bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Job Candidates’ Recruitment and Selection Processes in a Teal Organization
Authors: Pisarska Aneta Maria , Iwko Joanna
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a concept, which from its very beginning, has been dividing researchers and practicians into its supporters and opponents. The owners of some organizations can still see in it its great value and implement its premises, among other things, in the human resources management processes. (2) Methods: The aim of the research presented within this article was to define the aspects of CSR in the processes of recruitment and selection of candidates to work in the teal organization and the motifs of implementing the aspects of CSR into these processes. A qualitative research strategy was applied in order to achieve reliable research results, and a single embedded case study was used as a tool of this research. The research information was gathered with the use of the following research methods: interviews, analysis of the documents, and analysis of the audio–visual materials (video recordings). The research was carried out in one of the leading teal companies in Poland, Marco Company Ltd. (3) Results: In the organization being researched, the aspects of the teal organization were identified in ten elements of the job candidates’ recruitment and selection processes. They permeate the entire process of recruitment constituting its inherent feature. The inclusion of CSR aspects into the processes of the job candidates’ recruitment and selection allows the company to gain such candidates who will make up the unique organization culture in cooperation with other Marco Company employees and will also fulfil corporate fundamental vision and mission. (4) Conclusions: The processes realized within the analysed company, including those in the field of job candidates‘ recruitment and selection, are to create a socially responsible and timeless business as the foundation of the welfare of the customers, suppliers, employees, company partners and local society. In order to achieve this purpose, the company needs suitable people, and that is the reason why CSR aspects are already included in the process of job candidates’ recruitment and selection.
The Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Industry–University Research Collaboration Efficiency in Chinese Mainland Universities
Authors: Zheng Bin , Chen Wenfeng , Zhao Hui
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the spatio-temporal characteristics of the industry–university research (IUR) collaboration efficiency of Chinese mainland colleges and universities, from 2008 to 2018. A comparative analysis method was used to analyze the data from the Statistical Yearbook of China’s Education Funds, the Compilation of Science and Technology Statistics of Colleges and Universities, and the China Statistical Yearbook. The principal components were extracted from relevant indicators of IUR capability in colleges and universities, with a principal component analysis (PCA) method. The principal component scores and comprehensive scores of 31 provinces in mainland China were calculated. The results showed that the efficiency of IUR collaboration in Chinese colleges and universities has increased rapidly within the 11 years studied. The efficiency in the eastern region has grown faster than that in the western region, and the gap between the southern region and the northern region has also continued to widen. The results also showed that the development of IUR collaboration efficiency of colleges and universities in mainland China is unbalanced. Scientific and technological funds, and scientific and technological manpower, were excessively concentrated in the southeast. Therefore, there is large room for improvement in the overall development of IUR collaboration in Chinese colleges and universities.
A Multi-Message Multi-Receiver Signcryption Scheme with Edge Computing for Secure and Reliable Wireless Internet of Medical Things Communications
Authors: Ullah Insaf , Khan Muhammad Asghar , Alkhalifah Ali , Nordin Rosdiadee , Alsharif Mohammed H. , Alghtani Abdulaziz H. , Aly Ayman A.
Published: December 2021

Thanks to recent advancements in biomedical sensors, wireless networking technologies, and information networks, traditional healthcare methods are evolving into a new healthcare infrastructure known as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). It enables patients in remote areas to obtain preventative or proactive healthcare services at a cheaper cost through the ease of time-independent interaction. Despite the many benefits of IoMT, the ubiquitously linked devices offer significant security and privacy concerns for patient data. In the literature, several multi-message and multi-receiver signcryption schemes have been proposed that use traditional public-key cryptography, identity-based cryptography, or certificateless cryptography methods to securely transfer patient health-related data from a variety of biomedical sensors to healthcare professionals. However, certificate management, key escrow, and key distribution are all complications with these methods. Furthermore, in terms of IoMT performance and privacy requirements, they are impractical. This article aims to include edge computing into an IoMT with secure deployment employing a multi-message and multi-receiver signcryption scheme to address these issues. In the proposed method, certificate-based signcryption and hyperelliptic curve cryptography (HECC) have been coupled for excellent performance and security. The cost study confirms that the proposed scheme is better than the existing schemes in terms of computational and communication costs.
The Effect of Density on the Delicate Balance between Structural Requirements and Environmental Issues for AAC Blocks: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Ferretti Daniele , Michelini Elena
Published: December 2021

Among other construction materials, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) offers several advantages to face the pressing need to build more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. From the building side, the low thermal conductivity of AAC allows the realization of energy-efficient building envelopes, with interesting savings in terms of heating and cooling processes. The equilibrium between structural performances (related to safety issues) and energy efficiency requirements is, however, very delicate since it is strictly related to the search for an “optimum” material density. Within this context, this work discusses the results of wide experimental research, showing the dependency of the most important mechanical properties (compressive strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength and fracture energy) from density, as well as the corresponding variation in thermal conductivity. In order to identify the better compromise solution, a sort of eco-mechanical index is also defined. The big challenge for future researches will be the improvement of this eco-mechanical index by working on pore structure and pore distribution within the material without significantly reducing the density and/or by improving the strength of the skeleton material.
Embedding Life Design in Future Readiness Efforts to Promote Collective Impact and Economically Sustainable Communities: Conceptual Frameworks and Case Example
Authors: Park Chong , Rodriguez Angelica , Gomez Jazmin , Erilus Isahiah , Donnelly Hayoung , Dai Yanling , Oliver-Davila Alexandra , Trunfio Paul , Nardi Cecilia , Howard Kimberly , Solberg V.
Published: December 2021

This is the first of two sequential papers describing the design and first-year implementation of a collaborative participatory action research effort between Sociedad Latina, a youth serving organization in Boston, Massachusetts, and Boston University. The collaboration aimed to develop and deliver a combined STEM and career development set of lessons for middle school Latinx youth. In the first paper, life design and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals are described in relation to the rationale and the design of the career development intervention strategy that aims to help middle school youth discover the ways that learning advanced-STEM skills expand future decent work opportunities both within STEM and outside STEM, ultimately leading to an outcome of well-being and sustainable communities. In addition to providing evidence of career development intervention strategies, a qualitative analysis of the collaboration is described. The second paper will discuss two additional frameworks that guided the design and implementation of our work. As an example of translational research, the paper will provide larger national and regional contexts by describing system level career development interventions underway using Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological and person–process–context–time frameworks.
Cnicus benedictus Oil as a Raw Material for Biodiesel: Extraction Optimization and Biodiesel Yield
Authors: Matei Petronela Lina , Busuioc Cristina , Ionescu Niculina , Stoica-Guzun Anicuta , Chira Nicoleta-Aurelia
Published: December 2021

Cnicus benedictus fruits were used as raw material to extract oil, and the resulting oil was converted into biodiesel. Two extraction methods were tested: batch extraction, and ultrasound assisted extraction. Response surface methodology was considered for the optimization of the process efficiency. The selected key independent variables were temperature, extraction time, and solid/liquid ratio for batch extraction and ultrasound intensity, temperature, and extraction time for the ultrasound assisted extraction, respectively. The optimal working conditions are different for the two extraction techniques, with respect to temperature, solid/liquid ratio, and extraction time, respectively, leading to higher extraction efficiency in the case of the ultrasound-assisted extraction. Cnicus benedictus oil obtained under the optimal extraction conditions was further esterified with methanol under acid catalysis to yield biodiesel. The biodiesel was characterized through 1H-NMR and the main fuel properties were determined.
Emerging Technologies and Innovation—Hopes for and Obstacles to Inclusive Societal Co-Construction
Authors: König Harald , Baumann Martina F. , Coenen Christopher
Published: December 2021

Since the late twentieth century, the concept of emerging technologies, fields designated as such and their governance have received increasing attention in academia, the media and policymaking. This also applies to the strongly interdisciplinary field of technology assessment (TA), sustainability research (SR), and activities and discussions about responsible (research and) innovation (RI/RRI). A crucial question in this context is how these technologies can be developed and governed in an inclusive manner in order to foster societally beneficial and widely accepted innovations. Given the diversity of values and socio-economic interests, such inclusive societal co-construction is not easy to achieve. Discussing various fields of emerging technology (applications) and based on the results of pertinent earlier research and dialogue activities, this article analyses hopes for and obstacles to such co-construction. It concludes with a plea to integrate meta-consensus approaches in governance conceptions for emerging technologies in RI/RRI, SR and TA.
Trusting in the “Eye in the Sky”? Farmers’ and Auditors’ Perceptions of Drone Use in Environmental Auditing
Authors: Lucock Xiaomeng , Westbrooke Victoria
Published: December 2021

Worldwide, the agricultural sector is under pressure to demonstrate environmental sustainability. In New Zealand, farm environment plans (FEPs) and their auditing were intended to guide farmers towards sustainable practices by meeting regulations. However, on-farm audits can be time consuming, costly, and stressful for farmers. Meanwhile, the advancement of drone technology has made it possible to incorporate such tools in environmental audits. By means of field observation and in-depth interviews with both farmers and auditors, this research investigated the processes and perceptions of incorporating drones in environmental audits. The aerial views provided additional, high-quality information for the audit. However, flying a drone is subject to weather conditions. Additionally, reductions in audit time were dependent on farm scale, topography, and the auditor’s knowledge of the farm and the farmer. Farmer-auditor relationships are critical for enabling the benefits of drone use within the FEP audit process. Such relationships require a high level of interaction-based trust between farmers and auditors. Further clarity around the use and ownership of drone images could enhance trust, enabling the benefits of drones in audits to be fully utilised, hence furthering the environmental management and compliance processes towards achieving their objectives of better environmental outcomes.
Fostering Knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals in Universities: The Case of Sulitest
Authors: Décamps Aurélien , Allal-Chérif Oihab , Gombault Anne
Published: December 2021

Improving sustainability knowledge is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article highlights the role of multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) in fostering sustainable development knowledge in higher education institutions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the importance of collaboration and stakeholder engagement for the adoption and impact of an MSP. The method is based on the case-study of Sulitest: an international MSP developing open online tools to raise and map sustainability literacy. Sulitest engages different stakeholders to co-develop and disseminate online tools according to the stakeholder context. Sulitest is also a data-provider for academic research investigating the advancement of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This study uses a sample of 61,376 students in 33 countries having taken the Sustainability Literacy Test between September 2016 and December 2018 to estimate the advancement of students’ knowledge and understanding of the 17 SDGs and their systemic nature. Factorial analysis allows to map the dimensions of sustainability literacy related to the level of engagement and collaboration in this MSP. The results show that active collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and membership in international networks act as important factors of adoption of this initiative. The analysis also highlights the role of exposure to education in order to enhance sustainability literacy and to develop a systemic perspective of sustainability.
Modelling Potential Distribution of Snow Leopards in Pamir, Northern Pakistan: Implications for Human–Snow Leopard Conflicts
Authors: Rashid Wajid , Shi Jianbin , Rahim Inam ur , Qasim Muhammad , Baloch Muhammad Naveed , Bohnett Eve , Yang Fangyuan , Khan Imran , Ahmad Bilal
Published: December 2021

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a cryptic and rare big cat inhabiting Asia’s remote and harsh elevated areas. Its population has decreased across the globe for various reasons, including human–snow leopard conflicts (HSCs). Understanding the snow leopard’s distribution range and habitat interactions with human/livestock is essential for understanding the ecological context in which HSCs occur and thus gives insights into how to mitigate HSCs. In this study, a MaxEnt model predicted the snow leopard’s potential distribution and analyzed the land use/cover to determine the habitat interactions of snow leopards with human/livestock in Karakoram–Pamir, northern Pakistan. The results indicated an excellent model performance for predicting the species’ potential distribution. The variables with higher contributions to the model were the mean diurnal temperature range (51.7%), annual temperature range (18.5%), aspect (14.2%), and land cover (6.9%). The model predicted approximately 10% of the study area as a highly suitable habitat for snow leopards. Appropriate areas included those at an altitude ranging from 2721 to 4825 m, with a mean elevation of 3796.9 ± 432 m, overlapping between suitable snow leopard habitats and human presence. The human encroachment (human settlements and agriculture) in suitable snow leopard habitat increased by 115% between 2008 and 2018. Increasing encroachment and a clear overlap between snow leopard suitable habitat and human activities, signs of growing competition between wildlife and human/livestock for limited rangeland resources, may have contributed to increasing HSCs. A sound land use plan is needed to minimize overlaps between suitable snow leopard habitat and human presence to mitigate HSCs in the long run.
Mapping Knowledge Domain Analysis in Smart Education Research
Authors: Guo Xing-Rong , Li Xiang , Guo Yi-Ming
Published: December 2021

Smart education is considered an inevitable choice and an important educational trend development in the Information Age. Smart education development can promote learning opportunities to master high-quality education and lifelong learning. It vigorously promotes sustainable development. A bibliometric analysis was performed to better understand smart education research field knowledge structures and help researchers understand smart education research field characteristics. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze 2358 Web of Science core collection articles related to smart education. The articles were dated 2000–2021. This study visually presents a systematic overview of smart education literature research, including the publication outputs, main categories, most influential countries, organizations, journals, and authors, important documents, and research academic trends. Using a series of cooperation analyses, this paper looked at research cooperation among countries and regions, organizations, and authors to build a smart education knowledge structure map. A smart education theoretical framework was proposed based on the literature review. A bibliometric analysis of the existing research results provided useful and innovative suggestions for researchers and practitioners in the field of smart education.
Green Warehousing: Exploration of Organisational Variables Fostering the Adoption of Energy-Efficient Material Handling Equipment
Authors: Modica Tiziana , Perotti Sara , Melacini Marco
Published: December 2021

The lithium-ion battery (LIB) represents a useful lever for reducing material handling equipment’s (MHE) environmental impact. The exploitation of opportunity charging might improve LIB adoption, which is still prevented by the high investment cost. Since opportunity charging is affected by the system organization, the relationship between LIB and organizational variables is a meaningful work direction to reduce warehouses’ environmental impact, which is underrepresented by the current literature. The present paper aims at filling this gap by investigating the implications of organisational variables on LIB adoption in warehouses where handling activities are performed with forklift trucks. Based on an in-depth review of the literature and semi-structured interviews, the research presents an input-process-output model linking organisational variables and LIB forklift related costs with an application to a real case. This paper is original as it extends findings from the research fields of production and mobility to the warehouse arena, and it opens room for further research on warehouse sustainability. The paper also offers insights to warehouse managers making decisions about LIB adoption for their electric forklift fleets. This is particularly meaningful to reduce warehouse environmental impact, since MHE power source significantly contributes to greenhouse gases emissions.
Efficacy, Energy Budgeting, and Carbon Footprints of Weed Management in Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)
Authors: Malhi Gurdeep Singh , Rana M. C. , Kumar Suresh , Rehmani Muhammad Ishaq Asif , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi
Published: December 2021

Weed management in blackgram is one of the most efficient ways to improve its yield, as uncontrolled weed growth causes a significant decrease in crop yield. A field experiment was performed at Berthin, Himachal Pradesh, India, to investigate the efficacy, energy use efficiency (EUE), and carbon footprints of weed management tactics. Twelve weed control treatments were tested applied alone or in combination at pre and post emergence stages. The most prominent weeds were Cyperus iria, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, and Echinochloa colona, which caused a 68.1% loss in unweeded conditions. The application of weed control treatments reduced the weed count at 60 DAS from around 50% to 90%. The most efficient weed control treatment was pre-emergence (PRE) use of ready mix imazethapyr 35% + imazamox 35% WG @ 80 g ha−1, which resulted in a minimum weed infestation (i.e., weed count and weed biomass) and consequently highest yield. Its efficacy in weed control treatment was on par with PRE use of ready mix imazethapyr (35%) + imazamox (35% WG @ 70 g ha−1. Maximum energy use efficiency was also obtained upon PRE use of imazethapyr (35%) + imazamox (35% WG) @ 80 g ha−1 (8.27), trailed by PRE use of imazethapyr + imazamox @ 70 g ha−1 (7.84), mainly because of the higher yield obtained in these treatments which shows their efficiency in energy conversion. The carbon footprints were observed to be the lowest in ready mix combination of imazethapyr (35%) + imazamox (35% WG) applied at 80 g ha−1 (0.11 kg CE kg−1 yield), followed by imazethapyr (35%) + imazamox (35% WG) applied at 70 g ha−1 (0.12 kg CE kg−1 yield), as it resulted in the lowest emission per unit output production.
Sustainable, Healthy and Affordable Diets for Children in Lebanon: A Call for Action in Dire Times
Authors: Jomaa Lamis , Nasreddine Lara , Naja Farah , Chehade Lara , Hwalla Nahla
Published: December 2021

Achieving sustainable, healthy diets remains a global challenge to meet the sustainable development agenda by 2030. The purpose of this study is to derive optimal dietary recommendations for children that consider nutritional, environmental, and economic parameters of sustainability, using Lebanon as a case study. Data from the latest national food consumption survey conducted among Lebanese children were used. Optimized diets were derived using Optimeal, a software that produces similar patterns to the usual diet while considering nutrition constraints (energy, and macro/micronutrient needs), environmental footprints ((EFPs): water use, energy use, and greenhouse emissions), and cost. Three optimized diets were derived that meet the nutritional needs of children aged 4–8, 9–13, and 14–18 years, while considering EFPs and cost. Compared to the usual intake, optimized diets included higher intake of vegetables, legumes and dairy, and a decrease in saturated oils, processed meats, sugar, salty snacks, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Overall, the optimized diets decreased cost by 20% and reduced water use, energy use, and GHG emissions, by 20%, 11%, and 22%, respectively. The proposed models consider various constraints and provide sustainable solutions for decision makers within a country undergoing crises.
Optimization of Ecosystem Services of Shanghai Urban–Suburban Street Trees Based on Low-Carbon Targets
Authors: Chen Yugang , Xie Changkun , Jiang Ruiyuan , Che Shengquan
Published: December 2021

Road traffic carbon emissions are an important cause of global warming, and street trees play an important role in regulating road carbon emissions. During urbanization, major differences in the planting management modes and growth status of the street trees in urban–suburban gradient may exist, leading to significant differences in the low-carbon values of the street trees in urban–suburban gradient. Based on this, this study took two typical urban–suburban gradient zones in Shanghai as an example to analyze the changes in the characteristics of street tree species, planting density, tree sizes, and low-carbon contribution with urban and rural changes, and proposed strategies for optimizing the low-carbon contribution of urban street trees. The results showed that, from the inner ring to the outer ring and the suburban ring, the proportion of London plane tree gradually changed from 82% to 11%, and the proportion of the camphor tree gradually changed from 9% to 70%; the average DBH of the trees gradually decreased from 28.81 to 23.74 cm. The number of plantings per unit road length gradually increased, and the number of plantings per unit area gradually decreased; therefore, the average low-carbon contribution of urban–suburban street trees is not significant, but the low-carbon contribution of upper street trees per unit area is higher, and suburban unit street trees have a higher low-carbon contribution. Finally, this article proposes different optimization strategies for future urban micro-renewal and suburban new-city construction.
A Comprehensive Economic Examination and Prospects on Innovation in New Grapevine Varieties Dealing with Global Warming and Fungal Diseases
Authors: Montaigne Etienne , Coelho Alfredo , Zadmehran Samson
Published: December 2021

The present study focuses on the assessment of the development perspectives of the new grape varieties that are resistant to fungal diseases and thus promote the reduction or the suppression of phytosanitary treatments. The study also discusses new grape varieties dealing with global warming. Our methods rely on direct surveys with researchers and stakeholders completed with a synthesis of the scientific literature and edited research programs. This approach proposes an explanatory and a comprehensive investigation. It includes an overview of the current state of the art of the supply of technology, the presentation of the strategies of the main actors and stakeholders involved in the innovation chain, a synthesis of the current scientific and technical controversies, and an analysis of the influence of the institutions and legislation. Furthermore, we provide an evaluation of the previous research program on new grape varieties of the French National Institute for Research in Agronomy (INRA) and of the outcome of the diffusion of new grape varieties implemented in the south of France. This analysis will allow us to discuss the conditions for the success of this innovation as a competitiveness factor.
I Am Better Than Others: Waste Management Policies and Self-Enhancement Bias
Authors: Zhao Yihan , Chen Rong , Yabe Mitsuyasu , Han Buxin , Liu Pingping
Published: December 2021

Waste source separation has been a social dilemma globally with a low participation rate. This research attempted to solve this dilemma by exploring the effect of mandatory (versus voluntary) policies on waste separation from the perspective of the self-versus based on deterrence theory and self-enhancement motivation. Hypothetical scenarios were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of mandatory policies and self-enhancement bias for residents (n = 589) and adolescents (n = 121). Study 2 was performed to replicate the findings of Study 1 with a no-implementation policy condition, and Study 3 extended the findings to adolescents. We found robust self-enhancement bias, where participants perceived themselves to be better than others in both willingness to perform and attitudes toward waste separation behavior. Specifically, participants tended to perceive themselves to perform waste separation well when policy compliance was voluntary, but they tended to perceive others to perform well when policy compliance was mandatory with supervision. These findings highlight the impact of mandatory policy with supervision and self-enhancement bias in waste management. The present studies provide substantial evidence and implications for the necessity of supervision in mandatory policy implementation.
Public Debt Frontier: A Python Toolkit for Analyzing Public Debt Sustainability
Authors: de-Córdoba Gonzalo F. , Molinari Benedetto , Torres José L.
Published: December 2021

This study proposes a synthetic visual indicator with which to perform debt sustainability analysis using dynamic general equilibrium models. In a single diagram, we summarized the general equilibrium relationships among economic activity, government budget, and the maximum amount of sustainable public debt. Then, we measured sustainability using the distance of actual debt from the model-consistent maximum debt. This indicator can be implemented with any DSGE model; as a backing theory, we used a neoclassical model augmented with endogenous tax revenues, disaggregated public spending, different production technologies for public and private goods, non-atomistic wage setters in public labor (unions), and a fully specified maturity curve for public bonds. We provided an example of its usage using the case of Greece during the last public debt crisis. To perform the numerical analysis, we developed original software, whose advantage is allowing an audience without expertise in DSGE models to perform general equilibrium debt sustainability analyses without requiring an understanding of the technicalities of DSGE models.
Effects of COVID-19 Infection Control Measures on the Festival and Event Sector in Poland and Norway
Authors: Janiszewska Dorota , Hannevik Lien Vilde , Kloskowski Dariusz , Ossowska Luiza , Dragin-Jensen Christian , Strzelecka Marianna , Kwiatkowski Grzegorz
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a strong impact on the functioning of the event industry. This article aims to present the impact of infection control measures on the event sector. In addition, the article compares the infection control measures implemented in Poland and Norway. The COVID-19 infection measures analysis is the first stage of a project to build the resilience of the event sector. The study was conducted based on secondary data (analysis of documents and public statistics, with the support of the literature). The research used the descriptive method and comparisons. The results of the study confirmed the following research hypotheses according to which: (1) uncertainty is conducive to overreactions, both of the government and entities from the event sector; (2) mutual trust between government and society reduces the need for restrictions; and (3) the lack of mutual trust between government and society increases uncertainty. Furthermore, the inability to meet people, limited access to culture, and the need to work from home contributed to the deterioration of societies’ quality of life and mental health. This means that the pandemic has an adverse impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 and 8).
3D Surveying of Underground Built Heritage: Opportunities and Challenges of Mobile Technologies
Authors: Di Stefano Francesco , Torresani Alessandro , Farella Elisa M. , Pierdicca Roberto , Menna Fabio , Remondino Fabio
Published: December 2021

Among the existing Cultural Heritage settings, Underground Built Heritage (UBH) represents a peculiar case. The scarce or lack of knowledge and documentation of these spaces frequently limits their proper management, exploitation, and valorization. When mapping these environments for documentation purposes, the primary need is to achieve a complete, reliable, and adequate representation of the built spaces and their geometry. Terrestrial laser scanners were widely employed for this task, although the procedure is generally time-consuming and often lacks color information. Mobile Mapping Systems (MMSs) are nowadays fascinating and promising technologies for mapping underground structures, speeding up acquisition times. In this paper, mapping experiences (with two commercial tools and an in-house prototype) in UBH settings are presented, testing the different handheld mobile solutions to guarantee an accurate and reliable 3D digitization. Tests were performed in the selected case study of Camerano Caves (Italy), characterized by volumetric complexity, poor lighting conditions, and difficult accessibility. The aim of this research activity is not only to show the differences in the technological instruments used for 3D surveying, but rather to argue over the pros and cons of the systems, providing the community with best practices and rules for 3D data collection with handheld mobile systems. The experiments deliver promising results when compared with TLS data.
Beyond Nature-Based Rhetorics: A Prospect on the Potentials of Redundancy in Ecology-Oriented Design
Authors: Mestre Nieves , Roig Eduardo , Almestar Manuel
Published: December 2021

Nature-Based Solutions are defined as infrastructures or systems which are inspired by, supported by, or copied from nature. This biophilic leitmotif has rapidly permeated and been prescribed in many fields, particularly in urban and architectural design, stimulating an invasion of green rhetorics not necessarily founded on genuine ecological performing. In this context, this article explores current gaps in the epistemology and rhetorics of NBS, expanding the field with alternative narratives such as cycle-based design and micro-scalar or process-oriented approaches. The concept of redundancy is here presented as a non-observable, still nature-based principle, already applied in disparate scientific fields such as information theory, cybernetics, or evolutionary biology, and introduced in design fields from a theoretical perspective. Novel applicability of the term will be articulated from design perspectives through various case studies, using a multi-scalar scope and concluding in a tentative taxonomy. Redundancy entails a shift from grammar-based to syntax-based design logics. Morphological redundancy is presented as an upgrade of NBS rhetorics, delivering a more advanced understanding of the hidden choreographies of nature.
Ecological Approach for the Evaluation of Structure and Sustainability in the Tourism Industry
Authors: Mo Lichun , Chen Jiancheng , Xie Yi
Published: December 2021

Badaling is the main tourism area in Beijing. The development of tourism has generated considerable economic benefit in this region, but the tourism industry also brought considerable environmental pressure. To obtain a targeted upgrade plan for metropolitan tourism industry, static and dynamic analysis methods were used to quantitatively estimate the structure of the tourism industry in this region. In addition, the ecological footprint and ecosystem capacity models were used to evaluate the sustainable development of tourism. The results show that: (1) The structure of tourism in Badaling is better than that of Beijing, but the growth rate of tourism earnings is slower than the average value in Beijing. Overall, the region lacks competitiveness and the tourism industry in the area is in dire need of an upgrade; (2) the total ecological footprint due to tourism in the Badaling region is 381,098.28 hm2, and the ecosystem capacity is 4509.61 hm2. It is in an obvious ecological deficit, and the development of the tourism industry is unsustainable. To relieve the pressure on the ecology in the Badaling region, we propose four policy suggestions: (1) develop disadvantaged sectors and enhance tourism industry competitiveness, (2) boost tourist transportation revenues relying on the Winter Olympic Games, (3) grow cultural and creative products and expand sales channels, and (4) strengthen inter-regional cooperation and alleviate local ecological pressure.
Fibrinogen and Bleeding in Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Ikić Višnja
Published: December 2021

Background: Fibrinogen is a substrate for blood clots formation. In cardiac surgery, a number of different mechanisms lead to a decrease in fibrinogen levels and consequent impaired haemostasis. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are therefore frequently exposed to blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusion, which are risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality. Thus, particular efforts in fibrinogen management should be made to decrease bleeding and the need for blood transfusion. Therefore, fibrinogen remains an active focus of investigations from basic science to clinical practice. This review aims to summarise the latest evidence regarding the role of fibrinogen and current practices in fibrinogen management in adult cardiac surgery. Methods: The PubMed database was systematically searched for literature investigating the role and disorders of fibrinogen in cardiac surgery and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to fibrinogen deficiency aimed at reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements. Clinical trials and reviews from the last 10 years were included. Results: In total, 146 articles were analysed. Conclusion: The early diagnosis and treatment of fibrinogen deficiency is crucial in maintaining haemostasis in bleeding patients. Further studies are needed to better understand the association between fibrinogen levels, bleeding, and fibrinogen supplementation and their impacts on patient outcomes in different clinical settings.
An Extension of Caputo Fractional Derivative Operator by Use of Wiman’s Function
Authors: Goyal Rahul , Agarwal Praveen , Parmentier Alexandra , Cesarano Clemente
Published: December 2021

The main aim of this work is to study an extension of the Caputo fractional derivative operator by use of the two-parameter Mittag–Leffler function given by Wiman. We have studied some generating relations, Mellin transforms and other relationships with extended hypergeometric functions in order to derive this extended operator. Due to symmetry in the family of special functions, it is easy to study their various properties with the extended fractional derivative operators.
Shape Dynamics of the TT¯ Deformation
Authors: Shyam Vasudev
Published: December 2021

I will show how the flow triggered by deforming two-dimensional conformal field theories on a torus by the TT¯ operator is identical to the evolution generated by the (radial) quantum Shape Hamiltonian in 2 + 1 dimensions. I will discuss how the gauge invariances of the Shape Dynamics, i.e., volume-preserving conformal invariance and diffeomorphism invariance along slices of constant radius are realized as Ward identities of the deformed quantum field theory. I will also comment about the relationship between the reduction to shape space on the gravity side and the solvability of the irrelevant operator deformation of the conformal field theory
A Class of New Correlative and Switchable Hyperchaotic Systems and Their Switch-Synchronization
Authors: Jia Nuo , Wang Tao
Published: December 2021

A new population of correlative and switchable 4D hyperchaotic systems and their switch-synchronization are investigated. First, the switched system with the self-contained subsystems which show some symmetry are constructed. The Lyapunov exponent spectrums and Lyapunov dimensions are displayed to indicate the existence of hyperchaos, and the complex dynamical properties are discussed. Second, its real circuit implement is exhibited for application, and the switching with the flexible and diverse operation assembled can be accomplished randomly by using system selector. Third, nonlinear control strategies are presented to ensure the synchronization stability of the switched system. Simulations are displayed to verify the effectiveness of the control.
Convergence on Population Dynamics and High-Dimensional Haddock Conjecture
Authors: Wang Wenke , Li Le , Yi Xuejun , Huang Chuangxia
Published: December 2021

One fundamental step towards grasping the global dynamic structure of a population system involves characterizing the convergence behavior (specifically, how to characterize the convergence behavior). This paper focuses on the neutral functional differential equations arising from population dynamics. With the help of monotonicity techniques and functional methods, we analyze the subtle relations of both the ω-limited set and special point. Meanwhile, we prove that every bounded solution converges to a constant vector, as t tends to positive infinity. Our results correlate with the findings from earlier publications, and our proof yields an improved Haddock conjecture.
Nuclear Structure Evolution Reflected from Local Relations
Authors: Bao Man , Wei Qian
Published: December 2021

The structure evolution of nuclei which are in connection with symmetry breaking is one of the important problems not only for nuclear structures, but also for astrophysics and the spectroscopy of exotic nuclei. Many physical quantities can provide useful information of a shell structure, such as nuclear masses and nuclear charge radii. This paper introduces three kinds of local relations, i.e., the NpNn scheme respectively for the quadrupole deformation parameter and the excitation energy of the first 2+, 4+, 6+ states, the (αN′n+N′p) relation for nuclear charge radii and α decay energies, and the so-called “nonpairing” relation for binding energies and nuclear charge radii. All these relations reflect the evolution of nuclear structures, involving shells, subshells, shape coexistence, phase transition and the Wigner effect. Some results from different models can be verified with each other.
Inflation from the Symmetry of the Generalized Cosmological Model
Authors: Yerzhanov Koblandy , Bauyrzhan Gulnur , Altaibayeva Aziza , Myrzakulov Ratbay
Published: December 2021

It is shown that the inflationary model is the result of the symmetry of the generalized F(R,T,X,φ)-cosmological model using the Noether symmetry. It leads to a solution, a particular case of which is Starobinsky’s cosmological model. It is shown that even in the more particular case of cosmological models F(R,X,φ) and F(T,X,φ) the Monge–Ampère equation is still obtained, one of the solutions including the Starobinsky model. For these models, it is shown that one can obtain both power-law and exponential solutions for the scale factor from the Euler–Lagrange equations. In this case, the scalar field φ has similar time dependences, exponential and exponential. The resulting form of the Lagrangian of the model allows us to consider it as a model with R2 or X2. However, it is also shown that previously less studied models with a non-minimal relationship between R and X are important, as one of the possible models. It is shown that in this case the power-law model can have a limited evolutionary period with a negative value of the kinetic term.
On Some Laws of Large Numbers for Uncertain Random Variables
Authors: Nowak Piotr , Hryniewicz Olgierd
Published: December 2021

Baoding Liu created uncertainty theory to describe the information represented by human language. In turn, Yuhan Liu founded chance theory for modelling phenomena where both uncertainty and randomness are present. The first theory involves an uncertain measure and variable, whereas the second one introduces the notions of a chance measure and an uncertain random variable. Laws of large numbers (LLNs) are important theorems within both theories. In this paper, we prove a law of large numbers (LLN) for uncertain random variables being continuous functions of pairwise independent, identically distributed random variables and regular, independent, identically distributed uncertain variables, which is a generalisation of a previously proved version of LLN, where the independence of random variables was assumed. Moreover, we prove the Marcinkiewicz–Zygmund type LLN in the case of uncertain random variables. The proved version of the Marcinkiewicz–Zygmund type theorem reflects the difference between probability and chance theory. Furthermore, we obtain the Chow type LLN for delayed sums of uncertain random variables and formulate counterparts of the last two theorems for uncertain variables. Finally, we provide illustrative examples of applications of the proved theorems. All the proved theorems can be applied for uncertain random variables being functions of symmetrically or asymmetrically distributed random variables, and symmetrical or asymmetrical uncertain variables. Furthermore, in some special cases, under the assumption of symmetry of the random and uncertain variables, the limits in the first and the third theorem have forms of symmetrical uncertain variables.
Solving Robust Weighted Independent Set Problems on Trees and under Interval Uncertainty
Authors: Klobučar Ana , Manger Robert
Published: December 2021

The maximum weighted independent set (MWIS) problem is important since it occurs in various applications, such as facility location, selection of non-overlapping time slots, labeling of digital maps, etc. However, in real-life situations, input parameters within those models are often loosely defined or subject to change. For such reasons, this paper studies robust variants of the MWIS problem. The study is restricted to cases where the involved graph is a tree. Uncertainty of vertex weights is represented by intervals. First, it is observed that the max–min variant of the problem can be solved in linear time. Next, as the most important original contribution, it is proved that the min–max regret variant is NP-hard. Finally, two mutually related approximation algorithms for the min–max regret variant are proposed. The first of them is already known, but adjusted to the considered situation, while the second one is completely new. Both algorithms are analyzed and evaluated experimentally.
Some Remarks about Exponential and Semi-Exponential Operators
Authors: Herzog Monika
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we study the approximation properties of some exponential and semi-exponential operators. We focus on modifications of these operators in King’s sense, examining the rate of convergence for basic and modified operators. The presented line of reasoning emphasizes some symmetry in the modifications of exponential and semi-exponential operators.
Collaborative Production Task Decomposition and Allocation among Multiple Manufacturing Enterprises in a Big Data Environment
Authors: Li Feng , Li Xiya , Yang Yun , Xu Yan , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2021

To realize the efficient decomposition and allocation of collaborative production tasks and resources among multiple enterprises, a task decomposition and allocation model for collaborative production among multiple manufacturing enterprises is proposed in a big data environment. The model is designed for the efficient and fast processing of production information using big data technology. This study innovatively applies the 5S management method to conduct data preprocessing for a manufacturing service provider and design the operation process of data cleaning and conversion to improve the efficiency of data processing. A collaborative optimization model, based on a hierarchical model with seven levels and considering time, costs, and services, is established for the task of production to achieve a reasonable match between supply and demand. Finally, the correlation coefficients of manufacturing service providers are configured according to weight order, so that the weight order is symmetrical with that of the manufacturer. The model also engages all manufacturing service providers with different production capabilities in collaborative production. The model is proved to be scientific and effective by using a specific example. In cooperative production activities, the production tasks of small and medium-sized enterprises can be effectively allocated. It can also realize efficient cooperative production among multiple manufacturing enterprises.
First-Order Random Coefficient Multinomial Autoregressive Model for Finite-Range Time Series of Counts
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Dehui , Yang Kai , Dong Xiaogang
Published: December 2021

In view of the complexity and asymmetry of finite range multi-state integer-valued time series data, we propose a first-order random coefficient multinomial autoregressive model in this paper. Basic probabilistic and statistical properties of the model are discussed. Conditional least squares (CLS) and weighted conditional least squares (WCLS) estimators of the model parameters are derived, and their asymptotic properties are established. In simulation studies, we compare these two methods with the conditional maximum likelihood (CML) method to verify the proposed procedure. A real example is applied to illustrate the advantages of our model.