External Factors Research Articles

Beyond Traditional Forecasting: Machine Learning and Adaptive Algorithms in EV Sales Predictions

The Electric Vehicle market is growing fast, creating new challenges for sales predictions and market dynamics. Traditional forecasting methods like linear regression and expert judgment struggle with the market's non-linear and complex nature. To improve accuracy, new models such as machine learning and Adaptive Optimized Grey Models are being applied to predict EV sales, which is discussed in this review paper. These models dynamically adjust parameters and account for external factors, offering better precision. AOGMs, in particular, utilize data preprocessing and buffering to minimize external disturbances and enhance prediction smoothness. Techniques like the Particle Swarm Optimization help these models more effectively capture the EV sales trends. Additionally, adaptive grey models are not only essential for forecasting sales but also for identifying market risks like overcapacity or supply shortages. These advanced methods provide a more robust framework for understanding and anticipating changes in the rapidly evolving the EV market.

Consumer Perspectives on Food Traceability—A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

ABSTRACTFood traceability is a critical approach that ensures the safety and quality of food. It has garnered significant attention, particularly in the aftermath of multiple food safety incidents reported in various countries. While there is extant literature available on consumer perspectives on food traceability, the findings are not consistent across studies. This systematic literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding by integrating findings from past studies. It includes 61 articles sourced from two databases, namely Scopus and Web of Science. This review outlines various stages of a consumer's decision for food traceability, starting from exposure, awareness, understanding, liking and disliking, attitudes and preferences, purchase intentions and willingness to pay, to the final purchase. It also identifies the determinants of consumer responses to food traceability, categorising them as factors internal to the consumers, determinants due to the perception of external factors and contextual factors. Moreover, it identifies gaps in the existing research and proposes research questions to expand the knowledge in this area.

Forecasting Daily Radiotherapy Patient Volumes in a Tertiary Hospital Using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) Models.

The purpose is to predict the volume of patients treated daily with radiotherapy using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. In this retrospective study, data from the billing records detailing daily radiotherapy treatment sessions were extracted from the Hospital Information System and analyzed. The study included all patients treated from January 2004 to December 2022. The analysis was divided into two parts: First, the data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Second, time series forecasting with the implementation of an ARIMA model for estimating patient volumes. For the ARIMA modeling process, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used for classical model optimization. The Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) was used for evaluating between different models. Residual analysis was performed in each model using the Ljung-Box test, Jarque-Bera test, and heteroskedasticity test to identify autocorrelation, normal distribution, and variances that could undermine the reliability of the model. A total of 895,808 radiotherapy sessions were included in the study. The median number of radiotherapy sessions per day was 181 (150, 205). A clear transition to more modern radiotherapy equipment, particularly the Truebeam accelerator, was observed, indicating a growing dependency on advanced techniques such as volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The best ARIMA model predicted an increase in demand, projecting an average daily patient volume of 279.40 by 2030. The study highlights the need for advanced forecasting methodologies in healthcare resource planning and emphasizes the importance of considering environmental and external factors for effective and accurate resource allocation strategies.

The Strategy of Agroindustry Development of Teng-Teng Apel (A Case Study on Hilwa Nusantara Shop in Batu City)

This study is conducted by purpose of identifying company environment and analyzing the strategy for agroindustry development of Teng-Teng Apel (cake made from apple fruit) in Hilwa Nusantara Shop in Batu City. The methods of data analysis used in this study are internal and external company analysis, Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix, External Factor Evaluation (EFE), SWOT analysis, and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) analysis. The results of the study have showed that SWOT analysis indicates IFAS score 2.84 and EFAS value 2.94. Moreover, agroindustry position of Teng-Teng Apel of Hilwa Nusantara Shop is at Quadrant One (I). Based on company position, there are three alternative strategies, 1. To increase production capacity and quality using technology, 2. To extend market in developing sales volume, and 3. To maintain relationship and trust with raw material suppliers. First becomes first priority for Hilwa Nusantara with TAS value 5.49.

Analysis of Student Learning Difficulties in Integrated Social Studies Subjects in Class VIII

The main problem in this study is the low understanding of class VIII UPTD SMP Neger 1 Gunungsitoli students related to Integrated Social Studies subjects. Learning difficulties have an impact on the activities of students in the classroom who tend to be passive and do not play an active role. The purpose of this study was to determine learning difficulties in social studies learning in students at UPTD SMPN 1 Gunungsitoli Utara. In this study researchers used qualitative research methods. The results of the research conducted, it is known that the factors that influence students' learning difficulties include internal and external factors. Internal factors include the minimal interest in learning of students and the low level of learning ability of students so that it affects low learning outcomes, as well as external factors which include lack of attention from parents and the way teachers teach that has not hit students. It can be concluded that students have difficulty learning social studies, caused by external and internal factors.

Durian Agribusiness Development Strategy in Boven Digoel Regency

The agricultural sector, which includes forestry, fisheries, animal husbandry, hunting, and farming services, is the main contributor to forming Boven Digoel Regency's GRDP. The largest commodity contributing to GRDP comes from the plantation crop subsector, not the horticulture subsector, such as durian, even though the subsector has considerable production potential. This is due to suboptimal post-harvest management and limited knowledge of durian cultivation technology among local farmers. Most farmers still use less efficient traditional methods, so the yield could be more optimal. This study aims to analyze internal and external factors and formulate local economic development strategies based on durian agribusiness. The data used included primary and secondary data, and the analysis was conducted using descriptive methods, IFE, EFE, IE Matrix, SWOT Analysis, and QSPM. The results showed that the durian agribusiness economy in Boven Digoel Regency based on the IE matrix is in quadrant I (growth and investment) with internal factors 3.13 and external factors 3.08. SWOT analysis resulted in three main strategies: market expansion, diversification of durian processed products, and restructuring the production system. Diversification of processed products, such as dodol and ice cream, proved to be the most effective strategy based on QSPM analysis, with a score of 6.32.

Innovating for sustainability in food and beverage companies: the role of governance and environmental factors in climate change mitigation

PurposeFocusing on the food and beverage (F&B) sectors, this study aims to identify combinations of external environmental factors (natural disasters and water stress) and internal corporate governance factors (corporate social responsibility [CSR] sustainability committee, board gender diversity and stakeholder engagement) that lead to the integration of climate change mitigation innovation and technologies.Design/methodology/approachA fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was conducted on a global sample of 262 listed companies in the F&B sectors. Two additional analyses were performed for European and Asian companies.FindingsIn the three models, the presence of CSR sustainability committees and stakeholder engagement was crucial for achieving the integration of climate change mitigation innovation and technologies. The relevance of board gender diversity differs between the European and Asian models, highlighting potential regional influences on corporate climate innovation decisions. The combination of external and internal factors is the key to justifying different approaches to achieving climate innovation.Originality/valueThis study offers insights into the factors driving the integration of climate change mitigation innovation and technologies into company strategies. Related strategies must combine external and internal factors to enhance the climate resilience and competitiveness of F&B companies while reducing their environmental impact.

Photoluminescence of Tetra(benzimidazole)phenylethene Derivatives and Their Carbene Metallacycles in Aggregates and Langmuir-Blodgett Films.

Molecular structure, external stimuli, and environmental factors all have a strong effect on the internal molecular rotation and vibration of aggregate-induced emission (AIE) luminogens. Here, we report the AIE effect for several newly synthesized amphiphilic tetra(benzimidazole)phenylethene (TBiPE) derivatives and their binuclear N-heterocyclic carbene silver (NHC-Ag) metallacycles in solutions, aggregates, and Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films. Monolayer behaviors and microscopic images indicate that introducing alkyl chains and binuclear NHC-Ag metallacycles can facilitate the formation of a well-defined insoluble monomolecular layer at the air-water interface. Absorption and luminescence spectral features suggest that both the TBiPEs' cyclization structure and binuclear NHC-Ag metallacycles can provide additional driving forces to restrict the internal molecular motion of the tetraphenylethene (TPE) unit, thus enhancing the AIE effects. Further, external stimuli and environmental factors such as poor solvent addition and LB film deposition also play important roles in the photoluminescent intensity, maximum wavelength, and lifetime. These internal and external factors can result in around 30-40 nm blue-shift for the maximum luminescence wavelength and 2-3 times shorter for the luminescent lifetime. These phenomena can be attributed to the reason that the nonradiative energy transfer efficiency is weakened because of the enhanced hydrophobic interaction and metal-carbene coordination as well as the closely packed arrangement of AIEgens in the LB films; consequently, the radiation energy transfer efficiency increased.

Psychological barriers in children: an exploratory study on Dengue transmission using an adapted DIPB scale.

Dengue is an arboviral infection found in tropical and subtropical regions transmitted by hematophagous mosquitoes from the genus Aedes spp. and responsible for millions of cases every year. Public campaigns and educational curriculum are designed to educate people, including children. However, what has been reported is that many decide not to follow these guidelines, even though they allegedly know what has to be done. To understand this phenomenon, this study aims to identify psychological barriers behind the adoption of pro-environmental behaviors that seek to reduce Aedes aegypti's population. For that, middle school students participated on two studies responsible for (1) adapting the Dragons of Inaction Psychological Barrier (DIPB) scale to the target group (n = 150) and then (2) testing it on a larger group (n = 449). In the exploratory factor analysis, Bartlett correlation (p < 0.001), Cronbach's alpha (0.83), and KMO analysis (overall MSA = 0.84) showed that data was suited for factor analysis. Five factors were retained by Kaiser Criterion and scree test (i.e., Conflicting goals and unnecessary changes-α 0.76, Interpersonal relations-α 0.72, Conflicting goals and lacking knowledge-α 0.58, Tokenism-α 0.73, and Tokenism toward the government-α 0.66). After that, the scale was tested across 11 different schools, where students also answered a questionnaire about the mosquito. Results suggested that the factors Conflicting goals and lacking knowledge and Tokenism toward the government presented a higher level of agreement for all students (means: 2.6 and 2.12 out of five, respectively). Those who scored higher in the mosquito's questionnaire had factors Conflicting goals and unnecessary change and Interpersonal relations inhibited when compared to others (p < 0.05). These results suggests that future educational campaigns should build different actions that focuses on addressing both internal and external factors, creating a mosaic of projects, with different goals, each aiming different environmental challenges.

An Analytical Exploration of Factors Contributing to Increasing Turnover and Employee Retention Challenges in a Private Educational Institution

This study examines the factors contributing to increasing turnover and retention challenges in a private educational institution in the Philippines. Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data were gathered using a descriptive-correlational methodology, while semi-structured interviews with current and former employees were used to acquire qualitative insights. Results reveal a very high level of turnover intention among respondents, with compensation and benefits and leadership and management found as the most significant factors, followed by work environment and culture and external factors. Age, marital status, and work status all show varying degrees of significance when it comes to perceived primary factors, while gender and length of service showed no significant influence on all the factors of turnover intention. Findings suggest the importance of addressing compensation and benefits, leadership and management, and work environment and external factor issues to enhance retention efforts in educational institutions.

“Alone on the road”: Loneliness among digital nomads and the use of social media to foster personal relationships

The “digital nomad” (DN) neotribe includes professionals who work remotely from different locations. Despite the benefits of digital nomadism (e.g. work flexibility, high mobility, and leisure-centeredness) and opportunities for meeting like-minded people, one of the consequences of the lifestyle may be loneliness. By using 30 in-depth interviews, this study explores the interaction between digital nomadism and loneliness. We conceptualize the DN lifestyle as a continuum that may, but does not have to, lead to feelings of loneliness. External factors such as lack of social support, often related to the capacity to stay in a place long enough to build a network or the social competence skills to connect with others, may contribute to greater levels of loneliness. Conversely, in line with networked individualism, we examine how DNs seek more control over constructing their own social networks in the context of a hyperindividualistic society. Instagram, Facebook groups, Slack, MeetUp, CouchSurfing, and Tinder are identified as key platforms for DNs to connect with people, especially for bridging social capital, whereas WhatsApp is used more for bonding social capital. The paper offers a timely discussion of the way that DNs use different social media platforms to overcome loneliness, forge intimate connections, and build community.

Industrial Heritage and Cultural Clusters: More Than a Temporary Affair?

The transformation of industrial heritage buildings into cultural clusters has emerged as a prominent topic of academic research in urban planning, urban studies, heritage conservation, and architecture. Cultural clusters, defined as geographically concentrated cultural activities and organisations, have become a key instrument in urban regeneration, fostering economic growth and cultural development. Despite the benefits that cultural clusters offer in terms of fostering cultural activity, they often prove to be short-lived due to various external factors, including urban regeneration pressures, shifts in policy, and changes in zoning regulations. This thematic issue presents seven case studies that offer insights into the current state of cultural clusters, their transient nature, and the conditions necessary to guarantee their long-term sustainability in industrial heritage sites. The research is particularly relevant in light of the mounting pressure on urban land, where industrial heritage sites are frequently repurposed for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes.

Predicting Market Share Patterns using LSTM

Forecasting stock prices is a significant challenge in the financial sector, marked by its complexity and the impact of numerous variables. In this paper, we undertake a comprehensive investigation into how machine learning algorithms can be effectively applied to address this challenge. Our main goal is to clarify the methodologies and strategies that can enhance the accuracy of stock market predictions. We explore the complex process of predicting stock values and scrutinize the various machine learning algorithms that have been suggested and employed for this purpose. By critically evaluating these algorithms, we aim to provide insights into their individual strengths and weaknesses, ultimately helping the reader make an informed decision about the most appropriate algorithm for their specific forecasting requirements. Beyond algorithm selection and attribute analysis, our review also considers external factors that can significantly influence stock prices. These factors include a broad range of variables, such as economic conditions, geopolitical events, corporate news, and market sentiment. Understanding the interaction between these external elements and stock market dynamics is essential for developing more robust and reliable prediction models.

Modern management model for KAREB Bojonegoro cooperative: Integration of ABM, lean six sigma, and RBV and TPB approaches

In global business competition, ABM helps cooperatives such as KAREB Bojonegoro Cooperative achieve cost efficiency without sacrificing quality. KAREB Cooperative's expenditure is very high, reaching IDR158.82 billion in five years, with the main costs on fuel, labor, and maintenance. Optimizing expenditure and cost management is important to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and profitability. Various studies have shown that Lean Six Sigma and ABM methods increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve financial performance in various industries with proper implementation and intensive training. However, external factors, recent data, and regional variations, with deficiencies in data and methodology, and challenges in lean sigma implementation have not contributed simultaneously. This study offers the Integration of ABM, RBV, and TPB in Lean Sigma at KAREB Bojonegoro Cooperative because it is suspected that the condition of tobacco processing is not optimal and this approach needs to improve sustainable production efficiency. This study will analyze the implementation of ABM and Lean Sigma for cost control and waste reduction in tobacco drying at Kareb Cooperative with the contribution of Resource-Based View (RBV) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to improve process quality and optimal resource monitoring. This study uses a qualitative model with a case study method to assess the implementation of Activity-Based Management (ABM) in production cost efficiency, linking it with Lean Six Sigma, Resource-Based View (RBV), and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Key informants from Kareb Cooperative Bojonegoro, including the Head of Production, Accounting, and HR, provided insights into the impact of ABM and internal factors on efficiency. The research instruments included in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation, while the research procedure followed a systematic flow to ensure the validity and relevance of the data. This study states that the implementation of ABM at Kareb Cooperative Bojonegoro allocates costs based on actual activities, improving efficiency and cost control. Costs include procurement of materials (Rp24,375,300,000), production (Rp9,216,862,000), and distribution (Rp6,000,000,000). Lean Sigma focuses on reducing waste such as overproduction, defects, and waiting by improving processes and training. The ability is quite large in identifying production inputs and related costs such as fuel (Rp14,375,300,000), raw materials (Rp10,000,000,000), and production and distribution processes. Waste management such as overproduction and waiting, as well as the implementation of ABM and Lean Sigma, aims to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Evaluation and training are carried out to optimize processes and reduce waste. Setting costs based on activities, while Lean Sigma uses the Just-In-Time (JIT) system. Variable costs are optimized, production is controlled to reduce defects,and distribution and storage are improved for cost efficiency. The keys to success are open communication, management support, and intensive training. The implementation of ABM and Lean Sigma in Kareb Bojonegoro Cooperative effectively reduces costs and waste through training, JIT, and process control. These findings are expected to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve the competitiveness of cooperatives and provide a model for implementing modern management.

Mengatasi Intoleransi Siswa Menggunakan Konseling Behavioristik Teknik Kontrak Perilaku Di SMAN 2 Bae Kudus

The aims of this study are: 1. To describe the factors that cause students at SMAN 2 Bae Kudus to have intolerance. 2. Overcoming student intolerance using behavioristic counseling with behavioral contract techniques at SMAN 2 Bae Kudus.The type of research used is guidance and counseling case studies with qualitative methods; the subjects studied were two students from SMAN 2 Bae Kudus. The methods used in this study are interviews, observation and documentation in an in-depth way so that later you can obtain accurate data about the problem under study, namely the problem of intolerance behavior. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that there are two factors that cause intolerance in students, namely internal factors and external factors. There are several factors that cause MF to behave intolerantly, namely not liking informatics lessons even with the teacher, feeling uncomfortable in class, and often talking to himself with his classmates or around his bench when the lesson is in progress. While the factors that cause JI to behave intolerantly are feeling bored with math lessons, not liking math lessons, sleeping during class, and playing on their own cellphones when lessons are in progress, Therefore, what makes MF and JI counselees behave intolerantly is not respecting and respecting others, not introspecting himself, not paying attention to and listening to his teacher, talking to himself and playing in class when lessons begin, and imposing the will of others. After carrying out individual counseling using a behavioristic approach, the counselee's behavior contract technique can eliminate his bad behavior and change it to a better one.

Strategi Pengelolaan Kelas dalam Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam Peningkatkan Prestasi Belajar Siswa (Studi Kasus MTS Gaza Al-Islami Tanah Sareal Kota Bogor)

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers at the MTS Gaza Al-Islami Islamic Boarding School, Tanah Sareal, Bogor City, the background to this problem is that PAI teachers face many obstacles in managing classes. MTS Based at the Gaza Al-Islami Tanah Sareal Islamic Boarding School, Bogor City, has tried to implement classroom management strategies well and optimally. This is proven by several achievements in the academic and non-academic fields. The aim of this research is to describe classroom management strategies in improving the achievement of students at MTS Gaza Al-Islami Tanah Sareal, Bogor City, as well as describing the obstacles and solutions to overcome the obstacles faced. This research is field research. The findings in this research are classroom management strategies in Islamic Religious Education learning in improving student achievement at SMP Pondok Pesantren Gaza Al-Islami Tanah Sareal Bogor City which includes 4 (four) activities, namely structuring the learning environment, teaching methods for teachers (educators), administration classes, and managing behavior and providing motivation to students. The obstacles faced by teachers in implementing classroom management strategies consist of internal factors and external factors. Internal factors include motivational factors and students' psychological conditions. External factors include time constraints and media allocation. The inhibiting factors are the diverse characteristics of students, teachers/homeroom teachers who have different understandings of classroom management

The Influence of External Audit Quality on Discretionary Accruals and Real Earnings Management Practices: An Analysis of Malaysian Firms

This paper aims to analyse the mitigating effects of external audit quality (EAQ) factors on earnings management (EM) practices. Data were collected from firms listed on Bursa Malaysia’s main market, covering the years 2011 through 2022. Panel regression was employed to analyse the data. The findings of this study confirmed a significant negative association between audit reputation, audit quality, audit opinions, and EM of listed firms in Malaysia. Audit fees and audit tenure were found to be not significant in relation to EM. The study included five control variables in the analysis, and only economic value added (EVA) was found to be significant. The findings suggest that a number of audit quality factors are indicative of EM among listed firms. The authors extend, as well as contribute to, the growing literature on the EAQ, and therefore, wider corporate governance literature. Thus, it provides originality by presenting empirical evidence and outcomes to fully understand how discretionary accrual and real EM affect EAQ in the Malaysian context. Therefore, stakeholders should place higher concern on the selection of an external auditor, and investors should take into account the external audit factors when making investment decisions. Measuring the effectiveness of EAQ allows decision-makers to evaluate how effective employed governance measures are in improving shareholders’ perceptions of financial information quality and mitigating EM practices.

Navigating the Terrain of Sustainable Finance: A Phenomenological and Narrative Enquiry into Managerial Challenges

This research aims to identify the managers’ perspective on implementing and adopting sustainable financing models in Dubai. Firstly, Sustainable financing must be defined to differentiate the sustainable model from the traditional financing models, secondly, provide past implementation practices to investigate both external and internal factors in comparison with traditional finance (TF). Finally, record the manager’s feelings around this topic. The methodology used is a primary qualitative to dig deeper into understanding from past literature and identify managerial participants from Dubai concerning the implementation of sustainable financing. The paper developed findings that defined the link or difference between sustainable financing (SF) and traditional finance (TF). The propositions in the qualitative literature from studies entail that the UN SGDs heavily influence sustainable financing to adopt ESG practices. However, greenwashing, high costs and ambiguity discourage investors and managers from integrating SF efficiently and indicate challenges to SF implementation. The study implies that the Sustainable Financing model is extremely like the traditional financing model except for the ESG compliance. However, regarding management and operations, the system does not differ much. It is evident that Sustainable Financing standardization is a challenge the managers face.

Comprehensive framework for data fusion in distributed ledger technologies to enhance supply chain sustainability

This review proposes a comprehensive framework that integrates data fusion with Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) to enhance sustainability in supply chain management. In today’s global supply chains, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and environmental responsibility is critical, yet the lack of real-time visibility and data fragmentation presents significant challenges. The framework addresses these issues by merging data from multiple sources, including IoT devices, operational databases, and external environmental factors, using advanced data fusion algorithms. DLT, with its decentralized, immutable, and transparent nature, ensures the integrity and security of the data, allowing all stakeholders to access accurate and tamper-proof information. The fusion of data within a DLT infrastructure not only improves traceability and accountability but also enables the automation of sustainability checks via smart contracts. These contracts can trigger actions based on predefined sustainability metrics such as carbon emissions, energy consumption, and resource efficiency. Furthermore, predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms integrated into the system provide real-time monitoring and optimization of sustainability performance throughout the supply chain. The proposed review offers numerous benefits, including enhanced transparency, reduced operational costs, improved sustainability outcomes, and risk mitigation. It also addresses challenges such as scalability, data privacy, and regulatory compliance, offering solutions to overcome these hurdles. By exploring case studies of successful implementations, this review demonstrates the practical applications and future potential of combining DLT and data fusion for sustainable supply chain management, positioning it as a critical tool for organizations aiming to meet environmental and regulatory demands in an increasingly digital and eco-conscious world.

Enhancing the efficiency of e-commerce through digital technologies: Economic and legal aspects

The research is aimed at analyzing the economic and legal aspects of the functioning of digital technologies in the field of electronic commerce, as well as studying the impact of these technologies on the efficiency of processes and their interaction with various aspects of legislation regulating the field of electronic commerce. In the course of the research, literary sources and legal acts were analyzed with the aim of generalizing approaches to understanding electronic commerce and establishing the main principles of its regulation. The analysis of statistical data made it possible to identify trends in the development of the e-commerce market and the influence of negative external factors. In turn, the application of methods of generalization and systematization made it possible to determine the key aspects of the implementation of digital technologies to increase the efficiency of electronic commerce and identify regulatory gaps in this area. The results of the research confirm that e-commerce in Ukraine plays an important role in the digital economy, ensuring efficiency and profitability for businesses. An analysis of the e-commerce market showed the growth of the use of the Internet for shopping, even in difficult socio-political conditions. Therefore, despite the challenges facing the country, e-commerce remains a sustainable and powerful tool for business development and consumer activity. However, it is necessary to improve the legal framework in order to meet the requirements of modernity and to ensure the protection of consumers’ and market participants’ rights from technical and other risks related to electronic commerce.