bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation on Fracture Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Red Sandstone Subjected to Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Wu , Xu Jin-Hai , Cao Yue , Sun Lei , Shaikh Faiz
Published: October 2022

The freeze–thaw process plays a dominant role as far as the exploration and development of natural resources in cold regions are concerned. Freeze–thaw cycles can cause frost heaving pressure in the rock matrix and result in micro cracking, which influences its physical and mechanical properties. A series of physical and mechanical tests are performed on red sandstone to investigate the fracture behavior and mechanical properties induced by freeze–thaw cycles. The testing results show that after being treated by freeze–thaw cycles, the mass, density, and P-wave velocity of rocks decrease, while the volume of rocks increases. The peak stress and elastic modulus decrease with the increase in freeze–thaw cycles, while peak strain and Poisson’s rate increase. When 30 MPa confining pressure is applied, the peak stress and elastic modulus of untreated samples reach the maximum values of 92.49 MPa and 12.84 GPa, respectively. However, after being treated by 30 freeze–thaw cycles, the peak strain and Poisson’s rate reach the maximum values of 0.631 % and 0.18, respectively. The development of micro-cracks and the growth of pores induced by frost heaving stress are the main reasons for the deterioration of the mechanical properties of rocks. Confining pressure and freeze–thaw cycles can transfer the rock’s failure mode from tensile to shear and make red sandstone show more ductility features.
Effects of Job Satisfaction on Job Performance of Sugar Industrial Workers: Empirical Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Gazi Md. Abu Issa , Islam Md. Aminul , Shaturaev Jakhongir , Dhar Bablu Kumar
Published: October 2022

The primary objective of the current study was to determine how job satisfaction effects the job performance of sugar industrial workers in Bangladesh. Moreover, this study examined the level of job satisfaction of employees in Bangladesh’s sugar industrial estate. In this quantitative study, respondents filled out a pre-structured questionnaire. The stratified random sampling approach was used to select 300 respondents from five sugar mills in the sugar industry. Job Performance Indicator (JPI), an 8-item self-rated performance scale, was used to assess job performance, and job satisfaction was measured using the JSI (Job Satisfaction Index). A regression analysis was performed using SPSS software for this study. Initially, reliability statistics were calculated for both scales in order to assess their relevance. The study’s findings showed a strong relationship between employee job satisfaction and job performance. The survey also showed that, compared to respondents’ personal characteristics, job-related factors had a greater impact on job performance. Furthermore, based on the findings of the study, job satisfaction among sugar sector workers in Bangladesh does not significantly differ by qualifications or age. In addition, the study found that foremen had a greater knowledge of the worksite than workers with less experience. However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. There is strong evidence that employee satisfaction varies based on employee category. To improve job satisfaction and performance, the results and findings will be useful for the government, policymakers, and personnel departments of Bangladesh’s sugar mills. To make organizational decisions and policies about job satisfaction and job performance, it can be used to measure job satisfaction and the impact of job performance.
Environmental Policy and Exports in China: An Analysis Based on the Top 10,000 Energy-Consuming Enterprises Program
Authors: Liu Xin , Kang Zhiyong
Published: October 2022

This study builds a model to theoretically analyze the impact of China’s Top 10,000 Energy-Consuming Enterprises Program on the country’s manufacturing exports. The results show that the implementation of this Program has not only a cost-increasing effect but also an innovation-promoting effect on manufacturing enterprises’ exports. In particular, the actual effect depends on the superimposition of these two effects, which change as the intensity of the Program changes. Using data on industrial enterprises in Sichuan Province, the study applies the sharp regression discontinuity design (SRDD) to identify the causal relationship between the Program’s intensity and the export scale of manufacturing enterprises, which turns out to be an inverted U-shaped relationship. Moreover, with a moderate intensity of the Program, the innovation-promoting effect is proved greater than the cost-increasing effect, which leads to an expansion of the enterprises’ export scale. The study concludes that the implementation of appropriate environmental control policies does not undermine the export competitiveness of Chinese enterprises, but instead promotes a win-win solution by improving both environmental quality and export performance.
How Does Digital Transformation of City Governance Affect Environmental Pollution: A Natural Experiment from the Pilot Policy of “National Information City for Public Service” in China
Authors: Zhang Bochao , Dong Wanhao , Yao Jin
Published: October 2022

This article investigated the “National Information City for Public Service” policy as the representative policy of China’s digital transformation of urban governance to empirically analyze its impact on urban environmental pollution using the DID method. The results indicated that: ① The “National Information City for Public Service” policy has significantly reduced the level of urban environmental pollution by 1.65–2.11% on average. After conducting the robustness test of the PSM-DID method and excluding the effect of exogenous interference of the smart city pilot policy in China, the evaluation showed no significant difference from the conclusion above. ② The mechanism test results showed that the “National Information City for Public Service” policy could reduce urban environmental pollution through the technological innovation effect, industrial structure upgrading effect, resource allocation optimization effect, and urban informatization level improvement effect. ③ The heterogeneity analysis of the city scale presented a positive relationship between the city scale and the level of environmental pollution improvement effect under the “National Information City for Public Service” framework. Meanwhile, the heterogeneity analysis of city characteristics showed that cities with better human capital qualities, stronger local government financial strength, and more advanced financial development levels would obtain greater benefit from the environmental improving effect of this policy. Notably, the environmental improving effect of digital transformation of urban governance would be further amplified in cities with the dual superposition of the Innovative City Pilot Policy and the policy of “National Information City for Public Service”. This paper contributed significant referential insights into promoting urban digital transformation and improving urban ecological environment.
Detection Method for All Types of Traffic Conflicts in Work Zones
Authors: Xu Zhepu , Chen Dashan
Published: October 2022

Traffic conflict technology (TCT) is widely used to assess the safety of work zones. The current TCT is temporal and (or) spatial proximity defined based, which can only detect two-vehicle or multi-vehicle conflicts, and is not competent for single-vehicle conflicts. However, single-vehicle accidents in work zones are also severe. This study proposes a detection method for all types of traffic conflicts in work zones. Based on vehicle micro-behavior data, evasive behavior is detected by automatic segmentation, Support Vector Machine (SVM)-based behavior identification, and threshold-based judgment methods. Two-vehicle or multi-vehicle conflicts are detected by classical proximity defined-based method, i.e., the surrogate safety assessment model (SSAM). By comparing the analysis results of the evasive behavior with the one of SSAM, single-vehicle conflicts can be detected. Taking a practical work zone as an example, the effectiveness of this method in detecting all types of traffic conflicts in work zones is verified. The single-vehicle conflict can be subdivided into 10 types according to basic behavior types, such as straight-line driving and decelerating. The two or multi-vehicle conflicts can be subdivided into three types, such as rear-end conflict. The example also verifies the applicability of this method under different traffic volume scenarios.
Cittàslow as An Alternative Path of Town Development and Revitalisation in Peripheral Areas: The Example of The Lublin Province
Authors: Bernat Sebastian , Flaga Małgorzata
Published: October 2022

The aim of the present study was to assess the possibilities of developing the Cittàslow network in the Lublin Province, a peripheral region in Poland, and to determine the status of revitalisation activities in the region. In the study, a socio-economic typology of towns was prepared based on Ward’s agglomerative clustering method. Next, a survey was carried out using a questionnaire addressed to the authorities of the investigated towns. Finally, we conducted a case study of the towns which declared interest in joining the Cittàslow network in the survey. An analysis of revitalisation programmes proposed in those towns was carried out. The present survey shows that the idea of Cittàslow is supported by few towns in the Lublin Province. There is definitely more interest in revitalisation activities. This is mainly due to the fact that revitalisation projects for areas in crisis can be financed by external funds. The conclusions reached in this paper can be of use in planning development and revitalisation measures for small towns, especially in peripheral regions. The Cittàslow network may offer an alternative development path for the towns of the Lublin region. In addition, it may contribute to increasing opportunities for revitalisation.
Professional and Personal Experience through Lifelong Learning and Regular Sport (PROPELLERS)—A Study Protocol
Authors: Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Timón Rafael , Adsuar José Carmelo , Pirina Maria Grazia , Solinas Roberto , Amin Shirin , Amin Didar , Dochevska Yoanna , Zdravkov Ivaylo , Bradic Slavisa , Hatzigeorgiadis Antonis , Biskup Barbara , Braun Michal , Olcina Guillermo J.
Published: October 2022

Physical inactivity (PI) and sedentary behaviours constitute a global health problem that has negative consequences for health and is also considered the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. A European project named ‘Professional and Personal Experience through Lifelong Learning and Regular Sport’ aims to encourage voluntary participation in sporting activities to achieve its benefits on health. First, a report will be carried out on the effects of physical activity (PA) or inactivity on health, which is often linked to school failure, obesity, self-esteem, etc. The data will be obtained through a completely anonymous online sport and health questionnaire, addressed to all profiles. The data collected through this survey will serve as a basis for understanding the reality of Europeans in terms of quality of life, demographics, physical fitness, and other factors. It is also intended to design a handbook with recommendations for improving health holistically through PA. Finally, the goal is to translate this project into a teaching system for sports professionals, so that they can transfer this knowledge as educational methods to improve people’s health, while adapting it to the particularities of each country, i.e., to provide these sports professionals with tools to train other people.
Sensitivity Analysis for Decisive Design Parameters for Energy and Indoor Visual Performances of a Glazed Façade Office Building
Authors: Singh Ramkishore , Buddhi Dharam , Thapa Samar , Prakash Chander , Singh Rajesh , Sharma Atul , Sheoran Shane , Saxena Kuldeep Kumar
Published: October 2022

The large size of a glazed component allows greater access to natural light inside and a wider view of the outdoors while protecting the inside from extreme weather conditions. However, glazed components make buildings energy inefficient compared to opaque components if not designed suitably, and sometimes they create glare discomforts too. In order to protect against excessive natural light and direct sunlight and for privacy, dynamic shading devices are integrated into the glazed façade. In this study, the impact of various glazing and shading design parameters has been investigated by performing uncertainty and sensitivity analyses. The uncertainty analysis indicates that the variance coefficients for the source energy use, lighting energy use, useful daylight illuminance (UDI), and shade-deployed time fraction are in the ranges of 15.04–30.47, 39.05–45.06, 40.57–49.92, and 19.35–52%, respectively. The dispersion in the energy and indoor visual performance is evident by the large variation in the source energy consumption and UDI (500–2000), which vary in the ranges of 250–450 kWh/(m2-year) and 5–90%. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis identified the window-to-wall ratio (WWR), aspect ratio (ASR), glazing type (Gt), absorptance of the wall (Aw), and shade transmittance (ST) as major influences of the parameters. Each of the identified parameters has a different proportionate impact depending on the façade orientation and performance parameters.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Driving Factors of Ecosystem Services Value in the Hexi Regions, Northwest China
Authors: Li Yongge , Liu Wei , Feng Qi , Zhu Meng , Zhang Jutao , Yang Linshan , Yin Xinwei
Published: October 2022

Land-use and climate changes can exert significant influences on ecosystem services value (ESV). However, interactions of these drivers in shaping the ESV remain unclear in arid inland regions. In this study, dynamic changes in ESV from 1980 to 2050 in the Hexi Regions were evaluated by integrating land-use change and other environmental factors using the equivalent factor method, local spatial autocorrelation analysis, and a geographical detector. Our results showed that the spatial distribution of ESV increased in the northwest to southeast regions of the study area. The area-weighted mean ESV of the Qilian Mountains (i.e., mountainous regions) was about 10.27–11.97-fold higher than that of the Hexi Corridor (i.e., plain regions) during the study period. As for the ecological protection (EP) scenario, from 2020 to 2050, the total ESV increase was estimated to be larger than that under the natural development (ND) and rapid urbanization (RU) scenarios. Particularly, under the EP scenario, by 2050, the enhancement of ESV in the Qilian Mountains mainly resulted from the expansion of forests, shrubs, grasslands, and water. The geographical detector indicated that LUCC was the dominant driver of the spatial heterogeneity of ESV, followed by climate and vegetation. Specifically, LUCC explained 35.39% and 80.06% of the total variation in the ESV for the Hexi Corridor and the Qilian Mountains, respectively. Natural drivers, such as temperature, precipitation, evapotranspiration, and soil organic carbon, were assumed to exert larger impacts on ESV in the mountainous regions than in the corridor. By contrast, anthropogenic factors played more significant roles in altering the ESV patterns for the corridor. Our research highlighted the importance of ecological protection in improving ESV in the future and emphasized that the difference in driving factors of ESV between mountainous and plain regions should be considered in terms of the ecosystem management for the inland regions of northwestern China.
Operational Efficiency Evaluation of Chinese Internet Banks: Two-Stage Network DEA Approach
Authors: Li Min , Zhu Nan , He Kai , Li Minghui
Published: October 2022

An in-depth study of the operational efficiency of Internet banks is essential to enhance banks’ competitiveness and sustainable development. We use the two-stage network data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to divide the operational process of Internet banks into the value operation stage (stage 1) and the value creation stage (stage 2). This paper adopts the R&D investment that reflects the characteristics of Internet banks as the input of the value operation stage in the two-stage DEA model. It examines the operating efficiency of China’s Internet banks from 2018 to 2019, including stage efficiency and comprehensive efficiency. The empirical analysis results indicate that the contribution of stage 2 to the comprehensive efficiency is higher than that of stage 1. Similarly, it can also be shown that the average values of the stage efficiency and comprehensive efficiency of Internet banking in 2019 are higher than those in 2018. In addition, the Kruskal–Wallis test shows no significant difference in the average comprehensive efficiency of Internet banks in the three major economic belts. These results have significant strategic implications for managers, regulators, and policymakers who share a common interest in boosting financial sustainability and performance.
Inclusiveness in the Caribbean-Locals’ Perceptions about Nature, Tourism and Recreation in Bonaire
Authors: Soma Katrine , Verweij Peter , Angel Elesiër , Naranjo María A.
Published: October 2022

The economies of small tropical islands often benefit from large-scale tourism, attracted by the guarantee of beach facilities, sun and warmth, landscape beauty, and cultural and underwater life. While these are highly valued assets, it is unclear how local communities benefit from tourism, or how they perceive their natural environment, which has been the basis for their rich cultural history. Against this background, the main aim of this article is to investigate inhabitants’ perceptions about locals’ inclusiveness in tourism and recreation on a small island called Bonaire. A total of 400 households were interviewed during the period November 2021–February 2022. Inclusiveness in tourism and the welfare it brings are judged as low, based on the findings in this study. With a share of around 40% of the population of Dutch Caribbean islanders living in poverty, the challenge of inequality is urgent. While environmental degradation contributes to inequality, inequality can also contribute to environmental degradation. To reduce inequalities, while ensuring life below water and life on land, the handling of poverty is one of the most critical bottlenecks in this society.
Analysis of the Impact of Building Shape on Safety Management Cost
Authors: Han Bumjin , Na Youngju , Son Seunghyun
Published: October 2022

Even if a building has the same building area or number of floors, the effect on construction safety varies depending on the building shape, and thus, safety management cost (SMC) should be calculated differently. If the effect of the building shape on the SMC is clearly analyzed and reflected, a reasonable SMC could be calculated. This study analyzes building shape’s impact on SMC, including apartment buildings’ impact. Following the data collection from 21 projects for this study, an analysis was conducted using the independent variables of the building perimeter (BP), building floor area (BA), and the building shape factor (BSF), and the dependent variable of SMC. As a result of analyzing the correlation between the three main factors and SMC, it was found that the BP, BSF, and BA have a very strong positive Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.876, 0.801, and 0.792, respectively. In the future, the results of this study can be used as supporting data for improving the safety management cost-related system and will develop into a more reliable model through continuous data accumulation and utility verification.
Climatic Control of Urban Spaces Using Natural Cooling Techniques to Achieve Outdoor Thermal Comfort
Authors: Medina Daniel Castro , Delgado MCarmen Guerrero , Amores Teresa Rocío Palomo , Toulou Aurore , Ramos Jose Sánchez , Domínguez Servando Álvarez
Published: October 2022

The open spaces of cities have become hostile to citizens due to the high temperatures. Lack of thermal comfort hampers outdoor activities. It is imperative to combat these phenomena to bring life back to the streets and make spaces frequently used in the past more appealing to local citizens. The aim is to mitigate the severity of the outdoor climate to reach comfortable conditions in open spaces. For that, microclimate control based on natural cooling techniques is proposed to recover the habitability of these spaces of the cities. These techniques are characterised via experiments. Demostrando como es posible conseguir and integrated using simulation tools. Following this methodology, it is possible to design, size and define operation strategies for the ideal climate control system according to the type of need. This paper addresses a degraded and unused real space as a case study to demonstrate the feasibility of the methodology used. A system has been designed that stores water cooled at night by using the sky and night air and uses it during the day to produce cold air and cool cover. The experimental results test the efficiency of each solution that has been integrated into the complete system. The system operates every technology to keep the temperature radiant and the air of the occupants cool. For it, falling-film technology cools every night a volume of water below 18 °C and dissipation in a water pond by water sprinkler maintains a pond 10–15 °C below the outside air temperature. Also, results test how it is possible to guarantee thermal comfort conditions (operative temperature below of 28 °C) even when the environment surrounding the conditioned volume is at temperatures above 40 °C, and how the seismic allows maintaining these conditions during the worst summer hours. In conclusion, microclimate control allows for mitigating the severity of the outdoor climate to reach a degree of thermal comfort equivalent to that in enclosed venues.
Bridge Fire Vulnerability Hierarchy Assessment Based on the Weighted Topsis Method
Authors: Li Qingfu , Guo Hao , Zhou Jianpeng , Wang Mengyuan
Published: October 2022

With the increasing traffic volume and gradually higher percentage of hazardous goods transport vehicles, bridge fire accidents are more frequent and the resulting losses are striking. Therefore, the assessment of fire risk in bridges has important implications. In this paper, we identify and establish a bridge fire vulnerability indicator system based on vulnerability theory from three aspects: the susceptibility to fire, its resistance to reversal, and its exposure during a fire. On the basis of grading fire vulnerability and making a description of the status of each grade, the corresponding index values of each grade were established by the method of assigning values to the qualitative indexes, and then the empowering TOPSIS method was applied to calculate the relative closeness of each indicator to the ideal status, so as to establish a bridge fire vulnerability grade evaluation model. Finally, using a bridge as an example, it was verified that the assessment method was reasonably feasible by calculating the relative proximity of the bridge to the ideal condition, resulting in a fire vulnerability grade of I for the bridge, which corresponded to its fire history.
Zero Waste Scientific Research Evaluation: The Scientific Research Evaluation System Framework to Stimulate Scholars’ Empathy and Innovation Intention
Authors: Yi Kui , Li Pingping
Published: October 2022

Based on the two-dimensional University Research Evaluation System (URES), this paper aimed to develop a comprehensive and scientific measurement scale and to empirically verify the impact of the URES on scholars’ empathy and willingness to innovate. Grounded in theory, this study analyzed the personal information and interview data of 26 university scholars publicly available online. First, through qualitative analysis (using Nvivo 12 software), we developed an initial scale for URES. Second, we tested the reliability and validity of the scale by structural equation modeling (SEM) using Mplus 8.0 software. The results show that the URES includes two dimensions: research process evaluation and investment output evaluation. The URES scale showed good reliability and validity and was confirmed to be positively correlated with scholars’ empathy and willingness to innovate. Therefore, the URES constructed in this study not only fully stimulates scholars’ empathy and innovation willingness, but also promotes the optimal use of scholars’ knowledge resources. Finally, this research helps to reduce unnecessary educational and political investment, which has important implications for the sustainable development of society.
Distributional Predictability and Quantile Connectedness of New Energy, Steam Coal, and High-Tech in China
Authors: Qi Xiaohong , Zhang Guofu , Wang Yuqi
Published: October 2022

From a novel quantile perspective, this paper employs nonparametric quantile causality and quantile connectedness to investigate distributional predictability and spillover effects among new energy, steam coal, and high-tech under normal and tail conditions. We first identify the quantile causality: there is a unidirectional causality between the quantile orders 0.1 and 0.4 from technology high-tech to new energy, indicating that the stock price of technology companies has a predictive power of the stock prices of new energy companies when the latter is relatively low. Next, in terms of quantile connectedness, while the risk shocks to the system do not propagate strongly around the median, there are strong spillover effects in both tails. Moreover, high-tech and new energy contribute most of the system’s spillovers, and high-tech is the main net shock transmitter to all other variables. We further find that the strength of spillovers may depend on events such as China’s stock market rout of 2015 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evaluating the Suitability of Crowd-Shipping Platforms for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Mittal Anuj , Marusak Amy A. , Krejci Caroline C. , Sadeghiamirshahidi Narjes , Rogers K. Jamie
Published: October 2022

Crowd-shipping platforms have the potential to serve as flexible and low-cost logistics solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which tend to have proportionally higher logistics costs than large companies. By increasing visibility and access to underutilized vehicle capacity, crowd-shipping platforms can offer lower rates than traditional delivery services. Leveraging excess capacity on premeditated delivery trips can also improve logistics efficiency and reduce emissions. However, high platform fees, insufficient carriers, and difficulty finding suitable platforms are common barriers to widespread adoption. This research evaluates the degree to which existing commercial crowd-shipping platforms can provide suitable transportation solutions for SMEs. A systematic search yielded 400 platforms, which were evaluated for SME suitability by requesting quotes for delivery service from each platform, based on typical shipping requirements of two agriculture-based SMEs in Texas. The responses and quotes that were received, as well as feedback from the case study SMEs, indicate that most existing platforms are unlikely to meet the needs of SME shippers. The results suggest ways in which crowd-shipping platform managers could take advantage of this market opportunity by tailoring the services and features of their platforms to better meet the expectations of SMEs.
Measurement of Spatio-Temporal Differences and Analysis of the Obstacles to High-Quality Development in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Feng Zengwei , Chen Yiyan , Yang Xiaolin
Published: October 2022

Based on a new development philosophy, this paper constructs an index system for measuring and evaluating high-quality developments in the Yellow River Basin using the entropy weight TOPSIS model and the obstacle degree analysis model to carry out a diagnostic analysis of the spatio-temporal differences in the level of high-quality development and obstacle factors in nine Yellow River Basin provinces from 2010 to 2020. The results show that: (1) During the period 2010–2020, the Yellow River Basin’s high-quality development index showed a rising trend and the subindexes showed a trend of “coordinated development > shared development > green development > open development > innovative development”. However, the overall level of high-quality development in the basin is not high, and there is still much room for improvement. (2) The global Moran’s I of the high-quality development indexes in 2010, 2015 and 2020 are −0.216, −0.204 and −0.103, respectively, indicating that the level of high-quality development in each province and region within the Yellow River Basin is discrete and develops in a spatially unbalanced direction. (3) The obstacle degree analysis shows that green development, innovation development and open development are the main bottlenecks affecting the high-quality development of the basin. The restrictive role of green development is increasingly prominent, and the low level of scientific and technological innovation and achievement transformation, serious resource consumption and low resource utilization rate of industrial development, in addition to the low level of openness to the outside world are becoming key factors hindering the high-quality development of the provinces in the Yellow River Basin.
Nasal Floor Elevation—An Option of Premaxilla Augmentation: A Case Report
Authors: Jordan Ante , Vuletić Marko , Sušić Mato , Stojić Luka , Gabrić Dragana
Published: October 2022

The atrophic edentulous maxilla is demanding for dental implant placement because of extensive resorption of the alveolar ridge after teeth loss and, consequently, the proximity of the anatomical structures, nasal cavity, and maxillary sinus. Treatment options are short implants, guided bone regeneration, onlay grafts, Le Fort I osteotomy with interpositional bone grafting, distraction osteogenesis, or nasal floor elevation. Nasal floor elevation is a method of augmentation of premaxilla by raising the base of the nose. The aim of this case report is to evaluate the success of implants placed after nasal floor elevation. A 75-year-old female patient came to the Clinical Department of Oral Surgery, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, unsatisfied with her complete removable denture. Clinical and radiological examination revealed severe maxillary alveolar ridge atrophy. Nasal floor elevation was made under local anesthesia through aperture piriformis and lateral window in the distal part. After eight months, four implants were placed and, after period of osseointegration, a bar-retained implant overdenture was made. This case report shows that nasal floor augmentation can be considered among the surgical techniques to allow implant-supported rehabilitation of the atrophic anterior maxilla.
Poly (Vinylidene Difluoride) Polymer in 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Acetate and Acetic Acid Containing Solvents: Tunable and Recoverable Solvent Media to Induce Crystalline Phase Transition and Porosity
Authors: Khokarale Santosh Govind , Jablonski Piotr , Nikjoo Dariush , Dinh Van Minh , Sundman Ola , Irgum Knut , Mikkola Jyri-Pekka
Published: October 2022

In this report, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, [EMIM][AcO] ionic liquid (IL) and acetic acid (AA) comprised solvents were used for the thermal treatment of poly (vinylidene difluoride), PVDF. Here, besides the various combinations of IL and AA in solvents, the pure IL and AA were also applied as a solvent upon thermal treatments. The samples obtained after the treatment were analysed for structural and crystalline phase changes, porosity, and molecular weight distribution with various analytical techniques. The Kamlet-Taft parameters measurement of the IL and AA containing solvents with different solvatochromic dyes was also performed to examine their solvent properties and correlate with the properties of the treated PVDF materials. The treatment of PVDF with pure IL results in the formation of highly carbonaceous material due to extensive dehydroflurination (DHF) as well as possibly successive cross-linking in the polymer chains. Upon IL and AA combined solvent treatment, the neat PVDF which composed of both α- and β crystalline phases was transformed to porous and β-phase rich material whereas in case of pure AA the non-porous and pure α-phase polymeric entity was obtained. A combined mixture of IL and AA resulted in a limited the DHF process and subsequent cross-linking in the polymer chains of PVDF allowed the formation of a porous material. It was observed that the porosity of the thermally treated materials was steadily decreasing with increase in the amount of AA in solvents composition and solvent with an AA:IL mole ratio of 2:1 resulted in a PVDF material with the highest porosity amongst the applied solvents. A recovery method for the IL and AA combined solvent after the thermal treatment of PVDF was also established. Hence, with varying the type of solvents in terms of composition, the highly carbonaceous materials as well as materials with different porosities as well as crystalline phases can be obtained. Most importantly here, we introduced new IL and AA containing recoverable solvents for the synthesis of porous PVDF material with the electroactive β-phase.
Blind RIS Aided Ordered NOMA: Design, Probability of Outage Analysis and Transmit Power Optimization
Authors: Jadhav Hindavi Kishor , Kumaravelu Vinoth Babu
Published: October 2022

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has been widely acclaimed as a promising solution to enhance spectral efficiency, increase user fairness, and scale up the number of users in wireless networks by enabling multiple users to share the symmetrical wireless resources. This work is concerned with the development and implementation of blind reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-aided ordered NOMA (ONOMA) for smart reflector (SR) and access point (AP) configurations. For the RIS-SR-ONOMA and RIS-AP-ONOMA configurations, the closed-form probability of outage expressions is derived, and their performance is reported for distinct values of passive reflector elements. Through optimal power allocation, the downlink (DL) sum capacity is maximized. RIS-aided ONOMA reduces outage rates and increases sum capacity over the traditional ONOMA system. It is discovered that the RIS-aided ONOMA system increases the sum capacity by ≈33% at 20 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for 32 passive reflector elements. The addition of passive reflector elements and symmetrical allocation among users improves the performance of RIS-SR-ONOMA and RIS-AP-ONOMA in terms of outage probability, sum capacity, and probability of error. The proposed work can be employed in applications such as vehicular ad hoc networks, where obtaining precise channel information is difficult due to the rapid mobility of the vehicles.
Generalized Fuzzy Linguistic Bicubic B-Spline Surface Model for Uncertain Fuzzy Linguistic Data
Authors: Bidin Mohd Syafiq , Wahab Abd. Fatah , Zulkifly Mohammad Izat Emir , Zakaria Rozaimi
Published: October 2022

A fuzzy linguistic data set that is uncertain is difficult to analyze and describe in the form of a smooth and continuous generic figure. Therefore, the study aims to develop a new model of a B-spline surface using a different approach of a crisp and fuzzy linguistic point relation with three types of linguistic function: low L, medium Mi and high H. These linguistic functions are defined first to introduce the fuzzy linguistic point relation. Then, a new algorithm of the fuzzy linguistic bicubic B-spline surface model is presented to convert fuzzy linguistic data into fuzzy linguistic control points. In addition, a numerical example of fuzzy linguistic data is considered at the end of this study to visualize the suggested model. Thus, the relation between the fuzzy linguistic data points can be analyzed to present another area of knowledge in which symmetry phenomena occur. The symmetry here plays an important role in solving the uncertain fuzzy linguistic data problem by using the suggested model.
On the Generalized Liouville–Caputo Type Fractional Differential Equations Supplemented with Katugampola Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Awadalla Muath , Subramanian Muthaiah , Abuasbeh Kinda , Manigandan Murugesan
Published: October 2022

In this study, we examine the existence and Hyers–Ulam stability of a coupled system of generalized Liouville–Caputo fractional order differential equations with integral boundary conditions and a connection to Katugampola integrals. In the first and third theorems, the Leray–Schauder alternative and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem are used to demonstrate the existence of a solution. The Banach fixed point theorem’s concept of contraction mapping is used in the second theorem to emphasise the analysis of uniqueness, and the results for Hyers–Ulam stability are established in the next theorem. We establish the stability of Ulam–Hyers using conventional functional analysis. Finally, examples are used to support the results. When a generalized Liouville–Caputo (ρ) parameter is modified, asymmetric results are obtained. This study presents novel results that significantly contribute to the literature on this topic.
Synergies vs. Clustering Only of Depressive Symptoms in Diabetes and Co-Occurring Conditions: Symmetric Indicators with Asymmetric, Bidirectional Influences in MIMIC Models
Authors: Francoeur Richard B.
Published: October 2022

I extend multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) models to unveil unbiased, asymmetric, bidirectional influences using indicators of the same items within variable-defined subgroups. The strategy discerns (1) item-variation in interaction (and derivative) terms that capture synergies and cluster together (formative or causal indicators) from (2) item-variation in duplicate terms when items lack synergy and cluster together only (reflective or effect indicators). An item may reveal either or both influences. These symmetric indicators yield estimates of (1) the unique variation and synergy of each formative indicator within the structural model portion of the MIMIC model (based on moderated regression) and (2) the remaining shared variation in the reflective indicator within the measurement model portion (based on confirmatory factor analysis). I reveal two patterns of comorbidity in disease subgroups of a specific co-occurring condition across a community sample of older adults and in age and gender subsamples. First, as structural model indicators, depressive symptoms may display different synergies as they cluster within a disease subgroup of diabetes and a specific co-occurring condition. As measurement model indicators, depressive symptoms capture non-synergistic clustering within the disease subgroup. Second, diabetes may mediate the co-occurring condition when depressive symptoms lack synergies but cluster within the disease subgroup. Researchers should distinguish both comorbidity patterns, which have different implications. I offer insights for adaptive modeling, conceptualizing and screening symptom clusters, metabolomics, and economic or social monitoring.
Gravitational Waves, Event Horizons and Black Hole Observation: A New Frontier in Fundamental Physics
Authors: Giammarchi Marco , Ricci Fulvio
Published: October 2022

The observation of supermassive black holes by the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration and the detection of gravitational waves emitted during the merging phase of compact binary objects to stellar-mass black holes by the LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA collaboration constitute major achievements of modern science. Gravitational wave signals emitted by stellar-mass black holes are being used to test general relativity in an unprecedented way in the regime of strong gravitational fields, as well as to address other physics questions such as the formation of heavy elements or the Hawking Area Theorem. These discoveries require further research in order to answer critical questions about the population density and the formation processes of binary systems. The detection of supermassive black holes considerably extends the range of scientific investigation by making it possible to probe the structure of spacetime around the horizon of the central mass of our galaxy as well as other galaxies. The huge amount of information collected by the VLBI worldwide network will be used to investigate general relativity in a further range of physical conditions. These investigations hold the potential to pave the way for the detection of quantum-mechanical effects such as a possible graviton mass. In this paper we will review, in a cursory way, some of the results of both the LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA and the EHT collaborations.
Programmable Proteins: Target Specificity, Programmability and Future Directions
Authors: Yamagata Masahito
Published: October 2022

Programmable proteins to detect, visualize, modulate, or eliminate proteins of selection in vitro and in vivo are essential to study the targets recognized and the biology that follows. The specificity of programmable proteins can be easily altered by designing their sequences and structures. The flexibility and modularity of these proteins are currently pivotal for synthetic biology and various medical applications. There exist numerous reviews of the concept and application of individual programmable proteins, such as programmable nucleases, single-domain antibodies, and other protein scaffolds. This review proposes an expanded conceptual framework of such programmable proteins based on their programmable principle and target specificity to biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, and glycans) and overviews their advantages, limitations, and future directions.
Application of Sine Cosine Egret Swarm Optimization Algorithm in Gas Turbine Cooling System
Authors: Li Tianyi , Liu Yanmei , Chen Zhen
Published: October 2022

Gas turbine cooling system is a typical multivariable, strongly coupled, nonlinear, and uncertain MIMO system. In order to solve the control problem of pressure, flow, and temperature of the system, an intelligent approach is necessary and more appropriate. The current system control mainly depends on the experience of the staff, which exists problems such as high labor intensity, low work efficiency and low control accuracy. Lack of accurate models make parameters tune difficultly, and ordinary control methods are difficult to control complex gas turbine cooling system. In this paper, the system transfer function model is built based on the field data obtained under different working conditions and system identification method. The diagonal matrix decoupling method is used to weaken the correlation between variables and achieve independent control among variables. When optimizing the parameters of the controller, Sine Cosine Egret Swarm Optimization Algorithm is proposed. Egret Swarm Optimization Algorithm is composed of Sit-And-Wait strategy, random walk, and encirclement strategy. The sit-and-wait strategy is prone to premature convergence, which makes the optimized parameters unsuitable for gas turbine cooling system. Sine Cosine Algorithm is introduced to randomly use the sine-cosine function for the pseudo-gradient of the weights of the observation equation, thus expanding the search range of the population. Friedman tests prove that the deviation of SE-ESOA is within the allowable range. The results show that the result of Sine Cosine Egret Swarm Optimization Algorithm is more stable and accurate, and it is more suitable for gas turbine cooling system, which solve the pressure, flow, and temperature control problems of complex systems.
Effects of Different Concentrations of Oil Mist Particulate Matter on Pulmonary Fibrosis In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Nie Huipeng , Liu Huanliang , Shi Yue , Lai Wenqing , Liu Xuan , Xi Zhuge , Lin Bencheng
Published: October 2022

Oil-mist particulate matter (OMPM) refers to oily particles with a small aerodynamic equivalent diameter in ambient air. Since the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has not been fully elucidated, this study aims to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of the adverse effects of exposure to OMPM at different concentrations in vivo and in vitro on PF. In this study, rats and cell lines were treated with different concentrations of OMPM in vivo and in vitro. Sirius Red staining analysis shows that OMPM exposure could cause pulmonary lesions and fibrosis symptoms. The expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and collagen I was increased in the lung tissue of rats. The activities of MMP2 and TIMP1 were unbalanced, and increased N-Cadherin and decreased E-Cadherin upon OMPM exposure in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, OMPM exposure could activate the TGF-β1/Smad3 and TGF-β1/MAPK p38 signaling pathways, and the differentiation of human lung fibroblast HFL-1 cells. Therefore, OMPM exposure could induce PF by targeting the lung epithelium and fibroblasts, and activating the TGF-β1/Smad3 and TGF-β1/MAPK p38 signaling pathways.
(Eco)Toxicology of Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins: From Environmental Dynamics to Adverse Effects
Authors: Vilar Mauro , Ferrão-Filho Aloysio
Published: October 2022

The problem of artificial eutrophication, together with the effects of climate changes has led to an increase in the frequency of the occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms [...]
Remediating Garden Soils: EDTA-Soil Washing and Safe Vegetable Production in Raised Bed Gardens
Authors: Noller Christoph , Friesl-Hanl Wolfgang , Hood-Nowotny Rebecca , Watzinger Andrea
Published: October 2022

Soil remediation is an important practice in the restoration of heavy metal-contaminated soils and reduce the heavy metal exposure of the local population. Here, we investigated the effect of an ex-situ soil washing technique, based on ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a chelating agent, on a contaminated Cambisol. Lead, Cd and Zn were investigated in different soil fractions, drainage water and four vegetables from August 2019 to March 2021. Three treatments consisting of (C) contaminated soil, (W) washed soil and (WA) washed soil amended with vermicompost and biochar were investigated in an outdoor raised bed set up. Our results showed that the total and bioavailable metal fractions were significantly reduced but failed to meet Austrian national guideline values. Initial concentrations in the soil leachate increased significantly, especially for Cd. Vegetables grown on the remediated soil took up significantly lower amounts of all heavy metals and were further reduced by the organic amendment, attaining acceptable values within EU guideline values for food safety. Only spinach exceeded the thresholds in all soil treatments. The increase in soil pH and nutrient availability led to significantly higher vegetable yields.
Evolution of Pollution Levels from COVID-19 Lockdown to Post-Lockdown over India
Authors: Tyagi Bhishma , Vissa Naresh Krishna , Ghude Sachin D.
Published: October 2022

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the administration to lock down in many countries globally to stop the spread. As the lockdown phase had only the emergency use of transportation and most of the industries were shut down, there was an apparent reduction in pollution. With the end of the lockdown period, pollution is returning to its regular emission in most places. Though the background was abnormally low in emissions (during the lockdown phase) and the reduced pollution changed the radiation balance in the northern hemispheric summer period, a modified pollution pattern is possible during the unlock phases of 2020. The present study analysed the unlock 1 and 2 stages (June–July) of the COVID-19 lockdown over India. The rainfall, surface temperature and cloud cover anomalies of 2020 for understanding the differences in pollutants variation were also analysed. The unlock phases show remarkable differences in trends and mean variations of pollutants over the Indian region compared to climatological variations. The results indicated changing high-emission regions over India to climatological variations and identified an AOD dipole with future emissions over India.