bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research and Design Considerations for Presentation of Non-Safety Related Information via In-Vehicle Displays during Automated Driving
Authors: Cauffman Stephen J. , Lau Mei , Deng Yulin , Cunningham Christopher , Kaber David B. , Feng Jing
Published: October 2022

As automated vehicles become more prevalent on roadways, it is necessary to study driver behaviors in interacting with such systems. With higher levels of vehicle automation, drivers may become less engaged with the roadway environment. As a result, how to effectively bring non-safety related information (e.g., guide and service sign content) to a driver’s attention is an open research question. In this review, we summarize current literature on three domains of research, including: (1) the design and effectiveness of traditional road signage, (2) human factors considerations in vehicle automation design, and (3) current design guidelines for in-vehicle information presentation. Based on the review, including empirical studies, we identify knowledge relevant to communicating road signage information in automated vehicles. We propose a framework highlighting various factors that could determine the effectiveness of in-vehicle messaging. The framework is intended to motivate future research on development of in-vehicle interfaces for highly automated driving.
Adaptive λ-Control Strategy for Plug-In HEV Energy Management Using Fast Initial Multiplier Estimate
Authors: Mechichi Oumaima , Trigui Rochdi , El Amraoui Lilia
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the application of the Lambda control strategy derived from Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle (PMP) for parallel PHEV. The proposed method has shown its efficiency for hybrid vehicles. It is here extended to the Plug-in hybrid vehicle case where reducing fuel consumption and ensuring optimal behavior of the state of charge of the battery are the specific, focused performance benchmarks. Offline PMP application requires the knowledge of the entire drive cycle to obtain optimal control, leading to the best engine energy consumption. Online, adapting this method requires a good estimation of the weighting parameter lambda value, which is not an obvious task. A fast initial estimation-based method is presented in this paper as a starting point for an adaptive L-control. The proposed method is then evaluated using standard driving cycles and compared with offline PMP results. Robustness study is also accomplished by testing method performances using mixed cycles.
Study on the Weak Interlayer Identification Method Based on Borehole Photo-Acoustic Combined Measurement: Application to a Landslide Case Study
Authors: Wang Jinchao , Huang Junfeng , Min Hui , Wang Feng , Wang Yiteng , Han Zengqiang
Published: October 2022

A weak interlayer is the key factor in controlling slope stability. It is of great significance to effectively identify the weak interlayer in the study of spatial and temporal distribution law and the internal structure characteristics of a landslide. Considering the limitations of traditional optical imaging and wave speed test methods, this paper presents a weak interlayer identification method based on borehole photo-acoustic combination measurement. By using the combination of optical imaging and acoustic wave scanning, the multi-source data collection of borehole rock wall and borehole surrounding rock is realized, which effectively captures the comprehensive response characteristics of the weak interlayer. This paper first constructs a multi-source data acquisition technology based on the borehole photo-acoustic combination measurement to realize the visualization of the image information and acoustic data of the target area on the borehole rock wall. Subsequently, the optical image features and the acoustic response characteristics of the weak interlayer are clarified based on the optical image and the acoustic scanning data. The hole wall texture characteristic response function, hole wall integrity characteristic response function, hole wall acoustic characteristic response function and hole wall contour characteristic response function are constructed. Finally, the landslide weak interlayer identification method considering the texture characteristics, complete characteristics, acoustic response characteristics and contour characteristics of the borehole rock wall is proposed, which effectively distinguishes the types of rock mass structural surface and realizes the automatic identification of the weak interlayer. Combined with the case analysis, the correctness and reliability of the present method are verified. The results show that the method can identify the weak interlayer and provide scientific basis for landslide management, which can provide a feasible and effective new way to identify the landslide weak interlayer in practical engineering, with a good application prospect and promotion value.
Learning Analytics to Determine Profile Dimensions of Students Associated with Their Academic Performance
Authors: Gonzalez-Nucamendi Andres , Noguez Julieta , Neri Luis , Robledo-Rella Víctor , García-Castelán Rosa María Guadalupe , Escobar-Castillejos David
Published: October 2022

With the recent advancements of learning analytics techniques, it is possible to build predictive models of student academic performance at an early stage of a course, using student’s self-regulation learning and affective strategies (SRLAS), and their multiple intelligences (MI). This process can be conducted to determine the most important factors that lead to good academic performance. A quasi-experimental study on 618 undergraduate students was performed to determine student profiles based on these two constructs: MI and SRLAS. After calibrating the students’ profiles, learning analytics techniques were used to study the relationships among the dimensions defined by these constructs and student academic performance using principal component analysis, clustering patterns, and regression and correlation analyses. The results indicate that the logical-mathematical intelligence, intrinsic motivation, and self-regulation have a positive impact on academic performance. In contrast, anxiety and dependence on external motivation have a negative effect on academic performance. A priori knowledge of the characteristics of a student sample and its likely behavior predicted by the models may provide both students and teachers with an early-awareness alert that can help the teachers in designing enhanced proactive and strategic decisions aimed to improve academic performance and reduce dropout rates. From the student side, knowledge about their main academic profile will sharpen their metacognition, which may improve their academic performance.
Coordinated Control after Grasping the Space Targets Using Controllable Damping Mechanism
Authors: Chang Rui , Jia Qingxuan , Chu Ming , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: October 2022

Compliant capture of the space non-cooperative targets is a key technology in on-orbit services. A great challenge is that the multi-dimensional contact force generated by the tumbling space target can destabilize the spacecraft-manipulator system (SMS), which may eventually cause failure of the capture task. A full-dimensional controllable damping mechanism (FDCDM) with gyroscopic structure is introduced into the joint of the SMS to buffer the multi-dimensional contact forces during capture. The six-dimensional damping force outputs by the FDCDM can be equivalent to the actuator outputs in the end joint, which could form a coordinated control system with the torque of base flywheel and active joints. The whole-body dynamic model of SMS with FDCDM is established using the Kane method. Furthermore, a backstepping non-singular sliding mode control is proposed to optimize the momentum distribution and impact absorption. The characteristics of collision process for the above SMS-FDCDM system is analyzed in the ADAMS workspace, and the experiments performed in MATLAB demonstrate that the full-dimensional damping mechanism and coordinated control can greatly reduce the vibration caused by the impact force, and the attitude of SMS is quickly stabilized after capture, which proves the feasibility of its application in non-cooperative target capturing tasks.
Oral Appliances for Severe Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Memè Lucia , Saccomanno Sabina , Strappa Enrico M. , Sampalmieri Francesco , Bambini Fabrizio , Gallusi Gianni
Published: October 2022

Severe positional obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (POSAS) is a common clinical respiratory disorder with an incidence of 26.7% to 74.5%. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) combined with positional therapy is the gold standard of treatment. However, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) is an effective alternative to CPAP when compliance with CPAP is low or if CPAP is rejected by the patient. A 63-year-old Caucasian male (BMI 26.1 kg/m2) complaining of repeated episodes of daytime sleepiness and heavy snoring was diagnosed with POSAS and treated with a MAD. After two years, polysomnographic (PSG) control analysis showed a significant reduction in the number of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea episodes per hour (AHI) by 58.9% in the lateral position and 75.5% in the supine position, complete remission of symptoms, a significant reduction in the severity of POSAS, and an overall improvement in quality of life. No adverse events or reduction in compliance were observed during the follow-up period. For severe POSAS, MADs may be an alternative method that is well tolerated by patients and has a good safety profile.
Review of Visualization Technique and Its Application of Road Aggregates Based on Morphological Features
Authors: Wang Lei , Yao Yongsheng , Li Jue , Tao Yiyang , Liu Kefei
Published: October 2022

The sustainable performance of asphalt pavement depends on the quality and mix design of road aggregates. Identifying aggregate morphology and size is a prerequisite step for material design and numerical modeling of asphalt mixtures. The paper aims to review the morphometric measurement, characteristic parameters and visualization technique of road aggregates. Types, calculation methods and advantages of aggregate morphological characteristics are highlighted. The applications of aggregate morphological features on the volumetric design, compaction processes, mechanical properties and size effect of asphalt mixtures are summarized. Although digital image processing technology has been studied for years, aggregates in the complex accumulation are still difficult to measure accurately. In the current research, the morphological parameters of aggregates remain diverse without a standard protocol. Compared to theoretical models, numerical models have more difficulties establishing irregular morphology features in the simulated specimens but provide a volume parameter closer to the real value. The future investigation of road performance under dynamic loading should account for the microscopic evolution of shape, orientation and distribution of aggregates over time.
Research on Rapid Identification Technology of Sand and Dust Characteristic Monitoring Data Based on Optimized K-Means Clustering
Authors: Zheng Hao , Yang Zhen , Yang Jianhua , Zhang Linlin , Tao Yanan
Published: October 2022

The criteria-based sand and dust weather determination method has the problem ofbeing a cumbersome and time-consuming process when processing a large amount of raw data, and cannot avoid the problems of repeatability and reproducibility. On the basis of statistical analysis of the air automatic monitoring data in the cities affected by sand and dust, this paper proposes a k-means optimization algorithm (MDPD-k-means) based on maximum density and percentage distance, which can quickly filter the characteristic data of sand and dust in a short time, and identify the days affected by sand and dust. This method effectively improves the data processing efficiency, solves the problems of poor reproducibility and large artificial error of traditional methods, and can support the business application of sand and dust data elimination. This paper uses the method to identify the sand and dust data of 10 cities in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2022, determines a total of 1107 sand and dust days, and points out that the number of days affected by sand and dust is increasing year by year. After excluding the effect of sand and dust, the urban PM10 concentration decreases by 18.42~1.41% respectively, which provides important data information for accurately evaluating the effectiveness of air pollution prevention and control.
The Design of State-Dependent Switching Rules for Second-Order Switched Linear Systems Revisited
Authors: Yuan Xiaolan , Zhou Yusheng
Published: October 2022

This paper focuses on the asymptotic stability of second-order switched linear systems with positive real part conjugate complex roots for each subsystem. Compared with available studies, a more appropriate state-dependent switching rule is designed to stabilize a switched system with the phase trajectories of two subsystems rotating outward in the same direction or the opposite direction. Finally, several numerical examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Geometric Properties of Some Generalized Mathieu Power Series inside the Unit Disk
Authors: Tomovski Živorad , Gerhold Stefan , Bansal Deepak , Soni Amit
Published: October 2022

We consider two parametric families of special functions: One is defined by a power series generalizing the classical Mathieu series, and the other one is a generalized Mathieu type power series involving factorials in its coefficients. Using criteria due to Fejér and Ozaki, we provide sufficient conditions for these functions to be close-to-convex or starlike inside the unit disk, and thus univalent. One of our proofs is assisted by symbolic computation.
Osmotic Gradient Is a Factor That Influences the Gill Microbiota Communities in Oryzias melastigma
Authors: Lai Keng Po , Boncan Delbert Almerick T. , Yang Lu , Leung Cherry Chi Tim , Ho Jeff Cheuk Hin , Lin Xiao , Chan Ting Fung , Kong Richard Yuen Chong , Tse William Ka Fai
Published: October 2022

The fish gill is the first tissue that is exposed to the external media and undergoes continuous osmotic challenges. Recently, our group published an article entitled “Integrated Omics Approaches Revealed the Osmotic Stress-Responsive Genes and Microbiota in Gill of Marine Medaka” in the journal mSystems (e0004722, 2022), and suggested the possible host-bacterium interaction in the fish gill during osmotic stress. The previous study was performed by the progressive fresh water transfer (i.e., seawater to fresh water transfer via 50% seawater (FW)). Our group hypothesized that osmotic gradient could be a factor that determines the microbiota communities in the gill. The current 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing study found that the direct transfer (i.e., seawater to fresh water (FWd)) could result in different gill microbiota communities in the same fresh water endpoints. Pseduomonas was the dominant bacteria (more than 55%) in the FWd gill. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and MetaCyc analysis further suggested that the FWd group had enhanced osmosensing pathways, such as the ATP-binding cassette transporters, taurine degradation, and energy-related tricarboxylic acid metabolism compared to the FW group.
Machine-Learning-Assisted Analysis of TCR Profiling Data Unveils Cross-Reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and a Wide Spectrum of Pathogens and Other Diseases
Authors: Georgakilas Georgios K. , Galanopoulos Achilleas P. , Tsinaris Zafeiris , Kyritsi Maria , Mouchtouri Varvara A. , Speletas Matthaios , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: October 2022

During the last two years, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to millions of deaths worldwide, with a devastating socio-economic impact on a global scale. The scientific community’s focus has recently shifted towards the association of the T cell immunological repertoire with COVID-19 progression and severity, by utilising T cell receptor sequencing (TCR-Seq) assays. The Multiplexed Identification of T cell Receptor Antigen (MIRA) dataset, which is a subset of the immunoACCESS study, provides thousands of TCRs that can specifically recognise SARS-CoV-2 epitopes. Our study proposes a novel Machine Learning (ML)-assisted approach for analysing TCR-Seq data from the antigens’ point of view, with the ability to unveil key antigens that can accurately distinguish between MIRA COVID-19-convalescent and healthy individuals based on differences in the triggered immune response. Some SARS-CoV-2 antigens were found to exhibit equal levels of recognition by MIRA TCRs in both convalescent and healthy cohorts, leading to the assumption of putative cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious agents. This hypothesis was tested by combining MIRA with other public TCR profiling repositories that host assays and sequencing data concerning a plethora of pathogens. Our study provides evidence regarding putative cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and a wide spectrum of pathogens and diseases, with M. tuberculosis and Influenza virus exhibiting the highest levels of cross-reactivity. These results can potentially shift the emphasis of immunological studies towards an increased application of TCR profiling assays that have the potential to uncover key mechanisms of cell-mediated immune response against pathogens and diseases.
Obesity and Metabolic Traits after High-Fat Diet in Iberian Pigs with Low Birth Weight of Placental Origin
Authors: Heras-Molina Ana , Yeste Natalia , Pesantez-Pacheco José Luis , Astiz Susana , Vazquez-Gomez Marta , Bettiga Arianna , Trevisani Francesco , Garcia-Contreras Consolacion , Luis-Lima Sergio , Bassols Anna , Porrini Esteban , Gonzalez-Bulnes Antonio
Published: October 2022

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and later obesity and metabolic disorders have classically been associated with maternal malnutrition, but most cases of IUGR are related to placental insufficiency. The current study, using a swine model for IUGR and obesity, aimed to determine the interaction of birth weight (categorized as low birth weight [LBW] or normal birth-weight [NBW]) and postnatal diet (categorized as maintenance diet [MD] or fattening diet [FD]) on body weight, adiposity and metabolic traits. FD induced higher body weight and adiposity (both p < 0.0001), with higher fructosamine levels (p < 0.005) and a trend toward higher HOMA-β index (p = 0.05). NBW pigs remained heavier than LBW pigs during the early juvenile period (p < 0.005), but there were no differences at later stages. There were no differences in metabolic traits during juvenile development, but there were differences in adulthood, when LBW pigs showed higher glucose and lower insulin levels than NBW pigs (both p < 0.05). These results suggest that (a) FD allows LBW offspring to achieve similar obesity in adulthood as NBW offspring, and (b) glucose metabolism is more compromised in obese LBW than obese NBW pigs. The comparison of our data with previous studies highlights significant differences between offspring with LBW induced by maternal malnutrition or placental insufficiency, which should be considered when studying the condition.
Revised Annotation and Characterization of Novel Aedes albopictus miRNAs and Their Potential Functions in Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Azlan Azali , Yunus Muhammad Amir , Abdul Halim Mardani , Azzam Ghows
Published: October 2022

The Asian tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus, is a highly invasive species that transmits several arboviruses including dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and chikungunya (CHIKV). Although several studies have identified microRNAs (miRNAs) in Ae. albopictus, it is crucial to extend and improve current annotations with both the newly improved genome assembly and the increased number of small RNA-sequencing data. We combined our high-depth sequence data and 26 public datasets to re-annotate Ae. albopictus miRNAs and found a total of 72 novel mature miRNAs. We discovered that the expression of novel miRNAs was lower than known miRNAs. Furthermore, compared to known miRNAs, novel miRNAs are prone to expression in a stage-specific manner. Upon DENV infection, a total of 44 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed, and target prediction analysis revealed that miRNA-target genes were involved in lipid metabolism and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum. Taken together, the miRNA annotation profile provided here is the most comprehensive to date. We believed that this would facilitate future research in understanding virus–host interactions, particularly in the role of miRNAs.
Antidepressant Drug Sertraline against Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Duarte Diana , Vale Nuno
Published: October 2022

The use of FDA-approved drugs for new indications represents a faster and more economical way to find novel therapeutic agents for cancer therapy, compared to the development of new drugs. Repurposing drugs is advantageous in a pharmacological context since these drugs already have extensive data related to their pharmacokinetics, facilitating their approval process for different diseases. Several studies have reported the promising anticancer effects of sertraline, both alone and combined, in different types of cancer cell lines. Here, we performed a literature review on the anticancer potential of sertraline against different human cancer cells, more specifically in lung, colorectal, breast, hepatocellular, leukemia, brain, skin, oral, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Taken together, these findings suggest that sertraline decreases cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induces apoptosis, and causes cell cycle arrest in different types of cancer cells, besides being an established P-glycoprotein modulator. It was also found that this drug is able to modulate autophagy, cause DNA fragmentation, and induce radical oxygen species (ROS) formation. Moreover, it was found this drug targets important cellular pathways involved in tumorigeneses such as the TNF-MAP4K4-JNK pathway, the antiapoptotic pathway PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and the AMPK/mTOR axis. This drug also interferes with the TCTP/P53 feedback loop and with the cytosolic free Ca2+ levels. Together, these results suggest that sertraline may be a promising compound for further evaluation in novel cancer therapies.
Amygdalin: A Review on Its Characteristics, Antioxidant Potential, Gastrointestinal Microbiota Intervention, Anticancer Therapeutic and Mechanisms, Toxicity, and Encapsulation
Authors: Barakat Hassan , Aljutaily Thamer , Almujaydil Mona S. , Algheshairy Reham M. , Alhomaid Raghad M. , Almutairi Abdulkarim S. , Alshimali Saleh I. , Abdellatif Ahmed A. H.
Published: October 2022

Bioactive amygdalin, found in high concentrations in bitter almonds, has been recognized as a symbol of the cyanogenic glycoside chemical organic substance, which was initially developed as a pharmaceutical for treating cancer after being hydrolyzed to hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Regrettably, research has shown that HCN can also damage normal cells, rendering it non-toxic to the human body. Extreme controversy surrounds both in vivo and in vitro studies, making its use risky. This review provides an extensive update on characteristics, antioxidant potential, gastrointestinal microbiota intervention, anticancer therapeutic, mechanisms, toxicity, and encapsulation of amygdalin. Antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-fibrotic, antiatherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and analgesic characteristics, and the ability to improve digestive and reproductive systems, neurodegeneration, and cardiac hypertrophy are just some of the benefits of amygdalin. Studies verified the HCN-produced amygdalin to be harmful orally, but only at very high doses. Although intravenous treatment was less effective than the oral method, the oral route has a dose range of 0.6 to 1 g daily. Amygdalin’s toxicity depends heavily on the variety of bacteria in the digestive tract. Unfortunately, there is currently no foolproof method for determining the microbial consortium and providing a safe oral dosage for every patient. Amygdalin encapsulation in alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (ACNPs) is a relatively new area of research. Amygdalin has an enhanced cytotoxic effect on malignant cells, and ACNPs can be employed as an active drug-delivery system to release this compound in a regulated, sustained manner without causing any harm to healthy cells or tissues. In conclusion, a large area of research for a substance that might be the next step in cancer therapy is opened up due to unverified and conflicting data.
How Streptococcus mutans Affects the Surface Topography and Electrochemical Behavior of Nanostructured Bulk Ti
Authors: Sotniczuk Agata , Jastrzębska Agnieszka , Chlanda Adrian , Kwiatek Agnieszka , Garbacz Halina
Published: October 2022

The metabolization of carbohydrates by Streptococcus mutans leads to the formation of lactic acid in the oral cavity, which can consequently accelerate the degradation of dental implants fabricated from commercially available microcrystalline Ti. Microstructure influences surface topography and hence interaction between bacteria cells and Ti surfaces. This work offers the first description of the effect of S. mutans on the surface topography and properties of nanostructured bulk Ti, which is a promising candidate for modern narrow dental implants owing to its superior mechanical strength. It was found that S. mutans incubation resulted in the slight, unexpected decrease of surface nanoroughness, which was previously developed owing to privileged oxidation in areas of closely spaced boundaries. However, despite the changes in nanoscale surface topography, bacteria incubation did not reduce the high level of protection afforded by the oxide layer formed on the nanostructured Ti surface. The results highlight the need–hitherto ignored–to consider Ti microstructure when analyzing its behavior in the presence of carbohydrate-metabolizing bacteria.
Glycation-Associated Diabetic Nephropathy and the Role of Long Noncoding RNAs
Authors: Durge Ankita , Sharma Isha , Tupe Rashmi Santosh
Published: October 2022

The glycation of various biomolecules is the root cause of many pathological conditions associated with diabetic nephropathy and end-stage kidney disease. Glycation imbalances metabolism and increases renal cell injury. Numerous therapeutic measures have narrowed down the adverse effects of endogenous glycation, but efficient and potent measures are miles away. Recent advances in the identification and characterization of noncoding RNAs, especially the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), have opened a mammon of new biology to explore the mitigations for glycation-associated diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore, tissue-specific distribution and condition-specific expression make lncRNA a promising key for second-generation therapeutic interventions. Though the techniques to identify and exemplify noncoding RNAs are rapidly evolving, the lncRNA study encounters multiple methodological constraints. This review will discuss lncRNAs and their possible involvement in glycation and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) signaling pathways. We further highlight the possible approaches for lncRNA-based therapeutics and their working mechanism for perturbing glycation and conclude our review with lncRNAs biology-related future opportunities.
X-ray Microtomography to Assess Determinants of In Vivo N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Glubran®2 Polymerization: A Rabbit-Model Study
Authors: Guillen Kévin , Comby Pierre-Olivier , Salsac Anne-Virginie , Falvo Nicolas , Lenfant Marc , Oudot Alexandra , Sikner Hugo , Dencausse Anne , Laveissiere Emilie , Aho-Glele Serge , Loffroy Romaric
Published: October 2022

Although introduced decades ago, few cyanoacrylate glues have been approved for endovascular use, despite evidence of their usefulness, notably for complex procedures suchas hemostatic embolization. Indications include massive bleeding requiring emergent hemostasis and prevention of severe bleeding during scheduled surgery to remove a hypervascular tumor. Adding radiopaque Lipiodol Ultra Fluid® (LUF) modulates glue polymerization and allows fluoroscopic guidance, but few comparative in vivo studies have assessed the impact of the resulting change in glue concentration or of other factors such as target-vessel blood flow. In a rabbit model, we used ex vivo X-ray microtomography to assess the results of in vivo renal-artery embolization by various mixtures of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA), metacryloxysulfolane, and LUF. Overall, penetration to the superficial interlobular arteries was achieved in about two-thirds of cases and into the capillaries in nearly half the cases, while cast fragmentation was seen in slightly more than half the cases. Greater NBCA dilution and the blocked-blood-flow technique were independently associated with greater distality of penetration. Blocked-blood-flow injection was independently associated with absence of fragmentation, capillary penetration, a shorter cast-to-capsule distance, and higher cast attenuation. A larger mixture volume was independently associated with higher indexed cast ratio and deeper penetration. Finally, microtomography is an adapted tool to assess ex vivo distribution of glue cast.
Effect of the Combination of Gold Nanoparticles and Polyelectrolyte Layers on SERS Measurements
Authors: Nucera Antonello , Grillo Rossella , Rizzuto Carmen , Barberi Riccardo Cristoforo , Castriota Marco , Bürgi Thomas , Caputo Roberto , Palermo Giovanna
Published: October 2022

In this study, polyelectrolyte (PE) layers are deposited on substrates made by glass covered with an array of gold nanoparticles (GNPs). In particular, the samples studied have 0 PE layers (GGPE0), 3 PE layers (GGPE3), 11 PE layers (GGPE11), and 21 PE layers (GGPE21). All samples have been studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy. An acetic acid solution (10% v/v) has been used as a standard solution in order to investigate the SERS effect induced by different numbers of PE layers in each sample. The Surface Enhancement Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) effect correlating to the number of PE layers deposited on the samples has been shown. This effect is explained in terms of an increase in the interaction between the photon of the laser source and the plasmonic band of the GNPs due to a change of the permittivity of the surrounding medium around the GNPs. The trends of the ratios of the intensities of the Raman bands of the acetic acid solution (acetic acid and water molecules) on the band at 1098 cm−1 ascribed to the substrates increase, and the number of PE layers increases.
A Lateral Flow Device for Point-of-Care Detection of Doxorubicin
Authors: Pomili Tania , Gatto Francesca , Pompa Pier Paolo
Published: October 2022

A simple, rapid, and sensitive point-of-care (POC) device for the on-site detection of doxorubicin was developed. The proposed method relies on the naked-eye detection of the intrinsic fluorescence of the drug in a lateral flow device (LFD) configuration, exploiting the biological recognition of DNA probes and avoiding the use of expensive antibodies and sophisticated instrumentations. The POC assay does not require any pre-treatment or purification step and provides an immediate visual readout, achieving a limit of detection as low as ca. 1 ng doxorubicin, outperforming several laboratory-based instrumental techniques. The POC method was proven useful for the detection of trace amounts of the drug both in the case of water solutions (to simulate surface contaminations) and in urine samples, opening promising perspectives for routine monitoring of doxorubicin, with potential benefit to healthcare workers and personalized chemotherapies.
Impact of Staff Localization on Turnover: The Role of a Foreign Subsidiary CEO
Authors: Lee Joonghak
Published: October 2022

Great resignation has become a critical issue in management discipline and retaining talents is one of the most important properties across the globe. Among them, local staff have been regarded as an essential competitive advantage for multinational companies and their sustainability. In this sense, staff localization has received considerable attention from scholars and professionals; however, few studies have examined the mechanisms underlying the relationship between staff localization and turnover. This study examines the macro-level relationship between the ratio of local staff in a subsidiary and the actual turnover rate of 89 multinational companies in 25 countries through their headquarters and subsidiary staff. Additionally, the aim of this study was to identify the moderating impact of a CEO’s nationality. The results showed that local staff leave organizations in which there are more expatriates deployed from HQs. Furthermore, the CEO’s nationality buffered the relationship between staff localization and the local staff turnover. This study can contribute to the academia and practice by revealing the effect of staff localization on staff turnover. In addition, a CEO staffing strategy focusing on nationality can be considered an important factor in retaining competitive local staff during the COVID-19 pandemic for multinational companies.
Study on the Probability Distribution of Pitting for Naturally Corroded Prestressing Strands Accounting for Surface Defects
Authors: Franceschini Lorenzo , Belletti Beatrice , Tondolo Francesco , Sanchez Javier
Published: October 2022

One of the most urgent scientific needs from a technical and economic engineering point of view is the assessment of concrete structures suffering corrosion deterioration. However, the pursuit of this target in the case of corroded prestressed concrete (PC) members is hindered by the lack of (i) consolidated simplified formulations to be used in the engineering daily practice and (ii) works investigating the uncertainties in the correlation between the damage induced by corrosion and the structural resistance. To this aim, the present study adopts a 3D-scanning technique for the pitting morphology evaluation of several corroded prestressing strands retrieved from 10-year-old PC beams. First, the probabilistic distributions of penetration depths have been investigated. Second, the pitting factors α and Ωi have been proposed and discussed to quantify the level of corrosion in longitudinal and transversal direction, respectively. Finally, correlations have been derived between the maximum and average penetration depth as a function of the level of corrosion and the surface defects mapping has been carried out on the corroded PC beams. The results show that the penetration depth of strands subjected to chloride-induced corrosion can be best fitted by a lognormal distribution function. Additionally, the simultaneous consideration of longitudinal and transversal pitting factor is found out to be essential for an exhaustive comprehension of pitting corrosion. Moreover, the outcomes highlight that the presence of longitudinal splitting cracks plays a fundamental role in the corrosion spatial variability of prestressing strands.
Site Measurement Study on Mechanical Properties of SMW Piles of Building Structures in Sandy Soil Areas
Authors: Xian Qingjun , Wang Zhe , Liu Xiaosong , Ma Shaokui , Xiao Zhaoran
Published: October 2022

SMW (soil mixing wall) piles have been widely used in soft soil areas such as Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin and so on, and they have many advantages, such as retaining the structures of foundation pits. In order to promote the application of SMW piles in sandy soil areas such as Henan province, SMW piles were used in a deep foundation pit project of a high-rise building in Zhengzhou. Three SMW piles in the middle area of the foundation pit were selected for site measurement to determine the mechanical properties of SMW piles in sandy soil areas. Several typical test sections were determined along the height of the pile. The vibrating string type of the reinforcement dynamometers were set on the H-shaped steel of each test section, and the stress distribution of the H-shaped steel along the depth of the pit was obtained via testing. The axial force, bending moment and shearing force of the H-shaped steel were further calculated, and the affecting factors and development laws of the internal force distribution of the H-shaped steel were analyzed in detail. The research shows that, at the stage of foundation pit excavation, the overall stress of H-shaped steel increases gradually. The axial force of H-shaped steel in an SMW pile is mainly affected by such factors as the weight of the H-shaped steel, the weight of the crown beam and the first support system, the weight of the breast beam and the second support system, and the frictional resistance of the cemented soil. The bending moment and shearing force of H-shaped steel are mainly affected by such factors as the lateral soil pressure and the concentrated forces of the two support systems. When the foundation pit was excavated to the base, the development of and changes in the law of internal force with regard to the H-shaped steel was analyzed. When the overall internal force of the H-shaped steel is at its maximum, the maximum absolute values in terms of the axial force, bending moment and shearing force are −481 KN, 371 KN·m and 123 KN. In the process of foundation pit excavation and backfilling, the point of contraflexure of the H-shaped steel moves down gradually, and the fixed end of corresponding SMW pile also moves down and stabilizes below the base. These results may provide a reference for the design and construction of SMW piles of building structures in sandy soil areas.
Optimal Design of Semirigid Connection Steel Frame with Steel Plate Shear Walls Using Dolphin Echolocation Algorithm
Authors: Qiu Yudong , Wang Zhan , Pan Jianrong , Hu Fangxin , Sharma Shubham , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk
Published: October 2022

Steel frame with steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) is used to resist lateral loads caused by wind and earthquakes in high-rise buildings. In this load-resisting system, the cost and performance are more efficient than in the moment frame system. Behaviors of beam-to-column connections are assumed to be pinned or fixed to simplify the calculation in the past few decades. However, studies have stated that such a simulation fails to reveal the response of beam-to-column connections. In this paper, a newly developed metaheuristic optimization algorithm—the dolphin echolocation algorithm (DE)—based on foraging prey using echolocation in dolphins is applied as the present study optimizer. Two different two-dimensional semirigid connection steel frames with SPSWs are optimized to obtain the minimum cost of semirigid connection steel frame with steel plate shear walls with constraints to element stresses and story drift ratio according to the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LFRD). SPSW is modeled as a brace with equivalent lateral stiffness, while the P−△ effects are considered in the steel frame. Semirigid connections are used to reveal the actual responses of beam-to-column connections. The results demonstrate the proposed method’s effectiveness for optimizing semirigid connection steel frames with SPSWs and the interaction between semirigid connections and the SPSWs.
Microclimate and Mould Growth Potential of Air Cavities in Ventilated Wooden Façade and Roof Systems—Case Studies from Norway
Authors: Ingebretsen Sara Bredal , Andenæs Erlend , Gullbrekken Lars , Kvande Tore
Published: October 2022

Harsh climatic conditions in the Nordic countries are being worsened by climate change, which increases the moisture load on building façades. New types of defects are being observed in air cavities in well-designed and well-built wooden façades and roofs. More knowledge is required on the microclimatic conditions in air cavities and roofs, and their implications for organic growth and biological deterioration. The present study collects and presents sensor data from three buildings in Norway. Collected air temperature, air humidity, and wood moisture data are compared to mould growth criteria found in scientific literature, building physics software, and national and international standards. The data shows great differences in air cavity microclimates between the case buildings and between different sensor positions within the instrumented air cavities. Air cavity temperatures are found to be lower than exterior temperatures for a substantial portion of the time. For tall buildings, the vertical positioning of a sensor influences the data more than the orientation of the façade. All three buildings feature monitoring positions with both acceptable and critically high levels of moisture to indicate mould risk. There is great variation in the estimated risk of mould growth according to the different criteria. The study indicates that the coastal climate in the south-west of Norway presents a challenge in terms of resilient building design to avoid mould growth in the ventilated air cavity.
Flexural–Shear Performance of Lightweight Concrete Panels with High Insulation Capacity
Authors: Yang Keun-Hyeok , Mun Ju-Hyun , Kim Jong-Won , Lee Sung-Jin
Published: October 2022

With the increased interest in the inherent fire resistance of organic insulators, various precast concrete insulation panels have been developed. However, precast concrete insulation panels still have structural and fire resistance problems resulting from a low composite action and unclosed cross-sectional details. To improve composite action and fire resistance, this study proposes the closed cross-sectional details of insulator panels with lightweight aggregate concrete, insulation material, and wire mesh. The objective of this study is to examine the flexural–shear performance of precast lightweight concrete panels with closed cross-sectional details developed for exterior cladding with high insulation capacity. Six full-sized insulation panels were tested under two-point top loadings. The main investigated test parameters to vary the moment–shear ratio of the insulation panels were the amount of the shear reinforcement and shear span–effective depth ratio. Test results indicate that the insulation panels with moment–shear ratios of 2.60 or higher were governed by shear, indicating that the longitudinal bars remained in an elastic state until the peak load of the insulation panels was reached. Thus, an increase in the moment–shear ratio of the insulation panels led to more brittle failure characteristics. Meanwhile, the insulation panels governed by flexure exhibited plastic flow performance in the applied load–deflection curve and well-distributed cracks. In particular, the maximal flexural moments of insulation panels with moment–shear ratios of 0.75 or less were higher than those calculated from the equations specified in ACI 318-19, indicating that the composite action was fully exerted. Overall, the developed insulation panels with cross-sectional details must be designed to a have moment–shear ratio of 0.75 or less to fulfil the ductile response under extreme lateral loads and exert full composite action.
Maturity Assessment of Intelligent Construction Management
Authors: Lin Chao , Hu Zhen-Zhong , Yang Cheng , Deng Yi-Chuan , Zheng Wei , Lin Jia-Rui
Published: October 2022

In the new era of Construction 4.0, the application of a large number of intelligent information technologies (ITs) and advanced managerial approaches have brought about the rapid development of intelligent construction management (ICM). However, it is still unclear how to assess the maturity of ICM. In this study, a maturity assessment system for ICM was formulated through literature reviews, questionnaires, expert discussions and a case study. A maturity scoring table containing five assessment dimensions and twenty assessment indicators was developed, and corresponding maturity levels and a radar chart of dimensions were designed. A case study of the assessments of two construction enterprises was conducted to validate that the proposed assessment system could be used by construction enterprises to quantitatively assess their ICM maturities and obtain both overall and specific assessment results. This study also proposed practical improvement methods to improve ICM maturities for construction enterprises with different maturity levels. Furthermore, the study also discussed the development direction of ICM at present and in the short-term future, which should be paid more attention to by the construction industry.
A Mesoscopic Viewpoint on Slurry Penetration and Pressure Transfer Mechanisms for Slurry Shield Tunneling
Authors: Liu Keqi , Ding Wantao , Qu Chunxu
Published: October 2022

The penetration characteristics of the slurry and the support pressure transfer mechanisms are critical to the tunnel face stability control during a mechanized excavation. In this paper, numerical calculations coupling computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with the discrete element method (DEM) are carried out to simulate sand column penetration tests considering different particle size ratios. The reasonableness of the numerical model is verified by comparing the variation patterns of the soil permeability coefficients monitored in the numerical tests with the results of existing laboratory tests. The mesoscopic transport characteristics of the slurry particles in the sand soil pores are considered based on numerical tests, while the slurry support effects corresponding to different penetration types are evaluated. Three main basic types of slurry infiltration are observed due to the different ratios of slurry particle size over soil pore size. For the first penetration type, the slurry particles are accumulated and able to form a supporting filter cake. The slurry support is effective because of the significant pressure drop generated on both sides of the filter cake. For the second penetration type, both a filter cake and an infiltration zone are present. A dense filling network is formed between the filter cake and the penetration zone. The third type corresponds to a purely penetration zone. An effective impermeable filling network cannot be formed, and the slurry support effect is not obvious. The development of slurry penetration distance shows an obvious time effect; the farther the penetration distance, the larger the slurry filtration loss, and the worse the transformation effect of slurry support pressure.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption as a Contributor to Racial Disparities in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dasari Sonali S. , Archer Maddison , Mohamed Nihal E. , Tewari Ashutosh K. , Figueiro Mariana G. , Kyprianou Natasha
Published: October 2022

In the United States, African American (AA) men have a 2.4 times higher mortality rate due to prostate cancer than White men. The multifactorial causes of the racial disparities in prostate cancer involve various social determinants of health, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. However, emerging evidence also suggests that circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) contributes to prostate cancer, and AA men may be more susceptible to developing CRDs. Circadian rhythms play a significant role in metabolism, hormone secretion, and sleep/wake cycles. Disruption in these circadian rhythms can be caused by airplane travel/jetlag, night shift work, exposure to light, and neighborhood noise levels, which can contribute to sleep disorders and chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. The drivers of the racial disparities in CRD include night shift work, racial discrimination, elevated stress, and residing in poor neighborhoods characterized by high noise pollution. Given the increased vulnerability of AA men to CRDs, and the role that CRDs play in prostate cancer, elucidating the clock-related prostate cancer pathways and their behavior and environmental covariates may be critical to better understanding and reducing the racial disparities in prostate cancer.