Surface Elevation Changes Estimation Underneath Mangrove Canopy Using SNERL Filtering Algorithm and DoD Technique on UAV-Derived DSM Data

Estimating surface elevation changes in mangrove forests requires a technique to filter the mangrove canopy and quantify the changes underneath. Hence, this study estimates surface elevation changes underneath the mangrove canopy through vegetation filtering and Difference of DEM (DoD) techniques using two epochs of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data carried out during 2016 and 2017. A novel filtering algorithm named Surface estimation from Nearest Elevation and Repetitive Lowering (SNERL) is used to estimate the elevation height underneath the mangrove canopy. Consequently, DoD technique is used to quantify the elevation change rates at the ground surface, which comprise erosion, accretion, and sedimentation. The significant findings showed that region of interest (ROI) 5 experienced the highest volumetric accretion (surface raising) at 0.566 cm3. The most increased erosion (surface lowering) was identified at ROI 8 at −2.469 cm3. In contrast, for vertical change average rates, ROI 6 experienced the highest vertical accretion (surface raising) at 1.281 m. In comparison, the most increased vertical erosion (surface lowering) was spotted at ROI 3 at −0.568 m. The change detection map and the rates of surface elevation changes at Kilim River enabled authorities to understand the situation thoroughly and indicate the future situation, including its interaction with sea-level rise impacts.

Spatial analysis of Prosopis Juliflora trees, its environmental and developmental effects on Wadi Yiba in the southwest of Saudi Arabia: التحليل المكاني لأشجار البرسوبس وآثاره البيئية والتنموية على وادي يــبة جنوب غرب المملكة العربية السعودية

Prosopis Juliflora is an invasive shrub or tree native to South American countries. It is one of the most important exotic and invasive organisms that are spread in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study concentrates on investigating the widespread of Prosopis Juliflora in Wadi Yiba، located in the southwest of the Kingdom، and given the possibilities offered by geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing to help determine the areas of spread of the plant and its size، and to take the best capabilities، especially with regard to processing and analyzing large and diverse spatial information، the present research aims to use this in evaluating the current and future situation of the spread of plants in Wadi Yiba، and the extent of its impact on the environment، while suggesting appropriate ways to manage it. The research relied on the use of Landsat images، working with the subtraction method، and subjecting the images to the object-oriented classification، by taking 30 specimens for each cover and merging these specimens، and the layers of vegetation cover were derived using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for each year. The research concluded that there is a concentration in the spread of Prosopis Juliflora in the center and north of Wadi Yiba، especially in the city of Therban and villages of Al-Balqa’a، Al-Tala’i، Sabt Al-Jara، and Khamis Harb، with a spread along the valley to the estuary. At the end، the research recommended the establishment of a research center for the study of Prosopis Juliflora in Assir region، and an attempt to develop economic plans to benefit from Prosopis Juliflora in Wadi Yiba.

Cognitive Modelling of the State of an Object-Based on a Thought Experiment

Introduction. At the current level of development of research in the field of artificial intelligence, it is defined as a set of technological solutions that allow simulating cognitive functions, obtaining results comparable to the results of human intellectual activity. In this regard, the problem arises of creating a technology that imitates the cognitive functions of analyzing the state of objects when the conditions of their functioning change. Analysis of the status of objects in the different problems of environmental, technical, social, political and other nature is carried out most often on information models. The peculiarity of their solution lies in the fact that it is necessary, as a rule, to restore indefinite, sometimes not amenable to quantitative analysis, dependencies and patterns. Since full-scale experiments in these subject areas are often impossible, and sometimes very expensive and even dangerous, the only research method in this case is a thought experiment using the method of experimental perturbations of the state of an object. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to create a method of cognitive modelling based on a thought experiment for the problem of assessing the state of an object from incomplete and fuzzy data. Methods. To implement the method of cognitive modelling based on a thought experiment, the method of a mental complete factor experiment (MСFE) is applied using the method of experimental perturbations. Results. To implement the method of cognitive modelling based on a mental experiment, a procedure has been created that evaluates the state (behaviour) of an object in a present or anticipated future situation based on the method of a mental complete factor experiment (MСFE) using the method of experimental perturbations. The developed procedure makes it possible to obtain solutions to the problem of predicting the state of a certain object in the future using incomplete and fuzzy data and using an expert “built in” to evaluate the forecasting results. Conclusion. The results of the research presented in this article, which are conceptual in nature, show the possibility of creating elements of technology that imitate the cognitive functions of analyzing the state of objects when changing the conditions of their functioning using a thought experiment. The developed method can be used to solve the problems of assessing the state of various objects when creating intelligent information analysis systems in order to obtain new knowledge about the object.

Business management and methods of predictive financial analysis companies

The focus of this presented work is the application of one-dimensional discriminant analysis in specific conditions of economic practice. The research sample of the enterprises has shown, that even these methods can better warn against nearing bankruptcy by predicting whether business will or will not be sustainable. Generally, these discriminant analyses use the financial ratios methods. The future situation of an enterprise can be predicted, among other things, by means of one-dimensional and multidimensional discriminant analysis methods, which are dealt with by several authors. Given the different approaches of authors, one-dimensional discriminant analysis methods that are "older" can be assumed to have a different reliability than multidimensional discriminant analysis methods. The assumptions of our research were verified in a group consisting of prosperous and non-prosperous business entities. The results of the original research show that one-dimensional discriminatory methods had a higher reliability than the multidimensional ones on the sample of enterprises surveyed. At the same time, it has not been established that a 100% reliable method will be found, but it is good to know the assumptions on which these existing methods work and use a combination of multiple methods.

RELIVING - Rethinking the interior architecture during and after Pandemic situation

Architects are currently facing the understanding of the transformation of the work practices of people, teams and organizations in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Europe is still in the gloom of this pandemic and it can be seen changes in the office-domestic workplaces. These places have been mutating during the last year, they have been transformed according the new requirements. Individuals have adapted their homes and companies are already thinking the office space according the new reality. This study aims to determine how the interior space could adapt in order to provide comfort and well-being in contemplation of the contemporary and near future situation. The principal objective of this project was to create a tiny piece of space which contributes to create our “existence maximum” in a small space. To test the hypotheses that with the creation of a piece of furniture it can help us in the transformation of the domestic and office interior space is the key to make sure that people feel safe and work comfortably. Contemporary source material was used to examine the evolution of the pandemic and how it affects the individuals’ psychological behavior during this time. The findings provide a solid evidence base for the future will be a hybrid reality, where knowledge employees will continuously be working from home most of the time. It is evidently clear from the findings that as modernist architecture could be understood as a consequence of the result of some diseases of that period. Nowadays, architects have the responsibility to think how the interior architecture could be improved in order to make the people feel safe, comfortable and well connected where individuals could learn to live together confronting of our own homes and our own workspaces. The result is the design of an ergonomic workstation which contemplates the users’ requirements for working, providing adaptation to different working positions, mobility within the space and transformation according to individual needs. In addition, it has been considered the sustainability of the materials and the easy assembly with the possibility of the addition of accessories.

Examining the impact of firm-specific and environmental-specific factors on short and long-term firm survival during an economic crisis

PurposeLooking back on the last 12 years, the whole planet went through two major economic crises (2008 and 2019), which both had a profound impact on the survival of businesses. The present study aims to develop and empirically test a conceptual framework that investigates the factors that have an influence on firm survival. More specifically, the study proposes a three-dimensional framework that includes performance drivers (utilizing resource-based view [RBV] factors), performance measures and the measurement of firm survival. Such a multi-dimensional approach has very rarely been explored in the existing literature.Design/methodology/approachA thorough literature review revealed gaps in the literature and offered the basis for developing the proposed conceptual framework of the study. Its empirical examination (hypothesis testing) was conducted with the use of a newly developed structured questionnaire that was distributed to a group of Greek manufacturing organizations (the final sample consists of 364 manufacturing companies). Empirical data were analyzed using the “structural equation modeling” (SEM) technique (multivariate analysis) and other similar techniques (i.e. exploratory factor analysis and analysis of variance). The study is empirical (based on primary data), explanatory (examines cause and effect relationships), deductive (tests research hypotheses) and quantitative (includes the analysis of quantitative data collected with the use of a structured questionnaire).FindingsOn the one hand, empirical results point out that “manufacturing-marketing alignment,” “manufacturing capabilities,” “structural configuration” and “business performance under crisis” have the most significant impact and on short-term survival (current situation). On the other hand, “competitive advantage” and “business performance under crisis” have the most significant impact on long-term survival (future situation). Focusing on RBV factors, only “structural configuration” and “manufacturing capabilities” directly affect short-term survival, while “manufacturing–marketing alignment” has an indirect effect on the same factor. Then again, all RBV factors indirectly affect long-term survival. Also, it is confirmed that short-term survival strongly affects long-term survival.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to the debate concerning the antecedents of firm survival, since current empirical findings are quite inconsistent. Specifically, crucial performance drivers and other measures are incorporated into an original model, which reveals their synergies and their impact on the dynamic dimensions of firm survival. Additionally, it enhances the stream of research that investigates firm survival under crisis since very few similar empirical studies have been conducted. Finally, firm survival is not measured as a static concept but rather as a dynamic one (firm survival – current situation and firm survival – future situation). Overall, the final model can explain 35.2% of the variance in “firm survival – current situation” and 46.3% of the variance in “firm survival – future situation.”

Comparative Analysis of Coal Mining Disasters in Turkey

Use of coal mine is based on centuries, but the expansion of its usage area has been after the Industrial Revolution in parallel with other mines. With the effect of this revolution; The use of minerals such as coal, iron, copper and tin has increased. Among these mines, coal mine; It has a very important place because it can be used for industrialization, powering machines, generating electricity and heating. In order to provide the increasing need in these areas every year, coal enterprises were established in countries with rich coal deposits and served the energy sector. The share of coal in the energy resources consumed in the world has increased in a short time and has become a determining factor on the world economy. This situation has led to an increase in the number of coal mine enterprises, with developed countries turning to the mining sector for industrialization and economic progress. Accidents in coal mines have increased as the number of mines has grown. Despite the fact that numerous studies have been conducted to prevent these accidents, accidents still occur. Coal mining is regarded as a hazardous work environment due to the high frequency of accidents and their consequences. To minimize these risks and ensure a healthy working environment, the required infrastructure should be established, audit-oriented studies should be conducted, and flaws should be remedied based on the findings. Within the scope of the study, the way and types of coal mine accidents, which are common in Turkey, were investigated, as well as a literature analysis of the reasons of these accidents. The number of accidents and casualties between 2015-2020 were examined and a future situation analysis was made. Regression Analysis Method, one of the statistical analysis methods, was used in the situation analysis phase. The number of coal mine accidents and fatalities in countries around the world since 1902, has been studied. By using the same Analysis Method, the future situation analysis for the next 10 years was made in the light of the data between 1902-2020, and data on the number of accidents and casualties that may occur in the coal mining area were obtained.

Rethinking the Education Paradigm in Morocco in the Covid-19 Context- Assessment of Resilience Curricula in Higher Education

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted mental and emotional health in significant ways, and has worsened the already existing crisis of rising anxiety, chronic stress and depression among the youth. This was particularly marked by the drastic lockdown measures, the incessant stream of bad news, and the sudden shift to online education. Faced with stressors, resilience is a skill-set that aids with adapting, coping, and bouncing back from adversity while maintaining or quickly returning to a relatively healthy psychological functioning. This article therefore aims to explore the past, present and future situation regarding emotional and mental resilience skills in Moroccan higher education curricula. To this end, structured and semi-structured interviews have been conducted with four senior officials at the Ministry of Education in Rabat, Morocco. Furthermore, surveys have been collected from faculty members in eight public universities. The findings reveal that resilience education has not been officially implemented yet in Moroccan universities. However, the national vision shows the rising awareness in the need to shift to a more holistic educational paradigm, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, to better prepare students for the uncertain and fast-changing future.

A Wavelet-Based Method for the Impact of Social Media on the Economic Situation: The Saudi Arabia 2030-Vision Case

In the present paper, a wavelet method is proposed to study the impact of electronic media on economic situation. More precisely, wavelet techniques are applied versus classical methods to analyze economic indices in the market. The technique consists firstly of filtering the data from unprecise circumstances (noise) to construct next a wavelet denoised contingency table. Next, a thresholding procedure is applied to such a table to extract the essential information porters. The resulting table subject finally to correspondence analysis before and after thresholding. As a case of study, the KSA 2030-vision is considered in the empirical part based on electronic and social media. Effects of the electronic media texts about the trading 2030 vision on the Saudi and global economy has been studied. Recall that the Saudi market is the most important representative market in the GCC continent. It has both regional and worldwide influence on economies and besides, it is characterized by many political, economic and financial movements such as the worldwide economic NEOM project. The findings provided in the present paper may be applied to predict the future situation of markets in GCC region and may constitute therefore a guide for investors to decide about investing or not in these markets.

Mindfulness and Next-Generation Members of Family Firms: A Source for Sustainability

Family businesses are considered complex organizations where emotional and management challenges need to be faced. This is even more difficult when time of succession arrives and the new members are expected to engage with the business. In this study, a total of 204 university students were asked about their present and future situation regarding the family business. Mindfulness levels were also evaluated using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. There were no significant mindfulness level differences between students who pertained to a family business and those who did not. In the first group, however, those students who were sure about their future in the family business, and had more motivation about it, obtained higher scores on the mindfulness scale as well as being more satisfied with their social relationships. It could be concluded that certainty and motivation about their future in a family business of young family business members correlates with higher mindfulness levels and social well-being.