bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocular Delivery of Polyphenols: Meeting the Unmet Needs
Authors: Krstić Luna , González-García María J. , Diebold Yolanda
Published: January 2021

Nature has become one of the main sources of exploration for researchers that search for new potential molecules to be used in therapy. Polyphenols are emerging as a class of compounds that have attracted the attention of pharmaceutical and biomedical scientists. Thanks to their structural peculiarities, polyphenolic compounds are characterized as good scavengers of free radical species. This, among other medicinal effects, permits them to interfere with different molecular pathways that are involved in the inflammatory process. Unfortunately, many compounds of this class possess low solubility in aqueous solvents and low stability. Ocular pathologies are spread worldwide. It is estimated that every individual at least once in their lifetime experiences some kind of eye disorder. Oxidative stress or inflammatory processes are the basic etiological mechanisms of many ocular pathologies. A variety of polyphenolic compounds have been proved to be efficient in suppressing some of the indicators of these pathologies in in vitro and in vivo models. Further application of polyphenolic compounds in ocular therapy lacks an adequate formulation approach. Therefore, more emphasis should be put in advanced delivery strategies that will overcome the limits of the delivery site as well as the ones related to the polyphenols in use. This review analyzes different drug delivery strategies that are employed for the formulation of polyphenolic compounds when used to treat ocular pathologies related to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Short-Chained Platinum Complex Catalyzed Hydrosilylation under Thermomorphic Conditions: Heterogeneous Phase Separation at Ice Temperature
Authors: Chiu Chiao-Fan , Ho Jinn-Hsuan , Tessema Eskedar , Lu Yijing , Shen Chia-Rui , Lin Chang-Wei , Lu Norman
Published: January 2021

Homogeneous catalysts PtCl2[5,5′-bis-(n-ClCF2(CF2)3CH2OCH2)-2,2′-bpy] (2A) and PtCl2[5,5′-bis-(n-HCF2(CF2)3CH2OCH2)-2,2′-bpy] (2B), which contained short fluorous chains, were synthesized and used in catalysis of hydrosilylation of alkynes. In these reactions the thermomorphic mode was effectively used to recover these catalysts from the reaction mixture up to eight cycles by taking advantage of heterogeneous phase separation at ice temperature. This kind of catalysis had previously been observed in fluorous catalysts of platinum containing about 50% F-content, but in this work the percentage of F-content is decreased to only about 30%, by which we termed them as “very light fluorous”. Our new type of catalyst with limited number of F-content is considered as the important discovery in the fluorous technology field as the reduced number of fluorine atoms will help to be able to comply the EPA 8-carbon rule. The metal leaching after the reaction has been examined by ICP-MS, and the testing results show the leaching of residual metal to be minimal. Additionally, comparing these results to our previous work, fluorous chain assisted selectivity has been observed when different fluorous chain lengths of the catalysts are used. It has been found that there exists fluorous chain assisted better selectivity towards β-(E) form in the Pt-catalyzed hydrosilylation of non-symmetric terminal alkyne when the Pt catalyst contains short fluorous chain (i.e., 4 Cs). Phenyl acetylenes showed the opposite regioselectivity due to pi-pi interaction while using the same catalyst via Markovnikov’s addition to form terminal vinyl silane, which is then a major product for Pt-catalyzed hydrosilylation of terminal aryl acetylene with triethylsilane. Finally, the kinetic studies indicate that the insertion of alkyne into the Pt-H bond is the rate-determining step.
Discovery of Cysteine and Its Derivatives as Novel Antiviral and Antifungal Agents
Authors: Yang Shan , Wang Tienan , Zhou Yanan , Shi Li , Lu Aidang , Wang Ziwen
Published: January 2021

Based on the structure of the natural product cysteine, a series of thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acids were designed and synthesized. All target compounds bearing thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and HRMS techniques. The antiviral and antifungal activities of cysteine and its derivatives were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The results of anti-TMV activity revealed that all compounds exhibited moderate to excellent activities against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) at the concentration of 500 μg/mL. The compounds cysteine (1), 3–4, 7, 10, 13, 20,23, and 24 displayed higher anti-TMV activities than the commercial plant virucide ribavirin (inhibitory rate: 40, 40, and 38% at 500 μg/mL for inactivation, curative, and protection activity in vivo, respectively), especially compound 3 (inhibitory rate: 51%, 47%, and 49% at 500 μg/mL for inactivation, curative, and protection activity in vivo, respectively) with excellent antiviral activity emerged as a new antiviral candidate. Antiviral mechanism research by TEM exhibited that compound 3 could inhibit virus assembly by aggregated the 20S protein disk. Molecular docking results revealed that compound 3 with higher antiviral activities than that of compound 24 did show stronger interaction with TMV CP. Further fungicidal activity tests against 14 kinds of phytopathogenic fungi revealed that these cysteine derivatives displayed broad-spectrum fungicidal activities. Compound 16 exhibited higher antifungal activities against Cercospora arachidicola Hori and Alternaria solani than commercial fungicides carbendazim and chlorothalonil, which emerged as a new candidate for fungicidal research.
An Update on Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Elagizi Andrew , Lavie Carl J. , O’Keefe Evan , Marshall Keri , O’Keefe James H. , Milani Richard V.
Published: January 2021

Interest in the potential cardiovascular (CV) benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3) began in the 1940s and was amplified by a subsequent landmark trial showing reduced CV disease (CVD) risk following acute myocardial infarction. Since that time, however, much controversy has circulated due to discordant results among several studies and even meta-analyses. Then, in 2018, three more large, randomized trials were released—these too with discordant findings regarding the overall benefits of Ω-3 therapy. Interestingly, the trial that used a higher dose (4 g/day highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) found a remarkable, statistically significant reduction in CVD events. It was proposed that insufficient Ω-3 dosing (<1 g/day EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), as well as patients aggressively treated with multiple other effective medical therapies, may explain the conflicting results of Ω-3 therapy in controlled trials. We have thus reviewed the current evidence regarding Ω-3 and CV health, put forth potential reasoning for discrepant results in the literature, highlighted critical concepts such as measuring blood levels of Ω-3 with a dedicated Ω-3 index and addressed current recommendations as suggested by health care professional societies and recent significant scientific data.
Dietary Intake of trans Fatty Acids in the Slovenian Population
Authors: Zupanič Nina , Hribar Maša , Hristov Hristo , Lavriša Živa , Kušar Anita , Gregorič Matej , Blaznik Urška , Koroušić Seljak Barbara , Golja Petra , Vidrih Rajko , Žmitek Katja , Pravst Igor
Published: January 2021

Consumption of trans fatty acids (TFAs) has been unequivocally linked to several adverse health effects, with the increased risk of cardiovascular disease being one of the most well understood. To reduce TFA-related morbidity and mortality, several countries have imposed voluntary or mandatory measures to minimize the content of industrial TFAs (iTFAs) in the food supply. In 2018, Slovenia introduced a ban on iTFAs on top of preceding voluntary calls to industry to reduce its use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) as the main source of iTFAs. To investigate the consumption of TFAs, data available from the nationally representative dietary survey SI.Menu were analyzed. The survey consisted of two 24-h non-consecutive day recalls from 1248 study participants from three age groups (10–17, 18–64, 65–74 years old), combined with socio-demographic, socio-economic, and lifestyle parameters. The analyses demonstrated that, on average, TFAs accounted for 0.38–0.50% of total energy intake (TEI). However, 13% of adolescents, 29.4% of adults, and 41.8% of the elderly population still consumed more than 0.50% TEI with TFAs. The main sources of TFAs in the diet were naturally present TFAs from butter, meat dishes, and meat products, regardless of the age group. Results indicate that following the reformulation activities, the major sources of TFAs in the diets of the Slovenian population now represent foods which are natural sources of TFAs.
Sisyphus and Climate Change: Educating in the Context of Tragedies of the Commons
Authors: Gardner Susan T.
Published: January 2021

The tragedy of the commons is a primary contributing factor in ensuring that humanity makes no serious inroads in averting climate change. As a recent Canadian politician pointed out, we could shut down the Canadian economy tomorrow, and it would make no measurable difference in global greenhouse gas emissions. When coordinated effort is required, it would seem that doing the “right thing” alone is irrational: it will harm oneself with no positive consequences as a result. Such is the tragedy. And that is the challenge that we take up here. Though Garrett Hardin suggests that the solution is a governmental process that rules over all contenders, since a world government seems unlikely before the planet hits the tippy point, we suggest an educational initiative instead: one that holds a mirror up to the behaviour of individuals, rather than to the behaviour of individuals in groups. Such an educational initiative would be focused on priming individuals to keep constant track of what they do as individuals as opposed to focusing on the behaviour of humanity in general. Such an educational initiative would focus on tackling the “problem solvers” rather than just “the problem”.
The Weak Convergence Rate of Two Semi-Exact Discretization Schemes for the Heston Model
Authors: Mickel Annalena , Neuenkirch Andreas
Published: January 2021

Inspired by the article Weak Convergence Rate of a Time-Discrete Scheme for the Heston Stochastic Volatility Model, Chao Zheng, SIAM Journal on Numerical Analysis 2017, 55:3, 1243–1263, we studied the weak error of discretization schemes for the Heston model, which are based on exact simulation of the underlying volatility process. Both for an Euler- and a trapezoidal-type scheme for the log-asset price, we established weak order one for smooth payoffs without any assumptions on the Feller index of the volatility process. In our analysis, we also observed the usual trade off between the smoothness assumption on the payoff and the restriction on the Feller index. Moreover, we provided error expansions, which could be used to construct second order schemes via extrapolation. In this paper, we illustrate our theoretical findings by several numerical examples.
Assessing Leaf Biomass of Agave sisalana Using Sentinel-2 Vegetation Indices
Authors: Vuorinne Ilja , Heiskanen Janne , Pellikka Petri K. E.
Published: January 2021

Biomass is a principal variable in crop monitoring and management and in assessing carbon cycling. Remote sensing combined with field measurements can be used to estimate biomass over large areas. This study assessed leaf biomass of Agave sisalana (sisal), a perennial crop whose leaves are grown for fibre production in tropical and subtropical regions. Furthermore, the residue from fibre production can be used to produce bioenergy through anaerobic digestion. First, biomass was estimated for 58 field plots using an allometric approach. Then, Sentinel-2 multispectral satellite imagery was used to model biomass in an 8851-ha plantation in semi-arid south-eastern Kenya. Generalised Additive Models were employed to explore how well biomass was explained by various spectral vegetation indices (VIs). The highest performance (explained deviance = 76%, RMSE = 5.15 Mg ha−1) was achieved with ratio and normalised difference VIs based on the green (R560), red-edge (R740 and R783), and near-infrared (R865) spectral bands. Heterogeneity of ground vegetation and resulting background effects seemed to limit model performance. The best performing VI (R740/R783) was used to predict plantation biomass that ranged from 0 to 46.7 Mg ha−1 (mean biomass 10.6 Mg ha−1). The modelling showed that multispectral data are suitable for assessing sisal leaf biomass at the plantation level and in individual blocks. Although these results demonstrate the value of Sentinel-2 red-edge bands at 20-m resolution, the difference from the best model based on green and near-infrared bands at 10-m resolution was rather small.
Multi-Image-Feature-Based Hierarchical Concrete Crack Identification Framework Using Optimized SVM Multi-Classifiers and D–S Fusion Algorithm for Bridge Structures
Authors: Yu Yang , Rashidi Maria , Samali Bijan , Yousefi Amir M. , Wang Weiqiang
Published: January 2021

Cracks in concrete can cause the degradation of stiffness, bearing capacity and durability of civil infrastructure. Hence, crack diagnosis is of great importance in concrete research. On the basis of multiple image features, this work presents a novel approach for crack identification of concrete structures. Firstly, the non-local means method is adopted to process the original image, which can effectively diminish the noise influence. Then, to extract the effective features sensitive to the crack, different filters are employed for crack edge detection, which are subsequently tackled by integral projection and principal component analysis (PCA) for optimal feature selection. Moreover, support vector machine (SVM) is used to design the classifiers for initial diagnosis of concrete surface based on extracted features. To raise the classification accuracy, enhanced salp swarm algorithm (ESSA) is applied to the SVM for meta-parameter optimization. The Dempster–Shafer (D–S) fusion algorithm is utilized to fuse the diagnostic results corresponding to different filters for decision making. Finally, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework, a total of 1200 images are collected from a real concrete bridge including intact (without crack), longitudinal crack, transverse crack and oblique crack cases. The results validate the performance of proposed method with promising results of diagnosis accuracy as high as 96.25%.
RRH Clustering Using Affinity Propagation Algorithm with Adaptive Thresholding and Greedy Merging in Cloud Radio Access Network
Authors: Park Seju , Jo Han-Shin , Mun Cheol , Yook Jong-Gwan
Published: January 2021

Affinity propagation (AP) clustering with low complexity and high performance is suitable for radio remote head (RRH) clustering for real-time joint transmission in the cloud radio access network. The existing AP algorithms for joint transmission have the limitation of high computational complexities owing to re-sweeping preferences (diagonal components of the similarity matrix) to determine the optimal number of clusters as system parameters such as network topology. To overcome this limitation, we propose a new approach in which preferences are fixed, where the threshold changes in response to the variations in system parameters. In AP clustering, each diagonal value of a final converged matrix is mapped to the position (x,y coordinates) of a corresponding RRH to form two-dimensional image. Furthermore, an environment-adaptive threshold value is determined by adopting Otsu’s method, which uses the gray-scale histogram of the image to make a statistical decision. Additionally, a simple greedy merging algorithm is proposed to resolve the problem of inter-cluster interference owing to the adjacent RRHs selected as exemplars (cluster centers). For a realistic performance assessment, both grid and uniform network topologies are considered, including exterior interference and various transmitting power levels of an RRH. It is demonstrated that with similar normalized execution times, the proposed algorithm provides better spectral and energy efficiencies than those of the existing algorithms.
CIoTVID: Towards an Open IoT-Platform for Infective Pandemic Diseases such as COVID-19
Authors: Ramallo-González Alfonso P. , González-Vidal Aurora , Skarmeta Antonio F.
Published: January 2021

The factors affecting the penetration of certain diseases such as COVID-19 in society are still unknown. Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can play a crucial role during the time of crisis and they can provide a more holistic view of the reasons that govern the outbreak of a contagious disease. The understanding of COVID-19 will be enriched by the analysis of data related to the phenomena, and this data can be collected using IoT sensors. In this paper, we show an integrated solution based on IoT technologies that can serve as opportunistic health data acquisition agents for combating the pandemic of COVID-19, named CIoTVID. The platform is composed of four layers—data acquisition, data aggregation, machine intelligence and services, within the solution. To demonstrate its validity, the solution has been tested with a use case based on creating a classifier of medical conditions using real data of voice, performing successfully. The layer of data aggregation is particularly relevant in this kind of solution as the data coming from medical devices has a very different nature to that coming from electronic sensors. Due to the adaptability of the platform to heterogeneous data and volumes of data; individuals, policymakers, and clinics could benefit from it to fight the propagation of the pandemic.
A Flexible Pressure Sensor with Ink Printed Porous Graphene for Continuous Cardiovascular Status Monitoring
Authors: Peng Yuxin , Zhou Jingzhi , Song Xian , Pang Kai , Samy Akram , Hao Zengming , Wang Jian
Published: January 2021

Flexible electronics with continuous monitoring ability a extensively preferred in various medical applications. In this work, a flexible pressure sensor based on porous graphene (PG) is proposed for continuous cardiovascular status monitoring. The whole sensor is fabricated in situ by ink printing technology, which grants it the potential for large-scale manufacture. Moreover, to enhance its long-term usage ability, a polyethylene terephthalate/polyethylene vinylacetate (PET/EVA)-laminated film is employed to protect the sensor from unexpected shear forces on the skin surface. The sensor exhibits great sensitivity (53.99/MPa), high resolution (less than 0.3 kPa), wide detecting range (0.3 kPa to 1 MPa), desirable robustness, and excellent repeatability (1000 cycles). With the assistance of the proposed pressure sensor, vital cardiovascular conditions can be accurately monitored, including heart rate, respiration rate, pulse wave velocity, and blood pressure. Compared to other sensors based on self-supporting 2D materials, this sensor can endure more complex environments and has enormous application potential for the medical community.
Reliable Industry 4.0 Based on Machine Learning and IoT for Analyzing, Monitoring, and Securing Smart Meters
Authors: Elsisi Mahmoud , Mahmoud Karar , Lehtonen Matti , Darwish Mohamed M. F.
Published: January 2021

The modern control infrastructure that manages and monitors the communication between the smart machines represents the most effective way to increase the efficiency of the industrial environment, such as smart grids. The cyber-physical systems utilize the embedded software and internet to connect and control the smart machines that are addressed by the internet of things (IoT). These cyber-physical systems are the basis of the fourth industrial revolution which is indexed by industry 4.0. In particular, industry 4.0 relies heavily on the IoT and smart sensors such as smart energy meters. The reliability and security represent the main challenges that face the industry 4.0 implementation. This paper introduces a new infrastructure based on machine learning to analyze and monitor the output data of the smart meters to investigate if this data is real data or fake. The fake data are due to the hacking and the inefficient meters. The industrial environment affects the efficiency of the meters by temperature, humidity, and noise signals. Furthermore, the proposed infrastructure validates the amount of data loss via communication channels and the internet connection. The decision tree is utilized as an effective machine learning algorithm to carry out both regression and classification for the meters’ data. The data monitoring is carried based on the industrial digital twins’ platform. The proposed infrastructure results provide a reliable and effective industrial decision that enhances the investments in industry 4.0.
Modeling of a Soft-Rigid Gripper Actuated by a Linear-Extension Soft Pneumatic Actuator
Authors: Cheng Peilin , Jia Jiangming , Ye Yuze , Wu Chuanyu
Published: January 2021

Soft robot has been one significant study in recent decades and soft gripper is one of the popular research directions of soft robot. In a static gripping system, excessive gripping force and large deformation are the main reasons for damage of the object during the gripping process. For achieving low-damage gripping to the object in static gripping system, we proposed a soft-rigid gripper actuated by a linear-extension soft pneumatic actuator in this study. The characteristic of the gripper under a no loading state was measured. When the pressure was >70 kPa, there was an approximately linear relation between the pressure and extension length of the soft actuator. To achieve gripping force and fingertip displacement control of the gripper without sensors integrated on the finger, we presented a non-contact sensing method for gripping state estimation. To analyze the gripping force and fingertip displacement, the relationship between the pressure and extension length of the soft actuator in loading state was compared with the relationship under a no-loading state. The experimental results showed that the relative error between the analytical gripping force and the measured gripping force of the gripper was ≤2.1%. The relative error between analytical fingertip displacement and theoretical fingertip displacement of the gripper was ≤7.4%. Furthermore, the low damage gripping to fragile and soft objects in static and dynamic gripping tests showed good performance of the gripper. Overall, the results indicated the potential application of the gripper in pick-and-place operations.
Responses of the Pheromone-Binding Protein of the Silk Moth Bombyx mori on a Graphene Biosensor Match Binding Constants in Solution
Authors: Bonazza Caroline , Zhu Jiao , Hasler Roger , Mastrogiacomo Rosa , Pelosi Paolo , Knoll Wolfgang
Published: January 2021

An electronic biosensor for odors was assembled by immobilizing the silk moth Bombyx mori pheromone binding protein (BmorPBP1) on a reduced graphene oxide surface of a field-effect transistor. At physiological pH, the sensor detects the B. mori pheromones, bombykol and bombykal, with good affinity and specificity. Among the other odorants tested, only eugenol elicited a strong signal, while terpenoids and other odorants (linalool, geraniol, isoamyl acetate, and 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine) produced only very weak responses. Parallel binding assays were performed with the same protein and the same ligands, using the common fluorescence approach adopted for similar proteins. The results are in good agreement with the sensor’s responses: bombykol and bombykal, together with eugenol, proved to be strong ligands, while the other compounds showed only poor affinity. When tested at pH 4, the protein failed to bind bombykol both in solution and when immobilized on the sensor. This result further indicates that the BmorPBP1 retains its full activity when immobilized on a surface, including the conformational change observed in acidic conditions. The good agreement between fluorescence assays and sensor responses suggests that ligand-binding assays in solution can be used to screen mutants of a binding protein when selecting the best form to be immobilized on a biosensor.
Enhanced Routing Algorithm Based on Reinforcement Machine Learning—A Case of VoIP Service
Authors: Militani Davi Ribeiro , de Moraes Hermes Pimenta , Rosa Renata Lopes , Wuttisittikulkij Lunchakorn , Ramírez Miguel Arjona , Rodríguez Demóstenes Zegarra
Published: January 2021

The routing algorithm is one of the main factors that directly impact on network performance. However, conventional routing algorithms do not consider the network data history, for instances, overloaded paths or equipment faults. It is expected that routing algorithms based on machine learning present advantages using that network data. Nevertheless, in a routing algorithm based on reinforcement learning (RL) technique, additional control message headers could be required. In this context, this research presents an enhanced routing protocol based on RL, named e-RLRP, in which the overhead is reduced. Specifically, a dynamic adjustment in the Hello message interval is implemented to compensate the overhead generated by the use of RL. Different network scenarios with variable number of nodes, routes, traffic flows and degree of mobility are implemented, in which network parameters, such as packet loss, delay, throughput and overhead are obtained. Additionally, a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) communication scenario is implemented, in which the E-model algorithm is used to predict the communication quality. For performance comparison, the OLSR, BATMAN and RLRP protocols are used. Experimental results show that the e-RLRP reduces network overhead compared to RLRP, and overcomes in most cases all of these protocols, considering both network parameters and VoIP quality.
Industrial Structure Transformation and Layout Optimization of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region under Carbon Emission Constraints
Authors: Chai Yi , Lin Xueqin , Wang Dai
Published: January 2021

To address the issue of global warming, there is a trend towards low-carbon economies in world economic development. China’s rapid economic growth and high carbon energy structure contribute to its large carbon emissions. To achieve sustainable development, China must transform its industrial structure to conserve energy, reduce emissions, and adapt to climate change. This study measured the carbon entropy and carbon emission efficiency of 25 industries in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region from 2000 to 2015 by building carbon entropy models and total factor industrial carbon emission efficiency evaluation models. The study showed that: (a) Priority development industries in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region were expanding, the regional competitiveness of the moderate development industry was improving, and the proportion of restricted development industries had dropped significantly; (b) the spatial distribution of the three types of industries presented a pattern of concentric rings, with priority industries at the core, surrounded by moderate, then by restricted development industries; (c) the status of medium- and high-efficiency industries had improved, while the status of low-efficiency industries had decreased. Spatially, high- and low-efficiency industries were becoming concentrated, and medium-efficiency industries were becoming dispersed; (d) considering carbon entropy and carbon emission efficiency, the path of industrial structure transformation and upgrading and layout optimization in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region was proposed.
Urban Sustainability and Natural Hazards Management; Designs Using Simulations
Authors: Fernández Paz , Ceacero-Moreno Matías
Published: January 2021

Sustainability is a topic with deep implications, as reflected by the approval of the 2030 Agenda for the sustainable development that has 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of these SDGs tries to achieve the sustainability of cities, for which we have verified that their resilience is necessary against natural hazards (NH). For the persistence of NH through time on a world scale, it is crucial to train expert technicians in the prevention and control of these risks. For this research, two studies have been made, one focused on research into the training of environmentalists by means of gamification, and the other to verify the potential of this same tool in the NH analysis and management. With this work we have been able to verify that the model of city designed can be an alternative and more sustainable model to the current solutions, also corroborating the usefulness of simulation in their design and its role in the resilience against NH. On the other hand, in relation to the teaching of the subject under study, based on the competences studied, this study is considered successful, demonstrating the utility of gamification and simulations in the formation of environmentalists.
Sustainability Is All about Values: The Challenges of Considering Moral and Benefit Values in Business Model Decisions
Authors: Bolis Ivan , Morioka Sandra Naomi , Leite Wilza Karla dos Santos , Zambroni-de-Souza Paulo César
Published: January 2021

Despite indications in the literature about the existence of win-win business opportunities regarding sustainability, most companies are still producing limited social and environmental results that are disconnected from their value propositions. Studies on the rationales underlying decisions regarding sustainability can offer a better understanding of this challenge. In particular, substantive rationality suggests that the decision-making process consider collective values for sustainability. This study investigates the following research question: What are the main challenges of making business decisions based on moral values of sustainable development? Using strategic decisions as a unit of analysis, action research in a start-up environment identified the following business challenges: (1) recognizing the limits of applying the moral values of sustainable development to the current business context dominated by maximization of economic and financial benefit values; (2) recognizing the normative nature of sustainability goals, which implies that moral values related to sustainable development are still external and not naturally occurring in people’s personal moral values; (3) addressing conflicts between moral and benefit values and between collective and individual goals when including substantive rationality in business decisions; (4) engaging business stakeholders according to their personal moral values, as people are value driven; and (5) engaging workers in sustainable development values, as they play a central role in enabling benefit value creation for sustainable development. The paper offers interesting insights into moral value and benefit value. The former is the basis for individual decisions, while the latter represents benefits created by business models. Both concepts have been separately investigated, but this research delimits and differentiates them. Future studies can further investigate decision rationalities to enable sustainability in practice, as this is usually a theoretical discussion. Research on other start-ups and more mature organizations can also provide interesting insights.
Challenges, Opportunities, and Lessons Learned: Sustainability in Brazilian Omnichannel Retail
Authors: Sousa Paulo Renato de , Barbosa Marcelo Werneck , Oliveira Leise Kelli de , Resende Paulo Tarso Vilela de , Rodrigues Ricardo Ruiz , Moura Myrian Teixeira , Matoso Daniel
Published: January 2021

This paper reports the focus group results administered with top executives of the Brazilian retailers regarding their omnichannel strategies. This study aimed at analyzing the process of implementing omnichannel strategies and identifying contributions omnichannel has to sustainability. Using qualitative exploratory and a case study design to assess three large Brazilian retailers, we collected information concerning omnichannel implementation associated with processes, technologies, and organizational structure. This study was conducted with top executives in Brazil. Results suggest that the most viable solution, given a company’s investment capacity, is implementing an e-commerce platform that results in greater integration, profitability, and sustainability of the whole chain. A discussion on the benefits and outcomes related to the sustainable performance of such companies is also presented. This study answers calls for more research on the retail sector in Latin American countries.
Achieving European Water Quality Ambitions: Governance Conditions for More Effective Approaches at the Local-Regional Scale
Authors: Wuijts Susanne , Rijswick Helena F. M. W. Van , Driessen Peter P. J.
Published: January 2021

Worldwide countries face challenges to restore and preserve water resources. This paper analyses how governance approaches support the attainment of water quality ambitions set out in the European Water Framework Directive and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To this end, the connection between the physical water system and the governing legal and societal systems is explored, using scientific literature and empirical material on governance approaches in the subdomains of drinking water resources, freshwater ecosystems and bathing water in The Netherlands. The results show the effects of the intricate relationship between water system characteristics and the drivers of water quality versus the various elements of a governance approach. For instance, hydrological, morphological and chemical objectives set different demands on governance conditions, related to the scale, roles and responsibilities of actors who need to be involved and coherence of the legal and policy frameworks in place. These demands can also be different during the different stages of a policy process. Choices made in a governance approach (who to involve, availability and use of legal instruments, measures and monitoring) may therefore influence the level of water quality improvement that can be achieved. A joint approach from the social-economic, legal and ecological knowledge domain during all stages of a policy process is necessary to overcome such unintended results.
Free Convection Heat Transfer and Entropy Generation in an Odd-Shaped Cavity Filled with a Cu-Al2O3 Hybrid Nanofluid
Authors: Ghalambaz Mohammad , Hashem Zadeh Seyed Mohsen , Veismoradi Ali , Sheremet Mikhail A. , Pop Ioan
Published: January 2021

The present paper aims to analyze the thermal convective heat transport and generated irreversibility of water-Cu-Al2O3 hybrid nanosuspension in an odd-shaped cavity. The side walls are adiabatic, and the internal and external borders of the enclosure are isothermally kept at high and low temperatures of Thand Tc, respectively. The control equations based on conservation laws are formulated in dimensionless form and worked out employing the Galerkin finite element technique. The outcomes are demonstrated using streamlines, isothermal lines, heatlines, isolines of Bejan number, as well as the rate of generated entropy and the Nusselt number. Impacts of the Rayleigh number, the hybrid nanoparticles concentration (ϕhnf), the volume fraction of the Cu nanoparticles to ϕhnf ratio (ϕr), width ratio (WR) have been surveyed and discussed. The results show that, for all magnitudes of Rayleigh numbers, increasing nanoparticles concentration intensifies the rate of entropy generation. Moreover, for high Rayleigh numbers, increasing WR enhances the rate of heat transport.
Whole-Genome Analyses Identifies Multiple Reassortant Rotavirus Strains in Rwanda Post-Vaccine Introduction
Authors: Rasebotsa Sebotsana , Uwimana Jeannine , Mogotsi Milton T. , Rakau Kebareng , Magagula Nonkululeko B. , Seheri Mapaseka L. , Mwenda Jason M. , Mphahlele M. Jeffrey , Sabiu Saheed , Mihigo Richard , Mutesa Leon , Nyaga Martin M.
Published: January 2021

Children in low-and middle-income countries, including Rwanda, experience a greater burden of rotavirus disease relative to developed countries. Evolutionary mechanisms leading to multiple reassortant rotavirus strains have been documented over time which influence the diversity and evolutionary dynamics of novel rotaviruses. Comprehensive rotavirus whole-genome analysis was conducted on 158 rotavirus group A (RVA) samples collected pre- and post-vaccine introduction in children less than five years in Rwanda. Of these RVA positive samples, five strains with the genotype constellations G4P[4]-I1-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T1-E1-H2 (n = 1), G9P[4]-I1-R2-C2-M2-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 (n = 1), G12P[8]-I1-R2-C2-M1-A1-N2-T1-E2-H3 (n = 2) and G12P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A2-N2-T2-E1-H1 (n = 1), with double and triple gene reassortant rotavirus strains were identified. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between the Rwandan strains and cognate human RVA strains as well as the RotaTeq® vaccine strains in the VP1, VP2, NSP2, NSP4 and NSP5 gene segments. Pairwise analyses revealed multiple differences in amino acid residues of the VP7 and VP4 antigenic regions of the RotaTeq® vaccine strain and representative Rwandan study strains. Although the impact of such amino acid changes on the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines has not been fully explored, this analysis underlines the potential of rotavirus whole-genome analysis by enhancing knowledge and understanding of intergenogroup reassortant strains circulating in Rwanda post vaccine introduction.
Maintenance accounting and usage of organizational capabilities
Authors:   Institute of Mathematical Machines and Systems Problems of the Ukraine National Academy of Science, Malyshev O.V. , Kalmykov V.G. ,   Institute of Mathematical Machines and Systems Problems of the Ukraine National Academy of Science, Lysytskyi I.V. ,   Society "Center for Systems Engineering"
Published: January 2021

One approach to improving an organization’s activities is an approach aimed at regulating its capabili-ties. This approach is applied in many fields of activity, but most extensively and consistently in the defense sphere of developed countries, NATO, and recently in Ukraine. The scale and complexity of the tasks that need to be addressed within the capability-based approach make it necessary to support these activities with appropriate tools. In this paper, we propose a conceptual model of accounting and use of capabilities. This model, the principal feature of which is the distinction between nominal and actual activity plans, has two components: static and dynamic. The static component of the model is a set of entities, relationships between them, as well as attributes of entities and relationships between entities. The main entities are capability and carrier of capability. There are nominal carriers of capabilities (exist only on paper) and actual carriers (instances of nominal carrier, for which, at a minimum, the coordi-nates of their location can be specified). The division into types, as well as the use of metamodels for describing capabilities and carriers of capabilities are supposed. The requirements to both the capability and the carrier of the capability can be advanced. Both actual carriers of capabilities as a whole and their (actual) capabilities are subject to assessment. Dynamic component of the model – the activity support-ed by the model – breaks up into accounting and use of capabilities. The model is supplemented by a component that allows to record the requirements and assessments of the capability carrier with distri-bution to various components of its resource (DOTMLPF-distribution). The proposed model can be used as the basis for creating the appropriate information technology.
Stability model of agent-based situational control system
Authors:   Institute of Mathematical Machines and Systems Problems of the Ukraine National Academy of Science, Kovalenko O.Ye. , Kosolapov V.L. ,   Institute of Mathematical Machines and Systems Problems of the Ukraine National Academy of Science
Published: January 2021

While managing complex systems, it is advisable to use mathematical models adequate to real systems, which can be used for generalized model analysis of different solutions in systems of situational man-agement (SSM). Such mathematical models are an important component of the SSM in the process of supporting the adoption of important strategic and operational decisions at various levels of government. Implementation of SSM in the form of a multi-agent system, due to its characteristics, is an adequate approach to solving the problems of situational management (SM). According to the context of SM, the behavior of the SSM is described as the dynamics of movement from a certain point in the phase space, that corresponds to some state of the managed system under the influence of the ensemble of SSM agents. During the operation of the SSM, its agents use knowledge that corresponds to the context of the situation. The agent's knowledge is a fragment of the field of knowledge on the target problem of SM. Knowledge of the problem area of the SM is a key element of the SM model. The convergent agents’ ensemble of SSM is characterized by a certain level of intelligence, which is represented as an entropic force that uses the free energy of the dissipative system to maintain its stability. An agent-oriented approach to the study of the stability of a dynamic stochastic system in the process of situa-tional management as a target project activity is proposed. Within the scope of the proposed approach, the stability model of agent SSM as a dynamic stochastic system is considered using the Lyapunov sta-bility criterion in the form of a system of ordinary differential equations. Support of modeling functions by agents of agent-oriented system allows to form adequate behavior in the process of situational man-agement in the conditions of changes in the environment. Developed models for integrating behavioral and coordination aspects of knowledge-based agents can be used in the development of situational man-agement systems and technologies.
Using the TACT Framework to Learn the Principles of Rigour in
Qualitative Research
Authors: Daniel Ben K.
Published: January 2021

Assessing the quality of qualitative research to ensure
rigour in the findings is critical, especially if findings are to
contribute to theory and be utilised in practice. However, teaching
students concepts of rigour and how to apply them to their research
is challenging. This article presents a generic framework of rigour
with four critical dimensions—Trustworthiness, Auditability,
Credibility and Transferability (TACT) intended to teach issues of
rigour to postgraduate students and those new to qualitative
research methodology. The framework enables them to explore the key
dimensions necessary for assessing the rigour of qualitative
research studies and checklist questions against each of the
dimensions. TACT was offered through 10 workshops, attended by 64
participants. Participants positively evaluated the workshops and
reported that the workshops enable them to learn the principles of
qualitative research and better understanding issues of rigour. Work
presented in the article is part of a large research programme
investigating the pedagogy of research methods in higher
education.
An Illustration of a Deductive Pattern Matching Procedure in
Qualitative Leadership Research
Authors: Pearse Noel
Published: January 2021

Most qualitative studies in business‑related research have
adopted an inductive approach, in that they explore specific cases
and then extract themes, or statements that are more general, from
this data. This approach has its shortcomings, including not
developing a more systematic body of knowledge of behavioural and
social processes that take place in organisations. In contrast, in
deductive qualitative research, the theoretical propositions derived
from a review of the literature serve as its departure point,
informing how the data is collected. Later on in the analysis of
data, the researcher uses the propositions to determine if the
literature explains the case that was being investigated.
Unfortunately, given the relative neglect of deductive qualitative
research approaches, there is little guidance and few examples
offered that illustrate the application of these techniques. This
poses a challenge for researchers, who often need a greater level of
structure when it comes to designing and conducting their research.
Therefore, the aim of this paper is to illustrate the design of a
research protocol that integrates two deductive approaches that are
suitable for explanatory case study research, namely deductive
thematic analysis and pattern matching. This paper develops a
seven‑step process that researchers can follow, for carrying out
this type of deductive qualitative research. Using extracts from a
research study investigating the leading of organisational change,
the steps in this process are illustrated.
A Reflection on SSM as a Critical Social Action Research Method: Towards Improvement of Project Governance
Authors: Carin Venter
Published: January 2021

Academic research is often regarded as less than helpful for practice, while knowledge practitioners are accused of failing to apply relevant research in their industries. This study successfully bridged the theory‑practice gap in that it resolved a real‑world problem and added to the body of knowledge, i.e. it aided to: identify underlying social root causes of a flawed project governance process and associated decision support software; define actions for improvement; and realise generalisable theoretical and applied knowledge to improve both theory and practice. It illustrates that collaborative academic research adds value to both academia and industry. This paper discusses an empirical study where soft systems methodology (SSM) was applied as an interventionist action research (AR) method, positioned in the critical systems thinking (CST) and critical social research (CSR) paradigm. SSM is defined as a learning system that facilitates the identification of actions for improvement of problematical social contexts—it gives epistemological guidance to systematically explore perspectives of individuals involved in and affected by social (e.g. organisational) settings, to identify actions for improvement. However, SSM is found to be most often applied interpretively by academia, i.e., to understand a problem context, rather than to improve it, and by practitioners as a consulting tool. SSM successfully facilitates exploring of problematical social contexts, but, according to users of it, fail to effect real and lasting change. It is also quite difficult to extract generalisable learning from its output. In this study, the researcher argues that SSM have the potential to live up to its original intent. So, she positioned SSM in the CST/CSR paradigm by applying an enriched version of it. She guided participants to reflect on inherent flaws in the scrutinised project governance business process and associated decision support software. Hence, by applying methodological pluralism, she also guided them to reflect on actions for change in light of the organisation’s socially constructed structures and their effects on involved and affected stakeholders of the process. SSM was enriched by also reflecting on the output of facilitated workshops, which aimed to identify required transformation to improve upon deficient project governance, from the perspectives of: the role of the participant(s) in the organisation; the effects that identified organisational decisions and changes may have on them; and by asking probing questions about the crux of statements made, e.g. if it is presumed to be true, what would the effect be, or vice versa. The outcome was emancipation, as key underlying social and structural causes for the organisational deficiencies surfaced.