STRUCTURAL-THERMODYNAMIC MODEL OF THE MIXTURE

The article presents the results of correlation analysis of budget and actual cost data reflecting fleet operational expenses groups and fleet performance quality data.All data is converted to uniform arrays where each element indicates the yearly value of vessel's performance.The initial data comes from corporate accounting and management software of world's leading tanker company having a fleet of more than 100 vessels for the period of 5 years.The correlation analysis concludes with unpredicted expenses impact to the quality of management processes and further necessity to allocate such expenses in OPEX to improve on cost analysis logic, provide justified methods of cost optimization and form rational approach toward asset insurance policy.

The article presents the results of correlation analysis of budget and actual cost data reflecting fleet operational expenses groups and fleet performance quality data.All data is converted to uniform arrays where each element indicates the yearly value of vessel's performance.The initial data comes from corporate accounting and management software of world's leading tanker company having a fleet of more than 100 vessels for the period of 5 years.The correlation analysis concludes with unpredicted expenses impact to the quality of management processes and further necessity to allocate such expenses in OPEX to improve on cost analysis logic, provide justified methods of cost optimization and form rational approach toward asset insurance policy.

PurposeThis study aims to explore corporate managers’ perspectives regarding the disclosure (non-disclosure) of social- and environment-related governance information.Design/methodology/approachInsights into corporate managers’ perspectives are explored by conducting in-depth personal interviews with senior corporate executives of textile and garment companies in Bangladesh.FindingsThis study establishes that the use of traditional media, such as corporate annual reports, for corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related governance information disclosure can be limited in particular situations, including the case of garment companies, wherein the provision of extensive governance information is necessary, and the information users find special purpose reports, e.g. social audit reports, more comprehensive, credible, and beneficial than annual reports. The results reveal that corporate managers of Bangladeshi supply companies are motivated by financial returns, and they aspire to ensure that buyers (powerful stakeholders) obtain the required CSR-related governance information; this is neither driven by corporate accountability nor transparency. Upon using the managerial branch of the stakeholder theory, the result of this study shows that corporate managers are influenced by powerful stakeholders when they make decisions vis-à-vis the provision of CSR-related governance information.Originality/valueThis study provides an implication for academics and practitioners toward understanding that corporate managers often provide substantive disclosures of CSR-related governance information through alternative media that have not been previously documented in the literature. Herein, a metaphor – veil – is used to illustrate the visibility gap between societal expectations and managers’ perspectives.

Analysis of the connection between different units that operate in the same area assures always interesting results. During this investigation, the concerned area was a virtual power plant (VPP) that operates in Poland. The main distributed resources included in the VPP are a 1.25 MW hydropower plant and an associated 0.5 MW energy storage system. The mentioned VPP was a source of synchronic, long-term, multipoint power quality (PQ) data. Then, for five related measurement points, the conclusion about the relation in point of PQ was performed using correlation analysis, the global index approach, and cluster analysis. Global indicators were applied in place of PQ parameters to reduce the amount of analyzed data and to check the correlation between phase values. For such a big dataset, the occurrence of outliers is certain, and outliers may affect the correlation results. Thus, to find and exclude them, cluster analysis (k-means algorithm, Chebyshev distance) was applied. Finally, the correlation between PQ global indicators of different measurement points was performed. It assured general information about VPP units’ relation in point of PQ. Under the investigation, both Pearson’s and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were considered.

Problem statement. The most difficult issue when creating statistical models is the choice of a mathematical form of connection, that is, an analytical function that connects the elements of the system being studied. The form of the connection equation is established on the basis of theoretical, technological considerations or intuition. When it is difficult to imagine the dependence in advance, then a correlation field of points is built for two signs, the location of which on the plane determines the direction of action and the form of communication. For a deep and comprehensive study of statistical relationships, the concepts of correlation and regression are used. The task of correlation analysis is to establish the direction of action and the form of communication type. The task of regression analysis is to build a mathematical model of regression in the form of the resulting characteristic average value dependence on factor characteristics. The parameters of the regression model should be selected in such a way that the line constructed by the model passes between the points and is located as close as possible to all points of the correlation field, that is, it passes almost through its center. The purpose of the article is to create a regression model based on approximation, correlation and dispersion analysis of observational data. Results. Data approximation for multidimensional samples of active and passive experiments was performed, approximating functions and regression models in general were obtained based on them. On specific examples, the relationship between the factor features was established, the factor feature was selected. The most significant in terms of the connection closeness with the resulting feature, and a multivariate regression model suitable for forecasting was obtained. A multivariate dispersion analysis of the active experiment data was carried out on the research example of the influence on the homogeneity coefficient of concrete cement brand, type of aggregate, test period and “production period: of concrete. Analysis of dispersion shows that the most significant factors are the cement grade, the test period, the “making period” of the concrete and their minor interaction and the type of aggregate. The proposed technique significantly simplifies the process of creating a regression model. Conclusions. The performed calculations prove that: on the basis of the approximation and correlation of the passive experiment observations, it is possible to establish a relationship between the factor characteristics, to choose the factor characteristic that is the most significant in terms of the connection closeness with the resulting characteristic, to obtain a multivariate regression model suitable for forecasting, and this allows simplify the procedure for creating a regression model by successively moving from a simple model to a complex one; dispersion analysis of active experiment data makes it possible to assess the impact of individual factors and the impact of interaction between them. The approximation proves that the regression models of the active experiment data are linear. This is also confirmed by dispersion analysis, because the interaction of factors is insignificant.

P8. Correlations between sagittal plane disc dimensions and principal surface strains across the L3-4 intact IVD during in vitro multidirectional loading

The issues, effects and consequences of the Berle–Dodd debate, 1931–1932

Quality has been known as one of the triple constraints in the construction industry. This indicator tends to be used for measuring professionals’ performance in the industry, including design professionals such as architects. Therefore, achieving the highest quality is one of the design professionals’ goals to ensure a successful project. Thus, this study aims to identify attributes that can be used to analyze the extent of design professionals’ work quality in the building project delivery process. This study used a quantitative method by using questionnaire survey for data collection. There were 191 completed questionnaires received from design professionals in Indonesia. Data analysis in this study includes factor analysis, reliability analysis, and descriptive analysis. The results identified that design professionals’ work quality in project delivery process could be measured using two components, namely design quality and quality assurance which previous studies have overlooked. The findings of this study can provide as a literature basis for evaluating design professionals’ work quality in the process of delivering the project which can serve as a valuable feedback for the clients as well as the employers of the consultant firms to identify the extent of their design professionals’ work quality.

This paper aims to discover priority alternatives involved in decisional-making processes to reduce agency problems considering Corporate Governance (CG) and Management Accounting (MA) criteria. Using the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology, it is possible to model the hierarchy structure to determine the ranking of decisional priorities using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. CG and MA are the main criteria for decision-making to reduce problems between ownership and capital control. Thus, engaging agents is the first alternative to reduce agency conflicts considering a general approach. Strategic accountability should be a priority to reduce agency problems focusing on CG and confidence is the main variable to consider from the MA standpoint. The research provides a multiple criteria system to reduce agency problems in decision-making. This work contributes to information asymmetry’s minimization and has implications on value preservation and creation for stakeholders. The decisional structure and the alternatives related to CG and MA have direct practical applications for managers and actors involved in business decisions to reduce agency conflicts. This paper provides evidence on the importance of CG and MA variables to reduce information asymmetry and agency problems and sets out the main priorities in a context of decision making for managers.

Background.This study analyzes the relationship between indicators of financial accessibility among the population of Russian regions and the results of presidential elections in the Russian Federation between 2000 and 2024. The study uses a comprehensive approach, including correlation and variance analysis (ANOVA) of data from 75 regions of Russia over five election cycles. The study is based on official data from Rosstat, the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation, on ten key indicators of financial accessibility, adjusted per capita, logarithmized, and standardized. The dependent variable used was the share of votes cast for the incumbent president, Vladimir Putin, in each of the periods under review. Thepurposeof the study is to identify and analyze the relationships between indicators of financial accessibility of the population in Russian regions and the results of presidential elections in the Russian Federation between 2000 and 2024, as well as to determine the degree of influence of various financial indicators on the electoral preferences of citizens in a changing economic and political situation. Research method.A comprehensive approach was used to analyze the relationship between financial accessibility indicators and the results of presidential elections, including correlation and variance analysis (ANOVA). Results.The results of the analysis revealed the evolution of the influence of financial factors on electoral behavior. In 2000, there were no correlations, which is explained by the economic instability of the 1990s and the novelty of the political leader. Since 2004, significant correlations have been found with the indicators of bank deposits of individuals and legal entities. By 2012, the range of influencing factors had expanded to include mortgage debt and foreign currency transactions. In 2018, the impact of the indicators decreased to the average level of correlation, which is associated with the introduction of international sanctions. In 2024, ruble deposits of individuals became the most significant factor. The key result of the study is the discovery of predominantly negative correlations between indicators of financial accessibility and electoral support, which may indicate a critical attitude of the financially active population to the economic policy being pursued. The analysis of variance confirmed the statistical significance of the identified relationships for all the periods under review, with the exception of 2000. The analysis showed that in 2000, no significant correlations were found between financial accessibility indicators and the share of votes for V. Putin, which can be explained by economic instability and the novelty of the political leader. Starting in 2004, significant correlations with bank deposit indicators were identified. In 2012, the range of factors expanded to include mortgage loans and foreign currency transactions. In 2018, the impact of financial indicators on election results weakened due to the introduction of international sanctions. In 2024, ruble deposits by individuals became the most significant factor. Scope of application of results.The results of the study can be used for further analysis of the relationship between economic policy and electoral behavior, as well as for developing recommendations to improve financial accessibility and stimulate political activity among the population.

The object of this research is to assess the quality of project management processes. The conducted research is aimed at developing a method for assessing the quality of project management processes in accordance with modern requirements for management and its results. The study is based on the entropy concept of management, and entropy is considered as an integral indicator for assessing the quality of management processes, characterizing the «controllability» of the project and «confidence» in certain results of the project. It is proposed to use information entropy as an indicator of management quality, which is understood as the ability to assess and minimize, through preventive or adaptive measures, uncertainty or negative impact from outside and inside on the project, that is, to ensure the success of the project. The main factors influencing the level of entropy of the project are determined. It is substantiated that the role of management is to counteract entropy and create such conditions for the implementation of the project, under which its level tends to be acceptable. Only under this condition can the quality of management be defined as «high level» or «sufficiently high level». A scale for assessing the entropy level of a project is proposed, which is substantiated by experimental studies of the entropy level of various projects. The concept of «entropy index» of the project is introduced into consideration, as a relative indicator of the level of entropy of the project. The proposed approach is illustrated on the example of a specific project, which substantiated the adequacy of the results of applying the approach to the logic and experience of project implementation, and also demonstrated the practical applicability of the approach for assessing the level of project entropy and management quality. The results obtained make it possible to assess the quality of management processes at each stage of the project life cycle in order to identify problems early; and also form a theoretical basis for the further development of tools to ensure and improve the quality of project management processes.

Objective: To investigate the ultrasonographic measurements of the optic nerve subarachnoid space (ONSAS) in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Methods: Cross-sectional study. Patients with NTG or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) but without any anti-glaucoma treatment and the control group were collected from June 2016 to March 2017 at Beijing Tongren Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University. Measurements of 24-h intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, mean visual field damage, visual axis, blood pressure and body mass index and ocular ultrasound scans were performed. The differences in the ONSAS of the two-dimensional ultrasound images of the three groups of subjects and their correlation with various clinical variables were evaluated. Qualitative data were analyzed by the chi-square test for comparison between groups; quantitative data were analyzed by the one-way ANOVA for comparison between groups, and the LSD-t test was used for comparison between groups; the Pearson correlation analysis was used for correlation analysis of measurement data. The intra-group correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the reproducibility and repeatability of two measurements by different measurers or the same measurer. Results: A total of 35 patients (35 eyes) with NTG were enrolled in the NTG group, including 14 males and 21 females, aged (50±8) years; 32 patients (32 eyes) with POAG were enrolled in the POAG group, including 14 males and 18 females, aged (52±10) years; 37 healthy people (37 eyes) were enrolled in the control group, including 20 males and 17 females, aged (49±9) years. The ONSAS was (5.07±0.83) mm(2) in the retrobulbar 3- to 7-mm range in the NTG group, significantly smaller than the control group (6.57±1.43) mm(2) and the POAG group (6.19±0.90) mm(2) (t=1.17, 1.29; P=0.03, 0.01). There was no significant difference in the statistical results between the control group and the POAG group (t=1.31, P=0.75). Between the ONSAS and mean intraocular pressure and maximum intraocular pressure, there was a statistically positive correlation in the NTG group (r=0.66, 0.48; both P<0.01), but there was no linear correlation; there was no statistical correlation in the control group or the POAG group (all P>0.05). There was no statistically significant association between the ONSAS and age, mean arterial pressure, body mass index, central corneal thickness, visual axis length, and mean visual field loss in any group (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the POAG group and the control group, the ONSAS is smaller in the NTG group, indicating lower retrobulbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and it is positively correlated with the mean intraocular pressure and the highest intraocular pressure. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 827-832).

Background Postpartum changes in pelvic floor structures represent significant interest for modern obstetrics and gynecology. Ultrasound diagnostics allows objective assessment of anatomical and functional state of pelvic diaphragm, however data on normative indicators of symphysis and fascial structure thickness in postpartum women remain limited. The study aimed to conduct comprehensive assessment of ultrasound indicators of pelvic floor condition in postpartum women with analysis of symphysis and fascia thickness depending on age, parity and newborn weight. Objective: To analyze ultrasound findings of the symphysis and fascia in postpartum women with regard to age, parity, and newborn mass. Methods: A prospective study of 136 postpartum women was conducted Prospective statistical and correlation analysis of sonographic data. Results: The average values of the symphysis width were 0.64±0.19, and the height of the perineum was 0.91±0.25 cm. The correlation analysis confirmed the presence of weak negative correlations between age and the thickness of the symphysis (r=-0.198) and the height of the perineum (r=-0.208). The weight of the child also affects the size of the structures studied. Conclusion: Ultrasound is informative for early detection of postpartum pelvic tissue abnormalities.

The potential of statistical analyses of functional magnetic resonance images using various threshold strategies in combination with correlation analysis was studied by simulating brain activation. Differences in statistical Type I (alpha) and II (beta) errors are substantial for the various thresholds. Absolute thresholds and individualized thresholds based on the assumption of a gaussian noise distribution are producing constant alpha-errors and thus do not sufficiently improve discrimination of "truly" activated pixels even for very high contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). Only relative threshold strategies related to the maximum correlation coefficient and thus the individual data quality and activation level, i.e., a data-driven approach, can perfectly discriminate true positives, at least for CNR > 2.5. To further improve discrimination of activated and non-activated pixel in studies with lower CNR, additional prior knowledge would be necessary. From the data presented, one would also expect that the best performing threshold strategy in this simulation study would perform best under in vivo conditions.

Some features of the propagation and reflections of ultrasound beams in mono-crystals: Merkulov, L. G., and Yakovlev, L. A.Akust. Zh., 8, no. 1, p. 99 (1962)