How does network intermediary affect collaborative innovation?Evidence from Chinese listed companies

Purpose:This study aims to explore how network intermediaries influence collaborative innovation performance within inter-organizational technological collaboration networks.Design/methodology/approach:This study employs a mixed-method approach,combining quantitative social network analysis with regression techniques to investigate the role of network intermediaries in collaborative innovation performance.Using a patent dataset of Chinese industrial enterprises,the research constructs the collaboration networks and analyzes their structural positions,particularly focusing on their role as intermediaries,characterized by betweenness centrality.Negative binomial regression analysis is employed to assess how these network characteristics shape innovation outcomes.Findings:The study reveals that firms in intermediary positions enhance collaborative innovation performance,but this effect is nuanced.A key finding is that network clustering negatively moderates the intermediary-innovation relationship.Highly clustered networks,while fostering local collaboration,may limit the innovation potential of intermediaries.On the other hand,relationship strength,measured by collaboration intensity and trust among firms,positively moderates the intermediary-innovation link.Research limitations:This study has several limitations that present opportunities for further research.The reliance on quantitative social network analysis may overlook the complexity of intermediaries’roles,and future studies could benefit from incorporating qualitative methods to better understand cultural and institutional factors.Additionally,cross-country comparisons are needed to assess the consistency of these dynamics in different contexts.Practical implications:The study offers practical insights for firms and policymakers.Organizations should strategically position themselves as network intermediaries to access diverse information and resources,thereby improving innovation performance.Building strong trust helps using network intermediary advantages.For firms in highly clustered networks,it is important to seek external partners to avoid limiting their exposure to new ideas and technologies.This research emphasizes the need to balance network diversity with relationship strength for sustained innovation.Originality/value:This research contributes to the literature by offering new insights into the role of network intermediaries,presenting a comprehensive framework for understanding the interaction between network dynamics and firm innovation.

PDRG1 at the interface between intermediary metabolism and oncogenesis

PDRG1 is a small oncogenic protein of 133 residues. In normal human tissues, the p53 and DNA damageregulated gene 1(PDRG1) gene exhibits maximal expression in the testis and minimal levels in the liver. Increased expression has been detected in several tumor cells and in response to genotoxic stress. High-throughput studies identified the PDRG1 protein in a variety of macromolecular complexes involved in processes that are altered in cancer cells. For example, this oncogene has been found as part of the RNA polymerase Ⅱ complex, the splicing machinery and nutrient sensing machinery, although its role in these complexes remains unclear. More recently, the PDRG1 protein was found as an interaction target for the catalytic subunits of methionine adenosyltransferases. These enzymes synthesize S-adenosylmethionine, the methyl donor for, among others, epigenetic methylations that occur on the DNA and histones. In fact, downregulation of S-adenosylmethionine synthesis is the first functional effect directly ascribed to PDRG1. The existence of global DNA hypomethylation, together with increased PDRG1 expression, in many tumor cells highlights the importance of this interaction as one of the putative underlying causes for cell transformation. Here, we will review the accumulated knowledge on this oncogene, emphasizing the numerous aspects that remain to be explored.

Optimal control of a quality supervision profit model for the electronic intermediary

Online customers execute transactions without inspecting products could expect to encounter risks of receiving products with unsatisfactory qualities,especially in food trans-actions.Thus quality supervision plays a key role in the establishment of trust as well as in the management of risk between online customers and sellers.Most papers in this field are in qualitative nature.In this paper,a quality supervision profit(QSP)model is formulated as a discrete-time optimal control problem.It is a quantitative approach,and it broadens the scope.of current research in the area.The quality efort level of online sellers(QELa)and the quality supervision level of the electronic intermediary(QSLm)are considered together with their cor-responding profit in the proposed model.The aim is to optimize an overall profit.A case study arising from Suichang's food traceability system(FTS)of farm produce online transaction is carried out in details.The results reveal that QELs,QSLm and the profit distribution coeffi-cient have a strong influence upon the profits of both sides.Finally,some concluding remarks,including potential further research topics,are given.

An Intermediary Organization Finds Potential Needs By Exploiting Serendipity

This paper intends to clarify the needs serendipity in creating new business. The authors will show that serendipity is capability method of finding potential needs and/or new markets. In economic society, potential needs and/or new markets are only partially exposed, such as an iceberg. Serendipity is a capability that can expose the potential hidden part through accidental opportunity. Something more concrete can be formed from the exposed parts. The authors describe cases that demonstrate the usefulness of serendipity. In one case, a high-tech start-up had intended to use medical electronic equipment and/or industrial electronic equipment as the first application of their core technology. In these markets, they were competing with established major companies, so this start-up had difficulty entering these markets. However, a specific distributor found potential needs that were met by the start-up＇s products, and has created a new market by combining their core technology with social needs. The authors define serendipity capability by analyzing this case example and argue that serendipity can contribute to finding opportunities and solving social issues.

The Intermediary Roles of Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in Utilizing Communication Robots (CRs) in Community Health Care Practice

Robot technology is expected to reduce the burden of medical professionals, a concern in the super-aged society. The aim of this article is to determine the intermediary roles of Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in using Communication Robots (CRs) in Community Health care. It is necessary to consider who will manage, and how to draw lines of responsibility when a problem occurs when using robots in the future. Regarding the mediator or intermediary role of PHNs in the use of CRs, PHNs are expected to be cognizant of varieties of robots for use with persons of diverse ages and health levels, as well as of robot performances. As one of the community healthcare workers who service the elderly living in the community, the role of PHNs as mediators or intermediaries is to pay attention to ethical and moral issues while working with CRs to manage the health of the community. Lack of understanding of the intermediary role might create possible ethico-moral issues in the future. Therefore, it is critical for PHNs to understand their role as intermediaries. In doing so, it is expected that older people at home will be able to live peaceful lives, as well as be physically and mentally healthy.

Empirical Analysis on the Financial Intermediary Development and the Economic Fluctuation in China

This article analyzes the relationship between financial intermediary development and economic fluctuation in the last 50 years in China. It was found that a steady and long-term relation existed between these two variables, and that different aspects of the development of the financial intermediary system had different effects on the economic fluctuation. The improvement of the intermediary＇s efficiency can repress the economic fluctuation , but the increase of financial intermediaries can intensify the fluctuation. On that basis, some suggestions about the development of the financial intermediary are proposed in this essay.

Exploring the effects of dietary inulin in rainbow trout fed a high‑starch,100%plant‑based diet

Background High dietary carbohydrates can spare protein in rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)but may affect growth and health.Inulin,a prebiotic,could have nutritional and metabolic effects,along with anti-inflammatory properties in teleosts,improving growth and welfare.We tested this hypothesis in rainbow trout by feeding them a 100%plant-based diet,which is a viable alternative to fishmeal and fish oil in aquaculture feeds.In a two-factor design,we examined the impact of inulin(2%)as well as the variation in the carbohydrates(CHO)/plant protein ratio on rainbow trout.We assessed the influence of these factors on zootechnical parameters,plasma metabolites,gut microbiota,production of short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid,as well as the expression of free-fatty acid receptor genes in the mid-intestine,intermediary liver metabolism,and immune markers in a 12-week feeding trial.Results The use of 2%inulin did not significantly change the fish intestinal microbiota,but interestingly,the high CHO/protein ratio group showed a change in intestinal microbiota and in particular the beta diversity,with 21 bacterial genera affected,including Ralstonia,Bacillus,and 11 lactic-acid producing bacteria.There were higher levels of butyric,and valeric acid in groups fed with high CHO/protein diet but not with inulin.The high CHO/protein group showed a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines(il1b,il8,and tnfa)in liver and a lower expression of the genes coding for tight-junction proteins in mid-intestine(tjp1a and tjp3).However,the 2%inulin did not modify the expression of plasma immune markers.Finally,inulin induced a negative effect on rainbow trout growth performance irrespective of the dietary carbohydrates.Conclusions With a 100%plant-based diet,inclusion of high levels of carbohydrates could be a promising way for fish nutrition in aquaculture through a protein sparing effect whereas the supplementation of 2%inulin does not appear to improve the use of CHO when combined with a 100%plant-based diet.

The Effect of Procrastination on Physical Exercise among College Students—The Chain Effect of Exercise Commitment and Action Control

Background:Exercise procrastination is prevalent among college students,causing decline in physical fitness.It is imperative to investigate the mechanism affecting college students’physical activity behaviors.This study was aimed at investigating the effect of procrastination on college students’physical exercise behavior,and the chain mediation effects of exercise commitment and action control(AC),to provide a theoretical basis for interventions targeting physical exercise behavior among college students.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted using convenience sampling.The General Procrastination Scale,Exercise Commitment Scale,Action Control Scale,and Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 questionnaires were used.Participants were 581 college students(age 19.27±0.94 years;243 males and 338 females).Statistical methods of regression analysis and structural equation modeling(SEM)were applied.Results:Procrastination,exercise commitment,and action control were found to be significant predictors of physical exercise behavior.Among these predictors,exercise commitment and action control showed full mediation effects in the relationship between procrastination and physical exercise behavior,and explained 25.48%and 30.77%of the total variance,respectively.The chain mediation effect of exercise commitment-action control was significant,accounting for 22.60%of the total variance,and the total indirect effect was 79.33%.Conclusion:Therefore,higher procrastination was associated with less participation in physical exercise behavior among college students.Improvements in exercise commitment and volitional decision-making ability for physical exercise behavior promoted physical exercise behavior,and increased exercise commitment promoted volitional decision-making ability among the students.The chain reaction effect of exercise commitment and action control also buffered the negative effects of procrastination on physical exercise behavior,thereby increasing physical exercise behavior among college students.

Associations between residence and cognitive function among Chinese older adults: the mediating role of leisure activity

Background:Cognitive function is a current research hotspot,residence may be related to differences in cognitive function,and the mediating role of leisure activities are limited in Chinese research.This study used leisure activities as a mediating variable to investigate the mediating role of leisure activity between place of residence(city-town-rural)and cognitive function among Chinese older,this is where the innovation of the article comes in.Methods:Using cross-sectional data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey,Pearson correlation analyses were employed to examine the relationships among various indicators.Mediation analyses were conducted using the SPSS PROCESS macro program,version 3.5,written by Hayes,to explore the mediating effects of leisure activity between place of residence and cognitive function in older adults.Results:A total of 10955 older adults were included in this study,with a mean age of(84.23±11.57)years.Among them,2739(24.8%)lived in the city,3627(33.1%)in town,and 4615(42.1%)in rural areas;their leisure activity score was(5.34±3.77),and their cognitive function score was(24.69±6.65).Place of residence,leisure activities,and cognitive function were significantly correlated(P<0.01).Using city as a reference,place of residence is negatively associated with cognitive function,and place of residence not only had a direct effect on cognitive function in older adults:town-cognitive function(effect=–0.399;95%confidence interval(CI)=(–0.685,–0.113));rural-cognitive function(effect=–0.42;95%CI=(–0.698,–0.141)).There were also indirect effects on cognitive function through the pathway of leisure activity:town-leisure activity-cognitive function(effect=–0.17;95%CI=(–0.246,–0.1)),rural-leisure activity-cognitive function(effect=–0.199;95%CI=(–0.272,–0.13)).Conclusion:Leisure activities play a partially mediating role between the impact of place of residence and cognitive function in Chinese older adults,and it is vital to pay attention to the impact of place of residence on the cognitive function of older adults in various aspects,and to increase the participation rate of older adults in leisure activities,which is beneficial to the prevention of cognitive decline and the protection of older adult’s physical and mental health.

A Novel Intermediary Framework for Dynamic Edge Service Composition

Multimedia content,user mobility and heterogeneous client devices require novel systems that are able to support ubiquitous access to the Web resources.In this scenario,solutions that combine flexibility,efficiency and scalability in offering edge services for ubiquitous access are needed.We propose an original intermediary framework,namely Scalable Intermediary Software Infrastructure （SISI）,which is able to dynamically compose edge services on the basis of user preferences and device characteristics.The SISI framework exploits a per-user profiling mechanism,where each user can initially set his/her personal preferences through a simple Web interface,and the system is then able to compose at run-time the necessary components.The basic framework can be enriched through new edge services that can be easily implemented through a programming model based on APIs and internal functions.Our experiments demonstrate that flexibility and edge service composition do not affect the system performance.We show that this framework is able to chain multiple edge services and to guarantee stable performance.

Symplectic orbit propagation based on Deprit’s radial intermediary

The constantly challenging requirements for orbit prediction have opened the need for better onboard propagation tools.Runge-Kutta(RK)integrators have been widely used for this purpose;however RK integrators are not symplectic,which means that RK integrators may lead to incorrect global behavior and degraded accuracy.Emanating from Deprit’s radial intermediary,obtained by the elimination of the parallax transformation,we present the development of symplectic integrators of different orders for spacecraft orbit propagation.Through a set of numerical simulations,it is shown that these integrators are more accurate and substantially faster than Runge-Kutta-based methods.Moreover,it is also shown that the proposed integrators are more accurate than analytic propagation algorithms based on Deprit’s radial intermediary solution,and even other previously-developed symplectic integrators.

THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BACKYARD AS A LOCAL LEVEL INNOVATION INTERMEDIARY IN RURAL CHINA

Agricultural innovation can be described as a coevolutionary process of technological innovation,symbolic change,and social or institutional innovation,which relies on the interactions and collaboration between multiple stakeholders.This view emphasizes the significance of innovation intermediaries in supporting the coevolution process of innovation.Many studies have provided evidence on how innovation intermediaries play roles in supporting the coevolution innovation process at a broader innovation system level.However,little emphasis has been given to the role of innovation intermediaries in supporting the coevolution process of innovation at the community level in rural China.To address this research gap,this paper offers a case study of a novel type of innovation support intervention designed to promote technical change at the community level,the Science and Technology Backyard(STB).The paper focuses on the efforts of a specific STB in Wangzhuang village to promote innovation in tillage methods in wheat production.The aims was to examine the role of this newly emerging innovation support intervention in supporting the coevolution process of innovation at the community level,and compare the outcome of the coevolution process in the village with an STB to that in villages without an STB.Innovation journey analysis is applied to understand the evolved intermediation roles in the innovation process,and multivariate regression analysis is employed to assess the outcome of the coevolution process in villages with and without an STB.The findings suggest that the roles of STBs have evolved from knowledge brokers to systemic innovation intermediaries that facilitate the coevolution process of innovation inside an STB village.It has led to a higher adoption rate of improved technology,a better enabling environment for learning,and more effective institutional support in STB villages than in non-STB villages.However,the effect of support provided by a single STB on the coevolution process outside the community was limited.This finding points to a need for collaboration mechanisms and for connecting single STBs to support the coevolution process of innovation at a larger scale.

Mediating Effect of Perceived Organizational Support on the Resilience and Mental Health of ICU Nurses

Objective:To investigate the mediating effect of organizational support on the relationship between resilience and anxiety-depression-stress by researching ICU nurses.Methods:A total of 675 ICU nurses in Shaanxi Province were surveyed using the organizational support scale,the resilience evaluation scale for medical staff,and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale(DASS-21).Results:The resilience of ICU nurses had significant correlation with the level of organizational support(r=0.448,P<0.01),but was negatively correlated with depression(r=-0.238,P<0.001),anxiety(r=-0.287,P<0.01),and stress(r=-0.213,P<0.01);the level of organizational support of ICU nurses was also negatively correlated with depression(r=-0.452,P<0.01),anxiety(r=-0.410,P<0.01),and stress(r=-0.490,P<0.01).The sense of organizational support played a mediating role between the resilience of ICU nurses and their depression-anxiety-stress,the mediating effect accounted for 78%of the total effect.Conclusion:The perceived organizational support and resilience is an important external protective factor for the mental health and ability of ICU nurses.The management departments should continue to pay attention to the mental health of ICU nurses,take effective measures to improve the sense of organizational support and resilience of nurses,and ensure the good mental health of ICU nurses.

Examining the Effects and Operational Mechanisms of Green Credit on Carbon Emissions in Chinese Regions

The utilization of a green financial system,particularly through the implementation of green credit,plays a pivotal role in fostering environmentally sustainable,low-carbon economic growth and facilitating the transition toward a more ecologically responsible economy.This paper employs a two-way fixed-effects model,utilizing provincial panel data spanning from 2012 to 2020,to investigate the influence of green credit on regional carbon emissions within different regions of China.The results reveal a significant reduction in carbon emissions as a consequence of the green credit program’s implementation.The analysis of the pathway indicates that green credit is instrumental in mitigating carbon emissions by instigating shifts in the energy mix,with evidence suggesting a partial mediating effect.Furthermore,a heterogeneity analysis discovered that the suppressive impact of green credit on carbon emissions is more pronounced in the eastern and western regions of China,while it is less significant in the central and northeastern areas.The implications of this study provide robust evidence in support of the role of green credit in reducing carbon emissions and can serve as a valuable resource for policymakers aiming to promote the expansion of green credit programs and,in turn,contribute to substantial reductions in carbon emissions.

Association of overexpression of TIF1γ with colorectal carcinogenesis and advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma

AIM:To determine the expression and clinical significance of transcriptional intermediary factor 1 gamma (TIF1γ),Smad4 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβR) across a spectrum representing colorectal cancer (CRC) development.METHODS:Tissue microarrays were prepared from archival paraffin embedded tissue,including 51 colorectal carcinomas,25 tubular adenomas (TA) and 26 HPs,each with matched normal colonic epithelium.Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against TIF1γ,Smad4 and TGFβ RⅡ.The levels of expression were scored semi-quantitatively (score 0-3 or loss and retention for Smad4).RESULTS:Overexpression of TIF1γ was detected in 5/26 (19%) HP;however,it was seen in a significantly higher proportion of neoplasms,15/25 (60%) TAs and 24/51 (47%) CRCs (P<0.05).Normal colonic mucosa,HP,and TAs showed strong Smad4 expression,while its expression was absent in 22/51 (43%) CRCs.Over-expression of TGFβ RⅡ was more commonly seen in neoplasms,13/25 (52%) TAs and 29/51 (57%) CRCs compared to 9/26 (35%) HP (P<0.05).Furthermore,there was a correlation between TIF1γ overexpression and Smad4 loss in CRC (Kendall tau rank correlation value=0.35,P<0.05).The levels of TIF1γ overexpression were significantly higher in stage Ⅲ than in stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ CRC (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The findings suggest that over-expression of TIF1γ occurs in early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis,is inversely related with Smad4 loss,and may be a prognostic indicator for poor outcome.

Spatial Characteristics of Gallery——the Traditional Chinese Architectural Element from Cultural Perspective

Traditional Chinese architecture can be regarded as the building of culture, i.e. image of the architecture can be considered as a certain externalized means of traditional culture. And space as a hero of architecture refl ects characteristics of culture using its form and content. This research explored the common architectural element—gallery from cultural perspective, and proposed gallery as a kind of fuzzy intermediary space, then analyzed its intermediary nature from the perspective of fuzziness, transition, boundary, and placeness, and also its spatial order from the perspective of directivity, dynamics, diachronism and orderliness. On this basis, spatial characteristics of gallery beneath the surface were explored.

Determination of Relationships and Al ocation of Responsibilities——Taking the Adjudication of Household Service Contract Disputes as an Example

The combination of the realistic demand of urban families to raise children and provide for the aged and the employment demand of rural migrant workers will inevitably lead to the continuous growth of the market demand for household care services.The determination of the tripartite legal relationship between household workers,household service agencies,and families(individuals)is an important issue for the normative development of the household service industry.In specific judicial practice,local courts perform differently in the determination of the relationship between“household workers and household service agencies.”The application of law in relevant cases also often swings between the civil law and the labor law.The Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China(hereinafter“the Civil Code”)does not retain the concept of“employment relationship”used in the original Interpretation of the Supreme People’s Court on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Trial of Personal Injury Compensation Cases.Then,what is the relationship between household workers,household service agencies,and families(individuals)after the Civil Code came into force?This article shows the judicial dilemma currently faced by the household workers in the protection of labor rights and interests through an empirical analysis of the victim liability disputes of household workers and puts forward countermeasures and suggestions for improving the occupational injury protection mechanism of household workers in China through a comparative study of the occupational injury risk sharing mechanism of household workers and an analysis of the local exploration of the occupational injury protection system of flexible employees in China.

Development Strategy of Intermediate Business of Commercial Banks—Take Bank H as an Example

At the beginning of this paper,the development process of intermediate business of commercial Banks in China was introduced.Taking bank H as the research object,the annual report data of bank H in the past 8 years(2010-2017)were collected as the basic data.First,it analyzes the growth rate and trend of the development of intermediary business of bank H,finds out the problems existing in the development of intermediary business of bank H and explores the reasons for the problems.Then,PEST analysis method and porter's five forces model are respectively applied to analyze the development environment of intermediate business of bank H.Finally,based on the above analysis,the author proposes substantial and individual solutions to the existing problems,such as channel extension strategy,market segmentation strategy and market independent pricing strategy.

Analysis and Investigation on the Core Competitiveness of Textile and Underwear Industry in the Mainland and Taiwan of China and Myanmar under the Global Value Chain

All the way in the “area”, “comprehensive economic partnership agreement” (RCEP), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) free trade area, the main economic corridor construction under the background of success, the mainland and Taiwan of China and southeast Asia has established the important relations of cooperation, industries are beginning to consider labor costs, raw materials, using the regional to invest policy and market comparative advantage. This paper starts from the investigation of Topline’s core competitiveness in China and Myanmar, and focuses on the analysis of lingerie industry in China and Myanmar, and the analysis of women’s underwear industry from the perspective of global value chain (GVC). Through the data analysis of the questionnaire survey, this paper summarizes the problems existing in the current situation of the industry, uses the intermediary analysis to analyze the correlation between the two variables, reveals the role of the core competitiveness of enterprises, and uses the GVC theory to analyze the problems existing in the industry of enterprises and their causes. According to relevant theories, the optimization path of enterprise value chain is put forward.

The Influence of Fiscal Subsidy on the Innovation Behavior of Manufacturing Enterprises Under the Background of "The Belt and Road"

Based on the“The Belt and Road”initiative,this article selects the panel data of A-share manufacturing listed companies in 2014 and 2016,and uses the difference in difference(DID)model to test the effect of fiscal subsidy policies on the innovative behavior of Chinese manufacturing companies since the“The Belt and Road”initiative was proposed.Influence,and the mediating effect of innovation cooperation between financial subsidies and innovation behavior.The empirical results show that the fiscal subsidy policy has affected the innovation behavior of manufacturing enterprises,but the results of this effect are different due to different stages of innovation behavior.In addition,in the process of enterprises carrying out innovative behaviors,innovation cooperation can promote the effective use of financial subsidies by enterprises,thereby enhancing their innovative behaviors.Finally,based on the conclusions,corresponding suggestions are put forward at the three levels of enterprise,policy and system.