bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Post-COVID Home. How Confinement Altered Domestic Space Use and Living Modes, in Lisbon
Authors: Moreira Ana , Farias Hugo
Published: May 2023

Not only is space use a result of spatial configuration, but it is also greatly determined by social patterns and society’s living modes. The COVID-19 pandemic and confinement resulted, worldwide, in a 24/7 use of the domestic setting, which had to be adapted to the emergence of new needs and functions in the domestic space. The paper aims at understanding how COVID confinement altered domestic space use in Lisbon and how current society has maintained some of those changes, a reflection of new social patterns. The analysis is supported by an inquiry, carried out during the first confinement of 2020, in the city of Lisbon. Results show that domestic space use had to be adjusted to a new context, gaining new functions, and bringing into evidence the need for additional spaces. In light of the proven changes in living modes, the research concludes that the post-COVID home needs to be rethought and new housing programs should take into consideration the new social patterns and living modes.
Experimental Research on the Cold-Forming Effect of Cold-Formed Thick-Walled Steel
Authors: Fu Xiaochao , Xu Wenjing , Yu Shaole , Mei Xujiang
Published: May 2023

To study the cold-forming effect on the yield strength distribution of cold-formed thick-walled steel, material tensile tests and axial compression tests were conducted on steel-lipped channels. To undertake the material tensile tests, five types of cold-formed lipped channel sections with varied thicknesses and nominal yield strengths were selected. The material test samples were taken from the web, flange, curled edge, and corner of the lipped channel sections, respectively. Next, a corresponding distribution model for the yield strength of cold-formed thick-walled lipped channel sections was developed. Following this, axial compression tests of five short columns with the same section as the coupon tests were conducted to further investigate the cold-forming effect. Finally, the results from the short column tests, the results based on the proposed yield strength distribution model, and the results calculated for related codes in various countries were compared. These revealed that the yield strength distribution, bearing capacity, and ductility were considerably influenced by the cold-forming effect and mainly depended on the width-to-thickness ratio (h/t) of the plate involved. When h/t was less than 34, the curve slowly decreased after reaching the peak load and had good ductility. Conversely, when h/t was greater than 71, local buckling had an obvious influence on the bearing capacity of the specimen, and the column ductility was poor. Overall, the results based on the Chinese code GB 50018-2002 were closest to the experimental values with the smallest variation coefficient, and therefore this code has the best applicability.
Computational Design and Virtual Reality Tools as an Effective Approach for Designing Optimization, Enhancement, and Validation of Islamic Parametric Elevation
Authors: Maksoud Aref , Hussien Aseel , Mushtaha Emad , Alawneh Sarah Isam Abdul-Rahman
Published: May 2023

Virtual reality was investigated with various computational design approaches to improve users’ ability to communicate, share, and grasp the design’s requirements to better conceptualize ideas during various design and review stages. The study aims to show how computational design and virtual reality are utilized to forecast challenges, address design problems/limitations in a specific study space, and validate results. A case study of the main Architectural Engineering department building at the University of Sharjah (UoS) campus in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, was considered. The study focused on indoor daylight intake, ventilation, functionality, user comfortability, structural integrity, coherency and consistency, and performance optimization as factors to further evaluate and aid in the selection process of the optimal design. Consequently, innovative computational design tools were used in the study’s methodology to assess offered alternatives, such as altering and fabricating the building’s skin to deal with the challenges described above and improving the selected room’s visual and environmental conditions, such as optimal daylighting and ensuring users’ comfortability. The users’ immersive experience resulted in more accurate visualization and navigation around the to-be-built environment, allowing for more significant analysis and comprehension that further validated the results obtained. The chosen case study thus demonstrated the potential for computational design, mixed reality techniques, and strategies to enable an efficient process that ultimately verifies approaches taken toward a much more optimal solution through better visualization and contextualizing.
Balance between Catalyst Acidity and Hydrophilicity in Biofuel Production from Fatty Acid Esterification over Al-SBA-15
Authors: Canhaci Simone J. , Albuquerque Elise M. , Lopes Camila C. , Faria Vinícius W. , Chinelatto Junior Luiz Silvino , Duarte de Farias Andréa M. , Quitete Cristina B. , Fraga Marco A.
Published: May 2023

A collection of Al-SBA-15 mesoporous catalysts (Si/Al = 13–174) was investigated to overcome typical accessibility constraints of microporous solids. 27Al MAS NMR confirmed the existence of tetrahedrally coordinated Al in the catalyst’s framework, and the fraction of such species increased as the Si/Al ratio decreased. Brønsted acidity followed the same pattern found using n-propylamine thermodecomposition. Mesoporous catalysts with lower Si/Al ratios exhibited a higher affinity to water as quantitatively determined using water adsorption experiments. Those surface properties were correlated to the catalytic performance on oleic acid esterification. The introduction of Al into the SBA-15 framework significantly improved esterification activity, leading to conversions ranging from 70 to 93%. This was explained by the acidity engendered upon Si substitution by Al. However, a turning point from which activity started dropping was registered and it was proposed to be associated with catalyst hydrophilicity. The balance between acidity and hydrophilicity was unveiled to be of paramount importance to accomplish the best catalytic efficiency and uppermost biofuel yield. Catalyst activity was also assessed for the esterification of stearic and linoleic acids. Higher conversion rates were accomplished with unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid > linoleic acid > stearic acid) due to the higher reactivity of the carboxylic acid moieties as a consequence of the polarity of the double bonds in the carbon chain.
One Stage Masquelets Technique: Evaluation of Different Forms of Membrane Filling with and without Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells (BMC) in Large Femoral Bone Defects in Rats
Authors: Söhling Nicolas , Heilani Myriam , Fremdling Charlotte , Schaible Alexander , Schröder Katrin , Brune Jan C. , Eras Volker , Nau Christoph , Marzi Ingo , Henrich Dirk , Verboket René D.
Published: May 2023

The classic two-stage masquelet technique is an effective procedure for the treatment of large bone defects. Our group recently showed that one surgery could be saved by using a decellularized dermis membrane (DCD, Epiflex, DIZG). In addition, studies with bone substitute materials for defect filling show that it also appears possible to dispense with the removal of syngeneic cancellous bone (SCB), which is fraught with complications. The focus of this work was to clarify whether the SCB can be replaced by the granular demineralized bone matrix (g-DBM) or fibrous demineralized bone matrix (f-DBM) demineralized bone matrix and whether the colonization of the DCD and/or the DBM defect filling with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMC) can lead to improved bone healing. In 100 Sprague Dawley rats, a critical femoral bone defect 5 mm in length was stabilized with a plate and then encased in DCD. Subsequently, the defect was filled with SCB (control), g-DBM, or f-DBM, with or without BMC. After 8 weeks, the femurs were harvested and subjected to histological, radiological, and biomechanical analysis. The analyses showed the incipient bony bridging of the defect zone in both groups for g-DBM and f-DBM. Stability and bone formation were not affected compared to the control group. The addition of BMCs showed no further improvement in bone healing. In conclusion, DBM offers a new perspective on defect filling; however, the addition of BMC did not lead to better results.
Endothelial Function in Dyslipidemia: Roles of LDL-Cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Authors: Higashi Yukihito
Published: May 2023

Dyslipidemia is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is the initial step for atherosclerosis, resulting in cardiovascular complications. It is clinically important to break the process of endothelial dysfunction to cardiovascular complications in patients with dyslipidemia. Lipid-lowering therapy enables the improvement of endothelial function in patients with dyslipidemia. It is likely that the relationships of components of a lipid profile such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides with endothelial function are not simple. In this review, we focus on the roles of components of a lipid profile in endothelial function.
Steel Bridge-Coating Systems and Their Environmental Impacts: Current Practices and Future Trends
Authors: Adsetts Jonathan Ralph , Ebrahimi Nafiseh , Zhang Jieying , Jalaei Farzad , Noël Jamie J.
Published: May 2023

Coatings are essential for protecting structural steel bridges from corrosion in harsh environmental conditions. The selection of a suitable coating system can significantly impact the performance and longevity of a bridge as well as its environmental footprint. This study investigates the U.S. and Canada’s environmental ISO corrosivity map and the general environments to which bridges are exposed. Additionally, environmental data and road maintenance practices of transportation departments and the use of de-icing salts were investigated to examine the impact of micro-corrosive environments on bridge elements. The study reviews commonly examined coating systems and their expected service life in moderate and highly corrosive environments. This sheds light on factors influencing coating system selection, such as life-cycle cost analysis and maintenance practices for bridge elements. For the first time to our knowledge, an environmental life-cycle evaluation of one of the most commonly used coating systems with theoretical maintenance scheduling for a bridge project’s expected service life is presented to encourage the use of a quantitative tool for environmental impact assessment of coatings in terms of global warming potential (GWP). Additionally, perspectives on patented state-of-the-art and future steel-protective technologies and their potential role in bridge engineering are reviewed.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Impact of Surface Conditions on Self-Piercing Riveted Joint Quality
Authors: Zhao Huan , Han Li , Liu Yunpeng , Liu Xianping
Published: May 2023

In this study, experimental and numerical investigations were carried out to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the impact of surface conditions on self-piercing riveting (SPR) joint quality. Oil lubrication and sandpaper grinding were employed in experimental tests to change surface conditions at rivet/top sheet, top/bottom sheets and bottom sheet/die interfaces. A finite element (FE) model for the SPR process was also adopted to numerically assess the impact of surface conditions. Variations in surface conditions were modelled by changing friction coefficients at contact interfaces. The results revealed that the friction coefficient between the rivet and top sheet (μ1) imposed significant influences on the interlock (I1) by affecting the deformation of the rivet shank and top sheet. The friction coefficient between the rivet and bottom sheet (μ2) showed a lower influence on the joint quality because of a smaller contact area and shorter interaction time. The friction coefficient between the top and bottom sheets (μ3) led to opposite changing trends of remaining bottom sheet thickness at the joint centre (tc) and under the rivet tip (ttip). The friction coefficient between the bottom sheet and die (μ4) demonstrated crucial influences on the remaining bottom sheet at the joint centre. The riveting force was significantly influenced throughout the whole riveting process by the μ1, but only affected at the end of the joining process by the other three friction coefficients.
Convolvulus microphyllus Extract as a Green, Effective, and Affordable Corrosion Inhibitor: Theoretical Calculations and Experimental Studies
Authors: Haldhar Rajesh , Vanaraj Ramkumar , Dagdag Omar , Berisha Avni , Kim Seong-Cheol
Published: May 2023

This study demonstrates the ability of Convolvulus microphyllus extract to prevent low-carbon steel corrosion (LCS) by varying inhibitor concentration. The effectiveness of the corrosion reaction was examined using gravimetric techniques and electrochemical procedures in a corrosive 0.5 M sulfuric acid medium. The results of polarization show a mixed adsorption nature on the LCS surface. C. microphyllus-derived film (extract) had an inhibition efficiency (IE) of 92.47% at an inhibitor concentration of 600 mg/L and a temperature 298 K. To examine the morphology, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to analyze the external films that protect LCS from sulfuric acid. A thin protective coat of inhibitor outside the LCS substrate follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Additionally, computational exploration provided vital insights. The results of these experimental inhibitory outcomes are consistent with those of molecular dynamic simulations.
Oxidation Behaviors of the NiCrAlY Bond Coats in the Thermal Barrier Coatings under External Loads
Authors: Cheng Chunyu , Nie Min , Tang Zhili , Chai Yadong , Li Cong , Yang Li , Zhou Yichun
Published: May 2023

To understand the oxidation behaviors of the NiCrAlY bond coats in the thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) under external loads, uniaxial tensile and compressive experiments of the TBCs in air at 900 °C for 100 h were investigated. Then, the experimental results were explained by first-principles simulation. The results showed that the oxidation rate of the NiCrAlY bond coat was accelerated by external stresses. A 0.9 μm thickness, a thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer was found in the NiCrAlY bond coat without stress after oxidation, while a 1.2 μm thickness TGO layer was obtained in the NiCrAlY bond coat under tensile stress after oxidation. The main composition of the TGO layer was Al2O3 because Al was more easily oxidized without stress and under tensile stress. The thickest TGO layer with a thickness of 1.5 μm was formed in the NiCrAlY bond coat under compressive stress after oxidation, consisting of the oxide of Al, Ni, and Cr. The first-principles results showed that the oxidation of Ni and Cr under compressive stress was easier than that under tensile stress due to the role of the 3d orbital.
Enhancing Photovoltaic Performance and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells through Single-Source Evaporation and CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots Incorporation
Authors: Kou Yuanzhe , Bian Jianxiao , Pan Xiaonan , Guo Jinchang
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the potential of inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 as a photovoltaic material, highlighting its superior stability compared to that of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials. Conventional methods for preparing CsPbBr3 perovskite films, such as the two-step method and the dual-source thermal evaporation method, face challenges in obtaining high-purity films due to the decomposition of precursor films and the formation of multiple heterogeneous phases. To address this issue, we synthesized CsPbBr3 powder material using thermal evaporation deposition, which effectively suppressed decomposition and the formation of heterogeneous phases. Consequently, we achieved uniform and dense CsPbBr3 perovskite films. By incorporating energy-band engineering modification with CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs), the all-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) attained a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.01% under standard solar illumination conditions. The device PCE remained at 93% of its initial efficiency under 30% relative humidity conditions for over 100 days, showcasing its durability. The developed method produced an average grain size of 800 nm, resulting in a smooth and uniform film surface, thereby demonstrating the method’s high repeatability. Additionally, the optimized PSCs exhibited a high open-circuit voltage (VOC) with the champion device reaching a VOC of 1.38 V and a PCE of 7.01%. This research presents a robust, efficient, and cost-effective approach for fabricating high-quality all-inorganic PSCs.
Effect of Pre-Soaking Treatment Method of Plant-Based Aggregate on the Properties of Lightweight Concrete—Preliminary Study
Authors: Yew Ming Kun , Yew Ming Chian , Beh Jing Han , Lee Foo Wei , Lim Siong Kang , Lee Yee Ling , Lim Jee Hock , Kabeer K. I. Syed Ahmed
Published: May 2023

This research investigates the effect of pre-soaking treatment on plant-based aggregate using a wet grout binder to formulate a high-strength lightweight concrete (HSLWC). Surface modification utilising a novel grout soaking technique with various water-to-cement (w/c) ratios has indicated a new method of approach for the recent development of lightweight plant-based aggregate (LWPA). In this experiment, the fresh and hardened properties of modified LWPA lightweight concrete were assessed by verifying their workability, densities, compressive and split tensile strengths towards the modulus of elasticity. The results showed that pre-soaking plant-based lightweight aggregate (w/c: 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2) slightly increased the density of the samples compared to untreated LWPA. The oven-dry density of treated and untreated LWPA is controlled in the range of HSLWC. The outcomes indicated that the workability of the surface-modified LWPA is significantly improved: up to 40% in 6 min for the (TDS)/0.6 sample compared to the original LWPA. The mechanical properties of the LWPA concrete with the surface modification method exhibit a substantial increment of compressive strength, split tensile strength and the modulus of elasticity; recorded at 22%, 26% and 34%, respectively. Significantly, the findings from this experiment reveal that the pre-soaking treatment method on LWPA is shown to be a highly recommended technique in improving interfacial bonding while maintaining its performance as one of the most promising solutions to improve the properties of lightweight concrete.
Thermal Expansion and Phase Transformation up to 1200 °C of Metastable Aluminas Produced by Flame Spraying
Authors: Zienert Tilo , Aneziris Christos Georgios
Published: May 2023

The transition aluminas δ1 and the cubic, non-spinel-type η-Al2O3 were detected in addition to α-Al2O3 in flame-sprayed material. Their transitions from room temperature up to 1200 °C were investigated by high-temperature XRD measurements. Structural changes with time and temperature were observed for all transition aluminas (η-, δ1- and θ-Al2O3). The phases followed the expected transition sequence of η→δ1→θ→α and showed mainly linear, temperature-independent transition rates. Based on the determined thermal expansion of the phases, it is proposed that the metastable transitions are at least partly mechanically induced. In addition, a second-order phase transition from η→θ might be indicated around 1050–1075 °C by the determined trends of density.
Effects of Different CO2 Concentrations and Degradation Media on Static Corrosion of Commercially Pure Zinc
Authors: Ould Mohamed Souhila , Gambaro Sofia , Ramirez-Ledesma Ana Laura , Paternoster Carlo , Mantovani Diego
Published: May 2023

Zn alloys have lately captivated the attention of the scientific community as possible materials for cardiovascular applications, showing a corrosion behavior and mechanical properties in between of those of Mg and Fe alloys. To better understand the different aspects of the interaction of Zn with body fluids, the basic corrosion pattern and the degradation products’ formation were investigated considering the effect of CO2 amount in the atmosphere and different pseudo-physiological media; that is Hanks’ balanced salt (HSS), Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline (PSS) and physiological saline solution (NSS), through a 14-day static immersion study. A mixed degradation layer mainly composed of ZnO with Zn3(PO4)2·4H2O and Zn(CO3)2 precipitates was found on surfaces immersed in both HSS and PSS, independently of the atmosphere, while a ZnO/ZnCl2 layer was found on the surface immersed in NSS, which also revealed the higher corrosion rate due to the effect of Cl− ions. Samples tested under a CO2-rich atmosphere showed a more compact passivating layer, higher dimensions crystals and less cavities when tested in HSS, PSS and NSS, respectively.
Geographical Distribution Pattern and Ecological Niche of Solenopsis invicta Buren in China under Climate Change
Authors: Li Ming , Zhao Haoxiang , Xian Xiaoqing , Zhu Jingquan , Chen Baoxiong , Jia Tao , Wang Rui , Liu Wanxue
Published: May 2023

Invasive alien ant species pose serious threats to agricultural production, ecosystems, and human health in China. Solenopsis invicta Buren is the most destructive and aggressive invasive alien ant in China, causing serious agricultural and urban economic losses and public health concerns. Estimating its spatial distribution and ecological niche in China is crucial for S. invicta prevention and control. Based on 4195 occurrence records (4096 invasive occurrence records and 99 native occurrence records) and 10 environmental variables, we estimated the potential suitable area and ecological niche of S. invicta in China using the ensemble model and ‘ecospat’ package in R language. The mean AUC, KAPPA, and TSS values of the ensemble model were 0.989, 0.901, and 0.901, respectively, indicating that the ensemble model was better than the single-species distribution model for the simulation. Temperature, precipitation, and human factors are important variables that influence the distribution of S. invicta. Our results showed that the ecological niche similarity and equivalency test results showed that the ecological niches between native areas and China were not equivalent (D = 0.46, p = 0.001), but were more similar than would be expected by chance (p = 0.003). Under current climatic conditions, the total potential suitable area for S. invicta is 192.89 × 104 km2 in China, accounting for 20.09% of the land area in China; this land is mainly distributed in Hainan, Taiwan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, Chongqing, Sichuan, and Henan. Under future climatic conditions, the potential suitable areas of S. invicta will further increase, while the highly suitable areas will shift to higher latitudes. We suggest that early warning and monitoring of S. invicta in the central and northern areas of China should be strengthened to prevent its further spread.
Targeted Genomic Profiling and Chemotherapy Outcomes in Grade 3 Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (G3 GEP-NET)
Authors: Lamberti Giuseppe , Prinzi Natalie , Bongiovanni Alberto , Torniai Mariangela , Andrini Elisa , Biase Dario de , Malvi Deborah , Mosca Mirta , Berardi Rossana , Ibrahim Toni , Pusceddu Sara , Campana Davide
Published: May 2023

Background: Grade 3 gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (G3 GEP-NET) are poorly characterized in terms of molecular features and response to treatments. Methods: Patients with G3 GEP-NET were included if they received capecitabine and temozolomide (CAPTEM) or oxaliplatin with either 5-fluorouracile (FOLFOX) or capecitabine (XELOX) as first-line treatment (chemotherapy cohort). G3 NET which successfully undergone next-generation sequencing (NGS) were included in the NGS cohort. Results: In total, 49 patients were included in the chemotherapy cohort: 15 received CAPTEM and 34 received FOLFOX/XELOX. Objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were 42.9%, 9.0 months, and 33.6 months, respectively. Calculating a Ki67 cutoff using ROC curve analysis, tumors with Ki67 ≥ 40% had lower ORR (51.2% vs. 0%; p = 0.007) and shorter PFS (10.6 months vs. 4.4 months; p < 0.001) and OS (49.4 months vs. 10.0 months; p = 0.023). In patients who received FOLFOX/XELOX as a first-line treatment, ORR, PFS, and OS were 38.2%, 7.9 months, and 30.0 months, respectively. In the NGS cohort (N = 13), the most mutated genes were DAXX/ATRX (N = 5, 38%), MEN1 (N = 4, 31%), TP53 (N = 4, 31%), AKT1 (N = 2, 15%), and PIK3CA (N = 1, 8%). Conclusions: FOLFOX/XELOX chemotherapy is active as the first-line treatment of patients with G3 GEP-NET. The mutational landscape of G3 NET is more similar to well-differentiated NETs than NECs.
Diagnosis Assistance in Colposcopy by Segmenting Acetowhite Epithelium Using U-Net with Images before and after Acetic Acid Solution Application
Authors: Shinohara Toshihiro , Murakami Kosuke , Matsumura Noriomi
Published: May 2023

Colposcopy is an essential examination tool to identify cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), a precancerous lesion of the uterine cervix, and to sample its tissues for histological examination. In colposcopy, gynecologists visually identify the lesion highlighted by applying an acetic acid solution to the cervix using a magnifying glass. This paper proposes a deep learning method to aid the colposcopic diagnosis of CIN by segmenting lesions. In this method, to segment the lesion effectively, the colposcopic images taken before acetic acid solution application were input to the deep learning network, U-Net, for lesion segmentation with the images taken following acetic acid solution application. We conducted experiments using 30 actual colposcopic images of acetowhite epithelium, one of the representative types of CIN. As a result, it was confirmed that accuracy, precision, and F1 scores, which were 0.894, 0.837, and 0.834, respectively, were significantly better when images taken before and after acetic acid solution application were used than when only images taken after acetic acid solution application were used (0.882, 0.823, and 0.823, respectively). This result indicates that the image taken before acetic acid solution application is helpful for accurately segmenting the CIN in deep learning.
The Role of Cardiac Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Hypertensive Emergency
Authors: Talle Mohammed A. , Doubell Anton F. , Robbertse Pieter-Paul S. , Lahri Sa’ad , Herbst Philip G.
Published: May 2023

There is a growing interest in the role of biomarkers in differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic utility of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hscTnT), and N-terminal prohormone of brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for identifying hypertensive emergency. A diagnosis of hypertensive emergency was made based on a systolic blood pressure of ≥180 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure of ≥110 mmHg with acute hypertension-mediated organ damage. The predictive value of LDH, hscTnT, NT-proBNP, and models of these biomarkers for hypertensive emergency was determined using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). There were 66 patients (66.7% male) with a hypertensive emergency and 16 (31.3% male) with hypertensive urgency. LDH, NT-proBNP, and hscTnT were significantly higher in hypertensive emergency. Serum LDH > 190 U/L and high creatinine were associated with hypertensive emergency. LDH had an AUC ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 for the spectrum of hypertensive emergencies, while hscTnT had an AUC of 0.82 to 0.92, except for neurological emergencies, in which the AUC was 0.72. NT-proBNP was only useful in predicting acute pulmonary edema (AUC of 0.89). A model incorporating LDH with hscTnT had an AUC of 0.92 to 0.97 for the spectrum of hypertensive emergencies. LDH in isolation or combined with hscTnT correctly identified hypertensive emergency in patients presenting with hypertensive crisis. The routine assessment of these biomarkers has the potential to facilitate the timely identification of hypertensive emergencies, especially in patients with subtle and subclinical target organ injury.
Digital Competences in Teacher Training and Music Education via Service Learning: A Mixed-Method Research Project
Authors: Cuervo Laura , Bonastre Carolina , Camilli Celia , Arroyo Delia , García Desirée
Published: May 2023

This study investigates applied service learning (SL) methodology with the goal of analyzing digital competence in teacher training. Twenty-three preservice teachers completed validated questionnaires regarding both general and specific digital competence in music as well as a self-evaluation of SL in a case study complemented by a quasi-experimental quantitative pre-post-test comparison. The experience highlighted in this paper not only includes the application of a variety of didactic, musical, and technological knowledge and strategies but also emphasizes the aspects of reflection, analysis, and the proper use of digital media for personal, educational, and social purposes on the part of students at different educational levels. The results indicate that preservice teachers acquired the values of social and personal responsibility (82.6% of participants) and became aware of the advantages of incorporating technologies into the music classroom (87.5% of participants). Moreover, the research design provided these teachers with an in-depth perspective on the evaluation of the SL experience and its significance.
The Methodology of Psychological Clinical Intervention in School Settings: Case Studies with Students with Special Emotional and Educational Needs
Authors: Carbone Agostino , Assante del Leccese Rossella
Published: May 2023

The school context, following an overall complexification of society, presents several situations in which it is necessary to build a transformative setting based on the suspension of educational action and the use of in-depth interpretations of divergent behaviors. Method: Two teachers with psychological training present and discuss cases studies of psychological intervention based on the analysis of demand methodology. Results: The two case studies presented concern, respectively, a difficult inclusion of a foreign pupil in the classroom and a school phobia of a student before graduating. In both cases, the classes are reconceived as clinical settings thereby giving new meaning to the psycho-social relationships of the students. The teachers promoted an overcoming of critical events: in the first case the pupil reaches school inclusion in a short time; in the second case the pupil reaches the diploma. Conclusion: The method of psychological intervention is proposed as an innovative practice of negotiation of new emotional symbolic structures in which to reproduce a coexistence in the scholastic context. It therefore appears necessary to equip schools with professional skills in the analysis of demand in order to train teachers to recognize the emotional dimensions within the class context.
Effects of a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Training Course on the Development Teachers’ Competences: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rusconi Laura , Squillaci Myriam
Published: May 2023

The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) training course on the competence development of teachers working in inclusive classrooms. This model provides a useful framework to address this issue, establishing evidence-based guidelines for creating learning environments that meet the needs of all learners. The move towards inclusive education requires teachers to reassess their pedagogical practices by considering the contributions of neuroscience and cognitive psychology to support effective teaching in heterogeneous classrooms. Consequently, teacher training should include, in its curricula, practices and evidence that support teachers to develop skills for working in inclusive contexts. The study aimed to answer the main research question, namely, how effective the UDL approach is in developing teachers’ skills. To answer this question, a systematic review was conducted in different databases allowing the extraction and the analysis of 12 studies. Results were organized around the four dimensions linked to the model of the European Profile of Inclusive Teacher (PIT). Outcomes of the review highlighted three main findings: 1. a UDL training course has significant effects on students’ diversity valuing skills; 2. the effectiveness of the course appears to be independent of its duration, delivery mode, and the type of teachers to whom it is addressed; 3. UDL training fosters the implementation of accessible lesson planning and implementation skills. Still uncertain or unexplored, however, are the effects on teachers’ areas of collaboration and reflective practice.
A Single-Tube Robust Model Predictive Control Method Based on ε-Approximation
Authors: Liang Shuning , Xiao Bo , Wang Chunyang , Wang Lin , Wang Zishuo , Liu Xuelian
Published: May 2023

This paper aims to solve the problem of the robust model predictive control, the contradiction of the system robustness, and the conservative terminal constraint set range. A robust model predictive control (RMPC) method based on an ε-approximation single-tube set is proposed. We construct a single-tube RMPC structure for linear discrete time invariant systems with additive disturbances. To this structure, we add the state estimation and state feedback to improve the convergence rate. Furthermore, we use the ε-approximation to estimate the terminal constraint set with less conservatism, thus improving the robustness. Then, we conduct a stability analysis of the ε-approximation single-tube RMPC system. The simulation results demonstrate the stability and interference allowance advantages of the proposed method.
Development and Experimental Validation of Control Algorithm for Person-Following Autonomous Robots
Authors: Sierra-García J. Enrique , Fernández-Rodríguez Víctor , Santos Matilde , Quevedo Eduardo
Published: May 2023

Automatic guided vehicles, in particular, and industrial autonomous mobile robots, in general, are commonly used to automate intralogistics processes. However, there are certain logistic tasks, such as picking objects of variable sizes, shapes, and physical characteristics, that are very difficult to handle fully automatically. In these cases, the collaboration between humans and autonomous robots has been proven key for the efficiency of industrial processes and other applications. To this aim, it is necessary to develop person-following robot solutions. In this work, we propose a fully autonomously controlling autonomous robotic interaction for environments with unknown objects based on real experiments. To do so, we have developed an active tracking system and a control algorithm to implement the person-following strategy on a real industrial automatic-guided vehicle. The algorithm analyzes the cloud of points measured by light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor to detect and track the target. From this scan, it estimates the speed of the target to obtain the speed reference value and calculates the direction of the reference by a pure-pursuit algorithm. In addition, to enhance the robustness of the solution, spatial and temporal filters have been implemented to discard obstacles and detect crossings between humans and the automatic industrial vehicle. Static and dynamic test campaigns have been carried out to experimentally validate this approach with the real industrial autonomous-guided vehicle and a safety LIDAR.
Thermodynamic and Experimental Substantiation of the Possibility of Formation and Extraction of Organometallic Compounds as Indicators of Deep Naphthogenesis
Authors: Aleksandrova Tatiana , Nikolaeva Nadezhda , Kuznetsov Valentin
Published: May 2023

In this article, typomorphic associations of microelements in carbonaceous caustobioliths and oils are defined as indicators of naphthogenesis based on the analytical survey of the literature and our own research. Various approaches to the studying of crude oil genesis from the position of abiotic and complex approaches (polygenesis) are considered. Such approaches are relevant to the prospect and development of offshore oil deposits, localized at ultra-deep levels. For deep deposits, the most prominent hypothesis of oil origin is the abiogenious theory. In the foundation of that approach lays the assumption that hydrocarbons are formed mainly due to reactions of the formed mantle gases and the host rock. Key factors for these reactions to proceed are specific conditions concerning temperature, pressure, and specific catalysts. The article presents the results of thermodynamic and quantum-chemical modeling of the possibility of the organic and organometallic compound formation using the software package HSC Chemistry 6.0. Pointed out the possibility of a low molecular weight hydrocarbon formation due to the contact of ascending flows of mantle gases with cooling natural barriers. The primary synthesis proceeds with the interaction of fluid forms of H2, CO2, and H2S. The estimation of the bonding energy depending on the structure of organometallic compounds was performed using the Avogadro software package. The program used the method of bond potential energy minimization to find the most stable structure of molecules. The metals nickel and vanadium, as the main companion metals of oil, are of the most interest from the position of analysis of their form of existence in the possible formation of hydrocarbons. Vanadium’s and nickel’s accumulation in asphaltene fractions of oils, probably, is caused by complex compounds of metalloporphyrin’s formation. In addition, the high sulfur content is probably associated with polymerization of organic molecules due to the formation of di-sulphide bonds. The method of cavitation extraction of organometallic compounds from oil and complex mineral–oil raw materials has been developed for experimental confirmation of microelements the extraction capability from oil raw materials.
Toward an SDN-Based Web Application Firewall: Defending against SQL Injection Attacks
Authors: Alotaibi Fahad M. , Vassilakis Vassilios G.
Published: May 2023

Web attacks pose a significant threat to enterprises, as attackers often target web applications first. Various solutions have been proposed to mitigate and reduce the severity of these threats, such as web application firewalls (WAFs). On the other hand, software-defined networking (SDN) technology has significantly improved network management and operation by providing centralized control for network administrators. In this work, we investigated the possibility of using SDN to implement a firewall capable of detecting and blocking web attacks. As a proof of concept, we designed and implemented a WAF to detect a known web attack, specifically SQL injection. Our design utilized two detection methods: signatures and regular expressions. The experimental results demonstrate that the SDN controller can successfully function as a WAF and detect SQL injection attacks. Furthermore, we implemented and compared ModSecurity, a traditional WAF, with our proposed SDN-based WAF. The results reveal that our system is more efficient in terms of TCP ACK latency, while ModSecurity exhibits a slightly lower overhead on the controller.
Genes Participating in the Ensheathment of Neurons Are Affected by Postnatal Stress and Maternal Immune Activation in the Pituitary Gland
Authors: Alsegehy Samah , Southey Bruce R. , Rund Laurie , Johnson Rodney W. , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L.
Published: May 2023

Immune challenges during gestation are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and can interact with stress later in life. The pituitary gland participates in endocrine- and immune-related processes that influence development, growth, and reproduction and can modulate physiological and behavioral responses to challenges. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of stressors at different time points on the molecular mechanisms of the pituitary gland and detect sex differences. RNA sequencing was used to profile the pituitary glands of female and male pigs exposed to weaning stress and virally induced maternal immune activation (MIA), relative to unchallenged groups. Significant effects (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.05) of MIA and weaning stress were detected in 1829 and 1014 genes, respectively. Of these, 1090 genes presented significant interactions between stressors and sex. The gene ontology biological process of the ensheathment of neurons (GO:0007272), substance abuse, and immuno-related pathways, including the measles disease (ssc05162), encompasses many genes with profiles impacted by MIA and weaning stress. A gene network analysis highlighted the under-expression of myelin protein zero (Mpz) and inhibitors of DNA binding 4 (Id4) among the non-stressed males exposed to MIA, relative to the control and non-MIA males exposed to weaning stress, relative to non-stressed pigs. The detection of changes in the molecular mechanisms of the pituitary gland could advance our understanding of disruptions in the formation of the myelin sheath and the transmission of neuron-to-neuron signals in behavioral disorders associated with maternal immune activation and stress.
Deciphering the Genetic Code of Autoimmune Kidney Diseases
Authors: Huang Stephanie U-Shane , Kulatunge Oneli , O’Sullivan Kim Maree
Published: May 2023

Autoimmune kidney diseases occur due to the loss of tolerance to self-antigens, resulting in inflammation and pathological damage to the kidneys. This review focuses on the known genetic associations of the major autoimmune kidney diseases that result in the development of glomerulonephritis: lupus nephritis (LN), anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic associated vasculitis (AAV), anti-glomerular basement disease (also known as Goodpasture’s disease), IgA nephropathy (IgAN), and membranous nephritis (MN). Genetic associations with an increased risk of disease are not only associated with polymorphisms in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) II region, which governs underlying processes in the development of autoimmunity, but are also associated with genes regulating inflammation, such as NFkB, IRF4, and FC γ receptors (FCGR). Critical genome-wide association studies are discussed both to reveal similarities in gene polymorphisms between autoimmune kidney diseases and to explicate differential risks in different ethnicities. Lastly, we review the role of neutrophil extracellular traps, critical inducers of inflammation in LN, AAV, and anti-GBM disease, where inefficient clearance due to polymorphisms in DNase I and genes that regulate neutrophil extracellular trap production are associated with autoimmune kidney diseases.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the VQ Motif-Containing Gene Family Based on Their Evolution and Expression Analysis under Abiotic Stress and Hormone Treatments in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)
Authors: Liu Meiling , Li Cong , Li Yuntong , An Yingtai , Ruan Xiaoxi , Guo Yicheng , Dong Xiaomei , Ruan Yanye
Published: May 2023

Valine–glutamine (VQ) motif-containing proteins are transcriptional regulatory cofactors that play critical roles in plant growth and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, information on the VQ gene family in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is currently limited. In this study, a total of 32 SiVQ genes were identified in foxtail millet and classified into seven groups (I–VII), based on the constructed phylogenetic relationships; the protein-conserved motif showed high similarity within each group. Gene structure analysis showed that most SiVQs had no introns. Whole-genome duplication analysis revealed that segmental duplications contributed to the expansion of the SiVQ gene family. The cis-element analysis demonstrated that growth and development, stress response, and hormone-response-related cis-elements were all widely distributed in the promoters of the SiVQs. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that the expression of most SiVQ genes was induced by abiotic stress and phytohormone treatments, and seven SiVQ genes showed significant upregulation under both abiotic stress and phytohormone treatments. A potential interaction network between SiVQs and SiWRKYs was predicted. This research provides a basis to further investigate the molecular function of VQs in plant growth and abiotic stress responses.
Leveraging Integrated Primary Care to Enhance the Health System Response to IPV: Moving toward Primary Prevention Primary Care
Authors: Trabold Nicole , King Paul R. , Crasta Dev , Iverson Katherine M. , Crane Cory A. , Buckheit Katherine , Bosco Stephen C. , Funderburk Jennifer S.
Published: May 2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prominent public health problem in the United States, with significant health impacts that are often severe and persistent. Healthcare systems have been called upon to improve both the systematic identification and treatment of IPV largely by adopting secondary and tertiary prevention efforts. Research to date demonstrates both benefits and challenges with the current strategies employed. In this paper, we summarize current knowledge about the healthcare system’s response to IPV and evaluate the strengths, limitations, and opportunities. We offer recommendations to broaden the continuum of healthcare resources to address IPV, which include a population health approach to primary prevention.
Predictive Value of MUC5AC Signature in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Hypothesis Based on Preclinical Evidence
Authors: Manne Ashish , Kasi Anup , Esnakula Ashwini Kumar , Paluri Ravi Kumar
Published: May 2023

Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) glycoprotein plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis and drug sensitivity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), both individually and in combination with other mucins. Its function and localization are glycoform-specific. The immature isoform (detected by the CLH2 monoclonal antibody, or mab) is usually in the perinuclear (cytoplasmic) region, while the mature (45 M1, 2-11, Nd2) variants are in apical and extracellular regions. There is preclinical evidence suggesting that mature MUC5AC has prognostic and predictive (response to treatment) value. However, these findings were not validated in clinical studies. We propose a MUC5AC signature with three components of MUC5AC—localization, variant composition, and intensity—suggesting a reliable marker in combination of variants than with individual MUC5AC variants alone. We also postulate a theory to explain the occurrence of different MUC5AC variants in abnormal pancreatic lesions (benign, precancerous, and cancerous). We also analyzed the effect of mature MUC5AC on sensitivity to drugs often used in PDAC management, such as gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, cisplatin, and paclitaxel. We found preliminary evidence of its predictive value, but there is a need for large-scale studies to validate them.