bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Traffic Flow Forecasting Based on a Novel Combined Model
Authors: Liu Lu , Li Caihong , Yang Yi , Wang Jianzhou
Published: November 2024

To improve the forecasting accuracy of traffic flow, this paper proposes a traffic flow forecasting algorithm based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) for data processing. The Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) algorithm is used to optimize the weights of a combined model called the GWO-PC-CGLX model, which consists of the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). Initially, PCA and CEEMDAN are used to reduce the dimensionality and noise in the air quality index (AQI) data and traffic flow data. The smoothed data are then input into the CNN, GRU, LSTM, and XGboost models for forecasting. To improve the forecasting accuracy, the GWO algorithm is used to find the optimal weight combination of the four single models. Taking the data from Jiayuguan and Lanzhou in Gansu Province as an example, compared with the actual data, the values of the evaluation indicator R2 (Coefficient of Determination) reached 0.9452 and 0.9769, respectively, which are superior to those of the comparison models. The research results not only improve the accuracy of traffic flow forecasting but also provide effective support for the construction of intelligent transportation systems and sustainable traffic management.
Wind Farm Layout Optimization Using Multiobjective Modified Electric Charged Particles Optimization Algorithm Based on Game Theory Indexing in Real Onshore Area
Authors: Hidayat Taufal , Ramli Makbul A. M. , Hardi Apri Zulmi , Bouchekara Houssem R. E. H. , Milyani Ahmad H.
Published: November 2024

Designing onshore wind farms presents unique challenges related to interactions between terrain and landscape characteristics. This research focuses on optimizing the layout of onshore wind farms while considering the effect of the terrain and land characteristics. Three real onshore site areas in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, are selected for wind farm design and optimization. A novel optimization algorithm, the Multiobjective Modified Electric Charged Particles Optimization (MOMECPO), is introduced to minimize both the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and noise levels. This algorithm employs a new game theory-based indexing method to effectively sort the Pareto solution set. The results show that the proposed algorithm enhances the exploration and exploitation capabilities of the solutions obtained. Our optimal solutions demonstrate that MOECPO achieves LCOE values of 6.78, 7.73, and 5.56 US cents/kWh for Sites 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Correspondingly, noise levels are recorded at 53.71 dBA, 52.53 dBA, and 55.25 dBA for the same sites. These values outperform seven other comparative algorithms, with NSGA achieving the closest performance among them, yielding LCOE values of 6.865, 7.815, and 5.579 US cents/kWh, and noise levels of 53.858, 52.556, and 55.197 dBA for Sites 1, 2, and 3, respectively. As for the terrain effect, our findings reveal that sites with complex terrains tend to have higher AEP and lower LCOE due to the steeper slopes. However, this site also experiences increased noise levels because of the higher energy production.
Understanding Consumer Perception of Sustainable Fashion in Japan: Insights Based on Recycled and Secondhand Clothing
Authors: Sueda Ryutaro , Seo Yuna
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the factors influencing consumers’ willingness to purchase recycled and secondhand clothing as part of sustainable fashion. Using a model constructed with six latent variables—environmental consciousness, perceived value, interest in fashion, social media use, uniqueness, and purchase intention—data were gathered through an online survey targeting Japanese consumers. The findings reveal that consumer perceptions of social responsibility and environmental values significantly impact their purchasing intentions. Uniqueness plays a key role in shaping purchase decisions for secondhand clothing, while it has no significant effect on recycled clothing, emphasizing the need for tailored marketing strategies. This study offers a comprehensive examination of consumer behavior in the sustainable fashion industry, providing crucial insights for the development of segmented marketing strategies that cater to the distinct motivations and preferences of consumers.
Sustainability Beyond Profits: Assessing the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Strategic Business Performance in Hospitality Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Mu Zi , Li Yifei , Hussain Hadi
Published: November 2024

In today’s business world, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly dedicated to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, gaining recognition from communities, investors, and customers who view them as socially and environmentally conscious. Thus, this research examines how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) orientation, commitment, and participation affect strategic business performance (SBP) of SMEs in hospitality sectors, along with the potential mediation function of CSR engagements. To investigate the proposed model, this study employed a cross-sectional dataset of 163 hospitality SMEs, incorporating 482 valid responses. The representative sample was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), regression analysis, and bootstrapping techniques to test direct and indirect effects. Findings indicate that CSR orientation, commitment, and participation play vital roles as antecedents of SBP. In hospitality SMEs, adopting CSR practices is imperative for increasing SBP. This study bridges a crucial research gap, particularly in understanding how hospitality SMEs engage in CSR and its impact on business success, offering valuable insights for SME management, practitioners, and stakeholders.
Sustainability and Rural Empowerment: Developing Women’s Entrepreneurial Skills Through Innovation
Authors: Ramos Farroñán Emma Verónica , Arbulú Ballesteros Marco Agustín , Mogollón García Francisco Segundo , Heredia Llatas Flor Delicia , Farfán Chilicaus Gary Christiam , Guzmán Valle María de los Ángeles , García Juárez Hugo Daniel , Silva León Pedro Manuel , Arbulú Castillo Julie Catherine
Published: November 2024

This systematic study explores the success factors and barriers faced by rural women entrepreneurs in the artisanal sector during 2020–2024. Through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of academic databases, 50 relevant articles that met predefined inclusion criteria were identified and reviewed. The results reveal a dynamic and collaborative research field with a focus on developing countries. It highlights the interplay of individual, social, structural, and innovation factors as key determinants of entrepreneurial success. The adoption of digital technologies and social innovation emerge as key factors, while traditional gender roles, poor infrastructure, and discrimination persist as significant barriers. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, prompting innovative resilience strategies. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics that influence the success of these entrepreneurs and underscores the need for holistic approaches that address skills development, access to resources, and promotion of innovation to empower rural women and foster sustainable development in their communities.
Optimizing Location Selection for International Education Fairs: An Interval-Valued Neutrosophic Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution Approach
Authors: Türkan Yusuf Sait , Alioğulları Ecenur , Tüylü Duygu
Published: November 2024

The exponential growth in global student mobility has resulted in a corresponding increase in demand for international student fairs. Education fairs serve as pivotal platforms for the acquisition of information and the formulation of decisions pertaining to academic pursuits, with a considerable number of students ultimately enrolling in undergraduate, graduate, and language programs abroad. By reaching a large number of students at international education fairs, students from underdeveloped or developing countries benefit from educational opportunities in developed countries, providing significant contributions to social sustainability and socio-economic opportunities. The success of these events is reliant upon the selection of an appropriate location, which necessitates a multifaceted process that considers a range of factors and potential risks. This initial study on the location selection of international education fairs addresses the existing literature gap by employing the interval-valued neutrosophic fuzzy TOPSIS (IVN Fuzzy TOPSIS) method, a novel approach to the location country selection decision problem faced by a fair company operating in Türkiye for international education fairs. IVN Fuzzy TOPSIS is an advanced decision-making method that incorporates interval-valued neutrosophic sets—using high and low values for truthiness (T), indeterminacy (I), and falsity (F)—to more effectively handle uncertainty and indeterminacy in evaluating alternatives. The study demonstrates the efficacy of this method in addressing uncertainty through a real-world case analysis, which provides a balanced assessment of various criteria. The findings, in which Poland was identified as the optimal fair location among five alternatives, demonstrate the efficacy of the method in facilitating expeditious and precise decision-making, particularly through the incorporation of linguistic expressions that simplify the complexities of decision-making processes. This research not only advances the understanding of site selection for education fairs but also offers a practical tool for decision-makers navigating similar challenges in event planning.
Ecological Importance Evaluation and Ecological Function Zoning of Yanshan-Taihang Mountain Area of Hebei Province
Authors: Zhang Pengtao , Duan Qixuan , Dong Jie , Piao Lichao , Cui Zhaoyang
Published: November 2024

Ecological importance evaluation can clearly identify the ecological service functions and ecological values of a region. This paper takes the Yanshan-Taihang Mountain area in Hebei Province as the research area, utilizing 2020 land use data. With the help of various analytical models and GIS spatial analysis methods, this paper selects water conservation, soil and water conservation, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and oxygen release to evaluate the importance of ecosystem services, and selects soil and water loss sensitivity and land desertification sensitivity to evaluate the ecological sensitivity, so as to identify the important areas of ecological protection in the study area, analyze their spatial change characteristics and divide the leading ecological functions according to the results. The results show that the moderately important and highly important areas in the Yanshan-Taihang region of Hebei Province account for more than 70% of the total study area. Based on the importance evaluation results, three types of dominant ecological function zones were obtained using self-organized feature mapping neural network analysis in the R language, and control measures were proposed. The research results can provide strategic support for local ecological protection and regional ecological restoration, as well as serving as a reference for the optimization of land spatial development patterns.
Multi-Party Collaboration in Agricultural Green Technology Innovation and Adoption: An Evolutionary Game Approach
Authors: Ma Xueli , Ren Tianyuan , Islam Sardar M. N.
Published: November 2024

The collaborative promotion of agricultural green technology innovation and adoption (AGTIA) is essential for achieving green agriculture. However, there remains a need to raise both innovation and adoption levels, necessitating explorations of the effects of government subsidies and collaborative mechanisms. To this end, this paper builds an evolutionary game model to analyze the collaborative promotion of AGTIA. By introducing relevant parameters, such as government subsidies for AGTIA, dividends and liquidated damages within industrial technology innovation alliances (ITISAs), and cost reduction coefficients, this paper explores the impacts of the technology spillover effect, price premium of green agricultural products, and government subsidies on the strategic choices of related participants. The main findings are as follows: (1) The key factors influencing AGTIA are different and the government can implement different combinations of dynamic and static subsidy mechanisms at distinct stages of agricultural green development. Government subsidies play a major role at the initial stage, while ITISAs should take fuller advantage of AGTIA as green agriculture matures. (2) Increasing subsidies can promote AGTIA at the initial stage. However, an optimal range of subsidies exists, and when subsidies are higher than a certain threshold, government subsidy willingness fluctuations may lead to decreased stability. (3) There is a threshold of liquidated damages within ITISAs. Only when liquidated damages exceed the threshold can they facilitate the development of durable ITISAs and discourage free-rider behavior. The above findings can provide theoretical support for relevant government sectors when issuing policies to promote AGTIA and agricultural green development.
Early Urban Migration and Long-Term Settlement Intention: Evidence from Migrants in China
Authors: Li Jun , Wei Honghong , Zuo Zhengdong
Published: November 2024

In recent years, with the further advancement of China’s urbanization process and the continued expansion of its migrants, increasing attention has been directed toward migrants’ intentions to settle and their integration into host cities. However, the role of early urban experiences on migrants’ long-term residence intention remains unclear. Using data from the Chinese Migrant Dynamics Monitoring Survey, we examine the impact of age at first migration on the long-term settlement intention of migrants in China and the underlying influencing mechanisms. We find that migrants who migrate to cities at a younger age have higher intentions to settle in cities. The mechanism analysis suggests that migrating to cities at a younger age facilitates social integration, promotes the convergence of habits and improves dialect proficiency. Moreover, a heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive effects of early city migration on long-term settlement intentions are more pronounced among migrants who migrate less frequently, are unmarried and have resided in the local area for a longer period. Further study shows that early migration to cities also positively impacts the settlement intention involving the transfer of one’s household registration (hukou) status.
Historical and Future Changes in Water Temperature in the Pilica River (Central Europe) in Response to Global Warming
Authors: Ptak Mariusz , Amnuaylojaroen Teerachai , Sojka Mariusz
Published: November 2024

This study analyzes changes in the water temperature in the Pilica River (Poland), encompassing both historical data (1958–2023) and projections extending to the year 2100. We use multi-model ensembles (MMEs) with Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) to integrate various Global Climate Model (GCM) datasets for current and projected climate data. Additionally, a Random Forest (RF) machine learning method is applied to project future water temperatures in the Pilica River. It has been demonstrated that over a period of more than sixty years, the average annual water temperature has increased by nearly 2 °C. Further changes are expected to continue in a similar direction with a gradual rise in this parameter, reaching a temperature increase of 3 °C by the end of the 21st century (SSP585). In the distant future, with average monthly water temperature changes at the Przedbórz station ranging from 0.27 °C to 0.87 °C·decade−1 and at the Białobrzegi station from 0.22 °C to 1.06 °C·decade−1. The results of these changes are concerning, especially considering the crucial role of water temperature in shaping seasonality and the dynamics of processes occurring within the river. In the context of the sustainability of the river itself, but also of the entire catchment area, strategies developed by relevant public administration bodies are needed to mitigate the impacts of global warming observed in the thermal regime of the Pilica River.
Advancing Sustainable Practices in Additive Manufacturing: A Comprehensive Review on Material Waste Recyclability
Authors: Prasad Geena , Arunav H. , Dwight S. , Ghosh Madhav B. , Jayadev Ayona , Nair Deepa Indira
Published: November 2024

This review investigates the pivotal challenge of recycling material waste in the context of additive manufacturing. We place an emphasis on decentralized 3D printing, shedding light on its environmental and economic implications. As additive manufacturing experiences exponential growth, the environment impact of waste generation during 3D printing processes has become increasingly significant. This paper explores various recycled materials commonly used in 3D printing, including polymers like polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), evaluating their characteristics and usability. General recycling methodologies, encompassing mechanical and chemical processes, are examined, with attention paid to challenges such as polymer sorting, additives, coatings, contamination, and thermoset reprocessing. The economic, societal, and environmental impacts of integrating recycled materials into 3D printing are examined. By identifying research gaps and proposing future trends, this review contributes to the development of a deeper understanding of how recycling can play a pivotal role in achieving environmental sustainability and economic viability within the decentralized 3D printing landscape.
On Matrices of Generalized Octonions (Cayley Numbers)
Authors: Yamaç Akbıyık Seda
Published: November 2024

This article focuses on generalized octonions which include real octonions, split octonions, semi octonions, split semi octonions, quasi octonions, split quasi octonions and para octonions in special cases. We make a classification according to the inner product and vector parts and give the polar forms for lightlike generalized octonions. Furthermore, the matrix representations of the generalized octonions are given and some properties of these representations are achieved. Also, powers and roots of the matrix representations are presented. All calculations in the article are achieved by using MATLAB R2023a and these codes are presented with an illustrative example.
Learning from Outputs: Improving Multi-Object Tracking Performance by Tracker Fusion
Authors: Scarrica Vincenzo M. , Staiano Antonino
Published: November 2024

This paper presents an approach to improving visual object tracking performance by dynamically fusing the results of two trackers, where the scheduling of trackers is determined by a support vector machine (SVM). By classifying the outputs of other trackers, our method learns their behaviors and exploits their complementarity to enhance tracking accuracy and robustness. Our approach consistently surpasses the performance of individual trackers within the ensemble. Despite being trained on only 4 sequences and tested on 144 sequences from the VOTS2023 benchmark, our approach achieves a Q metric of 0.65. Additionally, our fusion strategy demonstrates versatility across different datasets, achieving 73.7 MOTA on MOT17 public detections and 82.8 MOTA on MOT17 private detections. On the MOT20 dataset, it achieves 68.6 MOTA on public detections and 79.7 MOTA on private detections, setting new benchmarks in multi-object tracking. These results highlight the potential of using an ensemble of trackers with a learner-based scheduler to significantly improve tracking performance.
AI-Powered Biodiversity Assessment: Species Classification via DNA Barcoding and Deep Learning
Authors: Nanni Loris , Cuza Daniela , Brahnam Sheryl
Published: November 2024

Only 1.2 million out of an estimated 8.7 million species on Earth have been fully classified through taxonomy. As biodiversity loss accelerates, ecologists are urgently revising conservation strategies, but the “taxonomic impediment” remains a significant barrier, limiting effective access to and understanding of taxonomic data for many researchers. As sequencing technologies advance, short DNA sequence fragments increasingly serve as DNA barcodes for species identification. Rapid acquisition of DNA sequences from diverse organisms is now possible, highlighting the increasing significance of DNA sequence analysis tools in species identification. This study introduces a new approach for species classification with DNA barcodes based on an ensemble of deep neural networks (DNNs). Several techniques are proposed and empirically evaluated for converting raw DNA sequence data into images fed into the DNNs. The best-performing approach is obtained by representing each pair of DNA bases with the value of a related physicochemical property. By utilizing different physicochemical properties, we can create an ensemble of networks. Our proposed ensemble obtains state-of-the-art performance on both simulated and real datasets.
On the Hypothesis of Exact Conservation of Charged Weak Hadronic Vector Current in the Standard Model
Authors: Altarawneh Derar , Höllwieser Roman , Wellenzohn Markus
Published: November 2024

We investigate the reliability of the conservation of the vector current (CVC) hypothesis in the neutron beta decay (n β− decay). We calculate the contribution of the phenomenological term, responsible for the CVC in the hadronic current of the n β− decay (or the CVC effect), to the neutron lifetime. We show that the CVC effect increases the neutron lifetime with a relative contribution of 8.684×10−2. This leads to the increase of the neutron lifetime by 76.4 s with respect to the world averaged value τn=880.2(1.0)s from the Particle Data Group. We show that since in the Standard Model there are no interactions that are able to cancel such a huge increase in the neutron lifetime, we have to turn to the interactions beyond the Standard Model, the contribution of which to the neutron lifetime reduces to the Fierz interference term bF only. Cancelling the CVC effect at the level of the experimental accuracy, we obtain bF=0.1219(12). If this value cannot be accepted for the Fierz interference term, the CVC effect induces irresistible problems for description and understanding of the n β− decay.
Correction: Konstantopoulos et al. HPV16 E6 Oncogene Contributes to Cancer Immune Evasion by Regulating PD-L1 Expression through a miR-143/HIF-1a Pathway. Viruses 2024, 16, 113
Authors: Konstantopoulos Georgios , Leventakou Danai , Saltiel Despoina-Rozi , Zervoudi Efthalia , Logotheti Eirini , Pettas Spyros , Karagianni Korina , Daiou Angeliki , Hatzistergos Konstantinos E. , Dafou Dimitra , Arsenakis Minas , Psyrri Amanda , Kottaridi Christine
Published: November 2024

Amanda Psyrri was not included as an author in the original publication [...]
Genotypic Clustering of H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in North America Evaluated by Ordination Analysis
Authors: Tawidian Patil , Torchetti Mia K. , Killian Mary L. , Lantz Kristina , Dilione Krista E. , Ringenberg Jourdan M. , Bevins Sarah N. , Lenoch Julianna B. , Ip Hon S.
Published: November 2024

The introduction of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses to North America in late 2021 resulted in avian influenza outbreaks in poultry, mortality events in many wild bird species, and spillovers into many mammalian species. Reassortment events with North American low-pathogenic virus were identified as early as February 2022 and over 100 genotypes have been characterized. Such diversity increases the complexity and time required for monitoring virus evolution. Here, we performed ordination and clustering analyses on sequence data from H5N1 viruses identified in North America between January 2020 and December 2023 to visualize the genotypic diversity of viruses in poultry and wildlife populations. Our results reveal that ordination- and cluster-based approaches can complement traditional phylogenetic analyses specifically for the preliminary assignment of H5N1 viruses to genotypic groups or to identify novel genotypes. Our study expands current knowledge on the genotypic diversity of H5N1 viruses in North America and describes a rapid approach for early virus genotype assignment.
The Real-World Effectiveness of Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccines in Zimbabwe During the Omicron Variant Dominance: A Test-Negative Case–Control Study
Authors: Makadzange Azure Tariro , Gundidza Patricia , Konono Kimberly Cheryl Chido , Gurumani Margaret , Ndhlovu Chiratidzo
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health, with varying vaccine effectiveness (VE) across different regions and vaccine platforms. In Africa, where vaccination rates are relatively low, inactivated vaccines like BBIP-CorV (Sinopharm) and Coronovac (Sinovac) have been widely used. This study evaluated the real-world effectiveness of licensed inactivated COVID-19 vaccines in Zimbabwe during a period dominated by Omicron variants. Methods: We conducted a prospective, test-negative, case–control study among symptomatic adults across six Zimbabwean provinces from November 2022 to October 2023. Participants were categorized based on vaccination status, and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. Vaccine effectiveness was assessed using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for various covariates such as age, sex, and comorbidities. Results: Among 5175 participants, 701 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 4474 tested negative. The overall adjusted VE against symptomatic COVID-19 was 31% (95% CI: 5.3–49.7%) among verified vaccinated individuals. Boosted individuals demonstrated a higher VE of 59.8% (95% CI: 40.3–72.9%). VE decreased significantly to 24% (95% CI: −4.1–44.8%) in individuals vaccinated over a year prior. Similar VE was observed for BBIP-CorV (36.8%, 95% CI: 11.4–54.9%) and Coronovac (38.1%, 95% CI: 16.3–54.2%). Conclusions: This study indicates modest protection from inactivated COVID-19 vaccines against symptomatic Omicron infection, with significant enhancement following booster doses. These findings highlight the need for continued vaccine evaluation, particularly in resource-limited settings, to inform public health strategies and optimize vaccination programs.
How Attribution of COVID-19 Crisis Responsibility Predicts Hong Kong Citizens’ Intention to Accept Vaccination
Authors: Kim Ji Won , Cai Qinxian , Kao Lang , Huang Yi-Hui Christine
Published: November 2024

Background: This study aims to illuminate the role of perceived crisis responsibility in shaping vaccination intention. By using the case of Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic, we examined whether and how the allocation of crisis responsibility to the government predicts the public’s intention to take vaccines, particularly by investigating its underlying mechanism. Method and Results: Based on a population-representative sample of Hong Kong adults (N = 3188), our results indicated that (1) the attribution of crisis responsibility directly led to lower vaccination intention, and (2) it also had indirect influences on vaccination intention through trust and anger; specifically, the crisis attribution resulted in less willingness to take vaccines via a decreased trust in government health agencies. We also found a serial mediation pathway in which anger aroused by the crisis attribution could decrease trust, which, in turn, yielded lower vaccination intentions. Conclusion: The findings of this study offer theoretical insights into the role of attribution of crisis responsibility in affecting vaccination decisions during a public health emergency. Further, these findings provide directions for crisis managers and public health authorities to develop communication strategies to motivate vaccine uptake and formulate an approach to tackle the pandemic crisis.
The Impact of Road Realignment on the Traffic Load in the Surrounding Area
Authors: Fabian Peter , Čulík Kristián , Kalašová Alica , Černický Ľubomír
Published: November 2024

This paper examines how the unidirectional alignment of a selected street affects traffic load at nearby signal-controlled intersections. Using the Aimsun 8 simulation model, the intersections in the city of Topoľčany were evaluated. A simulation model was created based on a traffic survey conducted by video detection at selected signal-controlled intersections. Both the negative and positive impacts of this modification were analyzed. This study shows a significant deterioration in the traffic situation. This paper further investigates the improvement achieved through corrective measures such as implementing an actuated control plan, modifying signal plans, and coordinating traffic flows. The results show the effectiveness of these measures in reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. They also serve as a foundation for optimizing traffic systems and implementing measures to improve urban mobility.
Novel Nonlinear Suspension Based on Concept of Origami Metastructures: Theoretical and Experimental Investigations
Authors: Zippo Antonio , Iarriccio Giovanni , Molaie Moslem , Pellicano Francesco
Published: November 2024

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of an innovative mechanical system inspired by recent advancements in metamaterials; more specifically, the work is focused on origami-type structures due to their intriguing mechanical properties. Originating from specific fields such as aerospace for their lightweight and foldable characteristics, origami mechanical devices exhibit unique nonlinear stiffness; in particular, when suitably designed, they show Quasi-Zero Stiffness (QZS) characteristics within a specific working range. The QZS property, aligned with the High Static Low Dynamic (HSLD) stiffness concept, suggests promising applications such as a low-frequency mechanical passive vibration isolator. The study explores the vibration isolation characteristics of origami-type suspensions, with a particular emphasis on their potential application as low-frequency passive vibration isolators. The Kresling Origami Module (KOM) has been selected for its compactness and compatibility with 3D printers. A detailed analysis using 3D CAD, Finite Element Analysis, and experimental testing has been carried out. The investigation includes the analysis of the influence of geometric parameters on the nonlinear force–displacement curve. Multibody simulations validate the low-frequency isolation properties within the QZS region, as well as disparities in dynamic properties beyond the QZS range. The study underscores the transformative potential of origami-type metamaterials in enhancing low-frequency vibration isolation technology. It also highlights challenges related to material properties and loading mass variations, providing valuable insights for future developments in this promising field.
Research on Challenges and Strategies for Reservoir Flood Risk Prevention and Control Under Extreme Climate Conditions
Authors: Hou Wenang , Zhang Shichen , Yin Jiangshan , Huang Jianfeng
Published: November 2024

In recent years, reservoir flood control and dam safety have faced severe challenges due to changing environmental conditions and intense human activities. There has been a significant increase in the proportion of dam breaks caused by floods exceeding reservoir design levels. Dam breaks have periodically occurred due to flood overtopping, threatening people’s lives and properties. This highlights the importance of describing the challenges encountered in reservoir flood risk prevention and control under extreme climatic conditions and proposing strategies to safeguard reservoirs against floods and to protect downstream communities. This study conducts a statistical analysis of dam breaks resulting from floods exceeding reservoir design levels, revealing new risk indicators in these settings. The study examines recent representative engineering cases involving flood risks and reviews research findings pertaining to reservoir flood risks under extreme climatic conditions. By comparing flood prevention standards at typical reservoirs and investigating the problems and challenges associated with current standards, the study presents the challenges and strategies associated with managing flood risks in reservoirs under extreme climatic conditions. The findings show that the driving forces and their effects shaping flood risk characteristics in specific regions are influenced by atmospheric circulation and vegetative changes in underlying surfaces or land use. There is a clear increasing probability of dam breaks or accidents caused by floods exceeding design levels. Most dam breaks or accidents occur in small and medium-sized reservoirs, due to low flood control standards and poor management. Therefore, this paper recommends measures for improving the flood prevention capacity of these specific types of reservoirs. This paper proposes key measures to cope with floods exceeding reservoir design levels, to supplement the existing standard system. This includes implementing an improved flood standard based on dam risk level and the rapid reduction in the reservoir water level. To prevent breaks associated with overtopping, earth–rock dams should be designed to consider extreme rainfall events. More clarity is needed in the execution principles of flood prevention standards, and the effectiveness of flood calculations should be studied, adjusted, and validated. The research results provide better descriptions of flood risks in reservoirs under extreme climatic conditions, and the proposed strategies have both theoretical and practical implications for building resilience against flood risks and protecting people’s lives and properties.
Quantitative Assessment of Future Environmental Changes in Hydrological Risk Components: Integration of Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Hydraulic Modeling
Authors: Gholami Farinaz , Li Yue , Zhang Junlong , Nemati Alireza
Published: November 2024

Floods are one of the most devastating natural hazards that have intensified due to land use land cover (LULC) changes in recent years. Flood risk assessment is a crucial task for disaster management in flood-prone areas. In this study, we proposed a flood risk assessment framework that combines flood vulnerability, hazard, and damages under long-term LULC changes in the Tajan watershed, northern Iran. The research analyzed historical land use change trends and predicted changes up to 2040 by employing a Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, and land change modeling. The flood vulnerability map was generated using the Random Forest model, incorporating historical data from 332 flooded locations and 12 geophysical and anthropogenic flood factors under LULC change scenarios. The potential flood damage costs in residential and agricultural areas, considering long-term LULC changes, were calculated using the HEC-RAS hydraulic model and a global damage function. The results revealed that unplanned urban growth, agricultural expansion, and deforestation near the river downstream amplify flood risk in 2040. High and very high flood vulnerability areas would increase by 43% in 2040 due to human activities and LULC changes. Estimated annual flood damage for agriculture and built-up areas was projected to surge from USD 162 million to USD 376 million and USD 91 million to USD 220 million, respectively, considering 2021 and 2040 land use change scenarios in the flood-prone region. This research highlights the importance of land use planning in mitigating flood-associated risks, both in the studied area and other flood-prone regions.
Variability of Drinking Water Quality on the Basis of Analysis of Qualitative Monitoring from a Selected Water Supply Network Located in South-Eastern Poland
Authors: Piegdoń Izabela
Published: November 2024

Various groups of contaminants can be found in water intended for human consumption, such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals. Many of these contaminants can cause serious health problems, so it is extremely important to ensure that water quality meets current standards. The main objective of this study was to analyze and evaluate the variability of drinking water quality in a selected water supply system located in the southern part of Poland. The results of the research and analysis presented in the study were prepared on the basis of test reports carried out by the water supply company during the operating years 2018–2022. A total of 28 indicators from the group of physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed: color, turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, chromium, aluminum, cadmium, magnesium, manganese, copper, nickel, lead, mercury, sulfates, total iron, oxidizability, chloroform, total THM (Trihalomethanes), total organic carbon, chlorites and chlorates, Escherichia coli, Enterococci, Coliform Bacteria, Clostridium perfringens (with spores), and total hardness. The results obtained were compared with national and European standards. The analyzed tap water was characterized by a stable physicochemical composition and did not exceed microbiological parameters. The only parameter that would not meet the acceptable value is chromium. Its value in each of the analyzed months was <3.0 μg/L, while the new directive tightens the requirements to 0.25 μg/L. The water supply network operator should take action to reduce the amount of chromium in tap water so that it follows the introduction of new regulations on the quality of drinking water.
A Qualitative Definition of Reliable Water Supply for Public Water Systems
Authors: Hopkins Easton G. , Sowby Robert B.
Published: November 2024

“Reliable water supply” does not have a clear definition in the Western United States, where water resources are limited and such a definition would be especially useful. In Utah, the three water agencies and 500 public water systems have no consistent method to define, evaluate, and report it, potentially leading to an inability to meet regulatory water demands. We propose a unified definition of reliable water supply for Utah’s public water suppliers that can also be used elsewhere. We derive our definition from a two-part qualitative analysis: (1) an extensive review of existing definitions in industry and academia and (2) semi-structured interviews with managers of six diverse Utah water utilities. We propose that water supply be defined by three overlapping components—hydrology, infrastructure, and governance—and that reliability be defined by the capacity of the limiting component. The results from the qualitative analysis support our definition and further indicate that a definition is necessary to precede quantitative evaluations, set policy, and provide consistency to water resources management.
Optimization and Screening of Chl-a Inversion Model for Urban Water Bodies Based on Ground-Based Hyperspectra
Authors: Xia Liling , Zhu Yuelong , Zhao Zhenhua
Published: November 2024

Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) serves as a crucial indicator of water quality, making the precise monitoring of its concentration essential for aquatic environment ecosystem protection. Water color retrieval technology has gained prominence in monitoring spatiotemporal variations in water quality. This study evaluated inversion models for Chl-a estimation in urban water bodies using ground-based hyperspectral data in Nanjing, China. The results indicate that the normalizing of water-leaving reflectance significantly enhances the correlation between water-leaving reflectance and measured Chl-a concentration. However, due to the complexity of urban water bodies and the diversity of interfering components, the three ratio algorithms of OC2V4, OC4V4, and TChla using blue–green bands yielded suboptimal inversion results. In contrast, the normalized fluorescence line height (NFH) algorithm exhibited a robust performance, yielding an R2 of 0.70. Furthermore, the overall performance of the near-infrared–Red (NIR-red)-band algorithms showed a commendable overall performance (R2 > 0.60), and the best four-band algorithm, 4BDA, achieved an R2 of 0.72. Other index algorithms, such as the Yang index and the normalized difference Chl-a index (NDCI), also performed well (R2 = 0.61). Notably, the classification of Chl-a concentrations did not significantly enhance the inversion accuracy of the empirical and semi-analytical models. Only the NFH algorithm using the fluorescence band greatly improved the inversion accuracy for low Chl-a concentrations (R2 = 0.75), likely due to the influence of Chl-a and other substances on fluorescence peak positioning and height. Ultimately, the NFH model is identified as the optimal approach for Chl-a inversion across varying Chl-a concentrations in urban water bodies. This study provides critical technical support for the protection of aquatic environments and the management of urban water resources.
إدمان شبكات التواصل الاجتماعي: المنطلقات المفاهيمية والنظرية
Authors: Sarmini Iman
Published: November 2024

يهدف هذا المقال إلى عرض ماله صلة باستخدام شبكات التواصل الاجتماعي منذ بدأ أنطلاقها إلى تحديد ماله صله بتحول هذا الاستخدام إلى سلوك إدماني قهري. والأثار المترتبة على هذا الاستخدام،  والعوامل المساهمة في تطور الاستخدام إلى شكله المرضي، والنظريات المفسره وأليات المعالجة النفسية التي تأتي ثمارها في التعامل مع هذا النمط الإدماني.
حرية الرأي والتعبير – دراسة في المواثيق الدولية والإقليمية والدساتير الجزائرية-
Authors: Chelbak Slimane
Published: November 2024

حرية الرأي والتعبير هي أحد الحقوق الإنسانية التي يندرج تحتها الحق في المعلومة وتداولها وإبداء الرأي فيها بكل حرية، وهو ما أكدته أغلب الدول؛ مجتمعة أم منفردة، وسواء من خلال مظلة الهيئات الدولية؛ أي في المواثيق والإعلانات الدولية الخاصة بحقوق الإنسان، أو من خلال تشريعاتها الوطنية وسعيها إلى تكريسه في دساتيرها، بإتخاذ التدابير ووضع الآليات اللازمة لتحقيق الحماية الكافية له وضمان الممارسة المشروعة لهذا الحق.
وتوصلت هذه الدراسة إلى أن المجتمع الدولي سعى من خلال المواثيق والاتفاقيات سواء على المستوى الدولي أو الإقليمي إلى إبراز أهمية ضمانة وحماية الحق في الرأي والتعبير وضرورة تجسيده وتكريسه ضمن الدساتير الوطنية.
Data review and Analysis
Authors: SOUFRANI Aicha
Published: November 2024

The studies and Researches have always problems of missing values and outliers, which are often dealt by ignoring or deleting, resulting from it the inaccuracy and validity of the results. So, this study came to refer to both (missing data and outliers) beginning with defining their causes and passing through the mechanisms, then to the most common methods in dealing with this type of data, in order to increase the reliability of the results of studies and research.
تصنيف البيانات النوعية والكمية
Authors: Benbouzid Khaled , Belhemari Bachir
Published: November 2024

تهدف هذه الورقة البحثية إلى  إبراز دور و أهمية  مرحلة من مراحل البحث العلمي وهي تصنيف البيانات الإحصائية في البحوث والدراسات، (Classification of statistical data) خاصة في مجال العلوم الاجتماعية و الإنسانية، حيث حاولنا التطرق إلى أهم المقاربات والأساليب الإحصائية التي تناولت طرق تصنيف البيانات من أجل الوصول إلى التحليل الإحصائي، وهذا من خلال تسليط الضوء  على  النقاط التي يتم على أساسها التصنيف الإحصائي مثل طبيعة المجتمع الإحصائي  و أفراد العينة وخصائصها  حيث تم التركيز على أهم نوعين في التصنيفات الإحصائية وهما تصنيف البيانات النوعية و البيانات الكمية، وتحديد أسلوب كل نوع منهما وما يتميز به عن الأخر من خصائص ومميزات.
Workforce Diversity in Private Sectors Bank in Middle East
Authors: Al-Mukhaini Sumaiya , Al-Hadrami Ahmed
Published: November 2024

The research report has involved discussion based on how the workplace culture is affecting the private banking system in middle east region. The introduction chapter is based on highlighting the research aim, objectives as well as the area of significance. This study has aimed to discuss regarding workplace diversity in private sector banks in middle east. The issue is based on lack of workplace diversity affects the growth of business productivity. This study has focused to open a new window to shed light on the aspect of workplace diversity and its relevance to a banking sector. Along with this, the research techniques have been analysed in brief. Selecting the interpretivism philosophy has become effective to answer the research questions and the exploratory research design has become effective to discuss regarding the needs of workplace diversity in private banking in middle east. Both primary and secondary data collection processes have been taken into consideration. For primary data collection 4 managers have been interviewed and for secondary data, collection of theoretical sources such as articles, newspapers, e-books published on or after 2015 have been considered. Additionally, ethical aspects have been mentioned that have been followed by the researcher to complete the study in an effective way. Lack of focus towards industry trends is hampering the process of managing workplace diversity. The most important feature of diversity is it gives access to a greater range of talent. Thus, it can be stated that diversity at workplace is highly beneficial for the organization which helps to gain core competencies by the contribution of innovative ideas. Along with this, the last part has involved the conclusion part in which the objectives have been linked and effective recommendations have been made. Besides, the future scope of this study is discussed in brief. It has been mentioned that this study will be helpful for the aspiring researchers to research on the aspects of managing workplace diversity and how it can be helpful for manging the business process of private banks in middle east.