Optimal solutions for fixed head short-term hydrothermal system scheduling problem

In this paper, optimal short-term hydrothermal operation (STHTO) problem is determined by a proposed high-performance particle swarm optimization (HPPSO). Control variables of the problem are regarded as an optimal solution including reservoir volumes of hydropower plants (HdPs) and power generation of thermal power plants (ThPs) with respect to scheduled time periods. This problem focuses on reduction of electric power generation cost (EPGC) of ThPs and exact satisfactory of all constraints of HdPs, ThPs and power system. The proposed method is compared to earlier methods and other implemented methods such as particle swarm optimization (PSO), constriction factor (CF) and inertia weight factor (IWF)-based PSO (FCIW-PSO), two time-varying acceleration coefficient (TTVACs)-based PSO (TVAC-PSO), salp swarm algorithm (SSA), and Harris hawk algorithm (HHA). By comparing EPGC from 100 trial runs, speed of search and simulation time, the suggested HPPSO method sees it is more robust than other ones. Thus, HPPSO is recommended for applying to the considered and other problems in power systems

Determining optimal location and size of capacitors in radial distribution networks using moth swarm algorithm

In this study, the problem of optimal capacitor location and size determination (OCLSD) in radial distribution networks for reducing losses is unraveled by moth swarm algorithm (MSA). MSA is one of the most powerful meta-heuristic algorithm that is taken from the inspiration of the food source finding behavior of moths. Four study cases of installing different numbers of capacitors in the 15-bus radial distribution test system including two, three, four and five capacitors areemployed to run the applied MSA for an investigation of behavior and assessment of performances. Power loss and the improvement of voltage profile obtained by MSA are compared with those fromother methods. As a result, it can be concluded that MSA can give a good truthful and effective solution method for OCLSD problem

The impact of social media marketing and brand credibility on Higher Education Institutes’ brand equity in emerging countries

Social media marketing facilitated prospective students to communicate and collaborate to gather information relevant to higher education institutions and their respective brand equity. More complex and dynamic models focusing on customer-based brand equity often lack empirical support in higher education sectors, particularly from more than one country. Drawing from the elaboration likelihood model, this study empirically investigated how higher education institutions can develop brand equity using social media marketing. The quantitative findings from 936 undergraduates from Sri Lanka and Vietnam indicated social media marketing influences the brand equity of higher education institutions through brand credibility. Taking into the comparison between two emerging countries, Vietnamese students are more concerned about brand credibility through social media marketing activities to form brand equity compared to their Sri Lankan counterparts. The findings provide some practical implications for educational marketers to promote their higher education institutions

Exploring Value Co-Destruction Process in Customer Interactions with AI-Powered Mobile Applications

Background: Mobile applications have emerged as important touchpoints for addressing service requests and optimizing human resources. Within the service industry, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into these applications has enabled the inference of product demand, provision of personalized service offers, and enhancement of overall firm value. Customers now engage with these apps to stay informed, seek guidance, and make purchases. It is important to recognize that the interactive and human-like qualities of AI can either foster the co-creation of value with customers or potentially lead to the co-destruction of customer value. Although prior research has examined the process of value co-creation, the present study aims to investigate the underlying factors contributing to the value co-destruction process, specifically within AI-powered mobile applications. Method: Our research employs topic modelling and content analysis to examine the value co-destruction process that occurs when customers engage with AI apps. We analyze 7,608 negative reviews obtained from eleven AI apps available on Google Play and App Store AI apps. Results: Our findings reveal six distinct types of value - utilitarian, hedonic, symbolic, social, epistemic, and economic value - that can be co-destroyed during the process. System failure, self-threat and privacy violation are some contributing factors to this value co-destruction process. These values change over time and vary depending on the type of app. Conclusion: Theoretically, our findings extend the concept of value co-destruction in the context of AI apps. We also offer practical recommendations for designing an AI app in a more service-friendly way

Building a nomogram to predict maximum temperature in mass concrete at an early age

During the construction of massive concrete structures, the main factor that affects the structure is temperature. The resulting temperature is the result of hydration of the cement and some other factors, which leads to the formation of thermal cracks at an early age. So, the prediction of temperature history in massive concrete structures has been a very important problem. In this study, with the help of numerical methods, a temperature nomogram was built to quickly determine the maximum temperature in concrete structures with different parameters such as size, cement content, and the initial temperature of the concrete mixture. The obtained temperature nomogram has been compared with the results of the finite element method and the model experiment gives reliable results. It can be used to predict maximum temperature in mass concrete structures to prevent the formation of thermal cracks

Optimizing the ratios of standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine plus SID cystine and SID threonine to SID lysine in low-protein diets for working boars

This study aimed to optimize the ratios of standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine (Met) plus cystine (Cys), and threonine (Thr) to SID lysine (Lys) in low-protein diets for working boars. Forty-eight working Duroc boars were randomly allocated to one of 12 dietary treatments in a 3x4 factorial experimental design in which factor 1 was the ratios of SID Met plus Cys to SID Lys (50, 60, 70%), factor 2 was the ratios of SID Thr to SID Lys (40, 50, 60, 70%). Semen was collected at a 4 days interval for 6 weeks for 10 ejaculates. Semen volume (V), percentage of sperm with progressive motility (A), sperm concentration (C), and the total number of motile sperm per ejaculate (VAC) were measured. The results of the study revealed that the ratios of SID Met plus Cys to SID Lys in the diets affected the C and VAC. Values of C and VAC were highest at the ratios of SID Met plus Cys to SID Lys of 70% and lowest at 50% (P<0.05). Similarly, the ratios of SID Thr to SID Lys affected the C and VAC. Further, the values of C and VAC were highest at the ratio of SID Thr to SID Lys of 60% and lowest at 40% (P<0.05). There was no interaction effect between the two factors. In conclusion, the ratios of SID Met plus Cys to SID Lys of 70% and SID Thr to SID Lys of 60% in a 13.5% CP diet are optimal for working boars

A Bibliometric Analysis of the Global Research Trend in Child Maltreatment

Child maltreatment remains a major health threat globally that requires the understanding of socioeconomic and cultural contexts to craft effective interventions. However, little is known about research agendas globally and the development of knowledge-producing networks in this field of study. This study aims to explore the bibliometric overview on child maltreatment publications to understand their growth from 1916 to 2018. Data from the Web of Science Core Collection were collected in May 2018. Only research articles and reviews written in the English language were included, with no restrictions by publication date. We analyzed publication years, number of papers, journals, authors, keywords and countries, and presented the countries collaboration and co-occurrence keywords analysis. From 1916 to 2018, 47, 090 papers (53.0% in 2010–2018) were published in 9442 journals. Child Abuse & Neglect (2576 papers; 5.5%); Children and Youth Services Review (1130 papers; 2.4%) and Pediatrics (793 papers, 1.7%) published the most papers. The most common research areas were Psychology (16, 049 papers, 34.1%), Family Studies (8225 papers, 17.5%), and Social Work (7367 papers, 15.6%). Among 192 countries with research publications, the most prolific countries were the United States (26, 367 papers), England (4676 papers), Canada (3282 papers) and Australia (2664 papers). We identified 17 authors who had more than 60 scientific items. The most cited papers (with at least 600 citations) were published in 29 journals, headed by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) (7 papers) and the Lancet (5 papers). This overview of global research in child maltreatment indicated an increasing trend in this topic, with the world’s leading centers located in the Western countries led by the United States. We called for interdisciplinary research approaches to evaluating and intervening on child maltreatment, with a focus on low-middle income countries (LMICs) settings and specific contexts

Associations Between Nutrition, Gut Microbiome, and Health in A Novel Nonhuman Primate Model.

Red-shanked doucs (Pygathrix nemaeus) are endangered, foregut-fermenting colobine primates which are difficult to maintain in captivity. There are critical gaps in our understanding of their natural lifestyle, including dietary habits such as consumption of leaves, unripe fruit, flowers, seeds, and other plant parts. There is also a lack of understanding of enteric adaptations, including their unique microflora. To address these knowledge gaps, we used the douc as a model to study relationships between gastrointestinal microbial community structure and lifestyle. We analyzed published fecal samples as well as detailed dietary history from doucs with four distinct lifestyles (wild, semi-wild, semi-captive, and captive) and determined gastrointestinal bacterial microbiome composition using 16S rRNA sequencing. A clear gradient of microbiome composition was revealed along an axis of natural lifestyle disruption, including significant associations with diet, biodiversity, and microbial function. We also identified potential microbial biomarkers of douc dysbiosis, including Bacteroides and Prevotella, which may be related to health. Our results suggest a gradient-like shift in captivity causes an attendant shift to severe gut dysbiosis, thereby resulting in gastrointestinal issues

Safety and efficacy of fluoxetine on functional outcome after acute stroke (AFFINITY): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Trials of fluoxetine for recovery after stroke report conflicting results. The Assessment oF FluoxetINe In sTroke recoverY (AFFINITY) trial aimed to show if daily oral fluoxetine for 6 months after stroke improves functional outcome in an ethnically diverse population. Methods AFFINITY was a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial done in 43 hospital stroke units in Australia (n=29), New Zealand (four), and Vietnam (ten). Eligible patients were adults (aged ≥18 years) with a clinical diagnosis of acute stroke in the previous 2–15 days, brain imaging consistent with ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, and a persisting neurological deficit that produced a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 1 or more. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 via a web-based system using a minimisation algorithm to once daily, oral fluoxetine 20 mg capsules or matching placebo for 6 months. Patients, carers, investigators, and outcome assessors were masked to the treatment allocation. The primary outcome was functional status, measured by the mRS, at 6 months. The primary analysis was an ordinal logistic regression of the mRS at 6 months, adjusted for minimisation variables. Primary and safety analyses were done according to the patient's treatment allocation. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12611000774921. Findings Between Jan 11, 2013, and June 30, 2019, 1280 patients were recruited in Australia (n=532), New Zealand (n=42), and Vietnam (n=706), of whom 642 were randomly assigned to fluoxetine and 638 were randomly assigned to placebo. Mean duration of trial treatment was 167 days (SD 48·1). At 6 months, mRS data were available in 624 (97%) patients in the fluoxetine group and 632 (99%) in the placebo group. The distribution of mRS categories was similar in the fluoxetine and placebo groups (adjusted common odds ratio 0·94, 95% CI 0·76–1·15; p=0·53). Compared with patients in the placebo group, patients in the fluoxetine group had more falls (20 [3%] vs seven [1%]; p=0·018), bone fractures (19 [3%] vs six [1%]; p=0·014), and epileptic seizures (ten [2%] vs two [<1%]; p=0·038) at 6 months. Interpretation Oral fluoxetine 20 mg daily for 6 months after acute stroke did not improve functional outcome and increased the risk of falls, bone fractures, and epileptic seizures. These results do not support the use of fluoxetine to improve functional outcome after stroke

Investigating the role of online community engagement and consumer online collective empowerment for consumer price fairness perception

Never before have customers been more powerful in providing, acquiring, and discussing the offered price of service providers in online context. In particular, the emergence of online communities increases consumer exposure to various information about the targeted services including their pricing practices shared by like-minded consumers. While price is an important indicator for customers to make a purchase decision, there have been very few scholarly attempts to identify online community factors may influence consumers’ price fairness perceptions. To address these gaps, the principal focus of this dissertation is to examine the extent to which online community factors namely community engagement and customer online collective empowerment shape consumer price fairness perception. Drawing on social identity, resource dependence theory and social capital theory, three studies are conducted and reported in this dissertation which examine the central role of community engagement, consumer online collective empowerment, and community norms in driving consumer price fairness perception. Further, the research tests the moderating effect of online savviness and customer price sensitivity. Drawing from social information processing and social identity theories, the first study examined the effect of community engagement on customer price fairness perception indirectly via community norms and rule familiarity. It is found that online community engagement impacts customer price fairness perception. Moreover, we found the mediating effects of community norms and rule familiarity on that relationship. Engaged member interactions with like-minded customers in an online context strengthen the rule familiarity with regards to dynamic pricing policies that, in turn, shape their price fairness perception. Further, as online community citizens, engaged members are willing to adopt the community norms concerning the pricing practice in the market place that lead to a positive fairness perception toward dynamic pricing. The findings also confirm the moderating effect of online savviness for the impact of community norms on customer price fairness perception. The importance of the collective activities empowering customers capabilities and knowledge to deal with the targeted service providers emerged from the first study. Accordingly, the second study conceptualised and developed a measure of customer online community empowerment. Using samples from Australian frequent flyer community, we undertook a qualitative netnographic study, to explore the nature of customer online collective empowerment. The netnographic findings confirm that customer online collective empowerment consists of four dimensions namely: behaviour empowerment, cognitive empowerment, emotional empowerment, and relational empowerment. Subsequently, a four dimensional customer online collective empowerment measure is developed and empirically validated through two quantitative surveys. The examinations of construct reliability, construct validity, and discriminant validity evaluated through AMOS 22 confirm that the measure is reliable, valid, and distinct from other relevant measures. The final study empirically examines a novel model of key drivers of customer online collective empowerment namely community engagement, community norms, and community collective knowledge which, in turn, shape consumer fairness perception toward the dynamic price tactics from service providers. Drawing on resource dependence theory and social capital theory, the findings confirm that community engagement is significantly related to perceived customer collective empowerment. The relationship is also partially mediated by two key community factors, namely community collective knowledge and community norms. As a result, empowered members indicated a positive fairness perception toward the dynamic pricing policy of service organisations. This study builds on the first study by introducing the role of customer online collective empowerment to fully explain the role of engaged online community member in influencing the price fairness perception of customer. This has managerial implications for brand and social media usage which are discussed in the conclusion chapter. Overall, the thesis examines the interplay among several community constructs, which together provide greater insight into the mechanisms by which these community factors affect customer fairness perception toward the dynamic pricing.Thesis (Ph.D.) (Research by Publication) -- University of Adelaide, Business School, 201