Using the rank scale rule, taking 47 major port cities in China from 2001 to 2015 as research samples, this paper discusses the rank scale characteristics and hierarchical structure of coastal port city system from a multi-functional perspective, and divides the coupling type of multi-functional development based on shipping logistics. The research shows that: 1) from 2001 to 2015, the scale-free area of manufacturing function order scale distribution in the coastal port city system appeared bifractal structure, the hierarchical segmentation characteristics appeared, and the other functions were single fractal; From the perspective of long-term evolution, only the order and scale distribution of shipping logistics function has developed from centralization to equilibrium, while the business function, manufacturing function (scale-free region I), modern service function and population distribution function are in a centralized situation. 2) The hierarchical structure of coastal port city system has gradually changed from pyramid structure to spindle structure, and generally formed five levels: national hub, regional hub, regional sub center, regional node and local node. 3) From the perspective of multi-functional coupling types, the traditional functions of port cities are generally ahead, while the high-end service functions lag behind, and the improvement speed of urban functions is slow and tends to be flat, indicating that the multi-functional development of China’s coastal port cities is still at a low level, and the industrial system structure needs to be further optimized. 4) From the perspective of port cities at different levels, the functions of regional hub cities and regional sub central cities are in the stage of rapid growth; regional and local node cities are still in the growth stage of traditional functions such as industry and commerce.

This paper provides a comprehensive review of SURF (speeded up robust features) feature descriptor, commonly used technique for image feature extraction. The SURF algorithm has obtained significant popularity because to its robustness, efficiency, and invariance to various image transformations. In this paper, an in-depth analysis of the underlying principles of SURF, its key components, and its use in computer vision tasks such as object recognition, image matching, and 3D reconstruction are proposed. Furthermore, we discuss recent advancements and variations of the SURF algorithm and compare it with other popular feature descriptors. Through this review, the aim is to provide a clear understanding of the SURF feature descriptor and its significance in the area of computer vision.

Developing Asia’s infrastructure gap results from both inadequate public resources and a lack of effective channels to mobilize private resources toward desired outcomes. The public-private partnership (PPP) mechanism has evolved to fill the infrastructure gap. However, PPP projects are often at risk of becoming distressed, or worst, being terminated because of the long-term nature of contracts and the many different stakeholders involved. This paper applies survival-time hazard analysis to estimate how project-related, macroeconomic, and institutional factors affect the hazard rate of the projects. Empirical results show that government’s provision of guarantees, involvement of multilateral development banks, and existence of a dedicated PPP unit are important for a project’s success. Privately initiated proposals should be regulated and undergo competitive bidding to reduce the hazard rate of the project and the corresponding burden to the government. Economic growth leads to successful project outcomes. Improved legal and institutional environment can ensure PPP success.

Given the growing significance of the metaverse in research, it is crucial to understand its scope, relevance in the tourism industry, and the human-computer interaction it involves. The emerging field of metaverse tourism has a noticeable research gap, limiting a comprehensive understanding of the concept. This article addresses this gap by conducting a hybrid systematic review, including a variable-oriented literature review, to assess the extent and scope of metaverse tourism. A scrutiny on Scopus identified a reduced number of relevant documents. The analysis exposes theoretical and empirical gaps, along with promising opportunities in the metaverse and tourism intersection. These insights contribute to shaping a contemporary research agenda, emphasizing metaverse tourism. While this study offers an overview of current research in metaverse tourism, it is essential to recognize that this field is still in its early stages, marked by the convergence of technology and transformations in tourism. This exploration underscores the challenges and opportunities arising from the evolving narrative of metaverse tourism.

The flipped classroom (FC) model has long brought significant benefits to higher education, secondary, and elementary education, particularly in improving the quality and effectiveness of learning. However, the implementation of FC model to support elementary students in developing self-learning skills (autonomous learning, independent study, self-directed learning) through technology still faces numerous challenges in Vietnam due to various influencing factors. Data for the study were collected through direct questionnaires and online surveys from 517 teachers at elementary schools in Da Nang, Vietnam. Based on SEM analysis, the study identified factors such as perceived usefulness, accessibility, desire, teaching style, and facilitating conditions. The research findings indicate that factors like the perceived effectiveness of the model, teaching style, and facilitating conditions have a positive correlation with the decision to adopt the FC model. Therefore, to encourage the use of the FC model in teaching, it is essential to raise awareness of the model’s effectiveness, improve teaching styles, and create favorable conditions for implementation.