Local Initiatives Research Articles

Relational Skills and Corporate Productivity in a Comparative Size Class Perspective

AbstractDrawing on insights from various fields within game theory literature, such as strategic interactions, social dilemmas, gift exchange, and procedural utility, we argue that corporate social responsibility (CSR) and relational skills—whether between firms, employers and workers, among workers themselves, or with stakeholders—are associated with positive effects on productivity. We test this hypothesis using a comparative approach across small, medium, and large Italian firms, leveraging data from the 2019 CSR survey conducted by the Italian Statistical Institute (ISTAT). Our analysis reveals that firm size plays a crucial role in the impact of relational skills on added value per worker, even after controlling for relevant factors. Key components of relational skills identified in our study include corporate policies focusing on workers' well-being, prioritizing teamwork attitudes in recruitment, supporting initiatives within the local productive network, and involving stakeholders in CSR initiatives. Our findings indicate that stakeholder engagement positively impacts all firm sizes, while worker well-being is particularly significant for small and medium firms, local network initiatives for medium and large firms, and teamwork for medium-sized firms. Instrumental variable estimates find evidence of a causal link beyond these correlations. We conclude that firm size exhibits an inverse U-shaped effect on the impact of teamwork skills, reduces the influence of gift exchange mechanisms, and strengthens the effects of investments in the local productive environment on added value per worker.

A review of SaiLuoTong (MLC-SLT) development in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia

The dementia epidemic, attributed to aging populations, represents a growing socio-economic burden. It is estimated that in 2019 about 55 million people worldwide were living with dementia. With many possible causes of dementia and the possibility of mixed dementia combining Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia the question is whether diagnostic uncertainty exists or whether diagnostic constructs based on single etiologies are incorrect. Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) designates the extent of cognitive dysfunctions from the most benign state to that of dementia, of vascular origin. We reviewed epidemiological, pathophysiological and clinical data on VCID with a focus on VaD, as well as key data on the development of a new therapeutic solution, SaiLuoTong (MLC-SLT). From documentary research executed on different web sources (PubMed, Clintrials.gov, Z-library and Google), our initial selection for the short review of VCID and VaD was based on keywords contained in each paragraph subtitles of this article with exclusion of publications in a language other than English or published before 2010. For the review of SaiLuoTong development, there was just the language exclusion criterion. Sorted by relevance and publication date, 47 references were selected from 140 shortlisted for review. With new evidence-based classification systems, vascular cognitive impairment was proposed as umbrella term covering all forms of cognitive deficits related to vascular causes. The scope of application expanded with the VCID which includes VaD and mixed pathologies. No drugs are approved for the treatment of VaD by major Western regulatory agencies, while some traditional Chinese medicines are registered in China. VCID treatment should have a dual focus: managing the underlying cerebrovascular disease and dementia symptoms. This is the objective set for the development of the MLC-SLT, the essential data of which are reviewed in detail. To strengthen VCID and VaD research, consensus groups should attempt to consolidate scattered local research initiatives into coordinated international programs. In two VaD clinical trials, MLC-SLT improved cognitive symptoms and activities of daily living, with good safety and potential disease-modifying effect. In a placebo-controlled study in 325 patients with mild to moderate VaD and randomized according to a delayed-start design, MLC-SLT demonstrated significant improvement in memory tests and performance in executive function tasks, expanding its place in the management of VCID. At week 26, changes in VADAS-cog scores (SD) from baseline were 23.25 (0.45) for MLC-SLT 180 mg bid), 23.05 (0.45) for MLC-SLT 120 mg bid (both p < 0.0001), and 20.57 (0.45) for placebo (p = 0.15). At week 52, differences between both groups MLC-SLT and placebo were 2.67 and 2.48, respectively (p < 0.0001), without significant difference between MLC-SLT groups.

International EV policies: A comparative review of strategies in the United States and Nigeria for promoting electric vehicles

This paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the strategies employed by the United States and Nigeria in promoting electric vehicles (EVs) within their respective national contexts. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, EVs have emerged as a pivotal component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Drawing upon a range of scholarly literature, governmental reports, and policy documents, this study examines the policy frameworks, incentives, and challenges faced by both countries in fostering the adoption of EVs. In the United States, a diverse array of federal, state, and local initiatives have been implemented to incentivize EV adoption, including tax credits, rebates, infrastructure investments, and regulatory mandates. Moreover, collaborations between the government, industry stakeholders, and research institutions have facilitated technological advancements and market growth in the EV sector. However, challenges such as range anxiety, high upfront costs, and inadequate charging infrastructure continue to impede widespread adoption. Conversely, Nigeria, while grappling with its own set of socio-economic and infrastructural challenges, has exhibited a nascent interest in promoting EVs as part of its broader sustainable development agenda. Despite lacking a comprehensive national policy framework, various initiatives such as tax exemptions, import duty waivers, and pilot projects have been introduced to stimulate EV uptake. Moreover, Nigeria's abundant renewable energy resources offer a promising opportunity for leveraging EVs to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Nevertheless, significant barriers such as limited infrastructure, affordability constraints, and institutional capacity gaps pose formidable obstacles to scaling up EV adoption in the country. By juxtaposing the experiences of the United States and Nigeria, this study contributes valuable insights into the diverse approaches and lessons learned in crafting effective international EV policies amidst varying socio-economic contexts. Through a nuanced understanding of the policy landscape, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers can identify strategies for overcoming barriers and accelerating the transition towards a sustainable transportation paradigm.

An influence of boundary conditions on initiation of gas blowout in permeable rock

Free gas in permafrost may originate from dissociating methane hydrates are widespread in the Arctic region. Methane can migrate through sand-clay permafrost and accumulate there, especially in sand beds. Gas migration is often accompanied by the formation of pressurized zones. As the pressure reaches some critical value, the overburden breaks down, and methane releases explosively with formation of craters on the seabed. In the paper, gas migration is simulated in 2D, with implications for the conditions at which increased gas flow rate can lead to failure of granular rocks, as well as for the place of blowout initiation depending on boundary conditions. The paper shows that the location of sediment blowouts in the presence of an impermeable lid or obstacle differs from the location of blowouts without them. The paper also shows that the type of pressure source (homogeneous or heterogeneous) also affects the location of the blowout initiation. The numerical results are in good agreement with laboratory experiments carried out in a sandy medium at the Hele-Shaw cell and with field data. The presented results should be taken into account when estimating the aftereffects of the methane hydrates dissociation due to global warming or due to surface condition changes.

Use and management of seagrass ecosystems in southwestern Madagascar

Madagascar’s seagrass meadows are among the least-studied ecosystems in the western Indian Ocean region. To facilitate sustainable management, understanding the traditional uses of seagrass areas in relation to current management policies is necessary. This study assessed the uses of, and policies relevant to, seagrass ecosystems off southwestern Madagascar. We interviewed 131 community members in five coastal villages around the Bay of Ranobe in Toliara Province. Answers to the survey revealed a good level of awareness of seagrass, though 55% of respondents perceived the status of the seagrass areas as deteriorating. Opinions varied on the source or degree of threats to seagrass, but 74.8% of respondents suggested destructive fishing methods or other factors, including natural phenomena and animal grazing. The responses highlight that seagrass meadows serve as areas important for fishing, seaweed cultivation or sea cucumber farming, and the passage of boat/pirogue transportation. There are currently no tangible policies that directly protect or manage the seagrass areas regarding these activities, although some national regulations and local management initiatives are indirectly relevant, notably no-take zones and the local-level codes known as Dina. Development and implementation of a national management plan for seagrass ecosystems is a key gap. This demands the collection of scientific data to support decision-making to ensure long-term provision of the services provided by seagrass meadows. The involvement of coastal communities in the management of seagrass ecosystems will be necessary for the success of any new policies.

Earnings pressure and corporate carbon emissions: Empirical evidence from listed firms in China

Based on the perspective of externality theory, this paper takes Chinese listed firms from 2006 to 2020 as the research object, and empirically investigates the impact of earnings pressure on corporate carbon emissions and its intrinsic mechanism through ordinary least squares regression, and finds that: earnings pressure has a significant positive impact on corporate carbon emissions. Faced with earnings pressure, firms tend to prioritize short-term interests, which will lead to an increase in carbon emissions through the mechanism of reducing green innovation inputs and increasing the level of financing constraints. Additional analysis demonstrates that when the CEO of an enterprise has greater power and the firm is a local state-owned enterprise (SOE), earnings pressure has a significant boosting effect on carbon emissions; and when the firm refers to non-policy-focused industries and faces a lower litigation risk, the earnings pressure has a significant positive effect on carbon emissions as well.

Exploring Dynamic Spalling Behavior in Rock–Shotcrete Combinations: A Theoretical and Numerical Investigation

Spalling is a widespread dynamic disaster during blasting excavation in underground engineering. To clarify the coupled dynamic response and spalling behavior of an underground tunnel with a spray anchor, an investigation based on the rock–shotcrete combination was conducted using theoretical and numerical methods. The mathematical representation of stress wave propagation between rock and shotcrete was deduced based on the elastic stress wave theory. A novel method for predicting the location and time of initial spalling in a rock–shotcrete combination was proposed. A numerical simulation was conducted to verify the validity of the proposed theoretical method. In addition, the effect of the material’s tensile strength, the loading amplitude, and the thickness of shotcrete on the stress evolution and spalling characteristics was studied. The results demonstrate that the initial spalling locations are sensitive to the relationship between the normalized tensile strength of the rock, shotcrete, and interface. A high incident amplitude can cause the initial spalling in rock, and the shotcrete or rock–shotcrete interface can cause initial spalling due to a low incident amplitude. The stress evolution and spalling characteristics are sensitive to the thickness of shotcrete. The location of the initial spalling failure changes with the thickness of the shotcrete. An appropriate increment in thickness and normalized strength of the shotcrete is beneficial to the dynamic stability of underground engineering.

Self-responsibilization, the municipality, and the state: Peripheralization shaping local initiatives in shrinking small towns

The literature on shrinking cities often portrays local initiatives in two contrasting ways: either as marginal, powerless, and somewhat backwards-oriented actors, or as human capital, a resource for development, and even as the hope for a more democratic development. However, there is a risk that scholarship unintentionally contributes to local initiatives being included in neoliberal development agendas. During our field research in two small, shrinking, and peripheralized towns in Finland and Germany, we discovered that both perspectives are misleading. They distract from the actual conditions of the initiatives' work, the causes of their financial or demographic precarity, and the self-responsibilization that is common among such initiatives. Scarcity motivates a DI(F)Y approach, organizing services and amenities on limited resources to enhance the quality of life in the area. This limited availability may seem like a natural result of population decline. By comparing the German and Finnish cases, we can see how state policies towards peripheral areas affect the work of local initiatives. This demonstrates that precarity in shrinking places is a result of policies rather than demographic development trajectory.

EXAMINE THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE FIRM PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL TRAVEL COMPANIES IN MALAYSIA

Malaysia's travel sector is experiencing rapid growth after the COVID-19 pandemic and both domestic and international service providers are significant competitors in the current thriving market. This study investigates the elements that influence the firm performance of Malaysian local travel service providers. This study emphasizes impact of innovation, technology adoption, and core competency to the firm performance. Despite the considerable volume of scholarly research addressing this subject, the distinct and cumulative effects of technology, innovation, and core competency have not been sufficiently explored within the context of Malaysia. To fill this gap, this study rigorously explored technology adoption, innovation, and core competence, and how those factors influence to firm performance. This research applied a quantitative method, with data gathered via an online self-administrative survey. Survey questions were sent to 915 travel companies, and 219 responded. It was found that independent variables, innovation, technology adoption, and core competence have a positive effect on the performance of local travel enterprises. These critical success elements propel local travel companies to the top of the market, where they compete with other top international travel companies in providing online or offline services to customers. Thus, Local travel companies must set up the culture to generate innovative ideas, acquire latest technology, and continue training and upskilling program to achieve desire organization performance. The findings of this study will contribute to the Malaysian travel businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in the tourist industry.

Do local government sustainability initiatives impact corporate social sustainability practices?

AbstractThis study quantifies the initiatives of local governments' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and examines their impacts on regional corporate social sustainability practices. Our analysis reveals statistically significant results for corporate action on the following government initiatives on SDGs: BOD/COD effluent standard (6. clean water and sanitation and 14. life below water); number of students per personal computer (PC) (4. quality education); percent of female prefectural assembly members (5. gender equality and 16. peace, justice, and strong institutions); and minimum wage (1. no poverty and 2. zero hunger). These results are robust after controlling for peer effects by other firms in the surrounding regions. The evidence also indicates that these trends are more pronounced in footloose industries than in heavy industries.

Temperature-induced degradation of GaN HEMT: An in situ heating study

High-power electronics, such as GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), are expected to perform reliably in high-temperature conditions. This study aims to gain an understanding of the microscopic origin of both material and device vulnerabilities to high temperatures by real-time monitoring of the onset of structural degradation under varying temperature conditions. This is achieved by operating GaN HEMT devices in situ inside a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Electron-transparent specimens are prepared from a bulk device and heated up to 800 °C. High-resolution TEM (HRTEM), scanning TEM (STEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and geometric phase analysis (GPA) are performed to evaluate crystal quality, material diffusion, and strain propagation in the sample before and after heating. Gate contact area reduction is visible from 470 °C accompanied by Ni/Au intermixing near the gate/AlGaN interface. Elevated temperatures induce significant out-of-plane lattice expansion at the SiNx/GaN/AlGaN interface, as revealed by geometry-phase GPA strain maps, while in-plane strains remain relatively consistent. Exposure to temperatures exceeding 500 °C leads to almost two orders of magnitude increase in leakage current in bulk devices in this study, which complements the results from our TEM experiment. The findings of this study offer real-time visual insights into identifying the initial location of degradation and highlight the impact of temperature on the bulk device’s structure, electrical properties, and material degradation.

Effect of Fusion Boundary Microstructure on Flow-Accelerated Corrosion Cracking

Flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) preferentially attacks the downstream heat-affected zone of the root-pass weld in steam pipe systems. A detailed characterization identifies the fusion boundary as the initiation location for the attack. Alloying elements are found depleted along the weld fusion boundary, and multiple welding thermal cycles and repetitive austenite-to-ferrite phase transformations result in an increased proportion of grains with Goss {110}<001> texture along the fusion boundary. The synergistic effects of chemical segregation and the Schmid factor may contribute to the preferential initiation of FAC cracks along the root weld fusion boundary, making it the weakest link for FAC attack in steam pipe girth welds.

A Bidirectional Non-Coding RNA Promoter Mediates Long-Range Gene Expression Regulation

Recent evidence suggests that human gene promoters display gene expression regulatory mechanisms beyond the typical single gene local transcription modulation. In mammalian genomes, genes with an associated bidirectional promoter are abundant; bidirectional promoter architecture serves as a regulatory hub for a gene pair expression. However, it has been suggested that its contribution to transcriptional regulation might exceed local transcription initiation modulation. Despite their abundance, the functional consequences of bidirectional promoter architecture remain largely unexplored. This work studies the long-range gene expression regulatory role of a long non-coding RNA gene promoter using chromosome conformation capture methods. We found that this particular bidirectional promoter contributes to distal gene expression regulation in a target-specific manner by establishing promoter–promoter interactions. In particular, we validated that the promoter–promoter interactions of this regulatory element with the promoter of distal gene BBX contribute to modulating the transcription rate of this gene; removing the bidirectional promoter from its genomic context leads to a rearrangement of BBX promoter–enhancer interactions and to increased gene expression. Moreover, long-range regulatory functionality is not directly dependent on its associated non-coding gene pair expression levels.

Numerical investigation on the influence of secondary flaw lengths on the mechanical characteristics and cracking behaviour of red sandstone containing orthogonal cross flaws

AbstractFlaw length has a significant effect on the cracking behaviour of fractured rock. PFC2D was used to simulate the uniaxial compression of red sandstone samples with secondary flaw lengths L2 of 0 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 and 20 mm under different primary flaw angles α(α = 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°). Based on the simulation results, the effects of the secondary flaw length on the mechanical parameters, crack initiation location and crack evolution process of the fractured rock were analysed. Then, a method for judging the initiation location of the first cracks was proposed. Finally, the characteristics of the particle displacement field at preexisting flaw tips during first and secondary crack initiation were analysed. The results of this study are helpful for more deeply understanding the cracking behaviour of fractured rock.

Transdisciplinary approaches to local sustainability: aligning local governance and navigating spillovers with global action towards the Sustainable Development Goals

AbstractIn an evolving world, effectively managing human–natural systems under uncertainty becomes paramount, particularly when targeting the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The complexity in multi-actor decision-making and multi-sectoral settings, coupled with intricate relationships and potential conflicting management approaches, makes understanding the local implications of progressing towards the global SDGs challenging. We used a transdisciplinary approach for knowledge co-production with local stakeholders to assess the impact of local action to boost sustainability in the Goulburn–Murray region, Victoria, Australia, and its alignment with global action towards the SDGs. Together, we co-developed 11 local actions geared towards achieving four locally important environmental and socioeconomic SDGs, with a particular emphasis on addressing potential ‘spillovers’—unintended effects that influence SDGs across scales. Through system dynamics modelling, we evaluated the interplay between these local actions and global scenarios, emphasising their synergies, trade-offs, and the resulting impact on SDG indicators. Key findings indicate a predominant synergy between global and local actions across most SDG indicators. However, certain areas like dairy production, riverine algal blooms, and agricultural profit displayed trade-offs. Local actions significantly impacted indicators, such as crop production, dairy output, agricultural land use, and agricultural profitability. Findings highlighted the need for complementary actions in areas, such as water availability management, skilled workforce, and salinity control. This study underscored the importance of harmonising local initiatives with global sustainability objectives and can inspire local governance to champion resilience policies that harmoniously integrate local actions with global sustainability goals, adapting to evolving uncertainty scenarios. Graphical abstract

Міжсекторальна співпраця в контексті соціального розвитку територіальних громад України

The article examines the social aspects of the organization of intersectoral cooperation as one of the sources of the development of territorial communities and their adaptation to the complex socio-political and socio-economic conditions of the war period. The need to speed up recovery processes and successfully develop the country’s economy in combination with the European integration tasks currently makes this area of scientific research relevant. The purpose of the article is to determine the transformational changes in the development of intersectoral cooperation in territorial communities with the substantiation of stimulating mechanisms in the context of their social development tasks. The novelty is the generalization of the results of changes which took place in the organization of intersectoral cooperation in the field of social service provision in communities during the war period. The article uses the methods of system analysis, generalization and comparison, economic and statistical analysis. It was revealed that intersectoral cooperation in the territorial communities of the country has not yet acquired a systemic nature with appropriate legislative and regulatory support and is practiced only in case of critical exacerbation of local socio-economic or socio-ecological problems. The specifics of the modern organization of intersectoral interaction in the communities of the country was considered and the main trends of its development in the field of social service provision, as well as the possibility of overcoming the wartime barriers, were identified. It was found that the main obstacles to the development of intersectoral cooperation are related to its informal nature, the low level of complementarity of interacting parties’ interests, and the lack of platforms for communication. In the absence of a comprehensive concept of the development of territorial communities’ social sphere in the war period, an assessment of the sphere of social service provision in the communities was carried out, and the problems of its digitalization and staffing were determined from the perspective of the possibilities for development of various social interaction forms. The need to transition to a new format of intersectoral cooperation based on partnership, social responsibility, and constructive dialogue between participants in order to successfully implement local initiatives and minimize the negative consequences of competition between various entities and social groups has been proved. Actively spreading the possibilities of cross-sectoral cooperation, formed on collective efforts and joint responsibility on a partnership basis, to the social development of communities will ensure the successful solution of local socio-economic, information & communication, environmental protection problems, taking into account the interests of local residents. The article defines directions and conditions of the organization of intersectoral cooperation that are strategically significant for the social development of the country’s territorial communities and suggests appropriate mechanisms capable of strengthening its potential in the near future.

A multiscale micromechanical progressive elastic-damage model for cementitious composites featuring superabsorbent polymer (SAP)

A multiscale micromechanics-based progressive damage model is developed to investigate the overall mechanical behavior and the interfacial microcrack evolutions of the cementitious composites featuring superabsorbent polymer (SAP) under uniaxial tension. Elastic properties, progressive damage process, and homogenization procedure of cementitious composites are systematically integrated in this model. The effective elastic moduli of the composites are determined based on a multiscale micromechanical framework. According to the small strain assumption, the total strain tensor and the elastic-damage compliance tensor are additively decomposed into elastic and damage-induced components. The damage-induced strains and compliances are then deduced from micromechanics. To characterize the progressive elastic-damage induced by microcracks, stages of microcrack propagation are identified from the interface contact stress and the matrix cleavage stress. The complex potentials and stress intensity factors for kinked interface cracks are derived from the distributed dislocations method. By implementing the homogenization process, the macroscopic mechanical behavior is obtained from the micro/mesoscale. The results indicate that the material parameters have clear mechanical significance. Different parameters, such as the SAP addition ratio, aggregate content, initial interfacial crack size, and initial interfacial crack location, are revealed to be influential in the overall mechanical behavior of the composites. The proposed model can be generalized to other particle-reinforced composites with different constituent properties, which can potentially contribute to the design and optimization of durable composites.

The impact of urbanization on painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) behaviour

AbstractUrbanization is a significant driver of the global biodiversity crisis. Turtles are particularly impacted by urbanization because of the vulnerability of riparian habitats to habitat loss and road mortality. Behaviour plays a crucial role in determining the success of urban animals. Behavioural responses to urbanization, however, are rarely studied in turtles even though many turtles are at‐risk and sometimes live in urban areas. Therefore, we evaluated behavioural changes in painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) living in wetlands surrounded by a gradient of urbanization. We tested the consistency of painted turtle behaviour in the laboratory and examined the behaviour of painted turtles from 24 wetland sites across an urbanization gradient in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We assessed: (i) aggression by measuring the number of active defensive behaviours the turtles performed in response to handling, (ii) boldness by measuring the amount of time the turtles took to emerge from their shells and move from their initial locations in a circular arena and (iii) activity by measuring the amount of time the turtles spent moving in the same circular arena. We found that all behaviours were consistent in the laboratory. We also found that as the level of urbanization increased, turtles were more aggressive and bolder. Urbanization affects painted turtle behaviour, but further research is required to understand the mechanisms responsible and the conservation implications.

Implementation of the principle of competition in the course of pre-trial investigation

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of implementing the adversarial principle in the course of pre-trial investigation. Adversariality determines the image of the entire criminal process, since it implies its construction in which the functions of prosecution, defense and case resolution are separated from each other. This, in turn, gives the court’s verdict a special power of persuasion, increases its legal and social significance.
 The adversarial principle in the course of pre-trial investigation has its own structure, which consists of four interrelated elements: 1) the presence of the prosecution and the defense; 2) the presence of equal procedural rights for the prosecution and the defense; 3) the presence and clear separation of the functions of public prosecution, defense and trial; 4) the presence of an objective and impartial court.
 At the stage of pre-trial investigation, the adversarial nature of the parties is characterized by a number of circumstances, one of which is that the officials conducting the proceedings have power and administrative authority, unlike the defense. In the course of the study, the author substantiates the position that it is necessary to expand the powers of defense counsel with a view to intensifying his/her activities in implementing the principle of adversariality at the pre-trial investigation stage. In this regard, the author suggests that the CPC of Ukraine should include the following: a protocol form for recording the results of questioning of persons by the defense; provide for the liability of public authorities, local self-government bodies, enterprises, institutions, organizations, officials and individuals for failure to comply with the defense’s requests for the provision of necessary items and documents; supplement the CPC of Ukraine with a rule imposing on the investigator, prosecutor the obligation to timely notify the defense counsel of the time and place of the investigative (search) action in which he or she has the right to participate.

The motion of Brownian particles suspended in a non-uniform fluid flow

The effect of the type of fluid flow velocity profile on the motion of a Brownian particle in a circular tube has been studied using a Monte Carlo technique to simulate particle trajectories. Three types of fluid flow were studied: uniform (UF), parabolic (PF), and an initial uniform flow which evolves and may eventually attain the parabolic velocity profile, i.e. transient flow (TF). For UF and PF, radial and axial particle diffusion were simultaneously considered in some cases; for TF, where fluid dynamics equations had to be solved in addition to the Monte Carlo simulations, axial diffusion was neglected for fluid and particles, so that calculations had to be restricted to tube aspect ratios (radius/length) smaller than 0.1, a common scenario in most practical aerosol applications. A first series of simulations were performed to determine the overall particle penetration through the tube. For fixed tube geometry and particle diffusion coefficient, penetration in TF lied between those in PF (highest) and UF (lowest), in such a manner that, for a given value of the diffusion coefficient, the larger the degree of flow development (i.e., the smaller the values of the tube aspect ratio and the Reynolds number), the larger the penetration. These findings are coherent with those found in a former investigation dealing with the particle residence time in the tube. In a second series of simulation runs, calculations were done for selected initial locations of the particle within the tube entrance cross section, to examine the effect that the proximity of the particle starting position to the tube wall or to the tube axis has on variables such as penetration, mean first hitting time and length, mean first exit time, and mean axial velocity of lost and survived particles. When the fluid flow is not uniform but varies from place to place, the mean particle axial velocity is larger than that of the fluid. This counterintuitive fundamental result allows interpretation of the trends observed in penetration and residence time.