Cave Research Articles

A Study on the Attenuation Patterns of Underground Blasting Vibration and Their Impact on Nearby Tunnels

The natural caving method, as a new technique in underground mining, has been promoted and applied in several countries worldwide. The destruction of the bottom rock mass structure directly impacts the structural stability of underground engineering, resulting in damage and collapse of underground tunnels. Therefore, based on the principles of explosion theory and field monitoring data, a scaled three-dimensional numerical simulation model of underground blasting was constructed using LS-DYNA19.0 software to investigate the attenuation patterns of underground blasting vibrations and their impact on nearby tunnels. The results show that the relative error range between the simulated blasting vibration velocities based on the FEM-SPH (Finite Element Method–Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) algorithm and the measured values is between 7.75% and 9.85%, validating the feasibility of this method. Significant fluctuations in blasting vibration velocities occur when the blast center increases to within a range of 10–20 m. As the blast center distance exceeds 25 m, the vibration velocities are increasingly influenced by the surrounding stress. Additionally, greater stress results in higher blasting vibration velocities and stress wave intensities. Fitting the blasting vibration velocities of various measurement points using the Sadovsky formula yields fitting correlation coefficients ranging between 0.92 and 0.97, enabling the prediction of on-site blasting vibration velocities based on research findings. Changes in propagation paths lead to localized fluctuations in the numerical values of stress waves. These research findings are crucial for a deeper understanding of underground blasting vibration patterns and for enhancing blasting safety.

The Impact of Store Atmosphere, Service Quality, and Social Media Marketing on Purchase Decisions: Insight from the Coffee Shop Market (Case Study at Kedai Kopi Distrik Metropolitan Surabaya)

This research aims to identify the influence of store atmosphere, service quality, and social media marketing on purchasing decisions at the Surabaya Metropolitan District Coffee Shop. Using quantitative methods with non-probability sampling techniques through purposive sampling, this research involved 115 respondents aged over 17 years who had bought and visited shops and had social media. Data was collected via Google Form and analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS). The research results show that store atmosphere, service quality, and social media marketing have a positive influence on purchasing decisions. Consumers consider the design at Kedai Distrik Metropolitan to be quite unique by combining Vintage Chinatown-Sumatra themes. With a unique place and cheap product prices, consumers are happy to visit Kedai Kopi Distrik Metropolitan Surabaya, especially among teenagers.

EFFECTS OF CONSUMERS’ SENSORY ATTRIBUTES ON THEIR WILLINGNESS TO PAY AND THE OPTIMUM PRICE FOR ICED COFFEE DRINKS

The growing competition among coffee shops demands effective strategies, including the development of optimal pricing. An optimal pricing strategy must account for both changes in coffee ingredients and consumers' willingness to pay (WTP). This study investigated the factors influencing consumers' WTP and determined optimal prices through sensory evaluations of iced coffee. This study explored how demographic factors and sensory characteristics affect consumer WTP. This study involved direct consumer tastings, where participants provided subjective ratings of iced coffee and indicated their WTP. The coffee samples included variations in milk (white and black coffee) and sugar content (granulated sugar, palm sugar, and no sugar). To measure WTP, the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) mechanism was employed, while a demand function was used to determine the optimal price. Stepwise backward logistic regression further analyzed the factors affecting WTP. The factors influencing willingness to pay were further analyzed using stepwise backward logistic regression. The findings reveal that optimal pricing varies, with iced coffee that includes both granulated sugar and milk commanding the highest WTP. Consumer WTP is significantly influenced by factors such as gender, frequency of coffee consumption, and individual taste preferences. There was a marked difference in WTP based on the amount of milk and sugar added, with coffee variations containing both granulated sugar and milk achieving the highest WTP. These results can serve as a valuable reference for coffee shops, helping them to determine the ideal product composition and pricing strategies to maximize revenue.

Distribution of Pb, Zn, Fe, As, Sn, Sb, Bi, and Ni Between Oxide Liquid and Metal in the ‘CuO0.5’-CaO-AlO1.5 System in Equilibrium with Cu Metal at 1400 °C

AbstractThe increasing complexity of ore resources and recycled materials in the feed of pyrometallurgical processes present a technical challenge to the metallurgical engineers working on maximizing the recovery of the valuable elements and minimizing the environmental impact of the processes. To address this challenge, the availability of computational tools that can predict the mass and energy balance in complex systems is required. Then, the accurate description of phase equilibria in the complex multicomponent systems describing the chemistry of the pyrometallurgical processes becomes critical for the correct implementation of the indicated tools and facing the outlined industrial challenges. In the present study, the distribution of selected elements (Pb, Zn, Fe, As, Sn, Sb, Bi, and Ni) between oxide liquid and metal in the ‘CuO0.5’–CaO–AlO1.5 system in equilibrium with Cu metal at 1400 °C (liquidus of CaAl2O4) was experimentally studied using the equilibration and quenching technique followed by the electron probe X-ray microanalysis of the resulted samples. The study covered a wide range of effective p(O2) over the system from 10−11 to 10−3.5 (corresponding to formation of immiscible CuO0.5-rich slag). To avoid loss of volatile elements (Pb, Zn, As, Sn, Sb, and Bi), a correlation between ‘CuO0.5’ in oxide liquid and p(O2) in open system was obtained first, followed by studying the volatile elements distribution in closed conditions (Al2O3 crucible sealed in SiO2 ampoule), where ‘CuO0.5’ concentration was used as a marker to evaluate the effective p(O2) over the system. The experimental results were then used for the optimization of the thermodynamic model parameters of the system as part of the integrated experimental and self-consisting thermodynamic modeling research program of phase equilibria in the Cu–Pb–Zn–Fe–Ca–Si–Al–Mg–O–S–(As, Sn, Sb, Bi, Ag, Au, Ni, Cr, Co, and Na) gas/oxide liquid/matte/speiss/metal/solids system. Graphical Abstract

Examining the Impact of the Built Environment on Multidimensional Urban Vitality: Using Milk Tea Shops and Coffee Shops as New Indicators of Urban Vitality

Urban vitality is a critical driver of sustainable urban development, significantly contributing to the enhancement of human well-being. A thorough and multidimensional comprehension of urban vitality is essential for shaping future urban planning and policy-making. This study, focused on Chengdu, proposes a framework for assessing various dimensions of UV through the distribution of milk tea and coffee shops. Using random forest and multi-scale geographically weighted regression models, this study investigates the factors influencing urban vitality from both mathematical thresholds and spatial heterogeneity, and develops spatial maps of future vitality to inform targeted urban strategies. The results show that (1) the milk tea index is effective in capturing population vitality, while the coffee index is more closely associated with economic vitality and urban renewal; (2) office buildings (13.46%) and commercial complexes (13.70%) have the most significant impact on both economic and population vitality, while the importance of transportation factors has notably decreased; (3) the influence of these factors demonstrates spatial heterogeneity and nonlinear relationships, with subway station density of 0.5–0.8 stations per kilometer being optimal for stimulating both types of vitality. The minimum threshold for economic vitality in a given unit is a housing price exceeding 6000 RMB/m2; (4) the future vitality map suggests that urban planners should pay greater attention to non-central districts with high development potential. Moreover, spontaneous social interactions and consumer behaviors stimulated by various shops are critical components of urban vitality. In designing the physical environment and urban spatial forms, special attention should be given to enhancing the attractiveness of physical spaces and their capacity to accommodate social interaction.

Anteseden Niat Beli Konsumen pada Produk Janji Jiwa

This article discusses research on three factors that influence consumers' purchase intentions for a coffee shop in Semarang City, these three factors consist of Social Media Marketing, Brand Image and Brand Awareness. Kopi Janji Jiwa is the object chosen in this research which was taken to distribute questionnaires to consumers in the city of Semarang. This research uses primary data obtained from the results of a questionnaire that was filled out by 100 consumers as respondents using the purposive sampling method as an approach. The data processing results from this research used SPSS version 25 software in testing validity tests, reliability tests, model tests and hypothesis tests. Research findings show that Social Media Marketing does not have a significant influence on Purchase Intention to Kopi Janji Jiwa. Brand Image also does not have a significant influence on Intention to Buy Janji Jiwa Coffee, while Brand Awareness has a significant influence on Intention to Buy Janji Jiwa Coffee. From the results of this research it can be concluded that not everyone has the intention to buy just by looking at the Brand Image or Social Media Marketing of a brand, but the majority of respondents have the intention to buy on the basis of brand awareness which can be recognized and remembered in various situations or environments..

Analisis Pengembangan Strategi Bersaing Limasan Cafe Karawang

Limasan Karawang Coffee Shop, as one of the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) units in Karawang, has become a popular destination for young people and teenagers to enjoy the cafe atmosphere and the various coffee products on offer. This research aims to identify and analyze the competitive strategies that have been implemented by the Limasan Karawang Coffee Shop. This research uses qualitative descriptive analysis. Business Model Canvas (BMC) analysis is used to do this. Primary and secondary data were used in this research. Primary data was obtained from observations and in-depth interviews related to creating competitive strategies for the Limasan Karawang Coffee Shop which was the subject of the research. The results of research conducted by researchers in a study entitled "Analysis of the Competitive Strategy Development of Limasan Cafe" using the Business Model Canvas Approach confirm that the Business Model Canvas is an effective method as a foundation for generating strategic alternatives and establishing new strategies for the company. To help define, analyze, Designing a business model, the Business Model Canvas (BMC), consists of nine elements that represent all aspects of the business. This concept can serve as an effective tool for describing business models and developing new strategies

Local Coffee Product Development Strategy

Kopi Kali Place is one of the popular coffee shops in the North Jakarta area that has been established since 2019. The purpose of this study is to determine the market penetration and development of local coffee products of Coffe shop Kopi Kali. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach to understand the development of local coffee products in Kopi Kali Coffee shop. The research methods used include in-depth interviews, participatory observation, documentation, and data triangulation. The results of the research show that Kopi Kali Coffee shop, since its establishment in 2019 until 2024, has undergone an impressive evolution in facing challenges and changes in the coffee industry. With strong adaptability and a high commitment to innovation, Kopi Kali has successfully developed an effective market penetration strategy. The main focus on innovative product development such as the transformation of "Kopi Belies" into a non-alcoholic version and the introduction of a variety of excellent coffee menus demonstrates a dedication to maintaining quality and creating a variety of flavors that appeal to customers. Smart marketing strategies, including the use of social media and partnerships with influencers, have been successful in increasing brand awareness and reaching a wider market segment.

A cave with remarkably high subterranean diversity in Africa and its significance for biodiversity conservation

Aziza cave, which is also known as kef Aziza or Tazouguert cave, represents an important and large karstic system that consists of more than 3.5 km of surveyed galleries, standing as the fifth most extensive cave system in Morocco and one of the ten largest in North Africa. This study unveils Aziza cave as an important spot of subterranean diversity in Africa. Here, we provide the first checklist of subterranean fauna in this cave, with 26 taxa, comprising 22 troglobiotic and 4 stygobiotic species. Of this total, eight species still require further confirmation of their status. The richest taxa include Coleoptera (5 species), Araneae (4 species), Entomobryomorpha (3 species), and Isopoda (2 species). However, it is noteworthy that only around 34.6% of the cave-restricted species found in the cave have been formally described to date. Additionally, the biodiversity of large system areas remains to be discovered as these areas need to be further explored. Furthermore, this paper highlights the broader conservation challenges faced by subterranean habitats in Morocco, particularly considering human-induced impacts on these remarkable ecosystems. We aim to draw attention to the crucial ecological role of subterranean environments and their extraordinary biological diversity. By doing so, we aim to inspire increased research and conservation initiatives, not just in this area but across Africa.

The Implementation of Service Quality, Perception of Price, Location Towards Purchasing Decisions (Case Study of Coffee Shops in North Bekasi)

The purpose of this study is to ascertain how price perception, location, and service quality affect customers' decisions to buy from Identiq Coffee Shop. This kind of study is quantitative in nature. This study's population is unknown. Purposive sampling combined with non-probability sampling is a sampling strategy. There were 96 responders in the study's sample. methods for gathering data by sending out surveys with Google Form. Multiple Linear Regression analysis was used in this work to test hypotheses. A number of coffee shops in North Bekasi are the topic of the study. The study's findings show that the factors of location, price perception, and service quality all significantly and concurrently positively affect the purchasing decision variable.

Chinese Ethnic Coffee Shop Adaptation in Riau through Inclusivity in Malay Society

This article focused on non-Muslim Chinese ethnic coffee shop entrepreneurs, aiming to discover and analyse forms of adaptation that have led to the survival of these coffee shops and their acceptance by the Malay-Muslim community. This qualitative research, utilising an ethnographic approach, is situated in Pekanbaru. Data was collected through observation and interviews with 11 predetermined informants, including entrepreneurs from second and third-generation Chinese families, Malay Riau cultural figures, historians, tourism advocates, coffee enthusiasts and customer informants. Documentary data in the form of autobiographies/biographies of the early founders of coffee shops. This study identified forms of adaptation, including the coffee shop managers’ identification with the community, continuity of family management adhering to halal and hygienic standards, prioritising honesty to gain community trust, forming partnerships and employing Muslim-background workers, and fostering communication, organisation, social engagement, and philanthropy. The adaptation of coffee shop entrepreneurs was expedited by the openness and acceptance of Muslim traders in Pekanbaru since the early 20th century. The presence of these coffee shops, deeply rooted in the social and cultural life of the Malay-Muslim community, manifests inclusivity. This encompasses accepting the halal aspect of the coffee shops’ offerings, managed by non-Muslim Chinese ethnic groups.

Examining Competitive Strategies in Growing Coffee Industry with Game Theory

The coffee market in Turkey is growing rapidly, leading to fierce competition between international, national and local coffee shops. It has become extremely important for the local economy that local businesses can compete and survive with these more institutionalized structures that also have brand advantages in competition. In this study, game theory was used as a tool to analyse the competitive strategies of companies operating in the coffee market by designing both zero-sum and non-zero-sum games. Considering that the expectations, tastes, preferences and consumption habits of the generations may be different, 1600 people were surveyed in Erzurum province by grouping them as Generation X, Y and Z according to their year of birth. Different game matrices were created with the data obtained from the surveys. The games were designed to identify the prominent strategies among coffee shops for each generation. The results showed that, regardless of generation, local coffee shops stand out from international and national coffee chains in terms of space comfort. In addition, local shops also stand out in terms of meeting consumer expectations. In order to gain a competitive advantage, local coffee shops should focus on developing strategies related to the space comfort. Developing this strategy provides opportunities for local businesses to increase their market share. It is also observed that Generation Z has higher expectations in all strategies compared to other generations.

STRATEGY OF SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BASED ON COMMUNITY (STUDY OF TODAY'S MODERN COFFEE SHOP BUSINESS ACTORS)

This study explores the sustainable community-based business approach adopted by modern coffee shops in Kendari City to boost community participation and foster customer loyalty. Through qualitative research, including case studies and in-depth interviews with business owners, employees, and community members, the findings indicate that involving the community in innovation and business adaptation strengthens customer relationships and enhances business sustainability. By engaging the community, coffee shops are able to create a sense of ownership, resulting in higher customer retention and greater brand loyalty. The approach also proves effective in addressing operational challenges such as fluctuating demand and supply disruptions by leveraging community-driven solutions. Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable practices, such as sourcing local ingredients, minimizing waste, and utilizing eco-friendly packaging, increases operational resilience and attracts environmentally conscious customers. This business model aligns with local policies promoting the sustainability of MSMEs and offers a replicable framework for other small businesses in similar contexts. Ultimately, the combination of community engagement and sustainable practices not only generates economic benefits but also builds social capital, ensuring long-term business resilience and contributing to local economic growth.

Research on the Factors That Influence and Improve the Quality of Informal Learning Spaces (ILS) in University Campus

Currently, with the intensification of global education competition, how to cultivate innovative and versatile talents has become the focus of education today. Informal learning spaces (ILS) have received widespread attention due to their benefits for interdisciplinary interaction. Many forms of ILS have been built, and coffee shops are one of them. However, there is no uniform standard for the design of cafes as ILS, and there are many problems with the spatial quality. This study took a university cafe as a case study and conducted research on the environmental quality and influencing factors from the perspective of environmental behavior. In terms of research methods, this study adopted a combination of ultra-wideband positioning, questionnaire surveys, and environmental data measurements. This research method could obtain the complete relationship between user behavior, time, and location, which improved the shortcomings of traditional research methods of fragmented and accidental data acquisition, and helped to obtain more accurate research results. The study identified the impact proportions of four criteria layer elements and 26 scheme layer factors, which was also the main contribution of this study. In terms of four criteria layer elements, the physical elements had the highest proportion, accounting for 32.46%. The ontology elements ranked second, accounting for 27.07%. The atmosphere elements ranked third, accounting for 24.19%. Finally, facility elements accounted for 16.29%. The top three scheme layer factors were equipment and facilities, noise, and illumination, with weights of 11.18%, 10.71%, and 8.35%, respectively. The study summarized the development directions of cafes as ILS, such as considering the learning needs of different groups, installing sound-absorbing and soundproof devices, adding grilles to external windows, and improving glare problems.

Product Development and Positioning Strategies for Seaclues Local Coffee

Seacules Coffee Shop uses psychographic, demographic, and behavioral factors to segment the market. Seaclues Coffee Shop's target market includes consumers between the ages of 18 and 45 who lead an active lifestyle and work as professionals or students. Seaclues Coffee Shop's goods are presented as premium coffee beverages. Seaclues serves high-quality coffee beans that have been roasted by a roaster. Coffee is served to customers with high quality services provided in a comfortable atmosphere. By implementing the right positioning strategy, Seaclues Coffee Shop can attract and retain the right customers, increase customer satisfaction, and build long-term loyalty. To respond to the dynamic market, Seaclues Coffee Shop has carried out product development by creating unique and high quality product variants. The quality of Seaclues coffee products comes from high quality coffee beans that go through a roasting process before being processed for serving. Seaclues Coffee Shop develops innovative and unique coffee products by utilizing spices. Accurate positioning and product development help Seaclues Coffee Shop create quality products that are different from competitors, which strengthens Seaclues Coffee Shop's presence in a competitive market.

The Use of Instagram Social Media @Buna.Indonesia in Promoting Buna Indonesia Coffee Shop to Customers

This study aims to determine the use of Instagram social media @buna.indonesia in promoting Buna Indonesia coffee shop to customers and to find out the obstacles faced by the use of Instagram social media @buna.indonesia in promoting Buna Indonesia coffee shop to customers. In obtaining the data needed for this study, researchers used qualitative methods, descriptive research type with a case study approach. The results of this study indicate that AISAS Theory in particular plays an important role in explaining how @buna.indonesia succeeds in attracting audience attention through interesting and interactive visual content. Researchers also found obstacles faced in using Instagram social media, namely unexpected Instagram algorithm changes that often reduce the reach and visibility of content, limited features, limited resources, including time, energy, and budget. Increased competition in the coffee industry also adds to the complexity of the challenges faced.

Tulum’s underwater caves: insights into the oldest human fossils in the Americas

Evidence of late Pleistocene human and fauna remains has been documented within the extensive cave systems of the Tulum region in northeast Yucatán, Mexico. This unique area is vital for paleontological and paleoanthropological research, providing insights into early human adaptation in the Americas. To date, 10 human fossils have been thoroughly studied, with two additional recent discoveries under investigation. These remains, dating from 13,700 to 8,000 BP, emphasize the paleoanthropological significance of Tulum's submerged caves. A key discovery is the skeleton of Eva de Naharon, dated to 13,721 years cal BP, making her the oldest known human fossil in the Americas. Using 3D facial reconstructions and DNA analysis, researchers have identified craniofacial similarities with South Asian populations, suggesting shared ancestry and migration patterns. These findings enrich our understanding of human migration and adaptation. Ongoing research continues to highlight the role of Tulum’s underwater caves in shaping early human history, survival strategies, and social structures over millennia.

Lost in the Dark: Current Evidence and Knowledge Gaps About Microplastic Pollution in Natural Caves

In this study, a systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out to summarize the emerging evidence on microplastic pollution in natural caves. After the screening of 655 papers on the topic from a combined search on the Web of Knowledge and the Scopus databases, we found only 14 studies reporting quantitative data on microplastics from a total of 27 natural caves. Most of the assessments focused on water and sediment, with very limited investigations concerning the cave biota. Overall, the most common types of particles found in caves were small (<1 mm) fibers (~70–90% of items), transparent or light-colored, mostly made of polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. Anthropogenic cellulosic materials, however, represented a non-negligible portion of particles (i.e., ~20–30%). Microplastic concentrations in caves varied between 0.017 and 911 items/L for water and 7.9 and 4777 items/kg for sediment, thus falling within the levels of microplastic pollution found in other terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. Levels of microplastic pollution appear largely variable among caves, stressing the need to extend the geographic and environmental ranges of the assessments, which are currently concentrated on Italian caves on land, with very few case studies from other regions of the world and from marine caves. Despite their putative isolation, natural caves have a high vulnerability to microplastic contamination, requiring much more research effort to understand the potential risk that plastics pose to these fragile ecosystems.

Application and Impact of the “Third Place” Concept — Starbucks as an Example

This essay explores the concept of the “Third Place” as epitomized by Starbucks, analyzing its significance in fostering community and enhancing the customer experience. By positioning itself as a communal hub, Starbucks transcends traditional retail paradigms, offering a space where social interactions flourish. The study found that Starbucks, through its successful global localization strategy, has effectively created a “third space” in different cultural contexts, enhancing customers’ sense of belonging and loyalty. Despite the impact of cultural differences on the brand experience, Starbucks’ space design and branding have become an important medium for customers to demonstrate their identity and interact socially. As the coffee shop market becomes increasingly crowded, Starbucks will need to continue to innovate and differentiate itself to meet customers’ evolving needs. In the future, Starbucks will need to continue to adapt to cultural differences and innovate to meet the challenges of the marketplace to maintain its global competitiveness.

Factors influencing third wave coffee customers' satisfaction and revisit intentions

In recent times, third wave coffee shops that have become part of daily life are being researched with their various dimensions. The aim of this research is to determine the impact of menu content, staff information and physical features in the formation of satisfaction and revisit intentions among customers of third wave coffee shops. The survey form prepared for this purpose was distributed to 448 participants in Eskişehir province between September 2022 and February 2023. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were used in the analysis of the obtained data. According to the analysis results of the research, all hypotheses created within the scope of the research were supported. In this context, it was determined that menu characteristics, staff knowledge, and the physical features of the establishment influence customer satisfaction, and satisfaction affects revisit intentions. Based on the findings of the research, a menu example that is thought to guide sector representatives has been created.