bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Feature Fusion and Kernel-Based Regression Modeling to Improve Blind Image Quality Assessment
Authors: Ryu Jihyoung
Published: June 2023

In the fields of image processing and computer vision, evaluating blind image quality (BIQA) is still a difficult task. In this paper, a unique BIQA framework is presented that integrates feature extraction, feature selection, and regression using a support vector machine (SVM). Various image characteristics are included in the framework, such as wavelet transform, prewitt and gaussian, log and gaussian, and prewitt, sobel, and gaussian. An SVM regression model is trained using these features to predict the quality ratings of photographs. The proposed model uses the Information Gain attribute approach for feature selection to improve the performance of the regression model and decrease the size of the feature space. Three commonly used benchmark datasets, TID2013, CSIQ, and LIVE, are utilized to assess the performance of the proposed methodology. The study examines how various feature types and feature selection strategies affect the functionality of the framework through thorough experiments. The experimental findings demonstrate that our suggested framework reaches the highest levels of accuracy and robustness. This suggests that it has a lot of potential to improve the accuracy and dependability of BIQA approaches. Additionally, its use is broadened to include image transmission, compression, and restoration. Overall, the results demonstrate our framework’s promise and ability to advance studies into image quality assessment.
Optical Convolutional Neural Networks: Methodology and Advances (Invited)
Authors: Meng Xiangyan , Shi Nuannuan , Li Guangyi , Li Wei , Zhu Ninghua , Li Ming
Published: June 2023

As a leading branch of deep learning, the convolutional neural network (CNN) is inspired by the natural visual perceptron mechanism of living things, showing great application in image recognition, language processing, and other fields. Photonics technology provides a new route for intelligent signal processing with the dramatic potential of its ultralarge bandwidth and ultralow power consumption, which automatically completes the computing process after the signal propagates through the processor with an analog computing architecture. In this paper, we focus on the key enabling technology of optical CNN, including reviewing the recent advances in the research hotspots, overviewing the current challenges and limitations that need to be further overcome, and discussing its potential application.
L-Tryptophan Mitigates Cannibalism and Improves Growth of Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer Reared in a RAS System
Authors: Khan Md. Shahzad Kuli , Salin Krishna R. , Yakupitiyage Amararatne , Tsusaka Takuji W. , Nguyen Loc Thai , Siddique Mohammad Abdul Momin
Published: June 2023

Severe cannibalism can result in a significant loss of productivity during the nursery phase of Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer. The present study aimed to determine the effect of dietary tryptophan on growth, feed utilization, cannibalism, survival, and muscle proximate composition of Asian seabass juveniles (initial size, 2.77 ± 0.04 cm in length and 0.29 ± 0.01 g in weight) in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) at different stocking densities. The tryptophan levels were set at 0.41% (control diet, standard dosage for normal growth and survival of Asian seabass), 1.00% (Diet 1), and 1.50% (Diet 2), while the stocking densities were set at 0.5 ind./L and 1.5 ind./L. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with L-tryptophan (TRP) and fish stocking density had a significant effect on fish growth parameters, feed utilization, cannibalism, survival, and muscle lipid content (p < 0.05) over the 45-day trial. The maximum length, weight, WG, and SGR were 11.64 ± 0.35 cm, 22.93 ± 2.67 g, 22.64 ± 2.67 g, and 9.63 ± 0.27%, respectively, in the fish fed Diet 2, and 11.35 ± 0.22 cm, 24.38 ± 1.28 g, 24.09 ± 1.28 g, and 9.82 ± 0.11% at a 1.5 ind./L stocking density. The lower FCR (0.81 ± 0.04) and higher PER (2.98 ± 0.16) ensured better utilization of Diet 1 than the other diets. Moreover, significant interaction effects between diet and stocking density were observed in total yield, cannibalism, and survival of the Asian seabass. Significantly higher survival rates of 76.11 ± 3.90% in the Diet 1 group and 76.28 ± 2.88% in 0.5 ind./L stocking density were obtained, which is promising. The study concludes that dietary supplementation with 1.00% TRP was effective in reducing cannibalism and increasing the survival of the Asian seabass nursery reared in RAS at a lower stocking density (i.e., 0.5 ind./L), whereas 1.50% supplemental TRP at a higher stocking density (i.e., 1.5 ind./L) significantly increased the cannibalism and growth, which in turn reduced the survival rate.
“Made by the Son of a Black”: José Campeche as Artist and Free Person of Color in Late Eighteenth-Century Puerto Rico
Authors: Thames Emily K.
Published: June 2023

In response to the absence of a critical discussion of race within his historiography, this essay focuses on José Campeche (1751–1809) as an artist of African descent and argues that the socially and culturally inscribed constructs of race and Campeche’s lived experiences of them in late eighteenth-century Puerto Rico shaped and informed his participation in the arts. Campeche lived both as an artist and as a free man of color within a racialized colonial society, and as such, inquiries regarding how race affected Campeche’s life and artistic practice, and particularly how his immersion in the community of free people of color in San Juan possibly impacted the manner in which he was trained and worked, allow for a more comprehensive understanding of his art production. Using comparable examples of African descendant artists and artisans active in other colonial centers, such as Mexico City and Havana, this article elucidates connections between Campeche’s socioracial reality, his artistic career, and his work through an examination of the relationship between race and art making in Puerto Rico, the broader Caribbean region, and the greater Spanish Empire during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. This analysis of Campeche’s career and work prompts new questions about the artist that have not been asked in previous scholarship, such as how the structures of race would have defined his position and interactions within colonial society and also how his complex multiracial identity may have allowed him access to the different kinds of artistic exposure, training, and opportunities he likely had in San Juan.
Time-Frequency Domain Variation Analysis and LSTM Forecasting of Regional Visibility in the China Region Based on GSOD Station Data
Authors: Tang Chaoli , Wang Lipeng , Wei Yuanyuan , Wu Pengfei , Wei Heli
Published: June 2023

Atmospheric visibility is an important indicator that reflects the transparency of the atmosphere and characterizes the air quality, so it is of great significance to study the long-term change in visibility. This paper is based on the global surface summary of day data (GSOD) site dataset and other relevant data, using the Mann–Kendall (MK) mutation point test, wavelet transform, and seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model forecasting. The time-frequency domain variation characteristics and related influencing factors of regional visibility in China were studied in detail, and the visibility was predicted; the results of the study showed the following: (1) the overall interannual variation of regional visibility in China has a decreasing trend, and the four-season variation has a decreasing trend, except for the rising trend in summer, with abrupt change points in both the overall interannual variation and the four-season variation. (2) There are main cycles of visibility in the Chinese region with time scales of 180 months and 18 months. Under the time scale of 180 months for the main cycle, the variation period of visibility is about 123 months, experiencing two high to low variations; under the time scale of 18 months for the main cycle, the variation period of visibility is 12 months, experiencing 21 high to low variations. (3) The development of the economy indirectly affects changes in visibility. Cities with high economies are densely populated, with concentrations of various particulate emissions and high concentrations of particulate matter, which can directly reduce visibility. (4) Two prediction models, SARIMA and long and the short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, were used to predict the visibility in China, both of which achieved good evaluation indexes, and the visibility in China may show an increasing trend in the future.
Reconstructing PM2.5 Data Record for the Kathmandu Valley Using a Machine Learning Model
Authors: Bhatta Surendra , Yang Yuekui
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a method for reconstructing the historical hourly concentrations of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) over the Kathmandu Valley from 1980 to the present. The method uses a machine learning model that is trained using PM2.5 readings from the US Embassy (Phora Durbar) as a ground truth, and the meteorological data from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications v2 (MERRA2) as input. The Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model acquires a credible 10-fold cross-validation (CV) score of ~83.4%, an r2-score of ~84%, a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of ~15.82 µg/m3, and a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of ~10.27 µg/m3. Further demonstrating the model’s applicability to years other than those for which truth values are unavailable, the multiple cross-tests with an unseen data set offered r2-scores for 2018, 2019, and 2020 ranging from 56% to 67%. The model-predicted data agree with true values and indicate that MERRA2 underestimates PM2.5 over the region. It strongly agrees with ground-based evidence showing substantially higher mass concentrations in the dry pre- and post-monsoon seasons than in the monsoon months. It also shows a strong anti-correlation between PM2.5 concentration and humidity. The results also demonstrate that none of the years fulfilled the annual mean air quality index (AQI) standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
A Novel Study of Fuzzy Bi-Ideals in Ordered Semirings
Authors: Muhiuddin Ghulam , Abughazalah Nabilah , Mahboob Ahsan , Al-Kadi Deena
Published: June 2023

In this study, by generalizing the notion of fuzzy bi-ideals of ordered semirings, the notion of (∈,∈∨(κ*,qκ))-fuzzy bi-ideals is established. We prove that (∈,∈∨(κ*,qκ))-fuzzy bi-ideals are fuzzy bi-ideals but that the converse is not true, and an example is provided to support this proof. A condition is given under which fuzzy bi-ideals of ordered semirings coincide with (∈,∈∨(κ*,qκ))-fuzzy bi-ideals. An equivalent condition and certain correspondences between bi-ideals and (∈,∈∨(κ*,qκ))-fuzzy bi-ideals are presented. Moreover, the (κ*,κ)-lower part of (∈,∈∨(κ*,qκ))-fuzzy bi-ideals is described and depicted in terms of several classes of ordered semirings. Furthermore, it is shown that the ordered semiring is bi-simple if and only if it is (∈,∈∨(κ*,qκ))-fuzzy bi-simple.
An Automated Approach to Instrumenting the Up-on-the-Toes Test(s)
Authors: Zahid Sarah Aruje , Celik Yunus , Godfrey Alan , Buckley John G.
Published: June 2023

Normal ankle function provides a key contribution to everyday activities, particularly step/stair ascent and descent, where many falls occur. The rising to up-on-the-toes (UTT) 30 second test (UTT-30) is used in the clinical assessment of ankle muscle strength/function and endurance and is typically assessed by an observer counting the UTT movement completed. The aims of this study are: (i) to determine whether inertial measurement units (IMUs) provide valid assessment of the UTT-30 by comparing IMU-derived metrics with those from a force-platform (FP), and (ii) to describe how IMUs can be used to provide valid assessment of the movement dynamics/stability when performing a single UTT movement that is held for 5 s (UTT-stand). Twenty adults (26.2 ± 7.7 years) performed a UTT-30 and a UTT-stand on a force-platform with IMUs attached to each foot and the lumbar spine. We evaluate the agreement/association between IMU measures and measures determined from the FP. For UTT-30, IMU analysis of peaks in plantarflexion velocity and in FP’s centre of pressure (CoP) velocity was used to identify each repeated UTT movement and provided an objective means to discount any UTT movements that were not completed ‘fully’. UTT movements that were deemed to have not been completed ‘fully’ were those that yielded peak plantarflexion and CoP velocity values during the period of rising to up-on-the-toes that were below 1 SD of each participant’s mean peak rising velocity across their repeated UTT. The number of UTT movements detected by the IMU approach (23.5) agreed with the number determined by the FP (23.6), and each approach determined the same number of ‘fully’ completed movements (IMU, 19.9; FP, 19.7). For UTT-stand, IMU-derived movement dynamics/postural stability were moderately-to-strongly correlated with measures derived from the FP. Our findings highlight that the use of IMUs can provide valid assessment of UTT test(s).
The Application of Evidence-Based Medicine in Individualized Medicine
Authors: Van de Vliet Peter , Sprenger Tobias , Kampers Linde F. C. , Makalowski Jennifer , Schirrmacher Volker , Stücker Wilfried , Van Gool Stefaan W.
Published: June 2023

The fundamental aim of healthcare is to improve overall health of the population by providing state-of-the-art healthcare for individuals at an affordable cost. The foundation for this system is largely referred to as “evidence-based medicine”. Too often, evidence-based medicine is based solely on so-called “best research evidence”, collected through randomized controlled trials while disregarding clinical expertise and patient expectations. As healthcare gravitates towards personalized and individualized medicine, such external clinical (research) evidence can inform, but never replace, individual clinical expertise. This applies in particular to orphan diseases, for which clinical trials are methodologically particularly problematic, and evidence derived from them is often questionable. Evidence-based medicine constitutes a complex process to allow doctors and patients to select the best possible solutions for each individual based on rapidly developing new therapeutic directions. This requires a revisit of the foundations of evidence-based medicine. A proposition as to how to manage evidence-based data in individualized immune-oncology is presented here.
Type II Transmembrane Serine Proteases as Modulators in Adipose Tissue Phenotype and Function
Authors: Wu Qingyu , Li Shuo , Zhang Xianrui , Dong Ningzheng
Published: June 2023

Adipose tissue is a crucial organ in energy metabolism and thermoregulation. Adipose tissue phenotype is controlled by various signaling mechanisms under pathophysiological conditions. Type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs) are a group of trypsin-like enzymes anchoring on the cell surface. These proteases act in diverse tissues to regulate physiological processes, such as food digestion, salt-water balance, iron metabolism, epithelial integrity, and auditory nerve development. More recently, several members of the TTSP family, namely, hepsin, matriptase-2, and corin, have been shown to play a role in regulating lipid metabolism, adipose tissue phenotype, and thermogenesis, via direct growth factor activation or indirect hormonal mechanisms. In mice, hepsin deficiency increases adipose browning and protects from high-fat diet-induced hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. Similarly, matriptase-2 deficiency increases fat lipolysis and reduces obesity and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-fed mice. In contrast, corin deficiency increases white adipose weights and cell sizes, suppresses adipocyte browning and thermogenic responses, and causes cold intolerance in mice. These findings highlight an important role of TTSPs in modifying cellular phenotype and function in adipose tissue. In this review, we provide a brief description about TTSPs and discuss recent findings regarding the role of hepsin, matriptase-2, and corin in regulating adipose tissue phenotype, energy metabolism, and thermogenic responses.
Cocaine Regulates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity and CRF Signaling in a Region- and Sex-Dependent Manner in Rat Brain
Authors: Cheng Yan , Dempsey Rachael Elizabeth , Roodsari Soheil Kazemi , Shuboni-Mulligan Dorela D. , George Olivier , Sanford Larry D. , Guo Ming-Lei
Published: June 2023

Cocaine, one of the most abused drugs worldwide, is capable of activating microglia in vitro and in vivo. Several neuroimmune pathways have been suggested to play roles in cocaine-mediated microglial activation. Previous work showed that cocaine activates microglia in a region-specific manner in the brains of self-administered mice. To further characterize the effects of cocaine on microglia and neuroimmune signaling in vivo, we utilized the brains from both sexes of outbred rats with cocaine self-administration to explore the activation status of microglia, NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activity, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling, and NF-κB levels in the striatum and hippocampus (HP). Age-matched rats of the same sex (drug naïve) served as controls. Our results showed that cocaine increased neuroinflammation in the striatum and HP of both sexes with a relatively higher increases in male brains. In the striatum, cocaine upregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activity and CRF levels in males but not in females. In contrast, cocaine increased NLRP3 inflammasome activity in the HP of females but not in males, and no effects on CRF signaling were observed in this region of either sex. Interestingly, cocaine increased NF-κB levels in the striatum and HP with no sex difference. Taken together, our results provide evidence that cocaine can exert region- and sex-specific differences in neuroimmune signaling in the brain. Targeting neuroimmune signaling has been suggested as possible treatment for cocaine use disorders (CUDs). Our current results indicate that sex should be taken into consideration when determining the efficacy of these new therapeutic approaches.
Outcome of BCG Vaccination in ADA-SCID Patients: A 12-Patient Series
Authors: Canarutto Daniele , Oltolini Chiara , Barzaghi Federica , Calbi Valeria , Migliavacca Maddalena , Tucci Francesca , Gallo Vera , Consiglieri Giulia , Ferrua Francesca , Recupero Salvatore , Cervi Maria Celia , Al-Mousa Hamoud , Pituch-Noworolska Anna , Tassan Din Chiara , Scarpellini Paolo , Silvani Paolo , Fossati Claudia , Casiraghi Miriam , Cirillo Daniela Maria , Castagna Antonella , Bernardo Maria Ester , Aiuti Alessandro , Cicalese Maria Pia
Published: June 2023

Vaccination with Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) can be harmful to patients with combined primary immunodeficiencies. We report the outcome of BCG vaccination in a series of twelve patients affected by adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA-SCID). BCG vaccination resulted in a very high incidence of complications due to uncontrolled replication of the mycobacterium. All patients who developed BCG-related disease were treated successfully and remained free from recurrence of disease. We recommend the prompt initiation of enzyme replacement therapy and secondary prophylaxis to reduce the risk of BCG-related complications in ADA-SCID patients.
Pharmacological Proposal Approach to Managing Chronic Pain Associated with COVID-19
Authors: Vargas-Schaffer Grisell
Published: June 2023

Background: Post-COVID syndrome is widespread and chronic pain associated with this syndrome is increasingly being seen in pain clinics. Understanding and managing Chronic Post-COVID Pain (CPCoP) is essential in improving the quality of life of patients. Relevant sections: Identify the types of pain associated with post-COVID syndrome and look for ways to treat them. Results and Discussion: Based on our experience, we have identified five groups within CPCoP: (1) chronic pain post-hospitalization in intensive care or long hospitalizations, (2) pain associated with rehabilitation, (3) exacerbation of existing chronic pain pre-COVID-19 infection, (4) central and peripheral neuropathic pain post-COVID-19 infection, (5) chronic pain post vaccination. To fight against misinformation, we created an information capsule for doctors, nurses, and other health workers at a conference via the ECHO* program, delivered 2–3 times a year. Conclusions: In pandemic and post-pandemic periods, it is important to determine the sequelae that a disease can leave in the general population, and to understand and treat them. The model proposed may serve as an inspiration to other pain centers to treat the increasing number of patients with CPCoP.
Age, Dose, and Locomotion: Decoding Vulnerability to Ketamine in C57BL/6J and BALB/c Mice
Authors: Chen Wen-Chien , Wang Tzong-Shi , Chang Fang-Yu , Chen Po-An , Chen Yi-Chyan
Published: June 2023

Ketamine has been abused as a psychedelic agent and causes diverse neurobehavioral changes. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage but vulnerable to substances and environmental stimuli. Growing evidence shows that ketamine affects glutamatergic neurotransmission, which is important for memory storage, addiction, and psychosis. To explore diverse biological responses, this study was designed to assess ketamine sensitivity in mice of different ages and strains. Male C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice were studied in adolescence and adulthood separately. An open field test assessed motor behavioral changes. After a 30-min baseline habituation, mice were injected with ketamine (0, 25, and 50 mg/kg), and their locomotion was measured for 60 min. Following ketamine injection, the travelled distance and speed significantly increased in C57BL/6J mice between both age groups (p < 0.01), but not in BALB/c mice. The pattern of hyperlocomotion showed that mice were delayed at the higher dose (50 mg/kg) compared to the lower dose (25 mg/kg) of ketamine treatment. Ketamine accentuated locomotor activation in adolescent C57BL/6J mice compared to adults, but not in the BALB/c strain. Here, we show that ketamine-induced locomotor behavior is modulated by dose and age. The discrepancy of neurobehaviors in the two strains of mice indicates that sensitivity to ketamine is biologically determined. This study suggests that individual vulnerability to ketamine’s pharmacological responses varies biologically.
Fiber Laser-Based Lasso-Shaped Biosensor for High Precision Detection of Cancer Biomarker-CEACAM5 in Serum
Authors: Hu Jie , Song Enlai , Liu Yuhui , Yang Qiaochu , Sun Junhui , Chen Jinna , Meng Yue , Jia Yanwei , Yu Zhiguang , Ran Yang , Shao Liyang , Shum Perry Ping
Published: June 2023

Detection of trace tumor markers in blood/serum is essential for the early screening and prognosis of cancer diseases, which requires high sensitivity and specificity of the assays and biosensors. A variety of label-free optical fiber-based biosensors has been developed and yielded great opportunities for Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) of cancer biomarkers. The fiber biosensor, however, suffers from a compromise between the responsivity and stability of the sensing signal, which would deteriorate the sensing performance. In addition, the sophistication of sensor preparation hinders the reproduction and scale-up fabrication. To address these issues, in this study, a straightforward lasso-shaped fiber laser biosensor was proposed for the specific determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-related cell adhesion molecules 5 (CEACAM5) protein in serum. Due to the ultra-narrow linewidth of the laser, a very small variation of lasing signal caused by biomolecular bonding can be clearly distinguished via high-resolution spectral analysis. The limit of detection (LOD) of the proposed biosensor could reach 9.6 ng/mL according to the buffer test. The sensing capability was further validated by a human serum-based cancer diagnosis trial, enabling great potential for clinical use. The high reproduction of fabrication allowed the mass production of the sensor and extended its utility to a broader biosensing field.
Building Block Engineering toward Realizing High-Performance Electrochromic Materials and Glucose Biosensing Platform
Authors: Karabag Aliekber , Soyler Dilek , Udum Yasemin Arslan , Toppare Levent , Gunbas Gorkem , Soylemez Saniye
Published: June 2023

The molecular engineering of conjugated systems has proven to be an effective method for understanding structure–property relationships toward the advancement of optoelectronic properties and biosensing characteristics. Herein, a series of three thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione (TPD)-based conjugated monomers, modified with electron-rich selenophene, 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), or both building blocks (Se-TPD, EDOT-TPD, and EDOT-Se-TPD), were synthesized using Stille cross-coupling and electrochemically polymerized, and their electrochromic properties and applications in a glucose biosensing platform were explored. The influence of structural modification on electrochemical, electronic, optical, and biosensing properties was systematically investigated. The results showed that the cyclic voltammograms of EDOT-containing materials displayed a high charge capacity over a wide range of scan rates representing a quick charge propagation, making them appropriate materials for high-performance supercapacitor devices. UV-Vis studies revealed that EDOT-based materials presented wide-range absorptions, and thus low optical band gaps. These two EDOT-modified materials also exhibited superior optical contrasts and fast switching times, and further displayed multi-color properties in their neutral and fully oxidized states, enabling them to be promising materials for constructing advanced electrochromic devices. In the context of biosensing applications, a selenophene-containing polymer showed markedly lower performance, specifically in signal intensity and stability, which was attributed to the improper localization of biomolecules on the polymer surface. Overall, we demonstrated that relatively small changes in the structure had a significant impact on both optoelectronic and biosensing properties for TPD-based donor–acceptor polymers.
Personal Factors, Living Environments, and Specialized Supports: Their Role in the Self-Determination of People with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Vicente Eva , Pérez-Curiel Patricia , Mumbardó-Adam Cristina , Guillén Verónica M. , Bravo-Álvarez María-Ángeles
Published: June 2023

The self-determination of people with disabilities, and specifically people with intellectual disabilities (ID), is a growing issue due to its relevance in the field of inclusion and human rights. Although research has shown a significant relationship between self-determination and intelligence, other factors also contribute to its development. The purpose of this study was to understand what other variables may be influencing self-determination. Using the scores from 483 adolescents and adults with ID who completed the AUTODDIS scale, we performed inferential and regression analyses to determine the relationships between levels of self-determination, personal variables (sex, age, severity of ID), and contextual variables (living environment, specialized supports). We found that self-determination is affected by the severity of ID, and when this variable is controlled for, greater self-determination is mainly related to receiving occupational support and support for autonomy and independent living. Results also showed that, together with ID severity, occupational and psychoeducational support, as well as support for autonomy and independent living, were also predictors of the level of self-determination. In conclusion, this study confirms the importance of contextual variables in the development of self-determination in people with ID, placing the focus of intervention on social opportunities.
The Effect of Untreated Dura-Palm Kernel Shells as Coarse Aggregate in Lightweight Pervious Concrete for Flood Mitigation
Authors: Yiwo Ebenezer , Tamayo Pablo , Jato-Espino Daniel , García Del Angel Gilberto , Thomas Carlos
Published: June 2023

This research aimed at ascertaining the performance of raw dura species of Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) in comparison to a different species of PKS (tenera) as a replacement for known aggregates for pervious lightweight concrete. Using limestones as the known aggregates, control pervious concrete was batched, and relevant tests were conducted. Major tests conducted on the composites concerned compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, as well as permeability, densities, and absorption. Logistic constraints on transporting the dura-PKS limited the quantity needed to ascertain the variety of replacements of the dura-PKS. With a 25% replacement known to be the most suitable ratio for related investigations, we adopted that ratio and compared to the extreme ratio of 100% dura-PKS. The tests revealed that a 100% replacement of known aggregates by the dura-PKS resulted in high porosity and permeability, although the resistances to compression, tension, and flexural loads read low for the same mixture. Instead, pervious concrete 25% of dura-PKS replacement yielded optimum water permeability rate and flexural and compressive stresses. However, the flakiness index recorded for the dura-PKS was almost half that of the tenera species and was not reflected in the mechanical properties as the results gave relatively lower strengths. The results in the case of the dura species do not differ significantly compared to the tenera-PKS in terms of strength and permeability.
The Preparation of Ground Blast Furnace Slag-Steel Slag Pavement Concrete Using Different Activators and Its Performance Investigation
Authors: Yang Jun , Liu Li , Zhang Gaozhan , Ding Qingjun , Sun Xiaoping
Published: June 2023

Steel slag and ground blast furnace slag show good wear resistance, which is suitable for improving the abrasion performance of pavement concrete. This work presents an investigation of the activation of Na2SO4, Na2CO3 and Na2SiO3 on the GBFS-SS composite pavement concrete. The results showed that both Na2SO4 and Na2SiO3 can promote the strength development of the GBFS-SS composite cementitious system. Na2CO3 shows limited improvement in the strength of GBFS-SS composite paste. The GBFS-SS composite paste activated with Na2SiO3 and Na2SO4 combination shows hydration products of ettringite, portlandite and amorphous C-A-S-H gel. SO42− can accelerate the depolymerization of the aluminosilicate network in GBFS and SS vitreous structure, while SiO32− can only facilitate the pozzolanic reaction of GBFS and SS, but also participate in the hydration to form more C-A-S-H gel. Na2SO4 as the activator can reduce the dry shrinkage of the pavement concrete, while Na2SiO3 as the activator can further improve the compressive strength and abrasion resistance of the pavement concrete. The combined activation of Na2SiO3 and Na2SO4 shows a better effect on improving the performance of pavement concrete than the single Na2SiO3 or Na2SO4 activator. At the optimal content of 3% of Na2SiO3 and 1% of Na2SO4, the pavement concrete obtains the 60 d compressive strength of 73.5 MPa, the 60 d drying shrinkage of 270 × 10−6, the 60 d interconnected porosity of 6.85%, and the 28 d abrasion resistance of 28.32 h/(kg/m2).
Seismic Vulnerability Analysis of Long-Span Prestressed Concrete Composite Box Girder Bridge with Corrugated Steel Webs under Construction
Authors: Wang Rubao , Hu Zhangliang , Hao Zhiming , Chen Liang , Shi Guigang , Hou Ruini , Zuo Rui
Published: June 2023

In order to address the difficulty in determining the seismic damage probability of continuous girder bridges under construction, the seismic vulnerability analysis method of the construction state is proposed in this study. Firstly, taking a long-span prestressed concrete composite box girder bridge with corrugated steel webs (OSW) as an example, the finite element models (FEMs) of dynamic calculation in different phases of cantilever construction are simulated by OpenSEES. Secondly, by selecting reasonable seismic waves and seismic intensity measures, the non-linear time-history analysis is carried out, followed by the demand parameters and damage indexes suitable for the construction state proposed. Finally, the probabilistic seismic demand model (PSDA) of the continuous box girder bridge during the construction stage is constructed by using the “cloud method”, and the seismic vulnerability curves of the piers and temporary bearings are established to evaluate the seismic performance during the construction stage. The results indicate that the damage probability of piers and temporary bearings increases with the progress of construction. The initial formation of the cantilever structure and the sudden change in the size of the construction segmental girder correspond to a high probability of damage, and seismic protection measures should be strengthened during this construction state. Moreover, significantly higher damage probability of the components under construction compared to the completed bridge after it is built.
How Team Voice Contributes to Construction Project Performance: The Mediating Role of Project Learning and Project Reflexivity
Authors: Wang Ding , Jia Jianyao , Jiang Shan , Liu Tianyi , Ma Guofeng
Published: June 2023

Voice behavior has been widely recognized as having various benefits for organizations, while researchers seldom notice its consequences in construction projects. Against this context, this study empirically explores the impact path of team voice on project performance in construction projects from a multi-team system (MTS) perspective. Considering the essence of voice behavior is to provide information, this study introduces the input–process–outcome (IPO) framework to verify how team voice can affect project performance by influencing project learning and project reflexivity. The online survey method, monetary incentive method, and chain-referral sampling method are adopted to distribute the designed questionnaire. A total of 184 data points from completed construction projects in China supported the research conclusion by adopting the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. Project learning and project reflexivity positively mediate the relationship between team voice and project performance in construction projects. Specifically, team voice can first positively influence project learning and project reflexivity, which both have a positive relationship with project performance. For theory, this study opens the black box between team voice and project performance in the context of construction projects by unveiling the mediating path of project learning and project reflexivity, which also enriches the literature on voice behavior and expands its application. Furthermore, this study provides one new perspective for MTS knowledge by adopting the IPO framework to explore the underlying mechanism between the focal team and the overall team performance of the MTS. For practice, this study has a directive function for construction project management and MTS management, while providing reminders for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about the significance of project learning and project reflexivity on project performance.
A Multivariate Analysis of the Variables Impacting the Level of BIM Expertise of Professionals in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industries of the Developing World Using Nonparametric Tests
Authors: Takyi-Annan Georgina Esi , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2023

Building information modeling (BIM) mandates are becoming more widespread because BIM allows design and construction teams to operate more productively and also enables them to collect the data they generate during the process for use in operations and maintenance tasks. As a result, professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries are expected to possess excellent BIM expertise. Despite the fact that the developing world has largely not adopted BIM, many studies have been conducted on BIM usage, awareness, drivers and barriers with a focus on the developing world. Numerous studies have pointed to the professionals’ lack of BIM expertise in the developing world’s AEC sector as a major barrier to BIM deployment. Nevertheless, no research has been conducted to assess the variables impacting the level of BIM expertise among professionals. After a detailed review of the literature, the study developed five study hypotheses and created a conceptual model to help assess the variables impacting the level of BIM expertise of professionals in the AEC industry in the developing world. After that, a questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data from 103 seasoned professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry. Nonparametric tests, such as the Kruskal–Wallis, pairwise post hoc Dunn, Mann–Whitney, Pearson’s correlation and the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS SEM) tests, were adopted to assess the relationships between the level of BIM expertise of professionals (BE) and the following variables: (1) profession (P), (2) the frequency of BIM use by professionals (BF), (3) the highest dimension of BIM adopted by AEC firms and companies (BD), (4) professionals’ perception of BIM (PB) and (5) the BIM implementation barriers (BIMIBs). P, BF, BD and PB were found to have a substantial impact on the level of BIM expertise acquired by professionals. With regards to professionals’ perception of the BIM software and process, only one (PB3–BIM is not useful to our company at the moment) out of ten of them was found to have a significant impact on BE, highlighting the impact of employers on the level of BIM expertise of professionals. In addition, the study discovered that any resolution made in an attempt to tackle the lack of/insufficient level of BIM expertise among professionals would prove futile without significant effort from the higher education sector (HES) of the developing world and the entire world at large. The study’s conceptual, empirical, managerial and theoretical implications and findings would serve as a roadmap for researchers, professionals and academics in developing nations as they endeavor to seek more ways of increasing BIM expertise among their professionals and to encourage BIM usage throughout the project lifecycle.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Historical Buildings and Digitization
Authors: Wang Zhanzhu , Sun Hao , Yang Liping
Published: June 2023

The wealth of published data are valuable because, in addition to contributing to the advancement of scientific, technical, and policy knowledge, they can also provide critical information and guidance regarding published content, subject changes, and trends that demand greater attention. In the 21st century, digital technologies play an increasingly important role in “data capture”, “building management”, “virtual reconstruction”, and “building restoration”. The indispensable role of digital technology in addressing “data capture”, “building management”, “virtual reconstruction”, and “building restoration” has resulted in the publication of several high-quality publications. In this study, we retrieve textual data from Web of Science and mine the content of the documentary data using COOC, VOSviewer, CiteNetwork, and academic influence evaluation (AIE) software to gain insights into the prospects and opportunities for historic architecture and digitization research. The results indicate that greater progress has been made in research on the use of digital technologies for the conservation of historic buildings from 2019 to 2023, but cross-disciplinary, cross-institutional, and cross-border collaboration should be enhanced. The research frontiers identified indicate that photogrammetry, 3D modeling, point cloud, and deep learning will require sustained attention in the near future. Additionally, computational analyses of academic influence reveal that Italian institutions and authors have dominated research in this field in recent years. A new strategy and framework for data-driven bibliometric analysis involving historical architecture and digitization techniques are presented in this study. Based on general bibliometric methods, this study innovatively explores the scientific knowledge base and knowledge flow of highly cited articles, provides comprehensive evaluation indicators such as H-index, G-index, P-index, and Z-index for high-impact journals, institutions, and authors, and proposes a COOC-based idea to address the consistency of data sources among multiple software.
Spatial Quality Evaluation of Historical Blocks Based on Street View Image Data: A Case Study of the Fangcheng District
Authors: Wang Yan , Xiu Chunliang
Published: June 2023

Urbanization in China has reached a mature stage, and research on spatial quality has become an important topic in urban research. This paper employs a machine learning method using a large set of street view image data to explore the spatial quality for historical districts, specifically in terms of vitality, safety, and landscape. The Fangcheng district is taken as the research object to evaluate the spatial quality of historical blocks. The results suggest that the following: (1) The spatial quality of the Fangcheng district presents a pyramidal structure. (2) High-quality streets are mainly distributed in the core areas of historical protection and commercial areas, medium-quality streets are mainly distributed in residential areas around the core areas of the historical district, and low-quality streets are mostly streets with poor accessibility. Based on the findings, we proposed several spatial quality improvement recommendations for the Fangcheng district in Shenyang.
Crosstalk between Microtubule Stabilizing Agents and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chen Qiao-Hong
Published: June 2023

A variety of microtubule-stabilizing cytotoxic agents (MSA) with diverse chemical scaffolds have been discovered from marine sponges, microorganisms, and plants. Two MSAs, docetaxel and cabazitaxel, are the exclusive chemotherapeutics that convey a survival benefit in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Additional MSAs have been investigated for their potential in treating prostate cancer in both clinical and preclinical settings. Independent of promoting mitotic arrest, MSAs can suppress the nuclear accumulation of androgen receptor (AR), which is the driving force for prostate cancer cell growth and progression. The alternative mechanism not only helps to better understand the clinical efficacy of docetaxel and cabazitaxel for AR-driven CRPC but also provides an avenue to seek better treatments for various forms of prostate cancer. The dual mechanisms of action enable MSAs to suppress AR-null prostate cancer cell proliferation by cell mitosis pathway and to interfere with the AR signaling pathway in AR positive cells. MSA chemotherapeutics, being administered alone or in combination with other therapeutics, may serve as the optimal therapeutic option for patients with either castration-sensitive or castration-resistant prostate cancer. This review provides an overview of the anti-prostate cancer profiles (including preclinical and clinical studies, and clinical use) of diverse MSAs, as well as the mechanism of action.
Microbial Communities in Gynecological Cancers and Their Association with Tumor Somatic Variation
Authors: Gonzalez-Bosquet Jesus , McDonald Megan E. , Bender David P. , Smith Brian J. , Leslie Kimberly K. , Goodheart Michael J. , Devor Eric J.
Published: June 2023

There are strong correlations between the microbiome and human disease, including cancer. However, very little is known about potential mechanisms associated with malignant transformation in microbiome-associated gynecological cancer, except for HPV-induced cervical cancer. Our hypothesis is that differences in bacterial communities in upper genital tract epithelium may lead to selection of specific genomic variation at the cellular level of these tissues that may predispose to their malignant transformation. We first assessed differences in the taxonomic composition of microbial communities and genomic variation between gynecologic cancers and normal samples. Then, we performed a correlation analysis to assess whether differences in microbial communities selected for specific single nucleotide variation (SNV) between normal and gynecological cancers. We validated these results in independent datasets. This is a retrospective nested case-control study that used clinical and genomic information to perform all analyses. Our present study confirms a changing landscape in microbial communities as we progress into the upper genital tract, with more diversity in lower levels of the tract. Some of the different genomic variations between cancer and controls strongly correlated with the changing microbial communities. Pathway analyses including these correlated genes may help understand the basis for how changing bacterial landscapes may lead to these cancers. However, one of the most important implications of our findings is the possibility of cancer prevention in women at risk by detecting altered bacterial communities in the upper genital tract epithelium.
Radioisotope-Guided Excision of Mediastinal Lymph Nodes in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: Feasibility and Clinical Impact
Authors: Pini Cristiano , Bottoni Edoardo , Fiz Francesco , Giudici Veronica Maria , Alloisio Marco , Testori Alberto , Rodari Marcello , Sollini Martina , Chiti Arturo , Cariboni Umberto , Antunovic Lidija
Published: June 2023

Background: Intraoperative localisation of nodal disease in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be challenging. Lymph node localisation via radiopharmaceuticals is used in many conditions; we tested the feasibility of this approach in NSCLC. Methods: NSCLC patients were prospectively recruited. Intraoperative peri-tumoral injections of [99mTc]Tc-albumin nanocolloids were performed, followed by removing the tumour and locoregional lymph nodes. These were examined ex vivo with a gamma probe and labelled sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) if they showed any activity or non-sentinel lymph nodes (nSLNs) if they did not. Thereafter, the surgical field was scanned with the probe; any further radioactive lymph node was removed and labelled as “extra” SLNs (eSLNs). All specimens were sent to histology, and metastatic status was recorded. Results: 48 patients were enrolled, and 290 nodal stations were identified: 179 SLNs, 87 nSLNs, and 24 eSLNs. A total of 44 nodal metastases were identified in 22 patients, with 36 of them (82%) located within SLNs. Patients with nSLNs metastases had at least a co-existing positive SLN. No metastases were found in eSLNs. Conclusions: The technique shows high sensitivity for intraoperative nodal metastases identification. This information could allow selective lymphadenectomies in low-risk patients or more aggressive approaches in high-risk patients.