Indonesia, an emerging archipelagic nation, possesses abundant natural resources spanning marine, land (including forests and water sources), and diverse biological riches. The agricultural sector emerges as a pivotal driver of growth across the country, exhibiting extensive distribution. Consequently, there is an urgent imperative for comprehensive research to bolster and optimize the performance of this sector. This study aims to meticulously analyze and scrutinize macroeconomic variables aimed at enhancing Indonesia’s agricultural sector. Through the utilization of a dynamic panel model, the study zeroes in on crucial variables: economic growth in the agricultural sector, farmer terms of exchange, human development index, population density, inflation, average daily wages, and lagged economic growth data from each province in Indonesia. The best model for dynamic panel testing, employing both First Difference Generalized Method of Moments (FD-GMM) and Generalized Method of Moments System (SYS-GMM) approaches, is identified as the SYS-GMM model. This model exhibits unbiased and consistent estimation, as evidenced by the Arellano-Bond (AB) test and Sargan test results. The analysis conducted using this selected model reveals notable findings. Lagging agricultural sector performance, human capital measured by the Human Development Index (HDI), and farmers’ exchange rates are found to significantly and positively influence the economic growth of the agricultural sector. Conversely, inflation exerts a significant and negative impact on sectoral growth. However, wage levels and population density do not demonstrate a significant partial effect on the economic growth of the agricultural sector.

The study examines the relationship between EPS and the gearing ratios and return on equity (ROE) ratio of 9 public listed firms on the Malaysian Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2022 financial years. The firms are selected at random. From this study it was established that there is a negative relation between EPS and gearing and a positive relation between EPS and ROE. Companies that want to attract more investors need to keep their gearing ratio low and increase the return on equity ratio high. To obtain the benefits of gearing or external funding, there need to be a balance between equity and debts. There is no one optimal balance between debt and equity. This balance is difference for each company and the sector they operate in. It is important for managers of companies to find the optimal balance between debt and equity, unique to their company.

Introduction: The digital era has ushered in transformative changes across industries, with the real estate sector being a pivotal focus. In Guangdong Province, China, real estate enterprises are at the forefront of this digital revolution, navigating the complexities of technological integration and market adaptation. This study delves into the intricacies of digital transformation and its profound implications for the financial performance of these enterprises. The rapid evolution of digital technologies necessitates examining how such advancements redefine operational strategies and financial outcomes within the real estate landscape. The inclusion of government support as a variable in our study is deliberate and stems from its profound influence on shaping the digital landscape. Government policies and initiatives provide a regulatory framework and offer strategic direction and financial incentives that catalyze digital adoption and integration within the real estate sector. By examining the moderating effect of government support, this study aims to uncover the nuanced interplay between policy-driven environments and the financial performance of enterprises undergoing digital transformation. This exploration is essential to understanding the broader implications of public policy on private-sector innovation and growth. Objectives: The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of digital transformation on the financial performance of Guangdong’s real estate enterprises, with a specific focus on return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). Additionally, this study aims to scrutinize the role of government support as a potential moderator in the relationship between digital transformation and financial success. The research seeks to provide actionable insights for policymakers and industry players by understanding these dynamics. The digital transformation of Guangdong’s real estate sector presents a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities that shape the industry’s evolution. On one hand, the integration of innovative digital technologies into established operational frameworks poses significant challenges. These include the need for substantial investment in new infrastructure, the imperative for a cultural shift towards digital literacy across the workforce, and the continuous demand for upskilling to remain agile in an increasingly digital market. On the other hand, digital transformation affords manifold opportunities. For instance, enhanced operational efficiencies through automation and data analytics offer substantial benefits in terms of cost savings and process optimization. Furthermore, leveraging data-driven insights enables more informed strategic decision-making, which is critical in a competitive real estate market. The capacity to innovate service offerings by tapping into digital platforms and customer relationship management systems also presents a significant opportunity for real estate enterprises to differentiate themselves and capture new market segments. Methods: This study explores the digital transformation of real estate firms in Guangdong, highlighting government support as a critical moderator. Findings show that digital initiatives improve company performance, with government backing amplifying these benefits. Regional disparities in support suggest a need for tailored strategies, indicating the importance of policy in driving digital adoption and innovation in the sector. The study advises firms to leverage local policies and policymakers to address regional imbalances for equitable digital transformation. This study uses a sample of 28 real estate enterprises in Guangdong Province from 2012 to 2022. Panel data analysis with a fixed effects model tests the hypotheses. The study also conducts robustness checks by replacing the key variables. Results: The findings indicate that digital transfo

Modelling and simulation have now become standard methods that serve to cut the economic costs of R&D for novel advanced systems. This paper introduces the study of modelling and simulation of the infrared thermography process to detect defects in the hydroelectric penstock. A 3-D penstock model was built in ANSYS version 19.2.0. Flat bottom holes of different sizes and depths were created on the inner surface of the model as an optimal scenario to represent the subsurface defect in the penstock. The FEM was applied to mimic the heat transfer in the proposed model. The model’s outer surface was excited at multiple excitation frequencies by a sinusoidal heat flux, and the thermal response of the model was presented in the form of thermal images to show the temperature contrast due to the presence of defects. The harmonic approximation method was applied to calculate the phase angle, and its relationship with respect to defect depth and defect size was also studied. The results confirmed that the FEM model has led to a better understanding of lock-in infrared thermography and can be used to detect subsurface defects in the hydroelectric penstock.

The environmental issue of single-use plastic is extremely discussed due to waste accumulation and the consumption of non-renewable resources. This study aims to investigate the properties of bioplastic compared to petroleum-based plastic. Two stages of stretch blow molding were used to fabricate polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and bio-polyethylene terephthalate (Bio-PET) bottles. The shelf life extension of chili sauce paste stored in PET and Bio-PET containers with an oxygen scavenger at 45 ℃ in an accelerated condition was investigated. After twelve weeks, the chili sauce paste stored in the container bottle was observed. PET and Bio-PET bottles without oxygen scavengers were also determined as a control for comparison. The result showed that both PET and Bio-PET bottles with oxygen scavengers could prolong the quality of chili sauce paste similarly, meaning that PET could be replaced by Bio-PET as a chili sauce paste container. Other properties, such as thickness gauge, color, leak test, drop test, and close-open force of the container bottle, were also verified to check the product quality standard.