bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Influencing Factors and Driving Path of BIM Application in Construction Projects Based on the SD Model in China
Authors: Deng Jianxun , Li Xiaoxin , Rao Jintong
Published: November 2023

The BIM (building information model), as an innovative architectural technology, has received sufficient attention in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry, providing many possibilities for improving building management. Therefore, exploring the factors influencing of how BIM technology is applied has strong practical significance for promoting the application of BIM technology. Based on previous research, this article identified 16 factors that affect the application of BIM and established a relationship function between the influencing factors based on the current actual situation. A system dynamics (SD) model was constructed to analyze the mechanism of these factors and explore the key influencing factors of BIM application. The research results indicate that BIM technology maturity, the difficulty level of BIM software operation, and the degree of collaboration among various departments within an enterprise are key influencing factors. This article conducts an empirical analysis of a large project in China. Based on the research results, targeted improvement measures are proposed to improve the current level of BIM technology application and promote further development of BIM technology. However, due to the rapid development of BIM technology, the effects and weights of the influencing factors in different eras may not be consistent. The reference effect of this study’s results on era period of ten years or even longer is weakened, and scholars will need to continuously update this article in the future.
Adjuvant Immunotherapy in Curative Intent Esophageal Cancer Resection Patients: Real-World Experience within an Integrated Health System
Authors: Kwak Hyunjee V. , Banks Kian C. , Hung Yun-Yi , Alcasid Nathan J. , Susai Cynthia J. , Patel Ashish , Ashiku Simon , Velotta Jeffrey B.
Published: November 2023

Background: Adjuvant immunotherapy has been shown in clinical trials to prolong the survival of patients with esophageal cancer. We report our initial experience with immunotherapy within an integrated health system. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed reviewing patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy at our institution between 2017 and 2021. The immunotherapy cohort was assessed for completion of treatment, adverse effects, and disease progression, with emphasis on patients who received surgery in 2021 and their eligibility to receive nivolumab. Results: There were 39 patients who received immunotherapy and 137 patients who did not. In logistic regression, immunotherapy was not found to have a statistically significant impact on 1-year overall survival after adjusting for age and receipt of adjuvant chemoradiation. Only seven patients out of 39 who received immunotherapy successfully completed treatment (18%), with the majority failing therapy due to disease progression or side effects. Of the 17 patients eligible for nivolumab, 13 patients received it (76.4%), and three patients completed a full course of treatment. Conclusions: Despite promising findings of adjuvant immunotherapy improving the survival of patients with esophageal cancer, real-life practice varies greatly from clinical trials. We found that the majority of patients were unable to complete immunotherapy regimens with no improvement in overall 1-year survival.
Role of Endometrial Extracellular Vesicles in Mediating Cell-to-Cell Communication in the Uterus: A Review
Authors: Beal Jacob R. , Ma Qiuyan , Bagchi Indrani C. , Bagchi Milan K.
Published: November 2023

There are several critical events that occur in the uterus during early pregnancy which are necessary for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. These events include blastocyst implantation, uterine decidualization, uterine neoangiogenesis, differentiation of trophoblast stem cells into different trophoblast cell lineages, and formation of a placenta. These processes involve several different cell types within the pregnant uterus. Communication between these cell types must be intricately coordinated for successful embryo implantation and the formation of a functional maternal–fetal interface in the placenta. Understanding how this intricate coordination transpires has been a focus of researchers in the field for many years. It has long been understood that maternal endometrial tissue plays a key role in intercellular signaling during early pregnancy, sending signals to nearby tissues in a paracrine manner. Recently, insights have been obtained into the mechanisms by which these signaling events occur. Notably, the endometrium has been shown to secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that contain crucial cargo (proteins, lipids, RNA, miRNA) that are taken up by recipient cells to initiate a response leading to the occurrence of critical events during implantation and placentation. In this review, we aim to summarize the role that endometrium-derived EVs play in mediating cell-to-cell communications within the pregnant uterus to orchestrate the events that must occur to establish and maintain pregnancy. We will also discuss how aberrant endometrial EV signaling may lead to pathophysiological conditions, such as endometriosis and infertility.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism Prevents Type 2 Familial Partial Lipodystrophy Brown Adipocyte Dysfunction
Authors: Schena Elisa , Mattioli Elisabetta , Peres Chiara , Zanotti Laura , Morselli Paolo , Iozzo Patricia , Guzzardi Maria Angela , Bernardini Chiara , Forni Monica , Nesci Salvatore , Caprio Massimiliano , Cecchetti Carolina , Pagotto Uberto , Gabusi Elena , Cattini Luca , Lisignoli Gina , Blalock William , Gambineri Alessandra , Lattanzi Giovanna
Published: November 2023

Type-2 Familial Partial Lipodystrophy (FPLD2), a rare lipodystrophy caused by LMNA mutations, is characterized by a loss of subcutaneous fat from the trunk and limbs and excess accumulation of adipose tissue in the neck and face. Several studies have reported that the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) plays an essential role in adipose tissue differentiation and functionality. We previously showed that brown preadipocytes isolated from a FPLD2 patient’s neck aberrantly differentiate towards the white lineage. As this condition may be related to MR activation, we suspected altered MR dynamics in FPLD2. Despite cytoplasmic MR localization in control brown adipocytes, retention of MR was observed in FPLD2 brown adipocyte nuclei. Moreover, overexpression of wild-type or mutated prelamin A caused GFP-MR recruitment to the nuclear envelope in HEK293 cells, while drug-induced prelamin A co-localized with endogenous MR in human preadipocytes. Based on in silico analysis and in situ protein ligation assays, we could suggest an interaction between prelamin A and MR, which appears to be inhibited by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism. Importantly, the MR antagonist spironolactone redirected FPLD2 preadipocyte differentiation towards the brown lineage, avoiding the formation of enlarged and dysmorphic lipid droplets. Finally, beneficial effects on brown adipose tissue activity were observed in an FPLD2 patient undergoing spironolactone treatment. These findings identify MR as a new lamin A interactor and a new player in lamin A-linked lipodystrophies.
Porcine UL-16 Binding Protein 1 Is Not a Functional Ligand for the Human Natural Killer Cell Activating Receptor NKG2D
Authors: Lopez Kevin J. , Spence John Paul , Li Wei , Zhang Wenjun , Wei Barry , Cross-Najafi Arthur A. , Butler James R. , Cooper David K. C. , Ekser Burcin , Li Ping
Published: November 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells play a vital role in xenotransplantation rejection. One approach to induce NK cell immune tolerance is to prevent the NK cell-mediated direct killing of porcine cells by targeting the interaction of the activating receptor NKG2D and its ligands. However, the identity of porcine ligands for the human NKG2D receptor has remained elusive. Previous studies on porcine UL-16 binding protein 1 (pULBP-1) as a ligand for human NKG2D have yielded contradictory results. The goal of the present study was to clarify the role of pULBP-1 in the immune response and its interaction with human NKG2D receptor. To accomplish this, the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tool was employed to disrupt the porcine ULBP-1 gene in a 5-gene knockout porcine endothelial cell line (GGTA1, CMAH, β4galNT2, SLA-I α chain, and β-2 microglobulin, 5GKO). A colony with two allele mutations in pULBP-1 was established as a 6-gene knockout pig cell line (6GKO). We found that pULBP-1-deficient pig cells exhibited a reduced binding capacity to human NKG2D-Fc, a recombinant chimera protein. However, the removal of ULBP-1 from porcine endothelial cells did not significantly impact human NK cell degranulation or cytotoxicity upon stimulation with the pig cells. These findings conclusively demonstrate that pULBP-1 is not a crucial ligand for initiating xenogeneic human NK cell activation.
Assessing the Effects of Cadmium Stress on the Growth, Physiological Characteristics, and Metabolic Profiling of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Using HPLC-QTOF/MS
Authors: Lan Zhenni , He Qing , Zhang Mingxia , Liu Huahong , Fang Liusen , Nie Jinfang
Published: November 2023

Cadmium (Cd) pollution is an important environmental problem, as it is easily absorbed by plants and gradually accumulates in the human body through the food chain. This study aimed to elucidate the changes in the metabolic response of the rice cultivar “TanLiangYou215” under Cd stress. Rice was grown in soil culture at 0 (Control), 2 (Low group), and 10 (High group) mg/kg CdCl2 for 90 days. The ultrastructural, Cd content, antioxidant activity, and metabolic changes to the rice in different tissues were analyzed. Phenotypic characterization and ultrastructure showed that the rice roots and leaves were significantly damaged and plant growth was inhibited in the High group, while plant growth was promoted in the Low group. Overall, Cd showed a regularity of “low promotion and high inhibition”. Physiological indices revealed that rice was significantly affected by Cd stress. Compared to the Control, Cd stress resulted in higher antioxidant enzyme activities, and the Low group suffered less oxidative damage than the High group. Metabolomic studies revealed that Cd stress significantly altered the metabolic profiles of rice plants. Rice responded to Cd stress by upregulating amino acids and regulating related pathways, including alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism. The significant expression of flavonoids with antioxidant properties helped rice resist the oxidative damage caused by Cd accumulation in the root tissue; Cd stress significantly downregulated glycerophospholipid metabolism in the stem and leaf tissues, which affected the cellular activities in rice stem and leaf tissues. We investigated the effects of Cd stress on ultrastructure, antioxidant activity, and metabolic changes in different tissues of the rice variety TLY215. Moreover, the different tissues of TLY215 can regulate these metabolic pathways to resist Cd stress, which provides valuable insights into the response of TLY215 to different concentrations of Cd.
The Effects of Quenching with Clay on the Microstructure and Corrosion Performance of Steel Blades
Authors: Wu Wei , Bu Chaoqun , Li Shuoyang , Du Shunhua , Chen Qian , Li Xiaocen
Published: November 2023

Coating a sword with a layer of clay prior to water quenching is one way to promote hardening and improve corrosion resistance. In this study, two types of clay coating were prepared on two identical steel swords (L04 and L05) in order to explore the effects of the addition of clay on the microstructure of steel. Samples taken from each blade were compared using metallography, XRD tests, microhardness tests, and electrochemical tests, and the results showed that L04 had a wavy pattern and contained pearlite, martensite, and residual austenite, while L05 had a mesh pattern and consisted of acicular and lath martensite. More importantly, the electrochemical tests indicated that L05 exhibited better corrosion resistance than L04. Each test zone of L05 (with icorr values of 2.48~8.08 μA·cm−2) had lower corrosion rates compared to the corresponding zones of L04 (with icorr values of 2.93~10.44 μA·cm−2). Furthermore, the calculated Rp values of each test zone of L05 (2341~8260 Ω·cm2) were higher than the values of the corresponding zone of L04 (1908~6716 Ω·cm2). These results further demonstrate that the second method of clay coating endowed superior anti-corrosion performance. In addition, the overall strength and toughness of L04 were achieved with a lower hardness back (mean value 320 HV) and a higher hardness edge (mean value 850 HV), whereas the overall strength and toughness of L05 were achieved with a high hardness throughout (mean value 640 HV of the back and 725 HV of the edge).
Structural Transformations on the Surface of Al-Ti Cathodes Subjected to Vacuum Arc Heating
Authors: Pribytkov Gennady , Firsina Irina , Korzhova Victoria
Published: November 2023

AlTiN nitride coatings on the surfaces of metal-working tools can greatly extend their service life. The coatings are deposited from plasma flows generated by vacuum arc burning on the cathode surface. The elemental and charge composition of the plasma flows, as well as the content of metal drops, depend on the cathode’s structure. In this paper, the microstructure, elemental, and phase compositions of the surface layer of Al-Ti cathodes subjected to vacuum arc heating were studied. These cathodes had similar elemental compositions (Ti + 50 at.% Al) but differed from one another in their phase composition and microstructure (grain size, porosity). The cathodes were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and electron probe analysis. It was found that during vacuum arc heating, surface fusion or thermal cracking of the cathode’s surface layer occurs. The thickness, structure, and phase composition of the modified layer were controlled by the thermal conductivity of the cathode material, which, in turn, depended on the phase composition and porosity of the cathodes. The maximum thickness of the modified layer (up to 400 µm) was observed on the surface of the sintered cathode due to the lower thermal conductivity of the porous structure of the cathode. The obtained results can be used for the development of coating deposition technology based on vacuum arc sputtering of multicomponent cathodes.
Machine Learning for Credit Risk Prediction: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Noriega Jomark Pablo , Rivera Luis Antonio , Herrera José Alfredo
Published: November 2023

In this systematic review of the literature on using Machine Learning (ML) for credit risk prediction, we raise the need for financial institutions to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ML to assess credit risk, analyzing large volumes of information. We posed research questions about algorithms, metrics, results, datasets, variables, and related limitations in predicting credit risk. In addition, we searched renowned databases responding to them and identified 52 relevant studies within the credit industry of microfinance. Challenges and approaches in credit risk prediction using ML models were identified; we had difficulties with the implemented models such as the black box model, the need for explanatory artificial intelligence, the importance of selecting relevant features, addressing multicollinearity, and the problem of the imbalance in the input data. By answering the inquiries, we identified that the Boosted Category is the most researched family of ML models; the most commonly used metrics for evaluation are Area Under Curve (AUC), Accuracy (ACC), Recall, precision measure F1 (F1), and Precision. Research mainly uses public datasets to compare models, and private ones to generate new knowledge when applied to the real world. The most significant limitation identified is the representativeness of reality, and the variables primarily used in the microcredit industry are data related to the Demographic, Operation, and Payment behavior. This study aims to guide developers of credit risk management tools and software towards the existing ability of ML methods, metrics, and techniques used to forecast it, thereby minimizing possible losses due to default and guiding risk appetite.
Comparative Study of Plan Robustness for Breast Radiotherapy: Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Plans with Robust Optimization versus Manual Flash Approach
Authors: Chan Ray C. K. , Ng Curtise K. C. , Hung Rico H. M. , Li Yoyo T. Y. , Tam Yuki T. Y. , Wong Blossom Y. L. , Yu Jacky C. K. , Leung Vincent W. S.
Published: November 2023

A previous study investigated robustness of manual flash (MF) and robust optimized (RO) volumetric modulated arc therapy plans for breast radiotherapy based on five patients in 2020 and indicated that the RO was more robust than the MF, although the MF is still current standard practice. The purpose of this study was to compare their plan robustness in terms of dose variation to clinical target volume (CTV) and organs at risk (OARs) based on a larger sample size. This was a retrospective study involving 34 female patients. Their plan robustness was evaluated based on measured volume/dose difference between nominal and worst scenarios (ΔV/ΔD) for each CTV and OARs parameter, with a smaller difference representing greater robustness. Paired sample t-test was used to compare their robustness values. All parameters (except CTV ΔD98%) of the RO approach had smaller ΔV/ΔD values than those of the MF. Also, the RO approach had statistically significantly smaller ΔV/ΔD values (p < 0.001–0.012) for all CTV parameters except the CTV ΔV95% and ΔD98% and heart ΔDmean. This study’s results confirm that the RO approach was more robust than the MF in general. Although both techniques were able to generate clinically acceptable plans for breast radiotherapy, the RO could potentially improve workflow efficiency due to its simpler planning process.
Biomechanical Effects of Different Load Cases with an Implant-Supported Full Bridge on Four Implants in an Edentulous Mandible: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis (3D-FEA)
Authors: Szabó Árpád László , Matusovits Danica , Slyteen Haydar , Lakatos Éva Ilona , Baráth Zoltán
Published: November 2023

The long-term success and predictability of implant-supported restorations largely depends on the biomechanical forces (stresses) acting on implants and the surrounding alveolar bone in the mandible. The aim of our study was to investigate the biomechanical behavior of an edentulous mandible with an implant-supported full bridge on four implants under simulated masticatory forces, in the context of different loading schemes, using a three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D-FEA). A patient-specific 3D finite element model was constructed using pre- and post-implantation computer tomography (CT) images of a patient undergoing implant treatment. Simplified masticatory forces set at 300 N were exerted vertically on the denture in four different simulated load cases (LC1–LC4). Two sets of simulations for different implants and denture materials (S1: titanium and titanium; S2: titanium and cobalt-chromium, respectively) were made. Stress outputs were taken as maximum (Pmax) and minimum principal stress (Pmin) and equivalent stress (Peqv) values. The highest peak Pmax values were observed for LC2 (where the modelled masticatory force excluded the cantilevers of the denture extending behind the terminal implants), both regarding the cortical bone (S1 Pmax: 89.57 MPa, S2 Pmax: 102.98 MPa) and trabecular bone (S1 Pmax: 3.03 MPa, S2 Pmax: 2.62 MPa). Overall, LC1—where masticatory forces covered the entire mesio−distal surface of the denture, including the cantilever—was the most advantageous. Peak Pmax values in the cortical bone and the trabecular bone were 14.97–15.87% and 87.96–94.54% higher in the case of S2, respectively. To ensure the long-term maintenance and longevity of treatment for implant-supported restorations in the mandible, efforts to establish the stresses of the surrounding bone in the physiological range, with the most even stress distribution possible, have paramount importance.
Correction: Yan et al. A Real-Time Strand Breakage Detection Method for Power Line Inspection with UAVs. Drones 2023, 7, 574
Authors: Yan Jichen , Zhang Xiaoguang , Shen Siyang , He Xing , Xia Xuan , Li Nan , Wang Song , Yang Yuxuan , Ding Ning
Published: November 2023

In the published work [...]
Parity-Time Symmetric Holographic Principle
Authors: Song Xingrui , Murch Kater
Published: November 2023

Originating from the Hamiltonian of a single qubit system, the phenomenon of the avoided level crossing is ubiquitous in multiple branches of physics, including the Landau–Zener transition in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, the band structure of condensed matter physics and the dispersion relation of relativistic quantum physics. We revisit this fundamental phenomenon in the simple example of a spinless relativistic quantum particle traveling in (1+1)-dimensional space-time and establish its relation to a spin-1/2 system evolving under a PT-symmetric Hamiltonian. This relation allows us to simulate 1-dimensional eigenvalue problems with a single qubit. Generalizing this relation to the eigenenergy problem of a bulk system with N spatial dimensions reveals that its eigenvalue problem can be mapped onto the time evolution of the edge state with (N−1) spatial dimensions governed by a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. In other words, the bulk eigenenergy state is encoded in the edge state as a hologram, which can be decoded by the propagation of the edge state in the temporal dimension. We argue that the evolution will be PT-symmetric as long as the bulk system admits parity symmetry. Our work finds the application of PT-symmetric and non-Hermitian physics in quantum simulation and provides insights into the fundamental symmetries.
Implementation of Background Calibration for Redundant FLASH ADC
Authors: Darwish Hala , Reig Càndid , Leger Gildas
Published: November 2023

Flash converters are suitable analog-to-digital converter architectures for high-speed applications. However, the benefits in terms of the frequency of smaller technology nodes are hampered by variability, which necessitates the use of large transistors. Comparator redundancy was introduced to overcome this trade-off; the best comparators were selected upfront (either at start-up or in the factory), and the unused comparators could be switched off. This work studies the possibility of performing comparator selection in the background concurrently with normal conversion to increase the converter lifetime. Thus, the system can automatically recover its performance from drifts or failures due to aging, temperature, etc. This paper proposes an embedded solution that includes a calibration stimulus generator (which only requires some external passive elements) and develops system design requirements. In addition, mathematical equations and error sensitivities of the system elements were derived. A 6b flash converter is implemented in UMC180nm technology, and transistor-level simulations of the system are provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system.
Flat-Plate PHP with Gravity-Independent Performance and High Maximum Thermal Load
Authors: Winkler Markus , Vergez Marc , Mahlke Andreas , Gebauer Mathias , Müller Phillip , Reising Christoph , Bartholomé Kilian , Schäfer-Welsen Olaf
Published: November 2023

In many energy-related applications, components with high heat loads, such as power electronics, play an important role. Pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) are an effective solution to deal with the increasing heat load of these components. In many real-life applications, the PHP must work against gravity and still be able to operate efficiently. However, the majority of present flat-plate PHP designs do not perform well under this condition. Therefore, this paper presents a flat-plate PHP with a conventional channel design optimized for gravity-independent operation. The PHP was capable of transmitting a heat output of 754 watts in all orientations, while the testing heater in use never exceeded a temperature of 100 °C. No indications of dryout were observed, implying that the maximum thermal load the PHP can handle is even higher. Additionally, three different condenser zone sizes were tested with the PHP. Previously published results indicated that there is a specific range of suitable condenser zone sizes, and performance problems will occur if the condenser zone size falls outside of this range. The findings from this work point in the same direction.
Environmental-Economic Analysis for Decarbonising Ferries Fleets
Authors: Theotokatos Gerasimos , Karvounis Panagiotis , Polychronidi Georgia
Published: November 2023

Several countries heavily depend on their domestic ferries, the decarbonisation of which are required following the prevailing and forthcoming international and national carbon reduction targets. This study aims to conduct an environmental-economic analysis to identify the impact of three decarbonisation measures, specifically, hybridisation, liquified natural gas (LNG) and methanol use, for two ferries of different size of a developing country fleet. The study is based on several methodological steps including the selection of key performance indicators (KPIs), the pre-processing of acquired data to identify representative operating profiles, the environmental and economic KPIs calculation, as well as the comparative appraisal of the investigated measures. The required investments for decarbonising the whole domestic fleet of a case country are subsequently estimated and discussed. All the three investigated measures have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions, however, not beyond the IMO 2030 carbon emissions reduction target. This study provides insights to the involved stakeholders for supporting their decisions pertinent to the domestic ferries sector decarbonisation.
Modeling the Photovoltaic Power Generation in Poland in the Light of PEP2040: An Application of Multiple Regression
Authors: Rybak Aurelia , Rybak Aleksandra , Kolev Spas D.
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the results of research on the development of photovoltaic systems in Poland. The authors’ goal was to identify factors that can potentially shape the dynamics of solar energy development in Poland and that will affect the implementation of the PEP2040 goals. The authors also wanted to find a forecasting method that would enable the introduction of many explanatory variables—a set of identified factors—into the model. After an initial review of the literature, the ARMAX and MLR models were considered. Finally, taking into account MAPE errors, multiple regression was used for the analysis, the error of which was 0.87% (minimum 3% for the ARMAX model). The model was verified based on Doornik–Hansen, Breusch–Pagan, Dickey–Fuller tests, information criteria, and ex post errors. The model indicated that LCOE, CO2 emissions, Cu consumption, primary energy consumption, patents, GDP, and installed capacity should be considered statistically significant. The model also allowed us to determine the nature of the variables. Additionally, the authors wrote the WEKR 2.0 program, which allowed to determine the necessary amount of critical raw materials needed to build the planned PV energy generating capacity. Solar energy in Poland currently covers about 5% of the country’s electricity demand. The pace of development of photovoltaic installations has exceeded current expectations and forecasts included in the Polish Energy Policy until 2040 (PEP2040). The built model showed that if the explanatory variables introduced into the model continue to be subject to the same trends shaping them, a dynamic increase in photovoltaic energy production should be expected by 2025. The model indicates that the PEP2040 goal of increasing the installed capacity to 16 GW by 2040 can be achieved already in 2025, where the PV production volume could reach 8921 GWh. Models were also made taking into account individual critical raw materials such as Cu, Si, Ge, and Ga. Each of them showed statistical significance, which means that access to critical raw materials in the future will have a significant impact on the further development of photovoltaic installations.
Performance Analysis of an R744 Supermarket Refrigeration System Integrated with an Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Sengupta Ayan , Gullo Paride , Dasgupta Mani Sankar , Khorshidi Vahid
Published: November 2023

The energy and economic performance of a transcritical R744 booster supermarket refrigeration system with and without parallel compression and integrated with an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) was investigated. The results obtained were compared with those of a transcritical R744 booster supermarket refrigeration system with and without parallel compression and those of a conventional R404A direct expansion (DX) system. Nine different locations, namely Copenhagen (Denmark), Paris (France), Athens (Greece), New Delhi (India), Phoenix and Miami (US), Madrid (Spain), Bangkok (Thailand) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), were considered. It was discovered that the ORC is effective only at ambient temperatures higher than 27 °C when operating without parallel compression and 28 °C when operating with parallel compression. By using the heat recovered from the gas cooler to fuel the ORC, the latter was found to be capable of covering between 4% and 24% of the electricity demand of the R744 system in warm and hot climates (without parallel compression). The simple payback period of the additional investment associated with the ORC was found to be between 1.4 and 2.5 years in warm climate locations, while the same was found to be less than about 0.5 years in locations experiencing hot climatic conditions.
Radionuclides in Italian Drinking Water and Regulations: Data Collection to Improve Risk Assessment
Authors: Manna Francesco , Pugliese Mariagabriella , Ambrosino Fabrizio , Trifuoggi Marco , Giarra Antonella , La Verde Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Drinking water, in addition to the best-known chemical and biological agents, contains radionuclides of both natural and artificial origin, which can contribute significantly to the overall effective dose received by the population. The Italian Decree Law 28/2016, implementing the 2013/51/EURATOM Directive, establishes the activities for risk management and the parameter values for different radionuclide activity concentrations. In addition to the institutions involved, the National Inspectorate for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ISIN) annually publishes monitoring reports of environmental radioactivity in Italy, including radioactivity in drinking water. The purpose of the study was to integrate ISIN reports with 2018–2020 data by collecting measurements performed by institutional laboratories to obtain more complete information and adding, for the Campania region, some data not yet published. This new updated report was not significantly different from ISIN’s one, meaning that those publications are nevertheless extremely representative of the radioactivity in Italian drinking water. However, the study allowed us to obtain more detailed data, including measurements not considered in ISIN reports, for instance, radon-222 activity concentrations. This may be of great usefulness for all radiation protection stakeholders in order to ensure environmental protection, pollution prevention, and population safety.
Trends and Hotspots in Riparian Restoration Research: A Global Bibliometric Analysis during 1990–2022
Authors: Zheng Jie , Wang Lei , Li Changxiao
Published: November 2023

Human activities and climate change have increased damage to riparian forest and their functions, stimulating interest in riparian restoration research and resulting in a surge of related publications. However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of riparian restoration research has been lacking until recently. To understand trends and hotspots in riparian restoration research, we performed a literature search of riparian restoration publications from 1990 to 2022 based on the Web of Science database. We found 2121 peer-reviewed articles, and then each paper was bibliometrically researched, analyzing authors, institutions, countries, citations, journals, publication years, and keywords. The results showed a growing number of annual articles during 1990–2022, but declining average citations. Environmental science, ecology, biodiversity conservation, engineering, and forestry were popular fields in riparian restoration. Publications on the riparian restoration field were widely dispersed in different journals, but Restoration Ecology and Ecological Engineering have higher influence and more publications and citations than other journals. Lorenz A. W., Nilsson C., and Kondolf G. M. were the most competitive authors because of their high number of publications and citations. The USA had the greatest research output and the most citations. American scientists preferred national collaboration, while Switzerland scientists engaged more in international collaborations. Research focus shifted from ecosystems and rivers before the 21st century to management topics after 2001 and biodiversity and conservation after 2011. This study provides valuable insights into the progress of riparian restoration research globally.
Modeling Management-Relevant Urban Forest Stand Characteristics to Optimize Carbon Storage and Sequestration
Authors: Drolen Jenna , Brandt Leslie , Wei Yanning , Dybzinski Ray
Published: November 2023

Urban forests are an essential part of adaptation and mitigation solutions for climate change. To understand the relationship between carbon storage, sequestration, and stand density in the most heavily-managed aspect of the urban forest—street trees—we modified the parameters and algorithms of a rural forest dynamics model, the perfect plasticity approximation (PPA), to reflect urban street tree conditions. The main changes in the new street tree PPA are the maintenance of a prescribed stand density via management of recruitment, the possibility of crown-roof overlap, and increased mortality rates. Using the street tree PPA, we explored overall productivity, crown allometry relative to stem diameter, and mortality rate to test each mechanism’s impact on urban street tree carbon storage and sequestration across a gradient of prescribed stand density, with the goal of finding conditions in which street tree carbon storage and sequestration are optimized. We compared the qualitative trends in storage from the street tree PPA to those found in the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban Forest Inventory Analysis data. We found that carbon storage and sequestration increase with prescribed density up to a point where carbon storage and sequestration saturate. Optimized carbon storage and sequestration result from a stand with high productivity, maximized crown allometry relative to stem diameter, and a low mortality rate. These insights can be used to inform urban street tree maintenance strategies that effectively increase carbon storage and sequestration within a given city, such as focusing afforestation campaigns on adequate areas with the lowest street tree densities.
A Comparison of Three Artificial Rumen Systems for Rumen Microbiome Modeling
Authors: Shaw Claire A. , Park Yuna , Gonzalez Maria , Duong Rich A. , Pandey Pramod K. , Brooke Charles G. , Hess Matthias
Published: November 2023

The rumen contains a complex mixture of microbes, crucial for the animal’s ability to degrade feed. Some of the feed-derived carbon is released as methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. There is growing interest in reducing the loss of feed-derived carbon, making it available to the animal and improving animal productivity. Artificial rumen systems (ARSs) have been widely used to evaluate novel feed additives in terms of their ability to reduce methane production in the rumen and their effect on the rumen microbiome function prior to conducting resource-intensive animal trials. While the value of ARSs is widely acknowledged, it remains unclear which of these in vitro systems simulate the natural system most accurately. Here, we evaluated three different ARSs and compared them to in vivo rumen metrics. The results showed that all systems were capable of maintaining stable pH, redox potential, and temperature over time. The batch-style ARS simulated the rumen over 48 h. The semi-continuous ARS mimicked the volatile fatty acid profile and microbiota of the in vivo rumen for up to 120 h. Similarly, all ARSs maintained the prokaryotic and eukaryotic rumen populations over the duration of the study, with the semi-continuous ARS maintaining the natural rumen microbiome more accurately and for up to 120 h. In sum, our results suggest that three of the widely used ARSs simulate the rumen ecosystem adequately for many short-term rumen microbiome studies, with the more advanced semi-continuous ARS being more accurate when rumen simulation is extended to over 48 h.
Consumer Acceptance of Texture-Modified Mackerel Stew Products in Older Adults
Authors: Seo Hye-Ji , Chung Seo-Jin , Cho Mi-Sook , Park Ju-Yeon , Oh Jieun
Published: November 2023

Along with concerns regarding societal aging, the dietary requirements of older adults have become a priority. Older adults in Korea experience difficulties consuming animal protein sources as they age. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a senior-friendly food product using mackerel. Accordingly, carbohydrates and proteins were added to the brine solution before saturated vapor treatment. Calcium lactate and poly-gamma-glutamic acid were added to the sauce, and when compared to four commercial products (GT_R, GT_K, PC_K, and AC_G) in an acceptance test, the product was found to exhibit the highest overall liking score (p < 0.001). Higher flavor-liking and familiarity ratings were found to increase purchase intention, while higher flavor-liking, overall-liking, and familiarity ratings increased recommendation intention. Those in mid-to-late adulthood preferred the GT_R and PC_K samples, whereas the AC_G sample was preferred by those in very late adulthood. AC_G sample analysis suggested that those in the very late adulthood group had a relatively higher acceptance of spiciness. In this study, a calcium-added mackerel stew product was manufactured, meeting the standards for senior-friendly food in Korea. It will serve as a baseline for further research on fish- and mackerel-based foods for older adults, which is in its early stages.
High-Value Utilization of Marine Biological Resources
Authors: Li Rongfeng , Li Pengcheng
Published: November 2023

The ocean covers 71% of the surface of our planet and comprises a diverse variety of biological resources—a combination of marine animals, marine plants, and marine microorganisms that have economic value for human beings [...]
Multi-Machine Power System Transient Stability Enhancement Utilizing a Fractional Order-Based Nonlinear Stabilizer
Authors: Fathollahi Arman , Andresen Björn
Published: November 2023

Given the intricate nature of contemporary energy systems, addressing the control and stability analysis of these systems necessitates the consideration of highly large-scale models. Transient stability analysis stands as a crucial challenge in enhancing energy system efficiency. Power System Stabilizers (PSSs), integrated within excitation control for synchronous generators, offer a cost-effective means to bolster power systems’ stability and reliability. In this study, we propose an enhanced nonlinear control strategy based on synergetic control theory for PSSs. This strategy aims to mitigate electromechanical oscillations and rectify the limitations associated with linear approximations within large-scale energy systems that incorporate thyristor-controlled series capacitors (TCSCs). To dynamically adjust the coefficients of the nonlinear controller, we employ the Fractional Order Fish Migration Optimization (FOFMO) algorithm, rooted in fractional calculus (FC) theory. The FOFMO algorithm adapts by updating position and velocity within fractional-order structures. To assess the effectiveness of the improved controller, comprehensive numerical simulations are conducted. Initially, we examine its performance in a single machine connected to the infinite bus (SMIB) power system under various fault conditions. Subsequently, we extend the application of the proposed nonlinear stabilizer to a two-area, four-machine power system. Our numerical results reveal highly promising advancements in both control accuracy and the dynamic characteristics of controlled power systems.
The Role of Origin in English and Spanish Forenames
Authors: Arboleda Guirao Inmaculada de Jesús
Published: November 2023

This study explores the evolving interest in names. Until now, the little research conducted has focused on surnames and place names. This paper examines the influence of origin and self-identity on reactions to forenames and pet forms by employing a comparative approach across English and Spanish languages. With 425 participants from Murcia, Spain, and Leeds, United Kingdom, this study employed a self-designed semi-structured questionnaire in both languages. The questionnaire addresses demographic information and name preferences and liking based on the participant and name origins. Using quota non-probability sampling and personal interviews, the research applied qualitative and quantitative analyses utilising SPSS 28.0.0 and thematic analysis. The findings highlight participants’ connections between names and origins, echoing the linguistic–cultural interplay. Divergences emerge in discussing fashion trends and self-identity expressions between Spanish and English participants, potentially tied to historical and linguistic factors. The study underscores varying name significance in the two districts, revealing insights into cultural and identity associations. Future research is recommended to explore sociodemographic factors and gender differences.
Music Therapy Enhances Episodic Memory in Alzheimer’s and Mixed Dementia: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Moreira Shirlene Vianna , Justi Francis Ricardo dos Reis , Gomes Carlos Falcão de Azevedo , Moreira Marcos
Published: November 2023

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether a music therapy (MT) intervention could improve memory decline in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. A dual-retrieval model of episodic memory was employed to estimate memory processes. Methods: Forty-three older adults with a mean age of 76.49 years (n = 25 with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mixed dementia, and n = 18 healthy older adults) were randomly selected for the experimental and control groups. The study design was a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial and a certified music therapist delivered the MT. The primary outcomes were measures of working memory, episodic memory, and autobiographical memory. Results: In the primary outcome measures, MT effects were restricted to episodic memory measures like the Figure Memory Test of the BCSB and the Speech and Sing Memory Test. In both tests, the experimental group improved from pre-test to post-test in delayed recall, but in the Speech and Sing Memory Test, the improvement was restricted to the AD and mixed dementia group. MT had no effects on the secondary outcome measures. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a structured MT intervention can be promising for rehabilitating episodic memory in older adults with dementia.
In Vivo and In Vitro Characterization of the RNA Binding Capacity of SETD1A (KMT2F)
Authors: Amin Harem Muhamad , Szabo Beata , Abukhairan Rawan , Zeke Andras , Kardos József , Schad Eva , Tantos Agnes
Published: November 2023

For several histone lysine methyltransferases (HKMTs), RNA binding has been already shown to be a functionally relevant feature, but detailed information on the RNA interactome of these proteins is not always known. Of the six human KMT2 proteins responsible for the methylation of the H3K4 residue, two—SETD1A and SETD1B—contain RNA recognition domains (RRMs). Here we investigated the RNA binding capacity of SETD1A and identified a broad range of interacting RNAs within HEK293T cells. Our analysis revealed that similar to yeast Set1, SETD1A is also capable of binding several coding and non-coding RNAs, including RNA species related to RNA processing. We also show direct RNA binding activity of the individual RRM domain in vitro, which is in contrast with the RRM domain found in yeast Set1. Structural modeling revealed important details on the possible RNA recognition mode of SETD1A and highlighted some fundamental differences between SETD1A and Set1, explaining the differences in the RNA binding capacity of their respective RRMs.
WISP1 Is Involved in the Pathogenesis of Kashin-Beck Disease via the Autophagy Pathway
Authors: Li Ping , Cheng Bolun , Yao Yao , Yu Wenxing , Liu Li , Cheng Shiqiang , Zhang Lu , Ma Mei , Qi Xin , Liang Chujun , Chu Xiaomeng , Ye Jing , Sun Shiquan , Jia Yumeng , Guo Xiong , Wen Yan , Zhang Feng
Published: November 2023

Objective: Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a kind of endemic and chronic osteochondropathy in China. This study aims to explore the functional relevance and potential mechanism of Wnt-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) in the pathogenesis of KBD. Design: KBD and control cartilage specimens were collected for tissue section observation and primary chondrocyte culture. Firstly, the morphological and histopathological observations were made under a light and electron microscope. Then, the expression levels of WISP1 as well as molecular markers related to the autophagy pathway and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis were detected in KBD and control chondrocytes by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the lentiviral transfection technique was applied to make a WISP1 knockdown cell model based on KBD chondrocytes. In vitro intervention experiments were conducted on the C28/I2 human chondrocyte cell line using human recombinant WISP1 (rWISP1). Results: The results showed that the autolysosome appeared in the KBD chondrocytes. The expression of WISP1 was significantly higher in KBD chondrocytes. Additionally, T-2 toxin, a risk factor for KBD onset, could up-regulate the expression of WISP1 in C28/I2. The autophagy markers ATG4C and LC3II were upregulated after the low-concentration treatment of T-2 toxin and downregulated after the high-concentration treatment. After knocking down WISP1 expression in KBD chondrocytes, MAP1LC3B decreased while ATG4C and COL2A1 increased. Moreover, the rWISP1 protein treatment in C28/I2 chondrocytes could upregulate the expression of ATG4C and LC3II at the beginning and downregulate them then. Conclusions: Our study suggested that WISP1 might play a role in the pathogenesis of KBD through autophagy.