bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Generative Adversarial Network-Based Image Denoiser Controlling Heterogeneous Losses
Authors: Cho Sung In , Park Jae Hyeon , Kang Suk-Ju
Published: February 2021

We propose a novel generative adversarial network (GAN)-based image denoising method that utilizes heterogeneous losses. In order to improve the restoration quality of the structural information of the generator, the heterogeneous losses, including the structural loss in addition to the conventional mean squared error (MSE)-based loss, are used to train the generator. To maximize the improvements brought on by the heterogeneous losses, the strength of the structural loss is adaptively adjusted by the discriminator for each input patch. In addition, a depth wise separable convolution-based module that utilizes the dilated convolution and symmetric skip connection is used for the proposed GAN so as to reduce the computational complexity while providing improved denoising quality compared to the convolutional neural network (CNN) denoiser. The experiments showed that the proposed method improved visual information fidelity and feature similarity index values by up to 0.027 and 0.008, respectively, compared to the existing CNN denoiser.
A Multi-Feature Fusion Slam System Attaching Semantic Invariant to Points and Lines
Authors: Li Gang , Zeng Yawen , Huang Huilan , Song Shaojian , Liu Bin , Liao Xiang
Published: February 2021

The traditional simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) system uses static points of the environment as features for real-time localization and mapping. When there are few available point features, the system is difficult to implement. A feasible solution is to introduce line features. In complex scenarios containing rich line segments, the description of line segments is not strongly differentiated, which can lead to incorrect association of line segment data, thus introducing errors into the system and aggravating the cumulative error of the system. To address this problem, a point-line stereo visual SLAM system incorporating semantic invariants is proposed in this paper. This system improves the accuracy of line feature matching by fusing line features with image semantic invariant information. When defining the error function, the semantic invariant is fused with the reprojection error function, and the semantic constraint is applied to reduce the cumulative error of the poses in the long-term tracking process. Experiments on the Office sequence of the TartanAir dataset and the KITTI dataset show that this system improves the matching accuracy of line features and suppresses the cumulative error of the SLAM system to some extent, and the mean relative pose error (RPE) is 1.38 and 0.0593 m, respectively.
Hand Motion Capture from a 3D Leap Motion Controller for a Musculoskeletal Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Fonk Robin , Schneeweiss Sean , Simon Ulrich , Engelhardt Lucas
Published: February 2021

The AnyBody Modeling System™ (AMS) is a musculoskeletal software simulation solution using inverse dynamics analysis. It enables the determination of muscle and joint forces for a given bodily motion. The recording of the individual movement and the transfer into the AMS is a complex and protracted process. Researches indicated that the contactless, visual Leap Motion Controller (LMC) provides clinically meaningful motion data for hand tracking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to integrate the LMC hand motion data into the AMS in order to improve the process of recording a hand movement. A Python-based interface between the LMC and the AMS, termed ROSE Motion, was developed. This solution records and saves the data of the movement as Biovision Hierarchy (BVH) data and AnyScript vector files that are imported into the AMS simulation. Setting simulation parameters, initiating the calculation automatically, and fetching results is implemented by using the AnyPyTools library from AnyBody. The proposed tool offers a rapid and easy-to-use recording solution for elbow, hand, and finger movements. Features include animation, cutting/editing, exporting the motion, and remote controlling the AMS for the analysis and presentation of musculoskeletal simulation results. Comparing the motion tracking results with previous studies, covering problems when using the LMC limit the correctness of the motion data. However, fast experimental setup and intuitive and rapid motion data editing strengthen the use of marker less systems as the herein presented compared to marker based motion capturing.
Intent Detection and Slot Filling with Capsule Net Architectures for a Romanian Home Assistant
Authors: Stoica Anda , Kadar Tibor , Lemnaru Camelia , Potolea Rodica , Dînşoreanu Mihaela
Published: February 2021

As virtual home assistants are becoming more popular, there is an emerging need for supporting languages other than English. While more wide-spread or popular languages such as Spanish, French or Hindi are already integrated into existing home assistants like Google Home or Alexa, integration of other less-known languages such as Romanian is still missing. This paper explores the problem of Natural Language Understanding (NLU) applied to a Romanian home assistant. We propose a customized capsule neural network architecture that performs intent detection and slot filling in a joint manner and we evaluate how well it handles utterances containing various levels of complexity. The capsule network model shows a significant improvement in intent detection when compared to models built using the well-known Rasa NLU tool. Through error analysis, we observe clear error patterns that occur systematically. Variability in language when expressing one intent proves to be the biggest challenge encountered by the model.
An Exploration of Ethical Decision Making with Intelligence Augmentation
Authors: Ogunbiyi Niyi , Basukoski Artie , Chaussalet Thierry
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the use of Artificial Intelligence agents to augment and enhance the operational decision making of human agents has increased. This has delivered real benefits in terms of improved service quality, delivery of more personalised services, reduction in processing time, and more efficient allocation of resources, amongst others. However, it has also raised issues which have real-world ethical implications such as recommending different credit outcomes for individuals who have an identical financial profile but different characteristics (e.g., gender, race). The popular press has highlighted several high-profile cases of algorithmic discrimination and the issue has gained traction. While both the fields of ethical decision making and Explainable AI (XAI) have been extensively researched, as yet we are not aware of any studies which have examined the process of ethical decision making with Intelligence augmentation (IA). We aim to address that gap with this study. We amalgamate the literature in both fields of research and propose, but not attempt to validate empirically, propositions and belief statements based on the synthesis of the existing literature, observation, logic, and empirical analogy. We aim to test these propositions in future studies.
Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Graphene Nanoplatelets-Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites: Comparison of Different Dispersal Mechanisms
Authors: Shen Ming-Yuan , Liao Wen-Yuan , Wang Tan-Qi , Lai Wei-Min
Published: February 2021

The preparation of polymer-based nanocomposites requires considerable time (i.e., the dispersal of nanomaterials into a polymer matrix), resulting in difficulties associated with their commercial use. In this study, two simple and efficient dispersion methods, namely planetary centrifugal mixing and three-roll milling, were used to enable the graphene nanoplatelets to disperse uniformly throughout an epoxy solution (i.e., 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 wt.%) and allow the subsequent preparation of graphene nanoplatelets/epoxy nanocomposites. Measurements of mechanical properties of these nanocomposites, including ultimate tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus, were used to evaluate these dispersal methods. Dispersing graphene nanoplatelets into the epoxy resin by planetary centrifugal mixing not only required a shorter process time but also resulted in a more uniform dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets than that by three-roll milling. In addition, compared with traditional dispersal methods, planetary centrifugal mixing was a more efficient dispersal method for the preparation of epoxy-based nanocomposites.
Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Characteristics and Spatial Flow Process of Soil Conservation Service in Jinghe Basin of China
Authors: Zheng Ting , Zhou Zixiang , Zou Yufeng , Pulatov Bakhtiyor , Biswas Asim
Published: February 2021

The supply and demand of ecosystem services and their mutual feedback are important for the formulation of basin ecological environmental policies. Simulation of the spatial flow of ecosystem services can clarify the division of areas and can support policy development. This paper takes the Jinghe Basin in the Loess Plateau of China as the case-study area to simulate the spatial flow of soil conservation service on different scales. The results showed that (1) soil erosion situations in Jinghe Basin improved overall, with a trend of first aggravating and then recovering between 2005 and 2015; (2) the amount of annual soil conservation in the basin accounted for more than 75% of the potential soil erosion and showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing; and (3) using digital elevation model (DEM) data and ArcGIS software, the experiment divided the basin into sub-basins (58 in total) and hydrological response units (HRUs) (e.g., 2181 HRUs in sub-basin #1), which were used to quantify the spatial flow direction and the corresponding amount of soil conservation service on the “HRU—river-sub-basin” scale. The divided supply and demand helped quantify the spatial flow pattern of soil conservation services from HRU to the sub-basin.
Development of the RACI Model for Processes of the Closure Phase in Construction Programs
Authors: Lee Woo-yeon , Lee Seung-hoon , Jin Chengquan , Hyun Chang-taek
Published: February 2021

Recently, the construction industry has seen an increase in construction program level projects in which a number of projects are carried out simultaneously. These projects thus require more systematic management than traditional management methods due to both their complexity and the diverse stakeholders involved. When multiple projects overlap at the same time, it can create a gap between the contractor’s results and the user’s expectations at the closure phase of the construction program. These can include situations such as when handover is delayed, conflicts and frictions occur, and complaints from users mount. Therefore, an approach is needed to increase user satisfaction at the program level. This study presents a systematic closing management plan to increase user satisfaction for a smoother handover at the closure phase. The closure process was identified through case studies of activities in the closure phase. In addition, after identifying the stakeholder groups participating in the closure phase, responsibilities and roles were proposed as RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed) models by mapping the closure phase of processes and stakeholders. This model shows who is responsible and accountable for, consulted on, and informed about work processes in the closure phase of the program. From a user’s point of view, program closure signifies the beginning of operation and maintenance. We intend to contribute to the increase of user satisfaction by suggesting when and in what work activities the user will be involved in construction products from the user’s perspective.
Application of a Comprehensive Methodology for the Evaluation of Social Innovations in Rural Communities
Authors: Baselice Antonio , Prosperi Maurizio , Marini Govigli Valentino , Lopolito Antonio
Published: February 2021

Despite the growing interest in social innovation (SI) in agriculture, the literature lacks validated tools for evaluating such initiatives. This paper provides an empirical application of the evaluation approach developed within the H2020 SIMRA project to a pilot experience conducted in a rural area of Southern Italy. The value added by this case study is the application of the five types of criteria used by the OECD for the evaluation of development programs, which are commonly referred to as REEIS: relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. This experiment demonstrates the adequacy of the evaluation framework in identifying strengths and weaknesses of the initiative, according to a multifaceted perspective. The overall evaluation proves that most indicators fall under the high (48%) and medium categories (36%), and only few indicators are low (16%). The usefulness of the evaluation results is manifold. First, this evaluation highlights relevant arguments to support the communication strategy addressed at civil society, therefore reinforcing the civic engagement of the initiative, which is the distinctive feature of SI. Second, it supports project managers in addressing interventions to face emerging weaknesses. Finally, the evaluation provides factual evidence to policy makers to perform cost-effective analysis of rural development policies.
Estimating the Economic Value of Soundscapes in Nature-Based Tourism Destinations: A Separation Attempt of a Pairwise Comparison Method
Authors: Wu Ke , Liu Peixue , Nie Zhenghu
Published: February 2021

Recent soundscape research is notable owing to the increasing demand for “multisensory” tourism experiences. However, the traditional economic value assessment of tourism destinations mostly takes each type of landscape as a whole for measurement, and it has been challenging to separate the soundscape from the whole landscape. Therefore, research on the economic value of soundscapes is still lacking. This study chose the characteristic soundscape of the Qiantang River tide as the research object, and tried to apply the pairwise comparison method to calculate the separation coefficient of the soundscape from the overall landscape. The results showed that the separation coefficient of the soundscape was 0.138 and the economic value of the Qiantang River tide soundscape was between CNY 315.145 million (USD 48.7 million) and CNY 333.841 million CNY (USD 51.6 million). Finally, we discuss the effectiveness of the separation methods, the differences in willingness to pay between the interviewees, and the sustainable use of the natural soundscape resources in tourism destinations.
Business Friendliness: A Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Li Mengyin , Phan Phillip H. , Sun Xian
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we test the hypothesis that business-friendly local-government policies combined with weak legal institutions lead to lower economic welfare in the form of greater fraud activity. Using data of almost 3000 failed peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms in China, labeled as “runaways”, we find that they are more prevalent in provinces with business-friendly policies with weak law-enforcement regimes.
Higher Education and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)—Potential Contribution of the Undergraduate Courses of the School of Social Sciences of the University of Évora
Authors: Chaleta Elisa , Saraiva Margarida , Leal Fátima , Fialho Isabel , Borralho António
Published: February 2021

In this work we analyzed the mapping of Sustainable Development Goals in the curricular units of the undergraduate courses of the School of Social Sciences at the University of Évora. Of a total of 449 curricular units, only 374 had students enrolled in 2020/2021. The data presented refer to the 187 course units that had Sustainable Development Goals in addition to SDG4 (Quality Education) assigned to all the course units. Considering the set of curricular units, the results showed that the most mentioned objectives were those related to Gender Equality (SDG 5), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). Regarding the differences between the departments, which are also distinct scientific areas, we have observed that the Departments of Economics and Management had more objectives related to labor and economic growth, while the other departments mentioned more objectives related to inequalities, gender or other.
Rice Husk Compost Production and Use in Mitigating Ammonia Volatilization from Urea
Authors: Omar Latifah , Ahmed Osumanu Haruna , Boyie Jalloh Mohamadu , Abdul Majid Nik Muhamad
Published: February 2021

Using value-added products such as compost in farming systems could enable optimization of nitrogen (N) fertilizers whose world-wide demand is on the increase. The objectives of this study were to: (i) produce compost through co-composting rice husk (RH) with chicken dung slurry (CDS), chicken feed, and molasses, (ii) determine the effects of optimum rate of urea and RH compost on minimizing ammonia (NH3) volatilization, and (iii) determine total N, exchangeable ammonium (NH4+), and available nitrate (NO3−) retained in soil following co-application of urea and RH compost. Compost was produced for 60 days by mixing RH, CDS, chicken feed, and molasses at a ratio of 20:1:1:1. The color of RH compost was dark brown and had significant amounts of major nutrients such as N (1.15%), phosphorus (3101 mg kg−1), potassium (2038 mg kg−1), calcium (863 mg kg−1), magnesium (276 mg kg−1), organic matter (OM) (60.67%), organic carbon (35.17%), and humic acids (5.87%). The C/N ratio of the RH compost was 30. The electrical conductivity and pH of the RH compost were 2.79 µS cm−1 and 6.55, respectively, and they were not phytotoxic because paddy seeds were successfully germinated in all of the RH compost extractants. The high cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the RH compost (100.67 cmolc kg−1) at the end of composting was one of the determinant factors that controlled NH3 loss from urea. The effectiveness of the RH compost in minimizing urea-N loss was determined using a close-dynamic air flow system. The RH compost significantly minimized NH3 volatilization because of the high affinity of the RH compost for NH4+. An attestation of this reaction was that the high negative charges due to high CEC and OM of the RH compost temporarily protected NH4+ from being transformed into NH3 gas. Further evidence is the higher soil total N and exchangeable NH4+ for the treatments with RH compost than with urea alone. High quality compost can be produced from RH to reduce urea-N from being lost from urea. For the optimum rate, co-application of 60 g RH compost and 2.9 g urea per trough is recommended to mitigate NH3 volatilization instead of the existing practice (7.3 g urea alone per trough).
Environmental and Cost Impact Assessment of Pavement Materials Using IBEES Method
Authors: Park Jin-Young , Kim Byung-Soo , Lee Dong-Eun
Published: February 2021

For road pavements, hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and Portland cement concrete (PCC) are the materials most commonly used. In the selection of one of these materials, their economic performance and environmental performance are evaluated to determine which material exhibits excellent overall performance. However, no overall performance assessment exists in the construction community attributed to the lack of method providing easy-to-use and informative criteria for the decision-making process. Thus, in this paper, a new method that enables a comprehensive overall performance assessment is proposed, which is called Improved Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability. After an eco-economic life-cycle assessment is performed, along with environmental performance and economic performance evaluation, the best-fit pavement material can be selected. This method has proven that the use of HMA for road pavements reduces the environmental impact by 27.1%P (i.e., percentage point), whereas the use of PCC reduces cost by 19.7%P. The existing Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) method shows that the performances of both HMA and PCC were over-assessed by 4.6%P and 7.4%P, respectively, since the environmental performance and economic performance cannot be computed quantitatively by incorporating the environmental and cost impact index into existing BEES model, the Improved BEES method accurately projects environmental performance and economic performance attained through the application of the environmental and cost impact index, hence, encouraging more informed decision. This method facilitates in articulating a quality decision making through the consideration of both the environmental performance and economic performance, hence reducing unnecessary costs generated from the trial and error due to the use of the existing method. Moreover, it promotes the development of a sustainable construction technology.
A Novel Distributed System of e-Vehicle Charging Stations Based on Pumps as Turbine to Support Sustainable Micromobility
Authors: Balacco Gabriella , Binetti Mario , Caggiani Leonardo , Ottomanelli Michele
Published: February 2021

Recent statistics shows that CO2 emissions from road transport have been increasing. In addition, the paradigm of “more electric vehicles” does not seem to be positive from the environmental point of view. In fact, assuming the current energy mix system, studies focusing on Life Cycle Assessment and Well-To-Wheels analysis demonstrate that electric vehicles are less eco-friendly than traditional internal combustion-based engines. Then, it is mandatory to shift toward renewable energy sources to produce electricity with less CO2 emission. In this work, it is proposed to use a new e-vehicles charging system based on Pumps used as Turbine (PATs). This system uses the pressure in excess that could be available in a water distribution network (WDN). Such an excess of pressure is usually destroyed by pressure-reducing valves with the aim to reduce water leaks. PATs are also able to reduce water pressure and produce electrical energy that can be supplied to e-vehicles charging stations. Then, a bi-level methodology to design and optimize the e-charging stations system for (individual or shared) e-bikes and/or e-scooters is proposed. The method allows determining the optimal number of e-vehicles, charging stations docks, and PATs on the study area according to the WDN layout and hydraulic properties as well as the road network characteristics and demand of e-vehicles. The potential of the methodology is shown by an application to a real case study.
Sustainability in Overtouristified Cities? A Social Media Insight into Italian Branding Responses to Covid-19 Crisis
Authors: Pasquinelli Cecilia , Trunfio Mariapina , Bellini Nicola , Rossi Simona
Published: February 2021

The paper aims to reach insights into city branding in the Covid-19 context to discuss the projected brand propositions and their reliance oan sustainable brand attributes and values. This study explores the immediate response of overtouristified cities to the post-pandemic crisis by focusing on four iconic cultural cities in Italy, which are Florence, Milan, Rome, and Venice, and the related Facebook communication in summer 2020, right after the end of the lockdown following the first wave of contagion in the country. A content analysis of the official Facebook accounts of these cities provided an explorative insight into different destination brand approaches to dealing with the pandemic threat, revealed fading urban characters of the tourism experience and an expansion of the destinations from a spatial perspective, towards city-region destinations. The findings suggest potential configurations of the sustainable destination brand whose formation, in the case of the overtouristified cities, deserves further attention throughout the evolution of the Covid-19 crisis.
How Environmental Awareness and Knowledge Affect Urban Residents’ Willingness to Participate in Rubber Plantation Ecological Restoration Programs: Evidence from Hainan, China
Authors: Gan Yu , Xu Tao , Xu NengRui , Xu JiLv , Qiao Dan
Published: February 2021

The rapid expansion of rubber plantations in Asian countries has led to various environmental problems. Therefore, local governments are implementing rubber plantation ecological restoration (RPER) programs as an essential solution. However, such programs can be implemented only if residents are intensely involved. Based on a survey of 521 urban households in Hainan Province, China, this study investigates the effect of environmental awareness and knowledge on residents’ willingness to participate in RPER programs. We employ a double-hurdle (DH) model to estimate residents’ participation in two stages. First, we determine whether residents wish to participate or not (PN). Then, we measure residents’ degree of willingness to participate (DWP). The results show that residents’ environmental awareness has a significant positive effect on whether they wish to PN but has no impact on their DWP. By contrast, residents’ environmental knowledge has a significant positive effect on whether they wish to PN and their DWP. The moderating effect shows that residents’ environmental knowledge significantly weakens the positive effects of their environmental awareness on whether they wish to PN. Moreover, residents’ age, educational level, employment, and place of residence substantially influence their DWP. The findings in this study can provide useful insights for policymaking on improving rubber plantation ecosystems.
Connecting Sustainable Development and Heritage Education? An Analysis of the Curriculum Reform in Flemish Public Secondary Schools
Authors: Van Doorsselaere Joris
Published: February 2021

Heritage education is understood to be multifaceted. The way it is approached and conceived in formal educational contexts can differ according to the emphasis policy makers wish to establish. In Flanders, a region within Belgium, a curriculum reform took shape over the last seven years. This paper explores the recently introduced curriculum in Flemish secondary education, in light of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. The main aim is to investigate how heritage education and sustainability fit into the newly developed curriculum framework, and the way they are interlinked on a conceptual level. The qualitative research draws on a screening of policy texts, learning outcomes, and additional interviews with policy advisors. The results show that heritage education is implicitly present. Cross-curricular opportunities are built-in and can be linked to (a) cultural awareness and expression; (b) historical consciousness; (c) citizenship; and (d) intercultural communication. Sustainable development, and more specific ESD, anchored itself firmly and more explicitly into the framework as a transversal key competence as well. However, clear connections to heritage education are not set up in the learning outcomes.
Interdisciplinary Evaluation of Intersection Performances—A Microsimulation-Based MCDA
Authors: Alemdar Kadir Diler , Tortum Ahmet , Kaya Ömer , Atalay Ahmet
Published: February 2021

Intersections are the most important regions in terms of urban traffic management. The intersection areas on the corridor should be analyzed together for consistency in traffic engineering. To do so, three intersections on the Vatan Street corridor in İstanbul, the most crowded city of Turkey, were examined. Various geometric and signal designs were performed for intersections and the most suitable corridor design was analyzed. The corridor designs were modeled with the PTV VISSIM microsimulation software. The most suitable corridor design was evaluated by using the results obtained from the microsimulation via analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) from multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods. The evaluation criteria in the study are vehicle delay, queue length, stopped delay, stops, travel time, vehicle safety, CO emission, fuel consumption, and construction cost. As a result, the current and the most suitable alternative corridors were compared according to the comparison parameters and up to 80% improvements were observed. Thus, some advantages were obtained in terms of energy, environment, time, and cost.
Circular Food Behaviors: A Literature Review
Authors: do Canto Natália Rohenkohl , Grunert Klaus G. , De Barcellos Marcia Dutra
Published: February 2021

Consumer behavior is crucial in the transition towards circular food systems. Studies so far investigate isolated circular food behaviors, but it is still unclear how the literature comprehensively addresses these behaviors. This paper provides an overview of the literature on circular food behaviors. Following a semi-systematic literature review, we analyze 46 papers related to circular food behaviors. We summarize their main features, categorize the behaviors, and propose a future research agenda. Results show the novelty and quick popularity of the topic, a dispersion across sustainability and agri-food journals, the manuscripts’ goals related to consumption, a predominance of empirical data collection in Europe, a focus on behaviors related to protein alternatives, food waste, and upcycled foods, and the importance of communication and consumers’ education. We categorize and characterize three types of circular food behaviors: linear, transitioning, and circular behaviors. Circular behaviors (i) are part of a systemic circular economy view, (ii) define consumers as “doers” or “prosumers”, (iii) pursue long-term sustainability goals, (iv) show a high engagement of skilled consumers, and (v) are supported by technologies. Future research should consider the social dimension of sustainability and pursue a systemic view of circular food behaviors. We suggest that a circular food-related lifestyle may incorporate the recommended directions.
What Characteristics Do the Firms Have That Go Beyond Compliance with Regulation in Environmental Protection? A Multiple Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Vazquez-Brust Diego A. , Plaza-Úbeda José Antonio
Published: February 2021

This paper is focused on analyzing the characteristics of firms that have environmental performance beyond the requirements of regulation in environmental protection. To identify such characteristics, we propose a value and context model building on environmental paradigms as conceptualized by Dryzek’s environmental discourse theory. Using multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) to analyze data collected from a multi-respondent survey of Argentinean polluting firms, we identify distinctive characteristics of firms going beyond regulation and firms that do not comply with regulation. In particular, comparing with other five environmental discourses, endorsement of green growth is evaluated in its connection with compliance patterns. We find that supporting green growth discourse (also known as ecological modernization) is one of the characteristics of those firms that go beyond compliance in their environmental performance.
Gaining Trust in the Digital Age: The Potential of Social Media for Increasing the Competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Rajković Borislav , Đurić Ivan , Zarić Vlade , Glauben Thomas
Published: February 2021

Trust in information originating from a company is becoming essential, as consumer preferences are increasingly versatile and oriented towards credence attributes. Social media, which emerged as a dominant means of online communication, might help increase consumers’ trust in companies. The paper empirically investigates a conceptual trust-building mechanism that could occur on companies’ social media pages. A survey was conducted among social media users in Belgrade (Serbia). The collected data were analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling. It confirmed that in an interactive environment of companies’ social media pages, trust can be built towards two objects. The first one is trust among consumers, and the second one is trust towards a company. The results also confirm a connection between trust and an intention to purchase, both being also related to a consumer’s willingness to obtain information. Therefore, the result can serve as a basis for creating more effective marketing campaigns where a company is the source of information regarding credence (added-value) attributes of its products.
A Fuzzy Gain-Based Dynamic Ant Colony Optimization for Path Planning in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Sangeetha Viswanathan , Krishankumar Raghunathan , Ravichandran Kattur Soundarapandian , Cavallaro Fausto , Kar Samarjit , Pamucar Dragan , Mardani Abbas
Published: February 2021

Path planning can be perceived as a combination of searching and executing the optimal path between the start and destination locations. Deliberative planning capabilities are essential for the motion of autonomous unmanned vehicles in real-world scenarios. There is a challenge in handling the uncertainty concerning the obstacles in a dynamic scenario, thus requiring an intelligent, robust algorithm, with the minimum computational overhead. In this work, a fuzzy gain-based dynamic ant colony optimization (FGDACO) for dynamic path planning is proposed to effectively plan collision-free and smooth paths, with feasible path length and the minimum time. The ant colony system’s pheromone update mechanism was enhanced with a sigmoid gain function for effective exploitation during path planning. Collision avoidance was achieved through the proposed fuzzy logic control. The results were validated using occupancy grids of variable size, and the results were compared against existing methods concerning performance metrics, namely, time and length. The consistency of the algorithm was also analyzed, and the results were statistically verified.
Non-Linear Neutral Differential Equations with Damping: Oscillation of Solutions
Authors: Althobati Saad , Alzabut Jehad , Bazighifan Omar
Published: February 2021

The oscillation of non-linear neutral equations contributes to many applications, such as torsional oscillations, which have been observed during earthquakes. These oscillations are generally caused by the asymmetry of the structures. The objective of this work is to establish new oscillation criteria for a class of nonlinear even-order differential equations with damping. We employ different approach based on using Riccati technique to reduce the main equation into a second order equation and then comparing with a second order equation whose oscillatory behavior is known. The new conditions complement several results in the literature. Furthermore, examining the validity of the proposed criteria has been demonstrated via particular examples.
Human Cytomegalovirus and Autoimmune Diseases: Where Are We?
Authors: Gugliesi Francesca , Pasquero Selina , Griffante Gloria , Scutera Sara , Albano Camilla , Pacheco Sergio Fernando Castillo , Riva Giuseppe , Dell’Oste Valentina , Biolatti Matteo
Published: February 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the β-subgroup of the herpesvirus family. After the initial infection, the virus establishes latency in poorly differentiated myeloid precursors from where it can reactivate at later times to cause recurrences. In immunocompetent subjects, primary HCMV infection is usually asymptomatic, while in immunocompromised patients, HCMV infection can lead to severe, life-threatening diseases, whose clinical severity parallels the degree of immunosuppression. The existence of a strict interplay between HCMV and the immune system has led many to hypothesize that HCMV could also be involved in autoimmune diseases (ADs). Indeed, signs of active viral infection were later found in a variety of different ADs, such as rheumatological, neurological, enteric disorders, and metabolic diseases. In addition, HCMV infection has been frequently linked to increased production of autoantibodies, which play a driving role in AD progression, as observed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Documented mechanisms of HCMV-associated autoimmunity include molecular mimicry, inflammation, and nonspecific B-cell activation. In this review, we summarize the available literature on the various ADs arising from or exacerbating upon HCMV infection, focusing on the potential role of HCMV-mediated immune activation at disease onset.
LAS BIBLIOTECAS ESCOLARES COMO AGENTES DE PROMOCIÓN LECTORA
Authors: Villegas-Celis Patricia , Aguirre-Franco Alba Lucía , Hernández-García Fernando
Published: February 2021

El propósito de la investigación es identificar las estrategias de promoción lectora que aplican las bibliotecas escolares de las instituciones educativas públicas de la Comuna Diez “Quimbaya” del municipio de Armenia, en relación con los criterios expresados en el “Manifiesto UNESCO/IFLA sobre biblioteca escolar, toda vez que en estos momentos es fundamental para el Ministerio de Educación Nacional retomar y dar valor a las bibliotecas escolares desde su Proyecto Educativo Institucional -PEI. La investigación, de tipo cuantitativo, se realiza mediante la aplicación de encuestas, entrevistas y la observación en sitio, haciendo una contribución académica en la identificación de procesos de formación lectora que hacen las instituciones educativas que tienen bibliotecas escolares. Los resultados indican que la biblioteca escolar de dichas instituciones no está ejerciendo el papel de ser un verdadero agente de promoción lectora, como consecuencia de la desarticulación entre el PEI y la biblioteca escolar, la inexistencia de políticas claras de manejo y la falta de un profesional en Ciencia de la Información y bibliotecología. Es fundamental crear conciencia en los directivos para que conciban la biblioteca como eje estratégico de formación institucional.
QUALITY CONTROL STAND FOR RECTANGULAR ELECTRICCONNECTORS
Authors: MARKOV V.V. , PODMASTERYEV K.V.
Published: February 2021

The structure and principle of operation of the stand for quality control of rectangular electrical connectors are considered. The stand is designed to conduct a technological run of electrical connectors and control the totality of mechanical and electrical characteristics: articulation and dismemberment of contact pairs; contact transition resistance of parts of one contact pair; wave resistance of one contact pair; volumetric and surface resistance of the insulator; dielectric strength. The stand can be used to control connectors during lapping and acceptance tests, as well as for control reliability tests.
MODELING THE EFFECT OF HEAT EXCHANGE ON THE EFFICIENCY OF A THERMOELECTRIC COOLER
Authors: MARKOV O.I.
Published: February 2021

Numerical modelling thermal and thermoelectric processes in a branch of solid–state thermoelectric of Peltier cooler is performed, taking into account heat exchange by convection and radiation. The numerical calculation of the branch was carried out in the mode of the maximum temperature difference.
MULTI–INERT OSCILLATORY MECHANISM
Authors: POPOV I.P.
Published: February 2021

A mechanical oscillatory system with homogeneous elements, namely, with n massive loads (multi– inert oscillator), is considered. The possibility of the appearance of free harmonic oscillations of loads in such a system is shown. Unlike the classical spring pendulum, the oscillations of which are due to the mutual conversion of the kinetic energy of the load into the potential energy of the spring, in a multi–inert oscillator, the oscillations are due to the mutual conversion of only the kinetic energies of the goods. In this case, the acceleration of some loads occurs due to the braking of others. A feature of the multi–inert oscillator is that its free oscillation frequency is not fixed and is determined mainly by the initial conditions. This feature can be very useful for technical applications, for example, for self–neutralization of mechanical reactive (inertial) power in oscillatory systems.
CONTROLLED FORMATION OF THE DESIGNED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MACHINE PARTS BY DEFORMATION HARDENING IN THE CONDITIONS OF COMPLEX LOCAL LOADING OF THE DEFORMATION ZONE
Authors: RADCHENKO S.Yu. , GOLENKOV V.A. , DOROKHOV D.O.
Published: February 2021

The process of complex local loading of the deformation zone is considered using the example of processing a sleeve made of a bronze alloy, the mechanical properties of the cast alloy under study were determined, and the parameters of the microhardness distribution over the cross section of the processed workpiece were investigated. Plots of the distribution of various microhardness parameters over the cross section are plotted depending on the number of processing cycles. A mathematical model of the process under consideration and its comparison with experimental data is shown. The description of the technique in the form of an algorithm of actions for the appointment of technological parameters. An example is presented in the form of a finished nomogram for the assignment of specific processing parameters to obtain a given hardening depth and value.
RESTORATION OF CAMS OF THE DRIVING WHEEL AN EXCAVATOR EKG–5A BY MULTI–LAYER ELECTRIC ARC WELDING USING FERROMAGNETIC CHARGE
Authors: SEREZHKIN M.А. , ANDREEVA D.V. , GLAZUNOV S.N.
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to determining the number of deposited layers by the method of electric arc welding using a ferromagnetic charge in the case of eliminating wear on the cam of the drive wheel of the EKG–5A excavator from 35KhML steel. As well as assessing the distribution of hardness and the presence of defects along the layer height during sequential cooling of the deposited rollers and in the absence of cooling before by applying a subsequent roll in multilayer surfacing.
THE METHOD OF CALCULATION OF THE CUTTING FORCES BY MACHINING NON–INVOLUTE GEARS GEARS ON THE BASIS OF VIRTUAL EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCHES
Authors: KANATNIKOV N.V. , KANATNIKOVA P.A. , PASHMENTOVA A.S.
Published: February 2021

The article shows the possibility of determining the correction coefficients necessary for calculating the cutting force. To calculate the correction coefficients, we use the model of mechanical processing of nonvolvent gears proposed by the authors. Using this approach allows you to eliminate some of the expensive experimental research and reduce the cost of design and technological preparation of production.. This work was supported by the grant of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research No. 18–38–00037 \ 18.
LOCUSES OF ROTORS WITH CONTROLLABLE ELASTIC AND DAMPING SUPPORTS
Authors: SAVIN L.A. , BYCHKOV M.V. , KOZYREV D.L. , MARAKHIN N.A.
Published: February 2021

The paper represents a brief analysis of elastic and damping supports of high–speed rotors. The operating principles of the supports are connected with discrete control systems and based on structural adaptation. A mathematical model for calculating the dynamic characteristics of rotors is presented. A brief overview of the prospects for the use of bearing assemblies with controlled parameters is made.
ON PECULIARITIES OF THE STRUCTURE AND TUNING OF DOMESTIC SERVO DRIVES WITH VECTOR CONTROL
Authors: EVSIKOV A.A. , KOKOVIN V.A. , LEONOV A.P.
Published: February 2021

Vector–controlled AC servo drives, providing previously unattainable performance indicators for controlling various objects, are a basic part of modern precision automated equipment. They are complex technical devices, the further improvement of which goes in the direction of increasing their intelligence and universatility. The article analyzes the structural peculiarities and settings of domestic servo drives with vector control of the types of SPS and SPSh, ensuring the effective use of their wide functional capabilities. The rules and procedure for setting the digital PID controller in the subordinate regulation system using the hardware and software of the servo drives are determinated. This ensures the optimisation of the process of controlling the movement of actuators.
RESEARCH OF TORSIONAL STIFNESS OF HARMONIC GEAR WITH INTERMEDIATE ROLLING BODIES
Authors: ABDULIN R.R. , PODSHIBNEV V.A. , SAMSONOVICH S.L.
Published: February 2021

The work is devoted to the urgent problem of developing mechanisms based on wave transmission with intermediate rolling elements (HGRE), which has high specific mass–dimensional parameters, which is especially important for its use in aircraft drive systems. Analytical dependences are obtained that make it possible to calculate the torsional stiffness of HGRE in the multiplier and reduction gear modes. The periodic value of the change in torsional stiffness is determined, due to the relative position of the HGRE elements, namely, the angular position of the wave–former relative to the hard wheel. The results of experimental studies of the torsional stiffness of HGRE are presented, which confirm the periodic value of the change in torsional stiffness of HGRE
Concomitant Photoresponsive Chiroptics and Magnetism in Metal-Organic Frameworks at Room Temperature
Authors: Xia Bin , Gao Qian , Hu Zhen-Peng , Wang Qing-Lun , Cao Xue-Wei , Li Wei , Song You , Bu Xian-He
Published: February 2021

Stimulus-responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be used for designing smart materials. Herein, we report a family of rationally designed MOFs which exhibit photoresponsive chiroptical and magnetic properties at room temperature. In this design, two specific nonphotochromic ligands are selected to construct enantiomeric MOFs, {Cu
2
(L-mal)
2
(bpy)
2
(H
2
O)·3H
2
O}
n
(1) and {Cu
2
(D-mal)
2
(bpy)
2
(H
2
O)·3H
2
O}
n
(2) (

mal
=
malate

,

bpy
=
4
,

4

’

−
bipyridine

), which can alter their color, magnetism, and chiroptics concurrently in response to light. Upon UV or visible light irradiation, long-lived bpy
−
radicals are generated via photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from oxygen atoms of carboxylates and hydroxyl of malates to bpy ligands, giving rise to a 23.7% increase of magnetic susceptibility at room temperature. The participation of the chromophores (-OH and -COO
−
) bound with the chiral carbon during the electron transfer process results in a small dipolar transition; thus, the Cotton effects of the enantiomers are weakened along with a photoinduced color change. This work demonstrates that the simultaneous responses of chirality, optics, and magnetism can be achieved in a single compound at room temperature and may open up a new pathway for designing chiral stimuli-responsive materials.