores empirical questions related to Chinas distinctive incorporation of emerging technologies, government influence, and sustainability in tourism. It proposes three main hypotheses: 1) Chinese platforms prioritize group consensus over individual choice; 2) Chinas transformation is state-driven, facilitating rapid technological integration; 3) cultural preservation is an important focus of Chinas digital tourism platforms. The paper argues for future research that combines Chinese practical insights with international theoretical frameworks, thus contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of global digital tourism dynamics.

Bitcoin: The Fintech Revolution from Its Origins to the Future

This study delves into Bitcoin's origins, development, and impact on the future of Fintech, answering key questions about how the cryptocurrency will revolutionize the Fintech landscape. The study is significant because it provides insight into the challenges and opportunities posed by decentralized finance, which is increasingly relevant in the academic fields of finance and technology. The study uses a multidisciplinary approach to understand Bitcoin's technical underpinning, global acceptance, and regulatory environment through a comprehensive analysis of Bitcoin white papers, historical data, and regulatory documents. The research methodology includes a detailed examination of blockchain technology, the workings of the Bitcoin network, and the factors that influence Bitcoin price trends. The findings reveal Bitcoin as a decentralized monetary system that introduces a new paradigm in financial transactions, offering transparency, security, and potentially high returns. However, it also presents significant regulatory challenges, market volatility and risks that need to be managed. The study identified key factors that affect the price of bitcoin, such as supply and demand dynamics, market sentiment, macroeconomic conditions, and technological advances. The implications of this work are far-reaching as it highlights the need for a balanced approach to cryptocurrency regulation that promotes innovation while mitigating risk. The study contributes to the academic discussion by providing a nuanced understanding of Bitcoin's role in the evolving financial ecosystem and its potential impact on monetary policy, financial stability, and global economic dynamics.

World‐makers and social justice: Strategies of (in)action?

AbstractThis article applies a Bourdieusian lens to a critical analysis of global power dynamics to argue that a field framework is useful for studying praxis and (in)action in complex and dynamic global spaces of decision‐making. It is argued that individuals with global power can interact strategically to change their actions for improved social and economic justice, but it requires resisting dominant practices that may maintain existing inequalities. By exploring the interrelations between positions within the global spaces of the World Social Forum and the World Economic Forum, we offer an original contribution to the field of strategic change. We show how the actors in these global spaces have the potential to provoke greater social justice but also risk perpetuating a status quo that continues to favor the few over the many. Participants are world‐makers who wield symbolic power and can create disruption in the “rules of the game,” but the strength of those who seek to defend the status quo can perpetuate inertia. The article offers a novel contribution to the research on global spaces and elite actors by critically analyzing accounts of strategic practices therein, thus offering a more nuanced understanding of world‐making in action or inaction.

Proteomic profiling of peanut hairy root culture unveils distinctive adaptive responses induced by elicitor treatment across diverse time intervals

Plants employ a diverse array of responses to counteract and defend against stressors. Utilizing quantitative proteomic analysis allows for the exploration of global proteomic dynamics in cells and tissues at specific time points. In order to comprehend the intricate mechanisms underlying plant responses, we conducted a proteomic investigation of peanut hairy root cultures induced with a combination of chitosan (CHT), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and cyclodextrin (CD) at multiple time points. The study identified 292, 317, and 327 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in hairy root tissues at 24-, 48-, and 72 h intervals post-elicitation, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) distinctly clustered each timepoint of treatment and the control group. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis highlighted terms such as "responding to biotic stimuli" and "defense response" during the early response, with the upregulation of Heat shock cognate 70 kDa protein, Wound-induced protein 1, and Disease resistance-like protein. The 72 h time point specifically showed an upregulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and auxin response factor, indicating a delayed response and illustrating how hairy roots adapt to stress in later stages. Furthermore, GO enrichment at later stages implicated alterations in protein production, involving both synthesis and degradation processes. Proteolytic enzymes, including those in the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway, were identified as facilitating protein degradation. The detection of small molecular weight (MW) peptides in the culture medium of elicited hairy roots suggested their origin from the proteolytic cleavage of precursor proteins. The GO enrichment of culture medium peptides pointed towards involvement in signaling pathways. The suggested signaling cascade acts as a potential link that connects the recognition of stress to the initiation of appropriate response to external stressors. This approach delves into dynamic changes in protein expression and secretion patterns over various intervals, providing insights into the plant's adaptive response to external stress.

Deterministic and stochastic analysis of a coral reef ecosystem with grazed macroalgae

Based on the work of Mumby et al. [Thresholds and the resilience of Caribbean coral reefs, Nature 450 (2007) 98–101], this study is devoted to investigate the deterministic and stochastic features of a coral reef ecosystem in which macroalgae and coral compete to occupy algae turfs, and the macroalgae are grazed by parrotfish. By taking the grazing rate as the focused parameter, we completely analyze the global dynamics of the deterministic coral reef ecosystem, including bistable phenomenon, linear equilibria and degenerate attractor. It is found that for different grazing rates, the coral reef system may exhibit rich dynamics which are closely dependent on the initial values. Furthermore, we derive a stochastic coral reef model in the form of continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC), and estimate the extinction probabilities of macroalgae and coral by using the branching process theory. Analytical results reveal that the macroalgae or coral species will go to extinction in a positive probability, even if it can survive in the deterministic environment.

Optimal control strategies and global dynamics for a dengue disease model with waning vaccine-induced immunity and incubation delay

Optimal control strategies and global dynamics for a dengue disease model with waning vaccine-induced immunity and incubation delay

Exploring the impact of cultural diversity in global projects: A comparative analysis of virtual and face-to-face teamwork

In today’s interconnected global business landscape, the rise of international business and technological advancements has led to a proliferation of global virtual teams. This dynamic environment underscores the critical importance of understanding cultural diversity within such teams and its impact on performance. To effectively compete in this milieu, individuals must possess the requisite knowledge and skills to navigate diverse cultural backgrounds, both in virtual and face-to-face interactions. This paper delves into the profound significance of cultural diversity and its multifaceted implications within the context of virtual and face-to-face project team dynamics. To gain insights into global virtual teamwork dynamics regarding cultural diversity, a project involving 65 participants was designed. The project’s progression was closely monitored, and participants provided feedback in two stages, yielding a total of 130 feedback sheets for analysis. The research findings shed light on the nuanced dynamics of global virtual teamwork, highlighting cultural diversity as a perceived risk factor. However, these challenges can be effectively managed through the strategic deployment of project management tools. Conversely, in face-to-face settings, cultural diversity emerges as a potent catalyst for innovation and creativity, offering unique perspectives that enrich problem-solving processes. This study serves as a critical resource for educators, project managers, and stakeholders invested in optimizing cross-cultural interactions in both virtual and face-to-face environments. By leveraging insights gleaned from this research, practitioners can harness the power of cultural diversity to drive success in today’s globalized organizational landscape.

Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992

Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 confers significant authority upon the Central Government of India to craft and modify the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), a critical instrument in regulating international trade activities. This provision grants the government the flexibility to adapt trade policies to evolving economic landscapes and global market dynamics. Through notifications in the official gazette, the government announces the FTP and any subsequent amendments, ensuring transparency and accessibility to stakeholders. This abstract provides a concise overview of Section 5, highlighting its role in shaping India's trade strategies, facilitating exports, and attracting investments. The provision's flexibility enables the government to pursue strategic objectives, fostering economic growth and integration into the global economy.

Nanomechanical collective vibration of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins.

The development of effective therapeutics against COVID-19 requires a thorough understanding of the receptor recognition mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. Here the multidomain collective dynamics on the trimer of the spike protein has been analyzed using normal mode analysis (NMA). A common nanomechanical profile was identified in the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. The profile involves collective vibrations of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the N-terminal domain (NTD), which may mediate the physical interaction process. Quantitative analysis of the collective modes suggests a nanomechanical property involving large-scale conformational changes, which explains the difference in receptor binding affinity among different variants. These results support the use of intrinsic global dynamics as a valuable perspective for studying the allosteric and functional mechanisms of the S protein. This approach also provides a low-cost theoretical toolkit for screening potential pathogenic mutations and drug targets.

Mathematical Analysis for the Influence of Seasonality on Chikungunya Virus Dynamics

In this article, we discuss a mathematical system modelling Chikungunya virus dynamics in a seasonal environment with general incidence rates. We establish the existence, uniqueness, positivity and boundedness of a periodic orbit. We show that the global dynamics is determined using the basic reproduction number denoted by R0 and calculated using the spectral radius of a linear integral operator. We show the global stability of the disease free periodic solution if R0<1 and we show also the persistence of the disease if R0>1 where the trajectories converge to a periodic orbit. Finally, we display some numerical examples confirming the theoretical findings.

Global Dynamics of a Social Hierarchy-Stratified Malaria Model: Insight from Fractional Calculus

In this study, a mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of malaria among different socioeconomic groups in the human population interacting with a susceptible-infectious vector population is presented and analysed using a fractional-order derivative of the Caputo type. The total human population is stratified into two distinguished classes of lower and higher income individuals, with each class further subdivided into susceptible, infectious, and recovered populations. The socio hierachy-structured fractional-order malaria model is analyzed through the application of different dynamical system tools. The theory of positivity and boundedness based on the generalized mean value theorem is employed to investigate the basic properties of solutions of the model, while the Banach fixed point theory approach is used to prove the existence and uniqueness of the solution. Furthermore, unlike the existing related studies, comprehensive global asymptotic dynamics of the fractional-order malaria model around both disease-free and endemic equilibria are explored by generalizing the usual classical methods for establishing global asymptotic stability of the steady states. The asymptotic behavior of the trajectories of the system are graphically illustrated at different values of the fractional (noninteger) order.

Optimising Inventory Management Strategies for Cost Reduction in Supply Chains: A Systematic Review

This systematic review investigates and synthesises the complexities of optimising inventory management strategies for cost reduction in supply chains. The research utilised a systematic review methodology to comprehensively analyse inventory management strategies for cost reduction in supply chains, employing key search terms across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore. A total of 50 journals were initially identified, followed by a rigorous screening process based on pre-defined criteria, including 23 relevant published articles written in English. Examining global supply chain dynamics and sector-specific challenges in local inventory management, the review proposes three key strategies: Just-in-Time (JIT) and lean inventory practices, advanced analytics and predictive modelling, and collaborative supply chain partnerships. Drawing on empirical evidence and sector-specific examples, the review demonstrates the effectiveness of these strategies in mitigating costs and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency. The policy implications underscore aligning business practices with proposed strategies, offering policymakers insights for formulating guidelines and incentives. Contributions to knowledge include a comprehensive framework for businesses to navigate contemporary supply chain challenges. At the same time, suggestions for further studies advocate for deeper explorations into emerging technologies and regional variations to refine and expand inventory management strategies.

Global insights into seed dispersal mutualism with cooperative efforts and environmental variability

Seed dispersal mutualisms assume a crucial role in sustaining overall ecosystem functionality. This study extends the foundational framework of seed dispersal mutualism by incorporating animal cooperation and environmental variability. Through the integration of stability theory and phase analysis, we investigate the global dynamics of seed dispersal mutualism in deterministic environments. Theoretical findings reveal that the deterministic system exclusively exhibits equilibrium dynamics, ruling out periodic solutions and chaotic phenomena. Notably, in cases of multiple coexisting equilibria, adjacent equilibria display distinct stability properties. Furthermore, employing stochastic analysis and Lyapunov exponents, we ascertain the uniqueness of global positive solutions in the stochastic model, along with stochastic ultimate boundedness, and precise thresholds for the stochastic persistence and extinction. These results illuminate the theoretical mechanisms governing transitions in seed dispersal mutualism across various stable population levels and underscore the insights into how essential biological factors, including animal cooperation efforts and environmental variability, impact the long-term dynamics of seed dispersal mutualism.