bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigations of Performance of Mini-Channel Condensers and Evaporators for Propane
Authors: Butrymowicz Dariusz , Śmierciew Kamil , Gagan Jerzy , Dudar Adam , Łukaszuk Michał , Zou Huiming , Łapiński Adam
Published: November 2022

This paper provides the results of experimental investigations of the exemplary mini-channel heat exchanger in its application as a condenser and an evaporator in a compressor refrigeration system with propane as a working fluid. The aim of the investigations was to identify the mean heat transfer coefficient of the refrigerant side for the entire operating range of the tested heat exchanger. The experiments covered a mass velocity range from 50 to 160 kg/(m2 × s). The experiments covered a range of liquid subcooling in the condenser from 3 to 15 K and a range of vapour superheating at the outlet of the evaporator from 3 up to 15 K. The experiments on the condenser were conducted at the saturation temperature of 34 °C, and in the case of the evaporator, at the saturation temperature of 8 °C. The average heat transfer coefficients as well as pressure drops in the case of the operation of the tested heat exchanger as an evaporator and condenser were calculated. The heat transfer coefficient was calculated by means of the separated thermal resistance method with the application of the Wilson plot technique. The experiments confirmed the increase in the heat transfer coefficient with the increase in the refrigerant mass flow rate for the tested mini-channel heat exchanger. A dimensionless correlation was proposed for the pressure drop based on the modified Müller-Steinhagen correlation in the case of the operation of the mini-channel heat exchanger as a condenser and as an evaporator.
How Job Characteristics Influence Healthcare Workers’ Happiness: A Serial Mediation Path Based on Autonomous Motivation and Adaptive Performance
Authors: Junça-Silva Ana , Menino Catarina
Published: November 2022

Self-determination theory suggests that motivation is multidimensional; as such, there are various dimensions ranging from autonomous (i.e., intrinsic) to more controlled forms (extrinsic) of motivation. While intrinsic motivation appears to be positively related to an individual’s optimal functioning (e.g., happiness and performance), extrinsic motivation appears to be less beneficial. Furthermore, motivation is strongly determined by the context (e.g., job characteristics, such as autonomy). Although the relationship between job characteristics and workers’ motivation has been demonstrated, how it impacts performance and happiness is still to be unpacked. Moreover, it is relevant to analyze such models within healthcare workers; their work is emotionally and psychologically demanding, hence, understanding what drives their intrinsic motivation is of crucial importance. Thereby, the aim of the study was to analyze the mediating role of intrinsic motivation and adaptive performance on the relationship between job characteristics and happiness. Based on the job characteristics model, we proposed a serial path from motivating job characteristics (autonomy, feedback, variety, meaning, and task identity) to healthcare workers’ happiness via intrinsic motivation and adaptive performance, which was justified using the self-determination theory. We also argue that this path would not be significant for extrinsic motivation. We gathered data from 290 healthcare workers from a nursing home. The data were collected at three time points. The results support our hypotheses by demonstrating that all job motivating characteristics (autonomy, feedback, variety, meaning, and task identity) predicted healthcare workers’ happiness by enhancing their intrinsic motivation and leading to better adaptive performances. The results are not significant for extrinsic motivation; that is, the serial mediating path was not significant when extrinsic motivation was analyzed. The findings highlight the need for managers to focus on work design, in a way to promote certain job motivating characteristics (e.g., autonomy), to improve healthcare workers’ motivation, which leads them to achieve greater performances and, consequently, be happier. The study highlights that when healthcare workers have a job that provides them autonomy and regular feedback, with meaningful and varied tasks to which they feel a sense of identification, they tend to feel intrinsically motivated in their work, promoting higher adaptability to daily challenges, and, as a result, leaves them happier. The role of motivation and performance in the happiness of employees in a healthcare setting.
Enhancing Bread Quality and Shelf Life via Glucose Oxidase Immobilized on Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles—A Sustainable Approach towards Food Safety
Authors: Khan Jahangir , Khurshid Shazia , Sarwar Abid , Aziz Tariq , Naveed Muhammad , Ali Urooj , Makhdoom Syeda Izma , Nadeem Abad Ali , Khan Ayaz Ali , Sameeh Manal Y. , Alharbi Amnah A. , Filimban Faten Zubair , Rusu Alexandru Vasile , Göksen Gülden , Trif Monica
Published: November 2022

The foremost wastage of bakery products which mainly disturbs the food supply chain, especially in remote areas, is fungal growth. Good quality bread, especially with good height and volume, is the demand of every customer. Here, we aimed to develop a unique antimicrobial approach for the enhancement of the quality aspects and longevity of bread, using the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide in bread, the glucose oxidase (GOx) bioactivity, and oxidation of thiol protein bonds, which greatly enhance dough rheology, volume, and height by providing structural stability to the bread. An Aspergillus niger-purified enzyme was immobilized on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and afterwards immersed in a buffered solution to create a mixture of GOx/ZnONPs. Analyses conducted after localization revealed that the immobilized enzyme was more active than the mobilized enzyme. GOx/ZnONPs were employed in the mixing process of bread production. The treated and control groups were evaluated for dough rheology and quality metrics including bread height and volume and storage at ambient temperature and conditions to determine shelf life by demonstrating fungal growth. In addition, antimicrobial activity was evaluated by measuring the microbiological load in terms of colony-forming units. Contrary to the control, the use of GOx/ZnONPs significantly improved bread quality, particularly bread height by 34.4%, crumb color, and volume by 30%. The shelf life of bread treated with GOx/ZnONPs was greatly extended, and the microbiological load, including yeast and mold, and total bacterial count were much lower in the GOx/ZnONPs treatment group than in the control group.
Human Resource Management in Sustainable Development
Authors: Sukalova Viera , Stofkova Zuzana , Stofkova Jana
Published: November 2022

The article deals with human resource management and selected personnel indicators in sustainable development. The main goal of this paper is to analyse and describe human resource management, focused on the audit of workload, the motivation of employees, the competence of staff, their knowledge and experience. The article shows how the selected personnel variables are investigated in selected establishments of a multinational company in Slovakia, as an attractive employer interested in the growth of its employees, thus employer branding. For the research methods, a case study methodology is used. Data collection was carried out through a study of the employees’ performance and through a survey with employees in the company, as well as an interview with the sale advisors and managers. The research aimed to point out a case study of the investigation of the selected personnel indicators in human resources management in a selected company and to examine the perception of the performance of the employees in connection with their financial evaluation and their satisfaction within the selected company and the impact on the employees’ performance. Furthermore, the research aimed to determine whether there was a dependence between the subjectively perceived performance of the employees and the selected aspects using the statistical SPSS program. Further indicators were calculated, such as workload, proportion of wasted time and labour productivity.
The Effect of Apparent and Intellectual Sustainability Independence on the Credibility Gap of the Accounting Information
Authors: Hamdallah Madher E. , Al-N’eimat Salem , Srouji Anan F. , Al-Okaily Manaf , Albitar Khaldoon
Published: November 2022

This study aims to recognize the sustainability independence of the Jordanian Association of Certified Public Accountants (JACPA/JCPA) and its impact on the credibility gap of the accounting information of companies operating in Jordan. This study demonstrates the effects of the apparent and intellectual sustainability independence on the credibility gap of accounting information. A total of 93 online questionnaires were analyzed using multiple regressions. The results revealed an impact of the apparent independence of the JCPA on the quality of the information credibility gap related to service fees, and no statistically significant impact for both consulting and accounting service fees was found. This study also concludes research regarding the impact of intellectual independence of the JCPA on the information credibility gap regarding the code of professional ethics and the commitment of auditing offices to their customers.
Spatial Lifestyle Clusters and Access to the City: Evidence from the Stockholm Region
Authors: Adolphson Marcus
Published: November 2022

This paper analyses the distribution of social infrastructure (accessibility to services and job opportunities) in a perspective of spatial lifestyle stratification in the Stockholm region. The study is based on a questionnaire completed by 1160 respondents, capturing individual data on attitudes, lifestyles and demography, and urban morphological qualities developed from high resolution register data. The spatial social stratification is based on a spatial cluster analysis on six lifestyles: highly success-oriented; success-oriented with high work ethics; conscious young and elder; people with weak motivations; designers; and middle-class bourgeois. They are spatially distributed in eight overlapping spatial clusters, namely: highly success-oriented and socially mixed central inner city; designers’ inner suburbia; socially mixed inner suburbia; middle-class bourgeois suburbia; highly success-oriented suburbia; conscious young-elder suburbia; socially mixed exurbia; and socially mixed rurality. It turns out that people characterized by weak motivation lifestyle (low income, low education level, not success oriented, etc.) are the most negatively affected lifestyle cluster concerning accessibility to jobs and service. A total of 45% of the ‘weak motivation lifestyle’ respondents reside in ‘socially mixed exurbia’ and ‘socially mixed rurality’. They experience less than 20% of social infrastructure compared to, in this respect, the most privileged spatial lifestyle cluster, the ‘highly success-oriented and socially mixed central inner city’ cluster. Still, surprisingly, this ‘weak motivation’ lifestyle is also concentrated in the ‘socially mixed inner suburbia’ cluster. One reason for this dual spatial concentration might be the Swedish rental policy, linked to residential use-values and a queuing system, instead of exchange values. This policy allows for a complex spatial social stratification influenced by a range of factors (lifestyle and attitudes among others), and not merely income.
Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability
Authors: Shoyama Kikuko , Dasgupta Rajarshi , Estoque Ronald C.
Published: November 2022

This Special Issue focuses on qualitative and quantitative analyses of ecosystem services (ESs) specifically toward sustainability in Asia [...]
Decision-Making Framework for Sustainable Construction Products Selection in SMEs
Authors: Sivasubramanian Dharmaraj , Lee Jin Gang
Published: November 2022

In the construction industry, decision-making plays an important role in achieving sustainability. Decision-making processes have significantly expanded to consider detailed product information when selecting sustainable alternatives in order to make more accurate choices; however, it has also turned out to be a barrier due to the knowledge intensiveness of the process and unreliable product information, especially in SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). This research focuses on developing a simple decision-making framework for selecting sustainable products as alternatives. The proposed framework is developed with analysis of two transparent factors: (1) life cycle cost and (2) technology growth rate. A decision-making model also provides a visual comparison of the alternatives in consideration with quadrant model. The resulting framework provides a distinct anticipated outcome description for each product considered; thus, enabling the decision-makers to identify and choose the most suitable alternative. The framework is expected to influence the spread of sustainable products in SMEs.
Study on the Evolution and Trends of Agricultural Carbon Emission Intensity and Agricultural Economic Development Levels—Evidence from Jiangxi Province
Authors: Liu Xieqihua , Ye Yongmei , Ge Dongdong , Wang Zhen , Liu Bin
Published: November 2022

The study of the evolutionary patterns and trends of agricultural carbon emission intensity and agricultural economic development levels plays an important role in promoting the green and low-carbon sustainable development of agriculture. This paper adopts the carbon emission factor method to measure the agricultural carbon emissions in Jiangxi Province from 2001 to 2020, uses the LMDI decomposition method to explore the drivers of carbon emissions, and further analyzes the coupling relationship between agricultural carbon emissions and the agricultural economy using the Tapio decoupling model, based on which a GM (1,1) model is used to forecast the agricultural carbon emissions in Jiangxi Province from 2001 to 2015. According to the research results, agricultural carbon emissions in Jiangxi Province show a trend of “rising and then falling”, with the intensity decreasing; the level of economic development is the main factor that increases carbon emissions, while the efficiency of agricultural production, the size of the labor force, and the structure of agricultural production have positive effects in terms of reducing carbon emissions. How to reduce carbon emissions while promoting agricultural economic development is an issue that remains to be addressed in the future. Further analysis found that the decoupling states of Jiangxi Province from 2001 to 2009 switched between strong decoupling and weak decoupling, with weak decoupling dominating the years 2010–2015 and strong decoupling dominating from 2016 onwards. With the continuous promotion of carbon emission reduction, agricultural carbon emissions in Jiangxi Province will continue to show a decreasing trend over the next five years. Three policy recommendations are put forth in order to advance the effort to reduce agricultural carbon emissions in Jiangxi Province: cultivating high-quality and low-carbon rice varieties, switching to green agricultural production, and coordinating the connection between economic growth and agricultural carbon emissions.
Innovative Phosphate Fertilizer Technologies to Improve Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Agriculture
Authors: Guelfi Douglas , Nunes Ana Paula Pereira , Sarkis Leonardo Fernandes , Oliveira Damiany Pádua
Published: November 2022

The main discoveries and advances in the development of industrial processes for the most commercially used phosphate fertilizers in the world (single superphosphate, triple superphosphate, monoammonium phosphate, and diammonium phosphate) occurred from 1830 to 1970, followed by improvements and investments to expand worldwide production capacity. A main opportunity now is aggregating new technologies to conventional phosphate fertilizers so they may become even more efficient in supplying P to plants, which involves research related to the technologies for reduction in soil P losses. Thus, some innovations and technologies have begun to be developed and marketed and continue in continual refinement and adoption in agriculture worldwide to reduce conversion of soluble P applied through conventional phosphate fertilizers into unavailable forms in the soil. This is the case of enhanced efficiency fertilizers, which includes groups of phosphate fertilizers with fixation inhibitors and the chemically modified, controlled-release, blends, multifunctional, and synergistic phosphate fertilizers. The technologies presented in detail in this paper were developed to improve the agronomic efficiency of phosphate fertilization in comparison with conventional fertilizers, with costs varying according to raw materials, production technologies, and distance from the consumer market. This synthesis expands knowledge regarding technologies in use, stimulating the development and application of technologies that increase nutrient efficiency, based on results obtained through suitable methods and equipment along with laboratory, greenhouse, and field results. Increased fertilization efficiency should always be linked with greater economic profitability and the lowest environmental impact, following the principles of sustainability and circular economy. The great challenge for innovation is transforming the knowledge generated regarding fertilizers present in patents and scientific publications into technologies appropriate for the fertilizer market and for adoption in agriculture.
Characteristics of Basalt Macro-Fiber Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Shoaib Shahrukh , El-Maaddawy Tamer , El-Hassan Hilal , El-Ariss Bilal , Alsalami Marwa
Published: November 2022

This study aims to examine the impact of using basalt macro-fibers (BMF) on characteristics of concrete made with recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). Test variables included the initial concrete grade (normal- and high-strength concrete (NSC and HSC)), RCA replacement percentage (30 and 60%), and BMF volume fraction (νf = 0.5 to 1.5%). The compressive strength reduction in the plain concrete caused by RCA was sensitive to the RCA replacement percentage rather than the initial concrete grade. The splitting and flexural strength reductions of the plain HSC caused by RCA were more significant than those of their NSC counterparts. The use of BMF compromised the concrete workability. Such a detrimental effect increased with the BMF content and was more pronounced for the HSC with 60% RCA. Reinforcing of RCA-based concrete with BMF tended to improve the mechanical properties. In some instances, the use of BMF at νf > 1% caused a decay in the strength gain. The addition of BMF to RCA-based concrete had a potential to fully restore the original splitting and flexural strengths of plain concrete mixtures made with natural aggregates (NA). The increase in the compressive strength of the RCA-based concrete caused by BMF was, however, not sufficient to fully restore the original strength of the NA-based plain concrete. The resistances to water penetration and abrasion of the RCA-based concrete improved by up to 17% and 47%, respectively, due to the addition of BMF. Idealized tensile softening laws were established for RCA-based concrete reinforced with BMF.
AI in E-Commerce: Application of the Use and Gratification Model to The Acceptance of Chatbots
Authors: Marjerison Rob Kim , Zhang Youran , Zheng Hanyi
Published: November 2022

This study applies and builds on the Use and Gratification (U&G) theory to explore consumer acceptance of applied artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of Chatbots in online shopping in China. Data were gathered via an anonymous online survey from 540 respondents who self-identified as frequent online shoppers and are familiar with Chatbots. The results of the data analysis provide empirical evidence indicating that utilitarian factors such as the “authenticity of conversation” and “convenience”, as well as hedonic factors such as “perceived enjoyment”, result in users having a positive attitude towards Chatbots. However, privacy issues and the immaturity of technology have had a negative impact on acceptance. This paper provides both theoretical and practical insights into Chinese attitudes toward Chatbots and may be of interest to e-commerce researchers, practitioners, and U&G theorists.
Investigation of Coupling Effects of Wave, Current, and Wind on a Pile Foundation
Authors: Tu Zhibin , Yao Jianfeng , Huang Mingfeng , Lou Wenjuan
Published: November 2022

To investigate the coupling effects of wave–wind, wave–current, and wave–current–wind on a pile foundation of a marine structure, harbor basin tests on loads induced by single and combined action of wave, current, and wind were conducted. The time histories, power spectrums, and characteristic values of drag forces in the test conditions were compared. Then, the coupling coefficients were calculated based on the characteristic values to quantitively evaluate the coupling effects. The influence of natural vibration of the pile on the characteristic values and coupling effects were studied by comparing the test loads between rigid and elastic models. The results show that the shapes of power spectrums of drag forces and their peak frequencies in the wave-involved conditions are similar to the spectrum of incident wave, which means that the steady current and uniform wind cannot change the frequency distribution of incident random wave. Although the drag forces of rigid and elastic model under wave–wind, wave–current, and wave–current–wind are not the linear superposition of corresponding single field, the coupling effects among them are quite weak as the coupling coefficients are small. It is speculated that the weak wave–wind coupling effect may be because, firstly, the interaction of wave and wind is limited to the zone near the water surface, which is far less than the height of the model; secondly, the wave-induced load is dominant compared to wind and current. The loads in test conditions of elastic model are similar to the rigid model; for that, the model’s natural frequency is far away from the peak spectral frequency of incident wave, having little influence on the drag force.
An Analysis of Urban Block Initiatives Influencing Energy Consumption and Solar Energy Absorption
Authors: Dwijendra Ngakan Ketut Acwin , Rahardja Untung , Kumar Narukullapati Bharath , Patra Indrajit , Zahra Musaddak Maher Abdul , Finogenova Yulia , Guerrero John William Grimaldo , Izzat Samar Emad , Alawsi Taif
Published: November 2022

Population growth and urbanization cause developing-country cities to create energy-intensive buildings. Building energy efficiency can be improved through active and passive solar design to reduce energy consumption, increase equipment efficiency, and utilize renewable energy, converting renewable energy into thermal energy or electricity. In this study, passive architecture was evaluated for both urban block and building energy usage. When reliable information and analysis of signs and parameters impacting energy consumption are available, designers and architects can evaluate and passively design a building with higher precision and an accurate picture of its energy consumption in the early stages of the design process. This article compares the location of Baku’s building mass to six climate-related scenarios. Three methodologies are used to determine how much solar energy the models utilize and the difference between annual heating and cooling energy consumption. The structure’s rotation has little effect on the energy utilized in most forms. Only east-west linear designs employ 6 to 4 kWh/m2 of area and are common. Most important is the building’s increased energy consumption, which can take several forms. The building’s westward rotation may be its most important feature. Any westward revolution requires more energy. Building collections together offers many benefits, including the attention designers and investors provide to all places. Having an integrated collection and a sense of community affects inhabitants’ later connections. Dictionary and encyclopedia entries include typology discoveries. These findings will inform future research and investigations. An architect must know a variety of qualities and organizations to define and segregate the environment because architecture relies heavily on the environment. This research involves analyzing the current situation to gain knowledge for future estimations. The present will determine the future.
Research on Leakage Mechanism of Underwater Shield Tunnels with Different Soil Layers during Operation Period
Authors: Shen Yang , Zhang Ting , Liu Hongtao , Zhu Jiahui , Yang Pengyu , Wang Yuke
Published: November 2022

Different soil layer properties have great influence on tunnel leakage. In this paper, the finite element software is used to analyze the homogeneous leakage model of different soil layers and different degrees of lining deterioration. The working conditions of different soil layer properties and different degrees of lining deterioration are established by means of soil layer permeability coefficient and lining permeability coefficient, and the law of tunnel leakage under each working condition is analyzed. This paper innovatively explores the relationship between the severity of tunnel seepage caused by different lining deterioration and the soil layer properties of the tunnel. Finally, by comparing the field survey data of Dinghuaimen with the leakage law and mechanism summarized by the model, the reliability and feasibility of the model method to explore the leakage mechanism are verified. The model test results are consistent with the project survey data. In this paper, the seepage law and mechanism of underwater shield tunnel are explored and the result shows: (1) The leakage laws and stress distribution laws of a single homogeneous soil layer with different strata properties are similar. The flow velocity in the lower half of the tunnel lining is greater than the upper half, and the maximum velocity occurs at the arch foot; the velocity inside the lining is much smaller than that inside the soil layer. The maximum absolute value of the axial stress of the lining occurs at the arch waist on the left and right sides, and the minimum values of the axial stress of absolute values all occur at the dome. (2) The leakage of underwater tunnels is related to the properties of soil layers. The larger the soil permeability coefficient is, the more serious the deterioration of the tunnel lining will be, and the more serious the tunnel leakage will be. (3) The leakage of complex strata follows the law of leakage in a single homogeneous stratum. The leakage of the tunnel is the most serious in the fine sand layer with the largest permeability coefficient. Moreover, when the seepage phenomenon occurs, the water flow tends to seep along the fine sand layer to the tunnel.
Living Learning Communities as Climate Change Pedagogy: Understanding the Impact of the Sustainable Living Experience on Climate Change Leadership among First Year Students
Authors: Canosa Emily , Trumpey Joseph , Espinoza Bardales Luis M. , Cardoza Jacqueline
Published: November 2022

This study sought to understand the relationship of environmentally-themed Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) with aspects of Climate Change Leadership (CCL) among first-year college students. Two years of survey data were used to assess changes in CCL among students at the University of Michigan, including participants in an RLC known as the Sustainable Living Experience (SLE), neighboring residents, and students in other residence halls. Results showed greater increases in likelihood of reporting positive CCL outcomes for SLE participants, and in many cases also for neighboring students. These effects were often greater for SLE participants who are also underrepresented minority students. Findings indicated that the presence of an environmentally-themed RLC may be related to the development of CCL for neighboring students in addition to program participants. The study also observed campus-wide positive effects on several CCL outcomes after the first year of college, indicating that the campus environment and infrastructure itself can also be leveraged in support of student CCL outcomes.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution and Driving Forces of Cultivated Land Based on the PLUS Model: A Case Study of Haikou City, 1980–2020
Authors: Lin Xiaofu , Fu Hui
Published: November 2022

The security of cultivated land is the foundation for stable social and economic development. In recent years, with rapid economic development, urbanization around the world has been accelerating. The demand for urban construction expansion is increasing day by day and lands used for cultivation are being infiltrated by construction, posing a serious threat to food security. This study used the land-use data from Haikou City in 1980, 2000, 2010 and 2020, to generate a transfer matrix, kernel density analysis and landscape pattern index to analyze the spatial-temporal evolution of cultivated land in Haikou. The PLUS model was used to explore potential factors driving land-use evolution. Results show that cultivated land in Haikou was continuously lost from 1980 to 2020 and the area of cultivated land decreased by 7020.58 ha. Loss was most significant during 2010–2020 when cultivated land ascended into construction land in the northern region of the city. Spatial distribution of cultivated land in Haikou is generally characterized by “dense in the southwest and sparse in the northwest”, and the spatial density of cultivated land in the northwest continuously decreased from 1980 to 2020. In the past 40 years, the degree of spatial aggregation for cultivated land in Haikou has decreased and the degree of fragmentation has increased. The primary factors driving changes in spatial-temporal patterns over the past 40 years has been the distance from roads and high-speed railways and the distance from water. During the 40-year timespan, Haikou continued to lose cultivated land areas due to the interaction of social and natural factors such as road traffic and water resources. The juxtaposition between the demand for urban construction lands and the protection of cultivated land has become increasingly evident. Due to the threat cultivated lands are facing in the northern area of Haikou, we suggest future expansion of construction development land should be strictly controlled.
Requirements for the Preliminary Design of Innovative Temporary Edge Protection Systems (TEPS) for Construction Works
Authors: Yamuza-González Félix , Pastor-Fernández Andrés , Cerezo-Narváez Alberto , Otero-Mateo Manuel
Published: November 2022

At present, it is striking that a large percentage of occupational accidents in the construction sector are still caused by falls from height. Therefore, curbing the severe personal, social and economic consequences of these events is not only a commitment but an obligation for all stakeholders in the construction sector. After a review of current fall protection systems on construction sites, the purpose of this study is to establish the preliminary requirements for the design, development and prototyping of a new system which can be used as an auxiliary means to prevent occupational accidents in the construction sector caused by fall hazards at height. Based on the design science research (DSR) methodology, this paper tests the capability of alternative materials (metals, plastics and composites) to withstand the loads required by the regulatory standard UNE-EN 13374:2013+A1:2019 and looks at the improvements they can offer. The results obtained enable new metals and composite materials to be put forward, based on their suitability to the parameters of the risks of falling from height, ensuring that the greatest number of potential situations are addressed. Then, the needs to be satisfied and requirements to be met are listed, prioritised and considered for new temporary edge protection systems (TEPS). Next, the attributes that increase user satisfaction and/or reduce user dissatisfaction are filtered by means of a Kano model, which is applied thanks to the responses of construction designers, coordinators and supervisors. Once these questions are solved, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is performed by a focus group, weighing the Kano contributions and ranking the materials to be selected for the preliminary design of innovative TEPS for construction works. After considering safety, ergonomics, adaptability, sustainability, efficiency, manufacturability and flexibility criteria, the basis for the design of a new temporary edge protection system is established.
The Effects of Job Demands and Job Resources on Miners’ Unsafe Behavior—The Mediating and Moderating Role of a Sense of Calling
Authors: Niu Lixia , Li Xiaotong , Li Xiaomeng , Liu Jie
Published: November 2022

With the advancement of digital technology, coal mining has gradually become technologically intelligent, but the incidence of coal-mine accidents caused by personal unsafe behavior is still very high. To explore the mechanisms of the significant effects of a sense of calling on miners’ unsafe behavior, based on the job demands–resources (JD–R) model and from the perspective of resource-conservation theory, an empirical test was conducted in two stages with a sample of 660 miners from 6 coal-mining enterprises in China. Job demands and job resources were selected as the independent variables and sense of calling was selected as the mediating and moderating variable. The results showed that job demands had a positive effect on unsafe behavior; a sense of calling weakened the relationship between job demands and unsafe behavior; job resources had a negative effect on unsafe behavior; and a sense of calling partially mediated the relationship between job demands and unsafe behavior. Based on the JD–R model, this study systematically analyzed the occurrence mechanism of unsafe behavior and the effects of a sense of calling on such behavior. It provides practical significance for the management directions of enterprise managers.
Spatial Heterogeneity of the Recovery of Road Traffic Volume from the Impact of COVID-19: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhao Shenghao , Peng Chaonan , Gong Xianming
Published: November 2022

The impact of COVID-19 on traffic volume makes it essential to study the spatial heterogeneity and impact mechanisms of the recovery of road traffic volume to promote the sustainability of related industries. As the research method, this study used a principal component analysis to evaluate the recovery of road traffic volume in China quantitatively, and further conducted an empirical study using a spatial autocorrelation index and a dynamic spatial panel model. The results show that income has a negative impact on the recovery of road traffic volume, while climate suitability has a positive impact. Economic development and COVID-19 can play moderating and mediating effects, respectively. From the aspect of spatial heterogeneity, the recovery of road traffic volume has a positive spatial spillover effect on the surrounding provinces, while the spread of COVID-19 has a negative short-term indirect spatial spillover effect. Corresponding practical insights are provided for the stakeholders based on the above findings. The results of this study will contribute to the development of effective policies to facilitate the recovery of road traffic volume from the impact of COVID-19 and the revitalization of the transportation industry.
Preface to the Special Issue “Natural and Human-Made Hazards Impacts on Urban Areas and Infrastructure”
Authors: Bostenaru Dan Maria , Petrova Elena
Published: November 2022

Hazards, all the way up to disasters, in urban areas can be approached in various ways, but by far the most suitable way of examining them is that of focusing on their impact [...]
Manta Ray Foraging Optimization with Transfer Learning Driven Facial Emotion Recognition
Authors: Mustafa Hilal Anwer , Elkamchouchi Dalia H. , Alotaibi Saud S. , Maray Mohammed , Othman Mahmoud , Abdelmageed Amgad Atta , Zamani Abu Sarwar , Eldesouki Mohamed I.
Published: November 2022

Recently, facial expression-based emotion recognition techniques obtained excellent outcomes in several real-time applications such as healthcare, surveillance, etc. Machine-learning (ML) and deep-learning (DL) approaches can be widely employed for facial image analysis and emotion recognition problems. Therefore, this study develops a Transfer Learning Driven Facial Emotion Recognition for Advanced Driver Assistance System (TLDFER-ADAS) technique. The TLDFER-ADAS technique helps proper driving and determines the different types of drivers’ emotions. The TLDFER-ADAS technique initially performs contrast enhancement procedures to enhance image quality. In the TLDFER-ADAS technique, the Xception model was applied to derive feature vectors. For driver emotion classification, manta ray foraging optimization (MRFO) with the quantum dot neural network (QDNN) model was exploited in this work. The experimental result analysis of the TLDFER-ADAS technique was performed on FER-2013 and CK+ datasets. The comparison study demonstrated the promising performance of the proposed model, with maximum accuracy of 99.31% and 99.29% on FER-2013 and CK+ datasets, respectively.
A Method Converting Multi-Properties Objective Reachability Problems to Multi-Objective Sets Reachability Problems over FKS
Authors: Li Zhaokai , Ma Zhanyou , Li Xia , Gao Yingnan
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we focus on the symmetrical relationship between multi-properties objective reachability problems and multi-objective sets reachability problems over FKS based on Zadeh logic. First, we give the formal definitions of those two problems. Then, we study their relationships and find that a multi-properties objective reachability problem and a special case of multi-objective sets reachability problems have symmetry. Finally, we give a polynomial time algorithm based on this symmetry to convert a multi-properties objective reachability problem to a multi-objective sets reachability problem. In addition, an illustrative example is listed to express some possible application methods based on our work.
Controlling Problem within a Class of Two-Level Positive Maps
Authors: Mukhamedov Farrukh , Qaralleh Izzat
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to define the set of unital positive maps on M2(C) by means of quantum Lotka–Volterra operators which are quantum analogues of the classical Lotka–Volterra operators. Furthermore, a quantum control problem within the class of quantum Lotka–Volterra operators are studied. The proposed approach will lead to the understanding of the behavior of the classical Lotka–Volterra systems within a quantum framework.
An Asymmetric Polling-Based Optimization Model in a Dynamic Order Picking System
Authors: Yang Dan , Liu Sen , Zhang Zhe
Published: November 2022

The timeliness of order deliveries seriously impacts customers’ evaluation of logistics services and, hence, has increasingly received attention. Due to the diverse and large quantities of orders under the background of electronic commerce, how to pick orders efficiently while also adapting these features has become one of the most challenging problems for distribution centers. However, previous studies have not accounted for the differences in the stochastic characteristics of order generation, which may lead to asymmetric optimization problems. With this in mind, a new asymmetric polling-based model that assumes the varying stochastic characteristics to analyze such order picking systems is put forward. In addition, two important indicators of the system, mean queue length (MQL) and mean waiting time (MWT), are derived by using probability-generating functions and the embedded Markov chain. Then, simulation experiments and a comparison of the numerical and theoretical results are conducted, showing the usefulness and practicalities of the proposed model. Finally, the paper discusses the characteristics of the novel order picking system and the influence of the MQL and MWT on it.
Speech Enhancement Model Synthesis Based on Federal Learning for Industrial CPS in Multiple Noise Conditions
Authors: Wang Kunpeng , Lu Wenjing , Zhou Hao , Yao Juan
Published: November 2022

Real-time acquisition of industrial production data and rapid response to changes in the external environment are key to ensuring the symmetry of a CPS. However, during industrial production, the collected data are inevitably disturbed by environmental noise, which has a huge impact on the subsequent data processing of a CPS. The types of noise vary greatly in different work scenarios in a factory. Meanwhile, barriers such as data privacy protection and copyright restrictions create great difficulties for model synthesis in the information space. A speech enhancement model with teacher–student architecture based on federal knowledge distillation is proposed to alleviate this problem. (1) We pre-train teacher models under different noise conditions to create multiple teacher models with symmetry and excelling in the suppression of a priori noise. (2) We construct a symmetric model–student model of the physical space of the teacher model trained on public data and transfer the knowledge of the teacher model to the student model. The student model can suppress multiple types of noise. Notably, with the TIMIT dataset and the NoiseX92 noise set, the accuracy of the proposed method improved by an average of 1.00% over the randomly specified teacher method in the PESQ metric and 0.17% for STOI.
Mathematical Analysis of an SIVRWS Model for Pertussis with Waning and Naturally Boosted Immunity
Authors: Safan Muntaser , Barley Kamal , Elhaddad Mohamed M. , Darwish Mohamed A. , Saker Samir H.
Published: November 2022

This work aims mainly to study the controllability of pertussis infection in the presence of waning and natural booster of pertussis immunity and to study their impact on the overall dynamics and disease outcomes. Therefore, an SIVRWS (Susceptible-Infected-Vaccinated-Recovered-Waned-Susceptible) model for pertussis infection spread in a demographically stationary, homogeneous, and fully symmetric mixing population is introduced. The model has been mathematically analyzed, where both equilibrium and stability analyses have been established, and uniform persistence of the model has been shown. The conditions on model parameters that ensure effective control of the infection have been derived. The effects of the interplay between waning and boosting pertussis immunity by re-exposure to Bordetella pertussis and vaccination on the dynamics have been investigated. The analytical results have been numerically confirmed and explained. The analysis reveals that ignoring the natural booster of immunity overestimates the endemic prevalence of the infection. Moreover, ignoring the differential susceptibility between secondary and primary susceptible individuals overestimates the critical vaccination coverage required to eliminate the infection. Moreover, the shorter the period of immunity acquired by either vaccination or experiencing natural infection, the higher the reproduction number and the endemic prevalence of infection, and therefore, the higher the effort needed to eliminate the infection.
Deep Learning-Based Community Detection Approach on Bitcoin Network
Authors: Essaid Meryam , Ju Hongteak
Published: November 2022

Community detection is essential in P2P network analysis as it helps identify connectivity structure, undesired centralization, and influential nodes. Existing methods primarily utilize topological data and neglect the rich content data. This paper proposes a technique combining topological and content data to detect communities inside the Bitcoin network using a deep feature representation algorithm and Deep Feedforward Autoencoders. Our results show that the Bitcoin network has a higher clustering coefficient, assortativity coefficient, and community structure than expected from a random P2P network. In the Bitcoin network, nodes prefer to connect to other nodes that share the same characteristics.
Flavor Classification/Categorization and Differential Toxicity of Oral Nicotine Pouches (ONPs) in Oral Gingival Epithelial Cells and Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Shaikh Sadiya , Tung Wai , Pang Cortney , Lucas Joseph , Li Dongmei , Rahman Irfan
Published: November 2022

Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) are a modern form of smokeless tobacco products sold by several brands in the U.S., which comprise a significant portion of non-combustible nicotine-containing product (NCNP) sales to date. ONPs are available in various flavors and may contain either tobacco-derived nicotine (TDN) or tobacco-free nicotine (TFN). The growth in popularity of these products has raised concerns that flavored ONPs may cause adverse oral health effects and promote systemic toxic effects due to nicotine and other ONP by-products being absorbed into the circulatory system through oral mucosa. We hypothesized that flavored ONPs are unsafe and likely to cause oral and pulmonary inflammation in oral and respiratory epithelial cells. Before analyzing the effects of ONPs, we first classified ONPs sold in the U.S. based on their flavor and the flavor category to which they belonged using a wheel diagram. Human gingival epithelial cells (HGEP) were treated with flavored ONP extracts of tobacco (original, smooth), menthol (wintergreen and cool cider), and fruit flavor (americana and citrus), each from the TDN and TFN groups. The levels of ONP-induced inflammatory cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) by ELISA, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by CellRox Green, and cytotoxicity by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay in HGEP cells were assessed. Flavored ONP extracts elicited differential toxicities in a dose- and extract-dependent manner in HGEP cells 24 h post-treatment. Both fruit TDN and TFN extracts resulted in the greatest cytotoxicity. Tobacco- and fruit-flavored, but not menthol-flavored, ONPs resulted in increased ROS production 4 h post-treatment. Flavored ONPs led to differential cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) which varied by flavor (menthol, tobacco, or fruit) and nicotine (TDN vs. TFN) 24 h post-treatment. Menthol-flavored ONPs led to the most significant TNF-α release; fruit TFN resulted in the most significant IL-6 release; and fruit TDN and tobacco TFN led to the highest release of IL-8. Subsequently, human bronchial epithelial cells (16-HBE and BEAS-2B) were also treated with flavored ONP extracts, and similar assays were evaluated. Here, the lowest concentration treatments displayed increased cytotoxicity. The most striking response was observed among cells treated with spearmint and tobacco flavored ONPs. Our data suggest that flavored ONPs are unsafe and likely to cause systemic and local toxicological responses during chronic usage.