bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Tourism-Related Information Consumption Process of Tourists on Social Networking Sites
Authors: An Soyoung , Kim Weolho , Lee Bongkoo , Suh Jungho
Published: March 2022

The current study was conducted to examine the consumption process of tourists through the SIPS model as they experienced tourism-related information and products on social networking sites. Data was collected online from Koreans who have experience in using social networking sites, and a total of 479 responses were used for the data analysis. The statistical package for social sciences 23 and analysis of moment structures 23 were used to evaluate stability, consistency for the measurement items, and to perform structural equation modeling to test hypotheses. There were three main results that emerged from the study. First, three dimensions of sympathy (emotional sympathy, content sympathy, and sympathy for situations and publishers) were extracted. Second, among the dimensions of sympathy, only “content sympathy” showed a significant impact on identification while all dimensions of sympathy significantly affected tourism participation intention. It indicated that tourists are willing to participate in tourism activities immediately if they sympathize with the information obtained from social media without going through the identification process, which is the opposite result of what the SIPS model argued. Lastly, travel content production experience has been shown to have a moderating effect in the relationship between identification and tourism participation intention. The current study will contribute to understanding tourists’ consumption process of tourism-related information on social networking sites and to establish efficient marketing strategies.
Characterization of Thymus vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Community by Using a Multidisciplinary Approach: A Case Study from Central Italy
Authors: Cianfaglione Kevin , Bartolucci Fabrizio , Ciaschetti Giampiero , Conti Fabio , Pirone Gianfranco
Published: March 2022

Thymus vulgaris L. is an emblematic species of the Mediterranean tradition. As a crop, this species has been spread wherever possible by man around the World. Often escaped from cultivations, defining its natural environment and the limits of its natural range is very much complicated as these have been greatly altered and influenced by human presence, in a positive or in a negative way. In addition to ecology and biogeography studies, we carried out human ecology research to understand whether, in a multidisciplinary (pan-ecological) approach, the case study of the Th. vulgaris subsp. vulgaris community can be considered of natural or of naturalised origin. An ecological, bio-geographical, and floristic review on this species is reported to help the discussion. Our study could be a good way to improve scientific discussions and applications even for other places and other situations. Some outlook and proposals are reported to improve management and conservation measures, in order to foster our ″green-sphere″ protection strategies through plants.
How Sustainable Is People’s Travel to Reach Public Transit Stations to Go to Work? A Machine Learning Approach to Reveal Complex Relationships
Authors: Tang Panyu , Aghaabbasi Mahdi , Ali Mujahid , Jan Amin , Mohamed Abdeliazim Mustafa , Mohamed Abdullah
Published: March 2022

Several previous studies examined the variables of public-transit-related walking and privately owned vehicles (POVs) to go to work. However, most studies neglect the possible non-linear relationships between these variables and other potential variables. Using the 2017 U.S. National Household Travel Survey, we employ the Bayesian Network algorithm to evaluate the non-linear and interaction impacts of health condition attributes, work trip attributes, work attributes, and individual and household attributes on walking and privately owned vehicles to reach public transit stations to go to work in California. The authors found that the trip time to public transit stations is the most important factor in individuals’ walking decision to reach public transit stations. Additionally, it was found that this factor was mediated by population density. For the POV model, the population density was identified as the most important factor and was mediated by travel time to work. These findings suggest that encouraging individuals to walk to public transit stations to go to work in California may be accomplished by adopting planning practices that support dense urban growth and, as a result, reduce trip times to transit stations.
Experimental and Numerical Mechanical Characterization of Unreinforced and Reinforced Masonry Elements with Weak Air Lime Mortar Joints
Authors: Brando Giuseppe , Vacca Gianluca , Di Michele Francesco , Capasso Ilaria , Spacone Enrico
Published: March 2022

This paper deals with the results of an experimental and numerical campaign aimed at characterizing the mechanical response of masonry components and panels made of limestone units kept together by weak air lime mortar joints. The selected air lime mortar, typical of ancient masonry buildings but difficult to be built-up artificially, was specifically prepared for the experimental analyses, with the aim of obtaining a laboratory compression strength of 0.25–0.50 MPa. In the first part of the paper, the performed tests concerning the strength of the units (mean compression strength of 80 MPa) and of the mortar (mean compression strength after 28 days of 0.30 MPa), are described for different curing periods. Moreover, tests of masonry triplets in shear (shear strength of 0.11 MPa for null axial forces) are shown and used in order to establish the main parameters of the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterium. Then, the calibration of a continuous numerical micro-model implemented in Kratos Multiphysics is presented. The model is used for reproducing the behavior of an unreinforced panel in shear made of the studied masonry and to appraise the effectiveness of a FRCM- (Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) based reinforcement intervention applied. The obtained results proved that FRCM allows to increase the strength of the considered masonry type by about eight times and the ductility by about thirteen times.
Green Technology Investment with Data-Driven Marketing and Government Subsidy in a Platform Supply Chain
Authors: Li Ke , Dai Gengxin , Xia Yanfei , Mu Zongyu , Zhang Guitao , Shi Yangyan
Published: March 2022

Expanding green consumption market and precise data promotion advantages make the platform economy have a significant effect on influencing manufacturers to carry out green R&D and production activities, and government subsidies have a positive incentive effect. In this context, for the studies about platform supply chain management with manufacturer’s green production and the platform’s marketing activities simultaneously are rare, we consider that a manufacturer invests in green technologies to produce products and sell them through a smart platform supply chain by an agency selling or reselling strategy, in which the platform provides data-driven marketing technology to promote green products. Four game models are constructed to study the operational efficiency of the platform supply chain considering selling strategy difference and government subsidy. The results show that: (1) The manufacturer’s green technology and the platform’s data-driven marketing levels, as well as all member’s profits are all influenced by the potential market demand of green products, the sensitivities of consumers to green product attributes, and data analysis technology. (2) The service commission rate charged by the platform plays a main role on the manufacturer’s selling strategy choice, when the service commission rate is low, the manufacturer chooses an agency selling strategy and can obtain more profit, but now the green technology level is not necessarily better than that in the reselling system. With the service commission rate increases, a manufacturer that chooses the reselling strategy can obtain more profit, and the green technology level is better than in the agency selling system. (3) Government subsidy can effectively encourage the manufacturer to improve the green technology level, and now the platform will improve the data-driven marketing level. There is a threshold range of the service commission rate charged by the platform in which the government can guide the manufacturer and the platform to reach an equilibrium selling strategy by regulating the subsidy level.
Trauma-Informed School Programming: A Partnership Approach to Culturally Responsive Behavior Support
Authors: Bellamy Tessa , Krishnamoorthy Govind , Ayre Kay , Berger Emily , Machin Tony , Rees Bronwyn Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

Despite significant investments and reforms, First Nations students have poorer educational outcomes than non-indigenous students. Scholars have pointed to the need to improve the cultural competence of teachers and school leaders, revise punitive and exclusionary disciplinary procedures. and promote the use of culturally responsive practices to mitigate the impacts of colonization, transgenerational trauma and ongoing structural inequities on students. The development of such trauma-informed, culturally responsive systems in schools requires educators to respectfully work in partnership with First Nations communities, as well as health and community services supporting First Nations families. This pilot study evaluates the impact of multi-tier trauma-informed behavior support practices in a regional primary school with a large population of First Nations students. Utilizing a multiple time series, quasi-experimental, within-subjects design, data on the rates of school attendance and problem behaviors were analyzed. Staff knowledge and attitudes related to trauma-informed care were assessed using a self-reporting measure, before and after the two-year implementation of the program. A reduction in behavior difficulties was found, as well as noted improvements in staff reports of knowledge and attitudes. The implications of the findings for the program and future research on culturally responsive practices in schools are discussed.
Conditioning of Feed Material Prior to Feeding: Approaches for a Sustainable Phosphorus Utilization
Authors: Widderich Niklas , Mayer Natalie , Ruff Anna Joelle , Reckels Bernd , Lohkamp Florian , Visscher Christian , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Kaltschmitt Martin , Liese Andreas , Bubenheim Paul
Published: March 2022

A circular phosphorus (P) bioeconomy is not only worthwhile for conserving limited mineral P reservoirs, but also for minimizing negative environmental impacts caused by human-made alterations. Although P is an essential nutrient, most of the P in concentrates based on cereals, legumes and oilseed byproducts is organically bound to phytate. The latter cannot be efficiently utilized by monogastric animals and is therefore diluted into the environment through the manure pathway. This review examines various strategies for improved P utilization in animals and reflects the respective limitations. The strategies considered include feeding of debranned feedstuffs, pre-germinated feed, co-feeding of phytase and feeding material with high native phytase activity. All these approaches contribute to an improved P bioavailability. However, about half of the organic P content continues to be excreted and therefore remains unused by the animals. Nevertheless, technologies for an efficient utilization of P from cereal-based feed already exist; however, these are not industrially established. Conditioning feed material prior to feeding fosters P-reduced feed; meanwhile, P bound to phytate can be recovered. Based on known techniques for P separation and solubilisation from cereal products and phytate conversion, potential designs for feed material conditioning processes are proposed and evaluated.
Effects of Social Robotics in Promoting Physical Activity in the Shared Workspace
Authors: Ren Xipei , Guo Zhifan , Huang Aobo , Li Yuying , Xu Xinyi , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a design study exploring the effects of a social robot in facilitating people to participate in light-intensity exercises after a long duration of sitting in a shared workspace. A smart system based on a trolley-like robot, called the Anti-Sedentary Robot, was developed to realize the health intervention as follows. To start, the robot could navigate to the location of a sedentary worker to invite them to participate in a temporal voluntary service of returning items. Upon the invitation being accepted, the robot would then move with the worker to return the item and simultaneously provide guidance for physical exercises. Based on the Anti-Sedentary Robot, a within-subject study (n = 18) was carried out to examine exercise motivations and psychological benefits of our design by making comparisons between a robot-guided intervention and a human-guided intervention. Quantitative results showed that the health intervention based on the Anti-Sedentary Robot increased intrinsic motivations and provided acute mental benefits compared to the human-guided intervention. Qualitative findings suggested that the Anti-sedentary Robot could combat work-related sedentary behaviors due to the pleasant system interactivity and the provision of reciprocal voluntary tasks. We discuss implications for the future development of social robots for office vitality based on our research findings.
Contribution of the Order Ericales to Improving Paleoclimate Reconstructions
Authors: Wei Gang , Peng Changhui , Zhu Qiuan , Zhou Xiaolu , Liu Weiguo
Published: March 2022

Paleobotanists have long built leaf climate models based on site mean of leaf physiognomic characteristics of woody dicotyledons species (WDS) for estimating past climate. To explore the potential of the order Ericales in estimating paleoclimate, we developed two linear models for each climatic factor. One is based on WDS, and the other is based on both WDS and leaf physiognomic characters of the order Ericales (WDS-E). We found that, compared with WDS models, WDS-E models improved greatly in mean annual precipitation (MAP), growing season precipitation (GSP) and mean annual range in temperature (MART). When the minimum species number of the order Ericales is three per site, the WDS-E models improved the r2 from 0.64 to 0.78 for MART, from 0.23 to 0.61 for ln(MAP), and from 0.37 to 0.64 for ln(GSP) compared with the WDS models. For mean annual temperature (MAT), the WDS-E model (r2 = 0.86) also exhibited a moderate improvement in precision over the WDS model (r2 = 0.82). This study demonstrates that other patterns, such as those of the order Ericales, can contribute additional information towards building more precise paleoclimate models.
Empirical Assessment and Comparison of Educational Efficiency between Major Countries across the World
Authors: Chen Lipeng , Yu Yang , Addis Amsalu K. , Guo Xiao
Published: March 2022

Education is a fundamental factor to enhance a country’s comprehensive national strength and international competitiveness. Recently, several governments have been attracting investments in educational sectors in contemplation of meliorating a country’s overall strength. This study empirically assesses and compares the educational efficiency of 29 major countries across the world using panel data for 2010–2016 by employing data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the super-slacks-based measure (super-SBM) model at the static level combined with the Malmquist index (MI) to investigate educational efficiency at the dynamic level. The results indicate, inter alia, huge average education efficiency differences existed among the studied countries, the highest being Japan (3.2845) and lowest Norway (0.4137), there are differences in the bias of technological progress among the studied countries during the sample period and technological progress directly affects the sustainability of educational efficiency, the growth rate of total factor productivity (TFP) index has been reduced in 2010–2013 but increased in 2014–2016 and technological progress has been the dominant factor influencing the rise of the education TFP index. Based on the results, this study identifies the merits and drawbacks of education efficiency across the sample countries and presents relevant recommendations to promote investment in the education sector and human capital.
A Cluster Analysis on the Energy Use Indicators and Carbon Footprint of Irrigated Wheat Cropping Systems
Authors: Rafiee Hamed , Aminizadeh Milad , Hosseini Elham Mehrparvar , Aghasafari Hanane , Mohammadi Ali
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study is to analyze the energy use efficiency and carbon footprint of irrigated wheat systems in different Iranian provinces. The authors resort to the k-means clustering technique to fulfil the said objective. The empirical results reveal that the average total input energy (59.5 GJ ha−1) is higher than the average energy output (45.82 GJ ha−1) from wheat production, resulting in an average energy efficiency of 0.77, thus rendering the production of irrigated wheat in Iran energy-inefficient on average. Among the thirty wheat-producing Iranian provinces considered in this analysis, only six—East Azerbaijan, Golestan, Ardabil, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Alborz, and West Azerbaijan—register an energy use efficiency greater than unity. The average total of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from irrigated wheat is 2243.54 kg CO2-eq ha−1 (with electricity and diesel fuel contributing 52.4% and 29.4%, respectively). The authors categorize the clusters into five groups ranging from sustainable to unsustainable. Five of the six provinces referred to earlier fall into the ‘sustainable’ category, with Bushehr being the sixth. The wheat production units in the ‘sustainable’ category can serve as a benchmark for the clusters in the other categories, which can move up the ladder of sustainability. The authors also recommend measures that policymakers can undertake to ensure the sustainable development of wheat production in Iran, fulfilling the social imperative of food self-sufficiency while truncating the environmental footprint and ensuring economic feasibility.
A Novel Combined Model for Short-Term Emission Prediction of Airspace Flights Based on Machine Learning: A Case Study of China
Authors: Wan Junqiang , Zhang Honghai , Lyu Wenying , Zhou Jinlun
Published: March 2022

In order to improve the capability of situational awareness and operational efficiency by considering environmental impact, a prediction model for short-term flight emissions within en route airspace is proposed in this paper. First, the measurement method of fuel consumption and flight emissions based on actual meteorological data is established, and the pattern of flight emissions is analyzed. Then, an adaptive weighting approach is proposed by considering prediction results obtained from a long–short term memory (LSTM) prediction model and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) prediction model, respectively. Taking the Guangzhou area control centre (ACC) AR05 sector in central and southern China as an example, the model is trained and tested on emission datasets with three statistical scales, 60 min, 30 min, and 15 min. The result shows that the combined variable–weight prediction model has the greatest prediction effect compared to six other models. In terms of time scale, the prediction performance is best on the 60 min statistical scale dataset; larger statistical unit magnitudes of emissions during the predicting process show better short-term prediction performance. In addition, the increase in data features when training the model plays an essential role in promoting model accuracy. The model established in this paper has high prediction accuracy and stability, which is capable of providing short-term prediction of airspace flight emissions.
A State-of-the-Art Review of Radioactive Decontamination Technologies: Facing the Upcoming Wave of Decommissioning and Dismantling of Nuclear Facilities
Authors: Liu Shengyong , He Yingyong , Xie Honghu , Ge Yongjun , Lin Yishan , Yao Zhitong , Jin Meiqing , Liu Jie , Chen Xinyang , Sun Yuhang , Wang Binhui
Published: March 2022

The average share of nuclear energy in electricity production is expected to increase under the background of the global pursuit towards carbon neutrality. Conjugating with its rapid development, the wave of decommissioning and dismantling (D&D) of nuclear facilities is coming. The surface decontamination is a prerequisite to D&D, which will make it easier and reduce the volume of radioactive wastes. However, there are no comprehensive studies on the decontamination methods, which is not helpful for the sustainable development of nuclear energy and environment protection. Therefore, in this work, the current status and future trends of global energy and nuclear energy are first analyzed. Then, various decontamination approaches are comparatively studied, including cleaning mechanisms, application subjects, and intrinsic advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the criteria and factors for selecting a decontamination process, the challenges, and future studies are directed. Among the mechanical methods, laser-based cleaning is high-speed, having automation ability, and thus is promising, although it creates a dust and airborne contaminant hazard. In further studies, factors such as selecting a proper laser facility, optimizing operating parameters, and designing a high-efficiency dust collection system could be studied. Regarding the chemical method, chemical gels are good for decontaminating complex shapes and vertical and overhead surfaces. In addition, they can enhance other decon agents’ efficiency by improving contact time. However, the formulation of colloidal gels is complex and no gel type is useful for all contaminants. Therefore, novel and versatile gels need be developed to enlarge their application field. Combining various decontamination methods will often have better results and thus a reasonable and effective combination of these decontamination methods has become the main direction.
Application of Ecology-Geomorphology Cognition Approach in Land Type Classification: A Case Study in the Altay Region
Authors: Wang Baixue , Cheng Weiming , Song Keyu , Wang Suiji , Zhang Yichi , Li Hao , Deng Jiayin , Wang Ruibo
Published: March 2022

Land types play an important guiding role in human survival and production. Clarifying the division of land types is the basis for ensuring the sustainable and coordinated development of social-economic-natural complex ecosystems. To date, the land type classification system has not formed a unified standard, and the existing classification fails to highlight the natural background elements of land. Therefore, it is important to construct a classification system that can reflect natural background elements. Additionally, land type classification is often based on land resource surveys. Updating the land type is generally difficult and slow, mainly due to a lack of appropriate information. Hence, it is necessary to develop an automatic land type renewal method using multisource information. This study proposes the ecology-geomorphology cognition (Eco-geoC) approach for land type classification. The approach is realized by the segmentation of land units using remote sensing images, geographic information, vegetation, soil, DEM, and geoscience knowledge. This approach is an extension of the object-based image analysis method. The spatial objects segmented from different attribute data are integrated, and finally, a comprehensive land mapping unit representing a certain degree of geographical homogeneity and land use potential is generated. The results show that the Eco-geoC approach is an integrated approach with objectification cognition on remote sensing images and multisource information using geo-knowledge. The Eco-geoC approach is tested in the Altay region. From coarse to fine scales, the study area is divided into two kinds of natural belts, 27 land systems and 78 land units, and a 1:500,000 land-type map, which shows a good coupling relationship between the physiognomy, vegetation, and soil in the Altay region, is compiled. The results of this study show that the use of the Eco-geoC approach for land type classification is significant and has potential for land assessment and planning. This approach can provide a scientific basis for the restoration of the regional ecology and the comprehensive management and adjustment of land resources and the environment.
Generalized Skewed Model for Spatial-Fractional Advective–Dispersive Phenomena
Authors: de Moraes Ricardo Mendonça , Ozelim Luan Carlos de Sena Monteiro , Cavalcante André Luís Brasil
Published: March 2022

The conventional mathematical model expressed by the advection–dispersion equation has been widely used to describe contaminant transport in porous media. However, studies have shown that it fails to simulate early arrival of contaminant, long tailing breakthrough curves and presents a physical scale-dependency of the dispersion coefficient. Recently, advances in fractional calculus allowed the introduction of fractional order derivatives to model several engineering and physical phenomena, including the anomalous dispersion of solute particles. This approach gives birth to the fractional advection–dispersion equation. This work presents new solutions to the fractional transport equation that satisfies the initial condition of constant solute injection in a semi-infinite medium. The new solution is derived based on a similarity approach. Moreover, laboratory column tests were performed in a Brazilian lateritic soil to validate the new solution with experimental data and compare its accuracy with the conventional model and other fractional solutions. The new solution outperforms the existing ones and reveals an interesting fractal-like scaling rule for the diffusivity coefficients.
Environmental Practices That Have Positive Impacts on Social Performance: An Empirical Study of Malaysian Firms
Authors: Karia Noorliza , Davadas Michael Ruben Charles
Published: March 2022

Despite many environmental studies, the literature lacks studies emphasizing the significant nature of the human–environment connection. This study focuses on the impact of manufacturing environmental practices on social performance, which is crucial for employees’ wellbeing, human development, and quality of life that lacks empirical evidence. This study searches for a mechanism to enhance social performance through sustainable practices and test the mediating effects of environmental collaboration. This study examines the proposed hypotheses on the data sample of 120 Malaysian manufacturing firms, with partial least squares structural equation modeling. Explicitly, the results reveal sustainable practices comprised of purchasing social responsibility (PSR), long term orientation (LTO), supplier assessment (SA), and environmental collaboration (EC) contribute almost 50% of social performance. Still, LTO and SA are the best practices. PSR, LTO, and SA significantly contribute 45% of EC, but LTO and PSR remain the best sustainable practices. Firms investing in these sustainable practices of improving social performance, driven by sustainability, show these are worthy strategies. Concentrating on certain sustainable practices could improve employees’ wellbeing, human development, and quality of life. The novel contribution of the study is the formulation of social performance and its empirical work testing the mediating effects of EC between sustainable practices and social performance.
Detection of Multiple Drones in a Time-Varying Scenario Using Acoustic Signals
Authors: Uddin Zahoor , Qamar Aamir , Alharbi Abdullah G. , Orakzai Farooq Alam , Ahmad Ayaz
Published: March 2022

Detection of unauthorized drones is mandatory for defense organizations and also for human life protection. Currently, detection methods based on thermal, video, radio frequency (RF) and acoustic signals exist. In previous research, we presented an acoustic signals-based multiple drones detection technique utilizing independent component analysis (ICA) in the presence of interfering sources. In this paper, a method is proposed in which the mixed signals are first separated taking the ICA technique into account. After extracting the features, the support vector machines (SVM) and the k-nearest neighbors (KNN) are used to identify multiple drones in the field. This technique can detect multiple drones in static and quasi-static mixing scenarios, while failing in time-varying scenarios. In this paper, a time-varying drone detection technique (TVDDT) is proposed that first stores a data set of the mixed signals in a time-varying scenario, where time variations occur within the processing data blocks. After estimating the mixing matrices, we developed a technique to track variations in the channel. This technique is based on variations in the mixing coefficients. The proposed channel tracking technique performs classification and detection based on minimum variation criteria in the channel. The proposed TVDDT technique is evaluated through simulations and its superior performance is observed.
Agritourism as an Alternative On-Farm Enterprise for Small U.S. Farms: Examining Factors Influencing the Agritourism Decisions of Small Farms
Authors: Holland Reginald , Khanal Aditya R. , Dhungana Purushottam
Published: March 2022

This study examines the adoption of agritourism by small farms in the U.S. Using primary survey data collected from small farms in Tennessee in 2020, we assessed adopter characteristics and investigated the factors influencing the farmers’ decision to adopt or add agritourism-related activities, including recreational, educational, and touristic attractions in the farm. We found that factors such as social media marketing, smartphone use in farm activities, and having farm insurance significantly increased the likelihood of agritourism adoption in addition to other demographic factors. Additionally, we found that a farmer’s perceived survival risk positively influences small farms to adopt agritourism. Small farms with survival challenges in the U.S. could consider agritourism as an enterprise to enhance their economic sustainability by utilizing touristic aspects of farming, rural landscape, and agriculture.
Evaluation of the Effective Cognition Area (ECA) of Signage Systems with Backlighting under Smoke Conditions
Authors: Kim Young-Chan , Baek Sang-Hyun , Bae Young-Hoon , Oh Ryun-Seok , Choi Jun-Ho
Published: March 2022

Signage systems are visual information systems that indicate the direction, allow for identification, and show safety information and regulations to occupants via graphics or text during emergencies. Wayfinding is difficult in large and complex buildings, such as large shopping malls. Occupants can be disoriented while searching for their way in such buildings. This problem can be more serious in emergency situations, such as fires, than in normal situations. Signage systems can be helpful in solving this problem. Domestic and overseas standards on emergency signage systems specify that the signage should be noticeable, easy to read, and easy to understand. However, most regulations do not quantify the effectiveness of such signage systems under emergency situations. To address these issues, in this study, several experiments were conducted considering the viewing distance and angle using a backlit signage system, and changes in cognition under smoke conditions were analyzed. First, the concept of effective cognition area (ECA) was introduced to analyze the relationship between the viewing distance and angle. Experiments were conducted using a backlit emergency exit sign, and the changes in the ECA in a smoke situation were analyzed. Finally, the results of this study were compared with those of previous studies. Furthermore, the extent to which occupants can recognize the signage system was quantified. If the concept of ECA developed in this study is applied to the development of emergency signage design, more diverse evacuation scenarios could be designed.
An Innovative Risk Matrix Model for Warehousing Productivity Performance
Authors: Md Hanafiah Rudiah , Karim Nur Hazwani , Abdul Rahman Noorul Shaiful Fitri , Abdul Hamid Saharuddin , Mohammed Ahmed Maher
Published: March 2022

In today’s era of industrial economics, warehousing is a complex process with many moving parts and is required to contribute productively to the success of supply chain management. Therefore, risk management in warehouses is a crucial point of contention to ensure sustainability with global supply chain processes to accommodate good productivity performance. Therefore, this study aims to analyse risks factors that affect warehouse productivity performance towards a systematic identification of critical factors that managers should target to sustain and grow warehouse productivity. This study utilised a traditional risk matrix framework, integrating it with the Borda method and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique to produce an innovative risk matrix model. The results indicate that from the constructed ten warehouse operation risk categories and 32 risk factors, seven risk categories, namely operational, human, market, resource, financial, security and regulatory, including 13 risk factors were prioritised as the most critical risks impacting warehouse productivity performance. The developed risks analysis model guides warehouse managers in targeting critical risks factors that have a higher influence on warehouse productivity performance. This would be extremely helpful for companies with limited resources but seek productivity improvement and risks mitigation. Considering the increasing interest in sustainable development goals (economic, environmental, and social), arguably, this work support managers in boosting these goals within their organisation. This study is expected to benefit warehouse managers in understanding how to manage risk, handle unexpected disruptions, and improve performance in ever-changing uncertain business environments. It often has a profound effect on the productivity level of an organisation. This study proposes an innovative risks analysis model that aims to analyse risks, frame them, and rate them according to their importance, particularly for warehousing productivity performance.
Hybrid Decision Based on DNN and DTC for Model Predictive Torque Control of PMSM
Authors: Li Yao-Hua , Wu Ting-Xu , Zhai Deng-Wang , Zhao Cheng-Hui , Zhou Yi-Fan , Qin Yu-Gui , Su Jin-Shi , Qin Hui
Published: March 2022

To address the issue of poor real-time performance caused by the heavy computational burden of the finite control set model predictive torque control (MPTC) of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), a data-driven control method using a deep neural network (DNN) is proposed in this paper. The DNN can learn the MPTC’s selective laws from its operation data by training offline and then substitute them for voltage vector selection online. Aiming to address the data-driven runaway problems caused by the asymmetry between the dynamic and static training data, a hybrid decision control strategy based on DNN and DTC (direct torque control) is further proposed, which can realize four-quadrant operation with a control effect basically equivalent to MPTC. The proposed strategy has great application potential for use in multi-level inverter and matrix converter driving with multiple candidate voltage vectors or multi-step prediction.
Rotational Dynamics of The Transmembrane Domains Play an Important Role in Peptide Dynamics of Viral Fusion and Ion Channel Forming Proteins—A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Wang Chia-Wen , Fischer Wolfgang B.
Published: March 2022

Focusing on the transmembrane domains (TMDs) of viral fusion and channel-forming proteins (VCPs), experimentally available and newly generated peptides in an ideal conformation of the S and E proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and SARS-CoV, gp41 and Vpu, both of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), haemagglutinin and M2 of influenza A, as well as gB of herpes simplex virus (HSV), are embedded in a fully hydrated lipid bilayer and used in multi-nanosecond molecular dynamics simulations. It is aimed to identify differences in the dynamics of the individual TMDs of the two types of viral membrane proteins. The assumption is made that the dynamics of the individual TMDs are decoupled from their extra-membrane domains, and that the mechanics of the TMDs are distinct from each other due to the different mechanism of function of the two types of proteins. The diffusivity coefficient (DC) of the translational and rotational diffusion is decreased in the oligomeric state of the TMDs compared to those values when calculated from simulations in their monomeric state. When comparing the calculations for two different lengths of the TMD, a longer full peptide and a shorter purely TMD stretch, (i) the difference of the calculated DCs begins to level out when the difference exceeds approximately 15 amino acids per peptide chain, and (ii) the channel protein rotational DC is the most affected diffusion parameter. The rotational dynamics of the individual amino acids within the middle section of the TMDs of the fusion peptides remain high upon oligomerization, but decrease for the channel peptides, with an increasing number of monomers forming the oligomeric state, suggesting an entropic penalty on oligomerization for the latter.
Prognosis of Indolent Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma
Authors: Kameda Takuro , Shide Kotaro , Tahira Yuki , Sekine Masaaki , Sato Seiichi , Ishizaki Junzo , Takeuchi Masanori , Akizuki Keiichi , Kamiunten Ayako , Shimoda Haruko , Toyama Takanori , Maeda Kouichi , Yamashita Kiyoshi , Kawano Noriaki , Kawano Hiroshi , Hidaka Tomonori , Yamaguchi Hideki , Kubuki Yoko , Kitanaka Akira , Matsuoka Hitoshi , Shimoda Kazuya
Published: March 2022

A retrospective chart survey of the clinical features of indolent adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) was conducted in the Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. This study enrolled 24 smoldering-type ATLs, 10 favorable chronic-type ATLs, and 20 unfavorable chronic-type ATLs diagnosed between 2010 and 2018. Among them, 4, 3, and 10 progressed to acute-type ATLs during their clinical course. The median survival time (MST) in smoldering-type ATL and favorable chronic-type ATL was not reached, and their 4-year overall survival (OS) was 73% and 79%, respectively. Compared with this, the prognosis of unfavorable chronic-type ATL was poor. Its MST was 3.32 years, and the 4-year OS was 46% (p = 0.0095). In addition to the three features that determine the unfavorable characteristics of chronic-type ATL, namely, increased lactate dehydrogenase, increased blood urea nitrogen, and decreased albumin, the high-risk category by the indolent ATL-Prognostic Index, which was defined by an increment of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL2-R) of >6000 U/mL, could explain the poor prognosis in indolent ATL patients. The level of sIL-2R might be an indicator of the initiation of therapy for indolent ATL.
Avidity of Polyclonal Antibodies to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus in Bovine Serum Measured Using Bio-Layer Interferometry
Authors: Shaw Andrew E. , Burman Alison , Asfor Amin , Brocchi Emiliana , Grazioli Santina , Browning Clare , Ludi Anna , Tuthill Tobias J. , King Donald P.
Published: March 2022

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a disease of cloven-hoofed livestock caused by FMD virus (FMDV). FMD can be controlled through the use of inactivated vaccines, and it is well established that the protection afforded by FMD vaccines correlates strongly with neutralising antibody titres. However, the overall strength of binding, referred to as avidity, is also an important parameter with respect to the ability of antibodies to neutralise virus infection, and there is evidence that avidity can affect the level of protection afforded by FMDV vaccines. Here, as an alternative to modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (avidity ELISAs) incorporating a chaotropic wash step, we used bio-layer interferometry (BLI) to measure the avidity of bovine polyclonal antibodies against FMDV capsids. We conducted preliminary experiments using recombinant FMDV capsids, as well as peptides representing antigenic loops, to demonstrate that the binding of monoclonal antibodies targeting specific antigenic sites could be detected using BLI. Subsequent experiments using polyclonal sera derived from FMD vaccinated cattle provided evidence of a positive correlation between the neutralising titre of the serum and the avidity as measured by BLI. Furthermore, we observed an increase in BLI avidity, as well as in the titre, in vaccinated animals upon challenge with the live virus.
A Survey of Awareness of COVID-19 Knowledge, Willingness and Influencing Factors of COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Yang Juan , Liao Yuting , Hua Qianhui , Lv Huakun
Published: March 2022

New vaccines are being developed in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Vaccination provides a crucial preventive approach for managing COVID-19. We investigated adults’ willingness to take COVID-19 vaccines in the Zhejiang province, and their cognitions regarding COVID-19, when the COVID-19 vaccine is authorized under Emergency Use Administration. An online survey was conducted from September to October 2020, which included social-demographic characteristics, risk perception, acceptance and influencing factors in relation to COVID-19 vaccines. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the influencing factors of vaccination acceptance. Of the participants, 70% intended to be vaccinated when the COVID-19 vaccine was approved under Emergency Use Administration, among 2171 valid questionnaires. Logistic regression revealed that being male, having a high cognitive score regarding COVID-19, the belief that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and the belief that one will be infected with SARS-CoV-2 this fall and winter, were associated with a greater probability of accepting vaccination. Respondents with junior college/university education or above were less likely to accept vaccination. Concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine were the main factors hindering vaccination acceptance. Health education is important for promoting accurate public knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
Treatment of Angioedema Mediated by Bradykinin
Authors: Маслова Л.В.
Published: March 2022

Ангиоотеки являются не только медицинской, но и социальной и экономической проблемой. Рост заболеваемости в некоторой степени связан с возрастающим приемом ингибиторов ангиотензин-превращающего фермента. Ангиоотек является жизнеугрожающим состоянием поздняя диагностика, отсутствие препаратов для купирования острых приступов или краткосрочной и долговременной профилактики, отсутствие знаний о болезни и способах ее контроля у пациента могут привести к летальному исходу. В обзоре приводится информация о диагностике, терапии по требованию, профилактике брадикинин-опосредованного ангиоотека.

Аngioedemas are not only medical but also social and economic problem. Increased incidence of some extent is associated with increased intake inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme. Аngioedema is a life-threatening condition late diagnosis, lack of drugs for the relief of acute attacks or short or long-term prevention, lack of knowledge about the disease and how to control the patient may lead to death. The review provides information on diagnosis, on-demand treatment, prevention for angioedema mediated by bradykinin.
¿Una nueva ola autoritaria? Radicalización y neopopulismos en Europa y América Latina
Authors: Morlino Leonardo , Russo Juan
Published: March 2022

En este trabajo se presentan los mecanismos que llevan desde una democracia hacia el deterioro democrático, crisis, conversión en régimen híbrido, y cambio hacia el autoritarismo. Para ello, se analizan procesos vinculados con el contexto de polarización, personalización y radicalización política, que afectan las calidades de la democracia, dando lugar a regresiones autoritarias. Se analizan los casos de Polonia, Hungría, Venezuela y Turquía.
De la protesta a la propuesta. 50 años imaginando y construyendo el futuro de David Barkin
Authors: Carcaño Erika
Published: March 2022

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Nuevas versiones del envejecimiento
Authors: Klein Alejandro
Published: March 2022

Este ensayo intenta reseñar algunos de los cambios por los que está pasando el conjunto familiar revisando el concepto de hogar, stepfamilies; parentalidad, nietos y los nuevos roles que están tomando los abuelos ante estas transformaciones. Como resultado más relevante se indica que estos nuevos roles de los adultos mayores son de importancia esencial para entender algunas de las peculiaridades de las familias contemporáneas, señalándose como los mismos se correlacionan con las tendencias demográficas por las que pasan Latinoamérica y el mundo.
reformas mexicanas y los riesgos de una restauración autoritaria
Authors: Loaeza Soledad
Published: March 2022

Desde su ascenso al poder en 2018, el presidente mexicano Andrés Manuel López Obrador, AMLO, lanzó una amplia revisión de todas las reformas que introdujeron cinco de sus predecesores. Este objetivo lo ha conducido a intentar la restauración de la muy poderosa presidencia del régimen de partido hegemónico. Esta política ha tenido un impacto profundamente divisivo en la sociedad mexicana. La pregunta que se plantea es si acaso el siguiente paso del presidente López Obrador es la construcción de un partido hegemónico similar al PRI. Este proyecto se toparía casi seguramente con la determinada oposición del electorado mexicano, que ha mostrado consciente de la importancia de alternativas políticas. Este artículo explora la posibilidad de que se produzca este desarrollo a la luz de las sucesivas reformas electorales que fueron el corazón de la democratización mexicana.
ARQUEOLOGÍA HISTÓRICA: REGISTRO ARQUEOLÓGICO Y ESTADO
Authors: Rocchietti Ana Rocchietti
Published: March 2022

Se examinan los vestigios del Fuerte o Fortín de la localidad de Achiras (Departamento de Río Cuarto, Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina) con la finalidad de discutir las dimensiones necesarias de los registros que estudia la Arqueología Histórica, particularmente la del Estado como formador de su existencia disciplinar. Ellas se constituyen en la materialidad histórica del poder de Estado, en el género de vida que impone y en su propio régimen de verdad.