Traditional Core Research Articles

Use of Blockchain Technology for Management of Guest Room Keys

Purpose of the study: The hospitality industry is undergoing a transformation with the advent of blockchain technology, especially in hotel keys management. This chapter explores the use of blockchain to manage hotel guest room keys, focusing on its applications, benefits, and future ramifications. Methodology: The chapter begins by clarifying the basic concepts of blockchain, outlining its functionality as a decentralized distributed ledger system and then explores the challenges of traditional core system design and introduces blockchain-based key management solutions. This solution uses cryptographic encryption and decentralized access control mechanisms, integrating smart contracts to automate processes. Main Findings: Blockchain-based key management systems generate and distribute secure digital keys to guest smartphones, protecting it from unauthorized access and tampering blockchain’s immutable recordkeeping for a tamper-proof audit trail, enhancing security and accountability. Hotel networks allow guests to use digital keys in multiple ways, and connecting IoT devices allows for remote control and personalized experiences. Applications of the study: Blockchain technology provides a robust alternative to traditional hotel key management systems, improving security, transparency, and operational efficiency. Future trends, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, promise new innovations. A strategic and collaborative approach is recommended to maximize the benefits of blockchain in the hospitality industry. Novelty/Originality of the study: This chapter provides valuable insights for practitioners and researchers aiming to harness the transformative power of blockchain.

Applying Gaussian Process Regression for Machine Learning-Assisted Reactor Simulations

Abstract This study explores the integration of machine learning, specifically Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), into traditional reactor core simulations. Building upon previous work on Boiling Water Reactors (BWR), GPR is implemented to predict and correct errors in lower-fidelity simulation outcomes. The findings demonstrate significant improvements in prediction accuracy when GPR is coupled with the diffusion-based core simulator, exhibiting remarkable reductions in both keff and nodal power errors. The comparison reveals that the GPR-enhanced core simulation model significantly outperforms both the standalone simulation and a combination of simulation with Multivariate Linear Regression. It also competes effectively with the performance of a Deep Neural Network-enhanced model. Importantly, this methodology enhances simulation accuracy while maintaining low computational costs. The research emphasizes the vast potential of machine learning, particularly GPR, in progressing nuclear reactor simulations, highlighting the immense value of combining traditional simulation methods with advanced statistical learning techniques.

Market demand for metaverse-based sporting events: a mixed-methods approach

ABSTRACT The burgeoning reach of the metaverse has introduced new opportunities for the sport industry. As live sporting events are increasingly being streamed in the metaverse, both industry practitioners and academics face a pivotal question: Which attributes of these digitally mediated events appeal to consumers? We address this question in two phases, from a market demand perspective. In the initial qualitative phase, we conducted an extensive literature review, semi-structured interviews, and netnographic analysis to propose a hierarchical conceptualization of market demand for metaverse-based live sporting events. The conceptualization comprises three higher-order market demand dimensions: traditional core sport demand, VR engagement demand, and metaverse experience demand — each of which comprises four lower-order, more concrete market demand factors. In the subsequent quantitative phase, we analyzed 616 questionnaire responses from metaverse spectators using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The structural model results indicated that all three higher-order market demand dimensions significantly influenced metaverse spectators’ future attendance intentions, with consumer satisfaction as a partial mediator. An Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) revealed that virtual interactions were the most important market demand factor in affecting attendance intentions. Our results augment the theoretical understanding of the market demand concept and its functional mechanism in an emerging metaverse context.

Historical background and basic elements of the ideal of Chinese traditional management education

The article is devoted to determining the specifics of the ideal of traditional management education in China in the context of the modern strategy of ­China’s digital breakthrough. Using historical-philosophical, comparative and hermeneutic methods, the authors refer to the works of thinkers of Old China and modern researchers on the topic of education and public administration, and identify the components of the ideal traditional management education. It is stated that the ideal of management education is historical in nature, continuously developing and consists of a traditional core, which needs to be preserved and protected, and a “floating” part that is always adjusted in the conditions of changing reality. The Chinese society is characterised by the constant presence among the components of the national idea that lies in the dream to form a perfect managerial education based on historical practice which solved the state task of training managers of various levels. The historical prerequisites for the formation of such an ideal are described and the development of the modern system of education of civil servant is shown. Three main elements of the traditional education system are emphasised: concentration of knowledge under control of the national caste of managers; cognitive duality teacher-pupil as the basis of the learning process; stimulation of public education in contrast to home schooling. It is concluded that effective managerial education is impossible without a socio-cultural basis, a kind of educational ideal which fulfills the regulatory function.

Deep-reinforcement-learning-based RMSCA for space division multiplexing networks with multi-core fibers [Invited Tutorial

The escalating demands for network capacities catalyze the adoption of space division multiplexing (SDM) technologies. With continuous advances in multi-core fiber (MCF) fabrication, MCF-based SDM networks are positioned as a viable and promising solution to achieve higher transmission capacities in multi-dimensional optical networks. However, with the extensive network resources offered by MCF-based SDM networks comes the challenge of traditional routing, modulation, spectrum, and core allocation (RMSCA) methods to achieve appropriate performance. This paper proposes an RMSCA approach based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) for MCF-based elastic optical networks (MCF-EONs). Within the solution, a novel state representation with essential network information and a fragmentation-aware reward function were designed to direct the agent in learning effective RMSCA policies. Additionally, we adopted a proximal policy optimization algorithm featuring an action mask to enhance the sampling efficiency of the DRL agent and speed up the training process. The performance of the proposed algorithm was evaluated with two different network topologies with varying traffic loads and fibers with different numbers of cores. The results confirmed that the proposed algorithm outperforms the heuristics and the state-of-the-art DRL-based RMSCA algorithm in reducing the service blocking probability by around 83% and 51%, respectively. Moreover, the proposed algorithm can be applied to networks with and without core switching capability and has an inference complexity compatible with real-world deployment requirements.

Impact dynamic response of stiffened porous functionally graded materials sandwich doubly-curved shells with Arc-type auxetic core

The Arc-type auxetic core is based on the traditional concave hexagonal core and incorporates a bending configuration, facilitating a smooth transition of the cell elements. This modification proves highly effective in alleviating stress concentration. To extend its use in sandwich structures, the dynamic behavior of stiffened porous functionally graded materials (PFGMs) doubly-curved sandwich shell with Arc-type auxetic core under low-velocity impact is a concern that this research addresses. The material properties of external PFGM panels are controlled by two grading patterns (P-FGM and E-FGM) and has four different porosity distributions. The core layer is made of Arc-type auxetic core. A theoretical model that utilizes Hertzian elasticity theory and first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is proposed, and the equations of motions are derived using the Hamilton's principle. In addition, to simulate the contact force interaction in dynamic process, the spring-mass model is employed. The analytical solution is presented by using Duhamel's principle and Navier's method to anticipate the transverse displacement. The effectiveness of the obtained data is verified by comparing the findings with those of the existing literature and the numerical results established by the Abaqus commercial software. On this basis, efficient methods for optimizing the PFGM doubly-curved sandwich shell are presented by analyzing the effect of porosity, porosity distribution, gradient index, grading pattern, auxetic core inclined angle and circular arc radius on the energy absorption capability, wherein the sandwich shell of P-FGM reduces the transverse displacement by 24.5 % over E-FGM, and the corresponding gain effects for different porosity distributions are Type B > Type D > Type C > Type A.

Enhancing unsupervised rock CT image super-resolution with non-local attention

Traditional low-resolution rock core images fail to capture the details and features of rocks, limiting the accurate analysis of rock properties. Therefore, researchers have proposed supervised and unsupervised digital rock super-resolution reconstruction methods. Supervised methods require paired data and manual annotation, while unsupervised methods generate high-resolution images through self-learning that are suitable for real-world scenarios with a lack of paired data. However, the current unsupervised methods still face challenges in terms of consistency and feature capturing. To address this problem, a novel unsupervised single-image super-resolution model called NL-CycleGAN is proposed. This model employs a non-local attention-guided CycleGAN framework to effectively capture low-level pixel variations between unpaired source and target images while preserving the overall tone. To evaluate the performance of NL-CycleGAN, we conduct both quantitative and qualitative tests using the DeepRock-SR dataset. In terms of quantitative evaluation, our method achieved the lowest perceptual loss (LPIPS) metric compared to existing methods. Additionally, our model obtained the highest performance in peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and multi-scale structural similarity index measure (MS-SSIM). In qualitative testing, the comparison images clearly show that our model accurately captures the intricate details of pores in carbonate and sandstone, as well as the complex crack patterns in coal. In conclusion, our model contributes to improving rock resolution and provides more accurate image processing techniques for rock property analysis and geological research.

"The Shifting Face of Aesthetic Care: A Systematic Survey of Independent Medspa Directorship and Practitioner Trends in Florida".

The rapid proliferation of medical spas in the US has raised concerns over the continued shift of non-surgical aesthetic treatments away from traditional core specialty integration and supervision, potentially affecting the surgical treatment guidance and education of cosmetic surgery patients. This study aimed to assess the current trends in the growth of independent medspa facilities as well as practitioner supervision, licensing, and specialization in the state of Florida. A comprehensive, statewide survey of all independent medspas in Florida, by municipality, employing Google and Yellow Pages search engines. Information gathered included the number of locations, business stakeholders, and director/practitioner licensing and certification obtained from the Florida Division of Corporations/Department of Health databases and respective medical boards. A total of 1,038 medspas were identified, revealing a 100% increase in number relative to 2021 estimates. Non-physician practitioners represented 84% of medspa providers, with core specialty medical director supervision present in only 22% of facilities and a large proportion of directors lacking specialty training (77%) or board certification (42%). Additionally, 25% of medspas appeared to disregard state guidelines pertaining to medical directorship, autonomous non-physician practice, and numerical/geographic restrictions on directorship, with 96% of facilities lacking licensing/registration with Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration. Medspa growth in Florida has been explosive, with continued departure from core supervision, increasingly limited specialty training/integration, and non-adherence to state guidelines. Enhanced regulation and integrated non-physician practitioner training are likely necessary to ensure patient safety and the cohesive practice of aesthetic medicine and surgery.

Analysis of the Development Path of New Guochao Animated Short Films from the Perspective of Revitalization of Excellent Traditional Culture - Taking "Yao-Chinese Folktales" as an Example

Based on the era background of globalization and digitalization, China is entering a new stage of cultural consciousness and cultural self-confidence, and the national level attaches great importance to and actively promotes the development of Chinese excellent traditional culture. In this context, New Guochao animation short films, as an important carrier of contemporary cultural and creative industries, carry the cultural mission of connecting the past and the future, tradition and modernity. However, the New Guochao animation short film has encountered challenges in the tide of revitalizing traditional culture, mainly due to the problems of single character shaping and lack of plot innovation, such as the weak main story line and the insufficient reflection of the traditional cultural core, the animation expression sticking to the tradition, the development of surrounding commodities lagging behind, restricting the release of market potential. These problems have become the constraints of the development of this type of short film. By deconstructing the successful case of the New Guochao animation short film "Yao-Chinese Folktales", it vividly reveals how the work realizes the organic unity of the inheritance of traditional cultural spirit and modern expression through multiple strategies such as artistic material selection, exquisite story connotation transmission, and creative integration into excellent traditional culture. In the context of the revitalization of excellent traditional culture, in order to seek a sustainable development path, New Guochao animation short films need to adapt to the development characteristics of the context of the revitalization of excellent traditional culture, covering content creation, dissemination channels and target audience positioning.

Design and Analysis of New Type of Magnetically Controlled Reactor

In recent years, various new types of magnetic materials have emerged, especially in the field of nanotechnology. The application of material composite technology has formed a new type of dual-phase composite magnetic material. Under the control of an external magnetic field, the material can achieve functional conversion between the hard magnetic phase and the soft magnetic phase, with magnetic permeability, non-magnetic permeability, and excitation ability. In this paper, it is proposed to use this material as the basic material for the magnetic state control of the reactor core, break through the bondage of the traditional reactor core to the performance of the controllable reactor, and innovatively form a new type of reactor structure. By adding a detection and control system, according to the working state of the power grid, the function conversion of the nano adjustable magnetic material is effectively adjusted to realize the automatic adjustment of the magnetic state of the reactor. Firstly, the preparation and material properties of dual-phase composite magnetic materials were studied. The design and preparation process from magnetic powder to bulk magnet were given, and the magnetic properties were measured. Secondly, a new 380 V/100 kVar magnetically controlled reactor was designed by using dual-phase composite magnetic material to form a composite core of magnetically controlled reactor on silicon steel sheet. The simulation analysis of electromagnetic characteristics and volt-ampere characteristics was carried out to verify the correctness of the proposed scheme.

A novel arc-type auxetic cellular doubly-curved shells with negative Poisson's ratio for broadband low-frequency sound insulation

The novel cellular cores auxetic metamaterials with negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) have unique mechanical deformation characteristics compared to conventional cellular cores, which can be further applied to modeling lightweight sandwich structures. The Arc-type cellular core is based on the traditional re-entrant cellular core and incorporates a bending configuration, facilitating a smooth transition of the cell elements. Based on that, the sound transmission characteristics of sandwich doubly-curved shells with NPR arc-type auxetic cellular core layer is studied in this article. The Hamilton's principle is applied to derive the governing equations and considers fluid-structure coupling by applying normal velocities continuity conditions at the fluid-structure interface, which is further analytically solved using Navier's method, and the sound transmission loss (STL) is described analytically. The correctness of the proposed formula is verified by comparing the theoretical solution with the calculation results of the commercial software COMSOL and the experimental results of impedance tube sound insulation. Based on the theoretical model, it is calculated that the average STL of the arc-type cellular is 6.61% higher than that of the traditional re-entrant cellular within the broad low-frequency range of 100–2448Hz. Then the effect of key parameters on the STL of sandwich structure is systematically analyzed, and the results show that the first frequency of the sandwich shell decreases with the increase of the rib thickness, but increases with the increase of the arc radius. Notably, a smaller arc radius and a larger rib thickness exhibit superior sound insulation properties across a broad frequency range. In addition, when the core layer thickness increases from 0.007m to 0.009m, the average STL of sandwich structures is reduced by 7.38% in a broad low-frequency range of 100–2448Hz.

Comparative Financial Analysis of Listed Tourism Companies in the Post-Epidemic Era

On December 7, 2022, the State Council grandly promotes 10 anti-epidemic policies, announcing the beginning of the full liberalization of China's 3-year epidemic. Since then the country has entered the post epidemic era, people have regained their freedom and started to come out of their homes, and the tourism industry is gradually recovering. From the perspective of financial management, this paper selects three tourism listed companies, namely, China Youth Travel Service (CYTS), which takes travel agency as its traditional core business, Huangshan Tourism Development Co., Ltd. which relies on tourist attractions as its main business, and Shanghai Jinjiang International Hotel Co., Ltd. which is a leading listed company in China's hotels and catering industry, to conduct a comparative analysis of their financial status in the past five years by using DuPont analysis and to reveal the main influencing factors of the changes in ROE, so as to provide a reference for the future development of the industry.

Experimental investigation of copper oxide nanofluids for enhanced oil recovery in the presence of cationic surfactant using a microfluidic model

Microfluidics is an appealing technique for enhanced oil recovery since it offers numerous advantages over traditional core flooding mechanisms due to their realistic representation of reservoir conditions at the microscale. In this work, we investigated the performance of copper oxide-based nanofluids in the presence of a DCMS-8 cationic surfactant. First, copper oxide nanoparticles of an average particle size of 10 nm were synthesized by the sol–gel method and characterized using various characterization techniques. The results indicated that copper oxide and surfactant-based nanofluids reduced the interfacial tension by 54 %, depending on the concentration of nanoparticles in the suspension. Furthermore, the formation wettability alteration was investigated using contact angle measurements, and the results showed that nanofluid was able to reduce the contact angle from 48o to 20o in 10 min. The shear rheological response indicated that the nanofluids could reduce the viscosity of crude oil from 0.48 (Pa s) to 0.31 (Pa s). Notably, the flooding results showed that copper oxide-based nanofluids were able to recover 61 % of the original oil initially in place, with additional recovery rates of 65 % and 72 % when used with cationic surfactants, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), respectively. Finally, the fluorescent images confirmed that surfactant-based nanofluid has a higher sweeping efficiency in porous formation. In this study, the use of copper oxide nanoparticles and cationic surfactant has resulted in the creation of captivating and compelling nanofluids that exhibit reasonable stability of nanoparticles in the base fluid and high recovery rates of residual oil.

Research on water blocking and residue damage mechanism of fracturing fluid in Yongjin tight reservoirs

The existing reservoir in the Yongjin block exhibits an extremely low matrix permeability, posing challenges in precisely evaluating the damage caused by fracturing fluid using traditional core flow experimental methods. Currently, there is no established quantitative method for characterizing the degree of damage. In this study, we integrated online nuclear magnetic resonance, microscopic computed tomography, and core displacement experimental techniques, pioneering a novel approach to evaluate damage in deep tight oil reservoirs subjected to hydraulic fracturing. We analyzed the influence patterns of key factors such as backflow pressure differential, shut-in time, invasion volume, and residual retention on rock matrix damage in the operational area. The study unveiled the mechanisms behind water sensitivity, water block, and fracturing fluid retention damage among oil, water, and rock. The results indicate that water sensitivity damage is less than 20%, primarily occurring within large pores. Water block damage can significantly reduce the residual oil permeability. Experimental findings suggest that optimizing liquid backflow with a pressure differential and well shut-in time set at 5 MPa and 9 days can markedly reduce the intrusion volume of gel-breaking fluid, restoring the residual oil permeability. Under high-pressure differential conditions, residual fracturing fluid can infiltrate the rock matrix, resulting in pore damage. Additionally, it can accumulate on the fracture surfaces, thereby reducing the permeability of microfractures.

RCT Study: Augmented Reality and Feldenkrais® vs. Traditional Core Stabilization: Comparative Effects on Chronic LBP

RCT Study: Augmented Reality and Feldenkrais® vs. Traditional Core Stabilization: Comparative Effects on Chronic LBP

Research on loss rules of oil and gas in preserved shale cores after open air exposure

There is a large amount of oil and gas loss in traditional conventional core samples. Revealing the rules of oil and gas loss is of great significance for restore the pristine oil content and oil component in the shale. In this study, four preserved shale cores with different thermal maturity (Ro = 1.01–1.53%) and different total organic carbon content (TOC = 1.69–5.48 wt.%) were selected. The samples are obtained from the first member of the Qingshankou Formation in the Gulong Sag. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T1–T2 mapping and thermal desorption gas chromatography (TD–GC, at a constant temperature of 300°C for 3 min) were performed on the preserved cores and their replicas that were exposed in open air for different times, to study dynamic loss process and the molecular composition changes of shale oil. The results show that during exposure, shale experiences a large amount of oil loss, with a loss ratio of about 42%–78%, and the higher the maturity, the greater the loss ratio. The oil loss is mainly contributed by free oil, with a loss ratio as high as 88%. The adsorbed oil content, however, remains basically unchanged and has a good positive correlation with the TOC of shale. Once the cores were crushed, the gaseous hydrocarbon in oil was basically evaporated in just 5 min. After long-term storage, 90% of the C14- light hydrocarbon is lost, while the C14+ heavy hydrocarbon experiences basically no loss. Therefore, effective and timely analysis of preserved shales is extremely important. The oil content of uncrushed shale cores characterized by NMR T1–T2 mapping is much greater than that of the crushed sample measured by TD-GC, which means that NMR T1–T2 mapping can be important method to evaluate the original fluid saturation of shale.

Foam-filled aramid honeycomb sandwich composites with high acoustic insulation properties prepared using a unique thermal expansion molding process

Contemporary advancements in technology and the rapid development of transportation systems have led to the rise of noise pollution as a major environmental issue globally. Foam sandwich composites, distinguished by their lightweight yet robust attributes such as high-strength functionality, effectively combine the superior noise insulation properties of foam structures with the strength inherent in their surface skins. However, traditional foam core materials exhibit limitations in terms of mechanical durability and suboptimal interfacial bonding with the surface skin. This study addressed these shortcomings by employing a novel approach involving a self-developed thermally expandable epoxy resin and an aramid honeycomb composite. These components were co-cured with a fiber prepreg, culminating in the formation of enhanced sandwich composites. The composites fabricated through this method demonstrate an impressive average sound insulation capacity of 70 dB, alongside a significant enhancement in the mechanical properties of the core material, surpassing the performance of standalone foam structures.

Globale Kompetenzen und Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung. Eine bibliometrische Analyse zur Verortung der globalen Kompetenzen der OECD im wissenschaftlichen Diskurs

AbstractThe Programme for International Study Assessment (PISA) regularly assesses a set of interdisciplinary competences in addition to the traditional core domains. With the 2018 assessment of ‘global competences’, the OECD (2019) aims to support evidence-based decisions on the improvement of the curricula and teaching in order to prepare young people to become active and global citizens who contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In assessing this domain, the OECD is entering a field of research characterised by dynamic debates and heterogeneous research strands. The aim of this paper is to visualise the theoretical foundations on which the analytical PISA 2018 Global Competence Framework (OECD 2019) is based, allowing a transparent discussion of the different theoretical reference points. The bibliometric analyses reveal that discourses related to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) are hardly taken into account in the analytical framework. The paper subsequently formulates impetus from the ESD research field with the aim of linking discourses in the future.

A novel multicore Er/Yb co-doped microstructured optical fiber amplifier with peanut-shaped air holes cladding

Abstract The multicore fiber amplifier, as a key component in spatial division multiplexing (SDM) communication systems, presents higher technical difficulty compared to traditional multi-channel single core fiber amplifiers, which has sparked widespread attention. To achieve balance, efficiency, miniaturization, and cost-effectiveness in the performance of multi-core optical fiber amplifiers, we propose an innovative triple cladding 13-core Er/Yb co-doped microstructured fiber (13CEYDMOF). The proposed fiber features an outer cladding with peanut-shaped air holes, which enables uniform excitation of the 13 cores using a single multimode laser pump source within the inner cladding. This approach also prevents damage or aging of the fiber’s outer coating due to the pump laser. Furthermore, the design of Peanut-Shaped Air Holes effectively increases the numerical aperture (NA) of the inner cladding while reducing the outer diameter of the fiber, enhancing the fiber’s mechanical flexibility. To address the coupling difficulties caused by air holes, we bi-directionally pump the 13CEYDMOFA by utilizing a combined technique of the side winding and end pumping. The experimental results show that the 13CEYDMOFA can achieve an average gain of 23.8 dB, a noise figure (NF) of ∼4.6 dB, and an inter-core gain difference of less than 2 dB in the wavelength range of 1529–1565 nm. The in-line amplified transmission experiment demonstrates that the 13CEYDMOFA is well suited for the 13 spatial channels transmission. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to realize high performance telecommunication band amplification in a multicore microstructure fiber.

Assessing physical literacy with school-aged children in occupational therapy practice: An exploratory qualitative study

Introduction: Physical literacy (the physical, psychological, social and cognitive capacities needed for movement and physical activity) is arguably important to occupational therapy yet is not explicit within current practice. This study aimed to understand how occupational therapists can engage with the physical literacy concept. Method: Eight paediatric occupational therapists were recruited by purposive sampling. Participants completed up to three semi-structured interviews to understand perspectives on physical literacy, introduce a novel pictorial assessment and to seek feedback on the assessment after trialling. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Sixteen interviews were conducted. Four themes were identified: ‘Foreign tongue’ (occupational therapists have an understanding of physical literacy but used different terminology); ‘Sounds very OT oriented’ (illustrating the connection between physical literacy and occupational therapy); ‘We need the child’s voice’ (measure highlights the child’s perspective); and ‘Contemporary, useful BUT not for all’ (measure had utility for some children but was dependant on child’s condition). Conclusion: Occupational therapists can apply the physical literacy construct to traditional models and core concepts. The assessment can be used in paediatric occupational therapy practice supported by clinical reasoning, although future tool iterations may need to accommodate some children with disability.