bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Variation of Water and Sediment to Landscape Pattern in the Dapoling Watershed
Authors: Wei Chong , Zhang Zhiqiang , Wang Zhiguo , Cao Lianhai , Wei Yichang , Zhang Xiangning , Zhao Rongqin , Xiao Liangang , Wu Qing
Published: January 2022

The relationship between water-sediment processes and landscape pattern changes has currently become a research hotspot in low-carbon water and land resource optimization research. The SWAT-VRR model is a distributed hydrological model which better shows the effect of land use landscape change on hydrological processes in the watershed. In this paper, the hydrological models of the Dapoling watershed were built, the runoff and sediment yield from 2006 to 2011 were simulated, and the relationship between landscape patterns and water-sediment yield was analyzed. The results show that the SWAT-VRR model is more accurate and reasonable in describing runoff and sediment yield than the SWAT model. The sub-basins whose soil erosion is relatively light are mostly concentrated in the middle reaches with a slope mainly between 0–5°. The NP, PD, ED, SPIIT, SHEI, and SHDI of the watershed increased slightly, and the COHESION, AI, CONTAG, and LPI showed a certain decrease. The landscape pattern is further fragmented, with the degree of landscape heterogeneity increasing and the connection reducing. The runoff, sediment yield and surface runoff are all extremely significantly negatively correlated with forest, which implies that for more complicated patch shapes of forest which have longer boundaries connecting with the patches of other landscape types, the water and sediment processes are regulated more effectively. Therefore, it can be more productive to carry out research on the optimization of water and soil resources under the constraint of carbon emission based on the SWAT-VRR model.
The Impact of Serious Games in Economic and Business Education: A Case of ERP Business Simulation
Authors: Beranič Tina , Heričko Marjan
Published: January 2022

Digitalisation nowadays impacts business environments significantly. Therefore, if higher education wants to educate students properly for a successful career path, the business and economics curriculum must be enriched with innovative teaching approaches covering actual topics, such as, for example, the implementation of the ERPsim business simulation, a representative of serious games. The ERPsim business simulation is based on SAP ERP, and is aimed at teaching ERP concepts. It covers different business processes, and allows students to learn using a hands-on approach, simulating real-life scenarios. The presented research focuses on using an ERPsim business simulation as the introduction to the course. The simulation was implemented to ease the introduction of ERP and IT concepts to the business and economic oriented students. Considering the positive effects of serious games and gamification, our research was formed and focused on knowledge acquisition and future student engagement. We researched whether participation in the introductory simulation results in significant knowledge gain and impacts students’ future course engagement. The data were gathered using a self-assessment questionnaire before and after an introductory simulation. The results were highly positive, confirming many positive aspects of business simulation, among others, significant knowledge increase in the domains of business process and ERP transactions, and in the domain of technical knowledge for SAP ERP. The results confirmed that the introductory simulation is appropriate for introducing ERP concepts to newcomers, and, nevertheless, confirmed the positive impact on their intent on future course engagement.
Optimal Allocation of a Hybrid Photovoltaic Biogas Energy System Using Multi-Objective Feasibility Enhanced Particle Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Al-Masri Hussein M. K. , Al-Sharqi Abed A. , Magableh Sharaf K. , Al-Shetwi Ali Q. , Abdolrasol Maher G. M. , Ustun Taha Selim
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to investigate a hybrid photovoltaic (PV) biogas on-grid energy system in Al-Ghabawi territory, Amman, Jordan. The system is accomplished by assessing the system’s reliability and economic viability. Realistic hourly measurements of solar irradiance, ambient temperature, municipal solid waste, and load demand in 2020 were obtained from Jordanian governmental entities. This helps in investigating the proposed system on a real megawatt-scale retrofitting power system. Three case scenarios were performed: loss of power supply probability (LPSP) with total net present cost (TNPC), LPSP with an annualized cost of the system (ACS), and TNPC with the index of reliability (IR). Pareto frontiers were obtained using multi-objective feasibility enhanced particle swarm optimization (MOFEPSO) algorithm. The system’s decision variables were the number of PV panels (Npv) and the number of biogas plant working hours per day (tbiogas). Moreover, three non-dominant Pareto frontier solutions are discussed, including reliable, affordable, and best solutions obtained by fuzzy logic. Double-diode (DD) solar PV model was implemented to obtain an accurate sizing of the proposed system. For instance, the best solution of the third case is held at TNPC of 64.504 million USD/yr and IR of 96.048%. These findings were revealed at 33,459 panels and 12.498 h/day. Further, system emissions for each scenario have been tested. Finally, decision makers are invited to adopt to the findings and energy management strategy of this paper to find reliable and cost-effective best solutions.
Sustainable High-Performance Hydraulic Concrete
Authors: Wang Lei , Tang Shengwen , Chen Terasa E. , Li Wengui , Gunasekara Chamila
Published: January 2022

Concrete has always been indispensable as a material for the engineering and construction of hydraulic structures (e [...]
A Comparative Study of Unbalanced Production Lines Using Simulation Modeling: A Case Study for Solar Silicon Manufacturing
Authors: Cheng Chen-Yang , Li Shu-Fen , Lee Chia-Leng , Jientrakul Ranon , Yuangyai Chumpol
Published: January 2022

In the solar silicon manufacturing industry, the production time for crystal growth is ten times longer than at other workstations. The pre-processing time at the ingot-cutting station causes work-in-process (WIP) accumulation and an excessively long cycle time. This study aimed to find the most effective production system for reducing WIP accumulation and shortening the cycle time. The proposed approach considered pull production systems, and the response surface methodology was adopted for performance optimization. A simulation-based optimization technique was used for determining the optimal pull production system. The comparison between the results of various simulated pull production systems and those of the existing solar silicon manufacturing system showed that a hybrid production system in which a kanban station was installed before the bottleneck station with a CONWIP system incorporated for the rest of the production line could reduce the WIP volume by 26% and shorten the cycle time by 16% under the same throughput conditions.
Supercritical Fluid Application in the Oil and Gas Industry: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Pavlova Praskovya L. , Minakov Andrey V. , Platonov Dmitriy V. , Zhigarev Vladimir A. , Guzei Dmitriy V.
Published: January 2022

The unique properties of supercritical fluid technology have found wide application in various industry sectors. Supercritical fluids allow for the obtainment of new types of products with special characteristics, or development and design of technological processes that are cost-effective and friendly to the environment. One of the promising areas where supercritical fluids, especially carbon dioxide, can be used is the oil industry. In this regard, the present review article summarizes the results of theoretical and experimental studies of the use of supercritical fluids in the oil and gas industry for supercritical extraction in the course of oil refining, increasing oil recovery in the production of heavy oil, hydraulic fracturing, as well as processing and disposal of oil sludge and asphaltenes. At the end of the present review, the issue of the impact of supercritical fluid on the corrosion of oil and gas equipment is considered. It is found that supercritical fluid technologies are very promising for the oil industry, but supercritical fluids also have disadvantages, such as expansion or incompatibility with materials (for example, rubber).
Analyzing the Role of Islamic Finance in Kuwait Regarding Sustainable Economic Development in COVID-19 Era
Authors: Alhammadi Salah
Published: January 2022

The aim of the present study was first to consider the impact of COVID-19 on Kuwait’s economy. Second, it attempted to examine the role of Islamic banking and finance in achieving socioeconomic justice and attaining best practices by securing social goods. Hence, the research assessed how Islamic banking and finance can help in reconstructing the economy based on Maqasid Al-Shari’ah (higher ethical objectives) to redevelop social, economic, and environmental welfare, especially in the COVID-19 era. A theoretical approach was adopted, namely, the grounded theory method (GTM), to explore COVID-19 related solutions for achieving sustainable economic development. The findings show that Islamic banking and finance can be employed to mitigate the impact of coronavirus and can be used as an alternative financial system to support both affected people and entrepreneurs. The paper expands on previous literature discussing the role of Islamic finance in management strategies through Islamic ethical objectives, with a particular focus on Kuwait’s post-COVID-19 era. This research can help policymakers to develop mechanisms and supporting approaches for Kuwait’s economy.
Effect of Computer Assisted Audit Tools on Corporate Sustainability
Authors: Samagaio António , Diogo Tiago Andrade
Published: January 2022

The literature is fertile in studies that examine the determinants of internal and external auditors’ adoption of computer-assisted audit tools and techniques (CAATs), often ignoring their practical effects on audit quality and organizational performance. This study provides novel evidence on the type of CAATs used by internal auditors, tests the effect of their adoption on corporate sustainability, and explores the moderating effect of organizational characteristics. In this paper, we used data from Portuguese internal auditors collected through a survey, whose research hypotheses were analyzed by the partial least squares–structural equation modeling technique. We found that internal auditors use CAATs moderately in the exercise of their tasks. The results of our study show that there is a strong and positive effect of the use of CAATs by internal auditors on fraud detection in the purchase-to-pay business process, and that the intensity of this relationship is not influenced by the type and size of the entity. This study complements previous research and provides support to practitioners’ decisions that can boost the use of CAATs in internal auditing to make organizations more sustainable.
Water-Washed Fine and Coarse Recycled Aggregates for Real Scale Concretes Production in Barcelona
Authors: Etxeberria Miren , Konoiko Mikhail , Garcia Carles , Perez Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2022

The use of recycled aggregate to reduce the over-exploitation of raw aggregates is necessary. This study analysed and categorised the properties of water-washed, fine and coarse, recycled aggregates following European Normalization (EN) specification. Because of their adequate properties, zero impurities and chemical soluble salts, plain recycled concrete was produced using 100% recycled concrete aggregates. Two experimental phases were conducted. Firstly, a laboratory phase, and secondly, an on-site work consisting of a real-scale pavement-base layer. The workability of the produced concretes was validated using two types of admixtures. In addition, the compressive and flexural strength, physical properties, drying shrinkage and depth of penetration of water under pressure validated the concrete design. The authors concluded that the worksite-produced concrete properties were similar to those obtained in the laboratory. Consequently, the laboratory results could be validated for large-scale production. An extended slump value was achieved using 2.5–3% of a multifunctional admixture plus 1–1.2% of superplasticiser in concrete production. In addition, all the produced concretes obtained the required a strength of 20 MPa. Although the pavement-base was produced using 300 kg of cement, the concrete made with 270 kg of cement per m3 and water/cement ratio of 0.53 achieved the best properties with the lowest environmental impact.
Social Dimension of Shopping Centers Operation: Managerial Perspectives
Authors: Kunc Josef , Križan František , Novotná Markéta , Bilková Kristína
Published: January 2022

Shopping centers do not operate in a vacuum but in a society of diverse stakeholders who influence their profit and growth. Therefore, shopping centers management addresses the problem of incorporating social dimensions in their management. The paper aims to identify and evaluate managerial approaches and marketing strategies of shopping centers in the Czech Republic in the context of social dimensions leading to sustainable operation. The research builds methodologically on an online questionnaire survey with top management of shopping centers. It took place at the turn of the years 2019/2020. Out of 88 Czech existing shopping centers, 30 completed responses were received (response rate 34%). The managerial approaches and marketing activities of shopping centers aimed at customers, internal employees, and tenants of the shopping centers were assessed. In addition to profit, the main social aspect on which the management of shopping centers places an emphasis is also loyalty. A properly set working environment and working conditions are essential to achieve higher employee productivity and consequently higher profits. The shopping centers should increase their social roles to preserve the well-being of their employees and enhance customer satisfaction.
A Novel Numerical Approach in Solving Fractional Neutral Pantograph Equations via the ARA Integral Transform
Authors: Burqan Aliaa , Saadeh Rania , Qazza Ahmad
Published: January 2022

In this article, a new, attractive method is used to solve fractional neutral pantograph equations (FNPEs). The proposed method, the ARA-Residual Power Series Method (ARA-RPSM), is a combination of the ARA transform and the residual power series method and is implemented to construct series solutions for dispersive fractional differential equations. The convergence analysis of the new method is proven and shown theoretically. To validate the simplicity and applicability of this method, we introduce some examples. For measuring the accuracy of the method, we make a comparison with other methods, such as the Runge–Kutta, Chebyshev polynomial, and variational iterative methods. Finally, the numerical results are demonstrated graphically.
Asymptotic Approximation of the Apostol-Tangent Polynomials Using Fourier Series
Authors: Corcino Cristina B. , Damgo Baby Ann A. , Cañete Joy Ann A. , Corcino Roberto B.
Published: January 2022

Asymptotic approximations of the Apostol-tangent numbers and polynomials were established for non-zero complex values of the parameter λ. Fourier expansion of the Apostol-tangent polynomials was used to obtain the asymptotic approximations. The asymptotic formulas for the cases λ=1 and λ=−1 were explicitly considered to obtain asymptotic approximations of the corresponding tangent numbers and polynomials.
New Solution of the Sine-Gordon Equation by the Daftardar-Gejji and Jafari Method
Authors: Batiha Belal
Published: January 2022

In this article, the Daftardar-Gejji and Jafari method (DJM) is used to obtain an approximate analytical solution of the sine-Gordon equation. Some examples are solved to demonstrate the accuracy of DJM. A comparison study between DJM, the variational iteration method (VIM), and the exact solution are presented. The comparison of the present symmetrical results with the existing literature is satisfactory.
Comparing Quantum Gravity Models: String Theory, Loop Quantum Gravity, and Entanglement Gravity versus SU(∞)-QGR
Authors: Ziaeepour Houri
Published: January 2022

In a previous article we proposed a new model for quantum gravity (QGR) and cosmology, dubbed SU(∞)-QGR. One of the axioms of this model is that Hilbert spaces of the Universe and its subsystems represent the SU(∞) symmetry group. In this framework, the classical spacetime is interpreted as being the parameter space characterizing states of the SU(∞) representing Hilbert spaces. Using quantum uncertainty relations, it is shown that the parameter space—the spacetime—has a 3+1 dimensional Lorentzian geometry. Here, after a review of SU(∞)-QGR, including a demonstration that its classical limit is Einstein gravity, we compare it with several QGR proposals, including: string and M-theories, loop quantum gravity and related models, and QGR proposals inspired by the holographic principle and quantum entanglement. The purpose is to find their common and analogous features, even if they apparently seem to have different roles and interpretations. The hope is that this exercise provides a better understanding of gravity as a universal quantum force and clarifies the physical nature of the spacetime. We identify several common features among the studied models: the importance of 2D structures; the algebraic decomposition to tensor products; the special role of the SU(2) group in their formulation; the necessity of a quantum time as a relational observable. We discuss how these features can be considered as analogous in different models. We also show that they arise in SU(∞)-QGR without fine-tuning, additional assumptions, or restrictions.
Pedal Curves of Non-Lightlike Curves in Minkowski 3-Space
Authors: Li Meixuan , Yao Kaixin , Li Pengcheng , Pei Donghe
Published: January 2022

We study the notions of pedal curves, contrapedal curves and B-Gauss maps of non-lightlike regular curves in Minkowski 3-space. Then we establish the relationships among the evolutes, the pedal and contrapedal curves. Moreover, we also investigate the singularities of these objects. Finally, we show some examples to comprehend the characteristics of the pedal and contrapedal curves in Minkowski 3-space.
Lack of Plasma-like Screening Mechanism in Sedimentation of a Non-Brownian Suspension
Authors: Sznajder Paweł , Cichocki Bogdan , Ekiel-Jeżewska Maria
Published: January 2022

We investigate qualitatively a uniform non-Brownian sedimenting suspension in a stationary state. As a base of our analysis we take the BBGKY hierarchy derived from the Liouville equation. We then show that assumption of the plasma-like screening relations can cancel some long-range terms in the hierarchy but it does not provide integrable solutions for correlation functions. This suggests breaking the translational symmetry of the system. Therefore a non-uniform structure can develop to suppress velocity fluctuations and make the range of correlations finite.
Electromagnetic Form Factors of Σ Hyperons
Authors: Irshad Muzaffar , Liu Dong , Zhou Xiaorong , Huang Guangshun
Published: January 2022

Electromagnetic form factors (EMFFs) are fundamental observable of baryons that intimately related to their internal structure and dynamics, where the EMFFs of hyperons provide valuable insight into the behavior of the strangeness. The EMFFs of hyperons can also help to understand those of nucleons as they are connected with the flavor SU(3) symmetry. The EMFFs of nucleons can be measured in both spacelike and timelike regions. However, it is difficult to probe the EMFFs of hyperons in spacelike region due to the unstable nature of hyperons. By means of electron-positron annihilation, the EMFFs of hyperons in timelike region is accessible via the production of hyperon-antihyperon pair. The timelike EMFFs of the isospin triplet Σ hyperons measured at Babar, CLEO-c and BESIII experiments are reviewed in this paper. Besides, the relevant theoretical discussion based on the experimental results are also presented.
Symmetries and Covariant Poisson Brackets on Presymplectic Manifolds
Authors: Ciaglia Florio M. , Di Cosmo Fabio , Ibort Alberto , Marmo Giuseppe , Schiavone Luca , Zampini Alessandro
Published: January 2022

As the space of solutions of the first-order Hamiltonian field theory has a presymplectic structure, we describe a class of conserved charges associated with the momentum map, determined by a symmetry group of transformations. A gauge theory is dealt with by using a symplectic regularization based on an application of Gotay’s coisotropic embedding theorem. An analysis of electrodynamics and of the Klein–Gordon theory illustrate the main results of the theory as well as the emergence of the energy–momentum tensor algebra of conserved currents.
Inscribed Triangles in the Unit Sphere and a New Class of Geometric Constants
Authors: Chen Bingren , Liu Qi , Li Yongjin
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we firstly investigate the constant H(X) proposed by Gao further by discussing several properties of it that have not yet been discovered. Secondly, we focus on a new constant GL(X) closely related to H(X), along with a variety of geometric properties. In addition, we show several relations among it and the several basic geometric constants via a few inequalities. Finally, we manage to characterize the geometric properties of its generalized forms GL(X,p) and CL(X) explicitly.
New Elements of Analysis of a Degenerate Chenciner Bifurcation
Authors: Lugojan Sorin , Ciurdariu Loredana , Grecu Eugenia
Published: January 2022

A new transformation of parameters for generic discrete-time dynamical systems with two independent parameters is defined, for when the degeneracy occurs. Here the classical transformation of parameters (α1,α2)→(β1,β2) is not longer regular at (0,0); therefore, implicit function theorem (IFT) cannot be applied around the origin, and a new transformation is necessary. The approach in this article to a case of Chenciner bifurcation is theoretical, but it can provide an answer for a number of applications of dynamical systems. We studied the bifurcation scenario and found out that, by this transformation, four different bifurcation diagrams are obtained, and the non-degenerate Chenciner bifurcation can be described by two bifurcation diagrams.
CardioVR-ReTone—Robotic Exoskeleton for Upper Limb Rehabilitation following Open Heart Surgery: Design, Modelling, and Control
Authors: Mocan Bogdan , Schonstein Claudiu , Neamtu Calin , Murar Mircea , Fulea Mircea , Comes Radu , Mocan Mihaela
Published: January 2022

Following cardiac surgery, patients experience difficulties with the rehabilitation process, often finding it difficult, and therefore lack the motivation for rehabilitation activities. As the number of people aged 65 and over will rise by 207 percent globally by 2050, the need for cardiac rehabilitation will significantly increase, as this is the main population to experience heart problems. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a new robotic exoskeleton concept with 12 DoFs (6 DoFs on each arm), with a symmetrical structure for the upper limbs, to be used in the early rehabilitation of cardiac patients after open-heart surgery. The electromechanical design (geometric, kinematic, and dynamic model), the control architecture, and the VR-based operating module of the robotic exoskeleton are presented. To solve the problem of the high degree of complexity regarding the CardioVR-ReTone kinematic and dynamic model, the iterative algorithm, kinetic energy, and generalized forces were used. The results serve as a complete model of the exoskeleton, from a kinematic and dynamic point of view as well as to the selection of the electric motors, control system, and VR motivation model. The validation of the concept was achieved by evaluating the exoskeleton structure from an ergonomic point of view, emphasizing the movements that will be part of the cardiac rehabilitation.
An Intelligent Cloud Service Composition Optimization Using Spider Monkey and Multistage Forward Search Algorithms
Authors: Tarawneh Hassan , Alhadid Issam , Khwaldeh Sufian , Afaneh Suha
Published: January 2022

Web service composition allows developers to create and deploy applications that take advantage of the capabilities of service-oriented computing. Such applications provide the developers with reusability opportunities as well as seamless access to a wide range of services that provide simple and complex tasks to meet the clients’ requests in accordance with the service-level agreement (SLA) requirements. Web service composition issues have been addressed as a significant area of research to select the right web services that provide the expected quality of service (QoS) and attain the clients’ SLA. The proposed model enhances the processes of web service selection and composition by minimizing the number of integrated Web Services, using the Multistage Forward Search (MSF). In addition, the proposed model uses the Spider Monkey Optimization (SMO) algorithm, which improves the services provided with regards to fundamentals of service composition methods symmetry and variations. It achieves that by minimizing the response time of the service compositions by employing the Load Balancer to distribute the workload. It finds the right balance between the Virtual Machines (VM) resources, processing capacity, and the services composition capabilities. Furthermore, it enhances the resource utilization of Web Services and optimizes the resources’ reusability effectively and efficiently. The experimental results will be compared with the composition results of the Smart Multistage Forward Search (SMFS) technique to prove the superiority, robustness, and effectiveness of the proposed model. The experimental results show that the proposed SMO model decreases the service composition construction time by 40.4%, compared to the composition time required by the SMFS technique. The experimental results also show that SMO increases the number of integrated ted web services in the service composition by 11.7%, in comparison with the results of the SMFS technique. In addition, the dynamic behavior of the SMO improves the proposed model’s throughput where the average number of the requests that the service compositions processed successfully increased by 1.25% compared to the throughput of the SMFS technique. Furthermore, the proposed model decreases the service compositions’ response time by 0.25 s, 0.69 s, and 5.35 s for the Excellent, Good, and Poor classes respectively compared to the results of the SMFS Service composition response times related to the same classes.
Analysis of Electro-Optical Behavior in Liquid Crystal Cells with Asymmetric Anchoring Strength
Authors: Yamaguchi Rumiko
Published: January 2022

Liquid crystal director distributions have been numerically analyzed between asymmetric anchoring surfaces, that is, infinitely strong and very weak anchoring strength interfaces. In a hybrid aligned nematic (HAN) cell and a twisted nematic (TN) cell, HAN and TN orientations turn to a homogeneous orientation when the weak anchoring strength is lower than a critical one. Relationships between the anchoring strength and elastic constants of the liquid crystal were analyzed to be of a quasi-homogeneous orientation. The quasi-homogeneous orientation returned to the original HAN and TN orientations under voltage application. Low-driving electro-optical properties with no threshold voltage can be obtained in a quasi-homogeneous HAN cell. A unique voltage–transmission curve of 0–100–0% appeared in a quasi-homogeneous TN cell between the crossed polarizers.
Nonconservative Unimodular Gravity: Gravitational Waves
Authors: Fabris Júlio C. , Alvarenga Marcelo H. , Daouda Mahamadou Hamani , Velten Hermano
Published: January 2022

Unimodular gravity is characterized by an extra condition with respect to general relativity, i.e., the determinant of the metric is constant. This extra condition leads to a more restricted class of invariance by coordinate transformation: The symmetry properties of unimodular gravity are governed by the transverse diffeomorphisms. Nevertheless, if the conservation of the energy–momentum tensor is imposed in unimodular gravity, the general relativity theory is recovered with an additional integration constant which is associated to the cosmological term Λ. However, if the energy–momentum tensor is not conserved separately, a new geometric structure appears with potentially observational signatures. In this text, we consider the evolution of gravitational waves in a nonconservative unimodular gravity, showing how it differs from the usual signatures in the standard model. As our main result, we verify that gravitational waves in the nonconservative version of unimodular gravity are strongly amplified during the evolution of the universe.
Time-like Proton Form Factors with Initial State Radiation Technique
Authors: Lin Dexu , Dbeyssi Alaa , Maas Frank
Published: January 2022

Electromagnetic form factors are fundamental quantities describing the internal structure of hadrons. They can be measured with scattering processes in the space-like region and annihilation processes in the time-like region. The two regions are connected by crossing symmetry. The measurements of the proton electromagnetic form factors in the time-like region using the initial state radiation technique are reviewed. Recent experimental studies have shown that initial state radiation processes at high luminosity electron-positron colliders can be effectively used to probe the electromagnetic structure of hadrons. The BABAR experiment at the B-factory PEP-II in Stanford and the BESIII experiment at BEPCII (an electron positron collider in the τ-charm mass region) in Beijing have measured the time-like form factors of the proton using the initial state radiation process e+e−→pp¯γ. The two kinematical regions where the photon is emitted from the initial state at small and large polar angles have been investigated. In the first case, the photon is in the region not covered by the detector acceptance and is not detected. The Born cross section and the proton effective form factor have been measured over a wide and continuous range of the the momentum transfer squared q2 from the threshold up to 42 (GeV/c)2. The ratio of electric and magnetic form factors of the proton has been also determined. In this report, the theoretical aspect and the experimental studies of the initial state radiation process e+e−→pp¯γ are described. The measurements of the Born cross section and the proton form factors obtained in these analyses near the threshold region and in the relatively large q2 region are examined. The experimental results are compared to the predictions from theory and models. Their impact on our understanding of the nucleon structure is discussed.
A New Study on the Fixed Point Sets of Proinov-Type Contractions via Rational Forms
Authors: Zhou Mi , Liu Xiaolan , Saleem Naeem , Fulga Andreea , Özgür Nihal
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we presented some new weaker conditions on the Proinov-type contractions which guarantees that a self-mapping T has a unique fixed point in terms of rational forms. Our main results improved the conclusions provided by Andreea Fulga (On (ψ,φ)−Rational Contractions) in which the continuity assumption can either be reduced to orbital continuity, k−continuity, continuity of Tk, T-orbital lower semi-continuity or even it can be removed. Meanwhile, the assumption of monotonicity on auxiliary functions is also removed from our main results. Moreover, based on the obtained fixed point results and the property of symmetry, we propose several Proinov-type contractions for a pair of self-mappings (P,Q) which will ensure the existence of the unique common fixed point of a pair of self-mappings (P,Q). Finally, we obtained some results related to fixed figures such as fixed circles or fixed discs which are symmetrical under the effect of self mappings on metric spaces, we proposed some new types of (ψ,φ)c−rational contractions and obtained the corresponding fixed figure theorems on metric spaces. Several examples are provided to indicate the validity of the results presented.
An Angle-Compensating, Complex-Coefficient PI Controller Used for Decoupling Control of a Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Guo Jing , Fan Tao , Li Qi , Wen Xuhui
Published: January 2022

An asymmetric, cross-coupling effect, as well as digital control delays, in a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) will deteriorate its current-control performance in the high-speed range, especially for electric motors used in electric vehicles (EVs) with features such as high-power density and a low carrier/modulation frequency ratio. In this paper, an angle-compensating, complex-coefficient, proportional-integrator (ACCC-PI) controller is proposed, which aims to provide an excellent decoupling performance even with considerable digital control delay. Firstly, the current open and closed loop complex-coefficient transfer functions were established in the synchronous rotation coordinate system. The proposed method, along with existing ones, were then evaluated and theoretically compared. On this basis, the parameter-tuning method of the ACCC-PI controller was presented. Finally, simulation and experimental results proved the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the proposed method.
An Approach to Risk Assessment and Threat Prediction for Complex Object Security Based on a Predicative Self-Configuring Neural System
Authors: Korneev Nikolai Vladimirovich , Korneeva Julia Vasilievna , Yurkevichyus Stasis Petrasovich , Bakhturin Gennady Ivanovich
Published: January 2022

We identified a set of methods for solving risk assessment problems by forecasting an incident of complex object security based on incident monitoring. The solving problem approach includes the following steps: building and training a classification model using the C4.5 algorithm, a decision tree creation, risk assessment system development, and incident prediction. The last system is a predicative self-configuring neural system that includes a SCNN (self-configuring neural network), an RNN (recurrent neural network), and a predicative model that allows for determining the risk and forecasting the probability of an incident for an object. We proposed and developed: a mathematical model of a neural system; a SCNN architecture, where, for the first time, the fundamental problem of teaching a perceptron SCNN was solved without a teacher by adapting thresholds of activation functions of RNN neurons and a special learning algorithm; and a predicative model that includes a fuzzy output system with a membership function of current incidents of the considered object, which belongs to three fuzzy sets, namely “low risk”, “medium risk”, and “high risk”. For the first time, we gave the definition of the base class of an object’s prediction and SCNN, and the fundamental problem of teaching a perceptron SCNN was solved without a teacher. We propose an approach to neural system implementation for multiple incidents of complex object security. The results of experimental studies of the forecasting error at the level of 2.41% were obtained.
Dynamic Response and Failure Process of a Counter-Bedding Rock Slope under Strong Earthquake Conditions
Authors: Guo Ming-Zhu , Gu Kun-Sheng , Wang Chen
Published: January 2022

There are massive landslides and potential landslides along the Three Rivers Basin in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, which pose a serious threat to the Sichuan–Tibet Railway. A normal shaking table model test was conducted to study the dynamic characteristics and dynamic response of a symmetrical counter-bedding rock slope based on the Zongrong Village landslide. The influences of the dynamic parameters, seismic wave type, and a weak intercalated layer on the slope’s dynamic response were considered. The results showed symmetry between the growth trend of the acceleration amplification factor and other research results. When the input wave amplitude was constant, the acceleration amplification factor increased at first and then decreased as the frequency increased. When the input frequency was near the slope’s natural frequency, the acceleration amplification factor increased at first and then decreased with an increase in the input amplitude and reached the maximum value at 0.3 g. The acceleration amplification factor increased linearly with height in the vertical direction inside the slope but increased slowly at first and then sharply along the slope surface, reaching the maximum value at the slope’s top and exhibiting an obvious “elevation effect”. When sinusoidal waves, Wolong waves, and Maoxian waves with the same amplitude were input, the slope’s amplification effect on the bedrock wave was more obvious. The weak intercalated layer showed the phenomenon of “thin layer amplification” and “thick layer attenuation” in response to the input seismic wave. The slope’s failure process can be roughly divided into three stages: (1) the formation of tensile cracks at the top and shear cracks at the toe; (2) the extension of cracks and the sliding of the slope-surface block; (3) the formation of the main sliding surface.
Direct Determination of Reduced Models of a Class of Singularly Perturbed Nonlinear Systems on Three Time Scales in a Bond Graph Approach
Authors: Ayala-Jaimes Gerardo , Gonzalez-Avalos Gilberto , Barrera Gallegos Noe , Padilla Garcia Aaron , Méndez-Barriga Juancarlos
Published: January 2022

One of the most important features in the analysis of the singular perturbation methods is the reduction of models. Likewise, the bond graph methodology in dynamic system modeling has been widely used. In this paper, the bond graph modeling of nonlinear systems with singular perturbations is presented. The class of nonlinear systems is the product of state variables on three time scales (fast, medium, and slow). Through this paper, the symmetry of mathematical modeling and graphical modeling can be established. A main characteristic of the bond graph is the application of causality to its elements. When an integral causality is assigned to the storage elements that determine the state variables, the dynamic model is obtained. If the storage elements of the fast dynamics have a derivative causality and the storage elements of the medium and slow dynamics an integral causality is assigned, a reduced model is obtained, which consists of a dynamic model for the medium and slow time scales and a stationary model of the fast time scale. By applying derivative causality to the storage elements of the fast and medium dynamics and an integral causality to the storage elements of the slow dynamics, the quasi-steady-state model for the slow dynamics is obtained and stationary models for the fast and medium dynamics are defined. The exact and reduced models of singularly perturbed systems can be interpreted as another symmetry in the development of this paper. Finally, the proposed methodology was applied to a system with three time scales in a bond graph approach, and simulation results are shown in order to indicate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Anticipated Generalized Backward Doubly Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Wang Tie , Yu Jiaxin
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we explore a new class of stochastic differential equations called anticipated generalized backward doubly stochastic differential equations (AGBDSDEs), which not only involve two symmetric integrals related to two independent Brownian motions and an integral driven by a continuous increasing process but also include generators depending on the anticipated terms of the solution (Y, Z). Firstly, we prove the existence and uniqueness theorem for AGBDSDEs. Further, two comparison theorems are obtained after finding a new comparison theorem for GBDSDEs.
Charging Station Planning for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Kalakanti Arun Kumar , Rao Shrisha
Published: January 2022

Charging station (CS) planning for electric vehicles (EVs) for a region has become an important concern for urban planners and the public alike to improve the adoption of EVs. Two major problems comprising this research area are: (i) the EV charging station placement (EVCSP) problem, and (ii) the CS need estimation problem for a region. In this work, different explainable solutions based on machine learning (ML) and simulation were investigated by incorporating quantitative and qualitative metrics. The solutions were compared with traditional approaches using a real CS area of Austin and a greenfield area of Bengaluru. For EVCSP, a different class of clustering solutions, i.e., mean-based, density-based, spectrum- or eigenvalues-based, and Gaussian distribution were evaluated. Different perspectives, such as the urban planner perspective, i.e., the clustering efficiency, and the EV owner perspective, i.e., an acceptable distance to the nearest CS, were considered. For the CS need estimation, ML solutions based on quadratic regression and simulations were evaluated. Using our CS planning methods urban planners can make better CS placement decisions and can estimate CS needs for the present and the future.
Verte-Box: A Novel Convolutional Neural Network for Fully Automatic Segmentation of Vertebrae in CT Image
Authors: Li Bing , Liu Chuang , Wu Shaoyong , Li Guangqing
Published: January 2022

Due to the complex shape of the vertebrae and the background containing a lot of interference information, it is difficult to accurately segment the vertebrae from the computed tomography (CT) volume by manual segmentation. This paper proposes a convolutional neural network for vertebrae segmentation, named Verte-Box. Firstly, in order to enhance feature representation and suppress interference information, this paper places a robust attention mechanism on the central processing unit, including a channel attention module and a dual attention module. The channel attention module is used to explore and emphasize the interdependence between channel graphs of low-level features. The dual attention module is used to enhance features along the location and channel dimensions. Secondly, we design a multi-scale convolution block to the network, which can make full use of different combinations of receptive field sizes and significantly improve the network’s perception of the shape and size of the vertebrae. In addition, we connect the rough segmentation prediction maps generated by each feature in the feature box to generate the final fine prediction result. Therefore, the deep supervision network can effectively capture vertebrae information. We evaluated our method on the publicly available dataset of the CSI 2014 Vertebral Segmentation Challenge and achieved a mean Dice similarity coefficient of 92.18 ± 0.45%, an intersection over union of 87.29 ± 0.58%, and a 95% Hausdorff distance of 7.7107 ± 0.5958, outperforming other algorithms.
Penalized-Likelihood PET Image Reconstruction Using Similarity-Driven Median Regularization
Authors: Ren Xue , Jung Ji Eun , Zhu Wen , Lee Soo-Jin
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present a new regularized image reconstruction method for positron emission tomography (PET), where an adaptive weighted median regularizer is used in the context of a penalized-likelihood framework. The motivation of our work is to overcome the limitation of the conventional median regularizer, which has proven useful for tomographic reconstruction but suffers from the negative effect of removing fine details in the underlying image when the edges occupy less than half of the window elements. The crux of our method is inspired by the well-known non-local means denoising approach, which exploits the measure of similarity between the image patches for weighted smoothing. However, our method is different from the non-local means denoising approach in that the similarity measure between the patches is used for the median weights rather than for the smoothing weights. As the median weights, in this case, are spatially variant, they provide adaptive median regularization achieving high-quality reconstructions. The experimental results indicate that our similarity-driven median regularization method not only improves the reconstruction accuracy, but also has great potential for super-resolution reconstruction for PET.
Systemic Artery to Pulmonary Artery Shunt Mimicking Acute Pulmonary Embolism, Unmasked by a Multimodality Imaging Approach
Authors: Dissaux Brieg , Le Floch Pierre-Yves , Le Pennec Romain , Tromeur Cécile , Le Roux Pierre-Yves
Published: January 2022

In this report, we describe the functional imaging findings of systemic artery to pulmonary artery shunt in V/Q SPECT CT imaging. A 63-year-old man with small-cell lung cancer underwent CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The CTPA showed an isolated segmental filling defect in the right lower lobe, which was initially interpreted as positive for PE but was actually the consequence of a systemic artery to pulmonary artery shunt due to the recruitment of the bronchial arterial network by the adjacent tumor. A V/Q SPECT/CT scan was also performed, demonstrating a matched perfusion/ventilation defect in the right lower lobe.
Leaching and Geochemical Modelling of an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) and Ladle Slag Heap
Authors: Loncnar Mojca , Mladenovič Ana , Zalar Serjun Vesna , Zupančič Marija , van der Sloot Hans A.
Published: January 2022

Old metallurgical dumps across Europe represent a loss of valuable land and a potential threat to the environment, especially to groundwater (GW). The Javornik electric arc furnace (EAF) and ladle slag heap, situated in Slovenia, was investigated in this study. The environmental impact of the slag heap was evaluated by combining leaching characterization tests of landfill samples and geochemical modelling. It was shown that throughout the landfill the same minerals and sorptive phases control the leaching of elements of potential concern, despite variations in chemical composition. Although carbonation of the disposed steel slags occurred (molar ratio CO3/(Ca+Mg) = 0.53) relative to fresh slag, it had a limited effect on the leaching behaviour of elements of potential concern. The leaching from the slag heaps had also a limited effect on the quality of the GW. A site-specific case, however, was that leachates from the slag heap were strongly diluted, since a rapid flow of GW fed from the nearby Sava River was observed in the landfill area. The sampling and testing approach applied provides a basis for assessing the long-term impact of release and is a good starting point for evaluating future management options, including beneficial uses for this type of slag.
Lowering the Toxicity of Cd to Theobroma cacao Using Soil Amendments Based on Commercial Charcoal and Lime
Authors: Calva Jiménez Carla Calixta , Pinedo Fernández Liliana Valentina , Rodrigues Reis Cristiano E.
Published: January 2022

Carbonaceous and calcareous materials are commonly used as amendments to decrease the Cd mobility in contaminated soils. This study evaluated the effect of amendments applied to cocoa seedlings in the greenhouse, considering the mobilization of soil cadmium toward the seedlings as the main response. The experimental conditions considered soil artificially contaminated with Cd at a concentration of 50 mg Cd kg−1 and applications of amendments in different treatments with the presence of charcoal dust and calcium carbonate. The charcoal was characterized by microscopy and by adsorption tests, and it proved to be a material with macropores, with a maximum capacity of 8.06 mg Cd g−1 and favorable kinetic behavior according to the adjustment of the data obtained to the pseudo-second-order model. The results also showed that the application of liming decreased the mobility of Cd toward the seedlings, with the liming combined with charcoal leading to the absence of Cd in the cocoa seedlings, considering a residual concentration of Cd in the soil of 35 mg Cd kg−1. The results, although limited to a small scale, demonstrated the possibility of applying low-cost and easy-to-handle amendments for the control of Cd in cocoa plantations.