Asia Pacific Academy of Science Pte. Ltd.
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A place to commemorate Smyrna refugees
Full text linkThe paper delves into the role and power of places of memory in preserving and strengthening the collective memory and identity of Greeks who originated from Asia Minor and specifically Smyrna. Historical data are presented regarding the persecution of this community and the triptych “place-collective identity-collective memory” is thoroughly studied. Through semi-structured interviews, and participatory design methods, with the collaboration of users, landscape architect, agronomist, and sociologist, the landscape design proposal aims to create the First Nationwide Open-Air Museum of Smyrna in Thessaloniki, Greece. The new land uses are based on the shaping and preservation of the collective memory and identity of Smyrnaeans, and the coexistence of historical and cultural elements in a modern design canvas. Users and visitors perceive the landscape as a document of the Smyrnaean culture, which narrates the history of their community, allowing them to define their particular identity and identify themselves as “us”
Empowering communities through art: Unleashing the potential of public art in urban micro-renewal
Full text linkAs urban space available for new construction continues to diminish, urban renewal strategies have increasingly shifted toward micro-renewal approaches. Within this framework, public art serves as a vital medium for urban cultural development and has been effectively integrated into community spaces under the paradigm of human-centered urban micro-renewal. This study systematically explores the forms, principles, and mechanisms of community public art. First, it establishes the synergistic relationship between urban micro-renewal and community public art. It then identifies six distinct artistic forms: spatial transformation, sculptural installations, murals and wall paintings, public facilities, digital media, and artistic events. Building upon this classification, the study delineates four core principles that community public art should adhere to: the participatory principle of human-centered engagement, the principle of locality emphasizing cultural distinctiveness, the principle of gradual progression ensuring sustainable development, and the social principle of art education. Through comparative case analysis, the study reveals the multidimensional role of community public art in restructuring power dynamics, driving community transformation, and reshaping cultural identity. The findings demonstrate that community public art not only enhances the spatial environment and improves community quality but also fosters social integration and strengthens cultural identity, providing an innovative pathway for urban governance. Finally, the study acknowledges its limitations and outlines future research directions, aiming to contribute to both theoretical discourse and practical applications in community public art
Alternatives to bureaucracy based on worker participation and horizontal management: Why do they work?
Full text linkAdministration is an academic field that is showing signs of maturity, with a theoretical and practical mainstream that has been consolidated around Weberian bureaucracy, a management paradigm with numerous examples suggesting that it may be reaching its limits in terms of the new advances it can offer the discipline. On the other hand, the shift to a paradigm that transcends it (while retaining all its virtues) requires not only successful empirical counter-examples, but also a consistent alternative theoretical corpus that gives academics and especially practitioners the confidence to adopt it. In this sense, through “integrative” literature review-based research, the article intends to outline a scholarly narrative that provides concrete theoretical underpinnings to explain, in a systematic and concise manner, why management styles that depart significantly from bureaucratic orthodoxy are stable (i.e., do not diverge towards “chaos and anarchy”), while also proving effective and efficient. As a result of the analysis carried out, an intertwined combination of contributions about alternatives to the classical bureaucratic arrangement is obtained, sourced from studies of different time periods. Thence, based on four conceptual axes (self-actualization, objectives, capabilities and monitoring), the elaboration of a theoretically integrated explanation for the sustainable viability of participatory and horizontal management is achieved. This article’s contribution points towards the future possibility of consolidating novel approaches that virtuously supplant the current bureaucratic mainstream
The differences in environmental psychology within China elucidated by experts from both natural and social scientists
No full textThis study contributes to the empirical research on personal values theory within organizational settings. Through a case study of a group of scientists from China’s national research institution of agricultural sciences, this research examines the association between individuals’ value orientations of egoism, altruism, and the biosphere and their disciplinary backgrounds. According to the results of a questionnaire-based survey conducted among 678 scientists working within the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), this study reveals a strong awareness of and concern for social values related to sustainability. It also shows that disciplinary background impacts individuals’ value orientation. Compared to natural scientists, social scientists at CAAS demonstrate a lower level of value orientation towards altruism and biosphere. The findings advocate moving away from simplistic messages that aim to promote employees’ pro-environmental behavior or from studies that focus solely on a narrow range of experiential factors. It concludes by emphasizing that sustainability transition efforts can promote the corporate greening process through a variety of managerial measures
Pesticide residue in cucumber-exposed plants, and its associated effects on soil nematode population
Full text linkThis study investigates pesticide residues in cucumber plants and their impact on soil nematode populations while evaluating the effect of pesticides on cucumber growth and yield. Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to quantify pesticide residues, comparing the results to the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) defined by the Codex Alimentarius. Significant differences in residue levels were found between various pesticides and application rates. Diazinon residues ranged from 0.86 to 2.28 mg/kg, exceeding the MRL of 0.1 mg/kg, indicating soil contamination. Endosulfan had the lowest residues, from 0.44 to 1.75 mg/kg, which were within acceptable limits. Conversely, Malathion and Methoxychlor residues notably surpassed their MRLs, raising potential safety concerns. Further analysis using a linear regression model revealed a negative correlation between pesticide application and soil nematode populations. There was a proportional decrease in nematode populations with increasing pesticide application rate, with Malathion having the most significant impact, followed by Endosulfan, Methoxychlor, and Diazinon. The impact of pesticide application on cucumber plant growth and yield was assessed using one-way ANOVA, which uncovered significant differences across treatment groups. While pesticides are effective for pest control, their application must be carefully managed to avoid phytotoxicity and ensure optimal plant and environmental health, thereby enhancing maximum productivity
Methane emissions and air quality: A growing concern
Full text linkMethane, a potent greenhouse gas, has gained prominence due to its significant contribution to global climate change. Beyond its climate impact, this review recognizes methane’s dual role in influencing local and regional air quality, underscoring its growing concern in the context of contemporary environmental issues. The paper aims to provide an overview of methane sources, geographic distribution, long-term health effects, interactions with other pollutants, and the pivotal role of integrated monitoring systems in effective pollution control strategies. The review delves into the primary sources of methane emissions, including anthropogenic and natural processes. Geographically, it identifies high-risk areas, with substantial emissions concentrated in North America, Europe, and Asia. Prolonged exposure to elevated methane levels in urban and industrial settings is associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological health issues. Furthermore, methane’s interaction with other pollutants leads to the formation of secondary organic aerosols and ground-level ozone, exacerbating air quality challenges. Efficient pollution control hinges on integrating satellite and ground-based data into monitoring systems, ensuring accurate and timely information. Managing methane emissions presents a complex dilemma, impacting both local air quality and global climate. Addressing this dual challenge necessitates a comprehensive approach encompassing legislative reforms, technological advancements, increased public awareness, and international collaboration. A swift response is imperative to mitigate the adverse effects of methane emissions on the environment and human health
Biodiversity and renewable energy in a warming world: Pathway to mitigate climate change while preserving ecosystem
Full text linkThis review examines the dual roles of renewable energy in mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. It looks at the direct and indirect impacts of renewable energy on biodiversity and highlights strategies for striking a balance between energy development and ecological conservation. The global climate crisis demands immediate action, and renewable energy is a key component of efforts to mitigate climate change. However, while renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, and bioenergy hold significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, their deployment also presents risks to biodiversity. The relationship between renewable energy and biodiversity conservation is complex, as energy infrastructure can cause habitat destruction, ecosystem disruptions, and habitat fragmentation, potentially aggravating the very environmental challenges that renewable energy seeks to address. Whereas renewable energy technologies can lessen the environmental impact of human activity, their widespread use may have unforeseen effects on species and ecosystems. If not properly managed, renewable energy projects have the potential to cause major changes in land use, including desertification, deforestation, and the disruption of delicate ecosystems. Ecosystems may also be harmed by the exploitation of raw resources for renewable energy, such as lithium for batteries and rare earth elements for wind turbines. This review examines the main obstacles to coordinating the growth of renewable energy with the preservation of biodiversity, including the effects of wind farms on bat and bird populations, the way hydropower dams change river ecosystems, and the possibility that bioenergy crops would supplant native flora. It then suggests ways to lessen these effects, such as improved site design, more effective energy systems, and incorporating biodiversity concerns into legislative frameworks. In order to guarantee that renewable energy contributes to a sustainable future for both climate and biodiversity, the study concludes by highlighting the necessity of a multidisciplinary strategy that combines energy and conservation policy
A survey on the applications of machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning in wireless communications
Full text linkThis survey explores the integration of machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and reinforcement learning (RL) within wireless communications. It reviews various methods, algorithms, and applications while addressing the challenges and future research directions in this field. The paper highlights the necessity of intelligent techniques to enhance the performance and management of wireless networks, driven by the increasing complexity and demand for higher efficiency. Key areas of focus include network optimization, resource management, security, signal recognition, channel coding, traffic prediction, access control, and energy optimization. The survey also discusses emerging techniques such as federated learning, transfer learning, and multi-agent reinforcement learning, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize wireless communication systems
Supply chain resilience in the semiconductor manufacturing industry: A dynamic simulation Bayesian network analysis of Taiwan semiconductor manufacturing Co
Full text linkThis paper examines the supply chain resilience of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) using a Bayesian network (BN) model developed from the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) framework. This hybrid model allows for an integrated analysis of various key performance indicators (KPIs) across TSMC’s supply chain, providing a comprehensive view of its resilience. By simulating multiple disruption scenarios, the study captures the dynamic interactions and cascading effects of disruptions, such as inventory shortages, transportation delays, and labor cost fluctuations. This approach offers a quantitative analysis of TSMC’s resilience under varied scenarios, revealing critical strengths, such as flexibility in resource allocation, as well as vulnerabilities, particularly in response to high-impact events like geopolitical tensions and natural disasters. Insights from this model highlight the areas where strategic improvements can further strengthen resilience. Overall, the research demonstrates the applicability of Bayesian networks as a powerful tool for resilience assessment, not only in TSMC’s context but also as a scalable solution for other high-complexity, high-dependency supply chains within the semiconductor industry. This study contributes valuable knowledge to the broader field of supply chain resilience and advances the methodologies available for industry practitioners and researchers alike