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Collective learning across project teams and organisational levels enables project-oriented organisations in infrastructure planning to adapt to changing contexts. This paper aims to deliver insight in the conditions and arrangements for collective learning in such organisations and the role that programmes and communities of practice (CoPs) as different types of hubs can play in interaction for adaptation. As part of a case study of a project-oriented public infrastructure administrator, we conducted a cross-study analysis, interviews with board members and directors, and focus groups with professionals from the studied organisation and other infrastructure administrators. Although programmes and CoPs as hubs appear to facilitate interaction with a wider context differently, interaction through these hubs can lead to the broadening of views and a shared understanding about organisational adaptations and the accompanying decisions and actions in the fragmented landscape of project-oriented organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid global efforts towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria's recent decision to eliminate fuel subsidies has amplified the search for sustainable transportation alternatives. In this study, a traditional pedal bicycle was converted into an electric bike (e-bike) in order to explore it as a viable solution to promoting eco-friendly commuting and reducing carbon emissions on Nigerian roads. The conversion cost was 174,500 in Nigerian currency, with the e-bike demonstrating a range of 8.33km per charge, under a load of 136kg on a 36V, 4.8AH battery. At a speed of 15km/h, an estimated 1.44 volts per kilometer were consumed. Notably, the study revealed a 99.49% correlation between voltage depletion and distance covered per kilometer, indicating a highly predictable relationship between energy consumption and travel distance. These insights highlight the e-bike's potential advantages, particularly in terms of cost- effectiveness, presenting a compelling case for the adoption of electric bicycles as a means to decarbonize transportation in Nigeria.

A new analysis is presented of the retrograde tracer measurements of connections between anatomical areas of the marmoset cortex. The original normalisation of raw data yields the fractional link weight measure, FLNe. That is re-examined to consider other possible measures that reveal the underlying in link weights. Predictions arising from both are used to examine network modules and hubs. With inclusion of the in weights the InfoMap algorithm identifies eight structural modules in marmoset cortex. In and out hubs and major connector nodes are identified using module assignment and participation coefficients. Time evolving network tracing around the major hubs reveals medium sized clusters in pFC, temporal, auditory and visual areas; the most tightly coupled and significant of which is in the pFC. A complementary viewpoint is provided by examining the highest traffic links in the cortical network, and reveals parallel sensory flows to pFC and via association areas to frontal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to obtain an analysis of Indonesia's partnership with Pacific countries and the prospect of Papua becoming a Hub or liaison between Indonesia and Pacific countries. Indonesia's national interest may also make Papua one of the strategic locations to become a gateway in the cooperation scheme that will be built within the framework of the Pacific Elevation introduced by Indonesia in 2019 in New Zealand for Indonesian overseas politics to Pacific countries. From here the concept of "Pacific elevation" can simply be interpreted as Indonesia's ongoing efforts to improve and further strengthen friendships and partnerships with its various partners in the Pacific region. This research uses a qualitative research method in which it finds data based on secondary data through literature and literature studies of both print and electronic media including data via the internet. The data collected is then processed using data triangulation analysis techniques, namely collecting, verifying and finding the truth in the data to be presented. The output of this research is the importance of Indonesia building partnership relationships with south Pacific countries in order to achieve Indonesia's national goals so that harmonious relations are built in the region and economic, social and cultural activities, especially Melanesian culture, can be well established with these countries. On the ot her hand, this new era of Indonesia's partnership with the Pacific allows Papua to become a gateway for economic, social and cultural activities with South Pacific countries so that the spirit of Pacific Elevation is expected to minimize issues related to an independent Papua that will disrupt Indonesia's domestic stability and also in the international environment or international forums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Engineering for Thermal Energy & Power / Reneng Dongli Gongcheng is the property of Journal of Engineering for Thermal Energy & Power 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.)

In recent years, due to rapid economic growth and factors such as pandemics, the risk of hub failure in logistics networks has increased, hindering the normal operation of logistics networks. This paper starts from the perspective of logistics enterprises, considering the impact of hub failure on the normal operational activities and logistics costs, with the aim to improve the globality, long-term sustainability, and to reduce logistics costs. It studies the optimization design of hub-and-spoke logistics networks. Taking the logistics industry in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region as the research background, 13 cities in the region are selected as research examples to form a hub-and-spoke logistics distribution network for the urban agglomeration. The paper constructs and analyzes the hub-and-spoke distribution network under different parameter conditions when hub failure occurs. The problem model is solved using the particle swarm optimization algorithm, and the results verify the feasibility of the model and algorithm proposed in this paper. The research has profound implications for the further development of the management system and the perfection of the hub-and-spoke logistics distribution network under hub failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing numerical data from different countries around the world that have experience of participating in wars and resolving their consequences, it is important to consider the wide range of war effects on all spheres of society. This influence is discussed in the context of economic, political, state-building, demographic, and other spheres. Special attention is given to analyzing the consequences of this impact on individuals returning from war. These consequences are diverse and include physical and psychological problems, job loss, social exclusion, and other challenges that require an integrated approach to effectively address them.

This paper uses insights from new economic geography (NEG) to examine eight commodities that span the COVID-19 medical value chain from 2000 to 2020 based on the multilayer network approach. Such an approach is distinguished from single layer approaches by taking into consideration interlayer connections. Centrality measures are based on the HITs algorithm to identify dominant exporters (hubs) and importers (authorities). We further examine the determinants of the multilayer trade networks with a gravity model. Three results are reported. First, the core-periphery structure under NEG has weakened over time with the internationalization of production in certain Covid medical commodities (CMCs). Second, home market effect remains relatively strong over time reflecting the role of NEG's agglomeration economies in locations with large home market demand. Finally, countries that restricted certain CMCs (especially PPEs and masks) even as they simultaneously facilitated the imports of other CMCs saw a decrease in exports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pathophysiological etiology of schizophrenia remains unclear due to the heterogeneous nature of its biological and clinical manifestations. Dysfunctional communication among large-scale brain networks and hub nodes have been reported. In this study, an exploratory approach was adopted to evaluate the dysfunctional connectome of brain in schizophrenia. Methods: Two hundred adult individuals with schizophrenia and 200 healthy controls were recruited from Taipei Veterans General Hospital. All subjects received functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning. Functional connectivity (FC) between parcellated brain regions were obtained. Pair-wise brain regions with significantly different functional connectivity among the two groups were identified and further analyzed for their concurrent ratio of connectomic differences with another solitary brain region (single-FC dysfunction) or dynamically interconnected brain network (network-FC dysfunction). Results: The right thalamus had the highest number of significantly different pair-wise functional connectivity between schizophrenia and control groups, followed by the left thalamus and the right middle frontal gyrus. For individual brain regions, dysfunctional single-FCs and network-FCs could be found concurrently. Dysfunctional single-FCs distributed extensively in the whole brain of schizophrenia patients, but overlapped in similar groups of brain nodes. A dysfunctional module could be formed, with thalamus being the key dysfunctional hub. Discussion: The thalamus can be a critical hub in the brain that its dysfunctional connectome with other brain regions is significant in schizophrenia patients. Interconnections between dysfunctional FCs for individual brain regions may provide future guide to identify critical brain pathology associated with schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of high-speed railway lines into hubs brings challenges to the design of signaling system. Combined with the introduction of Beijing-Shenyang Passenger Dedicated Railway into Beijing hub, this paper proposes optimization schemes from the aspects of the selection of train control level in the hub, automatic trigger at the liaison boundary between yards, and improving the overall operation efficiency of the hub, so as to serve as a reference for other similar projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is dedicated to the current issues of researching digital transformation in accordance with global standards, global competition, and social aspects. The previous transformation practices of food enterprises in line with the requirements of Industry 4.0 have been analyzed. A physical concept of a digitized trade and production hub has been designed in accordance with Industry 4.0, encompassing both production and trade complexes. It represents an innovative and promising initiative that addresses a range of current problems on a national and regional scale. To ensure the effective functioning of the digitized trade and production hub concept in line with Industry 4.0, a mechanism for an automated system for receiving raw materials and finished products from suppliers, accounting, production, and acceptance of finished products, control of supplier raw material and product stocks, operation of the trading floor and digital stand, traceability of the movement of goods and material values for the formation of preliminary orders to the supplier of raw materials and finished products, the functioning of the value creation logistics chain for the supplier and the trade and production hub, and the distribution of material resources between suppliers and the Industry 4.0 trade and production hub have been developed. A concept of a digitized trade and production hub in accordance with Industry 4.0 and mechanisms of its functioning, which are automated, have been designed. The proposed concept aims to increase the efficiency of production and logistic processes, inventory control, automatic order generation, and raw material distribution. It is worth noting that the developed model in accordance with Industry 4.0 is aimed at optimizing resources, reducing operational costs, improving the quality of manufactured products, supporting local manufacturers, providing an opportunity for small local manufacturers to collectively use modern digital technologies, and increasing employment at both the local and regional levels. The franchising model serves as an additional scaling tool for Industry 4.0 trade and production hubs, allowing the integration of innovative enterprises into a unified production-digitalized ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floating-point numbers are profusely used in a variety of computer and signal processing applications. Though floating-point numbers are less error prone when compared to fixed point representation, error in floating point representation occurs due to squeezing of fractional part to fit back into its finite number of bits. In this paper, various methods of rounding are presented and modelled with an expression. A new LGRS method (with Last bit, Guard bit, Round bit & Stick bit) is proposed after a detailed comparison review of ten types of rounding methods, and this new proposal will help to find the error while using any rounding. Using this LGRS method error due to any rounding can be predefined. The various rounding functions are statistically analyzed using the convergence method and graphically illustrated. These rounding algorithms are modelled in Verilog HDL and synthesized with TSMC180nm semi-custom technology node for single precision floating point number representations and the power, area performances are compared. The overhead of various rounding circuit on single precision floating-point adder/subtractor (SPFPAS) in terms of area, power and delay are compared. Adding a rounding circuit in SPFPAS increase the area by 18% for Round-to-Nearest, 14% for HUB with Tie case (HUBT) methods and only 0.3% for (Half Unit Biased) HUB. The power increases by 12% for Round-to-nearest, 9% for HUBT and 1.7% for HUB. The mean error and delay is least for HUBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new analysis is presented of the retrograde tracer measurements of connections between anatomical areas of the marmoset cortex. The original normalisation of raw data yields the fractional link weight measure, FLNe. That is re-examined to consider other possible measures that reveal the underlying in link weights. Predictions arising from both are used to examine network modules and hubs. With inclusion of the in weights the InfoMap algorithm identifies eight structural modules in marmoset cortex. In and out hubs and major connector nodes are identified using module assignment and participation coefficients. Time evolving network tracing around the major hubs reveals medium sized clusters in pFC, temporal, auditory and visual areas; the most tightly coupled and significant of which is in the pFC. A complementary viewpoint is provided by examining the highest traffic links in the cortical network, and reveals parallel sensory flows to pFC and via association areas to frontal areas.

The study examines the process of information transfer between the sensor network end IoT device and the hub at the transport protocol level focused on using the 5G platform. The authors interpreted the researched process as a semi-Markov (focused on the dynamics of the size of the protocol sliding window) process with two nested Markov chains (the first characterizes the current size of the sliding window, and the second, the number of data blocks sent at the current value of this characteristic). As a result, a stationary distribution of the size of the sliding window was obtained both for the resulting semi-Markov process and for nested Markov chains, etc. A recursive approach to the calculation of the mentioned stationary distribution is formalized. This approach is characterized by linear computational complexity. Based on the obtained stationary distribution of the size of the sliding window, a distribution function is formulated that characterizes the bandwidth of the communication channel between the entities specified in the research object. Using the resulting mathematical apparatus, the Window Scale parameter of the TCP Westwood+ protocol was tuned. Testing has shown the superiority of the modified protocol over the basic versions of the BIC TCP, TCP Vegas, TCP NewReno, and TCP Veno protocols in conditions of data transfer between two points in the wireless sensor network environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age‐related changes in focal cortical morphology have been well documented in previous literature; however, how interregional coordination patterns of the focal cortical morphology reorganize with advancing age is not well established. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the topological changes in single‐subject morphological brain networks across the adult lifespan. Specifically, we constructed four types of single‐subject morphological brain networks for 650 participants (aged from 18 to 88 years old), and characterized their topological organization using graph‐based network measures. Age‐related changes in the network measures were examined via linear, quadratic, and cubic models. We found profound age‐related changes in global small‐world attributes and efficiency, local nodal centralities, and interregional similarities of the single‐subject morphological brain networks. The age‐related changes were mainly embodied in cortical thickness networks, involved in frontal regions and highly connected hubs, concentrated on short‐range connections, characterized by linear changes, and susceptible to connections between limbic, frontoparietal, and ventral attention networks. Intriguingly, nonlinear (i.e., quadratic or cubic) age‐related changes were frequently found in the insula and limbic regions, and age‐related cubic changes preferred long‐range morphological connections. Finally, we demonstrated that the morphological similarity in cortical thickness between two frontal regions mediated the relationship between age and cognition measured by Cattell scores. Taken together, these findings deepen our understanding of adaptive changes of the human brain with advancing age, which may account for interindividual variations in behaviors and cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease and its molecular mechanisms is not clear. A recently discovered cell death pathway called cuproptosis, may related to the disease. Methods: The datasets GSE10334 of human periodontitis and control were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) for analysis.Following the use of two machine learning algorithms, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and support vector machine-recursive feature removal (SVM-RFE) were used to find CRG-based signature. Then the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to evaluate the gene signature's discriminatory ability. The CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm was used to study the link between hub genes and distinct types of immune cells. Next, the association of the CRGs with immune cells in periodontitis and relevant clusters of cuproptosis were found. The link between various clusters was ascertained by the GSVA and CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm. Finally, An external dataset (GSE16134) was used to confirm the diagnosis capacity of the identified biomarkers. In addition, clinical samples were examined using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry to verifiy the expression of genes related to cuprotosis in periodontitis and the signature may better predict the periodontitis. Results: 15 periodontitis-related DE-CRGs were found,then 11-CRG-based signature was found by using of LASSO and SVM-RFE. ROC curves also supported the value of signature. CIBERSORT results of immune cell signature in periodontitis showed that signature genes is a crucial component of the immune response.The relevant clusters of cuproptosis found that the NFE2L2, SLC31A1, FDX1,LIAS, DLD, DLAT, and DBT showed a highest expression levels in Cluster2,while the NLRP3, MTF1, and DLST displayed the lowest level in Cluster 2 but the highest level in Cluster1. The GSVA results also showed that the 11 cuproptosis diagnostic gene may regulate the periodontitis by affecting immune cells. The external dataset (GSE16134) confirm the diagnosis capacity of the identified biomarkers, and clinical samples examined by qRTPCR and immunohistochemistry also verified that these cuprotosis related signiture genes in periodontitis may better predict the periodontitis. Conclusion: These findings have important implications for the cuproptosis and periodontitis, and highlight further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying this relationship between the cuproptosis and periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene networks (GNs) use graphs to represent the interaction relationships between genes. Large-scale GNs are often sparse and contain hub genes that interact with many other genes. In this paper, we propose a novel method called NetARD, which utilizes Automatic Relevance Determination (ARD) to estimate partial correlations, to infer GNs with the hub genes from gene expression data. We test NetARD on simulated GNs and in silico GNs, and it outperforms existing methods. In our high-throughput gene expression data analysis, we integrate the NetARD into a method called GN Co-expression Extension (GNCE). This approach infers the GNs of co-expressed genes, with genes from a predefined GN serving as hub genes. We validate this approach by extending the core GN of transcription factor genes of E. coli using microarray data. In an application example, we identify biological process (BP) Gene Ontology (GO) terms that are significantly involved in cancer progression. This task is accomplished by analyzing the GN inferred through GNCE using the core GN associated with the colorectal cancer pathway and RNA-seq data.

Cold stress, as an abiotic stress, is one of the most limiting factors which pose a great threat to the plant's productivity. To understand the transcriptional regulation and connectivity pattern of genes involved in barley cold stress responses, co-expression network analysis was performed based on the global transcriptome profiling. The microarray datasets related to cold stress treatments were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Array express databases. Four microarray datasets related to cold stress-responsive transcriptome in barley were included in our study. Gene co-expression analysis was constructed using WGCNA method. Module-Trait Relationships (MTR) analysis and hub genes determination and validation were carried out. Finally, transcription factor and kinase regulatory networks were Inferred using machine learning algorithm. The co-expression modules were determined using beta index = 10. In total 13 co-expressed modules were identified with an average size of 153 genes. Functional enrichment based on gene ontology (GO) showed that each of the stress related significant modules were enriched in different biological processes. Annotation of significant modules identifies some TFs and Kinases such as ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1-like, transcription factor PCL1-like, transcription factor MYC2, WRKY, serine/threonine-protein kinase PBL7, and receptor-like protein kinase At2g42960 were contributed in barley cold stress response. Our analysis highlighted the functional importance of ABA signaling pathway, ROS signaling, defensive and protective proteins, degrading protein, Ca2+ related signaling, ribosome-mediated translation and etc. in responding of barley to cold stress condition. The current findings add substantially to our understanding of the cold responsive underlying mechanism of barley which can serve in future studies and breeding programs.

IntroductionPathophysiological etiology of schizophrenia remains unclear due to the heterogeneous nature of its biological and clinical manifestations. Dysfunctional communication among large-scale brain networks and hub nodes have been reported. In this study, an exploratory approach was adopted to evaluate the dysfunctional connectome of brain in schizophrenia.MethodsTwo hundred adult individuals with schizophrenia and 200 healthy controls were recruited from Taipei Veterans General Hospital. All subjects received functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning. Functional connectivity (FC) between parcellated brain regions were obtained. Pair-wise brain regions with significantly different functional connectivity among the two groups were identified and further analyzed for their concurrent ratio of connectomic differences with another solitary brain region (single-FC dysfunction) or dynamically interconnected brain network (network-FC dysfunction).ResultsThe right thalamus had the highest number of significantly different pair-wise functional connectivity between schizophrenia and control groups, followed by the left thalamus and the right middle frontal gyrus. For individual brain regions, dysfunctional single-FCs and network-FCs could be found concurrently. Dysfunctional single-FCs distributed extensively in the whole brain of schizophrenia patients, but overlapped in similar groups of brain nodes. A dysfunctional module could be formed, with thalamus being the key dysfunctional hub.DiscussionThe thalamus can be a critical hub in the brain that its dysfunctional connectome with other brain regions is significant in schizophrenia patients. Interconnections between dysfunctional FCs for individual brain regions may provide future guide to identify critical brain pathology associated with schizophrenia.

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) refers to the process of capturing and separating CO2 from emission sources such as energy utilization and industrial processes, or directly from the atmosphere, and transporting it to suitable locations for utilization or storage, in order to achieve long-term storage or conversion of CO2. Over the past century of development, CCUS has evolved from a standby technology primarily to becoming a crucial technology for achieving net-zero emissions. Its role in addressing climate change has become increasingly important. In this context, clusters and hubs have become the hot topics in the development of CCUS. By sharing costs and risks, as well as benefits and achievements, clusters and hubs will effectively promote the large-scale application of CCUS. Currently, there are about 25 CCUS cluster or hub projects being researched or constructed worldwide. The Longship project in Norway is a typical hub project and provides valuable insights for global peers. China's three major state-owned petroleum companies are also conducting research on CCUS cluster projects. In the future, multiple CCUS cluster projects will be established in the Bohai Bay Basin, Songliao Basin, Junggar Basin, Ordos Basin, as well as the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta regions, providing strong impetus for the development of China's CCUS industry.

The article is dedicated to the impact of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry and the measures taken by the governments, airports and home carriers to overcome the consequences of the said crisis. Government actions and state aid programs for airports and airlines are reviewed. Practical examples of government aid to airports and airlines are provided. It is also reviewed how these actions affected the performance of the largest European hub airports, namely – London (Heathrow), Istanbul, Paris (Charles de Gaulle), Amsterdam and Madrid. Threats and opportunities for both European airports and airlines are analyzed with the focus on the perspectives of London (Heathrow) airport. The operation of the mentioned airports was analyzed according to the following indicators - the recovery of passenger traffic (2023/2022 and 2023/2019), connectivity, GDP indicators of the countries where the mentioned airports are located. Information on the home carriers of the airports, i.e., the share of the airline's passengers in the total number of passengers handled by the airport, financial indicators of the airlines, plans for the development of the fleet and route network is provided. Recommendations on cooperation between airports and their base airlines are provided.

This paper looks at the development of new workplaces : coworking spaces (CSs). It aims to understand the spatial dimensions of coworking from an approach centered on agents, in this case creators of CSs and coworkers. Our results show that their spatiality is related to residential and occupational mobility. They consist of developing a professional project locally and/or working in the place where they want to live. They develop a special relationship with space through co-presence, spatial mobility and virtual mobility. They produce a new type of space made of flows and places. They have a network-based perception of space where CSs appear as hubs around which they organise their virtual, spatial and social mobilities at different time scales.

This paper will put forward a number of economic considerations raised by the Russia-Ukraine conflict with the external strong participation, on the side of the latter, of the United States and its NATO allies. We begin with some observations regarding the United States, followed by the evaluation of the European context. The essay ends with a discussion of Eurasia, Russia included, in the framework of the dynamics opened up by the BRICS countries. Points of view rather than conclusions are offered, because the future cannot be predicted in any meaningful way.

In this paper, the optimal utilization of local biogas production in multi-energy systems is investigated. The micro-grid policy of local biogas production, to supply the variable demand of natural gas and also to convert it into electrical energy required by an energy hub micro-grid, along with other sources of scattered energy production and national electricity and gas networks, is one of the main goals of this paper. The multi-factor intelligent optimization method is considered to investigate the non-linear and heterogeneous optimization problem in the IEEE standard 33-bus energy hub microgrid. Most of the main indicators of interest are economic savings and minimization of operating costs. The multi-objective optimization method has been chosen as a method to solve the aforementioned non-linear and heterogeneous problem. Simulation has been done in GAMS software and the results of optimal load distribution of electric energy and natural gas supply for selected energy microhub have been explained and compared. The final results show a significant reduction of 46 % (2.8 thousand dollars per day) in operating costs. Significant reduction of energy flow between local network microhubs by 39.4 % is also one of the optimization results studied. Also, the Island performance of the local energy microhub has been simulated with the desired strategy. The cost of local energy microhub energy supply in island mode has decreased by 34 % (1.4 thousand dollars per day) compared to normal mode.© 2022 Published by.

A large hub ratio in a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) rotor can provide aerodynamic and structural design benefits, but the flow effects are not accounted for in the classical Blade Element Momentum Method (BEMM). Research into the effect of HAWT rotor hub ratio, necessitated development of an adaption to the BEMM, so that rotors with large hub ratios, could be designed to be aerodynamically efficient, and so that the flow effects could be included in performance prediction. Results from the BEMM with large-hub adaption were compared with results from using the classical BEMM and with results from CFD simulation. Two sets of rotors were analysed, one set in a viscous flow regime and the other in a turbulent flow regime. The BEMM with large-hub adaption, was found to provide rotor designs with better performance and provided a more accurate prediction of relative rotor power than the classical BEMM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kos is the third largest island of the Dodecanese, located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, Greece. The island's remarkable location both in a prominent geodynamic space and at a crossroads of East, West and South has endowed it with a unique wealth of geological, biological, cultural, and traditional heritage. Steep mountain ranges consisting of Alpine Mesozoic rocks alternate with low-altitude plateaus featuring marine and lacustrine sediments that contain fossils of past life. In addition, the transition of barren land to lush forests where numerous species of flora and fauna thrive is unique to Greek ecosystems. This environment hosted civilizations and activities that gradually led to the present-day cultural and religious state of the island, where people and nature coexist respectfully on one of the country's most favourite destinations. In an effort to further enhance the public's awareness of the geo-cultural heritage of Kos, an online ESRI Hub was created, featuring several individual ESRI StoryMaps web apps regarding each specific aspect of the island's heritage. The goal of this paper is to discuss the importance of using such means for disseminating geoscientific information to the public, to describe the methods used and to give a brief presentation of its content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Graph theory applications are commonly used in connectomics research to better understand connectivity architecture and characterize its role in cognition, behavior and disease conditions. One of the numerous open questions in the field is how to represent inter-individual differences with graph theoretical methods to make inferences for the population. Here, we proposed and tested a simple intuitive method that is based on finding the correlation between the rank-ordering of nodes within each connectome with respect to a given metric to quantify the differences/similarities between different connectomes. Methods: We used the diffusion imaging data of the entire HCP-1065 dataset of the Human Connectome Project (HCP) (n = 1,065 subjects). A customized cortical subparcellation of HCP-MMP atlas (360 parcels) (yielding a total of 1,598 ROIs) was used to generate connectivity matrices. Six graph measures including degree, strength, coreness, betweenness, closeness, and an overall hubness measure combining all five were studied. Group-level ranking-based aggregation method (measure-then-aggregate) was used to investigate network properties on population level. Results: Measure-then-aggregate technique was shown to represent population better than commonly used aggregate-then-measure technique (overall rs: 0.7 vs 0.5). Hubness measure was shown to highly correlate with all five graph measures (rs: 0.88-0.99). Minimum sample size required for optimal representation of population was found to be 50 to 100 subjects. Network analysis revealed a widely distributed set of cortical hubs on both hemispheres. Although highly-connected hub clusters had similar distribution between two hemispheres, average ranking values of homologous parcels of two hemispheres were significantly different in 71% of all cortical parcels on group-level. Conclusion: In this study, we provided experimental evidence for the robustness, limits and applicability of a novel group-level ranking-based hubness analysis technique. Graph-based analysis of large HCP dataset using this new technique revealed striking hemispheric asymmetry and intraparcel heterogeneities in the structural connectivity of the human brain.

Objective: This paper seeks to find the optimal number of hubs and their location to keep the preparation time and congestion in the hubs and costs at a minimum. Also, this study considers the tardiness time for the conditions that the customer's need is not answered in the specified time, which can help to make the problem conditions more realistic. Therefore, in this study, the scheduled time and the real-time system are considered. This paper considers the tardiness and congestion time for hub optimization problems with single, multiple, and multiple direct transport allocations. The decision variables in this model determine the number of hubs, the capacity of the hubs, and their location. Congestion and tardiness also affect service time, especially if the capacity and cost of hubs are limited. Methods: This paper uses a mathematical model to solve the hub problem of optimizing the allocation – location of single, multiple, and multiple with direct transportation. GAMS software is used to find the optimal number of hubs and locations as two objective functions are optimized. The first objective function includes transportation costs, hub setup, and tardiness costs, and the second one consists of the handling time in the hubs and the congestion inside the hubs. The sensitive analysis is investigated for the service time based on the congestion and tardiness time. Results: This model is tested on AP (Australian Post) data for single, multiple, and multiple with direct shipping allocation models. This study also solves the exact model for 100 nodes allocated to all three models. The hubs' capacity, congestion, and tardiness determine the number of hubs. In this paper, hubs are considered small, medium, and large. Congestion levels are also considered changeable. In addition, a comparison is made between single and multiple allocations concerning cost and capacity limitation to investigate service time. The findings indicate that a hub with limited cost and capacity needs more service time. The lexicography method is also used to convert objective functions into one function. Conclusion: The more the number of hubs increases, the total costs, including the transportation and hub establishment costs will also increase. Therefore, considering the transportation costs and the establishment of the hub, it can be said that single and multiple allocations can be used in some situations. However, multiple allocations with direct transport have the lowest transportation costs because goods based on the costs are transported through the non-hub and hub nodes. In general, the results indicate that using the multiple allocation model with direct transport can reduce the total transport cost, and a single allocation has the highest transport costs. This paper is helpful for managers and business owners who first want to identify points for building their product or service warehouse. Secondly, they want to have the most optimal type of allocation for transportation from different cities.

Introduction. A feature of Russian innovative economy development is the need to solve many problems in a limited time frame, which include the accelerated development of domestic production and the market through the introduction of innovative solutions in the context of minimizing external economic threats associated with anti-Russian sanctions from unfriendly countries. The models of innovative activity are considered and their key subjects are identified. It has been revealed that one of the effective mechanisms for achieving the set goals is to accelerate the pace of introduction of intellectual property objects into industry through the transfer of scientific research results to production. Theoretical analysis. The article discusses the place and role of universities in strengthening the innovative potential in the field of intellectual property. The analysis of existing state measures aimed at stimulating the development of innovative potential of universities was carried out. Such mechanisms of interuniversity interaction as the concept of open innovations and network university are considered. Еmpirical analysis. The indicators characterizing the patent activity of the subjects of innovation activity are determined, and the analysis of the dynamics of such indicators as the number of applications and granted patents, self-sufficiency and technological dependence on foreign sources is carried out. It is concluded that at present these indicators are characterized by recession. The results obtained require the adoption of new decisions and the activation of university science as the main subject of the “growth point” of innovative ideas and solutions. Results. The result of the study is a proposal to form a university hub based on a platform for intensifying patent activity not only in the context of university innovation, but also to attract various economic actors involved in the process of both import substitution and strengthening the country’s industrial sovereignty. An analysis was made of the ways of commercialization of intellectual property objects and the planned benefits for subjects-consumers of the university hub services. The advantages of creating a university hub are highlighted, contributing to the development of the innovation sphere and strengthening inter-university relations.

Abstract Background Severe traumatic brain-injured (TBI) patients should be primarily admitted to a hub trauma center (hospital with neurosurgical capabilities) to allow immediate delivery of appropriate care in a specialized environment. Sometimes, severe TBI patients are admitted to a spoke hospital (hospital without neurosurgical capabilities), and scarce data are available regarding the optimal management of severe isolated TBI patients who do not have immediate access to neurosurgical care. Methods A multidisciplinary consensus panel composed of 41 physicians selected for their established clinical and scientific expertise in the acute management of TBI patients with different specializations (anesthesia/intensive care, neurocritical care, acute care surgery, neurosurgery and neuroradiology) was established. The consensus was endorsed by the World Society of Emergency Surgery, and a modified Delphi approach was adopted. Results A total of 28 statements were proposed and discussed. Consensus was reached on 22 strong recommendations and 3 weak recommendations. In three cases, where consensus was not reached, no recommendation was provided. Conclusions This consensus provides practical recommendations to support clinician’s decision making in the management of isolated severe TBI patients in centers without neurosurgical capabilities and during transfer to a hub center.

In recent years, India has become a go-to destination hub for clinical trials. The manpower, labour, patient recruitment, and medical infrastructure are cost-effective. India has a growing number of world-class research facilities and hospitals well equipped with advanced medical technology, which is essential for conducting high-quality clinical trials.

Patients with acute respiratory infections (ARI)—including those with upper and lower respiratory infections from both bacterial and viral pathogens—are one of the most common reasons for acute deterioration, with large numbers of potentially avoidable hospital admissions. The acute respiratory infection hubs model was developed to improve healthcare access and quality of care for these patients. This article outlines the implementation of this model and its potential impacts in a number of areas. Firstly, by improving healthcare access for patients with respiratory infections by increasing the capacity for assessment in community and non-emergency department settings and also by providing flexible response to surges in demand and reducing primary and secondary care demand. Secondly, by optimising infection management (including the use of point-of-care diagnostics and standardised best practise guidance to improve appropriate antimicrobial usage) and reducing nosocomial transmission by cohorting those with suspected ARI away from those with non-infective presentations. Thirdly, by addressing healthcare inequalities; in areas of greatest deprivation, acute respiratory infection is strongly linked with increased emergency department attendance. Fourthly, by reducing the National Health Service's (NHS) carbon footprint. Finally, by providing a wonderful opportunity to gather community infection management data to enable large-scale evaluation and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe traumatic brain-injured (TBI) patients should be primarily admitted to a hub trauma center (hospital with neurosurgical capabilities) to allow immediate delivery of appropriate care in a specialized environment. Sometimes, severe TBI patients are admitted to a spoke hospital (hospital without neurosurgical capabilities), and scarce data are available regarding the optimal management of severe isolated TBI patients who do not have immediate access to neurosurgical care. Methods: A multidisciplinary consensus panel composed of 41 physicians selected for their established clinical and scientific expertise in the acute management of TBI patients with different specializations (anesthesia/intensive care, neurocritical care, acute care surgery, neurosurgery and neuroradiology) was established. The consensus was endorsed by the World Society of Emergency Surgery, and a modified Delphi approach was adopted. Results: A total of 28 statements were proposed and discussed. Consensus was reached on 22 strong recommendations and 3 weak recommendations. In three cases, where consensus was not reached, no recommendation was provided. Conclusions: This consensus provides practical recommendations to support clinician's decision making in the management of isolated severe TBI patients in centers without neurosurgical capabilities and during transfer to a hub center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the USA, state governments have long focused on how they can provide an attractive operating environment for enterprises to locate and expand business operations within their respective political jurisdiction. In recent years, however, a new focus of state governments is on nurturing technology entrepreneurship creating long-term organizational success that translates into sustainable local- and state-level economic growth. To this end, there has been an expansion of 'innovation hubs' across the country. These innovation hubs are considered local and regional 'laboratories' for technology-focused, entrepreneurial businesses to gestate their new products and services within state-level political boundaries. A recently emerging phenomenon has been the development of the 'regulatory sandbox' concept as a further enhancement of the public policy operating environment for nurturing technology entrepreneurship, with a further conceptual extension—to the 'universal regulatory sandbox'—now being legislatively enacted and implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focusses its research on HUB opportunities for small business innovations in small regions of a developing country. In developing countries/societies there is no real attempt to understand how innovation happens in the first instance or how the demand for and supply of innovations emerges in its context. The expectations of societies and industry are shaped from classical innovations - inventions, therefore societies are reluctant toward process innovation which is the dominant form in this case. In many societies, innovative products and those who create them are without a theoretical identity which is ethically biased. In order to understand better how innovation contributes to the welfare of places, researchers need to broaden the scope of contexts, economic sectors, and actors that they consider as potential sites and creators of innovation. Research that aims to comprehend the full spectrum of innovation should include specificities of places that are not necessarily orientated toward intensive use of high technology. By capitalizing on their geographical and social contexts, some entrepreneurs are able to contribute to their communities in various ways currently unacknowledged and unappreciated by economist. These contributions include satisfying genuine needs in the community, offering improved productivity of employees, developing skills, and generating social cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]