Scientific African最新文献_第7页

An integrated computational approach combining QSAR modeling, molecular docking, and ADME profiling for the discovery of selective CYP11B1 inhibitors 结合QSAR建模、分子对接和ADME分析的综合计算方法，用于发现选择性CYP11B1抑制剂

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-31 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03176

Mohamed El Yaqoubi , Mouad Lahyaoui , Ahmed Mazzah , Hafsa El-idrissi , Yousra Seqqat , Amal Haoudi , Riham Sghyar , Taoufiq Saffaj , Bouchaib Ihssane , Fouad Ouazzani Chahdi , Youssef Kandri Rodi

CYP11B1 inhibitors play a critical role in controlling cortisol biosynthesis and represent promising therapeutic candidates for disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome and hypertension. In this study, a series of novel analogues were designed and evaluated using an integrated approach combining quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) modeling, molecular docking, and ADME predictions. Multiple linear regression (MLR), partial least squares (PLS), and principal component regression (PCR) models were constructed to establish robust predictive relationships between molecular descriptors and inhibitory activity against CYP11B1. The models were rigorously validated through external test-set prediction, Y-randomization, and applicability-domain (AD) analysis, all satisfying OECD criteria (R² = 0.725–0.772, Q² = 0.701–0.752, RMSE = 0.242–0.310).

Docking simulations revealed that compound D3 exhibited the most favorable binding affinity (−7.45 kcal/mol) and formed stable π–H and π–cation interactions with key residues Arg404 and Leu113, suggesting selective inhibition of CYP11B1. ADME and drug-likeness evaluation indicated predicted favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including high gastrointestinal absorption, absence of blood–brain barrier penetration, and good solubility, with D3 also demonstrating the lowest synthetic-accessibility score (SA = 3.09).

Overall, this integrated computational approach successfully identified D3 as a potent and synthetically feasible CYP11B1 inhibitor candidate. These findings provide a validated framework for the rational design and optimization of new inhibitors with improved pharmacological and metabolic profiles.

CYP11B1抑制剂在控制皮质醇生物合成中起着关键作用，是库欣综合征和高血压等疾病的有希望的治疗候选者。本研究采用定量构效关系（QSAR）建模、分子对接和ADME预测相结合的综合方法，设计并评估了一系列新颖的类似物。构建多元线性回归（MLR）、偏最小二乘（PLS）和主成分回归（PCR）模型，建立分子描述符与CYP11B1抑制活性之间的可靠预测关系。通过外部测试集预测、y随机化和适用域（AD）分析对模型进行严格验证，均满足OECD标准（R²= 0.725-0.772,Q²= 0.701-0.752,RMSE = 0.242-0.310）。对接模拟结果表明，化合物D3具有较好的结合亲和力（−7.45 kcal/mol），与关键残基Arg404和Leu113形成稳定的π-H和π -阳离子相互作用，可能具有选择性抑制CYP11B1的作用。ADME和药物相似度评价表明，D3具有良好的药代动力学特性，包括高胃肠道吸收、没有血脑屏障穿透和良好的溶解度，其中D3的合成可及性评分最低（SA = 3.09）。总的来说，这种综合计算方法成功地确定了D3是一种有效的、合成可行的CYP11B1抑制剂候选者。这些发现为合理设计和优化具有改善药理和代谢特征的新抑制剂提供了一个有效的框架。

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引用次数: 0

Prediction and optimization of the thermomechanical performance of carbon-free Adobe bricks reinforced with straw and sawdust using machine learning 利用机器学习预测和优化秸秆和锯末增强无碳土坯砖的热力学性能

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-31 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03167

Abdelmounaim Alioui , Mohamed-Amine Babay , Mohammed Benfars , Youness Azalam , Samir Idrissi Kaitouni , El Maati Bendada , Mustapha Mabrouki

This study proposes and applies a machine-learning-driven optimization framework to predict and enhance the thermomechanical performance of carbon-free adobe bricks reinforced with straw and sawdust. To move beyond trial-and-error mix design under a strength–insulation trade-off, the study establishes reproducible mix-selection rules that reduce experimental iterations. Experimental tests show that adding small amounts of straw (1% and 2%) significantly improves compressive strength, increasing it from 5.41 MPa to 9.62 MPa (+78%) and 7.93 MPa (+46.5%), respectively; however, higher dosages lead to a decrease in strength due to excessive porosity. Sawdust reduces mechanical strength but improves insulation by lowering thermal conductivity from 0.632 W/m.K for the reference brick to 0.145 W/m.K at 10% sawdust. Mixed formulations provided the best compromise: with approximately 0.5–4% sawdust and 0.5–4% straw, they maintained compressive strengths above the minimum requirement of 2.07 MPa established by the Mexican adobe construction standard. A measured dataset (density/porosity, Rc/Rf, λ and Cp) was used to train surrogate models with a 70/15/15 train–validation–test split, 5-fold cross-validation, and grid-search tuning. The machine learning models exhibited distinct predictive capabilities, achieving R² = 0.323–0.566 for compressive strength and R² = 0.794–0.991 for thermal conductivity, and multi-objective optimization (Pareto-based selection) further revealed that hybrid mixtures offer the most balanced solutions. These findings confirm the potential of agricultural waste valorization for the production of eco-friendly building materials and establish a systematic methodology that combines experimental work with artificial intelligence to optimize sustainable adobe bricks.

本研究提出并应用了一个机器学习驱动的优化框架来预测和提高秸秆和锯末增强的无碳土坯砖的热力学性能。为了超越在强度-绝缘权衡下的试错混合设计，该研究建立了可重复的混合选择规则，减少了实验迭代。试验结果表明，添加少量秸秆（1%和2%）可显著提高抗压强度，抗压强度分别由5.41 MPa提高到9.62 MPa（+78%）和7.93 MPa (+46.5%)；然而，较高的剂量导致强度下降，由于过度的孔隙率。锯末降低机械强度，但通过降低导热系数从0.632 W/m提高绝缘。参考砖K为0.145 W/m。K在10%锯末。混合配方提供了最好的折衷方案：大约0.5-4%的锯末和0.5-4%的稻草，它们保持抗压强度高于墨西哥土坯建筑标准规定的2.07 MPa的最低要求。使用测量的数据集（密度/孔隙度、Rc/Rf、λ和Cp）以70/15/15的训练-验证-测试分割、5倍交叉验证和网格搜索调优来训练代理模型。机器学习模型表现出明显的预测能力，抗压强度R²= 0.323-0.566，导热系数R²= 0.794-0.991，多目标优化（Pareto-based selection）进一步揭示了混合混合物提供最平衡的解决方案。这些发现证实了农业废弃物在生产环保建筑材料方面的潜力，并建立了一种将实验工作与人工智能相结合的系统方法，以优化可持续的土坯砖。

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引用次数: 0

A novel hybrid XAI-RL framework for IoB-driven risk-adjusted portfolio optimization 一种新的混合XAI-RL框架用于iob驱动的风险调整投资组合优化

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-31 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03175

Imane Moustati, Noreddine Gherabi

In this study, we present a novel hybrid portfolio‐management framework within an Internet of Behaviors (IoB) ecosystem that brings together rule‐based heuristics, explainable AI (XAI), and reinforcement learning to make robust, risk‐aware trading decisions. Our system harnesses FinBERT to extract daily sentiment scores from social media, fusing these signals with technical indicators in an LSTM forecasting model whose hyperparameters are optimally tuned via random search. Next, we apply TIME and TimeSHAP explainability tools to gauge how much we trust each prediction, and we adjust our entry, stop-loss, and take-profit levels on the fly based on that confidence. At the same time, a Q‐learning agent learns to scale position sizes by observing recent volatility, drawdown, and explainability confidence, maximizing a risk‐aware reward that balances profit against downside exposure. When backtested on Tesla data, our XAI‐driven hybrid system delivered a 60 % total return, with a Sharpe of 2.11, Sortino of 2.98, and Calmar of 17.9—all while keeping drawdowns below 4 %. It beat both a purely rule-based strategy and a buy-and-hold approach, and the integrated CVaR checks and circuit breakers stopped extreme losses, aligning with industry risk standards. Our findings underscore how embedding XAI‐derived confidence into reinforcement‐learned risk policies can yield state‐of‐the‐art risk‐adjusted performance, enhance trust through transparency, and pave the way for behavioral‐data‐driven financial decision‐support in next‐generation IoB platforms.

在本研究中，我们在行为互联网（IoB）生态系统中提出了一种新的混合投资组合管理框架，该框架将基于规则的启发式、可解释的人工智能（XAI）和强化学习结合在一起，以做出稳健的、有风险意识的交易决策。我们的系统利用FinBERT从社交媒体中提取每日情绪评分，将这些信号与技术指标融合到LSTM预测模型中，该模型的超参数通过随机搜索进行优化。接下来，我们应用TIME和TimeSHAP解释性工具来衡量我们对每个预测的信任程度，并根据该信心动态地调整入场、止损和获利水平。同时，一个Q学习代理通过观察最近的波动、下跌和可解释性信心来学习调整头寸规模，最大化风险意识回报，平衡利润与下行风险。在对特斯拉的数据进行回测时，我们的XAI驱动的混合动力系统提供了60%的总回报，夏普为2.11，Sortino为2.98，Calmar为17.9，同时将回调保持在4%以下。它击败了纯粹基于规则的策略和买入并持有的方法，集成的CVaR检查和熔断机制阻止了极端损失，符合行业风险标准。我们的研究结果强调了如何将XAI衍生的信心嵌入到强化学习风险政策中，从而产生最先进的风险调整绩效，通过透明度增强信任，并为下一代IoB平台中行为数据驱动的财务决策支持铺平道路。

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引用次数: 0

Phytochemical characterization and nephroprotective potential of Euphorbia echinus: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects in acute kidney injury 大麻黄的植物化学特性和肾保护潜力：抗氧化、抗炎和抗凋亡在急性肾损伤中的作用

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-30 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03166

Nihad Sahri , Noura A Hassan , Nadia Hassan , Mona F Mahmoud , Ahmet Buğra Ortaakarsu , Abdellah Ezzanad , Asmae Alaoui , Elhassania Elherradi , Mansour Sobeh

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major clinical problem associated with high morbidity and mortality, and current treatment options remain limited. Herine, phytochemical characterization, computational analyses, and the nephroprotective effects of the aqueous extract of Euphorbia echinus aerial parts were investigated, and the underlying mechanisms were explored. The phytochemical components were identified employing LC-MS/MS, and their antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, while in vivo nephroprotection was evaluated using the glycerol-induced AKI model. Rats were given 200 or 400 mg/kg of the extract, and kidney function was assessed based on serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urinary albumin, urinary creatinine, and the albumin/creatinine ratio. Biomarkers of oxidative stress (GSH, catalase), inflammation (IL-1β), and apoptosis (Bcl-2) were also quantified. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and deep learning-based affinity prediction (Boltz-2) were used to determine the interactions of the identified phytoconstituents with caspase-1. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 76 phytocomponents, predominantly flavonoids, phenolic acids, and daphnane-type diterpenoids. The extract demonstrated marked antioxidant capacity, as indicated by a DPPH IC₅₀ of 17.15 μg/mL, and its administration significantly restored renal function while attenuating oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine production, and apoptotic signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent computational analyses revealed resiniferatoxin and eupatorin as strong and stable caspase-1 binders. The findings of this study demonstrate the relevance of E. echinus phytoconstituents as promising candidates for AKI management and encourage plant-derived therapies against inflammasome-associated pathways.

急性肾损伤（AKI）是一个与高发病率和死亡率相关的主要临床问题，目前的治疗选择仍然有限。研究了大戟地部水提物的植物化学特征、计算分析和肾保护作用，并探讨了其潜在机制。采用LC-MS/MS鉴定植物化学成分，采用DPPH自由基清除法评估其抗氧化能力，采用甘油诱导的AKI模型评估其体内肾保护作用。给大鼠200或400 mg/kg提取物，根据血清肌酐、血尿素氮、尿白蛋白、尿肌酐和白蛋白/肌酐比值评估肾功能。氧化应激（GSH，过氧化氢酶），炎症（IL-1β）和凋亡（Bcl-2）的生物标志物也被量化。利用分子对接、分子动力学模拟和基于深度学习的亲和预测（Boltz-2）来确定鉴定的植物成分与caspase-1的相互作用。LC-MS/MS分析鉴定出76种植物成分，主要为黄酮类化合物、酚酸类化合物和水仙烷型二萜。其DPPH IC50值为17.15 μg/mL，显示出明显的抗氧化能力，并呈剂量依赖性地恢复肾功能，减轻氧化应激、炎症细胞因子的产生和凋亡信号。一致的计算分析显示，树脂干扰素和eupatorin是强而稳定的caspase-1结合物。本研究的发现证明了棘棘植物成分作为AKI治疗的有希望的候选物的相关性，并鼓励植物源性疗法对抗炎症小体相关途径。

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引用次数: 0

Basin-scale geothermal–structural mapping of the Nigerian Benue Trough using aeromagnetic, satellite gravity, and aeroradiometric data 利用航磁、卫星重力和航空辐射数据绘制尼日利亚贝努埃海槽的盆地尺度地热构造图

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-30 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03170

Babangida Mohammed Ahmed , Andy Anderson Bery , Adedibu Sunny Akingboye , Muhammad Khan , Mbuotidem David Dick , Gabriel Abraham Bala , Dharma Arung Laby

The Middle–Upper Benue Trough (MBT–UBT) of Nigeria contains warm springs and felsic intrusions that indicate substantial geothermal potential, yet basin-scale geothermal–structural controls remain poorly constrained. This study integrates magnetic, gravity, and radiometric datasets—previously analysed separately in other studies—into a joint interpretive framework that images intrusive and basement highs, asymmetric sedimentary depocentres, and steep fault-controlled gradient belts, while radiogenic heat production (RHP) delineates radiogenic crustal domains, resolving the coupled heat-source–reservoir–pathway system. The resulting geothermal–structural framework identifies two corridor-scale geothermal targets (Awe–Keana–Akiri–Azara–Ribi and Wase–Kurmi–Pinau) and three first-order tectono-geophysical domains that control geothermal heat and fluid favourability: (i) intrusive and uplifted basement highs expressed as co-located magnetic–gravity highs, (ii) deep sedimentary depocentres locally exceeding 6–6.5 km defined by Bouguer gravity lows and 2-D gravity-depth modelling, and (iii) steep gradient belts interpreted as high-permeability fault corridors. Two continuous radiogenic belts—Keana–Awe–Azara–Akiri–Ribi (>3.0 µW m⁻³) and Wase–Kurmi–Pinau (∼2.3–2.9 µW m⁻³)—align with NE–SW rift-parallel structures segmented by NW–SE to E–W transfer zones. The strongest convergence of intrusive highs, elevated RHP, deep depocentres, and steep structural gradients occurs along the Awe–Keana–Akiri–Azara–Ribi corridor, with Wase–Kurmi–Pinau emerging as a secondary target. These findings establish the MBT–UBT as a structurally governed and radiogenically enhanced geothermal province and provide a transferable framework for geothermal prospect ranking and future drilling in intracontinental rift systems.

尼日利亚中上贝努埃海槽（MBT-UBT）含有温泉和长英质侵入岩，表明地热潜力巨大，但盆地尺度的地热构造控制仍然很差。本研究将磁场、重力和辐射测量数据集（之前在其他研究中分别进行了分析）整合到一个联合解释框架中，该框架对侵入性和基底性高点、不对称沉积沉积中心和陡峭的断层控制梯度带进行了成像，而放射性成因产热（RHP）则描绘了放射性成因的地壳域，解决了热源-储层-通道耦合系统。由此产生的地热构造框架确定了两个走廊尺度的地热目标（Awe-Keana-Akiri-Azara-Ribi和Wase-Kurmi-Pinau）和三个控制地热和流体有利性的一级构造-地球物理域：(i)侵入和隆起的基底高表现为同位磁重高；（ii）由布格重力低和二维重力-深度模型定义的局部超过6-6.5 km的深部沉积中心；（iii）陡峭的梯度带被解释为高渗透断层走廊。两条连续的辐射形成带——keina - awe - azara - akiri - ribi （3.0 μ W m毒毒学）和Wase-Kurmi-Pinau （2.3-2.9 μ W m毒毒学）——与NE-SW平行的裂谷构造相吻合，由NW-SE到E-W转移带分割开来。在Awe-Keana-Akiri-Azara-Ribi走廊上出现了最强的侵入高压辐合、较高的RHP、深沉积中心和陡峭的构造梯度，瓦斯-库尔米-皮瑙是次要目标。这些发现确立了MBT-UBT是一个受构造控制和放射性增强的地热省，并为大陆内裂谷系统的地热前景排序和未来钻探提供了可转移的框架。

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引用次数: 0

Impact of multipurpose cooperatives on rural women households’ food security and maize productivity: Evidence from East Hararghe, Ethiopia 多用途合作社对农村妇女家庭粮食安全和玉米生产力的影响：来自埃塞俄比亚东哈拉尔河的证据

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-30 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03164

Melkamu Girma , Tekalign Tuluka , Helen Fikreyohannes , Kedija Kediro

In Ethiopia, despite their contribution in ensuring food security and crop productivity, rural women participation in multipurpose cooperatives is generally very low. The study analyzed the impact of multipurpose cooperatives on food security and maize crop productivity among rural women households in East Hararghe. Cross-sectional data were collected from 385 participants and non-participant women in multipurpose cooperatives, using a multi-stage sampling procedure. A logistic regression was employed to identify the potential covariate variables influencing women's participation. The results indicated that access to credit, extension contact, chemical fertilizer, distance to the nearest market, and use of improved seeds had statistically significant positive effects on participation. In contrast, household age and distance to the cooperative office had statistically significant negative effects. To measure the impact of cooperative participation on household food security and maize productivity, the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique was used. Additionally, the Endogenous Switching Regression Model (ESRM) was employed to test the robustness of the results. The PSM estimation revealed that the average daily calorie intake was 3,418.11 Kcal/AE for participants and 2,659.70 Kcal/AE for non-participant women households. Moreover, the average maize productivity was 7.61 quintals for participants and 5.93 quintals for non-participant women households. These findings suggest that participation in multipurpose cooperatives significantly increased the calorie intake and maize productivity of women-headed households by 28.5 % and 28.3 %, respectively. Enhancing access to credit, improved seeds, and strengthening extension services are essential strategies for increasing women’s participation in multipurpose cooperatives, thereby improving food security and crop productivity in the study area.

在埃塞俄比亚，尽管农村妇女在确保粮食安全和作物生产力方面作出了贡献，但她们参加多用途合作社的比例普遍很低。该研究分析了多用途合作社对东哈勒格省农村妇女家庭粮食安全和玉米作物生产力的影响。采用多阶段抽样程序，从多用途合作社的385名参与者和非参与者妇女中收集了横断面数据。采用逻辑回归来确定影响妇女参与的潜在协变量。结果表明，获得信贷、推广联系、化肥、到最近市场的距离和使用改良种子对参与有统计学上显著的积极影响。相反，家庭年龄和与合作办事处的距离有统计学上显著的负面影响。为了衡量合作社参与对家庭粮食安全和玉米生产力的影响，采用了倾向得分匹配（PSM）技术。此外，采用内生转换回归模型（ESRM）来检验结果的稳健性。PSM估计显示，参与者的平均每日卡路里摄入量为3,418.11 Kcal/AE，非参与者的女性家庭为2,659.70 Kcal/AE。此外，参与农户的平均玉米产量为7.61公担，未参与农户的平均玉米产量为5.93公担。这些发现表明，参加多用途合作社可显著提高女性户主家庭的卡路里摄入量和玉米生产率，分别提高28.5%和28.3%。增加获得信贷的机会、改良种子和加强推广服务是增加妇女参与多用途合作社的基本战略，从而改善研究地区的粮食安全和作物生产力。

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引用次数: 0

Effects of land use/cover change on the water quality of Lake Bosomtwe 土地利用/覆被变化对博索姆韦湖水质的影响

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-30 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03159

Vida Akyeampong , Kwaku Amaning Adjei , Charles Gyamfi

Lake Bosomtwe, a crater lake in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, has experienced significant land use and land cover changes over the years, however their effects on water quality remain understudied. This study investigated the impact of land-use changes in the Lake Bosomtwe catchment on the water quality. Using QGIS, change detection analysis was conducted to detect land use/land cover changes in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. The results indicated a 26.0 % decrease in closed forest cover from 2000 to 2015, whereas low vegetation and open forest areas increased by 2.3 % and 22.8 %, respectively. Water samples were collected from 12 sampling points and analyzed for quality parameters: pH, total coliform, Nitrates and BOD. The average values of the parameters were 9.55, 5.53 colonies/100 ml, 4.15 mg/l, and 1.35 mg/l, respectively. Water quality analyses revealed rising concentrations of nitrates, biological oxygen demand (BOD), and total coliform, which were attributed to increased anthropogenic activities in the catchment. Given the potential for further environmental degradation, immediate attention is necessary to develop sustainable strategies and policies to protect this unique water resource.

Bosomtwe湖是加纳阿散蒂地区的一个火山口湖，多年来经历了重大的土地利用和土地覆盖变化，但其对水质的影响仍未得到充分研究。本研究探讨了博苏姆威湖流域土地利用变化对水质的影响。利用QGIS对2000年、2005年、2010年和2015年的土地利用/土地覆盖变化进行了变化检测分析。结果表明：2000 - 2015年，封育林面积减少26.0%，低植被和开放林面积分别增加2.3%和22.8%；从12个采样点采集水样，分析水质参数：pH、总大肠菌群、硝酸盐和BOD。这些参数的平均值分别为9.55、5.53菌落/100 ml、4.15 mg/l和1.35 mg/l。水质分析显示硝酸盐、生物需氧量（BOD）和总大肠菌群浓度上升，这是由于流域人为活动增加所致。鉴于环境进一步退化的可能性，必须立即注意制定可持续的战略和政策，以保护这一独特的水资源。

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引用次数: 0

Integrated solar system for green hydrogen production and sustainable AC power generation using digital control 采用数字控制的绿色制氢和可持续交流发电集成太阳能系统

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-29 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03160

S. YAHYAOUI , A. AZIZ , S. DAHBI , J. BLAACHA , A. MESSAOUDI

Green hydrogen production from solar energy faces critical challenges in power management and system efficiency. This work presents an optimised integrated photovoltaic energy conversion system capable of simultaneously supplying alternating current energy to local loads and producing green hydrogen by water electrolysis. Unlike conventional systems using batteries, the proposed architecture combines a Buck converter controlled by a Perturb-and-Observe algorithm, a Boost converter that stabilises the DC bus at 24 V, and a unipolar pulse width modulation bridge inverter followed by an LC filter to generate a clean sinusoidal voltage with minimal distortion. A cylindrical-electrode electrolyser is directly connected downstream of the Buck converter, where it absorbs excess power, tolerates current and voltage fluctuations, and contributes to stabilising the system which is considered as a key innovation. Experimental tests in Oujda, Morocco, under both stable and highly variable solar irradiance show that the cylindrical electrolyser absorbs up to 85 % of available PV power while maintaining system stability. The system efficiency is 11.7 % which is significantly higher than the 8-9.1 % reported for flat-plate electrolyser systems with battery storage. The proposed system ensures a hydrogen production of 40–60 mL/min with delivering a clean AC power with a total harmonic distortion below 5 %. Overall, the proposed configuration provides an effective alternative for autonomous systems in the African context by adopting a strategy in which the cylindrical electrolyser simultaneously functions as a photovoltaic power adapter and a hydrogen production unit offering a battery-free, cost-effective solution.

太阳能绿色制氢在电源管理和系统效率方面面临严峻挑战。本研究提出了一种优化的集成光伏能量转换系统，该系统能够同时为本地负载提供交流能量，并通过水电解产生绿色氢气。与使用电池的传统系统不同，所提出的架构结合了一个由扰动和观察算法控制的Buck转换器，一个将直流母线稳定在24 V的Boost转换器，以及一个单极脉宽调制桥式逆变器，然后是一个LC滤波器，以产生具有最小失真的干净正弦电压。一个圆柱电极电解槽直接连接到Buck转换器的下游，在那里它吸收多余的功率，容忍电流和电压波动，并有助于稳定系统，这被认为是一个关键的创新。在摩洛哥Oujda进行的稳定和高度可变太阳辐照度的实验测试表明，圆柱形电解槽在保持系统稳定性的同时吸收了高达85%的可用光伏发电。系统效率为11.7%，这是显著高于8- 9.1%的平板电解槽系统与电池存储报告。该系统可确保氢气产量为40-60 mL/min，同时提供清洁的交流电源，总谐波失真低于5%。总的来说，拟议的配置为非洲环境下的自主系统提供了一种有效的替代方案，采用了一种策略，即圆柱形电解槽同时作为光伏电源适配器和氢气生产单元，提供了一种无电池、经济高效的解决方案。

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引用次数: 0

Dynamic managerial capabilities, digital innovation and perceived financial performance in the banking sector 银行业的动态管理能力、数字创新和感知财务绩效

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-29 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03157

Comfort Adebi Asamoah , Kwabena Nsiah Takyi , Alena Klapalová , Izaskun Agirre-Aramburu , Jana Matošková

The contemporary digital economy requires businesses to utilise creative skills to boost their performance. Utilising the Dynamic Managerial Capability (DMC) theory, we examine the influence of managerial capabilities—human capital (MHC), social capital (MSC), and cognition (MC) —on digital innovation (DI) and perceived financial performance (PFP) within the banking sector. The mediating influence of MC and DI on the link among MSC, MHC, and PFP was assessed. To achieve this, 728 bankers in Ghana were purposefully sampled, adopting a seven-point Likert scale for data collection regarding managers and employees. The analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that managerial cognition influences the interaction among managerial social capital, managerial human capital, digital innovation, and performance, with digital innovation not serving as a mediator. Managerial cognition serves as a conduit to human managerial capital, impacting perceived financial performance. The findings compel managers and policymakers to integrate DMC’s initiatives to enhance banks’ digital innovation, which is essential in the contemporary dynamic and digital landscape. The assessment has expanded the framework of dynamic capability theory in nascent communities, underscoring the influence of DMC on advancing digital innovation within the banking sector.

当代数字经济要求企业利用创造性技能来提高业绩。利用动态管理能力（DMC）理论，我们研究了管理能力——人力资本（MHC）、社会资本（MSC）和认知（MC）——对银行业数字创新（DI）和感知财务绩效（PFP）的影响。评估MC和DI对MSC、MHC和PFP之间联系的中介作用。为了实现这一目标，有目的地对加纳的728名银行家进行了抽样调查，采用7分李克特量表收集有关经理和员工的数据。分析采用偏最小二乘-结构方程模型（PLS-SEM）进行。结果表明：管理者认知影响着管理者社会资本、管理者人力资本、数字创新与绩效之间的交互作用，数字创新不起中介作用。管理认知是人力管理资本的渠道，影响感知财务绩效。研究结果迫使管理人员和政策制定者整合DMC的举措，以加强银行的数字创新，这在当代动态和数字环境中至关重要。该评估扩大了新兴社区动态能力理论的框架，强调了DMC对推进银行业数字创新的影响。

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引用次数: 0

Sustainability-Performance Integration in Start-ups: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis from Algeria 创业公司的可持续性-绩效整合：来自阿尔及利亚的结构方程模型分析

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-29 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03173

Ismail Bengana , Khaled Mili , Mekimah Sabri , Zighed Rahma

This study examines sustainability-performance relationships in Algerian start-ups, addressing a critical gap in emerging market entrepreneurship literature where the mechanisms through which sustainability dimensions translate into organizational performance remain inadequately theorized and empirically underexplored. The research develops and tests an integrated structural model examining how economic, social, and environmental sustainability dimensions affect organizational performance through the mediating roles of governance, commitment, and innovation. The theoretical framework integrates Triple Bottom Line theory, Resource-Based View, and Institutional theory to explain these relationships in contexts characterized by institutional voids and resource constraints typical of emerging economies. Using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) with data from 255 Algerian start-ups collected via structured questionnaire (23 items, five-point Likert scale), the study assessed measurement model validity through confirmatory factor analysis before testing hypothesized relationships. Results demonstrate moderate to moderately-high sustainability implementation levels (M=3.19-3.42 on five-point scales) and reveal innovation as the strongest performance predictor (β=0.484, p<0.001), followed by governance (β=0.283, p<0.001) and commitment (β=0.132, p=0.011), with significant interrelationships among mediators (r=0.591-0.860). These findings indicate that in resource-constrained emerging markets, internal innovation capabilities outweigh formal governance structures and organizational commitment in translating sustainability intentions into performance outcomes. The study contributes theoretically by demonstrating boundary conditions for Western-derived sustainability theories in institutional void contexts, and methodologically by providing validated measurement instruments for emerging market research. Practically, results suggest policymakers should prioritize innovation support mechanisms (technology access programs, R&D incentives, research partnerships) over compliance-focused interventions, while entrepreneurs should invest in innovation capacity development as the primary lever for sustainability-driven performance enhancement.

本研究考察了阿尔及利亚初创企业的可持续性与绩效关系，解决了新兴市场创业文献中的一个关键空白，即可持续性维度转化为组织绩效的机制仍然缺乏充分的理论和经验探索。本研究开发并检验了一个综合结构模型，该模型考察了经济、社会和环境可持续性维度如何通过治理、承诺和创新的中介作用影响组织绩效。该理论框架整合了三重底线理论、资源基础理论和制度理论，以新兴经济体典型的制度空白和资源约束为特征来解释这些关系。采用基于协方差的结构方程模型（CB-SEM），通过结构化问卷（23项，五点李克特量表）收集255家阿尔及利亚初创企业的数据，在检验假设关系之前，通过验证性因子分析评估测量模型的有效性。结果显示，企业的可持续发展实施水平为中至中高水平（五分制M=3.19-3.42），创新是最有力的绩效预测因子（β=0.484, p<0.001），其次是治理（β=0.283, p<0.001）和承诺（β=0.132, p=0.011），中介变量之间存在显著的相互关系（r=0.591-0.860）。这些研究结果表明，在资源受限的新兴市场中，内部创新能力在将可持续发展意图转化为绩效结果方面比正式的治理结构和组织承诺更重要。本研究在理论上为制度空白背景下西方衍生的可持续性理论提供了边界条件，在方法上为新兴市场研究提供了有效的测量工具。实际上，研究结果表明，政策制定者应优先考虑创新支持机制（技术获取计划、研发激励、研究伙伴关系），而不是以合规为重点的干预措施，而企业家应投资于创新能力发展，作为可持续驱动型绩效提升的主要杠杆。

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引用次数: 0