bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Case Sustainable Tourism Development – The Mountaineering Village Initiative
Authors: Muskat Birgit , Reichenberger Ina , Muskat Matthias , Aigner Anna-Elisabeth
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The Mountaineering Village Initiative presents interesting insights into planning approaches for destinations that have not only not benefited from increasing visitor numbers, but also have suffered from the success of neighbouring destinations. It raises a number of questions about sustainable tourism development as well as the future of mass tourism, visitor distribution, creative tourism, value co-creation and authentic tourist experiences.
Particle production in accelerated thin bubbles
Authors: Teppa Pannia Florencia Anabella , Perez Bergliaffa Santiago Esteban , Pinto-Neto Nelson
Published: April 2022

We investigate the creation of scalar particles inside a
region delimited by a bubble which is expanding with non-zero
acceleration. The bubble is modelled as a thin shell and plays the
role of a moving boundary, thus influencing the fluctuations of the
test scalar field inside it. Bubbles expanding in Minkowski
spacetime as well as those dividing two de Sitter spacetimes are
explored in a unified way. Our results for the Bogoliubov
coefficient βk
when considering only the squeezing effects
show that in all cases the creation of scalar particles decreases
with the mass, and is much more significant in the case of nonzero
curvature. They also show that the dynamics of the bubble and its
size are relevant for particle creation, but in the dS-dS case the
combination of both effects leads to a behaviour different from that
of Minkowski space-time, due to the presence of a length scale (the
Hubble radius of the internal geometry).
Neural networks and standard cosmography with newly calibrated high redshift GRB observations
Authors: Escamilla-Rivera Celia , Carvajal Maryi , Zamora Cristian , Hendry Martin
Published: April 2022

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) detected at high redshift can be used to trace the cosmic expansion history. However, the calibration of their luminosity distances is not an easy task in comparison to Type Ia Supernovae (SNeIa). To calibrate these data, correlations between their luminosity and other observed properties of GRBs need to be identified, and we must consider the validity of our assumptions about these correlations over their entire observed redshift range. In this work, we propose a new method to calibrate GRBs as cosmological distance indicators using SNeIa observations with a machine learning architecture. As well we include a new data GRB calibrated sample using extended cosmography in a redshift range above z > 3.6.
An overview of this machine learning technique was developed in [1] to study the evolution of dark energy models at high redshift.
The aim of the method developed in this work is to combine two networks: a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and a Bayesian Neural Network (BNN). Using this computational approach, denoted RNN+BNN, we extend the network's efficacy by adding the computation of covariance matrices to the Bayesian process. Once this is done, the SNeIa distance-redshift relation can be tested on the full GRB sample and therefore used to implement a cosmographic reconstruction of the distance-redshift relation in different regimes. Thus, our newly-trained neural network is used to constrain the parameters describing the kinematical state of the Universe via a cosmographic approach at high redshifts (up to z ≈ 10), wherein we require a very minimal set of assumptions on the deep learning arquitecture itself that do not rely on dynamical equations for any specific theory of gravity.
Laser speckle image velocimetry by Fast Fourier Transform technique
Authors: Balamurugan R
Published: April 2022

In this paper, laser image velocimetry, a unique optical method for the velocity measurement of fluid flow has been validated. A laser sheet is illuminated on microscopic seeded particles to produce the speckle pattern at the recording plane. Double frame-single exposure speckle images are captured in such a way that the second speckle image is shifted exactly in a known direction. The auto-correlation method has an ambiguity to identify the direction of flow. To sort out this problem, the partial shift of the second image has been premeditated. Cross-correlation of sub interrogation areas of the speckle patterns is attained by the Fast Fourier Transform technique. Segmented four sub-windows are processed to acquire the velocity information with a vector map precisely.
Neutron activation cross section data library
Authors: Huang Xiao-Long , Ge Zhi-Gang , Jin Yong-Li , Wu Hai-Cheng , Tao Xi , Wang Ji-Min , Liu Li-Le , Zhang Yue , Wu Xiao-Fei
Published: April 2022

To satisfy the requirements of nuclear reaction cross sections in nuclear engineering applications and nuclear physics studies, the Neutron Activation Cross Section Data Library has been established. 818 target nuclei including unstable target or isomeric target nuclei are considered in this library. The induced neutron energy range region is between 10−5 eV and 20 MeV. The standard ENDF-6 format is adopted, including general information, reaction cross sections, multiplicities, and so on. The recommended reaction cross sections were obtained using UNF code system and FDRR nuclear model codes or systematic analysis based on available experimental data. The full evaluated dataset containing the evaluated activation cross sections is openly available at http://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.j00113.00024.
Analytical formula describing the non-saturating linear magnetoresistance in inhomogeneous conductors
Authors: Chen Shan-Shan , Yang Yang , Yang Fan
Published: April 2022

The effective-medium theory (EMT) has proved successful in modeling the non-saturating linear magnetoresistance induced by inhomogeneity. However, calculating magnetoresistance using the EMT usually involves solving coupled integral equations which have no analytical solutions, and therefore, it is still difficult to directly compare the predictions of EMT with experimental data. Here we demonstrate that the linear magnetoresistance predicted by the EMT can be either exactly formulated or well approximated by a simple analytical equation

Δ
ρ
/

ρ
0

=

k
2

B
2

+

a
2

−
a

in a number of known situations. The relations between the EMT parameters and the phenomenological parameters k and a are evaluated. Our results provide a convenient and effective method for extracting the EMT parameters from experimental data.
Reinvestigating B → PV decays by including contributions from ϕ

B2 with the perturbative QCD approach *
Authors: Yang Yueling , Zhao Xule , Lang Lan , Huang Jinshu , Sun Junfeng
Published: April 2022

Considering the B mesonic wave function

,

decays are restudied in the leading order for three scenarios using the perturbative QCD approach within the standard model, where

and K, and V denotes the ground

vector mesons. It is found that contributions from

can enhance most branching ratios and are helpful for improving the overall consistency of branching ratios between the updated calculations and available data, although there are still several discrepancies between the experimental and theoretical results.
Transport equations for driven many-body quantum systems
Authors: Weidenmüller H A
Published: April 2022

Transport equations for autonomous driven fermionic quantum systems are derived with the help of statistical assumptions, and of the Markov approximation. The statistical assumptions hold if the system consists of subsystems within which equilibration is sufficiently fast. The Markov approximation holds if the level density in each subsystem is sufficiently smooth in energy. The transport equation describes both, relaxation of occupation probability among subsytems at equal energy that leads to thermalization, and the transport of the system to higher energy caused by the driving force. The laser–nucleus interaction serves as an example for the applicability and flexibility of the approach.
A method of delineating ecological red lines based on gray relational analysis and the minimum cumulative resistance model: a case study of Shawan District, China
Authors: Sun Jiaqi , Huang Jiejun , Wang Qi , Zhou Han
Published: April 2022

The delineation of ecological red lines (ERLs) is of great significance to ensure ecological security and improve the quality of the ecological environment. However, most of the current ERL delineation only focuses on the natural environment, lacks consideration of the spatial pattern of ecological landscape, and there is no scientific standard for ERL delineation. From the perspective of ecological security patterns (ESPs), this study proposed an ERL delineation method based on gray relational analysis (GRA) and the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model. Then taking Shawan District as an example, the effectiveness of the method was verified by comparing the delineated ERL in this study with that of traditional evaluation methods. A total of 321.43 km2 of ERL was delineated, accounting for 67.75% of the total area of Shawan District, including 69.70 km2 of Grade I ERL zones, 251.73 km2 of Grade II ERL zones. The results show that ERLs based on GRA and MCR exhibit better connectivity and contain more ecological land. The method has guiding significance and reference value for regional ERL delineation, which is conducive to the decision-making of environmental protection departments. Conservation measures for different landscapes are more targeted to constrain people’s productive activities precisely.
A nonlinear process monitoring strategy with a 2-phase fault diagnosis approach
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Das Anupam
Published: April 2022

The article delves into the development of Statistical Fault Detection and Diagnosis Strategies for an Integrated Steel Plant (ISP) taking into account the nonlinear relationship amongst the monitored Process and Feedstock Characteristics. The strategies being devised is based on Neural Network Fitting model cum Principal Component Analysis based technique (NNF-PCA) and Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) based technique. For detection of fault(s) Hotelling T2 chart based on (Principal Component Analysis) PCA and KPCA scores were employed and an ensemble strategy amalgamating KPCA and Self Organizing Map neural network has also been proposed for the detection of the out-of-control observations or faults. The article also proposes a 2-phase Fault Diagnosis approach christened as Preliminary Diagnosis phase and Specific Diagnosis phase. The Preliminary Diagnosis phase is based on Pattern Analysis of the control chart monitoring statistic observations and the Specific Diagnosis phase is based on the employment of appropriate Fault Diagnostic Statistic. The Preliminary Diagnosis reveals the broader source of assignable cause for the onset of the fault(s) and the Specific Diagnosis reveals the relative contribution of the individual Process and Feedstock characteristics. An in-depth comparative analysis between the NNF-PCA based strategy and KPCA based strategy w.r.t. three comparative aspects and four comparative parameters were carried out with their findings being duly highlighted which revealed the slight effectiveness of the KPCA based strategy with respect to the NNF-PCA based counterpart.
Endothelial Cullin3 Mutation Impairs Nitric Oxide-Mediated Vasodilation and Promotes Salt-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Wu Jing , Fang Shi , Lu Ko-Ting , Kumar Gaurav , Reho John J , Brozoski Daniel T , Otanwa Adokole J , Hu Chunyan , Nair Anand R , Wackman Kelsey K , Agbor Larry N , Grobe Justin L , Sigmund Curt D
Published: April 2022

Human hypertension caused by in-frame deletion of CULLIN3 exon-9 (Cul3∆9) is driven by renal and vascular mechanisms. We bred conditionally activatable Cul3∆9 transgenic mice with tamoxifen-inducible Tie2-CREERT2 mice to test the importance of endothelial Cul3. The resultant mice (E-Cul3∆9) trended towards elevated nighttime blood pressure (BP) correlated with increased nighttime activity, but displayed no difference in daytime BP or activity. Male and female E-Cul3∆9 mice together exhibited a decline in endothelial-dependent relaxation in carotid artery. Male but not female E-Cul3∆9 mice displayed severe endothelial dysfunction in cerebral basilar artery. There was no impairment in mesenteric artery and no difference in smooth muscle function, suggesting the effects of Cul3∆9 are arterial bed-specific and sex-dependent. Expression of Cul3∆9 in primary mouse aortic endothelial cells decreased endogenous Cul3 protein, phosphorylated (S1177) endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production. Protein phosphatase (PP) 2A, a known Cul3 substrate, dephosphorylates eNOS. Cul3∆9-induced impairment of eNOS activity was rescued by a selective PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid, but not by a PP1 inhibitor tautomycetin. Because NO deficiency contributes to salt-induced hypertension, we tested the salt-sensitivity of E-Cul3∆9 mice. While both male and female E-Cul3∆9 mice developed salt-induced hypertension and renal injury, the pressor effect of salt was greater in female mutants. The increased salt-sensitivity in female E-Cul3∆9 mice was associated with decreased renovascular relaxation and impaired natriuresis in response to a sodium load. Thus, CUL3 mutations in the endothelium may contribute to human hypertension in part through decreased endothelial NO bioavailability, renovascular dysfunction, and increased salt-sensitivity of BP.
Corticosteroid Therapy in COVID-19 Associated With In-hospital Mortality in Geriatric Patients: A Propensity Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Lidou-Renault Valentine , Baudouin Edouard , Courtois-Amiot Pauline , Bianco Celine , Esnault Hélène , Rouet Audrey , Baque Margaux , Tomeo Charlotte , Rainone Antonio , Thietart Sara , Veber Romain , Ayache Clementine , Pepin Marion , Lafuente-Lafuente Carmelo , Duron Emmanuelle , Cailleaux Pierre-Emmanuel , Haguenauer Didier , Lemarié Nadège , Paillaud Elena , Raynaud-Simon Agathe , Thomas Caroline , Boddaert Jacques , Zerah Lorène , Vallet Hélène
Published: April 2022

Background

Few data are available on the prognosis of older patients who received corticosteroids for COVID-19. We aimed to compare the in-hospital mortality of geriatric patients hospitalized for COVID-19 who received corticosteroids or not.

Methods

We conducted a multicentric retrospective cohort study in 15 acute COVID-19 geriatric wards in the Paris area from March to April 2020 and November 2020 to May 2021. We included all consecutive patients aged 70 years and older who were hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 in these wards. Propensity score and multivariate analyses were used.

Results

Of the 1 579 patients included (535 received corticosteroids), the median age was 86 (interquartile range 81–91) years, 56% of patients were female, the median Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 2.6 (interquartile range 1–4), and 64% of patients were frail (Clinical Frailty Score 5–9). The propensity score analysis paired 984 patients (492 with and without corticosteroids). The in-hospital mortality was 32.3% in the matched cohort. On multivariate analysis, the probability of in-hospital mortality was increased with corticosteroid use (odds ratio [OR] = 2.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63–4.20]). Other factors associated with in-hospital mortality were age (OR = 1.04 [1.01–1.07], CCI (OR = 1.18 [1.07–1.29], activities of daily living (OR = 0.85 [0.75–0.95], oxygen saturation < 90% on room air (OR = 2.15 [1.45–3.17], C-reactive protein level (OR = 2.06 [1.69–2.51], and lowest lymphocyte count (OR = 0.49 [0.38–0.63]). Among the 535 patients who received corticosteroids, 68.3% had at least one corticosteroid side effect, including delirium (32.9%), secondary infections (32.7%), and decompensated diabetes (14.4%).

Conclusions

In this multicentric matched-cohort study of geriatric patients hospitalized for COVID-19, the use of corticosteroids was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.
Composting municipal solid waste for agriculture in Northern Ghana: Rural farmers’ willingness to pay for compost quality and access attributes
Authors: Daadi Bunbom Edward , Latacz-Lohmann Uwe
Published: April 2022

While farmers in rural areas of northern Ghana find it difficult to obtain sufficient organic soil amendments to keep their soil healthy, there is not enough demand for city compost factories attempting to clean cities of organic solid waste to sustain the composting rate at waste-clearing levels. In this study, 398 farmers in rural communities were surveyed in order to estimate the willingness-to-pay for different quality and access attributes of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and examine how demand for it can be boosted among such farmers. Several specifications of the generalized multinomial logit (G-MNL) model, using farmers’ choice data, revealed that the compost quality and market access attributes surveyed in the study significantly affect farmers’ decision to buy MSW compost. The results also showed that preferences for the attributes vary widely among the farmers, mainly due to some unobserved personal factors. On average, the empirical estimates indicate that for a 50 kg compost bag, farmers are willing to pay GHS 9.43 for brand/label, GHS 5.76 for pelletized compost, GHS 4.49 for delivery in the community, and GHS 2.49 for sales when they have their cash windfall. Farmers face an average disutility of at least GHS 33.36 for deciding not to buy compost, regardless of its attributes, indicating that besides the attributes captured by the study, other factors important to farmers influence their purchase decisions. Significantly discounted prices together with improved compost quality increase the probability of compost purchase. Thus, overall the findings highlight the need to subsidize MSW compost by more than 50 per cent, to sell it in pelletized form and branded/labelled packages while making it accessible to rural farmers during their cash windfall.
Identification of Septoria glycines Isolates from Soybean with Resistance to Quinone Outside Inhibitor Fungicides
Authors: Neves Danilo L. , Wang Aiqin , Weems Japheth D. , Kelly Heather M. , Mueller Daren S. , Farman Mark , Bradley Carl A.
Published: April 2022

Brown spot, caused by Septoria glycines, is a common foliar disease of soybean (Glycine max). Applications of fungicide products that contain quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) active ingredients to soybean fields have contributed to the selection and development of QoI-resistant populations of S. glycines. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of QoI-resistance in these populations through targeted analysis of the cytochrome b gene. Isolates of S. glycines collected from several soybean fields over different seasons varied in sensitivity to QoI fungicides. Characterization of the cytochrome b gene revealed a mutation that changed an amino acid from glycine to alanine at codon 143 – one that is generally associated with QoI fungicide resistances. A PCR assay was developed that allowed successful discrimination of QoI-sensitive and -resistant isolates based on the G143A mutation. Results of this study demonstrated that 47.5% of S. glycines isolates tested were resistant to QoI fungicides. Accurate monitoring of this mutation will help slow the spread of QoI resistance and will be important for fungicide resistant management in this pathosystem.
Characterization of Genetic Diversity and Variation in Pathogenicity of the Rice False Smut Pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens from a Single Source
Authors: Tan Ze , Bai Zhenxu , Qin Yubao , Du Jianhang , Zhang Ruixuan , Tian Binnian , Yang Yuheng , Yu Yang , Bi Chaowei , Sun Wenxian , Fang Anfei
Published: April 2022

Rice false smut, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, is one of the most destructive fungal diseases in rice-growing countries. Studies of the genetic diversity, evolution, and pathogenicity of U. virens can provide more information for disease control and cultivar breeding. Contrary to previous studies on the genetic diversity of different geographical populations of U. virens, this study analyzed the genetic variation of U. virens from different panicles of the same rice cultivar in a field in Yunnan Province using single nucleotide polymorphism molecular markers. A total of 183 polymorphic loci and five haplotypes, hap_1 to hap_5, were identified based on the 1,350-bp combined DNA fragment of 127 isolates, showing some genetic diversity. Hap_1 and hap_3 had the highest occurrence, indicating they were the dominant haplotypes in the field. Further analysis showed that most rice panicles could be coinfected by different haplotypes, and even a few spikelets could be coinfected by multiple haplotypes. The phylogeny indicated that all isolates were divided into five genetic groups. Groups I, II, and III clustered together and were distinguished from Groups IV and V. Significant genetic variations in five pairwise comparisons of panicle populations, accounting for 72.45% of the total variation, were found according to FST values. This variation might be caused by different field microenvironments and the uneven distribution of inoculum sources. An unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means dendrogram and the population structure revealed that the genetic composition of the isolates collected from YN1, YN2, and YN4, which were dominated by the same genetic subgroup, was different from that collected from YN3. Finally, genetic recombination was found in 11 isolates; hap_2 and hap_5, probably as genetic recombination progenies produced by sexual hybridization between hap_1 and hap_3, acquired a greater virulence than their ancestors according to population structure and pathogenicity analyses. These results will help us understand the genetic diversity, evolution, and infection process of U. virens and aid in the development of more effective management strategies for rice false smut, including new cultivars with improved resistance.
Evaluating Intraocular Pressure after Myopic Photorefractive Keratectomy: A Comparison of Different Tonometers
Authors: Lanza Michele , Sbordone Sandro , Tortori Antonia , Gironi Carnevale Ugo Antonello , Melillo Paolo , Simonelli Francesca
Published: April 2022

Precis:

All devices evaluated in this study showed a significant underestimation in intraocular pressure measurement after myopic PRK, Goldmann tonometer more than others. Corneal biomechanics indicated a different influence on the different kinds of tonometry.

Purpose:

To investigate the reliability of Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), rebound tonometry (RT), Ocular response analyzer (ORA), Corvis ST (CST) and dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) in intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluation after myopic PRK.

Methods:

One eye of 145 patients who underwent myopic PRK for a refractive defect ranging from – 10.25 D to −0.50 D (mean – 4.69 D±2.00 D) was included in this retrospective comparative study. A complete eye visit with corneal tomography and IOP measurement with GAT, DCT, ORA, RT and CST was performed before surgery and at 1, 3 and 6 months follow-up. Values provided by each device were tested and compared at each follow-up. Correlation analyses were run between changes in IOP and the corneal, morphological and biomechanical parameters were measured after PRK.

Results:

GAT, DCT, ORA, RT and CST showed a significant (P<0.01) underestimation of IOP at 6 months follow up. GAT showed the greatest underestimation (−14.1%) and stronger correlations with corneal deformation parameter changes, whereas ORA, DCT and RT appeared to be less conditioned by these variations. At 6 months follow-up DCT, ORA, RT and CST provided IOP values with non-significant differences compared to GAT before PRK.

Conclusions:

Each tested tonometer showed a significant IOP underestimation after myopic PRK. As this was most observed with GAT compared to all devices, we suggest DCT, ORA, RT, or CST to evaluate IOP in these patients following surgery.
Remodelling of the Gram-negative bacterial Kdo2-lipid A and its functional implications
Authors: Valvano Miguel A.
Published: April 2022

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a characteristic molecule of the outer leaflet of the Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane, which consists of lipid A, core oligosaccharide, and O antigen. The lipid A is embedded in outer membrane and provides an efficient permeability barrier, which is particularly important to reduce the permeability of antibiotics, toxic cationic metals, and antimicrobial peptides. LPS, an important modulator of innate immune responses ranging from localized inflammation to disseminated sepsis, displays a high level of structural and functional heterogeneity, which arise due to regulated differences in the acylation of the lipid A and the incorporation of non-stoichiometric modiﬁcations in lipid A and the core oligosaccharide. This review focuses on the current mechanistic understanding of the synthesis and assembly of the lipid A molecule and its most salient non-stoichiometric modiﬁcations.
Entropy change due to selection in replicator and recombinator systems with randomly chosen interaction matrix values
Authors: Tiefenbrunner W. A.
Published: April 2022

Selection can be described as a process of information accumulation21. The present work extends this for frequency-dependent selection. For recombination, it is shown that the total entropy change can be calculated by summing the contributions of the individual gene loci in this case as well.

For more complex replicator systems with and without recombination with randomly selected interaction matrix values (defining the fitness landscape), a detailed investigation is made of how the number of replicators (“genotypes”) surviving, the mean fitness, and the entropy change depend on the number of replicators initially present, on their initial frequencies, and on certain properties (symmetry: aij=aji versus aij≠aji) of the interaction matrix. Survival of several to many replicators is the norm rather than the exception. The more survive, the smaller the entropy change due to selection, although this is no longer generally true for asymmetric interaction matrices. Cases deviating from the rule were studied, but their systematic classification is still lacking. Finally, how evolution alters replicator systems of greater complexity was analyzed. It is shown that different evolutionary algorithms can lead to an increase in mean fitness and/or an increase in the number of surviving replicators. In contrast to simple replicator systems, coexistence in more complex ones apparently results naturally as a consequence of selection and evolution. It results that the view that: “Evolution is based on a fierce competition between individuals and should therefore reward only selfish behavior”16 is merely an artifact that follows from the study of unrealistically simple systems.
Dental pulp metagenomics reveals ancient human Herpesviridae
Authors: Hamadou Oumarou Hama , Christine Zandotti , Ahmed Loukil , Céline Gazin , Richard Jonvel , Patrice Georges-Zimmermann , Michael Decker , Edouard Fournier Pierre , Rémi Barbieri , Gérard Aboudharam , Michel Drancourt
Published: April 2022

Following a recent report on ancient human Herpesviridae (HHV), we adapted a standard protocol used for the high-throughput sequencing of modern DNA to recover ancient DNA (aDNA) from dental pulp specimens collected at two historical burial sites. Investigation of 36 soldiers buried in Sevastopol, Crimea, during the 1853-1856 Crimean War yielded genomic sequences covering 8.5% of the herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 genome, 15.7% of the HSV-2 genome, 1.9% of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) genome and 3.9% of the cytomegalovirus genome. Further investigation of 16 civilians buried in the 17th century in Amiens, France, yielded genomic sequences covering 9.8% of the HHV-1 genome and 2.2% of the HHV-6A genome; all data obtained with parallel negative controls was appropriately negative. Specific qPCRs confirmed the presence of four HSV-1, two HSV-2 and one EBV sequences in Sevastopol and two HSV-1 and one HHV-6 sequences in Amiens. HHV-6 was further detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization. These results demonstrated the usefulness of modern metagenomic protocols for high-throughput sequencing of aDNA in dental pulp.
A combined hole position error correction method for automated drilling of large-span aerospace assembly structures
Authors: Hu Junshan , Sun Xinyue , Tian Wei , Xuan Shanyong , Yan Yang , Changrui Wang , Liao Wenhe
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Aerospace assembly demands high drilling position accuracy for fastener holes. Hole position error correction is a key issue to meet the required hole position accuracy. This paper aims to propose a combined hole position error correction method to achieve high positioning accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The bilinear interpolation surface function based on the shape of the aerospace structure is capable of dealing with position error of non-gravity deformation. A gravity deformation model is developed based on mechanics theory to efficiently correct deformation error caused by gravity. Moreover, three solution strategies of the average, least-squares and genetic optimization algorithms are used to solve the coefficients in the gravity deformation model to further improve position accuracy and efficiency.

Findings

Experimental validation shows that the combined position error correction method proposed in this paper significantly reduces the position errors of fastener holes from 1.106 to 0.123 mm. The total position error is reduced by 43.49% compared with the traditional mechanics theory method.

Research limitations/implications

The position error correlation method could reach an accuracy of millimeter or submillimeter scale, which may not satisfy higher precision.

Practical implications

The proposed position error correction method has been integrated into the automatic drilling machine to ensure the drilling position accuracy.

Social implications

The proposed position error method could promote the wide application of automatic drilling and riveting machining system in aerospace industry.

Originality/value

A combined position error correction method and the complete roadmap for error compensation are proposed. The position accuracy of fastener holes is reduced stably below 0.2 mm, which can fulfill the requirements of aero-structural assembly.
Does gender diversity on boards reduce the likelihood of financial distress? Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Guizani Moncef , Abdalkrim Gaafar
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of board gender diversity on firm financial distress for a sample of 367 non-financial firms listed on Bursa Malaysia over the period from 2011 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs both panel logistic regression and dynamic generalized method of moments estimator to determine the impact of board gender diversity on the likelihood of financial distress. Altman Z-score model is used as a proxy for financial distress indicator. The bigger the Z-score, the smaller the risk of financial distress.

Findings

The results show that board gender diversity could help to improve board effectiveness by preventing corporations from being too exposed to financial distress and bankruptcy. In particular, whether they are independent or inside members, women directors are likely to reduce the likelihood of financial distress. The results also show that the effect of female directors on the likelihood of financial distress is strengthened through more board independence. The results are consistent with those in prior research that documents the benefits of board gender diversity.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights for corporate decision makers in emerging economies, helping them to determine the board's design in terms of roles and composition that promote governance practices and prevent financial troubles. Furthermore, the findings of this study may be useful regulators as they shed light on the importance to undertake measures and reforms to promote board effectiveness by the introduction of gender diversity. Finally, this study also offers implications for society in general, considering that the practice of enhancing board gender diversity can significantly safeguard the interest of a wide range of stakeholders by reducing the chances of corporate bankruptcy.

Originality/value

While prior research has examined the effect of board gender diversity on firm performance, this study is the first to investigate the effect of board gender diversity on the likelihood of financial distress in Malaysia.
Impact of autonomous solutions on earthmoving electrification using machine learning: case study
Authors: Abdelmassih Anthony , Faddoul Rafic , Geara Fadi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the adoption of future technologies in earthmoving applications. The increased development in automated driving systems (ADS) has opened up significant opportunities to revolutionize mobility and to set the path for technologies, such as electrification. The research also aims to explore the impact of automation on electromobility in earthmoving applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a multi-objective simulation-based optimization approach using machine learning in earthmoving applications.

Findings

This study concludes that ADS is “conditionally” an enabler for electrification. The study highlights and explains how local and global factors affect this conclusion. In addition to that, the research explores the impact of the equipment size on the integration of future mobility technologies. The shift from “elephant to ants” in the fleet selection resulted in improved feasibility from the integration of ADS in electrification.

Originality/value

This research provides fundamental considerations in the assessment of the impact of autonomous driving solutions on electromobility in the construction industry.
Multihazard risk assessment of educational institutes of Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Authors: Chouhan Shivani , Narang Aishwarya , Mukherjee Mahua
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In the event of a disaster, educational institutions like schools serve as lifeline buildings. Hence, it is crucial to safeguard these buildings for the communities that may depend on the school as a disaster shelter and aid center. Thus, this paper aims to conduct a multihazard risk assessment survey at 50 schools (with 246 building blocks) in Dehradun.

Design methodology approach

The past few decades have witnessed the impact of multihazard frequency in Uttarakhand, India, due to the geographical features of the Himalayas and its neo-tectonic mountain-building process. Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand state and comes under seismic zone IV, which is highly prone to earthquakes.

Findings

The hazard assessment is divided into two types of surveys: first, building-level surveys that include rapid visual screening, nonstructural risk assessment and fire safety audit, and second, campus-level surveys that include vulnerability analysis for earthquake, flood, industrial hazard, landslide and wind.

Social implications

This paper will list several gaps and unrecognized practices in the region that increase the schools’ multihazard risk. The study’s outcome will help prioritize the planning of disaster awareness, retrofitting execution, future construction practices and decision-making to minimize the risk and prepare the school for the upcoming disasters.

Originality value

Physical data were collected by the author to determine the multihazard risk analysis in 50 schools in the Dehradun District of Uttarakhand, India. The building- and campus-level surveys have been used to generate a database for the retrofit and renovation process for each individual school to use their budget fruitfully and in a planned way. The survey conducted is more effort and a more detailed risk evaluation which necessitates effectively mitigating and ensuring the potential safety of the region’s schools.
Risk management (RM) and project success (PS) of electrical power transmission and distribution systems: the moderation role of human resource management
Authors: Akbar Faraz , Shahid Rida
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the moderation role of human resource management (HRM) in the relationship between risk management and project success of electrical power transmission and distribution systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was used to collect data from the electrical companies of Pakistan. A 100 professionals working in power sector companies took part in it. To analyze the impact, correlation analysis and linear regression analyses have been performed using IBM SPSS V-22®.

Findings

The linear regression results obtained the significant impact of risk management on project success (p < 0.05). The moderated regression represented a change in the percentage variation (R2) that is 0.463 without moderating effect and it increased to 0.528 after including human resource (HR) moderator indicating a moderating effect of HRM.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the theoretical significance of growing awareness about the importance of HRM and development, this study has significant practical implications. This study can be implemented practically to support the business strategies of the organization and HR competency and engineering will contribute in shaping those business strategies as well.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence on the impact of HRM on project success as a moderating variable with risk management. The study shows the increment in the ratio of project success in the electrical sector of Pakistan. This research provides the importance of HRM functions in the electrical sector of Pakistan.
A mathematical tri-level programming model for designing an integrated dynamic petroleum product supply chain
Authors: Ahwazian Amin , Amindoust Atefeh , Tavakkoli-Moghaddam Reza , Nikbakht Mehrdad
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design petroleum products’ supply chain management, which includes efficient integration of suppliers, manufacturers, storehouses and retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes that a three-level supply chain will be turned into a bi-level supply chain of petroleum products by simultaneous integration of the middle level with the upstream and downstream levels. Also, it is integrally optimized by considering the multiple managerial flows' mutual results at various supply chain levels. Also, it is integrally optimized by considering the multiple managerial flows' mutual results at various supply chain levels.

Findings

The concepts of the design, structure and outputs are led by the model's solution. The model also responds to the variations in the market via coordination in the related decisions to the distribution, production and inventory issues, and also coordinating between the demands and production.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has limited its analysis to definite values due to the over-expansion of calculations and analysis. Future works can study other aspects of the proposed model for a multi-level petroleum product supply chain in different states of certain parameters and time zones.

Practical implications

The designed model can directly and transparently help the oil managers and decision-makers lower the costs of manufacturing, distribution and sales with respect to the determined criteria.

Originality/value

This paper establishes that effectiveness of the dynamic petroleum materials supply chain design will increase by considering maintained and increased production costs and coordinate management flows at all levels by supply chain creation’s integration.
Sustainability of historic rural settlements based on participatory conservation approach: Kemer Village in Turkey
Authors: Ekici Simay Cansu , Özçakır Özgün , Bilgin Altinöz Ayşe Güliz
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to address the issue of the conservation and management of rural cultural heritage, with the aim being to gain an understanding of current problems and needs through a participatory approach, in recognition of the uniqueness of the relationship between nature, humankind and the built environment as an area of study. To this end, a comprehensive case study – Kemer Village in Turkey – focusing on the social sustainability and participatory approaches for the sustainable development of rural settlements is given. Accordingly, possible conservation, management and sustainability strategies are put forward considering the priorities and perspectives of different stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper approaches the subject of rural heritage conservation and management from a social sustainability standpoint, involving an on-site investigation to understand the physical and social context of Kemer Village in Turkey, which has links to different periods in history, and contains significant examples of vernacular architecture and that has maintained its cultural characteristics. Tools and criteria for participatory planning approach were applied ensuring the involvement of the local community and stakeholders.

Findings

The findings of the present study reveal rural settlements to be important factors in the cultural heritage conservation and indicate the importance of prescient management and the adoption of a sustainable development model. Achieving the desired level of sustainability in historical villages through conservation of the built environment with the involvement of the local community is possible, as can be seen in the case of Kemer Village in Turkey, where the villagers and the local authorities worked in cooperation to ensure the preservation of the village's integrity.

Originality/value

This study will describe possible long-term strategies and actions aimed at involving the local community in the sustainable conservation of the rural cultural heritage while also embracing change. It is important that the concept of sustainability is realized with participatory planning methods. In addition to that, rural heritage and social sustainability together incorporate a widespread but rarely considered set of issues addressing local needs in conservation.
Craft culture revival through a sustainable approach of integrating tourism with craft promotion: case study of Puri, Odisha
Authors: Azharunnisa Anisa , Gupta Sumana , Panda Sudha
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create optimally located Facilitation Centers on this tourist circuit, evaluated through network analysis, thus creating an effective linkage between tourism and economic activities of the craftsmen who are the custodians of the cultural heritage of Puri.

Design/methodology/approach

The craft villages lying in and around this tourist circuit are surveyed to establish socio-economic condition of artisans, significance of the craft and spatial distribution of craft villages and the willingness of artisans to travel closer to the transport spine. Network analysis is used to assess the suitability of Facilitation Center location using travel time and distance as parameters. Finally, the sustainability of the Facilitation Centers is evaluated using a cost-benefit analysis (CBA).

Findings

The Facilitation Centers can be spatially developed at the strategic locations to expand tourist market. This will help in leveraging the economic benefits of tourism to a marginalized rural artisan community by creating a sustainable model.

Originality/value

The focus on festival can help to protect local cultural traditions, develop tourism and promote the economic, social and cultural developments of the destination. Dispersal strategies adopted aim to increase visitors' satisfaction with the product and thus entice them to stay longer in the destination.
The impact of corporate social responsibility expectations on purchase intention of social enterprise products
Authors: Ng Mark
Published: April 2022

Purpose

With the rapid increase in corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in many firms and the development of social enterprises (SE), questions regarding the ways in which CSR affects consumers’ attitudes and behaviours have become crucial. This study aims to investigate how consumers’ CSR expectations and knowledge relate to their attitudes and purchase intentions regarding SE products.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates how consumer expectations of CSR and their own social responsibility affects purchase intention of SE products. The hypotheses are tested on a sample of 397 individuals recruited through snowball sampling online. The research hypotheses are tested by structural equation modelling. Most of the hypotheses are supported by the data analysis.

Findings

The results show that consumers’ CSR expectations, subjective knowledge and consumer’s perceived social responsibility (CPSR) have positive effects on their attitudes and purchase intentions concerning SE products. The results contribute to the literature on marketing of SE products and demonstrate that consumer CSR expectation and their CPSR are important antecedents of intention to purchase SE products.

Originality/value

There is limited empirical study on the purchase intention of SE products. The findings provide the empirical evidence that individual-level antecedents, including consumer’s CSR expectations, perceived social responsibility and subjective knowledge, have a significant relationship to their intentions to SE products. This study also supports the view that the general rise in CSR expectations and CPSR creates a favourable context for the marketing of SE products.
Large herbivore impact on plant biomass along multiple resource gradients in the Serengeti
Authors: Mohanbabu Neha , Ritchie Mark E.
Published: April 2022

Herbivores form an important link in the transfer of energy within a food web and are strongly influenced by bottom‐up trophic cascades. Current hypotheses suggest that herbivore consumption and impact on plants should scale positively with plant resource availability. However, depending on the effect of resources on plant quantity and quality, herbivore impact may vary with different types of resources.

We test four alternative hypotheses for the relationship between plant biomass, herbivore impact on plant biomass and plant resource gradients, each based on how resources might affect plant abundance and quality to herbivores. We measured plant biomass for four non‐consecutive years in a long‐term grazing exclosure experiment in the Serengeti National Park that includes seven sites that vary substantially in rainfall and soil and plant nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P).

Our data supported the hypothesis that herbivore impact is controlled by plant quality, in this case driven by plant P, as herbivore effects on biomass decreased with higher rainfall but increased with greater plant P, but not N content. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental study to indicate that wild mammalian herbivory is associated with P availability rather than N.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that P, in addition to water and N, may play a more important role in driving trophic interactions in terrestrial systems than previously realized. Given the uncertainties in rainfall due to climate change and increasing anthropogenic manipulations of global N and P cycles, our findings emphasize the need to consider multiple resources for understanding how trophic interactions might be influenced by environmental variables.
Business and Politics in the United States
Authors: Wilson Graham K.
Published: April 2022

American business enjoys significant advantages in politics, including a generally sympathetic culture, the loyal support of most Republicans, dominance of the interest group system and favourable incentives in the US political economy. However, these advantages are not as clear‐cut as is often imagined and are more likely to be used by corporations against each other than in defence of general business interests.