{"results":[{"id":"ss_8991b622e0b9fd8f8a4cb219b3aa8bad0a6346cf","title":"Swarm intelligence: from natural to artificial systems","authors":[{"name":"E. Bonabeau"},{"name":"M. Dorigo"},{"name":"G. Theraulaz"}],"abstract":"","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":1999,"language":"en","subjects":["Computer Science"],"doi":"10.1093/oso/9780195131581.001.0001","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/8991b622e0b9fd8f8a4cb219b3aa8bad0a6346cf","is_open_access":true,"citations":3947,"published_at":"","score":80},{"id":"doaj_10.1038/s41598-025-31871-9","title":"Safety of Vojta’s reflex locomotion in term pregnancy: a randomized controlled pilot study of uterine activity and labor onset","authors":[{"name":"Martinek Milan"},{"name":"Zapletal Jan"},{"name":"Drochytek Vit"},{"name":"Janovska Nikola"},{"name":"Svedova Barbora"},{"name":"Babkova Anna"},{"name":"Vlk Radovan"},{"name":"Rob Lukas"},{"name":"Halaska Jiri Michael"},{"name":"Novakova Tereza"}],"abstract":"Abstract The Vojta’s method (VRL) is a neurophysiological rehabilitation method used to support and induce reflex responses of locomotor and vegetative systems. It uses involuntary motor reaction of the body during pressure stimulation of so-called trigger zones. Pregnancy is currently considered a contraindication for the use of VRL due to the potential risk of inducing regular uterine activity and, consequently, triggering labor. The aim of the study is to evaluate changes in uterine activity during Vojta’s reflex locomotion and to determine whether the method is associated with the induction of labor. Secondary goal is to assess its safety in term pregnancy and its potential use for rehabilitative purposes. This single-center, single-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled pilot trial included 40 pregnant patients between 40 + 0 to 41 + 0 weeks of gestational age. Participants were randomized (sealed envelope method) to receive either stimulation of trigger zones according to VRL (n = 20) or sham stimulation (n = 20). Cardiotocographic (CTG) recordings were conducted right before and immediately after stimulation and evaluated by two independent obstetricians. Additionally, participants completed a questionnaire evaluating subjective responses to stimulation. Primary outcomes were CTG-detected uterine changes and time from stimulation to delivery. Secondary outcomes included self-reported sensations and pain intensity (VAS). None of the patients delivered as a result of VRL stimulation. CTG showed increased uterine activity in 45% of VRL stimulated participants vs. 10% in the control group. Median time to labor onset in the VRL group was 5 days (1–8), compared to 4 days (1–9) in the control group. VRL was well tolerated (mean VAS 1.85), but rated significantly less pleasant than sham (p = 0.043). Our findings suggest that the use of VRL in term pregnancy is likely safe and well tolerated. While uterine activity was observed in 45% of cases, this activity was not sufficient to induce labor. Our findings, however, do not support pregnancy as a blanket contraindication. Trial registration: This clinical trial was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT06339528).","source":"DOAJ","year":2026,"language":"","subjects":["Medicine","Science"],"doi":"10.1038/s41598-025-31871-9","url":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-31871-9","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":70},{"id":"ss_3169d3c928d337707e16a45afcbdda675e7b2c16","title":"Early evidence of digital labor in accounting: Innovation with Robotic Process Automation","authors":[{"name":"Julia Kokina"},{"name":"Shay Blanchette"}],"abstract":"Abstract Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is an emerging technology that enables the automation of rules-based business processes and tasks through the use of software bots. Drawing upon the theory of Task-Technology Fit (TTF) and Technology-to-Performance Chain (TPC) (Goodhue and Thompson 1995) and research on expert systems (Messier and Hansen 1987; Sutton 1990), this study explores emerging themes surrounding bot implementation for accounting and finance tasks. We collect and analyze interview data from adopters of RPA and document task suitability, task-technology fit, implementation issues, and resulting performance outcomes. We find that securing technical capability is only a part of RPA implementation process. Organizations engage in standardization and optimization of processes, develop scorecard-like tools to rank tasks, adjust governance structures to include digital employees, and redefine internal controls. Organizations benefit from automating only certain processes, those that are structured, repeated, rules-based, and with digital inputs. Along with cost savings, organizations experience improved process documentation, lower error rates, more accurate measurement of process performance, and better report quality.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2019,"language":"en","subjects":["Computer Science"],"doi":"10.1016/j.accinf.2019.100431","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/3169d3c928d337707e16a45afcbdda675e7b2c16","is_open_access":true,"citations":222,"published_at":"","score":69.66},{"id":"ss_4748b5f031a9c162a1b9b32c95b609dd24be057d","title":"Metabolic division of labor in microbial systems","authors":[{"name":"Ryan Tsoi"},{"name":"Feilun Wu"},{"name":"Carolyn Zhang"},{"name":"S. Bewick"},{"name":"David K. Karig"},{"name":"L. You"}],"abstract":"","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2018,"language":"en","subjects":["Biology","Medicine"],"doi":"10.1073/pnas.1716888115","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/4748b5f031a9c162a1b9b32c95b609dd24be057d","pdf_url":"https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/115/10/2526.full.pdf","is_open_access":true,"citations":239,"published_at":"","score":69.17},{"id":"doaj_10.3390/s25216692","title":"Design and Implementation of a Cost-Effective IoT-Based Monitoring and Alerting System for Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)","authors":[{"name":"Emmanouil E. Malandrakis"}],"abstract":"Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) represent a high-density, controlled-environment fish farming method that requires constant monitoring of critical water quality parameters to ensure high water quality and fish stock health. Manual monitoring is labor-intensive and prone to error, creating a significant risk of catastrophic loss. This work presents the design and implementation of an automated monitoring system built on a Raspberry Pi platform that integrates multiple sensors (temperature, pH, conductivity, water level, and pumps’ functionality) to provide continuous, real-time data acquisition. A key feature is a software-based outlier rejection algorithm that enhances data integrity, and the code is freely available on the GitHub platform for further development. The collected data has been published on the ThingsBoard IoT platform for visualization and historical analysis via the HTTPS protocol. Furthermore, the system implements a proactive alerting mechanism using the Pushover notification service to deliver instant mobile alerts when parameters deviate from predefined thresholds. Commercial solutions cost in the order of thousands of euros, have high maintenance and operational costs, and pose integration and compatibility challenges. This solution provides a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective method for maintaining optimal conditions in a RAS, with hardware costs of less than EUR 150.","source":"DOAJ","year":2025,"language":"","subjects":["Chemical technology"],"doi":"10.3390/s25216692","url":"https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/21/6692","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":69},{"id":"doaj_10.3390/world6040143","title":"Bridging the Education–Employment Gap in Europe: An AI-Driven Approach to Skill Matching","authors":[{"name":"Ramón Sanguino"},{"name":"Nilgün Çağlarırmak Uslu"},{"name":"Pınar Karahan-Dursun"},{"name":"Caner Özdemir"},{"name":"Ascensión Barroso"},{"name":"María Isabel Sánchez-Hernández"},{"name":"Eftade O. Gaga"}],"abstract":"Education–employment mismatch represents a persistent structural issue across Europe, especially among young people. In line with the digital transformation, green transformation and population aging, new jobs are emerging every day, and some of the older jobs are disappearing. However, existing skills of job seekers may not fit these new jobs. This article presents results from the EMLT + AI project, which aimed to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) tools could contribute to reducing such mismatches and supporting inclusive labor market integration. Based on a sample of 1039 participants across European countries, we analyzed the alignment between individuals’ educational background and their current employment, as well as their willingness to reskill. Using binary logistic regression models, the study identifies key factors influencing mismatch and reskilling motivation, including educational level, type of occupation, the presence of meaningful career guidance, and AI-based job search practices. The results indicate that individuals who hold a master’s degree and work in positions requiring at least bachelor’s level degrees are more likely to be matched with jobs that align with their field of study. However, access to mentoring remains limited. The paper concludes by proposing an AI-supported training model integrating career recommendation systems, flexible learning modules, and structured mentoring. These findings provide empirical evidence on how emerging technologies can foster more responsive and adaptive education-to-employment transitions, contributing to policy innovation and the development of inclusive digital labor ecosystems in Europe.","source":"DOAJ","year":2025,"language":"","subjects":["Social Sciences"],"doi":"10.3390/world6040143","url":"https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4060/6/4/143","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":69},{"id":"ss_806477876a02c369556aca8af5d895f2e8c7dc5e","title":"Unemployment and Worker Participation in the Gig Economy: Evidence from an Online Labor Market","authors":[{"name":"Ni Huang"},{"name":"Gordon Burtch"},{"name":"Y. Hong"},{"name":"P. Pavlou"}],"abstract":"The gig economy comprises a large portion of the workforce in today’s economy. The gig economy has low barriers to entry, enabling flexible work arrangements and allowing workers to engage in contingent employment, whenever, and in some cases, such as online labor markets, wherever, workers desire. And many of the workers seek and complete work via digital platforms. However, there is a lack of understanding into the participation in such platforms. The growth of the gig economy has been partly attributed to technological advancements that enable flexible work environments. In this study, we consider the role of an alternative driver, economic downturns, and associated financial stressors in the offline economy, for example, unemployment. Our analysis combines data from a leading online labor market and various archival sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We find local economic conditions significantly impact the intensive and extensive margins of labor supply in online labor markets. And such impacts are heterogeneous across different county characteristics. Given the prominence of the gig economy, we believe more research is needed to understand gig-economy participation. It is notable that policy makers recently started to look at related issues, proposing laws to protect the gig workers, such as the recent California Assembly Bill 5.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2020,"language":"en","subjects":["Business","Computer Science"],"doi":"10.1287/ISRE.2019.0896","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/806477876a02c369556aca8af5d895f2e8c7dc5e","is_open_access":true,"citations":154,"published_at":"","score":68.62},{"id":"ss_af28ae8c951ad7fb86dfe3a872e69aadd9f7ae5e","title":"Automated agrifood futures: robotics, labor and the distributive politics of digital agriculture","authors":[{"name":"M. Carolan"}],"abstract":"ABSTRACT This paper draws from interviews with (1) US farmers who have adopted automated systems; (2) individuals employed by North American firms that engineer, manufacture, and/or repair these technologies; and (3) US farm laborers (immigrant and domestic) and representatives from farm labor organizations. The argument draws from the literature interrogating the fictional expectations that underlie capitalist reproduction, reading it through a distributed (ontological) lens. The framework questions whether concepts like ‘automation’ and ‘skill’ provide sufficient analytic and conceptual clarity to critically engage these platforms and suggests that we think about what these technologies do rather than fixate on what each is.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2019,"language":"en","subjects":["Political Science"],"doi":"10.1080/03066150.2019.1584189","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/af28ae8c951ad7fb86dfe3a872e69aadd9f7ae5e","is_open_access":true,"citations":176,"published_at":"","score":68.28},{"id":"ss_79af4765583a708a63c84e910c2a885794454ae4","title":"Is College Education Less Necessary with AI? Evidence from Firm-Level Labor Structure Changes","authors":[{"name":"Mei Xue"},{"name":"Xing Cao"},{"name":"Xu Feng"},{"name":"Bin Gu"},{"name":"Yongjie Zhang"}],"abstract":"ABSTRACT As a general-purpose technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to transform almost all industries and aspects of our society. Thus, it is important to understand the potential changes within the firms related to how AI applications change their labor force. Using a panel dataset with over 1,300 publicly-traded companies in China from 2007 to 2018, we examine the relationship between AI applications and firm labor structure with workers with or without formal college education. The study indicates that AI applications were positively associated with the overall employment as well as the employment of nonacademically- trained workers with no college degrees at the firm level. These associations were more significant in the service sector than in the manufacturing sector. Further causal analysis shows increasing AI applications have a positive effect on a firm’s employment of nonacademically-trained workers and its overall employment but a negative effect on academically-trained workers. We attribute the findings to the technology deskilling effect of AI. The findings suggest that, in response to the potential labor force transformation with increasing AI applications, information-systems research needs to focus on structural changes of labor forces and the implications for preparing human employees to work with AI side by side.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2022,"language":"en","subjects":["Computer Science"],"doi":"10.1080/07421222.2022.2096542","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/79af4765583a708a63c84e910c2a885794454ae4","is_open_access":true,"citations":68,"published_at":"","score":68.03999999999999},{"id":"doaj_10.22059/jwdp.2023.362558.1008358","title":"Dynamic analysis of the economic effects of population structural changes in the coming decades of Iran  (with emphasis on the role of women)","authors":[{"name":"Omran Gheisar"},{"name":"Sima Eskandari Sabzi"},{"name":"ali salmanpour"},{"name":"Seyed Yosef Hajiasghari"}],"abstract":"The trend of population growth in the last three decades will cause extensive changes in the age structure of Iran's population. So that it can be one of the most important challenges of the country in the coming decades. This development will have different effects and consequences in the process of social, economic and political development. In this research, with the aim of dynamic analysis of the economic effects of the structural changes of the age groups (the age group of the workforce) of Iran's population in the coming decades until 1455, and then the role of women's labor force in the process of gross domestic product is studied and review puts. Therefore, this research aims to understand more about the structural changes of the population in four age groups (under 15 years, between 15 to 44 years, 45 to 64 years and over 65 years) in the past decades, the present and its future forecast; Using the global model \"World3\" modeling of dynamic systems to simulate the country's population trend from 1355 to 1455, with \"Vensim\" software, it has predicted the structural changes of the population. Forecasts show that based on the probable fertility rate of 1.6 (announcement of the researches of the Statistics Center), the growth trend of the entire country's population will be increasing until 1425, and the trend will decrease from this year onwards. Also, until 1455, the growth trend of the population in the age group below 15 years will be decreasing, and the growth trend in the age group of the workforce (between 15-44 years, 45-64 years) will increase until 1415, and from this year onwards, the trend will decrease. According to the forecast, the growth trend in the age group above 65 years will increase. The findings show that the demographic trend of working age will happen about 10 years earlier than the decreasing trend of the total population. Therefore, to compensate for the deficit of economically active labor and improve the production process and increase per capita; Considering the existing capacity in the country, increasing the employment of women will be one of the most effective solutions in this crisis. In the following, a dynamic economic model is presented using Solow's growth model. To show how the effects of changes in the labor force pattern will be on the growth process of gross domestic production. Then the operational scenarios related to increasing the employment of women in the growth of production and the growth and development of the country; Provided. Also, practical and operational suggestions have been presented regarding how to reduce the side effects of population structural changes and its negative effects on the growth of domestic production (GDP) by establishing women's employment in the country's economic cycle.","source":"DOAJ","year":2024,"language":"","subjects":["Social Sciences","Political science"],"doi":"10.22059/jwdp.2023.362558.1008358","url":"https://jwdp.ut.ac.ir/article_94268_857d4228db64d6de79c6011390ac3a47.pdf","pdf_url":"https://jwdp.ut.ac.ir/article_94268_857d4228db64d6de79c6011390ac3a47.pdf","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":68},{"id":"doaj_10.1038/s41598-024-66030-z","title":"Kiwifruit-Agaricus blazei intercropping effectively improved yield productivity, nutrient uptake, and rhizospheric bacterial community","authors":[{"name":"Chuan Shen"},{"name":"Xia Li"},{"name":"Jianfeng Qin"}],"abstract":"Abstract Intercropping systems have garnered attention as a sustainable agricultural approach for efficient land use, increased ecological diversity in farmland, and enhanced crop yields. This study examined the effect of intercropping on the kiwifruit rhizosphere to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between cover plants and kiwifruit in this sustainable agricultural system. Soil physicochemical properties and bacterial communities were analyzed using the Kiwifruit-Agaricus blazei intercropping System. Moreover, a combined analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomic sequencing was used to identify differential microbes and metabolites in the rhizosphere. Intercropping led to an increase in soil physicochemical and enzyme activity, as well as re-shaping the bacterial community and increasing microbial diversity. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Myxococcota, and Patescibacteria were the most abundant and diverse phyla in the intercropping system. Expression analysis further revealed that the bacterial genera BIrii41, Acidibacter, and Altererythrobacter were significantly upregulated in the intercropping system. Moreover, 358 differential metabolites (DMs) were identified between the monocropping and intercropping cultivation patterns, with fatty acyls, carboxylic acids and derivatives, and organooxygen compounds being significantly upregulated in the intercropping system. The KEGG metabolic pathways further revealed considerable enrichment of DMs in ABC transporters, histidine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. This study identified a significant correlation between 95 bacterial genera and 79 soil metabolites, and an interactive network was constructed to explore the relationships between these differential microbes and metabolites in the rhizosphere. This study demonstrated that Kiwifruit-Agaricus blazei intercropping can be an effective, labor-saving, economic, and sustainable practice for reshaping bacterial communities and promoting the accumulation and metabolism of beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere.","source":"DOAJ","year":2024,"language":"","subjects":["Medicine","Science"],"doi":"10.1038/s41598-024-66030-z","url":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66030-z","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":68},{"id":"doaj_10.3390/diagnostics14232739","title":"Comparison of Modified Labor Induction Strategies for Pregnant Women at a Single Tertiary Center Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":[{"name":"Yi-Sin Tan"},{"name":"Ching-Chang Tsai"},{"name":"Hsin-Hsin Cheng"},{"name":"Yun-Ju Lai"},{"name":"Pei-Fang Lee"},{"name":"Te-Yao Hsu"},{"name":"Kun-Long Huang"}],"abstract":"Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted healthcare systems and obstetric practices worldwide. Labor induction is a common procedure for preventing obstetric complications in high-risk populations. This study evaluated perinatal outcomes of labor induction using a modified management protocol in a tertiary care center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study by reviewing electronic structured delivery records of women who underwent elective labor induction between June 2020 and October 2022. We analyzed maternal characteristics, maternal outcomes, and neonatal outcomes during the pre-pandemic (June 2020 to May 2021) and pandemic periods (May 2021 to October 2022). Results: The study included 976 cases: 325 pregnancies in the pre-pandemic group and 651 in the pandemic group. The pandemic group showed earlier gestational age at delivery (39 vs. 40 weeks, \u003ci\u003ep\u003c/i\u003e \u003c 0.01) and lower body mass index (27.1 vs. 27.5 kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e, \u003ci\u003ep\u003c/i\u003e = 0.03). During the pandemic period, we observed a significant increase in labor induction cases and a decrease in cesarean sections. Neonatal outcomes, including Apgar scores and intensive care admissions, showed no significant differences between groups. Subgroup analysis identified advanced maternal age (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.03–1.14; \u003ci\u003ep\u003c/i\u003e \u003c 0.01) and primiparity (OR = 5.24; 95% CI = 2.75–9.99; \u003ci\u003ep\u003c/i\u003e \u003c 0.01) as independent risk factors for cesarean delivery. Conclusions: Even under modified protocols for labor induction during the COVID-19 pandemic, more pregnancies underwent labor induction while achieving a significant reduction in cesarean sections. Advanced maternal age and primiparity were identified as independent risk factors associated with cesarean delivery.","source":"DOAJ","year":2024,"language":"","subjects":["Medicine (General)"],"doi":"10.3390/diagnostics14232739","url":"https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/14/23/2739","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":68},{"id":"doaj_10.47104/ebnrojs3.v3i1.213","title":"Nurses Practice Regarding Infection Control Measures during The Second Stage of Labor: A Multicenter Study","authors":[{"name":"Somia F. E. Fahmi"},{"name":"Zeinab A. A. Baraia"},{"name":"Inaam H. Abdelati"}],"abstract":"\nContext: Infection prevention remains a significant public health challenge for healthcare systems, especially in maternity and delivery units. Good understanding and compliance of nurses with infection control measures during delivery are essential factors that improve maternal and neonatal outcomes and decrease morbidity and mortality.\n\r\n\nAim: This study aimed to assess nurses' practice regarding infection control measures during the second stage of labor in multiple centers.\n\r\n\nMethods: Cross-sectional descriptive observational study was adopted in this study. The study population included all nurses working in labor rooms of four hospitals (100 nurses), namely Suez Canal University Hospital, Zagazig University Hospital, Ismailia General Hospital, And Zagazig General Hospital. Data collection tool encompassed a structured interviewing questionnaire to assess nurses' general characteristics, physical and organizational barriers that prevent nurses from complying with infection control measures, infection control practice checklist to assess nurses` compliance with infection control measures during the second stage of labor.\n\r\n\nResults: The highest percentage of the studied nurses' age was between 19-\u003c29 (56.6%, 63.8%). Near half were technical nurses (43.4%, 44.7%). The majority of the studied nurses had not had periodic checks. Also, most of them were vaccinated against viral hepatitis B (86.8%, 91.5%). There was a statistically significant difference between Ismalia and Zagazig hospitals in physical barriers. The highest mean percent for infection control practice was for perineal care 100%, using the invasive device during labor 92%, preparing birthing room and its equipment 75.9%. A satisfactory infection control practice was revealed among 88% of the studied nurses. The satisfactory practice of nurses was 100%, 92.1%, 86.9%, 44.1% in Zagazig General Hospital, Ismalia University Hospital, Zagazig University Hospital, Ismalia General Hospital, respectively.\n\r\n\nConclusion: The result of the study concluded that most nurses' practice regarding infection control in the delivery room was satisfactory. The study recommended upgrading and qualifying nurses in the labor room to improve their practical skills in Obstetric Nursing.\n","source":"DOAJ","year":2024,"language":"","subjects":["Nursing"],"doi":"10.47104/ebnrojs3.v3i1.213","url":"https://eepublisher.com/index.php/ebnr/article/view/213","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":68},{"id":"ss_ef1f7ac0edd93219899c4d21bf1efc16d1bebde3","title":"Progesterone-Related Immune Modulation of Pregnancy and Labor","authors":[{"name":"N. Shah"},{"name":"P. Lai"},{"name":"N. Imami"},{"name":"Mark R. Johnson"}],"abstract":"Pregnancy involves a complex interplay between maternal neuroendocrine and immunological systems in order to establish and sustain a growing fetus. It is thought that the uterus at pregnancy transitions from quiescent to laboring state in response to interactions between maternal and fetal systems at least partly via altered neuroendocrine signaling. Progesterone (P4) is a vital hormone in maternal reproductive tissues and immune cells during pregnancy. As such, P4 is widely used in clinical interventions to improve the chance of embryo implantation, as well as reduce the risk of miscarriage and premature labor. Here we review research to date that focus on the pathways through which P4 mediates its actions on both the maternal reproductive and immune system. We will dissect the role of P4 as a modulator of inflammation, both systemic and intrinsic to the uterus, during human pregnancy and labor.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2019,"language":"en","subjects":["Medicine"],"doi":"10.3389/fendo.2019.00198","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/ef1f7ac0edd93219899c4d21bf1efc16d1bebde3","pdf_url":"https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2019.00198/pdf","is_open_access":true,"citations":161,"published_at":"","score":67.83},{"id":"ss_95415900bbca7e94f2cfc8c888255dee2063407e","title":"The Gender and Labor Politics of Postmodernity","authors":[{"name":"Aihwa Ong"}],"abstract":"The literature on export-industrialization and the feminization of industrial work challenges theory to catch up with lived realities. Reports from the new frontiers of industrial labor reveal a widening gap between our analytical constructs and workers' actual experiences. This puzzle arises from our limited theoretical grasp of the ingenuity of capitalist operations and the creativity of workers' responses in the late 20th century. Modernization models of capitalist development (33, 85) predicted an increasing adoption of mass-assembly production (Fordism; see 35:279-318) and the gradual decline of cottage industries in the Third World. Yet, since the early 1970s, mixed systems based on free-trade zones, subcontracting firms, and sweatshops have come to typify industrialization in Asia, Central America, and elsewhere. Lapietz (55) argues that the current mix of mass production, subcontracting, and family-type firms represents a new regime of accumulation worldwide. Since the 1973 world recession, new patterns of \"flexible accumulation\" (55, 42) have come into play as corporations struggle in an increasingly competitive global arena. Flexible labor regimes, based","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2020,"language":"en","subjects":["Sociology"],"doi":"10.1146/ANNUREV.AN.20.100191.001431","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/95415900bbca7e94f2cfc8c888255dee2063407e","is_open_access":true,"citations":116,"published_at":"","score":67.47999999999999},{"id":"ss_7688736db06284adaf1b6b6eb956bf71109e3fb4","title":"Regional economic resilience: the experience of the Italian local labor systems","authors":[{"name":"A. Faggian"},{"name":"R. Gemmiti"},{"name":"Timothy Jaquet"},{"name":"I. Santini"}],"abstract":"","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2017,"language":"en","subjects":["Economics"],"doi":"10.1007/s00168-017-0822-9","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/7688736db06284adaf1b6b6eb956bf71109e3fb4","is_open_access":true,"citations":208,"published_at":"","score":67.24000000000001},{"id":"doaj_10.18799/26584956/2023/4/1650","title":"Career guidance of Tomsk university students (systematic approach)","authors":[{"name":"T.А. Zaitseva"},{"name":" V.V. Orlova "}],"abstract":"Relevance. Ensuring employment and promoting professional development of young specialists is one of the main directions of the state youth policy of the Russian Federation. The task of stabilizing the labor market is reflected in social policy of the state, as these indicators also affect the macroeconomic development of the country. However, assessment of the employment of university graduates and their behavior in the labor market demonstrates their low awareness in choosing a profession. This situation affects the formation of control figures for admission of applicants to budget and paid places in universities, the economic component of the country, the inexpedient costs of the state for a certain percentage of young professionals. In the current conditions, the correlation of these indicators is likely to be negative. Aim. To update the authors' career guidance system for youth for comprehensive training of university students and improving the efficiency of their employment with the possibility of its implementation in universities. Methods. Analysis of literature and sources on the research topic, comparative analysis, retrospective analysis of information, closed formalized anonymous survey, pilot testing of the system. Results. The authors have studied the employment of graduates of three Tomsk universities, the situation on the labor market in Russia, in some aspects in the Tomsk region. It is proved that the problem of effective employment is relevant and attracts the attention of the government. The authors updated their career guidance system, which has already been partially implemented in the work of the Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics Career Center. The paper introduces the recommendations for implementing the system. Conclusions. The proposed system can be used at Russian universities. This will improve the quality of employment of young professionals, and therefore the stability of the labor market and the economic and social components of state policy.","source":"DOAJ","year":2023,"language":"","subjects":["Social sciences (General)"],"doi":"10.18799/26584956/2023/4/1650","url":"https://jwt.su/journal/article/view/1650/1249","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":67},{"id":"doaj_10.31026/j.eng.2023.01.08","title":"Evaluation of the Current Status of the Cost Control Processes in Iraqi Construction Projects","authors":[{"name":"Nagham N.   Abbas"},{"name":"Abbas  M. Burhan"}],"abstract":"\nOne of the most important problems of Iraqi construction projects is the cost variances, so it is important to identify the problems and shortcomings that cause poor cost control. Through the utilization of questionnaires, the study evaluated how project costs were managed and reported. The questionnaire was distributed to 180 professionals working in the Iraqi construction sector, with a response rate of 91%. The results showed that a high percentage of projects are implemented with a difference between real and estimated costs, and the process of documenting cost data needs to be more secure. On the other hand, there is a weakness in providing the necessary work structure information to monitor costs and a lack of processing of the required data regarding mechanisms and equipment and problems. It is related to the accuracy of the estimation and the management and documentation of labor wages. Most of the problems are the lack of appropriate systems to implement cost control appropriately.\n","source":"DOAJ","year":2023,"language":"","subjects":["Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)"],"doi":"10.31026/j.eng.2023.01.08","url":"https://joe.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/main/article/view/1667","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":67},{"id":"doaj_10.3390/s23042199","title":"MA-RTI: Design and Evaluation of a Real-World Multipath-Assisted Device-Free Localization System","authors":[{"name":"Marco Cimdins"},{"name":"Sven Ole Schmidt"},{"name":"Fabian John"},{"name":"Manfred Constapel"},{"name":"Horst Hellbrück"}],"abstract":"Device-free localization (DFL) systems exploit changes in the radio frequency channel by measuring, for example, the channel impulse response (CIR), to detect and localize obstacles within a target area. However, due to a lack of well-defined interfaces, missing modularization, as well as complex system configuration, it is difficult to deploy DFL systems outside of laboratory setups. This paper focused on the system view and the challenges that come with setting up a DFL system in an indoor environment. We propose MA-RTI, a modular DFL system that is easy to set up, and which utilizes a multipath-assisted (MA) radio-tomographic imaging (RTI) algorithm. To achieve a modular DFL system, we proposed and implemented an architectural model for DFL systems. For minimizing the configuration overhead, we applied a 3D spatial model, that helps in placing the sensors and calculating the required calibration parameters. Therefore, we configured the system solely with idle measurements and a 3D spatial model. We deployed such a DFL system and evaluated it in a real-world office environment with four sensor nodes. The radio technology was ultra-wideband (UWB) and the corresponding signal measurements were CIRs. The DFL system operated with CIRs that provided a sub-nanosecond time-domain resolution. After pre-processing, the update rate was approximately 46 Hz and it provided a localization accuracy of 1.0 m in 50% of all cases and 1.8 m in 80% of all cases. MA fingerprinting approaches lead to higher localization accuracy, but require a labor-intensive training phase.","source":"DOAJ","year":2023,"language":"","subjects":["Chemical technology"],"doi":"10.3390/s23042199","url":"https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/4/2199","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":67},{"id":"ss_186763f2396d9fd15aa9deb60e5a0abcc7140839","title":"Improving smallholder farmers’ gross margins and labor-use efficiency across a range of cropping systems in the Eastern Gangetic Plains","authors":[{"name":"M. Gathala"},{"name":"A. Laing"},{"name":"T. P. Tiwari"},{"name":"J. Timsina"},{"name":"F. Rola-Rubzen"},{"name":"S. Islam"},{"name":"Sofina Maharjan"},{"name":"P. R. Brown"},{"name":"K. K. Das"},{"name":"K. Pradhan"},{"name":"A. Chowdhury"},{"name":"Ranvir Kumar"},{"name":"Ram Datt"},{"name":"M. Anwar"},{"name":"S. Hossain"},{"name":"U. Kumar"},{"name":"S. Adhikari"},{"name":"D. Magar"},{"name":"Bibek Sapkota"},{"name":"H. Shrestha"},{"name":"R. Islam"},{"name":"M. Rashid"},{"name":"I. Hossain"},{"name":"A. Hossain"},{"name":"B. Brown"},{"name":"B. Gérard"}],"abstract":"Abstract The Eastern Gangetic Plains of South Asia is a region of high rural poverty and low agronomic productivity, with crops grown using traditional management practices which are labor-intensive and uneconomical. Poor agronomic productivity is largely caused by unintentional, inefficient management practices which are exacerbated by labor shortages caused by increased migration away from rural areas as households require additional income from remittances. These labor shortages increase the cost of hiring labor, further contributing to low gross margins from cropping systems. The climates, soils and available water across the region indicate that, with improved management practices, this region has the potential to produce high yields for low production costs and labor requirements, ensuring high gross margins for smallholder farmers. We conducted on-farm participatory trials to compare the performance of traditional and improved conservation agriculture-based sustainable intensification management practices to understand which used less labor, had lower production costs and returned higher gross margins to smallholder farmers. Our study showed that compared to traditional management practices, conservation agriculture-based sustainable intensification practices reduced both labor use and total cropping system production costs by around 40% and increased gross margins by up to 25%. Trials were conducted on over 400 farms and thus our results are both statistically rigorous and representative of a range of common crop production management across the Eastern Gangetic Plains. These results show there is potential to increase livelihoods and reduce the impact of labor shortages for smallholder farmers living in diverse climatic, edaphic and social circumstances across the region. They have broader applications in labor-constrained smallholder cropping systems throughout South Asia and worldwide.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2021,"language":"en","subjects":["Geography"],"doi":"10.1016/j.worlddev.2020.105266","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/186763f2396d9fd15aa9deb60e5a0abcc7140839","is_open_access":true,"citations":63,"published_at":"","score":66.89}],"total":30043214,"page":1,"page_size":20,"sources":["DOAJ","Semantic Scholar","CrossRef"],"query":"Labor systems"}