bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expiring Technologies Face to the Development of Generative AI: Programming Languages
Authors: Eisenbardt Tomasz
Published: September 2024

The rapid development of AI, and Generative AI in particular, offers incredible opportunities for all humanity. However, this development carries serious threats and dangers. The topic of job reduction and the obsolescence of some professions that were previously downright lucrative is often raised in the literature. Such a phenomenon of disappearance of certain professions or abandonment of old technologies has occurred many times, which was related to technological development or simply the development of civilization.Information and communication technologies are particularly susceptible to change. Virtually every IT issue has gone through an individual development path, resulting in a departure from the original solutions in favor of more modern, more flexible, more easily scalable, or simply more intuitive for humans. Meanwhile, there is a danger that the solutions proposed by GenAI may become dehumanized. The author delved into the topic of the potential phasing out of certain technologies due to the influence of GenAI, using the example of programming languages that have been used thus far. Their collection turns out to be quite extensive. Some of these languages fell into oblivion before the GenAI era, naturally replaced by other programming languages, or gradually became increasingly niche or redundant. The research question posed in this work is: Will GenAI lead to a departure from currently used programming languages, which were typically designed to be user-friendly (in the sense of being human-readable)? The aim of the work is to answer this question, as well as several smaller ones, such as: Are there any chances that programming languages will remain understandable to humans? The work employs literature analysis, critical analysis of selected technologies, and the case study method.
HRM Alignment and Integration in Knowledge Risk Management in South African State- Owned Enterprises
Authors: Phaladi Malefetjane
Published: September 2024

Most state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa face serious challenges with tacit knowledge loss risks, largely due to a lack of alignment and integration points for human resource management (HRM) practices in knowledge management to effectively manage such knowledge loss risks. This study was interdisciplinary in nature, presenting empirical evidence of a strong connection between HRM and knowledge management (KM), especially its knowledge risk management (KRM) sub-domain. The research paper employed a qualitative research design, which involved collecting in-depth qualitative data through interviews with 20 human resource (HR) managers in 9 SOEs. The qualitative data extracted through the interviews were analyzed thematically using Atlas.ti software. The research results revealed that HRM practices are not aligned, integrated and focused on mitigating enterprise tacit knowledge loss risks in most South African SOEs. A lack of HRM alignment and integration was a serious issue across the board, irrespective of whether the participating SOEs had knowledge management structures, roles and strategies in place. However, on a positive note, HR managers acknowledged the need for the integration and alignment of HRM strategies regarding effective knowledge loss risk management. The study highlights a deficiency in HRM alignment and integration for effective knowledge loss risk management. The researcher infers that HRM alignment and integration in KRM has a critical strategic and operational role to play in the mitigation of enterprise knowledge risks, as well as in developing the required knowledge management capabilities. The study sought to close a knowledge gap in the existing body of knowledge by presenting empirical evidence identifying alignment and integration points of HRM strategies into KRM for SOEs to effectively reduce knowledge loss risks. Furthermore, the study presents a strong link between HRM and KRM in building KM capacity for the reduction of the risks associated with tacit knowledge loss.
The Utilization of Blockchain Technology in Healthcare Management
Authors: Chluski Andrzej
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the potential of blockchain technology in healthcare management. It discusses the key features and characteristics of blockchain technology that can enhance management in the healthcare sector, particularly in knowledge management and improving information processing. The paper underlines the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionise healthcare service delivery, presenting new forms of healthcare delivery that are only possible with the cost-effective and efficient use of blockchain technology. The research methods used in the paper include an analysis of selected theoretical studies on blockchain technology and the fundamentals of providing healthcare services, along with the presentation of several case studies. The paper also highlights the practical use of blockchain technology in both large organisations and small niche players serving the global market. The benefits and risks of using blockchain technology in healthcare are also identified.
Integration of Conversational AI Capabilities in Knowledge Management Processes for Higher Education
Authors: Tsoi Joanne Chi-hang , Strønen Fred
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the application of knowledge management (KM) in higher education institutions (HEIs), focusing on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, especially Conversational AI to transform knowledge processes. By examining conversational AI systems, this paper investigates how such technology can enhance knowledge creation, sharing, and application within educational contexts. The illustrative example of Georgia State University’s "Pounce" chatbot show practical benefits of AI in administrative and educational support. The paper suggests that integrating AI into KM practices can address the evolving needs of HEIs, supporting their mission to provide high-quality education to society. The paper underscores the importance of adopting advanced technologies to augment institution’s competitive advantage. Through a real-life example of Con-AI application in KM, this paper contributes to the understanding of how HEIs can leverage technology to enhance their core functions and sustain their competitive edge.
Knowledge Management Practices in Hospital Management: An Integrative Review
Authors: Carbonera Jakeline Becker , Cunha Cristiano José Castro de Almeida , Silva Solange Maria da
Published: September 2024

This research seeks to identify the state of the art regarding knowledge management practices that have been applied in hospitals with a specific focus on how these practices improve organizational effectiveness, innovation, and performance. Using an integrative review methodology that includes problem identification, strategic literature search, rigorous data evaluation, thematic analysis, and synthetic presentation of results, the research encompassed 19 relevant studies extracted from the Scopus, EBSCOhost, and Scielo platforms. The results demonstrate a predominant use of information technologies, reinforcement of organizational culture, and strengthening of trust and organizational learning. Remarkably, leadership emerged as a critical factor, not only for facilitating the implementation of knowledge management practices but also for actively involving employees in achieving organizational goals. There is also clear demand for substantial increases in investments in training and collaboration technologies to maximize the potential for knowledge creation, retention, and sharing in hospitals.
Examining Misinformation and Deep Fakes
Authors: Veerasamy Namosha , Khan Zubeida , Badenhorst Danielle
Published: September 2024

Misinformation in the form of deep fakes and phishing links can not only spread false information but can only be used a weapon in the hands of cyber criminals. To combat this problem, the authors investigate fake news and misinformation, in a South African context.  In the paper, the use of cyber scams that contain misinformation will also be unpacked. This aims to create an awareness and defensive approach to tackling emerging cyber threats that prey on misinformation. This paper tackles a growing concern by examining the pervasiveness of fake news by looking into the extent that fake news infiltrates various media channels and its potential impact on public perception and decision-making. The paper will also explore the anatomy of fake news by dissecting the common tactics and strategies employed by purveyors of fake news and highlight red flags that can help the public identify misinformation. Maintaining academic integrity is pivotal to the research and publication community. This paper will also promote the use of trusted sources and verification of information. The paper aims to promote media literacy by sharing strategies to enhance media literacy and critical thinking skills, empowering individuals to discern credible information from misleading content. This paper proposes a human-centric framework to empower individuals in South Africa to become discerning consumers of information. Recognizing the limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based detection methods and the unique challenges of the South African context (multilingualism, resource constraints), the framework emphasizes critical thinking and media literacy skills. It outlines a step-by-step process for evaluating information sources, including source credibility analysis, content verification, and cross-referencing.  The effectiveness of the framework is demonstrated by a relevant use-case.
Knowledge-Based Approach to Sustainable City Management: An Example of European Smart Cities
Authors: Radziszewska Aleksandra
Published: September 2024

This study aims to examine the relationships between the use of knowledge-based approach in key areas of sustainable city management (urban planning, mobility and transportation management, and environment protection) and city’s position in the global smart cities ranking (the IESE Cities in Motion Index). A case study methodology is adopted to examine and compare the possibilities of implementing knowledge-based approach in sustainable city management, in order to gain a better understanding of this new urban phenomenon. Data and information about knowledge-based smart city initiatives have been collected from secondary sources. The presented case studies were explored through desk research using online resources, such as the web pages of smart city initiatives. Smart Cities were selected based on their rankings in the IESE Cities in Motion Index. In addition, multiple regressions were used to identify the relationship between the independent variables (environment protection, mobility and transportation management, urban planning) and dependent variable-value of city’s ranking in the IESE Cities in Motion Index . The results illustrate that the majority of cities use smart-city solutions in all categories to improve city management, efficiency and achieve sustainability goals. All research hypotheses have been accepted, therefore knowledge-based smart city solutions implemented in all key areas of sustainable city management (urban planning, mobility and transportation management, and environment protection) positively influence performance of achieving sustainability goals. The selection of a limited number of case studies is a limitation of this research. It is therefore important to explore the potential of knowledge-based approach in urban development and city management in more detail by considering more cases. Future research should explore the impacts of other variables related to sustainability, which can determinate performance of sustainable city management. A future study should try to validate the result by using a wider sample. The research combines quantitative and quantitative analysis in order to identify the determinants of effective achievement of sustainable development goals in city management. This study provides a form of grounding for further discussion to debate over of the operational functioning, planning, design, development, and governance of smart sustainable cities in the future.
Multimodal Traffic Management (MTM) – Future Training emphasizing Collaboration and Coordination.
Authors: Stene Trine Marie , Skuggevik Elisabeth
Published: September 2024

This paper is a part of the ORCHESTRA project (Horizon Europe 2021-2024), where the vision is a future where it is easy to coordinate, negotiate and synchronize traffic across all modes (road, rail, sea, and air).  Multimodal Traffic Management (MTM) orchestrates traffic across modalities, and with that optimizing capacity in the total transport network. Thus, we may reduce negative impacts of traffic, such as emissions and delays, and still get people and goods to their destination on time. This paper aims to present piloted traffic manager training and reflect upon traffic manager’s future competence and training needs, labelled Traffic Orchestrators (TO). The paper presents critical traffic orchestration concepts, measures, and recommendations regarding future TO education. In addition, to learn how to use management tools specific related to their own governance area (GA), TOs also need knowledge on coordination and negotiation with other TOs managing traffic in affected surrounding areas. The pilot form TO training modules for (I) Basic and fundamental competencies, (II) Future scenario handling (normal operation, foreseen events, unforeseen events), and (III) Follow-up modules, refresh studies and specification.
Innovation in Development Projects in Poland in the Context of Company Size
Authors: Sitek Marcin , Sipa Monika
Published: September 2024

This article aims to identify the introduction of innovations in the activities of residential developers in relation to company size. In order to achieve the objective, the results of a survey conducted in Poland in the form of a questionnaire among developers of the primary residential market, implementing investments in the field of multi-storey multi-family construction, were used. The research conducted allowed the identification of the percentage of residential developers introducing innovations in their real estate projects. Moreover, the structure of the innovations introduced was presented, taking into account the role they play in the market. A correlation of the innovations introduced in their activities with the size of the company and the market range in which the company operates was revealed. The information presented is of key importance today due to the need for innovation in renewable energy sources, which allow for diversification and security of supply in the context of the armed conflict in Ukraine. Introducing innovations in the real estate market is becoming necessary in EU countries due to regulations aimed not only at increasing the competitiveness of EU economies through increased innovation but above all at achieving sustainable development goals — including net-zero carbon emissions. EU regulations introduce strict requirements concerning, among other things, the energy performance of buildings, which will result in the need for innovative projects not only in the primary market but also for projects aimed at modernizing the existing stock (secondary market), which, according to research, is often carried out by smaller companies that have not yet applied innovative solutions in their operations.
Knowledge Sharing in the Adminship Communities of the Eastern Eurpoean Versions of Wikipedia Pages
Authors: Karczewska Anna
Published: September 2024

Adminship in the Wikipedia community represents a specific kind of organizing activity of a virtual community of practice. It requires a high level of trust amongst the users and the engagement of an admin in the life of the community as a non-paid function, which is significant in terms of sharing and creating knowledge in the form of the content of Wikipedia. As in every form of human cooperation, it is subject to the cultural influences of the country, whose language version it represents. The aim of the research was to distinguish and describe the characteristics of the adminship and admins’ social and content-creating activities in the seven East European versions of Wikipedia (among others, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary), while taking into consideration the cultural characteristics of the cultures involved. The method used was the quantitative content analysis of the admins’ activity in different spaces of Wikipedia activity (organizing, content-creating). In order to obtain the data of admins’ activity, the xTool was used, which is a dedicated online tool and database of Wikipedia’s users' activity. To analyze and determine the trends and correlations of admins’ activity in different language versions of Wikipedia, Statistica software was used. The results of the study suggest that despite the common history and characteristics of East European countries, there are some differences characterizing adminship work in terms of organizing and creating the knowledge process in different Wikipedia language versions, particularly considering certain cultural dimensions distinguished by Hofstede (e.g. power distance, masculinity).
A Sentiment Analysis Framework for Estimating Relational Capital
Authors: Erickson Scott , Rothberg Helen
Published: September 2024

This paper continues research to create a metric for relational capital, a progressively important type of knowledge asset.  Knowledge concerning customers and how to engage with them is increasing at an exponential rate in some organizations due to customer relationship management (CRM) and related software gathering customer data.  As such, understanding relational capital as a critical piece of an organization’s intellectual capital (IC) is ever more important. But measuring the level of relational capital in a firm is difficult.  Several consultancies publish brand equity assessments every year (a closely related concept) but these usually only include the biggest and most valuable brands.  Popular metrics for studying IC either don’t break out the relational capital and other individual components (Tobin’s q) or don’t include relational along with the others reported (VAIC). In previous work, we’ve explored using sentiment analysis as a measure of brand value/relational capital, studying the results of a number of firms in several specific applications (consumer brands, tech brands, media brands, etc.).  Those results have been interesting but were also only exploratory.  At last year’s ECKM conference in Lisbon, we received a suggestion that it was time to take some of these metrics and put them together into a brand equity/relational capital predictor. This paper takes that first step, looking at some sentiment analysis results over time and evaluating their relationship with known brand equity estimates.  Activity level for brand mentions, variance in activity level, sentiment (positive, negative, neutral), influencer levels, and other potential inputs can be fed into some scenarios for predicting relational capital.  The scenarios could include both different variables and different weights, experimenting to determine if an algorithm providing the best fit to the data exists. Once this type of research establishing some benchmarks, additional comprehensive quantitative tests can be conducted in future research, validating and adapting the predictor to different industries and different circumstances.  Consequently, we should be able to develop a much better understanding of the role of relational capital and its contribution to firm success as well as ways to help organizations manage it.
Knowledge Graphs in Information Retrieval
Authors: Dutkiewicz Jakub , Jędrzejek Czesław
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces an information retrieval model that leverages knowledge graphs, specifically tailored for Clinical Trials. In these scenarios, the document in question takes the form of a semi-structured clinical trial, containing details about enrolled patients, descriptions of experiments and procedures conducted during the trial, relevant diseases, and specific enrollment criteria. While the document retains a semi-structured format, the majority of the information is expressed in natural language. Queries in this context consist of specific patient characteristics, such as disease type, genetic information, and demographic data. The primary aim of this paper is to develop and utilize a knowledge graph capable of storing this information, including links to external resources like the Disease Ontology. We propose an Object-Relational model, which is then transformed into a knowledge graph. This graph is subsequently employed to identify semantic connections between concepts present in the clinical trials and those in the queries. These connections are then utilized to formulate a retrieval model for each aspect of the query. To achieve this, we design a relevance formula that incorporates weights to account for ontological relationships between concepts. We evaluate the effectiveness of our model by comparing the results with manual annotations.
Knowledge Sharing and Protection Mechanisms in Hybrid and Remote Work Settings
Authors: Bissani Mario
Published: September 2024

Organizations can increase their competitive advantage by sharing knowledge. On the other hand, mechanisms are needed to protect this knowledge from leaking. Although there is a growing body research on hybrid and remote working, few studies have looked at the adoption of knowledge protection (KP) mechanisms in these work models. This study seeks to address this gap by analysing KP and knowledge sharing (KS) mechanisms in hybrid and remote work environments in information technology (IT) companies. The research method adopted was qualitative, exploratory, and cross-sectional, with data being collected through twenty semi-structured interviews conducted with professionals working in either hybrid or remote environments in IT companies. Regarding the interviewees’ characteristics, the male-female ratio was 60% - 40%, with an average age of 36 years, average time in the same company of 4.5 years, and around 2.5 years in the same position. The content analysis technique was adopted in the data analysis. As there is no standardization of days and times in the hybrid system, KS is hampered by the lack of face-to-face interaction between employees. The KS mechanisms mentioned are training, formal meetings, mentoring, and content available on the organizational intranet or platforms, among others. Not all organizations see KP as being important, and some even allow employees to use their own equipment, which may be potentially damaging for the company. This article presents theoretical contributions, such as the identification of sharing and protection mechanisms used in the hybrid and remote environments, and practical contributions, such as a list of mechanisms that can be used by companies. This research also highlights opportunities for future research, such as the identification and analysis of mechanisms in other segments of the economy, as well as research on the role of organizational culture in protecting knowledge.
Knowledge Management in Virtual Teams: From the Perspective of Pluralistic Ignorance
Authors: Chumg Hao-Fan
Published: September 2024

With the ever-accelerating development of the Taiwanese economy and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the formation and cooperation of virtual teams consisting of inter-departments or inter-organisations is even more critical for Taiwanese enterprises. Notwithstanding, knowledge-sharing behaviours among virtual teams’ members seem more to be difficult because of the social influence factors of their short-term cooperation and coordination within such dynamic teams. In light of the above-mentioned crucial facts, this study draws on social influence relevant theories but also adds pluralistic ignorance (which stems from social cognitive bias resulting from behaviour that generally adheres to social norms) as a critical inhibitor or motivator to explore factors affecting knowledge-sharing behaviour through knowledge management systems (KMSs) within virtual teams of the Taiwanese society. Consequently, our predicted findings show that knowledge-sharing behaviour results from a complex interplay of individual psychological motivations, social influences, and the Chinese culture rooted within such virtual teams. The study provides significant insight into the theoretical, practical and cultural implications of KMSs strategies and offers valuable advice for knowledge managers or scholars in Taiwanese society.
Pskov ecclesionyms in educational dictionaries
Authors:   Saint-Petersburg University, Nikitina T. G. , Rogaleva E. I. ,   Pskov State University
Published: September 2024

The article deals with the problem of optimizing the lexicography of Russian ecclesionyms. The experience of the linguistic research and dictionary description is summarized, and the lack of development of lexicographic concepts and practical parameterization of ecclesionyms in dictionaries of different types is noted. It is emphasized that special attention should be paid to educational dictionaries. These dictionaries are to help students and schoolchildren to master the cultural and historical backgroundand features of the modern functioning of ecclesionyms. The Pskov material reveals the possibilities of solving this problem. The concepts of the educational dictionary representation of ecclesionyms developed in the Experimental Laboratory of EducationalLexicography of Pskov State University are presented. For the dictionary of urban onomastics, which is being prepared for reissue, a parametric model of a dictionary entry has been developed, including zones of culturally oriented interpretation, historical and etymological, linguocultural commentary, and contextual illustration. The features of the content of each parametric zone are considered, taking into account the regional specifics of the material.The execution of the model is shown by the example of the dictionary entry "Church of Saint George on the Vzvoz". The concept of the dictionary-guide presented in the article reveals the possibilities of representing the ecclesionym in combination with other urbanonyms grouped according to the territorial principle —the location of named objects on a certain street, square, embankment. The implementation of this lexicographic model is shown by the example of the description of ubrabonyms, including ecclesionyms associated with objects located on Karl Marx Street. A travel dictionary with fictional characters and a storyline has also been developed for younger schoolchildren. It is emphasized that the principles of dictionary description of ecclesionyms implemented in these dictionaries increase the effectiveness of lexicographic sources as means of interrelated teaching of the Russian language and culture, which is especially important for foreign students.
South-Western vocabulary in the Russian language of the 18th century
Authors:   Petrozavodsk State University, Patroeva N. V. , Lebedev A. A. ,   Petrozavodsk State University
Published: September 2024

The article examines the problem of the south-western influence on the formation of the Russian language in the era of Peter I, as well as the reverse influence of the Russian language on other languages. Based on the Dictionary of the Russian Language of the 18th Century and the National Corpus of the Russian Language, Ukrainianisms in the texts of Feofan Prokopovich, Stefan Yavorsky, Gabriel Buzhinsky, Vasily Trediakovsky, Antioch Cantemir were analyzed. In accordance with the data obtained, in the Dictionary of the Russian Language of the 18th Century, there are about 50 lexemes noted “south-western”, most of which are nouns. It has been found that south-western vocabulary is contained in the writings of politicians and preachers of the era of Peter I (inparticular, in Stefan Yavorsky’s), while Feofan Prokopovich actively used Ukrainian words native to him in his own works. Since borrowings and simple speech were one of the tools for reducing formal book style, and among the reformers of Peter’s time there were many representatives of the Kiev-Mohyla rhetorical tradition, Western russianisms in the first half of the 18th century were included in various literary texts and documents. At the same time, normalizing tendencies in the sphere of vocabulary led to the fact that in the 18th century, ukrainianisms and polonisms, which had recently entered Russian speech, went out of use almost completely (as indicated, among other things, by the notes in the Dictionary of the Russian Language of the 18th Century associated with the dynamics of the use of lexemes, south-western in origin). Many Western russianisms remained primarily in dialect speech, as well as in the sphere of vernacular speech.
Dynamics Of Passively Mode-locked Lasers With Optical Injection
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Rebrova Natalia
Published: September 2024

Semiconductor passively mode-locked (ML) lasers are of particular interest due to their compactness, cost-efficiency and ease of operation. However, outside optimal parameter range these lasers suffer waveform instabilities, large chirp and significant timing jitter, which makes them ineffective in highspeed applications. In this work we model monolithic passively mode-locked lasers using delay differential equations. We study laser dynamics under external optical injection. We demonstrate that optical injection can improve the properties of mode-locked lasers in terms of the time-bandwidth product, noise and pulse stability. Also this work provides the estimate of locking range for a passively ML semiconductor laser subjected to single frequency optical injection. Using two time scale method we calculate the asymptotic width of the locking range. Our simple analytical expression is in good agreement with direct numerical simulations of the full model equations and can be considered as an analog of the formula estimating the locking range width in a cw laser subjected to a coherent optical injection |68|. Finally, a cascade of quantum dot mode-locked lasers is utilized in order to (i) clone coherence and performance characteristics of the master source and (ii) to obtain high quality wider frequency combs resulting in pulses of short duration. Quantum- dot (QD) mode-locked lasers (MLL) are excellent candidates for applications such as optical sampling, microwave photonics and optical time division multi-plexed communication. Studies have indicated however that they are subject to a waveform instability that impacts negatively upon their time-bandwidth product (TBP) |95]. This said, QD continuous-wave lasers have shown very stable optical injection locking characteristics, with no instabilities observed at zero detuning frequency over a wide range of master powers |21]. This observation then suggests that QD-MLL characteristics could be further improved and controlled through optical injection locking, for example for applications such as remote coherent receivers |61]. This has previously been explored through the injection of two tone coherent master light, which can be thought of as a form of optical injection in combination with hybrid modulation [26].
A Design Tool For Wsn Design In Buildings
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Guinard Antony
Published: September 2024

The combination of sensing, processing, communication and actuation has made the monitoring and operation of buildings a significant emerging application area for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). The design, implementation and management of WSN is a complex task requiring a broad spectrum of disciplines such as networking and protocols, information management and embedding engineering to be successful. Indoor environments in particular pose a number of challenges that make the design of wireless networks a difficult task. These include the influence of obstacles and people on radio propagation, ever evolving building layout and interference from other wireless networks. The large-scale adoption of wireless sensing for building monitoring and control has been hindered due to the perception that wireless sensors are inaccurate, prone to failure and require significant effort to manage the infrastructure. This is largely due to a lack of formal design methodologies and tools to support the planning and deployment of indoor wireless networks. To contribute to the development of these methodologies the research presented in this thesis demonstrates that the rise of a software tool encapsulating an automated design methodology can reduce the complexity of the design process, minimise the cost of these systems, and produce reliable design outputs for wireless applications within buildings. As part of this research work, a number of models that support the WSN design process have been developed. The main contribution of this thesis is the development of an agent-based optimisation algorithm which has the capability to support the automatic design of wireless sensing infrastructures according to application specific requirements. The optimisation approach and software tool developed as part of the work presented in this thesis has been evaluated using real WSN deployments and design scenarios.
An Analysis Of Dredge Material Reuse Techniques For Ireland
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Sheehan Colm
Published: September 2024

"This thesis examines the use and applicability of a range of dredge material management techniques for the Republic of Ireland which will ultimately assist the stakeholders in the industry in assessing the available dredge material management options. A detailed study is presented into the critical parameters required for successful implementation of a range of dredge material management options. An overview of the Irish dredging industry including current dredge material management practice is presented. This is complemented by a detailed critical analysis of the industry which identifies areas requiring development and future challenges for the dredging industry in Ireland. To further the knowledge base of innovative beneficial uses, a primary finding of the critical analysis undertaken, detailed analyses are undertaken on specific sites without a history of beneficial use. An analysis of producing manufactured topsoil product from the Port of Waterford’s maintenance dredge material includes a survey of public perception of the scheme, developing and testing a treatment process, undertaking growth trails and statistical analysis, and determining the implications, economic and CO2 emissions, of integrating the beneficial use scheme into the annual maintenance dredging program. The production of manufactured topsoil can be integrated into an annual dredging program in a feasible manner if the technical features of the available dredgers are suitable, the topsoil demand in the area is sufficient and the disposal at sea distance is considerable. Dredge material from Fenit Harbour is also assessed as a potential fill material for use in geotubes to form part of a coastal protection structure. The analysis identifies the structural design implications of the use of geotubes as well as the impact on the economics and CO2 emissions with comparison to traditional rubble mound structures. Geotubes, with the use of dredge material, may provide a sustainable beneficial use for dredge material in coastal areas with low wave energy and may offer a serious economic and environmental alternative to traditional rock structures. The outputs from the research will allow greater consideration of these innovative beneficial use options through greater understanding of their individual merits and implications. A decision support software program called 'Dredge Material Management Assessment Program' (DMMAP) is developed allowing analysis to be undertaken to determine the feasibility of a range of beneficial uses of dredge material, its suitability for disposal at sea, or its viability for a range of different treatment processes for contaminated material. A site specific analysis for land reclamation at the Port of Cork using DMMAP demonstrates the applicability of the program. Sensitivity analyses are also undertaken using DMMAP to identify the most critical economic and CO2> emission parameters for each of the beneficial use schemes analysed."
An Investigation Of Transverse Load Distribution In Masonry Arch Bridges
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Dunne Helen
Published: September 2024

"Masonry arch bridges comprise a significant proportion of the bridge stock both nationally and internationally. They have proven to be enduring structures, far surpassing their design lives and with relatively low life-cycle costs, are environmentally friendly (Sustainable Bridges, 2007). New masonry arch bridges are not generally constructed. However, their ageing materials paired with ever increasing traffic loads have led to the necessity for their periodic re-assessment. Masonry arch bridge design was predominantly by rule of thumb and their re-assessment has been subject to a number of simplified assumptions. One such simplification, the bridge “effective width” is studied in this thesis. A literature review was undertaken and a preliminary study was carried out on a masonry arch, assessing six point load locations and three variations of skew. Arch displacements, axial stresses and axial force envelopes were determined. This informed a more complex study, where parameters such as: arch stiffness, fill stiffness, fill depth, arch shape, arch span/rise, abutment stiffness, ring thickness and bridge skew were studied. This model was verified using displacement test data obtained for Griffith Bridge, Dublin, by Fanning and Boothby (2001) and strain data obtained for Pop Bottle Bridge, Lincolnshire, by Gifford Ltd (2002). The effective widths of a series of bridges with varying parameters were studied. Statistical analysis was used to determine the most influential factors on the effective widths of masonry arch bridges. Once these were determined, a formula for the calculation of effective width was derived and compared with the effective width prescribed in BD21/01 (Department of Transport, 2001). Stress concentrations were identified on the arch, and stress concentration factors were established for a number of bridges. The influence of skew on masonry arch bridges was also studied. Effective width envelopes were obtained, and the influence of abutment stiffness on the bridge displacements under a series of point loads was examined."
Performance Measurement System Enabling The Development Of Strategic Objectives - A Case Study In An Irish Shared Services Centre
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Murray Padraig
Published: September 2024

"Historically management accounting literature has articulated the benefits of performance measurement systems (PMSs) as effectively enforcing and supporting organisations ’ existing strategic objectives. More recently, management accounting literature advocates the uses of PMSs in guiding the review of an organisation's current strategy and enabling the development of future strategy. This literature calls for more empirical evidence of the existence of these benefits. The current competitive and recessionary conditions have led to a reassessment by Irish organisations of their strategic objectives. Multinational companies are tempted to relocate to lower wage rate economies, unless Irish divisions can prove that they can provide added value. To address the dearth of empirical evidence of the use of a PMS in the reassessment of strategy in Irish organisations, this dissertation analyses the strategic development of a .shared services centre, namely PepsiCo's Cork Shared Services Centre (SSC), and the influence of performance measurement on its development. This dissertation integrates the emergent .strategy framework of Mintzberg (1994) and the contemporary performance measurement literature, mainly of Kaplan and Norton (1992) and Jazayeri and Scapens (2008), to provide a framework to track the .strategic development of the ca.se .study organisation and gain a better understanding of how the PMS influences .strategic change. Cork SSC, the case study u.sed in this dissertation, is the European financial shared services centre of PepsiCo International. It was established in the mid-nineteen nineties in an effort to .solidify the long-term viability of the Finance Department of Cork Concentrates (a production facility in Ireland). This paper produces a timeline depicting how initially the .strategy of the SSC lead to the development of the PMS, and, more significantly for this dissertation, how the PMS highlighted gaps and opportunities within the organisation's strategy and acted as an accelerator in development of the .strategic direction of the organisation. This dissertation empirically verifies the hypothesis that the PMS can guide the review of an organisation ’.s current .strategy and enable the development of future .strategy. It finds that by focusing on performance measures, an organisation can recognise its strengths and u.se these strengths to avail of opportunities within the environment as they present themselves and realign its strategy accordingly. As companies are actively seeking to reassess their strategies in the volatile business environment that exists today, there is merit in using their performance measurement systems as a driver for determining the strengths and future strategy of the organisation."
The Use Of Public Relations Tactics In Two Nationwide Fundraising Campaigns In Nonprofit Organisations In Ireland. A Case Study Analysis
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Hogan Arlene
Published: September 2024

It can be concluded that many advantages and disadvantages exist for companies who engage with their consumers on social media platforms. While there are many different tactics used by companies to engage with their consumers, no one set of guidelines can be established universally because each company has to tailor their tactics to the target audience and reflect their own brand image in their message, these are unique to every business and cannot be easily replicated.
Shear & Torsion Behaviour Of Hollow-core Pre-stressed Concrete Slabs
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Twomey Cian
Published: September 2024

"Research Aim The aim of this study is to carry out research on shear and torsion behaviour of hollow-core slabs. Research Objectives The objectives of the research are: • carry out a review of research literature published to date • carry out physical laboratory testing • generate and calibrate Unite element models • expand finite element models to model shear and torsion behaviour of hollow- core slabs • carry out a comparison and discussion of the findings"
Morality In The Virtual Space: Applying Moral Philosophy To Digital Worlds
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, O'Sullivan James
Published: September 2024

Since the turn of the century and the dawn of the digital age, online communities have witnessed significant growth in their importance. Significant numbers of virtual environments now exist, within which millions of individuals interact socially and economically, engaged fully in what is equivalent to a physical encounter, the only differences being the virtual representations through which they interact, and the physical security that this representation affords them. Though physically absent, individuals are fully engaged psychologically, and thus open to the same ethical dilemmas presented through reality. Application of real-world moral codes is encumbered by the existence of what 1 call the “Role-play Argument’, an ethical excuse that lends itself to increased complexity in questions of moral philosophy. Throughout this thesis, having outlined this argument, I consider it alongside various strands of ethics. From here, 1 progress to findings that emerged from my qualitative analysis, which was based on semi-structured interviews conducted with a group of online role- players and gamers. Through this analysis, 1 assess the attitudes of participants towards the Role-play Argument, further delineating the effects that such activity, and the conceptual muddle that surrounds it, has on ethics and behaviour in virtual worlds.
Bioindicators of the stages of destruction of windfall-windfall wood of European spruce in coniferous-deciduous forests of the Moscow region
Authors: Некляев С.Э.
Published: September 2024

В настоящее время имеющиеся методики определения степени разрушения древесины не отражают многофакторный процесс биодеструкции, происходящий под воздействием сапроксильных организмов. Изучение процесса естественного разрушения древесины ствола долгое время происходило по двум почти не соприкасающимся направлениям: микогенной деструкции древесины под воздействием ферментального комплекса ксилотрофов и механического разрушения структуры древесного вещества при жизнедеятельности личинок и имаго ксилобионтов.

Currently, the available methods for determining the degree of wood destruction do not reflect the multifactorial process of biodegradation occurring under the influence of saproxyl organisms. The study of the process of natural destruction of trunk wood for a long time proceeded along two almost non-contiguous directions: mycogenic destruction of wood under the influence of the enzyme complex of xylotrophs and mechanical destruction of the structure of woody substance during the life of larvae and adults of xylobionts.
Characteristic symptoms of the lesion and cultural and morphological features of the Ceratocystis/Ophiostoma complex used in the diagnosis of the causative agent of oak vascular mycosis Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bretz) J. Hunt
Authors: Щуковская А.Г. , Дудченко И.П. , Дудченко Г.Н. , Кондратьев М.О.
Published: September 2024

Представлено описание наиболее характерных симптомов поражения возбудителем сосудистого микоза дуба Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bretz) J. Hunt, позволяющих визуализировать патоген. В процессе исследования выявлены характерные конидиальные стадии типа Chalara для C. fagacearum, а для Ophiostoma quercus (= O. roboris) (Georgev.) Nannf. и O. piceae (Münch) Syd. & P. Syd. – конидиальная стадия типа Graphium, позволяющие различать между собой североамериканские и европейские виды фитопатогенных грибов, поражающих дубы. Показано, что оптимальными питательными средам для образования данных спороношений являются солодово-дрожжевой агар и морковная среда – для C. fagacearum, 2% КГА и морковная среда – для O. piceae.

The description of the most typical symptoms of Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bretz) J. Hunt, the causative agent of oak mycosis vascular mycosis, which makes it possible to visualize the pathogen, is described. The study revealed characteristic conidial stages of the Chalara type for C. fagacearum, and for Ophiostoma quercus (= O. roboris) (Georgev.) Nannf. and O. piceae (Münch) Syd. & P. Syd. – a conidial stage of the Graphium type, which makes it possible to distinguish between North American and European species of phytopathogenic fungi that infect oaks. It has been shown that the optimal nutrient media for the formation of these sporulations are malt-yeast agar and carrot medium for C. fagacearum, 2% CHA and carrot medium for O. piceae.