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Research examining Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has grown markedly in recent years. However, research on its psychological treatment is still scarce, especially with respect to efficacy of specific programs. The PIPATIC (Programa Individualizado Psicoterapéutico para la Adicción a las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación) program is a 22-session specialized treatment for adolescents with IGD. The present paper briefly outlines the cases of four treatment-seeking male adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years with different clinical IGD profiles undergoing the treatment. A case study using an A-B-A' withdrawal design was conducted. After completing the PIPATIC program, all participants showed clinical improvement in the amount of time spent using video games and in the symptoms of IGD. Results also demonstrated they received lower scores on clinical tests related to comorbid disorders. In an area with so few studies relating to IGD treatment, the present study is of existential value and contributes clinical information concerning the treatment of IGD in treatment-seeking adolescent patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rockfalls are ubiquitous diffuse hazard in mountain regions, cliffs, and cutslopes, with the potential of causing victims and severely damaging buildings and infrastructures. A vast majority of detached rock masses break up when impacting the ground, generating multiple trajectories of rock fragments. In this paper, we present the quantitative risk analysis (QRA) of fragmental rockfalls. Fragmentation in rockfalls requires the redefinition of the probability of reach and the evaluation of the effect of multiple rock blocks trajectories on the exposure. An example of QRA was carried out at the Monasterio de Piedra, Spain, using RockGIS, a rockfall propagation model that takes fragmentation into account (Matas et al. Landslides 14:1565-1578, 2017). The results show that fragmentation has a significant but contrasting effect in the calculation of risk. The risk is reduced if the slope where blocks propagate is sufficiently long and gentle. The reason for this is that, compared to the unfragmented rock masses, the new fragments generated travel shorter distances with lesser kinetic energy. The effect disappears in case of large rockfalls. Conversely, the risk increases if the rock fragments propagate over steep slopes. The reason is that few blocks stop along the way while the generation of a cone of fragments increases the exposure. Our simulations also show that assuming a continuous flow of visitors or segregating the flow in groups of different number of people has only a minor influence on the results. Finally, we observed that the capability of the protection barriers to stop rockfalls of up to a few tens of cubic meters increases with fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TimSort is the main sorting algorithm provided by the Java standard library and many other programming frameworks. Our original goal was functional verification of TimSort with mechanical proofs. However, during our verification attempt we discovered a bug which causes the implementation to crash by an uncaught exception. In this paper, we identify conditions under which the bug occurs, and from this we derive a bug-free version that does not compromise performance. We formally specify the new version and verify termination and the absence of exceptions including the bug. This verification is carried out mechanically with KeY, a state-of-the-art interactive verification tool for Java. We provide a detailed description and analysis of the proofs. The complexity of the proofs required extensions and new capabilities in KeY, including symbolic state merging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sublevel caving (SLC), the caving of the hangingwall due to ore extraction emphasises placement of the mining infrastructure in the footwall. While the footwall in general is less affected by ground settlement compared to the hangingwall, the changes in stress field from mining are significant. The footwall infrastructure must thus be positioned sufficiently far into the footwall to avoid damage from the mining-induced stress; however, placing the infrastructure farther into the footwall increases costs associated with additional drifting and operational distances. This paper presents a case study in which a robust prognosis tool for predicting infrastructure damage associated with SLC mining is developed. The concept of the proposed methodology was developed for the Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag Kiirunavaara SLC mine. Initial steps are data collection through systematic damage mapping followed by conceptual modelling of the general rock mass response to mining. The results of the conceptual models are used as the basis for refined calibrated models detailing the damage development and failure mechanisms. The main system behaviour, failure mechanism and associated damage evolution are incorporated into a bilinear equation using the studied depth and local ore width as input to estimate the final horizontal damage extent from the footwall contact after mining of any specific level. The proposed relationship accurately replicates the current damage pattern within 40 m for more than 70% of the recorded observations up until current mining. The anticipated future damage extent is also shown to be well correlated with current micro-seismic event locations. The connection between seismic rock mass damage and subsequent infrastructure damage during de-confinement suggests that current seismic records from operations, which currently experience no stability issues, might become important at later mining stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a practical framework for choosing among different lean-based improvement programs in a one-machine environment and applies it in a company in the aeronautics industry. For the studied environment, i.e., a single machine and machining process bottleneck, the application of the proposed framework resulted in a potential 84.63 % improvement in lead time, which can be obtained by improving the mean time between failures by 1373 % and requires an effort of 5880 h. Alternatively, a 34.76 % reduction in lead time is also possible through a 1960-h investment in labor; this improves the coefficient of variation of repair time by 72 %. It is believed that the model proposed here can help managers in practice to quantify and choose between different options of lean-based improvement programs in single-machine or single-cell environments with flowshop standards and a predominant machine, which is typical of lean manufacturing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance metrics of a system with single input and single output is straight forward and is generally termed as 'efficiency'. However, for systems with multiple outputs, defined performance metrics has to include effects of all outputs on a rational basis. For systems with both multiple inputs and outputs such definition is even more complicated. Polygeneration is the integration of multiple utility outputs with one or more inputs for better performance. The better performance may again be assessed from different aspects, e.g., thermodynamic, economic, social, etc. Performance metrics of polygeneration is not unique. It depends on type of systems as well as objective of evaluation of it. In this paper, several possible performance parameters for polygeneration are discussed. Evaluation of performance is also tested with multi-dimensional viewpoints. Simulation results of two polygeneration schemes are used to show case studies for these defined performance parameters. Relative performance of polygeneration schemes with different fuel inputs is presented to show the performance variation of these schemes with multi-dimensional viewpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a systemic Bayesian network (BN) based approach for dynamic risk analysis of adjacent buildings in tunneling environments, consisting of risk/hazard identification, BN learning and BN validation. Two validation indicators are proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of the established BN model, aiming to ensure that the model predictions are not significantly different from actual observations. In the dynamic risk analysis framework, the predictive, sensitivity and diagnostic techniques are used to conduct the feed-forward control in the pre-construction stage, intermediate control in the construction stage and back-forward control in the post-accident stage, respectively. A case regarding some existing buildings adjacent to construction of the Wuhan Yangtze metro tunnel in China is presented. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach, as well as its application potential. The proposed approach can be used by practitioners in the industry as a decision support tool to provide guidelines on the conservation of adjacent buildings against tunnel-induced damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legal translation (shortened as LT) has become a principal means to unfold Chinese laws to the world in the global era and the study of it has proved to be of practical significance. Since the proper theory guidance is the key to the quality of LT translation, this paper focuses on the Skopos theory and the strategies applied in the practice of LT. A case study of LT examples from the Criminal Law of the P.R.C. has been made while briefly reviewing the Skopos theory and its principles. Started with short discussion of LT, this paper probes into the applicability of the three principles of Skopos theory, including the Skopos rule, the coherence rule and the fidelity rule, into the legal texts, especially into the translation of the Criminal Law of the P.R.C. and based on the study, the strategies for LT are proposed, with the hope that it can be useful for reference in other legal texts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how big data can be used to enable customers to express unrecognised needs. By acquiring this information, managers can gain opportunities to develop customer-centred products. Big data can be defined as multimedia-rich and interactive low-cost information resulting from mass communication. It offers customers a better understanding of new products and provides new, simplified modes of large-scale interaction between customers and firms. Although previous studies have pointed out that firms can better understand customers’ preferences and needs by leveraging different types of available data, the situation is evolving, with increasing application of big data analytics for product development, operations and supply chain management. In order to utilise the customer information available from big data to a larger extent, managers need to identify how to establish a customer-involving environment that encourages customers to share their ideas with managers, contribute their know-how, fiddle around with new products, and express their actual preferences. We investigate a new product development project at an electronics company, STE, and describe how big data is used to connect to, interact with and involve customers in new product development in practice. Our findings reveal that big data can offer customer involvement so as to provide valuable input for developing new products. In this paper, we introduce a customer involvement approach as a new means of coming up with customer-centred new product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to investigate the impact of a firm's social responsibility on its level of competition, cooperation and co-opetition using the game theory approach. We consider a duopoly market that comprises the focal firm which undertakes the responsibility of alliance and peripheral firm that represents all other firms within the technological innovational alliance of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME). Both the focal firm and the peripheral firm conduct technological innovation to overcome the constraints of technology, talent and fund. The study concludes that competitive efforts could substitute alliance responsibility, and cooperation efforts are contingent upon the market demand and/or alliance responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dam-break analysis is of great importance in mountain environment, especially where reservoirs are located upstream of densely populated areas and hydraulic hazard should be assessed for land planning purposes. Accordingly, there is a need to identify suitable operative tools which may differ from the ones used in flat flood-prone areas. This paper shows the results provided by a 1D and a 2D model based on the Shallow Water Equations (SWE) for dam-break wave propagation in alpine regions. The 1D model takes advantage of a topographic toolkit that includes an algorithm for pre-processing the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and of a novel criterion for the automatic cross-section space refinement. The 2D model is FLO-2D, a commercial software widely used for flood routing in mountain areas. In order to verify the predictive effectiveness of these numerical models, the test case of the Cancano dam-break has been recovered from the historical study of De Marchi (1945), which provides a unique laboratory data set concerning the consequences of the potential collapse of the former Cancano dam (Northern Italy). The measured discharge hydrograph at the dam also provides the data to test a simplified method recently proposed for the characterization of the hydrograph following a sudden dam-break. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative learning has been advocated for the last several decades. However, classroom practice has indicated that this method often comes with challenges and low efficiency, suggesting the need for better support for teachers. The aim of this study is to explore teachers' learning about collaborative learning in a professional development (PD) environment. In particular, we focused on teacher perceptions of the two aspects of collaborative learning, namely, tasks and collaboration. Teachers learned that tasks for collaborative learning should be open-ended, challenging, and feature a low floor but a high ceiling. Such tasks call for true collaboration among group members and provide a space for interactive engagement. In addition, teachers learned that true collaboration should occur in two layers, including both peer collaboration and collaboration between the PD provider (researcher) and teachers. For peer collaboration, there should be 'deep participation' in which every group member actively contributes ideas and engages with others' thinking. For the researcher-teacher collaboration, the PD provider serves as the teachers' learning partner through careful task design and facilitation of learning. Based on their direct experience with collaborative learning in this PD workshop, teachers learned about the roles of tasks and collaboration in their own classrooms. Implications of the findings and future directions for research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how the application of practice-based research in the production of an editorial letter can enhance our understanding of structural editing. It presents an overview of structural editing practices; a case study demonstrating how practice-based research can be used as a method of investigation in the field of Editing Studies; and an example of a contemporary editorial letter—something scarcely found in the literature. In doing so, it highlights the validity of practice-based research in Editing Studies and encourages other researchers to engage in similar methods of investigation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A potential solution to the high failure rate in distributed agile development and enhance the success of projects is through implementing agile enterprise architecture, though the success is still to be established. The present paper empirically investigates the gap, by defining the role and commitment of implementing agile enterprise architecture on distributed agile development. The data were collected by interviewing 12 key team members and observing four team meetings over 2 months and analyzing using thematic analysis. The present study suggests that implementing agile enterprise architecture is possible in distributed agile development and may have a positive impact on project success. However, many questions demand further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the paper is to investigate the initiation of the Jiweishan landslide by simulating the field geological conditions around and inside a selected critical rock block and then to study its stability through 3-D discontinuum stress analysis. The study led to the following main conclusions: (1) The mining excavations that occurred underneath the investigated block at the landslide site, the friction angle of T2 discontinuities and sliding plane and the dip angle of the sliding plane seem to be the most important factors with respect to the instability of the investigated block; (2) It seems that the friction angle of T2 discontinuities and sliding plane need to drop to a value between 5° and 10° for the investigated block to be unstable. This means that the rainfall and karstification have played important roles in reducing the said friction angle and contributed to the failure of the investigated block. (3) The northern part of the investigated block (key block) had moved out first from the top of the mountain in a direction parallel to the strike of the north boundary discontinuity plane (T2) and had undergone shear failure on the T2 surface as well as on a weak shale layer (the sliding plane) and the remaining part of the investigated block (driving block) had moved along a direction slightly east of the north direction and had undergone shear failure on the sliding plane and separation from southern and western boundary discontinuity planes (T0 and T1) to fill the empty space created by the key block to initiate the Jiweishan landslide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firms and the territories where they are located are interwoven realities. The evolution of territories is influenced by the strategies adopted by the firms as well as these depend on the characteristics and dynamics of the region where they are embedded. The interconnection between firms and territories is thus a key issue for the understanding of the development of both businesses and territories. This issue is particularly important for the tourism industry inasmuch as the attractiveness of a region depends not only on the endogenous resources of the territory but also on the spatial interaction established by companies. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to clarify the reciprocal influence between firms and tourist destinations. For that, the paper analyses the case of a tourist resort established in the Douro valley, a region in northern Portugal classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Site and where Port wine is produced. On the basis of a qualitative methodological approach, the study aims at understanding (i) how firms' strategic actions influence the structure and dynamics of the region where they are located, and (ii) how the regional characteristics influence firms' evolution. The study shows that local actors are likely to condition the possibilities of interaction or ways to act in the market, develop new activities on the basis of innovative ways to combine their resources, connect with other actors of the focal firm's network and create new competences. On the other hand, the inability of local actors to interact with the focal firm can limit its strategic options and, consequently, the impact on the dynamics of the territory as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of real-time landslide early warning systems is attracting the attention of the scientific community, since it allows to assess 'where' and 'when' a shallow rainfall-induced landslide might occur by coupling rainfall amounts, hydrological models and slope-stability analysis. The paper deals with the main results of a back analysis, which refers to the application of a physically based stability model [Shallow Landslides Instability Prediction (SLIP)] on regional scale. The analysis concerns the occurrence of some recent rainfall-induced shallow landslides in the municipal territory of Broni, in the area of Oltrepò Pavese (Northern Italy). The study area is a hilly region 2.4 km wide, where more than 40 % of the territory has slopes steeper than 15° and altitudes are between 90 and 250 m a.s.l. As regards the geologic setting, clayey-silty shallow colluvial deposits, with a maximum thickness of about 3 m, overlap a bedrock made of clayey shales, calcareous flysch and marls. The SLIP model is based on the limit equilibrium method applied to an infinite slope and on the Mohr-Coulomb strength criterion for the soil. By assuming that the main hydro-geotechnical process that leads to failure is the saturation of parts of the soil, the model allows to take into account the condition of partial saturation of the soil. The safety factor ( F) of a slope is also function of previous rainfalls. After the implementation of the model at territory scale, the input data have been introduced through a geographic information systems platform. In the current paper we mainly intend to evaluate the performance of SLIP at catchment scale, by comparison to (1) observed landslide events and (2) another well-established physically based model (TRIGRS). Further, we want to assess the suitability of the model as early warning tool. The results produced by the model are analyzed both in terms of safety factor maps, corresponding to some particular rainfall events, and in terms of the time-varying percentage of unstable areas over a 2-year span period. The paper shows the comparison between observed landslide localizations and model predictions. A quantitative comparison between the SLIP model and TRIGRS is presented, only for the most important event that occurred during the analyzed period. Overall, the results of the stability analyses based on observed rainfalls show the capability of the SLIP model to predict, in real-time and on a wide area, the occurrence of the analyzed phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable computing promises to gain efficiency improvements in industrial applications due to augmentation of the device as well as improved interaction between the user and the device. In this paper, we present the results of a study with focus on utilization of wearable computing in industrial service applications. Our study consisted of a preliminary market scan with regard to wearable computing devices and literature analysis that has been conducted to find out where wearable computing is already used or is well suited for industrial service applications. Additionally, we carried out a case study at an industrial plant to figure out which of the existing service processes can be improved by wearable and mobile devices and show how it could be done. Finally, we discuss the desired developments that would enable wearable computing to enter the practice of industrial service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 30 years, qualitative research has emerged as a widely accepted alternative to the quantitative paradigm for performing research in educational communications and technology. As the new paradigm has evolved, it has spawned a variety of theoretical perspectives and methodological techniques that have both increased its potential contributions and engendered confusion about how to work effectively within its scope. This paper reviews the criteria and procedures for designing and implementing basic qualitative studies that are credible, meaningful, and useful. It discusses the reasons for using a qualitative approach, how to frame qualitative research questions appropriately, considerations in choosing and applying data-collection techniques appropriately, techniques for analyzing qualitative data systematically and effectively, and ways to present credible results and draw valid conclusions from qualitative data. Following a few basic principles related to each of these topics can help new researchers in particular begin to become adept users of the basic methods and techniques of the qualitative paradigm. Following up on the paper's discussion of data-analytic tools and suggestions for additional reading can help both new and experienced researchers expand their knowledge of this important research tradition and become fluent in using it to gain a deep and detailed understanding of how to design and use technologies to support learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Society's increasing reliance on services provided by web applications places a high demand on their reliability. The flow of control through web applications heavily depends on user inputs and interactions, so user inputs should be thoroughly validated before being passed to the back-end software. Although several techniques are used to validate inputs on the client, users can easily bypass this validation and submit arbitrary data to the server. This can cause unexpected behavior, and even allow unauthorized access. A test technique called bypass testing intentionally sends invalid data to the server by bypassing client-side validation. This paper reports results from a comprehensive case study on 16 deployed, widely used, commercial web applications. As part of this project, the theory behind bypass testing was extended and an automated tool, AutoBypass, was built. The case study found failures in 14 of the 16 web applications tested, some significant. This study gives evidence that bypass testing is effective, has positive return on investment, and scales to real applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet is an integral part of the lives of our children nowadays. Using the Internet, in particular search engines, children search for information for school, for their individual interests or simply for entertainment. Unfortunately, research shows that children face many difficulties when searching and browsing for information, even though there are several search engines that are designed especially for children. In this paper, we review recent work in this field and evaluate to what extent current search engines for children are appropriately supporting the motor and cognitive skills of elementary school-age children. We base our study on findings of previous research and derive criteria to assess existing search engines. Our results suggest that most of them still require improvements in order to fit the skills and competencies of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisations frequently deploy a range of new or improved technologies in order to improve their performance (efficiency and effectiveness). However, the literature has thus far primarily investigated Information Technology (IT) deployment issues and success factors, which may not be relevant or sufficient in the context of other technology types. Moreover, the literature usually discusses high-level success factors without identifying relevant low-level activities and their interdependencies. Specific guidance on how such activities may best be arranged in a process model is also lacking. Based on a one-year-long ethnographic study and one in-depth case study in the Australian Defence Organisation, this paper presents a normative technology-neutral process model comprising 61 activities thought to be necessary and sufficient for effective technology deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the recent development and innovative uses of augmented reality (AR) in formal and informal education. Our research categorizes current AR technologies, introduces a review of relevant literature, and presents case studies illustrating AR implementation utilizing different pedagogical approaches. Based on current trends, the educational potential of AR tools and systems is discussed and factors impacting large-scale use in teaching and training are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study the problem of delivering finished vehicles from a logistics yard to dealer locations at which they are sold. The requests for cars arrive dynamically and are not announced in advance to the logistics provider who is granted a certain time-span until which a delivery has to be fulfilled. In a real-world setting, the underlying network is relatively stable in time, since it is usually a rare event that a new dealership opens or an existing one terminates its service. Therefore, probabilities for incoming requests can be derived from historical data. The study explores the potential of using such probabilities to improve the day-to-day decision of sending out or postponing cars that are ready for delivery. Apart from the order selection, we elaborate a heuristic to optimize delivery routes for the selected vehicles, whereby special loading constraints are considered to meet the particular constraints of car transportation via road. In a case study, we illustrate the value of introducing probabilistic information to the planning process and compare the quality of different configurations of our approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feature models are frequently used to capture the knowledge about configurable software systems and product lines. However, feature modeling of large-scale systems is challenging as models are needed for diverse purposes. For instance, feature models can be used to reflect the perspectives of product management, technical solution architecture, or product configuration. Furthermore, models are required at different levels of granularity. Although numerous approaches and tools are available, it remains hard to define the purpose, scope, and granularity of feature models. This paper first reports results and experiences of an exploratory case study on developing feature models for two large-scale industrial automation software systems. We report results on the characteristics and modularity of the feature models, including metrics about model dependencies. Based on the findings from the study, we developed FORCE, a modeling language, and tool environment that extends an existing feature modeling approach to support models for different purposes and at multiple levels, including mappings to the code base. We demonstrate the expressiveness and extensibility of our approach by applying it to the well-known Pick and Place Unit example and an injection molding subsystem of an industrial product line. We further show how our approach supports consistency between different feature models. Our results and experiences show that considering the purpose and level of features is useful for modeling large-scale systems and that modeling dependencies between feature models is essential for developing a system-wide perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients presenting with chest pain at an emergency department in the United Kingdom receive troponin tests to assess the likelihood of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Until recently, serial testing with two blood samples separated by at least six hours was necessary in order to analyse the change in troponin levels over time. New high-sensitivity troponin tests, however, allow the inter-test time to be shortened from six to three hours. Recent evidence also suggests that the new generation of troponin tests can be used to rule out AMI on the basis of a single test if patients at low risk of AMI present with very low cardiac troponin levels more than three hours after onset of worst pain. This paper presents a discrete event simulation model to assess the likely impact on the number of hospital admissions if emergency departments adopt strategies for serial and single testing based on the use of high-sensitivity troponin. Data sets from acute trusts in the South West of England are used to quantify the resulting benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In recent years, green building has become a social hotspot and raised much concern of academic. However, traditional researches of green building mostly focused on technology, while research on social and humanity demand on green residential districts is still scarce. To complement the gap of research and reality, this paper is intended to establish a quantitative evaluation method for social humanity needs of green residential districts based on social life cycle assessment (SLCA).Methods: Based on the SLCA method, an evaluation indicator system for social and humanity demand of green residential districts was proposed, considering different stakeholders (real estate developers, construction enterprises, community residents, and decision makers). Additionally, the adopted evaluation indicator system was applied to a practical community in China as a case study by questionnaire surveys and the method of analytic hierarchy process.Results and discussion: Case study results show that the residents prefer to pay more for a better living environment, and the real estate developers are willing to increase the investment moderately on the projects. Meanwhile, the local government likes to support the development of green residential districts, as well.Conclusions: Analysis results are in line with the social demand for high-quality living environment of Chinese residents and the public concern about buildings’ comprehensive benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Most often, we observe that certain spare parts are used together for various maintenance activities of equipment. If spare parts are used frequently in a group, then there exists some hidden dependency among these parts. Sometimes the entire maintenance work cannot be accomplished due to the shortage of a single spare in the group. These parts are termed here as associated spare items. These parts can be determined by frequent itemsets mining. In this paper, the groups of spare parts are found out through hierarchical clustering method using support and weighted support of the data mining measure. A methodology is proposed to incorporate both support and weighted support values for computing an overall cost of replenishment for joint replenishment policy for the associated spares. Finally, a case study is presented to illustrate the validation of our model and compared the results among the group with normal support and group with weighted support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Assessment of the social aspects of sustainability of products is a topic of significant interest to companies, and several methodologies have been proposed in the recent years. The significant environmental health and safety concerns about nano-enabled products calls for the early establishment of a clear benefit-risk framework in order to decide which novel products should be developed further. This paper proposes a method to assess the social impacts of nano-enabled products through the life cycle that is (a) quantitative, (b) integrates performance and attitudinal dimensions of social impacts and (c) considers the overall and stakeholder balance of benefits and costs. Social life cycle assessment (s-LCA) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) are integrated to address this need, and the method is illustrated on a case study of a nano-enabled product. Methods: The s-LCA framework comprises 15 indicators to characterize the social context of the product manufacture placed within the classification structure of benefit/cost and worker/community. The methodology includes four steps: (a) normalization of company level data on the social indicator to country level data for the year, (b) nested weighting at stakeholder and indicator level and its integration with normalized scores to create social indicator scores, (c) aggregation of social indicator scores into benefit score, cost score and net benefit scores as per the s-LCA framework and (d) classification of social indicator scores and aggregated scores as low/medium/high based on benchmarks created using employment and value-added proxies. Results and discussion: A prospective production scenario involving novel product, a nano-copper oxide (n-CuO)-based paint with biocidal functionality, is assessed with respect to its social impacts. The method was applied to 12 indicators at the company level. Classification of social indicator scores and aggregated scores showed that the n-CuO paint has high net benefits. Conclusions: The framework and method offer a flexible structure that can be revised and extended as more knowledge and data on social impacts of nano-enabled products becomes available. The proposed method is being implemented in the social impact assessment sub-module of the SUN Decision Support (SUNDS) software system. Companies seeking to improve the social footprint of their products can also use the proposed method to consider relevant social impacts to achieve this goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domain-specific languages (DSLs) promise to improve the software engineering process, e.g., by reducing software development and maintenance effort and by improving communication, and are therefore seeing increased use in industry. To support the creation and deployment of DSLs, language workbenches have been developed. However, little is published about the actual added value of a language workbench in an industrial setting, compared to not using a language workbench. In this paper, we evaluate the productivity of using the Spoofax language workbench by comparing two implementations of an industrial DSL, one in Spoofax and one in Python, that already existed before the evaluation. The subject is the Open Interaction Language (OIL): a complex DSL for implementing control software with requirements imposed by its industrial context at Canon Production Printing. Our findings indicate that it is more productive to implement OIL using Spoofax compared to using Python, especially if editor services are desired. Although Spoofax was sufficient to implement OIL, we find that Spoofax should especially improve on practical aspects to increase its adoptability in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many cities have initiated promoting inland waterway transport to serve parcel delivery in urban areas to achieve sustainable transportation. This research aims to identify the key components of an economically viable urban network distribution, where inland waterway transport is deployed as the main transport, and cargo bikes or electric vehicles are used for last-mile delivery. The analysis uses a decision-support framework based on a two-echelon city distribution scheme. Numerical experiments are conducted using near-practical instances in France and inputs from industry stakeholders. From the study, it was found that the economic viability of inland waterways as main transport depends on the number of parcels to be delivered, and the existing infrastructures. The city configurations, their accessibility, as well as their operating conditions are also of utmost importance. The lowest CO2 equivalent emissions are obtained by combining inland waterways with electric bikes. This paper can be used as decision-making support and guidance for transport companies, industry stakeholders, and public authorities for an efficient and sustainable urban distribution network combining inland waterways and bikes/vans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses a short-term production scheduling problem that arises in a German potash underground mine. In particular, we consider a combined staff and machine scheduling problem where mining operations have to be assigned to resources and scheduled simultaneously. The resources are composed of the machines and workers that are available in the upcoming working shift. Due to the given application, several mining-specific requirements have to be taken into account, e.g., how to handle mining operations within the same underground location. In order to solve the problem, we propose a construction procedure that is extended to a multi-start algorithm. In a computational study, we conduct experiments on random as well as real-world instances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual GUI Testing (VGT) is a tool-driven technique for automated GUI-based testing that uses image recognition to interact with and assert the correctness of the behavior of a system through its GUI as it is shown to the user. The technique's applicability, e.g. defect-finding ability, and feasibility, e.g. time to positive return on investment, have been shown through empirical studies in industrial practice. However, there is a lack of studies that evaluate the usefulness and challenges associated with VGT when used long-term (years) in industrial practice. This paper evaluates how VGT was adopted, applied and why it was abandoned at the music streaming application development company, Spotify, after several years of use. A qualitative study with two workshops and five well chosen employees is performed at the company, supported by a survey, which is analyzed with a grounded theory approach to answer the study's three research questions. The interviews provide insights into the challenges, problems and limitations, but also benefits, that Spotify experienced during the adoption and use of VGT. However, due to the technique's drawbacks, VGT has been abandoned for a new technique/framework, simply called the Test interface. The Test interface is considered more robust and flexible for Spotify's needs but has several drawbacks, including that it does not test the actual GUI as shown to the user like VGT does. From the study's results it is concluded that VGT can be used long-term in industrial practice but it requires organizational change as well as engineering best practices to be beneficial. Through synthesis of the study's results, and results from previous work, a set of guidelines are presented that aim to aid practitioners to adopt and use VGT in industrial practice. However, due to the abandonment of the technique, future research is required to analyze in what types of projects the technique is, and is not, long-term viable. To this end, we also present Spotify's Test interface solution for automated GUI-based testing and conclude that it has its own benefits and drawbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently, there are a growing number of students in the primary schools in northwest England who are living in broken communities, exacerbated by the most recent global recession. Through social justice theory, this paper examines the influence of head teachers as they look to balance administrative and pedagogical experiences in the schools. Using a qualitative methodology, including observation, in-depth interviews, and field notes this case study focused on head teachers, teachers, and parents from two primary schools in the northwest of England. Specifically, this study investigates the influence of the headteachers while identifying a social justice pedagogical epistemology and strategies being used by teachers and schools who work with students from communities typically identified as living in low socio-economic areas. Foundational to this research is the belief that headteachers, families and teachers need to make concerted, intentional efforts to engage in and acquire appropriate knowledge for building effective, communicative relationship in order to benefit student achievement. A social justice perspective therefore should provide an unequivocal commitment to acting in just ways related to concepts of fairness and equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of the research is to validates the integrated Lean, Green, and Six Sigma (LGSS) model for continuous and incremental improvement in the Indian manufacturing industry to find out the benefits that the firm gained. Validation of the statistically proven framework has been done in the Indian manufacturing industry giving the structural instruments to 35 members of the organization to assess the results from LGSS practices. The approved outcomes are in the Indian perspective; in any situation, the instrument produced can be utilized in a worldwide location. To improve the operational and sustainable performance the manufacturing organizations should adopt this integrated LGSS framework into their operation process. This research is unique that presents an integrated framework of Lean, Green, and Six Sigma to fulfill the need of the Indian manufacturing industry that provides operational and sustainable benefits to the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present an approach to the ABZ 2020 case study that differs from those usually presented at ABZ: Rather than using a (correct-by-construction) approach following a formal method, we use C for a low-level implementation instead. We strictly adhere to test-driven development for validation, and only afterwards apply model checking using CBMC for verification. While the approach has several benefits compared to the more rigorous approaches, it also provides less mathematical clarity and overall less thorough verification. In consequence, our realization of the ABZ case study serves as a baseline reference for comparison, allowing to assess the benefit provided by the various formal modeling languages, methods and tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explored undergraduate college students' opinions of the CDC's online "Solve the Outbreak" (StO) game, a recommended aid in higher education for teaching concepts epidemiological outbreak investigations. Methods: The study was conducted as a game debriefing, in which 16 students enrolled in an undergraduate-level epidemiology course were interviewed to receive feedback about their experiences of StO after completing the game. Results: A total of four common themes emerged from the interveiews as framed by the Persuasive Game Design model: (1) Enjoying the Game World, (2) Cheating the Game's Elements, (3) Suggesting Improvements to the Game's Elements, and (4) Inverted Transfer Effect. Conclusions: Students reported that they enjoyed playing StO, and that it was effective for applying their knowledge of epidemiology course content on the process of investigating outbreaks. However, students found ways to cheat the game's answers, and they recommended ways that the game's elements could be improved. Instructors should consider using StO as a tool for teaching their students about investigating infectious outbreaks. Designers of the game should consider adapting the game based on students' constructive feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives one example of the application of ideas and practices from Narrative Therapy in three sessions of work with a family. This work was inspired by the early writing and workshop teachings of White (Fam Process 25:169-184, , ) and Epston (Epston and White ; Freeman et al. in Playful approaches to serious problems. W.W. Norton, New York ). The skills of relative influencing questioning, externalizing the problem, noticing news of difference, raising dilemmas, discussing readiness for change, discovering unique outcomes, conversing with the problem and consulting your consultants were all applied to a presenting problem of extreme fear and worry. Excerpts from the transcription of the third and final session are included to demonstrate skills in the actual conversation with the family. Two-year and six-year follow up information is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many researchers working with children in materially poor communities in Ethiopia have observed that they report high levels of well-being, for example, they are happy and satisfied with their lives. This is taken as an example of resilience, or what may be defined as the capacity to bounce back from adverse experiences. While many Euro-American studies attribute resilience to individual competencies such as self-confidence, in the context of Ethiopia and other developing countries social competencies may be more important. Social competencies enable children to construct networks that extend beyond peer friendships and school-based networks. Their extensive networks mean they can access resources and convert these into well-being outcomes such as being well-nourished. However, their networks can be simultaneously advantageous and disadvantageous; for example, when children feel obliged to leave school to contribute to the household. The paper presents a mixed-method case-based analysis of four children aged 14-15 living in urban Ethiopia who were characterised by the author as more or less 'resilient' on the basis of survey data from Young Lives, a long-term study of childhood poverty. It uses survey and qualitative data to present a detailed account of these children's pathways to well-being and the complex role of social connections within these pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Block-flexure is the most common type of toppling failure in rock slopes. In this case, some rock blocks fail due to tensile bending stresses and some overturn under their own weights. In this paper, first, a literature review of toppling failures is summarized. Then, a theoretical model is proposed for rock slopes with a potential for block-flexure toppling instability. Next, a new analytical approach is presented for the stability analysis of such slopes. Finally, a special computer code is developed for a quick stability assessment of the failures based on the proposed method. This code receives the rock slope parameters from the user as the input data and predicts its stability, along with the corresponding factor of safety against the failure, as the output. In addition, two case studies are used for practical verification of the proposed approach and the corresponding computer code as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing evidence that official population statistics based on the decennial census are inaccurate at the local authority level-the fundamental administrative unit of the UK. This paper investigates the use of locally available administrative data sets for counting populations. The method uses truth tables for combining different data sources with different population coverage according to a defined and therefore replicable set of rules. The result is timelier and geographically more flexible data which is more cost-effective to produce than a survey-based census. Associated techniques for linking diverse data sources at individual and household level are briefly discussed. The methodology is then applied to administrative data from a London borough with about 170,000 people. The results are evaluated and compared with other population sources. The paper concludes by discussing potential improvements including scaling up the work to cover multiple local authorities. The practicalities of using alternative central government data sets are briefly considered. A sequel paper in this journal provides examples of key applications of this approach at local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this paper is to investigate whether equal opportunity and diversity pronouncements, both internally through organizations' own administrative policies or externally through imposed governmental legislations, benefit those who are the main subject of such initiatives (i.e., employees). While a majority of current research on equality and diversity has been dominated by writings on developed and specifically Western nations, this paper tackles such one-sidedness in previous research and takes the current understanding further by providing employee perspectives on equality and diversity in employment to encompass less developed nations with a particular focus on Iran. Using a qualitative research approach data were collected from employees across two construction and manufacturing industries. Based on the analysis of the data, we found, first, shared religious beliefs and language to be envisaged as playing a crucial part in establishing the ethnic minority workers' affiliation to a workgroup; second, the prospects for implementing declared equality and diversity polices to fade away as the employee began to work; and third, the adoption of diversity and equality policies to be primarily driven by (1) the dire state of the economy, and (2) the need for a mechanism to fit only the management priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a case study for the advanced planning and scheduling (APS) problem encountered in a light source manufacturer. The APS problem explicitly considers due dates of products, operation sequences among items, and capacity constraints of the manufacturing system. The objective of the problem is to seek the minimum cost of both production idle time and tardiness or earliness penalty of an order. An intelligent heuristic is applied to the problem, and the results demonstrate that significant production performances can be achieved while ensuring customer satisfaction as opposed to normal practices followed in the company relying on human expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to outline the importance and benefits an organization can achieve through using a decomposition-based decision-making tool incorporating supply chain-balanced scorecard performance measures for supply chain reengineering. An axiomatic design-based model built on the insights gained from supply chain performance measures and reengineering model is applied to a paint company. The model aids supply chain reengineering by identifying the scope of the reengineering design. The resultant reengineering design based on the needs and strategies of the firm in question is presented. A thorough simulation study follows to impart substantial improvements. The case displays how the model can help companies adopt a more structured approach to the complicated problem of supply chain reengineering. This paper focuses on supply chain reengineering models where no conclusive work exists and is expected to fill a gap in the area and be instrumental to both researchers and practitioners by providing a direction for coherent decision making on supply chain reengineering studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]