bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochars and Engineered Biochars for Water and Soil Remediation: A Review
Authors: Islam Tariqul , Li Yanliang , Cheng Hefa
Published: September 2021

Biochars (BCs) are considered as ecofriendly and multifunctional materials with significant potential for remediation of contaminated water and soils, while engineered biochars (E-BCs) with enlarged surface areas and abundant surface functional groups can perform even better in environmental remediation. This review systematically summarizes the key physical and chemical properties of BCs that affect their pollutant sorption capacities, major methods employed for modification of E-BCs, the performance of BCs/E-BCs in removing major types of organic (e.g., antibiotics and pesticides) and inorganic pollutants (e.g., heavy metals), and the corresponding removal mechanisms. The physical and chemical properties of BCs—such as ash or mineral contents, aromaticity, surface structures, pH, and surface functional groups (e.g., C=O, -COOH, -OH, and -NH2)—depend primarily on their feedstock sources (i.e., plant, sludge, or fecal) and the pyrolysis temperature. Ion exchange, precipitation, electrostatic attraction, and complexation are the main mechanisms involved in the adsorption of inorganic pollutants on BCs/E-BCs, whereas hydrogen bonding, pore filling, electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic interaction, and van der Waals forces are the major driving forces for the uptake of organic pollutants. Despite their significant promises, more pilot and field scale investigations are necessary to demonstrate the practical applicability and viability of BCs/E-BCs in water and soil remediation.
Globalization and GHG Emissions in the EU: Do We Need a New Development Paradigm?
Authors: Vlahinić Lenz Nela , Fajdetić Barbara
Published: September 2021

The European Union (EU) has adopted a new development strategy based on “green” growth and announced carbon neutrality by 2050. Still, the EU’s previous development path was mainly based on trade openness and globalization, with positive economic and negative climate impacts. The aim of this paper was to test the hypothesis of globalization-induced carbon emissions in order to evaluate a possible future development path. The Arellano–Bond estimator was employed for dynamic panel analysis in 26 EU countries over the period 2000–2018. A significant and positive relationship was found between economic globalization and passenger mobility and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while environmental taxes can correct the negative climate effect. On the other hand, social and political dimensions of globalization reduce negative climate impacts. To achieve net zero emissions, the EU needs to continue its global climate leadership, extend the use of environmental taxes, and stimulate economic growth based on low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen, energy storage, and CCUS.
Leveraging Smart and Sustainable Development via International Events: Insights from Bento Gonçalves Knowledge Cities World Summit
Authors: Michelam Larissa Diana , Cortese Tatiana Tucunduva Philippi , Yigitcanlar Tan , Fachinelli Ana Cristina , Vils Leonardo , Levy Wilson
Published: September 2021

During the last couple of decades, making cities smarter and more sustainable has become an important urban agenda. In this perspective, knowledge-based development is seen as a strategic approach for cities seeking to thrive through innovation and resilience. Accomplishing a knowledge-based development agenda is, however, challenging, and cities need support mechanisms to effectively develop and then incorporate such agendas into their decision-making processes. This study investigates the role of international events as one of these support mechanisms for the development and implementation of local knowledge-based development agendas. The study aims to address how international events contribute to the local knowledge-based development efforts. This study takes the Knowledge Cities World Summit (KCWS) series as the exemplar international event, and the Brazilian city of Bento Gonçalves as the case study city. The methodological approach of the study consists of semi-structured interview-based qualitative analysis and case study investigations. The findings of the study revealed the following: (a) international events can be fundamental drivers of local knowledge-based agendas; (b) these events contribute to host cities’ development, especially at an institutional level, by generating outcomes such as engagement in cooperation networks and leveraging local actors’ influence on the development process; and (c) KCWS was instrumental in placing the local university as a protagonist of the knowledge-based development movement of Bento Gonçalves. The study reported in this paper provides invaluable insights for cities seeking to use international knowledge-based development events for smart and sustainable city formation.
Geographical Distribution and Modeling of the Impact of Women Driving Cars on the Sustainable Development of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Garawi Najah , Anil Ismail
Published: September 2021

Background: This work investigated attitudes and public perception regarding the impact of allowing women to drive on social, environmental, and economic aspects of the sustainable development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study includes the perspectives of both women and men towards the potential implications of this decree on society in general and women’s well-being in particular. Methods: The methodology consisted of an online survey that was conducted before and after the decree was activated in 2017, where 62,065 individuals participated from thirteen provinces of the KSA. Geographic information systems (GISs) and statistical methods were applied to the obtained datasets to examine the geographical distribution and modeling of the effect of women driving on sustainable development of the KSA. Results: The results show that the attitudes towards allowing women to drive are geographically and statistically diverse. The study revealed that the economic impact of women driving was the highest significance, especially in increasing employment opportunities for women and decreasing household travel expenses for women. Conclusion: Overall, 70.4% of respondents agreed that women driving will positively affect the sustainable development of the KSA in terms of social and economic impact. The study also revealed that geographic location is one of the dominating factors on the attitudes towards the social impact of women driving within 95% confidence interval. Additionally, participants strongly believe (with an agreement rate of 85.1%) that Saudi women driving will improve economic development and the female job market.
Technological Sustainability or Sustainable Technology? A Multidimensional Vision of Sustainability in Manufacturing
Authors: Vacchi Marco , Siligardi Cristina , Demaria Fabio , Cedillo-González Erika Iveth , González-Sánchez Rocío , Settembre-Blundo Davide
Published: September 2021

The topic of sustainability is becoming one of the strongest drivers of change in the marketplace by transforming into an element of competitiveness and an integral part of business strategy. Particularly in the manufacturing sector, a key role is played by technological innovations that allow companies to minimize the impact of their business on the environment and contribute to enhancing the value of the societies in which they operate. Technological process can be a lever to generate sustainable behaviors, confirming how innovation and sustainability constitute an increasingly close pair. However, it emerges that the nature of this relationship is explored by researchers and considered by practitioners almost exclusively in terms of the degree of sustainability of technological solutions. Lacking is an in-depth exploration of how a product or process, in addition to being environmentally and socio-economically sustainable, must or can also be technologically sustainable. This research therefore aims to build a theoretical foundation for technological sustainability seen as a possible fourth dimension of sustainable development.
Testing Real Convergence as a Prerequisite for Long Run Sustainability
Authors: Suciu Marta Christina , Petre Adrian , Istudor Laura Gabriela , Mituca Mircea Ovidiu , Stativa Gheorghe Alexandru , Mardarovici Diana , Tofan Oana Raluca , Cotescu Razvan George
Published: September 2021

The main objective of this research is to estimate the degree of real convergence of the countries that joined the European Union between 2004–2013 as an essential precondition for sustainable accession to the Euro Area. Through this study, we tried to create a clear, real and comparative image for the downward trend in the dispersion of the GDP/capita and the speed by which countries with different integration stages achieve the real economic convergence to equilibrium level. In this respect, we tested real convergence by regression models. Further, in order to verify the robustness of the results we applied a cluster analysis. The main results show that non-Euro Area countries have a tendency to individually reduce income disparities with the Euro Area average, but do not register a convergent economic growth and do not form a homogeneous convergence cluster, unlike the newer Euro Area Member Countries. Another representative result is that the Czech Republic seems to be the best prepared country to adopt the single currency in a sustainable way, while Bulgaria is at the opposite pole.
The Consumption of Organic, Traditional, and/or European Eco-Label Products: Elements of Local Production and Sustainability
Authors: Țigan Eugenia , Brînzan Oana , Obrad Ciprian , Lungu Monica , Mateoc-Sîrb Nicoleta , Milin Ioana Anda , Gavrilaș Simona
Published: September 2021

When we talk about products with a low impact on the environment, e.g., organic, traditional, or having the European ecological label, their sales are a central element of the economy. Many variables and local cultural values influence consumer behavior, including education and life requirements. Sustainable development involves education on consumption habits and low-environmental-impact production. This article aims to identify the role of education and remuneration in the consumption of sustainable products. Different working hypotheses are formulated. The first hypothesis of our study tests the existence of a direct correlation between the consumer’s level of education and their opinion on consuming low-environmental-impact products, influencing the ability to make appropriate decisions. The second one refers to the level of income and consumption behavior. The research method is a statistical one, based on a quantitative analysis and using a questionnaire as a tool. For 60% of the high-level graduate respondents, a product’s source is significant in their choices. Over 70% of the responders who earn above the median income believe it is essential to consume organic products. The results obtained confirm our initial assumptions. Our findings underline the current knowledge regarding consumption of sustainable products, their characteristics, and consumers’ interest in them.
An Empirical Study to Explore the Adoption of E-Learning Social Media Platform in Taiwan: An Integrated Conceptual Adoption Framework Based on Technology Acceptance Model and Technology Threat Avoidance Theory
Authors: Peng Mei-Hui , Hwang Hsin-Ginn
Published: September 2021

Currently, social media is ubiquitous and essential for social networking and content sharing. It is an effective platform for teaching and learning in higher education and provides a novel way to communicate between instructors and pupils. Thus, the purpose of this study was to present a research framework to examine students’ motivation to adopt an e-learning system with social medial platforms. This cross-sectional study used the questionnaire to collect data from the students in Taiwan. A framework has examined students’ motivation to adopt an e-learning system with social medial platforms based on the modified technology acceptance model (TAM) and technology threat avoidance theory (TTAT). The research framework was evaluated by structural equation modeling (SEM) and represented by Smart-PLS. A total of 262 valid responses were used for statistical analysis. The results recommended modified research model explains 77.0% of the variance of motivation to adopt (R2 = 0.77). The findings also supported perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived cost, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy significantly influenced students’ motivation to use. Results also indicated threat appraisal, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity are not significant factors for predicting students’ motivation to adopt e-learning in higher education.
Cost Allocation in Integrated Community Energy Systems—Social Acceptance
Authors: Li Na , Hakvoort Rudi , Lukszo Zofia
Published: September 2021

Integrated community energy systems (ICESs) are a good representative of local energy systems by integrating local distributed energy resources and local communities. It is proposed that costs should be allocated in a socially acceptable manner since there is no regulation in ICESs. In this paper, social acceptance is conceptualized from the dimension of community acceptance considering procedural and distributive justice. A fair process increases the understanding and the acceptance of the cost allocation outcomes, and a fair outcome leads to the acceptance of the cost allocation procedure. This approach adopted the multi-criteria decision-making technique to evaluate social acceptance to select a cost allocation method that was socially acceptable to local community members. The results show that our approach is unique and useful when multiple decision-making groups have to decide together upon the cost allocation method. It is able to provide quantitative results and optimal decisions from a multi-group decision-making perspective. The methodology developed in this research can be applied to any local community energy system to select a cost allocation method. Furthermore, the obtained results can be used by decision-makers to support them in the decision-making process. Based on our approach, policy implications are also analyzed to support the success of cost allocation in ICESs.
The Road to Net Zero: A Case Study of Innovative Technologies and Policy Changes Used at a Medium-Sized University to Achieve Czero by 2030
Authors: O’Flynn Ciara , Seymour Valentine , Crawshaw James , Parrott Thomas , Reeby Catriona , Silva S. Ravi P.
Published: September 2021

The need for the world to follow a more carbon-neutral path is clear, with growing evidence highlighting the existential threat posed by unregulated GHG emissions. Responsibility for achieving this does not only lie with policy makers but is shared with all stakeholders including governments, private sectors, charities and civil society as a whole. Several methodological approaches have been developed to set emission reduction targets, including the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). However, it is yet to be widely adopted, and as thought leaders in the field, universities must take a lead in its interpretation and application. This study is reported from the perspective of a UK university, which is adopting climate change considerations to facilitate achieving Czero by 2030 and will act as an exemplar case. We calculate baseline emissions, science-based reduction targets for different carbon emission reduction methods and options in terms of financing emission reduction pathways at present and in the future. The study outcomes show that incorporating a SBTi methodology can serve as insight into other medium-sized organisations and universities wishing to develop a net-zero pathway. These results have been summarised into a series of recommendations.
Review of White Roofing Materials and Emerging Economies with Focus on Energy Performance Cost-Benefit, Maintenance, and Consumer Indifference
Authors: Fayad Fadye Al , Maref Wahid , Awad Mohamed M.
Published: September 2021

This article performed a comprehensive review of the different state-of-the-art of roofing technologies and roofing materials and their impact on the urban heat island (UHI) and energy consumption of buildings. The building roofs are the main sources of undesirable heat for buildings, especially in warm climates. This paper discusses the use and application of white roofing material in emerging economies. The use of white roofing material is a suggestion because of its cooling, evaporative and efficiency characteristics compared to traditional black roofing materials. Many research studies have shown that the darker roofing surfaces that are prevalent in many urban areas actually can increase temperature by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius to the environment surrounding these urban areas. Additionally, improved temperature control and heat reflection also work to reduce the energy requirements for the interior spaces of the structures that have white roofing surfaces. The white or lighter colored roofs tend to reflect a part of the solar radiation that strikes the roof’s surface. Consequently, one might believe that white roofing material would be commonplace and especially so within emerging economies. Yet, this is hardly the case at all. This paper examines the issue of white roofing materials in emerging economies from a dual perspective. The dual perspective includes the technical details of white roofing material and its impact on lowering the interior temperature of the affected structures, which consequently reduces hours of indoor thermal discomfort and use of air conditioners in indoor spaces. The other element in this study, however, involves the marketing aspect of white roofing material. This includes its adoption, acceptance and cost-benefit in emerging economies.
Participation in the Sharing Economy Revisited: The Role of Culture and Social Influence on Airbnb
Authors: Lee Jieun , Erdogan Aybuke Nur , Hong Ilyoo Barry
Published: September 2021

Despite a multitude of studies on the motivators of sharing economy participation, we understand little about how cultural and social drivers affect an individual’s use of sharing services on an online platform. This paper examines the influence of cultural and social factors on a consumer’s participation in a sharing economy. We used Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory and Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior to formulate the research model to predict the behavioral intention to book an accommodation using the Airbnb platform. To test the model, an empirical study was conducted by collecting survey data on Amazon Mturk from 401 participants. Findings provide evidence that all the cultural dimensions except for masculinity were found to have significant relationship with attitude toward booking on Airbnb. Moreover, social influence has no significant effect on booking intention on Airbnb. We offered academic and practical implications and suggested future research directions based on our findings.
Delineating the Implications of Dispersing Teams and Teleworking in an Agile UK Construction Sector
Authors: Burton Ed , Edwards David John , Roberts Chris , Chileshe Nicholas , Lai Joseph H. K.
Published: September 2021

A scientometric analysis of extant literature is conducted to elucidate upon the practicality of teleworking throughout industry as a prelude to prescribing a bespoke conceptual adoption model that embeds innovative digital technologies to facilitate teleworking for construction professionals. The model is premised upon the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) work stages and illustrates how technologies are being used at each incremental stage. An interpretivist philosophy and inductive reasoning were adopted using a sample of longitudinal secondary data contained within pertinent extant literature, where each publication constitutes a unit of analysis. The qualitative scientometric software VOSviewer and Voyant Tools were utilised to examine emergent research trends, with further manual review of prominent papers contained within the sample dataset. Four distinct historical advances are delineated in a timeline that describes the evolution of home working from the 1970s through to the present day (and during the global COVID-19 pandemic). Key milestones delineated indicate how technological advances have created new opportunities for teleworking. The research indicates that an acceleration of digital advances has engendered modernity in contemporary work location patterns and that these offer potentials to reduce the environmental impact of anthropogenic activities. This unique study highlights how COVID-19 and available digital technologies have shaped the future of teleworking from home and the potential environmental impact of such. This concludes by signposting directions for future research into the adoption of teleworking at the organisational level and establishing the cost and environmental savings to businesses from abandoning the traditional model of employer-based working.
Autonomous Vessels in the Yangtze River: A Study on the Maritime Accidents Using Data-Driven Bayesian Networks
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyuan , Yuan Haiwen , Yu Qing
Published: September 2021

The prototypes of autonomous vessels are expected to come into service within the coming years, but safety concerns remain due to complex traffic and natural conditions (e.g., Yangtze River). However, the response of autonomous vessels to potential accidents is still uncertain. The accident prevention for autonomous vessels is unconvincing due to the lack of objective studies on the causation analysis for maritime accidents. This paper constitutes an attempt to cover the aforementioned gap by studying the potential causations for maritime accidents in the Yangtze River by using a Bayesian-based network training approach. More than two hundred accidents reported between 2013 and 2019 in the Yangtze River are collected. As a result, a Bayesian network (BN) is successfully established to describe the causations among different risk influencing factors. By analysing the BN, this study reveals that the occurrence of maritime accidents (e.g., collision, grounding) can be expected to reduce with the development of autonomous vessels as the crews are removed. However, the extent of the consequences from some accidents (e.g., fire, critical weathers) could be more serious than conventional ones. Therefore, more attention and thoughts are needed to ensure the safe navigation of autonomous vessels in the Yangtze River.
The Economic Evaluation of Methanol and Propylene Production from Natural Gas at Petrochemical Industries in Iran
Authors: Syah Rahmad , Davarpanah Afshin , Elveny Marischa , Ghasemi Amir , Ramdan Dadan
Published: September 2021

This investigation scrutinizes the economic features and potential of propylene and methanol production from natural gas in Iran because greenhouse gas emissions released by natural gas-based production processes are lower than coal-based ones. Considering the advantage of Iran’s access to natural gas, this study evaluates and compares the economic value of different plans to complete the value chain of propylene production from natural gas and methanol in the form of four units based on three price scenarios, namely, optimistic, realistic, and pessimistic, using the COMFAR III software. Iran has been ranked as the second most prosperous country globally based on its natural gas reserves. Methanol and propylene production processes via natural gas will lower the release of greenhouse gas. This, increasing the investment and accelerating the development of methanol and propylene production units driven by natural gas will lead the world to a low emission future compared to coal-based plants. The economic evaluation and sensitivity analysis results revealed that the conversion of methanol to propylene is more attractive for investment than the sale of crude methanol. The development of methanol to propylene units is more economical than constructing a new gas to propylene unit because of the lower investment costs.
Learning Ethical, Environmental and Professional Responsibility at Universitat Politècnica de València. Where Are We?
Authors: Gimenez-Carbo Ester , Gómez-Martín María Esther , Fenollosa Ernesto , Cabedo-Fabrés Marta , Coll-Aliaga Eloína , Andrés-Doménech Ignacio , Sebastiá-Frasquet María-Teresa , Vargas Maria , Pascual-Seva Nuria , LLorca-Ponce Alicia , Lozano José Félix , Martí-Campoy Antonio
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a study on the development of the cross-curricular learning outcome (CCLO) “Ethical, environmental and professional responsibility” for students of different Bachelor’s Degrees taught at Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain). The work involved in the development of this learning outcome entails great complexity, given the double dimension of responsibility that it involves. At the end of their training at the university, students are expected to show ethical, environmental, and professional responsibility towards themselves and others. Interviews have been conducted with lecturers who work and assess this outcome in their subjects, most/all of them related to science and engineering. The objective was to identify the learning approach used in the different subjects to guarantee the acquisition of this CCLO by the students. A focus group has also been carried out with students to determine the importance they give to this learning outcome, and to know their degree of satisfaction with the training received. The methodology used to obtain the data from lecturers and students and to process the information to get a precise diagnosis is fully described in the paper. Results are satisfactory to some extent: most of the lecturers carry out appropriate activities and most students achieve the expected proficiency level. Finally, recommendations are given to improve the development of this cross-curricular learning outcome.
Built Environment Characteristics, Daily Travel, and Biometric Readings: Creation of an Experimental Tool Based on a Smartwatch Platform
Authors: Palmberg Robin C. O. , Susilo Yusak O. , Gidófalvi Győző , Naqavi Fatemeh
Published: September 2021

Travel surveys can uncover information regarding travel behaviour, needs, and more. Collected information is utilised to make choices when reorganising or planning built environments. Over the years, methods for conducting travel surveys have changed from interviews and forms to automated travel diaries in order to monitor trips made by travellers. With the fast progression of technological advancements, new possibilities for operationalising such travel diaries can be implemented, changing from utilising mobile to wearable devices. Wearable devices are often equipped with sensors which collect continuous biometric data from sources that are not reachable from standard mobile devices. Data collected through wearable devices range from heart rate and blood pressure to temperature and perspiration. This advancement opens new possible layers of information in the collection of travel data. Such biometric data can be used to derive psychophysiological conditions related to cognitive load, which can uncover in-depth knowledge regarding stress and emotions. This paper aims to explore the possibilities of data analysis on the data collected through a software combining travel survey data, such as position and time, with heartrate, to gain knowledge of the implications of such data. The knowledge about the implications of spatial configurations can be used to create more accessible environments.
Collaborative Governance Networks: A Case Study of Argentina’s Forest Law
Authors: Inguaggiato Carla , Ceddia Michele Graziano , Tschopp Maurice , Christopoulos Dimitris
Published: September 2021

Deforestation causes biodiversity loss and the eviction of small-scale ranchers and indigenous people. Accordingly, it is a global issue in environmental politics. This article analyzes a participatory governance system associated with the implementation of Argentina’s forest law in a hotspot of deforestation: the province of Salta in the Gran Chaco ecoregion. Specifically, this article investigates policy actors’ core beliefs, how they match with policy network clusters, and how this affects the implementation of the forest law. The study is based on a unique data set derived from extensive fieldwork and a network survey among all actors who participate in the policy forums. After defining three main core beliefs that describe policy actors’ motivations, we systematically analyze all key actors’ beliefs as well as their interactions in the various policy networks. This analysis shows that it is necessary to empirically identify coalitions based on both behavior and core beliefs to understand the limited implementation of the law. Our methodological approach holds promise for the analysis of other governance systems where multiple stakeholders engage in consensus-oriented decision-making.
Life Cycle Assessment of Spinach Produced in Central and Southern Italy
Authors: Foppa Pedretti Ester , Boakye-Yiadom Kofi Armah , Valentini Elena , Ilari Alessio , Duca Daniele
Published: September 2021

Environmental sustainability continues to attract global interest, especially due to the issue of climate change. The agri-food sector is considered a major contributor to climate change as processes and activities within the sector can negatively impact the environment. The recent changing dietary pattern towards increased vegetable consumption implies a consequent increase in production to meet demand. This study assessed the environmental performance of 1 kg of spinach/FU (Functional Unit) cultivated by different producers in Italy under integrated and organic farming systems. The life cycle assessment was used following the CML_IA impact assessment method. The data used was mainly primary, related to 2019/2020 (harvest period), and representative of the cultivation systems of central and southern Italy. From the results obtained, impact scores for central Italy were higher (e.g., for global warming 0.56 and 0.47 kg CO2 eq. for central and southern respectively). There was high variability among the scores obtained. However, no statistically significant differences were observed at a confidence level of 95% (p < 0.05). Integrated farming was also more impacting than organic for most categories (e.g., for global warming 0.20 kg CO2 eq. for integrated and 0.075 kg CO2 eq. for organic) in Cerignola, Puglia region. Emissions from fertilizer, pesticide, tillage, and combine harvesting were major contributors to impact shares. The results of this study will be helpful to ensure sustainable spinach production and consumption.
The Process Leading to Physician Activism for Sustainable Change
Authors: Hart Efraïm , Kuijpers Giliam , Laverack Glenn , Scheele Fedde
Published: September 2021

Health systems all over the world are in a process of transition and may even need a paradigm shift for sustainable development. This is where activism may play a role. This study focused on why some physicians become activists and how these physicians have either achieved successes or failed to do so. This study is inspired by grounded theory. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to evaluate the experiences of seven purposefully sampled physician-activists from the Netherlands. Our research suggests that activism originates from an awareness of problems in the area of health inequalities, resulting in moral discomfort combined with a strong drive to speak up against perceived failings, even when personal risks may be involved. Activists that were most successful in achieving political and health changes meandered effectively along the borders of the system, taking care to preserve ties with supporters within that system and, at the same time, taking a relatively isolated position while using strategies to oppose the system. Diverging too much from the system resulted in measures taken by the system to silence them. Successful activism may be regarded as a social and professional skill that may be learned.
Retrodeformation of the Steinheim Cranium: Insights into the Evolution of Neanderthals
Authors: Buzi Costantino , Profico Antonio , Di Vincenzo Fabio , Harvati Katerina , Melchionna Marina , Raia Pasquale , Manzi Giorgio
Published: September 2021

A number of different approaches are currently available to digitally restore the symmetry of a specimen deformed by taphonomic processes. These tools include mirroring and retrodeformation to approximate the original shape of an object by symmetrisation. Retrodeformation has the potential to return a rather faithful representation of the original shape, but its power is limited by the availability of bilateral landmarks. A recent protocol proposed by Schlager and colleagues (2018) overcomes this issue by using bilateral landmarks and curves as well as semilandmarks. Here we applied this protocol to the Middle Pleistocene human cranium from Steinheim (Germany), the holotype of an abandoned species named Homo steinheimensis. The peculiar morphology of this fossil, associated with the taphonomic deformation of the entire cranium and the lack of a large portion of the right side of the face, has given rise to different hypotheses over its phylogenetic position. The reconstruction presented here sheds new light on the taphonomic origin of some features observed on this crucial specimen and results in a morphology consistent with its attribution to the Neanderthal lineage.
Quantitative Asymmetry Assessment between Virtual and Mixed Reality Planning for Orthognathic Surgery—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Ching , Chang Chen-Jung , Fang Jing-Jing
Published: September 2021

Orthognathic surgical planning compromises three clinical needs: occlusal balancing, symmetry, and harmony, which may result in multiple outcomes. Facial symmetry is the ultimate goal for patients and practitioners. Pure virtual planning and mixed reality planning were two innovative technologies in clinical practices compared to conventional model surgery used for decades. We proposed quantitative asymmetry assessment methods in both mandibular contour (in 2D) and a midface and mandible relationship in 3D. A computerized optimal symmetry plane, being the median plane, was applied in both planning methods. In the 3D asymmetry assessment between two planning methods, the deviation angle and deviation distance between midface and mandible were within 2° and 1.5 mm, respectively. There was no significant difference, except the symmetry index of the anterior deviation angle between the virtual and mixed reality planning in the 3D asymmetry assessment. In the mandible contour assessment, there was no significant difference between the virtual and mixed reality planning in asymmetry assessment in the frontal and frontal downward inclined views. Quantitative outcomes in 3D asymmetry indices showed that mixed reality planning was slightly more symmetric than virtual planning, with the opposite in 2D contouring.
Adaptive Fuzzy Fault-Tolerant Control against Time-Varying Faults via a New Sliding Mode Observer Method
Authors: Zhang Yi , Nie Yingying , Chen Liheng
Published: September 2021

In this study, the problem of observer-based adaptive sliding mode control is discussed for nonlinear systems with sensor and actuator faults. The time-varying actuator degradation factor and external disturbance are considered in the system simultaneously. In this study, the original system is described as a new normal system by combining the state vector, sensor faults, and external disturbance into a new state vector. For the augmented system, a new sliding mode observer is designed, where a discontinuous term is introduced such that the effects of sensor and actuator faults and external disturbance will be eliminated. In addition, based on a tricky design of the observer, the time-varying actuator degradation factor term is developed in the error system. On the basis of the state estimation, an integral-type adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller is constructed to ensure the stability of the closed-loop system. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control methods can be illustrated with a numerical example.
Applying the Dijkstra Algorithm to Solve a Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Parimala Mani , Jafari Saeid , Riaz Muhamad , Aslam Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Linear Diophantine fuzzy set (LDFS) theory expands Intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) and Pythagorean fuzzy set (PyFS) theories, widening the space of vague and uncertain information via reference parameters owing to its magnificent feature of a broad depiction area for permissible doublets. We codify the shortest path (SP) problem for linear Diophantine fuzzy graphs. Linear Diophantine fuzzy numbers (LDFNs) are used to represent the weights associated with arcs. The main goal of the presented work is to create a solution technique for directed network graphs by introducing linear Diophantine fuzzy (LDF) optimality constraints. The weights of distinct routes are calculated using an improved score function (SF) with the arc values represented by LDFNs. The conventional Dijkstra method is further modified to find the arc weights of the linear Diophantine fuzzy shortest path (LDFSP) and coterminal LDFSP based on these enhanced score functions and optimality requirements. A comparative analysis was carried out with the current approaches demonstrating the benefits of the new algorithm. Finally, to validate the possible use of the proposed technique, a small-sized telecommunication network is presented.
Reinforced Neighbour Feature Fusion Object Detection with Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Ningwei , Li Yaze , Liu Hongzhe
Published: September 2021

Neural networks have enabled state-of-the-art approaches to achieve incredible results on computer vision tasks such as object detection. However, previous works have tried to improve the performance in various object detection necks but have failed to extract features efficiently. To solve the insufficient features of objects, this work introduces some of the most advanced and representative network models based on the Faster R-CNN architecture, such as Libra R-CNN, Grid R-CNN, guided anchoring, and GRoIE. We observed the performance of Neighbour Feature Pyramid Network (NFPN) fusion, ResNet Region of Interest Feature Extraction (ResRoIE) and the Recursive Feature Pyramid (RFP) architecture at different scales of precision when these components were used in place of the corresponding original members in various networks obtained on the MS COCO dataset. Compared to the experimental results after replacing the neck and RoIE parts of these models with our Reinforced Neighbour Feature Fusion (RNFF) model, the average precision (AP) is increased by 3.2 percentage points concerning the performance of the baseline network.
How to Design a Secure Anonymous Authentication and Key Agreement Protocol for Multi-Server Environments and Prove Its Security
Authors: Chuang Yun-Hsin , Lei Chin-Laung , Shiu Hung-Jr
Published: September 2021

An anonymous authentication and key agreement (AAKA) protocol provides anonymous members symmetric authentication and establishes a symmetric session key for secure communication in public networks. Today, numerous popular remote services are based on multi-server architecture, such as the internet of things (IoT), smart cities, cloud services, vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET), and telecare medicine information systems (TMIS). Many researchers have attempted to design AAKA protocols in multi-server environments for various applications. However, many of these have security defects, even if they have so-called “formal” security proofs. In this paper, we analyze related AAKA protocols to identify the common design defects, expound the process of designing secure AAKA protocols, and explain why the present AAKA protocols still suffer attacks, despite having security proofs. We instruct readers on how to design a secure AAKA protocol and how to prove the security. This paper will therefore be helpful for the design of new AAKA protocols, and for ensuring their security.
Hedging and Evaluating Tail Risks via Two Novel Options Based on Type II Extreme Value Distribution
Authors: Lin Hang , Liu Lixin , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: September 2021

Tail risk is an important financial issue today, but directly hedging tail risks with an ad hoc option is still an unresolved problem since it is not easy to specify a suitable and asymmetric pricing kernel. By defining two ad hoc underlying “assets”, this paper designs two novel tail risk options (TROs) for hedging and evaluating short-term tail risks. Under the Fréchet distribution assumption for maximum losses, the closed-form TRO pricing formulas are obtained. Simulation examples demonstrate the accuracy of the pricing formulas. Furthermore, they show that, no matter whether at scale level (symmetric “normal” risk, with greater volatility) or shape level (asymmetric tail risk, with a smaller value in tail index), the greater the risk, the more expensive the TRO calls, and the cheaper the TRO puts. Using calibration, one can obtain the TRO-implied volatility and the TRO-implied tail index. The former is analogous to the Black-Scholes implied volatility, which can measure the overall symmetric market volatility. The latter measures the asymmetry in underlying losses, mirrors market sentiment, and provides financial crisis warnings. Regarding the newly proposed TRO and its implied tail index, economic implications can be offered to investors, portfolio managers, and policy-makers.
A Three-Function Variational Principle for Stationary Nonbarotropic Magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Yahalom Asher
Published: September 2021

The current paper is devoted to the introduction of simpler Eulerian variational principles from which all the relevant equations of nonbarotropic stationary magnetohydrodynamics can be derived for magnetic fields that lie on surfaces. A variational principle is given in terms of three independent variables for stationary nonbarotropic magnetohydrodynamic flows. This is a smaller number of variables than the eight variables that appear in the standard equations of nonbarotropic magnetohydrodynamics, which are the magnetic field, the velocity field, the specific entropy, and the density. We further investigate the case in which the flow along magnetic lines is not ideal.
Evaluation of Mandibular Growth and Symmetry in Child with Congenital Zygomatic-Coronoid Ankylosis
Authors: Lipowicz Anna , Wolański Wojciech , Kawlewska Edyta , Zwolska Patrycja , Kulesa-Mrowiecka Małgorzata , Dowgierd Krzysztof , Linek Paweł , Myśliwiec Andrzej
Published: September 2021

Ankyloses in the area of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are mentioned as a potential etiological factor of mandibular growth disorders and facial asymmetry. The aim of this case study was to evaluate the changes in the mandible of a child with zygomatic-coronoid ankylosis during the first five years of life, in which two adhesion release procedures were performed. The adopted symmetrical approach is based on the assumption of symmetry of the structure of the stomatognathic system in relation to the sagittal median plane. However, the assessment of pathological changes in the structure of the skeletal system was performed using an asymmetrical approach. Computed tomography techniques and a system of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) were used in the case study. During the child’s growth, linear and angular measurements were made thrice (at the age of 16, 25 and 54 months). The degree of asymmetry was estimated in the measurements made on the right and left sides of the three-dimensional mandible. Unilateral congenital hypoplasia of the articular process and zygomatic-coronoid adhesion caused asymmetrical growth of the mandible in the child along with shortening of the mandibular branch and body on the damaged side and a visible difference in the size of the mandibular angles. Removal of the adhesions during surgical procedures made it possible to reduce the asymmetry of the mandible and catch-up growth, although at the age of five, the mandible was still smaller than the mandible in healthy peers. It was shown that the early adhesion release procedures supported by the CAD analysis enabled the restoration of mandibular symmetry.
Bayesian Analysis of Partially Linear Additive Spatial Autoregressive Models with Free-Knot Splines
Authors: Chen Zhiyong , Chen Jianbao
Published: September 2021

This article deals with symmetrical data that can be modelled based on Gaussian distribution. We consider a class of partially linear additive spatial autoregressive (PLASAR) models for spatial data. We develop a Bayesian free-knot splines approach to approximate the nonparametric functions. It can be performed to facilitate efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) tools to design a Gibbs sampler to explore the full conditional posterior distributions and analyze the PLASAR models. In order to acquire a rapidly-convergent algorithm, a modified Bayesian free-knot splines approach incorporated with powerful MCMC techniques is employed. The Bayesian estimator (BE) method is more computationally efficient than the generalized method of moments estimator (GMME) and thus capable of handling large scales of spatial data. The performance of the PLASAR model and methodology is illustrated by a simulation, and the model is used to analyze a Sydney real estate dataset.
A Quadruple Definite Integral Expressed in Terms of the Lerch Function
Authors: Reynolds Robert , Stauffer Allan
Published: September 2021

A quadruple integral involving the logarithmic, exponential and polynomial functions is derived in terms of the Lerch function. Special cases of this integral are evaluated in terms of special functions and fundamental constants. Almost all Lerch functions have an asymmetrical zero-distribution. The majority of the results in this work are new.