bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Supervised Learning Methods and Information Gain Methods in the Determination of Asbestos–Cement Roofs’ Deterioration State
Authors: Saba Manuel , Valdelamar Martínez David , Torres Gil Leydy K. , Chanchí Golondrino Gabriel E. , Alarcón Manuel A. Ospina
Published: September 2024

This study introduces an innovative approach to evaluate the condition of asbestos–cement (AC) roofs by integrating field data with five distinct supervised learning models: decision trees, KNN, logistic regression, support vector machine, and random forest. A novel methodology for assessing the importance of 380 reflectance bands was employed, offering fresh insights into the key indicators of AC roof deterioration. The research systematically organized and prioritized reflectance bands based on their information gain, optimizing both the selection of relevant bands and the performance of the models in differentiating between low and high intervention priority (LIP and HIP) roofs. The decision tree model, when applied to the top 10 most relevant bands, achieved the highest cross-validation accuracy of 76.047%, making it the most effective tool for identifying AC roof conditions. Additionally, the random forest model demonstrated strong performance across various band groups, further validating its utility. Utilizing the open-source software Weka (version 3.8.6), this study adeptly executed relevance evaluation and model implementation, providing a practical and scalable solution for material characterization, especially in regions where resources for spectral and hyperspectral image analysis are limited. The findings of this study offer valuable tools for government and environmental authorities, particularly in developing countries, where efficient and cost-effective AC roof assessment is crucial for public health and safety. The methodology is adaptable to different urban environments and climatic conditions, supporting global efforts in asbestos management, especially in countries where asbestos regulations are newly implemented. Organized within the CRISP-DM framework, this paper details the methodological phases, presents compelling results on reflectance band relevance, evaluates machine learning models, and concludes with prospects for future research aimed at enhancing asbestos detection and removal strategies.
Machine Learning for Advanced Emission Monitoring and Reduction Strategies in Fossil Fuel Power Plants
Authors: Zuo Zitu , Niu Yongjie , Li Jiale , Fu Hongpeng , Zhou Mengjie
Published: September 2024

Fossil fuel power plants are a significant contributor to global carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Accurate monitoring and effective reduction of these emissions are crucial for mitigating climate change. This systematic review examines the current state of research on the application of machine learning techniques in evaluating the emissions from fossil fuel power plants. This review first briefly introduces the continuous emission monitoring (CEM) systems and predictive emission monitoring (PEM) systems that are commonly used in power plants and highlights that machine learning models can significantly improve PEM systems through their capability to process and interpret large datasets intelligently to transform traditional emission monitoring systems by enhancing their precision, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency. Compared to previously published review articles, the key contribution and innovation in this present review is the discussion of machine learning models in CO2/NOx emissions according to the different algorithms used, including their advantages and disadvantages in a systematic way, which aims to help future researchers to develop more effective machine learning models. The most popular machine learning model includes reinforcement learning, a forward neural network, a long short-term memory neural network, and support vector regression. While each model method has its own advantages and disadvantages, we noted that training data quality, as well as the proper selection of model parameters, plays an important role. The challenges and research gaps, such as model transferability, a deep understanding of the physics of CO2/NOx emissions, and the availability of high-quality data for training machine learning models, are identified, and recommendations as well as potential future research directions to address these challenges are proposed and discussed.
Numerical Simulation Analysis of Dock Bank Slopes’ Soil–Water Interface Recognition and Monitoring Device Models Based on Heat Transfer Principles
Authors: Yin Jilong , Zhang Huaqing , Liu Mengmeng , Yang Xiaotao , Zhu Pengrui , Wang Yamin
Published: September 2024

The erosion and sedimentation of bank slopes are important factors affecting the safety of wharf operations. The essence of bank slope monitoring is to identify the water–soil interface. This paper proposes a model for soil-and-water interface identification and monitoring equipment buried on the bank slope of the wharf, based on the difference in thermodynamic heat transfer between water and soil media, and presents the results of multi-condition numerical simulation. The comparison between numerical simulation results and indoor experimental results shows that the overall patterns are consistent, with an error of less than 11.4%, which is lower than the deviation between theoretical calculation results and indoor experiments. Based on the accuracy of the numerical calculation results, the temperature rise and propagation characteristics of linear heat sources made of iron and PVC in eight types of cohesive soils and six types of non-cohesive soils were studied. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the temperature distribution of linear heat sources made of iron and PVC in both water and soil media. The monitoring equipment model based on the difference in heat transfer between water and soil can be applied in practical engineering. This provides a foundation for the design and application of subsequent monitoring equipment.
A Novel Perturbation Consistency Framework in Semi-Supervised Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Ma Xiaoxuan , Lian Kuncheng , Sui Dong
Published: September 2024

Semi-supervised medical image segmentation models often face challenges such as empirical mismatch and data imbalance. Traditional methods, like the two-stream perturbation model, tend to over-rely on strong perturbation, leaving weak perturbation and labeled images underutilized. To overcome these challenges, we propose an innovative hybrid copy-paste (HCP) method within the strong perturbation branch, encouraging unlabeled images to learn more comprehensive semantic information from labeled images and narrowing the empirical distribution gap. Additionally, we integrate contrastive learning into the weak perturbation branch, where contrastive learning samples are selected through semantic grouping contrastive sampling (SGCS) to address memory and variance issues. This sampling strategy ensures more effective use of weak perturbation data. This approach is particularly advantageous for pixel segmentation tasks with severely limited labels. Finally, our approach is validated on the public ACDC (Automated Cardiac Diagnosis Challenge) dataset, achieving a 90.6% DICE score, with just 7% labeled data. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in improving segmentation performance with limited labeled data.
An Exploratory Study on Whether the Interference Effect Occurs When High-Intensity Strength Training Is Performed Prior to High-Intensity Interval Aerobic Training
Authors: Bernedo Gabriel O. , Haseler Luke J. , Netto Kevin J. , Chapman Dale W.
Published: September 2024

There is conflicting evidence on whether concurrent aerobic endurance and resistance training (RT) leads to synergistic enhancements in aerobic capacity and muscular strength or causes interference, limiting performance gains. We developed a concurrent training (CT) intervention, including full-body dynamic RT combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT), on a cycle ergometer to determine whether a brief CT intervention is beneficial to both muscular strength and aerobic capacity. In an exploratory pilot study, participants (n = 10; male = 4) undertook a four-week CT intervention consisting of RT, including six compound movements (bench press, squat, deadlift, Pendley row, squat jumps, and rack pulls), plus cycle HIIT. The pre-/post-intervention improvements were assessed via bench press and leg press 3RM testing, an isometric mid-thigh pull, a countermovement jump, and the change in the relative V˙O2max. We observed significant (p < 0.1) increases in the bench press (6.4%), leg press (6.7%), IMTP (11.1%), and relative V˙O2max (7%) results. Interestingly, the participants with the highest pre-intervention relative V˙O2max demonstrated no performance improvements. These pilot test results suggest that CT is an effective strategy that enables synergistic enhancements that can be observed with very low training volumes. This suggests that CT is an effective strategy for improving muscular strength and aerobic endurance in non-elite physically active individuals.
Experimental Infrastructure Design for Energy-Independent Car Park Building Based on Parametric Photovoltaic Facade System
Authors: Choi Ho-Soon
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study is to develop a new architectural model that responds to environmental pollution. The subject of this study is infrastructure buildings related to automobiles, which cause environmental pollution. Parking facilities accommodate several vehicles, necessitating the design of large-scale parking infrastructure. In this study, the parametric design of an energy-independent building was developed targeting the facade of a large-scale parking facility. As basic research for the development of the parametric design, a parking building was planned toward the optimization of parking space. Based on this basic research, a kinetic photovoltaic facade was developed to achieve optimal renewable energy generation from the perspective of eco-friendly architectural design. Energy simulation using building information modeling (BIM) on the kinetic photovoltaic system developed in this study over a period of one year resulted in the generation of a total of 692,386 kWh·year−1. The novelty of this study is the development of a kinetic photovoltaic facade that is oriented according to the optimal tilt angle every month, focusing on the infrastructure. The significance of the kinetic photovoltaic system lies in the fact that it not only maximizes the efficiency of renewable energy generation but also presents a new architectural design model.
The New Era of Organic Field-Effect Transistors: Hybrid OECTs, OLEFETs and OFEWs
Authors: Torres-Moya Iván
Published: September 2024

Advancements in electronic device technology have led to an exponential growth in demand for more efficient and versatile transistors. In this context, organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) have emerged as a promising alternative due to their unique properties and potential for flexible and low-cost applications. However, to overcome some of the inherent limitations of OFETs, the integration of organic materials with other materials and technologies has been proposed, giving rise to a new generation of hybrid devices. In this article, we explore the development and advances of organic field-effect transistors and highlight the growing importance of hybrid devices in this area. In particular, we focus on three types of emerging hybrid devices: organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), organic light-emitting field-effect transistors (OLEFETs) and organic field-effect waveguides (OFEWs). These devices combine the advantages of organic materials with the unique capabilities of other technologies, opening up new possibilities in fields such as flexible electronics, bioelectronics, or optoelectronics. This article provides an overview of recent advances in the development and applications of hybrid transistors, highlighting their crucial role in the next generation of electronic devices.
Matchability and Uncertainty-Aware Iterative Disparity Refinement for Stereo Matching
Authors: Wang Junwei , Zhou Wei , Tang Yujun , Guo Hanming
Published: September 2024

After significant progress in stereo matching, the pursuit of robust and efficient ill-posed-region disparity refinement methods remains challenging. To further improve the performance of disparity refinement, in this paper, we propose the matchability and uncertainty-aware iterative disparity refinement neural network. Firstly, a new matchability and uncertainty decoder (MUD) is proposed to decode the matchability mask and disparity uncertainties, which are used to evaluate the reliability of feature matching and estimated disparity, thereby reducing the susceptibility to mismatched pixels. Then, based on the proposed MUD, we present two modules: the uncertainty-preferred disparity field initialization (UFI) and the masked hidden state global aggregation (MGA) modules. In the UFI, a multi-disparity window scan-and-select method is employed to provide a further initialized disparity field and more accurate initial disparity. In the MGA, the adaptive masked disparity field hidden state is globally aggregated to extend the propagation range per iteration, improving the refinement efficiency. Finally, the experimental results on public datasets show that the proposed model achieves a reduction up to 17.9% in disparity average error and 16.9% in occluded outlier proportion, respectively, demonstrating its more practical handling of ill-posed regions.
Recent Progress in Terrestrial Biota-Derived Anti-Biofilm Agents for Medical Applications
Authors: Vladkova Todorka G. , Smani Younes , Martinov Boris L. , Gospodinova Dilyana N.
Published: September 2024

The terrestrial biota is a rich source of biologically active substances whose anti-biofilm potential is not studied enough. The aim of this review is to outline a variety of terrestrial sources of antimicrobial agents with the ability to inhibit different stages of biofilm development, expecting to give some ideas for their utilization in improved anti-biofilm treatments. It provides an update for the last 5 years on anti-biofilm plant products and derivatives, essential oils, antimicrobial peptides, biosurfactants, etc., that are promising candidates for providing novel alternative approaches to combating multidrug-resistant biofilm-associated infections. Based on the reduction in bacterial adhesion to material and cell surfaces, the anti-adhesion strategy appears interesting for the prevention of bacterial attachment in combating a broad range of mono- and multispecies bacterial biofilms. So far, few studies have been carried out in this direction. Anti-biofilm coatings made by or containing biologically active products from terrestrial biota have scarcely been studied although they are of significant interest for a reduction in infections associated with medical devices. Combination therapy with commercial antibiotics and natural products is accepted now as a promising base for future advances in anti-biofilm treatment. In vivo testing and clinical trials are necessary for clinical application.
Forecasting the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Plumbago zeylanica and Solanum xanthocarpum in Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment: A Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Sahu Nilanchala , Tyagi Rama , Kumar Neeraj , Mujeeb Mohd. , Akhtar Ali , Alam Perwez , Madan Swati
Published: September 2024

(1) Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes, marked by abnormal angiogenesis, microaneurysms, and retinal hemorrhages. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine advocates multi-target strategies for DR management. However, the mechanisms by which Solanum xanthocarpum (SX) and Plumbago zeylanica (PZ) exert therapeutic effects are not well understood; (2) Methods: To investigate these mechanisms, we employed network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. Phytochemicals from SX and PZ were identified using the IMPPAT database and Swiss Target Prediction tool. DR-related protein targets were sourced from the GeneCards database, and common targets were identified through Venn diagram analysis. STRING and Cytoscape were used to construct and analyze protein–protein interaction networks. Pathway enrichment was performed with Gene Ontology and KEGG databases; (3) Results: We identified 28 active phytoconstituents, targeting proteins such as EGFR, SRC, STAT3, AKT1, and HSP90AA1. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed the strong binding affinities of these compounds to their targets; (4) Conclusions: The study highlights the multi-target activity of SX and PZ, particularly in pathways related to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and PI3K–AKT signaling. These findings provide valuable insights into their therapeutic potential for DR, suggesting the effective modulation of key molecular pathways involved in the disease.
Stomata Are Driving the Direction of CO2-Induced Water-Use Efficiency Gain in Selected Tropical Trees in Fiji
Authors: Soh Wuu Kuang , Yiotis Charilaos , Murray Michelle , Pene Sarah , Naikatini Alivereti , Dornschneider-Elkink Johan A. , White Joseph D. , Tuiwawa Marika , McElwain Jennifer C.
Published: September 2024

Understanding plant physiological response to a rising atmospheric CO2 concentration (ca) is key in predicting Earth system plant–climate feedbacks; however, the effects of long-term rising ca on plant gas-exchange characteristics in the tropics are largely unknown. Studying this long-term trend using herbarium records is challenging due to specimen trait variation. We assessed the impact of a ca rise of ~95 ppm (1927–2015) on the intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) and maximum stomatal conductance (gsmax) of five tropical tree species in Fiji using the isotopic composition and stomatal traits of herbarium leaves. Empirical results were compared with simulated values using models that uniquely incorporated the variation in the empirical gsmax responses and species-specific parameterisation. The magnitude of the empirical iWUE and gsmax response was species-specific, ranging from strong to negligible. Stomatal density was more influential than the pore size in determining the gsmax response to ca. While our simulation results indicated that photosynthesis is the main factor contributing to the iWUE gain, stomata were driving the iWUE trend across the tree species. Generally, a stronger increase in the iWUE was accompanied by a stronger decline in stomatal response. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of variation in the gsmax in simulations is necessary for assessing an individual species’ iWUE response to changing ca.
DNA Adductomics: A Narrative Review of Its Development, Applications, and Future
Authors: Cao Mengqiu , Zhang Xinyu
Published: September 2024

DNA adductomics is the global study of all DNA adducts and was first proposed in 2006 by the Matsuda group. Its development has been greatly credited to the advances in mass spectrometric techniques, particularly tandem and multiple-stage mass spectrometry. In fact, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based methods are virtually the sole technique with practicality for DNA adductomic studies to date. At present, DNA adductomics is primarily used as a tool to search for DNA adducts, known and unknown, providing evidence for exposure to exogenous genotoxins and/or for the molecular mechanisms of their genotoxicity. Some DNA adducts discovered in this way have the potential to predict cancer risks and/or to be associated with adverse health outcomes. DNA adductomics has been successfully used to identify and determine exogenous carcinogens that may contribute to the etiology of certain cancers, including bacterial genotoxins and an N-nitrosamine. Also using the DNA adductomic approach, multiple DNA adducts have been observed to show age dependence and may serve as aging biomarkers. These achievements highlight the capability and power of DNA adductomics in the studies of medicine, biological science, and environmental science. Nonetheless, DNA adductomics is still in its infancy, and great advances are expected in the future.
Immune-Targeted Therapy with or without Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis (PVTT): A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: You Ran , Cheng Yuan , Diao Lingfeng , Wang Chendong , Leng Bin , Yu Zeyu , Xu Qingyu , Yin Guowen
Published: September 2024

Purpose: In the present study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of immune-targeted therapy (IT) with or without transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). Patients and methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study that included 265 HCC patients with PVTT (IT + TACE: 82, IT: 183). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), as well as tumor responses and adverse events, were evaluated. Results: Patients in the IT + TACE group experienced significantly longer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) periods, compared with those in the IT group (OS 19.0 vs. 13.0 months, p < 0.001; PFS 12.0 vs. 7.3 months, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis confirmed IT + TACE as an independent predictor for improved OS and PFS. Subgroup analysis demonstrated the benefits of IT + TACE in patients with rich PVTT blood supply. Preoperative imaging and DSA offered predictive value. Conclusions: TACE combined with IT provides a safe and effective treatment option for advanced-HCC patients with PVTT, particularly those with abundant PVTT blood supply.
Peptide-Bound Glycative, AGE and Oxidative Modifications as Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease—A Feasibility Study
Authors: Grosskopf Anne , Rahn Jette , Kim Ahyoung , Szabó Gábor , Rujescu Dan , Klawonn Frank , Frolov Andrej , Simm Andreas
Published: September 2024

Background: The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) relies on core cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau. As the brain is then already damaged, researchers still strive to discover earlier biomarkers of disease onset and the progression of AD. Glycation, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and oxidative modifications on proteins in CSF mirror the underlying biological mechanisms that contribute to early AD pathology. However, analyzing free AGEs in the body fluids of AD patients has led to controversial results. Thus, this pilot study aimed to test the feasibility of detecting, identifying and quantifying differentially glycated, AGE or oxidatively modified peptides in CSF proteins of AD patients (n = 5) compared to a control group (n = 5). Methods: To this end, we utilized a data-dependent (DDA) nano liquid chromatography (LC) linear ion trap-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) ) approach and database search that included over 30 glycative and oxidative modifications in four search nodes to analyze endogenous modifications on individual peptides. Furthermore, we quantified candidate peptide abundance using LC Quan. Results: We identified 299 sites of early and advanced glycation and 53 sites of oxidatively modified tryptophan. From those, we identified 17 promising candidates as putative biomarkers (receiver operating curve-area under the curve (ROC-AUC) > 0.8), albeit without statistical significance. Conclusions: The potential candidates with higher discrimination power showed correlations with established diagnostic markers, thus hinting toward the potential of those peptides as biomarkers.
Human–Robot Intimacy: Acceptance of Robots as Intimate Companions
Authors: Bertoni Sophia , Klaes Christian , Pilacinski Artur
Published: September 2024

Depictions of robots as romantic partners for humans are frequent in popular culture. As robots become part of human society, they will gradually assume the role of partners for humans whenever necessary, as assistants, collaborators, or companions. Companion robots are supposed to provide social contact to those who would not have it otherwise. These companion robots are usually not designed to fulfill one of the most important human needs: the one for romantic and intimate contact. Human–robot intimacy remains a vastly unexplored territory. In this article, we review the state-of-the-art research in intimate robotics. We discuss major issues limiting the acceptance of robots as intimate partners, the public perception of robots in intimate roles, and the possible influence of cross-cultural differences in these domains. We also discuss the possible negative effects human–robot intimacy may have on human–human contact. Most importantly, we propose a new term “intimate companion robots” to reduce the negative connotations of the other terms that have been used so far and improve the social perception of research in this domain. With this article, we provide an outlook on prospects for the development of intimate companion robots, considering the specific context of their use.
Enhancing Target Tracking: A Novel Grid-Based Beetle Antennae Search Algorithm and Confusion-Aware Detection
Authors: Lu Yixuan , Ma Chencong , Chen Dechao
Published: September 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicle target tracking is a complex task that encounters challenges in scenarios involving limited computing resources, real-time requirements, and target confusion. This research builds on previous work and addresses challenges by proposing a grid-based beetle antennae search algorithm and designing a lightweight multi-target detection and positioning method, which integrates interference-sensing mechanisms and depth information. First, the grid-based beetle antennae search algorithm’s rapid convergence advantage is combined with a secondary search and rollback mechanism, enhancing its search efficiency and ability to escape local extreme areas. Then, the You Only Look Once (version 8) model is employed for target detection, while corner detection, feature point extraction, and dictionary matching introduce a confusion-aware mechanism. This mechanism effectively distinguishes potentially confusing targets within the field of view, enhancing the system’s robustness. Finally, the depth-based localization of the target is performed. To verify the performance of the proposed approach, a series of experiments were conducted on the grid-based beetle antennae search algorithm. Comparisons with four mainstream intelligent search algorithms are provided, with the results showing that the grid-based beetle antennae search algorithm excels in the number of iterations to convergence, path length, and convergence speed. When the algorithm faces non-local extreme-value-area environments, the speed is increased by more than 89%. In comparison with previous work, the algorithm speed is increased by more than 233%. Performance tests on the confusion-aware mechanism by using a self-made interference dataset demonstrate the model’s high discriminative ability. The results also indicate that the model meets the real-time requirements.
Prevalence and Awareness of Medication Overuse Headache among Undergraduate Students at the University of Belgrade
Authors: Radojičić Aleksandra , Milićević Ana , Ždraljević Mirjana , Jeremić Marta , Orlović Dajana , Mijajlović Milija
Published: September 2024

Background: Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a prevalent and potentially preventable secondary headache disorder linked to the excessive use of medications intended for primary headache management, particularly migraine. Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of MOH among undergraduate students and explore their awareness. Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study included 401 active undergraduate students from the University of Belgrade. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire which was distributed among student groups and via social media. The questionnaire specially designed for this study was developed in accordance with established guidelines for headache epidemiological research. Results: Among the surveyed students, 10 of them (2.5%) met the criteria for the diagnosis of MOH. Awareness of MOH was noted in 149 (37.2%) students, with higher awareness among medical students and those aged 22–25 years. Despite this awareness, there was no significant difference in MOH occurrence between those aware and unaware of the condition (aware 2.7% vs. unaware 2.4%, p = 1.000). Additionally, significant gaps in education and communication about MOH were evident. Limitations: Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from a single university at one time point. The questionnaire was not specifically validated in the student population, and the data relied on self-reporting. Conclusions: Our study highlighted a notable prevalence of MOH among undergraduate students, with a substantial portion exhibiting awareness of its risks. Despite this awareness, our findings suggest ongoing gaps in education and communication regarding MOH, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
‘Are We Sure That He Knew That You Don’t Want to Have Sex?’: Discursive Constructions of the Suspect in Police Interviews with Rape Complainants
Authors: Hermolle Megan , Kent Alexandra , Locke Abigail J. , Andrews Samantha J.
Published: September 2024

Recent statistics reveal alarming flaws in the Criminal Justice System’s (CJS) handling of rape cases, undermining the pursuit of justice for complainants seeking legal redress. This paper takes a novel approach to explore police rape stereotype use in interviews with rape complainants, utilising critical discourse analysis and conversation analysis and discursive psychology to understand and critique the balance of power within an interview and how this might impact attrition and prosecution decisions. Ten police interviews with rape complainants were analysed with several suspect discursive constructions present throughout, including the interviewer constructing the suspect as misunderstanding, the complainant as miscommunicating non-consent, or agentless and passive talk. A significant and original finding was the way constructions interacted with the spectrum of stranger-to-partner rapes. In stranger rape cases, passive language often obscures the suspect and emphasises the complainant’s behaviour. Acquaintance rapes frequently involved misunderstandings centred on visible distress and mixed signals. Partner rapes highlighted issues around consent and coercion, with officers often ignorant of coercive control and domestic abuse. These findings align with Operation Bluestone Soteria (OSB); thus, the recommendations align with those made by OSB’s Pillar One.
Veracity Judgments Based on Complications: A Training Experiment
Authors: Deeb Haneen , Vrij Aldert , Burkhardt Jennifer , Leal Sharon , Mann Samantha
Published: September 2024

Research has shown that complications are more common in truth tellers’ accounts than in lie tellers’ accounts, but there is currently no experiment that has examined the accuracy of observers’ veracity judgments when looking at complications. A total of 87 participants were asked to judge 10 transcripts (five truthful and five false) derived from a set of 59 transcripts generated in a previous experiment by Deeb et al. Approximately half of the participants were trained to detect complications (Trained), and the other half did not receive training (Untrained). Trained participants were more likely to look for complications, but they did not detect them accurately, and thus their veracity judgments did not improve beyond Untrained participants’ judgments. We discuss that the training may have been too brief or not sensitive enough to enhance decision-making.
Exploring the Role of Sustainable Development Goals in Enhancing Courage, Proactive Career Behaviors, and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Parola Anna , Felaco Cristiano
Published: September 2024

Understanding the current challenges addressed in the goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda can influence career choices, encouraging individuals to pursue careers that contribute positively to addressing them. This study examines the association between the propensity to consider the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to future educational and career paths, courage, proactive career behaviors and life satisfaction, and the mediating role of courage and proactive career behaviors on the association between the propensity to consider the SDGs in relation to future educational and career paths and life satisfaction. The study sample consisted of 314 Italian university students. The serial multiple mediation model was used to examine the direct, indirect, and total effects. The results showed that the propensity to consider SDGs in relation to future educational and career paths, through courage and proactive career behaviors, has a positive impact on life satisfaction. The findings of this study have led to several actionable policy recommendations. These advocate for the integration of activities related to modules on the SDGs into their curricula. In addition, practical implications for career guidance interventions are proposed to consider the role of the SDGs in future career planning.
Experimental Study on Reinforcement Properties of Tension-Resistant Reinforced Soil Retaining Wall
Authors: Wang Yantao , Yang Guangqing , Wang Lei , Li Xujia , Jiao Guomu
Published: September 2024

The tensioned reinforced soil retaining wall, a novel retaining structure, utilizes either anchors or geosynthetic materials as reinforcements that contribute to load-bearing and friction within the structure. This study aims to explore the tension distribution and strain patterns in the reinforcements, and their influence on the reinforced soil retaining walls. To this end, tensile, direct shear, and pullout tests were conducted on GeoStrap@5-50 geotextile strips and TGDG130HDPE geogrids to evaluate the tensile strength and interface strength between the reinforcement and the soil. The characteristics of the reinforcement–soil interface and the deformation behavior under stress were examined, with a comparative analysis of the technical merits of the two types of reinforcements. The results indicate that both the geotextile strips and geogrids enhanced the strength of the reinforced soil, primarily by increasing cohesion. The GeoStrap@5-50 geotextile strips exhibited superior tensile strength compared to the TGDG130HDPE geogrids; the reinforcement with the geotextile and geogrids both enhanced the cohesion of the standard sand, albeit with a slight decrease in the internal friction angle, by 4.6% and 3.1%, respectively, offering enhanced mechanical properties and economic value in reinforced soil retaining wall applications.
Thermography Applied to the Adhesion Phenomenon of Mortars with Additions of Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) Slag
Authors: Sousa Érica , Santana Alef , Moura Millena , Delgado João M. P. Q. , Berenguer Romildo
Published: September 2024

In this work, the effects of the mixing water loss capacity of hydrated lime mortars with different dosages were analysed—type O (mix 1:2:9), type N (mix 1:1:6), and type M (mix 1:0.5:4.5), with additions of submerged arc welding (SAW) slag. Infrared thermography tests and optical and scanning electronic microscopy analyses of the mortars were also carried out. The experimental results showed that the mortar samples with additions of SAW slag type M, using low-cost materials, proved to be in economic and technical terms (adhesion strength) the best solution, even more so if a spatter dash layer is used, a fact that increases the adhesion strength even more. Also, the infrared thermographic results revealed that the ability of the mortar paste to yield water to the ceramic substrate in the interface regions is a relevant factor in the adhesion of these coatings. Finally, the analyses by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy revealed that the ability to release water to the substrate is related to the hydration of the mortar and its anchoring capacity. Furthermore, the analyses carried out demonstrated that the adhesion of the mortars is influenced and increased with the application of a layer of splashes, as the pores of the substrate become more refined and better filled with the applied mortar.
A Co-Location Study of 87 Low-Cost Environmental Monitors: Assessing Outliers, Variability, and Uncertainty
Authors: Manu Sanyogita , Rysanek Adam
Published: September 2024

While field research in indoor air quality (IAQ) increasingly uses large numbers of low-cost sensors, detailed validation of each sensor is becoming infeasible, ignored, or undeclared. Questions remain about whether these sensors meet manufacturer or third-party specifications and whether their utility improves with some validation, even under imperfect conditions. This study details the outcomes of a co-location experiment with 87 low-cost IAQ monitors, conducted with the objective of verifying their performance in measuring total volatile organic compounds (tVOCs), particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, and relative humidity. The monitors were installed next to professional-grade reference IAQ instruments in an office with controlled ventilation. A mixed validation methodology was used, involving outlier detection, uncertainty quantification, and performance metric calculations. Results showed that CO2, temperature, and humidity sensors reliably met manufacturer specifications, while tVOC sensors had significant accuracy issues, deviating by up to 79% from reference measurements—substantially more than the stated uncertainty of ±20%. PM2.5 sensors were more consistent but had an error margin of ±27%, compared to the stated ±15%. A total of 5 of the 87 sensors (5.7%) were outliers for at least one IAQ indicator. Despite the need for further long-term validation, this study highlights the importance of performing an experimental evaluation of low-cost IAQ monitors before field deployment.
Tensile Behavior of Green Concrete Made of Fine/Coarse Recycled Glass and Recycled Concrete Aggregates
Authors: Fayed Sabry , Aksoylu Ceyhun , Ecemiş Ali Serdar , Madenci Emrah , Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp
Published: September 2024

The study conducted axial tensile strength tests on concrete samples that replaced conventional aggregates with recycled aggregates. In Series I, using FNG instead of FNA resulted in a reduction in compressive strength by 12.8–49.8% and tensile strength by 14.5–44.6%. If the proportion of FNG exceeds 50%, compressive strength decreases by more than 24.5% and tensile strength by more than 27.5%. In Series II, replacing CNA with CRG reduced compressive and tensile strengths by 18.4–32.8% and 5.1–24.9%, respectively; exceeding 40% CRG results in a compressive strength reduction of more than 32.8% and a tensile strength reduction of more than 24.9%. In Series III, samples made with RCA, CNA, and 20% CRG showed a compressive strength decrease of 8.8–22% and a tensile strength decrease of 10.7–26%; RCA80 samples showed maximum reductions. In Series IV, replacing CNA with RCA resulted in compressive and tensile strength reductions of 15.4–34.7% and 13.9–24.3%, respectively; RCA80 samples again showed maximum reductions. Maximum stress unit deformation values (εo) increased by 3–58.4% in Series I, 9–80% in Series II, 10–44.9% in Series III, and 9–32% in Series IV. Tensile toughness values showed the highest increase of 35.15% in the CRG40 sample and the lowest of 0.13% in the RCA40-20 sample. The use of glass aggregates in concrete is feasible, but exceeding certain ratios can significantly reduce strength. Concrete can effectively use waste glass as a partial substitute for cement, fine aggregates, or as a filler material, potentially enhancing compressive strength.
α-Parvin Expression in Breast Cancer Tissues: Correlation with Clinical Parameters and Prognostic Significance
Authors: Takeda Midori , Ito Hiroaki , Kitahata Keisuke , Sato Sota , Nishide Akira , Gamo Kanae , Managi Shunsuke , Tezuka Tohru , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Kim Minsoo
Published: September 2024

Stromal cells play a critical role in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer (BC), as they are recruited by tumor cells and regulate the metastatic spread. Though high expression of α-parvin, a member of the parvin family of actin-binding proteins, is reported to be associated with a poor prognosis and metastasis in several cancers, its role in carcinogenesis has not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, we aimed to examine the expression of α-parvin in BC patients by compartmentalizing and quantifying tissues to determine whether α-parvin can be a potential therapeutic target. We performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of α-parvin in BC tissues, and the IHC scores were calculated in the overall tissue, stroma, and epithelium using image analysis software. The expression of α-parvin was significantly higher in BC tissues (p = 0.0002) and BC stroma (p < 0.0001) than in normal tissues. Furthermore, all α-parvin scores were significantly positively correlated with the proliferation marker Ki67. The overall and stroma scores are associated with the tumor, (lymph) node, and metastasis (TNM) classification, stage, and grade. These results suggest that high expression of α-parvin in stroma is associated with BCs and might be a new predictive marker for diagnosing BC.
Sulfated Bile Acids in Serum as Potential Biomarkers of Disease Severity and Mortality in COVID-19
Authors: Porru Emanuele , Comito Rossana , Interino Nicolò , Cerrato Andrea , Contoli Marco , Rizzo Paola , Conti Matteo , Campo Gianluca , Spadaro Savino , Caliceti Cristiana , Marini Federico , Capriotti Anna L. , Laganà Aldo , Roda Aldo
Published: September 2024

The fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues. Since the pandemic’s onset, several biomarkers have been proposed to assess the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. This research aimed to identify potential disease severity biomarkers in serum samples of patients with COVID-19 during the disease course. Data were collected using untargeted and targeted mass spectrometry methods. The results were interpreted by performing univariate and multivariate analyses. Important metabolite classes were identified by qualitative untargeted metabolomics in 15 serum samples from survivors of COVID-19. Quantitative targeted metabolomics on a larger patient cohort including 15 non-survivors confirmed serum 3-sulfate bile acids (i.e. GLCA-3S) were significantly increased in non-survivors compared to survivors during the early disease stage (p-value < 0.0001). Notably, it was associated with a higher risk of mortality (odds ratio of 26). A principal component analysis showed the ability to discriminate between survivors and non-survivors using the BA concentrations. Furthermore, increased BA-S is highly correlated with known parameters altered in severe clinical conditions.
Experiments on High-Temperature Irradiation of Li2ZrO3/MgLi2ZrO4 Ceramics by He2+ Ions
Authors: Shlimas Dmitriy I. , Khametova Ainagul A. , Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: September 2024

The key objective of this study is to determine the effect of interphase boundaries, the formation of which is caused by the variation of Li2ZrO3/MgLi2ZrO4 phases in lithium-containing ceramics based on lithium metazirconate, on the resistance to near-surface layer destruction processes associated with irradiation with He2+ ions. During the observation of the deformation effects that have an adverse impact on the volumetric swelling of the near-surface layers of ceramics, the thermal expansion factor caused by high-temperature irradiation was considered, simulating conditions as close as possible to the operating conditions of these materials as blankets for tritium propagation. During the studies conducted, it was established that an elevation in the contribution of MgLi2ZrO4 in the composition of ceramics leads to a rise in resistance to deformation swelling caused by structural distortions of the crystal lattice, due to a decrease in the effect of thermal expansion, alongside the presence of interphase boundaries. The established dependencies of the change in the hardness of the near-surface layer of the studied ceramics made it possible to establish the kinetics of softening caused by the deformation distortion of the crystalline structure, as well as to determine the relationship between volumetric swelling and softening (change in hardness) and a decrease in crack resistance (change in the value of resistance to single compression).
An Alternative Method for Synthesizing N,2,3-Trimethyl-2H-indazol-6-amine as a Key Component in the Preparation of Pazopanib
Authors: Bui Thi Thanh Cham , Luu Hue Linh , Luong Thi Thanh , Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Dao Nguyet Suong Huyen , Nguyen Van Giang , Nguyen Dinh Luyen , Trinh Nguyen Trieu , Nguyen Van Hai
Published: September 2024

Due to its application as an anti-cancer drug, pazopanib (1) has attracted the interest of many researchers, and several studies on pazopanib synthesis have been reported over the years. This paper provides a novel route for synthesizing N,2,3-trimethyl-2H-indazol-6-amine (5), which is a crucial building block in the synthesis of pazopanib from 3-methyl-6-nitro-1H-indazole (6). By alternating between the reduction and two methylation steps, compound 5 was obtained in a yield comparable (55%) to what has been reported (54%). It is noteworthy that the last step of N2-methylation also yielded N,N,2,3-tetramethyl-2H-indazol-6-amine (5′) as a novel compound. Furthermore, the data presented in this paper can serve as a valuable resource for future research aimed at further refining the process of synthesizing pazopanib and its derivatives.
Does the Use of an Automated Resuscitation Recorder Improve Adherence to NRP Algorithms and Code Documentation?
Authors: Nelin Sarah , Karam Simon , Foglia Elizabeth , Turk Philip , Peddireddy Venu , Desai Jagdish
Published: September 2024

Background: Neonatal resuscitation is guided by Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithms; however, human factors affect resuscitation. Video recordings demonstrate that deviations are common. Additionally, code documentation is prone to inaccuracies. Our long-term hypothesis is that the use of an automated resuscitation recorder (ARR) app will improve adherence to NRP and code documentation; the purpose of this study was to determine its feasibility. Methods: We performed a simulation-based feasibility study using simulated code events mimicking NRP scenarios. Teams used the app during resuscitation events. We collected data via an initial demographics survey, video recording, ARR-generated code summary and a post-resuscitation survey. We utilized standardized grading tools to assess NRP adherence and the accuracy of code documentation through resuscitation data point (RDP) scoring. We evaluated provider comfort with the ARR via post-resuscitation survey ordinal ratings and open-ended question text mining. Results: Summary statistics for each grading tool were computed. For NRP adherence, the median was 68% (range 60–76%). For code documentation accuracy and completeness, the median was 77.5% (range 55–90%). When ordinal ratings assessing provider comfort with the app were reviewed, 47% chose “agree” (237/500) and 36% chose “strongly agree” (180/500), with only 0.6% (3/500) answering “strongly disagree”. A word cloud compared frequencies of words from the open-ended text question. Conclusions: We demonstrated the feasibility of ARR use during neonatal resuscitation. The median scores for each grading tool were consistent with passing scores. Post-resuscitation survey data showed that participants felt comfortable with the ARR while highlighting areas for improvement. A pilot study comparing ARR with standard of care is the next step.