bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipreading Architecture Based on Multiple Convolutional Neural Networks for Sentence-Level Visual Speech Recognition
Authors: Jeon Sanghun , Elsharkawy Ahmed , Kim Mun Sang
Published: December 2021

In visual speech recognition (VSR), speech is transcribed using only visual information to interpret tongue and teeth movements. Recently, deep learning has shown outstanding performance in VSR, with accuracy exceeding that of lipreaders on benchmark datasets. However, several problems still exist when using VSR systems. A major challenge is the distinction of words with similar pronunciation, called homophones; these lead to word ambiguity. Another technical limitation of traditional VSR systems is that visual information does not provide sufficient data for learning words such as “a”, “an”, “eight”, and “bin” because their lengths are shorter than 0.02 s. This report proposes a novel lipreading architecture that combines three different convolutional neural networks (CNNs; a 3D CNN, a densely connected 3D CNN, and a multi-layer feature fusion 3D CNN), which are followed by a two-layer bi-directional gated recurrent unit. The entire network was trained using connectionist temporal classification. The results of the standard automatic speech recognition evaluation metrics show that the proposed architecture reduced the character and word error rates of the baseline model by 5.681% and 11.282%, respectively, for the unseen-speaker dataset. Our proposed architecture exhibits improved performance even when visual ambiguity arises, thereby increasing VSR reliability for practical applications.
CMOS-Based Redox-Type Label-Free ATP Image Sensor for In Vitro Sensitive Imaging of Extracellular ATP
Authors: Doi Hideo , Horio Tomoko , Choi Yong-Joon , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Noda Toshihiko , Sawada Kazuaki
Published: December 2021

Adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) plays a crucial role as an extracellular signaling molecule in the central nervous system and is closely related to various nerve diseases. Therefore, label-free imaging of extracellular ATP dynamics and spatiotemporal analysis is crucial for understanding brain function. To decrease the limit of detection (LOD) of imaging extracellular ATP, we fabricated a redox-type label-free ATP image sensor by immobilizing glycerol-kinase (GK), L-α-glycerophosphate oxidase (LGOx), and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzymes in a polymer film on a gold electrode-modified potentiometric sensor array with a 37.3 µm-pitch. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is generated through the enzymatic reactions from GK to LGOx in the presence of ATP and glycerol, and ATP can be detected as changes in its concentration using an electron mediator. Using this approach, the LOD for ATP was 2.8 µM with a sensitivity of 77 ± 3.8 mV/dec., under 10 mM working buffers at physiological pH, such as in in vitro experiments, and the LOD was great superior 100 times than that of the hydrogen ion detection-based image sensor. This redox-type ATP image sensor may be successfully applied for in vitro sensitive imaging of extracellular ATP dynamics in brain nerve tissue or cells.
Monitoring Track Transition Zones in Railways
Authors: Sañudo Roberto , Jardí Ignacio , Martínez José-Conrado , Sánchez Francisco-Javier , Miranda Marina , Alonso Borja , dell’Olio Luigi , Moura Jose-Luis
Published: December 2021

This manuscript presents the first measurement program and data collection on the Dinatrans track transition solution after it was installed in a track section in the north of Spain (Galicia). The Dinatrans solution was created to address the limitations of several track transition solutions. This novel solution consists of two inner and outer rails from slab track to ballast track, pads with different stiffness over sleepers of variable lengths installed from ballast track to slab track, and a simple substructure formed by non-structural concrete poured over the natural ground. The main objective of this research was to assess the suitability and the initial performance of the Dinatrans track transition solution. The measured variables for these initial real-world tests were vertical accelerations on sleepers, shear stress on rails, vertical displacements on rails and vertical displacements on sleepers. All measurements of these variables were obtained in an in-situ program by installing vertical accelerometers and LVDTs on the track structure and extensometer gauges on the rails and sleepers. The methodology and the procedures followed are described. The Dinatrans initial solution was compared with the Standard solution used in Spain using these initial measurements. This field analysis provides an initial understanding of the performance of the new track transition. Further measurements will be required to check the track transition performance over the long term; however, no maintenance works have been necessary since construction (2016).
Measurement of Sea Waves
Authors: Rossi Giovanni Battista , Cannata Andrea , Iengo Antonio , Migliaccio Maurizio , Nardone Gabriele , Piscopo Vincenzo , Zambianchi Enrico
Published: December 2021

Sea waves constitute a natural phenomenon with a great impact on human activities, and their monitoring is essential for meteorology, coastal safety, navigation, and renewable energy from the sea. Therefore, the main measurement techniques for their monitoring are here reviewed, including buoys, satellite observation, coastal radars, shipboard observation, and microseism analysis. For each technique, the measurement principle is briefly recalled, the degree of development is outlined, and trends are prospected. The complementarity of such techniques is also highlighted, and the need for further integration in local and global networks is stressed.
Highway Regional Classification Method Based on Traffic Flow Characteristics for Highway Safety Assessment
Authors: Baek Jongdae
Published: December 2021

Accurate regional classification of highways is a critical prerequisite to implement a tailored safety assessment. However, there has been inadequate research on objective classification considering traffic flow characteristics for highway safety assessment purposes. We propose an objective and easily applicable classification method that considers the administrative divisions of South Korea. We evaluated the feasibility of this method through various theoretical analysis techniques using the data collected from 536 permanent traffic volume counting stations for the national highways in South Korea in 2019. The ratio of the annual average hourly traffic volume to the annual average daily traffic was used as the explanatory variable. The corresponding results of factor and cluster analyses with this ratio showed a 61% concordance with the urban, suburban, and rural areas classified by the administrative divisions. The results of two-sample goodness-of-fit tests also confirmed that the difference in the three distributions of hourly volume ratios was statistically significant. The results of this study can help enhance highway safety and facilitate the development and application of more appropriate highway safety assessment tools, such as Road Assessment Programs or crash prediction models, for specific regions using the proposed method.
Characterization of an Innovative Detector Based on Scintillating Fiber for Personalized Computed Tomography Dosimetry
Authors: Devic Clément , Plagnard Johann , Munier Mélodie
Published: December 2021

For technical and radioprotection reasons, it has become essential to develop new dosimetric tools adapted to the specificities of computed tomography (CT) to ensure precise and efficient dosimetry since the current standards are not suitable for clinical use and for new CT technological evolution. Thanks to its many advantages, plastic scintillating fibers (PSF) is a good candidate for more accurate and personalized real-time dosimetry in computed tomography, and the company Fibermetrix has developed a new device named IVISCAN® based on this technology. In this study, we evaluated performances of IVISCAN® and associated uncertainties in terms of dose-rate dependence, angular dependence, stability with cumulative dose, repeatability, energy dependence, length dependence, and special uniformity in reference and clinical computed tomography beam qualities. For repeatability, the standard deviation is less than 0.039%, and the absolute uncertainty of repeatability lies between 0.017% and 0.025%. The deviation between IVISCAN® and the reference regarding energy dependence is less than 1.88% in clinical use. Dose rate dependence results show a maximum deviation under ±2%. Angular dependence standard deviation σ is 0.8%, and the absolute uncertainty was 1.6%. We observed 1% of variation every 50 Gy steps up to a cumulative dose of 500 Gy. Probe response was found to be independent of the PSF length with a maximum deviation ΔDsize < 2.7% between the IVISCAN® probe and the 1 cm PSF probe. The presented results demonstrated that IVISCAN® performances are in accordance with metrology references and the international standard IEC61674 relative to dosemeters used in X-ray diagnostic imaging and then make it an ideal candidate for real-time dosimetry in CT applications.
Functional Microfiber Nonwoven Fabric with Copper Ion-Immobilized Polymer Brush for Detection and Adsorption of Acetone Gas
Authors: Kim Yung-Yoon , Uezu Kazuya
Published: December 2021

The detection and removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emerging as an important problem in modern society. In this study, we attempted to develop a new material capable of detecting or adsorbing VOCs by introducing a new functional group and immobilizing metal ions into a microfiber nonwoven fabric (MNWF) made through radiation-induced graft polymerization. The suitable metal complex was selected according to the data in “Cambridge Crystallographic Data Center (CCDC)”. 4-picolylamine (4-AMP), designated as a ligand through the metal complex data of CCDC, was introduced at an average mole conversion rate of 63%, and copper ions were immobilized at 0.51 mmol/g to the maximum. It was confirmed that degree of grafting (dg) 170% 4-AMP-Cu MNWF, where copper ions are immobilized, can adsorb up to 50% of acetone gas at about 50 ppm, 0.04 mmol/g- 4-AMP-Cu-MNWF, at room temperature and at a ratio of copper ion to adsorbed acetone of 1:10.
Multilevel RTN Removal Tools for Dynamic FBG Strain Measurements Corrupted by Peak-Splitting Artefacts
Authors: Fallais Dominik Johannes Marius , Henkel Maximilian , Noppe Nymfa , Weijtjens Wout , Devriendt Christof
Published: December 2021

Strain measurements using fibre Bragg grating (FBG) optical sensors are becoming ever more commonplace. However, in some cases, these measurements can become corrupted by sudden jumps in the signal, which manifest as spikes or step-like offsets in the data. These jumps are caused by a defect in the FBG itself, which is referred to as peak-splitting. The effects of peak splitting artefacts on FBG strain measurements show similarities with an additive multi-level telegraph noise process, in which the amplitudes and occurrences of the jumps are related to fibre deformation states. Whenever it is not possible to re-assess the raw spectral data with advanced peak tracking software, other means for removing the jumps from the data have to be found. The two methods presented in this article are aimed at removing additive multi-level random telegraph noise (RTN) from the raw data. Both methods are based on denoising the sample wise difference signal using a combination of an outlier detection scheme followed by an outlier replacement step. Once the difference signal has been denoised, the cumulative sum is used to arrive back at a strain time series. Two methods will be demonstrated for reconstructing severely corrupted strain time series; the data for this verification has been collected from sub-soil strain measurements obtained from an operational offshore wind-turbine. The results show that the proposed methods can be used effectively to reconstruct the dynamic content of the corrupted strain time series. It has been illustrated that errors in the outlier replacements accumulate and can cause a quasi-static drift. A representative mean value and drift correction are proposed in terms of an optimization problem, which maximizes the overlap between the reconstruction and a subset of the raw data; whereas a high-pass filter is suggested to remove the quasi static drift if only the dynamic band of the signal is of interest.
The Pivotal Role of Chemistry in Research and Development
Authors: Samanidou Victoria , Zachariadis George , Terzidis Michael A. , Paraskevopoulou Adamantini
Published: December 2021

Undoubtedly, all pivotal advances in a great number of scientific fields rely on advances in chemistry. [...]
Spatial-Temporal Flows-Adaptive Street Layout Control Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Ye Qiming , Feng Yuxiang , Candela Eduardo , Escribano Macias Jose , Stettler Marc , Angeloudis Panagiotis
Published: December 2021

Complete streets scheme makes seminal contributions to securing the basic public right-of-way (ROW), improving road safety, and maintaining high traffic efficiency for all modes of commute. However, such a popular street design paradigm also faces endogenous pressures like the appeal to a more balanced ROW for non-vehicular users. In addition, the deployment of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) mobility is likely to challenge the conventional use of the street space as well as this scheme. Previous studies have invented automated control techniques for specific road management issues, such as traffic light control and lane management. Whereas models and algorithms that dynamically calibrate the ROW of road space corresponding to travel demands and place-making requirements still represent a research gap. This study proposes a novel optimal control method that decides the ROW of road space assigned to driveways and sidewalks in real-time. To solve this optimal control task, a reinforcement learning method is introduced that employs a microscopic traffic simulator, namely SUMO, as its environment. The model was trained for 150 episodes using a four-legged intersection and joint AVs-pedestrian travel demands of a day. Results evidenced the effectiveness of the model in both symmetric and asymmetric road settings. After being trained by 150 episodes, our proposed model significantly increased its comprehensive reward of both pedestrians and vehicular traffic efficiency and sidewalk ratio by 10.39%. Decisions on the balanced ROW are optimised as 90.16% of the edges decrease the driveways supply and raise sidewalk shares by approximately 9%. Moreover, during 18.22% of the tested time slots, a lane-width equivalent space is shifted from driveways to sidewalks, minimising the travel costs for both an AV fleet and pedestrians. Our study primarily contributes to the modelling architecture and algorithms concerning centralised and real-time ROW management. Prospective applications out of this method are likely to facilitate AV mobility-oriented road management and pedestrian-friendly street space design in the near future.
Achieving Sustainability in Solar Energy Firms in Turkey through Adopting Lean Principles
Authors: Aldewachi Bilal , Ayağ Zeki
Published: December 2021

Lean principles and sustainability are considered important terms in business. Solar firms are witnessing great competition to fulfill energy requirements, suffering from a huge amount of waste, negatively affecting the sustainability dimensions. Thus, the aim of the study is to build a framework for solar energy firms to achieve sustainability through adopting lean principles, which will help to fix many problems as waste and costs. The method included reviewing the literature to explore the founding of the relation between the two terms, and using a questionnaire that was directed to the responsible people in Turkish solar energy firms. The results of the survey were analyzed to: (1) Find out what the responsible people think about the two terms lean and sustainability; (2) Measure the probable relationship between lean principles and sustainability dimensions by applying a linear regression test; (3) Use the results of point number two to build the framework. The result showed there was a high level of relative importance about the two terms from the point of view of managers and experts in solar firms. In addition, the study found a relationship between adopting pull and flow principles of lean, and achieving economic and social dimensions of sustainability, this finding is represented in a framework.
A Global Dynamic Harmony Search for Optimization of a Hybrid Photovoltaic-Battery Scheme: Impact of Type of Solar Panels
Authors: Liu Jingchao , Mei Lixue , Maleki Akbar , Ghasempour Roghayeh , Pourfayaz Fathollah
Published: December 2021

The type of solar panels has a great impact on the optimal sizing of a hybrid photovoltaic–battery scheme. The optimization of these schemes based on a powerful optimization approach results in more cost-effective schemes. In this paper, a new global dynamic harmony search method, as an optimization method, is presented for the optimal sizing of a hybrid photovoltaic–battery scheme. The new optimization method is aimed at minimizing the total cost and loss of load supply probability of the scheme at the same time. In this regard, the effect of the type of solar panels on the optimal sizing of the hybrid scheme is investigated. Furthermore, performance optimizations are performed with an original global dynamic harmony search, an original harmony search, and simulated annealing to determine the effectiveness of the suggested optimization method. The effects of the initial costs and efficiency of monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels on the optimization of hybrid systems are analyzed. The superiority of the suggested method in terms of time and cost indicators of the hybrid scheme is presented comparing the other algorithm.
Study on Combustion Characteristics and Thermodynamic Parameters of Thermal Degradation of Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus) in N2-Pyrolytic and Oxidative Atmospheres
Authors: Balogun Ayokunle O. , Adeleke Adekunle A. , Ikubanni Peter P. , Adegoke Samuel O. , Alayat Abdulbaset M. , McDonald Armando G.
Published: December 2021

This study provides an extensive investigation on the kinetics, combustion characteristics, and thermodynamic parameters of the thermal degradation of guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) in N2-pyrolytic and oxidative atmospheres. A model-fitting technique and three different iso-conversional techniques were used to investigate the kinetics of the thermal process, after which an analysis of the combustion characteristics and thermodynamic parameters was undertaken. Prior to this, experiments on the physico-chemical characterization, thermogravimetric, and spectroscopic analyses were carried out to provide insight into the compositional structure of the guinea grass. The volatile matter, fixed carbon, and total lignin contents by mass were 73.0%, 16.1%, and 21.5%, respectively, while the higher heating value was 15.46 MJ/kg. The cellulose crystallinity index, determined by XRD, was 0.43. The conversion of the GG in air proceeded at a relatively much higher rate as the maximum mass-loss rate peak in a 20 K/min read was −23.1 and −12.3%/min for the oxidative and the pyrolytic, respectively. The kinetics investigation revealed three distinctive stages of decomposition with their corresponding values of activation energy. The average values of activation energy (FWO) at the latter stages of decomposition in the pyrolytic processes (165 kJ/mol) were higher than those in the oxidative processes (125 kJ/mol)—an indication of the distinctive phenomenon at this stage of the reaction. The Coats–Redfern kinetic model revealed that chemical reactions and diffusional models played a predominant role in the thermal decomposition process of the GG. This study showed that the thermodynamic parameters varied with the conversion ratio, and the combustion performance increased with the heating rates. The use of GG as an energy feedstock is recommended based on the findings from this work.
Mapping the Territorial Adaptation of Technological Innovation Systems—Trajectories of the Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Weiss Daniel , Scherer Philipp
Published: December 2021

Besides the rise of sustainable technologies, successful sustainability transitions crucially depend on the phase-out of unsustainable ones. However, the detailed dynamics of declining technological innovation systems (TIS) remain vague. Thus, based on the new TIS life cycle framework, we investigate how the technological dimension of a mature TIS adapts to increasing transformational pressures towards its decline. Considering the internal combustion engine (ICE) as a suitable research case, we measure the technological adaptation as changes in the dominant technological trajectory over time and across TIS territories. Empirically, this is operationalised by a main path analysis in patent citation networks, using 221,700 patents to cover the period from 10 January 1901 until 31 January 2019. Our results not only point to considerable shifts in the direction of technological development over time but also highlight stark differences across the three major car markets. Most notably, in contrast to USA and Japan, where hybrid powertrains have become the dominant alternative powertrains, the dominant trajectory in the EU territory points to an ongoing commitment towards diesel technology. In essence, our results highlight the importance of path dependency and connectivity of the knowledge search process as well as selective forces on the innovation system level, which have been neglected by related empirical studies. Conceptionally, our analysis demonstrates that the technological adaptation process is influenced by specific developments during a time period and heterogenous territorial dynamics within the TIS. Consequently, future TIS studies might consider spatially heterogeneous development cycles as well as possible mechanisms to establish an international trajectory towards sustainability goals.
Sustainable Urban Transport—Why a Fast Investment in a Complete Cycling Network Is Most Profitable for a City
Authors: Wałdykowski Piotr , Adamczyk Joanna , Dorotkiewicz Maciej
Published: December 2021

The development of safe cycling as a mode of transport is an important objective of the transformation towards sustainable mobility in European cities. A significant number of European cities are faced with the need to implement the assumptions of the European Green Deal, of which the promotion of sustainable urban transport is a part. The article presented a simulation of the Perfect Cycling City Model in real conditions that inspired the design of two scenarios for the fast development of bicycle routes in a key transport network area in Warsaw. Scenario 1 assumes building subsidiary bicycle routes and links between the main routes. In Scenario 2, the development of all optimal cycling links at the local level is assumed. An increase in cycling participation is expected in both scenarios. The comparison of projected costs of each scenario indicated that building a complete network of connections is more profitable in terms of increased cycling participation and could counter the dominance of private car use. For this to happen, measures encouraging individuals combined with improved safety and convenience of cycling around the city must be undertaken.
The Social Constraints on the Preservation and Sustainable Development of Traditional Crafts in a Developed Society
Authors: Połeć Wojciech , Murawska Daria
Published: December 2021

The aim of this work is to identify social constraints on the preservation and sustainable development of traditional crafts in a developed society and to propose a sociological model of possible actions and changes considering not only the situation of a craftsman, but also the potential consumers of goods produced by craftsmen using traditional techniques and designs. We argue that effective activities aimed at preserving and developing traditional skills and products must consider changes in the social environment of the craftsman, including changes in the potential consumer, a change in the meaning of products from purely instrumental to autotelic motivations related to the pro-ecological approach, local and national identity, and positive valuation of cultural diversity.
Differential Effect of Hydroxen Peroxide οn Toxic Cyanobacteria of Hypertrophic Mediterranean Waterbodies
Authors: Papadimitriou Theodoti , Katsiapi Matina , Stefanidou Natassa , Paxinou Aikaterini , Poulimenakou Vasiliki , Laspidou Chrysi S. , Moustaka-Gouni Maria , Kormas Konstantinos A.
Published: December 2021

Cyanobacterial blooms have been known since ancient times; however, they are currently increasing globally. Human and ecological health risks posed by harmful cyanobacterial blooms have been recorded around the world. These risks are mainly associated with their ability to affect the ecosystem chain by different mechanisms like the production of cyanotoxins, especially microcystins. Their expansion and their harmful effects have led many researchers to seek techniques and strategies to control them. Among them, hydrogen peroxide could be a promising tool against cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins and it is well-established as an environmentally friendly oxidizing agent because of its rapid decomposition into oxygen and water. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of hydrogen peroxide on phytoplankton from two hypertrophic waterbodies in Greece. The effect of hydrogen peroxide on concentration of microcystins found in the waterbodies was also studied. Treatment with 4 mg/L hydrogen peroxide was applied to water samples originated from the waterbodies and Cyanobacterial composition and biomass, phycocyanin, chlorophyll-a, and intra-cellular and total microcystin concentrations were studied. Cyanobacterial biomass and phycocyanin was reduced significantly after the application of 4 mg/L hydrogen peroxide in water treatment experiments while chlorophytes and extra-cellular microcystin concentrations were increased. Raphidiopsis (Cylindrospermopsis) raciborskii was the most affected cyanobacterial species after treatment of the water of the Karla Reservoir in comparison to Aphanizomenon favaloroi, Planktolyngbya limnetica, and Chroococcus sp. Furthermore, Microcystis aeruginosa was more resistant to the treatment of Pamvotis lake water in comparison with Microcystis wesenbergii and Microcystis panniformis. Our study showed that hydrogen peroxide differentially impacts the members of the phytoplankton community, affecting, thus, its overall efficacy. Different effects of hydrogen peroxide treatment were observed among cyanobacerial genera as well as among cyanobacterial species of the same genus. Different effects could be the result of the different resistance mechanisms of each genus or species to hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide could be used as a treatment for the mitigation of cyanobacterial blooms in a waterbody; however, the biotic and abiotic characteristics of the waterbody should be considered.
Adaptive Learning Supported by Learning Analytics for Student Teachers’ Personalized Training during in-School Practices
Authors: Fernández-Morante Carmen , Cebreiro-López Beatriz , Rodríguez-Malmierca María-José , Casal-Otero Lorena
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the results of the second phase of the international project “Improving Educational Innovation, Competitiveness, and Quality of Higher Education through Collaboration between University and Companies (EKT)”. The use of adaptive learning supported by learning analytics is proposed as a pedagogical strategy to work on the collaborative and personalized learning process that takes place during the school placement period of initial teacher education. Learning analytics is expected to facilitate the analysis of the different sources of information and data generated in the learning process. The collected data will be centralized in a learning record store (LRS), which will serve as a repository for xAPI compatible traces from the tools that make up EKT intelligent system. The system is expected to provide a strong support to decision-making so that participant agents can collaborate, advise, and contribute to the future teacher’s personalized training according to his or her progress and the context in which the practice takes place. The need analysis of tutors in the five pilot countries is presented, which has made it possible to define the process variables that make up the learning analysis architecture of the EKT system.
Changes in Business Models Caused by Digital Transformation and the COVID-19 Pandemic and Possibilities of Their Measurement—Case Study
Authors: Stalmachova Katarina , Chinoracky Roman , Strenitzerova Mariana
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a key event that has changed our lives. Businesses had to change their daily operations, and working from home has become the norm. Almost everyone who is working from home must use some type of digital technology. It is possible to say that business activities and business models have undergone some form of digital transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we chose a company that was affected by these changes, and the main goal of our research was the identification of how the digital transformation that was caused by the pandemic changed the business models of the selected company. Because the analyzed company is operating in the financial sector, this article is a case study. The basic activities and elements of the business models of the selected company, before and during the pandemic, were identified using the Business Model Canvas. We propose a set of key performance indicators (KPIs), based on the Balanced Scorecard, for measuring the newly identified activities and elements of the business models that arose in the company as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The knowledge gained in this article shows how the digital transformation changed the functioning of the selected company. The conclusions of this article are mainly for the companies that are considering their own digitalization, which contributes to the long-term sustainability of banking.
Development and Optimization of a Topical Formulation with Castanea sativa Shells Extract Based on the Concept “Quality by Design”
Authors: Oliveira Nágilla , Cádiz-Gurrea Maria de la Luz , Silva Ana Margarida , Macedo Catarina , Rodrigues Francisca , Costa Paulo
Published: December 2021

The proposed study aims to develop and optimize a topical formulation with Castanea sativa shells extract considering the concept of Quality by Design, focusing on a planned development that consider the vulnerabilities of the entire process through risk analysis tools and design of experiments (DoE). A Box–Behnken design with three factors and three levels was used as a statistical tool for the execution of the DoE and the analysis of the response surface methodology responses. The independent variables studied were the quantity of sodium lauryl sulfate (%) (X1), beeswax (%) (X2) and macadamia oil (%) (X3); the dependent variables were pH (Y1), viscosity (Y2) and adhesiveness (Y3). According to the mathematical model, the optimal formulation contains 0.93% of sodium lauryl sulfate, 5.00% of beeswax and 10.00% of macadamia oil. The optimal formulation with the extract was prepared and characterized over the time, regarding organoleptic and technological characteristics, allowing conclusions to be reached regarding its stability. The formulation presented a pleasant odor and was light brown in color, it also demonstrated pseudoplastic-thixotropic behavior and a small reduction in the formulation consistency after 30 days of storage. This study demonstrated the efficiency of the Quality by Design methodology to understand the product variability, supporting that this approach favors a better understanding of the whole process and enables to design a robust development stage, reducing costs and generating high-quality products.
Digital Social Responsibility towards Corporate Social Responsibility and Strategic Performance of Hi-Tech SMEs: Customer Engagement as a Mediator
Authors: Khattak Amira , Yousaf Zahid
Published: December 2021

Digitalization has opened up new methods to promote socialization in all types of organizations, generally, and businesses specifically. Stakeholders now prefer those businesses which are inclined towards social norms and virtues. In the era of digitalization, digital social responsibility (DSR) has become the strategic decision for all kinds of business organizations. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to highlight the achievement of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and strategic performance (SP) through customer engagement with digital social responsibility (DSR). Customer engagement with DSR is also tested as a mediator between DSR and CSR performance, and DSR and SP. Data were collected from the owners/managers of hi-tech Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). For the purpose of data analysis, various statistical procedures were applied. Results proved that DSR plays an essential role in explaining customer engagement with DSR, SP and CSR performance. Customer engagement with DSR directly affects SP and CSR performance, and also acts as a mediator. This study contributes to both theory and practical management by investigating how DSR helps to achieve SP and CSR performance. This is a unique study of the mechanism to achieve SP and CSR performance through DSR and customer engagement with DSR.
An Appraisal of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment in Ethiopia: The Case of Meta Abo Brewery
Authors: Hirpe Lemesa , Seo Seung Beom
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the implementation and follow-up of the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) in Meta Abo Brewery in Ethiopia. Specifically, it aims to assess the implementation mechanism and status of ESIA monitoring and evaluation, the adequacy of the legal and administrative framework for ESIA implementation and follow-up, and the perception of residents towards the ESIA implementation and follow-up by the proponent. A mixed research approach was employed to collect and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data. Thematic and descriptive data analysis was used to analyze data collected through key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussion (FGD), closed-ended questions, and document review. Data were obtained from 11 purposely selected interviewees and 6 FGD participants, as well as 175 randomly selected respondents. This study found the practical implementation mechanism of ESIA monitoring and evaluation as well as weak ESIA monitoring and evaluation status through the case study. The main causes of this weak ESIA system are weak implementation of ESIA monitoring and evaluation by the regulatory body and proponent, weak cooperation among regulatory body and proponent, weak institutional capacity, and weak managerial commitments. The study also indicated a lack of adequate legal and administrative frameworks and the absence of regular revision of relevant legislation. Additionally, the study identified that the proponent has some weaknesses in the ESIA implementation and follow-up. The findings regarding the legal and administrative framework can be developed to guide the formulation and amendment of the ESIA legal and administrative framework not only for Ethiopia, but other developing countries as well. Moreover, the findings of this study can be a groundwork for future studies to fill the gap by understanding the social-cultural barrier and finding appropriate strategies to enhance the ESIA system in developing countries.
Arts-Aided Recognition of Citizens’ Perceptions for Urban Open Space Management
Authors: Suomalainen Sari , Kahiluoto Helena , Pässilä Anne , Owens Allan , Holtham Clive
Published: December 2021

Urban open spaces of local natural environments can promote the health and well-being of both ecosystems and humans, and the management of the urban spaces can benefit from knowledge of individuals’/citizens’ perceptions of such environments. However, such knowledge is scarce and contemporary inquiries are often limited to cognitive observations and focused on built environmental elements rather than encouraged to recognize and communicate comprehensive perceptions. This paper investigates whether arts-based methods can facilitate recognition and understanding perceptions of urban open spaces. Two arts-based methods were used to capture perceptions: drifting, which is a walking method, and theatrical images, which is a still image method and three reflective methods to recognize and communicate the perceptions. The results show related sensations and perceptions enabled by arts-based methods comparing them to a sticker map method. The main findings were perceptions, which included information about human–environment interaction, about relations to other people and about ‘sense of place’ in urban open spaces. The hitherto unidentified perceptions about urban open space were associations, metaphors and memories. The methods used offer initial practical implications for future use.
Evaluation of Raised Safety Platforms (RSP) On-Road Safety Performance
Authors: Lawrence Brendan , Fildes Brian , Cairney Peter , Davy Stephanie , Sobhani Amir
Published: December 2021

A Raised Safety Platform (RSP) is a relatively new physical road safety intervention at major intersections. They aim to enhance road user safety by reducing vehicle speeds at intersections using an acute vertical deflection to the vehicle path. This study measured the change in speed at selected high-volume intersections treated with an RSP. It was a 12-month study based on a controlled before-and-after-treatment design, with speed and other measures assessed at six treated and five control intersections. Statistically significant and meaningful reductions in speeds were observed given the treatment and adjusted for the control group. A 15.6% reduction in the central tendency of speed was found overall. The odds of a vehicle exceeding nominal Safe System speeds of 30 km/h, 40 km/h, and 50 km/h also reduced markedly, with greater reductions observed at the higher speed thresholds (46%, 69%, and 80%, respectively). The change in speed corresponded to an estimated aggregate-level injurious crash-reduction benefit of around 26% and a reduction in the likelihood of a serious injury given a crash of between 38% to 57% depending on the crash type. It was concluded that RSP is an effective Safe System treatment to reduce speeds at major intersections to levels similar that at roundabouts. The results suggest that well designed RSPs at signalised intersections are an effective and sustainable Safe System treatment.
Adaptation of Innovations in the IT Industry in Poland: The Impact of Selected Internal Communication Factors
Authors: Ober Józef , Kochmańska Anna
Published: December 2021

Adaptation of innovations by employees, especially in hi-tech industries, is very important from the perspectives of both implementing new technologies and maintaining competitiveness in today’s dynamic market. The paper analyzes selected internal communication factors in terms of their potential impacts on the adaptation of innovations in information technology (IT) companies in Poland. These factors were determined on the basis of a literature analysis, opinions of panel participants (experts), and pilot studies that have been conducted. The undoubtedly innovative element is the study of the impact of the above-mentioned factors on the individual stages of innovation. The aim of the study was to identify and assess the perception of the influence of selected factors related to internal communication in a company on the adaptation of innovation by employees of the IT industry in Poland, taking into account the different stages of the implementation. The hypothesis of the study was that selected internal communication factors have different effects on innovation adoption at different stages of the innovation process. The study combined expert opinions and a literature analysis with a diagnostic survey (questionnaire) and a statistical analysis. The questionnaire survey allowed the examination of the opinions of the respondents about the impacts of 12 factors related to internal communication in the company on the adaptation of innovation. The results of the study confirmed the hypothesis and allowed the formulation of theoretical and practical conclusions that can be applied when introducing innovations.
Evaluating the Impacts of Courtyards on Educational Buildings, Case Study in the University of Sharjah
Authors: Ibrahim Iman , Al Badri Nadia , Mushtaha Emad , Omar Osama
Published: December 2021

Courtyards are traditionally associated with the Middle East countries, where climate and culture have given shape to a particular type of traditional architecture. The study evaluates the environmental and social impacts of courtyards in an educational building integrated with occupant’s interaction behavior. The case study of the University of Sharjah includes eight different courtyards unoccupied for many years, in different locations around the building with various proportions; the objectives were to examine and evaluate the impact of redesigning the interior spaces of the courtyards in terms of environmental and social aspects. The inductive and experimental approach were adopted in this research, where two surveys were conducted for the occupants, before and after the design applications. In addition to the use of eco-tech software for simulation. In conclusion, the results of surveys and interviews clarified the problem and offered some recommendations and simulation analysis provided recommendations and guidelines for designers.
A Study of Specific Open Innovation Issues from Perspectives of Open Source and Resources—The Series Cases of Tesla
Authors: Wang Jianan , Duan Yuzhen , Liu Guijian
Published: December 2021

It is difficult for enterprises to adapt to the rapidly developing market demand and increasingly intense competition by relying only on internal resources to carry out innovation activities. We identify three new issues for the Cross-Functional Consortium Families (CFCFs, CF2s) open innovation model based on a cooperating network: participation of large-scale high-tech enterprises (LHEs), impact from open source, and motivation of keeping resource independence. By studying the series cases of Tesla, Inc. (Austin, TX, USA) cooperating with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through an open source CF2 model, we examined and discussed these three issues and gave new connotations to both open innovation and the CF2 model from perspectives of open source and resources. This paper also provides strategic reference for other LHEs to mitigate the dependency on key resources and generate new key resources accepted by the environment.
Ex-Ante Study of Biofuel Policies–Analyzing Policy-Induced Flexibility
Authors: Ruponen Inka , Kozlova Mariia , Collan Mikael
Published: December 2021

A variety of policy types are available to foster the transition to a low-carbon economy. In every sector, including transportation, heat and power production, policymakers face the choice of what type of policy to adopt. For this choice, it is crucial to understand how different mechanisms incentivize investments in terms of improving their profitability, shaping the flexibility available for investors, and how they are affected by the surrounding uncertainty. This paper focuses on transportation-biofuel policies, particularly on the financial incentives put on the bio-component of fuel and the combination of using penalties and tax-relief. Delivery of vital policymaking insights by using two modern simple-to-use profitability analysis methods, the pay-off method and the simulation decomposition method, is illustrated. Both methods enable the incorporation of uncertainty into the profitability analyses, and thus generate insight about the flexibilities involved, and the factors affecting the results. The results show that the combination of penalties and tax-relief is a way to steer fuel-production towards sustainability. The two methods used for analysis complement each other and provide important insights for analysis and decision-making beyond what the commonly used profitability analysis methods typically provide.
Intellectual Capital and Firm Performance Correlation: The Mediation Role of Innovation Capability in Malaysian Manufacturing SMEs Perspective
Authors: Aljuboori Zainab M. , Singh Harcharanjit , Haddad Hossam , Al-Ramahi Nidal Mahmoud , Ali Mostafa A.
Published: December 2021

Understanding of intellectual capital’s influence on the firm performance has received immense interest in recent years. In this view, the impact of various intellectual capital components, including human, structural, and relational capital, on the performance of small- and medium-sized Malaysian manufacturing enterprises were examined. A correlation between intellectual capital and firm performance were established based on the mediating role of innovation capability. To achieve this goal, a stratified sampling method was used wherein 262 participants’ responses from the focused manufacturing firms were obtained and analyzed via the structural equation model (SEM) and resource-based view (RBV). Statistical tools like SPSS.v25 and SmartPLS.v3 were used. The results showed that the relationship between intellectual capital and firm performance was strengthened due to the mediation of innovation capability, thereby gaining higher competitive advantages. It was asserted that the present comprehensive analyses may offer a useful information and guidance to the academics, owners/managers, and policymakers involving the impact of intellectual capital development towards improving the Malaysian SMEs performance.
Some Theorems for Inverse Uncertainty Distribution of Uncertain Processes
Authors: Chen Xiumei , Ning Yufu , Wang Lihui , Wang Shuai , Huang Hong
Published: December 2021

In real life, indeterminacy and determinacy are symmetric, while indeterminacy is absolute. We are devoted to studying indeterminacy through uncertainty theory. Within the framework of uncertainty theory, uncertain processes are used to model the evolution of uncertain phenomena. The uncertainty distribution and inverse uncertainty distribution of uncertain processes are important tools to describe uncertain processes. An independent increment process is a special uncertain process with independent increments. An important conjecture about inverse uncertainty distribution of an independent increment process has not been solved yet. In this paper, the conjecture is proven, and therefore, a theorem is obtained. Based on this theorem, some other theorems for inverse uncertainty distribution of the monotone function of independent increment processes are investigated. Meanwhile, some examples are given to illustrate the results.