bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Sustainable Solution to Skin Diseases: Ecofriendly Transdermal Patches
Authors: Yilmaz Eylul Gulsen , Ece Emre , Erdem Özgecan , Eş Ismail , Inci Fatih
Published: February 2023

Skin is the largest epithelial surface of the human body, with a surface area of 2 m2 for the average adult human. Being an external organ, it is susceptible to more than 3000 potential skin diseases, including injury, inflammation, microbial and viral infections, and skin cancer. Due to its nature, it offers a large accessible site for administrating several medications against these diseases. The dermal and transdermal delivery of such medications are often ensured by utilizing dermal/transdermal patches or microneedles made of biocompatible and biodegradable materials. These tools provide controlled delivery of drugs to the site of action in a rapid and therapeutically effective manner with enhanced diffusivity and minimal side effects. Regrettably, they are usually fabricated using synthetic materials with possible harmful environmental effects. Manufacturing such tools using green synthesis routes and raw materials is hence essential for both ecological and economic sustainability. In this review, natural materials including chitosan/chitin, alginate, keratin, gelatin, cellulose, hyaluronic acid, pectin, and collagen utilized in designing ecofriendly patches will be explored. Their implementation in wound healing, skin cancer, inflammations, and infections will be discussed, and the significance of these studies will be evaluated with future perspectives.
In Vitro and In Vivo Characterisation of a Mucoadhesive Buccal Film Loaded with Doxycycline Hyclate for Topical Application in Periodontitis
Authors: Dinte Elena , Muntean Dana Maria , Andrei Vlad , Boșca Bianca Adina , Dudescu Cristian Mircea , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Borodi Gheorghe , Andrei Sanda , Gal Adrian Florin , Rus Vasile , Gherman Luciana-Mădălina , Cadar Oana , Barabas Reka , Niculae Mihaela , Ilea Aranka
Published: February 2023

Mucoadhesive films loaded with doxycycline hyclate (Doxy Hyc), consisting of mixtures of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) E3, K4 and polyacrylic acid (Carbopol 940), were prepared by casting method, aiming to design a formulation intended for application in the oral cavity. The obtained film formulations exhibited a Doxy Hyc content between 7.52 ± 0.42 and 7.83 ± 0.41%, which had adequate mechanical properties for application in the oral cavity and pH values in the tolerance range. The x-ray diffraction studies highlighted the amorphisation of Doxy Hyc in the preparation process and the antibiotic particles present on the surface of the films, identified in the TEM images, which ensured a burst release effect in the first 15 min of the in vitro dissolution studies, after which Doxy Hyc was released by diffusion, the data presenting a good correlation with the Peppas model, n < 0.5. The formulation F1, consisting of HPMC K4 combined with C940 in a ratio of 5:3, the most performing in vitro, was tested in vivo in experimentally-induced periodontitis and demonstrated its effectiveness in improving the clinical parameters and reducing the salivary levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8). The prepared Doxy Hyc loaded mucoadhesive buccal film could be used as an adjuvant for the local treatment of periodontitis, ensuring prolonged release of the antibiotic after topical application.
Formulation of Miconazole-Loaded Chitosan–Carbopol Vesicular Gel: Optimization to In Vitro Characterization, Irritation, and Antifungal Assessment
Authors: Imam Syed Sarim , Gilani Sadaf Jamal , Zafar Ameeduzzafar , Jumah May Nasser Bin , Alshehri Sultan
Published: February 2023

Miconazole nitrate (MN) is a poorly water-soluble and antifungal drug used for fungal infections. The present research work was designed to develop topical MN-loaded bilosomes (BSs) for the improvement of therapeutic efficacy. MZBSs were prepared by using the thin-film hydration method and further optimized by using the Box–Behnken statistical design (BBD). The optimized miconazole bilosome (MZBSo) showed nano-sized vesicles, a low polydispersity index, a high entrapment efficiency, and zeta potential. Further, MZBSo was incorporated into the gel using carbopol 934P and chitosan polymers. The selected miconazole bilosome gel (MZBSoG2) demonstrated an acceptable pH (6.4 ± 0.1), viscosity (1856 ± 21 cP), and spreadability (6.6 ± 0.2 cm2). Compared to MZBSo (86.76 ± 3.7%), MZBSoG2 showed a significantly (p < 0.05) slower drug release (58.54 ± 4.1%). MZBSoG2 was found to be a non-irritant because it achieved a score of zero (standard score) in the HET-CAM test. It also exhibited significant antifungal activity compared to pure MZ against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The stability study results showed no significant changes after stability testing under accelerated conditions. MZ-loaded gels could serve as effective alternative carriers for improving therapeutic efficacy.
Different Effects of Reactive Species Generated from Chemical Donors on Seed Germination, Growth, and Chemical Contents of Oryza sativa L.
Authors: Chuesaard Thanyarat , Peankid Penpilai , Thaworn Suwannee , Jaradrattanapaiboon Anuwat , Veerana Mayura , Panngom Kamonporn
Published: February 2023

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) play an important role as signaling molecules in redox reactions throughout a plant life cycle. The purpose of this study was to assess how hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) generated from sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and sodium nitrite, affects the germination, growth, and chemical contents of two rice cultivars (Pathum Tani and Sanpatong). The results showed that RNS generated from chemical donors and, especially, H2O2, enhanced the germination of the studied rice cultivars. Among the three chemical donors, H2O2 showed the best efficacy of the reactive species for activating early seed germination, followed by sodium nitrite and SNP. The highest percentage of seed germination rose to 99% at 6 h germination time after treatment with 25 mM of H2O2 for 24 h. Moreover, H2O2 produced a significant increase in the α-amylase activity and total soluble proteins. It was observed that a treatment with H2O2 on germinated seeds produced radicles with a dark blue color for longer than treatments with sodium nitrite and SNP. Our findings imply that H2O2 had a critical role in improving the germination and altering the chemical contents of rice seeds.
Effect of Ginseng Sapogenin Protopanaxadiol-Enriched Rice (DJ-PPD) on Immunomodulation
Authors: Monmai Chaiwat , Kim Jin-Suk , Baek So-Hyeon
Published: February 2023

Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a gut microbiome-induced ginseng metabolite, has positive immune effects. We previously reported the immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects of PPD-enricshed rice seed extracts in normal and inflammatory cell environments, respectively. In the present study, the immunomodulatory activity of PPD-enriched transgenic rice seed extract (DJ-PPD), which exhibited the highest immune-related activity among all available extracts, was compared with that of commercially synthesized 20s-PPD (S-PPD) and natural ginseng root extract (GE), in RAW264.7 cells. Compared with S-PPD and GE treatment, DJ-PPD treatment (i) significantly promoted NF-κB p65 and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) phosphorylation; (ii) upregulated IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, TLR-4, and TNF-α expression; (iii) and increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. However, there were no significant differences in the effects of the three treatments containing PPD-type sapogenin or saponins on nitric oxide (NO) production and phagocytic activity. In the inflammatory cell environment, DJ-PPD treatment markedly decreased the production of LPS-induced inflammatory factors, including NO and PGE2, as well as proinflammatory cytokine expression, by decreasing phosphorylated (p-)NF-κB p65, p-p38 MAPK, and p-JNK levels. Thus, DJ-PPD that does not require complex intestinal microbial processes to exert higher anti-inflammatory effects compared with S-PPD and GE. However, DJ-PPD exerted similar or higher immune-boosting effects (depending on inflammatory biomarkers) than S-PPD and GE. These findings indicate the potential of PPD-enriched transgenic rice as an alternative immunomodulatory agent.
The Distribution of Phytoecdysteroids among Terrestrial Vascular Plants: A Comparison of Two Databases and Discussion of the Implications for Plant/Insect Interactions and Plant Protection
Authors: Dinan Laurence , Lafont Françoise , Lafont René
Published: February 2023

Phytoecdysteroids are a class of plant secondary compounds which are present in a wide diversity of vascular plant species, where they contribute to a reduction in invertebrate predation. Over the past 55 years, a significant body of heterogeneous literature on the presence, identities and/or quantities of ecdysteroids in plant species has accumulated, resulting in the compilation of a first database, the Ecdybase Literature Survey (ELS; 4908 entries, covering 2842 species). A second extensive database on the distribution of ecdysteroids in vascular plants is available as the Exeter Survey (ES; 4540 entries, covering 4155 species), which used standardised extraction and analysis methods to survey seeds/spores. We compare the usefulness of these two databases to provide information on the occurrence of phytoecdysteroids at the order/family levels in relation to the recent molecular classifications of gymnosperms, pteridophytes/lycophytes and angiosperms. The study, in conjunction with the other published literature, provides insights into the distribution of phytoecdysteroids in the plant world, their role in plant protection in nature and their potential future contribution to crop protection. Furthermore, it will assist future investigations in the chemotaxonomy of phytoecdysteroids and other classes of plant secondary compounds.
Potential Effects of Metal Oxides on Agricultural Production of Rice: A Mini Review
Authors: Xu Miao , Zhang Qi , Lin Xiuyun , Shang Yuqing , Cui Xiyan , Guo Liquan , Huang Yuanrui , Wu Ming , Song Kai
Published: February 2023

The extensive usage of metal oxide nanoparticles has aided in the spread and accumulation of these nanoparticles in the environment, potentially endangering both human health and the agroecological system. This research describes in detail the hazardous and advantageous impacts of common metal oxide nanomaterials, such as iron oxide, copper oxide, and zinc oxide, on the life cycle of rice. In-depth analyses are conducted on the transport patterns of nanoparticles in rice, the plant’s reaction to stress, the reduction of heavy metal stress, and the improvement of rice quality by metal oxide nanoparticles, all of which are of significant interest in this subject. It is emphasized that from the perspective of advancing the field of nanoagriculture, the next stage of research should focus more on the molecular mechanisms of the effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on rice and the effects of combined use with other biological media. The limitations of the lack of existing studies on the effects of metal oxide nanomaterials on the entire life cycle of rice have been clearly pointed out.
Thermal and Bulk Properties of Triblock Terpolymers and Modified Derivatives towards Novel Polymer Brushes
Authors: Artopoiadis Konstantinos , Miskaki Christina , Manesi Gkreti-Maria , Moutsios Ioannis , Moschovas Dimitrios , Piryazev Alexey A. , Karabela Maria , Zafeiropoulos Nikolaos E. , Ivanov Dimitri A. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos
Published: February 2023

We report the synthesis of three (3) linear triblock terpolymers, two (2) of the ABC type and one (1) of the BAC type, where A, B and C correspond to three chemically incompatible blocks such as polystyrene (PS), poly(butadiene) of exclusively (~100% vinyl-type) -1,2 microstructure (PB1,2) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) respectively. Living anionic polymerization enabled the synthesis of narrowly dispersed terpolymers with low average molecular weights and different composition ratios, as verified by multiple molecular characterization techniques. To evaluate their self-assembly behavior, transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments were conducted, indicating the effect of asymmetric compositions and interactions as well as inversed segment sequence on the adopted morphologies. Furthermore, post-polymerization chemical modification reactions such as hydroboration and oxidation were carried out on the extremely low molecular weight PB1,2 in all three terpolymer samples. To justify the successful incorporation of –OH groups in the polydiene segments and the preparation of polymeric brushes, various molecular, thermal, and surface analysis measurements were carried out. The synthesis and chemical modification reactions on such triblock terpolymers are performed for the first time to the best of our knowledge and constitute a promising route to design polymers for nanotechnology applications.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Powders in 2022
Authors:   Powders Editorial Office
Published: February 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Nonverbal Intelligence Does Matter for the Perception of Second Language Sounds
Authors: Georgiou Georgios P.
Published: February 2023

Although there has been considerable research on the interplay between intelligence and second language (L2) learning, research focusing on the intelligence and L2 speech perception link is limited. The present study aims to fill this gap. The native language of the participants was Cypriot Greek and they spoke English as an L2. The participants completed a forced-choice psychoacoustic test in which they discriminated L2 sound contrasts and a nonverbal intelligence test which measured their nonverbal intelligence capacities. They were divided into two groups according to their performance in the intelligence test, namely, a low IQ and a high IQ group. The results showed that the high IQ group discriminated the majority of the L2 contrasts better than the low IQ group. In addition, the degree of perceived difficulty for most L2 contrasts differed between the two groups. It is concluded that nonverbal intelligence is associated with the discrimination of L2 sounds. This can be explained by the possibility that either intelligence triggers the more efficient functioning of other domains, such as information processing and attention, leading to increased speech perception skills, or that it directly affects the categorization of speech sounds resulting in the development of more robust L2 categories.
Australian Muslim Identities and the Question of Intra-Muslim Dialogue
Authors: Whyte Shaheen , Yucel Salih
Published: February 2023

This paper explores the connection between intra-religious dialogue and Muslim identities in Australia. Drawing on empirical literature and analysis, this article investigates the increasing identification and interplay between Australian Muslims from different sects, sub-sects and faith-based groups of Islam. It argues intra-Muslim dialogue is gaining more noticeability among Australian Muslims working to build civic and inclusive identities. At the same time, the article points to the socio-political, organisational and sectarian issues challenging intra-religious unity between Muslim groups in Australia. To achieve genuine and long-lasting intra-faith relations, the article argues for a need to develop organic, theologically inclusive and contextually grounded articulations of intra-Muslim dialogue in Australia. The article concludes that diverse experiences of identity formation in Australia serve as an impetus for strengthening intra-Muslim relations based on previous success with inter-faith initiatives, as well as intergroup contact with non-Muslims.
Searching for a Life beyond Law: Agamben, Henry, and a Coming Christianity
Authors: Schaefer Max
Published: February 2023

This paper addresses the claim that the social orders of Western civilization operate on the basis of the law’s presumed sovereignty over life. I demonstrate how the respective works of Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben and French phenomenologist Michel Henry are joined in their concern over this issue, and in their shared belief that life can be made sovereign over the law through a communal life based upon habit. At the same time, I argue that their respective conceptions of this communal life are flawed, and that they would benefit from being brought into a productive dialogue with one another. More specifically, I show that Henry’s account of a Christian communal life based upon the habitual practice of love moves at least some way toward addressing Agamben’s account of a coming community that is decidedly abstract and lacking in a substantial ethic. However, I maintain that Henry’s own account of this community is founded upon a problematic conception of potentiality that would benefit from Agamben’s study of the matter. By bringing these two figures together and drawing out the lessons that can be learnt from each of them, this work provides a more concrete and substantial account of how a coming Christian community can play a role in making life sovereign over the force of the law.
Potential Contributors to CME and Optimal Noise Model Analysis in the Chinese Region Based on Different HYDL Models
Authors: Hu Shunqiang , Chen Kejie , Zhu Hai , Wang Tan , Zhao Qian , Yang Zhenyu
Published: February 2023

Optimizing the noise model for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) vertical time series is vital to obtain reliable uplift (or subsidence) deformation velocity fields and assess the associated uncertainties. In this study, by thoroughly considering the effects of hydrological loading (HYDL) that dominates the seasonal fluctuations and common mode error (CME), we analyzed the optimal noise characteristics of GNSS vertical time series at 39 stations spanning from January 2011 to August 2019 in the Chuandian region, southeast of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Our results showed that the optimal noise models without HYDL correction were white noise plus flicker noise (WN + FN), white noise plus power law noise (WN + PL), and white noise plus Gauss–Markov noise (WN + GGM), which accounted for 87%, 10%, and 3% of GNSS stations, respectively. By contrast, the optimal noise models at all stations were WN + FN and WN + PL after correction by different HYDLs. The correlation between CME and HYDL provided by the School and Observatory of Earth Sciences (EOST), namely EOST_HYDL, was 0.63~0.8 and the value of RMS reduction was 18.9~40.3% after removing EOST_HYDL time series from the CME, with a mean value of 31.8%, there is a good correlation and consistency between CME and EOST_HYDL. The absolute value of vertical velocity and its uncertainty with and without EOST_HYDL correction varied from 0.11 to 0.55 mm/a and 0 to 0.23 mm/a, respectively, implying that the effect of HYDL should not be neglected when performing optimal noise model analysis for GNSS vertical time series in the Chuandian region.
Precision Landing of a Quadcopter Drone by Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor in a GPS-Denied Environment
Authors: Bautista Nicolas , Gutierrez Hector , Inness John , Rakoczy John
Published: February 2023

This paper describes the deployment, integration, and demonstration of a Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor (SVGS) as a novel technology for autonomous 6-DOF proximity maneuvers and precision landing of a quadcopter drone. The proposed approach uses a vision-based photogrammetric position and attitude sensor (SVGS) to estimate the position of a landing target after video capture. A visual inertial odometry sensor (VIO) is used to provide position estimates of the UAV in a ground coordinate system during flight on a GPS-denied environment. The integration of both SVGS and VIO sensors enables the accurate updating of position setpoints during landing, providing improved performance compared with VIO-only landing, as shown in landing experiments. The proposed technique also shows significant operational advantages compared with state-of-the-art sensors for indoor landing, such as those based on augmented reality (AR) markers.
Impact of COVID-19 Confinement on Mental Health in Youth and Vulnerable Populations: An Extensive Narrative Review
Authors: Reiriz Manuel , Donoso-González Macarena , Rodríguez-Expósito Benjamín , Uceda Sara , Beltrán-Velasco Ana Isabel
Published: February 2023

The objective of this narrative review is to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of particularly vulnerable groups. This information will allow a better understanding of the determining factors that influence the appearance and/or maintenance of mood disorders. To achieve the main objective of this study, a critical review was carried out in which primary sources such as scientific articles, secondary sources such as databases, and other appropriate reference indexes were considered. The results indicated that there was an increase in the diagnosis of mood disorders and the use of medication associated with these disorders, mainly during the period of reclusion that was declared worldwide in March 2020. In addition, risk factors such as loneliness, a lack of resilience, and a lack of adequate coping strategies negatively impacted these groups. The future consequences of this may be reflected over many years thereafter, and it is important that all data obtained from this point forward be considered by mental health professionals and the general population. This review can be a starting point for looking directly at the most vulnerable populations and considering both the resources available to them and the possible aftermath of a traumatic period in everyone’s lives.
Image Segmentation of Cucumber Seedlings Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Xu Taotao , Yao Lijian , Xu Lijun , Chen Qinhan , Yang Zidong
Published: February 2023

To solve the problems of the low target-positioning accuracy and weak algorithm robustness of target-dosing robots in greenhouse environments, an image segmentation method for cucumber seedlings based on a genetic algorithm was proposed. Firstly, images of cucumber seedlings in the greenhouse were collected under different light conditions, and grayscale histograms were used to evaluate the quality of target and background sample images. Secondly, the genetic algorithm was used to determine the optimal coefficient of the graying operator to further expand the difference between the grayscale of the target and background in the grayscale images. Then, the Otsu algorithm was used to perform the fast threshold segmentation of grayscale images to obtain a binary image after coarse segmentation. Finally, morphological processing and noise reduction methods based on area threshold were used to remove the holes and noise from the image, and a binary image with good segmentation was obtained. The proposed method was used to segment 60 sample images, and the experimental results show that under different lighting conditions, the average F1 score of the obtained binary images was over 94.4%, while the average false positive rate remained at about 1.1%, and the image segmentation showed strong robustness. This method can provide new approaches for the accurate identification and positioning of targets as performed by target-dosing robots in a greenhouse environment.
Promote or Crowd Out? The Impact of Environmental Information Disclosure Methods on Enterprise Value
Authors: Gao Anrong , Xiong Tianren , Luo Yuxi , Meng Defeng
Published: February 2023

Environmental information disclosure is a concrete practice for enterprises to actively implement the concept of green and sustainable development, which has great significance for enterprises to gain long-term competitive advantages. The academic world has widely discussed the relationship between environmental information disclosure and the economic performance of enterprises, but how the heterogeneity of environmental information disclosure methods affects the enterprise value has not been explored. This paper aims to answer two questions: (1) what is the impact of Ecomark and ESG on enterprise value? and (2) how does the interaction between Ecomark and ESG influence enterprise value? Utilizing the listed Japanese electrical equipment manufacturing enterprises dataset from 2008 to 2021, we employed the fixed panel linear regression model to confirm the relationship between Ecomark and ESG in enterprise value, and further used a moderating effect model to verify the existence of the crowd-out effect of ESG performance on Ecomark through enterprise value. In addition, a robustness check scheme was designed and performed to test the model settings, outliers and endogeneity issues. The main findings show that the obtaining of Ecomark certification and good ESG performance can help to improve enterprise value, but they may be altered regarding the heterogeneity of environmental information disclosure methods, further causing differences in enterprises’ time and economic cost burdens. Such differences increase the attractiveness of ESGs to investors, thereby crowding out the impact of Ecomark on enterprise value. Our conclusion reveals the mechanism of the heterogeneity of environmental information disclosure methods towards enterprise value, which offers a valuable reference for investors to evaluate enterprise value and paves the way for enterprise decision-makers and authorities to optimize their environmental information disclosure.
The Transaction Costs of Sustainability: Coase’s Proviso and the Roles of Environmentalists and the Government
Authors: Slaev Aleksandar D.
Published: February 2023

Environmentalists believe that the Coasean approach is economically efficient but environmentally unsustainable. While acknowledging that this approach is not always sustainable, this paper emphasises its important advantage—the presence of a criterion determining when an activity will/will not lead to an efficient/sustainable outcome. Coase formulated this criterion on what is termed in this paper “Coase’s proviso”—the balance between the net benefits of an institutional change (rearrangement of entitlements) and transaction costs associated with this change. The article also defines the terms “best use”, “second (or next) best use” and “best user”. On this basis, the paper restates Coase’s proviso and argues that there is no inherent contradiction between economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. According to the restated proviso, when the transaction costs associated with the institutional transformation establishing the best use of a resource are lower than the net benefits of this transformation, the result will be economically efficient and environmentally sustainable. However, if the transaction costs outweigh the net benefits of the best use, a second (or next) best use may be established, which will still be economically efficient, but most likely environmentally unsustainable. The paper explores a case study to check the relevance of the restated proviso.
Speed Display Radars’ Impact on Speed Reduction on District Roads at Settlement Entrances
Authors: Vertlberg Juraj , Jakovljević Marijan , Ševrović Marko , Shabanaj Kamer
Published: February 2023

Speed is one of the main causes of severe traffic accidents, especially of those involving vulnerable road users. Speed display radars are one of the engineering solutions that aim to reduce the speed of traffic flow at locations where it is crucial. A before and after study was conducted at six locations on district roads in the Republic of Croatia. As part of the research, vehicles’ speeds were measured for two weeks, during which the devices’ displays were switched off for one week and switched on for another, however, the devices’ radars recorded and collected the speeds of all vehicles which passed during the research period. The research collected a total of 182,352 speeds of recorded vehicles. The test was performed to determine the effect of speed display radar on the potential vehicles’ speed reduction. The results did not show a statistically significant difference in average hourly speeds at most locations, however, they showed a statistically significant difference in 85th percentile hourly speeds of approximately 1 to 3 km/h. Therefore, it can be concluded that the speed display radars at the locations had a positive effect on reducing the vehicles’ speeds. Additionally, at some locations a decrease in the number of speed limit violators was found which proved to be a statistically significant difference between the share of speed limit violators in total traffic flow.
Corporate Charitable Donations, Earnings Performance and Tax Avoidance
Authors: Sun Hongfeng , Yang Meng , Li Lidan , Liu Chang
Published: February 2023

Under the traditional research framework of corporate social responsibility and tax avoidance, there is no agreement on whether charitable donations constitutes an altruistic behavior or a management tool. Using a sample of Chinese firms, this paper examines the relationship between corporate charitable donations, earnings performance and tax avoidance. The evidence shows that there is a significant negative relationship between corporate charitable donations and tax avoidance. Furthermore, we found that the negative relationship between charitable donations and tax avoidance only exists in enterprises with a good earnings performance, while it is positively correlated with tax avoidance in enterprises with a poor earnings performance. This shows that earnings performance can affect the motivation for corporate charitable donations, as the charitable donations of enterprises with a good performance are mainly an altruistic behavior, while the charitable donations of enterprises with a poor performance are more of a management tool. This conclusion not only enriches and expands the research framework of corporate social responsibility and tax avoidance but also helps to clarify the disputes in the existing literature.
Evaluating Efficiency and Safety of Mixed Traffic with Connected and Autonomous Vehicles in Adverse Weather
Authors: Hou Guangyang
Published: February 2023

Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) are expected to significantly improve traffic efficiency and safety. However, the overall impacts of CAVs on mixed traffic have not been clearly studied because most previous research focused on one subset of the performance of mixed traffic. This study aims to provide complete information for the policymakers to make better decisions on future CAV implementation strategies with a comprehensive evaluation of the overall performance of mixed traffic. With this purpose, this study develops an integrated framework to evaluate the efficiency and safety of mixed traffic with CAVs under adverse weather conditions, which is composed of a traffic simulation, multi-vehicle crash model, single-vehicle crash model, and performance assessment. For the first time, a unified performance index is introduced to reflect the overall efficiency and safety performance of mixed traffic. The proposed framework is demonstrated with an evaluation of the performance of mixed traffic on a highway segment. Traffic efficiency and safety under different weather conditions are investigated. The impact of reaction time of human-driving vehicles (HDVs) and CAVs are also studied. Simulation results show that the overall traffic performance in terms of traffic efficiency, multi-vehicle safety, and single-vehicle safety increases with the increase in the market penetration rate (MPR). In addition, it is found that CAVs have a greater impact on improving overall traffic performance under rainy and snowy weather than in clear weather. Moreover, a shorter reaction time of HDVs and CAVs can lead to better overall traffic performance.
Adding Value to Stalked Barnacles from Berlengas Nature Reserve (Portugal) by the Development of a New Food
Authors: Pinheiro Joaquina , Fernandes Wilson , Sá Hugo , Bernardino Raul , Leandro Sérgio Miguel , Ganhão Rui
Published: February 2023

In this work, a new and natural food product, stalked barnacle (Pollicipes Pollicipes) pâté enriched with blackberry, was developed to valorise the rejected stalked barnacle. To evaluate the addition of blackberry fruits (Rubus ulmifolius Schott.) as a natural preservative on pâté quality, four pâté sample groups were considered: a negative control without a synthetic additive (CTR), a positive control with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a group with blackberry extract (blackberry), and a group with a mixture of BHT and blackberry (blackberry + BHT). In addition, the effect of pasteurization (80 °C for 30 min) versus sterilization (121 °C for 30 min) on the pâté quality were evaluated. The bioactive evaluation expressed by the total phenolic content (TPC) and antiradical activity by the DPPH radical scavenging associated with oxidative stability determined by thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) were performed. The impact of packaging opening followed by refrigerated storage (4 ± 1 °C) simulating the consumer behavior at home, was assessed. All the heat-treated stalked barnacle pâté samples were found microbially safe with an interesting content of total phenolic, the highest ones being the CTR and Blackberry + BHT, ranging from 58.79 to 55.38 mg GAE/100 g. After the package opening of the barnacle pâté sample of Blackberry + BHT, it revealed a superior inhibition of TBARS (0.46 mg MDA/100 g) after 7 days at refrigerated storage compared to the other samples. These results state the efficacy of blackberry in minimizing the lipid oxidation of stalked barnacle pâte. This study showed the potential for rejected stalked barnacle to be valorised and improve the sustainability of resources.
Special Issue: Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption in Blockchain
Authors: Chen Chin-Ling , Lim Zi-Yi , Xue Xingsi , Chen Chi-Hua
Published: February 2023

The technology that is most likely to change the corporate world in the next ten years is not social networks, Big Data, cloud computing, robots, not even artificial intelligence, but blockchain [...]
Comparative Study of the Geodesic Structure of Time-Conformal Quantum-Corrected AdS–Schwarzschild Black Hole
Authors: Khan Muhammad Atif , Ali Farhad , Fatima Nahid
Published: February 2023

This manuscript reports the dynamics of a time-conformal quantum-corrected AdS–Schwarzschild black hole. The quantum-corrected parameter and the time-conformal factors are inserted in the AdS–Schwarzschild black. These insertions in the said space- time are taken to study and understand the phenomena of the formation of gravitational waves and Hawking radiations. The Hawking temperature distributions and Bekenstein–Hawking entropy for the inner and outer horizon of the new developed black hole solution are calculated and discussed. The motion of neutral and charged particles in the orbits of the said black hole is discussed under the influence of effective potential and effective force in the new development of the black hole solution. The escape velocity for the time-conformal black hole is obtained and compared with the escape velocity of the exact black hole. The roles of the quantum-corrected parameter and the effect of the time-conformal factor are high- lighted, and their influences are discussed in different situations. Einstein’s field equations are also obtained for the time-conformal quantum-corrected AdS–Schwarzschild black hole. The Lyapunov exponent is used for the stability of the said black hole spacetime. The effects of different parameters on different dynamical aspects of the black hole are explored.
Using Multiplex Amplicon PCR Technology to Efficiently and Timely Generate Rift Valley Fever Virus Sequence Data for Genomic Surveillance
Authors: Juma John , Konongoi Samson L. , Nsengimana Isidore , Mwangi Reuben , Akoko James , Nyamota Richard , Muli Collins , Dobi Paul O. , Kiritu Edward , Osiany Shebbar , Onwong’a Amos A. , Gachogo Rachael W. , Sang Rosemary , Christoffels Alan , Roesel Kristina , Bett Bernard , Oyola Samuel O.
Published: February 2023

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a febrile vector-borne disease endemic in Africa and continues to spread in new territories. It is a climate-sensitive disease mostly triggered by abnormal rainfall patterns. The disease is associated with high mortality and morbidity in both humans and livestock. RVF is caused by the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) of the genus Phlebovirus in the family Phenuiviridae. It is a tripartite RNA virus with three genomic segments: small (S), medium (M) and large (L). Pathogen genomic sequencing is becoming a routine procedure and a powerful tool for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of infectious organisms, including viruses. Inspired by the utility of amplicon-based sequencing demonstrated in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Ebola, Zika and West Nile viruses, we report an RVFV sample preparation based on amplicon multiplex polymerase chain reaction (amPCR) for template enrichment and reduction of background host contamination. The technology can be implemented rapidly to characterize and genotype RVFV during outbreaks in a near-real-time manner. To achieve this, we designed 74 multiplex primer sets covering the entire RVFV genome to specifically amplify the nucleic acid of RVFV in clinical samples from an animal tissue. Using this approach, we demonstrate achieving complete RVFV genome coverage even from samples containing a relatively low viral load. We report the first primer scheme approach of generating multiplex primer sets for a tripartite virus which can be replicated for other segmented viruses.
Gender and Anthropometric Effects on Seat-to-Head Transmissibility Responses to Vertical Whole-Body Vibration of Humans Seated on an Elastic Seat
Authors: Yao Yumeng , Dewangan Krishna N. , Rakheja Subhash
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the effects of gender and ten different anthropometric parameters on the vertical vibration transmission from seat to the head of the body seated on an elastic seat. The seat-to-head transmissibility (STHT) responses in the vertical and fore-aft directions of 58 participants (31 males and 27 females) were measured under three levels of vertical vibration (root mean square acceleration: 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 m/s2) in the 0.50–20 Hz range, when sitting on a viscoelastic seat with and without a vertical back support, and with hands on a steering wheel. Apart from the important effects of elastic coupling between the body and seat, the results show distinctly different vertical and fore-aft STHT responses from the two genders. Moreover, the gender effect was strongly coupled with back support and excitation conditions. The primary resonance frequencies of male subjects were higher than those of female subjects, while the peak vertical STHT magnitudes were comparable. Owing to the strong coupled effects of gender and anthropometric dimensions, the study is designed to reduce the coupling by considering datasets for subjects with comparable chosen dimensions. Among the various anthropometric dimensions considered, the body mass and fat mass revealed strong influences on the primary resonance frequency, which was similar for male and female subjects with comparable body mass index and body fat mass. The vertical STHT magnitude of the two genders with the same lean body mass was also nearly identical. The peak fore-aft STHT magnitudes of the male subjects were notably higher than those of the female subjects with comparable anthropometric dimensions with the exception of the body mass.
Interactions between Aquatic Plants and Cyanobacterial Blooms in Freshwater Reservoir Ecosystems
Authors: Bilous Olena P. , Nezbrytska Inna , Zhezherya Vladyslav , Dubniak Serhii , Batoh Svitlana , Kazantsev Taras , Polishchuk Oleksandr , Zhezherya Tetyana , Leontieva Tetyana , Cantonati Marco
Published: February 2023

Climate change and nutrient pollution are echoed by worldwide increasing trends in the frequency, duration, and toxicity of cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) blooms. Therefore, searching for the best options to mitigate blooms is relevant and timely. Aquatic vascular plants offer a promising solution through biological control. In this study, we use reservoirs regularly affected by intensive blooms (the Kyiv and Kaniv Reservoirs of the Dnipro River, Ukraine) to investigate whether macrophytes may inhibit or reduce the massive development of cyanobacteria. Special attention was paid to plants with floating leaves and free-floating plants since data on their effects on cyanobacteria are controversial. On the basis of field and satellite observations, the spatial distribution of cyanobacterial blooms and aquatic macrophyte patches was assessed. Multispectral images captured by satellites Sentinel-2a (S2A) and Sentinel-2b (S2B) were used. In addition, based on data from field observations, a comparative analysis of phytoplankton and physical and chemical parameters between areas of the reservoirs overgrown and not overgrown by macrophytes was carried out. The obtained results indicate that in macrophyte patches phytoplankton structure differed from that observed in open waters. However, in areas of reservoirs dominated by floating-leaf plants or free-floating plants, a significant decrease in phytoplanktic or cyanobacterial biomass was not observed. This is most likely due to the fact that these macrophytes did not reduce the concentration of biogenic substances to a level that would limit cyanobacterial growth. On the contrary, intensive overgrowth of floating-leaf plants (in particular, Trapa natans) along the river sections of the reservoirs, as well as other factors, contributed to nitrogen and phosphorus enrichment. Therefore, in the face of relevant nutrient supply, these ecological groups of macrophytes (floating-leaf plants and free-floating plants) have not shown statistically significant effectiveness in controlling the process of cyanobacterial blooms in reservoir ecosystems.
Impact of New Energy Vehicle Development on China’s Crude Oil Imports: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Guo Zehui , Sun Shujie , Wang Yishan , Ni Jingru , Qian Xuepeng
Published: February 2023

Breaking the highly oil-dependent energy use structure in the transportation sector will be crucial for China to reduce its dependence on crude oil imports and ensure its energy security, and the development of new energy vehicles is helping to break this dilemma. A time series analysis summarizes the possible relationships between new energy vehicles and crude oil imports, i.e., new energy vehicles, as alternatives to fuel vehicles, will reduce the demand for oil in the transportation sector, which will in turn reduce crude oil imports, and crude oil prices and crude oil production will inhibit crude oil imports. In this empirical study, monthly data from 2015 to 2021 on crude oil imports, the market share of new energy vehicles, crude oil prices, and crude oil production are selected, time-series multiple regression modelling is adopted, and endogeneity is treated using a generalized method of moments (GMM). The regression results show that crude oil imports decrease by one unit for every 16.32% increase in crude oil prices, indicating that price factor is the most influential factor in China’s crude oil imports, while crude oil imports decrease by one unit for every 133.99% increase in crude oil production, indicating that an increase in crude oil production contributes less to the reduction of crude oil imports. One unit of crude oil imports is added for every 15.53% increase in the share of new energy vehicles, indicating that the effect of new energy vehicles on limiting crude oil imports has not yet emerged. Probably due to the fact that new energy vehicles have not yet had a significant impact on fuel vehicles, oil consumption will continue to increase in the short and medium term, with oil for the petrochemical industry becoming the primary driver of this increase. Finally, policy implications are provided from the perspective of crude oil demand, supply, and China’s oil price mechanism.
Impact of Chronic Diseases on Labour Force Participation among South African Women: Further Analysis of Population-Based Data
Authors: Ekholuenetale Michael , Wegbom Anthony Ike , Edet Clement Kevin , Joshua Charity Ehimwenma , Barrow Amadou , Nzoputam Chimezie Igwegbe
Published: February 2023

The impact of chronic diseases on labour force participation is not frequently examined or considered as part of cost-of-illness studies. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of chronic diseases on labour force participation among South African women. This study included 6126 women from the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey. Labour force participation/employment was the outcome variable. Data were analyzed in percentage and multivariable binary logistic regression. Results showed that approximately 28.7% of women participated in the labour force and about 5.0% had diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes among women who are not in the labour force was 5.5%, whereas those in the labour force reported 3.8% prevalence of diabetes. The diabetic women had 35% reduction in labour force participation when compared with non-diabetic women (aOR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.89). Geographical region was associated with labour force participation. Rural women and those currently in union/living with a man had 35% (aOR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.76) and 27% (aOR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.64 to 0.85) reduction in labour force participation, respectively, when compared with their urban and single counterparts. The findings of this study revealed that diabetes was significantly associated with reduction in labour force participation among women.
Indicators of beef productivity when feeding targeted PVMC to fattening steers
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kurgan State Agricultural Academy named after T. S. Maltsev”, Russia, Kurgan region, Lesnikovo, Uskov G. E. , Nazarchenko O. V. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kurgan State Agricultural Academy named after T. S. Maltsev”, Russia, Kurgan region, Lesnikovo, Tsopanova A. V. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kurgan State Agricultural Academy named after T. S. Maltsev”, Russia, Kurgan region, Lesnikovo, Shubina N. I. ,   Department of Agroindustrial Complex, Russia, Kurgan
Published: February 2023

Targeted protein-vitamin-mineral concentrates (PVMC) based on domestic raw materials have been developed. The composition of protein-vitamin-mineral concentrates includes full-fat extruded soy, sunfl ower cake, feed tricalcium phosphate and vitamin-mineral complex. The purpose of the research was to study the indicators of meat productivity when feeding targeted PVMC to fattening steers. Amidoconcentrate additive and bentonite were introduced into experimental protein-vitaminmineral concentrates. After analyzing the chemical composition and nutritional value of the ration in the experimental PVMC-65K and PVMC-65KB, the content of a number of minerals was changed: iron, manganese, cobalt, etc. This made it possible to optimize the ration for these trace elements: reduce the excess of iron and manganese, as well as increase the content of copper and cobalt. During 5 months of fattening, the live weight of the steers of the control group increased by 136,4 kg, the 1st experimental group by 144,9 kg, and in the 2nd experimental group by 148,5 kg, which was more by 6,23 and 8,87 %, respectively. Feeding targeted PVMC-65K allowed to ensure the formation of good beef traits in animals. So, the steers of the 2nd experimental group compared with the herdmates of the control group had a greater pre–slaughter weight by 1,96 %, the carcass weight by 4,8, the internal fat mass by 12,59, and the carcass yield by 1,42 abs.%. The slaughter yield of the steers of the 1st experimental group was 53,23 %, and the 2nd it was 53,70 %, which was respectively 1,15 and 1,62 abs.% more than in the control group. The level of profi tability of beef production in the control group was 21,28 %, in the 1st experimental group it was higher by 9,06 abs.%, and in the 2nd by 14,36 abs.%.