Cost Control Research Articles

How does divergence of control and cash-flow rights influence cost stickiness?

This study investigates whether the degree of cost stickiness depends on the divergence between control and cash-flow rights of ultimate owners using data from 22 countries. Firms with a large divergence between control and cash-flow rights are known to take more opportunistic actions at the expense of minority shareholders. The empirical results show that the magnitude of cost stickiness decreases as the divergence between control and cash-flow rights increases due to the greater incentives to manipulate earnings. Firms use both accruals earnings management (AEM) and real-activities earnings management (REM), and among REM, they adjust production activity and discretionary expense to affect cost. Additional tests show that the negative relationship between the divergence between control and cash-flow rights and cost stickiness is more pronounced in countries with weak economic, legal, and social factors. This paper, by examining the effect of ownership structure on cost behavior as well as its underlying mechanism, broadens the understanding of sticky cost behavior and contributes to the growing body of literature on the convergence of financial and managerial accounting.

Svenska narkotikapolisföreningens tidskrift - polisens bild av ett problem?

Aim: To analyze how the Police in Sweden perceives the drug problem and how it relates to changes in drug politics in the direction of liberalization. Method: The material analyzed consists of a content-analysis of the magazine of the Swedish Narcotic Police Association, covering 145 issues since the start in 1988, concentrating on lead articles, editorials and other articles on principles and politics. Results: The magazine demonstrate an alarmistic view of the drug problem, criticize government agencies and the media for liberal views, question the motives of proponents of decriminalization and legalization, leaves the costs of control of drug interventions aside, and sees the Police as guardian of status quo and as the defender of the goal of Swedish drug policy: "a drug-free society".

A multi-scale uncertainty quantification model encompassing minimum-size unit cells for effective properties of plain woven composites

The uncertainty quantification is crucial to the high-precision prediction of composites’ effective properties. However, the unclear input uncertainties of multiscale parameters, complex uncertainty propagations of inter-scale correlations, and unaffordable computational cost of massive simulations are three primary problems at present. In this work, an innovative model with high accuracy and feasible cost for the mechanical property prediction of plain woven composites is developed encompassing minimum-size unit cells and multi-scale uncertainty quantification. For the accuracy holding, an uncertainty analysis process consists of the traceability description, inter-scale propagation and quantification is established. The uncertainties of geometry are described by uniform distributions for fiber, fiber bundle and composite scales, respectively; that of constituent properties is described by normal distributions for fiber and matrix, and its propagations to bundle and composite scales are realized by Nataf transformation methods with the consideration of parameter correlations. For the cost control, minimum-size unit cells are formulated by exhaustive analysis of structural symmetries to reduce the computational cost without accuracy compromising for the single simulation, and 1/8 and 1/16 unit cells compared with traditional full-size ones are obtained. The evolution convergence for statistical uncertainties of effective properties is finally obtained with totally reduced computational cost of 89%.

Analysis of hospitalization costs in adult inguinal hernia: based on quantile regression model.

Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure with significant variability in hospitalization costs. Traditional cost analysis methods often overlook the distribution of costs across patient demographics and clinical factors. This study employs a quantile regression model to explore the determinants of hospitalization costs for adult inguinal hernia surgery, providing a detailed understanding of cost variations across different quantiles. We analyzed data from adult patients who underwent inguinal hernia surgery at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from January 2015 to June 2023. The study included patient demographics, hernia-related information, surgery-related details, and cost-related data. A quantile regression model was used to assess the impact of various factors on hospitalization costs at different quantiles (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%). Data were processed using StataSE 15.0 software. Our study included 16,602 patients, predominantly male (91.86%) and Han Chinese (96.48%), with the 51-64 years age group being the largest (26.80%). The quantile regression analysis revealed significant cost variations across different quantiles. Younger patients incurred higher costs, with age coefficients ranging from -40.541 at the 90th quantile to -3.082 at the 10th quantile. Uninsured patients faced higher costs, with coefficients from 214.747 at the 80th quantile to 501.78 at the 10th quantile. Longer hospital stays correlated with increased costs, with coefficients from 342.15 at the 80th quantile to 405.613 at the 90th quantile. Patients hospitalized multiple times(≥3) had lower costs, with coefficients from-767.353 at the 40th quantile to -311.575 at the 80th quantile. Comorbidities significantly raised costs, with coefficients for three or more comorbidities ranging from806.122 at the80th quantile to1,456.02 at the40th quantile. Laparoscopic surgery was more expensive than open surgery, with coefficients from 1,834.206 at the 80th quantile to 2,805.281 at the 10th quantile. Bilateral surgeries and the use of biological mesh also resulted in higher costs, with coefficients for bilateral surgeries ranging from 1,067.708 at the 10th quantile to 2,871.126 at the 90th quantile and for biological mesh from 3,221.216 at the 40th quantile to 6,117.598 at the 90th quantile. Hospitalization costs for inguinal hernia surgery are influenced by multiple factors, with significant variations across different patient groups. Strategies to control costs should be tailored to address the specific needs of patients, optimize surgical methods, and improve perioperative care. Future research should extend these findings across different healthcare settings and consider the latest advancements in medical technology and policy changes.

Community science can inform invasive species management: Melaleuca (Myrtaceae) in South Africa

Abstract Community science initiatives are revolutionising our ability to detect and respond to biological invasions. Non‐native trees and shrubs are among the world's most damaging invasive species and community science data can be used to inform protocols for managing these invasions. This study explores the utility of iNaturalist in informing management practices for the widely cultivated and naturalised genus Melaleuca L. (Myrtaceae; here including the genus Callistemon) in South Africa. We applied data from iNaturalist to assess the distribution and invasion ecology of Melaleuca species in South Africa. Melaleucas, first recorded in South Africa in 1882, have been widely used as garden ornamentals and street trees in the country for over 50 years. Naturalisation of melaleucas in South Africa was first reported in 1998 and the first records of naturalisation/invasiveness for other species are accumulating rapidly. Data on all Melaleuca species in South Africa were downloaded from iNaturalist and analysed using Geographic Information System software. In September 2023, iNaturalist had 3221 records of melaleucas across the country. After checking and filtering, and applying criteria to increase reliability, 2815 records remained, with confirmed identifications of 26 species. These species were recorded in a total of 138 quarter‐degree cells (QDCs) in South Africa (7% of the country); Research Grade (RG, wild‐growing) records occurred in 21 QDCs, records of cultivated plants in 75 QDCs, and 42 QDCs had records of both cultivated and wild‐growing plants. An Invasiveness Index was calculated for each species in the country, provinces, and municipalities, to show which species are already invasive or have substantial invasion debt. Thirty‐two percent of the filtered records were RG (naturalised). The municipality with the highest number of records is the City of Cape Town, with 43% RG records. iNaturalist provided useful information on the occurrence of five Melaleuca species for which no information was available before this study was undertaken. Case studies of invaded habitats highlight that melaleucas have the potential to alter ecosystems incurring substantial control costs. Practical implications: Our study highlights the value of community science data in the detection, monitoring, and management of invasive plant species.

A Switching Memory-Based Event-Trigger Scheme for Synchronization of Lur'e Systems With Actuator Saturation: A Hybrid Lyapunov Method.

This article is concerned with the event-triggered synchronization of Lur'e systems subject to actuator saturation. Aiming at reducing control costs, a switching-memory-based event-trigger (SMBET) scheme, which allows a switching between the sleeping interval and the memory-based event-trigger (MBET) interval, is first presented. In consideration of the characteristics of SMBET, a piecewise-defined but continuous looped-functional is newly constructed, under which the requirement of positive definiteness and symmetry on some Lyapunov matrices is dropped within the sleeping interval. Then, a hybrid Lyapunov method (HLM), which bridges the gap between the continuous-time Lyapunov theory (CTLT) and the discrete-time Lyapunov theory (DTLT), is used to make the local stability analysis of the closed-loop system. Meanwhile, using a combination of inequality estimation techniques and the generalized sector condition, two sufficient local synchronization criteria and a codesign algorithm for the controller gain and triggering matrix are developed. Furthermore, two optimization strategies are, respectively, put forward to enlarge the estimated domain of attraction (DoA) and the allowable upper bound of sleeping intervals on the premise of ensuring local synchronization. Finally, a three-neuron neural network and the classical Chua's circuit are used to carry out some comparison analyses and to display the advantages of the designed SMBET strategy and the constructed HLM, respectively. Also, an application to image encryption is provided to substantiate the feasibility of the obtained local synchronization results.

Development and implementation of cost control strategies in oil and gas engineering projects

This review delves into the development and implementation of cost control strategies in oil and gas engineering projects, an area critical for maintaining project viability and profitability amidst fluctuating market conditions. Effective cost control is essential in the oil and gas sector, where projects are often capital-intensive and subject to economic and operational uncertainties. This review examines various cost control methodologies and their application throughout the project lifecycle, from initial planning and budgeting to execution and closure. The paper highlights key cost control strategies, including detailed project cost estimation, budget forecasting, and variance analysis. It discusses the use of advanced project management tools and technologies, such as software for real-time cost tracking and predictive analytics, which enhance decision-making and financial oversight. The review also covers the importance of risk management practices in identifying and mitigating potential cost overruns, emphasizing the role of contingency planning and risk assessment in maintaining financial control. Case studies demonstrate how successful implementation of these strategies can lead to significant cost savings, improved project efficiency, and enhanced financial performance. The challenges associated with cost control, including dealing with unexpected price fluctuations, scope changes, and regulatory compliance issues, are also addressed. Solutions to these challenges, such as adopting flexible budgeting techniques and leveraging data-driven insights, are discussed. The review concludes with recommendations for refining cost control practices in oil and gas engineering projects, including the need for continuous monitoring and adjustment of cost control measures, integrating cost management with overall project strategy, and fostering collaboration among project stakeholders to ensure alignment and accountability.

Mediating Effect of Leadership and Cost Control between External Environment and Organization Structure the Tourism Industry in Tongliao City Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region the People’s Republic of China

This research aims to study the objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to purpose mediating effect of leadership and cost control between external environment and organization structure of the tourism industry in Tongliao city inner Mongolia autonomous region the people’s republic of china. (2) To investigate the factor direct and indirect among external environment and organization structure of the tourism industry in Tongliao city inner Mongolia autonomous region the people’s republic of china. This study adopts a mixed- method approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative study surveyed 2,851 employees from 35 SMEs in the tourism industry in Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, through questionnaire surveys, with a sample of 400 employees. The qualitative research method involved in-depth interviews with 3 senior management personnel.  Major Findings: To investigate and analyze the causal factors influencing the organizational structure of the tourism industry in Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China, this study conducted a detailed analysis based on the structural equation model shown in the image. According to the model results, the Chi-square value is 248.663, the degrees of freedom are 106, the CMIN/df is 2.346, the sample size is 400, the CFI is 0.954, the NFI is 0.924, the GFI is 0.951, the IFI is 0.955, the RMSEA is 0.043, and the SRMR is 0.048. These indicators demonstrate a good model fit. Specifically, the key influencing factors include Leadership (LEA), Organizational Resources (ORS), Employee Efficiency (EE), and Cultural Construction (CCL). Among them, the impact coefficient of Leadership on Organizational Resources is 0.52, the impact coefficient of Organizational Resources on Employee Efficiency is 0.63, and the impact coefficient of Employee Efficiency on Cultural Construction is 0.75. Additionally, Leadership indirectly influences Cultural Construction through Organizational Resources. These causal relationship data provide important references for optimizing the organizational structure of the tourism industry in Tongliao City.

Influence characteristic and improvement mechanism of thermal storage performance of Packed-bed thermocline tank based on high-temperature molten salt

Chloride salts and carbonates thermal energy storage (TES) have great application potential in high-temperature concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. However, their thermal storage characteristics, performance improvement mechanism and economic feasibility of application in high-temperature conditions are not clear. In this study, a transient, two-dimensional and axisymmetric model is developed for packed-bed thermocline tanks. The effects of six commonly solid fillers on thermal storage performance of NaCl-KCl-MgCl2 salt and Na2CO3-K2CO3-Li2CO3 salt at an operation temperature of 450–800 °C are simulated. The suggestions for optimizing fillers are provided combined with thermal and economic performance. Results show that high volume heat capacity and low thermal conductivity of fillers play important roles in deferring migration and weakening diffusion of thermocline, thus promoting thermal storage capacity and efficiency of tanks. Concrete and cast iron are suitable fillers for chloride salts and carbonates TES. The concrete tank is suitable for systems with strict cost control and low TES requirements. The iron tank is suitable for systems with high TES and low cost control requirements, which significantly increases effective thermal storage capacity of chloride salts by 222.1 % and considerably reduces TES cost of carbonates by 41.1 %. The results can be beneficial for high-temperature TES system of CSP plants.

Analysis of Financial Performances for Coca-Cola: Comparison with PepsiCo, Keurig Dr Pepper and Monster Beverage

In the global beverage market, Coca Cola, PepsiCo, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., and Monster Beverage Corporation are the four giants whose financial performance has a profound impact on the entire industry. This study aims to analyze in depth the market performance and financial health of these companies by comparing their financial indicators. Research has found that Coca Cola Company has outstanding performance in profitability, asset utilization efficiency, and cost control, while PepsiCo, despite performing well in certain indicators, has a negative expected earnings per share growth rate, which has attracted attention. Monster Beverage Corporation shows high market expectations, but attention should be paid to the risks that its high P/E ratio may bring. Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. has relatively weak profitability, but its gross profit margin trend shows signs of improvement. This study not only provides investors and analysts with a comprehensive perspective on the financial health of major beverage companies, but also provides important references for understanding their strategic decisions and market performance, which can help make more informed investment decisions.

The Role of Financial Leverage and Cost Management on Operational Efficiency and Earnings Stability in Hospitality Industry in Indonesia

This study explores the impact of cost management and financial leverage on operational efficiency and earnings stability in the hospitality industry in Indonesia. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data was collected from 280 hospitality businesses and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results reveal that both cost management and financial leverage significantly contribute to earnings stability, with financial leverage also playing a strong role in improving operational efficiency. Operational efficiency serves as a critical mediator, linking financial strategies to stable earnings. The findings highlight the importance of carefully balancing debt financing and cost control to optimize both financial performance and operational processes in the hospitality sector. These insights offer valuable guidance for hospitality managers seeking to enhance long-term profitability and resilience in a highly competitive industry.

Food Cost Control Strategy at Hyatt Regency Bali

Food Cost Control Strategy at Hyatt Regency Bali

Post-project financial auditing as a continuous improvement tool for SMEs

Post-project financial auditing is a critical tool for ensuring transparency, accountability, and financial accuracy within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As SMEs navigate project-based operations, it is essential to assess the financial outcomes of completed projects to inform future decision-making and resource allocation. This review explores the role of post-project financial auditing as a continuous improvement tool in SMEs, highlighting its ability to enhance financial discipline, improve cost control, and promote long-term financial sustainability. By examining key aspects of project revenues, expenditures, and profitability, post-project financial audits provide insights into financial performance that are essential for strategic planning. These audits help identify budget deviations, resource misallocations, and cost inefficiencies, enabling SMEs to adjust future financial planning and project management practices. In doing so, audits contribute to refining budgeting processes, promoting data-driven decision-making, and reducing financial risks in subsequent projects. The review also emphasizes the benefits of post-project auditing in fostering a culture of financial responsibility within SMEs. Through the audit process, SMEs can strengthen internal controls, monitor compliance with financial regulations, and ensure that project outcomes align with organizational financial goals. Additionally, the integration of audit findings into future financial strategies enables SMEs to continuously improve their profitability, mitigate risks, and enhance overall financial stability. Despite the clear advantages, challenges such as resource constraints, data management issues, and limited audit expertise can hinder the adoption of post-project audits in SMEs. The review offers practical recommendations to address these challenges, advocating for the use of scalable audit frameworks, digital tools, and ongoing staff training to support effective auditing practices. Ultimately, post-project financial auditing represents a vital mechanism for driving continuous improvement and ensuring the financial resilience of SMEs in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Research on the Application of Multimodal Haptic Technology in the Interaction Design of Virtual Characters

This article delves deeply into the aspects related to multimodal haptic technology in the interaction design of virtual characters in virtual reality technology. Firstly, it introduces the development trend of virtual reality technology and the importance of haptic technology. Then, it outlines the definition, principle and types of multimodal haptic technology. Subsequently, it analyzes in detail the application status in the interaction design of virtual characters, including existing application cases, application scopes, and the influence on virtual characters and interaction functions. It also elaborates the methods of quantifying and evaluating the effects, including the establishment of quantitative indicators, evaluation methods, and experimental design and data analysis. It explores the effective scenarios in application practice, the influencing factors of user satisfaction and strategies for improvement. Finally, it points out the challenges faced and proposes solutions including technological innovation, algorithm optimization, cost control, and design optimization strategies.

A new iron recovery and dephosphorization approach from unroasted high‐phosphorus oolitic hematite ore via a facile chemical beneficiation process

AbstractDespite the abundance of scientific reports on the treatment of oolitic hematite, it still constitutes a global challenge. The distinctive oolitic structure within the ore is regarded as the primary factor causing the difficulty in the beneficiation of oolitic hematite ore. The objective of this study is to devise an effective approach to tackle the issue of beneficiation of oolitic hematite ore, thereby facilitating the utilization of oolitic hematite ore, which is widely abundant worldwide. Based on the Pourbaix diagram (Eh‐pH) of the Al‐Si‐H2O system, an alkaline leaching process for eliminating impurities from unroasted oolitic hematite using NaOH solution as the leaching agent was proposed. The optimal parameters were determined as a temperature of 250°C, a NaOH concentration of 16 mol/L, a liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 4 mL/g, and a reaction time of approximately 2 h. Around 54% of phosphorus (P), 21% of Al2O3, and 61% of SiO2 can be preliminarily removed from unroasted oolitic hematite ore. Through further dephosphorization with dilute sulfuric acid at room temperature, a high‐quality Fe concentrate with 63.3% Fe, 0.04% P, and a Fe recovery rate of 96% was obtained. The alkali can be readily regenerated by adding lime to the leaching solution, and the regenerated alkali has a leaching effect comparable to that of the fresh leaching solution. The recycling and utilization of alkaline leaching agents minimize production costs to the greatest extent possible. Mechanical studies have discovered that intact oolites undergo complete dissociation under alkaline leaching, enabling the leaching solution to permeate into the particles and thereby deeply eliminate impurities. The novel method has accomplished efficient processing of oolitic hematite and a reasonable control of production costs during processing, which is significant for expanding the reserves of iron ore resources.

Understanding Potential Mechanisms of Vaping Prevention Messages: A Mediation Analysis of the Real Cost Campaign Advertisements.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed a public education campaign, The Real Cost, that reduced youth susceptibility to tobacco product use. We sought to identify the mechanisms that may underlie the impact of The Real Cost ads on susceptibility to vaping to inform youth tobacco prevention campaigns. Our online randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04836455) examined a large sample of U.S. adolescents (n = 1,348) who had multiple exposures to Real Cost ads or control videos over a 3-week period in 2021. To examine potential mediating pathways between The Real Cost ads and susceptibility to vaping, we examined theory-based psychosocial and message-related variables. The largest impact of The Real Cost ads on susceptibility was via more negative attitudes toward vaping (βa*βb = -0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [-0.25, -0.06]). Other mediation paths were via improved health harm risk beliefs (βa*βb = -0.08; 95% CI = [-0.13, -0.04]), addiction risk beliefs (βa*βb = -0.04; 95% CI = [-0.06, -0.01]), injunctive norms against vaping (βa*βb = -0.05; 95% CI = [-0.09, -0.02]), negative affect (βa*βb = -0.05; 95% CI = [-0.08, -0.02]), and cognitive elaboration (βa*βb = -0.03; 95% CI = [-0.05, -0.003]). Our findings suggest that ads that target negative attitudes may decrease susceptibility to vaping among youth. Our findings also introduce normative pressure as a novel factor that may be important for vaping prevention messages.

Application of Commonly Used Artificial Intelligence Tools in Field of Publishing

With the rapid development of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has penetrated various industries, including the publishing industry. This article provides a detailed introduction to the current application status of commonly used AI tools in the field of publishing. Among them, the automated typesetting technology represented by Fangzheng Academic Publishing Cloud Service Platform has shown a dual leap in efficiency and quality compared to traditional typesetting methods, and has brought comprehensive innovations in intelligence, personalization, and cost control; Intelligent editing, represented by Grammarly, Heima Proofreading Software, and Shanfeng Software, has demonstrated their respective advantages in efficiency, accuracy, personalization, and technological innovation, providing strong support and assistance for editors. It is an indispensable and important tool in the field of publishing.

Present Situation and Challenge of BlM Development in Construction Cost Industry

This paper analyzes the construction cost situation, BIM technology development, cost measurement methods, cost pricing system, cost control practice and cost management experience of our country and the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan. Finally, the outlook for the future development of engineering cost industry in our country is concluded. and the relevant suggestion is given, which provides a useful reference for the development of engineering cost industry in our country.

Optimization scheme design in production process based on multi-stage decision-making

This paper studies the control of defective rate in the electronic industry chain, designs a small sample binomial distribution sampling detection scheme to verify the supplier 's defective rate statement and optimize the detection cost. Based on the defective rate, the linear programming and dynamic programming / decision tree model are used to optimize the multi-stage production process, including parts inspection, finished product inspection and unqualified product treatment, so as to maximize the profit of the enterprise. A phased optimization strategy is proposed for complex multi-process situations. Finally, according to the sampling test results, the defect rate estimation is adjusted, the problem model is re-optimized, and the cost control reference scheme is provided.

Research on High-Quality Development Strategies for the Homestay Industry from the Perspective of Value Chain

This study uses value chain analysis to examine the basic and supporting activities in the homestay industry, explore the challenges present in the value chain activities, and offer recommendations. The study points out that homestay businesses should focus on core competencies and implement a series of measures to achieve value creation and cost control. Additionally, optimizing the policy environment and applying sustainable development are crucial for the transformation and upgrading of the homestay industry. The results provide practical guidance for the industry to achieve sustainable development in an increasingly competitive market.