Conventional Management Practices Research Articles

Exploring the landscape of learning analytics privacy in fog and edge computing: A systematic literature review

The study systematically reviews the integration of Fog and Edge Computing within Learning Analytics to enhance data privacy and security in educational settings that use cloud computing. Employing the PRISMA methodology, we analyze current literature from Web of Science and Scopus databases to examine how these decentralized computing technologies can mitigate the risks associated with centralized cloud storage by processing data closer to its source. Our findings highlight the significant potential of Fog and Edge Computing to transform Learning Analytics by enabling real-time, context-aware data analysis that supports personalized learning while ensuring stringent data privacy. This approach challenges conventional data management practices, advocating for privacy by design in developing new strategies and frameworks. The research underscores the need for collaborative efforts in establishing standards and guidelines for secure and effective technology use in education, pointing towards the necessity of addressing technical, operational, and ethical challenges to maximize the benefits of fog and edge computing in Learning Analytics.

Water Banking as a Strategy for the Management and Conservation of a Critical Resource: A Case Study from Tunisia’s Medjerda River Basin (MRB)

The increasingly adverse impacts of climate change (e.g., rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods), coupled with the ever-increasing water demands, are often translated into a contingent liability for water users’ communities. Additional complexities arise due to competing priorities, water rights, and transboundary water sources. Therefore, conventional water management practices should shift toward more comprehensive and responsive integrative approaches, even for systems with limited data. Furthermore, water managers must prioritize dynamic and interactive management techniques for existing systems. One such management technique is water banking, which is the focus of this study. Herein, a dynamic interactive water allocation model, which encompasses the water managers and heterogeneous parties with competing demands, is developed. The voluntary sales of water shares between parties are illustrated through the specific case of the Medjerda River in Tunisia, an excellent example of a transboundary basin with limited hydrologic data and conflicting water use requirements between its upstream and downstream sectors. A set of scenarios is developed for the first analysis with this model: two management scenarios that include the no-water trade and the water banking option; three demand scenarios that include a combination of steady-, low-, and high-water demand conditions; and two hydrologic scenarios that include dry and wet conditions. Based on an economic model, the economic impacts of water banking are calculated using estimates of the costs of water shortages brought to users that illustrate the magnitude. The results show that the water banking technique can improve water resource availability by optimizing the management, operation, and conservation of natural and artificial water storage systems and water distribution infrastructure. Specifically, water banking can offset users’ profit losses during severe conditions (i.e., drought), even with limited hydrologic data. This water management technique would allow the Tunisian government to minimize the economic impacts on farmers from drought and to plan for future uncertainties by optimizing the water storage potential in years of abundant rainfall.

The Relationship between Waste Management Practices and Human Health: New Perspective and Consequences

Waste management, an integral aspect of modern life, exerts a profound influence on both public health and the environment. While existing research explores the environmental impact of various waste management practices, there is a paucity of studies investigating the direct health effects on humans from these practices. This article aims to address this gap by examining the intricate interplay between specific waste management strategies, such as open burning or landfill leachate management, and their potential to cause respiratory illnesses, birth defects, or other health problems in urban areas. Drawing from existing knowledge and recent research, it underscores the imperative of adopting an integrated waste management approach that harmonizes environmental preservation and health considerations. Furthermore, the review spotlights emerging technologies and innovative methodologies that hold promise in mitigating potential health hazards associated with conventional waste management practices. It accentuates the intricate connection between waste management and human health, underscoring the need for holistic strategies that encompass both community welfare and environmental sustainability. This paper advocates for sustainable waste management approaches that not only alleviate health concerns but also promote resource recovery and community engagement. Policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate in the adoption of effective waste management methods that safeguard both the environment and human health. By recognizing the intrinsic link between environmental and health issues, a harmonized approach can be forged to address them.

Biological Approaches for Sustainable Pest and Disease Management in Pulse Crops

Pulse crops, including lentils, peas, chickpeas, and beans, play a crucial role in addressing global food security and nutritional needs. However, their production is often hampered by various pests and diseases, leading to significant yield losses. Conventional pest and disease management practices, heavily reliant on synthetic chemical pesticides, have raised concerns about environmental sustainability, human health, and the development of resistance in target organisms. In recent years, biological approaches have emerged as promising alternatives for sustainable pest and disease management in pulse crops. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various biological control strategies, including the use of beneficial microorganisms, plant extracts, and other eco-friendly methods. The review discusses the mode of action, efficacy, and potential applications of these approaches in combating major pests and diseases affecting pulse crops. Additionally, it highlights the challenges and future prospects of integrating biological control methods into integrated pest and disease management programs. By adopting these sustainable practices, pulse crop production can be enhanced while minimizing the environmental footprint and promoting long-term ecological balance. The review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, extension specialists, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector, emphasizing the importance of biological approaches in achieving sustainable and resilient pulse crop production systems.

A Systematic Review of Technology Innovations in Housing Management in Scotland

The global housing management sector is being transformed by digital innovations, especially those introduced by property technology start-ups, or PropTech. These entities are reshaping the dynamics between property owners, tenants, and housing management processes. As scholarly literature expands on this subject, our study focuses on assessing the impact of such digital interventions on housing management in Scotland. This systematic review of 10 scholarly articles (2018–2022) on this subject revealed three dominant themes: automation, digitization management, and brokerage-based functions. These findings indicate a shift from conventional housing management practices, significantly influenced by PropTech advancements. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and IT designers, guiding them to identify populations in need and create user-centric applications, hence contributing to the evolving landscape of Scotland’s housing market.

Substituting Partial Chemical Fertilizers with Bio-Organic Fertilizers to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Water-Saving Irrigated Rice Fields

Conventional water and fertilizer management practices have led to elevated greenhouse gas emissions from rice fields and decreased the efficiency of water and fertilizer utilization in agricultural land. The implementation of water-saving irrigation and the substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic alternatives can influence CH4 and N2O emissions in rice fields. However, it remains unclear how the simultaneous application of both methods will affect the CH4 and N2O emissions in rice fields. Therefore, two irrigation methods (F: flooded irrigation; C: controlled irrigation) and three fertilization modes (A: full chemical fertilizer; B: bio-organic fertilizer replacing 15% chemical nitrogen fertilizer; C: bio-organic fertilizer replacing 30% chemical nitrogen fertilizer) were set up through field experiments to explore the effect of greenhouse gas emission reduction in rice fields by combining controlled irrigation and bio-organic fertilizers. Substituting some chemical fertilizers with bio-organic fertilizers can lower the peak CH4 and N2O fluxes in rice fields, leading to a decrease in the cumulative CH4 and N2O emissions by 11.9~29.7% and 10.8~57.3%, respectively. The reductions led to a considerable decrease in the global warming potential (GWP) and the greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI) by 16.1~48.1% and 16.3~48.1%, respectively. Controlled irrigation significantly reduced CH4 emissions by 55.2~69.4% compared with flooded irrigation in rice fields. However, it also increased N2O emissions by 47.5~207.9%, considerably reducing their GWPs by 11.8~45.5%. Neither bio-organic fertilizer substitution nor controlled irrigation significantly affected rice yield. Replacing 15% of chemical nitrogen fertilizers with bio-organic fertilizers in controlled irrigation rice fields can minimize rice GWP and GHGI. The study’s results are of significant importance for enhancing the regulation of greenhouse gases in farmland and achieving sustainable agriculture through cleaner production.

Characterizing PFAS concentrations in drinking water treatment residuals

AbstractWhile drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) are not considered a source of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), PFAS concentrate in treatment residuals relative to their source water concentrations. Regulatory actions considered for PFAS‐impacted residuals could affect the cost and viability of conventional residual management practices. This study estimated the annual quantity of residuals generated in the United States and presents a framework for understanding how PFAS may concentrate in these residual streams. Findings of this work indicate that PFAS may substantially impact DWTP residuals management, especially coagulation and softening solids, at concentration factors greater than 100 and spent adsorbents at PFAS concentration factors greater than 10,000. If potential regulatory actions were to apply to coagulation and softening residuals, those regulations must consider impacts on disposal of more than 420,000,000 wet tons of at‐risk DWTP residuals which are generated annually.

RentIt: A Peer To Peer Asset Sharing Platform

Abstract: This paper introduces RentIt, an innovative Peer-to-Peer (P2P) rental platform aimed at revolutionizing resource access and sharing. The RentIt system is designed to facilitate seamless connections and transactions among users within a secure and user-friendly environment. Users can effortlessly list, discover, and rent a diverse array of items from fellow users, optimizing the utilization of underutilized assets. The RentIt platform is built on cutting-edge technology, emphasizing trust and transparency in peer-to-peer transactions. Through this system, individuals gain the ability to share their resources with others, contributing to a more sustainable and collaborative community. The platform’s user-friendly interface ensures an efficient and reliable experience for both lenders and renters. This paper details the architecture and functionality of RentIt, highlighting its role in transforming conventional resource man-agement practices. It emphasizes the importance of maximizing the utility of idle assets, promoting a culture of responsible consumption, and fostering a sense of community through shared resources.

The Health of Vineyard Soils: Towards a Sustainable Viticulture

Soil health encompasses the effects the uppermost part of the land have on human wellbeing in a broad sense, because soil is where most food ultimately comes from, and because it more inconspicuously fulfils other ecological functions, as important as feeding, for our planet’s welfare, which is ours. Viticulture exploits the soil’s resources from which wine, its most valuable produce, boasts to obtain some of its unique quality traits, which are wrapped within the terroir concept. However, using conventional methods, viticulture also has harsh impacts on the soil, thus jeopardizing its sustainability. How long will the terroir expression remain unchanged as vineyard soil degradation goes on? While this question is difficult to answer because of the complex nature of terroirs, it is undeniable that conventional soil management practices in viticulture leave, in general, ample room for improvement, in their impact on vineyards as much as on the environment. In response, viticulture must adopt practices that enable the long-lasting preservation of its grounds for both on-farm and off-farm benefits. In this regard, the increase in the soil’s organic matter alongside the enhancement of the soil’s biological community are key because they benefit many other soil properties of a physical, chemical, and biological nature, thus determining the soil’s healthy functioning, where the vines may thrive for a long time, whereas its surroundings remain minimally disturbed. In the present review, the importance of soil health as it relates to vineyards is discussed, the soil degradation factors and processes that threaten winegrowing areas are presented, successful soil-health enhancement practices are shown, and future research trends are identified for the benefit of researchers and stakeholders in this special agricultural industry.

Method for accounting subsoil moisture in drip irrigation

The study emphasizes the critical role of irrigation in food safety, particularly in regions facing agricultural sustainability challenges. Conventional water management practices hinder a sustainable progress. The adoption of drip irrigation, delivering water directly to plant roots is proposed as a viable solution. The findings reveal a significant reduction (10-50%) in irrigation rates and increase in cotton yields. Groundwater levels impact irrigation requirements, with higher levels correlating with increased rates. Calculations highlight varying groundwater uptake and soil moisture content based on the cotton root system’s depth.

Long-term vinasse application enhanced the initial dissipation of atrazine and ametryn in a sugarcane field in Tucumán, Argentina.

The production of sugarcane bioethanol generates large volumes of vinasse, an effluent whose final disposal can produce an environmental impact that is of concern. The long-term disposal of vinasse in sugarcane fields could challenge crop management, such as the performance of traditional herbicides, by changing soil properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of long-term vinasse application on the field and the dissipation of atrazine and ametryn herbicides in a subtropical sugarcane agroecosystem, and to discuss the potential processes involved in it. Vinasse affected soil properties by increasing pH (12%), electrical conductivity (160%), and soil organic carbon (25%) at 0-10 cm depth of soil. Differences in the herbicide calculated sorption coefficient (Kd) varied according to the pedotransfer function applied and the herbicide type (atrazine or ametryn). During the first seven days after herbicide application, the soil underwent long-term vinasse application and increased atrazine and ametryn dissipation 45% and 33%, respectively, compared with the conventional fertilization scheme (control). The Pesticide Root Zone Model revealed that dissipation was mediated mainly by the degradation process rather than transport or other processes. The long-term application of vinasse in a typical sugarcane field of Tucumán, Argentina decreased the potential groundwater pollution of triazines and, adversely, reduced their bioavailability for weed control. For this, the present study presents original information about how long-term treatment with vinasse may require an adaptation of conventional management practices such as the application of herbicides in Argentina and other sugarcane-producing regions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;00:1-12. © 2023 SETAC.

A multi-agent digital twin–enabled decision support system for sustainable and resilient supplier management

Industry 4.0 is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, bringing about revolutionary changes in both product manufacturing and collaborative interactions among value chain constituents. Within the manufacturing value chain process, sustainable and resilient supplier management is recognized as a strategic endeavor that drives value creation, such as enhanced product quality, risk mitigation, and improved organizational reputation. Sustainable and resilient supplier management processes necessitate the integration of multiple criteria, efficient supplier coordination, and adaptability to evolving challenges. Nonetheless, conventional supplier management practices primarily rely on expert judgment, focus on the present situation, and lack a robust decision validation mechanism, leading to a limited capability to constitute proactive managerial decision-making under uncertainty. This paper introduces a digitally enabled decision support system for facilitating an intelligent and customized supplier management process in dynamic and complex environments. The system leverages stratified fuzzy decision-making techniques to account for the potential impacts of future events. Additionally, it integrates multi-agent digital twin technology to provide a reliable validation mechanism for assessing the effectiveness of supplier development strategies. The effectiveness of the proposed system was demonstrated through its successful implementation within a multinational solar water pump manufacturing company, highlighting its promising potential for practical applications.

Diversity and biological traits of bees visiting flowers of Cucurbita maxima var. zapallito differ between biodiversity-based and conventional management practices.

Low diversity of pollinators and the modified composition of functional groups of bees have been proposed as the causes of pollination deficiency in cultivated Cucurbitaceae species. Functional groups of bees are determined by traits, such as body size, nesting site, and social behavior. The presence of bees with specific traits can be differentially affected by agricultural management practices. This work aimed to assess how management types (agroecological and conventional) in Cucurbita maxima var. zapallito crops affect the abundance of bees with different biological traits. The study was conducted on four farms located in horticultural areas of central-eastern Santa Fe province, Argentina. A total of 108 10-min censuses were conducted to record bee species abundance in flowers. The species were assigned to categories for each of the three biological traits. A total of 552 individuals, belonging to 16 bee species, were recorded. Honey bees were more abundant under conventional management, whereas the native bees Eucera fervens and other species were more abundant under agroecological management. Species of the categories analyzed (body size: small, medium, and large; nesting site: above-ground cavities or ground-nesting; and social behavior: solitary or social) were present on farms under both management types. We found that management type affected bees, and their effects differed among bees with specific biological traits. Medium-sized and small bees, ground-nesting bees, and solitary bees were found in greater abundance on agroecological farms than on conventional farms. Our data allowed us to explain the diversity and abundance of bees relative to the management type and biological traits of the species. Implications for insect conservation: This study suggests that incorporating biodiversity-based management strategies might increase abundance and richness of native bees with different biological traits, ensuring the free pollination service they provide and a taxonomically and functionally diverse assemblage.

Enriched biochar enhances height growth performance of Anthocephalus cadamba on severely degraded Spodosols in East Kalimantan

Tropical Spodosols are highly fragile and disturbed Spodosols remain unproductive at conventional management practices due to the inherent infertility of the soils. These soils developed from quartz rocks and are characterized by the presence of E albic and B spodic horizons. This study was conducted to determine the effect of enriched biochar application on height growth of jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) stands planted on spodosols. Research plots were arranged to comply with a 2-factors completely randomized design (CRD) procedure – 3 levels of rate of biochar treatment (A1 = 0%v, A2 = 2%v and A3 = 5%v) and 2 levels of liquid organic fertilizer enrichment (B0 = without enrichment and B1 = with enrichment). There were 3 replicates for each treatment consisted of 28 Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) plants at 2.5 m x 3 m spacing, therefore a total of 504 plants were observed in this study. Results showed that the rate of biochar and nutrient enrichment gave a significant effect on the height growth of jabon plants (A. cadamba), the best height growth was obtained at the enriched biochar treatment rate of 5%v (A3B1).

A Comparison of Forest Biomass and Conventional Harvesting Effects on Estimated Erosion, Best Management Practice Implementation, Ground Cover, and Residual Woody Debris in Virginia

Expanding markets for renewable energy feedstocks have increased demand for woody biomass. Concerns associated with forest biomass harvesting include increased erosion, the applicability of conventional forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for protecting water quality, and reduced woody debris retention for soil nutrients and cover. We regionally compared the data and results from three prior independent studies that estimated erosion, BMP implementation, and residual woody debris following biomass and conventional forest harvests in the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain of Virginia. Estimated erosion was higher in the Mountains due to steep slopes and operational challenges. Mountain skid trails were particularly concerning, comprising only 8.47% of the total area but from 37.9 to 81.1% of the total site-wide estimated erosion. BMP implementation varied by region and harvest type, with biomass sites having better implementation than conventional sites, and conventional Mountain sites having lower implementation than other regions. Sufficient woody debris remained for BMPs on both harvest types in all regions, with conventional Mountain sites retaining twice that of Coastal Plain sites. BMPs reduced the estimated erosion on both site types suggesting increased implementation could reduce potential erosion in problematic areas. Therefore, proper BMP implementation should be ensured, particularly in Mountainous terrain, regardless of harvest type.

Productivity and nitrogen use efficiency of rice under conventional and organic nutrition

The current study demonstrates the influence of conventional and organic nutrient management practices on nitrogen use efficiency, growth, yield, and physiological and biochemical parameters in four rice varieties, namely, Jaiva, Ezhome 2, Jyothi and Uma. Growth parameters, grain yield per hill, and physiological and biochemical parameters were higher under conventional management for all rice varieties. Although the nitrogen use efficiency of each variety varied significantly with nutrient management practices, the variation was least in Jaiva (23.8%), which is the organic rice variety released by Kerala Agricultural University. The rice varieties Jaiva and Ezhome 2 showed consistency in the grain weight per panicle under both conventional (Jaiva- 4.57 g, Ezhome 2- 5.86 g) and organic (Jaiva, 4.24 g, Ezhome 2, 4.54 g) management. The soil nitrogen content at the tillering stage (0.66**) showed a significantly higher positive correlation with nitrogen use efficiency under organic management. The results of the study provide a better understanding of factors that can lead to a sustained yield in organic rice production in terms of nitrogen use efficiency.

Soil health, microbial communities, and annual ryegrass yield under contrasting management practices

AbstractBiological indicators are often used to evaluate the effect of management practices on soil health. However, determining which indicators can detect changes in soil health after implementation of conservation practices and how these indicators relate to plant growth in grass seed production systems remains unclear. The goal of this study was to explore the relationships between management practice history, soil health metrics, plant growth, and soil microbial communities in annual ryegrass grown under greenhouse conditions. Soils were collected from 12 annual ryegrass [Lolium multiflorum (L.) Husnot] fields managed under conventional (till/bale) or conservation (no‐till/full straw) management practices, with three silt loams and three silty clay loams collected for each practice. Annual ryegrass was grown for 5 months on each of the 12 soils in a greenhouse. Soils with a history of conservation management improved the majority of the carbon cycling‐related metrics for the silt loam soils. Management practices had no effect on seed yield, however, conservation management significantly improved aboveground biomass in silty clay loam soils. Contrasting management practices resulted in distinct microbial communities, making them sensitive indicators of changes in soil conditions. Soil health and plant metrics were positively associated with the microbial communities in soils under conservation management. Total C and organic matter were positively correlated to plant parameters in silt loams, while few indicators were correlated to plant metrics in silty clay loams. These results highlight the complex interplay between microbial communities, soil health, and plant growth and the importance of considering inherent soil properties like texture.

Applications of artificial intelligence in the management of childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity has emerged as a significant public health challenge, with long-term implications that often extend into adulthood, increasing the susceptibility to chronic health conditions. The objective of this review is to elucidate the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the prevention and treatment of pediatric obesity, emphasizing its potential to complement and enhance traditional management methods. We undertook a comprehensive examination of existing literature to understand the integration of machine learning and other AI techniques in childhood obesity management strategies. The findings from numerous studies suggest a strong endorsement for AI's role in addressing childhood obesity. Particularly, machine learning techniques have shown considerable efficacy in augmenting current therapeutic and preventive approaches. The intersection of AI with conventional obesity management practices presents a novel and promising approach to fortify interventions targeting pediatric obesity. This review accentuates the transformative capacity of AI, thereby advocating for continued research and innovation in this rapidly evolving domain.

Blockchain and lean construction: an exploration of bidirectional synergies and interactions

ABSTRACT Blockchain is a form of digital distributed ledger, referring to databases decentralized across numerous users, facilitating peer-to-peer transactions by eliminating or reducing the need for intermediaries to conduct, validate, or authenticate them. It is characterized by transparency, data immutability and traceability, and consensus processes validating cryptographic signatures. The architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry is increasingly interested in blockchain. Lean construction (LC), a value-focused production management concept, has long been challenging conventional project management practices in AECO. Lack of conversation, however, surrounds whether and how blockchain can (or should) impact LC developments – and vice versa. And if that impact exists – is it significant enough to create value for the related stakeholders? This article offers a conceptual synergistic framework of interactions between blockchain and LC, which can facilitate an understanding on whether there is value in their combined use. A systematic literature review and analysis serve as the foundation of this research. The findings show that LC can be facilitated by blockchain through trust building for relational procurement, data recording for some key activities (e.g. offsite construction, Last Planner System), and streamlining some non-value activities (e.g. payments). In return, blockchain can gain relevance for project management practices when it is defined and implemented in a LC framework. Also, LC can help improve blockchain-related workflows and decision making.

Regional-Scale Virtual Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Factors of Potato Production in China

Improving yield in potato production with minimal environmental impact is of great significance for China’s potato staple food policy. Previous research has been limited by the absence of regional-scale parameters to evaluate the environmental costs of regional potato production. To address this gap, we utilized the input–output analysis method to offer a thorough estimation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) inputs and outputs in the potato production stage at a regional scale, leveraging a meta-analysis dataset from plenty of the literature. On this basis, we calculated the virtual N, P, and K factors (VNFs, VPFs, and VKFs) for different potato production regions, under both conventional and optimal management practices. China’s potato production suffered from excessive N and P inputs, while K inputs remained insufficient. Significant spatial heterogeneities were observed for the VNFs, VPFs, and VKFs across different potato production regions. Northeast China and northwest China emerged as the most suitable potato cultivation regions because they demonstrated high potato yields with relatively low inputs and, consequently, lower VNFs and VPFs. Southwest China was the most vital region where targeted efforts could lead to reducing VNF and VPF, thus significantly mitigating environmental N and P losses. In addition to reducing fertilizer inputs, site-specific and whole optimization measures are proposed to lower the environmental costs and promote the sustainable development of potato production.