bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing Interconnected Microporous Structures in Carbon by Homogeneous Activation as a Sustainable Electrode Material for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Huijie , Ma Rui , Chen Feifei , Wang Danting , Zhang Hongmin , Lu Chunyang
Published: September 2023

Microporous carbon attracts attention as an electrode material for supercapacitors. However, a large number of deep and distorted mesoporous and macroporous structures are usually created by non-uniform etching, resulting in underutilized internal space. Homogeneous activation has been considered by researchers as a necessary condition for the formation of interconnected microporous structures in carbon materials. Herein, a simple strategy of hydrothermal introduction of defects followed by homogeneous activation for the preparation of microporous carbon was developed for the synthesis of electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors. The optimized sample with defect-enriched microporous structure and large specific surface area has a specific capacity of 315 F g−1 (1 A g−1) in KOH solution, and the assembled symmetric supercapacitor achieves a high energy density of 7.3 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 250 W kg−1. This work is interesting because it not only demonstrates that rational design of electrode materials is important to boost the performance of supercapacitors, but also provides inspiration for the design of efficient supercapacitors in the future.
Ultra-Processed Food as Mediator of the Association between Birthweight and Childhood Body Weight Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hou Min , Qiu Chao
Published: September 2023

Previous studies have shown conflicting findings regarding the association between birthweight and childhood adiposity. We aimed to explore the interaction between ultra-processed food (UPF) and birthweight and its associations with bodyweight markers. The retrospective analysis of data from a Multicity Cohort Study across eastern China was conducted. UPF was computed as percentage of the energy intake and categorized into quartiles. Birthweight was categorized into low (LBW), normal (NBW) and high (HBW). The BMI z-score was calculated using the lambda-mu-sigma method. The sex- and age-specific BMI cutoff points were used to define weight status. Generalized linear models were used to examine modification effects and were performed after adjustment for covariates. The mean percentage of energy intake from UPF was 27.7% among 1370 children. Of all children, 2.3% and 21.4% were born with LBW and HBW, respectively. HBW was a permanent risk for high BMI measures, while LBW was associated with increased BMI measurements only by the addition of the interaction term. The subgroup analysis revealed that HBW and LBW were positively associated with BMI measurements in the lowest UPF intake (Q1), while HBW was related to high BMI measures in Q4. Our findings support efforts to recommend limiting UPF intake, especially for LBW children.
Nutritional Risk of Candidates for Simultaneous Pancreatic–Kidney Transplantation—A Narrative Review
Authors: Mizerska Agnieszka , Durlik Marek , Kędzierska-Kapuza Karolina
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Not much is known about the significance of nutritional status and support in transplant surgery, least of all in simultaneous pancreatic and kidney transplantation. Malnutrition in the context of simultaneous pancreatic–kidney transplantation seems to be complex and a still poorly investigated problem. Since SPKTX is highly qualified and also has a small volume procedure, it is difficult to obtain data from large cohorts of patients. The aim of this article is to gather existing evidence and information about the subject, as well as to elicit some questions and goals for the future. Methods: We searched through the Pub-Med database using the keywords “pancreas and kidney transplantation” combined with “nutritional risk”, “nutritional status”, “malnutrition”, “nutritional intervention”, and “frailty”, finding a total of 4103 matching results. We then narrowed it down to articles written in English with the full text available. We also researched through the references of articles most accurately matching our researched terms. Results: There are numerous tools that have been investigated for the screening of malnutrition, such as the NRI index, PNI index, NLR, SGA scale, and NRS-2002 scale, each of which proved to be of some use in predicting patient outcomes in different surgical settings. Since all of them differed in components and assessed parameters and, in the absence of more sensitive or infallible indicators, the most reasonable approach seems to evaluate them jointly. Conclusion: It is important to underline the necessity of nutritional screening and the subsequent introduction of adequate therapy while awaiting transplantation in an attempt to improve results. Considering the complexity of surgical procedures and the severity of underlying diseases with their intense metabolic components, the patient’s nutritional status seems to significantly influence results. Consequently, nutritional risk assessments should be a part of the routine care of patients qualified for transplantation.
Is Increasing Diet Diversity of Animal-Source Foods Related to Better Health-Related Quality of Life among Chinese Men and Women?
Authors: Jing Hui , Teng Yuxin , Chacha Samuel , Wang Ziping , Shi Guoshuai , Mi Baibing , Zhang Binyan , Cai Jiaxin , Liu Yezhou , Li Qiang , Shen Yuan , Yang Jiaomei , Kang Yijun , Li Shanshan , Liu Danmeng , Wang Duolao , Yan Hong , Dang Shaonong
Published: September 2023

Diet plays a crucial role in regulating individuals’ lifestyles and is closely related to health. The intake of animal-sourced foods (ASF) provides the human body with high-quality protein and various micronutrients. This study aimed to investigate whether the diversity of animal foods has a positive impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among residents. The data came from the Shaanxi baseline survey of the Northwest Chinese Regional Ethnic Cohort Study, which recruited more than 100 thousand participants aged 35 to 74 from five provinces between June 2018 and May 2019. A total of 39,997 participants in Shaanxi (mean age: 50 years; 64% women) were finally included in this current study. The animal source food diet diversity score (ASFDDS) was established based on the frequency of consuming pork, mutton, beef, poultry, seafood, eggs, pure milk, and yogurt. The physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS), ranging from 0 to 100 on the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), were used to assess participants’ HRQoL. Better PCS/MCS was defined as scores higher than the 90th percentile. The results showed that men had a higher intake of ASF and ASFDDS than women. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with those who never or rarely consumed animal foods, the likelihood of having better PCS and MCS increased by 16% (OR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.01–1.34) and 24% (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.03–1.448), respectively, in men with an ASFDDS ≥ 2. In women, a 34% increase (OR = l.34, 95%CI: 116–l.54) likelihood for better PCS was observed for an ASFDDS ≥ 2, but no association was observed for MCS. Increasing each specific animal source’s food intake was associated with better PCS after adjusting for all covariates. However, for MCS, positive associations were only observed in seafood consumption among men and eggs among women. Restricted cubic splines showed a substantial dose-response association between intake frequency of animal-source foods and PCS, both in men and women. The study suggests that a diverse intake of animal-sourced foods can potentially improve the HRQoL of Chinese adults.
Transcriptomics Reveals the Mechanism of Rosa roxburghii Tratt Ellagitannin in Improving Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disorder in db/db Mice
Authors: Tan Yunyun , Tan Shuming , Ren Tingyuan , Yu Lu , Li Pei , Xie Guofang , Chen Chao , Yuan Meng , Xu Qing , Chen Zhen
Published: September 2023

A complex metabolic disorder, type 2 diabetes, was investigated to explore the impact of ellagitannin, derived from Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RTT), on liver lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice. The findings demonstrated that both RTT ellagitannin (C1) and RTT ellagic acid (C4) considerably decelerated body mass gain in db/db mice, significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, and mitigated the aggregation of hepatic lipid droplets. At LDL-C levels, C1 performed substantially better than the C4 group, exhibiting no significant difference compared to the P (positive control) group. An RNA-seq analysis further disclosed that 1245 differentially expressed genes were identified in the livers of experimental mice following the C1 intervention. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that, under ellagitannin intervention, numerous differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in fatty acid metabolic processes, the PPAR signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, fatty acid synthesis, and other lipid metabolism-related pathways. The qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis results indicated that RTT ellagitannin notably upregulated the gene and protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). In contrast, it downregulated the gene and protein expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP), recombinant fatty acid synthase (FASN), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Therefore, RTT ellagitannin can activate the PPAR signaling pathway, inhibit fatty acid uptake and de novo synthesis, and ameliorate hepatic lipid metabolism disorder in db/db mice, thus potentially aiding in maintaining lipid homeostasis in type 2 diabetes.
Role of Malnutrition in Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Study including Individuals ≥ 75 Years of Age
Authors: Göçer Kemal , Öztürk Bayram
Published: September 2023

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common rhythm disorder in the elderly. The AF can cause life-threatening thromboembolic complications. Therefore, there is a need to determine the risk factors of AF. In this study, we aimed to examine the association of markers of malnutrition with AF in individuals aged 75 years and older and to find the factors that may affect mortality. Methods: In this prospective study, 358 consecutive individuals aged 75 years and older presenting to the cardiology outpatient clinic were included. All participants were divided into AF and sinus rhythm (SR) groups. In addition, a questionnaire and scoring system were used to assess malnutrition status. Information was obtained from all patients through outpatient clinic visits or telephone interviews for one year. Death from any cause was considered as the endpoint. Results: AF was observed in 71 (19.8%) patients. Death was higher in patients with AF (p < 0.001), high CONUT score (p = 0.018), and GLIM malnutrition (p = 0.018). GLIM malnutrition caused a 2.8-fold increase in the development of AF. Conclusions: Screening for malnutrition in the elderly is essential. According to GLIM criteria, malnutrition may play a role in the development of AF and increase one-year mortality in the elderly.
Recent Advances in Application of Alkoxy Radical in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Ali Munsaf , Sewell Shi , Li Juncheng , Wang Ting
Published: September 2023

Alkoxy radicals have been identified as versatile intermediates in synthetic chemistry in the last few decades. Over the last decade, various catalytic processes for the in situ generation of alkoxy radicals have been explored, leading to the development of new synthetic methodologies based on alkoxy radicals. In this review, we provided a comprehensive review of recent developments in the utilization of alkoxy radicals in diverse organic transformations, natural product synthesis, and the late-stage modification of bioactive molecules through the implementation of the photoredox methodology.
Dapagliflozin/Hesperidin Combination Mitigates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease in Rats
Authors: Abd Elmaaboud Maaly A. , Estfanous Remon S. , Atef Aliaa , Kabel Ahmed M. , Alnemari Khalid A. , Naguib Tamer M. , Alsufyani Shuruq E. , Darwish Hany W. , Arab Hany H.
Published: September 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disorders worldwide. Its pathologic features include massive neuroinflammation with abnormal deposition of β-amyloid peptide in the cerebral tissues leading to degeneration of the brain neurons. Adverse effects associated with the traditional drugs used for the treatment of this pathological condition have directed the research efforts towards searching for alternative effective agents with minimal adverse effects. The aim of this study was to elucidate the potential ameliorative effects of dapagliflozin and/or hesperidin on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in rats. In a rodent model of AD, the effect of dapagliflozin with or without hesperidin on the biochemical parameters and the behavioral tests as well as the histopathological parameters was determined. Each of dapagliflozin and hesperidin restored the behavioral tests to the reference values, augmented the antioxidant defense mechanisms, ameliorated the neuronal inflammatory responses, combatted the changes in Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4)/High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein signaling and receptors of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) levels, and restored the balance between the apoptotic signals and autophagy in the hippocampal tissues. Additionally, both agents exhibited an outstanding ability to combat LPS-induced perturbations in the histopathological and electron microscopic image of the brain tissues. These favorable effects were significantly encountered in the group treated with dapagliflozin/hesperidin combination when compared versus animals treated with either dapagliflozin or hesperidin. In conclusion, inhibition of the hippocampal HMGB1/TLR4/RAGE signaling, the pro-inflammatory axis, and apoptosis alongside augmentation of the antioxidant defenses and autophagy can be regarded as beneficial effects by which dapagliflozin/hesperidin combination may combat LPS-triggered AD.
Antioxidant Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Rodrigues Junior José Israel , Vasconcelos Joice Kelly Gomes de , Xavier Lylian Ellen Militão dos Santos , Gomes Amanda da Silva , Santos Juliana Célia de Farias , Campos Samara Bomfim Gomes , Martins Amylly Sanuelly da Paz , Goulart Marília Oliveira Fonseca , Moura Fabiana Andréa
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases in modulating oxidative stress biomarkers and cytokine levels. A systematic review of clinical trials was conducted, searching electronic databases including PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. After excluding articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria, 19 studies were included in the systematic review and 8 in the meta-analysis (6 for antioxidant capacity, 6 for superoxide dismutase (SOD), and 5 for lipid peroxidation analyzed through malondialdehyde (MDA) levels). SOD was significantly modulated (RR = 0.3764, 95% CI [0.0262 to 0.7267], p = 0.035) but not antioxidant capacity (RR = 0.3424, 95% CI [0.0334 to 0.7183], p = 0.0742) or MDA (RR = −0.8534, 95% CI [−1.9333 to 0.2265], p = 0.1214). Nonetheless, studies investigating oxidative stress biomarkers and cytokines in the context of alternative therapies for IBD treatment are still scarce. This review highlights the potential of antioxidant supplementation in IBD management and underscores the need for further investigations into its effects on oxidative stress biomarkers and cytokines to improve therapeutic approaches for IBD patients.
Unraveling the Neuroprotective Effect of Natural Bioactive Compounds Involved in the Modulation of Ischemic Stroke by Network Pharmacology
Authors: Gomez-Verjan Juan Carlos , Zepeda-Arzate Emmanuel Alejandro , Santiago-de-la-Cruz José Alberto , Estrella-Parra Edgar Antonio , Rivero-Segura Nadia Alejandra
Published: September 2023

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It is characterized by the partial or total occlusion of arteries that supply blood to the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. In recent years, natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) have shown properties that ameliorate the injury after IS and improve the patient’s outcome, which has proven to be a potential therapeutic strategy due to their neuroprotective effects. Hence, in the present study, we use both systems pharmacology and chemoinformatic analyses to identify which NBCs have the most potential to be used against IS in clinics. Our results identify that flavonoids and terpenoids are the most studied NBCs, and, mainly, salidrosides, ginkgolides A, B, C, and K, cordycepin, curcumin, baicalin, resveratrol, fucose, and cannabidiol, target the main pathological processes occurring in IS. However, the medicinal chemistry properties of such compounds demonstrate that only six fulfill such criteria. However, only cordycepin and salidroside possess properties as leader molecules, suggesting that these compounds may be considered in developing novel drugs against IS.
Ultrasound-Responsive Nanobubbles for Combined siRNA-Cerium Oxide Nanoparticle Delivery to Bone Cells
Authors: Sotoudeh Bagha Pedram , Kolanthai Elayaraja , Wei Fei , Neal Craig J. , Kumar Udit , Braun Gillian , Coathup Melanie , Seal Sudipta , Razavi Mehdi
Published: September 2023

This study aims to present an ultrasound-mediated nanobubble (NB)-based gene delivery system that could potentially be applied in the future to treat bone disorders such as osteoporosis. NBs are sensitive to ultrasound (US) and serve as a controlled-released carrier to deliver a mixture of Cathepsin K (CTSK) siRNA and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs). This platform aimed to reduce bone resorption via downregulating CTSK expression in osteoclasts and enhance bone formation via the antioxidant and osteogenic properties of CeNPs. CeNPs were synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The mixture of CTSK siRNA and CeNPs was adsorbed to the surface of NBs using a sonication method. The release profiles of CTSK siRNA and CeNPs labeled with a fluorescent tag molecule were measured after low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation using fluorescent spectroscopy. The maximum release of CTSK siRNA and the CeNPs for 1 mg/mL of NB-(CTSK siRNA + CeNPs) was obtained at 2.5 nM and 1 µg/mL, respectively, 3 days after LIPUS stimulation. Then, Alizarin Red Staining (ARS) was applied to human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was applied to human osteoclast precursors (OCP) to evaluate osteogenic promotion and osteoclastogenic inhibition effects. A higher mineralization and a lower number of osteoclasts were quantified for NB-(CTSK siRNA + CeNPs) versus control +RANKL with ARS (p < 0.001) and TRAP-positive staining (p < 0.01). This study provides a method for the delivery of gene silencing siRNA and CeNPs using a US-sensitive NB system that could potentially be used in vivo and in the treatment of bone fractures and disorders such as osteoporosis.
How Anxious and Stressed Are Emerging Adults? The Role of Mindfulness and Intolerance of Uncertainty
Authors: Nekić Marina
Published: September 2023

The focus on mental health during emerging adulthood (EA) is necessary due to the development of mental disorders before the age of 25 and the adverse effects of stress and anxiety on psychological well-being. Mindfulness has been shown to aid in coping with stress and anxiety, while intolerance of uncertainty can lead to higher distress levels. The aim of this research was to explore the prevalence and interrelationships between anxiety, stress, intolerance of uncertainty, and mindfulness, as well as potential gender differences. The study involved 425 emerging adults, with a majority of female participants. Anxiety and stress levels were found to be mild, with anxiety tending towards a moderate level in women. Gender differences were observed solely within the dimensions of intolerance of uncertainty, with women displaying higher levels of intolerance. For women, all of the measured variables correlated as expected; stress and anxiety showed moderate positive relationships with the dimensions of intolerance of uncertainty but negative ones with mindfulness. Furthermore, the dimensions of intolerance of uncertainty were negatively correlated with mindfulness in the female sample. Whereas for men, only anxiety and stress correlated positively, and stress also exhibited a negative relationship with mindfulness. Additionally, the dimensions of intolerance of uncertainty showed low negative correlations with mindfulness. Significant predictors for anxiety were inhibitory anxiety, as one of the dimensions of intolerance of uncertainty and mindfulness. On the other hand, all of the measured predictors were statistically significant for stress, indicating that being intolerant of uncertainty and less mindful were associated with higher stress levels. An identifying factor contributing to anxiety and stress during EA, for both men and women, is essential because it increases our understanding, which may lead to more efficient prevention and treatment strategies.
A Multi-Scale Convolution and Multi-Layer Fusion Network for Remote Sensing Forest Tree Species Recognition
Authors: Hou Jinjing , Zhou Houkui , Hu Junguo , Yu Huimin , Hu Haoji
Published: September 2023

Forest tree species identification in the field of remote sensing has become an important research topic. Currently, few research methods combine global and local features, making it challenging to accurately handle the similarity between different categories. Moreover, using a single deep layer for feature extraction overlooks the unique feature information at intermediate levels. This paper proposes a remote sensing image forest tree species classification method based on the Multi-Scale Convolution and Multi-Level Fusion Network (MCMFN) architecture. In the MCMFN network, the Shallow Multi-Scale Convolution Attention Combination (SMCAC) module replaces the original 7 × 7 convolution at the first layer of ResNet-50. This module uses multi-scale convolution to capture different receptive fields, and combines it with the attention mechanism to effectively enhance the ability of shallow features and obtain richer feature information. Additionally, to make efficient use of intermediate and deep-level feature information, the Multi-layer Selection Feature Fusion (MSFF) module is employed to improve classification accuracy. Experimental results on the Aerial forest dataset demonstrate a classification accuracy of 91.03%. The comprehensive experiments indicate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed MCMFN network.
Optimal Pair Selection Applied to Sentinel-2 Images for Mapping Ground Deformation Using Pixel Offset Tracking: A Case Study of the 2022 Menyuan Earthquake (Mw 6.9), China
Authors: Wang Xiaowen , Wu Siqi , Cai Jiaxin , Liu Guoxiang
Published: September 2023

Pixel Offset Tracking (POT) for optical imagery is a widely used method for extracting large-scale ground deformation. However, the influence of imaging parameters on the measurement accuracy of POT is still unclear. In this study, based on 16 pairs of Sentinel-2 images covering the period before and after the Ms6.9 Menyuan earthquake in 2022, we quantitatively assessed the effects of imaging bands, time intervals between image pairs, and differences in solar zenith angles on the measurement accuracy of optical POT. The results showed that the quality of ground deformation extracted using the near-infrared band was superior to other bands. The accuracy of optical POT measurements exhibited a negative correlation with both the time interval between image pairs and the differences in solar zenith angles. The maximum difference in optical POT measurement accuracy for the near-infrared band between image pairs with different time intervals (5/10/15 days) reached 30.3%, while the maximum difference in deformation measurement accuracy for pairs with different solar zenith angle differences was 30.56%. Utilizing the optimal POT image pair, the accuracy of co-seismic deformation measurement for the Menyuan earthquake improved by 48.3% compared to the worst image pair. The maximum co-seismic horizontal displacement caused by the earthquake was estimated to be 3.00 ± 0.51 m.
The Impact of Urbanization on the Supply–Demand Relationship of Ecosystem Services in the Yangtze River Middle Reaches Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Gong Jie , Dai Xin , Wang Lunche , Niu Zigeng , Cao Qian , Huang Chunbo
Published: September 2023

The urbanization process can alter the structure of urban land use and result in variations in urban ecosystem services (ESs). Researching the driving mechanism of multi-level indicators of urbanization on the supply and demand of ESs can enhance our understanding of the ecological and environmental impacts of urbanization. This study investigates the driving mechanisms underlying the relationship between urbanization and the supply–demand dynamics of ecosystem services (ESs) in the Yangtze River Middle Reaches Urban Agglomeration (YRMRUA). First, we assessed the variation in the key ESs (food production, carbon storage, and culture service) from 2000 to 2019 at both city and provincial levels. Second, ES demand and the supply–demand index (SDI) were calculated utilizing socioeconomic indicators. The Geographical Detector model was applied to analyze the individual and combined effects of urbanization on the supply and SDI of ESs. The results showed that an increase in areas of supply and demand was unbalanced in the YRMRUA from 2000 to 2019, with a predominant concentration observed in the provincial capital cities. Scale urbanization exhibits the most substantial influence on the SDI, with a q-value of 0.6, while land urbanization exerts the most pronounced effect on ES supply, with a q-value of 0.7. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the combined effect of urbanization on ESs surpasses the individual effect, with q-values exceeding 0.5. The interaction between scale urbanization and other indicators has the greatest impact on the SDI of carbon storage. Population and economic urbanization exhibit a more substantial impact on food production and cultural service compared to other primary indicators. Simultaneously, the joint effects of secondary indicators between per capita living area and per capita road area have a greater impact on ES supply than other secondary indicators. These findings illustrate that urbanization indicators are not independent of each other, but have a combined effect. Furthermore, the urbanization process in the YRMRUA has exhibited a gradual deceleration, leading to a diminishing influence on ESs. This study can contribute to the comprehension of urbanization and ESs when dealing with the conflict between urban development and ecological sustainability.
Exploring the Project Owner’s Behaviour of Addressing Sustainability in Project Assignment and Governance
Authors: Silvius Gilbert , Ursem Ronald , Magano José
Published: September 2023

The instrumental role of projects in the transition of organisations and society towards sustainability requires that the concepts of sustainability are considered in projects and project management. Within a project’s organisation, the project manager and the project owner bear the most responsibility for integrating sustainability into the execution, management, and governance of the project. The project owner is expected to translate the organisation’s commitment to sustainability into the assignment and governance of the project. However, several factors influence the behaviour of project owners, of which the organisation’s strategy is only one. Following the studies that explored the stimulus of project managers to consider or address sustainability, this study explored the factors that influence the project owner’s behaviour with regard to addressing sustainability in assigning and governing a project. A survey-based study with quantitative data analysis identified three factors that stimulate the project owners to address sustainability in assigning and governing projects: Organisational attitude, Private attitude, and Practical implementation. Of these factors, Practical implementation and Organisational attitude have the most influence. The importance of the Practical implementation factor highlights the need for practical, applicable tools and instruments that support the implementation of sustainability into projects and project management. The strong orientation on the organisational context may be explained by the managerial responsibility that project owners often have. The study contributes to the further understanding of how organisations can realise their transition to a sustainable enterprise.
Boosting Innovation Performance through Big Data Analytics Powered by Artificial Intelligence Use: An Empirical Exploration of the Role of Strategic Agility and Market Turbulence
Authors: Alghamdi Omar. A. , Agag Gomaa
Published: September 2023

Scholars and practitioners have paid attention to the critical role of big data analytics driven by AI in enhancing business performance. However, firms investing in big data analytics often fail to achieve those advantages. Our research explores the critical role played by strategic agility and market turbulence on the link between big data analytics driven by AI and innovation performance. Based on dynamic capabilities view, we developed an integrated model to examine the relationship between our study variables. We utilized a quantitative approach to collect data from manufacturing companies in Saudi Arabia. We employed structural equation modelling (SEM) through AMOS 26.0 to analyze and test the study hypotheses. Our findings indicated that big data analytics driven by AI have a significant impact on strategic agility and innovation performance. It also revealed that strategic agility mediates the relationship between big data analytics driven by AI and innovation performance. The results also showed that higher levels of market turbulence are associated with more robust connections between big data analytics, strategic agility, and innovation performance. Our work provides managers with meaningful implications on the value that organizations can create through the use of big data analytics and strategic agility.
Measuring Circularity in Cities: A Review of the Scholarly and Grey Literature in Search of Evidence-Based, Measurable and Actionable Indicators
Authors: Kapoor Kartik , Amydala Nikhil Sayi , Ambooken Anubhav , Scheinberg Anne
Published: September 2023

Circularity in cities is key to Earth’s sustainable and resource-efficient future. In contrast to the broad framework of circular economy, circularity is a technical concept associated with avoiding disposal and prolonging the useful life of products and materials, and thereby extracting fewer resources. In search of metrics and indicators to measure the impacts of circular processes in cities in real time, the authors reviewed the literature on the circular economy and circularity, in search of evidence-based circularity indicators suitable for cities to use to benchmark the environmental and climate benefits of six waste prevention cascades. This paper reports on a systematic literature review using the PRISMA protocol to screen, evaluate, and review published and grey literature sources. From more than 15,000 papers screened, after application of criteria, fewer than 25 papers were found that presented evidence-based, measurable, and actionable indicators or indicator sets for benchmarking the performance of circular processes in cities. The authors concluded that the practical commitment to evidence-based tracking of circularity (in cities) is weak. Practical progress towards a circular economy and physical and economic circularity will require stakeholders to strengthen and test the very small number of indicators and indicator sets that are relevant and useful for cities and regions to use for measuring their progress towards becoming more circular, and increase evidence-based monitoring for circularity and the circular economy.
Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility, Green Talent Management, and Organization’s Sustainable Performance in the Banking Sector of Oman: The Role of Innovative Work Behavior and Green Performance
Authors: Umair Sonia , Waqas Umair , Mrugalska Beata , Al Shamsi Ibrahim Rashid
Published: September 2023

While moving towards sustainable performance, organizations try to create a win-win situation not only for the organization itself but for the planet and society as well. The main aim of this study is to examine the linkage between environmental corporate social responsibility (ECSR), green talent management (GTM), and organization’s sustainable performance. The study also investigates the impact of ECSR and GTM towards sustainable performance through transformational leadership, employees’ innovative work behavior (IWB), and green performance (GP). The results of the present study show that ECSR directly influences the sustainable performance and GTM of an organization. Similarly, green hard and soft talent management (TM) both have direct and positive links with employees’ IWB and GP. Another important finding is the significant and direct relationship of both IWB and GP of employees towards the sustainable performance of an organization. The moderating role of transformational leadership exerts a significant moderating influence between green hard TM and IWB. However, the moderating role of transformational leadership between green soft TM and IWB and the moderating role of transformational leadership between GTM and employee’s GP proves insignificant. The findings of this study can help the organizations to understand the importance of engaging in environmentally sustainable activities and to support and recognize the significance of green values and competencies within their employees.
Proxy Voting for Future Generations: A Laboratory Experiment Using the General Public
Authors: Miyake Kentaro , Hizen Yoichi , Saijo Tatsuyoshi
Published: September 2023

To realize policies that benefit the youth and future generations, discussions are being held on how to give the votes of children who are currently ineligible to vote, and even future unborn generations, to their parents or voters of the present generation to vote as their proxies. To examine the effect of proxy voting on future-friendly choices, we conducted a laboratory experiment with the general public, including parents. Participants were assigned the roles of present and future generations, and the present-generation participants voted on allocating payoffs between generations. Proxy votes for future-generation participants were granted to some present-generation participants. We found that proxy voting did not increase the proportion of votes for future-friendly choices compared to the case without proxy votes, which is consistent with previous studies involving university students. We also observed that the older the participants, the more likely they were to vote for future-friendly choices. Once age was controlled for, parents were less likely than non-parents to vote for future-friendly choices. From a consequentialist perspective, these results suggest that we should add a twist to proxy voting, examine non-proxy voting methods, or explore other measures.
Study on Spatial and Temporal Differences of Water Resource Sustainable Development and Its Influencing Factors in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Ding Yi , Li Xia , Wang Di , Xu Jianming , Yu Yang
Published: September 2023

This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the spatial and temporal variations of water resource carrying capacity (WRCC) and its influencing factors in the significant Yellow River Basin in China. Combining the composite weighting TOPSIS method with geographic detector analysis, the water resource carrying capacity index for nine provinces within the Yellow River Basin was evaluated from 2005 to 2021. The results reveal a continuous upward trend in water resource carrying capacity in the Yellow River Basin, with significant improvements attributed to increased investment in scientific research, enhanced water use efficiency, proactive water resource management, and environmental protection measures. The study also identified differences in water resource carrying capacity among provinces, highlighting the significant impact of factors such as economic development, population density, industrial wastewater discharge, and precipitation. The findings underscore the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Specifically, Inner Mongolia and Ningxia provinces showed remarkable progress, while Qinghai and Sichuan provinces exhibited slower growth, primarily due to geographical location and industrial development status. Based on these findings, it is recommended that research investment be strengthened, economic structures be optimized, water resource management be improved, and environmental protection measures be enhanced.
Determination and Evaluation of Landslide-Prone Regions of Isparta (Turkey): An Urban Planning View
Authors: Uluç Keçik Aynur , Çiftçi Canan , Eren Şirin Gülcen , Tepecik Diş Aslı , Rizzo Agatino
Published: September 2023

Landslides represent a significant hazard affecting human life and property and threaten the sustainability of human settlements. They are among the most critical threats after earthquakes in Turkey. In 2020, 107 landslide events occurred in Turkey. Implementing proper policies, strategies, and tools for landslide risk mitigation remains challenging for urban planning institutions. In the plan preparation phase, urban planners and plan-making authorities, agencies, or institutions may overlook landslide risks due to a lack of data or related studies. Therefore, this article aims to develop a novel spatial analysis for identifying landslide-prone areas at the provincial level from an urban planning perspective. The analysis is compared to the approved upper-scale plan, and the results are used to build a more robust understanding of landslide risks for sustainable urban development. Isparta Province is selected as the study area, as it has active landslide areas. The methods used include a literature survey including internet sources, newspapers, plans, articles, and other research projects and a case study utilizing a GIS spatial analysis. The spatial analysis using GIS is based on three landslide inventories currently available in Turkey. This spatial analysis is developed to determine landslide-prone regions by considering thematic layers, triggering factors, and vulnerability inputs. As a result of this analysis, five landslide-prone areas in Isparta Province are determined. When these regions are compared to the upper-scale plan that covers the province, it is found that land use and planning decisions have neglected landslide risks, and urban areas are at high landslide risk. Several specific principles and strategies, such as a spatial inventory database and an integrated planning approach including landslide-prone areas, are stated with a reliable spatial analysis to assess landslide-prone areas on a regional scale, which can be applied later in any city and region of Turkey.
Influence of Optimum Particle Packing on the Macro and Micro Properties of Sustainable Concrete
Authors: Abushama Wisam J. , Tamimi Adil K. , Tabsh Sami W. , El-Emam Magdi M. , Ibrahim Ahmad , Mohammed Ali Taghreed Kh
Published: September 2023

In this research, the possibility of making eco-friendly concrete from available materials in the local United Arab Emirates (UAE) market was investigated. Supplementary cementitious materials, such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and silica fume (SF), were utilized for decreasing the cement quantity, enhancing the particle size distribution and improving packing. In sum, 130 concrete specimens—cubes, cylinders, and prisms—from 10 different concrete mixes were tested to determine the enhancement levels in the fresh and hard properties of new concrete. The results showed the improved particle packing of the concrete, especially within the region of sizes 100–10,000 microns, produced by the Elkem Materials Mix Analyser (EMMA), closely matching the Andreassen theoretical model. The green concrete incorporating SF and GGBS possessed air content in the range 1.0–1.4% and compressive strength that is on average 11% higher than the well-packed concrete that did not contain SF or GGBS. Compared to the ACI 318 code’s predictions, the experimental findings of the optimally packed concrete’s moduli of rupture and elasticity were under-estimated by 55–69% and 0.8–8.8%, respectively. The rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) showed results as low as 392 coulombs for mixes with supplementary cementitious materials, indicating very low chloride permeability. Microstructural analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) demonstrated that concrete with supplementary materials has fewer voids, more homogeneous integration of ingredients, and an abundance of C-S-H products that supported the RCPT findings and tests of mechanical properties. The study demonstrated a significant decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of concrete utilizing GGBS and SF and the financial feasibility of eco-friendly concrete in the UAE.
Analysis of Synergism between Extracellular Polysaccharide from Bacillus thuringensis subsp. kurstaki HD270 and Insecticidal Proteins
Authors: Xue Bai , Wang Meiling , Wang Zeyu , Shu Changlong , Geng Lili , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2023

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most widely used biopesticide worldwide and can produce several insecticidal crystal proteins and vegetative insecticidal proteins (Vips) at different growth stages. In our previous study, extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) of Bt strain HD270 were found to enhance the insecticidal activity of Cry1Ac protoxin against Plutella xylostella (L.) and promote the binding of Cry1Ac to the intestinal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs). Whether the synergistic activity of Bt EPSs is common to other Cry1-type or Vip proteins is unclear, as is the potential synergistic mechanism. In this study, crude EPS-HD270 was found to increase the toxicity of Cry1-type toxins and Vip3Aa11 against different lepidopteran pests by approximately 2-fold. The purified EPS-HD270 also possessed synergistic activity against the toxicity of Cry1Ac and Vip3Aa11 against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). Furthermore, we found that EPS-HD270 had a strong binding ability with Vip3Aa11 and promoted the binding of Vip3Aa11 to the BBMVs of H. armigera and S. frugiperda. Bt EPS-HD270 also protected Vip3Aa11 from proteolytic processing in larval midgut juice. Bt EPSs had universal synergistic effects on Cry1-type or Vip toxins against S. frugiperda and H. armigera. Bt EPS-HD270 exhibited synergistic activity with Vip3Aa through promotion of binding to BBMVs and protection from digestion by midgut protease. The results indicated that synergistic activity with Bt toxins was an important function of Bt EPSs, which was very different from other Bacillus spp.
The Development of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic in Different Regions of Siberia in the 2020–2022 Period
Authors: Palyanova Natalia V. , Sobolev Ivan A. , Palyanov Andrey Yu. , Kurskaya Olga G. , Komissarov Andrey B. , Danilenko Daria M. , Fadeev Artem V. , Shestopalov Alexander M.
Published: September 2023

The comparison of the development of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in several neighboring regions can help researchers to assess the risks and develop more effective strategies and approaches in the field of preventive medicine. We analyzed the infection and mortality statistics for the 2020–2022 period in ten individual regions of the Siberian Federal District of Russia. We also sequenced complete genomes, which allowed us to analyze the genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 circulated in each of the ten regions and to build a phylogenetic dendrogram for the virus variants. The ParSeq v.1.0 software was developed to automate and speed up the processing and analysis of viral genomes. At the beginning of the pandemic, in the first two waves, the B.1.1 variant (20B) dominated in all regions of the Siberian Federal District. The third and fourth waves were caused by the Delta variant. Mortality during this period was at a maximum; the incidence was quite high, but the number of deposited genomes with GISAID during this period was extremely low. The maximum incidence was at the beginning of 2022, which corresponds to the arrival of the Omicron variant in the region. The BA.5.2 variant became the dominant one. In addition, by using NextClade, we identified three recombinants in the most densely populated areas.
Enhancement of IL-6 Production Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein and Bangladeshi COVID-19 Patients’ Sera
Authors: Hasan Abu , Rahim Rummana , Nakayama Emi E. , Uno Kazuko , Hasan Nazmul , Rahman Mizanur , Shioda Tatsuo
Published: September 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that can have detrimental effects on multiple organs and accelerate patient mortality. This study, which encompassed 130 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were assessed at three different time points (i.e., 3, 7, and 12 days) after the onset of symptoms, investigated interleukin-6 (IL-6) enhancement induced by a viral nucleocapsid (N) protein from a myeloid cell line. Disease severity was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. The severe cases were characterized as having significant elevations in serum IL-6, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, ferritin, creatinine, leukocytes, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, and albumin levels compared with mild and moderate cases. To evaluate IL-6-inducing activity, heat-inactivated sera from these patients were incubated with and without the N protein. The findings showed a progressive increase in IL-6 production in severe cases upon N protein stimulation. There was a strong correlation between anti-N antibodies and levels of IL-6 secreted by myeloid cells in the presence of N protein and sera, indicating the crucial role that the anti-N antibody plays in inducing IL-6 production. Uncontrolled IL-6 production played a pivotal role in disease pathogenesis, exacerbating both disease severity and mortality. Efficiently targeting the N protein could potentially be employed as a therapeutic strategy for regulating the immune response and alleviating inflammation in severe cases.