bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buckling Force Variability of Semmes–Weinstein Monofilaments in Successive Use Determined by Manual and Automated Operation
Authors: Chikai Manabu , Ino Shuichi
Published: February 2019

(1) Objective: This study was conducted with the objective of characterizing the variability of a force on a simulated skin surface using the Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test (SWMT). (2) Research Design and Methods: Two distinct experiments were performed to determine the effects of human hand motion variability on the monofilament buckling force, and to determine the monofilament’s mechanical properties using a positioning stage. (3) Results: In manual operation (by human hand motion), the buckling force over the ten compressions decreased by over 10%, and the human hand motion variations during the SWMT may have impacted the buckling force. When the SWMT was performed under manual control, the buckling force was closely correlated with the number of compressions. In automated operation (by positioning stage), the buckling force was affected not only by the number of compressions but also by both the velocity and the contact angle between the monofilament and the skin surface. (4) Conclusions: The buckling force decreased in ten successive compressions, independent of the hand motion. Hence, medical staff need to consider not only the operator’s hand motion but also the effect of repeated trials.
Hollow Fiber Coupler Sensor
Authors: Kuruba Nithin , Lu Tao
Published: February 2019

We present a bi-conical optical directional coupler composed of solid and hollow core fibers. Through an evanescent wave coupling mechanism, the detection of liquid refractive index and its temperature are demonstrated. The experimental results illustrated that the sensor offers a sensitivity of 4.03 ± 0.50 volts per refractive index units (V/RIU) for refractive indices ranging from 1.331 ± 0.003 to 1.403 ± 0.003 with a resolution of 3.5 × 10 − 3 refractive index units (RIU).
The Optimally Designed Variational Autoencoder Networks for Clustering and Recovery of Incomplete Multimedia Data
Authors: Yu Xiulan , Li Hongyu , Zhang Zufan , Gan Chenquan
Published: February 2019

Clustering analysis of massive data in wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSN) has become a hot topic. However, most data clustering algorithms have difficulty in obtaining latent nonlinear correlations of data features, resulting in a low clustering accuracy. In addition, it is difficult to extract features from missing or corrupted data, so incomplete data are widely used in practical work. In this paper, the optimally designed variational autoencoder networks is proposed for extracting features of incomplete data and using high-order fuzzy c-means algorithm (HOFCM) to improve cluster performance of incomplete data. Specifically, the feature extraction model is improved by using variational autoencoder to learn the feature of incomplete data. To capture nonlinear correlations in different heterogeneous data patterns, tensor based fuzzy c-means algorithm is used to cluster low-dimensional features. The tensor distance is used as the distance measure to capture the unknown correlations of data as much as possible. Finally, in the case that the clustering results are obtained, the missing data can be restored by using the low-dimensional features. Experiments on real datasets show that the proposed algorithm not only can improve the clustering performance of incomplete data effectively, but also can fill in missing features and get better data reconstruction results.
Object Recognition, Segmentation, and Classification of Mobile Laser Scanning Point Clouds: A State of the Art Review
Authors: Che Erzhuo , Jung Jaehoon , Olsen Michael J.
Published: February 2019

Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) is a versatile remote sensing technology based on Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) technology that has been utilized for a wide range of applications. Several previous reviews focused on applications or characteristics of these systems exist in the literature, however, reviews of the many innovative data processing strategies described in the literature have not been conducted in sufficient depth. To this end, we review and summarize the state of the art for MLS data processing approaches, including feature extraction, segmentation, object recognition, and classification. In this review, we first discuss the impact of the scene type to the development of an MLS data processing method. Then, where appropriate, we describe relevant generalized algorithms for feature extraction and segmentation that are applicable to and implemented in many processing approaches. The methods for object recognition and point cloud classification are further reviewed including both the general concepts as well as technical details. In addition, available benchmark datasets for object recognition and classification are summarized. Further, the current limitations and challenges that a significant portion of point cloud processing techniques face are discussed. This review concludes with our future outlook of the trends and opportunities of MLS data processing algorithms and applications.
Trajectories and Resource Management of Flying Base Stations for C-V2X
Authors: Mignardi Silvia , Buratti Chiara , Bazzi Alessandro , Verdone Roberto
Published: February 2019

In a vehicular scenario where the penetration of cars equipped with wireless communication devices is far from 100% and application requirements tend to be challenging for a cellular network not specifically planned for it, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), carrying mobile base stations, becomes an interesting option. In this article, we consider a cellular-vehicle-to-anything (C-V2X) application and we propose the integration of an aerial and a terrestrial component of the network, to fill the potential unavailability of short-range connections among vehicles and address unpredictable traffic distribution in space and time. In particular, we envision a UAV with C-V2X equipment providing service for the extended sensing application, and we propose a UAV trajectory design accounting for the radio resource (RR) assignment. The system is tested considering a realistic scenario by varying the RRs availability and the number of active vehicles. Simulations show the results in terms of gain in throughput and percentage of served users, with respect to the case in which the UAV is not present.
Analytical Modeling and Experimental Validation of an Energy Harvesting System for the Smart Plate with an Integrated Piezo-Harvester
Authors: Koszewnik Andrzej
Published: February 2019

The literature on piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) is strongly focused on structures, like cantilever beams with piezoceramic layers, due to the fact that they are easily modelled and implemented. As compared to the number of studies dealing with the aforementioned case, research on 2D structures with an attached piezoceramic patch harvester is very limited. Thus, an analytical modeling and experimental validations of a piezo harvester structurally integrated on a thin plate with SFSF (Simply supported-Free-Simply supported-Free) boundary conditions is presented in this paper. The distributed parameter electroelastic model of a harvester bonded to an aluminum plate with both piezo-patch actuators is developed on the basis of the Kirchhoff plate theory and the modal analysis for physical and modal coordinates. This allows to estimate the steady-state value output voltage for each odd mode in the frequency range of 10–300 Hz. Finally, the obtained results for the electroelastic analytical model is experimentally verified on a laboratory stand.
Artificial Landmarks for Trusted Localization of Autonomous Vehicles Based on Magnetic Sensors
Authors: Mitterer Tobias , Gietler Harald , Faller Lisa-Marie , Zangl Hubert
Published: February 2019

Magnetic sensors provide an advantageous alternative localization method, primarily focusing on localization in surroundings where GPS, other radio frequency-based, as well as optical localization do not work or has severe limitations. Suitable for distances in the meter range, such magnetic localization may in particular be useful as artificial landmarks, e.g., for automatic drift correction. To easily use such artificial landmarks, we propose an integration process based on Transducer Electronic Data Sheets. With this approach, the landmarks can be used by passing autonomous vehicles, e.g., UAVs, for re-orientation and re-calibration. During this process, all necessary information such as data formats, reference coordinates, calibration data, provider of the landmark etc. is made known to the vehicle passing by. Based on the provided so-called meta-information, the vehicle itself can decide whether and how to use the provided sensory information. To provide a certain level of trust in the landmarks and their provided information, the corresponding data sheets are certified using a digital signature.
Contact Modelling and Tactile Data Processing for Robot Skins
Authors: Wasko Wojciech , Albini Alessandro , Maiolino Perla , Mastrogiovanni Fulvio , Cannata Giorgio
Published: February 2019

Tactile sensing is a key enabling technology to develop complex behaviours for robots interacting with humans or the environment. This paper discusses computational aspects playing a significant role when extracting information about contact events. Considering a large-scale, capacitance-based robot skin technology we developed in the past few years, we analyse the classical Boussinesq–Cerruti’s solution and the Love’s approach for solving a distributed inverse contact problem, both from a qualitative and a computational perspective. Our contribution is the characterisation of the algorithms’ performance using a freely available dataset and data originating from surfaces provided with robot skin.
3D Path Planning for the Ground Robot with Improved Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Wang Lanfei , Kan Jiangming , Guo Jun , Wang Chao
Published: February 2019

Path planning is a fundamental issue in the aspect of robot navigation. As robots work in 3D environments, it is meaningful to study 3D path planning. To solve general problems of easily falling into local optimum and long search times in 3D path planning based on the ant colony algorithm, we proposed an improved the pheromone update and a heuristic function by introducing a safety value. We also designed two methods to calculate safety values. Concerning the path search, we designed a search mode combining the plane and visual fields and limited the search range of the robot. With regard to the deadlock problem, we adopted a 3D deadlock-free mechanism to enable ants to get out of the predicaments. With respect to simulations, we used a number of 3D terrains to carry out simulations and set different starting and end points in each terrain under the same external settings. According to the results of the improved ant colony algorithm and the basic ant colony algorithm, paths planned by the improved ant colony algorithm can effectively avoid obstacles, and their trajectories are smoother than that of the basic ant colony algorithm. The shortest path length is reduced by 8.164%, on average, compared with the results of the basic ant colony algorithm. We also compared the results of two methods for calculating safety values under the same terrain and external settings. Results show that by calculating the safety value in the environmental modeling stage in advance, and invoking the safety value directly in the path planning stage, the average running time is reduced by 91.56%, compared with calculating the safety value while path planning.
A Safety Computer System Based on Multi-Sensor Data Processing
Authors: Cao Yuan , Lu Hongkang , Wen Tao
Published: February 2019

The safety computer in the train control system is designed to be the double two-vote-two architecture. If safety-critical multi-input data are inconsistent, this may cause non-strict multi-sensor data problems in the output. These kinds of problems may directly affect the decision making of the safety computer and even pose a serious threat to the safe operation of the train. In this paper, non-strict multi-sensor data problems that exist in traditional safety computers are analyzed. The input data are classified based on data features and safety computer features. Then, the input data that cause non-strict multi-sensor data problems are modeled. Fuzzy theory is used in the safety computer to process multi-sensor data and to avoid the non-strict multi-sensor problems. The fuzzy processing model is added into the onboard double two-vote-two architecture safety computer platform. The fuzzy processing model can be divided into two parts: improved fuzzy decision tree and improved fuzzy weighted fusion. Finally, the model is verified based on two kinds of data. Verification results indicate that the fuzzy processing model can effectively reduce the non-strict identical problems and improve the system efficiency on the premise of ensuring the data reliability.
Dual-Gas Sensor of CH4/C2H6 Based on Wavelength Modulation Spectroscopy Coupled to a Home-Made Compact Dense-Pattern Multipass Cell
Authors: Tian Xing , Cao Yuan , Chen Jiajin , Liu Kun , Wang Guishi , Tan Tu , Mei Jiaoxu , Chen Weidong , Gao Xiaoming
Published: February 2019

A sensitive dual-gas sensor for the detection of CH4 and C2H6 is demonstrated. Two tunable semiconductor lasers operating at 1.653 μm (for CH4 monitoring) and 1.684 μm (for C2H6) were used as the light source for spectroscopic measurements of CH4 and C2H6. Long-path absorption in a home-made compact dense-pattern multipass cell (Leff = 29.37 m) was employed, combined with wavelength modulation and second harmonic detection. Simultaneous detection of CH4 and C2H6 was achieved by separated wavelength modulations of the two lasers. Modulation frequencies and amplitudes were optimized for sensitivity detection of CH4 and C2H6 simultaneously. The dual-gas sensor exhibits 1σ detection limits of 1.5 ppbv for CH4 in 140 s averaging time and 100 ppbv for C2H6 in 200 s.
A Self-Selective Correlation Ship Tracking Method for Smart Ocean Systems
Authors: Kang Xu , Song Bin , Guo Jie , Du Xiaojiang , Guizani Mohsen
Published: February 2019

In recent years, with the development of the marine industry, the ship navigation environment has become more complicated. Some artificial intelligence technologies, such as computer vision, can recognize, track and count sailing ships to ensure maritime security and facilitate management for Smart Ocean systems. Aiming at the scaling problem and boundary effect problem of traditional correlation filtering methods, we propose a self-selective correlation filtering method based on box regression (BRCF). The proposed method mainly includes: (1) A self-selective model with a negative samples mining method which effectively reduces the boundary effect in strengthening the classification ability of the classifier at the same time; (2) a bounding box regression method combined with a key points matching method for the scale prediction, leading to a fast and efficient calculation. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively deal with the problem of ship size changes and background interference. The success rates and precisions were over 8 % higher than Discriminative Scale Space Tracking (DSST) on the marine traffic dataset of our laboratory. In terms of processing speed, the proposed method is higher than DSST by nearly 22 frames per second (FPS).
A Fast Calibration Method for Photonic Mixer Device Solid-State Array Lidars
Authors: Zhai Yayu , Song Ping , Chen Xiaoxiao
Published: February 2019

The photonic mixer device (PMD) solid-state array lidar, as a three-dimensional imaging technology, has attracted research attention in recent years because of its low cost, high frame rate, and high reliability. To address the disadvantages of traditional PMD solid-state array lidar calibration methods, including low calibration efficiency and accuracy, and serious human error factors, this paper first proposes a calibration method for an array complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor photodetector using a black-box calibration device and an electrical analog delay method; it then proposes a modular lens distortion correction method based on checkerboard calibration and pixel point adaptive interpolation optimization. Specifically, the ranging error source is analyzed based on the PMD solid-state array lidar imaging mechanism; the black-box calibration device is specifically designed for the calibration requirements of anti-ambient light and an echo reflection route; a dynamic distance simulation system integrating the laser emission unit, laser receiving unit, and delay control unit is designed to calibrate the photodetector echo demodulation; the checkerboard calibration method is used to correct external lens distortion in grayscale mode; and the pixel adaptive interpolation strategy is used to reduce distortion of distance images. Through analysis of the calibration process and results, the proposed method effectively reduces the calibration scene requirements and human factors, meets the needs of different users of the lens, and improves both calibration efficiency and measurement accuracy.
Integrate Weather Radar and Monitoring Devices for Urban Flooding Surveillance
Authors: Hsu Shih-Yen , Chen Tai-Been , Du Wei-Chang , Wu Jyh-Horng , Chen Shih-Chieh
Published: February 2019

With the increase of extreme weather events, the frequency and severity of urban flood events in the world are increasing drastically. Therefore, this study develops ARMT (automatic combined ground weather radar and CCTV (Closed Circuit Television System) images for real-time flood monitoring), which integrates real-time ground radar echo images and automatically estimates a rainfall hotspot according to the cloud intensity. Furthermore, ARMT combines CCTV image capturing, analysis, and Fourier processing, identification, water level estimation, and data transmission to provide real-time warning information. Furthermore, the hydrograph data can serve as references for relevant disaster prevention, and response personnel may take advantage of them and make judgements based on them. The ARMT was tested through historical data input, which showed its reliability to be between 83% to 92%. In addition, when applied to real-time monitoring and analysis (e.g., typhoon), it had a reliability of 79% to 93%. With the technology providing information about both images and quantified water levels in flood monitoring, decision makers can quickly better understand the on-site situation so as to make an evacuation decision before the flood disaster occurs as well as discuss appropriate mitigation measures after the disaster to reduce the adverse effects that flooding poses on urban areas.
Quasi-All-Passive Thermal Control System Design and On-Orbit Validation of Luojia 1-01 Satellite
Authors: Yang Lin , Li Qiang , Kong Lin , Gu Song , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2019

In order to resolve the large fluctuations in temperature range problem of Luojia 1-01 satellite caused by low heat inertia and poor thermal conductivity of structure, a quasi-all-passive thermal control system (TCS) design is presented under the conditions of limited resources including mass and power consumption. The effectiveness of the TCS design is verified by both ground thermal balanced test and related telemetry data of on-orbit performance. Firstly, according to the structural features and working modes of the satellite, isothermal design was implemented and the effectiveness was verified by thermal analysis using finite element method. Secondly, based on the results of the thermal analysis, thermal design was optimized and verified by the thermal balanced test. Finally, the thermal design was proved to be effective by temperature data acquired from telemetry data of on-orbit performance, and the thermal analysis model was improved and updated based on the results of thermal balanced test and temperature data of on-orbit performance. The on-orbit data indicates that temperature of optical camera stables at about 12 °C, temperature of battery stables at 19 °C, temperature of instruments inside and outside the satellite cabin is ranging from 10 °C to 25 °C. Temperature fluctuation range of optical camera is less than 2 °C when it is not imaging. Temperature fluctuation range of instruments not facing the sun is less than 4 °C. The data suggests that the temperature level of the satellite meets general design requirements, and the quasi-all-passive TCS design of the satellite is practicable.
Work-Family Balance in the Active Age Ethnic Hungarian Population in Romania
Authors: Santha Agnes
Published: February 2019

Value shifts and labour market transformations of the recent past have increased the importance of the work-family balance in the active population. Work overload also means an increased health risk. This study aims at identifying the main demographic, social and work-related determinants of work-family balance in the ethnic Hungarian active age population of Mures County, Romania. Linear regression is performed to assess the controlled effects of variables. Single parents, parents with more children and shift workers are at increased risk of imbalance. Demographic agents account for more disparities in work-family balance than do work-related features.
An Analysis Model for Studying the Determinants of Throwing Scoring Actions During Standing Judo
Authors: Mayo Xian , Dopico-Calvo Xurxo , Iglesias-Soler Eliseo
Published: February 2019

In judo, the attacking system is grounded on several determinants of the chances to throw. In our study, data regarding four determinants of the attacking system were collected in order to classify the standing scoring actions: the attacking type (direct/counter-attack), the throwing area (forward/backward), the technique’s category (based on motor criteria), and the lateral structure of fighting (contenders with a symmetrical/asymmetrical position). To study the usefulness of such an analysis, the standing scoring actions of the 2013 Judo World Championship were analyzed as an example of elite judo’s attacking system (n = 775). The Pearson’s chi-squared test and Cramér’s V were used to analyze the hypothesis of a uniform distribution or the association between variables and the strength of such an association, respectively. The scoring actions (p < 0.001) were mostly direct attacks (82.6%), in the forward throw area (57.5%), and in an asymmetrical position (67.2%). All of the variables were associated (p < 0.05; V = 0.11–0.54), with higher proportions of counter-attacks and attacks occurring on the backward thrown area during asymmetrical structures than the expected. Some categories of techniques were observed more than expected, depending on the symmetrical or asymmetrical structure. Our data augment the knowledge of standing judo by showing features of the attacking system, suggesting strategies for optimizing performance.
Effect of Hip Flexion Angle on the Hamstring to Quadriceps Strength Ratio
Authors: Kellis Eleftherios , Ellinoudis Athanasios , Kofotolis Nikolaos
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the hamstring to quadriceps ratio (H:Q) obtained from three different hip flexion angles. Seventy-three young athletes performed maximum isokinetic concentric and eccentric knee extension and flexion efforts at 60 °·s−1 and 240 °·s−1 from hip flexion angles of 90°, 60°, and 120°. The conventional (concentric to concentric), functional (eccentric to concentric) and mixed (eccentric at 30 °·s−1 to concentric torque at 240 °·s−1) H:Q torque ratios and the electromyographic activity from the rectus femoris and biceps femoris were analyzed. The conventional H:Q ratios and the functional H:Q ratios at 60 °·s−1 did not significantly differ between the three testing positions (p > 0.05). In contrast, testing from the 90° hip flexion angle showed a greater functional torque ratio at 240 °·s−1 and a mixed H:Q torque ratio compared with the other two positions (p < 0.05). The hip flexion angle did not influence the recorded muscle activation signals (p > 0.05). For the range of hip flexion angles tested, routine isokinetic assessment of conventional H:Q ratio and functional H:Q ratio at slow speed is not angle-dependent. Should assessment of the functional H:Q ratio at fast angular velocity or the mixed ratio is required, then selection of hip flexion angle is important.
Physical Qualities Pertaining to Shorter and Longer Change-of-Direction Speed Test Performance in Men and Women
Authors: Lockie Robert G. , Post Brett K. , Dawes J. Jay
Published: February 2019

This study investigated relationships between shorter (505, change-of-direction (COD) deficit as a derived physical quality) and longer (Illinois agility test; IAT) COD tests with linear speed, lower-body power (multidirectional jumping), and strength in recreationally-trained individuals. Twenty-one males and 22 females (similar to collegiate club-sport and tactical athletes) were assessed in: 505 and COD deficit from each leg; IAT; 20 m sprint; vertical jump (VJ height, peak anaerobic power measured in watts (PAPw), power-to-body mass ratio); standing broad jump; lateral jump (LJ) from each leg; and absolute and relative isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) strength. Partial correlations calculated sex-determined relationships between the COD and performance tests, with regression equations calculated (p < 0.05). The 505 and IAT correlated with all tests except PAPw and absolute IMTP (r = ±0.43–0.71). COD deficit correlated with the LJ (r = −0.34–0.60). Left- and right-leg 505 was predicted by sex, 20 m sprint, and left-leg LJ (70–77% explained variance). Right-leg COD deficit was predicted by sex and left-leg LJ (27% explained variance). IAT was predicted by sex, 20 m sprint, right-leg LJ, and relative IMTP (84% explained variance). For individuals with limited training time, improving linear speed, and relative lower-body power and strength, could enhance shorter and longer COD performance.
Occupant Comfort Management Based on Energy Optimization Using an Environment Prediction Model in Smart Homes
Authors: Jin Wenquan , Ullah Israr , Ahmad Shabir , Kim Dohyeun
Published: February 2019

Occupant comfort management is an important feature of a smart home, which requires achieving a high occupant comfort level as well as minimum energy consumption. Based on a large amount of data, learning models enable us to predict factors of a mathematical model for deriving the optimal result without expensive experiments. Comfort management supports high-level comfort to the occupant in the individual indoor environment, using the optimal power consumption to run home appliances. In this paper, we propose occupant comfort management based on energy optimization, using an environment prediction model. The proposed energy optimization model provides optimal power consumption based on the proposed objective function, which requires temperature and comfort index data as the input parameters. For the input requirement, temperature prediction model and humidity prediction model are presented based on a recurrent neural network with a pre-collected dataset, including indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity sensing data. Using the predicted temperature and humidity data, the comfort index model derives the predicted mean vote value to be used in the energy optimization model with the predicted temperature data. The experimental results present an 8.43% reduction of the optimized power consumption compared to the actual power consumption using mean absolute percentage error to calculate. Moreover, the emulation of an indoor environment using optimal energy consumption presents as approximately similar to the actual data.
GIS Multi-Criteria Analysis by Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA): Toward an Integrated Citrus Management Strategy
Authors: Zabihi Hasan , Alizadeh Mohsen , Kibet Langat Philip , Karami Mohammadreza , Shahabi Himan , Ahmad Anuar , Nor Said Mohamad , Lee Saro
Published: February 2019

This study proposes a site location assessment model for citrus cropland using multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) and the combination of a set of factors for suitability mapping and delineating the suitable areas for citrus production in Ramsar, Iran. It defines an incorporated method for the suitability mapping of the most appropriate sites for citrus cultivars with an emphasis on the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) process. The combination of geographic information system (GIS) and a modified version of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based on the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) technique is also emphasized. The OWA is based on two principles, namely: the weights of relative criterion significance and the order weights. Therefore, the participatory technique was employed to outline the set of standards and the important criterion. The results derived from the GIS–OWA technique indicate that the cultivation of citrus is feasible only in limited areas, which make up 6.7% of the total area near the Caspian Sea. This investigation has shown that the GIS–OWA model can be integrated into MCDA to select the optimal site for citrus production. The present research highlights how multi-criteria in GIS can play a considerable role in decision making for evaluating the suitability of selected sites for citrus production.
Industrial Structure Restructuring, Production Factor Allocation Analysis: Based on a Mineral Resource-Intensive City—Jiaozuo City
Authors: Dai Xiao , Wu Jian , Yan Liang , Zhang Qian , Ruan Fangli , Wang Dan
Published: February 2019

The importance of sustainable development of the mineral resources industry is self-evident for the reason of that China’s primary energy consumption structure has not changed. While the development level is not only affected by resource endowment, but also by technology. At this important historical stage—namely, transforming China’s economic growth mode—how to effectively conduct the supply-side reform has a remarkable strategic significance to the national sustainable economic development goal. In general, if we want to seek a sustainable development path for a mineral resource-intensive region, we must answer the binary contradictory relationship between the mineral resources industry. In order to accomplish these targets, we constructed five index layers and selected 14 specific indicators according to the production function followed by using Kolmogorov entropy. Then, we calculated the Pierce coefficient of different industries and the transfer entropy of production factors of some representative industry in different categories. In this way, the structural similarities or differences in the distribution of production factors are empirically examined. The results of our study showed that the industrial layout of the target case—Jiaozuo City—has not been qualitatively changed, most of its industries is still dominated by resources and labor-based enterprises; at the same time, in terms of production factors structure, resource-based industries are not similar to others showing that similarities and differentiation coexisted; the results of transfer entropy revealed that the reason why differences in similarity mainly are R&D expenditures, total investment in fixed assets, and coal consumption.
Are More Intelligent People Happier? Emotional Intelligence as Mediator between Need for Relatedness, Happiness and Flourishing
Authors: Callea Antonino , De Rosa Dalila , Ferri Giovanni , Lipari Francesca , Costanzi Marco
Published: February 2019

The psychology of sustainability and sustainable development aims to study the personal characteristics that promote effective and sustainable well-being for individuals and environments from a psychological research perspective. According to the self-determination theory, the psychological need for relatedness is positively associated with happiness and flourishing. In turn, emotional intelligence, i.e., understanding and managing one’s own emotions and recognizing others’ emotions, may play a key role in this association. Therefore, the present study investigates the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between need for relatedness and both happiness and flourishing. Basic Psychological Needs scales (BPNs), Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS), Flourishing Scale, and Happiness Scale were administered to 216 Italian participants (age range 15–66 years old). A mediation model via a structural equation model for path analysis was tested. The results showed that the psychological need for relatedness positively associated with both happiness and flourishing and that emotional intelligence mediated these associations. These results suggest that important interventions may be performed to promote flourishing and happiness, enhancing emotional intelligence through specific training differently from need for relatedness that, instead, can be considered substantially stable.
Top Management, Green Innovations, and the Mediating Effect of Customer Cooperation in Green Supply Chains
Authors: Burki Umar , Ersoy Pervin , Najam Usama
Published: February 2019

This study examines the mediating role of customer cooperation in green supply chain relationships. Employing 181 manufacturer–customer relationships, we test the mediating effect of customer cooperation on the process and managerial innovations. As proposed, customer cooperation positively mediates the relationship between top management commitment and process innovation. However, customer cooperation fails to mediate the relationship between top management commitment and managerial innovation. The findings suggest that the magnitude of customer cooperation increases the adoption of green innovations between supply chain partners to mitigate the negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, customer cooperation enforces a sense of mutuality between supply chain partners to diminish the impact of carbon footprint.
Does Combined Heat and Power Play the Role of a Bridge in Energy Transition? Evidence from a Cross-Country Analysis
Authors: Kim Hyo-Jin , Yu Jeong-Joon , Yoo Seung-Hoon
Published: February 2019

In an era of energy transition involving an increase in renewable energy and a reduction in coal-fired power generation and nuclear power generation, the role of combined heat and power (CHP) as a bridging energy is highly emphasized. This article attempts to look empirically into the impact of increasing the share of renewable energy in total electricity generation on CHP share in total electricity generation in a cross-country context. Data from 35 countries during the period 2009–2015 were used, and the least absolute deviations estimator was applied to obtain a more robust parameter estimate. The results showed that a 1%p increase in the share of renewable energy significantly increased the CHP share by 0.87%p. Therefore, the hypothesis that CHP serves as bridge energy in the process of energy transition was established.
The Impact of Market Condition and Policy Change on the Sustainability of Intra-Industry Information Diffusion in China
Authors: Dong Chi , Lean Hooi Hooi , Ahmad Zamri , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: February 2019

Through an investigation into seven major industries in China’s stock market from 2002 to 2013, this study focuses on two main external determinants: market condition and policy change on intra-industry information diffusion. We employ both time-series and panel Vector Auto-regression (VAR) methods on a sample data of 1175 firms for the analysis. The investigation reveals that market conditions and policy changes affect the process of intra-industry information diffusion in China. The speed of intra-industry information diffusion in a down-market state is slower than an upmarket, especially when the evidence is more significant in the longer horizon of the market condition. Policy changes, especially the split-share structure reform, impede the process of intra-industry information diffusion. The investigation outcome also reveals that there is an increasing delay in intra-industry information diffusion over time in China’s stock market after 2005. However, because of the decreasing information volatility of intra-industry information diffusion, policy changes are useful to a certain extent.
New Strategies to Improve Co-Management in Enclosed Coastal Seas and Wetlands Subjected to Complex Environments: Socio-Economic Analysis Applied to an International Recovery Success Case Study after an Environmental Crisis
Authors: García-Ayllón Salvador
Published: February 2019

Enclosed coastal seas and wetlands are areas of high ecological value with singular fauna and flora, but several cases of environmental catastrophes in recent decades can easily be referenced in the international literature. The management of these natural territories is complex in developed countries since they are usually subjected to intense human activity with a varied catalog of activities and anthropizing features that alter the balance of the ecosystem. In this article, the concept of the Socio-Ecological System (SES) to diagnose and achieve a sustainable cohabitation between human anthropization and the natural values based on the tool of GIS participatory mapping is proposed as an innovative approach for the management and recovery of these complex areas. The article develops a comprehensive general methodology of spatial GIS diagnosis, planning, and co-management implementation between public and private stakeholders combined with economic tools such as the Willingness to Pay (WTP) and the Cost Transfer Sector (CTS). This innovative approach is applied to the Mar Menor lagoon, which is an international and successful case study of environmental recovery on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The coastal lagoon suffered an unprecedented eutrophication crisis in 2015, but it managed to recover in the summer of 2018 without the need to implement major structural measures. In this case study, several solutions to redress the current impacts will be developed through a participatory process based on GIS mapping. Lastly, the discussion reflects the concept of self-resilience of an ecosystem based on the unexpected positive turn of the environmental crisis in the lagoon ending.
The Impact of Corporate Charitable Contributions on Audit Hours
Authors: Chun Hongmin , Chu Jaeyon , Yun Yongsuk
Published: February 2019

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a pertinent strategy to enhance consumer perception of product quality and a company’s reputation. A growing body of literature has investigated whether corporate charitable contributions play a similar role to that of corporate social responsibility. Controversy still remains over the cause and effect of corporate charitable contributions. This study’s objective was to examine whether auditors apply more effort when reviewing firms with a higher level of corporate charitable contributions. For example, if auditors perceive corporate charitable contributions as the opportunistic behavior of managers, then the auditors thoroughly review and prepare financial statements. However, if auditors assess corporate charitable contributions as one of a firm’s ethical responsibilities, then they are not likely to put in more effort when reviewing such firms. This paper aims to examine how capital market participants assess a firm’s charitable contributions. Using an extensive set of data for Korea from 2008 to 2015, we conducted a battery of robustness analyses to address various endogeneity issues using the abnormal audit hour model, propensity score matching method, and 2SLS regression. We found that corporate charitable contributions were positively associated with audit hours. It indicated that auditors applied more effort when they reviewed firms with corporate charitable contributions. The results suggest that auditors in Korea do not perceive corporate charitable contributions as a CSR activity but rather as an indication of the opportunistic behavior of managers.
A Decomposition Approach for Stochastic Shortest-Path Network Interdiction with Goal Threshold
Authors: Wei Xiangyu , Xu Kai , Jiao Peng , Yin Quanjun , Zha Yabing
Published: February 2019

Shortest-path network interdiction, where a defender strategically allocates interdiction resource on the arcs or nodes in a network and an attacker traverses the capacitated network along a shortest s-t path from a source to a terminus, is an important research problem with potential real-world impact. In this paper, based on game-theoretic methodologies, we consider a novel stochastic extension of the shortest-path network interdiction problem with goal threshold, abbreviated as SSPIT. The attacker attempts to minimize the length of the shortest path, while the defender attempts to force it to exceed a specific threshold with the least resource consumption. In our model, threshold constraint is introduced as a trade-off between utility maximization and resource consumption, and stochastic cases with some known probability p of successful interdiction are considered. Existing algorithms do not perform well when dealing with threshold and stochastic constraints. To address the NP-hard problem, SSPIT-D, a decomposition approach based on Benders decomposition, was adopted. To optimize the master problem and subproblem iteration, an efficient dual subgraph interdiction algorithm SSPIT-S and a local research based better-response algorithm SSPIT-DL were designed, adding to the SSPIT-D. Numerical experiments on networks of different sizes and attributes were used to illustrate and validate the decomposition approach. The results showed that the dual subgraph and better-response procedure can significantly improve the efficiency and scalability of the decomposition algorithm. In addition, the improved enhancement algorithms are less sensitive and robust to parameters. Furthermore, the application in a real-world road network demonstrates the scalability of our decomposition approach.
Application of Fuzzy Analytical Network Process (ANP) and VIKOR for the Assessment of Green Agility Critical Success Factors in Dairy Companies
Authors: Bathaei Ahmad , Mardani Abbas , Baležentis Tomas , Awang Siti Rahmah , Streimikiene Dalia , Fei Goh Chin , Zakuan Norhayati
Published: February 2019

Manufacturing companies are facing rapid and unanticipated changes in their business environment. Most of these companies need to find new strategies to remain competitive in the market. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to integrate the Fuzzy Analytical Network Process (ANP) and VIKOR methods to evaluate the green agile factors and sub-factors in the dairy companies in Iran. To find the green agile factors and sub-factors, this study used the expert’s opinions and literature review. Data is collected from four dairy companies. The results of this study showed that the most important green agility factors are: trust-based relationship with suppliers, flexible production capacity, versatile workers, compliance with quality standards for a new product, and workers’ willingness to learn. In addition, the results indicated that the green agility organization is one of the strategies that help companies to stay in the market. To validate the results, this study used four methods, including TOPSIS, ARAS, EDAS, and MABAC. The necessity of a reaction to the increasing customer choices, environmental concerns, and competitiveness among manufacturers across the globe has engaged the industry to embrace innovative manufacturing strategies.
Evaluation of Cellulosic Polymers and Curcumin to Reduce Aflatoxin B1 Toxic Effects on Performance, Biochemical, and Immunological Parameters of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Solis-Cruz Bruno , Hernandez-Patlan Daniel , Petrone Victor M. , Pontin Karine P. , Latorre Juan D. , Beyssac Eric , Hernandez-Velasco Xochitl , Merino-Guzman Ruben , Owens Casey , Hargis Billy M. , Lopez-Arellano Raquel , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo
Published: February 2019

To evaluate the effect of cellulosic polymers (CEL) and curcumin (CUR) on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxic effects on performance, and the biochemical and immunological parameters in broiler chickens, 150 one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five groups with three replicates of 10 chickens per pen: Negative Control (feed); AFB1 (feed + 2 ppm AFB1); CUR (feed + 2 ppm AFB1 + Curcumin 0.2%); CEL (feed + 2 ppm AFB1 + 0.3% Cellulosic polymers); and, CEL + CUR (feed + 2 ppm AFB1 + 0.3% Cellulose polymers + 0.2% Curcumin). Every week, body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were calculated. On day 21, liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and intestine from five broilers per replicate per group were removed to obtain relative organ weight. Histopathological changes in liver, several biochemical biomarkers, antibody titers, and muscle and skin pigmentation were also recorded. Dietary addition of 0.3% CEL and 0.2% CUR separately significantly diminished some of the toxic effects resulting from AFB1 on performance parameters, relative organs weight, histopathology, immune response, and serum biochemical variables (P < 0.05); however, the combination of CUR and CEL showed a better-integrated approach for the management of poultry health problems that are related with the consumption of AFB1, since they have different mechanisms of action with different positive effects on the responses of broiler chickens.
A chemoenzymatic synthesis of ceramide trafficking inhibitor HPA-12
Authors: Kanojia Seema V , Chatterjee Sucheta , Chattopadhyay Subrata , Goswami Dibakar
Published: February 2019

A chemoenzymatic synthesis of the title compound has been developed using an efficient and highly enantioselective lipase-catalyzed acylation in a hydrophobic ionic liquid, [bmim][PF6], followed by a diastereoselective asymmetric dihydroxylation as the key steps for incorporating the stereogenic centers. The further conversion to the appropriate intermediates and subsequent acylation with lauric acid furnished the target compound.
POSSIBILITIES OF CEMENT CONTENT REDUCTION IN CONCRETES WITH ADMIXTURE OF SUPERPLASTICISER SNF
Authors: Kapelko Aleksander
Published: February 2019

The problem of the possibility of cement saving in concretes with admixture of sodium salt of formaldehydic polycondensates of sulphonic‐napthalene acids (SNF) is presented. Executed investigations show a strong plastifying performance of this admixture as well as an elongation of setting time of Portland cements. On adding 1,5 % of admixture it is possible to obtain a substantial saving of cement with simultaneous reduction of water amount (constant W/C ratio), without a change of consistency of concrete mixture apparent density, compressive strength, absorption and water penetration of concrete. For the estimation of economic effectiveness of superplasticiser SNF it is proposed to introduce an index of cement saving Sc and an index of cement utilisation in concretes Iec .
ESTIMATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RENOVATION WORK IN LITHUANIAN SCHOOLS
Authors: Pikutis Rimidijus , Šeduikytė Lina
Published: February 2019

The aim of this work was to estimate the effectiveness of the renovation work that was carried out in 63 Lithuanian schools by disclosing the main renovation works, analysing changes in the amount of the energy used for the heating after renovation. Reduction of the windows area with shields, replacement of old doors and windows with the new ones were the most frequent renovation works in the tested schools. 52 % of respondents indicated condensation on windows after the renovation work. The indoor temperature of the schools increased from 15 °C to 18 °C. Also, the energy consumptions for the heating of the schools was lowered by 17 % in schools with district heating system and by 22 % in schools with local boiler house.