bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating multiple omics levels using the human protein complexome as a framework, a multi-omics study of inborn errors of metabolism
Authors: Guharoy Mainak , Adant Isabelle , Bird Matthew , Pedrayes Andrea Jáñez , Botzki Alexander , Dehairs Jonas , Derveaux Stefaan , Devos Simon , Goeminne Geert , Impens Francis , Janky Rekin’s , Maes Ruth , Maia Teresa M. , Meersseman Wouter , Rymen Daisy , Swinnen Johannes V. , Van Haver Delphi , Witters Peter , Cassiman David , Ghesquiere Bart
Published: December 2023

Proteins organize into functional assemblies that drive diverse biological activities. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset of manually curated annotations for the human protein complexome, we investigated biological perturbations at the protein complex level. Using proteomics and transcriptomics data from fibroblasts of patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) and control samples, we globally mapped information onto complex subunits to discern affected processes.

Across the patient cohort (consisting of organic acidaemias, fatty acid oxidation defects and mitochondrial respiratory chain defect IEMs), mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation emerged as the most perturbed pathway, identified through proteomics datasets. Simultaneously, metabolomics highlighted significant regulation of phospholipids in patients with Fatty Acid and Mitochondrial IEM. Moreover, proteomics analysis also revealed the dysregulation of protein complexes involved in histone (de)acetylation, a finding validated through Western Blot analysis measuring histone acetylation levels. This introduces a novel epigenetic dimension to IEM and metabolic research, suggesting avenues for further exploration.

Our study demonstrates a multiomics data integration concept that maps proteomics and transcriptomics data onto model organism complexomes. This integrative approach can be extended to metabolomics and lipidomics, associating information with complexes having metabolic functions, such as enzymatic complexes. This global strategy for identifying disease-relevant perturbations offers a systems-wide perspective on molecular-level physiological and pathological changes. Such insights are crucial for devising clinical intervention strategies and prioritizing druggable pathways and complexes. The presented methodology provides a foundation for future investigations, emphasizing the importance of integrating multiomics data to comprehensively understand cellular machinery alterations and facilitate targeted therapeutic approaches.
The effects of phenotypic plasticity on diversification rates and adaptive evolution in simulated environments with different climatic and cost contexts
Authors: Barbosa Júnior Emerson Campos , Dodonov Pavel , Japyassú Hilton F. , Vilela Bruno
Published: December 2023

Phenotypic plasticity can either hinder or facilitate genetic evolution, thus affecting macroevolution. However, the mechanisms and associations of phenotypic plasticity with biodiversity patterns remain unresolved. In this paper, we investigate the effect of phenotypic plasticity on adaptive evolution in the context of climatic changes and plasticity costs, specifically examining the rates of trait evolution, speciation, extinction, and diversification. We employed an eco-evolutionary agent-based model, incorporating body temperature as a plastic trait that dynamically responds to fluctuations in environmental temperature. We found the same pattern of results for both climate and plasticity cost contexts. We found that an increase in plasticity leads to a decrease in extinction and trait evolution rates, with high plasticity serving to postpone mass extinction events. Systems with plastic species experience higher speciation rates. Additionally, as plasticity increases in systems, diversification rates also increase. Our study supports the hypothesis that plasticity can facilitate adaptive evolution. It provides new insights into the effect of plasticity on adaptive evolution at larger scales, considering relevant mechanisms and factors such as population size, grouping, occupancy, plasticity extension, and dispersion.
MetalinksDB: a flexible and contextualizable resource of metabolite-protein interactions
Authors: Farr Elias , Dimitrov Daniel , Turei Denes , Schmidt Christina , Lobentanzer Sebastian , Dugourd Aurelien , Saez-Rodriguez Julio
Published: December 2023

Interactions between proteins and metabolites are key for cellular function, from the catalytic breakdown of nutrients to signaling. An important case is cell-cell communication, where cellular metabolites are secreted into the microenvironment and initiate a signaling cascade by binding to an intra- or extracellular receptor of another cell. While protein-protein mediated cell-cell communication is routinely inferred from transcriptomic data, for metabolite-protein interactions this is challenging due to the limitations of high-throughput single-cell and spatial metabolomics technologies, together with the absence of comprehensive prior knowledge resources that include metabolites. Here we report MetalinksDB, a comprehensive and flexible database of intercellular metabolite-protein interactions that is a magnitude larger than existing ones. MetalinksDB can be tailored to specific biological contexts such as diseases, pathways, or tissue/cellular locations by querying subsets of interactions using the web interface (https://metalinks.omnipathdb.org/) or the knowledge graph adapters. We showcase the use of MetalinksDB by identifying deregulated processes in renal cancer patients from multi-omics data as well as inferring metabolite-mediated cell-cell communication events driving acute kidney injury from spatial transcriptomic data. We anticipate that MetalinksDB will facilitate the study of metabolite-mediated communication processes.

Graphical Abstract
Highly Accurate and Precise Determination of Mouse Mass Using Computer Vision
Authors: Guzman Malachy , Geuther Brian , Sabnis Gautam , Kumar Vivek
Published: December 2023

1

Changes in body mass are a key indicator of health and disease in humans and model organisms. Animal body mass is routinely monitored in husbandry and preclinical studies. In rodent studies, the current best method requires manually weighing the animal on a balance which has at least two consequences. First, direct handling of the animal induces stress and can have confounding effects on studies. Second, the acquired mass is static and not amenable to continuous assessment, and rapid mass changes can be missed. A noninvasive and continuous method of monitoring animal mass would have utility in multiple areas of biomedical research. Here, we test the feasibility of determining mouse body mass using video data. We combine computer vision methods with statistical modeling to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach. Our methods determine mouse mass with 4.8% error across highly genetically diverse mouse strains, with varied coat colors and mass. This error is low enough to replace manual weighing with image-based assessment in most mouse studies. We conclude that visual determination of rodent mass using video enables noninvasive and continuous monitoring and can improve animal welfare and preclinical studies.
Benefits and challenges of implementing green building development in Nigeria
Authors: Abdulsalam Rufai Salihu , Chan Melissa , Masrom Md. Asrul Nasid , Nawawi Abdul Hadi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The adoption of green building concepts and practices is rapidly gaining momentum globally due to their tendency to mitigate adverse effects of construction activities on the environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the challenges and benefits of implementing green building development in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from questionnaires administered to 122 participants selected using stratified sampling techniques in North-East Nigeria. Semi-structured interviews complemented survey findings with proposed solutions. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics to identify the benefits and challenges, while thematic analysis was used to identify effective measures to the challenges of green building.

Findings

Results show that “conservation of natural resources”, “reducing maintenance” and “heightened aesthetic” were rated higher as environmental, economic and social benefits, and thus were significant to green building development. The study revealed “economic issues”, “government issues” and “absence of standard assessment system” were the key factors as internal, external and general challenges to green building. Most practical solutions were related broadly to policy, awareness and support as measures to challenges of green building development.

Originality/value

The study is imperative to bridge the knowledge gaps and provide empirical information for green building policy guidelines specific to North-East Nigeria’s built environment sector. The understanding of policy implications will assist in building regulatory and monitoring agencies in developing new internal management policies to inform the public and investors about the effects of green building development.
True knowledge vs empowering knowledge: conceptualizing a theory of mindfulness and knowledge transfer (TMKT)
Authors: Issac Abraham Cyril , Dhir Amandeep , Christofi Michael
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Mindfulness is the human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we're doing. This study explores on the impact of mindfulness on different elements of knowledge management, knowledge creation, knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors undertake an inductive reasoning approach whereby they try to generate themes from specific observations and conceptualize the theory of mindfulness and knowledge transfer.

Findings

This study finds out that mindfulness critically facilitates an open environment and enhances the clarity of thought which aids in effective knowledge creation. Such a realistic understanding about the present scenario encourages employees to share knowledge and equips them to collaborate and effectively work in teams. Surprisingly, this study also finds that mindfulness increases the result orientation to the extent that employees tried to hide knowledge from their co-workers targeting certain self-desired outcomes. In other words, similar to knowledge creation and knowledge sharing, mindfulness increases agenda-based knowledge hiding.

Originality/value

The theory of mindfulness and knowledge transfer states that mindfulness increases knowledge creation, knowledge sharing and agenda-based knowledge hiding.
A contribution-based indicator of research productivity: theoretical definition and empirical testing in the field of communication
Authors: Blasco-Blasco Olga , Demeter Márton , Goyanes Manuel
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to theoretically outline and empirically test two contribution-based indicators: (1) the scholars' annual contribution-based measurement and (2) the annual contribution modified h-index, computing six criteria: total number of papers, computed SCImago Journal Rank values, total number of authors, total number of citations of a scholar’s work, number of years since paper publication and number of annual paper citations.

Design/methodology/approach

Despite widespread scholarly agreement about the relevance of research production in evaluation and recruitment processes, the proposed mechanisms for gauging publication output are still rather elementary, consequently obscuring each individual scholar’s contributions. This study utilised the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method, and the authors built two indicators to value author's contribution.

Findings

To test both indicators, this study focussed on the most productive scholars in communication during a specific time period (2017–2020), ranking their annual research contribution and testing it against standard productivity measures (i.e. number of papers and h-index).

Originality/value

This article contributes to current scientometric studies by addressing some of the limitations of aggregate-level measurements of research production, providing a much-needed understanding of scholarly productivity based on scholars' actual contribution to research.
Validation of claims‐based algorithms for rheumatoid arthritis in Japan: Results from the VALIDATE‐J study
Authors: Sugiyama Naonobu , Kinjo Mitsuyo , Jinno Sadao , de Luise Cynthia , Morishima Toshitaka , Higuchi Takakazu , Katayama Kayoko , Chen Haoqian , Nonnenmacher Edward , Hase Ryota , Suzuki Daisuke , Tanaka Yoshiya , Setoguchi Soko
Published: December 2023

Aim

Validity of Algorithms in Large Databases: Infectious Diseases, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Tumor Evaluation in Japan (VALIDATE‐J) study examined algorithms for identifying rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Japanese claims data.

Methods

VALIDATE‐J was a multicenter, cross‐sectional retrospective study. Disease‐identifying algorithms were used to detect RA diagnosed between January 2012 and December 2016 using claims data from two Japanese hospitals. An RA diagnosis was confirmed using one of four gold standard definitions. Positive predictive values (PPVs) were calculated for prevalent (regardless of baseline RA‐free period) and incident (preceded by a 12‐month RA‐free period) cases.

Results

Of patients identified using claims‐based algorithms, a random sample of 389 prevalent and 134 incident cases of RA were included. Cases identified by an RA diagnosis, no diagnosis of psoriasis, and treatment with any disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) resulted in the highest PPVs versus other claims‐based treatment categories (29.0%–88.3% [prevalent] and 41.0%–78.2% [incident]); cases identified by an RA diagnosis, no diagnosis of psoriasis, and glucocorticoid‐only treatment had the lowest PPVs. Across claims‐based algorithms, PPVs were highest when a physician diagnosis or decision by adjudicators (confirmed and probable cases) was used as the gold standard and were lowest when American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology 2010 criteria were applied. PPVs of claims‐based algorithms for RA in patients aged ≥66 years were slightly higher versus a USA Medicare population (maximum PPVs of 95.0% and 88.9%, respectively).

Conclusion

VALIDATE‐J demonstrated high PPVs for most claims‐based algorithms for diagnosis of prevalent and incident RA using Japanese claims data. These findings will help inform appropriate RA definitions for future claims database research in Japan.
Time Perception Scale: Measurement invariance between the United States and Japan
Authors: Yakin Syamil , Niiya Yu
Published: December 2023

The Time Perception Scale (Niiya, 2019, Journal of Happiness Studies) measures people's perception of time as zero‐sum (i.e., the perception that they are taking time away from others, that they are offering time to others, or that others are taking away time from them) and nonzero‐sum (i.e., the perception that time spent on others is time spent on themselves). This scale was validated in Japan, but whether people from a non‐Asian culture also perceive time as nonzero‐sum remained unknown. We tested the measurement invariance of the Time Perception Scale with 189 Americans and 240 Japanese and examined its correlations with psychological well‐being and cultural self‐construals. We confirmed the configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance of the scale and also found that zero‐sum and nonzero‐sum time perceptions were differently associated with basic needs satisfaction, life satisfaction, and interdependent self‐construal in both cultures. Nonzero‐sum time perception may provide a new possibility where a concept derived from East Asian philosophy can contribute to our psychological well‐being.
She wants the best: Maximizing tendency, work‐to‐family enrichment and female employee adaptivity
Authors: Jia Huiyuan , Li Mushi
Published: December 2023

Stereotypes often link female employees with increased family–work conflicts and low work outcomes. Nevertheless, female employees may excel in both home and work environments. This study aimed to examine the effect of maximizing tendency on female employees' family‐to‐work enrichment and adaptivity. A three‐wave survey involving 1074 female employees was conducted. Results indicated that maximizing tendency positively predicts adaptivity via family‐to‐work enrichment. Spousal relationship quality weakens the effect of maximizing on family‐to‐work enrichment and employee adaptivity. The findings highlight the benefits of maximizing tendency in female employees, suggesting a bright side to maximizing as it enhances adaptability in dynamic work situations. The study also identifies maximizing tendency as a novel personal characteristic that facilitates resource transfer from family to work domain. The findings offer a valuable perspective for promoting female employees' success in the workplace.
Function analysis and characterisation of a novel chitinase, MdCht9, in Musca domestica
Authors: Zhao Wen‐Jing , Li Yan , Jiao Zhen‐Long , Su Pei‐Pei , Yang Long‐Bing , Sun Chao‐Qin , Xiu Jiang‐Fan , Shang Xiao‐Li , Guo Guo
Published: December 2023

Insect chitinases have been proposed as potential targets for pest control. In this work, a novel group IV chitinase gene, MdCht9, from Musca domestica was found to have multiple functions in the physiological activity, including chitin regulation, development and antifungal immunity. The MdCht9 gene was cloned and sequenced, its phylogeny was analysed and its expression was determined in normal and 20E treated larvae. Subsequently, RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated MdCht9 knockdown was performed, followed by biochemical assays, morphological observations and transcriptome analysis. Finally, the recombinant protein MdCht9 (rMdCht9) was purified and tested for anti‐microbial activity and enzyme characteristics. The results showed that MdCht9 consists of three domains, highly expressed in a larval salivary gland. RNAi silencing of MdCht9 resulted in significant down‐regulation of chitin content and expression of 15 chitin‐binding protein (CBP) genes, implying a new insight that MdCht9 might regulate chitin content by influencing the expression of CBPs. In addition, more than half of the lethality and partial wing deformity appeared due to the dsMdCht9 treatment. In addition, the rMdCht9 exhibited anti‐microbial activity towards Candida albicans (fungus) but not towards Escherichia coli (G−) or Staphylococcus aureus (G+). Our work expands on previous studies of chitinase while providing a potential target for pest management.
Dissecting climate change risk and financial market instability: Implications for ecological risk management
Authors: Ma Feng , Cao Jiawei , Wang Yizhi , Vigne Samuel A. , Dong Dayong
Published: December 2023

This research investigates the impact of climate challenges on financial markets by introducing an innovative approach to measure climate risk, specifically the aggregate climate change concern (ACCC) index. The study aims to assess and quantify the potential influence of climate change and risk‐related factors on the performance and dynamics of financial markets. In this paper, concern is defined as the attention paid to the risk of climate change and the associated negative consequences. The findings demonstrate that the aggregate index exhibits robust predictability of market risk premiums, both within the sample and out‐of‐sample. By comparison, the index contains additional information beyond 14 economic predictors and 12 risk/uncertainty indexes in forecasting stock market return. In addition, the index proves valuable for mean–variance investors in asset allocation, leading to significant economic gains. The study identifies the index's ability to capture the reversal of temporary price crashes caused by overreactions to climate change risk. Furthermore, it exhibits stronger return forecasting capability for green stocks, non‐state‐owned enterprise (non‐SOE) stocks, and stocks in regions with low air pollution. Particularly during periods of low air pollution and relaxed regulation, the index displays an enhanced ability to forecast returns. The study's findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions as they address 21st‐century environmental challenges. Moreover, these findings can inform the design of adaptive measures and interventions aimed at mitigating ecological risks and promoting sustainable economic growth.
More than a name: Mid‐Cretaceous amber fossils link crickets and mole crickets (Orthoptera, Ensifera)
Authors: Gu Jun‐Jie , Yuan Wei , Ma Li‐Bin , Nel André , Xu Zi‐Qiang , Wang Ning , Jiang Chunxian , Ren Dong , Yue Yanli
Published: December 2023

Grylloidea (crickets) and Gryllotalpoidea (mole crickets and ant crickets) are relatively ancient lineages within Orthoptera but their fossil records are not very rich. They are currently considered sister clades within the Gryllidea but with obvious differences in morphology and ecological adaptations. We report a new gryllidean family, †Pseudogryllotalpidae fam. nov. with three new genera and four new species, viz. †Pseudogryllotalpa scalprata gen. et sp. nov., †Unidigitus longialatus gen. et sp. nov., †Petilus zhengi gen. et sp. nov. and †Chunxiania fascia sp. nov. from the mid‐Cretaceous of northern Myanmar (ca. 99 million years ago). Their external and short ovipositors and their modified fossorial forelegs suggest a soil‐inhabiting preference. This new family exhibits a series of ‘intermediate’ character states between Grylloidea and Gryllotalpoidea and seems to be a ‘transitional’ fossil group linking these two superfamilies. This new family was resolved as a sister group of the extant Gryllotalpoidea and provides a new insight into the relationship and evolution of Grylloidea and Gryllotalpoidea.
Intrauterine devices are a safe form of contraception in users with solid organ transplantation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Amaya Stephanie I. , Wolff Sharon F. , Ross Meghan , French Valerie A.
Published: December 2023

Patients who undergo organ transplantation are advised to use contraception for health optimization, yet limited data exists on safe contraceptive options for this population. This study investigates the infection risk of intrauterine devices (IUDs) in patients who have received a solid organ transplant by evaluating the incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). We performed a retrospective chart review of subjects with a solid organ transplant who used an IUD between the years of January 2007 to February 2021. We included subjects ages 22–55 years at the time of IUD placement. We abstracted demographic information, transplant type, IUD type, immunosuppressive medications, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and diagnosis of PID. We identified 29 subjects that met the inclusion criteria. Six subjects had a copper IUD (21%) and 23 had a levonorgestrel IUD (79%). The most common organ transplanted was a kidney (n = 10) and liver (n = 10) while five subjects had multiple organs transplanted. Twenty‐five (86.2%) subjects took immunosuppressive medications at the time of IUD insertion. Twenty‐four (82.8%) patients had their IUD placed after transplantation. The average time of IUD use was 2.5 years. . In our study of IUD use in patients with solid organ transplantation, no patients developed PID. IUDs are a safe contraceptive option for immunosuppressed transplant patients.

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Problem Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic on the Construction Industry of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Asuquo Okpo Henry , Offiong Jima
Published: December 2023

The chances to remedy the construction industry from its diverse problems have weakened due to the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Although the pandemic is almost reduced to history, its impacts linger with acute effects on the industry’s performance. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the construction sector of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria with a specific focus on problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using survey research design, structured questionnaires were administered to 213 respondents (61 Architects, 32 builders, 46 quantity surveyors, and 74 Civil Engineers). Data analysis involved mean item scores, Chi-Square and Kruskal Wallis tests. The findings revealed that COVID-19 has severed the movement of people and interpersonal relationships, delayed project timelines, escalated transportation problems, and induced high costs of construction resources and project costs. The implication shows that stakeholders in the construction industry are still glued to work ethics during the COVID-19 period or are yet to modify behaviours into the industry norms in terms of human relations and movement. A change in perception is needed to restore the stakeholders to the traditional way of life through an awareness campaign, while the government needs to strengthen economic recovery policies and institute pro-construction industry parameters to reduce the cost of construction resources and overall project costs to accelerate the recovery path of the sector.
Impact of Movement Control Order on Risk-Adjusted Performance of the Malaysian Real Estate Investment Trusts (M-REITs)
Authors: Tee Peck-Ling , Aik Nai-Chiek , Lim Boon-Keong , Hiew Shelyn
Published: December 2023

The first Movement Control Order (MCO) implemented by the Malaysian government from 18th March 2020 to 3rd May 2020 was unprecedented. Since Malaysia was only mildly affected by previous epidemics or pandemics unlike the COVID-19, studies of the pandemic impact on the performance of Malaysian firms and M-REITs in specific were limited. To close this gap, this study compares Sharpe ratio, Treynor ratio and Jensen Alpha ratio of 18 M-REITs for sub-periods before, during and after the MCO. Paired sample t-test results for all these three risk-adjusted performance measures consistently show that M-REITs significantly performed better during the MCO compared to before the MCO as well as after the MCO compared to before the MCO. The results suggest that the business model and portfolio of real estate managed by M-REITs are resilient against both systematic and unsystematic risk factors, and imply that the intrinsic value of M-REITs is not significantly affected by the market uncertainty caused by movement restriction. The findings also bolster investors’ confidence to include M-REITs as part of their diversified investment portfolio to achieve sustainable return performance in the post-Covid period. To remain resilient and sustainable, the management of M-REITs should diversify the portfolio of properties and real estate they managed since the movement restriction had varying repercussions on different types of real estate. Rooms for further diversification are justified by a larger percentage of M-REITs having positive Treynor ratios after the MCO sub-period if compared to positive Sharpe ratios. A well-diversified portfolio managed by an M-REIT can reduce unsystematic risk, which is part of the total risk measured by standard deviation, eventually moving towards a positive Sharpe ratio.
Local Governance Structures and Their Role in Mobilising Community Action: A Case of Recreational Facilities in Mining Towns in the Copperbelt Province
Authors: Makashini Lilias , Munshifwa Ephraim , Adewunmi Yewande
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the role of local governance structures at community level in mobilising community action in the redevelopment of recreational facilities in former mine townships in the Copperbelt Province. These facilities are experiencing a management quandary resulting from the privatisation of the mining conglomerate, ZCCM, in the late 1990s. This paper argues that every society has a way of reorganising itself when such vacuums in management occur. Growing literature places this research agenda within “self-organising”, “co-production”, “self-managing”, etc. Underpinning these self-organising processes are local governance structures devised by communities themselves, which include various actors being involved in the decision making and management processes for community development. In modern societies, the role of these structures is often underplayed and only realised when a vacuum appears in the management as is the case for formerly mine-owned recreational facilities in Copperbelt towns. A multi-case study approach was adopted in this mixed method research to determine the communities’ ability to regenerate the dilapidated recreation centres. The research found that the communities had the social capital required to drive the regeneration process, exhibited by the benevolence shown to each other, the willingness to participate in activities at the recreation centres and the availability of self-organising associations. Additionally, the local structures were able to self-organise and participate in decision making and management required for successful community development.
Relationship between the Maintenance Management Problems and the Maintenance Performance of High-Rise Residential Buildings
Authors: Au-Yong Cheong Peng , Tem Jing Yi , Chua Shirley Jin Lin
Published: December 2023

Building maintenance is the practice to retain the property habitable and functioning as it is designed for. However, the effectiveness of maintenance management appears to be the issue in housing context. Many maintenance management problems still exist up to date. They are likely to influence the service quality and resident satisfaction. Therefore, the objective of this research is to establish the relationship between the maintenance management problems and the maintenance performance. The research adopted quantitative approach to achieve the research aim. The approach comprised of literature review, questionnaire survey using google form that included both close-ended and open-ended questions. Based on the literature review, fourteen (14) maintenance management problems of high-rise residential buildings are identified. From the correlation analysis result, two (2) significance correlations are determined. The maintenance budget overrun is significantly correlated with the ratio of actual maintenance spent to planned maintenance cost (cost variance) of high-rise residential building, and a significant correlation occurs between unavailability of spare parts and ratio of actual to planned maintenance downtime (equipment effectiveness) of high-rise residential building. Besides, the opinions and strategies on solving the maintenance management problems were provided, including educating the residents about the Strata Management Act 2013, selecting qualified maintenance contractor, outsourcing the maintenance services, implementation of preventive maintenance (PM), hiring specialist to perform special maintenance work, providing training for maintenance staffs, formulating the building maintenance regulation, ensuring transparency of financial account, and setting up maintenance policy.
Study on Reconstruction of Condominium in the Metropolitan Area Using Real Estate Data
Authors: Ota Hideki , Hanazato Toshihiro
Published: December 2023

In Japan, there is concern about the impact of the growing stock of older condominiums on the buildings themselves and the surrounding environment, and immediate action is needed. While in other countries, repair, elimination, and retirement of aged condominiums are the mainstream methods, in Japan, reconstruction is sometimes used. This study proposes a new decision criterion using discriminant analysis to address the problem of the difficulty and long time required to build consensus for rebuilding older condominiums. Discriminant analysis used building attributes and other variables to differentiate and predict condominium properties that have been successfully reconstructed from those that were not. Simple and clear answers will enable non-expert judgment and aid in consensus building. Multiple discriminant formulas were obtained and compared for Tokyo and neighbouring cities, as well as by subdividing and adding up these subdivisions. At the same time, coefficients of variables were changed or added to increase the reliability of the equations. As a result, a new modified discriminant equation with a high degree of reliability that advances previous studies was obtained. In addition, through the process of creating the formula, we discovered a new option for determining whether or not to rebuild based on whether or not there is an excess floor-area ratio, which is generally considered to be the solution in Japan, by increasing the site area.
Multipartite quantum key agreement against d-dimensional collective-dephasing noise
Authors: Hong Wan-Li , Bai Chen-Ming , Zhang Su-Juan , Liu Lu
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we introduce a novel model for collective-dephasing noise in [Formula: see text]-dimensional space. After that, we construct a multi-particle entangled state to resist the given collective-dephasing noise. Based on the measurement laws of multi-particle entangled state under two different bases, we propose a multipartite quantum key agreement protocol. In this protocol, multiple participants would obtain [Formula: see text]-dimensional secret key even if the quantum channel is influenced by collective-dephasing noise. The security analysis indicates that this protocol can resist both dishonest participant attack and the outsider attacks which include intercept-resend attack and entangle-measure attack. By comparing with the existing QKA protocols, it is clear that our protocol has greater universality from the perspective of dimensionality and number of participants.
Robustness of complex networks under cost-constrained cascaded attack strategies
Authors: Ding Lin , Xie Lunxiao , Wen Juan , Tan Minsheng
Published: December 2023

The robustness of complex networks to various kinds of attacks that could trigger cascading failures has attracted increasing attention. Most existing studies fail to consider that the cost to attack each network component (node or edge) may be unequal. Therefore, in this paper, we explore the network robustness to cascaded attacks based on heterogeneous costs. We introduce an attack cost model with both cost-sensitive and budget-constraint parameters. On this basis, three attack strategies are considered, including hub strategy, average degree strategy, and leaf strategy. Their cascaded attack effects are compared by considering the load local preferential redistribution rule. Both the fraction of failed nodes and the value of a new robustness metric, i.e. the budget-constraint threshold, are monitored in different complex networks. Numerical experiments indicate that as the attack cost changes from homogeneity to heterogeneity, the performance of the classic hub strategy decreases gradually. For the situation of weak heterogeneity of attack cost of each node, leaf strategy achieves the maximum attack performance gradually. Moreover, the budget, network structure, and robustness metrics may all affect the selection of the optimal attack strategy.
Thermal characterization of hybrid nanofluid with impact of convective boundary layer flow and Joule heating law: Dual solutions case study
Authors: Asghar Adnan , Teh Yuan Ying , Javed Iqbal Muhammad , Ali Liaqat
Published: December 2023

This study emphasizes the dual exposition of the impact of convective condition and the significant effects of magnetic field, heat source and velocity slip on hybrid nanofluid flow over the exponentially shrinking sheet. The hybrid nanofluid is regarded as a contemporary variety of nanofluid; consequently, it is utilized to enhance the efficiency of heat transfer. By applying the Tiwari–Das model, the key objective of the current research is to investigate the impact of involving factors Biot number, Eckert number, volume fraction, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD), slip and suction on the temperature and velocity profiles. In addition, the Nusselt number and skin friction variations have been explored against the suction effect on the solid volume fraction of copper [Formula: see text] [1–3%] and the Biot number [Formula: see text] [1–3%]. The nonlinear partial differential equations are converted to a set of an ordinary differential equations by incorporating exponential similarity vectors. Eventually, ordinary differential equations are rectified utilizing MATLAB bvp4c solver. The results demonstrate the presence of dual exposition for suction with varying values of copper volume fraction and the Biot number. The heat transmission rate is observed to escalate in both cases as the strength of the Biot and Eckert numbers intensifies in the range of 1–3%. In summary, the results show that duality and non-unique solutions occur in the aiding flow situation when the suction [Formula: see text], while there is no flow and unique solutions of hybrid nanofluid feasible when [Formula: see text].
Density functional theory study on the electronic and optical properties of full-hydrogenated stanene
Authors: Zhao Jingwei , Liu Guili , Wei Lin , Jiao Gan , Chen Yuling , Yang Zhonghua , Zhang Guoying
Published: December 2023

The lack of a bandgap in stanene severely limits its outstanding characteristics in optoelectronic devices. Using first-principles calculations, we systematically investigate the effects of full hydrogenation and shear deformation on the electronic structure and optical properties of stanene. Hydrogenation exerts a remarkable impact on electronic structure of stanene, enabling surface state transition from quasi-metallic to semiconducting. Shear degrades the structural stability of full-hydrogenated stanene (FHstanene). FHstanene exhibits a tunable bandgap of 1.327[Formula: see text]eV, which can be further reduced to 0.719[Formula: see text]eV through shear deformation. The presence of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) induces band splitting in FHstanene. The maximum optical absorption of FHstanene occurs at 291[Formula: see text]nm, while the reflectance peak is observed at 449[Formula: see text]nm. The variation in bandgap due to deformation results in a redshift in the absorption coefficient and reflectance, and shear deformation increases the reflectance of FHstanene. These findings broaden the application prospects of stanene in novel nano-optoelectronic devices.
Nonlinear Vibration of Truncated Open Conical Nanoshells Under Harmonic Excitation
Authors: Mansouri Mohammad , Dardel Morteza , Hasan Ghasemi Mohammad
Published: December 2023

The nonlinear forced vibration behavior of truncated open conical nanoshells is investigated in this paper. Nonlocal elasticity theory has been employed to modify the size-dependent effect of micro/nanostructure. Von Karman nonlinear strains are used to consider the geometric nonlinearity of the nanoshells. Using Hamilton’s principle, the equations of motion and boundary conditions of truncated open conical nanoshells are derived. Galerkin method is used to solve the governing equations. Then, to determine the nonlinear forced vibration behavior of truncated open conical nanoshells, complex averaging and arc-length continuation methods are employed. Finally, the effect of nonlocal parameters, cone apex angle, the amplitude of harmonic excitation, structural damping coefficient, and geometrical parameters on the nonlinear frequency response of the truncated open conical nanoshells are discussed.
Improvement of hydrogen evolution catalytic performance of MoS2 nanoflowers by constructing MoS2/MXene Ti3C2 heterostructure petals
Authors: Ji Siyu , Guo Jianping , Yang Nan , Song Jie , Wang Yanyan , Xing Guangjian
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we report a special [Formula: see text] nanoflower synthesized by hydrothermal approach, in which a heterostructure petal of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] is constructed by growing the [Formula: see text] active layers onto the few-layered MXene [Formula: see text] substrate. Compared with the pristine [Formula: see text] nanoflowers, the heterostructure [Formula: see text] nanoflowers exhibit a lower onset overpotential of 207 mV and a lower Tafel slope of 28 mV dec[Formula: see text]. This can be explained by the heterostructure [Formula: see text] nanoflowers providing a great number of exposed surfaces of [Formula: see text], and increasing more active sites, and strengthening the interlayer coupling between [Formula: see text] and MXene [Formula: see text] to accelerate the charge transfer. All the merits are beneficial to the performance enhancement for hydrogen evolution catalytic.
Head-Mounting Surgical Robots for Passive Compensation of Patient Motion
Authors: Posselli Nicholas R. , Wellborn Patrick S. , Bernstein Paul S. , Webster Robert J. , Abbott Jake J.
Published: December 2023

A variety of robot-assisted surgical systems have been proposed to improve precision in the most challenging eye surgeries. However, little attention has been paid to patient motion due to breathing, snoring, talking, and other events that are common during eye surgery. This is problematic because patient motion is typically relative to a grounded surgical robot. In this paper, we characterize the benefits of a new paradigm in which robots are mounted semirigidly and noninvasively to the patient’s head. This paradigm utilizes compact high-precision telerobotic systems that have been designed for this use. We present an initial design concept focused on eye surgery, and demonstrate an order-of-magnitude improvement of within-breathing-cycle motion relative to the robot compared to a pillow rest, with an optional head strap, which is the current standard of care, while essentially eliminating gross relative motion. We conduct a human-subjects study to quantify the relative motion that remains. Finally, we present an alternative design concept that leaves the patient’s face unobstructed, which may be of interest for other kinds of surgery as well.
Analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda using a stochastic model
Authors: Ndanguza Denis , Ngendahayo Jean Pierre , Uwimana Annie , Niyigena Jean de Dieu , Mbalawata Isambi S. , Ngaruye Innocent , Nzabanita Joseph , Masabo Emmanuel , Gahamanyi Marcel , Nyandwi Bosco , Dushimirimana Justine , Mpinganzima Lydie , Kurujyibwami Celestin , Ruganzu Leon Fidele Uwimbabazi , Nyagahakwa Venuste , Banzi Wellars , Mukeshimana Solange , Muhirwa Jean Pierre , Nsabimana Jean Paul , Uwonkunda Jeanne , Nannyonga Betty Kivumbi , Niyobuhungiro Japhet , Rutaganda Eric , Ntaganda Jean Marie
Published: December 2023

On March 12, 2020, the WHO declared the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to widespread infections and thousands of fatalities resulting from the outbreak. Researchers worldwide have paid close attention to this pandemic. This situation has been aided by mathematical models that guide public policy. In Rwanda, this problem involves uncertainty and incomplete information, and a stochastic approach is appropriate for capturing a broad range of possible outcomes. However, many epidemiological models do not account for preventive measures using a stochastic approach to analyze COVID-19 in Rwanda. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to build and analyze a COVID-19 pandemic stochastic model with preventive measures implemented in Rwanda. A deterministic model is formulated and transformed into stochastic equations. The numerical solutions of both models were computed and compared. The stochastic model is considered to be the best to use in the Rwanda context because of the model’s fluctuations, which capture even the residuals and uncertainties. The results indicate that the pandemic could spread faster if awareness-raising strategies are not effectively implemented, and preventive actions for the pandemic are considered crucial tools for effective control and mitigation.
Pulmonary Nodule Detection from 3D CT Image with a Two‐Stage Network
Authors: Liao Miao , Chi Zhiwei , Wu Huizhu , Di Shuanhu , Hu Yonghua , Li Yunyi
Published: December 2023

Early detection of lung nodules is an important means of reducing the lung cancer mortality rate. In this paper, we propose a three‐dimensional CT image lung nodule detection method based on parallel pooling and dense blocks, which includes two parts, i.e., candidate nodule extraction and false positive suppression. First, a dense U‐shaped backbone network with parallel pooling is proposed to obtain the candidate nodule probability map. The parallel pooling structure uses multiple pooling operations for downsampling to capture spatial information comprehensively and address the problem of information loss resulting from maximum and average pooling in the shallow layers. Then, a parasitic network with parallel pooling, dense blocks, and attention modules is designed to suppress false positive nodules. The parasitic network takes the multiscale feature maps of the backbone network as the input. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves the accuracy of lung nodule detection, achieving a CPM score of 0.91, which outperforms many existing methods.
A Novel SPAST Variant Associated with Isolated Spastic Paraplegia
Authors: Høyer Helle , Nakken Ola , Holmøy Trygve
Published: December 2023

Genetic variants in SPAST are the most common cause of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), entitled spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4). Inheritance is autosomal dominant, and age of onset can vary from childhood to adulthood. Pathogenic SPAST variants are often observed in isolated cases, likely due to reduced penetrance and clinical variability. We report an isolated case of SPG4 associated with a novel likely pathogenic variant in SPAST. A 38-year-old woman presented with an eight-year history of progressive difficulty walking. Neurological examination revealed spastic paraparesis in the absence of upper motor neuron dysfunction, sensory deficits, or intellectual disability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord was normal. No family members had similar complaints. Genetic analysis revealed a novel heterozygous sequence variant in SPAST, c.1751A > G p.(Asp584Gly) (NM_014946.4). The affected amino acid is highly conserved among orthologue and paralogue species. Four other nucleotide substitutions predicted to affect the same amino acid, a “hot spot”, have been reported previously in adult-onset HSP. This report describes a novel SPAST variant in a female with HSP without a known family history of the disorder.
Transient Dynamics of a Food Chain Model with Vigilance in the Biparameter Spaces
Authors: Wu Min
Published: December 2023

This article focuses on the asymptotic and transient behavior of a food chain model with vigilance in the biparameter spaces. Firstly, the local asymptotic stability conditions of the positive equilibrium point are obtained. Then, the transient dynamical behavior of the positive equilibrium point is analyzed based on eight parameters. Using numerical simulation, the stable regions of the model with single and double parameters are plotted, as well as the value changes of resilience, reactivity, and amplification envelope within the stable regions. The results show that the coexistence equilibrium point is always reactive, and the corresponding parameter ranges for system stability are large, but the resilience values are small. The vigilance parameter of the middle- and lower-level organisms has the greatest impact on the system’s resilience and reactivity, and the lowest vigilance corresponds to the maximum resilience and reactivity. Our results provide important references for effective management and protection of wild animal populations by the potential for transient amplification, disturbance growth time, and amplitude.