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The main application of wireless sensor networks is monitoring, and the nodes of these networks are located usually in harsh environments. Network management is the most important factor in network operation and efficiency. From the perspective of distributed management task force, management should have FCAPS features. In the FCAPS word, the letter F stands for Fault tolerance, the letter C stands for configuration, the letter A represents the accounting, the letter P represents the performance, and the letter S stands for the security. So the first feature is fault tolerance. This paper proposes a management framework for wireless sensor networks that both increases the quality of fault tolerance and decreases the energy consumption of the network. Due to the very fact that the nature of the relationship between energy consumption and fault tolerance is essentially a trade-off, the proposed framework will bilaterally increase the network lifetime. Based on the results, implementing this framework will noticeably increase fault tolerance and decrease the energy consumption. Moreover, for protocols with cluster heads that change frequently at the end of each round, simulations have shown comparatively more success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Eco-estates were well connected to one another and nearby natural landscapes. • Connectivity increased in areas with native forest and coastal thicket/dense bush. • Coastal thicket/dense bush was a fundamental contributor. • Rivers and their surrounding natural habitat were key contributors to connectivity. • Eco-estate developments can facilitate conservation of biodiversity. Population expansion and land transformation reduce biodiversity, potentially reducing environmental functionality. These effects are evident globally, and specifically in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, where land cover is being transformed for urbanisation. However, much of the urbanised areas incorporate differing levels of urban greening, which is improving local species and functional diversity. In recent years, a new form of urban greening in the form of eco-estate development has increased, which improves biodiversity and functional diversity. However, it has not yet been determined whether these eco-estates are connected to one another and the surrounding natural landscapes, allowing for natural species' colonisation, immigration and dispersal. In this study, we assessed whether eco-estates along the coast of KZN were ecologically connected to a) one another, and b) the surrounding natural landscape. Using a hybrid Least-cost Pathway/Ecological Circuit Theory approach, we modelled habitat suitability and dispersal requirements of a forest-specialised bird species in an effort to provide future development and management plans for eco-estates. Connectivity throughout coastal KZN was evident, with increased connectivity in areas of natural and urban indigenous forest and coastal thicket/dense bush and river systems (riparian zones), within which existing eco-estates were subsequently developed. Eco-estates were well connected to one another and surrounding natural landscapes, emphasising their importance as patches containing endangered indigenous forest and unprotected coastal thicket/dense bush and of increased species and functional diversity, improving local ecosystem functioning. We recommend that eco-estate development primarily focus on areas which have previously been transformed, to increase natural land cover. The intention to preserve, rehabilitate, and conserve natural land cover is fundamentally important if development is to take place within and surrounding areas of high connectivity to assist in increasing and conserving suitable habitats, improving functionality and connectivity in KZN, and assisting in offsetting the deleterious effects of future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An effective and efficient stewardship of natural resources requires consistency across all decision-informing approaches and components involved, i.e., managerial, governmental, political, and legal. To achieve this consistency, these elements must be aligned under an overarching management goal that is consistent with current and well-accepted knowledge. In this article, we investigate the adoption by the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management of an environmental resilience-centered system that manages for resilience of marine ecological resources and its associated social elements. Although the framework is generally tailored for this Bureau, it could also be adapted to other federal or non-federal organizations. This paper presents a dynamic framework that regards change as an inherent element of the socio-ecological system in which management structures, e.g., federal agencies, are embedded. The overall functioning of the management framework being considered seeks to mimic and anticipate environmental change in line with well-accepted elements of resilience-thinking. We also investigate the goal of using management for resilience as a platform to enhance socio-ecological sustainability by setting specific performance metrics embedded in pre-defined and desired social and/or ecological scenarios. Dynamic management frameworks that couple social and ecological systems as described in this paper can facilitate the efficient and effective utilization of resources, reduce uncertainty for decision and policy makers, and lead to more defensible decisions on resources. Highlights • A resilience-based framework is studied for efficient natural resource management. • The management framework is expanded and adapted to a specific organization. • Nested panarchies are used to couple social and ecological sub-systems. • The environmental management framework is used to analyze two practical examples. • The management framework could be adapted to other organizations or groups of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While facing a mounting product and manufacturing complexity, admiration arouses among established manufacturers for the agility of emerging market entrees, serving a highly dynamic and individualized market with innovative customer oriented products and processes. Balancing innovative dynamism and the mitigation of risk constitutes a key success factor: today’s manufacturers must become innovation masters in an ever-changing, change-adaptive environment. Thus, building a framework for the refurbishing of proven Stage-Gate based innovation process models, by integrating Agile Project Management (APM) methods, constitutes the goal of this paper. Building upon a specification of the holistic concept Manufacturing Innovation Management (MIM), which constitutes a general perspective on innovation management in a manufacturing context, an extensive literature review on conventional innovation process models, agile frameworks and recent hybrid advancements and semi-structured expert interviews have contributed to a conceptual Hybrid Innovation Management Framework , depicting enablers for a successful Scrum integration to enhance agility in manufacturing departments and production plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Developing a general management framework for monitoring and reporting biological invasions in agricultural contexts is crucial to assist in the planning and execution of intervention and control strategies. Here we make use of a diverse range of data sets for economically significant South African agricultural fruit fly pests to offer several potential intervention strategies and present a general management framework that unifies different but related fields of research (invasion science and pest management). We review the status of Tephritidae (Diptera) in South Africa with a strong focus on the highly invasive Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and touch on the use of population genetics in pest or invasion management. Integrated modelling of landscape friction from population genetics is undertaken to test for any intrinsic resistance to pest movement across the landscape (e.g., natural or agricultural barriers). Based on the novel analyses presented here, clearly defined landscape management units can be allocated. Across South Africa, control and intervention strategies for managing both invasions of new Tephritidae and existing pest species can be unified into a common framework. Finally, we illustrate the concepts outlined above in a conceptual management decision tree for integrating pest management and invasion management simultaneously. Promoting awareness among growers and the public about fruit fly invasions and impacts is a priority to prevent future incursions of fruit flies, whereas managing Tephritidae as distinct landscape units should facilitate prevention of movement of emerging and existing pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road construction delays are a challenge for developing countries, and specifically for Sudan, where great economic costs result from difficulties in identifying and reducing the factors that cause delay. This paper addresses the key delay factors faced by the road construction industry in Sudan, and it proposes a management framework that has the potential to reduce this delay. The methodology used first critically reviewed relevant published studies, reports, policy documents and management steps used in different countries. Secondly, a structured questionnaire was produced through a two-day interactive workshop with the help of experts and professionals from the road construction industry in Sudan. Thirdly, Relative Importance Index was measured based on the individual responses towards delay factors in road construction projects, and then, the correlation between delay factors and the effects of delay were evaluated. Moreover, the initial findings were analysed and the factors were combined into six groups. The finance competence factors group was found to be the main contributor towards delays in road construction projects in Sudan. Some effective ways were proposed to overcome delays due to financing via use of strategic public and private partnerships for large-scale projects, introduction of bank financing schemes for medium-scale projects, and community-based partnership for small-scale projects. In the fourth stage, a management framework was developed using the ‘stage-gate’ approach and validated with the input from a panel of experts. The paper details the way a proposed management framework will work to design a construction project in an effective manner especially in Sudan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands in China suffer great loss from desertification, dam construction, and resource overuse, and are still under great threats by the rapid tourism development and large population. This study examines the tourism impacts in China’s wetlands from the perspective of the total relationship flow. Applying the total relationship flow management theorems, the study reveals a series of inherent relationships between tourism impacts in wetlands and its total relationship flows. Further, a management framework for tourism impacts in China’s wetlands is developed. The paper concludes by proposing an organization sample following the management framework in Xixi wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small and Medium Enterprises are often excluded from public procurement contracts due to several factors. We need effective public procurement policies, systems and personnel to ensure that the opportunities are scaled up rapidly, transparently and fairly so that SMEs can get access to public procurement contracts. The advocacy for SMEs access to public procurement contracts is largely driven by status discrimination, equality and sustainable development. In this paper, we analytically design a procurement process that can enable SME's access public procurement contracts within the Public Procurement and Disposal Authority legal framework. We take cognizance of the public procurement environment and develop a supportive management framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main application of wireless sensor networks is to monitor remote and dangerous areas that are inaccessible or difficult and or costly to reach by humans. This characteristic makes these networks be self-managed, face the challenges of fault tolerance and energy and network lifetime constraints due to non-renewable energy sources. In this paper, a management framework capable of providing and increasing network fault tolerance is introduced. To design such a framework, fault detection and recovery mechanisms for various fault levels including network nodes and communications between them have been used. The proposed management framework and protocols increase network's fault tolerance capability in network nodes and in the communications between them. Also, the network lifetime increases three to five times more. On the one hand, it's expected that the provision of network fault tolerance would decrease network's lifetime and since it increases information exchange, it would increase energy consumption and cause reduced network life time, however the final results suggest a several-fold increase of network lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shipwrecks are becoming increasingly popular and, therefore important attractions for recreational scuba divers. Divers' usage of these sites has the potential to create a range of adverse impacts on their cultural heritage values. Impacts associated with recreational scuba diving include boat anchor and mooring damage, impairment of site integrity and stability, the effects of intentional and unintentional contact with shipwrecks and artifacts, as well as divers' exhaled air bubbles coming into contact with shipwrecks. While these consequences may not present a major threat in comparison to other human impacts, such as fishing activities, extractive industries or commercial salvage, their cumulative effect can be significant, particularly at sites where visitation levels are high. Unlike natural events such as storms, diver impacts can be controlled and managing these impacts is an important component of a heritage management strategy for any site. Heritage managers face the difficult challenge of, on the one hand, balancing divers' access to important underwater cultural heritage sites, and on the other hand, protecting these sites. This paper outlines the causes and nature of potential recreational diver impacts on shipwrecks, briefly describing a range of management approaches that can mitigate such impacts, and presents a framework for the management of diver impacts on cultural heritage values of historic shipwrecks. The framework is designed to assist managers in deciding on appropriate management actions and priorities for particular sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridges and tunnels are built across lakes, especially in China, to improve road connectivity for transportation. However, their environmental impacts and risks have not received adequate attention. In this study, the magnitude of bridges and tunnels across 142 lakes in China were investigated. The investigation revealed that 37 bridges and 10 tunnels (a total length of 56.82 km) were built across 26 lakes during 2000–2020. From 2011 to 2020, the construction rate of bridges and tunnels across lakes in China was ∼6 times higher than the average value worldwide. Their environmental impacts and risks on lakes were summarised by analyzing previous publications screened from the Web of Science platform. The environmental impacts and risks during the bridge/tunnel construction period generally include decrease in water exchange, habitat destruction, biological reduction, increase in suspended solids, and water quality pollution. Tunnel construction may also affect the ecological conditions of groundwater due to its disturbances in the underground area. During the bridge/tunnel operation period, environmental impacts and risks were mainly induced by rainfall events and water pollution accidents. The impacts and risks were highly related to the construction location, bridge/tunnel properties, moving vehicles, fixing activities, and atmospheric deposition. Owing to the existing weaknesses in management practices, a framework, aiming to reduce the environmental impacts and risks caused by bridges and tunnels across lakes, was proposed. The framework identified the critical issues and their corresponding management strategies during the bridge/tunnel construction and operation periods and enabled the generation of the best management strategy for each specific period. • Environmental impacts and risks caused by bridges/tunnels across lakes were analyzed. • Bridges/tunnels across lakes are increasing around the world, especially in China. • Bridges/tunnels construction and operation caused diverse impacts and risks on lakes. • A framework to predict pollutant fate is helpful to reduce environmental impacts and risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal for Business, Economics & Ethics / Zeitschrift für Wirtschafts und Unternehmensethik is the property of Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose - This paper aims to develop an understanding of the potential for application of facilities management concepts and principles in the context of the "zoo sector". Design/methodology/approach - The paper is a conceptual one and begins with a narrative designed to provide sufficient background to understanding key issues relevant to the practice of facilities management in zoological and similar institutions, including the implications of conservational/scientific and display imperatives of zoological facilities for facilities management. We then consider how these issues can be worked through in the context of four broad dimensions of facilities management: strategies for the management of stakeholder behaviour (non-human animals, personnel and visitors); building and environmental design (including space usage); safety, security and health; and "miscellaneous" services. The paper concludes by providing a provisional framework for further research into facilities management in the zoo sector. Findings - As a conceptual paper, there are no empirical findings. Conceptually, the paper offers an initial and simple framework for interpreting the possible application of facilities management in zoological and related facilities. Originality/value - In a search of the two principal journals in the field of facilities management, nothing could be found of direct relevance to the management of facilities in zoological and similar organizations. This paper is thus a singular contribution to the field. Conceptually, the authors attribute neglect of the topic to the distinctive traditions in the study of facilities management, which, at the risk of caricature, emphasise either the pre-eminence of a building and building services approach to facilities management, or an approach which is almost exclusively focused on the "human" dimensions to the discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semi enclosed Caribbean Sea is ranked as having one of the most intense maritime traffic in the world. These maritime activities have led to significant oil pollution. Simultaneously, this sea supports many critical habitats functioning as a Large Marine Ecosystem (LME). While the impacts of oil pollution are recognised, a number of management challenges remain. This study applies spatial modelling to identify critical areas potentially at risk from oil spills in the form of a potential oil spill risk (POSR) model. The model indicates that approximately 83% of the sea could be potentially impacted by oil spills due to shipping. The results from this study collectively support a management framework for minimising ship generated oil pollution in the Caribbean Sea. Among the recommended components are a common policy, surveillance and monitoring controls, standards, monitoring programmes, data collection and greater rates of convention ratifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex system innovations require the concurrent implementation of trans-sectoral co-innovations. The case of fuel cell vehicle development in Germany may serve as an expedient example for this necessity to develop multiple innovative components within largely disconnected ‘technology islands’. The diagonal cooperation among organisations from formerly non-cooperating industries (i.e. from within those technology islands) that so far have not shared a common knowledge base, however, is hindered by structural information deficits, making it difficult to identify the ‘right’ cooperation partners. Based on the requirements as identified in the case study, we therefore propose a ‘matchmaking platform’ that aims at fostering a trans-sectoral dialogue by providing systematically generated corporate capability profiles of organisations with promising cooperation potential. The matching is grounded on factors derived from resource- and market-based theory. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we present a path computation element (PCE)- based provisioning framework for carrier-grade multi-protocol label switching-transport profile (MPLS-TP) networks. In the proposed framework, a centralized PCE integrates the service function as well as the path provisioning function into a unified provisioning controller. The service function allows the provisioning manager to initiate the establishment of a label-switched path (LSP). The provisioning function computes an optimal path, sets up and maintains the LSP in a unified way while directly configuring the LSP over the switches. The management function, as a separation from the provisioning function, can fully utilize the MPLS-TP switch to keep monitoring the performance of the provisioned LSP tunnels in a distributed way. The balanced partitioning of service provisioning and management functions reduces traffic load on the controller and improves the scalability. The software-defined provisioning control using an extended PCE communication protocol enables the cooperation between them to monitor and customize the LSPs flexibly and efficiently. We implement and show that the proposed framework not only simplifies the provisioning procedure with a single instance, but reduces the provisioning time in a MPLS-TP test bed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regional management on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is essential to the success of global carbon reduction. However, previous studies mostly focused on the city or country levels, while the management of GHG emissions on the township level has not been fully studied. This study proposed a framework of carbon management on the township level and developed a calculation tool for accounting GHG emissions. The case study of Lingshan Island, located in eastern China, was conducted through a site visit and interviews. A questionnaire survey was performed to collect data for carbon accounting. It is found that the island had a negative carbon emission of −1336 t CO 2 e in 2020, which is mostly contributed from energy and electricity consumption. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of tourists decreased in 2020 and the carbon emission was 224 t CO 2 e lower than in 2019. The proposed framework consists of five steps and requires the collaboration of the government, the locals, researchers and other stakeholders. The framework was validated through a focus group meeting and the suggestions on carbon management at township level were provided. This study paves a way of carbon accounting and management for the less urbanized regions. [Display omitted] • Calculation Tool of Regional Carbon Emissions (CToRCE) was developed. • A framework of carbon management was proposed on the township level. • Lingshan Island was a net negative carbon town with −1333 t CO 2 e in 2020. • COVID-19 lead to the lower carbon emission of 221 t CO 2 e in 2020 than in 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy restrictions are a major challenge for wireless sensor networks, since after the deployment of network nodes in the environment, they can hardly be accessed or even recharged. Since the nodes are placed in harsh and unfriendly areas, they rapidly become prone to defects. Therefore, the management of these networks towards increasing their fault-tolerance capacity in the face of limited resources is extremely important. In this paper, a novel protocol is presented here, where in each node as a cluster member must send its last residing energy level to its upstream head cluster. Also, to prevent rework and energy loss, the node will see to it that only when the current sensed data is different than that of the previous interval, it sends the sensed data to the cluster head (CH). So, on the one hand the proposed protocol distinguishes between live and faulty nodes and therefore increases the network's fault-tolerance capacity, and on the other hand it prevents energy loss by eliminating rework. To implement Leach algorithm plus the proposed FT-Leach protocol, we used MATLAB software to simulate node energy consumption in each interval along with the residing energy of the nodes. The results and comparisons showed that our proposed protocol is visibly better than Leach in terms of fault-tolerance capacity and also energy consumption which ultimately extends network's lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The role of industries is important in a holistic ecosystem services management framework that includes government, consumers and private sector. To this end, the need to include more industries into ecosystem services management and conservation is being constantly mentioned by the international community. Here, the purpose of this paper is to find ways to consider industries needs in ecosystem services management better. This was done through identifying aspects that need revising in the current ecosystem services management framework and proposing new guidelines for ecosystem services management tool development. To achieve this, first an ecosystem services dependency management platform for the sectors of the Japanese economy was developed. Second, utilizing this platform and the current ecosystem services management framework, expert evaluation interviews were conducted in order to find potential development aspects. Third, using the results of these interviews, tool development guidelines were proposed and a revision for the framework was conducted. The importance of regularly revising tool requirements and the framework according to new information was underlined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]