bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Exploration and Collaboration within Groups in Learning-By-Making (LBM) Approach
Authors: Setiaputra Brian , Yoas Jonathan Hans
Published: December 2020

Using a case study of the 3rd instalment of Bamboo Nation (BN) 2018, an international learning workshop for bamboo structure and construction, this research explores Learning-By-Making (LBM) implementation with a focus on design exploration tools and collaboration within a group tasked with designing cores. As commonly found in LBM practices, the participants involved in the 3rd BN were assigned to design and, eventually, build a 1:1 scale model within two weeks. In that process, there were tendencies for groups that relied on a particular design tool, the physical models, as a more relatable to each other. The study inquires specifically on the Design Explorations aspect, using particular design tools and Collaboration aspects within groups in the 3rd BN. The result will provide a basis for further development to improve design performance in LBM as a design learning approach. Data collection regarding design processes and products was from first-hand documentation and interviews with data for collaboration assessments were obtained by peer-assessment and self-assessment from every participant in the 3rd BN. Both types of data were then further analysed according to the Design Exploration Aspect and Collaboration Aspect of a typical LBM practice. A comparison of these aspects concludes the analysis. The study is a focus on finding a relation between a group’s productivity on delivering design alternatives and its collaboration aspects within groups. It also investigated the design tools that the groups used, whether by physical models or any other tools, on their contributions in the whole aspects of Learning-By-Making (LBM) processes. Contribution of the research will involve mainly evaluation of the LBM characteristics as an alternative for design and technical-based studies and suggestions for further applications of the approach.
Urban Residual Space in Latin America: Reframing the Role of Public Space in Colombia
Authors: Rodelo Torres Luz Mery
Published: December 2020

The metropolises of the global south are often considered out of rules as a distinct urban “species” while cities of the global north are commonly recognized for their development, organization, and operation. The duality that arises in Latin American cities is between the advancement of its infrastructure and the provision of goods and services. This duality is physically manifested in urban space, as well as the increase of spatial segregation and social inequality. Fragments, patches, archipelagos, and countless denominations that narrow the “disorder” of these cities contrast with the good practices they develop to increase the quality of life of their inhabitants. Life in public space is one of the interrelationships that occur in cities, but in some spaces in Latin American cities are considered fragments and uncertain spaces of the city without defined uses due to the characteristics of some of these spaces. These spaces, specifically in Colombian cities, commonly divide the large areas of poverty with the few areas of wealth, providing greater inequality and socio-spatial segregation. Considering Latin America as the most violent and inequitable region in the world explains why the research of recent decades in these cities has focused on understanding the causes and finding answers to minimize poverty, and inequality. These phenomena will not find the full answers in architecture nor urbanism; however, actions from these two disciplines are required to materialize opportunities for all the cities. Thus, the purpose of the research, based on literature review, methodological terms, and collection of information is reframing the role of public space as a potential for articulation with the deficit of public space and as a tool of urban development.
Interpolation of Irregular Soil Moisture Measurements with Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Cisty Milan , Cyprich Frantisek , Dezericky David
Published: December 2020

In this work, a method is proposed that uses machine learning techniques intending to make existing soil moisture time series complete. Authors are assuming and solving the usual situation, in which only data irregularly measured are available. Soil moisture is one of the determining variables of the stress on various ecosystems and agriculture systems and a key element of the surface water budget. A time series of this variable is useful for an evaluation of the moisture regime of soil and for decisions regarding building irrigation structures. Interpolation models proposed in this paper were verified using data from the days on which the field measurements were available. Mainly nonlinear machine learning models are proved to be suitable for a solution to this task. The Extreme Gradient Boosting Machines model and simple ensemble model provided the best results.
Study on the Design of Prefabricated Exterior Wall Insulation Decorative Panel for Wind Energy Utilization
Authors: Cao Maoqing , Ma Long , Xu Hongwei , Cao Wenrui , Qi Yurong , Li Li , Yang Chun , Liu Qi , Bian Hongbin
Published: December 2020

Human exploration for the realization of a better life building materials has never stopped, this article in the green building thought of the advocacy, explore the outdoor wind environment, the effective use of wind energy in an assembly-type building exterior wall insulation decoration plate, through wind energy conversion verification, show that the plate can effectively compensate for the winter cold wind brought about by the energy loss, with insulation effect; With the continuous optimization of the material and construction of the panel, more values and a wider range of application of the panel are expected to be achieved.
Urban Heat Island Scenarios – A Case study in Technical University, Košice
Authors: Poórová Zuzana , Li Heling , Trakal Lukáš , Vranayová Zuzana
Published: December 2020

Artificial urban surfaces are commonly considered as main direct cause of Urban Heat Island effects. Most urban land covers are dark and impermeable and accelerating excessive heat absorption and storage. The paper characterizes cool surface strategies in criteria of definition, classification and application approach, as well as proposes of a framework to guide applications associate with grey, blue and green infrastructure on urban heat island mitigation. As a case study, analysis of surface strategy and its cooling performance was performed at Technical University of Košice campus. On perspective of economic and ecological feasibility, two proposals were simulated. The results show that both measures have significant impact on surface cooling, although the maximum and average temperature reductions vary between measures. In addition, overall value of each proposal is provided as reference for decision makers to meet their best interests. All these findings can support climate change adaptation strategy in Kosice, should be also applicable for similar projects and proposals in other regions.
Modified method of variable elasticity parameters for solving problems of dynamics of rod systems taking into account physical and geometric nonlinearities
Authors: Shein Alexander , Chumanov Alexander
Published: December 2020

The article describes an algorithm for calculating vibrations of rod systems by the finite element method, based on an iterative process that allows taking into account physical and geometric nonlinearity. The iterative process, which takes into account physical nonlinearity, is based on the introduction of the cubic dependence of stresses on deformations into the calculation and the comparison of the secant elastic modulus at each step of the iteration. When calculating the stiffness matrix, an additional term (matrix) is introduced that takes into account geometric nonlinearity. A comparative analysis of the results of the calculation with a linear dependence between stresses and deformations and the calculation with a cubic dependence of stresses on deformations is given.
Urban Layout Around Markets Built of Iron in the 19th And 20th Centuries: A Current Consequence of their Location Sites in Castilla & León, Spain
Authors: Rodríguez-Esteban Mª Ascensión , Sáez-Pérez Mª Paz , Camino-Olea Mª Soledad , Frechilla-Alonso Mª Almudena , Ramos-Gavilán Ana Belén
Published: December 2020

Detailed studies have been carried out for decades on the iron markets built in Spain from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. However, until now they have been approached from a historical-artistic perspective. The focus of these studies lies mainly in their contextualization and description, in the use of iron as a novel material and in characterizing their typology and morphology. This research addresses a new line of investigation, evaluating the impact of these singular architectures on the consolidated fabric of the cities where they were implanted. The studio has been focused on the territory of Castilla y León (Spain), because it has many cases that can be studied regarding location of their markets. The criteria analyzed to establish the impact of these constructions on the urban fabric refer to the permanence of the original constructions and use conditions, the type of location and the characteristics of the place. The results show similarities in terms of the characteristics of the chosen plots, with the squares or squares prevailing over the plots between party walls, as well as in economic and functional aspects considered when choosing them, seeking large and airy spaces. It can be concluded that these centuries-old landmarks, both those that remain unchanged, as well as those that were demolished or replaced by other buildings have had an impact on the urban context of these cities in a very significant way. They have managed, not only to modify the urban layout of representative and practically consolidated areas of the historic quarters, but have also managed that its urban configuration lasts until today, despite the difficulties, narrowness and limitations in the current traffic that its existence causes.
A Comprehensive Approach for the Seismic Vulnerability of a Building of Public Utility
Authors: Dragomir Claudiu Sorin , Dobre Daniela , Iliescu Victor
Published: December 2020

The purpose of research. The paper presents a complex approach performed to identify the vibration natural periods of a building of general interest, in the form of H, with basement, ground floor and 7 levels, built in 1968. Thus, qualitative and quantitative analyzes, topometric measurements, non-destructive tests, vibration recordings from microseisms, in order to establish the general technical condition, the degree of geometric conformation, the determination of dynamic characteristics, as well as static, modal modeling etc. for the validation of those obtained results were made. Finally, proposing several consolidation solutions, because the building is located in Bucharest where the peak ground acceleration (PGA) is 0.3g according to the Seismic design code and a further increase to a mean return period of 475 years for PGAis taken into consideration. At this moment, this building is in the process of consolidation and rehabilitation and will be included in the national permanent vibrations monitoring program. Principal results: eccentricities and irregularities from non-structural components, relative horizontal displacements, sclerometric and ultrasonic recordings, spatial structure displacements in the three main directions NS, EV and vertical Z, velocities, accelerations, frequencies and periods, structural damping factors, basic shear force etc. Major conclusions. It is important to obtain correct information regarding the behaviour of a structural system, the contribution of each presented technical approaches is consistent, using the advantages of non-destructive methods, ambient vibration monitoring and modal analysis. Reducing the seismic risk of buildings in Romania is a complex action nowadays, of national interest, and in 2020, a national strategy on seismic risk reduction will be finalized (with legislative, normative, investment reforms etc.).
Visual Interference in the Glass Facade
Authors: Lipowicz-Budzyńska Alina
Published: December 2020

The paper analyses questions concerning the integration of architecture and art. The objective of this publication is to examine visual interferences that occur in architecture and to determine their effects on how the building is seen and on the architectural space. This phenomenon is an important artistic issue that opens the way for new compositional values in architecture. Visual interferences can occur when there are at least two layers of an image composed of repetitive elements, put in a certain order. Overlapping of graphical layers results in image concentration, and in this way compositions such as lines, circles and polygons are created, which are known as interference patterns. In art glass, it is possible to remove image layers from each other, thus obtaining an additional effect. This creates visually mobile surfaces, which react to movement of the observer. The present paper will analyse this phenomenon with the aim to determine what principles govern the occurrence of visual interferences as well as how they affect the building’s reception. The typology, classification and characteristics of each type of arrangements will be presented. An attempt will also be made to establish conditions for the design of interference arrangements, which may be used as guidelines by graphic artists and designers alike. The phenomenon will be examined based on buildings created over the past two decades. Examples will include works set both on the façade as well as in the interior of buildings. Due to the global nature of artistic phenomena, no restriction is given on the area where the examinations take place.
The Inner Forces Redistribution of Continuous Beams
Authors: Juhás Pavol , Šenitková Ingrid Juhásová
Published: December 2020

The technical plastic theory is applied for steel structures design in actual standards. This theory and standard calculate procedures assumed the plastic redistribution of internal forces by arising and development of plastic hinges and plastic mechanism failure of the structure. The plastic redistribution of internal forces enables the loading of structure to increase. The plastic redistribution and increasing of the loading cause also changes in the support reactions that are generally needed to consider as the actions on the structural supports. The redistribution of internal forces and the changes of support reactions depend on the elastic-plastic properties of constructive steels that are variable. Therefore, plastic redistribution of internal forces may not be absolute, or may not arise at all. In the paper, the effect of elastic-plastic redistribution of internal forces on the load-carrying capacity and the changes of support reactions for selected continuous beams are analyzed.
Mobility in Public Spaces of Small Towns in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kramarova Zuzana , Kankovsky Ales
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to provide information about Mobility in public spaces of small towns in the Czech Republic. This text will not describe the history of the development of public space either on a global scale or on the scale of the Czech Republic or the scale of the small towns. There are several reasons. The first two areas have been described many times by world and domestic experts. Therefore, it would be impossible to bring new knowledge to them in a short time, which is defined. Their summation would also be very comprehensive, or conversely, so concise that it would not be an asset. In the third area – the history of public space in small towns of the Czech Republic, we come across another barrier. This is the fragmentation of development trends of inclusion in regions and the location of the seat in the region, the morphology of the terrain, the historical development of the region and many other factors. An emphasis will be placed on small municipalities of 7,000 to 20,000 inhabitants, which are large enough in terms of having to overcome greater distances, but too small to allow their population to be the commercial operation of local public transport, and with a small budget of the city, to be able to subsidize and maintain this public transport. There will be a meeting with the users of the public space and the transport used by them and their choice of transport around the city or through the city. In conclusion, the findings on mobility in the public space will be summarized based on the current situation of a lifestyle, such as the demands of rapid mobility.
Indoor Environmental Quality Determinants in the Buildings
Authors: Kraus Michal , Senitkova Ingrid Juhasova
Published: December 2020

The presented aim of this study is to establish or reject the correlation (relationship) between the individual indoor environmental quality indicators and the total satisfaction with the indoor environment. The subjective satisfactory survey has been performed in 10 standardized university classrooms (Czechia) to evaluate the indoor environmental quality (IEQ). The IBSM SPPS Software Statistics ver. 25.0 was used to assess the Kendall non-parametric correlation analysis. Seven individual different indoor environmental quality indicators evaluating by subjective perceptions of the users were reviewed: air acceptability, thermal comfort, humidity comfort, odor comfort, acoustic comfort, visual comfort, and color comfort. The user’s subjective perceptions of the indoor environment were collected by questionnaires. Minimizing the ability to adapt and acclimatize was desirable. The statistically significant correlation (P < 0.01) were observed between the air acceptability (τb= 0.249), the odor comfort (τb= 0.260), the acoustic (τb= -0.244), the visual comfort (τb= 0.203), and the colour comfort (τb= 0.192) and total satisfaction with the indoor environment. The thermal comfort and the humidity comfort are not statistically correlated with the total satisfaction of the indoor environment (P > 0.01).
The influence of biochar addition on the strength and microstructural characteristics of cement pastes
Authors: Kovács Pavel , Pokorný Jaroslav , Šál Jiří , Ševčík Radek
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, many branches of civil engineering begin to suffer from the lack of natural high-quality resources. The cement industry is one of the main consumers of such raw materials and, moreover, significantly contributes to global warming by the release of high amounts of carbon dioxide. In this sense, the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials may help to reduce global environmental impacts of cement production. This paper is focused on the influence of the partial Portland cement replacement using a biochar. Basic material properties of both Portland cement and biochar were analysed. On hardened samples of cement pastes cured under water for 27 days, physical, mechanical and mineralogical properties were determined using several instrumental techniques. Experimental data showed the gradual decrease of bending and compressive strengths with the increasing replacement of Portland cement, however, significant lightening of produced pastes was achieved and thus the cement pastes additive with appropriate amounts of biochar may find usage in specific industrial applications.
Innovation in the area of transportation of powdery matters. Elevator conveyors, Redler chain conveyors and Metal spiral conveyors
Authors: Fiala Jan , Lapka Miroslav , Mikoláš Milan , Jun Jan Fiala
Published: December 2020

The article points out the problems occurring on transport routes within the transfer of mined materials on technological lines for mineral processing, finds possible solutions in increasing the service lifespan of individual parts and in the field of maintenance helps to protect the health at work of employees of mining organizations and their suppliers. It contains the issue of the operation of technological line as one large unit, which combines innovative solutions with the use of modern materials, increasing service lifespan, reducing repair costs and reducing the frequency of repairs – especially those that are cyclically recurring. All this helps to eliminate the number of accidents and this is the reason why it protects the operator of the technological line. Ultimately, maintenance costs become more efficient despite relatively higher acquisition costs in the initial phase.
Influence of Long-Term Aging on HMA Made with Gel and Sol Asphalt Cements
Authors: Aldoski Ziyad N. , Al-Hadidy Abdul-Rahim Ibrahim , Rashed Abdullah M.
Published: December 2020

This study evaluated the effect of long term ageing (LTA) on the performance traits of dense graded asphalt mixes (DGAMs) made from gel and sol asphalt cement binders. The LTA was adopted at 85 °C and between four and eight days using forced draft oven to reproduce the in-service aging that occurs over many years in the field. The performance assays contains: Marshall traits, tensile and compressive strength under wetting and drying conditions, bending strength at zero and -10°C, cohesion at 60°C, tensile strength ratio, and recovered strength index were adopted on DGAMs. A mechanistically-design tool was explored for estimating the enhancement in paving life or thickness reduction of DGAMs and base course for similar service life caused from LTA of DGAMs. Assays results notified that the LTA increases DGAMs strength towards: (1) rutting; (2) moisture sensitivity; (3) cracking; and (4) cohesion failure. In addition, it was found that sol asphalt cement performs slightly better than gel asphalt cement, especially in the case of moisture susceptibility and flexural strength properties.
Reducing Rutting in Flexible Pavement Using Specified Polymers with HMA
Authors: Al-Jumaili Mohammed Abbas , Al-Jameel Hamid A.
Published: December 2020

Iraqi roads mainly suffer from rutting distresses which resulting from extremely axle loading and high difference in temperature between seasons and even in day and night for the same day. Different types of modifier polymer have been inserted into asphalt materials to enhance the characteristics of asphalt concrete mixture as a whole. Thus, this paper has generally been dedicated to investigate the effect of using two types of polymers; Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) on the rutting distress. Accordingly, five ratios (4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) of SBS and HDPE have been used as a percentage of total mix in order to get the optimum influence of each ratio. Hence, the best ratios for surface (Type III A) layer are 8% HDPE and 6% SBS; whereas these ratios for binder layer are 6% HDPE and 2% SBS. The results indicate that the reduction in rutting percent are (72% and 65%) for HDPE and SBS for each type of additives at 40°C. Accordingly, this means these types of polymers have a significant role in reduction of rutting in surfacing and binder layers.
Using PAVER Software to Evaluate Pavement Condition Index of Highway Segment in the North Sector of Najaf City (Case Study)
Authors: Shubber Khawla H.H. , Noamman Mahdi Mohammed
Published: December 2020

Current paper present part of comprehensive case study for urban highway networks of north sector of Najaf city located 161 km Southwest of Baghdad the capital of Iraq. The main goals of current paper are to evaluation pavement condition index denoted as (PCI). Values of PCI acting a main factor on depending maintenance of pavement, selecting economic alternative, increasing development of engineers and technician’s capabilities, in order to reach the best maintenance management process and achieve the best riding level with lowest costs and the shortest travel time. PAVER software uses surveying data to calculate pavement condition index which should be within rating from zero, which mean pavement in failed condition, to 100, that mean excellent pavement condition. Pavement’s condition is providing predicting its maintenance and Rehabilitation requirements. Free issue of PAVER 5.2 software was used to calculate values of PCI for a minor arterial urban highway in north sector of Najaf city, that is the Najaf-Karbala highway located from Al-Askarain Tunnel intersection to the end of Al-Nidaa district, with length (8011m). Manual geometric and types of distresses survey was depended instead of using assessment technologies to consider the type, degree of severity, of distresses for sample unites along the highway. As a results of implementing PAVER 5.2 software depending on field survey data collection, PCI value is equal to 80. That’s mean this part of the selected study section was in good situation.
Innovation of Analytical Software for Financing Construction Projects: Infrastructure Projects in Iraq as a Case Study
Authors: Raheem Saja Hadi , Al-Zwainy Faiq M.S.
Published: December 2020

This study includes application of an Analytical Software system to explain the financing methods applied in infrastructure projects in Iraq and highlight the importance of the tax in support the Iraqi economy by knowing the percentage of its contribution in supporting the financing of infrastructure projects. The proposed program is flexible, and easy to use. It enables the users adding and managing unlimited number of projects as well as any related information. The information obtained from this research can be used by the government policy maker and regulators and thus develop better understanding of the application and implementation of tax system in Iraq. It is concluded that the tax system leads to make tax revenues contribute to solving 70% of financing problems if applied in infrastructure projects, and therefore the contribution of government funding be 30%.
Traffic Assignment of Al-Kufa City Using TransCAD
Authors: Al-Duhaidahawi Zainab Salam , Almuhanna Raid R. A. , Yahya Abdabas Ahmed , Al-Jameel Hamid A.
Published: December 2020

Modern urban cities around the world suffer from high congestions due to high daily trips for different purposes. Al-Kufa city has a lot of congested roads in its road network. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the current traffic situation. Firstly, the number of links and nodes has been counted using GIS software. These links represent major and minor arterials. The collected data include flow, speed and geometric characteristics for each link and node in the network. The traffic assignment model (Stochastic User Equilibrium) in TransCAD software was adopted in this study. The results indicated that the value (v/c) for most of these roads is more than one which indicated congested roads.
The Performance of Slag Containing Engineered Cementitious Composites
Authors: Booya Emad , Adesina Adeyemi , Gorospe Karla , Das Sreekanta
Published: December 2020

Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) is a type of fibre reinforced cement-based composite that is used in different construction applications. The use of fly ash in these composites improves tensile strain capacity, multiple cracking behaviour, and durability. However, fly ash is in short supply as many countries are in an effort to phase-out fossil fuels, and are eliminating coal plants. An alternative to fly ash is slag. In contrast to fly ash, the supply of slag is expected to be sustained. Hence, many industries have considered substituting fly ash with slag in the production of ECC. This study was designed to determine the mechanical, and permeability of ECC mixtures containing fly ash and slag. The study contained a total of four mixtures. Two of the mixtures had the ratio of supplementary cementitious materials to cement of 2.2 and two more mixtures had supplementary cementitious materials to cement ratio of 1.2. The water to binder ratio was the same for all mixtures. Test results showed that slag blends improved the mechanical and permeability characteristics.
Investigation the Properties of Waste Plastic Fiber Concrete Modified with HP-570 Super-Plasticizer
Authors: Al-Hussaini Osama M. , AL-Baghdadi Waseem H. , Al-Labban Salama N. , Jabal Qusay A.
Published: December 2020

Recycling plastic waste has always been vital for sustainability, besides exploiting that waste to improve the mechanical properties of concrete mixtures which contribute effectively in the field of civil engineering applications. In this research, the enhancement of compressive, tensile and flexural strength of concrete mixtures was explored using both adding plastic fibers and HP-570 super-plasticizer. Plastic waste, as fibers, was mixed with an Ordinary Portland cement for a total volume of concrete of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%, then the HP-570 super-plasticizer was added and the procedure was re-done. At the age of 28 days of curing, the compression strength was increased by (13.2%) while both tensile and flexural strengths were increased significantly by (117.4%) and (207.5%) respectively when using the plastic as fiber with 2%. Further improvement was gained by adding the HP-570 super-plasticizer for the concrete mixture.
Mechanical Properties of Polyester Matrix Composites Reinforced with Waste Marble Particles
Authors: Abdulkader Niveen Jamal , Abdula Aseel Mahmood , Ahmed Sura Salim
Published: December 2020

In this study a preparation of composite materials with a polyester base reinforced by low cost industrial waste and weight fraction from of powder (1,3,5,7,9) % wt of marble particles prepared by manually technique. Mechanical properties have been studied and discussed. The results showed that the new composite materials supported by marble particle gave high results in resistance to hardness, bending and tensile strength compared to the based matrix. This is due to the presence of marble particle, which reduces the concentration of stresses of the base material, and as a result reduces the growth of cracks on the base material. Therefore, the mechanical properties increase with adding of the reinforced particles.
Optimizing Study of Some Factors That Influence the Performance of Valve Trays in Crude Oil Distillation Towers
Authors: Matrood Ghufran J. , Al-Gaban Ahmed M. , Yousif Hussain M.
Published: December 2020

Valve trays play an important role in the productivity of crude oil distillation towers. The performance efficiency of these valves depends on their erosion-corrosion and fouling corrosion. In this research, NiCrAlY powder with constituents of different ratios of Molybdenum (Mo) was used as a deposited coating layer on the surface of 446 stainless steel. The scanning electron microscope and XRD were used to study the microstructure of the coating layer. Microhardness test was carried out to evaluate coating layer hardness. Erosion – corrosion test was performed to evaluate the performance of the coating layer under an aggressive medium of glass sand and a mixture of sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Contact angle test was carried out to evaluate the contact angle of coated and uncoated samples. Taguchi / ANOVA technique was used to tabulate data and to optimize the results. The results showed that the coating layer containing 4% Mo exhibit high erosion-corrosion resistance and good contact angle, which improving the fouling resistance of the samples under working conditions.
Human Facial Aggressive Detection System Based on Facial-Width-to-Height Ratio
Authors: Hasan Tabreer T. , Issa Abbas H.
Published: December 2020

Recent researches have shown closely related evidence between the human individual social behavior and precisely measurable facial features. The Facial-width-to-height ratio (FWHR) has become quite an interesting topic concerning human aggressive behavior. Recent studies presented evidence showing that the precise measurement of FWHR can be used to predict human aggressive behavior based on facial landmark extraction. In this paper, the Facial-width-to-height ratio is extracted and analyzed among men, women, and children using the recently presented Convolutional Experts Constrained Local Model (CE-CLM). Then, extracted features are used to train the Numeral Virtual Generalizing Random Access Memory (NVG-RAM) pattern recognition technique. The results show promising clues in depending on this feature extraction method for the Facial-width-to-height ratio, and depending on SVG-RAM classifier for aggressive behavior. Moreover, the proposed method is less susceptible to facial rotation error ensuring accurate FWHR extraction.
Bioactivity of CaSiO3 and Porecalin-CaSiO3 Composites Prepared by Sol-Gel Method for Dental Applications
Authors: Hamza Asawer Mohsen , Alshaibani Eman Jabber Abed , Rajaa Abbas R.
Published: December 2020

In this study, the bioactivity of CaSiO3 and Porecalin-CaSiO3 composites have been investigated utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy-Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). CaSiO3 and P-CaSiO3 are prepared by Sol-Gel method for different weight percentages of CaSiO3 (P90CS10, P80CS20 and P70CS30 wt. %). The in vitro bioactive properties have been carried out by immersed the powder and sintered samples on different compositions in simulated body fluids at 32 day to evaluate their bioactivity. Ca/P ratio have been calculated through EDS measurements. Structural characterization revealed the amorphous phase of CaSiO3 when heated at 700 °C and phase transition to the crystalline phase when heated at 950 °C, where pseudowollastonite (α-CaSiO3) and Ca2(SiO4) phases have been appeared. CaSiO3 showed better bioactive ability in comparison with its composites. In general, the bioactivity increases with increasing the CaSiO3 time of immersion in stimulated body fluid (SBF). The closest value to the stoichiometric hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 has been observed with P70CS30 sintered specimen where Ca/P was 1.694.
On the geometry of Banach spaces of the form 𝐿𝑖𝑝₀(𝐶(𝐾))
Authors: Candido Leandro , Kaufmann Pedro
Published: December 2020

We investigate the problem of classifying the Banach spaces

L
i
p

0

(
C
(
K
)
)

\mathrm {Lip}_0(C(K))

for Hausdorff compacta

K
K

. In particular, sufficient conditions are established for a space

L
i
p

0

(
C
(
K
)
)

\mathrm {Lip}_0(C(K))

to be isomorphic to

L
i
p

0

(

c
0

(
Γ
)
)

\mathrm {Lip}_0(c_0(\varGamma ))

for some uncountable set

Γ
\varGamma

.
2. New world order
Authors: Stallabrass Julian
Published: December 2020

‘New world order’ examines globalized art production and consumption. Just as business executives circled the earth in search of new markets, so a breed of nomadic global curators began to do the same, shuttling from one biennial or transnational art event to another. At first, the filtering of local material through the art system produced homogeneity. The contemporary art produced by the shock of exposure to neoliberal economic forces, in Russia and Scandinavia and the contemporary art from communist governments, China and Cuba, are important parts of the new world order. As other powers emerged to challenge the US, and as neoliberalism fell into disrepair, new worlds were revealed.
5. The end of the end of History
Authors: Stallabrass Julian
Published: December 2020

‘The end to the end of history’ assesses how, since the rise of the avant-garde, only art viewed from a historical distance has appeared to have direction and coherence, while the present always seems clouded in confusion. The rise of antagonistic art and street art are both part of this, which points to a deep shift in the constitution of the contemporary art world. The shift is partly caused by the increasing use of art as pure investment. In the early 2000s, the years of the art investment boom were also those of the unfolding ‘war on terror’. One direct response in the art world was a marked revival of a great variety of documentary forms.
Social gradient of self-rated health in older people—the moderating/mediating role of sense of community
Authors: Lai Eric T C , Yu Ruby , Woo Jean
Published: December 2020

Background

Social gradients of self-rated health (SRH) of older people are evident in various settings. However, it is not clear whether improving older people’s sense of community (SoC) could mitigate the social gradient.

Methods

People aged above 60 in five residential districts of Hong Kong were sampled using multistage sampling (n = 1,793). SoC was measured using the validated eight-item Brief Sense of Community Scale, with each item on a five-point Likert scale, forming a score from 8 to 40. SRH was considered as dichotomous (poor/not poor). Socioeconomic status (SES) was operationalised as monthly income, highest education attainment and self-rated disposable income (defined as whether the older person feel he/she has sufficient income). Causal mediation analysis using four-way decomposition was used to assess whether SoC mediates/moderates the association of SES and poor SRH.

Results

A social gradient of poor SRH by all measures of SES was observed [adjusted relative risk (RR) per standard deviation income increase = 0.92; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.88–0.97; RR comparing lowest to highest education= 1.77; 95% CI: 1.48–2.11; RR comparing very insufficient to very sufficient disposable income = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.48–2.05]. Causal mediation analysis showed that SoC interacts with the association of education and SRH, with higher the SoC, stronger the education gradient.

Conclusions

Our findings showed a social gradient of SRH in the older population in Hong Kong. This relationship was moderated by SoC, for which higher SoC is related to stronger SES–SRH gradient.
Testing for similarity of binary efficacy–toxicity responses
Authors: Möllenhoff Kathrin , Dette Holger , Bretz Frank
Published: December 2020

Clinical trials often aim to compare two groups of patients for efficacy and/or toxicity depending on covariates such as dose. Examples include the comparison of populations from different geographic regions or age classes or, alternatively, of different treatment groups. Similarity of these groups can be claimed if the difference in average outcome is below a certain margin over the entire covariate range. In this article, we consider the problem of testing for similarity in the case that efficacy and toxicity are measured as binary outcome variables. We develop a new test for the assessment of similarity of two groups for a single binary endpoint. Our approach is based on estimating the maximal deviation between the curves describing the responses of the two groups, followed by a parametric bootstrap test. Further, using a two-dimensional Gumbel-type model we develop methodology to establish similarity for (correlated) binary efficacy–toxicity outcomes. We investigate the operating characteristics of the proposed methodology by means of a simulation study and present a case study as an illustration.
Long-term evolution of multiple sclerosis iron rim lesions in 7 T MRI
Authors: Dal-Bianco Assunta , Grabner Günther , Kronnerwetter Claudia , Weber Michael , Kornek Barbara , Kasprian Gregor , Berger Thomas , Leutmezer Fritz , Rommer Paulus Stefan , Trattnig Siegfried , Lassmann Hans , Hametner Simon
Published: December 2020

Recent data suggest that multiple sclerosis white matter lesions surrounded by a rim of iron containing microglia, termed iron rim lesions, signify patients with more severe disease course and a propensity to develop progressive multiple sclerosis. So far, however, little is known regarding the dynamics of iron rim lesions over long-time follow-up. In a prospective longitudinal cohort study in 33 patients (17 females; 30 relapsing-remitting, three secondary progressive multiple sclerosis; median age 36.6 years (18.6–62.6), we characterized the evolution of iron rim lesions by MRI at 7 T with annual scanning. The longest follow-up was 7 years in a subgroup of eight patients. Median and mean observation period were 1 (0–7) and 2.9 (±2.6) years, respectively. Images were acquired using a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence fused with iron-sensitive MRI phase data, termed FLAIR-SWI, as well as a magnetization prepared two rapid acquisition gradient echoes, termed MP2RAGE. Volumes and T1 relaxation times of lesions with and without iron rims were assessed by manual segmentation. The pathological substrates of periplaque signal changes outside the iron rims were corroborated by targeted histological analysis on 17 post-mortem cases (10 females; two relapsing-remitting, 13 secondary progressive and two primary progressive multiple sclerosis; median age 66 years (34–88), four of them with available post-mortem 7 T MRI data. We observed 16 nascent iron rim lesions, which mainly formed in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Iron rim lesion fraction was significantly higher in relapsing-remitting than progressive disease (17.8 versus 7.2%; P < 0.001). In secondary progressive multiple sclerosis only, iron rim lesions showed significantly different volume dynamics (P < 0.034) compared with non-rim lesions, which significantly shrank with time in both relapsing-remitting (P < 0.001) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (P < 0.004). The iron rims themselves gradually diminished with time (P < 0.008). Compared with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, iron rim lesions in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis were significantly more destructive than non-iron rim lesions (P < 0.001), reflected by prolonged lesional T1 relaxation times and by progressively increasing changes ascribed to secondary axonal degeneration in the periplaque white matter. Our study for the first time shows that chronic active lesions in multiple sclerosis patients evolve over many years after their initial formation. The dynamics of iron rim lesions thus provide one explanation for progressive brain damage and disability accrual in patients. Their systematic recording might become useful as a tool for predicting disease progression and monitoring treatment in progressive multiple sclerosis.
SIRT4 is the molecular switch mediating cellular proliferation in colorectal cancer through GLS mediated activation of AKT/GSK3β/CyclinD1 pathway
Authors: Cui Ying , Bai Yibing , Yang Jiani , Yao Yuanfei , Zhang Chunhui , Liu Chao , Shi Jiaqi , Li QingWei , Zhang Jingchun , Lu Xiaolin , Zhang Yanqiao
Published: December 2020

Mitochondria-localized sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) is associated with malignant phenotypes in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the molecular mechanisms that drive SIRT4-mediated carcinogenesis are unclear. Initially, we confirmed expression of SIRT4 in CRC through public database and in CRC patient tissues using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. We established HCT116 colorectal cells that overexpressed SIRT4 and HT29 cells were transfected with plasmids bearing a small interfering RNA construct to silence SIRT4. Assays to determine the malignant phenotypes (proliferation, invasion and migration) were performed. Xenograft in vivo models were also constructed. A protein interactome network was built using differentially expressed proteins identified using the liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrophotometry, the findings of which were confirmed using co-immunoprecipitation, western blotting and phenotype rescue experiments. Decreased SIRT4 expression was associated with malignant phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. The ribosomal biogenesis pathway was enriched in the interactome network. SIRT4 suppression activated glutaminase, thereby initiating AKT activation. Our research provided novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC, and identified that SIRT4 exerts its antitumor activity in CRC possibly dependent on glutaminase to inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion via the AKT/GSK3β/CyclinD1 pathway.
Development and Analytical Validation of a Reverse Transcription Droplet Digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) Assay forPD-L1Transcripts in Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Strati Areti , Zavridou Martha , Economopoulou Panagiota , Gkolfinopoulos Stavros , Psyrri Amanda , Lianidou Evi
Published: December 2020

Background

PD-L1, an immune checkpoint protein, is an important biomarker for monitoring cancer patients during the administration of cancer immunotherapy. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), is a highly sensitive and accurate tool for the quantification of cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsy. We report the development and analytical validation of a novel duplex RT-ddPCR assay for the simultaneous quantification of PD-L1 and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) (used as reference gene) transcripts in circulating tumor cells (CTCs).

Methods

RT-ddPCR experimental conditions were first optimized and the assay was analytically validated using synthetic standards and the BB49 and SCC47 cancer cell lines. The developed assay was further applied in 71 peripheral blood (PB) samples from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients and 20 PB samples from healthy donors. PD-L1 and HPRT transcripts were quantified in cDNAs derived from CTCs isolated by a size-dependent microfluidic device. The developed RT-ddPCR assay was directly compared to RT-qPCR using 71 identical patient cDNA samples.

Results

Analytical sensitivity was 0.64 copies/μL, while estimation of intra- and interassay variation revealed a high reproducibility (within-run CV%:4.7–23%; between-run CV%:13%). Using the developed RT-ddPCR assay 33/71(46.5%) HNSCC patients’ samples were found positive for PD-L1 expression in CTCs, while by using RT-qPCR fewer samples (23/71, 32.4%) were positive (concordance: 55/71, 77.5%).

Conclusions

The developed RT-ddPCR assay for PD-L1 in CTCs is highly sensitive, specific, and reproducible; additionally, it offers improved diagnostic sensitivity over RT-qPCR. The clinical utility of the assay should be prospectively evaluated for the real-time monitoring of CTCs of cancer patients under immunotherapy.
Role Mining Heuristics for Permission-Role-Usage Cardinality Constraints
Authors: Blundo Carlo , Cimato Stelvio , Siniscalchi Luisa
Published: December 2020

Role-based access control (RBAC) has become a de facto standard to control access to restricted resources in complex systems and is widely deployed in many commercially available applications, including operating systems, databases and other softwares. The migration process towards RBAC, starting from the current access configuration, relies on the design of role mining techniques, whose aim is to define suitable roles that implement the given access policies. Some constraints can be used to transform the roles automatically output by the mining procedures and effectively capture the organization’s status under analysis. Such constraints can limit the final configuration characteristics, such as the number of roles assigned to a user, or the number of permissions included in a role, and produce a resulting role set that is effectively usable in real-world situations. In this paper, we consider two constraints: the number of permissions a role can include and the number of roles assigned to any user. In particular, we present two heuristics that produce roles compliant with both constraints and evaluate their performances using both real-world and synthetic datasets.