Search Results (524)

Control charts are used in statistical process control (SPC) to keep track of processes and identify changes in the way that they work. The control limits around the center line are uniform, which means they react the same way to changes going in either direction. In contrast, linear charts use imbalance to make it easier to identify individual data points. Therefore, using imbalance in the creation of control charts helps keep track of and maintain consistency with data that has a big impact on results when it goes beyond predetermined limits. In this study, we look at both one-sided and two-sided control charts by getting an explicit closed-form formula for the double-modified EWMA control chart’s average run length (ARL). The study is mostly about developing better ways to spot things using autoregressive fractionally integrated models and external variables (ARX and ARFIX) in the presence of exponential white noise. The ARL is used to test how well the proposed chart works in both modeling systems. The NIE method is used to prove that the explicit closed-form ARL formula works. The closed-form ARL expression is shown to be valid under the given ARX and ARFIX model assumptions, exponential white noise errors, stationarity conditions, and fixed one-sided or two-sided control limits. The results show that %RPC has a value below 10⁻⁶, and the computation times for the ARX and ARFIX models remain below 1.6 s and 3 s, respectively, after that point. To show how much better it is, the suggestion is compared to Type-EWMA control charts, such as classical and modified EWMA charts, in terms of run-length efficiency using ARL and SDRL, as well as overall efficiency by the relative index and with mean and standard deviation. The simulation study checks how well the proposed chart works in both symmetric two-sided and asymmetric one-sided frameworks. For the crude oil application, the one-sided upper control chart is used to detect abrupt upward price shifts, which may indicate precautionary demand shocks, market uncertainty, and risk spillovers to financial markets. According to the findings, the suggested chart is able to identify shifts at a faster rate than both traditional EWMA charts and modified EWMA charts, which demonstrates that it is beneficial in a real setting. Full article

In complex socio-technical systems, human–AI collaboration is becoming fundamental to the processes of knowledge creation, content generation, and innovation. The existing innovation models typically consider only a single actor, the sole AI system, or a content artifact, and therefore do not capture the dynamics between these heterogeneous actors. This study introduces a Multimodal Graph Neural Network (MM-GNN), for modeling and analyzing innovation dynamics within Human–AI–Content (HAC) networks. The proposed framework is based on HAC networks as dynamic tripartite graphs, where human nodes, AI agent nodes, and content nodes are interconnected by edges representing interactions that evolve over time. Multimodal information, including text, image, code, and structured interaction traces, is merged by attention-based fusion, and multimodal dependency and evolution of interactions are modeled by relation-aware graph message passing and GRU-based temporal propagation. The innovation potential is realized as an upper-bounded composite score based on normalized novelty, entropy change, diffusion contribution, and human-rated creativity if available. The model is assessed as a composition of node-level classification and a regression model for innovation-level classification and estimation of continuous innovation potential. Experiments on synthetic HAC datasets and selected real-world AIGC corpora demonstrate that MM-GNN performs better than the graph learning and index-based baselines, with an average F1 score of 0.87, temporal stability ρ = 0.89, and lower regression error. The ablation and visualization analyses demonstrate that the multimodal fusion and temporal propagation are beneficial for representation quality, diffusion modeling, and interpretation. The results offer a mathematical and computational approach to the study of innovation as an emergent phenomenon of dynamic human, AI, and content interactions and lay the groundwork for additional validation on a more expansive socio-technical scale. Full article

This bibliometric review examines the relationship between corporate governance and financial performance by synthesising evidence from a broad range of empirical studies. It also identifies key patterns in publication output, citation trends, and scholarly impact within the field. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a bibliometric review was conducted using articles indexed in the Scopus database. A total of 2095 articles published between 2020 and September 2025 were initially retrieved synthesising via a keyword search with the string “Corporate Governance” AND “Financial Performance.” After applying the inclusion criteria (full-text availability, English language, and relevance to the topic), 887 articles were retained for analysis. The findings indicate that most studies report a positive association between corporate governance practices and financial performance. The literature is primarily concentrated around themes such as corporate governance, financial performance, ESG practices, and board characteristics, with the connection between governance and a firm’s financial performance appearing generally positive, albeit context dependent. The results also reveal a growing research emphasis on sustainability-oriented governance, particularly ESG-related factors, reflecting a broader shift in the field towards long-term value creation. This review underscores the importance of nuanced corporate governance frameworks for stakeholders seeking to enhance the sustainability of financial performance, while also deepening understanding of the impact of governance on firm financial performance among both academics and practitioners. In addition, the review offers a broader perspective on the existing literature and identifies several gaps that warrant further investigation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Kidney stone patients struggle to attain the recommended fluid intake. Prior work has focused on the strength of habits (i.e., context–behavior associations) for fluid intake, but given the variability in the contexts of daily life, the scope of efforts to create opportunities to drink across contexts may also be important. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults with a history of kidney stones (N = 265). Participants identified situations in which they made an effort to have a glass of water nearby (opportunity creation), rated the experienced automaticity of water intake (i.e., habit strength, measured via the Self-Report Behavioral Automaticity Index), and reported past-week fluid intake volumes. Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct subgroups based on the contexts in which individuals created opportunities to drink, and multivariable linear regression was used to examine the associations between habit strength, class membership, and daily fluid intake. Results: Three latent classes were identified based on the scope of opportunity creation across contexts: widespread (27.9% of the sample; water intake: 41.2 $\pm$ 17.1 fl oz), selective (43.4%; water intake: 32.6 $\pm$ 16.33 fl oz), and limited (28.7%; water intake: 19.01 $\pm$ 16.08 fl oz). The widespread class reported stronger habits (22.45 $\pm$ 6.43) and higher water intake than the selective (19.97 $\pm$ 6.20) or limited classes (14.38 $\pm$ 6.81) (all Ps < 0.001). Stronger habits significantly predicted higher daily water intake (b = 0.90, SE = 0.16, p < 0.001). No significant association was found between habit strength and total fluid intake volume (b = 1.06, SE = 0.74, p = 0.17). Conclusions: Habit strength positively predicted water intake for all classes. To increase fluid intake, clinical interventions should help patients develop drinking habits tied to specific daily contexts. Full article

The rising incidence of viral infections demands the creation of innovative, biocompatible antiviral drugs with broad-spectrum effectiveness. This study combines the green synthesis, optimization, and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing Dacryodes edulis (D. edulis) extract, assessing their antiviral, and antimicrobial characteristics. AgNPs were synthesized through the bio-reduction of silver nitrate with D. edulis water extract as a reducing, capping and stabilizing agent. The synthesis was refined through a Design of Experiments methodology. The characterization techniques, UV-Vis, Fourier-transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering, validated the successful synthesis of AgNPs with an average size of 101.56 ± 28.22 nm (TEM) and 156 ± 0.81 nm (DLS), a polydispersity index of 0.34, and a zeta potential of −22 mV. High-resolution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis identified some bioactive compounds which enhance the antimicrobial and antiviral properties of the samples. Enzyme kinetics experiments revealed substantial inhibitory efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PL-pro), with AgNPs exhibiting a lower IC₅₀ (0.271 ± 0.051 mg/mL) than the D. edulis extract (0.337 ± 0.043 mg/mL). The AgNPs exhibited MIC of 0.063 mg/mL for E. coli, 0.125 mg/mL for S. aureus and 0.08 mg/mL for S. pyrogens. The corresponding MBC values were 0.125 mg/mL, 0.25 mg/mL and 0.31 mg/mL, respectively. The fungal strains C. glabrata and C. albicans displayed MIC of 0.63 mg/mL and 0.31 mg/mL, respectively, and MBC values of 0.63 mg/mL and 0.31 mg/mL, respectively. This study underscores the potential of D. edulis-derived AgNPs as a cost-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and highly bioactive antibacterial and antiviral nanomaterial, facilitating the advancement of nanotechnology-based therapies for viral infections. Full article

This article examines corporate risk management as a measurable and economically relevant driver of firm performance, with a specific focus on the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks into the risk management process. We develop a Composite Risk Management Index (CRMI) based on a structured questionnaire that captures the frequency, depth, and integration of risk management practices, including explicit treatment of ESG-related risks. Using cross-sectional econometric models on a sample of medium-sized and large companies, we analyse the relationship between CRMI and multiple performance and stability indicators, including return on equity, return on assets, operating cash-flow efficiency, and financial stability. The results indicate a statistically and economically significant association between higher risk management maturity and superior business performance across all dimensions. The findings suggest that ESG risk governance, when embedded within an integrated risk management framework, contributes to value creation rather than representing a purely compliance-driven activity. From a sustainability perspective, the results demonstrate that ESG-integrated risk management enhances long-term corporate resilience and supports sustainable value creation. To support practical interpretation, the study is complemented by a web-based application that enables real-time self-assessment of risk management quality under conservative methodological assumptions. Full article

This study addresses declining social trust and emerging moral challenges among youth in Thailand’s conflict-affected southern border provinces by developing a strategic framework grounded in the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy (SEP). A quantitative approach was employed, integrating the Modified Priority Needs Index and Priority Matrix analysis to examine discrepancies between current performance and perceived importance. The findings reveal differentiated patterns of moral development. Discipline and Responsibility are identified as a high-priority need, reflecting high importance but comparatively lower performance. Gratitude and Filial Piety, together with Kindness and Generosity, emerge as established strengths, functioning as cultural assets. Unity and Social Harmony and Social Sacrifice are classified as secondary yet contextually significant dimensions, indicating partial internalization. Based on this classification, the study proposes a differentiated strategy comprising targeted self-regulation development, strength-based reinforcement, and experiential activation through service-learning and multicultural engagement. Central to this approach is the creation of “multicultural social action spaces” that enable meaningful interaction across diverse groups. The findings suggest that aligning moral education with matrix-based priorities and contextual realities may support ethical resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable peace in pluralistic and conflict-affected societies. Full article

Opera Out of Opera 2 (OOO2) is a Creative Europe cooperation project that experiments with digital, participatory strategies to reconnect opera with younger audiences and to reshape professional capacity for conservatory students. Rather than treating opera as a fixed repertoire to be transmitted, the project frames it as a site of co-creation, where youth and emerging professionals share agency in how the art form is presented, mediated and discussed. This article has two related aims. First, it examines how OOO2’s digital-first Audience Engagement Strategy (AES) may contribute to audience development among 18–25-year-olds, focusing on reach, participation patterns and perceived accessibility. Second, it investigates how participation in the project appears to affect conservatory students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy and their understanding of their potential social role as musicians. Methodologically, the study combines a participatory action research (PAR) framework with an embedded single-case design. Quantitative data include pre- and post-intervention questionnaires with 132 higher music education students. An audience survey completed by 1256 spectators, complemented by social media and web analytics, is also embedded. Qualitative material derives from semi-structured interviews (n = 30), focus groups with project stakeholders and direct observation of workshops, rehearsals and performances. Results indicate a marked digital reach among younger audience and suggest that shorter formats, informal settings and second-screen mediation can lower perceived barriers to opera attendance for first-time or occasional spectators. Among students, mean scores for entrepreneurial self-efficacy increased from 3.2 (SD = 0.8) to 4.1 (SD = 0.7), corresponding to a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.20, p < 0.01), a pattern broadly consistent with research on self-efficacy and capacity creation in music and arts-based entrepreneurship education. The discussion connects these findings with a bibliometric mapping of audience development in opera, conducted on 147 Scopus-indexed documents, and argues that OOO2 occupies a still under-theorized intersection between youth-centred cultural participation and entrepreneurial capacity-building in higher music education. While the single-case design and the use of self-constructed survey items limit generalizability, the project may offer a useful reference point for institutions seeking to rethink opera’s approach as a digitally mediated, socially engaged and educationally meaningful practice. Full article

Depopulation and structural demographic challenges affect social and territorial cohesion in Europe, a phenomenon that is particularly evident in rural municipalities in Spain, where the loss of the working-age population and the concentration of older adults threaten sustainability. This study analyzes the case of Pescueza (Cáceres, Spain) using a mixed-methods design that combines longitudinal demographic analysis (2000–2024) with a qualitative evaluation of the community project “Quédate con nosotr@s,” which focuses on comprehensive care and intergenerational participation. The results are critical regarding the demographic structure, with an aging index of 500% and dependency levels three times higher than the national average, although a slight demographic recovery linked to local initiatives is observed. This project has positive effects on social cohesion, community capital, and resilience in the face of demographic challenges, establishing itself as a replicable model for rural micro-territories. The study proposes a strategic framework based on the SWOT-CAME matrix and social sustainability indicators, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and European territorial cohesion policies. It concludes that social innovation, collaborative governance, and multilevel cooperation are key elements for addressing rural aging, and recommends public policies aimed at stable funding, inclusive digitalization, attracting young people, specialized training, and the creation of adapted infrastructure. Full article

In recent decades, escalating environmental risks have fundamentally reshaped the strategic landscape confronting firms. Against the intensifying pressures of the global climate crisis, corporate environmental strategy has evolved from a marginal compliance requirement into a central mechanism for long-term value creation. Innovation is widely regarded as a key driver of this transformation, yet scholarly understanding of its role remains fragmented across disconnected theoretical silos. Addressing this gap, this study systematically reviews 1614 English-language journal articles indexed in the Web of Science from 2000 to 2025, combining bibliometric mapping in Bibliometrix and VOSviewer with qualitative content analysis. To strengthen conceptual interpretation, the study also undertakes an in-depth manual review and coding of 100 highly cited core publications. The analysis identifies three structural shifts in the literature. First, the literature exhibits a three-stage thematic reconfiguration, moving from an early focus on strategy, capabilities, and environmental management to a current core centered on green innovation, ESG, digital transformation, and environmental performance. Second, this review reveals a clear two-track innovation structure, in which conventional innovation is concentrated in five upgrading-oriented categories, whereas green innovation spans a broader and more differentiated set of environmentally embedded categories, indicating a substantive shift from efficiency-centered improvement to strategically integrated environmental transformation. This study contributes by diagnosing why research growth has not translated into equivalent theoretical integration, clarifying the differentiated analytical roles of conventional and green innovation, and establishing a more cumulative basis for future theorizing in corporate environmental strategy research. Full article

High-fidelity simulations have become an important aid in clinical practice and research. In the pediatric field, they allow for the creation of scenarios involving emergency situations, in which decision-making algorithms must be rapidly applied, as is the case with airway management. Our narrative review examines articles in English indexed in PubMed, using the following search terms: high-fidelity simulation, pediatric, difficult airway management, bag mask ventilation, intubation, mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, cricothyrotomy, laryngoscopy, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and emergency situations. Airway management, along with venous access management, has always been one of the most challenging issues in pediatric anesthesia. The scarcity of patients and procedures, combined with the need to ensure high quality standards, necessitates simulations. Using high-performance devices and realistic settings allows us to reproduce not only the desired technical scenario, but also the emotions and group dynamics. High-fidelity simulations therefore prove to be an excellent aid for pediatric airway management, enhancing the hard and soft skills of both the team and the individual. Simulations allow us to replicate scenarios that are uncommon in clinical practice but have a significant impact due to their potential severity. Full article

In the context of the digital economy as a driver of economic transformation, digital enterprises have become pivotal actors in value creation and innovation. A conducive business environment is essential for enhancing productivity, competitiveness, and the long-term resilience of entrepreneurial ecosystems. However, the mechanisms through which this environment influences the entry of newborn digital enterprises, a core indicator of sustainable economic activity, remain inadequately explored. This paper develops a government-led business environment index based on three dimensions: the legal environment, the governmental affairs environment, and public services. Using panel data from 35 major Chinese cities spanning 2016 to 2020, we employ a negative binomial regression model to examine how both the overall business environment and its sub-dimensions affect the entry of newborn digital enterprises. The findings reveal that an overall improvement in the urban business environment significantly promotes the entry of newborn digital enterprises and that all three sub-dimensions, namely the legal environment, governmental affairs environment, and public services, collectively facilitate this process. The principal implication is that local governments should focus on the balanced optimization of all business environment elements. Such policies not only stimulate digital startup formation but also contribute to high-quality, resilient, and economically sustainable urban development. Full article

Despite the increasing adoption of metaverse technologies, particularly in educational contexts, the cognitive impacts of students designing their own immersive experiences remain underexplored. This study addresses that gap by providing empirical baseline data on the cognitive load of students designing virtual worlds. All 100 participants were second-year undergraduate computer science students, aged 20 to 22, who completed a five-week virtual world development project using the Spatial.io platform. Cognitive load was assessed using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), which is a measure of six dimensions: Mental Demand, Physical Demand, Temporal Demand, Performance, Effort, and Frustration. The total weighted NASA-TLX showed moderate cognitive load (M = 48.42, SD = 12.18, 95% CI [45.99, 50.85]), with a percentage of 9% of respondents indicating high cognitive load (scores > 60). Temporal Demand was the highest-rated dimension (M = 14.32, SD = 3.84), followed by Mental Demand (M = 13.68, SD = 3.52), while Physical Demand was the lowest (M = 5.23, SD = 2.94). The Spearman correlation analysis indicated that there were strong correlations between Temporal Demand and Effort (ρ = 0.62, p < 0.001) and Temporal Demand and Mental Demand (ρ = 0.58, p < 0.001) with Frustration demonstrating moderate correlations with most cognitive dimensions. In this sample, the NASA-TLX showed a good internal consistency (0.82). No statistically significant difference was found in the overall workload scores or in individual subscales (p > 0.05), indicating that the cognitive load experienced by male and female participants in the development of a virtual world was similar, but the small sub-sample of female participants (n = 25) reduces the statistical power of the comparison. These results provide a descriptive baseline for cognitive workload in virtual world creation led by students and provide evidence-based guidance into how educators can develop immersive development programs. Full article

Open-pit lignite mining causes significant environmental alterations, particularly through the removal of soil deposits and the creation of external dumps, which necessitate effective reclamation to restore landscape structures. This study evaluates the potential of using multi-temporal remote sensing data to assess the effectiveness of forest reclamation on selected external dumps of the Adamów, Bełchatów, and Turów Lignite Mines in Poland. Using Landsat imagery spanning five decades from 1976 to 2023, the study monitors vegetation development through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI). Reclaimed forest stands were compared against undisturbed reference forests within a 30 km buffer zone, with recovery defined as achieving 95% of the reference values. The results indicate that most studied sites reached a state of recovery, with success closely linked to the specific reclamation measures implemented and the age of the forest stands. Notably, the Adamów mine, which utilized Bender’s target species method, demonstrated rapid results, achieving high similarity to reference forests early in the analyzed period. In contrast, recovery in Bełchatów and Turów was more gradual, following trajectories influenced by pioneer and biodynamic afforestation methods. Ultimately, the study confirms that remote sensing is a highly efficient tool for monitoring extensive post-mining areas over long periods, providing a general assessment of biological restoration success. Full article

This study reviews and summarizes existing research on how small and medium-sized construction enterprises adopt Building Information Modeling (BIM), while also highlighting potential areas for future investigation. The analyses aimed to address two research questions: RQ1: What research areas are explored in scientific publications on the use of BIM in small and medium-sized enterprises? RQ2: What future research directions should be pursued regarding the implementation and development of BIM in SMEs? A bibliometric analysis and science-mapping analysis was conducted on 162 Scopus-indexed publications (2007–2025) using Excel, VOSviewer and Biblioshiny, complemented by a state-of-the-art review of 69 recent studies (2022–2025). Keyword analyses revealed five thematic clusters: implementation and adaptation, collaboration and integration, construction industry digitalization, project management, and information systems. Within the identified areas, a state-of-the-art review was conducted to indicate the main research domains and directions for future research. Emerging topics include Industry 4.0-enabled digitalization, common data environments, interoperability, decision-making, human resource management, and safety and risk assessment. Future studies should examine managerial competencies, behavioral drivers of adoption and value creation in resource-constrained contexts. Policymakers and professional bodies should combine capacity building, incentives and lightweight interoperable tools to lower entry barriers for SMEs. Integrating bibliometric mapping with qualitative synthesis, this paper offers an evidence-based research agenda and guidance to support BIM diffusion in SMEs. Full article