Efficient Actions Research Articles

Long‐term monitoring on a new channelized stream section: changes in mesohabitat, composition, and size structure of fish assemblages

The construction of riverine structures (weirs, bridges, or channelization) on riverbeds causes alterations in the flow regime and channel geometry. Once a new stretch is created, species must colonize it. The ecological succession processes that are entailed are decisive for adequate recovery after alterations, and understanding these processes would enable elaborate efficient restoration actions. We analyzed environmental variables and the colonization and succession patterns of fish assemblages in a new channelized stretch of a river from its construction to the present (from 1996 to 2020) in the northern Iberian Peninsula. During the studied period, habitat diversity increased, and mesohabitat became more complex. Depths, depth diversity, and the number of pools in the new channel increased with time. Water temperature decreased because of the new shade provided by riparian forests. The size‐related variables of the fish community (size diversity, mean, and maximum length) increased in the new section, achieving similar values to those in the control section. The slopes of the fish size spectra showed a slow evolution over 25 years from a fish assemblage dominated by small fish to a more size‐diversity fish community. Our results suggest that habitat complexity shape fish assemblage and structure. Moreover, size‐related variables can be effective ecological indicators of fish colonization and succession processes. Finally, small‐scale restoration measures in the riverbed and riparian forest are expected to increase the effectiveness of future restoration projects in rivers.

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in North East Tunisia calling for efficient and effective actions

Diabetes and hypertension are a serious public health problem worldwide. In the last decades, prevalence of these two metabolic diseases has dramatically increased in the Middle East and North Africa region, especially in Tunisia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and High Blood Pressure (HBP) in Zaghouan, a North-East region of Tunisia. To this end, an exploratory study with stratified random sampling of 420 participants has been carried out. Various data were collected. Blood samples and urine were drawn for biochemical assay. Then, all data were analyzed using the statistical R software. Results showed an alarming situation with an inter-regional difference in prevalence of obesity (50.0%, CI 95.0%), HBP (39.0%, CI 95.0%) and T2D (32.0%, CI 95.0%). This study allowed the discovery of 24, 17 and 2 new cases of T2D, HBP and T2D&HBP respectively. The association of some socio-economic factors and biochemical parameters with these chronic diseases has been highlighted. To conclude, the health situation in the governorate of Zaghouan requires urgent interventions to better manage the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the region. This study demonstrated the importance of engaging health policy makers in road mapping and implementing national NCD prevention programs.

Preface

The International Conference on Aerospace, Aerodynamics and Mechatronics Engineering has been successfully held two times, and has attracted various promising researchers who are developing new directions in the field of aerospace, aerodynamics and mechatronics engineering.The 2023 2nd International Conference on Aerospace, Aerodynamics and Mechatronics Engineering (AAME 2023), held in Beijing, China from April 21st to 23rd, 2023, is meant to unite researchers, experts, professors and academic staff as well as a wide range of participants of professional community from China and other countries concerned. AAME 2023, with more than 100 participants, was held to further enhance aerospace technology and its application as well as the potential business or research contact among all the participants.The highly eventful program of the Conference, the list of well-established organizations-participants and devoted engagement of many colleagues throughout all the stages of the Conference’s preparation instill confidence in practical importance of mutual initiative. The framework of the Conference comprises keynote speeches, oral presentations, and academic investigation, discussing open and significant problems facing aerospace, aerodynamics and mechatronics engineering, proposing innovative ideas and approaches to solution of the problems, and considering new possibilities of application and development of cutting-edge aerospace technology.The Conference has become one of the venues for demonstrating scientific achievements of international class by leading scientists and young scholars and would facilitate the strengthening of academic cooperation, meanwhile the Conference proceedings would be expressed in the form of international scientific publishing. Various topics of the papers, gone through a vigorous peer review process, are covered in the proceedings, including: Rocket Theory and Design, Developments in New Space Communication Techniques, Aircraft Navigation and Positioning Technology, Microelectronics Manufacturing Engineering Signal Processing, Vacuum Electronic Technology, etc.On behalf of the Conference Organizing Committee, we would like to thank the referees for their efficient and thoughtful actions. We are grateful to the members of the Technical Program Committee for their efforts in making and shaping the program for AAME 2023. Particularly, we acknowledge the publishing support from the members of Journal of Physics: Conference Series.We hope that the future AAME will be as successful and stimulating, as indicated with the contributions presented in this volume.The Committee of AAME 2023List of Committee Member is available in this pdf.

Preface

The International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Industrial Technology Applications originates from 2021 and has attracted various promising researchers who are developing new directions in the field of artificial intelligence and industrial technology. The 2023 3rd International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Industrial Technology Applications (AIITA 2023), held in Suzhou, China from March 24th to 26th, 2023, was meant to unite researchers, experts, professors and academic staff as well as a wide range of participants of professional community from China and other countries concerned.AIITA 2023, with about 150 participants, was held to further integrate artificial intelligence with industrial technologies, and promoted research and developmental activities in related fields as well as scientific information interchange between researchers, developers, engineers, students, and practitioners working all around the world.Highly eventful program of the Conference, the list of well-established organizations-participants and devoted engagement of many colleagues throughout all the stages of Conference preparation instill confidence in practical importance of mutual initiative. The framework of the Conference comprises keynote speeches, oral presentations, and academic investigation, discussing open and significant problems facing industrial technologies, proposing innovative ideas and approaches to solution of the problems, and considering the new possibilities of application and development of cutting-edge artificial intelligence with industrial technologies.The Conference has become one of the venues for demonstrating scientific achievements of international class by leading scientists and young scholars and would facilitate the strengthening of academic cooperation, meanwhile the Conference proceedings would be expressed in the form of international scientific publishing. Various topics of the papers, gone through a vigorous peer review process, are covered in the proceedings, including: Artificial Intelligence Algorithm, Information Retrieval and Fusion, Intelligent Mechatronics, Integrated Manufacturing System, Intelligent Service Machines, etc.On behalf of the Conference Organizing Committee, we would like to thank the referees for their efficient and thoughtful actions. We are grateful to the members of the Technical Program Committee for their efforts in making and shaping the program for AIITA 2023. Particularly, we acknowledge the publishing support from the members of Journal of Physics: Conference Series.We hope that the future AIITA will be as successful and stimulating, as indicated with the contributions presented in this volume.The Committee of AIITA 2023List of Committee Member are available in this pdf.

Energy efficiency improvement of industrial parts washers using state control

In recent years, the energy efficiency topic drastically increased its relevance in manufacturing industry management. One of the most supported strategies to reduce the energy consumed by manufacturing equipment is the machine state control during idle periods, triggering the machine in a standby state with low power request. This approach is aimed at reducing system energy consumption while not jeopardizing the overall production rate and it is referred to as energy efficient control (EEC). Policies implementing EEC techniques are proven to be effective in a manufacturing system but have been tested only for assembly and machining operations. This work is focused on industrial parts washers: widely used machines in manufacturing with significant energy consumption associated. The objective is to demonstrate the applicability and the potential of EEC strategies when applied to washing processes. Proper EEC policies are identified for an industrial parts washer operating in a real production line in the automotive sector. Different scenarios are analyzed and the focus is placed on the effect that these energy efficient actions have on the overall production system in terms of throughput and energy consumption. In this way, the industrial impact of the EEC application on the industrial parts washer is computed by running simulation experiments.

How and why ultra-processed foods harm human health.

The analysis of food using a perspective centred on nutrients seems inadequate for understanding the dietary transition and its impact on the growth of obesity and chronic diseases. Industrial food processing is now proposed as the key to explain the relationship between food and health. The NOVA food classification considers the degree and the purpose of food processing, which includes physical, biological and chemical processes used after foods are separated from nature, and before being consumed or prepared as dishes and meals. NOVA has four food groups: (1) unprocessed and minimally processed foods; (2) processed culinary ingredients; (3) processed foods and (4) ultra-processed foods, which are formulations made mostly or entirely from substances derived from group 1 foods and additives, with little if any intact group 1 food. Many investigations linking high ultra-processed food consumption with deterioration of diets and adverse health outcomes are reinforced by prospective studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. There are various plausible explanations of why diets high in ultra-processed foods are harmful. Their production and consumption continue to rise worldwide. Efficient and effective public policies and actions that reduce production and consumption of ultra-processed products are needed, to protect human health now and in future.

ROMANIA AS A DESTINATION FOR CULTURAL AND HERITAGE TOURISM

Romania possesses a consistent heritage including cultural, historical and folkloric resources with a high potential for tourism valorization. Despite of this valuable heritage, the development of cultural tourism is still limited and more actions are needed to be undertaken for a better promotion and attraction of tourist flows in the most important cultural areas. Due to this potential and to recent massive operations of restoration and renovation of historical buildings, but also due to the improvement of services and education, Romania has succeeded to improve its supply for heritage tourism. In this paper we analyze the main issues related to the competitiveness of Romania as a cultural destination, we assess its place among other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, but also which were the recent developments on this topic. A detailed investigation has been performed regarding the main attractions and destinations for heritage tourism in Romania, including the cultural and intangible cultural heritage sites from Romania included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Our conclusions go to the actions necessary for improving Romania’ s place on the market of cultural and heritage tourism, such as: improvements in the infrastructure for increasing the accessibility of the most important destinations, a more focused vision and enhanced strategy for the development and management of tourist attractions, more efficient actions for internal and international promotion, the adoption of appropriate management and marketing tools to make these objectives known, especially to international tourists etc.

Impact of the local environmental factors associated to plant-fungi communities on the conservation of Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich. In the French Rhône-Alpes region

The fen orchid (Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich., 1817), specific to calcareous wetlands, is threatened by its habitat degradation and disappearance. It is thus categorised as endangered in the Rhône-Alpes red list and is nationally protected in France. Although many studies have been conducted about Liparis loeselii var. ovata ecology in the coastal zone, few have focused on the loeselii variety growing in continental marshes. Now this variety's ecology must be better known in order to determine efficient conservation actions, especially when using ecological restoration in marshes.The aim of this study is to characterise ecological factors that explain the state of loeselii variety populations in the French Rhône-Alpes region. The conservation state of 13 wetlands populations were related to plant and fungal communities as well as local environmental factors (e.g. hydrology, soil, management). These relationships were pinpointed by mixed models and multivariate analyses comparing community structures that depend on Liparis loeselii presence and the scale of study.Our results suggest that engineer species are structuring the marsh, creating a hilly micro-topography which is important to L. loeselii, inducing specific plant communities. At the micro-habitat scale, moss bulges are a favourable support to fen orchid development. Furthermore, a constant water supply in wetlands during the season is essential to its growth whereas high temperature explain low occurrence frequency or disappearance of this orchid in some study sites.This study highlights the dual negative effects of climate change on Liparis loeselii: increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. These two causes induce a synergistic drop in the water table with strong consequences on the conservation status of Liparis populations.

Sentinel-2 Time Series and Classifier Fusion to Map an Aquatic Invasive Plant Species along a River—The Case of Water-Hyacinth

Freshwater ecosystems host high levels of biodiversity but are also highly vulnerable to biological invasions. Aquatic Invasive Alien Plant Species (aIAPS) can cause detrimental effects on freshwater ecosystems and their services to society, raising challenges to decision-makers regarding their correct management. Spatially and temporally explicit information on the occurrence of aIAPS in dynamic freshwater systems is essential to implement efficient regional and local action plans. The use of unmanned aerial vehicle imagery synchronized with free Sentinel-2 multispectral data allied with classifier fusion techniques may support more efficient monitoring actions for non-stationary aIAPS. Here, we explore the advantages of such a novel approach for mapping the invasive water-hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in the Cávado River (northern Portugal). Invaded and non-invaded areas were used to explore the evolution of spectral attributes of Eichhornia crassipes through a time series (processed by a super-resolution algorithm) that covers March 2021 to February 2022 and to build an occurrence dataset (presence or absence). Analysis of the spectral behavior throughout the year allowed the detection of spectral regions with greater capacity to distinguish the target plant from the surrounding environment. Classifier fusion techniques were implemented in the biomod2 predictive modelling package and fed with selected spectral regions to firstly extract a spectral signature from the synchronized day and secondly to identify pixels with similar reflectance values over time. Predictions from statistical and machine-learning algorithms were ensembled to map invaded spaces across the whole study area during all seasons with classifications attaining high accuracy values (True Skill Statistic, TSS: 0.932; Area Under the Receiver Operating Curve, ROC: 0.992; Kappa: 0.826). Our results provide evidence of the potential of our approach to mapping plant invaders in dynamic freshwater systems over time, applicable in the assessment of the success of control actions as well as in the implementation of long-term strategic monitoring.

Temporal Factors Associated With Visual Processing Bias in Peripersonal Space

The immediate space surrounding the body, reachable to the hands, is referred to as the Peripersonal Space (PPS). The PPS is characterized by anticipatory mechanisms to perform efficient goal-oriented or defensive actions towards objects in the environment on-time. Previous studies have shown visuo-spatial processing bias for stimuli presented in the PPS, reported in the form of faster Reaction Time, better Accuracy and enhanced Visual Sensitivity. However, recent studies show that the PPS-related effects are sensitive to temporal factors associated with the early anticipatory mechanisms in the PPS. The current manuscript highlights the temporal mechanisms underlying the PPS-related visual processing bias. Specifically, the PPS effect is conceptualized as comprising of an early anticipatory component that gives temporal allowance for the manifestation of a late component. The early component accommodates the previous studies that have explained the PPS effects to be perceptual in nature, whereas the late component accommodates the previous studies that have explained the PPS effects to be attentional in nature. To the best of our knowledge, no previous attempts have been made to conceptualize the PPS effects in terms of its time-separable components. The current conceptualization of the PPS-related effects seems more wholistic vis-à-vis the previous explanation that the effect is either perceptual or attentional in nature. Also, the current manuscript attempts to make theoretical integration between Time Perception and Peripersonal Space literature.

Study on the Relationship between the Efficiency of the Actions in the Game and the Result of the Match

The paper wants to highlight the connection between the efficiency of the game actions, i.e. the level of the players' technique, and the final result of the game. The main purpose of this research was to emphasize and present the importance of efficient in-game actions, which have the role of determining the outcome of the match. The study was conducted on all participants in the National Volleyball Championship of Romania, male 2021/2022. Analysis of the game variables (serve, serve reception, set, and spike and attack reception) and game outcome were performed through the 1992 FIVB recording system, which confirmed the study's hypothesis that increased player efficiency leads to winning games.

A renewable and sustainable framework for clean fuel towards circular economy for solid waste generation in leather tanneries

In today's economy, the leather industry is one of the most important manufacturing industries in the world. Mismanaging solid waste in tanneries is the most significant challenge of the environment to achieving sustainability in developing countries. Poor solid waste management strategies negatively impact the environment and affect people on health in and around tanneries. For the generation of sustainable renewable energy from solid leather waste, this review has a focus on (a) various solid waste generated and points of generations in the leather industry, (b) emerging thermal treatment (pyrolysis and gasification) of this solid leather waste to convert into valuable products and energy (c) Chrome treatment of the solid leather waste and their maturity in the form of technology readiness level is examined, (d) it offers the extraction of secondary feedstock in the circular economy context which can be used in other industrial processes. The biochar production is about 71% of tanneries sludge is estimated using the pyrolysis process. In the end, the future research gap and outlook to generate energy from solid leather waste is also highlighted. This novel study will be a helpful document to assist scholars, researchers, and stakeholders in working with efficient and sustainable actions and strategies to combat leather solid waste management.

Preface

International Conference on Energy Utilization and Automation originates from 2022 and has attracted promising researchers who are developing new directions in the field of energy utilization and automation. The 2023 2nd International Conference on Energy Utilization and Automation (ICEUA 2023), held via virtual form in Sanya, China from February 10th to 12th, 2023, is meant to unite researchers, professional experts, professors and academic staff as well as a wide range of participants of professional community from China and other countries concerned.The development of energy engineering and automation technology conforms to the national policy requirements of energy conservation and emission reduction, as well as renewable energy and clean energy development, and accelerates the development of energy industry, especially the development of large-scale utilization of solar energy and wind energy, power generation technology, smart grid and energy-saving technology. Focusing on the research fields of “energy development and utilization, energy conversion, chemical material preparation, electric power, automation and electrical engineering, automation engineering”, ICEUA 2023 provided an international exchange opportunity for about 80 related practitioners worldwide to share their professional experience, discuss the new development of disciplines, and display their research achievements.Highly eventful program of the Conference, the list of well-established organizations-participants and devoted engagement of many colleagues throughout all the stages of Conference preparation instill confidence in practical importance of mutual initiative. The framework of the Conference comprises keynote speeches, oral presentations, and academic investigation, discussing open and significant problems facing energy utilization, proposing innovative ideas and approaches to solution of the problems, and considering the new possibilities of application and development of cutting-edge energy utilization and automation.The Conference has become one of the venues for demonstrating scientific achievements of international class by leading scientists and young scholars and would facilitate the strengthening of academic cooperation, meanwhile the Conference proceedings would be expressed in the form of international scientific publishing. Various topics of the papers, gone through a vigorous peer review process, are covered in the proceedings, including: Carbon Capture and Storage, High Voltage Circuits, Power Electronics, Automation Technology Applications, Automatic Control Application Theory, etc.On behalf of the Conference Organizing Committee, we would like to thank the referees for their efficient and thoughtful actions. We are grateful to the members of the Technical Program Committee for their efforts in making and shaping the program for ICEUA 2023. Particularly, we acknowledge the publishing support from the members of Journal of Physics: Conference Series.We hope that the future ICEUA will be as successful and stimulating, as indicated with the contributions presented in this volume.The Committee of ICEUA 2023List of Committee Member are available in the pdf.

Training of cognitive skills in rhythmic gymnastics at the initial stage of sports training to 5–6-year-old children

Competence defines a capacity expressed in a certain field or the ability to produce a certain conduct. The formation of cognitive skills in 5–6-year-old children is one of the pillars on which the personality of the individual is built with all his skills, abilities, attitudes and skills, it is the condition that ensures the effectiveness of physical training at the initial stage of sports training. In the psychological aspect, competence in rhythmic gymnastics represents a state of mental potentiality of a person to act adequately and effectively or a system of action appropriations that, together with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience, lead to efficient actions and performance. Special investigations in the field of pedagogy address the issue of educating artistic skills in 5-6-year-old children through the timely action of the mechanisms of the affective, intellectual and volitional spheres, through the formation of skill and analysis skills, through their own interpretations and the awareness of sportswomen.

Co-occurrence of multiple plasmid-borne linezolid resistance genes-optrA, cfr, poxtA2 and cfr(D) in an Enterococcus faecalis isolate from retail meat.

To investigate the molecular characteristics and transferability of plasmid-borne linezolid resistance genes optrA, cfr, poxtA2 and cfr(D) genes in one linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecalis DM86 from retail meat. E. faecalis DM86 was screened for the presence of known linezolid resistance genes via PCR analysis. Conjugation experiments were used to evaluate the transferability of the resistance genes. The complete genome of E. faecalis DM86 was obtained using both the Illumina and Nanopore platforms. Analysis of the complete sequence showed that E. faecalis DM86 belonged to sequence type 116 (ST116). Four linezolid resistance genes were identified on three plasmids, designated as pDM86-2-cfr, pDM86-3-optrA and pDM86-4-poxtA [cfr(D) co-located]. IS1216 mobile elements were found to flank the cfr and optrA locus on these two plasmids. pDM86-3-optrA encoded the RDK-type OptrA protein and a common genetic array of 'IS1216-fexA-optrA-erm(A)-IS1216' was identified on this plasmid. The cfr(D) gene was closely associated with the poxtA2 gene on pDM86-4-poxtA, and similar plasmids and structures were reported recently in the E. faecalis of animal origin. The intra- and inter-species horizontal transferability of this plasmid to E. faecalis JH2-2, Enterococcus faecium BM4105RF and Staphylococcus aureus RN4220 was also proved, with a frequency of 2.8 × 10-3, 1.7 × 10-3 and 3.4 × 10-5, respectively. This was the first report of the co-existence of up to four plasmid-borne linezolid resistance genes in one E. faecalis. Thus, efficient actions should be exerted to circumvent the microbiota contamination of food and the further spread of these antimicrobial resistance reservoirs.

Свердловская железная дорога в 1941-1945 годы: вклад в эвакуацию

The paper analyses the work of the Sverdlovsk railway divided during the Great Patriotic War into two main lines - the Perm and the Sverdlovsk lines (before 1943 - named after L.M. Kaganovich) to ensure the evacuation of industrial enterprises and population from western territories of the USSR to the eastern regions. The paper also shows the process of conversion of the railway economy to correspond to war requirements and needs and describes measures aimed at overcoming difficulties, such as staff reduction, a poor repair base, lack of locomotives and fuel for them, inconsistency of dispatching services. Particular emphasis is placed on the occurrence of “traffic jams” associated with an increase in the intensity of rail traffic and loading-to-unloading problems that directly affected the effectiveness of the rolling stock.
 The paper reveals weaknesses in organization and implementation of transporting civilians to the rear areas. The author found that systematic train schedule delays, inconsistency in the actions of evacuation and railway services generated a lot of everyday problems, e.g. low comfort, poor nutrition, spread of infectious and cold-related diseases and, as a consequence, a high percentage of mortality among evacuated passengers.
 Throughout the whole war period, the Soviet authorities intentionally corrected negative moments in the functioning of railway lines. As a result of the adoption of a number of government resolutions followed by the corresponding efficient actions, the “great migration to the East” of industry and a significant part of population from areas subjected to the Nazi invasion was successful. The Sverdlovsk railway fulfilled its tasks with honour making a significant contribution to the evacuation and creation of a powerful military-industrial complex in the Urals.

AUDIT EXPECTATION GAP BETWEEN ACADEMICS AND AUDITORS IN SRI LANKA

The primary aim is to find out the audit expectation gap between academics and auditors in Sri Lanka. The four main concepts and applications of the audit were tested in this study. They are the auditor’s responsibilities, audit reliability, key audit matters (KAM) & auditing standards (AS), and usefulness of audited financial statements for decision-making. The population of the study is public university academics in the field of accounting and finance, and independent external auditors in Sri Lanka. The researcher used a developed Likert five-point scale questionnaire to collect data from academics and auditors for the study. The developed questionnaire was distributed among 100 academics and external auditors, and 64 responses were received in this study. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed in this study. Descriptive statistics confirmed that there is an expectation gap between academics and auditors in Sri Lanka. ANOVA and independent sample test confirmed that there is an expectation gap between academics and students, but there is no significant expectation gap. They have a high level of expectation gap regarding key audit matters and auditing standards application, on the other hand, they have a low level of expectation gap on audited financial statements usage in decision making when compare to standard or expected. There is a high level of expectation gap regarding the key audit matters and auditing standards application between auditors and academics in Sri Lanka, however, there is a low level of expectation gap regarding audit reliability between auditors and academics in Sri Lanka. The results of the study highlight that there is audit expectation between auditors and academics in Sri Lanka. They are the fillers of auditing theories and practices in Sri Lanka, therefore regulatory bodies and accounting professional institutions ought to be taken some effective and efficient actions to create better awareness of auditing and ensure adequate auditing education in Sri Lanka for the sustainability of firms and the economy of the country.

Prospering the ASEAN Community: How Micro-Region Becomes a Driving Force Prosperity in Indonesia’s Border Area?

Providing space for sub-state actors’ actions at the micro-regional level is a significant trend in advancing regional integration in ASEAN. Transnational activities have contributed to the trade development and optimization of each country’s local production, a strategic goal, and micro-regions have emerged as critical players in this activity. Regional integration will be localized if sub-state actors play a significant role and engage in smaller regionalism activities, such as in border areas. With the goal of encouraging prosperity and reducing development gaps, especially for people in border areas, this research examined the collaboration of sub-state actors across ASEAN countries as an alternative development paradigm. Alternative research hypotheses applicable in various scientific disciplines were included in this research through a qualitative analysis method and a reflective case study approach. This research focused on the roles and activities of sub-state actors in border areas such as the Riau Islands with Malaysia and Singapore, who could work hard together with other sub-state actor entities through the support of a strong leadership network to take quicker and more efficient actions to overcome various issues. This research strengthens the existing literature by discovering that the collaboration of sub-state actors between countries in the border region has played a big role in encouraging the border community to advance and compete in the international arena, and ASEAN has become an institution encouraging and guaranteeing equal development for people in the border areas.

From Knowledge to Wisdom: Looking beyond the Knowledge Hierarchy

Although there is a long history of searching for the road from knowledge to wisdom, there is no final and clear result. In fact, there are multiple ways of starting from knowledge and reaching wisdom due to the complexity of the semantic domains of both concepts. In addition, there are different perspectives on interpreting these conceptual maps, ranging from philosophy to psychology or management. We are interested in understanding the connecting ideas between knowledge and wisdom from the management perspective, where decision making is the key driving force for transforming knowledge into efficient actions for creating value for customers through products and services. The well-known knowledge pyramid or wisdom pyramid is a good metaphor to start with in understanding the basic concepts of data, information, knowledge, and wisdom (DIKW) and their transformations. We analyze different interpretations of these four basic concepts and focus on the transition from knowledge to wisdom, looking beyond the DIKW pyramid. Additionally, to get a larger view of the multiple connections between knowledge and wisdom, we perform a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer as a specialized software tool. The contribution of the present paper comes from this enlarged framework of searching for links between knowledge and wisdom and analyzing their relevance to business management. The results are relevant to anyone who would like to understand how to manage efficiently knowledge in their organizations. We explain the semantic differences in interpreting the concepts of “information” and “knowledge” in philosophy, information science, and knowledge management, which can be useful both in theory and in practice.

Sensitivity index for conservation priority ranking in the oil spill response: A case study for the coastal and marine species and habitat types in the Baltic Sea

Numerous anthropogenic stressors, such as habitat alteration and nutrient enrichment, affect coastal and marine ecosystems around the globe. An additional threat to these ecosystems is accidental oil pollution. The proactive planning of efficient oil spill response actions requires a firm understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of ecological coastal values at stake, and how these values can be protected in case of an oil spill. In this paper, literature and expert knowledge regarding the life history attributes of coastal and marine species were used to build a sensitivity index to assess the differences in the potential of species and habitat types to be safeguarded from oil. The developed index prioritizes sensitive species and habitat types based on 1) their conservation value, 2) the oil-induced loss and recovery potential, and 3) the effectiveness of oil retention booms and protection sheets to safeguard these entities. The final sensitivity index compares the predicted difference in the state of populations and habitat types five years after an oil spill with and without protective actions. The higher the difference, the more worthwhile the management actions are. Hence, compared to other oil spill sensitivity and vulnerability indexes presented in the literature, the developed index considers the usefulness of protective measures explicitly. We apply the developed index to a case study area in the Northern Baltic Sea to demonstrate the approach. It is noteworthy that the developed index is applicable to other areas as well, as the approach is based on the biological attributes of species and habitat types instead of individual occurrences.