bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rockfall Threatening Cumae Archeological Site Fruition (Phlegraean Fields Park—Naples)
Authors: De Stefano Rita , Repola Leopoldo , Guerriero Luigi , Iovane Domenico , Morra Vincenzo , Pagano Fabio , Di Martire Diego
Published: January 2021

Natural hazards threaten many archaeological sites in the world; therefore, susceptibility analysis is essential to reduce their impacts and support site fruition by visitors. In this paper, rockfall susceptibility analysis of the western slope of the Cumae Mount in the Cumae Archaeological Site (Phlegraean Fields, Naples), already affected by rockfall events, is described as support to a management plan for fruition and site conservation. Being the first Greek settlement in southern Italy, the site has great historical importance and offers unique historical elements such as the Cumaean Sibyl’s Cave. The analysis began with a 3D modeling of the slope through digital terrestrial photogrammetry, which forms a basis for a geomechanical analysis. Digital discontinuity measurements and cluster analysis provide data for kinematic analysis, which pointed out the planar, wedge and toppling failure potential. Subsequently, a propagation-based susceptibility analysis was completed into a GIS environment: it shows that most of the western sector of the site is susceptible to rockfall, including the access course, a segment of the Cumana Railroad and its local station. The work highlights the need for specific mitigation measures to increase visitor safety and the efficacy of filed-based digital reconstruction to support susceptibility analysis in rockfall prone areas.
Measuring the Effects of Automatic Replenishment on Product Availability in Retail Stores
Authors: Avlijas Goran , Vukanovic Dumanovic Vesna , Radunovic Miljan
Published: January 2021

Maintaining product availability is one of the biggest challenges in retail business because it directly relates to lost sale and decrease in customer loyalty. A solution that ensures a more accurate prediction and eliminates costly stock-outs and wasteful overstocks is an automatic replenishment system. The goal of this paper is to measure the impact that the automatic replenishment system can have on product availability in retail business, especially when it comes to specific product and store related risk factors. A large quantitative study measured the performance of manual and automatic replenishment processes in a sample of 85 stores and 95 products of a major retail chain in Serbia. The study concluded that utilization of an automatic replenishment system can reduce stock-outs for the retail chains up to 60%. Specifically, when ordered through an automatic replenishment system, fast-selling products recorded 40% greater availability, products on promotion 48% higher availability, and products in a high-density retail stores 59% higher availability. The findings extend current understanding of automatic replenishment systems, and especially their performance related to high-risk retail conditions.
Simulation of Railway Lines with a Simplified Interlocking System
Authors: Široký Jaromír , Nachtigall Petr , Tischer Erik , Gašparík Jozef
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with railway lines with low traffic intensity where trains are operated under simplified conditions. Those conditions are stated in a regulation, and there is no interlocking system on the line. The whole railway operation is organized according to a regulation in cooperation with the train crew. For the calculation of the throughput, we can use analytic or simulation methods. On those lines there is a big problem with the common working methods because of special circumstances on each line, which are influencing the technological times and reliability of the calculation. The simplified conditions are the transforming of regular interlocking systems on the administrative level. Therefore, it is very complicated to use a common simulation model. Most of the simulation tools are not able to work with it. The motivation of this paper is to prove that modern simulation tools are usable for that specific condition as well. The simulation model was built in SW OpenTrack which is able to modify its functions to figure out each technological action to ensure the correct function of the model. This functionality is described in the paper in general and implemented on a case study.
Decision-Making Rules and the Influence of Memory Data
Authors: Beran Vaclav , Teichmann Marek , Kuda Frantisek
Published: January 2021

The problems that decision-makers face can escalate under imbalances, turbulent development, risks, uncertainties, disasters, and other influences. The development of processes in technical and economic structures is generally considered complex and chaotic, and it usually expands into innumerable dynamic influences. The paper focuses on the evaluation of the decision criteria choice structure, such as the factual cause of the consequences (e.g., future threats, opportunities, chances, occasion). It offers a graphical vision of the future forecast. It draws attention to prevention and prophylaxis versus criterion-generated time–space (TS). The paper deals with the question: Is it possible to choose and recommend the right time and place of process activities? The paper formulates a positive answer and illustrates a range of consequences. Developed activities (investment, production, etc.) take place in a defined TS; over time, they create new time-series states and expand the space by defining processes as a time series of activities. In a broader context, the article deals with the issue of the lifecycle of decision rules (dynamic proposal of opportunities) as the first step of decision making, i.e., the decision about the existence of opportunity. On the one hand, it respects static applications based on equilibrium states, while on the other hand, it draws attention to the need for a dynamic view of turbulent, dynamic, chaotic, and nonlinear phenomena.
Analyzing the Structure of Closed-Loop Supply Chains: A Game Theory Perspective
Authors: Shekarian Ehsan , Flapper Simme Douwe
Published: January 2021

Closed-loop supply chains (CLSCs) are seen as one of the circular economy’s leading approaches for reducing our natural environment load. Many CLSC models require collaboration among different parties. Game theory (GT) offers a way to consider the profits of all parties in a CLSC, providing insight into the costs and benefits to the involved parties in an objective and quantitative way. Presently, available reviews on the use of GT, in the context of CLSC, are quite limited and consider only a few relevant elements. Here, we present a new and more extensive framework, focusing on the collaboration structure of CLSCs. It contains a content-based analysis of 230 papers based on a four-step systematic literature review process. The characteristics studied are channels for collection, reprocessing and selling, the planning horizon, and the types of games. The structures found are graphically reviewed, leading to 196 different structures. The results show that, so far, most attention has been paid to the dual-channel collection, where collection by two retailers (dual-retailer) is the most studied case. With respect to selling, most attention has been paid to situations with two selling channels (dual-selling), i.e., one channel managed by a manufacturer and one channel managed by a remanufacturer. Studies have prioritized the role of manufacturers as that of the leader and collector. Finally, a number of directions for further research are pointed out.
The Value of Consistency: Portfolio Labeling Strategies and Impact on Winery Brand Equity
Authors: Dressler Marc , Paunovic Ivan
Published: January 2021

The reported research examines the impact of product portfolio labeling strategies on brand reputation and equity. A netnographic approach allowed to observe winery portfolio labeling approaches and create a typology of winery labeling strategies. Expert evaluation served to assess the dependent variable brand equity by deploying a regression analysis. For the observed wine industry, being part of the food industry, creating consistent and recognizable brands has a direct relevance for reducing (sustainability-related) food information overload and thereby building sustainable brand equity. The results uncover the relative importance of each of the six identified labeling strategies as well as their impact on reputation and brand equity creation. The results point to the need to establish a consistent, strategically founded product communication. Such an approach, with a positive effect on reputation building can serve to build sustainable brand equity. “Stuck in the middle”-type strategies apparently diminish winery brand equity exploitation. The findings contribute to the knowledge on food labels in product communication strategies and their impact on organizational brand equity, thereby having high relevance for the implementation of environmental certification initiatives in an organizational context. The article deploys a novel research approach in an under-researched area to provide new insights for further research as well as implications for practice.
Review of Research on Technology-Supported Cross-Cultural Learning
Authors: Shadiev Rustam , Wang Xueying , Wu Ting-Ting , Huang Yueh-Min
Published: January 2021

Not many review studies have explored the theoretical foundation of cross-cultural learning or the curricula in the research they were reviewing. Furthermore, some review studies only superficially discussed the methodology and findings of the reviewed articles. To address these issues, we reviewed twenty-three studies on technology-supported cross-cultural learning published between 2014 and 2020. We aimed to summarize and analyze previous research in the following areas: (1) theoretical foundation, (2) curricula, (3) technologies, and (4) methodology and findings. Our results showed that the reviewed studies built their research framework based on diverse theoretical foundations; however, the most frequently used models were Byram’s model and the cultural convergence theory. Curricula had the following main focuses: (a) cross-cultural learning, (b) linguistic skills, and (c) pre-service teacher training. The most frequently used technologies were Skype, e-mail, and blogs. We found that most reviewed studies involved the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. Finally, most of the reviewed studies reported on the role of technologies in facilitating cross-cultural learning, FL/SL learning, and pre-service teacher training. Based on our findings, several implications along with suggestions were prepared. Our findings demonstrated that results from most studies were positive regarding technological support of cross-cultural learning. Therefore, it is suggested that educators and researchers take these results into consideration when designing future studies on cross-cultural learning. Because many scholars did not report some important information, such as what theoretical foundation they built studies on or participants’ demographics, we suggest that such information needs to be included in their research articles as it can be helpful in informing future studies. We also suggest that participants in future studies use variety of technological tools for supporting communication and content creation during cross-cultural learning.
Implications of the Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal Contamination of Soils and Wild Plants in the Industrial Area of Haina, Dominican Republic
Authors: Ramírez Agripina , García Gregorio , Werner Olaf , Navarro-Pedreño José , Ros Rosa M.
Published: January 2021

The study evaluates pollution by Pb, Zn, and Cr, and a possible sustainable solution through phytoremediation technologies, in the surroundings of Haina, a very polluted area of the Dominican Republic. Soils and plants were analyzed at 11 sampling points. After sample processing, the elemental composition was analyzed by ICP-OES. Soil metal concentrations, contaminating factors, pollution load indexes, and the Nemerow pollution index were assessed. Soil metal concentrations showed Pb > Zn > Cr, resulting in very strong Pb pollution and medium-impact Zn pollution, with an anthropogenic origin in some sites. This means that some agricultural and residential restrictions must be applied. Accumulation levels in plant tissues, bioaccumulation factors in roots and shoots, and translocation factors were determined for Acalypha alopecuroidea, Achyranthes aspera, Amaranthus dubius, Bidenspilosa, Heliotropium angiospermum, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Sida rhombifolia. The vast majority of the plants showed very low levels of the potentially toxic elements studied, although it may be advisable to take precautions before consumption as they are all considered edible, fodder, and/or medicinal plants. Despite their low rate of bioaccumulation, most of the plants studied could be suitable for the application of phytoremediation of Zn in the field, although further studies are needed to assess their potential for this.
Soil Structure Stability under Different Land Uses in Association with Polyacrylamide Effects
Authors: Mamedov Amrakh I. , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Haregeweyn Nigussie , Tsubo Mitsuru , Fujimaki Haruyuki , Kawai Takayuki , Kebede Birhanu , Mulualem Temesgen , Abebe Getu , Wubet Anteneh , Levy Guy J.
Published: January 2021

Soil structural stability is a vital aspect of soil quality and functions, and of maintaining sustainable land management. The objective of this study was to compare the contribution of four long-term land-use systems (crop, bush, grass, and forest) coupled with anionic polyacrylamide (PAM = 0, 25, and 200 mg L−1) application on the structural stability of soils in three watersheds of Ethiopia varying in elevation. Effect of treatments on soil structural stability indices were assessed using the high energy moisture characteristic (HEMC, 0–50 hPa) method, which provides (i) water retention model parameters α and n, and (ii) soil structure index (SI). Soil (watershed), land use and PAM treatments had significant effects on the shape of the water retention curves (α, n) and SI, with diverse changes in the macropore sizes (60–250; >250 μm). Soil organic carbon (SOC) content and SI were strongly related to soil pH, CaCO3 soil type-clay mineralogy, exchangeable Ca2+, and Na+ (negatively). The order of soil SI (0.013–0.064 hPa−1) and SOC (1.4–8.1%) by land use was similar (forest > grass > bush > cropland). PAM effect on increasing soil SI (1.2–2.0 times), was inversely related to SOC content, being also pronounced in soils from watersheds of low (Vertisol) and medium (Luvisol) elevation, and the cropland soil from high (Acrisol) elevation. Treating cropland soils with a high PAM rate yielded greater SI (0.028–0.042 hPa−1) than untreated bush- and grassland soils (0.021–0.033 hPa−1). For sustainable management and faster improvement in soil physical quality, soil properties, and land-use history should be considered together with PAM application.
Poverty Classification Using Machine Learning: The Case of Jordan
Authors: Alsharkawi Adham , Al-Fetyani Mohammad , Dawas Maha , Saadeh Heba , Alyaman Musa
Published: January 2021

The scope of this paper is focused on the multidimensional poverty problem in Jordan. Household expenditure and income surveys provide data that are used for identifying and measuring the poverty status of Jordanian households. However, carrying out such surveys is hard, time consuming, and expensive. Machine learning could revolutionize this process. The contribution of this work is the proposal of an original machine learning approach to assess and monitor the poverty status of Jordanian households. This approach takes into account all the household expenditure and income surveys that took place since the early beginning of the new millennium. This approach is accurate, inexpensive, and makes poverty identification cheaper and much closer to real-time. Data preprocessing and handling imbalanced data are major parts of this work. Various machine learning classification models are applied. The LightGBM algorithm has achieved the best performance with 81% F1-Score. The final machine learning classification model could transform efforts to track and target poverty across the country. This work demonstrates how powerful and versatile machine learning can be, and hence, it promotes for adoption across many domains in both the private sector and government.
Sustainable Supplier Selection in Construction Industry through Hybrid Fuzzy-Based Approaches
Authors: Hoseini Seyed Amirali , Fallahpour Alireza , Wong Kuan Yew , Mahdiyar Amir , Saberi Morteza , Durdyev Serdar
Published: January 2021

Due to increase in the public and stakeholders’ awareness regarding economic, environmental, and social issues, the construction industry tends to follow the sustainability policies and practices in supply chain management. Hence, one of the most crucial aspects for a construction company in this regard is sustainable supplier selection, and, to this end, an accurate and reliable model is required. In this paper a hybrid fuzzy best-worst method and fuzzy inference system model is developed for sustainable supplier selection. In the first phase of this study, after determining 19 criteria in three main aspects, the final weight of each aspect and criterion is obtained using fuzzy best-worst method approach. In the second phase, the most sustainable supplier is selected by running the weighted fuzzy inference system both in aspect and criterion level, providing more accurate results compared to the use of other available models. Finally, two different tests are employed to validate the results and evaluate the robustness of the proposed model. The novel developed model enables the decision-maker to simulate the decision-making process, reduce the calculations loads, consider a large number of criteria in decision making, and resolve the inherited uncertainties in experts’ responses.
What Do We Know about Co-Working Spaces? Trends and Challenges Ahead
Authors: Berbegal-Mirabent Jasmina
Published: January 2021

Co-working spaces (CWSs) have emerged as a distinctive phenomenon in the sharing economy. They are collaborative environments that feed innovation and creativity under the slogan “working alone together”. While policy makers and scholars were optimistic about their role in promoting entrepreneurial endeavours and fostering growth, the spread of the COVID-19 across the world has drastically changed the way we work, communicate, and navigate daily life. This study offers a comprehensive review of the existing literature on CWSs. To do so, a bibliometric analysis is proposed, combining the use of traditional bibliometric tools with science mapping techniques. A total of 118 documents are reviewed and the results are presented at two different levels: (1) descriptive analysis of the status of the research on a CWS and (2) its conceptual structure (topics and trends). The study concludes with some directions for future research. Specifically, based on the recurrent topics discussed up to date in the literature, it is possible to identify four key areas—i.e., geographical location, physical space, business models and inclusive communities—that are promising for research and that may bring useful insights for defining co-working’s place in a post-pandemic society.
An Energy-Resilient Retrofit Methodology to Climate Change for Historic Districts. Application in the Mediterranean Area
Authors: Cantatore Elena , Fatiguso Fabio
Published: January 2021

Focusing on the uncertainties of climate change and its effects on the built environment, on the energy responsibilities of residential building stock and on the dichotomy between the transformation and preservation of cultural heritage with a long-term perspective, this paper proposes a detailed methodology aimed at managing energy retrofit transformations and preservation actions in historic districts following “resilience thinking.” The proposed methodology pursues the traditional process of retrofitting for cultural heritage, and identifies—on building and component scales—a structural process aimed at: (i) recognizing and testing the adaptive qualities of traditional built constructions to climate change based upon the genius loci experience; (ii) diagnosing critical energy emergencies which occurred due to historical transformations or exposure to criticalities of climate change; (iii) identifying and managing improvement requirements according to priority levels of transformation (MUERI). The test on a representative case study in the south of Italy (Mediterranean area) highlighted some significant results: (i) the importance of compactness and of light-colored materials in fighting local microclimate alterations; (ii) the pivotal responsibility of roofs in current and future trends in energy consumption, promoting and testing both innovative and traditional solutions; (iii) the reduction into a limited number of buildings cases to assess, solving the complex and various combinations of features, with which suitable solutions and guidelines are associated.
Overcapacity Risk of China’s Coal Power Industry: A Comprehensive Assessment and Driving Factors
Authors: Wang Delu , Xue Xun , Wang Yadong
Published: January 2021

The comprehensive and accurate monitoring of coal power overcapacity is the key link and an important foundation for the prevention and control of overcapacity. The previous research fails to fully consider the impact of the industry correlation effect; making it difficult to reflect the state of overcapacity accurately. In this paper; we comprehensively consider the fundamentals; supply; demand; economic and environmental performance of the coal power industry and its upstream; downstream; competitive; and complementary industries to construct an index system for assessing coal power overcapacity risk. Besides; a new evaluation model based on a correlation-based feature selection-association rules-data envelopment analysis (CFS-ARs-DEA) integrated algorithm is proposed by using a data-driven model. The results show that from 2008 to 2017; the risk of coal power overcapacity in China presented a cyclical feature of “decline-rise-decline”, and the risk level has remained high in recent years. In addition to the impact of supply and demand; the environmental benefits and fundamentals of related industries also have a significant impact on coal power overcapacity. Therefore; it is necessary to monitor and govern coal power overcapacity from the overall perspective of the industrial network, and coordinate the advancement of environmental protection and overcapacity control.
Faux Fur Trade Networks Using Macroscopic Data: A Social Network Approach
Authors: Choi Yeong-Hyeon , Kim Seong Eun , Lee Kyu-Hye
Published: January 2021

This study used social network analysis, which is often adopted to analyze changes in trade structures and the world trade network for faux fur products, which are alternative materials used in vegan fashion. The data on the total trade value of artificial fur (HS Code: 4304) and animal fur and leather (HS Code: 0505) imports and exports between countries were collected through UN Comtrade, and the degree and betweenness centralities were used to analyze the trade structure of faux fur in 2009, 2014, and 2019 using NodeXL 1.0.1 programs. The results of the study are as follows: First, while the total amount of export and import of faux fur is increasing globally every day, the total amount of export and import in other Asian countries and Vietnam is decreasing. Second, due to the reduction in exports of the main producing countries of animal materials such as China, global imports of animal fur and leather decreased. Third, China was the largest ex-porter of faux fur, exporting to a large number of countries; it also played an important role in the intermediation and control over faux fur export. In exporting faux fur, the influence of other Asian countries declined over time, and Vietnam and the United States played an outstanding role as arbitrators in the export network. Fourth, Italy and France were the largest importers of faux fur from various countries and exerted significant influence as intermediaries in the import network of faux fur. On the other hand, Vietnam’s influence in import network decreased. Saudi Arabia appeared to be an important arbitrator in mediating the import. This study is significant due to its findings, obtained through micro-trading data, in respect of industrial moves of ethical fashion in the form of increased trade in faux fur and decline in the trade of animal fur and leather.
Where to Go with Corporate Sustainability? Opening Paths for Sustainable Businesses through the Collaboration between Universities, Governments, and Organizations
Authors: Vieira Nunhes Thaís , Viviani Garcia Enzo , Espuny Maximilian , Homem de Mello Santos Vitor , Isaksson Raine , José de Oliveira Otávio
Published: January 2021

This study aims to identify and analyze the Scientific–Technical Scenario on Corporate Sustainability (STS-CS) and propose a Triple Helix-based framework for its development and guidance of future scientific and technological investments. The study was developed using a combined method of bibliometric analysis and content analysis of scientific papers and technical publications (patents, white papers, publications from public bodies, etc.). The scientific papers were searched in the Scopus database and technical publications in the Orbit Intelligence, ProQuest, and UN Global Compact platforms. The STS-CS was analyzed in light of the scientific and technical literature and experience of the authors of the study, which allowed the proposition of the framework with initiatives expanded and adapted to the domains of the Triple Helix sectors “Universities,” “Governments”, and “Organizations” through a process of enriching the good practices identified in the CS scenarios. The main academic contribution of this work is the upgrade of the scientific block of knowledge on CS based on cooperation between the sectors of Triple Helix that expands and deepens the research aimed at contributing to sustainable business development. As for the applied contributions, companies can identify business opportunities to increase their profits in a sustainable way, governments can find suggestions for public measures for the development of CS, and universities can identify recommendations for training professionals capable of managing socio-economic issues and developing partnerships with companies for the innovation and development of sustainable products and processes.
Gaps in Reporting Greenhouse Gas Emissions by German Hospitals—A Systematic Grey Literature Review
Authors: Quitmann Claudia , Sauerborn Rainer , Herrmann Alina
Published: January 2021

To mitigate the negative (health) consequences of climate change, the Paris Agreement demands a radical reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The health sector contributes considerably to climate change worldwide. In Germany it is responsible for 6.7% of national GHG emissions. The transition to low-carbon hospitals requires detailed knowledge of the amount and sources of GHG emissions. This study aimed at capturing the status quo of GHG emission reporting by German hospitals and at examining characteristics of the reports. Therefore, we performed a grey literature review with pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search strategy comprised hand-searching specific databases, targeted websites and web search engines via a standardized set of search terms. We found 232 German hospitals reporting their GHG emissions, representing 12% of all hospitals. Yet, only 62 hospitals (3%) met the inclusion criteria for further analysis. These reports do not comprise all energy-related GHG emissions, omit GHG emissions occurring up- and downstream of hospitals and mainly include CO2, but leave out other GHG. Consequently, there are severe gaps regarding GHG emissions reports of German hospitals. If Germany wants to comply with the Paris Agreement, hospitals need to be obliged to follow a standardized methodology to report and reduce GHG emissions.
How Open Innovation Practices Deliver Societal Benefits
Authors: Eppinger Elisabeth
Published: January 2021

Open innovation practices have the potential to benefit society greatly. Bridging the research on open innovation, diffusion of innovation and responsible innovation, this study investigates how open innovation practices can foster societal benefits. Elaborating on potential benefit gaps and detrimental effects of innovation, the study proposes six distinct innovation attributes to deliver societal benefits: (I) adequate information and communication channels, (II) affordability, (III) appropriateness and availability, (IV) anticipation in terms of appropriate and reflexive risk assessment, (V) accountability in terms of adequate cost allocation of detrimental side effects, and (VI) sustainable path creation for transitions towards societal and environmental sustainability. Ten different open innovation practices are assessed drawing on our own and other published empirical insights. This assessment provides insights into which features of the practices support social benefits. Based on this assessment, we propose a typology of three different practices in relation to societal benefits and discuss how they address the six innovation attributes. Providing rich insights into which practices deliver societal benefits through which features, this study makes a significant contribution to existing research on open innovation, responsible innovation, inclusive and social innovation. Some practical implications and directions for further research are provided.
Pricing and Return Policies in a Competitive Market: A Consumer-Valuation Based Analysis with Valuation Uncertainties
Authors: Jiao Huifang , Wang Xuan , Ng Chi To , Ma Lijun
Published: January 2021

In this study, we develop a series of consumer-valuation-based models to investigate the pricing and return policies of the sellers in a competitive e-commerce market. Differing from the competition models in literature, a novel two-dimensional valuation structure is built, which considers the valuations of a consumer on two products and the valuation differentiation of all consumers on each product. We consider both monopoly and duopoly (competitive) markets. In each market, two models are respectively developed, one with and one without the return policies. We derive the solutions for the four models, and conduct some analytical and numerical investigations. The results show that return policy with a partial refund is always chosen by the sellers in both monopoly and duopoly markets. Return policy benefits the seller in a monopoly market, but may not benefit the sellers in a duopoly market. In the duopoly models, one seller can be considered as a monopoly seller who meets a new competitor. Our results show that the monopoly seller will reduce its price by no more than 20% when there comes a competitor, and, counter-intuitively, it will meanwhile adopt a severer return policy to the consumers.
Stress on Frontline Employees from Customer Aggression in the Restaurant Industry: The Moderating Effect of Empowerment
Authors: Bi Yahua , Choi Sooyoung , Yin Jie , Kim Insin
Published: January 2021

In service industries such as restaurants, abusive customer (jay-customer) behaviors may evoke emotional exhaustion and burnout in frontline employees, threatening job satisfaction as well as sustainable management in the hospitality industry. Therefore, there is a need to identify whether (and to what degree) such customer behaviors stress frontline employees enough to affect their mental health, which may lead to employee turnover. To understand jay-customer behaviors in a restaurant setting, this study investigated the factors of jay-customer behaviors that induce job stress and decrease job satisfaction. Additionally, the moderating effect of empowerment was tested to see whether employee empowerment decreases the stress caused by jay-customer behaviors. Data collected from 302 restaurant employees from several cities in South Korea were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The study results demonstrate that three types of jay-customer behaviors (verbal abuse, physical abuse, and sexual harassment) are directly related to frontline employees’ job stress, which in turn, reduces job satisfaction. A moderating effect of empowerment on the relationship between verbal abuse and job stress is found. The results of this study suggest a conceptual model for understanding the process in which jay-customers negatively influence the frontline employees, threatening employee well-being, and they provide valuable implications for the restaurant industry, which can help develop strategies to improve employee welfare and provide better customer management.
Horticulture and Orchards as New Markets for Manure Valorisation with Less Environmental Impacts
Authors: Fangueiro David , Alvarenga Paula , Fragoso Rita
Published: January 2021

Animal manure management is a real challenge to minimize environmental impacts and ensure that this valuable material is efficiently used in a circular economy context. One of the main limitations for larger use of animal manure as fertilizer is the availability of land to receive it in an area close to the farm. Indeed, animal manure is traditionally used for cereals and animal feed growth, but the soil area occupied with these crops might not be enough to receive all the manure produced and/or part of this soil might have nutrient contents, namely phosphorous, that do not permit further application of manure. Hence, extra land used for other agricultural activities might be an option. The main objective of the present review was to analyse the constraints and solutions to increase the use of manure in horticulture and orchards. Emphasis was given to the legal framework for manure utilization in the EU that might stimulate or restrain such a solution. The main characteristics of manure that might limit or stimulate manure reuse were also described, and the potential of some treatments to valorise manure was analysed. Several examples of alternative uses of manure in horticulture and orchards were examined, and the society and farmers’ acceptance of the proposed solution was addressed.
New Command Mechanism of Flaps and Wings of a Light Sport Aircraft
Authors: Ghiţescu Ion-Marius , Scutaru Maria Luminita , Ghiţescu Marilena , Borza Paul Nicolae , Marin Marin
Published: January 2021

Commercial aircraft have well-designed and optimized systems, the result of a huge experience in the field, due to the large fleet of aircraft in operation. For light, utility, or sports aircraft, with a multitude of shapes, tasks, and construction types, there are different solutions that seek to best meet the requirements of the designed aircraft. In this sense, for a sport plane, an increased maneuverability is desired, and the system that controls flaps and wing must be properly designed. A new flap mechanism command solution is proposed and justified in the paper, for use in sports and recreational aviation, in order to achieve angles of braking greater than 40°, take-off and landing in a shorter time and over a shorter distance, as well as the gliding of the aircraft in critical flight conditions or when fuel economy is needed. A finite element model is used to verify the optimized command system for the flap and wing and to check if the strength structure of the aircraft is properly designed. The main result consists of the new design command system for flaps and wings and in verifying, by calculation, the acceptability of the new mechanism proposed from the point of view of the strength of the materials.
Comparative Analysis of the Life-Cycle Cost of Robot Substitution: A Case of Automobile Welding Production in China
Authors: Zhao Xuyang , Wu Cisheng , Liu Duanyong
Published: January 2021

Within the context of the large-scale application of industrial robots, methods of analyzing the life-cycle cost (LCC) of industrial robot production have shown considerable developments, but there remains a lack of methods that allow for the examination of robot substitution. Taking inspiration from the symmetry philosophy in manufacturing systems engineering, this article further establishes a comparative LCC analysis model to compare the LCC of the industrial robot production with traditional production at the same time. This model introduces intangible costs (covering idle loss, efficiency loss and defect loss) to supplement the actual costs and comprehensively uses various methods for cost allocation and variable estimation to conduct total cost and the cost efficiency analysis, together with hierarchical decomposition and dynamic comparison. To demonstrate the model, an investigation of a Chinese automobile manufacturer is provided to compare the LCC of welding robot production with that of manual welding production; methods of case analysis and simulation are combined, and a thorough comparison is done with related existing works to show the validity of this framework. In accordance with this study, a simple template is developed to support the decision-making analysis of the application and cost management of industrial robots. In addition, the case analysis and simulations can provide references for enterprises in emerging markets in relation to robot substitution.
The Food Poisoning Toxins of Bacillus cereus
Authors: Dietrich Richard , Jessberger Nadja , Ehling-Schulz Monika , Märtlbauer Erwin , Granum Per Einar
Published: January 2021

Bacillus cereus is a ubiquitous soil bacterium responsible for two types of food-associated gastrointestinal diseases. While the emetic type, a food intoxication, manifests in nausea and vomiting, food infections with enteropathogenic strains cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. Causative toxins are the cyclic dodecadepsipeptide cereulide, and the proteinaceous enterotoxins hemolysin BL (Hbl), nonhemolytic enterotoxin (Nhe) and cytotoxin K (CytK), respectively. This review covers the current knowledge on distribution and genetic organization of the toxin genes, as well as mechanisms of enterotoxin gene regulation and toxin secretion. In this context, the exceptionally high variability of toxin production between single strains is highlighted. In addition, the mode of action of the pore-forming enterotoxins and their effect on target cells is described in detail. The main focus of this review are the two tripartite enterotoxin complexes Hbl and Nhe, but the latest findings on cereulide and CytK are also presented, as well as methods for toxin detection, and the contribution of further putative virulence factors to the diarrheal disease.
Ricin Antibodies’ Neutralizing Capacity against Different Ricin Isoforms and Cultivars
Authors: Orsini Delgado Maria Lucia , Avril Arnaud , Prigent Julie , Dano Julie , Rouaix Audrey , Worbs Sylvia , Dorner Brigitte G. , Rougeaux Clémence , Becher François , Fenaille François , Livet Sandrine , Volland Hervé , Tournier Jean-Nicolas , Simon Stéphanie
Published: January 2021

Ricin, a highly toxic protein from Ricinus communis, is considered a potential biowarfare agent. Despite the many data available, no specific treatment has yet been approved. Due to their ability to provide immediate protection, antibodies (Abs) are an approach of choice. However, their high specificity might compromise their capacity to protect against the different ricin isoforms (D and E) found in the different cultivars. In previous work, we have shown the neutralizing potential of different Abs (43RCA-G1 (anti ricin A-chain) and RB34 and RB37 (anti ricin B-chain)) against ricin D. In this study, we evaluated their protective capacity against both ricin isoforms. We show that: (i) RB34 and RB37 recognize exclusively ricin D, whereas 43RCA-G1 recognizes both isoforms, (ii) their neutralizing capacity in vitro varies depending on the cultivar, and (iii) there is a synergistic effect when combining RB34 and 43RCA-G1. This effect is also demonstrated in vivo in a mouse model of intranasal intoxication with ricin D/E (1:1), where approximately 60% and 40% of mice treated 0 and 6 h after intoxication, respectively, are protected. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of the Abs against different ricin isoforms to identify the treatment with the broadest spectrum neutralizing effect.
Pathological Characteristics of a Patient with Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) Infected with SFTS Virus through a Sick Cat’s Bite
Authors: Tsuru Masatoshi , Suzuki Tadaki , Murakami Tomoyuki , Matsui Kumiko , Maeda Yuuji , Yoshikawa Tomoki , Kurosu Takeshi , Shimojima Masayuki , Shimada Tomome , Hasegawa Hideki , Maeda Ken , Morikawa Shigeru , Saijo Masayuki
Published: January 2021

A woman in her fifties showed symptoms of fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and general fatigue 2 days after she was bitten by a sick cat, which had later died, in Yamaguchi prefecture, western Japan, in June 2016. She subsequently died of multiorgan failure, and an autopsy was performed to determine the cause of death. However, the etiological pathogens were not quickly identified. The pathological features of the patient were retrospectively re-examined, and the pathology of the regional lymph node at the site of the cat bite was found to show necrotizing lymphadenitis with hemophagocytosis. The pathological features were noted to be similar to those of patients reported to have severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). Therefore, the lymph node section was retrospectively tested immunohistochemically, revealing the presence of the SFTS virus (SFTSV) antigen. The sick cat showed similar symptoms and laboratory findings similar to those shown in human SFTS cases. The patient had no history of tick bites, and did not have skin lesions suggestive of these. She had not undertaken any outdoor activities. It is highly possible that the patient was infected with SFTSV through the sick cat’s bite. If a patient gets sick in an SFTS-endemic region after being bitten by a cat, SFTS should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors Are Effective Anti-HIV Drugs
Authors: Smith Steven J. , Zhao Xue Zhi , Passos Dario Oliveira , Lyumkis Dmitry , Burke Terrence R. , Hughes Stephen H.
Published: January 2021

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are currently recommended for the first line treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1) infection. The first-generation INSTIs are effective but can select for resistant viruses. Recent advances have led to several potent second-generation INSTIs that are effective against both wild-type (WT) HIV-1 integrase and many of the first-generation INSTI-resistant mutants. The emergence of resistance to these new second-generation INSTIs has been minimal, which has resulted in alternative treatment strategies for HIV-1 patients. Moreover, because of their high antiviral potencies and, in some cases, their bioavailability profiles, INSTIs will probably have prominent roles in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Herein, we review the current state of the clinically relevant INSTIs and discuss the future outlook for this class of antiretrovirals.
Magnetic Photocatalyst for Wastewater Tertiary Treatment at Pilot Plant Scale: Disinfection and Enrofloxacin Abatement
Authors: Sciscenko Iván , Mestre Sergio , Climent Javier , Valero Francisco , Escudero-Oñate Carlos , Oller Isabel , Arques Antonio
Published: January 2021

In this work, we have tested a photocatalytic material consisting of a core of SiO2/Fe3O4 coated with TiO2 (Magnox) for plausible tertiary wastewater treatment. For this, a pilot plant of 45 L equipped with an Ultraviolet light (UVC) lamp was employed to study the degradation of a model contaminant, enrofloxacin (ENR), as well as water disinfection (elimination of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens). The influence of different operational conditions was explored by means of dye (rhodamine-B) decolorization rates, analyzing the effects of photocatalyst quantity, pH and recirculation flow rates. The magnox/UVC process was also compared with other four Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs): (i) UVC irradiation alone, (ii) hydrogen peroxide with UVC (H2O2/UVC), (iii) Fenton, and (iv) photo-Fenton. Although UVC irradiation was efficient enough to produce total water disinfection, only when employing the AOPs, significant degradations of ENR were observed, with photo-Fenton being the most efficient process (total enrofloxacin removal in 5 min and c.a. 80% mineralization in 120 min, at pH0 2.8). However, Magnox/UVC has shown great pollutant abatement effectiveness under neutral conditions, with the additional advantage of no acid or H2O2 addition, as well as its plausible reuse and simple separation due to its magnetic properties.
Projection of Climate Change and Consumptive Demands Projections Impacts on Hydropower Generation in the São Francisco River Basin, Brazil
Authors: da Silva Marx Vinicius Maciel , Silveira Cleiton da Silva , Costa José Micael Ferreira da , Martins Eduardo Sávio Passos Rodrigues , Vasconcelos Júnior Francisco das Chagas
Published: January 2021

Climate change impacts may influence hydropower generation, especially with the intensification of extreme events and growing demand. In this study, we analyzed future hydroelectric generation using a set of scenarios considering both climate change and consumptive demands in the São Francisco River Basin. This project will increase consumptive demands for the coming decades. Five models from the recently released Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 and two scenarios, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, were considered to estimate climate change projections. The affluent natural flows, regulated flows, and the hydroelectric energy generated were estimated for four multi-purpose reservoirs considering all existing and new demands. The conjunction of scenarios indicated a possible significant reduction in water availability, increased consumptive demands, especially for irrigation, and reduced power generation. Only at the Sobradinho hydroelectric plant, the decrease ranged from −30% to −50% for the period 2021 to 2050 compared to the historical period (1901 to 2000). The results can provide insights into future energy generation and water resources management in the basin.
Operationalizing Urban Resilience to Floods in Island Territories—Application in Punaauia, French Polynesia
Authors: Lamaury Yoann , Jessin Jérémy , Heinzlef Charlotte , Serre Damien
Published: January 2021

In the context of climate change and increasing urbanization, Small Island Developing States are increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters. In response to urbanization in at risk areas, the concept of territorial resilience has potential as an approach to urban flood issues. The objective of this research is to develop a spatial decision support tool based on a collaborative assessment method of territorial resilience. The proposed methodology consists of: the adaptation to the French Polynesian context, three existing resilience assessment methods applied to a case study in the Punaruu Valley’s (Punaauia, French Polynesia) and the use of geovisualization techniques: use of GIS for data processing and analysis, visualization, mapping and model processing. This methodology integrates the technical, urban and social components of the territory, while highlighting the various levers available to improve territorial resilience and facilitate its understanding through collaborative work efforts and the use of a visual tool. The results demonstrate the reproducibility of these methods for assessing resilience in French Polynesia. They underline the potential of a collaborative approach to highlight critical infrastructures and generate possible decision support to improve the territory’s ability to function despite a disruption and the ability to rebuild following this disruption.