bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working-Together Normative Appeals to Promote Pro-Environmental Donations
Authors: Wu Yanlin , Chen Yue , Jin Cancan , Qin Junsheng , Zheng Lei , Chen Yidi
Published: March 2024

Investigating the role of social norms in fostering pro-environmental behaviors is crucial for advancing human efforts toward environmental protection. This study employed a one-way, two-level, between-participants experimental design, focusing on the type of social norm as the independent variable and pro-environmental donations as the dependent variable. This study aimed to explore the impact of working-together normative appeals on pro-environmental donations and to understand the underlying mediating mechanism. In total, 128 Chinese university students participated in an online experiment. The findings indicated that working-together normative appeals significantly increased both the intention to donate and the actual amount of pro-environmental donations in the experimental group compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, the perceived behavioral control and intentions towards pro-environmental donations were identified as mediators in the relationship between social norm categorization and pro-environmental donations. Notably, intentions towards pro-environmental donations alone had a substantial mediating effect. These results underscore the positive influence of working-together normative appeals on pro-environmental donations and offer valuable insights into encouraging active participation in the creation of an eco-friendly society, particularly within a collectivist cultural context.
Assessing Safety Efficiency in China’s Provincial Construction Industry: Trends, Influences, and Implications
Authors: Wang Xinping , Zhao Boxi , Su Chang
Published: March 2024

Ensuring safety is crucial for promoting the sustainable growth of the construction industry. Assessing safety efficiency is of significant importance for optimizing safety management processes and improving the safety environment. However, the current mainstream methods for evaluating safety efficiency have limitations such as ignoring non-desired outputs and slack variables, the efficiency values being limited to the (0, 1) range, and a narrow perspective. To address these shortcomings, this study focuses on the characteristics of the construction industry and introduces the Super-SBM model and Malmquist index into the assessment of safety efficiency in the construction industry. The study analyzes the evolution characteristics of safety efficiency from both static and dynamic perspectives. Furthermore, using panel quantile regression models, the study identifies the factors influencing safety efficiency and analyzes their heterogeneity. Analyzing panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2015 to 2021, the results show that the overall safety efficiency of the construction industry in China is relatively low, with noticeable spatial clustering characteristics. Provinces in the eastern and central regions exhibit higher levels of construction safety efficiency. The Malmquist index demonstrates a declining trend, with technical efficiency being the primary factor limiting the improvement of safety efficiency in construction. Factors such as per capita GDP, urbanization rate, committed contract amounts, and the number of professionals engaged in survey and design, as well as engineering supervision, have an impact on construction safety efficiency, and the effects of these variables vary across different quantile levels of safety efficiency. This research can assist decision-makers in gaining a better understanding of the safety conditions in different regions of the construction industry. It can also assist in developing customized policies to enhance the health and safety environment, thereby promoting the stable development of the construction industry.
Development of Municipal Energy Management as Trigger of Future Energy Savings
Authors: Bačovský Michal , Karásek Jiří , Kaločai Ladislav
Published: March 2024

Directive 2018/844/EU on energy efficiency claims that almost 80% of the final energy consumption in the EU is used within the buildings. The subsequent Directive (EU) 2023/1791 introduced in 2023 expected 68% of the world population to live in urban areas. Both directives enhanced the role of energy management (EM) applied to the city buildings. This paper introduces the development of energy management in Czech municipalities between the years 2009 and 2023. The main goal of this article is to present selected results of the unique national survey focused on the energy management in Czech municipalities conducted in 2023 and compare it with results of national surveys implemented in 2009 and 2018. The main method is the comparing of two surveys conducted among the municipal representatives or energy managers in the past with the new survey conducted in 2023. The results show that EM became a notably more important issue for most Czech municipalities. The number of cities collecting data on energy consumption grew by 288% and the number of city energy managers increased by 57%. On the other hand, the used potential of energy savings triggered by establishing EM was insufficient and only 4% of the respondents claimed high and exactly measured savings because of EM. This article should be applied to the stress power of municipal EM in performing energy efficiency and RES projects and encouraging the government to support municipal energy managers in their complex role.
Elastic Critical Buckling Coefficients for Skew Plates of Steel Structures under Biaxial Normal Stress
Authors: Mitsui Kazuya , Ikarashi Kikuo , Sada Keiichiro
Published: March 2024

In steel structures, skew thin steel plates serve as panel zones in structures spanning large spaces (e.g., warehouses and gymnasiums). Considerable research has been conducted on the shear buckling of panels due to seismic loads acting on a structure. Conversely, under snow or wind loads, the panel zone may experience compressive and tensile stresses simultaneously from two directions. Considering the economic preference for thin steel plates, evaluating the elastic critical local buckling stresses in the panel zone under biaxial normal stress may provide essential information to structural engineers. In this study, an elastic buckling analysis based on the energy method is performed to clarify the impact of panel geometry and boundary conditions on the elastic local buckling stresses of skew panel zones. As confirmed from the results, the local buckling stresses calculated using the energy method were consistent with those determined using finite element analysis. The findings indicate that a skew angle of up to 30° marginally affects the elastic buckling stress under uniaxial stress. Consequently, engineer-friendly design formulas were developed based on these findings. Comparisons with previous research demonstrated that the buckling loads reported were generally higher than those determined by finite element analysis. The study also established the correlation of the buckling stresses under biaxial stresses, which implied that the skew angle posed minimal influence on buckling stress for skew plates under biaxial stress. Additionally, a method for evaluating this correlation was presented. Engineers can utilize the provided design equations to more efficiently and accurately calculate buckling loads, facilitating a safer and more economical design of structures with skew plates.
Refining and Validating Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) for Robust Characterization and Quality Assurance of Graphene-Related Two-Dimensional Materials (GR2Ms)
Authors: Losic Dusan , Farivar Farzaneh , Yap Pei Lay
Published: March 2024

Graphene-related two-dimensional materials available on the global market are manufactured using various production methods, with significant variations in properties and qualities causing serious concerns for the emerging multi-billion graphene industry. To address the limitations of conventional characterization methods probing the properties of individual graphene particles which may overlook the presence of non-graphene carbon impurities at a large (bulk) scale, this paper presents the refining thermogravimetric analysis as a complementary method for the reliable chemical characterization and quality control of graphene powders. A systematic parametric investigation of key experimental conditions such as sample mass and loading, heating rate, and gas environment and flow rate is performed to identify optimized settings for reliable thermal gravimetric measurements. These optimized conditions are evaluated through a series of comparative characterizations using industrially produced graphene, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide powders, including their common carbon impurities. The ability of this method to provide both qualitative and quantitative analyses for characterizing graphene-related materials is confirmed. The optimized method is finally validated through an International Laboratory Comparison study and subsequently incorporated into a new standard. This low-cost, industry-affordable, and complementary characterization method is expected to enhance the quality control of manufactured graphene materials and make a valuable contribution to the growing graphene industry.
Plasma-Treated Cobalt-Doped Nanoporous Graphene for Advanced Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Knabl Florian , Kostoglou Nikolaos , Gupta Ram K. , Tarat Afshin , Hinder Steven , Baker Mark , Rebholz Claus , Mitterer Christian
Published: March 2024

Metal–carbon nanocomposites are identified as key contenders for enhancing water splitting through the oxygen evolution reaction and boosting supercapacitor energy storage capacitances. This study utilizes plasma treatment to transform natural graphite into nanoporous few-layer graphene, followed by additional milling and plasma steps to synthesize a cobalt–graphene nanocomposite. Comprehensive structural characterization was conducted using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, gas sorption analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrochemical evaluations further assessed the materials’ oxygen evolution reaction and supercapacitor performance. Although the specific surface area of the nanoporous carbon decreases from 780 to 480 m2/g in the transition to the resulting nanocomposite, it maintains its nanoporous structure and delivers a competitive electrochemical performance, as evidenced by an overpotential of 290 mV and a Tafel slope of 110 mV/dec. This demonstrates the efficacy of plasma treatment in the surface functionalization of carbon-based materials, highlighting its potential for large-scale chemical-free application due to its environmental friendliness and scalability, paving the way toward future applications.
Donor Lymphocyte Infusion in the Treatment of Post-Transplant Relapse of Acute Myeloid Leukemias and Myelodysplastic Syndromes Significantly Improves Overall Survival: A French–Italian Experience of 134 Patients
Authors: Accorsi Buttini Eugenia , Doran Cristina , Malagola Michele , Radici Vera , Galli Marco , Rubini Vicky , Leoni Alessandro , Farina Mirko , Polverelli Nicola , Re Federica , Bernardi Simona , Mohty Mohamad , Russo Domenico , Brissot Eolia
Published: March 2024

Background: Disease relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is the main challenge for curing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We investigated the overall survival (OS) after allo-SCT relapse according to different therapeutic approaches. Methods: We analyzed 134 patients who relapsed after allo-SCT performed between 2015 and 2021 at Saint-Antoine University Hospital, Paris and Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia. Of these, 103 (77%) were treated, comprising 69/103 (67%) who received therapy in overt relapse and 34/103 (33%) who were treated in a pre-emptive manner when molecular/cytogenetics recurrence or mixed chimerism occurred. The treatment was donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI)-based for 40/103 (39%) patients. Results: The 1-, 2-, and 5-year OS of patients treated with DLI (n = 40) was 67%, 34%, and 34%, respectively, for those treated preventively (n = 20) and 43%, 20%, and 20%, respectively, for those treated in overt relapse (n = 20) (p < 0.01). The 1-, 2-, and 5-year OS of patients treated without DLI (n = 63) was 54%, 40%, and 26%, respectively, for those treated preventively (n = 14) and 17%, 5%, and 0%, respectively, for those treated in overt relapse (n = 49) (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Relapse treatment with a pre-emptive strategy was associated with improved outcomes, particularly when DLI was employed.
Sacral-Nerve-Sparing Planning Strategy in Pelvic Sarcomas/Chordomas Treated with Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy
Authors: Nachankar Ankita , Schafasand Mansure , Hug Eugen , Martino Giovanna , Góra Joanna , Carlino Antonio , Stock Markus , Fossati Piero
Published: March 2024

To minimize radiation-induced lumbosacral neuropathy (RILSN), we employed sacral-nerve-sparing optimized carbon-ion therapy strategy (SNSo-CIRT) in treating 35 patients with pelvic sarcomas/chordomas. Plans were optimized using Local Effect Model-I (LEM-I), prescribed DRBE|LEM-I|D50% (median dose to HD-PTV) = 73.6 (70.4–76.8) Gy (RBE)/16 fractions. Sacral nerves were contoured between L5-S3 levels. DRBE|LEM-I to 5% of sacral nerves-to-spare (outside HD-CTV) (DRBE|LEM-I|D5%) were restricted to <69 Gy (RBE). The median follow-up was 25 months (range of 2–53). Three patients (9%) developed late RILSN (≥G3) after an average period of 8 months post-CIRT. The RILSN-free survival at 2 years was 91% (CI, 81–100). With SNSo-CIRT, DRBE|LEM-I|D5% for sacral nerves-to-spare = 66.9 ± 1.9 Gy (RBE), maintaining DRBE|LEM-I to 98% of HD-CTV (DRBE|LEM-I|D98%) = 70 ± 3.6 Gy (RBE). Two-year OS and LC were 100% and 93% (CI, 84–100), respectively. LETd and DRBE with modified-microdosimetric kinetic model (mMKM) were recomputed retrospectively. DRBE|LEM-I and DRBE|mMKM were similar, but DRBE-filtered-LETd was higher in sacral nerves-to-spare in patients with RILSN than those without. At DRBE|LEM-I cutoff = 64 Gy (RBE), 2-year RILSN-free survival was 100% in patients with <12% of sacral nerves-to-spare voxels receiving LETd > 55 keV/µm than 75% (CI, 54–100) in those with ≥12% of voxels (p < 0.05). DRBE-filtered-LETd holds promise for the SNSo-CIRT strategy but requires longer follow-up for validation.
Comparing R-Bendamustine vs. R-CHOP Plus Maintenance Therapy as First-Line Systemic Treatment in Follicular Lymphoma: A Multicenter Retrospective GELTAMO Study
Authors: Bastos-Oreiro Mariana , Gutierrez Antonio , Cabero Almudena , López Javier , Villafuerte Paola , Jiménez-Ubieto Ana , de Oña Raquel , De la Fuente Adolfo , Navarro Belén , Peñalver Javier , Martínez Pilar , Alonso Carmen , Infante María , Córdoba Raúl , Perez-Montero Blanca , Pérez de Oteyza Jaime , González de Villambrosio Sonia , Fernández-Caldas Paula , del Campo Raquel , García Belmonte Daniel , Diaz-Gálvez Javier , Salar Antonio , Sancho Juan-Manuel
Published: March 2024

Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) and R-bendamustine (R-B) are the most common frontline treatment strategies for advanced-stage follicular lymphoma (FL). After R-CHOP induction therapy, using rituximab for maintenance therapy notably improves outcomes; however, whether this can be achieved by using the same approach after R-B therapy is still being determined. This retrospective analysis compared 476 FL patients from 17 GELTAMO centers who received R-based regimens followed by rituximab maintenance therapy for untreated advanced-stage FL. The complete response rate at the end of induction was higher with R-B and relapses were more frequent with R-CHOP. During induction, cytopenias were significantly more frequent with R-CHOP and so was the use of colony-stimulating factors. During maintenance therapy, R-B showed more neutropenia and infectious toxicity. After a median follow-up of 81 months (95% CI: 77–86), the 6-year rates of progression-free survival (PFS) were 79% (95% CI: 72–86) for R-bendamustine vs. 67% (95% CI: 61–73) for R-CHOP (p = 0.046), and 6-year overall survival (OS) values were 91% (95% CI: 86–96) for R-B vs. 91% (95% CI: 87–94) for R-CHOP (p = 0.49). In conclusion, R-B followed by rituximab maintenance therapy in patients with previously untreated FL resulted in significantly longer PFS than R-CHOP, with older patients also benefiting from this treatment without further toxicity. Adverse events during maintenance were more frequent with R-B without impacting mortality.
Enhanced Release Probability without Changes in Synaptic Delay during Analogue–Digital Facilitation
Authors: Boudkkazi Sami , Debanne Dominique
Published: March 2024

Neuronal timing with millisecond precision is critical for many brain functions such as sensory perception, learning and memory formation. At the level of the chemical synapse, the synaptic delay is determined by the presynaptic release probability (Pr) and the waveform of the presynaptic action potential (AP). For instance, paired-pulse facilitation or presynaptic long-term potentiation are associated with reductions in the synaptic delay, whereas paired-pulse depression or presynaptic long-term depression are associated with an increased synaptic delay. Parallelly, the AP broadening that results from the inactivation of voltage gated potassium (Kv) channels responsible for the repolarization phase of the AP delays the synaptic response, and the inactivation of sodium (Nav) channels by voltage reduces the synaptic latency. However, whether synaptic delay is modulated during depolarization-induced analogue–digital facilitation (d-ADF), a form of context-dependent synaptic facilitation induced by prolonged depolarization of the presynaptic neuron and mediated by the voltage-inactivation of presynaptic Kv1 channels, remains unclear. We show here that despite Pr being elevated during d-ADF at pyramidal L5-L5 cell synapses, the synaptic delay is surprisingly unchanged. This finding suggests that both Pr- and AP-dependent changes in synaptic delay compensate for each other during d-ADF. We conclude that, in contrast to other short- or long-term modulations of presynaptic release, synaptic timing is not affected during d-ADF because of the opposite interaction of Pr- and AP-dependent modulations of synaptic delay.
Mitochondria and Reactive Oxygen Species: The Therapeutic Balance of Powers for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Casati Silvia Rosanna , Cervia Davide , Roux-Biejat Paulina , Moscheni Claudia , Perrotta Cristiana , De Palma Clara
Published: March 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic progressive muscle-wasting disorder that leads to rapid loss of mobility and premature death. The absence of functional dystrophin in DMD patients reduces sarcolemma stiffness and increases contraction damage, triggering a cascade of events leading to muscle cell degeneration, chronic inflammation, and deposition of fibrotic and adipose tissue. Efforts in the last decade have led to the clinical approval of novel drugs for DMD that aim to restore dystrophin function. However, combination therapies able to restore dystrophin expression and target the myriad of cellular events found impaired in dystrophic muscle are desirable. Muscles are higher energy consumers susceptible to mitochondrial defects. Mitochondria generate a significant source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and they are, in turn, sensitive to proper redox balance. In both DMD patients and animal models there is compelling evidence that mitochondrial impairments have a key role in the failure of energy homeostasis. Here, we highlighted the main aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in DMD and discussed the recent findings linked to mitochondria/ROS-targeted molecules as a therapeutic approach. In this respect, dual targeting of both mitochondria and redox homeostasis emerges as a potential clinical option in DMD.
NF-κB and JAK/STAT Signaling Pathways as Crucial Regulators of Neuroinflammation and Astrocyte Modulation in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Ageeva Tatyana , Rizvanov Albert , Mukhamedshina Yana
Published: March 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to significant functional impairments below the level of the injury, and astrocytes play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of SCI. Astrocytes undergo changes and form a glial scar after SCI, which has traditionally been viewed as a barrier to axonal regeneration and functional recovery. Astrocytes activate intracellular signaling pathways, including nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), in response to external stimuli. NF-κB and STAT3 are transcription factors that play a pivotal role in initiating gene expression related to astrogliosis. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway is essential for managing secondary damage and facilitating recovery processes post-SCI: inflammation, glial scar formation, and astrocyte survival. NF-κB activation in astrocytes leads to the production of pro-inflammatory factors by astrocytes. NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways are interconnected: NF-κB activation in astrocytes leads to the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which interacts with the IL-6 receptor and initiates STAT3 activation. By modulating astrocyte responses, these pathways offer promising avenues for enhancing recovery outcomes, illustrating the crucial need for further investigation into their mechanisms and therapeutic applications in SCI treatment.
Nanostructured Materials for Enhanced Performance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Helal Hicham , Ahrouch Mohammadi , Rabehi Abdelaziz , Zappa Dario , Comini Elisabetta
Published: March 2024

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have emerged as promising candidates for efficient and environmentally friendly energy conversion technologies. Their high energy conversion efficiency and fuel flexibility make them particularly attractive for various applications, ranging from stationary power generation to portable electronic devices. Recently, research has focused on utilizing nanostructured materials to enhance the performance of SOFCs. This comprehensive review summarizes the latest advancements in the design, fabrication, and characterization of nanostructured materials integrated in SOFC. The review begins by elucidating the fundamental principles underlying SOFC operation, emphasizing the critical role of electrode materials, electrolytes, and interfacial interactions in overall cell performance, and the importance of nanostructured materials in addressing key challenges. It provides an in-depth analysis of various types of nanostructures, highlighting their roles in improving the electrochemical performance, stability, and durability of SOFCs. Furthermore, this review delves into the fabrication techniques that enable precise control over nanostructure morphology, composition, and architecture. The influence of nanoscale effects on ionic and electronic transport within the electrolyte and electrodes is thoroughly explored, shedding light on the mechanisms behind enhanced performance. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on nanostructured materials for SOFCs, this review aims to guide researchers, engineers, and policymakers toward the development of high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable energy conversion systems.
Integrative Approaches for the Diagnosis and Management of Erosive Oral Lichen Planus
Authors: Popa Cristina , Sciuca Ana Maria , Onofrei Bianca-Andreea , Toader Stefan , Condurache Hritcu Oana Mihaela , Boțoc Colac Cristina , Porumb Andrese Elena , Brănișteanu Daciana Elena , Toader Mihaela Paula
Published: March 2024

Erosive oral lichen planus (EOLP) represents a significant challenge in dental and medical management due to its chronic inflammatory nature, painful symptoms, and impact on quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the current diagnostic approach with novel non-invasive techniques, such as dermoscopy, and also the landscape of treatment options for EOLP, focusing on its efficacy, safety, and the challenges that it present in clinical practice. Through a comprehensive literature review, we explored the use of topical corticosteroids, systemic immunosuppressants, biologics, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in treating EOLP, alongside examining patient compliance, psychological impacts, and the risk of adverse effects and recurrence. Our findings reveal that while topical corticosteroids are the cornerstone of EOLP treatment, offering symptomatic relief, their long-term use is limited by side effects and tolerance development. Systemic therapies and biologics provide alternatives for refractory cases but necessitate careful adverse effect monitoring. JAK inhibitors show promise as an innovative treatment avenue but require more evidence on long-term safety and efficacy. This study highlights the necessity of personalized treatment approaches due to the variable disease course and response to treatment, underscoring the importance of a multidisciplinary strategy in managing EOLP. The complexity of EOLP treatment, compounded by its psychological and quality of life impacts, demands ongoing research into targeted therapies, the establishment of standardized treatment protocols, and the development of effective outcome measures to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.
The Association between Anatomical Variants of Musculoskeletal Structures and Nerve Compressions of the Lower Limb: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Valenzuela-Fuenzalida Juan José , Inostroza-Wegner Alfredo , Osorio-Muñoz Francisca , Milos-Brandenberg Daniel , Santana-Machuca Andres , Nova Baeza Pablo , Donoso Mathias Orellana , Bruna-Mejias Alejandro , Iwanaga Joe , Sanchis-Gimeno Juan , Gutierrez-Espinoza Hector
Published: March 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the main anatomical variants and morphofunctional alterations in the lower limb that compress surrounding nervous structures in the gluteal region, thigh region, and leg and foot region. Methods: We searched the Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS databases from their inception up to October 2023. An assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA) was used to evaluate methodological quality, and the Joanna Briggs Institute assessment tool for case reports was also used. Forest plots were generated to assess the prevalence of variants of the gluteal region, thigh, and leg. Results: According to the forest plot of the gluteal region, the prevalence was 0.18 (0.14–0.23), with a heterogeneity of 93.52%. For the thigh region, the forest plot presented a prevalence of 0.10 (0.03–0.17) and a heterogeneity of 91.18%. The forest plot of the leg region was based on seven studies, which presented a prevalence of 0.01 (0.01–0.01) and a heterogeneity of 96.18%. Conclusions: This review and meta-analysis showed that, in studies that analyzed nerve compressions, the prevalence was low in the thigh and leg regions, while in the gluteal region, it was slightly higher. This is mainly due to the PM region and its different variants. We believe that it is important to analyze all the variant regions defined in this study and that surgeons treating the lower limb should be attentive to these possible scenarios so that they can anticipate possible surgical situations and thus avoid surgical complications.
COVID-19 and Tuberculosis: Mathematical Modeling of Infection Spread Taking into Account Reduced Screening
Authors: Starshinova Anna , Osipov Nikolay , Dovgalyk Irina , Kulpina Anastasia , Belyaeva Ekaterina , Kudlay Dmitry
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the cessation of many tuberculosis (TB) support programs and reduced screening coverage for TB worldwide. We propose a model that demonstrates, among other things, how undetected cases of TB affect the number of future M. tuberculosis (M. tb) infections. The analysis of official statistics on the incidence of TB, preventive examination coverage of the population, and the number of patients with bacterial excretion of M. tb in the Russian Federation from 2008 to 2021 is carried out. The desired model can be obtained due to the fluctuation of these indicators in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a dramatic reduction in TB interventions. Statistical analysis is carried out using R v.4.2.1. The resulting model describes the dependence of the detected incidence and prevalence of TB with bacterial excretion in the current year on the prevalence of TB with bacterial excretion in the previous year and on the coverage of preventive examinations in the current and previous years. The adjusted coefficient of model determination (adjusted R-squared) is 0.9969, indicating that the model contains almost no random component. It clearly shows that TB cases missed due to low screening coverage and left uncontrolled will lead to a significant increase in the number of new infections in the future. We may conclude that the obtained results clearly demonstrate the need for mass screening of the population in the context of the spread of TB infection, which makes it possible to timely identify patients with TB with bacterial excretion.
Optimization-Based Control for a Large-Scale Electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing during an Aircraft’s Vertical Take-Off and Landing Phase with Variable-Pitch Propellers
Authors: Duan Luyuhang , He Yunhan , Fan Li , Qiu Wei , Wen Guangwei , Xu Yun
Published: March 2024

The UAV industry has witnessed an unprecedented boom in recent years. Among various kinds of UAV platforms, the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft with fixed-wing configurations has received more and more attention due to its flexibility and long-distance flying abilities. However, due to the fact that the advance ratio of regular propeller systems during the cruise phase is significantly higher than that during the VTOL phase, a variable-pitch propeller system is proposed and designed which can be applied without additional propulsion mechanisms during both flying stages. Thus, a VTOL aircraft platform is proposed based on the propulsion system constructed of variable-pitch propellers, and appropriate control manners are precisely analyzed, especially during its VTOL phase. As a basic propulsion system, a nonlinear model for variable-pitch propellers is constructed, and an optimization-based control allocation module is developed because of its multi-solution and high-order characteristics. Finally, the objective function is designed according to the stability and energy consumption requirements. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed controller is able to lower energy consumption and maintain the stability of the aircraft while tracking aggressive trajectories for large-scale VTOLs with noises at the same time.
How Is the Fear of War Impacting Italian Young Adults’ Mental Health? The Mediating Role of Future Anxiety and Intolerance of Uncertainty
Authors: Regnoli Giorgio Maria , Tiano Gioia , De Rosa Barbara
Published: March 2024

The Russian–Ukrainian conflict is affecting mental health even in communities that are not directly involved in the war; added to this is the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its dangerous spread, which brings the war back to the center of the contemporary social and economic horizon. The present study aims to explore the psychological impact of war in a sample of 310 Italian young adults (18–30 years; M = 22.0; SD = 2.6) while exploring the relationship between Fear of War and psychological distress and evaluating the mediating effects of Future Anxiety and Intolerance of Uncertainty in this relation. Findings highlighted how Fear of War positively and significantly affects Stress, Anxiety, and Depression, and, at the same time, how it fuels both Future Anxiety and Intolerance of Uncertainty. These constructs, in addition to positively affecting the mental health outcomes considered, mediate the relationship between Fear of War and youth psychological distress with a significant indirect effect observed in all three mediation models performed. Finally, significantly higher levels of psychological distress, Fear of War, and Future Anxiety are reported in women than in men. The findings are discussed with reference to the recent literature on the psychological impact of war and on contemporary youth psychological distress, indicating the importance of educational policies and targeted interventions aimed at supporting this target in coping with multiple contemporary collective stressors.
Variational Mode Decomposition-Based Processing for Detection of Short-Circuited Turns in Transformers Using Vibration Signals and Machine Learning
Authors: Camarena-Martinez David , Huerta-Rosales Jose R. , Amezquita-Sanchez Juan P. , Granados-Lieberman David , Olivares-Galvan Juan C. , Valtierra-Rodriguez Martin
Published: March 2024

Transformers are key elements in electrical systems. Although they are robust machines, different faults can appear due to their inherent operating conditions, e.g., the presence of different electrical and mechanical stresses. Among the different elements that compound a transformer, the winding is one of the most vulnerable parts, where the damage of turn-to-turn short circuits is one of the most studied faults since low-level damage (i.e., a low number of short-circuited turns—SCTs) can lead to the overall fault of the transformer; therefore, early fault detection has become a fundamental task. In this regard, this paper presents a machine learning-based method to diagnose SCTs in the transformer windings by using their vibrational response. In general, the vibration signals are firstly decomposed by means of the variational mode decomposition method, where a comparison with the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method and the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method is also carried out. Then, entropy, energy, and kurtosis indices are obtained from each decomposition as fault indicators, where both the combination of features and the dimensionality reduction by using the principal component analysis (PCA) method are analyzed for the global effectiveness improvement and the computational burden reduction. Finally, a pattern recognition algorithm based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) is used for automatic fault detection. The obtained results show 100% effectiveness in detecting seven fault conditions, i.e., 0 (healthy), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 SCTs.
Leveraging Bit-Serial Architectures for Hardware-Oriented Deep Learning Accelerators with Column-Buffering Dataflow
Authors: Cheng Xiaoshu , Wang Yiwen , Ding Weiran , Lou Hongfei , Li Ping
Published: March 2024

Bit-serial neural network accelerators address the growing need for compact and energy-efficient deep learning tools. Traditional neural network accelerators, while effective, often grapple with issues of size, power consumption, and versatility in handling a variety of computational tasks. To counter these challenges, this paper introduces an approach that hinges on the integration of bit-serial processing with advanced dataflow techniques and architectural optimizations. Central to this approach is a column-buffering (CB) dataflow, which significantly reduces access and movement requirements for the input feature map (IFM), thereby enhancing efficiency. Moreover, a simplified quantization process effectively eliminates biases, streamlining the overall computation process. Furthermore, this paper presents a meticulously designed LeNet-5 accelerator leveraging a convolutional layer processing element array (CL PEA) architecture incorporating an improved bit-serial multiply–accumulate unit (MAC). Empirically, our work demonstrates superior performance in terms of frequency, chip area, and power consumption compared to current state-of-the-art ASIC designs. Specifically, our design utilizes fewer hardware resources to implement a complete accelerator, achieving a high performance of 7.87 GOPS on a Xilinx Kintex-7 FPGA with a brief processing time of 284.13 μs. The results affirm that our design is exceptionally suited for applications requiring compact, low-power, and real-time solutions.
System Strength Reduction in an Island Grid through Transitioning to 100% Inverter-Based Resources
Authors: Rodríguez Hernández Misael , Nassif Alexandre B.
Published: March 2024

Puerto Rico, an island heavily reliant on fossil fuels for primary electricity generation, faces challenges stemming from inadequate preventative maintenance, leading to an intermittently insufficient generation mix to meet overall load demand. Media coverage, exemplified by the Department of Energy PR100 study, delineates a strategic roadmap for transitioning Puerto Rico to achieve 100% renewable energy generation. This shift aims not only to mitigate dependence on fossil fuels but also to replace outdated conventional plants. Integrating inverter-interfaced renewable generation into the grid introduces a challenge, as these resources cannot match the short-circuit levels typically supplied by rotational synchronous generation. Complexity arises in determining whether existing protection schemes can maintain dependability during this transition or whether upgrades, such as adjustments to protection settings or philosophical enhancements, are imperative. This paper addresses this challenge by evaluating system strength at different stages of incorporating utility-scale renewable shares in the island system. It discerns the reduction in short-circuit currents for both three-phase faults and single-line-to-ground faults as conventional plants are phased out in favor of inverter-based resources. This research work also quantifies the impact of synchronous condensers and STATCOMs as a solution to strengthen the grid and increase short-circuit levels. This research equips the transmission operator with valuable insights into the necessary future system modifications to ensure the dependability and safety of the grid.
Research on Point Cloud Structure Detection of Manhole Cover Based on Structured Light Camera
Authors: Lin Guijuan , Zhang Hao , Xie Siyi , Luo Jiesi , Li Zihan , Wang Yu
Published: March 2024

This study introduced an innovative approach for detecting structural anomalies in road manhole covers using structured light cameras. Efforts have been dedicated to enhancing data quality by commencing with the acquisition and preprocessing of point cloud data from real-world manhole cover scenes. The RANSAC algorithm is subsequently employed to extract the road plane and determine the height of the point cloud structure. In the presence of non-planar point cloud exhibiting abnormal heights, the DBSCAN algorithm is harnessed for cluster segmentation, aiding in the identification of individual objects. The method culminates with the introduction of a sector fitting detection model, adept at effectively discerning manhole cover features within the point cloud and delivering comprehensive height and structural information. Experimental findings underscore the method’s efficacy in accurately gauging the degree of subsidence in manhole cover structures, with data errors consistently maintained within an acceptable range of 8 percent. Notably, the measurement speed surpasses that of traditional methods, presenting a notably efficient and dependable technical solution for road maintenance.
Exploiting Time–Frequency Sparsity for Dual-Sensor Blind Source Separation
Authors: Chen Jiajia , Zhang Haijian , Sun Siyu
Published: March 2024

This paper explores the important role of blind source separation (BSS) techniques in separating M mixtures including N sources using a dual-sensor array, i.e., M=2, and proposes an efficient two-stage underdetermined BSS (UBSS) algorithm to estimate the mixing matrix and achieve source recovery by exploiting time–frequency (TF) sparsity. First, we design a mixing matrix estimation method by precisely identifying high clustering property single-source TF points (HCP-SSPs) with a spatial vector dictionary based on the principle of matching pursuit (MP). Second, the problem of source recovery in the TF domain is reformulated as an equivalent sparse recovery model with a relaxed sparse condition, i.e., enabling the number of active sources at each auto-source TF point (ASP) to be larger than M. This sparse recovery model relies on the sparsity of an ASP matrix formed by stacking a set of predefined spatial TF vectors; current sparse recovery tools could be utilized to reconstruct N>2 sources. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed UBSS algorithm with an easily configured two-sensor array.
Transcriptome Analysis Provides Insights into Lignin Biosynthesis in Styrax tonkinensis Branches
Authors: Han Chao , Xu Qiunuan , Chen Hong , Peng Huiwu , Yu Fangyuan
Published: March 2024

Approximately 12% of China’s papermaking raw materials are derived from wood, while the majority are sourced from branches. Styrax tonkinensis is a more desirable species for pulpwood in subtropical ultra-short rotations, whose branches are prone to breakage. Lignin has a significant impact on wood quality and pulping yield, and the growth process influences lignin biosynthesis. To explore the lignin biosynthesis pathway in S. tonkinensis, we determined the lignin content in the current-year and biennial branches on 20 July, 20 September, and 20 October and analyzed the transcriptome sequencing results. It was concluded that the lignin content showed an increasing trend in the current-year branches (182.26, 206.17, and 213.47 mg/g, respectively), while that in the biennial branches showed a decrease in the samples taken in October, without significant difference (221.77, 264.43, and 261.83 mg/g, respectively). The transcriptome sequencing results showed that 91,513 unigenes were spliced with a total length of 92,961,618 bp. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. Our study suggested that CCoAOMT, COMT, peroxidase, and F5H may serve as key enzymes regulating lignin synthesis in branches of S. tonkinensis, thereby influencing the lignin content.
Estimation of the Damage Risk Range and Activity Period of Termites (Reticulitermes speratus) in Korean Wooden Architectural Heritage Building Sites
Authors: Kim Sihyun , Kim Jisoo
Published: March 2024

Korean wooden architectural heritage buildings are often damaged by termites, and climate change is expected to exacerbate the problem. To prevent termite damage, it is necessary to identify the habitat range and activity period of termites. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the ecological characteristics of Reticulitermes speratus, the dominant termite species in South Korea, past termite damage records of wooden architectural heritage buildings, and climate data (2000–2019). We determined that termite infestations could potentially occur in 98.5% of the total studied area, except for a few mountainous regions in South Korea. In addition, termites were active for an average of 209 days per year. The habitat range of termites appears to be gradually expanding, possibly as a result of a combination of anthropogenic interventions, rising temperatures caused by climate change, and the ecological characteristics of termites. In the future, it is imperative to implement enhanced preventive and active termite control measures to preserve the original wooden architectural heritage buildings of South Korea.
Biotechnological Processing of Sugarcane Bagasse through Solid-State Fermentation with White Rot Fungi into Nutritionally Rich and Digestible Ruminant Feed
Authors: Khan Nazir Ahmad , Khan Mussayyab , Sufyan Abubakar , Saeed Ashmal , Sun Lin , Wang Siran , Nazar Mudasir , Tan Zhiliang , Liu Yong , Tang Shaoxun
Published: March 2024

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse (SCB) is one of the most widely produced lignocellulosic biomasses and has great potential to be recycled for sustainable food production as ruminant animal feed. However, due to severe lignification, i.e., lignin-(hemi)-cellulose complexes, ruminants can only ferment a minor fraction of the polysaccharides trapped in such recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomasses. This study was therefore designed to systematically evaluate the improvement in nutritional value, the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and the rate and extent of in vitro total gas (IVGP) and methane (CH4) production during the 72 h in vitro ruminal fermentation of SCB, bioprocessed with Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus djamor, Calocybe indica and Pleurotus ostreatus under solid-state fermentation (SSF) for 0, 21 and 56 days. The contents of neutral detergent fiber, lignin, hemicellulose and CH4 production (% of IVGP) decreased (p < 0.05), whereas crude protein (CP), IVDMD and total IVGP increased (p < 0.05) after the treatment of SCB for 21 and 56 days with all white-rot fungi (WRF) species. The greatest (p < 0.05) improvement in CP (104.1%), IVDMD (38.8%) and IVGP (49.24%) and the greatest (p < 0.05) reduction in lignin (49.3%) and CH4 (23.2%) fractions in total IVGP were recorded for SCB treated with C. indica for 56 days. Notably, C. indica degraded more than (p < 0.05) lignin and caused greater (p < 0.05) improvement in IVDMD than those recorded for other WRF species after 56 days. The increase in IVGP was strongly associated with lignin degradation (R2 = 0.72) and a decrease in the lignin-to-cellulose ratio (R2 = 0.95) during the bioprocessing of SCB. Our results demonstrated that treatment of SCB with (selective) lignin-degrading WRF can improve the nutritional value and digestibility of SCB, and C. indica presents excellent prospects for the rapid, selective and more extensive degradation of lignin and, as such, for the improvement in nutritional value and digestibility of SCB for ruminant nutrition.
Exploring Universal Filtered Multi Carrier Waveform for Last Meter Connectivity in 6G: A Street-Lighting-Driven Approach with Enhanced Simulator for IoT Application Dimensioning
Authors: Georlette Véronique , Honfoga Anne-Carole , Dossou Michel , Moeyaert Véronique
Published: March 2024

In the dynamic landscape of 6G and smart cities, visible light communication (VLC) assumes critical significance for Internet of Things (IoT) applications spanning diverse sectors. The escalating demand for bandwidth and data underscores the need for innovative solutions, positioning VLC as a complementary technology within the electromagnetic spectrum. This paper focuses on the relevance of VLC in the 6G paradigm, shedding light on its applicability across smart cities and industries. The paper highlights the growing efficiency of lighting LEDs in infrastructure, facilitating the seamless integration of VLC. The study then emphasizes VLC’s robustness in outdoor settings, demonstrating effective communication up to 10 m. This resilience positions VLC as a key player in addressing the very last meter of wireless communication, offering a seamless solution for IoT connectivity. By introducing a freely available open-source simulator combined with an alternative waveform, UFMC, the study empowers researchers to dimension applications effectively, showcasing VLC’s potential to improve wireless communication in the evolving landscape of 6G and smart cities.