bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Data Loss on Multi-Step Forecast of Traffic Flow in Urban Roads Using K-Nearest Neighbors
Authors: Mallek Amin , Klosa Daniel , Büskens Christof
Published: September 2022

Data-driven models have recently proved to be a very powerful tool to extract relevant information from different kinds of datasets. However, datasets are often subject to multiple anomalies, including the loss of important parts of entries. In the context of intelligent transportation, we examine in this paper the impact of data loss on the behavior of one of the frequently used approaches to address this kind of problems in the literature, namely, the k-nearest neighbors model. The method designed herein is set to perform multi-step traffic flow forecasts in urban roads. In our study, we deploy non-prepossessed real data recorded by seven inductive loop detectors and delivered by the Traffic Management Center (VMZ) of Bremen (Germany). Firstly, we measure the performance of the model on a complete dataset of 11 weeks. The same dataset is then used to artificially create 50 incomplete datasets with different gap sizes and completeness levels. Afterwards, in order to reconstruct these datasets, we propose three computationally-low techniques, which proved through empirical testing to be efficient in reproducing missing entries. Thereafter, the performance of the E-KNN model is assessed under the original dataset, incomplete and filled-in datasets. Although the accuracy of E-KNN under incomplete and reconstructed datasets depends on gap lengths and completeness levels, under original dataset, the model proves to deliver six-step forecasts with an accuracy of 83% on average over 3 weeks of the test set, which also translates to a less than one car per minute error.
Analysis of the Social Capital in a Technological System of a Smart City Using a PLS-SEM Model
Authors: Mejia Juliana , Manotas Eva Cristina , Quintero Santiago
Published: September 2022

In this paper, social capital was analyzed through the lens of the resources and capabilities theory, understanding it as a capability that has a role in the performance of the Smart City. Social capital relates to the technological capabilities and the technological learning process. The objective of this investigation was to build a representation model of the social capital resources and technological learning, taking social capital as a capability of the Smart City. First, on a methodological level, a preliminary exercise that shows the relation and the gaps between the concepts and the process to build the model are presented. Later, the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to build the conceptual and measured model. Based on the configuration of the tangible variables, the model was tested with the information provided by the final users of the public urban bicycle system of the Medellín–EnCicla technological system. The impact of technological learning is interpreted by relating it to the sources of social capital, to its resources (trust, social interaction, and shared vision), and to the technological system chosen. As a result, the construction of an exploratory model is presented that interprets the resources of social capital and their relation to technological learning in a smart city. The investigation aims to contribute to the decision-making exercise in the public policies regarding the sustainable mobility of the smart city that was the object of study.
Environmental Considerations Regarding Freight Transport among Buyers of Transport Services in Sweden
Authors: Dahlgren Sofia , Ammenberg Jonas
Published: September 2022

Freight transport has substantial negative environmental and health impacts, and buyers of transport services can make these impacts ‘greener’. This article aims at improving our understanding of transport buyers’ environmental considerations. The study was based on interviews with 11 buyers of transport services in Sweden, dealing with the motives behind their sustainability work and specific environmental requirements for freight transport, including requirements for renewable fuels. In line with previous studies, we found service reliability to be a top priority. Branding appears to be a central driver motivating companies’ environmental strategies, along with pressure from both internal and external stakeholders. The relationship between transport buyers and transport providers (carriers or freight forwarders) was found to be a potential barrier to environmental developments. Several interviewees stressed difficulties in influencing certain transport providers, and some of the buyers turned to smaller carriers to achieve more notable improvements. All participants had goals of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, but without more specific frames, this has led to the use of biodiesel. Specific requirements are needed if another energy carrier should be used, such as biomethane or electricity. Long-term contracts may be a way for transport buyers to enable the transport providers to make the necessary investments.
Assessment of Sustainable Economic Development in the EU Countries with Reference to the SDGs and Environmental Footprint Indices
Authors: Biekša Kęstutis , Valiulė Violeta , Šimanskienė Ligita , Silvestri Raffaele
Published: September 2022

The article analyses sustainable economic development of EU countries according to the sustainable development goals (SDGs), by using indices of integrated sustainable development and environmental footprint. Sustainable economic initiatives can be driven by economic, environmental and social aspects, applying principles of innovation and knowledge. However, development requires skills, human and financial resources; in turn, it increases productivity, efficiency, competitiveness, profit, and promotes a better working environment. In general, sustainable business initiatives contribute to SDGs and reduce the environmental footprint. The scientific problem is how to develop a sustainable economy while ensuring the achievement of SDGs and at the same time reducing the environmental footprint. The object of the scientific research is the evaluation of sustainable economic development through the analysis of integrated sustainable development indicators. The aim of the research is, upon the evaluation of SDGs and environmental footprint indices as well as the analysis of the integrated sustainable development indicator, to identify the opportunities for sustainable economic development in the EU countries. The research has been carried out by analysing the scientific literature, and applying SDGs and environmental footprint methodology to calculate individual and integrated sustainable development indices. The results have shown that despite the disparity of SDG indices, the overall value of the integrated sustainable development indicator is distributed quite evenly among the EU countries. The impacts from each of the SDG indices range from 11% to 31% but the environmental footprint index has the greatest impact on the sustainable development of a country—up to 31%.
Holistic Quality Model and Assessment—Supporting Decision-Making towards Sustainable Construction Using the Design and Production of Graded Concrete Components as an Example
Authors: Frost Deniz , Gericke Oliver , Di Bari Roberta , Balangé Laura , Zhang Li , Blagojevic Boris , Nigl David , Haag Phillip , Blandini Lucio , Jünger Hans Christian , Kropp Cordula , Leistner Philip , Sawodny Oliver , Schwieger Volker , Sobek Werner
Published: September 2022

This paper describes a holistic quality model (HQM) and assessment to support decision-making processes in construction. A graded concrete slab serves as an example to illustrate how to consider technical, environmental, and social quality criteria and their interrelations. The evaluation of the design and production process of the graded concrete component shows that it has advantages compared to a conventional solid slab, especially in terms of environmental performance. At the same time, the holistic quality model identifies potential improvements for the technology of graded concrete. It will be shown that the holistic quality model can be used to (a) consider the whole life cycle in decision-making in the early phases and, thus, make the complexity of construction processes manageable for quality and sustainability assessments and (b) make visible interdependencies between different quality and sustainability criteria, to help designers make better-informed decisions regarding the overall quality. The results show how different quality aspects can be assessed and trade-offs are also possible through the understanding of the relationships among characteristics. For this purpose, in addition to the quality assessment of graded concrete, an overview of the interrelations of different quality characteristics is provided. While this article demonstrates how a HQM can support decision-making in design, the validity of the presented evaluation is limited by the data availability and methodological challenges, specifically regarding the quantification of interrelations.
Less Water, Less Oil: Policy Response for the Kenyan Future, a CGE Analysis
Authors: Bazzana Davide , Mobasser Aidin , Vergalli Sergio
Published: September 2022

The continuous depletion of nonrenewable natural resources and climate change may lead to a future characterized by a higher frequency of extreme natural events (i.e., flooding, hurricanes, and droughts) and resource supply shocks (i.e., oil price shock). Sub-Saharan African countries will be particularly exposed to these types of shock due to their socioeconomic conditions and geographical conformation. This study investigates the impact of two contemporaneous covariant sudden shocks (i.e., drought and price oil shock) and the possible coping strategies through a static computable general equilibrium (CGE) model for Kenya. The results suggest that a mitigation policy as public transfers is an effective mitigation tool for drought effects, improving welfare and GDP in the short run. However, adopting public transfers during an oil crisis may have regressive effects on population income and welfare. Because the mitigation effectiveness is strongly affected by the complex interaction of combined shocks, the public authorities should pay attention to policy implementation. These findings call for a new scheme of transfer allocation where rural and low-income household quantiles should receive more attention by postdrought mitigation policy, being that they are more vulnerable to external shocks.
A Statistical Review of Considerations on the Implementation Path of China’s “Double Carbon” Goal
Authors: Hao Jian , Chen Lin , Zhang Na
Published: September 2022

The goal of “carbon peak” and “carbon neutrality” is China’s long-term development strategy for low greenhouse gas emissions in the 21st century (hereinafter referred to as the “double carbon” goal), with the goal that carbon dioxide emissions strive to reach an emissions peak by 2030 and strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Achieving the goal of “double carbon” is an inherent requirement for promoting high-quality development. Conforming to the development trend of the times, the “double carbon” goal is the necessary path of industrial transformation. The current situation of China’s energy production, consumption, and utilization in recent years shows that China’s energy has a simple structure, heavy external dependence, and low utilization efficiency which severely restricts the realization of China’s “double carbon” goal. Commencing the analysis of the current situation, this paper summarizes the implementation path from a “carbon emission reduction” and “carbon-negative technology” to accelerate the realization of the “double carbon” goal. First, statistical methods are used to analyze the implementation of a “carbon emission reduction” based on industrial technology reform, an energy structure adjustment, market mechanisms, public participation, and international cooperation. Second, the “carbon negative technology” path is explored in terms of afforestation, carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS), ecological management, and other technologies. In addition, feasible suggestions are made for four relationships, namely, the short and long-term, overall and local, development and emissions reduction, and government and market. This paper contributes to the study of energy development in the world and serves as a reference for follow-up studies.
Power Relations in Multistakeholder Initiatives—A Case Study of the German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa (GISCO)
Authors: Schuster Daniel , Mossig Ivo
Published: September 2022

Multistakeholder initiatives (MSIs) are formalized networks with member organizations from the private, public and not-for-profit sector. Even though members interact to achieve sustainability goals they cannot reach alone, research indicates that they are heterogeneous actors with their own and sometimes conflicting goals. There is no consensus in the literature regarding how those conflicting goals are negotiated. Power is seen as an important factor affecting network governance, but various concepts exist which can be applied to MSIs to different degrees. We explore the impact of person-, organization- and network-based power relations among actors in an MSI on the achievement of its own goals. To this end, we conducted 18 qualitative expert interviews with people involved in the MSI to explore decision making. Our results show that institutionally defined subgroups with similar actors (stakeholder groups) collectively represent their interest in the MSI. All stakeholder groups thus have a specific form of group-based organizational power. Our study shows that these are not negotiated; consequently, the MSI faces constraints in terms of dysfunctional power relations, as well as obstacles to finding solutions for sustainability issues on a global scale.
Revisiting the Concept of Values Taught in Education through Carroll’s Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Cheng Eddie W. L.
Published: September 2022

Schools and universities are not only places to learn subject knowledge, but also places to help students develop their values. Despite this explicit need for cultivating students’ values, what values should be taught is always a common question among educators. While seminal theories have proposed different typologies of values, few of them have been connected to the social environment that currently governs people’s behaviors. From a theoretical standpoint, this study reviews the concept of values and draws attention to Carroll’s corporate social responsibility (CSR), which fosters a mindset of altruism rather than self-interest. By recalling how Carroll’s CSR relates to human values, students will be taught to behave correctly in society. As a result, a two-layer paradigm, which highlights the importance of a value system that is understated in social practices, is introduced. This paper promises to redirect social dialogues about core values and help generate future research directions in the field.
A Macroinvertebrate-Based Multimetric Index for Assessing Ecological Condition of Forested Stream Sites Draining Nigerian Urbanizing Landscapes
Authors: Edegbene Augustine Ovie , Akamagwuna Frank Chukwuzuoke , Odume Oghenekaro Nelson , Arimoro Francis Ofurum , Edegbene Ovie Tega Treasure , Akumabor Ehi Constantine , Ogidiaka Efe , Kaine Edike Adewumi , Nwaka Kehi Harry
Published: September 2022

Urban pollution is increasing at an alarming rate within the catchments of forested riverine systems in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria inclusive. Assessing the impact of pollution in riverine systems in the Niger Delta region is still within the use of physico-chemical variables and biota-based assemblage. In covering this important gap in freshwater biomonitoring, we developed a macroinvertebrate-based multimetric index (MMI) that would be useful in monitoring, assessing, and managing forested riverine sites affected by urban pollution. We collected macroinvertebrates and physico-chemical samples monthly at 20 sites in 11 streams. Physico-chemical variables were analysed using standard methods while a kick sampling procedure was employed in collecting macroinvertebrates. The physico-chemical variables were used to classify the sites into three disturbance categories: least-impacted sites (LIS), moderately impacted sites (MIS), and heavily impacted sites (HIS). Fifty-nine candidate macroinvertebrate metrics were selected and screened for developing our MMI. We employed sensitivity, seasonality, repeatability and redundancy tests, and metric scoring in screening and arriving at the final metrics for the MMI development. Five metrics were finally selected for the MMI development: Trichoptera abundance, %Chironomidae+Oligochaeta, Coleoptera richness, Simpson diversity, and Shannon–Wiener index. Correlation in the selected metrics with physico-chemical variables showed that Simpson diversity was negatively correlated with pH in the MIS and Coleoptera richness was positively correlated with dissolved oxygen (DO) and water depth in the LIS. Nitrate, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), conductivity, and water temperature were negatively correlated with %Chironomidae+Oligochaeta in the HIS. This MMI can aid river and stream managers in assessing the ecological conditions of rivers and streams in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
A Blockchain-Based Anti-Counterfeit and Traceable NBA Digital Trading Card Management System
Authors: Chen Chin-Ling , Fang Cheng-Chen , Zhou Ming , Tsaur Woei-Jiunn , Sun Hongyu , Zhan Wanbing , Deng Yong-Yuan
Published: September 2022

NBA (National Basketball Association) trading cards are a hot collector’s item, with sales increasing rapidly every year. However, with the popularity of online trading, some sellers have started to intentionally and unintentionally sell imitation trading cards, and even PwC (Pricewaterhouse Coopers) is not immune. However, the PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), which is the authentication agency, is not liable for this. Faced with the above situation, we moved trading cards online and proposed a blockchain-based anti-counterfeit and traceable NBA digital trading card management system, using blockchain technology to protect digital trading cards, and special digital copyright, to move from relying on other regulators to achieve the fight against counterfeit cards and maintain the security of the digital trading card market. Finally, we analyzed the security of the system and compared it with other methods. Our system uses Hyperledger Fabric to share data while protecting corporate privacy. Proxy re-encryption enables secure and trusted access authorization for digital transaction cards. Asymmetric encryption protects the data and uses signatures to achieve traceability and non-repudiation. Overall, our system solves the problem of counterfeiting and traceability that can occur in the digital trading card process from production to purchase.
Three-Dimensional Printing Component Used in Rehabilitation Exoskeleton
Authors: John-Banach Małgorzata , John Antoni , Száva Ioan , Vlase Sorin
Published: September 2022

This work aims to develop a light symmetrical structure that can be realized through rapid prototyping techniques. The structure must meet some restrictions imposed by possible practical applications. It must withstand a moderate load, be able to adapt to a specific external shape, be relatively light, allow the execution of some changes according to user requirements, allow execution with the help of owned equipment, and allow relatively fast production (its structure and form). The major application for which the structure is designed is that of an exoskeleton for medical rehabilitation, realized by the authors. The creation of such an exoskeleton is followed by a series of research regarding different aspects of acceptability, reliability, ease of use, and the shortcomings that such a structure can cause. In this study, the authors focused on the mechanical part of the exoskeleton realization, which would fulfill some imposed kinematic and constructive conditions.
Design of Thrust Vectoring Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing Aircraft Stability Augmentation Controller Based on L1 Adaptive Control Law
Authors: Zhou Zan , Wang Zian , Gong Zheng , Zheng Xiong , Yang Yang , Cai Pengcheng
Published: September 2022

Aiming at the conversion process of thrust vectoring vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft with a symmetrical structure in the transition stage of takeoff and landing, there is a problem with the coupling and redundancy of the control quantities. To solve this problem, a corresponding inner loop stabilization controller and control distribution strategy are designed. In this paper, a dynamic system model and a dynamic model are established. Based on the outer loop adopting the conventional nonlinear dynamic inverse control, an L1 adaptive controller is designed based on the model as the inner loop stabilization control to compensate the mismatch and uncertainty in the system. The key feature of the L1 adaptive control architecture is ensuring robustness in the presence of fast adaptation, so as to achieve a unified performance boundary in transient and steady-state operations, thus eliminating the need for adaptive rate gain scheduling. The control performance and robustness of the controller are verified by inner loop simulation and the shooting Monte Carlo approach. The simulation results show that the controller can still track the reference input well and has good robustness when there is a large parameter perturbation.
Threshold of Stochastic SIRS Epidemic Model from Infectious to Susceptible Class with Saturated Incidence Rate Using Spectral Method
Authors: Ali Ishtiaq , Khan Sami Ullah
Published: September 2022

Stochastic SIRS models play a key role in formulating and analyzing the transmission of infectious diseases. These models reflect the environmental changes of the diseases and their biological mechanisms. Therefore, it is very important to study the uniqueness and existence of the global positive solution to investigate the asymptotic properties of the model. In this article, we investigate the dynamics of the stochastic SIRS epidemic model with a saturated incidence rate. The effects of both deterministic and stochastic distribution from infectious to susceptible are analyzed. Our findings show that the occurrence of symmetry breaking as a function of the stochastic noise has a significant advantage over the deterministic one to prevent the spread of the infectious diseases. The larger stochastic noise will guarantee the control of epidemic diseases with symmetric Brownian motion. Periodic outbreaks and re-infection may occur due to the existence of feedback memory. It is shown that the endemic equilibrium is stable under some suitable initial conditions, taking advantage of the symmetry of the large amount of contact structure. A numerical method based on Legendre polynomials that converts the given stochastic SIRS model into a nonlinear algebraic system is used for the approximate solution. Finally, some numerical experiments are performed to verify the theoretical results and clearly show the sharpness of the obtained conditions and thresholds.
Natural Compounds as DPP-4 Inhibitors: 3D-Similarity Search, ADME Toxicity, and Molecular Docking Approaches
Authors: Istrate Daniela , Crisan Luminita
Published: September 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases of the 21st century, caused by a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, high blood pressure, family history, and obesity. To date, there are no known complete cures for type 2 diabetes. To identify bioactive natural products (NPs) to manage type 2 diabetes, the NPs from the ZINC15 database (ZINC-NPs DB) were screened using a 3D shape similarity search, molecular docking approaches, and ADMETox approaches. Frequently, in silico studies result in asymmetric structures as “hit” molecules. Therefore, the asymmetrical FDA-approved diabetes drugs linagliptin (8-[(3R)-3-aminopiperidin-1-yl]-7-but-2-ynyl-3-methyl-1-[(4-methylquinazolin-2-yl)methyl]purine-2,6-dione), sitagliptin ((3R)-3-amino-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-6,8-dihydro-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazin-7-yl]-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butan-1-one), and alogliptin (2-[[6-[(3R)-3-aminopiperidin-1-yl]-3-methyl-2,4-dioxopyrimidin-1-yl]methyl]benzonitrile) were used as queries to virtually screen the ZINC-NPs DB and detect novel potential dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The most promising NPs, characterized by the best sets of similarity and ADMETox features, were used during the molecular docking stage. The results highlight that 11 asymmetrical NPs out of 224,205 NPs are potential DPP-4 candidates from natural sources and deserve consideration for further in vitro/in vivo tests.
On the Composition Structures of Certain Fractional Integral Operators
Authors: Luo Min-Jie , Raina Ravinder Krishna
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the composition structures of certain fractional integral operators whose kernels are certain types of generalized hypergeometric functions. It is shown how composition formulas of these operators can be closely related to the various Erdélyi-type hypergeometric integrals. We also derive a derivative formula for the fractional integral operator and some applications of the operator are considered for a certain Volterra-type integral equation, which provide two generalizations to Khudozhnikov’s integral equation (see below). Some specific relationships, examples, and some future research problems are also discussed.
New Developments in Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Hattori Koichi , Hongo Masaru , Huang Xu-Guang
Published: September 2022

Relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (RMHD) provides an extremely useful description of the low-energy long-wavelength phenomena in a variety of physical systems from quark–gluon plasma in heavy-ion collisions to matters in supernova, compact stars, and early universe. We review the recent theoretical progresses of RMHD, such as a formulation of RMHD from the perspective of magnetic flux conservation using the entropy–current analysis, the nonequilibrium statistical operator approach applied to quantum electrodynamics, and the relativistic kinetic theory. We discuss how the transport coefficients in RMHD are computed in kinetic theory and perturbative quantum field theories. We also explore the collective modes and instabilities in RMHD with a special emphasis on the role of chirality in a parity-odd plasma. We also give some future prospects of RMHD, including the interaction with spin hydrodynamics and the new kinetic framework with magnetic flux conservation.
Generalized Arithmetic Staircase Graphs and Their Total Edge Irregularity Strengths
Authors: Susanti Yeni , Wahyuni Sri , Sutjijana Aluysius , Sutopo Sutopo , Ernanto Iwan
Published: September 2022

Let Γ=(VΓ,EΓ) be a simple undirected graph with finite vertex set VΓ and edge set EΓ. A total n-labeling α:VΓ∪EΓ→{1,2,…,n} is called a total edge irregular labeling on Γ if for any two different edges xy and x′y′ in EΓ the numbers α(x)+α(xy)+α(y) and α(x′)+α(x′y′)+α(y′) are distinct. The smallest positive integer n such that Γ can be labeled by a total edge irregular labeling is called the total edge irregularity strength of the graph Γ. In this paper, we provide the total edge irregularity strength of some asymmetric graphs and some symmetric graphs, namely generalized arithmetic staircase graphs and generalized double-staircase graphs, as the generalized forms of some existing staircase graphs. Moreover, we give the construction of the corresponding total edge irregular labelings.
A Method to Explore Flavor Symmetries of the 3HDM and Their Implications on Lepton Masses and Mixing
Authors: Dziewit Bartosz , Zrałek Marek , Vergeest Joris , Chaber Piotr
Published: September 2022

We present a method to identify symmetry groups of the Yukawa sector of the three-Higgs-doublet model and to determine the implication that the symmetry has on the lepton masses and mixing. The method can accommodate different hypotheses about the group representation assignments, and thus support the exploration of candidate symmetry groups. For one particular representation selection scheme we apply the computer-implemented method to scan all discrete groups of order less than 1035. It can be proven that none of these groups defines a flavor symmetry that implies masses and neutrino mixing angles consistent with the experimental lepton data, although several cases are found that are partially or approximately consistent.
Study of Low-Frequency Sound Absorption Based on Negative Stiffness Membrane Structure
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyuan , Fu Chenxu , Bai Hongbai , Lin Zhu , Liu Xingxing
Published: September 2022

The system stiffness of a negative stiffness membrane structure is widely investigated in metamaterial research, and some special performances have been achieved. While for acoustics, low-frequency absorption still remains a big issue, so in this work, a negative stiffness membrane structure with its theoretical calculation model and experimental verification of sound absorption is established. Moreover, the nonlinear stiffness changes of the thin film under different deformation conditions and different spacing between two permanent magnets are systematically analyzed, obtaining the theoretical stiffness analytical equation of the negative stiffness thin-film structure system. Combined with finite element simulation analysis, the stiffness variation rule and influencing factors of the negative stiffness membrane system are discussed. Specifically, the impact of the mass radius, mass thickness, and film thickness on the magnetic force and system stiffness is analyzed. Based on the acquired testing results, the proper addition of the magnetic suction structure will induce a shift of the absorption peak to a lower frequency region. This work provides useful insights for the further development of the low-frequency sound absorption theory and testing prototype with a negative stiffness membrane structure.
Dynamic Dual-Threshold Virtual Machine Merging Method Based on Three-Way Decision
Authors: Yang Jin , Zhang Guoming
Published: September 2022

Cloud computing, an emerging computing paradigm, has been widely considered due to its high scalability and availability. An essential stage of cloud computing is the cloud virtual machine migration technology. Nevertheless, the current trigger timing of virtual machine migration in cloud data centers is inaccurate, resulting in insufficient virtual machine consolidation. Furthermore, the high and low workload fluctuations are also a potential symmetrical problem worthy of attention. This paper proposes a virtual machine energy-saving merging method based on a three-way decision (ESMM-3WD). Firstly, we need to calculate the load fluctuation of the physical machine and divide the load fluctuation into three parts. Furthermore, the corresponding mathematical model predicts the load according to the different classification categories. Then, the predicted load value is used to dynamically adjust the threshold to improve the virtual machine merge probability. Finally, the simulation experiment is carried out on the cloud computing simulation platform cloudsim plus. The experimental results show that the virtual machine energy-saving merging method based on the three-way decision proposed in this paper can better reduce the number of migrations, increase the number of physical machines shut down, better improve the probability of virtual machine merger, and achieve the purpose of reducing the energy consumption of the data center.
Conjugate Gradient Algorithm for Least-Squares Solutions of a Generalized Sylvester-Transpose Matrix Equation
Authors: Tansri Kanjanaporn , Chansangiam Pattrawut
Published: September 2022

We derive a conjugate-gradient type algorithm to produce approximate least-squares (LS) solutions for an inconsistent generalized Sylvester-transpose matrix equation. The algorithm is always applicable for any given initial matrix and will arrive at an LS solution within finite steps. When the matrix equation has many LS solutions, the algorithm can search for the one with minimal Frobenius-norm. Moreover, given a matrix Y, the algorithm can find a unique LS solution closest to Y. Numerical experiments show the relevance of the algorithm for square/non-square dense/sparse matrices of medium/large sizes. The algorithm works well in both the number of iterations and the computation time, compared to the direct Kronecker linearization and well-known iterative methods.
A Dynamic Opposite Learning-Assisted Grey Wolf Optimizer
Authors: Wang Yang , Jin Chengyu , Li Qiang , Hu Tianyu , Xu Yunlang , Chen Chao , Zhang Yuqian , Yang Zhile
Published: September 2022

The grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm is widely utilized in many global optimization applications. In this paper, a dynamic opposite learning-assisted grey wolf optimizer (DOLGWO) was proposed to improve the search ability. Herein, a dynamic opposite learning (DOL) strategy is adopted, which has an asymmetric search space and can adjust with a random opposite point to enhance the exploitation and exploration capabilities. To validate the performance of DOLGWO algorithm, 23 benchmark functions from CEC2014 were adopted in the numerical experiments. A total of 10 popular algorithms, including GWO, TLBO, PIO, Jaya, CFPSO, CFWPSO, ETLBO, CTLBO, NTLBO and DOLJaya were used to make comparisons with DOLGWO algorithm. Results indicate that the new model has strong robustness and adaptability, and has the significant advantage of converging to the global optimum, which demonstrates that the DOL strategy greatly improves the performance of original GWO algorithm.
Subclass of Analytic Functions Connected with Double Zeta Function
Authors: Srinivas M. N. , Niranjan Hari , Thirupathi Reddy Pinninti , Venkateswarlu Bolenini , Altınkaya Şahsene , Shashikala A.
Published: September 2022

In this survey-cum-expository work, we primarily seek to study many families of the renowned Hurwitz–Lerch Zeta mapping, including the so-called generalized Hurwitz–Lerch Zeta mappings. The purpose of this study is to examine a new subclass of Hurwitz–Lerch Zeta mappings with negative coefficients in the unit disc U={z∈C:|z|<1}. We explore fundamental characteristics of the defined class, such as coefficient inequality, neighborhoods, partial sums, and integral means properties.
A Novel Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Assay for Rapid and Simultaneous Detection of Aflatoxin B1 and Zearalenone in Food and Feed Samples Based on Highly Sensitive and Specific Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Wang Yanan , Wang Xiaofei , Wang Shuyun , Fotina Hanna , Wang Ziliang
Published: September 2022

Simultaneous aflatoxin (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN) contamination in agro-products have become widespread globally and have a toxic superposition effect. In the present study, we describe a highly sensitive and specific dual lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (dual test strip) for rapid and simultaneous detection of AFB1 and ZEN in food and feed samples based on respective monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Two immunogens AFB1-BSA (an AFB1 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugate) and ZEN-BSA (a ZEN and BSA conjugate) were synthesized in oximation active ester (OAE) and amino glutaraldehyde (AGA). The molecular binding ratio of AFB1:BSA was 8.64:1, and that of ZEN:BSA was 17.2:1, identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and an ultraviolet spectrometer (UV). The hybridoma cell lines 2A11, 2F6, and 3G2 for AFB1 and 2B6, 4D9 for ZEN were filtered by an indirect non-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (inELISA) and an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA), respectively. As AFB1 mAb 2A11 and ZEN mAb 2B6 had the lowest 50% inhibitive concentration (IC50) and cross-reactivity (CR), they were selected for subsequent experiments. By systematically optimizing the preparation condition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), AuNPs-labeled mAbs, and detection condition, the visual limit of detection (LOD) of the dual test strip was 1.0 μg/L for AFB1 and 5.0 μg/L for ZEN, whereas that of the test strip reader was 0.23 μg/L for AFB1 and 1.53 μg/L for ZEN. The high reproducibility and stability of the dual test were verified using mycotoxin-spiked samples. The dual test strips were highly specific and sensitive for AFB1 and ZEN, which were validated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Thus, the proposed AFB1 and ZEN dual test strip is suitable for rapid and simultaneous detection of AFB1 and ZEN contamination in food and feed samples.
Electronic Nose for the Rapid Detection of Deoxynivalenol in Wheat Using Classification and Regression Trees
Authors: Camardo Leggieri Marco , Mazzoni Marco , Bertuzzi Terenzio , Moschini Maurizio , Prandini Aldo , Battilani Paola
Published: September 2022

Mycotoxin represents a significant concern for the safety of food and feed products, and wheat represents one of the most susceptible crops. To manage this issue, fast, reliable, and low-cost test methods are needed for regulated mycotoxins. This study aimed to assess the potential use of the electronic nose for the early identification of wheat samples contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON) above a fixed threshold. A total of 214 wheat samples were collected from commercial fields in northern Italy during the periods 2014–2015 and 2017–2018 and analyzed for DON contamination with a conventional method (GC-MS) and using a portable e-nose “AIR PEN 3” (Airsense Analytics GmbH, Schwerin, Germany), equipped with 10 metal oxide sensors for different categories of volatile substances. The Machine Learning approach “Classification and regression trees” (CART) was used to categorize samples according to four DON contamination thresholds (1750, 1250, 750, and 500 μg/kg). Overall, this process yielded an accuracy of >83% (correct prediction of DON levels in wheat samples). These findings suggest that the e-nose combined with CART can be an effective quick method to distinguish between compliant and DON-contaminated wheat lots. Further validation including more samples above the legal limits is desirable before concluding the validity of the method.
Atropine and Scopolamine in Maize Products from the Retail Stores in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Vuković Gorica , Stojanović Tijana , Konstantinović Bojan , Bursić Vojislava , Puvača Nikola , Popov Milena , Samardžić Nataša , Petrović Aleksandra , Marinković Dušan , Roljević Nikolić Svetlana , Đurović Pejčev Rada , Špirović Trifunović Bojana
Published: September 2022

The cereal grains, which represent the cultivated grasses fruits, supply almost half of the total caloric requirements for humans and provide more nourishment compared with any other class of the food. Out of many cereals used for food, maize, rice, and wheat are the most important food resources for humans, representing 94% of the total cereals consumption. According to the data of the Republic Institute of Statistics for the year 2018, the harvested areas of corn amount to 906,753 hectares. The production of about 7 million tons was achieved with an average yield of 7.7 t/ha according to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia. Serbia is still among the ten largest exporters of wheat and corn in the world for the period of 2014/15–2017/18. More precisely, it ranks seventh in the export of corn. Utilization of maize products for food animal nutrition (1000 t) is 491,48, and for industrial processing (1000 t) 278,862 expressed as the total consumption (1000 t) is 769,910. Therefore, a total of 103 samples of maize products were analyzed for the presence of toxins, i.e., tropane alkaloids (TAs). The samples were collected from the retail stores in the Republic of Serbia in 2021 and analyzed for the presence of atropine and scopolamine (33 corn grits, 39 polenta, and 31 semolina samples). Therefore, the Recommendation 2015/976/EU on the monitoring of TAs in food was adopted by the EU Commission to obtain more occurrence data on TAs in food. The monitoring extent, however, is restricted because reliable analytical methods and appropriate sensitivity are limited. There was a limit of 1 g/kg for each atropine and scopolamine in cereals containing millet, sorghum, buckwheat, or their derivatives. All the samples were analyzed by the LC-MS/MS. The LOQ was set at 1.0 μg/kg. Out of the total 103 tested samples, 32 samples (31.1%) were contaminated with atropine and scopolamine in concentrations above the LOQ. The highest concentrations of the studied TAs were observed in a semolina sample-atropine: 58.80 μg/kg, scopolamine: 10.20 μg/kg. The obtained results indicate that the TAs concentrations are above the LOQ which can be considered potential human and animal health hazards.
Postbiotics and Kidney Disease
Authors: Favero Chiara , Giordano Laura , Mihaila Silvia Maria , Masereeuw Rosalinde , Ortiz Alberto , Sanchez-Niño Maria Dolores
Published: September 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is projected to become the fifth global cause of death by 2040 as a result of key shortcomings in the current methods available to diagnose and treat kidney diseases. In this regard, the novel holobiont concept, used to describe an individual host and its microbial community, may pave the way towards a better understanding of kidney disease pathogenesis and progression. Microbiota-modulating or -derived interventions include probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics. As of 2019, the concept of postbiotics was updated by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) to refer to preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit to the host. By explicitly excluding purified metabolites without a cellular biomass, any literature making use of such term is potentially rendered obsolete. We now review the revised concept of postbiotics concerning their potential clinical applications and research in kidney disease, by discussing in detail several formulations that are undergoing preclinical development such as GABA-salt for diet-induced hypertension and kidney injury, sonicated Lactobacillus paracasei in high fat diet-induced kidney injury, GABA-salt, lacto-GABA-salt and postbiotic-GABA-salt in acute kidney injury, and O. formigenes lysates for hyperoxaluria. Furthermore, we provide a roadmap for postbiotics research in kidney disease to expedite clinical translation.
Research on the Safety Fault Diagnosis System of Mine Based on Information Fusion
Authors:   Tianjin Electronic Information Technician College, LYU Kedong , Li Kun
Published: September 2022

The failure of any equipment in coal mine will directly affect the safety of coal mine staff and directly threaten the safe operation of the mine. When coal mine equipment is running in a complex and changeable environment, a single fault feature is difficult to accurately reflect the fault, which is easy to lead to misjudgment and missed judgment. Using a combination of AHP and evidence theory can improve the accuracy and reliability of the evaluation. This method determines the weight of each evaluation factor through AHP. In this process, D-S evidence theory is used to fuse and modify the expert scoring data. The synthesis rule of D-S evidence theory is used to determine the risk value of coal mine equipment. The experimental results show that: compared with the single signal fault diagnosis method, this method can diagnose the equipment fault more effectively, improve the accuracy of fault diagnosis, and be applied in the fields with higher requirements for fault identification accuracy. The method is applied to the safety risk assessment of the mine. The results show that the mine construction is at a good level, which is consistent with the mine construction and verifies the model's credibility.
Healthy Breakfast Education to Prevent Anemia in Elementary School Children using PowerPoint Media
Authors:   Pendidikan Sejarah, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia, Aprilianti Gilang Risma , Nandiyanto Asep Bayu Dani ,   Departemen Kimia, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia
Published: September 2022

This study aims to educate about the importance of a healthy breakfast to prevent anemia in elementary school children. The study was conducted on 28 fourth-grade students at Hanjuang Samijaya Elementary School, Cihanjuang Village, Parongpong District, West Bandung, Indonesia. The method used is a quantitative research method with a pre-experimental design type one group pretest-posttest. The results showed that the average value of the pretest was 77.86 and the posttest was 89.29. The results of the comparison between the pretest and posttest showed an increase in respondents' knowledge after taking action in the form of education on the importance of having a healthy breakfast by consuming nutritious food. It is known that the average calculation result of N-Gain (Normalized Gain) is 58% (N-Gain > 40-55%). These results indicate that education about healthy breakfast is quite effective for elementary school students. This is indicated by the pretest score which is quite good, so students can know the importance of a healthy breakfast to prevent anemia. As for the results of the t-test calculation, it is known that T count (-8.132) < T table (1.703). That is, the students' post-test scores did not increase significantly. With the completion of this research, it is hoped that more students will know the importance of a healthy breakfast in an effort to prevent anemia.
On Slowing Climate Change with Ecological, Thermo-Active Building Systems
Authors: Bomberg Mark , Cisak Malgorzata Fedorczak , Yarbrough David
Published: September 2022

In the early days of energy conservation(1980s) several countries took the need for energy efficiency seriously enough to sponsor some demonstration buildings. For instance, a US university design concept was built in Regina, Canada in1978. The Saskatchewan Energy Conservation house [1s]demonstrated a new, passive technology. It had super-insulated and airtight walls, large windows on the south facade, evacuated solar pipes for domestic water heating, and a heat recovery ventilator. Despite of all the technology demonstrated there, as Bomberg et al [2] explains, the passive measures were not accepted in the Canadian marketplace because the builders modified the heating system and thereby changed the air flow pattern in the house. The 1995, German passive house was accepted in marketplace because the built system could be duplicated as it was demonstrated. In this case, saving from the elimination of expensive boiler were used to improve the level of thermal insulation and air tightness. These developments led to acceptance of a few points from building science [2-4], namely: (1) any building is a system, (2) a design team should work together starting with the conceptual stage, (3) heat, air, and moisture flows are not separable, and their interactions must be recognized, (4) excellent air tightness and a high-level of thermal insulation are required in all climates.
Mobilitätsbezogene soziale Exklusion in Großstädten:
Authors: Aberle Christoph , Daubitz Stephan , Gertz Carsten , Schwedes Oliver
Published: September 2022

Ökonomischer Druck und räumliche Verdrängung beschneiden die Teilhabechancen Einkommensarmer, auch und insbesondere in Bezug auf Mobilität. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt Ergebnisse des DFG-Projekts MobileInclusion. Anhand einer Analyse des ÖPNV-Angebots und einer Befragung von 40 „Hartz IV“-EmpfängerInnen diagnostizieren wir Ungerechtigkeit im Verkehrsangebot und identifizieren sieben Typen der Armuts-Mobilität. Aus den Befunden leiten wir drei Strategien ab, um Exklusion zu bekämpfen und bewerten das Potenzial des 9-Euro-Tickets hierfür.