Case Study Research Articles

A field and remote sensing assessment of rates and drivers of tree cover loss in island catchments: variation in global model accuracy

This study seeks to shed light on the rates and drivers of tree cover loss in island catchments focusing on a case study from Fiji. Global Forest Watch (GFW) is critically assessed as a framework for quantifying terrestrial tree cover loss and associated forest carbon stocks. The study assesses the role of the drivers of tree cover loss identified by GFW global models including anthropogenic deforestation: shifting agriculture, wildfires, urbanisation and plantation forestry as well as other drivers outside of the globally standardised list. According to GFW, from 2000 to 2023, Fiji lost 530.9 km2 of tree cover equivalent to an annual average loss of 23.1 km2. The study finds that global models provide useful insights into the rates of tree cover loss at the national level. However, the impacts of local drivers of tree cover loss are found to diverge from global model predictions. Specifically, tropical cyclones driving and harvesting cycles within timber plantations driving 15.3–24.5% and 75.9–83.2% of tree cover loss in the Ba River Catchment, respectively. These ranges are significantly greater than the rates predicted by global models. Further collection of 5209 ground cover points, generation of land cover models and forest inventories across 115 sites and 1070 trees sheds light on biomass carbon implications of this tree cover loss. Based on the forest inventory estimates, the 40.5 km2 of tree cover resulted in approximately 466,000 tonnes of dry matter (t DM) or 856,000 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) in the Ba River Catchment between 2000 and 2023.

PMHR: Path-Based Multi-Hop Reasoning Incorporating Rule-Enhanced Reinforcement Learning and KG Embeddings

Multi-hop reasoning provides a means for inferring indirect relationships and missing information from knowledge graphs (KGs). Reinforcement learning (RL) was recently employed for multi-hop reasoning. Although RL-based methods provide explainability, they face challenges such as sparse rewards, spurious paths, large action spaces, and long training and running times. In this study, we present a novel approach that combines KG embeddings and RL strategies for multi-hop reasoning called path-based multi-hop reasoning (PMHR). We address the issues of sparse rewards and spurious paths by incorporating a well-designed reward function that combines soft rewards with rule-based rewards. The rewards are adjusted based on the target entity and the path to it. Furthermore, we perform action filtering and utilize the vectors of entities and relations acquired through KG embeddings to initialize the environment, thereby significantly reducing the runtime. Experiments involving a comprehensive performance evaluation, efficiency analysis, ablation studies, and a case study were performed. The experimental results on benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of PMHR in improving KG reasoning accuracy while preserving interpretability. Compared to existing state-of-the-art models, PMHR achieved Hit@1 improvements of 0.63%, 2.02%, and 3.17% on the UMLS, Kinship, and NELL-995 datasets, respectively. PMHR provides not only improved reasoning accuracy and explainability but also optimized computational efficiency, thereby offering a robust solution for multi-hop reasoning.

Construction of a composite cooling network for the mitigation of urban heat risk in Fuzhou

Climate change has intensified urban heat risks through extreme heat and heat island effects. Using Fuzhou as a case study, we conducted assessments of heat risk and cool island quality to identify core heat risk sources (CHRSs) and core cold sources (CCSs). Based on the degree of resistance to surface heat transfer, we constructed a comprehensive resistance surface. This was followed by the construction of a composite cooling network using the minimal cumulative resistance and circuit theory models, along with the identification of key nodes to enhance the protection of cool island resources and ensure network stability. Our findings revealed that the central urban area had the highest heat risk, followed by the eastern coastal areas, showing a trend of further expansion towards the southeastern coast. Relatively high-quality cool island resources were distributed in the western mountainous area. We identified 21 CHRSs and 32 CCSs. The composite cooling network included 94 heat transport corridors and 96 cool island synergy corridors, with 148 cooling nodes and 78 barrier nodes. The average land surface temperature of transport and synergy corridors was 27.89°C and 25.34°C, respectively, significantly lower than the high-risk areas (31.14°C). Transport corridors enable heat transfer from CHRSs to CCSs, while synergy corridors can achieve further cooling by enhancing the synergy among cool islands.

Impact of Administrative Management on The Competitiveness of An Accounting Consulting Company: A Case Study in Southeast Mexico

Objective: The objective of this Research is to determine the impact of Administrative Management on Business Competitiveness, focused on an Accounting Consulting company located in the Southeast of Mexico. Theoretical Framework: An exhaustive review of the literature was carried out to analyze the various concepts, theories and key models focused on administrative management, evaluating how their application can enhance the competitive performance of a company. Method: This study is of a non-experimental descriptive type, with a quantitative approach. 20 workers from the Accounting Consulting Firm participated. The instrument used was a questionnaire using the Likert scale. Results and Discussion: The results obtained show a notable lack of knowledge in the Work team regarding the situation of the company in terms of Administrative Management. This knowledge gap highlights the urgent need to implement specific actions to strengthen administrative management. Research Implications: One of the relevant factors that influence the impact of administrative management is the resistance to change in management processes in accounting consulting companies. However, the exhaustive analysis of the benefits derived from the implementation of improvements in these processes provides the company with a solid basis to optimize its administrative operations, identifying key areas of improvement that, in turn, contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the organization. in a dynamic and constantly evolving market. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of administrative management and its influence on the competitiveness of an Accounting Consulting company, whose processes are carried out in a traditional way and face the resistance of human resources towards the adoption of new processes.

Analysis of the Current Situation of Liquidity Risk Management in China's Commercial Banks and the Proposed Countermeasures

This paper discusses in depth the importance of liquidity risk management in commercial banks and the challenges it faces at a time of accelerated global economic integration. Financial globalization not only brings unprecedented development opportunities for the banking industry, but also exposes it to more complex and volatile liquidity risks. As an important part of the financial system, the sound operation of commercial banks is crucial for maintaining financial stability and healthy economic development. The article focuses on the current situation of liquidity risk management in Chinese commercial banks and reveals the core issues of weakening deposit base and loan expansion aggravating liquidity pressure through detailed analysis. Subsequently, a combination of literature review and case studies is used to analyze the dual impact of macroeconomic fluctuations and micro-management deficiencies on liquidity risk. Ultimately, the study concludes by emphasizing the key roles of the improvement of the government regulatory system and fintech in optimizing the asset and liability structure of banks and enhancing the efficacy of risk management, which together safeguard the sound operation of the financial system and the sustained and healthy development of the economy.

Chinese voluntary associations in the diaspora: ethnicity, gender and the (re)making of ancestral communities

ABSTRACT Recent studies of Chinese voluntary associations (CVAs) have attempted to highlight the theoretical significance of CVAs for understandings of community (re)making. However, the power dynamics inherent in community (re)making has rarely been expounded. In recognition of this, we weave together case studies across countries to explore the complex power relations played out in and through the transformation of CVAs. Collectively, CVAs are understood as ever-changing, heterogeneous ancestral communities composed of common ancestral ties be it origin, locality, surname, religion or language. We aim to contribute to existing scholarship on ethnic and diaspora studies through focusing on CVAs in three ways: (1) foreground CVAs as sites of power relations through unpacking ethnic relations and gender hierarchies; (2) illuminate Chinese diaspora transnationalism beyond political-economic perspectives; and (3) examine the contemporaneous transformation of ethnic Chinese communities in shifting times, including amidst China's “rise” as a global power.

Monsoon-Driven Dispersal of River-Sourced Floating Marine Debris in Tropical Semi-Enclosed Waters: A Case Study in the Gulf of Thailand

Marine debris (MD) causes significant threats to marine ecosystems. However, limited research addresses its transport of MD in tropical shallow semi-enclosed seas. This study applied a validated 3D hydrodynamic model and a particle tracking model to simulate the seasonal distribution of floating marine debris (FMD) originating from major river mouths in the vicinity of the Gulf of Thailand (GoT). The aim was to examine seasonal distribution patterns and variations influenced by sea surface circulation. Simulated particles were released every six hours from 12 river mouths and tracked over three years. Results revealed that seasonal currents drive the distribution of debris between the eastern and western regions, as well as its export and import across the gulf. The upper Gulf of Thailand (UGoT) exhibited the highest concentration of debris, with around 50% of the total released particles ending up onshore across the GoT, varying seasonally. An analysis showed that 74% of the debris released within the gulf remains there. Additionally, the GoT receives approximately 10% of the debris from rivers located outside its boundaries. Findings from this study suggest that the GoT, as an example of a tropical semi-enclosed sea, functions as both a sink and a source for FMD. These results could support the development of strategic seasonal cleanup frameworks, optimizing efforts during peak debris accumulation periods to enhance management efficiency. In addition, the mapping of debris distribution provides critical data for assessing and mitigating marine environmental impacts in the GoT.

Automation in purchasing order through items classifications: a case study in Finland

ABSTRACT The aims of this study are to analyse the procurement process of a case company in Finland and to find ways to improve both the inventory level and purchasing efficiency. This study adopted both theoretical and empirical methodological approaches. In the theoretical section, it presented various models of modern purchasing and inventory management principles, whereas, in the empirical research, it is presented an implementation of an XYZ-analysis extension for the case company’s current ABC analysis. In this research, the case company’s year of worth of inventory requirements from six selected suppliers are analysed to create an ABC-XYZ matrix that is refined to a set of inventory management rules. The results from the ABC-XYZ analysis and the created matrix of rules, a proposal for an automated process with system suggestions is presented in this study. This automation system is based on the idea that low value items that have low number of fluctuations in their production demand can be automated to reduce the purchasing workforces. The study is concluded on the idea that the case company has the capabilities to implement an automated system basing on its current system capability, but it requires building new processes and purchasing or building a new supplier system to fulfill the proposed workflow.

ANISOTROPY ESTIMATION FROM DEVIATED WELLS: UNCERTAINTIES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS — A CASE STUDY

The Vertical Transverse Isotropy of a sequence of Lower Coastal Plain sediments undergoing mechanical compaction has been estimated from a group of wells drilled at a range of inclinations relative to the geologic bedding. Estimates of Thomsen’s anisotropy parameters have been made as a function of the volume of clay. Anisotropy increases with clay content. In shales the Thomsen parameters ϵ and γ are greater than 0.25 but δ is strongly negative. There are significant uncertainties in estimating all parameters, especially for rocks with low clay content due to the paucity and variable quality of the available data and the requirement to make many assumptions. The positive correlation between contrasts in ϵ and contrasts in acoustic impedance, Vp/Vs, and density results in the enhancement of the Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO) response of reservoir sands below shales, especially at high angles. The negative δ suppresses changes in AVO below 30°. The delineation of gas in reservoir sands through prestack simultaneous inversion is not impacted by ignoring the anisotropy in this case study. Acoustic impedance plays a key role in the detection of gas in these reservoirs and is unaffected by ignoring anisotropy. Errors in predicting Vp/Vs can be minimized by estimating wavelets whilst assuming isotropy. Errors in predicting density, however, can be significant. It is not expected that ignoring anisotropy will be suitable for all geologic scenarios and forward modelling is recommended to understand the full implications.

Robustness-Based Evaluation of GHG Emissions and Energy Use at Neighborhood Level

Evaluating neighborhood performance is crucial for achieving long-term zero-carbon goals, enabling efficient energy, cost, and resource sharing among buildings. This task requires balancing multiple criteria and managing uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of performance robustness alongside high performance. This article introduces a flexible multi-criteria approach for evaluating neighborhood performance, focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use across different life cycle stages. Flytårnet, a Norwegian neighborhood with zero-emission ambitions, serves as a case study. The methodology incorporates the T-robust method, an established robustness-based approach, to select high-performance, resilient neighborhood designs under various uncertainties. Results indicate that when assessing buildings as key components and considering energy delivered during the operational phase, including photovoltaic generation, the supplied energy ranges from 25 to 80 kWh/m2/year. Over a 60-year period, life cycle GHG emissions span from 4 to 12 kg CO2-eq./m2/year, accounting for uncertainties and encompassing material production and replacement, as well as energy consumption and generation. However, the optimal design choice varies based on whether life cycle stages beyond the use stage are considered. This research provides valuable insights for decision-makers and designers seeking effective neighborhood designs in early-stage planning, considering diverse and conflicting performance criteria to achieve zero-emission goals.

Роль громадської сфери науки в контексті розвитку міст та громад: програма майбутнього

The article investigates the role of the public sphere of science in fostering the sustainable development of cities and communities, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. The full-scale war has led to severe disruptions, including the displacement of large numbers of people, which has strained local economies, and infrastructure. In this context, the article explores how science, through research, communication, and education, can address these challenges by driving innovation and fostering community resilience. The study draws attention to the significance of scientific literacy and public engagement in building trust between citizens, scientists, and policymakers, which in turn supports sustainable development and informed decision-making. Author of the research highlights the potential of the public sphere of science to enhance the quality of life by promoting innovation in urban management, infrastructure development, and community integration. This emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, the use of smart technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration for effective city management and growth. The paper reviews recent literature and case studies, noting positive examples of how scientific communication and engagement contributed to economic development in regions. Despite the progress in recognizing the role of science, the study identifies several critical gaps, particularly the need for a more nuanced understanding of local cultural and social contexts, and a lack of empirical research on the integration of science into community decision-making. Moreover, the role of technology in facilitating public engagement with science and improving transparency in governance seems underexplored. The article concludes by providing recommendations for enhancing the impact of science on urban and community development, with a focus on increasing public engagement, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and leveraging technological solutions to drive sustainable growth.

Yuhuangmiao: the socio-cultural dynamics of a community between the steppes and the Chinese plains

AbstractThe Yuhuangmiao culture emerged around the 7th to the 4th centuries BCE in northeastern China near Beijing. The burial ritual with stone layers, numerous animal deposits, and the material culture indicate a strong steppe connection. It is often used to support the narratives in the Chinese historical texts that people living in the area had a distinctive lifestyle from those in the southern, agricultural-based communities and that the two groups often had a hostile relationship. Based on the cemetery of Yuhuangmiao, we focus in our case study on the socio-cultural dynamics over time in communities of a small region between the steppes and the Chinese Central Plains and in confrontation with very different neighbors to the south and the northwest. We use a seriation and correspondence-based approach to propose a new chronology for three sites. The duration of the sites is divided into three phases, with a total span of around 200 years between 600 and 400 BCE. Our results show that the changes in the burial ritual and material culture reflect a community’s internal development and external communication with other regions. Based on our chronology, the elite members of the Yuhuangmiao community used objects with steppe designs and horses to express their identities and social power. This practice was most prominent in the first phase and waned over time. We suggest reconsidering previous interpretations of these practices as a decline of the Yuhuangmiao people and view it instead as an expression of intra-community changes, possibly as an indicator of a successful integration of a community with foreign immigrants in an area located between two very different systems: of the steppes and the Central Plains.

GLOBE Observer: A Case Study in Advancing Earth System Knowledge with AI-Powered Citizen Science

GLOBE Observer: A Case Study in Advancing Earth System Knowledge with AI-Powered Citizen Science

Enhancing the Electronic and Optical Properties of Germanium Nanoclusters through Alkali Metal Doping: A Case Study on Na₂

Abstract In the present study, we have examined the key insight into structural, electronic, and optical properties of Na2 doped germanium nano-cluster using density functional theory. Analysis of binding energy (BE) indicates enhanced thermodynamical stability increases with cluster size, where Ge5Na2 and Ge10Na2 exhibiting highest BE. Second order energy suggest that cluster with n = 2, 5, 6, and 9 are most stable while thpse with n = 3, 4, and 7 shows lower stability. Embedding energy (EE) shows decreases curve with cluster size indicating large clusters are more favourable for Na encapsulation. Large HOMO-LUMO gap ranges from 1.4 to 3.2eV illustrate semiconductor nature of clusters. Further investigation of hyperpolarizability suggesting non-linear optical (NLO) activity for GenNa2 (n = 1-4), while lower NLO features shown in high symmetry clusters with n = 5 and 6. These results imply that GenNa2 clusters have potential uses in optoelectronic and semiconductor devices.

Nuclear Energy and Accident: A Case Study of the Fukushima Wastewater Release

The 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster caused extensive, long-term damage to the surrounding ecosystem. Twelve years later, the Japanese government faces a contentious decision: releasing accumulated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima site into the Pacific Ocean, sparking widespread debate over environmental and public health risks. This study takes the Fukushima wastewater release as a case study to examine the broader implications of nuclear energy and accidents. Using detailed comparisons, graphs, and calculations, we assess the potential environmental, economic, and political ramifications of the release, aiming to provide an approximate timeline and magnitude of effects, while addressing critical data gaps concerning nuclear wastewater discharge. The findings will offer essential insights for reducing, mitigating, and preventing detrimental impacts on people's lives. They will also guide policymakers in developing strategies that prioritize environmental protection, public health, and global economic stability, while applying lessons learned from Fukushima to prevent future disasters.

Virtual relational capital for business development: a case study

Purpose The study aims to investigate virtual relational capital (VRC) to evaluate to what extent virtual relations (VR), obtained by using new technologies, support the development of firms, also considering the increasing sustainability’s needs. The study addresses the literature gap on VRC dynamics through an empirical analysis. Design/methodology/approach The investigation focuses on a single case study in the lighting industry, deepening the case of a small Italian company. The case is analyzed through the lens of the CAOS framework model by Paoloni, nurtured through direct semi-structured interviews with the entrepreneur and some managers and consultants, and data collected via web scraping. Findings VRC, obtained by the use of new technological tools, contributes to developing and fostering the innovation ecosystem in which companies need to create new skills and synergic alliances with other stakeholders. Moreover, VR can improve commercial and sales performance, stakeholder engagement and sustainability, including alignment with the circular economy and waste management principles. VRC can support smaller companies with more limited resources to connect to a broader range of actors, raising their voices with policymakers and other relevant international institutions. Originality/value The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of VRC, especially in an era in which new technologies play a fundamental role for both businesses and people. It also provides practical insights into how companies, especially smaller ones, can maximize their sustainable impact by strategically adopting virtual interactions with meaningful stakeholders like customers, key executive partners, industrial associations and policymakers.

Joint Planning and Operation Optimization of Renewable Energy Systems Considering Bi-Directional Electric-Thermal Storage and Conversion

Renewable energy systems have emerged as a crucial research area due to the escalating demand for sustainable energy solutions. With the advancement of renewable energy, the electric-thermal coupling within multi-energy systems has become more intricate. Bi-directional electric-thermal storage and conversion technologies have emerged as a potential solution to address the challenges associated with efficient energy utilization. This paper focuses on the joint planning and operation optimization of renewable energy systems considering bi-directional electric-thermal storage and conversion. The integrated framework for renewable energy systems incorporating a bi-directional electric-thermal storage and conversion unit is designed, and the joint planning and operation optimization method is proposed. Case studies are conducted based on typical annual energy demand and solar radiation characteristics in Beijing, China. Numerical results show that the proposed method can effectively handle the coupling and bi-directional conversion characteristics of electrical and thermal energy, achieving energy cost savings while fulfilling the energy demands of the system. The proposed system has a capital expenditure of USD 261,251.4 and an operating expenditure of USD 177,007.1, which shows a total cost reduction of 12.28% compared to the lithium-ion battery system, providing better economic performance while further enhancing the flexibility of energy utilization. These research findings contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable renewable energy systems, providing a valuable reference for future research and practical applications within the energy field.

Using Learning Health System Principles to Embed Patient Experience Data in Primary Care: A Qualitative Investigation.

Though an important component of high-quality healthcare, the routine collection of patient experience data is limited in primary care, as is the evidence for how this data is being used for quality improvement. This study used a learning health system (LHS) framework to describe how a university-affiliated community general practice is integrating patient experience data into service and quality improvement efforts, and to identify barriers and facilitators. A co-designed qualitative case study was conducted with academic researchers and staff from a university-affiliated general practice in Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in April 2024 with practice staff, and transcripts were deductively coded according to a five-domain learning health systems framework, and with additional codes capturing barriers and facilitators. Eighteen (53%) practice staff were interviewed, including general practitioners (n=11), a practice nurse (n=1), and administrative staff (n=6). Participants identified multiple methods through which the practice captured the patient experience that spanned all domains of the LHS framework. However, there was less evidence of a coherent quality improvement strategy being employed, with associated barriers identified around staff workloads, training, and existing government funding policies. Key facilitators to the use of patient experience data included: membership of a larger health organisation and university; key dedicated administrative and clinical roles; and effective leadership, governance structures and policies to support continuous learning and drive service improvement. This study presents a case example of how patient experience data is being integrated into general practice and identifies key barriers and facilitators to initiating and translating this data for continuous healthcare improvement. By mapping the use of patient experience data to a LHS framework, this study shows how LHS principles can be applied to primary care to facilitate the capture and use of patient experience data on an ongoing basis.

Clinical feasibility study of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in dogs with the canine V-Clamp device

ObjectiveTo determine procedural feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy in dogs with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with a canine-specific device.DesignProspective, single-arm (uncontrolled), single-institution clinical feasibility study.AnimalsFifty client-owned dogs with severe degenerative MR operated over a 28-month period.MethodsTEER was performed using the canine mitral V-Clamp via a transapical approach using transesophageal echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance. Indices of MR severity were determined by echocardiography the day before and 2 to 3 days after the procedure.ResultsProcedural feasibility was 96% based on delivery of at least one device in 48 of 50 dogs. There were no procedural deaths. Procedural safety was 96% based on survival to hospital discharge in 48 of 50 dogs. Euthanasia in 2 dogs prior to hospital discharge was due to damage of the mitral valve and worsened MR after the procedure. Device-related adverse event rate was 6.3% based on 3 events (single-leaflet device detachment, locking failure, locking failure with device embolization) in 59 implanted devices. All three events were nonfatal and successfully treated with a second device. Median regurgitant volume (mL/kg) decreased (p < 0.001) from 2.3 [1.9, 3.1] to 1.1 [0.3, 1.8]. Median effective regurgitant orifice area (cm2/m2) decreased (p < 0.001) from 0.60 [0.40, 0.80] to 0.25 [0.10, 0.50].Conclusion and clinical importanceInitial feasibility results support continued development of TEER as a procedurally feasible, relatively low-risk, and low morbidity treatment for degenerative MR in dogs. Operator experience and case selection are likely to be important components of success of this technique. Evidence of short-term efficacy is promising but needs to be verified with longer-term follow up.

Dynamic Capabilities and the Management of Institutional Voids: A Case Study of Intra‐African Internationalization

ABSTRACTInstitutional voids are often presented as challenges of doing business in emerging markets. We seek to understand how the presence of institutional voids impacts foreign operations and the capabilities required in such environments, within an African setting. We examine this through a qualitative case study of a South African MNE operating in Nigeria and investigate how different capabilities were utilized in addressing institutional voids. The findings indicate that the MNE differentiated between institutional voids that were known and predictable, versus those that were unknown before entry and by the level of volatility associated with them. The latter required increasing orders of capabilities. We demonstrate how distinct capabilities were deployed to address different consequences of voids. We explain the link between the institutional setting and the MNE process of orchestrating both internal and external resources allowing for a better understanding of how institutions impact on MNE capabilities.