bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Distribution for Modeling Data with Increasing Hazard Rate: A Case of COVID-19 Pandemic and Vinyl Chloride Data
Authors: Tolba Ahlam H. , Onyekwere Chrisogonus K. , El-Saeed Ahmed R. , Alsadat Najwan , Alohali Hanan , Obulezi Okechukwu J.
Published: August 2023

A novel lifetime distribution has been defined and examined in this study. The odd Lindley–Pareto (OLiP) distribution is the name we give to the new distribution. The new density function can be written as an odd Lindley-G distribution with Pareto amplification. The moment-generating function and characteristic function, entropy and asymptotic behavior, order statistics and moments, mode, variance, skewness, and kurtosis are some of the aspects of the OLiP distribution that are discovered. Seven non-Bayesian estimation techniques and Bayesian estimation utilizing Markov chain Monte Carlo were compared for performance. Additionally, when the lifetime test is truncated after a predetermined period, single acceptance sampling plans (SASPs) are created for the newly suggested, OLiP distribution. The median lifetime of the OLiP distribution with pre-specified factors is taken as the truncation time. To guarantee that the specific life test is obtained at the defined risk to the user, the minimum sample size is required. For a particular consumer’s risk, the OLiP distribution’s parameters, and the truncation time, numerical results are obtained. The new distribution is illustrated using mortality rates of COVID-19 patients in Canada and vinyl chloride data in (g/L) from ground-water monitoring wells that are located in clean-up-gradient areas.
Appointment-Based CEO Connectedness and Employee Compensation: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: He Lu , Rao Yulei , Xu Lin
Published: August 2023

Employee compensation is an often-neglected but essential part of corporate social responsibility which emphasizes caring for the needs of all stakeholders, including employees. In order to address pressure from stakeholders to strengthen prosocial acts, CEOs might prefer to raise employee compensation. However, other top executives are often reluctant to do so due to the concern that it reduces firm profits. In this paper, we propose that appointment-based CEO connectedness (ABCC) has a positive effect on employee compensation as it facilitates CEOs gaining support from the top management team to raise employee compensation. We employ multivariate linear regression as our research approach and find supportive evidence using data from Chinese listed firms during 2011–2020. Our results are robust to endogeneity concerns and survive an array of robustness checks. Heterogeneity tests show that this impact is stronger for firms facing less market competition and firms with low financial constraints. We further show that greater ABCC is associated with higher CSR scores of non-shareholders responsibility dimensions. Overall, our study suggests ABCC is conducive to the fulfillment of corporate social responsibility towards non-shareholders.
Large Eddy Simulation Inflow Generation Using Reduced Length Scales for Flows Past Low-Rise Buildings
Authors: Shahrokhi Ava , Berthaut-Gerentes Julien , Ma Lin , Ingham Derek , Pourkashanian Mohamed
Published: August 2023

When undertaking wind assessment around buildings using large eddy simulation (LES), the implementation of the integral length scale at the inlet for inflow generation is controversial, as real atmospheric length scales require huge computational domains. While length scales significantly influence inflow generation in the domain, their effect on the downstream flow field has not, as yet, been investigated. In this paper, we validate the effectiveness and accuracy of implementing a reduced turbulence integral length scale for inflow generation in LES results at the rooftop of low-rise buildings and develop a technique to estimate the real local length scales using simulation results. We measure the wind locally and calculate the turbulence length scales from the energy spectrum of the wind data and simulation data. According to these results, there is an excellent agreement between the length scale from simulation and measurement when they are scaled with their corresponding freestream/inlet value. These results indicate that a reduced integral length scale can be safely used for LES to provide a reliable prediction of the energy spectrum as well as the length scales around complex geometries. The simulation results were confidently employed to obtain the best location for a wind turbine installation on low-rise buildings.
Decision Support Framework for Optimal Reservoir Operation to Mitigate Cyanobacterial Blooms in Rivers
Authors: Kim Jongchan , Jonoski Andreja , Solomatine Dimitri P. , Goethals Peter L. M.
Published: August 2023

Flow control flushing water from reservoirs has been imposed in South Korea for mitigating harmful cyanobacterial blooms (CyanoHABs) in rivers. This measure, however, can cause water shortage in reservoirs, as the measure adopting this flow control may require an additional amount of water which exceeds the water demand allocated to the reservoirs. In terms of sustainability, a trade-off between improving water quality and alleviating water shortage needs to be considered. This study aimed at establishing a practical framework for a decision support system for optimal joint operation of the upstream reservoirs (Andong and Imha) to reduce the frequency of CyanoHABs in the Nakdong River, South Korea. Methodologically, three models were introduced: (1) a machine learning model (accuracy 88%) based on the k-NN (k-Nearest Neighbor) algorithm to predict the occurrence of CyanoHABs at a selected downstream location (the Chilgok Weir located approximately 140 km downstream from the Andong Dam), (2) a multiobjective optimization model employing NSGA-II (Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II) to determine both the quantity and quality of water released from the reservoirs, and (3) a river water quality model (R2 0.79) using HEC-RAS to simulate the water quality parameter at Chilgok Weir according to given upstream boundary conditions. The applicability of the framework was demonstrated by simulation results using observational data from 2015 to 2019. The simulation results based on the framework confirmed that the frequency of CyanoHABs would be decreased compared with the number of days when CyanoHABs were observed at Chilgok Weir. This framework, with a combination of several models, is a novelty in terms of efficiency, and it can be a part of a solution to the problem of CyanoHABs without using an additional amount of water from a reservoir.
An Outlier Detection Study of Ozone in Kolkata India by the Classical Statistics, Statistical Process Control and Functional Data Analysis
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad , Cheng Weihu , Zhao Xu
Published: August 2023

Air pollution is prevalent throughout the entire world due to the release of various gases such as NOx, PM, SO2, tropospheric ozone (O3), etc. Ground-stage ozone is the predominant issue in smog and is the product of the interplay between sunlight and emissions. The destructive impact on the health of the populace might also still occur in cities with noticeably clean air and where ozone levels hardly ever exceed safe limits. Therefore, the findings of small variations in air quality and the technique of regulating air contamination are thought-provoking. The study employs various techniques to effectively observe and assess strategies for detecting and eliminating outliers in ozone emissions from pollution episodes. This technique helps to describe the sources and exceedance values and enhance the value of monitoring the data. In this study, the data have some missing observations. The method of imputation, the classical statistical technique, the statistical process control (SPC) technique, functional data analysis (FDA), and functional process control help to fill in the data and detect outliers, trend deviations, and changes in ozone concentration at ground level. A comparison study is carried out using these three techniques: classical analysis, SPC, and FDA, and the results show how the statistical process control and functional data methods performed better than the classical technique for the detection of outliers and also in what way this methodology can enable an additional, comprehensive method of defining air pollution control measures and water pollution control measures.
Carbon Footprints of Active and Non-Active Transport Modes: Hierarchy and Intergenerational Narrative Analyses
Authors: Asiamah Nestor , Awuviry-Newton Kofi , Nesser Whitney , Alvarez Evelyn N.
Published: August 2023

This paper aimed to (1) develop a hierarchy for understanding the impacts of active and non-active transport modes on the environment and (2) analyse the adoption of active transportation between older and younger people. A narrative review with two parts was adopted to develop the hierarchy. In the first part, a framework was adopted to map active and non-active transport modes onto three operational boundaries of greenhouse gas emission to develop the hierarchy. In the second part, an intergenerational theoretical framework was developed to analyse the adoption of active transportation between older and younger people. The review suggests that the only active transport modes with no or negligible carbon footprint are walking, running, and swimming without a product that adds to atmospheric greenhouse gases. The evidence that younger people perform higher active transportation behaviour is inconsistent and is, therefore, inconclusive. This review suggests a need for manufacturers to prioritise the production of active vehicles (e.g., wheelchairs and scooters) that are biodegradable, recyclable, and small.
Proactive and Reactive Approaches towards Sustainable Practices in Manufacturing Companies: Emerging Economies Perspective
Authors: Fazli Haleem , Farooq Sami , Yang Cheng , Wæhrens Brian Vejrum
Published: August 2023

This study aims to analyse the two competing conceptual models driving the relationships of external pressure, sustainable practices, and sustainability performance. The understanding of such relationships is important in enabling manufacturers to strategically manage external pressure and engage in sustainable transition. Using a sample of 202 plants from the Sixth International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS-VI), this research tests two hypotheses: (1) the role of sustainable practices in mediating the relationship between external pressure and environmental and social performance, and (2) the role of external pressure in moderating the link between sustainable practices and environmental and social performance. These hypotheses are tested through the hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping method. The findings show the mediating role of sustainable practices in the relationship between external pressure and environmental performance, suggesting a reactive approach to environmentally oriented sustainable practices adoption. Furthermore, the results show the moderating role of external pressure on the relationship between sustainable practices and social performance, indicating that plants take a proactive approach to the adoption of socially oriented sustainable practices for improving social performance of the buying firms, whereas there is no moderating effect for environmental performance. Studies addressing the relationships between external pressure, sustainable practices, and sustainability performance in the context of emerging economies (China and India) are limited, so there is a need to address these relationships in this context for generalisation. Studies that address the sustainability outcomes consisting of both environmental and social performance of the reactive and proactive approaches to sustainability initiatives in emerging economies are lacking. This research adds to the literature by investigating the sustainability outcomes of reactive and proactive methods in two emerging countries, China and India. The distinction between reactive and proactive approaches has important implications for sustainability performance in the context of emerging economies, as the rapid growth of these economies raises a number of sustainability issues.
Impact of Digital Finance on Industrial Green Transformation: Evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Fang Liuhua , Zhao Bin , Li Wenyu , Tao Lixia , He Luyao , Zhang Jianyu , Wen Chuanhao
Published: August 2023

Profound changes in information technology have resulted in the rapid development of the digital economy, digitalizing the financial sector and deepening green reforms. Consequently, digital finance has become an important driving force of green development. Using the entropy value method and the global super-efficiency slacks-based measure model, this paper measures the extent of digital finance and industrial green transformation in 108 prefecture-and-higher-level cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2011 to 2020. It empirically examines the effects and impact mechanisms of digital finance development on industrial green transformation based on the two-way fixed effects, mediated effects, and spatial econometric models. Digital finance can significantly drive industrial green transformation, and this finding remains robust to the exclusion of macro-systematic effects and robustness tests like the introduction of instrumental variables. Digital finance has a positive spatial spillover effect on industrial green transformation. Industrial structure upgrading and green technology innovation are the key ways in which digital finance impacts industrial green transformation; their respective mediating effect contribution rates are 18.70% and 20.93%. In the context of the impact of digital finance on industrial green transformation, significant heterogeneity was observed across regions, the administrative rank of cities, and the degree of developed traditional finance. Based on these conclusions, this paper presents policy recommendations like giving full play to digital finance’s green driving effect, optimizing digital finance’s green empowerment mechanism, implementing regional industrial green differentiated development based on local policies, and encouraging support for green innovation pilots.
The Impact of International Relations Patterns on China’s Energy Security Supply, Demand, and Sustainable Development: An Exploration of Oil Demand and Sustainability Goals
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Yang Yifu , Ding Chengdi , Miao Zhongquan
Published: August 2023

This study explores the impact of international relations on China’s energy security and supply/demand dynamics, specifically focusing on new energy sources and technological advancements. Given China’s status as the world’s largest energy consumer, achieving a balance between energy supply, demand, and sustainable development is crucial. This study quantifies the influence of international relations on the energy market, particularly the uncertainties arising from geopolitical events and international tensions that affect energy supply and prices. The research findings indicate that, in a long-term cointegrated relationship, a 1% change in the geo-political risk (GPR) index leads to a 0.229% change in China’s crude oil imports. Additionally, the impact of China’s GDP growth, carbon emissions, and sustainable energy consumption is −2.176, 0.723, and 0.167, respectively. This study also discusses the reasons behind the differential impact of crude oil prices on the United States and China. Recognizing the interplay between China’s energy security and international relations is vital for effective policy formulation. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and secure energy future.
Characterization of Al-12Si Thin-Wall Properties Fabricated with Laser Direct Energy Deposition
Authors: Rumman Raihan , Manjaiah Mallaiah , Touzé Stéphane , Sims Ruby Alice , Hascoët Jean-Yves , Quinton Jamie Scott
Published: August 2023

Additive manufacturing is an emerging process that is used to manufacture industrial parts layer by layer and can produce a wide range of geometries for various applications. AM parts are adopted for aerospace, automobiles, antennas, gyroscopes, and waveguides in electronics. However, there are several challenges existing in manufacturing Al components using the AM process, and their mechanical and microstructural properties are not yet fully validated. In the present study, a gas-atomised powder of a eutectic Al-12Si alloy was used as feedstock for the Laser Direct Energy Deposition (LDED) process. A SEM analysis of Al-12Si powder used for processing illustrated that particles possess appropriate morphology for LDED. A numerical control system was used to actuate the deposition head towards printing positions. The deposited samples revealed the presence of Al-rich and Al-Si eutectic regions. The porosity content in the samples was found to be around 2.6%. Surface profile roughness measurements and a microstructural analysis of the samples were also performed to assess the fabricated sample in terms of the roughness, porosity, and distribution of Al and Al/Si eutectic phases. The tensile properties of fabricated thin walls were better compared to casted Al alloys due to the uniform distribution of Si in each layer. Micro-hardness tests on the deposited samples showed a hardness of 95 HV, which is equivalent to casted and powder bed fusion melting samples. The gas atomised Al-12Si powders are highly reflective to a laser and also quick oxidation takes place, which causes defects, porosity, and the balling effect during fabrication. The results can be used as a base guide for the further fabrication of aerospace component design with high structural integrity.
A New Integral Sliding Mode Control for Hydraulic Turbine Governing Systems Based on Nonlinear Disturbance Observer Compensation
Authors: Yang Qi , Qian Jing , Li Jia , Zou Yidong , Tian Danning , Zeng Yun , Long Yan , Zhang Ganyuan
Published: August 2023

To address the problem that the hydraulic turbine governing system (HTGS) exhibits poor anti-disturbance ability and instability phenomena under traditional PID control, an improved new integral sliding mode control strategy based on a nonlinear disturbance observer (NISMC-NDO) is designed for the HTGS. This study first establishes a nonlinear mathematical model of HTGS and analyzes its dynamic characteristics. The uncertain disturbances of the system are then accurately estimated using a disturbance observer, and a suitable nonlinear gain function is designed to achieve feedforward compensation of the controller by ensuring that the disturbance observation error converges. To design the controller, a proportional-integral sliding mode surface is selected, and the sliding mode exponential convergence law is improved by using the nonlinear power combination function fal instead of sign or sat. This improves the system’s stability, convergence speed, and tracking accuracy. The simulation results demonstrate that the equilibrium point can be quickly reached and stabilized by the HTGS with chaotic phenomena under the influence of NISMC-NDO. Furthermore, this paper also verifies that the designed controller has good dynamic performance. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable reference for optimizing the operation of hydraulic turbine regulation systems in control applications.
Emotional Intelligence as a Mediator between Parenting Style and Antisocial Behavior among Youth in Malaysia
Authors: Amran Shah Afiqah , Rathakrishnan Balan , Bikar Singh Soon , Kamaluddin Mohammad , Yahaya Azizi , Ab Rahman Zaizul
Published: August 2023

Despite the relentless effort by the local government, educational institutions and the social community, antisocial behaviors are still rampant in society, with 65% of those involved in antisocial behavior being youth. The main objective of this study was to investigate the mediation effect of emotional intelligence on the relationship between parenting style and antisocial behaviors among the youth in Malaysia. Parenting style was separated into three categories: permissive, authoritarian and authoritative. Emotional intelligence is the ability to manage and understand one own’s emotions as well as others’ emotions. Besides the parent–child relationship, emotional intelligence also plays an important role in the relationship between youth and antisocial behaviors, as multiple studies have found that youth with higher emotional intelligence are less likely to engage with antisocial behavior. A total of 400 young individuals (mean age 22.70 years) participated in this quantitative study by answering the Parental Authority Questionnaire; in addition, the Subtypes of Antisocial Behavior Questionnaire and the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale were employed. Pearson’s correlation coefficients, simple linear regression analysis, and covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) were used to analyze the data. The results indicate a negative association between permissive and authoritative parenting styles and antisocial behavior among youth, while authoritarian parenting displays a positive association with antisocial behavior. The results show that emotional intelligence acts as a significant full mediator of the relationship between the permissive parenting style and antisocial behavior in Malaysia. Thus, this study affirms the importance of instilling emotional intelligence in the youth and providing positive social sustainability development intervention programs that aim to reduce antisocial behaviors among the youth, especially for those with permissive parents.
Multi-Hazard Population Exposure in Low-Elevation Coastal Zones of China from 1990 to 2020
Authors: Feng Siqi , Yang Kexin , Liu Jianli , Yang Yvlu , Zhao Luna , Wen Jiahong , Wan Chengcheng , Yan Lijun
Published: August 2023

China’s low-elevation coastal zone (LECZ) is characterized by multiple hazards and high impacts. How to quantitatively portray the spatiotemporal characteristics of the exposed population to multi-hazards in the LECZ is an important subject of risk reduction. In this study, the overall characteristics, spatial patterns, and main impact hazard in the LECZ from 1990 to 2020 were investigated using a multi-hazard population exposure model, spatial autocorrelation method, and principal component analysis (PCA) method. The results show that among the four hazards (earthquake, tropical cyclones (TCs), flood, and storm surge), TCs cover the largest area, accounting for 90.1% of the total LECZ area. TCs were also the hazard with the largest average annual growth rate of the exposed population (2.36%). The central region of China’s LECZ is the cluster of exposed populations and the main distribution area with the largest increase in exposed populations. Therefore, the central region is a hotspot for multi-hazard risk management. Additionally, flood contributes the most to the multi-hazard population exposure index; thus, flood is a key hazard of concern in the LECZ. This study identifies the hotspot areas and priority hazards of multi-hazard exposed populations in the LECZ and provides important policy recommendations for multi-hazard risk management in the LECZ, which is important for LECZ to enhance the resilience of hazards.
Sustainability Transitions in the Construction Sector: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Cândido Luis Felipe , Lazaro Jose Carlos , Freitas e Silva Adriano Olivier de , Barros Neto José de Paula
Published: August 2023

Sustainability transition constitutes an important topic in innovation studies that have been providing insights into contemporary sustainability issues. These insights can help us to rethink how the construction industry can become more sustainable. Thus, this study review comprehensively analyzes the scientific production of ST in the CI through bibliometric analysis, using a sample of 121 documents from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The review identified the evolution of scientific production and the top journals, institutions, nations, and authors contributing to this field and highlights a significant increase in publications since 2017. The VOSviewer was used to perform the science mapping and revealed the ongoing fragmentation within the publication network in the field. The bibliographic coupling and author keyword co-occurrence networks shed light on the research trends and directions. In sum, the scientific production on the transition to sustainability in the construction sector is diverse but relatively recent, indicating that the field is still in its early stages and requires more research for a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Overall, this study contributes by providing insightful information about the current state of TS in the CI, enabling dialogue between academic communities and stimulating interest in TS among those who have not yet addressed these issues.
Aftereffect of Seven Years of Straw Handling on Soil Sustainability and Vitality
Authors: Jurys Arnoldas , Feizienė Dalia , Kochiieru Mykola , Žvirdauskienė Renata , Feiza Virginijus
Published: August 2023

Straw, as organic material, contains macronutrients and a wide range of micronutrients. Properly treated straw can become a valuable source for soil improvement and crop nutrition needs. The field experiment was carried out at the Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, in 2014–2021 on Cambisol. On a shallow ploughless tillage background, eight treatments were investigated: chopped straw + ammonium nitrate (CSA), chopped straw + ammonium nitrate + NPK (CSA+F), chopped straw + microorganisms (CSM), chopped straw + microorganisms + NPK (CSM+F), straw removed, not fertilized (SR), straw removed, fertilized (SR+F), chopped straw, not fertilized (CS), chopped straw, fertilized (CS+F). We hypothesized that treatment of straw with microbiological products in combination with mineral NPK fertilizers is a more efficient technology than treatment/non-treatment of straw with ammonium nitrate, either with or without NPK fertilizers. The aim of this work was to investigate the aftereffects of seven years use of mineral NPK fertilizers and bioproducts containing soil bacteria and microscopic fungi (Bacillus megaterium, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and Trichoderma reesei) in combination with straw management on soil sustainability (soil C sources, soil water release characteristics, pore-size distribution, aggregate stability, crop yielding capability) and soil vitality (CO2 exchange rate-NCER). It was revealed that NCER was highest in the treatment CSM+F (Bacillus megaterium, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and Trichoderma reesei + NPK). It was 32.95% higher than in CSA (chopped straw without fertilizers) and 45.34% higher than in CSA+F (chopped straw + ammonium nitrate + NPK). Bioproducts applied favored soil vitality in general by exhibiting higher soil microbiological activity. As a result, a healthy and more viable Cambisol produced a higher winter wheat grain yield.
The Impact of Vegetation Canopy on the Outdoor Thermal Environment in Cold Winter and Spring
Authors: Chen Hankai , Liu Rui , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2023

The current study investigated the impact of vegetation canopy on the outdoor thermal environment in cold winter and spring, a less-explored aspect of its climate effects. Firstly, we conducted on-site observations of meteorology parameters on a campus in a hot summer and cold winter region. Then the ENVI-met microclimate simulation model was utilized to simulate the air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation of typical winter and spring days. Furthermore, the PET index was calculated to evaluate the thermal conditions. Our findings revealed that during the daytime, the vegetation canopy raised air temperature and relative humidity, reduced wind speed, and mitigated solar radiation. Solar radiation emerged as the primary factor affecting thermal comfort in the cold winter and spring. The presence of deciduous broad-leaved vegetation notably reduced cold discomfort and improved thermal comfort in the cold winter and spring. Finally, we propose replacing evergreen broad-leaved vegetation with deciduous broad-leaved vegetation in hot summer and cold winter regions to ensure year-round thermal comfort, especially in the cold winter and spring.
Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Strong, Unsteady Open-Channel Flow
Authors: Hu Keke , Hu Jian , Huang Tianwei , Ye Xiangwei , Jiang Shu , Lin Ying-Tien
Published: August 2023

Due to climate change, the intensity of extreme rainfall has been observed to increase with a shorter duration, causing flash floods (strong, unsteady flow) that lead to serious loss of life and economic damage all over the world. In this study, by repeating the same flume experiments twenty times over a bare bed or with a submerged vane installed, the hydrodynamic characteristics of a strong, unsteady open-channel flow were investigated. Acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV) was used to measure the instantaneous three-dimensional velocity, and the ensemble average method was then adopted to obtain the time-varying mean flow velocities. Reynolds decomposition was applied to disintegrate the instantaneous velocity to time-varying average velocity and fluctuating velocity. Turbulence characteristics such as turbulent intensity, turbulent bursting, and power spectral density (PSD) were analyzed against water depth variations. The results show that the loop pattern of the streamwise velocity against the water depth variations could significantly affect the turbulence characteristics of unsteady flow. Near the bed, the peaks of the turbulent intensity and the TKE lag behind the peak of the water depth. The PSD revealed that the turbulent energy increases at the rising and falling stages were due to the generation of small-scale turbulence vortices or eddies. As a submerged vane was present, the increase in the angle of attack caused the increase in the turbulent intensity and TKE, which means that the induced vortex became stronger and the wake region was larger. When the angle of attack was equal to 20°, the TKE abruptly enlarged in the falling stages, implying the breaking-up of the induced vortex. The PSD of the transverse fluctuation velocity showed multiple spikes at the high-frequency part, possibly denoting the shedding frequency from the induced vortex. Further downstream, behind the submerged vane, the peak frequencies of the PSD became imperceptible, likely because of the induced vortex decays or other factors such as the turbulence generated from the free surface or the channel bed mixing with the turbulence from the induced vortex.
Enterprise Transformation and Innovation: A Study of Performance Compensation from the Perspective of Information Asymmetry
Authors: Mu Qingbang , Zhang Wanxiao , Hu Wenxiu
Published: August 2023

Information asymmetry is a key factor affecting M&A performance. In order to preserve value, performance promises are increasingly used in mergers and acquisitions; however, in practical applications performance often falls short of standards. This paper aims to explore how technology-based companies choose performance-based compensation methods from the perspective of information asymmetry by performing regression analysis on the unbalanced panel data. The results show that both equity compensation and annual compensation are more conducive to fulfilling corporate commitments, and two-way compensation enhances the incentive effect of commitments. In addition, technology companies should choose the method of equity compensation and annual compensation to alleviate the degree of information asymmetry by ensuring the degree of completion. Compensation methods can affect the fulfillment of commitments by improving corporate performance, and the degree of impact is different under different corporate governance qualities and debt repayment pressures. Revealing the performance compensation mechanism for fulfilling performance commitments not only expands the research perspective of performance commitments, but also provides a decision-making basis for enterprises to sign commitment agreements.
Growth Performance, Welfare and Behavior Indicators in Post-Weaning Piglets Fed Diets Supplemented with Different Levels of Bakery Meal Derived from Food By-Products
Authors: Termatzidou Sofia-Afroditi , Dedousi Anna , Kritsa Maria-Zoi , Banias George F. , Patsios Sotiris I. , Sossidou Evangelia N.
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels (15% and 20% w.w−1) of bakery meal (BM) inclusion on growth performance, welfare and behavior indicators in post-weaning piglets. Sixty post-weaning castrated male piglets were selected and divided in 3 feeding treatments: standard post-weaning diet with no BM added (CON), standard post-weaning diet with 15% w.w−1 BM added (BM 15) and standard post-weaning diet with 20% w.w−1 BM added (BM 20). Body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded individually on a weekly basis. Additionally, welfare, quality behavior indicators, wounds and tail-biting incidence were assessed. The supplementation with BM in piglets’ diet had a significant impact on ADG and FCR during certain periods of the trial. BM 15 piglets showed higher ADG and lower FCR in the last week of the experiment compared to CON piglets (1278.57 ± 7.14 g vs. 905.00 ± 47.86 g and 1.69 ± 0.04 g vs. 2.35 ± 0.08 g, respectively). Overall, BM inclusion had no significant effect on performance, quality behavior characteristics and welfare (p > 0.05). The inclusion of BM at either 15% or 20% w.w−1 illustrated no detrimental effects on the overall growth parameters, welfare and behavior indicators for post-weaned piglets.
Designing a Cycling Dashboard as a Way of Communicating Local Sustainability
Authors: Beck Lorenz , Özdal Oktay Simge
Published: August 2023

This paper conceptualizes the use of interactive urban dashboards in collecting and visualizing sustainability indicators at local scales through a cycling dashboard prototype for Münster. Urban dashboards are integrated platforms that bring various data types and sources together and automatize the visualization of information in real time. They can function as information hubs that work with mobile applications, sensor-based data, and crowdsourced platforms. Visualization of information can present both map-based data, text, and graphical information. In this study, a cycling dashboard is introduced that is developed as a prototype. The dashboard is based on the sustainability indicators related to cycling infrastructure defined by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). It retrieves crowdsourced open data from Open Street Map (OSM) and automatically updates the information when new data are entered into the platform. This enables detailed exploration of the geo-referenced information up to street level and comparisons between different districts. In order to achieve a comprehensive framework, four main steps were included into the design and development process “determining a content by integrating future users, creating and evaluating a data inventory, designing the architecture of the dashboard, and implementing the prototype ”. As a result, this study holistically draws a comprehensive framework for the urban cycling dashboard around three main modules focusing on the sustainability of cycling infrastructure “infrastructure guide, cyclists’ voice, and idea center”. Additionally, the first prototype of an open local cycling dashboard has been implemented. The prototype enables the automation of collection, analysis, visualisation, and deep exploration of sustainability-related data at local scales. The results of this study contribute to the status quo by supporting the design and development process of local urban dashboards through a participatory approach.
Post-Pandemic Learning Technology Developments in UK Higher Education: What Does the UCISA Evidence Tell Us?
Authors: Walker Richard , Voce Julie
Published: August 2023

This paper explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning technology developments within UK higher education, informed by the perspectives of the institutional Heads of E-Learning. Using a mixed-methods research design, drawing on Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association (UCISA) technology-enhanced learning (TEL) survey data (2018–2022) and panel discussions with institutional Heads of E-Learning, the paper discusses the key changes arising from the pandemic and the likely long-term impact they will have on technology adoption and usage within UK higher education. The UCISA data highlight an increased level of investment in TEL services in the period from 2020 to 2022, with UK higher education institutions supporting an extended core set of centrally managed tools. Interview data indicate that advances in technology provision and staff support are being used to help deliver more flexible and inclusive learning designs. However, the carrying forward of innovative practices from the emergency remote-teaching phase is far from certain, and contingent on instructional competencies (capability) and the capacity of teaching staff to support these developments. We conclude that institutions will need to commit to offering incentives and ongoing professional development to their teaching staff to support sustained innovation in their teaching and course delivery methods.
Assessment of Three Major Shrimp Stocks in Bangladesh Marine Waters Using Both Length-Based and Catch-Based Approaches
Authors: Barua Suman , Liu Qun , Alam Mohammed Shahidul , Schneider Petra , Chowdhury Shoukot Kabir , Mozumder Mohammad Mojibul Hoque
Published: August 2023

Penaeus monodon (tiger shrimp), Metapenaeus monoceros (brown shrimp), and Fenneropenaeus indicus (white shrimp) are the most economically important shrimp species in the waters of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. This is the first analytical study to assess three major shrimp stocks using both length-based and catch-based methods, such as length-based Bayesian biomass estimation (LBB), length-based indicator (LBI), and a catch-based method entitled JABBA (Just Another Bayesian Biomass Assessment), to explore and process the data; estimate the growth parameters, with length at first capture; present relative biomasses; and approximate the reference points. The parameters of the von Bertalanffy Growth Function (VBGF) analysis for the tiger, brown, and white shrimps were L∞ = 113.0 mm, 85.4 mm, and 76.4 mm, respectively, for carapace length. Our results showed that the relative biomass level (B/BMSY) of the tiger shrimp was 0.43, suggesting an overfished status, and brown and white shrimps were 0.84 and 0.96, indicating that they were fully exploited but not overfished. This study, therefore, advised an optimum carapace length limit to catch from 57.0–70.0 mm for tiger shrimp, 44.0–53.0 mm for brown shrimp, and 40.0–48.0 mm for white shrimp. The estimated maximum sustainable yield (MSY) reference points were as follows: optimal biomass BMSY = 3116 mt, 15,885 mt, and 2649 mt for tiger, brown, and white shrimp, respectively, and optimal harvest rate uMSY = 12%, 33%, and 8% for tiger, brown, and white shrimp, respectively. The average annual catch values for the last ten years were 265 mt, 2396 mt, and 115 mt below the estimated MSY values of 389 mt, 4899 mt, and 209 mt for tiger, brown, and white shrimp, respectively. But, brown shrimp had the estimated highest carrying capacity (31,770 mt) and intrinsic growth rate (0.66) than the tiger and white shrimp, which was replicated distinctly in the graphical representation of the Kobe plot and the surplus production plot. Hence, the brown shrimp stock is estimated to be in a better state than the tiger and white shrimp stocks.
Promoting and Sustaining Urban Health: Challenges and Responses
Authors: Lawrence Roderick J.
Published: August 2023

We live in a rapidly urbanizing world [...]
Estimation of the Coastal Vulnerability Index Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making: The Coastal Social–Ecological System of Rachgoun, Western Algeria
Authors: Yahia Meddah Rabia , Ghodbani Tarik , Senouci Rachida , Rabehi Walid , Duarte Lia , Teodoro Ana Cláudia
Published: August 2023

This research deals with spatial vulnerability in the coastal area of Rachgoun (Algeria), on the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Over the past two decades, the coastal area of Rachgoun has been suffering from a large amount of pressure due to accelerated socioeconomic development, urbanization, tourism, fishing, and agriculture. The main objective of this study is to visualize the coastal vulnerability of Rachgoun using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). A multidisciplinary approach that integrates geological, physical, and socioeconomic vulnerability was adopted. The selected parameters for the study include lithology, elevation, slope, shoreline change, significant wave height, population density, tourist density, land use/land cover (LULC), road network density, proximity to coast, distance from river, people’s awareness, and designated conservation areas and cultural heritage. Data from AlSat-2 Satellite imagery, aerial photography, topographic maps, and field surveys were processed. Spatial modeling was conducted through the MCDM approach and geographic information systems (GIS) to develop two sub-indices: the natural vulnerability index (CVIN) and the socioeconomic vulnerability index (CVIS). The combination of the two sub-indices allowed us to deduce the integrated coastal vulnerability index (ICVI). The outcomes present a coastal vulnerability map with a spatial resolution of 10 m of the identified problematic area. This map can guide decision-makers in implementing an effective integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) strategy.
How Does Service Quality Improve Consumer Loyalty in Sports Fitness Centers? The Moderating Role of Sport Involvement
Authors: Huang Yihan , Kim Daehwan
Published: August 2023

In the context of sports fitness centers, understanding the relationship between service quality and customer experience is crucial for enhancing customer loyalty and building long-term relationships. This study aims to explore the impact of service quality factors on customer satisfaction, trust, commitment, and loyalty, with a specific focus on the moderating role of sport involvement in shaping consumer experiences and perceptions. For this purpose, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 606 consumers of sports fitness centers in Zhengzhou, China. The results of a latent moderated structural equation (LMS) analysis via Mplus version 8 indicate a positive relationship between tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy with customer satisfaction in sports fitness centers. Additionally, customer satisfaction positively affects trust and customer commitment, which in turn positively affect loyalty. Furthermore, sport involvement moderates the effects of reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy on satisfaction. Finally, trust and commitment mediate the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty. The present study has theoretical implications through illuminating the process mechanism of the effect of service quality on consumer loyalty, and it empirically shows different patterns of consumer experiences depending on sport involvement. Additionally, the results provide practical implications for developing effective service quality in sports fitness centers.
Global Multi-Scale Optimization and Prediction Head Attentional Siamese Network for Aerial Tracking
Authors: Chen Qiqi , Liu Jinghong , Wang Xuan , Zuo Yujia , Liu Chenglong
Published: August 2023

Siamese-based trackers have been widely used in object tracking. However, aerial remote tracking suffers from various challenges such as scale variation, viewpoint change, background clutter and occlusion, while most existing Siamese trackers are limited to single-scale and local features, making it difficult to achieve accurate aerial tracking. We propose the global multi-scale optimization and prediction head attentional Siamese network to solve this problem and improve aerial tracking performance. Firstly, a transformer-based multi-scale and global feature encoder (TMGFE) is proposed to obtain global multi-scale optimization of features. Then, the prediction head attentional module (PHAM) is proposed to add context information to the prediction head by adaptively adjusting the spatial position and channel contribution of the response map. Benefiting from these two components, the proposed tracker solves these challenges of aerial remote sensing tracking to some extent and improves tracking performance. Additionally, we conduct ablation experiments on aerial tracking benchmarks, including UAV123, UAV20L, UAV123@10fps and DTB70, to verify the effectiveness of the proposed network. The comparisons of our tracker with several state-of-the-art (SOTA) trackers are also conducted on four benchmarks to verify its superior performance. It runs at 40.8 fps on the GPU RTX3060ti.
New Oscillation Theorems for Second-Order Superlinear Neutral Differential Equations with Variable Damping Terms
Authors: Aldiaiji Munirah , Qaraad Belgees , Iambor Loredana Florentina , Elabbasy Elmetwally M.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we investigate the oscillatory behavior of solutions of second-order differential equations with a superlinear neutral term and a damping term in noncanonical forms. We do not place any additional conditions on the damping term. Therefore, our results apply to new classes of equations that were not covered by the previous criteria. According to symmetry between the negative and positive solutions of the studied equation, we present some new criteria that ensure the oscillation of all solutions by using the Riccati transformation and comparison method. We provide an example to illustrate our main results.
The Methods of Determining Temporal Direction Based on Asymmetric Information of the Optic Disc for Optimal Fovea Detection
Authors: Wibawa Helmie Arif , Sumiharto Raden , Harjoko Agus , Sasongko Muhammad Bayu
Published: August 2023

Accurate localization of the fovea in fundus images is essential for diagnosing retinal diseases. Existing methods often require extensive data and complex processes to achieve high accuracy, posing challenges for practical implementation. In this paper, we propose an effective and efficient approach for fovea detection using simple image processing operations and a geometric approach based on the optic disc’s position. A key contribution of this study is the successful determination of the temporal direction by leveraging readable asymmetries related to the optic disc and its surroundings. We discuss three methods based on asymmetry conditions, including blood vessel distribution, cup disc inclination, and optic disc location ratio, for detecting the temporal direction. This enables precise determination of the optimal foveal region of interest. Through this optimized fovea region, fovea detection is achieved using straightforward morphological and image processing operations. Extensive testing on popular datasets (DRIVE, DiaretDB1, and Messidor) demonstrates outstanding accuracy of 99.04% and a rapid execution time of 0.251 s per image. The utilization of asymmetrical conditions for temporal direction detection provides a significant advantage, offering high accuracy and efficiency while competing with existing methods.