bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Challenges in Pancreas and Islet Transplantation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Altabas Velimir , Bulum Tomislav
Published: December 2024

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune condition characterized by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, necessitating insulin therapy to prevent life-threatening complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Despite advancements in glucose monitoring and pharmacological treatments, managing this disease remains challenging, often leading to long-term complications and psychological burdens, including diabetes distress. Advanced treatment options, such as whole-pancreas transplantation and islet transplantation, aim to restore insulin production and improve glucose control in selected patients with diabetes. The risk of transplant rejection necessitates immunosuppressive therapy, which increases susceptibility to infections and other adverse effects. Additionally, surgical complications, including infection and bleeding, are significant concerns, particularly for whole-pancreas transplantation. Recently, stem cell-derived therapies for type 1 diabetes have emerged as a promising alternative, offering potential solutions to overcome the limitations of formerly established transplantation methods. The purpose of this scoping review was to: (1) summarize the current evidence on achieved insulin independence following various transplantation methods of insulin-producing cells in patients with type 1 diabetes; (2) compare insulin independence rates among whole-pancreas transplantation, islet cell transplantation, and stem cell transplantation; and (3) identify limitations, challenges and potential future directions associated with these techniques. We systematically searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception to November 2024, focusing on English-language, peer-reviewed clinical studies. The search terms used were ‘transplantation’ AND ‘type 1 diabetes’ AND ‘insulin independence’. Studies were included if they reported on achieved insulin independence, involved more than 10 patients with type 1 diabetes, and had a mean follow-up period of at least one year. Reviewers screened citations and extracted data on transplant type, study population size, follow-up duration, and insulin independence rates. We identified 1380 papers, and after removing duplicates, 705 papers remained for title and abstract screening. A total of 139 English-language papers were retrieved for full-text review, of which 48 studies were included in this review. The findings of this scoping review indicate a growing body of literature on transplantation therapy for type 1 diabetes. However, significant limitations and challenges, like insufficient rates of achieved insulin independence, risks related to immunosuppression, malignant diseases, and ethical issues remain with each of the established techniques, highlighting the need for innovative approaches such as stem cell-derived islet transplantation to promote β-cell regeneration and protection.
Isolation, Expansion, and Characterization of Rat Hair Follicle Stem Cells and Their Secretome: Insights into Wound Healing Potential
Authors: Sousa Patrícia , Lopes Bruna , Sousa Ana Catarina , Coelho André , de Sousa Moreira Alícia , Rêma Alexandra , Gonçalves-Maia Maria , Amorim Irina , Alvites Rui , Alves Nuno , Geuna Stefano , Maurício Ana Colette
Published: December 2024

Background: Stem cells are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into various specialized cells, making them a potential therapeutic option in regenerative medicine. This study establishes a comprehensive methodology for isolating, culturing, and characterizing rat hair follicle stem cells. Methods and Results: Hair follicles were harvested from Sprague–Dawley rats and subjected to two different isolation techniques. Immunohistochemical analysis and real-time PCR confirm the expression of specific surface markers and genes, validating the cells’ identity. Growth kinetics, colony formation units (CFU), and tri-differentiation capacity were also assessed. Additionally, the cells’ secretome was analyzed, regarding its content in biofactors with wound healing properties. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of these cells as a valuable cell source for skin regeneration applications. They contribute to advancing our understanding of stem cell applications in regenerative medicine and hold promise for therapeutic interventions in various clinical contexts, aligning with broader research on the diverse capabilities of hair follicle stem cells.
Immunogenic Cell Death Traits Emitted from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells Following Treatment with a Novel Anti-Cancer Agent, SpiD3
Authors: Schmitz Elizabeth , Ridout Abigail , Smith Audrey L. , Eiken Alexandria P. , Skupa Sydney A. , Drengler Erin M. , Singh Sarbjit , Rana Sandeep , Natarajan Amarnath , El-Gamal Dalia
Published: December 2024

Background: Targeted therapies (e.g., ibrutinib) have markedly improved chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) management; however, ~20% of patients experience disease relapse, suggesting the inadequate depth and durability of these front-line strategies. Moreover, immunotherapeutic success in CLL has been stifled by its pro-tumor microenvironment milieu and low mutational burden, cultivating poor antigenicity and limited ability to generate anti-tumor immunity through adaptive immune cell engagement. Previously, we have demonstrated how a three-carbon-linker spirocyclic dimer (SpiD3) promotes futile activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in CLL cells through immense misfolded-protein mimicry, culminating in insurmountable ER stress and programmed CLL cell death. Method: Herein, we used flow cytometry and cell-based assays to capture the kinetics and magnitude of SpiD3-induced damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in CLL cell lines and primary samples. Result: SpiD3 treatment, in vitro and in vivo, demonstrated the capacity to propagate immunogenic cell death through emissions of classically immunogenic DAMPs (CALR, ATP, HMGB1) and establish a chemotactic gradient for bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Conclusions: Thus, this study supports future investigation into the relationship between novel therapeutics, manners of cancer cell death, and their contributions to adaptive immune cell engagement as a means for improving anti-cancer therapy in CLL.
An Ensemble Deep Learning Approach for EEG-Based Emotion Recognition Using Multi-Class CSP
Authors: Yousefipour Behzad , Rajabpour Vahid , Abdoljabbari Hamidreza , Sheykhivand Sobhan , Danishvar Sebelan
Published: December 2024

In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the field of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs), particularly in the area of emotion recognition using EEG signals. The majority of earlier research in this field has missed the spatial–temporal characteristics of EEG signals, which are critical for accurate emotion recognition. In this study, a novel approach is presented for classifying emotions into three categories, positive, negative, and neutral, using a custom-collected dataset. The dataset used in this study was specifically collected for this purpose from 16 participants, comprising EEG recordings corresponding to the three emotional states induced by musical stimuli. A multi-class Common Spatial Pattern (MCCSP) technique was employed for the processing stage of the EEG signals. These processed signals were then fed into an ensemble model comprising three autoencoders with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) layers. A classification accuracy of 99.44 ± 0.39% for the three emotional classes was achieved by the proposed method. This performance surpasses previous studies, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach. The high accuracy indicates that the method could be a promising candidate for future BCI applications, providing a reliable means of emotion detection.
Quasi-Static Mechanical Biomimetics Evaluation of Car Crash Dummy Skin
Authors: Li Yurun , Liu Zhixin , Sun Cuiru , Zheng Xiaoya , Du Guorui , Wang Xiaoshuang , Wang Songchen , Liu Weidong
Published: December 2024

Accurate replication of soft tissue properties is essential for the development of car crash test dummy skin to ensure the precision of biomechanical injury data. However, the intricacy of multi-layer soft tissue poses challenges in standardizing the development and testing of dummy skin materials to emulate soft tissue properties. This study presents a comprehensive testing and analysis of the compressive mechanical properties of both single and multi-layered soft tissues and car crash dummy skin materials, aiming to enhance the biofidelity of dummy skin. We presented one-term Ogden hyperelastic models and generalized Maxwell viscoelastic models for single-layer and multi-layer soft tissues, as well as dummy skin materials. The comparative analysis results indicate that the existing dummy skin material fails to fully consider the strain-rate-dependent characteristic of soft tissue. Furthermore, dummy skin materials exhibited ~3 times shorter relaxation times and ~2–3 times lower stress decay rates compared to soft tissues, suggesting a less viscous nature. This study provides an accurate representation of the mechanics of soft tissue and dummy skin under quasi-static compressive loading. The findings are instrumental for the development of novel bionic skin materials or structures to more precisely replicate the biomechanical properties of soft tissues, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of car crash test dummies.
The Phenotype Changes of Astrocyte During Different Ischemia Conditions
Authors: Meng Fei , Cui Jing , Wang Peng , Wang Junhui , Sun Jing , Li Liang
Published: December 2024

Objectives: Dementia is becoming a major health problem in the world, and chronic brain ischemia is an established important risk factor in predisposing this disease. Astrocytes, as one major part of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), are activated during chronic cerebral blood flow hypoperfusion. Reactive astrocytes have been classified into phenotype pro-inflammatory type A1 or neuroprotective type A2. However, the specific subtype change of astrocyte and the mechanisms of chronic brain ischemia are still unknown. Methods: In order to depict the phenotype changes and their possible roles during this process, a rat bilateral common carotid artery occlusion model (BCAO) was employed in the present study. Meanwhile, the signaling pathways that possibly regulate these changes were investigated as well. Results: After four-week occlusion, astrocytes in the cortex of BCAO rats were shown to be the A2 phenotype, identified by the significant up-regulation of S100a10 accompanied by the down-regulation of Connexin 43 (CX43) protein. Next, we established in vitro hypoxia models, which were set up by stimulating primary astrocyte cultures from rat cortex with cobalt chloride, low glucose, or/and fibrinogen. Consistent with in vivo data, the cultured astrocytes also transformed into the A2 phenotype with the up-regulation of S100a10 and the down-regulation of CX43. In order to explore the mechanism of CX43 protein changes, C6 astrocyte cells were handled in both hypoxia and low-glucose stimulus, in which decreased pERK and pJNK expression were found. Conclusions: In conclusion, our data suggest that in chronic cerebral ischemia conditions, the gradual ischemic insults could promote the transformation of astrocytes into A2 type instead of A1 type, and the phosphorylation of CX43 was negatively regulated by the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. Also, our data could provide some new evidence of how to leverage the endogenous astrocytes phenotype changes during CNS injury by promoting them to be “protector” and not “culprit”.
Effects of Mental Imagery on Quality of Life, Cognitive, and Emotional Status in Older Adults with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Christakou Anna , Bouzineki Christina , Pavlou Marousa , Stranjalis George , Sakellari Vasiliki
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Dementia is a syndrome which involves cognitive and motor problems such as memory and motor control that impacts the individuals’ quality of life. In mental imagery (MI) technique, motor acts are mentally rehearsed without any overt body movements. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of MI on the quality of life, cognitive, and emotional status of older adults with an early stage of dementia. Methods: The present randomized controlled trial consisted of 160 participants. The sample from an Athens Day Care Center of the Alzheimer Association was randomized to (a) the MI and exercise group (intervention group, n = 55), (b) the only exercise group (1st control group, n = 52), and (c) the neither MI nor exercise group (2nd control group, n = 53). Participants engaged in a total of 24 physiotherapy sessions, each lasting approximately 45 min, scheduled twice weekly over a 12-week period. They performed three assessments: (a) one week prior to the program, (b) one and a half months, and (c) after the program. The intervention group performed a 30 min MI with exercise program content immediately following every physiotherapy exercise session. Walking While Talking Test (WWITT), the Euro-Qol 5-Dimensions 5-Level of severity scale (Euro-Qol 5D-5L scale), the Short-Form of Geriatric Depression Scale (SF-GDS), and the Short Anxiety Screening Test (SAST) were used to assess cognitive status, emotional status, and quality of life. Results: A total of 160 participants (43 men, 117 women, with MMSE M = 23.20 SD = 0.15) took part in this study in which most reported holding a university degree (n = 77), were married (n = 101), and had loss of memory as the 1st symptom of dementia (n= 117). The Friedman test revealed statistically significant differences across the three groups on (a) the WWITTmistakes (X2 = 14.95, df = 2, p = 0.001) and WWITTtime (X2 = 13.35, df = 2, p = 0.01), (b) the total Euro-Qol 5D-5L scale (X2 = 11.87.62, df = 2, p = 0.003) and quality of life on the measuring day (X2 = 25.59, df = 2, p = 0.00), (c) the SF-GDS (X2 = 6.54, df = 2, p = 0.038), and (d) the SAST (X2 = 39.907.62, df = 2, p = 0.00). The Friedman test with post hoc Wilcoxon analysis revealed that the mean scores for the intervention group and the 1st control were significantly better than the 2nd control group in many dependent variables. Conclusions: The results indicate that incorporating MI can positively influence cognitive status, emotional status, and the quality of life in older adults diagnosed with early-stage dementia.
Peer Status Influences In-Group Favoritism in Pain Empathy During Middle Childhood: Evidence from Behavioral and Event-Related Potentials Studies
Authors: Chen Yiyue , Liang Jingyuan , Han Gaoxin , Yang Xue , Song Juan
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Empathy for pain enhances our ability to perceive pain and recognize potential dangers. Empathic bias occurs when members of the in-group evoke more intense empathic responses compared to out-group members. In the process of interacting with peers, children develop peer status and spontaneously form peer groups. The present study examined how peer status affects pain empathy in mid-childhood individuals. Methods: A behavior and an event-related potential (ERP) study were conducted. Participants were exposed to pictures of different peers in painful or non-painful situations and completed the pain and unpleasantness rating tasks. Four types of peers were included: popular, rejected, neglected and unfamiliar peers. Results: The behavioral results suggested that the influence of peer status on cognitive empathy is more salient, and the empathic response to unfamiliar peers is higher than neglecting and rejecting peers. The ERP results indicated that larger P3 and LPP amplitude were observed in the painful stimulus condition than in the non-painful stimulus condition. The findings also showed that the popular peers elicited larger LPP amplitude than other peers. The LPP response to unfamiliar peers was larger than to neglected peers. Conclusions: All these results demonstrated that mid-childhood individuals showed empathic bias to in-group members, but it was influenced by peer status in the cognitive processes of pain empathy.
The Image of Group Fitness Instructors: An Intra- and Inter-Country Comparison Between Portugal and Romania
Authors: Ardelean Viorel Petru , Geantă Vlad Adrian , Dulceanu Corina , Bulzan Claudiu , Brito-Costa Sónia , Furtado Guilherme Eustáquio , Gomes Ricardo , Martins Fernando , Campos Francisco
Published: December 2024

Fitness instructors play an essential role in fitness services, as they require both technical and interpersonal skills. A good image of a fitness instructor can be defined as having a pleasant appearance and good presentation in terms of hygiene and/or clothing used, which is appropriate for the context and characteristics of the participants. Their image significantly influences participants’ perceptions and satisfaction. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis between Romania and Portugal regarding the quality of services offered within group fitness classes, focusing on instructors. It involved 133 group fitness instructors and 210 participants from Romania and Portugal. An adaptation of the Szumilewicz questionnaire was used to assess the importance of the different attributes of the fitness instructor’s image. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and effect size to compare perceptions between countries and groups. Romanian instructors and participants generally attributed more importance to the fitness instructor’s image compared to their Portuguese counterparts. Significant differences were found in attributes like physical fitness, technical execution, and communication. Instructors tended to overestimate the importance of their image compared to participants. The fitness instructor’s image is crucial in determining participant satisfaction and the perceptions of service quality. The innovative aspect of this study lies in its intercultural comparison, which highlights how cultural context influences the perception of a fitness instructor’s attributes, such as physical fitness, technical execution, and communication. The practical application of these findings lies in the suggestion that fitness professionals should tailor their approach, balancing technical skills and interpersonal communication to align with the cultural expectations of their participants. This culturally sensitive approach is essential for enhancing participant satisfaction and improving the overall quality of fitness services.
Evaluation of Potential Developmental Precursors to Executive Function in Young Children with Motor Delays: Exploratory Study
Authors: Cunha Andrea B. , Babik Iryna , Harbourne Regina T. , Dusing Stacey C. , Hsu Lin-Ya , Koziol Natalie A. , Westcott-McCoy Sarah , Willett Sandra L. , Bovaird James A. , Lobo Michele A.
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to explore whether early developmental abilities are related to future executive function (EF) in children with motor delays. Fourteen children with motor delays (Mean age = 10.76, SD = 2.55) were included from a larger study. Object interaction and developmental outcomes (Bayley-III) were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months post-baseline. Bayley-III and EF assessments (Minnesota Executive Function Scale) were conducted at 36 months post-baseline. Children with high EF demonstrated advanced early bimanual, visual–bimanual, receptive language, expressive language, and fine motor skills compared to children with low EF. Significant positive correlations between later Bayley-III and EF scores were found for cognitive, expressive language, and fine motor scores. These preliminary results suggest that early developmental skills support the emergence of EF in children with motor delays.
Relationship Between Ethnic Essentialism and Psychological Compatibility: Roles of Ethnic Identity and Self-Construal
Authors: He Jiani , Zhao Yufang , Zhang Chao , Wang Weichao , Huang Jinhua
Published: December 2024

We examined the impact of ethnic essentialism on psychological compatibility among minority and Han Chinese college students and investigated the roles of ethnic identity and self-construal. A moderated mediator analysis was used and a multigroup comparison of the moderated mediator model across ethnic groups was conducted. The results indicate that ethnic essentialism significantly and negatively predicts psychological compatibility. Ethnic identity acts as a competitive mediator between ethnic essentialism and psychological compatibility, partially weakening the negative predictive effect of ethnic essentialism on psychological compatibility. Higher levels of ethnic identity lessen the negative impact of ethnic essentialism on psychological compatibility. Individuals with high independent and interdependent self-construal show higher levels of ethnic identity when their ethnic essentialism is strong. Under conditions of high ethnic identity, both high independent and high interdependent self-construal individuals exhibit significantly higher levels of psychological compatibility. In addition, ethnic differences were found in the moderated mediation model regardless of whether the moderating variable was independent or interdependent self-construal. These findings suggest that stronger beliefs in ethnic essentialism are associated with lower levels of psychological compatibility.
Spatial Sense of Safety for Seniors in Living Streets Based on Street View Image Data
Authors: Sun Xuyang , Nie Xinlei , Wang Lu , Huang Zichun , Tian Ruiming
Published: December 2024

As the global population ages, the friendliness of urban spaces towards seniors becomes increasingly crucial. This research primarily investigates the environmental factors that influence the safety perception of elderly people in living street spaces. Taking Dingzigu Street in Tianjin, China, as an example, by employing deep learning fully convolutional network (FCN-8s) technology and the semantic segmentation method based on computer vision, the objective measurement data of street environmental elements are acquired. Meanwhile, the subjective safety perception evaluation data of elderly people are obtained through SD semantic analysis combined with the Likert scale. Utilizing Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis, the study comprehensively examines the impact of the physical environment characteristics of living street spaces on the spatial safety perception of seniors. The results indicate that, among the objective environmental indicators, ① the street greening rate is positively correlated with the spatial sense of security of seniors; ② there is a negative correlation between sky openness and interface enclosure; and ③ the overall safety perception of seniors regarding street space is significantly influenced by the spatial sense of security, the sense of security during walking behavior, and the security perception in visual recognition. This research not only uncovers the impact mechanism of the street environment on the safety perception of seniors, but also offers valuable references for the age-friendly design of urban spaces.
Can China’s New Infrastructure Promote Urban–Rural Integrated Development? Evidence from 31 Chinese Provinces
Authors: Li Yaolong , Ma Xiaojie , Liu Yang , Zhong Fanglei
Published: December 2024

Whether and how new infrastructure (NI) promotes urban–rural integration (URI) remains crucial for addressing unbalanced urban–rural development. This study analyzes panel data from 31 provincial-level administrative regions in China (2013–2022) to construct an evaluation index system for URI, encompassing economic, social, ecological, spatial, and demographic dimensions. Using the entropy method, the study quantifies the development level of NI and investigates its differential effects on URI. The empirical findings demonstrate that NI exhibits a significant positive effect on URI, with the strongest impact manifested in economic and spatial dimensions. The influence on social, ecological, and demographic aspects, while positive, is comparatively modest. Regional disparities and innovation investment levels contribute to the heterogeneous impact of NI. Moreover, the study reveals that industrial structure advancement serves as the transmission mechanism through which NI drives URI. The promotional effect becomes more pronounced after crossing both the double threshold of industrial structure upgrading and the single threshold of industrial structure rationalization. Based on these findings, the following policy recommendations are proposed to optimize the new infrastructure investment structure, promote deep integration with industrial structural adjustments, and implement new infrastructure construction in accordance with local conditions.
Standardization of CAD Drawing Formats and GeoJSON-Based Processing for 3D Spatial Data Extraction of Underground Utilities
Authors: Lee Jongseo , Kim Yudoo , Moon Il-Young
Published: December 2024

The traditional construction industry has predominantly relied on labor-intensive methods, resulting in significantly lower efficiency and productivity compared to other industries. According to a report by the Korea Productivity Center (KPC), the productivity of the construction industry is approximately 24.5% lower than that of the manufacturing sector and 15.7% lower than that of the service sector, highlighting a significant productivity gap. To enhance efficiency and productivity in the construction sector, the South Korean government, led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, has announced a policy aimed at achieving 100% adoption of smart construction technologies by 2025. In this paper, we propose a methodology for standardizing the format of underground utilities plan drawings by incorporating 3D coordinates, shapes, and attribute information to facilitate the digital transformation of construction site data. Furthermore, we introduce a standardized approach for extracting data from these drawings and converting them into 3D spatial data in the GeoJSON (Geographic JavaScript Object Notation) format. The experimental results of the technology for processing structured drawings into 3D spatial data demonstrated that all data were successfully converted without any omissions.
Red Mud in Combination with Construction Waste Red Bricks for the Preparation of Low-Carbon Binder Materials: Design and Material Characterization
Authors: Qin Teng , Luo Hui , Han Rubin , Zhao Yunrui , Chen Limin , Liu Meng , Gui Zhihang , Xing Jiayao , Chen Dongshun , He Bao-Jie
Published: December 2024

The effective and safe treatment of red mud has become a pressing global issue in recent years. The purpose of this study is to prepare different systems of low-carbon cementitious materials by combining various solid wastes (slag powder, red brick of construction waste) with different systems of low-carbon cementitious materials and to observe the effects of different cementitious compositions on the construction performance, mechanical properties, freeze–thaw resistance, and heavy metal leaching properties by designing different systems of low-carbon cementitious materials, as well as to analyze the microscopic morphology, mineral composition, and strength-forming mechanisms of the different systems of low-carbon cementitious materials through the use of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The findings reveal that a ternary cementitious system containing 16% red brick powder exhibits the most favorable overall performance. Compared to a binary system, this mixture improves fluidity by 4.5%, increases compressive strength by 18.27%, reduces drying shrinkage by 39.56%, and lowers the mass loss rate during dry–wet cycling by 11.07%. Furthermore, the leaching levels of heavy metals such as Cr, As, Pb, Ni, and Cu in the red mud-based cementitious materials, combined with multiple solid wastes, are within the safe limits for non-hazardous environmental release, as specified by Chinese regulations, under both freeze–thaw and non-freeze–thaw conditions. This study demonstrates for the first time the potential of combining red mud with construction waste brick dust and provides a scientific basis and theoretical guidance for the synergistic utilization of alkaline solid waste, calcium solid waste, and silica–aluminum solid waste.
In Search of Eudaimonia Towards Circular Economy in Buildings—From Large Overarching Theories to Detailed Engineering Calculations
Authors: Scurtu Ionut Cristian , Khetani Katalin Puskas , Scheaua Fanel Dorel
Published: December 2024

The current study seeks to explore the underexamined or potentially under-researched social dimensions of circular economy (CE) in the context of buildings. Utilising a meta-synthesis approach, this paper builds on the two primary theoretical frameworks in the well-being literature: the eudaimonic and hedonic perspectives. The analysis of the selected articles reveals that these frameworks foster distinct modes of interaction and perception concerning one’s environment. A consensus is evident among the studies reviewed, advocating for integrating both eudaimonic and hedonic elements to achieve optimal well-being and happiness. Moreover, some scholars argue that for the attainment of sustainability goals and, by extension, CE objectives, the eudaimonic approach to well-being should be emphasised over the currently predominant hedonic inclinations. The research also attempts to open a discourse between the sometimes rather comprehensive, holistic, and hard-to-quantify dimensions of human well-being and the more logical, measurable, and tangible results-oriented approach towards the built environment. This investigation illustrates how well-designed building elements, aligned with CE principles, can play a pivotal role in fostering both environmental sustainability and human flourishing in the built environment.
The Coupled Thermal Response Analysis of Green Roofs Based on the Discrete Element Method
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhang Xiaoyong , Jiang Mingjie , Zhu Shengnan , Wang Zhuan , Long Jianxu
Published: December 2024

As an effective energy-saving measure, green roofs significantly improve the thermal environment of buildings by covering the roof with vegetation and soil. This paper compares the thermal transfer performance of concrete roofs and green roofs under different temperature conditions. First, a uniaxial compression discrete element method (DEM) was used to calibrate the mesoscopic parameters of concrete, ensuring an accurate representation of concrete properties. The results indicate that green roofs have significant insulation effects under high-temperature conditions in summer. After being exposed to high temperatures for 5 h, the temperature of the green roof was 23.4 degrees Celsius lower than that of the ordinary concrete roof. In addition, different initial temperatures of the model also have a certain impact on heat transfer. The higher the initial temperature, the slower the temperature increase under high-temperature conditions. In winter, the green roof significantly delays the cooling at the top of the building, demonstrating excellent thermal insulation performance. The maximum temperature difference compared with the concrete roof is 8 °C. Finally, there is an exponential relationship between the thermal resistivity of the green roof and the temperature. In conclusion, green roofs have significant energy-saving and environmental protection value.
Estimating Carbon Emissions of Northeast Brazil Railway System
Authors: Soares Diogo da Fonseca , Eliziário Sayonara Andrade , Galvíncio Josicleda Domiciano , Ramos-Ridao Angel Fermin
Published: December 2024

This article addresses the developing of a framework to obtain specific GHG emissions for the railway system and proposes mitigation strategies. To achieve this purpose, a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) method was employed with input data from various sources to analyze the contribution of energy consumption and the emissions of the railway system. This paper included gathering data from an infrastructure operation and maintenance for detailed GHG emissions impact. This study also presents a comparative analysis of the GHG emissions in different urban railway transportation systems in Northeast Brazil, providing valuable contextual insights. As a result of the combination of total GHG emissions analysis from the states of the Northeast Brazil railway system, a total of 11,996.11 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) was estimated. The main line traction was a prominent source of the greenhouse gas footprint, especially for the diesel traction systems at Paraiba. The proposed framework shows that significant environmental benefits can be realized with proper decision-making to increase the number of passengers–kilometer transported by rail.
Design and Analysis of a Two-Stage Cascade System for Heating and Hot Water Production in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings Using Thermoelectric Technology
Authors: Ordóñez Javier , Díaz de Garayo Sergio , Martínez Álvaro , Algarra Fernando , Astrain David
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes an innovative system that integrates two thermoelectric heat pumps (one air–water and the other water–water) with two thermal storage tanks at different temperatures to provide heating and domestic hot water to a 73.3 m2 passive-house-certified dwelling in Pamplona (Spain). The air–water thermoelectric heat pump extracts heat from the ambient air and provides heat to a tank at intermediate temperature, which supplies water to a radiant floor. The water–water heat pump takes heat from this tank and provides heat to the other tank, at higher temperature, which supplies domestic hot water. The system performance and comfort conditions are computationally analyzed during the month of January under the climate of Pamplona and under different European climates. The COP of the system lays between 1.3 and 1.7, depending on the climate, because of the low COP of the air–water thermoelectric heat pump. However, it is able to provide water for the radiant floor and to maintain the temperature of the dwelling above 20 °C 99.8% of the time. Moreover, it provides domestic hot water at a temperature above 43 °C 99.9% of the time. Noteworthy is the fact that the water–water heat pump presents a COP close to 4, which opens up the possibilities of working in combination with more efficient heat pumps for the first stage.
A Component-Design-Based Carbon Emission Calculation Method in the Life Cycle of a Prefabricated Building Structural Member System
Authors: Pan Wenjia , Zhang Hong , Hei Shanggang , Huang Baolin , He Ruiya , Chai Xini , Shao Zimu
Published: December 2024

Carbon emissions from buildings account for a large proportion of total social carbon emissions. Prefabricated buildings can effectively reduce carbon emissions in the construction materialization phase. The existing building carbon emission calculation method for prefabricated buildings seems too complicated due to the large amounts of data that need to be consulted in the production, transportation, construction, and demolition phases of each building. Meanwhile, the traditional building carbon emission calculation method must be carried out after the completion of construction drawings, because the consumption of labor, materials, and machinery must be calculated according to these drawings. This paper proposes a building carbon emission calculation method for prefabricated buildings based on the component design method. A case study proved that our method can calculate carbon emissions in the materialization phase of construction more quickly than the traditional quota carbon emission calculation method, and the results of the two methods differ by less than 10%. This method significantly improves the prediction of carbon emissions in the building materialization phase.
Improving the Wear and Corrosion Resistance of Titanium Alloy Parts via the Deposition of DLC Coatings
Authors: Metel Alexander , Sotova Catherine , Fyodorov Sergey , Zhylinski Valery , Chayeuski Vadzim , Milovich Filipp , Seleznev Anton , Bublikov Yuri , Makarevich Kirill , Vereschaka Alexey
Published: December 2024

This article compares the properties of the diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating with those of ZrN and (Zr,Hf)N coatings deposited on the Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy substrate. To improve substrate adhesion during the deposition of the DLC coating, preliminary etching with chromium ions was conducted, ensuring the formation of a chromium-saturated diffusion surface layer in the substrate. A Si-DLC layer followed by a pure DLC layer was then deposited. The hardness of the coatings, their surface morphology, fracture strength in the scratch test, and tribological properties and wear resistance in the pin-on-disk test in contact with Al2O3 and steel indenters were investigated. The structure of the DLC coating was studied using transmission electron microscopy, and its corrosion resistance in an environment simulating blood plasma was also investigated. In the pin-on-disk test in contact with Al2O3 and AISI 52100 indenters, the DLC-coated sample demonstrates a much lower friction coefficient and significantly better wear resistance compared to the nitride-coated and uncoated samples. Both nitride coatings—(Zr,Hf)N and ZrN—and the DLC coating slow down the corrosive dissolution of the base compared to the uncoated sample. The corrosion currents of the (Zr,Hf)N-coated samples are 37.01 nA/cm2, 20% higher than those of the ZrN-coated samples. The application of (Zr,Hf)N, ZrN, and DLC coatings on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy significantly inhibits dissolution currents (by 30–40%) and increases polarization resistance 1.5–2.0-fold compared to the uncoated alloy in 0.9% NaCl at 40 °C. Thus, the DLC coating of the described structure simultaneously provides effective wear and corrosion resistance in an environment simulating blood plasma. This coating can be considered in the manufacture of medical products (in particular, implants) from titanium alloys, including those functioning in the human body and subject to mechanical wear (e.g., knee joint endoprostheses).
Reduced Breast and Ovarian Cancer Through Targeted Genetic Testing: Estimates Using the NEEMO Microsimulation Model
Authors: Petelin Lara , Cunich Michelle , Procopio Pietro , Schofield Deborah , Devereux Lisa , Nickson Carolyn , James Paul A. , Campbell Ian G. , Trainer Alison H.
Published: December 2024

Background: The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer largely rely on the identification and clinical management of individuals with a pathogenic variant prior to developing cancer. Simulation modelling is commonly utilised to evaluate genetic testing strategies due to its ability to synthesise collections of data and extrapolate over long time periods and large populations. Existing genetic testing simulation models use simplifying assumptions for predictive genetic testing and risk management uptake, which could impact the reliability of their estimates. Our objective was to develop a microsimulation model that accurately reflects current genetic testing and subsequent care in Australia, directly incorporating the dynamic nature of predictive genetic testing within families and adherence to cancer risk management recommendations. Methods: The populatioN gEnEtic testing MOdel (NEEMO) is a population-level microsimulation that incorporates a detailed simulation of individuals linked within five-generation family units. The genetic component includes heritable high- and moderate-risk monogenic gene variants, as well as polygenic risk. Interventions include clinical genetic services, breast screening, and risk-reducing surgery. Model validation is described, and then to illustrate a practical application, NEEMO was used to compare clinical outcomes for four genetic testing scenarios in patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) and their relatives: (1) no genetic testing, (2) current practice, (3) optimised referral for genetic testing, and (4) genetic testing for all BC. Results: NEEMO accurately estimated genetic testing utilisation according to current practice and associated cancer incidence, pathology, and survival. Predictive testing uptake in first- and second-degree relatives was consistent with known prospective genetic testing data. Optimised genetic referral and expanded testing prevented up to 9.3% of BC and 4.1% of ovarian cancers in relatives of patients with BC. Expanding genetic testing eligibility to all BC patients did not lead to improvement in life-years saved in at-risk relatives compared to optimised referral of patients eligible for testing under current criteria. Conclusions: NEEMO is an adaptable and validated microsimulation model for evaluating genetic testing strategies. It captures the real-world uptake of clinical and predictive genetic testing and recommended cancer risk management, which are important considerations when considering real-world clinical and cost-effectiveness.
Circulating Tumor DNA for Prediction of Complete Pathological Response to Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (NEORECT Trial)
Authors: Mögele Tatiana , Höck Michael , Sommer Florian , Friedrich Lena , Sommer Sebastian , Schmutz Maximilian , Altenburger Amadeus , Messmann Helmut , Anthuber Matthias , Kröncke Thomas , Stüben Georg , Trepel Martin , Märkl Bruno , Dintner Sebastian , Claus Rainer
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Locally advanced rectal cancer is treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). As this approach achieves complete pathologic remissions (pCR) in approximately 30% of patients, it raises the question of whether surgery is always necessary. Non-surgical strategies, such as “watch and wait” (W&W), have shown similarly promising outcomes. However, there is an unmet need for reliable biomarkers predicting pCR. Analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has shown potential for monitoring treatment response and detecting minimal residual disease. We hypothesized that monitoring ctDNA changes during nCRT might facilitate the identification of individuals who achieve pCR. Methods: In the prospective single-center NEORECT trial, the plasma of forty rectal cancer patients was collected before, during, and after nCRT and before TME. Informative somatic mutations were identified in tissue biopsies by NGS and subsequently used for ctDNA quantification by dPCR. Results: The results identified three distinct ctDNA patterns: increase, decrease, and absence. Remarkably, undetectable DNA was observed in good responders, while a tenfold ctDNA increase was associated with the emergence of new metastases. Despite these insights, ctDNA alone demonstrated low specificity, with no significant correlation to pCR or long-term prognosis. A multimodal approach incorporating routinely available clinical parameters remains inadequate for accurately predicting pCR prior to TME. Conclusions: In conclusion, the NEORECT trial establishes the feasibility of ctDNA-based personalized monitoring for rectal cancer patients undergoing nCRT. However, the utility of ctDNA in enhancing pCR prediction for a W&W strategy warrants further investigation. Larger studies integrating multi-gene analyses and expanded clinical datasets are essential in the future.
Osimertinib as Second- and ≥Third-Line Treatment in Advanced and Recurrence EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Patients Harboring Acquired T790M Mutation
Authors: Peng Mu-Han , Huang Yen-Hsiang , Hsu Kuo-Hsuan , Tseng Jeng-Sen , Lee Po-Hsin , Chen Kun-Chieh , Chang Gee-Chen , Yang Tsung-Ying
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Osimertinib is a standard sequential therapy for advanced and recurrent Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with the T790M mutation, following treatment with first- or second-generation EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs). This study aims to investigate the differences in clinical outcomes between osimertinib as a 2nd-line treatment and as a ≥3rd-line treatment in this patient population. Methods: Between September 2014 and March 2023, we enrolled advanced and recurrent T790M + NSCLC patients who had received osimertinib as sequential treatment for analysis. All patients had previously been treated with gefitinib, erlotinib, or afatinib as first-line therapy. Results: A total of 158 patients who received osimertinib as sequential treatment were included in the final analysis. Of these, 99 patients (62.7%) received osimertinib as a 2nd-line treatment, while 59 patients (37.3%) were treated with osimertinib as ≥3rd-line therapy. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.7 months for the 2nd-line group and 8.9 months for the ≥3rd-line group. The median overall survival (OS) from first-line treatment was 73.2 months in the 2nd-line group and 57.5 months in the ≥3rd-line group. No statistically significant differences in PFS or OS were observed between the two groups. Conclusions: Our research demonstrated that osimertinib is effective not only as a 2nd-line therapy but also as a ≥3rd-line treatment, offering promising clinical benefits for advanced and recurrent EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with acquired T790M mutations who have developed resistance to first- and second-generation EGFR-TKI therapy.
Serum Metabolomics Study to Screen Potential Biomarkers of Lung Cancer Risk in High Natural Background Radiation Areas of Thailand: A Pilot Study
Authors: Autsavapromporn Narongchai , Duangya Aphidet , Klunklin Pitchayaponne , Chitapanarux Imjai , Kranrod Chutima , Jaikang Churdsak , Monum Tawachai , Paemanee Atchara , Tokonami Shinji
Published: December 2024

Background: Indoor radon is a significant risk factor for the development of LC. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for LC risk in high background radiation areas using a metabolomics approach (UHPLC-HRMS). Methods: Based on the indoor radon activity concentration measurements in the Kong Khaek subdistrict, serum samples were collected from 45 nonsmoker or former smoker participants, comprising 15 LC patients and 30 matched healthy controls (low- and high-radon groups, respectively). Results: A total of 90 and 111 differential metabolites were identified in the LC group compared with the low- and high-radon groups, respectively, using criteria such as a variable importance in projection (VIP) of >1, a fold change (FC) of >1 or <0.5, and a p value of <0.05. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (an AUC of ≥ 0.9) indicated that 30 and 21 of these metabolites had the potential to serve as biomarkers of LC development in the low- and high-radon groups, respectively. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that D-sphingosine may have been a candidate biomarker associated with LC in both groups. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides new insights into metabolic biomarkers for screening LC development in high-risk individuals with prolonged exposure to indoor radon. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate our results.