Independent Decisions Research Articles

Separation of ethylene and ethane using Co-Gallate pellets in a vacuum swing adsorption process

This work reports a vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) process that utilizes Co-gallate pellets to produce high-purity ethylene. The process is tested on two feed streams generated from the pyrolysis of naphtha and steam cracking of ethane, respectively. The VSA cycle consists of four steps: pressurization, adsorption, replacement with ethylene product and blowdown. A cyclic steady state (CSS) is reached for every test condition, verified by checking the profiles of column pressure, gas composition, and solid loading, which remain constant for ten subsequent cycles. Through analysis of the independent decision variables that affect the performance of the 80/20 (v/v) ethylene/ethane mixture separation, we identify desorption pressure and the replacement flowrate to feed flowrate ratio as the most significant factors. By optimizing these variables, we achieve an exceptional purity of 99.90% for ethylene with a 46.45% recovery and a productivity of 1.05 mol kg−1 per cycle. The Co-gallate adsorbent has a high affinity for ethylene and a low diffusion limitation, thus demonstrating superior potential for industrial ethylene/ethane separation compared to zeolite 4A and Ag+-Amberlyst 35.

Distributed quantum multiagent deep meta reinforcement learning for area autonomy energy management of a multiarea microgrid

This paper presents a distributed area autonomy load frequency control (DAA-LFC) method capable of balancing the interests of different grid operators and achieving fast frequency recovery. The method treats each area controller in a multiarea microgrid as an agent. During offline training, the agents enter into gameplay with each other to obtain a global optimization policy. The agents involved in this method are capable of independent decision-making and need not communicate with each other during online operation. In addition, this paper presents a distributed quantum multiagent deep meta-deterministic policy gradient (DQMA-DMDPG) algorithm, which employs both large-scale learning and meta-learning to achieve collaborative multitask learning by setting reasonable exploration parameters under different tasks. A quantum method is used to set the exploration action noise as a set of superposition states to obtain richer samples. These innovations deliver better performance in terms of frequency deviation and total generation cost, thus satisfying the requirements of different grid operators. A simulation based on a four-area microgrid of the China Southern Grid (CSG) demonstrates that the proposed method can simultaneously reduce the frequency deviation and power generation costs and balance the interests of multiple operators.

Target return as efficient driver of risk-taking

PurposeThis paper examines whether target returns act as specific goals that impact risk-taking when individuals make investment decisions.Design/methodology/approachUsing an experimental setting, the authors assign either a low or a high target return to participants and ask them to make independent investment decisions as the risk-free rate fluctuates around their target return and, for some of them, becomes negative.FindingsBuilding on cumulative prospect theory, the authors find that the prevailing reference point of participants is the target return, regardless of the level of the risk-free rate. This result still holds even when the risk-free rate is negative, suggesting that (1) the target return drives risk-taking more than does a zero-threshold and (2) negative rates are limited as a tool to stimulate appetites for risk. In a follow-up study, the authors show that these conclusions remain valid when the target return is endogenously determined.Originality/valueThe authors' original approach, which pioneers the use of target returns in both the positive and negative interest rate contexts, provides insightful results about the “reach for yield” among regular people.

Distributed Improved Deep Prediction for Recommender System using an Ensemble Learning

If online businesses possess valuable interest for suggesting their items by scoring them, then digital advertising gains their profits depending on their promotions or marketing task. Web users cannot be certain that the products handled via big-data recommendation are either advanced or interesting to their needs. In recent decades, recommender system models have been widely used to analyses large quantities of information. Amongst, a Distributed Improved Prediction with Matrix Factorization (MF) and Random Forest (RF) called DIPMF model exploits individual’s desires, choices and social context together for predicting the ratings of a particular item. But, the RF scheme needs high computation power and time for learning process. Also, its outcome was influenced by the training parameters. Hence this article proposes a Distributed Improved Deep Prediction with MF and ensemble learning (DIDPMF) model is proposed to decrease the computational difficulty of RF learning and increasing the efficiency of rating prediction. In this DIDPMF, a forest attribute extractor is ensemble with the Deep Neural Network (fDNN) for extracting the sparse attribute correlations from an extremely large attribute space. So, incorporating RF over DNN has the ability to provide prediction outcomes from all its base trainers instead of a single estimated possibility rate. This fDNN encompasses forest module and DNN module. The forest module is employed as an attribute extractor to extract the sparse representations from the given raw input data with the supervision of learning outcomes. First, independent decision trees are constructed and then ensemble those trees to obtain the forest. After, this forest is fed to the DNN module which acts as a learner to predict the individual’s ratings with the aid of novel attribute representations. Finally, the experimental results reveal that the DIDPMF outperforms than the other conventional recommender systems.

Socially optimal dosing for scarce vaccines: Ethical analysis through the principlism framework.

Under conditions of vaccine scarcity, the socially optimal dosing (SOD) strategy administers a lower dose of vaccine to a larger number of people than the individually optimal dosing (IOD) strategy, which administers a higher dose of vaccine to a smaller number of people. In the context of vaccines that generate diminishing returns of effectiveness with each additional dose beyond the first, SOD therefore generates a greater total amount of vaccine-induced protection than IOD and, as such, constitutes the socially optimal strategy. While the clinical and public health arguments in favour of SOD have previously been outlined, this article conducts an ethical analysis of SOD for scarce vaccines through the ethical framework of principlism. SOD is examined with regard to each principle within the principlism framework-nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice. SOD is found to satisfy each of the ethical requirements under examination. Regarding nonmaleficence, SOD induces less iatrogenic harm than IOD since the dose of vaccine administered to each individual is lower in the former than the latter. Furthermore, both the good and bad effects of SOD are foreseen while only the good effects are intended, meaning this strategy simultaneously satisfies the doctrine of double effect. Regarding autonomy, SOD makes vaccine-induced protection available to a greater number of individuals who wish to receive it, thereby respecting their capacity for self-determination and to make independent decisions. Regarding beneficence, SOD renders the good-namely the protection of health-more widely available to the individuals that constitute the population in question. Finally, SOD promotes theories of justice that treat individuals equally and is unlikely to reduce the effectiveness of other distribution policies that allocate scarce vaccines in a just manner. In conditions of vaccine scarcity, SOD favourably satisfies the ethical framework of principlism.

Does hoodwinking others pay? The psychological and relational consequences of undetected negotiator deception.

Lies often go undetected, and we know little about the psychological and relational consequences of successfully deceiving others. While the evidence to date indicates that undetected dishonesty induces positive affect in independent decision contexts, we propose that it may elicit guilt and undermine satisfaction in negotiations despite facilitating better deals for deceivers. Across four studies, we find support for a deceiver's guilt account, whereby dishonesty triggers guilt and lessens negotiators' satisfaction with the bargaining experience. This pattern is robust to several factors, including the size of negotiators' incentives and individual differences in negotiators' moral character. It holds for both lies issued of negotiators' own volition and in compliance with others' orders. Large incentives also exacerbated dishonesty-induced guilt. Further, dissatisfaction stemming from dishonesty-induced guilt had downstream relational consequences. Despite going undetected, dishonesty in a focal negotiation reduced deceivers' likelihood of choosing to interact again with the same counterpart and adversely impacted their satisfaction in future negotiations with that counterpart. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

An Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV): Development of an Autonomous Boat with a Sensor Integration System for Bathymetric Surveys.

A reliable yet economical unmanned surface vehicle (USV) has been developed for the bathymetric surveying of lakes. The system combines an autonomous navigation framework, environmental sensors, and a multibeam echosounder to collect submerged topography, temperature, and wind speed and monitor the vehicle's status during prescribed path-planning missions. The main objective of this research is to provide a methodological framework to build an autonomous boat with independent decision-making, efficient control, and long-range navigation capabilities. Integration of sensors with navigation control enabled the automatization of position, orientation, and velocity. A solar power integration was also tested to control the duration of the autonomous missions. The results of the solar power compared favorably with those of the standard LiPO battery system. Extended and autonomous missions were achieved with the developed platform, which can also evaluate the danger level, weather circumstances, and energy consumption through real-time data analysis. With all the incorporated sensors and controls, this USV can make self-governing decisions and improve its safety. A technical evaluation of the proposed vehicle was conducted as a measurable metric of the reliability and robustness of the prototype. Overall, a reliable, economic, and self-powered autonomous system has been designed and built to retrieve bathymetric surveys as a first step to developing intelligent reconnaissance systems that combine field robotics with machine learning to make decisions and adapt to unknown environments.

Do Personality Traits and Cultural Norms Influence Investment Decisions? The Role of Financial Literacy and Investor Overconfidence

Behavioral finance assumes that investors are irrational and several psychological factors, behavioral biases, and personality traits influence their investment decisions. Therefore, this study intends to examine how behavioral factors, such as personality traits and cultural norms, affect Pakistani investors’ decisions while considering the moderating effect of financial literacy and the mediating role of investor overconfidence. The study used PLS-SEM for statistical analysis on a final useable sample of 396 observations obtained from surveying investors based in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Our results indicate that overconfidence, extroversion, introversion, individualism and collectivism positively affect investment decisions. Further, we found that overconfidence reduces herding bias while financial literacy moderates the relationship. The empirical results also show that overconfidence mediates the association between (i) financial literacy and herding bias and (ii) financial literacy and investment decisions. Hence, we argue that investors should enhance their financial literacy to improve their investment capabilities and skills that are imperative for unique and independent investment decisions. Investors should also become financially literate for outperforming the market and not imitate other investors. Similarly, we urge policymakers to regulate and protect investors' interests by encouraging them to enhance their financial literacy.

Factors Influencing Consumer Buying Decision towards Herbal Products in Monaragala District, Sri Lanka

Appeal towards herbal products is increasing these days, because consumers become conscious about natural ingredients and harmless offers. This study aims to identify the influencing factors on consumer buying decision towards herbal products. This is a quantitative study which gathered data from 200 customers from Monaragala district, Sri Lanka using snowball sampling technique. The data were analyzed by using descriptive, correlation and multiple regression analyses. Findings of the study show that there is a strong positive relationship between independent variables (health conscious, social influence, product price, perceived value, trust) and consumer buying decision. Also, highlights that health conscious, social influence, product price, perceived value, and trust have significantly impact on consumer buying decision. Among the independent variables, social influence is the most influencing factor on consumer buying decision. This study will be helpful to the consumers to make effective decision during the consumption process and to the companies to place their strategies effectively.

Director independence and its influence on corporate social responsibility decisions and performance

PurposeThis study aims to provide an understanding of how directors perceive the relationship between board independence and corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance which has remained under-researched.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews of 19 directors from 14 organisations operating in Australia. Data were analysed following the six-phase process of thematic analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate that independent directors contribute to board CSR decisions in two major ways: they bring an outsider view to the board, and they monitor managers in taking decisions that consider the interests of the broader stakeholder groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe in-depth analysis of director independence and CSR highlights the structural and behavioural aspects of director independence and CSR playing out in board rooms. Propositions are offered which can be tested to advance the research in this arena.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that efforts are required at organisational policy level to ensure the effectiveness of director independence for CSR.Originality/valueThis study provides insights into the “black box” of boardroom dynamics highlighting important contextual factors influencing director independence and CSR decisions previously under-explored.

Pengaruh Promosi Dan Lokasi Terhadap Keputusan Konsumen Dalam Menggunakan Jasa Pengiriman Barang Indah Cargo Di Kota Pariaman

Indah Logistik Cargo is a service company engaged in the delivery of goods. The business of goods delivery services is one of the business fields that plays an important role in the economic system, because the service sector aims to serve the needs and desires of all people who need it. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of price and location on service consumer decisions at Indah Logistik Cargo, Pariaman City. The type of research used in this study is quantitative, while the data used is primary data collected from respondents. The sampling technique in this research is incidental sampling technique, then processed with SPSS release 20.0 for windows program. The analysis used is multiple linear regression analysis where Price, and Location as independent variables and Consumer Decisions as dependent variables. The results of the research conducted indicate that from the results of the Simultaneous Test (Test F) it is known that the price and location variables simultaneously have a significant effect on consumer decisions in using goods delivery services at PT. Indah Cargo Kota Pariaman, Meanwhile, based on the results of the Partial Test (Test T) it is known that the price, and location partially have a significant effect on consumer decisions in using freight forwarding services at PT. Beautiful Cargo City Pariaman. Meanwhile, based on the calculation of the coefficient of determination (R2), the Adjusted R Square value is 0.574. This shows that together price, and location have a significant influence on consumer decisions in using freight forwarding services at PT. Indah Cargo Kota Pariaman by 57.4%. While the remaining 42.6% is influenced by other variables that are not examined in this study.

Pedestrian small group behaviour and evacuation dynamics on metro station platform

Crowd at metro stations is usually a mixture of individuals and small groups of families or friends. However, limited research has focused on small group behaviours for metro safe evacuation evaluation and planning. In this study, a field observation at metro stations and a questionnaire survey were conducted to reveal the small group behaviour characteristics with different decision patterns and compactness. A cellular automaton (CA) based simulation model was proposed to reproduce small group behaviours of independent or joint decision pattern, with loose or close contact, reflecting the real-time trade-off between individual efficiency and group coherence. Impacts of small group behaviours on crowd dynamics were investigated by simulation experiments under diverse scenarios. Simulation experiments revealed that joint decision pattern and close contact of small groups were more likely to lead to longer evacuation time, lower average speed and stronger interference on the individuals. Deviations of estimated evacuation time due to small group behaviours were investigated and found to be common and widespread with different group decision pattern and compactness, congestion levels, proportions of groups in the crowd and exit layouts.

Development and validation of the nomogram to predict the risk of hospital drug shortages: A prediction model.

Reasons for drug shortages are multi-factorial, and patients are greatly injured. So we needed to reduce the frequency and risk of drug shortages in hospitals. At present, the risk of drug shortages in medical institutions rarely used prediction models. To this end, we attempted to proactively predict the risk of drug shortages in hospital drug procurement to make further decisions or implement interventions. The aim of this study is to establish a nomogram to show the risk of drug shortages. We collated data obtained using the centralized procurement platform of Hebei Province and defined independent and dependent variables to be included in the model. The data were divided into a training set and a validation set according to 7:3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine independent risk factors, and discrimination (using the receiver operating characteristic curve), calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test), and decision curve analysis were validated. As a result, volume-based procurement, therapeutic class, dosage form, distribution firm, take orders, order date, and unit price were regarded as independent risk factors for drug shortages. In the training (AUC = 0.707) and validation (AUC = 0.688) sets, the nomogram exhibited a sufficient level of discrimination. The model can predict the risk of drug shortages in the hospital drug purchase process. The application of this model will help optimize the management of drug shortages in hospitals.

Externalities in the wildland-urban interface: Private decisions, collective action, and results from wildfire simulation models for California.

Property damage from wildfires occurs from spread into built-up areas, the wildland-urban interface. Fire spread occurs as embers from one burning structure ignite neighboring ones-but mitigation reduces the chances that fire spreads. In this study, we use a simulation model with realistic parameters for a neighborhood in California to illustrate patterns of marginal benefit from mitigation. We extend existing models of fire spread in two novel ways. We show how to describe the no-regulation equilibrium and social optimal levels of mitigation by incorporating data on a key factor, the distribution of house values in the community. We incorporate insurance in the model and show that it improves homeowner decision-making and insurance premium regulation. The fire spread simulations show that under plausible parameter values, there is a pattern in which mitigation's marginal benefit is low at low levels of community mitigation, rises to a maximum, and then falls quickly to a low level. We argue that the maximum marginal benefit is a guide to achieving optimal mitigation in a community. Owner mitigation decisions will depend on the distribution of house values in the neighborhood and other factors. In an illustration, we use the distribution of house values in a California community to illustrate the mitigation owners will choose under independent (Nash) investment decisions, and the efficiency-improving actions involving regulations or insurance premium subsidies that can lead to the social optimum.

TRAVERSING THE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVES AND OFFICIALS

The focus of the article points on the three pillars that support good governance are an unshakeable moral basis, a commitment to openness in all dealings, and a code of conduct that emphasizes effectiveness in all actions. In this study, the descriptive approach was utilized to describe the socio-economic profiles of the executives of the Local Government Units as well as the leadership styles they employed. Interviews guided by a standardized survey questionnaire served as the medium for gathering the necessary information and data for analysis. According to the findings of the survey, these qualities include command responsibility, being easy to work with, being honest, having commitment and determination, and being able to make independent decisions. These are the characteristics that set an effective and efficient leader apart from other possible candidates for leadership positions. The characteristic of leadership that has the most impact on the choices voters make about candidates for public office. This suggests that the respondents are against graft and corruption being used in the process of providing the services to the customers.

CHANGING GENDER ROLES IN AGRICULTURE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF HUNZA AND SUBURBAN AREAS OF LAHORE

The current study is a comparative analysis with an aim to explore the changing gender roles in the agricultural practices of Lahore and Hunza. The qualitative study design was used to conduct the study. Participants from Hunza and Suburban areas of Lahore were taken for the current research because Hunza is a far-off, less developed area where women are mainly responsible for agriculture and Lahore is a cosmopolitan city with all technological facilities. 12 participants, who were actively engaged with agriculture, with an equal number of men and women were taken from both geographical locations through purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview protocol was prepared keeping in view literature and personal observations, which consisted of 16 open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was the data analysis method. 7 major themes were extracted through analysis namely, Various agricultural tasks and gender roles, decision-making, marketing of crops and financial independence, Cultural Restrictions for Female Farmers, Challenges in Agricultural Activities, Technology and agriculture, and Gender-Oriented Agricultural programs. It was found that females from Hunza made independent decisions regarding crop selection, and new varieties of seed selection but females from suburban areas of Lahore did not find to be engaged at this level. Unlike the females from Lahore, Hunza women sold vegetables in their indigenous markets and had control over their income. Due to cultural restrictions, females from Lahore did not participate in different agricultural programs. Females and males from Hunza participated in agricultural programs due to their availability of time and desire. This research is a valuable contribution to fill in the existing gaps in the literature review and comparing the different roles males and females play in different agricultural activities in both geographical locations and the novel findings related to decision making etc.

TRAVERSING THE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNEMENT EXECUTIVES AND OFFICIALS

The focus of the article points on the three pillars that support good governance are an unshakeable moral basis, a commitment to openness in all dealings, and a code of conduct that emphasizes effectiveness in all actions. In this study, the descriptive approach was utilized to describe the socio-economic profiles of the executives of the Local Government Units as well as the leadership styles they employed. Interviews guided by a standardized survey questionnaire served as the medium for gathering the necessary information and data for analysis. According to the findings of the survey, these qualities include command responsibility, being easy to work with, being honest, having commitment and determination, and being able to make independent decisions. These are the characteristics that set an effective and efficient leader apart from other possible candidates for leadership positions. The characteristic of leadership that has the most impact on the choices voters make about candidates for public office. This suggests that the respondents are against graft and corruption being used in the process of providing the services to the customers.

Cognitive Therapy for Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A New Look at Social Adaptation Skills and Interpersonal Relationships.

The purpose of the study is to consider the factors influencing the development of the culture of interpersonal relationships and the effectiveness of the influence of cognitive therapy on improving social adaptation skills. The method of cognitive therapy included several types of activities. The first type of activities included group sessions, during which the weaknesses of the interaction and their correction were identified. The second type was conducted in the format of teaching standard models of interaction between people. The third type of activity aimed to teach children to build a dialogue with each other and express their desires and emotions. Classes were held 3 times a week throughout the year. The study was attended by pupils of 5-7 grades of Zhanuya boarding school and special correctional boarding school No. 7 for children with intellectual disabilities. The results of a randomized study demonstrated an increase in the indicators of teamwork skills, self-control, emotional stability, and independent decision-making. The indicators of cheerfulness, openness, sociability, and logical thinking also improved. But the factor of antisocial behavior decreased. All of these indicators directly affect socialization. This strategy can be applied in practice in various specialized boarding schools and schools for children with intellectual disabilities.

Coaching in the System of Professional Training of Future Masters of Primary Education During the Period Under Martial Law

This article highlights the relevance of the problem of using coaching in the professional training of future masters of primary education under martial law. Theoretical analysis of scientific sources on comprehension of the definitions of "coaching" and "pedagogical coaching" is carried out; the essence, purpose, and tasks are revealed. It is noted that the purpose of pedagogical coaching is to reveal the potential for improvement of the expected learning outcomes, development of critical and logical thinking, formation of mobility, independence in decision-making, the desire for self-development, self-learning, and success in future professional activities among higher education students.
 It has been found that the introduction of coaching in the system of professional training of future masters of primary education will serve the process of training competitive and competent specialists with formed values, beliefs, and priority goals. They are capable of making both personal and professional independent decisions and generating new ideas. This method also helps master's students to develop appropriate self-esteem and academic stress resistance. This is the basis of educational and cognitive activity in the conditions of wartime.
 It is concluded that coaching belongs to innovative technologies of professional education; it is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth for future masters of primary education; it is a technology for organizing scientific and pedagogical research that promotes the implementation of a student-centered approach in higher education institutions based on trust, partnership, and mutual respect. It is also important to provide a comprehensive rather than fragmentary implementation of coaching to achieve the aims of professional education, improve its quality, and establish cooperative subject-subject relations between professors and students.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ФОРМУВАННЯ ЛІДЕРСЬКИХ ЯКОСТЕЙ У СТУДЕНТІВ ГЕОГРАФІЧНИХ ФАКУЛЬТЕТІВ

The article analyzes the formation of leadership qualities of students in institutions of higher education. It is emphasized that the development of the leadership potential of education seekers is an urgent problem for institutions of higher education, since it is during the student years that active formation of value orientations, social position, and determination of life priorities of a young person takes place. Today, a student of higher education can independently make decisions, put forward new ideas, developing leadership potential. Therefore, with the aim of creating leaders of a new generation, the problem of developing the leadership potential of students of geography faculties is gaining relevance. Universities, acting as centers of education, science and culture, have significant opportunities for continuous development of the individual, including his leadership abilities. Accumulating and transmitting innovative pedagogical experience, the university creates a modern educational space that can train high-quality specialists who consciously assume the functions of management and effective leadership in various areas of professional activity. In order to develop and implement forms of work for the development of the leadership potential of geography students, the most effective organizational forms of socio-pedagogical work in the direction of the development of leadership potential have been singled out, namely, training that performs transformative, corrective, preventive and adaptive functions; the student scientific circle is aimed at communication, exchange of ideas and thoughts, improvement and development of knowledge of education seekers in scientific spheres of activity, personality formation; quest – a competition, sequential performance of pre-prepared tasks by individual players or teams; debate; Round Table; individual work; portfolio as a way of recording, accumulating, evaluating and self-assessing personal achievements over a certain period of time, etc. Special attention should be paid to the diagnosis of the leadership abilities of higher education students studying at the Faculty of Geography of the Yuriy Fedkovich Chernivtsi National University, conducted according to the methodology of E. Zharikov and Krushelnytskyi. This technique allows you to assess a person's ability to be a leader. After analyzing the results, we see that the leadership qualities of most of the applicants are below average, which is characterized by a lack of desire to communicate, a tendency to spend time alone. They don't feel active and relaxed. It is difficult for such students to establish contacts with people. They do not stand up for their point of view, they hardly tolerate criticism. They practically do not show initiative, do not make independent decisions. In practice, there is still a fairly significant proportion of students who, according to their personal manifestations, are quite non-initiative, do not have any expressed abilities and do not seek to express themselves, to achieve a prestigious social status by their own efforts. Such manifestations complicate the processes of their social adaptation and professional development. Therefore, the analysis of the state of study of the problem of leadership and the formation of leadership qualities in the works of Ukrainian and foreign scientists recognizes the insufficient level of research on the problem of the formation of leadership qualities among students of geographical universities. The development of modern interactive forms and methods of forming leadership qualities in students of geography faculties requires further scientific study.