Empirical Research Research Articles

The dynamic adjusted system of sea use fees: an empirical research on the sea use management in Zhejiang province

To prevent excessive exploitation of sea resources by developers, countries around the world have established systems for managing sea use. The system of sea use fees in China is continually improving, but it cannot reflect the full value of marine natural resources. Therefore, an optimization mechanism for dynamic adjustment which considered the value of marine natural resources and the adjustment coefficient of sea area fees was constructed in the study. This study explored the difference between marine resources zoning and the dynamic adjustment standard of sea use fees collection and took Zhejiang province as an example. The results showed that the comprehensive scores of coastal marine resources were generally higher than those of the open sea in Zhejiang province. Furthermore, the comprehensive scores of important ecological areas such as bays and islands were higher than those of other marine areas, and the comprehensive score of Ningbo sea area was significantly higher than those of other sea areas. On the basis, there are six classes of the adjustment range of the sea use fees standard were divided in Zhejiang province in the study. The overall increase of fee was 3.9% to 8.0%. The results of study can assist decision-making by evaluating the value of marine resources and the adjustment of sea area usage royalties, which will help to improve the efficiency of sea area management.

Pathway towards SME competitiveness: Digital capability and digital business model innovation

Digital transformation has irrevocably redefined the landscape of contemporary business operations, heralding a new era in which DBMI has emerged as a critical strategic lever for competitive survival. Anchored on the dynamic capabilities theory, present study aims to meticulously investigates the influence of digital capability (antecedent) on DBMI and a keen focus on how DBMI, in turn, influences SME competitiveness (outcome). By adopting purposive sampling approach, data were collected from 132 SMEs representatives holding management positions in Malaysia using Google Form. The PLS-SEM analysis was rigorously carried out to verify the proposed hypotheses. The empirical findings illustrate that digital capability positively affects all components of DBMI. Of these, value creation, value proposition, and value capture innovation significantly bolster SME competitiveness, whereas value delivery innovation does not exhibit a similar effect. Considering the scarcity of empirical research on the antecedents and outcomes of DBMI, this study contributes to the theory of dynamic capabilities and improves the current literature on DBMI by providing empirical insights from Malaysian SMEs context. By affirming the role of digital capability and elucidating how DBMI can enhance competitiveness, the findings offer actionable guidance for SMEs navigating the complexities of a volatile business environment. Since this study focuses specifically on Malaysian SMEs within emerging economies, it paves the way for future investigations in developed economies and diverse regional contexts to further validate and expand upon the relationships identified between DBMI antecedents and outcomes.

Potential Conflict Diagnosis, Simulation Optimization and Coordination of Production-Living-Ecological Space in Gully Areas of the Loess Plateau, China

The gully areas on the Loess Plateau have always been ecologically fragile agricultural areas. These areas often face the common problem of intensified conflicts in production-living-ecological space during economic development, and there is an urgent need for systematic spatial governance. This study innovatively developed a full process technical framework of "identification diagnosis - simulation optimization - coordinated governance" for potential conflicts in the production-living-ecological space, and used Huachi County in the gully area of the Loess Plateau as an example for empirical research. Under this framework, we analyzed the transfer patterns of production, living, and ecological space in the research area; Improved the spatial suitability evaluation index system of "multi-dimensional + multi-objective"; The conflict determination matrix was used to identify the scope, scale, type, and intensity of potential spatial conflicts; We conducted spatial optimization simulations under two scenarios: prioritizing ecological protection and prioritizing social and livelihood development, and designed an overall spatial optimization plan; Propose spatial collaborative governance strategies based on the theory of public space governance. Research shows that this framework has good applicability for the research area and is more direct for guiding subsequent spatial planning and policy practice. The potential conflict between production space and ecological space in Huachi County is the most common, the potential conflict intensity between living space and production space is the largest, and the potential conflict risk between living space and ecological space is rising. To coordinate potential conflicts in space, it is necessary to establish a vertical allocation type of spatial function coordination chain of “goal + collaboration + adjustment”, as well as a horizontal negotiation type of spatial configuration coordination chain of “allocation + cooperation + balance”, forming a “double vertical and double horizontal” spatial coordination framework.

The existence of modern stores and legal protection for traders in the people's market in Badung regency, Bali

The influx of investment in the trade sector has given rise to large-scale economic power that can not only increase and encourage economic growth, but also cause negative impacts such as unhealthy business competition between traditional markets and modern stores. If this competition is left unchecked, it will result in the displacement of the existence of traditional markets as weaker economic actors. Therefore, the arrangement and guidance carried out through policies taken by the government must be seen from a synergistic perspective for both business actors. Based on the background of the problems that have been described above, several problems can be formulated as follows: 1) How is the implementation Badung Regency Regulation, Bali Number 3 of 2017 on business competition between modern shops and traditional markets? 2) How is the role of the Badung Regency government, Bali in providing legal protection for traditional markets from the rampant existence of modern shops? The type of research in writing this scientific paper is an empirical legal research type, which is used because there is a gap between what is regulated in the Law and its practice. The implementation of Badung Regency Regulation, Bali Number 3 of 2017 has not been effective because of the non-compliance of modern shops in fulfilling the completeness of the permits and not heeding the rules that have been set as well as the indecisiveness of law enforcement officers in providing a deterrent effect. Legal protection carried out by the Badung Regency Government, Bali is felt to be less than optimal because it is more directed at preventive legal protection, namely only in the form of prevention before violations occur, by providing guidance and socialization to traditional market and modern shop business actors.

Emerging Trends in Real-time Recommendation Systems: A Deep Dive into Multi-behavior Streaming Processing and Recommendation for E-commerce Platforms

This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of recommendation systems, focusing on multi-behavior streaming processing to enhance accuracy. It studies recommendation system performance using AI and data science, focusing on user behaviour, algorithm refinement, and satisfaction. E-commerce, streaming, and social media datasets with 93 anonymous participants were employed in experiments. These files from 93 anonymized users show typical internet use. Data anonymization and strict data management ensured anonymity. These databases track clicks, views, purchases, and ratings for empirical research and model evaluation. Collaborative filtering, matrix factorization, and TensorFlow/Keras train and assess application-specific recommendation models. Multi-behavior streaming processing and recommendation accounts assess each method's pros and downsides, system correctness, efficacy, and user involvement. The outcome compares domain-wide recommendation system precision, recall, NDCG, and conversion rate. Multi-behavior streaming processing adapts to user preferences and interactions to improve model accuracy and adaptability. Multi-behavior streaming processing improved model accuracy and flexibility by reacting to user inputs and choices. With error margins for all significant metrics, statistical significance was confirmed. The findings suggest that recommendation systems with real-time adaptation and multi-behavior streaming processing can improve user satisfaction and engagement in the changing digital landscape. It encourages algorithm advancement, model interpretation, user-centric evaluation, and ethics to improve information retrieval and personalisation. The study concluded that algorithm refinement, transparent model interpretation, user-centric evaluation, and ethical problems including data protection and bias mitigation increase information retrieval and personalisation. For durable and flexible recommendation systems, research should improve multi-behavior processing and sectoral applications.

Islamic Family Law Reform in Indonesia: A Review of the Supreme Court's Decision on the Postponement of the Distribution of Joint Property

The settlement of joint property between husband and wife after divorce often ends up in the Religious Court, even reaching the level of cassation and judicial review (PK), such as in the Supreme Court Decision Number Register 159/K/AG/2018. In this case, especially related to disputes over joint property in marriages with minor children, the Supreme Court not only refers to the normative law contained in the law, but also considers a sense of justice and benefit. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with an empirical juridical approach. This approach is referred to as empirical legal research because it focuses on analyzing the implementation of normative legal provisions directly (in action) in certain legal events in society. Primary data was obtained from Supreme Court decision No 159 K/Ag/2018, No 618/Pdt.G/2012/PA.Bkt, No 38/Pdt.G/2013/PTA.Pdg, No 88K/Ag/2015, No 159/K/AG/2018, No 99/Pdt.G/2023/MS, as well as laws related to the research being discussed. Secondary data is obtained from books, scientific articles and previous research results related to joint property and those that have the same discussion. Data collection techniques using literature study and qualitative data analysis are used to explore certain phenomena and find out the causes. The results showed that the Supreme Court judge in deciding this case used the method of legal discovery through legal interpretation, especially systematic interpretation and sociological interpretation. In the case, the judge postponed the division of joint property until the children of the disputing parties reached the age of mumayyiz, thus showing attention to aspects of substantive justice. Systematic and sociological legal interpretations by judges show that in resolving post-divorce joint property disputes, especially those involving minors, judges must consider the social realities that live in society to actualize justice. This emphasizes the role of judges not only as law enforcers, but also as guardians of the public good. This research concludes that legal discovery by judges through interpretation based on systematic and sociological approaches can realize concrete justice in society, especially in divorce cases involving children.

Understanding family abuse: an intersectional approach to prevention and addressing family abuse perpetrators

This article provides an original contribution to understanding the motives for and perpetration patterns of family abuse that affects a range of minoritised communities, such as those minoritised on the basis of race, sexuality or transgender identity, and to contribute to debates around prevention. Negative and discriminatory societal attitudes, norms and behaviours towards these groups influence and justify family abuse. Based on empirical research, our study enhances the existing knowledge base to create practice and policy-focused recommendations for improving preventive and intervention efforts. We approached this from an ecological perspective, using a mixed-methods approach to interrogate quantitative and qualitative data to identify motivating factors underpinning perpetrators’ behaviours. Our analysis, drawing on a phenomenological approach, shows an ecological framework with three interacting levels at which motivating factors occur: the individual, the community and society. Along with understanding who perpetrators might be, the types of family abuse and its impacts for victim/survivors, these three motivating factors provide a template for developing interventions with perpetrators of family abuse. The research also suggests that before interventions for perpetrators of family abuse can be properly developed, the field of domestic abuse needs to reconsider how family abuse is positioned as part of domestic abuse.

Becoming aware of taken for granted attitudes and prejudices: A pilot study of Information, Advice and Guidance Practitioners

This article reports on the early stages of my empirical research. It explores how the enquiry developed through doubts in my own practice as an Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) practitioner working outreach in East Lancashire. My early enquiry has developed out of emerging critical insights on my own ‘whiteness’ and further my ‘taken for granted’ attitudes. This resulted in the discovery of my ‘own reflexive voice’ which was captured in narrative, an example of which is included within this article. The research has been informed by theories on ‘whiteness’ and ‘taken for grantedness’. The research also considers possible limitations of some current careers guidance training, which could mean that some practitioners never reflect critically on their own taken for grantedness. It is suggested that if they were to engage in this deeper level of critical reflection, then they may develop a better understanding of the different world-views of their clients.

Bridging theory and data: A computational workflow for cultural evolution

Cultural evolution applies evolutionary concepts and tools to explain the change of culture over time. Despite advances in both theoretical and empirical methods, the connections between cultural evolutionary theory and evidence are often vague, limiting progress. Theoretical models influence empirical research but rarely guide data collection and analysis in logical and transparent ways. Theoretical models themselves are often too abstract to apply to specific empirical contexts and guide statistical inference. To help bridge this gap, we outline a quality-assurance computational workflow that starts from generative models of empirical phenomena and logically connects statistical estimates to both theory and real-world explanatory goals. We emphasize and demonstrate validation of the workflow using synthetic data. Using the interplay between conformity, migration, and cultural diversity as a case study, we present coded and repeatable examples of directed acyclic graphs, tailored agent-based simulations, a probabilistic transmission model for longitudinal data, and an approximate Bayesian computation model for cross-sectional data. We discuss the assumptions, opportunities, and pitfalls of different approaches to generative modeling and show how each can be used to improve data analysis depending on the structure of available data and the depth of theoretical understanding. Throughout, we highlight the significance of ethnography and of collecting basic cultural and demographic information about study populations and call for more emphasis on logical and theory-driven workflows as part of science reform.

Optimization of the cooperative electronic commerce model for sustainable development in the context of ecological environment conservation

AbstractThis study aims to explore how to optimize the cooperative electronic commerce model in a sustainable ecological environment to meet the needs of consumers while maximizing social and economic benefits. The empirical research method is adopted, which mainly includes a literature review, case analysis, and questionnaire. Firstly, through a literature review, this study introduces and analyses the concept of sustainable ecological environment and the development and optimization direction of cooperative electronic commerce model in detail, providing a theoretical basis and thought guidance for subsequent research. Secondly, this study selects several representative cooperative electronic commerce platforms for case analysis. It explores their operation mode, product characteristics, service quality, and social benefits to summarize the experience and lessons of optimizing cooperative electronic commerce model. Finally, a questionnaire is designed to sample the consumers of cooperative electronic commerce. By analysing the results of questionnaire, the following conclusions are drawn. (1) 54.3% of respondents said they had used the cooperative electronic commerce model, with agricultural products purchasing (23.5%) and community service (18.9%) using it more frequently. (2) The cognition level of sustainable development was high overall, with 62.6% believing that it was essential for the future. (3) A multiple linear regression model explored the relationship between using the cooperative electronic commerce model and sustainable development cognition. The results reveal that adopting cooperative electronic commerce model has a significant positive impact on the cognition of sustainable development, which indicates that the promotion and use of this model can promote cognition and practice of sustainable development.

PSYCHOLOGICAL TYPES OF PARENTS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS PUPILS OF SENIOR SCHOOL AGE AS DETERMINANTS OF CHILDREN’S AGGRESSIVENESS (IN A PARADIGM OF ADAPTIVE AND MALADAPTIVE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS)

Parents’ orientation towards autonomy, collaboration, cooperation and the desire to build relationships with the child on a democratic basis, as a rule, does not cause manifestations of malignant aggressiveness of children. In terms of content, this educational strategy and the type of parental relationships are revealed in such a way: the parent is interested in the child’s affairs and plans, tries to help, empathizes, trusts him/her, respects and encourages him/her, and takes into account the child’s opinion. Cooperation is a psychologically optimal and socially desirable type of parental attitude towards children. Our research has shown that the reluctance or inability of parents to establish positive emotional connections with their children largely determines the nature of manifestations of children’s aggressiveness. We have identified indicators of emotional manifestations of parental attitudes towards children: sympathy-antipathy, acceptance-rejection, respect-disdain, rejection and refusal. In our empirical research we identified some main components of general manifestation of parental love: the interest in our life and the development of the child, the manifestation of responsibility and care, close attention to the child’s interests, problems and attitudes, awareness of his/her uniqueness, unconditional acceptance of him/her as the child is. With a lack of these components in the manifestations of parental attitude towards children, the child begins to consider every request or demand as a duty and show resistance. The role of deprivation of a child’s basic needs, which forms a hostile personality is incapable of establishing trusting relationships, and it has to be emphasized in our further research. We think, that according to the theories of childhood aggressiveness, the child’s desire to establish himself/herself with the help of a universal instrument of superiority, such as direct aggression, is explained by his/her experience of a feeling of inferiority associated with a deficiency of parental love. According to our empirical research, a child’s psychological discomfort is due to a lack of parental love, and it increases the destructive element in his/her person, leading to the formation of low self-esteem, aggressiveness, and a tendency toward auto-aggression. Rejection is the most unfavorable, socially and psychologically unacceptable type of parental attitude, indicative according to the development of destructive manifestations of aggressiveness in the period of childhood for senior pupils.

Methods, techniques and practices for research on poor consumers: A state of the art and a vade-mecum

Marketing research targeting poor consumers has been developing recently. The specific characteristics of these consumers make it difficult to conduct empirical research. This difficulty has raised the question of how to adapt the methods and techniques usually used in marketing. This article provides a multidisciplinary review of the difficulties encountered in addressing people living in poverty and enables researchers to assess this population and anticipate their needs. In addition, based on a literature review of the methods used in 83 empirical marketing studies published between 1990 and 2021, our study provides researchers with a vade-mecum to guide them in their choice of research design. Concrete and detailed recommendations are provided to facilitate their involvement in the field of poor consumers.

Women's Experiences of Adult Sexual Assault, by Perpetrator Gender and Participant Sexual Orientation.

The vast majority of theoretical and empirical research assessing sexual assault (SA) focuses on man-against-woman SA (MWSA), leaving other forms such as woman-against-woman SA (WWSA) understudied. Relatively simple questions, such as the relative frequency of WWSA for women of different sexual orientations, the tactics (e.g., coercion, force), or forms (e.g., groping, vaginal penetration) employed in WWSA remain unanswered. To address these issues, 268 women (approximately one-third of each bisexual, lesbian, and heterosexual) completed an online survey reporting on whether or not they had experienced a variety of nonconsensual sexual experiences in their adult lifetime, asking specifically about perpetration by men and women. Results indicated that although SA perpetrated by men was far more common, a substantial minority of participants reported having experienced WWSA. In general, tactics and forms employed were similar, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator or the woman's sexual orientation, with two exceptions: bisexual women had experienced higher rates of MWSA, and lesbian women had experienced more SA in the form of oral sex compared to other groups. Implications for theory, empirical research, and especially community and clinical practice are discussed.

Mediatization of medicine and health: dysfunctional aspects

In this article, based on the results of empirical research conducted by employees of the Faculty of Sociology, Doctor of Sociological Sciences, Associate Professor T.V. Semina and graduate student A.A. Belov, the destructive influence of electronic and digital media on the health of Russian citizens is considered. In fact, we are talking about the “mediatization of medicine”, which is understood as “the process caused by the emergence of digital communication tools, as a result of which the masses have free access to medical information, and all issues related to human and social health are somehow mediated by electronic media”. The author emphasizes that quite often the media practices uncontrolled submission of quasi-medical information, signs of economic bias present in the media are expressed in the fact that the main source of income for the media is advertising, especially medicines and pharmaceuticals. At the same time, commercials advertising medicines on television are the most effective in influencing the audience. In 2019, T.V. Semina, Doctor of Sociology, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Sociology at Lomonosov Moscow State University, proved the destructive role of the media in the genesis of social conflict in the doctor–patient system. In April–July 2024, the author also undertook an empirical sociological study on the problems of constructing public health in the Russian Federation, in particular, the effectiveness of the impact of advertising materials placed in the media on the health-saving attitudes of Russians, he results of which are presented in the article. In general, the results of empirical studies conducted by T.V. Semina and confirmed by the author’s research convincingly prove the dysfunctionality of the media in relation to the health of Russian citizens, their negative impact on the consciousness of both healthy and sick people. The author emphasizes that it is not so difficult to protect health, but, unfortunately, many people do not even try to do this, guided by certain stereotypes imposed by the media. For example, that after a certain age, absolutely everyone has high blood pressure, overweight, hormonal and other disorders and should regularly take appropriate (widely advertised) medications or dietary supplements, the benefits of which have not been scientifically proven. Most importantly, the author notes, changes are needed in the development of self-preservation behavior among the population. The main task of the state is not only to develop an effective health care system, but also to promote a responsible attitude of citizens to their own health, which implies regular medical examinations, giving up bad habits, leading a healthy lifestyle involving “life on the move”, full sleep and cognitive activity.

Ideas of Russian students about the essence, types and methods of propaganda: based on the results of empirical research

This article is devoted to the comparison and analysis of a number of results of sociological studies conducted at the sociological faculty of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov in February 2024 and in April–May 2024. As part of a February 2024 pilot study conducted by standardized interview method, 42 under graduate (48%) and graduate (52%) students of the Faculty of Sociology were selected. The age of 36% of respondents was in the range of 17–18 years, 52% from 19 to 22 years, 12% — from 23 to 26 years. As part of a sociological study conducted at the Faculty of Sociology of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov in April–May 2024, a sociological study “Social communication in modern society: essence and features” a total of 401 students of the sociological faculty of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov. The study was conducted by questionnaire. 401 students of the sociological faculty of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, of which 73,32% of bachelors and 26,68% of masters, which corresponds to the structure of the student body of the sociological faculty. Among the surveyed students, 70,07% were female, and 29,93% were male, which generally corresponds to the overall gender composition of the faculty students. 65,75% of respondents (i.e. almost two thirds of respondents) were young people aged 19 to 22 years, 19,5% — from 23 to 26 years, 14,75% — from 14 to 18 years. As part of these studies, students were asked a number of questions, including those aimed at identifying their ideas about the essence of the phenomenon of propaganda, types of propaganda, perception of propaganda, destructive and constructive propaganda. Research results have shown that in the student environment as a whole, incorrect and vague ideas about the essence of the phenomenon of propaganda, its various types and methods, as well as the negative attitude of respondents to the phenomenon of propaganda itself prevail, which is clearly visible in a number of detailed definitions of this phenomenon given by them. A significant part of students primarily associates the concept of propaganda with the concepts of “imposition”, “manipulation”, primarily because of the prevailing neoliberal ideologies in social networks and instant messengers, popular among young people, that young people themselves are not particularly aware of. Nevertheless, they state the fact that there is an acute ideological struggle in the Russian Federation and an active neoliberal ideology in modern Russia.

Social communication in modern society: experience of empirical research

This article was prepared by a team of authors of the sociological faculty of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov as part of a series of events dedicated to the 270th anniversary of Moscow University. The article was based on the processed and analyzed data of the sociological study “Social Communication in Modern Society: Essence and Features”, conducted by employees of the Sociological Faculty of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov under the guidance of the Dean of the Sociological Faculty of Moscow State University, Professor N.G. Osipova in April–May 2024. As part of the study, a total of 401 students of the sociological faculty of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov. Particular emphasis in the study was placed on the study of the features of the understanding by students of the sociological faculty of the very fact of the transition of mankind in its development to a new stage for it — the electronic-digital era, as well as the features of social communication and the opportunities that they acquired, thanks to the onset of this era. The study revealed a generally positive attitude of students to the process of the formation of an electronic-digital society, the active introduction of digital technologies into the daily life of a modern person, without which young people can no longer imagine their existence. At the same time, their active immersion in virtual reality, which is provided and actually created by new media, especially social networks and instant messengers, naturally led to the emergence of Internet addiction, gadget addiction, as well as to uncritical comprehension of the information that they receive from these sources. Naturally, this has a very negative effect on the formation of their life attitudes, landmarks, which are largely consumer in nature, and also makes them a very convenient object for destructive propaganda and manipulative influence.

(Micro)soft power in Dutch public education: making classrooms platform-ready through partner work

ABSTRACT This article explores how the global technology company Microsoft, supported by local partners, makes Dutch classrooms platform-ready by influencing how schools approach three key public governance responsibilities in their digital transformation: developing a vision for digital education, creating strategies for educational innovation and fostering digital literacy. Using the concept of soft power and extensive empirical research, the study shows how Microsoft aligns these responsibilities with its own corporate interests. As a result, the company gains control over schools’ digital infrastructure – not only in terms of hardware and software but also in terms of its pedagogical design. The conclusion emphasises the importance of collective and collaborative national efforts to resist the global influence of platforms like Microsoft on local digital education.

Digital trust in China’s digital transformation process: methodology and results of an empirical research

The article is devoted to the topical issues of China's digital transformation and the role of digital trust in it. Digital transformation is a long — term comprehensive and rapid process, accompanied by rapid development of digital technologies, institutional changes and appropriate adaptation of people to new conditions. At the same time, it is emphasized that the drastic changes caused by digital transformation bring a lot of uncertainty and risks to society, which, without proper government response, can lead to social unrest and social unrest, and reduce confidence in this process. In the process of digital transformation, high trust between people can reduce suspicions, doubts and reduce social tension in society. In this regard, digital trust comes to the fore of sociological analysis — a new complex social phenomenon that combines sufficient confidence in the reliability of individuals, processes and technologies related to the security and benefits of the digital world. The author shows that the structure of digital trust is multifaceted and sets various objects for research: they can be technologies, processes, individuals, etc., therefore, those factors that affect these three components of the trust structure can be considered as factors affecting digital trust as a whole. However, the topic of digital trust has not been studied much, both from a theoretical and practical point of view, and its valid empirical studies are clearly insufficient. Indeed, some scientists have used factor analysis in their research to study the elements that affect digital trust. However, due to the lack of a well-developed theoretical framework, the mechanism of interaction between influencing factors and characteristics of digital trust cannot be reliably described. The article presents an original methodology for the sociological analysis of digital trust, based on the methodology of factor analysis. As a result of its testing, factors affecting the level of digital trust have been identified, which are of theoretical and practical importance.

Automated Inventory Management Systems with IoT Integration to Optimize Stock Levels and Reduce Carrying Costs for SMEs: A Comprehensive Review

Automated inventory management systems integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology represent a transformative approach for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in optimizing their stock levels and reducing carrying costs. A literature review also shows that there is progress in developing automated solutions, such as IoT sensors, real- time data analytics, and cloud-based applications that improve inventory control. A study shows that the adoption of IoT in automation has seen improvement in the accuracy of inventory, a reduction in stockouts, and carrying costs among SMEs. Research suggests operational improvements including reduced downtime from real time tracking, reverse logistics systems with intuitive demand forecasting for ideal stock replenishment and automation of reordering systems while effectively managing working capital. Materials and Methods: Research methodology encompassed a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature, case studies, and empirical research focusing on automated inventory management systems with IoT integration in SMEs. Criteria for choosing the literature included articles focusing on the outcomes of IoT implementation, technical integration, and performance of inventory systems. Data extraction main concern was on the efficiencies of the SC such as inventory accuracy, carrying costs, stockouts, and ROI. Descriptive methods used involved comparisons between pre-implementation and post- implementation data, use of statistical tools for measurement of performance enhancement and assessment of factors important in the deployment of the system. Results Implementation of IoT-integrated automated inventory management systems demonstrated significant improvements across multiple performance metrics. Studies reported average inventory accuracy improvements of 25-35%, reduction in carrying costs [1] by 20-30%, and decrease in stockout incidents by 35-45%. Real-time monitoring capabilities led to improved demand forecasting accuracy by 40%, while automated reordering systems reduced manual processing time by 60%. Cloud-based platforms enabled better inventory visibility and control, resulting in working capital optimization of 15-25%. SMEs implementing integrated systems reported enhanced supplier collaboration, reduced lead times, and improved customer satisfaction levels. Cost-benefit analyses indicated positive ROI within 12-18 months of system deployment. Discussion Analysis reveals several key factors contributing to successful implementation of automated inventory management systems with IoT integration. Critical success factors include proper system architecture design, effective change management strategies, and comprehensive staff training programs. Integration challenges primarily revolve around initial investment costs, technical expertise requirements, and system interoperability concerns. Studies show that the greater gains are experienced by SMEs with higher ITOR and those engaged in intricate supply chain operations. Literature review also points to differences in implementation strategies across different sectors and in their recovery, with manufacturing and retail sectors having the highest levels of adoption and improvement. Conclusion IoT-integrated automated inventory management solutions should be adopted by SMEs and are affirmed by ample data to help optimize stock status and minimize carrying costs. The tangible benefits that could be noted are accuracy in inventory, less operational costs, visibility of supply chain, and optimal use of working capital. In appointing the factors affecting the implementation success, it requires the assessment of the technical feasibility and organisational readiness as well as the management of change strategies. Research shows that dynamic technology factors will continue to improve the system’s performance and increased availability to SMEs. Due to advancement in IoT technology, artificial intelligence and cloud computing, there are potential factors that may boost the performance and cost of automatically Managed inventory systems in the future.

Small Farmers’ Agricultural Practices and Adaptation Strategies to Perceived Soil Changes in the Lagoon of Venice, Italy

Farmers have a pivotal responsibility in soil conservation: they can either preserve or deplete it through their choices. The responsibility of agriculture increases when practised in delicate ecosystems, such as lagoonal ones. The Venetian Lagoon islands, which are increasingly subjected to natural and anthropic subsidence, occasional flooding events (acqua alta), and eustatic sea level rise, are constantly exposed to erosive processes that challenge farmers to play with their adaptive capability. This research was carried out on the islands of Sant’Erasmo and Vignole, the most representative of island agriculture in the Venetian Lagoon: they almost exclusively rely on agriculture, which is non-existent in the other islands. This empirical research aimed to explore farmers’ agricultural practices, perceptions of soil changes, and how they adapt to them. It was fundamental for this study that the field research involved direct human contact with farmers (through semi-structured interviews) for data collection and using qualitative methods for data analysis, integrating scientific and non-scientific forms of knowledge and actors. The final purpose was to demonstrate the sustainability (valued on the potential depletion or regeneration capability) of agricultural practices and adaptation strategies on a theoretical basis. Despite their polycultural landscape (maintained by low-input farming systems), escaped from the predominant landscape oversimplification, Sant’Erasmo and Vignole are also subjected to unsustainable agricultural practices, including heavy mechanisation and synthetic inputs. Coupled with natural soil salinity that is exacerbated by increasing drought periods, these practices can contribute to soil degradation and increased salinity. The reported adaptation strategies, such as zeroed, reduced, or more conscious use of machines, were guided by the need to reduce the negative impact of soil changes on productivity. Our research revealed some of them as sustainable and others as unsustainable (such as increasing irrigation to contrast soil salinity). Participatory action research is needed to support farmers in designing effective sustainable agricultural practices and adaptation strategies.