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The watchers on the wall: Inter-Korean geopolitical risk and firm risk-taking
No full textThis article investigates the relationship between Inter-Korean geopolitical risk (IKGPR) and South Korean firms’ risk-taking in the context of highly political tensions in the Korean peninsula. Using a recently developed news-based index of geopolitical risk, our empirical analysis shows an inverse U-shaped relationship between IKGPR and firm risk-taking in South Korea, implying that South Korean firms’ risk-taking increases with IKGPR when IKGPR is low but becomes prudent when IKGPR is high. Such an effect of IKGPR on firm risk-taking is weaker for firms that survive wartime (1900–1969) and is stronger for firms that were established after the Second Korean War (1966–1969), suggesting the role of corporate resilience to geopolitical risk in motivating differences in corporate behaviors. Further analyses indicate that South Korean firms tend to take less risk when the nuclear risk is higher and when they are more technology-oriented
Toxicology of bromoform, a natural constituent of the seaweed Asparagopsis spp. used to inhibit methanogenesis in cattle, suggests negligible risks to humans
No full textThe red seaweeds, Asparagopsis taxiformis and A. armata inhibit methane production in ruminants, considered to be mediated by bromoform. This review examines the toxicology, metabolism, epidemiology and pharmacology of bromoform. IARC concludes bromoform is not classifiable as a carcinogen to humans, whereas the US EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen based on a low incidence of intestinal tumours in female rats given high gavage doses chronically. Under the same conditions, mice exhibited no tumours, suggesting that tumour formation is secondary to localised cytotoxicity. While there is some in vitro evidence of mutagenic potential for bromoform, likely via a metabolic pathway involving GSTT-1, this pathway is unlikely to be relevant at low doses. The human evidence, from drinking water disinfection by-product studies, is inconclusive. While some residue studies find bromoform in milk, the concentrations approach background levels and pose no significant cancer risk. The collective implication of these findings is that bromoform, as an environmental inhibitor, does not pose a significant risk. A precautionary approach would ensure that bromoform intake does not exceed the capacity for rumen degradation such that concentrations of residues in tissues and milk and consequent dietary exposure are minimised and below relevant health-based guidance values
Trends in micronutrient research since the SDGs: A global perspective
No full textSustainable food systems have become a central focus in efforts to combat micronutrient malnutrition, with increasing recognition of their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article presents a bibliometric analysis of micronutrient research from 2015 to 2023, examining trends and thematic clusters within the SDGs framework. Using data from the Web of Science and science mapping techniques, the study identifies key trends and thematic clusters that highlight evolving research priorities. Four major trends emerge: the application of machine learning, the exploration of macroalgae for their micronutrient potential, the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in biofortification, and concerns about heavy metal contamination in food. Research clusters show a strong focus on bone health, particularly osteoporosis and vitamin D, which align with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Yet research on micronutrient deficiencies, such as those in iron, zinc, and vitamin A, remains underrepresented despite their high global impact on malnutrition, especially in low- and middle-income countries, raising concerns about whether research priorities sufficiently address the SDGs. This study highlights the need for more targeted research to align with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The article concludes by stressing the importance to balance cutting-edge technological advances with a renewed emphasis to address critical micronutrient gaps to improve global nutrition and align with sustainable food system goal
The determinants of insolvency and the strategic responses of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University
No full textThis thesis comprises three essays that examine the key determinants of insolvency among Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their strategic responses, focusing on financial ratios in Essay One, public officials’ corruption in Essay Two, and the local business sentiment index in Essay Three. The study uses a comprehensive dataset of 5,150 juristic persons across 77 Thailand’s provinces, covering the manufacturing, trading and services sectors from 2017 to 2021.
Essay One examines the predictive power of firm-level financial ratios on the probability of Thai private SMEs’ insolvency. The analysis identifies inventory turnover, accounts payable turnover, assets-to-equity ratio, and debt-to-assets ratio as significant determinants of insolvency risk across all three sectors. Sector-specific findings reveal that accounts receivable turnover has the greatest marginal effect in reducing insolvency risk in the manufacturing sector; total asset turnover plays a similarly influential role in the trading sector; and gross profit margin is the most impactful ratio in the services sector. The essay shows that medium-sized enterprises, juristic ordinary partnerships and firms with foreign ownership face significantly lower insolvency risk than other firms. Firms located in regional areas are less likely to become insolvent than those located in the central region, which includes the capital and major metropolitan provinces that generally have more intense market competition. The essay provides practical implications for policymakers and SME managers that emphasize the importance of monitoring and leveraging key financial ratios to enhance firm performance, ensure business continuity and support broader economic development.
Essay Two examines the impact of public officials’ corruption on the insolvency risk of Thai private SMEs and the financial strategies firms adopt in response. The findings support the "sanding the wheels" hypothesis, which indicates that corruption increases the likelihood of insolvency among Thai SMEs. The analysis reveals that the negative impact of corruption is more pronounced for mature firms and Thai-owned firms than for new firms and foreign-owned ones. In response to corruption, mature firms, Thai-owned firms and foreign-owned firms tend to increase cash holdings as a strategy to maintain operational flexibility from the "grabbing hand" of corrupt officials. Mature firms and Thai-owned firms increase leverage, particularly when internal financial resources are insufficient. However, there is no association between corruption and the financial policies for new Thai SMEs. The essay shows that holding higher levels of cash in a corrupt environment helps mitigate insolvency risk for mature firms and Thai-owned firms. In contrast, increased leverage under high corruption tends to exacerbate insolvency risk across mature firms, Thai-owned and foreign-owned firms. These findings offer important policy implications. They suggest the establishment of provincial business facilitation centres to streamline administrative procedures and reduce opportunities for corruption. Such initiatives could improve Thailand’s ranking in both the Ease of Doing Business Index and the Corruption Perceptions Index.
Essay Three examines the impact of the local Business Sentiment Index (local BSI) on the insolvency risk and trade credit behaviours of Thai SMEs. The local BSI index is constructed using a set of local sentiment indices and macroeconomic indicators. The study reveals that a higher local BSI reduces the probability of insolvency and enhances the trade credit supply and trade credit demand among Thai SMEs. The study also finds no synergistic effect between local BSI and trade credit in mitigating insolvency risk and that firms increased trade credit supply during the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with the redistribution theory. However, to preserve liquidity SMEs in higher local BSI areas became more risk-averse, reducing trade credit supply and net investment in trade credit during the COVID pandemic. This suggests trade credit supply is used proactively in stable times but conservatively during crises for SMEs in local areas with higher BSIs. The results indicate that older, larger and foreign-owned firms are more active in trade credit markets, reflecting stronger creditworthiness. These findings highlight the importance of fostering local business sentiment and supporting SMEs in trade credit management. Policymakers should recognize local BSIs as early economic signals and promote prudent trade credit strategies to enhance financial resilience and long-term SME sustainability
The impact of foreign sanctions on firm performance in Russia
No full textWe assess the economic effects of recent sanctions on Russian firms’ fundamental performance. We find that foreign sanctions leave energy firms in Russia unaffected but do undermine firm performance in the other (non-energy) sectors. While firms with connections to Russian oligarchs linked to Putin are unaffected, sanctions do not differentiate in their impact between firms with Russian and foreign origins. We provide evidence of decreased investment sensitivity to cash flows under the impact of foreign sanctions, suggesting that sanctions cause financial constraints, which is evident by increased cost of capital. Interestingly, Russian firms seem to be prepared for the Crimea event and the Ukraine war given their abnormal patterns of stockpiling and share repurchases in the years right before the conflicts. Ultimately, we find that increasing export to China at country-level helps alleviate the negative impact of sanctions on firm performance in Russia
No evidence for RTA morphology affecting introgression in New Zealand fishing spiders
No full textGenital diversity has been a topic of debate among evolutionary biologists for decades. Recent evidence supports a role for genitalia in species isolation. Spiders are a compelling group to study the potential isolation mechanisms of genitalia. The retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA), found in the RTA clade of spiders, is a highly diverse structure and essential to successful sperm transfer. One-way introgression occurs in the New Zealand fishing spiders Dolomedes aquaticus Goyen, 1888 and D. minor L. Koch, 1876 with genes flowing from D. aquaticus to D. minor, and is geographically limited to the extreme south of the species’ shared range (the ‘Introgression Zone’). Here, we used micro-computed tomography and 3D geometric morphometrics to analyse shape variation in the male RTAs to test the hypothesis that shape variation maintains the introgression. This would occur by shape differences isolating D. minor located outside the Introgression Zone from D. aquaticus, but within the Introgression Zone there being no substantial difference between D. aquaticus and D. minor RTA shape. We found highly variable RTA shape in both species, but there was no evidence of RTA shape or size limiting interbreeding of these species. Further work should include analysis of the female genital shape
Invasive plants decrease arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity and promote generalist fungal partners
No full textInvasion by exotic plants is a major threat to ecosystem biodiversity globally. Although mutualistic belowground associations can play a significant role in successful invasion, studies have shown mixed results regarding the effects of plant invasion on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Here, we tested how exotic dominance (i.e. invasion extent) in plant communities impacts arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community diversity, composition, and generalism at the scale of individual plants and plant communities, and whether these impacts are explained or moderated by plant root traits (root diameter). We characterized root traits and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in the roots of native and exotic plants growing together in experimental plant communities that ranged in invasion extent (exotic plant dominance from 0% to 100%). Increases in exotic dominance decreased arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity in both individual plant roots and plant communities. Greater relative abundance of generalist AMF was also observed in plant communities with increasing exotic dominance. Although root diameter affected fungal composition, it did not moderate or drive the effect of exotics. Our results highlight the role of invasion extent in understanding how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities respond to exotic plant invasion and the importance of preserving belowground biodiversit
The social worlds of special Olympics athletes
No full textIntroduction/Conceptualization: Despite their right to meaningful leisure, disabled people continue to face challenges and exclusion. They have been overlooked by leisure and event studies researchers in the past, but there is now an emerging body of work investigating their experiences. Music events (Dinis et al., 2020; Alvarado, 2022), rural events (Sage & Flores, 2019), arts events (Walters, 2023) and sporting events (dos Santos Neto et al., 2019; McGillivray et al., 2019) have all featured. However, it is predominantly the voices of people with physical disabilities who have been heard in these studies: the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities have largely been neglected. For people who engage in serious leisure activities such as sports (and associated events), the gains include a sense of achievement, an increase in self-esteem, stress reduction, skill acquisition, and an enhanced level of self-confidence. They also deepen their social relationships, form friendships, expand their social networks and have an enhanced social life. In addition, serious leisure participants are engaged in a ‘social world’ that has its own actors, organisations and practices (Unruh, 1979). To date, social world theory has not been applied within the context of intellectually disabled people’s leisure experiences.
Approach/Description: This UK-based project addresses these gaps in our understanding, adopting social world theory as the lens through which to investigate the importance of sport as serious leisure for intellectually disabled people. Specifically, it seeks to answer the research question, “How does participation in the social world of Special Olympics contribute to quality of life for athletes with intellectual disabilities and their wider networks?” Data will be collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with athletes, their family members, support people and coaches.
Considerations/Conclusions: At the time of abstract submission, data collection and analysis are yet to be completed, meaning that it is not possible to provide an description of the research findings here
Mind the gap: perception of environmental performance of farms in Aotearoa New Zealand through farmers’ and public lenses
No full textThe agricultural sector is vital to Aotearoa New Zealand's (Ao-NZ) economy and cultural identity, yet faces social and political pressure due to its environmental impacts. Limited research has explored how the public perceives farms’ environmental performance in Ao-NZ and whether this perception differs between urban and rural areas. Our study addresses this gap by examining farmers’ environmental self-assessment, farmers’ expectation of public perception, and actual public perception of farmers’ environmental performance across Ao-NZ. We analysed data from two major surveys conducted by Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research in 2023: the Survey of Rural Decision Makers (n = 2965) and the Environmental Perception Survey (n = 2007). Our results show that while 87% of farmers rate their own environmental performance highly, only 43% expect the public to rate their environmental performance positively. However, nearly half of the public holds favourable views on farmers’ environmental practices. Moreover, farmers perceive their peers’ environmental performance more critically than their own performance. This perception gap may contribute to the urban-rural divide, making environmental policy dialogues challenging. Gender also plays a role, with women generally viewing farmers’ environmental performance more critically. These findings highlight the need to understand perception differences and their drivers to foster meaningful discussions and more effective policy developmen
Towards Transformative food system for tribal communities in the Global South: Insights from Hill and Mountain regions of Northeast India
No full textWhile there is a rich body of gender, natural hazards, and displacement literature for the Global South countries, the literature on the food security and nutrition of tribal and/or indigenous communities in the Mountain and Hill regions remains opaque. Hill and mountain regions have been reported to be highly climate-vulnerable and food insecure. At the same time, they are home to many indigenous and/or tribal communities and host a wide range of crop biodiversity. These societies cut off from the mainstream population primarily due to complex topography and limited mobility, have evolved their traditional techniques of producing and meeting their nutritional requirements. Based on an estimation of dietary diversity among the Ao-Naga tribe in the eastern Himalayan foothills of Northeast India, in this paper we argue that food policies principally aimed at enhancing food security indicators, need to adopt transformative lenses by promoting dietary practices of the local tribes. Utilizing data from 404 households in Mokokchung district, the research compares dietary habits between urban and rural areas. Our preliminary analysis indicates that rural households have higher Food Diversity Scores (FDS) due to greater consumption of nutrient-dense traditional foods, such as organ meat and insects. Conversely, urban households show increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and food away from home (FAFH), both of which are positively correlated with higher household income and education levels. The study highlights the complex relationship between socioeconomic factors, dietary diversity, and health outcomes in tribal communities, and necessitates the need for developing evidence-based food policies with more mixed-method research on mountain food systems in the Global South