bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter-connected challenges: an overview of bioeconomy in Europe
Authors: Morone Piergiuseppe , D’Adamo Idiano , Cianfroni Mattia
Published: October 2022

The use of renewable biological resources from the land and sea to produce food, materials and energy is one of the potential solutions to implement the green transition. The bioeconomy is developed in Europe, however it shows a different trend in several countries. The methodology used in this paper is based on multicriteria decision analysis and considers three parameters as criteria: workers, turnover and value added. This work investigates the bioeconomy sectors in 28 European countries using the socio-economic indicator for the bioeconomy (SEIB). We provide useful data for all stakeholders and propose a quantitative analysis emphasizing the contribution of each bio-based sector. The results show that Ireland is ahead of the Netherlands and Denmark in the SEIB for all sectors and leads in the SEIB for manufacturing and bio-energy sectors followed by Denmark. The differences with other European countries are significant. Some countries present a rather weak situation (Slovakia and Malta). The values of the SEIB are mainly linked to performance in two macro sectors: (a) agriculture and (b) manufacture of food, beverages and tobacco. The decomposition analysis highlights the performance of each country according to the socio-economic parameter and the bioeconomy sectors, and it is highlighted how performance monitoring allows for the identification of corrective actions. Some policy implications are proposed to support the development of bioeconomy sectors by targeting inter-connected challenges that aim to foster sustainability.
Totally asymmetric simple exclusion process with local resetting and open boundary conditions
Authors: Pelizzola A , Pretti M
Published: October 2022

We study a totally asymmetric simple exclusion process with open boundary conditions and local resetting at the injection node. We investigate the stationary state of the model, using both mean–field (MF) approximation and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations, and identify three regimes, depending on the way the resetting rate scales with the lattice size. The most interesting regime is the intermediate resetting one, as in the case of periodic boundary conditions. In this regime we find pure phases and phase separation phenomena, including a low–density/high–density phase separation, which was not possible with periodic boundary conditions. We discuss density profiles, characterizing bulk regions and boundary layers, and nearest–neighbor covariances, finding a remarkable agreement between MF and simulation results. The stationary state phase diagram is mapped out analytically at the MF level, but we conjecture that it may be exact in the thermodynamic limit. We also briefly discuss the large resetting regime, which exhibits an inverse characteristic length scale diverging logarithmically with the lattice size.
Rigorous convergence condition for quantum annealing
Authors: Kimura Yusuke , Nishimori Hidetoshi
Published: October 2022

We derive a generic bound on the rate of decrease of transverse field for quantum annealing to converge to the ground state of a generic Ising model when quantum annealing is formulated as an infinite-time process. Our theorem is based on a rigorous upper bound on the excitation probability in the infinite-time limit and is a mathematically rigorous counterpart of a previously known result derived only from the leading-order term of the asymptotic expansion of adiabatic condition. Since our theorem gives a sufficient condition of convergence for a generic transverse-field Ising model, any specific problem may allow a better, faster, control of the coefficient.
Method of Selective Literature Review in Defining Social Sustainability of Sustainable Development
Authors: Syafiq Abd Rashid Mohamad Hafizuddin , Zakaria Rozana , Aminudin Eeydzah , Adzar Jeffryl Azniel , Shamsuddin Siti Mazzuana , Munikanan Vikneswaran , Mustafa Nur Ainina
Published: October 2022

The imbalance of attention given in adapting the social principles in the sustainable development agenda is considered as an indisputable issue that has been highlighted in many scholarly literatures. Scholars were in line in arguing that of the three pillars of sustainability associated with sustainable development, namely environment, economy and social, the social pillar is often being overlooked. In relation to that, a study has been conducted to explore in detail the attributes of social sustainability from the sustainable development perspective. The study managed to outline the key principles of social sustainability from the development perspective based on the in-depth review of the previous scholarly literature. This paper highlights the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology adapted in the study. A total of 81 related scholarly literature from year 1991 to year 2020 were reviewed by adapting the SLR method. Two principles of searching techniques, namely advanced searching (screening) and manual searching (eligibility) were utilized to track the relevant literature. The details of the searching techniques for each reviewed scholarly literature published for almost three decades of publication are outlined in this paper.
Developing methodology to assess the thermal comfort of traditional Malay house
Authors: Hassin N S F N , Misni A
Published: October 2022

The natural harmony between people, houses, and the environment is frequently highlighted in studies on traditional architecture. Traditional Malay house architecture, for example, is designed in hot-humid regions to promote maximum thermal comfort with natural ventilation while minimizing dampness. However, further research is required to determine if the traditional house is a sustainable design that can still adapt to current climate conditions due to global warming’s increased indoor environment. This paper intends to identify and discuss the thermal comfort assessment approach by implement empirical research through field measurement. The assessment involves physical measurements and a satisfaction survey—the data analysis using a statistical adaptive model, computer simulation, and comparative analysis. Lastly, the data is verified based on the ASHRAE Standard 55 and hypothesis-testing. The finding will contribute to aiding the stakeholders and designers to adapt the traditional Malay house construction as an example of the best or alternative designs of climate-responsive architecture. Thus, the idea of producing a climate-responsive recommend simulation research.
A Review of Smart City Elements and Smart City Performances
Authors: Rozman A T , Azmi N A , Sukereman A S
Published: October 2022

Smart City requires citizen participation and many key metrics need to be considered such as Smart city elements and Smart City performances. However, the researchers rarely discuss the types of elements and performance need for Smart City programs to succeed. The main contribution of this paper is to investigate recent literature reviews, comparing and selecting valuable elements and performances that require the formation of the conceptual framework. This study shall assist the administrators and policymakers to choose the best criteria of their elements and performances to make their Smart City program successful.
Effective Community Participation in Planning and Operational Decision-Making in Iskandar Malaysia: A Qualitative In-Depth Interview Study
Authors: Zanudin K , Ngah I , Misnan S H , Bidin Z A
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of community participation in planning and operational decision-making in Iskandar Malaysia. Iskandar Malaysia region consists of four local planning authorities responsible for planning and managing the spatial development in the region. Conceptually, effective community participation helps the local planning authority make a better decision, hence providing a sustainable and quality living environment. Therefore, the question raised is, “To what extent does the current community participation process offers a genuine opportunity to the community to incorporate their interest in the planning and operational decisions? The study employed in-depth interviews to gather insight of the phenomenon from various key actors to address the question. Following the 43 interviews performed, it is suggested that the effectiveness of community participation; and the incorporation of community interest in Iskandar Malaysia are substantially influenced by the functional variables like a collaboration between stakeholders, community’s access to information and process; and intergovernmental relationship in planning. Structural and cultural variables include the skill and professionalism of public planners, capability to influence, public awareness and knowledge, and community’s representation.
Work Process in Establishment Work Development Plan for Interior Design Project Delivery; The Guttman Approach
Authors: Mustapha Arniatul Aiza , Ahmad Noorhani Nur Maizura
Published: October 2022

Work process and flow is crucial in interior design project delivery process. Within the balance of time, cost and quality, interior design process involves the execution of the designing, beginning to end, as well as the subsequent phases of construction and completion. Popularity of interior design nowadays amongst people around the world, demand interior design businesses aggressively in action. And this helps the interior designer self-interpret the ways, processes and flows without having uniform way of work in delivering project. This study intends to affirm the process, flow and order of interior design project delivery process in establishing interior design work development plan (IDWDP). This study is merely narrowed to the earlier phase of interior design project delivery process, where it will be discussing until the design stage (pre-contract phase). The establishment of IDWDP, it may give positive exercise for interior design professional in practicing the interior project by contributing to the sustainable economic growth, productive employment as well as decent work stated in SDG 8.
Green Procurement Implementation in Construction industry: Analysis of Developer’s Challenges
Authors: Khaderi Shamsida Saidan , Yub Yusnita , Bakri Anis Sazira , Abd Shukor Ani Saifuza
Published: October 2022

Sustainable construction is significant to implement, especially in Malaysia since many environmental issues have become worst lately. All parties or stakeholder need to take a high responsive action to enforce sustainable construction due to passive movement is undertaken by certain parties, primarily developer. Developers is the most sought out play a critical role in the development of sustainable construction. Green procurement is one of the initiatives introduced to improve sustainability. However, green procurement is still very new and has not widely adopted in the Malaysian construction industry — while the challenges that hinder developers from taking green procurement merit detailed investigation. Therefore, this study aims to reveal the potential problems faced by developers that resist green procurement implementation in the construction industry. Its objective is to identify the current practices of green procurement implementation in the construction industry and determine the developer’s challenges in the performance of green procurement in the construction industry. Data collection was done through a mixed method of research, which is quantitative by questionnaire survey and the qualitative approach by semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was done after collected data information from the interview and questionnaire session. The findings from this research will provide a valuable reference for assisting relevant developers in mitigating the green procurement challenges in real estate development throughout encouraging and pointing to increased awareness, practice, and implementation of green procurement by practitioners in Malaysia. It envisaged that the study would provide the basis for future research into green procurement practices for construction projects in Malaysia and beyond.
Importance of Sustainable Construction: Construction Players’ Perspective
Authors: Isnaini Janipha Nurul Afida , Ahmad Shakir Nadiah Hanani , Azrin Baharuddin Har Einur
Published: October 2022

Sustainability has become a universal issue that has been increased over the years. Sustainable practices in the construction industry involved in meeting the client’s needs without compromising the factors of environmental, economic and social. This paper aims to investigate the importance of sustainable practices in the Malaysian construction industry. The objectives were to identify the sustainable components and to determine the level of importance of sustainable construction in the Malaysian construction industry. An extensive literature review was done to obtain the information on the sustainable components and a questionnaire survey was done to determine the importance of sustainable construction. The questionnaires were distributed through e-mails to various construction practitioners in the area of Kuala Lumpur. A total of 74 respondents’ feedbacks managed to be gathered and data collected were analyzed using SPSS employing descriptive analysis to determine mean and rank of components and the perception of importance of sustainable construction. The study provides analysis on the perspective of importance from three main components; economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable construction. The results showed that three most important characteristics perceived were occupational health and safety, risk management and quality management. Therefore, it is essential to provide a comprehensive awareness and technical knowledge on the sustainable construction that would give the construction players a competitive advantage in the long-run and may even increase their profitability.
Installation IBS Components in Malaysian Housing Projects; The Difficulties and Solutions
Authors: Abd Jalil Ahmad Bin , Shaari Shazwan Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Most contractors choose to install IBS components without having supervision as this require additional fees, and due to their lack of expertise the installations likely facing defects problems. To adopt IBS require detail precision and proper process, if not, the IBS will not bring faster and cost effective but instead expose to spending more time to plan or rectify the defective works. Therefore, identifying the difficulties in conducting installation of IBS components is paramount, especially on the need for supervision work. Without proper supervision during installation, the IBS in housing projects will not only expose to delay, quality disputes, and design clashes but will also cause misconceptions and warranty issues. In this study, a questionnaire survey was designed to determine the challenges on installing IBS components with supervision and propose suggestions to solve them. After gaining the questionnaire result, the data were validated through semi-structured interviews, which aim to analyze the various views from all relevant stakeholders. The results reveals that the main challenges in installing IBS components are on the difficulty to find skillful supervision and installation team, cost for supervision fees, and the handling of IBS components. As for solution, respondents emphasized that the IBS installation can be improved if supervision during installation is regulated and make it as mandatory, provide clearer method statement and constant monitoring. While most previous research only focus to IBS process, supply chain, cost reduction, best practices etc., this research’s major contribution to the body of knowledge is on highlighting the crucial issues and the needs for supervision during IBS components installation and suggest solutions to overcome the challenges.
BIM Capabilities towards Better Safety Climate in the Malaysian Construction Industry
Authors: Adillah Ismail Noor Akmal , Basirah Baharun Bibi Nur , Adnan Hamimah , Maisham Mysarah , Asyikin Mahat Noor Aisyah
Published: October 2022

The Malaysian construction industry are dealing with numerous cases of permanent injuries and death of workers in construction sites. This has caused lack of productivity and also losses of human resources. The urging working condition aiming for on time completion has led to unsafe working behaviour due to the top management pressure. This is where Building Information Modelling (BIM) came into view to increase the safety on site environment and through design phase by using technology to overcome human inconsistency behaviour. However, the lack of BIM implementation in Malaysia also causes even lesser implementation of BIM in safety of construction. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the BIM capabilities towards better safety climate in the Malaysian construction industry. A qualitative approach was used through semi-structured interviews and discussion with selected representatives from both private and government sectors. All the interviewed data were then analysed using content analysis technique which correlated the findings with the literature review to support the findings. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that (1) Visualisation for Safety, and (2) Simulation for Safety are the most potential BIM capabilities to be implemented in the construction industry for improving safety climate by using BIM technology. Significantly, the study provides insights towards outlining potential BIM capabilities on policy or Safety Rules and Procedure implementation by the government authority or organizations’ top management.
Communication Challenges in Private Finance Initiative Projects at Facilities Management Stage
Authors: Kipli Kumalasari , Sidek Norazizah , Mustapa Fara Diva , Hidayah Syed Jamaluddin Shariffah Zatil , Zaini Favilla
Published: October 2022

Facilities management is one of the scopes of work under the Private Finance Initiative Projects. The success of the facilities management work depends on various factors. Communication is among the factor. This paper will highlight what are the challenges faced during the communication between the client and facilities management managers in UiTM projects and also ways to overcome the challenges. The research is carried out by using the qualitative method. The interviews were done with the engineers and facilities managers. From the interviews, the challenges are the breakdown of communication, human error, lack of understanding, time-consuming, and misunderstanding. deal with lack of understanding, it is best to deal with it through meeting or discussion, inspecting the real problem, and issuing a letter or reminder. To sum up, these strategies are being used because to clarify the root cause of the lack of understandings and to get rid of disputes that happen between both parties. To ensure smooth communication when conveying information during the operational and maintenance, the following item suggested being done by the respondents; verification from the end-user, conducting a technical meeting, following the procedure in executing works, and having a good relationship between both parties. To improve communication, the suggestion is the use of the mobile application, integrated system, roles of the concessionaire in understanding the Concession Agreement, minimize human error and improvement of CFMS as well as preferably direct communication using instant messages.
Green Sukuk, Environmental Issues and Strategy
Authors: Rozman Ahmad Tajjudin , Azmi Nurul Afiqah
Published: October 2022

The leaders and policymakers realize that our home planet has been endangered by our hands. The industrialization era had a severe impact on climate change; therefore, the infrastructure project should be friendly with the environment. The green Sukuk concept is ideal to help the Sukuk issuances tackle environmental issues as well as reduce Green House Gases (GHG) carbon emission. However, there are so many environmental issues that revolve in Malaysia besides the environmental project should be beneficial the most to the country (environmentally) and the people. This paper attempt to identify the current and unsolved environmental issues in Malaysia; the role of Green Sukuk (financially) to assist the environmentally friendly project; and strategy or initiatives that can be taken by the government to push the green Sukuk issuance to help the government to cope with the environmental issues as well as reduce climate change.
Applications of a phase-field fracture model to materials with inclusions
Authors: Vodička R
Published: October 2022

Fracture in materials with inclusions is considered in the computational model of this contribution which allows prediction of crack propagation. The inclusions cause that cracks may appear inside the materials or along matrix-inclusion interfaces. The presented model can treat them both using two internal variables in a fashion of damage mechanics so that fracture is a consequence of the damage. The first variable is defined at the interface represented by a thin degradable adhesive layer so that an appropriate stress-strain relationship can be obtained as in cohesive zone models. The second variable is defined in the structural domains as a phase-field fracture variable which causes elastic properties degradation in a narrow material strip that forms a smeared crack. Both these damaging schemes are expressed in a unique quasi-static energy evolution process. The numerical solution approach is thus rendered from a variational form with a staggered time stepping procedure related to a separation of deformation variables from the damage ones and using non-linear programming algorithms implemented together within an own MATLAB finite element code. The numerical simulations with the model include simplified structural and material elements.
The effect of manufacturing imperfections in the slip joints
Authors: Mojto M , Brodnianský J , Brodnianský J
Published: October 2022

The issue of imperfections is mostly related to additional internal forces. However, our understanding of imperfections is associated with the change of structural behaviour. In our case, the most likely indicated effects of imperfections are the reduction of the contact area, and the unreachability of the required overlap length. The behaviour of these slip joints depends on sufficient contact between sliding parts. The contact area is affected by the imperfections of the manufactured steel tubes. This contribution presents the manufacturing tolerances and subsequently, it describes the incorporation of them into the design of the slip joint. Furthermore, the article presents a comparison between the ideal numerical model and model with imperfections involved. Moreover, this numerical model is verified by experimental measurements. The results indicate that imperfections have a significant impact on the slip joints. In our comparison, the effect of imperfections is about 120%.
Elastic Exploring of Human Lung Parenchyma
Authors: Bošanská B , Minárová M , Tvrdá K
Published: October 2022

The paper describes a theoretical study and exploration of authors in the field of biomechanics. The lung parenchyma is focused, and its elastic behaviour under the physiological mechanical load, pressure change during breathing. Anatomical view to the human respiratory system generally is introduced first together with a more detailed description of the alveolus. Then the appropriate theory is elaborated, aimed on the mathematical model establishing, the finite element method is chosen as the resolving tool. The computational implementation is realized in multi physical software based on the finite element method.
On the load-carrying capacity produced by different load models for road bridges
Authors: Gocal J , Odrobinak J , Vican J
Published: October 2022

The evaluation of existing bridges is an important process and source of information within the bridge management system. Except for the load-carrying capacity represents the basic evaluation parameter, it moreover expresses a relevant and decisive parameter for the transition of actual road traffic. The paper presents the continuation of an already published analytical study aimed at comparing the effects of traffic load produced by different load models on road bridges. There are presented calculated load-carrying capacities for model cases of bridges with an upper deck with eight alternative spans and six different cross-sectional arrangements. On each of them, multiple load models simulating the effects of traffic were considered, while a certain predefined part of the considered load represented the required weight of the vehicle defining the load-carrying capacity of the respective bridge. The discussion is mainly focused on the pitfalls and possibilities of correctly defining the dependence of the weight of the vehicle representing the load-carrying capacity from the traffic load consideration schemes themselves, which are mostly defined by design codes.
Sewage and coronavirus; Maribor case study
Authors: Nekrep Perc M , Kramer Stajnko J
Published: October 2022

Wastewater can be an important indicator of surface water contamination by pathogens, of which SARS-CoV-2 is one, so monitoring of wastewater at treatment plants is important. The virus has been shown to be present in the faeces of infected people, which can be detected much earlier than with medical tests. This will allow prediction of trends in coronavirus outbreaks in advance and may complement current measures to determine prevalence. In Slovenia, pilot monitoring was established in seven WWTPs in October 2020. This paper presents the results and analysis of the Maribor WWTP, where one to three 100 ml samples are collected weekly to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2. A correlation can be observed between the evolution of the virus in the wastewater and the number of active cases detected by the National Institute of Public Health in the region covered by the WWTP. The presence of the virus in the wastewater is detected about two weeks before the increase in active cases. Some shortcomings and further issues of the wastewater monitoring are analysed.
Water vapor transmission parameters of the Kežmarok sandstone
Authors: Jaroš P , Vertaľ M
Published: October 2022

Dynamic complex heat and water transport in building constructions can be calculated using modern simulation software such as Wufi, Delphin, Math, Comsol Multiphysics and other. This software is suitable for the evaluation of the thermal and hygric processes in constructions of historical buildings. Because it includes many important factors such as dynamic boundary conditions, solar radiation, driven rain, ground water, diffusion and others. The heat and water transport parameters of historical materials are needed for simulation of coupled heat and water transport in building materials. The Kežmarok sandstone was chosen for analysis. One of the important material parameters for evaluation of complex heat and water transport in building constructions are water vapor transmission parameters. Vapor transport can be described as water vapor diffusion resistance factor, water vapor diffusion coefficient and diffusion equivalent air layer thickness. The dry cup and wet cup method were used to determine the water vapor transmission parameters of Kežmarok sandstone.
Production of polymer-modified-asphalt mixture as an alternative method to the conventional polymer-modified-bitumen mixtures
Authors: Kovács R , Polakovič Ľ , Czímerová A , Mandula J
Published: October 2022

The transfer of new materials and technologies that are necessary for the development of new practices will lead to the development of innovation. These options are considered as (1) innovation, which means a significant improvement in the currently required parameters, mostly in parallel with the price increase, (2) innovation will meet the current parameters, but at a lower product / technology price, (3) innovation will achieve compliance with the applicable parameters, but at a higher price of the product / technology. In most cases, this is the second option, i. e. help the customer to enter the market at a lower price while maintaining the required product quality. This case also concerns the application of mixtures of the polymer-modified asphalt mixture type. The main goal of this work was the production and real laying on the verification section of the polymer-modified asphalt mixture. Based on the results obtained from this work, we can conclude that the values of the observed properties prescribed for a given class of asphalt mixtures in the catalogue sheets of asphalt mixtures were achieved without serious problems. Due to the trouble-free production of such mixtures in the plant, spreading and compaction of mixtures, we can express a clear conclusion that such mixtures are an ideal alternative to conventionally used polymer-modified-bitumen mixtures.
The influence of inclusive deformation mapping on the kinematic equations of nonlinear elasticity
Authors: Flajs R
Published: October 2022

A model of continuum is often used in statics and dynamics modeling with material and spatial description. In this paper, we describe body deformation using an innovative approach employing embedding. The mapping ϕ maps a domain from the space Rn
to the image of space Rm
, where the dimensions of the spaces m and n are necessarily different, usually n < m. Due to the different dimensions m and n, the determinant of the mapping is not defined, nor is the mapping reversible. This complicates the calculation of the fundamental kinematic quantities, the determinant J of the displacement gradient F, the transposed inverse of F, which occur in the Nanson’s equation for deformed surface. In this paper, we derive terms for these quantities. The usage of the Moore-Penrose generalized inverse is essential here. This approach is a generalization of the established approach and thus opens up new possibilities in describing deformation. Displacements often appear as one of the basic unknowns, especially when using the finite element method. In the teaching of nonlinear mechanics, we found that the displacements are not adequately defined. In the paper, we therefore attempt to rectify this shortcoming.
Indoor environmental quality in green certified office buildings
Authors: Harčárová K , Vilčeková S
Published: October 2022

The presented paper deals with the assessment of selected indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors, specifically the parameters of thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ), in two buildings of a modern office complex. Both buildings are LEED certified. The monitoring of selected IEQ risk factors took place in selected office spaces (cell and open-space offices) representative of all occupied areas under operating conditions. The results of real measurements of IAQ parameters indicate that the monitored office spaces in both buildings did not exceed the required limits set by the LEED certification system. The measured parameters of thermal comfort were within the permissible legislative limits and the results of Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) indices show that a suitable level of thermal comfort can be expected in the given buildings during their occupancy. Based on the results of real measurements, it can be stated that both office buildings actually meet the LEED criteria for IAQ and guarantee a healthy and comfortable working environment for their occupants.
Indoor air quality assessment in the apartment – case study
Authors: Kapalo P , Kováč M , Nagy R , Baka Z
Published: October 2022

The application of demand-controlled ventilation is one of the ways, how to reduce energy consumption in residential buildings. The main producer of pollutants in these types of buildings is human being and its activities. The most common measurable air parameters that can be characterized the level of air degradation in rooms are the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), air temperature and relative humidity. The aim of our research was to monitor and evaluate these air parameters in real conditions of apartment usage. As part of the research, the experimental measurements were carried out in a selected apartment, where the concentration of carbon dioxide CO2, air temperature and relative humidity were monitored in individual rooms. During evaluating the monitored air parameters, their maximum and minimum values were evaluated. The achieved research results can be applied in computer simulation the operation of a ventilation system in the apartment in order to increase the energy efficiency of the HVAC system while maintaining the required indoor air quality that is necessary for healthy living.
Exploitation of Document Management Systems in Construction Industry
Authors: Mandicak T , Mesaros P , Spisakova M , Kanalikova A
Published: October 2022

Document management systems are among the information systems that have several benefits. The main benefits include a reduction of time and of transmitting documents. These systems also allow better access to documents for all participants in construction projects. The use of Document Management Systems in the world is growing in every industry. There has been a dramatic increase in the last few years. However, some construction companies are conservative and are adopting new trends and innovations more slowly. This research addresses this issue of the use of information systems in Slovakia. The research involved investors, contractors, sub-contractors, designers operating in Slovakia. The research sample consisted of 55 respondents, including large construction companies.
Stability of travertine barrier on Milino Lake
Authors: Štimac Grandić I , Drobac J , Bede N , Ružić I
Published: October 2022

In March 2018, part of the travertine barrier at Milino Lake, in Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, broke off, significantly altering the flow of water over the barrier. Encouraged by this event, the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Rijeka conducted a monitoring and analysis of the erosion dynamics of the travertine barriers on Plitvice Lakes. Within the project, the analyses of the stability of the travertine barriers were carried out. To the author's knowledge, physical and mechanical properties of travertine have been determined for the first time on samples excluded from travertine barriers between cascading lakes. In addition, no one has previously checked the stability of the travertine barrier located between the two lakes. The maximum compressive and tensile stresses calculated on a numerical model of the broken part of the barrier are compared with the compressive and tensile strength determined by laboratory tests on travertine samples taken from the broken barrier. By comparing the calculated stresses and determined travertine strength, it was found that the stability of the analysed part of the broken travertine barrier at Milino Lake was compromised even if only the self-weight of the collapsed part of the barrier is taken into account.
Method of optimizing deterministic small free-form surfaces for off-axis optical systems with extremely low aberration
Authors: Zhang Xu , Yu Jie , Wang Liping , Jin Chunshui
Published: October 2022

A mapping model of arbitrarily shaped surfaces and the system image quality is constructed to examine the optimization of the residual aberration of an off-axis optical system to construct an off-axis optical system with very small aberrations. First, orthogonal surfaces are chosen within the arbitrary aperture. The mapping relationship between the orthogonal surfaces and system wavefront aberration is then established. Finally, the surfaces required for optimization are acquired by solving the mapping relationship through singular value decomposition and the Gauss–Newton algorithm. The residual aberration of the system is optimized using free-form surfaces with small deviations. In this paper, the residual aberration of an off-axis optical system with a non-circular aperture is optimized by adopting the above method, with the residual aberration of the system reducing from 0.549 nm (root-mean-square, RMS) to 0.443 nm (RMS) after adding a small free-form surface to a single lens, and to 0.393 nm (RMS) after adding small free-form surfaces to two lenses. The optical system with a circular aperture is optimized and the residual aberration of the system is reduced from 2 nm (RMS) to 0.47 nm (RMS).
Alfvén continuum in the presence of a magnetic island in a cylinder configuration
Authors: YANG Junhui , CAO Jinjia , ZHAO Jianhua , DAI Yongzhi , XIANG Dong
Published: October 2022

In this work, the effect of a magnetic island on Alfvén waves is studied. A physical model is established wherein Alfvén waves propagate in the presence of a magnetic island in a cylindrical geometry. The structure of the Alfvén wave continuum is calculated by considering only the coupling caused by the periodicity in the helical angle of the magnetic island. The results show that the magnetic island can induce an upshift in the Alfvén continuum. Moreover, the coupling between different branches of the continuous spectrum becomes more significant with increasing continuum mode numbers near the boundary of the magnetic island.
Fredholm composition operators on Hardy-Sobolev spaces with bounded reproducing kernel
Authors: He Li
Published: October 2022

For any real

β
\beta

let

H
β
2

H^2_\beta

be the Hardy-Sobolev space on the unit ball

B

n

,
n
≥
1

\mathbb {B}_{n} , n\geq 1

.

H
β
2

H^2_\beta

is a reproducing kernel Hilbert space and its reproducing kernel is bounded when

β
>
n

/

2

\beta >n/2

. In this paper, we characterize when the composition operator

C

φ

C_{\varphi }

on

H

β

2

H^{2}_{\beta }

is Fredholm for a non-constant analytic map

φ
:

B

n

→

B

n

\varphi :\mathbb {B}_{n}\to \mathbb {B}_{n}

.
Identification of a ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNA signature for prognosis prediction of ovarian cancer
Authors: Gao Jian , Pang Xiaoao , Ren Fang , Zhu Liancheng
Published: October 2022

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest malignant tumors. Ferroptosis is closely related to various cancers, including ovarian cancer, but the genes involved in regulating ferroptosis in ovarian cancer are still unclear. The aim of this study is to construct a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) signature related to ferroptosis and evaluate its relationship with the prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with ovarian cancer. In this study, a prognostic risk model comprising 18 lncRNAs related to ferroptosis was obtained. Compared to the low-risk group, the high-risk group based on the FerRLSig score had significantly poorer overall survival (P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristics curve supported the accuracy of the model, established a prognostic nomogram combining FerRLSig and clinical characteristics, and showed a good prognosis and survival risk stratification predictive power. In addition, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) showed that FerRLSig was involved in many malignant tumor-related immunomodulatory pathways. Based on the risk model, we found that immune status and immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy were significantly different between the high-risk and low-risk groups. This study provided a more in-depth understanding of the molecular and signaling pathways of ferroptosis in ovarian cancer and showed the impact of tumor microenvironment on ovarian cancer, as well as provided a prognostic model for ovarian cancer patients to guide the clinical treatment of ovarian cancer.
Cortical and subcortical grey matter correlates of psychopathic traits in a Japanese community sample of young adults: sex and configurations of factors’ level matter!
Authors: Chester Sally C , Ogawa Tatsuyoshi , Terao Maki , Nakai Ryusuke , Abe Nobuhito , De Brito Stephane A
Published: October 2022

While neuroimaging research has examined the structural brain correlates of psychopathy predominantly in clinical/forensic male samples from western countries, much less is known about those correlates in non-western community samples. Here, structural magnetic resonance imaging data were analyzed using voxel- and surface-based morphometry to investigate the neuroanatomical correlates of psychopathic traits in a mixed-sex sample of 97 well-functioning Japanese adults (45 males, 21–39 years; M = 27, SD = 5.3). Psychopathic traits were assessed using the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (SRP-SF; 4th Edition). Multiple regression analysis showed greater Factor 1 scores were associated with higher gyrification in the lingual gyrus, and gray matter volume in the anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala/hippocampus border. Total psychopathy and Factor 1 scores interacted with sex to, respectively, predict cortical thickness in the precuneus and gyrification in the superior temporal gyrus. Finally, Factor 1 and Factor 2 traits interacted to predict gyrification in the posterior cingulate cortex. These preliminary data suggest that, while there may be commonalities in the loci of structural brain correlates of psychopathic traits in clinical/forensic and community samples, the nature of that association might be different (i.e. positive) and may vary according to sex and configurations of factors’ level.
A Systematic Review on the Interest of Drug-tolerant Assay in the Monitoring of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Barrau Mathilde , Duprat Manon , Veyrard Pauline , Tournier Quentin , Williet Nicolas , Marc Phelip Jean , Waeckel Louis , Cheifetz Adam S , Papamichael Konstantinos , Roblin Xavier , Paul Stephane
Published: October 2022

Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] are treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] therapies, of which infliximab [IFX] is most commonly used. Loss of response [LOR] to anti-TNF therapy due to immunogenic failure accounts for 20% of subsequent medical intervention and is defined, using a drug-sensitive assay, as low or undetectable concentration of drug with high titres of anti-drug antibodies [ADAb]. We performed a systematic review to investigate the use of a drug-tolerant assay during both induction and maintenance, to monitor patients treated with anti-TNFs. After the search on PubMed, 90 publications were reviewed. Most ADAb detection methods are drug-sensitive, cannot detect ADAb in the presence of drug, and therefore cannot be used close to drug administration when the drug concentration is too high. To overcome this major limitation, several drug-tolerant techniques have been developed and will be discussed in this review. Using drug-tolerant assays, ADAb against IFX or adalimumab [ADM] can be detected during induction and predict primary non-response or LOR. Drug-sensitive assays do not allow detection of ADAb during the induction phase when IFX or ADM concentration is typically high.
Diagnostics and management of headache in general practice
Authors: Carlsen Louise Ninett , Stefansen Simon , Ahnfeldt-Mollerup Peder , Højland Jensen Rigmor , Saxhaug Kristoffersen Espen , Møller Hansen Jakob , Lykkegaard Jesper
Published: October 2022

Background

Headache disorders are globally prevalent and insufficient treatment contribute to low quality of life, increased disability, and socioeconomic costs. However, headache can to a large extent be treated appropriately by general practitioners.

Objective

To explore general practitioners’ (GPs’) management of patients with headache lasting ≥6 months.

Methods

In this retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study based on medical audit, all GPs practicing in Vejle municipality (population 116,992), Denmark, were invited to review their latest 20 patients with headache. Outcome measures were headache diagnostics, treatment, and referrals. Factors associated with referral to neurological treatment were examined by logistic regression.

Results

Of 26 invited practices, 19 participated reporting on 367 patients with lasting headache (71.4% women; mean-age 48.5 years). One hundred and sixty-one patients had migraine (44%; IQR: 28–60%), 140 (38%; IQR: 25–44%) had tension-type headache; 243 (66%; IQR: 50–79%) used simple analgesics, 147 (40%; IQR: 29–59%) triptans, 37 (10%; IQR: 0–14%) opioids, 93 (25%; IQR: 20–35%) were prescribed preventive medication; 176 (48%; IQR: 48–59%) were referred to neurologist, and 92 (25%; IQR: 10–37%) were referred to CT or MRI scan. Associated factors for referral were >1 headache diagnosis (aOR 1.75 [95% CI: 1.05–2.95]; P = 0.03), post-traumatic headache (aOR 2.53 [95% CI: 1.25–5.38]; P = 0.01), unspecific headache (aOR 2.04 [95% CI: 1.08–3.93]; P = 0.03), and using preventive treatment (aOR 2.75 [95% CI: 1.68–4.57]; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides insights to how GPs manage patients with long-lasting headache. Focus should be on reducing opioids, increasing preventive treatment, and keeping more patients in primary care.
Genome Assembly of the Medicinal Plant Voacanga thouarsii
Authors: Cuello Clément , Stander Emily Amor , Jansen Hans J , Dugé de Bernonville Thomas , Lanoue Arnaud , Giglioli-Guivarc'h Nathalie , Papon Nicolas , Dirks Ron P , Jensen Michael Krogh , O'Connor Sarah Ellen , Besseau Sébastien , Courdavault Vincent
Published: October 2022

The Apocynaceae tree Voacanga thouarsii, native to southern Africa and Madagascar, produces monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIA), which are specialized metabolites with a wide range of bioactive properties. Voacanga species mainly accumulates tabersonine in seeds making these species valuable medicinal plants currently used for industrial MIA production. Despite their importance, the MIA biosynthesis in Voacanga species remains poorly studied. Here, we report the first genome assembly and annotation of a Voacanga species. The combined assembly of Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-reads and Illumina short-reads resulted in 3,406 scaffolds with a total length of 1,354.26 Mb and an N50 of 3.04 Mb. A total of 33,300 protein-coding genes were predicted and functionally annotated. These genes were then used to establish gene families and to investigate gene family expansion and contraction across the phylogenetic tree. A transposable element (TE) analysis showed the highest proportion of TE in Voacanga thouarsii compared with all other MIA-producing plants. In a nutshell, this first reference genome of V. thouarsii will thus contribute to strengthen future comparative and evolutionary studies in MIA-producing plants leading to a better understanding of MIA pathway evolution. This will also allow the potential identification of new MIA biosynthetic genes for metabolic engineering purposes.
Determinants of self-reported adherence to COVID-19 regulations in Spain: social norms, trust and risk perception
Authors: Cabrera-Álvarez Pablo , Hornsey Matthew J , Lobera Josep
Published: October 2022

Failure of individuals to voluntarily observe regulations and recommendations around mitigating COVID-19 (e.g. social distancing; frequent handwashing) is often cited as a reason why some countries struggled to curtail the spread of the virus. Understanding the factors that are associated with people’s willingness to comply with COVID-19 regulations and recommendations is an important step in helping policy makers and health officials reduce the impact of this (and future) pandemics. In the current study we examined this question in one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic: Spain. A large, representative survey (N = 2100) revealed that several factors were positively associated with willingness to comply to COVID-19 regulations and recommendations. In decreasing order of predictive value, these were: (i) perceptions of whether friends and family were complying (i.e. norms), (ii) trust in science as a basis for lawmaking, (iii) perceived effectiveness of regulations and (iv) perception of risk of infection. These results point to the importance of influencing social norms as the primary way to improve adherence to the health regulations of COVID-19; more important than intrapsychic considerations such as efficacy and risk.