Polar Region Bathymetry: Critical Knowledge for the Prediction of Global Sea Level Rise

The ocean and the marine parts of the cryosphere interact directly with, and are affected by, the seafloor and its primary properties of depth (bathymetry) and shape (morphology) in many ways. Bottom currents are largely constrained by undersea terrain with consequences for both regional and global heat transport. Deep ocean mixing is controlled by seafloor roughness, and the bathymetry directly influences where marine outlet glaciers are susceptible to the inflow relatively warm subsurface waters - an issue of great importance for ice-sheet discharge, i.e., the loss of mass from calving and undersea melting. Mass loss from glaciers and the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, is among the primary drivers of global sea-level rise, together now contributing more to sea-level rise than the thermal expansion of the ocean. Recent research suggests that the upper bounds of predicted sea-level rise by the year 2100 under the scenarios presented in IPCC’s Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCCC) likely are conservative because of the many unknowns regarding ice dynamics. In this paper we highlight the poorly mapped seafloor in the Polar regions as a critical knowledge gap that needs to be filled to move marine cryosphere science forward and produce improved understanding of the factors impacting ice-discharge and, with that, improved predictions of, among other things, global sea-level. We analyze the bathymetric data coverage in the Arctic Ocean specifically and use the results to discuss challenges that must be overcome to map the most remotely located areas in the Polar regions in general.

An evaluation of critical knowledge areas for managing the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose The ability to manage the COVID-19 pandemic is contingent upon the ability to effectively manage its heterogeneous knowledge resources. Knowledge mapping represents a great opportunity to create value by bringing stakeholders together, facilitating comprehensive collaboration and facilitating broader in-depth knowledge sharing and transfer. However, identifying and analysing critical knowledge areas is one of the most important steps when creating a knowledge map. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to appraise the critical knowledge areas for managing COVID-19, and thereby enhance decision-making in tackling the consequences of the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The methodological approach for this study is a critical literature review, covering publications on knowledge management, knowledge mapping and COVID-19. EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, TRID, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library were searched for full text, peer-reviewed articles written in English that investigated on critical knowledge areas for managing the spread of COVID-19. After full screening, 21 articles met the criteria for inclusion and were analysed and reported. Findings The study revealed seven critical knowledge areas for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. These are cleaning and disinfection; training, education and communication; reporting guidance and updates; testing; infection control measures, personal protective equipment; and potential COVID-19 transmission in health and other care settings. The study developed a concept knowledge map illustrating areas of critical knowledge which decision-makers need to be aware of. Practical implications Providing decision-makers with access to key knowledge during the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be crucial for effective decision-making. This study has provided insights for the professionals and decision-makers identifying the critical knowledge areas for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Social implications The study advances the literature on knowledge management and builds a theoretical link with the management of public health emergencies. Additionally, the findings support the theoretical position that knowledge maps facilitate decision-making and help users to identify critical knowledge areas easily and effectively. Originality/value This study fills gaps in the existing literature by providing an explicit representation of know-how for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper uses an objective and qualitative approach by reviewing related publications, reports and guidelines in the analysis. The concept map illustrates the critical knowledge areas for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Knowledge Management and Quality Control in Software Outsourcing Projects

This article describes how entrepreneurs face critical risks in terms of quality control and knowledge management while outsourcing software development to independent service providers. First, it is recommended that lump-sum payment contracts should be avoided since software development project involves uncertainty. Instead, a variable payment contingent on observed quality can induce the service provider to exert optimal effort on the project. Second, entrepreneurs must not overlook the importance of providing economic incentives. They can protect their intellectual property by withholding critical knowledge and paying information rents in terms of higher than market wages to the service providers. Third, a startling result is that a low wage nation is not necessarily the optimal location to outsource software development projects. Thus, high wage-strong IPR nations might be chosen instead of low wage-weak IPR nations. Finally, the article explains the apparent paradox that software projects are often outsourced to locations that are characterized by weak intellectual property rights regime and high propensity of imitation.

Market knowledge acquisition and transfer in international SMEs: peculiarities, specifications and linkages to market success

PurposeThis paper aims to systematically review and evaluate extant literature on knowledge acquisition and transfer in international small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and to identify the requisite types of knowledge acquired and transferred in this context. The research further determines the mechanisms enabling SMEs to process this knowledge, unpacks the benefits of both knowledge acquisition and transfer for international SMEs and links them to the market success.Design/methodology/approachThe research has conducted a comprehensive systematic review of existing literature on market knowledge acquisition and its transfer, in the context of international SMEs, utilizing peer-reviewed articles published in top tier journals without any custom range of time.FindingsThe search strategy resulted in 37 reviewed academic articles, whose analysis identifies and elucidates on the best practices of knowledge acquisition and transfer in the context of international SMEs; the type of the knowledge acquired and transferred; the form and mechanism of the intersection of these processes; and the benefits gained. The findings, crucially, also identify and illuminate extant research gaps and insufficiencies and develop a comprehensive research agenda for the way forward.Originality/valueThe present study offers a uniquely comprehensive perspective on a topic of diachronic and, currently, rising significance to scholars and practitioners alike. Transcending its descriptive value, though, it further identifies extant knowledge deficiencies, it distils and consolidates critical knowledge and prescribes avenues for research towards the growth and development of international SMEs and born globals.

Cerebellar Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: Considerations for Research and Rehabilitation Therapy

Introduction. Cerebellar pathology is common among persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The cerebellum is well recognized for its role in motor control and motor learning and cerebellar pathology in multiple sclerosis is associated with enhanced motor impairment and disability progression. The Problem. To mitigate motor disability progression, PwMS are commonly prescribed exercise and task-specific rehabilitation training. Yet, whether cerebellar dysfunction differentially affects rehabilitation outcomes in this population remains unknown. Furthermore, we lack rehabilitation interventions targeting cerebellar dysfunction. The Solution. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the impact of cerebellar dysfunction on motor control, motor training, and rehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis. Recommendations. Additionally, we highlight critical knowledge gaps and propose that these guide future research studying cerebellar dysfunction in persons with multiple sclerosis.

الكتاب في فقرة

الدين والقيم محورية التزكية الروحية في بناء المجتمع، محمد حلمي عبد الوهاب، القاهرة: نيوبوك للنشر والتوزيع، ط1، 2020، 160 صفحة القيم الوطنية في المناهج التعليمية، مفتاح بن هدية، عمّان: دار الأيام للنشر والتوزيع، ط1، 2020، 288 صفحة القيم الأخلاقية في المجتمع العربي بين النظرية والممارسة، مجموعة من الباحثين، تنسيق: نسيسة فاطمة الزهراء، عمّان: دار الأيام للنشر والتوزيع، ط1، 2020، 3 مجلدات، 898 صفحة المسلمون والغرب والتأسيس القرآني للمشترك الإنساني، أحمد الفراك، فرجينيا: المعهد العالمي للفكر الإسلامي، ط1، 2021، 392 صفحة المشترك الإنساني والتواصل الحضاري والديني أية أرضية؟ وأي أفق؟، مجموعة مؤلفين، تنسيق أحمد الفراك وعبد الباسط المستعين، عمّان: دار ركاز للنشر والتوزيع، ط1، 2021، 515 صفحة قيمنا الإسلامية والتسارع الحضاري كيف نتعامل مع معطيات الحضارة المعاصرة، يوسف الملّا، القاهرة: دار السلام للطباعة والنشر والتوزيع والترجمة، ط1، 2020، 336 صفحة إدارة الجودة الشاملة في التعليم، خالد الصرايرة ورضا المواضيه وخالد الزيديين، عمّان: دار وائل للطباعة والنشر والتوزيع، ط1، 2019، 223 صفحة القيم الأخلاقية الواردة في كتب التربية الإسلامية "كتب المرحلة المتوسطة من التعليم الأساسي بلبنان"، شيرين خورشيد، بيروت: نشر خاص، 2019، 280 صفحة تطوير تقويم أداء كليات جامعة الملك سعود في ضوء مدخل القيمة المضافة، عبد اللطيف ابن عبد الله، القاهرة: المنظمة العربية للتنمية الإدارية، ط1، 2019، 223 صفحة حوكمة المؤسسات في ضوء الفكر المعاصر، سامح عامر وياسمين السنطيل، الأردن: دار الفكر للنشر والتوزيع، ط1، 2020، 408 صفحة أنثروبولوجيا الفقه الإسلامي: التعليم والأخلاق والاجتهاد الفقهي في الأزهر، آريا نكسا، بيروت: مركز نهوض للدراسات والبحوث، ط1، 2021م، 511 صفحة منظومة القيم المقاصدية وتجلياتها التربوية، فتحي حسن ملكاوي، عمّان: المعهد العالمي للفكر الإسلامي، ط1، 2020م، 287 صفحة The Value of Critical Knowledge, Ethics and Education: Philosophical History Bringing Epistemic and Critical Values to Values, by Ignace Haaz, geneva: net, June 2019, 234 pages. Islamic Law and Ethics, Edited by David R. Vishanoff , Herndon: The International Institute of Islamic Thought, June, 2020, 222 pages. Value and the Humanities: The Neoliberal University and Our Victorian Inheritance (Palgrave Studies in Literature, Culture and Economics, by Zoe Hope Bulaitis, Edinburgh: Palgrave Macmillan, June 2020, 326 How to Market a university: Building Value in a Competitive Environment, by Teresa Flannery, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, January 2021, 256 Higher Expectations: Can Colleges Teach Students What They Need to Know in the 21st Century? by Derek Bok, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, August 2020, 232 Cracks in the Ivory Tower: The Moral Mess of Higher Education, by Jason Brennan and Phillip Magness, UK: Oxford University Press, June 2021, 176 Teaching the Whole Student: Engaged Learning With Heart, Mind, and Spirit, Editing by David Schoem & Christine Modey, & Edward P. St. John, Stylus Publishing, May 2017, 292

Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement – Avoiding runaway CaCO₃ precipitation during quick and hydrated lime dissolution

Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) has been proposed as a method to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and to counteract ocean acidification. It involves the dissolution of alkaline minerals such as quick lime, CaO, and hydrated lime, Ca(OH)2. However, a critical knowledge gap exists regarding their dissolution in natural seawater. Particularly, how much can be dissolved before secondary precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) occurs is yet to be established. Secondary precipitation should be avoided as it reduces the atmospheric CO2 uptake potential of OAE. Here we show that both CaO and Ca(OH)2 powders (> 63 µm of diameter) dissolved in seawater within a few hours. However, CaCO3 precipitation, in the form of aragonite, occurred at a saturation (ΩAr) threshold of about 5. This limit is much lower than what would be expected for typical pseudo-homogeneous precipitation in the presence of colloids and organic materials. Secondary precipitation at unexpectedly low ΩAr was the result of so-called heterogeneous precipitation onto mineral phases, most likely onto CaO and Ca(OH)2 prior to full dissolution. Most importantly, this led to runaway CaCO3 precipitation by which significantly more alkalinity (TA) was removed than initially added, until ΩAr reached levels below 2. Such runaway precipitation would reduce the CO2 uptake efficiency from about 0.8 moles of CO2 per mole of TA down to only 0.1 mole of CO2 per mole of TA. Runaway precipitation appears to be avoidable by dilution below the critical ΩAr threshold of 5, ideally within hours of the addition to minimise initial CaCO3 precipitation. Finally, model considerations suggest that for the same ΩAr threshold, the amount of TA that can be added to seawater would be more than three times higher at 5 °C than at 30 °C, and that equilibration to atmospheric CO2 levels during mineral dissolution would further increase it by a factor of ~6 and ~3 respectively.

RNAi Targets in Agricultural Pest Insects: Advancements, Knowledge Gaps, and IPM

The unprecedented target-specificity of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), due to its sequence-specific mode of action, puts dsRNA at the forefront of biosafe insecticide technology. Since 2007, sensitive target genes have been identified in numerous crop pest insects, with an end goal of applying RNA interference (RNAi) in pest management. Key RNAi targets identified include genes involved in (1) feeding and digestion, (2) production of dsRNases, (3) resistance to insecticides and plant allelochemicals, (4) reproductive fitness, and (5) transmission of plant viruses. Despite the advances, there remain critical knowledge gaps in each of these areas. Particular emphasis must be placed on ensuring RNAi's compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM), via further identification of molecular targets that reduce crop damage while sustaining pest (host) populations for highly specialized biocontrol agents, the latter representing a core pillar of IPM.

Sensory systems processing in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a pilot study

Background The study of the sensory aspect alongside the motor aspect in children with spastic cerebral palsy is critical. Knowledge may help improve intervention, children’s quality of life, activity, and participation. The study aims to analyze the sensory systems processing in children with spastic cerebral palsy classified by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) as levels I, II, and III using Child Sensory Profile 2 (CSP-2). Caregivers of children with spastic cerebral palsy aged 6–9 years (n = 20) completed the CSP-2. Children with severe comorbidities besides cerebral palsy (i.e., diabetes, myopathy, neuropathy, and uncontrolled epilepsy), autism, burn injuries, hearing or vision loss were excluded. Results All twenty participating children showed sensory processing difficulties in at least one of the sensory sections. With 14 out of 20 showing abnormalities in more than one section, the majority showed problems in the body position section, followed by the movement section. There was a significant difference between raw scores means of children with unilateral and bilateral SCP at the “body position” section, unlike the rest of the other sections. Conclusions Children with spastic cerebral palsy (GMFCS levels I, II, and III) show sensory systems processing difficulties compared to normative data, especially at vestibular and proprioceptive processing.

Development, Innovation, and Circular Stimulation for a Knowledge-Based City: Key Thoughts

Practitioners of economic geography recognize innovation as the key factor in sustainable economic development and urging a city to evolve. Urban development evolves from manufacturing-based development to knowledge-based development. Identifying the future benefits of urban development is a research issue. This work analyzes development performance based on quantitative indices of critical knowledge and innovation that enhance economic growth and influence society and competitiveness. The research further identifies the possibility of knowledge dissemination and innovation. This work investigates the key factors encouraging the development of a knowledge-based city for Helsinki, Melbourne, and Hsinchu in terms of economy, society, environment, and management, and observes that the progressive and positive circular stimulation for a city requires not only the cultivation of human capital, but also the construction of social environment and internal relations to form a high-density knowledge network. This work demonstrates that Hsinchu Science Park acts as a highly stimulated and highly interactive knowledge engine by building a dynamic innovation model based on circular stimulation of knowledge feedback to construct an urban environment and series of talent networks. The city, ultimately, reaches a virtuous cycle for innovation and achieves critical factors for the evolution of a knowledge-based city.