bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Geometric Approach for Real-Time Forward Kinematics of the General Stewart Platform
Authors: Yang Fangfang , Tan Xiaojun , Wang Zhe , Lu Zhenfeng , He Tao
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a geometric approach for real-time forward kinematics of the general Stewart platform, which consists of two rigid bodies connected by six general serial manipulators. By describing the rigid-body motion as exponential of twist, and taking advantage of the product of exponentials formula, a step-by-step derivation of the proposed algorithm is presented. As the algorithm naturally solves all passive joint displacements, the correctness is then verified by comparing the forward-kinematic solutions from all chains. The convergence ability and robustness of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated with large amounts of numerical simulations. In all test cases, the proposed algorithm terminates within four iterations, converging with near-quadratic speed. Finally, the proposed algorithm is also implemented on a mainstream embedded motion controller. Compared with the incremental method, the proposed algorithm is more robust, with an average execution time of 0.48 ms, meeting the requirements of most applications, such as kinematic calibration, motion simulation, and real-time control.
An Implementation of Trust Chain Framework with Hierarchical Content Identifier Mechanism by Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: Chen Hsing-Chung , Irawan Bambang , Hsu Pei-Yu , Su Jhih-Sheng , Lin Chun-Wei (Jerry) , Prayitno  , Putra Karisma Trinanda , Damarjati Cahya , Weng Chien-Erh , Liang Yao-Hsien , Chang Pi-Hsien
Published: June 2022

Advances in information technology (IT) and operation technology (OT) accelerate the development of manufacturing systems (MS) consisting of integrated circuits (ICs), modules, and systems, toward Industry 4.0. However, the existing MS does not support comprehensive identity forensics for the whole system, limiting its ability to adapt to equipment authentication difficulties. Furthermore, the development of trust imposed during their crosswise collaborations with suppliers and other manufacturers in the supply chain is poorly maintained. In this paper, a trust chain framework with a comprehensive identification mechanism is implemented for the designed MS system, which is based and created on the private blockchain in conjunction with decentralized database systems to boost the flexibility, traceability, and identification of the IC-module-system. Practical implementations are developed using a functional prototype. First, the decentralized application (DApp) and the smart contracts are proposed for constructing the new trust chain under the proposed comprehensive identification mechanism by using blockchain technology. In addition, the blockchain addresses of IC, module, and system are automatically registered to InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), individually. In addition, their corresponding hierarchical CID (content identifier) values are organized by using Merkle DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph), which is employed via the hierarchical content identifier mechanism (HCIDM) proposed in this paper. Based on insights obtained from this analysis, the trust chain based on HCIDM can be applied to any MS system, for example, this trust chain could be used to prevent the counterfeit modules and ICs employed in the monitoring system of a semiconductor factory environment. The evaluation results show that the proposed scheme could work in practice under the much lower costs, compared to the public blockchain, with a total cost of 0.002094 Ether. Finally, this research is developed an innovation trust chain mechanism that could be provided the system-level security for any MS toward Industrial 4.0 in order to meet the requirements of both manufacturing innovation and product innovation in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Factors Affecting Success of Entrepreneurship in Agribusinesses: Evidence from the City of Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Saghaian Sayed , Mohammadi Hosein , Mohammadi Morteza
Published: June 2022

Entrepreneurship and innovation are the fuel of economic growth. Understanding the motivational factors that lead to the success of entrepreneurs in agribusiness can be useful in affecting the degree of successful investment that accelerates development and economic growth in the agriculture sector. In this study, we investigated the factors affecting the success of entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector in Mashhad, Iran, using a two-stage Heckman approach. Factors affecting the success or failure of agribusiness entrepreneurship have received less attention in the literature. In this study, the aim was to determine the factors affecting agricultural entrepreneurship success and entrepreneurs’ profits. We generated the data for this study by designing a questionnaire and conducting a survey of active entrepreneurs in Mashhad in 2020. The results showed that entrepreneurship experience, risk-taking behavior, interest rates, and initial capital have a significant impact on the probability of entrepreneurship success and entrepreneur’s profits. Policies that could improve the skills of entrepreneurs, provision of initial capital requirements, and financial market efficiency had an effective role in increasing entrepreneurship and innovation in the agribusiness sector. Entrepreneurs in the field of agriculture could consider these factors to have better choices while entering or continuing with their agribusinesses. Our recommendation to policymakers and agribusiness leaders is to establish a friendlier and more stable environment for entrepreneurship and employ policies that help reduce the risk of entrepreneurs’ initial investment returns.
Improved Metaheuristic-Driven Energy-Aware Cluster-Based Routing Scheme for IoT-Assisted Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lakshmanna Kuruva , Subramani Neelakandan , Alotaibi Youseef , Alghamdi Saleh , Khalafand Osamah Ibrahim , Nanda Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of numerous devices that are consistent with one another via the internet. Wireless sensor networks (WSN) play an integral part in the IoT, which helps to produce seamless data that highly influence the network’s lifetime. Despite the significant applications of the IoT, several challenging issues such as security, energy, load balancing, and storage exist. Energy efficiency is considered to be a vital part of the design of IoT-assisted WSN; this is accomplished by clustering and multi-hop routing techniques. In view of this, we introduce an improved metaheuristic-driven energy-aware cluster-based routing (IMD-EACBR) scheme for IoT-assisted WSN. The proposed IMD-EACBR model intends to achieve maximum energy utilization and lifetime in the network. In order to attain this, the IMD-EACBR model primarily designs an improved Archimedes optimization algorithm-based clustering (IAOAC) technique for cluster head (CH) election and cluster organization. In addition, the IAOAC algorithm computes a suitability purpose that connects multiple structures specifically for energy efficiency, detachment, node degree, and inter-cluster distance. Moreover, teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm-based multi-hop routing (TLBO-MHR) technique is applied for optimum selection of routes to destinations. Furthermore, the TLBO-MHR method originates a suitability purpose using energy and distance metrics. The performance of the IMD-EACBR model has been examined in several aspects. Simulation outcomes demonstrated enhancements of the IMD-EACBR model over recent state-of-the-art approaches. IMD-EACBR is a model that has been proposed for the transmission of emergency data, and the TLBO-MHR technique is one that is based on the requirements for hop count and distance. In the end, the proposed network is subjected to rigorous testing using NS-3.26’s full simulation capabilities. The results of the simulation reveal improvements in performance in terms of the proportion of dead nodes, the lifetime of the network, the amount of energy consumed, the packet delivery ratio (PDR), and the latency.
College Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention and Alertness in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Zonglong , Zhang Wenyi , Zhou Yanhui , Kang Derong , Feng Biao , Zeng Qing , Xu Lingling , Zhang Minqiang
Published: June 2022

This research aims to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected college students’ entrepreneurial intention (EI), as well as whether the well-studied link between entrepreneurial alertness (EA) and EI is involved. Data were collected from 612 respondents, and using the stepwise regression method we examined the moderating role of college students’ perceived risk of COVID-19 on the connection between EA and EI. The results show that students’ perceived risk of COVID-19 reduces their EI. Furthermore, the perceived risk of COVID-19 attenuates the relationship between EA and EI. Specifically, those who perceived a greater risk tended to show lower EI. This article contributes to a better understanding of how the relationship between EA and EI has changed during the pandemic.
Digital Coaching Motivating Young Elderly People towards Physical Activity
Authors: Kettunen Eeva , Kari Tuomas , Frank Lauri
Published: June 2022

The share of the elderly population is increasing globally, and it is important to help them to maintain their physical activity levels and ability to function to as late an age as possible. This qualitative intervention study focused on the experiences of young elderly on the ability of a sport and wellness technology digital coach to motivate them towards physical activity as well as on what needs and wishes this group has concerning digital coaching solutions. The findings of the study show that young elderly perceive digital coaching as potential in motivating them towards physical activity by providing instructive information and motivational feedback. It was also perceived to have positive influence on their exercise self-efficacy. However, it was also apparent that digital coaching devices should be tailored for this target group and be easy to learn in order to attract interest among them. Our findings provide insights for professionals and companies in sport technology field as well as to health professionals working in health promotion with young elderly people. Overall, this research aims to address social and economical sustainability of elderly people and their physical activity.
Analysis of Renewable Energy Policies through Decision Trees
Authors: Ortiz Dania , Migueis Vera , Leal Vitor , Knox-Hayes Janelle , Chun Jungwoo
Published: June 2022

This paper presents an alternative way of making predictions on the effectiveness and efficacy of Renewable Energy (RE) policies using Decision Trees (DT). As a data-driven process for decision-making, the analysis uses the Renewable Energy (RE) target achievement, predicting whether or not a RE target will likely be achieved (efficacy) and to what degree (effectiveness), depending on the different criteria, including geographical context, characterizing concerns, and policy characteristics. The results suggest different criteria that could help policymakers in designing policies with a higher propensity to achieve the desired goal. Using this tool, the policy decision-makers can better test/predict whether the target will be achieved and to what degree. The novelty in the present paper is the application of Machine Learning methods (through the Decision Trees) for energy policy analysis. Machine learning methodologies present an alternative way to pilot RE policies before spending lots of time, money, and other resources. We also find that using Machine Learning techniques underscores the importance of data availability. A general summary for policymakers has been included.
Analysis of the Spatial Differentiation and Development Optimization of Towns’ Livable Quality in Aksu, China
Authors: Wei Yiming , Wang Hongwei , Tan Bo , Xue Mengqi , Yin Yucong
Published: June 2022

With the proposal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), how to effectively improve the quality of human settlements has become a hot spot. Governments and scholars around the world pay attention to reasonable improvement of livability, which is conducive to improving the happiness level of residents and is closely related to human well-being. Due to the lack of rural statistical data in Xinjiang, this study established a new comprehensive evaluation system, which selected 21 indicators from the natural and humanistic aspects. The results show that the overall ecological security of Aksu prefecture is good, and Kuche city has the best humanistic livability performance. In terms of the livable quality of towns, Kuche Urban Area performs best. The towns with excellent and good livable quality are concentrated, but their spatial connections are weak. Based on the analysis and survey results, we put forward zoning optimization suggestions for the livable quality in Aksu prefecture. The results of this study would provide directional guidance for the improvement of livable quality in Aksu prefecture. At the same time, we expect that it can provide a methodological supplement for the relevant evaluation in other similar regions.
Sustainable Community Transformation and Community Integration of Agricultural Transfer Population—A Case Study from China
Authors: Shi Jiangang , Hua Wenwen , Tang Daizhong , Liu Fang
Published: June 2022

Urban-rural integrated communities (URICs) are transitional areas for agricultural transfer population (ATP) in the process of urbanization in China. In the current urban renewal context, the demolition and renovation of communities often result in ATP living in a precarious situation and being marginalized in the city. Sustainable urban renewal should change this situation, take the transformation of URICs as a breakthrough, and promote the urban integration of the ATP. Based on the survey of the National Health Commission of China in 2017, this paper investigates the effects of community participation and community identity on community integration, using the ordered probit model with data of the ATP living in URICs. The results show that both community identity and community participation positively influence community integration, and there are intergenerational differences. The mediating effect test shows that community identity plays a mediating role in the process of community participation, influencing community integration. The findings of the study provide possible ideas for the practical promotion of community integration and urban integration of the ATP, facilitate the implementation of sustainable urban regeneration to reduce the costs of citizenship, and maximize the benefits of the cumulative effects of urbanization for all segments of the population.
Looking for a Simple Assessment Tool for a Complex Task: Short-Term Evaluation of Changes in Fisheries Management Measures in the Pomo/Jabuka Pits Area (Central Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Chiarini Matteo , Guicciardi Stefano , Zacchetti Lorenzo , Domenichetti Filippo , Canduci Giovanni , Angelini Silvia , Belardinelli Andrea , Croci Camilla , Giuliani Giordano , Scarpini Paolo , Santojanni Alberto , Medvešek Damir , Isajlovic Igor , Vrgoč Nedo , Martinelli Michela
Published: June 2022

A Before–Intermediate–After Multiple Sites (BIAMS) analysis, namely a modified version of the Before–After–Control–Impact (BACI) approach, was used to evaluate the possible effects of fishery management measures implemented in the Pomo/Jabuka Pits area, a historically highly exploited ground for Italian and Croatian fisheries, whose impact may have contributed over the years to the modification of the ecosystem. Since 2015, the area was subject to fishing regulations changing the type of restrictions over time and space, until the definitive establishment in 2018 of a Fishery Restricted Area. These changes in the regulatory regime result in complex signals to be interpreted. The analysis was carried out on abundance indices (i.e., kg/km2 and N/km2) of five commercially or ecologically relevant species, obtained in the period 2012–2019 from two annual trawl surveys. BIAMS was based on the selection of a Closure factor, declined in three levels (i.e., BEFORE/INTERMEDIATE/AFTER) and accounting for regulation changes in time, and on three adjacent strata (i.e., “A”, “B”, and “ext ITA”) a posteriori determined according to the latest regulations. BIAMS allowed us to identify early effects (i.e., changes in abundances), overcoming the unavailability of a proper independent control site; furthermore, the selection of adjacent strata allowed the inference of possible interactions among them.
The Impact of Risk Perception Difference of Members of a Scientific Research Project Team on Information Adoption: The Moderating Effect of Knowledge Inertia
Authors: Song Haoyang , Hou Jianhua , Yang Xiucai , Zhang Yang
Published: June 2022

A scientific research project is always full of uncertainties and risks. In this condition, full exchange and complementarity of information resources among project team members are necessary and important to meet the information needs for project risk management and even affect the success of the project. The differentiated risk perception of members with various professional backgrounds can contribute to the communication and complementary of the necessary information within the team. However, too much difference in perceptions of project risks may cause members’ information conflicts, which may hinder the adoption of various information and do harm to the risk management. Considering the limited research on this “contradictory” relationship, especially for the scientific research project team, a special group, this study explores the impact of the risk perception differences of the scientific research project team members on information adoption behavior through the large sample empirical statistical method. The results show the hat risk perception difference of members positively affects the learning willingness and information adoption behavior but does not show a negative effect, and there is no inverted U-shaped relationship. Further, learning willingness plays a mediating role between both, while learning inertia and experience inertia positively and negatively moderate the positive effects of risk perception differences on learning willingness, respectively. From the cognitive perspective, this study further reveals the internal influence mechanism of risk perception difference of scientific research project team members on information behavior and provides a theoretical reference for improving the efficiency of information communication and optimizing collaborative team management.
The Distribution Effects of a Carbon Tax on Urban and Rural Households in China
Authors: Guo You-Yi , Lin Jin-Xu , Lin Shih-Mo
Published: June 2022

Carbon tax is an important carbon emission mitigation tool and has been widely recognized as an efficient mechanism for slowing down global warming. The imposition of a carbon tax will, however, inevitably affect income distribution, as a household’s income level influences its priorities regarding consuming the affected goods. This will have important implications for the government, which will have to formulate policies that can achieve efficiency as well as equity. In this study, we apply the input–output price model to estimate the distribution effects of a carbon tax for urban as well as rural areas in China. Our results show that the price increases due to carbon taxes affect rural areas more than urban areas. The Suits index in rural areas is −0.1928, while the value in urban areas is −0.0588. This indicates carbon tax is regressive in all areas, especially the rural ones, and there is a need to formulate suitable policy measures to alleviate a possible widening income gap among income groups and between urban and rural areas.
Sustainable Value Co-Production and Co-Creation in Virtual Reality: An Exploratory Research on Business-to-Business Interactions
Authors: Royo-Vela Marcelo , Leszczyński Grzegorz , Velasquez-Serrano Mariell
Published: June 2022

The objective of this study is to identify the environment for business interactions in virtual reality in the value co-production and co-creation process and to understand how such an environment enables the sustainable development of co-creational activities. This paper takes the concepts of value co-production and co-creation and presence and the Actors, Resources, and Activities Model as conceptual references for the exploration of interactions in virtual reality. Using ten in-depth interviews with senior managers, this paper takes an exploratory case analysis perspective. Results show how the sense of presence—level of immersion to which a medium that produces seemingly accurate representations of objects, events, and people, can submerge the perceptual system of a user—is the primary technical resource enabling the performance of value co-production and co-creational activities inside VR simulations. Additionally, the VR consultants and the hiring firms become the actors, organizing the value-co-production and co-creation practices; those customers and employees are the actors performing five co-creational activities that can result in valuable outcomes for the VR consultants and the hiring firms. Virtual reality is one of the newest vehicles used for the co-production and co-creation of value, for innovating existing products, for sustainable creation of new marketing offerings, or for managing network relations. This study contributes to existent literature by showing the process and practice of value co-production and value co-creation taking place in virtual reality simulations in B2B settings.
Day-Ahead Spot Market Price Forecast Based on a Hybrid Extreme Learning Machine Technique: A Case Study in China
Authors: Dong Jun , Dou Xihao , Bao Aruhan , Zhang Yaoyu , Liu Dongran
Published: June 2022

With the deepening of China’s electricity spot market construction, spot market price prediction is the basis for making reasonable quotation strategies. This paper proposes a day-ahead spot market price forecast based on a hybrid extreme learning machine technology. Firstly, the trading center’s information is examined using the Spearman correlation coefficient to eliminate characteristics that have a weak link with the price of power. Secondly, a similar day-screening model with weighted grey correlation degree is constructed based on the grey correlation theory (GRA) to exclude superfluous samples. Thirdly, the regularized limit learning machine (RELM) is tuned using the Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA) to increase RELM parameter accuracy. Finally, the proposed forecasting model is applied to the Shanxi spot market, and other forecasting models and error computation methodologies are compared. The results demonstrate that the model suggested in this paper has a specific forecasting effect for power price forecasting technology.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Consumers’ Motives in Purchasing and Consuming Quality Greek Wine
Authors: Skalkos Dimitris , Roumeliotis Nikos , Kosma Ioanna S. , Yiakoumettis Christos , Karantonis Haralabos C.
Published: June 2022

In the rising post COVID-19 period the world is different not only from the economic point of view but also from the social and cultural point, including the selection of goods, and foods by the “new” customers. Wine is a major daily drink worldwide, affecting the lives of consumers worldwide. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on consumers’ motives for quality wine, namely the Greek wine and the local Samos’ Greek wine, assessing possible changes in their wine habits effecting current and future wine production, consumption, and sustainable regional development. Consumers’ motives were tested using variables of wine purchase and consumption (such as place of purchase, money spent, amount consumed, accompaniment meals), and preference for quality wine (such as traditional, appearance, organoleptic, sustainable, general characteristics). A self-response questionnaire survey was carried out in January and February 2022 on a sample of 1493 participants through the Google platform. Basic statistical tools, combined with cross and Chi-square tests were used in order to analyze the collected data. The results show interesting changes in consumers’ motives in the new rising global era. The participants buy less from supermarket (−4.2%), more via online (+1.8%) and equally from other places, the majority one bottle per month spending 10 to 20 euros today. They consume less wine (−5.1%), the majority one bottle per month, preferable at home (+6%), with friends (+1.6%), rather than at the restaurant (−8.2%), the club/bar (−8.9%), the night club (−5.8%), or during celebration (−3.2%). They continue to prefer the “red with red, white to white” accompaniments with meals. They select quality wines based on the conventional variables with emphasis to the taste (94.5%), aroma (83.9%), value for money (72.8%). The participants expressed similar motives for the quality Samos’ wines. However, even though they are aware of its high quality (92.9%), only 53% of them have tasted them, and fewer are consuming then occasionally (32.3%). Our findings indicate that the sustainability, and growth of the quality wine in the new socioeconomic era, should focus on the easy access (including on line), the consumption at home, with friends and family, keeping the same preferences between different kinds of wine with the different meals for the consumers.
Effects of Soil Properties and Tree Species on Root–Soil Anchorage Characteristics
Authors: Liu Shusen , Ji Xiaodong , Zhang Xiao
Published: June 2022

Root anchoring provides nonnegligible assistance to prevent soil erosion and stabilize slopes. The anchoring ability of plants suffers a tremendous impact from the soil conditions and the root characteristics. To reveal the root reinforcement effect, a group of pullout tests was conducted on five different tree root systems (Pinus tabulaeformis, Betula platyphylla, Larix gmelinii, Quercus mongolica, and Ulmus pumila) with different soil moisture contents and soil dry weights. The results indicate that the root property (species, diameter, and tensile strength) and soil condition (water content 9.72%, 12.72%, 15.72%, 18.72%, and dry weight 1.32 g/cm3, 1.42 g/cm3, 1.52 g/cm3) had a significant effect on the anchoring effect of the soil. The anchoring effect is more obvious for the roots with a larger diameter and higher tensile strength. With the increase in the soil water content and the dry weight, the root system is more prone to failure but the root anchoring effect of soil with an optimum soil water content performs the best. Among the five different tree species, Pinus tabulaeformis roots were the least effective in anchoring the soil and Betula platyphylla roots performed the best.
Sustainable Land Use and Livelihood Dynamics in Henan County on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau—A Transdisciplinary Systems Perspective
Authors: Lucock Xiaomeng , Woodford Keith , Li Xilai
Published: June 2022

Since the 1950s, Henan County on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (the Plateau) has experienced notable changes in its ecological and socio-economic environments, posing challenges to livelihood sustainability. Adopting a mixed method of qualitative interviews, field observations, and statistical data analysis, these changing livelihoods were investigated from a transdisciplinary systems perspective. The aim of this research was to develop an understanding of the relationships between changing land use and the livelihood dynamics on an ecologically fragile land. Results indicate that increasing human and animal populations, together with increasing connectivity between the Plateau and the lowlands, have led to increasing flows of nutrients to the lowlands. The increasing product flows, including the use of dung which is used for heating both on the Plateau and as a Plateau export, together with a lack of nutrients returning to the grasslands, have contributed to the present sustainability challenges. In this study, the transdisciplinary systems perspective provides an overarching integrative framework that transcends the individual socio-economic and biophysical system components, thereby providing key insights not available from within individual disciplines. More detailed analyses are now required, still within a transdisciplinary framework, to quantify specific relationships.
Integrated Approach to Explore Multidimensional Urban Morphology of Informal Settlements: The Case Studies of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Arif Muhammad Mashhood , Ahsan Muhammad , Devisch Oswald , Schoonjans Yves
Published: June 2022

The understanding of urban morphology as a means of exploring the materiality of urban areas has been an emerging practice amongst academics, but the reach of the methods in urban-design research has been limited. This research presents the integration of GIS application and fieldwork analysis as the main methods to support the interpretation of urban morphology as methodical, exploratory, and multidimensional. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, commonly known as the KS test, is also conducted to illustrate a contrast among the settlements. The study focuses on various dimensions of informal settlements by drawing on three case studies of informal settlements in Lahore, Pakistan. The results show heterogeneity in the urban form in terms of land-use diversity, building density, connectivity, open-space ratio, and infrastructural quality within the case-study areas. The analysis displays the context sensitivity and diversity within these settlements that provide a better understanding of how informal settlement works in relation to urban morphology. This research has the characteristics to contribute to other urban-form studies through the coherent application of the procedures to various sites. The output of mixed-use techniques exercised in this study lends itself to integration with other systematic processes related to urban areas’ design, research, and planning.
Complexity Analysis of E-Bayesian Estimation under Type-II Censoring with Application to Organ Transplant Blood Data
Authors: Nassar Mazen , Alotaibi Refah , Elshahhat Ahmed
Published: June 2022

The E-Bayesian estimation approach has been presented for estimating the parameter and/or reliability characteristics of various models. Several investigations in the literature have considered this method under the assumption that just one parameter is unknown. So, based on Type-II censoring, this study proposes for the first time an effort to use the E-Bayesian estimation approach to estimate the full model parameters as well as certain related functions such as the reliability and hazard rate functions. To illustrate this purpose, we apply the proposed technique to the two-parameter generalized inverted exponential distribution which can be considered to be one of the most flexible asymmetrical probability distributions. Moreover, the E-Bayesian method, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian estimation approaches are also considered for comparison purposes. Under the assumption of independent gamma priors, the Bayes and E-Bayes estimators are developed using the symmetrical squared error loss function. Due to the complex form of the joint posterior density, two approximation techniques, namely the Lindley and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, are considered to carry out the Bayes and E-Bayes estimates and also to construct the associate credible intervals. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to assess the performance of the proposed estimators. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methods in real phenomenon, one real data set is analyzed and it shows that the proposed method is effective and easy to operate in a real-life scenario.
Logarithm Sobolev and Shannon’s Inequalities Associated with the Deformed Fourier Transform and Applications
Authors: Ghobber Saifallah , Mejjaoli Hatem
Published: June 2022

By using the symmetry of the Dunkl Laplacian operator, we prove a sharp Shannon-type inequality and a logarithmic Sobolev inequality for the Dunkl transform. Combining these inequalities, we obtain a new, short proof for Heisenberg-type uncertainty principles in the Dunkl setting. Moreover, by combining Nash’s inequality, Carlson’s inequality and Sobolev’s embedding theorems for the Dunkl transform, we prove new uncertainty inequalities involving the L∞-norm. Finally, we obtain a logarithmic Sobolev inequality in Lp-spaces, from which we derive an Lp-Heisenberg-type uncertainty inequality and an Lp-Nash-type inequality for the Dunkl transform.
Impact of Buoyancy and Stagnation-Point Flow of Water Conveying Ag-MgO Hybrid Nanoparticles in a Vertical Contracting/Expanding Riga Wedge
Authors: Khan Umair , Zaib Aurang , Ishak Anuar , Waini Iskandar , Madhukesh Javali K. , Raizah Zehba , Galal Ahmed M.
Published: June 2022

Riga surface can be utilized to reduce the pressure drag and the friction of the submarine by stopping the separation of the boundary layer as well as by moderating turbulence production. Therefore, the current symmetry of the work investigates the slip impacts on mixed convection flow containing water-based hybrid Ag-MgO nanoparticles over a vertical expanding/contracting Riga wedge. In this analysis, a flat surface, wedge, and stagnation point are also discussed. A Riga surface is an actuator that contains electromagnetic where a span-wise array associated with the permanent magnets and irregular electrodes accumulated on a smooth surface. A Lorentz force is incorporated parallel to the surface produced by this array which eases exponentially normal to the surface. Based on the considered flow symmetry, the physical scenario is initially modeled in the appearance of partial differential equations which are then rehabilitated into a system of ordinary differential equations by utilizing the pertinent similarity variables. A bvp4c solver is engaged to acquire the numerical solution. The flow symmetry and the influences of pertaining parameters involved in the problem are investigated and are enclosed in graphical form. The findings confirm that the velocity reduces, and temperature enhances due to nanoparticle volume fraction. A modified Hartmann number increases the velocity and diminishes the temperature. Moreover, the suction parameter enhances the velocity profiles and reduces the dimensionless temperature profiles. The heat transfer gradually increases by diminishing the contracting parameter and increasing the expanding parameter.
Supersymmetric Partners of the One-Dimensional Infinite Square Well Hamiltonian: Special Cases
Authors: Gadella Manuel , San Millán Carlos
Published: June 2022

In a previous paper, we used a classification of the self adjoint extensions, also called self-adjoint determinations, of the differential operator −d2/dx2 in order to obtain the whole list of Supersymmetric (SUSY) partners of those selfadjoint determinations for which the ground state has strictly positive energy. The existence of self adjoint determinations with a ground state of zero or even negative energy is a proved fact. In this paper, we analyze the possibility of constructing SUSY partners for those determinations. We also study those cases for which the ground state has a degeneracy, the study of their SUSY partners should be analyzed separately. So far, we have studied those determinations having an exactly solvable eigenvalue problem. On the present study, we also included some comments in relation to determinations not exactly solvable from this point of view. In addition, the use of self adjoint determinations for which the ground state wave function has nodes (zeroes) produces formal SUSY partners with a finite number of eigenvalues or even with a purely continuous spectrum. We give some worked examples of these situations.
Dynamical Properties, Deformations, and Chaos in a Class of Inversion Invariant Jerk Equations
Authors: Lăzureanu Cristian
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we consider a class of jerk equations which are invariant to inversion. We discuss the stability and some bifurcations of the considered equation. In addition, we construct integrable deformations in order to stabilize some equilibrium points. Finally, we introduce a piecewise chaotic system which belongs to the considered class of jerk equations.
The Estimation of Bent Line Expectile Regression Model Based on a Smoothing Technique
Authors: Liu Jie , Chen Jiaqing , Huang Yangxin
Published: June 2022

A bent line expectile regression model can describe the effect of a covariate on the response variable with two different straight lines, which intersect at an unknown change-point. Due to the existence of the change-point, the objective function of the model is not differentiable with respect to the change-point, so it cannot be solved by the method of the traditional linear expectile regression model. For this model, a new estimation method is proposed by a smoothing technique, that is, using Gaussian kernel function to approximate the indicator function in the objective function. It can not only estimate the regression coefficients and change-point location simultaneously, but also have better estimation effect, which compensates for the insufficiency of the previous estimation methods. Under the given regularity conditions, the theoretical proofs of the consistency and asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators are derived. There are two parts of numerical simulations in this paper. Simulation 1 discusses various error distributions at different expectile levels under different conditions, the results show that the mean values of the biases of the estimation method in this paper, and other indicators, are very small, which indicates the robust property of the new method. Simulation 2 considers the symmetric and asymmetric bent lien expectile regression models, the results show that the estimated values of the estimation method in this paper are similar to the true values, which indicates the estimation effect and large sample performance of the proposed method are excellent. In the application research, the method in this paper is applied to the Arctic annual average temperature data and the Nile annual average flow data. The research shows that the standard errors of the estimation method in this paper are very similar to 0, indicating that the parameter estimation accuracy of the new method is very high, and the location of the change-point can be accurately estimated, which further confirms that the new method is effective and feasible.
Thrixopelma nadineae, a New Theraphosine from Ecuador (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
Authors: Sherwood Danniella , Gabriel Ray
Published: June 2022

Thrixopelma nadineae sp. nov. is described from Loja, Ecuador, based on the male, which possesses distinctive palpal bulb, metatarsal and tibial apophysis morphology. The new species represents the second species of Thrixopelma to be recorded from Ecuador.
Does Bentonite Cause Cytotoxic and Whole-Transcriptomic Adverse Effects in Enterocytes When Used to Reduce Aflatoxin B1 Exposure?
Authors: Mucignat Greta , Bassan Irene , Giantin Mery , Pauletto Marianna , Bardhi Anisa , Iori Silvia , Lopparelli Rosa Maria , Barbarossa Andrea , Zaghini Anna , Novelli Enrico , Dacasto Mauro
Published: June 2022

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a major food safety concern, threatening the health of humans and animals. Bentonite (BEN) is an aluminosilicate clay used as a feed additive to reduce AFB1 presence in contaminated feedstuff. So far, few studies have characterized BEN toxicity and efficacy in vitro. In this study, cytotoxicity (WST-1 test), the effects on cell permeability (trans-epithelial electrical resistance and lucifer yellow dye incorporation), and transcriptional changes (RNA-seq) caused by BEN, AFB1 and their combination (AFB1 + BEN) were investigated in Caco-2 cells. Up to 0.1 mg/mL, BEN did not affect cell viability and permeability, but it reduced AFB1 cytotoxicity; however, at higher concentrations, BEN was cytotoxic. As to RNA-seq, 0.1 mg/mL BEN did not show effects on cell transcriptome, confirming that the interaction between BEN and AFB1 occurs in the medium. Data from AFB1 and AFB1 + BEN suggested AFB1 provoked most of the transcriptional changes, whereas BEN was preventive. The most interesting AFB1-targeted pathways for which BEN was effective were cell integrity, xenobiotic metabolism and transporters, basal metabolism, inflammation and immune response, p53 biological network, apoptosis and carcinogenesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the in vitro toxicity and whole-transcriptomic effects of BEN, alone or in the presence of AFB1.
Virological Treatment Monitoring for Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Loggi Elisabetta , Gitto Stefano , Gabrielli Filippo , Franchi Elena , Seferi Hajrie , Cursaro Carmela , Andreone Pietro
Published: June 2022

More than 250 million people worldwide are currently infected with hepatitis B, despite the effectiveness of vaccination and other preventive measures. In terms of treatment, new therapeutic approaches are rapidly developing, promising to achieve the elimination of infected cells and the complete cure of infection. The on-treatment monitoring of these innovative antiviral treatments will require the implementation of new virological tools. Therefore, new biomarkers are being evaluated besides the traditional virological and serological assays in order to obtain information on different steps of the viral replication cycle and to monitor response to therapy more accurately. The purpose of this work is to describe both standard and innovative tools for chronic hepatitis B treatment monitoring, and to analyse their potential and feasibility.
High-Throughput Screening of FDA-Approved Drug Library Reveals Ixazomib Is a Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agent against Arboviruses
Authors: Ding Cuiling , Tang Wanda , Xia Binghui , Peng Haoran , Liu Yan , Wang Jiaqi , Zheng Xu , Liu Yangang , Zhao Lanjuan , He Yanhua , Qi Zhongtian , Ren Hao , Tang Hailin , Zhao Ping
Published: June 2022

The emergence of significant arboviruses and their spillover transmission to humans represent a major threat to global public health. No approved drugs are available for the treatment of significant arboviruses in circulation today. The repurposing of clinically approved drugs is one of the most rapid and promising strategies in the identification of effective treatments for diseases caused by arboviruses. Here, we screened small-molecule compounds with anti-tick-borne encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever virus and chikungunya virus activity from 2580 FDA-approved drugs. In total, 60 compounds showed antiviral efficacy against all four of the arboviruses in Huh7 cells. Among these compounds, ixazomib and ixazomib citrate (inhibitors of 20S proteasome β5) exerted antiviral effects at a low-micromolar concentration. The time-of-drug-addition assay suggested that ixazomib and ixazomib citrate disturbed multiple processes in viruses’ life cycles. Furthermore, ixazomib and ixazomib citrate potently inhibited chikungunya virus replication and relieved virus-induced footpad swelling in a mouse model. These results offer critical information which supports the role of ixazomib as a broad-spectrum agent against arboviruses.
Disinfectants against African Swine Fever: An Updated Review
Authors: Beato Maria Serena , D’Errico Federica , Iscaro Carmen , Petrini Stefano , Giammarioli Monica , Feliziani Francesco
Published: June 2022

African Swine Fever (ASF), a hemorrhagic disease with a high mortality rate in suids, is transmitted via direct and indirect contact with infectious animals and contaminated fomites, respectively. ASF reached Europe in 2014, affecting 14 of the 27 EU countries including, recently, the Italian peninsula. The fast and unprecedented spread of ASF in the EU has highlighted gaps in knowledge regarding transmission mechanisms. Fomites, such as contaminated clothing and footwear, farming tools, equipment and vehicles have been widely reported in the spread of ASF. The absence of available vaccines renders biosecurity measures, cleaning and disinfection procedures an essential control tool, to a greater degree than the others, for the prevention of primary and secondary introductions of ASF in pig farms. In this review, available data on the virucidal activity of chemical compounds as disinfectants against the ASF virus (ASFV) are summarized together with laboratory methods adopted to assess the virucidal activity.
Experimental Infections of Pigs with African Swine Fever Virus (Genotype II); Studies in Young Animals and Pregnant Sows
Authors: Lohse Louise , Nielsen Jens , Uttenthal Åse , Olesen Ann Sofie , Strandbygaard Bertel , Rasmussen Thomas Bruun , Belsham Graham J. , Bøtner Anette
Published: June 2022

African swine fever is an important viral disease of wild and domestic pigs. To gain further knowledge of the properties of the currently circulating African swine fever virus (ASFV), experimental infections of young pigs (approximately 8 weeks of age) and pregnant sows (infected at about 100 days of gestation) with the genotype II ASFV Georgia/2007 were performed. The inoculated young pigs developed typical clinical signs of the disease and the infection was transmitted (usually within 3–4 days) to all of the “in contact” animals that shared the same pen. Furthermore, typical pathogical lesions for ASFV infection were found at necropsy. Inoculation of pregnant sows with the same virus also produced rapid onset of disease from post-infection day three; two of the three sows died suddenly on post-infection day five, while the third was euthanized on the same day for animal welfare reasons. Following necropsy, the presence of ASFV DNA was detected in tonsils, spleen and lymph nodes of some of the fetuses, but the levels of viral DNA were much lower than in these tissues from the sows. Thus, only limited transplacental transmission occurred during the course of this experiment. These studies contribute towards further understanding about the spread of this important viral disease in domestic pigs.
SERINC5 Restricts HIV-1 Infectivity by Promoting Conformational Changes and Accelerating Functional Inactivation of Env
Authors: Kirschman Junghwa , Marin Mariana , Chen Yen-Cheng , Chen Junhua , Herschhorn Alon , Smith Amos B. , Melikyan Gregory B.
Published: June 2022

SERINC5 incorporates into HIV-1 particles and inhibits the ability of Env glycoprotein to mediate virus-cell fusion. SERINC5-resistance maps to Env, with primary isolates generally showing greater resistance than laboratory-adapted strains. Here, we examined a relationship between the inhibition of HIV-1 infectivity and the rate of Env inactivation using a panel of SERINC5-resistant and -sensitive HIV-1 Envs. SERINC5 incorporation into pseudoviruses resulted in a faster inactivation of sensitive compared to resistant Env strains. A correlation between fold reduction in infectivity and the rate of inactivation was also observed for multiple Env mutants known to stabilize and destabilize the closed Env structure. Unexpectedly, most mutations disfavoring the closed Env conformation rendered HIV-1 less sensitive to SERINC5. In contrast, functional inactivation of SERINC5-containing viruses was significantly accelerated in the presence of a CD4-mimetic compound, suggesting that CD4 binding sensitizes Env to SERINC5. Using a small molecule inhibitor that selectively targets the closed Env structure, we found that, surprisingly, SERINC5 increases the potency of this compound against a laboratory-adapted Env which prefers a partially open conformation, indicating that SERINC5 may stabilize the closed trimeric Env structure. Our results reveal a complex effect of SERINC5 on Env conformational dynamics that promotes Env inactivation and is likely responsible for the observed restriction phenotype.