bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy-Economic Assessment of Islanded Microgrid with Wind Turbine, Photovoltaic Field, Wood Gasifier, Battery, and Hydrogen Energy Storage
Authors: Żołądek Maciej , Kafetzis Alexandros , Figaj Rafał , Panopoulos Kyriakos
Published: October 2022

Island energy systems are becoming an important part of energy transformation due to the growing needs for the penetration of renewable energy. Among the possible systems, a combination of different energy generation technologies is a viable option for local users, as long as energy storage is implemented. The presented paper describes an energy-economic assessment of an island system with a photovoltaic field, small wind turbine, wood chip gasifier, battery, and hydrogen circuit with electrolyzer and fuel cell. The system is designed to satisfy the electrical energy demand of a tourist facility in two European localizations. The operation of the system is developed and dynamically simulated in the Transient System Simulation (TRNSYS) environment, taking into account realistic user demand. The results show that in Gdansk, Poland, it is possible to satisfy 99% of user demand with renewable energy sources with excess energy equal to 31%, while in Agkistro, Greece, a similar result is possible with 43% of excess energy. Despite the high initial costs, it is possible to obtain Simple Pay Back periods of 12.5 and 22.5 years for Gdansk and Agkistro, respectively. This result points out that under a high share of renewables in the energy demand of the user, the profitability of the system is highly affected by the local cost of energy vectors. The achieved results show that the system is robust in providing energy to the users and that future development may lead to an operation based fully on renewables.
Characterization and Assessment of Organic Pollution at a Fumaric Acid Chemical Brownfield Site in Northwestern China
Authors: Yang Ye , Li Chaokun , Chen Zhiwen , Dong Yingying , Zhang Nan , Wei Yulu , Xi Hui , Wang Wendong
Published: October 2022

Large-scale fumaric acid chemical brownfield sites have posed a significant obstacle to environmental safety, public safety, and the redevelopment of brownfield sites. A comprehensive study was conducted to determine the main pollution indicators, soil pollution characteristics, and the multiple potential risks to the environment and the ecosystem of a fumaric acid brownfield site in northwestern China. The results showed that 1,2,3-trichloropropane(1,2,3-TCP) was the primary pollutant at the fumaric acid brownfield site. The atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in this brownfield site did not exceed the Chinese standard limits. The soil contamination was more severe within the site, with a total of about 30 VOCs detected, including the uncommon brominated pollutants. The level of longitudinal soil contamination decreased with increasing soil depth. The distillation area was more contaminated with a maximum exceedance multiple of 11,291.8. The longitudinal contamination depths in the distillation and reactor zones were 10.0 m and 4.0 m, respectively. Soil texture and production processes are considered to be one of the influencing factors for the depth of vertical soil contamination. Our findings heighten the awareness of brownfield site soil contamination and provide a reference for contamination controls and the comprehensive management of fumaric acid brownfield sites.
Indonesia Rice Irrigation System: Time for Innovation
Authors: Tirtalistyani Rose , Murtiningrum Murtiningrum , Kanwar Rameshwar S.
Published: October 2022

Indonesia is likely to face a water crisis due to mismanagement of water resources, inefficient water systems, and weak institutions and regulatory organizations. In 2020, most of the fresh water in Indonesia was used for irrigation (74%) to support the agricultural sector, which occupies 30% of the total land area in Indonesia. Of all agricultural commodities, rice is one of the major and essential commodities, as it is the basic staple food for almost every Indonesian. However, in 2018, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MoPWH) reported that 46% of Indonesian irrigation infrastructure is moderately to heavily damaged. Looking at how irrigation can be very crucial to the welfare of Indonesian population, this study conducted an extensive literature review of the historical, current, and future management of irrigated rice production systems in Indonesia. This study has clearly shown that the irrigation systems in Indonesia have existed for thousands of years and, thus, there is a close relationship between irrigation and the socio-cultural life of the Indonesian population. Aside from how climate change influences water availability for irrigation, rice production with a constant water ponding system has been found to contribute to climate change, as it emits methane (CH4) and other greenhouse gases from agricultural fields of Indonesia. Therefore, the required modernization of irrigation systems in Indonesia needs to consider several factors, such as food demands for the increasing population and the impact of irrigated agriculture on global warming. Multi-stakeholders, such as the government, farmers, water user associations (WUA), and local research institutions, need to work together on the modernization of irrigation systems in Indonesia to meet the increasing food demands of the growing population and to minimize the impacts of agriculture on climate change.
A Comparative Study of Engraved-Digit Data Augmentation by Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Abdulraheem Abdulkabir , Jung Im Y.
Published: October 2022

In cases where an efficient information retrieval (IR) system retrieves information from images with engraved digits, as found on medicines, creams, ointments, and gels in squeeze tubes, the system needs to be trained on a large dataset. One of the system applications is to automatically retrieve the expiry date to ascertain the efficacy of the medicine. For expiry dates expressed in engraved digits, it is difficult to collect the digit images. In our study, we evaluated the augmentation performance for a limited, engraved-digit dataset using various generative adversarial networks (GANs). Our study contributes to the choice of an effective GAN for engraved-digit image data augmentation. We conclude that Wasserstein GAN with a gradient norm penalty (WGAN-GP) is a suitable data augmentation technique to address the challenge of producing a large, realistic, but synthetic dataset. Our results show that the stability of WGAN-GP aids in the production of high-quality data with an average Fréchet inception distance (FID) value of 1.5298 across images of 10 digits (0–9) that are nearly indistinguishable from our original dataset.
Application of Advanced Hybrid Models to Identify the Sustainable Financial Management Clients of Long-Term Care Insurance Policy
Authors: Chen You-Shyang , Lin Chien-Ku , Chou Jerome Chih-Lung , Chen Su-Fen , Ting Min-Hui
Published: October 2022

The rapid growth of the aging population and the rate of disabled people with physical and mental disorders is increasing the demand for long-term care. The decline in family care could lead to social and economic collapse. In order to reduce the burden of long-term care, long-term care insurance has become one of the most competitive products in the life insurance industry. In the previous literature review, few scholars engaged in the research on this topic with data mining technology, which was motivated to trigger the formation of this study and hoped to increase the different aspects of academic research. The purpose of this study is to develop the long-term insurance business from the original list of insurance clients, to predict whether the sustainable financial management clients will buy the long-term care insurance policies, and to establish a feasible prediction model to assist life insurance companies. This study aims to establish the classified prediction models of Models I~X, to dismantle the data with the percentage split and 10-fold cross validation, plus the application of two kinds of technology as feature selection and data discretization, for the data mining of twenty-three kinds of algorithms in seven different categories (Bayes, Function, Lazy, Meta, Misc, Rule, and Decision Tree) through the data collected from the insurance company database, and to select 20 conditional attributes and 1 decisional attribute (whether to buy the long-term insurance policy or not). The decision attribute is binary classification method for empirical data analysis. The empirical results show that: (1) the marital status, total number of policies purchased, and total amount of policies (including long-term care insurance) are found to be the three important factors affecting the decision attribute; (2) the most stable models are the advanced hybrid Models V and X; and (3) the best classifier is Decision Tree J48 algorithm for the study data used.
Virtual Power Plant Operational Strategies: Models, Markets, Optimization, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Roozbehani Mohammad Mohammadi , Heydarian-Forushani Ehsan , Hasanzadeh Saeed , Elghali Seifeddine Ben
Published: October 2022

High penetration of distributed generation and renewable energy sources in power systems has created control challenges in the network, which requires the coordinated management of these resources. Using virtual power plants (VPPs) on a large scale has solved these challenges to a significant extent. VPPs can be considered systems consisting of distributed generations, energy storage, controllable loads, electric vehicles (EVs), and other types of resources to provide energy and ancillary services. VPPs face various challenges such as energy management, operation, resource uncertainty, participation in electricity markets, etc. This paper discusses an overview of the basic challenges of VPPs, including control and communication issues, electricity markets, its different models, and energy management issues. The main purpose is to investigate the performance of VPP in different markets, energy management of VPP in different operating conditions and strategies, and compare different planning methods for VPP. Note that the application of blockchain to control and improve VPP performance has been investigated, taking into account the different layers of this technology.
Optimization of Biomass Fuel Composition for Rubber Glove Manufacturing in Thailand
Authors: Thep-On Laddawan , Chowdhury Shahariar , Taechato Kua-Anan , Kumar Anil , Chanakaewsomboon Issara
Published: October 2022

The demand for rubber gloves has significantly increased in both medical and non-medical fields due to the spread of the coronavirus in 2019. It is challenging for rubber glove manufacturing industries to balance the production and demand for the product. Additionally, they must determine techniques to decrease the production costs so as to make rubber gloves more economical for consumers. Generally, natural gas, fossil fuels, and renewable energy sources are used worldwide in the manufacturing of rubber gloves. In addition, Thailand uses biomass energy for rubber glove production, but biomass utilization is not economically friendly. This study used different biomasses as fuel in rubber glove production so as to reduce production costs and make the process more environmentally friendly. Wood chip (WC), palm kernel shells (PKS), and oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) biomass were collected from local regions and used in different ratios. The samples of WC, PKS, and OPMF were prepared in four different ratios, namely, 88:12:0, 85:15:0, 85:13:2, and 85:10:5, for efficient biomass utilization. The 85:10:5 (WC: PKS: OPMF) ratio was found to be the optimal ratio as the annual production costs of rubber gloves significantly decreased to USD 1.64 per 1000 units of gloves. Furthermore, this biomass ratio also showed the best boiler efficiency of 74.87%. Therefore, WC, PKS, and OPMF biomass are recommended as fuel for rubber glove industries to make sustainable and economical production processes.
Improving Nature Connectedness in Adults: A Meta-Analysis, Review and Agenda
Authors: Sheffield David , Butler Carly W. , Richardson Miles
Published: October 2022

With clear links between an individual’s sense of nature connectedness, their psychological wellbeing, and engagement in nature-friendly behaviours, efforts to improve people’s relationships with nature can help unite human and planetary wellbeing. In the context of a rapidly growing evidence base, this paper updates previous meta-analytic reviews to explore the impact of (quasi-) experimental manipulations and field interventions on nature connectedness in adult populations. The analysis examines the relative effects of type of contact (direct or indirect), quality of engagement (active or passive) and the timing of the engagement (single session, repeated practice or residential). Results show a medium positive short-term mean effect of manipulations on nature connectedness, with similar effect sizes for immediate and sustained increases. No effect size differences were observed between different types of contact, quality, or timing of engagement. Follow-up measures were mostly used in studies involving regular and repeated practices. An agenda for future research and practice is put forward, emphasising the need for examining a wider range of nature engagement activities, greater understanding of factors leading to increases in nature connectedness, design and testing of practices for sustained nature connection, and initiatives that engage people with nature, create conditions for nature connection, and encourage repeated nature engagement activities.
A Bayesian Approach to Examine the Impact of Pavement Friction on Intersection Safety
Authors: Sharafeldin Mostafa , Albatayneh Omar , Farid Ahmed , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: October 2022

The safety of intersections has been the focus of many studies since intersections are considered hazardous zones of road networks. Identifying the main contributing factors of severe traffic crashes at intersections is crucial to implementing appropriate countermeasures. We investigated the major contributing factors to crash injury severity at intersections, particularly pavement surface friction. Nine years of intersection crash data in Wyoming have been analyzed for this study. The random forest technique was employed to identify the importance of critical variables influencing crash injury severity risk. Subsequently, a Bayesian ordinal probit model was applied to examine the relationships between crash injury severity risk and these crash contributing factors. As per the random forest model’s results, pavement friction has a strong impact on crash injury severity risk along with using safety restraints, intersection type, signalized or unsignalized, reckless driving, and crash type. The results of the Bayesian model demonstrated that higher pavement surface friction levels and proper use of restraints reduced the likelihood of severe injury. Based on these findings, several countermeasures may be proposed, such as those pavement friction requirements, driver’s education, and traffic law enforcement to mitigate injury severity concerns at intersections.
Research on the Strategies of Living Conservation and Cultural Inheritance of Vernacular Dwellings—Taking Five Vernacular Dwellings in China’s Northern Jiangsu as an Example
Authors: Zhang Minghao , Zhang Jingyao , Liu Qian , Li Tingshen , Wang Jian
Published: October 2022

Vernacular dwellings are the carriers of cultural inheritance, and their living conservation plays an important role in social development. With the continuous advancement of China’s urbanization, the crisis faced by vernacular dwellings is increasing. Therefore, the living conservation and cultural inheritance of vernacular dwellings are urgent. Combining the method of grounded theory with traditional surveying and drawing research, this paper takes five vernacular dwellings in China’s northern Jiangsu as the research object, excavates their cultural background, finishes their drawing, and constructs the strategy model of living conservation and cultural inheritance of vernacular dwellings on the basis of in-depth interviews. Lastly, it puts forward specific improvement measures for the five vernacular dwellings in terms of living conservation and cultural inheritance, so as to provide case support for the subsequent conservation and inheritance of vernacular dwellings in China’s northern Jiangsu.
Factors Influencing Bank Customers’ Orientations toward Islamic Banks: Indonesian Banking Perspective
Authors: Nugraha Krisna , Arief Muhtosim , Abdinagoro Sri Bramantoro , Heriyati Pantri
Published: October 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indonesian banking industry showed positive performance, high profitability, sustainable growth, and stability. Islamic banks grew by 9.50% and had a market share of 6.52 percent as of September 2021. This study aims to examine the industrial sector perspective on the factors that prevent consumers from becoming customers of Islamic banks, in particular the factors that influence consumer decisions not to become Sharia bank customers. This study used descriptive qualitative methods and in-depth interviews to confirm and obtain input from industry representatives regarding Islamic banks. Primary data collection was performed using a purposive sampling technique. Informants were head office officials, managers, heads of individual retail product development units, product features and policies, market education, marketing, customer acquisition, and individual retailers. The findings of this study are the existence of passive resistance of consumers to become customers of Islamic banks. In addition, there are obstacles for prospective customers of Islamic banks in responding to marketing stimuli due to the perception of risk, image, and weak marketing reach that have dominated passive resistance to Islamic banks (blocking effects). As a result, consumers prefer conventional banks and are less interested in becoming customers of Islamic banks. This means that there is no opposition to Islamic banks.
The Influence of Emissions from Maritime Transport on Air Quality in the Strait of Gibraltar (Spain)
Authors: Durán-Grados Vanessa , Rodríguez-Moreno Rubén , Calderay-Cayetano Fátima , Amado-Sánchez Yolanda , Pájaro-Velázquez Emilio , Nunes Rafael A. O. , Alvim-Ferraz Maria C. M. , Sousa Sofia I. V. , Moreno-Gutiérrez Juan
Published: October 2022

Gaseous and particulate emissions from oceangoing ships have a significant effect on the quality of air in cities. This study estimates mainly the influence of NOx, SOx, and particulate matter (PM2.5) on air quality in the Strait of Gibraltar (Spain) using the authors’ own Ship’s Energy and Emissions Model (SENEM) and the California Puff air quality model (CALPUFF) in 2017. The Algeciras Bay Industrial Zone recorded the highest levels of pollutants, and the Palmones area was identified as a major hotspot, with mean daily ship-sourced SOx concentrations >215 μg/m3, while the highest concentrations of PM10 reached 8.5 μg/m3 inside the Strait, and the mean yearly contribution of PM2.5 reached 0.86 μg/m3 in the city of Algeciras. The incidence of maritime traffic emissions on the levels of particle emissions, CO, HC, NMVOC, and CO2 reached values of up to 20–25% in all the receivers defined in the study.
Biodiversity Offsetting: Ethical Views within Environmental Organisations in the European Union
Authors: Karlsson Mikael
Published: October 2022

Biodiversity offsetting is a nature conservation instrument that is increasingly used but also strongly criticised. Previous studies have identified the ethical underpinnings of this criticism, but if and how ethically-based objections exist among persons active in nongovernmental environmental organisations is not clear. This study, therefore, explores occurring ethical views through seven in-depth interviews within this group of stakeholders. Among the results, the respondents in general took a consequential ethical view, according to which both benefits and costs with biodiversity offsetting should be considered and balanced, resting on a strong biocentric or ecocentric base, albeit within an ethical frame of restrictions for when to not use the instrument, indicating a strong deontological ethical basis. Overall, the respondents did not consider that the existence of intrinsic nature values, which they recognised, nor the potential commodification of such values, constituted definite barriers to biodiversity offsetting. Moreover, they did not see that offsetting, per se, would lead to non-virtuous attitudes towards nature. On social justice issues, the views diverged significantly. However, all respondents underlined a strong need for improved governance, including to prevent biodiversity offsetting of high nature values, to restrict flexibilities, and to apply multipliers with sufficient margins.
Dual-Level Voltage Bipolar Thermal Energy Harvesting System from Solar Radiation in Malaysia
Authors: Rejab Muhammad Nazri , Marwah Omar Mohd Faizan , Johar Muhammad Akmal , Ribuan Mohamed Najib
Published: October 2022

Harvesting energy from solar radiation in Malaysia attracts the attention of researchers to utilize the potential by ongoing improvement. Roofing material with low albedo absorbs the heat, that can then be harvested using a thermoelectric generator. Previous research only measured the open-circuit voltage with different thermoelectric generator configurations. Low power output limits the potential to be utilized. The low output power can be increased using a DC converter. However, the converter must be tuned concerning low- and high-voltage levels, bipolar, and the maximum power point tracking. Therefore, this paper presents a dual-level voltage bipolar (DLVB) thermal energy harvesting system. The circuit is tested at constant and various time intervals to evaluate the system’s functionality and performance. Experiment results show that the proposed harvesting system can boost from 0.6 and 1.6 V to achieve the optimum level. The mean efficiency of the harvesting circuit obtains 91.92% at various time intervals. Further, the field test result obtains output power from 1.45 to 66.1 mW, with the mean efficiency range of 89.62% to 92.98%. Furthermore, recommendations are listed for future research.
Energy Communities Implementation in the European Union: Case Studies from Pioneer and Laggard Countries
Authors: Tarpani Elena , Piselli Cristina , Fabiani Claudia , Pigliautile Ilaria , Kingma Eelke J. , Pioppi Benedetta , Pisello Anna Laura
Published: October 2022

Energy communities are a promising strategy for a global energy transition. European Union (EU) regulatory frameworks are already established and clearly explained, aiming to develop as many projects as possible in the different European countries. Accordingly, it is necessary to present two different types of countries: the laggards and the pioneers, two categories that highlight the discrepancies in policy, bureaucracy, culture, and usage of alternative sources and technologies, such as renewable energy, towards the implementation of energy communities. This work compares two representative case studies to qualitatively understand the differences between laggard and pioneer countries: Italy and the Netherlands, respectively. The regulatory framework and the solid points/shortcomings of each country are explained first. Thereafter, an accurate description of the two selected case study communities and their different peculiarities is provided. Finally, the main similarities and differences are stressed to discuss the lessons to be learned in laggard and pioneer countries. Five pillars for the development and uptake of energy communities are identified related to regulations, economic benefits, technical limitations, sustainability, and social awareness. These outcomes suggest the importance of policy management, and stress the limitations of governance in helping policymakers and experts to support the energy transition.
A Mini-Review: Biowaste-Derived Fuel Pellet by Hydrothermal Carbonization Followed by Pelletizing
Authors: Gallant Rhea , Farooque Aitazaz A. , He Sophia , Kang Kang , Hu Yulin
Published: October 2022

This review article focuses on recent studies using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) for producing hydrochar and its potential application as a solid fuel pellet. Due to the depletion of fossil fuels and increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the need for carbon-neutral fuel sources has increased. Another environmental concern relates to the massive amount of industrial processing and municipal solid waste, which are often underutilized and end up in landfills to cause further environmental damage. HTC is an appealing approach to valorizing wet biomass into valuable bioproducts (e.g., hydrochar), with improved properties. In this review, the effects of the main HTC reaction parameters, including reaction temperature, residence time, and feedstock to water ratio on the properties and yield of hydrochar are described. Following this, the pelletizing of hydrochar to prepare fuel pellets is discussed by reviewing the influences of applied pressure, processing time, pellet aspect ratio, moisture content of the hydrochar, and the type and dosage of binder on the quality of the resulting fuel pellet. Overall, this review can provide research updates and useful insights regarding the preparation of biowaste-derived solid fuel pellets.
Prediction and Control of the Nitrogen Oxides Emission for Environmental Protection Goal Based on Data-Driven Model in the SCR de-NOx System
Authors: Liu Chang , Hu Bo , Song Meiyan , Yang Yuan , Xian Guangquan , Qu Liang , Dong Ze , Yan Laiqing
Published: October 2022

In order to reduce the nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission of flue gas, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system must be installed. In general, the lag of the inlet NOx analyzer, the action of the NH3 injection valve and the feedforward signal are seriously delayed. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the measurement lag of inlet NOx on the NH3 injection flowrate control system. In this paper, the data-driven model of inlet NOx is proposed to improve control system, so as to avoid excessive or insufficient NH3 injection. First, the measurement lag time of inlet NOx is estimated by the blowback signal of a CEMS and the change process of the inlet O2 content. Then, an exponential model is used to predict the inlet NOx in advance, and recursive LSSVM is proposed to revise the output of the exponential model. Finally, the output of the final model is used as the feedforward signal for improved feedforward (IF) control. Based on IF control and PID control, the IF-PID control strategy for NH3 injection is proposed. The results show that the outlet NOx are close to the set value and meet the national environmental regulation. Furthermore, the average value of the NH3 injection flowrate remains unchanged. It shows that a better control effect and environmental sustainability are achieved without increasing the cost of NH3 injection.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on International Tourism Income in Tourism Receiving Countries
Authors: Korinth Bartosz
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this article is to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international tourism income in tourism reception countries, in which the greatest tourist traffic in the world is observed. The analysis was performed on the basis of data obtained from the UNWTO, which was used to create a single-feature classification of subregions (using Hellwig’s method) and to create a single-feature classification (using a method based on positional measures) of the most important reception countries, i.e., generating the highest tourist traffic. Based on the research, it was found that the critical range of Hellwig occurred between Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia, North America, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, and between the Caribbean and South Asia. The largest percentage drops in revenues from international tourism in 2020 in comparison to 2019 occurred in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Greece and Spain. These countries recorded values above the upper quartile, which was −76.23%.
Immersive Disaster Training Schema Based on Team Role-Playing
Authors: Xu Yanan , Dai Yunhai
Published: October 2022

The prevalence of inevitable natural and social disasters is increasing at an alarming rate. With the proliferation of media and Internet technologies, there is a growing awareness of the importance of disaster training. The paper aims to combine the techniques of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) and team-based role-playing to demonstrate a comprehensive disaster training schema to help participants practice safety skills and learn proper decision-making skills in the face of disasters. A VR dome and cylinder combined multidisplay system iwDome was used to immerse participants and provide a view of the overall training; the role of each team was presented through the appropriate Head Mounted Display (HMD) and connected desktop. Rather than just being passive spectators or game players, the participants received puzzles in the virtual scenario that required intra-team and inter-team collaboration to be solved. The scenarios applicable to the system were not restricted to a specific type of disaster, but could be customized, revealing significant application prospects. To test the motivation for improvement, a quality assessment and user experience survey were conducted. The results indicate that participants were more engaged through cooperation in the virtual training environment and could achieve greater learning gains. The correlation of age to user studies was also confirmed. The enhanced enthusiasm of participants for what is relatively standard disaster management demonstrates the promise of using team role-playing-based VR training for vital, but otherwise tedious disaster safety training.
Panel Evidence from EU Countries on CO2 Emission Indicators during the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Bezić Heri , Mance Davor , Balaž Davorin
Published: October 2022

Research question and the most important issue in this paper relates to the determination of CO2 emission drivers in EU and the possibility of its reduction in the era of the fourth industrial revolution. EU strategies and economic policies are directed toward sustainable development, with special emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions towards carbon neutrality. The method used in this research is the Panel Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) two-step dynamic estimator on 27 EU countries in the period 2012–2019. The research resulted with the following findings: innovation activity, industrial structure and development, human capital, and institutional framework; these are all statistically associated with CO2 emission levels in a negative manner, thus, contribute significantly to the reduction in CO2 emissions. Following the empirical results, it may be concluded that reaching sustainable development goals requires the EU to enhance innovation activity, technological development, reshape its industrial structure, create high-quality human capital, and increase the quality of its public institutions.
A qualitative interview study of GPs’ experiences of prescribing opioid medication for chronic pain
Authors: Gill Simon , Bailey John , Nafees Sadia , Poole Rob
Published: October 2022

Background

Prescribing of opioid medication has increased over the past 20 years. Most occurs in primary care for chronic pain. There is little evidence that these drugs are effective for this indication. There are concerns about the continuing prescribing of opioids, particularly in the long term and at high doses.

Aim

To explore GPs’ experiences of prescribing opioids, problems encountered, and factors militating against good prescribing practice.

Design & setting

Qualitative interviews with GPs who prescribe opioids in primary care in North East Wales.

Method

Semi-structured interviews with 20 GPs were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis utilising the framework approach.

Results

Participating GPs identified a range of problems associated with prescribed opioids. They were concerned about limited effectiveness of the drugs and what they perceived as addiction resulting from their use. They identified healthcare system factors that were obstacles to good prescribing practice such as lack of continuity of care, poor access to secondary care pain management support, and, most importantly, constant time pressure. They reported adverse effects on relationships with patients. Unrealistic expectations that pain could be eliminated resulted in pressure to prescribe stronger drugs and increased doses. It led to difficulties in establishing and maintaining trust and in persuading patients to agree to, and to carry out, dose reductions.

Conclusion

Themes emerging from this study suggest that GPs lack appropriate control of opioid prescribing. There is a need to develop methods to help patients and GPs to work together to manage chronic pain safely.
Gender and age concordance between patient and GP: an observational study on associations with referral behaviour
Authors: Eggermont Dorus , Kunst Anton E , Hek Karin , Verheij Robert A
Published: October 2022

Background

Appropriate referral from primary to secondary care is essential for maintaining a healthcare system that is accessible and cost-effective. Social concordance can affect the doctor–patient interaction and possibly also referral behaviour.

Aim

To investigate the association of gender concordance and age concordance on referral rates in primary care in The Netherlands.

Design & setting

Electronic health records data (n= 24 841) were used from 65 GPs in The Netherlands, containing referral information, which was combined with demographics of GPs and patients to investigate factors associated with referral likelihood.

Method

Health records covered 16 different symptoms and diagnoses, categorised as ‘gender sensitive’, ‘age sensitive’, ‘both age and gender sensitive’, or ‘neutral’ based on Delphi consensus. Multi-level logistic regressions were performed to calculate the associations of gender and age concordance with referral status.

Results

Overall, 16.8% of patients were referred to a medical specialist. The female–male dyad (GP–patient) was associated with a higher referral likelihood (odds ratio [OR] 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02 to 1.27;P= 0.02) compared with the female–female dyad. Gender discordance was associated with a higher referral likelihood regarding consultations involving ‘gender-sensitive’ symptoms and diagnoses (OR 1.21; CI = 1.02 to 1.44;P= 0.03), and in duo and group practices (OR 1.08; 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.16;P= 0.05). Age concordance was not a significant predictor of referrals in the main model nor in subgroup analyses.

Conclusion

Gender discordance was associated with a higher likelihood of referring. This study adds to the evidence that gender concordance affects decisions to refer, particularly with respect to symptoms and diagnoses that can be regarded as ‘gender sensitive’.
LAPORAN AKUNTABILITAS KINERJA ANGGARAN PADA INSTANSI PEMERINTAH DAERAH DINAS PETERNAKAN DAN KESEHATAN HEWAN KABUPATEN TANAH LAUT
Authors: Suasri Eni
Published: October 2022

Laporan realisasi anggaran adalah laporan yang menyajikan komponen laporan keuangan pemerintah yang terdiri dari pendapatan, belanja, surplus atau defisit, dan pembiayaan entitas pelaporan anggaran masing-masing dalam satu periode. Laporan realisasi anggaran bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbandingan atas anggaran yang didapat dengan realisasi anggaran yang pada akhir periode sehingga dapat dinilai kinerja anggaran institusin berjalan maksimal atau belum. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektif atau tidak kinerja anggarannya pada Dinas Peternakan dan Kesehatan Hewan Kabupaten Tanah Laut tahun 2017-2019. Hasil penelitian menggunakan metode analisis horizontal, dan analisis vertikal yang menyatakan bahwa pendapatan asli daerah pada bagian pendapatan retribusi daerah dan lain-lain pendapatan asli daerah yang sah serta belanja operasi dinyatakan tidak efektif dengan rata-rata nilai dibawah 60% yaitu 21% dan -10%, sedangkan belanja modal dinyatakan sangat efektif dengan rata-rata nilai diatas 100% yaitu 324%.
PENGARUH UKURAN PERUSAHAAN, KEBIJAKAN HUTANG, PROFITABILITAS TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN (STUDI KASUS PERUSAHAAN PROPERTI YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA TAHUN 2016 – 2020)
Authors: Kalbuana Nawang , Yohana Yohana , Bp Andi Intan , Cahyadi Catra Indra
Published: October 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh Ukuran Perusahaan, Kebijakan Hutang, dan Profitabilitas terhadap Nilai Perusahaan pada Perusahaan Properti yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode 2016-2020. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah sektor Perdagangan yang terdaftar di BEI. Teknik pemilihan sampel yang digunakan yaitu purposive sampling dengan beberapa kriteria yang telah ditentukan maka  data sampel yang diperoleh 18 perusahaan dengan periode 2016-2020. Metode analisis data yang digunakan yaitu SPSS versi 25 dengan teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah uji asumsi klasik multikolinieritas heteroskedastisitas, uji normalitas, uji koefisien korelasi dan determinasi, uji simultan dan uji parsial. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ukuran perusahaan berpengaruh negatif signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan, kebijakan hutang berpengaruh negatif signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan, dan profitabilitas berpengaruh positif terhadap nilai perusahaan.
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN ANALISIS FUNDAMENTAL DAN OVERCONFIDENCE TERHADAP PENGAMBILAN KEPUTUSAN INVESTASI PADA INVESTOR MILENIAL DI BLITAR
Authors: Putra Iwan Setya , Elisabet Thesa
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of fundamental analysis and overconfidence behavior in investment decisions for millennial investors in Blitar. This study uses quantitative research with data collection techniques through questionnaires distributed to investors in the Blitar area. Using the purposive sampling technique, the sample taken in this study was 73 millennial investors in Blitar. Method of analysis using classical assumption test, multiple linear regression analysis, and hypothesis testing. The results of this study indicate that fundamental analysis has no significant effect on investment decision making for millennial investors in Blitar, overconfidence has a significant effect on investment decision making on millennial investors in Blitar, and simultaneously fundamental analysis and ovce have a significant effect on investment decision making on millennial investors in Blitar.erconfiden
PENGARUH NARSISME CEO DAN ARUS KAS BEBAS TERHADAP KINERJA PERUSAHAAN
Authors: Kusiyah Kusiyah , Kalbuana Nawang , Rusdiyanto Rusdiyanto
Published: October 2022

Researchers are actively exploring how CEO narcissism affects CEO behavior in depth. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between CEO narcissism and the company's free cash flow to company performance. Quantitative research methods were used in this research with purposive sampling which produced as many as 110 samples from the most index companies in Jakarta Islamic Index from 2017 to 2021. Testing this study using the SPSS 26 application. The results of this study obtained empirical evidence that company performance is not influenced by the narcissistic behavior of narcissistic CEO. The company's performance is affected by the free cash flow available for investment. Simultaneously the narcissism of the CEO and free cash flow successfully affect the performance of the company.
ISSUES OF IMPLEMENTATION OF MEASURES TO SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN RUSSIA
Authors: Lec O.
Published: October 2022

The study is devoted to problematic issues concerning both the increase in the number of employees in small and medium-sized businesses of the Russian Federation and comprehensive measures of state support for employment in the field of entrepreneurship. The reflection of the tasks of ensuring employment of the population in national and federal projects of the Russian Federation is considered. The paper notes that a number of targets of national projects to ensure employment are not sufficiently justified, difficult to achieve and do not meet the modern needs of the digital economy. A brief overview of the changes in the legal field that affect the development of small and medium-sized businesses and contribute to the solution of employment issues is provided. The author comes to the conclusion that the classical mechanisms of ensuring employment of the population (the provision of tax preferences, various benefits and subsidies to employers) should be supplemented by the effective use of new tools, which at the moment are digital platforms and services. The article analyzes the functionality aimed at entrepreneurs-employers and job seekers, such modern platforms as: the Digital platform of SMEs, the portal for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises "My Business", the website of the HeadHunter company, the portal of the employment center "Work of Russia", the website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation, the portal of public services. It is established that the imbalance of information and communication links, as well as departmental and/or economic disunity prevent all the digital services discussed above from integrating their capabilities. At the same time, the possibilities of digitalization may consist not only in creating an integrator program of these digital services for the purpose of ensuring employment in small and medium-sized businesses, but also in developing a template for the "Career Growth" model for the younger generation and for older people, as well as restarting the mechanism of the social contract.
„Er konnte nur mit lesen überleben” – zum Bild des Vaters im Roman Vati von Monika Helfer
Authors: Wyrzykiewicz Dominika
Published: October 2022

Tematem rozważań jest postać ojca w powieści Tatuś austriackiej pisarki Moniki Helfer. W fikcjonalnym, autobiograficznym utworze autorka prezentuje swoje relacje z ‘nieobecnym’ czy to fizycznie czy mentalnie ojcem, którego życie naznaczyła trauma przeżyć drugiej wojny światowej. Zafascynowany książkami ojciec, marzący o własnej bibliotece, dla którego posiadanie książek i kontakt z nimi zdawał się wielokrotnie ważniejszy niż kontakt z dziećmi, pozostał dla pisarki do końca obcy. Monika Helfer składa z pamięci swojej i swoich krewnych obraz ojca, zręcznie łącząc wspomnienia z fikcją.
KOOPETYCJA I “KOOPETYCYJNOŚĆ” JAKO RELACJA I MOŻLIWOŚĆ PARTNERSTWA POWIATOWO-GMINNEGO
Authors: Śmietanka Tomasz
Published: October 2022

Artykuł prezentuje skrótowy i bazowy przegląd aktualnego stanu badań nad koopetycją, w tym samorządową, która nadal stanowi w znacznym stopniu lukę badawczą. Na podstawie studium przypadku analizie poddano koopetycję powiatowo-gminną powiatu kozienickiego i gminy Kozienice jako fakultatywną relację partnerstwa w latach 2010-2021. Zastosowano triangulację metod badawczych: analiza ilościowa danych statystycznych i dokumentów urzędowych powiatu i gminy, badania jakościowe i obserwację uczestniczącą autora. W wyniku przeprowadzonych badań określono zdolność do koopetycji nazwaną przez autora nowym określeniem, czyli „koopetencyjnością”. Zależy ona głównie od relacji potencjałów zasobowych powiatu i gminy oraz od cech osobowych burmistrza i starosty. Ustalono, że dotychczasowe formy koopetycji (finansowa, majątkowa i kapitału społecznego) przyniosła obustronne korzyści, posiada niewykorzystane rezerwy i na obecnym poziomie analizy nie ma zagrożeń związanych z jej zwiększaniem.
THE USE OF PARTICULAR TOOLS OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING IN BASIC UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Authors: Wakuła Monika
Published: October 2022

Presently, local Polish government units, including communes, function in the conditions of a limited amount of financial resources and, at the same time, unlimited social needs. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out activities aimed at the rationalization of the management of public funds. It has become essential to undertake in-depth analyzes of activities undertaken by municipalities and to identify costs that were actually incurred for the tasks. Local government units, like other entities, should function in accordance with the principles of efficiency and effectiveness. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked by their managers. Performing the tasks entrusted to them, they focus their attention on spending funds in accordance with the limit, without considering the fact if a given expenditure will bring a specific effect and whether the task will be effectively performed. In order to change this method of operation, municipalities should implement modern management methods and use management accounting tools. The introduction of, among other things, task-based budgeting and cost accounting will contribute to a more effective use of available resources. The aim of the article is to examine the extent to which communes in the Ostrołęka and Siedlce subregions use selected management accounting tools. In order to achieve this goal, a questionnaire survey was carried out for the treasurers of communes. The obtained results prove the negligible use of management accounting tools by the audited entities.
Modelo de gestión estratégica para el fortalecimiento corporativo
Authors: Lema-Ortiz Lilia Melida , Romero-Fernández Ariel José , Lascano-Corrales Edgar
Published: October 2022

La finalidad de la presente investigación es plantear un modelo de gestión estratégica para la Compañía Rayo de Luna TRANSLUNA Cía. Ltda. El alcance de la investigación es descriptivo. El 60% ha indicado que el Servicio que brinda la compañía en Buena y el 40% es Excelente. Se determina también que la empresa no tiene la capacidad de mejorar el parque automotor en vista que sus socios no consideran necesario lo que hace que la organización no se posesiones en un mercado competitivo. La propuesta de trabajo es aplicable dentro la empresa Transluna Cía. Ltda., ya que cuenta con los recursos necesarios para su ejecución y además la predisposición para su desarrollo, dentro la misma es muy buena por lo que no deben existir mayores inconvenientes por parte de los integrantes de la entidad en ejecutar dicha propuesta.
Calidad de vida de los pacientes adultos mayores con prótesis dental
Authors: Villafana-Mori Carlos Justiniano
Published: October 2022

El objetivo general de la presente investigación fue describir la calidad de vida de los pacientes adultos mayores con prótesis dental. Se desarrolló a partir del paradigma positivista, desde la perspectiva cuantitativa, mediante la búsqueda, recolección y análisis crítico documental, referencial bibliográfico en este sentido, desde un diseño bibliográfico de tipo documental, el investigador realizó un proceso investigativo en donde la población de estudio, se fundamentó básicamente en documentos como tesis, trabajos arbitrados y científicos; para analizar los escritos relacionado al tema, se consideró el análisis de contenido de la información recopilada, lo que permitió la formulación de resultados. Se concluye que es indispensable establecer políticas sanitarias mediante políticas públicas que garanticen la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores de una manera integral donde incorpore los cuidados dentales para evitar el mínimo uso de prótesis dental. Desde la cuida integral se debe garantizar una alimentación saludable y máximos cuidados.