Custom Control Research Articles

Continued Intention to Use of M-Banking in Jordan by Integrating UTAUT, TPB, TAM and Service Quality with ML

Mobile banking is a service provided by a bank that allows full remote control of customers’ financial data and transactions with a variety of options to serve their needs. With m-banking, the banks can cut down on operational costs whilst maintaining client satisfaction. This research examined the most crucial factors that could predict the Jordanian customer’s continued intention toward the use of m-banking. Following the proposed model, the research was conducted by using a self-conducted questionnaire and the responses were collected electronically from a convenience sample of 403 Jordanian customers of m-banking through social networks. The suggested model was adapted from the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), and the technology acceptance model (TAM). The research model was further expanded by considering the factors of service quality and moderating factors (age, gender, educational level, and Internet experience). The collected data of customers were analyzed, validated, and verified by using a structural equation modeling (SME) approach including a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), in addition to machine learning (ML) methods, artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SMO), bagging reduced error pruning tree (RepTree), and random forest. Results showed that effort expectancy, performance expectancy, perceived risk, perceived trust, social influence, and service quality impacted behavioral intention, whereas facilitating conditions did not. Furthermore, behavioral intention impacted upon word of mouth and facilitating conditions (the latter regarding the continued intention to use m-banking), and had the highest coefficient value. Results also confirmed that all moderating factors affect the behavioral intention to continue using m-banking applications.

Митна політика України в контексті сучасних суспільних викликів

Митна політика України в контексті сучасних суспільних викликів

State and Development of Transport Logistics under Current Conditions

The pandemic and the sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation have completely changed the way transport logistics functions. In this regard, it is relevant to study the current state and development of transport logistics under these conditions. The article is aimed at studying goods transportation and destinations both around Russia, in general, and around the Irkutsk region, in particular. The article analyzes the state of transport logistics in the Russian Federation and in the Irkutsk region, outlines the main trends in transport logistics observed in the current situation. The study showed that the functional issues of transport logistics in the country are as follows: delays in delivery of goods, additional customs control of goods, increased time for clearance of goods, rising fee rates for container transportation, a lack of transportation capacity, rising tariffs. All of these ultimately result in disruptions in the supply chains of goods. The following ways of solving the identified problems are proposed: spreading regional centers in the European part of Russia across regions of the country; providing outsourcing of logistics services; applying electronic consignment note and improving digital services; increasing the share of the Russian railways in the Eurasian international transport market; strengthening competitive advantages of railway transport in relation to other means of transport and foreign carriers; attracting transit cargo flows to the Russian railway network.

BOJXONA TARTIB-TAOMILLARINI TAKOMILLASHTIRISH

The article analyzes the time and content of customs clearance of cargo vehicles by inspectors of customs posts. The study found that inspectors are forced to carry out procedures not provided for in the Customs Code, but imposed by other regulations, such as charging for the operation of roads in transit, fees for tinted windows, or fines for traffic violations. The legislation establishes the maximum time for crossing the border by transport, and the object of customs control is clearly defined, these are goods, customs payments, and offenses. But sometimes, less time is spent on the main work than additional. When the issue of congestion of the customs post is raised, the emphasis is on simplifying customs procedures, and the redistribution of unusual functions is omitted from the list of proposals. The price of the problem considered in the framework of this article is equivalent to the image of the customs, and the efforts of our country to liberalize international trade.

Accounting outsourcing as a tool for optimising the company’s activities

In modern conditions, cost minimisation for business entities is the main condition for existence in the market. One of the tools for such minimisation is outsourcing accounting. In addition to minimising costs, accounting outsourcing ensures the correctness of accounting, provides high-level advice, and protects against possible fines. The purpose of the study was to investigate accounting outsourcing as a tool for optimising the activities of entities in modern business conditions. The study applied methods of induction and deduction, cause-and-effect communication, tabular and graphic methods, description and concretisation, and logical generalisation. A single definition of the concept of accounting outsourcing was developed, which revealed the characteristic features of outsourcing. The SWOT analysis of accounting outsourcing services demonstrated accounting outsourcing as an effective tool for minimising costs. It is determined that all shortcomings and threats can be eliminated with careful selection of an outsourcer and signing a contract. The stages of accounting for accounting outsourcing consist in developing a document flow schedule that would ensure timely receipt of information for the customer and quality control of the services provided. A unified methodology for determining the economic effect of accounting outsourcing is proposed, which considers the disadvantages and advantages of existing methods, which would allow revealing the economic, organisational, and managerial aspects of outsourcing accounting. The main proposals received by the author based on the findings of the study can be used in accounting based on outsourcing. Further study of the problems of outsourcing as a tool for optimising the activities of enterprises in Ukraine should be directed to the development of laws and regulations to encourage companies to make managerial decisions regarding the use of accounting outsourcing

The effectiveness of COPA-based training program on the infection-control competencies of newly hired healthcare professionals

Competency-based education that relies on nurses’ and healthcare professionals’ needs assessment is crucial to tackling healthcare crises such as COVID-19. Strengthening the capacities of human resources by implementing customized infection control training programs is therefore mandatory. This study aims to measure the effectiveness and satisfaction of the Competency Outcomes and Performance Assessment (COPA)-based training program. The study implemented a single group pretest-posttest experimental design. A single-stage cluster sampling technique was used. All field hospitals in Jordan were listed, and one hospital was randomly selected. A total of 87 personnel from different disciplines agreed to participate after reading the letter of information and signing the informed consent. A panel of experts representing different disciplines and hospital units initially met and agreed upon a list of competencies required for the training program, and the program was accordingly developed. The study measured the healthcare professionals’ competencies in infection control and prevention before and after the administration of the competency-based training program. The results revealed significant differences between participants’ pretest and posttest scores in all infection control domains and the total scores. For example, the increase in participants’ total competency scores after the training was statistically significant (P < 0.007). The mean total satisfaction score was 61.18 + 7.00 reflecting that the participants were highly satisfied with the provided training. In conclusion, it is imperative to provide healthcare professionals with adequate clinical training to ensure that healthcare services are going to be delivered in the highest possible quality and minimize the possible adverse events.

Повышение эффективности таможенного контроля при декларировании товаров для личного пользования

The urgency of the research topic is due to the need to improve the conditions of customs control and increase the effectiveness of its implementation in terms of optimizing the number of employees of customs authorities and the introduction of digitalization in the Russian economy. Statement of the problem: The problem today is the lack of a conceptual model for improving the process of customs control by individuals who are required to declare imported goods for personal use, using digital technologies. The purpose of the study is to find reserves to increase the effectiveness of customs control of individuals when moving goods for personal use on the example of the EEU. Research methods: monographic, methods of statistical and economic-mathematical analysis and modeling. Results and key conclusions: the necessity and expediency of application of digital technologies in the process of customs control is proved, the mathematical model of detection of the result from the introduction of the proposed technologies in practice is presented. The object of research are theoretical and practical aspects of customs control, the subject - the process of interaction between employees of customs authorities and individuals who import goods for personal consumption. Theoretical and methodological significance lies in the fact that for the first time the impact of digital technologies on the release of time in the process of customs control of goods imported for personal consumption. The results of the work are of practical importance for decision-making by the management of the customs authorities to manage the customs control process.

Design and Evaluation of a Knee Flexion Assistance Exoskeleton for People with Transtibial Amputation.

People with below-knee amputation walk with asymmetric gaits that over time can lead to further musculoskeletal disorders and decreased quality of life. While prosthesis technology is improving, prosthetic ankles may be fundamentally limited in their ability to restore healthy walking patterns because they do not assist the residual knee joint. The knee on the residual limb has muscular deficits due to the loss of the gastrocnemius, a biarticular muscle that crosses both the ankle and knee. Here we present the design, development, and preliminary evaluation of a robotic knee exoskeleton for people with transtibial amputation. The device is intended to restore gastrocnemius-like flexion moments to the knee on the residual limb. The exoskeleton uses a custom offboard actuation and control system to allow for a simple and lightweight design with high torque capabilities. A preliminary walking experiment with one person with transtibial amputation was conducted. The exoskeleton provided a range of knee flexion torque profiles and had an RMS tracking error of 1.9 Nm across four assistance conditions. This device will be used in future studies to explore the effects of providing knee flexion assistance to people with transtibial amputation during walking. Long term, findings from studies with this exoskeleton could motivate future assistive device designs that improve walking mechanics and quality of life for people with limb loss.

Patient Controlled Analgesia and an Alternative Protocol: A Comparison of Outcomes After Thoracic and Lumbar Surgery.

IntroductionPatient controlled analgesia (PCA) is a common form of pain management after spine surgeries, in which patients get custom control of their opioid dose. PCA has been demonstrated as a safe form of analgesia; however, use of PCA comes with risks that can be mitigated by opting for alternative pain management. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients using PCA to those with an alternative analgesia protocol that does not involve PCA.MethodsA retrospective chart review from January 2017 to July 2018 was conducted. Patients included in this study were those 18 or older who were admitted to a large midwestern tertiary medical center in Wichita, Kansas, and underwent thoracic or lumbar spinal surgery from a single spine surgeon. Data from patient demographics, comorbidities, and type of procedure were collected and compared to control for possible confounding variables. Patients were divided into two groups: patients receiving a PCA pain protocol post-operatively and those receiving a non-PCA protocol. Statistical analyses were performed and all tests with p < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsThis study found patients in the PCA protocol had similar outcomes to those in the alternative analgesia protocol. This was true for both primary and secondary outcomes. The primary outcome was patient length of stay after the operation. Secondary outcomes included readmission rates, frequency of naloxone rescue, transfers to higher levels of care, and total opioid consumption.ConclusionsThis study supported that a non-PCA protocol for post-operative pain management yields similar outcomes to a PCA protocol in the setting of thoracic and lumbar surgery.

О проблемах осуществления таможенного контроля шин и колес для легковых автомобилей

Based on the analysis of the regulatory framework, law enforcement practice and statistical information, the article considers certain problematic aspects of customs control of tires and wheels for passenger cars. The existing contradictions in this area are highlighted.

Prosedur Pengurusan Barang Impor Pada Kantor Pengawasan dan Pelayanan Bea Cukai Tipe Madya Pabean C Langsa Kota Langsa

This study aims to determine the procedures for managing imported goods at the Customs Control and Customs Service Office of Intermediate Customs Type C Langsa, Langsa City, which is carried out in the area of ​​the Customs Intermediate Customs Service and Supervision Office of Customs C Langsa, Langsa City with empirical legal research. Data collection techniques are carried out through Field Research (Field Research) where data collection is carried out by observation, interviews, literature studies to related parties at the Customs Supervision and Customs Service Office Type C Langsa Customs, Langsa City so that get accurate data. The data obtained from both primary law and secondary legal materials were analyzed qualitatively and then presented descriptively. The results of the study, in the implementation of the procedure for import activities at the Customs Service and Supervision Office of Customs Type C Langsa, Langsa City, showed that import activities had increased from year to year. The import procedure in Langsa has been stipulated by the government, imports are a concern in spurring economic growth along with the change in the industrialization strategy from an emphasis on import substitution industries to export promotion industries.

STO/PDMS composite film achieving continuously tunable terahertz phase modulation via mechanical and thermal regulation

Phase is the basic property of electromagnetic waves, and controlling the phase is one of the eternal research topics in the field of electromagnetic waves. Here, a broadband terahertz phase shifter made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and strontium titanate (STO) has been theoretically proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The mixed material design gives the phase shifter the dual properties of PDMS and STO. Therefore, the phase shifter can not only change the thickness through stretching but also change the effective refractive index through temperature changes. The thickness and refractive index changes directly cause the transmission phase of the phase shifter to move synchronously. Because the material does not have frequency selection characteristics, the phase shifter realizes customized phase control in a wide range of the terahertz band. In the experiment, any phase shift can be achieved by adjusting the doping ratio, stretching ratio, and temperature. The proposed broadband phase shifter is simple to fabricate and has various control methods, which provides a variety of modes of terahertz wave phase modulation.

Predictors of Weight-Control Behavior in Healthy Weight and Overweight Korean Middle-Aged Women.

Although obesity level is considered to influence weight-control behavior, few studies have examined how predictors of weight-control behavior differ according to obesity level. We compared the predictors of weight-control behavior in healthy weight and overweight middle-aged Korean women. This study used a comparative cross-sectional design. In total, 352 middle-aged women (131 overweight and 221 healthy) who visited community centers in eight Korean cities participated in the study. Participants completed self-report questionnaires concerning perceived health, body dissatisfaction, health-related concerns, self-esteem, and weight-control behavior. Scores for weight-control behavior in the overweight group were higher than those in the healthy weight group. Stepwise multiple regression showed that health-related concerns, body dissatisfaction, socioeconomic status, and self-esteem predicted weight-control behavior in the overweight group. Perceived health, socioeconomic status, meal regularity, health-related concerns, and age predicted weight-control behavior in the healthy weight group. The findings indicate that nursing strategies should differ according to obesity level to improve weight-control behavior in middle-aged women. In community or clinical settings, nurses are advised to develop customized weight control programs based on obesity levels in middle-aged women.

TOOLS FOR CONTROLLING CONTRACTORS IN THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF AN INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION

In the management system of a modern industrial organization, an important place belongs to the controlling of counterparties, which is a system that provides control of customers of industrial products, as well as suppliers, in order to prevent late payments, optimize the credit policy in relation to organizations that delay payment. It is worth noting the rather high importance of this area of controlling, as it allows you to reduce financial losses associated with the diversion of funds. At the same time, a well-built system of controlling counterparties of an industrial organization must certainly be accompanied by tools that make it possible to comprehensively assess their condition, reliability, and identify possible failures. It is also worth noting that the methods for assessing the reliability of counterparties already available in modern literature are not completely informative, since they rely mainly on economic and financial analysis data, including financial stability and liquidity ratios, for which normative values have been formed in science, considered sufficient for all organizations, regardless of industry. In addition, when assessing profitability, experts are guided by industry averages. At the same time, the economic conditions of each organization differ significantly not only depending on the industry, but also on the region, which does not always allow the application of well-known standards. The article proposes an analytical toolkit that allows you to evaluate counterparties in the controlling system based on average indicators in the regional context and in a particular industry, which improves the accuracy of the assessment.

Development of a model for customs monitoring

Aim. The work aimed to develop recommendations for conducting the customs monitoring in the system of interaction between customs authorities and participants of international economic activity (IEA) based on the modeling of customs monitoring.Tasks. The work was performed to analyze the main characteristics of customs monitoring, as well as create and propose a model for its implementation, and to determine the conditions based on it for the effective implementation of customs monitoring.Methods. The authors applied general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, comparison) and special scientific methods (legal analysis, business process modeling using IDEF0 and BPMN notations).Results. Based on modeling of the customs monitoring business process, the conditions required for its effective application in the activities of the customs authorities of the Russian Federation (RF) were determined.Conclusions. Recommendations were formulated for the development of customs monitoring in Russia, namely its establishment as a measure that ensures the conduct of customs control; formation of a list of indicators for the implementation of customs monitoring and risk assessment rules; application of information systems to ensure the process of customs monitoring.

Особливості управління ризиками у митній сфері

The article is devoted to the study of theoretical principles of risk management in customs sphere. In the customs sphere, the most common risks arise when declaring goods in the appropriate regimes - this allows to reduce duty rates or provide exemptions from taxation; when declaring an unreliable product code according to the UKG FEA, which is also an attempt to evade taxation. In addition, the source of risk may be the vehicle carrying the goods and the carrier who is responsible for transporting the goods from seller to buyer. The stages of occurrence of risks in the process of customs activity are determined, in particular risks during control of delivery of goods, risks arising during customs control and customs clearance of delivery, risks identified after customs clearance, risks during customs audit. The main tasks of the risk analysis and management system are to create a single information space that ensures the functioning of the risk analysis and management system, identifying the causes and conditions contributing to customs offenses, assessing the possibility of damage in case of potential risks and risks or minimizing them, as well as identifying the necessary resources and developing proposals for their optimal allocation, development and application of methods for assessing the effectiveness of measures taken, assessing the effectiveness of measures to analyze and manage risks and adjust management decisions. The main reasons that indicate the need to improve the customs clearance of goods belonging to risk groups for enterprises can be considered frequent delays in customs clearance of goods at customs due to the introduction of goods in the ASAUR system, unreasonable assignment of a code with a higher duty rate. goods and disregard for the basic rules of interpretation of UKG FEA, increase the efficiency of foreign economic activity of the enterprise. For subjects of foreign economic activity unified technology of customs clearance of goods at risk should include the following stages: formation of goals and objectives of technology of customs clearance of goods at risk, as well as appointment of persons responsible for its implementation, development, documentation of customs clearance of goods at risk risks, development of neutralization measures for risk groups, selection of the optimal technology of customs clearance of goods at risk and control of the main stages of the process.

Open-source personal pipetting robots with live-cell incubation and microscopy compatibility

Liquid handling robots have the potential to automate many procedures in life sciences. However, they are not in widespread use in academic settings, where funding, space and maintenance specialists are usually limiting. In addition, current robots require lengthy programming by specialists and are incompatible with most academic laboratories with constantly changing small-scale projects. Here, we present the Pipetting Helper Imaging Lid (PHIL), an inexpensive, small, open-source personal liquid handling robot. It is designed for inexperienced users, with self-production from cheap commercial and 3D-printable components and custom control software. PHIL successfully automates pipetting (incl. aspiration) for e.g. tissue immunostainings and stimulations of live stem and progenitor cells during time-lapse microscopy using 3D printed peristaltic pumps. PHIL is cheap enough to put a personal pipetting robot within the reach of most labs and enables users without programming skills to easily automate a large range of experiments.

An Empirical Study of Factors Influencing the Intention to Use Robo-Advisors

Artificial intelligence-based investment services (robo-advisors) are becoming increasingly commercialized. Robo-advisors are expected to expand further due to the enhancement of accessibility to investment for general investors through customized portfolio selection and automated transactions established upon the artificial intelligence-based algorithm. This study comprehensively investigates factors that influence acceptance intention of and resistance to robo-advisors using a combined model of technology acceptance model and innovation resistance model. The model was examined through conducting a choice-based conjoint analysis of 158 users with investment experience and age ranging from 20s to 60s. The independent variables of the research for robo-advisors are transparency, customization, social presence, and user control. The effects of the independent variables on acceptance intention and innovation resistance are analyzed, respectively, through mediator variables of perceived usefulness, perceived complexity, and perceived safety. This study indicates the fundamental factors for the promotion of the domestic robo-advisor market based on the analysis of further advanced overseas robo-advisor markets. The significance of this study derives from providing implications on the direction of development for companies or financial institutions in the sphere of robo-advisors.

Analysis of the distribution of powers between electronic customs and customs of actual control when placing goods under various customs procedures

In recent years, the Russian Federation is paying considerable attention to the Russian Federal Customs Service development to increase the protection level of country’s national security. The Russian customs authorities are entrusted with three main functions: fiscal, protective and regulatory, but, simultaneously, the state is aware of the importance of reducing the customs operations timing with goods and customs control. The article raises the issues of improving the efficiency of Russian customs authorities as a result of the redistribution of powers between e-customs and customs actual control in 2017, that, on the one hand, is a priority direction for the development of the customs service in our country, but, on the other hand, raises a number of challenges that need to be addressed. The objectives of the study included: determination of the essence of documentary and actual control of goods; analysis of the distribution of powers between electronic customs and customs offices of actual control when placing goods under various customs procedures; identification of problems related to the distribution of powers between electronic customs and customs of actual control. The research methods include the dialectical, statistical, analytical methods, etc. It has been suggested that the algorithm for information interaction between the electronic declaration center and actual control posts by sending declarants acts of actual control to the electronic declaration center, should be improved. The study used: dialectical, statistical and other desk research methods.

System analysis of the problem of establishing the authenticity and authority of painting works

Cultural values have long been the objects of crimes, among which the export from the state stands out. Falsification hides artworks from customs control and its detection requires a long examination using a variety of methods of analysis. This article discusses the task of verifying painting’s authenticity during customs inspection. A two-stage procedure is proposed, which includes a quick check based on the analysis of painting’s images and a longer museum expertize. To implement the image analysis, it is proposed to use an intelligent decision-making system, which is based on a classifier that implements the k-nearest neighbors algorithm. A set of features to describe painting’s properties is formed, metrics for calculating the similarity measure on objects in the course of classification is proposed. To train an algorithm, a dataset is proposed, which includes paintings by world and European artists, as well as Ukrainian painters from different centuries.