bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Effects of Greenwashing Concern Between Intention and Behaviour in Sustainable Clothing Choice
Authors: Abraham Mathew , Aroman Bandit
Published: July 2024

The textile industry is expected to use 118 billion cubic meters of water for garment manufacturing worldwide by 2030, posing a serious environmental problem as it works to fulfil the increasing needs of humans while also making extensive use of scarce natural resources. As a result, humans must change how they buy clothes to make it more sustainable. Although humans' conduct when buying environmentally friendly apparel is generally understood, a thorough explanation of their purchase habits is lacking. We expanded the Theory of Reasoned Action by incorporating novel constructs derived from prior exploratory findings, such as greenwashing, and established constructs from prior literature, such as perceived environmental knowledge and environmental concerns, to address this gap and explore the factors influencing the purchase behaviour of sustainable clothing. The study shows that attitude toward eco-friendly apparel is the most important factor influencing buying intention. However, humans' worries about greenwashing have a detrimental impact on this connection. Our research indicates that the intention-behavior link is influenced by perceived environmental knowledge and environmental concerns.
A Survey On Non – linear Optimization And Global Optimization Methods
Authors: Khan Surbhi Bhatia , Thilagavathy R. , Priyadarsini K. , P J Arul Leena Rose
Published: July 2024

bjective functions and constraints are not linear. Non-linear optimization involves finding the best solution in the presence of non-linear relationships among the variables. These problems arise in various fields such as engineering design, economics, machine learning, and operational research. The primary challenge in non-linear optimization is the potential existence of multiple local optima, which can make it difficult to identify the global optimum. Global optimization methods are designed to overcome this challenge by searching for the global optimum, which is the best possible solution among all local optima. These methods can be broadly categorized into deterministic and stochastic approaches. Deterministic methods, such as branch and bound, interval analysis, and cutting-plane methods, systematically explore the search space and provide guarantees of finding the global optimum or bounds on the global optimum. These methods are often rigorous but can be computationally expensive, especially for high-dimensional problems. On the other hand, stochastic methods, such as genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, and particle swarm optimization, use probabilistic rules to explore the search space. These methods are inspired by natural processes and heuristics, offering flexibility and often being more efficient for large-scale problems. While they do not guarantee finding the global optimum, they are widely used due to their ability to escape local optima and explore the search space effectively. Hybrid methods that combine deterministic and stochastic approaches have also gained popularity. These methods leverage the strengths of both approaches, enhancing the robustness and efficiency of the optimization process. For example, a hybrid algorithm might use a stochastic method to explore the search space broadly and then apply a deterministic method to refine the search around promising areas. Recent advancements in computational power and algorithmic development have significantly improved the efficiency and applicability of non-linear and global optimization methods. Techniques such as machine learning-based optimization and parallel computing have enabled the handling of more complex and larger-scale optimization problems. Moreover, these advancements have facilitated the integration of optimization methods into real-time and adaptive systems, further broadening their applications.
Evaluation of Some Biochemical Parameters in Iraqi Diabetic Patients
Authors: Salih Merzah Khalidah
Published: July 2024

High blood sugar occurs in diabetes mellitus when either the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. This study aims to evaluate some biochemical variables in patients with type 2 diabetes and their relationship to exacerbating the disease condition. Seventy patients with diabetes mellitus and fifty healthy individuals were included as normal controls for this study. Blood analysis was carried out for all of them which include serum glucose, lipid profile, urea, creatinine and liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) levels. This study included the verification of some biochemical variables by measuring their levels in diabetics and healthy people. As the levels of all the variables under study increased in diabetics except for high-density lipoproteins, its level decreased compared to the results obtained for the same variables in healthy people.
Identificación del perfil del ciudadano que desarrolla su actividad física en espacios públicos abiertos
Authors: OJEDA GARCÍA Roberto , Camacho Lazarraga Pablo
Published: July 2024

La presente investigación plantea la necesidad de definir el perfil del ciudadano que desarrolla su actividad física en los espacios urbanos no destinados específicamente para tal finalidad por la Administración pública. Los parques, plazas o playas se han convertido en el lugar preferencial para la realización de la actividad física de la ciudadanía en los últimos años tal y como lo demuestra la última publicación de la Encuesta de Hábitos Deportivos en España en su formato de Anuario de estadísticas (Consejo Superior de Deportes, 2022), así como la notable evolución que estos datos de referencia han acusado en la última década. Esta destacada evolución nos exige referenciar, con valores obtenidos en el contexto real de práctica, qué perfiles de la ciudadanía son los que presentan mayor predilección por esta modalidad de participación en actividades físicas, determinando indicadores tan reseñados como el género, la edad, el tiempo y frecuencia de la práctica o el tipo de actividad realizada. Los datos obtenidos en esta investigación suponen una importante aportación para el desarrollo de políticas sociales más eficaces y productivas relacionadas con la práctica de actividad física en contextos urbanos.
Fantasmática y médiums en el taller de los Rodríguez. Aproximaciones a la pervivencia de gestos técnicos en dispositivos culturales del artesanado colombiano
Authors: Vásquez Arias Mauricio
Published: July 2024

El presente estudio investiga, desde una perspectiva estética y de arqueología de los medios, la configuración y transmisión cultural de diversos gestos técnicos, durante la transición del siglo XIX al XX, en el taller de la familia Rodríguez, un lugar emblemático en la configuración del panorama cultural de Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia. Además, analiza las variaciones de las que fueron capaces sus ejecutores y cómo el taller de artesanos se convirtió en un dispositivo para el agenciamiento de un tipo de esfera pública estética influyente que impulsó el tránsito hacia la modernidad, en el contexto de la cultura antioqueña, y su lugar en la construcción de formas específicas de identidad nacional. Para este propósito se emplearán dos categorías: en primer lugar, el concepto de médium, que facilitará la exploración de las conexiones con distintas materialidades orientadas a formas, trazas y huellas mnémicas con contextos de inscripción variados, asociados a los diversos tipos de memorias que se operaron en las prácticas de los Rodríguez; en segundo lugar, se utilizará el concepto de fantasmática, para designar la diversidad de formas de hacer visible lo invisible que se observaron en las configuraciones estético-artísticas que tuvieron lugar en el taller.
Citric acid-glycerol-based NADES for microwave-assisted extraction enhances the polyphenols level of Eleutherine bulbosa mill. Urb. Bulbs
Authors: Ahmad Islamudin , Prazitya Shakti Seliana Oklivia , Prabowo Wisnu Cahyo , Hikmawan Baso Didik , Arifuddin M. , Angelina Marissa , Prastya Muhammad Eka , Okselni Tia , Alwi Ratna Surya , Sadikin Rifki , Iswahyudi Iswahyudi , Febrina Lizma , Herman Herman , Junaidin Junaidin , Samsul Erwin , Ibrahim Arsyik , Mun’im Abdul , Faisal Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Natural deep eutectic solvent combined with Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is considered as a potential green substitute for conventional extraction methods because of its selectivity and shorter extraction time. Eleutherine bulbosa Mill Urb. (E. bulbosa) bulbs, is renowned for having a high concentration of bioactive substances, primarily phenolics compounds with various therapeutic characteristics. This study aims to increase the level of total phenolics content (TPC) in E. bulbosa bulbs extract by applying a citric acid-glycerol (CA-Gly)-MAE and to optimize its extraction conditions using response surface methodology-based box-behnken design. In this study, we extracted dried samples under various conditions including microwave irradiation time and power, solid–liquid, sample-solvent ratio, and CA-Gly ratio. The measurements of TPC value were done spectrophotometrically and gallic acid was used as standard reference. The recommended optimum conditions were at 50% microwave power for 15 minutes, ratio of 1:14 g/ml, and CA-Gly ratio of 1:1 g/g, resulting in a predicted TPC value of 74.749 ± 3.716 mg GAE/g DW extract. Confirmation experiments were conducted using the recommended optimal extraction parameters, and the obtained TPC value was 84.653 ± 0.918 mg GAE/g DW extract. Our result demonstrates the potential of the CA-Gly-MAE for obtaining a higher yield of polyphenols from E. bulbosa bulbs.
The numerical modeling of failure of S235JR steel using Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman material model
Authors: Kossakowski Paweł
Published: July 2024

The paper presents assumptions of the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model for a porous materials, which is now one of the basic damage material models applied in the analysis of the load-bearing capacity of metal engineering structures. The practical information about the selection of GTN material parameters and performing numerical calculations is given. An example of the numerical simulation of the failure of tensile element made of S235JR steel is presented. The calculation procedure, the determined GTN microstructure parameters and the obtained results are described. The simulations included the strength analysis and the study of the micro-defects growth occurring during the plasticity process is presented. As a result the critical volume void fraction was determined which can be used as a microvoid criterion corresponding to the expected S235JR steel failure.
Evaluation of backfill corrosivity around steel road culverts
Authors: Bęben Damian
Published: July 2024

Corrugated steel plate culverts in connection with the location in the soil environment are exposed to risk of the soil corrosion. The paper characterizes the most important factor affecting formation of corrosion in the soil, i.e. resistivity. Tests of soil resistivity based on the geophysics electrical resistivity measurements (Wenner method) are presented. This method allows the soil resistivity measurement at various depths. The conducted experimental tests concerned the six culverts situated on different types of roads (national, provincial and local). All tests were conducted in two periods, i.e. summer and spring. The minimum resistivity of the soil in the vicinity of the steel culverts amounted to 30 Ωm and it was established near roadway. The obtained results indicate the peril of the soil corrosion occurrence in the corrugated steel plate culverts, especially located on the national and provincial roads.
Parameters of load transverse distribution across bridges
Authors: Machelski Czesław
Published: July 2024

The paper concerns analysis of two classic bridge span models i.e. flat grillage and orthotropic plate in order to determine usefulness of characteristic parameters of this models for creation of load transverse distribution. The results of analysis shows that the orthotropic plate model obtained in Guyon-Massonnet and Cusens-Puma solutions is more general than the flat grillage model developed by Leonhardt. Through the comparison of characteristic parameters of both models, i.e. the orthotropic plate and the grillage, a general function of grillage characteristic parameter used in the Leonhardt method is derived. Additionally, the number of main girders and cross-beams is included in the formula. The function is used for verifying the assumptions of the simplest grillage model (Courbon’s Theory). Significant deviations from existing results are shown. The examples of comparative analyses given in the paper show the range of applications of the characteristic parameters of bridge models. In the conclusions the possibility of using bending moments influence surfaces to the transverse load distribution is presented.
Standardization of cooperation of intelligent transport systems in vehicles
Authors: Kowalewski Marian , Pękalski Andrzej , Siergiejczyk Mirosław
Published: July 2024

Communications between road vehicles and with their environment (V2X) is important for cooperative ITS (C-ITS) application implementations including those which enhancing road traffic safety. Formal and de facto V2X communications standards are key to application development requiring cooperation of distributed components with maintenance of all interoperability conditions. Experiences proof that ITS solutions support road traffic safety enhancement and this is reasoning of European Union priorities of this subjects and thus many research, innovation and deployment actions.
Comparative analysis of deflections and strains of two road pavements with high traffic load
Authors: Nagórski Roman , Błażejowski Krzysztof , Nagórska Magdalena
Published: July 2024

The paper concerns the comparison of deflections and key strains when dimensioning of two variants of the flexible road pavement loaded with heavy traffic, differing only in the thickness of the asphalt base course. The article shows the impact on values of compared quantities of slow traffic, loading of the braking movement in slow traffic and seasonal temperature of asphalt layers. Moreover, it presents application of viscoelastic models (Bürgers and Huet-Sayegh) and the elastic model of these layers. It has been proven that the relative change of the analysed values in modifying the thickness of the asphalt base course does not depend or does not significantly depend on these factors, although the absolute values of compared quantities strongly depend on the load speed and on the temperature of asphalt layers (and relatively not much on the applied computational model).
Ellipse offset curves in the formation of turbo-roundabouts
Authors: Grabowski Ryszard J.
Published: July 2024

Various curves are used for shaping the geometry of roads and a curve applied the most often is the circular arc. Clothoid, spiral, ellipse, sets of curves shaped with polynomial functions and other similar curves are also worth mentioning. The road axis is usually set during practical realization of the curves in the terrain. The external edges are determined by measuring the width of the carriageway along the normal line to this axis. That is how two offset curves, which usually are of different type, are created. If the road axis is a circular arc with a radius R, then by displacing the width of the carriageway s along the radius of the circle, the circular arcs with radii R-s and R+s are also created, assuming that s is constant. While shaping turbo-roundabouts different curves are suggested, e.g. an ellipse. In case of its application, by displacing the width of the carriageway from its axis, the curves that fulfill the conditions of ellipses' equations are not created, but only the curves similar to them. The question is how large are the deviations? Are they important in practical realization? The analyses included in this article give answers to these questions.
The influence of cracks on changes in stiffness moduli of asphalt mixtures based on in situ tests
Authors: Pożarycki Andrzej , Górnaś Przemysław , Zalewski Paweł
Published: July 2024

The role of diagnosis in predicting changes in the technical condition of pavement within the scope of potential repair needs and their costs is decisive. One of its aims it to detect certain factors, e.g. cracks which can considerably accelerate the degradation of pavement. Whereas the identification of cracks visible on the surface of wearing courses is possible at a visual inventory or photo-based pavement condition survey, revealing cracks in bituminous courses located below the wearing course requires the application of different methods. The present article introduces the effectiveness of identifying in a controlled way damaged bituminous courses of the pavement test section by means of the backcalculation technique. Basing on measurement results with the use of FWD (Falling Weight Deflectometer) device and pseudo-static values, the stiffness analysis of courses in the three-course pavement enabled to indicate the correct location of constrained damage.
Use of GPR method for investigation of the mass movements development on the basis of the landslide in Kałków
Authors: Zieliński Artur , Mazurkiewicz Ewelina , Łyskowski Mikołaj , Wieczorek Dariusz
Published: July 2024

Landslides are a kind of mass movements posing a major threat to the transport routes. There were numerous landslides in Poland in 2010, damaging many roads and buildings. As a result landslide surveys have become more common. Their purpose is to understand the causes and mechanisms that initiate such earth movements. It happens that even minor landslides can cause considerable losses, Kałków being an example. This paper presents the landslide structure investigation with the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) method. The underlying assumption was that such investigation would reveal the internal structure of the deformation. Geophysical measurements enabled identification of shallow anomalous structures which were not identified during the preceding geo-engineering investigation. The advantage of the GPR method in comparison to subsurface exploration by boring is that it can be performed with less cost and time. Access restrictions are also to be taken into account and these can be overcome easier with lighter measuring apparatus. The analysis output allows the authors to conclude that the GPR method can be an option at the exploratory stage of landslide analysis.
Properties of numerical solution of the deformation and stability problem in shallow conical shells under external pressure
Authors: Krasovsky Vasily , Karasev Alexey
Published: July 2024

The paper presents an analysis of a numerical solution in the ANSYS software to three problems related to determination of deformations and stability of closed shallow conical shells under external pressure: 1) linear (bifurcation) problem of determining the critical pressure; 2) geometrically non-linear problem of shell deformation and buckling to determine the limit pressure using axisymmetric finite elements (FE); 3) solution to the same problem as set out in 2, yet using 4-node shell elements. The solutions presented in the paper concern the stationary state of a simply supported and fixed shell. Shallow conical shells are applied as load bearing and protective elements of bridge structures.
Analysis of expenditure on district roads in the years 2006-2010 on the example of Małopolska province
Authors: Jaździk-Osmólska Agata , Smółka Łukasz
Published: July 2024

The main issue raised by the present article is the effective and efficient investing in the road engineering as a factor of road network management. The basic measure of investment effectiveness is the assessment of satisfying the requirements of road network and its users. The present paper investigates the level of requirements of the district road network fulfillment in the Małopolska province through comparing the means of payment expended on local reconstruction and repair of district roads in the years 2006-2010, regarding the wear and tear of the considered road network in 2005. The analysis was preceded by the technical characteristics of the network in 2005 expressed by its area, reconstruction value and the wear and tear of road network, including its elements, such as bridge structures and infrastructural devices. Total and unit expenditure on the reconstruction and repair of district roads in individual districts within the years 2006-2010 were analysed. The level of fulfilling the network requirements was assessed basing on the analysis of correlation between the wear degree of district road network in 2005 and unit expenditure incurred on this network in the next years.
Analysis of viscoelastic properties of binders recovered from bituminous mixtures containing addition of reclaimed asphalt pavement
Authors: Liphardt Adam , Radziszewski Piotr
Published: July 2024

The paper presents tests of the rheological and standard properties of binders recovered from asphalt mixtures containing respectively a standard amount and an increased amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). The penetration grade, the softening point, the dynamic viscosity, the complex shear modulus and the phase angle were determined. Also the multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test was carried out. The effect of a fresh modified binder on the properties of the hard binder recovered from RAP was assessed. It has been shown that when the RAP content in the asphalt mixture is increased, this has a significant effect on the viscoelastic properties of the mixture of the binder recovered from RAP and the fresh bituminous binder. It has been found that when the fresh polymer-modified binder content is increased, the prop- erties of the tested binder mixture change at both high and low service temperatures. It has been also shown that due to short-term ageing the properties of the binder mixture differ significantly from the ones calculated on the basis of the applicable technical documents.
The impact of road investment projects on the economic activity in the light of companies operating in surrounding environment
Authors: Świtała Marcin , Łukasiewicz Agnieszka
Published: July 2024

The aim of this research was to determine the impact of road investment projects on the economic activity of the enterprises operating in the surrounding environment, using two road projects located in Poznań and Lublin as an example. The research material was collected applying the technique of pen-and-paper personal interviews (PAPI). Standard measures of descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were employed in the statistical analysis. Most often only small groups of respondents indicated positive effects of the investment project. The results concerning the time of travel on the upgraded sections of the road, which showed a greater tendency to the positive rating of the investment project are the exception. Moreover, statistically significant differences in the perception of the road depending on the investment project location were observed. The research showed that the impact of the investment project on the economic activity in the surrounding environment was more visible in the case of the S19 road than the DK92 road. The investment project’s impact measured in travel time terms was found to be considerably more extensive than the one evaluated on the basis of the economic activity or the annual turnover.
Metoda VECD jako narzędzie do oceny trwałości zmęczeniowej konstrukcji nawierzchni
Authors: Ostrowski Przemysław , Zofka Adam , Błażejowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

Postęp technologiczny i wprowadzenie do stosowania zaawansowanych materiałów o ponadstandardowych właściwościach, np. mieszanek mineralno-asfaltowych z lepiszczami wysokomodyfikowanymi polimerami HiMA (ang. highly modified asphalt), wymaga poszukiwania metody umożliwiającej kompleksowe uwzględnienie cech tych materiałów w obliczeniach. Jedną z takich metod może być metoda wykorzystująca model rozproszonego niszczenia w ośrodku lepkosprężystym (ang. viscoelastic continuum damage model, VECD). W artykule zaprezentowano metodologię opartą na modelu VECD oraz możliwości, jakie daje przy wymiarowaniu nawierzchni drogowych. Opisano poszczególne komponenty metody: analogię sprężysto-lepkosprężystą, mechanikę rozproszonego niszczenia i zasadę równoważności temperaturowo-czasowej z przyrostowym niszczeniem. Przedstawiono rów¬nież koncepcję uproszczonych obliczeń w metodzie S-VECD (ang. simplified viscoelastic continuum damage model). Artykuł zawiera opisy opracowanych kryteriów zniszczenia. Przybliżono również metody badań, które dostarczają danych wejściowych. W końcowej części artykułu przedstawiono przykładową analizę porównawczą z wykorzystaniem metody S-VECD dla konstrukcji z mieszankami mineralno-asfaltowymi z HiMA w warstwie podbudowy i mieszankami mineralno-asfaltowymi z HiMA we wszystkich warstwach.
Influence of SBS polymers of various structure on the properties of semi-blown bitumen binders
Authors: Nebratenko Dmitry Yuryevich , Boksha Marianna Yuryevna , Isakov Alexander Mikhailovich
Published: July 2024

The influence of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS polymers) on the properties of binders based on bitumen has long been the subject of wide and comprehensive studies. This paper presents an analysis of the relationship between the molecular structure of SBS polymers and their effect on the physical and mechanical properties of paving binders based on bitumen from the oil refinery in the Salavat city, the Republic of Bashkiria (territory of Russia). The amount of SBS polymers in the binder did not exceed 5% (wt.). The data obtained showed a significant relationship between the functional parameters of the binders (penetration, elasticity, storage stability) and the content, the macromolecule spatial framework and the structure of the styrene-butadiene-styrene thermoplastic elastomers used.
Fatigue load effects on highway bridges of Pakistan using Weigh-In-Motion data
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Adeel , Fahad Muhammad , Khan Akhtar Naeem , Adil Mohammad , Khan Arsalaan
Published: July 2024

Bridges are considered to be the essential structures and represent a vital part of a transportation network. Their safe operation with minimal maintenance closures is paramount for their efficient operation. The continuous increase in volume and weight of truck traffic directly translates into a higher number of accumulated fatigue load cycles. This study utilizes truck traffic data from a Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) station located on Pakistan’s busiest and longest National Highway. An algorithm was developed to simulate vehicle passages over simple analytical bridge models of various span lengths to compute fatigue cycles at critical locations. This was followed by a case study on a reinforced concrete T-beam bridge located under the influence of the selected WIM station to obtain a fatigue stress spectrum for its critical details. This information provides an identification tool for bridges within a stock that are more susceptible to fatigue problems and could form part of a full-bridge management framework.
Water absorption kinetics of bitumen modified cement mortars
Authors: Trykoz Liudmyla , Rezunenko Maryna , Pustovoitova Oksana , Semenova-Kulish Victoria , Borodin Dmytro
Published: July 2024

Concrete permeability is a major factor that affects durability and reliability of structures – bridges, tunnels, culvert pipes, etc. It is important to identify effective methods of protection of such structures against water penetration, for example by using a modifying substance. Samples of cement mortar composites were used for water absorption simulation. Bitumen emulsion was used as a modifying agent. According to the water absorption kinetics, the following parameters of the pore microstructure of the mortar composite were estimated: the index of mean size of open capillary pores, closed porosity, and the index of size uniformity. The research has shown that the addition of bitumen emulsion decreases the pore space and macrocapillaries (from 23.91% to 6.61%), water absorption (3 times), and the index of mean size of open capillary pores (from 0.69 to 0.3) of modified mortars.
Numerical study of debris flows around bridge piers
Authors: Thi Kim Chi Thai
Published: July 2024

Landslide is a natural hazard that has crucial direct impact on the socio-economic system. Among various types of landslides, debris flows are a major threat to transportation structures such as bridges in mountainous areas. Vulnerability analysis of bridges that are exposed to debris flows is an important part of risk assessment and management. In the presented study, the characteristics of debris flows around bridge piers are investigated numerically for different boundary conditions using ANSYS FLUENT software. The non-Newtonian power-law model was used to model the debris flow. Drag coefficient was also determined to quantify the vulnerability of bridge piers to debris flows with different velocities and Reynolds numbers.
Odporność na pękanie mieszanek mineralno-cementowo-emulsyjnych wytworzonych w procesie recyklingu
Authors: Skotnicki Łukasz , Kuźniewski Jarosław
Published: July 2024

Recykling pozwala na ograniczenie użycia w budownictwie drogowym surowców naturalnych, pozytywnie wpływając na aspekty ochrony środowiska. Do materiałów budowlanych powstających dzięki recyklingowi zalicza się mieszanka mineralno-cementowo-emulsyjna (MCE), która jest stosowana do warstw podbudowy konstrukcji nawierzchni drogowych. MCE składa się z kruszywa, kruszywa doziarniającego oraz emulsji asfaltowej i cementu jako spoiw. Kruszywo można zastąpić destruktem asfaltowym ze zdegradowanych nawierzchni drogowych. Zastosowanie cementu w warstwach podbudowy generuje pojawienie się spękań propagujących w kierunku górnych warstw nawierzchni drogowej. Poprzez zastosowanie innowacyjnych spoiw zamiast cementu można zredukować liczbę spękań, a tym samym pozytywnie wpłynąć na trwałość całej konstrukcji nawierzchni. W artykule przedstawiono wybrane zagadnienia dotyczące zastosowania w mieszankach MCE innowacyjnego spoiwa cementowego, wykorzystującego uboczne produkty pylaste pochodzące z cementowni (UCPP). Badania laboratoryjne prowadzone były w zakresie analiz trwałości zmęczeniowej i odporności na pękanie. Innowacyjne spoiwa cementowe wykazały istotny wpływ na rezultaty badań. W połączeniu z destruktem asfaltowym zapewniły redukcję zjawiska pękania w mieszankach typu MCE, co poprawiło ich trwałość zmęczeniową.
Skid resistance of road markings: literature review and field test results
Authors: Burghardt Tomasz E. , Köck Birgit , Pashkevich Anton , Fasching Alexander
Published: July 2024

Skid resistance of road markings belongs to their important performance parameters, significantly influencing the safety of all road users, particularly when the roadway is wet – yet it is very seldom addressed. A review of the sparse literature on this topic is provided herein. To demonstrate the effect of the selection of anti-skid particles on Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of road markings, a field experiment was done with five drop-on materials. Whereas PTV of the asphalt road surface was 49, covering it with a paint without any glass beads or anti-skid particles caused PTV decrease to 35; utilisation of glass beads led to an increase in PTV to 45 and the use of a mixture of glass beads with 10% of corundum provided PTV 50. The achieved initial PTV and its retention upon the usage of road markings depended on the selection of the anti-skid particles. The initial PTV were in the range of 45–65, after 10 months they decreased to 41-49 (i.e. by 6-32%). The results confirm that not all anti-skid particles are equal and that the initial PTV cannot be used to reliably predict long-term performance.
Inwestycje drogowe prowadzone na zasadach gospodarki w obiegu zamkniętym oraz ich wpływ na finansowanie remontów i bieżącego utrzymania dróg
Authors: Gryszpanowicz Piotr , Gasik-Kowalska Natalia , Kacprzak Małgorzata , Rymsza Barbara
Published: July 2024

Inwestycje drogowe prowadzone na zasadach Circular Economy (gospodarki o obiegu zamkniętym) mają na celu wprowadzenie zrównoważonych praktyk i minimalizację negatywnego wpływu infrastruktury drogowej na środowisko. Jednym z głównych elementów inwestycji drogowych prowadzonych na zasadach Circular Economy jest zastosowanie materiałów z recyklingu. Materiałem coraz powszechniej stosowanym w budownictwie drogowym jest sfrezowany beton asfaltowy oraz skruszone stare warstwy konstrukcyjne, które po odpowiedniej obróbce mogą być ponownie wykorzystane. Przedmiotem badań było określenie wpływu prowadzenia inwestycji na zasadach Circular Economy na finansowanie remontów i bieżącego utrzymania dróg na przykładzie Płocka – polskiego miasta średniej wielkości. W 2011 r. współautor artykułu zaproponował władzom miasta wprowadzenie zasad zagospodarowania materiałów rozbiórkowych pozyskiwanych z inwestycji realizowanych w pasach drogowych ulic miejskich, co z powodzeniem wdrożono w połowie 2011 r. Wprowadzone regulacje dotyczyły nawierzchni: asfaltowych, kamiennych, z żelbetowych płyt drogowych, z trylinki, z kostki betonowej, ale również krawężników, obrzeży, oporników, a także elementów podbudowy. Program odzyskiwania materiałów rozbiórkowych dał w krótkim czasie duże efekty, przede wszystkim w aspekcie ochrony środowiska, gdyż przed 2011 r. wszystkie materiały rozbiórkowe trafiały na wysypisko odpadów komunalnych, a obecnie ilości materiałów tam przekazywanych równe są zeru. Badania oparte o dane z ostatnich 10 lat, zestawiono z wydatkami ponoszonymi przez zarząd dróg na bieżące utrzymanie i remonty dróg. Celem badań była w konsekwencji odpowiedź na pytanie czy gospodarka drogowa oparta o recykling, może przyczynić się do obniżenia kosztów ponoszonych na utrzymanie i bieżące remonty dróg.
Wykorzystanie metody Flow Number do oceny odporności na deformacje trwałe mieszanek stabilizowanych emulsją asfaltową
Authors: Konieczna Katarzyna , Król Jan
Published: July 2024

Recykling głęboki nawierzchni drogowych w technologii na zimno zyskuje coraz większą popularność, wpisując się w trendy zrównoważonego rozwoju w budownictwie. Mieszanki stabilizowane emulsją asfaltową (Bitumen Stabilised Materials — BSM), stosowane do wykonywania podbudów drogowych, zawierają destrukt asfaltowy, kruszywo doziarniające, wodę oraz środki wiążące: emulsję asfaltową lub asfalt spieniony oraz cement. W zakresie właściwości mechanicznych, mieszanki BSM wykazują właściwości charakteryzujące zarówno materiały ziarniste, jak i lepkosprężyste. Analiza źródeł literaturowych wskazuje, że aspekt lepkosprężystości mieszanek BSM nie został dotychczas wystarczająco zbadany. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki prac nad syntezą i adaptacją procedur badania pełzania dynamicznego, stosowanych do oceny odporności na deformacje trwałe mieszanek mineralno-asfaltowych, w celu przeprowadzenia oceny właściwości mieszanek BSM. Badania metodą Flow Number przeprowadzono na mieszankach BSM z 50% i 70% zawartością destruktu asfaltowego, ilością emulsji asfaltowej w zakresie 4,5%–6,4% oraz dodatkiem cementu na poziomie 1%. W celu wyznaczenia wartości parametru Flow Number analizowano przebieg krzywych skumulowanego odkształcenia trwałego przy zadanych warunkach obciążenia i temperatury. Dokonano oceny dopasowana modelu matematycznego Franckena do danych empirycznych. Przeprowadzone badania i analiza danych wykazały, że ustalenie parametrów badania dynamicznego pełzania Flow Number na potrzeby badań mieszanek BSM wymaga indywidualnego podejścia uwzględniającego skład i właściwości objętościowe tych mieszanek. Przy właściwie dobranych warunkach obciążenia i temperatury, możliwe jest przeprowadzenie oceny odporności na deformacje trwałe mieszanek BSM, stosując metody badawcze aplikowane do lepkosprężystych mieszanek mineralno-asfaltowych.
Unraveling the enigmatic role of the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Yang Qianli
Published: July 2024

Subpopulations of neurons in the subthalamic nucleus have distinct activity patterns that relate to the three hypotheses of the Drift Diffusion Model.
Adventitial fibroblasts direct smooth muscle cell-state transition in pulmonary vascular disease
Authors: Crnkovic Slaven , Puthenparampil Helene Thekkekara , Mulch Shirin , Biasin Valentina , Wilhelm Jochen , Bartkuhn Marek , Rad Ehsan Bonyadi , Wawrzen Alicja , Matzer Ingrid , Mitra Ankita , Leib Ryan , Nagy Bence M , Sahu-Osen Anita , Valzano Francesco , Bordag Natalie , Evermann Matthias , Hoetzenecker Konrad , Olschewski Andrea , Ljubojevic-Holzer Senka , Wygrecka Malgorzata , Stenmark Kurt , Marsh Leigh M , de Jesus Perez Vinicio , Kwapiszewska Grazyna
Published: July 2024

Pulmonary vascular remodeling is a progressive pathological process characterized by functional alterations within pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) and adventitial fibroblasts (PAAF). Mechanisms driving the transition to a diseased phenotype remain elusive. Utilizing a combination of transcriptomic and proteomic profiling, along with phenotyping of source-matched cells from healthy controls and individuals with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), our investigation uncovered that while PASMC and PAAF retained their original cellular identities, they acquired distinct disease-associated states. Though both cell types exhibited reduced mitochondrial content and hyperpolarization, IPAH-PASMC displayed heightened glycosaminoglycan production and downregulation of contractile machinery, contrasting a hyperproliferative phenotype of IPAH-PAAF. We elucidated the involvement of cellular crosstalk in regulating cell state dynamics and identified pentraxin-3 and hepatocyte growth factor as modulators of PASMC phenotypic transition orchestrated by PAAF. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of pulmonary vascular mesenchyme dynamics in disease pathogenesis.
Trafficking in Persons in Situations of Conflict Accountability, Prevention and Protection Gaps
Authors: Mullally Siobhán
Published: July 2024

Accountability for trafficking in persons remains limited. The consequences of such continued impunity include limited access to justice and effective remedies for trafficked persons and continuing failures of prevention and protection. UN Security Council Resolution 2331 (2016) recognises
that 'trafficking in persons entails the violation or abuse of human rights, and underscoring that certain acts or offences associated with trafficking in persons in the context of armed conflict may constitute war crimes'. Further, it recognises that '[...] trafficking in persons in areas
affected by armed conflict and post-conflict situations can be for the purpose of various forms of exploitation'. Despite this recognition, limited progress has been made in promoting accountability and access to justice for victims of trafficking in situations of conflict. This article deals
with trafficking in persons in conflict and the failures of protection and accountability; the application of international criminal law to trafficking in persons; child trafficking and the continuing invisibility of child victims; the principle of non-punishment of victims of trafficking;
and the gender dimension of trafficking: moving beyond stereotypes.
Generative artificial intelligence in topic-sentiment classification for Arabic text: a comparative study with possible future directions
Authors: Alderazi Fatima , Algosaibi Abdulelah , Alabdullatif Mohammed , Ahmad Hafiz Farooq , Qamar Ali Mustafa , Albarrak Abdulaziz
Published: July 2024

Social media platforms have become essential for disseminating news and expressing individual sentiments on various life topics. Arabic, widely used in the Middle East, presents unique challenges for sentiment analysis due to its complexity and multiple dialects. Motivated by the need to address these challenges, this article develops methods to overcome the lack of topic-based labeling techniques, compares different approaches for preparing extensive, annotated datasets, and analyzes the efficacy of machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and large language models (LLMs) in classifying Arabic textual data. Our research utilizes the topic-modeling technique to build a topic-based sentiment dataset of Arabic texts aimed at enhancing our understanding and processing capabilities. We present a comprehensive evaluation of dataset balancing techniques, including under-sampling, over-sampling, and using imbalanced datasets, providing insights into how these approaches impact classification outcomes. Additionally, we explore the influence of dataset sizes on the performance of various ML models, highlighting the importance of dataset scale in developing effective Arabic NLP applications. A further focus of our study is the comparative analysis of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models, including the emerging ChatGPT LLM, assessing their effectiveness in managing the complexities of Arabic language classification tasks. Our results show that support vector machines (SVM) achieved the highest performance, with F1-scores of 0.97 and 0.96 in classifying sentiment and topic, respectively, in Arabic tweets. This research not only benchmarks existing methodologies but also paves the way for more nuanced and robust models in the future, enhancing the application of generative AI in Arabic topic-based sentiment analysis.
Identification and validation of calcium extrusion-related genes prognostic signature in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jin Mingpeng , Yin Chun , Yang Jie , Yang Xiaoning , Wang Jing , Zhu Jianjun , Yuan Jian
Published: July 2024

Background

Disruptions in calcium homeostasis are associated with a wide range of diseases, and play a pivotal role in the development of cancer. However, the construction of prognostic models using calcium extrusion-related genes in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) has not been well studied. We aimed to identify whether calcium extrusion-related genes serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in the COAD progression.

Methods

We constructed a prognostic model based on the expression of calcium extrusion-related genes (SLC8A1, SLC8A2, SLC8A3, SLC8B1, SLC24A2, SLC24A3 and SLC24A4) in COAD. Subsequently, we evaluated the associations between the risk score calculated by calcium extrusion-related genes and mutation signature, immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoint molecules. Then we calculated the immune score, stromal score, tumor purity and estimate score using the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm. The response to immunotherapy was assessed using tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE). Finally, colorectal cancer cells migration, growth and colony formation assays were performed in RKO cells with the overexpression or knockdown SLC8A3, SLC24A2, SLC24A3, or SLC24A4.

Results

We found that patients with high risk score of calcium extrusion-related genes tend to have a poorer prognosis than those in the low-risk group. Additionally, patients in high-risk group had higher rates of KRAS mutations and lower MUC16 mutations, implying a strong correlation between KRAS and MUC16 mutations and calcium homeostasis in COAD. Moreover, the high-risk group showed a higher infiltration of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, our study identified two previously unreported model genes (SLC8A3 and SLC24A4) that contribute to the growth and migration of colorectal cancer RKO cells.

Conclusions

Altogether, we developed a prognostic risk model for predicting the prognosis of COAD patients based on the expression profiles of calcium extrusion-related genes, Furthermore, we validated two previously unreported tumor suppressor genes (SLC8A3 and SLC24A4) involved in colorectal cancer progression.
The potential role of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and one branch connected with tissue-resident memory in non-luminal breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Ziqi , Ma Xinyu , Cai Zhengang
Published: July 2024

Advances in understanding the pathological mechanisms of breast cancer have resulted in the emergence of novel therapeutic strategies. However, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a molecular subtype of breast cancer with a poor prognosis, lacks classical and general therapeutic targets, hindering the clinical application of several therapies to breast cancer. As insights into the unique immunity and molecular mechanisms of TNBC have become more extensive, immunotherapy has gradually become a valuable complementary approach to classical radiotherapy and chemotherapy. CD8+ cells are significant actors in the tumor immunity cycle; thus, research on TNBC immunotherapy is increasingly focused in this direction. Recently, CD8+ tissue-resident memory (TRM) cells, a subpopulation of CD8+ cells, have been explored in relation to breast cancer and found to seemingly play an undeniably important role in tumor surveillance and lymphocytic infiltration. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the mechanisms and relative targets of CD8+ T cells, and discuss the features and potential applications of CD8+ TRM cells in non-luminal breast cancer immunotherapy.
Molecular insights into programmed cell death in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Min , Qi Yijun , Zhang Shenghua , Du Yubo , Cheng Haodong , Gao Shegan
Published: July 2024

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly type of esophageal cancer. Programmed cell death (PCD) is an important pathway of cellular self-extermination and is closely involved in cancer progression. A detailed study of its mechanism may contribute to ESCC treatment.

Methods

We obtained expression profiling data of ESCC patients from public databases and genes related to 12 types of PCD from previous studies. Hub genes in ESCC were screened from PCD-related genes applying differential expression analysis, machine learning analysis, linear support vector machine (SVM), random forest and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis. In addition, based on the HTFtarget and TargetScan databases, transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs interacting with the hub genes were selected. The relationship between hub genes and immune cells were analyzed using the CIBERSORT algorithm. Finally, to verify the potential impact of the screened hub genes on ESCC occurrence and development, a series of in vitro cell experiments were conducted.

Results

We screened 149 PCD-related DEGs, of which five DEGs (INHBA, LRRK2, HSP90AA1, HSPB8, and EIF2AK2) were identified as the hub genes of ESCC. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the integrated model developed using the hub genes reached 0.997, showing a noticeably high diagnostic accuracy. The number of TFs and miRNAs regulating hub genes was 105 and 22, respectively. INHBA, HSP90AA1 and EIF2AK2 were overexpressed in cancer tissues and cells of ESCC. Notably, INHBA knockdown suppressed ECSS cell migration and invasion and altered the expression of important apoptotic and survival proteins.

Conclusion

This study identified significant molecules with promising accuracy for the diagnosis of ESCC, which may provide a new perspective and experimental basis for ESCC research.