Search Subject Areas | Preprints.org

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202404.0403.v1

Impact of carbon emissions factors on economic agents based on decisions modeling in complex systems

Nikolay Didenko, Djamilia Skripnuk, Sergey Barykin, Vladimir Yadykin, Oksana Nikiforova, Angela B. Mottaeva, Valentina Kashintseva, Mark Khaikin, Elmira Nazarova, Ivan Moshkin

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Impact; On-farm; Environment; Innovative Economy; Picture Fuzzy Rough Sets

Online: 5 April 2024 (06:16:25 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.1797.v1

Study on the Impact of Delayed Retirement on the Sustainability of Basic Pension Insurance Fund for Urban Employees in China

Guiling Zhao, Deyu Zhou, Yunpeng Fu

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: population ageing; pension fund gap; delayed retirement; sustainability

Online: 29 March 2024 (17:07:53 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.1510.v1

Assessing the Operational Capability of Disaster and Emergency Management Resources: Using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Ke Zhang, Jae Eun Lee

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: DEMRs; operational capability; AHP; evaluation index system

Online: 26 March 2024 (08:49:00 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.1438.v1

From Early Adoption to Mainstream Acceptance: A Case Study on the Distribution of Electric Vehicles in Sweden (2016-2020)

Mikael Levin, Krister Sandberg, Björn Tano

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: EV; market development; passenger car; households; leasing

Online: 25 March 2024 (08:43:22 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.1048.v1

Optimizing Hyperparameters for Customer Churn Prediction with PSO-Enhanced Composite Deep Learning Techniques

Mohammad Sedighimanesh, Ali Sedighimanesh, Mehdi Gheisari

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Customer Churn Prediction; Hyperparameter Optimization; Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO); Deep Learning Models; Telecommunications Analytics

Online: 18 March 2024 (13:08:31 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Background: In today’s competitive market, predicting customer churn with high accuracy is crucial for enterprises to maintain growth and profitability. Traditional predictive models often lack in accuracy due to the complexity of customer behavior.Objective: This research aims to improve the accuracy of predicting customer churn by utilizing the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm for optimizing the hyperparameters of a composite deep learning model. The performance of this enhanced model is evaluated against traditional models such as LSRM_GRU, LSTM, GRU, and CNN_LSTM to demonstrate the effectiveness of PSO in hyperparameter tuning.Methods: A composite deep learning approach was employed, integrating various neural network architectures to leverage their strengths in modeling complex customer interactions. The PSO algorithm was used to optimize the model’s hyperparameters. Customer transaction and interaction data from different business operations served as the dataset for testing and analyzing the model’s performance. Evaluation metrics including accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and ROC AUC were utilized for a detailed comparison with established models.Findings: The PSO-enhanced composite deep learning model showed superior performance across all metrics, significantly outperforming the LSRM_GRU, LSTM, GRU, and CNN_LSTM models. Notably, improvements in ROC AUC and F1 score highlight the robustness and balanced precision-recall trade-off of the proposed model, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying potential churners.Conclusion: The integration of PSO for hyperparameter optimization in composite deep learning models for customer churn prediction has proven to significantly enhance predictive accuracy and performance metrics over conventional models. This underscores the potential of evolutionary algorithms in improving deep learning applications. Future research should explore the scalability of this approach across various sectors and further refine predictive accuracy with evolving customer data.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0487.v2

Why Does Cross-Sectional Analyst Coverage Incorporate Market-Wide Information?

Yunfei Hou, Changsheng Hu

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Analyst coverage; Exponential distribution; Market-wide information; Maximum entropy

Online: 12 March 2024 (08:43:58 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0487.v1

Why Does Cross-Sectional Analyst Coverage Incorporate Market-Wide Information?

Yunfei Hou, Changsheng Hu

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Analyst coverage; Exponential distribution; Market-wide information; Maximum entropy

Online: 8 March 2024 (15:31:13 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.0827.v1

Identifying the Optimal Valuation Model for Maritime Data Assets with AHP : A Strategic Approach for MASS

Sangseop Lim, Chang-hee Lee, Jae-Hwan Bae, Young-Hun Jeon

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: maritime data; maritime autonomous surface ship(MASS); maritime data trading platform; sustainable shipping; asset valuation model

Online: 15 February 2024 (11:37:10 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint CONCEPT PAPER | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.1338.v1

‘Belief-Consistent Information Processing’ vs. ‘Coherence-Based Reasoning’: Pragmatic Frameworks for Exposing Common Cognitive Biases in Intelligence Analysis

Matthew Barrows, George Ellison

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Cognitive bias
Intelligence analysis
Intelligence assessment
Confirmation bias
Decision-making
Information processing

Online: 18 January 2024 (09:47:50 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint CONCEPT PAPER | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.1311.v1

Might Wargaming be Another Instance Where “Anything You Can Do, AI Can Do Better”?

George Ellison, Andrew Shepherd

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Wargaming; Artificial Intelligence; AI; Decision-making

Online: 17 January 2024 (12:09:12 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.0248.v1

Research on the Evaluation and Influencing Factors of China's Provincial Employment Quality Based on Principal Tensor Analysis

Yingxue Pan, Xuedong Gao, Qixin Bo, Gao Xiaonan

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Employment Quality; Spatio-Temporal Data; Principal Tensor Analysis; Spatial Autocorrelation; Spatial Econometric Models

Online: 5 January 2024 (15:01:52 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

This study aimed to use spatiotemporal tensor data to measure the level of employment quality in China's provinces and analyzed the magnitude and direction of its influencing factors in the spatiotemporal dimension. Taked 30 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government in China from 2011 to 2020 as the research object, the employment quality evaluation system was constructed from six dimensions of employment environment, employment status, employability, labor remuneration, social security, and labor relations. The employment quality index data was expressed as a three-order high-dimensional tensor spatio-temporal data form, and the employment quality of China's provinces was measured from the spatio-temporal perspective by using principal tensor analysis, and the visual analysis of the development and change process of employment quality was carried out. The spatial autocorrelation analysis of employment quality was carried out, and the time-space dual fixed effect model of the spatial Dubin model was selected to analyze the direction and magnitude of the influence factors of employment quality on itself and its neighboring provinces. The research showed that: (1) The overall level of employment quality in China was not high and the employment quality varies greatly among provinces, and the employment quality development gap among provinces showed a trend of widening. (2) The development of employment quality in western China was relatively fast, while the development of employment quality in central China showed insufficient stamina. (3) Sichuan Province had a strong radiation effect on the development of employment quality in neighboring provinces, and Beijing and Tianjin had a strong siphon effect on the development of employment quality in neighboring provinces. (4) The level of industrialization and informatization promoted the development of employment quality in China's provinces, while the industrial structure had a significant negative effect on the development of employment quality.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.1570.v1

Social Laser: Media and Social Mobilization

Lika Rodin, Andrei Khrennikov

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: digital media; Russian‐Ukrainian conflict; quantum physics; Facebook; emotional energy; information radiation

Online: 20 December 2023 (14:01:18 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202310.1907.v1

Development of Knowledge Capital in the Field of Nuclear Energy in Poland – Perspective 2035

Jarosław Jerzy Gryz, Krzysztof Król, Agnieszka Szczygielska

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: nuclear energy; coal energy; Poland; knowledge shaping; knowledge conversion

Online: 30 October 2023 (10:25:49 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ESSAY | doi:10.20944/preprints202310.0768.v1

Sustainable Leadership in the Digital Era: The Role of Technology in Promoting Environmental Sustainability

Pitshou Moleka

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: sustainable leadership; digital era; technology; environmental sustainability; interconnectedness; carbon footprint; resource efficiency; organizational culture; technological innovation; sustainability goals

Online: 12 October 2023 (04:07:29 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint CONCEPT PAPER | doi:10.20944/preprints202310.0571.v1

Machine Learning Analysis of Public Procurement in the Dominican Republic: Impacts on Economic Efficiency and Inclusive Sourcing

Luis M Duran Cornelio, Ernesto Bautista Thompson

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Public Procurement; Machine Learning; Socio-Economic Impacts; Inclusive Procurement; Dominican Republic; Random Forest; Gradient Boosting

Online: 10 October 2023 (08:23:29 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ESSAY | doi:10.20944/preprints202310.0376.v1

Innovative Leadership in Addressing Climate Change: A Pathway towards Sustainable Futures

Pitshou Moleka

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: innovative leadership; climate change; sustainable futures; ecosystems; well-being; food security; water resources; public health; sustainable practices; technologies; policies for climate change; mitigation; adaptation; innovation; complex challenges; temperature; extreme weather events; sea-level rise; biodiversity

Online: 7 October 2023 (09:47:40 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.1696.v1

Age and Generalized Trust in the United States: What Do WVS Data Say?

Ya'akov M, Bayer

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: trust; age

Online: 26 September 2023 (05:15:19 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.0388.v1

Bipartisan/Range Voting in Two Rounds Reaches a Promising Balance between Efficiency and Strategy-Resistance

Samuel Boudet

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Electoral systems; Strategic voting; Condorcet voting; Voting efficiency

Online: 6 September 2023 (09:54:31 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.1586.v1

Are Smart Cities Successfully Accepted by all Citizens? A New Recommender System Applied to Tourist Mobile Technologies

Gabriel Marín Díaz, José Luis Galdón Salvador, José Javier Galán Hernández

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: smart cities; TAM; decision making; fuzzy logic; smart tourism; customer journey

Online: 24 July 2023 (10:52:09 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Due to the irruption of new technologies in cities such as mobile applications, geographic infor-mation systems, Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT) or Artificial Intelligence (AI), new approaches to citizen management are being developed with the aim of adapting citizen services to this new en-vironment. These new services can enable city governments and businesses to offer their citizens a truly immersive experience that facilitates their day-to-day lives and ultimately improves their quality of life. In this sense, it is important to emphasize that all investments in infrastructure and technological developments in smart cities will be wasted if the citizens for whom they have been created eventually do not use them for whatever reason. To avoid these kinds of problems, the citizen's level of adaptation to the technologies should be evaluated. However, although much has been studied about new technological developments, studies to validate the actual impact and user acceptance of these technological models are much more limited. This paper tries to fill this gap presenting a new model of recommender system based in the most cited and used model in the scientific and academic literature: the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and using the most cited and agreed upon criteria in the existing literature. To accomplish the objective, this study in-troduces a novel recommender system that utilizes a fuzzy 2-tuple linguistic model in conjunction with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to prioritize and personalize the relationship between tourists and smart cities. The methodology proposed in this paper was tested and validated in a case of study through different clusters to derive global recommendations tailored to each specific cluster. The main findings reveal that the use of technology is closely linked to the ability to enjoy personalized experiences in the realm of Smart Cities and Smart Tourism. As future works, authors recommend extending the recommender system model to any cluster of tourists using the proposed methodology and evaluate also other kind of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting the citizens.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.1598.v2

Investigating Stakeholders Networks; Case Study on Cidanau Watershed in Indonesia

Moh Sofyan Budiarto, Ida Widianingsih, Entang Adhy Muhtar, Rd Ahmad Buchari, Herie - Saksono

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: social network analysis; cidanau watershed management; fkdc; Banten province

Online: 11 July 2023 (08:25:51 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Social network analysis is extensively employed for the examination of relationships and networks among actors across diverse disciplines and thematic research domains. Nevertheless, the utilization of this approach in agriculture and natural resources, particularly pertaining to watershed management, has been relatively limited. The objective of this study is to conduct an analysis of the social interaction and networks of Cidanau Watershed Management (CWM) stakeholders and measure the nodes of units as individuals or organizations in relation to the role and influence of each other through a quantitative approach. The results of the data analysis show that Fkdc has a high degree of centrality and centrality betweenness. This shows that Fkdc has a strong influence and controls CWM network interaction. Conversely, Hs (households) have a low degree of centrality, and centrality betweenness values have a low influence and role in actors’ networks. According to the closeness centrality parameter, it is observed that both Households (Hs) and Universities (Univ) have exhibited the shortest geodesic distance in relation to other stakeholders within the network, thus indicating their highest level of closeness. It means that households and universities had interdependency and were controlled by others. The lowest centrality of Fkdc means that Fkdc has independence of influence and high control access over others. There are four CWM network clusters based on total link strength. Fkdc demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, enjoys a strong reputation, and possesses a high degree of popularity within the network. Furthermore, Fkdc serves as a positive central node that effectively brings together the interests of all actors, fostering a collective commitment towards shared goals and mutual rewards. In the CWM case, Fkdc is a sustainable watershed organization that acts as a central network body and plays a fundamental role as an intermediary between networks and interactions. Ultimately, with regards to the viewpoint of CWM, the decentralization of watersheds aimed to facilitate wider public engagement by establishing Fkdc as a central network entity and assuming a crucial role as a medium for the dissemination of information, exchange of ideas, and the exertion of influence among its members.

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.0351.v1

Social Networks in Crisis Management: a Concise Literature Review

Bashar Abboodi, Salvatore Flavio Pileggi, Gnana Bharathy

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Keywords: Social Media; Social Networks; Crisis Management; Mental Model; Situational Awareness; Disinformation, Misinformation and Fake News; Infodemic; Covid 19

Online: 5 July 2023 (16:02:34 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.1598.v1

Investigating Stakeholders Networks; Case Study on Cidanau Watershed in Indonesia

Moh Sofyan Budiarto, Ida Widianingsih, Entang Adhy Muhtar, Rd Ahmad Buchari, Herie - Saksono

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: social network analysis; cidanau watershed management; fkdc; Banten province

Online: 22 June 2023 (11:10:05 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Social network analysis is extensively employed for the examination of relationships and networks among actors across diverse disciplines and thematic research domains. Nevertheless, the utilization of this approach in agriculture and natural resources, particularly pertaining to watershed management, has been relatively limited.. The objective of this study is to conduct an analysis of the social interaction and networks of Cidanau Watershed Management (CWM) stakeholders and measure the nodes of units as individuals or organizations to the role and influence of each other through a quantitative approach. The results of the data analysis show that Fkdc has a high degree of centrality and centrality betweenness. This shows that Fkdc has a strong influence and controls CWM network interaction. Conversely, Hs (households) have a low degree of centrality, and centrality betweenness values had a low influence and role in actors’ networks. According to the closeness centrality parameter, it is observed that both Households (Hs) and Universities (Univ) have exhibited the shortest geodesic distance in relation to other stakeholders within the network, thus indicating their highest level of closeness. It means that Hs (Households) and Univ (Universities) had interdependency and control by others. The closeness centrality of Fkdc is the lowest, means that Fkdc had independnecy of influence and high control access to others. There are 4 CWM network clusters based on total link strength. Fkdc demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, enjoys a strong reputation, and possesses a high degree of popularity within the network. Furthermore, Fkdc serves as a central node that effectively brings together the interests of all actors, fostering a collective commitment towards shared goals and mutual rewards. In the CWM case, Fkdc is a sustainable watershed organization that acts as a central network body and plays a fundamental role as an intermediary of network and interaction. The process of sustainable watershed management entails the establishment of the Watershed organization as a central network entity, assuming a crucial role as a medium for the dissemination of information, exchange of ideas, and exertion of influence among its members. How does Fkdc manage the Cidanau watershed with its central role, and to what extent can Fkdc survive the ever-changing situations and problems (dynamics) in the management of the watershed, become an interesting research theme to be investigated further

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.1431.v1

The Influence of Relational Benefits on Behavioral Intention and the Moderating Role of Habit: A Study in a Personal Service Business

Mohammad Karami, Şerife Zihni Eyüpoğlu, Ahmet Ertugan

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: relationship marketing; relational benefits; habit; revisit intention; personal service business

Online: 21 June 2023 (08:53:53 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202305.1548.v1

Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Financial Inclusion: Collaborative Approaches to Fin-tech Adoption in Developing Countries

Sagir Danladi, Umar Muhammad Modibbo, M. S. V. Prasad

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Fin-tech; Financial Inclusion; Maximizing Finance; Digital Financial Inclusion; The Better Than Cash Alliance; mSTAR; Developing countries; Sustainable Development Goals

Online: 23 May 2023 (03:35:22 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

This research suggests a multi-stakeholder framework to increase the use of fintech in Africa, which would help the continent boost its financial inclusion and reach its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study evaluates previous research and frameworks that have been created to aid in the adoption of fintech by several stakeholders in developing nations, some of which have been tested in African nations with limited success. To begin with, the study suggests the use of the World Bank’s Maximising Finance for Development (MFD) approach through the prioritization of national ownership, creation of an enabling environment for private sector investment, partnering with multilateral development banks and other stakeholders, fostering innovation and digital literacy, and focusing on cost-effective, non-government guaranteed financing. In the same vein, in line with the G20’s High-Level Principles for Digital Financial Inclusion, the adoption of financial technologies and digital financial services in Africa can be promoted through the creation of a country-specific strategy. Each government can create a regulatory environment that encourages innovation and competition, improve its digital infrastructure, increase its digital literacy and awareness, and collaborate with private sector stakeholders to expand financial inclusion. Furthermore, The Better Than Cash Alliance’s strategy to increase fintech adoption can also be implemented through partnership with businesses, international organizations, and other nations. By joining the Alliance, countries can enact rules and regulations that facilitate fintech adoption, promote awareness and education, and design and execute national digital payment infrastructure with the help of fintech companies. Finally, the mSTAR initiative suggests collaborating with USAID, in order to provide support to underrepresented populations, incorporate digital financial services, increase public-private collaboration, and educate and train policymakers, practitioners, and technologists. By implementing these strategies, African nations can accelerate the adoption of fintech solutions and increase financial inclusion.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202305.0040.v1

The Roots of First-Generation Farmers: The Role of Inspiration in Starting an Organic Farm

Alia DeLong, Marilyn E. Swisher, Carlene A. Chase, Tracy Irani, Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: farmers; first-generation; decision-making; young farmers; beginning farmers

Online: 2 May 2023 (02:07:33 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202304.1042.v1

Improved Model for Predicting Food Safety Risks at Taiwan Border Using the Voting-Based Ensemble Method

Liya Wu, Fangming Liu, Songshun Weng, Wenchou Lin

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: machine learning; ensemble learning; border management; food safety; risk prediction

Online: 27 April 2023 (04:45:20 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202303.0022.v1

Decision-Making Underlying Support-Searching in Pea Plants

Qiuran Wang, Silvia Guerra, Bianca Bonato, Valentina Simonetti, Maria Bulgheroni, Umberto Castiello

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: decision-making; plant movement; kinematics; plant behavior

Online: 1 March 2023 (11:04:12 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202210.0395.v2

What Motivates Companies to Take the Decision to Decarbonise?

Stefan M. Buettner, Werner König, Frederick Vierhub-Lorenz, Marina Gilles

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: decarb-efficiency; decarbonisation; industrial energy saving; cost effectiveness; strategic decision-making; climate neutrality; net-zero; drivers; motivators; resilience

Online: 30 November 2022 (03:36:29 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202210.0395.v1

What Motivates Companies to Take the Decision to Decarbonise?

Stefan M. Buettner, Werner König, Frederick Vierhub-Lorenz, Marina Gilles

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: decarb-efficiency; decarbonisation; industrial energy saving; cost effectiveness; strategic decision-making; climate neutrality; net-zero; drivers; motivators; resilience

Online: 26 October 2022 (03:41:44 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202209.0341.v1

Performance Evaluation of Machine Learning Regressors for Estimating Real Estate House Prices

Marzieh Khosravi, Sadman Bin Arif, Ali Ghaseminejad, Hamed Tohidi, Hanieh Shabanian

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Real State; Regressors; Artificial Intelligence; Machine Learning; Data-informed; Boston

Online: 22 September 2022 (10:33:09 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202107.0004.v3

A Conceptual Framework for Constructing Decision Policies by Processing the Possibilities in Mental Models of Dynamic Systems with the Cognitive Theory of Mental Models

Martin FG. Schaffernicht, Miguel López-Astorga, Cristian A. Rojas-Barahona, Ramón D. Castillo

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Mental Models; Dynamic Decision Making; Systems Thinking; Learning

Online: 24 August 2022 (03:49:41 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202208.0146.v1

International Online Shopping: Countries Development Level Matter in Marketing Chinese Brands?

Karamoko K.E.H. N'da, Jiaoju Ge, Ren Ji Fan, Jia Wang

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: International Online Shopping; Countries' Level of Economic Development; International Online Consumers; Chinese mobile brands

Online: 8 August 2022 (10:23:07 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202206.0231.v1

Study on the Expansion of Flower and Seedling Industrial Cluster in Taobao Village Driven by Multi-Factors—Cases of the Shuyang County in China

Chenglong Guo

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: industrial cluster; Taobao Village; expansion mechanism

Online: 16 June 2022 (05:20:09 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202202.0043.v1

Core Elements Affecting Sharing Evidence From The European Union

Olga Lingaitienė, Virginija Grybaitė, Aurelija Burinskienė

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: sharing activity; Covid-19 impact; core elements; sustainable development

Online: 3 February 2022 (09:58:24 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202201.0083.v1

Modeling of Risk Aversion Linked to Renewable Energy Policy and Decision-Maker Behavior

Dieudonné Dieudo Ecike Ewanga

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Modeling; risk averse; decision maker; choice; strategy; utility

Online: 6 January 2022 (11:55:01 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202112.0098.v1

The Selection of the Best Deal for Sweet Potato Contract Farming under Directing of Multinomial Logit Model: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Ke-Fen Chang, Pei-Ing Wu, Je-Liang Liou, Shou-Lin Yang

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Theory of planned behavior; Psychological factors; Sociodemographic factors; Behavior; Broker; Professional farmer; Cooperative farm; Probit model; Multinomial logit model; Marginal effect

Online: 7 December 2021 (11:12:22 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202111.0434.v1

Investigation of the Participatory Approach to Decision Making for Urban Regeneration Intervention

Sumana - Jayaprakash, Vimala Swamy

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Investigation; citizens; urban context; Participation; regeneration

Online: 23 November 2021 (15:29:15 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202111.0029.v1

Estimation of Real-world Fuel Consumption Rate of Light-duty Vehicles Based on Big Data

Isabella Yunfei Zeng, Shiqi Tan, Jianliang Xiong, Xuesong Ding, Yawen Li, Tian Wu

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Real-world fuel consumption rate; machine learning; big data; light-duty vehicle; China

Online: 2 November 2021 (09:40:05 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202109.0433.v1

Leveraging Japanese Sado Island Farmers’ GIAHS Inclusivity by Understanding Their Perceived Involvement

Keshav Lall Maharjan, Clarisse Gonzalvo, Wilson Jr. Aala

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: GIAHS; farmer involvement; youth inclusivity; tourism management; Tokimai branding

Online: 24 September 2021 (12:48:06 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202108.0275.v1

Healthcare Priority-Setting in Essential Health Packages for Sexual Reproductive Health: Going Beyond the Commonly Prioritised Services

Warren Simangolwa, Kaymarlin Govender

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Healthcare Priority-setting; Health Technology Assessment; Essential Health Packages, Low to Middle Income Countries; Equity; Efficiency; Evidence-Informed Decision Making

Online: 12 August 2021 (13:14:51 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202012.0786.v1

A Path Model of the Intention to Adopt Variable Rate Irrigation in Northeast Italy

Maurizio Canavari, Marco Medici, Rungsaran Wongprawmas, Vilma Xhakollari, Silvia Russo

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Precision agriculture; Intention to adopt a technology; Attitudes towards the use of technology; Technology acceptance model; Variable rate irrigation; Fruit production; Grapevine production

Online: 31 December 2020 (10:10:50 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202012.0065.v1

A Pre-aggregation Fuzzy Collaborative Intelligence-based Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach for Selecting Alternative Suppliers amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Toly Chen, Hsin-Chieh Wu

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: group decision-making; fuzzy analytic hierarchy process; consensus; wafer foundry; COVID-19 pandemic

Online: 2 December 2020 (14:10:13 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202011.0036.v1

A Creative Living Lab for the Adaptive Re-use of the Morticelli Church: the SSMOLL project

Maria Cerreta, Ludovica La Rocca, Alessia Elefante

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Cultural Heritage; Adaptive Reuse; Urban Regeneration; Community-Based Approach; Decision-Making Process, Intrinsic Value

Online: 2 November 2020 (11:36:31 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202009.0193.v1

The Questions of Who, What, and How in the Science - Policy Dialogue: Experiences from the Pan - Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Ha Pham

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Science and policy - making; Environmental communication; Pan - Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Online: 9 September 2020 (03:13:14 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202008.0047.v2

Design Is How We Change the World! Can We Do It in Socially, Environmentally and Economically Acceptable Ways? Synthesizing Design Tools for This Utopian Concept

Kumaraswamy Ponnambalam, Abbas Seifi, Jamshid Mousavi

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: design for society; design for sustainability; design under uncertainty; circular design; donut economics; life cycle analysis

Online: 5 August 2020 (04:50:02 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Since the beginning, humans advanced their civilization by making better tools to improve their lives. Tools and products were designed for better living considering manufacturing issues, cost and time as predominant criteria. It has become clear that not considering environment and society, both at local/global levels, has now become a major impediment affecting living conditions on a large portion of the Earth and in many societies. Design methodologies should lead to creative solutions with consideration to engineering and economics for practicality but also to environmental and social constraints for sustainability. We propose a comprehensive design methodology based on multidisciplinary design to include the knowledge of humanities, environmentalists, science and engineering, and allowing for experts’ inputs from these areas to provide a holistic approach to engineering design . For example, experts in humanities are expected to interact with stakeholders to evaluate their value systems to provide guidance for the design. The methodology that we synthesize is new and combines (i) Societal level impacts at all scales, (ii) Environmental impacts and (iii) Engineering design with economic impacts, including uncertainty considerations. The proposed design methodology is called Social-Environmental-Economical-Engineering Framework (SEEEF). It can utilize concepts and tools such as Circular Design, Doughnut Economics, design based on environmental life cycle analysis, among others. SEEEF is quantity based and provides steps for evaluating any project or product in an objective manner and will help train engineers in design for sustainability. It also provides non-engineers with a significant role in design to increase their understanding of the hard constraints of engineering. Ultimately, SEEEF allows society to take an informed decision considering short/long term and local/global impacts of the design and the pertinent uncertainties.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202008.0086.v1

Syntropic Criterion for Removing Restrictions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Viktor Vyatkin

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: COVID-19; removing restrictions; syntropy; proportionality; number of diseases

Online: 4 August 2020 (11:04:29 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202008.0047.v1

Design Is How We Change the World! Can We Do It in Socially, Environmentally and Economically Acceptable Ways? Synthesizing Design Tools for This Utopian Concept

Kumaraswamy Ponnambalam, Abbas Seifi, Jamshid Mousavi

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: design for society; design for sustainability; design under uncertainty; circular design; donut economics; life cycle analysis

Online: 2 August 2020 (16:58:27 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202004.0550.v1

Strategic Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh: Comparative Lockdown Scenario Analysis, Public Perception, and Management Perspectives

Md. Bodrud-Doza, Mashura Shammi, Abu Islam, Md. Rahman

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: COVID-19; strategic management; scenario analysis; response plans; lockdown

Online: 30 April 2020 (22:47:23 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Global pandemic COVID-19 is in stage 4 of widespread local transmission in Bangladesh- the country which did not have a noteworthy health policy and legislative structures to combat COVID-19 like a pandemic. Early strategic planning and groundwork for evolving and established challenges are crucial to assemble resources and react in an appropriate timely manner. This article, therefore, focuses on the public perception of comparative lockdown scenario analysis and how they may affect the sustainable development and the strategic management regime of COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh socioeconomically. Response from 159 respondents was collected via a purposive sampling survey method through a questionnaire, and 54 statements were collected for scenario analysis. Datasets were analyzed through a set of statistical techniques including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), hierarchical Cluster Analysis (CA), Pearson’s correlation matrix (PCM), Linear regression analysis (LRA), and psychometric characteristics were included in the Classical Test Theory (CTT) analysis. There were good associations among the lockdown scenarios and response strategies to be formulated. A strong significant positive relationship was observed between people who will start moving towards regular life and the formal and informal economic activities will be started in lockdown scenario 1(r=0.671, p<0.01). The scenario one describes how the death and infection rate will increase if Govt withdraw the partial lockdown before 40 to 50 days. Scenario 2 outlines people’s movement will enable low-level community transmission of COVID-19 with the infection and death rate will increase slowly (r=0.540, p<0.01). Moreover, there will be less supply of necessities of daily use with a price hike (r= 0.680, p<0.01). Scenario 3, full lock down will reduce the community transmission and death from COVID-19 (r=0.545, p<0.01). Moreover, along with the other problems gender discrimination and gender-based violence will increase rapidly (r=0.661, p<0.01). Form regression analysis, due to full lockdown, the formal and informal business, economy and education sector will be hampered severely (R=0.695), there was a strong association between the loss of livelihood and unemployment rate will increase due to business shutdown (p<0.01) and poor communities both in urban and rural areas will be affected severely (p<0.01).All these will further aggravate the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable groups in the country in the coming months to be followed which needs to be dealt with proper response plans. It will undoubtedly affect the targets of global sustainable development goals (SDGs) of 2030 and all other development targets.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202003.0009.v1

Assessing Sustainability Performance at the Farm Level: Examples from Greek Agricultural Systems

Irene Tzouramani, Stamatis Mantziaris, Pavlos Karanikolas

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: sustainability assessment; farm level; AHP methodology; Greece

Online: 1 March 2020 (11:40:37 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202002.0101.v1

Accessibility to Food Retailers: The Case of Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Camila Soares Henrique Fontanele Garcia, Renata Lúcia Magalhães de Oliveira, Paulo Henrique Góes Pinto

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: accessibility; food service facilities; grocery retailers; city logistics; last-mile delivery

Online: 8 February 2020 (05:48:17 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint CONCEPT PAPER | doi:10.20944/preprints202001.0339.v1

Choices We Make: Rethinking Decision-making in the Context of Climate Crisis

Patrick Waeber, Natasha Stoudmann, Jaboury Ghazoul, Lucienne Wilmé, Jeffrey Sayer, Carlos Nobre, John Innes, Claude Garcia

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: decision-making; change; behavior; climate change; deforestation; social norms; lobbyist, climate denier

Online: 28 January 2020 (10:44:27 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201912.0124.v1

Improving Irrigation Water Use Efficiency of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) Production in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam

Nguyen Dinh Tien, Tran Nhat Lam Duyen, Pham Thu Thuy, Roberto F. Rañola Jr., Nguyen An Thinh

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Data Envelopment Analysis; efficiency; irrigation water; Robusta coffee; Vietnam

Online: 10 December 2019 (03:43:13 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201906.0072.v1

Quantile Regression with Telematics Information to Assess the Risk of Driving Above the Posted Speed Limit

Ana M. Pérez-Marin, Montserrat Guillen, Manuela Alcañiz, Lluís Bermúdez

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: telematics; motor insurance; speed control; accident prevention

Online: 10 June 2019 (09:08:04 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201906.0018.v1

The role of women in production and management of RTB crops in Rwanda and Burundi: Do men decide, and women work?

Joshua Okonya, Netsayi Mudege, Anne Rietveld, Anastase Nduwayezu, Deo Kantungeko, Bernadette Hakizimana, John Nyaga, Guy Blomme, James Legg, Juergen Kroschel

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: banana; cassava; potato; sweet potato; gender division-of-labour; decision-making

Online: 3 June 2019 (10:14:15 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201810.0740.v2

Exploring how Homophily and Accessibility can Facilitate Polarization in Social Networks

Cameron Taylor, Alexander V. Mantzaris, Ivan Garibay

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: political polarization; echo-chambers; social networks; binary voter model; discussion dynamics; opinion dynamics model

Online: 17 December 2018 (10:11:31 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201810.0740.v1

Exploring how Homophily and Accessibility can Facilitate Polarization in Social Networks

Cameron E. Taylor, Alexander V. Mantzaris, Ivan Garibay

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: political polarization; echo-chambers; social networks; binary voter model; discussion dynamics; opinion dynamics model

Online: 31 October 2018 (08:18:52 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201807.0563.v1

Optimum Technology Product Life Cycle Technology Innovation Investment—Using Compound Binomial Options

Chuan-Chuan Ko, Tyrone T. Lin, Fu-Min Zeng, Chien-Yu Liu

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: technological innovation; cloud computing; compound binomial options; investment risk; uncertainty

Online: 30 July 2018 (07:40:39 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201806.0494.v1

The Determinants of Optional Insurance Coverage with FlexibleSpending Accounts in Post-Affordable Care Act-USA

Ibrahim Niankara

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: Aordable Care Act, Flexible Spending Accounts, Insurance Coverage, Multiple Service Plans

Online: 29 June 2018 (16:10:38 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201805.0010.v3

Sustainability as Source of Competitive Advantages in Mature Sectors: The Case of Ceramic District of Sassuolo (Italy)

Davide Settembre-Blundo, Fernando E. García-Muiña, Martina Pini, Lucrezia Volpi, Cristina Siligardi, Anna Maria Ferrari

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: sustainability; competitive advantage, Sassuolo tile ceramic district; Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA); Italian ceramic industry; meso-economic level; interpretative method

Online: 13 June 2018 (09:49:25 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Talking about sustainable development refers mainly to the environmental sphere, but the concept is much broader and also takes into account the social and economic conditions. The concept of sustainability, in this sense, is linked to the compatibility between the development of economic activities, the related social phenomena, and the protection of the environment. Therefore, the ability to balance social, economic and environmental sustainability is the very meaning of the concept of sustainable development. Firms that choose to develop policies and strategies to enhance and pursue sustainable development in the medium to long term have the burden of having to quantitatively document the improvements in production processes with the aim of sustainable development. As a result, one of the biggest challenges for European industry is to introduce sustainability principles into business models leading to competitive advantage. This is particularly important in raw material and energy intensive manufacturing sectors such as the ceramic industry. The present state of knowledge lacks a comprehensive operational tool for industry to support decision-making processes geared towards sustainability. In the ceramic sector, the economic and social dimensions of the product and processes have not yet been given sufficient importance. Moreover, the traditional research on industrial districts lacks an analysis of the relations between firms and the territory with a view to sustainability. Finally, the attention of scholars in the field of economic and social sustainability, has not yet turned to the analysis of the Sassuolo district. Therefore, in this paper we introduce the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), as a method that can be a suitable tool to fill this gap, because through a mathematical model it is possible to obtain the information useful for decision makers to integrate the principles of sustainability both at the microeconomic level in enterprises, and at the meso-economic level for the definition of economic policies and territorial governance. Environmental and socio-economic analysis was performed from the extraction of raw materials to the packaging of the product on different product categories manufactured by the Italian ceramic industries of the Sassuolo district (northern Italy). For the first time the LCSA model, usually applied to unitary processes, is extended to the economic and industrial activities of the entire district, extending the prospect of investigation from the enterprise and its value chain to the integrated network of district enterprises.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201805.0306.v1

Farmers’ Net Income Distribution and Regional Vulnerability to Climate Change: An Empirical Study of Bangladesh

Md. Shah Alamgir, Jun Furuya, Shintaro Kobayashi, Mostafiz Rubaiya Binte, Md. Abdus Salam

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: income distribution; cost distribution; vulnerable region; adaptation measures; Bangladesh

Online: 22 May 2018 (12:54:33 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Widespread poverty is the most serious threat and social problem that Bangladesh faces. Regional vulnerability to climate change threatens to escalate the magnitude of this poverty. It is essential that projections of poverty be made while bearing in mind the effects of climate change. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the agrarian sub-national regional analysis of climate change vulnerability in Bangladesh under various climate change scenarios and its potential impact on poverty. This study is relevant to socio-economic research on climate change vulnerability and agriculture risk management and has the potential to contribute new insights to the complex interactions in household income and climate change risks to agricultural communities in Bangladesh and South Asia. The current study uses analysis of variance, cluster analysis, decomposition of variance and log-normal distribution to estimate the parameters of income variability that ascertain vulnerability levels and help us to understand the poverty levels that climate change could potentially incur. It is found that the income share in income sources revealed that income category shares across the various regions of Bangladesh are far from uniform. The variance decomposition of income showed that agricultural income in Mymensingh and Rangpur is the main cause of income difference. Moreover, large variance of agricultural income in the regions is induced by gross income from rice production. Additionally, constant reduction of rice yield due to climate change in Bangladesh is not such a severe problem for farmers, however, the extreme events like flood, flash flood, drought, sea level rise, and greenhouse gas emission based on RCPs could increase the poverty rates in Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Barisal, and Khulna regions that would be highly affected by unexpected yield loss due to extreme climatic events. Therefore, research and development of adaptation measures to climate change for regions where farmers are largely dependent on agricultural income is important.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201805.0010.v1

Territorial Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (T-LCSA) of Sassuolo Industrial District (Italy)

Davide Settembre-Blundo, Fernando E. García-Muiña, Martina Pini, Lucrezia Volpi, Cristina Siligardi, Anna Maria Ferrari

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: sustainability; Territorial Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (T-LCSA); Sassuolo industrial district; Italian ceramic industry; meso-economic level; interpretative method

Online: 1 May 2018 (12:04:34 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201804.0314.v1

Application of AHP and DEMATEL Methods in Choosing and Analysing the Measures for the Distribution of Goods in Szczecin Region

Kinga Kijewska, Witold Torbacki, Stanisław Iwan

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: urban freight transport; city logistics; decision making process; multi-actor decision support; Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis; MCDA; Analytic Hierarchy Process; AHP; Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Method; DEMATEL

Online: 24 April 2018 (09:19:37 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201804.0062.v1

Transdisciplinary Research: Collaborative Leadership and Empowerment towards the Sustainability of Push-Pull Technology

Isaac Mbeche Nyang'au, Girma Kelboro, Anna-Katharina Hornidge, Charles A.O. Midega, Christian Borgemeister

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: collaboration; leadership; push-pull technology; sustainability; transdisciplinary research; Ethiopia

Online: 5 April 2018 (04:47:49 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Transdisciplinary research approach requires that different scientists with their discipline-specific theories, concepts and methods find ways to work together with other societal players to solve a real-life problem. In order to put this into practice, Trans-disciplinary Action Research (TDR) approach was applied in this study using Push pull technology (PPT) as a boundary object. The study was conducted in Bako Tibe, Jimma arjo and Yayu Woredas (Districts) in the Oromia region of Ethiopia from August 2014 to April 2015. PPT is a biological based mechanism developed by researchers for stemborer pest control in maize. It involves inter-cropping maize with a stemborer moth-repellent silverleaf or Greenleaf Desmodium (push), and planting an attractive trap crop, Napier or Brachiaria grass (pull), around the maize crop. On farm PPT implementation was used to provide an opportunity for collaboration, interaction and learning among heterogeneous set of stakeholders comprising of researchers from Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural research and the practitioners from the ministry of agriculture and smallholder farmers/traders. The data was collected using mixed methods approach comprising of key informant interviews, Focus Group discussions, workshops, on-farm practical demonstrations and participant observations. The findings shows that; collaborative leadership provides a chance for the stakeholders to participate in the technology learning and decision making by enabling them to jointly contribute skills towards development, refinement and adaptation of PPT. In situations where there are conflicts, they are embraced and become opportunities for in-depth learning, finding solutions and adaptation rather than being sources of contradictions or misunderstandings. Leadership roles taken by farmers play a key role in terms of ability to reflect on their own practices and drawing on scientific explanations from researchers. It also enables them take lead in new technology implementation and information sharing in free and easy manner with fellow farmers and other stakeholders. Although PPT perennial nature of cropping provides opportunities for continuous stakeholder interaction and learning, it requires a personally committed leadership and formal institutional engagements for the sustainability of its activities spanning over several cropping seasons. Market forces and the involvement of private sector players also has a role to achieve this as shown from the involvement of individual farmers and traders in Desmodium and Brachiaria seed production, collection and distribution.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201709.0111.v1

Proposing a Framework for Airline Service Quality Evaluation Using Type-2 Fuzzy TOPSIS and Non-parametric Analysis

Navid Haghighat

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: airline service quality; passenger satisfaction; non-parametric analysis; Type-2 Fuzzy Set; Fuzzy TOPSIS

Online: 22 September 2017 (16:34:11 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

This paper focuses on evaluating airline service quality from the perspective of passengers view. Until now a lot of researches has performed in airline service quality evaluation in the world but a little research has been conducted in Iran, yet. In this research a framework for measuring airline service quality in Iran is proposed. After reviewing airline service quality criteria, SSQAI model was selected because of its comprehensiveness in covering airline service quality dimensions. SSQAI questionnaire items were redesigned to adopt with Iranian airlines requirements and environmental circumstances in the Iran's economic and cultural context. This study includes fuzzy decision-making theory, considering the possible fuzzy subjective judgment of the evaluators during airline service quality evaluation. Fuzzy TOPSIS have been applied for ranking airlines service quality performances. Three major Iranian airlines which have the most passenger transfer volumes in domestic and foreign flights, were chosen for evaluation in this research. Results demonstrated Mahan airline has got the best service quality performance rank in gaining passengers' satisfaction with delivery of high quality services to its passengers, among the three major Iranian airlines. IranAir and Aseman airlines placed in the second and third rank, respectively, according to passenger's evaluation.Statistical analysis have been used in analyzing passenger responses. Due to abnormality of data, Non-parametric tests were applied. To demonstrate airline ranks in every criterion separately, Friedman test was performed. Variance analysis and Tukey test were applied to study the influence of increasing in age and educational level of passengers' on degree of their satisfaction from airline's service quality. Results showed that age has not significant relation with passenger satisfaction of airlines, however increasing in educational level demonstrated a negative impact on passengers' satisfaction from airline's service quality.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201708.0053.v1

Determinants of the Acceptance of Sustainable Production Strategies in Conventional and Organic Dairying in Europe: An Empirical Analysis

Simona Naspetti, Serena Mandolesi, Jeroen Buysse, Terhi Latvala, Philippa Nicholas, Susanne Padel, Ellen J. Van Loo, Raffaele Zanoli

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: dairy farming; sustainability; organic farming; technology acceptance model; structural equation modeling

Online: 14 August 2017 (06:27:08 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201703.0035.v1

Models of Automation Surprise: Results of a Field Survey in Aviation

Robert J. de Boer, Sidney W. A. Dekker

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: aviation automation; automation surprise; cognition; complacency; bias

Online: 6 March 2017 (17:59:48 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201609.0030.v1

Decision and Coordination of Carbon Emissions Reduction Strategy in a Two-Echelon Supply Chain Considering Vertical Technology Spillovers

Lang XU, Chuanxu WANG, Hui LI

Subject: Social Sciences, Decision Sciences Keywords: carbon emissions reduction; technology spillover; game theory; supply chain coordination

Online: 8 September 2016 (11:39:40 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share