Cooperation Partners Research Articles

Dogs understand the role of a human partner in a cooperative task

Humans are exceptionally flexible in cooperation, partly due to our ability to recognize the roles of cooperative partners. While some non-human animals understand the need for a partner in such interactions, it is unclear whether they grasp the consequences of their partner’s actions and adjust accordingly. Previous studies utilizing economic games with non-human animals yielded mixed results. We investigated dogs, known for their close cooperation with humans, in a stag hunt game. Dogs could cooperate for better rewards or defect for lower ones, while their human partners would either cooperate, never cooperate, or act randomly. We control for attraction to food, side bias, and local enhancement. Dogs were more likely to coordinate with their partners when it led to better rewards, suggesting that they understood their partner’s actions. By highlighting this cognitive skill in dogs, we advance our knowledge of the intricate mechanisms driving cooperative behavior in non-human animals.

Transversal skills in applied Artificial Intelligence - the case of the financial sector

Different aspects of modern society can be transformed by the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-powered tools have promoted changes in the financial industry by applying inventive methods for data analysis and automating processes, efficiency enhancement, cost reduction and more personalised services to customers. However, AI algorithms may activate significant ethical and regulatory concerns that should be addressed by the industry and society as a whole. In line with the Erasmus+ project Transversal Skills in Applied Artificial Intelligence - TSAAI (KA220-HED - Cooperation Partnerships in higher education), which aims to establish a training platform, this paper focuses on an analysis of study programmes in formal tertiary education across consortium countries (Spain, Estonia, North Macedonia, Croatia, Germany, and Slovenia) with a special focus on applied artificial intelligence and development of curriculum that will integrate teaching guidelines covering the areas of application of AI technology in the financial and insurance sectors. To this end, a Systematic Review of Literacy (SRL) on the web methodology identifying the existing employability requirements in AI and the Learning-Centred Syllabus (LCS) methodology for curriculum development was applied, with the presented curriculum expected to serve as a framework to develop teaching materials to help students, academics and employees enhance their professional skills, thus satisfying labour market needs.

It is not all about you: Communicative cooperation is determined by your partner's theory of mind abilities as well as your own.

We investigated the relationship between Theory of Mind (ToM) and communicative cooperation. Specifically, we examined whether communicative cooperation is affected by the ToM ability of one's cooperative partner as well as their own. ToM is the attribution of mental states to oneself and others; cooperation is the joint action that leads to achieving a shared goal. We measured cooperation using a novel communicative cooperation game completed by participants in pairs. ToM was measured via the Movies for Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) task and fluid intelligence via the Raven task. Findings of 350 adults show that ToM scores of both players were predictors of cooperative failure, whereas Raven scores were not. Furthermore, participants were split into low- and high-ToM groups through a median split of the MASC scores: high-ToM individuals committed significantly fewer cooperative errors compared to their low-ToM counterparts. Therefore, we found a direct relationship between ToM and cooperation. Interestingly, we also examined how ToM scores of paired participants determine cooperation. We found that pairs with two high-ToM individuals committed significantly fewer errors compared to pairs with two low-ToM individuals. We speculate that reduced cooperation in low-low ToM pairs is a result of less efficient development of conceptual alignment and recovery from misalignment, compared to high-high ToM dyads. For the first time, we thus demonstrate that it is not all about you; both cooperative partners make key, independent, contributions to cooperative outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Children are sensitive to the number of sources when relying on gossip.

Gossip allows children to effectively identify cooperative or trustworthy partners. However, the risk of being deceived must be faced because gossip may be false. One clue for determining gossip's veracity is the number of its sources since multiple informants spreading identical reputational information about others might imply that another's moral traits are viewed unanimously among members of a social group. We investigated whether 7-year-olds (N = 108) would trust gossip from multiple independent sources. In our study, they received multiple pieces of positive/negative reputational information about one agent and neutral information about another agent by gossip from either single or multiple informants. Then they allocated rewards to and chose rewards from the gossip targets. The 7-year-olds acted upon positive gossip from multiple informants and did not rely on positive gossip from a single informant. By contrast, they relied on negative gossip regardless of the number of informants. In either valence, however, they were more likely to allocate rewards based on gossip from multiple informants than a single informant. This result indicates they are sensitive to an objective index, specifically the number of sources, for judging the veracity of gossip.

The one health approach: combating the persistent Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) outbreaks in Isiolo County, Kenya

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis has remained a public health problem in Kenya despite Ministry of Health’s numerous efforts. This is associated with absence of a multidisciplinary response to outbreaks. We intended to analyze community’s prioritization of causes of Visceral leishmaniasis as well as community awareness on the disease prevention and control. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study design conducted between September 2023 to December 2023. 433 households’ heads, 23 community leaders and health workers were study informants. Results: Study findings showed clear proximity of human settlements and socioeconomic activities to the vector sandfly breeding sites. Environmental factors augmented by effects of climate change including flooding and high temperatures have sustained transmission including emergence of the disease in new foci. Low socio-economic status, environmental factors and climate change effects showed highly significant correlations with the disease and interplay with one another. Study results show lack of strategies and policies that promote effective prevention and control of Kala-azar. Stakeholders’ analysis revealed limited community awareness regarding roles played by different individuals in Kala-azar prevention, control, and elimination. Conclusions: There is a major gap in cooperation of partners in human, animal, and environmental health for achievements in public health strategies, therefore One Health approach should be adopted for integrated prevention, control, and elimination. The approach will sustainably improve and promote health while addressing the entire spectrum of disease control, including detection, preparedness, response, and management in addition to disease prevention averting this terrible disease from resurfacing in the future.

A collaborative navigation integrity augmentation method with optimal dynamic partner selection

The collaboration among swarmed aircraft can provide additional observation to improve the integrity of its onboard navigation systems. But due to the limitation on relative communicating and measuring burdens, adopting all the observations between aircraft in the swarm is inefficient. The geometry of the collaborated partners is a key factor that influences the effectiveness of the navigation integrity augmentation, which needs to be optimized in collaborative integrity augmented navigation. In this paper, the integrity augmented navigation method for aerial swarm based on collaborative partner optimization is proposed. The geometry constructed by the GNSS satellites and the cooperative partners in the aerial swarm are analyzed dynamically, and the augmented integrity protection levels with different collaborative relationships are predicted to distinguish the partner essential for navigation integrity augmentation. Then the collaborative partner makes a key contribution to integrity augmentation adopted in collaborative navigation integrity monitoring, improving the efficiency of the collaborative navigation. The simulation results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed cooperative partnership optimization strategy, as well as the superiority of the proposed method compared with the traditional independent integrity framework in improving the integrity protection level and fault detection capacity.

COASTAL PROTECTION OF THE CITY OF BEIRA IN MOZAMBIQUE: EVALUATION AND MITIGATION PROPOSALS

The present research is the result of a quantitative research that aims to propose sustainable ways of protecting the coastal zone to reduce the negative effects of coastal erosion in the City of Beira, starting from a previous evaluation. For the perception of the research data, the methodology consisted of bibliographical research, documentary research, direct observation and inquiry with employees of the Municipal Council and residents of the neighborhood of Praia Nova, Ponta - Gêa, Palmeiras and Macuti, with a sample of 215 participants . From the statistical analysis, the research found that the natural cause of coastal erosion is rain, global warming and the rise in sea level, while the anthropogenic causes were found to be the destruction of coastal vegetation and dunes; sustainable natural measures include the planting of mangroves and casuarinas, while artificial measures include the construction of breakwaters, walls and spurs. Given the relevance of the study, it is suggested that the municipality make efforts with the government and cooperation partners in order to obtain funding for the construction of a wall from Praia Nova to the area of the Wedding Palace; The city council must make efforts to rehabilitate breakwaters close to water outlets in particular, and train its employees in coastal protection and disaster risk management. It should also develop lectures involving the community, on matters about the causes and consequences of climate change, global warming and erosion.

Local government innovation towards good governance through public service malls

Public Service Mall (MPP) is an initiative to ensure good governance in Indonesia by improving the standard of good governance public services. Cirebon Regency Government continues to make various innovations through the implementation of the public service mall managed by the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office (DPMPTSP) in the form of licensing and non-licensing in one place for various public services from several agencies. The author tries to provide several recommendations as follows: (1) Strengthening human resources to ensure that fresh initiatives in carrying out government duties; (2) Strengthen cooperation partners with related bureaucracy to improve the quality of services; (3) Pay attention to the technical aspects of successful implementation; (4) Increase bureaucratic commitment to the implementation and contributing to the distribution of duties and participation in public services towards good governance.

Climate Change and Regional Cooperation in South-east Asian Countries

Climate change and environmental degradation are the two most pressing concerns faced by the world today for which regional cooperation is necessary. For regional cooperation, governments at the regional level must work together to coordinate activities, unify regulations and create risk-reduction plans. In South-east Asia, multiple initiatives have been taken for a shared framework for carrying out coordinated policy implementation. However, political and technical barriers have stymied efforts to suit the needs and benefits of partnering states. This article will analyse these problems and approaches in a few chosen South-east Asian nations and examine comprehensive action plans built on cooperative partnerships. It will offer a critical assessment of the environmental and climate-related issues South-east Asia faces and also offer recommendations on how to use policy tools to regulate and solve issues of regional environmental governance. It also looks at ways to counteract institutional and regulatory obstacles to reaching desired outcomes emphasising regulatory frameworks and policy.

Cooperation and Struggle Between Vietnam and the United States: Impediments to Improved U.S.-Vietnam Relations

Abstract The relationship between the United States and Vietnam began when Prince Nguyen Phuc Canh worked with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary American Ambassador Thomas Jefferson in 1787. The United States, however, later invaded Vietnam, causing a bloody conflict unlike any in human history from 1954 to 1975. Then, in 1995, a shared sense of humanity and morality motivated the two countries to attempt to form a comprehensive partnership that they achieved in 2013, and they have been working to refine their approach toward collaborating together ever since. In this partnership, there is a need to uncover and resolve a few mysteries. This article’s objective is to analyze the fundamentals of both cooperation and conflict in this historical partnership – human rights (including for prisoners of war and those missing in action), military security, policy reform in Vietnam, and financial gains for Vietnam and the United States. However, differences in political institutions, interests and values, and aims for the relationship have all become points of contention since normalization of bilateral relations in 1995.

An Object Deformation-Agnostic Framework for Human–Robot Collaborative Transportation

In this study, an adaptive object deformability-agnostic human-robot collaborative transportation framework is presented. The proposed framework enables to combine the haptic information transferred through the object with the human kinematic information obtained from a motion capture system to generate reactive whole-body motions on a mobile collaborative robot. Furthermore, it allows rotating the objects in an intuitive and accurate way during co-transportation based on an algorithm that detects the human rotation intention using the torso and hand movements. First, we validate the framework with the two extremities of the object deformability range (i.e., purely rigid aluminum rod and highly deformable rope) by utilizing a mobile manipulator which consists of an Omni-directional mobile base and a collaborative robotic arm. Next, its performance is compared with an admittance controller during a co-carry task of a partially deformable object in a 12-subjects user study. Quantitative and qualitative results of this experiment show that the proposed framework can effectively handle the transportation of objects regardless of their deformability and provides intuitive assistance to human partners. Finally, we have demonstrated the potential of our framework in a different scenario, where the human and the robot co-transport a manikin using a deformable sheet. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Note to Practitioners</i> —Transportation of objects which requires the cooperation of multiple partners, is a common task in industrial settings such as factories and warehouses. The existing human-robot collaboration solutions for this task have focused only on purely rigid objects, although deformable objects need to be carried frequently in real-world applications. In this paper, we introduce a human-robot collaborative transportation framework that can handle objects with different deformability ranging from purely rigid to highly deformable. In particular, the proposed framework generates whole-body movements on a mobile collaborative robot by combining of the haptic information transmitted through the object and the human motion information obtained from a motion capture system. Moreover, the framework includes an intuitive way to rotate the object during the execution based on human hand and torso motion. The results of the experiments where objects with various deformability characteristics were transported in collaboration with a mobile manipulator demonstrated the high potential of the proposed approach in a laboratory setting. In the future, we plan to employ a less expensive vision-based human motion tracking system instead of the IMU-based system used in this study. With this change, we will be able to eliminate the need for wearable sensors from the framework presented, which would enhance its usability in real-world scenarios.

Economic cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization analysis

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (hereinafter – SCO) was established in 2001 and since then has expanded its membership and scope of activities. The purpose of the study is to analyze the economic aspects of cooperation within the SCO and the existing problems hindering further economic interaction, as well as to identify promising development areas. To achieve this goal the author used general scientific and historical methods that allow us to analyze and evaluate information such as generalization, data analysis and synthesis, method of logical and comparative analysis, comparison and contrast. The current state and prospects of economic cooperation within the SCO have been analyzed. Trade, investments, infrastructure projects, energy, and other areas of interaction have been considered. The SCO economic agenda is aimed at increasing regional trade, improving market access, promoting regional ties, and consolidating the economic potential of member states. However, unresolved territorial disputes between China, India and Pakistan impede the deepening of economic ties. In turn, the recent accession of Iran opens up new opportunities for trade and transportation corridors. Prospects for an SCO free trade zone, joint infrastructure projects, financial cooperation, and high-tech partnerships have been highlighted as strategic goals. In general, further economic integration is in line with the member states’ national interests. Eliminating internal tensions and developing effective communication mechanisms will help strengthen the SCO as an organization and realize its economic potential.

First-year students AI-competence as a predictor for intended and de facto use of AI-tools for supporting learning processes in higher education

The influence of Artificial Intelligence on higher education is increasing. As important drivers for student retention and learning success, generative AI-tools like translators, paraphrasers and most lately chatbots can support students in their learning processes. The perceptions and expectations of first-years students related to AI-tools have not yet been researched in-depth. The same can be stated about necessary requirements and skills for the purposeful use of AI-tools. The research work examines the relationship between first-year students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes and their use of AI-tools for their learning processes. Analysing the data of 634 first-year students revealed that attitudes towards AI significantly explains the intended use of AI tools. Additionally, the perceived benefits of AI-technology are predictors for students’ perception of AI-robots as cooperation partners for humans. Educators in higher education must facilitate students’ AI competencies and integrate AI-tools into instructional designs. As a result, students learning processes will be improved.

Identification of Medical Ecosystems in the Field of Mental Health and Cardiovascular Diseases at the Cologne Site

As part of the Europe-wide smart health innovation hub implemented in the context of the Horizon Europe SHIFT-HUB project, our work concerns the identification of specific medical research ecosystems in the two fields, namely cardiovascular diseases and mental illness, with Cologne as the central location. To achieve this aim, the websites of involved organizations were used for data research purposes, and the members of each respective ecosystem or network were identified by acquiring information about their cooperation partners. A variety of selection criteria have been applied to filter out whether these partners were suitable to be considered as a further starting point for the research. The results indicate the existence of ecosystems in the two fields, with Cologne as the central location, in which various stakeholders, including healthcare institutions, healthcare providers, foundations, NGOs, and the business community, work closely together. Larger institutions are usually networked at an international level, while smaller institutions increasingly depend on and foster regional partnerships. This promotes cooperation and the exchange of knowledge at the regional level and facilitates direct contact with the people affected, i.e., patients’ groups. Research institutions in both fields often receive financial support from commercial organizations, which highlights the importance of the business community’s involvement in exploiting research results and promoting the quality of healthcare. The article highlights the complexity and interdisciplinarity of the particular ecosystems, with all the different categories of institutions comprising an indispensable position. The interaction amongst stakeholders at international, regional, and local levels can significantly help to deploy resources more effectively and improve the quality of life of people suffering from any of the two conditions.

The role of cities in cross-border mergers and acquisitions — Evidence from China

This study explores the impact of an international friendship city, serving as diplomatic relations between cities, on the transaction time and equity ownership choice in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (CBMAs). Analyzing data from Chinese firms spanning the period 2001 to 2019, we discover a positive and significant correlation between the establishment of an international friendship city and shorter CBMAs duration and higher CBMAs share of equity. Further evidence suggests that the effect is more pronounced (a) in target countries that keep cooperative partnerships with China, (b) countries along the Belt and Road, and (c) state-owned enterprises (SOEs) acquirers. In addition, we identify effects at the provincial level, demonstrating a correlation between the number of international friendship cities and positive outcomes. Mechanism tests show that the subnational-level friendship relationship consolidates cultural exchange and lessens institutional barriers, thereby reducing the completion time and raising the ownership of acquirers. Drawing on political perspective, our results provide new insights into the important role of friendly diplomatic relations to cross-border investment for enterprises internationalization.

Exploring optimal outsourcing strategy with and without transfer payment

AbstractThis study investigates an original equipment manufacturer's (OEM's) outsourcing choice between a competing manufacturer (CP) and a non‐competing manufacturer (NP). We develop a benchmark self‐produce strategy and two outsourcing strategies to differentiate two manufacturing service providers, and examine the optimal strategy alongside an analysis of the respective incentives (e.g., a lump‐sum payment) from the two service providers. The optimal strategy depends on the difference in production efficiency, degree of product substitution, and joint effect of the transfer payments. The transfer payments contribute to a greater range of Pareto improvements, increasing the possibility of outsourcing cooperation while highlighting the role of competition intensity on the model and outsourcing cooperation partner. Effect analysis shows that in the absence of transfer payment, the optimal strategy is beneficial to social welfare. With transfer payment, the optimal strategy is changed and the firms will be more profitable, but at the expense of customers' surplus, which may result in worse social welfare. An extended analysis of mixed strategies, in which the OEM produces part of the products and outsources the rest to CP/NP, shows that while the mixed‐CP strategy can be an optimal choice, the mixed‐NP strategy will degenerate to either self‐produce or complete outsourcing to NP under certain conditions.

One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiatives: Advantages and Challenges of Policy

China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative is a comprehensive economic interdependent relation which aims to increase regional connectivity and is an enhancement of its geopolitical interest for the benefits of herself, Asia, as well as in European states. This paper is an attempt to analyse the advantages and challenges of One Belt One Road Initiative. China has become a significant influence in economic for eighteen out of the last twenty centuries. Today, China has also taken a move forward in turning its economic success into a diplomatic power comparison with other nations in the region. China’s OBOR plan is not only another new path on the Silk Road but a comprehensive and ambitious strategic policy for Eurasia. Through this viewpoint, the scope of China’s short-and long-term priorities may be inferred, including internal development, steady economic growth, deepened change, and opening up to the outside world. In turn, the same policy presents China with an ability to strengthen its soft power, improve ties with its neighbours, oil stability, and cooperative partnerships with government, as well as cooperation in global governance bodies and contributors to the global economy. This paper employed the qualitative methods. The findings of this research are The OBOR Initiative able to generate higher economic revenue to China and within the region through various of projects as well as encourage a better flow of trade goods, increase investment, and connects people. Also, the initiative could strengthen the economic cooperation between China and participating states. The OBOR Initiative provides an avenue to its government to establish a series of relations with participating states. As a result, these relations have created a positive impact on trade flow and integration not only in ASEAN but also towards other nonparticipating states. Thus, such connections create higher international trade which ultimately increased Chinese and participating states economic revenue.

Effects of Corporate Greenwashing on Society; Corporate Greenwashing and Sustainability

Sustainability initiatives and societal well-being face significant challenges due to the pervasiveness of corporate greenwashing, which is defined by dishonest environmental marketing techniques. The numerous effects of "greenwashing" on modern society and sustainability projects are thoroughly examined in this paper. It reveals the complex ways in which greenwashing distorts the "truth gap" between claimed practices and actual ones, manipulates customer behavior, and impedes genuine sustainable advancement through painstaking investigation. This research highlights the critical role that technology plays in addressing this widespread problem by outlining the complex tactics used in greenwashing and drawing on empirical data and real-world examples.In addition, it puts up a series of strategic suggestions intended to promote increased consumer consciousness, support unbiased certification programs, push for legislative changes, encourage moral business practices, and promote cooperative partnerships among various stakeholders. Through the promotion of values such as openness, responsibility, and moral behavior, society may successfully combat the evil of greenwashing and create a road for real sustainability projects. This paper promotes coordinated group effort to counteract "greenwashing," supporting the admirable goal of sustainable development.

Pendidikan Anti Korupsi dan Gerakan Anti Politik Uang Bagi Generasi Z Sebagai Pemilih Pemula Untuk Mewujudkan Pemilu Serentak Tahun 2024 Yang Berintegritas

The community service program in this article provides outreach to new voters about Anti-Corruption Education and the Anti-Money Politics Movement, ahead of the 2024 General Election. Anti-Corruption Education is an action to control and reduce corruption in the form of an effort to encourage future generations to develop a firm attitude towards every form corruption. Money politics is a form of giving or promising to bribe someone either so that the person does not exercise their right to vote or so that they exercise their right in a certain way during the general election. Political education is a form of political outreach to the public to understand and understand politics, especially to the general public regarding general elections and the democratic process therein. Political education also contains the meaning of political participation, meaning that society also participates in the political process. The choice of the GKPI 2 Pematangsiantar Private Vocational School was due to the high level of first-time voters in the 2024 elections, so the team felt it was necessary to provide socialization about political education to many young voters who were in high school. We want GKPI 2 Pematangsiantar Private Vocational School students to be aware and have adequate knowledge regarding preparations for the upcoming 2024 elections. The output target that we hope for as organizers and cooperation partners is the understanding of GKPI 2 Pematangsiantar Private Vocational School students which can be obtained from the political education regarding preparation for the 2024 Election that we provide. By participating in this socialization, it is hoped that students will be able to provide an understanding of the material presented to their peers or people outside the school environment. Participants in our community service activities are representatives from each class at the GKPI 2 Pematangsiantar Private Vocational School who are 17 years of age or older, or who will have the right to vote when the elections are held

The role of global health partnerships in vaccine equity: A scoping review.

The emergence of global health partnerships (GHPs) towards the end of the twentieth century reflected concerns about slow progress in access to essential medicines, including vaccines. These partnerships bring together governments, private philanthropic foundations, NGOs, and international agencies. Those in the vaccine field seek to incentivise the development and manufacture of new vaccines, raise funds to pay for them and develop and support systems to deliver them to those in need. These activities became more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the COVAX Facility Initiative promoting global vaccine equity. This review identifies lessons from previous experiences with GHPs. Findings contribute to understanding the emergence of GHPs, the mechanisms they leverage to support global access to vaccines, and the inherent challenges associated with their implementation. Using Arksey and O'Malley's method, we conducted a scoping review to identify and synthesise relevant articles. We analysed data thematically to identify barriers and opportunities for success. We included 68 eligible articles of 3,215 screened. Most (65 [95%]) were discussion or review articles describing partnerships or programmes they supported, and three (5%) were commentaries. Emerging themes included policy responses (e.g., immunisation mandates), different forms of partnerships arising in vaccine innovation (e.g., product development partnerships, public-private partnerships for access), and influence on global governance decision-making processes (e.g., the rising influence of foundations, diminishing authority of WHO, lack of accountability and transparency, creation of disease silos). If global health partnerships are to maximise their contributions, they should: (1) increase transparency, especially regarding their impacts; (2) address the need for health systems strengthening; and (3) address disincentives for cooperative vaccine research and development partnerships and encourage expansion of manufacturing capacity in low and middle-income countries.