bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recycling/Production and Incentive-Penalty Strategies in Closed-Loop Supply Chains under Remanufacturing Policies
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Li Zhimei , Liu Peinan
Published: June 2023

In light of resource scarcity and environmental challenges, remanufacturing bolsters resource efficiency and fosters a circular economy, with policy support being pivotal for its development. Although previous studies have predominantly concentrated on the economic benefits of remanufacturing, comparatively less emphasis has been placed on its carbon emissions and the differentiated incentive-penalty policies for various recycled products. Our objective is to evaluate the impact of remanufacturing policies, such as carbon taxes and incentive-penalty schemes, on multi-period hybrid manufacturing/remanufacturing closed-loop systems, considering different carbon emissions for new and remanufactured products. We investigate optimal recycling and production strategies for enterprises under two distinct quality distributions (exponential and normal) and analyze the government’s incentive and penalty amounts for recycled products at various quality levels. In order to ensure the robustness of the variable quality distribution, we employ a genetic algorithm and a particle swarm optimization algorithm for comparative verification and problem solving. The study’s findings reveal that: (1) irrespective of the quality distribution, enterprises consistently exhibit a preference for recycling products of the same quality level, and the range of quality for which the government offers incentives or imposes penalties remains fundamentally constant; (2) subsidies may be granted for recycled products with a quality level ranging from 0.2 to 0.4, whereas recycled products with a quality level exceeding 0.4 are subject to penalties.
Identification of a Cucumber Mosaic Virus from Cucurbita pepo on New Reclamation Land in Egypt and the Changes Induced in Pumpkin Plants
Authors: Shehata Wael Fathy , Iqbal Zafar , Abdelbaset Tarek Elsayed , Saker Khalied Ibrahiem , El Shorbagy Ahmed Elnabawy , Soliman Ahmed Mohamed , Sattar Muhammad Naeem , El-Ganainy Sherif Mohamed
Published: June 2023

In 2020, the leaves and fruit of 50 pumpkin plants with suspected cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) symptoms of leaf mosaic, vein yellowing, and mild leaf curling were collected from Sharq El-Owainat (Al Wadi El-Gaded governorate), a new reclamation land in Egypt. This study was aimed at deciphering and characterizing the causal agent of the leaf yellowing disease associated with pumpkin plants in Egypt. The causal agent was identified by serological, cytological, and molecular means. The serological identification by DAS–ELISA confirmed the presence of CMV in 20% of the plants. The cytological identification by electron microscopy revealed typical cucumovirus isometric particles of 28–30 nm diameter in the cytoplasm of the leaf parenchyma, epidermal cells, the integument, and the nucleus. Molecular characterization by one-step reverse transcriptase-PCR yielded the required size of amplicon (678 bp) for CMV. Additionally, mechanical sap inoculation was used to determine the host range and symptomatology of the isolated CMV in seventeen different plant species belonging to six different plant families. CMV replicated, moved systemically, and induced a range of symptoms in sixteen plant species. The isolated CMV was transmitted to pumpkin plants at a 16.4% rate by seeds. CMV-infected pumpkin plant leaves were characterized by a substantially low concentration of photosynthetic pigments, a high level of reducing sugars, relatively low protein levels, and a significant increase in total phenol contents, implying their potential role as antiviral agents. Ultrathin sections of infected cells revealed histological changes and cytological abnormalities in comparison to healthy plants. This is the first identification of CMV on new reclamation land in Egypt, pinpointing its swift spread, which could pose a major constraint to pumpkin production in Egypt.
A Conceptual Model Study of Tourism Resource Sharing in the Digital Economy
Authors: Chen Xuejun , Ling Xiaopeng
Published: June 2023

The concept of “sharing” and the development of the digital economy have driven the transformation of resource allocation in the tourism industry to resource sharing. The article defines resource sharing in the tourism industry from a comprehensive perspective according to the systematic analysis of the concept of resource sharing and the background of the digital economy, which is an economic behavior of integrating, opening and sharing resources among members under the guidance of the government and relying on modern information technology such as the internet, with the sharing of usage rights as the main feature. Based on the dual inspiration of MICK resource classification theory and digital economy theory, the article constructs a conceptual model and measurement scale of resource sharing in the tourism industry from four dimensions: knowledge resource sharing, material resource sharing, information resource sharing and capital resource sharing. The panel data of 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) from 2016 to 2020 were analyzed mathematically and statistically. The analysis results showed that the weight of knowledge resources is the highest. Moreover, the eastern region had the highest level of resource sharing and the western region had the lowest level of resource sharing. Furthermore, the level of resource sharing in the past five years showed a trend of year-on-year improvement. Based on the scores, countermeasures are proposed in terms of enhancing the importance of information technology and strengthening basic support according to local conditions, which provide a reference for cities to improve the level of resource sharing.
Fires in Waste Treatment Facilities: Challenges and Solutions from a Fire Investigation Perspective
Authors: Juan Wen-Yen , Wu Chia-Lung , Liu Fan-Wei , Chen Wei-Sheng
Published: June 2023

Fires in waste treatment facilities have significant social, economic, and environmental implications. Factors such as self-heating of lithium-ion batteries, thermal runaway, friction, human activities, technical errors, and unfavorable storage conditions contribute to these fires. High-risk categories include illegal dumping sites, recycle collection stations, and wood-related facilities. The frequency of fires in waste treatment facilities and the emergence of new waste types have led to public discontent. Regulatory challenges and oversight difficulties pose further obstacles. This study analyzes fire incidents in Kaohsiung City’s waste treatment facilities over the past five years, exploring their causes, regulatory frameworks, and practical challenges. Valuable insights and recommendations are provided to enhance fire safety and risk assessment. These measures aim to mitigate fires’ environmental and facility consequences and their impact. Prioritizing fire prevention and reducing potential economic, social, and environmental consequences are crucial for improving fire safety in waste treatment facilities. Addressing these challenges and prioritizing the safety and sustainability of the waste treatment industry is imperative.
The Nexus of Corporate Affinity for Technology and Firm Sustainable Performance in the Era of Digitalization: A Mediated Model
Authors: Bhatta Dharm Dev , Sarfraz Muddassar , Ivascu Larisa , Pislaru Marius
Published: June 2023

This study aims to elaborate on the embeddedness of digital technology applications and their effect on firms’ sustainable performances under the mediating conditions of team innovation performance and digital organizational culture. The study employs a quantitative approach, and data were collected from 319 employees working in the information technology sector of China. Analyses of moment structures ((AMOS-version 27.0) and SPSS software- version 4.0) were used for data analysis, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was utilized for hypothesis testing. The results show that a corporate affinity for technology has a positive and significant impact on sustainable performance, organizational digital culture, and team innovation performance. Organizational digital culture mediates the relationship between the corporate affinity for technology and sustainable performance. Team innovation performance mediates the relationship between the corporate affinity for technology and sustainable performance. The study contributes to business sustainability in terms of digitalization. Scholars and professionals can use the study as a guide for developing a business model that ensures the sustainable performance of firms. The research seeks to fill the existing gap in the literature concerning sustainable company performance by examining the potential for digitalization to enhance organizational sustainability. Firms need to prioritize investments in technology, they need to build a “tech-savvy” workforce, and they need to promote digital culture across the organization. A mixed-methods study would provide a more comprehensive understanding of this matter. For business leaders, this research provides important insights into how digital tools may be used to foster a productive work environment and ensure long-term success. The study profoundly elaborates on different interdependencies that influence the firms’ sustainable performances, and it suggests that managers should devise policies to enable technology acceptance.
Application and Development of Bt Insect Resistance Genes in Rice Breeding
Authors: Li Changyan , Wang Jianyu , Ling Fei , You Aiqing
Published: June 2023

As pests are an important factor in reducing crop yields, pest control is an important measure in preventing reductions in crop yields. With the aim of ending the use of chemical pesticides, biological control and genetically modified methods are now considered more reasonable pest control strategies. The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can produce crystal proteins that have specific toxicity to lepidopteran insects, and so it has been applied as a microbial insecticide in the control of crop pests for several decades. With the development of plant genetic engineering, Bt genes encoding insecticidal crystal protein have been introduced into many crop species for pest control. This article indicates that, after years of experiments and research, Bt transgenic rice is close to becoming a commercial insect-resistant rice, and many studies have shown that transgenic rice has pronounced abilities in the control of pests such as yellow stem borers (Scirpophaga incertulas, YSB), striped stem borers (Chilo suppressalis, SSB), and rice leaf rollers (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, RLR); moreover, it does not obviously differ from non-transgenic rice in terms of safety. This paper suggests that transgenic Bt rice has application potential and commercial value.
Towards Sustainable Energy–Water–Environment Nexus System Considering the Interactions between Climatic, Social and Economic Factors: A Case Study of Fujian, China
Authors: Li Xiao , Zhang Yu , Liu Jing , Sun Zuomeng
Published: June 2023

This study develops a factorial Bayesian least-squares support vector machine-based energy–water–environment nexus system optimization (i.e., FBL–EWEO) model. FBL–EWEO can provide dependable predictions for electricity demand, quantify the interactions among different factors, and present optimal system planning strategies. The application to Fujian Province is driven by three global climate models (i.e., GCMs) under two SSPs, as well as two levels of economic and social factors’ growth rates. Results revealed in the planning horizon: (1) Fujian would encounter rainy and warming trends (e.g., [2.17645, 4.51247] mm/year of precipitation and [0.0072, 0.0073] °C/year of mean temperature); (2) economic, social, and climatic factors contribute 62.30%, 35.50%, and 1.47% to electricity demand variations; (3) electricity demand would grow with time (increase by [64.21, 74.79]%); (4) the ratio of new energy power would rise to [70.84, 73.53]%; (5) authorities should focus on photovoltaic and wind power plants construction (their proportions increase from [0.81, 1.83]% to [9.14, 9.56]%, [1.33, 4.16]% to [11.44, 15.58]%, respectively); and (6) air pollutants/CO2 emissions would averagely decline [51.97, 53.90]%, and water consumption would decrease [41.77%, 42.25]%. Findings provide technical support to sustainable development.
Holothurian Fisheries in the Hellenic Seas: Seeking for Sustainability
Authors: Vafidis Dimitris , Antoniadou Chryssanthi
Published: June 2023

In Mediterranean, the exploitation and exportation of holothurians as food is increasing during the last 25 years, with Turkey and Greece as leading countries. In Greece, the fishery is expanding by the development of two métiers; however, official monitoring is missing, creating concerns on the future viability of the industry. To evaluate the status and future perspectives of holothurian fisheries, an extensive field survey has been completed (May 2019–July 2021) covering 162 sites dispersed in the Hellenic Seas. Field data included the assessment of the abundance of holothurians (via 100 m transect replicates), and catch per unit of effort (CNPUE and CBPUE, based on 10-min commercial fishing practices). H. tubulosa, H. poli, H. mammata and H. sanctori were fished in 41.35% of the surveyed stations. H. poli (CNPUE 168 specimens, CBPUE 22.24 kg) and H. tubulosa (CNPUE 127 specimens, CBPUE14.51 kg) were the most common species, forming locally dense populations. Mean annual catch was 275 metric tons (2016–2021) according to the processing of the units’ data; 62% of the production was made by H. tubulosa and 38% by H. poli. Our results suggest the existence of exploitable grounds in the north Aegean, the central Cyclades, and the north Dodecanese, according to the prevalent environmental conditions (organic load) and fishing pressure.
Estimating Inter-Regional Freight Demand in China Based on the Input–Output Model
Authors: Li Wenjie , Luo Chun , He Yiwei , Wan Yu , Du Hongbo
Published: June 2023

The inter-regional freight volume is a crucial factor for transportation infrastructure planning and investment decision-making. However, existing studies on freight volume estimation have mainly focused on the total freight volume within a specific region, without taking freight flow into consideration. In this research, a gravity model was employed to estimate the inter-regional trade coefficient matrix based on the input–output tables of the 31 provinces in China in 2017. The inter-regional freight volume was then determined by converting the value flow into freight flow. To determine the model parameters, we used information from 2017 and subsequently validated the results using dates from 2012 to 2020. We also studied the impact of industrial structure change on freight volume by simulating dates from the aforementioned model in 2017. The results indicated that the model can effectively simulate inter-regional freight volume while taking into account the influence of industrial restructuring.
Mixed Ownership Reform and Environmental Sustainable Development—Based on the Perspective of Carbon Performance
Authors: Shi Xiaofei , Cao Xuefen , Hou Yangshi , Xu Wenxin
Published: June 2023

Mixed ownership reform has contributed greatly to China’s economic development; however, there is little literature on how mixed ownership reform affects carbon performance in the context of environmentally sustainable development. Therefore, this paper takes A-share industrial state-owned enterprises in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2008 to 2020 as research samples to investigate the impact of mixed ownership reform on carbon performance through empirical tests. The results show that the mixed ownership reform of state-owned enterprises can improve the carbon performance of enterprises. The intermediary test shows that green innovation plays an intermediary role in the relationship between mixed ownership reform and carbon performance. Furthermore, compared with green management innovation, mixed ownership reform has a stronger promoting effect on green technology innovation, and green technology innovation has a greater impact on carbon performance. Heterogeneity analysis shows that in heavily polluted industries and competitive industries, mixed ownership reform of state-owned enterprises has a more significant role in improving carbon performance. Therefore, the mixed ownership reform of state-owned enterprises is of great significance for promoting environmental sustainable development. Overall, this study provides empirical evidence for the environmental sustainable development of state-owned enterprises in emerging markets.
The Unit Alpha-Power Kum-Modified Size-Biased Lehmann Type II Distribution: Theory, Simulation, and Applications
Authors: Gomaa Rabab S. , Magar Alia M. , Alsadat Najwan , Almetwally Ehab M. , Tolba Ahlam H.
Published: June 2023

In order to represent the data with non-monotonic failure rates and produce a better fit, a novel distribution is created in this study using the alpha power family of distributions. This distribution is called the alpha-power Kum-modified size-biased Lehmann type II or, in short, the AP-Kum-MSBL-II distribution. This distribution is established for modeling bounded data in the interval (0,1). The proposed distribution’s moment-generating function, mode, quantiles, moments, and stress–strength reliability function are obtained, among other attributes. To estimate the parameters of the proposed distribution, estimation methods such as the maximum likelihood method and Bayesian method are employed to estimate the unknown parameters for the AP-Kum-MSBL-II distribution. Moreover, the confidence intervals, credible intervals, and coverage probability are calculated for all parameters. The symmetric and asymmetric loss functions are used to find the Bayesian estimators using the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. Furthermore, the proposed distribution’s usefulness is demonstrated using three real data sets. One of them is a medical data set dealing with COVID-19 patients’ mortality rate, the second is a trade share data set, and the third is from the engineering area, as well as extensive simulated data, which were applied to assess the performance of the estimators of the proposed distribution.
An Effective Framework for Intellectual Property Protection of NLG Models
Authors: Li Mingjie , Wang Zichi , Zhang Xinpeng
Published: June 2023

Natural language generation (NLG) models combined with increasingly mature and powerful deep learning techniques have been widely used in recent years. Deployed NLG models in practical applications may be stolen or used illegally, and watermarking has become an important tool to protect the Intellectual Property (IP) of these deep models. Watermarking technique designs algorithms to embed watermark information and extracts watermark information for IP identification of NLG models can be seen as a symmetric signal processing problem. In terms of IP protection of NLG models, however, the existing watermarking approaches cannot provide reliable and timely model protection and prevent illegal users from utilizing the original performance of the stolen models. In addition, the quality of watermarked text sequences generated by some watermarking approaches is not high. In view of these, this paper proposes two embedding schemes to the hidden memory state of the RNN to protect the IP of NLG models for different tasks. Besides, we add a language model loss to the model decoder to improve the grammatical correctness of the output text sequences. During the experiments, it is proved that our approach does not compromise the performance of the original NLG models on the corresponding datasets and outputs high-quality text sequences, while forged secret keys will generate unusable NLG models, thus defeating the purpose of model infringement. Besides, we also conduct sufficient experiments to prove that the proposed model has strong robustness under different attacks.
How Explainable Machine Learning Enhances Intelligence in Explaining Consumer Purchase Behavior: A Random Forest Model with Anchoring Effects
Authors: Chen Yanjun , Liu Hongwei , Wen Zhanming , Lin Weizhen
Published: June 2023

This study proposes a random forest model to address the limited explanation of consumer purchase behavior in search advertising, considering the influence of anchoring effects on rational consumer behavior. The model comprises two components: prediction and explanation. The prediction part employs various algorithms, including logistic regression (LR), adaptive boosting (ADA), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), multilayer perceptron (MLP), naive bayes (NB), and random forest (RF), for optimal prediction. The explanation part utilizes the SHAP explainable framework to identify significant indicators and reveal key factors influencing consumer purchase behavior and their relative importance. Our results show that (1) the explainable machine learning model based on the random forest algorithm performed optimally (F1 = 0.8586), making it suitable for analyzing and predicting consumer purchase behavior. (2) The dimension of product information is the most crucial attribute influencing consumer purchase behavior, with features such as sales level, display priority, granularity, and price significantly influencing consumer perceptions. These attributes can be considered by merchants to develop appropriate tactics for improving the user experience. (3) Consumers’ purchase intentions vary based on the presented anchor point. Specifically, high anchor information related to product quality ratings increases the likelihood of purchase, while price anchors prompted consumers to compare similar products and opt for the most economical option. Our findings provide guidance for optimizing marketing strategies and improving user experience while also contributing to a deeper understanding of the decision−making mechanisms and pathways in online consumer purchase behavior.
Structural Basis for the Enhanced Infectivity and Immune Evasion of Omicron Subvariants
Authors: Li Yaning , Shen Yaping , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yan Renhong
Published: June 2023

The Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged as the dominant strains worldwide, causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Each Omicron subvariant contains at least 30 mutations on the spike protein (S protein) compared to the original wild-type (WT) strain. Here we report the cryo-EM structures of the trimeric S proteins from the BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, and BA.4/BA.5 subvariants, with BA.4 and BA.5 sharing the same S protein mutations, each in complex with the surface receptor ACE2. All three receptor-binding domains of the S protein from BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5 are “up”, while the BA.1 S protein has two “up” and one “down”. The BA.3 S protein displays increased heterogeneity, with the majority in the all “up” RBD state. The different conformations preferences of the S protein are consistent with their varied transmissibility. By analyzing the position of the glycan modification on Asn343, which is located at the S309 epitopes, we have uncovered the underlying immune evasion mechanism of the Omicron subvariants. Our findings provide a molecular basis of high infectivity and immune evasion of Omicron subvariants, thereby offering insights into potential therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Adsorption-Reduction of Cr(VI) with Magnetic Fe-C-N Composites
Authors: Liu Xu , Liu Huilai , Cui Kangping , Dai Zhengliang , Wang Bei , Weerasooriya Rohan , Chen Xing
Published: June 2023

In this study, the iron-based carbon composite (hereafter FCN-x, x = 0, 400, 500, and 600 calcination) was synthesized by a simple high-temperature pyrolysis method using iron-containing sludge coagulant generated from wastewater treatment settling ponds in chemical plants. The FCN-x was used for the adsorptive reduction of aqueous phase Cr(VI) effectively. The FCN-x was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory (BET). FCN-x adsorption of Cr(VI) was examined in batch experiments using CrO42− as a function of physicochemical parameters. The chemical kinetics of Cr(VI) adsorption by FCN-500 were modeled by 1st and 2nd order empirical pseudo kinetics. Based on these experiments, FCN-500 has been selected for further studies on Cr(VI) adsorptive reduction. The maximum Cr(VI) adsorption by FCN-500 was 52.63 mg/g showing the highest removal efficiency. The Cr(VI) adsorption by the FCN-500 was quantified by the Langmuir isotherm. XPS result confirmed the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by the FCN-500. The iron-based carbon composites have high reusability and application potential in water treatment. The electroplating wastewater with 117 mg/L Cr(VI) was treated with FCN-500, and 99.93% Cr(VI) was removed within 120 min, which is lower than the national chromium emission standard of the People’s Republic of China. This work illustrates the value-added role of sludge generated from dye chemical plants to ensure environmental sustainability.
Sediment Fungal Communities of Constructed Wetlands Dominated by Zizania latifolia and Phragmites communis and Their Effect on Organic Pollutant Removal
Authors: He Yiting , Huang Zhongliang , Li Hui , Huang Jing , Qin Xiaoli , Wu Zijian
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between wetland plants and fungal communities with a focus on their combined functions to remove organic pollutants. Two constructed wetland (CW) systems, covering a total area of 4.24 hm2, were established to treat the agricultural non-point source pollution using, respectively, Zizania latifolia (CW1) and Phragmites communis (CW2) as the dominant plant species. The obtained results showed that CW1 performed much better than CW2 in terms of promoting the abundance and diversity of the sediment fungal community identified by high-throughput sequencing technology. The enhanced fungal activity was shown to be one of the main factors that raised the pollutant removal rates and reduced the contents of the target pollutants (COD, TN, TP and NH4+-N) to levels below the stipulated national standards. Significant differences in abundant fungi were observed between the CW units and their inlet and outlet sampling sites, indicating that the plant species and pollutant concentrations were the key factors affecting the diversity and activity of the sediment fungal community. The findings of the study provided not only a better understanding of the plant–fungi symbiotic system but also useful information for the development of CW technology.
Research on the Development and Application of a Deep Learning Model for Effective Management and Response to Harmful Algal Blooms
Authors: Kim Jungwook , Kim Hongtae , Kim Kyunghyun , Ahn Jung Min
Published: June 2023

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by harmful cyanobacteria adversely impact the water quality in aquatic ecosystems and burden socioecological systems that are based on water utilization. Currently, Korea uses the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code-National Institute of Environmental Research (EFDC-NIER) model to predict algae conditions and respond to algal blooms through the HAB alert system. This study aimed to establish an additional deep learning model to effectively respond to algal blooms. The prediction model is based on a deep neural network (DNN), which is a type of artificial neural network widely used for HAB prediction. By applying the synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) to resolve the imbalance in the data, the DNN model showed improved performance during validation for predicting the number of cyanobacteria cells. The R-squared increased from 0.7 to 0.78, MAE decreased from 0.7 to 0.6, and RMSE decreased from 0.9 to 0.7, indicating an enhancement in the model’s performance. Furthermore, regarding the HAB alert levels, the R-squared increased from 0.18 to 0.79, MAE decreased from 0.2 to 0.1, and RMSE decreased from 0.3 to 0.2, indicating improved performance as well. According to the results, the constructed data-based model reasonably predicted algae conditions in the summer when algal bloom-induced damage occurs and accurately predicted the HAB alert levels for immediate decision-making. The main objective of this study was to develop a new technology for predicting and managing HABs in river environments, aiming for a sustainable future for the aquatic ecosystem.
Production d’amphores et de céramiques dans la vallée du Gapeau (Var) entre la fin du Ier siècle et le début du IIIe siècle : l’atelier de l’agglomération secondaire de Pas Redon à Cuers
Authors: Chapon Philippe , Bigot Fabrice , Lang Susanne , Schmitt Anne
Published: June 2023

En 2009, lors d’une fouille préventive de l’Inrap au lieu-dit Pas Redon à Cuers (Var), un atelier de potiers a été mis au jour. Ce dernier est situé à la périphérie d’un habitat groupé antique abritant également une exploitation viticole comprenant au moins deux pressoirs. Cette officine est active entre la fin du Ier s. et la charnière des IIe et IIIe s. Elle comporte au moins trois fours qui diffèrent par leur taille et leur architecture. Les rebuts de production et les analyses physico-chimiques attestent que ces structures de chauffe ont permis la cuisson d’amphores G. 4, de céramiques à pâte claire et vraisemblablement de terres cuites architecturales. Les matériaux de construction et la vaisselle ont sans doute approvisionné l’habitat groupé et les établissements ruraux voisins. En revanche, les amphores étaient très probablement destinées au commerce à longue distance du vin de la vallée du Gapeau, en particulier vers Ostie, débouché naturel des vins de Provence.
Une inscription de gladiateurs en remploi dans une tombe de l’Antiquité tardive à Nîmes (12, rue de Saint-Gilles), et l’épigraphie de la gladiature nîmoise
Authors: Bovagne Marilyne , Christol Michel , Grimaud Julie , Pellé Richard
Published: June 2023

Une fouille archéologique réalisée en 2014, à Nîmes, rue de Saint-Gilles, au Sud de l’actuelle Porte de France, a révélé les abords de la jonction de deux axes antiques, ainsi que plusieurs aménagements comprenant vingt-neuf sépultures s’échelonnant entre le second Âge du fer et le haut Moyen Âge. Parmi les éléments lapidaires remployés dans les architectures des tombes du IVe au VIIe siècle, une stèle funéraire antique évoque les funérailles d’un gladiateur et vient étoffer une collection nîmoise riche maintenant de dix-huit inscriptions funéraires sur ce thème. Elle est l’occasion de reprendre l’ensemble du corpus et de le soumettre à un réexamen approfondi.
Les monuments funéraires antiques de Sisteron – Avenue de la Libération
Authors: Sélèque Jenny , Henrion Élise
Published: June 2023

Ce site funéraire correspondant à deux monuments antiques a été fouillé dans le cadre d’une opération d’archéologie préventive en octobre 2014, faisant suite au diagnostic réalisé en 2013 sous la responsabilité de C. Voyez (Inrap). Le site est localisé en bordure de la via Domitia, non loin de la ville antique de Segustero. Les vestiges de ces monuments funéraires sont constitués des fondations des édifices et de structures internes pour l’un d’entre eux, le second n’ayant été dégagé qu’en partie. Il s’agit de quatre fosses de dépôts de résidus de crémation comportant des rejets d’esquilles d’os humains issues de bûchers funéraires, ainsi que du mobilier funéraire, lampes à huile et monnaies, en dépôts primaire et secondaire. Ces imposantes maçonneries de 0,90 m de large pouvaient supporter une élévation assez haute. Il pourrait s’être agi de mausolées-tours ou de mausolées simples à une pièce aménagée sur un podium. Cette découverte fait écho à la fouille en 1946 par Henri Rolland d’un riche monument de ce type, au Nord, au plus proche de l’entrée de la ville.
A Beginner's Guide to Local Meat Processing
Authors: Gwin Lauren , Quanbeck Kathryn
Published: June 2023

This article describes the Beginner's Guide to Local Meat Processing—a tool created by the national Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN) as an introduction to a complex topic. Increased consumer and producer interest in local meat and poultry has resulted in requests for Cooperative Extension, public agencies, economic development districts, nonprofit organizations, and other support organizations to participate in or lead efforts to build, expand, or enhance local processing. The guide, backed by NMPAN, is intended to improve the effectiveness of such efforts by providing a window on the complex economic, regulatory, operational, and market conditions and context in which meat processors operate
Field Day Success Loop
Authors: Comito Jacqueline , Haub Brandy , Stevenson Nathan
Published: June 2023

Field days continue to be useful for Extension professionals conducting outreach with farmers, so long as those events incorporate an interpersonal, farmer-led instructional style and are followed up with an evaluation strategy that documents the long-term influences field day attendees have on their peers. At Iowa Learning Farms, we have formulated a successful method for conducting field days that has led to a set of progressive impacts we refer to as the "field day success loop." By drawing on the multifaceted approach to evaluation that contributes to the success loop, Extension professionals can strengthen their own field days and track the long-term impact of farmers' influence on their peers regarding implementing conservation practices.
Recognizing Linguistic Cues to Align Financial Coaching Strategies with the Transtheoretical Model of Change
Authors: Delgadillo Lucy
Published: June 2023

Financial coaching is more effective if a finance professional understands where a client is in the process of change. This article presents five mini scenarios exemplifying the stages of change as they apply to clients receiving financial coaching as well as a sampling of coaching strategies useful for helping clients move through those stages. In particular, the focus of each mini scenario is language used by clients that can provide clues about the stage of change the client is in. Financial management Extension professionals can use the information presented to recognize linguistic cues related to stages of change and align coaching strategies appropriately.
Using Clickers for Data Collection for Enterprise Budgets
Authors: Singerman Ariel
Published: June 2023

Audience response receivers, or clickers, provide a convenient and efficient way to collect data for developing enterprise budgets. The use of clickers allows the Extension specialist to ask growers for individual farm data while guaranteeing confidentiality and anonymity. In addition, setting up a session for collecting the data from a panel of producers is less costly and time consuming than conducting one-on-one interviews. But perhaps the greatest advantage of this methodology is that it allows for keeping up with the rapid pace of change in growers' practices.
Breed and Supplementation Influence on Consumer Ratings of Ground Meat from Pasture-Raised Lamb
Authors: Nartea Theresa , Wildeus Stephan , Lee Jung , O'Brien Dahlia
Published: June 2023

Consumer acceptance of pasture-raised hair sheep lamb was investigated. Food hub participants (n = 284) from Richmond, Virginia, were recruited to receive ground lamb and provide product quality ratings before and after product preparation. Over 96% of survey respondents specified that they would purchase local ground lamb if available, 35% indicated that they would purchase it at least once a month, and 43% indicated that they would pay a premium for it. Animal management pertaining to breed and supplementation had little effect on consumer ratings. The findings suggest that ground meat from hair sheep lambs could provide an opportunity to enhance profitability for small-scale producers in Virginia. Extension educators may be able to apply the findings in assisting sheep producers with lamb marketing.
Co-Parenting for Successful Kids: Impacts and Implications
Authors: Choi Jeong , Bowers Holly , Brand Gail , Poppe Lisa , Foged Jaclynn
Published: June 2023

We examined the impacts of the Co-Parenting for Successful Kids program offered by University of Nebraska Extension. Using a sample of 2,622 parents who participated in the program in 2015, we measured their knowledge change and ability to perform cooperative coparenting behaviors. Results suggest that the program effectively improved participants' coparenting knowledge and ability to use behaviors such as understanding and supporting children in developmentally appropriate ways, enhancing communication skills, and developing parenting plans. In examining group differences, we found that parents of infants and toddlers benefited the most from the program. Suggestions on program development and evaluation are discussed.
Examining Consumer Attitudes and Cultural Indicators Surrounding Local Food
Authors: Rumble Joy , Lundy Lisa
Published: June 2023

Many consumers are committed to buying local. With the study reported here, we aimed to advance understanding of the influence of culture in the local food movement. The study addressed the presence of cultural indicators in discussions about local food among a sample of Florida residents interested in local food. The influence of culture on participants' thoughts about local food was examined for the purpose of guiding communication and Extension programming surrounding local food. A qualitative thematic analysis revealed the influence of culture through the themes of tradition/ritual, family, local economy, trust, health and quality, experience with local food, and convenience.
Galbanic acid of Ferula assa-foetida L, as a regulator of the AMPK pathway in reduction of lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells
Authors: Musavi Hadis , Shokri-Afra Hajar , Mahjoub Soleiman , Khonakdar-Tarsi Abbas , Bagheri Abouzar , Memariani Zahra
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Hepatic fat accumulation is a complication of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). An AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) reduces the synthesis of fatty acids by inhibiting sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1-c (SREBP1-C) and acetyl COA carboxylase (ACC). Objectives: We aimed to investigate the impress of galbanic acid (Gal) from the Ferula plant on AMPK and its inhibitory effect on lipogenic enzymes in HepG2 cells. Materials and Methods: In an applied-fundamental study, HepG2 cells were treated for 24 hours with Gal in palmitate (Pal). Resveratrol (RSV) was conducted as a positive control. Fatty acid synthase (FAS) and SREBP1-C gene expression were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). FAS, phospho-acetyl-CoA carboxylase (P-ACC), P-AMPK, AMPK, SREBP-1c, and ACC protein levels were measured by western blotting. Lipid accumulation was investigated qualitatively and semi-quantitatively with oil red. Results: The semi-quantitative results of oil revealed a substantial reduction (P<0.004) in lipid accumulation for treatment with Gal. The significant increase in the protein level of P-AMPK (P<0.001) and P-ACC (P=0.054) and significant decrease in FAS (P<0.003), SREBP-1c (P<0.001) and ACC (P<0.011) due to the effect galbanic acid was observed. FAS gene expression decreased significantly (P<0.009), while the decrease in SREBP-1c gene expression was not significant (P=0.303). Conclusion: These findings direct that galbanic acid can be a new regulator of AMPK. Hence, the present study may introduce galbanic acid as a new plan to positively regulate the AMPK pathway, which leads to the regulation of various cellular processes.
Silver resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from burn patients
Authors: Farajzadeh Fatemeh , Diba Kambiz , Kazemzadeh Jafar , Afshar Yavari Shohreh
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Burn infections are a serious obstacle to the patient’s recovery. Infection is estimated to account for 75% of burn patient mortality. Widespread and often indiscriminate administration of antibiotics and lack of basic infection control methods are major factors in the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. Due to the growing and serious threat of antibiotic resistance, interest in silver compounds has grown in modern medicine. Objectives: The aim of this descriptive study was to evaluate the frequency of sil genes and its phenotypic expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii isolates isolated from the burn ward of Imam Khomeini hospital in Urmia. Patients and Methods: P. aeruginosa (n=16) and A. baumannii (n=32) isolates were collected from burn wound samples in an 8-month period from August to March 2017 from the burn ward of the hospital. The minimum inhibitory concentration of silver nitrate on the clinical isolates was determined using microdilution method. The presence of silP, silE and silS silver resistance genes was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The results of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test showed that 62.5% (n = 10) of P. aeruginosa isolates and 56.25% (n = 18) of A. baumannii isolates showed MIC above 512 mg/ml. Polymerase chain reaction results revealed that only one P. aeruginosa isolate had silE gene and among A. baumannii isolates, 20 isolates had silE gene and six isolates had silS gene. None of the isolates showed positive results for the silP gene. Conclusion: Based on the results, A. baumannii was the most common microorganism of burn wounds in the burn ward of our hospital in Urmia. This study showed a high degree of phenotypic resistance to silver in A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa isolates which silE and silS genes were also observed in some isolates.
Evaluation of the relation between cerebroplacental ratio, umbilical-cerebral ratio, and cerebro-placental-uterine ratio with the occurrence of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction
Authors: Khanjani Somayeh , Farahbod Farinaz , Zarean Elahe , Tarrahi Mohammad Javad , Mohammadi Belgheis
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major obstetric complication associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between Doppler parameters, including the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), umbilicocerebral ratio (UCR), and cerebro-placental-uterine ratio (CPUR), with adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies complicated by FGR. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study of 100 women with a singleton pregnancy 28 and 36.8 weeks of gestation was complicated by FGR and mild abnormalities. Feto-maternal Doppler examinations were conducted by the CPR, UCR, and CPUR parameters. Adverse outcomes were defined as Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, preterm birth <37-week, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, fetal distress, and emergency cesarean section. These outcome parameters were checked with the results of the last ultrasound which performed 1-2 weeks before delivery. Results: Mean umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA-PI) (1.18±0.31 versus 1.04±0.21, P=0.010) and mean uterine arteries (UtAs)-PI (1.18±0.45 versus 0.96±0.36, P=0.20) were significantly higher in pregnancies that experienced adverse perinatal outcomes than those that did not experience them. Mean CPUR (1.82±1.03 versus 2.25±0.83, P=0.039) was significantly lower in pregnancies that experienced adverse perinatal outcomes versus those that did not. In binary multivariate logistic regression analysis, CPR, UCR, and CPUR parameters were evaluated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Only CPUR had a significant relationship with adverse perinatal outcomes. CPUR had a substantial relationship with Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02-0.63; P=0.012). Conclusion: CPUR is a new Doppler ratio associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in FGR pregnancies with minimal abnormalities.
Towards an active cyber defence framework for SMMEs in developing countries
Authors: Ntingi Nombeko , Von Solms Sebastian , Du Toit Jaco
Published: June 2023

Small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are obliged to adopt digital technologies to render services to their clients and remain competitive. The COVID-19 global crisis has accelerated the cyberfication of systems and services. The move to digital platforms has afforded SMMEs opportunities to offer their services to a broader geographical area. However, this has also presented opportunities for cybercriminals to invade the digital infrastructure. Adopting digital transformation has put SMMEs in a vulnerable position since they need to manage their cybersecurity while lacking the necessary skills and ICT infrastructure. The inability of SMMEs to defend themselves against cyberattacks compels them to outsource their security needs to external security service providers. These external security service providers offer security services based on a hierarchical operating model. Essential security services are offered at a lower level. If the paying clients require advanced security services, they may be provided as an add-on to the contractual agreement resulting in additional cost.

 

This paper explores the active cyber defence (ACD) approach to enhance cybersecurity defence while minimising service costs. Therefore, the primary objective and outcome of this paper are to identify some of the essential drivers that will contribute towards developing the active cyber defence framework for SMMEs in developing countries. For purposes of clarity, essential drivers are the gaps highlighted during the literature review and will be referred to as “essential drivers” throughout the paper. The essential drivers, together with suggested recommendations, will be consolidated. The essential drivers were drawn from existing literature by going through peer-reviewed academic papers and company whitepapers.

 

To achieve the primary objective, we need to establish whether SMMEs are utilising the services of external security service providers. The external security service providers will be referred to as “Security Operation Centre - SOC as a service” throughout the paper. The secondary objective of this paper is to determine whether SMMEs are utilising the SOC as a service and if they do, whether they realise value for money.
Technology-Oriented Innovations and Cyber Security Challenges in the Healthcare Delivery System: A perspective from Developing Economy
Authors: Owusu Victor Kwarteng , Gregar Ales
Published: June 2023

There is no dispute about the looming digital transformation of certain sectors within transitional economies, especially in Ghana. In fact, for most developed economies, digitalization has proven to have relevant visible effects. The paradox, however, is the seamless nature of this propagation in contrast to the myriad associated benefits. Suffice it to say that, the main purpose of this study was to identify the perceived impediments against the adoption and continuous acceptance of technology-oriented innovation for healthcare delivery in transitional economies through innovations. Especially, in the current technological dispensation where Africa and other developing countries are striving to bridge the technology gap in service delivery. Though much research has been conducted within the healthcare sector, factors that hinder technology acceptance and continuous usage have rarely been their primary focus. To address this consequential lacuna, this study takes inspiration from literature through document and theme analysis and proposes a model which could serve as a remedy to the identifiable impediments and inhibitors to the seamless delivery of healthcare services in transitional economies.  We emphasize good management and government-based interventions throughout the literature review as well as the document analyzed. We also made suggestions for further research, notably concerning means of increasing technology diffusion and possible remedy to cyber-security threats in the healthcare sector.