bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Dual-Function Nitric Oxide Donor Therapy for Preeclampsia—A Proof-of-Principle Study in a Murine Model
Authors: Pintye Diana , Sziva Réka E. , Biwer Lauren A. , Karreci Esilida Sula , Jacas Sonako , Mastyugin Maxim , Török Marianna , Young Brett C. , Jagtap Prakash , Southan Garry J. , Jaffe Iris Z. , Zsengellér Zsuzsanna K.
Published: November 2023

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality for the mother and fetus. Reduced nitric oxide bioavailability and oxidative stress contribute to the maternal and fetal pathophysiology of PE. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a novel dual-function nitric oxide donor/redox modulator, AKT-1005, in reducing PE symptoms in a mouse model of PE. Method: The potential therapeutic effect of AKT-1005 was tested in an animal model of Ad.sFlt-1-induced hypertension, proteinuria and glomerular endotheliosis, a model of PE. Pregnant Ad.sFlt-1-overexpressing CD1 mice were randomized into groups administered AKT-1005 (20 mg/kg) or a vehicle using a minipump on gd11 of pregnancy, and the impact on blood pressure and renal and placental damage were assessed. Results: In healthy female mice, ex vivo treatment of resistance vessels with AKT-1005 induced vasorelaxation, and 6 days of treatment in vivo did not significantly alter blood pressure with or without pregnancy. When given for 6 days during pregnancy along with Ad.sFlt-1-induced PE, AKT-1005 significantly increased plasma nitrate levels and reduced hypertension, renal endotheliosis and plasma cystatin C. In the placenta, AKT-1005 improved placental function, with reduced oxidative stress and increased endothelial angiogenesis, as measured by CD31 staining. As such, AKT-1005 treatment attenuated the Ad.sFlt-1-induced increase in placental and free plasma soluble endoglin expression. Conclusions: These data suggest that AKT-1005 significantly attenuates the sFlt-1-induced PE phenotypes by inhibiting oxidative stress, the anti-angiogenic response, and increasing NO bioavailability. Additional research is warranted to investigate the role of AKT-1005 as a novel therapeutic agent for vascular disorders such as preeclampsia.
An Algorithm Developed for Smallsats Accurately Retrieves Landsat Surface Reflectance Using Scene Statistics
Authors: Groeneveld David P. , Ruggles Timothy A.
Published: November 2023

Closed-form Method for Atmospheric Correction (CMAC) is software that overcomes radiative transfer method problems for smallsat surface reflectance retrieval: unknown sensor radiance responses because onboard monitors are omitted to conserve size/weight, and ancillary data availability that delays processing by days. CMAC requires neither and retrieves surface reflectance in near real time, first mapping the atmospheric effect across the image as an index (Atm-I) from scene statistics, then reversing these effects with a closed-form linear model that has precedence in the literature. Five consistent-reflectance area-of-interest targets on thirty-one low-to-moderate Atm-I images were processed by CMAC and LaSRC. CMAC retrievals accurately matched LaSRC with nearly identical error profiles. CMAC and LaSRC output for paired images of low and high Atm-I were then compared for three additional consistent-reflectance area-of-interest targets. Three indices were calculated from the extracted reflectance: NDVI calculated with red (standard) and substitutions with blue and green. A null hypothesis for competent retrieval would show no difference. The pooled error for the three indices (n = 9) was 0–3% for CMAC, 6–20% for LaSRC, and 13–38% for uncorrected top-of-atmosphere results, thus demonstrating both the value of atmospheric correction and, especially, the stability of CMAC for machine analysis and AI application under increasing Atm-I from climate change-driven wildfires.
Switchable Fiber Ring Laser Sensor for Air Pressure Based on Mach–Zehnder Interferometer
Authors: Perez-Guzman Adalberto , Estudillo-Ayala Julian M. , Jauregui-Vazquez Daniel , Hernandez-Garcia Juan C. , Martin-Vela Javier A. , Lozano-Hernandez Tania , Filoteo-Razo Jose D. , Sierra-Hernandez Juan M. , Rojas-Laguna Roberto
Published: November 2023

This work shows a study of pressure gas sensing using an optical fiber interferometer inside a gas cell; here, a thin-core fiber modal interferometer (TCFMI) is fabricated using two distinct types of fiber, a single-mode fiber (SMF model 1060XP) and thin-core fiber (TCF model 460 HP). This interferometric structure is set into a ring fiber laser with an ytterbium-doped fiber (YDF) pumped with a 980 nm laser diode. The TCFMI interference spectrum shows wavelength shifting and amplitude variations as the chamber pressure is altered in the range of 5 to 40 PSI; these changes control the ring fiber laser cavity response linearly and lead to good stability in its wavelength operation in a range of 30 nm. The proposed interferometer operates as a wavelength-selective filter in the fiber ring laser cavity. The single laser emission shows a side mode suppression ratio of 34.17 dB. The fiber ring laser is a reliable alternative for air pressure sensing applications.
Characterizing the Vibration Responses of Flexible Workpieces during the Turning Process for Quality Control
Authors: Li Chun , Zou Zhexiang , Duan Wenbo , Liu Jiajie , Gu Fengshou , Ball Andrew David
Published: November 2023

The chatter that occurs during the turning operation, especially when cutting a slender and flexible shaft, determines the surface quality of the workpiece and the stability of the machining system. However, when building a dynamic model of a slender workpiece with a chuck and tailstock, it is generally regarded as a cantilever or simply supported beam, without consideration of the axial force and supported stiffness effect. In this work, a dynamic model for thin and flexible workpieces with different clamping boundary conditions was first built. Then, a finite element analysis (FEA) was used to study the influence of the axial force and supporting stiffness on the mode frequencies of the workpiece. A further analysis found that the relationship between support stiffness, axial force, and the dynamic response of the workpiece is nonlinear and far more complex than that of the simply supported beam model. The clamping force directly influenced the magnitude of the vibration response with the decrease of shaft stiffness during the turning process. These results were verified experimentally by measuring the vibrational response of slender shafts with different clamping modes using an on-rotor sensing (ORS) system. It proved that the proposed model shows advantages for the identification of dynamic vibration and quality control when machining slender workpieces.
Comparison of Single and Dual Coherent Blades for a Vertical Axis Carousel Wind Rotor Using CFD and Wind Tunnel Testing
Authors: Augustyn Marcin , Lisowski Filip
Published: November 2023

This paper focused on the investigation of the blades for a carousel rotor of a wind turbine with a vertical axis. Cross sections of the single coherent (SC) and the dual coherent (DC) blades were compared in terms of the aerodynamic forces and aerodynamic torque generated during rotor operation for various wind attack angles. The design of the DC blade is novelty proposed by the authors. The main objective of the study was to determine the influence of the blade cross-section on the propelling torque of a wind turbine with three blades, which is an important parameter for rotor starting. First, experimental studies were carried out in a wind tunnel for real-size blade models. A CFD analysis of the airflow around the blades was then conducted. The obtained results were used to evaluate the suitability of applying the studied blade types in the design of the carousel wind rotor. The assessment compared the drag force and the lift force as well as aerodynamic torque as a function of a wind attack angle. It was concluded that the rotor with three DC blades involved mainly the drag force in contrast to the rotor with three SC blades that also involved the lift force to a greater extent. Despite the rotor with DC blades obtained greater values of the drag forces on the blades, the rotor with SC blades obtained a greater starting torque.
Coupled Thermo-Mechanical Phase-Field Modeling to Simulate the Crack Evolution of Defective Ceramic Materials under Flame Thermal Shock
Authors: Wang Zai , Zhang Shi Yi , Shen Qiang
Published: November 2023

Crack propagation in ceramics is a highly quick, complex, and nonlinear process that occurs under thermal shock. It is challenging to directly observe the evolution process of cracks in experiments due to the high speed and unpredictability of crack propagation. Based on the phase-field fracture method, a phase-field numerical model combined with thermal and mechanical damage is established to analyze the crack propagation path, velocity, and morphology of pre-cracked ceramic plates under flame thermal shock loading. This research primarily focuses on the impact of prefabricated crack angle and length on crack propagation. According to the findings of the numerical simulation, ceramic plates with varied prefabricated crack angles are loaded via flame thermal shock, and thermal stress is caused by the rapid rise in the temperature difference between the top edge and the inside of the ceramic plate. Hence, the crack propagation rate seems to be quick at first, and then, slows down when the wing-like cracks at the crack tips spread to both ends. The crack tip on the side closer to the flame thermal loading is more likely to generate wing-shaped cracks as the length of the pre-existing crack increases. However, the crack tip on the side further away from the flame thermal loading exhibits the reverse tendency. The complex evolution process of crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence in ceramic materials brought on by flame thermal shock can be predicted by the thermo-mechanical coupled phase-field model, which is a valuable reference for designing and optimizing the thermal shock resistance and mechanical failure prediction of ceramic materials.
IntelliTrace: Intelligent Contact Tracing Method Based on Transmission Characteristics of Infectious Disease
Authors: Yang Soorim , Kim Kyoung-Hwan , Jeong Hye-Ryeong , Lee Seokjun , Kim Jaeho
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the necessity for rapid contact tracing as a means to effectively suppress the spread of infectious diseases. Existing contact tracing methods leverage location-based or distance-based detection to identify contact with a confirmed patient. Existing contact tracing methods have encountered challenges in practical applications, stemming from the tendency to classify even casual contacts, which carry a low risk of infection, as close contacts. This issue arises because the transmission characteristics of the virus have not been fully considered. This study addresses the above problem by proposing IntelliTrace, an intelligent method that introduces methodological innovations prioritizing shared environmental context over physical proximity. This approach more accurately assesses potential transmission events by considering the transmission characteristics of the virus, with a special focus on COVID-19. In this study, we present space-based indoor Wi-Fi contact tracing using machine learning for indoor environments and trajectory-based outdoor GPS contact tracing for outdoor environments. For an indoor environment, a contact is detected based on whether users are in the same space with the confirmed case. For an outdoor environment, we detect contact through judgments based on the companion statuses of people, such as the same movements in their trajectories. The datasets obtained from 28 participants who installed the smartphone application during a one-month experiment in a campus space were utilized to train and validate the performance of the proposed exposure-detection method. As a result of the experiment, IntelliTrace exhibited an F1 score performance of 86.84% in indoor environments and 94.94% in outdoor environments.
Impacts of Radar Data Assimilation on the Forecast of “12.8” Extreme Rainstorm in Central China (2021)
Authors: He Zhixin , Ye Jinyin , Li Zhijia , Lin Chunze , Song Lixin
Published: November 2023

Dual-polarization radar data are useful for numerical models to improve precipitation forecasts. For an extremely heavy precipitation event that occurred in Central China on 11 August 2021, the hydrometeor concentration and water vapor content used in the initial field of the Weather Research and Forecasting (version 4.1) model are retrieved by the statistical relationship of relative humidity with dual-polarization radar reflectivity in Suizhou City of Central China. Three experiments are conducted, and the simulation results are compared after assimilating the radar data. The results indicate that the multiple factors contributing to this extreme heavy precipitation event included the divergence of upper-level airflows, the middle- and low-level low vortex/shear, the easterly jet stream in front of the low vortex, and the continuous intrusion of cold air on the ground. In addition, with the retrieval of the hydrometeor concentration and water vapor content, the composite reflectivity forecast results are more similar to the observations. Also, the location and intensity of the short-term extremely heavy precipitation event are less different from the observations. In addition, by cyclically adjusting the hydrometeor concentration and water vapor content in the initial field, we can obtain better forecasts of the reflectivity and short-term extremely heavy precipitation, and this improvement can be maintained for approximately 3 h.
State of the Art in Immersive Interactive Technologies for Surgery Simulation: A Review and Prospective
Authors: Deng Zihan , Xiang Nan , Pan Junjun
Published: November 2023

Immersive technologies have thrived on a strong foundation of software and hardware, injecting vitality into medical training. This surge has witnessed numerous endeavors incorporating immersive technologies into surgery simulation for surgical skills training, with a growing number of researchers delving into this domain. Relevant experiences and patterns need to be summarized urgently to enable researchers to establish a comprehensive understanding of this field, thus promoting its continuous growth. This study provides a forward-looking perspective by reviewing the latest development of immersive interactive technologies for surgery simulation. The investigation commences from a technological standpoint, delving into the core aspects of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies, namely, haptic rendering and tracking. Subsequently, we summarize recent work based on the categorization of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open surgery simulations. Finally, the study showcases the impressive performance and expansive potential of immersive technologies in surgical simulation while also discussing the current limitations. We find that the design of interaction and the choice of immersive technology in virtual surgery development should be closely related to the corresponding interactive operations in the real surgical speciality. This alignment facilitates targeted technological adaptations in the direction of greater applicability and fidelity of simulation.
Deep Learning Approaches for Quantifying Ventilation Defects in Hyperpolarized Gas Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lung: A Review
Authors: Babaeipour Ramtin , Ouriadov Alexei , Fox Matthew S.
Published: November 2023

This paper provides an in-depth overview of Deep Neural Networks and their application in the segmentation and analysis of lung Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, specifically focusing on hyperpolarized gas MRI and the quantification of lung ventilation defects. An in-depth understanding of Deep Neural Networks is presented, laying the groundwork for the exploration of their use in hyperpolarized gas MRI and the quantification of lung ventilation defects. Five distinct studies are examined, each leveraging unique deep learning architectures and data augmentation techniques to optimize model performance. These studies encompass a range of approaches, including the use of 3D Convolutional Neural Networks, cascaded U-Net models, Generative Adversarial Networks, and nnU-net for hyperpolarized gas MRI segmentation. The findings highlight the potential of deep learning methods in the segmentation and analysis of lung MRI scans, emphasizing the need for consensus on lung ventilation segmentation methods.
Cardiac-Targeting Peptide: From Discovery to Applications
Authors: Sahagun Daniella , Zahid Maliha
Published: November 2023

Despite significant strides in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, cardiovascular diseases remain the number one cause of mortality in the United States, with rates climbing at an alarming rate in the developing world. Targeted delivery of therapeutics to the heart has been a lofty goal to achieve with strategies ranging from direct intra-cardiac or intra-pericardial delivery, intra-coronary infusion, to adenoviral, lentiviral, and adeno-associated viral vectors which have preference, if not complete cardio-selectivity, for cardiac tissue. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) are 5–30-amino-acid-long peptides that are able to breach cell membrane barriers while carrying cargoes up to several times their size, in an intact functional form. Identified nearly three decades ago, the first of these CPPs came from the HIV coat protein transactivator of transcription. Although a highly efficient CPP, its clinical utility is limited by its robust ability to cross any cell membrane barrier, including crossing the blood–brain barrier and transducing neuronal tissue non-specifically. Several strategies have been utilized to identify cell- or tissue-specific CPPs, one of which is phage display. Using this latter technique, we identified a cardiomyocyte-targeting peptide (CTP) more than a decade ago, a finding that has been corroborated by several independent labs across the world that have utilized CTP for a myriad of different purposes in pre-clinical animal models. The goal of this publication is to provide a comprehensive review of the identification, validation, and application of CTP, and outline its potential in diagnostic and therapeutic applications especially in the field of targeted RNA interference.
Role of Fish Oil in Preventing Paternal Obesity and Improving Offspring Skeletal Muscle Health
Authors: Xiong Ligeng , Dorus Stephen , Ramalingam Latha
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the effects of fish oil supplementation during the periconceptional period in male mice. Specifically, it examines the impact of fish oil on intergenerational health, as determined by skeletal muscle markers. To mimic paternal obesity, thirty mice were separated into three groups with distinct dietary regimes for 10 weeks: a high-fat diet (HF), a high-fat diet supplemented with fish oil (FO), and a low-fat diet (LF). Then, these mice mated with control female mice. Dams and offspring consumed a chow diet during gestation and lactation, and the offspring continued on a chow diet. To study short-term (8 weeks) and long-term (16 weeks) effects of FO, skeletal muscle was isolated at the time of sacrifice, and gene analyses were performed. Results suggest that offspring born to FO-supplemented sires exhibited a significant, short-term upregulation of genes associated with insulin signaling, fatty acid oxidation, and skeletal muscle growth with significant downregulation of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis at 8 weeks. Prominent differences in the above markers were observed at 8 weeks compared to 16 weeks. These findings suggest the potential benefits of FO supplementation for fathers during the periconceptional period in reducing the health risks of offspring due to paternal obesity.
Analyses of the Chemical Composition of Plasma-Activated Water and Its Potential Applications for Vaginal Health
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jin , Shin Hyun-A , Chung Woo-Kyung , Om Ae-Son , Jeon Areum , Kang Eun-Kyung , An Wen , Kang Ju-Seop
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to elucidate the unique chemical compositions of plasma-activated water (PAW) and the potential antibacterial efficacy of PAW as a novel vaginal cleanser. We analyzed the ion compositions (four anions: F−, Cl−, NO3−, SO42−; five cations: Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) of several formulations of PAW generated at different electrical powers (12 and 24 V) at various treatment time points (1, 10, and 20 min), and stay durations (immediate, 30, and 60 min). As treatment duration increased, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), Ca2+, and Mg2+ concentrations increased and Cl− concentration decreased. Higher electrical power and longer treatment duration resulted in increased HOCl levels, which acts to prevent the growth of general microorganisms. Notably, PAW had no antibacterial effects against the probiotic, Lactobacillus reuteri, which produces lactic acid and is important for vaginal health. These findings indicate that PAW contains HOCl and some cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+), which should help protect against pathogens of the vaginal mucosa and have a cleansing effect within the vaginal environment while not harming beneficial bacteria.
Sensory Reweighting for Postural Control in Older Adults with Age-Related Hearing Loss
Authors: Behtani Lydia , Paromov Daniel , Moïn-Darbari Karina , Houde Marie-Soleil , Bacon Benoit Antoine , Maheu Maxime , Leroux Tony , Champoux François
Published: November 2023

There is growing evidence linking hearing impairments and the deterioration of postural stability in older adults. To our knowledge, however, no study to date has investigated the effect of age-related hearing loss on the sensory reweighting process during postural control. In the absence of data, much is unknown about the possible mechanisms, both deleterious and compensatory, that could underly the deterioration of postural control following hearing loss in the elderly. The aim of this study was to empirically examine sensory reweighting for postural control in older adults with age-related hearing loss as compared to older adults with normal hearing. The center of pressure of all participants was recorded using a force platform and the modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance protocol. The results suggest that individuals with age-related hearing loss displayed increased somatosensory reliance relative to normal hearing younger adults. This increased reliance on somatosensory input does not appear to be effective in mitigating the loss of postural control, probably due to the concomitant deterioration of tactile and proprioceptive sensitivity and acuity associated with aging. Beyond helping to further define the role of auditory perception in postural control, these results further the understanding of sensory-related mechanisms associated with postural instability in older adults.
Changes in Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Plasma Amyloid-Beta Protein in Subjective Cognitive Decline
Authors: Xu Qiaoqiao , Yang Jiajia , Cheng Fang , Ning Zhiwen , Xi Chunhua , Sun Zhongwu
Published: November 2023

The association between plasma amyloid-beta protein (Aβ) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) remains controversial. We aimed to explore the correlation between neuroimaging findings, plasma Aβ, and neuropsychological scales using data from 53 SCD patients and 46 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to obtain neuroimaging data for a whole-brain voxel-based morphometry analysis and cortical functional network topological features. The SCD group had slightly lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores than the HC group. The Aβ42 levels were significantly higher in the SCD group than in the HC group (p < 0.05). The SCD patients demonstrated reduced volumes in the left hippocampus, right rectal gyrus (REC.R), and right precentral gyrus (PreCG.R); an increased percentage fluctuation in the left thalamus (PerAF); and lower average small-world coefficient (aSigma) and average global efficiency (aEg) values. Correlation analyses with Aβ and neuropsychological scales revealed significant positive correlations between the volumes of the HIP.L, REC.R, PreCG.R, and MoCA scores. The HIP.L volume and Aβ42 were negatively correlated, as were the REC.R volume and Aβ42/40. PerAF and aSigma were negatively and positively correlated with the MoCA scores, respectively. The aEg was positively correlated with Aβ42/40. SCD patients may exhibit alterations in plasma biomarkers and multi-parameter MRI that resemble those observed in Alzheimer’s disease, offering a theoretical foundation for early clinical intervention in SCD.
The Role of In-Group and Out-Group Facial Feedback in Implicit Rule Learning
Authors: Ou Meijun , Peng Wenjie , Zhang Wenyang , Ouyang Muxin , Liu Yiling , Lu Keming , Zeng Xiangyan , Yuan Jie
Published: November 2023

Implicit learning refers to the fact that people acquire new knowledge (structures or rules) without conscious awareness. Previous studies have shown that implicit learning is affected by feedback. However, few studies have investigated the role of social feedback in implicit learning concretely. Here, we conducted two experiments to explore how in-group and out-group facial feedback impact different difficulty levels of implicit rule learning. In Experiment 1, the Chinese participants in each group could only see one type of facial feedback, i.e., either in-group (East Asian) or out-group (Western) faces, and learned the implicit rule through happy and sad facial expressions. The only difference between Experiment 2 and Experiment 1 was that the participants saw both the in-group and out-group faces before group assignment to strengthen the contrast between the two group identities. The results showed that only in Experiment 2 but not Experiment 1 was there a significant interaction effect in the accuracy of tasks between the difficulty levels and groups. For the lowest difficulty level, the learning accuracy of the in-group facial feedback group was significantly higher than that of the out-group facial feedback group, whereas this did not happen at the two highest levels of difficulty. In conclusion, when the contrast of group identities was highlighted, out-group feedback reduced the accuracy of the least difficult task; on the contrary, there was no accuracy difference between out-group and in-group feedback conditions. These findings have extensively important implications for our understanding of implicit learning and improving teaching achievement in the context of educational internationalization.
Failure Mode Identification and Shear Strength Prediction of Rectangular Hollow RC Columns Using Novel Hybrid Machine Learning Models
Authors: Tran Viet-Linh , Lee Tae-Hyung , Nguyen Duy-Duan , Nguyen Trong-Ha , Vu Quang-Viet , Phan Huy-Thien
Published: November 2023

Failure mode identification and shear strength prediction are critical issues in designing reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Nevertheless, specific guidelines for identifying the failure modes and for accurate predictions of the shear strength of rectangular hollow RC columns are not provided in design codes. This study develops hybrid machine learning (ML) models to accurately identify the failure modes and precisely predict the shear strength of rectangular hollow RC columns. For this purpose, 121 experimental results of such columns are collected from the literature. Eight widely used ML models are employed to identify the failure modes and predict the shear strength of the column. The moth-flame optimization (MFO) algorithm and five-fold cross-validation are utilized to fine-tune the hyperparameters of the ML models. Additionally, seven empirical formulas are adopted to evaluate the performance of regression ML models in predicting the shear strength. The results reveal that the hybrid MFO-extreme gradient boosting (XGB) model outperforms others in both classifying the failure modes (accuracy of 93%) and predicting the shear strength (R2 = 0.996) of hollow RC columns. Additionally, the results indicate that the MFO-XGB model is more accurate than the empirical models for shear strength prediction. Moreover, the effect of input parameters on the failure modes and shear strength is investigated using the Shapley Additive exPlanations method. Finally, an efficient web application is developed for users who want to use the results of this study or update a new dataset.
Analysis of Energy Reduction and Energy Self-Sufficiency Improvement Effects by Applying a Bidirectional Reflectance PV Array with Integrated External Shading at a School Building
Authors: Lee Keon Ho , Song Young-Hak
Published: November 2023

In South Korea, the introduction of new and renewable energy in the building sector has been promoted through various policies since the early 2000s. As a result, solar photovoltaics (PV), which are mostly applied to the rooftops of buildings, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), which are installed on the elevated surfaces of buildings, have been applied to various sites with subsidies. Renewable energy will be mandatory for all buildings from 2025. In general, the power generation efficiency of PV panels varies depending on the installation angle. According to Korean standards, the power generation efficiency is 100% for an installation on a 30° slope, 90% for a horizontal installation, and 70% for a vertical installation. This study proposes a BIPV that improves the power generation efficiency using the unique reflectance of PV panel surfaces made of glass and a bidirectional reflectance PV array. This new type of BIPV structure improves the power generation efficiency and reduces the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) as it protrudes over the windows, providing external shading. It is defined as bidirectional reflectance PV (BRPV), and its performance is evaluated. The effects of applying BRPVs (48 KW by 160 PV Panels with 300 W) to a school building with a fixed slope PV on the rooftop were calculated based on annual measurement results, and it was found that the energy independence rate of the building increased from 34.1 to 65.8%.
Residual Flexural Performance of Double-Layer Steel–RLHDC Composite Panels after Impact
Authors: Huang Zhenyu , Zhao Xiaolong , Guo Yutao , Liu Xiangqian
Published: November 2023

The mechanical behavior of steel–concrete–steel (SCS) sandwich composite structures under low- or high-velocity impact loading has garnered increasing attention from researchers in recent decades. However, to date, limited effort has been dedicated to studying the residual resistance of SCS sandwich composite structures following impact damage. In a previous investigation, the authors developed a rubberized lightweight high-ductility cement composite (RLHDC) for implementation in double-layer steel–RLHDC–steel composite panels and examined the dynamic response of these panels under impact. To further explore the residual performance of impact-damaged composite panels, the present study conducts flexural tests on nine such panels. The study quantifies and analyzes the effects of various connector types, connector spacing, number of concrete layers, rubber powder content, and number of impacts on the residual flexural resistance of the impact-damaged composite panels. Detailed analysis is conducted on the failure modes, load–displacement curves, strain curves, and load–slip curves of the impact-damaged specimens. The test results reveal that the impact-damaged composite panels experience flexural failure with bond slip under static load. The residual flexural performance is found to be sensitive to the number of concrete layers and number of impacts. Finite element (FE) simulations are performed using LS-DYNA to investigate the residual flexural behavior of the impact-damaged composite panels. The restart method is employed in the simulations to mimic the post-impact static loading scenario. The agreement between the FE results and the experimental findings validates the model and provides a straightforward and effective approach for studying the residual performance of composite structures. An expanded parameter analysis leveraging the calibrated FE model indicates that the steel plate’s thickness and strength predominantly influence the composite panel’s residual resistance, whereas the influence from concrete strength proves less consequential.
The Effect of Printing Direction on the Strength Characteristics of a 3D Printed Concrete Wall Section
Authors: Põldaru Mattias , Tammkõrv Karl , Tuisk Tanel , Kiviste Mihkel , Puust Raido
Published: November 2023

Digital construction is expected to reduce the high volume of waste and the labour shortage in the construction sector. The properties of hardened concrete used in 3D printing depend on numerous parameters within the manufacturing process. This study collected data using 208 specimens to measure the effect of the loading direction relative to the printing direction on the strength characteristics of printed concrete. The compressive strength was not significantly affected by the directions, but showed a 30% reduction from mould-casted strength due to lesser amount of compaction in the printing process. Flexural tensile strength showed a 14% reduction in one direction, possibly caused by heterogeneity due to the use of extrusion head with a 35% smaller diameter than the width of the layer. Splitting tensile strength was 14% lower when split between the printed layers. Splitting tensile strength is possibly 5% higher when PP fibres are oriented favourably.
Delivering Sustainability in the Italian N-E Built Environment and Construction Sector: A Conceptual Research Framework
Authors: Zatta Elisa , Condotta Massimiliano , Revellini Rosaria , Tatano Valeria
Published: November 2023

The main objective of this research is to describe a multidisciplinary investigation part of an ongoing research project. The contribution focuses on the identification and selection of innovative technologies and operative methodologies capable of fostering the sustainable innovation and resilience of the Italian N-E territory by addressing four challenges: energy transition, environmental challenges, adaptation to climate change, and digitalisation. The investigation devised an original conceptual research framework aiming to identify possible solutions and drawing a connection between them and the challenges, by considering the actions, the technological and methodological support, and, indirectly, the European and global policy objectives they help to reach. The research results are: (i) a definition of the four challenges in light of the built environment and construction sector; (ii) the conceptual research framework schema as a replicable instrument; (iii) its contextualization to the research scope; (iv) a preliminary list of technologies and methodologies supporting the sustainable innovation in the given territorial context; and (v) a ranking of the most promising solutions according to their effectiveness and application potential. The results highlight how, in the Italian N-E context, the solutions most effective in delivering sustainability and resilience are the ones operating in the built environment by preserving the built resources, mainly by addressing the building envelope and structure.
Analysis of the Water/Cement/Bentonite Ratio Used for Construction of Cut-Off Walls
Authors: Barbu Cristian-Ștefan , Sabău Andrei-Dan , Manoli Daniel-Marcel , Șerbulea Manole-Stelian , Erbașu Ruxandra , Țăpuși Daniela , Szlachetka Olga , Dzięcioł Justyna , Baryła Anna , Dohojda Marek , Sas Wojciech
Published: November 2023

In recent years, because of the continuous expansion of urban areas, an increased necessity to isolate historically polluted sites by means of artificial, flexible, low-permeability barriers has emerged. Moreover, due to cost and efficiency considerations, various combinations of materials that fulfill the previously stated requirements have been proposed. On the basis of a literature review, this paper analyses the relationships between water, cement, and bentonite, and the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting material created in combination with standard sand introduced in the mixture using a ratio of 2:1 with respect to the solid part of the mixture (cement and bentonite). The quantity of standard sand was established following previous research conducted by the authors. The relation between water, cement, and bentonite is analyzed through properties such as viscosity, permeability, and undrained cohesion, and the representation of mixtures and their corresponding parameters was carried out using a ternary diagram. This paper provides a graphical approach to finding the optimum water/bentonite/cement mixture required for barrier design, taking into account permeability, undrained cohesion, and mixture viscosity.
Changes in Commerciality and Façades of Commercial Buildings in the Apgujeong Rodeo Area
Authors: Lee Jae-Young
Published: November 2023

This study aims to analyze the types of commercial buildings in the Apgujeong Rodeo area by focusing on their façades and identifying relationships between those façades, urban conditions, trends of the times, and the commerciality of the area. The Apgujeong Rodeo area underwent a transformation from a grid-pattern street and plotted residential area—developed in the 1970s and 1980s owing to the growth of Gangnam, Seoul—to an entertainment and consumption hub associated with beauty and fashion. This study considered the characteristics of Korean commercial architecture, characterized by ‘superficial characteristics’ influenced by small plots and legal regulations. A total of 112 buildings that had been renovated or newly constructed were analyzed based on the type of exterior material, tracking changes in façades accordingly. Furthermore, by examining the characteristics of the buildings’ façades, the types of stores within them, and insights from the architects of newly constructed buildings, it was determined that the commercial identity of the area is expressed through its façades. For instance, there were orderly buildings related to the beauty industry, reflective and uniquely designed clothing store buildings, discreet event venue structures, disorderly restaurant buildings, and entertainment structures, among others. The commercial expressions through façades, detached from the structures of the buildings, encapsulate the historical, economic, social, and cultural significance of the area’s urbanization and industrialization, reflecting broader societal meanings. Moreover, these expressions surpass the generalizations of the superficial characteristics of Korean commercial architecture to shape the distinct landscape and atmosphere of this area, setting it apart from other commercial areas in Seoul.
Garbled Circuits Reimagined: Logic Synthesis Unleashes Efficient Secure Computation
Authors: Yu Mingfei , Marakkalage Dewmini Sudara , De Micheli Giovanni
Published: November 2023

Garbled circuit (GC) is one of the few promising protocols to realize general-purpose secure computation. The target computation is represented by a Boolean circuit that is subsequently transformed into a network of encrypted tables for execution. The need for distributing GCs among parties, however, requires excessive data communication, called garbling cost, which bottlenecks system performance. Due to the zero garbling cost of XOR operations, existing works reduce garbling cost by representing the target computation as the XOR-AND graph (XAG) with minimal structural multiplicative complexity (MC). Starting with a thorough study of the cipher-text efficiency of different types of logic primitives, for the first time, we propose XOR-OneHot graph (X1G) as a suitable logic representation for the generation of low-cost GCs. Our contribution includes (a) an exact algorithm to synthesize garbling-cost-optimal X1G implementations for small-scale functions and (b) a set of logic optimization algorithms customized for X1Gs, which together form a robust optimization flow that delivers high-quality X1Gs for practical functions. The effectiveness of the proposals is evidenced by comprehensive evaluations: compared with the state of the art, 7.34%, 26.14%, 13.51%, and 4.34% reductions in garbling costs are achieved on average for the involved benchmark suites, respectively, with reasonable runtime overheads.
Recent Research on Indium-Gallium-Nitride-Based Light-Emitting Diodes: Growth Conditions and External Quantum Efficiency
Authors: Jafar Naveed , Jiang Jianliang , Lu Heng , Qasim Muhammad , Zhang Hengli
Published: November 2023

The optimization of the synthesis of III-V compounds is a crucial subject in enhancing the external quantum efficiency of blue LEDs, laser diodes, quantum-dot solar cells, and other devices. There are several challenges in growing high-quality InGaN materials, including the lattice mismatch between GaN and InGaN causing stress and piezoelectric polarization, the relatively high vapor pressure of InN compared to GaN, and the low level of incorporation of indium in InGaN materials. Furthermore, carrier delocalization, Shockley–Read–Hall recombination, auger recombination, and electron leakage in InGaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the main contributors to efficiency droop. The synthesis of high-quality III-V compounds can be achieved by optimizing growth parameters such as temperature, V/III ratios, growth rate, and pressure. By reducing the ammonia flow from 200 sccm to 50 sccm, increasing the growth rate from 0.1 to 1 m/h, and lowering the growth pressure from 250 to 150 Torr, the external quantum efficiency of III-V compounds can be improved at growth temperatures ranging from 800 °C to 500 °C. It is crucial to optimize the growth conditions to achieve high-quality materials. In addition, novel approaches such as adopting a microrod crystal structure, utilizing the piezo-phototronic effect, and depositing AlN/Al2O3 on top of the P-GaN and the electron-blocking layer can also contribute to improving the external quantum efficiency. The deposition of a multifunctional ultrathin layers of AlN/Al2O3 on top of the P-GaN can enhance the peak external quantum efficiency of InGaN blue LEDs by 29%, while the piezo-phototronic effect induced by a tensile strain of 2.04% results in a 183% increase in the relative electroluminescence intensity of the LEDs. This paper also discusses conventional and inverted p-i-n junction structures of LEDs.
An Integrative Approach for Identifying Quinquelaophonte (Harpacticoida, Laophontidae) Species from Korea with the Description of a New Species
Authors: Kim Jaehyun , Lee Wonchoel
Published: November 2023

Quinquelaophonte is a genus of laophontid harpacticoid, including 13 valid species around the world. Many of them are known to possess inter- and/or intra-individual variations in their swimming legs. During a survey of the meiofaunal biodiversity of Jeju Island in Korea, specimens of Quinquelaophonte were collected from an intertidal zone off the west coast of Jeju Island. This study examined the morphological characteristics and amplified partial sequence of four genes (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, COX1, and CYTB). As with other Quinquelaophonte species, specimens of this new species showed variability in the chaetotaxy of their swimming legs in both sexes. There was a setal arrangement pattern in females that could be considered a standard, whereas male individuals showed two sets of the chaetotaxy on the fourth swimming legs. The molecular data confirmed that individuals belonged to a single species, regardless of morphological variations. The result of the morphological comparison showed that the new Quinquelaohponte species shared some characteristics with congeneric species but included some specific morphological characters different from its congeners. The new species was named Quinquelaophonte sominer sp. nov. and was presented with detailed descriptions, illustrations, and confocal micrographs. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses were conducted using newly obtained data plus the sequences of other copepods and two Quinquelaophonte species. The result suggested that Q. sominer sp. nov. and two congeners were classified as branched lineages. This discovery brings the total number of species to three in the Northwest Pacific region.
SEM Evaluation of Marginal Adaptation E-Max Crowns Manufactured by Printing-Pressed and Milling
Authors: Ispas Ana , Moldovan Marioara , Cuc Stanca , Prodan Doina , Bacali Cecilia , Petean Ioan , Buduru Smaranda , Manziuc Manuela , Iosif Laura
Published: November 2023

Dental crown marginal adaptation is a matter of the success of dental restoration treatment. Nowadays, there are many technological ways for crown manufacturing, such as tridimensional printing of an exactly desired shape through CAD-assisted systems and the appropriate shape milling of a predesigned bulk crown. Both methods are developed for patient benefits. The current research aims to investigate the marginal adaptation of E-Max crowns manufactured by printing-pressed and milling methods. The in vitro cementation procedures were effectuated on healthy teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes according to the standard procedures and the marginal adaptation was investigated with SEM microscopy. The restoration overview was inspected at a magnification of 100× and the microstructural details at 400×. The integrity of marginal adaptation was properly inspected in identical samples on segments of 2 mm from each buccal, palatal, distal and mesial side. The obtained results reveal a good marginal adaptation for all samples, with some particularities. The statistical analysis shows that the best values of the marginal adaptation were obtained for vestibular/buccal and palatal sides of the teeth being situated around 90–95%, while the values obtained for distal and mesial sides are slightly lower such as 80–90%. Furthermore, it was observed that the milled crowns presents better marginal adaptations than the printed-pressed ones, sustained by the statistical p < 0.05. This indicates that the milling process allows a better fit of the crown to the tooth surface and preserves the integrity of the bonding cement layer.
Investigating Change in Student Financial Stress at a UK University: Multi-Year Survey Analysis across a Global Pandemic and Recession
Authors: Bennett Jacks , Heron Jon , Kidger Judi , Linton Myles-Jay
Published: November 2023

Growing concern for the mental health and wellbeing of higher education students has been linked to increasing financial pressures associated with studying at university, a factor potentially magnified by the recent global pandemic and economic downturn. With limited longitudinal research to date, this study used cross-sectional survey data collected annually at a large UK university (n = 10,876) to examine overall trends in students’ experience of financial stress between 2018 and 2022. Logistic regression investigated changes in students’ self-reported financial stress across the four-year period, adjusting for variation in survey response rates and respondent characteristics. Our findings showed a 55% increase in students reporting financial stress (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.29–1.86) compared to none between 2018 and 2022. With the exception of 2020 and the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of students experiencing financial stress increased each year. At a time of economic uncertainty, policymakers need to ensure appropriate advice, support, and funding frameworks are in place to ensure all students can continue to study successfully. Ongoing research should robustly examine the links between financial circumstances, mental health, and academic outcomes, to clearly identify intervention opportunities for relieving financial stress.