bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Improvement Factors of Leadership Skills among Project Managers in Pre-Construction Phase of Sustainable Construction Projects
Authors: Ahmad Latiffi Aryani , Zulkiffli Noorul Adharina
Published: December 2021

Leadership skills are required in any area, including the construction industry. Compared to conventional construction projects, the obstacles of practising leadership skills are more significant in sustainable construction projects. In the context of managing a project, a project manager is accountable for overseeing the project from the pre-construction phase to the post-construction phase. Nevertheless, project managers often encountered utmost difficulties in sustainable construction projects during the pre-construction phase. Despite that, improving leadership skills would emerge to boost project manager performance in managing sustainable construction projects. Thus, this paper aims to determine the improvement factors of leadership skills among project managers in the pre-construction phase of sustainable construction projects. A questionnaire survey was developed with 44 improvement factors of leadership skills among project managers in the pre-construction phase of sustainable construction projects, in which 153 experienced project managers in sustainable construction projects in Malaysia responded. Data were analysed using normality test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability analysis via IBM SPSS version 24 software. The finding reveals that all improvement factors were significant to improve leadership skills among project managers in the pre-construction phase of sustainable construction projects. Hence, this paper's findings would assist project managers in grasping the improvement factors that can improve their leadership skills, particularly in sustainable construction projects.
Level of Absorptive Capacity among Contractors in Technology Transfer Project: Electrical Train Service (ETS), Malaysia
Authors: Razali Syafiq Razi , Omar Roshartini , Sarpin Norliana , Mohamed Sulzakimin , Sallehuddin Aina Mardia
Published: December 2021

In a global competitive environment, technical changes are rapid, volatile and very complex. Nowadays, technology is labelled as a weapon towards organization for performance and productivity, which made absorptive capacity (ACAP) an important aspect. Absorptive capacity refers to an organization’s ability to recognize, capture, assimilate, transform and exploit the new technology within the organization. In order, to allow technology transfer to be successful, the organization is required to have a strong ACAP. However, a previous study has outlined that the level of ACAP in the construction industry is relatively low and this has made the technology transfer process in the industry very challenging. Thus, this research aims to explore the ACAP level and technology transfer activities in a construction project. The objectives of this paper are to identify the factors that enhance ACAP in the technology transfer process, to measure the level of ACAP in the technology transfer process and to identify a suitable suggestion in order to improve ACAP in the technology transfer process. 35 contractors from the electric double track (ETS) project, in Segamat have been involved, with a 35% of respond rate. The contractors from the ETS project have been chosen as the project is known as a mega project and has involved various foreign technology and experts, which allow technology transfer to happen actively. Questionnaires are used as the research instrument and descriptive data analysis is conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings show that the organizational factors contribute a significant influence towards ACAP in the technology transfer process. The ACAP level that is experienced by the respondents contribute towards good work performance, while the communication and skills aspect are to increase the level of ACAP in the technology transfer process. Based on the findings of this study, the organizations, contractors, academics, and others need to alert and view one of these issue as an important problem and to establish further cooperation in maintaining the level of absorptive capacity of new technology in the process of technology transfer in order to achieve optimal levels over  a period of time.
Roles of Contractors in Implementing Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) in Construction Projects
Authors: Seman Mohd Shazreen , Esa Mohd Reza , Yusof Mohd Reeza
Published: December 2021

In recent decades, the construction industry has been widely criticized for its lack of efficiency and productivity, and it has been shown that the Malaysian construction industry records poor quality on its projects. To overcome this issue, the Technical Committee on Quality Assessment in Construction with the support of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has introduced Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC). QLASSIC is a scoring system that is used to assess and evaluate the performance of construction buildings. It is based on the Construction Industry Standard (CIS 7:2006). Unfortunately, this assessment system had poor implementation since its introduction in November 2006. QLASSIC was not extensively implemented and was taken lightly by the contractors and developers in Malaysia. There are still a huge number of contractors that are not aware of QLASSIC even the big construction companies. Thus, this research is aimed at investigating the contractor’s perspective towards the implementation of QLASSIC in the construction industry in Malaysia. Three objectives are developed to achieve the aim: (1) identification of the needs to implement QLASSIC; (2) investigation of issues and challenges to implement QLASSIC and (3) recommendation of strategies to implement QLASSIC. Structured questionnaire surveys were distributed to the G7 and G6 contractors in the Klang Valley area; which may have or may not have experience in implementing QLASSIC in their projects. The result revealed that majority of the respondents were aware and understand the needs of QLASSIC implementation, but there were still few who were unfamiliar with the QLASSIC. The current level of implementation of QLASSIC in Malaysia is still not satisfactory due to several issues and challenges acting as barriers to its implementation. Therefore, the initiatives from the government are important to promote QLASSIC implementation in the construction industry. By doing this, the contractors would be aware of the implementation of QLASSIC in the construction industry. The significance of this research is that it will assist contractors and other construction players in comprehending the implications and importance of QLASSIC implementation.
Fire Safety Management in Malaysian Higher Educational Institutions
Authors: Mohamed Yusof Nur Fatiha , Mohd Roshdi Farrah Rina , Saharuddin Shafikah , Mohd Noor Siti Nur Aishah
Published: December 2021

Most universities and college campuses across Malaysia are engaged in developing policies, programmes, and systems to reduce fire risks, and maintain fire safety. Although the awareness of fire disasters has increased among some parts of the society, the concept of fire disaster preparedness and response in universities has not been sufficiently explored. Therefore, this paper aims to establish a conceptual framework fire safety management plan in Malaysian Higher Educational Institution. The method used by this paper is synthesizing previous articles from selected journals and conference proceedings, reports, standards on disaster risk management, higher institution contingency and fire safety plans, and existing guidelines from authorities. The key elements of fire safety variables from the previous literatures assist this study in developing a conceptual framework related to fire safety management plan. The findings of this paper include the elements of fire safety management like organizational responsibilities (mitigation/prevention), emergency preparedness including emergency facilities, emergency contact details, information, and communication training, and testing and reviewing (response & recovery). The establishment of this conceptual framework of fire safety management can guide the management teams at higher educational institutions in delivering information to Emergency Response Team (ERT) to ensure its effectiveness. Moreover, this framework will help the management team to adopt, validate, and evaluate, which enhances the ability to detect crisis signal that will minimize losses.
Use of BIM Technology in Construction Design Phase
Authors: Muhamad Zahir Nur Izatul Fakiah , Omar Roshartini , Yahya Mohd Yamani , Sarpin Norliana
Published: December 2021

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digital information technology used to transmit information involving architecture, engineering, and construction as a set of interactions in the construction industry. When BIM technology is used as a management system in communication, the delivery of information is more accurate, clear, and detailed. However, problems occur when the construction industry lacks cost in the acquisition of such technology, in addition lack of knowledge and skills to use BIM technology process in project management. Therefore, this study identifies the factors use of BIM technology, the level of absorption, and the measures to increase the users of BIM technology in construction design phase. The method used in the data collection process is the questionnaire method. The population involved in this study includes architects and engineers, with a total of 80 distinguished populations. However, only 55 sets of questionnaire forms were recovered. The respondents involved in this study were architects and engineers. The result of the data analysis obtained shows that knowledge and skills need to be improved in the process of operating BIM technology. However, small-scale organisations cannot afford to own this technology because of the high cost and the need to undergo training in managing the technology. In an effort to coordinate the policy on the use of BIM technology, CIDB provides a centre as a reference for all parties involved in the industry to know the true concept of BIM technology and to undergo courses offered related to the use of BIM technology. These findings benefit those involved in achieving a more systematic use of BIM technology in organisational management involving the construction design phase.
Developing a Conceptual Model for Strategic Knowledge Sharing of Facilities Management Protocol (FMP)
Authors: Zaidi Mohd Azian , Hamid Md Yusof , Subry Saromy , Mat Yasin Mohd Fadzil , Hasim Mohamad Sufian
Published: December 2021

The aim of this paper is to identify a key dimension of knowledge sharing strategy to improve Facilities Management Process of Protocol (FMP) in achieving facilities management organization performance. It investigates the key dimension of facilities management protocol strategy that can be adopted by the Facilities Management organizations and examines the problem related to IBS during the operational stages of maintenance management. An analysis of previous research provides an insight of the relationship between the IBS attribute and Facilities Management Protocol (FMP) component that can proposed a significant variable to improve the FM performance to solve problem related maintenance for IBS building. The review shows that a factor related to FM Protocol such as ‘operate and optimize facility’, ‘monitor and record facility condition’, ‘implement schedule maintenance work’, ‘manage inventory and spare part’, and ‘supervised vendor work’ was identified as a key dimension for FMP strategy to improve FM performance. Meanwhile a factor such as ‘diagnosing tools and assessment’, ‘systematic procurement procedure’, ‘complementary IBS input and information document’ and ‘handing over document’ was classified as a key factor to improve FM performance through adopting knowledge sharing strategy. This paper suggests that through improvement of each factor, the recognition of the whole strategic approach process in FMP can be increase thus helping to strengthen the facilities management organization for competitive advantages.
Study on the Adoption of Safety Culture in Construction Project in Klang Valley
Authors: Mian Nurul Amira , Alias Zarina , Mohd Ahnuar Ezlina
Published: December 2021

The high rate of accidents and injuries in the construction industry globally enables us to evaluate our priority from the past performance to the major determinants of safety and health. By giving attention to human factors, organisations can identify and differentiate potential hazards of reckless behaviour prior to the incidents of accidents or illness. One way to achieve this is to measure 'leading' safety factors, such as safety culture. The objectives of this research are identifying the ways to adopt and implement the suitable and efficiency safety culture for the construction project in Klang Valley to prevent the accidents and injuries in construction industry as well as to provide a safe working environment. We use quantitative method with close-ended questionnaire and descriptive design for this study. The questionnaires inquired on the issues and problems and success factors in implementing safety culture in construction project. The company selected for this study was limited and only focus on 10 construction companies in Klang Valley. The total of the respondents was 40. The quantitative analysis of data was done using Average Index Method and the data were analysed using descriptive analysis. From the study, the most popular problems to adapt and implementing safety culture are the poor safety culture. The success factors in implementing safety culture were safety rules and procedures that are provided and easy to understand. Overall, the workers perception of the safety culture around Klang Valley construction site was fairly low with need for improvement such as safety practices from management, encourage of safety motivation and training on safety and health. The results and outcomes of the research can be used to guide construction management in establishing a positive safety culture and provide workers with the opportunity to have a platform to reflect on their motivations and choices for safety at work.
Long-Term Dynamics of Chlorophyll in Plankton of Different Sites in a Large Plain Reservoir
Authors: Mineeva N. M.
Published: December 2021

On the basis of field observations in 2009–2019, the seasonal and long-term dynamics of chlorophyll at six standard stations of the Rybinsk Reservoir is considered. The fluorescence method is used to determine chlorophyll. The average chlorophyll content at stations varies from the minimum 3.5–10.8 to the maximum 16.9–40.5 μg/L in different years and from 12.0 at station 5 (Sredny Dvor) up to 21.6 μg/L at station 2 (Mologa) on average for the entire period. The seasonal dynamics of chlorophyll is characterized by spring; summer; and, in some years, autumn maxima. With the same type of seasonal dynamics, the change in chlorophyll at the stations is to varying degrees coupled in the years of observation and is most often correlated in neighboring areas. Significant differences in the amount of chlorophyll at the stations are observed during surveys carried out within one day and are determined by the complex hydrological structure of the reservoir; active dynamic processes; and, in the spring, by the thermal regime. The presence of stable large circulation zones smoothes out the spatial differences of chlorophyll, the average seasonal concentrations of which do not differ significantly at all six stations in years with an average water level, and at four stations of the Main Reach in extremely high-water years. A close correlation in long-term dynamics is revealed for the average chlorophyll concentrations for the growing season at six stations, as well as at each station and the reservoir as a whole. The results of the work confirm the reliability of the data obtained for assessing the ecological state of the Rybinsk Reservoir.
Seesaw, coherence and neutrino oscillations
Authors: Kupiainen Tomi , Tureanu Anca
Published: December 2021

We present a prescription for consistently constructing non-Fock coherent flavour neutrino states within the framework of the seesaw mechanism, and establish that the physical vacuum of massive neutrinos is a condensate of Standard Model massless neutrino states. The coherent states, involving a finite number of massive states, are derived by constructing their creation operator. This construction fulfills automatically the key requirement of coherence for the oscillations of particles to occur. We comment on the inherent non-unitarity of the oscillation probability induced by the requirement of coherence.
Slowly rotating black holes in the novel Einstein–Maxwell-scalar theory
Authors: Qiu Jianhui
Published: December 2021

We investigate a slowly rotating black hole solution in a novel Einstein–Maxwell-scalar theory, which is prompted by the classification of general Einstein–Maxwell-scalar theory. The gyromagnetic ratio of this black hole is calculated, and it increases as the second free parameter $$\beta $$
β
increases, but decreases with the increasing parameter $$\gamma \equiv \frac{2 \alpha ^{2}}{1+\alpha ^2}$$

γ
≡

2

α
2

1
+

α
2

. In the Einstein–Maxwell-dilaton (EMD) theory, the parameter $$\beta $$
β
vanishes but the free parameter $$\alpha $$
α
governing the strength of the coupling between the dilaton and the Maxwell field remains. The gyromagnetic ratio is always less than 2, the well-known value for a Kerr–Newman (KN) black hole as well as for a Dirac electron. Scalar hairs reduce the magnetic dipole moment in dilaton theory, resulting in a drop in the gyromagnetic ratio. However, we find that the gyromagnetic ratio of two can be realized in this Einstein–Maxwell-scalar theory by increasing $$\beta $$
β
and the charge-to-mass ratio Q/M simultaneously (recall that the gyromagnetic ratio of KN black holes is independent of Q/M). The same situation also applies to the angular velocity of a locally non-rotating observer. Moreover, we analyze the period correction for circular orbits in terms of charge-to-mass ratio, as well as the correction of the radius of the innermost stable circular orbits. It is found the correction increases with $$\beta $$
β
but decreases with Q/M. Finally, the total radiative efficiency is investigated, and it can vanish once the effect of rotation is considered.
Study of the $$D_s^+\rightarrow a_0(980) \rho $$ and $$a_0(980) \omega $$ decays
Authors: Yu Yao , Hsiao Yu-Kuo , Ke Bai-Cian
Published: December 2021

We study $$D_{s}^{+}\rightarrow \rho ^{0(+)}a^{+(0)}_{0}$$

D

s

+

→

ρ

0
(
+
)

a
0

+
(
0
)

, $$D_{s}^{+}\rightarrow \omega a^{+}_{0}$$

D

s

+

→
ω

a
0
+

, and the resonant $$D_{s}^{+}\rightarrow \rho a_0$$

D

s

+

→
ρ

a
0

, $$a_{0}\rightarrow \eta \pi (KK)$$

a
0

→
η
π

(
K
K
)

decays. In the final state interaction, where $$D_s^+\rightarrow (\eta ^{(\prime )}\pi ^+,K^+{{\bar{K}}}^0)$$

D
s
+

→

(

η

(
′
)

π
+

,

K
+

K

¯

0

)

are followed by the $$(\eta ^{(\prime )}\pi ^+,K^+{{\bar{K}}}^0)$$

(

η

(
′
)

π
+

,

K
+

K

¯

0

)

to $$\rho ^{0(+)}a^{+(0)}_{0}$$

ρ

0
(
+
)

a
0

+
(
0
)

rescatterings, we predict $$\mathcal{B}(D_{s}^{+}\rightarrow \rho ^{0(+)}a^{+(0)}_{0})=(3.0\pm 0.3\pm 1.0)\times 10^{-3}$$

B

(

D

s

+

→

ρ

0
(
+
)

a
0

+
(
0
)

)

=

(
3.0
±
0.3
±
1.0
)

×

10

-
3

. Due to the cancellation of the rescattering effects and the suppressed short-distance W annihilation contribution, we expect that $${{\mathcal {B}}}(D_{s}^{+}\rightarrow \omega a^{+}_{0}) \simeq \mathcal{B}(D_s^+\rightarrow \pi ^+\pi ^0)<3.4\times 10^{-4}$$

B

(

D

s

+

→
ω

a
0
+

)

≃
B

(

D
s
+

→

π
+

π
0

)

<
3.4
×

10

-
4

. In our calculation, $${{\mathcal {B}}}(D_{s}^{+}\rightarrow \rho ^{0}(a^{+}_{0}\rightarrow )\eta \pi ^{+}) =(1.6^{+0.2}_{-0.3}\pm 0.6)\times 10^{-3}$$

B

(

D

s

+

→

ρ
0

(

a
0
+

→
)

η

π
+

)

=

(
1
.

6

-
0.3

+
0.2

±
0.6
)

×

10

-
3

agrees with the data, whereas $${{\mathcal {B}}}(D_{s}^{+}\rightarrow \rho ^{+}(a^{0}_{0}\rightarrow )K^+K^-)$$

B
(

D

s

+

→

ρ
+

(

a
0
0

→
)

K
+

K
-

)

is 10 times smaller than the observation, which requires a careful examination.
A Face Recognition Algorithm Based on Intermediate Layers Connected by the CNN
Authors: Long Yuxiang
Published: December 2021

Face recognition is difficult due to the higher dimension of face image features and fewer training samples. Firstly, in order to improve the performance of feature extraction, we inventively construct a double hierarchical network structure convolution neural network (CNN) model. The front-end network adopts a relatively simple network model to achieve rough feature extraction from input images and obtain multiple suspect face candidate windows. The back-end network uses a relatively complex network model to filter the best detection window and return the face size and position by nonmaximum suppression. Then, in order to fully extract the face features in the optimal window, a face recognition algorithm based on intermediate layers connected by the deep CNN is proposed in this paper. Based on AlexNet, the front, intermediate and end convolution layers are combined by deep connection. Then, the feature vector describing the face image is obtained by the operation of the pooling layer and the full connection layer. Finally, the auxiliary classifier training method is used to train the model to ensure the effectiveness of the features of the intermediate layer. Experimental results based on open face database show that the recognition accuracy of the proposed algorithm is higher than that of other face recognition algorithms compared in this paper.
Generative Image Inpainting with Dilated Deformable Convolution
Authors: Qiu Zhao , Yuan Lin , Liu Lihao , Yuan Zheng , Chen Tao , Xiao Zihan
Published: December 2021

The image generation and completion model complement the missing area of the image to be repaired according to the image itself or the information of the image library so that the repaired image looks very natural and difficult to distinguish from the undamaged image. The difficulty of image generation and completion lies in the reasonableness of image semantics and the clear and true texture of the generated image. In this paper, a Wasserstein generative adversarial network with dilated convolution and deformable convolution (DDC-WGAN) is proposed for image completion. A deformable offset is added based on dilated convolution, which enlarges the receptive field and provides a more stable representation of geometric deformation. Experiments show that the DDC-WGAN method proposed in this paper has better performance in image generation and complementation than the traditional generative adversarial complementation network.
Gravitational bending angle with finite distances by Casimir wormholes
Authors: Carvalho Í. D. D. , Alencar G. , Muniz C. R.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we investigate the gravitational bending angle due to the Casimir wormholes, which consider the Casimir energy as the source. Furthermore, some of these Casimir wormholes regard Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) corrections of Casimir energy. We use the Ishihara method for the Jacobi metric, which allows us to study the bending angle of light and massive test particles for finite distances. Beyond the uncorrected Casimir source, we consider many GUP corrections, namely, the Kempf, Mangano and Mann (KMM) model, the Detournay, Gabriel and Spindel (DGS) model, and the so-called type II model for the GUP principle. We also find the deflection angle of light and massive particles in the case of the receiver and the source are far away from the lens. In this case, we also compute the optical scalars: convergence and shear for these Casimir wormholes as a gravitational weak lens. Our self-consistent iterative calculations indicate corrections to the bending angle by Casimir wormholes in the previous paper.
Excited states of even-A and odd-A nuclei with deformation-dependent mass parameters for the Kratzer potential
Authors: Chabab M. , El-ilali I. , Lahbas A. , Oulne M.
Published: December 2021

The low-lying collective spectra for axially symmetric nuclei are described within the Bohr–Hamiltonian by considering deformation-dependent mass coefficients and Kratzer potential in [Formula: see text] part. The energy eigenvalues and the total wave function of the problem are obtained in compact forms by means of the asymptotic iteration method. The numerical calculations are carried out for energy spectra as well as electromagnetic transition probabilities, and compared with experimental data in both cases: within and without the deformation-dependent mass (DDM) formalism. We investigate the nuclear observables of four even-A nuclei [Formula: see text]Sm, [Formula: see text]Gd, [Formula: see text]Yb, [Formula: see text]W and two odd-A nuclei [Formula: see text]Yb, [Formula: see text]Dy. Moreover, we will show that the choice of the Kratzer potential minimizes the level spacings within the [Formula: see text] band, which are usually overestimated by Bohr–Hamiltonian with Davidson potential.
A study of genuine pion correlations and fluctuations in relativistic nucleus–nucleus collisions
Authors: Najar Imtiyaz A. , Bari W.
Published: December 2021

In this study, we have performed a detailed analysis of genuine pion correlations and fluctuations in terms of the normalized factorial comulant moments of second and third orders, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], in case of [Formula: see text]O–AgBr interactions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A GeV/c. The experimental results are compared with the predictions of AMPT and UrQMD model simulated events. The UrQMD model reproduces the trends in experimental results but the strength of correlation is much smaller. However, the AMPT model does not also replicate all features of the experimental data. The genuine two-particle and three-particle correlations are found to become weaker with the increase in momentum of the projectile nucleus.
A study of maximum pseudorapidity gap distributions in 16O-nucleus interactions at 3.7, 60 and 200A GeV/c
Authors: Mohisin Khan M. , Meer Danish , Bari Waseem , Ahmad Shakeel
Published: December 2021

The main aim of this paper is to present some interesting results on event-by-event maximum 2-particle gap ([Formula: see text]) in the pseudorapidity space of the relativistic charged particles [Formula: see text] produced in the [Formula: see text]O-AgBr interactions at 3.7, 60 and 200[Formula: see text]A GeV/c. The distribution of [Formula: see text] has been obtained for the experimental and AMPT simulated data. Distinct peaks are obtained in the [Formula: see text]-distributions of the relativistic charged particles in low [Formula: see text]-region. Further, the position of the peak is found to depend on the incident energy. The experimental results are not well supported by the results obtained for the AMPT simulated data. The findings presented here may be found useful in understanding the mechanism of the multiparticle production in relativistic nuclear interactions.
On the representation theory of the vertex algebra L−5/2(sl(4))
Authors: Adamović Dražen , Perše Ozren , Vukorepa Ivana
Published: December 2021

We study the representation theory of non-admissible simple affine vertex algebra [Formula: see text]. We determine an explicit formula for the singular vector of conformal weight four in the universal affine vertex algebra [Formula: see text], and show that it generates the maximal ideal in [Formula: see text]. We classify irreducible [Formula: see text]-modules in the category [Formula: see text], and determine the fusion rules between irreducible modules in the category of ordinary modules [Formula: see text]. It turns out that this fusion algebra is isomorphic to the fusion algebra of [Formula: see text]. We also prove that [Formula: see text] is a semi-simple, rigid braided tensor category. In our proofs, we use the notion of collapsing level for the affine [Formula: see text]-algebra, and the properties of conformal embedding [Formula: see text] at level [Formula: see text] from D. Adamovic et al. [Finite vs infinite decompositions in conformal embeddings, Comm. Math. Phys. 348 (2016) 445–473.]. We show that [Formula: see text] is a collapsing level with respect to the subregular nilpotent element [Formula: see text], meaning that the simple quotient of the affine [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to the Heisenberg vertex algebra [Formula: see text]. We prove certain results on vanishing and non-vanishing of cohomology for the quantum Hamiltonian reduction functor [Formula: see text]. It turns out that the properties of [Formula: see text] are more subtle than in the case of minimal reduction.
Dual Elite Recruitment Logic and Political Manipulation under Xi Jinping
Authors: KOU CHIEN-WEN , TSAI WEN-HSUAN
Published: December 2021

Under Xi Jinping, the cadre recruitment policy of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been adapted. What are the political implications of these adaptations? This paper argues that Xi has sought to consolidate his power among the political elite and strengthen grassroots governance by introducing a new cadre recruitment policy. We propose the concept of “dual elite recruitment logic” as an aid to interpreting the cadre recruitment strategy in the Xi era: the CCP’s system for appointing and promoting cadres at the full provincial/ministerial level (正部级 zhengbuji) and the grassroots follows’ criteria that are different from those formulated under the previous “rejuvenation of cadres” principle. While China under Xi may be able to maintain political stability and promote socio-economic development in the short term, the lack of a new succession mechanism is the biggest obstacle to China’s future political development.
Industrial Policies Under Xi Jinping: A Steering Theory Perspective
Authors: FISCHER DORIS , GOHLI HANNES , HABICH-SOBIEGALLA SABRINA
Published: December 2021

Xi Jinping’s ascension to power and subsequent developments in Chinese governance have stoked the flames on the debate on industrial policies, both in China and across the globe. At least partly, the debate results from the perception that industrial policies have been important for China’s economic rise, growing competitiveness and drive to innovate. Outside China, this perception has already prompted some governments to suggest that their countries should react to China’s rise by also promulgating industrial policies. But inspite of the growing interest in the topic, there is hardly a consensus on the character of China’s industrial policies nor their efficiency and effectiveness, neither inside nor outside of China. This paper will shed light on these issues by looking at Chinese industrial policies from the perspective of political steering theory. It will first review the political steering theory, identify key concepts (steering modes, steering objects and subjects, etc.) and then explain the rationale of applying the theoretical deliberations to industrial policymaking and implementation in China’s EV and solar sectors. Against this background, this paper will identify different types of industrial policies and look into Chinese industrial policy development and academic discussion over time with a specific focus on changes in industrial policy steering following the inauguration of the Xi Jinping administration. This paper aims to make a conceptual contribution based on the analysis of policy documents and academic texts as well as discussions and interviews with Chinese economists and political scientists. It is part of a larger research project that focuses on how political steering through industrial policies affects China’s energy transition under Xi.
THE IMPACT OF STRATEGY AND STRUCTURE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CORPORATE VENTURE CAPITAL UNITS
Authors: KOHUT MAGDALENA , AHLFÄNGER MARCEL , LEKER JENS
Published: December 2021

The range of organisational designs and their interplay with the objectives of corporate venture capital (CVC) units has yet to be fully understood. Using primary qualitative data collected from 20 CVC units, the authors show that although strategy does not always consciously drive structural design, there are clear patterns of beneficial organisational structure that support achievement of particular objectives. Furthermore, the authors discuss the implications of objectives and organic, hybrid and mechanistic structures on CVC performance, contributing both to the CVC literature and the practice of corporate venturing.
On the least common multiple of polynomial sequences at prime arguments
Authors: Nath Ayan , Jha Abhishek
Published: December 2021

Cilleruelo conjectured that if [Formula: see text] is an irreducible polynomial of degree [Formula: see text] then, [Formula: see text] In this paper, we investigate the analog of prime arguments, namely, [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] denotes a prime and obtain nontrivial lower bounds on it. Further, we also show some results regarding the greatest prime divisor of [Formula: see text]
Interplays of a waterborne disease model linking within- and between-host dynamics with waning vaccine-induced immunity
Authors: Yang Junyuan , Wang Guoqiang , Zhou Miao , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we propose a multi-scale waterborne disease model and are concerned with a heterogenous process of waning vaccine-induced immunity. A completely nested rule has been adopted to link the within- and between-host systems. We prove the existence, positivity and asymptotical smoothness of the between-host system. We derive the basic reproduction numbers associated with the two-scale system in explicit forms, which completely determine the behavior of each system. Uncertainty analysis reveals the trade-offs of the kinetics of the within-host system and the transmission of the between-host system. Numerical simulations suggest that the vaccine waning process plays a significant role in the estimation of the prevalence at population level. Furthermore, the environmental heterogeneity complicates the transmission patterns at the population level.
A simulation approach for closed-loop control of coupled four tank system
Authors: Ullah Nasim , Mohammad Alsharef
Published: December 2021

The coupled tank system is the most widely used sub-component in chemical process industries. Fluid mixing is a major step in chemical processes that alters the material properties and cost. Fluid flow and its level regulation between several tanks are important control problems. As the first step, this paper addresses the level regulation problem using classical integer order proportional, derivative, integral (PID), fractional order PID controllers. As a second step, model-based robust fractional order controllers are derived using sliding mode approach in order to achieve the desired response, parameters of the proposed controllers are tuned using genetic algorithm. Finally, system performance under all variants of control schemes has been tested using numerical simulations.
China’s Policy Responses to the Economic Impact of CPTPP and their Effectiveness
Authors: Li Chunding , Ping Yifan , Zhang Jiehao
Published: December 2021

The paper uses 2018 data to construct a numerical general equilibrium model containing 26 economies, and adds global value chain and added-value trade into the structure, and systematically simulates the economic effects of China’s response to three scenarios of nine categories of CPTPP policy selection. In line with the simulation results, under the four scenarios in which China takes unilateral measures to deal with the impact of CPTPP, the policy effectiveness from high to low separately includes: the construction of China–Japan–Korea free-trade agreement, the entry into force of RCEP and the further opening-up. In the two scenarios in which China joins the CPTPP, the effect of joining the agreement with the first batch of expansion countries is better, while the effect of joining the CPTPP later is slightly worse. After the United States returned to CPTPP, China chose three scenarios in which the economic effects, from high to low, were to optimize the business environment, take no measures and join CPTPP with the United States. Among the three different options, the economic benefit of China’s active choice to join CPTPP is the best. Second is the effect of China’s unilateral measures on CPTPP. However, once the United States returns to CPTPP, it will bring adverse impact on China. The effective measure to deal with it is to optimize the business environment to reduce the cost of the trade.
Intelligent Microfluidics Research on Relative Permeability Measurement and Prediction of Two-Phase Flow in Micropores
Authors: Song Hongqing , Liu Changchun , Lao Junming , Wang Jiulong , Du Shuyi , Yu Mingxu
Published: December 2021

Relative permeability is a key index in resource exploitation, energy development, environmental monitoring, and other fields. However, the current determination methods of relative permeability are inefficient and invisible without considering wetting order and pore structure characteristics either. In this study, microfluidic experiments were designed for figuring out key factors impacting on the two-phase relative permeability. The optimized intelligent image recognition was established for saturation extraction. The deep learning was conducted for the prediction of two-phase permeability based on the inputs from microfluidic experiments and image recognition and optimized. Results revealed that phase saturation, wetting order, and pore topology were the key factors influencing the two-phase relative permeability, with the importance of 38.22%, 34.84%, and 26.94%, respectively. The deep learning-based relative permeability model performed well, with

MSE
<
0.05

and operational efficiency of 3 ms/epoch. Aiming at relative permeability model optimization, on the one hand, the dividing ratio of training set and testing set for flooding phase relative permeability prediction achieved the highest prediction accuracy at 7 : 3, while that for displaced phase was 6 : 4. On the other hand, tanh() activation function performed 40% more accurate than the sigmoid() activation function.
The Effect of Grinding Media on Mineral Breakage Properties of Magnetite Ores
Authors: Si Liang , Cao Yijun , Fan Guixia
Published: December 2021

The breakage and liberation of minerals are the key to fluidized mining for minerals. In the ball milling process, steel balls function as not only a grinding action implementer but also energy carrier to determine the breakage behavior of ores and the production capacity of the mill. When ground products present a much coarse or much fine particle size distribution, the separation process will suffer, resulting in inefficient recovery of useful minerals. Optimal control of the particle size distribution of the products is therefore essential, but the complexity and randomness of ball mill grinding make it difficult to determine the appropriate ball size. To solve the problem in the precise measurement of grinding ball diameters, this paper carried out magnetite grinding experiments with grinding balls of different diameters under the same grinding conditions to study the influence pattern of steel ball diameters on the particle break behavior, the particle size distribution of ground products, and the mineral liberation degree distribution. The research proposed on the matching relation between the ball size and the quality of ground products is essential for improving the ground product quality and reducing energy consumption.
E‐Bayesian and Bayesian Estimation for the Lomax Distribution under Weighted Composite LINEX Loss Function
Authors: Al-Bossly Afrah
Published: December 2021

The main contribution of this work is the development of a compound LINEX loss function (CLLF) to estimate the shape parameter of the Lomax distribution (LD). The weights are merged into the CLLF to generate a new loss function called the weighted compound LINEX loss function (WCLLF). Then, the WCLLF is used to estimate the LD shape parameter through Bayesian and expected Bayesian (E‐Bayesian) estimation. Subsequently, we discuss six different types of loss functions, including square error loss function (SELF), LINEX loss function (LLF), asymmetric loss function (ASLF), entropy loss function (ENLF), CLLF, and WCLLF. In addition, in order to check the performance of the proposed loss function, the Bayesian estimator of WCLLF and the E‐Bayesian estimator of WCLLF are used, by performing Monte Carlo simulations. The Bayesian and expected Bayesian by using the proposed loss function is compared with other methods, including maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and Bayesian and E‐Bayesian estimators under different loss functions. The simulation results show that the Bayes estimator according to WCLLF and the E‐Bayesian estimator according to WCLLF proposed in this work have the best performance in estimating the shape parameters based on the least mean averaged squared error.
Abnormal Expression of Centromere Protein U Is Associated with Hepatocellular Cancer Progression
Authors: Yu Yuanlin , Chen Xiaopeng , Zhang Weidong , Liu Jun
Published: December 2021

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies globally, but its molecular mechanism is unclear. Abnormal expression of centromere protein U (CENPU) is closely related to diverse human cancers. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the function and potential mechanisms of CENPU in HCC development. Methods. We performed bioinformatics analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and Kaplan‐Meier plotter databases to investigate the clinical significance and prognostic value of CENPU in HCC. Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were used to measure protein expression, while reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to determine mRNA expression. Cell Counting Kit8 (CCK‐8) and colony formation assays were conducted to examine cell proliferation. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to assess cell migration and invasion. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the potential signaling pathways of CENPU involved in HCC. Results. High expression of CENPU in HCC was predicted by public database analysis and indicated a poor prognosis. CENPU expression was significantly higher in HCC tissues and cells than in normal tissues and cell. In vitro, CENPU promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. GSEA results indicated that CENPU was linked to the Notch signaling pathway, and our research supported this prediction. Conclusion. CENPU promotes the malignant biological process of HCC and may be a promising target for HCC treatment.
Analysis of Shunted Screen Gravel Pack Process and Calculation of Friction in Deepwater Horizontal Wells
Authors: Xu Fei , Zhou Shengtian , Zhang Chong , Yu Yi , Dong Zhao
Published: December 2021

Shunted screen gravel packing is a kind of technology which is difficult to complete gravel packing with the conventional method in low fracture pressure formation and long wellbore length condition. According to the characteristics of LS 17-2 deepwater gas field, the shunted screen packing tool was designed and the gravel packing process and packing mechanism were analyzed. The variation law of the flow friction, flow rate distribution in multichannel, and other parameters of the shunted screen gravel packing were analyzed and calculated. The friction calculation model of different stages of gravel packing was established. A gravel packing simulation software was developed to simulate the friction in different stages of shunted screen gravel packing. The parameters such as sand-dune ratio, pumping sand amount, packing length, and packing time in the process of packing were also calculated. In deepwater horizontal well gravel packing, the results show that the friction ratio of the string is the largest in the stage of injection and α-wave packing. While the friction increases rapidly in the stage of β-wave packing because the carrier fluid needs to flow through the long and narrow washpipe/screen annulus. Particularly when the β-wave packing is near the beginning of the open hole, the packing pressure reaches the maximum. The calculated results are in good agreement with the measured results of the downhole pressure gauge. The model and software can provide technical support for the prediction and optimization of gravel packing parameters in the future.
Intrusion Detection Analysis of Internet of Things considering Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) Algorithm
Authors: Li Leixia , Chen Yong , Lin Baojun
Published: December 2021

In order to improve the security performance and accuracy of the Internet of things in the use process, it is necessary to use the Internet of things intrusion detection method. At present, the problem of inconsistency between the accuracy of detection results and nodes is more prominent when the Internet of things intrusion detection methods are running. This paper proposes a practical Byzantine fault‐tolerant intrusion detection method for the use process of the Internet of things. This method introduces the intrusion detection method and the operation function of foreign attackers on the basis of practical Byzantine fault tolerance; using the expected utility function to the corresponding benefit function of practical Byzantine fault tolerance, the results of Internet of things intrusion detection model can be effectively calculated. Finally, the experimental results show that compared with the existing intrusion detection methods, the proposed method can effectively reduce the energy consumption of the Internet of things in the operation process, can effectively reduce 14.3% and 7.8%, and can effectively reduce the energy consumption of the Internet of things in the operation process.
The Subscapularis Muscle: A Proposed Classification System
Authors: Zielinska Nicol , Tubbs R. Shane , Borowski Andrzej , Podgórski Michał , Olewnik Łukasz
Published: December 2021

Background. On the basis of the available literature, we proposed the hypothesis that the number of muscle bellies is morphologically constant. The main purpose of this study was to examine the morphological variability of the SM and to create a new classification of it based on number of muscle bellies. Methods. Sixty‐six adult cadavers of Central European population (45 females, 21 males) were obtained and fixed in 10% formalin before examination. Results. The SM was found in all 66 specimens (45 females, 21 males, 31 left and 35 right sides). After meticulous dissection, we distinguished nine types on the basis of number of bellies. Type I was characterized by single belly and occurred in 1.5%. Type II had a double belly and was present in 3%. Type III, the most common type, occurring in almost 32% of the studied population, had three bellies. The frequency of type IV, characterized by four bellies, was also high, just over 30%. The following types were less frequent: type V with five bellies (18.2%), type VI with six bellies (7.6%), type VII with seven bellies (3%), type VIII with eight bellies (1.5%), and type IX with nine bellies (3%). All of the types had origin on the anterior surface of the scapula. Conclusions. The SM is morphologically variable in the number of its bellies. Evolutionary changes are probably the reason. The most common type was the SM with three bellies, in line with Larson’s model of the division of the SM into three parts. Subsequent studies should be carried out based on MRI or ultrasonography examination to confirm if it is possible to show all types (presented in this study) among group of patients during MRI.