Research Note Research Articles

How have U.S. restaurant tips changed over time?

This research note analyzes tipping percentages from academic studies of restaurant tipping and finds that tipping rates have increased over the past half century. This finding provides some evidence that tipping benefits tippers beyond helping them avoid social disapproval (Azar, 2004) and that tipping is used by consumers to compete for positional (zero-sum) benefits such as exceptional service and high status (Lynn, 2015). Since rising tipping rates increase the costs to consumers of dining out as well as pay-disparities between front-of-house and back-of-house staff, this is a trend the restaurant industry may want to try to end.

Résultats d’un pré-test visant à évaluer l’efficacité d’une communication administrative gouvernementale (note de recherche)

This research note presents partial results of a user test assessing the “communicative effectiveness” (Clerc & Beaudet, 2008) of a written communication aimed at citizens penalized for driving under the influence. The doctoral candidate is interested in the users interaction with an informational ecosystem composed of multiple sources of information. She compares the effectiveness of three ecosystems by checking their effects on users' comprehension, appreciation, and mental workload. These objectives require expanding the usual scope of the “communicative effectiveness” concept and exploring aspects related to reading/using multiple texts in an administrative context. The tests were conducted with 15 French-speaking adults without a high school diploma. An adapted version of the NASA-TLX questionnaire (Hart & Staveland, 1988) was used to measure mental workload. The data suggest that when faced with a letter of a high informational density, users with low literacy levels focus their attention on peripheral details at the expense of the main ideas. No correlation was observed between comprehension and mental workload. The data are now considered a "pre-test" used to refine the research design for a second wave of interviews.

A Reassessment of the Military Careers and Writings of Sir John Peyton (1579–1635) and Sir Henry Peyton (c.1580–1623)

AbstractThis research note shines new light on previously misinterpreted and incorrectly catalogued key information about the role‐holder of the Lieutenant‐Governor of Brill in 1612. It identifies that a source for this information previously attributed to Sir John Peyton (1579–1635) was actually written by Sir Henry Peyton (c.1580–1623) and discusses the significance and impact of the newly discovered identification. It reveals Henry Peyton to be a prolific letter writer and collector of military maps and shows how he shared his research with Sir Robert Cotton. It also identifies that further research is needed into the military career of Henry Peyton and the significant role he played in early modern military history, with particular attention to be given to his martial reports from Venice and the Low Countries.

How is Food Tourism Narrated on Tiktok?

This research note aims to explore the relations between food tourism and short-video platforms, specifically TikTok, to understand how destinations promote food-related tourist experiences. Based on an exploratory qualitative approach, the study examines the role of food tourism in digital destination marketing focused on 29 TikTok videos from 16 global destinations. Results reveal that while food consumption is central to the promotion of these experiences, the content also emphasizes the preservation of local heritage and traditions through culinary products, dishes, and the surrounding environment. This highlights the importance of food in tourism marketing, as well as the collaborative creation of food tourism experiences that enhance the competitiveness of destinations. The research note contributes to advance research on the relationship between food tourism and social media, and it offers insights for future studies to explore the dynamic relations between destination marketing and food tourism.

Modified F(R,T2)-Gravity Coupled with Perfect Fluid Admitting Hyperbolic Ricci Soliton Type Symmetry

In the present research note, we discuss the energy–momentum squared gravity model F(R,T2) coupled with perfect fluid. We obtain the equation of state for the perfect fluid in the F(R,T2)-gravity model. Furthermore, we deal with the energy–momentum squared gravity model F(R,T2) coupled with perfect fluid, which admits the hyperbolic Ricci solitons with a conformal vector field. We provide a clue in this series to determine the density and pressure in the radiation and phantom barrier periods, respectively. Also, we investigate the rate of change in hyperbolic Ricci solitons within the same vector field. In addition, we determine the different energy conditions, black holes and singularity conditions for perfect fluid attached to F(R,T2)-gravity in terms of hyperbolic Ricci solitons. Lastly, we deduce the Schrödinger equation for the potential Un with hyperbolic Ricci solitons in the F(R,T2)-gravity model coupled with perfect fluid and a phantom barrier.

Unpacking core components for policy design: A comparison of synthesis approaches

AbstractUnder the banner of evidence‐based policy, evidence reviews—summaries of existing studies on an intervention—have become an established form of policy analysis. Whereas evidence reviews have typically focused on studies of an intervention as delivered, interest is growing in examining the specific elements that comprise the intervention and that contribute to its success—broadly referred to as its core components. Understanding the core components of interventions allows policymakers to identify with greater precision what works, in which contexts, and for which populations. With the aim toward advancing core components analysis for policy design, this Research Note describes and compares four synthesis approaches for identifying core components in the context of evidence reviews: the distillation and matching model, meta‐regression, framework synthesis, and qualitative comparative analysis. The article then reflects on how to advance core components analysis in evidence reviews to better inform policy design and the policymaking process.

Applied research note: Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass is an effective feed ingredient for broiler diets

Applied research note: Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass is an effective feed ingredient for broiler diets

Mexico's Minimum Wage Data: Trends, Policies, and a Research Agenda

The decline of the real value of the minimum wage amid trade liberalization in Mexico has raised concerns about its policy effectiveness and unintended consequences. The literature has examined the impact of minimum wage adjustments on employment levels, worker earnings, poverty, and inequality. However, findings from different sample periods and regions still need to be reconciled. It is necessary to understand the mechanisms connecting minimum wage to other market components. This research note first explores Mexico’s minimum wage data from 1980 to 2023 to grasp its spatial and temporal trends. We then discuss several future research directions to explore mechanisms through which minimum wage potentially works, including the welfare effect of the policy, the informal sector, and interactions between different policy tools.

Embracing methodological evolution and diversity in logistics and supply chain management research

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to highlight the significance of advancing research methodologies in logistics, operations and supply chain management. It seeks to expand the scope of research questions and explore areas previously constrained by traditional methodological approaches, thereby enhancing the exploration of complex, real-world business issues.Design/methodology/approachThis commentary introduces and discusses the special issue on “Advances in Research Methodologies for Logistics and Supply Chain Management,” exploring methodological innovations, diversity and their potential to address complex business and disciplinary challenges. The commentary assesses a broad spectrum of methodologies, ranging from traditional qualitative and quantitative approaches to overlooked methods such as qualitative comparative analysis, netnography, design science, Bayesian networks, machine learning and repertory grid technique. This diverse methodological approach enables a comprehensive examination of emerging and ongoing challenges in the supply chain. In the final summary section, we highlight additional areas of research method innovation not covered in this special issue, offering a broader perspective on future directions for methodological advancements in SCM research.FindingsThe findings suggest that integrating less explored methodologies from various disciplines encourages a richer, multi-level analysis of the supply chain management landscape. This integration facilitates a deeper understanding of emerging challenges, such as geopolitical issues, global supply chain disruptions and the integration of new technologies. Additionally, the exploration of ‘white space' in research methodologies indicates significant potential for discovering new insights that bridge practical problems with theoretical contributions.Originality/valueThe value of this methodological diversity extends beyond academic enrichment. It catalyzes the generation of innovative insights crucial for business practitioners, policymakers, consultants and academics. By adopting varied research designs and methodologies, the research note can offer a broader spectrum of analytical perspectives, crucial for uncovering nuanced insights into complex, cross-cultural and relationship-based dynamics in supply chain research.

Disrupting the national education policy framework: covid-19 measures during the pandemic

ABSTRACT This research note seeks to describe and categorise the responses to the covid-19 pandemic in education in four Canadian provinces between March 2020 and June 2021. It shows that there was a significant variation in the measures that were adopted. Indeed, New Brunswick and Ontario’s social distancing measures in school were much stricter than that of Québec and Alberta. Additionally, Ontario and to a lesser extent Alberta relied on remote learning to a greater degree than the other two provinces. This variation cannot be simply brushed off because of the difference in the number of cases and rather suggests that, in times of crisis, provincial policy responses tend to vary due to framing differences. This research note contributes to federalism literature, exploring the role of subnational governments across an extended period of the pandemic.

Behind the Scenes: How Logistics Shape Space Fantasy Science Fiction Narratives

This research note explores how logistics, though often overlooked, is a central element in space fantasy science fiction narratives. In Frank Herbert’s Dune, the spice—essential for interstellar travel—demonstrates how logistics influences space geopolitics. Star Wars highlights the logistical challenges involved in managing an intergalactic empire, from constructing the Death Stars to coordinating rebel fleets. In Star Trek, space exploration depends on intricate logistics to sustain ships, space stations, and diplomatic relations. Finally, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation illustrates how the collapse of logistics can lead to the downfall of an intergalactic empire. These films and novels reveal that logistics extends beyond mere materials and operations management; it becomes a key question of survival, power, and stability within these fictional universes. Science fiction narratives not only offer insights into future logistics but also prompts reflection on contemporary challenges in supply chain and infrastructure management.

Motivation for volunteering to provide online suicide prevention services in Israel

The widespread use of the internet has expanded volunteering opportunities, yet motivations driving online volunteers, particularly on suicide prevention hotlines, are not fully understood. This research note based on the multidimensional model of volunteer motivation, analyses data from an online survey of volunteers in Sahar, an Israeli non-profit organisation providing anonymous online support for individuals experiencing emotional distress and suicidal ideation. The research note reveals that the most important motivations of volunteers in online helpline organisations are values, understanding, and enhancement, while career and social motivations are less important and are similar among former and current volunteers. These findings have significant practical and policy implications, aiding organisations in designing effective recruitment and retention strategies for online suicide prevention hotlines.

Sacred Meets Synthetic: A Multi-Method Study on the First AI Church Service

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming society, including religious practices and experiences of religious communities. The first large-scale AI church service took place in 2023 in Germany as a Protestant Christian worship event within a biannual religious celebration. Studying this religious service illustrates how AI was developed as a religious agent and provides insights into the experiences of attendees. This research note presents data from a quantitative survey and two qualitative questionnaires of participants conducted at the AI worship service. Findings show diversity of opinion and a range of attendee experiences. By presenting the results of qualitative and quantitative analysis, this research note highlights the possibilities and limitations of incorporating AI into the religious sphere. While most of the responses were skeptical, participants also reported having spiritual experiences. Nevertheless, attendees also reported conflicting feelings regarding experiences of community within an artificial setting. The main concerns were technological limitations, fear of replacing humans, biases in the theology of the underlying large language model, and lack of personality and emotion. Age-based differences include younger attendees finding the AI service more attractive while older attendees found the AI service more stimulating. Implications are drawn for practical theology and AI implementation within religious settings.

A research need: exploring the experiences and behaviours of veiled Muslim female tourists in Western destinations

ABSTRACT Previous research has explored the dress code, behaviour, motivations, and experiences of Western and Asian female tourists during their visits to Western, Asian, and Islamic destinations. However, there is a paucity of research that explores the behaviour and perspectives of hijab-wearing female Muslim tourists when visiting Western destinations for tourism purposes. Furthermore, despite the fact that some studies have explored the experiences of Muslim women in Islamic destinations (i.e. Malysia and Turkey) there remains a significant research gap in examining the travel experiences and behaviours of veiled female Muslim tourists who visit Western destinations. This is surprising considering the significant market potential presented by Muslim women who travel to Western destinations and their patterns of consumption. This research note serves to encourage scholarly inquiry into the experiences, coping mechanisms, spatial and socio-contextual factors, and constraints faced by veiled Muslim female tourists in Western countries, while advocating for a comparative analysis with Asian and Western counterparts to facilitate a holistic comprehension of their travel experiences.

Eight Decades of Educational Assortative Mating: A Research Note

Recent social and economic trends in the United States, including increasing economic inequality, women's growing educational advantage, and the rise of online dating, have ambiguous implications for patterns of educational homogamy. In this research note, we examine changes in educational assortative mating in the United States over the last eight decades (1940 to 2020) using the U.S. decennial censuses and the American Community Survey, extending and expanding earlier work by Schwartz and Mare. We find that the rise in educational homogamy noted by Schwartz and Mare has not continued. Increases in educational homogamy stalled around 1990 and began reversing in the 2000s. We find a growing tendency for marriages to cross educational boundaries, but a college degree remains the strongest dividing line to intermarriage. A key trend explaining this new pattern is women's increasing tendency to marry men with less education than themselves. If not for this trend, homogamy would have continued increasing until the early 2010s. We also show substantial heterogeneity by race, ethnicity, and nativity and among same- versus different-sex couples.

Research note: Study on the characteristics of Salmonella typhimurium derived from Larus vegae

Samples of four dead Larus vegae along the coast of Beidaihe, Qinhuangdao City, were identified by PCR amplification, multi-sequence site typing (MLST), and serum agglutination test. The drug resistance phenotype, drug resistance gene, and virulence gene were detected by the Kirby-Bauer (K-B) method and PCR method, and the pathogenicity of mice and pigeons was further tested. The phylogenetic tree was constructed by whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The results showed that the isolated bacteria were identified as Salmonella typhimurium(S. typhimurium) by multiple tests, named ST-G, ST subtype ST19, serotype 1,4,[5],12:i:1,2. The results showed that the isolates were resistant to erythromycin, co-trimoxazole, and clindamycin. The results of drug resistance genes showed qnrS and gyrA, and no other drug resistance genes were detected. Virulence genes carried a high rate, 13 virulence genes except stn had corresponding fragment size detected. The pathogenicity test of mice showed that the incidence of mice in the injection group was 60%, and all the mice in the high-dose group died. Pathological sections showed multifocal bleeding, inflammatory cell infiltration, and intestinal villi rupture. The pathogenicity test of rock pigeons showed that liver swelling, gallbladder filling, and intestinal bleeding swelling of infected pigeons were consistent with the symptoms of salmonella infection in clinical pigeons. The morbidity and mortality of the St-G test group were higher than that of the SL1344 quality control group, indicating that the St-G isolated strain was more virulent. Phylogenetic tree results showed that this isolate was highly homologous to the 2023 Russian isolate. Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from Larus vegae for the first time, which provides a basis for the study and prevention of salmonellosis transmitted by wild birds.

Breaking free from linear assumptions: Unravelling the relationship between affective polarization and democratic support

AbstractScholars increasingly raise concerns about the alleged detrimental impact of affective polarization on citizens’ democratic attitudes. Yet, prior studies on the relationship between affective polarization and democratic support have yielded mixed results: Whereas some scholars report evidence that affective polarization erodes citizens’ support for democracy, others report null findings. In this research note, we posit that one relevant explanation for these mixed results is that the relationship between affective polarization and democratic support is not linear, but rather negatively curvilinear (i.e., an inverted U‐shape). Though extreme levels of affective polarization may harm citizens’ democratic commitments, a moderate amount of affective polarization can strengthen democratic support by heightening the political stakes and stimulating democratic involvement. Employing generalized additive modelling on data from the CNEP collected in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, we show strong and robust support for this negatively curvilinear pattern. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the dynamics between affective polarization and democratic support, as well as for the recommended estimation strategies of future studies that aim to explore this relationship.

Research note: Effect of a biotechnologically produced Pleurotus sapidus mycelium on expression of genes involved in protein synthesis and degradation in breast muscle of broilers

Research note: Effect of a biotechnologically produced Pleurotus sapidus mycelium on expression of genes involved in protein synthesis and degradation in breast muscle of broilers

Subverting oppressive structures: on kelinhood, solidarity and feminist research in the bazaars

ABSTRACT Feminist principles in research emphasize acknowledging differences to address power imbalances. Taken at face value, discussions on positionality tend to prioritize differences, often turning into mere declarations of the researcher’s social privilege. To counterbalance this tendency, I highlight the critical importance of also focusing on shared experiences between the researcher and research participants. Based on my feminist ethnographic fieldwork, this research note reflects on my positionality as an Uzbek musofir (migrant) kelin (daughter-in-law) conducting doctoral research on the lived experiences of women in Tashkent’s bazaars. It illustrates how my complex, intertwined identity as a locally raised and foreign-educated musofir kelin initially posed challenges in accessing the field and building trust with participants. Yet, it also highlights how, in addition to the shared experience of musofirchilik, the oppressive experience of kelinhood can be subverted to build solidarity and rapport with the women in the bazaars, transforming an oppressive experience into subversive solidarity.

Impact of North Korean Threats on Housing Prices in South Korea: A Research Note

Impact of North Korean Threats on Housing Prices in South Korea: A Research Note