bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Footprint Analysis of Sewage Sludge Thermochemical Conversion Technologies
Authors: Li Liping , Du Guiyue , Yan Beibei , Wang Yuan , Zhao Yingxin , Su Jianming , Li Hongyi , Du Yanfeng , Sun Yunan , Chen Guanyi , Li Wanqing , Pedersen Thomas Helmer
Published: February 2023

Thermochemical conversion technology for sewage sludge (SS) management has obvious advantages compared to traditional technologies, such as considerable volume reduction, effective pathogen elimination, and potential fuel production. However, few researchers conducted comparative research on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission performances of these technologies. This paper evaluates the lifecycle carbon footprints of three SS thermochemical conversion technologies, including hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) (Case 1), pyrolysis (Case 2), and incineration (Case 3) with software OpenLCA and Ecoinvent database. The results show that Case 1 has the smallest carbon footprint (172.50 kg CO2eq/t SS), which indicates the HTL process has the best GHG emission reduction potential compared to other SS disposal routes. The biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of SS thermochemical conversion technologies is indirect emissions related to energy consumption. So the energy consumption ratio (ECR) of the three cases is calculated to assess the energy consumption performances. From the perspective of energy conversion, Case 1 shows the best performance with an ECR of 0.34. In addition, element balance analysis is carried out to deeply evaluate the carbon reduction performance of the three cases. This study fills the knowledge gap regarding the carbon footprints for SS thermochemical conversion technologies and provides a reference for future technology selection and policymaking against climate change in the SS management sector.
Smart Transportation Behavior through the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Ride-Hailing System in Iran
Authors: Taghipour Atour , Ramezani Mohammad , Khazaei Moein , Roohparvar Vahid , Hassannayebi Erfan
Published: February 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, significant changes occurred in customer behavior, especially in traffic and urban transmission systems. In this context, there is a need for more scientific research and managerial approaches to develop behavior-based smart transportation solutions to deal with recent changes in customers, drivers, and traffic behaviors, including the volume of traffic and traffic routes. This research has tried to find a comprehensive view of novel travel behavior in different routes using a new social network analysis method. Our research is rooted in graph theory/network analysis and application of centrality concepts in social network analysis, particularly in the ride-hailing transportation systems under monumental competition. In this study, a big city, with near to ten million habitants (Tehran), is considered. All city areas were studied and clustered based on the primary measures of centrality, including degree centrality, Katz centrality, special vector centrality, page rank centrality, proximity centrality, and intermediate centrality. Our data were the trips of this system in Tehran, where the nodes in this network represent Tehran’s districts, and the connection between the two districts indicates the trips made between those two districts. Also, each link’s weight is the number of trips between the two nodes (district). The districts of Tehran were ranked in the smart transportation network based on six criteria: degree centrality, degree centrality of input, degree centrality of output, special vector centrality, hub, and reference points. Finally, according to comprehensive data-driven analysis, the studied company was suggested to create shared value and sustainability through the platform to perform a legitimate system to meet the new challenges. Our proposed system can help managers and governments to develop a behavior-based smart transportation system for big cities.
Local Knowledge of Sediment Exploitation in the Usumacinta River Basin: A Theoretical–Methodological Framework Proposal
Authors: Gallardo Zavaleta Víctor , Nava Luzma Fabiola , Kauffer Edith , González Santana Octavio
Published: February 2023

According to the United Nations Environmental Program, sand is the second most exploited resource on the planet after water, and local knowledge about the effects of sand mining has been little addressed in international studies. In the case of rivers, the sand and gravel used in the construction industry are part of the fluvial sediments, and the effects are different at each exploitation site. In this article, we propose a theoretical–methodological framework of the sandy field of forces for the study of the socioenvironmental aspects related to the extraction of sand and gravel at the site known as La Isla, located in the Usumacinta River Basin in Mexico. This site has specific environmental and social characteristics. Based on the results of our participation in a research project and, subsequently, on the theoretical, conceptual, and methodological thinking for the social analysis of this site, our model demonstrates how the environmental and anthropic systems converge upon the use of sediments. We conclude that social interactions articulate the conditions of the specific context. The sandy field of forces is the reference context in which the local practices of the actors regarding the use of sand and gravel make sense.
Study on Seismic Response and Vibration Reduction of Shield Tunnel Lining in Coastal Areas
Authors: Dong Sihui , Zhang Xinyu , Jia Chenxu , Li Shiqun , Wang Kang
Published: February 2023

The construction of subway tunnels in the coastal section is affected by special soil quality, with complex construction conditions of unstable soil and vulnerability to groundwater corrosion. The design difficulty of subway tunnels is greatly increased, and the safety performance in the event of an earthquake is greatly reduced. To study the changes in shield tunnel lining structure under earthquake and propose damping measures, ANSYS software is used to conduct tunnel soil numerical simulation. Firstly, static analysis and modal analysis are carried out, and it is found that the maximum displacement deformation occurs at 3.8 cm of the arch crown, and the maximum stress occurs at 2.6 × 107 Pa of the left and right wall corners, 8 easily deformed points are obtained at the same time. Input EI_Centro EW forward 19 s seismic wave is used to analyze the displacement, acceleration and stress vibration characteristics of tunnel lining. The upper part of the lining is more vulnerable to earthquake, and the right arch waist is subject to the maximum stress, reaching 1.37 × 10−4 Pa, the maximum displacement deformation point is 3.65 × 10−10 m at the right wall. To reduce the impact of earthquakes on tunnel lining, the damping scheme of adding an isolation layer is adopted. Using foam concrete isolation material can reduce the stress of the arch waist by 74.6%, and rubber isolation material can reduce the stress by 80%. In consideration of groundwater corrosion and subsequent engineering construction, it is recommended to use foam concrete as the material for the isolation layer. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the design of metro tunnels in offshore areas.
Numerical Study of Different Engineering Conditions on the Propulsive Performance of the Bionic Jellyfish Robot
Authors: Cheng Qiyun , Mo Wenyuan , Chen Long , Ke Wei , Hu Jun , Wu Yuwei
Published: February 2023

Underwater robotics is rapidly evolving due to the increasing demand for marine resource exploitation. Compared with rigid robots propelled by propellers, bionic robots are stealthier and more maneuverable, such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), making them widely used underwater. In order to study the motion state of the umbrella jellyfish bionic robot, the displacement of the jellyfish robot along the same direction and the surrounding fluid pressure distribution caused by the jellyfish motion under different experimental conditions are discussed in this paper. The effect of different environmental factors on driving the jellyfish robot is determined by comparing the displacements at different observation points. The results of the study show that the lower the frequency and the longer the motion period, the greater the displacement produced by the robot within the same motion period. Frequency has a significant effect on the motion state of the jellyfish robot. While the change of amplitude also affects the motion state of the jellyfish robot, the displacement of the relaxation phase of the jellyfish robot is much smaller than that of the contraction phase with a small amplitude. It can be concluded that the effect of frequency on robot displacement is greater than the effect of amplitude on robot displacement. This study qualitatively discusses the changes of the motion state of the bionic jellyfish robot in still water under the excitation of different frequencies and amplitudes, and the results can provide corresponding reference for the future application of the bionic jellyfish robot, such as resource exploration, underwater exploration, and complex environment exploration.
DTMethod: A New Evidence-Based Design Thinking Methodology for Effective Teamwork
Authors: Dukala Karolina , Pyrkosz-Pacyna Joanna , Czarny Rafał
Published: February 2023

Design thinking (DT) emerged as a popular method of problem solving and idea generation in creative teams. However, despite the rapid increase in interest in DT as a practical tool, evidence for its effectiveness is rather scarce. Furthermore, neither the theory underlying the methods used in DT nor the definition of DT is coherent. As such, we have decided to introduce a new approach to DT by designing an evidence-based methodology and testing its efficacy among teams working on a specific task. In this article, we present the design thinking method (DTMethod), developed by an interdisciplinary team of practitioners and academics. We also present empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the DTMethod in the teamwork setting. In our study of 39 teams, we found that by using the DTMethod teams achieved more favorable results in terms of utility and meeting set requirements but not in terms of cost or time efficiency. We also found that individuals working according to the DTMethod reported experiencing less positive emotional states but were, overall, more satisfied with the experience and rated teamwork more favorably in terms of cohesiveness and team effort.
Relationships between Tourism, Urbanization and Ecosystem Service Value in the Cities of Xinjiang in Northwest China
Authors: Muyibul Zubaida , Tan Xiaoping , Tuniyazi Juma , Du Rongrong
Published: February 2023

The relationships between urbanization and tourism have been explored in many studies. However, there is a lack of research on the relationships between urbanization, tourism development and ecosystem services in the cities of Xinjiang. To investigate these relationships, this research takes 2000–2020 as the research period, considers 14 major cities in Xinjiang, and applies the entropy approach to build assessment indicator systems of tourism and urbanization development. The service value of the ecosystem (ESV) is calculated using the improved equivalent factor. The changing attributions of tourism, urbanization development, and the ESV are discussed. The coupling coordination degree (CCD) approach is employed to analyze the connected collaboration of tourism, urbanization, and the ESV. The results show that the tourism and urbanization level of cities in Xinjiang has increased rapidly from 2000 to 2020. The total ESV has increased with a small rate. The CCD among tourism, urbanization, and ESV in Xinjiang has been relatively low, and it is in a state of moderate disorder, but it exhibits a trend of coordinated development. The CCD of ESV and tourism are lower than those of urbanization and ESV. Economic urbanization and tourism are highly coupled. From the perspective of the development trend, the level of economic urbanization is improving, and its CCD with the tourism subsystem is increasing. At the same time, the CCD between tourism and ESV is also on the rise. The tourism development level, urbanization level, and ESV, as well as the CCD among these indicators, show spatial differences.
Investigation of Microplastics in Surface Water and Estuarine Mullet Mugil cephalus from 23 Estuary Areas, South China
Authors: Zhang Chaonan , Wang Shaodan , Sun Di , Pan Zhengkun , Zou Jixing
Published: February 2023

Microplastics, which are defined as small plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have been found in various aquatic environments all over the world. In this study, we investigated the level of microplastics in the surface water and estuarine mullet Mugil cephalus from 23 estuary areas in the south of China. M. cephalus, due to its wide distribution and high tolerance, was selected as a candidate fish species for monitoring the ingestion of marine microplastics. The size, color, and type of all microplastics were recorded from the water and fish samples by stereomicroscope. The average abundance of microplastics was 18,261 items/m3 in the surface water, and 7.2 items/individual in fish. These alarming numbers revealed significant pollution due to microplastics in the environment. Fragments and minute-sized particles were the most common features found in both the water and the fish samples. Some impurities in the water sample were easily confused with microplastics, but regular forms on the surface of the impurity could be distinguished by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The shape, color, and size of the microplastics in the fish and water samples were similar, which suggested that the microplastics in the water might enter the organisms’ body, thereby affecting the health of aquatic species and even humans. Based on these findings, it is highly recommended that the monitoring and managing of pollution due to microplastics be addressed in the estuaries.
Optimal Fertilization Strategies for Winter Wheat Based on Yield Increase and Nitrogen Reduction on the North China Plain
Authors: Jiang Xiaoqin , Li Jiuzhou , An Zhichao , Liang Jun , Tian Xiaohong , Chen Yanling , Sun Yaping , Li Yun
Published: February 2023

In practice, most Chinese farmers usually apply excessive fertilizers to ensure wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, resulting in environmental impacts. How to maintain an even increase wheat yield with less fertilizers is still not clear. This study evaluated the yield, quality, nutrient accumulation, and environmental costs of winter wheat under optimal fertilization management strategies. A field trial was set up with a randomized block design, constituted of eight different fertilization management strategies and four replicate plots. The results showed that optimal fertilization management strategy increased wheat yield and net benefit, and increased N, P, K accumulation, N and P fertilizer partial productivity and N and P uptake efficiency. Compared with the farmers’ practice, the yield in the different optimal fertilization management strategies was increased by 2.21–8.42% through improving the spike number or the grain number per spike. Meanwhile, the net benefit increased by 6.83–11.29% in different optimal fertilization management strategies. Furthermore, NO3− leaching and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission in the different optimal fertilization managements were reduced by 25.50–35.15%, 48.80–60.26%, and 29.60–38.36%, respectively. In conclusion, CF3, CF1, 90%CF1 fertilization management can not only achieve high yield of wheat, but also improve economic benefits and reduce environmental costs, which are effective fertilization management strategies.
Using Time-to-Event Model in Seed Germination Test to Evaluate Maturity during Cow Dung Composting
Authors: Luo Yuan , Meng Xiangzhuo , Liu Yuan , Oh Kokyo , Cheng Hongyan
Published: February 2023

Maturity is a matter of concern for the utilization of livestock manures after composting because of the phytotoxicity of immature compost. The seed germination test is widely used for evaluating the maturity of compost. However, the process of seed germination was not studied by establishing a model for evaluating the maturity. Here, we established a time-to-event model for the data of germination proportion over time in a seed germination test with cow dung compost at different composting times. Results show that the profile of the seed germination proportion over time for Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L.) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) were both well described by the model. Seed germination was delayed in composts at the early stage of composting from parameter t50 (half germination time) of the model. Parameter t50 was significantly negatively related to radicle length (RL), which indicated that there is an organic relationship between seed germination (i.e., radicle emergence) and radicle elongation. In conclusion, the immature compost can hinder seed radicle elongation by delaying seed germination.
Groundwater Pollution Impact on Food Security
Authors: Irfeey Abdul Munaf Mohamed , Najim Mohamed M. M. , Alotaibi Bader Alhafi , Traore Abou
Published: February 2023

Global food security challenges have been burdened by a rapidly expanding population and its attendant food demands. Safer and higher-quality agriculture is one of the most essential solutions for addressing the growing problem. In agriculture that is safer, the quality of irrigation from a safer water source will boost food security. Groundwater is one of the most widely utilized water sources for agriculture. Safeguarding groundwater against contamination and preserving water resources is a rising global concern. Herein, previous literature studies were analyzed to determine the groundwater potential for food production of the various continents around the globe, as well as the various types of groundwater contamination, the sources of groundwater contamination, and the best methods for combating groundwater contamination in order to guarantee safe irrigation for agriculture and thus achieve food security. Consequently, the natural and anthropogenic activities that degrade the quality of the groundwater and transform it into contaminated water from harmful organisms, residues of organic and inorganic soluble and non-soluble salts of the groundwater from chemical, leachate from landfills, sewage systems, and biological contamination, are the major issues in safer agriculture, causing a number of problems in the growth of agricultural crops and leading to a negative impact on food production as well as on the health of the population. Proper identification of different sources of contamination and proper methods to prevent contamination from reaching groundwater, as well as governmental and institutional frameworks to combat contamination and treatment methods to treat contaminated groundwater, will contribute to the future achievement of food security by ensuring a safer irrigation method and agriculture.
Big Data Application in Urban Commercial Center System Evaluation
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Guan Yibing , Wu Zihan , Nie Lufeng , Ji Xiang
Published: February 2023

Big data has provided new opportunities, directions, and methods for research on urban commercial center systems. Based on a quantitative assessment of big data and public participation, the “big data + public feedback” evaluation model can objectively and scientifically quantify the scale and structural characteristics of urban commercial center systems. In this paper, socioeconomic and material spatial attributes were considered in the selection of four indexes, including commercial agglomeration centrality, commercial facility service level, commercial industry status, and industry attraction. Specifically, we based our selection on the big data of the point-of-interest network, housing price, and population. ArcGIS, SPSS, and other analytical tools were employed to conduct a comparative analysis, cluster analysis, spatial network analysis, and correlation analysis. Using these data, we constructed an assessment index system, which was then utilized to comprehensively evaluate the current commercial land use in Nanjing’s main urban area and measure the degree of commercialization. The commercial center system in the main urban area of Nanjing was found to be consistent with the spatial structure system of “one main core, five secondary cores, multiple district cores, three horizontal axes, and one vertical axis.” Meanwhile, a public questionnaire was used to evaluate the public’s perception of the commercialization level in Nanjing. Finally, the results obtained were used for comparison with the structure of the commercial center system of Nanjing commercial network planning. We discovered that the results of the public’s perception of the commercialization level in Nanjing were similar to those of the big data analysis, which confirmed the credibility of big data analysis results. In conclusion, the findings of this study provide a basis for developing urban commercial center-level positioning and propose a method for data-assisted planning research.
Combining GRA with a Fuzzy QFD Model for the New Product Design and Development of Wickerwork Lamps
Authors: Wang Tianxiong , Yang Liu
Published: February 2023

With the popularization of the concept of sustainability in traditional wickerwork, wickerwork lamps have become the most popular production. When customers purchase wickerwork lamp products, the Kansei consensus has become a key factor influencing the communication between manufacturers and customers. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the product design solutions for wickerwork lamps that meet the emotional satisfaction of users. Firstly, a three-level evaluation grid diagram driven by user attractiveness through Miryoku Engineering is established. Secondly, this paper uses grey relational analysis (GRA) to extract the priority order and its weight values in the perceptual vocabulary to identify the key user needs in product design. In order to effectively deal with the uncertain product evaluation information, the fuzzy quality function deployment (QFD) is used to construct the “emotional demand-design parameter” transformation model and derive the optimal design parameters in the mapping process, thus effectively reducing the ambiguity and uncertainty in the demand transformation process. Based on the experimental results, it is found that the best combination of Texture light transmittance, Simple wickerwork material, Wickerwork primary colours, Cascaded type and Pastoral style could be preferred by customers, thus this proposed method can effectively reduce the ambiguity and uncertainty in the design process. The results of study enable designers to accurately grasp customers’ perceptions of wickerwork lamp products and obtain the best design parameters for wickerwork lamp products.
What Is Polluting Delhi’s Air? A Review from 1990 to 2022
Authors: Guttikunda Sarath K. , Dammalapati Sai Krishna , Pradhan Gautam , Krishna Bhargav , Jethva Hiren T. , Jawahar Puja
Published: February 2023

Delhi’s annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2021–22 was 100 μg/m3—20 times more than the WHO guideline of 5 μg/m3. This is an improvement compared to the limited information available for the pre-CNG-conversion era (~30%), immediately before and after 2010 CWG (~28%), and the mid-2010s (~20%). These changes are a result of continuous technical and economic interventions interlaced with judicial engagement in various sectors. Still, Delhi is ranked the most polluted capital city in the world. Delhi’s air quality is a major social and political concern in India, often with questions regarding its severity and primary sources, and despite several studies on the topic, there is limited consensus on source contributions. This paper offers insight by reviewing the influence of Delhi’s urban growth since 1990 on pollution levels and sources and the evolution of technical, institutional, and legal measures to control emissions in the National Capital Region of Delhi.
The Impact of Energy Efficiency Regulations on Energy Poverty in Residential Dwellings in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Koengkan Matheus , Fuinhas José Alberto , Auza Anna , Ursavaş Uğur
Published: February 2023

This research examines the effect of energy efficiency regulations on reducing energy poverty in residential dwellings in 18 municipalities of the Lisbon metropolitan area from 2014 to 2020. In its empirical investigation, this study uses Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) with fixed effects and Moments Quantile Regression (MM-QR) methodologies. The results of the OLS and MM-QR models suggest that energy efficiency regulations for the residential sector positively impact energy poverty (101.9252). However, this result may suggest that the current regulations are not effectively mitigating energy poverty in Lisbon’s metropolitan area and Portugal. This ineffectiveness could be due to economic, institutional, and behavioural barriers that impede the achievement of regulation policy goals. In maximising economic and social benefits, policymakers should consider implementing policies that link energy efficiency with clean energy generation in dwellings, promote economies of scale by recycling residuals from dwelling renovations, and provide clear guidance for materialising the energy strategy.
Leaching Behaviour of Synthetic Leachate through a Sewage Sludge and Red Gypsum Composite as Intermediate Landfill Cover
Authors: Rosli Nor Azalina , Abdul Aziz Hamidi , Kueh Ahmad Beng Hong , Lim Leonard Lik Pueh , Zawawi Mohd Hafiz
Published: February 2023

This paper examines the environmental impact of the use of compacted sewage sludge:red gypsum (SS:RG) mixture as intermediate landfill cover in terms of yield and quality of leachate as characterised by hydraulic conductivity and leaching behaviour. A series of column tests using the constant head method is carried out by percolating the synthetic leachate through samples that have been compacted at various degrees (60, 70, 75, 80 and 85%). The leachate quality is monitored at pre-determined days for pH, COD, Cu, Fe and Zn. In general, hydraulic conductivity decreases in three stages, in which the first stage is mainly attributed to the particle rearrangement and hydration of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH). The hydration of CSH increases the pH, which causes the heavy metal to precipitate and be entrapped within the matrices of CSH gel, thereby further reducing the porosity and hydraulic conductivity. A minimum of 75% compaction has shown favourable final porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and leachate quality, although a minimum of 80% compaction is recommended in order to achieve a satisfactory compressive strength of greater than 345 kPa for a landfill operation.
Analysis of the Transaction Behavior of Live Broadcasters with Goods Based on the Multi-Stage Game under Dynamic Credit Index
Authors: Xing Qingsong , Ren Tong , Deng Fumin
Published: February 2023

In the live streaming transactions, the subject’s trading breach of trust frequently appears, which affects the healthy development of the industry. Therefore, from the perspective of internal supervision and governance, aiming at the interest relationship, behavior strategy, and game relationship between the live platform and the anchor and brand, this paper constructs a multi-stage honest transaction game model of the three behavior strategies, establishes a dynamic credit index mechanism, proposes a complaint compensation and cost-sharing strategy for breach of trust based on the change in dynamic credit index, and explores the influence of relevant parameters on the trading strategies of subjects. The research found that the internal penalty factor and the weight of dishonesty cost sharing can effectively restrain the behavior of transaction subjects; and the increase factor of dishonest transaction income is an important factor affecting the choice of behavior strategies of transaction subjects. Coefficients, internal and external penalty coefficients, as well as implementing a governance strategy of parallel rewards and punishments for trading entities, will assist in regulating the behavior of trading subjects.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Energy Consumption in Office Buildings: A Case Study of an Australian University Campus
Authors: Tavakoli Sara , Loengbudnark Wipa , Eklund Melissa , Voinov Alexey , Khalilpour Kaveh
Published: February 2023

Building energy management, in terms of both adopted technologies and occupant consumption behaviour, is becoming an essential element of sustainability and climate change mitigation programs. The global COVID-19 pandemic and the consequential lockdowns and remote working had a notable impact on office building operations and provided a unique opportunity for building energy consumption studies. This paper investigates the COVID-19 effects on energy consumption in office buildings, particularly in the education sector. We studied different buildings at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) campus before and during the pandemic period. The results demonstrate that the changes in energy consumption due to COVID-19 in different UTS faculties are not as strongly correlated with occupant activity. The comparison shows that buildings with administrative offices or classrooms are easier to switch to a remote-working mode than those housing laboratories and special equipment. During weekends, public holidays, or conditions requiring working from home, the per capita energy consumption increases significantly translating into lower energy efficiency. Our findings highlight the essential need for some changes in office building energy management systems. We provide recommendations for office and commercial buildings in general to deal with similar crises and to reduce energy overconsumption in normal situations.
Living with Contamination: Insights into an Epigeic Macrofaunal Community in an Area Extremely Polluted by Risk Elements
Authors: Hlava Jakub , Vachová Pavla , Száková Jiřina , Vrabec Vladimír , Kubík Štěpán , Tlustoš Pavel , Langrová Iva , Kulma Martin
Published: February 2023

Five meadows along the Litavka River highly contaminated with heavy metals from mining were sampled for insects and spiders using pitfall traps. The sites are in the Příbram region of central Bohemia, Czechia, which was previously reported as one of the most polluted areas in Europe due to intensive mining and metal processing. The determination of pseudo-total risk elements in soil revealed that all the sampled sites were contaminated with heavy metals, especially As, Cd, Pb, and Zn, with levels ranging from moderate to extreme. The trap results showed a total of 1142 beetles from 21 species, 946 ants from 16 species, 548 spiders from 28 species, and 96 harvestmen from 3 species. With the exception of the scabrous ground beetle, Carabus scabriusculus, all captured specimens were species common to the wet meadows and forest edges of Czechia. With respect to species richness, the dominant spider and beetle taxa were less abundant at the heavily polluted locations than at the moderately polluted locations. In the case of ants, however, there was no relationship between contamination level and abundance or species richness. Thus, it is worthwhile recording and analyzing the differential changes in abundance of the dominant spider and beetle species in polluted areas.
On the Alternative SOR-like Iteration Method for Solving Absolute Value Equations
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Yu Dongmei , Yuan Yifei
Published: February 2023

In this paper, by equivalently reformulating the absolute value equation (AVE) into an alternative two-by-two block nonlinear equation, we put forward an alternative SOR-like (ASOR-like) iteration method to solve the AVE. The convergence of the ASOR-like iteration method is established, subjecting to specific restrictions placed on the associated parameter. The selection of the optimal iteration parameter is investigated theoretically. Numerical experiments are given to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the ASOR-like iteration method.
An Application of Poisson Distribution Series on Harmonic Classes of Analytic Functions
Authors: Frasin Basem , Alb Lupaş Alina
Published: February 2023

Many authors have obtained some inclusion properties of certain subclasses of univalent and functions associated with distribution series, such as Pascal distribution, Binomial distribution, Poisson distribution, Mittag–Leffler-type Poisson distribution, and Geometric distribution. In the present paper, we obtain some inclusion relations of the harmonic class H(α,δ) with the classes SH* of starlike harmonic functions and KH of convex harmonic functions, also for the harmonic classes TNHβ and TRHβ associated with the operator Υ defined by applying certain convolution operator regarding Poisson distribution series. Several consequences and corollaries of the main results are also obtained.
Regular and Intra-Regular Ternary Semirings in Terms of m-Polar Fuzzy Ideals
Authors: Bashir Shahida , Ali Al-Shamiri Mohammed M. , Khalid Shahzeen , Mazhar Rabia
Published: February 2023

In practical applications, the basic fuzzy set is used via symmetric uncertainty variables. In the research field, it is comparatively rare to discuss two-fold uncertainty due to its complication. To deal with the multi-polar uncertainty in real life problems, m-polar (multi-polar) fuzzy (m-PF) sets are put forward. The main objective of this paper is to explore the idea of m-PF sets, which is a generalization of bipolar fuzzy (BPF) sets, in ternary semirings. The major aspects and novel distinctions of this work are that it builds any multi-person, multi-period, multi-criteria, and complex hierarchical problems. The main focus of this study is to confine generalization of some important results of BPF sets to the results of m-PF sets. In this research, the notions of m-polar fuzzy ternary subsemiring (m-PFSS), m-polar fuzzy ideal (m-PFI), m-polar fuzzy generalized bi-ideal (m-PFGBI), m-polar fuzzy bi-ideal (m-PFBI), and m-polar fuzzy quasi-ideal (m-PFQI) in ternary semirings are introduced. Moreover, this paper deals with several important properties of m-PFIs and characterizes regular and intra-regular ternary semiring in terms of these ideals.
The η-Anti-Hermitian Solution to a System of Constrained Matrix Equations over the Generalized Segre Quaternion Algebra
Authors: Ren Bai-Ying , Wang Qing-Wen , Chen Xue-Ying
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we propose three real representations of a generalized Segre quaternion matrix. We establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the η-anti-Hermitian solution to a system of constrained matrix equations over the generalized Segre quaternion algebra. We also obtain the expression of the general η-anti-Hermitian solution to the system when it is solvable. Finally, we provide a numerical example to verify the main results of this paper.
A Machine Learning Mapping Algorithm for NoC Optimization
Authors: Weng Xiaodong , Liu Yi , Xu Changqing , Lin Xiaoling , Zhan Linjun , Wang Shunyao , Chen Dongdong , Yang Yintang
Published: February 2023

Network on chip (NoC) is a promising solution to the challenge of multi-core System-on-Chip (SoC) communication design. Application mapping is the first and most important step in the NoC synthesis flow, which determines most of the NoC design performance. NoC mapping has been confirmed as an NP-hard (Non-Polynomial hard) problem, which could not be solved in polynomial time. Various heuristic mapping algorithms have been applied to the mapping problem. However, the heuristic algorithm easily falls into a local optimal solution which causes performance loss. Additionally, regular topologies of NoC, such as the ring, torus, etc., may generate symmetric solutions in the NoC mapping process, which increase the performance loss. Machine learning involves data-driven methods to analyze trends, find relationships, and develop models to predict things based on datasets. In this paper, an NoC machine learning mapping algorithm is proposed to solve a mapping problem. A Low-complexity and no symmetry NoC mapping dataset is defined, and a data augmentation approach is proposed to build dataset. With the dataset defined, a multi-label machine learning is established. The simulation results have confirmed that the machine learning mapping algorithm is proposed have at least 99.6% model accuracy and an average of 96.3% mapping accuracy.
A Tau Approach for Solving Time-Fractional Heat Equation Based on the Shifted Sixth-Kind Chebyshev Polynomials
Authors: Abdelghany Esraa Magdy , Abd-Elhameed Waleed Mohamed , Moatimid Galal Mahrous , Youssri Youssri Hassan , Atta Ahmed Gamal
Published: February 2023

The time-fractional heat equation governed by nonlocal conditions is solved using a novel method developed in this study, which is based on the spectral tau method. There are two sets of basis functions used. The first set is the set of non-symmetric polynomials, namely, the shifted Chebyshev polynomials of the sixth-kind (CPs6), and the second set is a set of modified shifted CPs6. The approximation of the solution is written as a product of the two chosen basis function sets. For this method, the key concept is to transform the problem governed by the underlying conditions into a set of linear algebraic equations that can be solved by means of an appropriate numerical scheme. The error analysis of the proposed extension is also thoroughly investigated. Finally, a number of examples are shown to illustrate the reliability and accuracy of the suggested tau method.
Electro-Optical Characteristics of Quasi-Homogeneous Cell in Twisted Nematic Mode
Authors: Yamaguchi Rumiko , Sakamoto Yoshiki
Published: February 2023

A liquid crystal (LC) director distribution was numerically analyzed in 90-degree twisted nematic (TN) LC cells with a symmetric and an asymmetric azimuthal anchoring strength of the alignment substrate and the influence of anchoring strength on the electro-optical property of the TN cell was evaluated. The twist angle decreased with decreasing azimuthal anchoring strength and the LC orientation changed to a homogeneous orientation with the twist angle of 0 degrees in the LC cell with asymmetric azimuthal anchoring strength, specifically with the strong anchoring substrate and the weak anchoring substrate below a critical strength. The asymmetric anchoring LC cell was fabricated by using a poly (vinyl cinnamate) alignment substrate as the weak anchoring surface and a polyimide alignment substrate as the strong anchoring surface. The LC cell performed the dark–bright–dark switching of the transmittance in the crossed polarizers, since the homogeneous LC orientation changed to the TN orientation again with increasing the applied voltage. Therefore, it was experimentally confirmed that LC molecules rotated at 90 degrees in the plane on the alignment surface by the electric field perpendicular to the weak anchoring substrate.
Editorial of the Special Issue “Skewed (Asymmetrical) Probability Distributions and Applications across Disciplines”
Authors: Castro-Palacio Juan Carlos , Fernández-de-Córdoba Pedro
Published: February 2023

This Special Issue includes a total of 14 articles on skewed probability distributions and applications across disciplines [...]
Valency-Based Indices for Some Succinct Drugs by Using M-Polynomial
Authors: Ghani Muhammad Usman , Campena Francis Joseph H. , Pattabiraman K. , Ismail Rashad , Karamti Hanen , Husin Mohamad Nazri
Published: February 2023

A topological index, which is a number, is connected to a graph. It is often used in chemometrics, biomedicine, and bioinformatics to anticipate various physicochemical properties and biological activities of compounds. The purpose of this article is to encourage original research focused on topological graph indices for the drugs azacitidine, decitabine, and guadecitabine as well as an investigation of the genesis of symmetry in actual networks. Symmetry is a universal phenomenon that applies nature’s conservation rules to complicated systems. Although symmetry is a ubiquitous structural characteristic of complex networks, it has only been seldom examined in real-world networks. The M¯-polynomial, one of these polynomials, is used to create a number of degree-based topological coindices. Patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia who are not candidates for intense regimens, such as induction chemotherapy, are treated with these hypomethylating drugs. Examples of these drugs are decitabine (5-aza-20-deoxycytidine), guadecitabine, and azacitidine. The M¯-polynomial is used in this study to construct a variety of coindices for the three brief medicines that are suggested. New cancer therapies could be developed using indice knowledge, specifically the first Zagreb index, second Zagreb index, F-index, reformulated Zagreb index, modified Zagreb, symmetric division index, inverse sum index, harmonic index, and augmented Zagreb index for the drugs azacitidine, decitabine, and guadecitabine.
Evaluating Barriers to Supply Chain Resilience in Vietnamese SMEs: The Fuzzy VIKOR Approach
Authors: Phan Vu-Dung-Van , Huang Yung-Fu , Hoang Thi-Them , Do Manh-Hoang
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to determine and prioritize the critical barriers to supply chain resilience (SCR) in Vietnamese small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs), which play a crucial role in the global supply chain. Through a systematic literature review and expert consultation, 15 barriers to SCR were identified and evaluated by using the fuzzy VIKOR (ViseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) method. The findings provide novel insights into the challenges of enhancing resilience in the Vietnamese supply chain and categorize the barriers into three main categories: the resilience phase, strategy resilience, and the competencies required. The results indicated that a lack of financial resources and alternative sources of supply are the most pressing barriers related to the resilience phase group. In terms of strategy resilience, the lack of a skilled and competent workforce was found to be the most critical obstacle. Furthermore, government delays in supporting and enacting appropriate policies were found to be the most pressing issue related to the competencies required. These findings offer valuable recommendations for managers seeking to address these barriers and enhance the resilience of the Vietnamese supply chain after COVID-19. By prioritizing and solving these critical obstacles, Vietnamese SMEs can better prepare for and recover from potential challenges in the future.
The Interaction Mechanism and Dynamic Evolution of Digital Green Innovation in the Integrated Green Building Supply Chain
Authors: Dong Tong , Yin Shi , Zhang Nan
Published: February 2023

Although building enterprises are actively developing towards the direction of an integrated building supply chain (IBSC), they still face many difficulties in digital green innovation (DGI) activities. The purpose of this study is to reveal the interaction mechanism between the digital integration degree, green knowledge collaboration ability, and the DGI performance of IBSC enterprises in DGI activities under the influence of environmental characteristics of the integrated supply chain. In this study, firstly, a hierarchical regression method and a structural equation model are used to empirically study the static mechanism of DGI among enterprises in the IBSC. Secondly, this study adopts a complex system theory to construct a logistic dynamic analysis model to explore a dynamic evolution mechanism. The results of the study are as follows. (i) The digital integration degree and green knowledge synergy ability of the IBSC are conducive to improvements in digital green innovation performance among the enterprises involved in this chain. The digital integration degree of this chain is the dominant factor affecting the performance of digital green innovation among these enterprises. (ii) The digital network capability of this chain has a significant impact on its digital integration degree but has no significant effect on green knowledge synergy ability. The quality of digital relationships in the IBSC affects both the digital integration degree and green knowledge synergy ability. It has a higher impact on the digital integration degree than on the synergy ability of green knowledge. The resilience of the IBSC can effectively promote the improvement of digital integration and green knowledge synergy ability, but has no significant effect on digital green innovation performance. (iii) In the early stage of an IBSC, the effect of the digital integration degree on DGI performance is more obvious. Over the long term, under the effect of different digital relationship qualities of the IBSC, green knowledge collaboration ability plays a pivotal role. Improving this ability is conducive to the continuous improvement of DGI performance.
Reconstruction of Industrial and Historical Heritage for Cultural Enrichment Using Virtual and Augmented Reality
Authors: Paulauskas Lukas , Paulauskas Andrius , Blažauskas Tomas , Damaševičius Robertas , Maskeliūnas Rytis
Published: February 2023

Because of its benefits in providing an engaging and mobile environment, virtual reality (VR) has recently been rapidly adopted and integrated in education and professional training. Augmented reality (AR) is the integration of VR with the real world, where the real world provides context and the virtual world provides or reconstructs missing information. Mixed reality (MR) is the blending of virtual and physical reality environments allowing users to interact with both digital and physical objects at the same time. In recent years, technology for creating reality-based 3D models has advanced and spread across a diverse range of applications and research fields. The purpose of this paper is to design, develop, and test VR for kinaesthetic distance learning in a museum setting. A VR training program has been developed in which learners can select and perform pre-made scenarios in a virtual environment. The interaction in the program is based on kinaesthetic learning characteristics. Scenarios with VR controls simulate physical interaction with objects in a virtual environment for learners. Learners can grasp and lift objects to complete scenario tasks. There are also simulated devices in the virtual environment that learners can use to perform various actions. The study’s goal was to compare the effectiveness of the developed VR educational program to that of other types of educational material. Our innovation is the development of a system for combining their 3D visuals with rendering capable of providing a mobile VR experience for effective heritage enhancement.