bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Reveals Stage-Specific Metabolic Signatures of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Guo Yixuan , Wei Shuangshuang , Yin Mengdi , Cao Dandan , Li Yiling , Wen Chengping , Zhou Jia
Published: October 2023

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of chronic rheumatic immune disease, and the crucial point of AS treatment is identifying the correct stage of the disease. However, there is a lack of effective diagnostic methods for AS staging. The primary objective of this study was to perform an untargeted metabolomic approach in AS patients in an effort to reveal metabolic differences between patients in remission and acute stages. Serum samples from 40 controls and 57 AS patients were analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Twenty-four kinds of differential metabolites were identified between the healthy controls and AS patients, mainly involving valine/leucine/isoleucine biosynthesis and degradation, phenylalanine/tyrosine/tryptophan biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, etc. Furthermore, the levels of fatty acids (linoleate, dodecanoate, hexadecanoate, and octadecanoate), amino acids (serine and pyroglutamate), 2-hydroxybutanoate, glucose, etc., were lower in patients in the acute stage than those in the remission stage, which may be associated with the aggravated inflammatory response and elevated oxidative stress in the acute stage. Multiple stage-specific metabolites were significantly correlated with inflammatory indicators (CRP and ESR). In addition, the combination of serum 2-hydroxybutanoate and hexadecanoate plays a significant role in the diagnosis of AS stages. These metabolomics-based findings provide new perspectives for AS staging, treatment, and pathogenesis studies.
RETRACTED: Preparation and Analysis of Structured Color Janus Droplets Based on Microfluidic 3D Droplet Printing
Authors: Wu Chuang , Jia Hanqi , Almuaalemi Haithm , Sohan A. , Yin Binfeng
Published: October 2023

The microfluidic technique for the three-dimensional (3D) printing of Janus droplets offers precise control over their size, orientation, and positioning. The proposed approach investigates the impact of variables such as the volume ratio of the oil phase, droplet size, and the ratio of nonionic surfactants on the dimensions of the structured color apertures of Janus droplets. The findings reveal that structured color apertures modulate accurately. Furthermore, fabricating color patterns facilitates cat, fish, and various other specific shapes using structured color Janus droplets. The color patterns exhibit temperature-sensitive properties, enabling them to transition between display and concealed states. Herein, the adopted microfluidic technique creates Janus droplets with customizable characteristics and uniform size, solving orientation as well as space arrangement problems. This approach holds promising applications for optical devices, sensors, and biomimetic systems.
The Effect of Width-Mismatch of Modulated Nanowaveguides on the Thermoelectric Efficiency
Authors: Stefanou Antonios-Dimitrios , Zianni Xanthippi
Published: October 2023

Width-modulated nanowaveguides are promising for thermoelectric efficiency enhancement because electron and phonon transport properties can be geometrically tuned for improved performance. The shape of the modulation profile drastically affects the transport properties. Optimization of the width modulation for simultaneous maximum thermoelectric transport and minimum thermal transport is challenging because of the interconnected electron and phonon transport properties. We addressed this problem by analysing the effect of each characteristic dimension of a single rectangular modulation unit on electron and phonon transport. We identified distinct behaviours for electrons and phonons. We reveal that whereas phonon thermal conductance decreases with increasing width-mismatch, the electron thermoelectric power factor shows a non-monotonic dependence. It is pointed out that optimal width-mismatch that maximizes thermoelectric efficiency is mainly determined by electron transport and should be identified by maximizing the thermoelectric power. Our work points to a new strategy of optimizing geometry-modulated metamaterials for maximum thermoelectric efficiency.
Substrate DNA Promoting Binding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MtrA by Facilitating Dimerization and Interpretation of Affinity by Minor Groove Width
Authors: Memon Aadil Ahmed , Fu Xiang , Fan Xiao-Yong , Xu Lingyun , Xiao Jihua , Rahman Mueed Ur , Yang Xiaoqi , Yao Yu-Feng , Deng Zixin , Ma Wei
Published: October 2023

In order to deepen the understanding of the role and regulation mechanisms of prokaryotic global transcription regulators in complex processes, including virulence, the associations between the affinity and binding sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MtrA have been explored extensively. Analysis of MtrA 294 diversified 26 bp binding sequences revealed that the sequence similarity of fragments was not simply associated with affinity. The unique variation patterns of GC content and periodical and sequential fluctuation of affinity contribution curves were observed along the sequence in this study. Furthermore, docking analysis demonstrated that the structure of the dimer MtrA-DNA (high affinity) was generally consistent with other OmpR family members, while Arg 219 and Gly 220 of the wing domain interacted with the minor groove. The results of the binding box replacement experiment proved that box 2 was essential for binding, which implied the differential roles of the two boxes in the binding process. Furthermore, the results of the substitution of the nucleotide at the 20th and/or 21st positions indicated that the affinity was negatively associated with the value of minor groove width precisely at the 21st position. The dimerization of the unphosphorylated MtrA facilitated by a low-affinity DNA fragment was observed for the first time. However, the proportion of the dimer was associated with the affinity of substrate DNA, which further suggested that the affinity was actually one characteristic of the stability of dimers. Based on the finding of 17 inter-molecule hydrogen bonds identified in the interface of the MtrA dimer, including 8 symmetric complementary ones in the conserved α4-β5-α5 face, we propose that hydrogen bonds should be considered just as important as salt bridges and the hydrophobic patch in the dimerization. Our comprehensive study on a large number of binding fragments with quantitative affinity values provided new insight into the molecular mechanism of dimerization, binding specificity and affinity determination of MtrA and clues for solving the puzzle of how global transcription factors regulate a large quantity of target genes.
Controlling Multi-Drug-Resistant Traits of Salmonella Obtained from Retail Poultry Shops Using Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) as a Novel Technique
Authors: Kamal W. , Mahmoud Rehab , Allah Abeer Enaiet , Farghali Ahmed A. , Abdelwahab Abdalla , Alkhalifah Dalal Hussien M. , Hozzein Wael N. , Mohamed Manar Bahaa El Din , Abdel Aziz Sahar Abdel Aleem
Published: October 2023

Salmonella spp. is considered one of the most important causes of food-borne illness globally. Poultry and its products are usually incriminated in its spread. Treatment with antibiotics is the first choice to deal with such cases; however, multi-drug resistance and biofilm formation have been recorded in animals and humans. This study aimed to detect the antibiotic profile of isolated traits from different sources and to find innovative alternatives, such as MOFs. A total of 350 samples were collected from randomly selected retailed poultry shops in Beni-Suef Province, Egypt. Their antimicrobial susceptibility against eight different antibiotics was tested, and multi-drug resistance was found in most of them. Surprisingly, promising results toward MOF were detected. Cu/Ni/Co-MOF (MOF3) showed superior antibacterial efficiency to Cu/Ni-MOF (MOF2) and Cu-MOF (MOF1) at p value ≤ 0.01. These findings highlight the tendency of Salmonella spp. to develop MDR to most of the antibiotics used in the field and the need to find new alternatives to overcome it, as well as confirming the ability of the environment to act as a source of human and animal affection.
Enhancing Biocrust Development and Plant Growth through Inoculation of Desiccation-Tolerant Cyanobacteria in Different Textured Soils
Authors: Yadav Priya , Singh Rahul Prasad , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Santoyo Gustavo , Kumar Ajay , Gupta Rajan Kumar
Published: October 2023

In recent years, there has been a burgeoning interest in the utilization of cyanobacteria for the purpose of land rehabilitation via enhancements in soil fertility, prevent erosion, and counter desertification. This study evaluated the ability of Nostoc calcicola BOT1, Scytonema sp. BOT2, and their consortia to form biocrusts on the substrate of coarse sand, fine sand, and loamy soil. A nutrient- and water-deficient substrate was inoculated with cyanobacteria to facilitate biocrust formation and evaluate their impact on agriculture. Cyanobacteria inoculation resulted in significant improvements in soil fertility, especially in coarse and fine sand, which initially had the lowest fertility. The findings of this investigation underscore that the consortium of cyanobacteria exhibited greater efficacy than individual strains in enhancing soil fertility and stimulating plant growth. The loamy soil treated with the consortium had the highest plant growth across all soil types, in contrast to the individual strains. The consortium of cyanobacteria showed promising results in promoting biocrust formation and fostering rice seedling growth in fine sand. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the potential utility of cyanobacterial consortia as a valuable tool for the rehabilitation of degraded land. Furthermore, the results indicate that cyanobacterial species can persist in soil environments even following prolonged periods of desiccation.
The Future Is Now: Unraveling the Expanding Potential of Human (Necro)Microbiome in Forensic Investigations
Authors: Cláudia-Ferreira Ana , Barbosa Daniel José , Saegeman Veroniek , Fernández-Rodríguez Amparo , Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge , Freitas Ana R. ,   on behalf of the ESCMID Study Group of Forensic and Post-Mortem Microbiology (ESGFOR)
Published: October 2023

The relevance of postmortem microbiological examinations has been controversial for decades, but the boom in advanced sequencing techniques over the last decade is increasingly demonstrating their usefulness, namely for the estimation of the postmortem interval. This comprehensive review aims to present the current knowledge about the human postmortem microbiome (the necrobiome), highlighting the main factors influencing this complex process and discussing the principal applications in the field of forensic sciences. Several limitations still hindering the implementation of forensic microbiology, such as small-scale studies, the lack of a universal/harmonized workflow for DNA extraction and sequencing technology, variability in the human microbiome, and limited access to human cadavers, are discussed. Future research in the field should focus on identifying stable biomarkers within the dominant Bacillota and Pseudomonadota phyla, which are prevalent during postmortem periods and for which standardization, method consolidation, and establishment of a forensic microbial bank are crucial for consistency and comparability. Given the complexity of identifying unique postmortem microbial signatures for robust databases, a promising future approach may involve deepening our understanding of specific bacterial species/strains that can serve as reliable postmortem interval indicators during the process of body decomposition. Microorganisms might have the potential to complement routine forensic tests in judicial processes, requiring robust investigations and machine-learning models to bridge knowledge gaps and adhere to Locard’s principle of trace evidence.
Prediction of Au-Associated Minerals in Eastern Thailand Based on Stream Sediment Geochemical Data Analysis by S-A Multifractal Model
Authors: Yaisamut Oraphan , Xie Shuyun , Charusiri Punya , Dong Jianbiao , Wen Weiji
Published: October 2023

Conducted within the scope of geochemical exploration in eastern Thailand, this study aims to detect geochemical anomalies and potential mineral deposits. The objective was to interpret intricate spatial dispersion patterns and concentration levels of deposit pathfinder elements, specifically arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), using a comprehensive array of stream sediment geochemistry data. Methodologies involved integrating multifractal properties and traditional statistics, facilitated by the GeoDAS and ArcGIS platforms as instrumental analytical tools. In total, 5376 stream sediment samples were collected and evaluated, leading to the development of an in-depth geochemical map. The results indicated distinct geological units marked by substantially elevated average values of the aforementioned elements. Identification of geochemical anomalies was achieved through the spatial distribution method and the subsequent application of the spectrum-area (S-A) multifractal model. An intriguing link was found between high As concentrations and gold deposits in the area, suggesting As as a viable pathfinder element for gold mineralization. The anomaly maps, generated from the stream sediment data, spotlighted potential zones of interest, offering valuable guidance for future mineral exploration and geological inquiries. Nonetheless, it is vital to recognize that the increased values noted in these maps may be influenced by regional geological factors, emphasizing the necessity for a diverse set of analytical methods for accurate interpretation. This study’s significance lies in its pioneering use of the S-A multifractal model in geochemical data analysis. This innovative approach has deepened our comprehension of geochemical dispersion patterns and improved the precision of mineral exploration.
Statistical Characteristics of Geometry, Density and Porosity of Individual Ore Particles: A Case Study
Authors: Zuo Weiran , Lu Yuqing , Xu Jingwei , Liu Weichao , Chen Keqiang
Published: October 2023

This study aims to develop a methodology to describe and predict the statistical characteristics of individual ore particles in terms of length, width, height, volume, mass, area, circularity, aspect ratio, density, and porosity. The mean value, standard deviation, and appropriate distribution function were calculated or identified for each data set of a given particle property in a given size fraction. It was found that the mean value and the standard deviation of the same particle property can either be predicted from particle size or be approximated by a constant. The best-fit distribution of each kind of particle property was identified by the Anderson–Darling test using Minitab software. Generally, the data sets with the same particle property but different size fractions and ore types follow the same distribution. A methodology was developed to predict the distribution of individual particle properties in a given size fraction by particle size, and the fitting quality is good in most cases. The statistical characteristics of individual ore particles can improve the precise processing of ore feed in concentrators, the preparation of feed samples for lab-scale testing, the calibration of image analysis of ore particle size distribution, etc.
Recent Advances in Functional Fiber-Based Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Kim Hakjeong , Nguyen Dinh Cong , Luu Thien Trung , Ding Zhengbing , Lin Zong-Hong , Choi Dukhyun
Published: October 2023

The quality of human life has improved thanks to the rapid development of wearable electronics. Previously, bulk structures were usually selected for the fabrication of high performance electronics, but these are not suitable for wearable electronics due to mobility limitations and comfortability. Fibrous material-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can provide power to wearable electronics due to their advantages such as light weight, flexibility, stretchability, wearability, etc. In this work, various fiber materials, multiple fabrication methods, and fundamentals of TENGs are described. Moreover, recent advances in functional fiber-based wearable TENGs are introduced. Furthermore, the challenges to functional fiber-based TENGs are discussed, and possible solutions are suggested. Finally, the use of TENGs in hybrid devices is introduced for a broader introduction of fiber-based energy harvesting technologies.
Emerging Opportunities for 2D Materials in Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Feng Chenyin , Wu Wenwei , Liu Huidi , Wang Junke , Wan Houzhao , Ma Guokun , Wang Hao
Published: October 2023

Recently, two-dimensional (2D) materials and their heterostructures have been recognized as the foundation for future brain-like neuromorphic computing devices. Two-dimensional materials possess unique characteristics such as near-atomic thickness, dangling-bond-free surfaces, and excellent mechanical properties. These features, which traditional electronic materials cannot achieve, hold great promise for high-performance neuromorphic computing devices with the advantages of high energy efficiency and integration density. This article provides a comprehensive overview of various 2D materials, including graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and black phosphorus (BP), for neuromorphic computing applications. The potential of these materials in neuromorphic computing is discussed from the perspectives of material properties, growth methods, and device operation principles.
An Update on the Current State of SARS-CoV-2 Mac1 Inhibitors
Authors: O’Connor Joseph J. , Ferraris Dana , Fehr Anthony R.
Published: October 2023

Non-structural protein 3 (nsp3) from all coronaviruses (CoVs) contains a conserved macrodomain, known as Mac1, that has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for CoVs due to its critical role in viral pathogenesis. Mac1 is an ADP-ribose binding protein and ADP-ribosylhydrolase that promotes replication and blocks IFN responses, though the precise mechanisms it uses to carry out these functions remain unknown. Over the past 3 years following the onset of COVID-19, several groups have used high-throughput screening with multiple assays and chemical modifications to create unique chemical inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Mac1 protein. Here, we summarize the current efforts to identify selective and potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mac1.
A Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Use at Geita Regional Referral Hospital in North-Western Tanzania
Authors: Kihwili Lutugera , Silago Vitus , Francis Emiliana N. , Idahya Vicent A. , Saguda Zabron C. , Mapunjo Siana , Mushi Martha F. , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: October 2023

We conducted a point prevalence survey (PPS) to determine the prevalence of antibiotic use at Geita Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH) located along the shores of Lake Victoria in north-western Tanzania. This has led to the identification of gaps for improvement. This PPS study was conducted on 9–10 March 2023. Patient-related information, including sociodemographic and clinical data, was collected from medical records. STATA software version 15.0 was used to perform descriptive data analysis. About 94.8% (55/58) patients were on antibiotics with a mean (±SD) prescription of 2 (±0.5) antibiotic agents ranging from 1 to 4 different agents. The commonest indications of the antibiotic prescription were medical prophylaxis 47.3% (26/55) followed by empiric treatment 41.8% (23/55). In total, 110 prescriptions were made, of which metronidazole (25.5%; n = 28), ceftriaxone (23.6%; n = 26), and ampicillin–cloxacillin (23.6%; n = 26) were frequently observed. Only 67.3% (n = 74) of prescriptions complied with Tanzania Standard Treatment Guidelines. Moreover, according to the WHO-AWaRe classification, 50.9%, 23.6%, and 25.5% were under the Access category, Watch category, and Not Recommended category, respectively. The prevalence of antibiotic use among patients admitted to GRRH was high, whereby medical prophylaxis and empiric treatment were the commonest indications for antibiotic prescription. To support rational therapy and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, we recommend that laboratories in regional hospitals be equipped to conduct sustained routine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Evidence-Based Pharmaceutical Care in Community Pharmacies: A Survey of 595 French Pharmacists
Authors: Bosson Louis , Veyer Francesca , Bardet Jean-Didier , Vermorel Céline , Foote Alison , Allenet Benoit , Bosson Jean-Luc
Published: October 2023

We assessed the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) among pharmacists working in community pharmacies in France and the factors linked to this practice. During 3 months in 2018, an online survey was sent to over 7000 active pharmacists and posted on pharmacists’ social media sites. In total, 595 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. The responders were on average younger than the general population of community pharmacists. The 40-item questionnaire described four fictional clinical cases reflecting typical situations (conventional medicine and complementary and alternative medicine) encountered daily by community pharmacists. Multiple-choice responses were proposed and scored according to whether they reflected EBP. A high total score indicated behaviour in line with EBP. We observed 344/595 participants with a positive EBP score (57.8% [53.7–61.8%]). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate factors that might explain adherence to EPB (the pharmacy’s characteristics, the pharmacist’s status, the mode of continuing education and sources of information). The majority relied on pharmaceutical industry and other biased and/or non-evidence-based sources, particularly concerning information on homeopathic products. The consultation of independent reviews, health agency recommendations and peer-reviewed scientific journals was associated with evidence-based decisions. In contrast, reliance on pharmaceutical industry documents, personal experience and informal handbooks was linked to lower EBP scores. The level of EBP use by French community pharmacists needs to be improved to ensure that good-quality, science-based advice is given to customers.
Biological Photonic Devices Designed for the Purpose of Bio-Imaging with Bio-Diagnosis
Authors: Chuang Sih-Chi , Yu Shih-An , Hung Pei-Chia , Lu Hsien-Tsung , Nguyen Hieu-Trung , Chuang Er-Yuan
Published: October 2023

The rapid progress in the fields of biomedical and biological photonic sciences has given rise to a substantial demand for biological photonic structures capable of interacting with living systems. These structures are expected to facilitate precise manipulation of incident light at small scales, enabling the detection of sensitive biological signals and the achievement of highly accurate cell structural imaging. The concept of designing biological photonic devices using innate biomaterials, particularly natural entities such as cells, viruses, and organs, has gained prominence. These innovative devices offer the capability of multimodal light manipulation at specific sites, enhancing biological compatibility while minimizing disruptions to the delicate biological microenvironment. This article delves into recent advancements within the realm of biological photonic devices, with a dedicated focus on their applications in bio-imaging and -diagnosis. The central theme revolves around devices derived from biological entities possessing the requisite optical properties, biocompatibility, biofunctionality, and the ability to induce biological effects. These devices encompass a diverse range of optical functionalities, including light generation, transportation, and modulation, all of which play pivotal roles in bio-detection and imaging, thereby contributing notably to the advancement of these fields. The potential future directions and opportunities for the enhancement of biological photonic devices were outlined.
A Three-Factor Market Model for Incorporating Explicit General Inflation in Non-Life Claims Reserving
Authors: Moriconi Franco
Published: October 2023

In a recent paper “Stochastic Chain-Ladder Reserving with Modeled General Inflation”, the effects of modeled general inflation on non-life claims reserving were studied using, along with the so called “market approach”, a stochastic two-factor market model, characterized by deterministic expected inflation. In the present paper, we repeat the same study, again with the market approach, using a three-factor market model which extends the two-factor model by including stochastic expected inflation. After detailing the theoretical model and estimating the relevant parameters on the same market data used in “Stochastic Chain-Ladder Reserving with Modeled General Inflation”, we repeat the application to claims reserving presented in that paper and compare the results obtained with the two models. With these data, it is found that the inclusion of stochastic expected inflation produces a non-negligible increase in the reserve solvency capital requirement under the one-year view.
Traffic Pattern Classification in Smart Cities Using Deep Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Ismaeel Ayad Ghany , Janardhanan Krishnadas , Sankar Manishankar , Natarajan Yuvaraj , Mahmood Sarmad Nozad , Alani Sameer , Shather Akram H.
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the use of deep recurrent neural networks to classify traffic patterns in smart cities. We propose a novel approach to traffic pattern classification based on deep recurrent neural networks, which can effectively capture traffic patterns’ dynamic and sequential features. The proposed model combines convolutional and recurrent layers to extract features from traffic pattern data and a SoftMax layer to classify traffic patterns. Experimental results show that the proposed model outperforms existing methods regarding accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth analysis of the results and discuss the implications of the proposed model for smart cities. The results show that the proposed model can accurately classify traffic patterns in smart cities with a precision of as high as 95%. The proposed model is evaluated on a real-world traffic pattern dataset and compared with existing classification methods.
Experimental and EOR Mechanism Study of Water Shutoff Effects on Fractured Tight Sand Gas Reservoirs Using Fuzzy Ball Fluids
Authors: Tao Xiujuan , Liu Guoliang , Wang Yue , Li Pinwei , Gao Wei , Wei Panfeng , Zheng Lihui
Published: October 2023

In recent years, there has been quite a dispute over the water shutoff effect of fuzzy ball fluids in fractured tight sandstone gas reservoirs. The core issue of this dispute is to try and make fuzzy ball fluid stabilize gas during the water shutoff process for sustainable development. In order to solve this dispute, the Linxing He-2 reservoir matrix core and a core with artificial fractures were used to simulate interlayer water, artificial fractures, and water output channels from the side and bottom. Simulated formation water and nitrogen were used as the two-phase flow phase. The breakthrough pressure of the air and water phases was tested after plugging with fuzzy ball fluid in order to simulate and analyze the water shutoff effect of the fuzzy ball fluid and its ability to achieve air establishment and water control. The results of this study show that for the core matrix, the breakthrough pressure gradient for water and gas varied from 0.200 MPa/cm to 0.210 MPa/cm and 0.015 MPa/cm to 0.025 MPa/cm, and for artificial fractured cores, the breakthrough pressure gradient of water and gas varied from 0.035 MPa/cm to 0.040 MPa/cm and 0.015 MPa/cm to 0.020 MPa/cm. These results prove that fuzzy ball fluid can block small-scale water output channels, such as matrix pores, through the polymer film-forming structure, and plug the artistic cracks and large-scale water output channels of the water flowing into the sides and bottom through the accumulation of a large number of fuzzy balls, which greatly improves the flow resistance of water. The amount of fuzzy ball fluid should be carefully adjusted with consideration of the water output and formation conditions. For large-scale water output channels and side and bottom water shutoff operations, it is recommended that the amount of fuzzy balls be increased along with the number of fuzzy balls in the system in order to increase the breakthrough pressure of water and achieve the stable control of air and water. It is believed that the fuzzy balls would quickly change their shapes to match the sizes of fracture channels to enter into fractured reservoirs and that an active hydrophobic membrane would form on the surface of fractured rocks, with macromolecules and surfactants being dispersed in the fluid system. In addition, the interface between the fuzzy balls is also hydrophobic, which would slow down the flow of water and provide a continuous gas percolating channel after aggregating and entering into the fractures. This increases the persistence of water intruding into the formation and does not affect the percolation of the gas of fractured tight sandstone gas reservoirs. This research is of great significance for the EOR of tight sand gas reservoirs and the sustainable development of oil and gas resources in China.
Fashioning the Circular Economy with Disruptive Marketing Tactics Mimicking Fast Fashion’s Exploitation of Social Capital: A Case Study Exploring the Innovative Fashion Rental Business Model “Wardrobe”
Authors: Ritch Elaine L. , Siddiqui Noreen
Published: October 2023

With the threat of the climate emergency intensifying and limited time left to reduce irreversible consequences, the need to consider how natural resources are excavated and managed from cradle to grave intensifies. This positions the circular economy (CE) as being highly relevant, particularly for the fashion industry, which is criticised for encouraging continued frequent and impulsive consumption of inexpensive garments with limited longevity. Advancing the circular fashion economy (CFE) has received little attention. Limited research to date has found that consumers have not been socialised to consider fashion acquisition as a collaborative or sharing activity, revealing an established attitude–behaviour gap that prohibits the advancement of the sustainable-fashion agenda. Primarily, fashion is imbued with social and emotional capital, as experienced with the dominant social paradigm (DSP) of fast fashion. This paper argues that similar tactics can be adopted for sustainable fashion practices through the CFE by exemplifying a case study of a fashion-renting platform, “Wardrobe,” that enables consumers to rent fashion owned by influencers and celebrities. In doing so, the paper makes four contributions to the knowledge: Firstly, in developing a conceptual framework from research examining fashion, sustainable fashion, and the CFE, the paper illuminates how fashion marketing emphasises social and celebrity capital to appeal to consumer emotions, encouraging frequent impulsive consumption, and how this can be transferred to the CFE. Secondly, the DSP is contextualised alongside the theory of disruptive innovation to understand how social norms of fashion consumption can be disrupted. Thirdly, although there is an emerging literature stream examining the CE and CFE, this focuses more on consumer practice and behaviours, and little attention has been paid to how the CFE can be marketed to engage with consumers. Fourthly, this paper illuminates how similar marketing tactics used by fast fashion can be exploited to advance the CFE.
Smart Farming Revolution: Farmer’s Perception and Adoption of Smart IoT Technologies for Crop Health Monitoring and Yield Prediction in Jizan, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Jabbari Abdoh , Humayed Abdulmalik , Reegu Faheem Ahmad , Uddin Mueen , Gulzar Yonis , Majid Muneer
Published: October 2023

This study examines the perception and adoption of IoT technologies for crop monitoring among farmers in Jizan, Saudi Arabia. The research investigates the relationship between farmers’ awareness of IoT technologies, their perception of benefits, and willingness to adopt them. It also explores the influence of factors like access to information, training, and the perception of government support on adoption behavior. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 550 farmers, with a response rate of 90.91%. The analysis reveals a significant association between farmers’ awareness of IoT technologies and their perception of benefits. The perceived benefits show a moderate positive relationship with farmers’ willingness to adopt IoT technologies. Access to information, training, and the perception of government support also have a positive influence on adoption. The findings highlight the importance of increasing farmers’ awareness and providing access to information and training on IoT technologies. The study emphasizes the need for government support in facilitating adoption. Recommendations include exploring additional factors, conducting longitudinal studies, and developing tailored training programs. Collaboration among stakeholders and financial support mechanisms is also crucial. This study contributes to the understanding of IoT technology adoption in agriculture, providing insights for policymakers, agricultural extension agencies, and technology providers. By embracing IoT technologies and implementing the recommended actions, farmers in Jizan can enhance their crop monitoring practices, improve productivity, and promote sustainable farming.
Equitable Global Value Chain and Production Network as a Driver for Enhanced Sustainability in Developing Economies
Authors: Acquaye Adolf Akwei , Yamoah Fred Amofa , Ibn-Mohammed Taofeeq , Quaye Enoch , Yawson David Eshun
Published: October 2023

Recent studies on the global value chain (GVC) have highlighted the need to better integrate the value chains of developing countries of the global South with that of the global North regions, which are more highly developed. This is aimed at enhancing the economic and social sustainable upgrading of the value chains of the global South regions. The paper thus seeks to answer a critical question as to whether the existing GVC set-up pertaining to global North and South countries is equitable and whether it would yield the needed socio-economic and wider sustainable benefits, particularly to global South countries. a conceptual Global Value Chain (GVC) model is developed based on the economy-wide and system-based Multi-Regional Input–Output methodology to achieve this goal. Subsequently, this was empirically tested to measure embodied flows in capital and labour for sustainable development between global North and South regions. These are achieved using the GVC networks of the UK (from the global North) and some countries in sub-Saharan Africa (from the global South) to exemplify these developments. With implications for equitable, sustainable development, our study shows significant imbalances exist in the flows of value added activities from the global South to the global North, particularly in the primary industries, which produce low-value products in their raw state. Subsequently, this creates a disproportionate economic disadvantage for South countries. As such, if global South countries are to fully benefit from GVC, the study shows that these imbalances must be addressed, such as through structural changes in the economies of global South countries from their dependencies on the primary industries.
Increasing the Personal Development of White-Collar Employees for Sustainable Employability
Authors: Özcan Burcu Mucan , Ozcan Suleyman Emre , Geyikci Umut Burak , Gülova Asena , Sancak Fatih Mehmet
Published: October 2023

This qualitative study evaluated a training intervention aimed at increasing the personal development curves of the ABC company’s white-collar employees and developing presentation preparation techniques. The participants prepared presentations using the 10/20/70 learning rule for the competencies they identified. After academicians and business managers evaluated the presentations, semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted to identify the intervention’s benefits and limitations. The eight participants, who were white-collar professionals from the ABC company, were identified using non-probabilistic purposive sampling and interviewed online for about 30 min using Microsoft Teams. The interviews were audio recorded. The Maxqda-2022 program was used to examine the interview data. The analysis showed that the participants had negative feelings about the performance process based on their personal development competencies, particularly regarding process management. They also mentioned having the opportunity to learn through experience and conducting interviews. The participants agreed that their organizations should increase their development awareness and conduct 360-degree evaluations. They also said that intensive practical training at universities was needed because they felt their undergraduate education had not changed their perspectives or prepared them for a career.
Recent Progress on Molybdenum Carbide-Based Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution: A Review
Authors: Zhou Zhaoyu , Jia Yongsheng , Wang Qiang , Jiang Zhongyu , Xiao Junwu , Guo Limin
Published: October 2023

Hydrogen is an ideal alternative energy for fossil fuels to solve aggravating environmental and energy problems. Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) driven by renewable electricity (sunlight, wind, tide, etc.) is considered to be one of the most promising approaches for hydrogen production. However, its large-scale applications are greatly limited by the use of noble platinum (Pt) group electrocatalysts. As an earth-abundant/non-noble HER catalyst, molybdenum carbide (MoxC: MoC or Mo2C) has attracted extensive attention in the field of sustainable hydrogen production due to its excellent Pt-like catalytic activity, low cost, high chemical stability, and natural abundance. In this review, the progress on the strategies for optimizing the catalytic activity of MoxC is summarized, including optimization of synthesis methods, composites with carbon material, non-precious metal doping, transition metal doping, construction of the heterogeneous structure, etc. Among them, the importance of sulphur-doping, Ni-doping, and heterophase structure on molybdenum carbide-based catalysts for enhancement of HER activity has been highlighted. In addition, molybdenum carbide-based bi-functional catalysts are presented for the application in full water splitting. Finally, several effective strategies for molybdenum carbide-based catalyst design are concluded, and challenges remained in electrocatalytic water splitting are raised. Future development trends and perspectives for this promising material are also discussed.
Performance Study of Booster-Driven Hybrid Cooling Units for Free Cooling in Data Centers
Authors: Zhuang Rong , Zhou Feng , Tian Xuwen , Xu Buqing , Li Shaocong , Ma Guoyuan
Published: October 2023

In the data center, using ambient energy cooling technology can effectively reduce the average power use efficiency, and the heat pipe as an effective use of ambient energy device has attracted much attention. For the dynamic heat pipe, reducing the power consumption of the pump effectively is the key to improving the efficiency. In this paper, the rotary booster is selected as the gas phase booster device of the heat pipe unit, the standard unit of the rotary booster is improved, and three types of boosters are obtained, including two improved boosters and one standard unit. Comparative test studies are conducted on three different types of boosters, and the power of the booster shows a downward trend with the increase in indoor and outdoor temperature differences (outdoor temperature decreases). With the increase in indoor and outdoor temperature differences, the cooling capacity increases first and then decreases. When the indoor and outdoor temperature difference is greater than 20 °C, the suction pressure of the booster is greater than the saturated condensing pressure force under outdoor ambient temperature, and the work of the booster decreases. Among the three types of boosters, the medium pressure ratio booster energy efficiency ratio (EER) is the largest. After throttling the standard unit, results show that its cooling capacity unit increases, but the booster power also increases, and the EER is still smaller than that of the improved unit.
Secure Registration Protocol for the Internet of Drones Using Blockchain and Physical Unclonable Function Technology
Authors: Oláh Norbert , Molnár Botond , Huszti Andrea
Published: October 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly popular in recent years and are applied in various fields, from commercial and scientific to military and humanitarian operations. However, their usage presents many challenges, including limited resources, scalability issues, insecure communication, and inefficient solutions. We developed a secure and scalable registration protocol to address these issues using LoRa technology. Our solution involves the usage of the physical unclonable function (PUF) and blockchain technology for key exchange. PUF also ensures security against physical tampering, and blockchain is applied to share the symmetric key among the base stations. After the registration, the later communication messages are encrypted with AES-GCM to provide authentication and confidentiality between the parties. We conducted a security analysis of the registration protocol using the ProVerif tool, and our solution meets the security requirements, including the mutual authentication of entities, key freshness, key secrecy and also key confirmation properties. Besides the Proverif-based analysis, an informal security analysis is also provided that shows that the registration is protected against a variety of well-known active and passive security attacks. As drone resources are limited, we also prepared a proof of concept to test our solution under real-life conditions, focusing on efficiency and lightweight operations.
Nipah Virus: An Overview of the Current Status of Diagnostics and Their Role in Preparedness in Endemic Countries
Authors: Garbuglia Anna Rosa , Lapa Daniele , Pauciullo Silvia , Raoul Hervé , Pannetier Delphine
Published: October 2023

Nipah virus (NiV) is a paramyxovirus responsible for a high mortality rate zoonosis. As a result, it has been included in the list of Blueprint priority pathogens. Bats are the main reservoirs of the virus, and different clinical courses have been described in humans. The Bangladesh strain (NiV-B) is often associated with severe respiratory disease, whereas the Malaysian strain (NiV-M) is often associated with severe encephalitis. An early diagnosis of NiV infection is crucial to limit the outbreak and to provide appropriate care to the patient. Due to high specificity and sensitivity, qRT-PCR is currently considered to be the optimum method in acute NiV infection assessment. Nasal swabs, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and blood are used for RT-PCR testing. N gene represents the main target used in molecular assays. Different sensitivities have been observed depending on the platform used: real-time PCR showed a sensitivity of about 103 equivalent copies/reaction, SYBRGREEN technology’s sensitivity was about 20 equivalent copies/reaction, and in multiple pathogen card arrays, the lowest limit of detection (LOD) was estimated to be 54 equivalent copies/reaction. An international standard for NiV is yet to be established, making it difficult to compare the sensitivity of the different methods. Serological assays are for the most part used in seroprevalence studies owing to their lower sensitivity in acute infection. Due to the high epidemic and pandemic potential of this virus, the diagnosis of NiV should be included in a more global One Health approach to improve surveillance and preparedness for the benefit of public health. Some steps need to be conducted in the diagnostic field in order to become more efficient in epidemic management, such as development of point-of-care (PoC) assays for the rapid diagnosis of NiV.
Structural Investigations of Interactions between the Influenza a Virus NS1 and Host Cellular Proteins
Authors: Blake Morgan E. , Kleinpeter Alex B. , Jureka Alexander S. , Petit Chad M.
Published: October 2023

The Influenza A virus is a continuous threat to public health that causes yearly epidemics with the ever-present threat of the virus becoming the next pandemic. Due to increasing levels of resistance, several of our previously used antivirals have been rendered useless. There is a strong need for new antivirals that are less likely to be susceptible to mutations. One strategy to achieve this goal is structure-based drug development. By understanding the minute details of protein structure, we can develop antivirals that target the most conserved, crucial regions to yield the highest chances of long-lasting success. One promising IAV target is the virulence protein non-structural protein 1 (NS1). NS1 contributes to pathogenicity through interactions with numerous host proteins, and many of the resulting complexes have been shown to be crucial for virulence. In this review, we cover the NS1-host protein complexes that have been structurally characterized to date. By bringing these structures together in one place, we aim to highlight the strength of this field for drug discovery along with the gaps that remain to be filled.
Diagnóstico por imagem e os principais métodos: revisão narrativa
Authors: Lopes Amanda Brandão , Dias Lucas Mattar , Botelho Julia Antunes , Duriguetto Patrícia Sperandio , Viturino Vitor Tavares , Maccarini Camilla Giovana , Ribeiro Júlia Bischir , Santos Lívia Maria Miranda , Pereira João Pedro Rodrigues , Santos Hailla Cristina Pereira
Published: October 2023

Objetivo: Abordar a importância e os principais métodos de diagnóstico por imagem. Revisão Bibliográfica: A radiologia é uma especialidade médica voltada para o estudo de segmentos do corpo humano através de diversos métodos de imagem, auxiliando os diagnósticos médicos fornecendo informações sobre anatomia, patologia e fisiologia da área estudada. Atualmente o número de exames de imagem aumentou expressivamente, sobretudo na última década, graças ao avanço da tecnologia na área e ao aumento da facilidade de acesso aos métodos. No entanto, o uso da imagem como diagnóstico auxiliar de doenças possui um elevado custo, o que se tornou um problema para os sistemas de saúde pública. Dentre os principais métodos destacam-se a Radiografia Convencional (RC), mais antigo, simples e acessível; a Ultrassonografia (US), método examinador-dependente; e por fim, a Tomografia Computadorizada (TC) e a Ressonância Magnética (RM), métodos mais recentes, caros e complexos. Considerações Finais: O auxílio da imagem nos diagnósticos médicos é de extrema importância, uma vez que aumenta a acurácia diagnóstica de uma determinada patologia, reduzindo o número de erros e fornecendo um melhor plano terapêutico para o paciente.