Global Sphere Research Articles

Narrative construction of risk in Petrobras’ sustainability reports

This article examines the problem of risk, with a focus on environmental and climate issues in the context of late modernity. It focuses on how organisations, especially in the oil sector, address environmental controversies through communication strategies and legitimation narratives, emphasising sustainability to reinforce their social commitment. The study focuses on the Brazilian oil company Petrobras, known for its environmental impact and controversies, especially leaks and accidents. The article explores how Petrobras officially communicates about environmental risks, using sustainability reports as a legitimisation strategy in relation to ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) standards. The methodology adopted is reflexive and critical, based on an analysis of Petrobras' sustainability reports over the last ten years (2012-2022). Petrobras was founded in Brazil in 1953, its origins date back to the search for economic independence in the energy sector and, during its almost sixty years of existence, the organization has gained international recognition in the oil and derivatives sector (Santos, 2021), but has also been at the center of several controversies, especially for the numerous leaks, disasters and environmental accidents (Santos et al., 2012). In this context, ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) highlights the importance of environmental, social and governance factors in financial markets throughout the global sphere. ESG rankings are also known as sustainability rankings or corporate social responsibility ratings. In this regard, the relevance of ESG reports has increased in recent years as they are linked to practices that strengthen sustainable economic development. However, organizations with simpler business models and proportionally lower impacts can measure a small number of relevant factors in terms of socio-environmental risks and opportunities. As the complexity of the business increases, the metric used should become more sophisticated to ensure that the measurement is as close as possible to the real impact. Those with a higher risk in relation to biodiversity loss, for example, are configured as a higher market risk, have lower liquidity in their shares and have an impact on financial institutions, causing instability in a country’s economy and financial system if its governance is “weak” (Jacobi, 2012). These organizations must seek tools to combat biodiversity loss by mapping risks and for this, they require strategic organizational communication (Kunsch, 2016). In this sense, we are interested here in observing the approach to environmental risk officially communicated by Petrobras, since the oil sector corresponds to one of the segments with the highest rates of environmental pollution / contamination and the way in which these organizations build their reports on their practices in favor of sustainable development becomes, nowadays, important strategies of social legitimation focused on ESG standards. To do this, the methodology adopts a reflexive and critical perspective, based on bibliographic and documentary research, whose analytical corpus focuses on Petrobras' sustainability reports of the last ten years. Our research objective being "to analyze the official construction of the organizational narrative (Santos, 2022) on the approach to environmental risk by the Brazilian company. From the preliminary analysis of Petrobras' sustainability reports, from 2012 to 2022, we observe an approach that tends to "naturalize" and "relativize" the risk and to emphasize, above all, the measures taken by the organization to "control" it.

A Study on Energy Production and Consumption Based on Seasonal ARIMA and REAO

In the face of the global energy challenge, this study delves into the intricate landscape of energy dynamics within the rapidly evolving global economy and technological sphere. Recognizing energy as a pivotal driver of societal progress, we present a comprehensive evaluation and optimization model for China's energy sources, emphasizing economic, cost, electric energy, and environmental considerations. Employing time series models, specifically ARIMA and gray scale forecasting, we meticulously analyze wind and solar power generation, as well as overall power consumption. The results showcase nuclear power and hydropower as significant contributors to the energy landscape. Leveraging a linear programming model, we simulate and optimize the future energy development structure, considering constraints such as cost, energy, capacity, and carbon emissions. Our findings reveal the optimal quota contributions of thermal power, hydro power, nuclear power, wind power, and solar power as 13.7%, 14.2%, 17.6%, 54.5%, and 0%. Building upon these insights, we propose strategic recommendations for sustainable electric energy development. Emphasizing wind and solar energy's potential, we advocate for continued interest and increased support for technological advancements. Additionally, we call for the establishment of comprehensive power and energy development plans, integrating economic and environmental goals. To address imperfections in China's electricity tariff system, we recommend ongoing reforms aligned with market dynamics and environmental considerations.

Unveiling the Cultural and Entrepreneurial Potential of Música Popular Brasileira

Música popular Brasileira (MPB) is a genre of Brazilian music that emerged in the mid-1960s. It is characterized by its eclectic mix of samba, bossa nova, tropicalia, rock, pop, electronic, and samba-pop incorporating elements from African, European, and indigenous Brazilian music traditions. MPB is known for its rich lyrical content, which often addresses social, political, and cultural themes, and its innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary musical styles. This paper explores the allure and entrepreneurial prospects of MPB in the global music sphere. Through qualitative analysis of insights from industry experts Beatriz Malnic, Bruno Miranda, and Derris Lee, it delves into MPB's distinctive elements, its global influence, and strategies for enhancing its commercial success. Despite barriers, MPB's diversity, rhythmic appeal, and genre fusion captivate audiences globally. The paper advocates for collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, language-inclusive promotion, and digital engagement to expand MPB's reach. Embracing MPB's cultural legacy and entrepreneurial ethos can deepen connections with audiences and enrich the global music landscape with Brazil's musical treasures.

The political economy of national health insurance schemes: evidence from Zambia.

Governments in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are increasingly considering the introduction of national health insurance scheme (NHIS) as a strategy to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) targets. The literature has widely documented the technical challenges associated with implementing UHC policies in LMICs but much less is known about the political process necessary to pass UHC legislation. In this article, we document the political economy issues surrounding the establishment of the Zambia NHIS in 2018. We adapted a political economy framework incorporating, semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders and document analysis of policies, operational reports, and legislatures from 1991 and 2018. Our findings show the 26-year journey towards the establishment of the NHIS in Zambia involved a long sequence of policy dialogue, technical review and stakeholder engagement. Our interviews with key stakeholders suggest that the act was eventually passed due to strong political will and dominant leadership of the Ministry of Health. Passing the law required trade-offs between choices influenced by stakeholder pressures and recommendations from research and actuarial studies. Another equally critical factor was the high public support and legacies of past policies, such as the removal of user fees that had created quality gaps and inequities in the health system. Furthermore, global ideas about UHC and initiatives implemented by other countries also generated support for Zambia's NHIS. Overall, this study highlights the complex set of political economy factors that need to align in order for governments to be able to adopt health insurance in low-income settings. We show that political leadership and commitment to getting reforms passed is crucial. We also highlight how certain narratives about countries in the global health sphere can shape policies in other countries.

Fact-Checkers on the Fringe: Investigating Methods and Practices Associated With Contested Areas of Fact-Checking

This study investigates the methods and practices used by self-identified fact-checkers situated on the fringe of the field of fact-checking to support their agenda for public recognition and legitimacy. Using a case study approach and selecting nine cases across five countries (Russia, Brazil, India, China, and Singapore), we identify the most common distinguishable attributes and tactics associated with this ambiguous collection of actors. In addition to identifying how fringe fact-checkers weaponize fact-checking practices and exploit or mimic the social standing of accredited fact-checkers, we critique examples where state-supported fact-checkers associated with authoritarian governance structures fact-check for national interests. We propose a spectrum of fact-checkers including those where public or general interest fact-checkers follow journalistic ideals and align with accredited communities of practice or non-accredited peer recognition, and a collection of fringe fact-checkers ranging from “special interest” actors promoting specific political agendas to hostile actors with disruptive, destructive, and openly propagandistic interests and aims to destabilize the global public sphere. The article contributes to current research and debates about the institutionalization of fact-checking and the understudied area of fact-checking impersonation, a problematic activity associated with misinformation and propaganda on platforms and the internet.

O ostracismo científico nas escolas angolanas: Uma abordagem à luz da cultura

Angolan schools have served as a stage for scientific bias in their teaching content, as the insufficient proliferation of the Afro-scientific legacy has been noted. Despite this, the main objective of this article is to analyze the exclusion and non-inclusion of African scientific references in the Angolan school system. Seeking to understand, through a deductive approach, the occurrence of this ostracist process in our educational system, since Angola, its educational model does not differ much from those that share the same global sphere, if not only in the intensity of monetary investment. Therefore, with this article, science in Angola, combined with culture, will be deeply analyzed, supported by renowned authors such as Marimba Ani, George James, Maria Eva Lakatos, Filipe Zau among others.

Irish diaspora policy and soft power projection

ABSTRACT Diasporic engagement has not been a common aspect of Irish national projection but Ireland’s recent policy platforms have sought to activate diasporic sentiment in the service of soft power. A broader and more diverse construction of diaspora is put forward and a more nuanced Government of Ireland reach-out is directed at a wider range of global markets’ than has heretofore been the case. This reformulation of global Irish identity and diversified spatial projection of Irish interest points to an assertive spatialization of Irish themes in the global sphere as Ireland seeks to harness its diaspora in pursuit of soft power.

The Post-2011 Yemen Internationalized Civil War: It’s National, Regional and Global Implications

The purpose of this paper is to make an in-depth analysis of the post-2011 Yemen internationalized civil war and its implications on national, regional, and global social, economic, and political spheres of influence. In this place, the study uses a qualitative research approach. On top of this to achieve the stated objectives of the study the data was collected purposively from published and unpublished materials like articles, magazines, reports, and the materials available online. At the national level, Yemen has failed in worsening social, economic, and political situations portrayed by the civil war crisis. The internationalized Yemen civil war triggered grave consequences on infrastructure, and economic activities, in which trade; investment, and business opportunities were demolished. Besides, it caused thousands of civilians displaced, indiscriminately attacked, killed, flee their homes, and become refugees. Similarly, the intensive Yemen civil war deteriorated the free flows of oil production, commodities as well as maritime trade in the region. Significantly, the fragile conditions pave the way for the network of illegal traffic activities in the region. The Yemen post-2011 internationalized civil war has caused potential risk to international shipping transiting to the Red sea which is the strategic route for oil cargo and other commercial movements to the global market. Furthermore, the Yemen civil conflict caused the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and the European Union has responded to the catastrophes.

Ignited by the Qur’an

The Danish lawyer and politician Rasmus Paludan has gained notoriety for filming and uploading footage of demonstrations and burning copies of the Qur’an, first in 2019 in Denmark and later in Sweden. Based on videos and material from social and conventional media, this article investigates the background and political and legal opportunity structures of Paludan’s activism. It argues that Paludan’s actions are situated in reference to broader debates on freedom of expression in general and understanding of blasphemy in particular. Paludan’s treatment of the Qur’an resembles a global injustice symbol (Olesen 2015; 2016). The symbol becomes global in nature when it resonates cross-nationally and cross-culturally. In 2023, as the symbol spread to the global public sphere, the Danish government decided to introduce a blasphemy clause that had been repealed five years previously. This underlines Sherwood’s argument that blasphemy has made a paradoxical return as a contested global category in the twenty-first century.

Universal Ideational Warfare: Preemptive Ideocide in the Global South

Abstract The world is entering a post-universal historical conjuncture marked by a “great divergence” triggered by a paroxysm of crises exacerbated by the Western world’s reluctance to accept its diminishing global role. In a panic response, the West is consolidating itself into a Euro-American Confederal Empire, engaging in a form of universal ideational warfare against emerging civilization-states in an effort to maintain its civilizational hegemony. This has resulted in an ideological engineering contest within the global public sphere pursued through the practice of “preemptive ideocide,” which seeks to perpetuate a missionary universalism that imposes Western political-cultural norms upon the world’s divergent cultural and self-governing modes of existence. This ideational warfare is situated within an emergent Cold War Two. The protagonists of this ideational warfare represent a service class of ideocrats devoted to the preservation of Western global primacy. The article highlights the key themes addressed by members of this service class who act as an elite posse of a global thought police. In conclusion, the article argues that humanity is irreversibly divided into non-convergent but non-conflictual cultural identities and proposes the adoption in the Global South of a cultural polygenesis covenant as an exit strategy from the prevailing dependency on missionary universalism’s ideational framework.

Behavioral Biases and Regional Diversity: An In-Depth Analysis of Their Influence on Investment Decisions - A SEM & MICOM Approach

The Basic purpose of the study was to understand the impact of behavioral biases on Global Investors investment Decisions and whether there is any significant difference of the impact on investment Decisions of Global investors due to regional diversity. The data was collected from 467 Global investors from China and India SEM was used to test the hypothesis and Followed by Multi- group analysis. The results revealed that Behavioral biases have a significant on investment decisions of Global Investors. The impact was found more on India Global investors than that of China. The insight into how regional diversity can magnify or attenuate these biases offers valuable guidance for global investment firms seeking to tailor their services to a culturally diverse clientele. Understanding the interplay between behavioral biases and regional disparities allows for the development of region-specific financial products and advice, better aligning investment strategies with the unique needs and risk tolerance of investors from different parts of the world. The originality of this research lies in its nuanced examination of how behavioral biases, in conjunction with regional disparities, can offer valuable insights for both investors and financial practitioners, enhancing our comprehension of the intricate dynamics at play in the global investment sphere.

The Impact of China on the Trade-Promoting Effects of PTAs: The Case of Korea and Japan’s PTAs with Latin American Countries

The pursuit of Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) by numerous countries, aimed at promoting trade among member nations, is widely acknowledged. Nonetheless, policymakers often voice concerns regarding the potentially short-lived nature of PTAs’ trade-promoting effects. In light of this concern, we present empirical evidence that substantiates the transient nature of the trade-enhancing impacts associated with PTAs. We identify the expanding economic influence of China in the global trade sphere as a primary driver for this trend. These findings are reinforced by a compelling illustration within the context of the PTAs involving Korea and Japan with Latin American countries. Our case study suggests that the attenuation of the export-promoting effects of Korea and Japan’s PTAs with their Latin American counterparts can be attributed to the penetration of Chinese goods, the sustained reduction of Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariffs, and the proliferation of comprehensive PTAs within regional contexts.

Назад в будущее: визуализация развития, проблем и перспектив искусственного интеллекта, Data Science, квантовых вычислений

The paper is designed as a review and analysis of the current situation in the field of information technology (IT). The relevance of the article arises from the need to popularize IT among young people, which is reflected in the documents of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation, as well as from the high demand for experts in the field of digital technologies and the need to increase the digitalization of Russia. According to GeekBrains (the first programming school in Russia, which appeared in 2010, and the leader in the field of training for digital professions, which operates in 85 regions of the Russian Federation and 21 countries of the world), the number of IT job vacancies in this country will grow up to 2 million by 2027. All large organizations are looking for specialists in different IT branches, which are described in this and the following research paper. In this article, which is the first part of the study, the capabilities and problems of the following advanced technologies are considered: artificial intelligence, Data Science and quantum computing. The concepts of technologies are analyzed from the viewpoints of their everyday use and professional application. The topics are closely related and complement each other in one way or another. The article follows the logic and chronology of events in the global IT sphere. The conclusion contains a description of the author's thought experiment about bringing machine intelligence to life, it accumulates the mentioned technologies while taking into account the laws of physics. The calculations for this experiment are given as well. The materials from one of the GeekBrains's educational shows “The Way to IT” were used, including the GIF animation, which is reproduced only on the website of the “Scientific Visualization” journal.

Geo-economics of China's rare earths production: Concurrent green transition and environmental vulnerability

Serving as a regional assessment of China's ongoing mining and application of REEs, this article addresses the concurrence of green transition and environmental degradation contextualized in the global sphere of the Critical Mineral mining and application. It narrates a history of China's developmental strategies for REEs mining and production since the late 1970s and addresses the environmental outcomes from the state-determined, globalized national economy and the state-initiated environmental regulations on domestic REEs mining. Focusing on a historical assessment of China's geopolitically-strategized Critical Mineral production and the high environmental cost of the REEs-based green transition, this article discusses how UN's concept of sustainable development is being indigenized in China through the Chinese state's policy practices as well as through the receptiveness of the Chinese populace, and supports the ongoing argument of just transition as an unjust energy transition creating unjustified environmental dispossession, particularly in the local societies in China and elsewhere in the world.

Limiting money: redesigning the artifact that shapes modern people

AbstractThe transdisciplinary argument in this article is that the social and ecological unsustainability of modern, globalized capitalism ultimately derives from the design of its central artifact: what Polanyi called all- or general-purpose money. The notion of a singular measure of economic value is a peculiar cultural conception that is inherently at odds with physical reality, yet it pervades modern economic thought and practice as if it were immutable. To transcend the political impasse of economic globalization, a complementary national currency (CC) exclusively for local use could distinguish a sphere of exchange and special-purpose currency for basic needs from a global sphere of more remote exchange-values. To avoid the pitfalls and failures of earlier experiments with local currencies, such a CC would require the support of national authorities, the specified objective of sustainable consumption and production, and systematic efforts to provide citizens and entrepreneurs with ample incentives to utilize it. In combining the concept of a CC with that of a universal basic income (UBI), the reform would allow their advantages to complement each other, joining the generalized scale of UBI with the potential of politically influencing consumption patterns that is inherent in CC. An essential difference in relation to earlier experiments would be that the reach of the CC would not be defined in terms of the geographical location of retailers but in terms of the derivation, relative to the consumer, of the products and services into which it could be converted. Although no such system yet exists, this should not stop us from imagining its possibilities.

Developing AI literacy in HRD: competencies, approaches, and implications

ABSTRACT In recent years, the surge of interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has been notable across global academic and industrial spheres. Human Resource Development (HRD) scholars have paid considerable attention to its application. Recognizing the importance of preparing employees and organisations for the AI era, this paper explores the concept of AI literacy, focusing on the required competencies from an HRD perspective. Based on research on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of AI, we analysed AI-related competencies from four aspects: skills, relevance, values, and knowledge. Although the current literature on AI literacy contributes to a comprehensive understanding and highlights its importance across multiple domains, we identified some areas that lack attention and necessitate further research. The paper concludes by proposing directions for future research, accentuating the critical role of HRD in equipping the workforce with AI literacy to adeptly navigate the continually evolving technological landscape, and highlighting the need for scholars to engage in discussions about AI literacy on an international scale.

How do English-Speaking Users Discuss the Wuhan Lockdown: A Longitudinal Analysis of Public Spheres on YouTube

Drawing on Chantel Mouffe, Mikhail Bakhtin, Judith Butler and others, we examined how English-speaking YouTube users discussed the Wuhan lockdown from late January to June 2020. We argue that news-prompted public spheres are affective, contextualised and short-lived and our findings suggest that the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic outside of China is closely related to the worsening sentiments of English-speaking publics on YouTube. Comments are also significantly associated with the changing severity of the pandemic, reflecting the changing concerns of publics regardless of the central theme of news stories. The divergence of the sentiment scores of user comments is also salient among different media spaces. These findings suggest that a de-localised, universal global public sphere is misleading and more nuanced and contextualised studies are warranted.

Towards User-Centred Framework for Reconfiguring Library Spaces in the Global South: Case of Kenyan Universities

In the global sphere, there is a trend that is gaining momentum in university libraries, and that is the shifting nature of the physical library spaces. The transition from print to electronic resources is among the issues influencing the shifting of library spaces. The change in pedagogy, where learning activities now lay emphasis on collaboration and group projects, necessitates new requirements in physical library spaces to rhyme with the new purposes and learning styles that better meet users’ needs. Unfortunately, the available library space reconfiguring frameworks are inclined to the global north, which may not be suitable for the global south countries such as Kenya. It is on this strength that this paper seeks to explore how to attain user-centred university library spaces in the global south that meet the needs and wants of the users. The main objective of this paper is to propose a framework for reconfiguring university library spaces. The paper intended to achieve this by exploring suggestions on additional spaces and facilities to be included in the library, identifying attractive spaces and features of a library, exploring projections of the future outlook of the library, and examining elements of a desirable model space for university libraries in Kenya. The methodology employed a pragmatic research philosophy and multiple case studies. Data was collected from students, academic staff, librarians and university librarians. The qualitative data was thematically analysed, while the quantitative data used descriptive statistics. Based on the findings, the study proposed a user-centred framework for reconfiguring university library spaces in Kenya.

Academic Convergences in Korean Communication Studies

abstract: In the early 21st century, Korean communication has become one of the most vibrant in the global communication sphere. Due to the recent surge of Korean popular culture and digital technologies, media scholars and global media outlets have attempted to analyze why and how Korea has advanced numerous communication fields in such a short time. This article attempts to develop new perspectives to reflect the ever-changing media ecology. It offers some normative ideas to deal with these new challenges, which may provide some guidance to scholars who study Korean communication.

Identification of Social Media Posts Containing Self-reported COVID-19 Symptoms using Triple Word Embeddings and Long Short-Term Memory

The COVID-19 pandemic has permeated the global sphere and influenced nearly all nations and regions. Common symptoms of this pandemic include fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of sense of smell. The impact of COVID-19 on public health and the economy has made it a significant global concern. It has caused economic contraction in Indonesia, particularly in face-to-face interaction and mobility sectors, such as transportation, warehousing, construction, and food and beverages. Since the pandemic began, Twitter users have shared symptoms in their tweets. However, they couldn't confirm their concerns due to testing limitations, reporting delays, and pre-registration requirements in healthcare. The classification of text from Twitter data about COVID-19 topics has predominantly focused on sentiment analysis regarding the pandemic or vaccination. Research on identifying COVID-19 symptoms through social media messages is limited in the literature. The main objective of this study is to identify symptoms using word embedding techniques and the LSTM algorithm. Various techniques such as Word2Vec, GloVe, FastText, and a composite approach are used. LSTM is used for classification, improving upon the RNN technique. Evaluation criteria include accuracy, precision, and recall. The model with an input dimension of 147x100 achieves the highest accuracy at 89%. This study aims to find the best LSTM model for detecting COVID-19 symptoms in social media tweets. It evaluates LSTM models with different word embedding techniques and input dimensions, providing insights into the optimal text-based method for COVID-19 detection through social media texts.