Role Of Vision Research Articles

Unveiling the impact of industry 4.0 on supply chain performance: the mediating role of integration and visibility

Industry 4.0 has revolutionised supply chain processes, providing companies with strategic advantages through advanced technologies such as cyber-physical systems, cloud computing, IoT, AI, and big data. This transformation aligns with the pursuit of high-level supply chain performance, achieved through cross-functional collaboration, end-to-end connectivity, real-time asset tracking, and increased decision transparency. However, the quantifiable extent of its influence has remained an open question, particularly in the context of integration and visibility. To address this gap, our research employs an empirical study, revealing that Industry 4.0 indirectly enhances supply chain performance by improving connectivity and integration within and between organisations, as well as enhancing information visibility and decision transparency. This research uncovers a novel sequential mediation by integration and visibility, offering valuable insights for scholars and industry practitioners alike.

Digital economy’s role in shaping China’s outward investment in Belt and Road countries

Previous international investment-related literature is less likely to include host country digital economy as an influential factor in the analysis framework. Meanwhile digital economy-related literature mainly focuses on the concept and characteristics of digital economy, and few scholars explore the impact and mechanism of China’s OFDI in the context of digital economy. Based on the theory and mechanism analysis, this article first constructs a comprehensive digital economy indicator system using data from 46 B&R countries from 2004 to 2020 and then constructs extended investment gravity model, technological innovation intermediary impact and trade cost moderating effect to thoroughly investigate the effect and fundamental mechanism of digital economy on China’s OFDI. The conclusions are as follows: First, digital economy indicators’ computation reveals significant disparities among B&R countries. Second, baseline regression finds that B&R countries’ digital economy considerably boosts China’s OFDI. Third, regional heterogeneity reveals that digital economy in ASEAN countries plays a more visible role in boosting China’s OFDI. Fourth, mechanism analysis reveals that B&R countries’ digital economy can encourage China’s OFDI by improving technological innovation and reducing trade costs.

Impact of Forms of Visual Attenuation on Short-Term Eye Changes Under Controlled Reading Visibility.

Animal studies have suggested that visual degradation impacts eye growth due to the attenuation of high spatial frequencies. However, the influence of perceptual visibility remains unclear in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of visibility on visual attenuation-related eye changes during reading. Axial length (AxL) and choroidal thickness (ChT) changes associated with reading tasks were measured in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, the reading task was conducted under different forms of visual attenuation (contrast, resolution, defocus, noise, and crowding). For each form of visual attenuation, the text was set at a sub-threshold level of visibility, evaluated via prior measurement of reading performance, and kept constant via adaptive control of the intensity of the stimulation. Each sub-threshold reading condition was compared with a supra-threshold reading text, serving as control. In the second experiment, the effect of visibility on lens-induced defocus was further examined by comparing the effect of text stimulation with an equivalent dioptric of 5.5 D under sub- and supra-threshold levels of resolution. Near distance reading with supra-threshold texts caused eye elongation (AxL: +12.942 µm ± 2.147 µm; ChT: -3.192 µm ± 1.158 µm). Additional defocusing failed to exacerbate axial elongation under sub-threshold text visibility (mean difference: -0.135 µm ± 2.783 µm), revealing a clear inhibitory effect of lowering visibility on eye changes. Other forms of visual degradation, including crowding (mean difference: 6.153 µm ± 2.127 µm) and noise (mean difference: 5.02 µm ± 2.812 µm) also showed an inhibitory effect on eye elongation. The significant effect of crowding indicated that post-retinal mechanisms, involving attentional processes related to crowded characters, may play a role in the influence of visibility. Although the featural composition of visual stimulation can drastically influence eye changes, this study revealed an important mediating role of visibility, previously underscored in chick studies, which warrants further explorations of the impact of post-retinal processes in eye growth.

Green Packaging Attributes and their Role in Shaping Eco-Conscious Purchases: A Study of Generation Z Consumers in Kenya

This study investigates the impact of green packaging attributes on the purchasing behavior of Generation Z consumers in Kenya, a demographic increasingly concerned with environmental sustainability. The research examines the roles of brand visibility, environmental awareness, and engagement in shaping the preferences of young Kenyan consumers toward products with eco-friendly packaging. Using a descriptive research design, the study collected data from 150 Generation Z consumers through an electronic questionnaire. The analysis reveals significant relationships between environmental awareness, brand visibility on green packaging, and purchase behavior, with higher levels of environmental awareness and engagement leading to a greater likelihood of purchasing sustainable products. Regression analysis confirmed the significance of perception regarding packaging sustainability and the role of sustainable packaging materials in influencing purchase behavior. The findings suggest that for brands to resonate with Generation Z in Kenya, integrating green packaging into their product offerings is essential. This research provides valuable insights for companies seeking to align with the growing environmental concerns of Kenyan consumers, offering a pathway to enhance brand loyalty and consumer engagement through sustainable packaging practices.

Artificial Canon

Widespread concern over threats that pose an existential risk to the entire human species has provoked increasing attention and commitment to religious views of digital technology. These apocalyptic expectations of a glorious new digital world draw on American Christianity and play a visible role in tech culture and public life. The reshaping of traditional religions into new, but parallel, technological religions is characterized by a triple transformation of humanity into machines, machines into gods, and the universe into a cosmic and cosmically meaningful computer.

A systematic review on exploring the influence of Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance supply chain visibility and operational efficiency

This systematic review investigates the implications of Industry 4.0 technologies on supply chain visibility and operational efficiency. The primary aim is to discern the impact of technological integration on contemporary supply chain dynamics. Methods: A comprehensive search strategy identified 65 pertinent studies published between 2015 and 2023. The review adheres to systematic methodologies, employing the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme framework for quality assessment. Data synthesis incorporates qualitative and quantitative analyses to distill key themes and patterns. Results: The review unveils the pivotal role of information visibility in fortifying supply chain outcomes, emphasizing the need for a dual investment strategy encompassing technological solutions and a collaborative organizational culture. Regional variations in supply chain practices, insights from humanitarian supply chains, and the influence of environmental factors on agility broaden the understanding of Industry 4.0 implications. Organizations are urged to adopt a context-specific, adaptive approach, recognizing the significance of intangible assets and tailoring strategies to local contexts for optimal supply chain performance. This systematic review contributes a nuanced understanding of Industry 4.0’s transformative potential in supply chain management, emphasizing the interplay between technology, organizational culture, and regional contexts.

USMLE Step 1 Biochemistry-review for Vitamin A

Fat-soluble vitamin with vital roles in vision, immune function, reproduction, and cellular communication. Exists in several forms: Retinol, Retinal, Retinoic Acid, and Provitamin A (Beta-carotene). Importance for USMLE Step 1: Frequently tested in terms of biochemistry, physiology, and pathology.

Descriptive Representation and Reproductive Health Outcomes: The Role of Women Candidates in Reducing Teen Birth Rates.

Teen birth rates remain a pressing public health issue in the United States, with significant long-term health risks for both mothers and children. Previous research has primarily focused on the impact of women in elected office on reproductive health outcomes, but less is known about the influence of women candidates. This study explores the relationship between the number of women candidates in county-level elections and county-level teen birth rates, highlighting the role of women candidates as visible role models and agents of potential policy change. We utilized a dataset covering county-level elections from 2010 to 2020, along with teen birth rate data from the CDC. We employed a multilevel model to analyze the relationship between the cumulative number of women candidates and teen birth rates, controlling for socioeconomic and health-related factors, such as insurance coverage and social vulnerability. The findings indicate that as the number of women candidates increased, the estimated county-level teen birth rate declined. This effect was observed across different election years, with more substantial impacts in midterm and presidential elections. The analysis also confirmed that socioeconomic conditions, such as a lack of health insurance, contribute to higher teen birth rates. Women candidates, even when not elected, serve as important role models and influence reproductive health outcomes in their communities. Increasing the number of women candidates at the local level may be an effective strategy for reducing teen birth rates and improving public health outcomes.

Singing songs for a secular society? The elusive politics of cultural activism in contemporary Bangladesh

Abstract In Bangladesh, many secularists pursue their political goals through cultural activism. While committed to achieving a secular, progressive, and non-communal society, they often refrain from explicitly articulating their politics due to the sensitivity of their goals. Instead, cultural performances allow them to instantiate and embody a secular ethos with transformative potential, expressed through distinct cultural genres that become recognized as secular aesthetics. While activists consider culture to be a morally superior and ‘purer’ way to promote their political aims than party politics, which they perceive as ‘dirty’ and corrupt, cultural traditions are hardly neutral ground from which to enact secular aspirations. This article explores the ethical struggles that emerge from this position to illuminate what it means to act politically while trying to avoid politics, and why people might choose comparatively elusive forms of political engagement despite their strong commitment to a cause. Attending to less tangible forms of politics encourages us to rethink the role of political messages and visibility in social movements by highlighting the significant role, as well as contradictory implications, of aesthetics, embodiment, and gestures in political action. Conversely, the elusive politics of cultural activism underlines the need to go beyond analysing national discourses to understand the contested nature of secularism in Bangladesh.

Think fast, stay healthy? A narrative review of neurocognitive performance and lower extremity injury

BackgroundLower extremity (LE) injury has been problematic in athletic populations. While previous research has identified biomechanical and neuromuscular risk factors, more recent efforts have determined that neurocognitive performance (NP) may influence LE injury risk. ObjectivesTo describe the present findings pertaining to the relationship between NP and LE injury. This review described potential cerebral neural mechanisms underpinning LE injury with a particular emphasis on the role of vision in sensorimotor integration. Lastly, newer technology such as stroboscopic eyewear, smartboards, and virtual/augmented reality were discussed for their utility in assessing and training NP. MethodsNarrative review that described NP and LE injury, as well as plausible mechanisms and training interventions. ResultsNP appears to influence both LE biomechanics and LE injury risk. Athletes with worse NP demonstrated decreased knee flexion and increased frontal plane knee loading compared to better performing athletes. Most studies determined an association between NP and LE injury risk. Visual motor reaction time, processing speed, and working memory appear to be useful NP measures for identifying athletes at risk for LE injury. Various brain regions including the precuneus and lingual gyrus may be implicated as neural signatures for LE injury. While recently developed technology offer promise, far-transfer effects to LE injury risk reduction have yet to be substantially investigated. ConclusionsNP should be considered an important component for identifying LE injury risk. Sports scientists and clinicians may consider a variety of assessments and interventions to quantify and train NP in conjunction with previously established protocols.

Ableist microaggressions and psychological distress among adults with disabilities: The role of disability visibility.

Experiences of disability-based discrimination among adults with disabilities (AWD) span individual, interpersonal, and structural domains that are implicated in mental health disparities. Ableist microaggressions, a subtle and contemporary form of disability-based discrimination, are positively associated with psychological distress. Additionally, disability characteristics may impact mental health outcomes differently. This study investigated (a) the association between lifetime experiences of ableist microaggressions and psychological distress and (b) the moderating effect of disability visibility. A cross-sectional survey-based online study through Amazon's Mechanical Turk was conducted among 995 AWD whose ages ranged from 18 to 70 (M = 34.73, SD = 9.45). After adjusting for confounds linear regression analyses revealed a significant, positive relationship between ableist microaggressions and depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Models explained approximately 18%-23% of the variance in psychological distress. Moderation analyses indicated that associations were stronger among participants with less visible disabilities. Findings underscore disability visibility as an important correlate in AWD mental health disparities. Results should be interpreted within the scope of the sampling procedures and sample demographics. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Quality of Life in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Agreement between Parents and Patients, and the Role of Disease Severity and Visibility.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder that affects multiple systems in the body, often leading to physical disfigurements and a wide range of clinical symptoms. This study aims to investigate the relationship between NF1 severity and visibility and the quality of life (QoL) in children. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and a modified version of the Ablon scale were used to assess QoL and NF1 severity and visibility, respectively. Self-reported and parent-reported QoL scores were compared, and the associations between NF1 severity/visibility and QoL were explored. Thirty-eight pediatric NF1 patients and their parents were enrolled. QoL scores did not differ significantly between patient self-reports and parent reports. However, correlational analyses revealed that higher NF1 severity was associated with lower physical QoL in patients, and greater NF1 visibility was linked to lower physical and social QoL. For parents, higher NF1 severity correlated with lower school functioning, whereas NF1 visibility did not show a significant correlation with QoL. The severity and visibility of NF1 have distinct impacts on various aspects of QoL in children, highlighting the need for tailored interventions that address both physical and psychological challenges. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive care approaches in managing NF1 in pediatric populations.

Empowering Development Planning and Implementation at the District Level of Governance in Peninsular Malaysia

The District Office occupies a significant position in the federal and administrative structure of the country. Yet over the decades, the roles of the District Office and Officer have seemingly taken a less visible and prominent role in the area of development, particularly for the local communities from the district level and below. This paper provides a brief background on the development of the District Office in Peninsular Malaysia and its role in the area of development for the Malaysian nation and society. It examines the challenges faced by the District Offices in Malaysia. The paper further discusses how the District Offices can play a more prominent role in the nation-building and development processes of the country, including in implementing an inclusive development agenda for local communities in Malaysia. To do so, the paper refers to the issue mapping findings of the APPGM-SDG from 2020 to 2023. It focuses on and features these findings to assess the roles and challenges, and the prospective initiatives the District Offices and the APPGM-SDG can together act on to spearhead sustainable development and the formation of inclusive communities.

Can world heritage sites boost sales in non‐tourism firms? The role of visibility

AbstractWorld Heritage sites can positively impact local manufacturing industries. Using two‐way fixed effects estimation, we find that manufacturing firms in cities with World Heritage sites see a 9% increase in operating revenue. This finding is robust to matching methods and a control function method. The impact is especially strong for businesses with low online visibility, highlighting that World Heritage sites enhance visibility toward lesser‐known enterprises. The study also shows that the positive impact on sales is greater in cities with better support for economic development, consistent with the notion that firms need good industrial infrastructure and financial resources to produce high‐quality goods.

Results of a Needs Assessment for a DEI Workshop for GME Program Coordinators.

Competency in diversity, equity, and inclusion skills is critical for graduate medical education program coordinators. Coordinators contribute to high-level personnel and program management while also providing informal social support to residents. However, little has been reported about program coordinator learning needs, interest, and self-reported skills and attitudes regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in graduate medical education. This study sought to describe the characteristics, job tasks, attitudes, and learning needs of program coordinators attending a professional development session about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Participants registered for a September 2022 program coordinator professional development workshop on diversity, equity, inclusion, and bias were invited to complete an electronic needs assessment prior to the workshop. Items were based on expert opinion and literature review. We performed descriptive and comparative analysis. The response rate was 54% (106/198); 90% (94/104) of respondents identified as female; 42% (44/104) identified as an underrepresented minority. Fifty-seven percent (63/104) received mandatory training on bias while 13% (14/104) were previously trained on bias at a conference specific to the role of a coordinator. Eighty-nine percent (86/104) of coordinators reported having contact with applicants during recruiting; 67% (63/104) offer informal resident evaluations. Most participants agreed it is the coordinator's professional responsibility to confront colleagues who display signs of discrimination toward women (66%; 62/104) or based on cultural/ethnic identity (65%; 61/104). Program coordinators report visible and impactful roles in the residency leadership and management team. Few coordinators have received diversity, equity, and inclusion training related to their complex work in graduate medical education. Future graduate medical education diversity, equity, inclusion, and bias competency programs should specifically include program coordinators.

Friendly skies and unfriendly workplace communication: Examining emotion displays on enterprise social media in the aviation industry

ABSTRACT Researchers studying communication platforms in organizations (i.e., enterprise social media (ESM)) primarily focus on the implications of these technologies for knowledge sharing. In privileging task-based communication we risk overlooking the emotional aspects of communication inherent in worker interactions. This study investigates employees’ communication on ESM in two aviation companies. Interviews with employees (N = 39) revealed that they perceived ESM communication as mainly negative, focusing on venting and accusations, and that employees differed in their likelihood of expressing consonant or opposing emotions. Additionally, moderators’ presence on the ESM at one organization did not result in fewer emotional displays than on the unmoderated ESM. This research highlights the role of visibility in emotional workplace communication and in emotion cycles among organizational members.

Partisan Poll Watchers and Americans’ Perceptions of Electoral Fairness

Abstract Poll watchers play an increasingly visible role in American elections, yet there is little research into how their presence shapes beliefs about electoral integrity. On the one hand, poll watchers—like other election observers—may lead voters to be more trusting in elections. On the other hand, poll watchers who expressly represent political parties may contribute to polarized views of electoral integrity. We address this gap with two conjoint experiments and one vignette experiment administered on large national samples. The conjoint experiments vary several features of election polling locations, including the presence of poll watchers, voter identification requirements, and other election regulations. We find that regulations around poll watchers shape views of election fairness, but that the nature of this influence depends on the type and partisanship of poll watchers who are present. The vignette experiment shows that perceptions of poll watchers decline when these individuals act in bad faith; effects are especially large for Republican respondents. These findings help identify the potential that poll watchers have to shape Americans’ beliefs about election fairness and integrity.

Corporate Culture and Employee Performance: The Role of Vision, Mission, Norms, and Employee Focus

Corporate Culture and Employee Performance: The Role of Vision, Mission, Norms, and Employee Focus

Elongation capacity of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the annelid Platynereis dumerilii.

Elongation of very long-chain fatty acid (Elovl) proteins plays pivotal functions in the biosynthesis of the physiologically essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). Polychaetes have important roles in marine ecosystems, contributing not only to nutrient recycling but also exhibiting a distinctive capacity for biosynthesizing LC-PUFA. To expand our understanding of the LC-PUFA biosynthesis in polychaetes, this study conducted a thorough molecular and functional characterization of Elovl occurring in the model organism Platynereis dumerilii. We identify six Elovl in the genome of P. dumerilii. The sequence and phylogenetic analyses established that four Elovl, identified as Elovl2/5, Elovl4 (two genes) and Elovl1/7, have putative functions in LC-PUFA biosynthesis. Functional characterization confirmed the roles of these elongases in LC-PUFA biosynthesis, demonstrating that P. dumerilii possesses a varied and functionally diverse complement of Elovl that, along with the enzymatic specificities of previously characterized desaturases, enables P. dumerilii to perform all the reactions required for the biosynthesis of the LC-PUFA. Importantly, we uncovered that one of the two Elovl4-encoding genes is remarkably long in comparison with any other animals' Elovl, which contains a C terminal KH domain unique among Elovl. The distinctive expression pattern of this protein in photoreceptors strongly suggests a central role in vision.

Structure-Activity Relationships and Therapeutic Applications of Retinoids in View of Potential Benefits from Drug Repurposing Process.

Vitamin A, an essential micronutrient, is integral to various biological processes crucial for organismal development and maintenance. Dietary sources of vitamin A encompass preformed retinol, retinyl esters, and provitamin A carotenoids. Retinoic acid (RA), a key component, plays pivotal roles in vision, cell proliferation, apoptosis, immune function, and gene regulation. Drug repurposing, an effective strategy for identifying new therapeutic applications for existing drugs, has gained prominence in recent years. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape surrounding retinoids and drug repurposing. The scope of this review encompasses a comprehensive examination of retinoids and their potential for repurposing in various therapeutic contexts. Despite their efficacy in treating dermatological conditions, concerns about toxicity persist, driving the search for safer and more potent retinoids. The molecular mechanisms underlying retinoid activity involve binding to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), leading to transcriptional regulation of target genes. This review seeks to shed light on the possibilities for repurposing retinoids to cover a wider spectrum of therapeutic uses by exploring recent scientific progress. It also aims to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic prospects of retinoids and the broader impact of drug repositioning in contemporary medicine.