bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Sources of Solar High-energy Protons
Authors: Kocharov Leon , Omodei Nicola , Mishev Alexander , Pesce-Rollins Melissa , Longo Francesco , Yu Sijie , Gary Dale E. , Vainio Rami , Usoskin Ilya
Published: June 2021

During the 24th solar cycle, the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) has observed a total of 27 solar flares possessing delayed γ-ray emission, including the exceptionally well-observed flare and coronal mass ejection (CME) on 2017 September 10. Based on the Fermi/LAT data, we plot, for the first time, maps of possible sources of the delayed >100 MeV γ-ray emission of the 2017 September 10 event. The long-lasting γ-ray emission is localized under the CME core. The γ-ray spectrum exhibits intermittent changes in time, implying that more than one source of high-energy protons was formed during the flare–CME eruption. We find a good statistical correlation between the γ-ray fluences of the Fermi/LAT-observed delayed events and the products of corresponding CME speed and the square root of the soft X-ray flare magnitude. Data support the idea that both flares and CMEs jointly contribute to the production of subrelativistic and relativistic protons near the Sun.
Analytical Solution of the Tidal Evolution of Eccentricity and Semimajor Axis for Close-in Planets
Authors: Vaal Elmore , Jordán Andrés
Published: June 2021

Tides can have significant effects on the orbital evolution of close-in planets. The evolution of eccentricity and semimajor axis is usually obtained by numerical integration of a set of coupled differential equations. We present here closed-form solutions to the evolution equations and derive from them an expression of the circularization time.
La montée du populisme autoritaire
Authors: Ivaldi Gilles
Published: June 2021

La revue Futuribles s’intéresse depuis plus de 35 ans à l’évolution des systèmes de valeurs et à l’étude de leur transformation, faisant régulièrement écho aux enquêtes réalisées tous les 9-10 ans dans le cadre de l’ European Values Study . Le dossier ouvert dans ce numéro par Pierre Bréchon porte sur les résultats de la dernière vague (2017-2018) et ce qu’ils nous enseignent concernant les tendances d’évolution des valeurs des Européens sur longue période. Dans ce deuxième article, Gilles Ivaldi s’intéresse à la montée du populisme autoritaire sur le Vieux Continent et à ce que les enquêtes Valeurs nous apprennent sur les facteurs qui l’alimentent au cœur de l’opinion des Européens. Il confronte ici la théorie du cultural backlash développée par Ronald Inglehart et Pippa Norris — selon laquelle ce regain de populisme résulterait d’une contre-révolution culturelle, en réaction à la large diffusion des valeurs libérales — aux évolutions constatées des valeurs des Européens dans les diverses dimensions servant d’indicateurs en la matière (autoritarisme, xénophobie et traditionalisme dans les mœurs). Et comme toujours, la réalité est plus complexe qu’il n’y paraît, entre demande sociale effective d’autorité, recul des valeurs morales traditionnelles, évolution de la xénophobie très différente selon les pays (l’Europe occidentale étant nettement et durablement plus tolérante que l’Europe de l’Est)… Il pointe aussi le processus progressif d’alignement des générations sur une demande accrue de respect de l’autorité. En somme, il convient, lorsqu’on examine la montée des populismes actuellement à l’œuvre, de faire preuve de nuance, en distinguant les aires géographiques, les valeurs concernées (sphère privée vs . sphère publique, par exemple), et en relativisant la dynamique générationnelle. Sans oublier l’impact des facteurs économiques, qui influencent aussi beaucoup les opinions et dont l’auteur souligne, en fin d’article, qu’il pourrait croître dans le contexte actuel de crise — ce que l’enquête Valeurs de 2017 ne peut ici prendre en compte…  S.D.
De l’objectif bureaucratique à la naturalité économique
Authors: Demenge Victor
Published: June 2021

La « croissance économique » occupe une place centrale dans les représentations de l’économie. Cet article établit les conditions de naturalisation de ce chiffre en France et exemplifie ainsi le rôle de l’État dans le désencastrement de l’économie. L’étude porte sur les administrations économiques françaises où la catégorie a été définie et quantifiée. L’enquête conduit à distinguer historiquement la genèse du chiffre de sa naturalisation. Le chiffrage de la croissance est défini après-guerre comme un choix politique destiné à planifier la production. C’est seulement à partir des années 1960 que le chiffre de la croissance devient une « mesure » supposée refléter le plus exactement possible l’état de l’économie. La croissance devient ainsi progressivement une entité indépendante et préexistante à sa quantification. Nous proposons deux explications à ce processus : la transformation de la sociologie des fonctionnaires en charge de la mesurer et les luttes professionnelles qui les opposent. Ces évolutions conduisent à l’élaboration d’instruments de chiffrage faisant de la croissance un phénomène autonome et contraignant.
Populations et peuplement des départements français d’outre-mer (DOM)
Authors: Dumont Gérard-François
Published: June 2021

La France compte cinq départements d’outre-mer, tous situés à des milliers de kilomètres de la métropole : Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyane, La Réunion et, enfin, Mayotte, département depuis 2011. La combinaison de la géographie historique de leur population et de leurs évolutions démographiques contemporaines, dans le contexte de territoires de superficies fort variées, met en évidence des différences considérables de peuplement. Quant aux dynamiques de populations, faut-il penser qu’elles sont en train de converger ? Pour répondre à cette question, il convient d’analyser le mouvement naturel et le mouvement migratoire. Une typologie peut en résulter, permettant de mettre en évidence une forte probabilité d’évolutions futures très dissemblables.
Rates of Suspected Endophthalmitis Following Intravitreal Injections in Clinical Practices in the United States
Authors: Dhoot Dilsher S. , Boucher Nick , Pitcher John D. , Saroj Namrata
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate rates of suspected endophthalmitis following intravitreal injections of aflibercept, bevacizumab, ranibizumab (vial and pre-filled), dexamethasone implant, and triamcinolone in clinical practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retrospective study of aggregated electronic medical records from the Vestrum Health Database. Eyes with a diagnosis of suspected endophthalmitis based on billing codes between January 2013 and June 2019 were included.

RESULTS:

Total number of injections, suspected endophthalmitis cases, and medication rate, respectively, were: aflibercept (1,412,699; 687; 0.049%); bevacizumab (1,467,722; 379; 0.026%); ranibizumab vial (884,061; 233; 0.026%), ranibizumab pre-filled (427,763; 96; 0.022%); dexamethasone implant (49,464; 53; 0.107%); and triamcinolone (75,038; 110; 0.147%). Rates were lower for bevacizumab and ranibizumab (vial and pre-filled) compared to aflibercept, dexamethasone implant, and triamcinolone (
P
< .05). Triamcinolone had a higher rate compared to all of the other medications (
P
< .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Suspected endophthalmitis rates following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections in clinical practice were similar to reported rates in clinical trials. Rates of suspected endophthalmitis following steroid injections trended higher with significantly higher rates with triamcinolone.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2021;52:312–318.]
Assessing the Retinal Microvasculature in Individuals With Early and Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Robbins Cason B. , Grewal Dilraj S. , Stinnett Sandra S. , Soundararajan Srinath , Yoon Stephen P. , Polascik Bryce W. , Liu Andy J. , Burke James R. , Fekrat Sharon
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate retinal microvascular changes in early and late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Eighty-six eyes of 50 late-onset AD participants, 27 eyes of 15 early onset AD participants, and 111 eyes of 57 cognitively normal controls were included. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study 3-mm and 6-mm circles and rings were assessed.

RESULTS:

There was decreased PD in early onset AD 3-mm circle (
P
= .026) and ring (
P
= .026) versus controls as well as in late-onset AD 3-mm circle (
P
= .023) and ring (
P
= .023) versus controls. There was decreased VD in late-onset AD 3-mm circle (
P
= .012) and ring (
P
= .006). No parameters differed between early and late-onset AD (
P
> .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

AD eyes exhibited decreased retinal microvascular density compared to controls. Retinal parameters may not differ between early onset AD and late-onset AD after adjusting for age.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2021;52:336–344.]
A silver cross-reliquary and its patroness in twelfth-century rural Asturias
Authors: Rodríguez Viejo Jesús
Published: June 2021

La cruz-relicario de San Salvador de Fuentes es un suntuoso crucifijo hecho principalmente de madera y plata creado a finales del siglo XII para esta importante parroquia del concejo de Villaviciosa, en Asturias. El objeto es propiedad del Metropolitan Museum of Art de Nueva York desde 1917. El objetivo del presente trabajo es el de analizar el simbolismo iconográfico y los usos litúrgicos del crucifijo para luego contextualizar el patronazgo de la comitente del objeto, la noble local Sancha, y la creación de este relicario en la vida religiosa de la zona.
Teología política y factores esenciales en el desarrollo de la provincia eclesiástica mexicana: una propuesta desde las Relaciones de visita ad limina apostolorum: 1585-1800
Authors: Camus Ibacache Misael
Published: June 2021

El artículo propone que en la génesis que impulsó la maduración de las estructuras eclesiales en la provincia eclesiástica mexicana, hay cuatro factores esenciales, a saber: la autonomía de la expansión eclesial territorial; el rol social y político de los capítulos catedralicios; el desarrollo complejo de un sistema educativo escolar, medio y superior; y, el desarrollo inédito del carácter religioso mariano, cuya base fueron dos tradiciones del culto a María: la Inmaculada Concepción y la Asunción. La investigación se sostiene en la revisión y sistematización de información en fuentes primarias, como son las Relaciones de visita ad limina enviadas por los obispos de esta provincia a Roma. El estudio resalta la teología política en el desarrollo eclesial, que define la sociedad política como la expresión de la unicidad de la esfera secular y eclesiástica, que hace emerger el dominium de ecclesia, en este caso, Iglesia y Monarquía, la cual se canalizó y concretizó, a través de la articulación de las reformas del Concilio de Trento con las Leyes patronales.
Business Leaders’ Perception of Digital Transformation in Emerging Economies: On Leader and Technology Interplay
Authors: Kapucu Hakan
Published: June 2021

The general public dissimilarly interprets the same phenomena in diverse cultures, and leaders’ standpoints also differ about these phenomena. Because of unequal advancement and cultural diversity, a specific welfare level or geography perceives digital transformation radically disparate from others. In advanced economies, leaders typically tend to begin to understand the vitality of digital assets. But the understanding may show differences in an emerging economy. Naturally, the factors such as the type of industry and globalization level of the companies can cause these differences. But a survey in a widespread sector can still help to project business leaders’ and managers’ perceptions of digital transformation in emerging economies, thus pinpointing some of their differences with advanced economies. Two questions come fore at this point: Do business leaders focus on or are aware of the products and ideas of current technologies, and do they appropriately construe these ideas and products? Interviewing leaders in an emerging economy like Turkey has revealed that they predominantly tend to identify digital transformation with social media. Although digital transformation is related to social media, it is not limited to it. There are state-of-the-art technologies. But in such geographies, leaders require time to possess digital and technological consciousness. On the other hand, in this new world order, leadership has reached a point that there is a need for ultimate leaders. The ones that originate from the very elements of this disruptive environment and the ones that rise with distinguishing skills and epoch-making perspectives. Furthermore, learning and performance are indispensable parameters for leaders in times of digital transformation. This article underlines the significant factors that impact these parameters.
Engaging All Learners Through Quality Early Childhood Teacher Education
Authors: Cohen Lynn Ellen , Kalthoff Angela
Published: June 2021

This chapter guides early childhood teacher educators, teachers, and policy makers to use appropriate technological tools in early childhood classrooms. It begins with learning theories related to computational thinking with a discussion of Seymour Papert and presents Marina Bers' framework. The chapter includes a professional development model for teachers and teacher educators. Technological apps and computational thinking are offered for use with face-to-face, hybrid, and remote instruction in early childhood settings. Many of the digital tools described in the chapter have numerous suggestions and resources available for teachers, teacher educators, and students to create a platform to begin using digital tools and evaluate how to select and use digital media. Changes can be brought about by reimagining classrooms and reshaping pedagogy with continued professional development.
Strategy, Decision Making, and Cognition
Authors: Appan Radha , Bolton Dorcia E. , Madhavaram Sreedhar
Published: June 2021

Reflecting the dis-equilibrium provoking, ongoing process nature of competition, the role of management in firms has evolved from determining quantity and implementing production function to recognizing, understanding, creating, selecting, implementing, and modifying strategies. The quest for competitive advantages compels firms to continuously engage in strategy and related activities. Given that decision making and cognition are two, somewhat implicit and highly intertwined, concepts that are central to strategy, this research responds to the call for integrating developments in cognition to make strategic decision making more impactful. Therefore, given that cognition (1) is seen as a missing link for strategic management and (2) can impact strategic decision making, this research integrates the perspectives from strategy, decision making, and cognition to develop a framework that can shed light on how firms can succeed in their quest for competitive advantages. The paper concludes with a discussion of the contributions and the corresponding implications for research and practice.
Multi-Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Temucin Tolga
Published: June 2021

Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) is a discipline that explicitly considers assessing alternatives in a decision problem with respect to multiple criteria. Those methods are frequently used to solve real-life decision problems that incorporate multiple, conflicting, and incommensurate criteria. Considering the chaotic, complex, and ambiguous nature and the dynamics of the military operations, most decision problems observed in military organizations also follow a similar structure involving multiple criteria. This chapter gives an overview of the basic decision-making problem types and decision processes observed in military organizations and provides information on the MCDM methodologies adopted to solve those problems.
Towards a Group Decision Support System
Authors: Madouri Souad , Hamdadou Djamila
Published: June 2021

This research focuses on the design and development of an interactive multi-criteria group decision support system (GDSS). This system comprises a set of agents communicating through messages. They aim to find an adequate area that can best address certain criteria among a set of variants (e.g. localization of new infrastructure, shopping mall, hospital, etc.). A GDSS is designed and relies mainly on the presentation of the territory through the functionalities of geographic information system (GIS), and the representation of the multiplicity and diversity of decision makers through the functionalities of a multi-agents system (MAS). Moreover, an argumentation-based negotiation protocol MAS module is provided. This approach is justified by the argumentative nature of the process by which participants justify their choices in order to reach a collective decision. This is achieved by exploiting the multi-criteria methods with an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Electre III.
Design and Implementation of Active Stream Data Warehouses
Authors: Bimonte Sandro , Boussaid Omar , Schneider Michel , Ruelle Fabien
Published: June 2021

In the era of Big Data, more and more stream data is available. In the same way, Decision Support Systems (DSS) tools, such as data warehouses and alert systems, become more and more sophisticated, and conceptual modeling tools are consequently mandatory for successfully DSS projects. Formalisms such as UML and ER have been widely used in the context of classical information and data warehouse systems, but they have not been investigated yet for stream data warehouses to deal with alert systems. Therefore, in this article, the authors introduce the notion of Active Stream Data Warehouse (ASDW) and this article proposes a UML profile for designing Active Stream Data Warehouses. Indeed, this article extends the ICSOLAP profile to take into account continuous and window OLAP queries. Moreover, this article studies the duality of the stream and OLAP decision-making process and the authors propose a set of ECA rules to automatically trigger OLAP operators. The UML profile is implemented in a new OLAP architecture, and it is validated using an environmental case study concerning the wind monitoring.
A Simulation Decision Support System for the Healthcare Emergency Department Optimization
Authors: Saoud Manel Saad , Boubetra Abdelhak , Attia Safa
Published: June 2021

Agent-based modeling and simulation methods have demonstrated efficiency in modeling and analyzing the dynamics of the healthcare systems. Simulation has become a crucial tool that facilitates understanding these systems that involve different and heterogeneous components interacting in diverse and complex ways. However, during the dynamic evolutions of these societies, the agents involve a massive amount of data that contain non-explicit and unknown information. The analysis of these data to study and discover the hidden relationships and the emerging phenomena is a well-known difficulty in the simulation systems. The call for powerful tools such as the data mining techniques to support the simulations analysis is the best solution that can be used to tackle this issue. The aim of this chapter is to develop a decision support system based on the integration of simulation systems and knowledge extraction techniques, to design a decisive tool to help healthcare managers to improve the quality and the effectiveness of care provided to the emergency departments.
Ontology-Based Human-Computer Cloud for Decision Support
Authors: Smirnov Alexander , Ponomarev Andrew , Shilov Nikolay , Kashevnik Alexey , Teslya Nikolay
Published: June 2021

A variety of information processing and decision support tasks (especially in the context of smart city or smart tourist destination) rely both on the automated and human-based procedures. The article proposes a multi-layer cloud environment that, first, unifies various kinds of resources used by these information processing and decision-support scenarios (hardware, software, and human), and second, implements an ontology-based automatic service composition procedures that can be used to build ad hoc decision-support services for problems unknown in advance. The service composition is based on uniform description of all parts of the environment with a help of ontologies. The article describes the architecture and models of the novel human-computer cloud environment. It also describes several scenarios of decision support in tourism leveraging the proposed human-computer cloud concept.
Design of a Decision Support System for Resource Allocation in Brazil Public Universities
Authors: Martins Carolina Lino , Teixeira de Almeida Adiel , Morais Danielle Costa
Published: June 2021

This study aims to demonstrate how the design of a decision support system (DSS) can improve the process of internal resource allocation in Brazil public universities. Currently, there are not any kind of general DSS for such a problem. To do so, the analysis is carried out by identifying the general model from the Brazilian Ministry of Education and the models from every federal university, finding similarities between each model, and dividing the models into categories, according to their similarities. Thus, a DSS resource allocation model prototype was proposed. The perspectives are to contribute to the decision problem of how to allocate resources properly faced by Brazilians public universities, take safer and reliable decisions, seeking to reduce uncertainties and to maximize their results.
Web-Based Decision Support System for Solving Multiple-Objective Decision-Making Problems
Authors: Kirilov Leoneed , Guliashki Vassil , Staykov Boris
Published: June 2021

A web-based Decision Support System WebOptim for solving multiple objective optimization problems is presented. The system WebOptim is designed in a modular principle, extensively using XML as communication standard and web services. Its basic characteristics are: user-independent, multisolver-admissibility, method-independent, heterogeneity, web-accessibility. Core system module is an original generalized interactive scalarizing method. It incorporates a number of thirteen interactive methods. Most of the known scalarizing approaches (reference point approach, reference direction approach, classification approach etc.) are realized in this method. The Decision Maker (DM) can choose the most suitable for him/her form for setting his/her preferences: objective weights, aspiration levels, aspiration directions, aspiration intervals. This information could be changed interactively by the DM during the solution process. Depending on the DM's preferences form the suitable scalarizing method is chosen automatically. The chapter begins with an overview of Decision Support Systems (DSS). Examples of DSSs and their applications are discussed.
Integrating Big Data Technology Into Organizational Decision Support Systems
Authors: Kabil Ahmad M.
Published: June 2021

With the growing trend of global competitiveness and business complexity, the need arises for integrating BDTs in the design of ODSS. BDTs enable ODSS to deal with data of volume, variety, and velocity beyond the capability of traditional databases and data-warehouses in ODSS. The basic modules of updated ODSS with BDT are presented as a conceptual design, which provides a general foundation for the detailed design and implementation of an application. The validation of the proposed conceptual design is conducted on a test-case based upon the BSC perspectives as well as requirements common for ODSS scenarios. The results show that each requirement of the system is supported by a set of integrated modules in a balanced way. The modules of the highest contribution in the conceptual design are the modules most related to BDT. The initial stages of the implementation of the system are given.
An Improved Task Scheduling Mechanism Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making in Cloud Computing
Authors: Nayak Suvendu Chandan , Tripathy Chitaranjan
Published: June 2021

In this work, the authors propose Multi-criteria Decision-making to schedule deadline based tasks in cloud computing. The existing backfilling task scheduling algorithm could not handle similar tasks for scheduling. In backfilling algorithm, tasks are backfilled to provide ideal resources to schedule other deadline sensitive tasks. However, the task to be backfilled is selected on first come, first serve (FCFS) basis from scheduling queue. The scheduling performances require to be improved when, there are similar tasks. In this proposed work, the authors propose to implement MCDM technique, TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) to improve the performance of the backfilling algorithm through scheduling deadline sensitive tasks in cloud computing. It resolves the conflicts among the similar tasks that is used as a decision support system. The work is simulated with synthetic data sets based on slack values of the tasks. The performance results affirm the task completion and reduction in task rejection compared to the existing backfilling algorithm.
Collaborating Decision Support and Business Intelligence to Enable Government Digital Connectivity
Authors: Yie Leu Fang , Susanto Heru , Setiana Desi
Published: June 2021

Many governments around the world are actively engaging in digital transformation, aiming to turn themselves into digital governments. Here, innovation management is one of the most critical factors for such transformation. One approach is to implement business intelligent (BI) and decision support systems (DSS). Collaboration of these two technologies is essential to bring out the best within the organizations, by way of allowing the management to make timely, effective, and correct decisions, including better processing in terms of knowledge and data that the organizations hold. Evidence suggests that implementation and collaboration of DSS and BI results in a positive impact on businesses, organizations, and governments, as well as on other related aspects of the workforce. This chapter proposes and discusses a novel implementation of innovation management approach showcasing the use of DSS and BI in achieving more open digital and connected governments.
Integration of BI in Healthcare
Authors: Ning Xue
Published: June 2021

In the digital age, the healthcare industry is generating a huge amount of data and information. Although there are structured data such as EHRs, the major data type is unstructured data such as clinical text. The sources of health data are also diversified, including medical data, clinical data, patient-generated data, and social media data. Different methods are applied to analyze the variety of data and obtain health information. When the various types of information are generated, information retrieval and extraction techniques can be used for further decision-making. Data and information-enabled decision-making is a complex process. Many tools and methods are developed to support decision-making in healthcare. Along with the benefits of integrating business intelligence in healthcare, issues and challenges exist. This chapter discusses the health data and information and how they support decision-making in healthcare.
Clinical Decision Support System for Early Disease Detection and Management
Authors: Thomas Likewin , M. V. Manoj Kumar , B. Annappa
Published: June 2021

Medical error is an adverse event of a failure in healthcare management, causing unintended injuries. Proper clinical care can be provided by employing a suitable clinical decision support system (CDSS) for healthcare management. CDSS assists the clinicians in identifying the severity of disease at the time of admission and predicting its progression. In this chapter, CDSS was developed with the help of statistical techniques. Modified cascade neural network (ModCNN) was built upon the architecture of cascade-correlation neural network (CCNN). ModCNN first identifies the independent factors associated with disease and using that factor; it predicts its progression. A case progressing towards severity can be given better care, avoiding later stage complications. Performance of ModCNN was evaluated and compared with artificial neural network (ANN) and CCNN. ModCNN showed better accuracy than other statistical techniques. Thus, CDSS developed in this chapter is aimed at providing better treatment planning by reducing medical error.
Decision Support System for Diabetes Classification Using Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Al-Khasawneh Ahmad M.
Published: June 2021

The use of data mining algorithms in health information systems has played a significant role in developing applications that help to diagnose different diseases. The type of the disease determines the selection of the algorithm, parameters to be used, and dataset pre-processing steps, etc. In this chapter, diagnosing diabetes mellitus is the target since it has gained significant attention in the last few decades due to the increased severity of the disease. Four predictive data mining approaches are being used in diagnosing diabetes. Four models were implemented to diagnose diabetes from PIMA dataset: k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, multilayer perceptron neural network, and naive Bayesian network. Giving the highest classification accuracy, support vector machine technique outperformed the others with a value of 78.83%.
A Contingency Perspective for Knowledge Management Solutions in Different Decision-Making Contexts
Authors: Ozlen Kursad , Handzic Meliha
Published: June 2021

A contingency perspective of knowledge management, as one of the popular ways of promoting decision making capabilities, recognizes the need for a fit between knowledge management solutions (KMS) and decision-making contexts which they support. In order to determine the best fit, a field survey was carried out to investigate the impact of two different types of KMS (technical and social) on decision makers' behavior and performance in different decision contexts (simple and complex). According to the results, there is a partial support for the contingency view. As expected, social KMS appears as the best fit for complex contexts, based on subjects' superior performance from comparable adoption of both KMS. In contrast, the results suggest that both KMS were an equally good fit for simple contexts, based on similar levels of subjects' performance, but social KMS was preferred in terms of adoption. These findings contribute to much necessary empirical evidence for research and provide useful guidance for practice. However, their limitations necessitate further study.
Identifying Organizational Factors for Successful Business Intelligence Implementation
Authors: Ali Md Shaheb , Miah Shah J.
Published: June 2021

Business intelligence (BI) has proliferated due to its growing application for business decision support. Research on organizational factors may offer significant use in BI implementation. However, a limited number of studies focus on organizational factors for revealing adverse impacts on effective decision support. The aim of this theoretical study is to conduct a literature analysis to identify organizational factors relevant to BI implementation. Through a systematic literature review, a qualitative content analysis on 49 relevant sample articles for generating themes inductively is adopted to reveal organizational factors. Findings suggest two contexts: information management that integrates factors such as technological capability and personnel capability and organizational context that integrates factors such as organizational capability, managerial decision, and organizational culture for facilitating embedding information management capability for BI implementation in businesses. It is hoped that these contextual understanding can be useful for further BI implementations.
Fuzzy Driven Decision Support System for Enhanced Employee Performance Appraisal
Authors: Arogundade Oluwasefunmi ‘Tale , Ojokoh Bolanle , Asogbon Mojisola Grace , Samuel Oluwarotimi Williams , Babatope Sunday Adeniyi
Published: June 2021

Employee performance appraisal is often considered a core management task in most standard organizations because it could potentially inspire an employee towards the pursuit of organizational goals and objectives. Meanwhile, issues such as delay in appraisal processes, inevitable human error, and emotional status of the appraiser, are common with the traditional appraisal methods. Hence, this research proposes a fuzzy decision-support system based on Henri Fayol's 14 principles of management for the appraisal of employees' performance. A questionnaire consisting of 44 structured questions was designed based on these principles and administered to the employees of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Fuzzy inference system that incorporates Mamdani computational technique was built based on the feedback extracted from the questionnaires, and used for appraising the employee performance. Experimental results show that the proposed system could predict the appraisal status of an employee with 75% accuracy in comparison to the conventional appraisal method.
Engaging Pre-Service Teachers in Virtual Field Experience During COVID-19
Authors: Hojeij Zeina , Baroudi Sandra
Published: June 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, universities have moved rapidly to transition of various courses and programs from face-to-face to online delivery mode. Involving pre-service teachers in the virtual field experience remained almost impossible. In the United Arab Emirates, however, a small cohort of four pre-service teachers have completed their teaching practicum online for the first time. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effectiveness of virtual practicum placement and its impact on developing preservice teachers' teaching practices, classroom management skills, and the use of online resources. A qualitative approach was employed for data collection including open-ended interviews, journal entries, and written reflections under guided reflective categories to uncover participants' perceptions about their virtual teaching experience. Findings revealed the significant role of the mentor and suggested a framework for effective virtual field experience.
Exploring the Relationship Between MOOC Resource Management and Students' Perceived Benefits and Satisfaction via SEM
Authors: Wong Seng Yue , Ghavifekr Simin
Published: June 2021

Student satisfaction has become a crucial measure in massive open online course (MOOC) learning experience. Students with high satisfaction not only bring the long-term benefits to higher education, but also help to sustain MOOCs as a source of revenue. Thus, this study is aimed to examine the contributing factors of sustainability implementation model of MOOCs from the students' perceptions. A total of 763 undergraduate students in Malaysia participated MOOCs in this study. The proposed research model was evaluated via survey analysis and followed by the structural equation modelling analysis. The findings indicated that pedagogy and enrolment of MOOC are significant antecedents to predict students' perceived benefits and satisfaction. Moreover, students' perceived benefit is a vital mediator to their satisfaction on MOOC implementation. The implications of this study on MOOC implementation and its sustainability in higher education institutions are also discussed.
Improving the Performance of an Axial Flow Pump: An Overview
Authors: Moifatswane M. Prince , Madushele Nkosinathi , Ahmed Noor A.
Published: June 2021

Thus far, axial flow pumps remain a significant hydrodynamic unit. These pumps have common applications for various systems that require a high flow rate and a lower head. They tend to be less efficient and consume excessive power when operating at low flow conditions. Most of the studies focus on improving the hydraulic performance of these pumps based on the best efficiency point (BEP) flow conditions. This approach is mostly based on the assumption that the pump will always operate at BEP. However, this is not always the case, because the operational condition of the pump may require an adjustment to meet certain system demands. Hence, it is necessary to emphasize the need to improve the hydraulic performance of these pumps for multiple flow conditions. This means that in addition to BEP, the lowest, and the highest operational conditions need to be considered when improving the pump performance. Also, it is important to review the phenomenon of cavitation in every design optimization investigation, given its significance to pump performance and some misrepresentation which are sometimes associated with its assessment. Therefore. the main contribution of this article is to briefly discuss the successful and unsuccessful design optimization methods of an axial flow pump. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of improving the pump performance at multiple flow conditions and also to incorporate the analysis of using CFD methods to analyze the results of cavitation performance in every pump performance improvement investigation.
Performance of Modulation Techniques over AWGN and Multipath Fading Channels
Authors: Ahmed Aliyu , Ajibesin Adeyemi Abel
Published: June 2021

The essence of my paper is to intricately look at data transfer with various modulation techniques over various communication channels. And run simulations to uncover the Bit Error Rate (BER) of various relevant scenarios. I will evaluate the performance of modulation techniques from Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK or 2PSK) to 16PSK and other modulation techniques with the consideration of time. Their performance will be evaluated and analyzed by calculating their probability of bit error rate (BER) versus the Energy per bit to spectral noise density (Eb/No) over various wireless channel models such as the Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN), Rayleigh channel and Ricean channel. My simulation results will graphically display the effective performance of each communication scenario; it will give us a better understanding of why performances of data communications techniques.
Comparative Analysis of QAM Modulation Techniques over AWGN and Fading Channels
Authors: Jirnadu Theman Ibrahim , Ajibesin Adeyemi Abel , Ishaq Ahmed T.
Published: June 2021

Although, most researchers focus on some of the key components of good digital wireless communications which are the Bit Error Rate (BER) versus Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of modulation schemes. Energy consumption optimization is necessary for enhancing the performance of a wireless communication system as it offers numerous advantages to the system and the users. Therefore, this research focuses on analyzing the efficiency in the performance of the various QAM Modulation Schemes (4QAM, 16QAM, 32QAM & 64QAM) as they travel over noise/fading channels with the quest to obtain an energy-efficient scheme which will enhance system performance in terms of system runtime and quality of service. The efficiency of any given process, operation, or device is rated per the energy it consumes in carrying out an activity per unit output. Hence, the objective of this research work is to study and analyze comparatively the efficiency of these modulation schemes and to conclude with the most efficient scheme over the various channels. The evaluation of the Bit Error Rate (BER) versus energy per bit to noise spectral density (EbNo) for each communication scenario was carried out in MATLAB.
Effect of Temperature on Calcium Carbonate Precipitation in Biomimetic Calcium Chloride Solution
Authors: Fatheen Intan Nurfarzana Mohd Razib , Syuhani Che Husain , Fazlena Hamzah , Miradatul Najwa Mohd Rodhi , Veny Harumi
Published: June 2021

In the present work, the effect of temperature on calcium carbonate precipitation in the biomimetic calcium chloride solution was investigated. A spontaneous calcium carbonate precipitate was formed in the biomimetic calcium chloride solution as a result of the carbon dioxide hydration process. The reaction was conducted at different temperature range vary from 30°C to 100°C. The mass of the calcium carbonate precipitate and the pH solution was measured in the study. The finding indicated that an increment of the temperature has led to the fast pH reduction of the solutions to 7.0. However, the process has retarded the calcium carbonate precipitation process. The optimum temperature for higher calcium carbonate precipitation has occurred at the temperature range of 47.5°C – 65°C which gave the highest calcium carbonate precipitate at 0.121g. The addition of Tris buffer into the calcium chloride solution in this study did not gave an inhibition effect on the calcium carbonate precipitate. Based on the results, an operating condition at 47.5°C – 65°C was recommended to be used in mineral carbonization of CO2 using the biomimetic calcium chloride solution.
Stability Analysis of Thermocapillary Convection of B2O3/Sapphire Melt in an Annular Pool
Authors: Mo Dong Ming
Published: June 2021

Aiming at the thermocapillary convection stability of sapphire crystal grown by liquid-encapsulated Czochralski method, by non-linear numerical simulation, obtained the flow function and temperature distribution of R-Z cross section, as well as the velocity and temperature distribution at liquid-liquid interface and monitoring point of B2O3/sapphire melt in annular two liquid system, covered with solid upper wall and in microgravity. By means of linear stability analysis, obtained the neutral stability curve and critical stability parameters of the system, and revealed the temperature fluctuation of the liquid-liquid interface. The calculated results of B2O3/sapphire melt were compared with 5cSt silicone oil/HT-70. The results show that under the same geometrical conditions, the flow of B2O3/sapphire melt system is more unstable than 5cSt silicone oil/HT-70, there are two unstable flow patterns, radial three-dimensional steady flow cell and hydrothermal waves near the hot wall. The larger the ratio of Pr number of upper and lower fluid layers is, the better the effect of restraining the flow of lower fluid layers is.
Effect of Styrene-Acrylic Emulsion on Crack Resistance of Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Mei Jun Peng , Li Hai Nan , Xu Zhi Dong
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the brittleness coefficient, elastic modulus-to-strength ratio, drying shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage and cracking sensitivity were used to investigate the effect of styrene-acrylic emulsion (SAE) on crack resistance of cement-based materials under ultralow water binder ratio (0.22). Then the pore structures, hydration products and surface morphology were also studied to explore the mechanism of SAE on improving the crack resistance of cement-based materials. Results show that, the addition of SAE significantly reduces the elastic modulus, brittleness coefficient, elastic strength ratio, drying shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage of the specimen. The cracking susceptibility is also decreased by the incorporation of SAE and when the dosage of SAE was 5%, the initial cracking time would be extended by 43 hours. In addition, incorporation of SAE can reduce the amount of pores that have an adverse effect on shrinkage, refine the microstructure and decrease the calcium hydroxide formation and microcracks of cement-based materials. Such results would be expected to provide guidance on enhancing the anti-cracking ability of high-performance cementitious materials by the dosage of SAE under low water-binder ratio in practical engineering.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of A356-T6 Aluminum Alloy Wheel Hub Based on Casting-Spinning Process
Authors: Wang Zhang Feng , Ou Chi Xiang , Wang Meng Jun , Chen Bai Chen , Fan Gang Xian
Published: June 2021

The mechanical properties and microstructure of the A356-T6 wheel hub based on low pressure die casting-hot flow forming process were analyzed by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile tests. Results showed that the size of the eutectic region and the morphology of the Si phase were the main factors affecting the mechanical properties and fracture morphology of the wheel hub. There was a uniform distribution of eutectic area and fine Si phase morphology in the microstructure of the upper rim and lower rim, moreover, the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the upper rim reached 282.4MPa and 185.1MPa, respectively. The fractures were mainly composed of fine quasi-cleavage platform and dimple. The microstructure of the rim showed a long strip along the deformation direction and the eutectic structure and Si particles were uniformly distributed. Irregular polygonal eutectic regions and coarse rod-like Si particles were accumulating in the spoke, causing a serious decrease in mechanical properties, especially in the spoke center and spoke R angle.
Research on Grouting Materials for Underground Construction Projects
Authors: Duan Hao Ran , Zhao Peng , Qin Lei , Shi Feng Jiao
Published: June 2021

The engineering practice shows that the application of grouting technology to treat underground engineering has strong applicability and is one of the most commonly used technical means at present. Based on the underground engineering, this paper introduces the research achievements of grouting materials in recent years, including cement-based grouting materials, mixed grouting materials, anti-scouring grouting materials, and ultra-fine cement grouting materials. Current demand of grouting materials in underground engineering, there exists large dosage of cement, high content, high cost, serious environmental pollution problems, such as looking for alternatives or mixed with other raw materials for preparation of cementation material become the development trend, compared with the cement grouting material, chemical grouting material with higher performance, but in smaller projects within the scope of application. How to reduce the production cost of chemical grouting materials, simplify the production process, overcome the existing toxicity, reduce environmental pollution and improve the durability of solidified body has become the bottleneck of its popularization and application. Some achievements have been made in the modification of cement or chemical materials by nanometer components, but there is still a long way to go before the large-scale application of grouting engineering.
Misestimation of the ITZ Thickness around Non-Spherical Aggregates
Authors: Li Ming Qi , Chen Hui Su
Published: June 2021

The ITZ (interfacial transition zone) in concrete has very high porosity and permeability, which affects concrete’s macroscopic mechanical properties and transport properties. Two-dimensional (2D) areal analysis and one-dimensional (1D) linear analysis are usually used to study ITZ’s microstructure. However, 3D microstructure is difficult to be characterized by 1D and 2D information. For example, 2D cross-section planes do not always intercept both the ITZ and the corresponding aggregate, which causes some ITZ regions are ignored by researchers. Therefore, ITZ’s volume and thickness will be misestimated, and leads to the misestimation of the diffusivity. In this paper, the effect of aggregate’s shape on the misestimation of ITZ thickness t is studied. The results reveal that the misestimation increases with the increasing sphericity s of aggregates.