Scope Of Influence Research Articles

The Moderating Role of Affective Polarization on Party Cues: The Case of the Prostitution Ban

Affective polarization is a recent yet widespread phenomenon in democracies that significantly impacts various aspects of politics. In this paper, we argue that it can also shape citizens’ political beliefs through party cues. Using a panel survey experiment in Spain, we examine the extent to which partisan signals influence citizens’ attitudes toward a non-party- branded issue, specifically the ban on prostitution, and how affective polarization moderates this effect. Our results underscore the role of affective polarization in moderating the influence of partisan cues, particularly among highly polarized individuals. These findings highlight the capacity of affective polarization not only to deepen political divisions but also to expand the scope of partisan influence to non-politicized and neutral issues, offering new insights into its potential impact on attitude formation and decision-making.

Scholarship for the People: Michael K. Buckland and Information Science

ABSTRACTMichael Buckland's influential career spans several decades and has an international reach. His work has helped the field to define such key concepts as “information” and “document.” The presentations will address just a few of many topics he addressed in his career; these topics have had enormous influence on people's work in information science and on the research community. Documentation is one area that has captured Buckland's attention, and Ronald Day will present a perspective that embraces history and the current state. Fang Wang will revisit the question of what is the “science” of information science. Ryan Shaw turns his eyes to the existence and state of data science. Tatjana Aparac‐Jelušić will speak to the international scope of Buckland's work and influence. With this panel we are attempting to emphasize the need for historical and theoretical enquiry into the information field, as represented by Buckland's scholarship and its relevance to the entirety of information science. We are attempting to accomplish this emphasis by integrating the participation of audience members into the discussion.

Internal flow characteristics in the draft tube of a Francis turbine under different working conditions

The Francis turbine stability is impacted significantly by the flow characteristics in its draft tube. In the case of a Francis turbine in a hydropower plant, numerical simulations were undertaken at the maximum and rated heads, respectively, under three output scenarios of 20%, 100%, and 120%. The flow characteristics in the turbine draft tube and the evolution mechanism of flow pattern were assessed, as well as the impact of opening on vortex rope. The results demonstrate that with the increasing of the guide vane opening, a progressive transformation is noted for the random large vortex rope located in the conical section at the draft tube inlet into uniformly distributed one. The opening influences the velocity and pressure greatly, and as the opening enlarges, enhancement of the flow pattern is noted in the draft tube. Meanwhile, as the head increases, the influence scope of the vortex rope becomes larger. This research can reveal the operating conditions not suitable for the Francis turbine, thereby offering guidance for ensuring the stability of power station operation.

Substitution effect of Asian economies on China’s industrial and supply chains: from the perspective of global production network

This paper views China Production Network (CPN) as an integral component of the Global Production Network (GPN) and constructs null model (GIVCBN-I model) and the counterfactual model (GIVCBN-II or GIVCBN-III model) to identify and measure the potential industrial relocation risk exposure of CPN based on the Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) table. The main findings are as follows. Firstly, Altasia will induce more of China’s industrial and supply chains to break compared with ASEAN, which also means that strong industrial complementarity exists between Japan, South Korea, India, Bangladesh and the ASEAN member countries, enabling Altasia to have a more significant substitution effect on China. Secondly, the counterfactual models’ network-level characteristic indicators are worse than those of the null model in economic terms, suggesting that removing trade barriers for intermediate goods within Altasia could lead to the decoupling of industrial sectors in the CPN, thereby accelerating the trend of China’s industrial and supply chains relocating offshore. Thirdly, according to the comparison results of node-level characteristic indicators, Altasia has weakened China’s influence scope, profitability, and robustness of risk within the global industrial and supply chains, but mainly concentrating on its resource-intensive and labor-intensive sectors rather than capital-intensive and technology-intensive sectors, which indicates that some China’s industrial sectors still maintain substantial competitive advantages in the GPN. In sum, this paper provides theoretical guidance for identifying and analyzing the trends of industrial relocation in the Asia-Pacific region and helps industrial policymakers deepen the understanding of regional economic integration and its impact.

Refining the scope of genetic influences on alcohol misuse through environmental stratification and gene-environment interaction.

Gene-environment interaction (G × E) is likely an important influence shaping individual differences in alcohol misuse (AM), yet it has not been extensively studied in molecular genetic research. In this study, we use a series of genome-wide gene-environment interaction (GWEIS) and in silico annotation methods with the aim of improving gene identification and biological understanding of AM. We carried out GWEIS for four AM phenotypes in the large UK Biobank sample (N = 360,314), with trauma exposure and socioeconomic status (SES) as moderators of the genetic effects. Exploratory analyses compared stratified genome-wide association (GWAS) and GWEIS modeling approaches. We applied functional annotation, gene- and gene-set enrichment, and polygenic score analyses to interpret the GWEIS results. GWEIS models showed few genetic variants with significant interaction effects across gene-environment pairs. Enrichment analyses identified moderation by SES of the genes NOXA1, DLGAP1, and UBE2L3 on drinking quantity and the gene IFIT1B on drinking frequency. Except for DLGAP1, these genes have not previously been linked to AM. The most robust results (GWEIS interaction p = 4.59e-09) were seen for SES moderating the effects of variants linked to immune-related genes on a pattern of drinking with versus without meals. Our results highlight several genes and a potential mechanism of immune system functioning behind the moderating effect of SES on the genetic influences on AM. Although GWEIS seems to be a preferred approach over stratified GWAS, modeling G × E effects at the molecular level remains a challenge even in large samples. Understanding these effects will require substantial effort and more in-depth phenotypic measurement.

Leveraging on indigenous knowledge systems for leadership development in young men: Discernable lessons from Ulwaluko amongst Xhosa speakers.

Ulwaluko or Traditional Male Circumcision is an old African practice that has survived years of criticism and attenuation of Western civilization through religion and education. With the growing Western influence on the continent, there is mounting questioning of the virtues of ulwaluko in some circles even amongst Africans themselves. Proponents of ulwaluko see the ritual as a potent tool for leadership development amongst young men. By adopting a qualitative research design, the authors collected data by interviewing young men who recently performed the ritual. Adopting a phenomenological approach helped the author understand the lived experiences of the target group. The researcher found that over time, there have been influences that sought to weaken and derail the intended objectives of ulwaluko. The researcher also found that leadership development has always been and continues to be integral to the ritual. The recommendations from the study are that the custodians of African cultural beliefs, customs, and values should reclaim their scope of influence and dominance on cultural practices. Greater awareness also needs to be created of the virtues of ulwaluko particularly amongst the younger generations. The author concludes that ulwaluko still plays a pivotal and prominent role in leadership development amongst young African males and that its benefits cannot be undermined.

Detecting clusters and tracing management of water distribution system using space–time scan statistics and utility network modeling

Water-quality incidents in the water supply can occur because of errors in pressurization plant operations, leaks, and pollutant infiltration. They lead to citizen complaints about water quality. Identifying high-risk areas and contributing factors for accidents helps to prevent incidents. Here, a predictive analysis technique based on a geographic information system and complaint data was developed using SaTScan, a space–time statistical analysis program. High-risk clusters were identified using maximum log-likelihood ratios, relative risks, and Monte Carlo hypothesis testing. After a red water accident, high-risk clusters (C6–C9) were concentrated in one area. The relative risk of C7 before the accident was 4.58, double that of C2 (2.21). Using ArcGIS, a utility network dataset was created for the water-supply infrastructure in the high-risk cluster area. A utility network model enables flow simulation of the target water supply and tracing of the scope of influence. Downstream analysis of the trace showed that C8 had the greatest expected range of damage following an accident. To address this issue, four valves requiring controls were identified. C6 was predicted to suffer the most significant damage in an accident because it was closest to the water purification plant and had the largest pipe diameter.

Evaluation and Source Apportionment on Potentially Toxic Elements Pollution of Agricultural Soil in Mango Planting Areas in Panzhihua City, China

ABSTRACT Heavy metal pollution in agricultural soil has a wide range of sources and an enormous scope of influence, bringing about severe environmental risk. In this study, we used Pearson correlation analysis, combined with principal component and cluster analysis (PCA/CA) to comprehensively analyze the sources of soil heavy metal contamination in a mango plantation area in Panzhihua City. We performed a spatial distribution of heavy metal contamination levels via ArcGIS for single factor and Nemerow Contamination Index. The results showed that PTEs exceeded background values of soil pollution in Sichuan Province. The enrichment of Cr, Ni and Zn were caused by the development of local industry. Cu is mainly from atmospheric dust. Various pollution sources controlled the accumulation of Cd, whereas that of As and Pb were related to agricultural activities and transportation. The spatial distribution of the pollution indices indicated that the soil in the study area was mild to severe pollution with compound PTEs. Chemical speciation analysis showed that the ecological risk of PTEs enrichment in the study area was slight. This study highlights the geographic distribution of heavy metal contamination levels and source resolution, providing targeting for local regulatory authorities to improve soil environmental quality.

Study on damage characteristics and influence scope of coal-rock saturated with freeze–thaw water

Study on damage characteristics and influence scope of coal-rock saturated with freeze–thaw water

Stability analysis of pumped storage hydropower plant in abandoned open-pit mine affected by dynamic surface subsidence of combined mining.

The construction of a pumped storage hydropower plant (PSHP) in an abandoned open-pit mine is a potential alternative to green mining and energy storage, which can increase the utilization rate of renewable energy and develop residual resources of abandoned mines. Dynamic surface subsidence affected by combined underground and open-pit mining (CUOPM) seriously affects the construction and operation of the PSHP and is one of the critical scientific issues that needs to be solved immediately. The stability of the PSHP was analyzed and treatment scheme of the goafs was proposed based on on-site measurement, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation. First, the distribution of goafs in the Haizhou open-pit mining area was investigated and surface subsidence value was obtained using InSAR technology and ground monitoring. Secondly, the surface subsidence mechanism affected by CUOPM is analyzed and indicates the subsidence maximum values and scope of influence are greater than those of single underground mining. A dynamic surface subsidence prediction model for combined mining is established based on the Knothe time function model. Thirdly, based on the CVISC model, the numerical calculation models were established by using FLAC3D, and the characteristics and laws of surface subsidence in different periods of CUOPM were studied. The comparative analysis of the observation results shows that the proposed model and numerical simulation calculation method have excellent applicability and accuracy. Finally, a stability evaluation method of PSHP was established, and the results of the evaluation show that the affected areas are the semi-ground powerhouse (SGPH) and the west side of the lower reservoir. The method of grouting filling was used to treat the goafs, and the results showed that it effectively alleviates the dynamic surface subsidence affected by CUOPM, and provides a safety guarantee for PSHP.

Does institutional commitment affect ESG performance of firms? Evidence from the United Nations principles for responsible investment

Based on the sample of institutions in China that signed the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment over the period from 2012 to 2021, we study whether institutional commitment improve their environmental, social, and governance performance. The results show that institutional commitment has better environmental, social, and governance performance on its investment targets. After a series of robustness tests such as instrumental variable method and propensity score matching method, the main regression results remain unchanged. In further analysis, we find that this relationship is more pronounced when institutions are controlled by the state and have more media coverage. This study provides a new dimension for the firms to enhance environmental, social, and governance performance and also provides a theoretical basis for United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment to further expand its scope of influence.

Analysis of traffic noise spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors in high-density cities

Urban spatial structure factors can have considerable effects on traffic noise distribution. This study aimed to describe the spatial distribution characteristics of traffic noise and influencing factors in high-density cities. Fifteen indexes were selected from the three aspects of building layout, road organization and land use to analyse the influence of urban spatial structure factors on the noise spatial distribution. This paper selected the central area of Tianjin as the study area. The noise level was generated by the noise simulation software CadnaA, and the numerical statistics were determined by ArcGIS. The correlation between various urban indexes and the spatial distribution of traffic noise were determined with correlation analysis, and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) analysis was used to determine the degree and scope of influence of various urban indexes on the spatial distribution of traffic noise. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the spatial agglomeration forms of high, medium, and low noise areas among research units, and the spatial agglomeration of low noise areas in each unit is stronger. The building layout indexes, except for the average building height (ABH), are significantly negatively correlated with the noise levels in low noise areas (L70–L90). The road length index (RLI), road area density (RAD), road landscape shape index (RLSI), trunk road length index (TRLI), proportion of traffic land (PT), and degree of land mixing (DLM) are significantly positively correlated with the noise levels of all areas within the unit (L10–L90). Among the three aspects of building layout, road organization, and land use, the architectural landscape shape index (ALSI), RAD, and DLM have the greatest influence on the average spatial sound pressure level (Lavg), with mean regression coefficients of −0.254, 0.520, and 0.174, respectively. The ground space index (GSI), ALSI, proportion of residential land (PR) and PT are the global factors influencing Lavg.

Participant Perspectives on the Impact of a School-Based, Experiential Food Education Program Across Childhood, Adolescence, and Young Adulthood

ObjectiveExplore participant perceptions of involvement in an experiential food education program during elementary school and the scope and extent of program influence on food decisions. DesignFocus groups with current participants and program alumni. SettingWashington, DC. ParticipantsThirty-nine elementary school students and 39 program alumni ranging from middle school through university students. Phenomenon of InterestParticipant perceptions of program impact from childhood into adolescence and young adulthood. AnalysisInductive thematic analysis. ResultsNine emergent themes were identified, spread over 3 categories of program impact: immediate, beyond the classroom, and sustained. Immediate program impact themes came from all participants and included enjoyment, hands-on learning, and fostering connection. Beyond the classroom, older elementary students and alumni expressed perceived shifts in individual and family food intake, involvement in household food practices, and desire for fresh food options at school. Themes of sustained program impact among alumni participants were an appreciation for fresh food, openness to trying new foods, and confidence to make informed food decisions. Conclusions and ImplicationsFindings provide a deeper understanding of participant perspectives on the impact of participation in a school-based experiential food education program and a basis for further research on the role of early exposure to food education in influencing food decisions as children grow older.

The Requirement of Fair Negotiation (Gebot des fairen Verhandelns) and the Principle of Undue Influence in German and US Employment Law

In its decisions of 24 February 2022 and 7 February 2019, the German Federal Labour Court (BAG) ruled that German labour courts should take into account whether a breach of the requirement of fair negotiation had occurred in assessing the validity of termination agreements. The Court thereby aimed to improve the protection of employees who have been improperly pressured by their employer into concluding a termination agreement. Arguably, the principle of undue influence in US contract law fulfils a comparable function. This article analyses the BAG decision then addresses the question of the comparability of the legal concepts. Since the concept and scope of undue influence are not easy to grasp, the definition in US case law and the practical application of the legal concept are analysed. Based on this analysis, the article considers whether a US civil court would have decided the BAG case in the same way. The article concludes that the principles in German and American law lead to similar outcomes. Requirement of Fair Negotiation, Undue Influence, German Labour Court, US Contract Law, US Civil Courts

Russkiy Mir (Russian World): An Exemplification of All-Russian Nationalism. The Strategy of Neo-Imperial Expansionism of the Russian Federation in Regional and Global Dimensions

Purpose: The primary aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive and indepth analysis of the Russian world (russkiy mir) as the main doctrine of neo-imperial expansionism. Russia consistently pursues the strategy of regaining influence in the post- Soviet area and, through the internationalization of the Russian world, seeks to achieve a dominant position on the European continent. The research problem is to analyze the extensive scope of influence of Russian ideology and the profound impact of this ideology on political and social processes taking place in other countries in Europe and the world. The impact through political and economic lobbying, propaganda, and informational operations of influence is extended not only to the area of the former USSR but also aimed at political circles and citizens of other European countries. Methods: The research optics adopted by the Author imply the use of the historical method of comparative and critical analysis of source texts. Result of the study: The analysis carried out leads to the conclusion that the ideology of the Russian world is expanding its sphere of influence mainly through propaganda and disinformation influence aimed at nationalist and Eurosceptic circles, including among representatives of the political elite of European countries identifying with such views.

Effect of the sonic shock wave on void evolution in materials under irradiation

Understanding the void-cascade interaction is of great importance for clarifying the irradiation damage as a major challenge in nuclear industry, since it typically causes void annihilation or shrinkage, which greatly affects the swelling of irradiated materials. But the current understanding of it is extremely limited due to the neglect of the sonic shock wave. Herein, we take γ-U as the representative model due to the emergence of a violent sonic shock wave there. Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to explore the underlying mechanism of the sonic shock wave interacting with voids. It is firstly revealed that the sonic shock wave is essentially focusons along <111> crystal orientation family, attributed to the highest energy transfer efficiency along <111> in γ-U. These focusons can cause void annihilation or shrinkage via sliding, while thermal spikes only cause annihilation by covering voids. Combining these two factors, we propose a model to qualitatively epitomize the void-cascade interaction, in which the influence scope exhibits an intriguing anisotropic feature, overturning a long-accepted view that the void-cascade interaction is isotropic. This model is further generalized to other nuclear materials owing to the similar mechanism of the sonic shock wave. Moreover, we find distinct size effect of voids on void-cascade interaction. Thermal spikes hardly affect voids that are too large to be covered, while the sonic shock wave also causes visible shrinkage in large voids. The present work proves that the sonic shock wave has a non-negligible effect on void evolution, improving the fundamental understanding of void-cascade interaction in irradiated materials.

Soil depth and recovery interval mediate soil water repellency under different forest types and fire intensity levels in China: Evidence for ecosystem resiliency

Soil water repellency (SWR) is a physical phenomenon whereby the surface of soil particles cannot be, or resists being, moistened by water. The recovery process of fire-induced SWR can provide important evidence for ecosystem resilience, but most existing studies ignored this process. Prescribed burning is a widely used method to reduce the risk of fire and fuel. However, prescribed fires can increase SWR, reducing infiltration and increasing overland flow and subsequent soil erosion. In order to understand the ecosystem resilience process from fire-induced SWR, soil samples were collected before and after prescribed burning. Four different forest types in the Hunan province of China were studied. Soil samples at four different soil depths (0–5, 6–10, 11–15, and >15 cm) and four time intervals (3, 30, 180, and 360 d) after burning at different intensities were collected. No significant difference in SWR was found among the four forest types, but the SWR of soil in plantations was stronger than that in secondary forests before fire. Most soil samples showed slightly increased SWR after burning, SWR increasing with fire intensity. Surface soil (0–5 cm) SWR showed greater sensitivity to fire disturbance than subsurface soil (>5 cm). SWR had a smaller scope of influence and shorter recovery period in burned secondary forests. Although SWR recovered over time, recovery was slower with increasing fire intensity. SWR always recovered to pre-fire levels given sufficient time. Our study revealed the recovery process of SWR, and explored the temporal and spatial mechanisms of forest ecosystem recovery after prescribed burning.

Futures Markets and Macroeconomics: Empirical Evidence from China

This paper uses the methods of Granger causality test, cointegration relationship test, error correction model and shock response function in cointegration correlation theory, and uses the monthly data from 2003.1 to 2023.5 to study the role and influence of futures market variables (price index, total turnover, total open interest) on sixteen macroeconomic variables. The results show that the three indicators of the futures market have a guiding effect on industrial added value, net export, fiscal revenue and fiscal expenditure at the same time. The price index and total turnover also have a guiding effect on the interbank 7-day interest rate and the RMB real effective exchange rate index. The total turnover and total open interest also have a strong guiding effect on the total import and export volume, the investment amount of fixed assets, and the total retail sales of social consumer goods. The price index also has a strong guiding effect on the producer price index, total loans, and the exchange rate of the US dollar against the RMB. The total open interest also has a strong guiding effect on the total loan. The cointegration test and error correction model show that in the short and long term, the futures market variables have a strong or weak quantitative impact on twelve macro variables, and the shock response function curve shows that the futures market variables have different impact effects on twelve macro variables. It shows that the futures market has a relatively strong impact on the macroeconomy, but there is still much room for improvement in the scope and depth of influence. It is suggested that the futures market should make efforts in terms of variety expansion, internationalization and supervision to further promote the comprehensive development of the domestic macroeconomy.

When it rains, it pours? The impact of weather on customer returns in the brick-and-mortar retail store

With the increase in weather's unpredictability, the retail industry has been actively integrating weather data to make more informed decisions. However, knowledge about the impact of weather on customer returns is limited. It is crucial to understand customer return behavior so that companies could design strategies that are beneficial for both the business and its customers. In our study, we explore the role of weather (weather types and temperature) in shaping customer return behavior. Transaction data from 328 brick-and-mortar retail stores situated in 56 cities across China were analyzed using ordinary least squares regression. The results demonstrate that rainy days, in comparison to cloudy ones, reduce the likelihood of customers venturing out to make returns. Additionally, we observe that extreme temperature conditions, whether excessively cold or hot, also deter customers from initiating returns. However, the impact of weather on returns is subject to variations introduced by different return channels and holiday periods. Together, our research demonstrated a novel factor that impacts customer return. With the ever-dynamic symphony of the weather, this research broadens the scope of weather's influence on consumer behavior to encompass the domain of returns, while providing valuable implications for retailers to respond to weather-related fluctuations in customer return behavior.

About Dynamics of Improving the Foam Concrete Technological and Operational Properties upon Disperse Reinforcement with Polypropylene Fibers

Introduction. The efficiency of the foam concrete products manufacture and application in construction is briefly overviewed. The reasons constraining the nomenclature of the manufactured products are listed. The information about evolvement of the foam concrete disperse fiber-reinforcement technology is provided. The need for scientific research aimed at studying the dynamics of the foam concrete technological and operational properties upon disperse reinforcement with polypropylene fibers is formulated.Materials and Methods. The composition and properties of the materials used for manufacturing the foam concrete mixtures are listed. The methods used for assessing the technological and mechanical properties of the materials under study are indicated.Results. The results of the experimental assessment of the polypropylene fiber length and amount influence on the dynamics of the plastic strengthening growth of the equally dense foam and fiber-reinforced concrete mixtures are presented. The scope of the polypropylene fiber influence on the dynamics of the studied mixtures plastic strengthening is analysed. The scientific substantiation of the reasons accelerating the mass transfer processes during the disperse reinforcement of mixtures with fibers is given. The results of the bending tensile strength tests of the large-size D600 concrete specimens are presented.Discussion and Conclusion. The efficient positive influence of the polypropylene fiber, in correlation with its length, on the following foam concrete properties has been distinguished:speed of phase transfer;ultimate extensibility;elasticity and strength modulus of D600 concrete.