bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical Analysis of the Example of Nowy Sącz in Space Syntax Perspective. Guidelines for Future Development of Urban Matrix in Medium-Sized Cities
Authors: Suchoń Filip , Olesiak Justyna
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the development of the public space of Nowy Sącz, taking into account the space syntax analysis of the historical maps of the city and the structure of its development. Nowy Sącz is a city located in southern Poland, with over 80,000 residents. A space syntax analysis of historical maps helps to explain the urban space’s growth and development structure. The scientific goal of this paper was to build model solutions and urban typologies of Nowy Sącz; to present the logic of the model; and to compare simulation results with reality and historical knowledge. The application goal was to explain the processes and popularize the insight using clear space syntax visualizations. Axial maps of street networks were developed using current and historical city plans (publicly available plans from the late 18th century to the present day). The space syntax methodology was employed to measure Integration and Choice variables for each stage of the city’s spatial development. The results indicating areas of the highest Integration value were verified against historical studies. A strong correlation was demonstrated between the foci of urban life of super-local reach and their places in a growing city’s structural network.
A Green Technological Innovation Efficiency Evaluation of Technology-Based SMEs Based on the Undesirable SBM and the Malmquist Index: A Case of Hebei Province in China
Authors: Peng Yongfang , Fan Yingying , Liang Yi
Published: October 2021

Small- and medium-sized technology-based enterprises (technology-based SMEs) are an important part of China’s scientific and technological development. To a certain extent, the green technological innovation level of technology-based SMEs plays a significant role in supporting the overall development of social green innovation. Carrying out research on green technology innovation efficiency evaluations of technology-based SMEs is helpful to find existing problems to provide references for managers. Therefore, this paper proposes an evaluation system based on the undesirable slack based model (SBM) and the Malmquist index model. Firstly, the evaluation index system of the green technological innovation efficiency of technology-based SMEs in Hebei Province was constructed from the perspectives of input and output, in which environmental pollution is included in the evaluation factors of green innovation activities. Then, the undesirable SBM and the Malmquist index model of green technology innovation efficiency evaluation were constructed. Finally, the technological innovation efficiency of technology-based SMEs in Hebei Province in different regions and time nodes was comprehensively calculated and combined with the Malmquist index model to analyze the efficiency changes of technology-based SMEs in Hebei Province over different years. The results show that the overall level of green technological innovation efficiency of technology-based SMEs in Hebei Province is low, and the regional differences in various cities are obvious, but the main trend is rising. The research in this paper can further improve the research results in the field of evaluation of technology-based SMEs and technological innovation efficiency, as well as play an important role in improving the ecological competitiveness and sustainable development capabilities of the products of Hebei’s technology-based SMEs.
Identification of Critical Factors Influencing Prefabricated Construction Quality and Their Mutual Relationship
Authors: Zhang Ke , Tsai Jiin-Song
Published: October 2021

Prefabricated construction quality can not only influence the service life and function of buildings, but is also closely associated with the users’ safety. Therefore, effective quality management is significant for the development of this type of construction method in this industry. The current research regarding quality management in the field of construction mainly focuses on on-site construction, while lacking extensive attention to prefabricated construction. Based on the existing literature and expert opinions from the construction firms, the government, and academia, this paper summarizes 23 critical factors that affect the quality management of prefabricated construction, adopts the interpretation structure model-matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (ISM-MICMAC) to analyze the hierarchical relationship between these factors, and further investigates the influence degree of the relationship by using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). The result shows that the government guidance is the most important influencing factor, and other factors, including integration in the supply chain, laws and regulations, codes and standards for prefabricated components, technology, and professional personnel, etc., also play a critical role in the quality management of prefabricated construction. These factors can affect the quality of raw materials for the production, manufacturing and transport equipment of prefabricated components through assembly and design schemes, ultimately resulting in an influence on the quality of prefabricated construction. The study aims to identify a mutual relationship between the critical factors affecting prefabricated construction quality, which can help managers to have a better understanding of the quality of prefabricated construction, and take effective measures to improve the status quo as well as promote the sustainable development of prefabricated construction.
Analysis of CO2 Emissions in the Whole Production Process of Coal-Fired Power Plant
Authors: Wang Han , Fu Zhenghui , Wang Shulan , Zhang Wenjie
Published: October 2021

The linear programming (LP) model has been used to identify a cost-effective strategy for reducing CO2 emissions in power plants considering coal washing, pollutant removal, and carbon capture processes, thus CO2 emissions in different production processes can be obtained. The direct emissions (combustion emissions and desulfurization emissions) and indirect emissions (pollutant removal, coal washing, and carbon capture) of CO2 were all considered in the LP model. Three planning periods were set with different CO2 emission control desirability to simulate CO2 emissions of the different reduction requirements. The results can reflect the CO2 emissions across the whole production process of a coal-fired power plant overall. The simulation results showed that for a coal-fired power plant containing two 1000 MW ultra super-critical sets, when the desirability was 0.9, the CO2 total emissions were 2.15, 1.84, and 1.59 million tons for the three planning periods. The research results suggest that the methodology of LP combined with fuzzy desirability function is applicable to represent the whole production process of industry sectors such as coal-fired power plants. The government policy makers could predict CO2 emissions by this method and use the results as a reference to conduct effective industrial and energy structure adjustment.
Influence of Temperature, Relative Humidity and Protein Content on the Growth and Development of Larvae of the Lesser Mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer)
Authors: Kotsou Konstantina , Rumbos Christos I. , Baliota Georgia V. , Gourgouta Marina , Athanassiou Christos G.
Published: October 2021

The human population is rapidly growing, subsequently leading to an increase in food and protein demand. Therefore, alternative protein sources have to be evaluated as food and feed. Among the most promising alternative protein sources with significant advantages are insects. Nevertheless, insect rearing conditions have to be optimized prior to insect mass production. In the present study, using laboratory bioassays, we evaluated the effect of several biotic and abiotic factors on the development of the larvae of the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer). In the first series of bioassays, we investigated A. diaperinus larval growth at three temperatures (25, 30 and 32 °C) and two relative humidity (r.h.) levels (55 and 75%). Furthermore, in the second series of bioassays, the larval growth was assessed on wheat bran-based substrates with different percentages of yeast, i.e., 0%, 10%, 17.5%, 25%, 32.5% and 40%. According to our results, the temperature was shown to be highly important for larval development, with A. diaperinus larvae performing better at the higher temperatures tested, i.e., 30 and 32 °C. In contrast, relative humidity did not have a significant effect on A. diaperinus growth, at least for the relative humidity levels tested. Finally, the increase in the percentage of yeast in the diet increased larval growth, development and survival. Our study aims to highlight the significance of several biotic and abiotic factors for the rearing of A. diaperinus larvae, providing parameters that can be further utilized in mass rearing protocols of this species.
Potential Application of Biochar Composite Derived from Rice Straw and Animal Bones to Improve Plant Growth
Authors: Um-e-Laila  , Hussain Adnan , Nazir Aisha , Shafiq Muhammad , Firdaus-e-Bareen
Published: October 2021

The current study is aimed at deriving biochar (BC) from rice straw (RS-BC) and waste bones (WB-BC), being wasted without adequate return at the expense of environmental degradation. The RS and WB feedstocks were pyrolyzed at 550 °C, and the potential of derived biochar as a slow nutrient releasing soil amendment was examined during the growth of ridge gourd. Proximate analysis of the prepared biochars showed significant improvement in ash content and fixed carbon as compared to their raw biomasses. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis of RS-BC and WB-BC displayed a diverse range of functional groups viz. derivatives of cellulose and hydroxylapatite (HA); macro and microporosity; multiple nutrients. Application of RS-BC and WB-BC in potted soil alone and as biochar composite (RS-BC+WB-BC) at 5, 10 and 15% (w/w) and chemical fertilizer (CF) resulted in a significant increase in soil pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and water holding capacity (WHC) in exchange for growth and yield of ridge gourd. However, there were insignificant differences in the growth of plants in response to RS-BC, WB-BC alone and CF with biochar composite at 15% amendment. For giving insignificantly different growth results than CF, the prepared biochar composite showed outstanding potential as an organic fertilizer applicable in agrarian soils to elevate soil properties and yield of agricultural commodities.
Effect of Adding Emotion Recognition to Film Teaching—Impact of Emotion Feedback on Learning through Puzzle Films
Authors: Tsai Shang-Chin , Lin Hao-Chiang Koong
Published: October 2021

In this study, the scientific puzzle film, “Story of the Comet”, is taken as a case to implement scientific teaching to guide students to find correct answers, through which it can train their learning and judging abilities. The students in the experimental group received the scientific teaching guiding system of the puzzle film “Story of the Comet” with a facial emotion recognition system to recognize the emotional reaction of the subjects at the moment. According to their facial expressions of “disgust”, “sadness”, or “joy” appearing in the moment, the system presented differently captioned positive encouragement cards particularly designed for four different levels, for when the subjects answered the questions incorrectly at different levels and their emotions were detected at the same time. Furthermore, the positive encouragement cards encouraged the subjects to complete the puzzle film learning process. The subjects were students in the higher grades of Grade 5 and Grade 6 in elementary school. A total of 130 students participated in this experiment and were randomly divided into two groups. Both the control group (i.e., the group without emotion recognition) and the experiment group (i.e., the group with emotion recognition) received a before-watching test of learning effectiveness. After implementing the scientific teaching of the puzzle film “Story of the Comet”, both the control group and the experimental group also received an after-watching test of learning effectiveness. Finally, the subjects filled out a “learning satisfaction” questionnaire, “system availability” questionnaire, and “system satisfaction” questionnaire. The analysis of the results of the two groups’ tests and questionnaires: a comparative analysis of learning effectiveness indicates that there is a statistically significant difference between the choice answers of the two groups after the interactive teaching; for the experimental group, the average correct answers in the after-watching test was 5.86, which is 2.48 more than the before-watching test; that of the control group was 4.74, which is 1.47 more than the before -watching test. For comparative analysis of questionnaires for “learning satisfaction” and “system satisfaction”, the statistical data analysis indicates that the experimental group was more satisfied than the control group.
Generic Digital Equity Model in Education: Mobile-Assisted Personalized Learning (MAPL) through e-Modules
Authors: Song Sheng Jia , Tan Kim Hua , Awang Mohd Mahzan
Published: October 2021

This study addresses the challenges most learners face in Third World and developing countries concerning education accessibility in an emergency. On the basis of the shortcomings found in a review of past studies, this scoping review introduces adapted model mobile-assisted personalized learning (MAPL), which focused on full distance learning using the personalized learning (PL) concept. This concept is rarely used in the classrooms of Third World and developing countries. MAPL is technology-integrated and customized PL but it does not depend on artificial intelligence. This model bridges the digital divide that hinders learners in accessing education by providing flexibility, regardless of weak internet reception or low bandwidth, among other hindrances, in Third World or developing countries. Learners in these countries inevitably opt for mobile devices as their preferred learning tool. MAPL is necessary and can aid underprivileged learners who are highly dependent on mobile devices. Rethinking and reforming current teaching practices are required. In this study, a pool of 60 articles from 2011 to 2021 was qualitatively synthesized. Among the articles, 29 focused on PL, 15 on mobile learning, and 16 on the potentials of MAPL. The findings indicate that MAPL could be a viable solution for achieving equity in education for every learner during full-fledged distance learning.
A Review on Sustainability of Watershed Management in Indonesia
Authors: Narendra Budi Hadi , Siregar Chairil Anwar , Dharmawan I Wayan Susi , Sukmana Asep , Pratiwi  , Pramono Irfan Budi , Basuki Tyas Mutiara , Nugroho Hunggul Yudono Setio Hadi , Supangat Agung Budi , Purwanto  , Setiawan Ogi , Nandini Ryke , Ulya Nur Arifatul , Arifanti Virni Budi , Yuwati Tri Wira
Published: October 2021

This paper provides an overview of the implementation and obstacles of watershed management, and the alternative solutions based on a synoptic review of related studies and experiences across Indonesia. The review found that problems in the institutional aspect were hierarchical confusion, discrepancy, and asynchrony among regulations, and weak (participation, synchronization, and coordination) among watershed management stakeholders. The weaknesses in the planning stage are integration among sectors, a lack of community participation, and limited readiness to integrate watershed planning into regional planning. Stakeholders’ involvement is also a critical factor in successful implementation of degraded watershed rehabilitation, including in peatland and mangrove areas. Failure should be minimized by providing adequate information on degraded watershed characteristics, appropriate species choices, and effective mechanical construction for soil and water conservation. Community participation as the main factor in driving watershed management should be achieved by strengthening public awareness of the importance of a sustainable watershed and providing access for the community to be involved in each stage of watershed management. Another problem is data gaps which are essential to address from the planning to evaluation stages. The gaps can be bridged by using remotely sensed data and by applying hydrological-based simulation models. Simplified criteria for watershed assessment may also be required, depending on site-specific issues and the watershed scale.
Different Geothermal Power Cycle Configurations Cost Estimation Models
Authors: Shamoushaki Moein , Manfrida Giampaolo , Talluri Lorenzo , Niknam Pouriya H. , Fiaschi Daniele
Published: October 2021

An economic assessment of different geothermal power cycle configurations to generate cost models is conducted in this study. The thermodynamic and exergoeconomic modeling of the cycles is performed in MATLAB coupled to Refprop. The models were derived based on robust multivariable regression to minimize the residuals by using the genetic algorithm. The cross-validation approach is applied to determine a dataset to examine the model in the training phase for validation and reduce the overfitting problem. The generated cost models are the total cost rate, the plant’s total cost, and power generation cost. The cost models and the relevant coefficients are generated based on the most compatibilities and lower error. The results showed that one of the most influential factors on the ORC cycle is the working fluid type, which significantly affects the final economic results. Other parameters that considerably impact economic models results, of all configurations, are geothermal fluid pressure and temperature and inlet pressure of turbine. Rising the geothermal fluid mass flow rate has a remarkable impact on cost models as the capacity and size of equipment increases. The generated cost models in this study can estimate the mentioned cost parameters with an acceptable deviation and provide a fast way to predict the total cost of the power plants.
Struggling with COVID-19—A Framework for Assessing Health System Performance
Authors: Markowicz Iwona , Rudawska Iga
Published: October 2021

Currently, no guidelines exist on how to evaluate the performance of health systems fighting the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Therefore, this study seeks (1) to develop a conceptual framework that would be helpful in the given context, and (2) to test the feasibility of the proposed approach. The framework is conceptualized based on investigating critical dimensions and indicators for the successful design of a method for evaluating the performance of health systems. Subsequently, the taxonomic measure of development is used and a correlational analysis made in order to run a pilot test of the proposed concept. The finalized conceptual framework has five input dimensions (demographical burden, epidemiological burden, health-related quality of life, financial resources, and access) described by 18 indicators, and two output domains (outcomes, productivity) described by six indicators to monitor system performance under the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot-test conducted in European Union countries and the United States proved the model to be useful and feasible. The proposed framework can be used to assess the performance of health systems fighting novel pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, worldwide. Our methodological approach can be used as a benchmark for international agencies such as the World Health Organization in developing their own frameworks. The paper presents the first research exploring the evaluation of a health system during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has the potential to help monitor a health system’s performance during the pandemic by accounting for specific country-related circumstances. In a broader sense, it can contribute to boosting health market competitiveness in terms of quality.
Community Health and Public Health Nurses: Case Study in Times of COVID-19
Authors: Cunha Carmen , Henriques Adriana , Costa Andreia
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has given more relevance to identifying the common and specific competencies of specialized nurses in community health and public health, presenting and characterizing their interventions, relations with health indicators in the population, identifying factors that facilitate their performance, and their respective regulations. A qualitative case study was undertaken with 31 nurses from a group of health centers and data collection by interviews, direct observation, and documents analysis. The flow model and an interpretive matrix, with two strategies and two techniques, was used for the analysis and discussion. The majority of participants were female, who were aware of and familiar with the specific and defined competencies, which they put into practice. They recognize their activities as important and feel happy where they are and doing what they do. They have good a knowledge of the regulations that concern them. They consider themselves well prepared and available to intervene in many dimensions, such as epidemiological surveillance, management, and group empowerment, contributing to good health indexes and health sustainability. Expected changes are related to their potential contributions to advance the nursing profession, which this pandemic has highlighted.
Life Cycle Assessment of Network Traffic: A Review of Challenges and Possible Solutions
Authors: Billstein Tova , Björklund Anna , Rydberg Tomas
Published: October 2021

The environmental impact of Industry 4.0 and related technologies remains relatively unknown, with little research devoted to investigating the impact on sustainability aspects, resulting in a greater need for climate reporting. However, impacts of data transmission have historically been the least studied part of the information and communication technology sector, and there is currently no consensus on how to correctly assess it. In an attempt to guide process development within the area in the hopes that future life cycle assessments will be created, this study sought to identify, examine, and address potential challenges that might occur when assessing the environmental impact of network traffic during its life cycle. Through a combination of a literature review and semi-systematic research interviews with identified experts within the field of research, several areas in the form of knowledge gaps, unsolved methodological issues, and areas in need of further development were identified and assessed. The results show that eight key challenges exist in the areas of system boundaries, data collection methods, energy intensity metrics, transparency and data availability, age of data, allocation procedures, assumptions, and limited coverage of impact categories. Several approaches to address said challenges are presented, as well as areas in need of further investigation. It is furthermore suggested that the sector should strive to agree upon several parameters of significance to enable future harmonized life cycle studies of network traffic.
Influence of Spirituality in the Career and STEM-Based Research Approach of Scientists for Sustainable Development: A Study on the Perspective of Scientists from a Public Research University in Malaysia
Authors: Bajuri Mohd Razip , Abdul Rahim Suzieleez Syrene , Mohd Shahali Edy Hafizan , Maat Siti Mistima
Published: October 2021

This explanatory case study aims to formulate a framework of spiritual influence on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-based research for sustainable development from the perspective of university scientists. This single-site case qualitative study involves seven participants from a Malaysian public research university with a variety of specific research fields. Questions regarding the driving factors of their research strategy for sustainable technology developments were asked. Consequently, the main driving factors on using STEM approaches for sustainable developments are career competency enhancements. This theme can be proven with elements, such as STEM for enhancing the ability to expand a specific field contribution, improving interdisciplinary management, obtaining outsource support, and enhancing innovative capability. Meanwhile, spiritual influence on sustainable development is a part of the philosophy of participants and can be proven through the elements of moral and ethical beliefs with respect to religious values in their scientific career and STEM-based research practice. Therefore, the influence of spirituality is a crucial concept, which can ensure social, emotional, economic, and environmental sustainability development. This framework is built among limited participants. Thus, confirming this framework by using a wide range of samples is encouraged. Moreover, this study generally has implications for sustainable development using STEM-based practice for specific field expertise. The concept aims to provide remarkable contributions to the growth of comprehensive, holistic, and sustainable development and to extend the current literature on STEM research approaches by inculcating spiritual elements.
Progressive Taxation versus Progressive Targeted Transfers in the Design of a Sustainable Value Added Tax System
Authors: Abshari Zhila , Jenkins Glenn P. , Kuo Chun-Yan , Shahee Mostafa
Published: October 2021

Value added tax (VAT) has proven to be the most stable and revenue productive of all components of the tax system. However, for such a tax system to be policy sustainable over time, taxpayers must consider it fair, and it must be viewed by the National Treasury to be productive in terms of raising substantial revenue and administratively feasible by the VAT-implementing agency. The VAT system in Belize has been a highly productive component of the revenue system, and it was designed to be progressive, but in arriving at this position, over 40% of the personnel of VAT tax administration are engaged in processing tax refunds to promote progressivity and to fight against the fraud that such a refund system incubates. This is an unsustainable position for any tax system to remain intact over time. This paper evaluates the attempt by the government of Belize to introduce progressivity into their single-rate VAT through zero rating and exemption from taxation of many goods and services that are major expenditure items of poor households. The distributional impacts are measured by a tax reform that eliminates all zero ratings except for exports and a few exemptions. By eliminating zero-rated items and significantly reducing the number of exempt items, the impact of the reform adds a regressive element, although overall, the VAT system remains progressive. However, 75% of the revenues raised by this reform would be paid by the top 40% of the income distribution. The increased revenues could finance an expansion of an existing transfer scheme that exclusively targets poor households. In addition, reforms would eliminate at least 40% of the personnel costs of administering the current VAT system.
How Shall We Start? The Importance of General Indices for Circular Cities in Indonesia
Authors: Nurdiana Juli , Franco-Garcia Maria Laura , Heldeweg Michiel Adriaan
Published: October 2021

The role of the circular economy has attracted increased attention amongst practitioners and policymakers in recent years. It has been broadly developed and applied at different levels (micro, meso and macro) in developed countries. However, to date, the possibility of a circular economy in Indonesia has not been widely explored or discussed by city actors. This gap in research represents an opportunity to investigate options that may foster the adoption of circular economy principles and practices. Which aspects of the circular economy should be of primary concern, considering Indonesia’s current situation? In response to this question, this paper offers a systemic process of lessons learnt as developed from the literature, identifying certain key aspects that could benefit Indonesia. This study mapped important factors and key indicators that have been claimed to have beneficial effects in the application of circular economy principles in cities. The authors developed a protocol to systematize the literature review process to illustrate gaps and to provide and recommend indicators for circular cities. These are equally applicable to the local situation in North Kalimantan, which we selected as a showcase medium-sized city. Empirical data was collected by interviewing different stakeholders to enrich the theoretical set of circular economy indicators. This case study offered the opportunity to gain a more realistic understanding of what circular cities might look like in the Indonesian situation. The findings allowed us to explore and describe the current circular economy city-level discussion. They also provide insight and information for decision-makers and city actors on how to collaborate to develop a framework to advance circular city initiatives.
Emotionally Engaged Learners Are More Satisfied with Online Courses
Authors: Deng Ruiqi
Published: October 2021

Research on massive open online courses (MOOCs) has tended to focus on outcome indicators valued in traditional higher education settings, particularly achievement and completion. This study highlights the differences between MOOCs and credit-bearing university courses and shifts this focus to an alternative outcome indicator—learner satisfaction. In this study, engagement is identified as an important antecedent of learner satisfaction and is conceptualised and operationalised as a multidimensional construct. This study built three regression models to identify the relative importance of behavioural, cognitive, emotional, and social engagement for learner satisfaction after controlling for personal characteristics unrelated to the criteria of good teaching. The analysis showed that engagement explained approximately 20% of the variance in learner satisfaction with MOOCs. Emotional engagement was more influential for predicting learner satisfaction than cognitive engagement and behavioural engagement. Social engagement had no significant effect on learner satisfaction. Demographics (age, education level, and origin) and motivation were of limited utility in predicting learner satisfaction with MOOCs, accounting for 4% and 2% of variance, respectively. Based on research findings, the article presents the following propositions: (1) configure the MOOC teaching and learning environment in a way that enhances emotional engagement; (2) statistically adjust for age, education level, origin, and motivation when interpreting learner satisfaction results; and (3) monitor the level of emotional engagement and implement educational interventions to provide support for emotional disengagers.
Study on the Physical, Chemical and Nano-Microstructure Characteristics of Asphalt Mixed with Recycled Eggshell Waste
Authors: Ji Guanyu , Wang Xuancang , Guo Yuchen , Zhang Yi , Yin Qinglian , Luo Yaolu
Published: October 2021

Green economy is a major them of sustainable development. The application of biological waste in engineering is conducive to green development. This study reveals the effect of recycled eggshell waste on the physical and chemical properties as well as nano-microstructure characteristics of asphalt. The hardness, thermal stability and ductility of asphalt were explored by the penetration, softening point and ductility tests. The distribution and relative content of protons in asphalt were revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectrum (1H-NMR). The microscopic characteristics of the particle morphology and surface structure of the eggshell powder were explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to analyze the evolution laws of asphalt nano-microstructures. The experiment results indicate that (1) the eggshell waste increases the hardness, thermal stability and reduces the ductility of asphalt; (2) the chemical environment in which the protons of the eggshell waste asphalt are located and the H index have no obvious changes; (3) the eggshell powder is characterized by a rough, wrinkled, porous and loosened structure; (4) the nano-microstructure of eggshell waste asphalt exhibits “bee-like structures”, and the different proportion of eggshell waste changes the maturity, size and quantity of the “bee-like structures” and roughness, which can be attributed to the interaction of the asphaltene-waxiness system.
Death Reflection and Employee Work Behavior in the COVID-19 New Normal Time: The Role of Duty Orientation and Work Orientation
Authors: Wei Shilong , He Yuting , Zhou Wenxia , Popp József , Oláh Judit
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a destructive affair for both workplace and community. However, with the strengthen of global anti-pandemic measures, COVID-19 becomes the norm and there is an increased trend for people to reflect on life or death. Moreover, regardless of its facilitating role in advancing organizational behavior (OB) study, very few studies empirically examine the effects of death reflection in the work domain. Drawing on the generativity theory, we identify how death reflection influences employees’ in-role and extra-role performance under the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal study is performed by using multi-source data from 387 employees in China. Our results reveal that the COVID-19-triggered death reflection is associated with the stronger in-role performance and organizational citizenship behaviors. We find that duty orientation is the mechanism that can explain the effects of the COVID-19-triggered death reflection on employees’ work behaviors. Furthermore, employees who reflect on death with high (vs. low) career and calling orientations tend to have higher in-role and extra-role performance, while employees who reflect on death with low (vs. high) job orientation are likely to have lower in-role and extra-role performance.
Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis: A Cross-Sectional Study to Investigate Clinical Features and Patients’ Quality of Life
Authors: Schiltz Daniel , Mueller Karolina , Ortner Christine , Tschernitz Sebastian , Anker Alexandra , Felthaus Oliver , Schreml Julia , Koller Michael , Prantl Lukas , Schreml Stephan
Published: October 2021

Within the subcutaneous adipose tissue diseases, multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL) (syn.: Launois Bensaude Syndrome, Morbus Madelung, benign symmetric lipomatosis) is rare. The pathogenesis of MSL remains unclear. We investigated the largest German cohort of MSL patients to obtain anamnestic data and quality of life with a standard questionnaire. Twenty-nine patients with confirmed MSL were included and filled in a questionnaire designed for this study. The questionnaire assessed common anamnestic factors, such as quality of life (EQ-5D-3L) and subjective treatment goals and success (“Patient-Benefit-Index-Lymphedema”, PBI-L). The gender distribution of the patients involved in the study was m/f: 1/4 (male: n = 6 (21%); female n = 23 (79%)). While the exact pathophysiology of MSL remains unclear, a subset of patients’ positive family history suggests a strong genetic factor, sometimes compatible with autosomal dominant inheritance. Patients with MSL showed lower health states (EQ VAS Score: m = 51, sd = 24, range = 0–90) than the German norm population (m = 77). Around two thirds (68%) of patients reported relevant benefits of therapy (liposuction/lipectomy). In our cohort about one third of the patients reported a positive family history for MSL-like features. Additionally, at least in some patients, a strong genetic factor, compatible with autosomal dominant inheritance, seems a possible major driver of MSL development. Alcohol consumption and MSL development has to be regarded as a controversial issue. Patients suffering from MSL have a clear decrease in quality of life and a marked wish for treatment.
A Highly Scalable Method for Extractive Text Summarization Using Convex Optimization
Authors: Popescu Claudiu , Grama Lacrimioara , Rusu Corneliu
Published: October 2021

The paper describes a convex optimization formulation of the extractive text summarization problem and a simple and scalable algorithm to solve it. The optimization program is constructed as a convex relaxation of an intuitive but computationally hard integer programming problem. The objective function is highly symmetric, being invariant under unitary transformations of the text representations. Another key idea is to replace the constraint on the number of sentences in the summary with a convex surrogate. For solving the program we have designed a specific projected gradient descent algorithm and analyzed its performance in terms of execution time and quality of the approximation. Using the datasets DUC 2005 and Cornell Newsroom Summarization Dataset, we have shown empirically that the algorithm can provide competitive results for single document summarization and multi-document query-based summarization. On the Cornell Newsroom Summarization Dataset, it ranked second among the unsupervised methods tested. For the more challenging task of multi-document query-based summarization, the method was tested on the DUC 2005 Dataset. Our algorithm surpassed the other reported methods with respect to the ROUGE-SU4 metric, and it was at less than 0.01 from the top performing algorithms with respect to ROUGE-1 and ROUGE-2 metrics.
Surfaces and Curves Induced by Nonlinear Schrödinger-Type Equations and Their Spin Systems
Authors: Myrzakul Akbota , Nugmanova Gulgassyl , Serikbayev Nurzhan , Myrzakulov Ratbay
Published: October 2021

In recent years, symmetry in abstract partial differential equations has found wide application in the field of nonlinear integrable equations. The symmetries of the corresponding transformation groups for such equations make it possible to significantly simplify the procedure for establishing equivalence between nonlinear integrable equations from different areas of physics, which in turn open up opportunities to easily find their solutions. In this paper, we study the symmetry between differential geometry of surfaces/curves and some integrable generalized spin systems. In particular, we investigate the gauge and geometrical equivalence between the local/nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger type equations (NLSE) and the extended continuous Heisenberg ferromagnet equation (HFE) to investigate how nonlocality properties of one system are inherited by the other. First, we consider the space curves induced by the nonlinear Schrödinger-type equations and its equivalent spin systems. Such space curves are governed by the Serret–Frenet equation (SFE) for three basis vectors. We also show that the equation for the third of the basis vectors coincides with the well-known integrable HFE and its generalization. Two other equations for the remaining two vectors give new integrable spin systems. Finally, we investigated the relation between the differential geometry of surfaces and integrable spin systems for the three basis vectors.
Sensitivity of Neutron-Rich Nuclear Isomer Behavior to Uncertainties in Direct Transitions
Authors: Misch G. Wendell , Sprouse Trevor M. , Mumpower Matthew R. , Couture Aaron J. , Fryer Chris L. , Meyer Bradley S. , Sun Yang
Published: October 2021

Nuclear isomers are populated in the rapid neutron capture process (r process) of nucleosynthesis. The r process may cover a wide range of temperatures, potentially starting from several tens of GK (several MeV) and then cooling as material is ejected from the event. As the r-process environment cools, isomers can freeze out of thermal equilibrium or be directly populated as astrophysically metastable isomers (astromers). Astromers can undergo reactions and decays at rates very different from the ground state, so they may need to be treated independently in nucleosythesis simulations. Two key behaviors of astromers—ground state ↔ isomer transition rates and thermalization temperatures—are determined by direct transition rates between pairs of nuclear states. We perform a sensitivity study to constrain the effects of unknown transitions on astromer behavior. Detailed balance ensures that ground → isomer and isomer → ground transitions are symmetric, so unknown transitions are equally impactful in both directions. We also introduce a categorization of astromers that describes their potential effects in hot environments. We provide a table of neutron-rich isomers that includes the astromer type, thermalization temperature, and key unmeasured transition rates.
Elastic Modeling of Two-Step Transitions in Sterically Frustrated 1D Binuclear Spin-Crossover Chains
Authors: Traiche Rachid , Oubouchou Hassane , Boukheddaden Kamel
Published: October 2021

Among the large family of spin-crossover materials, binuclear systems play an important role due to their specific molecular configurations, allowing the presence of multi-step transitions and elastic frustration. Although this issue benefited from a significant number of spin-based theories, there is almost no elastic description of the spin transition phenomenon in binuclear systems. To overcome this deficiency, in this work we develop the first elastic modeling of thermal properties of binuclear spin-crossover solids. At this end, we investigated a finite spin-crossover open chain constituted of elastically coupled binuclear (A = B) blocks, ⋯A=B−A=B−A=B⋯, in which the considered equivalent A and B sites may occupy two configurations, namely low-spin (LS) and high-spin (HS) states. The sites of the binuclear unit interact via an intramolecular spring and couple to the neighboring binuclear units via other springs. The model also includes the change of length inside and between the binuclear units subsequent to the spin state changes. When injecting an elastic frustration inside the binuclear unit in the LS state, competing interactions between the intra- and the inter-binuclear couplings emerge. The latter shows that according to the intra- and inter-binuclear elastic constants and the strength of the frustration, multi-step transitions are derived, for which a specific self-organization of type (HS = HS)-(LS-LS)-(HS = HS)⋯ is revealed and discussed. Finally, we have also studied the relaxation of the metastable photoinduced HS states at low temperature, in which two relaxation regimes with transient self-organized states were identified when monitoring the elastic frustration rate or the ratio of intra- and intermolecular elastic interactions. These behaviors are reminiscent of the thermal dependence of the order parameters of the system. The present model opens several possibilities of extensions of elastic frustrations acting in polynuclear spin-crossover systems, which may lead to other types of spin-state self-organizations and relaxation dynamics.
Service-Oriented Real-Time Smart Job Shop Symmetric CPS Based on Edge Computing
Authors: Wang Chuang , Lv Yi , Wang Qiang , Yang Dongyu , Zhou Guanghui
Published: October 2021

Symmetry is one of the most important notions in the digital twins-driven manufacturing cyber–physical system (CPS). Real-time acquisition of production data and rapid response to changes in the external environment are the keys to ensuring the symmetry of the CPS. In the service-oriented production process, in order to solve the problem of the service response delay of the production nodes in a smart job shop, a CPS based on mobile edge computing (MEC) middleware is proposed. First, the CPS and MEC for a service-oriented production process are analyzed. Secondly, based on MEC middleware, a CPS architecture model of a smart job shop is established. Then, the implementation of MEC middleware and application layer function modules are introduced in detail. By designing an MEC middleware model and embedding function modules such as data cache management, redundant data filtering, and data preprocessing, the ability of data processing is sunk from the data center to the data source. Based on that, the network performances, such as network bandwidth, packet loss rate, and delay, are improved. Finally, an experiment platform of the smart job shop is used to verify different data processing modes by comparing the network performance data such as bandwidth, packet loss rate, and response delay.
Vibrational Properties of Benzoxaboroles and Their Interactions with Candida albicans’ LeuRS
Authors: Kaczorowska Ewa , Adamczyk-Woźniak Agnieszka , Żukowska Grażyna Zofia , Kostecka Paulina , Sporzyński Andrzej
Published: October 2021

Benzoxaboroles have emerged over the past decade mainly due to their growing medicinal importance. Regarding the wide application of IR spectroscopy in the pharmaceutical industry, the vibrational properties of over a dozen of benzoxaboroles were described, based on results of DFT calculations as well as IR and Raman spectra measurements. Investigated series of compounds included the currently available antifungal drug (Tavaborole, AN2690) as well as its derivatives. An intense and well-isolated band corresponding to the B-OH group stretching vibrations was present in all experimental IR spectra in the range of 1446–1414 cm−1 and can be considered as characteristic for benzoxaboroles. The vibrational properties of benzoxaboroles are shown to be affected by the formation of intramolecular as well as intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which should also influence the interactions of benzoxaboroles with biomolecules and impact on their biological functions. Docking studies of the benzoxaboroles’ adenosine monophosphate (AMP) spiroboronates into the Candida albicans leucyl-RS synthetase binding pocket showed that the introduction of an amine substituent has a strong influence on their binding. The determined values of inhibition constants manifest high potential of some of the investigated molecules as possible inhibitors of that enzyme.
Direct Restorations for Anterior Esthetic Rehabilitation and Smile Symmetry Recovery: Two Case Reports
Authors: Amaro Inês , Saraiva José , Gomes Ana Catarina , Araújo Ana , Marto Carlos Miguel , Coelho Ana , Ferreira Manuel Marques , Paula Anabela , Carrilho Eunice
Published: October 2021

Esthetics is an increasing concern for patients, particularly in anterior teeth. The current approaches to manage the esthetic demands include options such as prosthodontic rehabilitation, orthodontic treatment, and direct restorations. Direct restorative procedures for anterior teeth have become a reliable alternative, since current composite materials can mimic teeth’s esthetics and function perfectly. This article describes two clinical cases of anterior esthetic rehabilitations where the direct reshaping of the four maxillary incisors was performed using the buccolingual layering technique with the help of a silicone index. In Case 1, a diastema closure was also performed, whereas in Case 2, the replacement of old restorations was also carried out. It was possible to achieve excellent final esthetic results in both cases, recovering the smile symmetry, and both patients were satisfied. The literature supports the use of direct restorations in the anterior region with very good long-term prognosis. It is a minimally invasive approach that is reversible, repairable, cost-effective, and when combined with layering techniques and adequate restorative materials, it is possible to achieve good esthetic and functional outcomes. However, regular maintenance appointments are mandatory, and all cases should be carefully planned to ensure predictable and long-lasting results.