bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and Energetic Affinity of Annocatacin B with ND1 Subunit of the Human Mitochondrial Respiratory Complex I as a Potential Inhibitor: An In Silico Comparison Study with the Known Inhibitor Rotenone
Authors: Febres-Molina Camilo , Aguilar-Pineda Jorge A. , Gamero-Begazo Pamela L. , Barazorda-Ccahuana Haruna L. , Valencia Diego E. , Vera-López Karin J. , Davila-Del-Carpio Gonzalo , Gómez Badhin
Published: June 2021

ND1 subunit possesses the majority of the inhibitor binding domain of the human mitochondrial respiratory complex I. This is an attractive target for the search for new inhibitors that seek mitochondrial dysfunction. It is known, from in vitro experiments, that some metabolites from Annona muricata called acetogenins have important biological activities, such as anticancer, antiparasitic, and insecticide. Previous studies propose an inhibitory activity of bovine mitochondrial respiratory complex I by bis-tetrahydrofurans acetogenins such as annocatacin B, however, there are few studies on its inhibitory effect on human mitochondrial respiratory complex I. In this work, we evaluate the in silico molecular and energetic affinity of the annocatacin B molecule with the human ND1 subunit in order to elucidate its potential capacity to be a good inhibitor of this subunit. For this purpose, quantum mechanical optimizations, molecular dynamics simulations and the molecular mechanics/Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) analysis were performed. As a control to compare our outcomes, the molecule rotenone, which is a known mitochondrial respiratory complex I inhibitor, was chosen. Our results show that annocatacin B has a greater affinity for the ND1 structure, its size and folding were probably the main characteristics that contributed to stabilize the molecular complex. Furthermore, the MM/PBSA calculations showed a 35% stronger binding free energy compared to the rotenone complex. Detailed analysis of the binding free energy shows that the aliphatic chains of annocatacin B play a key role in molecular coupling by distributing favorable interactions throughout the major part of the ND1 structure. These results are consistent with experimental studies that mention that acetogenins may be good inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiratory complex I.
Using P(Pressure)-T(Temperature) Path to Control the Foaming Cell Sizes in Microcellular Injection Molding Process
Authors: Chen Shia-Chung , Chang Che-Wei , Tseng Chia-Yen , Shen En-Nien , Feng Ching-Te
Published: June 2021

Microcellular injection molding technology (MuCell) using supercritical fluid (SCF) as a foaming agent is one of the important green molding solutions for reducing the part weight, saving cycle time, and molding energy, and improving dimensional stability. In view of the environmental issues, the successful application of MuCell is becoming increasingly important. However, the molding process encounters difficulties including the sliver flow marks on the surface and unstable mechanical properties that are caused by the uneven foaming cell sizes within the part. In our previous studies, gas counter-pressure combined with dynamic molding temperature control was observed to be an effective and promising way of improving product quality. In this study, we extend this concept by incorporating additional parameters, such as gas pressure holding time and release time, and taking the mold cooling speed into account to form a P(pressure)-T(temperature) path in the SCF PT diagram. This study demonstrates the successful control of foaming cell size and uniformity in size distribution in microcellular injection molding of polystyrene (PS). A preliminary study in the molding of elastomer thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) using the P-T path also shows promising results.
Micro Injection Molding of Thin Cavities Using Stereolithography for Mold Fabrication
Authors: Surace Rossella , Basile Vito , Bellantone Vincenzo , Modica Francesco , Fassi Irene
Published: June 2021

At the present time, there is a growing interest in additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and their integration into current process chains. In particular, the implementation of AM for tool production in micro injection molding (µ-IM), a well-established process, could introduce many advantages. First of all, AM could avoid the need for the time-consuming and expensive fabrication of molds for small series of customized products. In this work, the feasibility, quality, and reliability of an AM/µ-IM process chain were evaluated by designing and fabricating mold inserts for µ-IM by stereolithography (SLA) technology; the mold inserts were characterized and tested experimentally. The selected geometry is composed of four thin cavities: This particular feature represents an actual challenge for both the SLA and µ-IM perspective due to the large surface-to-volume ratio of the cavity. Two different materials were used for the mold fabrication, showing sharply different performance in terms of endurance limit and cavity degradation. The obtained results confirm that the µ-IM process, exploiting an SLA fabricated mold insert, is feasible but requires great accuracy in material choice, mold design, fabrication, and assembly.
System Dynamics Modeling in Additive Manufacturing Supply Chain Management
Authors: Nuñez Rodriguez Jairo , Andrade Sosa Hugo Hernando , Villarreal Archila Sylvia Maria , Ortiz Angel
Published: June 2021

A system dynamics model was developed with the primary purpose of visualizing the behavior of a supply chain (SC) when it adopts a disruptive technology such as additive manufacturing (AM). The model proposed a dynamic hypothesis that defines the following issue: what is the impact of the AM characteristics and processes in the SC? The model was represented through a causal diagram in thirteen variables related to the SC, organized in two feedback cycles and a data flow diagram, based mainly on the three-essential links of the SC and the order display traceability: supplier–focal manufacturer–distribution Network. Once proposed, the model was validated through the evaluation of extreme conditions and sensitivity analysis. As a result, the dynamic behavior of the variables that condition the chain management was analyzed, evidencing reduction times in production, especially in products that require greater complexity and detail, as well as reductions in inventories and the amount of raw material due to production and storing practices from AM. This model is the starting point for alternative supply chain scenarios through structural operating policies and operating policies in terms of process management.
Fake News Reaching Young People on Social Networks: Distrust Challenging Media Literacy
Authors: Pérez-Escoda Ana , Pedrero-Esteban Luis Miguel , Rubio-Romero Juana , Jiménez-Narros Carlos
Published: June 2021

Current societies are based on huge flows of information and knowledge circulating on the Internet, created not only by traditional means but by all kinds of users becoming producers, which leads to fake news and misinformation. This situation has been exacerbated by the pandemic to an unprecedented extent through social media, with special concern among young people. This study aims to provide significant data about the youngest generation in Spain (Generation Z) regarding their media and information consumption, their social network use, and their relationship with fake news, all in relation to the feeling of reliability/trust. Focusing on a convenience sample of 408 young Spanish students from Generation Z aged 18 to 22, a descriptive exploratory study is presented. Data collection was performed with an adapted questionnaire. Results show that young Spanish people use networks for information, showing a surprising lack of trust in social networks as the media they consume the most. The content they consume the most since the occurrence of COVID-19 is related to politics, entertainment, humor, and music. On the other hand, distrust of politicians, media, and journalists is evident. The conclusion is that media literacy is still more necessary than ever, but with the added challenge of mistrust: maybe it is time to rethink media literacy.
Internal Strain Distribution of Laser Lap Joints in Steel under Loading Studied by High-Energy Synchrotron Radiation X-rays
Authors: Shobu Takahisa , Shiro Ayumi , Kono Fumiaki , Muramatsu Toshiharu , Yamada Tomonori , Naganuma Masayuki , Ozawa Takayuki
Published: June 2021

The automotive industries employ laser beam welding because it realizes a high energy density without generating irradiation marks on the opposite side of the irradiated surface. Typical measurement techniques such as strain gauges and tube X-rays cannot assess the localized strain at a joint weld. Herein high-energy synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction was used to study the internal strain distribution of laser lap joint PNC-FMS steels (2- and 5-mm thick) under loading at a high temperature. As the tensile load increased, the local tensile and compressive strains increased near the interface. These changes agreed well with the finite element analysis results. However, it is essential to complementarily utilize internal defect observations by X-ray transmission imaging because the results depend on the defects generated by laser processing.
Credit Risk Management of Property Investments through Multi-Criteria Indicators
Authors: Locurcio Marco , Tajani Francesco , Morano Pierluigi , Anelli Debora , Manganelli Benedetto
Published: June 2021

The economic crisis of 2008 has highlighted the ineffectiveness of the banks in their disbursement of mortgages which caused the spread of Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) with underlying real estate. With the methods stated by the Basel III agreements, aimed at improving the capital requirements of banks and determining an adequate regulatory capital, the banks without the skills required have difficulties in applying the rigid weighting coefficients structures. The aim of the work is to identify a synthetic risk index through the participatory process, in order to support the restructuring debt operations to benefit smaller banks and small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), by analyzing the real estate credit risk. The proposed synthetic risk index aims at overcoming the complexity of Basel III methodologies through the implementation of three different multi-criteria techniques. In particular, the integration of objective financial variables with subjective expert judgments into a participatory process is not that common in the reference literature and brings its benefits for reaching more approved and shared results in the debt restructuring operations procedure. Moreover, the main findings derived by the application to a real case study have demonstrated how important it is for the credit manager to have an adequate synthetic index that could lead to the avoidance of risky scenarios where several modalities to repair the credit debt occur.
Predicting Table Beet Root Yield with Multispectral UAS Imagery
Authors: Chancia Robert , van Aardt Jan , Pethybridge Sarah , Cross Daniel , Henderson John
Published: June 2021

Timely and accurate monitoring has the potential to streamline crop management, harvest planning, and processing in the growing table beet industry of New York state. We used unmanned aerial system (UAS) combined with a multispectral imager to monitor table beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) canopies in New York during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. We assessed the optimal pairing of a reflectance band or vegetation index with canopy area to predict table beet yield components of small sample plots using leave-one-out cross-validation. The most promising models were for table beet root count and mass using imagery taken during emergence and canopy closure, respectively. We created augmented plots, composed of random combinations of the study plots, to further exploit the importance of early canopy growth area. We achieved a R2 = 0.70 and root mean squared error (RMSE) of 84 roots (~24%) for root count, using 2018 emergence imagery. The same model resulted in a RMSE of 127 roots (~35%) when tested on the unseen 2019 data. Harvested root mass was best modeled with canopy closing imagery, with a R2 = 0.89 and RMSE = 6700 kg/ha using 2018 data. We applied the model to the 2019 full-field imagery and found an average yield of 41,000 kg/ha (~40,000 kg/ha average for upstate New York). This study demonstrates the potential for table beet yield models using a combination of radiometric and canopy structure data obtained at early growth stages. Additional imagery of these early growth stages is vital to develop a robust and generalized model of table beet root yield that can handle imagery captured at slightly different growth stages between seasons.
Wearables for Industrial Work Safety: A Survey
Authors: Svertoka Ekaterina , Saafi Salwa , Rusu-Casandra Alexandru , Burget Radim , Marghescu Ion , Hosek Jiri , Ometov Aleksandr
Published: June 2021

Today, ensuring work safety is considered to be one of the top priorities for various industries. Workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths often entail substantial production and financial losses, governmental checks, series of dismissals, and loss of reputation. Wearable devices are one of the technologies that flourished with the fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0, allowing employers to monitor and maintain safety at workplaces. The purpose of this article is to systematize knowledge in the field of industrial wearables’ safety to assess the relevance of their use in enterprises as the technology maintaining occupational safety, to correlate the benefits and costs of their implementation, and, by identifying research gaps, to outline promising directions for future work in this area. We categorize industrial wearable functions into four classes (monitoring, supporting, training, and tracking) and provide a classification of the metrics collected by wearables to better understand the potential role of wearable technology in preserving workplace safety. Furthermore, we discuss key communication technologies and localization techniques utilized in wearable-based work safety solutions. Finally, we analyze the main challenges that need to be addressed to further enable and support the use of wearable devices for industrial work safety.
An Efficient and Lightweight Deep Learning Model for Human Activity Recognition Using Smartphones
Authors: Ankita  , Rani Shalli , Babbar Himanshi , Coleman Sonya , Singh Aman , Aljahdali Hani Moaiteq
Published: June 2021

Traditional pattern recognition approaches have gained a lot of popularity. However, these are largely dependent upon manual feature extraction, which makes the generalized model obscure. The sequences of accelerometer data recorded can be classified by specialized smartphones into well known movements that can be done with human activity recognition. With the high success and wide adaptation of deep learning approaches for the recognition of human activities, these techniques are widely used in wearable devices and smartphones to recognize the human activities. In this paper, convolutional layers are combined with long short-term memory (LSTM), along with the deep learning neural network for human activities recognition (HAR). The proposed model extracts the features in an automated way and categorizes them with some model attributes. In general, LSTM is alternative form of recurrent neural network (RNN) which is famous for temporal sequences’ processing. In the proposed architecture, a dataset of UCI-HAR for Samsung Galaxy S2 is used for various human activities. The CNN classifier, which should be taken single, and LSTM models should be taken in series and take the feed data. For each input, the CNN model is applied, and each input image’s output is transferred to the LSTM classifier as a time step. The number of filter maps for mapping of the various portions of image is the most important hyperparameter used. Transformation on the basis of observations takes place by using Gaussian standardization. CNN-LSTM, a proposed model, is an efficient and lightweight model that has shown high robustness and better activity detection capability than traditional algorithms by providing the accuracy of 97.89%.
Performance Enhancement for Full-Duplex Relaying with Time-Switching-Based SWIPT in Wireless Sensors Networks
Authors: Tin Phu Tran , Nguyen Tan N. , Tran Dinh-Hieu , Voznak Miroslav , Phan Van-Duc , Chatzinotas Symeon
Published: June 2021

Full-duplex (FD) with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) in wireless ad hoc networks has received increased attention as a technology for improving spectrum and energy efficiency. This paper studies the outage performance for a SWIPT-based decode-and-forward (DF) FD relaying network consisting of a single-antenna source S, a two-antenna relay R, and a multi-antenna destination D. Specifically, we propose four protocols, namely static time-switching factor with selection combining (STSF-SC), static time-switching factor with maximal ratio combining (STSF-MRC), optimal dynamic time-switching factor with selection combining (ODTSF-SC), and optimal dynamic time-switching factor with maximal ratio combining (ODTSF-MRC) to fully investigate the outage performance of the proposed system. In particular, the optimal time-switching factor from the ODTSF-SC and ODTSF-MRC methods is designed to maximize the total received data at the destination. In this context, we derive exact closed-formed expressions for all schemes in terms of the outage probability (OP). Finally, the Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to corroborate the theoretical analysis’s correctness and the proposed schemes’ effectiveness.
Load Measurement of the Cervical Vertebra C7 and the Head of Passengers of a Car While Driving across Uneven Terrain
Authors: Svoboda Martin , Chalupa Milan , Jelen Karel , Lopot František , Kubový Petr , Sapieta Milan , Krobot Zdeněk , Suszyński Marcin
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the measurement of dynamic effects that are transmitted to the driver (passenger) when driving in a car over obstacles. The measurements were performed in a real environment on a defined track at different driving speeds and different distributions of obstacles on the road. The reaction of the human organism, respectively the load of the cervical vertebrae and the heads of the driver and passenger, was measured. Experimental measurements were performed for different variants of driving conditions on a 28-year-old and healthy man. The measurement’s main objective was to determine the acceleration values of the seats in the vehicle in the vertical movement of parts of the vehicle cabin and to determine the dynamic effects that are transmitted to the driver and passenger in a car when driving over obstacles. The measurements were performed in a real environment on a defined track at various driving speeds and diverse distributions of obstacles on the road. The acceleration values on the vehicle’s axles and the structure of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats, under the buttocks, at the top of the head (Vertex Parietal Bone) and the C7 cervical vertebra (Vertebra Cervicales), were measured. The result of the experiment was to determine the maximum magnitudes of acceleration in the vertical direction on the body of the driver and the passenger of the vehicle when passing a passenger vehicle over obstacles. The analysis of the experiment’s results is the basis for determining the future direction of the research.
Smart Inlays for Simultaneous Crack Sensing and Arrest in Multifunctional Bondlines of Composites
Authors: von der Heide Chresten , Steinmetz Julian , Schollerer Martin J. , Hühne Christian , Sinapius Michael , Dietzel Andreas
Published: June 2021

Disbond arrest features combined with a structural health monitoring system for permanent bondline surveillance have the potential to significantly increase the safety of adhesive bonds in composite structures. A core requirement is that the integration of such features is achieved without causing weakening of the bondline. We present the design of a smart inlay equipped with a micro strain sensor-system fabricated on a polyvinyliden fluorid (PVDF) foil material. This material has proven disbond arrest functionality, but has not before been used as a substrate in lithographic micro sensor fabrication. Only with special pretreatment can it meet the requirements of thin film sensor elements regarding surface roughness and adhesion. Moreover, the sensor integration into composite material using a standard manufacturing procedure reveals that the smart inlays endure this process even though subjected to high temperatures, curing reactions and plasma treatment. Most critical is the substrate melting during curing when sensory function is preserved with a covering caul plate that stabilizes the fragile measuring grids. The smart inlays are tested by static mechanical loading, showing that they can be stretched far beyond critical elongations of composites before failure. The health monitoring function is verified by testing the specimens with integrated sensors in a cantilever bending setup. The results prove the feasibility of micro sensors detecting strain gradients on a disbond arresting substrate to form a so-called multifunctional bondline.
RF Sensing Based Breathing Patterns Detection Leveraging USRP Devices
Authors: Rehman Mubashir , Shah Raza Ali , Khan Muhammad Bilal , AbuAli Najah Abed , Shah Syed Aziz , Yang Xiaodong , Alomainy Akram , Imran Muhmmad Ali , Abbasi Qammer H.
Published: June 2021

Non-contact detection of the breathing patterns in a remote and unobtrusive manner has significant value to healthcare applications and disease diagnosis, such as in COVID-19 infection prediction. During the epidemic prevention and control period of COVID-19, non-contact approaches have great significance because they minimize the physical burden on the patient and have the least requirement of active cooperation of the infected individual. During the pandemic, these non-contact approaches also reduce environmental constraints and remove the need for extra preparations. According to the latest medical research, the breathing pattern of a person infected with COVID-19 is unlike the breathing associated with flu and the common cold. One noteworthy symptom that occurs in COVID-19 is an abnormal breathing rate; individuals infected with COVID-19 have more rapid breathing. This requires continuous real-time detection of breathing patterns, which can be helpful in the prediction, diagnosis, and screening for people infected with COVID-19. In this research work, software-defined radio (SDR)-based radio frequency (RF) sensing techniques and machine learning (ML) algorithms are exploited to develop a platform for the detection and classification of different abnormal breathing patterns. ML algorithms are used for classification purposes, and their performance is evaluated on the basis of accuracy, prediction speed, and training time. The results show that this platform can detect and classify breathing patterns with a maximum accuracy of 99.4% through a complex tree algorithm. This research has a significant clinical impact because this platform can also be deployed for practical use in pandemic and non-pandemic situations.
“Loving Couples and Families:” Assimilation as Honorary Whiteness and the Making of the Vietnamese Refugee Family
Authors: Nguyễn Linh Thủy
Published: June 2021

Integration studies of Vietnamese refugees and their children begin with the problem of assimilation based on cultural and racial difference and ultimately lead these groups to achieve upward mobility against great odds. While scholars have offered alternatives to linear models of assimilation which assume a prescribed path to determine when migrants become integrated, the ideologies and norms which underlie the so-called problem of assimilation remain largely unexamined. Building from a feminist and Foucauldian analysis of power, this article examines state-sponsored knowledge production, such as semi-annual government surveys of Vietnamese refugees as representations which reproduce and reinforce logics of heteronormativity and white supremacy. I contextualize the production of these social science surveys as legibility projects in the geopolitical context of international (Cold War) and domestic (state attempts to dismantle black power movements through civil rights) maintenance of white supremacy. By examining self-sufficiency surveys of Vietnamese refugees conducted upon arrival to the US from the 1970s–1980s and 1990s studies of the second generation, I argue that the family is an instrumental yet overlooked dimension of the racialization of Vietnamese as new immigrants which is rooted in heteronormative, Orientalist, and anti-black notions of family.
Sustainable Infrastructure Projects: Systemic versus Traditional Delivery Models
Authors: Hellström Magnus , Wikström Kim , Eriksson Kent
Published: June 2021

Sustainability involves multiple environmental, technical, social and economic factors, and such complex analysis requires systemic solutions. Delivery models are key to achieving system benefits and enhancing sustainable development in infrastructure investments. They define the phases of a project, incentive structures, risk sharing and the relationships among the actors in it. They are usually developed early in the project and determine the project dynamics and outcomes. We compared traditional delivery models with systemic ones. We identified and illustrated elements that differ between them through two cases. The contribution is an increased understanding of how systemic infrastructure delivery models can adapt to changes in their environment. We also found that sustainability is vastly under-researched in systemic infrastructure delivery, but that its potential to deliver benefits to PPP infrastructures is substantial.
Inequalities in the European Union—A Partial Order Analysis of the Main Indicators
Authors: Carlsen Lars , Bruggemann Rainer
Published: June 2021

The inequality within the 27 European member states has been studied. Six indicators proclaimed by Eurostat to be the main indicators charactere the countries: (i) the relative median at-risk-of-poverty gap, (ii) the income distribution, (iii) the income share of the bottom 40% of the population, (iv) the purchasing power adjusted GDP per capita, (v) the adjusted gross disposable income of households per capita and (vi) the asylum applications by state of procedure. The resulting multi-indicator system was analyzed applying partial ordering methodology, i.e., including all indicators simultaneously without any pretreatment. The degree of inequality was studied for the years 2010, 2015 and 2019. The EU member states were partially ordered and ranked. For all three years Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Austria, and Finland are found to be highly ranked, i.e., having rather low inequality. Bulgaria and Romania are, on the other hand, for all three years ranked low, with the highest degree of inequality. Excluding the asylum indicator, the risk-poverty-gap and the adjusted gross disposable income were found as the most important indicators. If, however, the asylum application is included, this indicator turns out as the most important for the mutual ranking of the countries. A set of additional indicators was studied disclosing the educational aspect as of major importance to achieve equality. Special partial ordering tools were applied to study the role of the single indicators, e.g., in relation to elucidate the incomparability of some countries to all other countries within the union.
Group Facilitation on Societal Disruption and Collapse: Insights from Deep Adaptation
Authors: Bendell Jem , Carr Katie
Published: June 2021

This article synthesises the practice and rationale behind ways of facilitating gatherings on topics of societal disruption and collapse, which is argued to be useful for lessening damaging responses. The authors draw on first-person inquiry as facilitators of gatherings, both online and in person, in the post-sustainability field of ‘Deep Adaptation,’ particularly since 2018. This term describes an agenda and framework for people who believe in the probable, inevitable or unfolding collapse of industrial consumer societies, due to the direct and indirect impacts of human-caused climate change and environmental degradation. Some of the principles of Deep Adaptation facilitation are summarised, such as containment, to enable co-responsibility for a safe enough space for difficult conversations. Another key principle is welcoming radical uncertainty in response to the anxieties that people feel from their anticipation of collapse. A third principle is making space for difficult emotions, which are welcomed as a natural and ongoing response to our predicament. A fourth aspect is a curiosity about processes of othering and separation. This paper provides a review of the theories that a reason for environmental destruction is the process of othering people and nature as being less significant or meaningful. One particular modality called Deep Relating is outlined.
The Symbiotic Mutualism between Co-Creation and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Misiak-Kwit Sandra , Wiścicka-Fernando Małgorzata , Fernando Kelaniyage Shihan Dilruk
Published: June 2021

In this manuscript, the authors aim to explore firstly the association between entrepreneurial mindset and co-creation experience, secondly the association between co-creation experience and entrepreneurial intentions, and thirdly the association between entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial intentions within the sustainability context. In this paper, the authors present the results of the pilot study. Primary data were collected from 500 university students from China, Georgia, Poland, Romania, and Sri Lanka by using a convenient sampling technique, and a literature review was the primary method of the concept development. The authors selected the above-mentioned countries to collect primary data by using a convenient sampling technique based on accessibility; they also visited all analysed countries in order to conduct the pilot survey personally. Descriptive statistics and the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were applied as primary statistical methods. The findings reveal that there is a very strong association between co-creation experience and entrepreneurial intentions, a very weak negative association between entrepreneurial mindset and co-creation experience, and, surprisingly, a weak association between entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial intentions. The added value of the conducted pilot research involves filling in a gap regarding the relationship between experience and the subjective norm. In the presented pilot research, co-creation experience was compared with not only entrepreneurial mindset but with entrepreneurial intentions as well. An additional value of this exploratory research is compiling an international comparison. The main contribution of this pilot study is examining the symbiotic mutualism between co-creation and entrepreneurship. Among many platforms of associations, the following can be differentiated: creativity, innovativeness, openness, engagement, awareness, motivation, trust (level of social capital), and recognizing the significance of social and sustainable development objectives. Due to the small sample size, the results cannot be generalised. Results refer only to the respondents. However, the findings of the pilot study are the basis for further research studies on symbiotic mutualism between entrepreneurship and co-creation.
Motivated to Share? Using the Person–Environment Fit Theory to Explain the Link between Public Service Motivation and Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Lee Jaeyong , Jin Myung H. , Ryu Geunpil
Published: June 2021

Despite the growing evidence that public service motivation (PSM) is an important source of employee outcomes, there is still a dearth of empirical evidence on whether it stirs one’s willingness to share learned knowledge with other members of an organization. The authors explore the mediating role of workers’ perceived fit in a given setting as a causal mechanism through which PSM promotes knowledge-sharing indirectly. Findings based on the primary data of 1048 occupationally diverse employees working in 33 local governments in South Korea show that PSM has a positive impact on knowledge sharing, person–group (P–G) fit, and person–job (P–J) fit, and P–G fit and P–J fit plays a mediating role in improving knowledge sharing, respectively, while person–supervisor (P–S) fit does not. This study interprets these results as suggesting that P–S it should be considered independently from environmental factors in the public organization, as it is derived from the interrelationship between employees and supervisors that began in the hierarchy of the organization, and thus is difficult to be related to other factors. Based on literature review and empirical analysis, this study presents theoretical and policy implications.
Crop Diversification in Rice—Based Cropping Systems Improves the System Productivity, Profitability and Sustainability
Authors: Alam Md Jahangir , Al-Mahmud Abdullah- , Islam Md Aminul , Hossain Md Faruque , Ali Md Akkas , Dessoky Eldessoky S. , El-Hallous Ehab I. , Hassan Mohamed M. , Begum Nasrin , Hossain Akbar
Published: June 2021

Cropping systems in the Level Barind Tract (LBT) of Bangladesh are highly diverse, as Transplanted (T.) Aman and Boro (T. Boro) rice are a common practice in the area. Although. T. Aman is generally cultivated in the rainy (monsoon) season, but the T. Boro rice is the intensive irrigation-based winter rice with high establishment costs as a result of exhaustive tillage and high labours for transplanting of seedlings. Furthermore, pumping of a large amount of irrigation during T. Boro cultivation declines the level of groundwater, which is not environmentally friendly nor cost-effective. Therefore, the replacement of the T. Boro rice from the cropping pattern in the LBT area is the major concern of policymakers. In this context, a replicated three to four crop-based cropping systems (CS) field trial was conducted in LBT of Gaibandha, Bangladesh for consecutive three years (2018–2020) to evaluate productivity, profitability and sustainability of the multiple crop-based cropping systems. Among these CS, existing three crops based CS, CS1: T. Aman–Potato–T. Boro (introduction of the local potato in the existing cropping system) were compared with four crops based CS2: T. Aman–Potato–Cucumber–T. Aus (Introduction of high yielding potato, cucumber and T. Aus as an improved cropping system). After two years of observations, significantly higher system productivity (rice equivalent yield; REY) was found in the improved CS2 than that of existing CS1 in both years (two years’ average 49% or 11.1 t ha−1). As a result of the introduction of the high yielding potato, cucumber and T. Aus rice instead of the T. Boro rice. The CS2 was also found profitable as compared to the CS1 in terms of higher gross margin (by 74%), net return (double) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) (1.69 vs. 1.44) due to higher gross return with slightly higher (by 28%) production cost. It is due to farmers received higher prices for potato, cucumber and two rice crops in the improved CS2 than the existing CS1. On the other hand, protein and energy output was lower (by 17% and 9%, respectively) in the CS2 than the existing CS1, due to the less content of protein and energy value in the vegetable cucumber. The results of the study revealed that crops diversification in the existing T. Boro based CS with high yielding potato, cucumber, and T. Aus rice, improved the system productivity, profitability and sustainability; which lead to improve the food security of the increasing population and also reduce the adverse effect on the environment.
Automation of the Road Gate Operations Process at the Container Terminal—A Case Study of DCT Gdańsk SA
Authors: Moszyk Karol , Deja Mariusz , Dobrzynski Michal
Published: June 2021

The future increased terminal capacity will result in more container movement through the road complex and rail siding, which are one of the most critical areas (potential bottlenecks) in the container terminal. Truck turnaround time is one of the major factors that customers take into account while deciding how many container volumes they will handle through the container terminal. To enable to optimize increased traffic with future container terminal development, as well as increase gates throughput, and as a consequence, encourage more volume and increase customer satisfaction, Deepwater Container Terminal Gdańsk SA plans to reorganize and automatize the gate operation process. Gate automation includes supply, installation, commissioning, implementation, and maintenance of software and hardware that would allow automatizing the handling of trucks at container terminal gates by using OCR (optical camera recognition) technology, LPR (license plate recognition) systems and self-service kiosk for truck drivers.
Carbon Footprint of Surgical Masks Made in Taranto to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Diffusion: A Preliminary Assessment
Authors: Giungato Pasquale , Rana Roberto Leonardo , Nitti Nicole , Cavallari Cosima , Tricase Caterina
Published: June 2021

The international outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 infection has put pressure on governments to find immediate solutions to the shortage of surgical masks and other protective equipment. To allow textile manufacturers producing surgical masks to avoid usual restrictions imposed on personal-protective-equipment producers, the Italian government issued a ministerial decree that was followed by technical guidelines provided by several universities. Starting from a hypothetical composition and design, we calculated the carbon footprint of surgical masks manufactured following technical guidelines, with the city of Taranto hosting the production facility. Results show that the production of textile sheets composing the masks and their disposal were the main contributors to emissions, followed by packaging and transportation. A strategy of reuse based on laundry operation was modelled, and the balance between disposal strategy and reuse with the laundry operation (which has environmental issues due to detergents and water use) was in favor of the second option. To reduce the carbon footprint, a minimized textiles area (by smart shaping) and reuse strategies result in the best options. Further reduction may be achieved by building up a recycling chain of disposed masks, activated by municipalities.
Understanding the Effect of Information Sources on College Students’ Recycling/Reuse Behavior towards Clothing and Textile Products
Authors: Noh Mijeong
Published: June 2021

This study investigated how college students’ exposure to recycling/reuse information through various sources, such as education, media, and interpersonal communication sources, affects their subjective norms, recycling/reuse attitude, intention and behavior. A self-administered online survey was conducted to ask questions about exposure frequency to recycling/reuse information sources, subjective norms, attitude, intention, and behavior based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). The final sample consisted of 725 participants from MTurk. Structural equation modeling was used to test six hypotheses. The results showed that obtaining recycling/reuse information through media sources led college students to have a positive attitude, positively affecting their recycling/reuse intention and behavior, whereas the information obtained from college education sources positively influenced their intention and behavior via inducing either positive subjective norms or positive subjective norms and subsequently attitude. Interpersonal communication sources were neither effective in developing positive subjective norms nor recycling/reuse attitude. Significant findings may provide important insights into how educators, environmental agencies, and brand managers can more effectively manage information sources to promote college students’ recycling and reuse attitude, intention, and behavior.
The Effect of the Manner in Which Montane and Submontane Areas Are Utilized on the Quality of Leachate Water
Authors: Kacorzyk Piotr , Strojny Jacek
Published: June 2021

This study aimed at assessing the effect of how submontane soils are managed on the quantity and quality of leachate water, as well as on the load of nutrients leached with it. The quality of leachate water moving through the soil profile at the depth of 0–30 cm was investigated. The quality of leachate water from six research variants was analyzed in three periods: intensive growing, inhibited growing, and the non-growing season. It was established that the type of flora had a significant effect on the amount and chemical composition of water flowing through the soil profile. The highest loads of minerals were leached with leachate waters from arable land. Contrary to the common opinion, unused meadow had the best quality of leachate waters. On account of the quality of leachate waters in submontane and montane areas, it is recommended to reduce plow tillage in these areas. It is also recommended to use these areas as meadows and pastures, with moderate fertilization and rational use, i.e., two mowings or three grazings during the growing season. The study emphasizes how important the management of the use of submontane and montane areas is for the quality and quantity of leachate waters.
An Evidence Review of Ageing, Long-Term Care Provision and Funding Mechanisms in Turkey: Using Existing Evidence to Estimate Long-Term Care Cost
Authors: Ismail Mohamed , Hussein Shereen
Published: June 2021

Turkey is transitioning from an ageing to aged population at a fast pace. This process requires immediate policy and practice planning and actionable strategies. Formulating and implementing such policies needs to acknowledge parallel demographic and socio-economic changes to ensure adequate resources and appropriate services are developed to enhance the growing older population’s quality of life and wellbeing. Limited long-term care (LTC) provision, funding mechanisms and reliance on informal support primarily provided by women pose considerable challenges to all stakeholders, including the state, families and older people. This paper provides an evidence review on older people's status and their health and care needs, current LTC policies, provision and funding mechanisms in Turkey. It employs a mixed review methodology, making use of published statistics, indicators and literature. The study also adapts existing LTC funding estimation models to predict LTC cost for Turkey. The review highlights the increasing share of older people in Turkey, the fast pace of population ageing, and escalating health and LTC unmet needs. Older people are reported to have high levels of depression, loneliness and co-morbidity with regional, gender and educational differentials. The Turkish LTC and welfare models rely on the family, particularly women, in meeting increased demand. A hierarchical model with random intercept was implemented and estimated the LTC cost in Turkey to be 0.02% of GDP, acknowledging the high proportion of people at labour participation age range and low female employment levels.
Technical Points of Water-Draw and Discharge Impact Analysis in Guidelines for Water Resource Assessment of Coastal Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Fan Guohua , Hou Baodeng , Dong Xinsheng , Ding Xiaowen
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, cleaner production is getting more and more attention, and nuclear power has been widely used due to its low energy consumption and lower pollution. Most nuclear power plants in China, including those under construction and constructed ones, are coastal. For a nuclear power plant, however, its large amount of water consumption and high guarantee rate of water quality will have impacts on the regional water-resource allocation in the site area. During the water-discharge process, low-level radioactive wastewater and warm water will be discharged, while medium or even highly radioactive wastewater will be generated in an accident, both of which will affect the environment of the receiving water. In 2016, the Chinese government began to work on the Guidelines for Water Resources Assessment of Coastal Nuclear Power Plant Projects. The compilation work, led mainly by the Ministry of Water Resources, focused on analyzing key technical points of the impacts of water intake, wastewater discharge, and their reduction measures, as well as water-protection measures. In this study, the technical requirements for impact analysis of water-draw, wastewater discharge, and their remedial measures for coastal nuclear power construction projects in different periods were put forward. Lastly, the measures for water conservation, protection, and management were given. All the technical requirements and measures gave a research basis and technical support for the formulation of the guidelines.
Agritourism—A Business Reality of the Moment for Romanian Rural Area’s Sustainability
Authors: Ciolac Ramona , Iancu Tiberiu , Brad Ioan , Adamov Tabita , Mateoc-Sîrb Nicoleta
Published: June 2021

The agritourism activity can be a characteristic reality of the present, considering rural area’s sustainability, being at the same time a business reality for rural entrepreneurs and a “must have” for rural communities that have tourism potential. It is a form of tourism, through which the tourist can receive a qualitative product at a reasonable price, but also a field that can ensure sustainable development over time, being at the same time environmentally friendly. The purpose of this scientific paper is to identify the aspects that make agritourism “a possible business reality of the moment”, for Romanian rural area’s sustainability. We take into account the following areas: Bran-Moieciu area—considered “the oldest” in terms of agritourism experience, and Apuseni Mountains area, with a great inclination and potential for this activity. The study conducted for these two areas is focused on several aspects: the degree of involvement in agritourism activities, considering the number of years and managerial experience, the analysis of the types of activities/experiences offered by agritourism structures, the identification of the main reasons/motivations for the orientation towards agritourism and the manner in which this field is perceived. Aspects related to the marketing-finance part of the agritourism business are also taken into account: customers, distribution channels, financial sources, shortcomings observed by agritourism business owners and possible action directions so as to improve the activity/agritourism product. Agritourism may be “a possible business reality of the moment” for the studied areas and not only, but in the future, the entrepreneur/farmer must be constantly updated because of the changing situations that appear on the market, be able to make sustainable decisions for his/her own business, which in the future will ensure its viability and obviously its long-term profitability and development, and in the same time rural area’s sustainability.