Strong Control Research Articles

Financial Performance Evaluation of Fast-Food Restaurant

This study examines McDonald's financial performance from 2019 to 2023, focusing on key financial metrics such as profitability, operational efficiency, liquidity, solvency, and cash flow. The objective is to assess McDonald's financial health and identify factors contributing to its sustained market leadership in the fast-food industry. Using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, the study evaluates McDonald's financial ratios, including operating profit margin, return on assets, inventory turnover, and current ratio, among others. The results reveal strong profitability and effective cost control, with a consistent operating profit margin and robust asset management. McDonald's liquidity is sufficient to meet short-term obligations, and its prudent debt management reflects financial stability. The company’s investment in digital transformation and operational improvements, such as streamlined inventory management and enhanced customer engagement, have further contributed to its financial resilience. In conclusion, McDonald's has demonstrated adaptability and resilience amidst external challenges, ensuring continued financial success. The study suggests that McDonald's should continue investing in digital platforms and menu innovation to meet evolving customer preferences. The implications of these findings are significant for the fast-food industry, highlighting the importance of strategic financial management in maintaining market leadership and long-term growth

Control resonant excitation of surface plasmon polariton in quantum-dot molecule system via tunneling induced transparency and Autler–Townes splitting

Electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT) and Autler–Townes splitting (ATS) both produce a transparency window in an absorption profile, yet EIT is distinct in that it can create a transparency window for a weak control field. To elucidate the distinct physical mechanisms underlying EIT and ATS effects, we explore the controlled resonant excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) within these regimes. Our setup is composed of three layers: a top vacuum or air layer, a central metal film, and a bottom layer of dielectric medium based on the quantum-dot molecules (QDMs) system. Unlike typical systems, that employ prism or grating coupling scheme, our setup takes advantage of the unique features of the QDMs medium to investigate the direct resonance excitation of SPPs. A weak probe and a strong control field are carried through air or vacuum to the top layer. Our results demonstrate that the permittivity of the bottom medium displays tunneling induced transparency (TIT) if the tunneling strength (Te) and the decay rate of the direct exciton (Γ1) follow the condition Te/Γ1⩽0.5; otherwise, it represents the ATS effect. In both instances, the permittivity of the QDMs medium satisfy the low-loss (high transmission) criteria, i.e., Re [ɛd]<1 and Im [ɛd]≪1, providing a framework for exploring the control resonant excitation of SPPs. We simulate the reflection and transmission spectra using the Fresnel’s formula and noticed sharp dips in reflection and peaks in the transmission spectra, which are the signature of coupler free resonance excitation of SPPs. We noticed that the narrow peak in TIT allows for strong light transmission and thus a high peak in SPP resonance excitation, resulting in higher sensitivity in plasmonic sensors. Conversely, the large spacing between the two peaks in the ATS effect broadens the range of effective excitation frequencies for SPPs, increasing the system’s adaptability and efficiency in applications requiring broad spectrum responses.

Photocatalytic Cascade Trifluoromethylation/Cyclization : Selective Synthesis of Trifluoroethylated Benzopyran and Benzopyranone Derivatives

We have realized the photocatalytic radical cascade cyclization reaction, enabling the one‐step synthesis of rare trifluoroethyl benzopyran derivatives with a wide variety of structures and excellent yields. Furthermore, the approach exhibits low catalyst load, strong regional control and wide applicability under mild conditions. The selectivity of this transformation is influenced by the length of the carbon chain of the benzaldehyde, as demonstrated by the density functional theory calculations. Additionally, scaling up the photocatalytic process can be easily accomplished.

A Sustainable Model for Engineering Project - a Stakeholder’s Perspective

For earning sustainable SMSWM many environmental, economical, social, institutional, and technical challenges have to be met in the SMSWM pathway. In developing countries like Pakistan, MSWM is a gigantic task because of mismanagement, lack of proper funds, loss of cover and recovery options, bad serial and disposal, lack of information, and an ineffective delivery system. The project is therefore geared at enhancing such a model concerning 5 tenets in the sustainability of the environment that is technical, institutional, monetary, Environmental, and social. By implication, a solid waste management system that will favor a sustainable environment relating to the above factors will be determined from reading literature doing discipline visits, and engaging in stakeholder surveys. Based on five sprint factors of sustainability, the complete work has been done and all the components have been connected and have a certain ratio. When major factors and their sub-factors are identified, specific surveys are conducted for prioritization scoring of such elements, mainly based on the importance of each issue and closer to the inputs of different stakeholders considered. A conceptual model has been developed and refined into a final format for all municipal strong waste control projects to test the model’s sustainability. The rating/weights assigned to each element are purely and utterly to the opinion of the various stakeholders from a given field.

High dynamic performance based by sliding mod control of quadrotor MAV

The paper focuses on strong control of high dynamic performance based on the sliding mode in order to control the quadrotor MAV. The model used in the simulation is the Newton-Euler model, and also choose the Mambo Parrot quadrotor parameters, to improve the latter's performance in terms of accuracy and robustness in case the impedance control chosen by the manufacturer needs to be changed. The results of which gave effectiveness and efficiency compared to classical controls PID and sliding mode. High dynamic performance control (HDP) is a type of control system designed to provide the highest level of performance over a wide range of operating conditions. This control is not a regulator but an organizing technique. It uses a prediction-based approach to anticipate rapid variations in system states and disturbances and to generate real-time commands to correct tracking errors and maintain system stability. This approach allows HDP control to achieve high performance while maintaining system stability, even under harsh operating conditions.

HCN1 hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide–gated channels enhance evoked GABA release from parvalbumin-positive interneurons

Hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels generate the cationic Ih current in neurons and regulate the excitability of neuronal networks. The function of HCN channels depends, in part, on their subcellular localization. Of the four HCN isoforms (HCN1-4), HCN1 is strongly expressed in the dendrites of pyramidal neurons (PNs) in hippocampal area CA1 but also in presynaptic terminals of parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PV+ INs), which provide strong inhibitory control over hippocampal activity. Yet, little is known about how HCN1 channels in these cells regulate the evoked release of the inhibitory transmitter GABA from their axon terminals. Here, we used genetic, optogenetic, electrophysiological, and imaging techniques to investigate how the electrophysiological properties of PV+ INs are regulated by HCN1, including how HCN1 activity at presynaptic terminals regulates the release of GABA onto PNs in CA1. We found that application of HCN1 pharmacological blockers reduced the amplitude of the inhibitory postsynaptic potential recorded from CA1 PNs in response to selective optogenetic stimulation of PV+ INs. Homozygous HCN1 knockout mice also show reduced IPSCs in postsynaptic cells. Finally, two-photon imaging using genetically encoded fluorescent calcium indicators revealed that HCN1 blockers reduced the probability that an extracellular electrical stimulating pulse evoked a Ca2+ response in individual PV+ IN presynaptic boutons. Taken together, our results show that HCN1 channels in the axon terminals of PV+ interneurons facilitate GABAergic transmission in the hippocampal CA1 region.

Characterization of Industrial Carbon Emission Dynamics and Network Structure Evolution in China

Given that industry is the major source of carbon emissions, clarifying the carbon transfer regularity triggered by industry production linkage is of great importance in realizing the synergistic development of industry to reduce pollution and carbon emissions. Based on the perspective of responsibility allocation, the study accounted for the industry carbon emissions and constructed a carbon transfer weighted directed network model and applied the social network analysis method to explore the structure of the industry carbon transfer network and its evolution characteristics from 2005 to 2020. The results showed that： ① The overall carbon emissions of industries from 2005 to 2020 presented a rapid growth trend and large differences occurred in emissions between industries. ② The scale of the carbon transfer network was expanding rapidly and the characteristics of the small-world network were significant. ③ The community structure of the carbon transfer network was obvious, including four optimal associations： high carbon emission, carbon transmission, carbon endogenous, and high spillover. ④ The construction industry and the metal smelting and rolling processing industry were the core of the carbon transfer network structure, with strong network control. In view of the above characteristics, we proposed countermeasures and suggestions in terms of implementing the allocation of carbon emission reduction responsibilities and differentiated emission reduction measures for associations as well as focusing on the management of core nodes of the network, with the intent of providing cross-sectoral synergistic emission reduction ideas for the development of sustainable low-carbon transformation in China's industry sector.

Cross-country comparison analysis of individual and institutional factors of anomie and online offending

This article addresses the gap in the literature by empirically assessing a cross-national comparison of institutional anomie theory (IAT) and self-reported cyberoffending. We used survey data from Finland, Hungary, and the United States to examine the relationship between institutional anomie and cybercrime. Each country represents different types of societies, which makes them interesting cases for cross-national comparison. With Hungary representing a conservative welfare regime, Finland a social democratic welfare regime, and the United States a liberal welfare regime, we predict that the more political regimes intervene in economic relations and support non-economic institutions, the less applicable IAT's variables will be in predicting cybercrime perpetration. In line with these predictions, binomial regression models suggest that IAT works best in the United States, where individualism, achievement, and fetishism of money increased the indices of cybercrime offending. IAT variables were less useful in predicting cybercrime offending in the other nations. Yet, also in line with our prediction, family has a strong external control function in Finland, protecting participants from cybercrime offending. However, no IAT indexes achieved statistical significance in Hungary, where a work-based welfare system suppresses family-related values. Education has a mixed effect on cybercrime offending. Thus, IAT is valuable for understanding cybercrime offending; however, it should be examined in more countries with social institutions and individual value systems different from that of the United States.

Artificial intelligent-based backstepping control of parallel-connected multi-machine wind generation system using a new fifteen-switch rectifier

This academic work offers a new variable-speed wind power generation system (NVS-WPGS) that employs two 5-phase permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs) controlled through a fifteen-switch rectifier (FSR) architecture for a system that’s integrated to the power grid. The two 5-phase PMSGs are linked to the DC bus through an FSR, which, in turn, connects the DC link to the grid via a three-phase inverter. To ameliorate the operational efficiency of the wind system under investigation, the backstepping control (BSC) approach was employed. Building upon this technique, the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) was trained and implemented for controlling the wind system. The goal is to boost system performance and control. While BSC is a strong control method for reference signal tracking, its dependence on system parameters is a downside. This dependence typically degrades performance. On the other hand, ANFIS exhibits robustness to variations in system parameters and uncertainties. The efficaciousness of the suggested control methodology was evaluated via experimental investigations conducted using the Matlab/Simulink program. The simulations were performed to verify the system’s capacity to maintain controlled variables in accordance with desired references, even in the presence of fluctuations in wind velocity. Simulations exhibit that the suggested ANFIS-BSC control system accurately tracks controlled intended references. Furthermore, system performance improved. Speed overshoot was decreased by 100%. Additionally, the system’s efficiency was enhanced, reaching a level of 96.5%, beating the BSC approach’s 96%. These findings underscore the remarkable effectiveness of the ANFIS-BSC approach compared to BSC methodologies.

WHISTLEBLOWING SYSTEMS AS AN EFFORT TO PREVENT FRAUD IN STATE UNIVERSITIES WITH LEGAL RIGHTS (PTN-BH)

The Integrity Zone was created to eliminate fraud, and one of the channels to prevent fraud was the whistleblowing system. This research aims at obtaining an overview of the implementation of the Whistleblowing System at Legal Entity State Universities (PTNBH) and the impact of its implementation on preventing fraud. The urgency of this research was to find out how much influence the whistleblowing system had as a mechanism for preventing fraud. This research methodology used a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews, the human resources used were the leaders of SPI ITB, IPB, and UGM, and then the data was analyzed using source triangulation and data triangulation. The results of this research found that with strong internal controls at the three PTNBHs, the whistleblowing system was not the main mechanism for preventing fraud. However, a whistleblowing system was still needed as public/stakeholder control to create good university governance.

Evidence of Subsurface Control on the Coevolution of Hillslope Morphology and Runoff Generation

AbstractTopography is a key control on runoff generation, as topographic slope affects hydraulic gradients and curvature affects water flow paths. Simultaneously, runoff generation shapes topography through erosion, affecting landscape morphology over long timescales. Previous modeling efforts suggest that subsurface hydrological properties, relative to climate, are key mediators of this relationship. Specifically, when subsurface transmissivity and water storage capacity are low, (a) saturated areas and storm runoff should be larger and more variable, and (b) hillslopes shorter and lower relief, assuming other geomorphic factors are held constant. However, it remains uncertain whether subsurface properties can exert such strong controls on emergent properties in real landscapes. We compared emergent hydrological function and topography in two watersheds with very similar climatic and tectonic history, but very different subsurface properties due to contrasting bedrock lithology. We found that hillslopes were systematically shorter and saturated areas more dynamic at the lower transmissivity site. To test whether these features could be the result of coevolution between topography, hydrological function, and subsurface properties, we estimated all parameters of a coupled groundwater‐landscape evolution model for each site. Limitations were revealed in the model's ability to reproduce aspects of morphology and hydrologic behavior, however, model results suggested differences in hillslope length and variably saturated area between the sites could be explained by differences in subsurface properties, and not by differences in geomorphic process rates alone. This work demonstrates one way subsurface hydrology can profoundly affect landscape evolution.

Indo-Pacific regional extremes aggravated by changes in tropical weather patterns

The Pacific Walker circulation and the closely connected El Niño/Southern Oscillation influence the climate and weather of the tropical Indo-Pacific region. They specifically exert a strong control on the regional occurrence of weather extremes, such as heatwaves, heavy precipitation and prolonged dry spells, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. However, climate models struggle to accurately simulate large-scale circulation changes in the tropics and thus their consequences for regional weather and future climate. Here we use high-resolution ERA5 reanalysis data from 1940 to 2022 to study the occurrence trends of weather patterns in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. We find that new large-scale synoptic situations that were rarely present before the 1990s have emerged in the Indo-Pacific, while some others that were prominent have disappeared. Those new synoptic situations are associated with an unusual proportion of heatwaves and extreme precipitation in the region. These weather patterns are physically consistent with a trend towards a stronger Pacific Walker circulation, wetter and warmer conditions in Southeast Asia and drier conditions in the equatorial Pacific. These changes cannot be fully explained by El Niño/Southern Oscillation and other relevant modes of interannual variability, and other factors such as global warming, aerosol forcing, external forcing mechanisms and nonlinear mode interactions may be contributing.

Strong large‐scale structure–function coupling in benthic bacteria is mediated by algae in a geodiverse river network

AbstractBenthic bacteria in stream ecosystems drive organic matter mineralization. However, knowledge on how this ecosystem function is driven by bacterial community composition in interaction with environmental conditions and organic matter resources is poor. This is especially true when considering the regional scale of river networks, at which environmental conditions vary in a scale‐dependent manner and are spatially structured due to asymmetrical water flow. Similarly, organic matter resources may have a terrestrial origin in remote headwaters or be sourced locally from algae living in close proximity to bacteria in benthic biofilms. We investigated benthic biofilm meta‐community structure and function across the &gt; 6700 km2 river network of the near‐natural Vjosa in Albania and Greece and found a strong control of the benthic algal community on bacterial community composition (13.4% of variability explained). In addition, bacterial community composition has linkages to water chemistry, which itself is strongly shaped by the diverse geology in the catchment, and to dispersal, shaping metacommunity structure as a neutral process. Notably, bacterial community composition explained the largest single fraction of variability (31.5%) in extracellular enzymatic activities, while there was no dependency of enzyme ratios on organic matter nor environmental conditions. Synergistic effects between bacteria and algae accounted for additional 47.3% of variability in heterotrophic functioning, emphasizing the importance of algal–bacterial interactions in benthic biofilms. Our findings shed new light on bacterial structure–function coupling highlighting the importance of algal–bacterial interactions at the river network scale.

Pengelolaan Cold Storage 1.000 Ton Di Muara Baru Jakarta: Perspektif Ekonomi Kelembagaan Baru

Fish cold storage was built by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in various regions as one of the implementations of the National Fish Logistics System policy, which aims to maintain the availability of fish for industrial raw materials and domestic consumption. The cold storage of 1,000 tons was established to become a role model for the government's buffer stock facility in the Jakarta area. However, its implementation is still experiencing obstacles because its use is not optimal and has not attracted the interest of fisheries players in the broader scope. The research objective is to examine the institutional system implemented in managing cold storage of 1,000 tons from a business perspective. The research uses a case study method in government cold storages located in Muara Baru, North Jakarta. The institutional analysis of cold storage management was analyzed descriptively and qualitatively using the New Institutional Economic Theory approach. The research results show that the institution of cold storage of 1,000 tons still needs to improve its management. The aspects that contribute most to the lack of business performance in cold storage are property rights and, flexibility and adaptability. The implications that can be given are institutional improvements through 1) developing business models that are more tailored to user needs, 2) establishing bodies or institutions that are more authoritative in public services, 3) aligning incentives and building cooperation with a wider range of users, 4) implementation of standard procedures balanced with commitment to compliance from stakeholders and strong controls, 5) increased speed and flexibility of services and 6) competitive pricing.

A review of intensive contract poultry farming in Nigeria

Contract farming (CF) is a sort of vertical integration in agricultural commodity chains that provides a business with strong control over several operational processes, including the production process, the features of the items, quantity, quality, and timeliness of project execution. Birds were first domesticated by humans as farm animals, and as a result, many years ago, the contemporary practice of raising birds began with the harvesting of their eggs and young from their natural habitat. The Nigerian poultry industry falls into three main categories: small-, medium-, and large-scale, which are also referred to as backyard, semi-commercial, and commercial respectively. Contract farming emerged as an alternative to traditional or spot market-based agricultural production and was introduced into Nigeria under a variety of business names, including CHI, AMO, ANIMAL CARE, and ZARTECH, among others. Nigeria consumes 192.69 MT of poultry meat and egg products annually, resulting in enormous environmental impacts that have not been adequately addressed because of the growing use of contract farming. Contract farming has always received a lot of attention from academics and policymakers. Even though contract farming acknowledges the transfer of technology, prospects for increased revenue, and improved access to inputs, a great deal of research has focused on the risks that smallholder farmers face. In recent years, debate has erupted regarding the benefits and dangers of factory poultry production considering rising awareness of the challenges it poses to public health and the environment. This review reveals that backyard flocks of chickens can thrive independently of large-scale poultry operations. Survival traits including tiny size, hardiness, sluggish growth, low mature body weight, tolerance, or resistance to common local disease organisms and parasites define local chickens.

Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) and Application Security

Abstract: This article explores the critical component in safeguarding personal information in the digital age. This comprehensive exploration delves into the definition, scope, and key characteristics of PETs, examining their crucial role in modern data protection. The article discusses fundamental PET categories, including data encryption and anonymization/pseudonymization techniques, and their implementation in application security. It highlights the importance of Privacy Impact Assessments, Privacy by Design principles, and strong access controls in effectively integrating PETs into security strategies. By addressing the challenges of balancing data utility with privacy protection, PETs offer organizations a pathway to compliance with stringent data protection regulations while building trust with users and gaining a competitive edge in an increasingly privacy-conscious market.

FINANCIAL CRISIS AND INSTABILITY

Financial crises and instability are common occurrences in the world economy, and they have significant effects on both developed and developing nations. The numerous causes of financial crises and the ensuing instability in the financial markets are thoroughly examined. It explains the theoretical foundations of financial crises, going over important ideas including market bubbles, excessive leverage, and regulatory shortcomings The paper also looks into how regulations and governmental actions can either exacerbate or lessen financial crises, how financial institutions contribute to systemic risk propagation and how interconnected they are. It looks at how the spread of crises across borders and asset classes can aggravate their severity through the contagion effect. It also covers the socio-economic fallout from financial crises, such as social unrest, income inequality, and unemployment. The summary concludes by highlighting how crucial it is to have strong regulatory control and proactive risk management to avert and lessen future financial disasters. It promotes a comprehensive strategy that blends international collaboration, regulatory changes, and responsible risk-taking to promote long-term economic growth and stability in a global financial system that is becoming more linked.

Factors Improving the Quality of Local Government Financial Reporting Performance: A Mini Review Approach

The goal of this research is to investigate the variables applying accounting standards, internal control, using information technology, and the caliber of human resources that impact the caliber of local government financial reporting. Using the literature review method, this research examines various journals, articles, and books related to the topic under study. The findings indicate that the execution of Government Accounting Standards (SAP) significantly improves the transparency and accountability of financial statements. A strong internal control system helps reduce errors and fraud, while the utilization of information technology, such as accounting information systems, contributes to increasing the effectiveness and precision of financial reporting. For the purpose of maximizing the application of internal controls and accounting standards, the caliber of qualified human resources became crucial. This study advocates for local governments to enhance SAP adoption, fortify internal controls, optimize information technology usage, and cultivate human resource capabilities to attain superior financial reporting quality.

Efficient control scheme development for a highly integrated multi-component distillation process

This research aims to address intricate control challenges in a highly integrated multi-component distillation process within a polyolefin elastomers plant. The studied process incorporates various process intensification techniques into a unified unit, resulting in strong interactivity and presenting unique control challenges. To tackle these challenges, a rigorous mathematical model of the distillation process is established, and index reduction is employed to handle the high-index DAE system. Various control structures and algorithms are utilized to comprehensively assess their feasibility and effectiveness in disturbance rejection, setpoint tracking, and handling inaccurate measurements. The control structures include temperature inferential control, temperature-composition hybrid control, and composition control. The control algorithms encompass PI control, linear model predictive control (LMPC), and nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC). Results indicate that both temperature-composition hybrid control and composition control exhibit comparable and superior performance. This suggests that temperature-composition hybrid control is an effective and cost-efficient configuration for complex distillation systems. The dynamic responses of MPC outperform those of PI control, as evidenced by a reduction in the integral of the absolute error. NMPC exhibits the most outstanding performance in all scenarios, showcasing the smallest maximum deviations and shortest settling times.

Hybrid Anapole Induced Chirality in Metasurfaces.

The interaction between light and matter, particularly chirality, plays a pivotal role in modern science and technology. Typically, metasurfaces achieve chiro-optical effects by coupling electric and magnetic dipoles in specific orientations. In this work, the design and optimization of an asymmetric H-shaped metasurface is explored to induce hybrid anapole (HA) for optical activity. When the symmetry of the metasurface structure is disrupted, the design can simultaneously excite first-order and pseudo high-order HA under illumination with a specific circular polarization, both occurring within the same spectral regime. This results in high reflection for one circular polarization and a significant reduction in reflection for the orthogonal polarization, thereby exhibiting exceptional chiro-optical activity. Moreover, the HA-based chiral metasurface demonstrates strong polarization control capabilities, as verified by Stokes parameter analysis, revealing high birefringence and a pronounced dependence on the incident polarization angle. These results provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of HA metasurfaces for advanced optical applications and polarization control, paving the way for new developments in chiral nanophotonics.