bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE MAIN TEST RESULTS OF THE MI-2MSB HELICOPTER EQUIPPED WITH THE EXPERIMENTAL SYSTEM OF SMALL ARMS AND SERIES-PRODUCED SYSTEM OF UNGUIDED MISSILE ARMAMENT
Authors: Berezniak A. , Dudnik Т. , Zakutko O.
Published: March 2021

The summarized results of special tests of the Mi-2MSB helicopter equipped with the experimental system of 12,7 mm small arms (as a part with series-produced machine guns NSVT-12,7) and the serial system of unguided missile armament (NAR type C-8) are presented. The actual volume of assessments of inspections and work performed during the tests is given.

According to the results of processing the test materials, it was determined that the tactical range of the Mi-2MSB helicopter with the installed weapons system and boxes for collecting spent units (in the design provided for testing) at a takeoff mass of 3700 kg, at an altitude of not more than 300 m during combat mission in the area of the target for 5 minutes and the remaining fuel on the landing of 100 liters is (not less):

version of combat equipment 2 × B8V8MSB (payload - 16 NAR) - 190 km;

version of combat equipment 2 × NSVT-12.7 (payload - 600 rounds) - 200 km;

version of combat equipment 2 × B8V8MSB + 2 × NSVT-12.7 (payload - 16 NAR and 600 rounds) - 155

The results of special tests practically showed that the Mi-2MSB helicopter, equipped with an aviation weapon system, in addition to the functional tasks defined for the basic Mi-2MSB helicopter, is able to provide:

training and maintenance of skills for flight crew in the practical application of unguided aviation weapons and gun armaments in all types of maneuvering, defined by the tactics of army aviation;

accomplishment of certain tasks on air support of columns of troops on the march and fire missions on destruction of enemy manpower, single unarmored and lightly armored targets such as car, armored personnel carrier, infantry fighting vehicle, boat,

The main combat and functional capabilities in the actual operating conditions confirmed by the results of special tests as well as their validation of specified requirements make it possible (after eliminating the shortcomings identified in the test), to allow operation of Mi-2MSB helicopter in the entire operating range of heights and speeds equipped with aircraft weapons as part of the unguided missile system (NAR type C-8) and small arms system (as part of the series-produced machine guns NSVT-12.7)).
IMPROVEMENT OF OPTICAL-ELECTRONIC MEANS FOR INCREASE OF EFFICIENCY OF COMBAT EMPLOYMENT OF THE ARMORED WEAPONS UNDER LIMITED VISIBILITY CONDITIONS
Authors: Oliynik R. , Tsilyna S. , Yermolenko O.
Published: March 2021

According to the experience of hostilities, including during the JFO (ATO), today much attention is paid by military experts to the development and improvement of optical and optoelectronic devices. This is due to the continuous improvement and development of new generation weapons systems that have improved tactical and technical characteristics, reduces the time spent by objects in the area of detection and damage, reduces the visibility of objects, increases their protection from interference and countermeasures, changes their tactics.

The main advantages of optoelectronic devices are: the secrecy of their use, in contrast to radar and radio equipment, they do not require additional systems of protection against interference; relative simplicity of design, operation and small dimensions; low energy consumption; ecological purity.

The current state of threats to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, first of all the ongoing aggression of the Russian Federation, requires the introduction of necessary ways to counter them, improving approaches to the formation of military-technical policy, taking into account the urgent need to update existing weapons and military (special) equipment.

There is a need to create electron-optical transducers or matrix devices of other types that work in the visible and infrared ranges, for night vision devices, and opto-electronic systems for detection (registration) of laser radiation of rangefinders, control systems for homing projectiles, missiles in the optical range spectrum.

The paper describes the areas of improvement of optoelectronic means of surveillance, detection and aiming in order to increase the effectiveness of combat employment of armored weapons. The relevance of the study lies in the need to introduce fundamentally new concepts for the integration of optical and optoelectronic devices.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THERMAL PRESSURE CHAMBER
Authors: Prykhodko S. , Lappo I. , Dobryshkin Y.
Published: March 2021

Inspection of armament and military equipment (AME) for the quality of manufacture and purpose tasks performance is carried out exclusively through testing. Tasks of conducting tests within the framework of ensuring the implementation of State programs for equipping the Armed Forces of Ukraine with modern armament and military equipment require proper instrumentation of the laboratory and test base of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is necessary to determine during tests numerical indicators of technical and operational characteristics in accordance with requirements of state standards parallel to standards of world’s major economies to evaluate new, upgraded armament, armament with service life extension and procured armament.

During the study, general scientific methods of information processing and systematization were used, in particular system analysis and synthesis of organizational and technical systems.

The purpose of the article is to improve the quality of testing of new and modernized pieces of AME by developing general requirements for a thermal pressure chamber.

A study was conducted to substantiate the composition of the thermal pressure chamber, its main tasks, objects of action, capabilities, conditions of application, requirements for interaction with control systems or other objects with which the system is combined. Based on the analysis, the article proposes general requirements for a thermal pressure chamber, which will improve the quality of testing of new and upgraded pieces of AME; reduce material and technical expenditures and reduce the time of AME testing.
A Study of a Competitive Reinforcement Learning Approach for Joint Spatial Division and Multiplexing in Massive MIMO
Authors: Deeka Tanyaluk , Deeka Boriboon , On-rit Surajate
Published: March 2021

Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) is widely considered a pivotal communication technology for future generations of wireless networks. Massive MIMO uses a large number of antennas at the base station, which offers better effectiveness in spectral and energy use. However, a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system is challenging in reciprocity since it is difficult to estimate channels and requires feeding back channel state information. Joint Spatial Division and Multiplexing (JSDM) is a simplified FDD technique to provide massive MIMO gains. The main idea of JSDM is related to grouping users with approximately similar channel covariance. Many machine learning algorithms have been applied to conduct user grouping. In this paper, to improve the user grouping, we employ Reinforcement Guided Competitive Learning (RGCL) to the user grouping and then compare it with clustering techniques, including K-means, and sequential K-means to achieve the appropriate user grouping. The experimental results show that the RGCL technique represents better performance in computational time and system throughput than the other two above mentioned techniques, since RGCL can avoid being trapping in local minima.
African Reading of Psalm 24:3-6: The Implications for the Enforcement of Morality among Christians in Africa.
Authors: Gyanvi-Blay Joseph , Twumasi-Ankrah Emmanuel
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with the African reading of Psalm 24:3-6: The implications for the enforcement of morality among Christians in Africa. The book of Psalms is subdivided into five books comparable to the Pentateuch. Psalm 24 falls into the first book which is used as a liturgy of entrance into the Israelite temple. In Psalm 24:3-6 a worshipper asks for entry requirements to be met which are clean hands and pure hearts, not lifting up the soul to what is false, and not swearing deceitfully. The methodology used is the African perspective of readers’ response. Pastors and Christian leaders must lead the people with integrity befitting the sacredness of the hill of the Lord. Christians are the temple of God and are expected to observe ritual purity everywhere every time in order to receive blessings from God, (Onyame). Keywords: Morality, Shrine, clean hands, pure hearts, ritual purity.
The Evolution of the IR Luminosity Function and Dust-obscured Star Formation over the Past 13 Billion Years
Authors: Zavala J. A. , Casey C. M. , Manning S. M. , Aravena M. , Bethermin M. , Caputi K. I. , Clements D. L. , Cunha E. da , Drew P. , Finkelstein S. L. , Fujimoto S. , Hayward C. , Hodge J. , Kartaltepe J. S. , Knudsen K. , Koekemoer A. M. , Long A. S. , Magdis G. E. , Man A. W. S. , Popping G. , Sanders D. , Scoville N. , Sheth K. , Staguhn J. , Toft S. , Treister E. , Vieira J. D. , Yun M. S.
Published: March 2021

We present the first results from the Mapping Obscuration to Reionization with ALMA (MORA) survey, the largest Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) blank-field contiguous survey to date (184 arcmin2) and the only at 2 mm to search for dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs). We use the 13 sources detected above 5σ to estimate the first ALMA galaxy number counts at this wavelength. These number counts are then combined with the state-of-the-art galaxy number counts at 1.2 and 3 mm and with a backward evolution model to place constraints on the evolution of the IR luminosity function and dust-obscured star formation in the past 13 billion years. Our results suggest a steep redshift evolution on the space density of DSFGs and confirm the flattening of the IR luminosity function at faint luminosities, with a slope of

. We conclude that the dust-obscured component, which peaks at z ≈ 2–2.5, has dominated the cosmic history of star formation for the past ∼12 billion years, back to z ∼ 4. At z = 5, the dust-obscured star formation is estimated to be ∼35% of the total star formation rate density and decreases to 25%–20% at z = 6–7, implying a minor contribution of dust-enshrouded star formation in the first billion years of the universe. With the dust-obscured star formation history constrained up to the end of the epoch of reionization, our results provide a benchmark to test galaxy formation models, to study the galaxy mass assembly history, and to understand the dust and metal enrichment of the universe at early times.
On the Origin of Hard X-Ray Emissions from the Behind-the-limb Flare on 2014 September 1
Authors: Wu Yihong , Rouillard Alexis P. , Kouloumvakos Athanasios , Vainio Rami , Afanasiev Alexandr N. , Plotnikov Illya , Murphy Ronald J. , Mann Gottfried J. , Warmuth Alexander
Published: March 2021

The origin of hard X-rays and γ-rays emitted from the solar atmosphere during occulted solar flares is still debated. The hard X-ray emissions could come from flaring loop tops rising above the limb or coronal mass ejection shock waves, two by-products of energetic solar storms. For the shock scenario to work, accelerated particles must be released on magnetic field lines rooted on the visible disk and precipitate. We present a new Monte Carlo code that computes particle acceleration at shocks propagating along large coronal magnetic loops. A first implementation of the model is carried out for the 2014 September 1 event, and the modeled electron spectra are compared with those inferred from Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) measurements. When particle diffusion processes are invoked, our model can reproduce the hard electron spectra measured by GBM nearly 10 minutes after the estimated on-disk hard X-rays appear to have ceased from the flare site.
Quantile Factor Models
Authors: Chen Liang , Dolado Juan J. , Gonzalo Jesús
Published: March 2021

Quantile factor models (QFM) represent a new class of factor models for high‐dimensional panel data. Unlike approximate factor models (AFM), which only extract mean factors, QFM also allow unobserved factors to shift other relevant parts of the distributions of observables. We propose a quantile regression approach, labeled Quantile Factor Analysis (QFA), to consistently estimate all the quantile‐dependent factors and loadings. Their asymptotic distributions are established using a kernel‐smoothed version of the QFA estimators. Two consistent model selection criteria, based on information criteria and rank minimization, are developed to determine the number of factors at each quantile. QFA estimation remains valid even when the idiosyncratic errors exhibit heavy‐tailed distributions. An empirical application illustrates the usefulness of QFA by highlighting the role of extra factors in the forecasts of U.S. GDP growth and inflation rates using a large set of predictors.
Theory of Weak Identification in Semiparametric Models
Authors: Kaji Tetsuya
Published: March 2021

We provide general formulation of weak identification in semiparametric models and an efficiency concept. Weak identification occurs when a parameter is weakly regular, that is, when it is locally homogeneous of degree zero. When this happens, consistent or equivariant estimation is shown to be impossible. We then show that there exists an underlying regular parameter that fully characterizes the weakly regular parameter. While this parameter is not unique, concepts of sufficiency and minimality help pin down a desirable one. If estimation of minimal sufficient underlying parameters is inefficient, it introduces noise in the corresponding estimation of weakly regular parameters, whence we can improve the estimators by local asymptotic Rao–Blackwellization. We call an estimator weakly efficient if it does not admit such improvement. New weakly efficient estimators are presented in linear IV and nonlinear regression models. Simulation of a linear IV model demonstrates how 2SLS and optimal IV estimators are improved.
Model Selection for Treatment Choice: Penalized Welfare Maximization
Authors: Mbakop Eric , Tabord-Meehan Max
Published: March 2021

This paper studies a penalized statistical decision rule for the treatment assignment problem. Consider the setting of a utilitarian policy maker who must use sample data to allocate a binary treatment to members of a population, based on their observable characteristics. We model this problem as a statistical decision problem where the policy maker must choose a subset of the covariate space to assign to treatment, out of a class of potential subsets. We focus on settings in which the policy maker may want to select amongst a
collection of constrained subset classes: examples include choosing the number of covariates over which to perform best‐subset selection, and model selection when approximating a complicated class via a sieve. We adapt and extend results from statistical learning to develop the Penalized Welfare Maximization (PWM) rule. We establish an oracle inequality for the regret of the PWM rule which shows that it is able to perform model selection over the collection of available classes. We then use this oracle inequality to derive relevant bounds on maximum regret for PWM. An important consequence of our results is that we are able to formalize model‐selection using a “holdout” procedure, where the policy maker would first estimate various policies using half of the data, and then select the policy which performs the best when evaluated on the other half of the data.
Spurious Factor Analysis
Authors: Onatski Alexei , Wang Chen
Published: March 2021

This paper draws parallels between the principal components analysis of factorless high‐dimensional nonstationary data and the classical spurious regression. We show that a few of the principal components of such data absorb nearly all the data variation. The corresponding scree plot suggests that the data contain a few factors, which is corroborated by the standard panel information criteria. Furthermore, the Dickey–Fuller tests of the unit root hypothesis applied to the estimated “idiosyncratic terms” often reject, creating an impression that a few factors are responsible for most of the nonstationarity in the data. We warn empirical researchers of these peculiar effects and suggest to always compare the analysis in levels with that in differences.
Information Technology and Government Decentralization: Experimental Evidence From Paraguay
Authors: Dal Bó Ernesto , Finan Frederico , Li Nicholas Y. , Schechter Laura
Published: March 2021

Standard models of hierarchy assume that agents and middle managers are better informed than principals. We estimate the value of the informational advantage held by supervisors—middle managers—when ministerial leadership—the principal—introduced a new monitoring technology aimed at improving the performance of agricultural extension agents (AEAs) in rural Paraguay. Our approach employs a novel experimental design that elicited treatment‐priority rankings from supervisors before randomization of treatment. We find that supervisors have valuable information—they prioritize AEAs who would be more responsive to the monitoring treatment. We develop a model of monitoring under different scales of treatment roll‐out and different treatment allocation rules. We semiparametrically estimate marginal treatment effects (MTEs) to demonstrate that the value of information and the benefits to decentralizing treatment decisions depend crucially on the sophistication of the principal and on the scale of roll‐out.
Local Projections and VARs Estimate the Same Impulse Responses
Authors: Plagborg-Møller Mikkel , Wolf Christian K.
Published: March 2021

We prove that local projections (LPs) and Vector Autoregressions (VARs) estimate the same impulse responses. This nonparametric result only requires unrestricted lag structures. We discuss several implications: (i) LP and VAR estimators are not conceptually separate procedures; instead, they are simply two dimension reduction techniques with common estimand but different finite‐sample properties. (ii) VAR‐based structural identification—including short‐run, long‐run, or sign restrictions—can equivalently be performed using LPs, and vice versa. (iii) Structural estimation with an instrument (proxy) can be carried out by ordering the instrument first in a recursive VAR, even under noninvertibility. (iv) Linear VARs are as robust to nonlinearities as linear LPs.
Investigating the Impact of Luxury Brands' Traditional and Digital Contents on Customer-Based Brand Equity
Authors: Mosca Fabrizio , Kitchen Philip J. , Chiaudano Valentina
Published: March 2021

After a period of initial scepticism, luxury-branded companies now understand the necessity of integrating digital technologies into their marketing actions. Therefore, most luxury companies approach emerging digital tools commencing from communication strategies. The direct consequence is the adoption of social media such as blogs, applications (apps), and social networking as new communication tools alongside and in conjunction with traditional media. The purpose of this chapter lies in seeking to understand the extent to which luxury brand consumers appreciate the contents of luxury brand communications and in comparing digital and traditional ranges. In addition, the chapter investigates the existence of a correlation between the level of satisfaction perceived by luxury consumers and the dimension of customer brand equity according to the Aaker model. In this endeavour, this study is an attempt to provide academics and practitioners with insight about the expectation of luxury brand consumers from contents delivered, comparing digital and traditional platforms.
Upcycled vs. Recycled Products by Luxury Brands
Authors: Adıgüzel Feray , Donato Carmela
Published: March 2021

This chapter aims at covering an important gap, contributing to research in the field of luxury markets as well as sustainable consumption, and focuses on new sustainable products by luxury brands. Through an experimental study 3x1 between-subject design in which the product material (upcycled vs. recycled vs. virgin) of a fictitious luxury product was manipulated, the authors investigated which luxury product (upcycled vs. recycled vs. not sustainable) is preferred by consumers in terms of attitude and purchase intentions. Results of this experimental design can inform luxury product managers and designers about whether consumers react more positively towards upcycle vs. recycle products when consumers' status motives and environmental consciousness increase. In addition, they can understand the reasons and emphasize those in their marketing communications to increase demand for those products with this study.
Generations' Attitudes and Behaviours in the Luxury Sector
Authors: Giachino Chiara , Bertoldi Bernardo , Bargoni Augusto
Published: March 2021

The luxury sector needs to adapt its strategies to the digital advent, the online purchasing, and new young customers who have different behaviors and attitudes with respect to older generations. Young generations (Millennials and GenZ) signed a deep change for companies and influenced the way of doing business. They tend to gather information online, they share their opinions, and they pay attention to how companies behave. Since they represent a big part of the market, it is fundamental to understand if the luxury sector is relevant for them and how they consider luxury brands, for example, Moncler. Through an online questionnaire, a comparison between young and old generations has been realized.
There Is No Such Thing as the Millennial
Authors: Pedrazzi Camilla , Duma Fabio , Gadgil Maya
Published: March 2021

In this chapter, the authors present a cultural comparative study of how millennials in Switzerland and South Korea define and perceive luxury and prestige and how this might influence their luxury consumer behavior. Labels, such as GenX, millennials, GenY, or GenZ, are often used to distinguish cohorts of individuals based on their shared generational experiences and characteristics. However, as previous research shows, mere membership in a generational cohort is not a sufficient explanation for consumption patterns across geographies and cultures. Given the size and importance of the global luxury market and the degree of internationalization of luxury companies, a better understanding of the luxury consumer and the impact of their macro-context is vital. The results of the present study indicate that economic as well as cultural factors have an impact on the definition and perception of luxury among millennials and might also explain differences in consumer behavior.
Characterization of Online Learners or Students in Namibia
Authors: Shihomeka Sadrag Panduleni
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this chapter is to present the characteristics of online learners or students in the Global South and specifically in Namibia. The characteristics were identified by using an autobiographical narrative enquiry of over 17 years of teaching experience in the field of distance education, secondary school teaching, university teaching, and online facilitation. The chapter presents four key characteristics of online learners or students that are likely to be found in the Global South. These characteristics should be taken into consideration before a final decision as to whether use online learning, blended learning, or offline learning. These are technologically-endowed (TE) student/learner, moderate technologically-exposed (MTE) student/learner, severe technologically disadvantaged (STD) student/learner, and acute technologically marginalized (ATM) student/learner. The chapter proposes that a rubric with grading criteria should be developed so that at the end the institution will be able to tell how many students/learners fall under each category.
Old Paradigms, New Learners
Authors: Turner Barbara Ann , Rick Holly A.
Published: March 2021

The chapter will be divided into three sections. The first section provides a brief look at the history and inception of online degree programs, supporting technology, learning platforms, and the early demographics of the typical online degree seeking student. The second section will address the changing online degree student demographics of the past five years, organizational expectations of graduating students, and the stagnant online learning model that is less than effective in student skills acquisition and knowledge retention. The third will address the COVID-19 effect on online learning, degree-student demographics, the cultural shifts that are emerging in the student population, and the need for new interactive online models to engage the student. This section will also address the need for new models of online training for faculty to provide a quality educational environment for the online student. The chapter will close with assumptions about the future of online degree programs.
The Magic of a Local Academic Community for Online Adult Learners in Completing the Doctoral Journey
Authors: Frolow Miriam L. , Copeland Wheatley Anna
Published: March 2021

The dissertation journey from student to scholar is filled with hurdles that can be difficult to navigate alone, especially as online students. Many adult students who have stepped foot onto the path to earning a doctoral degree did so in a non-traditional environment that included a mix of work and family obligations, and the need to prove that they have earned the right to be called “doctor.” In 2017, the Jersey City Campus of University of Phoenix launched the Research Club, a monthly gathering of doctoral students, faculty, and alumni in the New York-New Jersey area. The initiative was designed to bring together a team to help doctoral students succeed through an in-person informal structure of conversation and peer-to-peer support to supplement the work of the dissertation committee. This chapter chronicles the first three years and affirms the need for innovative in-person strategies for providing doctoral support through informal communities of practice.
Applying Andragogy to Backward Design to Support Adult Learners
Authors: McCartney Melissa L. , Tkatchov Mary A.
Published: March 2021

Andragogy, also known as adult learning theory, and backward design are not new concepts in higher education, but often the two are not layered together cohesively, or the misconceptions about adult learning theory and backward design stymie the design process. The purpose of this chapter is to present a course design model for faculty, administrators, and design team professionals to apply andragogy to backward design in a layered approach to better support adult learners. This chapter explores the application of backward design and andragogy in higher education with these essential questions: How are andragogy and backward design applied in higher education course design? How can considerations of andragogy strengthen the backward design model? What misconceptions about backward design and adult learning theory underly current practices?
Digital Twins Concepts, Challenges, and Future Trends
Authors: Mahmoud Amged Sayed A. , Hemdan Ezz El-Din
Published: March 2021

Digital twin has gained a great interest during the last few years from academia and industry because of the development in IT technology, communication field, and sensor technology. The general vision of the DT is to provide a detailed physical and functional description of a component, product, and systems. Nevertheless, the digital twin is a highly dynamic concept growing in complexity during the product life cycle, which leads to an enormous amount of data and information. Motivated by these, this chapter investigates the concepts and architecture of DT to cover its challenges and explore its applications in various fields such as smart cities, smart manufacturing and factories, and healthcare sectors. In the end, the challenges and research areas will be presented.
EEB Project System Integration and Technology Sperimentation Matrix
Authors: Ugliotti Francesca Maria
Published: March 2021

Today an increasing number of cities are equipping themselves with three-dimensional urban modelling and simulation platforms for energy management to integrate both spatial and semantic data for enabling better decision-making. The work presented in this chapter is the result of the study carried out by Politecnico di Torino within the Energy Efficient Buildings (EEB) project. Collected data on urban and building scale are managed in specialized, independent, and heterogeneous domains such as GIS, BIM, and IoT devices for energy and electrical monitoring. Possible relationships among these datasets in the perspective of system integration have been carried out according to a rich matrix of experimentations. Specific tools, including innovative visualization technologies and web services, are put in place to allow final users to benefit from this data. The infrastructure is intended to establish a common interoperable ground among heterogeneous networks to achieve the goal of smart cities digital twins.
Building Stock Energy Models and ICT Solutions for Urban Energy Systems
Authors: Ballarini Ilaria , Corrado Vincenzo , Piro Matteo
Published: March 2021

The existing building stock presents a high potential of energy savings and CO2 emissions reductions. To this purpose, literature provides novel city-scale building-oriented studies, aimed at developing suitable tools for stakeholders, city planners, and decision-makers. To achieve an effective urban energy planning, urban energy systems (UES) models are developed; they employ a multi-domain approach, embracing the complex interactions in urban areas, such as energy flows, environmental indicators, social and economic factors. To perform an advanced modelling and to simulate the complexity of the UES, ICT (information and communications technology) represents nowadays the right answer to the needs of integration of data, tools, and actors in different domains. The chapter investigates the current studies in the field of building stock energy modeling and the application of advanced technologies to develop UES models. As an exemplification, the technological approach followed in the SEMANCO project to support urban scale energy modelling is presented.
BIM Tools for the Energy Analysis of Urban Transformation Projects and the Application to the Development of Healthcare Infrastructures
Authors: Urbina Ezio Nicolas Bruno , Spallarossa Elisa
Published: March 2021

The aim of INDICATE was the creation of an innovative interactive software capable of providing designers, urban planners, and companies a “decision support system” in all urban development phases of a city: from the construction of a single building to the design of a master plan. Galliera test site experience was developed following the idea of using the INDICATE tool on Genoa site to understand how the tool can work in the planning stages, as if the preliminary design of the new hospital were not already defined, to understand the optimal solution to select from the energy point of view. The chapter shows how a tool such as INDICATE would have proven absolutely useful to comprehend the different energetic and economic impacts of different options and of different new building shapes. The experience gained with the INDICATE project and BIM implementation within other projects and realities of the authors could also be adopted to develop the implementation of the BIM in another important hospital in Genoa, the Giannina Gaslini Pediatric Hospital.
Revolutionizing the Stock Market With Blockchain
Authors: Dhanda Namrata , Garg Anushka
Published: March 2021

This chapter explores the drawbacks of conventional centralized share exchange frameworks, like those of higher transaction costs, central and vulnerable regulation to exploitation, and lack of revelation to business behavior and practices by introducing a revolutionary model that utilizes blockchain to establish a decentralized stock exchange and a transparent persistent economy. The suggested model utilizes exclusive contracts to implement the validity of the privileges of the owner and the proper accomplishment and settlement of the transactions, thereby mitigating the need for a centralized authority to ensure the accuracy of the stock exchange mechanism. The experimental findings convincingly demonstrate that the decentralized solution can provide lower transaction costs by progressively replacing brokerage costs and centralized officials' commissions with mining charges, which reward the miners for their backbreaking work in maintaining the system and enforcing the laws.
Real Options for the Valuation of Investment Projects
Authors: Pérez-Vas Raisa
Published: March 2021

The objective of this chapter is to analyze the methodology for evaluating investment projects through real options. The limitations of traditional models based on cash flows and the current environment that presents constant changes and high uncertainty have led to a new field of research, real options. The valuation of investment projects carries inherent decision-making, where the best options for the company are analyzed, the real options providing a decision flexibility that classic models do not provide. This chapter contains the most important theoretical framework, where the beginnings of this methodology, the most important types of options, and the methodology for their evaluation are discussed, as well as two practical examples for a better understanding of this methodology.
Evolution and Future of the Marketing and Sustainability Linkage
Authors: Hernández-Zelaya Sandra Lizzeth , Reyes-Reina Fernando , Rodríguez Benito María Elena
Published: March 2021

The pairing of sustainability and marketing has been around for several decades and has opened new standards in management and marketing. The main objective of this chapter is trifold: First, to shed some light on the distinctions between sustainability marketing and analogous terms; second, to review some of the criticisms that have arisen (i.e., greenwashing or green marketing myopia); finally, the authors offer a broader term for the marketing and sustainability link. The chapter will review the evolution of these concepts and present future directions of the sustainability and marketing linkage. Taking as a starting point theories that propose a new relationship between society and companies (civil economy, corporate citizenship) and the new paradigm of marketing, the authors also put forth a wholesome concept: civic marketing. This concept balances the two objectives expected in a marketing approach: positive business results and customer satisfaction in a sustainable economy.
Library Media Specialists' Roles in the Implementation of Digital Tools, Applications, and Standards
Authors: Paynter Kelly
Published: March 2021

This chapter addresses the benefits and synergies that the classroom teacher and the school library media specialist (LMS) experience when collaborating in the planning, differentiation, and assessment of content-area standards such as the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), with an emphasis on the role of technology and information literacy via Digital Literacy and Computer Science Standards (DLCSS). General reasons for teacher/LMS collaboration, specific reasons for collaboration on the CCSS/DLCSS, technology integration, and physical space and instructional flexibility form the key concepts of discussion. Tables present specific CCSS, related to technology tools and digital literacy concepts, that the LMS is uniquely qualified to teach to students. The chapter concludes with practical recommendations for district personnel, school-based administrators, LMSs, classroom teachers, and preservice teachers.
Electronic Resource Management and Digitisation
Authors: Raj Swarup Kumar , De Kakoli
Published: March 2021

Electronic resource management (ERM) is the system and technique used by library professionals to track the selection, acquisition, access, maintenance, usage, evaluation of a library's electronic resources. The innovation of ERM conducted in the University Library, University of Calcutta has been discussed. It provides innovative insights into how technology transfer has operated in the University Library for digitising the documents. E-resources are a vital reference source for different types of library users. The main focus is on how ERM is done through the digitisation of resources in the digital library of the University of Calcutta. Digital libraries have been set up in all the campuses by the University Library System so that users can download e-resources from any campus. The University Library maintains an online catalogue for information search and retrieval. Theses have been digitised, and full texts are available. Through the innovation of the Digital Library System of the University, it would enhance the University's education and research value.
Intellectual Property Challenges in Digital Library Environments
Authors: Tutu James Macharia
Published: March 2021

Intellectual property poses a major challenge to digital libraries. This is because access to information in digital libraries is limited by laws, licenses and technology adopted by intellectual property owners. Similarly, intellectual property renders it difficult for digital libraries to make orphan works discoverable and accessible. Furthermore, intellectual property fragments copyright ownership, making it difficult for digital libraries to obtain the right clearance on content. To cope with these challenges, digital libraries have embraced the open access movement which allows reading, copying, downloading and sharing of digital content as long as the creators of the works are cited and acknowledged. Besides, digital libraries offer access to digital works produced under creative commons licenses. These licenses give the copyright owners the liberty to modify the copyright of their works to give room for sharing, use, and building upon the work.
Social Media and Social Networking in Digital Libraries
Authors: Makori Elisha Ondieki
Published: March 2021

The modern knowledge economy has transformed library and information organizations to adopt and embrace digital social media platforms. Proliferation and growth of social media and social networking technologies continue to play pivotal roles in establishment and operation of digital library and information systems in organizations. The purpose of the chapter is to examine the extent to which information professionals and practitioners understand the impact of social media and social networking technologies on digital library and information systems. The author also analyzes how information professionals manage and promote the adherence to copyright and intellectual property laws in digital library contexts. This chapter specifically discusses the rationale for social media and social networking in digital library and information systems; emerging social media platforms and their applications; legal aspects of social media, copyright and intellectual property protection, and risk management; as well as professional ethics and guidance on social media.
Analyzing the Conceptualization of and Challenges to Adopt Smart Public Library in Indonesia
Authors: Sayogo Djoko Sigit , Yuli Sri Budi Cantika , Wiyono
Published: March 2021

A smart public library holds crucial roles in the current fast-moving smart environment. This study defines what constitutes a smart library and outlines the critical challenges affecting the readiness of the library to adopt a smart library in developing countries. Using a case study encompassing documentation analysis and in-depth interviews with 13 public officials at the Regency of Bojonegoro, Indonesia, this study demonstrates that expensive ICTs expenditures does not necessarily mean achieving a smart library. The findings showcase that a smart library started from the innovative and inventive programs and services that are progressively geared toward achieving the library as a place for the co-production of knowledge. The findings further demonstrate that technology per se is not the most critical challenge for a smart library. The findings highlight data awareness, organizational issues, insufficient policies and regulations, and public concerns as more significant challenges to the adoption of a smart library than technological capability and infrastructure.
New Tools, Gadgets, and Devices in Libraries
Authors: Adewuyi Kayode Wale
Published: March 2021

The internet explosions, proliferation of online resources and the advent of free and open access resources in the last two decades provided the much needed impetus for libraries to inject new energy into providing quality service delivery of its services. More and more applications and databases are being provided to the libraries as mobile products. This chapter that focuses on new tools, gadgets, and devices in the libraries; summarizes, to some extent and expatiate to a large extent, the various new tools, devices and gadgets operational and adaptable to various aspects of librarianship and sections of the librarians. After an exploration of how these devices and tools work, and the different types, the author provided a comparison of current popular products, followed by a look at some of the new tools, gadgets and devices that we have available (toand around us). With the awareness that we are in the midst of an ongoing information revolution, the internet and personal computing are key components of this transition,and has tremendous potential to transform library services. In this chapter, all tools/devices and gadgets therefore, will be analyzed with an eye towards the future, cost-effectiveness, performance and functionality.
Managing and Adapting Library Information Services for Future Users
Authors: Chemulwo Monicah Jemeli , Sirorei Emily Chepkirui
Published: March 2021

The advance of artificial intelligence (AI) as a field of computer science that can impact and improve all sciences and human interactions is changing the information sector. AI is reconfiguring many library tasks such as classification, indexing, cataloguing, information retrieval, reference, information literacy, and even learning. It is the greatest usable intelligence that has the capacity of assisting librarians in decision making and administration. AI can also be employed in various areas such as speech recognition, machine transformation, and librarian robots. The very disruptive nature of any novel technology can be perceived as a risk to many organizations, including libraries. However, the ultimate acceptance and integration of artificial intelligence into library services is indeed possible and beneficial.
The User Acceptance Behavior to Mobile Digital Libraries
Authors: Liu Li , Su Xin , Akram Umair , Abrar Muhammad
Published: March 2021

The rapid development of mobile digital libraries is an inevitable trend in online library services in recent years. The effect of the new digital service is closely related to the continuous improvements and innovation of online library, as well as users' experiences and acceptance behaviors. Based on the UTAUT model, we conducted a standardized questionnaire survey and collected a dataset with a sample of digital library users. Then, we use SPSS to analyze the dataset and demonstrate the reliability and validity of the sample. Besides, we also use AMOS to conduct structural equation model, examine the fitting degree, and provide theoretical contributions and practical implications for both academia and practice. The results show that the factors influencing a user's behavior include social influence, user innovation, payment value, performance expectancy, facilitating condition, and intention to use, which are all positive. However, effort expectancy and service mobility had no effect on reception behavior.
Intrapreneurship and Enterprise 2.0 as Grounds for Developing In-House Digital Tools for Handling METS/ALTO Files
Authors: Smolenski Nikola , Kostic Milena , Sofronijevic Adam Milorad
Published: March 2021

The chapter is based on experience of authors who work at different positions at University Library “Svetozar Markovic” in Belgrade, Serbia. This library has been aiming at creation of efficient, creative work environment in the last decade and one of the main pay-offs has been the development of a unique set of digital tools for handling METS/ALTO files. The chapter will present both managerial background and ICT related details that encompass this complex process. It will also aim at providing examples of good practice in implementation of Enterprise 2.0 and fostering of intrapreneurship that may be employed in other library environments with notes on specifics of the University Library Belgrade and its relations to more general managerial issues and challenges that may be useful for other librarians.
Impact of Advent of Electronic Information Resources on Research
Authors: Bhat Nazir Ahmad
Published: March 2021

The study has been conducted with an objective to assess the impact of e-resources on seven aspects of research. Seven agricultural universities of North India were surveyed while using questionnaire as a data collection tool. The majority of respondents are of the opinion that due to advent of e-resources and in view of the ICT developments, they ‘feel much comfortable and competent to search information' and the changed scenario has enabled them to ‘generate new research ideas'. The quantity as well as quality of research has improved. A majority of the respondents are also of the opinion that their ‘research output finds more citations'. A majority of users are of the opinion that the problem of ‘duplication of research' has diminished while in contrast the menace of ‘plagiarism has increased'. A majority of the users agree that advent of e-resources has laid a positive impact except for the fact that ‘plagiarism' has enhanced.
Research on the Utilization and Evaluation of Library Resource Discovery Systems in China
Authors: Song Linlin , Li Haitao , Li Shihui
Published: March 2021

According to the investigation of library resources discovery system construction in 20 universities in China, the aggregation discovery service provided by the multi-source aggregation function, the discovery function is based on aggregation and the comprehensive revealing function. This article evaluates user usage and acceptance based on refinements of the functions mentioned above. The investigation shows that compared with the diversity of function, users are more concerned about the practicability, the intuition and the academy. Thus, systems should choose the best sources and pay attention to the metadata normalization, and enhance the correlation to standard datasets.
Religio-Spiritual Implications of Corruption and Money Laundering
Authors: Ibrahim Adebayo Rafiu
Published: March 2021

Nigeria is a country in the center of financial crimes and money laundering in Africa right from her pre-independence, independence, and post-independence eras. The aim of this study was to analyze the religio-spiritual effects of financial corruption and money laundering in Nigeria. The study answered such questions as what is the role of religious practitioners in aiding and abetting money laundering in Nigeria and how anti-money laundering strategies affect religion. The study observed that religion was dubiously used for money laundering activities, while some manipulated religion to exploit others. Some, for money ritual, also employed evil spirituality. The study concluded that religion has to be properly regulated to avoid its manipulation by some individuals while there is a need to review some anti-money laundering policies that reduced religion to mere worship in the four corners of places of worship and do not allow it to feature in humanitarian volunteerism.