bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Proliferation of Artificial Intelligence in the Forklift Industry—An Analysis for the Case of Romania
Authors: Goga Alexandru-Silviu , Toth Zsolt , Meclea Mihai-Alin , Puiu Ionela-Roxana , Boșcoianu Mircea
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the forklift industry, focusing on logistics and procurement within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Romania. Using a mixed-methods approach, including interviews with seven managers from a benchmarked company in the forklift industry (BCFI) and quantitative analysis of operational data, we examine the transformative effects of AI integration. Key findings include a 30% reduction in inventory holding costs due to AI-powered predictive analytics; a 15% decrease in procurement costs through AI-driven supplier evaluation systems; a 25% increase in operational efficiency from AI-optimized route planning; a 40% boost in overall productivity attributed to AI-enabled automation; and a projected 20% reduction in low-skilled labor requirements over the next five years. The study employs environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), balanced scorecard (BSC), benchmarking, and activity-based management (ABM) models to analyze risks and implications of AI integration. A case study of a leading Romanian SME in the forklift industry is presented, examining financial strategies using McKinsey’s 7S framework. The paper concludes that while AI offers significant operational benefits, it also presents challenges in workforce transition and ethical considerations that require careful management.
Assessing the Damage to Environmental Pollution: Discerning the Impact of Environmental Technology, Energy Efficiency, Green Energy and Natural Resources
Authors: Fatima Sana , Hossain Md. Emran , Alnour Mohammed , Kanwal Shamsa , Rehman Mohd Ziaur , Esquivias Miguel Angel
Published: October 2024

The existing literature covers the topic of environmental pollution, but there is a scarcity of research that specifically examines the factors contributing to financial losses caused by carbon emissions. In this perspective, this ongoing analysis provides an understanding of the impact of environmental technology, energy efficiency, renewable energy consumption, natural resources, and economic growth on carbon dioxide damage in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries from 2000 to 2021 using the “Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR)”, and “Dumitrescu–Hurlin (D-H)” causality test. The findings from the MMQR revealed that environmental control technology, renewable energy consumption, and energy efficiency contribute to reducing carbon dioxide damage at different quantiles. It was also found that economic growth and natural resources contribute to the increase in carbon dioxide damage in various quantities. Additionally, a one-way causality result was obtained from environmental technology, energy efficiency, renewable energy consumption, natural resources, and economic growth towards carbon dioxide damage. These results indicate that policymakers in OECD nations should provide suggestions on the efficient utilization of renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly technologies to minimize carbon dioxide damage.
Customised Methodology to Assess and Measure Effectiveness of Integrated Landscape Management Relevant Multi-Stakeholder Transformative Governance, Incorporating Rights-Based Planning and Tenure Aspects, Applied in Kenya, Nigeria, and Viet Nam
Authors: Jansen Louisa J. M. , Kalas Patrick P.
Published: October 2024

Different thinking and strategies are needed to transform our food systems at different scales. Food systems can be changed towards a more sustainable path through multi-stakeholder transformative governance at the landscape level because that is where national-level visions, objectives, and policies meet with local practice, priorities, and actions. Concrete and practical guidance on how to effectively put a multi-stakeholder transformative governance process into practice is missing. Through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded ‘Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Impact Programme’, led by the World Bank, countries are supported in integrated landscape management (ILM) to ensure that production systems are embedded within wider landscapes to safeguard the natural capital and ecosystem services on which they depend. A customised methodology to assess and measure the effectiveness of ILM-relevant multi-stakeholder transformative governance, incorporating rights-based planning and tenure aspects, has been developed that makes governance explicit in the ILM process. This methodology aims to improve landscape-level institutional coordination, coherence, and collaboration through enhanced horizontal and vertical coordination and network dynamics. The conceptual framework of the customised methodology and how to operationalise it are explained and illustrated with the application in the country projects in Kenya, Nigeria, and Viet Nam. Making transformative governance explicit within the ILM process at the landscape level will require investments in time and capabilities, but allows governance to act as a catalyst towards more sustainable pathways.
The Promoting Effect of Green Bonds on Reducing Carbon Emission Intensity Through Energy Structure Transition
Authors: Zhang Yulei , Xu Tao , Wu Songqiang
Published: October 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to the sustainable development of all countries. The transition to low-carbon energy sources is a crucial strategy for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. We investigate the mediating role of clean energy consumption (EC) and fossil energy supply (ES) on the promoting of carbon emission intensity per unit of GDP (CO2/GDP) reduction by green bonds (GBs). We develop a mediating model to analyze how GB influences CO2/GDP reduction through EC and ES, utilizing panel data from 13 prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu province spanning the years 2007 to 2021. Additionally, we assess the model’s reliability through endogeneity and robustness tests. We find that GBs contribute to reducing CO2/GDP by facilitating the structural transition of energy supply and consumption. Furthermore, the development of GBs enhance the consumption of clean energy and plays a direct role in advancing the transition in structure of both energy supply and energy consumption. Notably, we observe heterogeneity in the effectiveness of GBs on CO2/GDP reduction across different regions. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to actively promote the development of GBs to achieve sustainable economic growth. Furthermore, both financial and energy policies should be tailored to align with the specific energy structures of various regions.
Determinants of Tax Avoidance Intentions in Tourism SMEs: The Mediating Role of Coercive Power, Digital Transformation, and the Moderating Effect of CSR
Authors: Balaskas Stefanos , Nikolopoulos Theofanis , Koutroumani Maria , Rigou Maria
Published: October 2024

Tax compliance and avoidance are critical issues for governments and businesses worldwide, especially as businesses often use legal methods to minimize taxes, which can impact public revenue and equity within the tax system. This study focuses on understanding the factors influencing tax avoidance behaviors among SMEs in Greece’s tourism sector, a sector that has received limited research attention. To this end, a quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured questionnaire to explore potential factors influencing tax avoidance behavior. Data were collected from 534 SME managers and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the impact of key factors and their interrelationships, including coercive power, digital transformation, tax knowledge, firm performance, and perceived fairness, on tax avoidance. In addition, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was included as a moderator variable, while coercive power and digital transformation were assessed as mediators. Furthermore, Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) was conducted to explore the differences between small and medium enterprises, as well as different ownership structures. The results indicate that all key determinants, except perceived fairness, are significantly and positively related to tax avoidance intention. Additionally, it was revealed that coercive power increases tax avoidance through firm performance and tax knowledge, while digital transformation mediates the influence of firm performance on tax avoidance by curtailing avoidance intentions. While CSR mitigates the negative influence of coercive power, digital transformation has a dual role: that of promoting transparency and strategic efforts to reduce the tax burden. These findings have important policy implications, as policymakers seek to promote digital adoption and enhance CSR engagement while formulating specific regulatory strategies to reduce tax avoidance among SMEs.
Can the National Public Cultural Service System Demonstration Zone Promote the Sustainable Development of Urban Culture?
Authors: Sheng Xueling , Zhou Yucheng , Liu Yaofei
Published: October 2024

The public cultural service system is a crucial component of urban culture and a key driver of cultural vitality and sustainable cultural development. This study leverages the “quasi-natural experiment” created by the establishment of National Public Cultural Service System Demonstration Zones to evaluate their impact on the sustainable development of urban culture. Using panel data from 295 prefecture-level cities between 2008 and 2019 and employing the difference-in-differences method, the study assesses how these zones influence cultural vitality. The findings reveal that the creation of these demonstration zones significantly boosts cultural investment and support, enhances cultural vitality, and promotes sustainable urban cultural development. Over time, this positive impact strengthens, particularly through increased cultural input driven by residents’ consumption patterns and urban economic growth. Additionally, the policy effects vary across regions and cities, depending on the level of tertiary industry development.
Study on the Impact of China’s Pension Insurance System on the Savings Rate of Urban Residents Based on the Preventive Saving Perspective
Authors: Zhao Guiling , Fu Yunpeng , Zhou Deyu
Published: October 2024

In the context of population aging, the study of the impact of the pension insurance system on the savings behavior of urban residents can help reduce preventive savings, increase current consumption, and promote the healthy development of the economy. This study constructs a two-period OLG model of the pension insurance system based on the preventive saving perspective using urban panel data of 31 provinces from 2002 to 2021 and conducts empirical analysis through the systematic generalized method of moments. The results show that the pension insurance participation rate was positively correlated with the savings rate, while the pension replacement rate was negatively correlated with the savings rate, and this effect varied significantly across income levels and different levels of aging. Increased participation in high-income areas promoted savings, while increased pension replacement rates in low-income areas reduced savings. The positive correlation between participation rates and savings rates was more pronounced in regions with higher levels of aging, while the opposite was true in regions with lower levels of aging. In addition, the negative correlation between pension replacement ratios and savings rates was particularly pronounced in high-aging regions.
Crossing Spatial Boundaries: A Study on the Impact of Green Human Resource Management on Employees’ Household Pro-Environmental Behaviors
Authors: Wu Congxin , Xu Weiting , Lu Hui , Zheng Jiayi
Published: October 2024

To respond more effectively to the current increasingly serious environmental problems, the boundary of corporate social responsibility is expanding. In this context, how to take green responsibility for each stakeholder has become a topic of concern for all sectors of society. However, there is still a gap in research on how green human resource management (GHRM) affects employees’ household pro-environmental behavior (PEB) from a cross-domain work–family perspective to achieve CSR more comprehensively. Our study argues that companies can use GHRM across the work–family boundary to influence employees’ household pro-environmental behaviors to achieve positive contributions to the social environment. Our study uses 310 questionnaires collected in southeastern China to conduct an empirical analysis and concludes that GHRM can positively shape green attitudes, help employees perceive green subjective norms, and develop green self-efficacy. Consistent with the findings of the Theory of Planned Behavior, individuals’ green attitudes, green subjective norms, and green self-efficacy can effectively enhance individuals’ household pro-environmental behavioral intentions, which in turn enables the prediction of individuals’ household pro-environmental behaviors. In conclusion, our study extends the influence of GHRM to a wider range of non-work domains and points the way to the full realization of corporate social responsibility by companies. In addition, our study emphasizes that with the subtle cultivation of companies, individuals can become fans of green and low-carbon behaviors, and through the widespread implementation of pro-environmental behaviors, it can reach a virtuous circle of environmental protection as a whole.
Fuzzy Logic-Based Smart Control of Wind Energy Conversion System Using Cascaded Doubly Fed Induction Generator
Authors: Maafa Amar , Mellah Hacene , Benaouicha Karim , Babes Badreddine , Yahiou Abdelghani , Sahraoui Hamza
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces a robust system designed to effectively manage and enhance the electrical output of a Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) using a Cascaded Doubly Fed Induction Generator (CDFIG) connected to a power grid. The solution that was investigated is the use of a CDFIG that is based on a variable-speed wind power conversion chain. It comprises the electrical and mechanical connection of two DFIGs through their rotors. The originality of this paper lies in the innovative application of a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) in combination with a CDFIG for a WECS. To demonstrate that this novel configuration enhances control precision and performance in WECSs, we conducted a comparison of three different controllers: a proportional–integral (PI) controller, a fractional PID (FPID) controller, and a fuzzy logic controller (FLC). The results highlight the potential of the proposed system in optimizing power generation and improving overall system stability. It turns out that, according to the first results, the FLC performed optimally in terms of tracking and rejecting disturbances. In terms of peak overshoot for power and torque, the findings indicate that the proposed FLC-based technique (3.8639% and 6.9401%) outperforms that of the FOPID (11.2458% and 10.9654%) and PI controllers (11.4219% and 11.0712%), respectively. These results demonstrate the superior performance of the FLC in reducing overshoot, providing better control stability for both power and torque. In terms of rise time, the findings show that all controllers perform similarly for both power and torque. However, the FLC demonstrates superior performance with a rise time of 0.0016 s for both power and torque, compared to the FOPID (1.9999 s and 1.9999 s) and PI (0.0250 s and 0.0247 s) controllers. This highlights the FLC’s enhanced responsiveness in controlling power and torque. In terms of settling time, all three controllers have almost the same performance of 1.9999. An examination of total harmonic distortion (THD) was also employed to validate the superiority of the FLC. In terms of power quality, the findings prove that a WECS based on an FLC (0.93%) has a smaller total harmonic distortion (THD) compared to that of the FOPID (1.21%) and PI (1.51%) controllers. This system solves the problem by removing the requirement for sliding ring–brush contact. Through the utilization of the MATLAB/Simulink environment, the effectiveness of this control and energy management approach was evaluated, thereby demonstrating its capacity to fulfill the objectives that were set.
Study on the Design of a Non-Contact Interaction System Using Gestures: Framework and Case Study
Authors: Gao Wa , Jin Shi , Zhai Wanli , Shen Shiyi , Tian Yuan , Zhang Jing
Published: October 2024

The interaction patterns are constantly changing as the rapid development in technology. The non-contact interaction system using gestures is becoming important in human-computer interaction nowadays. This paper illustrates a design framework of a non-contact interaction system using gestures, which fully considers the approach to fit non-contact gestures into the system. The corresponding user requirements were investigated by surveys, and the universal design guide of non-contact gestures was summarized by statistical analysis. A case study was illustrated for key points of the developed design framework. The scheme, including interaction architecture, gesture definition, and user interface design, was described. The rapid prototyping was built. Evaluations, including eye-tracking measurements and tests of system usability, were implemented and analyzed by statistical methods to present suggestions of iterative design. The feasibility of the developed framework was verified. By statistical methods, the relationship between the interaction usability and the user’s perception for information was discussed, and the user’s perception for the display of dynamic and static gestures was analyzed. The results provide a clear approach to satisfy user’s preferences and improve the interaction quality for non-contact interaction systems using gestures, and furnish empirical grounding for sustainably devising similar interaction systems.
Dynamic Characteristics of Soil Respiration in Park Green Spaces in Qingdao City
Authors: Wang Furong , Zhang Tianci , Zhang Jiacheng , Li Shimei
Published: October 2024

Urban green spaces play an essential role in maintaining the carbon cycle and mitigating climate change in urban ecosystems. In order to gain more carbon sinks from urban green ecosystems, it is essential to determine the carbon sequestration statuses and soil respiration rates of dominant green spaces, especially park green spaces. However, in comparison to natural ecosystems, the dynamic characteristics of soil respiration in artificial park green spaces remain unclear. This study investigated the soil respiration rates for three forest communities (dominated by Prunus serrulata var. lannesiana, Cedrus deodara, Ginkgo biloba, respectively), a shrub community (dominated by Aucuba japonica var. variegata) and a lawn community (dominated by Poa pratensis) in the Qingdao Olympic Sculpture and Culture Park. We used the CRIAS-3 portable photosynthesis system in combination with the SRC-1 soil respiration chamber to measure the soil respiration rate from July 2022 to June 2023 and analyzed the dynamic variations in the soil respiration rate for these specific plant communities. Our results showed that the diurnal variation in soil respiration presented a unimodal curve for the five plant communities, and it peaked at midday or in the early afternoon. They also exhibited a significant seasonal difference in the soil respiration rate, which was characterized by higher rates in summer and lower rates in winter. The lawn community exhibited significantly higher soil respiration rates compared to the woody plant community. The mean annual soil respiration rate (RS) was, respectively, 2.88 ± 0.49 µmol·m−2·s−1, 1.94 ± 0.31 µmol·m−2·s−1, 1.43 ± 0.21 µmol·m−2·s−1, 1.24 ± 0.14 µmol·m−2·s−1 and 1.05 ± 0.11 µmol·m−2·s−1 for the lawn community, Ginkgo biloba community, Prunus serrulata var. lannesiana community, shrub community and Cedrus deodara community. The soil temperature at a 10 cm depth (T10) accounted for 67.39–86.76% of the variation in the soil respiration rate, while the soil volumetric water content at a 5 cm depth (W5) accounted for 9.29–44.01% of the variation for the five plant communities. The explained variance for both T10 and W5 ranged from 67.8% to 87.6% for the five plant communities. The Q10 values for the five different communities ranged from 1.97 to 2.75. Based on these findings, this paper concludes that the factors influencing the soil respiration process in urban green spaces are more complicated in comparison to natural ecosystems, and it is essential to comprehensively analyze these driving factors and key controlling factors of soil respiration across urban green spaces in future studies.
Mapping the Path to Low-Carbon Behaviour: A Systematic Review of Trends, Gaps, and Future Directions
Authors: Wei Bing , Shaharudin Muhammad Shabir , Chen Li , Gui Anderes
Published: October 2024

It is essential to conduct research on low-carbon behaviour in order to address global climate change and promote sustainable development. This study conducts a thorough examination of a bibliometric analysis of the existing literature in this field. We analysed 129 papers from the Web of Science Core Collection database to conduct a study on the concept of “low-carbon behaviour”. Review articles, proceedings papers, and editorial materials were all excluded. This investigation examines a diverse array of research environment factors, including the most highly ranked publications, publication trends, significant publishers, and patterns in citations and publications over time. The primary institutional contributors in the discipline and the most influential works worldwide are also mentioned. The application of advanced visualisation techniques, such as wordcloud representations, the spatial distribution of research output, and co-occurrence and overlay networks, is employed to generate maps of keyword relationships and collaboration networks using Bibliometrix Stable Version, VOSviewer 1.6.20, and Scimago Graphica Beta 1.0.45. This multi-modal methodology enables a comprehensive investigation of significant research issues and emerging directions in low-carbon behavioural studies. This study contributes to the ongoing endeavours to promote sustainable development and mitigate climate change by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the current state of research and establishing a robust framework for future investigations into low-carbon behavioural patterns and behaviours.
Resilience Assessment and Influencing Factors Analysis of Water Security System in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Sun Yuanshuai , Lu Peng , Qu Bo , Li Jiaqi
Published: October 2024

The assessment and regulation of water security system resilience (WSSR) are important ways to alleviate water resource crises. On the basis of the three characteristics of resilience, namely, resistance, restoration, and adaptability, an evaluation index system of the WSSR was built for the Yellow River Basin (YRB). A projection pursuit model based on the sparrow search algorithm (SSA-PP model) was constructed to assess the WSSR at the overall and provincial scales from 2009 to 2022. The factors influencing the spatial distribution patterns of WSSR was identified through factor detector and interactive detector techniques. The results revealed that: (1) From 2009 to 2022, the YRB exhibited a rising trend in WSSR, with the western region attaining the peak level, and the eastern region recording the lowest magnitude. (2) the adaptability capacity of most provinces and regions in the YRB tended to decrease to about 1.0, whereas the resistance and restoration capacities tended to increase towards 2.0. (3) Factors relevant to the restoration and adaptability subsystems, such as the development and utilization ratio of water resources and surface water resources (B2 and B3), water resource load index (C1), water consumption per 10,000 yuan of GDP (C8), and total precipitation (A1), significantly affected the WSSR. The interaction between factors exhibited significant enhancement effects on explanatory. Therefore, targeted countermeasures and recommendations were provided to improve the WSSR in the YRB.
Energy Price Distortions and Urban Carbon Emission Efficiency: Evidence from China’s Energy-Intensive Sectors
Authors: Wang Xiaozhen , Liao Binbin , Cheng Li , Li Jingyi , Yang Xuanyadong , Wang Xiaolei
Published: October 2024

With a primary focus of achieving carbon neutrality, the energy-intensive industrial sectors (EIIs) contribute to more than half of China’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. During the process of China’s rapid economic development, distorted energy prices gradually became the main obstacle to energy conservation and emission reductions in the EIIs. Therefore, this study focused on determining the mechanisms affecting the energy price distortions of carbon emission efficiency (CEE) in China’s EIIs. Based on a stochastic frontier analysis, the changing trend of CEE in China’s EIIs was evaluated. The channels impacting the energy price distortions of CEE were further analyzed by a mediating effect and moderated mediating effect model. The main contributions and findings include the following: energy price distortions have a significant negative impact on CEE by suppressing technological innovations and hindering the restructuring of energy consumption; governmental environmental regulatory policies mitigate their suppressing effect on technological innovations and reduce the preventing effect by improving the energy consumption structure. The results suggest that market-based price reforms and moderate environmental regulation by the government could help to improve CEE in China’s EIIs. These findings are of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of the energy-intensive industrial sectors and achieving carbon neutrality.
Influence of Arsenate Competition on Tungstate Sorption by Soil
Authors: Pedron Francesca , Petruzzelli Gianniantonio
Published: October 2024

The green and digital transitions toward sustainable development will drive an increased demand for critical raw materials, among which tungsten plays a crucial role in emerging sustainable technologies. Understanding the sorption processes of tungsten in soils is essential for assessing its bioavailability and potential toxicity to living organisms. In many soils, tungsten may co-exist with other contaminants, such as arsenic. Investigating the competitive sorption between these two anions helps clarify how they interact within the soil matrix. Batch experiments were conducted on three Mediterranean soils to evaluate the sorption behavior of tungstate and arsenate, both individually and in combination, using a “Langmuir-type” model. Both anions exhibited the highest sorption in acidic soils and the lowest in alkaline soils. While the shapes of the isotherms were similar in both single and binary systems, the maximum sorption values decreased when a co-occurring anion was present. These reductions can be attributed to competition for soil sorption sites, which have a high affinity for both anions. In all tested soils, the percentage decrease in arsenate sorption in the presence of tungstate was greater than the decrease observed for tungstate in the presence of arsenate. Gaining a deeper understanding of tungsten’s sorption mechanisms is critical, not only for advancing environmental research but also for informing regulations that currently give limited attention to the presence of tungsten in soils.
Comparison of Surgical Techniques in Managing Craniosynostosis: Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Putra Muhammad Ikhlas Abdian , Amirsyah Mirnasari , Budiman Budiman , Amirah Shakira , Al-Gunaid Seba Talat , Iqhrammullah Muhammad
Published: October 2024

Open total cranial vault reconstruction (CVR) is the common procedure in managing craniosynostosis, yet more techniques have been introduced as alternatives, namely endoscopic suturectomy (ES), endoscopy-assisted craniectomy (EC), spring-assisted surgery (SAS), strip craniectomy with helmet (SC), Pi craniectomy (PiC), Pi plasty (PiP), and Renier’s “H” technique (RH). The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of craniosynostosis surgeries in improving the cephalic index of the patients. Studies published until 7 March 2024 reporting CVR, ES, SAS, SC, RH, and PiP as definitive craniosynostosis management with the cephalic index as the outcome were included. Bayesian network meta-analysis and pair-wise meta-analysis were performed using a random-effects model based on standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Nine studies published in 2008–2024 recruiting a total of 464 craniosynostosis patients (age: 18–61 months) were included in this meta-analysis. EC (SMD = 0.23 [95%CI: −5.47 to 5.63]; p = 0.935), PiP (SMD = −0.07 [95%CI: −9.27 to 8.79]; p = 0.988), ES (SMD = −0.59 [95%CI: −6.07 to 4.94]; p = 0.834), PiC (SMD = −1.16 [95%CI: −8.89 to 6.35]; p = 0.765), RH (SMD = −0.96 [95%CI: −6.62 to 4.53]; p = 0.736), SAS (SMD = −0.86 [95%CI: −8.25 to 6.18]; p = 0.815), and SC (SMD = −1.79 [95%CI: −9.05 to 5.28]; p = 0.624) were found to be as effective as CVR in improving the cephalic index. Network meta-analysis suggests that PiP is the most effective among these techniques (rank 1 probability = 0.273). According to the rank probabilities of our model the order of techniques from the most to the least effective is as follows: EC > CVR > PiP > ES > SAS > RH > PiC > SC.
Symmetric and Asymmetric Allocating Concepts Under Multiple-Goals
Authors: Huang Jong-Chin , Chen Kelvin H.-C. , Liao Yu-Hsien
Published: October 2024

To analyze utility estimating and allocating under real-world interactive modes, various interrelationships formed by members and its operational extents are always investigated by means of multifaceted approaches. To address this, this study first proposes a symmetric allocating concept under multiple-goals. In order to evaluate relative effects result from varying members and its operational extents under different situations, this study introduces several asymmetric generalizations by applying weights related to the members and its operational extents. Several axiomatic outcomes are also adopted to express the mathematical correctness and practicality for these allocating concepts. Moreover, some more explanations for related axiomatic outcomes and applications are also offered throughout this study.
Tourism Recommendation Algorithm Based on the Mobile Intelligent Connected Vehicle Service Platform
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Li Rui , Teng Fei , Pan Juan , Zhao Taiping
Published: October 2024

As to the problems in current tourism recommendation, this paper proposes a tourism recommendation algorithm based on the mobile ICV service platform. Firstly, the ICV service system for the Point of Interest (POI) searching and route recommendation is designed. Secondly, the recommendation service model is set up from two aspects, namely the tourism POI clustering algorithm and the tourism POI searching and route recommendation algorithm. In the aspect of symmetrical-based matching features, the clustered POIs are matched with the tourists’ interests, and the POIs in the neighborhood of the ICV dynamic locations are searched. Then, a POI recommendation algorithm based on the tourists’ interests is constructed, and the POIs that best match the symmetrical interests of the tourists within the dynamic buffer zones of ICV are confirmed. Based on the recommended POIs, the ICV guidance route algorithm is constructed. The experiment verifies the advantages of the proposed algorithm on the aspect of the POI matching tourists’ interests, algorithm stability, traveling time cost, traveling distance cost and computational complexity. As to the iterative sum and the iterative sum average of the POI matching function values, the proposed algorithm has a performance improvement of at least 20.2% and a stability improvement of at least 20.5% compared to the randomly selected POIs in matching tourists’ interests. As to the cost of the guidance routes, the proposed algorithm reduces the average cost by 19.6% compared to the other suboptimal routes. Compared with the control group algorithms, the proposed algorithm is superior in terms of route cost, with an average cost reduction of 13.8% for the output routes compared to the control group. Also, the proposed algorithm is superior in terms of route cost compared to the control group recommendation algorithms, with an average cost reduction of 11.2%.
Analysis of Rumor Propagation Model Based on Coupling Interaction Between Official Government and Media Websites
Authors: Cheng Yingying , Yang Tongfei , Xie Bo , Yuan Qianshun
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only brought a virus to the public, but also spawned a large number of rumors. The Internet has made it very convenient for media websites to record and spread rumors, while the official government, as the subject of rumor control, can release rumor-refutation information to reduce the harm of rumors. Therefore, this study took into account information-carrying variables, such as media websites and official governments, and expanded the classic ISR rumor propagation model into a five-dimensional, two-level rumor propagation model that interacts between the main body layer and the information layer. Based on the constructed model, the mean field equation was obtained. Through mathematical analysis, the equilibrium point and the basic reproduction number of rumors were calculated. At the same time, stability analysis was conducted using the Routh Hurwitz stability criterion. Finally, a numerical simulation verified that when the basic regeneration number was less than 1, rumors disappeared in the system; when the basic regeneration number was greater than 1, rumors continued to exist in the system and rumors erupted. The executive power of the official government to dispel rumors, that is, the effectiveness of the government, played a decisive role in suppressing the spread of rumors.
Eco-Innovation: Analysis of EU Member States Performance in the EU Eco-Innovation Index 2013–2022
Authors: Juracka Denis , Nagy Marek , Zvarikova Katarina , Popescu Gheorghe
Published: October 2024

Sustainability is about intergenerational solidarity in finding solutions to ensure the continued growth that allows organizations and companies to be proactive. In the context of contemporary technology, the fourth industrial revolution, i.e., the widely accepted notion of Industry 4.0, and swift corporate growth; the effects of industry, transportation, and urbanization on climate change; and the preservation of the environment in its entirety are becoming more and more significant. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the eco-innovation performance of European nations, comparing their evolution from 2013 to 2022, in order to identify patterns, leaders, and opportunities for improvement in the implementation of eco-innovation strategies. This study includes the analysis of the Eco-Innovation Index as well as other studies carried out at the European Union level in the field of sustainability and sustainable innovation through the graphic maps, cluster analysis, and correspondence analysis in the statistical program SPSS. Different approaches to development are taken by the EU’s member states. Even though some countries have achieved significantly lower results than the average of the Eco-Innovation Index or significantly higher results than the average, overall, all countries (except Romania) have improved their point evaluations when compared to the year 2013 when the Eco-Innovation Index started to be reported. The nations in the Northern European region produce consistent, long-term outcomes, and these countries have emerged as leaders in innovation in recent years. The countries of Luxembourg, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark have the best long-term outcomes. On the contrary, Bulgaria has ranked last for a long time, with the least-rated eco-innovation activities.
Health Risks Due to Co-Exposure to Noise and Respirable Crystalline Silica Among Workers in the Open-Pit Mining Industry—Results of a Preliminary Study
Authors: Myshchenko Iryna , Pawlaczyk-Luszczynska Małgorzata , Dudarewicz Adam , Bortkiewicz Alicja
Published: October 2024

Occupational exposure to carcinogenic respirable crystalline silica and noise requires a deeper understanding and an assessment of the possible health risks caused by their combined action. Data on individual exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and occupational noise (ON) was collected among 44 open-pit miners. The study group was divided into two groups according to the job tasks performed. The individual exposure, exceeding of maximum admissible concentration/intensity, and predicted hearing thresholds (HTs) (according to ISO 1999:2013) were compared between the groups directly participating in the technological process (group 1; N = 23) and performing auxiliary, supervising, or laboratory activities (group 2; N = 21). All the analysed indices were significantly higher for group 1; therefore, the job category may predict ON and RCS exposure among open-pit miners. A statistically significant relationship (rs = 0.66, p < 0.05) was found between the time-weighted average (TWA) 8 h RCS and individual daily noise exposure levels. Exposure to noise in the course of employment causes the risk of hearing impairment (mean HTs for 2, 3, and 4 kHz > 25 dB) up to 74% and 4.4% (in the case of groups 1 and 2, respectively). Further studies are needed before conclusions concerning the effects of co-exposure to ON and RCS on open-pit miners can be made.
Characterizing Aircraft Exhaust Emissions and Impact Factors at Tianjin Binhai International Airport via Open-Path Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer
Authors: Zhao Jingbo , Mao Zixiang , Han Bo , Fan Zhiyong , Ma Simeng , Li Jingxin , Wang Rui , Yu Jian
Published: October 2024

The growth of the civil aviation industry has raised concerns about the impact of airport emissions on human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to quantify the emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and carbon monoxide (CO) from in-service aircraft via open-path Fourier-transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectroscopy at Tianjin Binhai International Airport. The results suggest that the CO and NOX emission indices (EIs) for five common aircraft/engine combinations exhibited substantial discrepancies from those reported in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) databank. Notably, during the idling, approach, and take-off phases, the CO EIs exceeded the ICAO’s standard values by (11.04 ± 10.34)%, (56.37 ± 18.54)%, and roughly 2–5 times, respectively. By contrast, the NOX EIs were below the standard values by (39.15 ± 5.80)%, (13.57 ± 3.67)%, and (21.22 ± 4.03)% in the same phases, respectively. The CO and NOX EIs increased by 31–41% and decreased by 23–24%, respectively, as the ambient temperature decreased from −3 °C to −13 °C. This was attributed to lower temperatures reducing fuel evaporation, leading to inefficient combustion and increased CO emissions and lowering the combustion temperature and pressure, resulting in reduced NOX emissions. The CO EIs had a positive correlation with humidity (adjusted R2: 0.715–0.837), while the NOX EIs were negatively correlated with humidity (adjusted R2: 0.758–0.859). This study’s findings indicate that humidity is a crucial factor impacting aircraft exhaust emissions. Overall, this research will contribute to the development of scientifically informed emission standards and enhanced environmental management practices in the aviation sector.
Aconitine in Synergistic, Additive and Antagonistic Approaches
Authors: Şuţan Nicoleta Anca , Paunescu Alina , Topala Carmen , Dobrescu Codruţa , Ponepal Maria Cristina , (Stegarus) Diana Ionela Popescu , Soare Liliana Cristina , Tamaian Radu
Published: October 2024

Aconitine is a highly poisonous C19-diterpenoid alkaloid identified and isolated from the species of the genus Aconitum. Aconitine is indicated in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and, due to its neurotoxic effects, is a very effective drug in pain release. A total of 101 relevant scientific papers were manually searched on the Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed and Dovepress databases and in the books available in the library of the Department of Natural Sciences, the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Pitesti University Centre, Romania. In combination treatments, aconitine shows antiarrhythmic and anti-inflammatory activity, a synergistic antiproliferative effect and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, an improved biodistribution and bioavailability. Additionally, the entrapment of aconitine in engineered nanoparticles represents a promising method for reducing the toxicity of this alkaloid. This review provides, for the first time, a comprehensive picture of the knowledge and research on the synergistic, additive and antagonistic effects of aconitine in combination treatments applied in vivo or in vitro. The summarized studies represent important clues in addressing the multitude of knowledge, which can find their utility in practical and clinical applications.
Assessing the Use of BotulinumtoxinA for Hyperactive Urinary Tract Dysfunction a Decade After Approval: General Versus Local Anesthesia for BotulinumtoxinA Detrusor Injection
Authors: Schulte-Baukloh Heinrich , Apostolidis Apostolos , Weiss Catarina , Schlomm Thorsten , Weinberger Sarah , Höppner Dirk , Haberecht Kathrin , Waskow Carsten , Borgmann Hendrik , Neymeyer Jörg , Ralla Bernhard
Published: October 2024

Background: The onabotulinumtoxinA detrusor injection (OnabotA DI) was approved a decade ago for the treatment of patients with idiopathic overactive bladder (iOAB) or neurogenic detrusor overactivity (nDO) dysfunction who had not been treated successfully otherwise. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia (LA), and various approaches have been investigated to make the procedure as painless as possible. We examined the level of anxiety and pain experienced by patients who wanted to have the procedure performed under LA or general anesthesia (GA). Material and Methods: Patients scheduled for OnabotA DI were able to choose the anesthesia procedure (LA or GA). The Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) was used to grade anxiety before anesthesia or before the procedure itself. Intra- and postoperative pain was determined using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Various established questionnaires (including the Urinary Distress Inventory UDI-6), as well as a postoperative satisfaction questionnaire, were used to evaluate the success of the therapy. Results: In total, 104 patients (93 F, 11 M; age 64.0 (22–89) years; 80× iOAB, 24× nDO) were evaluated. OnabotA-DI was performed with LA in 72 patients and GA in 32. Stratified by first versus repeat injection in the LA group, there was a significant decrease in the Anxiety Score in the first vs. repeat injection group (p = 0.038). The LA group showed higher concerns in the anesthesia questions of the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) than the GA group (OR: 0.29, 95%CI: 0.02–1.74). The VAS Pain Score during the procedure was significantly lower in the GA group compared to the LA group (LA: 3.3 ± 2.2, GA group 1.5 ± 1.5; p < 0.001). There were no differences in the success of therapy. Despite the fear and pain, patients preferred LA to GA. Conclusions: This study shows that the anxiety and pain burden of patients undergoing OnabotA-DI under LA is significant in comparison to GA during the first injection, but insignificant for following injections. Overall, LA is favored over GA.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Spatiotemporal Clustering of Symptomatic Hepatitis E Virus Reinfection in Zhejiang Province, 2005–2023
Authors: Zhou Lu , Chen Yijuan , Wang Fengge , Chen Zixiang , Lu Yihan , Miao Ziping
Published: October 2024

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) reinfection is prevalent among the population, posing a significant burden on prevention and control efforts. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of data from China’s Disease Prevention and Control Information System’s infectious disease surveillance system to identify the epidemiological characteristics, spatiotemporal clustering, and high-risk populations of HEV reinfection. From 2005 to 2023, HEV reinfection in Zhejiang Province exhibited a fluctuating trend, peaking in 2020, with a 3–5-year lag compared to the pattern of HEV incidence. The Cox model indicated that individuals aged 40–50 and females are at higher risk of reinfection. Spatial autocorrelation was observed in reinfection cases from 2011 to 2016, with high–high clustering areas concentrated in downtown Hangzhou. Additionally, spatiotemporal scanning revealed that the clustering of reinfection cases has shifted from Hangzhou to coastal areas in recent years. Our findings suggest that targeted prevention and control measures for HEV rein fection should be implemented based on the characteristics of high-risk populations and spatiotemporal clustering patterns.
The Forgotten Tobamovirus Genes Encoding the 54 kDa Protein and the 4–6 kDa Proteins
Authors: Palukaitis Peter , Akbarimotlagh Masoud , Astaraki Sajad , Shams-Bakhsh Masoud , Yoon Ju-Yeon
Published: October 2024

This article reviews the literature concerning the largely forgotten tobamovirus gene products for which no functions have been ascribed. One of these gene products is the 54 kDa protein, representing the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase segment of the 183 kDa protein translated from the I1-subgenomic mRNA, but which has been found only by in vitro translation and not in plants. The other is a collection of small proteins, expressed from alternative reading frames (likely from internal ribosome entry sites) in either or both the movement protein gene or the capsid protein gene. Previously, two small proteins were referred to as the 4–6 kDa proteins, since only single proteins of such size had been characterized from tobacco mosaic virus and tomato mosaic virus genomes. Such putative proteins will be referred to here as P6 proteins, since many new proposed P6 open reading frames could be discerned, from an analysis of 45 of 47 tobamovirus genomes, with a coding capacity of >15 amino acids up to 94 amino acids, whereas other peptides with ≤15 amino acids were not considered here. The distribution of the putative P6 proteins among these tobamoviruses is described, as well as the various classes they fall into, based on their distribution with regard to the organization of other genes in the viral genomes. Models also are presented for possible functions of the 54 kDa protein and the P6 proteins, based on data in the literature.