Innovative Measures Research Articles

Innovation and economic growth: An empirical analysis for African countries

In recent decades, innovation has become recognized as a key driver of economic growth. This study investigated the relationship between innovation and economic growth in 32 African countries from 2006 to 2017. The linear regression panel corrected standard errors (PCSEs) regression estimation was used to analyze the data. PCSE estimation accounted for heteroskedasticity and possible contemporaneous correlation across panels. The findings showed a positive association between the innovation index and economic growth. This result remained true even when research and development (R&D) expenditure (the conventional measure of innovation) was considered for a handful of countries. This finding highlights the significance of innovation in fostering economic growth. The study also found that domestic investment and human capital encouraged economic growth. The study estimated an endogenous growth model with an alternative measure of innovation. Based on the findings, the study recommends that African countries provide financial and material support for R&D in public and private institutions through funding, imparting entrepreneurial research attitudes in academics, and providing an enabling environment for business enterprises.

Constant or inconstant? The time-varying effect of danmaku on user engagement in online video platforms

PurposeAs an emerging video comment feature, danmaku is gaining more traction and increasing user interaction, thereby altering user engagement. However, existing research seldom explores how the effectiveness of danmaku on user engagement varies over time. To address this research gap, this study proposes a comprehensive framework drawing on social presence theory and information overload theory. The framework aims to explain how the effectiveness of danmaku in increasing user engagement changes over shorter time intervals.Design/methodology/approachA research model was proposed and empirically tested using data collected from 1,019 movies via Bilibili.com, one of China’s most popular danmaku video platforms. A time-varying effect model (TVEM) was used to examine the proposed research model.FindingsThe study finds that the volume of danmaku and its valence exert a time-varying influence on user engagement. Notably, the study shows that danmaku volume plays a more substantial role in determining user engagement than danmaku valence.Originality/valueThis research offers theoretical insights into the dynamic impact of danmaku on user engagement. The innovative conceptualization and measurement of user engagement advance research on pseudo-synchronous communication engagement. Furthermore, this study offers practical guidelines for effectively managing danmaku comments on online video platforms.

Parliamentary adjustment during a crisis: Interplay of digitalization and domestic context factors

The article studies how national parliaments in EU member states adjusted to the Covid-19 pandemic by posing the following questions: to what extent has the application of innovative digital measures facilitated the resilience of parliamentary democracy during the Covid-19 pandemic? What was the interplay between digital measures and other explanatory factors, such respect for the rule of law (RoL) at the domestic level and presence/absence of fast-track measures? Drawing on qualitative content analysis, the article demonstrates that the three explanatory factors reinforce each other. If respect for the RoL is deficient and fast-track measures are allowed, digitalization is not capable of upholding parliamentary powers in emergency situations. At the same time, parliamentary resilience is also possible without digitalization. The condition is that the domestic context guarantees both the respect for the RoL and the absence of fast-track measures.

Opportunities and challenges for using artificial intelligence in academic continuity: Case of Georgia

This article examined how higher education institutions in the Republic of Georgia responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on the context of the digital revolution and centering upon the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), it aimed to discern how these institutions sustained the continuity of the learning process and implemented innovative measures. Based on the research findings, the solutions proposed in this article present AI tools for personalized learning, adaptive assessment, and intelligent tutoring. As institutions navigated the post-pandemic era, the integration of AI into education proved viable. This research provided tangible insights into the digital revolution affecting education and informing strategic decision-making in Georgia's evolving higher education landscape. Recognizing the difficulties caused by the pandemic and the inherent challenges associated with strategic decision-making, a qualitative research approach was used to gain nuanced insights. It relied on in-depth interviews, recognizing the spontaneous and time-sensitive nature of strategic decisions made by universities during the pandemic, often precluding extensive pre-planning. The authors provided critical findings in terms of the pros and cons of distance learning and proposed AI solutions for each challenge that Universities faced during and after this significant disruption, giving real successful examples.

Assessment of Theoretical and Test Performance Considerations of Concentrated Solar Water Purification System “Parabosol” in Underserved Regions

Water is a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for sustainable development because it is an essential element of existence. Notwithstanding, a huge part of the world’s population continues to face challenges in accessing clean and safe drinking water. This situation is particularly pronounced in arid and underdeveloped regions where there is a global water crisis that is a huge threat to human health, economic development, and environmental stability. Designed with solar energy, the award-winning “Parabosol” enhances water evaporation and purifies it simultaneously. Parabosol does not require any expensive machines or complicated infrastructural frameworks, making it both cost-effective and efficient for such vulnerable communities. Transporting it easily allows for quick deployment in remote areas during emergencies, ensuring a clean, dependable water supply for basic household use. This innovative measure, which reduces the risk of waterborne diseases and increases access to safe water resources within communities, could greatly contribute to public health promotion efforts. It is intended for daily performance that corresponds to the minimum needs of one family unit (no less than 35 L per person). The processing capacity of each station varies between 120 and 180 L of water per day (depending on geographical and environmental conditions), depending on geographical and meteorological (solar radiation values) factors. However, experimental values are around 250 L. Parabosol illustrates a novel model with its distinctive design and functionality, highlighting the critical role of clean energy in the development of a more sustainable and resilient future. Additionally, unlike macrosystems that require a substantial initial investment and ongoing operating costs, Parabosol is a portable solution that has the potential to address the issue of clean water scarcity in the future.

Ultrasonic measurement method for three-dimensional assembly stress of aero-engine rotors

The precise measurement of three-dimensional stress in the rotor is a key means to ensure the assembly accuracy and operational safety of aero-engines. The unclear coupling influence mechanism of different directions of stress on ultrasonic propagation makes it challenging to establish a three-dimensional stress measurement model. This paper proposes a three-dimensional assembly stress measurement method for aero-engine rotors based on ultrasonic propagation time difference decoupling. The three-dimensional assembly stress is converted into the stress component parallel and perpendicular to the ultrasonic wave propagation direction in this method. The acoustoelastic equation including three-dimensional stress parameters is established based on the function model of different direction stress and ultrasonic wave propagation velocity. An innovative three-transducer stress measurement scheme is designed, which integrates ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving transducers and time difference feedback transducers. The acoustoelastic equations in three propagation directions are constructed by rotating the transducer group to change the propagation direction of ultrasonic waves. Finally, the acoustoelastic equations are solved simultaneously to decouple the ultrasonic propagation time difference, thus achieving a three-dimensional assembly stress measurement of the aero-engine rotor. The experimental results show that the maximum deviation between the measured values and the simulation results in the x ,y, and z directions is 15.885 MPa, 14.113 MPa, and 17.093 MPa, respectively. This study provides effective theoretical and technical support for precisely measuring three-dimensional assembly stress in high-end equipment represented by aero-engines.

Measuring impulse response and nonlinear distortions using exponential frequency-modulated signals

Abstract Exponential Frequency-Modulated (EFM) signals, characterized by their exponentially changing instantaneous frequency, are valuable in radar, sonar, and communication systems. This paper explores the application of EFM signals for measuring impulse response and nonlinear distortions in electronic devices. The EFM signal testing method, which involves recording and analyzing the device's output in response to EFM signals, provides insights into amplitude-frequency, phase-frequency responses, and impulse response. The spectral density analysis reveals a 3 dB/octave decrease in high-frequency regions. An innovative measurement method is proposed, involving convolution with a time-reversed and amplitude-modulated EFM signal, simplifying traditional approaches. MATLAB simulations validate the method, highlighting its efficacy in comprehensive device performance assessment.

A ecological study of galamsey activities in Ghana and their physiological toxicity

Background: Small-Scale Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM), locally known as "galamsey," has emerged as a pervasive issue in Ghana characterized with environmental degradation, land and water resource depletion, health hazards for miners, social and economic impacts. This comprehensive review explores the ecological and health effects of galamsey operations across different regions of the country. Methods: The study employs a systematic analysis method to examine the available literature from 2000 to 2023. Various academic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, JSTOR, and relevant government publications, were searched to gather relevant information. Findings: The review reveals that galamsey has had significant ecological consequences, including deforestation, habitat destruction, water pollution, and soil degradation, which have adversely affected Ghana's natural beauty. These environmental challenges pose a threat to local ecosystems and resources, particularly in the Ashanti, Western, and Central regions of Ghana. Moreover, the study highlights the physiological health issues faced by galamsey miners, such as accidents, physical strain, mental strain, kidney problems, respiratory disorders, and metabolic diseases. The presence of elevated levels of mercury, cyanide, arsenic, and cadmium in both the environment and the human body are directly linked to ASGM in Ghana. About seventy percent (70%) of the houses in ASGM community relied on surface water, and all of the homes utilized the fields or bush as their main toilet. Conclusion: Implementing remote sensing, geospatial technologies, promoting clean mining technologies, integrating environmental conservation, occupational safety and public health awareness are key technical and innovative measures to mitigate galamsey in Ghana. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study proposes an integrated approach to address the impacts of galamsey, combining remote sensing and geospatial technologies with public health and environmental conservation programs. The model can provide a comprehensive understanding of the spatial and temporal impacts of ASGM and enable more targeted interventions.

An Alternative Approach to Parliamentary Oversight of Sovereign Guarantees in South Africa

The research paper constructs and compares two structural risk models. A South African sovereign risk model and an ESKOM credit risk model. The interaction between these models explains the statistically significant causal relationship between corporate governance practices at the level of a public entity and government finance conditions between 2004 and 2019. It shows that a more effective approach to parliamentary oversight of government guarantees in South Africa can deliver better sovereign credit rating outcomes in post-COVID-19 South Africa. It will require proactive innovative measures in the application of government guarantees issued to SOEs aimed at improving institutional operational performance within a government-wide risk management framework. The paper concludes that economic transformation, with restitutive intent, is advanced with the adoption of a dynamic and evidenced-informed approach in addressing the complex interplay of prevailing socio-economic, government finance, and political environmental conditions in South Africa.

Measure of venture performance of hotel industry in south- south region of Nigeria

This research work sets out to interogate the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and venture performance of hotel establishments in the South-South of Nigeria while also examining the effect of the dimensions of entrepreneurial competencies within the hotel industry in same region. These competences include opportunity identification, innovativeness, and proactiveness on the measures of venture performance. The study used Organizational culture as moderating variable, while adopting a correlational research design. The population of the study comprised of registered hotels in the South-South geographical zone, which is a total number 1,063. The sample size for the study is 290 hotels and the instrument for data collection was a questionnaire which reliability was determined with Cronbach Alpha test, generating a score of .979. The univariate analysis was undertaken using the descriptive statistical tools of frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, charts and tables among others. The bivariate and multivariate analyses employed the Spearman Rank Order Correctional Coefficient. The study revealed strong significant relationships existing between opportunity identification and measures of venture performance, innovation and measures of venture performance, and proactiveness and measures of venture performance. Organizational culture significantly moderated the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and venture performance. The study concluds that entrepreneurial competencies are strongly related to venture performance and recommends that management of hotels should acquire entrepreneurial competencies and skills in order to ensure high performance of the hotels they manage.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Equines: A Growing Threat to Horse Health and Beyond-A Comprehensive Review.

The equine industry holds substantial economic importance not only in the USA but worldwide. The occurrence of various infectious bacterial diseases in horses can lead to severe health issues, economic losses, and restrictions on horse movement and trade. Effective management and control of these diseases are therefore crucial for the growth and sustainability of the equine industry. While antibiotics constitute the primary treatment strategy for any bacterial infections in horses, developing resistance to clinically important antibiotics poses significant challenges to equine health and welfare. The adverse effects of antimicrobial overuse and the escalating threat of resistance underscore the critical importance of antimicrobial stewardship within the equine industry. There is limited information on the epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections in horses. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the history and types of antimicrobials used in horses and provide recommendations for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections in horses. This review also highlights the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in horses, emphasizing the public health significance and transmission dynamics between horses and other animals within a One Health framework. By fostering responsible practices and innovative control measures, we can better help the equine industry combat the pressing threat of AMR and thus safeguard equine as well as public health.

The Effect of Annotation Quality on Wear Semantic Segmentation by CNN.

In this work, we investigate the impact of annotation quality and domain expertise on the performance of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for semantic segmentation of wear on titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium carbonitride (TiCN) coated end mills. Using an innovative measurement system and customized CNN architecture, we found that domain expertise significantly affects model performance. Annotator 1 achieved maximum mIoU scores of 0.8153 for abnormal wear and 0.7120 for normal wear on TiN datasets, whereas Annotator 3 with the lowest expertise achieved significantly lower scores. Sensitivity to annotation inconsistencies and model hyperparameters were examined, revealing that models for TiCN datasets showed a higher coefficient of variation (CV) of 16.32% compared to 8.6% for TiN due to the subtle wear characteristics, highlighting the need for optimized annotation policies and high-quality images to improve wear segmentation.

Research on the new passive optimization strategies for improving the performance of combined solar chimney

Focusing on the Combined Solar Chimney (CSC), this study introduces two innovative passive optimization measures: deflectors and segmented heat-absorbing walls. Using numerical simulations, the impact of five control parameters—the angle and length of the straight deflector, the central angle of the curved deflector, the number of heat-absorbing wall segments, and the Rayleigh number (Ra)—on CSC performance is analyzed. Results indicate that air changes per hour (ACH) can be significantly improved with the implementation of deflectors and segmented walls. Optimal deflector configurations are identified as a 25° angle, a 0.375 length-to-width ratio (l/W), and a 60° central angle. The study recommends using two heat-absorbing wall segments for practical applications. When both measures are applied, ventilation performance can be enhanced by up to 25.71%. Additionally, this research establishes quantitative relationships between the control parameters, ACH, and heat exchange efficiencies, providing a theoretical foundation for practical engineering designs.

Об использовании летательных аппаратов легче воздуха в военных целях

The article talks about innovative measures to increase the combat power of the Russian Armed Forces, arising from the provisions of the Military Doctrine of the Russian Federation. Against the background of a historical retrospective, the main directions of combat use of airships and balloons are revealed. The efficiency and reliability of this transport platform are shown. The article analyzes the options for its use as an “aviamatka” for UAVs, a platform for the deployment of missile and anti-missile weapons, long-range radar reconnaissance and control, as well as electronic warfare. The possibility of using these devices for the protection and protection of the state and customs borders is noted.

Innovation and wage inequalities: Evidence from Brazilian regions

AbstractInnovation can lead to wage inequalities through different channels. This paper explores this relationship, focusing on the direct and spillover (indirect) effects of these channels on personal wage inequalities in Brazilian regions. Product and process innovation are measured by patents and the acquisition of foreign technology through imports of capital goods respectively. Based on data that covers 482 regions from 2003 to 2014, we use the Spatial Durbin Model with spatial fixed effects to control spatial dependence and heterogeneity across regions. The results point to a positive association between our measures of innovation and wage inequalities. However, as we found a non‐linear relationship between imports of capital goods and wage inequality, an increase in imports of capital goods may reduce wage inequality. Other variables may also cause inequality to fall, such as the share of the population with a higher education degree and social skills. Drivers behind an increase in inequality are female participation in the workforce and the level of GDP per capita.

Conceptualization, measurement and theorization of green innovation in hospitality and tourism: looking back to move forward

ABSTRACT Green innovation (GI) has become a popular topic in the literature as it contributes to environmental sustainability and competitive advantage. However, no consensus has been reached on its conceptualization, measurement and theorization among researchers in the field. Therefore, the main purpose of this research is to develop seminal perspectives on the conceptualization, measurement and theorization of GI in the field of hospitality and tourism (H&T). In a way, this research attempts to theorize green innovation for the H&T field. This research provides conceptualization, measurement-related suggestions and theoretical perspectives for GI considering shortcomings. In short, this research offers new research opportunities, theoretical perspectives and directions for future research to contribute to the progress of GI in the field of H&T on solid foundations.

La tensión entre el poder judicial y el poder ejecutivo en la emisión de medidas cautelares innominadas en contra de entidades gubernamentales: un análisis comparativo entre América Latina y Europa continental

The tension between the judicial power ('jurisdictio') and the executive power ('gubernaculum') has long been a contentious issue in the context of issuing unnamed cautionary actions against governmental agencies (Ríos Álvarez, 2015; Tridimas, 2006). This article explores the contrasting approaches to this tension in Latin America and Continental Europe, analyzing the legal and historical foundations, as well as the principles of separation of powers, judicial independence, and individual rights protection within each legal tradition (Cappelletti, 1989; Tridimas, 2006). Historically, Latin American jurisprudence tended to prioritize the protection of governmental prerogatives, hindering the imposition of temporary cautionary measures on the State (Ferrer Mac-Gregor, 2011; Courtis, 2008). Conversely, Continental Europe has seen a more robust evolution of effective judicial control over arbitrary administrative actions, including the development of innovative temporary measures (Caranta, 2018; Tridimas, 2006). Through a comparative analysis, supported by an extensive review of case law, legal frameworks, and academic literature (Guerrero, 2023; Ferrer Mac-Gregor, 2011; Courtis, 2008), this study identifies potential models from European jurisprudence that could facilitate a more balanced interaction between judicial and administrative authorities in the protection of rights in Latin America.

Spatial governance of the peripheries in South Africa: Past lessons and a look into the future

were initially based on race, but they are mutating to be based on class despite the majority of black Africans being confined in the urban peripheries.Aim: This article aims to examine how governance works in the peripheries to determine lessons that can be learnt to ensure future social cohesion.Setting: The study was conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa, with participants from the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Institute of Security Studies (ISS) and South African Local Government Association (SALGA).Methods: The study adopted a qualitative approach, interviews and a literature survey were used to obtain primary data. Data were analysed using content analysis.Results: This study reveals that spatial governance is a complex phenomenon, as there were factors that were not considered post-apartheid era. The adoption of neoliberalism and current approaches to governance have failed to fundamentally transform spaces in Johannesburg, spaces such as Soweto, Diepsloot and Alexandra.Conclusion: Spatial governance is still influenced by past legislations. There is a need to ensure that there is political will coupled with innovative measures to ensure spatial transformation in South Africa, especially in the peripheral spaces, and to minimise deprivation experienced in the peripheries.Contribution: This study contributes to understanding of spatial governance and its attributes in urban peripheral spaces.

Unveiling the Urban Morphology of Small Towns in the Eastern Qinba Mountains: Integrating Earth Observation and Morphometric Analysis

In the context of the current information age, leveraging Earth observation (EO) technology and spatial analysis methods enables a more accurate understanding of the characteristics of small towns. This study conducted an in-depth analysis of the urban morphology of small towns in the Qinba Mountain Area of Southern Shaanxi by employing large-scale data analysis and innovative urban form measurement methods. The U-Net3+ model, based on deep learning technology, combined with the concave hull algorithm, was used to extract and precisely define the boundaries of 31,799 buildings and small towns. The morphological characteristics of the town core were measured, and the core areas of the small towns were defined using calculated tessellation cells. Hierarchical clustering methods were applied to analyze 12 characteristic indicators of 89 towns, and various metrics were calculated to determine the optimal number of clusters. The analysis identified eight distinct clusters based on the towns’ morphological differences. Significant morphological differences between the small towns in the Qinba Mountain Area were observed. The clustering results revealed that the towns exhibited diverse shapes and distributions, ranging from irregular and sparse to compact and dense forms, reflecting distinct layout patterns influenced by the unique context of each town. The use of the morphometric method, based on cellular and biological morphometry, provided a new perspective on the urban form and deepened the understanding of the spatial structure of the small towns from a micro perspective. These findings not only contribute to the development of quantitative morphological indicators for town development and planning but also demonstrate a novel, data-driven approach to conventional urban morphology studies.

Patent law reform and innovation: An empirical assessment of the last 20 years

We ask whether four of the most important U.S. patent system reforms of the last 20 years—elimination of presumptive injunctive relief for victorious patent enforcers in eBay Inc. v. MercExchange, LLC, 547 U.S. 388 (2006); creation of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) in the America Invents Act; restriction of software’s eligibility for patent protection in Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank Int’l, 573 U.S. 208 (2014); and limitation of patent enforcers’ choice of forum in TC Heartland, LLC v. Kraft Foods Grp. Brands, LLC, 137 S. Ct. 1514 (2017)—had a measurable impact on innovation in the U.S. Specifically, we use a sample of publicly traded firms to construct firm-level measures of innovation and exposure to each reform and adopt a variety of difference-in-differences approaches that assesses how innovation-related activities changed post-reform at relatively exposed versus relatively unexposed firms. We find: a positive association between eBay and R&D spending by firms that were relatively more exposed to patent litigation prior to the Court’s decision; a positive association between the introduction of PTAB proceedings and R&D expenditures by firms that innovate in tech classes where PTAB has been most active; a positive association between Alice and R&D spending by software firms; and a positive association between TC Heartland and R&D spending by firms that thereafter could not be sued in the Eastern District of Texas, a court long associated with opportunistic forum shopping.