Nuclear Capacity Research Articles

PEGylation Can Effectively Strike a Balance in siRNA Delivery Performances of Guanidinylated Linear Synthetic Polypeptides with Potential Use for Transcriptional Gene Silencing.

The prevailing design philosophy for polymeric vectors delivering siRNA is rooted in the post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) mechanism. Yet, the transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) mechanism offers a potentially more durable silencing effect, which necessitates efficient siRNA delivery into the nucleus. However, it remains a challenge for the polymeric vectors to efficiently deliver siRNA into the nucleus. We have explored guanidinylated cyclic synthetic polypeptides (GCSPs) to enhance the nuclear delivery of siRNA, but an increased cytotoxicity and difficulty in producing the GCSPs on a large scale limit their utility. Herein, we simply prepare PEGylated guanidinylated linear synthetic polypeptides (PGLSPs) exhibiting improved membrane penetration, direct siRNA transport to the nucleus, reduced toxicity, high cellular uptake, and mitigation of protein corona formation. The PEGylation can effectively balance the vector's nuclear delivery capacity with other critical aspects of performances for siRNA delivery. Therefore, the PGLSPs hold promise as TGS-based delivery vectors, offering potential for future therapeutic applications.

Feasibility of Photonuclear Transmutation of Long-Lived Fission Products Extracted from Used Nuclear Fuel

To achieve the goal of net-zero carbon emission in energy production, nuclear power capacity and waste generation are expected to expand significantly in the next few decades. In the condition of continuous fuel recycling, long-lived fission products (LLFPs) are dominant contributors to the disposal impacts of nuclear waste. In this study, six LLFPs, including 99Tc, 129I, 135Cs, 126Sn, 93Zr, and 79Se, were identified as the primary contributors to more than 99% of long-term radiotoxicity of disposed nuclear waste across a wide range of fuel cycle scenarios. To reduce the amounts of LLFPs sent to geological repositories, the nuclear transmutation of LLFPs is being pursued. Specifically, this work systematically assessed the feasibility of transmuting LLFPs via photonuclear reactions. Photon transmutation is physically viable for the identified primary LLFPs except for 99Tc. For the five transmutable LLFPs, the achievable photon transmutation performance without isotopic separation was evaluated based on scoping calculations and consideration of nuclear data uncertainties. Using an extremely intense laser Compton photon source of 1019 γ /s, the effective transmutation half-life can be reduced to a few years. However, the absolute transmutation rates of LLFPs remain below 1 kg/yr. The energy required to power the photon source for transmuting all LLFPs produced in a nuclear reactor exceeds the net energy output of the reactor. Several potential strategies for improving photon transmutation performance were analyzed. None can substantially enhance the performance to make it practical for industrial applications.

Nup210 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression by Regulating Nuclear Plasma Transport

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) regulates nucleoplasmic transport, transcription, and genomic integrity in eukaryotic cells. However, little is known about how NPC works in cancer. In this study, we investigated the role of the nuclear pore protein 210 (Nucleoporin 210, Nup210) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the expression of Nup210 was increased in CRC and was associated with poor patient prognosis, but it was not a statistically significant independent prognostic factor. Moreover, knockdown of Nup210 in CRC cells inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of CRC cells in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, nuclear size and nuclear plasma material transport capacity decreased along with the number and density of NPCs on the surface of CRC cells when Nup210 expression was inhibited. Furthermore, Nup210 required nuclear localization sequences (NLS) to localize to the nuclear membrane surface and interact with importin-α/β, which in turn affected the transit of nuclear plasma material. Importazole, a small molecule inhibitor of importin, along with therapy that targets the Nup210 protein is anticipated to be a novel strategy for CRC treatment. Their combination may be able to more effectively lower CRC tumor load. In conclusion, Nup210 modulates cellular nucleoplasmic transport capability and cell surface NPC density via NLS, thus promoting CRC progression. This discovery validates the molecular function of NPC in the development of CRC and provides a theoretical foundation for NPC-regulated nuclear import targeting as a therapeutic strategy for CRC.

Enhanced capability of model fitting to nuclear level density and heat capacity: testing on 93−98Mo nuclei

We propose an improved fitting approach that improves reliability in studying the nuclear level density (NLD) and thermodynamic quantities. The proposed method, which relies on the fact that experimental fluctuations or outliers, if they exist, should not be involved in the fitting process, is validated with a set of data artificially generated with anomalous data points being intentionally inserted. In order to showcase the advantages of the proposed technique, we have applied it to re-investigate the back-shifted Fermi gas (BSFG) level density parameters and thermodynamic quantities, particularly the heat capacities, of 93−98Mo isotopes. We have found that the range of values for the level density parameter of 93Mo (approximately from 8.5 to 9.0 MeV−1) is notably smaller than that obtained for the other isotopes of Mo (approximately from 10.5 to 11.5 MeV−1). This observation is different from previous predictions, in which the values of level density parameter of all Mo isotopes are in the same range. This is because among the Mo isotopes under examination, 93Mo (N = 51 neutrons) has the smallest number of valence neutrons, namely only a single neutron away from the closed N = 50 shell. In addition, thanks to the proposed method, we have discussed the effects of data fluctuations on the BSFG NLDs and thermodynamic quantities of 93−98Mo isotopes, from which our recommendation for future works is announced. On top of that, we should notice that the proposed approach can be further applied to any work involving the fitting of a phenomenological model to empirical data.

The impact of national policies on Europe-wide power system transition towards net-zero 2050

This research aims to investigate the potential impact of national policies on the attainment of Europe's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Specifically, it analyses the effects of policies on the power sector, by evaluating capacity expansion portfolios, import reliance, and costs by 2050. A linear programming model, the IESA-EUPS, is utilized to optimize the expansion and operation of the power system, considering 28 nodes and hourly temporal resolution. The study includes five scenarios from 2020 to 2050, with varying levels of biomass and nuclear penetration based on existing member state policies. Results show that by 2050, changes mainly occur in the interplay between firm capacities and cross-border transmission levels. Limiting biomass can significantly increase nuclear energy generation, while enforcing all policies leads to a 40 % rise in cross-border transmission by 2050, due to imbalances between countries. Some member states, such as Spain and Finland, are less affected, whereas others are heavily reliant on firm nuclear capacities. Western European countries with strict biomass and nuclear restrictions may see a boost in nuclear installations in countries allowing it. Member states without both nuclear and biomass may rely more on variable renewables, resulting in surplus electricity and increased LCOE.

Facile and efficient sequestration of uranium using biomass from Saudi Arabia’s local date palms waste

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced to utilize its domestic resources to enhance its future nuclear power capacity to a total of 17.6 GW by 2040. This ambitious plan is followed by mining and extraction of uranium from various approaches both physically and chemically. Therefore, an economical and efficient approach was devised for harvesting uranium content from aqueous solutions by using two bio-sorbent, i.e., date pit sawdust (DPS) and date palm biowaste (PDB). The DPS and PDB were analyzed with BET surface area, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, pHPZC and XRD techniques to examine the surface area, porosity, functional group on surface, morphology, point of zero charge of the materials and nature of materials respectively. Effect of parameters like sorbent dose, solutions pH, concentrations and time of contact on adsorption were studied in a batch method. The findings indicated that both DPS and PDB exhibited significant sequestration of U(VI) with maximum adsorption observed at 6 pH. However, PDB exhibited the maximum sorption percentage (78.80 %) and capacity (3.25 mg/g), followed by DPS (70.5 %, 2.47 mg/g, respectively), for uranium sequestration.

What if Germany had invested in nuclear power? A comparison between the German energy policy the last 20 years and an alternative policy of investing in nuclear power

ABSTRACT Germany has one of the most ambitious energy transition policies dubbed ‘Die Energiewende’ to replace nuclear- and fossil power with renewables such as wind-, solar- and biopower. The climate gas emissions are reduced by 25% in the study period of 2002 through 2022. By triangulating available information sources, the total nominal expenditures are estimated at EUR 387 bn, and the associated subsidies are some EUR 310 bn giving a total nominal expenditures of EUR 696 bn. Alternatively, Germany could have kept the existing nuclear power in 2002 and possibly invest in new nuclear capacity. The analysis of these two alternatives shows that Germany could have reached its climate gas emission target by achieving a 73% cut in emissions on top of the achievements in 2022 and simultaneously cut the spending in half compared to Energiewende. Thus, Germany should have adopted an energy policy based on keeping and expanding nuclear power.

Small Modular Reactors in Romania’s Energy Future. Two Essential Perspectives: Capital Costs and Public Perception

Abstract In 2023, during the annual United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP28), Romania joined the Net Zero Nuclear Initiative and the Ministerial Declaration for the tripling of nuclear capacity by 2050, which recognizes the key role of nuclear energy in achieving net zero goals worldwide. In this context, wanted to implement national projects and strategies to achieve the global goal of tripling nuclear power generation capacity by 2050 (taking 2030 as a reference) and to act to ensure that nuclear power plants are operated in security conditions. This paper examines the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Romania's energy landscape, considering the country's recent commitment to the Net Zero Nuclear Initiative and the goal of tripling nuclear capacity by 2050. The focus is on integrating new nuclear technologies, particularly SMRs, and modernizing existing facilities like the Cernavodă Power Plant. The study also explores the economic benefits, public perception challenges, and the role of European and American expertise in advancing SMR technology. For the first time, using specialized literature and data from public sources, the study aims to analyze the prospects for SMR projects developed in Romania to overcome two essential perspectives: capital costs and public perception in many communities where concerns related to nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, and potential risks associated with nuclear technologies exist.

Controversy or Consensus: Launching Small Modular Nuclear Reactors in Romania

Abstract The transition towards net zero by 2050 is underway in the European Union, but its country members are divided over their energy strategies. France, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Romania support nuclear plants as contributing to carbon neutrality, while Germany, Spain, Denmark, Portugal, and Luxembourg oppose (Reuters, 2023). The study “Between Stability and Sustainability: Nuclear Energy in Romania's Energy Mix” concludes that Romania can benefit from its nuclear facilities and domestic uranium resources, to consolidate its sustainable energy policy. However, new nuclear capacities may pose considerable challenges, especially in terms of costs (Dumitrescu, 2023). Unfortunately, rising costs per megawatt hour are the very reason why NuScale, the operator chosen by Romania to deploy six small nuclear reactors by 2027, canceled their US-based flagship Carbon Free Power Project (Fortune, 2023). Nevertheless, the setback in the home country did not prevent Romanian authorities from licensing the NuScale small modular reactor power plant in Doicești (World Nuclear News, 2023). The watchdog Greenpeace warned about the project’s high costs and the long construction timeframe. It was also emphasized that Romania adopted a technology that had never been tested before. In addition, the location of the new plant had been decided without prior consultation from the local community, claimed the NGO (Greenpeace, 2022). According to the journalists, the local community has been divided between those who want new jobs and people afraid of radiations. Reporters made a parallel between the current situation and a formerly failed Chevron shale gas production investment, due to the strong opposition to fracking (Hotnews, 2024). This paper attempts to determine how a newcomer to the nuclear energy market, with a significant approval setback in its home country, using untested technology, can complete the construction of six small modular reactors in Romania, integrate those into the national grid and win over the public acceptance by 2030.

POI-associated EIF4ENIF1 mutations exhibit impaired translation regulation abilities

Various genetic variants have been found to be associated with the clinical onset of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, when measured in vitro, the functional influence of the variants can be difficult to determine. By whole-exome sequencing (WES) of 93 patients with sporadic POI, we found a missense variant c.623G > A;p.R208H in the EIF4ENIF1 gene. In silico prediction of the variant using different algorithms suggested it might be a damaging variant. We compared the property of EIF4ENIF1 R208H and Q842P, a POI-related mutant that we reported previously, with wildtype (WT) protein using 293FT cells in vitro. Surprisingly, a change in subcellular distribution and granule forming ability (Q842P) and nuclear import capacity (R208H) was not observed, despite domain prediction evidences. Since EIF4ENIF1 was reported to inhibit translation, we employed T&T-seq, a translation-transcription dual-omics sequencing method, to profile gene expression upon overexpression of EIF4ENIF1 WT and mutants. EIF4ENIF1 WT overexpression group exhibited significantly (P < 0.0001) lower translation efficiency (TE) than empty vector or GFP overexpression control group. Surprisingly, EIF4ENIF1 Q842P overexpression failed to repress global translation, showing an overall TE significantly higher than WT group. Overexpression R208H significantly (P < 0.0001) lowered the overall TE, whereas exhibiting a reduced translation inhibitory effect on high-TE genes (TE > 2 in GFP control group). Several fertility-associated genes, such as AMH in Q842P group and SERPINE1 and THBS1 in R208H group, was translationally up-regulated in mutant groups versus WT control, suggesting a potential mechanism of mutated EIF4ENIF1 causing POI via impaired translation repression. It is further proposed that T&T-seq can be a sensitive evaluation tool for the measurement of functional alteration by variants in many other translational regulator genes, not only EIF4ENIF1, helping to eliminate misinterpretation of clinical significance of genetic variants.

The influence of source locations of different multi-beam concept on the power density distribution and nuclear waste transmutation performance for ADS–NWT

The multi-beam concept for the accelerator driven subcritical reactor (ADS) has the advantages in reducing the requirements for the accelerator and can flatten the power distribution of the core. However, the layout of the multi-beam should meet the goal of balancing the relationship between the total power density, the neutron leakage, and the nuclear waste transmutation performance. For the further study of the multi-beam concept for the ADS, this paper focuses on the influence of the source locations of different multi-beam concept on the power density distribution, the neutron leakage, and the nuclear waste transmutation performance for the ADS for a nuclear waste transmutation reactor (ADS–NWT). The different variations on the radial power density distribution and the nuclear waste transmutation performance for the three-, four-, six-, and seven-beam concept for ADS–NWT were analyzed. The results show that the related neutronics performance for the multi-beam concept for ADS-NWT is not only affected by the external source locations and the core geometry, but also affected by the keff and the interference effect between the spallation targets. Moreover, the fission reaction ratio and the fission reaction / (n, gamma) absorbtion ratio for minor actinides (MA) and plutonium (Pu) for the few beams concept are both higher than that for the many beams concept. Based on the analysis of the influence of source locations on the neutron spectrum, the total neutron flux, and the nuclear waste transmutation performance for MA and Pu, the related conclusions about how to arrange the best beam position from the perspective of nuclear waste transmutation and production capacity are provided.

Endogenous sulfur dioxide deficiency as a driver of cardiomyocyte senescence through abolishing sulphenylation of STAT3 at cysteine 259

ObjectiveCardiomyocyte senescence is an important contributor to cardiovascular diseases and can be induced by stressors including DNA damage, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic regulation, etc. However, the underlying mechanisms for the development of cardiomyocyte senescence remain largely unknown. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is produced endogenously by aspartate aminotransferase 2 (AAT2) catalysis and plays an important regulatory role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to explore the effect of endogenous SO2 on cardiomyocyte senescence and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Approach and resultsWe interestingly found a substantial reduction in the expression of AAT2 in the heart of aged mice in comparison to young mice. AAT2-knockdowned cardiomyocytes exhibited reduced SO2 content, elevated expression levels of Tp53, p21Cip/Waf, and p16INk4a, enhanced SA-β-Gal activity, and elevated level of γ-H2AX foci. Notably, supplementation with a SO2 donor ameliorated the spontaneous senescence phenotype and DNA damage caused by AAT2 deficiency in cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, AAT2 deficiency suppressed the sulphenylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) facilitated its nuclear translocation and DNA-binding capacity. Conversely, a mutation in the cysteine (Cys) 259 residue of STAT3 blocked SO2-induced STAT3 sulphenylation and subsequently prevented the inhibitory effect of SO2 on STAT3-DNA-binding capacity, DNA damage, and cardiomyocyte senescence. Additionally, cardiomyocyte (cm)-specific AAT2 knockout (AAT2cmKO) mice exhibited a deterioration in cardiac function, cardiomegaly, and cardiac aging, whereas supplementation with SO2 donors mitigated the cardiac aging and remodeling phenotypes in AAT2cmKO mice. ConclusionDownregulation of the endogenous SO2/AAT2 pathway is a crucial pathogenic mechanism underlying cardiomyocyte senescence. Endogenous SO2 modifies STAT3 by sulphenylating Cys259, leading to the inhibition of DNA damage and the protection against cardiomyocyte senescence.

Towards strategic agenda for European nuclear education, training, and knowledge management

The key elements of the EU-wide strategic agenda for nuclear education, training, and knowledge management are proposed in this paper. They were developed partly within the ENEN+ and ENEN# projects, to support and consolidate the efforts of the nuclear stakeholders to attract, develop, and retain new talents. The paper considers the projections of needs developed by the European Human Resources Observatory-Nuclear (EHRO-N). It builds on the existing national nuclear education strategies in the EU and beyond and more than two decades of experience with the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN). The paper outlines and substantiates the most important actions and risks related to human resources, which need to be managed successfully for the EU to contribute to the tripling of the nuclear power generation capacity on the planet by 2050 (as announced in COP28) and to retain its leading role in the nuclear power and non-power applications. The sheer complexity of this challenge calls for high-level strategic support, coordination, and partnership between all nuclear stakeholders, especially those involved in the decision-making. The present situation calls for urgent strategic actions with long-term sustainability.

Enterovirus D68 3C protease antagonizes type I interferon signaling by cleaving signal transducer and activator of transcription 1.

Following the successful control of poliovirus, the re-emergence of respiratory enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a prominent non-polio enterovirus, has become a serious public health concern worldwide. Host innate immune responses are the primary defense against EV-D68 invasion; however, the mechanism underlying viral evasion of the antiviral activity of interferons (IFN) remains unclear. In this study, we found that EV-D68 inhibited type I IFN signaling by cleaving signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), a crucial factor in cellular responses to interferons and other cytokines. We observed that the prototype and circulating EV-D68 strains conserved their ability to induce STAT1 cleavage and attenuate IFN signal transduction. Further investigation revealed that EV-D68 3C protease cleaves STAT1 at the 131Q residue. Interestingly, not all enterovirus-encoded 3C proteases exhibited this ability. EV-D68 and poliovirus 3C proteases efficiently induced STAT1 cleavage; whereas, 3C proteases from EV-A71, coxsackievirus A16, and echoviruses did not. STAT1 cleavage also abolished the nuclear translocation capacity of STAT1 in response to IFN stimulation to activate downstream signaling elements. Overall, these results suggest that STAT1, targeted by viral protease 3C, is utilized by EV-D68 to subvert the host's innate immune response.IMPORTANCEEnterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has significantly transformed over the past decade, evolving from a rare pathogen to a potential pandemic pathogen. The interferon (IFN) signaling pathway is an important defense mechanism and therapeutic target for the host to resist viral invasion. Previous studies have reported that the EV-D68 virus blocks or weakens immune recognition and IFN production in host cells through diverse strategies; however, the mechanisms of EV-D68 resistance to IFN signaling have not been fully elucidated. Our study revealed that EV-D68 relies on its own encoded protease, 3C, to directly cleave signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), a pivotal transduction component in the IFN signaling pathway, disrupting the IFN-mediated antiviral response. Previous studies on human enteroviruses have not documented direct cleavage of the STAT1 protein to evade cellular immune defenses. However, not all enteroviral 3C proteins can cleave STAT1. These findings highlight the diverse evolutionary strategies different human enteroviruses employ to evade host immunity.

China: as an Emerging Superpower

The research paper aims to answer the main research question whether China can really becomethe next superpower towards the middle of 21st century through its economic performance, energypolicy, population, nuclear capacity and ideology. The hypothesis of the research paper is that in 21stcentury international system will become a bipolar with hegemony of the United States and China.With regard to the research methods, the following methods have been used: Case Study and ContentAnalysis. Case Studies are perhabs the most widely used research approach in internationalrelations (IR).In addition, to assert the main research question the Content Analysis is used. That method involvesanalyzing large amounts of text-based data. During research it was exercised books, analytical articles,and different research papers of international research institutes: like Carnegie Center, CenterStrategic and International Studies (CSIS), Belfer Center of International Affairs Harvard KennedySchool etc.Other method is the statistical method, related to the presenting the concrete statistics, for instance,concerning GDP of China, statistics of foreign trade, energy import etc.Theoretical context in this research is theory of international relations Realism. Particularly HansMorgenthau’s Realist Theory (6 principle) second principle – National Interest defined in terms ofNational Power. According to this principle nations always define and act for securing their nationalinterests by means of power. History tells us that nations have always acted on the basis of power.

Highlights and outlook of the Dutch PIONEER 2021–2024 R&D program

The Netherlands has a prominent infrastructure in the field of nuclear energy and medical applications. At present the country operates one nuclear power plant, but with an ambition of extending the lifetime of the current nuclear power plant beyond 60 years and construction of two further nuclear power plants in the coming decade. In addition the country plays a significant role in the enrichment of nuclear fuel with two enrichment plants operated in the east of the Netherlands. Furthermore, the Netherlands is the largest producer of medical isotopes in the world, and has some world renowned medical institutes in the field of nuclear medicine. To compliment this infrastructure the Netherlands also contributes to nuclear innovations, through international research and development (R&D). This paper will provide an overview of the Dutch nuclear infrastructure, and it will present the publicly financed R&D program PIONEER which forms the backbone of nuclear research in the Netherlands. The seven intertwined themes of program will be described, together with a single highlight per theme. The paper will also give an outlook on the expected directions for research for the period’25 to’28. Whereas many of the current topics are expected to remain important for the future multiannual program, the plans for expansion of the nuclear power capacity in the Netherlands will lead to a broadening of the scope to support realization of new nuclear power plants in the country, deployment of water-cooled small modular reactors and developments in advanced reactors.

Развитие атомного ледокольного флота и его роли в экономическом освоении Северного морского пути

This scientific article studies the development of nuclear icebreakers, the history of their commissioning and service; the growth of nuclear icebreaker capacity is investigated. The Soviet and Russian stages of their history have been compared. A diagram of this development was constructed. Key tactical and technical data of nuclear icebreakers are compared; their proportionality and similarity are proved. The prospects of the nuclear icebreaker fleet development are investigated. The growth of cargo turnover along the Northern Sea Route in 1933–2022 is analyzed and systematized. The development of nuclear icebreakers is compared with the growth of cargo turnover along the Northern Sea Route, their interdependence is proved; the diagram of this interdependence is constructed. The reasons for the influence of both the development of the human economy and political events in and around Russia on the changes in the grouping of nuclear icebreakers are revealed. It is identified that the volumes of transportations along the Northern Sea Route in the 21st century are many times higher than in the Soviet era, largely due to the growth of the quality and quantity of the nuclear icebreaker fleet. The reasons for the reduction of the nuclear icebreaker fleet at the beginning of the 21st century under the influence of the general temporary reduction of cargo flows along the Northern Sea Route are shown. Maximum small and optimal sizes of nuclear icebreakers grouping for effective operation of the Northern Sea Route are specified.

The impact of economic development of primary and secondary industries on national CO2 emissions: The case of Russian regions

In today's world, where economic development and environmental sustainability are becoming increasingly important aspects of national strategy, attention to the impact of different economic sectors on climate change is becoming an integral part of scientific research. This article focuses on analyzing the impact of primary and secondary economic sectors development on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at the sub-national level in Russia from 2005 to 2019. The aim of the study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the relationships between the dynamics of these sectors and CO2 emission levels in different regions of the country. Weighted regression and panel data methods were applied to better identify the patterns of the impact. The results show that the size of population and electricity consumption have the highest impact on CO2 emissions. So that, the expansion of nuclear and gas generation capacity, as well as significant improvement of energy efficiency, are of crucial importance to reduce the emissions. Other sectors have a heterogeneous impact and requires more differential approaches, considering the specifics of regions. Taking into account the significant differences between the Russian constituent entities, this paper emphasizes the low informativeness of assessments at the national level and their inadequacy in terms of improving the efficiency of domestic management, including decarbonization policies.

Identifikasi Bahaya Keamanan Siber pada Perizinan Bahan Nuklir Online di Indonesia

A study has identified Cybersecurity Hazards in Indonesia's Online Nuclear Material Licensing process. This study was conducted based on Government Regulation 5 of 2021, which concerns Implementing Risk-Based Business Licensing. The online Nuclear Material Licensing system is still in development and is integrated with the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, which the Ministry of Investment coordinates. Data integration poses a severe risk to cybersecurity, especially regarding personal data security. Hackers can enter the system and wipe out all the data. The system has already been tested with permit holders, and there is a lot of feedback regarding Cybersecurity Hazards. This paper discusses some recommendations to protect cybersecurity in the Online licensing system. These include appointing institutions authorized in cybersecurity, implementing active defense mechanisms to reduce bureaucratic complexity, and improving the quality and capacity of human resources, technology, budget, business processes, work programs, and so on. The study results related to public involvement in online system features include personal data leakage, Hacking Hazards, email bombing hazards, spam, password crackers, botnets, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) incident hazards, Spoofing, Phishing, Malicious Software (code), and Storage Media. BAPETEN needs to screen Nuclear Material Information at Balis L Nino to mitigate these risks and add data security facilities. The information in the license must be general and include quotas for the total quantity, maximum volume, and maximum weight, which is the maximum nuclear material capacity. Keywords: cybersecurity, business licensing, nuclear material licensing, online single submission

Metals at the nexus: renewable vs. nuclear energy systems, metal import requirements, and energy security in the European Union

This study examines the compatibility of the EU’s current 2050 clean energy transition plan, aiming to increase the share of renewable power generation to 80%, with mineral and energy security in the EU, acknowledging the interplay between these security aspects when dealing with metal-intensive energy systems. It also explores the potential advantages of an alternative electricity mix that combines the existing renewable generation share with expanded nuclear energy capacity. The results demonstrate that the planned renewable-intensive electricity mix requires substantially higher quantities of metals to increase and sustain electricity production capacity than the alternative nuclear-intensive system. This is not only the case in terms of volume requirements, which is already evident from the existing literature, but also in terms of value and import requirements. Further, our results reveal that the bottleneck risks in the planned renewable-intensive system are primarily associated with insufficient mining of essential metals inside the EU. In contrast, the bottleneck risks in the nuclear-intensive system are primarily associated with lack of processing inside the EU. Based on the assumption that acquiring relevant mineral reserves and mining capabilities may be more challenging than acquiring new processing capacities, this suggests that the planned renewable-intensive system may come with more serious bottleneck risks than an alternative nuclear-intensive system. Overall, this study leads to the conclusion that a nuclear-intensive electricity mix could offer greater metal-related energy security than the planned renewable-intensive system.