bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manganese (II) Complex of 1,4,7-Triazacyclononane-1,4,7-Triacetic Acid (NOTA) as a Hepatobiliary MRI Contrast Agent
Authors: Islam Md. Kamrul , Baek Ah-Rum , Yang Byeong-Woo , Kim Soyeon , Hwang Dong Wook , Nam Sung-Wook , Lee Gang-Ho , Chang Yongmin
Published: April 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used to diagnose focal and diffuse liver disorders. Despite their enhanced efficacy, liver-targeted gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) raise safety concerns owing to the release of toxic Gd3+ ions. A π-conjugated macrocyclic chelate, Mn-NOTA-NP, was designed and synthesized as a non-gadolinium alternative for liver-specific MRI. Mn-NOTA-NP exhibits an r1 relaxivity of 3.57 mM−1 s−1 in water and 9.01 mM−1 s−1 in saline containing human serum albumin at 3 T, which is significantly greater than the clinically utilized Mn2+-based hepatobiliary drug, Mn-DPDP (1.50 mM−1 s−1), and comparable with that of GBCAs. Furthermore, the in vivo biodistribution and MRI enhancement patterns of Mn-NOTA-NP were similar to those of the Gd3+-based hepatobiliary agent, Gd-DTPA-EOB. Additionally, a 0.05 mmol/kg dose of Mn-NOTA-NP facilitated high-sensitivity tumor detection with tumor signal enhancement in a liver tumor model. Ligand-docking simulations further indicated that Mn-NOTA-NP differed from other hepatobiliary agents in their interactions with several transporter systems. Collectively, we demonstrated that Mn-NOTA-NP could be a new liver-specific MRI contrast agent.
Acenocoumarol, an Anticoagulant Drug, Prevents Melanogenesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Han Hyunju , Hyun Changgu
Published: April 2023

Hyperpigmentation can occur in abnormal skin conditions such as melanomas, as well as in conditions including melasma, freckles, age spots, seborrheic keratosis, and café-au-lait spots (flat brown spots). Thus, there is an increasing need for the development of depigmenting agents. We aimed to repurpose an anticoagulant drug as an effective ingredient against hyperpigmentation and apply cosmeceutical agents. In the present study, the anti-melanogenic effects of two anticoagulant drugs, acenocoumarol and warfarin, were investigated. The results showed that both acenocoumarol and warfarin did not cause any cytotoxicity and resulted in a significant reduction in intracellular tyrosinase activity and melanin content in B16F10 melanoma cells. Additionally, acenocoumarol inhibits the expression of melanogenic enzymes such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2, suppressing melanin synthesis through a cAMP-dependent, protein kinase (PKA)-dependent downregulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a master transcription factor in melanogenesis. Furthermore, anti-melanogenic effects were exerted by acenocoumarol through downregulation of the p38 and JNK signaling pathway and upregulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthesis kinase-3β (GSK-3β) cascades. In addition, the β-catenin content in the cell cytoplasm and nucleus was increased by acenocoumarol through a reduction in the phosphorylated β-catenin (p-β-catenin content). Finally, we tested the potential of acenocoumarol for topical applications by conducting primary human skin irritation tests. Acenocoumarol did not induce any adverse reactions during these tests. Based on the results, it can be concluded that acenocoumarol regulates melanogenesis through various signaling pathways such as PKA, MAPKs, PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β, and β-catenin. These findings suggest that acenocoumarol has the potential to be repurposed as a drug for treating hyperpigmentation symptoms and could provide new insights into the development of therapeutic approaches for hyperpigmentation disorders.
Targeting Non-Coding RNAs for the Development of Novel Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Jesenko Tanja , Brezar Simona Kranjc , Cemazar Maja , Biasin Alice , Tierno Domenico , Scaggiante Bruna , Grassi Mario , Grassi Chiara , Dapas Barbara , Truong Nhung Hai , Abrami Michela , Zanconati Fabrizio , Bonazza Deborah , Rizzolio Flavio , Parisi Salvatore , Pastorin Giorgia , Grassi Gabriele
Published: April 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge, representing the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although therapeutic advances have been made in the few last years, the prognosis remains poor. Thus, there is a dire need to develop novel therapeutic strategies. In this regard, two approaches can be considered: (1) the identification of tumor-targeted delivery systems and (2) the targeting of molecule(s) whose aberrant expression is confined to tumor cells. In this work, we focused on the second approach. Among the different kinds of possible target molecules, we discuss the potential therapeutic value of targeting non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which include micro interfering RNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). These molecules represent the most significant RNA transcripts in cells and can regulate many HCC features, including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. In the first part of the review, the main characteristics of HCC and ncRNAs are described. The involvement of ncRNAs in HCC is then presented over five sections: (a) miRNAs, (b) lncRNAs, (c) circRNAs, (d) ncRNAs and drug resistance and (e) ncRNAs and liver fibrosis. Overall, this work provides the reader with the most recent state-of-the-art approaches in this field, highlighting key trends and opportunities for more advanced and efficacious HCC treatments.
Time Coding-Based Single-Photon-Counting Lidar for Obtaining Spatial Location
Authors: Zhang Hanfu , Liu Jie , An Qichang , Wang Jianli
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a single-photon-counting lidar based on time coding that can obtain the target’s spatial location and measure the distance and azimuth angle in real time without needing a scanning device. Multiple optical fibers were used to introduce laser echo photons into a single-pixel single-photon detector. According to the deviation in the detection time of the echo photons passing through different optical fibers, multiple distances can be obtained simultaneously. Combining the measured distances with the fiber spacing allows the calculation of the distance, azimuth angle, and spatial coordinates of the target. This lidar has the advantages of high photon detection efficiency, short signal acquisition time, and low cost compared to array detectors.
Investigation of the Effect of the Auxin Antagonist PEO-IAA on Cannabinoid Gene Expression and Content in Cannabis sativa L. Plants under In Vitro Conditions
Authors: Šenkyřík Josef Baltazar , Křivánková Tereza , Kaczorová Dominika , Štefelová Nikola
Published: April 2023

The in vitro shoot propagation of Cannabis sativa L. is an emerging research area for large-scale plant material production. However, how in vitro conditions influence the genetic stability of maintained material, as well as whether changes in the concentration and composition of secondary metabolites can be expected are aspects that need to be better understood. These features are essential for the standardised production of medicinal cannabis. This work aimed to find out whether the presence of the auxin antagonist α-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-1H-indole-3-acetic acid (PEO-IAA) in the culture media influenced the relative gene expression (RGE) of the genes of interest (OAC, CBCA, CBDA, THCA) and the concentrations of studied cannabinoids (CBCA, CBDA, CBC, ∆9-THCA, and ∆9-THC). Two C. sativa cultivars, ‘USO-31’ and ‘Tatanka Pure CBD’, were cultivated by in vitro conditions with PEO-IAA presence and then analysed. The RT-qPCR results indicated that even though some changes in the RGE profiles could be observed, no differences were statistically significant compared with the control variant. The results of the phytochemical analyses demonstrate that although there were some differences from the control variant, only the cultivar ‘Tatanka Pure CBD’ showed a statistically significant increase (at a statistical significance level α = 0.05) in the concentration of the cannabinoid CBDA. In conclusion, it would appear that using PEO-IAA in the culture medium is a suitable approach to improve in vitro cannabis multiplication.
Analysis of Potato Physiological and Molecular Adaptation in Response to Different Water and Nitrogen Combined Regimes
Authors: Yan Wenyuan , Qin Junhong , Jian Yinqiao , Liu Jiangang , Bian Chunsong , Jin Liping , Li Guangcun
Published: April 2023

Water and nitrogen are essential for potato growth and development. We aim to understand how potato adapts to changes in soil water and nitrogen content. Potato plant adaptations to changes in soil moisture and nitrogen levels were analyzed at the physiological and transcriptomic levels in four treatment groups: adequate nitrogen under drought, adequate nitrogen under sufficient irrigation, limited nitrogen under drought, and limited nitrogen under sufficient irrigation. Many light-capture pigment complex genes and oxygen release complex genes were differentially expressed in leaves when nitrogen levels were increased under drought conditions, and several genes encoding rate-limiting enzymes in the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle were up-regulated; furthermore, leaf stomatal conductance decreased, whereas the saturated vapor pressure difference and relative chlorophyll content in the chloroplasts increased. StSP6A, a key gene in potato tuber formation, was down-regulated in response to increased nitrogen application, and the stolon growth time was prolonged. Genes related to root nitrogen metabolism were highly expressed, and protein content in the tuber increased. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed 32 gene expression modules that responded to changes in water and nitrogen levels. A total of 34 key candidate genes were identified, and a preliminary molecular model of potato responses to alterations in soil water and nitrogen content was constructed.
Seed Priming with Triacontanol Alleviates Lead Stress in Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Common Bean) through Improving Nutritional Orchestration and Morpho-Physiological Characteristics
Authors: Ahmed Shakil , Amjad Minahil , Sardar Rehana , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Irfan Mohammad
Published: April 2023

Worldwide, crop productivity is highly influenced by heavy metal toxicity. Lead (Pb) the is second-most toxic heavy metal that has high persistence in soil. Lead is translocated in plants from rhizosphere soil and enters the food chain, where it poses a significant hazard to the health of humans. In the present investigation, seed priming with triacontanol (Tria) was used to mitigate Pb phytotoxicity in Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean). Seeds were primed with different concentrations of Tria (control, 10 µmol L−1, 20 µmol L−1, 30 µmol L−1) solutions. The pot experiment was carried out by sowing Tria-primed seeds in contaminated soil with 400 mg kg−1 Pb. Lead alone induced a decrease in the rate of germination and a significant reduction in biomass and growth of P. vulgaris as compared to the control. All these negative effects were reversed by Tria-primed seeds. Proliferation of photosynthetic pigments was observed 1.8-fold by Tria under Pb stress. Primed seeds with 20 µmol L−1 Tria enhanced stomatal conductance (gs), photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (Ei), and uptake of mineral contents (Mg+2, Zn+2, Na+, and K+) and reduced Pb accumulation in seedlings. Tria caused a 1.3-fold increase in osmotic regulator proline synthesis to alleviate Pb stress. Phenolics, soluble protein, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity were enhanced by Tria application, suggesting that exogenous Tria could be employed to improve plant tolerance to Pb stress.
Chip Formation and Orthogonal Cutting Optimisation of Unidirectional Carbon Fibre Composites
Authors: Abena Alessandro , Soo Sein Leung , Ataya Sabbah , Hassanin Hany , El-Sayed Mahmoud Ahmed , Ahmadein Mahmoud , Alsaleh Naser A. , Ahmed Mohamed M. Z. , Essa Khamis
Published: April 2023

This study presents a thorough experimental investigation utilising the design of experiments and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine the impact of machining process parameters on chip formation mechanisms, machining forces, workpiece surface integrity, and damage resulting from the orthogonal cutting of unidirectional CFRP. The study identified the mechanisms behind chip formation and found it to significantly impact the workpiece orientation of fibre and the tool’s cutting angle, resulting in increased fibre bounceback at larger fibre orientation angles and when using smaller rake angle tools. Increasing the depth of cut and fibre orientation angle results in an increased damage depth, while using higher rake angles reduces it. An analytical model based on response surface analysis for predicting machining forces, damage, surface roughness, and bounceback was also developed. The ANOVA results indicate that fibre orientation is the most significant factor in machining CFRP, while cutting speed is insignificant. Increasing fibre orientation angle and depth leads to deeper damage, while larger tool rake angles reduce damage. Machining workpieces with 0° fibre orientation angle results in the least subsurface damage, and surface roughness is unaffected by the tool rake angle for fibre orientations between 0° to 90° but worsens for angles greater than 90°. Optimisation of cutting parameters was subsequently carried out to improve machined workpiece surface quality and reduce forces. The experimental results showed that negative rake angle and cutting at moderately low speeds (366 mm/min) are the optimal conditions for machining laminates with a fibre angle of θ = 45°. On the other hand, for composite materials with fibre angles of θ = 90° and θ = 135°, it is recommended to use a high positive rake angle and cutting speeds.
Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Corn Starch Films for Sustainable Food Packaging by Optimizing Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Ghizdareanu Andra-Ionela , Banu Alexandra , Pasarin Diana , Ionita (Afilipoaei) Andreea , Nicolae Cristian-Andi , Gabor Augusta Raluca , Pătroi Delia
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis using α-amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the mechanical properties of starch-based films. The process parameters of enzymatic hydrolysis and the degree of hydrolysis (DH) were optimized using a Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). The mechanical properties of the resulting hydrolyzed corn starch films (tensile strain at break, tensile stress at break, and Young’s modulus) were evaluated. The results showed that the optimum DH for hydrolyzed corn starch films to achieve improved mechanical properties of the film-forming solutions was achieved at a corn starch to water ratio of 1:2.8, an enzyme to substrate ratio of 357 U/g, and an incubation temperature of 48 °C. Under the optimized conditions, the hydrolyzed corn starch film had a higher water absorption index of 2.32 ± 0.112% compared to the native corn starch film (control) of 0.81 ± 0.352%. The hydrolyzed corn starch films were more transparent than the control sample, with a light transmission of 78.5 ± 0.121% per mm. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that the enzymatically hydrolyzed corn starch films had a more compact and solid structure in terms of molecular bonds, and the contact angle was also higher, at 79.21 ± 0.171° for this sample. The control sample had a higher melting point than the hydrolyzed corn starch film, as indicated by the significant difference in the temperature of the first endothermic event between the two films. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization of the hydrolyzed corn starch film showed intermediate surface roughness. A comparison of the data from the two samples showed that the hydrolyzed corn starch film had better mechanical properties than the control sample, with a greater change in the storage modulus over a wider temperature range and higher values for the loss modulus and tan delta, indicating that the hydrolyzed corn starch film had better energy dissipation properties, as shown by thermal analysis. The improved mechanical properties of the resulting film of hydrolyzed corn starch were attributed to the enzymatic hydrolysis process, which breaks the starch molecules into smaller units, resulting in increased chain flexibility, improved film-forming ability, and stronger intermolecular bonds.
Recent Trends in Continuum Modeling of Liquid Crystal Networks: A Mini-Review
Authors: Park Sanghyeon , Oh Youngtaek , Moon Jeseung , Chung Hayoung
Published: April 2023

This work aims to provide a comprehensive review of the continuum models of the phase behaviors of liquid crystal networks (LCNs), novel materials with various engineering applications thanks to their unique composition of polymer and liquid crystal. Two distinct behaviors are primarily considered: soft elasticity and spontaneous deformation found in the material. First, we revisit these characteristic phase behaviors, followed by an introduction of various constitutive models with diverse techniques and fidelities in describing the phase behaviors. We also present finite element models that predict these behaviors, emphasizing the importance of such models in predicting the material’s behavior. By disseminating various models essential to understanding the underlying physics of the behavior, we hope to help researchers and engineers harness the material’s full potential. Finally, we discuss future research directions necessary to advance our understanding of LCNs further and enable more sophisticated and precise control of their properties. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the state-of-the-art techniques and models used to analyze the behavior of LCNs and their potential for various engineering applications.
Utilizing Robust Design to Optimize Composite Bioadhesive for Promoting Dermal Wound Repair
Authors: Pinnaratip Rattapol , Zhang Zhongtian , Smies Ariana , Forooshani Pegah Kord , Tang Xiaoqing , Rajachar Rupak M , Lee Bruce P.
Published: April 2023

Catechol-modified bioadhesives generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) during the process of curing. A robust design experiment was utilized to tune the H2O2 release profile and adhesive performance of a catechol-modified polyethylene glycol (PEG) containing silica particles (SiP). An L9 orthogonal array was used to determine the relative contributions of four factors (the PEG architecture, PEG concentration, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) concentration, and SiP concentration) at three factor levels to the performance of the composite adhesive. The PEG architecture and SiP wt% contributed the most to the variation in the results associated with the H2O2 release profile, as both factors affected the crosslinking of the adhesive matrix and SiP actively degraded the H2O2. The predicted values from this robust design experiment were used to select the adhesive formulations that released 40–80 µM of H2O2 and evaluate their ability to promote wound healing in a full-thickness murine dermal wound model. The treatment with the composite adhesive drastically increased the rate of the wound healing when compared to the untreated controls, while minimizing the epidermal hyperplasia. The release of H2O2 from the catechol and soluble silica from the SiP contributed to the recruitment of keratinocytes to the wound site and effectively promoted the wound healing.
ZnO-PLLA/PLLA Preparation and Application in Air Filtration by Electrospinning Technology
Authors: Liu Xinxin , Jiang Dengbang , Qin Yuyue , Zhang Zhihong , Yuan Mingwei
Published: April 2023

With the increasing environmental pollution caused by disposable masks, it is crucial to develop new degradable filtration materials for medical masks. ZnO-PLLA/PLLA (L-lactide) copolymers prepared from nano ZnO and L-lactide were used to prepare fiber films for air filtration by electrospinning technology. Structural characterization of ZnO-PLLA by H-NMR, XPS, and XRD demonstrated that ZnO was successfully grafted onto PLLA. An L9(43) standard orthogonal array was employed to evaluate the effects of the ZnO-PLLA concentration, ZnO-PLLA/PLLA content, DCM(dichloromethane) to DMF(N,N-dimethylformamide) ratio, and spinning time on the air filtration capacity of ZnO-PLLA/PLLA nanofiber films. It is noteworthy that the introduction of ZnO is important for the enhancement of the quality factor (QF). The optimal group obtained was sample No. 7, where the QF was 0.1403 Pa−1, the particle filtration efficiency (PFE) was 98.3%, the bacteria filtration efficiency (BFE) was 98.42%, and the airflow resistance (Δp) was 29.2 Pa. Therefore, the as-prepared ZnO-PLLA/PLLA film has potential for the development of degradable masks.
Analysis of Shielding Effectiveness against Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) for Metal-Coated Polymeric Materials
Authors: Mostafavi Yazdi Seyed Jamaleddin , Lisitski Andrej , Pack Seongchan , Hiziroglu Huseyin R. , Baqersad Javad
Published: April 2023

Lightweight materials, such as polymers and composites, are increasingly used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Recently, there has been an increase in the use of these materials, especially in electric vehicles. However, these materials cannot shield sensitive electronics from electromagnetic interference (EMI). The current work investigates the EMI performance of these lightweight materials using an experimental setup based on the ASTM D4935-99 standard and EMI simulation using the ANSYS HFSS. This work studies how metal coating from zinc and aluminum bronze can improve the shielding performance of polymer-based materials, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyphthalamide (PPA). Based on the findings of this study, a thin coating (50 μm) of Zn on the surface of PPS and a thin coating of 5 μm and 10 μm of Al-Bronze, respectively, on the surface of PEEK and PPA have indicated an increase in the shielding effectiveness (SE) when subjected to EMI. The shielding effectiveness significantly increased from 7 dB for the uncoated polymer to approximately 40 dB at low frequencies and up to approximately 60 dB at high frequencies for coated polymers. Finally, various approaches are recommended for improving the SE of polymeric materials under the influence of EMI.
Protective Effect of Sargassum fusiforme Fucoidan against Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Damage in In Vitro and In Vivo Models
Authors: Wang Lei , Oh Jae-Young , Yang Hye-Won , Hyun Jimin , Ahn Ginnae , Fu Xiaoting , Xu Jiachao , Gao Xin , Cha Seon-Heui , Jeon You-Jin
Published: April 2023

Our previous studies have evaluated the bioactivities of a fucoidan isolated from Sargassum fusiforme (SF-F). To further investigate the health benefit of SF-F, in the present study, the protective effect of SF-F against ethanol (EtOH)-induced oxidative damage has been evaluated in in vitro and in vivo models. SF-F effectively improved the viability of EtOH-treated Chang liver cells by suppressing apoptosis. In addition, the in vivo test results indicate that SF-F significantly and dose-dependently increased the survival rate of zebrafish treated with EtOH. Further research results show that this action works through decreasing cell death via reduced lipid peroxidation by scavenging intracellular reactive oxygen species in EtOH-stimulated zebrafish. These results indicate that SF-F effectively protected Chang liver cells and zebrafish against EtOH-induced oxidative damage and suggest the potential of SF-F to be used as an ingredient in the functional food industry.
Isolation and Characterization of Novel Butachlor-Degrading Bacteria from Rice Paddy Soils
Authors: Lee Hyosun , Kim Nam Hyun , Kim Dong-Uk
Published: April 2023

Four different bacteria capable of degrading butachlor, as well as five different syntrophic pairs of bacteria able to break down butachlor, were isolated from rice paddy soils in Korea. Genetic and phenotypic analyses were conducted to better understand their characteristics and behavior. All single isolates and syntrophic pairs were able to utilize butachlor as a sole carbon and energy source. Analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence showed that the isolates were related to members of the genus Rhodococcus and a new type of butachlor-degrading genus Sphingobium. The chromosomal DNA fingerprinting patterns of the butachlor-degrading bacteria and syntrophic pairs were analyzed using a technique called repetitive-sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR). The results showed that there were two different REP-PCR patterns found among the four independent butachlor-degrading bacteria, and ten strains of five different syntrophic pairs produced a total of eight distinct DNA fingerprints. Through the use of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, it was observed that the syntrophic pair was capable of breaking down butachlor using various chemical pathways, such as 2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl) acetamide (CDEPA), 2,6-diethylphenyl isocyanate, 2,6-diethylaniline (DEA), and 2-ethylaniline.
Layering Vibration Transfer Path Analysis of a Flexible Supported Gear System Based on the Vibration Power Flow Theory
Authors: Ren Yafeng , Sun Xiaohui , Luo Yusheng , Lu Wenwen , Wang Haiwei
Published: April 2023

In the marine gear system, the vibration of gears is transmitted to the ship foundation through shafts, bearings, housing, and isolators, and then the underwater noise is generated. Analyzing the vibration transfer properties and identifying the critical path can provide guidance to the low-noise design of the gear system. In this paper, a coupled gear-housing-foundation dynamic model is proposed for a flexible supported gear system, in which the flexibility of each subsystem and the coupling relationship between them are taken into account. The transferring process of gear vibration is divided into different layers between gears, shafts, bearings, housing, isolators, and ship foundation. Based on the vibration power flow (VPF) theory, detailed layering vibration transfer path analyses of the gear isolation coupled system are carried out for both location path and direction path, and the main paths are identified in a broad speed range. The results indicate that though the gear vibration transferred to the foundation attenuate layer by layer, there may be reverse VPF in some special location path and direction path under resonance conditions.
Between History and Theology—Zerubbabel and Nehemiah as Governors of Judah from the Perspective of Literary History
Authors: Schulz Sarah
Published: April 2023

Hag/Zech 1–8 and Ezr/Neh have in common that they are often rated as primary sources when it comes to the development of Second Temple Judaism(s). Consequently, it is mostly assumed that the Persian governors of Judah (like the Persian kings) significantly contributed to the (re-)formation of the Jewish community in Jerusalem after the exile: Zerubbabel built the temple, Nehemiah the wall of Jerusalem. As a rule of thumb, literary analysis within these books, if applied at all, is less critical than elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible. However, a literary critical approach gives rise to serious doubts about the historic reliability of these accounts. Based on a literary critical analysis of the relevant texts from Hag/Zech 1–8 and Neh, this article aims to show that it is only in the course of redaction history that the office of governor of Judah is ascribed to both individuals. Thus, the attribution of the office of governor to them reflects theological interests and concerns in the early Second Temple Period rather than the historical reality. As the texts not only attribute aspects of royal leadership to Zerubbabel and Nehemiah as governors of Judah, but also present the holders of a Persian office as custodians of Jewish interests (temple and Torah), it will be argued that the texts contribute to the political and religious reorganization of Judaism and, thus, to the formation of a collective Jewish identity.
Self-Purification and Social Dramatization; from Simone Weil to Martin Luther King Jr.
Authors: Theodosiadis Michail
Published: April 2023

This article begins with an analysis of Simone Weil’s notion of “impersonality”, which implies disengagement from earthly attachments, deep introspection, and connection with an “anonymous” God, that is, with an imagined spiritual force of purity, located beyond the observable secular world. “Impersonality” encourages purification (or catharsis) from frantic passions (excited by such attachments); it inspires love, which Weil associates with respect and selfless devotion to social justice. My goal is to identify a shared set of similarities between Weil and Martin Luther King Jr. on the issue of individual catharsis, acknowledging also important divergences. King—contra Weil—claimed that rejection of frantic passions is incited through connection with a “personal” (rather than “anonymous”) God, with a high moral power, which responds to individual prayers and leads men and women into the path of love. Like Weil, King associated love with mutual respect and social justice. Both Weil and King believed that individual catharsis should lead to civil disobedience, whose ultimate objective is collective catharsis, that is, the abandonment of deeply rooted attitudes and beliefs (on behalf of a collectivity) that (sometimes unknowingly) perpetuate injustices, causing great suffering. By reflecting on the viewpoints offered by these thinkers, the present study will attempt to shed light on the process by which collective catharsis shifts public attitudes. The aim of civil disobedience, I will explain, is to dramatize social evils (such as racism and social exclusion), making large portions of a society aware of their passive reproduction of attitudes that contribute to the perpetuation of such unjust practices.
Adsorption of Chromium (VI) from Aqueous Solution Using Palm Leaf-Derived Biochar: Kinetic and Isothermal Studies
Authors: Daffalla Samah
Published: April 2023

In this study, biochar produced by low-temperature pyrolysis from palm leaves was treated with phosphoric acid in order to increase the sorption efficiency of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions. Numerous characterization experiments using BET surface area, FE-SEM and FT-IR showed that the phosphoric acid-treated biochar (TBC-P) was covered with P particles. In comparison to the palm leaves and biochar, the TBC-P also had more surface oxygenated functional groups, surface area, pore size and internal structure. FTIR analysis showed that the functional groups of pretreated biochar were similar to those of biochar. Batch adsorption experiments showed that the TBC-P had a strong sorption ability to Cr (VI), with the highest removal efficiency of 99% at a low pH value of 2.0, which was significantly higher than that of the untreated biochar. The kinetic study has shown that the mechanism of the reaction was well represented by the second-order model, while isotherm data were well presented by the Langmuir model. The TBC-P was successfully regenerated using a 0.1 M HCl solution.
A Delphi Study to Develop Items for a New Tool for Measuring Child Neglect for Use by Multi-Agency Practitioners in the UK
Authors: Haworth Simon , Montgomery Paul , Schaub Jason
Published: April 2023

Social work and allied professions can struggle to accurately assess child neglect. Our research project is developing a new child neglect measurement tool for use by multi-agencies to address this issue. Phase two of this project employed a Delphi study to gather the views of a range of experts to help develop it. There were two important stages to inform the Delphi study: a systematic review of child neglect measures, and three online focus groups with a purposive sample of 16 participants with expertise in child neglect (academics, practitioners, and experts by experience). We then conducted a three-round modified online Delphi study with a purposive sample of 60 international panellists with expertise in child neglect. We followed the CREDES guidelines for the rigorous application of the Delphi technique. The panel generated salient items for the tool and scaled these for importance. The panel reached consensus for 18 items and 15 elements for the tool. The items included neglect type, chronicity, and severity. The elements included hyperlinks to research and the use of 10-point scales. The draft tool is short and may be useable by a range of practitioners in multi-agency settings. It is inclusive of social harms, such as poverty and social isolation. It will now be piloted.
Detecting Regional Differences in Italian Health Services during Five COVID-19 Waves
Authors: Palazzo Lucio , Ievoli Riccardo
Published: April 2023

During the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, both national and/or territorial healthcare systems have been severely stressed in many countries. The availability (and complexity) of data requires proper comparisons for understanding differences in the performance of health services. With this aim, we propose a methodological approach to compare the performance of the Italian healthcare system at the territorial level, i.e., considering NUTS 2 regions. Our approach consists of three steps: the choice of a distance measure between available time series, the application of weighted multidimensional scaling (wMDS) based on this distance, and, finally, a cluster analysis on the MDS coordinates. We separately consider daily time series regarding the deceased, intensive care units, and ordinary hospitalizations of patients affected by COVID-19. The proposed procedure identifies four clusters apart from two outlier regions. Changes between the waves at a regional level emerge from the main results, allowing the pressure on territorial health services to be mapped between 2020 and 2022.
Case Study on Life Cycle Assessment Applied to Road Restoration Methods
Authors: Luvizão Gislaine , Trichês Glicério
Published: April 2023

Brazil’s dependence on road transportation, combined with the high extent of the network and the lack of investment management in maintenance and restoration, makes traffic conditions poor, resulting in unwanted costs and environmental impacts. Life cycle assessments are a promising tool that assists in decision making. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental performance of three roads, applying different restoration and maintenance techniques throughout the analysis cycle. To develop this study, the ecoinvent database and the OpenLCA software were used to model, based on studies developed in the HDM-4 (Highway Development and Management) software, and the interventions were applied for the initial year and for 30 years. Using the life cycle assessment methodology, the environmental impacts generated for the categories of acidification, climate change, eutrophication, ecotoxicity, human toxicity and photochemical oxidation were identified. The results show that, when analyzing the restorations in their implementation, deep recycling generates more environmental impacts; however, when planning the restorations throughout the cycle, deep recycling becomes, on average, 47% less impactful than the structural reinforcement technique, which is the same behavior that has been identified with the Whitetopping technique. It becomes evident that the use of rigid structures, such as Whitetopping or semi-rigid structures and deep recycling with Portland cement additions, generate fewer environmental impacts when compared to flexible structures that consume a large amount of asphalt binder, and that require interventions at shorter intervals.
A Preventive Control Approach for Power System Vulnerability Assessment and Predictive Stability Evaluation
Authors: Akdeniz Ersen , Bagriyanik Mustafa
Published: April 2023

Early detection of cascading failures phenomena is a vital process for the sustainable operation of power systems. Within the scope of this work, a preventive control approach implementing an algorithm for selecting critical contingencies by a dynamic vulnerability analysis and predictive stability evaluation is presented. The analysis was carried out using a decision tree with a multi-parameter knowledge base. After the occurrence of an initial contingency, probable future contingencies are foreseen according to several vulnerability perspectives created by an adaptive vulnerability search module. Then, for cases identified as critical, a secure operational system state is proposed through a vulnerability-based, security-constrained, optimal power flow algorithm. The modular structure of the proposed algorithm enables the evaluation of possible vulnerable scenarios and proposes a strategy to alleviate the technical and economic impacts due to prospective cascading failures. The presented optimization methodology was tested using the IEEE-39 bus test network and a benchmark was performed between the proposed approach and a time domain analysis software model (EMTP). The obtained results indicate the potential of analysis approach in evaluating low-risk but high-impact vulnerabilities in power systems.
Countermeasures for Improving Rural Living Environments under the Background of a Rural Revitalization Strategy Based on Computer Virtualization Technology
Authors: Sun Bowen , Pan Husheng , Shao Shanshan
Published: April 2023

The all around construction and development of rural areas not only promotes the economic promotion of rural areas and the optimization and adjustment of various industrial structures, but also leads to the deterioration of rural living environments. There is a close relationship between the planning and design of residential buildings and the living environment, which can integrate human life and architecture into a whole. Virtualization technology is a new technology developed in recent years, which integrates computer graphics, multimedia, digital image processing, and other technologies. In this paper, a virtual building model of a rural residential environment based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) is constructed, and the virtual reconstruction of the residential environment is realized by extracting the bottom features of images. The experimental results show that, compared with the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm, the accuracy of the proposed human settlements modeling method is improved by 27.85%. This model can effectively solve the problem of unclear and not stereo images, and at the same time keep the clarity of the virtual reconstruction images of buildings, which can provide theoretical support for the improvement of the rural living environment under the background of a rural revitalization strategy.
A Study of Countermeasures to Activate the Consumption Potential of Urban Residents in Yangtze River Delta Region by Linking Supply and Demand Synergy
Authors: Chen Jinyu , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: April 2023

The global economic recovery is having trouble because of the epidemic. A key strategy for boosting China’s economic vigor is to increase domestic demand. The goal of this essay is to examine the consumption habits of city dwellers from the standpoint of urban development. It also examines the barriers to consumption upgrading from both the supply and demand sides. Using the panel data of 41 prefecture-level cities in the Yangtze River Delta from 2005 to 2019, this study explores the distribution of cold and hot spots as well as the agglomeration of residents’ marginal consumption tendencies using ArcGIS’ Jenks method. We provide ideas and actions to raise inhabitants’ consumption standards and levels in cold spot locations on the supply and demand sides. The empirical findings demonstrate that: (1) There are distinct spatial patterns in the seven categories of consumer goods consumption tendencies among urban residents in the Yangtze River Delta, (2) in contrast to hot spots, urban residents in cold spots are constrained by the supply side, and the demand for consumption upgrading has not yet been met. Hence, we can increase the capacity for consumption by raising resident income, altering their consumption patterns, and developing consumer marketplaces.
Estimation of Hydraulic Parameters from the Soil Water Characteristic Curve
Authors: Angelaki Anastasia , Bota Vasiliki , Chalkidis Iraklis
Published: April 2023

Soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) is one of the most essential hydraulic properties that play fundamental role in various environmental issues and water management. SWCC gives important information for water movement, soil behavior, infiltration, and drainage mechanism, affecting the water circle and the aquifer recharge. Since most of the world’s freshwater withdrawals go for irrigation uses, decoding SWCC is beneficial, as it affects water saving through irrigation planning. Estimation of crucial parameters, such as field capacity (FC) and permanent wilting point (PWP) is the key solution for water saving. Modelling of the SWCC and hydraulic parameters estimation are of great importance, since the laboratory experimental procedures and the experiments in the field are often time-consuming processes. In the present study, the SWCC along with FC and PWP of two soil types were obtained via specific experimental procedures in the laboratory. In order to simulate the SWCC and estimate FC and PWP, the experimental data were approximated with van Genuchten’s model. Results showed that using SWCC to estimate FC gives excellent results, while the method rationally overestimates the PWP. Hence, the presented method leads to estimation of crucial hydraulic parameters that can be used in irrigation planning and water saving practices.
Vehicle-Trajectory Prediction Method for an Extra-Long Tunnel Based on Section Traffic Data
Authors: Xing Ruru , Zhang Yihan , Cai Xiaoyu , Lu Jupeng , Peng Bo , Yang Tao
Published: April 2023

The driving situation is complicated in an extra-long tunnel. If a traffic collision happens, car evacuation and people rescue in the tunnel will be more challenging. The driving safety and traffic efficiency of an extra-long tunnel will be considerably enhanced if vehicle trajectory can be precisely assessed and the vehicle driving risk can be predicted in advance. However, due to the limitations of the data capture of vehicle-mounted equipment in tunnels, estimating vehicle trajectory with vehicle-side data is difficult. In this research, a vehicle-trajectory prediction model based on section traffic data in an extra-long tunnel is developed using existing roadside traffic-gathering equipment. The model re-optimizes the driver-sensitivity coefficient by calibrating the parameters of the vehicle-following model based on mining the motion laws of cars under different scenarios. The model is validated using observed velocity and position data, and the average accuracy of velocity prediction is 94.14% and 95.45% for trajectory prediction. The results show that using existing roadside collecting equipment, this model can accurately forecast vehicle trajectories in extra-long tunnels.
A Data-Driven Approach for Improving Sustainable Product Development
Authors: Relich Marcin
Published: April 2023

A product’s impact on environmental issues in its complete life cycle is significantly determined by decisions taken during product development. Thus, it is of vital importance to integrate a sustainability perspective in methods and tools for product development. The paper aims at the development of a method based on a data-driven approach, which is dedicated to identifying opportunities for improving product sustainability at the design stage. The proposed method consists of two main parts: predictive analytics and simulations. Predictive analytics use parametric models to identify relationships within product sustainability. In turn, simulations are performed using a constraint programming technique, which enables the identification of all possible solutions (if there are any) to a constraint satisfaction problem. These solutions support R&D specialists in finding improvement opportunities for eco-design related to reducing harmful impacts on the environment in the manufacturing, product use, and post-use stages. The results indicate that constraint-satisfaction modeling is a pertinent framework for searching for admissible changes at the design stage to improve sustainable product development within the full scope of socio-ecological sustainability. The applicability of the proposed approach is verified through an illustrative example which refers to reducing the number of defective products and quantity of energy consumption.
Do Urban Innovation Policies Reduce Carbon Emission? Empirical Evidence from Chinese Cities with DID
Authors: Luo Ling , Fu Yang , Li Hui
Published: April 2023

The Chinese government launched the Pilot Scheme of National Innovative Cities in 2008, and it has continued to expand the scope of the program in order to achieve more high-quality and sustainable development. This pilot scheme encourages scientific and technological innovations to solve the problems of urban development against the background of climate change by promoting the sustainable transformation and upgrading of the urban economy. This article attempts to examine whether the innovative city pilot helps improve the city’s carbon emissions. Moreover, through which mechanisms does the pilot affect the carbon emissions of Chinese cities? The authors use the Pilot Scheme of National Innovative Cities as a quasi-natural experiment and apply the difference-in-difference (DID) method to investigate the impact of innovative city pilot policy on the carbon emissions of pilot cities and the underlying mechanisms.
Energy Saving Potential of Traffic-Regulated Street Lighting
Authors: Balázs László , Braun Ferenc , Lengyel József
Published: April 2023

Some municipalities switch off street lights for several hours at night to save energy and reduce operating costs as a consequence of soaring electricity prices in Europe. Complete darkness in the streets raises public concern about safety and security. The current street lighting standard EN 13201 enables the road luminance to be reduced in parallel with diminishing traffic volume offering a viable tradeoff between energy saving and road safety. This paper presents a methodology to estimate the energy-saving potential of traffic-regulated street lighting based on traffic counting data. By analyzing traffic volume and composition collected from an urban street over the one-year period, we found that traffic sensor-regulated street lighting can deliver up to 55% reduction in electricity costs while maintaining road luminance in line with the recommendations of EN 13201-2. In the presented case, the daily traffic volume profiles were remarkably stable following either a workday or a holiday pattern. Statistical analysis showed that 45% energy saving could be achieved by the pre-programmed dimming schedule of the luminaires while remaining compliant with the standard. The effect of daylight-saving time on the energy consumption of adaptive street lighting was also analyzed.