International Events Research Articles

Israel in the Italian Media Before 7 October

Images broadcast on television, radio analyses, and long articles printed in newspapers and, today, the content of digital platforms have become an overwhelming part of our daily lives. The history of the State of Israel, which has been debated since its foundation, is very complex and not exempt from the reverberations that the policies of the opposing blocs have had over time on the conflicts that followed. Given the attention of the European public to international events concerning Israel and the role of the media in conveying information about them, the aim of this research was to investigate how Israel is talked about in the current media environment in Italy, particularly the digital one, within the Facebook platform between the years 2019 and 2021. This is the period before the outbreak of the war on 7 October 2023; this is to try to understand whether Israel has always been narrated according to specific media frames in Italy, such as those we see emerging with the current conflict against Hamas, or is it possible to highlight different aspects in previous years within the same context of crisis, but a global health crisis: before and after COVID-19.

Preface: 3rd International Conference on Modern Medicine Technology and Clinical Science (MMTCS 2024)

We are glad to introduce you that the 2024 3rd International Conference on Modern Medicine Technology and Clinical Science (MMTCS 2024) was successfully held in Tokyo, Japan from August 17-18, 2024. This conference brought together innovative academics and industrial experts in the fields of modern medicine technology, pharmaceutical engineering, and clinical science and application to a common forum. The primary goal of the conference is to promote research and developmental activities, and another goal is to promote scientific information interchange between researchers, developers, engineers, students, and practitioners working all around the world. During the conference, the conference model was divided into three sessions, including oral presentations, keynote speeches, and Q & A discussion. All the papers have been processed to meet the requirements of international publication standard. We selected a bunch of high-quality papers and compiled them into proceedings after rigorously reviewing. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the distinguished keynote speakers, as well as all the participants. We also want to thank the publisher for publishing the proceedings. May the readers could enjoy and gain some valuable knowledge from the MMTCS 2024 proceedings. We are expecting more and more experts and scholars from all over the world to join this international event next year. The Scientific Committee of MMTCS 2024 Tokyo, Japan

Membangun Wawasan Global Warga Negara Muda melalui Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan Global di Indonesia

This article aims to describe the global insights of young citizens and the conceptual framework of global citizenship education in Indonesia. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a literature study method carried out through several stages ranging from collecting, analyzing, to interpreting data from various written sources, such as books, journal articles, research reports, and other documents. Global insight includes not only knowledge of international events, but also an in-depth understanding of how those events are interrelated and impact everyday life in different parts of the world. In this era, young people must be able to think critically and be adaptive to global changes, as well as have high social awareness to be able to contribute positively in a global society. Global awareness includes cultural awareness, interconnectivity, global identity, social responsibility and critical thinking skills. All these dimensions aim to equip youth with the necessary skills to participate in a global society and deal with international issues. In the Indonesian curriculum, global citizenship education needs to be integrated with relevant approaches through thematic learning, collaborative projects, and the use of technology, aligned with the standards set by UNESCO to encourage awareness and active participation in global issues. This approach includes a number of key elements designed to improve learners' understanding, skills and attitudes in an interconnected global context.

Staff wellbeing in context: considering the impact of world events

The editor highlights the importance of considering the impact of national and international events on healthcare staff, especially when planning interventions to improve wellbeing and team cohesion.

Conference Report: PCIM Expo & Conference - the leading international event for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management (PCIM Europe) June 11-13, 2024, Nürnberg, Germany

Conference Report: PCIM Expo & Conference - the leading international event for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management (PCIM Europe) June 11-13, 2024, Nürnberg, Germany

Female landscapes

The aim of this article is to reflect on the presence of colonized women in photographs and other representations, such as drawings, posters, postcards, exhibition catalogues, newspapers and magazines, which were disseminated in the context of the Portuguese colonial expositions, and in exhibition spaces conceived by the Portuguese with a colonial component. Generally speaking, the exhibitions sought to put forward the progress, taking into account land, rail and sea transport, but also roads, communications, trade, industry, arts, architecture, culture, and the most recent advances in science and medicine. The exhibitions were also places where the logic of colonial models was staged, showing a clear relationship between colonial domination and gender representation. The research includes several materials produced throughout the 1930s (a fertile period regarding the Portuguese participation in this kind of international events) intended to publicize these exhibitions or serve as a complement to them. These materials may include art works or merely propagandistic works, or works that combine both components. The analysis will include materials associated with several exhibitions between 1931 and 1940, such as the International Colonial Exhibition of Paris (1931), the Lisbon Industrial Exhibition (1932), the Portuguese Colonial Exhibition in Porto (1934), the Exhibition of the Portuguese World in Lisbon (1940), and the Portugal of the Little Ones (Portugal dos Pequenitos) in Coimbra (1940). The contexts in which women appear and the way they are represented — as active beings (performing tasks), as contemplative beings (as in natural landscapes) or as objects of sexual desire, revealing the context of power (legislative, administrative, male and colonial) in which the images and the representations were produced — will be analyzed.

Building a Sustainable and Resilient U.S. Disaster Response and Relief Logistics System: Lessons from Domestic and International Events

The United States (U.S.) has experienced frequent and severe natural disasters in recent time. This has in turn uncovered significant challenges in disaster relief and emergency response systems, particularly in the area of logistics. These challenges often lead to delays, inefficiencies and environmental consequences. Hence, creating a two-sided challenge, that requires both sustainability initiatives as well as a resilient Logistics system to fix. The lessons learned from prior domestic and international occurrences such as Hurricane Katrina, the 2011 Japan tsunami, and the Haiti earthquake presents the basis for the paper to examine the weaknesses and develop means of improving the current system. Therefore, this paper focuses on how the U.S. can improve its disaster response and relief system while building a resilient logistics system through unique strategies and recommendations inspired by the lessons learned from previous happenings. The recommendations for improvement include the implementation of green technologies, the decentralization of the system, improved public-private partnerships, and the optimization of the supply chain through the uses of predictive analytics and blockchain technology (Ahmed et al., 2024; Bealt et al., 2016; Hoshiba & Ozaki, 2014).

Cultural Awareness in Modern Warfare

The international events of recent years have pointed to the fact that the role of the correlation and relationship between cultural awareness and the armed forces are much more important than as previously thought, and the analysis of the cultural background of the adversary can greatly help defeat the enemy and understand their motivations in modern conflicts. Today’s confrontations are not only about the use of physical force, but also about the clash of cultural narratives and identities. The better we understand the cultural aspect, the better we can provide resources to learn about the enemy’s cultural background, and the faster we can find weak points and use them as leverage to develop a successful strategy. The role of cultural awareness in modern warfare should not be underestimated. The presence of cultural factors can also be discovered during the recent Russian–Ukrainian war, which can be analysed not only as a traditional clash of forces, but also as a cultural and historical clash of the two countries.

The Development of Integrated Marketing Communication Strategies for Organizing International Running Events

This study employs a mixed-methods approach with the following objectives1) To study integrated marketing communication strategies for organizing international running events. 2) To examine the factors influencing the decision to participate in international running events. 3) To investigate the service marketing mix (7Ps) factors that affect the decision to participate in international running events. 4) To analyze the influence of social media on the participation in international running events. The findings reveal that successful marketing strategies for international running events require clear objectives and distinctive product positioning, incorporating creative elements with local identity, culture, traditions, cuisine, and tourist attractions into the event design. These elements should be reflected in race apparel, medals, trophies, and the overall atmosphere to enhance participants' experiences, which can then be shared on social media platforms. This approach fosters loyalty and encourages repeat participation and event promotion. Additionally, integrated marketing communication tools must be utilized to effectively engage potential participants and stimulate interest. Among the 7Ps of service marketing, the distribution channel emerged as the most influential factor affecting participation decisions. Structural equation modeling analysis further indicates that the marketing mix factors directly influence social media exposure, and both marketing mix factors and social media exposure directly impact the decision to participate in international running events. Indirectly, social media exposure mediates the relationship between the marketing mix and participation decisions.

A Survey on the Intercultural Competence of Chinese Students Volunteers for the International Events at Private Colleges —Taking the Sixth China International Import Expo as an Example

A Survey on the Intercultural Competence of Chinese Students Volunteers for the International Events at Private Colleges —Taking the Sixth China International Import Expo as an Example

The impact of climate policy uncertainty on the Italian financial market

In this paper, we develop the Climate Policy Uncertainty Index (CPU) for the Italian context based on news from major Italian newspapers. The CPU index exhibits distinct movements around major national and international climate events. We also investigate the effects of CPU on the Italian financial market. The results provide evidence that a shock CPU has a negative impact on financial market performance.

Postage Stamps as Political and Religious Propaganda: The Case of Hamas

The article, “Postage Stamps as Political and Religious Propaganda: The Case of Hamas,” analyzes the use of postage stamps by Hamas between 2009 and 2019 as a medium for disseminating political, religious, and nationalist messages. After assuming control of Gaza in 2007, Hamas issued 148 stamps, utilizing them to assert its legitimacy, promote resistance to Israel, and shape a Palestinian historical narrative. Although these stamps were not recognized by the Universal Postal Union, they served as an important communication tool within Gaza. The study reveals that over half of the stamps focus on themes related to the national struggle, including martyrdom, military operations, and Palestinian unity. Additionally, religious symbols, particularly those related to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and international commemorative events are prominent features. The findings suggest that stamps were strategically employed by Hamas to strengthen its role in the Palestinian struggle and to enhance its domestic legitimacy. The article concludes by proposing further comparative research between the stamps of Hamas and those issued by other non-recognized entities, while also addressing the potential influence of the 2023 Gaza conflict on future stamp issuance.

Event Bidding Success Factors of Malaysia’s Business Events: Exploring the Potential Gap in Destination Selection Attributes

Understanding the destination selection attributes is crucial for the survival of the business events industry at any destination. This is particularly pertinent in the business events industry, where competition is strong in the current economic situation. As the landscape of business events continues to evolve, destinations must strategically position themselves to attract and retain these valuable gatherings. The decision-making regarding the selection of the business event destination is prone to be influenced by various potential attributes that are yet to be determined through further exploration. The association or event organizer may exercise their judgment or discretion in selecting the venue, giving them a great deal of flexibility. For Malaysia to be the preferred destination and improve its ranking in international business events especially in Asia Pacific, the products and services supply must be relevant and meet the expectations of the external market. Despite the importance of the business event industry, much of the existing scholarly work has been predominantly focused on the destination selection attributes for leisure and international sports events only. Thus, this paper aims to extend the body of knowledge by investigating whether similar outcomes can be elicited when it comes to business events, with a particular emphasis on understanding the concept and attributes within the context of Malaysian business event associations. Additionally, this study will assist the local hosting and organizations to develop their bid and marketing strategies appropriately by offering exceptional products and services that are customized to meet the expectations of their intended associations.

Sports Facility Development and Politics in Budapest since 1945

The interaction between sports and politics has extensively contributed to shaping the sports system, which is evident in the creation of sports facilities and institutions in Hungary. The legal framework of sports organizations, potential of elite and grassroots athletes, incorporation of Hungarian sports into the international sports structure, and public financial funding of physical activity have been dependent on the dominant political powers and existing international diplomatic relationships. The history of sports facility development in Budapest and the role of capital in organising international sporting events faced new political challenges after World War II. During the socialist era, the main role of sports was to prove the excellence of the socialist system; therefore, political leadership provided funds to create a suitable environment for top athletes to train and compete. After the political and economic transition of 1989–1990, sports encountered the challenges of an unfamiliar market economy. After a decade of adaptation, from the beginning of the twenty-first century, sports assumed a new strategic role in creating a healthier society, which included significant investments in Budapest’s sports infrastructure.

Foodservice strategies for reducing athlete illness at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In 2021, infection control guidelines, including those specific to feeding environments, were introduced by the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees to reduce virus transmission at the Tokyo 2020 Summer and Beijing 2022 Winter games. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to investigate caterers' compliance to these guidelines which included measures for personal hygiene, sanitisation, and physical distancing at these events. Expert sport dietitians attending Tokyo (n = 15) and Beijing (n = 7) games were surveyed to rate 11 COVID-19 countermeasures as fully (100%), partially or non-compliant at nine dining locations across both events. Descriptive analysis of each countermeasure based on observed compliance and location was conducted and reported as a proportion of the total responses. To better understand participant perspectives of the factors influencing compliance, open responses were systematically coded into themes and sub-themes by researchers through content analysis. Themes generated from participant comments were categorised based on their relevance to specific countermeasures and locations to identify commonalities and disparities in participant experiences, perceptions, and observations. All main dining halls at both events were observed as 100% compliant to countermeasures on more occasions compared with Tokyo's venues and satellite villages. However, Beijing's three main dining halls, showed a greater compliance compared with Tokyo's main dining hall, likely due to overcrowding in Tokyo. Comments suggested that smaller dining spaces, with overcrowding, may have contributed to reduced compliance to physical distancing measures. Food safety concerns were raised about gastrointestinal distress in Beijing due to food cross-contamination. Findings suggest that the food service environment may influence caterers' abilities to comply with foodservice safety and infection control guidelines. In the post-pandemic era, enhanced quality control and standardised risk mitigation strategies are needed to improve athletes' health at international sporting events.

Less is more? An analysis of end time limits in individual divisions at international Boccia events

ABSTRACT The strategic throwing of balls in Boccia matches is influenced by the end duration, prompting athletes to consider their moves carefully. Implementing different end’s time limits could enhance game dynamics, motivating athletes to elevate their performance and engage the audience further. Therefore, this study aims to assess the suitability of the pre-established time limit for each end in Boccia across individual divisions (BC1, BC2, BC3, and BC4) by analysing their remaining unused time. A total of 784 matches from international competitions, including the Americas’ Championship, Asian and Oceania Championship, European Championship, and World Championship, were examined. Findings suggest the potential for a one-minute reduction in the currently established time for BC1 and BC2 divisions. A decreased time limit could enhance the appeal of Boccia for spectators, media, and sponsors.

The Application Progress of Nonthermal Plasma Technology in the Modification of Bone Implant Materials.

With the accelerating trend of global aging, bone damage caused by orthopedic diseases, such as osteoporosis and fractures, has become a shared international event. Traffic accidents, high-altitude falls, and other incidents are increasing daily, and the demand for bone implant treatment is also growing. Although extensive research has been conducted in the past decade to develop medical implants for bone regeneration and healing of body tissues, due to their low biocompatibility, weak bone integration ability, and high postoperative infection rates, pure titanium alloys, such as Ti-6A1-4V and Ti-6A1-7Nb, although widely used in clinical practice, have poor induction of phosphate deposition and wear resistance, and Ti-Zr alloy exhibits a lack of mechanical stability and processing complexity. In contrast, the Ti-Ni alloy exhibits toxicity and low thermal conductivity. Nonthermal plasma (NTP) has aroused widespread interest in synthesizing and modifying implanted materials. More and more researchers are using plasma to modify target catalysts such as changing the dispersion of active sites, adjusting electronic properties, enhancing metal carrier interactions, and changing their morphology. NTP provides an alternative option for catalysts in the modification processes of oxidation, reduction, etching, coating, and doping, especially for materials that cannot tolerate thermodynamic or thermosensitive reactions. This review will focus on applying NTP technology in bone implant material modification and analyze the overall performance of three common types of bone implant materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers. The challenges faced by NTP material modification are also discussed.

Residents' Support for Major Sporting Events in the Postponement Context: A Case Study of the 31st Summer Universiade

ABSTRACTThe COVID‐19 pandemic forced the postponement of some international events, such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which negatively impacted residents and the local tourism industry. Therefore, it is necessary to understand residents' support for hosting major sporting events. We surveyed 769 residents using a structural equation model and applied social exchange theory (SET) to analyse the 31st Summer Universiade and examine their support for hosting major sporting events. The results revealed a significant relationship between postponement risk perception and the perceived costs and benefits, which affected the residents' support for hosting major events. These findings confirmed perceived benefits and costs as key factors determining residents' support for/opposition to major events. We proposed the residents' postponement risk perception concept, integrated it into the event tourism research model, and expanded the explanatory power of SET in unconventional contexts, providing stakeholders with references for planning and hosting events under special circumstances.

Does hosting FIFA World Cup attract inward FDI? An empirical investigation using sectoral panel data of 12 countries

PurposeThe primary objective is to analyze the direct and short-run impact of hosting the FIFA World Cup on inward FDI, considering both aggregate and sectoral levels. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the moderating role of governance quality on this impact, emphasizing the importance of robust institutional frameworks in attracting FDI.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses panel data spanning 1970–2022, encompassing 12 countries that have hosted FIFA World Cup events. The study employs a linear regression model with a robust weighted least squares (RWLS) estimation method. It incorporates various control variables and the institutional quality as moderating variables, to evaluate the impact of hosting the FIFA World Cup on inward FDI at both aggregate and sectoral levels.FindingsHosting the FIFA World Cup is associated with a significant average increase of $4.33 bn in inward FDI at the aggregate level. Notably, governance quality serves as a critical moderating factor, with well-governed countries experiencing a more substantial increase in FDI, totaling $10.5 bn. At the sectoral level, the results reveal that poorly governed countries attract FDI in primary sectors, while well-governed countries attract FDI in secondary and tertiary sectors. This highlights the nuanced dynamics of FDI attraction depending on the institutional quality of the host countries.Research limitations/implicationsA primary limitation lies in the scarcity of sectoral-level data, constraining the comprehensive study of the relationship between hosting mega-sport events and FDI. Future research could explore alternative data sources and methodologies to overcome this limitation. Additionally, extending the analysis to include other economic indicators beyond FDI could provide a more holistic understanding of the economic implications of hosting major international sporting events.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by focusing exclusively on the FIFA World Cup and undertaking a comprehensive sectoral analysis. By incorporating governance quality as a moderating variable, it adds a nuanced layer to the understanding of the impact of hosting international events on FDI at the sectoral level. The findings underscore the importance of targeted strategies and robust institutional quality in enhancing FDI attractiveness.

Environmentally clean and dirty energy equities during extraordinary global conditions

I examine which extraordinary international events coincide with pronounced changes in the equity markets for some of the world’s largest publicly traded suppliers on opposite sides of the global energy mix — oil and environmentally clean energy companies. First, I adapt an intuitively appealing non-parametric filter to empirically timestamp unexpected and prominent increases and decreases in a wide range of global indicators relevant to the international energy market. Then, I use such extraordinary conditions to characterise the performance of oil and environmentally clean energy equities, and their relationships. My findings suggest that jumps in the global stock market, international crude oil market shocks, and the US dollar real effective exchange rate, are the indicators that define the financial landscape during which considerable gains, losses, and instability across both types of energy markets materialise. In contrast, major elevated uncertainties related to geo-political risk and climate policy reflect relative stability in the equities of both oil and environmentally clean energy companies. Although these results imply that both energy assets are potentially lucrative hedging strategies for investors to exploit during heightened geo-political and climate policy uncertainties, clean energy equities offer market participants the option to combine profit maximising and sustainability objectives while minimising global energy security risks.