bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Q-Learning-Based Smart Scheduling of EVs for Demand Response in Smart Grids
Authors: Chifu Viorica Rozina , Cioara Tudor , Pop Cristina Bianca , Rusu Horia Gabriel , Anghel Ionut
Published: February 2024

Economic and policy factors are driving the continuous increase in the adoption and usage of electrical vehicles (EVs). However, despite being a cleaner alternative to combustion engine vehicles, EVs have negative impacts on the lifespan of microgrid equipment and energy balance due to increased power demands and the timing of their usage. In our view, grid management should leverage on EV scheduling flexibility to support local network balancing through active participation in demand response programs. In this paper, we propose a model-free solution, leveraging deep Q-learning to schedule the charging and discharging activities of EVs within a microgrid to align with a target energy profile provided by the distribution system operator. We adapted the Bellman equation to assess the value of a state based on specific rewards for EV scheduling actions and used a neural network to estimate Q-values for available actions and the epsilon-greedy algorithm to balance exploitation and exploration to meet the target energy profile. The results are promising, showing the effectiveness of the proposed solution in scheduling the charging and discharging actions for a fleet of 30 EVs to align with the target energy profile in demand response programs, achieving a Pearson coefficient of 0.99. This solution also demonstrates a high degree of adaptability in effectively managing scheduling situations for EVs that involve dynamicity, influenced by various state-of-charge distributions and e-mobility features. Adaptability is achieved solely through learning from data without requiring prior knowledge, configurations, or fine-tuning.
A Helly Model-Based MPC Control System for Jam-Absorption Driving Strategy against Traffic Waves in Mixed Traffic
Authors: Li Haizhen , Roncoli Claudio , Ju Yongfeng
Published: February 2024

Traffic waves in traffic flow significantly impact road throughput and fuel consumption and may even lead to severe safety issues. Currently, in connected and autonomous environments, the jam-absorption driving (JAD) strategy shows good performance in dissipating traffic waves. However, the previous JAD strategy has mostly focused on wave dissipation without adequately assessing traffic efficiency and safety. To address this gap, an optimal control problem for JAD in mixed traffic is proposed to reduce traffic waves. The prediction model is developed using the car-following model within a model predictive control (MPC) framework. The Helly model is selected for the manual vehicle. This is because the Helly model is a linear model that describes the car-following phenomenon accurately without delay effect. In addition, the objective function of the prediction model considers both traffic safety and efficiency while satisfying mechanical and safety constraints. Simulation results indicate that the proposed methodology can effectively reduce traffic jams and improve traffic performance on a one-lane freeway. The optimal method is more applicable to complex traffic wave scenarios, providing a new perspective for reducing traffic jams on the freeway.
GS-AGC: An Adaptive Glare Suppression Algorithm Based on Regional Brightness Perception
Authors: Li Pei , Wei Wangjuan , Pan Xiaoying , Wang Hao , Mu Yuanzhen
Published: February 2024

Existing algorithms for enhancing low-light images predominantly focus on the low-light region, which leads to over-enhancement of the glare region, and the high complexity of the algorithm makes it difficult to apply it to embedded devices. In this paper, a GS-AGC algorithm based on regional luminance perception is proposed. The indirect perception of the human eye’s luminance vision was taken into account. All similar luminance pixels that satisfied the luminance region were extracted, and adaptive adjustment processing was performed for the different luminance regions of low-light images. The proposed method was evaluated experimentally on real images, and objective evidence was provided to show that its processing effect surpasses that of other comparable methods. Furthermore, the potential practical value of GS-AGC was highlighted through its effective application in road pedestrian detection and face detection. The algorithm in this paper not only effectively suppressed glare but also achieved the effect of overall image quality enhancement. It can be easily combined with the embedded hardware FPGA for acceleration to improve real-time image processing.
Research on Erosion Effect of Various Submerged Cavitating Jet Nozzles and Design of Self-Rotating Cleaning Device
Authors: Huang Siwen , Huang Jiangping , He Kai
Published: February 2024

Submerged cavitating jets can effectively remove marine organisms from ship hulls without damaging the surface paint. To enhance the cleaning efficiency of cavitating jets, the selection of an appropriate nozzle structure and the design of an efficient cleaning device are crucial. In this study, the submerged cavitation effect of different nozzles was analyzed by numerical simulation. The actual cleaning efficacy of the nozzles was confirmed through erosion experiments as well. The simulation and experiment showed that the shear nozzle, absent of a pre-shrinking section and featuring a spherical outlet connected to a diffusion cylindrical section, maintained stable erosion performance at a standoff distance of 30–50 mm. This erosion was primarily attributed to denudation caused by bubble collapse. Based on this shear nozzle, a self-rotating cleaning device was designed and manufactured. A test rig was also established to test the cleaning effect and some parameters of the cleaning device.
Design of Wheelchair Drive Unit Capable of Driving on Roads and Obstacles with Shape Conversion
Authors: Jeong Wonhyeong , Kwon Minseo , Youm Kwangouck , Jeon Hansu , Oh Sehoon
Published: February 2024

Wheelchairs are widely used globally and are essential for providing autonomy and mobility to elderly and disabled people who have movement restrictions. Manual wheelchairs require operation through turning the wheels or pushing the wheelchair directly, thus posing mobility limitations for the user and caregiver. In contrast, electric wheelchairs, when used by the user, allow for improved flexibility by operating the wheelchair through a single control mechanism. However, the use of electric wheelchairs poses challenges in accessing areas with stairs and curbs, limiting the range of activity and thereby diminishing the quality of life for users and those reliant on electric wheelchairs. The electric wheelchair developed in this research incorporates a single motor for lightweight design. It uses a wheel travel variation actuator, eliminating the need for synchronization and allowing for low-power operation. This design reduces power loss from the caterpillar’s idling during wheel movement and includes the implementation of a pulley system. The optimal pulley belt length was calculated, and a deceleration device was installed inside the caterpillar, enabling a design that is compact, lightweight, and capable of high deceleration. On paved roads and flat terrain, the electric wheelchair is designed for high-speed travel using two pairs of front omni wheels and drive wheels. For terrains with stairs, speed bumps, unpaved roads, and unavoidable obstacles, the wheelchair is powered by caterpillars. The electric wheelchair developed through the research presented in this paper has verified the reliability of its transmission system through gear stress and deformation analysis. Additionally, an electric wheelchair based on the proposed concept was constructed to validate the drivability, safety, operability, and convenience of its driving unit. Furthermore, a user rode the constructed electric wheelchair to confirm that there were no issues with its drivability.
Innovative Methods of Encapsulation and Enrichment of Cereal-Based Pasta Products with Biofunctional Compounds
Authors: Bińkowska Weronika , Szpicer Arkadiusz , Wojtasik-Kalinowska Iwona , Półtorak Andrzej
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, cognizant consumers expect products that, in addition to fulfilling a nutritional role, exhibit health-promoting properties and contribute to overall well-being. They expect an increase in the nutritional value of the staple foods that they often consume, such as pasta, through the incorporation of bioactive compounds. Due to their susceptibility to photo- and thermolability, it is necessary to protect biocompounds against external factors. A modern approach to protecting bioactive compounds is microencapsulation. The aim of this article was to present various microencapsulation methods (including spray-drying, freeze-drying, liposomes, and others) and a review of research on the use of microencapsulated bioactive compounds in pasta. The discussed literature indicates that it is possible to use microencapsulated bioactive compounds, such as fatty acids or phenolic compounds, in this product. However, further research is necessary to develop the possibility of reducing the costs of such a procedure so that the benefits for consumers are greater than the disadvantages, which are an increase in food prices. There is also little research on the use of microencapsulated probiotics, vitamins, and minerals in pasta, which also represents an opportunity for development in this aspect.
“I See What You Feel”: An Exploratory Study to Investigate the Understanding of Robot Emotions in Deaf Children
Authors: Cirasa Carla , Høgsdal Helene , Conti Daniela
Published: February 2024

Research in the field of human–robot interactions (HRIs) has advanced significantly in recent years. Social humanoid robots have undergone severe testing and have been implemented in a variety of settings, for example, in educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and senior care centers. Humanoid robots have also been assessed across different population groups. However, research on various children groups is still scarce, especially among deaf children. This feasibility study explores the ability of both hearing and deaf children to interact with and recognize emotions expressed by NAO, the humanoid robot, without relying on sounds or speech. Initially, the children watched three video clips portraying emotions of happiness, sadness, and anger. Depending on the experimental condition, the children observed the humanoid robot respond to the emotions in the video clips in a congruent or incongruent manner before they were asked to recall which emotion the robot exhibited. The influence of empathy on the ability to recognize emotions was also investigated. The results revealed that there was no difference in the ability to recognize emotions between the two conditions (i.e., congruent and incongruent). Indeed, NAO responding with congruent emotions to video clips did not contribute to the children recognizing the emotion in NAO. Specifically, the ability to predict emotions in the video clips and gender (females) were identified as significant predictors to identify emotions in NAO. While no significant difference was identified between hearing and deaf children, this feasibility study aims to establish a foundation for future research on this important topic.
Affect and Commemoration Atop the Pedestal
Authors: Randolph Noah
Published: February 2024

At the entrance to City Park in New Orleans, Louisiana, a monument to Confederate general P.G.T. Beauregard rose twenty-seven feet over the citizens of New Orleans until 2017, when the sculpture was removed from its pedestal. Following the removal, Mayor Mitch Landrieu asked: “why there are no slave ship monuments, no prominent markers on public land to remember the lynchings or the slave blocks; nothing to remember this long chapter of our lives; the pain, the sacrifice, the shame… all of it happening on the soil of New Orleans.” This landscape of empty pedestals was confronted by Paula Wilson that fall. Rather than erect a material monument that would directly replace the fallen General Beauregard, Wilson turned to her own body. Before the sun rose early one morning, she climbed atop the empty pedestal and began dancing in a performance titled “Living Monument.” This paper analyzes Wilson’s performance and its documentation as radical acts of refusing the logics of monumentality. In examining this work, I consider how performance as a mode of memorialization completely destabilizes the monumental presentation of a static history, thus offering a new grammar by which to think through modes of revolution and redress in the symbolic landscape.
Correction: Charitonidou (2021). Exhibitions in France as Symbolic Domination: Images of Postmodernism and the Cultural Field in the 1980s. Arts 10: 14
Authors: Charitonidou Marianna
Published: February 2024

In the original publication (Charitonidou 2021), there was a mistake in the title [...]
11-Deoxycorticosterone (DOC)’s Action on the Gill Osmoregulation of Juvenile Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Zuloaga Rodrigo , Ahumada-Langer Luciano , Aedo Jorge Eduardo , Molina Alfredo , Valdés Juan Antonio
Published: February 2024

In aquaculture, stress can negatively affect fish growth. For years, the cortisol hormone has been thought to play both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid functions. Nevertheless, recent research has suggested that 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) released during stress could contribute to cortisol actions, though this process is still misunderstood. Here, we evaluated the DOC effects on physiological and early transcriptional responses by RNA-seq. Juvenile rainbow trout were treated with DOC and/or glucocorticoids (mifepristone) or mineralocorticoid (eplerenone) receptor antagonists. Subsequently, plasma was collected, and cDNA libraries were generated from the gills of vehicle (control), DOC, mifepristone, mifepristone with DOC, eplerenone, and eplerenone with DOC groups. Calcium and phosphate levels in plasma were changed. Results revealed 914 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) induced by DOC compared with control, mainly associated with sodium ion transmembrane transport, gluconeogenesis, negative regulation of transmembrane transport, and activation of innate immune response. DOC versus eplerenone with DOC comparison displayed 444 DETs related to cell-cell junction organization, canonical glycolysis, positive regulation of immune response, and potassium ion transport. Conversely, no DETs were detected in DOC versus mifepristone with DOC comparison. These data suggest that DOC has a relevant role in gill stress response and ion transport, which is differentially regulated by mineralocorticoid receptors.
Bacterial Biofilm in Chronic Wounds and Possible Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Cavallo Ilaria , Sivori Francesca , Mastrofrancesco Arianna , Abril Elva , Pontone Martina , Di Domenico Enea Gino , Pimpinelli Fulvia
Published: February 2024

Wound repair and skin regeneration is a very complex orchestrated process that is generally composed of four phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Each phase involves the activation of different cells and the production of various cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators affecting the immune response. The microbial skin composition plays an important role in wound healing. Indeed, skin commensals are essential in the maintenance of the epidermal barrier function, regulation of the host immune response, and protection from invading pathogenic microorganisms. Chronic wounds are common and are considered a major public health problem due to their difficult-to-treat features and their frequent association with challenging chronic infections. These infections can be very tough to manage due to the ability of some bacteria to produce multicellular structures encapsulated into a matrix called biofilms. The bacterial species contained in the biofilm are often different, as is their capability to influence the healing of chronic wounds. Biofilms are, in fact, often tolerant and resistant to antibiotics and antiseptics, leading to the failure of treatment. For these reasons, biofilms impede appropriate treatment and, consequently, prolong the wound healing period. Hence, there is an urgent necessity to deepen the knowledge of the pathophysiology of delayed wound healing and to develop more effective therapeutic approaches able to restore tissue damage. This work covers the wound-healing process and the pathogenesis of chronic wounds infected by biofilm-forming pathogens. An overview of the strategies to counteract biofilm formation or to destroy existing biofilms is also provided.
Vascular Calcification: A Passive Process That Requires Active Inhibition
Authors: Villa-Bellosta Ricardo
Published: February 2024

The primary cause of worldwide mortality and morbidity stems from complications in the cardiovascular system resulting from accelerated atherosclerosis and arterial stiffening. Frequently, both pathologies are associated with the pathological calcification of cardiovascular structures, present in areas such as cardiac valves or blood vessels (vascular calcification). The accumulation of hydroxyapatite, the predominant form of calcium phosphate crystals, is a distinctive feature of vascular calcification. This phenomenon is commonly observed as a result of aging and is also linked to various diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and several genetic disorders. A substantial body of evidence indicates that vascular calcification involves two primary processes: a passive process and an active process. The physicochemical process of hydroxyapatite formation and deposition (a passive process) is influenced significantly by hyperphosphatemia. However, the active synthesis of calcification inhibitors, including proteins and low-molecular-weight inhibitors such as pyrophosphate, is crucial. Excessive calcification occurs when there is a loss of function in enzymes and transporters responsible for extracellular pyrophosphate metabolism. Current in vivo treatments to prevent calcification involve addressing hyperphosphatemia with phosphate binders and implementing strategies to enhance the availability of pyrophosphate.
Neutrophils in HNSCC Can Be Associated with Both a Worse or Favorable Prognosis
Authors: Brunkhorst Hendrik , Schnellhardt Sören , Büttner-Herold Maike , Daniel Christoph , Fietkau Rainer , Distel Luitpold V.
Published: February 2024

The prognostic significance of tumor-infiltrating neutrophils in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poorly understood. It is unclear how the presence of neutrophils affects prognosis due to their polarization into cytotoxic N1 or immunosuppressive N2. Therefore, we determined the number of CD66b+ neutrophil granulocytes separately in the stromal and epithelial compartments in cancer tissues from 397 patients with HNSCC. Tumor samples from six historical patient groups were processed into tissue microarrays and stained immunohistochemically. In total, 21.9% were HPV positive (p16+). Neutrophil counts were much lower in the stromal compartment (372 ± 812) than in the epithelial cancer compartment (1040 ± 1477) (p < 0.001), with large differences between groups. In three groups with high neutrophil infiltration, high rates were associated with a favorable prognosis, whereas in two groups, high rates were a negative prognostic factor. In p16- oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer high infiltration was associated with a favorable prognosis. Cancers with an exclusion of neutrophils in the epithelial compartment were associated with improved prognosis. In oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal HPV-negative cancer high neutrophil infiltration rates were clearly associated with prolonged survival. Neutrophil granulocytes in HNSCC may contribute to a favorable or unfavorable prognosis.
Monogenic Disorders of ROS Production and the Primary Anti-Oxidative Defense
Authors: Grüning Nana-Maria , Ralser Markus
Published: February 2024

Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cellular anti-oxidant defense mechanisms, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. Redox metabolism, comprising a network of enzymes and genes, serves as a crucial regulator of ROS levels and maintains cellular homeostasis. This review provides an overview of the most important human genes encoding for proteins involved in ROS generation, ROS detoxification, and production of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and the genetic disorders that lead to dysregulation of these vital processes. Insights gained from studies on inherited monogenic metabolic diseases provide valuable basic understanding of redox metabolism and signaling, and they also help to unravel the underlying pathomechanisms that contribute to prevalent chronic disorders like cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer.
Inspiring Tactics with the Improvement of Mitophagy and Redox Balance for the Development of Innovative Treatment against Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Nakashima Moeka , Suga Naoko , Ikeda Yuka , Yoshikawa Sayuri , Matsuda Satoru
Published: February 2024

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is the most common genetic form of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it involves the development of multiple kidney cysts. Not enough medical breakthroughs have been made against PKD, a condition which features regional hypoxia and activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. The following pathology of CKD can severely instigate kidney damage and/or renal failure. Significant evidence verifies an imperative role for mitophagy in normal kidney physiology and the pathology of CKD and/or PKD. Mitophagy serves as important component of mitochondrial quality control by removing impaired/dysfunctional mitochondria from the cell to warrant redox homeostasis and sustain cell viability. Interestingly, treatment with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) agonist could reduce the pathology of PDK and might improve the renal function of the disease via the modulation of mitophagy, as well as the condition of gut microbiome. Suitable modulation of mitophagy might be a favorable tactic for the prevention and/or treatment of kidney diseases such as PKD and CKD.
Baseline Blood Levels of Mucin-1 Are Associated with Crucial On-Treatment Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Receiving Antifibrotic Pirfenidone
Authors: Huang Tang-Hsiu , Wei Sheng-Huan , Kuo Hung-I , Hou Hsin-Yu , Kuo Chin-Wei , Tseng Yau-Lin , Lin Sheng-Hsiang , Wu Chao-Liang
Published: February 2024

Mucin-1 is a multi-functional glycoprotein expressed by type II alveolocytes and may be detectable in the circulation following pulmonary fibrosis. The prognostic utility of baseline pre-treatment blood levels of mucin-1 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) receiving antifibrotics has not yet been fully established. We retrospectively studied a cohort of patients (from two hospitals) with IPF who were receiving pirfenidone for >12 weeks. Baseline blood mucin-1 levels were measured via sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We investigated the performance of mucin-1 levels in longitudinally predicting the risks of acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF) and severe adverse outcomes (SAO), including lung transplantation and death. Seventy patients were included; 20 developed AE-IPF; and 31 had SAO during the follow-up period. Patients with baseline mucin-1 levels ≥2.5 ng/mL had enhanced risks of AE-IPF (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 14.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.26–46.49) and SAO within 2 years (aHR, 7.87; 95% CI, 2.86–21.70) and anytime during the follow-up (aHR, 4.68; 95% CI, 2.11–10.39). The risks increased across subgroups with increasing mucin-1 levels. Patients in the “mucin-1 ≥ 2.5” group also exhibited an accelerated decline in DLCO. This study supports baseline blood mucin-1 levels as a biomarker for IPF that predicts adverse outcomes during pirfenidone treatment.
Evaluating the Influence of Musical and Monetary Rewards on Decision Making through Computational Modelling
Authors: Kopytin Grigory , Ivanova Marina , Herrojo Ruiz Maria , Shestakova Anna
Published: February 2024

A central question in behavioural neuroscience is how different rewards modulate learning. While the role of monetary rewards is well-studied in decision-making research, the influence of abstract rewards like music remains poorly understood. This study investigated the dissociable effects of these two reward types on decision making. Forty participants completed two decision-making tasks, each characterised by probabilistic associations between stimuli and rewards, with probabilities changing over time to reflect environmental volatility. In each task, choices were reinforced either by monetary outcomes (win/lose) or by the endings of musical melodies (consonant/dissonant). We applied the Hierarchical Gaussian Filter, a validated hierarchical Bayesian framework, to model learning under these two conditions. Bayesian statistics provided evidence for similar learning patterns across both reward types, suggesting individuals’ similar adaptability. However, within the musical task, individual preferences for consonance over dissonance explained some aspects of learning. Specifically, correlation analyses indicated that participants more tolerant of dissonance behaved more stochastically in their belief-to-response mappings and were less likely to choose the response associated with the current prediction for a consonant ending, driven by higher volatility estimates. By contrast, participants averse to dissonance showed increased tonic volatility, leading to larger updates in reward tendency beliefs.
The Creation of “Sacred Place” through the “Sense of Place” of the Daci’en Wooden Buddhist Temple, Xi’an, China
Authors: Zou Minglan , Bahauddin Azizi
Published: February 2024

After the Industrial Revolution, new technologies and architectural forms gradually replaced China’s wooden construction system, which had lasted for thousands of years. The architectural narrative also turned a new page. As pieces of architectural and cultural heritage and as the residence of “gods”, wooden Buddhist temples carry the indelible imprints of history and religion and have become a healing place or spiritual home for people living in urban areas. In order to preserve the local cultural context and explore the creation of a spiritual “sacred place”, this study traces the spiritual and cultural value of Xi’an’s wooden Buddhist temple through ethnographic qualitative methods of text analysis, observation and interviews. The case study examines the metaphorical symbolism of the architecture’s “sense of place” and religion in terms of architectural structure and components, and the advantages of creating a “sacred place” are examined based on the characteristics of wooden materials. The results show that the design elements of wooden Buddhist temples connect cultural identity and collective memory, which are inseparable from religion, and because of the material properties of wood, they sublimate the sacred atmosphere of religion. Moreover, identifying the “sense of place” and the atmosphere of sacred spaces through the structure, components, and material characteristics of wooden temple architecture offers a new perspective that focuses on architectural emotions and creates a new topic of “sacred places”. Such temples have the potential to enhance human spiritual health and well-being.
Inclusive Smart Cities: An Exploratory Study on the London Smart City Strategy
Authors: Tekin Hamdi , Dikmen Irem
Published: February 2024

Smart city strategies have been developed in several cities worldwide to improve the well-being of residents, social life and economic welfare through digital transformation and technology-based interventions. The need for cities to supply assistive services and inclusive strategies for all people has also increased with the increasing urban population and smart city applications. Although technology offers several benefits for more inclusive and liveable environments, there are also drawbacks due to difficulties in adapting to digitalization and due to limited accessibility. The present study aims to explore smart city strategies from an inclusiveness perspective by analysing the London smart city strategy as a case study using a qualitative research methodology. Qualitative data analysis was conducted based on secondary data from London smart city strategy documents and semi-structured interviews with domain experts. Although inclusiveness is embedded in the London smart city strategy, there is still room for improvement. The results of this study indicate that spatial inclusion is the major focus of the London smart city policy where inclusive housing, transport and health management systems are promoted with a variety of assistive technologies with some scope on social and economic inclusion. This study proposed ways of boosting inclusiveness by improving citizen engagement through collaborations, increased transparency, and measures for preventing data misuse and misinterpretation. Using London as a case study, potential barriers in implementing inclusive strategies for smart cities in practice are highlighted, which may provide valuable learned lessons for other cities.
Influence of Joint Strengthening on the Seismic Performance of Non-Engineered Buildings
Authors: Purwanto Edy , Kristiawan Stefanus Adi , Sangadji Senot , Saifullah Halwan Alfisa
Published: February 2024

Non-engineered buildings (NEBs) are prone to earthquake damage. One type of damage that often occurs in NEBs is the separation of beam and column elements owing to joint failures. Strengthening joints with steel plates is expected to improve the seismic performance of this type of building. Strengthening with steel plates is cheap and easy to apply, so it will be a preferable choice in preventing damage to the NEB due to earthquake loads. This study investigated the seismic performance of reinforced concrete frames, representing an NEB whose beam–column joints were strengthened with L-shaped steel plates. Two widths of L-shaped steel plates were proposed: 75 mm (NEB-075) and 100 mm (NEB-100). An NEB without strengthening (NEB-000) was used as a control. Both experimental and numerical investigations were performed to determine the seismic performance of NEBs. The results showed that damage to the NEB-000 and NEB-075 models occurred at the joints, but less damage was observed in NEB-075 than in NEB-000. Furthermore, damage in the NEB-100 model occurred at the column. The undamaged limit levels of the NEB-000, NEB-075, and NEB-100 models were 56.49, 81.54, and 82.46%, respectively. These results show that strengthening the NEB with steel plates effectively improves its seismic performance. According to an analysis of the performance of the tested models, the NEB-100 model exhibited the best seismic performance.
The State of the Art in the Biophilic Construction of Healthy Spaces for People
Authors: Buceta-Albillos Natividad , Ayuga-Téllez Esperanza
Published: February 2024

Human beings need a connection to nature for their overall well-being, as highlighted by numerous publications. Housing is an extension of people’s lives. Confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of sustainability, longevity and the digital society are placing value on more sustainable and healthy construction for people’s well-being and quality of life. These premises motivate this study of the state of the art of biophilic design with a therapeutic and social approach. The main objective of this research is to investigate the evolution of the concept of biophilia in healthy buildings for people and the environment, analysing the current situation and identifying the main theories, models and applications. This research employs the six-step methodology for state-of-the-art analysis (SotA), using the process of reflexivity throughout this study. There are very few scientific studies that measure the positive impact of biophilic design on people’s well-being, and they tend to take the form of scientific discussion rather than evidence; this is their main limitation. Our recommendation is to identify new quantitative research on the biophilic impact on humans of healthy spaces in order to evaluate their effects.
LIONS PREY: A New Logistic Scoring System for the Prediction of Malignant Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Doerr Fabian , Giese Annika , Höpker Katja , Menghesha Hruy , Schlachtenberger Georg , Grapatsas Konstantinos , Baldes Natalie , Baldus Christian J. , Hagmeyer Lars , Fallouh Hazem , Pinto dos Santos Daniel , Bender Edward M. , Quaas Alexander , Heldwein Matthias , Wahlers Thorsten , Hautzel Hubertus , Darwiche Kaid , Taube Christian , Schuler Martin , Hekmat Khosro , Bölükbas Servet
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Classifying radiologic pulmonary lesions as malignant is challenging. Scoring systems like the Mayo model lack precision in predicting the probability of malignancy. We developed the logistic scoring system ‘LIONS PREY’ (Lung lesION Score PREdicts malignancY), which is superior to existing models in its precision in determining the likelihood of malignancy. Methods: We evaluated all patients that were presented to our multidisciplinary team between January 2013 and December 2020. Availability of pathological results after resection or CT-/EBUS-guided sampling was mandatory for study inclusion. Two groups were formed: Group A (malignant nodule; n = 238) and Group B (benign nodule; n = 148). Initially, 22 potential score parameters were derived from the patients’ medical histories. Results: After uni- and multivariate analysis, we identified the following eight parameters that were integrated into a scoring system: (1) age (Group A: 64.5 ± 10.2 years vs. Group B: 61.6 ± 13.8 years; multivariate p-value: 0.054); (2) nodule size (21.8 ± 7.5 mm vs. 18.3 ± 7.9 mm; p = 0.051); (3) spiculation (73.1% vs. 41.9%; p = 0.024); (4) solidity (84.9% vs. 62.8%; p = 0.004); (5) size dynamics (6.4 ± 7.7 mm/3 months vs. 0.2 ± 0.9 mm/3 months; p < 0.0001); (6) smoking history (92.0% vs. 43.9%; p < 0.0001); (7) pack years (35.1 ± 19.1 vs. 21.3 ± 18.8; p = 0.079); and (8) cancer history (34.9% vs. 24.3%; p = 0.052). Our model demonstrated superior precision to that of the Mayo score (p = 0.013) with an overall correct classification of 96.0%, a calibration (observed/expected-ratio) of 1.1, and a discrimination (ROC analysis) of AUC (95% CI) 0.94 (0.92–0.97). Conclusions: Focusing on essential parameters, LIONS PREY can be easily and reproducibly applied based on computed tomography (CT) scans. Multidisciplinary team members could use it to facilitate decision making. Patients may find it easier to consent to surgery knowing the likelihood of pulmonary malignancy. The LIONS PREY app is available for free on Android and iOS devices.
Modification of SmMn2O5 Catalyst with Silver for Soot Oxidation: Ag Loading and Metal–Support Interactions
Authors: Jin Baofang , Liu Yuxin , Ma Yue , Li Zhenguo , Li Kaixiang , Liu Shuang , Ran Rui , Wu Xiaodong
Published: February 2024

A series of Ag-modified manganese-mullite (SmMn2O5) catalysts with different Ag contents (1, 3, and 6 wt.%) were prepared via a citric acid sol–gel method for catalytic soot oxidation. The catalysts were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR). The soot oxidation activity of the mullite was significantly promoted by the addition of silver and affected by the loading amount of the metal. Herein, the influences of silver loading on the metal size distribution and its interactions with the mullite were studied. Based on these characterizations, a possible soot oxidation reaction mechanism was proposed for silver-modified SmMn2O5.
Cobalt–Magnesium Oxide Catalysts for Deep Oxidation of Hydrocarbons
Authors: Zhylkybek Magira , Khussain Bolatbek , Sass Alexandr , Torlopov Ivan , Baizhumanova Tolkyn , Tungatarova Svetlana , Brodskiy Alexandr , Xanthopoulou Galina , Rakhmetova Kenzhegul , Sarsenova Rabiga , Kassymkan Kaysar , Aubakirov Yermek
Published: February 2024

Co–Mg catalysts for methane combustion were synthesized and studied, revealing the transformation of MgCo2O4 spinel into a CoO–MgO solid solution with oxygen release from the spinel lattice as the calcination temperature increased. Repeated heat treatment of the calcined solid solution at lower temperatures led to spinel regeneration with segregation of the solid solution phase. A TPR of the samples showed the presence of two characteristic peaks, the first of which relates to the transition of Co3+Oh spinel to the Co2+Oh structure of CoO, and the second to the reduction of CoO to Co°. The second peak was observed at 540–620 °C for samples calcined at temperatures below spinel decomposition, and for high-temperature samples at 900–1100 °C. Taking into account the identity of the structure of phases obtained in both cases, the formation of not a true CoO–MgO solid solution, but rather a mixture of ordered oxides (“pseudo-solid solution”) in the low-temperature region, was postulated. A study of the activity of the samples showed the high activity of the spinel systems and a linear relationship between the activation energy of methane oxidation and the heat treatment temperature.
Advanced Technologies Conciliating Desulfurization and Denitrogenation to Prepare Clean Fuels
Authors: Faria Rui G. , Silva Dinis , Mirante Fátima , Gago Sandra , Cunha-Silva Luís , Balula Salete S.
Published: February 2024

The removal of sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds present in fuels is and will be crucial to accomplish actual strict regulations to avoid environmental and humanity health adversities. The conventional hydrodesulfurization and hydrodenitrogenation processes conducted by refineries are limited due to severe operating conditions, and even more importantly, they are inefficient for simultaneously removing nitrogen- and sulfur-containing compounds in fuels. On the other hand, non-hydrogen technologies are beneficial in terms of mild operating conditions, and during the last two decades, some successful works have shown that these can be highly effective at efficiently removing both sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds from liquid fuels. For more than four decades, extensive research (thousands of publications since the 1980s) has been dedicated to developing remote desulfurization technologies without taking into consideration the presence of a complex fuel matrix, or even taking into account the presence of other harmful pollutant elements, such as nitrogen. Even more recently, several effective non-hydrogen denitrogenation processes have been reported without considering the presence of sulfur compounds. This review paper is a reflection on the limited work that has been successfully performed to simultaneously remove sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds from fuels. An evaluation of different methodologies (adsorption, extraction, oxidative (photo)catalysis, ultrasound-assisted oxidation) is presented here. Furthermore, this review intends to define new future strategies that will allow the design of more suitable and economical technologies, effectively conciliating desulfurization and denitrogenation processes to produce more sustainable fuels.
Chemical Species Formed on FeB-Fe2B Layers during Wet Sliding Wear Test
Authors: García-León Ricardo Andrés , Afanador-García Nelson
Published: February 2024

In the present work, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) survey spectra of borided AISI 316L for two different times (1 and 6 h) of exposure to simulated body fluid (SBF) were obtained after wet sliding wear. A borided layer of ~39 microns was obtained on the surface of the AISI 316L stainless steel using the thermochemical treatment of boriding. As part of the mechanical and chemical characterization of sliding wear, Berkovich nanoindentation and X-ray spectroscopy tests were used to determine the main properties of the borided layer. The results of the specific wear rate values were higher at 5 mm/s sliding speed than those recorded at 30 mm/s due to the influence of the exposure time of the sample and the complex combinations of chemical reactions with boron (e.g., B2S3, Cr2O3, and Fe2O3) on the surface during the sliding during 6 h of exposure in Hank’s solution due to the formation of the passive film. The knowledge of chemical species formed during wet sliding wear tests on borided AISI 316L is essential for understanding wear mechanisms and materials’ performance and optimizing material properties and materials’ and components’ reliability in the biomedical industry for screws and fastening plates.
A Review on Lanthanum-Based Materials for Phosphate Removal
Authors: Rajendran Sundarakannan , Sai Bharadwaj A. V. S. L. , Barmavatu Praveen , Palani Geetha , Trilaksanna Herri , Kannan Karthik , Meenakshisundaram Nagaraj
Published: February 2024

In the past decade, eutrophication and phosphate recovery from surface water have become major issues. Adsorption is an effective method for phosphate removal because of its high efficiency. Even though lanthanum-based compounds are effective at removing phosphate from water, outside factors influence them. Hence, it is vital to develop and employ cost-effective innovations to fulfill ever-tougher requirements and address the issue of water contamination. Adsorption technology is highly effective in phosphate removal at concentrations from wastewater. This work briefly describes the preparation of lanthanum nano-adsorbents for the removal of phosphate efficiently in water, and phosphate adsorption on La-based adsorbents in various La forms. The work presented in this study offers an outline for future phosphate adsorption studies in La-based adsorbents, resulting in La-based materials with substantial adsorption capacity and strong regeneration capability.
Recycling Potential of Construction Materials: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Mayer Matan
Published: February 2024

Recovery and re-utilization of materials are regarded as key strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment. Within those end-of-use scenarios, recycling is one of the widely used tactics, demonstrated by established infrastructure and developed supply chain networks in many geographic locations. While recycling is an increasingly common practice in the built environment, accurately defining recycling quality in order to compare technologies and material types remains methodologically contested. This is mainly due to the vast spectrum of scenarios that typically fall under the term ‘recycling’. Remanufacturing, downcycling, upcycling, and even direct reuse are all referred to as types of recycling in non-scientific circles, depending on the sector they occur in. The main challenge in assessing the material recovery quality of those solutions is that they exist on a continuum without clear divisions. Within that context, this article presents and compares four methods for assessing recyclability. The featured methods measure recycling potential from different perspectives: economic dimensions of the recycling industry; patterns of resource depletion; the energy cost of recycling; and the carbon intensity of recovery processes. The scientific foundations of the four methods are presented and a range of widely used construction materials are tested. The performance of materials is then compared across the four assessment methods to note observations and gain insights. Some of the materials are found to consistently outperform others, whereas some materials perform well on one method while performing poorly on others. This comparative study is followed by a discussion that looks at the limitations of each approach and reasons, or lack thereof, for the adoption of one method over the others in industry and academia. Lastly, the article looks at future research trajectories and examines the path ahead for recycling in the construction industry.
Root Exudate Metabolites Alter Food Crops Microbiomes, Impacting Plant Biocontrol and Growth
Authors: Ali Shimaila , Glick Bernard R.
Published: February 2024

Exuded plant metabolites play an important role in fostering beneficial interactions with the surrounding soil microbiota, thereby helping plants to better adjust to changing environmental conditions. These metabolites act as signals to attract or enhance the colonization of plant roots with specific groups of beneficial microbes and they modulate the dynamics of plant–microbe interactions in fulfilling plant niche-based requirements, directly and/or indirectly. This review emphasizes the expression, levels, modes of action, and net effects of the signaling metabolites that help food crop plants to become colonized by microbes that promote plant growth and development under periods of biotic stress.
Microbiological Collections in Brazil: Current Status and Perspectives
Authors: Glienke Chirlei , Petters-Vandresen Desirrê Alexia Lourenço , Souto Aline da Silva Soares , Marinoni Luciane , da Silva Manuela
Published: February 2024

As part of a Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation initiative, the Brazilian Societies of Botany, Microbiology, Virology, and Zoology conducted a comprehensive evaluation of biological collections in Brazil. This assessment aimed to gather insights into the current state of these collections, with the goal of providing support for future public policies, including financial subsidies and prioritization policies. In this context, we present the findings related to microbiological collections, essential to ex situ biodiversity conservation and crucial in supporting research, development, and innovation. A survey was distributed to public and private institutions across Brazil, yielding responses from 168 microbiological collections representing 79 different entities. Notably, 73 of these collections are affiliated with public research institutions and universities, underscoring the State’s pivotal role in preserving and safeguarding Brazilian microbial diversity. The primary taxonomic groups encompass bacteria (found in 70.24% of collections) and fungi (comprising 52.98% of collections), sourced from diverse Brazilian ecosystems and biomes, including those that contain several type strains. Furthermore, the collections preserve microorganisms harboring biotechnological potential applicable to environmental protection, public health, industry, and agribusiness. Despite these promising economic and biotechnological prospects, our meticulous data analysis has revealed significant limitations and vulnerabilities, especially regarding physical infrastructure and human resources, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions to guarantee their sustainability.
Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Detecting and Predicting Lymph Node Metastasis in Malignant Tumor Patients: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Chen Mengting , Jiang Yundan , Zhou Xuhui , Wu Di , Xie Qiuxia
Published: February 2024

The accurate and timely assessment of lymph node involvement is paramount in the management of patients with malignant tumors, owing to its direct correlation with cancer staging, therapeutic strategy formulation, and prognostication. Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), as a burgeoning imaging modality, has shown promising results in the diagnosis and prediction of preoperative metastatic lymph nodes in recent years. This article aims to explore the application of DECT in identifying metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) across various cancer types, including but not limited to thyroid carcinoma (focusing on papillary thyroid carcinoma), lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Through this narrative review, we aim to elucidate the clinical relevance and utility of DECT in the detection and predictive assessment of lymph node metastasis in malignant tumors, thereby contributing to the broader academic discourse in oncologic radiology and diagnostic precision.