bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordinated Approach Fusing RCMDE and Sparrow Search Algorithm-Based SVM for Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearings
Authors: Lv Jie , Sun Wenlei , Wang Hongwei , Zhang Fan
Published: August 2021

We propose a novel fault-diagnosis approach for rolling bearings by integrating variational mode decomposition (VMD), refined composite multiscale dispersion entropy (RCMDE), and support vector machine (SVM) optimized by a sparrow search algorithm (SSA). Firstly, VMD was selected from various signal decomposition methods to decompose the original signal. Then, the signal features were extracted by RCMDE as the input of the diagnosis model. Compared with multiscale sample entropy (MSE) and multiscale dispersion entropy (MDE), RCMDE proved to be superior. Afterwards, SSA was used to search the optimal parameters of SVM to identify different faults. Finally, the proposed coordinated VMD–RCMDE–SSA–SVM approach was verified and evaluated by the experimental data collected by the wind turbine drivetrain diagnostics simulator (WTDS). The results of the experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach not only identifies bearing fault types quickly and effectively but also achieves better performance than other comparative methods.
Efficient Channel Feedback Scheme for Multi-User MIMO Hybrid Beamforming Systems
Authors: Lee Won-Seok , Song Hyoung-Kyu
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes an efficient channel information feedback scheme to reduce the feedback overhead of multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) hybrid beamforming systems. As massive machine type communication (mMTC) was considered in the deployments of 5G, a transmitter of the hybrid beamforming system should communicate with multiple devices at the same time. To communicate with multiple devices in the same time and frequency slot, high-dimensional channel information should be used to control interferences between the receivers. Therefore, the feedback overhead for the channels of the devices is impractically high. To reduce the overhead, this paper uses common sparsity of channel and nonlinear quantization. To find a common sparse part of a wide frequency band, the proposed system uses minimum mean squared error orthogonal matching pursuit (MMSE-OMP). After the search of the common sparse basis, sparse vectors of subcarriers are searched by using the basis. The sparse vectors are quantized by a nonlinear codebook that is generated by conditional random vector quantization (RVQ). For the conditional RVQ, the Linde–Buzo–Gray (LBG) algorithm is used in conditional vector space. Typically, elements of sparse vectors are sorted according to magnitude by the OMP algorithm. The proposed quantization scheme considers the property for the conditional RVQ. For feedback, indices of the common sparse basis and the quantized sparse vectors are delivered and the channel is recovered at a transmitter for precoding of MU-MIMO. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme achieves lower MMSE for the recovered channel than that of the linear quantization scheme. Furthermore, the transmitter can adopt analog and digital precoding matrix freely by the recovered channel and achieve higher sum rate than that of conventional codebook-based MU-MIMO precoding schemes.
Object Manipulation with an Anthropomorphic Robotic Hand via Deep Reinforcement Learning with a Synergy Space of Natural Hand Poses
Authors: Rivera Patricio , Valarezo Añazco Edwin , Kim Tae-Seong
Published: August 2021

Anthropomorphic robotic hands are designed to attain dexterous movements and flexibility much like human hands. Achieving human-like object manipulation remains a challenge especially due to the control complexity of the anthropomorphic robotic hand with a high degree of freedom. In this work, we propose a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to train a policy using a synergy space for generating natural grasping and relocation of variously shaped objects using an anthropomorphic robotic hand. A synergy space is created using a continuous normalizing flow network with point clouds of haptic areas, representing natural hand poses obtained from human grasping demonstrations. The DRL policy accesses the synergistic representation and derives natural hand poses through a deep regressor for object grasping and relocation tasks. Our proposed synergy-based DRL achieves an average success rate of 88.38% for the object manipulation tasks, while the standard DRL without synergy space only achieves 50.66%. Qualitative results show the proposed synergy-based DRL policy produces human-like finger placements over the surface of each object including apple, banana, flashlight, camera, lightbulb, and hammer.
Perceived Competence and Intrinsic Motivation in Mathematics: Exploring Latent Profiles
Authors: Rodríguez Susana , Estévez Iris , Piñeiro Isabel , Valle Antonio , Vieites Tania , Regueiro Bibiana
Published: August 2021

This study aims to use a person-centred approach to identify possible student motivational profiles in mathematics. These profiles are made up of various combinations of two motivational variables: perceived competence and intrinsic motivation. Once the profiles are identified, we examine the differences between them in negative emotions and mathematics performance. Our sample comprised 863 students (50.2% boys, 49.8% girls) aged between 9 and 13 years old. The results indicated three motivational profiles. One group of students with moderately high perceived competence and intrinsic motivation who demonstrated the best performance and the lowest levels of negative feelings about themselves. A second group was defined by moderately low levels of perceived competence and intrinsic motivation. The third group was characterized by very low perceived competence and low intrinsic motivation and demonstrated the worst performance in mathematics and the highest levels of anxiety and negative emotions towards mathematics.
Evaluating the Mental-Health Positive Impacts of Agritourism; A Case Study from South Korea
Authors: Rezaei Mehdi , Kim Doohwan , Alizadeh Ahad , Rokni Ladan
Published: August 2021

The stressful lifestyle of urban dwellers has increased the demand for green-based leisure activities; considering such growing demand, this paper investigated the potential mental health benefits of agritourism activities. The assessments were based on a questionnaire survey of two groups: visitors of agritourism sites around Seoul and a control group staying home (n = 200). In addition to measuring the participants’ well-being level and stress level, they were also asked to self-estimate their immediate mood after their activities of the day. The analysis was conducted with R version 4.1.0 to explore the potential relationships and interactions between the activity of the day, perceived psychological factors, and the immediate emotional outcomes. Findings reveal that visitors to the agritourism sites perceived considerable improvement in their immediate mood compared to the control group who stayed home. Results indicate a significant interaction between self-reported wellbeing and agritourism activities and a combined effect on improved mood. Therefore, agritourism can potentially be a resource for a positive mood boost and improved mental health. The suggested practical implications can be applied as strategies to evoke the feeling of more connection to the agritourism activities and raise awareness of potential mental health outcomes.
The Dilemma of Balancing Design for Impact Sound with Environmental Performance in Wood Ceiling Systems—A Building Physics Perspective
Authors: Müller Theresa , Borschewski David , Albrecht Stefan , Leistner Philip , Späh Moritz
Published: August 2021

Due to the high consumption of resources and energy in the construction sector, the development of resource-efficient and sustainable construction solutions is gaining increasing attention. The awareness of sustainability and resource conservation results in the interest of using natural and renewable materials in contemporary architecture. Timber construction methods offer both constructive and ecological potential for sustainable solutions. From a building physics perspective, the acoustic performance of lightweight buildings, such as those made of timber, presents a challenge. Even if standard requirements are met, the increased low-frequency sound transmission typical for light-weight construction can cause discomfort and is already the subject of questions in building physics, which are currently increasingly extending to timber construction. Within the framework of a holistic approach, this paper compares the problem of acoustic properties, design optimizations and the ecological properties of timber-frame and solid timber construction components. The comparison with heavy materials, such as concrete, shows the relation of acoustic optimization with the change of the environmental profile. In order to establish the interaction between acoustic quality of wooden ceiling constructions and their ecological characteristics, this article aims to demonstrate the potential of materials used in the building sector under ecological aspects considering a life cycle analysis.
Poverty Mapping in the Dian-Gui-Qian Contiguous Extremely Poor Area of Southwest China Based on Multi-Source Geospatial Data
Authors: Xu Yongming , Mo Yaping , Zhu Shanyou
Published: August 2021

Accurate information on the spatial distribution of poverty is of great significance to the formulation and implementation of the government’s targeted poverty alleviation policy. Traditional poverty mapping is mainly based on household survey data and statistical data, which cannot describe the spatial distribution of poverty well. This paper presents a study of mapping the integrated poverty index (IPI) in the Dian-Gui-Qian contiguous extremely poor area of southwest China. Based on multiple independent spatial variables extracted from NPP/VIIRS nighttime light (NTL) remote sensing data, digital elevation model (DEM), land cover information, open street map, and city accessibility data, eight algorithms were employed and compared to determine the optimal model for IPI estimation. Among these machine learning algorithms, traditional multiple linear regression had the lowest accuracy compared with the other seven machine learning algorithms and XGBoost showed the best performance. Feature selection was performed to reduce overfitting and five variables were finally selected. The final developed XGBoost model achieved an MAE of 0.0454 and an R2 of 0.68. The IPI map derived from the developed XGBoost model characterized the spatial pattern of poverty in the Dian-Gui-Qian contiguous extremely poor area well, which provided a good reference for the poverty alleviation work and public resources allocation in the study area. This study can also serve as a template for poverty mapping in other areas using remote sensing data.
Sustainability Assessment of Modern High-Rise Timber Buildings
Authors: Tupenaite Laura , Zilenaite Viktorija , Kanapeckiene Loreta , Gecys Tomas , Geipele Ineta
Published: August 2021

As woodworking and construction technologies improve, the construction of multi-storey timber buildings is gaining popularity worldwide. There is a need to look at the design of existing buildings and assess their sustainability. The aim of the present study is to assess the sustainability of modern high-rise timber buildings using multi-criteria assessment methods. The paper presents a hierarchical system of sustainability indicators and an assessment framework, developed by the authors. Based on this framework, the tallest timber buildings in different countries, i.e., Mjøstårnet in Norway, Brock Commons in Canada, Treet in Norway, Forte in Australia, Strandparken in Sweden and Stadthaus in UK, were compared across the three dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic/technological, and social). Research has revealed that none of the buildings is leading in all dimensions of sustainability. However, each building is unique and has its own strengths. Overall multi-criteria assessment of the buildings revealed that the Brock Commons building in Canada has received the highest rank in all dimensions of sustainability. The paper contributes to the theory and practice of sustainability assessment and extends the knowledge about high-rise timber buildings. The proposed sustainability assessment framework can be used by both academics and practitioners for assessment of high-rise timber buildings.
Analysis of Consumption of Nitrogen Fertilisers and Environmental Efficiency in Crop Production of EU Countries
Authors: Rudinskaya Tamara , Náglová Zdeňka
Published: August 2021

Mineral fertilisers such as nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) are commonly used as important inputs in agricultural production. Their inadequate use can result in lower yields and loss of quality. However, excessive use of nitrogen can lead to environmental pollution and adverse effects on human health. This paper assesses nitrogen fertiliser use and the environmental efficiency of crop production of EU member states using the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) approach. The results of the analysis show that the crop sector in the five member states of the European Union (i.e., Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Austria and Spain) is relatively environmentally efficient. In the remaining member states, efficiency is lower by varying degrees. This means that their agricultural sectors use too much fertiliser to produce the same output as more efficient farms, compared to other countries. The results of the study shed light on the environmental efficiency of crop production in the tEU and can contribute to the application of better management techniques and more effective agricultural policies.
Seasonal Differences in Water-Use Sources of Impatiens hainanensis (Balsaminaceae), a Limestone-Endemic Plant Based on “Fissure-Soil” Habitat Function
Authors: Huang Weixia , Zhong Yunfang , Song Xiqiang , Zhang Cuili , Ren Mingxun , Du Yanjun
Published: August 2021

The southwestern mountains of Hainan Island are the southernmost region with tropical karst landform in China. The frequent alternation of dry and wet seasons leads to the loss of the mineral nutrients of limestone, creating karst fissure habitats. Plants living in karst fissure habitats for long periods of time have developed local adaptation mechanisms correspondingly. In the paper, hydrogen–oxygen stable isotope technology was applied to determine the water-use sources of Impatiens hainanensis in the dry and wet seasons, hoping to expound the adaptation mechanism of I. hainanensis in karst fissure habitats to the moisture dynamics in the wet and dry seasons. In the wet season (May to October, 2018), the air humidity is relatively high in the I. hainanensis habitat; in the dry season (November 2018 to April 2019), there is a degree of evaporation. In the wet season, fine-root biomass increases with soil depths, while coarse-root biomass decreases with soil depths; in the dry season, fine-root biomass is lower and coarse-root biomass is higher compared with the wet season. It was found that the average rainfall reached 1523 mm and the main water-use sources were shallow (0–5 cm) and middle (5–10 cm) soil water, epikarst water, and shallow karst fissure water during the wet season; the average rainfall reached 528 mm, and the deep (10–15 cm) soil water and shallow karst fissure water were the main water-use sources during the dry season. Fog water has a partial complementary effect in the dry season. The differences in the distribution of root biomass and each source of water in the wet and dry seasons of I. hainanensis also reflect the different water-use strategies of I. hainanensis in the wet and dry seasons. In both dry and wet seasons, I. hainanensis formed a water-use pattern dominated by soil water and shallow fissure water (0–15 cm) under the influence of the “fissure-soil-plant” system in the karst region.
Sustainable Moviegoer Intention to Attend Cinemas Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Ramírez-Castillo Nerea Alejandra , Müller-Pérez Jéssica , Acevedo-Duque Ángel , Müller-Pérez Sheyla , González-Díaz Romel Ramón , Suarez Campos Jorge , Ovalles-Toledo Luiz Vicente
Published: August 2021

The present research aims to determine which factors of the theory of planned behavior most influence the intention to watch Mexican movies, and, at the same time, to measure the impact of eWOM and the level of audience involvement in the intention. For this purpose, an online questionnaire was applied through social networks, obtaining a sample of 334 Mexican people over 18 years old. The data were analyzed using a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The results confirmed that the variables that explained the intention to watch Mexican movies were attitude, perceived purchase control, and involvement, with the latter being the attitude variable the one that contributed the most to intention. The present research contributes to the literature on movie consumption in Mexico with an empirical perspective from the marketing field.
Total Replacement of Fishmeal by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and Its Effect on Growth Performance and Product Quality of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Rosenau Simon , Oertel Elisa , Dietz Carsten , Wessels Stephan , Tetens Jens , Mörlein Daniel , Ciulu Marco
Published: August 2021

Microalgae are increasingly being studied to replace fishmeal in aquafeed production. Low level Spirulina supplementation to various fish species has been widely investigated, demonstrating enhanced growth and better product quality. In order to evaluate the effects of a full fishmeal replacement with Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on growth and product quality in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), two isoenergetic diets were formulated and fed for ten weeks to 120 fish with an average initial weight of 50 ± 3 g. Full supplementation of Spirulina resulted in reduced growth (p < 0.001) whereas feed conversion ratio was on par (p > 0.05). Furthermore, Spirulina-fed fish showed a more intense yellow coloration in skin, and raw and cooked fillet (p < 0.001). The analysis of fatty acids revealed higher proportions of C16:0 (p < 0.001) and C18:2n6 (p < 0.05) in fish fed the Spirulina-diet while C24:0 (p < 0.01) and C20:5n3 (p < 0.001) were found to be higher in the control group. Even though no statistically significant differences in the overall SFA, MUFA and PUFA were detected, a slight increase of the n6/n3 ratio was observed in the Spirulina-fed fish. Without further optimization of the feed ration, a complete fishmeal replacement with Spirulina can lead to economic losses. It remains to be studied whether the observed changes in product quality affect consumer acceptance.
Creating Opportunities for the Development of Craft Beer Tourism in Serbia as a New Form of Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Gajić Tamara , Popov Raljić Jovanka , Blešić Ivana , Aleksić Milica , Vukolić Dragan , Petrović Marko D. , Yakovenko Natalia V. , Sikimić Višnja
Published: August 2021

Beer may not be the oldest alcoholic beverage, but it is definitely among the most popular alcoholic beverages in Serbia today. The authors conducted a survey in 2019, during three major beer festivals, on a total sample of 542 festival visitors. The authors set the goal of the research: sensory preferences, habits, knowledge of the beer production process and a healthy lifestyle influence the choice of beer type, in respondents older than 18 years. Further, the goal was to investigate the extent to which craft tourism can be developed in Serbia, and to be an aid in sustainable tourism development. SPSS software, version 26.00, was used for data processing. Descriptive statistical analysis determined the average values for all items from the given research groups. The authors considered that, for determining the group of factors, which may have the strongest predictor power in predicting beer choice, the best results can be given by Binary Logistic Regression. The logarithm of chances, chances and probabilities has also been determined whether in some future period all festival visitors over the age of 18 will be chosen for craft beer instead of factory beer. The obtained results show that visitors mainly consume craft beer, and that sensory tendencies play a leading role in preserving and creating quality, as well as attracting regular consumers and visitors to craft tourism. The importance of the research is undoubtedly seen in resolving the existing doubts about the quality of beer and creating a craft tourist market in Serbia. In addition, the research can improve the measures around the creation of a recognizable identity of the Serbian beer festival, on the wider tourist market.
Comparative Analysis of the Importance of Determining Factors in the Choice and Sale of Apartments
Authors: Santos Eulália , Tavares Fernando , Tavares Vasco , Ratten Vanessa
Published: August 2021

The motivation to compare the importance that buyers and sellers give to the diverse characteristics of apartments is its pertinency to grasping the housing market. The objective of this article is to compare the determining factors in the choice and sale of apartments among the potential buyers and sellers. During a sale, the realtors exhibit the dwellings’ positive characteristics, the so-called amenities. The homebuyers must analyse the deal in a rational and well-weighed way, striving to know its characteristics to reduce the information asymmetry. The study focuses on two distinct samples, with the common goal of transacting housing. One of the samples is composed of individuals who are looking for apartments, and the other one of individuals who are selling apartments, both being collected in mainland Portugal. It was verified that there are statistically significant differences between buyers and sellers. Buyers give more importance to certain rooms and the inexistence of negative externalities near their future residence. Sellers emphasise positive externalities and parking spots. This study is expected to contribute to the increase in scientific knowledge on the housing market and to the decrease of the information asymmetry between sellers and buyers. Knowing the importance that buyers and sellers give to the main different factors in the Portuguese real estate market constitutes an advancement of knowledge in this area.
Towards Sustainable Development in Education: Implementing a VET System for In-Service Teachers in Albania
Authors: Vieira María-José , Ferreira Camino , Rodríguez-Esteban Agustín , Vidal Javier
Published: August 2021

The Albanian Strategy of Pre-University Education (2014–2020) stated the need to raise the competencies of in-service teachers in the non-university sector by asking Albanian universities to provide Vocational Education and Training (VET). The Erasmus+ project, entitled “Developing Teacher Competences for a Comprehensive VET System in Albania” (TEAVET, 2017–2020), contributed to the design and implementation of a VET system based on the previous literature of five dimensions: context, content, commitment, capacity and clients. The aim of this study was to assess the VET system for in-service teachers in Albania under these dimensions and identify key elements for sustainability. Through a mixed methods approach that merged quantitative and qualitative data (questionnaires and assessment reports), information was retrieved from the directors of lifelong learning (LLL) centres at eight Albanian universities, the Albanian Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, in-service teachers (n = 1775, response rate 76%), teacher educators from universities (n = 44, response rate 82%) and an external expert. Results show that the VET system for in-service teachers in Albania accomplishes these five dimensions. The main elements for sustainability are that the VET system addresses specific Albanian educational priorities, the Ministry is highly committed and that universities have been empowered as LLL providers within their third mission strategy.
Effect of a Short HIIT Program with Specific Techniques on Physical Condition and Activity during Simulated Combat in National-Level Boxers
Authors: Herrera-Valenzuela Tomás , Carter Johan , Leiva Elvis , Valdés-Badilla Pablo , Ojeda-Aravena Alex , Franchini Emerson
Published: August 2021

The present study investigated the effect of an additional short-duration HIIT program using boxing-specific techniques on activity during a simulated competition. Additionally, we investigated the impact on physical fitness, specifically aerobic performance and lower-body muscle power. Sixteen boxers were randomized into a control (n = 8) or experimental groups (n = 8). The experimental protocol consisted of 3 blocks of 5 repetitions of 30s all-out effort, with 6s recovery between repetitions and 1 min rest interval between blocks, conducted 3 days per week for 4 weeks. A two-way (group, two levels; moment, two levels) analysis of variance with repeated measurements in the second factor was used. For the experimental group, there was a change in body mass (ES = −0.13 (trivial)), body fat percentage (ES = −0.12 (trivial)), VO2max (ES = +0.42 (small)), CMJ (ES = +0.12 (trivial)), CMJ-left (ES = −0.11 (trivial)), CMJ-right (ES = +0.22 (trivial)), actions (ES = +0.68 (moderate)), time (ES = −0.29 (small)) and punches (ES = +0.56 (moderate)). For the control group, there was a change in body mass (ES = +0.04 (trivial)), body fat percentage (ES = −0.12 (trivial)), VO2max (ES = +0.11 (trivial)), CMJ (ES = −0.27 (small)), CMJ-left (ES = −0.39 (small)), CMJ-right (ES = +0.08 (trivial)), actions (ES = +0.08 (trivial)), time (ES = −0.65 (moderate)) and punches (ES = −0.57 (moderate)). The punches variable was significant concerning group-by-time interaction (F1,14 = 11.630; p = 0.004; n2 = 0.454). The present study indicated that the addition of a boxing-specific HIIT program is effective to increase the number of punches during a simulated match.
Food Self-Sufficiency of the SEE Countries; Is the Region Prepared for a Future Crisis?
Authors: Brankov Tatjana , Matkovski Bojan , Jeremić Marija , Đurić Ivan
Published: August 2021

Although the concept of self-sufficiency has been accepted both in developed and developing countries, alternated with periods of its rejections, the food crisis from 2007/08 and COVID-19 pandemic returned focus to the availability of countries to be self-sufficient in food production. Considering the concerns over ensuring food security in many countries, the main objective of this paper is to estimate the ability to fulfill the feed demand of the population in the eight countries of South-East Europe (SEE), which is in crisis conditions, such as pandemic especially important. In that context, the food self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) is calculated for total food production, as well as for different food groups. The next step in the methodological framework was to estimate the influence of different factors on the self-sufficiency ratio, as it depends on natural, financial, economic, and political factors. The results show that the SEE region expresses a high level of SSR in food, so it shows that the region is quite ready to respond to the challenges posed by the crisis. However, as the SEE region is a group of very different countries, regional cooperation should be strengthened as food production is considered.
Financial Development and Renewables in Southeast Asian Countries—The Role of Organic Waste Materials
Authors: Nguyen Thu Thuy , Nguyen Van Chien
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to fill the existing gap by investigating the linkage between organic waste materials, financial development and renewables in Southeast Asia; this is the very first study covering this area. Using panel data of ten economies in this area in the period of 1990–2016 and estimating the advanced regression method in statistics of pooled mean group (PMG) estimates, the paper aims to examine the panel unit root tests in the first and second generations, as well as cointegration tests followed by Pedroni, Kao, and Westerlund tests; the results demonstrate that there is a negative impact from financial development on renewables. Further, biofuel processing is consistent with renewables that are predominantly made from organic matter and wastes. In addition, biofuel sources can be proxied by three factors, namely agricultural land, forest land, and number of heads of cattle livestock. The agricultural land has a negative and statistically significant impact on renewables while cattle livestock has a positive effect in the long run. Additionally, a higher level of trade openness has a lower level of renewables in the case of Southeast Asian countries.
Forest Resource Management: An Empirical Study in Northern Pakistan
Authors: Ali Sajjad , Wang Dake , Hussain Talib , Lu Xiaocong , Nurunnabi Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Community participation for forest sustainability and use of forest resources for community development is considered a vital way in all societies. This study was conducted to assess the public views toward sustainable forest management in the area of Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan, through collecting data from 255 respondents. Views about forest management techniques at different levels were discussed. Three main areas of focus to manage forest resources were: strategic-level management, local-level management, and communication-level management. To provide confidence and to measure factors affecting sustainable forest management, this study applied the structural equation modeling approach and built a model that explained and identified the critical factors affecting sustainable forest management. A quantitative approach via Smart Partial Least Squares version 3.2.8 was used for analysis. The findings of the study show that the R2 value of the model was 0.653, which means that the three exogenous latent constructs collectively explained 65.3% of the variance in sustainable forest management. In this study, the goodness of fit of the model was 0.431, which is considered valid for further analysis. Among the three proposed levels for forest management, the strategic-level-management factor was found the most important of the three variables. This study concluded that for better and sustainable forest management, policies should flow from the strategic level to the local and also focus on communication-level management because all these factors appear to be significant in measuring sustainable forest management. Community engagement and awareness are also found to be an important way for forest resource management.
Does Reduction of Contribution Rate Affect the Sustainability of China’s Basic Endowment Insurance Fund?—Based on the Background of National Pooling and Collection Responsibility Transformation
Authors: Chen Pengjun , Shang Lunhui
Published: August 2021

Sustainability is an urgent issue in the basic endowment insurance system in China. The advancement of the national pooling and the transfer of collection responsibility from the social security department to the taxation department are the policy measures taken to ensure the sustainable development of the endowment insurance system. In this circumstance, this paper discusses the solvency of the national pooling account fund of basic endowment insurance when the enterprise contribution rate drops to 16% by constructing an improved theoretical actuarial model. The conclusion shows that under the national pooling mode of peeling off historical debt and personal account, even if the contribution rate drops to 16%, the basic endowment insurance fund in China will still have strong solvency in the long run. In addition, due to the transfer of the collection responsibility of the basic endowment insurance, the proportion of the actual number of payers to the number of in-service insured will gradually increase to 100%, and the calculation results in this paper show that the bankruptcy scope of China’s basic pension insurance funds will be postponed to the year of 2113. This study enriches the relevant literature and solves a policy concern in the reform of China’s basic endowment insurance system: Does reduction of contribution rate affect the sustainability of the basic endowment insurance system?
A Study on the Network Effectiveness of Sustainable K-Fashion and Beauty Creator Media (Social Media) in the Digital Era
Authors: Na Younkue , Kang Sungmin , Jeong Hyeyeon
Published: August 2021

With the convergence of various media in the digital era, the influence of Korean fashion/beauty on popular culture is growing rapidly. This study examines the sustainable relationship between the content and community characteristics of Korean fashion/beauty creator media, the associated social exchange relationships, and the effectiveness of the network among international consumers. In total, 614 international consumers who had made Korean fashion product purchases, viewed Korean fashion creator media, and shared information related to Korean fashion at least once were selected as a sample. Frequency analysis, reliability and validity analysis, measurement model analysis, and path analysis were conducted using SPSS and AMOS. The results showed that, first, content uniqueness had a significant effect on perceived similarity, although content continuity did not. In addition, content uniqueness and content continuity both had a significant effect on emotional expectations. Second, community scalability and community cohesion both had a significant effect on perceived similarity, and community scalability and community cohesion had a significant effect on emotional expectations. Third, perceived similarity had a significant effect on both emotional expectation consciousness and parasocial interaction, and emotional expectation consciousness had a significant effect on parasocial interaction. Finally, parasocial interaction had a significant effect on fad-like behavior. Through this, this study expanded the scope of academic research by linking the contents and community characteristics of Korean fashion/beauty creator media with research problems in the field of social exchange from the perspective of network effectiveness. Integrating this with the existing studies on consumer acceptance of Hallyu culture is expected to lead to the development of a more descriptive theoretical model for the formation of attitudes and purchase intentions toward Korean fashion/beauty products.
Grape Infusions: Between Nutraceutical and Green Chemistry
Authors: Vilela Alice , Pinto Teresa
Published: August 2021

By tradition, herbal infusions have been mainly consumed for their pleasant taste, but, nowadays, the consumer, along with the pleasantness of drinking a savory beverage, also looks for their health benefits. Grapes and grape/wine by-products are a rich source of health-promoting compounds, presenting great potential for the development of new beverages. Moreover, grape-infusion preparation is no more than a sustainable or green way of extracting polyphenols and other nutraceutical compounds from grapes and grape leaves. In this review, we summarize the benefits of drinking grape infusions and discuss the sustainable processes of extracting potential nutraceutical compounds from grapes and grape by-products, which are often considered fermentation waste and are discarded to the environment without proper treatment.
Stability Analysis and Existence of Solutions for a Modified SIRD Model of COVID-19 with Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Basti Bilal , Hammami Nacereddine , Berrabah Imadeddine , Nouioua Farid , Djemiat Rabah , Benhamidouche Noureddine
Published: August 2021

This paper discusses and provides some analytical studies for a modified fractional-order SIRD mathematical model of the COVID-19 epidemic in the sense of the Caputo–Katugampola fractional derivative that allows treating of the biological models of infectious diseases and unifies the Hadamard and Caputo fractional derivatives into a single form. By considering the vaccine parameter of the suspected population, we compute and derive several stability results based on some symmetrical parameters that satisfy some conditions that prevent the pandemic. The paper also investigates the problem of the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the modified SIRD model. It does so by applying the properties of Schauder’s and Banach’s fixed point theorems.
On a Possible Origin of the Gamma-ray Excess around the Galactic Center
Authors: Chernyshov Dmitry O. , Egorov Andrei E. , Dogiel Vladimir A. , Ivlev Alexei V.
Published: August 2021

Recent observations of gamma rays with the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) in the direction of the inner galaxy revealed a mysterious excess of GeV. Its intensity is significantly above predictions of the standard model of cosmic rays (CRs) generation and propagation with a peak in the spectrum around a few GeV. Popular interpretations of this excess are that it is due to either spherically distributed annihilating dark matter (DM) or an abnormal population of millisecond pulsars. We suggest an alternative explanation of the excess through the CR interactions with molecular clouds in the Galactic Center (GC) region. We assumed that the excess could be imitated by the emission of molecular clouds with depleted density of CRs with energies below ∼10 GeV inside. A novelty of our work is in detailed elaboration of the depletion mechanism of CRs with the mentioned energies through the “barrier” near the cloud edge formed by the self-excited MHD turbulence. This depletion of CRs inside the clouds may be a reason for the deficit of gamma rays from the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) at energies below a few GeV. This in turn changes the ratio between various emission components at those energies and may potentially absorb the GeV excess by a simple renormalization of key components.
Minimizing Curvature in Euclidean and Lorentz Geometry
Authors: Tamm Martin
Published: August 2021

In this paper, an interesting symmetry in Euclidean geometry, which is broken in Lorentz geometry, is studied. As it turns out, attempting to minimize the integral of the square of the scalar curvature leads to completely different results in these two cases. The main concern in this paper is about metrics in R3, which are close to being invariant under rotation. If we add a time-axis and let the metric start to rotate with time, it turns out that, in the case of (locally) Euclidean geometry, the (four-dimensional) scalar curvature will increase with the speed of rotation as expected. However, in the case of Lorentz geometry, the curvature will instead initially decrease. In other words, rotating metrics can, in this case, be said to be less curved than non-rotating ones. This phenomenon seems to be very general, but because of the enormous amount of computations required, it will only be proved for a class of metrics which are close to the flat one, and the main (symbolic) computations have been carried out on a computer. Although the results here are purely mathematical, there is also a connection to physics. In general, a deeper understanding of Lorentz geometry is of fundamental importance for many applied problems.
The K¯N Interaction in Higher Partial Waves
Authors: Feijoo Albert , Gazda Daniel , Magas Volodymyr , Ramos Àngels
Published: August 2021

We present a chiral K¯N interaction model that has been developed and optimized in order to account for the experimental data of inelastic K¯N reaction channels that open at higher energies. In particular, we study the effect of the higher partial waves, which originate directly from the chiral Lagrangian, as they could supersede the role of high-spin resonances employed in earlier phenomenological models to describe meson-baryon cross sections in the 2 GeV region. We present a detailed derivation of the partial wave amplitudes that emerge from the chiral SU(3) meson-baryon Lagrangian up to the d-waves and next-to-leading order in the chiral expansion. We implement a nonperturbative unitarization in coupled channels and optimize the model parameters to a large pool of experimental data in the relevant energy range where these new contributions are expected to be important. The obtained results are encouraging. They indicate the ability of the chiral higher partial waves to extend the description of the scattering data to higher energies and to account for structures in the reaction cross-sections that cannot be accommodated by theoretical models limited to the s-waves.
Relationship between Asymmetries Measured on Different Levels in Elite Basketball Players
Authors: Ujaković Filip , Šarabon Nejc
Published: August 2021

In this study, we investigated the association of magnitude and agreement in direction between asymmetries measured on single-joint (hip and trunk), complex movement (jumping), and skill (change of direction (CoD)) levels. The study sample comprised 43 junior- and senior-level (age = 20.5 ± 6.0 years; height = 194.5 ± 7.2 cm; body mass = 86.8 ± 10.1 kg) elite male basketball players. Both limbs/sides were tested in hip and trunk isometric strength; passive range of motion (RoM); unilateral, horizontal, and vertical jumping; and CoD tests, from which asymmetry indexes were calculated. The associations between asymmetry magnitudes were calculated with Spearman’s ρ correlation coefficient. The agreement between the direction of asymmetries on different levels was calculated with Cohen’’s Kappa (κ) coefficient. The average magnitude of asymmetry varied substantially (2.9–40.3%). Most associations between asymmetry magnitudes measured on different levels were small and statistically non-significant, with a few exceptions of moderate and large associations. Asymmetry in single-leg countermovement jump parameters was strongly associated with hip abduction maximal strength (ρ = 0.58 and 0.50, p < 0.01). Agreement between asymmetry directions was slight to fair, with a few moderate exceptions. Results indicate that multiple tests are needed to obtain a comprehensive picture of athletes’ asymmetries and that universal thresholds and golden standard tests for return to play should be reconsidered and reinvestigated.
Combination of Radiomics and Machine Learning with Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging for Clinical Outcome Prognostication in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Jajodia Ankush , Gupta Ayushi , Prosch Helmut , Mayerhoefer Marius , Mitra Swarupa , Pasricha Sunil , Mehta Anurag , Puri Sunil , Chaturvedi Arvind
Published: August 2021

Objectives: To explore the potential of Radiomics alone and in combination with a diffusion-weighted derived quantitative parameter, namely the apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADC), using supervised classification algorithms in the prediction of outcomes and prognosis. Materials and Methods: Retrospective evaluation of the imaging was conducted for a study cohort of uterine cervical cancer, candidates for radical treatment with chemo radiation. ADC values were calculated from the darkest part of the tumor, both before (labeled preADC) and post treatment (labeled postADC) with chemo radiation. Post extraction of 851 Radiomics features and feature selection analysis—by taking the union of the features that had Pearson correlation >0.35 for recurrence, >0.49 for lymph node and >0.40 for metastasis—was performed to predict clinical outcomes. Results: The study enrolled 52 patients who presented with variable FIGO stages in the age range of 28–79 (Median = 53 years) with a median follow-up of 26.5 months (range: 7–76 months). Disease recurrence occurred in 12 patients (23%). Metastasis occurred in 15 patients (28%). A model generated with 24 radiomics features and preADC using a monotone multi-layer perceptron neural network to predict the recurrence yields an AUC of 0.80 and a Kappa value of 0.55 and shows that the addition of radiomics features to ADC values improves the statistical metrics by approximately 40% for AUC and approximately 223% for Kappa. Similarly, the neural network model for prediction of metastasis returns an AUC value of 0.84 and a Kappa value of 0.65, thus exceeding performance expectations by approximately 25% for AUC and approximately 140% for Kappa. There was a significant input of GLSZM features (SALGLE and LGLZE) and GLDM features (SDLGLE and DE) in correlation with clinical outcomes of recurrence and metastasis. Conclusions: The study is an effort to bridge the unmet need of translational predictive biomarkers in the stratification of uterine cervical cancer patients based on prognosis.
In Vitro Effects of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins and Lytic Extracellular Compounds Produced by Alexandrium Strains on Hemocyte Integrity and Function in Mytilus edulis
Authors: Bianchi Virginia Angélica , Bickmeyer Ulf , Tillmann Urban , Krock Bernd , Müller Annegret , Abele Doris
Published: August 2021

Harmful effects caused by the exposure to paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) and bioactive extracellular compounds (BECs) on bivalves are frequently difficult to attribute to one or the other compound group. We evaluate and compare the distinct effects of PSTs extracted from Alexandrium catenella (Alex5) cells and extracellular lytic compounds (LCs) produced by A. tamarense (NX-57-08) on Mytilus edulis hemocytes. We used a 4 h dose–response in vitro approach and analyzed how these effects correlate with those observed in a previous in vivo feeding assay. Both bioactive compounds caused moderated cell death (10–15%), being dose-dependent for PST-exposed hemocytes. PSTs stimulated phagocytic activity at low doses, with a moderate incidence in lysosomal damage (30–50%) at all tested doses. LCs caused a dose-dependent impairment of phagocytic activity (up to 80%) and damage to lysosomal membranes (up to 90%). PSTs and LCs suppressed cellular ROS production and scavenged H2O2 in in vitro assays. Neither PSTs nor LCs affected the mitochondrial membrane potential in hemocytes. In vitro effects of PST extracts on M. edulis hemocytes were consistent with our previous study on in vivo exposure to PST-producing algae, while for LCs, in vivo and in vitro results were not as consistent.
Proposed Update to the Taxonomy of Pestiviruses: Eight Additional Species within the Genus Pestivirus, Family Flaviviridae
Authors: Postel Alexander , Smith Donald B. , Becher Paul
Published: August 2021

Pestiviruses are plus-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the family Flaviviridae. They comprise several important pathogens like classical swine fever virus and bovine viral diarrhea virus that induce economically important animal diseases. In 2017, the last update of pestivirus taxonomy resulted in demarcation of 11 species designated Pestivirus A through Pestivirus K. Since then, multiple new pestiviruses have been reported including pathogens associated with disease in pigs or small ruminants. In addition, pestivirus sequences have been found during metagenomics analysis of different non-ungulate hosts (bats, rodents, whale, and pangolin), but the consequences of this pestivirus diversity for animal health still need to be established. To provide a systematic classification of the newly discovered viruses, we analyzed the genetic relationship based on complete coding sequences (cds) and deduced polyprotein sequences and calculated pairwise distances that allow species demarcation. In addition, phylogenetic analysis was performed based on a highly conserved region within the non-structural protein NS5B. Taking into account the genetic relationships observed together with available information about antigenic properties, host origin, and characteristics of disease, we propose to expand the number of pestivirus species to 19 by adding eight additional species designated Pestivirus L through Pestivirus S.