Advent Research Articles

Decomposition of carbon emissions and companies’ willingness-to-pay for Green Fund: evidence from the manufacturing sector in Busan, South Korea

ABSTRACT The impact of carbon neutrality on the manufacturing sector, through regulatory and carbon pricing mechanisms, pushes companies toward environmental-friendly management. This paper seeks to examine the manufacturing sector’s willingness-to-pay (WTP) for the Busan Green Fund, an initiative designed to incentivize companies to adopt green management practices in Busan Metropolitan City. Three industries with the highest level of CO2 emissions are selected utilizing the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method. Companies in these three key industries are surveyed regarding their WTP, beyond their energy costs, for the Busan Green Fund. The study also investigates the characteristics of these companies. The average WTP is an 11.1% premium on energy costs. The regression results show that WTP is significantly influenced by the level of investment in energy-saving technology and company size. Based on our analysis of CO2 emission trends within the manufacturing sector, policy implications are suggested for sustainable development via the operation of a dedicated fund.

Sustainability of fishing cooperatives in the Gulf of Mexico: A case study

Small-scale fishing, characterised by small groups of people working with basic technology and little investment, is an important economic activity in regional and global contexts. In Latin America, inland fisheries play a very important socio-economic role, providing food and income to local families, alleviating poverty, and contributing to social well-being. They are often structured as a social cooperative, as a way to ensure productivity. Cooperatives tend to be sustainable, and their performance can be judged from the impact they have on the social, economic, and environmental spheres. The aim of this study was to measure the sustainability of inland fishing cooperatives in Mexico from these three viewpoints. Though cooperatives generally show a medium-high level of sustainability, on account of their historical background and their contribution to social and economic indicators, our results revealed some weaknesses in terms of environmental indicators, which are locked in a negative relationship with economic ones. Social indicators, however, were positively related with the other two. The sustainability of fishing cooperatives today faces various challenges, as political decision-making tends to favour the social and economic dimensions over the environmental one.

Automated performance metrics and surgical gestures: two methods for assessment of technical skills in robotic surgery

The objective of this study is to compare automated performance metrics (APM) and surgical gestures for technical skills assessment during simulated robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Ten novices and six experienced RARP surgeons performed simulated RARPs on the RobotiX Mentor (Surgical Science, Sweden). Simulator APM were automatically recorded, and surgical videos were manually annotated with five types of surgical gestures. The consequences of the pass/fail levels, which were based on contrasting groups’ methods, were compared for APM and surgical gestures. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis and a Bland–Altman plot were used to explore the correlation between APM and surgical gestures. Pass/fail levels for both APM and surgical gesture could fully distinguish between the skill levels of the surgeons with a specificity and sensitivity of 100%. The overall ICC (one-way, random) was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.34–0.88), showing moderate agreement between the methods. The Bland–Altman plot showed a high agreement between the two methods for assessing experienced surgeons but disagreed on the novice surgeons’ skill level. APM and surgical gestures could both fully distinguish between novices and experienced surgeons in a simulated setting. Both methods of analyzing technical skills have their advantages and disadvantages and, as of now, those are only to a limited extent available in the clinical setting. The development of assessment methods in a simulated setting enables testing before implementing it in a clinical setting.

A cost model for the investment feasibility of quality inspection technologies in the Zero Defect Manufacturing era

The current global market forces companies to focus on suitable manufacturing based on zero defect and zero waste strategies. Higher energy prices and critical raw material supply disruptions stimulate the implementation of non destructive inspection technologies for real-time quality assurance, which aims to increase high-quality products and lower production costs via better materials and energy uses. By embracing these advancements, businesses address market dynamics and strategically position themselves for sustained success in a competitive and resource-conscious world. Traditionally, in small and medium enterprises, new manufacturing or inspection equipment is acquired based on a management decision that is, in turn, based in quality purposes and does not focus deeply on the impact on the final factory cost reduction. This research focuses on developing a costing procedure to incorporate the impact of Non Destructive Inspection Technologies into the multistage cost structure for investment decisions. A case study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the cost breakdown and return on investment for justifying the investment of the Non Destructive Inspection Technology in additive manufacturing machinery. The proposed cost model provides a framework to preliminary assess the viability of Non Destructive Inspection Technologies investments.

Research on the Game Model of Green Technology Investment in a Two-Echelon Manufacturing Supply Chain Under Carbon Tax Regulation

Research on the Game Model of Green Technology Investment in a Two-Echelon Manufacturing Supply Chain Under Carbon Tax Regulation

An overview of the replicability, generalizability and practical relevance of eyewitness testimony research in the Journal of Criminal Psychology

Purpose Before psychological research is used for policy reforms and recommendations, it is important to evaluate its replicability, generalizability and practical relevance. This paper aims to examine these three criteria for published articles in the Journal of Criminal Psychology. Design/methodology/approach Through a literature search for published articles in the Journal of Criminal Psychology related to the topics of the special issue Contemporary Developments in the Retrieval and Evaluation of Witness Testimony: Towards making research more applicable to investigations, this paper identified 158 eligible articles. For each article, this paper extracted variables related to the type of article, reported p-values, type of sample and stimuli, power analyses and conducted analyses and how effect sizes were used and interpreted. This paper analyzed these variables descriptively and conducted a z-curve analysis. Findings In terms of generalizability, the articles examined populations of interest (e.g. offenders, prisoners) and there was no sole reliance on Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich and Democratic samples. However, for replicability, there were currently no replication studies or published Registered Reports and the z-curve analysis indicated a low expected replication rate. Moreover, when examining practical relevance, almost no power analyses were conducted and when they were conducted, they were not reproducible or did not use meaningful effect sizes. Finally, although the majority of studies reported effect sizes, they were oftentimes not interpreted. Originality/value The present study sheds light on the potential societal impact of published articles in the Journal of Criminal Psychology.

Dynamic interplays between self-regulated learning and computational thinking in primary school students through animations and worksheets

Recent studies identify Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) as a key factor in enhancing cognitive development, particularly within Computational Thinking (CT) literature. However, research gaps remain in understanding how SRL and CT interact from a developmental perspective. Our study designed a program with tailored animations and worksheets to specifically foster students' learning and cognitive development. Using a mixed-methods approach, we administered surveys among 1235 students from 29 Hong Kong primary schools to investigate a dynamic learning system comprising SRL and CT in a large-scale CT program. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 students to further probe insights. Quantitative findings revealed a mutually reinforcing relationship in the dynamic system, suggesting that higher SRL skills enhance cognitive CT abilities, and vice versa. Complementing these results, qualitative findings showed that integrating animations and worksheets into the CT program significantly boosted students' SRL and cognitive development. These findings have significant implications for educational practices and curriculum design. Schools should consider implementing SRL strategies, such as proactive goal setting and reflective evaluation, within their curricula to promote students’ cognitive development. Furthermore, strategic investments in educational technology, including collaborations with EdTech developers, are essential to create effective, pedagogically sound tools that enhance learning outcomes. These insights provide valuable guidance for creating a supportive SRL environment that fosters cognitive development in primary school education.

Audit Sistem Informasi Monitoring dan Evaluasi (Monev) Pada Puskesmas Kecamatan Ciracas Menggunakan COBIT 2019

This research starts from the framework of thinking that auditing information technology governance in monitoring and evaluation (monev) information systems using COBIT 2019 is an important thing to do. In the present and future, it is necessary to align information technology investments with the aim of community services in public health centers. The COBIT 2019 framework provides the benefits of implementing information systems, minimizing risks, and optimizing resources according to needs at the Ciracas District Health Center. In implementing monitoring and evaluation (monev), the factor design from COBIT 2019 can determine which domains must be assessed for their maturity level, so that agencies can know what needs to be improved. In this case, the EDM02 domain focuses on the process of optimizing the contribution of business value, services and IT assets resulting from investment at a cost that is acceptable to the company, while MEA03 ensures that the agency has complied with all applicable external requirements. Based on the results of the inspection, EDM02 has a current maturity value of 4.23 with a maturity level of 5-Optimized, which means that the implementation of monitoring and evaluation (monev) at the Ciracas District Health Center has run according to its objectives, while MEA03 has a current maturity value of 3.98 with a maturity level of 4- Manged and Measureable, which means monitoring and evaluation (monev) at the Ciracas District Health Center has been running well, even data or information has been integrated

Towards a Sustainable Structure of an Urban Water–Energy–Food Nexus: Based on Network and Hierarchy Analysis

Water, energy, and food (WEF) are critical resources to sustain urban development, which requires a sustainable structure of the urban WEF nexus to address trade-offs and achieve synergies. Although interactions in the WEF nexus are widely explored, its sustainable structure has largely been ignored. This study constructs a framework of WEF nexus sustainability factors. Based on a literature review and expert opinions, 21 factors influencing urban WEF nexus sustainability were extracted and their interrelationships determined. We used social network analysis (SNA) and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) to analyze the structure of the urban WEF network. The results indicate that technological investment and industrial added-value energy consumption are the most critical and fundamental factors for promoting the sustainable development of the urban WEF nexus. Additionally, the balance of water supply and demand and the comprehensive management of waste pollutants are also driving and supporting factors for the sustainability of the urban WEF nexus. The results of this study complement the interaction mechanism research of the urban WEF nexus and provide practical references for sustainable decision-making in urban WEF nexus practices.

Feeding the future: 3D food printing as a strategic response to labor scarcity

PurposeThis paper aims to address the critical labor shortage in the food industry by exploring the potential of 3D food printing technology as a strategic solution. The study investigates how 3D food printing can enhance productivity, reduce labor costs, and offer innovative applications in various sectors of the food industry.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies to analyze the current state of labor scarcity in the food industry and the technological advancements in 3D food printing. The paper also assesses the technical, operational, regulatory, and ethical challenges of 3D food printing and provides strategic recommendations for stakeholders.Findings3D food printing technology presents a viable solution by automating labor-intensive tasks, enhancing labor efficiency, and enabling customized food production. The technology’s potential benefits include improved productivity, reduced operational costs, and the ability to meet personalized nutritional needs. However, the adoption of 3D food printing faces challenges such as high initial costs, maintenance requirements, and scalability issues. Additionally, regulatory and consumer acceptance hurdles need to be addressed.Practical implicationsPolicymakers are encouraged to support the development and adoption of 3D food printing through funding and clear regulatory frameworks. Business leaders should consider strategic investments in 3D printing technology and training programs to harness its benefits. Technology developers must focus on advancing the capabilities and user-friendliness of 3D food printers. Addressing these aspects can help the food industry overcome labor scarcity and achieve long-term sustainability and efficiency.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comprehensive analysis of 3D food printing technology as a strategic response to labor scarcity in the food industry. It contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the potential of 3D food printing to revolutionize food production and offering practical recommendations for its adoption and integration.

Dynamic role of energy utilization, financial development, and information technology on environmental sustainability? Evidence by the tragedy of the commons theory

Economic growth is contingent upon the financial sector expansion. A solid and well-developed financial industry can improve business opportunities. The financial sector has a decisive role to play in mitigating damage to the environment. Despite extensive research on sustainability, more needs to be accomplished in terms of pinpointing the keys to a world free of environmental degradation. The study aims to illuminate the relationship between CO2 emissions and variables such as non-renewable energy consumption, GDP growth, FDI, and information and communication technologies. Time series data for Pakistan from 1985 to 2021 is employed with the linear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method, highlighting the underlying relationship between the variables. Moreover, the econometric model is derived from the STRIPAT function based on carbon as an environmental variable, while energy utilization and communication technology are population affluent. According to the empirical results of the current study, there is a negative connection between financial development and CO2. However, foreign direct investment, information and communication technologies, and non-renewable energy sources are positively associated with CO2. The study findings suggest that policymakers should promote more financial investment in greener technologies and digitization, and the government should also revamp its energy mix and emphasize alternate energy sources.

Financial inclusion and threshold effects in carbon emissions

Although financial inclusion would induce greater pollutant emissions through economic activity, improved access to financial services may facilitate investment in clean technologies. This study investigates whether financial inclusion has influenced the dynamics of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the last decade using a sample of 70 countries. We implement panel threshold techniques to explore possible regime shifts in environmental quality. Our results reveal that the influence of increased financial access on air pollution depends on the economic development stage. While financial inclusion can increase CO2 emissions in lower-income regimes, environmental quality appears to be enhanced, with more inclusiveness at later developmental stages. Less-developed countries require more robust environmental policies to align their financial inclusion initiatives with sustainable economic development.

Echoes of dependency: The impact of resource reliance on green industry transformation in China

The "resource curse" has garnered significant academic attention, yet a consensus on its causes remains elusive. This article addresses this gap by empirically examining the impact of resource industry dependence on the green transformation of manufacturing corporations (GTM), based on a precise measurement. The study identifies the effect mechanism of the "resource curse" from both macro (city) and micro (enterprise) dimensions. The findings indicate that resource industry dependence significantly hampers the GTM corporations, substantiating the "resource curse" effect. Moreover, this effect is particularly pronounced in western regions, resource-based areas, and regions with well-developed transportation infrastructure. Mechanism analysis reveals that, at the macro level, resource industry dependence stifles technological innovation, weakens market competition, and diminishes credit availability and government investments in technology for manufacturing corporations, impeding their green transformation. At the micro level, resource industry dependence impedes the GTM through reduced total factor productivity, weakened profitability, reduced scale, and increased pollution. Based on these findings, the article proposes various measures to facilitate green technological progress, optimize credit allocation, improve the business environment, and enhance technology investment at the macro level. At the micro level, measures are suggested to foster internal motivation, enhance profitability, expand the scale, and control emissions. By offering empirical evidence and policy insights, this article promotes the GTM corporations and establishes a solid micro foundation for High-quality development.

Sharing and comparing languages – how teachers and pupils co-construct language comparison interactions

ABSTRACT By focusing on differences and similarities between languages, pupils can increase their learning of abstract principles, metalinguistic awareness and language learning strategies (Duarte, J., & Günther-Van der Meij, M. (2018). A holistic model for multilingualism in education. EuroAmerican Journal of Applied Linguistics and Languages, 5(2), 24–43; Star, J. R., & Rittle-Johnson, B. (2009). It pays to compare: An experimental study on computational estimation. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 102(4), 408–426). However, research has demonstrated that the possible benefits of multilingual approaches, such as language comparison, might be limited due to the nature of the classroom interaction in which these approaches are implemented (Rabbidge, M. (2019). The effects of translanguaging on participation in EFL classrooms. The Journal of AsiaTEFL, 16(4), 1305–1322). By using conversation analysis, the current study aimed to gain more insight into how teachers and pupils co-construct language comparison interactions in whole class conversations. Both the conversational structure and the teachers’ practices to stimulate pupils’ active contribution to the interactions were analysed, demonstrating a dominant conversational structure consisting of two key components. Dialogic and non-dialogic participation frameworks could be identified with the first providing pupils more opportunities to actively participate and contribute their own language comparisons than the latter. This study provides interactional evidence for the role of language comparison in making use of pupils’ diverse languages and has direct implications for teachers’ ways of shaping participation frameworks to stimulate home language use in the classroom.

A flexible policy instrument to encourage externality abatement technologies in salmon aquaculture

Aquaculture has been identified as a food sector with potential to provide protein and essential micronutrients to a growing global population, with salmon aquaculture often viewed as a leader in innovation and adoption of new technologies. Despite a broad range of negative externalities in salmon aquaculture, sea lice infestations remain the most harmful of environmental issues within the industry. In response to these challenges and driven by the need for a higher degree of control over the production conditions, salmon producers in Norway have been investing in new technologies that are often perceived as the last resort for sea lice abatement. The challenge is to design a regulatory regime that encourages innovation toward a sustainable mix of production technologies in the future. In this paper, we propose to use feed-in tariffs (FITs), a dynamic Pigouvian subsidy, as a regulatory instrument that can promote investments in abatement technologies by the salmon farming industry. We ground our discussion of FITs for aquaculture in experiences from the renewable energy sector in Spain and Germany.

Simulation of Optimization Decision Model for Low-carbon Economy Schemes Based on Machine Learning Algorithms

Low-carbon economy (LCE) is a shift from high-carbon intensive industries and activities to low-emission or zero-emission industries and activities, which requires a lot of investment in new technologies and infrastructure, as well as changes in policies and regulations to promote sustainability and reduce emissions. In this article, the back propagation neural network (BPNN) algorithm in machine learning (ML) is applied to the construction of low-carbon economic scheme optimization decision model, and the performance of the model is simulated and tested. The results show that BPNN algorithm has higher accuracy and reliability in predicting the development level of LCE, which is 23.8% higher than Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm. Through the comparative study of BPNN algorithm and SVM algorithm in forecasting the development level of LCE, the advantages of BPNN algorithm in forecasting accuracy and application value are verified. BPNN algorithm can better adapt to and deal with the complex data patterns in the field of LCE, improve the accuracy and reliability of prediction, and provide strong technical support and guarantee for the growth of LCE.

Surgical Profile of Osteosarcoma Patients in a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia

Osteosarcoma is a rare malignant bone disease with unclear etiology. It is primarily a disease of childhood with rapid bone growth in periods of rapid bone proliferation [such as in puberty]. Before the 1970s, prognosis for this malignancy is very grim with the only available form of treatment are limb ablation [amputation]. The advent of modern chemotherapy, in addition to the development of modern limb salvage surgery [LSS] techniques, mortality has decreased and quality of life of surviors have increased. Indonesia is a developing country with unequal distribution of adequate health facilities. Studies have shown that unlike western countries, most osteosarcoma patients in Indonesia are still treated with limb ablation procedures. A retrospective descriptive study is done on Dr. Soetomo General Hospital to discover the surgical profile of patients undergoing chemotherapy during the period of 2014-2020. Results have shown that the majority [26] underwent amputation, 17 underwent no surgical treatment, and the rest [9] LSS. The results of this research shows that the clinical reality of developing nations like Indonesia is still far from the ideal clinical situation in developed western nations where these studies originate.

Effect of Technological Capabilities on Transient Competitive Advantage among Hospitals in Kenya

This research aimed to address a significant gap by empirically examining the link between technological capabilities and transient competitive advantage, a topic largely overlooked in the Kenyan healthcare sector. The study combined descriptive and correlational research designs. The target population comprised 476 top managers of private hospitals, with a calculated sample size of 247. Probability sampling techniques, including stratified random sampling were used in determining the sample participation per hospital. Data collection was then done using questionnaire guide. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used to analyse the relationship between technological capabilities and transient competitive advantages. Results indicate a 84.6% response rate, revealing variations in private hospitals’ transient competitive advantage and technological capabilities. The validity and reliability tests demonstrate a satisfactory assessment of the data collection instruments. The SEM analysis reveals a significant positive impact of technological capabilities on transient competitive advantage (path coefficient = 0.943). The study concludes that technological capabilities are pivotal in shaping transient competitive advantage in Kenyan private hospitals, emphasizing the need for strategic investments in technology, partnerships, innovation, and a market-oriented approach. The study recommends healthcare practitioners to invest in strategic technology investments, partnerships, foster innovation, and a market-oriented approach for continuous adaptation.

Influence of degree of learning on rate of forgetting of tonal sequences.

Initial performance is frequently equated in studies that compare forgetting rates across groups. However, since the encoding capacity of different groups can be different, some procedures to match initial degree of learning need to be implemented, adding confounding variables such as longer exposures to the material, which would create memories of a different age. Slamecka and McElree Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition,9, 384-397, (1983) and our previous work found that the rate of forgetting was independent from initial degree of learning using verbal material. The present study seeks to determine whether this pattern holds true when undertaken with nonverbal material. In two experiments, we manipulate initial degree of learning by varying the number of presentations of the material and studying the effect on the forgetting rates. A set of 30 tonal sequences were presented to young, healthy participants either once or three times. Forgetting was evaluated in a yes/no recognition paradigm immediately and 1 hour or 24 hours after the study phase. A different subset of 10 sequences was tested along with 10 nontargets at each retention interval. The results of these experiments showed that initial acquisition was modulated by the number of repetitions. However, the forgetting rates were independent of initial degree of learning. These results are in keeping with the pattern found by Slamecka and McElree, and in our own previous studies. They suggest that the pattern of parallel forgetting after different levels of initial learning is not limited to verbal material.

Clean innovation ecosystems: Lifting distressed communities in Appalachia with clean energy

The U.S. government has invested in distressed communities in the 21st century but with minimal effect. Regarding income, poverty, joblessness, and vacancy rates, the average distressed zip code in 2018 showed no improvement compared to its standing relative to the average prosperous zip code in 2000. We have discovered the formation of unique business clusters funded by public-private partnerships have the potential to make a difference in lifting distressed communities. Our research of literature and artifacts (photographs, videos, documents, digital media - websites or social media posts) suggests the discovery of a Clean Innovation Ecosystem (CIE). CIE refers to the network of social entrepreneurs, organizations, institutions, and individuals that work together to promote sustainable technologies and practices. As of the 4th quarter of 2023, manufacturing annual run rate construction spending has skyrocketed to over $200 billion. There are another $600 billion of Voltage Valley projects announced that have not yet been built. Over the past two decades, private investment has been between $20 billion and $100 billion annually in U.S. manufacturing infrastructure. Governments are making unprecedented investments in clean energy - which include approximately $400 billion in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), $8 billion to establish 6–10 regional Hydrogen Hubs in the U.S., investments in carbon capture, renewable energy technologies, and other investments in clean energy sectors and technologies. All these investments come with the condition that the investment lifts distressed communities. This article explains why investing in Appalachia and geographic regions with similar characteristics will maximize the social benefit of public investment in a Clean Innovation Ecosystem. Our case study covers the Greater Central Appalachian Voltage Valley (GCAVV) – the states of Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Upstate New York, and Michigan, as well as the Central Appalachian region as defined by 56 of the 85 distressed communities of Appalachia.