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The prevailing approaches to modelling interactive uncertainty with epistemic models in economics are state-based and type-based. We explicitly formulate two general procedures that transform state models into type models and vice versa. Both transformation procedures preserve the belief hierarchies as well as the common prior assumption. By means of counterexamples it is shown that the two procedures are not inverse to each other. However, if attention is restricted to maximally reduced epistemic models, then isomorphisms can be constructed and an inverse relationship emerges.

This article targets to unriddle the problem of a non-cooperative fully fuzzified ’Zero Sum Two Person Matrix Game’ (ZSTPMG) with payoff matrix equipped with Trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFNs). To achieve the target a unique and novel decomposition technique has been introduced. First, we develop two auxiliaries fully fuzzified linear programming problem (FFLPP) models for both the players and then we decompose these two FFLPP models into four linear programming (LP) models each, for both the players. These eight LP models are then solved by using the software TORA-2.0. The solutions of these eight LP models ascertain the optimal strategies and the optimal value of the fully fuzzified ZSTPMG for both the players. Our technique has an advantage over the existing ones as it can solve fully fuzzified ZSTPMG with all kind of TrFNs such as symmetric, asymmetric, positive or negative TrFNs. To establish this fact, the proposed methodology has been illustrated by taking three numericals equipped with various kinds of TrFNs.

Abstract Professor Saras Sarasvathy is the recipient of the 2022 Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research. Her research contributions have fundamentally changed and invigorated the conversation in the domain of entrepreneurship research. Sarasvathy’s work on effectuation emphasizes how entrepreneurs operate based on available resources, think in terms of affordable loss rather than profit maximization, leverage trustworthy partnerships, and treat unforeseen contingencies as opportunities rather than problems. It has led and inspired a new generation of researchers in the quest for a better understanding of how entrepreneurs make their decisions and the unfolding of the entrepreneurial process.

Fatigue failure of wires is a frequent issue that evolves over time as a result of utilizing the profile under variable stress and temperature. In this article, an innovative study makes it possible to propose a protective tool for metal profiles against fatigue using shape memory alloys (SMA). Smart actuators like SMA are able to push back sudden stresses above the elastic limit, therefore, are characterized by high resistance to fatigue and even against corrosion due to their strong thermomechanical coupling. Besides, the study provides the results necessary to add a layer based on the shape memory tube to protect the important connectors for industrial systems and automotive industries. The conductivity of electrical current in various electronic devices depends on the copper material, which is good at conducting electricity and heat but weak against mechanical forces and hence easily susceptible to fatigue. Thereby, the elastic regime of copper is different from that of SMA, and in order to adapt the properties of two materials, a mathematical study can describe the behaviour of two combined systems is important for the analysis of the cyclic effect and for adapting the proposed actuator in wiring technology. Therefore, the study shows the great potential of the proposed SMA tube with its superelastic behaviour to increase the predicted lifespan of metallic wires against corrosion and fatigue. The lifetime of the conduction system with the protective SMA is increased remarkably and can reach up to 105cycles under the action of the stress of an amplitude of 550 MPa, the finite element simulation shows that the system of SMA combined with a 4 mm wire undergoing significant stress up to 490 MPa that can reach a deformation of 7% and return to the initial state without residual deformation. The simulation's results look at the evolution of stress, strain, fatigue lifetimes, and anticipated damage, and they match the experimental results of SMA tube properties rather well. Consequently, the verification of the proposed model confirms the improvement in the lifespan of studied wires compared to wires without SMA encapsulation.

Quality is essential in today’s competitive market to ensure customers are happy; recent research shows that about 90% of customers think quality is just as important as price when purchasing. Total quality management (TQM) has been a boon to the economies of many countries. Different tools and methods are used in TQM to give customers the best quality. However, there are some challenges that manufacturing organizations face when implementing these tools. Much research has been done on MSME sector, so far as label manufacturers are concerned, there has yet to be any research on a national or international level. In this study, we found 66 barriers to programs to improve quality in the label printing industry. We have used fuzzy MICMAC analysis and total interpretive modeling (TISM) to make a structural model. Our research paper provides an easy-to-use methodology and critically analyses the biggest obstacles to the successful application of TQM in the flexographic printing industry. Our research identified ten issues with the implementation of TQM in this industry. The paper has identified the interdependencies of the above variables. The findings of this research will aid in future planning, particularly in E-commerce and the pharmaceutical industry, where proper label printing is crucial.

Urban flooding nowadays becomes common throughout the world. The main reason for these floods is rapid urban development and climate change. During the monsoon, the flows in the urban drains will be high and the main reason for these high flows is the existence of a combined network system (i.e. drainage and stormwater). Further, the flow in the city (under study) drainage network was very high and some areas of the network exceeds more than discharge carrying capacity. Hence, this may result in overflow from the manholes and create an overland flood problem. Rainfall-Runoff modeling in these situations in the urban catchment will be essential and required to understand the flow pattern that helps in flood management. Therefore, the current study chose Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for rainfall-runoff modeling at an hourly period for the Kukataplly (zone-12) watershed of Hyderabad city, Telangana State in India. This zone-12 watershed was one of the most affected hydraulic zones of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) during the monsoon period in the past 21 years. The present study focuses on a comparative study between HEC-HMS and ANN has been carried out to comprehend the flood scenario in the study area. Finally, the performance of the model is checked with statistical indices such as Nash-Sutcliff Efficiency (NSE), and Coefficient of Determination (R2). HEC-HMS yielded good results (NSE = 0.74 and R2 = 0.76) when it has taken care of the maximum possible nonlinear complex data to be analysed.

Utilizing soft computing, a maximum power point tracking (maximum PPT) control algorithm is developed, and its performance is compared to that of more traditional Lead Acid battery charging methods such as incremental conductance technique-based maximum PPT. Since the power vs voltage graph of a photovoltaic (PV) cell is nonlinear, a suitable control method seeks to obtain the highest power under dynamic conditions. In order to construct a PV cell with the maximum PPT, a fuzzy logic control approach known as soft computing is used. The cell active energy is used to charge the lead acid battery. A fuzzy logic compares its performance with the incremental conductance technique under dynamic conditions. Moreover, dc to dc converter is required to maintain constant output voltage to charge the battery under low level voltage. A zeta converter is taken to maintain output voltage under various insolation. The significance of algorithm is demonstrated by MATLAB Simulation results and hardware results.

Although mechanical combination results in more valid human performance predictions and decisions than holistic combination, existing publications suggest that mechanical combination is rarely used in practice. Yet, these publications are either descriptions of anecdotal experiences or outdated surveys. Therefore, in several Western countries, we conducted two surveys (total N = 323) and two focus groups to investigate (1) how decision makers in psychological assessment and human resource practice combine information, (2) why they do (not) use mechanical combination, and (3) what may be needed to increase its use in practice. Many participants reported mostly using holistic combination, usually in teams. The most common reasons for not using mechanical combination were that algorithms are unavailable in practice and that stakeholders do not accept their use. Furthermore, decision makers do not quantify information, do not believe in research findings on evidence-based decision making, and think that combining holistic and mechanical combination results in the best decisions. The most important reason why mechanical combination is used was to increase predictive validity. To stimulate the use of mechanical combination in practice, decision makers indicated that they should receive more training on evidence-based decision making and that decision aids supporting the use of mechanical combination should be developed.

Food supply chain management has become a remarkable issue due to the increasing food waste caused by globalization and population growth. It is essential to gain understanding of the drivers of circular economy in food supply chains and investigate stimulating factors in the development of circular food supply chains. Thus, this study conducted a systematic literature review from 2008 to 2020, including an analysis of 137 articles performed on data to answer specific research questions regarding circular food supply chain drivers. Drivers for transition to circular economy in food supply chains are presented in five main categories with 22 sub-drivers. This research contributes to the existing literature by presenting a novel approach to digital transformation in smart food supply chains through the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies. The findings present potential drivers of circular economy in food supply chains for digital transformation. This study also ensures operational efficiencies by digital technologies in food supply chains that can be beneficial for practitioners.

In this paper, for the first time, the Laplace Homotopy Perturbation Method (LHPM), which is the coupling of the Laplace transform and the Homotopy Perturbation Method, is employed to solve non-linear time-fractional Klein-Gordon (TFKG) equations. In other words, for the first time in literature, LHPM is used to solve non-linear TFKG equations. First of all, the procedure of LHPM on TFKG with Caputo fractional derivative is developed. Further, the developed approach of LHPM on TFKG is used for two different examples. This in turn proves the versatile nature of the proposed method. In addition, the validity of the approach is proved by comparing the numerical solutions of both examples with their exact solution. Finally, the comparison of relative errors calculated in each example proves the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method on TFKG equations.

To assure the reliability and quality of the final product, testing is an essential and crucial part in the software development cycle. During this process, fault correction/detection activities are carried out to increase the reliability of the software. The non-homogeneous Poisson Process (NHPP) is the basis of the investigated software reliability growth models (SRGMs), which are based on the supposition that the number of faults found is affected by the amount of code covered during testing and that the amount of code covered during testing depends on the testing effort expended. This research takes into consideration several testing coverage functions: exponential, delayed S-shaped and logistic distributions, to propose three SRGMs that are based on testing efforts. For testing effort expenditure Weibull distribution has been employed. Two real failure datasets have been utilised to validate the proposed models, and their performance is evaluated using four goodness-of-fit metrics, including predictive ratio risk (PRR), coefficient of determination (R^2 ), predictive power (PP) and mean square error (MSE). Sensitivity analysis of cost requirement-based release time of software for exponential function has been done by using a genetic algorithm, which minimized the overall cost of the software subject to the requirement for reliability.

Reliability of high demand machines is quite necessary and it can be maintained through proper and timely maintenance, Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer is one of those kinds of machines which are in high demand during covid-19 pandemic for the storage of vaccine. The rapid production of vaccines for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide requirement. Now the next challenge is to store the vaccine in a ULT freezer. It’s become really a big problem to store the vaccine which creates the demand of ULT freezer. The present paper investigates a situational based performance of the ULT freezer with the aim to predict the impact of different component failures as well as human errors on the final performance of the same. For the study, it is not possible to extract the parameters (failure rate and repair time) of the components that never failed before. Thus, to overcome this difficulty, here authors use the possibility theory. Authors present the available data in Right triangular fuzzy number with some tolerance as suggested by system analyst. The lambda-tau methodology and arithmetic operations on right triangular generalized fuzzy numbers (RTrFN) are used to find the various performance parameters namely MTTF, MTTR, MTBF, reliability, availability, maintainability (RAM) and ENOF, under fuzzy environment. The proposed model has been studied using possibility theory under working conditions, preventive maintenance as well as under the rest of conditions. This study reveals the most and least critical component of the ULT freezer which helps maintenance department to plan the maintenance strategy accordingly.

For most companies, supply chains have become the most crucial factor in their competition rather than individual competition, enabling any company to gain a competitive advantage against another organization through efficient and effective supply chain management. Supply chain drivers have become one of the most critical potential valuable access to a competitive advantage by enhancing and improving organizational performance. This study aims to explore the impact of the drivers of the supply chain on the performance of pharmacies of the Ministry of Health in Jordan. The study used the descriptive analytical approach and simple random sampling. 300 electronic questionnaires were designed via Google Sheets and sent via email and social media to employees in the Jordanian Ministry of Health pharmacies. The study retrieved 252 questionnaires valid for analysis. SPSS was employed to analyze the data and test the hypotheses. The results showed that the Beta-value is 0.849, T-value is 25.370, at a significance value of 0.000, which means that supply chain drivers affected the Ministry of Health pharmacy’s performance. The estimated regression equation means that any one-unit increase in the level of supply chain drivers will lead to an increase in Ministry of Health pharmacies’ performance by 0.789. Furthermore, the performance of the supply chain drivers was moderate, and the general performance was high. The study recommended that pharmacies focus on employing software and modern technology in inventory control.

Undeniably, this new normality brought about by COVID-19 represents an extraordinary challenge for universities, from strengthening infrastructure, technology, and quality of services, to achieving happiness in their collaborators. In response, this study aims to examine the effect of servant leadership on happiness at work, with emotional salary as a moderating variable. The paper adopted a quantitative methodological perspective with a non-experimental design whose study sample consisted of 269 collaborators among teachers and support staff of the Peruvian Union University, Peru. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine the latent structure of the constructs, presenting an adequate internal consistency (α > 0.7). On the other hand, the confirmatory factor analysis presented an adequate fit. The results showed a significant effect (β = 0.306; p < 0.001) of servant leadership on emotional salary, as well as a significant effect of emotional salary on happiness at work (β = 0.724; p < 0.001). This study provides a valuable perspective for universities seeking to improve the happiness of their employees in the context of the new normal. It emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and emotional salary to achieve this goal. By implementing these strategies, universities can increase employee satisfaction and improve the quality of their services and the student experience.

The full-scale military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation in 2022 triggered a massive wave of forced migration to Poland. This has resulted in the phenomenon of ‘unintended transnationalism.’ Transnational migrants do not part with their country of origin forever but live a double life, act as members of two socio-cultural communities and become carriers of a double culture. This study aims to systematize the socio-cultural peculiarities of the unintended transnationalism of military migrants from Ukraine to Poland.The theoretical foundations of migrants’ transnationalism are systematically analyzed and its main characteristics are systematized. The emergence of the so-called unintentional transnationalism of military migrants is revealed. A comparative analysis made it possible to compare transnational processes in Poland and Ukraine. The study found that migrants’ transnationalism is manifested through sharing their cultural values, traditions, and customs in a new cultural environment. The culture of migrants includes elements of the host country’s culture, elements of the culture of the migrants’ homeland, as well as new elements arising from the interaction of these two cultures. The main manifestations of migrants’ culture are language and communication, education, religious practices, intercultural dialogue, relations between representatives of different cultures, and other aspects of their daily lives. The study has shown that the transnationalism of military migrants can generate various cultural processes, including multilingualism, hybridization, cultural diffusion, cultural preservation, and intercultural dialogue.

This study aims to assess the positive impact of infrastructure investments on the dynamics of economic growth. The sample includes ten countries (Azerbaijan, Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, Georgia, Mexico, Moldova, Serbia, and Turkey) for 2011–2020 that meet the following criteria: belong to upper-middle-income economies (according to the World Bank Atlas method); the OECD statistical database contains data on investment volumes in infrastructure development of road, railway transport, inland waterways, sea, and airports (by all financing sources). The primary focus was put on the analysis of this issue in Azerbaijan. GDP per capita growth was selected as the resulting parameter; the main dependent variable was infrastructure investment volumes (total inland and infrastructure road, rail, and air investment), and additional dependent variables were a foreign direct investment (net inflows) and gross domestic investment. Shapiro-Wilk test (for checking normal data), Spearman and Pearson methods (for correlation estimation), Granger test (for detecting causal relationships), and Arellano-Bond dynamic panel-data estimation (for influence formalization) were used. As a result, the following parameters exert the greatest influence on economic growth level: value of gross domestic investment (its growth by 1% causes GDP per capita growth to increase by 0.54% without a time lag); value of infrastructure investment inland (total) (by 1.51% with a three-year lag); value of infrastructure road investment (by 0.41% with a three-year lag). These results can help future research and decision-making at different management levels to strengthen economic growth through infrastructure investment.

The COVID-19 has affected and continues to impact several areas of human life and activity. With a particular focus on China, this reflection shares authors’ observation on how COVID-19 may affect international higher education landscape and future trends of students’ choice for study destinations. As internationals, one a PhD student and the other an assistant lecturer, we draw upon insights from recent research on the impact of COVID-19 on higher education and our observation. The observation revealed that the impact of COVID-19, in a context of nationalism rise and economic tension between China and many foreign countries, might not be of big impact on China as a host country. The successful battle China has been leading and keeping the situation under control, so far, reassures international students to consider China as rather a safe and protective destination for a future study plan. The reflection further revealed that the declining interest of Chinese students to study abroad after COVID-19 will rather empower the home country both in terms of economic income and scientific contribution. This reflection is one of the few studies investigating the impact of COVID-19 on the international higher education landscape and the future trend of students’ choice for study destination by looking into China as a host country. The study has relevant policy implications on understanding and informing international education actors of the change that may occur on the international higher education landscape and the trend in student mobility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive disruption to business as usual across all industries, including education, and there is a growing consensus that the higher education (HE) sector may never go back to ‘business as usual’. While universities are now developing strategies for 2030, several management consultancies are projecting a very challenging HE landscape in the next decade. Suggestions, from the death of the normal university campus to shutdowns, mergers and collaborations are widely predicted including new opportunities for growth. University administrators should develop innovative strategic plans to address the challenges and harness the growth opportunities. Although other industries have faced such disruptions and have coped with responses such as partnerships and mergers, it may be time for universities to reconsider business models for the future. The strategies adopted in the aviation industry have been used to recommend a way forward for universities.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant disruptions in traditional educational policies and practices worldwide. The study adopted an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens to investigate the impact of the pandemic on international students in a Canadian university. The findings from data analysis identified challenges and supports for international students in five areas: academic, financial, health and well-being, socialization, and housing and accommodation. There were several gaps between international students’ academic and social needs during the pandemic and the institutional support. While the university prioritized supports in the academic domain, international students identified social challenges as more significant during the pandemic. The gap was also evident in communicating institutional support to students, as some students were not aware of the spectrum of institutional services. Finally, there was a need for more targeted support for international students. The pandemic called for more fundamental and comprehensive actions to support the diverse student population.

In this essay, we set out to explore the ways in which our approaches and assumptions around internationalisation, and the experiences of international students, have been challenged. Drawing on our experiences as academics through the transitioning times over the last two years, we have chosen to approach this through a series of reflections on four themes: university as an imagined community, globalisation, home not as a metaphor, and a journey toward humility. Through this essay, we invite discussions on these topics to foster excellence in teaching and learning internationalisation in the higher education sector.

Teaching codes of conduct form part of the ethics infrastructure of universities seeking to raise teaching standards and promote academic integrity. These codes stipulate desired teaching practices necessary for faculty members to make informed choices regarding their teaching role performance. This study investigated the existence of publicly posted codes of conduct for undergraduate teaching in a random sample of 100 universities ranked among the Times Higher Education World University Rankings top-400 institutions. Based on DiMaggio & Powell’s (1983) model of institutional isomorphism, we posited the Times Higher Education World University Rankings top-400 institutions as an organizational field. Findings reveal tepid isomorphic pressures for codes of conduct in this organizational field as a slight majority of these top universities publicly post codes of conduct with tenets reflective of ethical principles for teaching. Lower ranked universities post codes with more of these tenets than higher ranked universities and in particular tenets very protective of students as clients. These tenets relate to moral behavior and whose ethical infringement have legal ramifications, such as not having sexual relationships with students, harassing students, or teaching while intoxicated from alcohol or drugs. Isomorphic pressures to publicly post codes may be stronger among lower ranked universities that emphasize teaching and research. Since a code of conduct may increase faculty members’ sensitivity to ethical issues but not actually promote ethical behavior, we recommend reinforcement activities for faculty members.

The aim of this study was to develop, with the participation of international students, the content of an online system that these students could use in the process of acculturation and adapting to a new environment. The action research with participatory design approach was selected as the research model from among the qualitative research methods and was implemented. Within the scope of the study, the topics that the students were interested with regard to Turkish culture, problems of adaptation to the Turkish culture and environment, and their expectations of the content of the online system to be developed were determined. These data were used to determine the main content heading of the online system. Later, the content development activities of the online system were carried out with the active participation of 18 international students.

The internationalization of higher education has become a key policy within the global higher education sector. Yet a large body of literature suggests that simply having a diverse group of students does not guarantee meaningful intercultural engagement. This paper presents a qualitative study intended to gain a richer understanding of Hong Kong’s higher education environment. In-depth interview data were collected from students of different cultural backgrounds and from academic, non-academic, and managerial staff at three Hong Kong universities. The data collection period covered local political turmoil in Hong Kong as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate that, due to language barriers and potentially opposing political ideologies, all students faced challenges engaging with others who were culturally different from themselves. These findings can facilitate the development of an adaptable cross-institutional framework for meaningful intercultural learning.

Universities in Canada are increasingly attracting international students, but few studies have examined their experiences. This research identified the key supports and barriers for international students in order to make policy-relevant recommendations. This convergent mixed-methods study combined survey (n = 104) and interview (n = 14) data to investigate international student experiences through the lens of international students. Exploratory factor analyses revealed writing and mathematics skills and relationships with faculty and students as key factors for success. Frequency analyses revealed that racism was a persistent barrier. Assistance, access, diversity and equity issues were also raised. Open and axial coding of qualitative data corroborated these findings and revealed three dimensions of internationalization according to international students’ perspectives: Exchange; Understanding, Sharing, and Support; and Transformation. Recommendations to universities included offering bursaries to international students from underrepresented regions, developing intercultural awareness of faculty, and providing program-specific student support centres with peer mentors.

The aim of this article is to provide better understanding around the challenges facing university internationalization by exploring students’ experiences of an internationalized university through a Person-in-Context lens. The article reports on a study that took place at a metropolitan university in Australia and which utilized both a quantitative questionnaire and qualitative individual interviews to explore students’ expectations, experiences, and perceptions of their internationalized university. Main findings have been applied to Volet’s person-in-context adaptation of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of human development in order to address the research question, “What influences students’ experiences of an internationalized university?” This article presents the application of findings to the person-in-context model and discusses implications that can be drawn about the student experience of internationalized universities.

During a global pandemic, many students in 2020-2021 turned to peer-facilitated academic support through supplemental instruction (SI) to succeed. In this study, proficient students were hired as SI Leaders and trained to facilitate study sessions in a collaborative virtual learning environment. The impact of online SI support is assessed upon subgroups of 4,831 students enrolled in difficult courses at a four-year public university. Mean course GPAs and pass rates of international students, students of color, and white students with varying levels of SI session attendance were examined. One-way ANOVA and chi-square test results reveal significant differences by level of attendance for students of color and white students, with higher mean course GPAs and pass rates associated with higher levels of attendance at SI sessions for all three subgroups. These results are consistent with feedback from SI attendees and convey the significance of programs like SI, especially in times of crisis.

This study investigates Chinese international students’ acculturation strategies and pragmatic intentions to address identity conflicts in Hong Kong study experiences through a developmental lens. We treat conflicts and stressors as indicators of active commitments and the process of engagement as strategic, goal-oriented, intentional investments to become better selves. Undergraduates (N = 95) enrolled in a Hong Kong university participated: 85 completed a Cultural Practices Questionnaire about daily activities; 10 completed semi-structured interviews on their acculturation strategies, identity conflicts, and justifications. Mixed method data analysis highlighted strategies rooted in goals, choices, consistency, and commitment. Several pragmatic intentions were also identified. Participants considered academic study,language learning, club activities, communicating with friends, volunteering, and interacting with diverse people as fundamental active commitments. An alternative definition of “integration strategy” is proposed to better capture students’ transcultural choices and decolonize the view that students are expected to conform to the host culture.

Purpose This study aims to examine how the adoption of digital technologies affects the business competitiveness of countries in Latin American and European countries. Design/methodology/approach This study used a structural model based on factors representing the pillars of the Global Competitiveness Index: financial system, adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT), skills, labor market, product market, macroeconomic stability, business dynamism and gross domestic product (GDP) purchasing power parity (PPP) as a percentage of the total world value. The authors considered 17 Latin American and 28 European countries. The model was analyzed by partial least squares-structural equation modeling. Findings ICT adoption in Latin American countries is a strong predictor of business dynamism (66% of the variance), skills (81% of the variance), product market (75% of the variance), labor market (42% of the variance) and financial system (49% of the variance). Similarly, ICT adoption in European countries is a strong predictor of business dynamism (35.6% of the variance), skills (72.2% of the variance), product market (51.6% of the variance), labor market (81.7% of the variance, but with a negative path coefficient) and financial system (38% of the variance). Practical implications Latin American countries should create policies to build skills to increase ICT adoption, and improve business and labor market dynamism. A theoretical implication is that the authors propose two structural models based on the GCI that best explains competitiveness in Europe and Latin America. Originality/value Using GCI data, the authors present empirical evidence on the predictors of competitiveness across 17 Latin American and 28 European countries with a special focus on the adoption of digital technologies.

This study examined the response of the residential property price index (RPPI) to monetary policy shocks. The analysis utilized a panel vector autoregressive (VAR) estimation covering the markets of 12 emerging countries over a quarterly period from 2000 Q1 to 2022 Q4. In a dynamic data model, the panel VAR estimation could be biased when the coefficients of the endogenous variables differ across countries. The results of the pooling assumption showed that the models contain heterogeneity among samples, indicating the need for a solution to address this problem. Consequently, a mean group estimation for the panel VAR was performed to resolve the heterogeneity issue. The residential property price index negatively responded to changes in housing loan (HL) and central bank (CB) interest rates. In contrast, it positively responded to changes in inflation, gross domestic product, and population. This research provided policymakers with recommendations on emerging market demand. To successfully interfere in the property market, policymakers must pay greater attention to formulating monetary policy, notably central bank interest rates. A steady central bank policy rate prevents growth in the property sector. Future research should include macroprudential policy as an endogenous component in the model.

La transición a la economía circular implica un cambio profundo en los patrones de producción y consumo cuyo impulso requiere actuaciones coordinadas de las diferentes políticas (ambientales, regulatorias, industriales, innovación, compras públicas...) y, en particular, de la política fiscal. La orientación ambiental en los instrumentos fiscales puede constituir un instrumento clave para la transición de la EC y la sostenibilidad. Este estudio analiza la situación actual en España, constatando la ausencia de instrumentos de beneficios fiscales que favorezcan la EC para, posteriormente, identificar aquellos que pueden presentar potencialidades para promover la EC y la sostenibilidad. El artículo pone de manifiesto el volumen y la diversidad de estos mecanismos fiscales, el coste en la recaudación, así como también las figuras con una mayor incidencia, lo que ha permitido destacar las potencialidades, adversidades y retos que presenta la política de beneficios fiscales en España para el impulso de la EC y la sostenibilidad.

This paper examines the impact of GDP, human development, unemployment and globalization on obesity rates in EU countries from 1990 to 2019. Hausman’s test was applied to test for fixed and random effects on the panel data. The Pesaran and Hsiao tests assessed cross-sectional dependence and the homogeneity (heterogeneity) of the slope between countries. A second generation unit root test was carried out using the CIPS test by Pesaran, and the Westerlund test was used to test for cointegration. Mean group (MG) and pooled mean group (PMG) estimations were applied to allow for a higher degree of heterogeneity of the parameters in growth regressions. Finally, to detect causality in heterogeneous units, and cross-sectional dependence, we used the Dumitrescu–Hurlin test. The results of the analysis showed that the variables are cross-sectionally dependent and heterogeneous as well as stationary at first difference. The cointegration test results show that obesity and the explanatory variables move together in the long-run for all countries. Human development has a negative impact on obesity for 27 EU countries, while GDP, globalization and unemployment have a positive impact on obesity. Globalization and unemployment are considered to be the most influential factors affecting obesity. Hence, EU governments should pay great attention to these aspects.

The medium- and high-tech manufacturing (MHM) sector has played a crucial role in Vietnam's economic development. The purpose of this research is to identify the primary factors that contribute to the growth of the medium- and high-tech manufacturing sector in Vietnam. By applying the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method to analyze annual data from 1990 to 2020, we discovered that different macroeconomic factors affect the short- and long-term development of the MHM sector in varying ways. Specifically, digitalization and human capital have a positive influence on the growth of the MHM sector over both the short and long terms. Trade openness and foreign direct investment, however, have a significant, negative long-term impact on the growth of the MHM sector. The effect of financial development on the MHM sector in Vietnam is significant and positive in the short term. Our study discloses that both the 2008–2009 global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic positively impacted Vietnam's MHM sector, as global manufacturers diversified their supply chains and moved their production facilities to Vietnam during and after these events. From the empirical findings, our study offers valuable suggestions to the Vietnamese government, which will enable the country to unlock its full potential for MHM growth.

This study examines the factors affecting customers' adoption of fintech in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Based on fintech adoption models, a conceptual framework was developed and extended to include COVID-19 situational influences. Data were collected during the spread of COVID-19 and its subsequent variants. The sample comprises 484 customers who obtained financial services in the GCC countries. Hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust, and situational influences of COVID-19 have significantly affected customers' attitudes toward the use of fintech. Furthermore, such attitudes had a significant effect on customers’ intentions to use fintech. The findings also indicate that both perceived usefulness and the situational influences of COVID-19 have had significant direct and indirect effects on customers’ intentions to use fintech. Social influences have only directly affected customers’ intentions to use fintech, both perceived ease of use and trust have only indirectly affected the customers’ intentions to use fintech. Conversely, the findings show that social influence does not affect customers’ attitudes towards using fintech. This study provides several recommendations to financial institutions in the GCC Countries.

Capital flight can cause challenges regarding the domestic availability of financial resources in sustaining domestic investment in Nigeria. The purpose of this study is to examine the connection between capital flight components and domestic investment in Nigeria. The study employed the autoregressive distributive lag model (ARDL) to analyze the time series data for Nigeria spanning from 1981 to 2018. The study found that changes in external debt, current account balance, and foreign direct investments have a negative effect on domestic investments in the short run and long run. Furthermore, the results obtained show that the intercept has a positive effect on domestic investment. The long-run coefficient of current account balance has a positive effect, while the other components of capital flight – foreign direct investment, external reserves and external debt – have a negative effect on domestic investment. The error correction coefficient is significant and conforms to the a priori expectation. Hence, the study concludes that growth in domestic investment can be achieved by regulating the components of capital flight within the desirable limits. The study recommends that emphasis should be placed on the components of capital flight to stimulate domestic investment for economic growth.

Changes in the logistics of energy resources and their potential shortage are causing a review of the EU energy policy. The energy sector significantly affects the progress toward achieving climate policy goals due to significt greenhouse gas emissions. The REPowerEU plan, implemented in the EU27 to overcome the energy crisis, requires new forecasts of greenhouse gas emissions due to a change in European energy policy. This paper aims to examine the consequences of the management of the energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on EU climate policy. This study focuses on forecasting greenhouse gas emissions in the EU until 2030 and uses the Seasonal ARIMA model based on quarterly time series in the EU27. Depending on energy management and changes in energy policy to overcome the energy crisis, a positive or negative scenario for greenhouse gas emissions may occur. An important parameter that should be considered when determining the scenario of the EU energy development according to climate policy was defined by correlation analysis.According to the negative scenario and under the influence of the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the value of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU at the beginning of 2030 will be 0.752911 tons per capita. The positive scenario shows greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced to 0.235225 tons per capita.The study results proved two extreme scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions, depending on how to overcome the energy crisis. AcknowledgmentThe authors appreciate the copyright holder: © European Union, 1995–2022, as well as the source of the extracted data, which is the European Commission website, Eurostat http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat (accessed on 16 October 2022). This study was funded by the European Union (the project No. 101048079 – EU4SmartED – ERASMUS-JMO-2021-HEI-TCH-RSCH); by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (projects No. 0122U000788, 0122U000769, 0121U109553, 0120U102001, 0122U000777).This research was funded by Faculty of Organization and Management of the Silesian University of Technology (grant number: 13/990/BK_23/0178).

This study examines the effect of ownership concentration on sustainability practices and the cost of debt. Subsequently, this study examines whether the performance of sustainability practices influences the cost of debt of public listed companies in three ASEAN countries. This study performed a content analysis on the annual reports of 93 public listed companies in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The data analysis showed that ownership concentration has a significant negative effect on the cost of debt but no significant effect on sustainability practices. It also showed that there is a significant negative effect of sustainability practices on the cost of debt. Such findings could be attributed to the differences in business relationships between investors and companies and the non-linear relationship between ownership concentration and sustainability practices. This study provides evidence that both ownership concentration and sustainability practices negatively affect the cost of debt of the public listed companies. From the findings, it is recommended that public listed companies should refocus and strategize ways to mitigate the negative effect of ownership concentration and sustainability practices on the cost of debt, particularly in developing countries.

The main objective of this study is to examine the determinants of farm investment in Somalia using quarterly time-series data from 2015 to 2021. The study selected financing assets (FA), farm output (FO), credit for commercial banks (CCB), and saving (S) as macroeconomic variables. The augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test was employed to evaluate the stationarity of the variables, and the Granger causality test was used to assess the causal relationship between the study variables. It was found that all variables became stationary at the second difference, with a trend for each of the three critical levels of 1%, 5%, and 10%. The Granger causality test indicates a unidirectional causal connection between farm investment, farm output, financial assets for commercial banks, savings for commercial banks, and loans for commercial banks in Somalia. The vector autoregressive (VAR) estimation revealed that the coefficient of determination explains 98% of the model, and the ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation showed a highly significant P-value. The results show that financing assets and savings will increase farm output if managed effectively and efficiently. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the government focus on the overall institutional framework in Somalia to facilitate economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.

The Computed Tomography (CT) scan images classification problem is one of the most challenging problems in recent years. Different medical treatments have been developed based on the correctness of CT scan images classification. In this work, a novel deep learning architecture is proposed to correctly diagnose COVID-19 patients using CT scan images. In fact, a new classifier based on rough set theory is suggested. Extensive experiments showed that the novel deep learning architecture provides a significant improvement over well-known classifier. The new classifier produces 95% efficiency and a very low error rate on different metrics. The suggested deep learning architecture coupled with novel tolerance outperforms the other standard classification approaches for the detection of COVID-19 using CT-Scan images.

This study explores the impact of non-performing loans (NPLs) on the Zimbabwean banking industry’s stability and economic performance during the dollarization era. The panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) model was applied using annual data from 2009 to 2017. The findings indicated that short-run NPL shocks negatively impact the risk-adjusted return, while the impact on risk-adjusted capitalization is positive but dies off in the long run. The findings from the paper further show that NPLs have a strong negative and significant effect on loan growth and economic performance in the short run but remain muted in the long run. The study results also show a bi-directional causality between banking industry stability and NPLs. In summary, NPLs affect banking industry stability, loan growth and economic performance in Zimbabwe. A possible implication is the formulation of a sound regulatory framework that curbs the increase in NPLs, promotes stability within the banking industry, and improves economic performance. The practical implication is that banks must get it right the first time regarding bank lending policies. Thus, the study recommends that Zimbabwean banks proactively manage their exposure to non-performing loans by implementing rigorous credit risk assessment processes.

Chatbots and voice assistants are digital transformers of the interface between companies and customers. They have become part of the current practice of companies and represent a distinct domain of business research. This trend is significant in the broad business context marked by the digital transformation of companies, the fast development of e-commerce and the omnichannel behavior of customers. This article is a systematic review of the high-quality business research literature on chatbots and voice assistants. The purpose of this review is to critically analyze the current status of this literature from the perspective of the theories, contexts, characteristics and methodologies applied. The final aim of this review is to support the domain of study by suggesting a relevant agenda for future research. This review brings several contributions to the research domain, including the following: the identification of the main streams of high-quality business research in function of the theories in which the studies are grounded; the development of a conceptual framework of the investigated variables (antecedents, mediators, moderators and consequences); the creation of a conceptual framework of the humanlikeness of chatbots and voice assistants; the development of a conceptual framework of the consumer experience with chatbots and voice assistants and the presentation of insights for business practice.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) operate in a dynamic environment driven by increasing competition, reduced funding and the deteriorating South African economy. Understanding the needs of students as customers puts pressure on HEIs to provide a unique customer experience to gain a competitive advantage, as both private and public HEIs compete not only for funding but also for prospective students. This study takes a business perspective of higher education by examining how students relate higher education service providers’ (academic and administrative staff) attitudes towards them, to their perceptions of service experience and satisfaction using a sample of 411 students and 428 employees from private and public HEIs in SA. Convenience random sampling was used to identify and select research participants. SPSS Version 22 was used to perform descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, and structural equation modelling was used to test seven (7) hypotheses. The study results highlighted important issues relating to customer-oriented behaviour in the HE industry. Students are more likely to have positive higher education experiences and be satisfied with services when higher education service providers are customer-focused and have a positive attitude towards students. This study recommends that HEIs ensure that their frontline employees (academics and administrators) are customer-focused and empowered to drive continuous improvement activities to enhance the overall customer experience and student satisfaction while maintaining academic integrity.

As the over-the-top (OTT) service market continues to evolve, with new large global players entering the already crowded market, competition between various OTT services for subscribers has intensified. In this study, we aim to investigate the impact of user preference content on the selection of specific OTT services by consumers. Specifically, we employ the conjoint experiment (CE) method to examine consumer utility, relative importance, and marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for over-the-top (OTT) subscription service attributes. Especially, the presence of users’ killer content and its impact on MWTP is the focus of our study. As a result of calculating the MWTP for each attribute, we found that users are willing to pay about 7633 KRW (5.8 USD) for the first-ranked killer content in their first preferred genre. To gain a deeper understanding of users’ willingness to pay for OTT services, we further analyzed the data by age group and the number of OTT services in use. Based on the results, we suggest strategic plans for local OTT operators to compete effectively in the fiercely competitive OTT market.

In recent years research on sensory marketing has attracted the attention of marketing researchers and scholars alike. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of sensory stimuli that is used to create arousal, and to examine whether this arousal influences consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. Previously documented literature was used as a foundation for this research while additional opportunities to expand this topic’s literature was identified. While previous studies and results on sensory marketing exist, there is a lack of South African related literature on the concept. The quantitative research approach was used to measure the proposed conceptual model and hypotheses, and the convenience sampling method was chosen as the technique to acquire the required sample. To facilitate this study, a seven-point Likert scale was used with questions and statements adapted from previous literature. Of the 300 distributed surveys, 279 were returned, deemed viable, processed and interpreted. The findings of this study support all the proposed hypotheses. Furthermore, this study’s findings and conclusions contribute towards comprehension of sensory marketing from a young consumer’s perspective.

The purpose of this study is to see whether product brand names that use foreign languages, especially English, are perceived as higher quality, more luxurious, and more modern than product brand names that use local languages by consumers in developing countries. The population in this study were residents of Banten Province, Indonesia. Data collection using a questionnaire distributed via google form and collected as many as 275 respondents' answers. The analysis method uses paired sample mean difference test. The results showed that foreign brand names that use foreign languages are perceived as higher quality, more luxurious, and more modern than brand names that use local languages. Therefore, giving product brand names whose markets are consumers in developing countries, using foreign language brand names, especially English, will be preferred by consumers.

The economic role of Southeast Asia has deeply changed in the past decades therefore Central European companies turned to collaborate with many of them. However, the cultural differences can lead to fiasco. We focused on understanding the role of cultural background in business negotiation and potential conflicts of international businesses. In the qualitative phase, we looked for entrepreneurs and corporate professionals in Southeast Asia who (1) were native to the country and had contact with the European business world; (2) were European businesspeople operating in Southeast Asia. We prepared in-depth interviews with 10 people where questions concerned the differences between cultures, their business role, and personal experiences. We found that the business culture of the studied countries is primarily determined by the values ​​of the Buddhist religion, characterized by a highly hierarchical structure and a large distance of power. The stable foundation of businesses is family relationships, they operate in a centralized way, characterized by one-person decision-making. Outsiders are not allowed access to the business, resulting in very low transparency. Due to some similarities between Central European business habits and Burmese culture cooperation is possible. Beside the description of a seldom studied country’s business style, potential conflict situation was determined.

This study aims to explore various e-marketing strategies that salt farmers might use. The qualitative-descriptive method was chosen as the method used in this research. Researchers collected data by observing, conducting interviews, and documenting our studies. The method of analysis is known as descriptive-qualitative analysis. The findings indicated that salt farmers' knowledge of the various forms of e-marketing media was satisfactory. However, their expertise consisted just of knowledge, and they needed to learn how to make the most of the existing media to exploit it as a promotional tool. Although salt farmers are already familiar with many different media that can use as marketing media, the most excellent e-marketing technique for business uses only Facebook networking or social media marketing strategy.

Creative human resources are becoming urgent amidst development in recent decades. The television industry has been one that faces the challenge with the emergence of new platforms offering variety and ease of information. Hence this study aims to test the direct effect of perceived organizational support on employee creativity and the mediation role of the meaning of work. This study was conducted on Net Mediatama Television, a private television company, specifically among employees working in the content department, since this division constantly needs creativity to develop concepts and create a broadcast program. Data from 70 respondents were collected through online questionnaires and analyzed with the PLS technique. The results confirmed that perceived organizational support and meaning of work are relevant factors that directly stimulate and enhance employee creativity. The mediating role of work meaning for perceived organizational support and creativity was also proven significant. This indicates that employees who get organizational support have a strong meaning towards work so that their level of creativity increases. Based on these findings, organizations can formulate strategic steps to increase employee creativity by focusing on organizational support and meaningfulness in work.

Currently, technical fabrics play a major role in many industries due to their multiple characteristics. The aim of this research was to utilize composite knitted bars to reinforce concrete beams. Six cord-knitted samples with two different polypropylene yarn counts (outer layer) and three different core materials were manufactured and immersed in a local epoxy material (Kemapoxy 150). Composite knitted bars were prepared in this way. Several tests were conducted for fabrics and knitted bar samples. All data were collected and analysed using two different tools: ANOVA test and radar chart area. Finally, three concrete beams with a varying number of cord-knitted bars (one bar, two bars and three bars) were produced. The results indicated that the differences in outer and core yarns for cord-knitted samples have a significant effect on several fabric and bar characteristics. The knitted bars with PP core yarn can be more beneficial for concrete that do does not require high stress, while the knitted bars using glass fibres and polypropylene (50% and 50% PE) as core materials are not appropriate for applications that require more flexibility and extensibility. Reinforced concrete beams were improved significantly with cord-knitted bars, taking into account the number of bars per area, which may cause the minimizing of flexure force through an increase in that number of bars per area.

Local government competitiveness is an intriguing contemporary issue that has not been discussed extensively in prior studies on the evolution of the structure and scope of government. This study aims to explore how local government management processes can enhance regional competitiveness for the benefit of citizens. Using an analytical hierarchy of paired comparisons and indicator aggregation, this study analyzes several components of the local government managerial process by quantifying the degree of importance of each component. Data were collected from 38 regions in Indonesia and 34 government experts. The results of the analysis show that there are three components of the local government managerial process that contribute significantly to regional competitiveness: the quality of customer/citizen management with an eigenvector value of 0.187, strategic planning with an eigenvector value of 0.169, and the effectiveness of the integrity system with an eigenvector value of 0.136. Other results show that the resultant eigenvector values for other components are less than 0.100 or 10%, so these components are not classified as strong. Furthermore, the p-value of the intercoder reliability test using the t-test was greater than the significance level of 0.05, implying that there was no difference between the test results of the first and second expert groups. This study concludes that customer/citizen satisfaction with government products and services, the effectiveness of strategic planning that focuses on socio-economic development, and legal and ethical compliance of organizational actors are the primary determinants of enhancing regional competitiveness.