bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Multimodal Detection in Reduced Visibility Using Thermal Depth Estimation for Autonomous Driving
Authors: Yoon Sungan , Cho Jeongho
Published: July 2022

Recently, the rapid development of convolutional neural networks (CNN) has consistently improved object detection performance using CNN and has naturally been implemented in autonomous driving due to its operational potential in real-time. Detecting moving targets to realize autonomous driving is an essential task for the safety of drivers and pedestrians, and CNN-based moving target detectors have shown stable performance in fair weather. However, there is a considerable drop in detection performance during poor weather conditions like hazy or foggy situations due to particles in the atmosphere. To ensure stable moving object detection, an image restoration process with haze removal must be accompanied. Therefore, this paper proposes an image dehazing network that estimates the current weather conditions and removes haze using the haze level to improve the detection performance under poor weather conditions due to haze and low visibility. Combined with the thermal image, the restored image is assigned to the two You Only Look Once (YOLO) object detectors, respectively, which detect moving targets independently and improve object detection performance using late fusion. The proposed model showed improved dehazing performance compared with the existing image dehazing models and has proved that images taken under foggy conditions, the poorest weather for autonomous driving, can be restored to normal images. Through the fusion of the RGB image restored by the proposed image dehazing network with thermal images, the proposed model improved the detection accuracy by up to 22% or above in a dense haze environment like fog compared with models using existing image dehazing techniques.
Highly Sensitive Measurement of Oxygen Concentration Based on Reflector-Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Shuhan , Qiao Shunda , Liu Xiaonan , Ma Yufei
Published: July 2022

Oxygen (O2) is a colorless and odorless substance, and is the most important gas in human life and industrial production. In this invited paper, a highly sensitive O2 sensor based on reflector-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is reported for the first time. A diode laser emitting at 760 nm was used as the excitation source. The diode laser beam was reflected by the adopted reflector to pass thorough the photoacoustic cell twice and further increase the optical absorption. With such enhanced absorption strategy, compared with the PAS system without the reflector, the reflector-enhanced O2-PAS sensor system had 1.85 times the signal improvement. The minimum detection limit (MDL) of such a reflector-enhanced O2-PAS sensor was experimentally determined to be 0.54%. The concentration response of this sensor was investigated when O2 with a different concentration was used. The obtained results showed it has an excellent linear concentration response. The system stability was analyzed by using Allan variance, which indicated that the MDL for such a reflector-enhanced O2-PAS sensor could be improved to 318 ppm when the integration time of this sensor system is 1560 s. Finally, the O2 concentration on the outside was continuously monitored for 24 h, indicated that this reflector-enhanced O2-PAS sensor system has an excellent measurement ability for actual applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and other fields.
Adjusting the Stiffness of Supports during Milling of a Large-Size Workpiece Using the Salp Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Kaliński Krzysztof J. , Galewski Marek A. , Stawicka-Morawska Natalia , Mazur Michał , Parus Arkadiusz
Published: July 2022

This paper concerns the problem of vibration reduction during milling. For this purpose, it is proposed that the standard supports of the workpiece be replaced with adjustable stiffness supports. This affects the modal parameters of the whole system, i.e., object and its supports, which is essential from the point of view of the relative tool–workpiece vibrations. To reduce the vibration level during milling, it is necessary to appropriately set the support stiffness coefficients, which are obtained from numerous milling process simulations. The simulations utilize the model of the workpiece with adjustable supports in the convention of a Finite Element Model (FEM) and a dynamic model of the milling process. The FEM parameters are tuned based on modal tests of the actual workpiece. For assessing simulation results, the proper indicator of vibration level must be selected, which is also discussed in the paper. However, simulating the milling process is time consuming and the total number of simulations needed to search the entire available range of support stiffness coefficients is large. To overcome this issue, the artificial intelligence salp swarm algorithm is used. Finally, for the best combination of stiffness coefficients, the vibration reduction is obtained and a significant reduction in search time for determining the support settings makes the approach proposed in the paper attractive from the point of view of practical applications.
Multitask Siamese Network for Remote Photoplethysmography and Respiration Estimation
Authors: Lee Heejin , Lee Junghwan , Kwon Yujin , Kwon Jiyoon , Park Sungmin , Sohn Ryanghee , Park Cheolsoo
Published: July 2022

Heart and respiration rates represent important vital signs for the assessment of a person’s health condition. To estimate these vital signs accurately, we propose a multitask Siamese network model (MTS) that combines the advantages of the Siamese network and the multitask learning architecture. The MTS model was trained by the images of the cheek including nose and mouth and forehead areas while sharing the same parameters between the Siamese networks, in order to extract the features about the heart and respiratory information. The proposed model was constructed with a small number of parameters and was able to yield a high vital-sign-prediction accuracy, comparable to that obtained from the single-task learning model; furthermore, the proposed model outperformed the conventional multitask learning model. As a result, we can simultaneously predict the heart and respiratory signals with the MTS model, while the number of parameters was reduced by 16 times with the mean average errors of heart and respiration rates being 2.84 and 4.21. Owing to its light weight, it would be advantageous to implement the vital-sign-monitoring model in an edge device such as a mobile phone or small-sized portable devices.
Accessing Artificial Intelligence for Fetus Health Status Using Hybrid Deep Learning Algorithm (AlexNet-SVM) on Cardiotocographic Data
Authors: Muhammad Hussain Nadia , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Othman Mohamed Tahar Ben , Zafar Junaid , Zafar Haroon , Hamam Habib
Published: July 2022

Artificial intelligence is serving as an impetus in digital health, clinical support, and health informatics for an informed patient’s outcome. Previous studies only consider classification accuracies of cardiotocographic (CTG) datasets and disregard computational time, which is a relevant parameter in a clinical environment. This paper proposes a modified deep neural algorithm to classify untapped pathological and suspicious CTG recordings with the desired time complexity. In our newly developed classification algorithm, AlexNet architecture is merged with support vector machines (SVMs) at the fully connected layers to reduce time complexity. We used an open-source UCI (Machine Learning Repository) dataset of cardiotocographic (CTG) recordings. We divided 2126 CTG recordings into 3 classes (Normal, Pathological, and Suspected), including 23 attributes that were dynamically programmed and fed to our algorithm. We employed a deep transfer learning (TL) mechanism to transfer prelearned features to our model. To reduce time complexity, we implemented a strategy wherein layers in the convolutional base were partially trained to leave others in the frozen states. We used an ADAM optimizer for the optimization of hyperparameters. The presented algorithm also outperforms the leading architectures (RCNNs, ResNet, DenseNet, and GoogleNet) with respect to real-time accuracies, sensitivities, and specificities of 99.72%, 96.67%, and 99.6%, respectively, making it a viable candidate for clinical settings after real-time validation.
Thermal and Optical Properties of Porous Nanomesh Structures for Sensitive Terahertz Bolometric Detection
Authors: Yamamoto Ryoko , Kojima Akira , Koshida Nobuyoshi , Morohashi Isao , Hirakawa Kazuhiko , Zhang Ya
Published: July 2022

Terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves are attractive for use in nondestructive and biocompatible sensing applications. Thermal sensors are widely used for THz detection owing to the small photon energies of THz radiation, where this requires materials with low thermal conductivity and a small heat capacity to ensure the sensitive and fast operation of the sensors. In this study, we investigated the thermal and optical properties of porous nanomesh structures for sensitive THz bolometric detection. Nanometer (nm)-scale hole array structures were formed on gallium arsenide (GaAs) microelectromechanical system (MEMS) beams to improve their thermal properties. The thermal conductance of the porous MEMS beams was obtained by measuring their thermal bandwidths; it was found to decrease by as much as ~90% when the porosity (P) of the porous nanostructure was increased to ~0.69. We also measured the THz absorptance of the porous hole array structure. The results show that although the porous nanostructure has a much smaller area than the bulk material, it maintained a high coefficient of THz absorptance because the featured size was much smaller than the THz wavelength. The measured absorptance agreed well with that calculated by using the Drude model. These results demonstrate that the porous nanomesh structure is promising for developing highly sensitive THz thermal sensors.
Can Bodybuilding Peak Week Manipulations Favorably Affect Muscle Size, Subcutaneous Thickness, and Related Body Composition Variables? A Case Study
Authors: Barakat Christopher , Escalante Guillermo , Stevenson Scott W. , Bradshaw Joshua T. , Barsuhn Andrew , Tinsley Grant M. , Walters Joseph
Published: July 2022

Background: The purpose of this case study was to implement an evidence-based dietary approach to peaking for a bodybuilding competition and monitor its impact on body composition, muscle thickness (MT), intra-to-extra-cellular fluid shifts, subcutaneous thickness (ST), and hydration status. Secondarily, to document any adverse events of this peak week approach in a small, controlled setting. Methods Dietary practices were recorded, and laboratory testing was conducted throughout peak week, including competition morning. Assessments included: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for body composition, B-mode ultrasound for MT and ST, bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) for total body water (TBW)/intracellular water (ICW)/extracellular water (ECW), and raw BIS data (i.e., resistance, reactance, and phase angle), urine specific gravity (USG) for hydration status, and subjective fullness. Sequential dietary manipulations were made (i.e., CHO depletion/fat loading, CHO/water loading, and a refinement phase) with specific physiological goals. This was reflected in changes observed across all assessments throughout the peak week. Results: From the carbohydrate-depleted state (three days out) to competition day, we observed increases in lean body mass, MT, TBW (primarily ICW), and subjective fullness. Kendall’s Tau B revealed a strong relationship between carbohydrate intake and ∑MT (τ = 0.733, p = 0.056). Additionally, novel ST data demonstrated a 10% reduction for the summation of all seven sites, with some drastic changes in specific regions (e.g., −43% for triceps ST) from three days out to competition day. Conclusions: These data suggest that the prototypical goals of bodybuilders’ peak week (i.e., increasing muscle fullness, decreasing subcutaneous thickness) to enhance their aesthetics/muscularity presented can be achieved with a drug-free protocol involving dietary manipulations.
The Influence of Competitive Level on Stretch-Shortening Cycle Function in Young Female Gymnasts
Authors: Moeskops Sylvia , Pedley Jason S. , Oliver Jon L. , Lloyd Rhodri S.
Published: July 2022

This cross-sectional study investigated how stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) function and kinetic variables differed between young female gymnasts of varying competitive levels. Drop jump (DJ) force–time profiles were examined in 118 female gymnasts, sub-divided by competitive level (n = 21 recreational, n = 41 regional and n = 50 elite). DJ force–time data were analyzed to calculate performance and kinetic variables. Participants’ SSC function was categorized as poor, moderate, or good, depending on the presence of an impact peak and spring-like behavior. A high proportion of gymnasts across each group were categorized as having “good” or “moderate” SSC function (i.e., >94.8%), with a trend of increasingly better SSC function observed with competitive level. Significant differences in reactive strength index, contact time, time of landing peak force, relative propulsive peak force, impulse, and ratio of braking: propulsive impulse were found between the elite and recreational group (p < 0.05). While SSC function was generally good to moderate, elite gymnasts had a more desirable kinetic jump-landing strategy than recreational level gymnasts. Drop jump kinetic variables appear to distinguish between elite and recreational gymnasts but not between regional standard gymnasts. Practitioners should consider the kinetic profile of gymnasts when benchmarking and setting training objectives.
Analyzing the Differences of Interaction and Engagement in a Smart Classroom and a Traditional Classroom
Authors: Yu Huiju , Shi Gaojun , Li Jiaping , Yang Junfeng
Published: July 2022

Interaction in the classroom plays the key role for cultivating students’ 21st century skills. Insufficient breadth of interaction, uneven interaction opportunities, and chaotic interaction existed in many classrooms. With the integration of technology into education, many smart classrooms were built, with one of the aims being to promote interaction. However, the differences of interaction behaviors and engagement in a smart class versus a traditional class could rarely be found in literature, especially with the same teacher lecturing in both classes. In this study, a quasi-experiment was conducted by one experienced English teacher lecturing in a smart classroom with students and a traditional classroom with students for one semester. Research data were obtained by coding the 8 class videos with the proposed “Classroom Interaction Analysis Framework” and the adapted engagement questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 24. Results showed that there were no significant differences in either interpersonal interaction or human–technology interaction; however students experienced significantly more engagement in the smart classroom. The reasons were analyzed and interaction patterns in smart classroom were discussed. Finally, a smart classroom interaction model was proposed to promote classroom interaction by considering the interplay of pedagogy, space, and technology.
Keeping Things as They Are: How Status Quo Biases and Traditions along with a Lack of Information Transparency in the Building Industry Slow Down the Adoption of Innovative Sustainable Technologies
Authors: Hofman Björn , de Vries Gerdien , van de Kaa Geerten
Published: July 2022

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of this century. To contain its effects, the way we act would have to change significantly. Especially in the building sector, much progress can be made. Attempts have been made to stimulate sustainable behavior in the industry, for example, by implementing sustainable building measures in construction designs. However, adoption rates of these measures are low and behavioral change among building professionals is needed. Knowing why building professionals hold back in their use of these measures could support this behavioral change. This knowledge could, for example, inform energy policies or organizational strategies. That is why this study utilized the technology acceptance model and presents psychological factors as barriers to innovative sustainable building measure adoption in an organizational context. A survey among building professionals involved in real estate development (n = 109) was used to explore how conservatism within the building industry hinders adopting the building measures. To represent conservatism, we selected two cognitive biases that can be interpreted as a manifestation of status quo bias and confirmation bias, both fueled by information hassle (a micro-stressor caused by complex information). The effects of these variables on the adoption of sustainable building measures were tested using structural equation modeling, a methodology suitable for testing complex models and commonly used in behavioral research. Survey data indicate that conservatism is an essential barrier for building professionals to adopt sustainable building measures and that it increases when knowledge is low and information is complex. Based on these findings, we argue that policies and organizational strategies that attack these psychological barriers could promote the adoption of innovative sustainable building measures within the building sector.
Creating Food Value Chain Transformations through Regional Food Hubs: A Review Article
Authors: Hermiatin Fernianda Rahayu , Handayati Yuanita , Perdana Tomy , Wardhana Dadan
Published: July 2022

This article synthesizes the evidence on food value chains (FVCs) and regional food hubs (RFHs) through a systematic literature review and suggests future research directions based on the gaps identified in the review. The number of publications on FVCs and RFHs is increasing, indicating that these topics are gaining interest among scholars from different countries and disciplines. Bibliometric analysis and preferred reporting items for systematic review and a meta-analysis (PRISMA) flow chart are used to identify the data from Scopus. The results show that FVCs are an innovative solution to improve the skills and capacity of smallholder farmers through collaborative networks that can match the functions of RFHs. RFHs connect local producers and customers by operating a business based on social entrepreneurship and ecological approaches to increase local economic viability and the sustainability of agriculture products. FVCs and RFHs are designed to respond to supply chain insecurity with value-based approaches in order to achieve sustainable nutrition for the local community. Further research on FVCs and RFHs emphasizes that the business model of regional development in developing countries can improve food security sustainability based on social entrepreneurship, and emphasizes the environmental aspect that it can use to support the sustainability of developing countries local food.
Full Waveform Prediction of Blasting Vibration Using Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Yunsen , Zheng Guiping , Li Yuanhui , Zhang Fengpeng
Published: July 2022

Blasting vibration could cause dynamic instability of rock masses within a critical steady state. To control the blasting vibration, it is necessary to understand the complete dynamic response process of the rock masses under the blasting vibration. The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) technique uses blast monitoring data to predict the full waveform of the blast vibration. Based on the LSTM, a new full waveform prediction model is proposed in this study. To verify the feasibility of the proposed model, the sample data were constructed using the well-known linear blast wave superposition prediction formula. The full waveform prediction model is trained and the predicted waveform and the actual waveform are then evaluated and compared. The loss function is calculated and discussed, which verifies the feasibility of the prediction method. In addition to the numerical research, the actual blasting vibration data are also used for verification. The parameters, such as sequence size, training algorithm, and some hidden layer nodes, are discussed and optimized. The results show that the proposed full waveform prediction model based on LSTM can predict the full blasting waveform. This study provides a new idea for the prediction and control of blasting vibration.
Last Mile Logistics Innovations in the Courier-Express-Parcel Sector Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sułkowski Łukasz , Kolasińska-Morawska Katarzyna , Brzozowska Marta , Morawski Paweł , Schroeder Tomasz
Published: July 2022

The development of the e-commerce market worldwide, which was already dynamic, was accelerated by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Millions of incoming orders required analogue support from the CEP sector (courier-express-parcels sector) to provide the desired “customer experience”. In the context of whether the habit of shopping in virtual reality will become permanent, it is worth considering what shape the logistics services will take in the last mile after the pandemic? Or, will customers return to shopping in the real world? A subject for these considerations was an analysis of the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic on the technologization of last mile logistics services, resulting in an increase in the level of “customer experience”, with Poland as an example. The research methods used were participant observations and critical analysis of collected materials. The obtained results made it possible to conduct a descriptive and explanatory nomothetic study based on an Internet questionnaire. The authors formulated a diagnosis about the possibilities of using the potential of customer experience for the development of enterprises based on technologization of last mile deliveries. The recommendations can be used by scientists and managers in the CEP industry to redefine business models based on the technology of logistics customer service processes.
Exploring the Forms of the Economic Effects of Renewable Energy Consumption: Evidence from China
Authors: He Yugang , Huang Panpan
Published: July 2022

Renewable energy’s economic effects have been hotly debated, as it is a promising energy source. However, scholars have not achieved an agreement on this hot topic. Therefore, this article re-examines the direct and indirect economic effects of renewable energy consumption in China from 1990 to 2020. Using the Granger causality test to conduct empirical analysis, the result suggests there is a bidirectional causality between renewable energy consumption and economic growth. Then, the mediation model is used for further analysis. The results suggest that economic growth is positively affected by renewable energy consumption. Meanwhile, renewable energy consumption can also indirectly affect economic growth through gross capital formation, the labor force, trade openness, research and development expenditure, and foreign direct investment. Based on the evidence this article provides, policymakers can issue corresponding policies to maintain sustainable economic growth while minimizing environmental pollution.
Safety Risks of Primary and Secondary Schools in China: A Systematic Analysis Using AHP–EWM Method
Authors: Yang Jincang , Dong Xueqin , Liu Sishi
Published: July 2022

Owing to the frequent accidents in primary and secondary schools (PSS) in China in the past decades, a systematic analysis of indicators influencing safety risks in PSS is critical to identifying preventive measures. A two-hierarchy structure of indicators was identified by analyzing various cases, intensive interviews, and related previous literature. A combination of the analytic hierarchy process and the entropy weight method was developed to synthetically assess the primary and secondary risk indicators through a case study of Ma Shan School in China. The results are as follows: (1) the primary risk indicators, namely, natural disasters, public health, facility safety, accidental injury, public security, school bullying, and individual health constitute the evaluation framework of the safety risks in PSS. (2) Public health risks and accidental injury risks are the most critical factors that should be prioritized. In addition to providing academic implications, several managerial implications are proposed for these stakeholders to reduce the safety risks in PSS.
Transforming Residential Interiors into Workspaces during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ulusoy Begüm , Aslanoğlu Rengin
Published: July 2022

Residential interiors (RIs) have been designed by anonymous designers throughout history and have reflected their users’ identity, culture, and habits until modern times, although design and architecture courses rarely involve residential interiors in their curriculums. Therefore, decision-makers (architects, interior architects, designers, and users) took them for granted. However, COVID-19 forced revisiting this approach towards RIs and they faced a gap in the literature helping them to design these interiors, especially workspaces, in order to improve their users’ experience. In connection with previous studies, which explored creativity in workspaces, this study aims to compile colour-related literature work on workspaces in RIs (WRI) which will require further attention from interior architects to reconsider the discipline under new normal conditions. Providing a framework for WRIs in terms of function and activity might lead to the semantics of RIs in future studies. This study’s findings contribute to the interpretation and understanding of new normal workspace interiors after the COVID-19 pandemic so it will be beneficial for decision-makers in addition to researchers who aim to investigate this topic in future studies.
RUSLE Model Evaluation of the Soil and Water Conservation Ratio of the Guizhou Province in China between 2000 and 2019
Authors: Fang Fayong , Fang Qian , Yu Wanyang , Fan Chunhua , Zi Ruyi , Zhao Longshan
Published: July 2022

The soil and water conservation ratio (SWCR), which is a quantitative index for measuring the control degree of soil and water loss, is equal to the percentage of the land areas with a slight erosion intensity in the study area. The dynamic change in the SWCR reflects the dynamic process of realizing a specific soil and water conservation goal in a certain stage. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the change in the SWCR in the Guizhou Province in this century and to analyze its causes. The temporal and spatial variations of soil erosion intensity and SWCR were measured based on GIS technology and revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE). The results showed that the spatial pattern of soil erosion intensity in the Guizhou Province was high in the west and low in the southeast, and that the soil erosion characteristics were obviously different between karst and non-karst areas. In the karst areas, the land with a moderate and above erosion intensity (>3 t hm−2 y−1 in the karst area; >25 t hm−2 y−1 in the non-karst area) accounted for 28.20–34.78% of the total area, while only accounting for 2.39–2.72% in the non-karst areas. From 2000 to 2019, the mean intensity of soil erosion decreased from 13.97 to 10.83 t hm−2 y−1, and the SWCR increased from 32.95% to 35.31%. According to the change in erosion intensity grades, 22.30% of the whole province’s erosion grade changed from high to low, especially in the west, with a high erosion intensity. Meanwhile, about 11.99% of the land in the central, eastern and southeastern regions, was where the erosion intensity showed a slight increase and the spatial distribution showed sporadic patch distribution characteristics, which may be related to an increase in infrastructure investment in the Guizhou Province in recent years. A large number of production and construction projects caused the destruction of surface vegetation and also caused patchy soil erosion. The spatial and temporal characteristics of the soil erosion and the SWCR in the Guizhou Province between 2000 and 2019 were mastered through this study, and our results provide an important basis for further scientific and reasonable soil and water conservation planning work.
Comparative Efficiency and Sensitivity Analysis of AC and DC Power Distribution Paradigms for Residential Localities
Authors: Erteza Gelani Hasan , Dastgeer Faizan , Ali Shah Sayyad Ahmad , Saeed Faisal , Hassan Yousuf Muhammad , Afzal Hafiz Muhammad Waqas , Bilal Abdullah , Chowdhury Md. Shahariar , Techato Kuaanan , Channumsin Sittiporn , Ullah Nasim
Published: July 2022

The new millennium has witnessed a pervasive shift of trend from AC to DC in the residential load sector. The shift is predominantly due to independent residential solar PV systems at rooftops and escalating electronic loads with better energy saving potential integrated with diminishing prices as well as commercial availability of DC-based appliances. Comprehensive sensitivity analysis considering the real load profile is missing in the present body of knowledge. In order to fill that gap, this paper is an attempt to include a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the DC distribution system and its simulation-based comparison with its AC counterpart, considering the real load profile. The paper uses the Monte Carlo technique and probabilistic approach to add diversity in residential loads consumption to obtain an instantaneous load profile. Various possible scenarios such as variation of standard deviation from 5% to 20% of mean load value, PV capacity variation from 1000 W to 9000 W, and variation in power electronic converter (PEC) efficiencies are incorporated to make the system realistic as much as possible maintaining a fair comparison between both systems. The paper concludes with the baseline efficiency advantage of 2% to 3% during the day for the case of the DC distribution system as compared to the AC distribution system.
Did China’s “National Sustainable Development Plan of Resource-Based Cities” Promote Economic Growth?
Authors: Wang Jiaxin
Published: July 2022

This study utilizes a difference-in-difference (DID) regression model to evaluate the impact of China’s “National Sustainable Development Plan of Resource-Based Cities (2013–2020)” on economic growth in resource-based cities. The analysis is based on the data covering 329 Chinese cities during 2006–2019. Economic growth is measured by the annual growth rate of gross domestic product (GDP). It was found that the policy had a significantly negative impact on economic growth. Further analysis suggests that the policy depressed innovation in resource-based cities, and these cities did not expand their labor and capital inputs. These two phenomena can help explain why the policy’s effect on economic growth was negative, rather than positive. Moreover, our study reports that the effect of the policy was heterogeneous across different cities, depending on their development stages and spatial locations. Overall, our study detects an undesirable effect of the policy. The research findings call for more actions to promote macroeconomic growth during the process of economic transformation in China’s resource-based cities.
Design Method for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Powertrain Configuration with a Single Motor
Authors: Huang Bo , Hu Minghui , Zeng Li , Fu Guangshun , Jia Qinglong
Published: July 2022

Existing design methods for hybrid power system configurations obtain new solutions based on experience, structure improvement or optimization, exhaustive searching, and the screening of schemes at the expense of less innovation and less efficiency. Furthermore, these methods lack mechanisms involving automotive theory to guide powertrain configuration design. In this study, a design method of configuration with a single motor based on basic schemes of speed and torque decoupling was proposed from the perspective of the hybrid electric vehicle fuel-saving mechanism. First, the coupling characteristics of speed and torque in the basic scheme were analyzed from four perspectives. Thereafter, new configurations that meet operation requirements were derived via configuration reconstruction, which combined the better basic schemes with brakes, clutches, and transmissions. A multidimensional evaluation and screening method based on dynamic performance, economic performance, and adaptability was built. A comparison of S-4 with Toyota Hybrid System, which was performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the design method, revealed that both configurations perform similarly in terms of economic performance, but the dynamic performance of the S-4 is greater by approximately 50%. The times required to attain 100 km/h from 0 km/h for THS and S-4 are 13.5 s and 6.69 s, respectively.
The Key Success Factors for the Operation of SME Cluster Business Ecosystem
Authors: Chen Ming-Kuen , Wu Shih-Wei , Huang Ya-Ping , Chang Feng-Ju
Published: July 2022

With the emphasis on cross-industry cooperation and the increasing complexity of the consumer market, an open and innovative business ecosystem has become a trend, and companies are no longer competing on their own, but rather between systems and systems. This study explores the development of SME cluster operations from a business ecosystem perspective. It summarizes the influencing dimensions and relevant factors of SME cluster ecosystem operation through literature research and expert interviews. We utilize the Fuzzy DEMATEL method and Interpretive Structural Model and classified by classification of matrix multiplication method. At the same time, this study figures out the factors’ correlation and characteristics and further develops their management implications to provide a reference for enterprises and subsequent research. The results reveal that robustness and niche creation with significant influence and low dependence are considered critical factors to influence other factors. Therefore, decision-makers should consider prioritizing control over factors in this category.
Evaluation and Improvement of Shifting Quality of the Vehicle Gearbox from the Perspective of Sustainable Development in China’s Vehicle Industry
Authors: Li Yongxiang , Cheng Sen , Chen Zechen , Chen Zhenwen , Guo Haixia , Ye Anxin
Published: July 2022

Energy saving and environmental protection are still two important themes in the vehicle industry. The recent rapid transition in energy markets and the technological advances in the demand-side interventions have renewed attention on the driving behavior of the vehicle consumers. The inappropriate gearshift performance of vehicle gearbox would not only increase the fuel consumption, but also interfere with the driver’s driving emotional state, so that the driver is easy to feel uncomfortable and boring, thus further affecting the fuel consumption. Hence, based on the necessity of improving the gearshift performance of vehicle gearbox, this study adopts GSA test technology to study the problems existing in the shifting quality of the commercial vehicle, so as to achieve high shifting efficiency and low fuel consumption. It could establish the subjective and objective evaluation criteria of the gearshift performance of commercial vehicles determined by the test, which provides a reliable theoretical basis for the optimal design of products and the evaluation of gearshift performance. Then, the technicians could formulate the corresponding shift manipulating schemes and optimal matching steps accordingly, to reach the required technical indexes of power, stability and transmission of the whole vehicle system, thus providing a direction for reducing fuel consumption and emissions, and improving the gearshift performance and quality of the whole vehicle.
Comparing Micromobility with Public Transportation Trips in a Data-Driven Spatio-Temporal Analysis
Authors: Schwinger Felix , Tanriverdi Baran , Jarke Matthias
Published: July 2022

Micromobility service systems have recently appeared in urban areas worldwide. Although e-bike and e-scooter services have been operating for some time now, their characteristics have only recently been analyzed in more detail. In particular, the influence on the existing transportation services is not well understood. This study proposes a framework to gather data, infer micromobility trips, deduce their characteristics, and assess their relation to a public transportation network. We validate our approach by comparing it to similar approaches in the literature and applying it to data of over a year from the city of Aachen. We find hints at the recreational role of e-scooters and a larger commuting role for e-bikes. We show that micromobility services in particular are used in situations where public transportation is not a viable alternative, hence often complementing the available services, and competing with public transportation in other areas. This ambivalent relationship between micromobility and public transportation emphasizes the need for appropriate regulations and policies to ensure the sustainability of micromobility services.
Psychophysiological Responses of Adults According to Cognitive Demand Levels for Horticultural Activities
Authors: Kim Seon-Ok , Kim Yun-Jin , Park Sin-Ae
Published: July 2022

We aimed to compare psychophysiological responses in adults according to cognitive demand levels for horticultural activities to confirm the feasibility of horticultural activity for improving attention and emotional states. A total of 60 adults in their 20s were included in this crossover design study. Participants performed soil-mixing activities with 2 cognitive demand levels for 2 min each. Electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) were performed during these activities. After each activity, the semantic differential method (SDM) was used to evaluate the emotional states of the participants. EEG results revealed that relative fast alpha and low beta power spectrums in the frontal lobes were high during the activity with high cognitive demand compared to those during the low demand activity, which indicates activation in the prefrontal cortex. ECG results showed that during the high cognitive demand activity, the standard deviation of the RR intervals of male adults was high, indicating a high-stress resistance ability of the autonomic nervous system. However, as a result of the SDM, there were no significant differences in emotional states according to the level of activity difficulty. Therefore, this study confirmed the possibility that the intervention of horticultural activities of an appropriate difficulty did not negatively affect subjective emotional changes and could have a positive effect on the improvement of attention levels and emotional stability in adults.
Design Methodology and Analysis of Five-Level LLC Resonant Converter for Battery Chargers
Authors: Alatai Salah , Salem Mohamed , Alhamrouni Ibrahim , Ishak Dahaman , Bughneda Ali , Kamarol Mohamad
Published: July 2022

This paper presents proposal of a five-level LLC resonant DC–DC converter design procedure for battery chargers. The five-level inverter side of the proposed converter is connected to a transform-less LLC resonant tank to ensure operating at high frequency and achieve soft switching. The proposed converter has less weight, size, and cost. It is also much simpler in terms of implementation, and has smooth energy conversion to the load. The proposed converter is designed to work within the range close to the resonant frequency, to ensure higher power density and efficiency. Thus, the range of operating frequency is set to be (91 kHz < fsw < 110 kHz), while the LLC parameters is designed to achieve resonant frequency fr = 100 kHz. Therefore, it is designed to achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) for all switches, which enhances the efficiency as well. The theoretical analysis outcomes were confirmed by simulation studies conducted using MATLAB/SIMULINK. An experimental model was also developed and validated with 100 VDC input voltage, which delivered output power of 100 W, 48 V, with efficiency around 96.9%. Selected findings are presented to confirm the effectiveness of the suggested converter.
A Systematic Literature Review on Leadership Practices for Safety in the Education Sector
Authors: Mat Lazim Siti Hajariah Ilani , Arifin Kadir , Abas Azlan , Khairil Muhammad , Ali Muhammad Nur , Lampe Ilyas , Samad Muhammad Ahsan , Mahfudz Mahfudz , Ciyo Muhammad Basir
Published: July 2022

Leadership is increasingly being recognized as a significant aspect of organizational occupational safety. However, there are differences in describing how the leaders manage safety in the organization. This study aims to systematically review and analyze the effective leadership practices for safety in the education sector. The present study incorporated different research designs and the review was based on the published standard, namely PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). This study has considered 21 related studies using Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus as the primary databases for this systematic literature review. Further review of these articles resulted in three main themes, namely establishing and conveying the safety vision, supporting learning and professional capacity development, and leading with a safety orientation; thus, producing a total of 12 sub-themes from the three themes. This systematic literature review also provides several limitations and recommendations for future direction.
Soil Organic Carbon Stocks under Different Land Utilization Types in Western Kenya
Authors: Kibet Esphorn , Musafiri Collins Muimi , Kiboi Milka Ngonyo , Macharia Joseph , Ng’etich Onesmus K , Kosgei David K , Mulianga Betty , Okoti Michael , Zeila Abdirahman , Ngetich Felix Kipchirchir
Published: July 2022

The up-surging population in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has led to the conversion of more land for agricultural purposes. Resilient land utilization types that input carbon to the soil are key in enhancing climate change mitigation. However, there are limited data on different land utilization types’ contribution to climate mitigation through carbon input to soils. The study aims to quantify carbon stock across different land utilization types (LUT) practiced in Western Kenya. The following land utilization types were studied: agroforestry M (agroforestry with Markhamia lutea), sole sorghum, agroforestry L (agroforestry with Leucaena leucocephalaI), sole maize, and grazing land replicated thrice. To determine soil bulk density, SOC concentration, and soil carbon stock, soil samples were collected at depths of 0–5, 5–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm from different LUTs. A PROC ANOVA was used to determine the difference in soil bulk density, SOC, and SOC stock between different LUTs and depths. The four variables differed across the LUTs and depths. A high soil bulk density was observed at 0–5 cm under grazing land (1.6 g cm−3) and the lowest under agroforestry M (1.30 g cm−3). Conversely, the soil bulk density was low at 20–30 cm under grazing land. The 0–5 cm depth accounted for a high share of SOC and SOC stock under Agroforestry M, while the 10–20 and 20–30 cm depth accounted for the high share of SOC stock under agroforestry L. The study showed differences in SOC across the different depths and LUTs. The findings highlight that agroforestry L and agroforestry M are promising interventions toward climate mitigation through carbon induction to soils.
Examining the Economic Value of Tourism and Visitor Preferences: A Portrait of Sustainability Ecotourism in the Tangkahan Protection Area, Gunung Leuser National Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Purwoko Agus , Nurrochmat Dodik Ridho , Ekayani Meti , Rijal Syamsu , Garura Herlina Leontin
Published: July 2022

North Sumatra Province has the Tangkahan Nature Tourism Area, which represents ecotourism managed by local communities, established in 2001, which has now become the leading tourism destination of North Sumatra both locally and internationally. Tangkahan ecotourism is an example of payment for environmental services for the Tangkahan community, which initially carried out illegal logging in the mount Leuseur national park and then agreed to preserve the national park through ecotourism. This study aims to analyze the economic value of tourism and the preferences of tourists to revisit, along with the factors that influence them, where these conditions can be an illustration of the sustainability of Tangkahan ecotourism. The travel cost method is used to calculate the economic value of Tangkahan Ecotourism environmental services. The factors that affect the economic value, intensity of visits, and interest in revisiting, were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results showed that Tangkahan ecotourism has a relatively high economic value, supported by the intensity and interest of tourist visits. Factors that affect the economic value and preferences of tourist visits can be managed for the sustainability of Tangkahan ecotourism so as not to lose the economic value of the ecotourism environmental services.
Dynamics of a Particle in 3:1 Tesseral Resonance with the Dwarf Planet Haumea
Authors: Cuellar Mateus Dairo Antonio , Prado Antônio F. B. A. , Sanchez Diogo Merguizo , de Moraes Rodolpho Vilhena
Published: July 2022

The dynamics of a particle in 3:1 tesseral resonance with the dwarf planet Haumea is analysed. This resonance, three rotations of the primary per orbital period of the particle, is located inside the region where Haumea’s ring was observed. Thus, determining the effect of this resonance on a particle’s orbit reveals its relationship to the orbits that follow the particles of the ring. To analyse the effect, we propose four models of anisotropy; two of them are a reduced representation of the distribution of the mass of Haumea that we use to determine the centre of the resonance by means of the Hamiltonian formulation. After this, we analyse the effects of the four models on the resonance orbit by using the Lagrange planetary equations technique. The results show that the resonance centre has a high eccentricity value, meaning that a particle in 3:1 resonance with Haumea does not remain confined to the region that we consider to be the ring region.
Deployment and Retrieval Missions from Quasi-Periodic and Chaotic States under a Non-Linear Control Law
Authors: Salazar Francisco J. T. , Prado Antonio B. A.
Published: July 2022

When the length of the tether remains constant, the relative planar motion of the tethered subsatellite with respect to the base satellite in a circular orbit around the Earth, is similar to a simple pendulum motion, i.e., there are two kinds of equilibrium points: local vertical and local horizontal positions, which are center and saddle points, respectively. However, when out-of-plane motion is initially excited, the relative motion of the subsatellite presents symmetric quasi-periodic and chaotic behavior. In the first part of this study, such trajectories are analyzed by means of Poincaré sections. In the second part, a non-linear tension force by using a Lyapunov approach is proposed for controlling the coupled pitch-roll motion during the deployment and retrieval phases. The goal of this paper is to guide the relative non-linear motion of the subsatellite to the local upward vertical position. The numerical results show that the non-linear tension control steered the subsatellite close to the local vertical direction very well, reducing the quasi-periodic and chaotic oscillations.