Imitation, local interaction, and efficiency: reappraisal

We revisit the model of Alos-Ferrer and Weidenholzer (2006) but under the assumption that risk-dominant equilibria are Pareto efficient. It is found that risk-dominant equilibria, non-risk-dominant equilibria, and some non-monomorphic states can emerge in the long run when players interact with their immediate neighbors only.Coordination game, imitation, local interaction

Estimating the Impact of Whaling on Global Whale Watching

After a commercial whaling moratorium was enacted in 1986, whale watching became one of the fastest growing tourism industries worldwide. As whaling is regarded as an activity that is incompatible with whale watching, the possible resumption of commercial whaling has caused an urgent need to investigate the potential negative effects of whaling on the whale-watching industry. We examine the potential impacts of whaling on the global whale-watching tourism industry using an unbalanced panel data model. The empirical results indicate that the resumption of commercial whaling has the potential for a negative effect on the global whale-watching industry, especially for nations that are engaged in whaling.Global whale watching; Commercial whaling; Delay-difference equation model; Unbalanced panel data model

"Estimating the Impact of Whaling on Global Whale Watching"

After the commercial whaling moratorium was enacted in 1986, whale watching became one of the fastest growing tourism industries worldwide. As whaling was regarded as an activity incompatible with whale watching, the possible resumption of commercial whaling caused an urgent need to investigate the potential negative effects of whaling on the whale-watching industry. We examine the potential impacts of whaling on the global whale-watching tourism industry using unbalanced panel data model. The empirical results indicate that the resumption of commercial whaling has the potential for a negative effect on the global whale-watching industry, especially for nations that are engaged in whaling.

Multi-hazard of a bridge pier due to earthquake and scour

Bridge structures are often subjected to multi-hazardous conditions, such as earthquake loading, scouring of the foundation, wind, flood, vehicle impact, etc. In the past, these hazards were considered as independent events that occur separately. Scouring, however, is a continuous phenomenon, therefore, bridges subjected to dynamic motion from earthquakes or vehicle impacts are also subjected to scouring simultaneously. When the scouring action is combined with dynamic motion, the result may be a synergistic action that the scour depth could be greater than the scour depth of considering these two damage factors occur sequentially. This paper is a preliminary study to investigate the possible synergistic effects of these combined hazards in experimental way

A High-Accuracy and Power-Efficient Self-Optimizing Wireless Water Level Monitoring IoT Device for Smart City

In this paper; a novel self-optimizing water level monitoring methodology is proposed for smart city applications. Considering system maintenance; the efficiency of power consumption and accuracy will be important for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and systems. A multi-step measurement mechanism and power self-charging process are proposed in this study for improving the efficiency of a device for water level monitoring applications. The proposed methodology improved accuracy by 0.16–0.39% by moving the sensor to estimate the distance relative to different locations. Additional power is generated by executing a multi-step measurement while the power self-optimizing process used dynamically adjusts the settings to balance the current of charging and discharging. The battery level can efficiently go over 50% in a stable charging simulation. These methodologies were successfully implemented using an embedded control device; an ultrasonic sensor module; a LORA transmission module; and a stepper motor. According to the experimental results; the proposed multi-step methodology has the benefits of high accuracy and efficient power consumption for water level monitoring applications

Using a strategic approach to analysis the location selection for high-tech firms in Taiwan

[[abstract]]Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on selection of a location which can widely influence business strategy planning and operation profit. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, the relationship between location strategy and clustering is primarily shown by obtaining location decision criteria and the impact of high-tech firms with the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Then, analytic network process (ANP) method is used to explain the value and benefits from cluster location. Findings – The authors study decision-making for location selection of high-tech firms in Hsinchu Science Park. The example is based on two dimensions including network effect and transaction cost. Network effect plays a more significant role than transaction cost for this example location selection of high-tech firms in Hsinchu Science Park. The Science Park is surrounded by entrepreneurial spirit, a significant talent pool, and support infrastructure. Originality/value – This paper explores how high-tech managers make their decisions on location strategy in Science Park. Research limitations/implications – The authors found that cost and benefit factors of network effect dominate the major decision-making in selection of location and has direct impact on strategic intent. They also have shown that the DEMATEL and ANP approaches are valuable for evaluating this situation

IT/IS as the Secret Scroll of Kung Fu: A Functionalist Explanation of A Technical Structure for Information Systems Design

A company encounters many negative social consequences and persistent problems when it adopts a specific technical structure for an information system (IS). But, why do they continue using it, not wishing to abandon it? This paper uses the functionalist explanation to interpret the contradictory phenomenon through a real case which expects to enhance work efficiency and improve business processes by developing a new IS. During IS development and implementation, the rivalry between IT personnel and users occurs while they closely cooperate. Nevertheless, a shared belief that “IT/IS as the Secret Scroll of Kung Fu”, which implies IT/IS with a magic power, has been unexpectedly developed between them. In other words, both divisions believe that IT/IS would be able to solve all unintended problems to be encountered. Therefore, they still kept cooperating to develop IS, and did not admit the failure of IS