bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking Green Supply Chain Management Practices Impact on Company Performance: A Close-Up Insight
Authors: Ojo Lekan Damilola , Adeniyi Onaopepo , Ogundimu Olajide Emmanuel , Alaba Olasunkanmi Ososanmi
Published: October 2022

Manufacturing organisations have contributed to a poor living environment via unsustainable practices in the production process and the entire service delivery operation. More importantly, the health performance of manufacturing employees may also be affected by unsustainable production practices in the industry. Therefore, the green supply chain management (GSCM) practice has become a topical issue in recent decades due to its significant impact on the ecosystem at large. Via green practices, various performances have been achieved in organisations; meanwhile, the relationships between the practices and performance metrics in most developing countries are unclear, although there have been supposed general submissions. In addition, the study of relationships in a leading business conglomerate in developing nations is rare. Therefore, this paper investigated relationships between GSCM practices and performance metrics in a leading manufacturing organisation in Africa by using a close-up study approach with data collected from 154 respondents. The data were analysed using multiple methods such as factor analysis to consolidate the measured variables; correlation, multiple regression analysis with stepwise estimation, and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to examine the relationships between GSCM practices and performance. The results of these analyses revealed that environmental performance is significantly predicted by the measure of the organisation’s commitment to GSCM vision, while financial performance is significantly impacted by eco-centric consumption and education. This study concludes that inhouse-drafted strategies based on the insight from the study will facilitate the optimisation of GSCM practices.
Pyritization in Stone-Building Materials Modeling of Geochemical Interaction
Authors: Pękala Agnieszka , Musiał Michał , Galek Tomasz
Published: October 2022

Stone-building materials, despite their natural origin, must be tested for the concentration of trace elements necessary to assess their impact on the environment and humans. In addition to basic research determining their mineral composition and structural and textural features, it is important to analyze the geochemical interactions between the material matrix and the concentration of elements that have a negative impact on the surrounding natural environment and our health. In the presented study, mineralogical and geochemical studies were carried out on the Carpathian sandstones. It was shown that the studied sandstones are represented by lithic wackes and sublithic arenites. Rocks subject to the secondary process of sulfide mineralization were observed among sublithic arenites. Pyrite in the studied geomaterials took various forms. A detailed geochemical analysis was carried out in the material in which iron sulfides acted as a binder. The research was aimed at identifying possible variations in the concentration of elements, with a particular emphasis on the contact between the silica and mineralized phases. The assessment of the geochemical interaction of iron sulfides with silica at a successively enlarged measurement was carried out using the Mamdani–Assilian fuzzy inference model.
Investigating Terrestrial Water Storage Response to Meteorological Drought in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Hamdi Mohamed , Goïta Kalifa
Published: October 2022

The Canadian Prairies region is considered a climate change hot spot due to the extreme drought events and their impacts on water resources. The overall goal of this research is to understand the linkage between meteorological droughts and Total Water Storage (TWS) variations in the Canadian Prairies. To achieve this goal, a diversified database is collected and analyzed by geostatistical tools and cross-wavelet transform approach. It concerns a multitude of climatic data (four CMIP6 multi-model datasets) and satellite observations (GRACE data). The results indicate that: (1) the models overestimate the precipitation rate over the Canadian Prairies, and the Norwegian Earth System Model version 2 (NorESM2–LM) is the most suitable model for the context of the Canadian Prairies; (2) Sen’s slope estimator of annual rainfall can reach −2.5 mm/year/year, with a decreasing magnitude of trends in the NE to SW direction; (3) the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Modified China-Z Index (MCZI) demonstrate that, in the past, most of the climatological years were near normal with some extremely dry years (1952, 2000, 2003, and 2015) and one extremely wet year (1960); (4) the projections in the far future indicate an increase in the number of extremely dry years (2037, 2047, 2080, 2089, and 2095); (5) the combined analysis of GRACE-derived TWS and drought indices show the direct impact of the meteorological drought periods on the water resources. The TWS values decreased from 23 cm in 2002 to −54 cm in 2020, indicating a significant water reserve decline in the region. The results of this study are expected to provide a valuable perspective to understand the dynamic of hydrosystems in a climate change context in the Canadian Prairies.
Exploring the Cascading Failure in Taxi Transportation Networks
Authors: Li Xu , Lv Bin , Lang Binke , Chen Qixiang
Published: October 2022

To explore the ability of taxi transportation service capacity in unexpected conditions, based on the taxi GPS trajectory data, this paper presented a taxi transportation network and explored a cascading failure model with the non-linear function of traffic intensity as the initial load. Moreover, the cascading failure conditions for different initial loads with different parameter settings were derived by combining the complex network theory. We verified the ability of taxi transportation networks to withstand unexpected conditions and analyzed the differences and features of taxi transportation service capacity for different areas of Lanzhou city. Three sets of comparative simulation experiments were implemented. The results show that when the initial load regulation factor α<1/θ, the failure of nodes with smaller initial loads in the network is more likely to cause cascading failure phenomena. When α>1/θ, the failure of nodes with larger initial loads in the network is more likely to cause cascading failure phenomena. Additionally, when α=1/θ, there is no significant correlation between whether cascading failure phenomena occur in the network and node loads. This study can provide a prior basis for decision-making in the management of urban taxi operations under different passenger flow intensities.
Spacing Optimization of the TBM Disc Cutter Rock Fragmentation, Based on the Energy Entropy Method
Authors: Xu Chen , Zhu Yujie , Song Danqing , Liu Xiaoli , Guo Wanli , Wang Enzhi
Published: October 2022

We used the hyperbolic Drucker–Prager and damage-failure models to simulate a three-dimensional rock fragmentation with a tunnel boring machine (TBM) disc cutter through ABAQUS. The energy entropy method was proposed to identify the optimal disc cutter spacing. In order to verify the results of the numerical simulation, previous linear cutting machine (LCM) test data were referred to. The results of the numerical simulation were verified by comparing the mean rolling force and the specific energy against the corresponding values from the LCM tests. The proposed energy entropy method showed a good agreement with the LCM test results, thus proving its usefulness in analyzing rock fragmentation for various disc cutter spacings. The comparison between energy entropy and the specific energy showed that both methods provide similar conclusions with regard to optimal spacing. The results of this research showed that energy entropy can predict the performance of TBM disc cutters and could help improve their design.
The Core of Smart Cities: Knowledge Representation and Descriptive Framework Construction in Knowledge-Based Visual Question Answering
Authors: Wang Ruiping , Wu Shihong , Wang Xiaoping
Published: October 2022

Visual question answering (VQA), which is an important presentation form of AI-complete task and visual Turing tests, coupled with its potential application value, attracted widespread attention from both researchers in computer vision and natural language processing. However, there are no relevant research regarding the expression and participation methods of knowledge in VQA. Considering the importance of knowledge for answering questions correctly, this paper analyzes and researches the stratification, expression and participation process of knowledge in VQA and proposes a knowledge description framework (KDF) to guide the research of knowledge-based VQA (Kb-VQA). The KDF consists of a basic theory, implementation methods and specific applications. This paper focuses on describing mathematical models at basic theoretical levels, as well as the knowledge hierarchy theories and key implementation behaviors established on this basis. In our experiment, using the statistics of VQA’s accuracy in the relevant literature, we propose a good corroboration of the research results from knowledge stratification, participation methods and expression forms in this paper.
Industrial Policy’s Effect on Cross-Border Mergers’ Decisions—Theoretical and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Chen Keren
Published: October 2022

To explore the relationship between industrial policy and cross-border M&As in Chinese enterprises, the PSM method and a two-way fixed model were used. Using a sample of A-share listed companies during the period 2005–2019, we theoretically and empirically analyzed the mediating role of financial constraints and the moderating role of political connections between the companies. It was found that industrial policy has a significant positive effect on cross-border M&As and that firms’ financial constraints mediate the relationship between industrial policy and M&As. Political connections moderate the relationship between industrial policy and M&As. This study enriches the research on the relationship between industrial policy and firms’ M&A decisions from a micro perspective, and provides evidence of industrial policy promoting cross-border M&As through alleviating the financial constraints of the firms.
Communications on Sustainability in the Apparel Industry: Readability of Information on Sustainability on Apparel Brands’ Web Sites in the United Kingdom
Authors: Costantini James , Costantini Kyoka
Published: October 2022

As part of addressing sustainability, consumers’ attitudes and behaviors also depend on their understanding of sustainability issues. This is relevant in the apparel sector, including fast fashion, which faces substantial sustainability challenges and serves a broad consumer base. Apparel brands communicate with consumers about sustainability through various means including their web sites. Whether consumers can understand the information provided is key; consequently, an important issue addressed by this study is whether the information provided has an ease of reading corresponding to the mass consumer base. This study assesses the readability of the information provided on sustainability by brands’ web sites for 13 major apparel brands serving the U.K. market. Based on a range of readability tests, the brands’ web sites average readability is significantly harder than typical thresholds considered (p < 0.001). The substantial variation across brands in ease of reading and information provided includes some brands mostly within or close to the readability thresholds. The overall results indicate a significant barrier for consumers to gain information from brands about sustainability, with the variation across brands indicating the feasibility of achieving easier readability. Addressing this barrier to understanding is important and practicable, given the potential role of consumers in moving towards more sustainable apparel.
Projection of Thermal Bioclimate of Egypt for the Paris Agreement Goals
Authors: Hamed Mohammed , Nashwan Mohamed , Ismail Tarmizi , Shahid Shamsuddin
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the likely changes in the thermal bioclimate of Egypt under the Paris Agreement, which aimed to restrict global warming to increase by 1.5–2.0 °C. A mean multi-model ensemble (MME) of eight global climate models were employed to evaluate the two shared socioeconomic paths (SSP) scenarios SSP1-1.9 and SSP1-2.6, which indicated scenarios for 1.5 and 2.0 °C rates of warming, respectively. The spatial distribution of the observed bioclimate indicated higher values in the south and southeast regions. The findings showed that there was an increase in Egypt’s mean temperature by rates of 1.3 and 1.5 °C for SSP1-1.9 and SSP1-2.6, respectively, with a higher increase in the southeast. The SSP1-2.6 scenario showed a gradual temperature rise with time, while SSP1-1.9 projected a decrease in the far future. The daily temperature variation decreased in the same region, but this effect was amplified in the north by 0.2 °C. The seasonality decreased by −0.8 to −2.3% without any shift in isothermality. The maximum summer temperature increased more (1.3–2.2 °C) than the minimum winter temperature (0.9–1.5 °C), causing an increase in inter-seasonal variability. Most bioclimatic indicators more rapidly rose in the north and northeast regions of Egypt, according to the geographical distribution of their projections.
Assessing the Value of Railway Heritage for Sustainable Development: The Case Study of the Oraviţa–Anina Railway, Romania
Authors: Merciu Florentina-Cristina , Păunescu Cornel , Dorobanţu Mircea , Merciu George-Laurenţiu
Published: October 2022

The value of historical railways and their important role in social, economic, technical, political, and cultural terms has led to their inclusion as industrial heritage attractions. This study aims to evaluate the heritage value of the Oraviţa–Anina linear railway, the first mountain railway in Romania. The assessment of the value of the railway involved both quantitative and qualitative methods. The value was assessed on the basis of a rigorous quantitative evaluation of key attributes of heritage railway, using a system of criteria and indicators. On the other hand, the selected qualitative methodology facilitated the critical interpretation of the perception of the local community as a beneficiary of the railway heritage and as an active stakeholder involved in its reuse. The qualitative evaluation of the heritage railway was also highlighted based on a critical analysis of tourists’ perceptions. The results indicate the usefulness of a mixed methodology for the complex evaluation of the value of a heritage railway and its sustainable capitalization. Railway tourism is a sustainable solution meant to stimulate interest in learning about local history and culture, and can at the same time contribute to the fulfillment of knowledge of the motivations that drive tourist demand.
Morphological Suitability Analysis of Urban Greenspaces with Rivers: A Case Study of the Lixiahe Riverine Area
Authors: Wang Xiao-Jun , Wei Xiao , Chen Xin
Published: October 2022

Retaining river channels and constructing waterfront greenspaces are the primary tasks of urban waterfront development in China. However, the natural characteristics of the water network are not fully considered in some urban greenspaces system planning and subsequent construction. We proposed a simple evaluation system to assess the morphological suitability between greenspaces and rivers in both the existing and planning stages. The evaluation indicators consist of two-level factors, in which the types of greenspace defined by the distance to the nearest river are the primary factors, including urban greenspace, waterfront greenspace and near-water greenspace, and the spatial forms of each type of greenspace are the secondary factors. The evaluation system can reflect the characteristics of each city and provide an overall comparison to cities of the same scale in similar regions. This study also investigated the impact of greenspace system planning on the current greenspace form. The results showed that near-water greenspace is a key factor that affects the matching degree among all primary factors, and the layout of greenspaces has a substantial impact on morphological suitability. Significant correlations between matching degree and evaluation factors were also found. This paper provides an in-depth understanding of urban greenspace form with urban rivers.
How to Promote Low-Carbon Cities with Blockchain Technology? A Blockchain-Based Low-Carbon Development Model for Chinese Cities
Authors: Fu Xiwen , Wang Shuxin
Published: October 2022

Cities are the important spaces, responsible entities and action units for achieving low-carbon and high-quality economy. Blockchain technology provides a new solution for low-carbon development in cities. Based on low-carbon information sharing, low-carbon incentives, low-carbon regulations with blockchain technology, this paper endeavors to propose a low-carbon development model for Chinese cities. The results indicate that: (1) blockchain-based governments, enterprises, city dwellers, and third-party service agencies are important stakeholders in promoting urban low-carbon development; (2) the effectiveness of the blockchain platform needs the coordination between the production and consumption systems, the equal emphasis on systemicity and long-term effectiveness, and the deep integration of government regulations and market mechanism; (3) blockchain-based information sharing instruments, incentive instruments, and regulation instruments should be applied to low-carbon development in cities; (4) blockchain technology promotes low-carbon development for cities in both direct ways and indirect ways. This study can provide a reference for the urban sustainable development in China and other countries.
Optimum Size of Hybrid Renewable Energy System to Supply the Electrical Loads of the Northeastern Sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshammari Sulaiman , Fathy Ahmed
Published: October 2022

Due to the unpredictable nature of renewable sources such as sun and wind, the integration of such sources to a grid is complicated. However, a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) can solve this problem. Constructing a reliable HRES in remote areas is essential. Therefore, this paper proposes a new methodology incorporating a crow search algorithm (CSA) for optimizing the scale of an HRES installed in a remote area. The constructed system comprises photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WTs), batteries, and diesel generators (DGs). The target is to achieve the most economical and efficient use of renewable energy sources (RESs). The CSA is used as it is simple in implementation, it only requires a few parameters, and it has a high flexibility. The designed system is constructed to serve an electrical load installed in the northeastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The load data are provided by the Saudi Electricity Company, including those of the Aljouf region (Sakaka, Alqurayyat, Tabarjal, Dumat Aljandal, and its villages) and the northern border region (Arar, Tarif, Rafha, and its affiliated villages). The temperature, irradiance, and wind speed of the Aljouf region (latitude 29.764° and longitude 40.01°) are collected from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Three design factors are considered: the PV number, the WT number, and the number of days of battery autonomy (AD). We compared our results to the reported approaches of an elephant herding optimizer (EHO), a grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA), a Harris hawks optimizer (HHO), a seagull optimization algorithm (SOA), and a spotted hyena optimizer (SHO). Moreover, the loss of power supply probability (LPSP) is calculated to assess the constructed system’s reliability. The proposed COA succeeded in achieving the best fitness values of 0.03883 USD/kWh, 0.03863 USD/kWh, and 0.04585 USD/kWh for PV/WT/battery, PV/battery, and WT/battery systems, respectively. The obtained results confirmed the superiority of the proposed approach in providing the best configuration of an HRES compared to the others.
Effect of Climate Change on the Quality of Soil, Groundwater, and Pomegranate Fruit Production in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia: A Modeling Study Using SALTMED
Authors: Alghamdi Abdulaziz G. , Aly Anwar A. , Ibrahim Hesham M.
Published: October 2022

Groundwater depletion coupled with climate change, increasing temperature, and decreasing precipitation, has led to groundwater quality deterioration and diminishing groundwater quantity, subsequently affecting agricultural productivity in arid environments. The groundwater of the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia is located in unconfined shallow aquifers and responds quickly to climate change. The Al-Baha region is facing an increase in temperature and a substantial decrease in precipitation. Over the 24-year period from 1995 to 2019, average temperatures increased by 1.1 °C–1.6 °C, while rainfall decreased by 24–41%. Consequently, this study aimed at investigating the influence of climate change on soil salinity and pomegranate productivity. To achieve this goal, a hundred and fifteen samples of soil and groundwater were collected from different locations in the Al-Baha region. Furthermore, the SALTMED model was calibrated using the salinities of 50 groundwater samples, which are used as irrigation water, and climatic data from the year 2020. The model was then validated using 65 irrigation water salinities and climatic data from the year 2020. Pomegranate fruit yield was used as the main variable for calibration and validation. After successful calibration and validation, the SALTMED model was run using ‘what if’ scenarios for the years 2044, 2068, and 2092. It is assumed that the temperature will increase, while the annual rainfall will decrease in upcoming decades. Consequently, the groundwater salinities will reach 1.44, 2.59, and 4.67 dS m−1 for the years 2044, 2068, and 2092, respectively. The results revealed that the soil salinities will increase by 113%, 300%, and 675%, respectively, compared with the average soil salinity of the year 2020 (2.22 dS m−1). Furthermore, the pomegranate tree productivity in the Al-Baha region will decrease significantly (24.0%, 36.6%, and 41.6%) in the predicted three years due to deterioration of groundwater quality and increasing temperatures. Interventions by the regional authorities to minimize the impact of climate change on crop and fruit productivity and groundwater deterioration in the Al-Baha region should be planned and carried out as soon as possible. The method used in this investigation can be utilized in similar ecosystems worldwide.
The Way toward Sustainability: Policy Attention Evolution of Chinese Local Governments to Promote Entrepreneurship of Returnees Based on Grounded Theory and Social Network Analysis
Authors: Qi Xingyu , Han Songyan
Published: October 2022

As an important livelihood strategy choice to promote the sustainable development of themselves and regions, returnees’ entrepreneurship has played a vital role in the governance of all-level Chinese local governments since the 21st century. The policy attention reflects the importance that the local governments attach to this issue, and the evolution process also reflects relevant policies’ internal rules and characteristics. Based on this, this paper, taking 242 policy texts related to returnees’ entrepreneurship issued by local governments from 2000 to 2021 as the research objects, uses grounded theory and social network analysis in order to explore the policy attention evolution from the aspects of time, space, specific policy domains and cooperative relationship among policy subjects. Finally, this research finds the main conclusions as follows: (1) The policy attention evolution on time dimension has the characteristic of synchronism, different levels and “reciprocal U”. (2) The policy attention evolution on space dimension is closely linked to “pull” and “push” forces of local population flow and has neighborhood effects. (3) The policy attention evolution on specific policy areas will gradually spread and diversify with the change in local governance environment and stage goals. (4) The evolution trend of collaborative social network among policy objects has the characteristic of “loose-central-loose”.
Thiamine and Indole-3-Acetic Acid Induced Modulations in Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Arsenic Stress
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Perveen Shagufta , Parveen Abida , Mahmood Saqib , Saeed Muhammad , Zafar Sara
Published: October 2022

Arsenic (As) accumulation in plant tissues is an emerging threat to crop productivity and global food security. As-toxicity in soil is increasing at alarming rates through mining, pesticide applications and industrial revolution. Therefore, a novel study was conducted to disclose the role of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in maize (Zea mays L.) against different As stress levels, i.e., 0, 50 and 100 mg/kg sodium arsenite (NaAsO2). Seeds of two contrasting maize varieties Akbar and Pearl were primed with different treatments, i.e., control (non-primed seeds), thiamine (250 ppm), IAA (30 µM) and a mixture of thiamine (250 ppm) + IAA (30 µM). Of both As stress levels (50, 100 mg/kg), a higher As stress level (100 mg/kg) imparts maximum negative impacts on maize growth by decreasing shoot and root nutrient ions—potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), total phenolics, total soluble proteins—as compared to the control, while increases in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), malondialdehyde MDA, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline, total soluble sugars, free amino acids and ascorbic acid were recorded under As-stress as compared to control. The varietal differences showed that Pearl exhibited tolerance against As-stress as compared to Akbar. However, thiamine and IAA treated seeds of maize manifested remarkable enhancement in plant growth attributes with better chlorophyll, plant water status, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants activities under imposed As-stress. The growth and biomass significantly increased with priming treatments of thiamine and IAA under both As-stress levels of both varieties that suggests the role of these in As-stress tolerance. Overall, the performance order in improving growth under As-stress of thiamine and IAA treatments was thiamine + IAA > thiamine > IAA observed in both maize varieties.
Assessment of Hydro-Agricultural Infrastructures in Burkina Faso by Using Multiple Correspondence Analysis Approach
Authors: Baki Cyrille Bassolo , Wellens Joost , Traoré Farid , Palé Sié , Djaby Bakary , Bambara Apolline , Thao Nguyen T. T. , Hié Missa , Tychon Bernard
Published: October 2022

Due to the semi-arid nature of the Sahelian countries in Africa, irrigation infrastructures are essential in supporting the improvement of agricultural production. Their proper operation is, therefore, a key indicator for the sustainable development of agriculture in this region. However, there is a lack of critical assessment on the operating state of these hydro-agricultural facilities in Burkina Faso. In this study, we applied a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) to 4070 hydro-agricultural facilities from 1950 to 2020 and classified them according to the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel’s (CILSS) typology classification system (Type 1 to Type 5). The MCA made it possible to see the relationships between a development typology and variables such as “functionality”, “condition of the development”, or “year of construction”. The results indicate that the irrigated lands with surface areas of less than 100 ha, which were funded by the government or organizations (associations, NGOs) and managed by local communities, are the least functional ones and in bad condition. Their dysfunction indeed conceals deep-seated causes that have not yet been resolved as the infrastructures keep on deteriorating. Therefore, establishing a sustainable and efficient management system for these agricultural infrastructures is imperative. The findings of this study can be used as a practical decision-making tool for implementing agricultural policies in the Sahel region.
A Hydrogen-Fueled Micro Gas Turbine Unit for Carbon-Free Heat and Power Generation
Authors: Banihabib Reyhaneh , Assadi Mohsen
Published: October 2022

The energy transition with transformation into predominantly renewable sources requires technology development to secure power production at all times, despite the intermittent nature of the renewables. Micro gas turbines (MGTs) are small heat and power generation units with fast startup and load-following capability and are thereby suitable backup for the future’s decentralized power generation systems. Due to MGTs’ fuel flexibility, a range of fuels from high-heat to low-heat content could be utilized, with different greenhouse gas generation. Developing micro gas turbines that can operate with carbon-free fuels will guarantee carbon-free power production with zero CO2 emission and will contribute to the alleviation of the global warming problem. In this paper, the redevelopment of a standard 100-kW micro gas turbine to run with methane/hydrogen blended fuel is presented. Enabling micro gas turbines to run with hydrogen blended fuels has been pursued by researchers for decades. The first micro gas turbine running with pure hydrogen was developed in Stavanger, Norway, and launched in May 2022. This was achieved through a collaboration between the University of Stavanger (UiS) and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). This paper provides an overview of the project and reports the experimental results from the engine operating with methane/hydrogen blended fuel, with various hydrogen content up to 100%. During the development process, the MGT’s original combustor was replaced with an innovative design to deal with the challenges of burning hydrogen. The fuel train was replaced with a mixing unit, new fuel valves, and an additional controller that enables the required energy input to maintain the maximum power output, independent of the fuel blend specification. This paper presents the test rig setup and the preliminary results of the test campaign, which verifies the capability of the MGT unit to support intermittent renewable generation with minimum greenhouse gas production. Results from the MGT operating with blended methane/hydrogen fuel are provided in the paper. The hydrogen content varied from 50% to 100% (volume-based) and power outputs between 35kW to 100kW were tested. The modifications of the engine, mainly the new combustor, fuel train, valve settings, and controller, resulted in a stable operation of the MGT with NOx emissions below the allowed limits. Running the engine with pure hydrogen at full load has resulted in less than 25 ppm of NOx emissions, with zero carbon-based greenhouse gas production.
Influence of Mesoscopic Parameters of Weakly Cemented Rocks on Macroscopic Mechanical Properties
Authors: Sun Lihui , Jiang Zhixin , Long Yaxin , Ji Quancai , Wang Zongze , Fan Yu , Hao Yingbin
Published: October 2022

In weakly cemented rocks, the mesoscopic parameters have a great influence on the macroscopic mechanical properties. One example of a typical weakly cemented rock is the Cretaceous coarse sandstone in the Hongqinghe Coal Mine. In this study, rock samples were subjected to physical and mechanical experiments, from which a sample model was constructed based on particle flow theory. Uniaxial compression numerical simulation experiments and analyses were conducted, and sensitivity analyses of various microscopic parameters in relation to the macroscopic mechanical properties of the rock were performed via a control variable method. A response mechanism between the macroscopic and mesoscopic parameters was then inferred. On the microscopic scale, the rock is porous with a loose structure and extremely low average uniaxial compressive strength, indicating looseness and weakness. The mesoscopic parameters were then divided into three grades based on their degrees of influence from high to low on the peak strength, peak strain, and elastic modulus. Laboratory experiments revealed that the fracture form of weakly cemented coarse sandstone is typically due to single-section shear failure, whereas through simulation, cracks are caused mainly by tension failure. These two failure modes were inferred to be consistent with each other.
Evaluation of Kartepe Village Production Patterns and Farmer Profiles
Authors: Kayabaşı Ehlinaz Torun , Çelik Şenol , Demirtaş Ahmet Emre
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to provide necessary agricultural extension support while carrying out agricultural activities by revealing the production patterns and farmer profiles in the villages of the Kartepe district of the Kocaeli province. The farmers registered in the Farmer Registration System (FRS) were taken into account. A total of 260 farmers participated in a two-month study, answering a questionnaire during face-to-face interviews, and the data obtained were evaluated through performing statistical analyses. The data were interpreted by applying frequency tables and the Kruskal-Wallis test. A total of 89.6% of the farmers are male, 10.4% are female, 40.8% are 56 years old and over, and 34.6% are between 45 and 55 years old. In terms of education levels, 61.9%, the highest proportion, graduated from primary school, followed by 15.8% who graduated from secondary and high schools, those who graduated from university with a Bachelor/Associate Degree, and, finally, those who graduated with a postgraduate degree as well as those who are illiterate. A total of 69.2% of the farmers are retired, and 24.7% are workers. The land of 68.8% of the respondents is their own property, and the land of 11.9% of them is common land. This land ranges as follows: 32.7% consists of 1–10 acres and 11–20 acres, and 17.3% consists of 21–30 acres. More than half of the participants (51.9%) produce 4 tons or more of their product annually. The social security coverage of the respondents is as follows: 42.7% SSK, 21.2% Bagkur, and 16.5% Pension Fund. The analyses show that the differences in terms of occupation, land size, property status, number of workers and worker status, social security, the fight against diseases and pests, and the relationships between them are important.
On Fluxbrane Polynomials for Generalized Melvin-like Solutions Associated with Rank 5 Lie Algebras
Authors: Bolokhov Sergey , Ivashchuk Vladimir
Published: October 2022

We consider generalized Melvin-like solutions corresponding to Lie algebras of rank 5 (A5, B5, C5, D5). The solutions take place in a D-dimensional gravitational model with five Abelian two-forms and five scalar fields. They are governed by five moduli functions Hs(z) (s=1,...,5) of squared radial coordinates z=ρ2, which obey five differential master equations. The moduli functions are polynomials of powers (n1,n2,n3,n4,n5)=(5,8,9,8,5),(10,18,24,28,15),(9,16,21,24,25),(8,14,18,10,10) for Lie algebras A5, B5, C5, D5, respectively. The asymptotic behavior for the polynomials at large distances is governed by some integer-valued 5×5 matrix ν connected in a certain way with the inverse Cartan matrix of the Lie algebra and (in A5 and D5 cases) with the matrix representing a generator of the Z2-group of symmetry of the Dynkin diagram. The symmetry and duality identities for polynomials are obtained, as well as asymptotic relations for solutions at large distances.
Prediction of COVID-19 Cases Using Constructed Features by Grammatical Evolution
Authors: Tsoulos Ioannis G. , Tzallas Alexandros T. , Tsalikakis Dimitrios
Published: October 2022

A widely used method that constructs features with the incorporation of so-called grammatical evolution is proposed here to predict the COVID-19 cases as well as the mortality rate. The method creates new artificial features from the original ones using a genetic algorithm and is guided by BNF grammar. After the artificial features are generated, the original data set is modified based on these features, an artificial neural network is applied to the modified data, and the results are reported. From the comparative experiments done, it is clear that feature construction has an advantage over other machine-learning methods for predicting pandemic elements.
An Adaptive Data Traffic Control Scheme with Load Balancing in a Wireless Network
Authors: Zhang Zhaohui , Duan Amin
Published: October 2022

The symmetric wireless network has been expected to be a revolutionary technology for mobile communications. Due to the limited resources of the microbase stations in the wireless network, the way to jointly optimize resource allocation, traffic throughput, latency, and other key performances is a hot research issue. In this paper, we introduce a joint optimization algorithm for improving the performance and balancing the traffic load of the wireless network. For the optimal traffic routing scheme, we transfer the problem to a mixed mathematical programming model. The model contains multiple traffic constraints and a single joint objective; the objective of the joint optimization are data transmission latency, energy consumption of wireless microbase stations, and throughput of links. Moreover, in order to approximately solve the optimization problem, we propose an efficient heuristic traffic transmission and migration scheme with load balancing, called an adaptive data traffic control scheme. The main idea of the proposed scheme is to split the traffic of overloaded microbase stations and links in the symmetric wireless network, so as to achieve load balancing and reduce the energy consumption of microbase stations. At last, the evaluations and simulations verify the proposed algorithm can efficiently optimize the energy allocation of microbase stations, and the network lifetime is increased to 210 rounds. Meanwhile, the network latency is reduced to 2–3 ms, and the network throughput is increased to 1000 Mb in our simulation environment. The constructed traffic control system for the traffic engineering-based wireless network in this paper can serve the intelligent system in the future.
Modelling Cosmic Springs with Finsler and Generalised Finsler Geometries
Authors: Lake Matthew J.
Published: October 2022

We show that the equations of motion governing the dynamics of strings in a compact internal space can be written as dispersion relations, with a local speed that depends on the velocity and curvature of the string in the large dimensions. From a (3+1)-dimensional perspective these can be viewed as dispersion relations for waves propagating in the string interior and are analogous to those for current-carrying topological defects. This allows us to construct a unified framework with which to study and interpret the internal structure of various field-theoretic and fundamental string species, in a simple physically intuitive coordinate system, without the need for dimensional reduction or approximate effective actions. This, in turn, allows us to identify the precise conditions under which higher-dimensional strings and current-carrying defects are observationally indistinguishable, for macroscopic observers. Our approach naturally incorporates the description of so-called ‘cosmic springs’, whose dynamics are expressed in terms of an effective Finsler geometry, for circular loops, or generalised Finsler geometry, for non-circular configurations. This demonstrates the importance of these novel geometric structures and their utility in modelling complex physical phenomena in cosmology and astrophysics.
Marly Soft Rocks: Correlation of Physical and Mechanical Properties—Examples from Dalmatia (Croatia) and Budapest (Hungary)
Authors: Duhović Ana , Cvitanović Nataša Štambuk , Vlastelica Goran , Török Ákos , Görög Péter
Published: October 2022

Soft rocks in various forms of marly materials have an important role in the geological structure of Dalmatia (Croatia) and Budapest region (Hungary). These materials can cause serious problems in design and construction, due to their complex behavior under atmospheric conditions. For the purpose of better understanding soft rocks behavior and their properties, a database with approximately 600 samples collected throughout Dalmatia was made and collated along with 260 samples from the Budapest area. Based on the collected data, 30 regression analyses were performed among 14 material properties, and eight different types of linear and non-linear correlations with high coefficients of determination were selected, which connect the important mechanical properties (uniaxial compressive strength and Young’s modulus) with physical properties of marls (porosity, dry unit weight, and ultrasonic pulse wave velocity). Most of the determined relations show symmetry between the marls from the Dalmatian region and the Budapest region, and the relation between dry unit weight and uniaxial compressive strength asymmetry can be observed between the marls with different origins. Obtained correlations may be used in cases where little or no information on geotechnical parameters is available, or where results need to be verified due to the problems present in soft rock testing.
Tips and Tricks for Successful Percutaneous Cryoablation of Large Renal Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Elhelf Islam A. S. , Armashi Hashim , Freedman Arthur
Published: October 2022

Percutaneous cryoablation has proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of stage T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Patients with larger-sized RCCs may not be good surgical candidates or may have tumors located in anatomically unfavorable locations, which makes partial nephrectomy more challenging. In this patient population, percutaneous cryoablation can be considered a treatment option, given its less invasive nature when compared to surgery. The ablation of larger-sized RCCs requires careful planning to ensure that the tumor volume is completely covered within the ablation zone, while minimizing the risks of non-target injury to the surrounding critical organs. In this article, we share our institutional experience in treating larger-sized RCCs (> 4 cm) using percutaneous cryoablation alone. We discuss strategies to maximize the volume of the ablation zone through the precise placement of the probes. We also shed light on different techniques to protect the surrounding structures during cryoablation.
Modeling Dynamic Responses to COVID-19 Epidemics: A Case Study in Thailand
Authors: Patanarapeelert Klot , Songprasert Wuttinant , Patanarapeelert Nichaphat
Published: October 2022

Quantifying the effects of control measures during the emergence and recurrence of SARS-CoV-2 poses a challenge to understanding the dynamic responses in terms of effectiveness and the population’s reaction. This study aims to estimate and compare the non-pharmaceutical interventions applied in the first and second outbreaks of COVID-19 in Thailand. We formulated a dynamic model of transmission and control. For each outbreak, the time interval was divided into subintervals characterized by epidemic events. We used daily case report data to estimate the transmission rates, the quarantine rate, and its efficiency by the maximum likelihood method. The duration-specific control reproduction numbers were calculated. The model predicts that the reproduction number dropped by about 91% after the nationwide lockdown in the first wave. In the second wave, after a high number of cases had been reported, the reproduction number decreased to about 80% in the next phase, but the spread continued. The estimated value was below the threshold in the last phase. For both waves, successful control was mainly induced by decreased transmission rate, while the explicit quarantine measure showed less effectiveness. The relatively weak control measure estimated by the model may have implications for economic impact and the adaptation of people.
Structural Insights into the Chaperone-Assisted Assembly of a Simplified Tail Fiber of the Myocyanophage Pam3
Authors: Wei Zi-Lu , Yang Feng , Li Bo , Hou Pu , Kong Wen-Wen , Wang Jie , Chen Yuxing , Jiang Yong-Liang , Zhou Cong-Zhao
Published: October 2022

At the first step of phage infection, the receptor-binding proteins (RBPs) such as tail fibers are responsible for recognizing specific host surface receptors. The proper folding and assembly of tail fibers usually requires a chaperone encoded by the phage genome. Despite extensive studies on phage structures, the molecular mechanism of phage tail fiber assembly remains largely unknown. Here, using a minimal myocyanophage, termed Pam3, isolated from Lake Chaohu, we demonstrate that the chaperone gp25 forms a stable complex with the tail fiber gp24 at a stoichiometry of 3:3. The 3.1-Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of this complex revealed an elongated structure with the gp25 trimer embracing the distal moieties of gp24 trimer at the center. Each gp24 subunit consists of three domains: the N-terminal α-helical domain required for docking to the baseplate, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like and glycine-rich domains responsible for recognizing the host receptor. Each gp25 subunit consists of two domains: a non-conserved N-terminal β-sandwich domain that binds to the TNF-like and glycine-rich domains of the fiber, and a C-terminal α-helical domain that mediates trimerization/assembly of the fiber. Structural analysis enabled us to propose the assembly mechanism of phage tail fibers, in which the chaperone first protects the intertwined and repetitive distal moiety of each fiber subunit, further ensures the proper folding of these highly plastic structural elements, and eventually enables the formation of the trimeric fiber. These findings provide the structural basis for the design and engineering of phage fibers for biotechnological applications.
An Improved Protocol for Comprehensive Etiological Characterization of Skin Warts and Determining Causative Human Papillomavirus Types in 128 Histologically Confirmed Common Warts
Authors: Skubic Lucijan , Hošnjak Lea , Breznik Vesna , Fujs Komloš Kristina , Luzar Boštjan , Poljak Mario
Published: October 2022

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are etiologically associated with various benign and malignant neoplasms of cutaneous and mucosal epithelia. We describe an improved diagnostic protocol for comprehensive characterization of causative HPV types in common warts, in which broad-spectrum PCRs followed by Sanger sequencing, two previously described and seven newly developed type-specific quantitative real-time PCRs (qPCRs) coupled with the human beta-globin qPCR were used for: (i) diagnosis of HPV infection in warts; (ii) estimation of cellular viral loads of all HPV types detected; and (iii) determination of their etiological role in 128 histologically confirmed fresh-frozen common wart tissue samples. A total of 12 different causative HPV types were determined in 122/126 (96.8%) HPV-positive warts, with HPV27 being most prevalent (27.0%), followed by HPV57 (26.2%), HPV4 (15.1%), HPV2 (13.5%), and HPV65 (7.9%). The cellular viral loads of HPV4 and HPV65 were estimated for the first time in common warts and were significantly higher than the viral loads of HPV2, HPV27, and HPV57. In addition, we showed for the first time that HPV65 is etiologically associated with the development of common warts in significantly older patients than HPV27 and HPV57, whereas HPV4-induced warts were significantly smaller than warts caused by HPV2, HPV27, HPV57, and HPV65.