bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proposing new clustering-based algorithms for the multi-skilled resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problem with resource leveling adjustments
Authors: Goudarzi Ehsan , Esmaeeli Hamid , Parsa Kia , Asadzadeh Shervin 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThe target of this research is to develop a mathematical model which combines the Resource-Constrained Multi-Project Scheduling Problem (RCMPSP) and the Multi-Skilled Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (MSRCPSP). Due to the importance of resource management, the proposed formulation comprises resource leveling considerations as well. The model aims to simultaneously optimize: (1) the total time to accomplish all projects and (2) the total deviation of resource consumptions from the uniform utilization levels.Design/methodology/approachThe K-Means (KM) and Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering methods have been separately applied to discover the clusters of activities which have the most similar resource demands. The discovered clusters are given to the scheduling process as priori knowledge. Consequently, the execution times of the activities with the most common resource requests will not overlap. The intricacy of the problem led us to incorporate the KM and FCM techniques into a meta-heuristic called the Bi-objective Symbiosis Organisms Search (BSOS) algorithm so that the real-life samples of this problem could be solved. Therefore, two clustering-based algorithms, namely, the BSOS-KM and BSOS-FCM have been developed.FindingsComparisons between the BSOS-KM, BSOS-FCM and the BSOS method without any clustering approach show that the clustering techniques could enhance the optimization process. Another hybrid clustering-based methodology called the NSGA-II-SPE has been added to the comparisons to evaluate the developed resource leveling framework.Practical implicationsThe practical importance of the model and the clustering-based algorithms have been demonstrated in planning several construction projects, where multiple water supply systems are concurrently constructed.Originality/valueReviewing the literature revealed that there was a need for a hybrid formulation that embraces the characteristics of the RCMPSP and MSRCPSP with resource leveling considerations. Moreover, the application of clustering algorithms as resource leveling techniques was not studied sufficiently in the literature.
Tourism live streaming: uncovering the effects of responsiveness and knowledge spillover on travelling intentions
Authors: Zheng Xiaojiang , Fu Shixuan 
Published: November 2023

PurposeIn tourism live streaming (TLS), streamers strive to capture viewers’ attention by responding quickly to viewers’ requests and providing tourism-related knowledge. However, the effectiveness of such practices in the TLS context remains unclear. Accordingly, based on flow theory, this study aims to uncover the effects of responsiveness and knowledge spillover on viewers’ travelling intentions.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected 319 valid questionnaires to examine the proposed model. Followingly, the authors used a partial least squares structural equation modelling approach using SmartPLS 4 to analyse the survey data.FindingsThe authors found that responsiveness could enhance viewers’ flow experience and destination attachment, fostering travelling intentions. The authors further found that knowledge spillover strengthened the relationship between responsiveness and travelling intentions and responsiveness and flow experience.Originality/valueThis study broadens the scope of extant tourism research by juxtaposing the effects of responsiveness and knowledge spillover on viewers’ travelling intentions in the TLS context. Practically, the findings provide valuable insights for streamers to conduct appropriate viewer–streamer interaction strategies by providing instant responses and tourism-related knowledge to viewers.
Culling‐induced perturbation of social networks of wild geese reinforces rather than disrupts associations among survivors
Authors: Downing Beatrice C. , Silk Matthew J. , Delahay Richard J. , Bearhop Stuart , Royle Nick J. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Wildlife populations may be the subject of management interventions for disease control that can have unintended, counterproductive effects. Social structure exerts a strong influence over infectious disease transmission in addition to other characteristics of populations such as size and density that are the primary target for disease control. Social network approaches have been widely used to understand disease transmission in wildlife but rarely in the context of perturbations, such as culling, despite the likely impacts of such disturbance on social structure and disease dynamics.

Here we present a ‘removal’ study of a free‐living population of resident Canada geese Branta canadensis, a highly social species that is frequently managed by culling and can carry pathogens relevant to human and domestic animal health. We quantified social network structure and spatial behaviour before and after controlled culling of individuals during the summer moult.

Culling did not substantially increase individual social connectivity. Individuals that moulted at cull sites or were formerly strongly associated with removed birds were more likely to strengthen and maintain any surviving existing associations while also forming new associations. However, the establishment of new associations was largely compensatory (with only small increases in the number and strength of connections) and occurred locally.

Synthesis and applications: Geese that survived the cull responded by strengthening existing social relationships and forming new, compensatory relationships with birds local to them in the network. In the short term, such compensatory adjustments to patterns of association in response to culling could facilitate pathogen transmission. But in the longer term, controlled culling of geese is unlikely to strongly influence pathogen spread and may even slow transmission into new social clusters by reducing wider mixing. When managing wildlife for disease control, in addition to changes in social network structure the prevalence of infection at the time of the cull and the mode of transmission (e.g. direct vs. environmental) will also be critical determinants of disease transmission risk in perturbed populations of geese and other wild animals.
Trade–peace conundrum in Africa: The moderating effects of poverty and inequality
Authors: Abdulkareem Hauwah K. K. , Jimoh Sodiq Olaiwola , Olubiyi Ebenezer 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper examines the trade–peace nexus in Africa and ascertains how poverty and inequality tilt the relationship in the eight regional (economic) blocs in Africa, viz. the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN–SAD), the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), from 1998 to 2020 using the Driscoll–Kraay estimate. The study contributes to the literature by disaggregating the peace effect of trade in Africa by the regional (economic) blocs to allow for in‐depth and context‐specific analysis. The paper also expands the scope of existing studies by examining the direct effect of poverty and inequality on peace in addition to the indirect effect that is revealed through their interactions with trade integrations. The findings reveal that trade promotes peace in Africa, while wide income inequality and a large poverty gap increase the likelihood of conflict. The interaction of poverty and inequality with trade integration shows that while the poverty level does not improve the effect of trade on peace, inequality reduces the impact of trade on peace. The study concludes that poverty and inequality play significant roles in the trade–peace nexus in Africa. Policy recommendations are discussed.
Greece: The Return of the Right
Authors: Asimakopoulos Vassilis , Fouskas Vassilis K. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNew Democracy (ND), the centre‐right party founded by Constantine Karamanlis in summer 1974 and currently led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, scion of a powerful political family, won the twin electoral contest of May/June 2023 with a landslide. The victory was comprehensive both in terms of the votes received—over 40 per cent of those who cast their vote (abstention was over 45 per cent)—and because of the near collapse of Syriza (17.83 per cent) and the weak recovery of the other centre‐left party, PASOK (11.46 per cent). Moreover, far right and conservative parties, three in total, entered parliament, amassing some 12 per cent of the vote. We argue that two interlinked phenomena account for these developments. The first was the eclipse of conditions that created the Syriza phenomenon in Greece (the 2010–15 debt crisis); the second was the lack of a credible programmatic alternative that spoke to the middle classes on behalf of both centre‐left parties.
The definition of unexplained infertility: A systematic review
Authors: Raperport Claudia , Desai Jessica , Qureshi Danya , Rustin Edward , Balaji Aparna , Chronopoulou Elpiniki , Homburg Roy , Khan Khalid Saeed , Bhide Priya 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere is no consensus on tests required to either diagnose unexplained infertility or use for research inclusion criteria. This leads to heterogeneity and bias affecting meta‐analysis and best practice advice.ObjectivesThis systematic review analyses the variability of inclusion criteria applied to couples with unexplained infertility. We propose standardised criteria for use both in future research studies and clinical diagnosis.Search strategyCINAHL and MEDLINE online databases were searched up to November 2022 for all published studies recruiting couples with unexplained infertility, available in full text in the English language.Data collection and analysisData were collected in an Excel spreadsheet. Results were analysed per category and methodology or reference range.Main resultsOf 375 relevant studies, only 258 defined their inclusion criteria. The most commonly applied inclusion criteria were semen analysis, tubal patency and assessment of ovulation in 220 (85%), 232 (90%), 205 (79.5%) respectively. Only 87/220 (39.5%) studies reporting semen analysis used the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. Tubal patency was accepted if bilateral in 145/232 (62.5%) and if unilateral in 24/232 (10.3%). Ovulation was assessed using mid‐luteal serum progesterone in 115/205 (56.1%) and by a history of regular cycles in 87/205 (42.4%). Other criteria, including uterine cavity assessment and hormone profile, were applied in less than 50% of included studies.ConclusionsThis review highlights the heterogeneity among studied populations with unexplained infertility. Development and application of internationally accepted criteria will improve the quality of research and future clinical care.
Examining alignment of community health teams' preferences for health, equity, and spending with state all‐payer waiver priorities: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: van den Broek‐Altenburg Eline M. , Benson Jamie S. , Atherly Adam J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe state of Vermont has a statewide waiver from the centers for medicare and medicaid services to allow all‐payer Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). The Vermont all‐payer model (VAPM) waiver is layered upon previous reforms establishing regional community health teams (CHTs) and medical homes. The waiver is intended to incentivize healthcare value and quality and create alignment between health system payers, providers, and CHTs. The objective of this study was to examine CHT's trade‐offs and preferences for health, equity, and spending and the alignment with VAPM priorities.Data Sources/Study SettingData were gathered from a survey and discrete choice experiment among CHT leadership and CHT team members of the 13 CHTs in Vermont.Study DesignWe used conditional logit models to model the choice as a function of its characteristics (attributes) and mixed logit models to analyze whether preferences for programs varied by persons and roles within CHTs.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsThere were 60 respondents who completed the survey online with 14 choice tasks, with three program options in each task, for a total sample size of 2520.Principal FindingsWe found that CHTs prioritized programs in the community health plan and those with quantitative evidence of effectiveness. They were less likely to choose either programs targeting racial and ethnic minorities or programs having a small effect on a large population. Preferences did not vary across individual or community attributes. Program priorities of the VAPM, especially healthcare spending, were not prioritized.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the new VAPM does not automatically create system alignment: CHTs tended to prioritize local needs and voices. The statewide priorities are less important to CHTs, which have excellent internal alignment. This creates potential disconnection between state and community health goals. However, CHTs and the VAPM prioritize similar populations, indicating an opportunity to increase alignment by allowing flexible programs tailored to local needs. CHTs also prioritized programs with a strong evidence base, suggesting another potential avenue to create system alignment.
Sustainable synthesis of epoxidized waste cooking oil via Prileschajew reaction: Optimization and kinetic study
Authors: Azlan Raofuddin Danial Nuruddin , Azmi Intan Suhada , Rahim Norin Hafizah , Jalil Mohd Jumain 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this study, waste cooking oil‐based palm oil (WCO‐PO) was chosen as feedstock for epoxidation reaction. The epoxidation process of WCO‐PO was carried out using in situ generated performic acid or known as Prileschajew reaction. Based on the Taguchi method of optimization and analysis of variance, a series of experiments were conducted around the optimum conditions or parameters. The findings revealed that the optimal reaction conditions for producing epoxidized waste cooking oil with the highest oxirane content were a hydrogen peroxide molar ratio of 2.0, a temperature of 55°C, formic acid molar ratio of 2.0, and catalyst loading of 0.5% at a constant stirrer speed of 300 rpm and 0.5% catalyst. By employing these optimal conditions, the maximum relative conversion of waste cooking oil to oxirane was achieved at 70.6%. Besides, the rate constant and activation energy for epoxidation of WCO‐PO at optimum condition were 0.0221 min−1 and 50.55 kJ mol−1, respectively. Overall, epoxidized WCO‐PO was successfully produced by using optimum process parameters of epoxidation.
Bael (Aegle marmelos L. Correa) fruit extracts encapsulated alginate nanoparticles as a potential dietary supplement with improved bioactivities
Authors: De Silva Nayomi Deshani , Attanayake Anoja Priyadarshani , Karunaratne Desiree Nedra , Arawwawala Liyanage Dona Ashanti Menuka , Pamunuwa Geethi Kaushalya 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNanoencapsulated bael fruit (Aegle marmelos L. Correa (Family: Rutaceae)) extracts reveal novel prospects in the development of dietary supplements with improved biological activities in the field of the food industry. The main objectives of this study were to prepare and characterize aqueous, ethanol, 50% ethanol, and 50% acetone extracts of bael fruit encapsulated alginate nanoparticles and investigate the effect of encapsulation on in vitro release of polyphenols, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities, and their stability. Bael fruit extracts encapsulated alginate nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method. Characterization, in vitro release profiles of polyphenols, determination of antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant activity, and accelerated stability were conducted. The results of the characterization confirmed the successful encapsulation of extracts of bael fruit in the alginate matrix. The aqueous extract of bael fruit encapsulated alginate nanoparticles exhibited a more controlled slow‐release profile, accounting for 21.82% ± 1.17% and 48.14% ± 0.52% of polyphenols at solutions of pH 1.2 and pH 6.8, respectively. In general, the results of the bioactivity assessment suggested that nanoencapsulation could facilitate the enhancement of its antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory properties. The results of thermogravimetric analysis and thin layer chromatography fingerprint showed the stability of aqueous bael fruit extract encapsulated alginate nanoparticles at 27 and 4°C over a month. In summary, the results of this study revealed the potency of nanoencapsulated aqueous extract of bael fruit to develop a dietary supplement with improved antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities.Practical ApplicationThe encapsulation of bael fruit extracts into a nanocarrier enhances bioactivities and promotes the controlled release of bioactive compounds. This could be useful in the future food industry, based on scientifically proven data, and inspire the market by means of the development of dietary supplements. Overall, the results would facilitate the formulation of novel commercially elegant nanoencapsulated dietary supplements with improved potential to manage a healthy life.
Ecosystem services and sustainable peace in Afghanistan: Gaps in national policy and its security implications
Authors: Bose Srinjoy , Mancino Maxim , Simangan Dahlia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWhile previous studies underscore the importance of climate‐sensitive approaches to peacebuilding, the relationship between ecosystem services and peace and security, especially at the local level, has been insufficiently studied. We argue that ecosystem services are often neglected by national‐level actors and insufficiently integrated into peacebuilding interventions and project design. In fact, policy discourse at highly aggregate levels of analysis silences local, community understandings of ecosystem services and its potential for contributing to sustainable peace. For example, despite investment in community development in Afghanistan via the Citizens' Charter Afghanistan Project, there is scant reference to ‘ecosystem services’ on which Afghans are so reliant, much less any policy planning informed by it and directed at addressing climate and environmental risks. Drawing on evidence from Kabul and Herat provinces in Afghanistan, we illuminate the intersections among insecurity, environmental sustainability and ecosystem services. Specifically, we examine water‐related services in Chest‐e Sharif district in Herat province and demonstrate how the lack of water availability and (mis)management of water infrastructure contribute to local communities' sense of precarity and government neglect. The findings inform our policy recommendations which are intended to address these gaps.
Assessing the genetic vulnerability of Macaúba palm [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart.] through the mating system and genetic diversity of open‐pollinated progenies
Authors: Díaz‐Hernández Brenda G. , Colombo Carlos A. , Morales‐Marroquín Jonathan A. , Sanitá‐Rodrigues Mariana , Azevedo‐Filho Joaquim A. , Zucchi Maria I. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAt present, intelligent and sustainable agriculture presupposes a compromise between maximising crop yield and minimising its risk of genetic vulnerability. Breeding programmes should implement strategies that allow the development of superior genotypes and preserve genetic diversity, especially in perennial plants. The Macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is a species with the potential to produce oil at a level comparable to that of the oil palm, even in water‐deficient areas, which motivates its commercial interest and drives an increase in demand for seedlings from natural populations for commercial plantations. Therefore, to evaluate the impact of this selection procedure on the reduction of genetic diversity and, consequently, the genetic vulnerability of commercial planting, in the present study we analysed the population mating system and the genetic diversity of Open‐Pollinated Progenies (OPPs) from selected seed‐trees in relation to the genetic diversity of respective native populations (NPs). To achieve this, we evaluated the mating system and genetic diversity employing 14 microsatellite markers (SSR). The mating system indices estimated for A. aculeata palm indicated that the species present a mixed mating system () with a predominance of outcrossing. However, at the population level, the outcrossing rate ranged from . The biparental inbreeding rate was considered moderate (), with some variation between populations (from 0.0005 to 0.275). The multilocus correlated paternity was , ranging from 0 to 0.112 at population level, indicating that a significant portion of the progeny consisted of half‐sibs. The results demonstrate that there was no significant loss of genetic diversity of OPPs derived from artificial selection within NPs. In the OPPs the number of alleles (Na = 2.55) was similar to that of NP (Na = 2.56). Furthermore, the mean values of observed heterozygosity (HO) between NP and OPPs were similar, with a mean of 0.366 and 0.356, respectively. In conclusion, the procedure adopted to produce commercial seedlings in the present study should not represent a high risk of genetic vulnerability. In addition, our results will provide a guidance to breeders regarding selection intensity in both natural and improved populations, aiming to optimise the advancement of generations, thereby maximising future genetic gains while preserving genetic diversity. However, we recommend verifying the outcrossing rate and genetic diversity at the population level, as these factors could have significant effects on the vulnerability of the species and the macaúba crop.