bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Portuguese Mediterranean Diet as a Future Trend for Healthy and Sustainable Restaurant Consumption
Authors: Real Helena , Dias Rui Rosa
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges to the way the world thinks about the sustainability of the planet and also brought new opportunities to emphasize conviviality, familiar links, cultural heritage, and exchange of knowledge on intergenerational gastronomy. This chapter will explore the opportunity to promote the Mediterranean diet as a solution to the improvement of food habits in the post-COVID-19 era. It will explore the future trends of Mediterranean diet concept use, specially focused on food industry/distribution and tourism as an inspiration to impulse more healthy and sustainable consumption in Portuguese restaurants. Gastronomy and tourism also will be presented as a sustainability safeguard possibility for the Mediterranean diet.
Tourism and Gastronomy in the “New Normal”
Authors: Nogueira Mafalda
Published: May 2022

This chapter aims to provide a critical reflection on how individuals, families, tourists, in general, are looking for alternative forms of touristic and gastronomic experiences, very much rooted on the spiritual quest for peace, security, hope, self-awareness, and above all, emotional wellbeing. Hence, it discusses the rise of new forms of tourists, in the so called ‘new normal', who completely changed their mindset regarding holiday habits and eagerly seek to feed their body, mind, and soul, rethinking and replacing their previous touristic and gastronomic choices. Additionally, it argues that the pandemic is giving the tourism and hospitality industry an opportunity to reinvent their value propositions and design their offerings based on these new emerging features of post-COVID tourists by creating innovative touristic packages and crafting new marketing messages very much focused on the spiritual attributes of their offerings.
The Portuguese Hospitality and Restaurant Industry
Authors: Aldeia Susana Cristina Rodrigues , Macedo Paulo , Pereira Liliana Ivone , Mota Joaquim Jorge
Published: May 2022

The main goal of this paper is to understand the evolution of taxation in the accommodation and restaurant industry. In particular, it has three objectives: (1) to study how it has been occurring the taxation of this sector in Portugal, (2) to know if Portuguese legislators adopted tax measures specific to this economic area, and (3) to understand what post-COVID-19 perspectives are in the sector of the fiscal domain. For this purpose, business and tax law of Portugal were investigated. The results show that the Portuguese tax legislator hasn't been paying attention to the lodging and restaurant sector. There were some changes in the income and consumption tax domain in the last 10 years underpinned by the will to increase investment and to control tax avoidance, but hardly were introduced tax measures to help this business area in the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there was another kind of economic financial support given by the Portuguese government, in the fiscal domain, the IVAucher measure was introduced.
Evaluating the Dynamics of Russia-EU Trade
Authors: Arku Harry Kingsley , Shevchenko Dmitry
Published: May 2022

The European Union (EU) remains Russia's main trading partner whose share in 2020 accounted for about $192 billion (over 37%) of the country's trade turnover. Russia on the other hand ranks fifth among leading trading partners of the EU (after China, USA, UK, and Switzerland). The emergence and fast spread of the coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on both Russia and the world economy. From imposed restrictions to rising tensions between Russia, European Union, and the United States, these events have largely influenced the internationalization of some Russian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This chapter therefore seeks to evaluate the trends in EU-Russia trade and identify means by which SMEs can be effectively integrated into the European market. The findings show an unbalanced EU-Russia trade pattern. Also, in integrating SMEs, the Russian Export Center (REC), Russian Agency for Export Credit and Investment Insurance (EXIAR), and the State Specialized Russian Export-Import Bank (EXIMBANK) will be instrumental in this perspective.
Biblical Examination of Human Trafficking in the Context of Joseph in Gen. 37 and the Slave Girl in Acts 16
Authors: Oboh Michael
Published: May 2022

This chapter studies the nature, causes, effects, and proffers possible remedies for the menace of human trafficking in contemporary society from the perspective of the Bible. It reviews the situation with the experiences of Joseph in the Old Testament and the slave girl in the New Testament. Victims are lured with the quest for survival due to economic difficulties, get rich quick syndrome resulting from the misplaced value system, while others are forced. It is inhuman; a cause of pain, suffering, sorrow, grief, and death; robs man of every right and privilege; and demeans the value of humanity and reduces him to a mere commodity and possession of no value. Moreover, it shows a world in dire need of God's salvation and liberty. Thus, human trafficking in its contemporary time is a repeat of history in its most gruesome and cruel manner. To this end, lessons drawn from Joseph and the slave girl's encounters are put to bear as the way forward for modern and future paradigms of human trafficking.
Exploring the Socio-Religious Implications of the Subset of Child Harvesting in Ibibioland
Authors: Eno Felicia
Published: May 2022

The exploitative and illegal movement of persons constitutes one of the social vices that plague the world today. Human trafficking manifests in multifarious subsets such as sex trafficking, body part harvesting, and so on. These elements of culture can either promote human growth or undermine it. The prevalence of the phenomenon of child harvesting has brought the phrase “baby factories” into Nigerian culture. However, this study, adopting the descriptive method of research, takes a tilt towards articulating the phenomenon in order to identify the socio-religious implications on Ibibio culture. The negative cultural attitude towards adopted children and discrimination of adopted children discourage couples from legal adoption. The researcher recommends that the Ministry of Health should intensify monitoring and evaluation of traditional birth attendants operating in Akwa Ibom State, while pregnant girls and women who cannot care for their children should be drawn into the welfare plan of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
School Counselors as Social Justice Advocates
Authors: Hatton Crystal E. , Clemons Krystal L.
Published: May 2022

The thought of dismantling racism and bias in schools can leave school counselors in a state of despair because this task may seem daunting, overwhelming, and even impossible. The purpose of this chapter is to equip school counselors, school counselor educators, district supervisors, and school counselor trainees with tools that will empower them to serve as change agents and advocates for equity and inclusion with schools. In this chapter, the authors seek to discuss the school counselor's role and provide a social justice framework for dismantling racism and bias in schools.
When Playing Is Not About the Physical Sporting Experience
Authors: Alcaraz-Muñoz Verónica , Cifo Izquierdo María Isabel , Alonso Roque José I.
Published: May 2022

The aim of this chapter was to examine the positive and negative emotional intensity in schoolchildren with and without sport experience, when participating in motor games. One hundred fifty-two students of Elementary Education (age range = 8–12 years, Mage = 9.72, SD = 1.18) belonging to two Spanish schools participated. After finishing each of the games, the students completed the Games and Emotions Scale for Children to assess the emotional intensity experienced. The intensity of positive emotions was higher (M = 3.71, SD = 0.89) than negative emotions (M = 1.18, SD = 0.25, p < 0.001). Sporting experience is not a determinant of the type of emotion experienced. However, it was found to relativise the average emotional intensity, both positive and negative. The results could benefit physical education teachers and practitioners by providing them with practical evidence-based information to organise teaching content, generating the desired motor behaviours through positive experiences.
The impact of Digitalization on Organizational Change Catalysts in Museums
Authors: Calluso Cinzia , D'Angelo Viviana
Published: May 2022

Within the fast-changing competitive environment, digital revolution is one of the most impactful trends affecting economy, business, and society. In such context, organizations are facing significant change in their activities in order to adapt their business models to the ongoing transformation. However, the impact of digital technologies on organizations' activities may spawn organizational resistance. In this scenario, the consequences of digital revolution on institutions such as museums and cultural organizations, given the peculiar nature of their activity, would be further distressing. The purpose of this chapter is to review the determinants of organizational change and the organizational catalysts to foster such change and, ultimately, develop proposals for a smooth transition toward digitalization in museums.
Value Co-Creation Mechanisms for the Sustainability of a Digitally-Based Museum Ecosystem
Authors: Iandolo Francesca , Cosimato Silvia , Carrubbo Luca
Published: May 2022

Recent research on value co-creation has recognized the importance of digital technologies and digital platforms in adding efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability to value co-creation. The availability of new and advanced digital technologies has also pervaded the mechanisms at the core of value co-creation, facilitating the interactions among spatially, temporally, and organizationally dispersed actors. Research has associated the ecosystem perspective with digital platforms underlining their potential in facilitating a multi-actor long-lasting online resource integration. To contribute to the debate on the digital value co-creation, this study has been based on the analysis of a specific service domain such as the cultural heritage, with a focus on museums. This study approaching museum digital transformation according to ecosystem perspective aims at better understanding how digital platforms boost resource integration, exploiting the value that networked ecosystem actors co-create digitally, enhancing museums' resources protection, research, exploitation, and utilization.
Digital Platforms for the Sustainability of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Cosimato Silvia , Vona Roberto , Iandolo Francesca , Loia Francesca
Published: May 2022

This work aims at contributing to research on cultural heritage sustainability, investigating the practices, the interactions, and the processes enhanced by digital platforms. In doing so, digital platforms ability in shaping a sustainable ecosystem has been highlighted, describing the interactions occurring between different actors to create shared value, inspired by the principles of sustainable development. The work has been intended to better understand the role innovative digital technologies and in particular digital platforms play in boosting a sustainable and circular approach to cultural heritage management. To this end, a transdisciplinary platform aimed at testing, implementing, and sharing new sustainable models of financing, business, and governance to be applied to the cultural heritage sector has been described and analyzed.
Open Educational Resources
Authors: Shukla Samiksha , Kolahal Arundhati , M. M. Padmakumar , Jacob Lija , George Jossy P.
Published: May 2022

Open educational resources (OER) has varying explanations, but its broadest definitions include materials offered freely and openly to use and adapt for teaching, learning, development, and research. An open educational resource must have an open license following the 5Rs: retain (make, own, and control your copy of the content), reuse (use the content as-is), revise (adapt, adjust, modify, improve, or alter the content), remix (combine the original or revised content with other OER to create something new), redistribute (share your copies of the original content, revisions or remixes with others). With such open educational content, one can learn from a growing pool of knowledge for free. In this chapter, the authors present the rationale behind the open educational resources (OER), types of OER, the key players, opportunities, and challenges adopting it, and the future scope.
E-Government and Semantics
Authors: Merlo Tereza R. , Ferenhof Helio Aisenberg
Published: May 2022

The increasing digital transformation in all segments of society has been creating demand in information management and access. Consequently, local and federal governments must adapt and launch digital services that enable inclusion and citizenship participation initiatives through digitalization and content management to meet these demands. Nevertheless, the simple conversion of physical forms to digital is not enough to enable access. This chapter highlights the relevance of the use of plain language towards information access. This work conducted action research supported by the Toyota Kata approach demonstrating how the change in the semantical construct in the forms and service description is significantly altered post digitalization of some services provided by the State of Santa Catarina Government. The results demonstrate that plain language impacts the comprehension and consumption of information, incurring more inclusive e-government services.
Tabu-Adaptive Artificial Bee Colony Metaheuristic for Image Segmentation
Authors: Dhouib Souhail , Miledi Mariem
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes to enhance the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) metaheuristic with a Tabu adaptive memory to optimize the multilevel thresholding for Image Segmentation. This novel method is named Tabu-Adaptive Artificial Bee Colony (TA-ABC). To find the optimal thresholds, two novel versions of the proposed technique named TA-ABC-BCV and TA-ABC-ET are developed using respectively the thresholding functions namely the Between-Class Variance (BCV) and the Entropy Thresholding (ET). To prove the robustness and performance of the proposed methods TA-ABC-BCV and TA-ABC-ET, several benchmark images taken from the USC-SIPI Image Database are used. The experimental results show that TA-ABC-BCV and TA-ABC-ET outperform other existing optimization algorithms in the literature. Besides, compared to TA-ABC-ET and other methods from the literature all experimental results prove the superiority of TA-ABC-BCV.
A Case Study Analysis of Pregnancy Discrimination and Women-Friendly Workplaces in U.S. Engineering and Technical Organizations
Authors: Burrell Darrell Norman , Aridi Amalisha S. , Wright Jorja B. , Nobles Calvin , Richardson Kevin , Lewis Eugene , Kemp Roxanne Elliott
Published: May 2022

Women represent 50% of workers in the United States but only 28% of the employees at 51 of the top U.S. engineering and technology organizations. Engineering and technology firms have experienced significant challenges in creating more women-friendly cultures. According to Women Who Tech’s most recent survey, 75% of female employees have experienced offensive jokes, 54% experienced unwelcome physical contact, 51% had sexually-oriented comments directed at them, and 35% were propositioned for sex. The purpose of this project is to investigate the consequential impact of organizational dynamics bias and discrimination against women TECH 2022, which is a healthcare information technology and biotechnology consulting firm via a management consulting organizational development (OD) framework case study analysis.
A Framework Development of Food Wastage and Its Prevention Strategies in the Hospitality Industry of Pakistan
Authors: Nazir Sajid
Published: May 2022

Food waste is a global issue; around 1.3 billion tonnes of food waste is generated annually, with Pakistan producing 36 million tonnes of food waste. Consequently, restaurants are the leading source of food waste. However, identifying the causes and dangers of food waste in the restaurant's process flow is crucial. As a result, a restaurant framework is necessary for process flow rectification and identification of critical control points. The current research, which employed a qualitative approach, establishes a framework that outlines the critical controls and their impact on social, environmental, and economic issues. The data was gathered through structured interviews and observations from multiple eateries. The framework includes redesigning flexible menus, offering employee training, reducing plate sizes, implementing a forecasting system, and implementing a lean inventory management system to effectively reduce food waste. The paper presents policy suggestions to food regulatory agencies and restaurants based on its research and approach
The Effect of Board Characteristics on Earnings Management in Differently-Sized European Firms
Authors: Dokas Ioannis G.
Published: May 2022

The effectiveness and the monitoring potentials of the board are crucial parameters for the management in the decision-making process. This study investigates the effect of board characteristics on the level of earnings management in EU listed firms. The findings indicate that the oversized boards function as a restricting determinant to the level of real and accrual-based manipulations. Also, the average board tenure is negatively correlated with real earnings management measures. An additional research query of this research is whether the effect of the board characteristics is diverse in different sized firms. In smaller firms, the board size impacts the accrual-based measures positively, while in the bigger firms, there is a positive association only with real earnings management measures. Furthermore, in smaller firms, an increase in board tenure seems to facilitate the manipulations using accounting policies and limit the manipulations of real activities. Finally, the results demonstrate that CEO-chairman duality is negatively related to the level of real earnings management.
Does Share Price of Banking Industry Follow Stock Valuation Model?
Authors: Ali Md. Rostam , Gour Puja Rani , Islam Md. Ashikul , Khan Abdul Gaffar
Published: May 2022

Many factors and actors affect the market value of shares but this study is to investigate whether the share price of banking industry of Bangladesh follows any stock valuation models. Data were collected from the annual reports of selected 18 commercial banks listed in Dhaka Stock Exchange over the period of 2014-2018. Some stock valuation models such as ‘Variable Growth Model’, ‘Price Earnings Multiple Model’ and ‘Book Value Model’ have been applied to calculate the value of the share. Besides, ‘Gordon Model’ has been applied to calculate the ‘Require Rate of Return’ of equity. Moreover, ‘Kruskal-Wallis’ test has been applied to test whether the market value of share follow any stock valuation models. The study finds that the share price of banking industry of Bangladesh follows ‘Price Earnings Multiple Model’ as well as ‘Book Value Model’ but does not follow ‘Variable Growth Model’. On the basis of the findings, the study suggests that investors should consider stock valuation models to calculate value of the share before investing in banking sector.
The Rising Veto Power of the Checkbook
Authors: Eldegwy Ahmed , Elsharnouby Tamer H. , Kortam Wael
Published: May 2022

This study drew on different streams in the literature to theorize a power shift in favor of parents in the post Covid-19 era. We investigated the impact of parents’ campus site visits on university enrollment decisions by empirically testing a model that draws on concepts from service marketing and sociology and links university enrollment to parents’ evaluative and intentional constructs. Data were obtained from 339 parents of final-year high school students immediately after their campus site visits and analyzed using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that antecedents of parent university satisfaction include human encounters, university reputation, and physical setting. Satisfaction was found to drive intention to advocate to children and brand preference. These two outcomes affected enrollment. The results oﬀer important theoretical contributions to the field of higher education marketing and present managerial implications for university administrators in their quest to augment student recruitment processes.
Monocular Depth Matching With Hybrid Sampling and Depth Label Propagation
Authors: Hua Ye , Long Qu Xi , Jin Li Zhen
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a monocular depth label propagation model, which describes monocular images into depth label distribution for the target classification matching. 1) Depth label propagation by hybrid sampling and salient region sifting, improve the discrimination of detection feature categories. 2) Depth label mapping and spectrum clustering to classify target, define the depth of the sorting rules. The experimental results of motion recognition and 3D point cloud processing, show that this method can approximately reach the performance of all previous monocular depth estimation methods. The neural network model black box training learning module is not used, which improves the interpretability of the proposed model.
Exploratory and Multi-Objective Decision-Making Methods for Retrofit Planning Processes
Authors: Akin Sahin , Iseri Orcun Koral , Dino Ipek Gursel , Erdogan Bilge
Published: May 2022

Existing buildings are seen as a potential field where effective carbon-saving and energy-efficiency strategies can be applied. Their lifetime and performance can be increased by implementing different retrofit measures. The retrofit processes remain a complex task that necessitates long-term planning and costly operations and requires a consensus of their stakeholders to identify an ultimate solution from many alternatives. This paper demonstrates a simulation-based exploratory approach, allowing a broader consideration of alternative retrofit solutions to increase non-technical and technical stakeholders’ involvement over design decisions. A hypothetical office building was selected, and a list of retrofit parameters and their combinations focusing on multiple objectives was determined, modeled, simulated, and visualized. Three different decision-making approaches are presented and discussed over the case study results. The study suggests that giving a voice to all stakeholders in decision-making processes might lead to achieving more robust retrofit solutions.
Mobility Analysis of Reciprocal Frames
Authors: Özen Gülçin , Korkmaz Koray
Published: May 2022

Reciprocal Frame (RF) is a three-dimensional grillage structure that consists of mutually supported elements. In RF, whatever the composition that is built, the geometry should always have two members that are connected at a time. Moreover, at least three members should be connected to create a grid, but there is no limit for the maximum. In the research that has been done until today, the geometry of RF, form-finding issues, connections, structural behavior, fabrication methods were studied, but there is very limited number of studies about kinetic RF. In this study RF structures for single loop 3-, 4-, and 5-nexor configurations are analyzed in terms of their motion capabilities. The kinematic diagrams are drawn and their mobilities are calculated. Zero, single, and multi Degrees of Freedom (DoF) configurations are obtained. It has been found that the configurations with revolute joint series get minimum value and also it is not necessary to use as many joints as possible or joints with as many DoF as possible in the configuration to get maximum mobility value.
Time Synchronization Mechanisms for Spacefibre Networks and Their Implementations
Authors: Suvorova Elena
Published: May 2022

Most onboard embedded systems have real-time requirements. The SpaceFibre standard is developed for onboard local networks. However, the current version of the SpaceFibre standard does not specify any time synchronization mechanisms. The authors consider the mechanisms of time synchronization that are used in the data transmission standards, which are currently used for networks with real-time requirements. In the paper, the authors proposed possible time synchronization mechanisms for the SpaceFibre network, evaluate their characteristics. The authors proposed dynamically reconfigurable Local time controller for implementation of these mechanisms with ASIC.
Lossless Compression Algorithm for Medical Images With High Precision Based on Discrete Wavelet Transform
Authors: Li Meishan , Xue Jiamei , Wei Yuntao
Published: May 2022

In image distortion and low adaptive recognition after medical image compression, a high precision medical image lossless compression algorithm based on discrete wavelet transform is proposed. A 3D imaging model of multi-dimensional medical images is constructed, and adaptive information enhancement and image restoration processing are performed on the collected medical images. According to the results of high-dimensional segmentation and segmentation, discrete wavelet transform is used to achieve high-precision lossless compression of medical images. The results show that the medical image compression is better non-destructive and the image fidelity is higher, which improves the detection and adaptive recognition ability of medical images
A Novel Load Balancing Technique for Smart Application in a Fog Computing Environment
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Aron Rajni
Published: May 2022

Internet of things (IoT) induces an immense volume of data every day. Smart IoT-based applications need immediate response and processing of data, for which fog computing was introduced. Fog computing contains many small-scale data centres, which helps to process the incoming data from IoT immediately. More, the data more is the requirement of resources in the fog layer. Hence, there may be overloading of data, which needs to be handled directly. There is a need to provide a framework that can reduce energy consumption and enhance resource utilization during storage, processing, and network functioning. This article proposed smart traffic management architecture, which improves resource utilization and conserves intelligent vehicles' energy. The article also proposes a load balancing algorithm for avoiding the overloading of resources in the proposed architecture while executing a large number of vehicle requests. Further, this paper provides some key challenges and issues of fog computing. The article concludes by providing future directions.
A Network Attack Risk Control Framework for Large-Scale Network Topology Driven by Node Importance Assessment
Authors: Liu Yanhua , Liu Zhihuang , Deng Wentao , Qiu Yanbin , Liu Ximeng , Guo Wenzhong
Published: May 2022

In large-scale network scenarios, network security data are characterized by complex association and redundancy, forming network security big data, which makes network security attack and defense more complicated. In this paper, the authors propose a framework for network attack risk control in large-scale network topology, called NARC. Using NARC, a user can determine the influence level of different nodes on the diffusion of attack risk in complex network topology, thus giving optimal risk control decisions. Specifically, this paper designs a topology-oriented node importance assessment model, combined with node vulnerability correlation analysis, to construct a diffusion network of attack risks for identifying potential attack paths. Furthermore, the optimal risk control node selection method based on game theory is proposed to obtain the optimal set of defense nodes. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed NARC, which helps to ease the risk of network attacks
Accuracy Enhancement for Breast Cancer Detection Using Classification and Feature Selection
Authors: Jain Somil , Kumar Puneet
Published: May 2022

Chronic disease like kidney failure, heart disease, cancer etc. is the major cause of deaths now days worldwide. Especially for the females the most dangerous type of disease from which the women of every age group are suffering especially the middle age group women’s is the breast cancer. To detect this type of disease at an early stage is a challenging task. In order to predict the breast cancer at an early stage classification algorithm of high accuracy and less error rate are desirable. In this research work we have used 4 classification algorithms K-NN, J48, Logistic regression and Bayes Net for building the predictive model, also the wrapper method of feature selection is used to enhance the accuracy rate and reduce the error rate of the used classifiers. To carry out this research we have used Wisconsin Diagnostic Breast Cancer dataset which contains 569 instances along with 32 attributes and a class attribute which will predict the type of cancer i.e. Benign or Malignant.
Image Retrieval Using Digital Image Inpainting Techniques
Authors: Kasturiwala Sanket B.
Published: May 2022

Image retrieval is an inverse problem in digital image processing. In this paper, the authors deal with restoration of image using digitally image inpainting methods. In this inpainting technique, one can extract a missing an important part or can fill unwanted parts of an image, so as to recover original information without loss. They are using semi-automatic and fast image inpainting methods and compared their result in terms of image quality assessment parameters such as PSNR, MSE, as well as required timing constraints. The observational as well as statistical results show that the fast image inpainting technique is superior in all respects for any kinds of multimedia image application.
The Requirement Cube
Authors: Pabuccu Yasar Ugur , Yel Ibrahim , Helvacioglu Ayse Berrak , Asa Büşra Nur
Published: May 2022

Requirements engineering activities are carried out to come up with right and suitable quality requirements. However, problems in requirements engineering remain even though there is a vast amount of requirement elicitation and writing methods. Methods are either too specific for industry application or focus on a specific part of requirements engineering. This paper proposes a new requirement writing template, the 5W1H requirement cube. The template consists of the answers to six questions (Why, Who, When, Where, What, and How) and links business, user, and functional requirements in a hierarchy within the enterprise business architecture. The template was developed in a prominent Islamic Bank in Turkey and tested on a case study. Authors have rewritten three software requirement specification (SRS) documents with new approach and compared them, showing that new approach has more brief and well-organized documents. BOA Cube software has been developed to implement the 5W1H requirement cube approach within the organization.
Preferences and Motivations of Nigerian Undergraduates in Sharing COVID-19 Information on Social Media
Authors: Ayanbode Oluyemi Folorunso , Olatokun Wole Michael
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the practice and motivators of Nigeria undergraduates' use of satire, music, and comedy for sharing COVID-19 information on social media. Just 294 undergraduates from six federal universities in Southwest, Nigeria participated in the survey. A questionnaire was posted on online platforms to collect data from the participants. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with tables and charts adopted in the presentation of results. Findings revealed that the most used of social media platforms for sharing COVID-19 information was WhatsApp, while satire, music, and comedy were moderately used with comedy used mostly. Gratifications for satire, music and comedy use have positive effect on the undergraduates' sharing of COVID-19 information (β =0.531, P=0.000). Wherefore, academic libraries' provision of access to credible COVID-19 information in form of satire, music and comedy will possibly promote the sharing of reliable COVID-19 information among the undergraduates and as well foster meeting their gratifications positively.
Cuckoo Search for the Resolution of the Container Storage Problem
Authors: Yachba Khadidja , Roufaida Larbi , El Batoul Bounab Fatima
Published: May 2022

This article addresses the problem of storing containers in a seaport. The authors introduce a technique for solving this problem based on a bio inspired optimization method (Cuckoo search), this method results in an assignment that identifies for each container an optimal location in the storage area. For better management of this area, the proposed approch opt for minimizing the number of unnecessary movements during the loading or unloading of containers. In this article, the authors take into consideration three containts : the departure date of container, the cost of storage and the number of movements.
Spider Monkey Particle Swarm Optimization (SMPSO) With Coverage Criteria for Optimal Test Case Generation in Object-Oriented Systems
Authors: Panigrahi Satya Sobhan , Jena Ajay Kumar
Published: May 2022

System modeling in software engineering describes the procedure of creating a demonstration of real system in a conceptual way to know the system behavior. The software testing promotes reusing the model for the function of testing and this accelerates test case generation development. The test case generation verifies the reliability of system through enhanced test coverage. Test cases are the set of variables or conditions that defines the quality of product and level of correctness. This research aims to develop a method named Spider Monkey Particle Swarm Optimization (SMPSO) algorithm to generate test case using UML diagram. Accordingly, the proposed algorithm effectively generates the optimal test case by UML diagram through the construction of control graph. The proposed method achieved the coverage as 76, and generates the number of test cases as 82413.
The X-Matrix as an Integrating Element Between Definition and Strategic Implementation
Authors: Correia Bruno Mendes , Gomes Jorge , Romão Mário José Batista , Ferreira José Luis
Published: May 2022

This work explores new dimensions of corporate strategy with a clear focus on strategic alignment and project definition. Project portfolio management offers processes, tools, and knowledge that help the global alignment of different organizational levels with business. In terms of project portfolio management, the causes of failure can be quite diverse. The development of a tool, namely, the X-matrix can help organizations to define and structure strategic objectives, projects, metrics, and those responsible. This work intends to understand the benefits of applying the X-matrix, both in terms of strategic planning and in project portfolio management. The case study carried out at “Company Q" confirms its applicability from the planning to the implementation of the strategy.
A Comparative Analysis of the Performance of Domestic and Foreign Contractors
Authors: Kesto Dakito Alemu , Tsega Betelhem
Published: May 2022

In Ethiopia, infrastructure, particularly road construction, has been the most essential driver of economic growth. Simultaneously, it is widely acknowledged and analyzed that the domestic road construction industry is inefficient, threatening its role as a driver of the country's economic growth. Thus, the objective of the study was to make comparative analysis of domestic and foreign contractors’ performance in Ethiopian road construction in terms of cost, time, and quality. To meet the objective of the study a document review, semi-structured interview, and focused group discussion were used as a data collection tool. Based on analysis, the finding shows that the domestic contractors are far from being competitive in terms of cost overrun, time overrun and quality performance but it is promising progress over time. This necessitates the participation of both the construction industry and the government in improving the sector's competitiveness, Local road construction firms operate in a challenging business climate.
Women Leadership in the Digital Era
Authors: Weber-Lewerenz Bianca , Vasiliu-Feltes Ingrid
Published: May 2022

It is true that women no longer have to be looked for with a magnifying glass in the executive floors of German businesses; however, their share is still small. The digital age holds great potential for increased inclusion and closure of the “Gender Leadership Gap,” especially in the construction industry. Industry standards, including global ones, are being examined to achieve more inclusive corporate governance models. The construction industry, which is regarded as one of the most traditional and conservative, male-dominated industries, serves as the best example for a long overdue need for dynamic restructuring and action related to women leadership. There is a need to redefine, recalibrate, and reshape this industry by increasing women's role in the social, digital, and business transformation processes. This approach bridges the current divide and facilitates movement from discussion and advocacy towards application and practice.
A Systematic Review on Determinants Inciting Sustainable E-Medical Tourism
Authors: Oberoi Sumit , Kansra Pooja , Gupta S. L.
Published: May 2022

Medical tourism attracts medical vacationers by promoting its uniform vacation ease, healthcare know-how, proficiency, and comprehensible amenities. With the upsurge in COVID-19 cases and no therapeutic treatment, non-pharmaceutical intrusions are the utmost priority. Unprecedented travel limitations and homestay restrictions are posing a huge economic burden to the tourism industry. The present study aims to identify determinants inciting sustainable e-medical tourism post COVID-19 pandemic. The study is advanced from the theoretical outlook, systematically determining and scrutinizing the prior literature to discuss the determinants which encourage e-medical tourism. The results of the study highlight that resource and management assistance, electronic supporting facilities, demand issues, technological intervention, and situational glitches act as major aspects of perseverance of e-medical tourism. An apparent limitation of the present study is the absence of contributions based on empirical data.
Is Competitive Advantage a Necessary and Sufficient Antecedent of Superior Financial Performance?
Authors: Sigalas Christos , Papadakis Vassilis
Published: May 2022

Although the concept and the sources of competitive advantage have been extensively researched, literature still offers limited answers to the questions why, in some cases, there is overperformance despite the absence of competitive advantage and underperformance despite the presence of competitive advantage. By employing four case studies in dry bulk and container shipping, as its research method, this paper provides real-world evidence on the specific reasons underpinning the relationship patterns of competitive advantage without superior financial performance and superior financial performance without competitive advantage. The findings indicate that rapidly growing markets within an industry enable companies without competitive advantage to enjoy above industry average financial performance. Moreover, principal-principal conflicts and excessive capital expenditure in idiosyncratic firm resources result to underperformance even for companies with competitive advantage. These findings have important managerial and academic implications that are discussed herein.
Selecting the Customized HR Practices and Their Role in Nurturing SMEs
Authors: Bhardwaj Shobha , Jain Ajay
Published: May 2022

HR practices encompass all those practices, which are directly or indirectly related to profit maximization and this goal is depended upon their employee’s performance. To fulfill this requirement, there are many HR practices used by these companies to increase their employee output. This study is based on studying about the small firms nature because these types of companies are generally choosing the practices without considering their suitability with respect to their company’s environment. Selecting the right and application of the right concept is missing in these companies and to resolve this problem the researcher is trying to represent the good and bad sides of applying the HR practices with a blend of customization concept. The researcher generated the conceptual models to represent the results in the concise way for a systematic application and utilization of HR practices in these firms. This research study will be very fruitful for small-medium sized enterprises in clarifying their views towards personalized HR practices application based on their company’s requirements.
Brand Rejuvenation
Authors: Sudheer Muhammed K. M.  , Sheenaa
Published: May 2022

The dwindling competition for shelf space in retail stores added with high advertising costs gave FMCG sectors an opportunity for brand extensions and maximizing their profits. In such a scenario, though the value of brand could not be undermined from a consumer perspective, the complexities of its management determining the various contributing factors for new extension success, and the attitude of retailers and consumers towards new products or extensions based on various variables need to be pragmatically considered. The data were collected from 360 retailers and 360 consumers from the four major cities of South India. Review of the literature on management of brands pointed to several important variables. In this context, discriminant analysis was applied to assess the responsiveness of retailers and consumers towards the various factors affecting the success of brand extensions. Nevertheless, the present study may throw light on the effect of hypothetical brand extensions on their core brands of FMCGs in India.
A Mayfly Algorithm-Based Optimal Placement of Capacitor for the Minimization of Losses and Improvement of Voltage Profile in a Microgrid
Authors: Datti Ibrahim Abdulhamid , Jaiswal Shiva Pujan , Chitra Jaya , Saidu Mustapha Muhammad
Published: May 2022

In this work, an algorithm based on mayfly is presented towards the optimal capacitor placement for the minimization of losses and improvement of the voltage profile. It employs the concept of fixed and switched capacitor with the former serves as an alternative to later. A factor based on loss sensitivity was employed in locating a candidate bus, this helps in search space reduction and optimal sizing and placement of capacitor were realized using the mayfly algorithm. The effectiveness of this technique was tested on the standard 10 bus and 15 bus radial distribution system which upon comparison the result surpassed that of the previous method .
An Improved and Efficient and Dynamic Load Balancing Approach in Cloud Computing Environments
Authors: Daniel A.  , Nagappan Partheeban
Published: May 2022

Cloud Computing Environment (CCE) is a newly rudimentary knowledge in the IT industry. Central to these problems lies in the establishment of an active LB algorithm. The network load can be CPU load, memory limit, postponement, or system load. In the proposed algorithm, Load Balancing (LB) done by considering priority policy. An Efficient and Dynamic Load Balancing Approach in Cloud Computing (EDBA-CC) proposed, and the related algorithm executed on CloudSim (CS). A resource allocation approach that takes into account Resource Utilization (RU) would lead to better energy efficiency. The outcomes indicate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The outcomes exhibited that the EDBA-CC algorithm reduced Response Time (RT). The decreasing in RT is about 2.23 ms when the instruction length was 275 Byte, and the decreasing became more obviously with 10.12 ms for RT and 5.54 ms for RT when the instruction length was 2000 Byte.
Preparing for the Future
Authors: Miller Paula , Connelly James O.
Published: May 2022

Increasingly rapid obsolescence is a byproduct of the information explosion. Soon information will double every 12 hours. This should be taken in the context that doubling took place once each century until the 20th century when it occurred within 25 years. This spells danger to the social structure. A way around this dilemma is to learn to stay ahead of obsolescence. One route is through continuous training and reeducation, which includes both formal and informal methods. Neuroplasticity means that one can rewire the brain throughout an increasingly longer life, which points the way toward a method for staying ahead of obsolescence. Knowing how to learn through self-directed learning becomes ever more important, which implies developing metacognition for learning and applying the newly learned material to the new occupation.
Sliding Window-Based High Utility Item-Sets Mining Over Data Stream Using Extended Global Utility Item-Sets Tree
Authors: Reddy P. Amaranatha , Prasad M. H. M. Krishna
Published: May 2022

High utility item-sets mining (HUIM) is a special topic in frequent item-sets mining (FIM). It gives better insights for business growth by focusing on the utility of items in a transaction. HUIM is evolving as a powerful research area due to its vast applications in many fields. Data stream processing, meanwhile, is an interesting and challenging problem since, processing very fast generating a huge amount of data with limited resources strongly demands high-performance algorithms. This paper presents an innovative idea to extract the high utility item-sets (HUIs) from the dynamic data stream by applying sliding window control. Even though certain algorithms exist to solve the same problem, they allow redundant processing or reprocessing of data. To overcome this, the proposed algorithm used a tree like structure called extended global utility item-sets tree (EGUI-tree), which is flexible to store and retrieve the mined information instead of reprocessing. An experimental study on real-world datasets proved that EGUI-tree algorithm is faster than the state-of-the-art algorithms.
A 3D Chaotic Dynamics-Assisted Color Image Authentication Technique in Multicore Milieu
Authors: Gambhir Gaurav , Gambhir Monika , Mandal Jyotsna Kumar
Published: May 2022

The paper presents a novel, 3D Chaotic Dynamics assisted secured and imperceptible, LSB steganography technique for hiding secret information, into the RGB color components of a cover image. Random numbers generated with three dimensional chaotic function assist in embedding and extracting the secret data in the payload, enhancing the transmission security. The quality of the pseudorandom number sequences has been tested with the standard NIST test suite as a pre-embedding operation. The proposed steganography technique is highly secure, robust and fast in execution as it utilizes multicore processors available today with most of the desktop and laptop computers. Statistical analysis of the technique validates the security and robustness while scalability and speed-up analysis validate the efficiency of the proposed parallel steganography technique. Significant performance has been observed even when a large amount of data is processed.