International Exposure Research Articles

Institutional Imprints and Corporate Misconduct: Unravelling the Interplay of Economic History and Firm Choices on Earnings Manipulation in an Emerging Economy

This study investigates the impact of firms’ legacy institutional imprints on its engagement in corporate misconduct. We discover that a closed economic regime’s protectionist policies inscribe imprints in the form of opaque organizational routines and cause incumbent firms to develop competitive limitations. Utilizing the theoretical principles of the organizational imprinting theory, this research attests to the endurance of corruptive routines and argues that the degree of closed economy imprints increases firms’ engagement in income-increasing earnings management in the post-liberalization period. Furthermore, we find that the impact of imprints is weakened by firms’ choices on international exposure and internal innovation. By utilizing the historical data on Indian economic policies from 1956 to 1991 and analyzing a sample of 18,432 firm-year observations for 2,396 listed Indian manufacturing firms from 1997 to 2007, we find support for our hypotheses.

Potential health risks of inhaling hazardous chemical exposures at fuel stations: a pilot study in a hot, arid environment

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the issue of exposure to hazardous chemical compounds and the potential health risks associated with them. Fuel stations play a critical role in society, supporting the transportation industry and serving the general public. However, the routine activities at these stations expose workers and customers to dangerous chemical compounds, posing potential health risks. As part of a pilot study, the exposure of workers and customers to hazardous chemical compounds at fuel stations in Kuwait, characterized by its hot and arid environment, was investigated. The study specifically looked at volatile organic compounds (VOC) concentration and their effects on human health. Three hundred-eight air samples were collected in a hot, arid environment, focusing on fuel stations. Two sampling methods were used in this pilot study: personal inhalation exposure using active sampling and workplace air sampling using passive sampling. Samples were collected in fuel filling areas, indoor control rooms, and through personal exposures, adhering to ISO procedures (EPA TO-17). The study also assessed the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to human health to potential exposure to hazardous hazardous chemicals. The findings revealed that hazardous chemicals levels in the pump area were lower than those in the indoor control rooms. Workers’ inhalation exposure to hazardous chemicals remained below the international occupational exposure limit (OEL). However, the study identified unsafe inhalation exposure levels to Benzene, which could have adverse carcinogenic effects. In contrast, exposure to ethylbenzene was found to be within safe limits, with no associated carcinogenic effects. This study underscores the importance of identifying the risks associated with exposure to hazardous chemical compounds to minimize human health risks and promote a safe working environment.

Skinamarink and the algorithmic uncanny interface between children's and horror film TikTok cultures

Skinamarink, the surprise micro-budget horror film sensation of 2023, gained unexpected international exposure by going viral on TikTok after the film was accidentally leaked online. The film's virality was propelled by an algorithmically driven cross-pollination between forces at seemingly oppositional ends of the taste-cultural spectrum – horror film and children's cultures. Extending theorisations of the digital and algorithmic uncanny, the article outlines how the TikTok algorithm and young platform users collaborated to position a film regarded as one of the most terrifying of the year as a participatory ‘challenge’ that adopts TikTok dynamics popular with children such as ‘intensified play’.

Sense of Place in Latin America: Mobilities, Territorialities, and Fear

ABSTRACTSense of place has become relevant in Latin America in recent decades. Although many scholars have looked at people‐place relationships there, language barriers have limited the international exposure of these studies. By assembling a collection of works mainly published in Spanish and Portuguese, we trace the fields of research where the concept has taken root and reflect upon the regional characteristics of sense of place. Overall, this review provides empirical insights into the human experience of place in a culturally diverse region marked by historical injustices, inequalities, and instability. These structures have created specific, often ambivalent senses of place, organized around resistance and adaptation. A more nuanced understanding of sense of place, which emphasizes the richness and complexities of people‐place connections, will help avoid oversimplification and idealization in future theories. To frame our analysis, we investigate sense of place from the perspective of humanistic geography. Overlapping with other non‐representational inquiries, the humanistic lens focuses on human‐environment relationships—encompassing experiences, behaviors, ideas, and feelings—to deepen our understanding of the intricate and multifaceted human condition and the essential role of place in human life. Our review shows that sense of place has proven helpful in shedding light on critical Latin American socio‐spatial phenomena such as mobilities, territorialities, and fear. Regionally, researchers center on marginalized and oppressed senses of place framed by longstanding structural inequalities stemming from a colonial legacy, capitalism, and neoliberalism. We highlight “geographies of terror,” “diabolic places,” and “necroplaces” as powerful categories that address the grim reality in the region.

An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship Between Digital Transformation and Supply Chain Centralization

The study delves into the repercussions of enterprise digital transformation on supply chains, particularly scrutinizing how the international experiences of enterprise top management teams (TMTs) shape these effects. Drawing upon data spanning from 2007 to 2020 from Chinese listed companies, the research unveils that the digital metamorphosis of enterprises substantially diminishes the concentration within their supply chains. Interestingly, TMTs’ overseas experiences exhibit a mitigating effect on this phenomenon, indicating that such experiences significantly foster the reduction of supply chain concentration propelled by enterprise digital transformation. Moreover, they facilitate the diversification of supply chains. Further analysis underscores that this influence is more pronounced in non-high-tech sectors and privately-owned enterprises. This investigation highlights a noteworthy trend: as Chinese enterprises embrace digitalization, their supply chain configurations tend towards greater diversification rather than centralized structures. These findings underscore the pivotal role of TMTs' international exposure in shaping the dynamics of supply chain evolution amidst the digital transformation landscape.

International exposure and the transmission of financial shocks: Evidence from China

This study explores the impact of adverse financial shocks on Chinese firms through the bank lending channel and the firm borrowing channel. Using new data linking Chinese firms to their bank(s) and three measures of exposure to international markets, we find that banks with greater exposure to the international markets cut lending more during the financial and sovereign debt crises or when there is a negative shock to OECD GDP growth. Furthermore, state-owned bank loans are more pro-cyclical than private bank loans, and would have been even more pro-cyclical if state-owned banks had not assumed any responsibility for stimulus policies. With regard to the firm borrowing channel, we find that firms with higher weighted aggregate exposure to the international markets through banks have lower net debt, cash, employment, and capital investment during crises or when there is a negative shock to OECD GDP growth. Our results have significant implications for how global financial shocks are transmitted in a regulated financial market such as China.

Assessing and Enhancing Core Competencies in Vocational Education: A Case Study of Senior Students at Guangxi Police College, China

This study evaluates the core competencies of senior students at Guangxi Police College within the framework of higher vocational education and provides guidelines for enhancing these skills. A Likert 5-Point Scale questionnaire based on Lin Chongde’s 2017 framework assessed these competencies among 155 students. A statistical study of the data, concentrating on mean values and standard deviations, indicated variable levels of competence across six dimensions: moral awareness, social responsibility, cultural comprehension, critical thinking, language competency, and aesthetic appreciation. They demonstrated high levels of ethical awareness, social responsibility, cultural understanding, critical thinking, and aesthetic appreciation, while language abilities were graded as medium, indicating a need for targeted improvement. Recommendations include incorporating interactive language activities and industry-specific training, targeting critical thinking through case studies and debate clubs, broadening cultural understanding through international exposure, cultivating aesthetic appreciation through art classes, and increasing social responsibility through community service and internships. Integrating ethics education across all disciplines and practical ethical dilemma workshops were suggested to promote moral awareness. This study presents a complete examination of basic abilities in a vocational environment and offers actionable suggestions for educational improvement. This paper addresses the critical gap in creating vocational training programs for police officers. It focuses on police students' vocational education and provides a detailed assessment of fundamental abilities adapted for law enforcement training. The study findings give an insightful overview of the viable future revisions in vocational programs that match the educational requirements and practical demands of the police profession.

Perceived impact of English medium instruction on transnational graduates in Türkiye: Insights from a mixed-methods study

This study explores the experiences and perceptions of transnational graduates from English medium instruction (EMI) programs at a Turkish higher education institution. A mixed-methods approach employing descriptive statistics and content analysis investigates how graduates perceive the impact of EMI on their content knowledge, English proficiency, career advancement, international exposure, and academic participation. Drawing on self-reported data, the study found that EMI programs contributed to professional development, facilitated career opportunities, and improved English language proficiency, particularly in technical vocabulary. Participants also reported feeling confident in their field-specific competencies and had better engagement with international communities and developments. Qualitative findings highlighted communication challenges experienced by transnational graduates when engaging with residents of their host communities. The study indicates the long-term outcomes of EMI programs for transnational graduates in today's interconnected and diverse professional landscape.

Semi-autonomous sensor fusion-based strategy for unmanned aerial atmospheric surveillance system in open field environments

<p>This paper explores the convergence of semi-autonomous systems and sensor fusion for monitoring hazardous atmospheric substances in open and semi-confined environments such as open-pit mines. As the heart of this system, a universal and flexible device leveraging wireless technologies to collect and analyze large volumes of data, designed by the authors, is proposed. The article outlines the key components of the platform, emphasizing its potential for increasing personnel safety levels as stipulated by the international public exposure guidelines. In modern mines, it becomes crucial to monitor elevated concentrations of nitrogen and carbon oxides, as well as other pollutants after blasting and the toxic gas emissions produced by the heavy transportation equipment such as mining trucks and excavators. In this paper, industrial-grade electrochemical sensors are compared with price-affordable but less precise microelectrochemical ones. The performed experiments for lowering computational requirements show promising results. The integration of an ultrasonic anemometer enhances the system’s capabilities, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric conditions. In parallel, the research discusses the role of computer vision in autonomous control systems, with a focus on the architecture and processing pipeline of the state-of-the-art system-on-module Kria by AMD. Advocating the potential of adaptive computing for enhanced efficiency in dynamic environments, the paper underlines the importance of the integrated approach in developing a semi-autonomous atmospheric surveillance system and highlights the impact of adaptive computing in dynamic scenarios. The main part of the measuring equipment and methods has been experimented with in real conditions in open-pit mines in Bulgaria. This is an initial phase of ongoing research aimed at serving as a foundation for future improvements and the elaboration of a fully autonomous prototype for hazardous substances evaluation in the atmosphere of open-pit mines.<strong></strong></p>

CEO overseas experience and sustainability report disclosure: Evidence from Indonesia

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between chief executive officers' (CEOs) overseas experience and social responsibility (SR) disclosure, as well as how CEOs from reputable universities can moderate this relationship. Using 488 firm‐year observations from firms listed on the Bursa Efek Indonesia (Indonesian Stock Exchange) and data from the Global Reporting Initiative databases from 2010 to 2021, this study finds a significant negative association between foreign‐educated CEOs (CEO overseas experience) and SR disclosure. This study also finds that CEOs from reputable universities can weaken this relationship. The results are robust to endogeneity tests using the coarsened exact match (CEM) and Heckman's two‐stage regressions. Furthermore, overseas experience CEOs have a significantly negative impact on all dimensions of SR disclosure, except for the environmental and product dimensions. Investors may consider CEOs' foreign education as an additional factor in their investment decisions. This study suggests that firms with CEOs with international exposure tend to exhibit lower levels of SR disclosures. This insight can aid investors in evaluating sustainability and ethical performance by aligning their investment portfolios with CSR objectives and preferences.

Air-liquid interface exposure of A549 human lung cells to characterize the hazard potential of a gaseous bio-hybrid fuel blend.

Gaseous and semi-volatile organic compounds emitted by the transport sector contribute to air pollution and have adverse effects on human health. To reduce harmful effects to the environment as well as to humans, renewable and sustainable bio-hybrid fuels are explored and investigated in the cluster of excellence "The Fuel Science Center" at RWTH Aachen University. However, data on the effects of bio-hybrid fuels on human health is scarce, leaving a data gap regarding their hazard potential. To help close this data gap, this study investigates potential toxic effects of a Ketone-Ester-Alcohol-Alkane (KEAA) fuel blend on A549 human lung cells. Experiments were performed using a commercially available air-liquid interface exposure system which was optimized beforehand. Then, cells were exposed at the air-liquid interface to 50-2000 ppm C3.7 of gaseous KEAA for 1 h. After a 24 h recovery period in the incubator, cells treated with 500 ppm C3.7 KEAA showed significant lower metabolic activity and cells treated with 50, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm C3.7 KEAA showed significant higher cytotoxicity compared to controls. Our data support the international occupational exposure limits of the single KEAA constituents. This finding applies only to the exposure scenario tested in this study and is difficult to extrapolate to the complex in vivo situation.

Power of the influencer - the possibilities of using social media to develop the Namibian fashion industry

This article explores how social media can be used as a tool to develop the nascent Namibian fashion industry and encourage consumer interest. This research started from the hypothesis that a localised social media platform could be used as a tool to boost industry competitiveness as well as consumer support. The research took on a mixed methods approach where a survey was undertaken, followed by a series of interviews of local fashion industry stakeholders to gain insight into how social media could best serve Namibian fashion. Analysis of results indicates that a localised social media platform could be beneficial for the industry but it is important that such a platform not exclude opportunities of international exposure and networking. Furthermore, for such a platform to work, stakeholders in the Namibian fashion industry will have to embrace the power of influencers on social media, and the idea of ‘co-creation’ with the social media audience.

Religious Moderation Perspectives and Pratices in Muslim Youths With International Exposure

Travel across border give opportunity to people to immerse in a diverse groups and societies. It is hoped to enrich life experiences that lays the groundwork for the creation of more harmonious and tolerant societies. Religious moderation, especially in Indonesian context, require tolerance, anti-violence, the sense of nationality and local culture acceptance from its citizen to maintain the harmonious, moreover, the unity of Indonesia as a country. Unfortunately, some Muslim youths were found to have low tolerance toward different religion groups. This study aims to assess if Muslim youths with international exposure have good moderation perspectives and practices in religion, including tolerance. This study is a quantitative descriptive with the help of survey tool to collect data from Muslim youths with international experiences. The analysis was carried out using univariate analysis. The results depict that more than 90% of the 155 respondents have good perspectives and practices toward religious moderation. Only practice of tolerance has slightly lower percentage which is 89%. More international programs for Muslim youths are encouraged to help them increase the level of tolerance toward differences

Latent class models for capturing unobserved heterogeneity in major global causes of mortality: The cases of traffic crashes and COVID-19

Existing models for correlating global mortality rates with underlying country-specific factors overlook the variations in the effects of these factors on mortality across different countries. These may arise from social, cultural, and political complexities which are usually not measurable and are therefore referred to as unobserved heterogeneity in the statistical literature. Unobserved heterogeneity leads to biased parameter estimates in the models, erroneous inferences about the effects of factors contributing to mortalities, and ultimately inefficient policies. In this paper, latent class modelling is proposed for capturing such unobserved heterogeneity on the cases of traffic mortality and COVID-19 mortality. The ‘pyramid’ model of safety management is used as a common framework for model formulation. The proposed latent class model is an extension of the Negative Binomial (NB) model used in risk epidemiology. The model is tested with data from 105 countries, retrieved from international databases, including socioeconomic, infrastructure, exposure, transport, and COVID-19 variables. The results suggest that there exist two (different) latent country classes in both causes of mortality. The probability of a country belonging to a certain latent class is a much more efficient metric of country membership than previous deterministic groupings (e.g. income or geographic). Variables such as the elderly population, the GDP per capita or the level of motorization, have different effects in different country classes; these effects are not identifiable by conventional statistical modelling. The impact of ignoring unobserved heterogeneity in country mortality modelling is shown by comparing the results with those of conventional NB models.

“Chineseness”: A Discussion on Cases Related to Tulou in Contemporary Chinese Architecture

The article delves into the concept of “Chineseness” in contemporary Chinese architecture, a strategic tool for creating distinctive styles rooted in Chinese identity. It serves not only to distinguish projects from market-driven trends but also to establish a pivotal position in the global architectural landscape. "Chineseness" among 24 identified keywords represents a practical strategy embraced by many young architects with international exposure. The traditional Chinese dwelling, a symbol of familial and cultural essence, particularly in the context of home culture, is a primary inspiration for contemporary architects. The research adopts a case study approach, focusing on Tulou-related cases from the last fifteen years, encompassing various building types. The Tulou, a mountain-dwelling with rich cultural connotations, is introduced, reflecting ancient Chinese philosophies in its architectural principles. The case studies, including URBANUS’s “Tulou Collective Housing 2008" and Chengdu’s “Tulou Theater,” demonstrate how Tulou prototypes can be creatively adapted. These designs not only replicate forms but also capture the communal spirit inherent in traditional dwellings. “Stepped Courtyards” by OPEN Architecture reinterprets Tulou typology for a staff dormitory, emphasizing community awareness. In conclusion, the concept of “Chineseness” emerges as a prominent topic, showcasing the dynamic and adaptable nature of traditional Chinese culture and modern architectural expressions. The cases illustrate the evolving intersection between traditional Chinese culture and modern architecture, offering insights into the future trajectory of Chinese architectural culture. The interrelated keywords highlight the nuanced and evolving nature of “Chineseness” in architectural practices.

Stakeholder perspectives on scaling robotic surgery in India: qualitative research.

Robotic surgery (RS) is a milestone in minimally invasive surgery. More than 500 surgeons are trained in RS in India, and more than 100 robotic systems have been installed across various centers. RS offers various benefits to patients and surgeons. Although it is rapidly advancing and has several advantages, a robotic system is a complex system that is equipped with complex instruments. Qualitative research aims to take a broad view of the perceptions of stakeholders of RS and to synthesize their views to gain insight into scaling RS. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives of relevant stakeholders on RS to learn how to develop the field and make it more affordable. This study is based on grounded theory methodology and uses the standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR) guidelines for reporting. Three premier hospitals that are pioneers in RS in India served as the study locations. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from surgeons, nurses, and insurance staff. The surgeons interviewed have national and international exposure and are consulting and performing robotic surgeries across India and internationally. We conducted one-on-one interviews and wrote memos to gather further information before approaching each stakeholder. Samples were determined based on theoretical saturation. Fellowship training, which includes simulation, bedside assistance, and individual cases under supervision, was found to be the standard training method. The stakeholders mentioned a few prerequisites for performing RS, such as prior laparoscopic experience, passion for surgical knowledge and skill, and proper case selection. The surgeons discussed some technical considerations of RS, such as medico-legal issues and mechanical faults associated with it. Although there is increased scope for establishing robotic surgery, surgeons feel that the cost of RS is high. From the interactions with the stakeholders, it is understood that robotic surgeons are the most significant players in RS. Robotic surgery demands more skills and more trained professionals to scale up. Key findings highlight the importance of fellowship training, prior laparoscopic experience, and proper case selection. While RS has potential for growth, high costs, and technical issues remain concerns. Insurance companies include robotic surgery in their policies under the category of "modernized medicine." Depending on the insurance plan that the patient selects, the necessity of the robotic surgery, and the surgeon's justification, the insurance company will pay for the patient's robotic surgery. To make it affordable for patients, complete insurance coverage is mandatory along with creating more awareness among patients. The growth of RS is inevitable in the future with other robotic companies emerging which will ultimately reduce the capital cost and robotic surgeons are pivotal in advancing RS.

Understanding Bangladesh's security governance through peacekeeping assemblage: does contribution matter?

Abstract How do international peacekeeping experiences inform the security governance of contributing states from the global South? This article advances theoretical and policy arguments that international peacekeeping exposure contributes to forming multitudes of effects on domestic security affairs and shaping the contributing countries' security governance. The analysis problematizes the transformation of norms, policies, practices and institutional approaches in shaping the national security outlook of the contributing nations. Considering peacekeeping as a discursive ‘glo-cal’ affair and Bangladesh as a critical case, this study underscores how Bangladesh's contributions to United Nations Peace Support Operations (UNPSOs) inform its security governance. The article adopts a qualitative–interpretive approach to examine the assembling effects of Bangladesh's participation in such endeavours. It highlights the transformation in security institutions, new capacities in knowledge and income-generating sectors, new peacekeeping norms, and partnerships in security cooperation as the cornerstones in the national security outlook. Extending the purview of the existing literature on contributors' roles and impact, this article has offered assemblage as a dynamic conceptual lens to understand new domestic significance for the armed forces as global peace providers. Challenges related to the struggle for democracy, political stability and good governance persist in Bangladesh; nevertheless, the peacekeeping assemblage explains how the country has considered accelerating its global peace endeavours.

Thresholds and mechanisms of human magnetophosphene perception induced by low frequency sinusoidal magnetic fields

BackgroundVirtually everyone is exposed to power-frequency MF (50/60 Hz), inducing in our body electric fields and currents, potentially modulating brain function. MF-induced electric fields within the central nervous system can generate flickering visual perceptions (magnetophosphenes), which form the basis of international MF exposure guidelines and recommendations protecting workers and the general public. However, magnetophosphene perception thresholds were estimated 40 years ago in a small, unreplicated study with significant uncertainties and leaving open the question of the involved interaction site. MethodsWe used a stimulation modality termed transcranial alternating magnetic stimulation (tAMS), delivering in situ sinusoidal electric fields comparable to transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). Magnetophosphene perception was quantified in 81 volunteers exposed to MF (eye or occipital exposure) between 0 and 50 mT at frequencies of 20, 50, 60 and 100 Hz. ResultsReliable magnetophosphene perception was induced with tAMS without any scalp sensation, a major advantage as compared to tACS. Frequency-dependent thresholds were quantified using binary logistic regressions hence allowing to establish condition dependent probabilities of perception. Results support an interaction between induced current density and retinal rod cells. ConclusionBeyond fundamental and immediate implications for international safety guidelines, and for identifying the interaction site underlying phosphene perception (ubiquitous in tACS experiments), our results support exploring the potential of tAMS for the differential diagnosis of retinal disorders and neuromodulation therapy.

Consolidated foreign wealth of nations: Nationality-based measures of international exposure

Consolidated foreign wealth of nations: Nationality-based measures of international exposure

Investigation of BTX Concentrations and Effects of Meteorological Parameters in the Steelpoort Area of Limpopo Province, South Africa

It has been demonstrated that benzene, toluene, and xylene are carcinogens. Its combined effects with other contaminants have the potential to harm several ecosystem components. Since most human benzene exposure takes place inside, it is important to understand how outdoor benzene emissions from traffic and industry affect interior concentrations. However, this area of study has not received enough attention to date. Herein, we examine the outdoor concentrations of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) in a Steelpoort mining area. BTX pollutants were passively sampled on the first seven days of the month, from January to December 2021 using Radiello samplers. The effects of meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation on BTX concentrations were also statistically tested. For all seasons, BTX concentrations were greater in the winter than in the summer with concentrations of 0.69 µg/m3, 2.97 µg/m3 and 0.80 µg/m3 for benzene, toluene and xylene, respectively. In addition, toluene was the most common BTX compound with the highest concentrations when compared to benzene and xylene. Benzene, toluene and xylene, had yearly average concentrations of 0.61 µg/m3, 1.48 µg/m3 and 0.64 µg/m3, respectively. The benzene and xylene concentrations were below international exposure limits (annual, 5 µg/m3 for benzene; weekly, 260 µg/m3 for toluene), as in comparison to the World Health Organization, as well as within South African exceedance limits. Both positive and negative correlations between BTX and meteorological parameters were demonstrated by statistical models. Temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity depicted a weak negative correlation with benzene of 0.003, 0.019 and 0.006, respectively. Toluene showed a positive correlation with wind speed (1.90) and relative humidity (0.041). Overall, the concentration of benzene is of major concern since it is an agent of cancer and it is there in the atmosphere.