bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Study on the Learning Outcomes of E-Learning Measures in Taiwanese Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Based on the Perspective of Goal Orientation Theory
Authors: Li Der-Chiang , Tsai Ching-Yeh
Published: June 2020

The constant improvement of an enterprise’s competitive advantage is essential for its sustainable operation. Simultaneously, the persistent and effective learning methods of organizational members lead to the accumulation of learning results and knowledge, which are important intangible assets, as well as the key to establishing a company’s competitive advantage. Many enterprises have utilized various resources (such as building systems and purchasing software) to facilitate employee learning. However, the employees’ learning outcomes may not necessarily meet these enterprises’ expectations. As advocated in many studies, e-learning is not merely a new trend—it also plays an essential role in the learning and training process that organizational members undergo. However, throughout the learning process, what are the factors that cause different e-learning outcomes? The goal orientation theory in educational psychology has provided a reasonable framework for explaining and describing the differences in employees’ post-learning behaviors. This study focused on employees from Taiwanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their participation in enterprise resource planning (ERP)-based e-learning. The employees’ goal orientations and how they indirectly (with learning satisfaction as a mediator) impact the employees’ learning outcomes were examined and deduced. A questionnaire was administered to 405 employees from different SMEs who have had the experience of using an ERP-based e-learning platform. According to the structural equation model analysis results, the employees’ master goal orientation and performance-approach orientation (avoidance orientation) will exert an indirect positive (negative) influence on learning outcomes through learning satisfaction as a mediator. Lastly, this study interpreted the empirical results together with their academic and managerial implications, and proposed some recommendations for subsequent research.
Assessment of Used Baby Diapers Composting in Bolivia
Authors: Ferronato Navarro , Nova Pinedo Máximo Lucio , Torretta Vincenzo
Published: June 2020

Solid waste open dumping in developing countries is a global concern. To move towards sustainable development, mixed waste should be reduced, and recyclable waste recovered. The aim of the current research was to find appropriate solutions to disposable used baby-diapers recycling in Bolivia since it is a waste fraction widely produced and commonly disposed of in open dumps. Composting of the organic diaper hydrogel was assessed in five trials, adding components available locally: cow dung, activated bacteria, and Californian red earthworms (Eisenia fetida). It was observed that about 60 days were globally required for biomass decomposition with cow dung, activated bacteria, and earthworms, and more than 70 days for the treatment of the substrate mixed only with manure, while the diaper hydrogel did not degrade without cow dung. This research is the first that attempted to treat disposable used baby diapers with the vermicomposting process. In general, the outcomes of the research are promising: vermicomposting with cow manure can be a recycling option for disposable used baby diapers, introducing appropriate practices toward a circular economy in developing regions.
Risk Analysis Related to Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources and Hydropower Production in the Lusatian Neisse River Basin
Authors: Adynkiewicz-Piragas Mariusz , Miszuk Bartłomiej
Published: June 2020

Water resources are one of the most important issues affected by climate change. Climate scenarios show that in the upcoming decades, further climate change can occur. It concerns especially air temperature and sunshine duration, whose prognosis indicates a significant rising trend till the end of the century. The goal of the paper was the evaluation of water resources and hydropower production in the future, depending on climate scenarios with a consideration of risk analysis. The analysis was carried out on the basis of observation data for the Lusatian Neisse river basin (Poland) for 1971–2015 and climate projections till 2100 for the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 (representative concentration pathways) scenarios. The results of the research showed that, especially in terms of RCP8.5, very high risk of decrease in water resources and hydropower production is expected in the future. Therefore, recommendations for mitigation of the possible effects are presented.
Sustainable Smartphone-Based Healthcare Systems: A Systems Engineering Approach to Assess the Efficacy of Respiratory Monitoring Apps
Authors: Faezipour Misagh , Faezipour Miad
Published: June 2020

Recent technological developments along with advances in smart healthcare have been rapidly changing the healthcare industry and improving outcomes for patients. To ensure reliable smartphone-based healthcare interfaces with high levels of efficacy, a system dynamics model with sustainability indicators is proposed. The focus of this paper is smartphone-based breathing monitoring systems that could possibly use breathing sounds as the data acquisition input. This can especially be useful for the self-testing procedure of the ongoing global COVID-19 crisis in which the lungs are attacked and breathing is affected. The method of investigation is based on a systems engineering approach using system dynamics modeling. In this paper, first, a causal model for a smartphone-based respiratory function monitoring is introduced. Then, a systems thinking approach is applied to propose a system dynamics model of the smartphone-based respiratory function monitoring system. The system dynamics model investigates the level of efficacy and sustainability of the system by studying the behavior of various factors of the system including patient wellbeing and care, cost, convenience, user friendliness, in addition to other embedded software and hardware breathing monitoring system design and performance metrics (e.g., accuracy, real-time response, etc.). The sustainability level is also studied through introducing various indicators that directly relate to the three pillars of sustainability. Various scenarios have been applied and tested on the proposed model. The results depict the dynamics of the model for the efficacy and sustainability of smartphone-based breathing monitoring systems. The proposed ideas provide a clear insight to envision sustainable and effective smartphone-based healthcare monitoring systems.
Synthesis, Characterization and Mechanism Study of Green Aragonite Crystals from Waste Biomaterials as Calcium Supplement
Authors: Habte Lulit , Khan Mohd Danish , Shiferaw Natnael , Farooq Adeeba , Lee Mee-hye , Jung Seok-ho , Ahn Ji Whan
Published: June 2020

In present work, environmentally benign green aragonite crystals were synthesized from waste chicken eggshells and bivalve seashells through a simple and low-cost wet carbonation method. This method involves a constant stirring of calcium oxide slurry and magnesium chloride suspension in aqueous solution with constraint carbon dioxide injection at 80 °C. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized aragonite were further compared with the aragonite synthesized from commercial calcium oxide. The morphological analysis, such as acicular shape and optimum aspect ratio (~21), were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The average crystal size (10–30 µm) and specific surface area (2–18 m2 g−1) were determined by particle size and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, respectively. Moreover, a schematic crystal growth mechanism was proposed to demonstrate the genesis and progression of aragonite crystal. Green aragonite can bridge the void for numerous applications and holds the potential for the commercial-scale synthesis with eggshells and bivalve seashells as low-cost precursors.
First Flush Characteristics in Separate Sewer Stormwater and Implications for Treatment
Authors: Egemose Sara , Petersen Anne B. , Sønderup Melanie J. , Flindt Mogens R.
Published: June 2020

The characteristics of stormwater need focus due to climate change. Paved areas and recipients receiving more stormwater have an enhanced need for treatment before discharge to remove suspended solids, nutrients and xenobiotics. To handle and treat stormwater efficiently, knowledge concerning first flush patterns is crucial. Therefore, we have studied 12 entire rain events and correlated water volume, suspended solids, and dissolved and particulate phosphorus to catchment characteristics and precipitation characteristics. We have mainly studied smaller rain events (average 12.6 mm), as nearly 90% of the events in the studied catchment are <10 mm. We revealed first flush tendencies in 50% of the rain events, concerning both suspended solids and phosphorus. We also found significant correlations between catchment size and discharged masses, and most importantly between precipitation patterns and discharged mass per volume. A long dry period and low amount of rain during the previous event, as well as high rain intensity, gives a high chance of first flush. We conclude that stormwater treatment should focus on the initial part of the event, especially in areas with a lack of space and/or economy to handle and treat the entire event.
Inter-Floor Noise Monitoring System for Multi-Dwelling Houses Using Smartphones
Authors: Kang Suhyun , Kim Seungho , Lee Dongeun , Kim Sangyong
Published: June 2020

The noise between the floors in apartment buildings is becoming a social problem, and the number of disputes related to it are increasing every year. However, laypersons will find it difficult to use the sound level meters because they are expensive, delicate, bulky, etc. Therefore, this study proposes a system to monitor the noise between the floors, that will measure the sound and estimate the location of the noise using the sensors and applications in smartphones. To evaluate how this system can be used effectively within an apartment building, a case study has been performed to verify its validity. The result shows that the mean absolute error (MAE) between the actual noise generating position and the estimated noise source location was measured at 2.8 m, with a minimum error of 1.2 m and a maximum error of 4.3 m. This means that smartphones, in the future, can be used as low-cost monitoring and evaluation devices to measure the noise between the floors in apartment buildings.
The Effect of Tuition Fee Constraints on Financial Management: Evidence from Korean Private Universities
Authors: Lee Young-Hwan , Kim Kwon-Sik , Lee Kwang-Hoon
Published: June 2020

This study examined the effect of tuition fee control policy on universities’ financial management. Using data from 93 private universities in Korea from 2006 to 2015, we investigated the effect of tuition fees and government subsidies on labor cost, operating expenses, research expenses, and so on. Based on principal and agency theory, we used the analysis of average percentage change in expenditure and panel data analysis with the help of a Least Squares Dummy Variable (LSDV) model and polynomial regression. The results show that the increase rate of tuition fees decreased after 2011, with government subsidies increasing. The LSDV analysis indicates that universities increase labor costs, operating expenses, and student support fees, while there are no differences in research expenses, laboratory fees, and expenditures from investments and other assets. Polynomial regression reveals that, based on resources, universities behave differently in their spending. With these results, this study suggests a method to lessen information asymmetry and goal conflict, such as a performance-based research system and an incentive-based budget system in universities.
Best Practices for Fitness Center Business Sustainability: A Qualitative Vision
Authors: León-Quismondo Jairo , García-Unanue Jorge , Burillo Pablo
Published: June 2020

The growing interest in fitness services is demanding optimal service management and operation. This research aims to identify the best practices in fitness center management for increasing customer engagement and for long-term stability and sustainability of the business. A qualitative approach through 23 semi-structured interviews to fitness center managers was performed in Spain, covering private centers with diverse business models (7 low-cost, 13 mid-market, and 3 premium). The managers were asked about their characteristics, the fitness center characteristics, and the managerial decisions and individual opinion. The results showed the best practices divided into five sections: customer service, offered service, marketing, facilities, and general terms and conditions. Kind customer service, the existence of loyalty programs, enough tangible quality, and online marketing strategies are essential for fitness centers’ success. Additionally, a fair fee and a maximum of a 15 min trip to the center should be guaranteed. This information has clear implications for promoting sporting habits and for engaging more people in physical activity, complementing the extensive quantitative data in the existing literature.
Spray Drift Generated in Vineyard during Under-Row Weed Control and Suckering: Evaluation of Direct and Indirect Drift-Reducing Techniques
Authors: Grella Marco , Marucco Paolo , Balafoutis Athanasios T. , Balsari Paolo
Published: June 2020

The most widespread method for weed control and suckering in vineyards is under-row band herbicide application. It could be performed for weed control only (WC) or weed control and suckering (WSC) simultaneously. During herbicide application, spray drift is one of the most important environmental issues. The objective of this experimental work was to evaluate the performance of specific Spray Drift Reducing Techniques (SDRTs) used either for WC or WSC spray applications. Furthermore, spray drift reduction achieved by buffer zone adoption was investigated. All spray drift measurements were conducted according to ISO22866:2005 protocol. Sixteen configurations deriving from four nozzle types (two conventional and two air-induction—AI) combined with or without a semi-shielded boom at two different heights (0.25 m for WC and 0.50 m for WSC) were tested. A fully-shielded boom was also tested in combination with conventional nozzles at 0.25 m height for WC. Ground spray drift profiles were obtained, from which corresponding Drift Values (DVs) were calculated. Then, the related drift reduction was calculated based on ISO22369-1:2006. It was revealed that WC spray applications generate lower spray drift than WSC applications. In all cases, using AI nozzles and semi-shielded boom significantly reduced DVs; the optimum combination of SDRTs decreased spray drift by up to 78% and 95% for WC and WSC spray application, respectively. The fully-shielded boom allowed reducing nearly 100% of spray drift generation. Finally, the adoption of a cropped buffer zone that includes the two outermost vineyard rows lowered the total spray drift up to 97%. The first 90th percentile model for the spray drift generated during herbicide application in vineyards was also obtained.
The Ripple Effect and Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Intra-Urban Housing Prices at the Submarket Level in Shanghai, China
Authors: Hu Jin , Xiong Xuelei , Cai Yuanyuan , Yuan Feng
Published: June 2020

The ripple effect of housing price movements between cities has been extensively investigated, but there are relatively few studies on this topic within a metropolitan context, especially at the submarket level. This paper describes the use of ripple effect theory to examine the diffusion process and convergence of intra-urban housing prices at the submarket level in Shanghai, an emerging global city in China. The analysis is based on directed acyclic graphs, local indicators of spatial association time-paths, and a recently developed convergence test. The empirical results of grouping analysis identify 25 submarkets in Shanghai, and the diffusion of housing prices between these submarkets is found to be caused by both geographical and economic proximities. There is also a complex recursive process of price spillovers from high- to low-priced submarkets, and vice versa, which contributes to the spiraling local housing prices. Housing prices diverge across all submarkets, and the whole market can be divided into three convergence clubs. Finally, these convergence clubs have a circular structure with a degree of continuity. This study broadens our knowledge of the price interrelationship among housing submarkets at the intra-urban level. These findings have profound implications for urban planners, policy makers, and local residents.
The Three-Parameter Classification Model of Seasonal Fluctuations in the Croatian Nautical Port System
Authors: Marušić Eli , Šoda Joško , Krčum Maja
Published: June 2020

This paper aims to investigate the seasonal fluctuations in recreational boating demand in the Croatian Nautical Port System from 1998 to 2018. The number of vessels in transit is used as an organizational performance indicator of seasonal fluctuations. This research paper proposes a three-parameter model for the classification and sub-classification of each month during a nautical season by the variations in demand. To develop the model, the authors propose statistical measures: an average, a spread ratio coefficient, and a correlation coefficient. The proposed Three-Parameter Classification Model enables more efficient market demand analysis in the long run. The results of the research show differences in demand intensity across a nautical year and conform to a seasonal character of nautical sport and recreation in the Croatian Nautical Port System (CNPS). The results are confirmed by conducting ANOVA analysis on variables (p < 0.00001), and t-test statistics on classification clusters (p < 0.016).
Application of Lateral Transshipment in Cost Reduction of Decentralized Systems
Authors: Liao Yi , Li Jun , Hu Xinxin , Li Ying , Shen Wenjing
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 has exposed the global supply chains to great vulnerability. In such extreme circumstances, product availability becomes a primary concern. This paper studies a basic inventory management strategy—lateral transshipment—under decentralized systems, which may play an important role in dealing with stockouts during unexpected crises. Lateral transshipments not only react quickly to stockout, but are also environmentally friendly due to the significant reduction of production and transportation pollution. This paper studies optimal lateral transshipment and replenishment decisions under a decentralized setting. We construct a multi-stage stochastic model that captures demand uncertainty and customer switching behavior. We demonstrate that, similar to the centralized setting, the optimal transshipment decision follows a double-threshold structure. The optimal replenishment quantities are determined under two pricing mechanisms—individual mechanism (IP) and negotiated mechanism (NP). Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the impact of lateral transshipment on supply chain cost reduction.
Aging in China: An International and Domestic Comparative Study
Authors: Feng Jie , Hong Ganlin , Qian Wenrong , Hu Ruifa , Shi Guanming
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the age structure and aging process in China over the last two decades. Comparing internationally, we find that China’s aging status is currently moderate. However, its aging process is accelerating at a rate faster than that of developed countries and the other BRICS countries, but slower than other East Asian countries except for North Korea and Mongolia. Domestically, we find increasing divergence and spatial variations in the aging process across regions and between rural and urban sectors by applying spatial statistic comparisons using data from the China Statistical Yearbook. Results from the spatial econometrics model suggest that factors such as urbanization and regional GDP, but not population density, could deepen the urban–rural aging gap. The transition of the aging process over time, across regions, and between sectors could influence social and economic activity. The results can guide future research on aging in China.
Stochastic Operation of a Solar-Powered Smart Home: Capturing Thermal Load Uncertainties
Authors: Ahmadi Esmaeil , Noorollahi Younes , Mohammadi-Ivatloo Behnam , Anvari-Moghaddam Amjad
Published: June 2020

This study develops a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model for the optimal and stochastic operation scheduling of smart buildings. The aim of this study is to match the electricity demand with the intermittent solar-based renewable resources profile and to minimize the energy cost. The main contribution of the proposed model addresses uncertainties of the thermal load in smart buildings by considering detailed types of loads such as hot water, heating, and ventilation loads. In smart grids, buildings are no longer passive consumers. They are controllable loads, which can be used for demand-side energy management. Smart homes, as a domain of Internet of Things (IoT), enable energy systems of the buildings to operate as an active load in smart grids. The proposed formulation is cast as a stochastic MILP model for a 24-h horizon in order to minimize the total energy cost. In this study, Monte Carlo simulation technique is used to generate 1000 random scenarios for two environmental factors: the outdoor temperature, and solar radiation. Therefore in the proposed model, the thermal load, the output power of the photovoltaic panel, solar collector power generation, and electricity load become stochastic parameters. The proposed model results in an energy cost-saving of 20%, and a decrease of the peak electricity demand from 7.6 KWh to 4.2 KWh.
Investigating the Effect of Processing Parameters on the Products of Hydrothermal Carbonization of Corn Stover
Authors: Mohammed Ibrahim Shaba , Na Risu , Kushima Keisuke , Shimizu Naoto
Published: June 2020

Corn stover is an abundant and underused source of lignocellulose waste biomass that can be transformed into a high-quality energy resource using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). This investigation has focused on the effect of processing parameters on the products of HTC—namely solid fuel or hydrochar and liquid and gas fractions. HTC was conducted in a temperature-controlled small batch reactor with corn stover and deionized water under oxygen-free conditions obtained by pressurizing the reactor headspace with nitrogen gas. The properties of the hydrochar and liquid and gas fractions were evaluated as a function of the process temperature (250–350 °C), residence time (30–60 min) and biomass/water ratio (0.09–0.14). Central composite design modules in a response surface methodology were used to optimize processing parameters. The maximum mass yield, energy yield and high heating value (HHV) of the hydrochar produced were 29.91% dry weight (dw), 42.38% dw and 26.03 MJ/kg, respectively. Concentrations of acetic acid and hydrogen gas were 6.93 g/L and 0.25 v/v%, respectively. Experimental results after process optimization were in satisfactory agreement with the predicted HHV. The optimal HTC process parameters were determined to be 305 °C with a 60 min residence time and a biomass/water ratio of 0.114, yielding hydrochar with a HHV of 25.42 MJ/kg. The results confirm the feasibility of an alternative corn stover management system.
An Analysis of the Economic Effects of Cover Crop Use on Farm Net Returns per Acre in Central Indiana
Authors: Hughes Megan N. , Langemeier Michael R.
Published: June 2020

Utilizing cover crop treatments can have significant agronomic benefits for a farm enterprise. However, implementing this technology introduces additional costs. Data were obtained from a Central Indiana case farm to evaluate the relationship between applied nitrogen and corn yield, and how this relationship is impacted by introducing three different species of cover crops: annual ryegrass, cereal rye, and an oats and radish blend. The resulting information was then translated into a partial budget so that the effects on net returns could be analyzed using historical prices and stochastic modelling. The results showed that the impact on net returns per acre varied among cover crop species. The implementation of annual ryegrass resulted in a negative change to net returns. Conversely, implementing cereal rye or an oats and radish blend resulted in a positive change to net returns, with the largest net benefits accruing to the oats and radish blend.
Wild Food Thistle Gathering and Pastoralism: An Inextricable Link in the Biocultural Landscape of Barbagia, Central Sardinia (Italy)
Authors: Mattalia Giulia , Sõukand Renata , Corvo Paolo , Pieroni Andrea
Published: June 2020

In Sardinia, pastoralism has been at the heart of cultural identity for millennia. Such activity has shaped the landscape by sustainably managing its elements over the centuries. We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews regarding the uses of wild plants as well as their contribution to sheep breeding over the last few decades in two villages of Barbagia di Ollolai. We recorded the use of 73 taxa belonging to 35 families. Over one-third of the vernacular food taxa were mentioned as raw snacks. Specifically, 22% were used only as raw snacks, while another 22% were used as raw snacks in addition to other uses. Indeed, there is a subcategory of raw snacks represented by thistle plants, named cardu, referring to thorny herbaceous taxa. Cardu are often related to the pastoral realm in the Mediterranean Basin as they are gathered, often with the help of a knife, peeled with the blade, and consumed on the spot while grazing sheep, but ultimately, their crunchiness provides a pleasant chewing experience. In addition, cardu may have been used as thirst quenchers. We conclude that pastoral activity has significantly contributed to the development of a distinctive food heritage and cultural landscape.
Vibration-Based Seismic Damage States Evaluation for Regional Concrete Beam Bridges Using Random Forest Method
Authors: Lei Xiaoming , Sun Limin , Xia Ye , He Tiantao
Published: June 2020

Transportation networks play an important role in urban areas, and bridges are the most vulnerable structures to earthquakes. The seismic damage evaluation of bridges provides an effective tool to assess the potential damage, and guides the post-earthquake recovery operations. With the help of structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques, the structural condition could be accurately evaluated through continuous monitoring of structural responses, and evaluating vibration-based features, which could reflect the deterioration of materials and boundary conditions, and are extensively used to reflect the structural conditions. This study proposes a vibration-based seismic damage state evaluation method for regional bridges. The proposed method contains the measured structural dynamic parameters and bridge configuration parameters. In addition, several intensity measures are also included in the model, to represent the different characteristics and the regional diversity of ground motions. The prediction models are trained with a random forest algorithm, and their confusion matrices and receiver operation curves reveal a good prediction performance, with over 90% accuracy. The significant parameter identification of bridge systems and components reveals the critical parameters for seismic design, disaster prevention and structure retrofit.
Characterisation, Recovery and Recycling Potential of Solid Waste in a University of a Developing Economy
Authors: Owojori Oluwatobi , Edokpayi Joshua N. , Mulaudzi Ratshalingwa , Odiyo John O.
Published: June 2020

The present decade of Sustainable Development Goals has influenced higher educational institutions to assess and harness their great potential for waste diversion, recovery, and recycling. Institutional solid waste management in South Africa as a developing economy is yet to receive the required attention compared to developed countries. The measurement of the characteristics, and composition of solid waste is a fundamental pre-requisite towards creating a sustainable and viable process of solid waste management systems across institutions as this provides adequate and reliable information on the waste generated. This study aimed to determine the variations of waste components in the University of Venda (UNIVEN) by characterisation of the waste generated. Solid waste samples were collected from key activity areas and characterised using the ASTM D5321-92 method for unprocessed municipal solid waste. The recyclable, compostable, and non-recoverable components of the waste generated were found to be 61.7%, 34.4%, and 3.9%, respectively. The results of the waste audit revealed a strong potential for recycling in the institution (61.7%). This would decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills and enable the monetisation of the recyclable waste recovered from the waste stream, in this manner prompting a circular economy and a sustainable campus thereby lowering the waste footprint of higher education institutions.
Mapping the Structure of Social Vulnerability Systems for Malaria in East Africa
Authors: Menk Linda , Neuwirth Christian , Kienberger Stefan
Published: June 2020

Millions of people fall ill with malaria every year—most of them are located in sub-Saharan Africa. The weight of the burden of malaria on a society is determined by a complex interplay of environmental and social factors, including poverty, awareness and education, among others. A substantial share of the affected population is characterized by a general lack of anticipation and coping capacities, which renders them particularly vulnerable to the disease and its adverse side effects. This work aims at identifying interdependencies and feedback mechanisms in the malaria social vulnerability system and their variations in space by combining concepts, methods and tools from Climate Change Adaptation, Spatial Analysis, and Statistics and System Dynamics. The developed workflow is applied to a selected set of social, economic and biological vulnerability indicators covering five East-African Nations. As the study areas’ local conditions vary in a multitude of aspects, the social vulnerability system is assumed to vary accordingly throughout space. The study areas’ spatial entities were therefore aggregated into three system-regions using correlation-based clustering. Their respective correlation structures are displayed as Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs). While the three resulting CLDs do not necessarily display causal relations (as the set of social vulnerability indicators are likely linked through third variables and parts of the data are proxies), they give a good overview of the data, can be used as basis for discussions in participatory settings and can potentially enhance the understanding the malaria vulnerability system.
Landscape Approaches to Sustainability—Aspects of Conflict, Integration, and Synergy in National Public Land-Use Interests
Authors: Svensson Johan , Neumann Wiebke , Bjärstig Therese , Zachrisson Anna , Thellbro Camilla
Published: June 2020

Strong land-use pressure challenges sustainable development and calls for landscape approaches that balance economic, ecological, and socio-cultural aspects and interests. In the boreal, sub-alpine, and alpine regions in Sweden, encompassing 32 million ha, many and different land-use interests overlap, which causes risks for conflict, but potentially also suggests integration and synergy opportunities. Based on geographic information system (GIS) analyses of geographically delineated national interests regulated in the Swedish Environmental Code, including, amongst others, Natura 2000, contiguous mountains, recreation, reindeer husbandry, and wind power, and based on forestry as a dominating land use, we found extensive overlap among similar but also between dissimilar types of interest. In some mountain municipalities, our results show that the designated national interest area is four times as large as the available terrestrial area. Moreover, the overlap is much higher in the alpine than in the boreal biome, and there is increasing designation for nature conservation and a decreasing designation for national interests for culture, recreation, and tourism from south to north. We interpret the results with reference to multiple-use needs and opportunities for landscape approaches to sustainable planning. Departing from biodiversity conservation values, we also discuss opportunities to focus planning strategies on assessing synergy, integration, and conflict based on nature-based and place-based land-use characteristics.
SCRM Awareness in the Shipbuilding and Marine Equipment Market: Empirical Evidence from South Korea, China, and Singapore
Authors: Jeong Kiyoung , Cha Jaeung , Kim Yulseong
Published: June 2020

This study analyzes the relationships between the awareness levels of supply chain risk management (SCRM) importance, the level of development, and their influence on business performance in the shipbuilding and marine equipment industry. In addition, this study highlights the differences in awareness levels according to country-specific characteristics by comparing South Korea, China, and Singapore, leading suppliers of shipbuilding and marine equipment. Based on a questionnaire survey of 165 respondents, this study conducted a factor analysis and ANOVA. The results indicate that the surveyed companies highly value the importance of risk management overall, with the information and forecast risk factor being highest rated. However, the high levels of awareness of importance does not lead to satisfactory levels of SCRM development. In addition, the comparative analysis between countries indicates statistically significant differences in the awareness of importance and the development level. Finally, the results show that awareness of environmental risk and destructive risk factors, which are vital for long-term survival and sustained competitive advantages, are low. The findings in this study offers a useful baseline for future studies on developing SCRM in the shipbuilding and marine equipment market and establishing relevant policies and systems.
Measuring the Gaps in the Projected Image and Perceived Image of Rural Tourism Destinations in China’s Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Duan Xialei , Marafa Lawal Mohammed , Chan Chung-Shing , Xu Han , Cheung Lewis T. O.
Published: June 2020

Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) at all levels have an ultimate goal of building strong and positive images for their destinations. However, the projected image from the supply side is not necessarily the mirror of the perceived image from the demand side. This study adopted the content analysis method to evaluate the projected image and perceived image of rural destinations in China to see whether there is any discrepancy between and within the two categories. Comparative analysis of different information sources including web contents and on-site visitor interviews were processed. The evaluation of image congruency demonstrates that official websites focus more on cognitive image elements (knowledge and beliefs of the place). Besides promoting attractions, it provides information on geography background and promotes local culture. Business web content promotes attractions, package tour, and activities which can generate revenue. The perceived image includes more sentiment contents: on-site visitors expressed more negative attitude, but social media comments are relatively positive.
Estimation of the River Flow Synchronicity in the Upper Indus River Basin Using Copula Functions
Authors: Sobkowiak Leszek , Perz Adam , Wrzesiński Dariusz , Faiz Muhammad Abrar
Published: June 2020

In this study, on the basis of the maximum and mean annual values of flows, dependencies between flows recorded in seven water gauges located in the upper part of the Indus River Basin (IRB) in Pakistan were analyzed. First, the non-parametric Mann–Kendall (M–K) test was used to detect trends in the flows. Next, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied. Then, the selected copulas were used to find joint distributions of the studied time series. In the next stage, the degrees of synchronous and asynchronous occurrence of, respectively, the annual maximum (AMAXF) and mean annual flows (MAF) were calculated. The study revealed that correlations between the flows in selected gauge stations were very strong and statistically significant. These results were confirmed by the synchronicity analysis carried out with the help of the copula functions. The highest relationship was detected in the case of gauges Besham Qila and Kachura on the Indus mainstream, while the lowest was detected in gauges Besham Qila and Naltar on the Naltar River. These findings can be of high practical value in the field of sustainable water resource management, including for flood protection, agricultural water supply, reservoir water storage, and hydropower generation in the IRB.
Flavivirus Infection Associated with Cerebrovascular Events
Authors: Estofolete Cássia F. , Milhim Bruno H. G. A. , Zini Nathalia , Scamardi Samuel N. , Selvante Joana D’Arc , Vasilakis Nikos , Nogueira Maurício L.
Published: June 2020

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) of the genus Flavivirus are distributed globally and cause significant human disease and mortality annually. Flavivirus infections present a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic to severe manifestations, including hemorrhage, encephalitis and death. Herein, we describe 3 case reports of cerebrovascular involvement in patients infected by dengue and Zika viruses in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil, a hyperendemic area for arbovirus circulation, including dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Saint Louis encephalitis viruses. Our findings highlight the potential threat that unusual clinical manifestations may pose to arbovirus disease management and recovery.
The C962R ORF of African Swine Fever Strain Georgia Is Non-Essential and Not Required for Virulence in Swine
Authors: Ramirez-Medina Elizabeth. , Vuono Elizabeth. A. , Rai Ayushi. , Pruitt Sarah. , Silva Ediane. , Velazquez-Salinas Lauro. , Zhu James. , Borca Manuel. V. , Gladue Douglas. P.
Published: June 2020

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the causative agent of the African swine fever (ASF) epizootic currently affecting pigs throughout Eurasia, causing significant economic losses in the swine industry. The virus genome encodes for more than 160 genes, of which only a few have been studied in detail. Here we describe the previously uncharacterized ASFV open reading frame (ORF) C962R, a gene encoding for a putative NTPase. RNA transcription studies using infected swine macrophages demonstrate that the C962R gene is translated as a late virus protein. A recombinant ASFV lacking the C962R gene (ASFV-G-ΔC962R) demonstrates in vivo that the C962R gene is non-essential, since ASFV-G-ΔC962R has similar replication kinetics in primary swine macrophage cell cultures when compared to parental highly virulent field isolate Georgia2007 (ASFV-G). Experimental infection of domestic pigs with ASFV-G-ΔC962R produced a clinical disease similar to that caused by the parental ASFV-G, confirming that deletion of the C962R gene from the ASFV genome does not impact virulence.
Nitric Oxide Production and Fc Receptor-Mediated Phagocytosis as Functional Readouts of Macrophage Activity upon Stimulation with Inactivated Poultry Vaccines In Vitro
Authors: van den Biggelaar Robin , van Eden Willem , Rutten Victor , Jansen Christine
Published: June 2020

Vaccine batches must pass routine quality control to confirm that their ability to induce protection against disease is consistent with batches of proven efficacy from development studies. For poultry vaccines, these tests are often performed in laboratory chickens by vaccination-challenge trials or serological assays. The aim of this study was to investigate innate immune responses against inactivated poultry vaccines and identify candidate immune parameters for in vitro quality tests as alternatives for animal-based quality tests. For this purpose, we set up assays to measure nitric oxide production and phagocytosis by the macrophage-like cell line HD11, upon stimulation with inactivated poultry vaccines for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and egg drop syndrome virus (EDSV). In both assays, macrophages became activated after stimulation with various toll-like receptor agonists. Inactivated poultry vaccines stimulated HD11 cells to produce nitric oxide due to the presence of mineral oil adjuvant. Moreover, inactivated poultry vaccines were found to enhance Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis due to the presence of allantoic fluid in the vaccine antigen preparations. We showed that inactivated poultry vaccines stimulated nitric oxide production and Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis by chicken macrophages. Similar to antigen quantification methods, the cell-based assays described here can be used for future assessment of vaccine batch-to-batch consistency. The ability of the assays to determine the immunopotentiating properties of inactivated poultry vaccines provides an additional step in the replacement of current in vivo batch-release quality tests.
Treatment of dermatophilosis with oxytetracycline and tylosin combination in Saanen goat kids
Authors: AYDOĞDU Uğur , BAYDAR Ersoy , USTA Mustafa , DOKUZEYLÜL Banu , KARAMAN Musa , İLHAN Ziya
Published: June 2020

In this study, it was aimed to determine the treatment efficacy of oxytetracycline and tylosin combination in Saanen goat kids with Dermatophilus congolensis infection. Samples, were collected from the 27 of 4-5-month-old Saanen goat kids, and analyzed from bacteriological, mycological and ectoparasitological aspects. D. congolensis was isolated from the samples as pure culture. In the mycological analysis of the samples, no microorganisms were found, while flea was detected in ectoparasitological examinations. A combination of oxytetracycline and tylosin was recommended for dermatophilosis treatment, and the lesions regressed 5 days after the treatment and disappeared over time. It was concluded that D. congolensis infection in Saanen goats kids were observed for the first time in Turkey and can be treated successfully with oxytetracycline and tylosin combination.
Generation of Chaotic Signal for Scrambling Matrix Content
Authors: Khlif Naziha , Ghorbel Ahmed , Aydi Walid , Masmoudi Nouri
Published: June 2020

Very well evolved, information technology made so easy the transfer of all types of data over public channels. For this reason, ensuring data security is certainly a necessary requirement. Scrambling data is one solution to hide information from non authorized users. Presenting matrix content, image scrambling can be made by only adding a mask to the real content. A user, having the appropriate mask, can recognize the image content by only subtracting it. Chaotic function is recently used for image encryption. In this paper, an algorithm of image scrambling based on three logistic chaotic functions is proposed. Defined by its initial condition and parameter, each chaotic function will generate a random signal. The set of initial conditions and parameters is the encryption key. The performance of this technique is ensured for two great reasons. First, using masks on the image makes unintelligible its content. Second, using three successive encryption processes makes so difficult attacks. This point reflects, in one hand, a sufficient key length to resist to brute force attack. In the other hand, it reflects the random aspect of the pixel distribution in the scrambled image. That means, the randomness in one mask minimizes the correlations really existent between neighboring pixels. That makes our proposed approach resistant to known attacks and suitable for applications requiring secure data transfer such as medical image exchanged between doctors
La autopercepción del control de convencionalidad por la propia Corte Interamericana
Authors: Eto Cruz Gerardo
Published: June 2020

El presente artículo presenta la transcripción oficial de los fallos que la propia Corte IDH ha divulgado a través del Cuadernillo de Jurisprudencia de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos N.° 7: control de convencionalidad, cuya presentación la suscribió el entonces presidente de la citada Corte, Humberto A. Sierra Porto, y la edición estuvo a cargo del profesor Claudio Nash. De nuestra parte, a dichos fallos o sentencias convencionales les hemos hecho un comentario previo y breve que corresponde a nuestra autoría y absoluta responsabilidad. El afán es incorporar a nuestra jurisprudencia constitucional un contraste mínimo bajo el paradigma contemporáneo del control convencional dirigido, sobretodo, a los magistrados y fiscales a fin de que exista la posibilidad de que se llegue a impulsar progresivamente el control difuso de convencionalidad.
Nuevos hallazgos en la cuenca del Río Salado del Norte:
Authors: Galligani Paula E. , Sartori Julieta I. , Balducci Fernando , Barrientos Gustavo
Published: June 2020

Hacia la primera mitad del siglo XX, diversos investigadores realizaron hallazgos fortuitos en diferentes zonas de la cuenca del río Salado del Norte, particularmente en el área cercana a la confluencia de este río con su afluente, el arroyo Cululú. Posteriormente, en la década de 1980, Carlos Ceruti sistematizó el registro arqueológico del centro de la provincia de Santa Fe, proponiendo que esta zona habría sido ocupada, en la última etapa árida (3000 a 1500-1000 años a.p.), por la Entidad Cultural Esperanza. Luego de varias décadas sin trabajos arqueológicos, recientes estudios permitieron encontrar nuevas evidencias de ocupación humana en el área. En este trabajo, se realiza una síntesis de los antecedentes arqueológicos de la región para luego exponer los primeros resultados del análisis tecnológico-decorativo de los fragmentos cerámicos y del estudio zooarqueológico de los especímenes óseos recuperados en el sitio Arroyo Cululú 1 (AC1) (Esperanza, Santa Fe), localizado en diciembre de 2016. Estos datos, aunque preliminares, aportan nueva información arqueológica para el centro de la provincia de Santa Fe, una zona relativamente poco investigada en comparación con otras colindantes, como la Llanura aluvial del Paraná.
“El pasado es nuestro futuro”:
Authors: Salerno Virginia Mariana , Leiva Carolina
Published: June 2020

En este trabajo reflexionamos sobre las prácticas y sentidos movilizados en torno a los materiales arqueológicos que integran las colecciones del Centro de Interpretación Indígena “El Antigal” (San Pedro, Provincia de Buenos Aires), gestionado por la comunidad Lma Iacia Qom. Desde el año 2009 este espacio nuclea a miembros de la comunidad que realizan una serie de actividades dirigidas a conservar y expresar la cultura indígena, articulando la investigación y rescate de su historia con los reclamos por autoreconocimiento y fortalecimiento de la identidad.
STRATEGI MEMBANGUN NATION BRANDING INDONESIA DALAM ASIAN GAMES JAKARTA-PALEMBANG 2018
Authors: Putra Romi Iriandi
Published: June 2020

The Asian Games 2018 is a sporting event held every 4 years, bringing together all Asian athletes from various branches to compete for the country's pride. Indonesia was chosen to be the host of the Asian games which made the right momentum to build Indonesia's nation branding. This study analyzes how the strategy of building nation branding on the momentum of Asian games 2018 Jakarta - Palembang. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method by describing related data. The results in this study show that the strategy used to build a nation branding in the Asian Games with media management, accentuate elements of Indonesian culture, conducting global diplomacy, creating mutual collaboration branding, and conducting a post events campaign. In addition to building nation branding, need several elements namely brand identity, positioning, and brand image which all focus on one goal that is to increase trading, tourism, and also an investment in the country.Kata Kunci: Asian games, nation branding, place marketing, brand image, destination branding.