bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Trilogy of the Chinese Apple Futures Market: Price Discovery, Risk-Hedging and Cointegration
Authors: Hou Xiaokang , Fahad Shah , Zhao Peipei , Yan Beibei , Liu Tianjun
Published: October 2022

The agricultural futures market plays an extremely important role in price discovery, hedging risks, integrating agricultural markets and promoting agricultural economic growth. China is the largest apple producer and consumer in the world. In 2017, Chinese apple futures were listed on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange (CZCE) as the first fruit futures contract globally. This paper aims to study the efficiency of the apple futures market by using the Wild Bootstrapping Variance Ratio model to estimate the price discovery function, the ARIMA-GARCH model to estimate the risk-hedging function, and the ARDL-ECM model to estimate the cointegration relationship of the futures and spot market. Experimental results firstly demonstrate that the apple futures market conforms to the weak-form efficiency, which indicates that it is efficient in price discovery. Secondly, the apple futures market is not of semi-strong efficiency because it generated abnormal profit margins amid China–US trade friction, climate disaster, and COVID-19; in terms of the degree of impact, the COVID-19 pandemic had the greatest impact, followed by the rainstorm disaster and trade friction. Thirdly, the results of this study indicate that the cointegration relationships exist between the futures market and the spot markets of the main producing areas. This paper is not only conducive to sustainable development of the global fresh or fruit futures market, but also has potential and practical importance for China in developing the agricultural futures market, strengthening market risk management and promoting market circulation.
An Empirical Test of Educational Donors’ Satisfaction Levels in Donating for Education before and after the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Pan Huifeng , Ha Hong-Youl
Published: October 2022

Adopting expectancy–disconfirmation theory and the cycle of satisfaction, this study examined the dynamic nature of the satisfaction cycle and identified the moderating roles of satisfaction and adjusted expectations in the context of sustaining educational donations. Using a three-time-lag survey, we showed that the sequential shifts from prior expectations (T1) to satisfaction (T2) to adjusted expectations (T3) were consistent with the expectance–disconfirmation mechanism. We found that the carryover effect between prior and adjusted expectations is significantly powerful. In addition, we found that the two mediators—satisfaction and adjusted expectations—absorb the effect of prior expectations and then transfer that effect to behavioral intentions over time. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical account of the link between prior expectations–satisfaction–behavioral intentions and prior expectations–adjusted expectations–behavioral intentions during donation activities.
Can Collecting Water Fees Really Promote Agricultural Water-Saving? Evidence from Seasonal Water Shortage Areas in South China
Authors: Li Xuerong
Published: October 2022

Under the influence of the extreme climate, South China frequently experiences a seasonally arid climate, resulting in seasonal water shortages, and threatening local food and water security. To cope with climate change, agricultural water-saving is inevitable. However, compared with the North, South China is rich in water resources, farmers’ water-saving awareness is weak, and most areas do not charge water fees, so it is difficult to promote agricultural water-saving; therefore, farmers’ agricultural water-saving behavior is worth discussing. Based on a survey and empirical analysis, this study identifies the key determinants of farmers’ agricultural water-saving behavior, particularly to verify whether collecting water fees helps to promote agricultural water-saving. A structured questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 660 farmers in South China with seasonal water shortage. A binary logistic regression model was used to examine the determinants. The results revealed that 15.30% (101) of farmers paid agricultural water fees, 26.97% (178) of farmers had agricultural water-saving behavior, and among these, 43.82% (78) of farmers paid agricultural water fees. The results indicated that water fee collecting, water resource dependence, agricultural water service satisfaction, and water-saving policy publicity positively and significantly influenced farmers’ agricultural water-saving behavior, while farm size and age of household head showed a negative influence. Results also revealed that collecting water fees can indeed promote agricultural water-saving in seasonal water shortage areas of South China. This study recommends that policy makers take measures to improve agricultural water charges policies, strengthen irrigation services, and increase the publicity of agricultural water-saving policies.
Analysis of Factors Influencing the Choice between Ownership and Sharing: Qualitative and Quantitative Survey Results on Car Sharing Service Users Conducted in Japan
Authors: Miura Tamao , Yamamoto Shoji
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to propose new conditions with which to classify consumers who choose new modes of consumption other than ownership that influence the growth of the sharing economy in Japan. Our findings highlight the characteristics of consumers who choose the new consumption mode from a consumer behavior perspective, which is different from previous studies that have focused on ownership to date. By analyzing the results of a qualitative survey of car sharing services (CSS) users through group interviews, hypotheses were formulated regarding the dimensions that classify the characteristics of consumers who choose to use CSS, and these hypotheses were verified by analyzing the results of a quantitative survey. CSS is considered a substitute for the private car and is expected to contribute to the effective use of resources, but it is used as a complement to the private car and to realize a commitment to the car. The method proposed in this study to categorize and understand the factors that influence consumers’ decisions to choose new modes of consumption other than ownership may have implications for marketing strategies, allowing them to respond to the growth of the sharing economy in other countries as well. This will support sustainability and the various experiences of consumption.
Analyzing Various Factors Affecting Farmers’ Willingness to Adopt Soil Erosion Control Measures in the Sebeya Catchment, Rwanda
Authors: Majoro Félicien , Wali Umaru Garba
Published: October 2022

Soil erosion is a worldwide environmental problem leading to low agricultural productivity and water quality degradation. Improving soil erosion control measures is essential. This study reports the results of a survey of 75 farmers, using structured interviews, field observations, and focus groups to analyze farmers’ perceptions concerning current and future efforts to adopt Soil Erosion Control (SEC) measures in the Sebeya catchment located in the Western Province of Rwanda. Various factors influencing farmers’ perceptions of soil erosion causes, effects, and willingness to adopt SEC measures were analyzed using descriptive statistics and SPSS (Version 20), including t-tests, chi-square tests, and a binary logistic regression model. Chi-square test results indicate that gender, farmer age, land ownership, farmland size, social media access, and credit access were strongly associated (p < 0.05) with the adoption of SEC measures, while marital status and education were not. A binary logistic regression model showed that among farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, farming experience (B = 0.749; p = 0.020) and access to socio media (B = 2.107; p = 0.027) were positively correlated, while age (B = −0.642; p = 0.035) and gender (B = −2.034; p = 0.032) were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the adoption of SEC measures. In order to mitigate high soil erosion rates and increase food production, there is a need for the government to support farmers, and train them. A highly skilled technical team should be mobilized to assist in implementing SEC measures in the Sebeya catchment.
Hedgerows on Crop Field Edges Increase Soil Carbon to a Depth of 1 meter
Authors: Chiartas Jessica L. , Jackson Louise E. , Long Rachael F. , Margenot Andrew J. , O'Geen Anthony T.
Published: October 2022

Effective incentivization of soil carbon (C) storage as a climate mitigation strategy necessitates an improved understanding of management impacts on working farms. Using a regional survey on intensively managed farms, soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations and stocks (0–100 cm) were evaluated in a pairwise comparison of long-term (10+ years) woody hedgerow plantings and adjacent crop fields in Yolo County, CA, USA. Twenty-one paired sites were selected to represent four soil types (Yolo silt loam, Brentwood clay loam, Capay silty clay, and Corning loam), with textures ranging from 16% to 51% clay. Soil C was higher in the upper 100 cm under hedgerows (14.4 kg m−2) relative to cultivated fields (10.6 kg m−2) and at all depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–50, 50–75, and 75–100 cm). The difference in SOC (3.8 kg m−2) did not vary by soil type, suggesting a broad potential for hedgerows to increase SOC stocks. Assuming adoption rates of 50 to 80% across California for hypothetical field edges of average-size farms, and an identical SOC sequestration potential across soil types, hedgerows could sequester 10.8 to 17.3 MMT CO2e, or 7 to 12% of California’s annual greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Exploring the Role of BIM in Construction Safety in Developing Countries: Toward Automated Hazard Analysis
Authors: Akram Ramsha , Thaheem Muhammad Jamaluddin , Khan Shamraiza , Nasir Abdur Rehman , Maqsoom Ahsen
Published: October 2022

Safety is a well-researched yet underperforming management aspect of the construction industry. Building information modeling (BIM) can help, and some frameworks have addressed safety management in limited phases of the project lifecycle. This study positions BIM centrally in the safety management process and develops a safety management framework that covers the entire lifecycle of a construction project in the context of developing countries. A systematic literature review is conducted to identify the safety factors and BIM features that are synthesized to devise BIM-based safety improvement strategies. The strategies are presented to construction management professionals from developed and developing countries through an online questionnaire survey, and their level of agreement is identified. Afterward, construction safety experts are engaged to integrate these strategies into appropriate lifecycle phases. Additionally, these experts are also engaged to develop an automated hazard recognition process to leverage BIM potential in safety management. The integration of strategies into project lifecycle phases resulted in a comprehensive safety implementation framework leveraging the BIM platform. This framework takes a lead from the experience of developed countries and considers the limitations of developing countries in terms of resources and technology. Furthermore, a BIM-based process map for hazard identification is developed. The process map takes the BIM model as input and provides a detailed safety report. The process map can be automated to enhance effective safety management. This study expands the body of knowledge through a BIM-driven lifecycle safety management framework for developing countries where BIM adoption is still in its early stages. It is a fresh take on safety automation to make the construction industry safer and more reliable. However, it is limited due to inadequate safety reporting and documentation in developing countries. Future research can improve upon this limitation by positioning in a safety-compliant culture.
Phenol Biodegradation and Bioelectricity Generation by a Native Bacterial Consortium Isolated from Petroleum Refinery Wastewater
Authors: Shebl Sara , Hussien Nourhan N. , Elsabrouty Mohab H. , Osman Sarah M. , Elwakil Bassma H. , Ghareeb Doaa A. , Ali Safaa M. , Ghanem Nevine Bahaa El Din , Youssef Yehia M. , Moussad Essam El Din A. , Olama Zakia A.
Published: October 2022

Phenolic compounds are highly toxic, along with being one of the most persistent substances in petroleum refinery effluents. The most potent solution is through phenol bioremediation to produce demi-water and bioenergy, which are two effective outcomes for a single process. Fifteen genetically identified native bacterial strains were isolated from the effluents of the petrochemical industry plant (AMOC, Egypt) and were investigated for potential phenol biodegradation activity and energy bioproduction individually and as a consortium in a batch culture. Successful and safe phenol biodegradation was achieved (99.63%) using a native bacterial consortium after statistical optimization (multifactorial central composite design) with bioelectricity generation that reached 3.13 × 10−6 mW/cm3. In conclusion, the native consortium was highly potent in the bioremediation process of petroleum refinery wastewater, protecting the environment from potential phenol pollution with the ability to generate an electrical current through the bioremediation process.
Detection Method of End-of-Life Mobile Phone Components Based on Image Processing
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Xunxun , Feng Pei
Published: October 2022

The number of end-of-life mobile phones is increasing every year, which includes parts that have high reuse values and various dangerous and toxic compounds. An intellectualized and automatic upgrade of the disassembly process of the end-of-life mobile phones would enhance the recycling value as well as efficiency. It would reduce the pollution in the environment. The detection of end-of-life mobile phone parts plays a critical role in automatic disassembly and recycling. This study offers an image processing-based approach for identifying important parts of mobile phones that are nearing the end of their useful lives. An image enhancement approach has been utilized for generating disassembly datasets of end-of-life mobile phones from several brands and models, and different retirement states. The YOLOv5m detection model is applied to train as well as validate the detection model on the customized datasets. According to the results, the proposed approach allows the intelligent detection of battery, camera, mainboard and screw. In the validation set, the Precision, Recall and mAP@.5 are 99.4%, 98.4% and 99.3%, respectively. Additionally, several path planning algorithms are utilized for the disassembly plan of screws which indicates that the genetic algorithm’s use increases the efficiency of disassembly.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Development Path of Industry–University–Research Cooperation and Economic Vulnerability: Evidence from China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Zhang Fengting , Lv Yang , Sarker Md Nazirul Islam
Published: October 2022

This study explores the impact of industry–university–research (IUR) cooperation on the economic system. The study constructs a vulnerability evaluation index comprising 42 indicators in five dimensions. The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) panel data from 2006–2018 are used to assess economic vulnerability in China. The research results show that, firstly, from 2006–2018, the index values indicated a good development trend, with fluctuations in the values of the sensitivity and economic vulnerability indices. The response ability index values gradually increased, especially later in this period. This showed a promising trend of low sensitivity, high response ability, and low vulnerability. Secondly, the spatial distribution pattern demonstrated certain laws and continuity, but the development process was unstable, while the eastern < the central < the western showed a “ladder” evolution pattern, “extremely poor” characteristics, and an “agglomeration” evolutionary path. Thirdly, the impact of IUR cooperation on regional economic development can be divided into three phases: knowledge interaction, creation, and application. The interaction and synergy between universities, research institutions, and enterprises play a role in regional economic development. The study recommends strengthening the coupling coordination of the production, research and development (R&D), cooperation, and innovation, with the dual functions of government guidance and market decision making.
Location of the Intermediate Echelon to Add Purchase Value and Sustainability Criteria in a Mining Supply Network
Authors: Barraza Rodrigo , Sepúlveda Juan M. , Derpich Ivan
Published: October 2022

This study presents an operational analysis to determine the location of an intermediate hub in a supply network for the mining industry, incorporating sustainability criteria through an optimization model. The sector of small, medium, and artisan mining enterprises (PAMMA), in Chile, has the same pressure as large mining to meet the demands of sustainability in the medium term, but the network of PAMMA facilities is precarious and requires government support for development. One strategy to improve the supply network is to locate intermediate points with limited capacities (called purchasing powers) to help the viability of the business model by incorporating sustainability objectives, such as diminishing the movement of minerals, as well as reducing the carbon footprint and gas emissions, all in support the promotion of the activity of small miners. In order to achieve the strategy above, a mathematical model of location and sustainable capacity is proposed. A grouping of suppliers was carried out to establish the number of mining suppliers in each cluster and the location of the intermediate hubs. Then, the prioritization of the parameters and classification of the processing plant alternatives was performed to define a vector of weights to rank the degree of sustainability. A sustainability matrix was calculated on the basis of the distances and transportation costs between the supplier hubs of the supply network and the processing plants. With each of these factors, a capacity model was developed to validate the mineral process flows in the supply network and estimate the expected productivity levels. The model is intended to support operational decision making when determining the location of an intermediate purchasing power that reduces the impact of transportation costs and emissions. The model was applied in a case study of the supply network in the small mining sector in Chile. The results recommend the location of hubs to add value and encourage investment in the PAMMA supply network.
Integrated Inventory Transshipment and Missing-Data Treatment Using Improved Imputation-Level Adjustment for Efficient Cross-Filling
Authors: Vu Hang Thi Thanh , Ko Jeonghan
Published: October 2022

This research investigates an integrated problem of transshipment for cross-filling and imputation for missing demand data. Transshipment for cross-filling has proved effective in mitigating shortages with relatively low inventory, thus reducing resource consumption in inventory management. Although accurate demand data are critical for cross-filling decision making, some demand data are inevitably incomplete. These missing data should be treated for effective transshipment operations. Despite the importance, these missing data issues have not been adequately studied for transshipment problems. This paper addresses how transshipment can be conducted under missing demand conditions. A novel integrated problem is established to combine demand-data imputation processes and transshipment decisions. Imputation strategies and new algorithms suitable for transshipment are developed to handle missing demand data. Diverse demand and transshipment cases are analyzed for cost-effectiveness. The analysis uncovers that conventional straightforward imputation methods result in inferior transshipment decisions. The study also reveals that imputed values should be adjusted to appropriate levels for transshipment to be effective. The strong interplay between imputation processes and shortage prevention is also discovered for transshipment with missing demand. This study demonstrates how inventory transshipment can be carried out successfully with appropriate treatment of missing demand data in practice.
Mathematical Models for the Vehicle Routing Problem by Considering Balancing Load and Customer Compactness
Authors: Linfati Rodrigo , Yáñez-Concha Fernando , Escobar John Willmer
Published: October 2022

The vehicle routing problem seeking to minimize the traveled distance and the deviation of the total workload is known as the vehicle routing problem with workload balance (WBVRP). In the WBVRP, several elements are considered: (i) the total distance or driving time, (ii) the number of customers to be visited, and (iii) the total weight or amount of delivered goods. We have considered the WBVRP by adding a concept called customer compactness and the visual attractiveness of the routes. The WBVRP allows a similar workload for drivers to improve their well-being and social development. Unbalanced routes could generate high costs due to potential strikes by drivers seeking an equitable workload. We have proposed three mathematical formulations for solving the WBVRP by minimizing the customer compactness and the distance with and without considering workload balancing. The workload balancing is based on the deviation concerning the average load of the routes and considering waiting and driving time. We have tested the efficiency of the proposed models on a synthetic set of instances, analyzing different aspects such as depot location, customer location, and demand. The analysis of the results has been performed considering customer compactness and the visual attractiveness of the obtained solution. Computational experiments on generated random instances show the efficiency of the proposed approaches.
Optimal Scheduling of Hybrid Sustainable Energy Microgrid: A Case Study for a Resort in Sokhna, Egypt
Authors: Abdelaal Ashraf K. , Mohamed Elshahat F. , El-Fergany Attia A.
Published: October 2022

This paper is focused on analyzing, investigating, and designing a hybrid energy system based on sustainable or renewable resources, namely solar and wind energy, in addition to using a diesel generator and battery storage to supply a small resort in Suez, Egypt. The resort is located in Sokhna, which is on the Suez gulf and is about 50 km from the Suez governorate and 100 km from Cairo, Egypt. The Sokhna coast has plenty of high solar radiation and wind energy all year. At the same time, the Egyptian government is building many wind and photovoltaic projects there. Thus, it is expected that it will be very economic to use solar and wind energy in that area to supply the resort. The optimal combinations of energy resources to meet the load demand under various scenarios are considered. The optimal mix of sources is investigated with and without the presence of the grid. The cropped outcomes show that the hybrid energy system, which is also in the presence of the grid, is a very economical solution that provides the resort with an acceptable energy cost. The cost of energies (CoEs) is equal to 0.0441 and 0.0443 $/kWh for cases 2 and 4 (with grid), respectively. However, the CoEs are equal to 0.141 and 0.134 $/kWh for cases 1 and 3 (without grid), respectively.
Computer-Aided Slope Stability Analysis of a Landslide—A Case Study of Jhika Gali Landslide in Pakistan
Authors: Amin Muhammad Nasir , Umair Ashfaq Muhammad , Mujtaba Hassan , Ehsan Saqib , Khan Kaffayatullah , Faraz Muhammad Iftikhar
Published: October 2022

The present research study has been undertaken to carry out slope stability evaluation of the Jhika Gali landslide in Pakistan using GeoStudio. For this purpose, the site geometry of the existing slope adjacent to the slided one was measured and samples were collected from the site. The in-situ moisture content was 14% and dry unit weight was 18.63 kN/m3. Unconfined compression tests and unconsolidated-undrained (UU) triaxial tests were performed on samples reconstituted at in-situ dry unit weight, standard Proctor and modified Proctor maximum dry unit weights. The test results show that the shear strength and deformation parameters, i.e., undrained shear strength, angle of internal friction and deformation modulus decreased from 200 kPa to 90 kPa, 23° to 12° and 51 MPa to 32 MPa, respectively, with an increase in the percentage of saturation from 35% to 95% at a specific dry unit weight. The slope was also modeled in GeoStudio for limit equilibrium analysis, and slope stability analysis was performed using the values of undrained shear strength and the angle of internal friction as determined in the laboratory at varying degrees of saturation. The limit equilibrium analysis showed that the factor of safety reduces from 1.854 to 0.866 as the saturation of material increases from 35% to 95%. The results also suggest that, as the percentage of saturation increases above 85%, the soil loses its shear strength significantly and gains in bulk unit weight, so at this stage the material starts sliding. Additionally, slope stability analysis was carried out by changing the slope geometry in three different ways, i.e., by reducing the height of the slope, adding a counterweight at the toe of the slope and by making benches on the slope. The results of GeoStudio analysis showed that the slope will be stable even above 85% degree of saturation.
The Detection of Video Shot Transitions Based on Primary Segments Using the Adaptive Threshold of Colour-Based Histogram Differences and Candidate Segments Using the SURF Feature Descriptor
Authors: M. Raja Suguna , A. Kalaivani , S. Anusuya
Published: October 2022

Aim: Advancements in multimedia technology have facilitated the uploading and processing of videos with substantial content. Automated tools and techniques help to manage vast volumes of video content. Video shot segmentation is the basic symmetry step underlying video processing techniques such as video indexing, content-based video retrieval, video summarization, and intelligent surveillance. Video shot boundary detection segments a video into temporal segments called shots and identifies the video frame in which a shot change occurs. The two types of shot transitions are cut and gradual. Illumination changes, camera motion, and fast-moving objects in videos reduce the detection accuracy of cut and gradual transitions. Materials and Methods: In this paper, a novel symmetry shot boundary detection system is proposed to maximize detection accuracy by analysing the transition behaviour of a video, segmenting it initially into primary segments and candidate segments by using the colour feature and the local adaptive threshold of each segment. Thereafter, the cut and gradual transitions are fine-tuned from the candidate segment using Speeded-Up Robust Features (SURF) extracted from the boundary frames to reduce the algorithmic complexity. The proposed symmetry method is evaluated using the TRECVID 2001 video dataset, and the results show an increase in detection accuracy. Result: The F1 score obtained for the detection of cut and gradual transitions is 98.7% and 90.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The proposed symmetry method surpasses recent state-of-the-art SBD methods, demonstrating increased accuracy for both cut and gradual transitions in videos.
Using Software-Defined Networking for Data Traffic Control in Smart Cities with WiFi Coverage
Authors: Kurungadan Basima , Abdrabou Atef
Published: October 2022

The growth of smart cities is fueled by the vast rise in wireless smart gadgets and uninterrupted connectivity. WiFi is the dominant wireless technology, enabling Internet-of-Things (IoT) connectivity in smart cities due to its ubiquitous access points and low deployment cost. However, smart city applications offer a wide range of services with different quality-of-service (QoS) demands. This paper addresses packet delivery latency as one of the QoS metrics affecting many time-sensitive smart city services. Thus, the paper proposes employing software-defined networking (SDN) to control the traffic load of WiFi access points (APs), preserving its symmetry in a city-wide coverage of WiFi-connected IoT gateways or fog nodes. These gateways receive data packets from smart city/IoT devices via wireless links and forward them over a city-deployed WiFi network to their management entities or servers. Three SDN-based algorithms are devised to reduce the gateways’ packet-forwarding delay and keep a symmetric traffic load at the WiFi network APs. The algorithms are developed and tested using a real hardware setup constituting WiFi devices without additional requirements on the IoT gateways (WiFi clients) or the APs, such as support for a specific roaming protocol or bandwidth-consuming signaling such as sending probe packets. Extensive hardware experimentation shows that the SDN controller, via the proposed algorithms, can effectively reduce the packet forwarding latency of IoT gateways by carefully selecting the IoT gateway with the highest packet latency and seamlessly handing it over to the least-loaded covering AP.
Improved Bayesian Network and Its Application in Autonomous Capability Evaluation
Authors: Yan Jingtao , Liu Shuguang , Peng Weishi , Shao Mingjun
Published: October 2022

The Bayesian network (BN) is a new intelligent evaluation technology, which has become one of the effective methods to solve uncertainty problems and deal with asymmetric information. However, its application is limited in the case of complex indicator systems and interrelated variables. To solve these problems, an improved BN model based on game theory is proposed. First, an IHORAFA attribute reduction algorithm is used to optimize the index system. Then, a weighted BN evaluation model is proposed for the problem of correlation among indicators, which uses the improved combination weighting method of game theory to determine the optimal weight and improve the accuracy of weight calculation. Finally, the improved BN is applied to the autonomous capability evaluation of ground attack UAVs. The simulation results show that the improved BN model can be used for assessment and reasoning under uncertain conditions and variable correlation.
Minimum Superstability of Stochastic Ternary Antiderivations in Symmetric Matrix-Valued FB-Algebras and Symmetric Matrix-Valued FC-⋄-Algebras
Authors: Eidinejad Zahra , Saadati Reza , O’Regan Donal , Alshammari Fehaid Salem
Published: October 2022

Our main goal in this paper is to investigate stochastic ternary antiderivatives (STAD). First, we will introduce the random ternary antiderivative operator. Then, by introducing the aggregation function using special functions such as the Mittag-Leffler function (MLF), the Wright function (WF), the H-Fox function (HFF), the Gauss hypergeometric function (GHF), and the exponential function (EXP-F), we will select the optimal control function by performing the necessary calculations. Next, by considering the symmetric matrix-valued FB-algebra (SMV-FB-A) and the symmetric matrix-valued FC-⋄-algebra (SMV-FC-⋄-A), we check the superstability of the desired operator. After stating each result, the superstability of the minimum is obtained by applying the optimal control function.
Distributed Model Predictive Control for Two-Dimensional Electric Vehicle Platoon Based on QMIX Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Zhuan Xiangtao
Published: October 2022

In this paper, an improved distributed model predictive control (IDMPC) method for the platoon consisting of electric vehicles is put forward. And the motion of the platoon is performed in two dimensions, which contains longitudinal motion and lateral motion. Firstly, a platoon model is built based on the car-following model for a single following vehicle. Then, the IDMPC strategy is designed with the consideration of multiple objectives. The symmetrical weight matrices in the IDMPC are important for the final control effect. To control each following vehicle in the platoon coordinately, the weights for the IDMPC are optimized based on the QMIX algorithm in multi-agent reinforcement learning. The QMIX can fully consider the global information in the multi-vehicle following process; therefore, the IDMPC can get optimal control variables. Finally, the simulation and experimental results verify the IDMPC. Compared to the comparison strategies, the IDMPC has the better lane tracking, stability in lateral direction and economic performance.
A Comprehensive Study on Pythagorean Fuzzy Normal Subgroups and Pythagorean Fuzzy Isomorphisms
Authors: Razaq Abdul , Alhamzi Ghaliah , Razzaque Asima , Garg Harish
Published: October 2022

The Pythagorean fuzzy set is an extension of the intuitionistic fuzzy set used to handle uncertain circumstances in various decisions making problems. Group theory is a mathematical technique for dealing with problems of symmetry. This study deals with Pythagorean fuzzy group theory. In this article, we characterize the notion of a Pythagorean fuzzy subgroup and examine various algebraic properties of this concept. An extensive study on Pythagorean fuzzy cosets of a Pythagorean fuzzy subgroup, Pythagorean fuzzy normal subgroups of a group and Pythagorean fuzzy normal subgroup of a Pythagorean fuzzy subgroup is performed. We define the notions of Pythagorean fuzzy homomorphism and isomorphism and generalize the notion of factor group of a classical group W relative to its normal subgroup S by defining a PFSG of WS. At the end, the Pythagorean fuzzy version of fundamental theorems of isomorphisms is proved.
Design, Synthesis, and Investigation of Cytotoxic Activity of cis-Vinylamide-Linked Combretastatin Analogues as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Al-Warhi Tarfah , Alqahtani Leena S. , Alsharif Ghadi , Abualnaja Matokah , Abu Ali Ola A. , Qahl Safa H. , Althagafi Hussam Awwadh E. , Alharthi Fahad , Jafri Ibrahim , Elsaid Fahmy G. , Shati Ali A. , Aloufi Salman , Fayad Eman , Zaki Islam , Morcoss Martha M.
Published: October 2022

The combretastatins (cis-stilbenoid molecules) have received significant interest because of their simple chemical structures, excellent antiproliferative activity, and novel anti-tubulin molecular mechanism of action. Significant efforts have been carried out aiming at stabilizing the active cis-isomers. A new series of cis-vinylamide derivatives containing trimethoxyphenyl moiety were synthesized and characterized. Their anticancer activities were evaluated in vitro against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Compounds 2f, 3, and 5 displayed potent cytotoxic activity against the breast cancer cell line compared with CA-4 as the reference compound. The microtubule polymerization assay and flow cytometry analysis confirmed that the cytotoxic activity of compound 3 was related to inhibitory activity against tubulin polymerization. Compound 3 showed pro-apoptotic activity by inducting a significant increase in the percentage of pre-G1 phase in DNA flow cytometry compared to untreated control. The pro-apoptotic activity of compound 3 was inferred by a significant increase in the percentage of fluorescent annexin V/PI positive apoptotic cells. It also increased the level of caspase 3 compared to the untreated control.
Using Adaptive Directed Acyclic Graph for Human In-Hand Motion Identification with Hybrid Surface Electromyography and Kinect
Authors: Xue Yaxu , Yu Yadong , Yin Kaiyang , Du Haojie , Li Pengfei , Dai Kejie , Ju Zhaojie
Published: October 2022

The multi-fingered dexterous robotic hand is increasingly used to achieve more complex and sophisticated human-like manipulation tasks on various occasions. This paper proposes a hybrid Surface Electromyography (SEMG) and Kinect-based human in-hand motion (HIM) capture system architecture for recognizing complex motions of the humans by observing the state information between an object and the human hand, then transferring the manipulation skills into bionic multi-fingered robotic hand realizing dexterous in-hand manipulation. First, an Adaptive Directed Acyclic Graph (ADAG) algorithm for recognizing HIMs is proposed and optimized based on the comparison of multi-class support vector machines; second, ten representative complex in-hand motions are demonstrated by ten subjects, and SEMG and Kinect signals are obtained based on a multi-modal data acquisition platform; then, combined with the proposed algorithm framework, a series of data preprocessing algorithms are realized. There is statistical symmetry in similar types of SEMG signals and images, and asymmetry in different types of SEMG signals and images. A detailed analysis and an in-depth discussion are given from the results of the ADAG recognizing HIMs, motion recognition rates of different perceptrons, motion recognition rates of different subjects, motion recognition rates of different multi-class SVM methods, and motion recognition rates of different machine learning methods. The results of this experiment confirm the feasibility of the proposed method, with a recognition rate of 95.10%.
Confidence Intervals for Common Coefficient of Variation of Several Birnbaum–Saunders Distributions
Authors: Puggard Wisunee , Niwitpong Sa-Aat , Niwitpong Suparat
Published: October 2022

The Birnbaum–Saunders (BS) distribution, also known as the fatigue life distribution, is right-skewed and used to model the failure times of industrial components. It has received much attention due to its attractive properties and its relationship to the normal distribution (which is symmetric). Furthermore, the coefficient of variation (CV) is commonly used to analyze variation within a dataset. In some situations, the independent samples are collected from different instruments or laboratories. Consequently, it is of importance to make inference for the common CV. To this end, confidence intervals based on the generalized confidence interval (GCI), method of variance estimates recovery (MOVER), large-sample (LS), Bayesian credible interval (BayCrI), and highest posterior density interval (HPDI) methods are proposed herein to estimate the common CV of several BS distributions. Their performances in terms of their coverage probabilities and average lengths were investigated by using Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation results indicate that the HPDI-based confidence interval outperformed the others in all of the investigated scenarios. Finally, the efficacies of the proposed confidence intervals are illustrated by applying them to real datasets of PM10 (particulate matter ≤ 10 μm) concentrations from three pollution monitoring stations in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Electricity Management Policy Applying Data Science and Machine Learning Techniques to Improve Electricity Costs
Authors: Lee Chun-Yao , Huang Kuan-Yu , Chen Chun-Chi , Zhuo Guang-Lin , Tuegeh Maickel
Published: October 2022

This paper studies the actual electricity case of a national university in northern Taiwan, pointing out that many schools will face certain asymmetrical information and practical problems in the development of power systems, such as energy-savings and carbon-reduction policies, collecting electricity fees in each division, reducing the loss of power outages, expanding the power system capacity, and maintaining power distribution equipment. These problems are closely related to electricity costs, which include general electricity fees, unexpected losses caused by power outages, purchases of replacement power equipment, and maintenance fees of distribution equipment. This paper proposes corresponding improvement plans for each of the problems in the above-mentioned actual case studies and assists school power managers in using symmetrical information to formulate the best strategies to improve electricity costs.
Distribution and Relationships of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Soils and Plants near Major Lakes in Eastern China
Authors: Zhao Zhiwei , He Wei , Wu Ruilin , Xu Fuliu
Published: October 2022

The distributions and correlations among polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils and plants were analyzed. In this study, 9 soil samples and 44 plant samples were collected near major lakes (Hongze Lake, Luoma Lake, Chaohu, Changhu, Danjiangkou Reservoir, Wuhan East Lake, Longgan Lake, Qiandao Lake and Liangzi Lake) in eastern China. The following results were obtained: The total contents of PAHs in soil varied from 99.17 to 552.10 ng/g with an average of 190.35 ng/g, and the total contents of PAHs in plants varied from 122.93 to 743.44 ng/g, with an average of 274.66 ng/g. The PAHs in soil were dominated by medium- and low-molecular-weight PAHs, while the PAHs in plants were dominated by low-molecular-weight PAHs. The proportion of high-molecular-weight PAHs was the lowest in both soil and plants. Diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) identified combustion as the main source of PAHs in soil and plants. The plant PAH monomer content was negatively correlated with Koa. Acenaphthylene, anthracene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and dibenzo[a,h]anthracene were significantly correlated in plants and soil. In addition, no significant correlation between the total contents of the 16 PAHs and the content of high-, medium-, and low-molecular-weight PAHs in plants and soil was found. Bidens pilosa L. and Gaillardia pulchella Foug in the Compositae family and cron in the Poaceae family showed relatively stronger accumulation of PAHs, indicating their potential for phytoremediation.
Early Adverse Reactions to Snake Antivenom: Poison Center Data Analysis
Authors: Sriapha Charuwan , Rittilert Panee , Vasaruchapong Taksa , Srisuma Sahaphume , Wananukul Winai , Trakulsrichai Satariya
Published: October 2022

Antivenom is an essential treatment for snake envenomation; however, early adverse reactions (EARs) are major limitations to its use. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study using Ramathibodi Poison Center data (January 2016 to December 2017) to clarify the incidence and severity of EARs following different F(ab’)2 antivenoms. Among 1006 envenomed patients, 684 (68%) received antivenom therapy with a total of 1157 doses, mostly green pit viper antivenom. The overall EAR incidence and rate were 22. 5% (154/684) and 15% (173/1157), respectively. The EAR rate following each type of antivenom was >10%, except for Russell’s viper antivenom (2.9%); the severe reaction rate was 2.6% (30/1157). Malayan pit viper bites caused a high incidence of EARs (37.8%) and the highest EAR rate (22.3%). Fifty-two cases developed anaphylaxis. All EARs occurred within 2 h after treatment initiation. No deaths were attributed to EARs. The duration of administration was significantly different between doses of antivenom that induced EARs and those that did not. In conclusion, all types and every dose of antivenom should be infused for 30–60 min. Preparation of resuscitation equipment and continuous clinical observation are crucial for at least 2 h after administration, and prompt treatment should be provided when EARs occur.
Association between Chlamydial Infection with Ectopic and Full-Term Pregnancies: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Thirunavuk Arasoo Valliammai Jayanthi , Masalamani Mariyammah , Ramadas Amutha , Dominic Nisha Angela , Liew Darien Daojuin , Sia Robin Wai Jen , Wanigaratne Anuradha , Weerawarna Keshawa , Wong William Lik Loong , Jeganathan Ravichandran
Published: October 2022

Ectopic pregnancies (EPs) are potentially fatal if not recognized early. Evidence of an association with chlamydial infection in South East Asia is lacking. This case-control study aims to (i) compare chlamydial infection in women with EP to women who delivered a full-term pregnancy, (ii) investigate classical factors associated with EP, and (iii) investigate rupture status in EP. Seventy-two women with a confirmed diagnosis of EP and sixty-nine who delivered a full-term pregnancy in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia were recruited from November 2019 to January 2022. Demographic and relevant clinical data and intraoperative findings were documented. Blood samples for testing IgG levels of chlamydia were obtained. Women with EP were more likely to have tested positive for chlamydia than those with a full-term delivery (34.7% vs. 13.0%, AOR = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.67–10.48, p = 0.002). The majority did not have the classic risk factors associated with EP. An amount of 52.8% presented with a ruptured EP, with 84.2% of ruptures occurring after six weeks of gestation. An amount of 44.2% had an estimated blood loss of more than 500 cc, with 20% losing more than 1500 cc of blood. The prevalence of prior chlamydial infection in women with EP is significant enough to necessitate a review of early pregnancy care.
The Biosafety Evaluation for Crustaceans: A Novel Molluscicide PBQ Using against Oncomelania hupensis, the Intermediate Host of Schistosoma japonica
Authors: Shi Qianwen , Duan Liping , Qin Zhiqiang , Wang Weisi , Shen Lu , Hua Xuetao , Shen Ling’e , Cao Jiaqian , Zhu Fukang , Wu Jingzhi , Li Shizhu
Published: October 2022

A new formulation (suspension concentrate, SC) of PBQ [1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl) urea] was used in water network schistosomiasis-endemic areas to test its molluscicidal efficacy and the acute toxicity to crustaceans. PBQ (20% SC), 26% metaldehyde, and niclosamide suspension concentrate [MNSC (26% SC)] were used both in ditch and field experiments for the molluscicidal efficacy comparison. Acute toxicity tests of two molluscicides were conducted using Neocaridina denticulate and Eriocheir sinensis. Both in the field and ditch experiments, PBQ exhibited comparable molluscicidal efficacy with MNSC. At doses of 0.50 g/m3 and 0.50 g/m2, the snail mortalities were more than 90% three days after PBQ (20% SC) application. Compared with previous tests, PBQ (20% SC) exhibited higher molluscicidal activity than PBQ (25% wettable powder, 25% WP) used in Jiangling and showed similar mollucicidal activity to PBQ (25% WP) used in Dali and Poyang Lake. The 96 h LC50 value of MNSC against Eriocheir sinensis was 283.84 mg a.i./L. At the concentration of PBQ (20% SC) 1000 mg a.i./L, all Eriocheir sinensis were alive. The 96 h LC50 values of PBQ and MNSC against Neocaridina denticulate were 17.67 and 14.05 mg a.i./L, respectively. In conclusion, PBQ (20% SC) had a comparable molluscicidal efficacy with MNSC (26% SC) and PBQ (25% WP). Furthermore, it showed lower toxicity to the crustacean species, better solubility, no floating dust, and convenience for carriage. PBQ (20% SC) was suitable for controlling snails in the water network schistosomiasis-endemic areas.
Main Belt Comets and other “Interlopers” in the Solar System
Authors: Orofino Vincenzo
Published: October 2022

According to traditional ideas about the formation of the Solar System starting from a protoplanetary disk of gas and dust, a well-defined distribution of planets and minor bodies is expected: (a) volatile-poor rocky bodies (terrestrial planets and asteroids) in the inner part of the Solar System and (b) volatile-rich objects (gaseous giant planets, comets, Centaurs, and trans-Neptunian objects) in the outer part. All these bodies are expected to orbit near a plane (the ecliptic) coinciding with that of the protoplanetary disk. However, in the modern Solar System many bodies are present that do not respect this simplistic expectation. First of all, there are the so-called Main Belt Comets, apparently asteroidal objects that show an activity similar to that of comets. In addition, there is an object (and several others very probably exist), which, despite its S-type spectrum characteristic of rocky bodies, is found on a cometary orbit. Finally, there are many asteroids on very inclined orbits with respect to the ecliptic. These very interesting groups of objects, which, according to the traditional point of view, could be collectively seen as some sort of “interlopers” of the Solar System, will be discussed in this review, which offers descriptions of their properties and their likely origin. In this respect, the possibility is discussed that many active asteroids (such as those belonging to the Taurid Complex) are the result of the fragmentation of large comets that occurred in the relatively recent past.