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Research on Ethical Risks of Digital Technology and Mitigation Strategies on Smart Construction Sites
Get PDFWith the widespread application of digital technologies on smart construction sites, ethical risks have become increasingly prominent, potentially provoking strong negative public sentiment and impeding the project process. This study investigates the ethical risks associated with digital technologies on smart construction sites and examines the mechanisms shaping public perceptions of these risks. Employing clear set qualitative comparative analysis (csQCA) and analyzing 30 actual cases, the study identifies key combinations of conditions that trigger public perceptions of ethical risk. The results show that high ethical risks on smart construction sites are not attributed to any single condition in a linear fashion, but rather emerge through three distinct pathways. Based on these findings, we recommend that, in promoting the development of smart construction site technologies, stakeholders should enhance technological supervision, strengthen data protection, and improve communication and coordination among all parties in the construction industry. Additionally, it is necessary to establish an ethical governance framework that incorporates the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing dynamic governance and worker participation. This study provides both a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for balancing technological innovation with ethical risk prevention on smart construction site practices
Response to the Effects of Drought Spell on Livelihoods of Agro-Pastoralists in Northern Ghana
Get PDFClimate shocks remains a threat to the livelihoods of agro-pastoralists in Africa, given that crop and livestock farming in the continent are mainly rain-fed. Thus, erratic rainfalls and temperatures are environmental factors bedeviling agro-pastoralism. In Ghana, northern Ghana is the food basket of the country, with over 70% of the labour force engaged in agriculture, producing both crops and livestock. Unfortunately, this part of the country for a long time has suffered from the perennial floods and droughts. In the 2024 farming season, there was a prolong drought in northern Ghana spanning for almost 50 days. In response, the government of Ghana commissioned the registration of farmers for support. However, this support was mainly limited to crop lost, with little emphasis on livestock lost. In view of this, CLIP commissioned a study to assess the effect of the drought spell on agro-pastoralists’ livelihoods in the five regions of northern Ghana. The objectives of the study are to examine agro-pastoralists drought experience, determine the perceived effect of the drought spell on agro-pastoralists’ livelihoods, and identify and analyse agro-pastoralists’ drought adaptation strategies. The study relied on primary quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was collected through a survey with 745 agro-pastoralists using survey questionnaire, randomly selected from 22 districts from the five northern regions. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with 22 District Livestock Officers using unstructured interview guide and also interviews with the agro-pastoralists. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and charts. The results show that over 98% of agro-pastoralists experienced the drought for an average of 28 days and a maximum of 41 days, with agro-pastoralists in the Upper East region experiencing the longest drought periods of over 32 days. The results further showed that agro-pastoralists’ livelihoods were severely impacted adversely by the drought. The effect of the drought on their livelihoods manifest in the form of reduced pasture availability, stunting and mortality of livestock, increased competition over water and crop residue, outbreak of diseases among livestock, increased cost of livestock feed, and reduced farm income. Though the government of Ghana registered some farmers affected by the drought for support, only 21% of agro-pastoralists interviewed were captured in this registration. Yet, the government’s promised support targets crop lost, rather than livestock lost. Over 76% of agro-pastoralists are either not expecting any external support or not sure if there will ever be an external support for them to recover from the adverse effect of the drought. This renders their livelihoods more vulnerable to climatic shocks. Finally, the results showed that the main strategies adopted by agro-pastoralists to adapt to the effects of the drought spell are: buying more fodder for their livestock, migrating to other communities in search for pasture and water, and selling off some livestock. These strategies are not sustainable given that migrating to other communities has implications on farmer-herder relations, buying more fodder has cost implications for agro-pastoralists and selling off livestock may deplete the stock. Based on the prevailing drought spell effects on agro-pastoralists livelihoods, the policy implication is for governmental and non-governmental organisations to be intentional about the climate change effect on livelihoods of agro-pastoralists by setting up special funds to support agro-pastoralists during climate shocks such as drought and/or floods. 
Demographic Factors and Their Association with Cultivation of Dry Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris) in Smallholder Irrigation Schemes at Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province of South Africa
Get PDFThe study was conducted at upper Mutale valley and Madimbo corridor irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprise. The purpose of the study was to investigate a demographic impact on the cultivation of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprise. The questionnaire was developed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data at these two smallholder irrigation schemes, and administered on face-to-face interviews which embrace both open- and close-ended questions. A representative sample was based on the number of plot holders as per irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprise led by women and youth (ISHAE-WY). At least 294 women and youth plot holders were sampled for interviews and prompt responses on the investigate a demographic impact on the cultivation of dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in smallholder irrigation schemes. Chi-square test was used as descriptive analysis method through application of Fischer Exact test. The study showed weak association between gender (φ = 0.097, p = 0.096), age (φ = 0.152, p = 0.033), education (φ = 0.182, p = 0.022), and income (φ = 0.081, p = 0.163) with the planting of dry beans in ISHAE-WY. In conclusion, trends based on participation to plant dry beans shows the potential for youth to middle aged, <60 years ISHAE-WY with no primary education and obtaining less than R5 000 through dry beans production. The study also suggests empowerment programs for women and youth through literacy support and training in dry bean production practices at ISHAE-WY
Effect and Mechanism of Biochar Amendment on Saline-Alkali Soils
Get PDFThis study investigates the dual impacts of biochar amendment on the physicochemical properties and microbial community of saline-alkali soils, and delves into the underlying mechanisms. Field plots were established in a representative saline-alkali region, with treatments varying in biochar feedstock and application rate. Soil pH, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, and soluble salt concentration were monitored, while high-throughput sequencing was used to assess shifts in microbial community structure and functional gene abundance. Results showed that biochar significantly reduced soil pH, increased organic matter, improved aggregate stability, and curtailed soluble salt migration. On the microbial level, biochar enhanced bacterial diversity and the abundance of key functional taxa, enriching genes related to nitrogen and phosphorus cycling. Mechanistic analysis indicates that biochar’s porous structure and surface functional groups regulate soil moisture retention and nutrient adsorption, while providing a stable habitat for microbes. These synergistic effects collectively elevate saline-alkali soil quality. The findings enrich the theoretical framework for biochar-based soil remediation and offer scientific guidance for the efficient utilization and sustainable management of saline-alkali lands
The Risk Spillover Effect of China's Financial Market and Real Economy——Based on Network Correlation Analysis
Get PDFFinancial security is crucial for the development of the Chinese economy owing to the complex interconnections between the financial market and the real economy. This study employs the generalized variance decomposition method to construct a two-way risk spillover model between China’s financial market and the real economy. It investigates the two-way risk spillover trans- 4 mission and risk hedging in different markets when facing external shocks over the past four years. Firstly, following external shocks, both the overall market’s total risk spillover and individual markets’ risk spillover exhibit different characteristics and effects across various periods. Secondly, convertible bonds in the bond market, along with the securities lending, margin trading and short selling in the stock market, are identified as key channels for cross-market financial transmission. This study underscores the importance of coordinated economic growth and financial risk management, thereby enhancing our understanding of the relationship between China’s financial markets and the real economy
Research on the Influence of Technological Innovation Capability of Enterprises on Financial Performance under Financial Intelligence
Get PDFBased on the data of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2017 to 2020, this paper empirically examines the impact of corporate technological innovation capability on financial performance under financial intelligence. It is found that technological innovation capability significantly improves financial performance, and performance increases by 7.07% for every 1% increase in R&D expenditure. Preceding financial performance forms a dynamic gain effect by driving innovation, and the intensity of the effect decreases to 2.97% after endogenous correction. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect of SOEs is weaker than that of non-SOEs (0.0611 vs 0.119), the effect is stronger in the East and West due to resource adaptation and policy tilt (0.102, 0.135), and the Northeast is not significant due to structural constraints. It is suggested that enterprises should strengthen R&D investment and data integration, optimize business-finance synergy and capital risk control based on intelligent technology, and formulate appropriate strategies based on regional and organizational differences. The conclusion provides theoretical and practical support for the transformation of corporate finance in the era of digital economy
The Impact of Digital Financial Literacy on Older Households' Pension Financial Asset Allocation—Evidence from China
Get PDFWith the population aging, the importance of pension finance has become increasingly prominent. However, Chinese elderly households' participation in the pension finance market is relatively low, with a single asset allocation structure. Based on data from the China Household Finance Survey, this paper examines the impact of digital financial literacy on the allocation of Pension financial assets of elderly households. The study found that increased digital financial literacy significantly promotes older households' participation in the pension finance market, allocation of commercial pension insurance, and a more diversified portfolio of financial assets. In addition, digital financial literacy influences older households' pension financial asset allocation behavior by increasing their financial accessibility and enhancing social interactions. The study also found that digital financial literacy contributes more strongly to allocating financial assets for retirement in older urban households
Student Experiences in Institutions of Higher learning: A Case Study of Uganda’s Leading Architecture Programme
Get PDFStudent experience has a strategic importance to any institution of higher learning, as it can potentially impact on the institution’s reputation, as well as long-term sustainability. The present study is an exploration of student experiences in higher institutions of learning in Uganda, taking Makerere University Architecture School (MUAS) as the case study. Using a mixed-method research approach, the study sought to evaluate students' perspectives on the architectural teaching program and their extent of success at MUAS. The study focused on 70 graduates from Makerere University's architectural program, specifically those who completed the programme within five years. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. In the findings, students revealed that the program placed significant academic and psychological demands on them throughout the five-year duration. They revealed the intense workload, unclear academic expectations, and the emotional strain caused by harsh critique and punitive course-retake policies of the university. Equally concerning were the strained relationships between students and tutors, with over half describing these as difficult or very difficult. The physical and resource environment was identified as a critical barrier to student success. Inadequate teaching-studio spaces, lack of fulltime access, insufficient workshops, and outdated equipment have a serious impact on their innovation as Architecture students. Recommendations include revision of the curriculum to achieve a better balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Others are infrastructural improvements, such as upgrading and expanding studio spaces to provide dedicated, fulltime accessible workspace will encourage creativity and collaboration and the establishment of well-equipped workshops and digital fabrication labs
Analyzing the Effectiveness of China's Monetary Policy Transmission Channels through Financial Asset Prices Based on the VAR Model
Get PDFThe effective transmission of monetary policy is critical to a country's economic development. This study empirically examines the transmission mechanism of monetary policy via financial asset prices by employing a Vector Autoregression (VAR) model. The findings reveal that the current relationship between China's stock market and economic fundamentals is weak, hindering the stock market's potential to serve as a robust transmission channel for monetary policy. Consequently, it is imperative to further advance interest rate liberalization and to foster the continued development and improvement of the capital market. Additionally, the study identifies a time lag in the transmission of monetary policy, highlighting the importance of expectation management by the central bank in the formulation of economic policy
China Telecom 5G Analysis On The Path To Improve User Quality Satisfaction
Get PDFWith the rapid development of 5G technology, the telecommunications industry faces significant opportunities and challenges. Key factors such as user expectations, quality perception, value perception, and user satisfaction influence the competitiveness and market share of telecom companies. This paper, based on user behavior theory, examines the relationships between these factors and their impact on user loyalty. The findings provide theoretical and practical guidance for telecom marketing strategies in the 5G era, helping companies understand user needs, improve service quality, and enhance loyalty, ultimately promoting long-term growth