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Simultaneous equation model (SEM) is an econometric technique traditionally used in economics but with many applications in other sciences. This model allows the bidirectional relationship between variables and a simultaneous relationship between the equation set. There are many estimators used for solving an SEM. Two-steps least squares (2SLS), three-steps least squares (3SLS), indirect least squares (ILS), etc. are some of the most used of them. These estimators let us obtain a value of the coefficient of an SEM showing the relationship between the variables. There are different works to study and compare the estimators of an SEM comparing the error in the prediction of the data, the computational cost, etc. Some of these works study the estimators from different paradigms such as classical statistics, Bayesian statistics, non-linear regression models, etc. This work proposes to assume an SEM as a particular case of an artificial neural networks (ANN), considering the neurons of the ANN as the variables of the SEM and the weight of the connections of the neurons the coefficients of the SEM. Thus, backpropagation method using stochastic gradient descent (SGD) is proposed and studied as a new method to obtain the coefficient of an SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urban knowledge network in China has undergone in-depth development in recent decades, intimately connecting the position characteristics of cities in the knowledge network to their knowledge production performance. While existing research focuses predominantly on the unidirectional relationship between network position and the knowledge production of cities, there is a notable dearth of studies exploring the bidirectional relationship between the two constructs. By proposing a conceptual framework, this paper empirically examines the interplay between network position and knowledge production of cities through simultaneous equation models. The results revealed a mutually reinforcing relationship between network position and knowledge production, and this relationship exhibits heterogeneous characteristics and spillover effects. Specifically, cities in the periphery block and the central-western region benefit more from the effect of network position on knowledge production, while cities in the core block and the eastern region benefit more from the effect of knowledge production on network position. Moreover, the interactive effect between network position and knowledge production of cities is significantly affected by the network position characteristics and knowledge production performance of their neighboring cities in geographically adjacent regions and relationally adjacent regions. These findings enhance the understanding of urban network externalities and the connotations of the knowledge production function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to demonstrate a numerical strategy via finite difference formulations for time fractional reaction–diffusion models which are ubiquitous in chemical and biological phenomena. The time-fractional derivative is considered in the Caputo sense for both linear and nonlinear problems. First, the Caputo derivative is replaced with a quadrature formula, then an implicit method is used for the remaining part. In the linear case, the proposed strategy reduces the time fractional models into linear simultaneous equations. In nonlinear cases, Quasilinearization is utilized to tackle the nonlinear parts. With this strategy, solutions of the fractional system transform into linear algebraic systems which are easy to solve. Next, the Von Neumann method is implemented to examine the stability of the scheme which discloses that the scheme is unconditionally stable. Further, the applicability of the presented scheme is tested with different linear and nonlinear models which include the one dimensional Schnakenberg and Gray–Scott models, and one and two dimensional Brusselator models. To analyze the accuracy of the present technique two norms namely, L ∞ and L 2 , and relative error are addressed. Moreover, the obtained outcomes are shown tabulated and graphically which identifies that the scheme properly works for the time fractional reaction–diffusion systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a Competitive Leverage model, and apply it to analyze the impact of tariffs on the attitudes of domestic import-competing firms, especially regarding their disincentives to maintain a Competitive Stance against foreign competitors in the domestic market. We propose that tariffs are a disincentive to the pursuit and maintenance of production efficiency in firms and industries. When countries implement tariff protection for their domestic firms, the most common excuse sounds reasonable, except that it is also economically flawed. While the short-run impacts of such a measure might seem plausible, its long-term effects appear to be less than favorable, and may, in fact, turn out to be damaging to the economy. The paper applies the competitive leverage concept in a unique way to highlight how tariffs distort the output levels of domestic firms, and gives an empirical analysis of the model, using USA data to verify the predictions of the model. Particularly, we develop a Cournot-competition type Competitive Leverage model, and use it to examine the role played by tariffs as a disincentive to a typical firm's pursuit and maintenance of production efficiency. The competitive leverage model is formulated and applied to verify the effects of tariff protection from the typical domestic firm's strategic interaction standpoint. We further apply crosssectional data to carry out an empirical analysis of the model, to verify how tariffs impact the domestic firm's output and pricing decisions. Our findings would enable us to contribute to the debate about the need to remove protective tariffs, on the grounds that tariffs do not only enable domestic firms to operate inefficiently, but also tends to distort the output and pricing outcomes that would otherwise have been realized in the free market. The results from the study are used to propose some major policy implications of imposing tariff protection, among which are that there is need for implementation of more deliberately sustained Research and development program on the part of domestic firms in the economy, to enable them withstand vigorous competition in a free-trade world. Also, since protective tariffs significantly increase firms' profit rates, which in turn enables them to unduly earn and accumulate economic rents that amount to inefficiencies and distortions in free-market prices and quantities outcomes, governments should always resist any pressures from big businesses to impose protective tariffs against competition from international rivals. Yet a clear public policy implication from this paper is that, at the macro level, as the results suggest that a government policy that aims at protecting domestic firms through imposition of tariffs may have an adverse effect on the firms' competitive stance in the industry, a practical message is for the government to impose only a moderate tariff at the most, if it must, especially as it relates to agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Asian region has faced multiple challenges in the last few decades. This region is susceptible to climate change due to the presence of both drought-prone and coastal areas. It also faces the problem of increasing food-insecurity due to the recent events of crop failure consequent to natural calamities. This study examines the nexus between agricultural production and food security amidst climate change for the South Asian nations from 2000 to 2019. From the empirical investigation, using Driscoll-Kraay and Panel-Corrected Standard Error estimators, we get robust results in the presence of cross-sectional dependence and heteroskedasticity. The simultaneous equation model using 3SLS is also used for the robustness check, considering the probable endogeneity issue in the model. The findings of the study reveal that agricultural production, fertilizer consumption, and land under cereal production play a substantial and positive role in determining food security in the South Asian nations. Furthermore, the varying rainfall patterns coupled with rising temperature, as well as the increasing level of CO2 emissions are found to impede food security in these nations. Additionally, non-climatic factors related to agriculture and land-use are also found to induce CO2 emissions, which is a major cause of climate change. Therefore, from a policy perspective, this study suggests that to ensure long-term food security in the South Asian nations, the government should implement effective policy measures, which include the decarbonization of the agricultural sector by encouraging the use of renewable energy sources and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural sector is one of the crucial sectors in human life. This sector significantly contributes to achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which aims for zero hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This study aims to identify the factors influencing rice imports in Indonesia. The data analysis method used in this study is quantitative. The type of data used is secondary data in the form of time series data spanning 15 years. Based on the study, it was found that the factors significantly influencing rice imports in Indonesia are rice demand, import tariffs, exchange rates, rice production, and domestic rice prices.

The Gaussian elimination method of solving four variables of simultaneous equations involves eliminating some elements of the simultaneous equations in triangular form to zero to determine the values of the variables of the simultaneous equations. This approach does not involve a matrix in generating the values of variables of the simultaneous equations. There is a need to develop a matrix model for solving four variables of simultaneous equations. The pattern of the developed model can be extended by solving three variables and two variables of simultaneous equations. This study develops Kifilideen’s Elimination Matrix Model to solve simultaneous equations of four variables w, x, y, and z, three variables x, y, and z and two variables x and y. The elimination method was gradually used to reduce the number of variables of a given simultaneous equation in matrix form. In contrast, in the process, Kifilideen’s Elimination Matrix Model was generated to solve the values of the variables of the simultaneous equations. The Kifilideen’s Elimination Matrix Model was implemented in solving four variables w, x, y, and z, three variables x, y, and z and two variables x and y simultaneous equations. Kifilideen’s Elimination Matrix Model has been fully utilised, attractive, accurate, and easy to understand

Purpose: Economic policymakers consistently leverage monetary policies as a pivotal factor in achieving targeted economic goals, utilizing them as an influential driver for economic growth. On one hand, the advent of modern monetary tools and the widespread adoption of electronic money and payment systems can significantly influence the money supply, banking reserves, monetary base, the velocity of money circulation, and the multiplier effect. This, in turn, can shadow the impact of monetary policies on economic variables such as inflation and economic growth. On the other hand, banks play a crucial role in the development, expansion, and adoption of novel payment instruments, potentially affecting macroeconomic policies and variables. Hence, this study aims to examine the impact of electronic money and innovative payment instruments on monetary aggregates, taking into account the intermediary role of banks. Methodology: Therefore, in this study, to study the subject, panel data technique, simultaneous equations, vector regression model and data from 1370 to 1398 were used. Findings: Based on the results, the expansion of electronic money and payment instruments lead to increased liquidity and inflation. Also, banks play a significant role in these variables by controlling the amount of payment instruments and innovations in them. On the other hand, the spread of e-money causes to achieve the targeted effects through exchange rate monetary policy and legal reserve rate. With less changes in these rates, but in order to achieve the goals of monetary policy applied through interest rates on account, more changes should be considered in these rates. Originality/Value: The output of this research is to provide a solution for implementing optimal monetary policy in view of the increasing use of new payment instruments and can help monetary policy makers in implementing effective policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new method to compute nonlinear transport coefficients in holography, such as nonlinear DC conductivity and the nonlinear friction coefficient. The conventional method can be applied only to the models whose action in the gravity dual has the "square-root structure," i.e. the Dirac–Born–Infeld action of the probe D-branes or the Nambu–Goto action of the probe strings. Our method is applicable to a wider range of holographic models whose action does not have such a square-root structure. We propose a condition to obtain regular physical configurations in the gravity dual in the form of two simultaneous equations, which we call the patchwork condition. Our method also enables us to estimate the effective temperature of the nonequilibrium steady states in a wider range of holographic models. We show that a general model exhibits different effective temperatures for different fluctuation modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the application of the two-tier capital agreement and the introduction of the three-tier capital agreement, the discussion of the role of banks’ capital in the monetary transfer mechanism and banks’ lending decisions has become more important. In this regard, in this research, the effect of the legal requirements of the Basel III Agreement on the lending power and financial stability of the banking sector in Iran has been investigated using the system of simultaneous equations. For this purpose, the data from 19 selected banks and financial institutions were used during the period of 2011-2019. The findings of the research showed that the legal requirements of Basel III had negative and significant effects on bank lending. It was also observed that the legal requirements of Basel III had positive and significant effects on the financial stability of banks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest biomass and carbon storage models are crucial for inventorying, monitoring, and assessing forest resources. This study develops models specific to China's diverse forests, offering a methodological foundation for national carbon storage estimation and a quantitative basis for national, regional, and global carbon sequestration projections. Utilizing data from 52,700 permanent plots obtained during China's 9th national forest inventory, we calculated biomass and carbon storage per hectare for 35 tree species groups using respective individual tree biomass models and carbon factors. We then constructed a three-level volume-based model system for forest biomass and carbon storage, applying weighted regression, dummy variable modeling, and simultaneous equations with error-in-variables. This system encompasses one population of forests, three forest categories (level I), 20 forest types (level II), and 74 forest sub-types (level III). Finally, the assessment of these models was carried out with six evaluation indices, and comparative analyses with previously established biomass models of three major forest types were conducted. Determination coefficients (R2) for the population average model, and three dummy models on levels I, II, and III, exceed 0.78, 0.85, 0.92, and 0.95, respectively, with corresponding mean prediction errors (MPEs) of 0.42%, 0.34%, 0.24%, and 0.19%, and mean percent standard errors (MPSEs) of approximately 22%, 21%, 15%, and 12%. Models for 20 forest types and 74 sub-types yield R2 values above 0.87 and 0.85, with MPE values below 3% and 5%, respectively. Notably, the estimates of previous biomass models of three major forest types demonstrated considerable uncertainty, with TRE ranging from −20% to 74%. However, accuracy has improved with larger sample sizes. In total biomass and carbon storage estimations, the R2 values of dummy models for levels I, II, and III progressively increase and MPSE and MPE values decrease, whereas TRE approximates zero. The tiered model system of simultaneous equations developed herein offers a quantitative framework for precise evaluations of biomass and carbon storage on different scales. For enhanced accuracy in such estimations, applying level III models is recommended whenever feasible, especially for national estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evogliptin is an anti-diabetic drug, which comes under the class of gliptin derivatives for the inhibition of selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor. The developed ultraviolet spectrophotometric method was simple, sensitive, accurate, precise and economic for the development and validation of evogliptin in bulk and tablet dosage form. In this present study, the analytical method validation and development of evogliptin was done using the different parameters of method validation as per International Council for Harmonisation Q2(R1) guidelines. Water using as a solvent and it shows the maximum wavelength at 266 nm and then performed all the parameters of analytical method validation like accuracy, precision, linearity, range, robustness, ruggedness, limit of detection and limit of quantitation. Evogliptin showed linearity over the range of 2-48 µg/ml. The correlation coefficient value obtained was 0.996 with the regression equation y=0.0032x+0.0005. The accuracy studies was done in spiking method and the recoveries ranging from 97.07 %-106.13 %. The percentage relative standard deviation for intra-day precision was 0.44 and inter-day precision was 0.59. The limit of detection was 1.1 µg/ml and limit of quantitation was 3.33 µg/ml respectively. The method has shown good and consistent recoveries and is validated as per International Council for Harmonisation guidelines and can be used for routine quality control analysis of evogliptin in dosage form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-iterative approximation of the inverse heat conduction problem has been developed through energy balance between the control volumes. The heat flow domain along the surface normal was divided into three control volumes and studied in three cases, specifically on a heated hollow metallic cylinder cooled in crossflow of air, a heating flat plate in still air, and a heated flat plate when cooled in still air with random air blows. The time derivatives of temperature and heat flux estimates at the surface appearing in derived equations were evaluated by approximate expressions. Both estimates were obtained from the derived equations by simultaneous measurement of temperature-time histories at two locations: one at the inner surface and the other anywhere within the control volume along the surface normal. The deviation was checked by real-time simultaneous measurement of temperature-time history at the outer surface along the normal surface. Comparison between the estimated surface temperature-time history using the derived equations and the real-time measurement showed deviations within 0.5 % for the cylinder, within 0.03 % for the plate in still air and within 0.5 % when air blows were given. Heat fluxes estimated using these time histories were correspondingly arrived at consistent and close approximations for all cases. Estimates from the derived equations were compared with reported equations from the literature, and a wind tunnel experiment for the validation of circumferential distribution of heat transfer was conducted, for which they also showed reasonably good agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was aimed at creating a new, fast, and accurate UV spectrophotometric method for quantifying prazosin hydrochloride in pure and tablet dosage forms. A phosphate buffer solution of pH 6 was used as a diluent. The highest absorbance of prazosin hydrochloride was measured at 247 nm, and the linearity ranged from 2 to 8 μg/mL. The regression equation for prazosin hydrochloride was y= 0.087x + 0.236, with a correlation value 0.987. The percentage of recovery ranged from 99.6 to 101%. The relative standard deviation for intraday precision and interday precision was determined to be less than 2. The LOD and LOQ of prazosin hydrochloride were determined to be 0.0375 and 0.113 μg/mL, respectively. International Council for Harmonisation criteria validated the spectrometric technique and was suitable for routine quantitative measurement of prazosin hydrochloride in pure and tablet dosage forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The container shipping industry has undergone significant changes in the post‐COVID‐19 era. This study examines the impact of the pandemic on container freight rates (CFR) through a demand analysis approach, using 11 major international container trade lanes from Shanghai, China as a case study. We analyze the CFR data on both weekly and monthly bases, with a focus on retaining more individual and time information using long panel data. To better reveal the pandemic's impact on CFR, we introduce interactive terms and simultaneous equations in our model. Our empirical analysis shows that the pandemic has not only directly and positively affected CFR, but, more importantly, has also indirectly promoted the growth of container shipping cost by stimulating the demand for containerized goods exported from China. Additionally, the connectivity or capacity of a given trade lane has inhibited the pandemic's effects on CFR to a certain extent. These findings provide insights into the remarkable growth of CFR from the demand side in 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, simultaneous quantification of 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol in their binary mixtures was investigated spectrophotometrically. Since the signals of analytes were highly overlapped, a multivariate partial least squares (PLS) technique was proposed to analyze the data. The PLS method makes the analysis possible without the need for the separation of analytes by tedious separation procedures or using expensive instrumentation techniques such as chromatographic methods. Both 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol possess acid-base properties and it was required to investigate the effect of pH on the FOM of the calibration. Therefore, at three pH conditions, the calibration processes were evaluated and the results showed the best FOM and the least root mean squares error of prediction (RMSEP) for both analytes were achieved for the augmented data at 3.45 and 8.95 of pHs where only neutral or anionic forms of analytes were present in the solution. The analytical sensitivity, limit of detection, R², and RMSEP were 108.3 ppm-1, 0.08ppm, 1.00, 0.04 ppm and; 163.2 ppm-1, 0.06 ppm, 0.9999, 0.04 ppm for 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in the relationship between digitalization and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, but existing research focuses on the one-way relationship and ignores the two-way mechanism. Based on a sample of 3335 listed companies in China in 2020, this study adopts a spatial simultaneous equation model to investigate the bidirectional mechanism between companies' digitalization and ESG performance. The results show that digitalization and ESG performance have a significant positive two-way mechanism; digitalization enhances ESG performance, while ESG performance promotes digitalization. The results also indicate a significant positive intra-industry spillover effect for both digitization and ESG performance. Further research shows that the relationship between digitization and ESG performance does not differ depending on the definition of spatial weights, however, the spillover effects do differ depending on the definition of spatial weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef production in Indonesia has experienced a decline after the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an expanding gap between the supply and demand of beef. This widening gap has resulted in an increased reliance on beef imports, which in turn impacts domestic food stability. This study examines the impact of import policies on the supply and demand of beef both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing secondary data related to beef production, consumption, and prices, officially released by relevant ministries or institutions, the analysis was conducted using an econometric model with a simultaneous system equation. The results show that implementing a policy to decrease beef imports while concurrently increasing imports of feeder after the pandemic can enhance beef production by 25%, surpassing levels observed before the COVID-19 pandemic. Such a policy will lead to a decrease in the national beef supply, although demand will remain unchanged during both periods. By using a simultaneous equation system approach that links the dimensions of beef production and consumption, this study offers comprehensive insights for policymakers in designing policies and programs to increase Indonesia's beef production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to estimate sustainability elasticities to investigate how the sustainable development pillars in Iran should interact with those of the greatest economies in the west and east of the world, i.e., the US and China, respectively. For this estimation, this research uses SEY model including simultaneous equations system and Granger causality within 1972–2019 via two approaches of limited and full information. The results show high elasticities of sustainability among these countries, implying their considerable spillover effects and confirming the integrated sustainability perspective. In addition, the results show that the sustainability spillover effects of China are more massive than those the US on Iran sustainable development pillars. This result has two implications. The first one accepts the considerable flow of spillover effects between Iran and China. The second one shows that Iran has been unsuccessful in employing and activating the potential flows of sustainability spillover effects from the US as the greatest global economy. Therefore, policy-makers in Iran should consider a peaceful and collaborative relationship with the global community to improve and accelerate its sustainable development progress. Also, they should keep their relationship with China as the second biggest economy in the world while improving the relationship with the US to activate the potential spillover effects between the sustainability pillars of Iran and those of the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to illuminate temporality in value determination and stratification of value and price in the transformation of value into price. This leads to an understanding of value-relocating through the two concepts presented in this study: current-value-relocating (CVR) and integrated-value-relocating (IVR). Based on Marx's exploration of the labor process and social reproduction and focusing on two components of a commodity's value and the relation between the individual and aggregate level, the article seeks to propose a non-linear conception of temporality in value determination, which justifies the application of simultaneous equations in value determination. Furthermore, through the depiction of the stratification of value and price, the study insists on retaining the relations among their components in different layers. Lastly, the research attempts to explain all price-value deviations at the aggregate and individual levels in two forms: CVR and IVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and political stability on food security (SDGs2) in Sub-Saharan African countries using simultaneous equation model and GMM method over the period 1996–2020. The empirical results show that FDI positively affects food security in Sub-Saharan African countries, East Africa (EAC), West Africa (WAMZ) and WAEMU. The results show that political stability negatively affects food security in Sub-Saharan African countries, CEMAC, ECA and WAEMU, while having a positive impact on food security in SACU and WAMZ. Other important results show that the interaction of FDI and political stability has a positive and significant impact on food security in Sub-Saharan African countries and SACU, while negative impact in EAC and WAEMU. This implies that political stability plays a crucial role on how FDI affects food security. This result indicates that improving food security in Sub-Saharan African countries depends on increasing the inflows of foreign direct investment and improving political stability. The policy implications of this study is that governments in Sub-Saharan African countries must give great importance to improving political stability, thus, increasing FDI inflows and enhancing the level of food security (SDGs2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With more and more loss caused by forest biological disasters (FBDs) in China, forest farmers, as one of the most important stakeholders, are participating in the control. In this study, the ordinary least squares model, simultaneous equation model, and propensity score matching method were used with the data from 818 surveys conducted in the typical FBD outbreak provinces, to reveal the FBD control behaviors of forest farmers and their differences between western and eastern regions of China. The results indicated the following. (1) Household factors: forest farmers could timely take control measures. An increase of 1 ha in the area of occurrence would increase the control measures by 3.26 ha. However, the control measures can only reduce 50% of the economic loss caused by FBDs and cannot effectively control the spread trend of FBDs. There are issues, including an insufficient and old labor force, insufficient technology support, and low consciousness of ecology protection. (2) External factors: forest farmers would increase control when the temperature rises, and reduce control when rainfall increases. After village committees unify organizing the control, their participation enthusiasm would increase, which would have a substitution relationship with the household investment. (3) Regional difference: the eastern region of China has higher figures than the western in terms of outbreak area, economic losses, control measures, and pesticide cost. If the western forest farmers have the control funds as the eastern forest farmers have, and the eastern forest farmers have the control intensity as the western forest farmers have, the overall FBD control effect would be better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten novel spectrophotometric approaches were developed for the initial examination of the Hydroxychloroquine and Paracetamol medications. These procedures are straightforward, specific, easy to use, and provide exact and accurate results. The determination was conducted through the utilization of several approaches, including zero order (dual wavelength, zero crossing, advanced absorption subtraction and spectrum subtraction), derivative (first derivative of zero crossing), ratio (ratio difference, ratio derivative) and mathematical (bivariate, simultaneous equation, and Q-absorbance) techniques. After undergoing validation in accordance with ICH criteria, it was established that each of these methods achieved acceptable levels of precision, repeatability, robustness, and accuracy. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are demonstrated, and the proposed and reported methodologies were statistically compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empagliflozin, an inhibitor of SGLT-2, a sodium glucose co-transporter is found mainly in the proximal tubules of the nephronic components of the kidney. The assay of empagliflozin in its tablet form has been created using a unique, secure, and sensitive UV-spectrophotometric approach. During the development and validation of the method for the assay of empagliflozin, methanol was employed as the solvent. The maximum absorbance wavelength of the solution was determined by scanning in a UV spectrophotometer. At the specified wavelength; absorbance was measured using a variety of calibration standards. The linearity and range of the calibration curve of concentration vs. absorbance were computed. The accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, and ruggedness of the analytical approach were among the metrics that were determined. A correlation coefficient of 0.999 indicated linearity within the concentration range 2–10 μg/mL. The maximum absorbance of empagliflozin in methanol was determined to be 238.5 nm. Recovery was estimated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and was found to be as per the acceptance limits: 93.25%. The developed UV method was found to be precise with relative standard deviation less than 2%. The assessment of empagliflozin in its tablet formulation using a UV-spectrophotometric technique was determined to be both safe and helpful. The uniqueness of this research is based on a cost-efficient, time-saving, safe, easy, and successful approach for validating empagliflozin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel wideband dual‐band bandstop filter with multi‐transmission zeros and multi‐reflection zeros is presented. It consists of two pairs of symmetric open‐ended coupled lines at two sides and (2N − 1) pairs of coupled‐line sections with an open‐circuited stub in the middle. Through even‐ and odd‐mode analyses, general simultaneous equations for characteristic impedances are derived with the proposed algorithm. By suitably selecting all the design parameters, the proposed topology could not only provide a controllable equal‐ripple response in the passband but also control the stopband rejection, bandwidth (BW), and centre frequency ratio in the stopband flexibly. For verification, one prototype circuit is finally fabricated and measured in the experiment. Good agreement between the measured and simulated results is attained so as to successfully validate the correctness of the proposed design method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two simple and rapid ultraviolet spectrophotometric methods were developed to estimate indapamide and atenolol in marketed tablet formulation. These ultraviolet methods are simple, economical and less time consuming as compared to other instrumental methods. The developed methods included the simultaneous equations method and absorbance ratio method. Methanol was used as a dissolving solvent and distilled water was used as a diluent. For the simultaneous equations method, the wavelengths selected were 241 nm (λmax of indapamide) and 224.4 nm (λmax of atenolol) and for absorbance ratio method, the two wavelengths selected were 233.8 nm (isosbestic point) and 224.4 nm (λmax of atenolol). In both approaches, the linearity was proven over concentration ranges of 2-20 µg/ml for indapamide and 10-80 µg/ml for atenolol. The percentage purity in the marketed formulation was found to be 99.79 % for indapamide and 98.57 % for atenolol by simultaneous equations method and 99.56 % for indapamide and 100.0 % for atenolol by absorbance ratio method, which lies within the acceptance criteria i.e., 95 %-105 %. The methods were validated as per the International Council for Harmonisation guidelines and were found to be linear, precise, accurate, sensitive and robust and hence can be used for the estimation of indapamide and atenolol simultaneously in tablet formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-stage decentralized controller design algorithm is developed to achieve setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection in MIMO systems with communication time delay, and nonlinearities such as saturation and dead band. The first stage involves reference model formulation. The second stage comprises equating approximate generalized time moments/approximate generalized Markov parameters of closed-loop system model with reference model at certain expansion points in s-plane to obtain synthesis-like equation, concerning products of unknown controller numerator and denominator polynomials. This process yields simultaneous linear equations, whose solution provides the coefficients of the product polynomials. In the third stage, the controller parameters are extracted from the product polynomials using exact model matching. The proposed method is illustrated by designing load frequency controller in traditional and restructured power systems under scenarios like system parameter uncertainties, random load variation, and time-varying communication delays. Simulation studies reveal the efficacy of the proposed technique over existing techniques. Furthermore, the practical implementation feasibility of the decentralized controller designed for the restructured power system is validated using the TMS320F28379D controlCARD. [Display omitted] • Model matching decentralized controller design for servo and regulatory problems. • Handles communication time delay, saturation, and dead band nonlinearities. • Need for decoupler and order reduction of MIMO system is not required. • 1/2/3-DOF controller of any structure can be designed irrespective of system's order. • Real-time validation of designed controller using TMS320F28379D controlCARD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly developed techniques have been recently documented, which capitalize on the security provided by prime power modulus denoted as N = prqs where 2 ≤ s < r. Previous research primarily concentrated on the factorization of the modulus of type at minimum N = p³q². In contrast, within the context of 2 ≤ s < r, we address scenarios in the modulus N = p²q (i.e. r = 2 and s = 1) still need to be covered, showing a significant result to the field of study. This work presents two factorization approaches for the multiple moduli Ni = p²i qi, relying on a good approximation of the Euler's totient function φ(Ni). The initial method for factorization deals with the multiple moduli Ni = p²i qi derived from m public keys (Ni, ei) and is interconnected through the equation eid - kiΦ(Ni) = 1. In contrast, the second factorization method is associated with the eidi - kΦ(Ni) = 1. By reorganizing the equations as a simultaneous Diophantine approximation problem and implementing the LLL algorithm, it becomes possible to factorize the list of moduli Ni = p²i qi concurrently, given that the unknowns d, di, k, and ki are sufficiently small. The key difference between our results and the referenced work is that we cover a real-world cryptosystem that uses the modulus N = p²q. In contrast, the previous work covers a hypothetical situation of modulus in the form of N = prqs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper tests the hypothesis that action-based fiscal consolidations have a negative effect on GDP growth. Using the IMF's dataset on action-based fiscal consolidations, instrumental variables' regressions show that action-based fiscal consolidations have a significant positive effect on GDP growth. The instrumental variables' regressions also show that action-based fiscal consolidations significantly increase investment and productivity. The findings presented in this paper thus strongly reject the hypothesis that action-based fiscal consolidations reduce growth. The paper argues that least squares estimates presented in previous literature suffer from negative reverse causality bias: GDP growth has a significant positive effect on both the likelihood and the magnitude of action-based fiscal consolidations. To uncover causal effects of action-based fiscal consolidations, researchers need to use an instrumental variables approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the challenges facing economic sectors is providing the required financing and liquidity for fixed investments and current capital (working capital). The current study is aimed to expand such studies in another aspect of the role of financial markets in terms of their relationship with macroeconomic variables such as economic growth rate, unemployment rate, and exchange rate as vital economic variables. Considering the position of the financial system in the allocation and efficiency of financial resources, this study deals with the impact and importance of financial repression policies and financial depth in solving the problems of the unemployment rate, exchange rate, and economic growth rate in Iran with the simultaneous equations approach from 1971 to 2017. The results showed that financial repression and depth policies significantly affect macroeconomic variables (economic growth, unemployment rate, and exchange rate). Furthermore, it is indicated that the financial repression policy does not have a negative effect on economic growth and a positive effect on the unemployment rate; however, it has a positive impact on the exchange rate. In addition, this study unravels that the financial depth policy does not negatively and significantly affect economic growth. However, it positively affects the exchange rate and unemployment rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the influence of economic growth, industrialization, government spending, and environmental taxes on environmental quality as well as the influence of environmental quality, unemployment, and inflation on Indonesia's economic growth. This condition is important to maintain environmentally friendly economic development to achieve sustainable development. METHODS: The study was conducted using simultaneous equation model analysis considering classical assumption tests such as normality tests, granger causality and heteroscedasticity. This study data began in 2015 to 2021 in 34 provinces in Indonesia. In this study, the determinants of environmental quality used were industrialization, government spending and environmental taxes, whereas those of economic growth were unemployment and inflation. FINDINGS: The results of the study indicate that economic growth, industrialization, government spending and environmental taxes have a significant effect on Indonesia's environmental quality. Collectively, these determinants account for 22.18 percent of the variance. However, environmental quality and unemployment do not have a significant effect on Indonesia's economic growth. Meanwhile, inflation has a significant effect on economic growth. Simultaneously, the influence of the determinants of economic growth is 33.52 percent. CONCLUSION: Economic growth, industrialization, government spending and environmental taxes have a significant influence on Indonesia's environmental quality. On the other hand, environmental quality and unemployment do not have a significant effect on Indonesia's economic growth. Meanwhile, inflation has a significant effect on economic growth. The policies suggested, include the following 1) the government must be able to maintain environmental quality while still encouraging economic growth, implemented by creating an environmentally sound growth concept or applying the green economic concept to harmonize growth and the environment; 2) the industrialization process must be maintained so that it does not damage the environment, and pollution threshold rules created in the industrialization process must be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an optical system with multiple lens groups and increased zoom magnification levels, achieving a smooth zoom locus is increasingly difficult. Traditional methods for calculating zoom loci often involve complex and time-consuming formulas. Consequently, we utilized the Padé approximation in optical design software to compute the zoom locus analytically, irrespective of the number of zoom positions (nodes). The initial data were used to assign orders to rational function polynomials, facilitating Padé approximation. If the image surface extended beyond the depth of focus (DOF), a node was added, with adjustments made until it fell within the DOF range. Furthermore, Padé approximation was performed to prevent singularities. The loci of all lens groups in the optical system can be expressed in a rational function format. Specifically, the numerator and denominator polynomial degrees were 20° and 1°, respectively, with their sum being the total number of nodes. In addition, we calculated the zoom locus by increasing the numerator sequence to minimize the occurrence of the singularity and added the node automatically to enable zoom locus calculation in all optical systems. Accordingly, we could make fast calculations, unlike conventional methods, using complex and time-consuming simultaneous equations. Therefore, we could express the locus of the compensated group in the form of a smooth function, as presently shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that solving worded real-world problems is a difficult challenge for pre-service secondary mathematics teachers engaging study in most tertiary institutions. This case study reports the performances of three groups of regional pre-service mathematics teachers in their attempts to solve three different worded real-world problems through simultaneous equations in their formal assessments. These students were the first-year pre-service mathematics teachers enrolled in an undergraduate education program in a regional university in Australia. Their performances are compared by statistical analysis. The result of this study indicates that design of the word questions should consider challenging tasks appropriate for the students to achieve the pedagogical purpose in solving real-life problems that can best facilitate training the students towards becoming knowledgeable and motivated mathematics teachers for secondary schools, rather than ideologically making a levelling field with less challenging problems to achieve a high pass rate mandated by many institutions.

Based on the panel data of 227 prefecture-level and above cities in China from 2002 to 2018, a panel linkage equation model is constructed to explore the bidirectional influence relationship between haze pollution and urban sprawl, and the results of the study find that, firstly, there is a bidirectional promotion of causality between haze pollution and urban sprawl. That is, PM2.5 not only has a significant positive effect on urban sprawl, but also urban sprawl has a significant positive correlation with haze pollution, which is further strengthened by adding the air flow coefficient instrumental variable. Second, the heterogeneity analysis yields that haze pollution has different effects on urban sprawl in different regions. Under the sub-regional samples, haze pollution and urban sprawl have a bi-directional significant negative impact relationship in the eastern region, none of the haze pollution and urban sprawl have a bi-directional significant impact relationship in the western region, but both the central region and the northeastern region have a significant positive impact relationship. Under different city sizes, haze pollution and urban sprawl in large, medium and small cities have a bi-directional significant positive impact relationship, and from the numerical size, the degree of influence of haze pollution on urban sprawl in large cities is greater than that in small and medium cities; while the degree of influence of urban sprawl on haze pollution in medium cities is greater than that in large and small cities. Accordingly, it is proposed that urban governance should be adapted to local conditions, focus on innovative technologies to reduce energy consumption, and utilize big data to manage cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large deflection nonlinear bending of functionally graded (FG) porous cylindrical panels reinforced with graphene platelets (GPLs) on a Pasternak-type elastic foundation is examined by developing a reliable and effective 2D meshfree-based nonlinear numerical method. The large displacement field is express by the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and the von Kármán nonlinearity, and approximated by 2D natural element method (NEM) in conjunction with the stabilized MITC3+ shell concept and the shell surface–rectangular grid geometry transformation. The nonlinear simultaneous equations are solved by a load incremental Newton–Raphson scheme. The developed nonlinear numerical method is justified from by comparing with the reference solutions, and the load–deflection and bending moment of FG-GPLRC porous cylindrical panels on elastic foundation are scrutinizingly examined. Four different symmetric GPL distribution patters (except for FG-Λ) and three different symmetric porosity distributions are considered and their combined effects on the nonlinear bending behavior are investigated, as well as the effects of foundation stiffness and GPL amount. Also, the results are compared with those of FG CNT-reinforced porous cylindrical panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The primary goal of this study was to create and validate a simple, precise, sensitive, and accurate ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for estimating tirbanibulin in pure and dosage form. Materials and Methods: A UPLC technique was developed using a Waters Acquity UPLC Phenyl (100 x 2.1 mm, 1.7 µm) column. The developed technique was validated in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Results: Tirbanibulin was separated chromatographically with high resolution using the mobile phase acetonitrile: buffer (30:70 v/v) at 0.5 mL/min, 5 μL injection volume, and 220 nm wavelength. The validated technique was found to be linear in the 1-15 μg/mL range. The detection and quantification limits for tirbanibulin were 0.03 and 0.1 μg/mL, respectively. The percentage relative standard deviation was less than 2%, demonstrating the precision of the developed technique. Furthermore, the recovery rate was nearly 100%, confirming the accuracy of the method. Minor modifications to the chromatographic conditions demonstrated the robustness of the method. Conclusion: The developed analytical method was precise, simple, reproducible, and sensitive. Consequently, it can be used to determine tirbanibulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Its reliance on energy from individual countries has seriously affected its energy security and foreign policy. Therefore, reducing dependence on energy from specific countries and decomposing energy import channels have become crucial goals in China's efforts to resolve its energy crisis and ensure its national energy security. This study aims to analyze the impact of energy factors on the location determinants of China's energy OFDI to help reduce energy dependence and improve China's energy security. Simultaneous equation models and panel data from 162 target countries for the period 2005-2020 are used to examine the coincidental relationship between volatile and non-volatile energy and intermediary factors in investment target countries and China's energy OFDI. The simultaneous equation model, comprising a system of equations, constitutes a multifaceted modeling approach that allows examination of two or more dependent variables. This study provides insights into energy investment in China through simultaneous equation modelling, it guides the implementation strategies for home and target countries of energy investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantification method was developed to determine the sugar components, either following addition or enzymatic treatment, in citrus fruit juices containing additional fructo-oligosaccharides using midinfrared spectroscopy. For the quantification, we compared the results obtained by applying the simultaneous equation method, which uses very little wavenumber information, and the partial least squares (PLS) regression method, which requires a lot of wavenumber information. In order to prevent overfitting in the PLS method, we concentrated on reducing the amount of spectral data used in the analysis. The corresponding FTIR-PLS method led to an accurate quantification of the sugar contents, even in enzymatically treated orange juices with complicated compositions. The spectral data used for model calibration were significantly reduced by focusing on the absorption and assignment information of the sugar components. The RMSEs of Glc, Fru, Suc, GF2, and GF3 in enzyme-treated orange juice before and after spectral data reduction were 0.50, 0.46, 0.61, 0.74, and 0.61 g/L and 0.51, 0.49, 0.73, 0.86, and 0.61 g/L, respectively. The developed method could be easily implemented for practical applications, using a simple measuring instrument since only absorption information at the limited absorption bands is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three simple and affordable UV spectrophotometric methods have been proposed for the simultaneous determination of chlorthalidone and nebivolol in a synthetic mixture, as well as a combined dosage form. Method I use the simultaneous equation methodology and has a linearity range of 5–25 μg/mL for chlorthalidone at 233 nm and 5–90 μg/mL for nebivolol at 280 nm respectively. The linearity ranges for chlorthalidone at 228–238 nm and nebivolol at 275–285 nm were found to be 5–60 and 5–100 μg/mL respectively, using method II, the area under the curve method. The linearity range for method III, the first derivative method, is 10–35 μg/mL for chlorthalidone at 227 nm and 10–35 μg/mL for nebivolol at 275 nm. The two diagnostic plot residuals normal probability plot and residuals versus expected values plot are utilized for the verification of outcome data and found to be optimal for three methods. The method has been validated for accuracy, precision, recovery studies, linearity, specificity, and stability studies according to the International Council of Harmonisation guideline Q2R1. These developed methods have been utilized in routine analysis for the simultaneous determination of chlorthalidone and nebivolol without pre-extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The objective of this paper is to investigate the direction of the causal relationship between dividend policy (DP) and earnings management (EM). Design/methodology/approach - This research utilizes the panel data analysis to investigate the causal relationship between EM and DP. It provides empirical insights based on a sample of 280 French nonfinancial companies listed on the CAC All-Tradable index during the period of 2008-2015. The study initiates with a Granger causality examination on the unbalanced panel data and employs a dynamic panel approach with the generalized method of moments (GMM). It further estimates the empirical models simultaneously using the three-stage least squares (3SLS) method and the iterative triple least squares (iterative 3SLS) method. Findings - The estimation of our various empirical models confirms the presence of a bidirectional causal relationship between DP and EM. Practical implications - Our study highlights the prevalence of EM in the French context, particularly within DP. It underscores the need for regulatory bodies, the Ministry of Finance, external auditors and stock exchange organizers to prioritize governance mechanisms for improving the quality of financial information disclosed by companies. Originality/value - This research is, to the best of our knowledge, the first is to extensively investigate the reciprocal causal relationship between DP and EM in France. Previous studies have not placed a significant emphasis on exploring this bidirectional link between these two variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This study aims to examine foreign direct investment (FDI) factors and develops a rational framework for FDI inflow in Western European countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria. Design/methodology/approach - Data for this study were collected from the World development indicators (WDI) database from 1995 to 2018. Factors such as economic growth, pollution, trade, domestic capital investment, gross value-added and the financial stability of the country that influence FDI decisions were selected through empirical literature. A framework was developed using interpretable machine learning (IML), decision trees and three-stage least squares simultaneous equation methods for FDI inflow in Western Europe. Findings - The findings of this study show that there is a difference between the most important and trusted factors for FDI inflow. Additionally, this study shows that machine learning (ML) models can perform better than conventional linear regression models. Research limitations/implications - This research has several limitations. Ideally, classification accuracies should be higher, and the current scope of this research is limited to examining the performance of FDI determinants within Western Europe. Practical implications - Through this framework, the national government can understand how investors make their capital allocation decisions in their country. The framework developed in this study can help policymakers better understand the rationality of FDI inflows. Originality/value - An IML framework has not been developed in prior studies to analyze FDI inflows. Additionally, the author demonstrates the applicability of the IML framework for estimating FDI inflows inWestern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that solving worded real-world problems is a difficult challenge for pre-service secondary mathematics teachers engaging study in most tertiary institutions. This case study reports the performances of three groups of regional pre-service mathematics teachers in their attempts to solve three different worded real-world problems through simultaneous equations in their formal assessments. These students were the first-year pre-service mathematics teachers enrolled in an undergraduate education program in a regional university in Australia. Their performances are compared by statistical analysis. The result of this study indicates that design of the word questions should consider challenging tasks appropriate for the students to achieve the pedagogical purpose in solving real-life problems that can best facilitate training the students towards becoming knowledgeable and motivated mathematics teachers for secondary schools, rather than ideologically making a levelling field with less challenging problems to achieve a high pass rate mandated by many institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While installing offshore structures two or more structures are observed floating close to each other in waves. Consequently, the adjacent floating structures influence the fluid loading on each body. Due to radiated waves produced by the motion of adjoining floating structures and the wave reflection or, sheltering effect because of the presence of these nearby structures, the wave loading for the multi-body case will be quite different from that of a single-body case. Accurate computation of hydrodynamic interaction coefficients and hydrodynamic coefficients are vital for a multiple floating body case since the motion response prediction uses these parameters in solving the 6xN simultaneous equations (where N is the number of closely floating structures). The hydrodynamic interaction coefficients are investigated in this paper for two three-dimensional (3-D) structures floating closely in water. A commercial hydrodynamic software named Hydrostar (introduced by Bureau Veritas) which is based on linear threedimensional potential theory is adopted for numerical simulations of the present problem. To validate the numerical results for hydrodynamic interaction coefficients, the present computation results are compared with the published results for a rectangular box and a vertical circular cylinder model floating closely in regular waves, and a satisfactory agreement is observed. Finally, numerical simulations are performed for two identical rectangular barges floating close to each other in the tandem arrangement in regular waves. During the computations, the gap between the floating barges is varied and the occurrence of hydrodynamic resonances in the gap is also examined. Lastly, considering the analysis for the multibody case, a few conclusions are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arellano (J Econ 42:247–265, 1989a) showed that valid equality restrictions on covariance matrices could result in efficiency losses for Gaussian PMLEs in simultaneous equations models. We revisit his two-equation example using finite normal mixtures PMLEs instead, which are also consistent for mean and variance parameters regardless of the true distribution of the shocks. Because such mixtures provide good approximations to many distributions, we relate the asymptotic variance of our estimators to the relevant semiparametric efficiency bound. Our Monte Carlo results indicate that they systematically dominate MD and that the version that imposes the valid covariance restriction is more efficient than the unrestricted one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the earlier studies intended on the peristaltic pumping of non-Newtonian fluids via channels/tubes to better know the flow activities of flowing systems. The extant effort is modeled to examine the peristaltic motion of the viscoelastic fluid through a cylindrical tube to characterize the rheological features of blood in the vascular system by incorporating the electro-osmotic phenomenon. Caputo's definition provides analytical solutions to the dilemma. To evaluate the potential function, the Debye–Huckel linearization approximation is utilized. The long-wavelength (δ ≪ 1) and low Reynolds number approximations (Re → 0) are used to simplify the simultaneous equations. The effects of physical constraints depicting the flow phenomena are obtained and conferred via graphs. The impact of several regulatory elements is deliberated and exposed in a succession of figures. The significant outcome of the result is that the pressure gradient is consistently enhanced as the external electric field strength increases. It is also observed that the growing applied electric field strength can control the negative value of the pressure gradient. This work is relevant to the electrophoresis in hematology, electrohydrodynamic therapy, and biometric electro-osmotic pumps. The present results provide a significant baseline for experiment analyses and more general models of microvascular blood flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural support is a crucial way to overcome the difficulties of long agricultural production process, lack of capital and low productivity. Moreover, the fact that increasing the supply is not possible in a short while makes agricultural support more important. Different agricultural structures of countries imply different agricultural support values. This paper examines the simultaneous relations between agricultural support and agricultural value added in the six developing countries with the highest agricultural production value. Simultaneous equation systems are estimated by Two-Stage Least Squares method using annual data for the 2002-2018 period. The findings suggest that there is a simultaneous positive and statistically significant relationship between agricultural value added and agricultural supports.

Abstract Background An efficient ultraviolet spectrophotometric method has been devised for the simultaneous analysis of l-glutathione, n-acetyl l-cysteine and Vitamin C in combined tablet dosage forms. This method is characterized by its simplicity, rapidity, precision, accuracy and cost-effectiveness. It employs the simultaneous equation method to determine the concentrations of l-glutathione, n-acetyl l-cysteine and Vitamin C. Results The concentration range of 50–250 μg/mL for l-glutathione, 15–75 μg/mL for n-acetyl l-cysteine and 2–10 μg/mL for Vitamin C demonstrated linearity in this study. The simultaneous equation method was employed to determine the drug concentrations. The average recovery rates were found to be 99.94 ± 0.61% for l-glutathione, 100.90 ± 0.96 for n-acetyl l-cysteine and 99.81 ± 0.58% for Vitamin C. Stability studies were performed under various stress conditions. Conclusion The method employed in this study was observed to possess qualities of simplicity, accuracy and precision, making it suitable for the simultaneous determination of l-glutathione, n-acetyl l-cysteine and Vitamin C in pharmaceutical tablet dosage forms. The analysis results were statistically validated and supported by recovery studies and stability studies, further enhancing the credibility of the method.

Preventing vector-borne diseases (VBDs) mainly relies on effective vector control tools and strategies, which in turn depend on population acceptance and adherence. Inspired by the abundant recent literature on SARS-COV-2, we investigate the relationship between risk perception and preventive behaviour for selected VBDs and the extent to which risk perception is determined by social norms. We use cross-sectional data collected from 497 individuals in four regions of Guyana in 2017. We use a conditional mixed process estimator with multilevel coefficients, estimated through a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) framework, applying a simultaneous equation structure. We find robust results on malaria: risk perception was significantly influenced by the risk perception of the reference group across different definitions of the reference group, hinting at the existence of social norms. Risk perception significantly increased the likelihood of passive behaviour by 4.48%. Less clear-cut results were found for dengue. This study applies quantitative social science methods to public health issues in the context of VBDs. Our findings point to the relevance of tailoring communications on health risks for VBDs to groups defined at the intersection of socio-economic and demographic characteristics. Such tailored strategies are expected to align risk perception among reference groups and boost preventive behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving high-quality development of the city requires actively promoting coordinated digitalization and low-carbon development. Previous studies have focused on the unidirectional impact of urban digitalization on low-carbonization and there is a lack of research on their interactions. This study uses the generalized spatial three-stage least squares method and the spatial simultaneous equation to investigate the endogenous interactions between urban digitalization and low-carbonization. The properties of the spatiotemporal evolution are then examined using linked coordination degree models, kernel density, and spatial statistical approaches. Finally, using the spatial panel metering model, this study empirically investigates the motivations behind the synergistic advancement of digitalization and low-carbonization. The results show that: (1) There is an endogenous interaction between urban digitalization and low-carbonization and that this interaction pattern is closely linked to geographical proximity. (2) In general, both urban digitalization and low-carbonization have a positive spatial impact and a negative spatial interaction, and their coordination levels have a significant spatial impact. (3) Throughout the research period, the coordination degree of urban digitalization and low carbonization continued to increase, showing a positive spatial correlation and a balanced development trend. (4) Economic development, industrial structure, and human capital accumulation are vital internal drivers of the synergistic advancement of urban digitalization and low carbonization. Government capacities and technological innovations are key external factors that contribute to the synergistic advancement of urban digitalization and low-carbonization. Overall, the paper is essential not only to deepen understanding of the relationship between urban digitalization and low-carbonization but also to formulate policies for their coordinated development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]