bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of cyclic peptide probe for gastric cancer based on phage display technique
Authors: Yun Seul Ki , Yang Seung Mok , Kwak Moon Hwa , Park Jae Myung
Published: January 2024

Cancer‐targeting diagnostics should have a sensitive and specific binding affinity. To achieve this, biomarker development is critical. This study aimed to develop and validate a 7‐mer cyclic peptide probe that can target gastric cancer. We developed this probe based on LGR5 (leucine‐rich repeat‐containing G‐protein coupled receptor 5)‐specific targeting, which is a marker for gastric cancer stem cells. An LGR5 targeting peptide sequence that was developed using phage display technology resulted in a cyclic peptide, C‐YLASRVH‐C (named YLA). We conjugated this peptide with fluorescent probes to validate its specific targeting ability for gastric cancer. The fluorescence‐labeled YLA peptide exhibited 3.0‐fold higher fluorescence intensity in a gastric cancer cell line (MKN45) than it did in a normal cell line (CCD841 cells). In contrast, pancreatic and colorectal cancer cells did not show significant fluorescence intensity with the YLA peptide. To verify its tumor‐targeting affinity, we developed a control peptide, C‐YLASAVH‐C (named YLASA) using an ALA scanning experiment. Whole‐body imaging of a gastric cancer xenograft model showed higher fluorescence intensity of tumors in the YLA peptide group than in the control peptide group. Moreover, ex vivo imaging of tumor tissues exhibited 6.8‐fold higher fluorescence intensity in the YLA peptide group compared to that in the YLASA control peptide group. In conclusion, we confirmed that the YLA peptide probe functions as a specific diagnostic probe for gastric cancer. We anticipate that it will play a theranostic role through further development.
Vom Schauspieler zum Magnetiker
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: January 2024

Wer noch eine alte elektrische Klingel in der Wohnung hat, lebt mit den akustischen Folgen der Forschungstätigkeit des Gesuchten.
P‐N Junction‐Driven Abnormal Electric Field Distribution in the Degraded Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors
Authors: Du Wentong , Yang Weiwei , Yi Cheng , Zhao Kunyu , Zhang Faqiang , Liu Zhifu , Zeng Huarong
Published: January 2024

Local electric field distribution in the dielectric layer of BaTiO3‐based multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) is investigated by Kelvin probe force microscopy before and after highly accelerated life test (HALT) degradation combined with the energy band diagram. An unusual electric field concentration phenomenon is directly visualized near the HALT cathode region in the degraded MLCCs while a reverse voltage is applied. Such abnormal behavior is ascribed to the migration of oxygen vacancies within the dielectric layer during the HALT, leading to the formation of a P‐N junction structure and further a heightened barrier under a reverse bias. As a result, a P‐N junctional model is proposed for understanding local failure mechanism of the degraded MLCCs, which enrich the insights into the insulation resistance degradation and the reliability of MLCCs.
Practical preset time fault‐tolerant control of uncertain Euler–Lagrange systems with input saturation and guaranteed performance
Authors: Hu Yunsong , Yan Huaicheng , Wang Meng , Chang Yufang , Shi Kaibo
Published: January 2024

The practical preset time fault‐tolerant control (FTC) problem is explored in this article for uncertain Euler–Lagrange systems with input saturation and guaranteed performance. To cope with the uncertainty of the Euler–Lagrange systems, the adaptive neural network (NN) is exploited to approximate the unknown continuous function. Most existing results that consider input saturation and actuator faults simultaneously need to design compensation strategies separately, which increases the complexity of control algorithms. To overcome the above obstacle, the Nussbaum gain technique is used to deal with the effects of input saturation and actuator faults in this article. Besides, with the help of error transformation technology and speed function, the proposed control algorithm can ensure that the tracking error converges within the preset time and its overshoot is constrained within the prescribed performance boundaries. Furthermore, the boundedness of all closed‐loop system signals is confirmed. Finally, comparative simulation results are depicted to highlight the superiority of the designed control algorithm.
Adaptive optimal ℓ∞‐induced robust stabilization of minimum phase SISO plant under bounded disturbance and coprime factor perturbations
Authors: Sokolov Victor F.
Published: January 2024

This paper addresses the problem of optimal robust stabilization of a discrete‐time minimum‐phase plant in the framework of robust control theory in the setup and under poor a priori information. Coefficients of the transfer function of the plant nominal model with stable zeros are unknown and belong to a known bounded polyhedron in the space of coefficients. The gains of coprime factor perturbations of the plant and the upper bound of external disturbance are also unknown. The problem under consideration is to design adaptive controller that minimizes, with the prescribed accuracy, the worst‐case asymptotic upper bound of the output. Solution of the problem is based on set‐membership estimation of unknown parameters and treating the control criterion as the identification criterion. A hard nonconvex problem of on‐line computation of optimal estimates is reduced, under additional nonrestrictive assumption, to a linear‐fractional programming via a nonlinear transformation of estimated parameters. Despite the non‐identifiability of the unknown parameters, the proposed adaptive controller guarantees, with the prescribed accuracy, the same optimal asymptotic upper bound of the output of adaptive system as the optimal controller for the plant with known parameters. In addition to the optimality of adaptive control, the proposed solution provides on‐line verification/validation of current estimates and a priori assumptions.
Exploring moderating role of blockchain adoption on economic and environmental sustainability of organizations: A SEM‐fsQCA technique
Authors: Ijaz Baig Maria , Yadegaridehkordi Elaheh
Published: January 2024

This study seeks to identify the determinants of economic and environmental sustainability through green supply chain management (GSCM) and explore the moderating role of blockchain adoption in the relationships between GSCM and economic and environmental sustainability. The theoretical model was developed based on a natural‐resource‐based view and stakeholder theory. The structural equation modeling‐fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (SEM‐fsQCA) was used to analyze the data, which were gathered from 179 organizations in Malaysia. The SEM results showed that green technology, green marketing, and customer pressure are the factors that affect GSCM and enhance economic and environmental sustainability. The fsQCA findings supported SEM results by indicating that a combination of customer pressure, green technology, green marketing, and GSCM was necessary to achieve the highest level of an organization's economic and environmental sustainability. Moreover, the assessment of the moderating effect highlighted that blockchain adoption strengthened the association between GSCM and organization economic and environmental sustainability. The findings of this study help managers and organizations understand how blockchain adoption can enhance economic and environmental sustainability.
Synthesis of a Novel Hydrogel for Adsorptive Removal of Crystal Violet and Naproxen Pollutants from Wastewater
Authors: Akbarzadeh Ali Reza , Parvaz Sina , Esmaeili Mir Saeed , Nazarizadeh Pegah , Malekshah Rahime Eshaghi
Published: January 2024

In this study, a novel synthesized pearlite/ferrite/guar gum (PFG) hydrogel was evaluated. Theoretical studies using molecular dynamics simulation through the Forcite module in Material Studio 2017 showed crystal violet (CV) and naproxen (NAP) dye drug adsorption relative to other dyes and drugs. One of the best ways to remove pollutants is adsorption. With the absorption method, harmful contaminants such as CV and NAP can be removed from the water and wastewater cycle. Morphology and functional groups of natural compounds and synthesized materials were determined using FT‐IR, XRD, TGA, VSM, EDX, BET and FE‐SEM analysis. The potential of the hydrogel to effectively remove CV and NAP from a saturated solution was studied experimentally based on the efficiency of adsorbent dose, pH and temperature. The composition follows the PSO kinetically and the Langmuir model in terms of the isotherm. The maximum absorption capacity of CV (244.40 mg/g) and NAP (180.15 mg/g) in hydrogel was investigated. According to the antibacterial activity test, the synthesized hydrogel had no antibacterial properties.
Excitation Energy Transfer via Electron Transfer between a Semi‐Conducting Single Walled‐Carbon Nanotube and Encapsulated Zinc Porphyrin or Photovoltaic Application
Authors: El Fatimy A. , Boutahir M. , Lopez J M. , El Khattabi E. , Rahmani A.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the encapsulating effect of single molecule of zinc porphyrin (Zn−P) inside semiconducting single walled carbon nanotubes (NT17) on the stability and optoelectronic properties of organic solar cells is investigated, assuming that this nano‐hybrid system will serve as the active layer in solar cell device. Making use of density functional theory (DFT), we looked at the optoelectronic characteristics of the isolated Zn−P molecules as well as two different configurations of the hybrid system that has a single Zn−P molecule inserted into NT17 (Zn−P@NT17 and Zn−P2@NT17). The addition of a zinc atom at the core of a porphyrin molecule results in the emergence of novel electronic and chemical characteristics, leading to distinct behavior compared to a free‐base porphyrin. These distinctions hold substantial implications for a range of applications, encompassing catalysis, sensing, and energy conversion processes. According to the study's outcomes, a charge transfer (CT) between the Zn−P molecules and the NT17 nanotube caused the structure to remain stable, and assuming to the electronic and optical computations the CT in Zn−P@NT17 hybrid nanosystems has been identified, along with its orientation. The results show that type II heterojunctions on filled semiconducting carbon nanotubes are likely to make them a viable choice for charge and light transport in the active layer, which can help create filled NT‐based OSCs that are extremely efficient.
Effect of Functional Group Positional Isomerization on the Mesomorphic Properties and Thermal Stability of Biphenyl Ester Liquid Crystals
Authors: Yang Zhongchen , Zhu Shengbo , Liu Yongliang , Niu Xiaoling , Chen Ran , Su Yilin , Yuan Jinhu , Zhang Wenzhi , Chen Xinbing , An Zhongwei
Published: January 2024

Intermolecular interactions and molecular configurations are of great significance for the formation of liquid crystals. During this study, a series of isomer compounds with biphenyl esters as rigid cores were synthesized, and their mesomorphic properties and thermal stability were investigated. Based on the same rigid core, compounds heptyl 4′‐methoxy‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐carboxylate (1OBE7), propyl 4′‐(pentyloxy)‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐carboxylate (5OBE3), ethyl 4′‐(hexyloxy)‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐carboxylate (6OBE2) and methyl 4′‐(heptyloxy)‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐carboxylate (7OBE1) have no mesophase, while compounds hexyl 4′‐ethoxy‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐carboxylate (2OBE6), pentyl 4′‐propoxy‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐carboxylate (3OBE5) and butyl 4′‐butoxy‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐carboxylate (4OBE4) have multiple smectic mesophases, whereas the production of the smectic mesophase is due to the microphase separation between aromatic cores and the alkyl chains. Compound 3OBE5 exhibiting good thermal stability (The value of T5% is 258.3 °C). In addition, with the right shift of the functional group position, compound 4OBE4 formed the widest smectic mesophase. The results show that the mesophase properties and thermal stability of liquid crystals are related to the position of the functional group.
Integrating MOF‐Based Catalysis with Nanocavity‐Confined Pd Catalysis over Multifunctional Pd‐MOF‐Fe for Acceptorless Dehydrogenation of Alcohols under Visible Light
Authors: Lai Shiqin , Kang Zhibing , Zhang Lie‐Yuan , Wang Dengke , Deng Lanqing , Zou Jian‐Ping
Published: January 2024

Solar‐driven hydrogen (H2) evolution combined with synchronously selective oxidation for fine chemicals production is of great significance in energy and synthetic chemistry. Herein, ultrafine Pd nanoparticles‐encapsulated MIL‐100(Fe) (Pd‐MOF‐Fe) nanocomposites are synthesized through double‐solvent impregnation integrated with photo‐reduction method. Integrating MOF‐based catalysis and Pd‐based catalysis, the Pd‐MOF‐Fe can serve as multifunctional catalyst for photoinduced alcohol dehydrogenation reaction. Optimal generation rates of H2 (3.61 mmol g−1 h−1) and benzaldehyde (3.40 mmol g−1 h−1) are gained over Pd‐MOF‐Fe, ca. 4.1 times that of the Pd/MOF‐Fe, in which Pd crystals with size ranging from 3 to 6 nm are immobilized on the intersurface of MOFs. Besides, controlled experiments reveal the pivotal role of the opened FeO6 nodes of MIL‐100(Fe) as Lewis acid sites toward alcohol activation. This work provides a controllable approach for metal nanoparticle immobilization. Furthermore, considering the diversified MOF structures, this study also highlights the infinite possibility of metal nanoparticle/MOFs as multifunctional platform for solar energy conversion and chemicals production.
Quantitative Detection of Procalcitonin with High Sensitivity, Specificity and Speed Based on SERS Magnetic Immunoassay
Authors: Zhang Yuanpu , Wang Xiaomei , Li Guoqiang , Zhao Gege , Guan Ming
Published: January 2024

Procalcitonin (PCT), as a disease biomarker, is of significant importance in the early diagnosis of sepsis. To this end, we developed a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) magnetic immunoassay that utilizes the double‐antibody sandwich principle for the rapid and quantitative detection of PCT. The core‐shell nanoparticles which contain Raman reporters (Au@XP013@AgNPs) are paired with tracer antibodies and coupled with biotin‐coupled capture antibodies, thereby forming a sandwich structure. This structure is readily captured by streptavidin (SA) magnetic beads and can be enriched by an external magnetic field. Raman spectroscopy was utilized to carry out detection, with PCT concentration ranging from 0–20 ng/mL. The Raman signal displays an excellent linear correlation with PCT concentration, and the LOD is 0.012 ng/mL, implying remarkable sensitivity. Efficiency of separation can be significantly enhanced by utilizing an external magnetic field, leading to a detection time of approximately 15 minutes. Thus providing a new technological reference for the clinical detection of sepsis biomarkers.
Transformation of Unactivated Alkenes into Iodohydrins and β‐Iodoethers using Iodine‐DMSO as a Reagent Combination
Authors: Reetu Reetu , Gujjarappa Raghuram , Teli Yaqoob Ahmad , Patel Mayur Jagdishbhai , Kalita Sangita , Dash Sonali , Ghanta Susanta , Keremane Kavya S. , Singh Virender , El‐marghany Adel , Malakar Chandi C.
Published: January 2024

A combination of reagents using I2 and DMSO has been established for the selective transformation of unactivated alkenes into iodohydrins and β‐iodoethers. The developed approach was served by the dual roles of DMSO as an oxidant as well as a hydroxylating agent under different solvent systems at 85 °C. The developed method holds an operational simplicity and is consistent with wide range of substituted alkenes to deliver iodohydrins and β‐iodoethers in yields up to 86 %. The formation of iodohydrins are selective in MeCN as solvent and the course of the reaction was examined by GC‐MS studies and DFT method.
Formononetin‐Vitamin E Conjugate Synergistically Supports Adipogenesis, Attenuates Oxidative Stress, and Restores Insulin Sensitization in Differentiated Preadipocytes
Authors: Kumar Dhritlahre Rakesh , Goel Abhishek , Rana Rohit , Maurya Sushil K. , Padwad Yogendra , Saneja Ankit
Published: January 2024

In this study, a hybrid conjugate of formononetin (FMN) and vitamin E (VESylated‐FMN) was synthesized through succinic acid linker and investigated for its synergistic effect in diabetes. The conjugate was characterized through Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (UPLC‐MS), High‐Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The ability of VESylated‐FMN to promote adipogenesis and ameliorate insulin resistance brought on by oxidative stress was evaluated in differentiated preadipocytes. Interestingly, VESylated‐FMN promoted intracellular glucose absorption, which in turn increased lipid and triglyceride accumulation and thereby encouraged adipogenesis. VESylated‐FMN attenuated oxidative stress and promoted cell survival by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and reversing apoptosis. Additionally, VESylated‐FMN improved insulin sensitization by upregulating the gene and protein expression of insulin‐sensitizing markers. Overall, FMN in conjugation with vitamin E can effectively augment prior insulin sensitivity by reducing oxidative stress for efficient glycemic control in hyperglycemia.
Novel Pyrazole Derivatives Bearing Carbonitrile and Substituted Thiazole Moiety for Selective COX‐2 Inhibition
Authors: Arzuk Ege , Karakuş Fuat , Ergüç Ali , Kuzu Burak
Published: January 2024

In this study, a series of derivatives of pyrazole hybrid structures containing carbonitrile and substituted thiazole moiety were designed to search for selective COX‐2 inhibition. The designed target structures were synthesized with easy, practical, and efficient procedures. COX‐1/2 inhibition and cytotoxic effects of the synthesized compounds were evaluated in NIH/3T3 and MDA‐MD‐231 cell lines for inhibition concentration and selectivity index. The results showed that the compounds have an inhibitory effect with higher selectivity towards COX‐2 overall in both cell lines and moderate antiproliferative activity by targeting the breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231. Among the 19 compounds synthesized (19 a–t), especially compound 19 m was found to be highly effective with COX‐2 inhibition of 5.63 μM in the NIH/3T3 cell line and 4.12 μM in the MDA‐MB‐231 cell line. Moreover, molecular docking studies showed that the compounds indeed exhibited higher affinity for the COX‐2 active site. The theoretical ADMET properties of the presented compounds were calculated, and the results showed that the compounds may have a more favorable pharmacokinetic effect profile than the selective COX‐2 inhibitor Celecoxib, thus promising COX‐2 inhibitor drug candidates for the future.
Synthesis, Self‐Assembly and Drug Controlled Releasing Performance of Triple Responsive Ternary Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Peng Shaohua , Li Danyang , Cai Yuanpeng , Liu Hui
Published: January 2024

In order to avoid structural instability caused by the hydrolysis of spiropyran unit during responsive process, a new spiropyran monomer named as SPA was prepared by grafting carbamate functional groups to side chain of spiropyran frame. With SPA, 2‐(2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy) ethoxy) ethyl methacrylate (MEO3MA) and 2‐(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) as the organic monomers, a triple responsive copolymer, P(SPA‐co‐MEO3MA‐co‐DEAEMA) abbreviated as PSOD, was obtained by one‐pot random copolymerization. The chemical structure, responsive behaviors and self‐assembly of the resulting copolymer were studied by a series of technical methods. With 5‐Fluoro‐2′‐deoxyuridin (FUDR) as the model anti‐cancer drug, the loading and controlled releasing behaviors of the copolymer micelles were systematically explored. Also, the cytotoxicity test and fluorescence imaging of PSOD copolymer were performed with human breast cancer cell line (MCF‐7) as the experimental subject. The results showed that the copolymer micelles had controllable drug releasing performance in complex combined stimuli conditions, and the releasing process could be well described by Korsmeyer‐Peppas model. The cytotoxicity of PSOD was proved to be relatively low, which laid a foundation for the subsequent in‐vivo drug releasing. Triple responsive performance of the copolymer micelles might provide a new inspiration for the future study of drug‐controlled releasing system.
pH and ROS Dual‐Sensitive Nanocarriers for the Targeted Co‐Delivery and On‐Demand Sequential Release of Tofacitinib and Glucosamine for Synergistic Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Authors: Chen Guo , Deng Shaohui , Liu Shubo , Zhao Yuexin , Xiao Yuanqiang , Zeng Xiangming , Xu Yafei , Cheng Du , Chen Bin
Published: January 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progression involves multiple cell types, and sequential drug action on target cells is necessary for RA treatment. Nanocarriers are widely used for RA treatment; however, the targeted delivery and on‐demand release of multiple drugs remains challenging. Therefore, in this study, a dual‐sensitive polymer is developed using chondroitin sulfate (CS) for the co‐delivery of the cartilage repair agent, glucosamine (GlcN), and anti‐inflammatory drug, tofacitinib (Tof). In the joint cavity, acidic pH facilitates the cleavage of GlcN from CS polymer to repair the cartilage damage. Subsequently, macrophage uptake via CS–CD44 binding and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediate conversion of (methylsulfanyl)propylamine to a hydrophilic segment jointly triggered rapid Tof/GlcN release via micelle disassembly. The combined effects of Tof, GlcN, and ROS depletion promote the M1‐to‐M2 polarization shift to attenuate inflammation. The synergistic effects of these agents against RA are confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Overall, the dual pH/ROS‐sensitive CS nanoplatform simultaneously delivers GlcN and Tof, providing a multifunctional approach for RA treatment with synergistic drug effects.
In Situ Raman Study of Surface Reconstruction of FeOOH/Ni3S2 Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts
Authors: Chen Mengxin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Ji , Wang Ran , Zhang Bin , Song Bo , Xu Ping
Published: January 2024

Construction of heterojunctions is an effective strategy to enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), but the structural evolution of the active phases and synergistic mechanism still lack in‐depth understanding. Here, an FeOOH/Ni3S2 heterostructure supported on nickel foam (NF) through a two‐step hydrothermal‐chemical etching method is reported. In situ Raman spectroscopy study of the surface reconstruction behaviors of FeOOH/Ni3S2/NF indicates that Ni3S2 can be rapidly converted to NiOOH, accompanied by the phase transition from α‐FeOOH to β‐FeOOH during the OER process. Importantly, a deep analysis of Ni─O bond reveals that the phase transition of FeOOH can regulate the lattice disorder of NiOOH for improved catalytic activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirm that NiOOH/FeOOH heterostructure possess strengthened adsorption for O‐containing intermediates, as well as lower energy barrier toward the OER. As a result, FeOOH/Ni3S2/NF exhibits promising OER activity and stability in alkaline conditions, requiring an overpotential of 268 mV @ 100 mA cm−2 and long‐term stability over 200 h at a current density of 200 mA cm−2. This work provides a new perspective for understanding the synergistic mechanism of heterogeneous electrocatalysts during the OER process.
The Role of Digital Building Logbooks for a Circular Built Environment
Authors: Gonçalves Joana Dos Santos , Lam Wai Chung , Ritzen Michiel
Published: January 2024

Digital building logbooks (DBLs) are digital repositories of building-related data gathered throughout the full life cycle of a building. DBLs help increase transparency and access to information during the design, construction, operation, and end-of-life phase of a building. They thereby facilitate an efficient and cost-effective transition to a zero energy and circular built environment. DBLs could slow down resource loops by extending the service life of buildings through better coordination of maintenance and repair and close resource loops by promoting adaptability and reuse of the whole building and/or its components with multi-cycle approaches. This chapter analyses examples of DBLs developed in five countries to show that they are useful tools at different life stages of the building and for different stakeholders (homeowners, property managers, or building professionals). Challenges for establishing DBLs as a central tool for a circular built environment lie in improving the user experience and ease of implementation; enhancing interoperability; and effectively collecting, managing, and transforming data into actionable information for the management, maintenance, and reuse at building and district levels.
From Data Templates to Material Passports and Digital Product Passports
Authors: Honic Meliha , Magalhães Pedro Meda , Van den Bosch Pablo
Published: January 2024

Lack of data and difficulty in tracking materials and elements are two major obstacles in the construction industry that hinder the realisation of a circular economy. Data templates, material passports (MPs), and digital product passports (DPPs) are passport instruments that provide valuable information about buildings. Data templates deliver digital standardised data structures for MPs (digital data sets describing building characteristics of, e.g. elements) and DPPs (cross-sectoral passports developed by the European Union to collect product data for sustainability).

MPs, which are associated with the built environment, help urban miners and building owners assess the value and reuse potential of building materials and elements. Several initiatives, such as Madaster, Concular, and Platform CB’23, have produced data templates and MPs for new and existing buildings. Challenges to their use include the lack of standardisation of data templates and MPs and difficulties in collecting and tracing data needed to create and maintain MPs through a building’s life cycle. Standardisation would foster the implementation of passports, but aligning existing concepts and identifying overlaps remains a present challenge. Future research and practice suggest that using geographic information systems, laser scanning, and computer vision will help deploy MPs more effectively in practice.
Unit 4 Lab: Create Your Own Association Graphs and Correspondence Analysis Using R
Authors: Johansson Christer , Folgerø Per Olav
Published: January 2024

You will get a list of servers. Select a server that is close to your country.
Unit 5 Overview: The Neuroaesthetics of Music
Authors: Izadifar Morteza
Published: January 2024

The human behavior of listening to and playing music has existed since prehistoric times. Music is often valued for the emotions it generates, and listening to music can boost mood and increase well-being. In this chapter, we dive into the “neuroaesthetics of music” in a deeper sense and explore why music is so appealing to us (aesthetically speaking) and what is happening in the neuronal levels of our brain when we listen to music.
Unit 2 Lesson: Portraits as Faces
Authors: Hodne Lasse
Published: January 2024

Portraits have been a part of human civilization for thousands of years. According to the famous Roman historian and naturalist, Pliny the Elder (AD 23/24–79), the first painting ever made, was a portrait. It was presumably invented by the daughter of a man called Butades, a potter from Sicyon in Greece. To preserve the memory of her beloved who was going away for a while, she decided to trace the profile of his head from the shadow cast on a wall.
Nordic Illusion and Challenges for Epistemic Rights in the Era of Digital Media
Authors: Pöyhtäri Reeta , Neuvonen Riku , Ala-Fossi Marko , Lehtisaari Katja , Hildén Jockum
Published: January 2024

The Nordic countries have been observed to have developed similar media and communications policies and communication rights. However, for historical reasons, the practical implementations of media policies and regulations in these countries also differ. The consequences of these varying implementations are especially observable in responses to current digital challenges. This chapter contributes to the study of epistemic rights by presenting three case studies that explore freedom of speech and dialogue, as well as Nordic countries’ responses to these issues through regulation and other media policy measures. While legislation values freedom of expression and dialogue, in practice, these principles can only be applied under favourable conditions. Support for epistemic rights is, therefore, continuously needed.
Public Service Media: From Epistemic Rights to Epistemic Justice
Authors: Michalis Maria , D’Arma Alessandro
Published: January 2024

Growing concerns in recent years over threats to the foundations of democratic societies posed by misinformation, hate speech, and other problems associated with digital communications have led to renewed calls for greater protection of epistemic rights within policy, advocacy, and academic fora. Institutionally mandated to promote citizenship, Public Service Media (PSM) organisations have an important role to play in supporting epistemic rights. We suggest four main conditions are required for this and in doing so we introduce the concept of epistemic injustice as a key to understanding the role of PSM. First, PSM are premised upon strong political commitment. At a time when this political commitment is dwindling, it is imperative that civil society, academia, and international organisations continue to make the case for PSM strong. Second, we argue that PSM need to evolve with the times and be allowed to use new transmission means, build new platforms, and innovate. Third, we argue that PSM have to move beyond supporting epistemic rights, as they have traditionally been bestowed, and contribute to epistemic justice, by questioning the existing power structures of knowledge. Finally, PSM need to work together with other educational and cultural institutions towards the creation of an epistemic commons, countering the privatisation of communitive spaces and striving to make knowledge accessible to all.
Wohnen mit Unterstützung als Gegenstand der Teilhabeforschung
Authors: Dieckmann Friedrich , Thimm Antonia
Published: January 2024

Die empirische Forschung zum unterstützten Wohnen von Menschen mit intellektueller Beeinträchtigung will dazu beitragen, die Teilhabe und Lebensqualität von Menschen mit Behinderung zu verbessern. Wohnen als Gegenstand der Teilhabeforschung rückt die Beziehungen von Menschen zu ihrer Umwelt in den Mittelpunkt, die zentral geworden sind für die Auffassung von Behinderung als Teilhabestörung. Was unter Wohnen und Wohnumwelt ökologisch-psychologisch verstanden wird und welche Denkmuster die empirische Erforschung von Mensch-Wohnumwelt-Beziehungen leiten, wird erläutert. Anhand von vier Dimensionen werden aktuelle Wohnsettings klassifiziert. Berichtet wird, in welchen Wohnsettings Erwachsene mit intellektueller Beeinträchtigung in Deutschland leben. Das Konzept der Lebensqualität bietet seit Jahrzehnten Ziel- und Bewertungskriterien für die internationale Wohnforschung. Die Dimensionen des Lebensqualitätskonzepts und die Teilhabebereiche der Internationalen Klassifikation der Funktionsfähigkeit, Behinderung und Gesundheit (ICF) werden zueinander in Beziehung gesetzt. Mithilfe der so entstehenden Matrix lassen sich die Vorteile der sich ergänzenden Betrachtungsperspektiven in der Forschung nutzen. Gerade mit Blick auf ihre Anwendung sollte sich die Wohnforschung zu Menschen mit Behinderung noch interdisziplinärer aufstellen.
Modeling on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Traditional Residential Neighborhoods in Beijing Based on GAN
Authors: Gong Pixin , Huang Xiaoran , Huang Chenyu , Wang Shiliang
Published: January 2024

With the support of new urban science and technology, the bottom-up and human-centered space quality research has become the key to delicacy urban governance, of which the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) have a severe influence. However, in the studies of actual UTCI, datasets are mostly obtained from on-site measurement data or simulation data, which is costly and ineffective. So, how to efficiently and rapidly conduct a large-scale and fine-grained outdoor environmental comfort evaluation based on the outdoor environment is the problem to be solved in this study. Compared to the conventional qualitative analysis methods, the rapidly developing algorithm-supported data acquisition and machine learning modelling are more efficient and accurate. Goodfellow proposed Generative Adversarial Nets (GANs) in 2014, which can successfully be applied to image generation with insufficient training data. In this paper, we propose an approach based on a generative adversarial network (GAN) to predict UTCI in traditional blocks. 36000 data samples were obtained from the simulations, to train a pix2pix model based on the TensorFlow framework. After more than 300 thousand iterations, the model gradually converges, where the loss of the function gradually decreases with the increase of the number of iterations. Overall, the model has been able to understand the overall semantic information behind the UTCI graphs to a high degree. Study in this paper deeply integrates the method of data augmentation based on GAN and machine learning modeling, which can be integrated into the workflow of detailed urban design and sustainable construction in the future.
Text Semantics to Image Generation: A Method of Building Facades Design Base on Stable Diffusion Model
Authors: Ma Haoran , Zheng Hao
Published: January 2024

Stable Diffusion model has been extensively employed in the study of architectural image generation, but there is still an opportunity to enhance in terms of the controllability of the generated image content. A multi-network combined text-to-building facade image generating method is proposed in this work. We first fine-tuned the Stable Diffusion model on the CMP Facades dataset using the LoRA (Low-Rank Adaptation) approach, then we apply the ControlNet model to further control the output. Finally, we contrasted the facade generating outcomes under various architectural style text contents and control strategies. The results demonstrate that the LoRA training approach significantly decreases the possibility of fine-tuning the Stable Diffusion large model, and the addition of the ControlNet model increases the controllability of the creation of text to building facade images. This provides a foundation for subsequent studies on the generation of architectural images.
Manufacturing Process of Recycling Corn Fiber, A Low-tech Materials for Modular Construction
Authors: Bao Hanzhe , Liu Zidong
Published: January 2024

The research demonstrates a novel approach to using various parts of maize plants (leaves, fruits, and kernels) to create building materials that can be modularized for construction purposes. Corn is widely grown as an agricultural crop, but after the removal of the fruit, the remaining parts are often discarded and contribute significantly to environmental pollution. Currently, only a few companies are engaged in the recycling of maize into building materials. However, existing methods of recycling corn have various limitations such as high energy consumption, a requirement for skilled workers on-site, and extensive equipment needs. In this project, we aim to reduce reliance on equipment, skilled craftsmanship and material resources to make the design compatible with traditional building methods for low-income areas. We first analyzed the material properties of each part of the corn and found corn husks to be the most efficient for extraction. Additionally, we obtained adhesives from the waste fruit. Finally, we designed assembly units and assembled two sturdy and reliable chairs to verify the feasibility of our workflow. The low technical, equipment, and cost requirements of this material make it possible for modular construction to be replicated in local communities, thus promoting community participation and self-management in construction.
Interlocking Units for Robotically Fabricated Architectural Structures
Authors: Sampson Myles B. , Sass Larry
Published: January 2024

Throughout this paper, we introduce a novel design-driven method for the robotic assembly of unit-based structures. The goal of this research is to establish a method to robotically fabricate discrete structures, using pick-and-place robotic manipulation and customized 3D-printed geometric units. Thus, the methodology allows for the bespoke discretization of architectural solid models into interlocking architectural units. Investigating how design can reduce error in the robotic fabrication process, a significant feature of this research is the application of mechanical coupling for the creation of self-interlocking geometry. This method is able to correct errors in robotic manipulation for the precise robotic fabrication of architectural structures. Reducing errors in the assembly process through the design of geometric units expands the field of architectural robotics to designers. Through a series of assembled architectures, fabricated through both additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques, the research explores the idea of an automated system producing unit-based structures using pick-in-place robotics and digitally fabricated units.
Research on Image-to-Image Generation and Optimization Methods Based on Diffusion Model Compared with Traditional Methods: Taking Façade as the Optimization Object
Authors: Lyu Zexi , Li Zao , Wu Zijing
Published: January 2024

The intersection of technology and culture has become a topic of great interest worldwide, with China's development embracing this integration as an essential direction. One critical area where these two fields converge is in the inheritance, translation, and creative design of cultural heritage. In line with this trend, our study explores the potential of stable diffusion to produce highly detailed and visually stunning building façades. We start by providing an overall survey and algorithm fundamentals of the generative deep learning models used so far, namely, GAN and Diffusion models. Then, we present our methodology for using Diffusion Model to generate architecture façades. We then demonstrate how the fine-tuning is done for Stable Diffusion is done to yield optimal performance and then evaluate four different training methods of SD. We also compare existing GAN based façade generation method with our Diffusion based method. Our results show that our Diffusion-based approach outperforms existing methods in terms of detail and quality, highlighting the potential of stable diffusion in generating visually appealing building façades. This research contributes to the growing body of work on the integration of technology and culture in architecture and offers insights into the potential of stable diffusion for creative design applications.
3DCP for Complex Sites: Robotic Fabrication of Custom-Fit Slabs in Irregular Pontoons
Authors: Ribeiro João , Silva João Miguel , Morais António , Figueiredo Bruno , Cruz Paulo J. S.
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a case study on the use of 3DCP to qualify rocky pontoons with spaces for recreational use—namely sitting areas, circulation trails and fishing activities—and biodiversity protection—providing habitat and refuge for native marine species—with a focus on the challenges and opportunities associated with 3DCP prefabrication for such a complex topographical context. We first discuss the benefits and disadvantages of 3DCP over traditional methods for retrofitting strategies with the support of state-of-the-art literature review. We then present a methodology for an experimental case study, organized in three stages: (1) a photogrammetric survey and digital reconstruction of the site´s rocky landscape, (2) the creation of a tool to generate and optimize custom-fit slabs based on their location on site, intended use and role in the protection of the natural ecosystem, and (3) the robotic fabrication of these slabs through 3DCP. Finally, we present our key findings, revealing that 3DCP offers a viable and more efficient alternative for appropriating and revitalizing sites with a disorderly and highly complex topography.
ISOMORPHISM Stylized Translations of 2D Prototype in Additive Clay Printing
Authors: Gong Lei , Yuan Philip F.
Published: January 2024

Traditionally, the relationship between digital prototypes and fabricated entities has been explicit and stable. However, recently, the ambiguous relationship between the above is coming into our focus. This research discusses a series of methods using the industrial six-axis robot to achieve diverse stylized expressions under specific prototypes and reveals the relationship between robot-controlling and printed features in order to figure out the stylized topological relationships of digital twins. This paper begins with a consideration of the relationship between imaginary archetypes and solid entities, which leads to the possibility of hitherto unknown polysemy. Next, several methods to determine the robot motion parameters based on different style details were applied, which could examine the effect of each process according to a predefined prototype by the controlled variable method. Then, some experiments have been carried out to demonstrate the connection between robot movement and fabricated details, along with the method to generate the corresponding toolpath for specific design intent. This research shows the possibility to create diverse translations based on a targeted 2D prototype by defining robot movement, which will fundamentally improve the form-shaping capability of digital technologies.
Complete Nonsingular Holomorphic Foliations on Stein Manifolds
Authors: Alarcón Antonio , Forstnerič Franc
Published: January 2024

Let X be a Stein manifold of complex dimension $$n>1$$

n
>
1

endowed with a Riemannian metric $${\mathfrak {g}}$$
g
. We show that for every integer k with $$\left[ \frac{n}{2}\right] \le k \le n-1$$

n
2

≤
k
≤
n
-
1

there is a nonsingular holomorphic foliation of dimension k on X all of whose leaves are closed and $${\mathfrak {g}}$$
g
-complete. The same is true if $$1\le k<\left[ \frac{n}{2}\right] $$

1
≤
k
<

n
2

provided that there is a complex vector bundle epimorphism $$TX\rightarrow X\times {\mathbb {C}}^{n-k}$$

T
X
→
X
×

C

n
-
k

. We also show that if $${\mathcal {F}}$$
F
is a proper holomorphic foliation on $${\mathbb {C}}^n$$

C

n

$$(n>1)$$

(
n
>
1
)

then for any Riemannian metric $${\mathfrak {g}}$$
g
on $${\mathbb {C}}^n$$

C

n

there is a holomorphic automorphism $$\Phi $$
Φ
of $${\mathbb {C}}^n$$

C

n

such that the image foliation $$\Phi _*{\mathcal {F}}$$

Φ

∗

F

is $${\mathfrak {g}}$$
g
-complete. The analogous result is obtained on every Stein manifold with Varolin’s density property.
Drivers and resilience of methane-derived carbon contribution to chironomid biomass in boreal lakes
Authors: Belle Simon , Otsing Eveli , Tammert Helen , Kisand Veljo
Published: January 2024

General mechanisms underlying the pathways of methane (CH4)-derived carbon in aquatic food webs are often associated with eutrophication-driven anoxia. Yet, the influence of changing nutrient availability on CH4 cycling has been mainly investigated during the increasing phase (i.e. onset of anthropogenic eutrophication), thus leaving unclear whether nutrient reduction can lead to a simple reversion of the observed effects on CH4 cycling. We combined stable isotopes of chironomid remains (δ13CHC) and sedimentary ancient DNA of methanotrophic bacteria (MOB) to unravel the drivers of biogenic CH4 contribution to chironomid biomass in boreal lakes. Using a spatial dataset, our study shows that δ13CHC values were more depleted in hypoxic lakes and were positively associated with methanotrophic bacteria belonging to the γ-proteobacteria class (MOB type I), therefore supporting the view of higher utilization of CH4-derived carbon in anoxic environments. However, this space-for-time substitution approach failed to provide any reliable information on whether lake food webs follow the same pathway in forward and reverse directions. Using downcore reconstruction, our results show that despite a drastic mitigation-induced decrease in nutrient concentrations and strong evidence of biological recovery of algal and chironomid communities, chironomid biomass remained highly subsidized by methanotrophic bacteria throughout the study period. Results therefore suggest that mechanisms underlying the pathways of CH4-derived carbon in aquatic food webs are likely not the same during perturbation and recovery trajectories and that complex feedback mechanisms can stabilize lakes in this CH4-based food web state.
Combination of several predictors for forensic age estimation
Authors: Hubig Michael , Wittschieber Daniel , Hunold Thomas , Muggenthaler Holger , Schenkl Sebastian , Mall Gita
Published: January 2024

Background

Nearly all practical forensic age diagnostics studies estimate the probability distribution of the age conditional on the developmental status of a certain anatomical feature. Given such a probability distribution, the probability of a person exceeding a certain legal age threshold is computed. In court, forensic experts are often asked to summarize the probabilities obtained by evaluating different age indicators of the same person.

Objective

The present study demonstrates computation of the age probability distribution conditional on the conjunction of several different age indicators given the age probability distributions conditional on the development status of the respective single anatomical features.

Material and methods

Data from two distinctively different studies on age estimation were used to join their probability information via Bayes’ theorem. Each of the cited studies is based on the development status of only one of two different anatomical structures: third molar and clavicular epiphysis.

Results

We derive general formulae for Bayesian information joining in forensic age estimation. Posterior distributions of age class, given the simultaneous statuses of the two anatomical features are generated. Finally, the study presents the technique on an artificial case example.

Conclusion

Bayes’ theorem can be used in forensic age estimations to combine information from several different anatomical features to yield more precise probability values of age given development status data of several distinctly different anatomical features. Conditional stochastic independence of the single age indicators as used in our article has to be scrutinized and is not generally recommendable.