bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Environmental Pollution Using Varying-Coefficients Quantile Regression Models under Log-Symmetric Distributions
Authors: Sánchez Luis , Ibacache-Pulgar Germán , Marchant Carolina , Riquelme Marco
Published: October 2023

Many phenomena can be described by random variables that follow asymmetrical distributions. In the context of regression, when the response variable Y follows such a distribution, it is preferable to estimate the response variable for predictor values using the conditional median. Quantile regression models can be employed for this purpose. However, traditional models do not incorporate a distributional assumption for the response variable. To introduce a distributional assumption while preserving model flexibility, we propose new varying-coefficients quantile regression models based on the family of log-symmetric distributions. We achieve this by reparametrizing the distribution of the response variable using quantiles. Parameter estimation is performed using a maximum likelihood penalized method, and a back-fitting algorithm is developed. Additionally, we propose diagnostic techniques to identify potentially influential local observations and leverage points. Finally, we apply and illustrate the methodology using real pollution data from Padre Las Casas city, one of the most polluted cities in Latin America and the Caribbean according to the World Air Quality Index Ranking.
Probabilistic Interval-Valued Fermatean Hesitant Fuzzy Set and Its Application to Multi-Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Ruan Chuanyang , Chen Xiangjing
Published: October 2023

It is difficult to describe the hesitation and uncertainty of experts by single-valued information, and the differences in the importance of attributes are often ignored during the decision-making process. This paper introduces the probability and interval values into Fermatean hesitant fuzzy set (FHFS) and creatively proposes the probabilistic interval-valued Fermatean hesitant fuzzy set (PIVFHFS) to deal with information loss. This new fuzzy set allows decision makers to use interval-valued information with probability to express their quantitative evaluation, which broadens the range of information expression, effectively reflects the important degree of different membership degrees, and can describe uncertain information more completely and accurately. Under the probabilistic interval-valued Fermatean hesitant fuzzy environment, several new aggregation operators based on Hamacher operation are proposed, including the probabilistic interval-valued Fermatean hesitant fuzzy Hamacher weighted averaging (PIVFHFHWA) operator and geometric (PIVFHFHWG) operator, and their basic properties and particular forms are studied. Then, considering the general correlation between different attributes, this paper defines the probabilistic interval-valued Fermatean hesitant fuzzy Hamacher Choquet integral averaging (PIVFHFHCIA) operator and geometric (PIVFHFHCIG) operator and discusses related properties. Finally, a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) method is presented and applied to the decision-making problem of reducing carbon emissions of manufacturers in the supply chain. The stability and feasibility of this method are demonstrated by sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis. The proposed new operators can not only consider the correlation between various factors but also express the preference information of decision makers more effectively by using probability, thus avoiding information loss in decision-making progress to some extent.
An Intelligent Technique for Initial Distribution of Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Charilogis Vasileios , Tsoulos Ioannis G. , Stavrou V. N.
Published: October 2023

The need to find the global minimum in multivariable functions is a critical problem in many fields of science and technology. Effectively solving this problem requires the creation of initial solution estimates, which are subsequently used by the optimization algorithm to search for the best solution in the solution space. In the context of this article, a novel approach to generating the initial solution distribution is presented, which is applied to a genetic optimization algorithm. Using the k-means clustering algorithm, a distribution based on data similarity is created. This helps in generating initial estimates that may be more tailored to the problem. Additionally, the proposed method employs a rejection sampling algorithm to discard samples that do not yield better solution estimates in the optimization process. This allows the algorithm to focus on potentially optimal solutions, thus improving its performance. Finally, the article presents experimental results from the application of this approach to various optimization problems, providing the scientific community with a new method for addressing this significant problem.
Rheological and Electrochemical Properties of Biodegradable Chia Mucilage Gel Electrolyte Applied to Supercapacitor
Authors: Kim Inkyum , San Su Thiri , Mendhe Avinash C. , Dhas Suprimkumar D. , Jeon Seung-Bae , Kim Daewon
Published: October 2023

The flexible energy storage device of high demand in wearable and portable electronics. Flexible supercapacitors have benefits over flexible batteries, and their development relies on the use of flexible components. Gel polymer electrolytes have the merits of liquid and solid electrolytes and are used in flexible devices. In this study, a gel derived from chia seed was used as a flexible electrolyte material, and its rheological, thermal, and electrochemical properties were investigated. High thermal stability and shear thinning behavior were observed via the electrolyte state of the chia mucilage gel. Compared to the conventional salt electrolyte, the chia mucilage gel electrolyte-based supercapacitor exhibited a more rectangular cyclic voltammetry (CV) curve, longer discharging time in galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) analysis, and low charge transfer resistance in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The maximum specific capacitance of 7.77 F g−1 and power density of 287.7 W kg−1 were measured, and stable capacitance retention of 94% was achieved after 10,000 cycles of charge/discharge with harsh input conditions. The biodegradability was also confirmed by the degraded mucilage film in soil after 30 days. The plant-driven chia mucilage gel electrolyte can facilitate the realization of flexible supercapacitors for the energy storage devices of the future.
HAMCap: A Weak-Supervised Hybrid Attention-Based Capsule Neural Network for Fine-Grained Climate Change Debate Analysis
Authors: Xiang Kun , Fujii Akihiro
Published: October 2023

Climate change (CC) has become a central global topic within the multiple branches of social disciplines. Natural Language Processing (NLP) plays a superior role since it has achieved marvelous accomplishments in various application scenarios. However, CC debates are ambiguous and complicated to interpret even for humans, especially when it comes to the aspect-oriented fine-grained level. Furthermore, the lack of large-scale effective labeled datasets is always a plight encountered in NLP. In this work, we propose a novel weak-supervised Hybrid Attention Masking Capsule Neural Network (HAMCap) for fine-grained CC debate analysis. Specifically, we use vectors with allocated different weights instead of scalars, and a hybrid attention mechanism is designed in order to better capture and represent information. By randomly masking with a Partial Context Mask (PCM) mechanism, we can better construct the internal relationship between the aspects and entities and easily obtain a large-scale generated dataset. Considering the uniqueness of linguistics, we propose a Reinforcement Learning-based Generator-Selector mechanism to automatically update and select data that are beneficial to model training. Empirical results indicate that our proposed ensemble model outperforms baselines on downstream tasks with a maximum of 50.08% on accuracy and 49.48% on F1 scores. Finally, we draw interpretable conclusions about the climate change debate, which is a widespread global concern.
Conditional Variational Autoencoder for Functional Connectivity Analysis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sidulova Mariia , Park Chung Hyuk
Published: October 2023

Generative models, such as Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), are increasingly employed for atypical pattern detection in brain imaging. During training, these models learn to capture the underlying patterns within “normal” brain images and generate new samples from those patterns. Neurodivergent states can be observed by measuring the dissimilarity between the generated/reconstructed images and the input images. This paper leverages VAEs to conduct Functional Connectivity (FC) analysis from functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), aiming to uncover atypical interconnectivity between brain regions. In the first part of our study, we compare multiple VAE architectures—Conditional VAE, Recurrent VAE, and a hybrid of CNN parallel with RNN VAE—aiming to establish the effectiveness of VAEs in application FC analysis. Given the nature of the disorder, ASD exhibits a higher prevalence among males than females. Therefore, in the second part of this paper, we investigate if introducing phenotypic data could improve the performance of VAEs and, consequently, FC analysis. We compare our results with the findings from previous studies in the literature. The results showed that CNN-based VAE architecture is more effective for this application than the other models.
Enhancing the Differentiation between Intestinal Behçet’s Disease and Crohn’s Disease through Quantitative Computed Tomography Analysis
Authors: Li Yuanqiu , Xiong Ziman , Jiang Yuchen , Shen Yaqi , Hu Xuemei , Hu Daoyu , Li Zhen
Published: October 2023

Behçet’s disease (BD) behaves similarly to Crohn’s disease (CD) when the bowel is involved. Computed tomography enterography (CTE) can accurately show intestinal involvement and obtain body composition data. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether CTE could improve the ability to distinguish between intestinal BD and CD. This study evaluated clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and CTE features on first admission. Body composition analysis was based on the CTE arterial phase. The middle layers of the L1–L5 vertebral body were selected. The indicators assessed included: the area ratio of visceral adipose tissue (VAT)/subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) (VSR) in each layer, the total volume ratio of VAT/SAT, the quartile of VAT attenuation in each layer and the coefficient of variation (CV) of the VAT area for each patient was also calculated. Two models were developed based on the above indicators: one was a traditional model (age, gender, ulcer distribution) and the other was a comprehensive model (age, gender, ulcer distribution, proximal ileum involvement, asymmetrical thickening of bowel wall, intestinal stenosis, VSRL4, and CV). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the traditional (sensitivity: 80.0%, specificity: 81.0%) and comprehensive (sensitivity: 95.0%, specificity: 87.2%) models were 0.862 and 0.941, respectively (p = 0.005).
Comparative Neuroanatomy of Pediveliger Larvae of Various Bivalves from the Sea of Japan
Authors: Nikishchenko Viktoriya , Kolotukhina Nataliya , Dyachuk Vyacheslav
Published: October 2023

Here, we describe the nervous system structures from pediveligers of eight bivalve species (Callista brevisiphonata, Mactromeris polynyma, Crenomytilus grayanus, Kellia japonica, Mizuhopecten yessoensis, and Azumapecten farreri) with different modes of life in their adult stages, corresponding to the ecological niches that they occupy (burrowing, cemented, byssally attached, and mobile forms). We have identified neuromorphological features of the central and peripheral nervous systems in larval bivalves. We show that the unpaired sensory apical organ is still present in pediveligers along with the developing paired cerebral ganglia characteristic of an adult mollusk. Pediveligers have the pleural ganglia connected to the pedal ganglia via the pedal nerve cords and to the visceral ganglia via the lateral nerve cords. We have found a number of structures of the peripheral nervous system whose presence varies between pediveligers of different species. Mactromeris, Callista, and Pododesmus have 5-HT-immunopositive stomatogastric neurons, whereas the Yesso and Farrer’s scallops have an FMRFamide-immunopositive enteric nervous system. The innervation of the anterior part of the velum is connected to a system of the apical organ and cerebral ganglia, and the innervation of the posterior part is connected to the visceral ganglia. Most differences in the structure of the peripheral elements of the nervous system are species-specific and weakly depend on the ecological niche that pediveligers occupy.
HIF-1α Reduction by Lowering Intraocular Pressure Alleviated Retinal Neovascularization
Authors: Yang Ziqi , Ni Biyan , Zhou Tian , Huang Zijing , Zhou Hong , Zhou Yang , Lin Shiya , He Chang , Liu Xialin
Published: October 2023

Hypoxia-induced retinal neovascularization is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse, a well-established angiogenesis model, has been extensively used to evaluate the effect of anti-angiogenic agents through intravitreal injection. Here, we serendipitously found that the needles used for intravitreal injection caused an unexpected “anti-angiogenic” effect in the OIR mice. To evaluate the effects of various intravitreal puncture sizes on retinal neovascularization and explore the potential underlying mechanism, intravitreal punctures using 0.5 mm (25 G), 0.3 mm (30 G), or 0.21 mm (33 G) needles were performed in OIR mice. Compared with 0.3 mm and 0.21 mm puncture, the 0.5 mm puncture remarkably suppressed the formation of pathological angiogenesis, inhibited vascular leakage, and remodeled the retinal vasculature. Mechanistically, the 0.5 mm puncture induced a substantial reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to an improvement in oxygen partial pressure (pO2) and significant reduction in Hif1a expression, resulting in resolution of angiogenic and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, IOP-lowering drugs, Travatan or Azarga, also promoted the alleviation of hypoxia and exhibited a potent anti-angiogenesis efficacy. Our study revealed an acute and significant reduction in IOP caused by a large puncture, which could remarkably suppress HIF-1α-mediated retinal neovascularization, indicating that lowering IOP may be a promising therapeutic avenue for treating retinal neovascular diseases.
Advanced Omics Techniques for Understanding Cochlear Genome, Epigenome, and Transcriptome in Health and Disease
Authors: Tisi Annamaria , Palaniappan Sakthimala , Maccarrone Mauro
Published: October 2023

Advanced genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics techniques are providing unprecedented insights into the understanding of the molecular underpinnings of the central nervous system, including the neuro-sensory cochlea of the inner ear. Here, we report for the first time a comprehensive and updated overview of the most advanced omics techniques for the study of nucleic acids and their applications in cochlear research. We describe the available in vitro and in vivo models for hearing research and the principles of genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics, alongside their most advanced technologies (like single-cell omics and spatial omics), which allow for the investigation of the molecular events that occur at a single-cell resolution while retaining the spatial information.
Emerging Roles for Dendritic Cells in Heart Failure
Authors: Saleh Danish , Jones Rebecca T. L. , Schroth Samantha L. , Thorp Edward B. , Feinstein Matthew J.
Published: October 2023

The field of cardio-immunology has emerged from discoveries that define roles for innate and adaptive immune responses associated with myocardial inflammation and heart failure. Dendritic cells (DCs) comprise an important cellular compartment that contributes to systemic immune surveillance at the junction of innate and adaptive immunity. Once described as a singular immune subset, we now appreciate that DCs consist of a heterogeneous pool of subpopulations, each with distinct effector functions that can uniquely regulate the acute and chronic inflammatory response. Nevertheless, the cardiovascular-specific context involving DCs in negotiating the biological response to myocardial injury is not well understood. Herein, we review our current understanding of the role of DCs in cardiac inflammation and heart failure, including gaps in knowledge and clinical relevance.
Admissibility Grid to Support the Decision for the Preferential Routing of Portuguese Endogenous Waste Biomass for the Production of Biogas, Advanced Biofuels, Electricity and Heat
Authors: Crujeira Ana T. , Trancoso Maria A. , Eusébio Ana , Oliveira Ana Cristina , Passarinho Paula C. , Abreu Mariana , Marques Isabel P. , Marques Paula A. S. S. , Marques Susana , Albergaria Helena , Pinto Filomena , Costa Paula , André Rui , Gírio Francisco , Moura Patrícia
Published: October 2023

A methodology was developed to assess the allocation of different types of endogenous waste biomass to eight technologies for producing electricity, heat, biogas and advanced biofuels. It was based on the identification of key physicochemical parameters for each conversion process and the definition of limit values for each parameter, applied to two different matrices of waste biomass. This enabled the creation of one Admissibility Grid with target values per type of waste biomass and conversion technology, applicable to a decision process in the routing to energy production. The construction of the grid was based on the evaluation of 24 types of waste biomass, corresponding to 48 sets of samples tested, for which a detailed physicochemical characterization and an admissibility assessment were made. The samples were collected from Municipal Solid Waste treatment facilities, sewage sludges, agro-industrial companies, poultry farms, and pulp and paper industries. The conversion technologies and energy products considered were (trans)esterification to fatty acid methyl esters, anaerobic digestion to methane, fermentation to bioethanol, dark fermentation to biohydrogen, combustion to electricity and heat, gasification to syngas, and pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction to bio-oils. The validation of the Admissibility Grid was based on the determination of conversion rates and product yields over 23 case studies that were selected according to the best combinations of waste biomass type versus technological solution and energy product.
TCR-Engineered Lymphocytes Targeting NY-ESO-1: In Vitro Assessment of Cytotoxicity against Tumors
Authors: Alsalloum Alaa , Alrhmoun Saleh , Shevchenko Julia , Fisher Marina , Philippova Julia , Perik-Zavodskii Roman , Perik-Zavodskaia Olga , Lopatnikova Julia , Kurilin Vasily , Volynets Marina , Akahori Yasushi , Shiku Hiroshi , Silkov Alexander , Sennikov Sergey
Published: October 2023

Adoptive T-cell therapies tailored for the treatment of solid tumors encounter intricate challenges, necessitating the meticulous selection of specific target antigens and the engineering of highly specific T-cell receptors (TCRs). This study delves into the cytotoxicity and functional characteristics of in vitro-cultured T-lymphocytes, equipped with a TCR designed to precisely target the cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1. Flow cytometry analysis unveiled a notable increase in the population of cells expressing activation markers upon encountering the NY-ESO-1-positive tumor cell line, SK-Mel-37. Employing the NanoString platform, immune transcriptome profiling revealed the upregulation of genes enriched in Gene Ontology Biological Processes associated with the IFN-γ signaling pathway, regulation of T-cell activation, and proliferation. Furthermore, the modified T cells exhibited robust cytotoxicity in an antigen-dependent manner, as confirmed by the LDH assay results. Multiplex immunoassays, including LEGENDplex™, additionally demonstrated the elevated production of cytotoxicity-associated cytokines driven by granzymes and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL). Our findings underscore the specific targeting potential of engineered TCR T cells against NY-ESO-1-positive tumors. Further comprehensive in vivo investigations are essential to thoroughly validate these results and effectively harness the intrinsic potential of genetically engineered T cells for combating cancer.
Laminin α4 Expression in Human Adipose Tissue Depots and Its Association with Obesity and Obesity Related Traits
Authors: Hagemann Tobias , Czechowski Paul , Ghosh Adhideb , Sun Wenfei , Dong Hua , Noé Falko , Wolfrum Christian , Blüher Matthias , Hoffmann Anne
Published: October 2023

Laminin α4 (LAMA4) is one of the main structural adipocyte basement membrane (BM) components that is upregulated during adipogenesis and related to obesity in mice and humans. We conducted RNA-seq-based gene expression analysis of LAMA4 in abdominal subcutaneous (SC) and visceral (VIS) adipose tissue (AT) depots across three human sub-cohorts of the Leipzig Obesity BioBank (LOBB) to explore the relationship between LAMA4 expression and obesity (N = 1479) in the context of weight loss (N = 65) and metabolic health (N = 42). We found significant associations of LAMA4 with body fat mass (p < 0.001) in VIS AT; higher expression in VIS AT compared to SC AT; and significant relation to metabolic health parameters e.g., body fat in VIS AT, waist (p = 0.009) and interleukin 6 (p = 0.002) in male VIS AT, and hemoglobin A1c (p = 0.008) in male SC AT. AT LAMA4 expression was not significantly different between subjects with or without obesity, metabolically healthy versus unhealthy, and obesity before versus after short-term weight loss. Our results support significant associations between obesity related clinical parameters and elevated LAMA4 expression in humans. Our work offers one of the first references for understanding the meaning of LAMA4 expression specifically in relation to obesity based on large-scale RNA-seq data.
Pathomorphological Features of the Novel Coronavirus Disease in Patients with Systemic Amyloidosis
Authors: Mikhaleva Liudmila , Gioeva Zarina , Varyasin Valery , Berezhnaja Elvira , Vandysheva Rositsa , Gutyrchik Nikita , Pechnikova Valentina , Kontorshchikov Andrej , Midiber Konstantin , Kakturskij Lev
Published: October 2023

Amyloidosis is one of the rare systemic illnesses characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in various organs and tissues. There is a common point between COVID-19 and systemic amyloidosis regarding the multiorgan involvement in the pathological process which leads to a heightened risk for severe morbidity and mortality in amyloidosis patients who contracted COVID-19. We performed a pathomorphological analysis of the autopsy records of 22 patients who had COVID-19 and pre-existing systemic amyloidosis. The premortem diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis was established in 55% of patients, and in other 45% of cases, amyloidosis was found at autopsy. Based on the results of immunohistochemical amyloid typing, amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis was detected in 23%, amyloid light chain (AL) lambda in 32%, AL kappa–in 9%, and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis–in 36% of observations. Immunohistochemical staining with an antibody against SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein revealed positive immune reactions in type II alveolocytes in 59% of deceased persons. The analysis of autopsy findings indicates that patients with systemic amyloidosis are more likely to experience an aggressive clinical course of COVID-19 which leads to a multiorgan failure and a higher risk of fatal outcome.
Application and Development of EEG Acquisition and Feedback Technology: A Review
Authors: Qin Yong , Zhang Yanpeng , Zhang Yan , Liu Sheng , Guo Xiaogang
Published: October 2023

This review focuses on electroencephalogram (EEG) acquisition and feedback technology and its core elements, including the composition and principles of the acquisition devices, a wide range of applications, and commonly used EEG signal classification algorithms. First, we describe the construction of EEG acquisition and feedback devices encompassing EEG electrodes, signal processing, and control and feedback systems, which collaborate to measure faint EEG signals from the scalp, convert them into interpretable data, and accomplish practical applications using control feedback systems. Subsequently, we examine the diverse applications of EEG acquisition and feedback across various domains. In the medical field, EEG signals are employed for epilepsy diagnosis, brain injury monitoring, and sleep disorder research. EEG acquisition has revealed associations between brain functionality, cognition, and emotions, providing essential insights for psychologists and neuroscientists. Brain–computer interface technology utilizes EEG signals for human–computer interaction, driving innovation in the medical, engineering, and rehabilitation domains. Finally, we introduce commonly used EEG signal classification algorithms. These classification tasks can identify different cognitive states, emotional states, brain disorders, and brain–computer interface control and promote further development and application of EEG technology. In conclusion, EEG acquisition technology can deepen the understanding of EEG signals while simultaneously promoting developments across multiple domains, such as medicine, science, and engineering.
Natalizumab Treatment for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Stabilises Normal-Appearing White Matter Microstructure: A One-Year Prospective Ultra-High-Field Quantitative Imaging Study
Authors: Tanasescu Radu , Mougin Olivier , Chou I-Jun , Al-Radaideh Ali , Jerca Oltita P. , Lim Su-Yin , Gowland Penny , Constantinescu Cris S.
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Natalizumab dramatically reduces relapses and MRI inflammatory activity (new lesions and enhancing lesions) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI can explore brain tissue in vivo with high resolution and sensitivity. We investigated if natalizumab can prevent microstructural tissue damage progression measured with MRI at ultra-high field (7 Tesla) over the first year of treatment. (2) Methods: In this one-year prospective longitudinal study, patients with active relapsing–remitting MS were assessed clinically and scanned at ultra-high-field MRI at the time of their first natalizumab infusion, at 6 and 12 months, with quantitative imaging aimed to detect microstructural changes in the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), including sequences sensitive to magnetisation transfer (MT) effects from amide proton transfer (MTRAPT) and the nuclear Overhauser effect (MTRNOE). (3) Results: 12 patients were recruited, and 10 patients completed the study. The difference in the T1 relaxation times at month 6 and month 12 of natalizumab treatment was not significant, suggesting the lack of accumulation of tissue damage, while improvements were seen in MTR (MTRAPT and MTRNOE measures) at month 12, suggesting a tissue repair effect. This paralleled the expected lack of clinical and radiological worsening of conventional MRI measures of disease activity (new lesions or gadolinium-enhancing lesions). (4) Conclusion: Natalizumab prevents microstructural brain damage and has effects suggesting an improved white matter microstructure measured at ultra-high field during the first year of treatment.
Correction: Gjøen et al. Selection for Reduced Fear of Humans Changes Brain and Cerebellum Size in Red Junglefowl in Line with Effects of Chicken Domestication. Brain Sci. 2023, 13, 988
Authors: Gjøen Johanna , Cunha Felipe , Jensen Per
Published: October 2023

There were errors in the original publication [...]
The Impact of Social Comparisons More Related to Ability vs. More Related to Opinion on Well-Being: An Instagram Study
Authors: Ozimek Phillip , Brandenberg Gabriel , Rohmann Elke , Bierhoff Hans-Werner
Published: October 2023

Social networks are gaining widespread popularity, with Instagram currently being the most intensively used network. On these platforms, users are continuously exposed to self-relevant information that fosters social comparisons. A distinction is made between ability-based and opinion-based comparison dimensions. To experimentally investigate the influence of these comparison dimensions on users’ subjective well-being, an online exposure experiment (N = 409) was conducted. In a preliminary study (N = 107), valid exposure stimulus material was selected in advance. The results of the main study indicated that the exposure to ability-related social comparisons in the context of social media elicited lower well-being than exposure to opinion-related social comparisons. The theoretical and practical implications of this study consist of including the findings in clinical settings, e.g., affective disorder therapy, and the identification and reduction of ability-related content on social networking sites (SNSs). Future work should include assimilation and contrast effects which might interact with social comparison orientation and well-being.
Experimental Study on the Flexural Performance of Composite Beams with Corrugated Steel Webs under the Coupled Effect of Chloride Ion Erosion and Sustained Load
Authors: Xu Qiang , Wang Jian , Tian Zengshun , Song Jianyong , Chen Bo
Published: October 2023

The steel corrosion of composite beams with corrugated steel webs (CBCSWs) is prone to occur in a chloride environment, and the load can change the rate of steel corrosion, thereby affecting the degradation of the mechanical properties of CBCSWs. In this paper, the flexural behavior of CBCSWs under the coupled effect of chloride ion erosion and sustained load was studied through an accelerated corrosion test and bending failure test. The results showed that, during the accelerated corrosion test, the deflection at the mid-span of the corroded CBCSWs increased more and faster than that of the uncorroded CBCSWs, and the stress of the externally prestressed tendons of the CBCSWs did not change significantly. During the loading failure process, the relative slip between the web and the concrete plates of the corroded CBCSWs had not been fully developed. The ultimate load and ultimate deflection of the corroded CBCSWs were decreased by 41.1% and 17.9%, respectively, compared to those of the CBCSWs before corrosion. The quasi-plane section assumption was still approximately applicable to the corroded CBCSWs. Compared with the uncorroded CBCSWs, the shear lag effect of the top plate of the corroded CBCSWs was more obvious. The externally prestressed tendons of the corroded CBCSWs could not give full play to their performance during the process of loading failure.
How Has Gamification in the Production Sector Been Developed in the Manufacturing and Construction Workplaces?
Authors: Leite Regina Maria Cunha , Alves Lynn Rosalina Gama , Cardoso Larissa da Silva Paes , Neto Hugo Meijon Morêda
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates how gamification in the workplace has developed from 2016 to 2023 in the production sector and what ethical safeguards have been adopted. The paper presents a state-of-the-art Systematic Literature Review (SRL) performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify empirical studies involving the adoption of gamification solutions in the manufacturing and construction industries. Twenty-three articles were found and examined regarding the problems evidenced in each workplace, the methodological perspective, the gamification elements considered, the reported psychological and organizational impacts, and the ethical aspects of the research. The SRL highlighted two research gaps: the lack of ethical discussion around the gamification of workplaces and the lack of gamification applications in the construction industry. Only four studies mention ethical issues concerning the participants, and only four studies are related to construction. On the other hand, there is a tendency to use collaborative platforms to share knowledge and increase engagement.
Utilization of Blast Furnace Slag as an Enhancer in Masonry Mortars Made with Thermally Treated Waste Concrete Powder
Authors: Ohemeng Eric A. , Ramabodu Molusiwa S. , Nena Tholang D.
Published: October 2023

Every year, a massive amount of natural materials are subjected to high temperatures during cement production, resulting in 5% to 8% of total global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The employment of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) for developing construction materials could reduce the use of natural materials and CO2 emissions during cement manufacturing. One option to accomplish this is to examine the possibility of producing masonry mortars using thermally treated waste concrete powder (WCP) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). The main objective of the present study is based on this. The study was conducted in two phases. In Phase I, WCP was thermally treated at various temperatures of 0 °C, 300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C and then used to prepare mortars at a binder-to-fine aggregate ratio of 1:3. From the strength results obtained in Phase I, a mortar mixture made with 500 °C WCP was selected for Phase II investigation. Mortars were produced by replacing the 500 °C WCP with GGBFS at 0%, 25%, 40%, 60%, 70%, and 85%. It was found that the performance of the mortars was enhanced when GGBFS was used up to 60%. The mortar mixture containing 60% thermally treated WCP and 40% GGBFS produced the optimal physical and mechanical properties. Also, material characterization was carried out on the binders using X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that the thermally treated WCPs and GGBFS contain oxides similar to cement, making them suitable for mortar production. In conclusion, the study has shown the feasibility of producing masonry mortars using thermally treated WCP and GGBFS.
Systematic Mix Design Study on Geopolymers—Prediction of Compressive Strength
Authors: Kruppa Henning , Vollpracht Anya
Published: October 2023

Due to the demand for decarbonization of the construction sector, research on alkali-activated binders and material-minimized carbon-reinforced structures has gained momentum in recent years. Most of the research into alkali-activated binders is focused on developing market-ready alternatives, mainly using a trial-and-error approach. In this study, an attempt is made to identify and quantify the factors influencing compressive strength development. Due to their worldwide availability, investigations are being carried out into binders based on calcined clays and natural pozzolans. The goal is to develop a method to produce tailor-made AAB for continuous manufacturing methods to combine carbon reinforcement and alkali-activated materials. For this purpose, an experimental matrix with 20 variation parameters was set up, in which the activator solution and the precursor composition varied. The design of the experiments was used to minimize the number of experiments. It was shown that no single factor is responsible for the development of compressive strength but instead involves several interacting factors. It was possible to find empirical formulas for predicting the compressive strength after 2, 7, and 28 days.
Reusing Dredged Material through Stabilization with So-Called Bio-Enzyme Products
Authors: Rabbanifar Saeed , Nguyen Thi Thuy Minh , Qian Qin , Brake Nicholas A. , Kibodeaux Kyle , Crochet Harold E. , Oruji Soheil , Whitt Remington L. , Farrow Joshua S. , Belaire Brandon G. , Bernazzani Paul , Jao Mien
Published: October 2023

Sediments are dredged from waterways to maintain maritime activities and prevent floods. Exorbitant amounts of money are budgeted for the removal of dredged material (DM) and its disposal in landfills. We investigated the potential for reuse of DM as a road construction material using so-called bio-enzyme products as stabilizing agents. To improve the mechanical properties of DM, such as compressive strength, compressibility, Atterberg limits and the California bearing ratio (CBR), mixtures of DM were tested with two different amounts of a commercially available bio-enzyme product, which yielded enzymatically stabilized dredged material (ESDM). Unconfined compressive strength (UCS), compaction and Atterberg limits were measured in accordance with ASTM specifications on all samples. Data show that the addition of bio-enzymes resulted in increases in UCS but did not affect the optimum moisture content (OMC), maximum dry unit weight or Atterberg limits of the DM. A comparative field study was carried out to evaluate the CBR of the CH subgrade before and after treatments with the bio-enzyme product and with lime as a traditional stabilizing agent. The results of the field study supported the laboratory findings. Based on these data and results from the literature, models predicting the effect of bio-enzyme treatments on the value of CBR and of UCS were developed statistically. These models also underlined the importance of the clay fraction and PI values for the improvement of the engineering properties of soil using bio-enzyme additives.
Seismic Fragility Analysis of Steel Pipe Pile Wharves with Random Pitting Corrosion
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Liao Xu , Hu Zhaohui , Li Xian , Nie Ying , Liu Jun , Xu Yuming
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates the seismic damage behavior of steel pipe pile wharves after pitting corrosion. The seismic intensity is treated as random, and a probabilistic strength model for randomly pitting corroded steel is utilized to assess the seismic response of a typical steel pipe pile wharf. By analyzing the internal force response of each pile and the deformation response of the deck and soil slope, the process of seismic failure in steel pipe pile wharves with different pitting corrosion ratios is investigated. The results demonstrate that pitting corrosion amplifies the internal force within the steel pipe piles, leading to more severe seismic damage. Additionally, probabilistic seismic demand functions are established for the most vulnerable row of piles affected by random pitting corrosion, and the seismic fragility of the pipe pile wharves considering different pitting corrosion ratios is evaluated. These findings provide valuable insights for the design and strengthening of steel pipe pile wharves.
Renal Function Parameters in Distinctive Molecular Subtypes of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Timofte Andrei Daniel , Caruntu Irina-Draga , Covic Adrian C. , Hancianu Monica , Girlescu Nona , Chifu Mariana Bianca , Giusca Simona Eliza
Published: October 2023

Prostate cancer is a prevalent malignancy in male patients, having diverse clinical outcomes. The follow-up of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer involves the evaluation of renal function, because its impairment reduces patient survival rates and adds complexity to their treatment and clinical care. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between renal function parameters and distinctive molecular subtypes of prostate adenocarcinomas, defined by the immunoexpression of the SPINK1, ERG, HOXB13, and TFF3 markers. The study group comprised 72 patients with prostate cancer and associated chronic kidney disease (CKD) who underwent radical prostatectomy. Histopathological, molecular, and renal parameters were analyzed. Patients were categorized based on ERG/SPINK1 and HOXB13/TFF3 status, and correlations with renal function and prognostic grade groups were assessed. The ERG+/SPINK1+ subgroup exhibited significantly higher postoperative CKD stages and serum creatinine levels compared to the ERG+/SPINK1− subgroup. This suggests an intricate relationship between SPINK1 overexpression and renal function dynamics. The HOXB13−/TFF3+ subgroup displayed higher preoperative serum creatinine levels and CKD stages than the HOXB13−/TFF3− subgroup, aligning with TFF3’s potential role in renal function. Furthermore, the study revealed associations between CKD stages and prognostic grade groups in different molecular subtypes, pointing out an intricate interplay between renal function and tumor behavior. Although the molecular classification of prostate acinar ADK is not yet implemented, this research underscores the variability of renal function parameters in different molecular subtypes, offering potential insights into patient prognosis.
Internet of Things-Assisted Smart Skin Cancer Detection Using Metaheuristics with Deep Learning Model
Authors: Obayya Marwa , Arasi Munya A. , Almalki Nabil Sharaf , Alotaibi Saud S. , Al Sadig Mutasim , Sayed Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Internet of Things (IoT)-assisted skin cancer recognition integrates several connected devices and sensors for supporting the primary analysis and monitoring of skin conditions. A preliminary analysis of skin cancer images is extremely difficult because of factors such as distinct sizes and shapes of lesions, differences in color illumination, and light reflections on the skin surface. In recent times, IoT-based skin cancer recognition utilizing deep learning (DL) has been used for enhancing the early analysis and monitoring of skin cancer. This article presents an optimal deep learning-based skin cancer detection and classification (ODL-SCDC) methodology in the IoT environment. The goal of the ODL-SCDC technique is to exploit metaheuristic-based hyperparameter selection approaches with a DL model for skin cancer classification. The ODL-SCDC methodology involves an arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA) with the EfficientNet model for feature extraction. For skin cancer detection, a stacked denoising autoencoder (SDAE) classification model has been used. Lastly, the dragonfly algorithm (DFA) is utilized for the optimal hyperparameter selection of the SDAE algorithm. The simulation validation of the ODL-SCDC methodology has been tested on a benchmark ISIC skin lesion database. The extensive outcomes reported a better solution of the ODL-SCDC methodology compared with other models, with a maximum sensitivity of 97.74%, specificity of 99.71%, and accuracy of 99.55%. The proposed model can assist medical professionals, specifically dermatologists and potentially other healthcare practitioners, in the skin cancer diagnosis process.
Limited Hyperoxia-Induced Proliferative Retinopathy (LHIPR) as a Model of Retinal Fibrosis, Angiogenesis, and Inflammation
Authors: Corano Scheri Katia , Hsieh Yi-Wen , Jeong Eunji , Fawzi Amani A.
Published: October 2023

The progression to fibrosis and traction in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other ischemic retinopathies remains an important clinical and surgical challenge, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its pathogenesis. Fibrosis is an unbalanced deposition of extracellular matrix components responsible for scar tissue formation with consequent tissue and organ impairment. Together with retinal traction, it is among the main causes of retinal detachment and vision loss. We capitalize on the Limited Hyperoxia Induced Retinopathy (LHIPR) model, as it reflects the more advanced pathological phenotypes seen in ROP and other ischemic retinopathies. To model LHIPR, we exposed wild-type C57Bl/6J mouse pups to 65% oxygen from P0 to P7. Then, the pups were returned to room air to recover until later endpoints. We performed histological and molecular analysis to evaluate fibrosis progression, angiogenesis, and inflammation at several time points, from 1.5 months to 9 months. In addition, we performed in vivo retinal imaging by optical coherence tomography (OCT) or OCT Angiography (OCTA) to follow the fibrovascular progression in vivo. Although the retinal morphology was relatively preserved, we found a progressive increase in preretinal fibrogenesis over time, up to 9 months of age. We also detected blood vessels in the preretinal space as well as an active inflammatory process, altogether mimicking advanced preretinal fibrovascular disease in humans.
Spaceflight Induces Strength Decline in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Soni Purushottam , Edwards Hunter , Anupom Taslim , Rahman Mizanur , Lesanpezeshki Leila , Blawzdziewicz Jerzy , Cope Henry , Gharahdaghi Nima , Scott Daniel , Toh Li Shean , Williams Philip M. , Etheridge Timothy , Szewczyk Nathaniel , Willis Craig R. G. , Vanapalli Siva A.
Published: October 2023

Background: Understanding and countering the well-established negative health consequences of spaceflight remains a primary challenge preventing safe deep space exploration. Targeted/personalized therapeutics are at the forefront of space medicine strategies, and cross-species molecular signatures now define the ‘typical’ spaceflight response. However, a lack of direct genotype–phenotype associations currently limits the robustness and, therefore, the therapeutic utility of putative mechanisms underpinning pathological changes in flight. Methods: We employed the worm Caenorhabditis elegans as a validated model of space biology, combined with ‘NemaFlex-S’ microfluidic devices for assessing animal strength production as one of the most reproducible physiological responses to spaceflight. Wild-type and dys-1 (BZ33) strains (a Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) model for comparing predisposed muscle weak animals) were cultured on the International Space Station in chemically defined media before loading second-generation gravid adults into NemaFlex-S devices to assess individual animal strength. These same cultures were then frozen on orbit before returning to Earth for next-generation sequencing transcriptomic analysis. Results: Neuromuscular strength was lower in flight versus ground controls (16.6% decline, p < 0.05), with dys-1 significantly more (23% less strength, p < 0.01) affected than wild types. The transcriptional gene ontology signatures characterizing both strains of weaker animals in flight strongly corroborate previous results across species, enriched for upregulated stress response pathways and downregulated mitochondrial and cytoskeletal processes. Functional gene cluster analysis extended this to implicate decreased neuronal function, including abnormal calcium handling and acetylcholine signaling, in space-induced strength declines under the predicted control of UNC-89 and DAF-19 transcription factors. Finally, gene modules specifically altered in dys-1 animals in flight again cluster to neuronal/neuromuscular pathways, suggesting strength loss in DMD comprises a strong neuronal component that predisposes these animals to exacerbated strength loss in space. Conclusions: Highly reproducible gene signatures are strongly associated with space-induced neuromuscular strength loss across species and neuronal changes in calcium/acetylcholine signaling require further study. These results promote targeted medical efforts towards and provide an in vivo model for safely sending animals and people into deep space in the near future.