Labor Costs Research Articles

Air pollution and the digital transformation

This paper examines whether air pollution increases the digital transformation of companies. Using observations of 18,101 firm-years from China over 2014-2021, we find a positive relation between air pollution and firms’ digital transformation. Our findings are robust to a battery of endogeneity tests and robustness tests. Moreover, the impact of air pollution on digital transformation is more responsive to companies that are labor-intensive, generate lower profits per capita, and pay less per capita. Additional analysis shows that digital transformation to combat air pollution can increase total factor productivity in companies. In general, we emphasize that companies mitigate the negative impact of air pollution on the productivity of their workforce and labour costs through digital transformation.

Weakly Supervised Underwater Object Real-time Detection Based on High-resolution Attention Class Activation Mapping and Category Hierarchy

Recently, deep learning-based underwater object detection technology has achieved remarkable success. However, the accuracy and completeness of dataset instance annotation are crucial for its success. The quality of underwater images is low, severe objects clustering, and occlusion, acquiring object's annotations demands substantial time and labor costs, while mis annotation and missed annotation can also degrade model performance and limit their application in practical scenarios. To address this issue, this paper presents a novel weakly supervised underwater object real-time detection method, which is divided into two subtasks: weakly supervised object localization and real-time object detection. In the weakly supervised object localization task, we design a novel category hierarchy structure network that integrates the high-resolution attention-class activation mapping algorithm to obtain high-quality object class activation maps, weaken background interference, and obtain more complete object regions. The parameterized spatial loss module is devised to enable the model to escape from local optimal solutions, thus accurately and efficiently obtaining object pseudo-detection annotation boxes. For the real-time object detection task, the single-stage detector YOLOv7 is selected as the basic detection model, and an object perception loss function is designed based on the class activation map to jointly supervise the training process. A method for filtering noisy pseudo-supervision information is proposed to enhance the pseudo-supervision information involved in training. Ablation experiments and multi-method comparison experiments were conducted on the URPC and RUOD datasets, and the results verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, and our model exhibits significant advantages in detection performance and detection efficiency compared to current mainstream and advanced models.

A place in the sun: Farmers' co-benefits from solar irrigation in Bangladesh

Solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) are gradually replacing diesel pumps in relatively water-intensive agricultural production systems and geographies to reduce carbon emissions from food systems. However, beyond its climate change mitigation potential and fulfillment of Nationally Determined Contributions commitments, the adoption of solar irrigation also has direct co-benefits for farmers. Taking the case of Bangladesh and anchored on primary data collected among solar and diesel pump users, this article analyses the role access to solar irrigation has on household and farm-level outcomes. The propensity score matching and inverse probability matching approaches identify a positive effect of SIP access on food security and profitability from dry-season paddy for adopters. Different transmission channels are explored to explain these co-benefits. Lower costs of irrigation and labor are identified as the strongest pathways. This analysis strengthens the case for investments toward the solarization of agriculture in developing countries where it delivers significant development co-benefits in addition to climate change mitigation benefits. The valuation of the farmers' co-benefits, along with global climate mitigation impacts, also highlights the potential role of such programs toward climate justice.

Analysis of registered clinical trials in Italy regarding dermatology (2003-2022): a cross-sectional study on historical trend and prospects for industry investments.

This cross-sectional analysis intends to evaluate trend and outlook of industry clinical research in Italy regarding dermatology and its prospects for the next few years. A computerized search of ClinicalTrial.gov database was carried out considering the 20-year period 2003-2022 using the following string: "Skin Diseases OR Skin cancer OR Skin Neoplasms OR Skin Infection OR Skin Lesion OR Skin Ulcer OR Skin Laxity OR Skin toxicity OR Dermatologic Complication OR Skin abnormalities". During the last 20 years 690 Industry Clinical Trials (IndCTs) were conducted in Italy regarding dermatological investigations, almost entirely funded by non-Italian pharmaceutical companies, involving 4497 centers, and recruiting an average of 13.0 subjects per site. The number of controlled and randomized studies has grown quite regularly and in the last 5 years they represented 79.6% of IndCTs initiated. Countries most frequently sharing with Italy international protocols were Spain (75.0%), Germany (71.8%), France (68.5%), the USA (67.4%), and the UK (54.8%). These data point to a historical involvement of Italy in dermatology IndCTs lower than in the major European countries. However, the war in Ukraine has deprived IndCTs of the contribution of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, meaning a mean of about 40 new IndCTs per year in a population of 200 million inhabitants. In contrast, many indicators point to Italy as a country with potential in dermatology wider than used in the past: an efficient health care system accessible to any citizen or resident, 4.6 million dermatological interventions per year, low density of IndCTs concerning dermatology, good production of scientific papers in indexed medical journals, relatively low cost of services and labour and geopolitical stability. The European Clinical Trials Information System's (CTIS), mandatory for the EU member states since early 2023 allows common, simplified, and harmonized regulatory procedures over the life cycle of clinical trials in Europe (EMA, 2023) and plays in favor of Italy's greater competitiveness in clinical research.

Österreichs Industrie im Wandel: Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Wertschöpfung unter Druck

Abstract Austria's industry is under great pressure. Global competition has intensified in recent years, along with international trade conflicts and tensions between the major economic blocs. At the same time, industrial value creation in Austria is suffering from high labor and energy costs as well as increasing bureaucracy and tighter regulatory requirements. In January 2024, Deloitte conducted a survey among more than 500 WKO member companies from all trade associations in the industrial sector to identify the most important challenges facing Austria's industry.

Simplified Calculation Method for the Critical Load Bearing of Market-based Profile Emergency Steel Pier

A novel emergency steel pier, assembled from market-available profiles, has been developed to address the challenges associated with the "regular stockpiling and rapid emergency deployment" of bridge pier repair equipment. These challenges often involve significant labor and financial costs for manufacturing and maintenance. The buckling modes of the columns and pier-girder connections were considered. Using energy methods and plate-shell theory, an analytical formula for the critical load-bearing capacity of the steel pier under emergency conditions was derived. Numerical simulations were conducted for comparison and validation, resulting in an optimized and simplified method for calculating the critical load capacity, which is suitable for engineering applications.The study shows that the critical load-bearing capacity of the emergency steel pier exhibits distinct patterns under the influence of column buckling modes and pier-girder connection methods. In cases where the column is fixed at one end and hinged at the other, or fixed at both ends, the critical load for axisymmetric buckling is affected by factors such as elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, height, radius, wall thickness, and the number of buckling waves. When considering non-axisymmetric buckling, the number of circumferential buckling waves becomes an additional factor. A simplified method for calculating the critical load-bearing capacity was developed. The simplified formula depends only on a correction factor, modified buckling stress, the number of columns, and cross-sectional area. This makes it highly practical for emergency engineering applications.

Hybrid manufacturing cost models: Additive friction stir deposition, measurement, and CNC machining

Based on its potential to reduce lead times, hybrid manufacturing, which often includes both additive manufacturing and machining processes, is receiving more attention from manufacturers as they seek to increase their supply chain resilience and efficiency. A new solid-state additive manufacturing, referred to as additive friction stir deposition (AFSD), has shown the potential to become an important process for hybrid manufacturing. To justify the selection of a hybrid manufacturing approach, the cost needs to be estimated for comparison to conventional approaches. Historically, hybrid manufacturing costs have been difficult to estimate due to the complexity and diversity of the manufacturing processes. This paper proposes cost models that include additive friction stir deposition, structured light scanning, milling, and turning, which can be combined in hybrid manufacturing process planning. These cost models are demonstrated in a case study and cost estimates are compared for hybrid and conventional (machining-only) manufacturing approaches. For the selected case, the hybrid manufacturing process cost was $1007.58, while the conventional milling process cost was $833.60. The results of the case study show that both labor and material costs must be considered to make an informed decision between hybrid and conventional manufacturing approaches.

Digital technologies in dairy cattle breeding to improve the reproductive function of cows and heifers: A case study in Northern Kazakhstan

Background and Aim: In some countries, the application of digital technologies in dairy cattle breeding is still under development. This study aimed to investigate the use of digital technologies in dairy cattle breeding to improve the reproductive function of cows and heifers in three northern regions of Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods: This study explores the application of Austrian smaXtec bolus sensors, which enable the daily monitoring of the reproductive functions of cows and heifers in livestock. To control indicators of reproductive function in Simmental and Holstein-Friesian cattle breeds, a series of experiments were conducted before and after the introduction of boluses in the rumen. Results: It was established that the application of smaXtec boluses increases milk yield in 305 days, the percentage of conception in the first insemination and in cows with up to three inseminations, the duration of dry secretion, and the percentage of calve output per 100 heads. Moreover, the use of smaXtec boluses reduced the insemination index, duration of the calving-to-conception interval (open days), reproductive rate, and percentage of abortions and culls due to gynecological problems. Conclusion: The use of smaXtec boluses allows farmers and veterinarians to determine indicators, such as the period of sexual heat in livestock and diseases, in a timely manner and to increase the efficiency of feeding and controlling drinking cycles. Moreover, the application of smaXtec boluses minimizes labor costs associated with collecting data on indicators of reproductive function in cows and heifers and increases accuracy. Keywords: bolus, cows, digital technology, reproductive function, smaXtec.

The Effect of State Minimum Wage Increases on CEO Compensation: Evidence of Labor Donation in Nonprofit Organizations

ABSTRACT In this paper, we test the “labor donation” hypothesis, which posits that intrinsically motivated individuals willingly accept lower compensation to work in nonprofit organizations (NPOs). We do so by examining the response of NPO CEO compensation to exogeneous increases in labor costs resulting from state-level minimum wage hikes, finding these increases are followed by declines in CEO compensation. Consistent with the labor donation hypothesis, we find the declines in compensation are larger for CEOs who we expect to have greater intrinsic motivation, i.e., those whose NPOs are headquartered in counties with higher levels of religiosity, in counties with greater levels of social capital, and those who work for a local NPO as opposed to a national NPO. In contrast to the decline in compensation we observe for NPO CEOs, we do not find an impact on for-profit CEO compensation. JEL Classifications: G3; J33; J38; L3; L3.

Characterizing pituitary adenomas in clinical notes: Corpus construction and its application in LLMs.

Objective: Faced with the challenges of differential diagnosis caused by the complex clinical manifestations and high pathological heterogeneity of pituitary adenomas, this study aims to construct a high-quality annotated corpus to characterize pituitary adenomas in clinical notes containing rich diagnosis and treatment information. Methods: A dataset from a pituitary adenomas neurosurgery treatment center of a tertiary first-class hospital in China was retrospectively collected. A semi-automatic corpus construction framework was designed. A total of 2000 documents containing 9430 sentences and 524,232 words were annotated, and the text corpus of pituitary adenomas (TCPA) was constructed and analyzed. Its potential application in large language models (LLMs) was explored through fine-tuning and prompting experiments. Results: TCPA had 4782 medical entities and 28,998 tokens, achieving good quality with the inter-annotator agreement value of 0.862-0.986. The LLMs experiments showed that TCPA can be used to automatically identify clinical information from free texts, and introducing instances with clinical characteristics can effectively reduce the need for training data, thereby reducing labor costs. Conclusion: This study characterized pituitary adenomas in clinical notes, and the proposed method were able to serve as references for relevant research in medical natural language scenarios with highly specialized language structure and terminology.

A Markov cost-effectiveness modeling framework for evaluating wound dressings: A concept for practical implementation of economic evaluations in an informed dressing selection process

AimsExemplify the potential of using health economy modeling and simulations to support and optimize wound dressing purchasing decisions. Materials and methodsWe developed a Markov cost-effectiveness modeling framework fusing clinical and industry sources of healing and cost outcomes for evaluating dressings, focusing on polymeric membrane dressings compared to passive foam dressings without active inflammation modulation components. We calculated the wound care costs for patients with and without diabetes, as well as for infected and non-infected wounds, to illustrate the effectiveness of this model in supporting decision-making. ResultsThe model results demonstrated that polymeric membrane dressings reduce the cumulative treatment costs compared to passive foam dressings, due to fewer dressing changes and lower associated labor costs, regardless of the initial product price differences. ConclusionCost-effectiveness calculations should be performed in healthcare facilities to support purchasing decisions based on true cost analyses. Making purchasing decisions focusing on the dressing price alone may provide wrong estimates of the real cost differences.

A Lightweight, Polarization-Camera Equipped Sensor Rig for the Development of Autonomous Surface Vehicles

Abstract Situational Awareness (SITAW) of Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASV) is critical for safe and efficient maritime operations, enabling these vehicles to understand their environment better and make informed decisions. High-quality data sets from relevant maritime environments are needed to advance the development of SITAW, as it is both the backbone of any learning-based method and the development and validation of classical methods. Research vessels such as the full-scale ferry milliAmpere2 provide such data, but there tends to be a considerable labor cost associated with their operation. With this in mind, we have developed a portable sensor rig that makes collecting sensor data significantly easier. The sensor rig is designed for easy transport and operation by a single individual. It can also be temporarily attached to an existing vessel, making it versatile for a wide range of data collection scenarios. The sensor rig is equipped with a Jetson Orin AGX computer, two dual-band GNSS receivers, a high-quality IMU, and two color polarization cameras. Accurate synchronization of all sensors and the computer to UTC is achieved using a microcontroller for triggering and a custom Pulse Per Second (PPS)-enabled Linux kernel on the Jetson. The sensor rig is controlled and monitored by connecting a smartphone to its hosted web app, which provides a live stream from the cameras and information about the sensors. We present a new dataset from the river Nidelva in Trondheim, Norway, to demonstrate the sensor rig’s potential and the benefit of color polarization cameras in the maritime domain. We show how the data from color polarization cameras can be used directly to make the water surface more visibly distinct and remove reflections and sun glare. This new data set consists of synchronized stereo color polarization video, raw IMU data, and raw GNSS data, and it is made publically available to the research community.

Określanie szacowanego czasu pracy maszyn i wydajności sprzętu w przedsiębiorstwie naftowo-gazowym w warunkach niepewności

One of the main conditions for long-term forecasting of equipment requirements is to ensure the maximum level of equipment utilization, which characterizes production efficiency. In line with this condition, production in drilling departments must be organized to achieve an optimal volume that maximizes equipment productivity. In other words, it is necessary to determine the functional relationship between changes in the amount of equipment involved in the production process and its productivity. Following this, it is necessary to determine the optimal amount of equipment for the enterprise to maximize its productivity. The primary goal is to identify the negative and positive consequences of changes in the production scale. This article examines the solution to the above issues using the example of SOCAR (State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic). To adequately address this problem, a procedure for determining the estimated machine time for each drilling equipment at the enterprise level is proposed, using the “Annual drilling calendar balance” report from the SOCAR enterprise, Azerbaijan. It is known that as the drilling depth of a well increases, so do the labor costs associated with drilling. To solve this problem, the research examines the functional dependency of the amount of drilling equipment on its productivity. This study led to the development of a mathematical-statistical model to predict productive time based on drilling depth. The scientific innovations proposed in this article are presented with calculations, based on the example of the SOCAR drilling enterprise, offering practical insights. The results of the study can be applied when justifying production plans and forecasting future equipment and spare parts requirements for drilling enterprises.

Economic study of Binadhan-22 production in some selected areas of Bangladesh

This study was conducted in four districts of Bangladesh, namely Mymensingh, Bogura, Naogaon and Rangpur to estimate the profitability and factors affecting gross return of the variety. This study was based on primary data which were collected from 200 Binadhan-22 growing farmers. In the sampled areas data were collected through pre-designed interview schedule from January-February, 2023. Tabular, descriptive statistics and Cobb-Douglas production function model were used to fulfill the objectives. It was found that Binadhan-22 production is profitable. The average net return per hectare was Tk. 28876. The net return was highest in Rangpur (Tk. 32480/ha) followed by Naogaon (Tk. 28554/ha), Mymensingh (Tk. 27331/ha) and Bogura (Tk. 27139/ha), respectively. Benefit cost ratio was estimated at 1.39 and 2.04 on full cost and variable cost basis. Cobb-Douglas production function was chosen to determine the factor affecting gross return of Binadhan-22 production. All of the factors namely, human labour cost, power tiller cost, seed cost, fertilizer cost, irrigation cost, insecticides cost were statistically significant and positive. The regression coefficients for farming experience and agricultural training under all areas had negative but significant relationship at 5% and 10% level, respectively. The regression coefficient of age was positive and significant at 10% level. Under all areas, the regression coefficients of education and farm size were positive but not significant. Farmers faced some constraints in cultivating of the variety. The first ranked constraint was lack of availability of seeds (93%). Other constraints were lack of training (61%), lack of capital (38%) and lack of technical know-how (16%). In addition to helping farmers use a better combination of inputs that will create higher productivity and return, effective extension services may also assist farmers in cultivating rice in a way that will contribute to food security and self-sufficiency. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 38(1): 81-91, 2024

Cultivation Strategies to Modify Biomass Partitioning and Improve Yield in Controlled-environment Production of High-cannabidiol Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.)

Two common challenges reported by cannabis growers are low yields and small profit margins. Although recent research of cannabis yield has focused on lighting and nutrition, little research has examined how changes in other cultivation practices may be beneficial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the following two techniques to potentially improve yield: fertilizer restriction (FR) to reduce plant size and, thus, increase plant density and shoot number manipulation (SNM) to reduce shoot length and improve biomass partitioning. The FR technique involves leaching the substrate and providing only tap water for 0, 1, or 2 weeks at the start of flower initiation, whereas SNM involves pinching shoot tips 2, 3, or 4 times to produce 4, 8, or 16 shoots/plant, respectively. This study used a full factorial treatment design for a total of nine treatments (three FR × three SNM). Plants were flowered under 12-hour photoperiods for 8 weeks and then destructively harvested for data collection. The results demonstrated that both techniques improve plant productivity in different ways. The FR technique reduced all mass measurements (g/plant) and decreased plant area (m2/plant); therefore, the yield metrics (kg·m−2) increased with the increasing FR treatments. The SNM technique did not affect plant area, but more pinching events resulted in a decrease in reproductive shoot length (cm/shoot) and an increase in inflorescence to trim the dry mass ratio (inflorescence:trim). Shorter shoot lengths are desirable for eliminating trellis support netting, which helps growers reduce material costs and improve labor efficiency during harvest. Increasing the inflorescence:trim may also reduce labor costs related to trimming, which comprise the largest cost of production by many growers. Although both techniques offer advantages, there are trade-offs that must be considered in the context of overall profitability.

Firm-level political risk and labor performance

This study examines how firm-level political risk relates to labor performance, measured as the ratio of the total of net income and labor cost to the number of employees. Using a sample of 9508 firm-year observations consisting of U.S. firms during the years 2002–2021, we find a significant and negative relation between political risk and labor performance. Our empirical tests show that after controlling for other factors, firms facing a higher level of political risk demonstrate lower labor performance, highlighting the negative impact of political risk on firm behavior and outcomes.

A study on improving the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea (COLREG) for the introduction of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS)

ABSTRACT Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) have emerged with the advancements in information and communication technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), and automation technology. MASS offers several advantages, such as reducing maritime accidents, increasing operational efficiency, lowering labour costs, and minimizing human errors. However, there are numerous challenges to address for the practical operation of MASS. In particular, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), which governs the navigation rules for vessels, is a crucial international convention for the safety of navigation of MASS at sea. Therefore, this study examines the amendments to COLREG considering the characteristics of MASS. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has defined various degrees of autonomy for MASS, ranging from full autonomy to remote control, and through the Regulatory Scoping Exercise (RSE), it has identified the need to amend certain provisions of COLREG to ensure the safe operation of MASS. Accordingly, this paper analyzes the results of the RSE conducted by IMO and proposes measures for improving COLREG to ensure the safe navigation of MASS.

Prices, markups and wages: inflation and its distributive consequences in Spain, 2021-2023

This article analyses the recent inflationary experience in Spain (2021-2023), focusing on the functional income distribution, the evolution of markups and real wages, and the economic policies implemented. We rely on the conflict theory of inflation and touch upon recent debates on of sellers' inflation. Using the Observatory of Firms’ Margins, we confirm an increase in aggregate markups. Nevertheless, the main factor explaining price increases is firms' pass-through of higher input costs to protect their profits. The direct effect of markup increases has been quantitatively less important, and that of unit labour costs negligible. Therefore, inflation has had huge distributional consequences and there is space for non-inflationary wage increases. While fiscal and regulatory measures have effectively curbed the inflation rate having an expansive effect, restrictive monetary policy is inappropriate and costly.

An efficient face and mask detection by embedded device via thermal imaging camera

Abstract Since 87.9% of COVID-19 patients develop a fever symptom, the mandatory wearing of masks, temperature screening, and isolation of individuals with fever are the most import methods for community epidemic prevention. This study develops a thermal imaging thermometer embedded system with face, face mask, and temperature detection capabilities using low-end CPU devices. The hardware includes a Raspberry Pi 4, FLIR Lepton 3.5 LWIR Micro Thermal Camera Module, display screen, and alarm. The system is characterized by its low cost and lightweight design, and it only needs to detect necessary areas around the face area during face mask and temperature detection, effectively avoiding external interference and further enhancing the effectiveness of epidemic prevention. The face detection model is based on the YOLO-Fastest architecture and has been improved, referred to as Pi-fast. In terms of performance on the training and testing sets, our proposed Pi-fast achieves Mean Average Precision (mAP) values of 99.64% and 93.18%, F1 score values of 0.94 and 0.87, and Intersection over Union (IoU)values of 78.07% and 65.98%, respectively. Regarding system performance, the frame rate of FLIR Lepton 3.5 Thermal Camera Module hardware specifications is 8.7 FPS. When using YOLO-Fastest and proposed Pi-fast model for detection on the proposed thermal imaging system, the frame rates are 6.58 FPS and 7.32FPS, respectively. The proposed Pi-fast model outperforms YOLO-Fastest about 0.74 FPS (11.2%). The system can detect objects at a distance of about 7 meters from the lens in thermographic camera with a resolution of only 160×120 pixels, making it suitable for multi-person screening and improving the screening process’s efficiency. The system can effectively perform temperature screening and face mask detection, making it suitable for office buildings, schools, medical clinics, and other public areas. During the severe epidemic period, the proposed thermal imaging embedded system that was actually used for epidemic prevention work at I-Shou University, improving screening efficiency and reducing labour costs.

The effect of board chairs’ hometown identity on labor cost stickiness

In this study, we examine the impact of board chairs' hometown identity on labor cost stickiness in state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Using data from China, our findings demonstrate that local board chairs can effectively mitigate labor cost stickiness by leveraging their communication advantages. Mechanism analyses reveal that local board chairs primarily achieve this through salary reductions rather than layoffs. We validate two plausible channels, cultural alignment and social trust, through a series of heterogeneity tests. Our results indicate that the influence of board chairs' hometown identity is more pronounced in SOEs located in provinces with smaller dialect diversity, less population mobility, and lower social trust levels, as well as those led by board chairs without overseas experience, serving longer terms, and far from retirement. Overall, this study contributes to existing literature by providing empirical evidence on how board chairs’ hometown identity facilitates the alleviation of labor cost stickiness in SOEs.