bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image-Based Lunar Hazard Detection in Low Illumination Simulated Conditions via Vision Transformers
Authors: Ghilardi Luca , Furfaro Roberto
Published: September 2023

Hazard detection is fundamental for a safe lunar landing. State-of-the-art autonomous lunar hazard detection relies on 2D image-based and 3D Lidar systems. The lunar south pole is challenging for vision-based methods. The low sun inclination and the terrain rich in topographic features create large areas in shadow, hiding the terrain features. The proposed method utilizes a vision transformer (ViT) model, which is a deep learning architecture based on the transformer blocks used in natural language processing, to solve this problem. Our goal is to train the ViT model to extract terrain features information from low-light RGB images. The results show good performances, especially at high altitudes, beating the UNet, one of the most popular convolutional neural networks, in every scenario.
Portable Device for Potentiometric Determination of Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Ivanova Alla V. , Markina Maria G.
Published: September 2023

For the first time, a prototype of a portable device for the potentiometric determination of antioxidant capacity based on a new measurement principle is proposed. A feature of the approach is the use of an electrochemical microcell with separated spaces and two identical electrodes with immobilized reagents. An antioxidant solution is introduced into one half-cell, and the antioxidants interact with the reagents. The other half-cell contains only reagents. The potential difference between the electrodes is due to the change in the ratio of the oxidized and reduced form of the reagents, which occurs as a result of the reaction with the antioxidants in one of the half-cells and is related to their concentration. The range of linearity of the microcell with immobilized reagents is 40–4000 μM-eq, and the limit of detection is 20 μM-eq. The device was successfully tested in the analysis of standard antioxidant solutions. The recoveries were (92–113)%, and the relative standard deviation did not exceed 15%. A good correlation was found between the data obtained by the approach and the potentiometric method in a macrocell for fruit juice analysis. Pearson’s coefficient for the obtained experimental data was 0.9955. The proposed portable device is promising and can be used in field conditions.
Risk-Sensitive Markov Decision Processes of USV Trajectory Planning with Time-Limited Budget
Authors: Ding Yi , Zhu Hongyang
Published: September 2023

Trajectory planning plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe navigation of ships, as it involves complex decision making influenced by various factors. This paper presents a heuristic algorithm, named the Markov decision process Heuristic Algorithm (MHA), for time-optimized avoidance of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) based on a Risk-Sensitive Markov decision process model. The proposed method utilizes the Risk-Sensitive Markov decision process model to generate a set of states within the USV collision avoidance search space. These states are determined based on the reachable locations and directions considering the time cost associated with the set of actions. By incorporating an enhanced reward function and a constraint time-dependent cost function, the USV can effectively plan practical motion paths that align with its actual time constraints. Experimental results demonstrate that the MHA algorithm enables decision makers to evaluate the trade-off between the budget and the probability of achieving the goal within the given budget. Moreover, the local stochastic optimization criterion assists the agent in selecting collision avoidance paths without significantly increasing the risk of collision.
Geotechnical Deformation Distributed Measuring Technology Research Based on Parallel Spiral Sensing Line
Authors: Miao Xinyu , Li Qing , Tong Renyuan , Wang Jun , Li Chaopeng , Tang Wenhao
Published: September 2023

The precursors that appear when geological disasters occur are geotechnical deformations. This paper studies the TDR (Time Domain Reflection) measurement technology for the distributed measurement of geotechnical deformation using parallel spiral wire as a sensor, which is used for monitoring and early warning detection of geological disasters. Based on the mechanism of the electromagnetic field distribution parameters of the parallel spiral sensing wire, the relationship between the stretching amount of the parallel spiral wire and the change in its characteristic impedance is analyzed. When the parallel spiral wire is buried in the soil, the geotechnical deformation causes the parallel spiral wire to be stretched, and according to its characteristic impedance change, the stretching position and the stretching degree can be obtained, thus realizing the distributed measurement of geotechnical deformation. Based on this principle, the TDR measurement system is developed, and a local single-point stretching amount and stretching positioning experiment are designed for the parallel spiral sensing line to verify the effectiveness of the sensing technology and the usability of the measurement system.
Detecting Minor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease in the Wild Using Bi-LSTM with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Skaramagkas Vasileios , Boura Iro , Spanaki Cleanthi , Michou Emilia , Karamanis Georgios , Kefalopoulou Zinovia , Tsiknakis Manolis
Published: September 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and nonmotor impairment with various implications on patients’ quality of life. Since currently available therapies are only symptomatic, identifying individuals with prodromal, preclinical, or early-stage PD is crucial, as they would be ideal candidates for future disease-modifying therapies. Our analysis aims to develop a robust model for accurate PD detection using accelerometer data collected from PD and non-PD individuals with mild or no tremor during phone conversations. An open-access dataset comprising accelerometer recordings from 22 PD patients and 11 healthy controls (HCs) was utilized. The data were preprocessed to extract relevant time-, frequency-, and energy-related features, and a bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) model with attention mechanism was employed for classification. The performance of the model was evaluated using fivefold cross-validation, and metrics of accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and f1-score were computed. The proposed model demonstrated high accuracy (98%), precision (99%), recall (98%), specificity (96%), and f1-score (98%) in accurately distinguishing PD patients from HCs. Our findings indicate that the proposed model outperforms existing approaches and holds promise for detection of PD with subtle symptoms, like tremor, in the wild. Such symptoms can present in the early or even prodromal stage of the disease, and appropriate mobile-based applications may be a practical tool in real-life settings to alert individuals at risk to seek medical assistance or give patients feedback in monitoring their symptoms.
Superdirective Wideband Array of Circular Monopoles with Loaded Patches for Wireless Communications
Authors: Lu Ping , Liu Zhiwei , Lei Enpu , Huang Kama , Song Chaoyun
Published: September 2023

A wideband superdirective array, composed of a two-element circular monopole configuration, is introduced. The monopoles are placed in close proximity, facing each other on a metal ground. To ensure good matching at high frequencies, two pairs of elliptical patches are added to the sides of the monopoles, enhancing the surface current of the circular patch for wideband performance. To achieve equal amplitude excitation and the desired phase difference, a wideband power divider with a phase shifter is designed to feed the antenna array. Simulation and measurement results demonstrate that the proposed wideband antenna array, operating within the frequency range of 2.94–7.93 GHz, exhibits a maximum directivity of 8.36–10 dBi, with an antenna efficiency ranging from 47.86 to 83.18% across the bandwidth. The proposed array has the advantages of miniaturization, high directivity and wideband operation and can be widely used in various portable wireless communication systems, including WLAN (5.05–5.9 GHz), ISM (5.725–5.875 GHz), 5G communication (3.3–3.8 GHz), etc.
A New Shift in Implementing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the Safety and Security of Smart Cities: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: AL-Dosari Khalifa , Fetais Noora
Published: September 2023

The rapid rise of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their integration into smart city initiatives has sparked a surge of research interest in a broad array of thematic areas. This study undertakes a comprehensive review of recent scholarly literature to elucidate key research trends and innovative strategies for applying UAVs in smart cities. Through a detailed descriptive analysis, we identify prominent research clusters, including integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) with UAVs, applying artificial intelligence in surveillance, exploring the Internet of Drones (IoD), and cybersecurity challenges faced by smart cities. It is observed that security and privacy concerns within smart cities receive the most scholarly attention, indicating their central importance in shaping smart city strategies. The review of innovative strategies reveals a strong emphasis on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance UAV capabilities and ensure drones’ efficient, secure, and ethical deployment in smart city environments. This study provides crucial insights that inform the design of future research and policies in the burgeoning field of smart city development through the use of UAVs.
Using Sewage Sludge as Alternative Fertilizer: Effects on Turf Performance of Perennial Ryegrass
Authors: Zere Taskin Sinem , Bilgili Ugur
Published: September 2023

Two years of research were carried out to evaluate the effects of various sewage sludge and nitrogen doses on the turf performance of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) under Mediterranean-type climatic conditions. Four nitrogen sources (NS) [NS1: ammonium nitrate (26%), NS2: Bursa City’s wastewater treatment plant’s waste, NS3: biogas production plant reactor waste, and NS4: food processing and canning factory’s sludge waste] were used in the research. Four different nitrogen doses (0.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 g m−2) were applied. The sewage sludges were analyzed before the start of the research. It was determined that the heavy metal concentrations were below the limit values, and the plant nutrient content was high. Turfgrass color and quality observations were taken in the study, and turfgrass clipping yield was determined. The 4.0 g m−2 nitrogen dose provided acceptable turf color and quality values among the sewage sludges. NS4 showed the best turf performance among the sewage sludges. Despite increased turf color and quality values, sewage sludge produced a low clipping yield. Food processing and canning factories’ sewage sludges can be alternatives to a nitrogen source.
Design of a Fuzzy Adaptive Voltage Controller for a Nonlinear Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell with an Unknown Dynamical System
Authors: Ghasemi Reza , Sedighi Mehdi , Ghasemi Mostafa , Sadat Ghazanfarpoor Bita
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a fuzzy adaptive controller (FAC) for improving the efficiency and stability of fuel cells, assuming that the nonlinear dynamic model of the system is unknown. In polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, the output voltage should be controlled within a given interval. In contrast to prior studies that focused on designing controllers for known dynamical models of PEM fuel cells, the suggested approach addresses the real-world case of a PEM fuel cell with unknown dynamics. An intelligent technique is identified in the suggested strategy to approximate the state-space model of fuel cells to manage unknown functions. On an unknown model of fuel cells, traditional adaptive and fuzzy adaptive controllers are both implemented and compared. The main advantages of the proposed methodology are (1) stability of the closed-loop system using Lyapunov, (2) robustness against external disturbances, (3) application of the FAC to a PEM fuel cell, (4) convergence of the tracking error to 0, and (5) overcoming both unknown dynamics and uncertainty in the system. The most important and valuable advantages of the proposed system are its robustness, tracking error convergence, and Lyapunov stability. This manuscript aims to illustrate the responsiveness and fluency of the proposed procedure using a mathematical formulation of a multi-quadrotor system. As a result, the FAC is more efficient than the traditional one. To validate the controller performance, both the adaptive and fuzzy adaptive controllers are applied to a numerical model of a fuel cell and then compared.
Towards a Domain-Neutral Platform for Sustainable Digital Twin Development
Authors: Savić Goran , Segedinac Milan , Konjović Zora , Vidaković Milan , Dutina Radoslav
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we propose an abstract domain-neutral architecture for a cognitive digital twin (CDT) and a software platform to develop such CDTs, including machine reasoning capabilities. Sustainable development refers here to an abstract model that enables a holistic view of limiting resources and has an ability to adapt to different application domains while reusing existing resources. The proposed solution allows for a unified abstract representation and the development of a wide range of diverse digital twins, as well as facilitating their interoperability. The abstract architecture consists of a four-layer structure (observation/actuation layer, data management layer, reasoning layer, and simulation layer) with an upper ontology to which the domain ontology of the specific CDT is mapped. The architecture relies on semantic web technologies, including ontology-based reasoning using OWL, and a loosely coupled, component-based service-oriented software architecture. The platform utilizes a microservice architecture that enables separate, loosely coupled services on each layer, message queues to provide asynchronous communication, and possesses cloud technologies to achieve scalability. The proposed approach was validated by implementing a software platform prototype and demonstrating its key features through two dissimilar scenarios. The first scenario demonstrates simple sustainable energy management through IoT systems inside smart buildings, while the second one demonstrates knowledge quality management based on knowledge space theory.
Assessing Teleworkforce and Electronic Leadership Favorable for an Online Workforce Sustainability Framework by Using PLS SEM
Authors: Gutu Ioana , Medeleanu Camelia Nicoleta
Published: September 2023

The sudden impact of COVID-19 has created a rift in the way the world, organizations, and individuals work. Although imminent, the e-organizational challenge was deemed to create a working business environment that would ensure companies and workforce adaptability to e-leadership. The previous literature shows that effective e-leadership can enhance organizational workforce sustainability and is assessed as an opportunity for teleworking. The aim of the current research is to develop an online working trajectory that implies the study of the teleworkforce and workforce sustainability relation under an electronic leadership umbrella. This analysis was performed with the help of SmartPLS (v. 4.0.0.) software and performed a structural equation model, including an online-developed 103-item questionnaire, which developed 5 constructs and 17 subconstructs. Data reveal a reliable and valid assessment tool that provides proof that workforce sustainability is connected to telework in general while being partially moderated by e-leadership. The importance of the current study stresses the need for (inter)national organizational environments to adapt to rapid technological movements, where sustainability of the teleworkforce and the adaptability of the online leadership formats and practices could result in increasing the organizational achievements from both economic and organizational perspectives.
Lateral Deformation Response of an Adjacent Passive Pile under the Combined Action of Surcharge Loading and Foundation Excavation
Authors: Li Tingting , Yang Min , Chen Xiaocen
Published: September 2023

With the increasing development of civil engineering in large cities, more and more excavations and surcharge loadings are being constructed or planned adjacent to existing building piles in crowded urban areas. Previous study on pile deformation has primarily focused on surcharge loading or foundation excavation and given little concern to the combined action of surcharge loading and foundation excavation. The article develops a two-stage process to assess the lateral displacement of nearby pile foundations induced by the combined action of surcharge loading and excavation. Firstly, the local plastic deformation theory and Boussinesq solution are used to accurately predict the passive loading of adjacent pile foundations caused by surcharge loading; Mindlin formulas are adopted to predict the passive pile’s additional lateral stress applied by excavation. Secondly, Pasternak models are adopted and the finite difference method is used to establish the deflection differential formula of the single passive pile. Last but not least, a parametric study is conducted to investigate the influence of the loading dimensions, loading magnitudes, and three-dimensional excavation dimensions. The findings of the calculations reveal that the loading magnitudes have a more significant impact on the lateral displacement of the pile compared to the loading dimensions. Therefore, a concentrated surcharge loading should be avoided. Additionally, the excavation depth has a greater influence on the lateral displacement of the pile compared to the excavation area. In order to mitigate this situation, a step excavation should be implemented for each layer of soil, with the soil excavated away from the pile foundation first.
Pattern of Influence of the Mining Direction of the Protective Seam on the Stress of the Surrounding Rock
Authors: Feng Yingte , Wang Wenyuan , Zhang Zhichao , Yang Wei
Published: September 2023

The maximum principal stress of the original rock has obvious directionality, and the pressure relief effect is different when the protective seam is mined along different directions. In this paper, the Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua (FLAC3D 6.0) numerical simulation software was used to establish a numerical calculation model according to the actual stratum conditions of the Pingdingshan No. 8 Coal Mine. The distribution and evolutionary characteristics of three-dimensional stress and three-dimensional displacement of the stope are studied under the condition that the mining direction of the protective seam is parallel to or vertical to the maximum principal stress direction of the original rock; the pattern of influence of the mining direction on the pressure relief and outburst prevention effect of the protective seam mining is analyzed. For the protective seam, the maximum principal stress in the coal in front of the protective seam cut–hole is significantly reduced, and the outburst potential is reduced in parallel mining. However, in vertical mining, the maximum principal stress in the coal in front of the protective seam cut–hole increases significantly, and the outburst potential increases. For the protective seam and surrounding rock, parallel mining can more fully reduce the maximum principal stress of the protective seam, reduce the difference in the three-dimensional stress, and effectively reduce the outburst potential of the protective seam. Therefore, parallel mining can not only improve the safety of the protective seam but also improve the pressure relief and outburst prevention effect of the protective seam. This conclusion is verified by the outburst prevention effect of the parallel mining of the remote upper protective seam in the Pingdingshan No. 8 Coal Mine. The research results are helpful for optimizing mine outburst potential prevention and control work from the aspect of mining layout. Through parallel mining, the outburst potential of the mine can be effectively reduced overall.
The Compound Response Relationship between Hydro-Sedimentary Variations and Dominant Driving Factors: A Case Study of the Huangfuchuan basin
Authors: Yao Jingwei , Li Zhanbin , Yao Wenyi , Xiao Peiqing , Zhang Pan , Xie Mengyao , Wang Jingshu , Mei Shasha
Published: September 2023

The Huangfuchuan basin is one of the major sources of coarse sediment in the Yellow River and has long been a focal point and challenge for the conservation of soil and water in the Yellow River Basin. In this study, we analyzed the phase differentiation characteristics of water–sediment variations during the flood season in the Huangfuchuan basin using a long-term dataset. We elucidated the complex response relationship between water–sediment variations and meteorological factors and human activities, which is of great significance for revealing the mechanisms of water–sediment variations in the region and establishing a scientific water–sediment regulation system in the basin. Statistical methods such as the Mann–Kendall trend test, Sen’s slope estimation, Pettitt nonparametric test, and principal component analysis were employed to identify and analyze the trends and dominant driving factors before and after the water–sediment variations and abrupt changes in parameters such as rainfall and temperature in the Huangfuchuan basin. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was used to determine the extent of the contribution of climate and human activities to water–sediment variations in the Huangfuchuan basin. The study revealed that the year 2000 was a turning point for water–sediment variations, with decreases of 11.3%, 76.7%, and 85.1% in flood season rainfall, flood season runoff, and flood season sediment transport, respectively. Despite significant changes in the underlying surface conditions of the Huangfuchuan basin, the relationship between flood season sediment transport and flood season runoff remained a power–law relationship. In the absence of obvious abrupt changes in temperature, rainfall, and other meteorological factors, the changes in the underlying surface caused by human activities are the main cause of the changes in runoff and sediment yield in the Huangfuchuan basin. The current level of vegetation restoration in the Huangfuchuan basin is still relatively low, making it difficult to exert stronger control on sediment yield during the flood season. Meanwhile, human activities, primarily based on engineering measures, play a more significant role in the control of soil and water loss in the basin.
Optimizing Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Highways: A Multi-Agent-Based Planning Approach
Authors: Wu Yongzhong , Lu Yikuan , Zhu Zhijie , Holguín-Veras José
Published: September 2023

The lack of sufficient charging infrastructure for long-haul transportation is a significant barrier preventing the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Planning EV charging facilities in this context requires considerations distinct from those in urban environments, accounting for factors such as traffic patterns and charging behaviors. This research paper presents a multi-agent simulation model designed to assess travel and charging activities, specifically on highways. By utilizing this model, the effectiveness of EV charging facility planning is evaluated. Empirical data from a real highway section in China are employed for analysis purposes. The findings reveal that the concentration of charging facilities significantly impacts both travel time and queue time for vehicles, demonstrating the potential for optimization through the proposed model. These established models hold practical value for both greenfield development and the expansion of existing charging networks, with the goal of minimizing total social costs.
Steady and Unsteady Flow Characteristics inside Short Jet Self-Priming Pump
Authors: Yu Hao , Wang Chuan , Li Guohui , Wang Hongliang , Yang Yang , Wu Shaohui , Cao Weidong , Li Shanshan
Published: September 2023

Due to their great efficiency and minimal loss, self-priming jet pumps are frequently employed in a variety of sectors for sustainable development. A short jet self-priming pump’s steady and unsteady flow characteristics are investigated numerically in this study using a standard k-ε turbulence model. The precision and dependability of the numerical calculations used in this work are demonstrated by the less than 2% difference between the pump performance data from the numerical calculation and the external characteristics test results for each flow condition. It was found that due to the perpendicularity of the nozzle axis to the impeller axis, the high-flow velocity zone in the nozzle gradually deviates to the side away from the impeller under high-flow conditions. Backflow is generated on the side close to the impeller, where eccentric vortices are created. As time progresses, the asymmetry of the low-pressure zone within the impeller becomes more pronounced under high-flow conditions, and the fluid is unable to form a stable vortex structure at a specific location. This is an important cause of impeller vibration and noise. The nonlinear vibration at the impeller inlet is less periodic, while the increase in flow rate can make the nonlinear vibration generated within the impeller more regular and stable. This reflects the fact that the fluid flow at small flow rates is more likely to be affected by the blade configuration and the shape of the flow channel, which leads to fluid instability and discontinuity. For various flow rates, the main frequency of the pressure pulsation is higher at the impeller intake (W1) than it is in the impeller channel (W2~7). Additionally, the pressure pulsation is more frequent before 10 times the rotational frequency, with no significant regularity. This suggests that the impeller and injector rear chamber dynamic and static interference impacts may have some bearing on the pressure pulsation. The pressure pulsation coefficients (W2~7) in the impeller at different flow rates show an exponentially decreasing trend with the increase of multiples of five in the rotation frequency. The equations for the relationship between CP and 5NF were obtained, respectively: CP-Q1 = 0.07044 × exp(−0.2372NF), CP-Q3 = 0.06776 × exp(−0.2564 NF), CP-Q5 = 0.07005 × exp(−0.2884 NF). The findings of this study contribute to understanding the flow inhomogeneities inside the pump as well as the analysis of the internal pump vibration, enhancing the jet pump’s efficiency and lifespan.
An Integrated Approach to Analyze the Progress of Developing Economies in Asia toward the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Mahmood Awais , Farooq Ahsan , Akbar Haseeb , Ghani Hafiz Usman , Gheewala Shabbir H.
Published: September 2023

This study endeavored to analyze the progress made to meet the Sustainable Development Goals in terms of resource use, sustainable production and consumption, and the triple planetary crisis (i.e., climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollutant emissions) at the national and regional levels in Asia. The study highlighted that the progress toward sustainable consumption and production is still not sufficient to meet the ambitious national targets. An urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollutant emissions, and resource use has been ascertained. China’s greenhouse gas emissions have surged tremendously. India is also endeavoring to decouple emissions from growth via renewable energy. Vulnerable Pakistan seeks emission reduction and financial aid. Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam outline emission reduction strategies. Land use change emerges as a key biodiversity loss driver, stressing the need for sustainable land policies and conservation. Material consumption highlights the call for production optimization, circular economies, and innovative technology. Energy’s role in development requires decoupling from growth through efficiency, renewables, and eco-friendly paths. Freshwater needs careful management for sustainability, and international collaboration and policy reform are urged for global water use efficiency. Decoupling trends between growth, resource use, and environmental impact show a complex pattern, with the feasibility of absolute decoupling limited by growth interdependence.
Health Professionals’ Role in Promoting Health and Environmental Sustainability through Sustainable Food Advocacy: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Prosen Mirko , Lekše Rebeka , Ličen Sabina
Published: September 2023

The relationship between health, environmental sustainability, and food systems has garnered increasing attention, emphasizing the crucial role of healthcare professionals in advocating for sustainable food practices. This systematic literature review aimed to examine their role in promoting health and environmental sustainability through sustainable food advocacy. Following a systematic and rigorous methodology, eligible articles published in English within the past five years were searched and screened, resulting in a total of five articles for further analysis. The review revealed the fragmented debate on food security and sustainability, emphasizing the need for sustainable food systems to address various challenges. Specific actions identified include reducing plate waste in hospitals, implementing sustainable food sourcing strategies in healthcare to mitigate the climate footprint, and promoting sustainable nutrition. The findings underscore the importance of education, community engagement, governance, and a systemic approach in driving positive change regarding nutrition, health, and sustainability. This review offers important perspectives for healthcare practice, allied health educational programs, research, and public health policy development. It highlights the importance of healthcare professionals in advocating for sustainable food practices, which play a critical role in improving health outcomes and reducing environmental impacts.
Sustainable Transition through Circular Textile Products: An Empirical Study of Consumers’ Acceptance in India
Authors: Shamsi Mushahid Ali , Anwar Imran , Chaudhary Asiya , Akhtar Samreen , Ahmad Alam
Published: September 2023

The robust Indian textile industry results in prodigious consumption followed by equivalent waste, leading to environmental deterioration. The solution is circular textile production/products (CTPs), but their existence is almost absent in the Indian market due to a lack of focus on consumers’ acceptance of CTPs. To bridge the literature gap, the TPB model was extended to explore the antecedents that directly and indirectly influence consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions towards CTPs. The PLS-SEM (using Smart-PLS) was used to assess the structural model with the 409 samples collected through an online survey from the NCR of India. The findings revealed that personal benefits, environmental consciousness (except risk perception), perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms significantly and directly influence consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions towards CTPs. In addition, attitude significantly and indirectly mediates the relationship between “environmental consciousness, personal benefits (except risk perception)” and purchase intention towards CTPs. The finding offers pertinent information about the antecedents of CTPs that help the companies, marketers, and government to promote CTP acceptance and attain sustainability in the production and consumption of textile products in the Indian economy. Despite having product-specific and regional limitations, this research contributes significantly to the current literature on CTPs and their acceptance.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Legitimacy: Colombian Caribbean Insights
Authors: Bustillo-Castillejo María Cristina , Pérez-Morote Rosario , González-Moreno Ángela
Published: September 2023

The success of companies and the recognition by the community in which they are inserted depends on the confidence that the company generates in this community and the approach to local development formulated by the community. In this sense, the impacts of CSR and the recognition of the company as an important agent within the community forge the reputation of the company in terms of its management and interrelations with the community. To analyze the factors that influence the recognition and legitimacy of companies by communities, this paper analyzes the communities’ perception of territorial development and the impacts of CSR activities agreed in the social licenses in the context of Law 21/1991 on Prior Consultation in the Colombian Caribbean. Communities value investment in training and education from primary school to professional training, as well as income-generating practices. They also value respect for their culture, race, customs, and environmental wealth. CSR actions in healthcare do not provide greater legitimacy to the company. The same is the case with actions aimed to improve the relationship between suppliers and companies, as well as to strengthen the leadership of the community.
Economic Impact of High Fuel Prices on the EU Fishing Fleet
Authors: Guillen Jordi , Carvalho Natacha , Carpenter Griffin , Borriello Antonio , Calvo Santos Angel
Published: September 2023

Energy prices increased sharply because of the military invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, heavily impacting global economies. In 2022, the EU fishing sector paid on average about EUR 0.93 per liter of fuel; at the peak of the crisis in June, it paid EUR 1.2 per liter, around three times the normal average price. High fuel prices jeopardize the viability of the fishing sector, which is largely fuel-intensive and particularly vulnerable to fuel price increases. The European Commission responded with emergency measures, adopting a Temporary Framework for State aid rules and activating the crisis mechanism foreseen under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). This communication aims to examine the economic impact of the high fuel prices and the financial support available to the EU fishing sector to assess the short-term and long-term sustainability of the EU fishing sector.
DFA-SAT: Dynamic Feature Abstraction with Self-Attention-Based 3D Object Detection for Autonomous Driving
Authors: Mushtaq Husnain , Deng Xiaoheng , Ali Mubashir , Hayat Babur , Raza Sherazi Hafiz Husnain
Published: September 2023

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) play a crucial role in enhancing urban mobility within the context of a smarter and more connected urban environment. Three-dimensional object detection in AVs is an essential task for comprehending the driving environment to contribute to their safe use in urban environments. Existing 3D LiDAR object detection systems lose many critical point features during the down-sampling process and neglect the crucial interactions between local features, providing insufficient semantic information and leading to subpar detection performance. We propose a dynamic feature abstraction with self-attention (DFA-SAT), which utilizes self-attention to learn semantic features with contextual information by incorporating neighboring data and focusing on vital geometric details. DFA-SAT comprises four modules: object-based down-sampling (OBDS), semantic and contextual feature extraction (SCFE), multi-level feature re-weighting (MLFR), and local and global features aggregation (LGFA). The OBDS module preserves the maximum number of semantic foreground points along with their spatial information. SCFE learns rich semantic and contextual information with respect to spatial dependencies, refining the point features. MLFR decodes all the point features using a channel-wise multi-layered transformer approach. LGFA combines local features with decoding weights for global features using matrix product keys and query embeddings to learn spatial information across each channel. Extensive experiments using the KITTI dataset demonstrate significant improvements over the mainstream methods SECOND and PointPillars, improving the mean average precision (AP) by 6.86% and 6.43%, respectively, on the KITTI test dataset. DFA-SAT yields better and more stable performance for medium and long distances with a limited impact on real-time performance and model parameters, ensuring a transformative shift akin to when automobiles replaced conventional transportation in cities.
Parallel Subgradient-like Extragradient Approaches for Variational Inequality and Fixed-Point Problems with Bregman Relatively Asymptotical Nonexpansivity
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Cui Yun-Ling , Cao Sheng-Long , Li Bing , Wang Cong-Shan , Hu Hui-Ying
Published: September 2023

In a uniformly smooth and p-uniformly convex Banach space, let the pair of variational inequality and fixed-point problems (VIFPPs) consist of two variational inequality problems (VIPs) involving two uniformly continuous and pseudomonotone mappings and two fixed-point problems implicating two uniformly continuous and Bregman relatively asymptotically nonexpansive mappings. This article designs two parallel subgradient-like extragradient algorithms with an inertial effect for solving this pair of VIFPPs, where each algorithm consists of two parts which are of a mutually symmetric structure. With the help of suitable registrations, it is proven that the sequences generated by the suggested algorithms converge weakly and strongly to a solution of this pair of VIFPPs, respectively. Lastly, an illustrative instance is presented to verify the implementability and applicability of the suggested approaches.
Modelling a Market Society with Stochastically Varying Money Exchange Frequencies
Authors: Bertotti Maria Letizia , Carbonaro Bruno , Menale Marco
Published: September 2023

We propose and examine a model expressed by stochastic differential equations for the evolution of a complex system. We refer in particular to a market society, in which the state of each individual is identified by the amount of money at his/her disposal. The evolution of such a system over time is described by suitable equations that link the instantaneous changes in the probability of each state with the probable outcomes of pairwise interactions between elements of the system. In the context at hand, these pairwise interactions simply represent money exchanges, due to the sales and purchases of goods and services. In this paper, unlike the usual method in the literature, the interaction frequencies and the consequent probabilities of passing from one state to another are not considered as assigned once and for all but are supposed to be randomly variable. This choice, as also shown by several numerical simulations, seems likely to have fruitful consequences, especially for a more realistic representation of economic issues and phenomena.
Optimal Location and Sizing of Photovoltaic-Based Distributed Generations to Improve the Efficiency and Symmetry of a Distribution Network by Handling Random Constraints of Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Ali Muhammad Abid , Bhatti Abdul Rauf , Rasool Akhtar , Farhan Muhammad , Esenogho Ebenezer
Published: September 2023

Distributed generators (DGs) are increasingly employed in radial distribution systems owing to their ability to reduce electrical energy losses, better voltage levels, and increased dependability of the power supply. This research paper deals with the utilization of a Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm by handling its random constraints to determine the most appropriate size and location of photovoltaic-based DG (PVDG) to keep the asymmetries of the phases minimal in the grid. It is thus expected that this algorithm will provide an efficient and consistent solution to improve the overall performance of the power system. The placement and sizing of the DG are done in a way that minimizes power losses, enhances the voltage profile, i.e., bringing symmetry in the voltage profile of the system, and provides maximum cost savings. The model has been tested on an IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system using MATLAB software, in both conditions, i.e., with and without PVDG. The simulation results were successful, indicating the viability of the proposed model. The proposed PSO-based PVDG model further reduced active power losses as compared to the models based on the teaching–learning artificial bee colony algorithm (TLABC), pathfinder algorithm (PFA), and ant lion optimization algorithm (ALOA). With the proposed model, active power losses have reduced to 17.50%, 17.48%, and 8.82% compared to the losses found in the case of TLABC, PFA, and ALOA, respectively. Similarly, the proposed solution lessens the reactive power losses compared to the losses found through existing TLABC, PFA, and ALOA techniques by an extent of 23.06%, 23%, and 23.08%, respectively. Moreover, this work shows cost saving of 15.21% and 6.70% more than TLABC and ALOA, respectively. Additionally, it improves the voltage profile by 3.48% of the power distribution system.
Water Resources Management Using High-Resolution Monitoring and Modelling
Authors: Lou Hezhen , Song Wenlong , Lu Yang
Published: September 2023

Water resources’ management at a high spatial and temporal resolution calls for data support at the relevant scales, which has long been hindered by the availability of high-resolution data [...]
Novel Ocean Wave Height and Energy Spectrum Forecasting Approaches: An Application of Semi-Analytical and Machine Learning Models
Authors: Elkhrachy Ismail , Alhamami Ali , Alyami Saleh H. , Alviz-Meza Aníbal
Published: September 2023

Accurate and reliable wave forecasting is crucial for optimizing the performance of various marine operations, such as offshore energy production, shipping, and fishing. Meanwhile, predicting wave height and wave energy is crucial for achieving sustainability as a renewable energy source, as it enables the harnessing of the power of wave energy efficiently based on the water-energy nexus. Advanced wave forecasting models, such as machine learning models and the semi-analytical approach, have been developed to provide more accurate predictions of ocean waves. In this study, the Sverdrup Munk Bretschneider (SMB) semi-analytical approach, Emotional Artificial Neural Network (EANN) approach, and Wavelet Artificial Neural Network (WANN) approach will be used to estimate ocean wave parameters in the Gulf of Mexico and Aleutian Basin. The accuracy and reliability of these approaches will be evaluated, and the spatial and temporal variability of the wave field will be investigated. The available wave characteristics are used to generate hourly, 12-hourly, and daily datasets. The WANN and SMB model shows good performance in the daily prediction of the significant wave height in both case studies. In the SMB model, specifically on a daily time scale, the Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and the peak deviation coefficient (DCpeak) were determined to be 0.62 and 0.54 for the Aleutian buoy and 0.64 and 0.55 for the Gulf of Mexico buoy, respectively, for significant wave height. In the context of the WANN model and in the testing phase at the daily time scale, the NSE and DCpeak indices exhibit values of 0.85 and 0.61 for the Aleutian buoy and 0.72 and 0.61 for the Gulf of Mexico buoy, respectively, while the EANN model is a strong tool in hourly wave height prediction (Aleutian buoy (NSEEANN = 0.60 and DCpeakEANN = 0.88), Gulf of Mexico buoy (NSEEANN = 0.80 and DCpeakEANN = 0.82)). In addition, the findings pertaining to the energy spectrum density demonstrate that the EANN model exhibits superior performance in comparison to the WANN and SMB models, particularly with regard to accurately estimating the peak of the spectrum (Aleutian buoy (DCpeakEANN= 0.41), Gulf of Mexico buoy (DCpeakEANN = 0.59)).
Preferential presence in harbours confirms the non-indigenous species status of Ammonia confertitesta (Foraminifera) in the English Channel
Authors: Pavard Jean-Charles , Bouchet Vincent M. P. , Richirt Julien , Courleux Apolyne , Armynot du Châtelet Eric , Duong Gwendoline , Abraham Romain , Pezy Jean-Philippe , Dauvin Jean-Claude , Seuront Laurent
Published: September 2023

Though the morphological discrimination of the three pseudo-cryptic Ammonia species, A. aberdoveyensis, A. confertitesta and A. veneta, has been recently established, information on their ecology and habitats are still relatively scarce. This study aims to define distribution patterns of these species at eight sites scattered along the French coasts of the English Channel, over a total of 39 stations. These sites were classified into two habitats, either harbours (heavily modified sites) or less impacted (moderately influenced sites). The use of IndVal index (an index based on how a species is statistically specific to a habitat) clearly indicates that A. confertitesta is recorded preferentially in or close to harbours. Considering its non-indigenous species (NIS) status in Europe, we investigated its reported occurrences in Europe in the literature. It almost always showed a proximity to major European harbours. Sometimes, this species occurred relatively far away from these harbours, suggesting a secondary spread. Finally, this work interprets A. confertitesta being a NIS in the eastern English Channel with assumptions of being invasive regarding its dominance over the indigenous species A. aberdoveyensis and A. veneta. Complementary works such as retrospective core studies of fossil faunas are needed to quantitatively assess when and where A. confertitesta was introduced in Europe and potentially started to replace its congenerics A. veneta and A. aberdoveyensis.
Outcomes of oxytocin treatment on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Gültekin Çağrı , Sayıner Serkan , Çetinel Şule , Şehirli Ahmet Özer
Published: September 2023

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a clinical condition that poses life-threatening risks and can be caused by diseases or operations such as trauma, shock, and gastric dilatation volvulus. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of oxytocin on intestinal damage in rats induced by experimental ischemia-reperfusion injury. Three groups of Wistar albino rats were established: a control group (CTR, n=6), an intestinal ischemia-reperfusion group (I-IR, n=6), and an intestinal ischemia-reperfusion with oxytocin group (I-IR+Oxt, n=6). The I-IR+Oxt group received an intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg oxytocin 30 minutes before anesthesia. In the I-IR and I-IR+Oxt groups, the superior mesenteric artery was ligated for 1 hour to induce ischemia-reperfusion injury, followed by one hour of reperfusion by opening the ligatures. At the end of the reperfusion period, the rats were euthanized, and blood and intestinal tissue samples were collected. From the blood samples, ALT, ALP, AST, LDH, BUN, creatinine, IL-1β, and TNF-α concentrations were evaluated. Tissue samples were analyzed for IL-1β, TNF-α, and MDA activity. Serum and tissue IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations were higher in both the I-IR and I-IR+Oxt groups compared to the CTR group. However, these levels were found to be lower in the I-IR+Oxt group compared to the I-IR group. The histopathological analysis showed that the I-IR+Oxt group had better epithelial regeneration and less inflammatory cell infiltration compared to the I-I/R group. In conclusion, oxytocin inhibited the release of IL-1β and TNF-α and the harmful effect of I/R on intestinal cells.