bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which Visual Modality Is Important When Judging the Naturalness of the Agent (Artificial Versus Human Intelligence) Providing Recommendations in the Symbolic Consumption Context?
Authors: Chung Kyungmi , Park Jin Young , Park Kiwan , Kim Yaeri
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to explore how the type and visual modality of a recommendation agent’s identity affect male university students’ (1) self-reported responses to agent-recommended symbolic brand in evaluating the naturalness of virtual agents, human, or artificial intelligence (AI) and (2) early event-related potential (ERP) responses between text- and face-specific scalp locations. Twenty-seven participants (M = 25.26, SD = 5.35) whose consumption was more motivated by symbolic needs (vs. functional) were instructed to perform a visual task to evaluate the naturalness of the target stimuli. As hypothesized, the subjective evaluation showed that they had lower attitudes and perceived higher unnaturalness when the symbolic brand was recommended by AI (vs. human). Based on this self-report, two epochs were segmented for the ERP analysis: human-natural and AI-unnatural. As revealed by P100 amplitude modulation on visual modality of two agents, their evaluation relied more on face image rather than text. Furthermore, this tendency was consistently observed in that of N170 amplitude when the agent identity was defined as human. However, when the agent identity was defined as AI, reversed N170 modulation was observed, indicating that participants referred more to textual information than graphical information to assess the naturalness of the agent.
Digital Filtering of Railway Track Coordinates in Mobile Multi–Receiver GNSS Measurements
Authors: Wilk Andrzej , Koc Wladyslaw , Specht Cezary , Judek Slawomir , Karwowski Krzysztof , Chrostowski Piotr , Czaplewski Krzysztof , Dabrowski Pawel S. , Grulkowski Sławomir , Licow Roksana , Skibicki Jacek , Specht Mariusz , Szmaglinski Jacek
Published: September 2020

The article discusses an important issue in connection with the technique of mobile Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements of railway track coordinates, which is digital filtering performed to precisely determine railway track axes. For this purpose, a measuring technique is proposed which bases on the use of a measuring platform with a number of appropriately distributed GNSS receivers, where two of them determine the directional base vector of the platform. The receivers used in the research had high measuring frequency in the Real Time Kinematic (RTK) operating mode and enabled correction of the obtained results in post–processing. A key problem discussed in the article is the method for assessing the quality of the measurement results obtained from GNSS receivers, and their preparation for further processing making use of geometrically constrained parameters of the base vector and specialized digital filtering, among other elements, to precisely determining the track axis. The obtained results confirm the applicability of the used method of GNSS signal processing.
Dynamic Changes in Progesterone Concentration in Cows’ Milk Determined by the At-Line Milk Analysis System Herd NavigatorTM
Authors: Antanaitis Ramūnas , Malašauskienė Dovilė , Televičius Mindaugas , Juozaitienė Vida , Žilinskas Henrikas , Baumgartner Walter
Published: September 2020

The aim of the current instant study was to evaluate relative at-line milk progesterone dynamic changes according to parity and status of reproduction and to estimate the relationship with productivity in dairy cows by at-line milk analysis system Herd NavigatorTM. According to the progesterone assay, experimental animals were divided into three periods: postpartum, after insemination, and pregnancy. In the first stage of the postpartum period, progesterone levels in milk were monitored every 5 days. This period of reproductive cycle recovery was followed for 30 days (days 0–29). The second stage of the postpartum period (30–65 days) lasted until cows were inseminated. In the period (0–45 days) after cow insemination, progesterone levels were distributed according to whether or not cows became pregnant. For milk progesterone detection, the fully automated real-time progesterone analyzer Herd NavigatorTM (Lattec I/S, Hillerød, Denmark) was used in combination with a DeLaval milking robot (DeLaval Inc., Tumba, Sweden). We found that an at-line progesterone concentration is related to different parities, reproductive statuses, and milk yield of cows: the 12.88% higher concentration of progesterone in milk was evaluated in primiparous cows. The average milk yield in non-pregnant primiparous cows was 4.64% higher, and in non-pregnant multiparous cows 6.87% higher than in pregnant cows. Pregnancy success in cows can be predicted 11–15 days after insemination, when a significant increase in progesterone is observed in the group of pregnant cows.
Improved Position Accuracy of Foot-Mounted Inertial Sensor by Discrete Corrections from Vision-Based Fiducial Marker Tracking
Authors: Khan Humayun , Clark Adrian , Woodward Graeme , Lindeman Robert W.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we present a novel pedestrian indoor positioning system that uses sensor fusion between a foot-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a vision-based fiducial marker tracking system. The goal is to provide an after-action review for first responders during training exercises. The main contribution of this work comes from the observation that different walking types (e.g., forward walking, sideways walking, backward walking) lead to different levels of position and heading error. Our approach takes this into account when accumulating the error, thereby leading to more-accurate estimations. Through experimentation, we show the variation in error accumulation and the improvement in accuracy alter when and how often to activate the camera tracking system, leading to better balance between accuracy and power consumption overall. The IMU and vision-based systems are loosely coupled using an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to ensure accurate and unobstructed positioning computation. The motion model of the EKF is derived from the foot-mounted IMU data and the measurement model from the vision system. Existing indoor positioning systems for training exercises require extensive active infrastructure installation, which is not viable for exercises taking place in a remote area. With the use of passive infrastructure (i.e., fiducial markers), the positioning system can accurately track user position over a longer duration of time and can be easily integrated into the environment. We evaluated our system on an indoor trajectory of 250 m. Results show that even with discrete corrections, near a meter level of accuracy can be achieved. Our proposed system attains the positioning accuracy of 0.55 m for a forward walk, 1.05 m for a backward walk, and 1.68 m for a sideways walk with a 90% confidence level.
An Improved Method of Determining Human Population Distribution Based on Luojia 1-01 Nighttime Light Imagery and Road Network Data—A Case Study of the City of Shenzhen
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Zheng Yuanmao , Shao Jinyuan , Lin Yinglun , Wang Haowei
Published: September 2020

Previously published studies on population distribution were based on the provincial level, while the number of urban-level studies is more limited. In addition, the rough spatial resolution of traditional nighttime light (NTL) data has limited their fine application in current small-scale population distribution research. For the purpose of studying the spatial distribution of populations at the urban scale, we proposed a new index (i.e., the road network adjusted human settlement index, RNAHSI) by integrating Luojia 1-01 (LJ 1-01) NTL data, the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and road network density (RND) data based on population density relationships to depict the spatial distribution of urban human settlements. The RNAHSI updated the high-resolution NTL data and combined the RND data on the basis of human settlement index (HSI) data to refine the spatial pattern of urban population distribution. The results indicated that the mean relative error (MRE) between the population estimation data based on the RNAHSI and the demographic data was 34.80%, which was lower than that in the HSI and WorldPop dataset. This index is suitable primarily for the study of urban population distribution, as the RNAHSI can clearly highlight human activities in areas with dense urban road networks and can refine the spatial heterogeneity of impervious areas. In addition, we also drew a population density map of the city of Shenzhen with a 100 m spatial resolution for 2018 based on the RNAHSI, which has great reference significance for urban management and urban resource allocation.
Joint Stochastic Spline and Autoregressive Identification Aiming Order Reduction Based on Noisy Sensor Data
Authors: Stefanoiu Dan , Culita Janetta
Published: September 2020

This article introduces the spline approximation concept, in the context of system identification, aiming to obtain useful autoregressive models of reduced order. Models with a small number of poles are extremely useful in real time control applications, since the corresponding regulators are easier to design and implement. The main goal here is to compare the identification models complexity when using two types of experimental data: raw (affected by noises mainly produced by sensors) and smoothed. The smoothing of raw data is performed through a least squares optimal stochastic cubic spline model. The consecutive data points necessary to build each polynomial of spline model are adaptively selected, depending on the raw data behavior. In order to estimate the best identification model (of ARMAX class), two optimization strategies are considered: a two-step one (which provides first an optimal useful model and then an optimal noise model) and a global one (which builds the optimal useful and noise models at once). The criteria to optimize rely on the signal-to-noise ratio, estimated both for identification and validation data. Since the optimization criteria usually are irregular in nature, a metaheuristic (namely the advanced hill climbing algorithm) is employed to search for the model optimal structure. The case study described in the end of the article is concerned with a real plant with nonlinear behavior, which provides noisy acquired data. The simulation results prove that, when using smoothed data, the optimal useful models have significantly less poles than when using raw data, which justifies building cubic spline approximation models prior to autoregressive identification.
Evaluation of the Severity of Major Depression Using a Voice Index for Emotional Arousal
Authors: Shinohara Shuji , Toda Hiroyuki , Nakamura Mitsuteru , Omiya Yasuhiro , Higuchi Masakazu , Takano Takeshi , Saito Taku , Tanichi Masaaki , Boku Shuken , Mitsuyoshi Shunji , So Mirai , Yoshino Aihide , Tokuno Shinichi
Published: September 2020

Recently, the relationship between emotional arousal and depression has been studied. Focusing on this relationship, we first developed an arousal level voice index (ALVI) to measure arousal levels using the Interactive Emotional Dyadic Motion Capture database. Then, we calculated ALVI from the voices of depressed patients from two hospitals (Ginza Taimei Clinic (H1) and National Defense Medical College hospital (H2)) and compared them with the severity of depression as measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Depending on the HAM-D score, the datasets were classified into a no depression (HAM-D < 8) and a depression group (HAM-D ≥ 8) for each hospital. A comparison of the mean ALVI between the groups was performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and a significant difference at the level of 10% (p = 0.094) at H1 and 1% (p = 0.0038) at H2 was determined. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic was 0.66 when categorizing between the two groups for H1, and the AUC for H2 was 0.70. The relationship between arousal level and depression severity was indirectly suggested via the ALVI.
Agglomeration Production, Industry Association and Carbon Emission Performance: Based on Spatial Analysis
Authors: Peng Hui , Wang Yifan , Hu Yisha , Shen Hong
Published: September 2020

Current emission reduction policies have struggled to adapt to the reality of industrial spatial agglomeration and increasing industrial linkages. In response, this paper incorporates new economic geography factors such as agglomeration production and industrial (trade) association into the analysis framework of carbon emission performance factors through China’s provincial panel data and conducts empirical research. It has been found that large-scale industrial production under economic agglomeration is conducive to improving carbon emission performance and that different forms of agglomeration at different degrees of agglomeration correspond to different carbon emission performances. As the degree of agglomeration increases, the effect of reducing emissions by specialized agglomeration decreases while the effect of reducing emissions by diversified agglomeration increases. Specialized agglomeration externalities and diversified agglomeration externalities can coexist at the same time, depending on the appropriate degree of agglomeration. There is a strong negative environmental efficiency effect in the provinces with close commodity trade links, which has triggered environmental dumping and pollution transfer between provinces. In the work of energy conservation and emission reduction, we must attach great importance to the hidden carbon in domestic merchandise trade and the resulting intergovernmental environmental game, and furthermore, give full play to the “self-purification” effect of aggregate production on energy conservation and emission reduction.
Sustainable Governance of Coastal Areas and Tourism Impact on Waste Production: Panel Analysis of Croatian Municipalities
Authors: Mance Davor , Vilke Siniša , Debelić Borna
Published: September 2020

The research problem this paper is concerned with is the effect of tourism on solid waste generation in Croatia’s coastal area. We are aware of the fact that this has not been thoroughly addressed, especially considering tourism’s share in the Croatian economy and the pressure it generates on sustainable coastal management. This is of particular importance considering the governing complexity of coastal areas. Thus, we ask a simple question regarding the role of the tourism industry in the solid waste generation in the Croatian coastal area: Do tourists generate relatively more solid waste than the domestic population? The falsifiable hypothesis is stated in terms of the difference in the production of communal waste between domestic population and tourists, taking into account local idiosyncratic factors, when such a difference is recoverable through statistical analysis of measurable tourist presence in panel data. The first hypothesis is thus: The amount of solid waste produced by local residents in Croatian coastal municipalities diverges significantly in statistical terms from the amount of solid waste produced by tourists. The second hypothesis is: The amount of waste-streams is influenced by local idiosyncrasies of coastal settlements, their economic structure, per capita GDP and/or cultural background of local people. Our dataset is a panel of 160 municipalities in the Croatian coastal area spanned across a time period of 12 months during 2019, giving us a total of 1920 panel observations. We performed a Panel Estimated Generalized Least Squares cross-section fixed effects analysis with Panel Corrected Standard Errors on domestic population and tourist overnight stays and their solid waste generation. We used the above mentioned method to achieve better results with higher significance, and lower Standard Errors than comparable methods. We complemented the analysis with a dynamic Panel Generalized Method of Moments First Differences test. Results show a relatively larger relative impact of tourist overnight stays on municipal solid waste generation than what is to be expected from the locals only. Our different methods of analysis ended with non-contradicting results. The number of tourist overnight stays in some municipalities shadows the overnight stays of the local population as an indicator of solid waste generation, exacerbating the problem of sustainability of waste disposal. We conclude that the relative waste disposal impact of the tourists is at least 22% greater and possibly up to 55% greater than the one of local inhabitants, contradicting some other research. We also found evidence of possible Environmental Kuznets Curve behavior.
Study on Smoke Leakage Performance of Suspended Ceiling System
Authors: Chou Tien-Lun , Tang Chieh-Hsin , Chuang Ying-Ji , Lin Ching-Yuan
Published: September 2020

The key focus of the research is on the smoke leakage rate from suspended ceiling system, referencing CNS 15038 norm and its experimental principles to build a set of monitoring equipment for measuring air leakage rate and the provision of detailed assembly details for users’ reference. Through the real-size test chamber, the smoke insulation performance of the ceiling is studied. Targeting the different ceiling materials, ceiling panels dimensions, and construction methods, in keeping with the scientific principles of fluid mechanics, a total of 405 tests are carried out to come up with the means of appraising the leakage rate of ceiling panels of different sizes and materials. The study found that with the ceiling panel material quality being different, even if the ceiling size is the same, different leakage rates could occur. When the material quality of the ceiling panels is the same and the ceiling size is different, it is not that the larger the size of the panel, the greater the leakage rate, but the smallest leakage rate is caused by the largest panel and this is a very special phenomenon. This study also presents a leakage rate assessment table for entire ceiling panels, which will provide future calculations of the smoke leakage rate of the non-flame room, which can be extrapolated to assess the time of smoke decline and conducive for evacuation design. The apparatus has been proven to have proper leakage rate detection capability for the ceiling panels. In the future, the design principle of the extended system can be applied to the inspection and testing of smoke insulation capability of other fire prevention products. In turn, it can be estimated when the smoke has fallen to facilitate escape design.
Urban Sustainability: From Theory Influences to Practical Agendas
Authors: Spiliotopoulou Maria , Roseland Mark
Published: September 2020

Achieving sustainability goals is complex and requires policy coherence; yet effective action for structural change has been elusive partly because global issues must be primarily addressed locally. Agreements such as the UN Global Goals and the New Urban Agenda and current pressing problems such as the 2020 pandemic demonstrate that it is impossible to tackle global socio-ecological system issues without addressing urban vulnerabilities and consumption models. This article presents a critical review of theoretical roots, conceptual influences, major debates, limitations, and current trends in community and urban sustainability. Broader sustainability theories and intellectual traditions of the last two centuries have shaped current urban agendas, most of which however do not cater to a systemic approach and may lead to policies that do not integrate all three pillars of sustainability. While cities are challenged by the difficulties of addressing multiple objectives, meaningfully engaging citizens, and consistently tracking progress, the limitations of urban sustainability application can lead to lost opportunities, lack of credibility, and increased public skepticism. Fundamental changes are required in local decision-making and citizen mobilization to move from current piecemeal approaches towards long-lasting urban sustainability and successful implementation of global goals.
Nature Interpretation and Visitor Management Objectives: A Survey of Tourist Attitudes at Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Authors: Juma Leanard Otwori , Bakos Izabella Mária , Khademi-Vidra Aniko
Published: September 2020

Nature interpretation has been advocated as a soft and non-obtrusive on-site visitor management strategy to enhance visitor knowledge and understanding of the resource, mitigate visitor impacts, encourage the conservation and improvement of attraction areas, and assist visitors in enjoying their visit. However, the way in which nature interpretation programs are implemented, and the subsequent attitudes created amongst visitors can pose a challenge to the effectiveness of nature interpretation as a visitor management strategy. The situation becomes more complicated with limited resources to implement, monitor, and evaluate nature interpretation in expansive wilderness areas like Masai Mara National Reserve (MMNR). The question therefore is, does nature interpretation in MMNR create favourable attitudes amongst wildlife tourists, consequently leading to enhanced visitor experiences and satisfaction of the support for conservations, or not? This research, therefore, sought to establish the extent to which the attitudes created by nature interpretation affect visitor satisfaction or the enhanced visitor experience and support for conservation, broadly termed as visitor management objectives in MMNR Kenya. Thus, Ho1 postulated that attitudes created by nature interpretation do not influence visitors’ support for conservation in MMNR, and Ho2, that attitudes created by nature interpretation do not enhance visitor experience and satisfaction in MMNR. This study used a structured questionnaire for the survey to collect data from a sample of 351 respondents as a proportion of visitors into MMNR. Research findings revealed that a moderate relationship between attitudes created by nature interpretation and support to conservation with rs = 0.426 and p = 0.000, thus null hypothesis H01 was rejected. Secondly, results showed that attitudes created by nature interpretation moderately affected visitor satisfaction rs = 0.478 and p = 0.000, while similarly, null hypothesis H02 was rejected. The research concluded that various forms of NI result in the formation of attitudes that moderately affect support for conservation and visitor satisfaction. The study concluded that enhanced nature interpretation training and awareness creation, along with continual improvement initiatives, could unlock its full potential as a visitor management strategy. This consistent, well-coordinated, and diligent implementation of nature interpretation initiatives by all stakeholders in MMNR would sustain a cumulative, long-term impact.
Host and Guest Social Exchange in Developing Tourist Sites: The Case of the International Tagus Natural Park
Authors: Robina-Ramírez Rafael , Sánchez-Oro Marcelo , Cabezas-Hernández Mª Teresa , Calleja-Aldana Margarita
Published: September 2020

This paper delved into host and guests’ social exchange influences on their social and economic welfare at the International Tagus Natural Park. In this developing touristic territory, a preliminary study was surveyed in-depth. Among Portuguese and Spanish bordering villages, interviews with hosts were conducted. Two focus groups were set up to analyse the host and guests’ reciprocal behaviour as well as social reciprocity in the context of a pilot participative programme. Eventually, 194 questionnaires collected among Spanish and Portuguese hosts through a structural equation modelling of causal relationships data were analysed. Theoretical and practical conclusions can be drawn from the study. Social exchange has driven hosts to focus on promoting social values, emotions, attitudes and social reciprocity to welcome guests as complementary income to raise their standard of living. Visitors provide supplemented incomes to impoverished hosts. However, the seasonal and unstable job opportunities guests create display negative effects among locals.
Travel Characteristics Analysis and Passenger Flow Prediction of Intercity Shuttles in the Pearl River Delta on Holidays
Authors: Xie Binglei , Sun Yu , Huang Xiaolong , Yu Le , Xu Gangyan
Published: September 2020

As China’s urbanization process continues to accelerate, the demand for intercity residents’ transportation has increased dramatically. Holiday travel has different demand characteristics, causing serious shortage during peak periods. However, current research barely focuses on the passenger flow prediction along with travel characteristics of intercity shuttles. Accurately predicting passenger flow during the holidays helps to improve operational organization efficiency and residents’ satisfaction, and provides a basis for reasonable resource allocation by the management department. This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal characteristics of intercity shuttles passenger flow in the Pearl River Delta. Separate passenger flow prediction models on non-holiday and holiday are established using an improved genetic algorithm optimized back propagation neural network (IGA-BPNN) based on the characteristics of passenger flow, and the prediction models are validated based on panel data. The results of weekly flow show obvious holiday characteristics, and the hourly traffic flow of holidays is much larger than that of weekends and weekdays. There is a significant difference in the hourly flow between different holidays. The IGA-BPNN model used in this paper achieves lower prediction error relative to the benchmark BPNN approach (leads a two thirds reduction in MAPE, and an over 85% reduction in MSPE).
Soil Pollution from Micro- and Nanoplastic Debris: A Hidden and Unknown Biohazard
Authors: Pathan Shamina Imran , Arfaioli Paola , Bardelli Tommaso , Ceccherini Maria Teresa , Nannipieri Paolo , Pietramellara Giacomo
Published: September 2020

The fate, properties and determination of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in soil are poorly known. In fact, most of the 300 million tons of plastics produced each year ends up in the environment and the soil acts as a log-term sink for these plastic debris. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss MP and NP pollution in soil as well as highlighting the knowledge gaps that are mainly related to the complexity of the soil ecosystem. The fate of MPs and NPs in soil is strongly determined by physical properties of plastics, whereas negligible effect is exerted by their chemical structures. The degradative processes of plastic, termed ageing, besides generating micro-and nano-size debris, can induce marked changes in their chemical and physical properties with relevant effects on their reactivity. Further, these processes could cause the release of toxic oligomeric and monomeric constituents from plastics, as well as toxic additives, which may enter in the food chain, representing a possible hazard to human health and potentially affecting the fauna and flora in the environment. In relation to their persistence in soil, the list of soil-inhabiting, plastic-eating bacteria, fungi and insect is increasing daily. One of the main ecological functions attributable to MPs is related to their function as vectors for microorganisms through the soil. However, the main ecological effect of NPs (limited to the fraction size < than 50 nm) is their capacity to pass through the membrane of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Soil biota, particularly earthworms and collembola, can be both MPs and NPs carriers through soil profile. The use of molecular techniques, especially omics approaches, can gain insights into the effects of MPs and NPs on composition and activity of microbial communities inhabiting the soil and into those living on MPs surface and in the gut of the soil plastic-ingesting fauna.
Lean Manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability: The Effects of Employee Involvement, Stakeholder Pressure and ISO 14001
Authors: Chen Ping-Kuo , Lujan-Blanco Itziar , Fortuny-Santos Jordi , Ruiz-de-Arbulo-López Patxi
Published: September 2020

This paper explores the relationships between lean manufacturing (LM), the promotion of green practices, employee involvement, pressure to take actions against environmental issues, the adoption of an ISO 14001-based environmental management system (EMS) and environmental performance in order to understand how LM can help improve environmental performance through environmental practices and the development of a lean culture. The effects of pressure to “go green”, employee involvement and the adoption of an EMS based on the International Organization for Standardization’s standard ISO 14001 are discussed. Data were collected from 220 Chinese manufacturing firms and analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) regression. The results suggest that the implementation of LM has a positive effect on the promotion of green practices and consequent achievement of high environmental performance; employee involvement is a moderator that affects the relationship between green practices and environmental performance; pressure to “go green” is a mediator in the relationship between LM and green practices; however, the adoption of ISO 14001 does not act as a moderator on the relationship between LM and green practices, but synergies emerge if ISO 14001 is integrated with LM. The study shows the importance of human attitudes and fosters managers to develop the necessary mechanisms to ensure and enhance employee involvement and lean culture. Although these determinants of environmental sustainability have been studied separately until now, this paper analyzes them simultaneously, investigating the relationship between different strategies and shedding some light on successful actions that promote sustainable manufacturing, and on the role of LM in sustainability. The findings can help manufacturers to take the initiative to improve environmental performance and assist governments in implementing industrial policies.
MCDM Evaluation of Asset-Based Road Freight Transport Companies Using Key Drivers That Influence the Enterprise Value
Authors: Liachovičius Edvardas , Skrickij Viktor , Podviezko Askoldas
Published: September 2020

Business owners are trying to enhance company value by developing growth strategies. Besides, they need to know what supports and drives the attractiveness to potential investors. Previously to determine company value, only financial drivers were used. These are essential drivers; however, even they do not reflect the overall situation. This paper proposes a novel approach for the solution of the problem of business valuation by taking into account both financial and non-financial drivers and by using several MCDM (multiple criteria decision making) methods simultaneously both for establishing weights and for the evaluation itself. World-leading road freight transport companies were selected for a case study. MCDM methods were used for determining the weights of the drivers and comparing the listed companies. Key drivers were identified, and the ranking of companies is provided.
Competition and Sustainability: Evidence from Professional Service Organization
Authors: Chen Yahn-Shir , Mardjono Enny Susilowati , Yang Yi-Fang
Published: September 2020

Two professional service organizations, an auditor and a tax agent, provide services to the same target clients. Taiwan established a new regulatory system for tax agents in 2004, which directly enhances their ability to compete with auditors. From the perspective of the economic theory of regulation, this study investigates the indirect effects of the new regulatory system on the business of auditors. We focus on auditors in proprietorship audit firms and divide the sample period into before and after 2004. This study establishes a cross-sectional regression equation to test our hypotheses. We classify the types of business into three levels, total amount, three categories and six individual items. Based on the 1989–2017 Survey Report of Audit Firms in Taiwan, we find that auditors perform better after 2004, indicating that increased competition leads to positive sustainability for auditors. Further results show that the effects of the regulation on auditors’ performance are greater after 2004, additional evidence of the positive indirect effect on auditors. This study contributes to the literature, provides public policy implications to regulators and contributes managerial information to auditors.
Geoethics for Nudging Human Practices in Times of Pandemics
Authors: Marone Eduardo , Bohle Martin
Published: September 2020

Geoscientists developed geoethics, an intra-disciplinary field of applied philosophical studies, during the last decade. Reaching beyond the sphere of professional geosciences, it led to professional, cultural, and philosophical approaches to handle the social-ecological structures of our planet ‘wherever human activities interact with the Earth system’. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 and considering geoscientists’ experiences dealing with disasters (related to hazards like tsunamis, floods, climate changes), this essay (1) explores the geoethical approach, (2) re-casts geoethics within western philosophical systems, such as the Kantian imperatives, Kohlberg scale of moral adequacy, Jonas’ imperative of responsibility, and (3) advances a ‘geoethical thesis’. The latter takes the form of a hypothesis of a much broader scope of geoethics than initially envisioned. That hypothesis appears by suspecting a relationship between the relative successes in the COVID-19 battle with the positioning of agents (individual, collective, institutional) into ethical frameworks. The turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic calls for the transfer of experiences between different disciplinary domains to further sustainable governance, hence generalizing the geoethical approach. It is emphasized that only when behaving as responsible and knowledgeable citizens then people of any trade (including [geo-]scientists) can transgress the boundaries of ordinary governance practices with legitimacy.
Information and Communication Technology Solutions for the Circular Economy
Authors: Demestichas Konstantinos , Daskalakis Emmanouil
Published: September 2020

The concept of circular economy (CE) is becoming progressively popular with academia, industry, and policymakers, as a potential path towards a more sustainable economic system. Information and communication technology (ICT) systems have influenced every aspect of modern life and the CE is no exception. Cutting-edge technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, cyber-physical systems, internet of things, virtual and augmented reality, and blockchain, can play an integral role in the embracing of CE concepts and the rollout of CE programs by governments, organizations, and society as a whole. The current paper conducts an extensive academic literature review on prominent ICT solutions paving the way towards a CE. For the categorization of the solutions, a novel two-fold approach is introduced, focusing on both the technological aspect of the solutions (e.g., communications, computing, data analysis, etc.), and the main CE concept(s) employed (i.e., reduce, reuse, recycle and restore) that each solution is the most relevant to. The role of each solution in the transition to CE is highlighted. Results suggest that ICT solutions related to data collection and data analysis, and in particular to the internet of things, blockchain, digital platforms, artificial intelligence algorithms, and software tools, are amongst the most popular solutions proposed by academic researchers. Results also suggest that greater emphasis is placed on the “reduce” component of the CE, although ICT solutions for the other “R” components, as well as holistic ICT-based solutions, do exist as well. Specific important challenges impeding the adoption of ICT solutions for the CE are also identified and reviewed, with consumer and business attitude, economic costs, possible environmental impacts, lack of education around the CE, and lack of familiarization with modern technologies being found among the most prominent ones.
The Educational Interrelation of Narrative Creativity and Written Expression Dimensions as an Innovative and Didactic Process in Learning a Foreign Language
Authors: Portnova Tatjana , Ortega-Martín José Luis , Zurita-Ortega Félix , González-Valero Gabriel
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of narrative creativity on the subject of written foreign languages in secondary school students. A quasi-experimental longitudinal study was conducted with 117 students of 14–15 years of age in two secondary schools in Andalusia (Spain) with experimental and control groups. The tools used were a writing expression analysis tool designed by the authors and the Creative Imagination for Youngsters Test (Prueba de Imaginación Creativa para Jóvenes, PIC-J). The results showed that the participants of the experimental groups improved in terms of the originality and usage of variables of imaginary elements. We also found gender differences—in favor of female students—in the experimental groups in terms of foreign language improvement during the study. Finally, there was a slight interrelation of students with higher narrative creativity showing greater improvements in their written expression skills.
Comparative Analysis of Sequence Polymorphism in Complete Organelle Genomes of the ‘Golden Tide’ Seaweed Sargassum horneri between Korean and Chinese Forms
Authors: Byeon Seo Yeon , Cheon Kyeong-Sik , Kim Sangil , Yun Suk-Hyun , Oh Hyun-Ju , Park Sang Rul , Kim Tae-Hoon , Kim Jang Kyun , Lee Hyuk Je
Published: September 2020

Drifting and inundating brown seaweed Sargassum horneri biomass is called “golden tide”, as it resembles golden massive algal blooms like green tides. This phenomenon occurs globally and its serious ecological impacts on coastal ecosystems have recently begun to be paid attention to. In the present study, by sequencing whole organelle genomes of Korean indigenous S. horneri, we aimed to develop novel molecular markers that can be used for differentiating indigenous from nonindigenous individuals. To this end, we analyzed sequence polymorphisms in mitochondrial (mt) and chloroplast (cp) genomes of two Korean benthic samples in comparison to Chinese ones as a reference. We mapped mt genomes of 34,620~34,628 bp and cp genomes of 123,982~124,053 bp for the Korean samples. In comparative analyses, mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (cox2) gene showed the highest number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between Korean and Chinese individuals. NADH dehydrogenase subunit 7 (Nad7)-proline tRNA (trnP) intergenic spacer (IGS) in the mt genome showed a 14 bp insertion or deletion (indel) mutation. For the cp genome, we found a total of 54 SNPs, but its overall evolution rate was approximately four-fold lower than the mt genome. Interestingly, analysis of Ka/Ks ratio in the cp genome revealed a signature of positive selection on several genes, although only negative selection prevalent in mt genome. The ‘candidate’ genetic markers that we found can be applied to discriminate between Korean indigenous and nonindigenous individuals. This study will assist in developing a molecular-based early detection method for effectively managing nonindigenous S. horneri in Korean waters.
Lignocellulolytic Enzymes in Biotechnological and Industrial Processes: A Review
Authors: Chukwuma Ogechukwu Bose , Rafatullah Mohd , Tajarudin Husnul Azan , Ismail Norli
Published: September 2020

Tons of anthropological activities contribute daily to the massive amount of lignocellulosic wastes produced annually. Unfortunately, their full potential usually is underutilized, and most of the biomass ends up in landfills. Lignocellulolytic enzymes are vital and central to developing an economical, environmentally friendly, and sustainable biological method for pre-treatment and degradation of lignocellulosic biomass which can lead to the release of essential end products such as enzymes, organic acids, chemicals, feed, and biofuel. Sustainable degradation of lignocellulosic biomass via hydrolysis is achievable by lignocellulolytic enzymes, which can be used in various applications, including but not limited to biofuel production, the textile industry, waste treatment, the food and drink industry, personal care industry, health and pharmaceutical industries. Nevertheless, for this to materialize, feasible steps to overcome the high cost of pre-treatment and lower operational costs such as handling, storage, and transportation of lignocellulose waste need to be deployed. Insight on lignocellulolytic enzymes and how they can be exploited industrially will help develop novel processes that will reduce cost and improve the adoption of biomass, which is more advantageous. This review focuses on lignocellulases, their use in the sustainable conversion of waste biomass to produce valued-end products, and challenges impeding their adoption.
An Extended Shapley TODIM Approach Using Novel Exponential Fuzzy Divergence Measures for Multi-Criteria Service Quality in Vehicle Insurance Firms
Authors: Mishra Arunodaya Raj , Rani Pratibha , Mardani Abbas , Kumari Reetu , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Kumar Sharma Dilip
Published: September 2020

Classification of the divergence measure for fuzzy sets (FSs) has been a successful approach since it has been utilized in several disciplines, e.g., image segmentation, pattern recognition, decision making, etc. The objective of the manuscript is to show the advantage of the combined methodology. A comparison clearly shows the usefulness of the proposed technique over the existing ones under the fuzzy environment. This study presents novel exponential-type divergence measures with some elegant features, which can be applied to FSs. Next, a TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for Interactive Multicriteria Decision Making) approach derived from prospect theory, Shapley function, and divergence measure for multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) is proposed. Besides, for the reason of evaluating the dominance degree of the option, and the weights of the criteria, proposed divergence measures are implemented. Evaluating and selecting the service quality is the most important issue in management; it has a direct influence on the way the manufacturer performs its tasks. Selecting the service quality can be thought of as a problem of MCDM involving numerous contradictory criteria (whether of a quantitative or qualitative nature) for the evaluation processes. In recent years, the service quality assessment is becoming increasingly complex and uncertain; as a result, some criteria assessment processes cannot be efficiently done by numerical assessments. In addition, decision experts (DEs) may not always show full rationality in different real-life situations that need decision making. Here, a real service quality evaluation problem is considered to discuss the efficacy of the developed methods. The algorithm (TODIM based on the Shapley function and divergence measures) has a unique procedure among MCDM approaches, which is demonstrated for the first time in this paper.
Design of a New Hybrid Topology of WPT System to Achieve Load-Independent Constant-Current and Constant-Voltage Output
Authors: Rehman Masood , Nallagownden Perumal , Baharudin Zuhairi
Published: September 2020

The usage of the Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technique for charging lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing rapidly. The Li-ion battery requires constant current (CC) followed by constant-voltage (CV) supply for efficient battery charging and to enhance its lifespan. However, it is hard to obtain CC and CV outputs due to the variation of battery resistance during charging. Moreover, a zero-phase angle (ZPA) of the input source is essential to improve the power transfer capability. Therefore, this paper proposes a new hybrid compensation topology to achieve load-independent CC and CV behavior of the WPT system along with ZPA. Two symmetrical coils have been used in the proposed WPT system as transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) coils. A comprehensive mathematical analysis for achieving CC and CV characteristics as well as for power losses is carried out. A new hybrid compensation is designed by combining Series–Series (SS) and Inductor–Capacitor–Capacitor/Series (LCC-S) compensation topologies along with two additional switches. The proposed compensation works on single resonance frequency, and it is simple, reliable, and easy to implement with only one compensation capacitor from the Rx side. Simulations are performed, and a prototype is fabricated to verify the mathematical analysis and simulation results. The overall result shows that the mathematical analysis and simulations comply with the experimental results. Full load efficiencies of 90.33% and 88.91% are achieved in the CC and CV modes, respectively.
The Effects of Deoxynivalenol on the Ultrastructure of the Sacculus Rotundus and Vermiform Appendix, as Well as the Intestinal Microbiota of Weaned Rabbits
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Huang Libo , Wang Pengwei , Liu Quancheng , Wang Jinquan
Published: September 2020

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin found in grains that poses a potential threat to human and animal health, and the gastrointestinal tract is the primary target organ. There are few studies focused on the toxicology of DON to rabbits, especially on the relation among DON, microbiota, and the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. A total of 30 weaned rabbits (35 d) were evenly divided into the control group and DON group (1.5 mg/kg bodyweight (BW)) based on their body weight. After a 24-day trial, the ultrastructures of the sacculus rotundus and vermiform appendix were observed using a scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy. The morphology and microflora in the ileum, caecum, and colon were also examined. The results proved that the ultrastructure of the sacculus rotundus and vermiform appendix, as well as the integrity of the intestinal barrier (especially for the ileum), were impaired after DON was administrated to the rabbits. Compared to the control group, the relative abundance and diversity of the microflora decreased in all three intestinal segments in the DON group, particularly in the ileum and caecum. In conclusion, the toxic effect of DON on weaned rabbits may be performed by destroying the structure of the sacculus rotundus and vermiform appendix, as well as affecting the structure and diversity of the intestinal flora.
Bacterial Toxins, Current Perspectives
Authors: Popoff Michel R.
Published: September 2020

Toxins are the major pathogenicity factors produced by numerous bacteria involved in severe diseases in humans and animals. Certain pathogenic bacteria synthesize only one toxin which is responsible for all the symptoms and outcome of the disease. For example, botulinum toxins (BoNTs) and tetanus toxin (TeNT) are the unique causal factors of botulism and tetanus, respectively. Other bacteria attack the host organism by a set of multiple toxins which synergistically act to promote the disease. This is the case of Clostridium and Staphylococcus strains which secrete wide ranges of toxins such as pore-forming toxins, membrane phospholipid damaging toxins, and other cytotoxins and toxins interacting with the immune system involved in gangrene lesion generation.