bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Containers Schedulers for Microservices Provision in Cloud-Fog-IoT Networks. Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Pérez de Prado Rocío , García-Galán Sebastián , Muñoz-Expósito José Enrique , Marchewka Adam , Ruiz-Reyes Nicolás
Published: March 2020

Docker containers are the lightweight-virtualization technology prevailing today for the provision of microservices. This work raises and discusses two main challenges in Docker containers’ scheduling in cloud-fog-internet of things (IoT) networks. First, the convenience to integrate intelligent containers’ schedulers based on soft-computing in the dominant open-source containers’ management platforms: Docker Swarm, Google Kubernetes and Apache Mesos. Secondly, the need for specific intelligent containers’ schedulers for the different interfaces in cloud-fog-IoT networks: cloud-to-fog, fog-to-IoT and cloud-to-fog. The goal of this work is to support the optimal allocation of microservices provided by the main cloud service providers today and used by millions of users worldwide in applications such as smart health, content delivery networks, smart health, etc. Particularly, the improvement is studied in terms of quality of service (QoS) parameters such as latency, load balance, energy consumption and runtime, based on the analysis of previous works and implementations. Moreover, the scientific-technical impact of smart containers’ scheduling in the market is also discussed, showing the possible repercussion of the raised opportunities in the research line.
Change-Point Detection of Peak Tibial Acceleration in Overground Running Retraining
Authors: Van den Berghe Pieter , Gosseries Maxim , Gerlo Joeri , Lenoir Matthieu , Leman Marc , De Clercq Dirk
Published: March 2020

A method is presented for detecting changes in the axial peak tibial acceleration while adapting to self-discovered lower-impact running. Ten runners with high peak tibial acceleration were equipped with a wearable auditory biofeedback system. They ran on an athletic track without and with real-time auditory biofeedback at the instructed speed of 3.2 m·s−1. Because inter-subject variation may underline the importance of individualized retraining, a change-point analysis was used for each subject. The tuned change-point application detected major and subtle changes in the time series. No changes were found in the no-biofeedback condition. In the biofeedback condition, a first change in the axial peak tibial acceleration occurred on average after 309 running gait cycles (3′40″). The major change was a mean reduction of 2.45 g which occurred after 699 running gait cycles (8′04″) in this group. The time needed to achieve the major reduction varied considerably between subjects. Because of the individualized approach to gait retraining and its relatively quick response due to a strong sensorimotor coupling, we want to highlight the potential of a stand-alone biofeedback system that provides real-time, continuous, and auditory feedback in response to the axial peak tibial acceleration for lower-impact running.
Exploration of Brain Connectivity during Human Inhibitory Control Using Inter-Trial Coherence
Authors: Chikara Rupesh Kumar , Lo Wei-Cheng , Ko Li-Wei
Published: March 2020

Inhibitory control is a cognitive process that inhibits a response. It is used in everyday activities, such as driving a motorcycle, driving a car and playing a game. The effect of this process can be compared to the red traffic light in the real world. In this study, we investigated brain connectivity under human inhibitory control using the phase lag index and inter-trial coherence (ITC). The human brain connectivity gives a more accurate representation of the functional neural network. Results of electroencephalography (EEG), the data sets were generated from twelve healthy subjects during left and right hand inhibitions using the auditory stop-signal task, showed that the inter-trial coherence in delta (1–4 Hz) and theta (4–7 Hz) band powers increased over the frontal and temporal lobe of the brain. These EEG delta and theta band activities neural markers have been related to human inhibition in the frontal lobe. In addition, inter-trial coherence in the delta-theta and alpha (8–12 Hz) band powers increased at the occipital lobe through visual stimulation. Moreover, the highest brain connectivity was observed under inhibitory control in the frontal lobe between F3-F4 channels compared to temporal and occipital lobes. The greater EEG coherence and phase lag index in the frontal lobe is associated with the human response inhibition. These findings revealed new insights to understand the neural network of brain connectivity and underlying mechanisms during human response inhibition.
Evaluation Model of Environmental Impacts of Insulation Building Envelopes
Authors: Yang Qianmiao , Kong Liyao , Tong Hui , Wang Xiaolin
Published: March 2020

Energy consumption during use is the focus of insulation envelope design, but the environmental impact of other stages in the entire life cycle of building envelopes should be of equal concern. In this paper, a model has been developed based on the life-cycle environmental assessment for calculating the environmental impacts of building envelopes. The model proposed will be useful to evaluate the environmental performance of various envelopes to optimize the design of energy-saving envelopes. Consequently, lots of experiments are conducted for environmental impact assessment and analysis for external windows and filler walls with energy-savings in heating areas of China. Four conclusions can be drawn from the analysis. (1) K of building envelope is the design parameter of the greatest impact on environmental performance and has a critical value, which is the value that has the smallest environmental impact over the entire life cycle. (2) The importance of the environmental impact of the building envelope during the life cycle stages is as follows: usage > production > transportation > disposal > construction. The construction process of the thermal insulation wall could be negligible. (3) The choice of regional building materials should consider the distance of transportation, which may be the key factor determining its life cycle environmental performance. (4) Aerated concrete EPS walls and wooden windows are the first choices for envelope construction from the environmental impact throughout the life cycle.
Minority Community Resilience and Cultural Heritage Preservation: A Case Study of the Gullah Geechee Community
Authors: Ghahramani Ladan , McArdle Katelin , Fatorić Sandra
Published: March 2020

The Gullah Geechee community of the south-eastern United States endures today as a minority group with a significant cultural heritage. However, little research has been conducted to explore this community’s resilience in the face of climate change and other environmental impacts. The database Web of Science was searched and 109 publications on the Gullah Geechee community were identified. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, we analyzed the publications to identify patterns and primary research themes related to the Gullah Geechee community’s resilience. Findings revealed that Gullah Geechee‘s cultural heritage is vulnerable to climatic and societal changes, but can also be a source for enhancing community resilience and promoting more sustainable community-led heritage and tourism developments. A framework is proposed for building community resilience in the context of minority and/or marginalized communities (e.g., Gullah Geechee). This study highlights the urgent need to not only better understand and incorporate a community’s economic dimensions and losses in various decision- and policy-making processes but also their cultural and social dimensions and losses. This systematic analysis can help inform both heritage preservation and community-led tourism practices and policies related to the Gullah Geechee community, as well as help direct new research efforts focusing on minority and/or marginalized community resilience.
Objective Environmental Indicators and Subjective Well-Being: Are They Directly Related?
Authors: Betti Gianni , Neri Laura , Lonzi Marco , Lemmi Achille
Published: March 2020

This paper discusses how objective environmental indicators affect the measure of a country’s well-being. The dependent variable in the analysis is subjective well-being (WB), for which the objective environmental variable we use is per capita carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The paper refers to the relationship between subjective well-being and a set of objective variables representing the four basic types of capital to satisfy human needs and to ensure the well-being of future generations based on the ecological economic systems. Implementing different mediation models, estimated using structural equation modeling, we discover that the objective environmental variable does not directly affects the country’s subjective well-being, while, according to different models, the mediated effects are statistically significant in explaining subjective well-being. The surprising results lead us to think that the environmental risks related to CO2 emissions might not be correctly perceived by the public.
Generational Differences toward Organic Food Behavior: Insights from Five Generational Cohorts
Authors: Kamenidou Irene (Eirini) , Stavrianea Aikaterini , Bara Evangelia-Zoi
Published: March 2020

One of the pathways to sustainable food consumption behaviour is the purchase and consumption of organic food products. This paper offers insights into the behaviour exercised by five generational cohorts toward organic products, i.e., Generation Z, Generation Y, Generation X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation. A qualitative and quantitative research methodology is implemented, with the field research providing 1562 valid questionnaires over a nine-month period. Generational differences are explored in terms of purchasing behaviour, attitudes, and the effect of the economic crisis on the purchasing of organic food. Results unveil that all generational cohorts demonstrate a favourable attitude toward organic food, and they identify the economic crisis as an effect of low purchase behaviour. Additionally, findings reveal that in all cases, generational cohort differences do exist. Government policy through marketing communications can be adapted to determine the advantages of organic food compared to conventional ones, persuade consumers about the benefits, and, thus, reinforce favourable attitudes in association with economic crisis conditions.
Is Human Capital Ready for Change? A Strategic Approach Adapting Porter’s Five Forces to Human Resources
Authors: Anastasiu Livia , Gavriş Ovidiu , Maier Dorin
Published: March 2020

This article argues for adapting Porter’s Five Forces Model to strategic human resources management. The world business environment is facing real challenges: Shortage of talents, ageing of the world population, and disappearance of repetitive jobs. For a sustainable approach, the quality and stability of human capital should be analyzed strategically, based on the influence of five forces which act in the market: Competition in the industrial sector between specialists with core competencies (rivalry), demands of the hiring companies in terms of the number of employees and updated skills (organizations as buyers), recruitment companies and schools (suppliers), effects of globalization on people’s migration (new entrants), and modern technologies and innovation (substitutes). The stronger the forces are, the harder it will be for the organization to select or retain valuable employees who will add value to products/services. Actual and future employees should analyze the intensity of these forces when they plan to prepare for jobs or change their career. This analysis was focused mainly on the manufacturing sector, where jobs based on repetitive or dangerous tasks may disappear in time.
Total Brood Removal and Other Biotechniques for the Sustainable Control of Varroa Mites in Honey Bee Colonies: Economic Impact in Beekeeping Farm Case Studies in Northwestern Italy
Authors: Mancuso Teresina , Croce Luca , Vercelli Monica
Published: March 2020

Honey bee colonies are affected by many threats, and the Varroa mite represents one of the most important causes of honey bee disease. The control of the Varroa population is managed by different methods, and in recent years, biotechnical practices are considered preferable to chemical approaches in order to safeguard honey bee health and avoid residues in bee products as well as the appearance of acaricide resistance. However, little is known about the economic performance of beekeeping exploitations in relation to the methods used for tackling Varroa. This study aims to investigate the economic impact of total brood removal (TBR) as a biotechnique to keep Varroa mites under control, and compare this to other common biotechniques and chemical Varroa control in numerous Italian beekeeping case studies. A pool of economic and technical indexes was proposed. The proposed index pool can be included in the development of an expert system (such as a decision support system) able to address the optimal management of this very complex activity, which requires natural resources, land protection, capital and high technical skills. The result showed that the adoption of the TBR biotechnique vs. other biotechniques led to an increase in terms of total revenue (increase values ranging from 11% to 28%) even though more labor is needed (increase values ranging from 43 to 83 min/hive) and a loss of honey production could be recorded in some cases. Additionally, the total expenses, represented mainly by supplemental nutrition and treatments with oxalic acid, affected the economic results of the biotechnical practices. The use of biotechniques vs. chemical control resulted in decreased treatment costs and increased feeding costs. The advantages resulting from not using synthetic acaricides (which are dangerous for honey bee and human health as well as the environment) as well as the advantages linked to the production of new nuclei (which are involved in the maintenance of bee stock and counteract the decline in honey bee population) and pollination ecosystem services could make beekeeping farms more resilient over time.
Credible Sources of Information Regarding Induced Seismicity
Authors: Tracy Andrew , Javernick-Will Amy
Published: March 2020

The central United States has seen an increase in earthquakes in recent years, spurring academics to research this new hazard and communicate their findings to the public—that the earthquakes are human-induced and tied to activities associated with oil and gas development. However, individuals receive information from a variety of sources and accept or reject information based on how credible they view the information source. Within this study, we administered and analyzed a household survey to understand what sources individuals view as credible regarding induced seismicity and oil and gas development, and what factors predict this perceived source credibility. We found that academics were viewed as the most credible source, and elected officials were viewed as the least credible source. Rural respondents viewed sources, including academics, as less credible than their urban counterparts. Those who experienced more negative impacts of induced seismicity viewed all sources as less credible than did individuals who have not experienced such adverse impacts. These findings are important to consider when developing outreach and communication campaigns around sustainability issues, as the public will view certain sources, particularly academics, as more credible than the sources that traditionally create and enact policy, such as elected officials and government agencies.
Validity and Reliability of a Smartphone Accelerometer for Measuring Lift Velocity in Bench-Press Exercises
Authors: Peláez Barrajón Javier , San Juan Alejandro F.
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability that a smartphone accelerometer (ACC) used by a mobile basic program (MBP) can provide to measure the mean velocity of a bench-press (BP) lift. Ten volunteers participated in the study (age 23.1 ± 2.5 years; mean ± SD). They had more than one year of resistance training experience in BP exercise. All performed three attempts with different loads: 70%, 90%, and 100% of the estimated value of the one-repetition maximum (1RM). In each repetition, the mean velocity was measured by a validated linear transducer and the ACC. The smartphone accelerometer used by the mobile basic program showed no significant differences between the mean velocities at 70% 1RM lifts (ACC = 0.52 ± 0.11 m/s; transducer = 0.54 ± 0.09 m/s, p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found in the mean velocities for 90% 1RM (ACC = 0.46 ± 0.09 m/s; transducer = 0.31 ± 0.03 m/s, p < 0.001), and 100% 1RM (ACC = 0.33 ± 0.21 m/s; transducer = 0.16 ± 0.04 m/s, p < 0.05). The accelerometer is sensitive enough to measure different lift velocities, but the algorithm must be correctly calibrated.
Birds of a Feather Fare Less Well Together: Modeling Predictors of International Student Adaptation
Authors: Gibbs Renee , Güneri Oya Yerin , Pankau Thomas , Bikos Lynette
Published: March 2020

Sociocultural adaptation to the host country is an important corollary to the psychological well-being of international students. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test a model of sociocultural adaptation and psychological wellbeing. International students in Ankara, Turkey (N = 161, mean age = 22.35) completed online surveys. Consistent with our hypotheses, interpersonal connections with host nationals predicted greater sociocultural adaptation (β = 0.250, p = 0.001) and interpersonal connections with co-nationals resulted in poorer psychological adjustment (β = −0.171, p = 0.025). Host-country language proficiency led to better sociocultural adaptation (β = 0.262, p < 0.001), and perceptions of greater cultural distance had a negative impact on both psychological (β = 0.314, p < 0.001) and sociocultural adaptation (β = 0.328, p < 0.001). Thus, students who were able to engage in relations with host-country nationals fared better. Our results provide insight for sending and receiving institutions regarding the preparation (e.g., exploring cognitive frames for immersion, language skills, reviewing coping strategies) and supportive services (e.g., connection with host country nationals) that will facilitate the adjustment of international students.
Interacting with Members of the Public to Discuss the Impact of Food Choices on Climate Change—Experiences from Two UK Public Engagement Events
Authors: Kluczkovski Alana , Cook Joanne , Downie Helen F. , Fletcher Alison , McLoughlin Lauryn , Markwick Andrew , Bridle Sarah L. , Reynolds Christian J. , Schmidt Rivera Ximena , Martindale Wayne , Frankowska Angelina , M. Moraes Marcio , J. Birkett Ali , Summerton Sara , Green Rosemary , Fennell Joseph T. , Smith Pete , Ingram John , Langley India , Yates Lucy , Ajagun-Brauns Jade
Published: March 2020

Food systems contribute to up to 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and emissions are increasing. Since the emissions vary greatly between different foods, citizens’ choices can make a big difference to climate change. Public engagement events are opportunities to communicate these complex issues: to raise awareness about the impact of citizens’ own food choices on climate change and to generate support for changes in all food system activities, the food environment and food policy. This article summarises findings from our ‘Take a Bite Out of Climate Change’ stand at two UK outreach activities during July 2019. We collected engagement information in three main ways: (1) individuals were invited to complete a qualitative evaluation questionnaire comprising of four questions that gauged the person’s interests, perceptions of food choices and attitudes towards climate change; (2) an online multiple-choice questionnaire asking about eating habits and awareness/concerns; and (3) a token drop voting activity where visitors answered the question: ‘Do you consider greenhouse gases when choosing food?’ Our results indicate whether or not people learnt about the environmental impacts of food (effectiveness), how likely they are to move towards a more climate-friendly diet (behavioural change), and how to gather information more effectively at this type of event.
Equitable Pathways to 2100: Professional Sustainability Credentials
Authors: Keniry L. Julian
Published: March 2020

Across numerous industries and occupations, professional associations are contributing to knowledge and skills for sustainability by offering new credentials. This represents an opportunity to increase students’ career preparedness for clean economies that accomplish steep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions over the next thirty years. This also presents a particular opportunity to help lower-income young adults better position themselves for good jobs that make meaningful contributions to the societal transition ahead. Providing suggestions for navigating and embedding them into curricula, this article highlights seventeen sustainability credentials and mentions another fourteen. In addition to definitions, it also provides analysis of aspects such as third-party accreditation, student supports, academic and maintenance requirements, and fees. Internet research and e-mail correspondence with credentialed professionals was an iterative process in which the author set out with a list of aspects to consider, identified new aspects in the process of researching credentials, compared those aspects, and so on. The result is both a representative list of non-academic, professional credentials worth consideration as complements to the higher education curriculum as well as a set of suggestions for engaging with them in ways that foster opportunity for students from all backgrounds.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Performance in SMEs: Scientific Coverage
Authors: Maldonado-Erazo Claudia Patricia , Álvarez-García José , del Río-Rama María de la Cruz , Correa-Quezada Ronny
Published: March 2020

The objective of this research is to analyze the scientific production indexed in the international Scopus database on the subject of “corporate social responsibility and corporate social performance” in small and medium-sized enterprises. In the literature, it is currently possible to observe how large corporations undertake social responsibility actions as a usual practice. However, in the case of small and medium-sized enterprises, the reality is different due to their high heterogeneity. To fulfil the proposed objective, a bibliometric analysis is carried out, identifying 277 articles on the subject. It is observed that scientific production is concentrated in a period of 18 years (2000–2018), the majority being qualitative studies.
Change Agents’ Perspectives on Spatial–Relational Proximities and Urban Food Niches
Authors: Gugerell Christina , Penker Marianne
Published: March 2020

Cities are breeding spaces for innovations in the agro-food sector with the potential to foster the development of local niche networks and a food sustainability transition. In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework for the context-related development of urban food niche organizations and their networks of change agents. With a qualitative analysis of three niche-establishing organizations and their networks, we address the lack of knowledge on spatial–relational dynamics shaping the development of niche organizations and their networks. The identified dynamics are structured along the connotations of geographic, cognitive, social and institutional proximity within the niche networks, to the to the dominant actors, rules, and practices of the urban food system’s regime and to society. For each niche network, we defined a strategic orientation that might lead to a specific development path. Finally, we propose strategies on how cities may foster the development of niche organizations and their networks to highlight local opportunities of supporting a food system sustainability transition, i.e., increasing food literacy, enabling access to space, and engaging in networking.
Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicles: Plotting a Scientific and Technological Knowledge Map
Authors: Alvarez-Meaza Izaskun , Zarrabeitia-Bilbao Enara , Rio-Belver Rosa Maria , Garechana-Anacabe Gaizka
Published: March 2020

The fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) has been defined as a promising way to avoid road transport greenhouse emissions, but nowadays, they are not commercially available. However, few studies have attempted to monitor the global scientific research and technological profile of FCEVs. For this reason, scientific research and technological development in the field of FCEV from 1999 to 2019 have been researched using bibliometric and patent data analysis, including network analysis. Based on reports, the current status indicates that FCEV research topics have reached maturity. In addition, the analysis reveals other important findings: (1) The USA is the most productive in science and patent jurisdiction; (2) both Chinese universities and their authors are the most productive in science; however, technological development is led by Japanese car manufacturers; (3) in scientific research, collaboration is located within the tri-polar world (North America–Europe–Asia-Pacific); nonetheless, technological development is isolated to collaborations between companies of the same automotive group; (4) science is currently directing its efforts towards hydrogen production and storage, energy management systems related to battery and hydrogen energy, Life Cycle Assessment, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The technological development focuses on technologies related to electrically propelled vehicles; (5) the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and SAE Technical Papers are the two most important sources of knowledge diffusion. This study concludes by outlining the knowledge map and directions for further research.
Hindrances to Effective Implementation of the Habitats Directive in Italy: Regional Differences in Designating Special Areas of Conservation
Authors: Lai Sabrina
Published: March 2020

“Natura 2000” is a coordinated network of protected areas that stretches across the European Union in compliance with two directives (the so-called “Habitats Directive” and the “Birds Directive”) that underpin the Union’s policies on biodiversity conservation. This study is aimed at assessing the implementation of the network by qualitatively analyzing how Special Areas of Conservation are being designated. Such designation process, which is being implemented, although with great delay, in a number of member states, entails the establishment of site-specific conservation measures that may be included within appropriate management plans or other development plans. A systematic documental analysis of official acts establishing Special Areas of Conservation and approving conservation measures and management plans was performed by taking Italy as a case study. The analysis focuses on four key topics, as follows: use of conservation measures and appropriate management plans; multi-level governance of the Natura 2000 sites, in terms of involved institutions and tiers of government; stakeholders’ inclusion in the designation process; and the relationship between conservation measures and the wider spatial planning system. The results show significant differences regarding the implementation of the Natura 2000 network and highlight potential general hindrances to completing the designation process in the European Union.
Empowering Leadership, Risk-Taking Behavior, and Employees’ Commitment to Organizational Change: The Mediated Moderating Role of Task Complexity
Authors: Jung Ki Baek , Kang Seung-Wan , Choi Suk Bong
Published: March 2020

Successful organizational change is an important factor for maintaining sustainable competitive advantage and growth in today‘s rapidly changing business environment. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between empowering leadership and the commitment to organizational change of Korean employees and also examine whether risk-taking behavior mediates the above relationship. Moreover, we attempt to address the moderating role and mediated moderating role of task complexity in the relationship between risk-taking behavior and commitment to organizational change. The main hypotheses were tested using a cross-sectional design, with questionnaires administered to 275 employees working in Korean firms. The results of the empirical analysis revealed that empowering leadership was positively related to commitment to organizational change. The results also showed that risk-taking behavior positively mediated the relationship between empowering leadership and employees’ commitment to organizational change. More importantly, we found that the indirect effect of empowering leadership on commitment to organizational change via risk-taking behavior was stronger when task complexity was high. Uncovering the relationship between empowering leadership and employees’ commitment to organizational change through the mediating role of risk-taking behavior and the mediated moderating role of task complexity has useful theoretical and practical implications. The limitations of the study are discussed along with suggestions for future research.
Knowledge Sharing Platforms: An Empirical Study of the Factors Affecting Continued Use Intention
Authors: Pang Shichao , Bao Peng , Hao Wenyuan , Kim Jaewoong , Gu Wei
Published: March 2020

Under the background of the constant development of sharing economy and constant upgrade of Internet technologies, various knowledge sharing platforms have emerged in recent years. As a new form for sharing economy, knowledge sharing platforms have made great strides, thus, providing new channels of knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing and individual knowledge storage for users. Nevertheless, knowledge sharing platforms are still faced with problems, such as uneven product quality (Content quality) and poor user experience. Therefore, how to maintain consumers’ continued use intention without impairing consumer satisfaction has obviously become an issue of great concern on the development path of knowledge sharing platforms. Based on the expectation confirmation theory (ECT) and information system (IS) success model, and integrating major characteristics of knowledge sharing platforms, the conceptual models and hypotheses influencing consumers’ continued use intention of knowledge sharing platforms are built to study primary factors affecting consumers’ continued use intention. Through online and offline questionnaires, 428 copies were collected online, and 150 copies were collected offline, with a total of 578 copies recovered. We deleted some questionnaires with untrue and contradictory answers, because these interviewees might not have carefully read. A questionnaire is conducted with 512 valid copies collected from respondents. At the same time, the structural equation model (SEM) is used to verify and analyze hypotheses. Results show that various variables have a direct or indirect influence on consumers’ continued our intention. Meanwhile, it is observed that perceived usefulness and satisfaction degree have a significant influence on continued use intention of knowledge sharing platforms. The higher the satisfaction degree is, the more likely the consumers will continue using knowledge sharing platforms. The expectation confirmation degree exerts an indirect influence on consumers’ continued use intention of knowledge sharing platforms via perceived usefulness. The IS success model can also significantly influence consumers’ satisfaction degree of knowledge sharing platforms. Additionally, perceived usefulness is observed to have the strongest influence on consumers’ continued use intention of knowledge sharing platforms. According to the above research findings, knowledge sharing platforms should strengthen their content quality control, ensure the consistency between service quality and payment, and improve the platform quality. To sum up, this research can provide theoretical bases for sustainable development and follow-up research of the knowledge sharing platform industry.
Analysis of the State-Dependent Queueing Model and Its Application to Battery Swapping and Charging Stations
Authors: Choi Doo Il , Lim Dae-Eun
Published: March 2020

This study analyzes the performance of a queue length-dependent overload control policy using a leaky bucket (LB) scheme. This queueing model is applied to the operation of a battery swapping and charging station for electric vehicles (EVs). In addition to the LB scheme, we propose two congestion control policies based on EV queue length thresholds. With these policies, the model determines both EV-arrival and battery-supply intervals, and these depend on the number of EVs waiting in the queue. The queue length distributions, including those at arbitrary epochs, are derived using embedded Markov chain and supplementary variable methods. Performance measures such as blocking probability and mean waiting time are investigated using numerical examples. We study the characteristics of the system using numerical examples and use a cost analysis to investigate situations in which the application of each congestion control policy is advantageous.
Sustainability Transition in Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing with the Triple-Layered Business Model Canvas
Authors: García-Muiña Fernando E. , Medina-Salgado María Sonia , Ferrari Anna Maria , Cucchi Marco
Published: March 2020

Sustainability transition is becoming increasingly relevant at a manufacturing level, especially for resource- and energy-intensive industries. In addition, the 4.0 industry paradigm opens new opportunities in terms of sustainable development. The aim of this research is to analyze the introduction of sustainability in the corporate value proposition, through the evolution from a traditional to a sustainable business model. The business model innovation will be investigated in the case of a ceramic tile producer in the district of Sassuolo, Italy. The company has introduced several sustainability practices over the years and, through investments in Industry 4.0 technologies, is able to conduct impact assessments of its production process. The applied tool for the business model transition will be the Triple-Layered Business Model Canvas by Joyce and Paquin. The results illustrate the new company’s sustainable value proposition, considering all three pillars of sustainability: environment, economy, and society. Despite the limitations resulting from the individual case study, the findings can be easily adapted to other ceramic tile companies in the sector. Besides, the paper could inspire other manufacturing companies in the drafting of a sustainable business model. The paper explores the still limited literature on the application of sustainable business models in operational scenarios.
Exploring the Determinants of Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility: An Empirical Examination
Authors: Yu Sui-Hua , Liang Wan-Chen
Published: March 2020

A growing number of studies propose that the performance outcomes of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR hereafter) are dependent upon how firms implement CSR. If firms are able to strategically implement CSR, their CSR engagement will not only improve stockholders’ value, but will also contribute to corporate sustainability. However, research on strategic CSR is still incipient. This study aims to examine the determinants of strategic CSR. Taking firms that have published CSR reports for three consecutive years as research samples, this study finds that product market competition does not significantly affect the level of strategic CSR, while corporate reputation and customer awareness do both have significantly positive impacts on the level of strategic CSR. These results suggest that the motivation of a firm’s engagement in strategic CSR is to respond to external stakeholders’ implicit claims rather than to respond to the external competitive pressure.
Social Cost Benefit Analysis of Port Handling Plans for Annex IV waste of MARPOL: A Case Study in Las Palmas Port
Authors: Martínez-López Alba , Ruiz-García Alejandro , Pérez Ivone
Published: March 2020

This paper analyzes the effectiveness of Directive (EU) 2019/883 from the social interest perspective. To achieve this aim, it assesses the performance of the sewage treatment plan (Annex IV of MARPOL) in Las Palmas Port and the accomplishment of the Cost Recovery System. This involves reviewing the mandatory fees for landing the sewage in the port, the sewage treatment costs and the environmental impact of the treated effluent from the vessels (environmental benefits) and addressing technical difficulties in order to meet the normative standard required from the vessels’ sewage in the framework of Las Palmas Port. Through a cost–benefit analysis not only the current protocol for the reception and treatment of Annex IV waste in the port is assessed, but also alternative waste treatment plans (sewage routes) are discussed in terms of social interest. The results of the paper show that only when the treated sewage is reused are the costs assumed to implement the directive overtaken by the benefits gained from complying with it. Consequently, the port authorities should address their efforts in this direction, as should the policy makers, who should integrate in the international normative the collaboration of the on-board sewage treatment plants to meet the PPP (Polluter Pays Principle).
Competitiveness and Sustainability in Tourist Firms and Destinations
Authors: Camisón César
Published: March 2020

Tourism is a major activity in the global economy, not only in terms of its economic impact but also its social and environmental implications. The management practices and processes adopted by tourist companies and destinations are very heterogeneous and have variable impacts on the triple-bottom-line sustainability (people, profit, planet) of the ecosystem. However, there is still only limited available knowledge about the value of different practices for promoting both sustainable development and greater competitiveness. This Special Issue includes papers that present new ideas, theories, advancements, experiences, evidence or methodologies that support the convergence of economic, social and environmental competitiveness, the factors that help ensure their alignment, and the obstacles to complementarity between sustainability, responsibility and competitiveness in the tourism industry.
Main Factors for Understanding High Impacts on CSR Dimensions in the Finance Industry
Authors: Lopez Belen , Torres Alfonso , Ruozzi Alberto , Vicente Jose Antonio
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study is to explore empirically the dimensions that generate high impact in the finance industry to better understand its contribution from a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) perspective. We analyze data concerning impacts of finance sector firms certified by B Corp in order to identify the combinations that are necessary and/or sufficient to obtain a recognition of their high impact generation. The methodology followed to identify the impact dimensions is fsQCA, (fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis), a qualitative comparative analysis method applied to a sample of finance firms (n-181). The results indicate that financial sector firms exhibited four combinations focusing on different impact dimensions. Specifically, the first route indicates that a high degree of focus on customers and communities is sufficient to obtain a high impact score. The second path signals that the combination of the impacts on customers and corporate governance could lead to the same result, while in the third pathway the focus would be on the employees. Finally, the fourth route indicates that some financial firms focus strongly on their communities, corporate governance and their employees, but very weakly on the environmental dimension. Consequently, diverse combinations of CSR dimensions characterize financial sector contributions to impact generation and sustainable development.
Suitability Evaluation of a Train’s Scheduled Section Travel Time
Authors: Li Maosheng , Huang Qing , Yao Lixuan , Wang Yongliang
Published: March 2020

Two methods used to evaluate the suitability of a train’s scheduled section travel time (TSSTT) are theoretical modeling and data analysis. The first is suitable for newly constructed railway projects, the second can reveal the reliability of the train section running time (TSRT) under an instruction of TSSTT in cases where the train operation data are provided. A suitability evaluation method of TSSTT is proposed by calculating the possibility that a train completes a task within the time windows, centering on the TSSTT given in advance. The TSRTs between two adjacent stations are classified into four groups based on whether the train dwells at the two end stations of the railway section, and then subdivided secondly into subgroups by the instruction of TSSTT given. The kurtosis of each subgroup data of TSRT is larger than 3, so Weibull distribution is selected to fit the TSRT distribution of subgroup data due to good fitness based on root measurement of the least square (SRLSM). A busy high-speed railway line in the Wuhan area of China is used to validate the presented approach. Each railway section has its own suitable TSSTT in which TSRT might achieve 96% reliability of arriving within 2.5 minutes centering on suitable TSSTT, otherwise which might not obtain 10% reliability.
Development of a Cycle-Tourism Strategy in Greece Based on the Preferences of Potential Cycle-Tourists
Authors: Bakogiannis Efthimios , Vlastos Thanos , Athanasopoulos Konstantinos , Christodoulopoulou Georgia , Karolemeas Christos , Kyriakidis Charalampos , Noutsou Maria-Stella , Papagerasimou-Klironomou Trisevgeni , Siti Maria , Stroumpou Ismini , Vassi Avgi , Tsigdinos Stefanos , Tzika Eleftheria
Published: March 2020

Cycle-tourism seems to be an emerging touristic model in many countries, including Greece. Although the infrastructure is limited, entrepreneurship can support the development of such tourism sector, as cycle-tourists have specific needs to be met during an excursion. Thus, it would be helpful if stores that meet specific prerequisites could be certificated as cycle-friendly companies. In order for such certification to be developed, it is necessary for those parameters to be defined. This paper focuses on that topic and such criteria were identified through in-depth interviews with cycle-tourists and cycle-tour operators. Through this research, conclusions were derived about the criteria according to which cycle-tourists in Greece select stores and accommodation during an excursion. Those selection parameters were transcribed to indicators that will be used in order to develop the certification at the next phase of the research. Moreover, conclusions were compared with outcomes of similar international studies. It was found that cycle-tourists are interested in specific services, regardless of the country in which they live or travel. Besides conventional touristic activities, the importance of small retail stores in remote villages acting as meeting points with local people and culture was highlighted.
An Evaluation Study of the Capabilities of Civilian Manufacturing Enterprises Entering the Military Products Market under the Background of China’s Civil–Military Integration
Authors: Xu Jianzhong , Zhang Song
Published: March 2020

As the Chinese government has clearly put forward the development of civil–military integration (CMI) as a national strategy, civilian manufacturing enterprises entering the military products market (CMEE-MPM) can effectively improve China’s national defense science and technology capabilities and can also be an effective way for enterprises to enhance their sustainable development capabilities. However, due to the high standards and strict requirements of the national defense industry for supplier review, civilian manufacturing enterprises must evaluate their CMEE-MPM capabilities. In this study, a new evaluation and consideration model is proposed. Enterprises that plan to enter the military product market can use this model to evaluate their own CMEE-MPM capabilities. The evaluation model framework is composed of three successive parts: constructing an evaluation indicator system according to experts and enterprise experiences, calculating the weight of the indicators using an analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and evaluating CMEE-MPM capabilities using the method of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. Finally, this study verifies the feasibility of the application of the above model by measuring the capabilities of a civilian manufacturing enterprise that wants to enter the military products market in Harbin, China. The results show that the indicator system constructed in this paper can effectively evaluate CMEE-MPM capabilities. The findings of this research can be used as a reference for the decision making of civilian manufacturing enterprises regarding whether or not to enter the military products market, and then promote the sustainable development of enterprises.
CRISPR-Cas9 Dual-gRNA Attack Causes Mutation, Excision and Inversion of the HIV-1 Proviral DNA
Authors: Binda Caroline S. , Klaver Bep , Berkhout Ben , Das Atze T.
Published: March 2020

Although several studies demonstrated that the HIV proviral DNA can be effectively targeted and inactivated by the CRISPR-Cas9 system, the precise inactivation mechanism has not yet been analyzed. Whereas some studies suggested efficient proviral DNA excision upon dual-gRNA/Cas9 treatment, we previously demonstrated that hypermutation of the target sites correlated with permanent virus inactivation. To better understand the mechanism underlying HIV inactivation, we analyzed the proviral DNA upon Cas9 attack with gRNA pairs. We observed that dual-gRNA targeting resulted more frequently in target site mutation than fragment excision, while fragment inversion was rarely observed. The frequencies varied for different gRNA combinations without an obvious relationship with the distance between the target sites, indicating that other gRNA and target DNA characteristics influence the DNA cleavage and repair processes.
Whole Genome Characterization and Genetic Evolution Analysis of a New Ostrich Parvovirus
Authors: Yuan Kunpeng , Wang Dongdong , Luan Qingdong , Sun Ju , Gao Qianwen , Jiang Zhiyao , Wang Shouchun , Han Yijun , Qu Xueting , Cui Yueying , Qiu Shimei , Di Youxia , Wang Xiaoyi , Song Shige , Wang Peiheng , Xia Shilong , Yu Yongle , Liu Weiquan , Yin Yanbo
Published: March 2020

Ostrich diseases characterized by paralysis have been breaking out in broad areas of China since 2015, causing major damage to the ostrich breeding industry in China. This report describes a parvovirus detected in ostriches from four different regions. The entire genomes of four parvovirus strains were sequenced following amplification by PCR, and we conducted comprehensive analysis of the ostrich parvovirus genome. Results showed that the length genomes of the parvovirus contained two open reading frames. Ostrich parvovirus (OsPV) is a branch of goose parvovirus (GPV). Genetic distance analysis revealed a close relationship between the parvovirus and goose parvovirus strains from China, with the closest being the 2016 goose parvovirus RC16 strain from Chongqing. This is the first report of a parvovirus in ostriches. However, whether OsPV is the pathogen of ostrich paralysis remains uncertain. This study contributes new information about the evolution and epidemiology of parvovirus in China, which provides a new way for the study of paralysis in ostriches.