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21 pages, 1201 KiB  
Article
Innovative Approach to Identify the Readiness Factors to Realize Green Ergonomics in Sustainable Service Organizations
by Albi Thomas, Suresh Ma and Ateekh Ur Rehman
Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 6160; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146160 - 18 Jul 2024
Viewed by 382
Abstract
The relationships between humans and the environment have recently been incorporated into ergonomics in an effort to broaden the discipline’s traditional scope. Green ergonomics is an emerging field of study that has discovered links between people’s well-being and a sense of connection to [...] Read more.
The relationships between humans and the environment have recently been incorporated into ergonomics in an effort to broaden the discipline’s traditional scope. Green ergonomics is an emerging field of study that has discovered links between people’s well-being and a sense of connection to nature. The study aims to build a conceptual model to identify the readiness factors for green ergonomics in healthcare organizations, which are the primary focus point of the current study. To determine the readiness factors, a review of the literature and a survey of healthcare experts’ opinions were conducted. The healthcare professionals validated the identified readiness factors. Data for this study were gathered using a closed-ended questionnaire and scheduled interviews. The study employed total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) methodology and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis to address why and how the factors interact and prioritize the identified readiness factors. Ten green ergonomics readiness factors were identified in this study. Design principles (F4), green buildings (F1), ergoecology (F2), audit working practices/risk assessments (F3), and professional practice (F6) had strong driving power and weak dependence, thus being identified as key factors or driving factors for green ergonomics in healthcare organizations. Although the study primarily focused on the readiness factors for green ergonomics in healthcare organizations, the scope could eventually be expanded to explore more areas. Academics and other stakeholders will have a better understanding of the key drivers and the readiness factors for healthcare green ergonomics. In this study, the total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis for healthcare together are proposed as an innovative approach to address the green ergonomics concept. Full article
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15 pages, 6153 KiB  
Technical Note
Elevation Changes of A’nyemaqen Snow Mountain Revealed with Satellite Remote Sensing
by Huai Lin, Yuande Yang, Leiyu Li, Qihua Wang and Minyi Guo
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(13), 2446; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16132446 - 3 Jul 2024
Viewed by 493
Abstract
A’nyemaqen Snow Mountain (ASM) is the largest glacier area in the Yellow River source area and has been experiencing significant ablation in recent years. To investigate spatial–temporal elevation changes in ASM, a 21–year Digital Elevation Model (DEM) time series was obtained using the [...] Read more.
A’nyemaqen Snow Mountain (ASM) is the largest glacier area in the Yellow River source area and has been experiencing significant ablation in recent years. To investigate spatial–temporal elevation changes in ASM, a 21–year Digital Elevation Model (DEM) time series was obtained using the MicMac ASTER (MMASTER) algorithm and ASTER L1A V003 data. It covers the period from January 2002 to January 2023. The mean elevation of ASM decreased by −7.88 ± 3.37 m during this period, with highly spatial variation. The elevation decrease occurred mainly in the lower elevations and opposite in the higher elevations. The corresponding elevation decrease was −12.99 ± 11.29 and −4.45 ± 11.36 m at the southern Yehelong Glacier and the northern Weigeledangxiong Glacier, respectively. Moreover, there exists a temporal variation in ASM. The maximum elevation was observed in February for both ASM and the southern Yehelong Glacier but March for Weigeledangxiong Glacier, with about 1 month lagged. With the elevation time series and climate data from ERA5 datasets, we applied the random forest technique and found that the temperature is the main factor to elevation change in ASM. Furthermore, the response of elevation changes to temperature appeared with a lag and varied with the location. Based on the elevation time series, the ARIMA model was further used to forecast the elevation changes in the next 5 years. All regions will experience the elevation decrease, with a mean decline −1.74 ± 0.39 m and a corresponding rate −0.35 ± 0.08 m/a in ASM. This is similar to that of −0.38 ± 0.16 m/a between 2002 and 2003, showing its stability in the near future. Full article
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32 pages, 2979 KiB  
Article
Interpretive Structural Modeling of Barriers to Sustainable Tourism Development: A Developing Economy Perspective
by Kramat Hussain, Huaping Sun, Muhammad Ramzan, Shahid Mahmood and Muhammad Zubair Saeed
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5442; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135442 - 26 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 928
Abstract
Sustainable tourism development (STD) has been much touted in academia and policy circles; however, developing economies are still struggling to adopt STD. This phenomenon motivated us to trace the barriers hindering STD and their interrelationships in the context of developing economies. This study [...] Read more.
Sustainable tourism development (STD) has been much touted in academia and policy circles; however, developing economies are still struggling to adopt STD. This phenomenon motivated us to trace the barriers hindering STD and their interrelationships in the context of developing economies. This study identified barriers through a systematic literature review and expert opinions. A six-tier hierarchical structure was developed using interpretive structural modeling (ISM). The Matrice d’Impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classement (MICMAC) was applied to assess the driving and dependence power. The findings illustrate that all barriers are significant and influence STD; however, the most critical are ‘lack of government interest’, ‘funding constraints’, and ‘lack of integration among institutions and public–private people partnerships (4P)’. The findings of this research will be helpful for managers and policymakers to comprehend the driving and dependent power and categorization of barriers and devise pragmatic strategies to mitigate the barriers and promote STD. Full article
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32 pages, 14455 KiB  
Article
Analyzing the Interactions among Barriers to the Use of Solar Energy for Heating in Residential Buildings in Van, Türkiye
by Ünsal Keser and Server Funda Kerestecioğlu
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2712; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112712 - 3 Jun 2024
Viewed by 374
Abstract
In terms of environmental sustainability, the barriers—and interactions between these barriers—to the use of solar energy for active and passive heating in residential buildings stem from location-specific housing production patterns and the actors involved in these patterns. A clear definition of hierarchies and [...] Read more.
In terms of environmental sustainability, the barriers—and interactions between these barriers—to the use of solar energy for active and passive heating in residential buildings stem from location-specific housing production patterns and the actors involved in these patterns. A clear definition of hierarchies and priorities between barriers helps managers set strategic priorities and action plans to find solutions. After the earthquake in Van in 2011, 6000 hectares of land were opened for new development, and research using the sampling method discovered that the most common type of housing production in the city is the build-to-sell housing production method. The actors involved in build-to-sell housing production are technical staff, local–central administrations, entrepreneurs, end users, landowners, financial companies, non-governmental organizations, and building inspection institutions. This article examines the barriers to the use of solar energy for active and passive heating purposes, the interactions between these barriers using ISM and MICMAC methods, and the build-to-sell housing production method and actors. Barriers were identified through a literature review and semi-structured interviews. The barriers were further categorized under eight main headings according to their subject matter. The hierarchies of barriers in creating problems and solutions were determined using ISM and MICMAC methods and the findings were interpreted. In the City of Van, with regard to the houses produced via the build-to-sell production method, the barriers against the use of solar energy for heating purposes in houses considering active and passive methods are ranked in order of priority in creating the problem and the solution. Barriers caused by political and administrative issues are ranked first; barriers caused by social awareness and end users are ranked second; barriers caused by social and sociological events are ranked third; barriers caused by laws and regulations are ranked fourth; barriers caused by the knowledge, skills, and awareness of designers are ranked fifth; barriers caused by deficiencies in technical issues are ranked sixth; and barriers caused by economic and financial issues are ranked seventh. Even though the barrier caused by the working mode of build-to-sell productions is the largest in creating the problem, it is the least effective barrier to solving the problem in the ISM hierarchical and MICMAC schemes. The research process is presented in the Methods section. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section C: Energy Economics and Policy)
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26 pages, 3509 KiB  
Article
Research on Critical Factors Influencing Organizational Resilience of Major Transportation Infrastructure Projects: A Hybrid Fuzzy DEMATEL-ISM-MICMAC Approach
by Wei Liu, Yuehan Hu and Qingcheng Huang
Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1598; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061598 - 1 Jun 2024
Viewed by 461
Abstract
To strengthen major transportation infrastructure projects’ (MTIPs’) organizational resilience and fortify their capacity for crisis management and project risk prevention. In this paper, based on the resilience theory development process, the connotation of organizational resilience of MTIPs is defined, and 20 influencing factors [...] Read more.
To strengthen major transportation infrastructure projects’ (MTIPs’) organizational resilience and fortify their capacity for crisis management and project risk prevention. In this paper, based on the resilience theory development process, the connotation of organizational resilience of MTIPs is defined, and 20 influencing factors of organizational resilience of MTIPs are extracted from four categories of stability, redundancy, adaptability, and rapidity according to the literature analysis and case study method. The significance, causality, and multilevel recursive order structure of the influencing factors were investigated by the fuzzy DEMATEL-ISM approach, and their driving and dependent characteristics were analyzed through MICMAC. The results indicate that risk warning and prediction, human resources management, inter-organizational synergies, resource reserve situations, organizational leadership, and organizational learning are the crucial factors of organizational resilience in MTIPs. There are three levels and five ranks in the multilevel recursive rank structure of the factors affecting MTIPs’ organizational resilience. Among them, risk warning and prediction, equipment condition and performance, human resources management, and organizational leadership have the deepest impact on organizational resilience in MTIPs. The findings can clarify ideas for subsequent research on organizational resilience in this area and inform project decision-makers in developing strategies for optimizing organizational resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
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20 pages, 1086 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Wheat Growth, Physiology, Yield, and Water Use Efficiency under Deficit Irrigation by Integrating Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid and Nutrients at Critical Growth Stages
by Salah El-Hendawy, Nabil Mohammed and Nasser Al-Suhaibani
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1490; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111490 - 28 May 2024
Viewed by 740
Abstract
Transitioning from full to deficit irrigation (DI) has become a key strategy in arid regions to combat water scarcity and enhance irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). However, implementing DI requires additional approaches to counter its negative effects on wheat production. One effective approach [...] Read more.
Transitioning from full to deficit irrigation (DI) has become a key strategy in arid regions to combat water scarcity and enhance irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). However, implementing DI requires additional approaches to counter its negative effects on wheat production. One effective approach is the foliar application of salicylic acid (SA), micronutrients (Mic; zinc and manganese), and macronutrients (Mac; nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). However, there is a lack of knowledge on the optimal combinations and timing of foliar application for these components to maximize their benefits under arid conditions, which is the primary focus of this study. A two-year field study was conducted to assess the impact of the foliar application of SA alone and in combination with Mic (SA + Mic) or Mic and Mac (SA + Mic + Mac) at various critical growth stages on wheat growth, physiology, productivity, and IWUE under DI conditions. Our result demonstrated that the foliar application of different components, the timing of application, and their interaction had significant effects on all investigated wheat parameters with few exceptions. Applying different components through foliar application at multiple growth stages, such as tillering and heading or tillering, heading, and grain filling, led to significant enhancements in various wheat parameters. The improvements ranged from 7.7% to 23.2% for growth parameters, 8.7% to 24.0% for physiological traits, 1.4% to 21.0% for yield and yield components, and 14.8% to 19.0% for IWUE compared to applying the components only at the tillering stage. Plants treated with different components (SA, Mic, Mac) exhibited enhanced growth, production, and IWUE in wheat compared to untreated plants. The most effective treatment was SA + Mic, followed by SA alone and SA + Mic + Mac. The foliar application of SA, SA + Mic, and SA + Mic + Mac improved growth parameters by 1.2–50.8%, 2.7–54.6%, and 2.5–43.9%, respectively. Yield parameters were also enhanced by 1.3–33.0%, 2.4–37.2%, and 3.0–26.6% while IWUE increased by 28.6%, 33.0%, and 18.5% compared to untreated plants. A heatmap analysis revealed that the foliar application of SA + Mic at multiple growth stages resulted in the highest values for all parameters, followed by SA alone and SA + Mic + Mac applications at multiple growth stages. The lowest values were observed in untreated plants and with the foliar application of different components only at the tillering stage. Thus, this study suggested that the foliar application of SA + Mic at various growth stages can help sustain wheat production in arid regions with limited water resources. Full article
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13 pages, 1758 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Use Survey and Detection of ESBL-Escherichia coli in Commercial and Medium-/Small-Scale Poultry Farms in Selected Districts of Zambia
by Taona Sinyawa, Misheck Shawa, Geoffrey M. Muuka, Fusya Goma, Paul Fandamu, Joseph Yamweka Chizimu, Cynthia Sipho Khumalo, Malala Mulavu, Masuzyo Ngoma, Herman Moses Chambaro, Harvey Kakoma Kamboyi, Masahiro Kajihara, Hirofumi Sawa, Yasuhiko Suzuki, Hideaki Higashi, Geoffrey Mainda, Musso Munyeme, John Bwalya Muma, Christian Owusu Nyantakyi, Beverly Egyir and Bernard Mudenda Hang’ombeadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050467 - 20 May 2024
Viewed by 1252
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Escherichia coli from food animals is a rising problem, and heavy antimicrobial use in poultry is a contributing factor. In Zambia, studies linking poultry-associated AMR and antibiotic use (AMU) are rare. This study aimed to investigate commercial and medium-/small-scale [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Escherichia coli from food animals is a rising problem, and heavy antimicrobial use in poultry is a contributing factor. In Zambia, studies linking poultry-associated AMR and antibiotic use (AMU) are rare. This study aimed to investigate commercial and medium-/small-scale poultry farmers’ usage of antimicrobials based on a questionnaire survey in ten districts of Zambia. In addition, the study characterized extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolates obtained from poultry in the same districts. Data regarding knowledge and usage of antimicrobials were collected from commercial and medium-/small-scale poultry farmers using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. At the same time, cloacal samples were collected and analyzed. One hundred and fifty E. coli isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using eight antibiotic classes. The isolates were further screened for ESBL production by streaking them on cefotaxime (CTX)-supplemented MacConkey agar, then subjecting them to sequencing on a NextSeq. The questionnaire survey showed that more medium-/small-scale than commercial poultry farmers used antimicrobials (OR = 7.70, 95% CI = 2.88–20.61) but less prescriptions (OR = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.00–0.08). Susceptibility testing revealed that resistance was highest to ampicillin (128/148, 86.5%) and tetracycline (101/136, 74.3%) and that the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) (28/30, 93.3%) was high. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of eight (8/30, 26.7%) isolates with CTX Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) ≥ 4 µg/mL revealed the presence of ESBL-encoding genes blaCTX-M-14, blaCTX-M-55, and blaTEM. WGS also detected other AMR genes for quinolones, aminoglycosides, phenicols, tetracycline, macrolides, and folate-pathway antagonists. Altogether, the questionnaire survey results showed a higher proportion of AMU and lower prescription usage among medium-/small-scale farmers. In addition, our results emphasize the circulation of ESBL-producing E. coli strains with associated MDR. It is critical to educate farmers about AMR risks and to encourage responsible usage of antimicrobials. Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen regulations limiting access to antimicrobials. Finally, there is a need to establish a one health system to guide public health response. Full article
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34 pages, 10124 KiB  
Article
Fuzzy Integrated Delphi-ISM-MICMAC Hybrid Multi-Criteria Approach to Optimize the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Factors Influencing Cost Management in Civil Engineering
by Hongxia Hu, Shouguo Jiang, Shankha Shubhra Goswami and Yafei Zhao
Information 2024, 15(5), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/info15050280 - 14 May 2024
Viewed by 959
Abstract
This research paper presents a comprehensive study on optimizing the critical artificial intelligence (AI) factors influencing cost management in civil engineering projects using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. The problem addressed revolves around the need to effectively manage costs in civil engineering endeavors [...] Read more.
This research paper presents a comprehensive study on optimizing the critical artificial intelligence (AI) factors influencing cost management in civil engineering projects using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. The problem addressed revolves around the need to effectively manage costs in civil engineering endeavors amidst the growing complexity of projects and the increasing integration of AI technologies. The methodology employed involves the utilization of three MCDM tools, specifically Delphi, interpretive structural modeling (ISM), and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC). A total of 17 AI factors, categorized into eight broad groups, were identified and analyzed. Through the application of different MCDM techniques, the relative importance and interrelationships among these factors were determined. The key findings reveal the critical role of certain AI factors, such as risk mitigation and cost components, in optimizing the cost management processes. Moreover, the hierarchical structure generated through ISM and the influential factors identified via MICMAC provide insights for prioritizing strategic interventions. The implications of this study extend to informing decision-makers in the civil engineering domain about effective strategies for leveraging AI in their cost management practices. By adopting a systematic MCDM approach, stakeholders can enhance project outcomes while optimizing resource allocation and mitigating financial risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI Applications in Construction and Infrastructure)
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29 pages, 1283 KiB  
Article
Addressing Challenges: Adopting Blockchain Technology in the Pharmaceutical Industry for Enhanced Sustainability
by Tino Riedel
Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3102; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083102 - 9 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1285
Abstract
The growing importance of sustainability in organizational success, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, underscores the need for leveraging technologies such as blockchain methods to enhance sustainability indicators across environmental, social, and economic pillars. This study aims to identify and understand the challenges hindering [...] Read more.
The growing importance of sustainability in organizational success, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, underscores the need for leveraging technologies such as blockchain methods to enhance sustainability indicators across environmental, social, and economic pillars. This study aims to identify and understand the challenges hindering the adoption of blockchain technology in the pharmaceutical sector for improving sustainability performance, addressing two research topics: the specific challenges faced by blockchain adoption in this context and the interdependencies among these challenges. Employing a two-step approach, the study compiles challenges through a literature review, refines them via expert opinions, and establishes their interrelationships using methodologies like fuzzy interpretive structural modeling (FISM) and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC). The research contributes to unraveling the complex relationships and dependencies within the system, providing a structured framework for improved decision making and strategic planning. It fills a literature gap as the first attempt to outline driving and dependent factors related to the challenges of adopting blockchain technology for sustainability enhancement in the pharmaceutical sector, offering insights that can significantly impact brand image, company perception, and consumer value. Full article
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22 pages, 4178 KiB  
Article
Modeling Challenges in Low-Carbon Manufacturing Adoption Using the ISM-MICMAC Approach: A Case of Green Tech Projects of the Chinese Automotive Industry
by Hanqin Yu, Yi Zhang and Naveed Ahmad
Processes 2024, 12(4), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040749 - 8 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1027
Abstract
In addressing the issue of climate change, the Chinese government has established a definitive objective to attain its peak carbon emissions by 2030 and strive for carbon neutrality by 2060. This effort aims to progressively achieve a state of net-zero carbon dioxide (CO [...] Read more.
In addressing the issue of climate change, the Chinese government has established a definitive objective to attain its peak carbon emissions by 2030 and strive for carbon neutrality by 2060. This effort aims to progressively achieve a state of net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In the given scenario, this research examines challenges in promoting low-carbon manufacturing (LCM) within the Chinese automotive sector, specifically in the context of Green Tech projects. In view of greater emphasis on environmental sustainability and technological innovation, this study aims to uncover challenges restraining the adoption of LCM in one of the world’s largest automotive markets, China. A three-step methodology was adopted by incorporating a literature review, the Delphi method, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), and MICMAC analysis. In the first stage, relevant articles were selected scientifically to identify the main challenges in previous studies by following the relevant keyword criteria. Further, challenges identified from the comprehensive literature review were screened through the Delphi method, and finally, challenges were modeled and clustered through ISM and MICMAC analysis. Data collected from the experts highlight that “difficulties in the transition towards energy efficient technologies”, “insufficient operational efficiency”, and “information imbalances and asymmetry” were the most critical challenges that hinder LCM initiatives in the automotive industry. This research serves as a valuable resource for academia, industry professionals, and policymakers in the quest to adopt LCM in the dynamic context of the Chinese automotive sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Design and Manufacturing Processes)
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30 pages, 2406 KiB  
Article
Cause Identification and Coupling Relationship Analysis of Urban Problems: A Case Study of Poor Parking Convenience
by Wei Chen, Yishuai Tian, Yanhua Wang, Hang Yan and Yong Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(2), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020516 - 14 Feb 2024
Viewed by 880
Abstract
As the size and complexity of cities around the world increase, various types of urban problems are emerging. These problems are caused by multiple factors that have complex relationships with each other. Addressing a single cause blindly may result in additional problems, so [...] Read more.
As the size and complexity of cities around the world increase, various types of urban problems are emerging. These problems are caused by multiple factors that have complex relationships with each other. Addressing a single cause blindly may result in additional problems, so it is crucial to understand how urban problems arise and how their causes interact. The study utilizes the Grey Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Grey-DEMATEL), in conjunction with the Grey Interpretative Structural Model (Grey-ISM), to construct a hierarchical structure that examines the relationships between the causes of urban problems, thereby revealing the root causes and developmental mechanisms of urban problems. The Grey Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to Classification (Grey-MICMAC) method was employed to clarify the influence and position of each cause. The Poor Parking Convenience (PPC) in Wuhan, China, is taken as a case study. The findings reveal the following: (1) the proposed method effectively identifies the key causes and processes of urban problems; (2) the insufficient management of roadside parking areas and impractical allocation of temporary parking spaces are the two main causes of PPC in Wuhan City. This method would be helpful to urban managers in discovering the causes of urban problems and formulating corresponding policies, to ultimately contribute towards healthy urban and sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Strategies for Sustainable Urban Development)
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15 pages, 1274 KiB  
Article
Exploring Factors Influencing Student Performance and Educational Strategies in Logistics Management Contests: An ISM Study
by Shupeng Huang, Hong Cheng and Meiling Luo
Systems 2024, 12(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12020049 - 2 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1751
Abstract
Nowadays, the importance of logistics management has been increasingly realized in industry and society. However, current educational approaches in logistics management seem unable to effectively equip students with the necessary skills to cope with practical issues after graduation. Recently, contest-based education has attracted [...] Read more.
Nowadays, the importance of logistics management has been increasingly realized in industry and society. However, current educational approaches in logistics management seem unable to effectively equip students with the necessary skills to cope with practical issues after graduation. Recently, contest-based education has attracted logistics management educators’ attention, but how it can be effectively utilized in this discipline is largely unclear. To fill this gap, this study followed a system approach and analyzed the factors influencing student performance in logistics management contests in China using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and Matrice d’ Impacts Croisés-Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC). The results suggest that the driving forces for improving student performance in contests are the instructors’ encouragement and their previous experience in instructing contests. Also, the contestants’ previous experience in academic contests, team leadership, and effectiveness of communication between instructors and contestants are critical influencing factors. Based on the results, the educational strategies for effective utilization of contest-based education in logistics management are discussed. This study contributes to the existing literature by using a system modeling approach to clarify the mechanisms of contest-based education adoption in logistics management as well as informing university teachers and higher education institutes about strategies to improve their education quality. Full article
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26 pages, 1596 KiB  
Article
Application of Fuzzy-ISM-MICMAC in the Risk Analysis Affecting Swivel Bridge Construction Spanning Existing Railway Lines: A Case Study
by Chunyan Peng, Jiquan Wang, Huihua Chen and Runxi Tang
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010052 - 24 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1056
Abstract
Swivel bridge construction (SBC) technology has significant advantages in building bridges that span existing railway lines (ERLs), but it also entails complex risks from ‘skylight’ windows and railway boundaries. A notable challenge is the relationships and interdependencies among these risks, which collectively increase [...] Read more.
Swivel bridge construction (SBC) technology has significant advantages in building bridges that span existing railway lines (ERLs), but it also entails complex risks from ‘skylight’ windows and railway boundaries. A notable challenge is the relationships and interdependencies among these risks, which collectively increase safety hazards through mutual influence. Prior research has typically focused on mitigating the risks inherent in particular tasks or operations, with less emphasis on the risks from interdependencies. A novel framework was developed to explore this research gap by integrating fuzzy logic, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and the cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) approach (Fuzzy-ISM-MICMAC) to investigate the relationships and interdependencies among the risks of SBC spanning ERLs and the critical points of risk control. Furthermore, the data collected from a literature review, a case analysis and expert interviews resulted in 28 risk factors. Then, the application of ISM distilled complex risk relationships into a clear, multilevel hierarchy, accurately illustrating the complex interrelationships among risk factors. Combined with MICMAC analysis, the research findings indicate that preliminary works such as the selection of construction technology, scheme design, construction rehearsal and the provision of safety facilities are essential for preventing risks in SBC spanning ERLs. We applied these findings to the double T-structure swivel construction of the Xiaojizhuang Bridge, where its practicality and efficiency were thoroughly tested and validated. This research’s critical contribution is identifying, clarifying and visualizing the interrelationships of the complex risk factors of SBC spanning ERLs and providing specific solutions for safety management in similar bridge construction projects. The research results and risk control recommendations offer valuable insights for managing other swivel bridge construction risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Construction Projects and Project Management on Society)
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21 pages, 5591 KiB  
Article
Mismatch Repair Protein Msh6Tt Is Necessary for Nuclear Division and Gametogenesis in Tetrahymena thermophila
by Lin Wang, Sitong Yang, Yuhuan Xue, Tao Bo, Jing Xu and Wei Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(24), 17619; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242417619 - 18 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1197
Abstract
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) improves replication accuracy by up to three orders of magnitude. The MutS protein in E. coli or its eukaryotic homolog, the MutSα (Msh2-Msh6) complex, recognizes base mismatches and initiates the mismatch repair mechanism. Msh6 is an essential protein for [...] Read more.
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) improves replication accuracy by up to three orders of magnitude. The MutS protein in E. coli or its eukaryotic homolog, the MutSα (Msh2-Msh6) complex, recognizes base mismatches and initiates the mismatch repair mechanism. Msh6 is an essential protein for assembling the heterodimeric complex. However, the function of the Msh6 subunit remains elusive. Tetrahymena undergoes multiple DNA replication and nuclear division processes, including mitosis, amitosis, and meiosis. Here, we found that Msh6Tt localized in the macronucleus (MAC) and the micronucleus (MIC) during the vegetative growth stage and starvation. During the conjugation stage, Msh6Tt only localized in MICs and newly developing MACs. MSH6Tt knockout led to aberrant nuclear division during vegetative growth. The MSH6TtKO mutants were resistant to treatment with the DNA alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) compared to wild type cells. MSH6Tt knockout affected micronuclear meiosis and gametogenesis during the conjugation stage. Furthermore, Msh6Tt interacted with Msh2Tt and MMR-independent factors. Downregulation of MSH2Tt expression affected the stability of Msh6Tt. In addition, MSH6Tt knockout led to the upregulated expression of several MSH6Tt homologs at different developmental stages. Msh6Tt is involved in macronuclear amitosis, micronuclear mitosis, micronuclear meiosis, and gametogenesis in Tetrahymena. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in “Molecular Biology”)
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11 pages, 1387 KiB  
Article
Tigecycline Sensitivity Reduction in Escherichia coli Due to Widely Distributed tet(A) Variants
by Shan Zhang, Mingquan Cui, Dejun Liu, Bo Fu, Tingxuan Shi, Yang Wang, Chengtao Sun and Congming Wu
Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 3000; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11123000 - 18 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1171
Abstract
Despite scattered studies that have reported mutations in the tet(A) gene potentially linked to tigecycline resistance in clinical pathogens, the detailed function and epidemiology of these tet(A) variants remains limited. In this study, we analyzed 64 Escherichia coli isolates derived from [...] Read more.
Despite scattered studies that have reported mutations in the tet(A) gene potentially linked to tigecycline resistance in clinical pathogens, the detailed function and epidemiology of these tet(A) variants remains limited. In this study, we analyzed 64 Escherichia coli isolates derived from MacConkey plates supplemented with tigecycline (2 μg/mL) and identified five distinct tet(A) variants that account for reduced sensitivity to tigecycline. In contrast to varied tigecycline MICs (0.25 to 16 μg/mL) of the 64 tet(A)-variant-positive E. coli isolates, gene function analysis confirmed that the five tet(A) variants exhibited a similar capacity to reduce tigecycline sensitivity in DH5α carrying pUC19. Among the observed seven non-synonymous mutations, the V55M mutation was unequivocally validated for its positive role in conferring tigecycline resistance. Interestingly, the variability in tigecycline MICs among the E. coli strains did not correlate with tet(A) gene expression. Instead, a statistically significant reduction in intracellular tigecycline concentrations was noted in strains displaying higher MICs. Genomic analysis of 30 representative E. coli isolates revealed that tet(A) variants predominantly resided on plasmids (n = 14) and circular intermediates (n = 13). Within China, analysis of a well-characterized E. coli collection isolated from pigs and chickens in 2018 revealed the presence of eight tet(A) variants in 103 (4.2%, 95% CI: 3.4–5.0%) isolates across 13 out of 17 tested Chinese provinces or municipalities. Globally, BLASTN analysis identified 21 tet(A) variants in approximately 20.19% (49,423/244,764) of E. coli genomes in the Pathogen Detection database. These mutant tet(A) genes have been widely disseminated among E. coli isolates from humans, food animals, and the environment sectors, exhibiting a growing trend in tet(A) variants over five decades. Our findings underscore the urgency of addressing tigecycline resistance and the underestimated role of tet(A) mutations in this context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology)
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