bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Concept of Logistics Performance in International Trade Framework
Authors: Bilgin Cevat
Published: September 2022

An increased need for international logistics has emerged with a higher degree of globalization. The quality of logistics services determines the degree of a country's involvement in global trade. In this chapter, the concept of logistics performance in the international trade context is discussed, then the measurement problems of logistics performance are discussed. The links between logistics, trade, and growth are evaluated theoretically. Policymakers and researchers have been widely using Logistics Performance Index (LPI) developed by the World Bank. LPI provides a general information of logistics costs, customs processes, and the quality of the necessary infrastructure for transportation for each country. In this chapter, the definition, the methodology, and the aspects of the indicator LPI, its content and components, and the relations between LPI and some economic factors such as growth and foreign trade, are elaborated. The econometric modelling methods are used to analyze the relations between LPI and economic factors.
Credit-Market Imperfection and Monetary Policy Within DSGE Models
Authors: Ben Salem Salha , Mansour Nadia , Labidi Moez
Published: September 2022

This survey presented the various ways that are utilized in the literature to include financial market frictions in dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. It focuses on the fundamental issue: to what extent the Taylor rules are optimal when the central bank introduces the goal of financial stability. Indeed, the latest financial crisis shows that the vulnerability of the credit cycle is considered the main source for the amplification of a small transitory shock. This conclusion changed the instrument that drives the transmission of monetary policy through the economy and pushed the policymakers to include financial stability as a second objective of the central bank.
The Case of Public Capital Budgeting and Management Process in Germany
Authors: Ermasova Natalia B.
Published: September 2022

This chapter presents an analysis of four main components of the German capital budgeting system including (1) long-term public capital planning, (2) annual public budgeting and financing, (3) project execution, and (4) public infrastructure evaluation. Germany provides good conditions for capital investments. This chapter explains main reasons for it: institutional framework, healthy public finance, structural reform, and special investment and redemption fund that gave a boost to investments in infrastructure. This case describes the capital budgeting process in Germany and explains the recent trends of public capital investments.
The Role of Profit Rate in Islamic Monetary Policy
Authors: Suprijanto Trisiladi
Published: September 2022

Extensive research has been done regarding the Islamic pricing benchmark, both in terms of the Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Islamic economic perspectives. However, there is no in-depth study on the substitution of the interest rate concept to date in the application on the Islamic banking pricing product. This chapter will initiate the difference between the concepts of rate of profit, rate of interest, and practice in the field. Some jurists from the Middle East allow the use of a benchmark rate, such as the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (LIBOR), as a measure of Islamic financial asset prices. They equate the concept of rate of interest with the concept of rate of profit. This is the core reason (raison d'être) for the replacement of usury as instructed in the Qur'an. This study will discuss a financial asset pricing methodology in accordance with the core principles of Islam.
FED's Unconventional Monetary Policy and Correlation Dynamics Among Conventional and Alternative Investments
Authors: Tsakalos Ioannis , Roumpis Efthymios
Published: September 2022

This chapter investigates the correlations between conventional and alternative investments during the quantitative easing (QE) programs launched by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Authors focus on different asset classes to examine the dynamics on their correlations and to highlight alternative investment options for rational investors and policy makers. Their analysis covers the period from January 3, 2005 to March 16, 2018. Research has significant policy implications and the empirical findings indicate a ripple effect of QE across conventional and alternative investments and suggest that their correlations differ by QE periods. Researchers also confirm the effectiveness of the portfolio rebalance channel pictured on specific assets' correlation sign, as well as the existence of specific patterns. UMP programs create portfolio rebalance since investors followed the required path set by the Fed.
New Indicators and Measurement Methods for Welfare in the Global Economy Era
Authors: Kar Mikail
Published: September 2022

This study discusses the inadequacy of GDP alone as a measure of welfare in the global economic age and examines alternative welfare indicators and measurement methods. This study, which discusses the human development index (HDI), the inequality adjusted human development index (I-HDI), the gender inequality index (GII), the multidimensional poverty index (MPI), the social progress index (SPI), the happy planet index (HPI), the better life index (BLI), the Legatum prosperity index(LPI), the human capital index (HCI), and the ecological footprint (EF) methods, shares the country rankings of these methods and reveals the differences in the results depending on the method. It also draws attention to the differences between the economic size and welfare level by sharing the rankings of the world's 10 largest economies in alternative methods. In addition, the study examines the obstacles to the inability to establish a complete, precise, and generally accepted method of measuring welfare.
Analysis Results for the Effectiveness of Monetary Policies With Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Dinçer Hasan , Yüksel Serhat
Published: September 2022

This chapter aims to examine the effectiveness of central bank policies in E7 economies. For this purpose, five different monetary policy instruments (required reserve ratio, rediscount rate, open market operations, standing facilities, and asset purchase program) are defined as the criteria. On the other side, E7 countries are selected as the alternatives. In the analysis process, fuzzy DEMATEL approach is used to weight the criteria whereas fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy VIKOR methods are considered to rank E7 economies. The findings show that open market operations are the most important criterion. However, changing required reserve ratio does not have any powerful impact on the market. Therefore, it is recommended that E7 countries should prefer open market operations instead of required reserve ratio in order to influence the market in an effective manner. Additionally, it is defined that Indonesia has the best performance in the E7 economies while Brazil takes place on the last rank.
The Effects of Macroprudential Policies on Financial Stability in Developing Countries
Authors: Gazel Sümeyra
Published: September 2022

In this chapter, the concept of financial instability is examined in terms of the policy instruments used by central banks. Although the policy instruments used in each country differ according to the country conditions, it is thought that the common factor among developing countries with a current account deficit problem is exchange rate volatility resulting from excessive credit growth and short-term capital movements. In this context, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Hungary, Indonesia, India, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, and Turkey are examined with regard to the effects of macroprudential policies on financial stability for the period between Q2 of 2006 and Q2 of 2017 by using the time-varying panel causality test developed by Dumitrescu and Hurlin. The results of the analysis indicate that excessive credit growth is a cause of the current account deficit. The same findings are also valid for interest rate. There is no obvious link between the exchange rate and the current account deficit.
U.S. Unemployment Rate Prediction by Economic Indices in the COVID-19 Pandemic Using Neural Network, Random Forest, and Generalized Linear Regression
Authors: Zhao Zichen , Hou Guanzhou
Published: September 2022

Artificial neural network (ANN) has been showing its superior capability of modeling and prediction. Neural network model is capable of incorporating high dimensional data, and the model is significantly complex statistically. Sometimes, the complexity is treated as a Blackbox. However, due to the model complexity, the model is capable of capture and modeling an extensive number of patterns, and the prediction power is much stronger than traditional statistical models. Random forest algorithm is a combination of classification and regression trees, using bootstrap to randomly train the model from a set of data (called training set) and test the prediction by a testing set. Random forest has high prediction speed, moderate variance, and does not require any rescaling or transformation of the dataset. This study validates the relationship between the U.S. unemployment rate and economic indices during the COVID-19 pandemic and constructs three different predictive modeling for unemployment rate by economic indices through neural network, random forest, and generalized linear regression model.
Central Bank Digital Currency and Financial Stability in a Dual Banking System
Authors: Hamza Hichem , Ben Jedidia Khoutem
Published: September 2022

The digitization of payment and the development of private digital currencies have constrained central banks to examine the issuance of their own central bank digital currency (CBDC) in order to face the competition of the new peer-to-peer payment system and the decline of cash use. This chapter addresses the topic of CBDC and places the discussion within the context of dual banking intermediation and financial stability. The design of CBDC in term of accessibility, anonymity, interest rate, and payment mechanism depends on the cryptocurrency use and money characteristics regarding the use of cash and deposit. The CBDC Sharia compliant, free of interest or PLS-based, fulfilling money value stability might be a solution. The effects of CBDC on banking intermediation and financial stability depend importantly on the CBDC design and switch significance of banks deposit to CBDC but remain an open question given the pros and cons arguments. In a dual banking system, Islamic banks could limit the disintermediation effect and maintain financial stability under Sharia compliance.
The Efficiency of Corporate Tax Incentives in Developing Countries Based on Foreign Direct Investments
Authors: Güzel Simla
Published: September 2022

During the last quarter century, a remarkable global growth was experienced in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), especially the developing countries, considered FDIs as an important factor in overall economic development strategies. The developing countries aim to attract foreign capital to strengthen their local economy, increase market opportunities, and provide better services to the society. For this purpose, these nations implement various types of tax incentives. Although there are several studies on the effectiveness of tax incentives in FDI, the issue has not been tackled with respect to developing countries. The present study scrutinized the effectiveness of corporate tax incentives in developing countries based on FDI. In conclusion, it could be suggested that tax incentives may be effective in increasing FDI; however, in this group of countries with low level of investments and complex laws in taxation and other fields and could not cope with innovations, red tape and poor governance, it is also important to develop the organizational infrastructure for investments.
Analysis Results for the Effectiveness of Monetary Policies With Cointegration and Causality Analyses
Authors: Dinçer Hasan , Yüksel Serhat
Published: September 2022

The aim of this chapter is to examine the effectiveness of the monetary policies in E7 economies. For this purpose, two different variables are selected, which are central bank interest rate and inflation rate. These variables are tested with the help of Kao panel cointegration analysis, Pedroni panel cointegration analysis, and Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality analysis. Additionally, monthly data of these variables for the periods between 1996:01-2019:02 is used in the analysis process. The findings show that there is a long-term relationship between interest rate and inflation rate for E7 economies. This situation gives information that monetary policies are used effectively in these countries. On the other side, for all three different lags, it is concluded that interest is the main cause of the inflation rate. This situation gives information that interest rate decisions of the central banks in E7 economies are very successful to control the inflation rate.
Monetary Policy Operations of Central Banks in the E7 Economies
Authors: Dinçer Hasan , Yüksel Serhat
Published: September 2022

Both monetary and fiscal policies have a crucial role in the financial markets of the countries. In this framework, policies can be used for mainly two different purposes, which are contractionary and expansionary policies. Hence, it can be said that monetary policies play a key role especially for the emerging economies. The main reason is that these are the economies that aim to be a developed economy. In order to reach this objective, they aim to make investment to obtain sustainable economic growth. Similar to this aspect, this chapter aims to identify different monetary policy operations of the central banks. Thus, various monetary policy instruments are explained. After this issue, necessary information is given related to the central banking operations of E7 economies. As a result, it is defined that central banks of these countries play an active role especially during the recession period.
Macroeconomics and Its Impact on Stock Markets of India, China, and Japan
Authors: Megaravalli Amith Vikram
Published: September 2022

The objective of this chapter is to examine the long-run and the short-run relationship between India, China, and Japanese stock markets and key macroeconomic variables such as exchange rates and inflation (proxied by consumer price index) of ASIAN 3 economies (India, China, and Japan). Monthly time series data spanning the period from 2008 January to November 2016 has been used. The unit root test, the cointegration test, Granger causality test, and pooled mean group estimator have been applied to derive the long-run and short-run statistical dynamics. The findings of pooled estimated results of ASIAN 3 countries show that exchange rate has a positive and significant long-run effect on stock markets while the inflation has a negative and insignificant long-run effect. In the short run, there is no statistically significant relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock markets. This study emphasizes the impact of macroeconomic variables on the stock market performance of a developing economy (India and China) and developed economy (Japan).
The Impacts of Liner Shipping Connectivity and Economic Growth on International Trade Case of European Countries and Turkey
Authors: Şeker Ayberk
Published: September 2022

Sea transportation and maritime transport networks have commonly been used with the development of international trade. Maritime transportation is more widely used for the transportation of high-volume cargoes in international trade particularly, since sea transportation is cheaper and safer than road and railway transportation. This chapter investigates the relationship among exports, liner shipping connectivity index, and economic growth in European countries and Turkey. Analysis found that liner shipping connectivity index and economic growth have a positive effect on the exports in European countries and Turkey. It is revealed that 1% increase in liner shipping connectivity index provides the increment 0.21% in the exports. In addition, 1% increment in gross domestic product ensures the increase 1.05% in the exports.
The Impact of US Monetary Growth on Bitcoin Trading Volume in the Current Economic Uncertainty
Authors: Canöz İsmail
Published: September 2022

This study examines the effect of US monetary growth on Bitcoin trading volume. To achieve this purpose, firstly, the symmetric causality test is used. Following this test, another symmetric causality test is used to reveal a time-varying causal effect between variables. The data set covers the period from July 2010 to July 2019. The results of the first symmetric causality test, which considers the time interval of the study data as a whole, show that there is no causal relationship between variables. According to the results of the second causality test, these support the previous results substantially. However, an interesting detail is the causal relationship between variables for the period between April 2019 and July 2019. The reason for this relationship could be that investors who are indecisive during the current economic uncertainty add Bitcoin to their portfolios in response to the Federal Reserve's decisions.
Inflation Inertia and Inflation Persistence in Romania Using a DSGE Approach
Authors: Spulbar Cristi , Birau Ramona
Published: September 2022

The main purpose of this chapter is to investigate monetary policy dynamics, as well as the inflation inertia and inflation persistence in Romania using a DSGE approach. The empirical findings revealed that the price evolution reflects the difficulties of eliminating the inflation inertia. Moreover, in Romania, the historic inflation evolution has a significant influence in terms of inflation expectation patterns. Inflation is a negative phenomenon with dramatic consequences for Romania's economic development on long term.
Macroeconomic Suprises and the Turkish Financial Market
Authors: Çekiç Ayşegül İşcanoğlu , Gültekin Havva
Published: September 2022

In the study, the authors investigate the impacts of macroeconomic news originating from Turkey, US, Euro Zone, and China on the Turkish financial market. They consider Purchasing Managers Indices and Gross Domestic Product growth rates as macroeconomic news. The study covers the period from May 4, 2015 to January 1, 2019, and six sectoral indices are included into the analysis. The findings show that impacts of macroeconomic surprises on abnormal returns are significant for all the sectors except Holdings and Investments and Insurance. The authors also provide evidence that the impacts of macroeconomic surprises on volatilities are significant for only Holdings and Investments and Technology.
Sukuk as an Alternative Source of Public Debt
Authors: Kalim Rukhsana
Published: September 2022

Public debt is a prime source of government revenue to finance budget deficit. Developing countries have been relying on public debt to cater the needs of fiscal expenditure. With the emergence of Islamic banking and finance across the globe, Muslim governments have introduced Sukuk (Islamic Bonds) to generate funds by the governments to meet their expenditure. The present study aims to discuss the possibilities of introducing Sukuk as an alternative way of financing public expenditure in Pakistan by replacing other conventional modes of financing in the future. The study will discuss the viable options available to the Government of Pakistan to offer Sukuk instead of bonds as a means of raising funds from abroad.
On Health Expenditure and Income Inequality
Authors: Torul Orhan
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the relationship between health care expenditure and income inequality empirically. Using data from a large panel of countries covering a sizeable period of time, how level and composition of health care expenditures correlate with income inequality is studied via the panel data fixed effects estimation methodology. These estimations yield several robust findings. First, there is a significant positive correlation between income inequality and reliance on private resources for health care financing. Second, there exists a significant negative correlation between health care expenditure per capita and income inequality. Third, there is a significant negative correlation between income inequality and health care expenditure as a share of GDP. Next, this study analyzes a select group of well-established democracies with developed economies to detect if health expenditure and income inequality variables correlate with public beliefs and preferences. Empirical analyses reveal that indeed belief and preferences accord well with policy choices.
The Negative Role of Environmental Pollution on International Trade
Authors: Yüksel Serhat , Ubay Gözde Gülseven , Çelebi Büşra
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine the main causes behind companies causing carbon emissions. In this way, the main reasons for companies to make carbon emissions have been explored. For this purpose, six different variables that are thought to be effective on this issue were determined. After that, an examination was made with fuzzy DEMATEL method in order to determine which of these factors are more important. The findings indicate that legal deficiency is the main reason for companies to cause carbon emissions. In this situation, it is a must to take necessary measures for the solution of this problem. In order for overcome legal deficiency problem, it is understood that the legal infrastructure should be adapted to this process. In order to increase the international trade volume, it is necessary to impose penal sanctions on companies and to regularly inspect these companies. In addition to these, incentives can be given to companies that are in competitive sectors and to create an awareness on this subject, governments can facilitate training programs.
Impact of COVID-19 on International Trade
Authors: Kumari Reenu , Sharma Ashwani
Published: September 2022

All the countries are facing serious problems affecting their economic growth. In 2020, many countries faced negative GDP per capita growth due to the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, this chapter investigates how coronavirus (COVID-19) affected international trade (IT) and how this changed over time. Secondly, the authors analyzed how international trade collapsed. Thirdly, the chapter highlights the negative effects of COVID-19 on international trade including economic sectors. Furthermore, it discussed the opportunities and forthcoming policies and what kinds of actions have been taken by the government bodies.
Labour Market Challenges Amidst the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Abu Rahim Mohd Amirul Rafiq , Abdul Wahab Diana , Jani Rohana , Aimran Nazim
Published: September 2022

The chapter discussed the reasons for the labour market vulnerability of youth and the challenges they face amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While youth have been experiencing unsatisfactory progress in the labour market, the pandemic crisis has worsened it. Challenges in the labour market outcome include higher youth unemployment, financial instability (due to low wages and decrease in monthly income), labour market skill mismatch, low quality of jobs, and difficulties in school-to-work transitions, which threaten to widen the pre-existing challenges. This chapter also discussed remedial actions on policy options and interventions to the labour market to alleviate those challenges. The vulnerability of youths must be identified, heard, and targeted with proper measures to address the challenges that the young workers face in the current labour market.
Impact of Green Taxes on the Public Financial System
Authors: Filipiak Beata Zofia , Wyszkowska Dorota
Published: September 2022

The EU has become a promoter of the idea of sustainable development and a defender of the global climate, which in many sectors results in ever higher and more ambitious ecological and efficiency requirements. State wants to protect the environment use various intervention instruments, including environmental taxes: “green taxes.” In addition to the fiscal function, they are to stimulate various types of entities to undertake specific actions conducive to reducing pressure on the environment. The aim of the considerations (discussion) is to present changes in the approach to the use of “green taxes,” as an important instrument of the public sector environmental policy in the impact on reducing pollution on the environment conducive to sustainable development. The research aims to verify the hypothesis and assumes the impact of environmental taxes on the public system of financing expenditure on environmental protection. The authors will also look for an answer to the question whether the policy of “green taxes” can contribute to the sustainable public financial system.
The Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on the Hotel Industry Through the Financial Leverage Trends
Authors: Lima Santos Luís , Gomes Conceição , Lisboa Inês
Published: September 2022

In Portugal, news shows that the impact of COVID-19 in the hospitality sector was more noticeable compared to other sectors. This chapter aims to understand the historical trends of hotel industry financial leverage and to analyse the impact of macroeconomic factors on it. Based on the Portuguese reality, it aims to propose a model to be used by managers and shareholders to control the effect of financial leverage over their companies. Two issues are supporting this study: one is if companies evaluate the impact of the chosen financing sources on shareholders' return; another is to understand whether there is a change in the financial leverage effect, either due to macroeconomic factors or due to cyclical factors not controlled by the market, such as the current pandemic (COVID-19) which demands new challenges to companies. Results highlight that the perception of financial leverage by hotel managers is crucial in crisis situations, as the current case of the pandemic caused by COVID-19.
The Impact of Tax Policies on Behavior of Albanian Taxpayers
Authors: Plaku Dorina , Hysa Eglantina
Published: September 2022

The Albanian state has experienced many changes of this system over the years due to the policies and different regimes that have followed, but there has always been a tendency for improvement. The tax system and the informality are the mirror of the economy of the country, especially the favorable tax/fiscal policies that have been adapted to the economy, which bring economic development and integration of all the gaps to a proper economic environment. The chapter aims to find the effects of tax changes on the taxpayers. Furthermore, the study focuses on how the business performance has been indicated from the tax control. The data is collected from a survey which was focused in small and big businesses that operates in the capital city of Albania, in Tirana. The questionnaire is realized during April 2018. The main finds of the study are the different perception of businesses for the tax control and the impact of the fiscal changes on these businesses. All these fiscal changes that the businesses faced were more in disfavor of the small businesses.
Political Stability, Austerity Measures, External Imbalance, and Debt Impact on the Egyptian Economy
Authors: Salman Doaa , Bassim Mohga A.
Published: September 2022

Economic difficulties manifested by the low GDP per capita, high unemployment, high rates of inflation, limited sources of foreign currency, mounting internal and external debts, and high subsidies have been facing Egypt for a long time. Despite the higher growth rates in Egypt in the first decade of the millennium, the persisting economic difficulties and political instability problems led to the 2011 uprising. Against expectations, the political instability, security issues, and unrest, which followed the uprising, and the world economic difficulties led to further deepening of the economic problems of Egypt due to the reduction in the limited sources of foreign currency and fragile economic structure. Egyptian dependence on income from remittances, the Suez Canal, and tourism as the main sources of foreign currency are inadequate. Egypt should diversify its economic activities by further engagements in the services sector, direct more effort to technological advances, and increase the added value to its products by empowering the large youth and educated population.
Depression Rate, GDP Growth Rate, Health Expenditure, and Voice and Accountability
Authors: Das Ramesh Chandra , Chatterjee Amit
Published: September 2022

Existing studies on mental disorder reveal that, besides biological factors, major socioeconomic factors are responsible behind the ever-increasing prevalence of the part of population suffering from mental depression. The present study investigates whether depression rate has long run co-movements with growth of per capita GDP, health expenditure, and voice and accountability of the citizens for individuals as well as panels of four countries, USA, China, India, and Bangladesh, for the period 1995 to 2016. Using cointegration, error correction, and causality testing, the study observes that individual countries do not produce acceptable and robust results, but the panel data results produce long run relations among the four endogenous variables. The Wald test results show that all the two lagged values of depression rate, growth rate, health expenditure and voice and accountability are causing depression in the current period.
Sports Management Industry
Authors: Arnott Ian
Published: September 2022

The issue of employability serves as a life motive of wider social-political changes that have taken place during the past three decades. This period of change has been characterized as the ascendancy of economic instrumentalism over liberal humanism. This shift in policy from the post-war social democratic state towards the neo-liberal polity has led to the redistribution of responsibility from the state to the individual. This is most evident in the emphasis given to vocational education and training by central government in its ‘skills-gap', therefore fulfilling the void at present by ensuring graduates who are fully prepared to enter their workforce without any additional training or experience.
Role of Educational Institutions in Embedding Employability Skills
Authors: Alharahsheh Husam Helmi , Pius Abraham
Published: September 2022

Higher education in the United Kingdom is increasingly expected to be further involved in the process of students' development beyond the requirement of the discipline in terms of knowledge and is demanded to be an active contributor to skills development to further meet the needs of the labour market. The purpose of the chapter is to provide understanding of ways to embedding employability skills in the curriculum of business, hospitality, sports, and events management degrees. This understanding would be generated through the literature and collection of data based on focus group including small number of students at the final year of their studies based in the UK. To further enhance this understanding, this study included several key themes in the literature review, data collected, and discussion of findings as the following: students' perception of the role educational institutions should play. The study identified several gaps exist based on students' perceptions.
Enhancing Your Employability
Authors: Arnott Ian , Mussett Charlie
Published: September 2022

One of the first things that anyone looking to enter the events industry needs to know is just what it is and that it is an incredibly varied grouping of many bodies, organisations, businesses, and individuals (with freelancers making up a large part of the workforce, as is the case with other creative industries). Fashion, sport, music, product launches, experiential, and trade events involve different organisers who will ordinarily (the COVID-19 lockdown has challenged that, with online sharing of ideas, issues, and knowledge occurring like never before) not often talk to each other. As an events junkie, the author can learn a lot and gain interest from talking to almost anyone who delivers any aspect of an event, but it's not something that happens on a regular basis. Outdoor event organisers do not routinely talk to indoor event organisers, nor would the organiser of an outdoor sporting event necessarily exchange ideas or move in the same circles as the promoter of an outdoor music festival.
UAVs for Multidisciplinary Applications
Authors: Govarthan R.  , Hariharan S.  , Paul John , Mary Thusnavis Bella , Sagayam K. Martin , Elngar Ahmed A.
Published: September 2022

Unmanned vehicles/systems technology is an emerging technology in recent years. Unmanned vehicles play a more significant role in many civil and military applications, such as remote sensing, surveillance, precision agriculture, and rescue operations rather than manned systems. The UAVs can gather photographs faster and more accurately than satellite imagery, allowing for more accurate assessment. This study provides a comprehensive overview of UAV civil applications, including classification and requirements. Also encompassed are research trends, critical civil challenges, and future insights on UAVs.
Recommendation of Crop and Yield Prediction by Assessing Soil Health From Ortho-Photos
Authors: Sweetlin J Dhalia , A. L. Visali , Sreeram Sruthi , D. R. Jyothi Prasanth
Published: September 2022

Agriculture is considered to be the driving force of the Indian economy. Production of crops is considered to be one of the complex phenomena as they are influenced by the agro-climatic parameters. From novice to experienced farmers, at times, fail to figure out the suitable crop for their lands, leading to financial loss. This is because of the dynamic change in soil nutrient levels and climatic conditions. Hence, it is important to predict crops according to the presence of the nutrients in a land. Recommending the crops to a farm after considering the nutrients levels of the soil and predicting the yield will largely help the landowner in taking necessary steps for marketing and storage in the future. These results will further assist the industries to plan the logistics of their business who are working in partnership with these landowners. In this work, pH and other soil nutrients are estimated from the input ortho images to recommend crops that can grow well under the given circumstances.
Design and Implementation of an Amphibious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System for Agriculture Applications
Authors: Manoharan Arun Kumar , K. Mohamed Ismail , Telagam Nagarjuna
Published: September 2022

Today, drone systems have become an emerging technology for agriculture applications as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). They help the farmers in crop monitoring and production. They are used to reduce human resources and to control pollution in the agriculture field. In real-time, drones are suitable for working in the agriculture field during strong winds and even in various climate conditions. This chapter proposes an amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system design and implementation for agriculture applications. Drones are useful to avoid deforestation in India. The estimated simulation results are used to calculate the drones' efficiency using their weight, flying time, and power consumption. In this chapter, three different UAV system phases have been discussed (i.e., design of drones, the building of payload, and evaluation of drone using the software). This chapter helps the beginners understand the necessary calculations of the drone design along with thrust values, select the propellers sizes, and calculate the drone's flying time, stability, and power consumption.
Supply Chain Efficiency and Effectiveness Management Using Decision Support Systems
Authors: Li Xiangyi
Published: September 2022

In supply chain management, decision support systems and time series forecasting play an essential role. The accuracy of time-series predictions is critical for the performance optimization of every supply chain. This article suggests a method based on state-space modelling (SSM) for structured time series forecasting. Technology and advance implementations of decision support systems (DSS) have improved considerably. DSS has been used as a more restricted functionality of the database, modelling, and user interface, although technical advances made DSS even more effective. Web development has facilitated inter-organizational decision-making support systems and has resulted in many innovative implementations of current technology and many new decision-making technologies. The study of multiple configurations shows that the SSM and DSS are ideal for solving the problem being studied; in particular, the DSS guarantees appropriate prediction errors and a correct computational effort to provide adequate customer order plans.
Performance Accretion in Delay Compensation of Networked Control System Using Markov Approach-Based Randomness Estimation in Smith Predictor
Authors: Kumar Ratish , Kumar Rajiv , Nigam Madhav Ji
Published: September 2022

By the second decade of the 21st century, there has been a multi-faceted technological development in the field of networked control system (NCS). This progression in NCS has not only revealed its significant applications in various areas but has also unveiled various difficulties associated with it that hampered the operations of networked control system. Network-induced delays are issues that promote many other issues like packet dropout and brevity in bandwidth utilization. In this research article, network-induced delay has been curtailed by using the harmony between Smith predictor and Markov approach. The error estimation of the Smith predictor controller used for the simulation is carried out through a Markov approach which allows the control of the system to operate smoothly by optimizing the control signal. To implement the proposed method, the authors have simulated a third order system in Matlab/Simulink software.
Antecedents of E-Marketing of Agriculture Products in This Digital Era
Authors: Srivastava Gautam
Published: September 2022

Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. The majority of the citizens of this country are dependent upon the agricultural supply chain for the livelihood. This study shows the role of the workforce in this digital era for the e-marketing of agriculture products. E-marketing platforms (i.e., search engine optimization, affiliate marketing, social media marketing, and e-mail marketing) help digital marketers to track and analyze the dynamic and complex buying behavior of consumers. Structural equation modelling is used to test the framework for the e-marketing of agriculture products. The developed model can enhance the capability of workforce in this digital era for developing an effective e-marketing strategy for agriculture products.
Toward a UAS Handling Qualities Specification: Development of UAS-Specific MTEs
Authors:   University of Portland, Ivler Christina M. ,   University of Portland, Gong Anthony ,   U.S. Army CCDC, AvMC,   U.S. Army CCDC, AvMC, Lopez Mark ,   U.S. Army CCDC, AvMC
Published: September 2022

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are becoming more prominent in the airspace and offer solutions to the limitations of manned rotorcraft. The ability to perform autonomous and/or remotely piloted tasks make them popular for both private and public use. As UAS become commonplace, the need to define handling qualities requirements is a critical task. This paper builds upon previous work towards a VTOL-UAS handling qualities framework to propose two UAS-specific maneuvers along with mission-appropriate performance specifications. Flight test results on the University of Portland hexacopter (Group 1 UAS) were collected to validate performance specifications for both the UAS-specific maneuvers and Froude-scaled ADS-33E-PRF mission task elements. A new performance metric based on Froude dynamic scaling of the ADS-33E-PRF attitude bandwidth metric was also developed. This Froude-scaled Level 1 attitude bandwidth criteria was then evaluated in flight test on the UP Hexacopter as a predictive criterion for Level 1 MTE performance. The Synergy 626, a single main rotor helicopter Group 1 UAS, was used to further validate the MTE performance specifications and the scaled attitude bandwidth results, showing this work is applicable beyond multirotor configurations. The key outcomes of the work are the proposed UAS-specific maneuvers, the validation of performance specifications, and validation of the Froude-scaled ADS-33E-PRF Level 1 attitude bandwidth metric as a predictive metric.
What is therapeutic? Analysis of the narratives available on Italian Addiction Rehab Centres’ Sites to present the therapeutic programme
Authors: Faccio Elena , Aquili Ludovica , Rocelli Michele
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the use of the adjective “therapeutic” has expanded to encompass a great variety of experiences, blurring the line between what is effectively therapeutic and what is not. Proceeding from the idea that a word’s meaning is linked to its use in a particular linguistic game, we will analyse the etymons “therapy” and “psychotherapy” and the change in their meanings over time. This background will guide us in the qualitative analysis of the so-called “therapeutic activities” available on the websites of 14 Italian therapeutic communities for treating addiction. Four main master narratives emerge from our investigation. These are characterised by biomedical assumptions, pedagogical principles, religious precepts, and moral values, respectively. Activities are considered therapeutic per se rather than based on theoretical assumptions regarding change. In the light of our results, the adjective “therapeutic” has become a domain of common sense, which poses the threat of undue reification of the linguistic game that expresses it.
Attachment insecurity predicts outcomes in an ACT-CBT group therapy for adults in a physical rehabilitation centre
Authors: Maras Danijela , Balfour Louise , Lefebvre Monique , Tasca Giorgio
Published: September 2022

Adapting to chronic illness or disability is accompanied by acute and ongoing illness stressors. Psychological factors such as emotional distress and low self-efficacy are common experiences in chronic illness and disability, and interfere with adaptation and psychosocial outcomes such as health-related quality of life. Transdiagnostic group psychotherapy may provide a parsimonious approach to psychological treatment in rehabilitation care by targeting shared illness stressors across mixed chronic illnesses and disabilities, and shared processes that maintain psychological symptoms. Attachment theory may explain individual differences in outcomes and help identify individuals at risk of poor health-related quality of life trajectories. Adults (N = 109) participated in an 8-week process-based ACT-CBT psychotherapy group at a tertiary care physical rehabilitation centre between 2016 and 2020. Participants completed measures of emotional distress, self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, and attachment at pre- and post-treatment. Multilevel analyses indicated that patients improved on most outcomes at post-treatment. Attachment anxiety at pre-treatment was associated with more positive outcomes. Reliable change indices suggest clinically meaningful change for the majority of participants, but most were not recovered. Results provide proof-of-concept for the transdiagnostic group intervention, and suggest that a longer course of treatment may be clinically indicated. Results warrant replication with larger and more diverse samples, and more robust designs.
Persea americana attenuates inflammatory response associated with hyperlipidemia in ovariectomized and irradiated rats by regulating MMP-3/TIMP-1 levels
Authors: Elmaghraby Dina F. , Salem Fatma A.M. , Ahmed Esraa S
Published: September 2022

Objective:

To explore the effect of Persea americana supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profiles in ovariectomized rats fed with a high-fat diet and exposed to radiation.

Methods:

The control group was sham operated, while groups 2-5 were ovariectomized and fed a high-fat diet. Groups 4 and 5 were exposed to γ-radiation (1 Gy/week for 5 weeks) after ovariectomy. Groups 3 and 5 were treated with 1 mL/250 g/day of Persea americana for one month. Serum levels of estrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins were measured. Additionally, hepatic oxidative stress, inflammatory and fibrogenic markers were evaluated.

Results:

Persea americana treatment reduced the oxidative stress markers as well as the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which in turn lowered hepatic fat accumulation. Moreover, it suppressed hepatic inflammatory mediators (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein) and downregulated pro-fibrogenic markers (transforming growth factor-β and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1).

Conclusions:

Persea americana provides protection against ovariectomy, and gamma radiation-mediated hepatic inflammation not only through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering effect but also by modulating the fibrogenic markers.
Laser in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Macky Tamer A.
Published: September 2022

Laser photocoagulation has been an integral part of the management of diabetic macular edema (DME) for decades. And despite the dramatic changes in retinal imaging and the availability of new treatment options over the years it is still has a role in the pharmacotherapy era. First, as a supplementary treatment in eyes with CI-DME inadequately responding to antiVEGFs and steroids; to reduce the number and frequency of injections. And secondly, it is the only scientifically proven option for eyes with non CIDME with CSME features.
Synthesis of 18fluoride-fluorodeoxyglucose and its clinical applications in positron emission tomography/computed tomography
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Tripathi Madhavi , Khurana Aditi , Kumar Arunav , Ravindra Shubha G. , Garg Sumit , Kumar Manish , Suman Sanjay Kumar
Published: September 2022

This review article covers a brief explanation on synthesis of Flourodeoxyglucose (18F–FDG) and its clinical uses with emphasis on practical uses. In present scenario, 18F–FDG is the most successful PET radiopharmaceutical because of its half-life and mode of uptake. 18F–FDG synthesised by electrophilic fluorination and Nucleophilic fluorination reaction (preferable Nucleophilic fluorination reaction). The simplicity in synthesis and clinical utility of 18F–FDG, together with its approval by the US FDA and the availability of PET radiopharmaceuticals are probably the main reasons for the flourish of clinical PET. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has increased the accuracy of metabolic mapping of numerous malignancies, with significant impact on the management of cancer patients for initial staging, restaging and therapy monitoring. PET can provide functional information in addition to morphology from conventional imaging modalities. 18F–FDG is the most commonly used PET tracer and FDG PET can demonstrate the activity of glucose metabolism throughout the entire body in a single session. We describe the clinical utility of FDG in PET and display images of normal distribution and of patients.