Research Nexus Research Articles

A qualitative exploration of the lives lived by Irish centenarians

Centenarians are of particular importance to aging research as they represent the living architype of exceptional longevity and as such studying their attributes is expected to contribute to one's understanding of survivorship. While much centenarian research to date recognizes the biological and genetic determinants in achieving advanced age, there is a lack of understanding regarding the influence of social factors and their role in aging. As centenarian populations continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, the heterogeneity among centenarian cohorts together with current aging trends highlights the intrinsic need to better understand centenarian aging from a biopsychosocial perspective. A key challenge for research concerning centenarians is understanding their personal experiences of reaching this momentous age as such information could help to identify the sociodemographic and psychosocial factors that enable people to live such extraordinarily long lives. To address this, this study focused on the lived experience of Irish centenarians and explored their understanding of their aging in a rapidly modernized sociocultural Ireland. Documenting the psychosocial profiles of centenarians will assist key stakeholders including researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the development of policies and strategies to support the growing population of older adults in Ireland. Furthermore, this research will also map Irish centenarians who have not previously been explored onto the international nexus of centenarian research.

A conceptual framework from the Philippines to analyse organizational capacities for health policy and systems research.

Organizations that perform Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR) need robust capacities, but it remains unclear what these organizations should look like in practice. We sought to define 'HPSRIs' (pronounced as 'hip-srees', i.e. 'Health Policy and Systems Research Institutions') as organizational models and developed a conceptual framework for assessing their capacities based on a set of attributes. We implemented a multi-method study in the Philippines that comprised: a qualitative analysis of perspectives from 33 stakeholders in the HPSR ecosystem on the functions, strengths and challenges of HPSRIs; a workshop with 17 multi-sectoral representatives who collectively developed a conceptual framework for assessing organizational capacities for HPSRIs based on organizational attributes; and a survey instrument development process that determined indicators for assessing these attributes. We defined HPSRIs to be formally constituted organizations (or institutions) with the minimum essential function of research. Beyond the research function, our framework outlined eight organizational attributes of well-performing HPSRIs that were grouped into four domains, namely: 'research expertise' (1) excellent research, (2) capacity-building driven; 'leadership and management' (3) efficient administration, (4) financially sustainable; 'policy translation' (5) policy orientation, (6) effective communication; and 'networking' (7) participatory approach, (8) convening influence. We developed a self-assessment instrument around these attributes that HPSRIs could use to inform their respective organizational development and collectively discuss their shared challenges. In addition to developing the framework, the workshop also analysed the positionality of HPSRIs and their interactions with other institutional actors in the HPSR ecosystem, and recommends the importance of enhancing these interactions and assigning responsibility to a national/regional authority that will foster the community of HPSRIs. When tailored to their context, HPSRIs that function at the nexus of research, management, policy and networks help achieve the main purpose of HPSR, which is to 'achieve collective health goals and contribute to policy outcomes'.

The efficiency of natural resources in research and development: Developed economies’ mineral resources perspective

In the context of sustainable development, economies are struggling to attain economic development and environmental sustainability. Emerging economies are mostly dependent on natural resource extraction to expand their economic sector while ignoring the environmental cost incurred by the use of nonrenewable energy sources. However, few determinants of renewable energy use have been explored in the literature. Nevertheless, a comprehensive analysis of renewable energy factors while considering the role of natural resources is of paramount importance. The present research explores the nexus of economic development, carbon emissions, research and development, and natural resources with renewable energy in emerging economies between 1989 and 2021. Using novel nonparametric estimation methodologies, this study revealed cointegration between the mentioned variables. Based on the nonlinearity of information, this research employs the moment's quantile regression and asserts that economic expansion is the sole important factor influencing renewable energy use. However, focusing on increased (quadratic) economic growth, natural resource exploitation, carbon emissions, and R&D for economic expansion dramatically diminishes the amount of renewable energy usage. Based on the empirical findings, this report recommends efficient natural resource management, carbon neutrality, and increasing investment in renewable energy-related R&D.

Public agricultural research, political economy, and climate change: A literature review

AbstractImpacted by both economic and political forces, agricultural research serves as a critical approach to alleviating the adverse effects of climate change. Focusing on public agricultural research in the United States, this paper provides a literature review on research and development from the perspectives of the market environment and political economy. It also examines the current assessment of agricultural research effectiveness in addressing the challenges of climate change. A bibliometric analysis is conducted to appreciate the knowledge dynamics in the nexus of agricultural research, political economy, and climate change. Future research directions related to public agricultural research are discussed.

Research Nexus and Implications of Learner Identity in Foreign Language Education

One of the most obvious markers of an individual’s identity is their language. However, in some ways, therelationship between identity and language acquisition seems to be missed. In fact, a lot of studies have shown that identity may influence the reasons behind language acquisition, especially in bilingual or multilingual societies. Learning English can provide EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students with a good sense of identity and encourage them to practice their agency, which can improve learning efficiency and effectiveness. This paper examines how the efficacy and results of llanguage learning are influenced by the learner’s identity.

Public Perception of Genetically Modified Organisms and the Implementation of Biosafety Measures in Kenya

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are an important nexus of biotechnology, agriculture, and research. GMOs have gained popularity because of their potential to address global food insecurity. However, the widespread adoption of GMOs has sparked debates and controversies. This study collected data on the threats and effects of the GMO ban and the status of implementation of Biosafety Act and Cartagena Protocol on biosafety in Kenya. A cross-sectional survey was used with 216 participants sampled purposively and 16 key informants interviewed in a qualitative survey with triangulation of data from a scoping literature review. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents indicated GMOs and genetically modified (GM) foods are a solution to food security in Africa. A majority believe that the introduction of GMO technology and the use of GM food is beneficial (52.3%). Fifty-five percent of the respondents indicated that GM foods are safe. Most respondents (>90%) indicated that there is a low threat of GMO technology on the environment, human health, and animal health. The respondents (54.3%) agreed there is good adherence to the Cartagena Protocol. The correlation between awareness of the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety and views on whether there are adequate legal and regulatory frameworks was r = 0.4, indicating a weak but positive relationship between the two. Respondents who reported that the legal and regulatory frameworks were adequate were, therefore, likely (r = 0.4) to be aware of the Cartagena Protocol. There was a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.67) on views that GM food is a solution to food insecurity. Understandably, the relationship between GM food health concerns and GM food as safe was moderately negative (r = −0.4591). The findings are important in addressing gaps in the current GMO regulations and implementation aimed at increasing awareness of GMO technology as well as informing policy on biotechnology.

Research on the Synchronization Control of Fractional-Order Complex Networks Based on Switching Topology

Abstract: In the contemporary epoch, bolstered by information technology, the quintessence of networks is ubiquitously manifested, with a plethora of network types—ranging from the Internet, vehicular traffic frameworks, electrical distribution systems, cellular communication matrices, to social interconnection webs—being intricately woven into the fabric of societal functionality and quotidian existence. The domain of complex networks has burgeoned into a fervently pursued research vector, magnetizing an eclectic cohort of investigators from disciplines as variegated as mathematics, biosciences, and engineering. Notably, the fractional calculus has eclipsed its integer-order counterpart by offering enhanced precision in the depiction of real-world systems and phenomena. Consequently, the infusion of fractional calculus into the modeling of complex networks, to dissect their dynamic attributes and attendant control paradigms, has crystallized as a research nexus of burgeoning interest, eliciting scholarly discourse at both national and international echelons. [Purpose] This inquiry into the synchronization control of fractional-order complex networks, predicated on switching topology, endeavors to harness said topology as a scaffold for probing the synchronicity inherent within fractional-order complex networks. The objective is to augment the operational efficacy of these networks, broaden their sphere of applicability, and fortify the synchronal linkage amongst fractional-order complex networks and their counterparts. [Method] Predominantly, this exploration is underpinned by a synthesis of bibliographic scrutiny and analytical modeling, employing an extensive compendium of model equations to elucidate the subject matter. The spotlight is cast upon the Caputo fractional-order differential equation, with a focus on assaying the stability traits of its equilibrium junctures and formulating more expansive and pragmatic conditions for stability. In addition, to facilitate the precise estimation of elusive topologies within complex networks, a supplementary network—comprising isolated nodes and a regulatory protocol—is conceptualized. [Results] The findings suggest that the investigation into synchronization control based on switching topology propels the advancement of fractional-order complex networks and has substantial reference value. It serves to substantiate, to a certain degree, the postulations of antecedent theorists and chart a trajectory for ensuing scholarly endeavors in cognate domains, thereby perpetually amplifying the pragmatic utility of fractional-order complex networks.

Im/migrant Well-Being Part I: The Impact of Immigration Laws and Enforcement Measures

This article introduces the first volume of a two-part series on im/migrant well-being. Stemming from the conference, Im/migrant Well-Being: A Nexus for Research & Policy, the author discusses the importance of studying im/migrant well-being, and why focusing on immigration policies and enforcement measures is of critical importance if scholars are interested in understanding the social factors that shape well-being among im/migrant populations. A brief review of the articles in this special issue is provided as the author argues for the importance of publicly engaged research that can provide policy-oriented solutions to the public and change-makers.

Advancing the resource nexus concept for research and practice

The nexus concept has considerably matured during the past decade. Numerous literature reviews have significantly contributed to taking stock of the advancements in knowledge and tool development to improve science-policy support on highly connected and interdependent resources. However, literature reviews often focus on specific sector-based nexus concepts (such as water-energy-food nexus) and analyses (such as environmental assessment, technical tools, or the management and policy dimension). Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the actual nexus and the resources it builds upon still needs to be improved. This paper aims to test the validity of the nexus construct for research and practice. Based on a systematic review of reviews, including 62 nexus-related review papers and subsequent consultation of some sixty nexus experts, we suggest a robust but flexible approach to advancing the Resource Nexus for research and practice. In doing so, the knowledge provided by nexus research may provide more substantial support to decision-makers when designing and implementing policies for the sustainable management of environmental resources.

Gut microbiota research nexus: One Health relationship between human, animal, and environmental resistomes.

The emergence and rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance is of global public health concern. The gut microbiota harboring diverse commensal and opportunistic bacteria that can acquire resistance via horizontal and vertical gene transfers is considered an important reservoir and sink of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In this review, we describe the reservoirs of gut ARGs and their dynamics in both animals and humans, use the One Health perspective to track the transmission of ARG-containing bacteria between humans, animals, and the environment, and assess the impact of antimicrobial resistance on human health and socioeconomic development. The gut resistome can evolve in an environment subject to various selective pressures, including antibiotic administration and environmental and lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, age, gender, and living conditions), and interventions through probiotics. Strategies to reduce the abundance of clinically relevant antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their resistance determinants in various environmental niches are needed to ensure the mitigation of acquired antibiotic resistance. With the help of effective measures taken at the national, local, personal, and intestinal management, it will also result in preventing or minimizing the spread of infectious diseases. This review aims to improve our understanding of the correlations between intestinal microbiota and antimicrobial resistance and provide a basis for the development of management strategies to mitigate the antimicrobial resistance crisis.

The nexus of research and development investment, financial development, energy use, and environmental degradation in Asian economies

AbstractThis study explores the impact of research and development () investment and financial development on environmental degradation measured by carbon emissions (CO2), and energy use along with some other variables in a panel of 12 Asian economies using balanced panel data from 1997 to 2020. The empirical estimates of and dynamic ordinary least squares reveal that spending, financial development, and globalization lower environmental degradation by reducing emissions. In contrast, economic growth, energy use, population, and industrialization increase environmental degradation (Model 1). Moreover, economic growth, R&D spending, financial development, environmental degradation, and industrialization have a positive direct effect on energy use, whereas population and globalization have an inverse relationship with energy use (Model 2). These empirical findings recommend that the management authorities of Asian economies need to develop thoughtful action plans to achieve a balance between economic growth, financial and industrial development, and the accomplishment of sustainable development goals by reducing carbon emissions and sustaining energy consumption.

Cultivating a culture of inquiry: exploring the factors influencing the integration of research and teaching in higher education institutions

PurposeTo determine the factors influencing the perception of undergraduate students toward research–teaching nexus and also to examine its impact on the attitude of the students.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a quantitative design to examine the perceptions of students in higher education institutions in India. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the data and test the hypothesis. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire for a sample of 188 students from higher education institutions (HEIs). Further, in line with the purpose of the study and to test the hypotheses, the study used descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and multivariate regression analysis.FindingsThe study demonstrates that the factors influencing the perception of undergraduate students toward research teaching nexus were identified using principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation, conducted on 27 measurement items. In addition, the results of the multivariate regression analysis indicated that research-based, research-tutored and research motivation dimensions, significantly impact the graduate students' perception of research–teaching nexus.Practical implicationsThe outcomes of this research may become valid input to HEI regulators, researchers and teachers while framing the policies and implementation of the same about the pertinent issues discussed in the paper. Further, it contributes to the existing theory that teaching–research quality and level of motivation are also the predominant factors influencing the teaching–research nexus among students. In addition, the outcome of this paper also supports HEIs to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) at large.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the ongoing debate and scarce literature on research–teaching nexus at the higher education level. The factors derived in this paper propose a framework for aligning teaching and research in academic programs to create high-quality human resource in the nation.

Exploring the Nexus of Emotional Intelligence and University Performance: An Investigation Through Perceived Organizational Support and Innovative Work Behavior.

This study is based on the ability-based theory of emotional intelligence (EI), organizational support theory, and componential theory of creativity. This study intended to investigate organizational performance (OP) against academics' EI in higher education institutions (HEIs) in China. This study further scrutinized perceived organizational support (POS) and innovative work behavior (IWB) as mediators among these associations. Similarly, the inter-link between POS and IWB was investigated. Chinese HEIs academicians (327) were examined using quantitative and cross-sectional research methods. Likewise, PLS-SEM, that is, partial least squares structural equation modeling, was used as a data analysis method to examine assumed relationships statistically. The extracted findings established the anticipated relationships, and the results validated that EI had a direct and positive association with OP in HEIs. Similarly, the findings revealed that IWB partially mediated the association between EI and OP; however, full mediation was observed in the case of POS. This study emphasizes the importance of unindustrialised glamorous blend of EI and OP in HEIs. In addition, the findings asserted that HEIs staff evaluate and control high-voltage circumstances that assure an effectual valuation and supervision of the self and others' emotions. Equally, EI amplifies POS, which flares up the IWB while enriching OP in HEIs. This study examined OP alongside academicians' EI in HEIs, which is among the initial pieces of research on HEIs. Additionally, the wholesome research nexus that scrutinizes POS and IWB as an inter-link between EI and OP in HEIs is original.

Fast Continuous and Integer L-Shaped Heuristics Through Supervised Learning

We propose a methodology at the nexus of operations research and machine learning (ML) leveraging generic approximators available from ML to accelerate the solution of mixed-integer linear two-stage stochastic programs. We aim at solving problems where the second stage is demanding. Our core idea is to gain large reductions in online solution time, while incurring small reductions in first-stage solution accuracy by substituting the exact second-stage solutions with fast, yet accurate, supervised ML predictions. This upfront investment in ML would be justified when similar problems are solved repeatedly over time—for example, in transport planning related to fleet management, routing, and container yard management. Our numerical results focus on the problem class seminally addressed with the integer and continuous L-shaped cuts. Our extensive empirical analysis is grounded in standardized families of problems derived from stochastic server location (SSLP) and stochastic multi-knapsack (SMKP) problems available in the literature. The proposed method can solve the hardest instances of SSLP in less than 9% of the time it takes the state-of-the-art exact method, and in the case of SMKP, the same figure is 20%. Average optimality gaps are, in most cases, less than 0.1%. History: Accepted by Alice Smith, Area Editor (for this paper) for Design and Analysis of Algorithms–Discrete. Funding: Financial support from the Institut de Valorisation des Données (IVADO) Fundamental Research Project Grants [project entitled “Machine Learning for (Discrete) Optimization”]; Canada Research Chairs; the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [Collaborative Research and Development Grant CRD-477938-14]; and the Canadian National Railway Company Chair in Optimization of Railway Operations at Université de Montréal is gratefully acknowledged. E. Frejinger holds a Canada Research Chair. Computations were made on the supercomputer Béluga, managed by Calcul Québec and Digital Research Alliance of Canada. The operation of this supercomputer is funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation; the Ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation du Québec; and the Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Nature et Technologies.

The research nexus and Principles of Open Scholarly Infrastructure (POSI): sharing our goal of an open, connected ecosystem of research objects

As a community, it is impossible to ignore the fact that sharing research and information related to research is a much broader proposition than sharing an article, book, or conference paper. In supporting an evolving scholarly record, making connections between research organizations, contributors, actions, and objects helps give a more complete picture of the scholarly record, which open infrastructure organizations like Crossref call the research nexus. Crossref is working to support this evolution and is thinking about the metadata it collects via its members and that it supplements and curates, to make it broader than the rigid structures traditionally provided by content types. Furthermore, because of Crossref’s commitment to the Principles of Open Scholarly Infrastructure (POSI), this network of information will be global and openly available for anyone in the community to access and reuse. The present article describes this vision in more detail, including why it is increasingly important to support the links between research and elements that contribute or are related to that research; how Crossref, its members, and the wider community can support it; and the work and planning Crossref is doing to make it easier to achieve this.

‘I need a grant but spend time on teaching’: how academics in different positions play out the teaching–research nexus in interdependence with their contexts

ABSTRACT The teaching–research nexus is omnipresent in academic professional life. How it is articulated depends on specific situations, contexts, and academic hierarchies. Initiatives to change the nexus in Dutch research universities are now informing European policy processes, but how academics in different positions play it out and deal with various contextual aspects is understudied. In this study, Wittgenstein’s notion of language games is combined with Elias’ notion of human figurations to assess articulations and interdependencies in the nexus. We analysed tensions and strategies in ten homogeneous focus group discussions with assistant, associate, and full professors across social sciences in The Netherlands. All academics identified tensions regarding the balancing of research and teaching and a systemic undervaluation of teaching, yet their games differed. Assistant professors experienced personal insecurities, whereas associate professors faced further differentiation of tasks, and full professors dealt with responsibilities concerning group performance and market-driven demands in both domains. In some figurations, research and teaching were balanced at team level. Paradoxically, all academics’ strategies tended to reproduce and strengthen patterns that exist at collective level, including tensions.

Exploring Major League Baseball Fans’ Climate Change Risk Perceptions and Adaptation Willingness

Major League Baseball (MLB) is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its season duration, geographic footprint, and largely outdoor nature. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to investigate whether U.S.-based MLB fans’ climate change skepticism and experiential processing influenced their climate change risk perceptions and adaptation willingness, and to determine if those relationships were further influenced by fans’ sport identification with MLB. A cross-sectional survey design tested the study’s purposes using a sample (n = 540) of self-identified MLB fans. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling on the Mplus 8 statistical package to test the hypothesized model. The results indicated consistencies across low and highly identified MLB fans on their climate change risk perceptions and willingness to adapt, but revealed group differences between the factors influencing fans’ risk perceptions of climate change. The findings provide early empirical evidence to support the United Nations’ (UN) Sport for Climate Action Framework, and managerial implications regarding the nexus of climate change and sport consumer behavior research.

No destination: queering mobility through the virtuality of movement

This article advances the epistemological potential that exists at the nexus of queer theory and mobilities research. It aims to queer mobility by rejecting the idea of the destination and embracing the virtuality of movement instead. In doing so, it draws on the queer symbolism of the closet and the cruise to highlight the heteronormative framing that has come to define and constrain the new mobilities paradigm. Arguing that anybody has the capacity to be ‘queer’, it calls for a redefinition of the subject and an exploration of the world-making possibilities that emerge when the virtuality of movement is foregrounded.

Progress, Challenges, and the Nexus of Research and Impact - the importance of technology in biodiversity conservation in Indonesia

The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services 2019, published by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), shed light on the increasingly alarming state of global biodiversity. Biodiversity is essential to human survival through its contribution to ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of critical ecosystem services that sustain essential ecological processes and human well-being. Amongst other services, as demonstrated across Indonesia, biodiversity supports livelihoods by providing building and clothing materials, maintaining water quality, and providing medicines and food. As the global human population reached 8 billion in 2022, the interconnections between our unsustainable production and consumption, the climate crisis, and biodiversity decline have been increasingly recognized by the global community through IPBES and IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). Escalating human numbers, coupled with burgeoning economic and industrial demands, must necessitate substantial forest land use—repositories of biodiversity. Conservation practitioners have therefore been continually driven to innovate in their pursuit of effective strategies for sustainably managing the world's precious biodiversity. Researchers and academics have the pivotal responsibility to produce research that brings about real-world impactful outcomes. The academic community is expected to address the needs of those working to conserve nature through the development of research and technology with immediate practical applicability. We look forward to publishing more of these research impact papers in the future.

Gaps and opportunities in the climate change, migration and health nexus: Insights from a questionnaire based study of practitioners and researchers

Background: While climate change and migration are separately recognised as public health challenges, the combination of the two – climate change-induced migration which is predicted to increase through this century – requires further research to ensure population health needs are met. As such, this paper aims to identify initial gaps and opportunities in the nexus of climate change, migration and health research. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire based study of academics and practitioners working in the fields of climate change, migration and health. Open-ended responses were thematically analysed. Results: Responses from 72 practitioners collected in October 2021 were categorised into a thematic framework encompassing i) gaps and opportunities: across health care and outcomes, impact pathways between climate change and migration, most at risk groups (specific actors) and regions, and longitudinal perspectives on migrant journeys; alongside ii) methodological challenges; iii) ethical challenges, and iv) advancing research with better funding and collaboration. Broadly, findings suggested that research must clarify the interlinkages and drivers between climate change, migration, health (systems), and intersecting factors including the broader determinants of health. Study of the dynamics of migration needs to extend beyond the current focus of rural-urban migration and international migration into high income countries, to include internal displacement and immobile/ trapped populations. Research could better include considerations of vulnerable groups currently underrepresented, people with specific health needs, and focus more on most at-risk regions. Research methodology could be strengthened through better data and definitions, clear ethical guidelines, and increased funding and collaboration. Conclusion: This study describes gaps, challenges and needs within research on the nexus of climate change, migration and health, in acknowledgement of the complexity of studying across multiple intersecting factors. Working with complexity can be supported by using the framework and findings to support researchers grappling with these intersecting themes.