bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wind Turbine Emulators—A Review
Authors: Rajendran Saravanakumar , Diaz Matias , Devi V. , Jena Debashisha , Travieso Juan , Rodriguez José
Published: March 2023

Renewable energy sources have become a significant alternative energy source due to the continuing depletion of conventional energy sources and fluctuation in fuel costs. Currently, wind energy is the foremost among all other renewable energy sources. However, modeling and analyzing industrial wind turbines is complex as the wind turbine power ratio and size have steadily increased. Undoubtedly, industrial wind turbines are huge and challenging to keep in research labs; simultaneously, exploring the controller/power converter performance is practically impossible. Therefore, to overcome the above drawbacks, wind turbine emulators have been developed to achieve the static and dynamic characteristics of wind energy conversion systems. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of the different wind turbine emulators available in the literature. In addition, the implementation of real-time emulators is classified according to the structure and approaches. Furthermore, an extensive analysis of the emulators was presented based on the significant parameters utilized for the real-time wind turbine emulators. Finally, this review analyzes the different emulator topologies according to cost, accuracy, complexity, and hardware implementation.
Progress of Using Risk Assessment to Manage Small Drinking-Water Supplies in Rwanda: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Herschan Jo , Tsinda Aime , Okurut Kenan , Malcolm Rosalind , Lapworth Daniel J. , Pond Katherine
Published: March 2023

The World Health Organization promotes risk assessment and risk management through Water Safety Plans (WSPs) as the most effective way to manage drinking-water supplies. Despite proven advantages of this approach in other regions, WSPs are still not widely used across small drinking-water supplies in Sub Saharan Africa. The aim of this research is to identify good practices and related gaps which may assist with formal uptake of WSPs for small drinking-water supplies in Rwanda. Through semi-structured interviews with the key stakeholders involved in small drinking-water supply management across Rwanda, the aim is achieved through the investigation of the following: (i) current drinking-water management challenges; (ii) stakeholder collaboration and data management activities including reporting of information; and (iii) the regulatory and policy environment. The use and awareness of WSPs in Rwanda was confirmed as low. However certain drinking-water management activities which align with the WSP methodology are being carried out. These include catchment management and stakeholder collaboration. Although legislation and policy are in place in Rwanda, communication and training of methods to implement WSPs are required to sustainably embed WSPs into practice. Several elements, including community engagement, systematic review of risks and data management, require greater focus to align with the WSP methodology. Respondents highlighted key drinking-water management challenges, including reactive budgeting and lack of sector prioritization, which could benefit from formal WSP implementation.
Set Theory and Many Worlds
Authors: Tappenden Paul
Published: March 2023

The 2022 Tel Aviv conference on the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics highlighted many differences between theorists. A very significant dichotomy is between Everettian fission (splitting) and Saunders–Wallace–Wilson divergence. For fission, an observer may have multiple futures, whereas for divergence they always have a single future. Divergence was explicitly introduced to resolve the problem of pre-measurement uncertainty for Everettian theory, which is universally believed to be absent for fission. Here I maintain that there is indeed pre-measurement uncertainty prior to fission, so long as objective probability is a property of Everettian branches. This is made possible if the universe is a set and branches are subsets with a probability measure. A universe that is a set of universes that are macroscopically isomorphic and span all possible configurations of local beäbles fulfills that role. If objective probability is a property of branches, then a successful Deutsch–Wallace decision-theoretic argument would justify the Principal Principle and be part of probability theory rather than specific to many-worlds theory. Any macroscopic object in our environment becomes a set of isomorphs with different microscopic configurations, each in an elemental universe (elemental in the set-theoretic sense). This is similar to the many-interacting-worlds theory, but the observer inhabits the set of worlds, not an individual world. An observer has many elemental bodies.
Identifying Optimal Precursors for Geopolymer Composite Mix Design for Different Regional Settings: A Multi-Objective Optimization Study
Authors: Abdulkareem Mariam , Komkova Anastasija , Havukainen Jouni , Habert Guillaume , Horttanainen Mika
Published: March 2023

Global objectives to mitigate climate change in the construction industry have led to increasing geopolymer development as an alternative to carbon-intensive cement. Geopolymers can have similar mechanical properties and a lower carbon footprint. However, geopolymer production is not as homogeneous as cement because it is produced by synthesizing alkali solutions with different aluminosilicate precursors. This study assessed the feasibility of using conventional (fly ash, blast furnace slag, and metakaolin) and alternative precursors (steel slag, mine tailings, glass waste, sewage sludge ashes, and municipal solid waste incineration bottom ashes (MSWI BA)) in geopolymer mixes for different European regions (Belgium and Finland) from a sustainability perspective, using environmental, economic, and resource availability indicators as the criteria. A multi-objective optimization technique was applied to identify optimal precursors for geopolymer mixes using two scenarios: (1) considering both conventional and alternative precursors; (2) only considering alternative precursors. The results from the first scenario show that one of the most optimal precursor combinations for the geopolymer mix is 50% fly ash, 25% MSWI BA, and 25% sewage sludge ash for Belgium. For Finland, it is 19% fly ash, 27% mine tailings, and 45% MSWI BA. For the second scenario, one of the most optimal precursor combinations for Belgium is 87% MSWI BA and 13% steel slag. For Finland, it is 25% mine tailings and 75% MSWI BA. Subsequently, linear regression analysis was applied to predict the compressive strength of the identified optimal mixes, and the results for Belgium and Finland were between 31–55 MPa and 31–50 MPa for the first scenario and between 50–59 MPa and 50–55 Mpa for the second scenario, respectively.
The Malaysian Historical Geographical Information System (MHGIS): The Case of Chinese Temples in Johor
Authors: Hue Guan Thye , Kui Wei Kai , Klan Choo Juhn Khai , Josephine Fong Xin De , Dong Weikai , Dean Kenneth , Lin Ruo , Yu Meng , Tai Hean Cheong
Published: March 2023

This is a quantitative study of Chinese temples in Johor using temple data to show the development of Chinese religion in the state. The study finds that Chinese temples in Johor are dominated by a fusion of Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism, with only a minority of orthodox Buddhism in existence. The broad range of Buddhist and Daoist deities shows the diversity and inclusiveness of the religion. In addition, the number of newly created temples in the state is still on the rise, contradicting the perception that they, especially Daoist ones, are on the decline. The quantitative data collation and analysis of Chinese temples in Johor not only will reflect more accurately the development of religion and beliefs of the local Chinese community, but also is an attempt to construct Malaysia Historical Geographic Information System (MHGIS). We hope that in the future, we can make use of the convenience of the data humanities system to make a more macro and holistic exploration and development of the study of Chinese temples and beliefs in Malaysia.
Favorable Outcome and Safety of Neoadjuvant Trastuzumab Emtansine (T-DM1) in a HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer Patient with Severe Renal Disease on Hemodialysis Ineligible for Conventional Chemotherapy: A Case Report
Authors: Natarajan Suman Kalyan , Danansezhian Joice Crystal , Thummar Vipulkumar , Mehta Priya
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. It is the most common malignancy in middle-age and elderly women already suffering from other comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Being a heterogeneous disease, it has variable subtype-specific outcomes and responses towards treatment. Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression are treated with anti-HER2-targeted drugs. With the advent of newer drugs, the usage of HER2 blockade and chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-positive early breast cancer management helps to increase the probability of achieving pathological complete response. We herein present a case of a patient with breast cancer with long-standing CKD and on maintenance hemodialysis where treatment with conventional chemotherapy regimens was a concern and managed with an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC), namely T-DM1, in a neoadjuvant setting. The patient showed a favorable outcome, and the tolerance of T-DM1 in this patient was predictable. This is a first-of-its-kind case report, where T-DM1 was used in a neoadjuvant setting for a patient on simultaneous hemodialysis.
Development of a Radiometric Calibration Method for Multispectral Images of Croplands Obtained with a Remote-Controlled Aerial System
Authors: Shin Taehwan , Jeong Seungtaek , Ko Jonghan
Published: March 2023

A remote sensing (RS) platform consisting of a remote-controlled aerial vehicle (RAV) can be used to monitor crop, environmental conditions, and productivity in agricultural areas. However, the current methods for the calibration of RAV-acquired images are cumbersome. Thus, a calibration method must be incorporated into RAV RS systems for practical and advanced applications. Here, we aimed to develop a standalone RAV RS-based calibration system without the need for calibration tarpaulins (tarps) by quantifying the sensor responses of a multispectral camera, which varies with light intensities. To develop the standalone RAV-based RS calibration system, we used a quadcopter with four propellers, with a rotor-to-rotor length of 46 cm and height of 25 cm. The quadcopter equipped with a multispectral camera with green, red, and near-infrared filters was used to acquire spectral images for formulating the RAV RS-based standardization system. To perform the calibration study process, libraries of sensor responses were constructed using pseudo-invariant tarps according to the light intensities to determine the relationship equations between the two factors. The calibrated images were then validated using the reflectance measured in crop fields. Finally, we evaluated the outcomes of the formulated RAV RS-based calibration system. The results of this study suggest that the standalone RAV RS system would be helpful in the processing of RAV RS-acquired images.
Forest Emissions Reduction Assessment Using Optical Satellite Imagery and Space LiDAR Fusion for Carbon Stock Estimation
Authors: Jiao Yue , Wang Dacheng , Yao Xiaojing , Wang Shudong , Chi Tianhe , Meng Yu
Published: March 2023

Forests offer significant climate mitigation benefits, but existing emissions reduction assessment methodologies in forest-based mitigation activities are not scalable, which limits the development of carbon offset markets. In this study, we propose a measurement method using optical satellite imagery and space LiDAR data fusion to assess forest emissions reduction. Compared with the ALS-based carbon stock density estimation method, our approach presented a strong scalability for mapping 10 m-resolution carbon stock at a large scale. It was observed that dense canopy top height estimated by combining GEDI and Sentinel-2 could accurately predict forest carbon stock measurements estimated by the ALS-based method (R2 = 0.72). By conducting an on-site experiment of an ongoing forest carbon project in China, we found the consistency between the emissions reduction assessed by the data fusion measurement method (589,169 tCO2e) and the official ex post-monitored emissions reduction in the monitoring report (598,442 tCO2e). Our results demonstrated that forest carton stock estimation using optical satellite imagery and space LiDAR data fusion is efficient and economical for forest emissions reduction assessment. The acquisition of the data was more efficient over large areas with high frequencies using space-based technology. We further discussed the challenge of building a near-real-time monitoring system for forest-based mitigation activities by utilizing optical satellite imagery and space LiDAR data and pointed out that a quality control framework should be established to help us understand the sources of uncertainty in LiDAR-based models and improve carbon stock estimation from individual trees to forest carbon projects to meet the requirements of carbon standards better.
Multitemporal and Multiscale Applications of Geomatic Techniques to Medium-Sized Archaeological Sites—Case Study of Marroquíes Bajos (Jaén, Spain)
Authors: Mozas-Calvache Antonio Tomás , Gómez-López José Miguel , Pérez-García José Luis
Published: March 2023

This study describes a methodology for obtaining a geometric documentation of a medium-sized archaeological area by applying various geomatic techniques. The procedure considers the obtainment of products at several scales, from the entire site to small artifacts, and at several dates, in order to model the evolution of the archaeological work. The methodology includes both LiDAR and photogrammetry, using the LiDAR point clouds to support the geometry obtained using photogrammetry and adding texture from this source. The technique used was adapted to the circumstances of the scene by considering the scale level (resolution and accuracy), complexity, and other requirements of the project. In the case of LiDAR, terrestrial laser scanning and structured-light scanning were used, and the aerial photogrammetry used two types of RPAS (medium and low flight height), close range photogrammetry with a conventional camera, and very close-range photogrammetry with a conventional camera mounted with a macro lens. The methodology demonstrated its feasibility for performing these types of studies, providing products adapted to the required scale level. All results were integrated into a website, including a map that allows user interaction and displays products at a selected zoom level, according to their scale level. The website also displays 3D models of the scenes and objects studied.
Phosphorus for Cattle and Buffaloes in Brazil: Clinical Signs and Diagnosis of Its Deficiency and Relevance, and Recommended Strategies to Alleviate Issues Observed under Grazing Conditions
Authors: Malafaia Pedro , Barbosa José Diomedes , Brito Marilene Farias , Souza Vinícius Carneiro de , Costa Diogo Fleury Azevedo
Published: March 2023

Phosphorus (P) deficiency impairs productivity of ruminants and is the most expensive mineral used in supplements for cattle and buffalo under Brazilian grazing conditions. There is a need for the rational use of P, particularly under extensive grazing conditions, as this mineral resource is expensive and the world’s supplies are exhaustible. The diagnosis of P deficiency must start with careful and detailed history taking, followed by clinical examination of the herd and the use of ancillary tests. The latter are complementary to the diagnosis; they should be neither the first nor the most important steps when conducting a professional diagnosis. The indication of corrective or prophylactic measures necessarily involves the correct diagnosis of P deficiency (in herds), whether it be clinical or subclinical. This review discusses the main aspects related to P for cattle and buffaloes under grazing conditions in Brazil.
Design and Evaluation of Capacitive Smart Transducer for a Forestry Crane Gripper
Authors: Anandan Narendiran , Arronde Pérez Dailys , Mitterer Tobias , Zangl Hubert
Published: March 2023

Stable grasps are essential for robots handling objects. This is especially true for “robotized” large industrial machines as heavy and bulky objects that are unintentionally dropped by the machine can lead to substantial damages and pose a significant safety risk. Consequently, adding a proximity and tactile sensing to such large industrial machinery can help to mitigate this problem. In this paper, we present a sensing system for proximity/tactile sensing in gripper claws of a forestry crane. In order to avoid difficulties with respect to the installation of cables (in particular in retrofitting of existing machinery), the sensors are truly wireless and can be powered using energy harvesting, leading to autarkic, i.e., self-contained, sensors. The sensing elements are connected to a measurement system which transmits the measurement data to the crane automation computer via Bluetooth low energy (BLE) compliant to IEEE 1451.0 (TEDs) specification for eased logical system integration. We demonstrate that the sensor system can be fully integrated in the grasper and that it can withstand the challenging environmental conditions. We present experimental evaluation of detection in various grasping scenarios such as grasping at an angle, corner grasping, improper closure of the gripper and proper grasp for logs of three different sizes. Results indicate the ability to detect and differentiate between good and poor grasping configurations.
Accurate Image Multi-Class Classification Neural Network Model with Quantum Entanglement Approach
Authors: Riaz Farina , Abdulla Shahab , Suzuki Hajime , Ganguly Srinjoy , Deo Ravinesh C. , Hopkins Susan
Published: March 2023

Quantum machine learning (QML) has attracted significant research attention over the last decade. Multiple models have been developed to demonstrate the practical applications of the quantum properties. In this study, we first demonstrate that the previously proposed quanvolutional neural network (QuanvNN) using a randomly generated quantum circuit improves the image classification accuracy of a fully connected neural network against the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) dataset and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research 10 class (CIFAR-10) dataset from 92.0% to 93.0% and from 30.5% to 34.9%, respectively. We then propose a new model referred to as a Neural Network with Quantum Entanglement (NNQE) using a strongly entangled quantum circuit combined with Hadamard gates. The new model further improves the image classification accuracy of MNIST and CIFAR-10 to 93.8% and 36.0%, respectively. Unlike other QML methods, the proposed method does not require optimization of the parameters inside the quantum circuits; hence, it requires only limited use of the quantum circuit. Given the small number of qubits and relatively shallow depth of the proposed quantum circuit, the proposed method is well suited for implementation in noisy intermediate-scale quantum computers. While promising results were obtained by the proposed method when applied to the MNIST and CIFAR-10 datasets, a test against a more complicated German Traffic Sign Recognition Benchmark (GTSRB) dataset degraded the image classification accuracy from 82.2% to 73.4%. The exact causes of the performance improvement and degradation are currently an open question, prompting further research on the understanding and design of suitable quantum circuits for image classification neural networks for colored and complex data.
Modulation Signal Recognition of Underwater Acoustic Communication Based on Archimedes Optimization Algorithm and Random Forest
Authors: Wang Maofa , Zhu Zhenjing , Qian Gaofeng
Published: March 2023

This paper researches the recognition of modulation signals in underwater acoustic communication, which is the fundamental prerequisite for achieving noncooperative underwater communication. In order to improve the accuracy of signal modulation mode recognition and the recognition effects of traditional signal classifiers, the article proposes a classifier based on the Archimedes Optimization Algorithm (AOA) and Random Forest (RF). Seven different types of signals are selected as recognition targets, and 11 feature parameters are extracted from them. The decision tree and depth obtained by the AOA algorithm are calculated, and the optimized random forest after the AOA algorithm is used as the classifier to achieve the recognition of underwater acoustic communication signal modulation mode. Simulation experiments show that when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is higher than −5dB, the recognition accuracy of the algorithm can reach 95%. The proposed method is compared with other classification and recognition methods, and the results show that the proposed method can ensure high recognition accuracy and stability.
Lipids Fraction from Caralluma europaea (Guss.): MicroTOF and HPLC Analyses and Exploration of Its Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Wound Healing Effects
Authors: Amrati Fatima Ez-Zahra , Slighoua Meryem , Mssillou Ibrahim , Chebaibi Mohamed , Galvão de Azevedo Renata , Boukhira Smahane , Moslova Karina , Al Kamaly Omkulthom , Saleh Asmaa , Correa de Oliveira André , Gomes Alice de Freitas , Soares Pontes Gemilson , Bousta Dalila
Published: March 2023

Caralluma europaea is a medicinal plant used in Morocco to cure a variety of illnesses. This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition, the antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities of C. europaea lipids. The chemical composition of C. europaea was analyzed using time-of-flight mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant potential was determined using the 2,2-di-phenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. The antiproliferative effect was evaluated by MTT assay against HL60, K562, Huh-7 cancer cells, and normal Vero cells. The anti-inflammatory potential was conducted against carrageenan-induced paw edema. The wound healing effect was evaluated against skin burns for 21 days. The identified phytochemical compounds were docked for their effect on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, caspase-3, lipoxygenase, glycogen synthase kinase-3-β, and protein casein kinase-1. The results showed the presence of some lipids, such as linoleic acid and vitamin D3. The DPPH (IC50 = 0.018 mg/mL) and FRAP (EC50 = 0.084 mg/mL) of C. europaea lipids showed an important antioxidant effect. For the anti-inflammatory test, an inhibition of 83.50% was recorded after 6 h of treatment. Our extract showed the greatest wound retraction on the 21st day (98.20%). C. europaea lipids showed a remarkable antitumoral effect against the K562 cell line (IC50 = 37.30 µg/mL), with no effect on Vero cells (IC50 > 100 µg/mL). Lignoceric acid was the most active molecule against caspase-3 (−6.453 kcal/mol). The findings indicate the growing evidence of C. europaea as a potential treatment for several diseases.
Signals: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Signal Processing Research
Authors: Marco Santiago
Published: March 2023

Being the new editor-in-chief of Signals is a great honour and a daunting task [...]
Renaissance of Creative Accounting Due to the Pandemic: New Patterns Explored by Correspondence Analysis
Authors: Blazek Roman , Durana Pavol , Michulek Jakub
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak has rapidly affected global economies and the parties involved. There was a need to ensure the sustainability of corporate finance and avoid bankruptcy. The reactions of individuals were not routine, but covered a wide range of approaches to surviving the crisis. A creative way of accounting was also adopted. This study is primarily concerned with the behavior of businesses in the Visegrad Four countries between 2019 and 2021. The pandemic era was the driving force behind the renaissance of manipulation. Thus, the purpose of the article is to explore how the behavior of enterprises changed during the ongoing pandemic. The Beneish model was applied to reveal creative manipulation in the analyzed samples. Its M-score was calculated for 6113 Slovak, 153 Czech, 585 Polish, and 155 Hungarian enterprises. Increasing numbers of handling enterprises were confirmed in the V4 region. The dependency between the size of the enterprise and the occurrence of creative accounting was also proven. However, the structure of manipulators has been changing. Correspondence analysis specifically showed behavioral changes over time. Correspondence maps demonstrate which enterprises already used creative accounting before the pandemic in 2019. Then, it was noted that enterprises were influenced to modify their patterns in 2020 and 2021. The coronavirus pandemic had a significant potency on the use of creative accounting, not only for individual units, but for businesses of all sizes. In addition, the methodology may be applied for the investigation of individual sectors post-COVID.
Dopamine Inhibits Arabidopsis Growth through Increased Oxidative Stress and Auxin Activity
Authors: Shull Timothy E. , Kurepa Jasmina , Smalle Jan A.
Published: March 2023

Like some bacterial species and all animals, plants synthesize dopamine and react to its exogenous applications. Despite dopamine’s widespread presence and activity in plants, its role in plant physiology is still poorly understood. Using targeted experimentation informed by the transcriptomic response to dopamine exposure, we identify three major effects of dopamine. First, we show that dopamine causes hypersensitivity to auxin indole-3-acetic acid by enhancing auxin activity. Second, we show that dopamine increases oxidative stress, which can be mitigated with glutathione. Third, we find that dopamine downregulates iron uptake mechanisms, leading to a decreased iron content—a response possibly aimed at reducing DA-induced oxidative stress. Finally, we show that dopamine-induced auxin sensitivity is downstream of glutathione biosynthesis, indicating that the auxin response is likely a consequence of DA-induced oxidative stress. Collectively, our results show that exogenous dopamine increases oxidative stress, which inhibits growth both directly and indirectly by promoting glutathione-biosynthesis-dependent auxin hypersensitivity.
Optimal Phase Balancing in Electricity Distribution Feeders Using Mixed-Integer Linear Programming
Authors: Lin Chia-Hung , Ku Te-Tien , Li Chung-Sheng , Chen Chao-Shun
Published: March 2023

A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model that includes reductions in neutral current, feeder energy-loss cost, customer interruption cost, and labor cost is developed to derive the optimal phase-swapping strategy to enhance the phase balancing of distribution feeders. The neutral current of the distribution feeder is reduced by the phase-swapping strategy so that the tripping of the low-energy overcurrent relay can be prevented and customer-service interruption costs and the labor cost to execute the phase-swapping works can be justified by the energy-loss reduction obtained. The novelty of the study is its derivation of the phase-swapping strategy using mixed-integer linear programming to solve the problem of the unbalance of the distribution feeders. A Taipower distribution feeder is used to derive the phase-swapping strategy to demonstrate the proposed MILP model for phase balancing. The comparison of the phase currents and neutral current before phase-swapping reveals that the three-phase balance was not only significantly improved, but that the voltage unbalance was also decreased dramatically using the proposed phase-swapping strategy.
Nature-Based Solutions as Building Blocks for the Transition towards Sustainable Climate-Resilient Food Systems
Authors: Keesstra Saskia , Veraart Jeroen , Verhagen Jan , Visser Saskia , Kragt Marit , Linderhof Vincent , Appelman Wilfred , van den Berg Jolanda , Deolu-Ajayi Ayodeji , Groot Annemarie
Published: March 2023

Food systems—encompassing food production, transportation, processing and consumption, including food losses and waste—are currently not delivering what is expected or needed to ensure their full contribution to societal well-being and ecological sustainability. In this paper, we hypothesize that nature-based solutions (NBS; solutions that are inspired by, supported by, or copied from nature) can overcome system challenges related to the functioning of the biosphere, society, or economy (including governance arrangements), and support a transition to sustainable climate-resilient food systems. We develop a conceptual framework to assess NBS contributions to such transitions. Three types of NBS are evaluated: intrinsic NBS which make use of existing ecosystems; hybrid NBS which manage and adapt ecosystems; and inspired NBS which consist of newly constructed ecosystems. We show that inspired NBS in particular will increase opportunities to achieve sustainable development in food systems. NBS can facilitate the much-needed transition to a different way of using our natural resources to reach the SDGs by 2030. We identify the knowledge gaps that impede the development of NBS to support a transition towards sustainable, climate-resilient food systems.
Development and Effectiveness of Agricultural Cooperatives: Case of Maize Producer Cooperatives (MPCs) in the Republic of Benin
Authors: Ibikoule Godfrid Erasme , Lee Jaehyeon , Agalati Barnabé , Gillette Raulston
Published: March 2023

In the Republic of Benin, the last decade has witnessed initiatives that resulted in a boom in agricultural cooperatives. However, many research outcomes indicated agricultural cooperatives’ poor performances and lack of sustainability. To understand why this is the case, this research uses a comparative case study approach to analyze maize producer cooperatives’ (MPCs) institutional environment and internal governance at different levels in two districts of Benin: Kandi and Djidja. Analysis showed that MPCs’ development follows different trajectories influenced by specific contexts and multiple factors. MPCs in the district of Djidja proved to be more effective than those in Kandi. In both cases, institutional factors—such as the government’s role, source of establishment initiative, political and administrative context, and support system—have greatly affected the current condition of MPCs. Moreover, the internal governance—mainly the structure of MPCs, the profile of leaders, the network, and the business—and notably joint-selling also contributed to the current situation of MPCs being either not operating, revived, or genuine, therefore implying different levels of effectiveness. The originality of this study lies in its qualitative approach, which provides a rigorous understanding of the MPCs’ development and effectiveness based on cooperative practitioners’ experiences.
The Influence of Individual Cultural Value Differences on Pro-Environmental Behavior among International Students at Korean Universities
Authors: Riaz Waqas , Gul Sehrish , Lee Yoonseock
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the influence of individual cultural value differences on pro-environmental behavior (PEB) among international students from various cultural backgrounds presently studying in Korean universities. Data was collected using an online, self-administered questionnaire from a sample of 224 international students. Analysis was performed through structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques with the help of AMOS 26 software. The results show that Hofstede’s cultural dimensions are strong predictors of private and public-sphere PEB. The results indicated that the uncertainty avoidance, collectivistic, and long-term orientation values of international students have a significant positive effect on both private and public-sphere PEB. However, power distance does not affect PEB in the private and public spheres. Notably, masculinity is negatively associated with only public-sphere PEB. This study also provides valuable practical implications for policymakers and other stakeholders to promote sustainable behavior among international students.
Exploring Citizen Science over Time: Sensing, Technology and the Law
Authors: Berti Suman Anna , Alblas Edwin
Published: March 2023

People over the course of history have survived by developing their ability to ‘sense’ their environment as an embryonic form of citizen science. With the emergence of modern states, governments have assumed responsibility for monitoring the quality of the environment, and progressively the practice and role of citizen science has changed. This review explores the different manifestations of citizen science over time, with a focus on its law and governance dimensions, reading this evolution as a critical analysis of the current discourses around citizen science. The evolution of citizen science throughout history and its transformation shows certain patterns that are highlighted in this article as ‘constant’ features, whereas other features are instead interrupted and reversed, and new ones emerge. We thus examined citizen science over time by asking what is really new about this phenomenon, focusing on constants—permanent features—and turning points—changes in direction. We argue that these dynamics are central to understanding the promises and perils of the practice, to fully grasping the forms of uninvited, reactive environmental citizen science and to scoping foreseeable future scenarios.
Italian Consumers’ Awareness of Climate Change and Willingness to Pay for Climate-Smart Food Products
Authors: Predieri Stefano , Cianciabella Marta , Daniele Giulia Maria , Gatti Edoardo , Lippi Nico , Magli Massimiliano , Medoro Chiara , Rossi Federica , Chieco Camilla
Published: March 2023

Understanding climate change awareness and its related risks is crucial to plan efficient climate-smart strategies. An online survey was conducted on Italian consumers with the aim to understand consumers’ inclination toward food products obtained with climate-smart strategies. Specifically, consumers’ awareness about climate change and willingness to choose and pay for products derived from climate-smart agriculture were investigated. Results highlighted two targeted consumers, one more interested in economic issues and more “conservative” and the second one more concerned with climate changes risks with a higher interest in environmental and ethical values (fair trade), representing the primary target consumers for climate-smart foods. This segmentation can be useful to identify expectations and purchase drivers that can facilitate climate-smart policies and the establishment of the climate-smart foods on the market.
Bank Risk Literature (1978–2022): A Bibliometric Analysis and Research Front Mapping
Authors: Qi Baolei , Marie Mohamed , Abdelwahed Ahmed S. , Khatatbeh Ibrahim N. , Omran Mohamed , Fayad Abdallah A. S.
Published: March 2023

This study maps the conceptual structure of the body of knowledge concerning bank risk to understand this research strand better. A bibliometric analysis including 671 publications from January 1978 to October 2022 was conducted to achieve the aim of the study. The analysis of descriptive indicators identifies the main traits of scholars debating bank risk in terms of the annual production of publications; most productive authors, countries, affiliations, and journals; and most cited articles in the dataset. This study performs a co-word analysis by adopting social network analysis tools to analyze the conceptual structure of the dataset. The results highlight growing academic interest in bank risk research topics, especially following the global financial crisis. The bibliometric analysis reveals three main topics concerning the consideration of bank risk: (1) the adoption of risk management and bank risk, (2) the use of bank risk during the financial crisis, and (3) the interrelations between corporate governance and bank risk.
A Review of Electro-Mechanical Brake (EMB) System: Structure, Control and Application
Authors: Li Congcong , Zhuo Guirong , Tang Chen , Xiong Lu , Tian Wei , Qiao Le , Cheng Yulin , Duan Yanlong
Published: March 2023

With the development of automobile electrification and intelligence, the demand for electro-mechanical braking (EMB) systems is increasing rapidly. This paper reviews the development status of the EMB actuator on the basis of extensive patent and literature research. By analyzing the basic structure of the EMB actuator, this paper decomposes the actuator into five modules: service brake module, parking brake module, brake clearance compensation module, quick-return module and sensor module. On the basis of basic structure, the estimation algorithm for indirect clamping force control and the direct clamping force control algorithm of the actuator are summarized. In addition, the requirements of the EMB system for intelligent vehicles and its typical architecture are analyzed, and the preliminary application of the EMB system in intelligent driving is summarized.
Finite Frequency H∞ Control for Doubly Fed Induction Generators with Input Delay and Gain Disturbance
Authors: Wang Shaoping , Zhou Jun , Duan Zhaoxia
Published: March 2023

Due to the rapid development of wind power, the stable operation of doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) has attracted much attention. This paper focuses on the finite frequency (FF) H∞ control for the DFIG with input delay, aiming to reduce the effects of current harmonic interferences and gain disturbances on the DFIG and improve the stability of the system. First, a DFIG state–space model with input delay under current harmonics was constructed. Second, based on the DFIG state–space model, an FF H∞ state-feedback controller was designed from the frequency domain perspective, which makes the DFIG stable and robust against harmonic interferences and gain disturbances. Third, via the generalized Kalman–Yakubovich–Popov (GKYP) lemma and the Lyapunov theory, the FF H∞ performance was evaluated in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), and then the state feedback FF H∞ controller was designed. Finally, the simulation results showed the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Examining the Sustainability of Contributions of Competing Core Organizational Capabilities in Response to Systemic Economic Crises
Authors: Jifri Ali O. , Drnevich Paul , Jackson William , Dulek Ron
Published: March 2023

A dynamic capability view is used in this study to explain how organizational capabilities operate effectively and efficiently in stable environments and respond dynamically to changing conditions in their operating environments. Such capabilities enable organizations to both create and sustain their performance. When faced with a systemic change in the environment, such as a global economic crisis, organizational capabilities may no longer contribute effectively to sustain organizational performance or their survival. In this study, we examine the effectiveness and sustainability of organizational capabilities in response to a systemic economic crisis. We do so through examining these issues in a broad multiyear sample of U.S. credit unions through the global financial crisis. In this context, organizations utilized two types of competing capabilities: explorative capabilities to increase revenues and/or exploitative capabilities to reduce expenses. The effectiveness of these capabilities and the sustainability of the resulting performance implications of their combined deployment remains under-theorized and insufficiently examined, particularly under conditions of high economic uncertainty. We examine these issues using a sample of 1127 large U.S. credit unions collecting comparative data during a period of economic stability from 2001 to 2004 and during a period of economic instability from 2006 to 2009, before and after the 2008 global financial crisis. We perform multiple regression analysis to examine the contributions and sustainability of organizational capabilities to relative performance. Interestingly, we find that in stable times, the explorative capability to increase revenues appears to contribute more to performance, while in the crisis period, the exploitative capability to reduce expenses appears to contribute more to performance. Further, the combined effect of deploying both “competing” capabilities simultaneously is related to performance only when the environment is stable and can be detrimental during a crisis. The results suggest that using expense decreasing capabilities (but not revenue increasing capabilities or both combined) is better when facing an economic crisis.
A Planning Practice Method to Assess the Potential for Cycling and to Design a Bicycle Network in a Starter Cycling City in Portugal
Authors: Fonseca Fernando , Ribeiro Paulo , Neiva Carolina
Published: March 2023

There is growing recognition of the potential for cycling to provide more sustainable and active urban mobility. In Portugal, the National Strategy for Active Mobility aims at increasing the bicycle modal share from the current level of below 1% to 10% by 2030. This paper describes a planning practice method to assess the potential for cycling and to design a bicycle network in Ponte de Lima, a small starter Portuguese city, which only has some disconnected cycle lanes. The method consists of assessing the target population and target area attributes through a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Space Syntax operations. Results showed that the potential for cycling in Ponte de Lima is hindered by the hilly terrain, by the low population density and by the low percentage of the young population. The compact urban structure and the level of street integration enhances topological proximity and makes using a bicycle convenient. The proposed bicycle network comprises segregated cycle lanes, colored cycle lanes and a set of streets where cycling coexists with other road users. Adopting complementary measures, such as traffic calming and bicycle-sharing services, could be decisive to make cycling more appealing in Ponte de Lima and to help the city in reaching the ambitious goal of the National Strategy for Active Mobility.
Green Transformational Leadership, GHRM, and Proenvironmental Behavior: An Effectual Drive to Environmental Performances of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Perez Jorge Alberto Esponda , Ejaz Faisal , Ejaz Sarmad
Published: March 2023

The prevailing research study described in this article is undertaken to investigate how a green transformational leadership style (GTFL) and green human resource management (GHRM) heighten the environmental performance (EP) of small- and medium-sized enterprises. It also focuses on accessing the mediating role of pro environmental behavior (PEB) between GTFL, GHRM, and the EP of the firms. Using a quantitative design of research, data for the study were collected from the small and medium enterprises of Lahore, Pakistan, with a self-administered survey questionnaire. SPSS and AMOS were used for analyzing the data. The various tests, such as structural equation modelling (SEM), correlation, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and bootstrapping, were performed to test the hypothesis. The analytical results revealed that GHRM and GTFL lead towards optimizing the EP of the firms. Moreover, the findings shed light on the roles of GHRM and GTFL to engage and motivate the employees for the organization’s ecological betterment by generating PEB in order to reach the EP of the firms. This study will be an extension of the existing body of knowledge by recognizing the predictors of GHRM and GTFL as substantial antecedents of the PEB of employees and the EP of the firms.
Surgical Lip Cancer Reconstruction in the COVID-19 Era: Are Free Flaps or Loco-Regional Flaps Better?
Authors: Staglianò Samuel , Tartaro Gianpaolo , Boschetti Ciro Emiliano , Guida David , Colella Giuseppe , Rauso Raffaele
Published: March 2023

Lip carcinoma is one of the most frequent conditions affecting the general population. It is among the ten most common neoplasms, but despite advances in research and therapy, its prognosis has not improved in a significant way in the past few years, making it a challenge in the medical research field and in surgical treatment. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the available reconstructive surgical options for the treatment of lip carcinomas in order to define which could be the most appropriate technique to achieve satisfying aesthetic and functional outcomes considering hospital resources in the COVID-19 era. Seventeen patients were included in this retrospective study, which took place between January 2019 and April 2021. There were two groups: seven patients who underwent a radial forearm free flap and ten who underwent locoregional flaps. The statistical analysis was performed to evaluate four different endpoints. Surgical length, ICU stay, and hospitalization time were minor for locoregional flaps. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups when considering post-operative complications. Locoregional flaps have a more aesthetically pleasing result, but from a functional point of view, the results can be superimposable. Both techniques are associated with adequate speech, mouth opening, sealing, and symmetry. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare system, locoregional flaps have been proven to be a good surgical option in the reconstruction of lip defects both in terms of aesthetics and functional outcome.
New Numerical Methods for Solving the Initial Value Problem Based on a Symmetrical Quadrature Integration Formula Using Hybrid Functions
Authors: Kadum Zainab J. , Abdul-Hassan Noori Y.
Published: March 2023

In this study, we construct new numerical methods for solving the initial value problem (IVP) in ordinary differential equations based on a symmetrical quadrature integration formula using hybrid functions. The proposed methods are designed to provide an efficient and accurate solution to IVP and are more suitable for problems with non-smooth solutions. The key idea behind the proposed methods is to combine the advantages of traditional numerical methods, such as Runge–Kutta and Taylor’s series methods, with the strengths of modern hybrid functions. Furthermore, we discuss the accuracy and stability analysis of these methods. The resulting methods can handle a wide range of problems, including those with singularities, discontinuities, and other non-smooth features. Finally, to demonstrate the validity of the proposed methods, we provide several numerical examples to illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of these methods.
Miniaturized Coplanar Waveguide-Fed UWB Antenna for Wireless Applications
Authors: Jameel Maryam S. , Mezaal Yaqeen S. , Atilla Dogu Cagdas
Published: March 2023

This study presents a compact ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) with huge bandwidth for the demands of modern wireless communities. To overcome some technical limitations of the employed substrate and UWB antenna design, a slotted patch resonator was used to create and simulate this antenna based on Locked-Key topology. It has been printed on a 1.5 mm-thick FR4 substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.4. A feeder with characteristic impedances of 50 Ω has been employed. A CST electromagnetic simulator has been employed to simulate and analyze the antenna design. It is operated within the UWB spectrum with a bandwidth of 10.354 GHz, spanning 3.581 to 14 GHz. The overall surface area is 27 × 25 mm2. The gain and maximum efficiency within UWB are better than 3 dBi and 82%, respectively. The antenna is fabricated, and the simulated results are correlated with the measured ones. Finally, the equivalent circuit models for the antenna and rectifier circuit are simulated and measured.