bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grey Multivariable Prediction Model of Energy Consumption with Different Fractional Orders
Authors: Sun Yijue , Zhang Fenglin
Published: December 2022

The scientific prediction of energy consumption plays an essential role in grasping trends in energy consumption and optimizing energy structures. Energy consumption will be affected by many factors. In this paper, in order to improve the accuracy of the prediction model, the grey correlation analysis method is used to analyze the relevant factors. First, the factor with the largest correlation degree is selected, and then a new grey multivariable convolution prediction model with dual orders is established. Different fractional orders are used to accumulate the target data sequence and the influencing-factor data sequence, and the model is optimized by particle swarm optimization algorithm. The model is used to fit and test the energy consumption of Shanghai, Guizhou and Shandong provinces in China from 2011 to 2020 compared with other multivariable grey prediction models. Experimental results with the MAPE and RMSPE measurements show that our improved model is reasonable and effective in energy consumption prediction. At the same time, the model is applied to forecast the energy consumption of the three regions from 2021 to 2025, providing reliable information for future energy distribution.
Licensing Effect in Sustainable Charitable Behaviors
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Peng Siyu
Published: December 2022

The theory of licensing effect suggests that consumers tend to perform self-interested or self-indulgent actions after undertaking altruistic behaviors. How do past altruistic experiences affect the willingness of consumers to perform charitable behaviors in the future? Results from an exploratory approach comprising three laboratory studies and one field experiment demonstrate the existence of licensing effect in charitable conditions. We find that consumers are more unwilling to undertake charitable activities when they recall past similar experiences. The donation resources (time/money) do not influence the licensing effect. Two other variables moderate the size of the licensing effect: the way in which the initial charitable behavior is recalled (abstract vs. concrete) and the attribution for initial charitable behavior (collective vs. individual). We find that consumers are more reluctant to carry out charitable behavior when: (1) they recall the concrete details rather than the abstract goal of past activity; (2) consumers are praised for individual efforts rather than collective contribution in past activity. These findings offer new theoretical insights into the licensing effect in consumers’ charitable behaviors and set out practical implications for the sustainability of charitable programs.
Short-Term Load Forecasting with an Ensemble Model Using Densely Residual Block and Bi-LSTM Based on the Attention Mechanism
Authors: Chen Wenhao , Han Guangjie , Zhu Hongbo , Liao Lyuchao
Published: December 2022

Short-term load forecasting (STLF) is essential for urban sustainable development. It can further contribute to the stable operation of the smart grid. With the development of renewable energy, improving STLF accuracy has become a vital task. Nevertheless, most models based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) cannot effectively extract the crucial features from input data. The reason is that the fundamental requirement of adopting the convolutional neural network (CNN) is space invariance, which cannot be satisfied by the received data, limiting the forecasting performance. Thus, this paper proposes an innovative ensemble model that comprises a densely residual block (DRB), bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) layers based on the attention mechanism, and ensemble thinking. Specifically, the DRB is adopted to extract the potential high-dimensional features from different types of data, such as multi-scale load data, temperature data, and calendar data. The extracted features are the input of the Bi-LSTM layer. Then, the adopted attention mechanism can assign various weights to the hidden state of Bi-LSTM and focus on the crucial factors. Finally, the proposed two-stage ensemble thinking can further improve model generalization. The experimental results show that the proposed model can produce better forecasting performance compared to the existing ones, by almost 3.37–5.94%.
How to Promote Quality and Equity of Early Childhood Education for Sustainable Development in Undeveloped Rural Areas of China: An Evolutionary Game Study
Authors: Zhan Zhe , Fan Anjing
Published: December 2022

To promote the sustainable development of early childhood education (ECE) in undeveloped rural areas of China, it is vital to guarantee high-quality equity for all children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Focusing on analyzing the efficacy of the Chinese governments’ policy support to promote quality and equity, the study constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model of ECE providers in undeveloped rural areas, local governments, and central government, and correlates the governments’ financial investment with the regulation and supervision in ECE as strategy combination via a reward-punishment mechanism. Through the evolution process of “change-adjustment-convergence” of behavioral decisions, each party seeks optimization to achieve the ideal stable equilibrium state. The numerical simulation is used to verify the dynamic evolutionary process. The simulation results presented the governments’ subsidies and reward, regulation, and supervision have a substantive effect on the improvement of quality and equity. Consequently, the governments should strengthen the regulation and supervision of rural ECE, formulate a more reasonable reward and punishment mechanism, and adjust and optimize the policies and measures to improve the efficiency of educational funding. This study can provide reference value for the optimization of relevant policies and the practical operation of new policy-making.
Optimal Power Flow in Wind–Photovoltaic Energy Regulation Systems Using a Modified Turbulent Water Flow-Based Optimization
Authors: Alghamdi Ali S.
Published: December 2022

This paper describes how to obtain optimal power flow (OPF) in power systems that integrate wind turbine (WT) and solar photovoltaic (PV) producers. A modified technique called modified turbulent water flow-based optimization (MTFWO) is presented to solve the nonconvex and nonlinear OPF problem effectively. In the OPF model, power output from renewable sources is regarded as a dependent variable. At the same time, the voltage at the bus terminals of WT/PV is used as a controller (decision variable). The amount of power generated by WT and PV generators is modeled using data collected in real time on the wind speed and the amount of irradiation from the sun. Although the TFWO algorithm has its benefits, it also has certain shortcomings in solving challenging problems. By more effectively searching the feasible space using different interaction mechanisms and improving exploitation capabilities, this paper improves the TFWO algorithm’s performance. We compare the performance and effectiveness of the suggested MTFWO method with cutting-edge optimization algorithms for solving the OPF problems, using the same system-specific data, limitations, and control variables in the comparisons.
Co-Firing Zhundong Coal with Its Gangue: Combustion Performance, Sodium Retention and Ash Fusion Behaviors
Authors: Zhang Li , Yan Jingchong , Yang Qitong , Lei Zhiping , Lei Zhao , Li Zhanku , Ren Shibiao , Wang Zhicai , Shui Hengfu
Published: December 2022

Fouling and slagging are intractable ash-related problems for boilers burning high-sodium coals (HSC) to produce electricity or heat. Reduction and resource utilization of solid waste, coal gangues, is urgent because of stringent environmental regulations and economic benefits. Based on the sodium-rich character of Zhundong coal (ZDC) and the mineralogical features of the coal gangues (ZDG), this work investigated their co-firing performance, the sodium retention behaviors as well as the slagging and fouling tendency of the ashes. Results show that combustion performance of ZDC is not reduced despite ofthe lower reactivity of ZDG. The co-firing reaction follows the 3D diffusion model (cylinder symmetry) which probably reflects the gas diffusion of oxygen to combustible matter. During co-firing, the enriched silica and alumina components in ZDG efficiently react with the alkali and alkaline earth metals (sodium, magnesium and calcium) in ZDC to form complex minerals, thus effectively capturing and retaining sodium. The slagging and fouling propensity of ashes are notably reduced. Overall, co-firing provides an alternative means to solve the ash slagging and fouling issues, and also for the reduction and resource utilization of coal gangues.
Developing ESG Evaluation Guidelines for the Tourism Sector: With a Focus on the Hotel Industry
Authors: Bae Jun-Ho
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to develop an ESG evaluation index that accurately captures the features of the hotel industry. To create the ESG evaluation index for the hotel industry, the K-ESG guidelines provided by Korea Corporate Governance Service (KCGS) were utilized as a benchmark, and also, the Korea Tourism Organization’s ESG-compliant standards for certification evaluation were taken into consideration to reflect the particulars of the hotel business as closely as possible. The initial measurement items for an ESG evaluation index were created by reviewing prior research, and they were modified and supplemented based on the results of the Delphi survey. The professionals currently engaging in business, academia, and governmental institutions, whose knowledge and expertise are specialized in the hotel industry, participated as panel members in the study. In the first round, the panel members were encouraged to brainstorm and answer the questionnaire consisting of both open- and close-ended questions. In the second round, the panel members were asked to respond to a questionnaire made up of closed questions extracted from the first round. Through both rounds, the ESG evaluation index for the hotel industry was finalized, including three domains, twenty indicators, and forty-on items. To fulfill the purpose of the study, which was to initially develop an ESG evaluation index applicable to the Korean hotel industry, this study was conducted toward the professionals in the field. This opens up interesting possibilities for more investigation. The range of participants can be widened by incorporating hotel personnel and patrons, ensuring that the ESG evaluation guidelines are specifically applicable to the hotel industry. Additionally, it appears essential to broaden the research’s focus to include the tourism industry as a whole.
How Can the Sustainable Motivational Effect of Equity Incentives on Corporate Performance Be Exploited?—A Study Based on the Moderating Effect of Aspiration Level
Authors: Tang Lu , Zhang Shihan , Ding Chenhui , Huan Jinyao
Published: December 2022

How equity incentives affect corporate performance has become a consensus. However, the question of how to maximize the sustainable incentive effect of equity incentives on corporate performance and avoid “short-sighted” behavior under equity incentives has not yet been resolved. This research re-examines the sustainable incentive of equity incentives and examines the moderating role of aspiration levels based on the behavioral theory of the firm and the prospect theory. Applying panel data comprised 9588 observations from Chinese A-share listed companies spanning the period from 2011 to 2019, this study found that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between equity incentives and corporate performance. Aspiration surplus negatively moderates the curvilinear inverted U-shaped relationship. As the level of aspiration surplus changes from low to high, the curvilinear relationship between equity incentives and corporate performance is weakened. Aspiration loss positively moderates the curvilinear inverted U-shaped relationship. As the level of aspiration loss changes from low to high, the curvilinear relationship between equity incentives and corporate performance is enhanced. This study demonstrates the importance of aspiration level between equity incentives and corporate performance, guiding firms to focus on the implementation scenario as an influencing factor in order to improve the sustainable incentive effect of equity incentives.
Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Soil Salt Ions in Tumushuke City, Xinjiang
Authors: Jiang Xuemei , Ma Yuwei , Li Gang , Huang Wei , Zhao Hongyan , Cao Guangming , Wang Aiqin
Published: December 2022

Concrete durability in saline soil areas is a global problem. Both SO42− and Cl− in saline soil seriously affect the durability of concrete and restrict the sustainable development of engineering construction. Soil samples were collected from Tumushuke city, Xinjiang, and the concentrations of SO42− and Cl− in the soil were measured. Classical statistics and geostatistics methods were combined to analyze the distribution characteristics of the soil salts. Additionally, the kriging interpolation method was used to draw a salt distribution map. The results showed that the average contents of SO42− and Cl− in the soil of this area were 7037.08 and 6018.94 mg/kg, respectively. SO42− exhibited moderate variability at depths of 30–60 and 60–100 cm in the soil and strong variability in the surface layer; Cl− exhibited strong variability at depths of 0–30, 30–60, and 60–100 cm in the soil. The SO42− and Cl− concentrations exhibited high spatial correlation and showed regular changes. The horizontal distribution patterns of “low in the south and high in the north” and “high in the east and low in the west” were observed. Regarding the vertical distribution, the profiles of the SO42− and Cl− contents in the soils primarily exhibited “surface aggregation” distribution characteristics. Therefore, according to the spatial distribution characteristics of SO42− and Cl−, local concrete engineering construction can adopt different anti-erosion measures to enhance the safety and durability of concrete structures.
Neural Network Based on Multi-Scale Saliency Fusion for Traffic Signs Detection
Authors: Zou Haohao , Zhan Huawei , Zhang Linqing
Published: December 2022

Aiming at recognizing small-scale and complex traffic signs in the driving environment, a traffic sign detection algorithm YOLO-FAM based on YOLOv5 is proposed. Firstly, a new backbone network, ShuffleNet-v2, is used to reduce the algorithm’s parameters, realize lightweight detection, and improve detection speed. Secondly, the Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network (BiFPN) structure is introduced to capture multi-scale context information, so as to obtain more feature information and improve detection accuracy. Finally, location information is added to the channel attention using the Coordinated Attention (CA) mechanism, thus enhancing the feature expression. The experimental results show that compared with YOLOv5, the mAP value of this method increased by 2.27%. Our approach can be effectively applied to recognizing traffic signs in complex scenes. At road intersections, traffic planners can better plan traffic and avoid traffic jams.
Maturity of CSR Implementation at the Organizational Level—From Literature Review to a Comprehensive Model
Authors: Piwowar-Sulej Katarzyna , Rojek-Nowosielska Magdalena , Sokołowska-Durkalec Agnieszka , Markowska-Przybyła Urszula
Published: December 2022

This paper fills the gap in the studies addressing the problem of corporate social responsibility (CSR) concept implementation maturity in an organization approached holistically. It is based on an integrative literature review covering 104 publications indexed in WoS and Scopus. The literature review shows that the maturity of the implementation of CSR at the organizational level is rarely the subject of assessment. The authors dealing with CSR maturity focus their deliberations on such specific areas of enterprise functioning as IT, operational management, supply management, product design and project management. Other authors place CSR among different areas that should be taken into account while determining the maturity of implementation of Industry 4.0 or organizational reputation management. The most commonly used measurement is the five-point scale of the levels typical for CMMI. The theoretical models presented in the source literature are rarely subject to empirical operationalization. This study offers a four-dimensional CSR maturity model that can be used to assess the maturity level of the CSR concept implementation in different types of organizations and also to analyze and compare the maturity levels of different organizations. The dimensions are areas, stakeholders, actions and participation. There are five levels of CSR maturity and only the achievement of the fifth levels in all four dimensions proves the highest level of CSR. The usefulness of the model was determined by eight experts (practitioners working in different organizations) with the use of the “sum-score decision rule”. Both practical and theoretical implications result from this model.
Environmental Monitoring for Arctic Resiliency and Sustainability: An Integrated Approach with Topic Modeling and Network Analysis
Authors: Zhu Xun , Pasch Timothy J. , Ahajjam Mohamed Aymane , Bergstrom Aaron
Published: December 2022

The Arctic environment is experiencing profound and rapid changes that will have far-reaching implications for resilient and sustainable development at the local and global levels. To achieve sustainable Arctic futures, it is critical to equip policymakers and global and regional stake- and rights-holders with knowledge and data regarding the ongoing changes in the Arctic environment. Community monitoring is an important source of environmental data in the Arctic but this research argues that community-generated data are under-utilized in the literature. A key challenge to leveraging community-based Arctic environmental monitoring is that it often takes the form of large, unstructured data consisting of field documents, media reports, and transcripts of oral histories. In this study, we integrated two computational approaches—topic modeling and network analysis—to identify environmental changes and their implications for resilience and sustainability in the Arctic. Using data from community monitoring reports of unusual environmental events in the Arctic that span a decade, we identified clusters of environmental challenges: permafrost thawing, infrastructure degradation, animal populations, and fluctuations in energy supply, among others. Leveraging visualization and analytical techniques from network science, we further identified the evolution of environmental challenges over time and contributing factors to the interconnections between these challenges. The study concludes by discussing practical and methodological contributions to Arctic resiliency and sustainability.
Wastewater Treatment Performance of Aerated Lagoons, Activated Sludge and Constructed Wetlands under an Arid Algerian Climate
Authors: Bachi Oum Elkheir , Halilat Mohammed Tahar , Bissati Samia , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Saggai Sofiane , Kouadri Saber , Najm Hadee Mohammed
Published: December 2022

Water pollution reduces the availability of fresh water, especially in arid areas suffering from water stress, and also adversely affects soil, vegetation and environmental processes. Wastewater treatment processes aim to reduce environmental degradation and increase water availability by improving the quality of wastewater to a standard suitable for irrigation. This paper compares the performance of three wastewater treatment processes: (i) aerated lagoon (AL), (ii) activated sludge (AS), and (iii) constructed wetland (plant beds, PB) under the arid climate of Algeria. The statistical analysis focused on the comparison between the removal rates of the physical (SS) and biological pollution (BOD5 and COD) parameters in the three stations during 8 years of operation. Obtained results show that the maximum removal rates were observed in the AS process and the minimum were in the AL process. The comparison between the removal rates for a given parameter has shown that there is a significant difference between the AL process on the one hand and the AS and PB processes on the other hand. For the last two processes, AS and PB, there is a difference, but it is not statistically significant. For the values of the parameters of wastewater leaving the three systems, results showed that there is a seasonal variation in the average values of the parameters (temperature effect) and that with the exception of orthophosphate, the values recorded are, for the most part, below the values of Algerian discharge standards, WHO standards and FAO standards.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution and Convergence Characteristics of Agricultural Eco-Efficiency in China from a Low-Carbon Perspective
Authors: Zhang Chunbin , Zhou Rong , Hou Jundong , Feng Mengtong
Published: December 2022

While agriculture plays an essential role in food security, it is also one of the largest emitters of carbon emissions. China’s carbon neutrality and carbon peaking goals mean that China’s agriculture is also going through a low-carbon transition. To analyze the spatiotemporal heterogeneity and convergence of China’s agricultural eco-efficiency (AEE), this study used a combined super-efficient slacks-based measure (SBM), global Malmquist–Luenberger index (GML), kernel density estimation, Moran index, and convergence model on panel data from 2005 to 2020 and from 31 Chinese provinces. An innovative eco-efficiency index evaluation system was constructed from a low-carbon perspective that integrated agricultural carbon sinks and carbon emissions. The results revealed that the average AEE movement was U-shaped, but there were significant differences across regions and periods. The AEE demonstrated a gradual decreasing pattern of “northeast > eastern > western > central”, a declining trend during 2005–2010 and increasing trends during 2011–2020. The main reason for AEE growth was technological progress; however, technical efficiency only played a role in several provinces. The AEE in Chinese provinces was also found to have spatial autocorrelation characteristics dominated by high-high, low-low, and high-low clustering. A “catching-up effect” existed in the lagging AEE regions. Therefore, it is recommended to promote the integration of regional strategies and low-carbon development, build a low-carbon technology support system, and construct a national agricultural carbon trading center to facilitate agricultural low-carbon transformation.
Soil Dynamic Constitutive Considering Post-Liquefaction Deformation and Reversible Pore-Water Pressure
Authors: Dong Qing , Zhou Zhenghua , Li Xiaojun , Hao Bing , Jin Liguo
Published: December 2022

In the seismic response analysis of liquefiable sites, the existing soil dynamic constitutive model is challenging to simulate saturated sand’s post-liquefaction deformation, and the current pore-water pressure buildup model cannot reflect the decrease in the actual pore-water pressure under unloading stress. We aim at these problems to propose a feasible and straightforward time-domain post-liquefaction deformation constitutive model through experimental analysis and theoretical research, consisting of reversible pore-water pressure. According to the dynamic triaxial test data, the regularities of large deformation stress and strain behavior of the saturated sand after liquefaction are obtained, and the corresponding loading and unloading criteria are summarized. Combined with the effective stress constitutive model proposed by the author, a soil dynamic constitutive that can describe saturated sand’s post-liquefaction deformation path is obtained. According to the test results, the model can simulate the deformation of saturated sand during the whole liquefaction process. The self-developed program Soilresp1D realized the dynamic response analysis of the liquefiable site, and the results were compared with the experimental results. It shows that the model based on the effective stress-modified logarithmic dynamic skeleton and post-liquefaction deformation constitutive can be directly applied to the dynamic response analysis of the liquefiable site.
Learning Performance of Different Genders’ Computational Thinking
Authors: Hsu Ting-Chia , Chang Ching , Wong Lung-Hsiang , Aw Guat Poh
Published: December 2022

While the role of computational thinking (CT) has been widely reported in technology applications and further integrated into interdisciplinary learning, the integration of pedagogy-supported interdisciplinary activities for the empowerment of girls’ learning must not solely emphasise CT problem-solving skills. Rather, it must scaffold them with interactive learning that supports their characteristics while catering to gender equality. In this study, a gender-balanced interdisciplinary activity, integrating CT with Mandarin learning (ML), was designed for an elementary school in the Mandarin as a Second Language learning context using Social Robots (SRs). It sought to verify the results of the proposed method along with focused activities and interaction in an SR-integrated activity on the CT abilities and target-language learning of young learners. A total of 46 Grade 5 students, 26 boys and 20 girls, participated in the experiment. The study used a quasi-experimental method by examining the result of pre- and post-tests on language acquisition, programming self-efficacy, the educational robot attitude, and learning perceptions in the activity. The results indicated that there were no gender differences in terms of ML, self-efficacy in programming, or attitudes toward using SRs in the SR-integrated interdisciplinary activities. However, the boys and girls had different perceptions of learning. Suggestions for conducting SR-integrated interdisciplinary learning are given, along with pedagogical implications for the further promotion of women in technology.
Local Engagement in the Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs) Operation in Cambodia
Authors: Chhinh Nyda , Sok Serey , Sou Veasna , Nguonphan Pheakdey
Published: December 2022

Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs) have empowered farmers to develop resources sustainably. They transfer traditional subsistence agriculture to diversify crops and develop a value chain. This paper aims to analyze local engagement by focusing on the degree of participation, factors influencing local engagement in ACs operations and the constraints of ACs operations to support communities. With a cohort of 421 farmer members in the Kampong Speu and Pursat provinces of Cambodia, household surveys were designed to consider how factors influence local engagement. It was discovered that: (i) local engagement in ACs operations is limited, and management of boards of directors is a critical constraint to motivating local involvement; (ii) local engagement in ACs operations is associated with access to water, benefits from ACs, participation in ACs activities, risk control and ACs management, and ACs operations do not promote access to agricultural inputs; and (iii) ACs operations have faced several constraints, including poor management, inadequate capital accumulation, unavailable loans, loan mismanagement, a lack of skills, high illiteracy levels, small share values, a lack of access to credit facilities, access to the competitive market and a lack of support from extension services. This empirical study, with implications from Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), addresses a gap in the literature by exploring engagement in ACs operations.
Stoichiometric Characteristics of Leaf, Litter and Soil during Vegetation Succession in Maolan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China
Authors: Wu Peng , Zhou Hua , Cui Yingchun , Zhao Wenjun , Hou Yiju , Tan Chengjiang , Yang Guangneng , Ding Fangjun
Published: December 2022

Carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are the main nutrient elements widely found in soil, litter and leaves, and their stoichiometric ratios are important indicators of ecosystem functions. However, there is little research on the effects that nutrient cycle and vegetation succession have on leaf, litter and soil nutrients and stoichiometric ratios, especially in the fragile karst areas. To reveal the nutrient cycling characteristics and ecosystem stability mechanism during vegetation succession, leaf, litter and soil samples were collected from the herbaceous community (HC), shrub community (SC), secondary forest community (SF) and primary forest community (PF) in a typical karst area at growth and senescence phases. The results showed that the nutrient contents and stoichiometric ratios of leaf, litter and soil in the main layers of each community were significantly different at the growth and senescence phase. The utilization efficiency of N in the leaves of the main layers of each succession community first decreased and then increased at different growth stages, and the utilization efficiency of P increased but the reabsorption rates of N and P showed a continuous decreasing trend. In addition, there was a significant allometric relationship between N and P contents in plant leaves during the growth phase. More importantly, the internal stability of N content in plant leaves was higher than the P content, suggesting that vegetation succession significantly affected leaf, litter and soil nutrient contents and their stoichiometric ratios in our study region. The strength of the relationship between them reflects the inheritance and co–variation of nutrient content to a certain extent, and the differences in the strategies that different species in the community use to adapt to the fragile karst environment. This study concludes that plants in the karst region mainly improve their P utilization efficiency to adapt to low phosphorus stress in soil and ensure the normal physiological and biochemical responses in the process of vegetation succession.
Factors Influencing the Utilization of Academic Research Results in Evidence-Based Management of Chinese Primary and Secondary Schools
Authors: Shi Si , Su Junyang , Chan Philip Wing Keung
Published: December 2022

Evidence-based management (EBMgt) advocates management and decision-making, based on the best scientific evidence. This has potentially great significance to the reform and development of schools. The purpose of this study is to examine whether school leaders in China use evidence-based management when facing decisions, and what types of evidence school administrators consult during their daily management. The study also seeks to identify any relationship that might exist between the adoption of EBMgt in school management, demographic characteristics, attitudes toward EBMgt and skills in EBMgt. The data were gathered from 355 school leaders. The results show that the academic research results are not widely used in the EBMgt of schools. However, school administrators have a relatively positive attitude toward EBMgt, and there is no significant difference in the attitude of principals and other school administrators. In contrast to the existing studies in the medical field, the results of this study show that there is no significant difference in the application of EBMgt between those with a longer or shorter duration of work experience or with different education levels. The study found that attitudes to and the skills in evidence-based management have a significant, positive impact on the adoption of scientific research results in the EBMgt of schools.
Do Education Human Capital and Environmental Regulation Drive the Growth Efficiency of the Green Economy in China?
Authors: Tao Hua , Tao Min , Wang Rong
Published: December 2022

The question of how to gradually transform the economic growth mode from extensive growth to intensive economic growth, and steadily improve the efficiency of green economic growth (GEGE), has become the focus of society and scholars. The present study uses the SBM-DDF directional distance function to measure GEGE from 2008 to 2021 in China, and then selects the bootstrap regression method to test the influencing factors of China’s GEGE. The following conclusions are obtained: (1) the GEGE level is still low, and its average value in the fourteen-year period from 2008 to 2021 is 0.484; areas with low levels of GEGE account for approximately 66.7% of the country, and those with relatively high levels account for approximately 20% of the country; high-level green development areas account for 13.3% of the country; (2) environmental regulation’s impact on GEGE has a U-shaped relationship, which means that when the regulation intensity increases, GEGE will first decrease and then increase, and once it crosses the inflection point, the effect of improving GEGE becomes obvious; the elasticity coefficient of educational human capital is significantly negative, which has a hindering effect on GEGE; (3) FDI is significantly negatively correlated with GEGE; there is a U-shaped relationship between GEGE and urbanization, and the industrial structure has a negative effect on GEGE, while trade dependence has the same effect.
A Dual-Beam Coupled System for Hybrid Galloping and Vortex-Induced Vibration Energy Harvesting
Authors: Li Zhiqing , Liu Kaihua , Zhao Chaoyang , Zhou Bo , Yang Yaowen , Zhang Guiyong
Published: December 2022

Small wind energy harvesting converts aeroelastic vibration into electricity and can provide independent power supplies for low-power-consumption sensors, which are not convenient for replacing chemical batteries frequently. As wind energy harvesters collect sustainable energy from the ambient environment, they are environmentally friendly and energy saving. The most widely adopted wind-induced vibration mechanisms for designing wind energy harvesters are vortex-induced vibration (VIV) and galloping. VIV-based piezoelectric energy harvesters (VIVPEHs) can stabilize the output voltage at low wind speeds, while galloping-based piezoelectric energy harvesters (GPEHs) can operate at high wind speeds and have wide bandwidths. This paper uses a spring to connect the two traditional wind harvesters to constitute a hybrid wind piezoelectric energy harvester (HWPEH). It is expected that the HWPEH can inherit the advantages of both traditional wind harvesters, i.e., it can reduce the cut-in wind speed, as the traditional VIVPEH, and have a broad working bandwidth, as the traditional GPEH. The effects of the mechanical and circuit parameters on the output voltage and power of the HWPEH are investigated and compared to traditional wind harvesters. It has been found that the aerodynamic behavior of the HWPEH can be customized by changing the masses, stiffnesses, shunt resistances, and damping coefficients. The proposed HWPEH can outperform traditional wind harvesters if the system parameters are well tuned.
A Novel Symmetrical Peak Fitting Method Based on Improved WOA Algorithm for the Analysis of Microchip Electrophoresis Signals
Authors: He Wenhe , Wang Jianjiao , Liu Yaping , Qin Zhipeng , Sun Cuimin , You Hui , Wei Xiangfu , Liu Ying
Published: December 2022

The problem of overlapping peaks has been a challenge in microchip electrophoresis (ME) signal analysis. However, traditional peak fitting algorithms have difficulty analyzing overlapping peaks due to the high dependence on the starting point. In this study, we propose a symmetrical peak fitting method named the tent-mapped whale optimization algorithm and Levenberg–Marquardt (TWOALM), which combines a whale optimization algorithm (WOA) improved by one of the most commonly used chaotic maps, the tent map and the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm. Specifically, we first derive the fitted model for the overlapping peaks, showing that it is separable nonlinear least squares, significantly reducing the number of parameters to be optimized. Second, we integrate the tent map into the WOA, which improves the convergence speed of the peak fitting algorithm. Finally, we propose an efficient peak-fitting algorithm that combines the improved WOA and LM. The advantage of the proposed algorithm is that it is significantly faster than WOA and significantly more accurate than the LM algorithm. The results of fitting the synthetic peaks and ME signals showed that the combination of the chaotic map-based WOA algorithm and the LM algorithm can significantly improve the peak fitting performance and provide an effective solution for the analysis of overlapping peaks.
A Method for Performing the Symmetric Anti-Difference Equations in Quantum Fractional Calculus
Authors: Sherine V. Rexma , Gerly T. G. , Chellamani P. , Al-Sabri Esmail Hassan Abdullatif , Ismail Rashad , Xavier G. Britto Antony , Avinash N.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we develop theorems on finite and infinite summation formulas by utilizing the q and (q,h) anti-difference operators, and also we extend these core theorems to q(α) and (q,h)α difference operators. Several integer order theorems based on q and q(α) difference operator have been published, which gave us the idea to derive the fractional order anti-difference equations for q and q(α) difference operators. In order to develop the fractional order anti-difference equations for q and q(α) difference operators, we construct a function known as the quantum geometric and alpha-quantum geometric function, which behaves as the class of geometric series. We can use this function to convert an infinite summation to a limited summation. Using this concept and by the gamma function, we derive the fractional order anti-difference equations for q and q(α) difference operators for polynomials, polynomial factorials, and logarithmic functions that provide solutions for symmetric difference operator. We provide appropriate examples to support our results. In addition, we extend these concepts to the (q,h) and (q,h)α difference operators, and we derive several integer and fractional order theorems that give solutions for the mixed symmetric difference operator. Finally, we plot the diagrams to analyze the (q,h) and (q,h)α difference operators for verification.
Numerical Study of Cattaneo–Christov Heat Flux on Water-Based Carreau Fluid Flow over an Inclined Shrinking Sheet with Ternary Nanoparticles
Authors: Jangid Sanju , Alessa Nazek , Mehta Ruchika , Thamaraikannan N. , Shilpa Shilpa
Published: December 2022

Due to their capacity to create better thermal conductivity than standard nanofluids, hybrid nano-fluids and modified nanofluids have notable applications in aerospace, energy materials, thermal sensors, antifouling, etc. This study aims to the modified and hybrid nanofluid flow with the Carreau fluid over a sloped shrinking sheet. The Cattaneo–Christov heat flux also takes into account. To determine the thermal efficiency of the heat, three different kinds of nanomaterials, copper oxide (CuO), copper (Cu), and alumina (Al2O3), are used. The similarity alteration commutes the insolubility of the model into ODEs. The conclusions are attained by program writing in MATLAB software and dealing with them through the bvp4c solver with the shooting method. The skin-friction amount decreases with the inclined sheet and local Weissenberg parameter for both modified and hybrid nanofluid. An upsurge thermal relaxation parameter declines the skin-friction coefficient for modified nanofluid flow and increases the skin-friction coefficient for hybrid nanofluid flow. The heat transfer rate is upsurged with modified and hybrid nanofluid for thermal relaxation parameter. Furthermore, the presentation includes the development of skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number values for specific parameters. Through benchmarking, numerical solutions are validated using certain limiting situations that were previously published findings, and typically solid correlation is shown.
Nonlinear Radiative Nanofluidic Hydrothermal Unsteady Bidirectional Transport with Thermal/Mass Convection Aspects
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , Asogwa Kanayo Kenneth , Alessa Nazek , Loganathan Karuppusamy
Published: December 2022

The collective effect of thermal and mass convection along with the significance of thermal radiation, heat source/sink, and magneto-nanofluid are considered. A bi-directional stretching device is used to generate the symmetry of the flowing structure. Nonlinear behavior of thermal radiation is considered here. The magnetic field is considered non-uniform and vertically upward. Significances of pedesis motion and Ludwig–Soret are also revealed in an innovative way with heat source/sink effects. The concept of symmetry is used to transmute the transport equations from PDE type to nonlinear ODE type. We solved the transformed setup numerically by adopting Keller-box method criteria with the targeted accuracy rate. Graphical interpretations are explored with code verification. It is important to conclude that friction coefficients decline for incremental values of stretching parameter (0.1≤α≤0.9), magnetic field (0.3≤M≤0.9), and unsteady parameter (0.2≤Λ≤0.9) along with the bidirectional velocity components, and the rate of heat transmission rises with temperature ratio (1.3≤Γ≤1.7) and temperature Biot number (0.3≤BiT≤0.9) amplification. Moreso, the rate of mass transfer is enhanced with growing values of pedesis motion (0.2≤Nb≤0.6), unsteady parameter and concentration Biot number (0.3≤BiC≤0.9) with opposite effect when the Ludwig–Soret parameter (0.3≤Nt≤0.6) is boosted.
Exploitation of Energy Optimal and Near-Optimal Control for Traction Drives with AC Motors
Authors: Ftorek Branislav , Šimon Ján , Kiselev Michail , Vavrúš Vladimír , Vittek Ján
Published: December 2022

The main contribution of this paper is the verification of a new train control system applied to the drive with a.c. motors that is energy near optimal with respect to electrical and mechanical energy minimization. All simulations are related to the one traction motor yielding its best exploitation. Load torque treated as a state variable consists of constant, linear, and quadratic components as a function of rotor speed. The required performance of the energy-saving control is rendered straightforward using precomputed energy optimal state variables or a prediction of losses for a symmetrical trapezoidal speed profile as the second alternative. An energy-saving reference position generator provides the state variables, which are faithfully followed by a feedback control based on field orientation, which is completed with a matched zero dynamic lag pre-compensator yielding prescribed closed-loop dynamics. Simulation results mutually compared confirm the capability of an overall drive control system to follow generated state variables for two different service conditions and the possibility of energy savings.
Nisoldipine Inhibits Influenza A Virus Infection by Interfering with Virus Internalization Process
Authors: Huang Yingna , Li Yinyan , Chen Zhixuan , Chen Liurong , Liang Jinlong , Zhang Chunyu , Zhang Zhengyin , Yang Jie
Published: December 2022

Influenza virus infections and the continuing spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are global public health concerns. As there are limited therapeutic options available in clinical practice, the rapid development of safe, effective and globally available antiviral drugs is crucial. Drug repurposing is a therapeutic strategy used in treatments for newly emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. It has recently been shown that the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel Cav1.2 is critical for influenza A virus entry, providing a potential target for antiviral strategies. Nisoldipine, a selective Ca2+ channel inhibitor, is commonly used in the treatment of hypertension. Here, we assessed the antiviral potential of nisoldipine against the influenza A virus and explored the mechanism of action of this compound. We found that nisoldipine treatment could potently inhibit infection with multiple influenza A virus strains. Mechanistic studies further revealed that nisoldipine impaired the internalization of the influenza virus into host cells. Overall, our findings demonstrate that nisoldipine exerts antiviral effects against influenza A virus infection and could serve as a lead compound in the design and development of new antivirals.
The Prevalence of Viral Pathogens among Bats in Kazakhstan
Authors: Karagulov Adilbay I. , Argimbayeva Takhmina U. , Omarova Zamira D. , Tulendibayev Ali B. , Dushayeva Laura Zh. , Svotina Marina A. , Melisbek Aibarys M. , Aubakir Nurdos A. , Barmak Sabyrkhan M. , Sultankulova Kulyaisan T. , Alibekova Dana A. , Yermekbai Tanat T. , Nametov Askar M. , Lozovoy Dmitry A. , Abeuov Khairulla B. , Orynbayev Mukhit B.
Published: December 2022

Bats carry thousands of viruses from 28 different families. To determine the presence of various pathogens in bat populations in Kazakhstan, 1149 samples (393 oropharyngeal swabs, 349 brain samples, 407 guano) were collected. The samples were collected from four species of bats (Vespertilio murinus, Nyctalus noctula, Myotis blythii, Eptesicus serotinus) in nine regions. The Coronavirus RNA was found in 38 (4.75%) samples, and the rabies virus in 27 (7.74%) samples from bats. Coronaviruses and the rabies virus were found in bats in six out of nine studied areas. The RNAs of SARS-CoV-2, MERS, TBE, CCHF, WNF, influenza A viruses were not detected in the bat samples. The phylogeny of the RdRp gene of 12 samples made it possible to classify them as alphacoronaviruses and divide them into two groups. The main group (n = 11) was closely related to bat coronaviruses from Ghana, Zimbabwe and Kenya. The second group (n = 1) was closely related to viruses previously isolated in the south of Kazakhstan. The phylogeny of the N gene sequence from a bat from west Kazakhstan revealed its close relationship with isolates from the Cosmopolitan group of rabies viruses (Central Asia). These results highlight the need for a continuous monitoring of volatile populations to improve the surveillance and detection of infectious diseases.
Taiwan Bat Lyssavirus: In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of the Ability of Rabies Vaccine-Derived Antibodies to Neutralise a Novel Lyssavirus
Authors: Shipley Rebecca , Wright Edward , Smith Samuel P. , Selden David , Fooks Anthony R. , Banyard Ashley C.
Published: December 2022

Rabies is a neglected tropical disease. The prototype virus, the rabies virus, still causes tens of thousands of human fatalities annually. Rabies is one member of the genus Lyssavirus. The burden of other lyssaviruses is unclear. The continued emergence of novel lyssaviruses means that assessment of vaccine efficacy against these viruses is critical, as standard rabies vaccines are not efficacious against all lyssaviruses. Taiwan bat lyssavirus (TWBLV) was first reported in 2018 following isolation from Japanese house bats. Since the initial detection and genetic characterisation, no attempts have been made to antigenically define this virus. Due to the inaccessibility of the wildtype isolate, the successful generation of a live recombinant virus, cSN-TWBLV, is described, where the full-length genome clone of the RABV vaccine strain, SAD-B19, was constructed with the glycoprotein of TWBLV. In vitro and in vivo characterization of cSN-TWBLV was undertaken and demonstrated evidence for cross-neutralisation of cSN-TWBLV with phylogroup I -specific sera and rabies virus standard sera. For neutralisation equivalent to 0.5 IU/mL of WHO and World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) sera against CVS, 0.5 IU/mL of WOAH sera and 2.5 IU/mL of WHO sera were required to neutralise cSN-TWBLV. In addition, specific sera for ARAV and EBLV-1 exhibited the highest neutralising antibody titres against cSN-TWBLV, compared to other phylogroup I-specific sera.