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Edge Driven Trust Aware Threat Detection for IoT Enabled Intelligent Transportation Systems
No full textWireless communication and the Internet of Things (IoT) are integrated for the formulation of an emerging Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for the interaction of vehicles and to enhance road safety. The emerging network manages the traffic flow, real-time data analytics, and resource control for the development of urban transportation systems and smart cities. Extensive research has been conducted on the development of efficient routing response time for the IoT-ITS environment; however, the rapid changes in the network topologies still lead to unmanageable congestion and communication holes. Moreover, it is also often threatened due to high urban mobility and incurs additional transmission with excessive overhead. Such concepts are not able to maintain secure interactions among vehicles and expose confidential data to malicious devices while interacting on unpredictable channels. This research proposes a trust-aware edge-assisted model to secure the vehicular network and offers a more reliable system with optimal routing performance. The global trust model is maintained based on network conditions using localized computing and attaining data privacy and coherence. Furthermore, a blockchain ledger is included along with trust to ensure tamper-proof and transparent computing across the boundaries of the IoT-ITS environment. The proposed model is compared with Graph-Based Trust-Enabled Routing (GBTR) and Bacteria for Aging Optimization Algorithm (BFOA), and the results revealed significant performance for network throughput by 50% and 62.5%, end-to-end delay by 33.3% and 37.5%, routing overhead by 34% and 38.7%, and false positive rate by 67.9% and 68.5% over the dynamic network infrastructure
Who should lead localized marketing in a cross-border e-commerce supply chain under demand uncertainty?
No full textPurpose This study aims to investigate a cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) supply chain in which a domestic brand manufacturer enters overseas markets through a CBEC platform. Given the coexistence of manufacturer-led and platform-led localized marketing strategies in practice, this study explores which member should lead localized marketing to maximize the profits of both supply chain members. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines a practical scenario where the platform possesses only the mean and variance of market demand. Robust game-theoretic models are developed to analyze the platform's robust order quantity and the profits of supply chain members under three strategies: no localized marketing (BM), manufacturer-led localized marketing (MM) and platform-led localized marketing (EM). Findings The results indicate that the platform's profit decreases with rising demand uncertainty. However, when the price markup coefficient is high and the tariff rate is low, the platform increases its order quantity in response to higher demand uncertainty, leading to higher profits for the manufacturer. The platform-led localized marketing strategy outperforms the manufacturer-led strategy, as the latter reduces the platform's profit. Moreover, when the manufacturer's support factor is low, the platform-led localized marketing strategy can achieve a win–win outcome for both members. Originality/value This study employs robust game-theoretic models to analyze localized marketing strategies, providing practical insights for global brand development and the operational management of CBEC platforms
Towards a technological future: exploring how human-AI collaboration enhances corporate low-carbon transformation performance
No full textPurpose Digitalization practices have revealed that the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in corporate carbon emissions management may trigger concerns about a potential green paradox effect. To address this tension, this study aims to explore how human-AI collaboration (HAIC) affects corporate low-carbon transformation performance (CLCTP). It further identifies the boundary conditions under which this relationship strengthens or weakens, providing new insights into the deep integration of human and artificial intelligence for sustainability outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon socio-technical systems (STS) theory and the awareness-motivation-capability (AMC) framework, this study empirically investigates panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2023. A fixed effects model was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results indicate that HAIC significantly improves CLCTP. This positive effect is amplified when executives possess environmental backgrounds and firms demonstrate strong absorptive capacity, but it is weakened by high supply chain concentration. Further heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive effect of HAIC on CLCTP is more pronounced among firms with lower technological uncertainty, larger organizational scales and higher industry concentrations. Originality/value This study extends the theoretical discourse between HAIC and CLCTP in the context of corporate sustainability and low-carbon transformation. It also provides actionable insights for managers and policymakers seeking to leverage HAIC to advance green and digital transitions
Investigating the dose-response relationship between music and anxiety reduction: A randomized clinical trial
No full textAnxiety is one of the most frequently reported mental health conditions worldwide, yet access to effective treatments such as medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) remains limited due to cost, time, and potential side effects. Music-based digital therapeutics, particularly when combined with auditory beat stimulation (ABS), may offer a complementary approach to mainline anxiety treatment by offering acute relief of anxiety symptoms. Prior research suggests that music combined with ABS provides greater anxiety relief than music alone or a pink noise control. This study examined whether this advantage over pink noise could be replicated, as well as whether music with ABS demonstrated a dose-response relationship-operationalized as time spent listening-in the acute relief of anxiety among individuals with moderate trait anxiety who are taking medication to manage their symptoms. We also assessed changes in affect as a secondary outcome. A total of 1,310 participants were recruited via Prolific and completed a pre-screening survey. Of these, 144 eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 24-minute pink noise (control group), 12-minute music with ABS, 24-minute music with ABS, or 36-minute music with ABS. Anxiety and affect were measured before and after the intervention using the STICSA and PANAS, respectively. All music with ABS conditions resulted in greater reductions in anxiety and negative affect compared to the control, replicating earlier findings. The largest reduction in negative affect was observed in the 36-minute condition, which was significantly greater than reduction in the 12-minute condition, suggesting a dose-response effect. These findings support music with ABS as a possible addition to existing anxiety treatments, especially when access to common behavioral health interventions is limited. Future studies should aim to increase the generalizability of the findings and further investigate the dose-effect of music on anxiety reduction. This study was retrospectively registered on ISRCTN (ISRCTN47181782). [Abstract copyright: Copyright: © 2026 Mullen et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Towards a technological future: exploring how human-AI collaboration enhances corporate low-carbon transformation performance
No full textPurpose Digitalization practices have revealed that the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in corporate carbon emissions management may trigger concerns about a potential green paradox effect. To address this tension, this study aims to explore how human-AI collaboration (HAIC) affects corporate low-carbon transformation performance (CLCTP). It further identifies the boundary conditions under which this relationship strengthens or weakens, providing new insights into the deep integration of human and artificial intelligence for sustainability outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon socio-technical systems (STS) theory and the awareness-motivation-capability (AMC) framework, this study empirically investigates panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2023. A fixed effects model was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results indicate that HAIC significantly improves CLCTP. This positive effect is amplified when executives possess environmental backgrounds and firms demonstrate strong absorptive capacity, but it is weakened by high supply chain concentration. Further heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive effect of HAIC on CLCTP is more pronounced among firms with lower technological uncertainty, larger organizational scales and higher industry concentrations. Originality/value This study extends the theoretical discourse between HAIC and CLCTP in the context of corporate sustainability and low-carbon transformation. It also provides actionable insights for managers and policymakers seeking to leverage HAIC to advance green and digital transitions
CSR, firm financial performance and corporate life cycle: empirical evidence from china’s pharmaceutical industry
Get PDFThis paper examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and firm financial performance (FFP) across corporate life cycle (CLC) stages and different stakeholder groups for 210 Chinese pharmaceutical firms for the 2010–2018 period. The study employs a wide range of econometric models such as pooled ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effects and random effects models using four different estimators to address endogeneity. Our findings indicate a strong association between CSR and FFP, particularly for shareholders. We observe a positive and significant relationship between overall CSR performance (inclusive of all stakeholders’ responsibility) and FFP across all CLC stages when return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA) are applied. Also, we find that state-owned firms exhibit better CSR performance but are less efficient in terms of market and financial performance. The results of this study can inform and guide managers and investors on the effect of CLC stages and different stakeholders on firm performance
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Get PDFDietary Polyphenols as Modulators of Bifidobacterium in the Human Gut Microbiota
Get PDFBackground: Polyphenols—bioactive compounds abundant in plant-based foods—are increasingly recognised for their capacity to modulate the gut microbiota. As the gut microbiome plays a central role in metabolic regulation, immune function, and disease prevention, understanding how specific polyphenol subclasses influence microbial diversity and functionality remains essential. Despite growing evidence of their benefits, the precise effects of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins on gut microbial composition are not yet fully clarified. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary polyphenols on gut microbiota composition and function, with a particular focus on the abundance of Bifidobacterium, a key beneficial genus associated with metabolic and immune health. It was hypothesised that polyphenol-rich interventions were associated with increases in Bifidobacterium abundance and enhance overall microbial diversity. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Human intervention studies published between January 2015 and February 2025 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A predefined PICO framework guided study selection. Twenty-two studies were synthesised using thematic analysis, and four of these were eligible for quantitative meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed in R (version 4.4.1) using the metafor and meta packages, calculating standardised mean differences (SMD) under a random-effects model to account for heterogeneity. Extracted data included study design, population characteristics, polyphenol subclass, intervention type, microbiome assessment method, and key outcomes. Results: Across the 22 reviewed studies, polyphenols—particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids from foods such as berries, grape pomace, and green tea—consistently increased beneficial microbial taxa including Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, and Lactobacillus. These microbial shifts were associated with improved metabolic markers, reduced inflammation, and enhancements in gut barrier integrity. Polyphenol-rich dietary patterns also showed benefits in conditions such as NAFLD, prediabetes, and depression. However, findings were influenced by interindividual variability, short intervention durations, and inconsistent methodologies. The meta-analysis revealed a significant positive effect of polyphenol intake on Bifidobacterium abundance (SMD = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.18–1.44; p = 0.0114), corresponding to a moderate-to-large effect size. Substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 77.4%) suggested considerable variation in intervention types, dosage, study design, and microbiome analysis methods. Conclusions: Polyphenol-rich diets were associated with increased Bifidobacterium abundance and favourable modulation of gut microbiota composition, supporting their potential as a nutritional strategy to enhance gut and metabolic health. However, interstudy variability highlights the need for more standardised, long-term, and mechanistically focused human trials. Future research should incorporate multi-omics approaches, personalised nutrition frameworks, and consistent microbiome analysis methods to better understand the pathways linking polyphenol intake and host health outcomes
S-equol producing bacteria: isolation and identification from Albino Wistar rat gut microbiota
Get PDFThe metabolism of soy isoflavones by gut microbiota is critical for the bioactivation and bioavailability of these compounds, particularly daidzein, which is further metabolized by gut bacteria to produce S-equol. S-equol, an exclusive gut bacterial metabolite, is associated with health benefits such as reduced blood pressure, cardiovascular disease prevention, and protection against hormone-related cancers due to its estrogen-mimicking structure and antioxidant properties. However, the limited availability of S-equol-producing bacteria has hindered its production and utilization. This study investigates the isolation and characterization of S-equol-producing microbes from albino Wistar rats and explores the impact of dietary interventions on S-equol production. Preliminary tests showed that both dietary groups excreted more S-equol in feces than urine, with rats on fermented soy feed showing higher S-equol levels due to the presence of daidzein, a precursor. In this study, we isolated four anaerobic S-equol-producing bacteria — MG1 (PX459562), MG2 (PX459563), MG3 (PX459564), and MG4 (PX459565) from the intestine and feces of albino Wistar rats. High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the presence of S-equol, with concentrations ranging from 5.90 to 7.56 µg/g of fermented soybean across different strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates belonged to the Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae families, identifying MG1 as C. freundii strain ATCC 8090, MG2 as Escherichia fergusonii strain NBRC 102419, and both MG3 and MG4 as Enterococcus faecalis strain NBRC 100480. Our findings underscore the significant role of gut microbiota in metabolizing daidzein into S-equol, highlighting the potential for utilizing these bacterial strains in functional food development and therapeutic applications. While the pathogenic nature of E. fergusonii (MG2) precludes its therapeutic use, strains MG1, MG3, and MG4, which match common commensal bacteria, show promise for commercial S-equol production and may serve as valuable resources for further investigation and utilization in promoting health and preventing associated diseases. Key points: • Dietary intervention modulates gut microbiota in albino Wistar rats. • Soybean fermentation enables efficient conversion of daidzin to bioactive S-equol. • Novel S-equol–producing microbes were isolated and identified. Graphical abstract