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UNITED STATES: Trump will appeal immunity rejection
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES285063
ISSN: 2633-304X
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Geographic
Topical
UNITED STATES: Appeals court to rule on immunity claim
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES284462
ISSN: 2633-304X
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Thamaraiselvan Natarajan, Jayadevan Geetha Raveendran Nair and Jegan Jayapal
This study aims to experimentally investigate branded functional beverage (BFB) consumption behaviour post-COVID-19 through the lens of a conceptual framework built on three…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to experimentally investigate branded functional beverage (BFB) consumption behaviour post-COVID-19 through the lens of a conceptual framework built on three renowned behaviour modification models and to critically evaluate how well subjective norms serve as a moderator in the consumption behaviour relating to such beverage products.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual model was developed based on the tenets of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), health belief model (HBM) and value-attitude-behaviour (VAB) model. The study was performed on a convenience sample of 537 respondents aged 18 and up from diverse regions in India using the PLS-SEM method. A total of 444 useable questionnaires were utilized for the final data analysis.
Findings
Given the post-pandemic setting, the perceived benefits of BFBs significantly influenced its purchase intention and consumption behaviour. It could grossly impact the media's role (information about COVID-19) and the consumers' interest in healthy food. The study revealed that the information about COVID-19 (role of media) strongly increased interest in healthy food, whereas interest in healthy food positively influenced purchase intention of functional beverages. With interest in healthy food as a “mediator”, the role of media (information about COVID-19) positively influenced purchase intention. It is worth noting the moderating role of subjective norms in the relationship between the role of media (information about COVID-19) and interest in healthy food and that between interest in healthy food and BFB purchase intention.
Practical implications
Food marketers shall skillfully use “opinion” leaders and subject experts in marketing communication campaigns to popularize the link between good food and immunity through COVID-19 and healthy diet-related messages sent via a suitable media platform. This would grab food consumers' interest in BFBs and persuade them to incorporate such items in their daily food milieu. Consumers need to be assured that consuming “functional” products would deliver health benefits and upkeep their body immunity in the post-COVID-19 times.
Originality/value
There has been minimal research on the link between perceived benefits, the role of media, interest in healthy food and consumption behaviour on functional beverages in the post-COVID-19 setting. Moreover, subjective norms have never been probed as a moderator in the consumer behaviour studies on BFBs. This pioneering study applied the tenets of the TPB, HBM and VAB model in the context of post-pandemic functional beverage consumption. The altered study settings caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the context of a developing economy like India have amplified the research value of this study.
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Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on low-carbon consumption of dairy products through informational interventions. The empirical findings seek to enlighten developing countries' efforts in coping with climate change and potential dietary transitions.
Design/methodology/approach
A randomized controlled trial was designed to examine the effects of purpose-differentiated information interventions on individual dairy consumption. The experiment recruited and randomly assigned 1,002 college students into four groups to receive (or not) environmental or/and health information interventions.
Findings
The empirical analysis finds that health and combined information interventions have a positive impact on dairy consumption, while environmental information interventions' effect on dairy consumption is insignificant. In the context of the pandemic, health information interventions positively affected participants' perceptions and preferences for dairy products by delivering knowledge about their role in boosting immunity. However, environmental information interventions failed to do the same things as their insignificant effects on both perception and preference.
Originality/value
Macro-external shocks, such as public health events, may offset the impact of universal information interventions promoting pro-environmental behaviors. For a smooth dietary transition to achieve long-term environmental sustainability, diverse stakeholders must be included in more individualized interventions to guide daily consumption, especially in developing countries with large populations.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the legislative framework that governs whistleblowing in the UAE.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the legislative framework that governs whistleblowing in the UAE.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines social perceptions and practical challenges related to the act of whistleblowing. It focuses on the effectiveness, limitations and implications of the current legal status of whistleblowing in the UAE.
Findings
The UAE does not have a unified legal framework that governs whistleblowing and whistleblower protections like in the case of the USA. Therefore, there is an urgent need for comprehensive federal regulations that will apply to all sectors across the entire UAE. Each emirate and economic zone can then model their whistleblowing regulations against the federal law to ensure consistency and uniformity in application. The UAE will also benefit from public awareness and education programs to address the conservative culture that discourages whistleblowing. Most importantly, corporate governance and culture are central to the success of existing laws considering the overreliance on organizations and employees.
Originality/value
The paper provides a robust and analytical discussion of the whistleblowing laws and regulations in the UAE to dissect current practices and implications for future practice.
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Xiumei Cai, Xi Yang and Chengmao Wu
Multi-view fuzzy clustering algorithms are not widely used in image segmentation, and many of these algorithms are lacking in robustness. The purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Multi-view fuzzy clustering algorithms are not widely used in image segmentation, and many of these algorithms are lacking in robustness. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a new algorithm that can segment the image better and retain as much detailed information about the image as possible when segmenting noisy images.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors present a novel multi-view fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering algorithm that includes an automatic view-weight learning mechanism. Firstly, this algorithm introduces a view-weight factor that can automatically adjust the weight of different views, thereby allowing each view to obtain the best possible weight. Secondly, the algorithm incorporates a weighted fuzzy factor, which serves to obtain local spatial information and local grayscale information to preserve image details as much as possible. Finally, in order to weaken the effects of noise and outliers in image segmentation, this algorithm employs the kernel distance measure instead of the Euclidean distance.
Findings
The authors added different kinds of noise to images and conducted a large number of experimental tests. The results show that the proposed algorithm performs better and is more accurate than previous multi-view fuzzy clustering algorithms in solving the problem of noisy image segmentation.
Originality/value
Most of the existing multi-view clustering algorithms are for multi-view datasets, and the multi-view fuzzy clustering algorithms are unable to eliminate noise points and outliers when dealing with noisy images. The algorithm proposed in this paper has stronger noise immunity and can better preserve the details of the original image.
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Yifeng Zhu, Ziyang Zhang, Hailong Zhao and Shaoling Li
Five-level rectifiers have received widespread attention because of their excellent performance in high-voltage and high-power applications. Taking a five-level rectifier with…
Abstract
Purpose
Five-level rectifiers have received widespread attention because of their excellent performance in high-voltage and high-power applications. Taking a five-level rectifier with only four-IGBT for this study, a sliding mode predictive control (SMPC) algorithm is proposed to solve the problem of poor dynamic performance and poor anti-disturbance ability under the traditional model predictive control with the PI outer loop.
Design/methodology/approach
First, mathematical models under the two-phase stationary coordinate system and two-phase synchronous rotating coordinate system are established. Then, the design of the outer-loop sliding mode controller is completed by establishing the sliding mode surface and design approach rate. The design of the inner-loop model predictive controller was completed by discretizing the mathematical model equations. The modulation part uses a space vector modulation technique to generate the PWM wave.
Findings
The sliding mode predictive control strategy is compared with the control strategy with a PI outer loop and a model predictive inner loop. The proposed control strategy has a faster dynamic response and stronger anti-interference ability.
Originality/value
For the five-level rectifier, the advantages of fast dynamic influence and parameter insensitivity of sliding mode control are used in the voltage outer loop to replace the traditional PI control, and which is integrated with the model predictive control used in the current inner loop to form a novel control strategy with a faster dynamic response and stronger immunity to disturbances. This novel strategy is called sliding mode predictive control (SMC).
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UNITED STATES: Court may reinstate Trump in Colorado
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES285127
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
The trial illustrated criminal infiltration across the political spectrum, with new claims emerging of bribes allegedly taken by Mauricio Villeda, the 2013 presidential candidate…
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB286119
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Yi Xia, Yonglong Li, Hongbin Zang, Yanpian Mao, Haoran Wang and Jialong Li
A switching depth controller based on a variable buoyancy system (VBS) is proposed to improve the performance of small autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). First, the…
Abstract
Purpose
A switching depth controller based on a variable buoyancy system (VBS) is proposed to improve the performance of small autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). First, the requirements of VBS for small AUVs are analyzed. Second, a modular VBS with high extensibility and easy integration is proposed based on the concepts of generality and interchangeability. Subsequently, a depth-switching controller is proposed based on the modular VBS, which combines the best features of the linear active disturbance rejection controller and the nonlinear active disturbance rejection controller.
Design/methodology/approach
The controller design and endurance of tiny AUVs are challenging because of their low environmental adaptation, limited energy resources and nonlinear dynamics. Traditional and single linear controllers cannot solve these problems efficiently. Although the VBS can improve the endurance of AUVs, the current VBS is not extensible for small AUVs in terms of the differences in individuals and operating environments.
Findings
The switching controller’s performance was examined using simulation with water flow and external disturbances, and the controller’s performance was compared in pool experiments. The results show that switching controllers have greater effectiveness, disturbance rejection capability and robustness even in the face of various disturbances.
Practical implications
A high degree of standardization and integration of VBS significantly enhances the performance of small AUVs. This will help expand the market for small AUV applications.
Originality/value
This solution improves the extensibility of the VBS, making it easier to integrate into different models of small AUVs. The device enhances the endurance and maneuverability of the small AUVs by adjusting buoyancy and center of gravity for low-power hovering and pitch angle control.
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