bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytic Hierarchy Process Based Land Suitability for Organic Farming in the Arid Region
Authors: Mangan Pandian , Pandi Dinagarapandi , Haq Mohd Anul , Sinha Aniruddha , Nagarajan Rajagopal , Dasani Twinkle , Keshta Ismail , Alshehri Mohammed
Published: April 2022

The use of organic farming in the Thar desert region (great Indian desert) is extremely low due to the low humidity and high temperatures across India. As a result, the desert area faces significant challenges in agricultural production and in meeting the demand for high-quality food. Thus, the farming community in this area needs to expand to meet the required demands. Geospatial technologies are capable of recommending suitable farming areas in desert regions and, specifically, to increase organic farming. However, the prevalence of organic farming is very low in developing countries. In this study, a multi-criteria decision-making process was used to determine land suitability for organic crops and to increase organic food production. This study attempted to identify suitable land for reliable organic farming in Rajasthan’s Barmer district. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique combined with the geographic information system approach showed that, in the Barmer district, the highly suitable area for organic farming comprises about 832 sq. km and the moderately suitable area covers about 8524 sq. km. Monthly Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and precipitation data were used to identify the impact of organic farming in the Barmer district for the period from January 2017 to December 2020. Finally, this study investigated the quality of land and its application so that it can be used effectively to solve social and economic problems.
Environmental Impacts of Coal Nanoparticles from Rehabilitated Mine Areas in Colombia
Authors: Oliveira Marcos L. S. , Akinyemi Segun A. , Nyakuma Bemgba B. , Dotto Guilherme L.
Published: April 2022

With the possible increase in mining activities and recently projected population growth in Colombia, large quantities of nanoparticles (NPs) and potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) will be of major concern to mine workers, indigenous residents, and surrounding communities. This study highlights the need to regulate the pollution from Colombian mining activities that comply with regional regulations and global strategies. Colombian coal rejects (CRs) from the Cesar Basin, Colombia, were studied primarily by advanced electron microscopic and analytical procedures. Therefore, the goal of this research is to evaluate the role of NPs in the alteration of CRs’ structure in a renewed zone at Cerrejón coal area (La Guajira, Colombia) through advanced electron microscopic (AEMs) methods. The objective of the analysis is to evaluate the incidence mode of nanoparticles, which contain potentially hazardous elements. The bulk crystallography (X-ray diffraction), chemical structure, and morphologies of NPs were studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), micro-beam diffraction (MBD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) procedures. The AEMs provided comprehensive insights into the geochemical evolution of CRs. Consequently, the AEMs can be used as essential tools for CR management in coal mining areas. The regular dimension of detected NPs was found to be above 2 nm. Ultrafine particles of quartz were identified by the advanced electron microscopy. Furthermore, the findings also revealed aluminium, calcium, potassium, titanium, iron oxides, and PHEs in the CRs. The extensive water practice in the coal extraction process combined with atmospheric oxygen supports oxidations of iron sulphide, thus releasing PHEs to the surrounding environment. Dehydration of sulphate salts fluctuate at consistent humidity in the coal mine environments. The study demonstrates the great influence of coal mining activities on the environment and human health.
A Framework for Adopting a Sustainable Smart Sea Port Index
Authors: Othman Alaa , El-gazzar Sara , Knez Matjaz
Published: April 2022

The new business environment, and the new era of digital transformation put pressure on the global supply chain and accordingly on ports to cope with such changes; these require ports to be smarter and adapt to the new technological approaches. Smart ports SP express the prevailing trend for the transformation strategies. Although many previous studies discuss smart ports requirements there is no integrated vision provided before to capture different comprehensive elements of smart port and show its impact on sustainably. Therefore, this research aims at developing an integrated smart port index SPI, capturing different elements of SP and linking them to port sustainability performance. The research conducted a systematic literature review to identify all pillars that are required for the smart port adaptation and showed its impact on sustainability with a full-text reading stage that resulted in 48 articles. The paper indicated that few studies of the SPI have been proposed before to improve SP activity in different domains: operations, environment, energy, safety, and security; however, there is a need to address the several key issues related to port operations, and to consider human resources factor as part of the smart port requirement, particularly an integrated index that captures different pillars in SP elements and shows its effect on sustainable performance. The study reveals that SP initiatives around the world have different integration levels. According to this, the smart port index can be considered as the first integrated index linked to sustainability and including human resources; however, there are some limitations that could be an open issue to future researchers and practitioners to foster new practical research initiatives that can rely on this index to adapt the smart port practices in different ports, taking into consideration the human resources aspect and testing their impact on port sustainability.
An Assessment of Trace Element Accumulation in Palm Oil Production
Authors: Thompson-Morrison Hadee , Gaw Sally , Robinson Brett
Published: April 2022

African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is grown on 17,000,000 hectares in Southeast Asia, producing oil and the by-product, palm kernel expeller (PKE), for export. Elaeis guineensis is typically produced on weathered acidic soils, with fertilisers and fungicides used to increase production. These amendments can contain elevated concentrations of trace elements (TEs), either as the active ingredient (e.g., Cu-based fungicides) or as contaminants, including F, Zn, As, Cd, Pb and U. TEs may accumulate in soil over time, and be taken up by plants, posing a food-chain transfer risk if allowed to exceed soil guideline values. We reviewed available literature on trace elements in soil, plant material, oil and PKE to evaluate the risk of TE accumulation due to phosphate fertiliser and Cu-fungicide use. TE concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Cd were reported to be up to 69, 107 and 5.2 mg kg−1, respectively, in E. guineensis plantation soils, while Cu and As were reported to be up to 28.9 and 3.05 mg kg−1, respectively, in PKE (>50% their permissible limits). Iron, a TE, has also been reported in PKE up to 6130 mg kg−1 (>10-fold the permissible limit). TE accumulation is an emerging issue for the palm oil industry, which, if unaddressed, will negatively affect the industry’s economic and environmental sustainability. There are critical knowledge gaps concerning TEs in palm oil systems, including a general lack of research from Southeast Asian environments and information concerning key contaminants (Fe, Cu, As and Cd) in soils, plants and PKE.
Features and Challenges of Agritourism: Evidence from Iran and Poland
Authors: Mahmoodi Maryam , Roman Michał , Prus Piotr
Published: April 2022

In recent decades, agritourism has been suggested as one of the strategies for sustainable development of rural areas and diversification of the rural economy. The main purpose of this research was to review the situation, opportunities and challenges of agritourism in Iran and Poland to create an understanding of the agritourism situation in both countries. The systematic literature review (SLR) was used as the instrument in this study to access the number of possible papers and to understand the literature regarding the history, current states, support policies, developments and challenges of agritourism in Iran and Poland. Published research studies on entrepreneurship and agritourism in Iran and Poland between 2000 and 2022 were assessed. The results of this study showed that the development of agritourism in Poland has a longer history and is more developed compared to Iran and the Iranian authorities should take more measures in managing and developing agritourism. This study provides a major contribution to knowledge by being among the very first studies that examines and compares the situation of agritourism development in Iran and Poland. Practically, this research provides useful understanding of agritourism services and the areas need to be developed in the two countries for the development of agritourism. The article presents the index of positioning a competitive farm and gaining an advantage on the market of agritourism services.
Various Fertilization Managements Influence the Flowering Attributes, Yield Response, Biochemical Activity and SoilNutrient Status of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.)
Authors: Choudhary Ashok , Kumar Ajit , Kumar Uttam , Choudhary Rajesh , Kumar Rakesh , Jat Rajkumar , Nidhibahen Patel , Hatamleh Ashraf Atef , Al-Dosary Munirah Abdullah , Al-Wasel Yasmeen Abdualrhman , Rajagopal Rajinikanth , Ravindran Balasubramani
Published: April 2022

Optimal nutrient management is critical for optimizing flowering, yield, quality and improving soil health. A key approach for making chrysanthemum crop cultivation profitable is balanced fertigation at the right time. This is possible by fertigation through drip. The present study was designed in 2019–2021 at a model floriculture center, Pantnagar, to investigate the response of split application of NPK through drip fertigation on flowering attributes, yield, biochemical activity and soil nutrient status of chrysanthemum. Plants received application of NPK with five treatment combinations: T1-NPK @ 100:150:100 kg/ha/year, T2-NPK @ 100:150:100 kg/ha/year, T3-NPK @ 100:150:100 kg/ha/year, T4-NPK @ 75:112.5:75 kg/ha/year and T5-NPK @ 75:112.5:75 kg/ha/year at vegetative, bud and flowering stages. The results reveal that the plants treated with treatment T3 (NPK @ 100:150:100 kg/ha/year) exhibited maximum increases in floral bud diameter (31.45%), number of inflorescences per branch (24.44%), diameter of inflorescence (15.32–28.44%), weight of inflorescence (24.30%), stem diameter, inflorescence stem length, number of inflorescences per plant (6.16%), number of inflorescences per hectare (53.46%), chlorophyll a content, chlorophyll b content, total chlorophyll content (40.20%), carotene content of inflorescence (69.56%), organic carbon (1.22-fold), available nitrogen content (7.46%), available phosphorus and available potassium (1.14-fold) compared to the control. Conclusively, the results suggest that split application of NPK through drip fertigation may improve the inflorescence attributes, yield, biochemical activity and soil nutrient status of chrysanthemum.
Land Endowment and Parental Educational Investment in Rural China
Authors: Zhang Mengling , Weng Zhenlin , Chen Zhaojiu , Wu Feng
Published: April 2022

Education is fundamental to enhancing the quality of life and ensuring social and economic progress. However, the divisive economic structure separating urban and rural areas in China led to insufficient educational investment in rural China, and trapped farmers’ children in the agricultural sector. Land is one major asset of rural households, and can generate income or be mortgaged for credit used for educational investment. This study explored the relationship between land endowment and parental educational investment of rural households, from both theoretical and empirical perspectives, breaking down the effect of land endowment into two different components for the better promotion of educational investment. Based on data from a 2018 survey in Jiangxi Province, where rural education investment is severely restricted by the level of economic development, this study shows that the income and wealth effects of land endowment exists, and both increase the probability of educational investment. The wealth effect dominates the income effect when the households managed large-scale land or owned more land with contract rights. However, when the land endowment was less than a threshold of 3.85 mu, the wealth effect was replaced by the substitution effect, which conversely restrained educational investment for small-scale farmers in rural China. These findings highlight the importance of large-scale farmland as a mortgageable, or income-generating, asset in stimulating educational investment. Therefore, China should continue adhering to reform through the market-oriented land transfer system, with the government actively playing a role in ensuring the stability of land transfer and the security of land management rights, and increasing productivity for a high agricultural income to achieve sustainable educational investment.
Performance-Oriented Passive Design Strategies for Shape and Envelope Structure of Independent Residential Buildings in Yangtze River Delta Suburbs
Authors: Li Ning , Peng Zhechen , Dai Jian , Li Ziwei
Published: April 2022

The Yangtze River Delta is a relatively developed area with many detached houses in the suburbs. Such detached houses are usually 1–3 stories high, mostly self-built by local people. Due to the lack of passive design guidance in the design and construction process, these houses’ energy consumption is usually high. At present, residents in the area use air conditioners, fans, and other electrical equipment in their daily lives. This paper takes detached houses in the suburbs of Ningbo as the research objects, through performance simulation and big data mining of a large number of generated samples, and proposes a passive design strategy suitable for the local building form and envelope structure, which can guide local housing construction.
Special Issue “Rethinking the Subjective Wellbeing for a New Workplace Scenario”
Authors: Molina-Sánchez Horacio , Giorgi Gabriele , Castillo Guajardo Dante , Ariza-Montes Antonio
Published: April 2022

From the public health policies’ view, promoting subjective wellbeing is a must because it positively influences employee health and longevity [...]
Changes in the Price of Food and Agricultural Raw Materials in Poland in the Context of the European Union Accession
Authors: Kusz Dariusz , Kusz Bożena , Hydzik Paweł
Published: April 2022

Shaping of prices of agricultural raw materials results from the impact of a wide range of factors that influence prices in different links in the marketing chain. Political changes, especially sudden ones, which abruptly changed farming conditions, were one of the reasons for the asymmetry in price transmission. The main purpose of the paper was to estimate the trends in changes in agricultural raw materials prices in comparison to the trends in food prices in Poland in two time frames, differing in political and economic conditions: before (1999–2004) and after Poland’s accession (2005–2019) to the European Union. It was found that the accession to the EU improved the situation of farmers in agricultural markets. There was a reversal of downward price trends in agricultural raw materials and their stabilization. In the years 1995–2005, for most of the prices of agricultural raw materials and food under the analysis, the differences between the trends were not statistically significant. This situation was consistent with the model of market operating under perfect competition. The trends in the prices of wheat, rolls, and bread, as well as the prices of livestock for slaughter-pigs and roast beef were the only exceptions. In turn, in the years 2005–2019 statistically significant differences between the trends in the prices of agricultural raw materials and food were recorded for wheat, bread, and flour; milk, butter, and cottage cheese; eggs and egg retail prices; as well as livestock for slaughter, cattle, and sausages. No statistically significant differences were found for the remaining relationships of the analyzed prices of agricultural raw materials and food. These data indicate a different level of price transmission depending on the product group.
Effect of Peat-Perlite Substrate Compaction in Hiko V265 Trays on the Growth of Fagus sylvatica L. Seedlings
Authors: Pająk Katarzyna , Kormanek Mariusz , Małek Stanisław , Banach Jacek
Published: April 2022

The growth of seedlings depends on many factors: the availability of light, water, and minerals, as well as the type and physical properties of the substrate, including its density. The effect of different levels of compaction of the peat-perlite substrate on the growth of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings in container nursery has not been investigated so far. In presented research, nine variants of peat-perlite substrate compaction (in three replications), with the actual bulk density ranging between 0.196 and 0.317 g·cm−3, were prepared in Hiko V265 nursery trays. European beech seeds were sown in the trays, and a seedling was grown in the production field. After the cultivation period, selected parameters were measured. The results reveal that substrate in a wide range of compaction (dry bulk density: 0.078–0.127 g·cm−3) had an impact on the height of seedlings, root dry matter, and the mean length of coarse roots and fine roots. The best shoot-to-root ratio and sturdiness quotient were observed in the seedlings growing on the substrate with the lowest compaction. Based on the results, compaction at the level of 0.196 g·cm−3 is recommended for the cultivation of European beech in Hiko V265 nursery trays.
Evaluation of Bluetooth Detectors in Travel Time Estimation
Authors: Jedwanna Krit , Boonsiripant Saroch
Published: April 2022

With the current popularity of mobile devices with Bluetooth technology, numerous studies have developed methods to analyze the data from such devices to estimate a variety of traffic information, such as travel time, link speed, and origin–destination estimations. However, few studies have comprehensively determined the impact of the penetration rate on the estimated travel time derived from Bluetooth detectors. The objectives of this paper were threefold: (1) to develop a data-processing method to estimate the travel time based on Bluetooth transactional data; (2) to determine the impact of vehicle speeds on Bluetooth detection performance; and (3) to analyze how the Bluetooth penetration rate affected deviations in the estimated travel time. A 28 km toll section in Bangkok, Thailand, was chosen for the study. A number of Bluetooth detectors and microwave radar devices were installed to collect traffic data in October 2020. Five data-processing steps were developed to estimate the travel time. Based on the results, the penetration rate during the day (50 to 90 percent) was higher than during the night (20 to 50 percent). In addition, we found that speed had adverse effects on the MAC address detection capability of the Bluetooth detectors; for speeds greater than 80 km/h, the number of MAC addresses detected decreased. The minimum Bluetooth penetration rate should be at least 1 percent (or 37 vehicles/h) during peak periods and at least 5 percent (or 49 vehicles/h) during the off-peak period.
A Path towards Sustainable Vehicle Automation: Willingness to Engage in Level 3 Automated Driving
Authors: Tomasevic Nebojsa , Young Kristie L. , Horberry Tim , Fildes Brian
Published: April 2022

This paper describes a driving simulator study exploring driver willingness to engage in automated driving. The study aimed to explore factors that may influence willingness to engage (WTE) in automated driving and willingness to resume control (WTRC) in Level 3 automated vehicles during everyday driving. Automated driving is an emerging technology that promises a range of benefits. The first step towards sustainable automated driving is the successful introduction of Level 3 automated vehicles. This study investigates key factors that influence the driver’s willingness to engage in automated driving in a Level 3 automated vehicle. A purpose-built driving simulator was used. Forty participants were exposed to driving situations of differing complexity in both manual and automated driving modes, and their willingness to engage or disengage automated driving and perception of safety were recorded. Results demonstrated a strong negative effect of perceived situation complexity on willingness to engage in automated driving. Other significant factors that determine drivers’ willingness to engage in automated driving were trust in automation and driving enjoyment. The identification of perceived situation complexity as a significant factor in drivers’ willingness to engage the automated driving vehicle control mode was the major finding of this research. This finding suggests that it is possible to improve the rate of uptake and sustainability of automated driving with external interventions (technological, regulatory and publicity).
Adoption of Sustainable Technologies during Crisis: Examining Employees’ Perception and Readiness across Cultures
Authors: Tenakwah Emmanuel Senior , Tenakwah Emmanuel Junior , Amponsah Mary , Eyaa Sarah , Boateng Elliot , Okhawere Nekpen
Published: April 2022

Studies on technology adoption have generally found significant variations across cultures, with the literature suggesting a strong reluctance to adopt new technologies, particularly in non-western countries. Given the accelerated increase in remote working and collaboration during the COVID-19 crisis, this paper compares the determinants of sustainable technology adoption by employees across Western and Non-Western countries. Using a survey of 302 participants from 13 Western and non-Western countries, four proposed hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling and multi-group comparisons. The empirical results suggest a significant positive relationship between perceived ease of use and usefulness, influencing employees’ attitudes towards using sustainable technologies. We also found a significant positive effect between attitude towards using sustainable technologies and actual use. The indirect effect of perceived usefulness and ease of use on actual use via attitudes towards using was also positive and significant. We, however, found no significant differences between Western and non-Western countries in terms of the adoption of sustainable technologies.
Critical Factors and Performance Measurement of Business Incubators: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pattanasak Photchanaphisut , Anantana Tanyanuparb , Paphawasit Boontarika , Wudhikarn Ratapol
Published: April 2022

Business incubators (BIs) are important supporters for young businesses, since they provide firms with physical facilities and intangible support. Existing literature reviews focusing on BIs have neglected to consider individual factors in their success in favor of combining key performance measurements to identify their development targets. This systematic literature review thus aimed to combine studies that examined specific issues pertaining to BI performance and related key performance indicators to measure their activities. We conducted a systematic literature review based on two research questions: the first research question concerned critical factors for BIs’ performance; the second concerned their performance measurements. To ensure that we covered crucial factors and indicators of the latest generation of BIs, our systematic procedure included 74 studies published between 2005 and 2020 that were read in full and revealed ten critical factors that particularly emphasized financial resources and networking. We identified six categories for performance measurement, placing the greatest emphasis on the measurement of social capital. We recommend that academic researchers and BIs prioritize the intangible factors that constitute organizations’ hidden value. This review thus provides novel findings by identifying common critical factors for BIs’ performance and offering guidelines for performance measurement that consider BIs’ intangible assets and trends for future studies.
Increasing Throughput in Warehouses: The Effect of Storage Reallocation and the Location of Input/Output Station
Authors: Alnahhal Mohammed , Salah Bashir , Ahmad Rafiq
Published: April 2022

Automatic warehousing systems are a sort of green technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the logistics business. Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) are one of the most significant components of advanced automated logistics and manufacturing systems. The majority of AS/RS systems use input/output (I/O) points located in the lower left corner of the rack. These systems are reaching their maximum capacity because of their layout design limitations. Breakthrough solutions are needed to enhance the performance of existing systems. In this study, we examined how the location of I/O station can affect the total travel time. Another strategy for enhancement is a two-step preparation method. In this strategy, the allocation of the storage is changed, in the idle time, to be closer to the I/O point to reduce the service time for a class-based storage assignment. An analytical model was used to introduce for the first time optimal configurations of this strategy. We tested the suggested strategy using a simulation model created using R software, specifically designed for this purpose. Results showed that the two-step preparation strategy took between 1.2 and 1.9 h before the shift starts. The enhancement on throughput is almost the same for both possible locations of the I/O point. The results also showed that the two strategies (location of the I/O point and reallocation of storage) could increase throughput by about 21% to 28%, depending on parameters such as the number of orders and the height of the storage rack.
Do Online Reviews Encourage Customers to Write Online Reviews? A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Xia Yingxue , Ha Hong-Youl
Published: April 2022

This study examines the nature of online reviews to explain changes in satisfaction, trust, and consumer intent to write a review during restaurant revisit stages. Using a data set of two-time lags, the findings show that the impact of online reviews on customer satisfaction, trust, and consumer intent to write a review decreases or dilutes over time. More specifically, the effect of online reviews in T + 1 diminishes as consumers experience a particular restaurant compared to when they initially encountered the review. Our findings also show that the impacts of online reviews on satisfaction and trust gradually decrease over time. However, the relationship between online reviews and trust is only significant in T + 1. Additionally, the effect of trust on customer intent to write a review initially increases (T) and then, gradually drops over time (T + 1). Finally, this study proposes guidelines for improving theoretical and practical insights across consumption experience stages.
The Effects of Health Crisis on Economic Growth, Health and Movement of Population
Authors: Anghelache Constantin , Anghel Mădălina-Gabriela , Iacob Ștefan Virgil , Panait Mirela , Rădulescu Irina Gabriela , Brezoi Alina Gabriela , Miron Adrian
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which was triggered in 2019 with oscillating evolution in 2020 and 2021, was a factor that has had dramatic effects on the economic growth of countries worldwide. In the context of the pandemic crisis, population health has deteriorated; education and economic activity in all the countries around the world have been affected. The main purpose of this paper is to highlight the special situations that humanity is experiencing as a result of the unprecedented effects that the COVID-19 crisis is having on the socioeconomic evolution. Specific statistical econometric methods (such as analysis of linear correlations, multiple linear regression, analysis based on dynamics indicators, and spectral analysis, comparability based on indices) were applied to highlight the evolution and future prospects of the COVID-19 virus worldwide. The COVID-19 crisis has generated another major issue for mankind, along with global warming and the energy transition, namely, population health. For this reason, in this study, we focused on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on population health in a broader context; the sustained growth of populations in developing countries and aging populations in developed economies.
The Impact of Parental External Labour Migration on the Social Sustainability of the Next Generation in Developing Countries
Authors: Iosim Iasmina , Runcan Patricia , Runcan Remus , Jomiru Cristina , Gavrila-Ardelean Mihaela
Published: April 2022

Migration is a frequent phenomenon in the current European context. It is culturally differentiated according to every country, and it has a major role in the social sustainability of families and the next generation. This paper aimed to determine the impact of parents leaving to work abroad on the lives of their left-at-home children. This gives rise to a new phenomenon of “social orphans”. This research was carried out with the participation of eight adults who, during their childhood, had a parent who went to work abroad for a period of more than one month. The research tool used was the semi-structured interview guide. The research found that the main reason for parents leaving was the precarious financial situation of their families and their need to support their children (materially, educationally, and financially). The research results showed that the resulting greater financial stability did not guarantee that family ties would develop in a positive direction. More than half of the respondents reported a worsening of relationships with family members and experienced major psycho-emotional deprivation. The family has been negatively impacted in the social sustainability of the next generation.
People’s Perception of Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Mitigation: The Case of Veneto Region (Italy)
Authors: Bernello Giacomo , Mondino Elena , Bortolini Lucia
Published: April 2022

Floods have become more frequent due to a growing number of extreme rainfall events linked to climate change and increased urbanization. Additionally, 66% of the world’s population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050, making flood prevention and risk reduction increasingly important. Sustainability, resilience and ecosystem services are essential to increase human well-being in urban environments. Nature-based Solutions (NBS) can provide all the benefits of urban green spaces combined with flood mitigation. This work aims to provide useful information to promote the adoption of NBS to build communities resilient to climate change by exploring how people’s perception of and willingness to implement some NBS. To this end, an online survey was conducted to investigate the knowledge and the perception of NBS and grey infrastructures among people in Veneto, a north-Eastern region of Italy. Data analysis revealed a significant correlation between previous knowledge of water management systems and the perceived effectiveness of some NBS. Behaviors linked to the level of connection with the territory have also been found to influence the perceived effectiveness of NBS. This study provides insights into the dynamics behind the implementation of NBS to reduce the risk of urban flooding and can help policymakers adapt urban plans to promote the adoption of NBS.
Grazing Land Productivity, Floral Diversity, and Management in a Semi-Arid Mediterranean Landscape
Authors: Psyllos Georgios , Hadjigeorgiou Ioannis , Dimitrakopoulos Panayiotis G. , Kizos Thanasis
Published: April 2022

Most grazing lands in Mediterranean ecosystems that support extensive sheep farming systems are characterized by unfavorable edapho-climatic conditions, especially in semi-arid areas. Often, though, their use is far from sustainable, causing erosion and ecosystem degradation impacts. In this paper, we explore the use, productivity, and flora diversity of typical Mediterranean grazing lands in four farms at the Agra locality in the western part of Lesvos Island, Greece. For a period of two consecutive growing seasons (September to June), we recorded herbage biomass on 16 plots of grazing lands with three measurements per season of land cover and plant productivity (biomass) inside small exclosures (cages) protected from grazing. We recorded the species richness of herbaceous plant communities within and outside the cages at the end of every growing season, the period of maximum growth of herbaceous species. We also chemically analyzed the biomass for crude protein at the end of each season. Results show sizable productivity differences among pasture plots as well as seasons and an overall medium to high degree of productivity and species richness considering the relatively intensive grazing, with little differences over the different cages and the degree of grazing intensity. These results suggest that the “history” of the fields is important, as grazing lands that had been used for arable crops in the past, as well as those leveled and in favorable locations, were the most productive and diverse ones, while shallower soils and inclined grazing lands showed signs of overuse and degradation. Overall, though, these ecosystems showed a high degree of resilience despite their intensive use.
An Empirical Study: The Impact of Collaborative Communications on New Product Creativity That Contributes to New Product Performance
Authors: Chan Henry M. H. , Cho Vincent W. S.
Published: April 2022

Creativity is vital and a key determinant for the success of many organizations in today’s competitive environment. Research in marketing has suggested that collaborative communication is important to sustain a competitive advantage. Leveraging a resource-based view, this research provides a comprehensive view examining the different facets of collaborative communication—reciprocal feedback, rationality, formal communication, and informal communication, on the meaningfulness and novelty of new product creativity, and their impacts on new product performance. Based on 181 sets of responses, our findings indicate that rationality posits a significant positive effect on the meaningfulness of new product creativity, which in turn contributes to new product performance. As for the novelty of new product creativity, it is influenced by informal communication whilst the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) further strengthens the positive association between informal communications and the novelty of new product creativity. This study provides theoretical contributions to the new product development literature as well as practical insights for organizations on the importance of collaborative communication to new product creativity and improvements in new product performance.
Topological Structure of Solution Set to a Fractional Differential Inclusion Problem with Delay
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Wu Rui , Ge Bin
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we investigate the topological structure of the solution set to a fractional differential inclusion with delay defined on the half-line. We first prove that the solution set to the inclusion is an Rδ-set on compact intervals. Then, by means of the inverse limit method, we generalize our results to noncompact intervals. Moreover, under convex and nonconvex conditions, an Rδ-property solution set is obtained for some nonlocal problems, where the nonlocal function is set-valued. Further, we study the symmetry of the solution set under some conditions.
Multicriteria Optimization of Logistics Processes Using a Grey FUCOM-SWOT Model
Authors: Popović Vladimir , Pamučar Dragan , Stević Željko , Lukovac Vesko , Jovković Srđan
Published: April 2022

Optimization of logistics processes and activities in the function of supply-chain sustainability is a great challenge for logistics companies. It is necessary to rationalize processes in accordance with the strict requirements of the market, while respecting aspects of sustainability, which is not an easy task. Multicriteria decision making can be a tool that contributes to the optimization of logistics processes in terms of making the right decisions and evaluating different strategies in different logistics subsystems. In this paper, we considered the warehousing system as one of the most important logistics subsystems in a company. Conditions and the possibility of implementing barcode technology in order to optimize warehousing processes were evaluated. We formed a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) matrix consisting of a total of 27 elements. In order to determine the weights of all factors at the first level of decision making and its indicators at the second level of the decision making hierarchy, an original model was developed. This model involved the creation of a novel grey full-consistency method (FUCOM-G) and integration with a SWOT analysis. Since it was a matter of group decision making, we developed a novel grey Hamy aggregator that, by adequately treating uncertainties and ambiguities, contributed to making more precise decisions. The original grey FUCOM-SWOT model based on the grey Hamy aggregator represents a contribution to the entire field of decision making and optimization of logistics processes. Based on the applied model, the obtained results showed that Weaknesses, as part of the SWOT matrix, are currently the most dominant indicators, and that the implementation of barcode technology in a warehousing system is justified.
Self-Organizing Equilibrium Patterns of Multiple Permanent Magnets Floating Freely under the Action of a Central Attractive Magnetic Force
Authors: Nemoianu Iosif Vasile , Dragomirescu Cristian George , Manescu (Paltanea) Veronica , Dascalu Maria-Iuliana , Paltanea Gheorghe , Ciuceanu Radu Mircea
Published: April 2022

The present communication revisits the almost century-and-a-half-old problem of some identical small magnets floating freely on the water’s surface under the action of a superimposing magnetic field created by a stronger magnet placed above them. Originally introduced and performed by Alfred Marshall Mayer and reported in a series of articles starting from 1878 onward, the proposed experiments were intended to provide a model (theoretical and educational) for the building block of matter that, at a microscopic level, is the atom. The self-organizing patterns formed by the repelling small magnets under the influence of a single attractive central force are presented in a slightly different reenactment of the original experiments. Although the set-up is characterized by an axially symmetric magnetostatic structure, and the floated magnets are all identical, the resulting equilibrium patterns are not necessarily symmetrical, as one would expect. To the authors’ best knowledge, the present communication proposes for the first time a quantitative approach to that extremely complex conceptual problem by providing a methodology for computing the equilibrium point coordinates in the case of n = 1…20 floating magnets, as proposed by the original A.M. Mayer experiments. A good agreement between the experiments and computed data was demonstrated for n = 2…15 (1st variant), but it was less accurate while still preserving the experimental set-up configurations for n = 15 (2nd variant)…20. Finally, this study draws the conclusions from the performed experiments and their corresponding computer simulations, identifies some open issues, and outlines possible solutions to address them, as well as future developments concerning the subject in general.
Two Modified Chaotic Maps Based on Discrete Memristor Model
Authors: Li Guodong , Zhong Huiyan , Xu Wenxia , Xu Xiangliang
Published: April 2022

The discrete memristor has aroused increasing interest. In this paper, two discrete memristors with cosine with amplitude memristance are designed based on the discrete memristor model. The Simulink models of the two discrete memristors are built to verify that they meet the definition of the memristor. To improve the dynamic of a classic chaotic map, the discrete memristors are introduced into two chaotic maps: a Logistic map and a Hénon Map. Through the trajectory analysis, Lyapunov exponent, bifurcation diagram, and complexity analysis, it is shown that discrete memristors can indeed make the dynamical behaviors of chaotic maps richer and more complex.
Approximate Analytic–Numeric Fuzzy Solutions of Fuzzy Fractional Equations Using a Residual Power Series Approach
Authors: Al-qudah Yousef , Alaroud Mohammed , Qoqazeh Hamza , Jaradat Ali , Alhazmi Sharifah E. , Al-Omari Shrideh
Published: April 2022

In this article, we consider a reliable analytical and numerical approach to create fuzzy approximated solutions for differential equations of fractional order with appropriate uncertain initial data by the means of a residual error function. The concept of strongly generalized differentiability is utilized to introduce the fuzzy fractional derivatives. The proposed method provides a systematic scheme based on generalized Taylor expansion and minimization of the residual error function, so as to obtain the coefficients values of a fractional series based on the given initial data of triangular fuzzy numbers in the parametric form. The obtained approximated solutions are provided within an appropriate radius to the requisite domain in the form of rapidly convergent fractional series according to their parametric form. The method’s performance and applicability are verified by applying it on some numerical examples. The impact of r-levels and fractional order γ is presented quantitatively and graphically, showing the coincidence between the exact and the fuzzy approximated solutions. Moreover, for reliability and accuracy, our obtained results are numerically compared with the exact solutions and with results obtained using other methods described in the literature. This indicates that the proposed approach overcomes the difficulties that appear in other approaches to create fractional series solutions for varied uncertain natural problems arising within the fields of applied physics and engineering.
Quasi Association Models for Square Contingency Tables with Ordinal Categories
Authors: Fujisawa Kengo , Tahata Kouji
Published: April 2022

The analysis of contingency tables focuses on a statistical model instead of independence when the independence between row and column variables does not hold. Many association models have been proposed to indicate the structure of odds ratios. Additionally, symmetry and asymmetry models have been proposed to analyze the cell probabilities of square contingency tables with symmetric or asymmetric structures. This paper proposes an asymmetry plus association model for square contingency tables with ordinal categories and partitioning of the test statistic for goodness-of-fit using our proposed model.
Implications of the Harmonization of [18F]FDG-PET/CT Imaging for Response Assessment of Treatment in Radiotherapy Planning
Authors: Jiménez-Ortega Elisa , Agüera Raquel , Ureba Ana , Balcerzyk Marcin , Wals-Zurita Amadeo , García-Gómez Francisco Javier , Leal Antonio
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this work is to present useful recommendations for the use of [18F]FDG-PET/CT imaging in radiotherapy planning and monitoring under different versions of EARL accreditation for harmonization of PET devices. A proof-of-concept experiment designed on an anthropomorphic phantom was carried out to establish the most suitable interpolation methods of the PET images in the different steps of the planning procedure. Based on PET/CT images obtained by using these optimal interpolations for the old EARL accreditation (EARL1) and for the new one (EARL2), the treatment plannings of representative actual clinical cases were calculated, and the clinical implications of the resulting differences were analyzed. As expected, EARL2 provided smaller volumes with higher resolution than EARL1. The increase in the size of the reconstructed volumes with EARL1 accreditation caused high doses in the organs at risk and in the regions adjacent to the target volumes. EARL2 accreditation allowed an improvement in the accuracy of the PET imaging precision, allowing more personalized radiotherapy. This work provides recommendations for those centers that intend to benefit from the new accreditation, EARL2, and can help build confidence of those that must continue working under the EARL1 accreditation.
“In the Middle, between Anxiety Victims and PTSD, There Are People That Have Some Kind of a Disorder That Has No Name Yet” Insights about the Traumatic Stress Consequences of Exposure to Ongoing Threat
Authors: Goral Aviva , Feder-Bubis Paula , Lahad Mooli , Aharonson-Daniel Limor
Published: April 2022

Current diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) do not include symptoms resulting from exposure to ongoing traumatic stress. Thus, existing assessment tools do not fully capture stress symptoms associated with exposure to threats that extend over months or years. We aimed to enumerate the symptoms associated with ongoing exposure to stress and to evaluate the need for a new comprehensive tool designed to assess traumatic stress in these situations. Study methods included focus group sessions, interviews, and a content expert’s workshop. Thematic analysis yielded three main themes: 1. PTSD in its current definition does not capture the whole “traumatic picture” observed in ongoing exposure to threat, 2. Some DSM-5 criteria are not applicable in ongoing exposure to threat, 3. The need for a new tool or modifications of commonly used assessment tools. This study supports the notion that PTSD assessment practices are lacking when assessing traumatic stress in ongoing exposure to threat and highlights the need for a new tool specifically designed for these situations.
Post-AGB Stars as Tracers of AGB Nucleosynthesis: An Update
Authors: Kamath Devika , Van Winckel Hans
Published: April 2022

The chemical evolution of galaxies is governed by the chemical yields from stars, and here we focus on the important contributions from asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. AGB nucleosynthesis is, however, still riddled with complexities. Observations from post-asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) stars serve as exquisite tools to quantify and understand AGB nucleosynthesis. In this contribution, we review the invaluable constraints provided by post-AGB stars with which to study AGB nucleosynthesis, especially the slow neutron capture nucleosynthesis (i.e., the s-process).
Search for Dark Higgs Inflation with Curvature Corrections at LHC Experiments
Authors: Popa Lucia Aurelia
Published: April 2022

We analyse the dark Higgs inflation model with curvature corrections and explore the possibility to test its predictions by the particle physics experiments at LHC. We show that the dark Higgs inflation model with curvature corrections is strongly favoured by the present cosmological observation. The cosmological predictions of this model, including the quantum corrections of dark Higgs coupling constants and the uncertainty in estimation of the reheating temperature, lead to the dark Higgs mass mφ=0.919± 0.211 GeV and the mixing angle (at 68% CL). We evaluate the FASER and MAPP-1 experiments reach for dark Higgs inflation mass and mixing angle in the 95% CL cosmological confidence region for an integrated luminosity of 3ab−1 at 13 TeV LHC, assuming 100% detection efficiency. We conclude that the dark Higgs inflation model with curvature corrections is a compelling inflation scenario based on particle physics theory favoured by the present cosmological measurements that can leave imprints in the dark Higgs boson searchers at LHC.