The COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse impact on the mental health of frontline workers including firefighters. To better understand this occurrence, this cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among 105 operational team and elite team firefighters in Kota Bharu, Kelantan State, Malaysia before and after the pandemic. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), a validated self-reporting survey tool, was used to assess symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among the survey respondents. Findings revealed that firefighters had an increased level of anxiety and depression during the post-pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period. However, there was a decrease in the stress levels (20%) reported by study participants. Respondents belonging to the operational team had a higher reported level of depression, anxiety, and stress than those from the elite team. This may be attributed the operational team being more exposed to the risk of COVID-19 infection on account of their routine and more voluminous workload. The findings of this study suggest that firefighters, in general, are at an increased risk of mental health problems as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing this, it is important to consider these findings when addressing the prevention and management of mental health among firefighters. This includes providing additional support and devoting more resources to those who are most at risk for experiencing symptoms of mental health such as firefighters performing functions aligned with that of an operational team.
This study conducts a comparative analysis of various machine learning and deep learning models for predicting order quantities in supply chain tiers. The models employed include XGBoost, Random Forest, CNN-BiLSTM, Linear Regression, Support Vector Regression (SVR), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM), Bidirectional GRU (BiGRU), Conv1D-BiLSTM, Attention-LSTM, Transformer, and LSTM-CNN hybrid models. Experimental results show that the XGBoost, Random Forest, CNN-BiLSTM, and MLP models exhibit superior predictive performance. In particular, the XGBoost model demonstrates the best results across all performance metrics, attributed to its effective learning of complex data patterns and variable interactions. Although the KNN model also shows perfect predictions with zero error values, this indicates a need for further review of data processing procedures or model validation methods. Conversely, the BiLSTM, BiGRU, and Transformer models exhibit relatively lower performance. Models with moderate performance include Linear Regression, RNN, Conv1D-BiLSTM, Attention-LSTM, and the LSTM-CNN hybrid model, all displaying relatively higher errors and lower coefficients of determination (R²). As a result, tree-based models (XGBoost, Random Forest) and certain deep learning models like CNN-BiLSTM are found to be effective for predicting order quantities in supply chain tiers. In contrast, RNN-based models (BiLSTM, BiGRU) and the Transformer show relatively lower predictive power. Based on these results, we suggest that tree-based models and CNN-based deep learning models should be prioritized when selecting predictive models in practical applications.
Yunnan is rich in cultural heritage, with its primitive pottery techniques coexisting with modern pottery techniques, and is known as the “Museum of Ceramic History”. Due to regional and socio-economic development factors, some folk pottery and craftsmen have faded out of sight or only circulated in a few small areas and specific environments. The study analyzes and summarizes the characteristics of Yunnan folk pottery and industry and evaluates the Yunnan folk pottery value based on the conditional valuation method. The study takes the folk pottery of the Bai nationality in Dali, Yunnan as an example and obtains the evaluation results of the purchasing motivation value of the pottery through a questionnaire survey. 45.26% of people pay for their existence value, 26.03% pay for their choice value, and 28.71% pay for their legacy value. Based on the evaluation results, the study proposes targeted activation paths for Yunnan folk pottery, including innovative development combined with new technologies, highlighting the functional characteristics of pottery, and brand building. This study will help Yunnan folk pottery find more suitable ways of protection and inheritance in the rapid development of materials and technology. This study can help inheritors gain the possibility of sustainable development and provide reference value for the activation path of other traditional folk.
In recent years, the environment in the manufacturing industry has become strongly competitive, which is why companies have found it necessary to constantly adjust their strategies and take actions aimed at improving their performance and competitiveness in a sustainable way to grow and remain in the market. Therefore, this paper aims to present an analysis to explain the current situation in the manufacturing industry in Aguascalientes, Mexico, by means of a survey in which product eco-innovation (PEI), process eco-innovation (PrEI) and organizational eco-innovation (OEI) and its effect on environmental performance (EP) and sustainable competitive performance (SCP) were measured. The results show that (EP) is positively and significantly influenced by (PEI) and (PrEI), while no significant influence is found for (OE). Furthermore, it is confirmed that environmental performance positively and significantly influences (SCP). The findings obtained from this study point to the relevance of promoting eco-innovation activities in the manufacturing sector, as this will ensure sustainable competitiveness.
Purpose—Quality service plays a significant role in enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. The main objective of this research is to investigate the effect of Salalah port service quality on customer satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach—This paper used a quantitative research design. Data were collected from 300 repeated customer of Salalah Port in Oman. Statistical Package (SPSS) version 25.0 was used for analysis of data and adopted to test the hypothesized model. Findings—The research findings confirm the positive influence of the five dimensions of service quality – tangible, empathy, reliability, responsiveness, assurance (TERRA) on customer satisfaction. Originality/value—The findings of this study develop the literature by adding empirical research evidence that the TERRA of Salalah port service quality which have a significant effect on customer satisfaction. The result also provide evidence from the Arab region where the data and research in this region are limited.
This study investigated the students’ perceptions of a self-paced fitness program that is integrated with SitFit, a fitness tracker that measures body inclination during sit-up exercises, and their acceptance of digital innovation in physical education. The data was gathered from a survey of 1001 Thai undergraduates. Results revealed that attitudes toward using the technology and the perceived ease of use were important predictors of behavioral intention to use the sit-up fitness tracker. consistent with previous TAM studies. Subsequently, SitFit was developed based on exercise principles and expert advice to enable users to exercise more effectively while reducing injury risk.
The improper disposal of litter by tourists poses a significant threat to tourism destinations worldwide, including in Indonesia. To mitigate marine litter, promoting eco-friendly behavior (EFB) among tourists is essential. This study applies the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which posits that an individual’s behavior is driven by their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, to better understand the factors influencing eco-friendly behavioral intentions. In this research, ecological consciousness and ecological knowledge were added to the traditional TPB framework to gain deeper insights into tourist behavior. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 876 visitors to Lake Singkarak, Indonesia. The findings demonstrate that the inclusion of ecological consciousness and ecological knowledge significantly enhances the predictive power of the TPB model in explaining eco-friendly behavioral intentions. Based on these results, raising public awareness, improving government management, and enhancing the quality of lake attractions are recommended to encourage responsible tourism. These measures can reduce litter and conserve lake habitats, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of tourism in the region.
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