Flexible Options Research Articles

Estimating the Target-Consistent Carbon Price for Electricity

The target-consistent price of carbon for an electricity sector decarbonizing through massive variable renewable electricity (VRE) depends sensitively on the VRE penetration level, as the marginal curtailment of VRE rises rapidly beyond a certain level. This article develops a simple linear model to illustrate the relation between the shadow carbon price (SPC) and VRE penetration, illustrated for the island of Ireland’s 2026 target VRE penetration of 55%. The SPC rises rapidly with increased VRE investment beyond a certain point, and can be used to direct mitigating investment in storage, interconnectors, and other flexibility options. The SPC for the final efficient portfolio will be the target-consistent carbon price for electricity that is useful for comparing future decarbonization scenarios and their need for complementary investments. JEL Classification: H23, L94, Q28, Q42, Q48

The Impact of Motherhood on the Career Development of Female Journalists in Nigeria

Journalism has been described as a very demanding job, and this demand is heightened when marriage and motherhood are put into context. This is because the Nigerian culture has placed the burden of home and childcare majorly at the feet of women, making it very difficult to break the glass ceiling for women journalists working in the Nigerian news media. This study sought to investigate the impact of motherhood on the career progression of female journalists working in Nigerian newsrooms. The online survey research method was employed to sample 112 female journalists, who are mothers, working in Nigerian newsrooms. It was found that the majority of female journalists have more than one child and took maternity leave for up to 3 months but have declined numerous opportunities as a result of childcare responsibilities. The challenges experienced by respondents include inability to find affordable childcare services, frustration and burnout, declined access to opportunities and training, absence of flexible work options and slow career progression. The study recommends that media owners should support female journalists with children by creating space for crèche/day-care with an experienced day-care service provider so that nursing mothers can be able to access their children promptly. Employers can increase the salaries of workers such that their monthly wage is not affected as a result of childcare services. Furthermore, to foster an environment where women can thrive in their media careers, organisations must critically review existing policies and structures that disadvantage women

AI-Assisted Restoration of Yangshao Painted Pottery Using LoRA and Stable Diffusion

This study is concerned with the restoration of painted pottery images from the Yangshao period. The objective is to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the restoration process for complex pottery patterns. Conventional restoration techniques encounter difficulties in accurately and efficiently reconstructing intricate designs. To address this issue, the study proposes an AI-assisted restoration workflow that combines Stable Diffusion models (SD) with Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) technology. By training a LoRA model on a dataset of typical Yangshao painted pottery patterns and integrating image inpainting techniques, the accuracy and efficiency of the restoration process are enhanced. The results demonstrate that this method provides an effective restoration tool while maintaining consistency with the original artistic style, supporting the digital preservation of cultural heritage. This approach also offers archaeologists flexible restoration options, promoting the broader application and preservation of cultural heritage.

Efgartigimod: A Review in Generalised Myasthenia Gravis.

Efgartigimod (Vyvgart®; Vyvgart® Hytrulo) is a neonatal fragment crystallizable receptor (FcRn) antagonist indicated for the treatment of generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who are acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive (Ab+). Efgartigimod is approved for both intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) use. In a pivotal phaseIII trial, IV efgartigimod was associated with significant and clinically meaningful improvements in myasthenia gravis symptoms and reductions in disease burden. The beneficial effects of IV efgartigimod were reproducible, durable and maintained over the long term. IV efgartigimod also improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL). In another phaseIII trial, SC efgartigimod PH20 was noninferior to IV efgartigimod in reducing total immunoglobulin G levels. Clinical improvement with SC efgartigimod PH20 was consistent with that of IV efgartigimod and was reproducible over the long term. Efgartigimod was generally well tolerated; the most common adverse events were headache and infections (with IV efgartigimod) and injection-site reactions (with SC efgartigimod PH20). Although further long-term data are required, IV and SC formulations of efgartigimod provide effective, generally well-tolerated and flexible treatment options for adults with AChR Ab+ gMG.

Uninsured Motorists’ Risk Attitudes and Pedestrian Road Safety: Evidence from Metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria

With the increasing prevalence of uninsured vehicles in urban areas, motorists’ behaviours on pedestrian safety are crucial for developing effective road safety strategies. This study investigated the happenings around uninsured motorists’ risk attitudes and pedestrian road safety in metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria. Using the survey approach cum the two-way sampling techniques comprised of purposive and convenience, data were gathered to analyse the behavioural dispositions of uninsured motorists and their implications on pedestrian road safety. The study adopted a structured questionnaire as a research instrument for data collection from a sample population of 209. The data analytical employed was descriptive statistics comprised of simple frequency percentages presented in tabular form and bar chart description. Findings revealed, based on pedestrian opinions, that uninsured motorists display riskier driving behaviours, such speeding and reckless driving pattern; which was found prevalent among commercial uninsured motorists. In addition, insufficient implementation of insurance regulation and socio-economic factors contributed to the proliferation of uninsured vehicles. The study also showcased the descriptive analysis of uninsured motorists’ risk attitudes towards pedestrian road safety. Further finding presented a descriptive analysis of pedestrians’ road safety metrics on Lagos roads. Then, the study accentuates the urgent need for comprehensive policy intervention targeting uninsured motorists, including stricter application of insurance laws, public awareness campaigns, enhanced infrastructure to improve pedestrian safety in urban environment, like metropolitan, Lagos, Nigeria and in similar contexts in other African cities and beyond. Thus, insurance practitioners, especially motor insurance providers, should synergise their efforts to improve the accessibility and affordability of insurance for motorists, particularly, the low-income individuals; by creating flexible payment options, and subsidising insurance premiums. Lastly, local communities should engage with other stakeholders in the transport industry to ensure road safety culture, promoting responsible driving behaviour and encouraging compliance with insurance regulation

Empowering model repair: a rule-based approach to graph repair without side effects—extended version

AbstractWorking with models can lead to inconsistencies, e.g., due to erroneous or contradictory actions during concurrent modeling processes. Modern modeling environments typically tolerate inconsistencies and support their detection. However, at a later stage of development, models are expected to be consistent, meaning their inconsistencies should be considered and resolved. The process of resolving model inconsistencies is commonly referred to as model repair. Our approach to model repair is semi-automatic in the sense that the repair tool computes appropriate repair plans and the modeler decides which path to take. The speciality of our approach is that the repair process can register any small improvement in the model. This allows the interaction with the user to be optimized, resulting in an approach with a high level of automation on the one hand and flexible configuration options on the other. The approach focuses on providing repair plans that do not have side effects, i.e., the computed repair plans do not inadvertently introduce a new inconsistency of already repaired constraints into the model. Since models often have a graph-like structure, we present our approach to model repair based on graphs. Our approach is completely formal—we use the algebraic graph transformation approach to prove its correctness. We also present a prototype implementation of our repair approach based on the Eclipse Modeling Framework and Henshin, a model transformation engine based on graph transformation, to perform the actual model repair. A first performance evaluation shows that graphs with up to 1000 nodes can be repaired in about 10 s.

Factors that Hinder the Return of the IDPs to their Homes at Marawi’s Most Affected Areas

ABSTRACT This study is designed to investigate the factors hindering the return of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marawi City resulting from the May 2017 Marawi Siege to the most affected area (MAA), revealing the urgent need for holistic solutions that address property ownership, socio-economic challenges, security concerns, administrative hurdles, and psychological trauma. The primary data required in the study were scientifically obtained through the use of the FGD and key informant interview (KII) methods. More specifically, the study findings disclosed that despite the fact that over 86% of Marawi's displaced longing to return home, a multitude of obstacles stand in their way such as inadequate housing, insecure land ownership, limited livelihoods, lingering trauma, and bureaucratic hurdles create a tangled web of challenges. Moreover, the aforementioned findings were further exacerbated by the exclusion of undocumented residents from reconstruction efforts, widening inequalities and stalling progress. To facilitate a smooth return, comprehensive solutions addressing financial constraints, trauma, community rebuilding, and streamlined administrative processes are critical. Only then can Marawi's displaced rebuild their lives and restore their shattered sense of home. Hence, a comprehensive housing plan offering reconstruction support, flexible payment options, and diverse shelter models for non-owners is crucial; exigent empowerment through financial assistance, skills training, and infrastructure development; addressing psychological well-being through culturally sensitive mental health programs; building trust and accountability requires transparency in resource allocation and addressing concerns about bogus beneficiaries and unauthorized demolitions; and collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and communities empowers IDPs and ensures their voices are heard.

Credit Cost Management and Financial Performance of Hotel Businesses in Kenya

This study explores the impact of credit cost management on the financial performance of businesses in Kenya's hospitality sector. Specifically, it examines how interest rates, loan collateral, and loan repayment terms influence the profitability and financial stability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the industry. The study is supported by Loanable funds theory, Credit scorecards theory and Tradeoff theory. Through a desk review of existing literature, the study identifies that high interest rates increase the cost of borrowing, creating financial pressure on businesses, while lower rates support profitability. Loan collateral is found to be a major determinant of access to credit, with businesses that provide sufficient collateral securing loans more easily. Flexible loan repayment terms contribute to better cash flow management and liquidity, improving overall financial performance. The study concludes that effective credit cost management is critical for the success of hospitality businesses and recommends that financial institutions and policymakers collaborate to provide more favorable credit terms, including lower interest rates, reduced collateral requirements, and more flexible repayment options. Increased transparency in loan agreements and government interventions to support SMEs are also essential for fostering financial growth in the sector.

Contribution of brand image, price, and product quality in purchase decisions through the buy now, pay later (BNPL) feature on beauty care products

This study aims to examine the influence of brand image, price, and product quality on consumers' purchase decisions when using the "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) feature for beauty products. The research involved 101 respondents who are active BNPL users. The research method used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that price and product quality had a significant positive influence on purchase decisions, while brand image had no significant influence. This indicates that consumers prioritize rational factors such as price and quality over emotional factors such as brand image when deciding to purchase beauty products through the BNPL feature. The implications of this study are that businesses need to focus more on competitive pricing strategies and improving product quality to attract customers, as well as integrating the BNPL feature as one of the flexible payment options.

Water Disconnections and NWSC Performance in Iganga Municipality, Uganda

This study investigates the relationship between water disconnections and bills receivable management at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in Iganga Municipality. The research uses a mixed-methods approach to analyse customer perceptions regarding disconnections and their impact on revenue recovery. The findings indicate a positive correlation between the disconnection of water services due to non-payment and the financial performance of the NWSC, with the corporation recovering over 100 billion UGX annually from disconnections and reconnection fees. Despite a total billing of 3,049,102,366 UGX for the last financial year, the NWSC managed to collect only 2,728,709,173 UGX, resulting in a collection efficiency of 91%. However, infrastructure issues, economic uncertainties, and customer financial hardships affect overall revenue collection efficiency. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhanced customer engagement, improved infrastructure, flexible payment options, and the use of technology to optimize billing and revenue collection processes

Feasibiliy, safety and patient perceptions of an exercise-based cardiac telerehabilitation programme

Abstract Background Despite proven benefits of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR), few patients with myocardial infarction (MI) complete these programs and there is a need to develop more flexible and evidence-based options. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility, safety, and patient perceptions of remotely delivered EBCR. Methods This study was conducted at 23 cardiac rehabilitation centres during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 2020-September 2022), when access to centre-based EBCR was restricted. A total of 231 patients with MI <80 years were included 2-4 weeks after discharge to participate in a remote EBCR programme 2 times/week for 3-4 months. Exercise was delivered through a real-time group-based video meeting, connecting the physiotherapist to patients exercising at home. Safety monitoring in terms of adverse events (AE) and serious adverse events (SAE) were recorded. Outcomes were assessed before and after remote EBCR completion and comprised tests of physical fitness and questionnaires: self-reported physical activity and exercise (Haskell questionnaire), physical capacity (VAS), kinesiophobia (TSK-Heart), health-related quality of life (EQ5D-VAS), self-efficacy for exercise, and patient acceptance of the program. Results Patients performed in median 19 (Q1 9 - Q3 23) remote EBCR sessions. A total of 16 AEs were registered during exercise (e.g chest pain, syncope, dizziness, musculoskeletal symptoms) which were all resolved. Two SAEs that required hospitalization were reported (chest pain, in-stent restenosis), both unrelated to exercise. At end of remote EBCR, significant improvements in physical fitness, self-reported exercise and physical capacity, kinesiophobia, and health-related quality of life were observed (Table 1). Delta values were similar to previous centre-based EBCR studies. Patients agreed that remote EBCR improved health care access (83%), was easy to use (94%), and 95% found exercise performance and interaction acceptable. Conclusions This study supports that remote EBCR is feasible and safe with a high patient acceptance post-MI. The clinical effectiveness needs to be confirmed in a randomized controlled design.

The Relationship between the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Types and Psychological Well-being among College Students in China

Aim: This study explores the relationship between Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types and psychological well-being among Chinese college students, examining how cultural factors influence this relationship and identifying key factors impacting students' mental health. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on peer-reviewed articles from the past decade. Databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords like "MBTI," "psychological well-being," "college students," and "China." Inclusion criteria included studies on MBTI and psychological well-being among Chinese college students. Results: The review found that 64% of extraverted students reported high life satisfaction, compared to 42% of introverted students. Sensing students showed 58% academic satisfaction, while only 45% of intuitive students reported similar satisfaction levels. Thinkers (60%) and feelers (55%) displayed high psychological well-being linked to their respective environments. Judging types reported 70% life satisfaction, whereas only 45% of perceiving types expressed similar satisfaction. These findings underscore the significant impact of MBTI personality types on the psychological well-being of Chinese college students. Conclusion: MBTI types significantly influence psychological well-being among Chinese college students, moderated by cultural, social, and educational factors. Tailored mental health interventions and supportive environments are essential to address the diverse needs of students. Recommendations: Colleges should integrate MBTI-based counseling services, provide flexible learning options, and promote social support networks. These measures will accommodate varying personality types and improve overall student well-being. Implications: Understanding the interplay between MBTI types and psychological well-being within the Chinese cultural context offers valuable insights for educators and mental health professionals. These insights can inform the development of culturally sensitive interventions and support systems, enhancing the mental health and academic success of college students.

Integrated market scheduling with flexibility options

This work presents a generic optimization framework using advanced mixed-integer programming techniques to integrate day-ahead and balancing markets with distributed energy resources such as storage, electric vehicles, demand response, and Transmission and Distribution System Operators' coordination schemes. The day-ahead model determines optimal initial energy scheduling, while the balancing model optimizes energy and reserve products for three market designs with varying Transmission and Distribution System Operators’ coordination. The framework is applied to the interconnected Greek-Bulgarian-Romanian power system, considering 2030 installed capacities.The model outputs illustrate market coupling scenarios among Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, highlighting clear price signals and distributed energy resources flexibility. Results reveal the significance of a diverse energy mix for energy security and show that Transmission and Distribution System Operators’ coordination significantly influences ancillary service prices, with reductions of up to 80 % in certain scenarios. Net demand values determine electricity flow direction. Flexibility providers like storage can cover up to 100 % of the upward congestion management requirements and 11 % of upward balancing energy, helping smooth energy allocation from intermittent renewables. The impact of electric vehicle penetration on generation scheduling is minimal. The proposed model offers valuable insights for system operators, market participants, and policymakers, enabling them to provide accurate price signals and optimize resource allocation.The integrated day-ahead and balancing market models support efficient renewable energy integration, emissions reduction, enhanced grid stability, and investment in low-carbon technologies. This aligns with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change goals, contributing to the development of sustainable and resilient energy systems.

Good: An R package for modelling count data

Abstract Organisms‐related data often appear as counts. The Poisson distribution is the most popular choice for modelling count data, but this distribution assumes equidispersion, which is usually not satisfied in real‐world data. Deviations from the Poisson assumption lead to discrete‐valued distributions that can fit over‐ and/or underdispersion. Although models for count data with over‐dispersion have been widely considered in the literature, models for underdispersion—the opposite phenomenon—have received less attention because underdispersion is relatively common only in certain research fields, including ecology. The Good distribution is a flexible option for modelling count data with over‐dispersion or underdispersion, although no R packages are available so far offering functionalities such as calculating quantiles, probabilities, etc., of a Good distribution or providing a method for modelling a Good‐distributed output based on a number of potential predictors. This paper presents the R package good, which computes the standard probabilistic functions, generates random samples from a population following a Good distribution and estimates the Good regression.

Recaticimab Monotherapy for Nonfamilial Hypercholesterolemia and Mixed Hyperlipemia: The Phase 3 REMAIN-1 Randomized Trial

BackgroundMonoclonal antibodies against proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have been used to reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), but require either biweekly or monthly dosing frequency. Recaticimab is a new humanized monoclonal antibody selectively targeting PCSK9, with long-acting characteristic. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of recaticimab monotherapy in patients with nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia and mixed hyperlipemia at low-to-moderate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, and to explore different dosing strategies to provide patients with flexible administration options. MethodsThis was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study conducted at 59 sites in China. Patients with fasting LDL-C ≥2.6 to <4.9 mmol/L, fasting triglyceride ≤5.6 mmol/L, and 10-year ASCVD risk score <10% were randomly assigned (2:2:2:1:1:1) to receive subcutaneous injections of recaticimab at 150 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W), 300 mg every 8 weeks (Q8W), or 450 mg every 12 weeks (Q12W), or matching placebo, on background lipid-lowering diet. Primary endpoint was percentage change in LDL-C from baseline to week 12 for 150 mg Q4W and 450 mg Q12W and to week 16 for 300 mg Q8W. ResultsA total of 703 patients underwent randomization and received recaticimab (n = 157, 156, and 155 for 150 mg Q4W, 300 mg Q8W, and 450 mg Q12W, respectively) or placebo (n = 78, 79, and 78, respectively). Compared with placebo, recaticimab further reduced LDL-C by 49.6% (95% CI: 44.2%-54.9%) at 150 mg Q4W, 52.8% (95% CI: 48.3%-57.2%) at 300 mg Q8W, and 45.0% (95% CI: 41.0%-49.0%) at 450 mg Q12W (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Safety with recaticimab was comparable to placebo. After 12 or 16 weeks of treatment, patients who received recaticimab continued treatment until week 24, whereas those allocated to placebo were switched to recaticimab treatment with the same dosing strategy. Both 24-week recaticimab and 12- or 8-week recaticimab switched from placebo were effective. With 24 weeks of recaticimab treatment, the most common treatment-related adverse event was injection site reaction (n = 23 [4.9%]). ConclusionsRecaticimab monotherapy yielded significant LDL-C reductions and showed comparable safety vs placebo in patients with nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia and mixed hyperlipemia at low-to-moderate ASCVD risk, even with an infrequent dosing interval up to Q12W.

A Study on Work-life Balance Initiatives and Training Programs Towards Employee Productivity and Career Development

This study explores the impact of work-life balance initiatives and training programs on employee productivity and career development, particularly in the IT sector. It highlights the importance of flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and continuous learning opportunities in enhancing employee engagement, reducing stress, and fostering career growth. The research is based on data collected from 104 IT employees and uses statistical methods such as correlation, regression analysis, chi-square, and ANOVA to assess the relationship between these initiatives and key outcomes like productivity, well-being, and retention. The findings suggest that while flexible work options and training programs moderately support career advancement, challenges such as time management and insufficient resources still exist. The study recommends better aligning training programs with employee career goals, offering improved time management workshops, and allocating adequate resources to create a work environment that balances personal well-being with professional growth.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND PERFORMANCE OF TOP 100 SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KENYA

Access to services such as credit, insurance, and savings enables SMEs to invest in growth, innovation, and operational efficiency. SMEs leveraging financial inclusion can enhance their revenue generation, cash flow management, and overall profitability. The study sought to find out what impact finance inclusion has had on the performance of Kenya's top 100 SMEs. This study was guided by finance intermediation theories, technology acceptance theory, TAM signal theory and pecking order theory. The study1was carried1out on the basis of a descriptive research design. The target population consisted of top 100 medium size enterprises in Kenya as shown in the annual survey carried out by KPMG and nation media group in the years 2020. Respondents ware financial officers from Kenya's top 100 mid-sized companies. Stratified sampling was used to interview respondents based on company category. Respondents were selected using a purposeful selection process. Data1was collected using structured questionnaire. A pilot survey was conducted with 10 respondents, but the final survey did not include these respondents. Validity of research instruments was measured using content validity. The study examined the effects of micro savings, micro credit, micro insurance, and digital banking on the performance of Kenya's top 100 SMEs, revealing that tailored financial products significantly enhance operational efficiency and growth. Findings indicated that micro savings improve financial stability, while flexible repayment options for micro credit support sustainable business practices. Additionally, awareness and customized solutions for micro insurance products were found to bolster risk management among SMEs. Digital banking was highlighted as a critical enabler of faster transactions and better cash flow management. The conclusions suggest that targeted financial services and educational initiatives are vital for empowering SMEs to optimize their performance. Recommendations include developing customized financial products, enhancing digital banking infrastructure, and providing financial literacy training to improve overall business resilience and sustainability.

Relationship between Residential Patterns and Socioeconomic Statuses Based on Multi-Source Spatial Data: A Case Study of Nanjing, China

The relationship between residential patterns and socioeconomic statuses highlights the complex interactions between the economic regime, welfare system, and neighborhood effects, which are crucial in urban inequality studies. With the diversification of the housing demand and supply system, the traditional analysis conducted separately from the ethnic or spatial segregation perspective fails to capture the rising inequalities and changing socio-spatial context. Taking Nanjing as an example, based on a multi-source database including the housing price, residential environmental quality, surrounding support facilities, and mobile phone user portrait data, this paper proposed a modified method for discovering the coupling relationship between residential patterns and socioeconomic statuses. It is found that socioeconomic status contributes to residential spatial aggregation and that the relationship between social and spatial dimensions of residential differentiation is tightly coupled and related. The lower socioeconomic strata were displaced to the periphery and the older urban core, while affluent inhabitants were more likely to settle voluntarily in segregated enclaves to isolate themselves from the general population through more flexible housing options. The heterogeneity of the urban socioeconomic dimension is primarily affected by consumption and occupational status, while housing prices mainly determine the divergence of spatial distribution.

Sub-Ambient Performance of Potassium Sarcosinate for Direct Air Capture Applications: CO2 Flux and Viscosity Measurements

Absorption based direct air capture (DAC) technologies have garnered significant interest in recent years due to their scalability, competitive regeneration energy requirements, and low susceptibility to degradation. One of the key advantages of DAC lies in its flexible siting options and the potential to utilize low-value land. However, most of the research in this field has been focused on ambient climate zones (T > 20 °C), overlooking sub-ambient (−30 °C < T < 20 °C) regions, which comprise approximately 70 % of the Earth’s surface. To fully realize the potential of DAC, it is essential to understand how DAC solvents perform in these sub-ambient conditions before any large-scale deployment can be considered. Among DAC solvents of interest, potassium sarcosinate (K-SAR) has emerged as a promising candidate due to its high CO2 capacity, fast uptake kinetics, compatibility with contactor packing materials, low volatility, good thermal and oxidative stability, and competitive regeneration energy requirements compared to current industry standards. This paper characterizes the CO2 flux and viscosity of K-SAR at sub-ambient conditions and explores the potential of using ethylene glycol and triethylene glycol as additives to prevent solvent freezing in DAC applications. For 1 M K-SAR, the CO2 flux ranges between 1.3 × 10-5 and 8.0 × 10-5 mol m−2 s−1 across a temperature range of −5 °C to 45 °C. Ethylene glycol is shown to effectively suppress the freezing point of K-SAR below −30 °C with volumetric loadings of the additive as low as 0.1. A reaction model was developed to predict the CO2 flux for 1 M K-SAR at different temperatures, demonstrating good agreement between experimental and theoretical fluxes.

The Value of Work Flexibility: Staff Perceptions in Higher Education

ABSTRACT Increases in the technological availability of the digital workplace and shifting expectations after the COVID-19 quarantines in 2020–2021 have caused a significant increase in institutional capacity, and employee expectation of flexible work options in higher education. An analysis of institutional practices and experiences of higher education employees is needed to build a scant body of research on the topic and guide higher education leadership as they engage in policy development. By better understanding what workers in higher education value, leadership can more accurately assess and improve crucial organizational practices and policy through work flexibility such as recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction. In this study, interviews with academic advisors representing 16 different Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions were conducted to better understand how employees define work flexibility, its meaning to them as employees, and how it impacts them as individuals. Our study revealed four primary themes centered on how higher education employees want the ability to customize their role, be treated with compassion, feel trusted in the workplace, and have clarity around work flexibility expectations.