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Fulltext Determinants of accounting information system effectiveness and moderating role of external consultants: Empirical research in the Ben Tre Province of Vietnam

Nguyen HT, T R, Kweh QL, Tran PTK, Tran Duong Minh H

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e28847.
PMID: 38601644 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28847

The characteristics of accounting information systems (AISs) within organizations and the factors affecting their effectiveness are investigated in this study. In particular, how external consultants moderate the relationship between the determinants and AIS effectiveness is examined. A total of 167 agricultural companies in the Ben Tre Province of Vietnam were surveyed using a regression-based partial least squares structural equation model. Then, the influence of these determinants on AIS effectiveness was evaluated. The findings showed that managers' involvement and managers' accounting knowledge positively affect AIS effectiveness. Furthermore, the involvement and knowledge of managers are mitigated by external consultants, which reduces the negative influence of such involvement on AIS effectiveness. This study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on the determinants affecting AIS effectiveness by providing agricultural companies in Ben Tre and Vietnam with insights into the effectiveness of their respective AIS activities.
Fulltext A secure and privacy preserved data aggregation scheme in IoMT

Mughal MA, Ullah A, Yu X, He W, Jhanjhi NZ, Ray SK

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 15;10(7):e27177.
PMID: 38601685 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27177

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of intelligent devices especially in healthcare-based systems. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) uses wearable sensors to collect data and transmit to central repositories. The security and privacy of healthcare data is a challenging task. The aim of the study is to provide a secure data sharing mechanism. The existing studies provide secure data sharing schemes but still have limitations in terms of hiding the patient identify in the messages exchanged to upload the data on central repositories. This paper presents a Secure Aggregated Data Collection and Transmission (SADCT) that provides anonymity for the identities of patient's mobile device and the intermediate fog nodes. Our system involves an authenticated server for node registration and authentication by saving security credentials. The proposed scheme presents the novel data aggregation algorithm at the mobile device, and the data extraction algorithm at the fog node. The work is validated through extensive simulations in NS along with a security analysis. Results prove the supremacy of SADCT in terms of energy consumption, storage, communication, and computational costs.
Fulltext Mitigating mutual coupling effects on circular polarization for improved bandwidth in MIMO systems: A novel approach

Ali A, Yasin MNM, Adam I, Ismail AM, Jack SP, Alghaihab A, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27782.
PMID: 38524620 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27782

An improved mutual coupling compensation in circularly polarized (CP) multi-input multi-output (MIMO) dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is presented in this paper. Using trimming approach, the mutual coupling (MC) between closely spaced DRA units at 0.3λ has been significantly reduced while axial ratio performance has been maintained. Mutual coupling reduction is obtained by trimming the DRA to ensure low mutual coupling below -20dB. The exclusive features of the proposed MIMO DRA include wide impedance matching bandwidth (BW), triple band circular polarization, and suppressed MC between the radiating elements. The impedance bandwidth matches perfectly with a triple band's 3 dB axial ratio (AR). It is designed with characteristic mode analysis with good agreement of the measurement that has been obtained. Using the probe feed method, the DRA and patch strip are coupled together to allow bandwidth widening of the pro-posed DRA. An impedance bandwidth of 34% at a lower frequency to around 2% at a higher frequency was achieved in all resonance frequencies. Thus, we refer to our newly designed DRA as a proposed method for effectively reducing the mutual coupling between DRAs. Additionally, the 3 dB AR bandwidth matched at 3.3 GHz, 4.6 GHz, and 6.3 GHz with a percentage of 11.66%, 3.04%, and 2.22% obtained at the three different frequencies. Note that the proposed DRA exhibits low mutual coupling (below -20 dB) at the targeted frequencies, which is suitable for better signal reception for MIMO applications. By computing, the metrics envelop correlation coefficient, diversity gain, channel capacity loss, and total active reflection coefficient, the MIMO performance of the proposed antenna is verified. The experiments show a close result between simulated and computed validation of the proposed DRA.
Fulltext Geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of shales from the early to middle Permian Dohol Formation in Peninsular Malaysia: Implications for organic matter enrichment, provenance, tectonic setting, palaeoweathering and paleoclimate

Rashid A, Siddiqui NA, Ahmed N, Wahid A, Jamil M, Sankoh AA, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27553.
PMID: 38524595 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27553

The early to middle Permian Dohol Formation is characterized by a significant presence of shale deposits. While these shales exhibit a low potential to generate hydrocarbons, there is a need to ascertain the possible reasons for the low hydrocarbon generation potential. Also, there are several unidentified properties and attributes associated with these shales in terms of their inorganic geochemical characteristics and their mineralogy. This study is focused on using XRF, ICPMS, and SEM with EDX to determine the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of these shales and use these data to discuss their provenance history and tectonic setting and interpret the paleoclimatic and paleoweathering conditions. The inorganic geochemical analysis shows that the shales from the Dohol Formation are from a felsic igneous source. The shales were also identified to be from a passive margin based on the bivariate plot of SiO2 vs log (K2O/Na2O) and several multidimensional diagram plots. The CIA and CIW data, as well as the A-CN-K plot, all point to a significant degree of chemical weathering, ranging from mild to intense. The Sr/Cu ratio and C-value, combined with various other geochemical proxies, indicate that the shales were formed in warm-humid climatic conditions. The SEM analysis shows that the samples are mainly composed of kaolinite and illite, and this result was supported by the EDX elemental composition. The high terrigenous influx of sediments, the oxic to sub-oxic conditions in which the sediments were deposited, and finally low marine productivity were found to be the reasons for the low TOC in the shales from the Dohol Formation.
Fulltext Frequency regulation of interconnected hybrid power system with Assimilation of electrical vehicles

Daraz A, Khan IA, Basit A, Malik SA, AlQahtani SA, Zhang G

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e28073.
PMID: 38524527 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28073

Recent widespread connections of renewable energy resource (RESs) in place of fossil fuel supplies and the adoption of electrical vehicles in place of gasoline-powered vehicles have given birth to a number of new concerns. The control architecture of linked power networks now faces an increasingly pressing challenge: tie-line power fluctuations and reducing frequency deviations. Because of their nature and dependence on external circumstances, RESs are analogous to continually fluctuating power generators. Using a fractional order-based frequency regulator, this work presents a new method for improving the frequency regulation in a two-area interconnected power system. In order to deal with the frequency regulation difficulties of the hybrid system integrated with RES, the suggested controller utilizes the modified form of fractional order proportional integral derivative (FOPID) controller known as FOI-PDN controller. The new proposed controllers are designed using the white shark optimizer (WSO), a current powerful bioinspired meta heuristic algorithm which has been motivated by the learning abilities of white sharks when actively hunting in the environment. The suggested FOI-PDN controller's performance was compared to that of various control methodologies such as FOPID, and PID. Furthermore, the WSO findings are compared to those of other techniques such as the salp swarm algorithm, sine cosine algorithm and fitness dependent optimizer. The recommended controller and design approach have been tested and validated at different loading conditions and different circumstances, as well as their robustness against system parameter suspicions. The simulation outcomes demonstrate that the WSO-based tuned FOI-PDN controller successfully reduces peak overshoot by 73.33%, 91.03%, and 77.21% for region-2, region-1, and link power variation respectively, and delivers minimum undershoot of 89.12%, 83.11%, and 78.10% for both regions and tie-line. The obtained findings demonstrate the new proposed controller's stable function and frequency controlling performance with optimal controller parameters and without the requirement for a sophisticated design process.
Fulltext Would manufacturing go for renewable energy? Manufacturers' preference towards sustainability

Amar SN, Kamaludin M, Azlina AA, K V Zainuddin MR, Sulaiman KI

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27981.
PMID: 38524591 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27981

Malaysia needs to fully utilize its renewable energy resources to meet its goal of installed capacity of 31% of renewable energy in 2025 and 40% in 2035. In order to empower renewable energy sources, the government has established a fund known as the renewable energy fund (RE FUND). In Malaysia, most manufacturing sectors contribute to the RE FUND through their monthly electricity bills due to their electricity consumption exceeding 300kwh per month. As Malaysia's highest electricity consumer, the manufacturing sector needs government investment incentives to switch to renewable energy sources to generate electricity. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify attribute preferences of the manufacturing sector due to investing in renewable energy sources. The Choice Experiment method was employed where the Mixed Logit model was chosen to identify the willingness to pay for the manufacturing sectors based on their preferences among the four attributes: types of renewable energy, project location, annual reduction in GHG emissions, and RE FUND. The study results found that the manufacturing sector places the highest value on the project location, where they prefer to improve the project location from current condition to far location. This study can also help to achieve the Goal 7 in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), where investment in renewable energy sources can guarantee that all individuals obtain affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern electricity in 2030.
Fulltext Functionalized magnetic lipase/Cu3(PO4)2 hybrid nanoflower: Synthesis, characterization, and enzymatic evaluation

Anboo S, Lau SY, Kansedo J, Yap PS, Hadibarata T, Kamaruddin AH

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27348.
PMID: 38500986 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27348

This paper reports the synthesis of magnetic lipase/Cu3(PO4)2 hybrid nanoflowers via a rapid ultrasonication method. The enzyme immobilization and nanoflower growth mechanism can be described as the (a) Fe2+, Cu2+, and phosphate "binding", (b) metal phosphate crystals formation, (c) formation and growth of metal phosphate crystals to form plate-like structures, and (d) self-assembly of plate structures that forms a flower-like structure. Some factors contributing to the morphology of the hybrid nanoflowers structure includes the time and concentration of lipase were studied. The effect of temperature, pH, and duration on the enzyme immobilization yield were also studied. In addition, the strong magnetic property (9.73 emu g-1) of the nanoflowers resulted in higher retrievability and reusability after repeated usage. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of lipase/Cu3(PO4)2 hybrid nanoflowers was investigated and the ideal conditions were determined whereby, the maximum activity was calculated to be 1511 ± 44 U g-1, showing a catalytic enhancement of 89% in comparison to free lipase. The reusability study showed that, after 5 cycles, the magnetic lipase/Cu3(PO4)2 nanoflowers successfully retained 60% of its initial activity. From the results obtained, it is worth noting that, the magnetic lipase/Cu3(PO4)2 hybrid nanoflowers are highly efficient in industrial biocatalytic applications.
Fulltext A holistic mitigation model for net zero emissions in the palm oil industry

Jamaludin NF, Ab Muis Z, Hashim H, Mohamed OY, Lek Keng L

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27265.
PMID: 38500991 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27265

Achieving net zero emissions to ensure a sustainable future has become increasingly urgent in light of climate change. The palm oil industry in Malaysia plays a significant role in the country's economy but has faced criticism for its environmental impact, particularly in terms of sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions. While the government has implemented policies and initiatives to promote sustainable palm oil production and reduce emissions, there remains a need for a comprehensive and integrated mitigation strategy to help make an informed decision to improve the performance. To address the limitations of the current framework, this study proposes an Integrated Mitigation Strategy Model which incorporates established frameworks of Palm Oil Mill Carbon Accounting (POMCFA) and Sustainability Index (POMSI). This model has been developed based on the superstructure approach, considering a set of mitigation options to improve weak indicators identified through assessments. The selection of these options is informed by a theoretical review of existing literature on factor changes and their impact on emissions reduction. The model is further validated through case studies, ensuring its robustness and reliability. Based on the case study, it reveals that palm oil mill effluent, diesel consumption, and water consumption contribute the most to carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. In terms of sustainability scoring, the environmental aspect obtains the lowest scores compared to social and economic aspects. Weaknesses identified include dust concentration, palm oil mill effluent, and boiler emissions. Using the heuristics of factor changes equation, the mitigation model suggests implementing high-technology boilers as the optimal solution for these weaknesses. With the theoretical and empirical support behind the choice of variables, our model provides a valuable tool for decision-making in achieving net-zero emissions and sustainable palm oil production.
Fulltext The effect of 12-week core strength training on dynamic balance, agility, and dribbling skill in adolescent basketball players

Feng W, Wang F, Han Y, Li G

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27544.
PMID: 38533080 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27544

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of core strength training on the dynamic balance, agility, and dribbling ability of adolescent basketball players.
METHODS: A randomized controlled between-subjects design was employed. Forty-four male adolescent basketball players (aged 14.41 ± 3.22 years) were randomly divided into two groups: the core strength training (CST) group and the conventional training (CT) group. The CST program included 1-h sessions, three times/week for 12 weeks. In contrast, the CT group provided a thorough physical training program that targeted general conditioning rather than focusing solely on core strength. Three measurements were used to evaluate performance in players: the Star Excursion Balance Test, the Illinois Agility Test, and the Dribbling Test conducted at T0 (week 0), T1 (week 6), and T2 (week 12), respectively.
RESULTS: Compared to the CT group, the CST group showed a greater improvement (p 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The 12-week CST program significantly improved dynamic balance, agility, and dribbling skills in adolescent basketball players, demonstrating its potential as a valuable training component. Future research should explore CST's impact on other sport-specific elements and its applicability to female players.
Fulltext Molecular investigation of antimicrobial peptides against Helicobacter pylori proteins using a peptide-protein docking approach

Hanafiah A, Abd Aziz SNA, Md Nesran ZN, Wezen XC, Ahmad MF

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e28128.
PMID: 38533069 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28128

The impact of H. pylori resistance on patient's treatment failure is a major concern. Therefore, the development of novel or alternative therapies for H. pylori is urgently needed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular interactions of various antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to H. pylori proteins. We performed the peptide-protein molecular docking using HADDOCK 2.4 webserver. Fourteen AMPs were tested for their binding efficacy against four H. pylori proteins. Simulation of the peptide-protein complex was performed using molecular dynamic software package AMBER20. From molecular docking analysis, five peptides (LL-37, Tilapia piscidin 4, napin, snakin-1 and EcAMP1) showed strong binding interactions against H. pylori proteins. The strongest binding affinity was observed in the interactions between Snakin-1 and PBP2, TP4 and type I HopQ and EcAMP1 and type I HopQ with -11.1, -13.6 and -13.8 kcal/mol, respectively. The dynamic simulation was performed for two complexes (snakin1-PBP2 and EcAMP1-HopQ). Results of the dynamics simulation showed that EcAMP1 had stable interaction and binding to type I HopQ protein without significant structural changes. In conclusion, both results of docking and simulation showed that EcAMP1 might be useful as a potential therapeutic agent for H. pylori treatment. This molecular approach provides deep understanding of the interaction insights between AMPs and H. pylori proteins. It paves the way for the development of novel anti-H. pylori using antimicrobial peptides.
Fulltext Effects of plyometric training on skill-related physical fitness in badminton players: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Deng N, Soh KG, Abdullah BB, Huang D

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e28051.
PMID: 38533062 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28051

Skill-related physical fitness significantly correlates with sports performance. Plyometric training (PT) is an effective method for improving physical fitness in athletes. However, its impact on skill-related physical fitness in badminton players remains uncertain. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PT on skill-related physical fitness in badminton players. Five electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and SPORTSDiscus) were searched until February 2024. A PICOS approach was used to identify inclusion criteria, (1) healthy badminton players, (2) a PT program, (3) an active control group, (4) a measure of skill-related physical fitness before and after PT, and (5) randomized controlled studies. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of PT studies, while the level of evidence certainty was determined through the GRADE framework. The calculation of effect sizes (ESs) was based on mean values and standard deviations, and heterogeneity was measured with the I2 statistic. The extended Egger's test was employed to check for publication bias. Eleven studies comprising 445 badminton players were eligible for inclusion. The analysis revealed significant small-to-moderate effects of PT on power (ES = 0.60, p
Fulltext The impact of social media on the happiness of Chinese college students

Xu Y, Razak RRA, Xiang M

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e28331.
PMID: 38533043 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28331

BACKGROUND: In the contemporary academic milieu, an array of erudite investigations has meticulously delved into the ramifications of social media paradigms on the nuances of modern societal interactions. Predominantly, these scholarly endeavors have harnessed quantitative methodologies to discern both the advantageous and detrimental implications of social media. Notwithstanding these extensive analyses, there appears to be a conspicuous lacuna in the literature about the subjective repercussions of social media on the well-being and contentment of tertiary education students. In light of this gap, the present qualitative exploration seeks to elucidate the perceptions of Chinese collegiate individuals vis-à-vis the influence of social media platforms on their experiential happiness.
METHOD: Guided by interpretative phenomenological analysis (Jonathan et al., 2022) [1], we conducted 3 semi-structured interviews with 5 university students.
RESULT: Using an interpretive phenomenology analysis approach four themes. They are (1) The Paradox of Temperance and Indulgence, (2) Identity Construction and Presentation, (3) Social Support and Connection, and (4) Social Comparison and Self-Evaluation.
DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that the individual well-being of college students may be affected by ambivalence between moderate and indulgent use of social media, social media interactions to maintain and enhance personal identity, and comparisons between individuals and certain online groups. Therefore, the government, higher education institutions, and college students should work together to build a safe and happy university life.
Mitigation of bio-corrosion characteristics of coronary artery stent by optimising fs-laser micromachining parameters

Chenrayan V, Palanisamy D, Mani K, Shahapurkar K, Elahi M Soudagar M, Fouad Y, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e28057.
PMID: 38545133 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28057

Cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary artery disease, pose big challenges to human life. Deployment of the stent is a preferable treatment for the above-mentioned disease. However, stents are usually made up of shape memory alloy called Nitinol. The poorer surface finish on the machined nitinol stents accelerates the migration of Nickel ions from the implanted nitinol stent, which is considered toxic and can lead to stenosis. The current study deals with controlling surface quality by minimising surface roughness and improving corrosion resistance. Femtosecond laser (fs-laser 10-15 s) micromachining was employed to machine the Nitinol surface to achieve sub-micron surface roughness. The Grey relational analysis (GRA)-coupled design of the experimental technique was implemented to determine optimal levels of four micromachining parameters (laser power, pulse frequency, scanning speed, and scanning pattern) varied at three levels to achieve minimum surface roughness and to maximise the volume ablation. The results show that to yield minimum surface roughness and maximum volume ablation, laser power and scanning speed are in a higher range. In contrast, the pulse frequency is lower, and the scanning pattern is in a zig-zag manner. ANOVA results manifest that scanning speed is the predominant factor in minimising surface roughness, followed by pulse frequency. Furthermore, the corrosion behaviour of the machined nitinol specimens was evaluated, and the results show that specimens with lower surface roughness had lower corrosion rates.
Design method of a focusing dielectric lens antenna and temperature increment measurement at the focusing spot

Abd Rahman A, Kamardin K, Yamada Y, Takahashi M

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e28061.
PMID: 38545209 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28061

In radio wave hyperthermia therapy, array antenna configuration was mainly studied to generate a small spot at the diseased part. Array antennas have the flexibility in controlling radiation performance, such as spot positions, by using their numerous radiating elements. However, the flexibility is achieved at the expense of antenna structure complexity. On the other hand, a lens antenna can concentrate radio waves into a small spot by forming a lens shape. The simplicity of a lens antenna structure lends itself to easy handling in a practical application. Moreover, the frequency independence of the lens antenna allows for a more flexible selection of hyperthermia therapy frequencies. Therefore, the lens antenna is selected as a focusing antenna in this paper. The lens shaping method and the temperature increment measurement are the main contents of this paper. The designed lens has a diameter of 30 cm, a focusing distance of 30 cm, and a working frequency of 2.45 GHz. A thin lens design method is applied to reduce lens weight. Firstly, the focusing ability of the designed lens is ensured by comparing the spot size results of electromagnetic (EM) simulation with its theoretical value. A spot size of 1.77 cm is obtained in both cases. Next, the temperature increment is examined by EM simulations. The temperature at the 2 cm tumor was increased to 41 °C from the human body temperature of 37 °C by an input power of 10 Watts (W). For the temperature increment measurement, a tumor within human body phantom is utilized and the available input power is reduced to 4 W. The tumor temperature increased from 21.5 °C of room temperature to 24.4 °C, which was captured by a thermal imaging camera. As a result, the functionality of the lens antenna for hyperthermia therapy is verified.
Fulltext Eco-Friendly CuO/Fe3O4 Nanocomposite synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity study

Dwivedi P, Malik A, Fatima Hussain HZ, Jatrana I, Imtiyaz K, Rizvi MMA, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27787.
PMID: 38496878 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27787

The current study report a convenient, simple, and low cost approach for the biogenic synthesis of CuO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites (NCs) from pumpkin seeds extract and their vitro cytotoxicity. The characterization of finally obtained CuO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites (NCs) performed using UV-Visible, FT-IR, XRD, XPS, GC-MS, SEM-EDX and TEM analysis. The formation and elemental analysis were determined using the energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis technique. The formation of rod-like monoclinic and spherical, having size range 5 nm-20 nm confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) respectively. Finally, the MTT assay of the synthesized composites was evaluated for toxicity against cancerous cell lines HCT-116 (Colon cancer cell) and A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma cell). The synthesized composite material showed moderate (IC50 = 199 μg/mL) to low (IC50 = 445 μg/mL) activity against HCT-116 and A549 cell lines, respectively.
Fulltext Immune stimulatory effect of Nigella sativa in healthy animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Alsalahi A, Maarof NNN, Alshawsh MA, Aljaberi MA, Qasem MA, Mahuob A, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27390.
PMID: 38510007 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27390

The immune-modulatory effects of black seeds (Nigella sativa seeds, NSS) are well documented, but the overall in vivo impact of this important natural medicinal product on immune system function has yet to be established. Here we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the effects of NSS on humoral [serum titers of immunoglobulins including IgG, IgM, anti-Newcastle virus disease (anti-NDV), and sheep red blood cell antigen (anti-SRBC)] and cellular immunity [total white blood cell (WBC) count and percentages of monocytes, lymphocytes, basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils] in healthy animals. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched according to predefined eligibility criteria. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate the final effect size using RevMan software. Seventeen animal studies were eligible for analysis. For humoral immunity, the overall pooled effect size (ES) of NSS on serum titers of IgM and anti-NVD antibodies was not significantly different [mean difference (MD) 75.27, 95% CI: -44.76 to 195.30, p = 0.22 (I2 = 89%, p = 0.003), and -0.01, 95% CI: -0.27 to 0.25, p = 0.94 (I2 = 74%, p = 0.02), respectively]. However, NSS significantly increased serum titers of IgG and anti-SRBC antibodies [MD 3.30, 95% CI: 2.27 to 4.32, p = 0.00001 (I2 = 0%, p = 0.97), and 1.15, 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.56, p = 0.00001 (I2 = 0%, p = 0.43), respectively]. For cellular immunity, the ES of NSS on WBCs, monocytes, and lymphocytes were not significantly different [MD 0.29, 95% CI: -0.55 to 1.13, p = 0.50, (I2 = 14%, p = 0.32), - 0.01, 95% CI: -0.45 to 0.44, p = 0.97 (I2 = 0%, p = 0.77), and 4.73, 95% CI: -7.13 to 16.59, p = 0.43, (I2 = 99%, p = 0.00001), respectively]. In conclusion, black seeds enhance humoral immunity in healthy animals but do not affect cellular immunity.
Fulltext Micro energy harvesting for IoT platform: Review analysis toward future research opportunities

Sarker MR, Riaz A, Lipu MSH, Md Saad MH, Ahmad MN, Kadir RA, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27778.
PMID: 38509887 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27778

Micro-energy harvesting (MEH) is a technology of renewable power generation which is a key technology for hosting the future low-powered electronic devices for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and, the Internet of Things (IoT). Recent technological advancements have given rise to several resources and technologies that are boosting particular facets of society. Many researchers are now interested in studying MEH systems for ultra-low power IoT sensors and WSNs. A comprehensive study of IoT will help to manage a single MEH as a power source for multiple WSNs. The popular database from Scopus was used in this study to perform a review analysis of the MEH system for ultra-low power IoT sensors. All relevant and important literature studies published in this field were statistically analysed using a review analysis method by VOSviewer software, and research gaps, challenges and recommendations of this field were investigated. The findings of the study indicate that there has been an increasing number of literature studies published on the subject of MEH systems for IoT platforms throughout time, particularly from 2013 to 2023. The results demonstrate that 67% of manuscripts highlight problem-solving, modelling and technical overview, simulation, experimental setup and prototype. In observation, 27% of papers are based on bibliometric analysis, systematic review, survey, review and based on case study, and 2% of conference manuscripts are based on modelling, simulation, and review analysis. The top-cited articles are published in 5 different countries and 9 publishers including IEEE 51%, Elsevier 16%, MDPI 10% and others. In addition, several MEH system-related problems and challenges are noted to identify current limitations and research gaps, including technical, modelling, economic, power quality, and environmental concerns. Also, the study offers guidelines and recommendations for the improvement of future MEH technology to increase its energy efficiency, topologies, design, operational performance, and capabilities. This study's detailed information, perceptive analysis, and critical argument are expected to improve MEH research's viable future.
Fulltext The relationship between mass customization and sustainable performance: The role of firm size and global E-commerce

Hui G, Al Mamun A, Masukujjaman M, Makhbul ZKM, Ali MH

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27726.
PMID: 38509960 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27726

The formation of mass customization competencies is crucial for the increasing number of manufacturing companies in modern times. This study assessed the relationship between mass customization capability and its determinants on sustainable performance. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of mass customization capability and sustainable performance, while also examining the moderating effects of firm size and cross-border eCommerce in these associations. The study used online survey data from 339 manufacturing small-to-medium-sized enterprises in China to test the hypothesized relationships. The collected data were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling and necessary condition analysis. The results indicated that flexible manufacturing competencies, modular product architecture, and customer relationship management are significantly and positively connected to mass customization capability. Moreover, the study observed that mass customization capability and competitive pressure have a significant positive influence on the sustainable performance of Chinese manufacturing SMEs. The findings also revealed that firm size and cross-border e-commerce engagement have a negative and positive moderating effect, respectively, between mass customization capability on sustainable performance, which confirms a relatively higher effect of customization capability on sustainable performance among smaller firms and firms engaged in cross-border eCommerce. Fundamentally, these findings can lead to the development of a comprehensive framework to promote mass customization capability, cross-border e-commerce, and sustainable development of manufacturing small-to-medium-sized enterprises China.
Fulltext Innovative ionic liquid pretreatment followed by wet disk milling treatment provides enhanced properties of sugar palm nano-fibrillated cellulose

Norfarhana AS, Ilyas RA, Ngadi N, Dzarfan Othman MH

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27715.
PMID: 38509963 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27715

In order to accommodate the increased demand for innovative materials, intensive research has focused on natural resources. In pursuit of advanced substances that exhibit functionality, sustainability, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness, the present work attempted an alternative study on cellulose nanofibers derived from sugar palm fiber. Leveraging an innovative approach involving ionic liquid (IL) pre-treatment, bleaching, and wet disc mill technique, nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC) was successfully obtained from the sugar palm fiber source. Remarkably, 96.89% of nanofibers were extracted from the sugar palm fiber, demonstrating the process's efficacy and scalability. Further investigation revealed that the sugar palm nano-fibrillated cellulose (SPNFC) exhibited a surface area of 3.46 m2/g, indicating a significant interface for enhanced functionality. Additionally, the analysis unveiled an average pore size of 4.47 nm, affirming its suitability for various applications that necessitate precise filtration. Moreover, the surface charge densities of SPNFC were found to be -32.1 mV, offering opportunities for surface modification and enhanced interactions with various materials. The SPNFC exhibit remarkable thermal stability, enduring temperatures of up to 360.5 °C. Additionally, the isolation process is evident in a significant rise in the crystallinity index, escalating from 50.97% in raw fibers to 61.62% in SPNFC. These findings shed light on the vast potential and distinct features of SPNFC, opening the path for its application in a wide array of industries, including but not limited to advanced materials, biomedicine, and environmental engineering.
Fulltext If you build it, will they come? Exploring the success factors of knowledge management systems in the Malaysian public sector

Ali N, Mustaffa MM, Alkawsi G, Capretz LF

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27093.
PMID: 38510048 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27093

The current study investigates the factors that influence the success of knowledge management systems in the public sector. This study integrates the DeLone and McLean Model with critical organizational factors. The model has been tested on the data collected from 158 employees in the public sector in Malaysia, the study found that knowledge content quality has a higher significant impact on the use of knowledge management systems than system quality. Perceived usefulness also has a greater impact than user satisfaction in determining the system's overall success. Among the organizational factors, leadership is the most significant determinant of success. However, the culture of sharing, perceived trust, and incentives do not significantly influence the use of knowledge management systems. The findings suggest that public sector organizations should focus on both system and organizational factors to implement successful knowledge management systems.

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