Major Changes Research Articles

Just transitions in the Australian automotive sector?

ABSTRACT The closure of the Australian passenger vehicle industry in 2017 ended an important phase in the nation’s economic history. Closure affected up to 100,000 employees working across the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the supply chain, with the impacts concentrated in two Australian states. This paper examines both the processes and the outcomes of this closure, making use of a Just Transitions lens to assess the wider impacts of this change. It reviews the measures put in place to assist workers displaced by plant closure, while also drawing on three waves of data from a survey of retrenched workers. The paper argues the process of transition for former employees was shaped by the distinctive characteristics of Australia’s system of industrial relations and the ambition of its governments to have as many affected workers find employment as possible. This objective was prioritised over quality of employment or the emerging skill needs of industries. The paper finds that while former auto workers have been able to re-establish themselves in the labour market, the management of this major change does not meet the expectations of a Just Transition as too little attention was directed to the wider societal impacts of this transformation.

Short‐term load and spinning reserve prediction based on LSTM and ANFIS with PSO algorithm

AbstractWith the increase in population and the growth of technology, the load demand has increased and major changes in spinning reserve are unavoidable. Short‐term forecasting to hourly predict the required load and spinning reserve is of great importance. All of the power system studies in planning and operation fields are depend on short‐term hourly load forecasting. In this work, the problem of load forecasting and spinning reserve based on deep learning (DL) algorithms and traditional methods is investigated with the help of the proposed information combination system. The proposed method tries to reduce the weaknesses of the stated methods and increase the accuracy of the predicted signal. First, short‐term predicting of load and spinning reserve is performed using a combination of adaptive network‐based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and meta‐heuristic algorithms including differential evolution (DE), genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The ANFIS‐PSO is selected as the best ANFIS combination in load and spinning reserve prediction with a lower error criterion than other methods. Also, the long short‐term memory (LSTM) network can provide good accuracy for load and spinning reserve forecasting. Therefore, the combination of ANFIS‐PSO and LSTM is used to reduce the average error and error variance.

CONDITIONS OF CHANGES IN THE REGIONAL SPECIALIZATION OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION IN POLAND

Aim: The study aimed to identify regional specialization and changes in competitiveness in the field of animal production in Poland. Methods: The analysis covered statistical data of the Central Statistical Office from 2010–2021 on a national scale and in individual voivodeships. The study used a comparative analysis of animal production in regional terms. In order to determine the specialization of the region and to analyze changes in competitiveness over time, the classic method of Shift-Share Analysis (SSA) was used. Results: Major changes are taking place in Poland in the stock of farm animals and the production of animals for slaughter. In the years 2010–2021, the pig stock decreased drastically, and the stock of cattle, especially for fattening and poultry, increased. Changes in livestock stock contributed to an increase in beef cattle and poultry production and a decrease in the production of live pigs. Conclusions: There is specialization in Poland, and the concentration of production of the most important livestock species in individual voivodeships is increasing. Specialization and concentration processes allow for more effective use of farm resources and greater competitiveness of regions. However, the accelerating concentration of production may threaten the sustainable development of agriculture and negatively affect the natural environment. Therefore, further research on the impact of specialization and concentration of animal production on food security and the natural environment is recommended.

An Artificial Neural Network Model for Predicting Initial Water Saturation of Petroleum Reservoirs

Initial Water saturation is the water saturation of a reservoir before production commences. It enables the reservoir engineer to properly estimate the correct volume of Oil or gas reserves and to produce without water. And over the years over estimation or under estimation had caused major changes in the decision making of oil companies. New techniques are developed as technology advances to measure water saturation. These are the most widely used techniques for determining water saturation, nevertheless. Measurements obtained directly from a sealed core, which are more expensive, or calculations made using the Archie equation on sample well logs, which are less expensive. In this Project, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model is the sole purpose of the modelling. The datasets are gathered, processed, trained, tested and validated.

The interaction between heterochrony and mechanical forces as main driver of floral evolution.

Heterochrony acts as a fundamental process affecting the early development of organisms in creating a subtle shift in the timing of initiation or the duration of a developmental process. In flowers this process is linked with mechanical forces that cause changes in the interaction of neighbouring floral organs by altering the timing and rate of initiation of organs. Heterochrony leads to a delay or acceleration of the development of neighbouring primordia, inducing a change in the morphospace of the flowers. As changes in the timing of development may affect organs differently at different stages of development, these shifts eventually lead to major morphological changes such as altered organ positions, fusions, or organ reductions with profound consequences for floral evolution and the diversification of flowers. By concentrating on early developmental stages in flowers it is possible to understand how heterochrony is responsible for shifts in organ position and the establishment of a novel floral Bauplan. However, it remains difficult to separate heterochrony as a process from pattern, as both are intimately linked. Therefore it is essential to connect different patterns in flowers through the process of developmental change.Examples illustrating the importance of heterochronic shifts affecting different organs of the flower are presented and discussed. These cover the transition from inflorescence to flower through the interaction of bracts and bracteoles, the pressure exercised by the perianth on the androecium and gynoecium, the inversed influence of stamens on petals, and the centrifugal influence of carpels on the androecium. Different processes are explored, including the occurrence of obdiplostemony, the onset of common primordia, variable carpel positions, and organ reduction and loss.

Menstrual health and hygiene amongst adolescent girls and women of reproductive age: a study of practices and predictors, Odisha, India

BackgroundMenstruation is a major physiological change in a woman’s life, but lack of knowledge, poor practices, socio-cultural barriers, poor access to products and their improper disposal have significant consequences on health, dignity and well-being of women and adolescent girls.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices related to menstrual health and hygiene amongst females of 10–49 years of age; explore the experiences and challenges of women during menstruation; and identify the key predictors of healthy menstrual health and hygiene.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, we adopted a mixed methods approach for data collection. For quantitative household survey, a total of 921 respondents were selected from three districts of Odisha. Qualitative findings through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews supplemented the survey findings and helped to identify the barriers affecting good menstrual practices. Epi data version 2.5 and R 4.2.2 was used for data entry and data analysis, respectively. Descriptive statistics was used to calculate proportion, mean and standard deviation; Chi square test was used to measure the association between categorical variables. Bivariate and multivariate logistics analyses were done to identify predictors of healthy menstrual health and hygiene. For qualitative data analysis, thematic analysis approach was adopted using software Atlas.ti 8.ResultsFor 74.3% respondents, mothers were the primary source of information; about 61% respondents were using sanitary pad. The mean age at menarche was 12.9 years and almost 46% of respondents did not receive any information about menstruation before menarche. Lower age and education up to higher secondary level or above had statistically significant associations with the knowledge about menstruation. Age, caste, respondent’s education, mother’s education, sanitation facility, availability of water, accessibility and affordability for sanitary pads were found to be strongly associated with good menstrual hygiene practices.ConclusionTraditional beliefs regarding menstruation still persists at the community level. Educating mothers, increasing awareness about safe menstrual hygiene, providing adequate water and sanitation facilities and ensuring proper disposal of menstruation products need priority attention.

PLUME-GENERATED 90° STRESS CHANGE LINKED TO TRANSITION FROM RADIATING TO CIRCUMFERENTIAL DOLERITE DIKE SWARMS OF THE SIBERIAN TRAPS LARGE IGNEOUS PROVINCE AND TO EMPLACEMENT OF THE NORILSK-TALNAKH ORE DEPOSITS

Abstract A 90° change in stress orientation has been previously proposed as the trigger for the final emplacement of the world-class Norilsk-Talnakh magmatic sulfide mineralization via the migration of accumulated sulfide melts from elsewhere within the plumbing system of the Siberian Traps large igneous province (LIP). We propose that this stress change does not require and was not triggered by a distal change in plate boundary stresses, but instead can be explained both temporally and spatially by stress changes recorded in the dike swarm patterns of the Siberian Traps LIP, namely the transition from a giant radiating dike swarm (associated with mantle plume uplift) to a giant circumferential swarm (linked to flattening of the plume head). The mantle plume stress-related changes recorded by these dike swarms, rather than distal plate boundary stress changes, were therefore most likely the trigger for the emplacement of the Norilsk-Talnakh mineralization. Other LIPs that have both giant radiating and circumferential dike swarms most likely reflect similar major and rapid changes in stress orientation, indicating that mantle plume-induced stress changes revealed by dike swarms should be considered an additional tool in magmatic sulfide exploration.

Effect of Electron Beam Surface Modification on the Plasticity of Inconel Alloy 625

In the present work, we present results on the influence of electron beam surface modification on the resistance to plastic deformation and plasticity of Inconel alloy 625. During the treatment procedure, the electron beam currents were 10 and 20 mA, corresponding to beam powers of 600 W and 1200 W. The structures of the modified specimens were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The nanohardness and Young’s modulus were studied through nanoindentation experiments. The plasticity of the treated materials as well as of the untreated ones was studied through an evaluation of H3/E2, which points to resistance to plastic deformation. The results obtained show that the electron beam surface modification procedure leads to a reorientation of microvolumes and the formation of a preferred crystallographic orientation. The surface treatment of the samples using an electron beam with a power of 600 W did not lead to major changes in the structures of the samples. However, the use of a beam with a power of 1200 W led to the formation of a clearly separated modified zone with a thickness in the range of 13 to 15 μm. The Young’s modulus increased from about 100 to 153 GPa in the case of electron beam surface modification using the lower-power electron beam. The application of the higher-power electron beam did not lead to a significant change in the modulus of elasticity as compared to the untreated specimen. Also, it was found that the treatment procedure pointed to a decrease in nanohardness when the maximum power of the electron beam was applied. The resistance to plastic deformation, i.e., the H3/E2 ratio, showed that the ratio decreased significantly in both cases of electron beam surface modification, pointing to an improvement in the plasticity of the surface of the Inconel alloy 625.

Primary Care Physician Preferences Regarding Communication from Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Musculoskeletal consultations constitute a growing portion of primary care physician (PCP) referrals. Optimizing communication between PCPs and orthopaedists can potentially reduce time spent in the electronic medical record (EMR) as well as physician burnout. Little is known about the preferences of PCPs regarding communication from orthopaedic surgeons. Hence, the present study investigated, across a large health network, the preferences of PCPs regarding communication from orthopaedists. A total of 175 PCPs across 15 practices within our health network were surveyed. These providers universally utilized Epic as their EMR platform. Five-point, labeled Likert scales were utilized to assess the PCP-perceived importance of communication from orthopaedists in specific clinical scenarios. PCPs were further asked to report their preferred method of communication in each scenario and their overall interest in communication from orthopaedists. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine whether any PCP characteristics were associated with the preferred method of communication and the overall PCP interest in communication from orthopaedists. A total of 107 PCPs (61.1%) responded to the survey. PCPs most commonly rated communication from orthopaedists as highly important in the scenario of an orthopaedist needing information from the PCP. In this scenario, PCPs preferred to receive an Epic Staff Message. Scenarios involving a recommendation for surgery, hospitalization, or a major clinical change were also rated as highly important. In these scenarios, an Epic CC'd Chart rather than a Staff Message was preferred. Increased after-hours EMR use was associated with diminished odds of having a high interest in communication from orthopaedists (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.48 to 0.88; p = 0.005). Ninety-three PCPs (86.9%) reported spending 1 to 1.5 hours or more per day in Epic after normal clinical hours, and 27 (25.2%) spent >3 hours per day. Forty-six PCPs (43.0%) reported experiencing ≥1 symptom of burnout. There were distinct preferences among PCPs regarding clinical communication from orthopaedic surgeons. There was also evidence of substantial burnout and after-hours work effort by PCPs. These results may help to optimize communication between PCPs and orthopaedists while reducing the amount of time that PCPs spend in the EMR.

In-situ Crosslinked Gel Polymer Electrolytes Based on Ionic Monomers as Charge Carriers for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract In-situ polymerization is a method for fabricating lithium-ion batteries to contain solid or gel electrolytes without major manufacturing changes. Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) wherein some polymer in incorporated, decreasing the volume of liquid electrolyte, have been pursued as they may be safer. One challenge with GPEs is reduced ion transport properties. In this work, macromonomers with different chain chemistry and ionic monomers are crosslinked on electrospun polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) in the presence of solvents, without conventional salt, to in-situ fabricate GPEs with elevated transference number within coin cells. These GPEs would be single-ion conductors in the case of complete ionic monomer polymerization to the crosslinked network. The effect of chain chemistry and the percentage of macromonomers and ionic monomers in the GPEs on conductivity are investigated. It is found that poly(siloxane) diacrylate (PDMSDA)- and perfluoropolyether tetra-acrylate (PFPETA)-based GPEs outperform the poly(propylene glycol) diacrylate (PPGDA)- and poly(tetrahydrofuran) diacrylate (PTHFDA)-based GPEs in terms of ionic conductivity. The highest ionic conductivity was achieved for a PDMSDA-based GPE at 4.2 × 10-4 S/cm at 23°C. Graphite/NMC-811 full cells prepared with the in-situ polymerized PDMSDA-based GPEs show capacity retention of 82.6% after 100 cycles, albeit with limited electrode utilization due to ion transport limitations.

Investigating Barriers to Low-Carbon Policy Implementation among Mining Companies in Ghana

Efforts for carbon emission reduction have been identified as a major climate change mitigation target in the Paris Agreement. The 26th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change highlighted the worldwide effort for cleaner and greener mining, urging the mineral industry to embrace greener operational emissions reduction technologies and strategies. At the Paris Conference, Ghana pledged to reduce CO2 emissions by 15% and increase its renewable energy share to 10% of the national energy mix. Ghana’s efforts to implement a low-carbon policy were, however, hampered for several reasons. Ghana is Africa’s leading and the world’s seventh largest gold producer. Mining has contributed significantly to foreign currency acquisition and government revenue. The gold mining sector contributes approximately 95% of Ghana’s total mineral revenue. Considering these situations, the fundamental question is how Ghana’s mining industry can contribute to CO2 emission reduction efforts. This paper investigates barriers to low-carbon emission policy implementation among mining companies in Ghana. We adopted 5-point Likert scale statement questions. The questionnaire survey was conducted among Ghana’s four large-scale gold mining companies. As the sample number of available companies is limited, we used a descriptive analysis to assess the responses. The results show that the companies expressed widely different ways to respond to the issues of cost, a government policy for carbon emission reduction, and the acquisition of low-carbon technologies. Those companies that are relatively less prepared for this endeavor emphasized the uncertainties of securing sufficient energy in case of using low-carbon technologies. They also expressed a need for more trained workers to handle low-carbon technologies. We found that a major challenge among companies was the expected cost involved in implementing a low-carbon emission policy. There was a communication gap with the relevant government ministry about low-carbon mining options where the government should be able to facilitate the involvement of low-carbon technology providers, such as solar Photovoltaics installation.

Deciphering the interaction of bacteria inoculants with the recipient endophytic community in grapevine micropropagated plants.

Engineering the plant microbiome with beneficial endophytic bacteria can improve the growth, health, and productivity of the holobiont. Here, we administered two beneficial bacterial strains, Kosakonia VR04 sp. and Rhizobium GR12 sp., to micropropagated grapevine cuttings obtained via somatic embryogenesis. While both strains colonized the plant endosphere, only Rhizobium GR12 sp. increased root biomass under nutritional-deficit conditions, as supported by the plant growth promotion traits detected in its genome. Phylogenetic and co-occurrence analyses revealed that the plant native bacterial community, originally dominated by Streptococcaceae and Micrococcaceae, dramatically changed depending on the inoculation treatments, as invading strains differently affected the relative abundance and the interactions of pre-existing taxa. After 30 days of plantlets' growth, Pantoea became a predominant taxon, and considering untreated plantlets as references, Rhizobium sp. GR12 showed a minor impact on the endophytic bacterial community. On the other hand, Kosakonia sp. VR04 caused a major change in community composition, suggesting an opportunistic colonization pattern. Overall, the results corroborate the importance of preserving the native endophytic community structure and functions during plant microbiome engineering.IMPORTANCEA better comprehension of bacterial colonization processes and outcomes could benefit the use of plant probiotics in the field. In this study, we applied two different beneficial bacteria to grapevine micropropagated plantlets and described how the inoculation of these strains impacts endophytic microbiota assembly. We showed that under nutritional deficit conditions, the response of the receiving endophytic bacterial communities to the invasion of the beneficial strains related to the manifestation of plant growth promotion effects by the inoculated invading strains. Rhizobium sp. GR12 was able to preserve the native microbiome structure despite its effective colonization, highlighting the importance of the plant-endophyte associations for the holobiont performance. Moreover, our approach showed that the use of micropropagated plantlets could be a valuable strategy to study the interplay among the plant, its native microbiota, and the invader on a wider portfolio of species besides model plants, facilitating the application of new knowledge in agriculture.

PSHA: Does It Deal with What It Is or What We Want It to Be?

Abstract In a recent opinion piece Albarello and Paolucci (2023; hereafter, AP23) provide their view as members of the past Seismic Group of the Commissione Grandi Rischi (CGR-SRS) in Italy, which represents the main scientific consultant for Italian Civil Protection, about the difficulty using probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) models for building code purposes. Here, we refer to this specific kind of PSHA modeling as National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM). We agree with AP23 that the topic is of great and general importance, and here we aim at contributing to this discussion by offering our perspective on two points that are at the heart of the matter, concluding that AP23 is misguided in how to deal with them. First, we assert that the credibility of an NSHM has to be rooted only in the use of the best available science, which includes a rigorous testing phase with observations, independent from the consequences in terms of risk. (PSHA deals with what it is.) Second, we claim that the difficulties in accepting a new NSHM with some major changes with respect to the previous model are mostly due to too rigid building code procedures that do not account for the epistemic uncertainty in the hazard estimates.

Major changes in fish thermal habitat diversity in Canada’s Arctic lakes due to climate change

Climate warming is a major disruptor of fish community structure globally. We use large-scale geospatial analyses of 447,077 Canadian Arctic lakes to predict how climate change would impact lake thermal habitat diversity across the Arctic landscape. Increases in maximum surface temperature (+2.4–6.7 °C), ice-free period (+14–38 days), and thermal stratification presence (+4.2–18.9%) occur under all climate scenarios. Lakes, currently fishless due to deep winter ice, open up; many thermally uniform lakes become thermally diverse. Resilient coldwater habitat supply is predicted; however, thermally diverse lakes shift from providing almost exclusively coldwater habitat to providing substantial coolwater habitat and previously absent warmwater habitat. Across terrestrial ecozones, most lakes exhibit major shifts in thermal habitat. The prevalence of thermally diverse lakes more than doubles, providing refuge for coldwater taxa. Ecozone-specific differences in the distribution of thermally diverse and thermally uniform lakes require different management strategies for adapting fish resource use to climate change.

USE OF COAGULANT FROM PLANT ORIGIN AS AN ALTERNATIVE IN THE TREATMENT OF EFFLUENTS FROM SANITATION INDUSTRY

The use of aluminum sulphate-based coagulants, associated with flocculants, is frequent in the treatment of effluents. However, as a by-product, chemical sludge is produced, containing aluminum salts, which pollute the environment. The present work aimed to evaluate the performance of a vegetable coagulant based on tannin in the treatment of effluent from a sanitizing industry. Three experiments were carried out, using 1.0 % w/v of aluminum sulfate and vegetable coagulant, and using 0.25 % w/v of the vegetable coagulant. According to the tests, the vegetable coagulant at 0.25 % m/v reduced 60.4 % of turbidity, 71.0 % of total phosphorus, 98.0 % of anionic surfactants and completely removed animal and vegetable oils and greases and total suspended solids, generating an aluminum-free sludge. The vegetable coagulant acted simultaneously as a coagulant and flocculant and did not require adjustment of effluent pH, not requiring the use of flocculants and alkaline agents, in addition to being effective at lower dosages in relation to the coagulant based on aluminum sulfate. Therefore, the use of vegetable coagulant is technically feasible due to its biodegradability, sludge application potential, and because it does not require special investments or major changes to the existing effluent treatment infrastructure.

Цифровое неравенство в системе местного самоуправления: понятие, критерии, пути преодоления

Introduction. Since the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries, all areas of social management, including public management, have been seriously influenced by modern digital technologies, which, on the one hand, create new opportunities to increase the efficiency of management activities; on the other hand, they pose certain risks, potentially provoking digital inequality. The article presents an analysis of the prerequisites and causes of digital inequality in municipalities. The criteria for such inequality are identified and generalized. An attempt was made to find out the attitude of local governments and citizens, living under digital lockdown, towards the digital transformation of public administration and local economy. Proposals have been made to level the digital divide in municipalities. Theoretical analysis. The problem of digital inequality has been the focus of attention of researchers for over 20 years. However, the scientific discourse on digital inequality is still fragmented: there is no universal interpretation of this phenomenon in the theoretical aspect; there are no uniform parameters for measuring it, and no algorithm for overcoming it has been developed. It is noted that approaches to understanding digital inequality and its consequences have undergone major changes: from unhindered access to the Internet to a person’s request to use digital resources, including those in the field of local government. Empirical analysis. The analysis of the legal regulation of digital transformation was carried out. As a result, it was concluded that flexible or “soft” legal regulation of the digitalization of public administration currently prevails. It is indicated that a special federal law regulating the process of digital transformation in the public administration system and in the local government system, respectively, has not been adopted in the Russian Federation. The criteria for assessing the digital inequality of Russian subjects, the possibility and feasibility of scaling them to the level of local government were analyzed. Results. Based on the results of the study, it is shown that at the local government level, digital inequality is an urgent problem that has a complex technological, socio-economic, socio-cultural and legal nature. It has been proven that there has been a transformation in the essence and understanding of digital inequality: from the problem of access to digital technologies to ensuring equal conditions for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights through such technologies, including the right to local self-government. A proposal for a special program approach has been made to overcome the digital divide in municipalities.

Multi-center implementation of rapid whole genome sequencing provides additional evidence of its utility in the pediatric inpatient setting.

Multi-center implementation of rapid whole genome sequencing with assessment of the clinical utility of rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS), including positive, negative and uncertain results, in admitted infants with a suspected genetic disease. rWGS tests were ordered at eight hospitals between November 2017 and April 2020. Investigators completed a survey of demographic data, Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) terms, test results and impacts of results on clinical care. A total of 188 patients, on general hospital floors and intensive care unit (ICU) settings, underwent rWGS testing. Racial and ethnic characteristics of the tested infants were broadly representative of births in the country at large. 35% of infants received a diagnostic result in a median of 6 days. The most common HPO terms for tested infants indicated an abnormality of the nervous system, followed by the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, the respiratory system and the head and neck. Providers indicated a major change in clinical management because of rWGS for 32% of infants tested overall and 70% of those with a diagnostic result. Also, 7% of infants with a negative rWGS result and 23% with a variant of unknown significance (VUS) had a major change in management due to testing. Our study demonstrates that the implementation of rWGS is feasible across diverse institutions, and provides additional evidence to support the clinical utility of rWGS in a demographically representative sample of admitted infants and includes assessment of the clinical impact of uncertain rWGS results in addition to both positive and negative results.

Future coexistence with great apes will require major changes to policy and practice.

The great apes-bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans-are critically threatened by human activities. We have destroyed their habitats, hunted them and transmitted fatal diseases to them. Yet we also conduct research on them, try to protect them and live alongside them. They are endangered, and time is running out. Here we outline what must be done to ensure that future generations continue to share this planet with great apes. We urge dialogue with those who live with great apes and interact with them often. We advocate conservation plans that acknowledge the realities of climate change, economic drivers and population growth. We encourage researchers to use technology to minimize risks to great apes. Our proposals will require substantial investment, and we identify ways to generate these funds. We conclude with a discussion of how field researchers might alter their work to protect our closest living relatives more effectively.

The Role of Customer Satisfaction and Awareness as A Measure of Customer Loyalty- A Study on Select Banks

Purpose: The study wants to examine customer loyalty through customer satisfaction and awareness using developed constructs for select Nifty Banks. Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework for the study is to analyze customer loyalty through customer satisfaction and awareness using constructs of General Services (GS), Product Cognizance (PC), Technology Services (TS), and Social Responsibility (SR). Design/methodology/approach: The cluster sampling method was used to collect data from bank customers (n=360) using the self-administered questionnaire. The research used Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesis using SmartPLS 4. Findings: The result showed, that there is low customer satisfaction with Technology Services (TS) and that hypothesis was rejected. Research, Practical & Social implications: The study has provided recommendations for banks were discussed to pay more attention to customer fulfilment and awareness which convert satisfaction to customer delight. Originality/value: Due to market sustainability and dynamics, the Indian banking industry has undergone many major changes such as digital banking units (DBU), digital currencies, and social green initiatives. Bank has incorporated many advancements to overcome its rivals. So, the study wants to know the customers are aware of these changes among their banks and whether they are satisfied with products and services. Contribution/Originality: The study wants to rank the select banks of India based on the constructs built, which measure customer loyalty through customer satisfaction and awareness.

Trade unions, refugees and immigrant labour: Has the attitude changed? The stance of Swedish blue‐collar trade unions as evidenced by sentiment analysis

AbstractThe attitude of trade unions towards migration and migrants, be it of asylum seekers or those in search of jobs and better incomes, differs substantially across European countries. No matter the original stance, a common current pattern is that of the willingness to accept migrants being eroded over time. To see whether this is the case also in a country that both proved welcoming to labour migrants and refugees during the opening decades of the new millennium, we set out to explore the attitudes of blue‐collar trade unions in Sweden. Based on a diverse set of material issuing from the unions themselves, we use sentiment analysis to assess whether there are any changes to be discerned in the opinions of the representatives of 12 blue‐collar trade unions and their national confederation. At its most general, the trend appears to turn more negative over time, yet the influence of defining events and legal changes is not so easily observed at the aggregate level. The union representing workers in the industry with the largest proportion of immigrant labour, the Hotel and Restaurant Workers' Union, is therefore selected for closer analysis. To the extent that changes can, or cannot, be observed, we relate those to major events and policy changes that have taken place over the 2010s.