Industry Participants Research Articles

Endeavoring to engage in cooperative fisheries research in a contentious socio-political climate

Abstract Cooperative Fisheries Research (CFR) aims to incorporate different types of knowledge into fisheries science through the convergence of diverse perspectives, skills, and expertise. CFR can facilitate knowledge co-production and the salience, credibility, and legitimacy of science, yet it can be difficult to operationalize. In Maine’s American lobster fishery, where CFR is a hallmark of the fishery, pressure to implement conservation measures to protect North Atlantic right whales, one of the world’s most endangered large whale species, poses a major challenge for harvesters. Endeavoring to follow best practices associated with CFR, our research team set out to work with state management and fishing industry partners to evaluate the socioeconomic impacts of new whale conservation regulations on the fishery. We co-defined relevant and actionable research questions and designed a sampling approach that included multiple efforts to contact industry participants. Although the process we engaged in had some of the key ingredients for success, ultimately participation was too low to achieve our research aims. We use this paper to discuss our failure and draw on the theory of scalar politics from critical geography to reflect on challenges we encountered, including how the contentious socio-political backdrop within which the initiative transpired impacted our research.

Model of sustainable tourism development in the Republic of Georgia

The article is devoted to the Model of Sustainable Tourism Development in Georgia, which plays a significant role in the country’s economy. It contributes to the development of infrastructure, the creation of new jobs and an increase in the population’s income. However, the growth of tourism can have a negative impact on the environment, cultural heritage and social structures. To ensure sustainable tourism development, it is necessary to consider economic, environmental and socio-cultural aspects. The model of sustainable tourism development includes measures to preserve natural resources, support local communities and cultural traditions, as well as ensure economic benefits for all industry participants. Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of the Republic of Georgia, being one of the main sources of income for the country. Georgia attracts tourists with its diverse natural and cultural heritage, as well as the hospitality of residents. Tourism in Georgia has great potential for development, but there is a need to create a sustainable development model that would consider environmental, social and economic aspects.

The Extent of Participation and Empowerment of Rural Women in Lac Cultivation in Koderma District of Jharkhand, India

Lac cultivation in Koderma District, Jharkhand, offers a unique pathway for empowering rural women, serving as a significant source of income and socio-economic upliftment. This review examines the depth of women’s participation in various stages of lac production, from inoculation to processing, and how their involvement translates into empowerment. Despite facing challenges like gender discrimination, limited access to resources, and market constraints, women in Koderma have demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Lac cultivation has provided them with financial independence and enhanced social recognition and decision-making power within their households and communities. Initiatives by the government and NGOs have played a critical role in facilitating this shift, offering training, market access, and financial support to enable women to break socio-cultural barriers. However, for sustained empowerment, addressing the existing gaps in technology access, market linkage, and equitable resource distribution is essential. This article aims to explore lac cultivation's role in empowering rural women in Koderma District, Jharkhand, by examining their participation in the production process and its impact on their socio-economic upliftment (Pal G., 2011). It aims to highlight women's challenges, the contributions of government and NGO initiatives, and the need for improved policies, technology, and market access to ensure sustained empowerment and equitable participation in the lac industry.

Nursing Home Administrators' Experiences of Work Stress and Intention to Quit during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted nursing home administrators (NHAs). This study explores licensed and employed NHA's perceptions about what work stress events would drive their turnover intentions (TI) in year three of the pandemic. As part of a larger survey-based research project collecting numerical and textual data, this study conducted content analysis with qualitative data. Narrative data from 3,859 discrete responses of 1,139 NHAs, from 50 states and Washington D.C, on two open-ended electronic survey questions asking about their work stress and TI were collected February - March 2022. Categories and subcategories were counted and discussed in context as themes. We identified 4 main narrative categories with subcategories about NHA's stress about the regulatory system (e.g., excessive, conflicting, changing regulations), staffing (e.g., insufficient, agency staff), organizational pressures (e.g., work overload), and macro system stressors (e.g. media representation of nursing homes). Three main TI categories with subcategories were identified: the LTC setting and system (e.g., regulatory demands, staffing, facility surveys); personal factors (e.g. stress, career opportunities), and others (e.g., "I would never quit," or "I already decided to quit"). Whole community disaster planning, person-centered surveyor training, improved regulatory guidance, simplified reporting, adequate guidance assistance, and adequate staff could mitigate NHA stress and TI during crises. Administrator resilience should be recognized. Solutions for supporting NHAs can include long-term care industry participation in public health disaster preparedness coalitions, consistent regulatory guidelines with established communication channels, and ongoing crisis leadership training for administrators.

Processing, Value Addition and Post-Harvest Technology of Tomato: A Scoping Review on Global and Indian Perspective

India, with its favorable climatic conditions, is a major producer of tomatoes, ranking second globally. However, the tomato processing sector in India is underdeveloped, with only 1% of the produce being processed compared to developed nations such as Italy (64.02%), Spain (39.41%) and the United States (10.34%). Of the more than 180 million tonnes of tomatoes produced annually, around 40 million tonnes are processed. India's substantial tomato output, which occurs primarily in the winter, has made it a prominent participant in the global tomato processing industry. This would help the Indian market utilize tomato-based goods throughout the off-season. Lycopene, a beneficial compound, is found to be higher in processed tomato products compared to fresh tomatoes. Prominent companies in the Indian tomato processing industry include Hindustan Unilever, Nestle India, Mother Dairy, and Dabur India. Despite the potential, the sector faces challenges such as inadequate processing facilities and limited varieties suitable for processing, leading to substantial post-harvest losses. The demand for tomato-processed products in India has been increasing at 30% annually in recent years, with a rising variety of products being offered. Increased support, improved supply chain management, and adoption of advanced processing techniques could reduce wastage, add value, and enable India to become a prominent player in the global tomato processing industry. With the adoption of modern technologies such as automated sorting, grading, and cold storage facilities, the efficiency of the tomato processing industry can improve. This would reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better quality control.

Dari Kuasa Kapitalisme Tradisional Menuju Kendali Kapitalisme Digital: Studi Kasus Desainer Grafis Online Otodidak di Dusun Kaliabu

This study examines how self-taught online graphic designers in Kaliabu Village, Salaman District, Magelang Regency, Central Java, navigate the challenges and dependencies arising from digital platforms, particularly 99designs. Using a case study and in-depth interviews, the research reveals that, while digital technology appears to open new opportunities and empower individuals, it often reinforces control and exploitation within the digital economy. Most Kaliabu designers, lacking formal technical or creative education, leverage 99designs to access the global market, relying on self-developed skills to compete. Despite utilizing their informal capital, they are constrained by the platform's stringent rules. Although 99designs offers broad economic access, it imposes terms that limit designers' autonomy and innovation. Dependence on the platform forces designers to constantly adapt to its policies and face intense competition. The crowdsourcing system of 99designs, where projects are awarded through open competitions, exacerbates these dynamics, pushing designers to compete for every job. In the digital capitalist context, their informal capital often fails to overcome the platform's control and exploitation. This study highlights that while Kaliabu's self-taught designers can compete globally, they must navigate the balance between the freedom and control offered by digital technology. Digital technology enables participation in the digital industry but also presents challenges of control and exploitation that need addressing.

Legal consciousness and the crypto phenomenon: property ideologies, innovations and potential ramifications on financial system stability

Abstract How does the understanding of law among individuals involved in the crypto phenomenon originate, and how does it impact the trajectory of this innovation? This article examines the legal consciousness of crypto industry participants and state actors, exploring their ideologies on law, property and innovation through extensive document and archival research. It highlights the interplay between the crypto industry’s perception of crypto-assets’ possessing dynamic and self-regulating qualities beyond traditional legal boundaries and the increasing willingness of state actors, despite their reservations, to utilise law as a flexible tool to embrace innovation and promote economic competitiveness. By employing Minsky’s financial instability hypothesis, this article contextualises such legal consciousness within the financial system and contends that collective legal consciousness and associated behavioural dynamics substantially shape state–industry interactions, with the potential to destabilise the financial system. This article sheds light on the challenges presented by crypto-assets and the intricate interplay between law and technological advancements.

Competitiveness analysis of the South African avocado industry

ABSTRACT The South African avocado industry has experienced a major decline in its export performance which could be attributed to its overall competitiveness in the global export markets. This study seeks to analyse the competitiveness of the South African avocado industry based on the perceptions of the industry participants and other industry experts. The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive statement on the competitiveness of this industry for strategic planning by agribusiness managers and other key stakeholders to improve the industry’s competitiveness. A five-step analytical framework previously used in similar studies is applied to measure and analyse the competitive performance of the South African avocado industry. Through engagements with industry participants and experts, 90 factors that influence the competitiveness of the South African avocado industry were identified. An analysis of these factors using Porter’s Determinants of Competitiveness approach supported by measurements of comparative advantage using trade measures such as the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Relative Trade Advantage (RTA), Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA), Normalized Revealed Comparative Advantage (NRCA) and Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), this study was able to establish that the South African avocado industry is experiencing competitiveness challenges. Climate change, competition in the international markets, and various South African policies were identified as major constraints for the competitiveness of the South African avocado industry. Thirteen strategic actions that could be used to improve the competitiveness of this industry are recommended. The study mainly focused on the South African avocado industry; thus, generalisations should be cautious.

Research on the mechanism and path of the coupling of digital technology and environmental regulation to promote urban green efficiency

Digital technology, renowned for its embeddedness and integration, revolutionizes governance ideas, institutions, and models. Based on the panel data of 285 cities in China from 2007 to 2021, a panel vector autoregressive model (PVaR) is built to reveal the interaction mechanism between digital technology and environmental regulation. The fixed-effects panel model explored the green impact of the coupling of digital technology and environmental regulation, considering the mediating role of industrial upgrading, factor allocation, and public participation. The results show that digital technology and environmental regulation promote each other. The coupling of digital technology and environmental regulation enhances urban green efficiency, especially in economically advanced and eastern regions. Industrial upgrading, factor allocation, and public participation mediate this effect. Therefore, government departments should build ecological civilization by improving environmental management decision-making, promoting the deep integration of digital technology and environmental regulation, and exploring a new path of urban green development.

The DSAIL-GeJuSTA Data Science Education Workshop: Designing a Data Science Curriculum for the African Continent

The DSAIL-GeJuSTA Data Science Education Workshop was a joint initiative by the Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAIL) and Gender Justice in STEM Research in Africa (GeJUSTA). GeJUSTA is a programme funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) that is working towards increasing the representation of women in STEM. The workshop was held on 9 November 2023, during the 7th DeKUT International Conference on Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (STI&E) at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT). The conference ran from 8-10 November 2023. The event successfully convened 31 participants. The composition of the attendees was diverse, ranging from data-science educators, industry participants using data science, researchers who use data science and students in a myriad of courses, including engineering and pharmacy. The primary focus of the workshop was to have a discussion with the attendees and share practices around designing data-science curriculum, strategies for achieving gender equity in data-science education, addressing new technological challenges in education and fostering multidisciplinary approaches to data-science education. This report encapsulates the collective vision of the workshop participants, whose contributions have set the stage for progressive strides in data-science education.

How Do AI Companies “Fine-Tune” Policy? Examining Regulatory Capture in AI Governance

Industry actors in the United States have gained extensive influence in conversations about the regulation of general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Although industry participation is an important part of the policy process, it can also cause regulatory capture, whereby industry co-opts regulatory regimes to prioritize private over public welfare. Capture of AI policy by AI developers and deployers could hinder such regulatory goals as ensuring the safety, fairness, beneficence, transparency, or innovation of general-purpose AI systems. In this paper, we first introduce different models of regulatory capture from the social science literature. We then present results from interviews with 17 AI policy experts on what policy outcomes could compose regulatory capture in US AI policy, which AI industry actors are influencing the policy process, and whether and how AI industry actors attempt to achieve outcomes of regulatory capture. Experts were primarily concerned with capture leading to a lack of AI regulation, weak regulation, or regulation that over-emphasizes certain policy goals over others. Experts most commonly identified agenda-setting (15 of 17 interviews), advocacy (13), academic capture (10), information management (9), cultural capture through status (7), and media capture (7) as channels for industry influence. To mitigate these particular forms of industry influence, we recommend systemic changes in developing technical expertise in government and civil society, independent funding streams for the AI ecosystem, increased transparency and ethics requirements, greater civil society access to policy, and various procedural safeguards.

Jazz Cosmopolitanism In and Around Malawi: Musical Praxis in the Politics of Belonging

In this article I explore the notion of jazz cosmopolitanism in Malawi in an effort to examine the complexities of navigating transnational multicultural spaces. I am specifically interested in how this plays out in southern Africa, where the music industries are affected by ongoing influences from the Global North sedimented on top of a history of multiple types of colonialism. I outline some foundational works on music and cosmopolitanism in Africa before discussing the music and career of Malawian jazz guitarist and producer, Erik Paliani. Paliani stands apart from many Malawian musicians based on his career highlights, but also his commitment to jazz as an international and African art form as well as a means of navigating the world. I focus on two compositions as performed by him in order to explore creativity and positionality as they relate to the intersection of jazz and African musics. I also interrogate my own positioning as a foreign white male and frequent participant in the Malawian music industry since 1991. In doing so, I unpack some complexities to cultural representation in cosmopolitan African spaces articulating with discourses on mobility and privilege. My aim is to understand how reconciling individual expression and collective belonging may be accomplished through the praxis of Afro-jazz in southern Africa. I suggest that jazz cosmopolitanism, rooted in socio-musical practices in southern Africa and beyond, adds a crucial layer of expressive devices and referential frameworks that illustrates important stories of human experience in this region.

Transferência de Tecnologia à Luz da Política de Defesa Brasileira

The article discusses the evolution of technology transfer in Brazil, highlighting the collaboration between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Defense. Based on a strategy developed over five decades, Brazil has achieved a level of excellence in aerospace projects and production. The federal government has established a new approach that emphasizes the participation of industry and universities in research, development, and innovation programs focused on defense. The text also addresses the importance of understanding the specific attributes of military products and the need for effective integration between operational and research agencies. Additionally, priority areas for science and technology are presented, including weapon systems, space technology, energy, information, and defense against weapons of mass destruction.

The Role of Industrial Internships in Developing Work Self-Efficacy for Automotive Engineering Students

Ideally, vocational education graduates have the readiness and desire to work after graduation through various experiences at school. Industrial internships in vocational education are expected to support graduates' readiness to know the world of work according to their field of expertise. An anomaly, where so far it is suspected that there are still many vocational education graduates who are unemployed or work because they do not have the desire to work. This study aims to understand the role of the student experience in participating in an industrial internship program on automotive students' work self-efficacy at Yogyakarta State University (YSU). This is survey research with a student population of 102 people. A questionnaire was given to sample of industrial internship participants who were taken at simple random sampling from 91 people. The data were analysed using quantitative descriptive method and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Models using Smart PLS 3 software. The results showed that the developed instrument was proven to be valid for use and had a good estimate of reliability. Most students get internship experience in the good and very good categories. Some students have work self-efficacy in the high and very high categories after industrial internships. The experience of participating in industrial internships is proven to have a positive and significant contribution to student work self-efficacy. It is important for vocational education institutions, especially in the automotive sector, to support industrial internship programs that provide an optimal student experience.

Blockchain-enabled traceability systems for supply chain quality management: empirical insights from pharmaceutical manufacturers

PurposeThe emergence of blockchain technology has the potential to bring about transformative changes in various industries, with supply chain management being a prominent domain of application. This study investigates the strategic performance benefits of using blockchain-enabled traceability systems for improving supply chain quality management.Design/methodology/approachThe present study employed structural equation modelling to analyse data obtained from 200 practitioners working in Indian pharmaceutical companies.FindingsThe results reflect that blockchain-enabled traceability systems have a positive impact on multi-tier quality governance (MQG); supply chain process alignment and coordination (SPAC) and quality centric collaboration (QCC); all of which are the facets of supply chain quality management. Furthermore, when examining the impact of blockchain-enabled traceability systems on firm quality performance and economic performance, the mediation role of SPAC and QCC was confirmed, whereas the mediation role of MQG could not be established.Practical implicationsThe study’s empirical insights offer practical guidance for pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulators and other industry participants seeking to harness the potential of blockchain technology for creating resilient and transparent supply chains that uphold product quality and safety standards.Originality/valueThese findings underscore the significance of blockchain-enabled traceability systems in revolutionizing supply chain quality management practices to achieve superior strategic performance in the pharmaceutical sector.

Revitalization of urban industrial heritage from a perspective of spatial production theory: the case study of “Old market” project

ABSTRACT The renewal of urban industrial heritage brings many benefits, meanwhile facing challenges, and there is a lack of in-depth and specific case study analysis. Based on spatial production theory, this paper takes an iconic project as an example to explore its construction process and reveal the spatial and social changes it triggers. This case study investigates the changes in physical and social spaces resulting from the shift in the subjects of spatial production. By analyzing document data, spatial data, and field data, the following key findings and conclusions are obtained: 1) Capital led the regeneration process, transformed decaying factory buildings into consumer space, and activated the economic vitality of the area. 2) The construction of the physical space changed the spatial layout, structure and function that attracted the creative community and young visitors, changing daily lives of the space users. 3) However, the neglect of industrial culture and participation of nearby residents are obvious challenges. The results indicate that using spatial production as a theoretical analysis framework helps us fully understand the challenges faced in the renewal of urban industrial heritage projects. This study can provide a reference for small-scale urban heritage renewal projects, facilitating accurate decision-making.

Conducting online interviews with hard-to-reach hospitality industry participants

Face-to-face interviews have long been a cornerstone of qualitative research methods, yet they can face hindrances, such as long geographical distances and budget limitations for travel to research sites. An alternative solution is the use of online interview techniques. Although studies have discussed issues related to conducting online interviews, challenges in interviewing hard-to-reach participants are still unexplored. In the context of this article, these participants are difficult to reach because they lack the technology required to conduct online interviews and/or their contact information is unavailable. Additionally, there are also issues associated with conducting online interviews that make researchers doubt its ability to produce high-quality data. Based on fieldwork experiences, this research note discusses challenges that occurred during a series of online interviews with hard-to-reach participants in the hospitality industry. This study highlights that even though issues can occur, rich and meaningful data can still be generated from online interviews.

Comprehensive Brand Analysis of the Telecommunication Industry in Delhi and Delhi NCR

The telecommunication sector in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) is a crucial component of India's digital landscape, catering to a population exceeding 30 million and driving technological advancements in one of the country's most economically vibrant regions. In this dynamic environment, understanding the intricacies of brand strategies, market dynamics, and consumer behavior is paramount for industry stakeholders seeking to thrive amidst fierce competition and rapid technological evolution. This in-depth brand analysis embarks on a journey to unravel the complexities of the telecommunication sector in Delhi and the NCR. Through a meticulous blend of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the research endeavors to shed light on the diverse array of factors shaping the regional telecommunications landscape. From the strategies adopted by industry contenders to the regulatory frameworks governing operations, this exploration aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges inherent in the Delhi-NCR telecommunication market. The study delves into the strategies deployed by key players to navigate the competitive landscape. It illuminates how brands position themselves to capture market share, differentiate their offerings, and respond to evolving consumer demands. Additionally, the analysis dissects the regulatory context shaping operations within Delhi and the NCR, including licensing requirements, spectrum allocation policies, and consumer protection regulations. By examining the interplay between industry dynamics and regulatory frameworks, the research provides insights into the governance of the telecommunication sector in the region. As the telecommunication sector in Delhi-NCR continues to evolve, informed decision-making becomes imperative for industry participants, policymakers, and investors alike. By synthesizing insights gleaned from the analysis of market dynamics, consumer preferences, and regulatory frameworks, this examination serves as a strategic resource for navigating the complexities of the regional telecommunication market. Armed with actionable intelligence and a nuanced understanding of the telecommunication landscape, stakeholders can capitalize on emerging opportunities, address challenges, and contribute to the continued growth and innovation of the sector in Delhi and the NCR.

Analysis of the Implementation of As-Salam Contract in White Garlic Purchase Transactions between Retailers and Distributors: Case Study White Garlic Industry Supply Chain in Medan City

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the application of the As Salam contract in the purchasing system of garlic between retail traders and importers in Medan, Indonesia. Research Methodology: The research utilizes a qualitative approach, employing observation and structured interviews with key participants in the garlic trading industry. The instruments include interview guides and observational checklists to gather detailed insights into the contract negotiation and execution process. Results: The findings indicate that the trading practice involves detailed contract agreements, including specific terms on quantity, quality, and delivery schedules. The principles of the As Salam contract are strictly adhered to, ensuring clarity and minimizing the potential for disputes. Prepayment is an integral part of the contract, facilitating efficient stock planning and delivery logistics. Limitations: The study is limited to the garlic trade within the Medan region, which may restrict the broader applicability of the findings to other commodities or regions. Contribution: This research contributes to the discipline of Islamic economics by providing practical insights into the implementation of As Salam contracts in commodity trading, offering a model for ensuring fairness and transparency in accordance with Islamic law.

Exploring the Ecological Structure of Agricultural Industry School Partnership Systems in the Gippsland Region, Australia

This paper aims to explore the structure of agricultural industry school partnerships (ISPs) by applying Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to partnerships delivered in Gippsland, Australia. Agricultural ISPs are one potential setting for industry-relevant learning and career education to occur. This may assist in alleviating agricultural workforce shortages and addressing educational issues related to student career outcomes. A mixed methods case study methodology was employed, with data analyzed through frequency counts and Braun and Clarke’s method of thematic analysis. Surveys (n = 111) and semi-structured interviews (n = 57 pre-participation, n = 68 post-participation) were used with educators (n = 56) and industry participants (n = 62) from ISPs delivered through CQUniversity Australia’s Raising Aspirations in Careers and Education—Gippsland project from 2021–2023. This research finds that the agricultural ISPs studied function as interdependent ecological systems. The facilitator played a crucial role in delivering the ISPs, including connecting educators and industry partners. The study is limited by the number of agricultural ISPs explored and by only collecting data from two stakeholders within the system. However, these findings contribute to a greater understanding of the complex structure of agricultural ISPs, which can help those creating ISPs to consider and understand all stakeholders’ needs. Exploring ISPs as ecological systems also provides a lens to approach research improving similar educational practices. Further research could deepen our understanding of these systems.