21,727 research outputs found
RevisĂŁo taxonĂłmica do gĂ©nero Calendula L. (Asteraceae - Calenduleae) na PenĂnsula IbĂ©rica e Marrocos
The genus Calendula L. (Asteraceae - Calenduleae) includes, depending on the author, 10 to 25 species, distributed mainly in the Mediterranean basin. The taxonomy of this genus is considered to be extremely difficult, due to a great morphological variability, doubtfull relevance of some of the characters used to distinguish its species (e.g. the life form: annual or perennial; the habit: erect or diffuse, shape of the leaves, indumentum, relative size of the capitula and colour of disc or ray florets, achene morphology), but also due to the hybridization and polyploidization. Despite the numerous studies that have been published, no agreement on the classification and characters used to discriminate between taxa has been reached. A taxonomic study of the genus Calendula was conducted for the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, aiming at (1) access the morphological variability between and within taxa, (2) confirm the chromosome numbers, (3) increase the nuclear DNA content estimations, (4) re-evaluate taxa delimitations and circumscription, and (5) reassess, and redefine, the
descriptions and characters useful to distinguish taxa. In order to achieve a satisfying taxonomic core, extensive fieldwork, detailed morphometric analysis,
chorological, karyological and genome size studies were conducted. For the Iberian Peninsula, four species were recognized, including nine subspecies (between these two new subspecies were described). For Morocco, including some taxa from Algeria and Tunisia 13 species were recognized (two new species and a nomenclatural change), including 15 subspecies (among these eight new subspecies were described). To corroborate the results obtained and to evaluate the evolutionary relationships among taxa, phylogenetic studies using molecular methods, such as ITS, microsatellites or other molecular markers, should be used.O gĂ©nero Calendula L. (Asteraceae - Calenduleae) inclui, dependendo do autor, 10 a 25 espĂ©cies, distribuĂdas essencialmente na bacia do Mediterrâneo. A taxonomia deste gĂ©nero Ă© considerada extremamente difĂcil, devido Ă grande variabilidade morfolĂłgica, discutivel relevância de alguns dos caracteres utilizados para distinguir suas espĂ©cies (por exemplo, a forma de vida: anual ou perene, o hábito: erecto ou difuso, a forma das folhas, o indumento, o tamanho e a cor dos capĂtulos e a morfologia dos aquĂ©nios), mas tambĂ©m devido Ă
hibridização e poliploidização. Apesar dos inĂşmeros estudos que foram publicados, nĂŁo foi alcançado um acordo sobre a classificação e os caracteres utilizados para discriminar as suas espĂ©cies. Um estudo taxonĂłmico do gĂ©nero Calendula foi realizado para a PenĂnsula IbĂ©rica e Marrocos, com o objectivo de (1) verificar a variabilidade morfolĂłgica, (2) confirmar o nĂşmero de cromossomas, (3) aumentar as estimativas de conteĂşdo em ADN, (4) reavaliar a delimitação e a circunscrição dos taxa, e (5) reavaliar e redefinir as descrições e caracteres Ăşteis para os distinguir. Para alcançar uma robustĂŞs taxonĂłmica satisfatĂłria, foram realizados extensos trabalhos de campo, análise morfomĂ©trica detalhada, abordagens corolĂłgicas, cariolĂłgicas e quanto ao conteĂşdo em ADN. Para a PenĂnsula IbĂ©rica, quatro espĂ©cies foram reconhecidas, incluindo nove subespĂ©cies (entre essas duas novas subespĂ©cies foram descritas). Para Marrocos, incluindo alguns taxa da Argelia e Tunisia, foram reconhecidas 13 espĂ©cies (duas novas e uma mudança nomenclatural), incluindo 15 subespĂ©cies (entre essas oito novas subespĂ©cies foram descritas). Para corroborar os resultados obtidos e avaliar as relações evolutivas e filogenĂ©ticas entre os taxa, estudos que utilizem diferentes mĂ©todos
moleculares, tais como ITS, microsatélites ou outros marcadores moleculares, devem ser utilizados.Apoio financeiro do Laboratório Associado CESAM - Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (AMB/50017) financiado por fundos nacionais através da FCT/MCTES e cofinanciado pelo FEDER (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007638), no âmbito do Acordo de Parceria PT2020, e Compete 2020Programa Doutoral em Biologi
The Metaverse: Survey, Trends, Novel Pipeline Ecosystem & Future Directions
The Metaverse offers a second world beyond reality, where boundaries are
non-existent, and possibilities are endless through engagement and immersive
experiences using the virtual reality (VR) technology. Many disciplines can
benefit from the advancement of the Metaverse when accurately developed,
including the fields of technology, gaming, education, art, and culture.
Nevertheless, developing the Metaverse environment to its full potential is an
ambiguous task that needs proper guidance and directions. Existing surveys on
the Metaverse focus only on a specific aspect and discipline of the Metaverse
and lack a holistic view of the entire process. To this end, a more holistic,
multi-disciplinary, in-depth, and academic and industry-oriented review is
required to provide a thorough study of the Metaverse development pipeline. To
address these issues, we present in this survey a novel multi-layered pipeline
ecosystem composed of (1) the Metaverse computing, networking, communications
and hardware infrastructure, (2) environment digitization, and (3) user
interactions. For every layer, we discuss the components that detail the steps
of its development. Also, for each of these components, we examine the impact
of a set of enabling technologies and empowering domains (e.g., Artificial
Intelligence, Security & Privacy, Blockchain, Business, Ethics, and Social) on
its advancement. In addition, we explain the importance of these technologies
to support decentralization, interoperability, user experiences, interactions,
and monetization. Our presented study highlights the existing challenges for
each component, followed by research directions and potential solutions. To the
best of our knowledge, this survey is the most comprehensive and allows users,
scholars, and entrepreneurs to get an in-depth understanding of the Metaverse
ecosystem to find their opportunities and potentials for contribution
Success factors in IT Outsourcing
Abstract. To survive and respond to the everchanging business world companies are seeking new ways to concentrate and improve core competencies, as well as improve their competitive status against the market. Companies are exploring how to exploit the core competencies of other companies. The goals of the partnership might differ depending on the scope of the partnership. The goal might be one or many of the following: cost reduction, access to higher quality service, access to technology and/or know-how.
Even if the first IT outsourcing was done around 30 years ago by Eastman Kodak and General Dynamics and the area has been studied quite heavily, the topic seems to be still difficult for companies to grasp the wanted benefits. As the IT outsourcing is widely used option in the business world and the results are not firm, I feel the topic is still relevant to study. The research question for the study is: “What factors affect the success of IT outsourcing relationship?”
The research question is answered through the literature review. From the literature review eleven high level success factors can be identified. In some cases, some factors are combined. The success factors are Cost and Quality, Trust, Alignment to business strategy, Culture, Communication, Contracts, Strategic Partnership, Governance, Management support, Infrastructure, and Know-how. How important each individual factors are in outsourcing engagement in question depends on the sort of the partnership.
The theoretical implications are very limited, but the practical implications regarding communication, trust and governance should be considered when companies enter IT outsourcing partnerships. Putting an emphasis on setting up proper governance functions and people who are good at communicating with the other party will pay the efforts back in success of the relationship
The impact of innovative technologies in construction activities on concrete debris recycling in China : a system dynamics-based analysis
As construction activities become more intensive in developing countries, increasing improperly managed construction and demolition waste (CDW) brings serious environmental impacts. Recycling is a beneficial way to dispose of CDW that reduces environmental impact and brings economic benefits, especially for concrete. China is the country that generates the most CDW in the world, but its domestic recycling rate is much lower than that of developed countries. While the efficient technologies in developed regions have helped them to achieve a well-established recycling industry, whether these innovative technologies can be used to improve the concrete debris recycling targets in developing regions is unclear. This study examines whether innovations currently widely used in construction activities and materials can have a positive effect on the recycling of End-of-Life concrete materials in China. Results from modeling system dynamics imply that the introduction of innovative technologies in the recycling system of concrete debris can probably contribute to CO2 reduction (3.6% reduction) and economic benefits (2.6 times increase, but mainly from landfill charges and fines) from 2022 to 2030. Prefabrication and 3D printing significantly impact recycled concrete production and CDW recycling, and they are recommended as a priority for promotion. In contrast, carbonation is not suggested for application due to its minor role. Nevertheless, since the market share of innovative technologies and the basic CDW recycling rates are currently low in China, fluctuations in their usage are hardly to have a substantial positive impact. We suggest that financial support from the government is needed for upcycling by recyclers and technology providers to improve the base recycling rate in order for innovative technologies to make an effective contribution to the sustainable construction industry, creating a win–win situation for both the economy and the environment of the recycling system
Developing a Foundation for Sole Classics' Sustainability Strategy
Course Code: AEDECON 4567Our team collaborated with the Columbus-based boutique, Sole Classics, to support the integration of sustainability into their business plan. We selected various Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) topics and collected primary data from both internal and external stakeholders through a survey. We received a total of 9 internal and 137 external responses providing an assessment of stakeholder views on the importance of each ESG topic and suggestions for sustainability initiatives for Sole Classics. We leveraged this data, along with case studies of existing sustainability initiatives, to gain a deeper understanding of the issues that impact SC and should be prioritized for future sustainability efforts. Our findings suggest that Sole Classics should prioritize community engagement through education, environmental justice, and local-level sustainability initiatives to build a meaningful sustainability story for the brand and align with stakeholder expectations.Miicah Coleman: Marketing Ambassador, Keyholder, and Associate at Sole ClassicsAcademic Major: ArtAcademic Major: Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainabilit
Évaluation de l'impact du changement climatique sur la défoliation de l'épinette noire par la tordeuse des bourgeons de l'épinette
Les modèles écologiques actuels prévoient de profonds effets des changements climatiques sur les régimes de perturbations naturelles des forêts. La tordeuse des bourgeons de l'épinette (Choristoneura fumiferana) (TBE) est le principal insecte défoliateur dans l'est de l'Amérique du Nord. Les épidémies de TBE ont un impact majeur sur la structure et la fonction de la forêt boréale canadienne puisque la défoliation entraîne une diminution de la croissance des arbres, une augmentation de la mortalité et une baisse de la productivité forestière. Les épidémies de TBE sont devenues plus sévères au cours du dernier siècle à cause des changements climatiques; cependant, nous savons peu de choses sur la manière dont l'effet intégré du climat et du TBE modifie la croissance des espèces hôtes. Nous évaluons ici comment l’interaction entre le climat et la gravité de l'épidémie affecte la croissance de l'épinette noire (Picea mariana) pendant l'épidémie de TBE qui a eu lieu entre 1968-1988 et 2006-2017. Nous avons compilé des séries dendrochronologiques (2271 arbres), des données de sévérité de l'épidémie (estimée par la défoliation aérienne observée) et des données climatiques pour 164 sites au Québec, Canada. Nous avons utilisé un modèle linéaire à effets mixtes pour déterminer l'impact des paramètres climatiques, de la défoliation cumulative (des cinq années précédentes) et de leur effet couplé sur la croissance en surface terrière. À la gravité maximale de l'épidémie, la croissance en surface terrière de l'épinette noire a été réduite de 14 à 18 % sur les cinq années en raison de l'effet TBE. Cette croissance a été affectée par le climat : des températures minimales estivales précédentes plus élevées et un indice d'humidité climatique estival plus élevé ont réduit la croissance de 11 % et 4 % respectivement. En revanche, l'effet négatif de la défoliation a été atténué de 9% pour une température minimale plus élevée au printemps précédent et de 7% pour une température maximale plus élevée l'été précédent. Cette étude améliore notre compréhension des effets combinés de la TBE et du climat et aide à prévoir les dommages futurs causés par cet insecte dans les peuplements forestiers afin de soutenir la gestion durable des forêts. Nous recommandons également que les projections des écosystèmes dans la forêt boréale incluent plusieurs classes de défoliation de la TBE et plusieurs scénarios climatiques
Corporate Social Responsibility: the institutionalization of ESG
Understanding the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on firm performance as it relates to industries reliant on technological innovation is a complex and perpetually evolving challenge. To thoroughly investigate this topic, this dissertation will adopt an economics-based structure to address three primary hypotheses. This structure allows for each hypothesis to essentially be a standalone empirical paper, unified by an overall analysis of the nature of impact that ESG has on firm performance. The first hypothesis explores the evolution of CSR to the modern quantified iteration of ESG has led to the institutionalization and standardization of the CSR concept. The second hypothesis fills gaps in existing literature testing the relationship between firm performance and ESG by finding that the relationship is significantly positive in long-term, strategic metrics (ROA and ROIC) and that there is no correlation in short-term metrics (ROE and ROS). Finally, the third hypothesis states that if a firm has a long-term strategic ESG plan, as proxied by the publication of CSR reports, then it is more resilience to damage from controversies. This is supported by the finding that pro-ESG firms consistently fared better than their counterparts in both financial and ESG performance, even in the event of a controversy. However, firms with consistent reporting are also held to a higher standard than their nonreporting peers, suggesting a higher risk and higher reward dynamic. These findings support the theory of good management, in that long-term strategic planning is both immediately economically beneficial and serves as a means of risk management and social impact mitigation. Overall, this contributes to the literature by fillings gaps in the nature of impact that ESG has on firm performance, particularly from a management perspective
Climate change on rural women in East Africa: analysis of consequences and recommendations from a gendered approach
Climate change affects people and regions differently. The East Africa region is one of the most affected by the changes in the climate. There, women, especially the most marginalised and disadvantaged, are the most impacted, in many ways. Despite being the most heavily burdened, rural women are underrepresented and overlooked in tackling weather change. This can be changed by adopting a gender perspective that empowers women. This would allow them to improve their lives exponentially and to become key actors in mitigating and adapting to climate change effectively
Participatory design research for the development of real-time simulation models in healthcare
This is the final version. Available from Taylor & Francis via the DOI in this record. The implementation challenges for modelling and simulation in health and social care are wellknown and understood. Yet increasing availability of data and a better understanding of the
value of Operational Research (OR) applications are strengthening opportunities to support
healthcare delivery. Participative approaches in healthcare modelling have shown value
through stakeholder engagement and commitment towards co-creation of models and knowledge but are limited in focus on model design and development. For simulation modelling, a
participative design research methodology can support development for sustained use,
emphasising model usefulness and usability using iterative cycles of development and evaluation. Within a structured methodology, measures of success are built into the design process,
focusing on factors which contribute to success, with implicit goals of implementation and
improvement. We illustrate this through a participative case study which demonstrates development of the component parts of a real-time simulation model aimed at reducing emergency
department crowdingEconomic and Social Research CouncilEconomic and Social Research Counci
Harmonising electronic health records for reproducible research: challenges, solutions and recommendations from a UK-wide COVID-19 research collaboration
BackgroundThe CVD-COVID-UK consortium was formed to understand the relationship between COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases through analyses of harmonised electronic health records (EHRs) across the four UK nations. Beyond COVID-19, data harmonisation and common approaches enable analysis within and across independent Trusted Research Environments. Here we describe the reproducible harmonisation method developed using large-scale EHRs in Wales to accommodate the fast and efficient implementation of cross-nation analysis in England and Wales as part of the CVD-COVID-UK programme. We characterise current challenges and share lessons learnt.MethodsServing the scope and scalability of multiple study protocols, we used linked, anonymised individual-level EHR, demographic and administrative data held within the SAIL Databank for the population of Wales. The harmonisation method was implemented as a four-layer reproducible process, starting from raw data in the first layer. Then each of the layers two to four is framed by, but not limited to, the characterised challenges and lessons learnt. We achieved curated data as part of our second layer, followed by extracting phenotyped data in the third layer. We captured any project-specific requirements in the fourth layer.ResultsUsing the implemented four-layer harmonisation method, we retrieved approximately 100 health-related variables for the 3.2 million individuals in Wales, which are harmonised with corresponding variables for > 56 million individuals in England. We processed 13 data sources into the first layer of our harmonisation method: five of these are updated daily or weekly, and the rest at various frequencies providing sufficient data flow updates for frequent capturing of up-to-date demographic, administrative and clinical information.ConclusionsWe implemented an efficient, transparent, scalable, and reproducible harmonisation method that enables multi-nation collaborative research. With a current focus on COVID-19 and its relationship with cardiovascular outcomes, the harmonised data has supported a wide range of research activities across the UK
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