Management Science Research Articles

Financial Optimization Management and Equipment Procurement Risk Analysis of New Energy Photovoltaic Power Generation Project

As renewable energy gains momentum and energy structures evolve, photovoltaic power generation projects assume greater significance in the energy sector. This paper aims to explore financial optimization strategies and procurement risks in new energy PV projects, offering countermeasures. Firstly, an in-depth study of PV project finance reveals potential issues during operation. Cost control, income optimization, and capital management strategies are proposed to ensure economic viability and long-term profitability. Secondly, a systematic analysis of equipment procurement risks in PV projects considers factors like market volatility, technological advancements, and supply chain challenges. Comprehensive risk management measures are put forward to mitigate these risks. These measures cover supplier selection, contract management, technical monitoring and other aspects, aiming at minimizing the uncertainty in the procurement process and ensuring the equipment quality and reliability of the project. Finally, based on actual cases, this paper verifies the practicability and effectiveness of the proposed optimal management and risk analysis methods by comparing the effects of different financial management and equipment procurement strategies. Through these studies, this paper aims to provide useful reference for investors, managers and decision makers of new energy photovoltaic power generation projects, and promote them to make more scientific and reasonable financial management and equipment procurement decisions in the process of project implementation.

The Impact of Educational Informatics on School Management Decision-Making in the Context of Big Data

In the domain of private education, particularly vocational education, school management encounters a complex and variable environment with diverse demands. As the advancement of educational informatics progresses, schools have accumulated a substantial amount of data, including student learning behavior, teaching data, and classroom utilization statistics. However, the efficient utilization of these data for scientific management decisions to enhance the quality of education and resource efficiency presents an urgent challenge. The study of the impacts of educational informatics on school management decision-making is of significant importance. It aids administrators in comprehensively understanding and analyzing the allocation and usage of educational resources, thereby enhancing management efficiency and teaching quality and further promoting the development of educational informatics. Despite some progress in data analysis and decision-making methods within educational informatics, deficiencies remain. Traditional methods often overlook comprehensive considerations of spatiotemporal data, failing to accurately reflect the dynamic changes in educational resources. Existing decision-making methods, predominantly based on single-agent models, lack studies on multi-agent collaborative decision-making, resulting in suboptimal decision outcomes. This study comprises three main components: first, the data modeling of educational informatics based on a spatiotemporal data model; second, an intelligent decision-making framework for school management under a reinforcement learning mechanism; and third, the implementation of an intelligent school management decision-making method based on multi-agent reinforcement learning. Through these investigations, the scientific nature and efficiency of school management are enhanced, providing new ideas and methods for management decision-making in other educational domains.

YOLO-PEM: A Lightweight Detection Method for Young “Okubo” Peaches in Complex Orchard Environments

The intelligent detection of young peaches is the main technology of fruit-thinning robots, which is crucial for enhancing peach fruit quality and reducing labor costs. This study presents the lightweight YOLO-PEM model based on YOLOv8s to achieve high-precision and automatic detection of young “Okubo” peaches. Firstly, the C2f_P module was devised by partial convolution (PConv), replacing all C2f modules in YOLOv8s to achieve the model’s lightweight. Secondly, embedding the efficient multi-scale attention (EMA) module in the lightweight C2f_P_1 module of the backbone network enhanced the feature extraction capability and accuracy for young peaches. Finally, the MPDIoU loss function was utilized to replace the original CIoU loss function, which improved the detection accuracy of the bounding box while speeding up the convergence of the model. The experimental results demonstrate that the YOLO-PEM model achieved an average precision (AP) of 90.86%, F1 score of 86.70%, and model size of 16.1 MB, which was a 1.85% improvement in the AP, 0.85% improvement in the F1 score, and 5.3 MB reduction in the model size compared with YOLOv8s. The AP was 6.26%, 6.01%, 2.05%, 2.12%, and 1.87% higher compared with the other lightweight detection models YOLOv3-tiny, YOLOv4-tiny, YOLOv5s, YOLOv6s, and YOLOv7-tiny, respectively. Furthermore, the FPS of YOLO-PEM was 196.2 f·s-1, which can fulfill the demand for the real-time detection of young peaches. YOLO-PEM effectively detects young peaches in complex orchard environments and can offer a basis for the theoretical design of the vision system of the “Okubo” peach fruit-thinning robot and scientific management of orchards.

Trusting in Generative AI: Catalyst for Employee Performance and Engagement in the Workplace

This paper investigates the impact of the usage of generative AI (GenAI) and services with integrated GenAI on employee performance, alongside with the role of trusting in these tools and services. Employing a mixed methodology, the research first analyzes data from 251 professionals in Spain using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach, followed by a qualitative survey of 69 top academics in management sciences. Findings indicate that the adoption and effective use of GenAI services does not directly improve workplace performance. Instead, an optimal level of trust in these services plays a critical mediating role, enhancing work engagement and thereby performance. The study draws on the reviewed job demand-resources theory (JD-R) to construct a new theoretical framework of applied in GenAI services, offering insights into how user experience and trust influence engagement and productivity. For managers, these results highlight the importance of building an optimal level of trust in GenAI among employees and users of services with integrated GenAI to boost work engagement and performance.

Receptor interactions of protoxin and activated Vip3Aa structural conformations in Spodoptera exigua.

The Vip3Aa insecticidal protein, produced by Bacillus thuringiensis, has been effectively used in commercial Bt-crops to manage lepidopteran pests. Upon ingestion by larvae, the protoxin is processed by midgut proteases into the activated protein and binds specifically to its receptors in the midgut, leading to insect mortality. Cryo-EM resolution of the trypsin-processed Vip3Aa protein unveiled structural remodelling of the N-terminal region during the transition from protoxin to activated protein. This conformational change has been demonstrated to be crucial for toxicity against Spodoptera exigua larvae, a major global lepidopteran pest. In this study, we investigated the relevance of the structural remodelling for the specific binding to midgut receptors. We conducted in vitro binding assays with radiolabelled proteins and brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from S. exigua, employing structural mutants that lock the protein in either its protoxin or its activated conformation. Our results indicate that both structural stages of the protein share binding sites in the midgut epithelium. Moreover, in vivo competition assays revealed that Vip3Aa is able to bind to functional receptors in S. exigua larvae both as protoxin and as activated protein. Altogether, our findings point to both structural conformations contributing to receptor binding. In vivo, either spontaneous structural shift upon proteolytic cleavage or receptor-mediated remodelling could be occurring. However, the timing and context in which the conformational change occurs could influence membrane insertion and toxicity. Our results show the complex interplay between proteolytic processing, protein structure and receptor interactions in Vip3Aa's toxicity. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Preface: 4th International Conference on Management Science and Industrial Economy Development (MSIED 2024)

Preface: 4th International Conference on Management Science and Industrial Economy Development (MSIED 2024)

Multi-objective optimization of forest structure for broadleaf mixed forest under different CMIP5 scenarios

Climate change is an important global research topic and one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. It significantly impacts forest distribution, species composition, stand structure, growth, and other functions, therefore, it is crucial to simulate the dynamic changes of forest structure under future climate change and develop optimized solutions to adapt to it. Combined with the various stand structural parameters, based on the equal or unequal weights of each parameter at the stand level, to establish a dynamic stand spatial structure multi-objective optimization index (L-index) under different climate changes, and to implement broadleaf mixed forest spatial structure optimization research in Yanan Forest Farm under RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, RCP 8.5 climate scenarios after 5 years. The results indicated that the L-index showed an increase ranging from 13.8 % to 35.7 % under equal weights in different climate scenarios. Additionally, the optimal harvesting intensity ranged from 13.2 % to 20.5 %, with the highest intensity observed in the RCP4.5 climate scenario; compared to the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios, the RCP2.6 scenario shows the largest trend and magnitude of change in the indicators, suggesting that the state of stand growth is more sensitive under the RCP2.6 scenario. The L-index showed an increase ranging from 13.7 % to 34.4 % under the unequal weights in different climate scenarios, in which the optimal harvesting intensity ranged from 14.6 % to 19.8 %. More importantly, it should be noted that the values of the increases in the L-index and the relative increased proportion (RIP) were both higher than those when unequal weights were employed. Moreover, it should be highlighted that the increments in the L-index and RIP were both greater than those observed when unequal weights were applied for all three plots under different climate scenarios. Overall, the adjusted the complete mixing degree index (Mc) increased, angle index (W), dominance ratio index (U), and Hegyi competition index (CI) decreased compared to before optimizing with the equal or unequal weights of the stand structural variable, which is evident that the adjustments made to the stand’s structure have resulted in a significant improvement. Thus, the multi-objective optimization for forest spatial dynamics constructed is both reasonable and effective, and it more scientific forest management under different climatic scenarios.

Impact of a Thematic Writing and Communication Course on Students’ Perception of World Englishes

A study conducted at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) assessed the impact of a Writing and Communication (WnC) course titled Genesis of World Englishes on first-year students' perceptions of World Englishes, specifically focusing on comprehensibility, intelligibility, and accentedness. The sample consisted of 48 students and it examined changes in their attitudes before and after the course to gauge the effectiveness of the intervention, with a particular emphasis on gender differences in perceptions. It delves into the significance of comprehensibility, intelligibility, and accentedness, considering accentedness as a hindering factor for Non-Native Speakers (NNS). The findings revealed significant improvements in students' acceptance of diverse English accents following the course, supported by statistical analyses demonstrating positive changes. Initial gender-based disparities in perceptions were also observed to diminish post-intervention, highlighting the course's role in promoting equality. The study suggests that targeted educational interventions can play a crucial role in fostering inclusive attitudes toward linguistic diversity, urging policymakers to consider curriculum reforms that integrate such courses to create more accepting educational environments. These insights advocate for embracing diverse accents, aiming to reduce biases and enhance communication among speakers of different English varieties in academic settings. It also encourages communication among interlocutors of various accents in ESL and EFL academic settings to occur without the perception of reducing students’ accentedness to achieve a native like accent. Instead, ESL and EFL students should improve only those segments of their pronunciation which decrease their intelligibility and comprehensibility. The findings emphasize the significance of developing gender-sensitive approaches to ensure equitable learning outcomes. Future studies should expand sample sizes and diversify participants to explore the long-term impacts of these educational strategies further, refining language education policies and teaching pedagogy to better support diversity and inclusivity.

Impact of a Thematic Writing and Communication Course on Students Perception of World Englishes

A study conducted at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) assessed the impact of a Writing and Communication (WnC) course titled Genesis of World Englishes on first-year students perceptions of World Englishes, specifically focusing on comprehensibility, intelligibility, and accentedness. The sample consisted of 48 students and the study examined changes in their attitudes before and after the course to gauge the effectiveness of the intervention, with a particular emphasis on gender differences in perceptions. It delves into the significance of comprehensibility, intelligibility, and accentedness, considering accentedness as a hindering factor for Non-Native Speakers (NNS). The findings revealed significant improvements in students' acceptance of diverse English accents following the course, supported by statistical analyses demonstrating positive changes. Initial gender-based disparities in perceptions were also observed to diminish post-intervention, highlighting the role of the course in promoting equality. The study suggests that targeted educational interventions can play a crucial role in fostering inclusive attitudes toward linguistic diversity, urging policymakers to consider curriculum reforms that integrate such courses to create more accepting educational environments. These insights advocate for embracing diverse accents, aiming to reduce biases and enhance communication among speakers of different English varieties in academic settings. It also encourages communication among interlocutors of various accents in ESL and EFL academic settings to occur without the perception of reducing students' accentedness to achieve a native-like accent. Instead, ESL and EFL students should improve only those segments of their pronunciation which decrease their intelligibility and comprehensibility. The findings emphasize the significance of developing gender-sensitive approaches to ensure equitable learning outcomes. Future studies should expand sample sizes and diversify participants to explore the long-term impacts of these educational strategies further, refining language education policies and teaching pedagogy to better support diversity and inclusivity.

Agro-input dealers' perspectives on the design of a certification scheme for pesticide risk reduction.

While pesticides are essential for crop protection and food security, they pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Agro-input dealers can play an important role in mitigating pesticide risks, given that they are a major source of pesticides and plant health information for many developing-country farmers. In this article, we assess the willingness of agro-input dealers to offer integrated pest management-based advisory services and promote pesticide risk reduction through a voluntary certification scheme. Using survey data from 557 agro-input dealers in Uganda and a discrete choice experiment, we find that the proposed certification scheme is significantly valued by agro-input dealers, particularly for its potential to provide training opportunities and ensure safety to human health and the environment. Agro-input dealers have a positive attitude towards a certification scheme that restricts the sale of high-risk pesticide products, especially if it stimulates additional income-generating opportunities. Further analysis shows that preferences for voluntary certification attributes are influenced by certification experience, agro-dealership experience, business ownership status and incidence of acute pesticide poisoning. The study findings demonstrate that agro-input dealers are conscious of pesticide risks to human and environmental health and are keen to participate in a certification scheme promoting safer plant protection products. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigating the drivers of urban cover-collapse sinkholes in shanghai: analyzing dominant factors and proposing mitigation strategies

Urban cover-collapse sinkholes pose a significant global challenge due to their destructive impacts. Previous studies have identified groundwater fluctuations, subsurface soil conditions, pipeline leakage, precipitation, and subterranean construction activities as key contributors to these phenomena. However, unique geological settings across different urban environments lead to variations in the primary factors influencing sinkhole formation. This study focuses on Shanghai, a city notable for its extensive urbanization and rich historical context, to explore the dynamics of sinkholes within urbanized areas worldwide. We employ spatial analysis and statistical methods to examine data on sinkholes recorded in the past two decades in Shanghai, correlating these events with the city’s shallow sand layer, ground elevation, and proximity to surface water. Our goal is to identify the dominant factors governing sinkhole occurrence in Shanghai and to lay the groundwork for their effective scientific management and prevention. Key findings indicate that most sinkholes in the area are associated with a thin shallow sand layer, low to moderate ground elevations, and the absence of nearby rivers. Additionally, many sinkholes correlate with subterranean voids within the confined aquifer beneath the cohesive soil layer. The lack of historical river channels, obscured by urban development, also indirectly contributes to sinkhole formation. We recommend enhancing urban river management and drainage systems to mitigate potential damage from water accumulation.

PetroSahand International Group: the dilemma of outsourcing for EPC activities

Learning outcomes After reading the case and answering the case assignments, students will be able to understand and explain the challenges and opportunities for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors and their subcontractors; understand and critically analyse the advantages and disadvantages of insourcing and outsourcing of engineering, procurement and construction in EPC projects; determine which situations merit insourcing or outsourcing within each of engineering, procurement and construction in EPC projects; understand and identify the competencies and qualifications that a subcontractor must possess if any EPC activity is outsourced to them; and develop a decision-making framework to determine which EPC activities must be kept in-house or outsourced in EPC projects. Case overview/synopsis In mid-March 2021, PetroSahand International Group, a leading EPC contractor specializing in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industries in Iran, encountered significant challenges with its subcontractors in engineering and construction. These issues resulted in widespread repercussions for the company, including project delays and mounting debts. At the peak of these crises, PetroSahand’s senior management embarked on a thorough examination of whether to insource or outsource various aspects of their operations, such as engineering, procurement and construction. Their objective was twofold: to prevent similar setbacks in future projects and to navigate existing projects with minimal disruption to the company’s reputation. To address this critical dilemma, PetroSahand enlisted the expertise of a consulting team from Sharif University of Technology. Comprising esteemed professors, graduates and students from one of Iran’s most respected institutions, this team undertook an exhaustive analysis of the insourcing versus outsourcing debate across EPC domains. Subsequently, they presented their comprehensive findings, thereby confronting PetroSahand’s senior management with a pivotal choice regarding the optimal approach for each activity. Complexity academic level The audience of this work is undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in project management courses, both fundamentals and advanced. In addition, this case helps senior managers of EPC contractors gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of insourcing or outsourcing different project activities. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 7: Management science.

Peningkatan Literasi Kewirausahaan Siswa SMK Husada Persada Indonesia di Kota Bekasi

The spirit of entrepreneurship needs to be instilled in the younger generation of millennials, so that it inspires the Stiami Institute Lecturers to carry out services in terms of entrepreneurial literacy to Persada Husada Indonesia School Bekasi City Students. This PKM aims; (1) To provide understanding and knowledge to students of SMK Persada Husada Indonesia Bekasi City about Entrepreneurship; (2) To provide stimulus to Persada Husada Indonesia Bekasi City students in an effort to increase their interest in entrepreneurship. Problems faced; (1) Lack of understanding of entrepreneurship; and (2) Still low interest in entrepreneurship To solve these problems comprehensively, assistance from various parties is needed. In this case, the Lecturers of the Stiami Institute of Social and Management Sciences have the responsibility to participate in solving the above problems, among others through community service programs.The methods used in solving the problem are; (1) Lecture; (2) Discussion; (3) Question and Answer; (4) Evaluation. A comparative des of students understanding and knowledge before and after participating in this activity, in general it is known that there was an increase in paticipants’ understanding and knowledge based on the results in table 1.The results achieved in the implementation of this PKM are: 1. Students have knowledge about Entrepreneurship. 2. Students have knowledge related to entrepreneurial characters, 3. Students are motivated to be involved in the world of entrepreneurship.

Beyond the Urban Kitchen: Refrigeration and Domesticity across Australia and the Pacific Islands, 1920s–1940s

Abstract Histories of the rise of domestic refrigeration conventionally situate the appliance within the urban household. An emphasis on the spread of electrification and notions of idealized femininity, abundance, and scientific home management together attribute an emblematic “Americanness” to the refrigerator. Moving beyond the confines of the urban kitchen to rural and tropical regions of Australia and across the island Pacific, this article examines the appeal and influence of the home appliance in areas remote from reliable or affordable electricity, as well as from accessible supplies of perishable foods produced elsewhere. In such locations the refrigerator was understood differently, centering ideals of white settler self-sufficiency, masculine mastery of the environment, and notions of colonizing capacity. Examining the early history of this appliance in these places also reveals how technological influences and cultural aspirations moved between Australia and the islands and vice versa, intensifying in the immediate aftermath of World War II. In repositioning the refrigerator through such engagements and entanglements, this article offers new insights into patterns and practices of colonial domesticity, provisioning, and consumption.

Optimizing Fertilizer Distribution Performance, In Supporting Food Security Programs

The research aims to obtain empirical evidence and clarify the phenomenon and conclusions regarding optimizing the performance of fertilizer distribution in supporting food security. It is hoped that this research can contribute to the development of economics in particular; as a scientific library in the field of marketing management science related to distribution, as reference material in scientific writing on marketing management, as information material, both for the government, producers and distributors and fertilizer users to make decisions and determine the direction of fertilizer policy. The research was conducted using descriptive and verification methods: collecting, presenting, analyzing, measuring models and testing hypotheses, and making conclusions and suggestions. The results of research and data analysis show that fertilizer distribution optimization has not been optimal. The performance indicators for fertilizer marketing distribution essentially contribute to food security, so optimal distribution performance needs to be optimized. Fertilizer distribution models that support food security need to be carefully considered.

Application of sulfur-based products reduces Halyomorpha halys infestation and damage in pome fruit orchards.

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive pest that causes economic damage on crops, decreasing fruit yield and quality. Conventional insecticides are frequently used to reduce infestations, but these are often with a limited residual effect, besides being costly and detrimental to nontarget organisms and the environment. In integrated pest management, novel strategies against H. halys are proposed, such as the use of alternative substances with an effect on insect behaviour and mobility. As one of the oldest multi-site fungicides applied against fungal pathogens and as an insecticide and acaricide to control scales and mites, sulfur is proposed here to reduce H. halys infestation in fruit orchards. Field experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of repeated wettable sulfur applications on H. halys in apple and pear orchards. Sulfur-induced plant phytotoxicity effects and quanti-qualitative parameters on apple fruits were also recorded. Halyomorpha halys infestation was significantly reduced in sulfur-treated compared to untreated pears and apples. Furthermore, sulfur sprays reduced fruit damage caused by H. halys. Besides, sulfur-mediated phytotoxicity such as symptoms on leaves and fruit drop were not observed. Fruit quality was not influenced by sulfur treatments. Wettable sulfur seems to be a promising formulation given the low phytotoxicity, considering the technical aspects for an effective use of sulfur-based products to counteract H. halys in pome fruit orchards. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis and biological profile of substituted hexahydrofuro[3,4-b]furans, a novel class of bicyclic acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase inhibitors.

Weed control is a significant challenge for farmers around the globe. Of the various methods available for combatting weeds, small molecules remain the most effective and versatile technology to date. In the search for novel chemical entities with new modes of action toward herbicide-resistant weeds, we have investigated hexahydrofuro[3,4-b]furan-based acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase inhibitors inspired by X-ray co-crystal structure-based modeling studies. By exploiting scaffold hopping concepts and molecular modeling studies we were able to identify new hexahydrofuro[3,4-b]furan-based lead structures showing promising activity in vivo against commercially important grass weeds in line with strong target affinity. The present work covers a series of novel herbicidal lead structures that possess a hexahydrofuro[3,4-b]furan scaffold as a structural key feature, carrying ortho-substituted aryloxy side chains. Based on an optimized synthetic approach a broad structure-activity relationship (SAR) study was carried out. The new compounds emerging from our modeling-inspired structural variations show good acyl-ACP thioesterase inhibition in line with promising initial herbicidal activity. Glasshouse trials showed that the hexahydrofuro[3,4-b]furans outlined herein display good control of cold and warm season grass-weed species in pre-emergence application. Remarkably, some of the novel acyl-ACP thioesterase-inhibitors also showed promising efficacy against warm season weeds that are difficult to control. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Talking across worlds: The ontological turn and communication in natural resource co-management with Indigenous communities

The ontological turn in critical social theory provokes emerging calls for new approaches to natural resource management where Indigenous perspectives, worldview, knowledges, and values are prioritized in the stewardship of Indigenous lands. Yet, scant literature focuses on the ontological implications for communication within environmental decision-making, where Habermas’ communicative action theory, with its norms of privileging argumentation, formality, expertise, institutional authority, rationality, and language, continues to shape spaces of public participation since the communicative turn in the 1990s. Growing calls for participatory decision-making, as well as the mounting failures of scientific management approaches espoused by conventional natural resource management, have fuelled the rise of co-management since the 1980s. The emerging emphasis in co-management approaches on community collaboration and meaningful communication was strengthened with the emergence of adaptive co-management and adaptive governance in the early 2000s. Yet, the ontological turn unveils communicative tensions which continue to persist, rooted in ontological difference and onto-epistemic violence. Rethinking communication under the ontological turn in co-management with Indigenous communities, this paper reviews the literature and further proposes the idea of ethical equivocation as a communicative tool and starting point toward learning to talk across worlds.

A New Variant of the Conjugate Descent Method for Solving Unconstrained Optimization Problems and Applications

Unconstrained optimization problems have a long history in computational mathematics and have been identified as being among the crucial problems in the fields of applied sciences, engineering, and management sciences. In this paper, a new variant of the conjugate descent method for solving unconstrained optimization problems is introduced. The proposed algorithm can be seen as a modification of the popular conjugate descent (CD) algorithm of Fletcher. The algorithm of the proposed method is well-defined, and the sequence of the directions of search is shown to be sufficiently descending. The convergence result of the proposed method is discussed under the common standard conditions. The proposed algorithm together with some existing ones in the literature is implemented to solve a collection of benchmark test problems. Numerical experiments conducted show the performance of the proposed method is very encouraging. Furthermore, an additional efficiency evaluation is carried out on problems arising from signal processing and it works well.

Comparison of different attract-and-kill device densities to control the adult population of Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Popillia japonica Newman is a scarab beetle native to Japan that is considered a serious pest outside its native range. It can feed on more than 400 host plants and spread about 10 km per year in invaded territories, therefore it is considered the second most important quarantine pest in Europe. Both chemical and biological insecticides have been used for control, with variable results. Despite ongoing efforts, P. japonica remains a threat in invaded countries, and it is necessary to test more effective and sustainable solutions in the context of integrated pest management. Here we present a study on long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) assembled in semiochemical-baited attract-and-kill devices (A&Ks) as a means to control adults of P. japonica with low environmental impact. This study complements previous ones in which we first evaluated the effectiveness of the LLINs in the laboratory and then tested both effectiveness and duration in field-exposed A&Ks against P. japonica. In the present work we compared the effectiveness of three different densities of A&Ks per hectare in areas where the population of P. japonica was numerically homogeneous. The different densities of A&K (1, 2, 4 A&Ks per ha) resulted in an overall reduction of the population of P. japonica by about two thirds in comparison to the control area. This study suggests that the use of one A&K per hectare, requiring minimal management effort, is an effective ratio for reducing local populations of P. japonica. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.