bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bandwidth Row Ratio Configuration Affect Interspecific Effects and Land Productivity in Maize–Soybean Intercropping System
Authors: Feng Liang , Yang Wenting , Tang Haiying , Huang Guoqin , Wang Shubin
Published: December 2022

Intercropping plays an indispensable role in sustainable agriculture. The response of bandwidth row ratio configuration to crop interspecific relationships and land productivity in the maize–soybean intercropping system (MSI) is still unclear. A 2-year field experiment was conducted with sole maize (SM) and sole soybean (SS), two different bandwidths (2.4 m (B1), 2.8 m (B2)), two different maize and soybean row ratios (2:3 (R1), and 2:4 (R2)) for MSI. The results showed that intercropping had advantages for land productivity compared with sole planting. Intercropping cropping had significant differences on crop yield under different intercropping treatments. The 2-yr average land equivalent ratio (LER, 1.59) and group yield under the intercropping patterns of B1R2 were significantly higher than other intercropping treatments (p < 0.05). With a bandwidth of 2.4 m and planting four rows of intercropped soybean, the total LER and group yield increased by 7.57% and 10.42%, respectively, compared to planting three rows of soybean. Intercropped maize was the dominant species and also had a higher nutrient aggressivity than intercropped soybean. The complementarity effect was higher than the select effect in the MSI system, and intercropping advantage was mainly derived from the complementarity effect, which was significantly correlated with intercropped maize yield. Nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient aggressivity in intercropped maize showed significant correlations with group yield and intercropped maize yield. In conclusion, bandwidth 2.4 m, row ratio 2:4 was a reasonable planting pattern because of its superior land productivity, crop nutrients uptake advantage, and harmonious interspecific relationship, which could provide a reference for MSI promotion and application research.
Effects of a Phytogenic Supplement Containing Olive By-Product and Green Tea Extracts on Growth Performance, Lipid Metabolism, and Hepatic Antioxidant Capacity in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Fed a High Soybean Meal Diet
Authors: Liu Jiacheng , Xue Min , Morais Sofia , He Maolong , Wang Hao , Wang Jie , Pastor Jose J. , Gonçalves Rui A. , Liang Xiaofang
Published: December 2022

A 10-week growth trial was conducted to investigate the effects of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) containing olive by-products and green tea extracts supplemented to a reduced fishmeal/high soybean meal diet on the growth performance, hepatic antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism, and liver health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Three experimental diets were tested: (1) a control high fishmeal (40%) and low soybean meal (15.57%) diet (named HFM), (2) a reduced fishmeal (30%) and high soybean meal (30.97%) diet (named HSB), and (3) a HSB diet supplemented with the PFA at 500 mg/kg (named HSB+P). Each diet was assigned to four replicate tanks, each containing 30 largemouth bass (initial body weight, IBW = 48.33 ± 0.01 g). The results showed that increasing the soybean meal content in the diet did not negatively affect growth performance, whereas supplementation with PFA significantly increased weight gain and specific growth rate of largemouth bass compared to both HFM and HSB groups. Reducing fishmeal and increasing soybean meal in the diet caused oxidative stress with a higher content of ROS in the liver. However, the hepatic antioxidant capacity was enhanced, with reduced ROS and increased GSH-Px levels in the HSB+P group. Moreover, the decrease of plasma TG, LDL-C, and LDL-C/TC, and downregulation of lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis gene expression in liver, indicated that supplementation with the PFA improved fish lipid metabolism. Protein retention efficiency was also significantly increased in largemouth bass fed the diet with PFA supplementation, which regulated (enhanced) AKT-mTOR phosphorylation. These results clearly indicated that a PFA containing olive by-product and green tea extracts can positively improve growth performance, protein retention efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism of largemouth bass fed a reduced fishmeal/high soybean meal diet.
Neonatal Selenium Deficiency Decreases Selenoproteins in the Lung and Impairs Pulmonary Alveolar Development
Authors: Sherlock Laura G. , McCarthy William C. , Grayck Maya R. , Solar Mack , Hernandez Andres , Zheng Lijun , Delaney Cassidy , Tipple Trent E. , Wright Clyde J. , Nozik Eva S.
Published: December 2022

Decreased selenium (Se) levels during childhood and infancy are associated with worse respiratory health. Se is biologically active after incorporation into Se-containing antioxidant enzymes (AOE) and proteins. It is unknown how decreased maternal Se during pregnancy and lactation impacts neonatal pulmonary selenoproteins, growth, and lung development. Using a model of neonatal Se deficiency that limits Se intake to the dam during pregnancy and lactation, we evaluated which neonatal pulmonary selenoproteins are decreased in both the saccular (postnatal day 0, P0) and early alveolar (postnatal day 7, P7) stages of lung development. We found that Se deficient (SeD) pups weigh less and exhibit impaired alveolar development compared to Se sufficient (SeS) pups at P7. The activity levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase (Txnrd) were decreased at P0 and P7 in SeD lungs compared to SeS lungs. Protein content of GPx1, GPx3 and Txnrd1 were decreased in SeD lungs at P0 and P7, whereas Txnrd2 content was unaltered compared to SeS controls. The expression of NRF-2 dependent genes and several non-Se containing AOE were similar between SeS and SeD lungs. SeD lungs exhibited a decrease in selenoprotein N, an endoplasmic reticulum protein implicated in alveolar development, at both time points. We conclude that exposure to Se deficiency during pregnancy and lactation impairs weight gain and lung growth in offspring. Our data identify multiple selenoproteins in the neonatal lung that are vulnerable to decreased Se intake, which may impact oxidative stress and cell signaling under physiologic conditions as well as after oxidative stressors.
Bone Mineral Content Prediction by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with HIV Infection: Comparison with Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: de Castro João , de Lima Luiz , Silva Diego
Published: December 2022

A body composition analysis has been used to investigate alterations on body tissues in children and adolescents diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, such as low bone mineral content (BMC). The study aimed to developed equations to estimate the BMC in children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV based on a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a reference method. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV infection. Their body composition was evaluated by BIA and DXA. Linear multiple regression models were constructed to estimate the BMC. Sixty-four children and adolescents aged 8–15 years (12.22 ± 2.13) who were diagnosed with HIV infection participated in the study. The models were substantially correlated with the BMC values, and they explained 82–91% of the BMC, with no differences between DXA and values as estimated by the models. The model with the highest estimate of the BMC (91% of explanation) and the lowest error (SEE of 0.011 kg) included the following variables: body mass, fat mass, total 50 kHz reactance, TCD4 lymphocytes, antiretroviral therapy type, and %TCD4 lymphocytes. The models had a clinically acceptable correlation and low SEE values. The BIA was suitable to estimate the BMC in children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV.
Transmission Removal from a Single Glass Scene and Its Application in Photographer Identification
Authors: Li Zhen , Yao Heng , Shi Ran , Qiao Tong , Qin Chuan
Published: December 2022

In daily life, when taking photos of scenes containing glass, the images of the dominant transmission layer and the weak reflection layer are often blended, which are difficult to be uncoupled. Meanwhile, because the reflection layer contains sufficient important information about the surrounding scene and the photographer, the problem of recovering the weak reflection layer from the mixture image is of importance in surveillance investigations. However, most of the current studies mainly focus on extracting the transmission layer while often ignoring the merit of the reflection layer. To fill that gap, in this paper, we propose a network framework that aims to accomplish two tasks: (1) for general scenes, we attempt to recover reflection layer images that are as close as possible to the ground truth ones, and (2) for scenes containing portraits, we recover the basic contour information of the reflection layer while improving the defects of dim portraits in the reflection layer. Through analyzing the performance exhibited by different levels of feature maps, we present the first transmission removal network based on an image-to-image translation architecture incorporating residual structures. The quality of generated reflection layer images is improved via tailored content and style constraints. We also use the patch generative adversarial network to increase the discriminator’s ability to perceive the reflection components in the generated images. Meanwhile, the related information such as edge and color distribution of transmission layer in the mixture image is used to assist the overall reflection layer recovery. In the large-scale experiments, our proposed model outperforms reflection removal-based SOTAs by more than 5.356 dB in PSNR, 0.116 in SSIM, and 0.057 in LPIPS.
New Statistical Results of Partial Sums of Ordered Gamma-Distributed RVs for Performance Evaluation of Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Choi Seyeong , Hwang Duckdong , Nam Sung Sik
Published: December 2022

With the increase in the complexity of communication systems, order statistics have become increasingly significant in performance evaluation, especially for advanced diversity techniques over fading channels. However, existing analytical approaches are not useful owing to their high complexity. In this paper, we present novel and insightful statistical results of the partial sums of ordered Gamma-distributed random variables. By adopting a unified analytical framework to obtain the desired joint probability density function from the joint moment-generating function, we redefine and derive the common key functions specialized for the Gamma distribution. The derived formula is presented in the form of either general closed-form expressions or at least a single integral form instead of the originally complicated multiple-integral form. In terms of a feasible application of our results, we present a complete and general closed-form analysis of the statistics of the combined received signal-to-noise ratio of the distributed cyclic delay diversity with the cyclic prefix single-carrier scheme. We also show that our analytical results can provide potential mathematical solutions for other wireless communication systems. Selected numerical examples are presented and discussed to illustrate the effectiveness of the applied approach and related results. All the derived analytical results were compared and verified by using Monte Carlo simulations to verify the accuracy of our analysis.
Predicting the Mine Friction Coefficient Using the GSCV-RF Hybrid Approach
Authors: Guo Chenyang , Wang Xiaodong , He Dexing , Liu Jie , Li Hongkun , Jiang Mengjiao , Zhang Yu
Published: December 2022

The safety and reliability of a ventilation system relies on an accurate friction resistance coefficient (α), but obtaining α requires a great deal of tedious measurement work in order to determine the result, and many erroneous data are obtained. Therefore, it is vital that α be obtained quickly and accurately for the ventilation system design. In this study, a passive and active support indicator system was constructed for the prediction of α. An RF model, GSCV-RF model and BP model were constructed using the RF algorithm, GSCV algorithm and BP neural network, respectively, for α prediction. In the GSCV-RF and BP models, 160 samples complied with the prediction indicator system and were used to construct a prediction dataset and, this dataset was divided into a training set and a test set. The prediction results were based on the quantitative evaluation models of MAE, RMSE and R2. The results show that, among the three models, the GSCV-RF model’s prediction result for α was the best, the RF model performed well and the BP model performed worst. In the prediction for all the datasets obtained by GSCV-RF model, all the values of MAE and RMSE were less than 0.5, the values of R2 were more than 0.85 and the value of R2 of the passive and active support test sets were 0.8845 and 0.9294, respectively. This proved that the GSCV-RF model can offer a more accurate α and aid in the reasonable design and the safe operation of a ventilation system.
Generalizations of the Eneström–Kakeya Theorem Involving Weakened Hypotheses
Authors: Gardner Robert , Gladin Matthew
Published: December 2022

The well-known Eneström–Kakeya Theorem states that, for P(z)=∑ℓ=0naℓzℓ, a polynomial of degree n with real coefficients satisfying 0≤a0≤a1≤⋯≤an, then all the zeros of P lie in |z|≤1 in the complex plane. Motivated by recent results concerning an Eneström–Kakeya “type” condition on real coefficients, we give similar results with hypotheses concerning the real and imaginary parts of the coefficients and concerning the moduli of the coefficients. In this way, our results generalize the other recent results.
Enhanced Surface Area Carbon Cathodes for the Hydrogen–Bromine Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Trudgeon David P. , Li Xiaohong
Published: December 2022

The hydrogen–bromine redox flow battery is a promising energy storage technology with the potential for capital costs as low as 220 $ kWh−1 and high operational power densities in excess of 1.4 W cm−2. In this work, enhanced surface area bromine electrodes incorporating carbon black (CB) and graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) on carbon paper and carbon cloth substrates were investigated, and the effect of electrolyte concentration on performance of the electrodes was studied. Carbon-black-modified electrodes are found to possess the largest electrochemically active surface areas, i.e., up to 11 times that of unmodified materials, while GnP electrodes are shown to have superior kinetic activity towards the bromine electrode reaction. In terms of performance, lower electrolyte concentrations are found to favour the improved kinetic parameters associated with graphene nanoplatelet electrodes, while highly concentrated electrolytes favour the larger electrochemically active surface area of carbon black electrodes. The optimal performance was achieved on a carbon-black-modified carbon cloth electrode in a 6 M HBr/2 M Br2 electrolyte concentration, with polarisation current densities approaching 1.6 A cm−2 at overpotentials of ±400 mV, and mean overpotentials of 364 mV during oxidation and 343 mV during reduction, resulting from bromine oxidation/reduction cycling tests at ±1.5 A cm−2.
Genomics, Origin and Selection Signals of Loudi Cattle in Central Hunan
Authors: Jin Liangliang , Zhang Baizhong , Luo Jing , Li Jianbo , Liang Juyong , Wu Wanghe , Xie Yongzhong , Li Fuqiang , Lei Chuzhao , Yi Kangle
Published: December 2022

Due to the geographical, cultural and environmental variability in Xiangxi, China, distinctive indigenous cattle populations have formed. Among them, Loudi cattle and Xiangxi cattle are the local cattle in Hunan, and the environment in Loudi is relatively more enclosed and humid than that in Xiangxi. To study the genome and origin of Loudi cattle in hot and humid environments, 29 individuals were collected and sequenced by whole-genome resequencing. In addition, genomic data were obtained from public databases for 96 individuals representing different cattle breeds worldwide, including 23 Xiangxi cattle from western Hunan. Genetic analysis indicated that the genetic diversity of Loudi cattle was close to that of Chinese cattle and higher than that of other breeds. Population structure and ancestral origin analysis indicated the relationship between Loudi cattle and other breeds. Loudi has four distinctive seasons, with a stereoscopic climate and extremely rich water resources. Selective sweep analysis revealed candidate genes and pathways associated with environmental adaptation and homeostasis. Our findings provide a valuable source of information on the genetic diversity of Loudi cattle and ideas for population conservation and genome-associated breeding of local cattle in today’s extreme climate environment.
LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2 Promote the Degradation of Serosal and Pro-Nymphal Cuticles during Locust Embryonic Development
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Huo Yanjun , Dong Qing , Liu Weiwei , Gao Lu , Zhou Jiannan , Li Daqi , Zhang Xueyao , Zhang Jianzhen , Zhang Min
Published: December 2022

The success of the degradation of the extraembryonic serosal cuticle and the second embryonic cuticle (pro-nymphal cuticle) is essential for the development and molting of nymph from egg in Orthoptera Locusta migratoria. Chitinase 5 is an important gene for chitin degradation in nymphs and in the egg stage. In this study, we investigated the important roles of chitinase 5-1 (LmCht5-1) and chitinase 5-2 (LmCht5-2) in the degradation of the serosal and pro-nymphal cuticles during locust embryonic development. The serosal cuticle degrades from 7-day-old embryos (E7) to E13, along with the degradation of the pro-nymphal cuticle, which begins at E12 to E14. The mRNA and protein of LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2 are expressed during the degradation process of the serosal cuticle and the pro-nymphal cuticle. RNAi experiments at the embryonic stage show that both dsLmCht5-1 and dsLmCht5-2 contribute to the failure of development in early and late embryogenesis. Further, during the serosal cuticle molting process, ultra-structure analysis indicated that dsLmCht5-1 prevented the loss of the coarse chitin layer in the upper part in both early and late embryogenesis. Meanwhile, dsLmCht5-2 blocked the degradation of the lower fine chitin layer at the early stage and blocked the chitin degradation of loose coarse chitin in the late molting process. During the degradation of the pro-nymphal cuticle, dsLmCht5-1 suppresses chitin degradation between layers in the procuticle, while dsLmCht5-2 suppresses chitin degradation into filaments inside of the layer. In summary, our results suggest that both LmCht5-1 and LmCht5-2 contribute to the degradation of the serosal and pro-nymphal cuticles during the locust embryonic stage.
The Emerging Role of Deubiquitinases in Cell Death
Authors: Zhou Zhuan , Song Xinxin , Kang Rui , Tang Daolin
Published: December 2022

Regulated cell death (RCD) is a signal-controlled process that not only eliminates infected, damaged, or aged cells but is also implicated in a variety of pathological conditions. The process of RCD is regulated by intracellular proteins that undergo varying levels of post-translational modifications, including mono- or polyubiquitination. Functionally, ubiquitination can affect protein abundance, localization, and activity. Like other post-translational modifications, ubiquitination is a dynamic and reversible process mediated by deubiquitinases, a large class of proteases that cleave ubiquitin from proteins and other substrates. The balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination machinery determines cell fate under stressful conditions. Here, we review the latest advances in our understanding of the role of deubiquitinases in regulating the main types of RCD, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. This knowledge may contribute to identifying new protein degradation-related prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for human disease.
Electrochemiluminescence Aptasensor Based on Gd(OH)3 Nanocrystalline for Ochratoxin A Detection in Food Samples
Authors: Tian Chunyuan , Wei Minggang , Wang Xiaobin , Hua Qing , Tang Feiyan , Zhao Lijun , Zhuang Xuming , Luan Feng
Published: December 2022

In the present study, the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties of Gd(OH)3 nanocrystals with K2S2O8 as the cathode coreactant were studied for the first time. Based on the prominent ECL behavior of this material and the excellent specificity of the aptamer technique, an ECL aptasensor for the detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) was formulated successfully. Over an OTA concentration range of 0.01 pg mL−1 to 10 ng mL−1, the change in the ECL signal was highly linear with the OTA concentration, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.0027 pg mL−1. Finally, the ECL aptasensor was further used to detect OTA in real samples (grapes and corn) and satisfactory results were obtained, which indicated that the built method is expected to be applied in food detection.
Conducting Polymer-Infused Electrospun Fibre Mat Modified by POEGMA Brushes as Antifouling Biointerface
Authors: Ashraf Jesna , Lau Sandy , Akbarinejad Alireza , Evans Clive W. , Williams David E. , Barker David , Travas-Sejdic Jadranka
Published: December 2022

Biofouling on surfaces, caused by the assimilation of proteins, peptides, lipids and microorganisms, leads to contamination, deterioration and failure of biomedical devices and causes implants rejection. To address these issues, various antifouling strategies have been extensively studied, including polyethylene glycol-based polymer brushes. Conducting polymers-based biointerfaces have emerged as advanced surfaces for interfacing biological tissues and organs with electronics. Antifouling of such biointerfaces is a challenge. In this study, we fabricated electrospun fibre mats from sulphonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (sSEBS), infused with conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) (sSEBS-PEDOT), to produce a conductive (2.06 ± 0.1 S/cm), highly porous, fibre mat that can be used as a biointerface in bioelectronic applications. To afford antifouling, here the poly(oligo (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (POEGMA) brushes were grafted onto the sSEBS-PEDOT conducting fibre mats via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization technique (SI-ATRP). For that, a copolymer of EDOT and an EDOT derivative with SI-ATRP initiating sites, 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) methyl 2-bromopropanoate (EDOTBr), was firstly electropolymerized on the sSEBS-PEDOT fibre mat to provide sSEBS-PEDOT/P(EDOT-co-EDOTBr). The POEGMA brushes were grafted from the sSEBS-PEDOT/P(EDOT-co-EDOTBr) and the polymerization kinetics confirmed the successful growth of the brushes. Fibre mats with 10-mers and 30-mers POEGMA brushes were studied for antifouling using a BCA protein assay. The mats with 30-mers grafted brushes exhibited excellent antifouling efficiency, ~82% of proteins repelled, compared to the pristine sSEBS-PEDOT fibre mat. The grafted fibre mats exhibited cell viability >80%, comparable to the standard cell culture plate controls. Such conducting, porous biointerfaces with POEGMA grafted brushes are suitable for applications in various biomedical devices, including biosensors, liquid biopsy, wound healing substrates and drug delivery systems.
Performance of Grouting Sleeve-Connected Prefabricated Beams Subjected to Impact Loading
Authors: Zhou Longyun , Li Xiaojun , Yan Qiushi
Published: December 2022

The potential of accidental loads such as explosions and impacts cannot be overlooked given the widespread use of precast concrete (PC) buildings. However, research on the impact resistance of reinforced concrete precast beams is limited. In order to explore the dynamic behavior of PC beams connected by grouted sleeves under impact loads, this work developed a numerical model based on the finite element program LS-DYNA. First, the experimental process was described in detail, and the numerical model was evaluated and calibrated according to the experimental data. Then, parameters such as impact location, concrete strength of precast section and stirrup rate of cast-in-place area were studied. Finally, a simpler model based on equal high-frequency impulse impact force was suggested, and the viability of a single-degree-of-freedom model theory was proved for the dynamic analysis of PC simply supported beams subjected to impact loading. According to the findings, the interface of precast concrete and cast-in-place concrete is the weak point of the PC beam, which is prone to shear damage under impact loads. Second, when the middle of the cast-in-place part of the PC beam is impacted, wide cracks from the bottom to the top are quite likely to form. As a result, the most disadvantageous impact position for PC beams is in the middle of the cast-in-place portion. Although increasing the concrete strength of the precast section can reduce crack formation, it has minimal influence on the interface’s shear resistance. Furthermore, increasing the stirrup rate in the post-cast portion can increase the overall shear resistance of the PC beams.
The Impact of Coping Strategies and Individual Resilience on Anxiety and Depression among Construction Supervisors
Authors: Nwaogu Janet M. , Chan Albert P. C.
Published: December 2022

Psychosocial working conditions such as long work hours, low job control, and work–life imbalance faced by construction professionals in site management positions subject them to elevated work stress and poor mental health. This study explored the protective ability of resilience and coping strategies in mitigating mental ill-health among construction supervisors in Nigeria. By adopting a mixed methodology, validated psychometric instruments were used to collect data from 174 construction supervisors, and semi-structured interviews involving 13 participants were used to understand better how supervisors cope with stress. The quantitative data were analysed using mean and univariate logistic regression, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. Univariate logistic regression revealed that individual resilience and problem-focused coping (PFC) strategies related to planful problem-solving, positive reappraisal, and seeking social support reduced anxiety symptoms. Aside from the coping skill considered in the quantitative survey, two additional skills adopted by the supervisors were deduced following thematic analysis. On average, the respondents’ depression, anxiety, and resilience levels were within the mild, minimal, and normal range, respectively. Resilience moderated the relationship between coping skills and anxiety by showing that a stronger relationship between the coping strategy and anxiety will be observed among people with a high level of resilience. Resilience, planful problem-solving, positive reappraisal, and seeking social support coping behaviours are significant predictors of mental health. This study highlights the need for resilience-building as an integral part of stress-reduction and management interventions aimed at construction supervisors in the construction industry.
Evaluation of Passive Cooling and Thermal Comfort in Historical Residential Buildings in Zanzibar
Authors: Liu Chang , Xie Hui , Ali Hartha Mohammed , Liu Jing
Published: December 2022

Indoor thermal comfort is essential for occupants’ well-being, productivity, and efficiency. Global climate change is leading to extremely high temperatures and more intense solar radiation, especially in hot, humid areas. Passive cooling is considered to be one of the environmental design strategies by which to create indoor thermal comfort conditions and minimize buildings’ energy consumption. However, little evidence has been found regarding the effect of passive cooling on the thermal comfort of historical buildings in hot–dry or hot–humid areas. Therefore, we explored the passive cooling features (north-south orientation, natural ventilation, window shading, and light color painted walls) applied in historic residential buildings in Zanzibar and evaluated the residents’ thermal responses and comfort perception based on questionnaires and field surveys. The results showed that the average predicted mean votes (PMVs) were 1.23 and 0.85 for the two historical case study buildings; the average predicted percentages of dissatisfaction (PPD) were 37.35% and 20.56%, respectively. These results indicate that the thermal conditions were not within the acceptable range of ASHRAE Standard 55. Further techniques, such as the use of lime plaster, wash lime, and appropriate organization, are suggested for the improvement of indoor thermal comfort in historical buildings in Zanzibar. This study provides guidelines to assist architects in designing energy-efficient residential buildings, taking into account cultural heritage and thermal comfort in buildings.
Flexural Performance of Steel Beams Strengthened by Fastened Hybrid FRP Strips Utilizing Staggered Steel Bolts
Authors: AbouEl-Hamd Omnia R. , Sweedan Amr M. I. , El-Ariss Bilal
Published: December 2022

Flexural strengthening of steel structures by fastening fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) has been proposed by a few researchers to overcome the brittle de-bonding failure associated with the bonded strengthening technique. This paper investigates the experimental flexural performance of steel beams strengthened by fastening hybrid FRPs (HFRPs). Staggered steel bolts are used to attach the HFRP strips to the steel tension flange. Fourteen steel beams were tested in a four-point loading setup to examine their behavior under various bolt spacing values, HFRP lengths and HFRP thicknesses. All strengthened beams experienced ductile failure with yield load enhancement ranging between 5.22 and 11.73% and improvement in the ultimate load from 8.5 to 18.76%. Reducing the spacing between the bolts from 150 to 45 mm enhanced the ultimate load and the level of composite action between the fastened components. Doubling the HFRP length resulted in a slight increase in the ultimate load and a remarkable reduction in the mid-span deflection. Meanwhile, doubling the thickness of the HFRP revealed an insignificant effect on the beam’s ultimate load and composite action. The recorded sectional strains were used to analyze the level of composite action between the fastened elements.
Non-Destructive Quality Control of the Adhesive Rigid Timber-to-Concrete Connection in TCC Structures
Authors: Buka-Vaivade Karina , Gaile Liga , Serdjuks Dmitrijs , Tatarinovs Aleksejs , Pakrastins Leonids
Published: December 2022

One of the limitations of using glued connections in practice is related to the need for connection quality control. Still, the need for the non-destructive quality control of finished products to determine the compliance of the developed structure with the designed one still exists. Considering the small amount of research on timber–concrete composites with glued connections, there is a lack of research on non-destructive methods for the quality control of rigid connections in timber–concrete composite structures. During the literature analysis, no information was found on the possibilities of testing the quality of the rigid timber-to-concrete connection. Therefore, two well-known methods—operational modal analysis and ultrasonic testing—were tested to verify the possibilities of applying these methods in determining defects in the rigid glued connection between the concrete and timber layers in the timber–concrete composite structures. A series of small-scale specimens produced by the stone chips method with and without artificially made defects in the timber-to-concrete adhesive connection was tested by both methods. Operational modal analysis shows significant changes in mode shape, frequency values, and spectral density diagrams. Despite the sufficiently large reflection of the ultrasonic signal on the timber and concrete boundary, the transmitted signal is sufficient to perform local ultrasonic tests for detecting defects in the adhesive connection. Thus, it is concluded that the principles of both methods can be applied in practice, and further research is needed to develop testing technology.
Development of the New Prediction Models for the Compressive Strength of Nanomodified Concrete Using Novel Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Nazar Sohaib , Yang Jian , Ahmad Waqas , Javed Muhammad Faisal , Alabduljabbar Hisham , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk
Published: December 2022

Concrete is a heterogeneous material that is extensively used as a construction material. However, to improve the toughness and mechanical properties of concrete, various ingredients (fillers) have been added in the past. The addition of nanomaterials for the improvement of the aforementioned properties has attracted many researchers worldwide. The high surface area, high reactivity, and finer size of various nanomaterials have made them preferable for the enhancement of durability, as well as compressive and flexural strength. The aim of the current research is focused on the estimation of compressive strength for the concrete modified with various nanomaterials using two machine learning techniques, namely decision tree technique (DTT) and random forest technique (RFT), and comparison with existing models. The database is collected for different percentages of four major widely used nanomaterials in concrete, i.e., carbon nanotubes, nano silica, nano clay, and nano alumina. The other four input variables used for the calibration of the models are: cement content (CC); water–cement ratio (W/C); fine aggregate, i.e., sand (FA); and coarse aggregate (CA). Both DTT and RFT models were developed for 94 collected experimental datasets from the published literature. The predicted results are further validated through K-fold cross-validation using correlation coefficient (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), relative root mean square error, relative square error (RRMSE), and performance index factor (PiF). The RFT model was found to have the lowermost MAE 3.253, RMSE 4.387, RRMSE 0.0803, and performance index factor (PiF) 0.0061. In comparison, predicted results overall revealed better performance and accuracy for the RFT-developed models than for DTT and gene expression programming (GEP) models, as illustrated by their high R2 value, equal to 0.96, while the R2 value for DTT and GEP was found 0.94 and 0.86, respectively.
The Impact of Evaluated Daylight to the Total Light Ratio on the Comfort Level in Office Buildings
Authors: Fakhari Maryam , Fayaz Rima , Lollini Roberto
Published: December 2022

One of the main challenges in visual comfort assessment is controlling daylight in indoor spaces. The effect of daylight’s contribution to total light is one of the variables influencing how people perceive illumination in an indoor environment. This study investigates the optimal day-light-to-total light ratio that delivers the most satisfaction with the lighting environment. Therefore, a subjective survey of 509 questionnaires and field measurements in six office buildings in Tehran with a total of 257 rooms was conducted to assess lighting quality (daylight and artificial light). Furthermore, the effects of building characteristics and seasons on the acceptable range of daylight ratio are investigated. The results reveal that occupants prefer daylight to total light ratio ranging between 0.56 and 0.8. In contrast, occupants reported that a ratio less than 0.4 was unacceptable. It was also found that the optimum daylight-to-total light ratio is influenced by the season and the building characteristics.
Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and HIPEC for Advanced Ovarian Cancer with Peritoneal Metastases: Italian PSM Oncoteam Evidence and Study Purposes
Authors: Marrelli Daniele , Ansaloni Luca , Federici Orietta , Asero Salvatore , Carbone Ludovico , Marano Luigi , Baiocchi Gianluca , Vaira Marco , Coccolini Federico , Di Giorgio Andrea , Framarini Massimo , Gelmini Roberta , Palopoli Carmen , Accarpio Fabio , Fagotti Anna
Published: December 2022

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common neoplasm in women with a high mortality rate mainly due to a marked propensity for peritoneal spread directly at diagnosis, as well as tumor recurrence after radical surgical treatment. Treatments for peritoneal metastases have to be designed from a patient’s perspective and focus on meaningful measures of benefit. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a strategy combining maximal cytoreductive surgery with regional chemotherapy, has been proposed to treat advanced ovarian cancer. Preliminary results to date have shown promising results, with improved survival outcomes and tumor regression. As knowledge about the disease process increases, practice guidelines will continue to evolve. In this review, we have reported a broad overview of advanced ovarian cancer management, and an update of the current evidence. The future perspectives of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology (SICO) are discussed conclusively.
Analysis of the Risk of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Patients with and without Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Retrospective Evaluation of Real-World Data of about 150,000 Patients
Authors: Hertel Moritz , Birinci Senem , Heiland Max , Preissner Robert , Nahles Susanne , Schmidt-Westhausen Andrea-Maria , Preissner Saskia
Published: December 2022

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is found among the most frequent diseases of the oral cavity. It is characterized by repeated formation of painful ulcers. The question has risen if due to potential tumor-promoting inflammation and sustaining proliferative signaling RAS may contribute to oral cancer. Accordingly, the aim of the study was to assess if an association of RAS and the development oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) could be found in a larger cohort. As recurrent aphthous stomatitis is not classified as an oral potentially malignant disorder, it was assumed that the risk of OSCC did not differ between patients with (cohort I) and without RAS (cohort II). Methods: Retrospective clinical data of patients diagnosed with and without RAS (International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 code K12) within the past 20 years and a body mass index of 19–30 kg/m2 were retrieved from the TriNetX database to gain initial cohort 0. Subjects suffering from RAS were assigned to cohort I, whereby cohort II was obtained from the remaining individuals, and by matching for age, gender, as well as (history of) nicotine and alcohol dependence. After defining the primary outcome as “OSCC” (ICD-10 codes C00-C14), a Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed, and risk and odds ratios were calculated. Results: Of a total of 24,550,479 individuals in cohort 0, 72,845 subjects were each assigned to cohort I (females: 44,031 (60.44%); males: 28,814 (39.56%); mean current age (±standard deviation) = 35.51 ± 23.55 years) and II (females: 44,032 (60.45%); males: 28,813 (39.55%); mean current age (±standard deviation) = 35.51 ± 23.56 years). Among the cohorts I and II, 470 and 135 patients were diagnosed with OSCC within five years. The according risk of developing oral cancer was 0.65% and 0.18%, whereby the risk difference of 0.47% was highly significant (p < 0.0001; Log-Rank test). The RR and OR were calculated as 3.48 (95% confidence interval (CI) lower: 2.88 and upper: 4.21) and 3.50 (95% CI lower: 2.89 and upper: 4.24). Conclusions: Among the patients suffering from RAS, a significantly augmented risk of developing OSCC was found. However, it has to be emphasized that the recent literature does not provide any confirmatory evidence that supports the retrieved results. Furthermore, the findings need to be interpreted cautiously due to specific limitations that come along with the applied methods. It should thus far only be concluded that further research is necessary to evaluate hypotheses that may be retrieved from the obtained results. Despite this controversy, oral ulcers suspicious of OSCC should undergo biopsy. Trial Registration: Due to the retrospective nature of the study, no registration was necessary.
Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroclearance, and Long-Term Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Yu Ming-Whei , Lin Chih-Lin , Liu Chun-Jen , Wu Wan-Jung , Hu Jui-Ting , Huang Yi-Wen
Published: December 2022

The value of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its ability to assess hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk remains uncertain for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We evaluated the impacts of MAFLD and its coincidental metabolic abnormalities and related genetic predisposition on HCC incidence and mortality outcomes in CHB. We analyzed data from 1453 HBsAg-positive men (median age = 49.2 years at baseline) from a cohort of civil servants recruited from 1989–1992. MAFLD was defined as hepatic steatosis on ultrasound with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic dysfunction at baseline. During follow-up (median = 19.3 years), 105 HCC events occurred. MAFLD was not associated with HCC (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.02) but was associated with a higher HBsAg seroclearance rate (aHR = 1.43). In mediation analysis, HBsAg seroclearance driven by hepatic steatosis explained 31.6% of the association between MAFLD and HCC. Antiviral treatment or fatty liver disease-associated genetic variants did not influence the MAFLD–HCC association. In contrast, even after adjustment for MAFLD and the other metabolic abnormalities, diabetes (aHR = 2.28), obesity (aHR = 1.72), and metabolic dysfunction (aHR = 3.30) increased the risk of HCC (all p < 0.030). The risk of HCC increased with the number of metabolic abnormalities (vs 0: aHR = 2.05 and 5.72 for 2 and ≥ 3 metabolic abnormalities, respectively), and the cumulative effect of metabolic abnormalities was found across subgroups categorized by hepatic steatosis as well as in participants both with and without HBsAg seroclearance. In conclusion, MAFLD was not associated with increased HCC incidence in CHB. A more informative assessment of HCC risk can be obtained by taking into account the number of metabolic abnormalities.
Breast Cancer Detection Using Convoluted Features and Ensemble Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Umer Muhammad , Naveed Mahum , Alrowais Fadwa , Ishaq Abid , Hejaili Abdullah Al , Alsubai Shtwai , Eshmawi Ala’ Abdulmajid , Mohamed Abdullah , Ashraf Imran
Published: December 2022

Breast cancer is a common cause of female mortality in developing countries. Screening and early diagnosis can play an important role in the prevention and treatment of these cancers. This study proposes an ensemble learning-based voting classifier that combines the logistic regression and stochastic gradient descent classifier with deep convoluted features for the accurate detection of cancerous patients. Deep convoluted features are extracted from the microscopic features and fed to the ensemble voting classifier. This idea provides an optimized framework that accurately classifies malignant and benign tumors with improved accuracy. Results obtained using the voting classifier with convoluted features demonstrate that the highest classification accuracy of 100% is achieved. The proposed approach revealed the accuracy enhancement in comparison with the state-of-the-art approaches.
Early Referral for Breast-Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Do We Follow the Evidence? A Two-Year Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Hendrickx Ad A. , Küthe Saskia W. , van der Schans Cees P. , Krijnen Wim P. , Mouës-Vink Chantal M. , Damstra Robert J.
Published: December 2022

The early detection of breast-cancer-related lymphedema and referral for therapy has the potential to reduce lymphedema-related morbidity. Although research shows the benefits, a gap is observed between evidence and daily practice. We aimed to determine whether the early detection of lymphedema and referral for treatment is adequate following the current guidelines. Women with primary breast cancer treated with breast-conserving therapy or ablative treatment were included. Demographic-, general health-, tumor-, and treatment-related data were recorded. Bilateral arm volume measurements were performed preoperatively and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-surgery. A 5% or greater Relative Volume Change was considered the cutoff point for lymphedema and as an indication for therapy referral. After 24 months post-surgery, the main outcomes show that among the patients with early signs of lymphedema, based on a Relative Volume Change ≥5%, a nonreferral for therapy was noted in 83%. Additionally, we observed a significant improvement of the mean Relative Volume Change at 24 months within this group, which might implicate that nonreferral was an adequate choice and that watchful waiting is appropriate when lymphedema is detected within the first year post-surgery.
A Comparison of Skin Staining after Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery Using Blue Dye and Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle (SPIO) Tracers
Authors: Jazrawi Allan , Wärnberg Madeleine , Hersi Abdi-Fatah , Obondo Christine , Pistioli Lida , Eriksson Staffan , Karakatsanis Andreas , Wärnberg Fredrik
Published: December 2022

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) are a tracer for sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection. In a preplanned secondary analysis of a prospective clinical trial (SentiDose) we reported on skin staining after SPIO and blue dye (BD) injections. For SPIO, either a 1.5 mL retroareolar injection on the day of surgery or a 1.0 mL peritumoral/retroareolar injection 1–7 days before surgery was given. A 1.0 mL sub-/intradermal periareolar injection of BD was also administered to all these women. Staining was then assessed at 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. A total of 270 women received SPIO and were operated on with breast-conserving surgery. Of these, 204 women also received BD. A total of 58 (21.5%) women had an SPIO stain 6 months postoperatively with a median size of 6.8 cm2 (p = 0.56), while 51 (25.0%) had a BD stain with a median size of 8.5 cm2 (p = 0.93). The incidence and size of SPIO and BD staining decreased over time reciprocally. At 24 months, the incidence and median size of SPIO was 23 (8.6%) and 4 cm2, respectively. For BD, the incidence was 14 (6.3%, p = 0.13), and the median size was 3.5 cm2 (p = 0.18). There was, therefore, no statistically significant difference in the incidence or size of skin staining between SPIO and BD over time.