Response Strategies Research Articles

Proposals on Effective Implementation of the Carbon Intensity Indication of Ships

The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulation is a short-term measure of IMO for reducing GHG emissions from ships. In addition, the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy describes that the CII regulation is anticipated to create a potential synergy effect with other measures. Accordingly, the CII regulation, which took effect in 2023, is forecast to increasingly impact international shipping and the commercial vessel market. However, efforts to improve energy efficiency and implement slow steaming for ships are insufficient to meet the CII regulation that is increasingly stringent over time. Therefore, there is a growing need for fundamental improvements in future response strategies. In this study, major causes of low CII ratings for ships were investigated from a recent consulting project that was conducted to support shipping companies in satisfying the regulation from operational and technical perspectives. Lastly, proposals to implement the CII regulation effectively and to reduce GHG emissions from ships fundamentally were made, taking into account the major causes derived from the consulting.

Construction method for novel power load management system detection environment based on model adaptive equivalence

With the focus on integrating large-scale clean energy, the requirements for demand-side load resource management and maintaining the power system's supply-demand balance have increased. New types of power load management are thus gaining importance. Considering the varied load management needs and response strategies across different scenarios, and taking into account essential network elements like topology and connectivity, a multi-level interactive architecture is established to support hierarchical load control networking models for energy flow. By leveraging statistical analysis and simulation deduction, this approach improves the comprehensive evaluation of load system indicators, particularly in scenarios with small sample sizes and significant randomness. This methodology contributes to more efficient power system management and enhances load control adaptability.

Research Data Management in German Academia from a Multiple Logic Perspective

The requirements for research data management (RDM) have increased. Due to academia’s neoliberalization, however, researchers already face a high workload within a hypercompetitive environment. The demand to integrate RDM as an additional task into academics’ day-today actions seems to be quixotic. To deepen our understanding of early career researchers’ (ECRs) daily work arbitrage, we need to know more about their behavior, actions, and decisions in relation to RDM. Drawing on a multiple institutional logics perspective at the micro-level, we conducted 40 semistructured interviews at German higher education institutions (HEIs) to investigate how ECRs respond to institutional logics in the context of RDM. Our findings revealed three profiles – the conformist, the waverer, and the resister – that make use of different response strategies to the state, market, professional, and community logic. We contribute to institutional logic research at the micro-level and, in addition, broaden prior research on HEIs and RDM by taking neoliberal academia into account.

How do aspirations work? Financial performance shortfalls and firms' green innovation

AbstractResearch on the behavioral theory of the firm (BTOF) highlights the role of performance shortfalls in managers' decision process. However, previous studies tend to ignore the heterogeneity of historical and social aspirations. This paper investigates how firms' green innovation, a typical environmental behavior, differently responds to financial performance shortfalls relative to historical and social aspirations. Based on the view of problemistic search, we argue and find that financial performance shortfalls derived from historical aspiration impair green innovation, whereas financial performance shortfalls derived from social aspiration first reduce and then promote green innovation, demonstrating a U‐shaped relationship. Moreover, we find that the two aspirations may interact to influence green innovation activities. Specifically, the negative effect of performance shortfalls (historical) is more pronounced when the financial performance is below social aspiration, whereas the U‐shaped effect is flattened if the financial performance is at or above historical aspiration. Further, we explore how the effects vary with financial constraints and manager overconfidence to distinguish the underlying mechanisms. Our study extends a nascent understanding of aspiration heterogeneity by revealing firms' different green innovation strategies in response to different aspirations.

The Role of Local Government and Environmental Management in Managing Tidal Floods in Bintan Regency

Indonesia is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, with tidal floods being a significant concern in Bintan Regency due to its exposure to sea tides and extreme weather events. The local government's role and environmental management strategies are crucial in mitigating these risks. This research seeks to evaluate these aspects by focusing on the measures implemented by Bintan Regency to manage tidal floods. The study employs a qualitative approach, relying on literature reviews to collect data from various sources such as scientific journals, books, research reports, and other relevant documents. This method provides a comprehensive understanding of the current practices and effectiveness of flood management and environmental management strategies in Bintan Regency. The research findings indicate that the Bintan Regency local government has undertaken significant initiatives to reduce tidal flood risks. These initiatives include spatial planning that integrates disaster risk considerations, the development of flood management infrastructure, and community education programs aimed at increasing preparedness. The effective implementation of environmental management practices, including the use of advanced technology for monitoring and evaluation, has been instrumental in these efforts. The local government’s approach reflects a proactive stance in addressing the challenges posed by tidal floods, emphasizing both preventative measures and responsive strategies. The study concludes that a holistic and sustainable approach is essential for effective tidal flood management. The integration of comprehensive spatial planning, infrastructure development, community engagement, and modern technology forms a robust framework for disaster mitigation.

Ground Nesting Behavior of Aotus griseimembra: Rare Terrestrial Evidence in A Strictly Arboreal Species

We report a novel observation of ground nesting behavior in a couple of Aotus griseimembra within a successional inter-Andean Forest patch of Colombia. This behavior, previously unrecorded for strictly arboreal primates of the Genus Aotus, challenges conventional understanding. The monkeys exhibited typical species actions but sought refuge on the ground, possibly influenced by habitat alterations. Their visits to the ground sleeping site were monitored and confirmed the vulnerability to predators, competitors in the forest patch. These findings call the attention for further research into the response strategies of neotropical primates to environmental stressors and habitat disturbance.

Exploring the Spatial-Temporal Patterns, Drivers, and Response Strategies of Desertification in the Mu Us Desert from Multiple Regional Perspectives

Desertification poses a serious threat to the global ecological environment and challenges the achievement of an ecological civilization. Understanding the spatial and temporal evolution of desertification in the Mu Us Desert, a key area in northern China, is crucial for predicting regional trends and analyzing causes. This study employs quantitative methods, including remote sensing data from Landsat satellites (2000–2020), combined with multi-scale analysis and statistical models, to systematically analyze desertification trends. The analysis reveals that desertification improved significantly after 2005 due to effective human intervention and governance efforts. In particular, the eastern regions (Shaanxi Province and Inner Mongolia) showed marked improvement, while the western regions exhibited limited change. The greatest progress was seen in the reduction in high-desertification areas to moderate levels. Quantitatively, human activities contributed to a 17.3% reduction in desertification (p < 0.05), while meteorological factors were responsible for a 45.8% reduction (p < 0.05). Conversely, desertification in Ningxia worsened by 41.8% due to unsustainable land use. Additionally, spatial correlation analysis highlighted that those areas of severe desertification became more uniformly distributed over time. The key drivers influencing desertification were agricultural development, urbanization, climate warming, and vegetation coverage, with human activities playing a substantial role. Initially, agricultural factors had the strongest correlation with desertification, but over time, population growth, rising temperatures, and vegetation cover (NDVI) became more prominent. These findings offer scientific support for desertification control in the Mu Us Desert and provide methodological insights for other severely desertified regions, contributing to sustainable ecological development.

Phrasing Crisis Communication: How are Distinct Crisis Response Strategies Put Into Words?

This study employs a quantitative content analysis to investigate how reputation-restoring crisis responses (i.e., denial, diminishment, and apology) from organizations and public figures are verbalized. In addition, this study examines if distinct crisis response strategies are systematically associated with particular language categories (i.e., language abstraction, uncertain language, passive voice, and emotional language). By analyzing 179 audiovisual crisis messages (e.g., press conference broadcasts, television interviews, social media videos), this study shows that denials are generally expressed in the most concrete way (i.e., precise numbers), diminish strategies in the most uncertain way (i.e., hedges), and apologies are the most emotionally charged, primarily referring to the emotions of sadness and shame. These findings highlight the significant role of language in crisis communication and help practitioners in the field to become aware of key linguistic features that could influence the effectiveness of a crisis message.

Numerical Investigation of the Blast-Induced Injuries Using an Open-Source Detailed Human Model.

Blasts are a threat both in military and civil contexts due not only to explosive devices but also to gas leakages or other accidents. Numerical models could aid to plan response strategies in the short and long term. Nevertheless, due to modeling complexities, a standardized computational framework has not been established yet. In this challenging context, the present study assesses the prediction of blast-induced traumas by using the total human model for safety (THUMS) human model, which has never been attempted before to the authors knowledge. The pedestrian model is publicly available, hence the demonstration of its suitability to predict blast injuries could benefit the establishment of a common modeling framework. Therefore, the THUMS human model was exposed to different blast scenarios both in free field and partially confined spaces and the response of vital organs was investigated. Trauma patterns to internal organs of the THUMS were consistent with available experimental data and injury thresholds. In conclusion, THUMS open-source human model demonstrated its validity to reproduce primary blast-related injuries, addressing the development of standardization of numerical simulations of human response to explosions.

To Act or Wait: The Impact of Disruption Duration Estimates on Manufacturer’s Response Strategies

In the event of a disruption at a primary supplier, the manufacturer’s sourcing and production operations are inevitably affected, necessitating a response strategy based on the estimated disruption duration. This paper derives the optimal production policy for each response strategy, aiming to minimize total costs over a planning horizon within a dynamic programming framework. We characterize these production policies across various model parameters, particularly focusing on the estimated disruption duration and initial inventory level. Our analysis identifies when the passive acceptance strategy and the backup strategy each hold an advantage, and how the cost benefits of each strategy vary with different model parameters. Additionally, we examine the consequences of overestimating or underestimating the disruption duration, providing insights into how the chosen response strategy and production policy, based on the estimated duration, diverge from the true optimal ones as the actual duration unfolds. We also highlight the cost implications of these discrepancies. Finally, in scenarios where the true duration follows a probabilistic distribution, our numerical experiments demonstrate how strategy selection and the cost of misestimation are influenced by the mean of the true disruption duration and the initial inventory level. These analyses offer decision-makers valuable guidance on when to act or wait in the face of disruptions.

Financial and Market Implications of the CSX-Conrail Acquisition

Conrail, Consolidated Rail Corporation, founded in 1976, was established due to the bankruptcy of multiple railway companies in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. The federal government intervened to establish the company with the aim of restoring the services and profitability of bankrupt railways. As it developed, Conrail's railway network covered major cities and industrial centers in the Northeast and Midwest of the United States, possessing a strong market position and strategic value. Therefore, Conrail had become a target for mergers and acquisitions by large railway companies such as CSX and Norfolk Southern. Through mergers and acquisitions, the acquiring party could expand market coverage, enhance operational network connectivity and competitiveness. This is a complex and multi-layered issue, the CSX acquisition of Conrail involved financial and market implications, legal obstacles, competitive pressures, and strategic objectives. By analyzing these themes in depth, we could understand the key issues and response strategies that enterprises face in the M&A process, providing valuable experience for future M&A transactions. The study applied methods such as comparative analysis and case model analysis to analyze the main challenges, response strategies, and effects comprehensively and systematically in the M&A process, providing reference for similar cases. Overall, CSX's acquisition of Conrail demonstrates how companies can achieve acquisition goals and long-term development through flexible strategies, effective communication, and professional management in the face of complex legal, market, and operational challenges.

The Impact of the Difficult Economic Situation on the Operation of Slovak Companies in the Shadow of War

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the organizational and human resource (HR) responses to the challenging economic conditions caused by the war and the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the limited evidence available on how organizations adapt to such crises, this research aims to develop a conceptual model and empirically investigate the influence of two specific factors: organizational size and direct economic ties with the Russian and Ukrainian markets. Methodology: This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining both theoretical and empirical research. A conceptual model was first developed to outline potential organizational reactions to crisis conditions. The empirical part of the study involved data collection from 128 organizations, including companies and institutions, in Slovakia. The analysis was conducted to test two hypotheses regarding how organizational size and economic connections with the Russian and Ukrainian markets affect organizational and HR responses in times of war. Findings: The findings of the study indicate that neither organizational size nor direct economic linkages with the Russian and Ukrainian markets significantly influenced the responses of the organizations studied to the economic difficulties caused by the war. This suggests that other factors may play a more critical role in shaping organizational and HR strategies in response to crises. Implications for theory and practice: For theory, this study contributes to the existing literature by challenging the assumption that organizational size and direct economic ties to conflict-affected markets are primary determinants of organizational responses to crisis. For practice, the findings suggest that managers and HR professionals need to consider a broader range of factors beyond size and market exposure when developing strategies to cope with economic disruptions caused by global crises. Originality and value: This research is original in its focus on the specific impacts of war and pandemic-induced economic conditions on organizations in Slovakia. The study provides valuable insights into how organizations navigate crises, expanding the understanding of crisis management and organizational adaptability. It adds value by highlighting the need for more comprehensive models that consider a wider array of factors influencing organizational behavior in times of global economic disruption.

Evolutionary shifts in the thermal biology of a subterranean mammal: the effect of habitat aridity.

Subterranean mammals representing a single subspecies occurring along an aridity gradient provide an appropriate model for investigating adaptive variation in thermal physiology with varying levels of precipitation and air temperature (Tair). This study examined the thermal physiological adaptations of common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) across five populations along an aridity gradient, challenging the expectation that increased aridity would lead to reduced metabolic rate (MR), lower body temperatures (Tb), and broader thermoneutral zones (TNZ). No significant, consistent differences in MR, Tb, or thermal conductance were observed between populations, suggesting uniform thermoregulatory mechanisms across habitats. Instead, behavioral strategies such as huddling and torpor may play a more prominent role than physiological adaptations in managing temperature regulation and water balance. The study also observed osmoregulatory differences, with populations employing distinct behavioral cooling strategies in response to water availability. These results underscore the need for further research into the responses of subterranean species to climate change, particularly in understanding how increasing global temperatures and aridification might influence species distribution if they lack the physiological capacity to adapt to future climatic conditions.

Digital Grading Company: Deep Neural Networks for Predictive Analytics for Alternative Asset Portfolio Management

In this study, we investigate the application of deep neural networks for predictive analytics in the realm of alternative asset portfolio management, focusing on Trading Card Games (TCGs) like Pokemon. Our primary objective is to understand the optimal trading cards for investment and to determine the appropriate timing for divestment and retention of these assets. Drawing on the successful implementation of machine learning predictive analytics in traditional financial markets, we aim to extend these techniques to alternative investments. To achieve this, we employ a two-pronged approach using a comprehensive dataset of historical sales values for Pokemon TCGs spanning five years, comprising over 200 million unlabeled data points. The first approach utilizes a semi-supervised sequence learning method, where a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model is initially trained as a sequence autoencoder. The pre-trained model's weights are then used in a supervised phase to fine-tune the predictions for future trading card values. The second approach involves heuristic pretraining, which leverages market-derived indicators from existing literature to bridge the gap between traditional feature engineering and deep learning methods. Our technology stack is designed to handle end-to-end data collection, analytics generation, and execution of recommended trading strategies. Simulated backtesting results demonstrate that our Digital Grading Company (DGC) portfolio model outperforms traditional indices, achieving a 357% return compared to the 61% return of the S&P 500 Index over the same period. Real-time analysis further indicates that our model consistently identifies profitable trading opportunities in the TCG market using hourly data and proprietary algorithmic trade logic, executing trades 24/7. The DGC Predictive Portfolio, based on ungraded Pokemon TCG trading cards, also shows superior performance when compared to the Nasdaq 100 Index (Invesco QQQ ETF). Our analytics framework not only predicts the direction of price movement but also provides insights into the magnitude of changes, enabling a more dynamic and responsive trading strategy. The findings suggest that the integration of deep learning models with heuristic indicators has the potential to revolutionize portfolio management in alternative investments, paving the way for more accurate and profitable decision-making in niche markets. This research highlights the promising role of machine learning in enhancing alternative asset management strategies, suggesting future applications in other asset classes. We conclude that deep neural networks, when combined with data-driven heuristics, can significantly enhance trading outcomes, making them valuable tools for investors in the evolving landscape of alternative investments.

Role of dopamine in reward expectation and predictability during execution of action sequences.

Reward-associated cues serve different functions depending on whether they precede or terminate action sequences. Cues that precede action sequences and signal opportunity for reward could serve as GO signals to initiate the sequence, whereas sequence termination cues could serve as response feedback by signaling reward delivery. Reward expectation during sequence execution depends on these cues and might condition whether behavior is habitual or goal-directed. However, it remains unknown how sequence initiation and termination cues differentially affect reward expectation and contribute to habit learning. Further, while mesolimbic dopamine plays a key role in cue-induced reward expectation and sequence learning, how dynamic changes in dopamine signals differ depending on the response strategy is unclear. Here, we determined how mesolimbic DA signals change over training during cue-mediated sequence learning, depending on the type of cue and the nature of behavioral control. We found sequence initiation and termination cues differentially affect reward expectation during action sequences, with the termination cue contributing to habit and automaticity. Distinct response strategies induced by sequence initiation and termination cues induced differential changes in mesolimbic DA signals that captured variations in reward expectation along sequence execution. Notably, habit-like behavior induced by the sequence termination cue was associated with a rapid shift in DA signals from reward retrieval to the cue. This habit-like behavior was reflected in behavioral inflexibility and attenuated DA reward prediction error signals. Finally, using optogenetics, we provide evidence that phasic DA activity elicited by the sequence termination cue is critical for the development of habit-like behavior.

Examining Nonprofit Financial Condition and Resiliency Strategies in Response to COVID-19

Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in the provision of services. While many turn to nonprofits for help during crisis, nonprofits often find themselves confronting various funding challenges in uncertain and turbulent circumstances. Previous studies have analyzed how financial indicators predict nonprofit vulnerability. However, very few studies have considered the influence of financial condition on nonprofit response strategies and resiliency in financial distress periods. This study examines how nonprofit financial condition influences responses to financial shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a convenience sample of responses from medium and small-sized nonprofits in the Midwestern area, coupled with NCCS Core-File data, this study shows that financial condition affects nonprofit response strategies as well as their ability to secure additional funding and hire more staff in the absence of volunteers. This study offers important implications for our understanding of the relationship between the financial condition of nonprofits, their response strategies and nonprofit financial resilience.

Innovative Marketing Strategies in the Competitive Economic Environment in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Case Study of Top Glove Manufacturers in Malaysia

Objective: The aim is to identify the key marketing strategies implemented by the manufacturers to achieve growth and sustainable development goals (SDGs) market leadership by glove-producing companies in Malaysia in the highly competitive global marketplace. Theoretical Framework: This paper contributes to the existing literature on the marketing strategies practiced in the manufacturing industries, mainly focusing on the glove manufacturing industry in Malaysia, which ranks as the global supplier of hand gloves in the industrial and medical categories. Taken in total, this work provides a refined appreciation of marketing and innovation’s relationship within a particular sector, and it does so by examining how those Malaysian glove makers who contest global markets leverage creativity in their marketing strategies in response to supply chain interruptions, approving bodies, and shifts in international buying trends. Methodology: Following a case study approach, this study focuses on large glove manufacturers in Malaysia; Top Glove is a crucial player. Hence, secondary sources will be adopted during the data collection stage. Perceptual data is also gathered from workers of key executives, marketing managers, and other industry professionals, which gives a picture of these business entities' marketing campaigns and strategic decision-making procedures. Industry journals, company reports, and market study papers validate secondary data. Results and Discussion: This study reveals that policymakers, manufacturing businesses, and marketing scholars can learn about the necessity of niche-based policies and friendly legal environments to boost innovation and competitiveness within manufacturing industries. It provides recommendations on creating a favorable climate for employing innovative marketing strategies and the possible enlargement of home-based businesses internationally. Originality/Value: Based on the findings and insights gathered from the research on innovative marketing strategies in the competitive global economic environment, particularly focusing on the case study of top glove manufacturers in Malaysia, several recommendations can be proposed to guide businesses in enhancing their marketing approaches and organizational performance

Emergence of mpox in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Data assessment and implications for a public health response

IntroductionMonkeypox (mpox) is an illness caused by the MPX virus and endemic to certain African countries. Historically, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in some non-endemic areas. In 2022, a new variant emerged, clade IIb, causing a global outbreak sustained within sexual networks among men who have sex with men (MSM). To our knowledge, this is the first multi-country study examining mpox epidemiology and clinical features of the 2022–2023 outbreak caused by clade IIb across the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). MethodsWe analyzed datasets of anonymous mpox case-based reports submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO) from May 2022 to December 2023 in the EMR to describe the cumulative incidence, demographics, transmission routes, and clinical outcomes. ResultsBy the end of 2022, 95 case reports were submitted to the WHO. The first case of mpox was reported in the United Arab Emirates on May 24, 2022. The highest number of cases were reported from Lebanon (27 confirmed cases). Most cases in the EMR were adult males (92 %), 60 % identifying as MSM, and 10 % living with HIV. Most reported symptoms were rash (95.4 %) and fever (69.6 %). No intensive care unit admissions or deaths were reported. ConclusionIn this study we investigated the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of the mpox outbreak related to clade IIb in the EMR. We raise concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the data, given that the number of cases reported to the WHO from EMR countries appears to be significantly lower than the number of cases documented within the region. This discrepancy could impact the reliability of the reported figures and the region's response strategies. Despite these challenges, collaborative efforts across EMR countries have laid the groundwork for effective outbreak response, underscoring the importance of ongoing regional cooperation to enhance future preparedness strategies.

Strong effect of often-overlooked initial spilled oil distribution on subsequent soil remediation: A pore-scale perspective

The removal of spilled oil within soil by water injection is essentially an immiscible fluid displacement process. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the way to achieve a higher displacement efficiency. However, these studies often assumed that the pore space was initially saturated by oil only, ignoring the effect of initial oil distribution on the remediation, which led to incorrectly computed flow field and biased analysis. This work aimed to reveal the effect of initial oil distribution on flow physics during the remediation. Based on a pore-scale model and the phase-field method, the spilled oil invasion and remediation in a heterogeneous porous media were investigated, and the dynamic evolution of the phase interface was examined in particular. Four different distribution patterns of spilled oil were obtained through various velocities during the oil invasion stage, which were considered as initial states for the subsequent remediation stage. The results showed that ignoring the oil invasion process led to a more than 10% reduction in the ultimate remediation efficiency. However, the maximum interfacial area of fluids was larger and the obtained relative permeability curve was much smoother for the scenario considering the oil invasion. Besides, a higher initial water saturation led to a lower starting pressure. This work provided new pore-scale insights into the often-overlooked roles of initial phase distribution in fluid dynamics behind the remediation of oil-contaminated soil by water injection, which was of fundamental importance to the development of effective response strategy for soil contamination.

Exploring and assessing issue communication – issue communication practices and consequences of issue response strategies for organizational reputation and legitimacy

PurposeAlthough issue management has received ample attention, changes in the media landscape and increased societal scrutiny are currently challenging organizations’ communicative handling of issues. This raises the question of how communication professionals currently perceive and communicatively deal with issues, and what impact issue response strategies have when organizations are addressed regarding their involvement in an issue.Design/methodology/approachWe explore issue communication perceptions and practices by communication professionals in two focus groups. A subsequent experimental study assesses the consequences of issue response strategies for corporate reputation and legitimacy and examines to what extent this relationship can be explained by skepticism while taking issue phase into account.FindingsAlthough most issue communication practices (still) resemble earlier descriptions, the focus groups also indicate the importance of timing and medium of issue communication. The experiment shows that organizations are better off responding to an issue than not responding at all. Organizations should choose for an accommodative or adaptive response to positively impact reputation and legitimacy, and should be aware of the phase of an issue. Remarkably, these empirical differences only apply for a sustainability issue, not for a social issue.Originality/valueThe focus group study illuminates current issue monitoring and communication practices in today’s challenging media and societal landscape. The subsequent experiment enhances our understanding of a sub-field of issue communication: the communicative options of organizations when they are the addressed actor in issues.