bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitosan-Based Polymer Blends for Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Kaur Malkiet , Sharma Ameya , Puri Vivek , Aggarwal Geeta , Maman Paramjot , Huanbutta Kampanart , Nagpal Manju , Sangnim Tanikan
Published: April 2023

Polymers have been widely used for the development of drug delivery systems accommodating the regulated release of therapeutic agents in consistent doses over a long period, cyclic dosing, and the adjustable release of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. Nowadays, polymer blends are increasingly employed in drug development as they generate more promising results when compared to those of homopolymers. This review article describes the recent research efforts focusing on the utilization of chitosan blends with other polymers in an attempt to enhance the properties of chitosan. Furthermore, the various applications of chitosan blends in drug delivery are thoroughly discussed herein. The literature from the past ten years was collected using various search engines such as ScienceDirect, J-Gate, Google Scholar, PubMed, and research data were compiled according to the various novel carrier systems. Nanocarriers made from chitosan and chitosan derivatives have a positive surface charge, which allows for control of the rate, duration, and location of drug release in the body, and can increase the safety and efficacy of the delivery system. Recently developed nanocarriers using chitosan blends have been shown to be cost-effective, more efficacious, and prolonged release carriers that can be incorporated into suitable dosage forms.
The World as a Gift: Scientific Change and Intelligibility for a Theology of Science
Authors: Marcacci Flavia , Oleksowicz Michał
Published: April 2023

“Truth” and “cause” are essential issues in theology. Truths of faith are meant to remain solid and fundamental and can be traced back to the unique truth of God. The same God is conceived of as the Creator who brought everything into existence before every other cause. Recent discussions about scientific rationality and causality have engaged with the same ideas of “truth” and “cause”, even though they have done so according to different methodologies and from different points of view. Can those discussions stimulate theology, and if so, in what manner? In this paper, we begin by considering the subject of scientific change and rationality, arguing that scientific change leads to the recognition of the connection between any scientific theory and what remains intelligible in nature. Next, we show some of the outcomes from new mechanistic philosophy, focusing on the idea of cause, which unveils a strong correspondence between epistemology and ontology and provides a unique way of speaking about causality. Finally, we conclude that science can support theology through new approaches to nature and that a theology of science is required today as an intertwined perspective between science and theology. The main virtue that guides this approach is humility.
“Just Do It!” The Art of Teaching Enlightenment: A Study of a Korean Ganhwa Seon Master
Authors: Min Hee Jung , Jeong Jun Young , Sung Seong Yun
Published: April 2023

This study examines the teaching practices of a Korean Ganhwa Seon master to shed light on an effective approach to helping practitioners engage in Seon practice. Few prior studies have analyzed methods of teaching Ganhwa Seon, which is a traditional Buddhist practice for achieving sudden enlightenment. Using the CRISPA framework, which entails connection, risk-taking, imagination, sensory experience, perceptivity, and active engagement, we conducted a single intrinsic case study by observing and interviewing a Korean Ganhwa Seon master during a seven-day retreat program. The participating Ganhwa Seon master incorporated all six CRISPA elements, with an emphasis on active engagement, connection, and risk-taking. In addition, compassion was an essential component of Ganhwa Seon teaching. The findings distinguish the teaching of Korean Ganhwa Seon from the teaching of Chinese Chan, highlight the unique features of instruction in Korean Ganhwa Seon, and provide insight into effective ways to teach Seon practice.
Impact Eichhornia crassipes Cultivation on Water Quality in the Caohai Region of Dianchi Lake Using Multi-Temporal Sentinel-2 Images
Authors: Shen Jinxiang , He Ping , Sun Xiaoli , Shen Zhanfeng , Xu Rong
Published: April 2023

In order to comprehensively and accurately evaluate the adsorption effect of Eichhornia crassipes planting on algae in water, this study used 131 cloudless Sentinel-2 images to monitor the scale and growth dynamics of Eichhornia crassipes planting in Caohai and its surrounding waters. Based on the single and multi-peak histogram characteristics of the NDWI image in the study area, the empirical threshold and the optimized histogram slope adaptive threshold (OHSAT) segmentation methods were respectively used and manual inspection was added to accurately segment the water bodies and Eichhornia crassipes. The results of the analysis of Eichhornia crassipes area, growth status (NDVI), water body algae density (NDVI), and their spatial–temporal co-variation and trends show that the Eichhornia crassipes has a significant enrichment effect on algae, showing a significant decreasing trend of water bloom centered on it. The size and growth status of Eichhornia crassipes are inversely proportional to the water body NDVI, and reasonable harvesting plans based on these findings are expected to achieve optimized pollution control effects.
Efficient Transceiving Search Scheme and Implementation Method for Collocated Distributed Coherent Aperture Radar via Grating Lobes Exploitation
Authors: Hu Liubo , Wu Jianxin , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2023

Distributed coherent aperture radar (DCAR) can realize high-precision long-range detection because of its excellent angular resolution. However, it is accompanied by a low search efficiency problem caused by the narrow main lobe and the angular ambiguity problem stemming from the high grating lobes. By simultaneously utilizing multiple grating lobes, we propose an effective search method and pertinent unambiguous signal processing algorithms to address the issue of using collocated DCAR for unambiguous target search. We investigate the beam migration of a grating lobe-irradiated target at various frequencies in order to carry out the multi-frequency coherent integration of the suggested search method in DCAR. In order to address the issue of using multiple beam lobes to simultaneously detect multiple targets, we also take into account the scenario of multiple targets and introduce the multiple hypothesis method to solve the problem. The DCAR search efficiency can be improved by tens of times through grating lobes exploitation, which makes use of DCAR to make the searches feasible. We also improved the performance of multi-frequency DOA ambiguity solving compared to existing algorithms with the sliding window clustering scheme. The viability of using grating lobes for the DCAR target searching and detection is shown in simulations. The experiments confirm the performance enhancement of multi-frequency coherent integration for parameter estimation.
A Real-Time Learning Analytics Dashboard for Automatic Detection of Online Learners’ Affective States
Authors: Hasnine Mohammad Nehal , Nguyen Ho Tan , Tran Thuy Thi Thu , Bui Huyen T. T. , Akçapınar Gökhan , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

Students’ affective states describe their engagement, concentration, attitude, motivation, happiness, sadness, frustration, off-task behavior, and confusion level in learning. In online learning, students’ affective states are determinative of the learning quality. However, measuring various affective states and what influences them is exceedingly challenging for the lecturer without having real interaction with the students. Existing studies primarily use self-reported data to understand students’ affective states, while this paper presents a novel learning analytics system called MOEMO (Motion and Emotion) that could measure online learners’ affective states of engagement and concentration using emotion data. Therefore, the novelty of this research is to visualize online learners’ affective states on lecturers’ screens in real-time using an automated emotion detection process. In real-time and offline, the system extracts emotion data by analyzing facial features from the lecture videos captured by the typical built-in web camera of a laptop computer. The system determines online learners’ five types of engagement (“strong engagement”, “high engagement”, “medium engagement”, “low engagement”, and “disengagement”) and two types of concentration levels (“focused” and “distracted”). Furthermore, the dashboard is designed to provide insight into students’ emotional states, the clusters of engaged and disengaged students’, assistance with intervention, create an after-class summary report, and configure the automation parameters to adapt to the study environment.
Performance of the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and Exercise in Healthy Adolescents
Authors: Afeef Sahar , Tolfrey Keith , Zakrzewski-Fruer Julia K. , Barrett Laura A.
Published: April 2023

This study’s aim was to assess FreeStyle Libre Flash glucose monitoring (FGM) performance during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and treadmill exercise in healthy adolescents. This should advance the feasibility and utility of user-friendly technologies for metabolic assessments in adolescents. Seventeen healthy adolescents (nine girls aged 12.8 ± 0.9 years) performed an OGTT and submaximal and maximal treadmill exercise tests in a laboratory setting. The scanned interstitial fluid glucose concentration ([ISFG]) obtained by FGM was compared against finger-prick capillary plasma glucose concentration ([CPG]) at 0 (pre-OGTT), −15, −30, −60, −120 min post-OGTT, pre-, mid-, post- submaximal exercise, and pre- and post- maximal exercise. Overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) was 13.1 ± 8.5%, and 68% (n = 113) of the paired glucose data met the ISO 15197:2013 criteria. For clinical accuracy, 84% and 16% of FGM readings were within zones A and B in the Consensus Error Grid (CEG), respectively, which met the ISO 15197:2013 criteria of having at least 99% of results within these zones. Scanned [ISFG] were statistically lower than [CPG] at 15 (−1.16 mmol∙L−1, p < 0.001) and 30 min (−0.74 mmol∙L−1, p = 0.041) post-OGTT. Yet, post-OGTT glycaemic responses assessed by total and incremental areas under the curve (AUCs) were not significantly different, with trivial to small effect sizes (p ≥ 0.084, d = 0.14–0.45). Further, [ISFGs] were not different from [CPGs] during submaximal and maximal exercise tests (interaction p ≥ 0.614). FGM can be a feasible alternative to reflect postprandial glycaemia (AUCs) in healthy adolescents who may not endure repeated finger pricks.
Study on the Solubility of Industrial Lignin in Choline Chloride-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Chen Haiyu , Wang Ailin , Yan Cancan , Liu Shiwei , Li Lu , Wu Qiong , Liu Yue , Liu Yuxiang , Nie Genkuo , Nie Shuangxi , Yao Shuangquan , Yu Hailong
Published: April 2023

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as a promising class of solvents for lignin dissolution, which could significantly expand the application potential of lignin. In this study, over forty ChCl-based DESs of three major types were synthesized and subjected to investigate the solubilisation of two industrial lignins in DES. The results showed that higher HBD content, shorter carbon chain length in the HBD, and fewer functional groups favored lignin solubilization. DESs containing carboxyl groups were found to be more favorable for breaking β-O-4 bonds and solubilizing lignin. Additionally, high temperature and appropriate water content were observed to promote lignin solubilization. The pretreatment of poplar and maize straw with ChC/FA(1:3), ChC/LA(1:3), ChC/Gly(1:3), ChC/EG(1:3), ChC/Urea(1:3), and ChC/TEOA(1:3) showed good solubilization of lignin, with ChCl/FA(1:3) being particularly effective in solubilizing poplar lignin and maize straw lignin, achieving lignin solubilization of 82% and 57%, respectively. Overall, these findings suggest that DESs have great potential as solvents for lignin dissolution.
Bibliometric Review on Sustainable Finance
Authors: Kashi Aghilasse , Shah Mohamed Eskandar
Published: April 2023

Unlike conventional finance, sustainable finance seeks to integrate social, environmental, and climate change considerations into financial institutions’ business strategies. The financial system’s ability to positively respond to sustainability transition demands is contingent upon a directional transformation that involves regulatory, political, structural, theoretical, and relational shifts. Accordingly, this paper performs a quali-quantitative analysis that combines both a bibliometric method with a content analysis process to investigate the trend of sustainable finance literature in the Scopus database and provide directions for potential future research. Our bibliometric performance analysis of 723 publications reveals that the UK, China, the US, Switzerland, and Japan are the major centers of research excellence in sustainable finance. They are the most productive countries and hold the most relevant institutions. Moreover, the prevalence of transdisciplinary journals over mainstream finance and economics sources is obvious. Our network map analysis, on the other hand, shows the substantial relevancy of sustainable/green banks’ involvement in sustainable development. Nonetheless, its relatively low density underlines the existence of relevant research gaps. Therefore, we undertake a content analysis of that particular topic’s literature to derive its conceptual structure and truly understand banks’ important role in sustainability transition. Key research themes in this respect include sustainability performance and banks’ profitability associations; sustainable banks’ risk profile; determinants of banks’ willingness to introduce sustainability criteria into their business strategy; depositors’/customers’ responsiveness to banks’ sustainability performance; and relevant macroprudential regulations, monetary policies, and supervisory guidelines to sustainability transition.
The Bibliometric Analysis of Microplastics in Soil Environments: Hotspots of Research and Trends of Development
Authors: Yang Tingting , Liu Jinning , Zhu Hongfei , Zhu Lei , Kong Tao , Tai Shanshan
Published: April 2023

Microplastics are persistent and complex contaminants and have been recognized as a global concern. Recently, increasing efforts have been devoted to studying the influence of microplastics on soils. However, the complexity of microplastics and the diversity of extraction methods result in a lack of systematic analysis and comprehensive review in this field. In this paper, we used CiteSpace software to summarize the development of this field. Then, we visualized and analyzed the knowledge structure, research hotspots, and trend directions of this field. We found that the number of publications escalated dramatically, and 281 institutions in 69 countries have published articles in this field. Among them, China was the most productive contributor. However, according to the scientific collaboration analysis, we found that more than 90% of the authors who contributed to the field had no close connection. In co-occurrence analysis for subject categories, we found that the research in this field covered environmental science, engineering, ecology, and agriculture. Additionally, the effect of soil microplastics on agriculture was the most important problem in scientific research. The keyword co-occurrence cluster analysis revealed a total of 6 clusters, including “Identification” (#0), “Microbial community” (#1), “Oxidative stress” (#2), “Adsorption” (#3), “Porous media” (#4), and “Abundance” (#5). We discussed several aspects in detail, including detection methods, characteristics, environmental effects, adsorption capacity, removal and degradation, and toxicity. According to these results, we summarized the current research hotspots and evaluated future research trends in soil microplastics. This study is the first to specifically visualize the research field, and these results provide a reference for future research in the field of soil microplastics.
The Correlation between the Structure Characteristics and Gasification Characteristics of Tar Residue from Pyrolysis
Authors: Li Jiahui , Li Weiguo , She Xuefeng , Shi Jianhong , Lin Peifang , Xue Qingguo
Published: April 2023

Pyrolysis is an efficient method for utilizing tar residue as a resource, and the structural properties of tar residue from pyrolysis (TRP) significantly impact subsequent gasification. The study examines the changes in the microscopic morphology, surface area, and carbon structure characteristics of TRPP as a function of pyrolysis temperature to elucidate the influence of pyrolysis temperature on the CO2 gasification characteristic parameters of TRP. Additionally, the investigation explores the relationship between surface structure and carbon structure characteristic parameters and gasification parameters at various stages. The findings indicated that the surface morphology of TRP synthesized at different pyrolysis temperatures (500–900 °C) was divided into two stages: the development of pores and the jamming of pores. With increasing pyrolysis temperature, the bigger aromatic nucleus was formed in the TRP without complete graphitization, and more amorphous carbon was consumed. TRP prepared at a pyrolysis temperature of 700 °C had the best gasification reactivity. By combining XRD, Raman, and gas adsorption techniques, the correlations between the surface structure and carbon structure parameters and the gasification characteristic parameters were established to evaluate the main factors influencing the gasification reaction. In the early stage of the gasification reaction, the carbon structure played a more important role than the surface structure. As the gasification reaction proceeded, the relationship between the surface structure and the gasification reaction was closer.
Changes in Physical and Water Retention Properties of Technosols by Agricultural Reclamation with Wheat–Rapeseed Rotation in a Post-Mining Area of Central Poland
Authors: Kozłowski Michał , Otremba Krzysztof , Pająk Marek , Pietrzykowski Marcin
Published: April 2023

During opencast lignite mining, the natural landscape is damaged, along with soils, and new anthropogenic landforms are created which require reclamation. Usually, the evaluation of the effects of reclamation (mostly forestry) is concerned with changes in chemical properties in the first years, mainly in the surface horizon. This study analyzed the effect of long-term agricultural reclamation (43 years) on the physical and water retention properties of Technosols. The experiment involved cultivation of winter wheat and winter oilseed rape under 3 fertilization variants. After 43 years, an Ap horizon (Ap1 and Ap2) developed in fertilized Technosols, but was not clearly formed in unfertilized minesoil. In Ap1, there was improvement in the physical quality (S), bulk density (BD), particle density (PD), structural stability index (SI), soil porosity (SP), air-filled porosity (AFP), field capacity (FC) and plant available water capacity (PAWC). In Ap2, properties were comparable to those in the surface horizon of unfertilized Technosols and to those observed before reclamation. Regardless of fertilization, there was deterioration in physical quality in parent materials. In general, the properties of fertilized Technosols have improved in the surface horizons, but increasing fertilization above plant requirements does not lead to their further enhancement.
How to Measure Sustainability in the Supply Chain Design: An Integrated Proposal from an Extensive and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Espinoza Pérez Andrea Teresa , Vásquez Óscar C.
Published: April 2023

The increase in the world population and resource scarcity has led to the introduction of environmental concepts such as sustainability and sustainable supply chain design (SSCD). However, there is a lack of consensus among researchers on how to measure sustainability in SSCD. Therefore, the authors propose a novel approach to measuring sustainability in the context of SSCD by developing an integrated, tractable, and representative metrics framework. The methodology corresponds to a quantitative approach involving bibliographic examination and statistical techniques. First, the authors conducted a systematic literature review by formulating research questions and a search protocol, searched for relevant articles, and conducted a quality assessment on full-text reviews to obtain metrics for measuring sustainability in SSCD from the literature. Then, they defined aggregation criteria representing their inclusion relationship by merging associated metrics. The authors then used Cluster Analysis (CA), a multivariate statistical technique, for grouping the metrics. Consequently, twelve clusters were distinguished from 541 research articles, grouping 51 metrics from different sustainability dimensions. It shows the strong connection among the sustainability dimensions, i.e., they must be assessed holistically. Then, we proposed reducing the 51 metrics to 5 to evaluate sustainability in the SSCD, allowing us to focus on a reduced number of indicators.
Contribution of the European Bioeconomy Strategy to the Green Deal Policy: Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing These Policies
Authors: Liobikienė Genovaitė , Miceikienė Astrida
Published: April 2023

The Green Deal is an ambitious European development strategy that aims to create a carbon-neutral and environmentally friendly economy. This strategy encompasses key environmental policies such as climate change, circular economy, and sustainable development. Due to its broad and comprehensive definition and sectoral coverage, the European Union’s Bioeconomy Strategy, which is linked to the supply and demand of natural resources, is also crucial to the implementation of the Green Deal. However, there has been very little evaluation of the role of bioeconomy development in the European Green Deal. Therefore, by comparing the documents of these policies, the aim of this paper is to identify the main roles of the bioeconomy in the European Green Deal and overlaps, highlighting the opportunities and challenges of the implementation of these policies. The bioeconomy goals overlap with the European Green Deal targets. Looking at the eight main goals of the European Green Deal, all of them are related to the implementation of the bioeconomy. Preserving biodiversity and Farm to Fork actions are directly linked to the development of the bioeconomy, while the residual actions are partly linked to this development. In order to implement the Bioeconomy Strategy and the European Green Deal policy, it is essential to evaluate the vulnerability of biomass to the effects of climate change and the growing food crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, the sustainable use of biomass and the promotion of biomass consumption in the energy, building, and transport sectors need to be examined.
How Does Trade Policy Uncertainty Affect Supply Chain Efficiency: A Case Study of Listed Companies of Chinese Port Industry
Authors: Lin Bo , Yuan Liu , Lu Bo
Published: April 2023

This paper uses a data sample from listed companies in the national port industry from 2007 to 2020 to systematically explore the impact of trade policy uncertainty on the supply chain efficiency of listed companies in the national port industry and its mechanism based on the events of Sino–US trade policy changes. It is found that the increase in trade policy uncertainty significantly reduces the enterprises’ supply chain efficiency. The further influence channel test shows that the increase of trade policy uncertainty inhibits the improvement of enterprises’ supply chain efficiency by reducing the export quantity and technological innovation channel of enterprises. From the perspective of trade policy changes, this paper provides a new explanation for understanding the dynamic changes in the supply chain efficiency of Chinese enterprises in recent years and enriches relevant research on evaluating the economic effects of trade policy uncertainty.
Efficient Utilization of Limonite Nickel Laterite to Prepare Ferronickel by the Selective Reduction Smelting Process
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhu Deqing , Guo Zhengqi , Pan Jian , Lv Tao , Yang Congcong , Li Siwei
Published: April 2023

Ferronickel products obtained from the traditional process used to treat limonite nickel laterite usually assay very low-grade Ni, only 3–5% Ni due to the high Fe/Ni ratio of limonite nickel laterite. This paper describes an investigation conducted to upgrade limonite nickel laterites for the preparation of ferronickel by using selective reduction smelting technology. By means of thermodynamic calculations and smelting experiments, the smelting separation mechanism and the behavior of P and S removal in the smelting process, as well as the influence of smelting factors, have been systematically identified. The best production index of ferronickel is obtained under optimized conditions as follows: smelting the pre-reduced lumps at 1525 °C for 45 min with a basicity of 0.60, MgO/SiO2 ratio of 0.30, and nickel and iron metallization rate of 94.30% and 10.93%, respectively. The resulting ferronickel features a nickel and iron grade of 12.55% and 84.61% and a nickel and iron recovery of 85.65% and 10.87%, respectively. In addition, the content of S and P contained in ferronickel is only 0.11% and 0.0035%, respectively. The ferronickel obtained from the selective reduction smelting process is a fine material for the subsequent stainless steel smelting due to its high Ni grade and low content of impurities.
Exploring the Impact of Contingency Theory on Sustainable Innovation in Malaysian Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Yusuf Muhammad Fakhrul , Mohamad Nasarudin Nur Anis Imalyn , Sorooshian Shahryar , Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Kasim Nur Muneerah
Published: April 2023

This study looks at the impact of contingency theory on sustainable innovation in Malaysian manufacturing firms. A quantitative approach was used, with convenience sampling to select participants from a target population of Malaysian manufacturing employees. An online survey distributed via email was used to collect 101 sets of data for the study. PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling) was used to analyze the collected data. According to the findings, corporate sustainable support policies and sustainable incentives have a significant positive impact on sustainable innovation in Malaysian manufacturing firms, whereas top management commitment was found to be insignificant. Companies that prioritize sustainable practices through policies and incentives are more likely to promote sustainable innovation, according to the findings. As a result, businesses should prioritize developing these two attributes in order to foster sustainable innovation, thereby improving sustainability practices and contributing to the country’s long-term development goals. Future research should, however, investigate why top management commitment may not be a significant driver of sustainable innovation in Malaysian manufacturing firms.
Wave Energy Convertor for Bilateral Offshore Wave Flows: A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Study
Authors: Weerakoon A. H. Samitha , Lee Young-Ho , Assadi Mohsen
Published: April 2023

Human activities have adversely affected the Earth’s habitable environment. Carbon emissions and other greenhouse gas emissions are the primary cause of climate change and ozone layer depletion. In addition, the exponential decay of fossil fuel resources has resulted in the rising demand for renewable and environmentally-friendly energy sources. Wave energy is the most consistent of all intermittent renewable energy sources and offers a promising solution to our energy needs. This study focuses on harnessing offshore wave energy resources, specifically targeting offshore conditions with the highest energy density. A novel direct drive cross-flow turbine with an improved augmentation channel shape was designed and analyzed using commercial computational fluid dynamics software. The turbine’s base model reached a maximum efficiency of 54.3%, with 33.4 kW of power output at 35 rev/min and a 3.0 m head. Bidirectional flow simulations were carried out, and the peak cyclic efficiency was recorded at 56.8% with a 36.4 kW average power output. The nozzle entry arc angle of 150 degrees was found to be the most efficient, and the numerical simulation’s fully developed solution computed the flow behavior through the runner and nozzle under steady-state conditions.
Strategies for the Resilience of Power-Coal Supply Chains in Low-Carbon Energy Transition: A System Dynamics Model and Scenario Analysis of China up to 2060
Authors: Yu Zehua , Li Zheng , Ma Linwei
Published: April 2023

The global trends of coal phase-out in response to climate change are meeting obstacles in China, where a stable operation of power-coal supply chains remains essential. How to guarantee the resilience of these supply chains during the low-carbon transition becomes a critical issue. This study aims to recommend corresponding strategies by modelling and analysis. A system dynamics model was developed to analyze scenarios of China’s power-coal supply from 2021 to 2060. The results indicated that, firstly, the capacity redundancy of coal mines will increase from 1.13 to 1.32 before 2045, with the rising power-coal demand and its volatility, followed by a sharp decrease after that, in which demand falls in all scenarios. Secondly, increasing coal stock in each link can effectively reduce capacity redundancy of coal mines and imports during the period of rising demand, resulting in 250 million tons of coal mine capacity reduction, but will lead to an opposite result when demand falls. Finally, under high demand fluctuations, coal transport capacity will become a key constraint. It is recommended that China must improve the capacity redundancy of coal mines, coal stock, and coal transport in the near-term, as well as enhance long-term planning to carefully coordinate these factors during the whole process of low-carbon transition.
The Role of Employee Empowerment in Supporting Accounting Information Systems Outcomes: A Mediated Model
Authors: Qatawneh Adel M.
Published: April 2023

The current research study was carried out to explore the mediating influence of management awareness on the relationship between employee empowerment and accounting information systems (AIS) outcomes. A quantitative approach was adopted through the distribution of an online questionnaire to (97) financial managers and accounting managers within banks in Jordan. SPSS was used in order to analyze the primary data, and it was seen that management awareness mediates the relationship between employee empowerment and AIS outcomes, which is attributed to the fact that management needs to be aware of organizational goals and the financial information needed to achieve these goals. This includes an understanding of the latest accounting technology that is available to assist in this process. Additionally, management needs to be aware of the costs associated with the implementation of new systems, and any potential risks that could arise. By being actively involved in the implementation and decision-making process, management can ensure that AIS is efficient and produces the desired results. Finally, management should ensure that appropriate user training is available for all users of the information system. This ensures that the system can be utilized in the most efficient manner possible and produces the desired financial results. This study recommended the need to utilize integrated cloud-based systems to increase the availability of information and reduce the need for manual data entry. Further recommendations were presented in the study.
Quantum Related-Key Attack Based on Simon’s Algorithm and Its Applications
Authors: Zhang Ping
Published: April 2023

With the development of quantum technology, quantum computing has an increasingly significant impact on cryptanalysis. Several quantum algorithms, such as Simon’s algorithm, Grover’s algorithm, the Bernstein–Vazirani algorithm, Shor’s algorithm, and the Grover-meets-Simon algorithm, have been proposed successively. However, almost all cryptanalysis is based on the quantum chosen-plaintext attack (qCPA) model. This paper focuses on a powerful cryptanalytic model, quantum related-key attack (qRKA), and proposes a strategy of qRKAs against symmetric ciphers using Simon’s algorithm. We construct a periodic function to efficiently recover the secret key of symmetric ciphers if the attacked symmetric ciphers satisfy Simon’s promise, and present the complexity analysis on specific symmetric ciphers. Then, we apply qRKA to the Even–Mansour cipher and SoEM construction, recover their secret keys, and show their complexity comparison in the distinct attack models. This work is of great significance for the qRKA cryptanalysis of existing provably secure cryptographic schemes and the design of future quantum secure cryptographic schemes.
Intelligent Computing Collaboration for the Security of the Fog Internet of Things
Authors: Zhao Hong , Sun Guowei , Li Weiheng , Zuo Peiliang , Li Zhaobin , Wei Zhanzhen
Published: April 2023

The application of fog Internet of Things (IoT) technology helps solve the problem of weak computing power faced by IoT terminals. Due to asymmetric differences in communication methods, sensing data offloading from IoT terminals to fog and cloud layers faces different security issues, and both processes should be protected through certain data transmission protection measures. To take advantage of the relative asymmetry between cloud, fog, and sensing layers, this paper considers using physical layer security technology and encryption technology to ensure the security of the sensing data unloading process. An efficient resource allocation method based on deep reinforcement learning is proposed to solve the problem of channel and power allocation in fog IoT scenarios, as well as the selection of unloading destinations. This problem, which is NP-hard, belongs to the attribute of mixed integer nonlinear programming. Meanwhile, the supporting parameters of the method, including state space, action space, and rewards, are all adaptively designed based on scene characteristics and optimization goals. The simulation and analysis show that the proposed method possesses good convergence characteristics. Compared to several heuristic methods, the proposed method reduces latency by at least 18.7% on the premise that the transmission of sensing data is securely protected.
Rapid Production of Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Monoclonal Antibody in Nicotiana benthamiana for the Early Detection and Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Do Van Giap
Published: April 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, affecting 0.5% to 1% of the population. It could ultimately result in joint destruction, functional decline, work disability, and enhanced mortality. Cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (CCP Abs) are useful biomarkers for the early detection and diagnosis of RA. In this study, we used plant viral-based expression vectors that produce rapidly large quantities of CCP-specific monoclonal antibodies. Heavy and light chain genes of a CCP monoclonal antibody (CCP mAb) were cloned from the hybridoma cell (12G1) and introduced into two separate plant viral-based expression vectors, TMV and PVX. A cyclic citrullinated peptide monoclonal antibody was produced in Nicotiana benthamiana through an Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression system. The expression of CCP mAb in tobacco plants was confirmed by dot blot, western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). It was shown that tobacco plants could accumulate CCP mAbs up to 0.35% of total soluble protein. Accumulated CCP mAb from infiltrated leaves was purified by protein G affinity chromatography. Immunoblot assays and ELISA showed plant-produced CCP mAbs successfully bound to a synthetic CCP peptide antigen. This system provides a fast strategy for the production of pharmaceutical CCP mAbs in tobacco plants.
Application of Sonographic Assessments of the Rate of Proximal Progression to Monitor Protobothrops mucrosquamatus Bite-Related Local Envenomation: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Chen Feng-Chen , Ismail Ahmad Khaldun , Mao Yan-Chiao , Hsu Chih-Hsiung , Chiang Liao-Chun , Shih Chang-Chih , Tzeng Yuan-Sheng , Lin Chin-Sheng , Liu Shing-Hwa , Ho Cheng-Hsuan
Published: April 2023

Patients bitten by Protobothrops mucrosquamatus typically experience significant pain, substantial swelling, and potentially blister formation. The appropriate dosage and efficacy of FHAV for alleviating local tissue injury remain uncertain. Between 2017 and 2022, 29 snakebite patients were identified as being bitten by P. mucrosquamatus. These patients underwent point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) assessments at hourly intervals to measure the extent of edema and evaluate the rate of proximal progression (RPP, cm/hour). Based on Blaylock’s classification, seven patients (24%) were classified as Group I (minimal), while 22 (76%) were classified as Group II (mild to severe). In comparison to Group I patients, Group II patients received more FHAV (median of 9.5 vials vs. two vials, p-value < 0.0001) and experienced longer median complete remission times (10 days vs. 2 days, p-value < 0.001). We divided the Group II patients into two subgroups based on their clinical management. Clinicians opted not to administer antivenom treatment to patients in Group IIA if their RPP decelerated. In contrast, for patients in Group IIB, clinicians increased the volume of antivenom in the hope of reducing the severity of swelling or blister formation. Patients in Group IIB received a significantly higher median volume of antivenom (12 vials vs. six vials; p-value < 0.001) than those in Group IIA. However, there was no significant difference in outcomes (disposition, wound necrosis, and complete remission times) between subgroups IIA and IIB. Our study found that FHAV does not appear to prevent local tissue injuries, such as swelling progression and blister formation, immediately after administration. When administering FHAV to patients bitten by P. mucrosquamatus, the deceleration of RPP may serve as an objective parameter to help clinicians decide whether to withhold FHAV administration.
Characterization of a Bacteriophage GEC_vB_Bfr_UZM3 Active against Bacteroides fragilis
Authors: Bakuradze Nata , Merabishvili Maia , Kusradze Ia , Ceyssens Pieter-Jan , Onsea Jolien , Metsemakers Willem-Jan , Grdzelishvili Nino , Natroshvili Guliko , Tatrishvili Tamar , Lazvliashvili Davit , Mitskevich Nunu , Pirnay Jean-Paul , Chanishvili Nina
Published: April 2023

Bacteroides fragilis is a commensal gut bacterium that is associated with a number of blood and tissue infections. It has not yet been recognized as one of the drug-resistant human pathogens, but cases of the refractory infections, caused by strains that are not susceptible to the common antibiotic regimes established for B. fragilis, have been more frequently reported. Bacteriophages (phages) were found to be a successful antibacterial alternative to antibiotic therapy in many cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. We have characterized the bacteriophage GEC_vB_Bfr_UZM3 (UZM3), which was used for the treatment of a patient with a chronic osteomyelitis caused by a B. fragilis mixed infection. Studied biological and morphological properties of UZM3 showed that it seems to represent a strictly lytic phage belonging to a siphovirus morphotype. It is characterized by high stability at body temperature and in pH environments for about 6 h. Whole genome sequencing analysis of the phage UZM3 showed that it does not harbor any known virulence genes and can be considered as a potential therapeutic phage to be used against B. fragilis infections.
Chikungunya Virus Infection and Gonotrophic Cycle Shape Aedes aegypti Oviposition Behavior and Preferences
Authors: Mulatier Margaux , Boullis Antoine , Dollin Christelle , Cebrián-Torrejón Gerardo , Vega-Rúa Anubis
Published: April 2023

Targeting gravid females through chemical lures is a promising strategy in vector control; however, it requires the understanding of the factors susceptible to alter female oviposition behavior. Here, we evaluated the effect of infection with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and the number of gonotrophic cycles (GCs) on oviposition activity in A. aegypti. Dual choice oviposition assays were performed, where dodecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, n-heneicosane and a Sargasssum fluitans (Børgesen) Børgesen extract were tested in uninfected females and females infected with CHIKV, at the 1st and 2nd GC. Infected females displayed a lower percentage of oviposition and a higher number of eggs laid at the 1st GC. Then, the combined effects of GC and CHIKV were observed on oviposition preferences, with a chemical-dependent effect. For instance, the deterrent effect of n-heneicosane and pentadecanoic acid increased at the 2nd GC in infected females. These results allow for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in oviposition site selection and highlight the need for taking into account physiological stage changes to increase the control programs’ efficacy.
Clinical and Laboratory Parameters of Carp Edema Virus Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Papežíková Ivana , Piačková Veronika , Dyková Iva , Baloch Ali Asghar , Kroupová Hana Kocour , Zusková Eliška , Pojezdal Ľubomír , Minářová Hana , Syrová Eva , Banďouchová Hana , Hyršl Pavel , Matějíčková Kateřina , Pikula Jiří , Palíková Miroslava
Published: April 2023

In the present study, we describe a natural outbreak of carp edema virus disease (CEVD) in koi carp, concentrating on clinical manifestation, gross and microscopic pathology, immunological parameters, viral diagnostics, and phylogenetic analysis. Examination of white blood cell parameters showed increased monocyte and decreased lymphocyte counts in CEV-affected fish compared to healthy control fish. Regarding immune system functioning, the present work shows, for the first time, enhanced phagocytic activity in CEV-affected fish. Respiratory burst of phagocytes was strongly increased in diseased fish, the increase being attributed to an increased phagocyte count rather than enhancement of their metabolic activity. The present work also newly shows histopathological changes in the pancreatic tissue of diseased koi.
Molecular Mimicry of the Viral Spike in the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Possibly Triggers Transient Dysregulation of ACE2, Leading to Vascular and Coagulation Dysfunction Similar to SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Devaux Christian A. , Camoin-Jau Laurence
Published: April 2023

The benefits of SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccines are well known, including a significant decline in COVID-19 morbidity and a decrease in the mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2 infected persons. However, pharmacovigilance studies have revealed the existence of rare cases of cardiovascular complications after mass vaccination using such formulations. Cases of high blood pressure have also been reported but were rarely documented under perfectly controlled medical supervision. The press release of these warning signals triggered a huge debate over COVID-19 vaccines’ safety. Thereby, our attention was quickly focused on issues involving the risk of myocarditis, acute coronary syndrome, hypertension and thrombosis. Rare cases of undesirable post-vaccine pathophysiological phenomena should question us, especially when they occur in young subjects. They are more likely to occur with inappropriate use of mRNA vaccine (e.g., at the time when the immune response is already very active during a low-noise infection in the process of healing), leading to angiotensin II (Ang II) induced inflammation triggering tissue damage. Such harmful effects observed after the COVID-19 vaccine evoke a possible molecular mimicry of the viral spike transiently dysregulating angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) function. Although the benefit/risk ratio of SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine is very favorable, it seems reasonable to suggest medical surveillance to patients with a history of cardiovascular diseases who receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Application of Optimization Techniques for Searching Optimal Reservoir Rule Curves: A Review
Authors: Kangrang Anongrit , Prasanchum Haris , Sriworamas Krit , Ashrafi Seyed Mohammad , Hormwichian Rattana , Techarungruengsakul Rapeepat , Ngamsert Ratsuda
Published: April 2023

This paper reviews applications of optimization techniques connected with reservoir simulation models to search for optimal rule curves. The literature reporting the search for suitable reservoir rule curves is discussed and examined. The development of optimization techniques for searching processes are investigated by focusing on fitness function and constraints. There are five groups of optimization algorithms that have been applied to find the optimal reservoir rule curves: the trial and error technique with the reservoir simulation model, dynamic programing, heuristic algorithm, swarm algorithm, and evolutionary algorithm. The application of an optimization algorithm with the considered reservoirs is presented by focusing on its efficiency to alleviate downstream flood reduction and drought mitigation, which can be explored by researchers in wider studies. Finally, the appropriate future rule curves that are useful for future conditions are presented by focusing on climate and land use changes as well as the participation of stakeholders. In conclusion, this paper presents the suitable conditions for applying optimization techniques to search for optimal reservoir rule curves to be effectively applied in future reservoir operations.
Late Iron Age Brooches Presumbly Discovered in the Dacian Fortress from Tilișca (Sibiu County)
Authors:   Doctoral School “History. Civilization. Culture”, Babeș-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, Ciubotaru Nica
Published: April 2023

The aim of this article is to present some Late Iron Age brooches that were discovered by the means of illegal metal detecting somewhere in Southern/South-Western Transylvania. According to available data, the brooches, along with other artefacts, may have been looted from the Dacian fortress on the Cățănaș hill from Tilișca, Sibiu county. Given that the brooches have been decontextualised, an interpretation of this assemblage could not be proposed. Still, the typological analysis of the brooches allowed me to extract new information and to formulate some observations regarding the brooches and dress style of pre-Roman Dacia from the second half of the 2nd c. BC until the beginning of the 2nd c. AD. Since the chronology and nature of the assemblage of the looted brooches correspond to that of the fibulae discovered during the archaeological research of the Dacian site from Tilișca, I have analysed the latter as well. However, because a direct connection with the Dacian fortress from Tilișca cannot be asserted, the brooches from the assemblage could not be interpreted together with the ones found with certainty on the site.