bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voxel-Based Lesion Analysis of Ideomotor Apraxia
Authors: Oliveira Santos Giovanna , Arévalo Analía L. , Herron Timothy J. , Curran Brian C. , Lepski Guilherme , Dronkers Nina F. , Baldo Juliana V.
Published: August 2024

Ideomotor apraxia is a cognitive disorder most often resulting from acquired brain lesions (i.e., strokes or tumors). Neuroimaging and lesion studies have implicated several brain regions in praxis and apraxia, but most studies have described (sub)acute patients. This study aimed to extend previous research by analyzing data from 115 left hemisphere chronic stroke patients using the praxis subtest of the Western Aphasia Battery, which is divided into four action types: facial, upper limb, complex, and instrumental. Lesion–symptom mapping was used to identify brain regions most critically associated with difficulties in each of the four subtests. Complex and instrumental action deficits were associated with left precentral, postcentral, and superior parietal gyri (Brodmann areas 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), while the facial and upper limb action deficits maps were restricted to left inferior, middle, and medial temporal gyri (Brodmann areas 20, 21, 22, and 48). We discuss ideas about neuroplasticity and cortical reorganization in chronic stroke and how different methodologies can reveal different aspects of lesion and recovery networks in apraxia.
Knowledge over Time of Action Codes for Perceived Objects: An Exploratory Study on Developmental Children
Authors: Coco Marinella , Di Pasquale Federica , Pellicano Antonello
Published: August 2024

Over the past 20 years, there has been a growing interest in the processing of tool objects, and in the spatial S-R correspondence effects obtained with pictures of manipulable objects. Beyond the original affordance activation account, a location coding account has been proposed for such behavioral effects, which states that the location of the visually salient portion of an object speeds up spatially aligned motor responses and slows down misaligned ones. Furthermore, an additional action coding account has been proposed, according to which it is the direction of the action of the perceived object (e.g., “pouring tea leftward” when the spout of a teapot is leftward-oriented) that biases motor performance. We investigated this action coding account of S-R correspondence effects by comparing the reaction time (RT) performance of two groups: younger (6 to 9 years old) and older (10 to 13 years old) children. We assumed that knowledge of tool objects and the activation of action codes from object perception is proportional to age. Therefore, a larger correspondence effect was hypothesized for the older relative to the younger children’s group. Consistently, a 34 ms correspondence effect was observed in the older children relative to the younger ones (18 ms). The results support the view that action direction is a constitutive feature of tool objects, which is subject to experience, and thus, to increasing knowledge over time.
Nicotine’s Effects on Schizophrenia-like Symptoms in a Mice Model: Time Matters
Authors: Dutra-Tavares Ana Carolina , Couto Luciana Araújo , Souza Thainá P. , Bandeira-Martins Anais , Silva Juliana Oliveira , Filgueiras Claudio C. , Ribeiro-Carvalho Anderson , Manhães Alex C. , Abreu-Villaça Yael
Published: August 2024

Tobacco consumption in schizophrenia (SCHZ) patients is highly prevalent. Data support the occurrence of sequential events during comorbidity establishment, and both smoking first, SCHZ second and SCHZ first, smoking second sequences have been proposed. To investigate whether these two possibilities lead to distinct outcomes of comorbidity, we used a phencyclidine-induced SCHZ model and nicotine exposure as a surrogate of smoking. C57Bl/6 mice were submitted to a protocol that either began with 4 days of phencyclidine exposure or 4 days of nicotine exposure. This period was followed by 5 days of combined phencyclidine + nicotine exposure. Locomotor sensitization and pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) were assessed due to their well-known associations with SCHZ as opposed to rearing, an unrelated behavior. Nicotine priming potentiated phencyclidine-evoked sensitization. However, nicotine exposure after SCHZ modeling did not interfere with phencyclidine’s effects. In the PPI test, nicotine after SCHZ modeling worsened the phencyclidine-evoked deficiency in males. In contrast, nicotine priming had no effects. Regarding rearing, nicotine priming failed to interfere with phencyclidine-mediated inhibition. Similarly, phencyclidine priming did not modify nicotine-mediated inhibition. The present results indicate that the sequence, either SCHZ-first or nicotine-first, differentially impacts comorbidity outcomes, a finding that is relevant for the identification of mechanisms of nicotine interference in the neurobiology of SCHZ.
What Is Behavioral Complexity? Lay Perceptions of Characteristics of Complex Behavior
Authors: Dorina Indita , Mullan Barbara , Boyes Mark , McAlpine Thomas
Published: August 2024

A behavior’s complexity may impact habit formation, with implications for habit-based public health and environmental intervention designs. However, there are varying conceptualizations of behavioral complexity, hindering the synthesis of findings. To develop a unified definition, the aim of this study was to explore perceptions of behavioral complexity and identify behaviors that exemplify aspects of complexity. Participants (N = 225) completed a questionnaire concerning the complexity of various health and environmental behaviors, the importance of complexity characteristics previously identified by researchers (novelty, difficulty, steps, planning, immediacy of reward, time, attention, skill, mental resources, self-efficacy, motivation for a behavior, and supportiveness of the context) and demographics. Participants considered all proposed characteristics to be important. Complex behaviors (e.g., abstaining from smoking and taking insulin shots), compared to simple behaviors (e.g., eating fruit and stretching), are more likely to be true to the previously identified characteristics. Perceived complexity is influenced by several salient characteristics. Results may contribute to a synthesized definition and underpin future research to better identify behavior change techniques to foster habitual behaviors of varying complexity. Hence, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers may identify common barriers and facilitators of behavior to target in interventions. However, further research is required to contextualize the findings.
Social Understanding of Disability: Determinants and Levers for Action
Authors: Lecomte Ulysse , de los Ríos Berjillos Araceli , Lethielleux Laetitia , Deroy Xavier , Thenot Maryline
Published: August 2024

The prejudices often associated with the perception of people with disability can limit their access to the opportunities and resources available in society, leading them to live in a climate of great socio-economic uncertainty exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic. This research focuses on the perceptions of young people in France, defined as those aged between 18 and 30, towards people with disability. The study draws on the principles of social psychology to understand these perceptions, the factors that influence them and the most effective ways of promoting greater inclusion. A survey of 660 young people confirms that, despite recent progress, people with disabilities are still perceived as socially excluded. The results show that familiarity with disability, open-mindedness, the visibility of disability and the quality of interactions with people with disabilities have a strong influence on perceptions. To improve these perceptions, disability training and awareness raising are considered more effective than communication or positive discrimination measures. This research is the first to explore perceptions of disability among young people in France, with the potential to influence future behavior. It suggests ways to promote effective inclusive practices and support policies that encourage positive interactions with people with disabilities.
The Challenge–Hindrance–Threat Appraisal Framework and the Differential Effects on Employees’ Work Well-Being and Behaviors
Authors: Chen Qin , Chen Mengfan , Lin Lin , Bai Xinwen
Published: August 2024

Considering the current economic and employment landscape, marked by high levels of uncertainty and challenges, this study introduces the challenge–hindrance–threat appraisal (CHTA) framework to examine workplace stress, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked role of threat appraisal. Across three studies using independent samples and multi-wave survey data, our research provides evidence supporting the CHTA framework and reveals the differential effects of three types of stress appraisals on the work-related well-being and behaviors of individuals. Specifically, Study 1 establishes the three-factor structure of CHTA, confirming its robust psychometric properties in each appraisal dimension. Study 2 demonstrates that threat appraisals offer unique insights into stress-related outcomes, beyond challenge and hindrance appraisals. Study 3 reveals that challenge appraisals foster learning behavior through enhancing work engagement and reduce turnover intentions through alleviating emotional exhaustion. Conversely, threat appraisals escalate turnover intentions through intensifying emotional exhaustion. Interestingly, hindrance appraisals exhibit no significant effect on either work engagement or emotional exhaustion, precluding any indirect influence on learning behavior or turnover intentions. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of differentiating between the three types of cognitive appraisals of stress—namely, challenge, hindrance, and threat appraisals—in stress management in order to enhance employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.
Mental Health and (Online) Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: A Network-Based Approach
Authors: Serrano-Macias Maribel , Alvarez-Galvez Javier
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the increase in mortality and morbidity rates globally, but it has also led to a generalized worsening of mental health and risk behaviors in different population groups regardless of the measures adopted by different governments. In this paper, using data from a Spanish survey of emotional well-being, we aim to explore through mixed graphical models the complex structure of relationships between the mental health of populations, their lifestyles, and forms of cultural and leisure consumption during the pandemic. The results bring to light some interesting findings, such as the association between teleworking and greater rest or greater stress with the use of social media, a variable that enables the connection with other mental health problems of greater severity. Increased physical activity and the consumption of streaming content at home, as well as increased care for family, friends, and neighbors, are some of the variables that show relevant associations. These findings highlight the usefulness and versatility of this network approach for the study of health behaviors and health outcomes, which offer the researcher a holistic and organic view of the relational structure of complex data characterized by high dimensionality and variables with different levels of measurement.
Evaluating Adolescent Patient Outcomes and Staff Member Injuries at a General Psychiatric Inpatient Unit
Authors: Romani Patrick W. , Anjom Ava , Anderson Tyler , Ariefdjohan Merlin
Published: August 2024

Short-term pediatric psychiatric hospitalization is used to manage acute-crisis behaviors. Few studies have detailed their clinical model and key metrics such as patient behavioral health outcomes and staff experience. This study describes a model which emphasizes group therapy based on dialectical behavior therapy during brief inpatient stays (average length of stay of 8 days). The study variables assessed included patient symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger at discharge, patient satisfaction, and staff safety. The program produced significant improvements in adolescent depression, anxiety, and anger, and patients reported high satisfaction with the services received. However, there was a high rate of staff injuries, correlated with staffing ratios and the time of day. The key findings from this study demonstrate the effectiveness of brief inpatient programs and highlight variables that may impact staff experiences on these units, which could serve as further discussion points to improve clinical care.
Research on the Purchase Intention of Social Commerce Consumers in Video Streams: Dual Pathways of Affection and Rationality
Authors: Deng Minwei , Yang Yitong , Sun Baiqing
Published: August 2024

Social commerce blurs the boundary between online social interaction and online shopping. The emergence of video streams introduces novel marketing modalities to social commerce. However, there is a paucity of comprehensive studies investigating the impact of emerging marketing techniques such as short videos and live streaming on consumer purchase intention. This study employs Bourdieu’s conceptual framework to construct a Field Theory-based model, investigating the impact of atmospheric and capital characteristics of social commerce platforms on consumer purchase intention through affective and rational pathways, respectively. A survey involving 515 Chinese social commerce consumers demonstrates that atmospheric characteristics (emotion and social presence) and capital characteristics (information quality and quantity) in video streams enhance similarity and power. Both similarity and power are associated with an increase in consumer purchase intention. This study validates the dual-path influence of social commerce characteristics and discusses theoretical and managerial implications.
The Self-Reference Effect in Metamemory and the Role of Beliefs in This Process
Authors: Hou Ruoyu , Xu Hui , Gao Yuanxia , Tang Weihai , Liu Xiping
Published: August 2024

Previous research has shown a clear self-reference effect in our memory. However, the question arises as to whether this effect could extend to higher cognitive domains such as metamemory. Thus, this study examined the effects of different encoding types on judgments of learning (JOLs) and explored the role of beliefs in this process. A one-way (encoding type: semantic, self-referential) within-participants design was employed in Experiment 1, which found no self-reference effect in JOLs. In Experiment 2, we manipulated participants’ beliefs to explore their effect on JOLs under different encoding strategies. The results showed that learners’ metamemory beliefs about encoding types influence JOLs. Learners who believed that self-referential and semantic encoding had the same memory effect tended to give equal JOLs to both words. However, learners who believed that self-referential encoding had a better memory effect than semantic encoding gave higher JOLs to self-referentially encoded words. The conclusions are as follows: There is no self-reference effect in JOLs, but learners’ metamemory beliefs about encoding types influence JOLs.
How Income and Discrimination Shape the Acceptance of Newcomers in Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Native-Born and Immigrant Populations
Authors: Kushnirovich Nonna
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate how income and belonging to a discriminated group are associated with perceptions of threats posed by immigrants, and with the willingness to accept newcomers of a different/same race or ethnicity as most people of the receiving country, or newcomers who came from poor countries outside Europe. The study transcended Borjas’s theory of ‘competing and complementary’ to newcomer groups of native workers, expanding it from the economic and labor spheres to the symbolic cultural and social spheres, and extending this theory to the foreign-born European population. The study used data from the European Social Survey Round 10 Data. Three local population groups in the EU were examined: the native-born population, immigrants from non-EU countries living in the EU, and migrants from EU countries living in other EU countries. The study revealed that for native-born people, the salient factor predicting their perceived threats and willingness to accept newcomers was income, and for non-EU veteran immigrants, the salient factor was the feeling of belonging to a discriminated group. Economically disadvantaged native-born people in the EU were a group competing with newcomers. However, disadvantaged and discriminated non-EU immigrants were complementary to newcomers. The study showed that a disadvantaged group may be either competing or complementary to newcomers, depending on the origin of the group’s members rather than on the origin of newcomers.
Analysis of Carbon Emission Reduction Potential of Different Star Green Science and Technology Museums in Cold Regions of China
Authors: Li Yitong , Tian Zhe , Zhou Haizhu , Li Xiaoping , Cheng Xionglei
Published: August 2024

Low-carbon development in the field of buildings is an important means to achieve the goal of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”. In public buildings, the operation of science and technology museum buildings (TMB) has high carbon emissions, and the application of green building technology for energy saving and carbon reduction has great potential. In this paper, typical TMB in cold areas are selected and built, and energy consumption is simulated by Designbuilder. The calculation boundaries and carbon emission factors of carbon emissions are set according to current standards, and the carbon reduction potential of green science and technology museum buildings (GTMB) under different levels is compared. The results show that compared with the benchmark building based on GB 55015-2021, the carbon emission of the GTMB is significantly reduced, and the carbon emission reduction rates of silver, gold, and platinum TMB are 7.9%, 13.4%, and 29.6%, respectively. Based on the existing optimization design of passive measures such as natural ventilation and natural lighting, the GTMB should pay more attention to the realization of its optimal control strategy and automatic control.
Structural Behavior of Full-Scale Novel Hybrid Layered Concrete Slabs Reinforced with CFRP and Steel Grids under Impact Load
Authors: Abu Altemen Ahmed Abbas Ghali , Medhlom Mu’taz Kadhim , Özakça Mustafa
Published: August 2024

Reinforced concrete two-way slabs are important elements in the construction field, and their impact response under drop-weight impact is a complex mechanical issue that can cause the collapse of heavy structures. Previous research has documented the analysis of conventional steel-reinforced concrete slabs under impact loads. However, the investigation of layered hybrid concrete composite flat solid slabs reinforced with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) rebars is an innovative subject. This paper examines the structural behavior of layered novel hybrid concrete composite flat solid slabs with a combination of reactive powder concrete (RPC) in the top layer and normal concrete (NC) in the bottom layer, reinforced with internal CFRP or traditional steel bars in the tension zone, under an impact load test. For this purpose, ten full-scale square flat solid slab samples with a 1550 mm length and a 150 mm depth were fabricated and divided into eight layered hybrid concrete samples with 50% RPC and 50% NC and two samples cast with NC only. The impact tests were carried out using a hardened steel cylindroconical impactor (projectile) with a height of 650 mm and a diameter of 200 mm, a flat nose diameter of 90 mm, and a total mass of 150 kg released from two different heights of 5 and 7 m. The variables considered were the types and ratios of reinforcement, as well as the free-drop weight and height. The experimental results obtained showed that layered RPC flat solid slabs are superior in resisting and sustaining impact forces and also have fewer scattered parts when compared to NC flat solid slabs. Additionally, the flat solid slab samples reinforced with CFRP bar grids were overall more resistant to impact loads, by an average of 19%, compared to flat solid slabs with steel bars and showed lower deflection, by an average of 10%, compared to the other flat solid slabs.
A Simple Explicit Formula for Evaluating the Total Capacity of Chilled-Water Cooling Coils under Wet Conditions
Authors: Wang Chuang , Wang Shan , Ding Xiaoxiao , An Jingjing , Fu Xiao
Published: August 2024

A simple explicit formula for evaluating the total capacity of chilled-water cooling coils under wet conditions is reported in this paper. The formula is developed through theoretical and analogical analysis from a practical viewpoint. With the formula, a wet coil’s total cooling capacity can be predicted straightforwardly, given the inlet air and water conditions. The formula was cross-validated against a set of catalog performance data from a series of fan coil unit (FCU) coils and simulated performance data from a series of air handling unit (AHU) coils. The mean errors in the calculated results of the present formula did not exceed 5% in the training and test sets for each coil, showing it has good accuracy and generalizability over a wide operating range and various coil types. This formula is expected to have wide applications in energy simulation and control optimization of building air-conditioning systems.
Exploring the Influence of the Perceived Neighborhood Built Environment on the Fall Risks among Older Adults in China
Authors: Du Shichao , Wang Chunyu , Mao Longjian
Published: August 2024

Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury-related deaths among older adults, with approximately 50% of them occurring in the neighborhood built environment. This longitudinal study investigated the influence of the perceived built environment (PBE) on fall risks among Chinese older adults residing in neighborhoods. We utilized data from the 2018 and 2020 waves of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), comprising a sample size of 8686 respondents. A complementary log–log (cloglog) regression was used to effectively model falls because of their infrequent occurrence. The results revealed a significant U-shaped non-linear relationship between PBE and falls. As the PBE score increased from relatively low levels, there was a decrease in the probability of falls, indicating that enhancing PBE can effectively protect against fall risks. However, once an average PBE score threshold was reached (around a turning point score of 22), this association may slightly reverse. Living alone and living in urban areas are two major factors that increase the vulnerability of older adults to PBE, resulting in higher fall risks within their neighborhoods. The study enhances the understanding of how PBE affects fall risks among older adults.
Harnessing Natural Pozzolan for Sustainable Heating and Cooling: Thermal Performance and Building Efficiency in Moroccan Climates
Authors: Annaba Khadija , Belarouf Sara , El Wardi Fatima Zohra , Ibaaz Khalid , Cherkaoui Mouha , Florence Céline , Colin Johan , Mege Romain , Mendili Yassine El
Published: August 2024

The need to construct environmentally friendly buildings to meet current environmental and ecological standards is urgent. This study introduces a new multi-layer construction material with two outer layers of ordinary mortar and an inner layer of a pozzolane-limes composite to meet this need. The thermal efficiency of this material in building construction is investigated using TRNSYS18 simulations for two distinct climatic zones in Morocco, with a particular focus on its impact on heating dynamics. The primary objective is to evaluate the thermal performance of multi-layered pozzolanic materials, for which mortar samples are meticulously prepared as a reference in the two different climatic zones (Azilal and Errachidia). Using the asymmetric hot plate method under both stable and transient conditions, the authors conduct thermal characterization experiments. The results underscore the improvement in thermal performance made possible by the incorporation of pozzolan as an aggregate in the multi-layer material compared to ordinary mortar. Specifically, thermal conductivity improves significantly, from 0.735 W m−1 K−1 for ordinary mortar to 0.4 W m−1 K−1 for multi-layered pozzolanic materials, representing a 46% mass gain. Additionally, effusivity decreases from 730 to 604 J m−2 K−1 s−1/2, while diffusivity decreases from 3.78 to 2.23 × 10−7 m2 s−1, further attesting to the material’s thermal efficacy. TRNSYS18 simulations corroborate the viability of using multi-layered materials as building envelopes, revealing potential annual heating gains of 25% in Azilal and 5% in Errachidia. These findings underscore the promising prospects of integrating these materials into sustainable construction practices.
Comparative Study on Heat Dissipation Performance of Pure Immersion and Immersion Jet Liquid Cooling System for Single Server
Authors: Yuan Linhui , Wang Yu , Kosonen Risto , Yang Zhengchao , Zhang Yingying , Wang Xincheng
Published: August 2024

Heat dissipation has emerged as a critical challenge in server cooling due to the escalating number of servers within data centers. The potential of immersion jet technology to be applied in large-scale data center server operations remains unexplored. This paper introduces an innovative immersion jet liquid cooling system. The primary objective is to investigate the synergistic integration of immersion liquid cooling and jet cooling to enhance the heat dissipation capacity of server liquid cooling systems. By constructing a single-server liquid cooling test bench, this study compares the heat dissipation efficiencies of pure immersion and immersion jet liquid cooling systems and examines the impact of inlet water temperature, jet distance, and inlet water flow rate on system performance. The experimental outcomes show that the steady-state surface heat transfer coefficient of the immersion jet liquid cooling system is 2.6 times that of the pure immersion system, with increases of approximately 475.9 W/(m2·K) and 1745.0 W/(m2·K) upon adjustment of the jet distance and flow rate, respectively. Furthermore, the system model is streamlined through dimensional analysis, yielding a dimensionless relationship that encompasses parameters such as inlet water temperature, jet distance, and inlet water velocity. The correlation error is maintained below 18%, thereby enhancing the comprehension of the immersion jet cooling mechanism.
Experimental Study on Transport of Cd(II) and Cu(II) in Landfill Improved Clay Liners Building Material Containing Municipal Sludge-Activated Carbon
Authors: Xu Jun , Lu Haijun , Wang Zhenhua , Zhang Qian , Cai Guanghua , Zang Meng
Published: August 2024

Landfills necessitate a liner barrier system to prevent the leakage of contaminants into the surrounding soil. However, the currently employed compacted clay liner (CCL) is insufficient to prevent the leakage of heavy metal ions. This study proposes a novel landfill liner system utilizing sludge-based activated carbon (SAC)-modified clay. The adsorption characteristics of SAC-modified clay liner (SAC-CCL) for Cd(II) or Cu(II) were evaluated through batch tests. The permeability coefficient and unconfined compressive strength of SAC-CCL were assessed through permeation and unconfined compression tests. The permeability coefficient of the SAC-modified clay ranged from 2.57 × 10−9 to 1.10 × 10−8 cm/s. The unconfined compressive strength of the SAC-CCL varied between 288 and 531 kPa. The migration of Cd(II) or Cu(II) within an 80 cm thick, full-scale SAC-CCL was simulated using soil column tests. The diffusion coefficient (D) was calculated by inversion using the one-dimensional solute migration equation. The diffusion coefficients (D) for Cd(II) and Cu(II) ranged from 1.9 × 10−10 to 13.5 × 10−10 m2/s. The retardant performance of SAC-CCL for Cd(II) and Cu(II) followed the order: 3% SAC-CCL > 1% SAC-CCL > CCL > 5% SAC-CCL, from strongest to weakest. Consequently, SAC-modified clay demonstrates significant potential as a landfill lining material. However, the migration behavior of heavy metal ions in SAC-CCLs under cyclic dry–wet conditions requires further investigation.
Correction: Dong et al. FE Model Updating of Continuous Beam Bridge Based on Response Surface Method. Buildings 2024, 14, 960
Authors: Dong Fang , Shi Zhongqi , Zhong Rumian , Jin Nan
Published: August 2024

In the published publication [...]
A Framework for Adaptive Façade Optimization Design Based on Building Envelope Performance Characteristics
Authors: Chen Ping , Tang Hao
Published: August 2024

The adaptive façades serve as the interface between the indoor and outdoor energy of the building. Adaptive façade optimization design can improve daylighting performance, the thermal environment, view performance, and solar energy utilization efficiency, thus reducing building energy consumption. However, traditional design frameworks often neglect the influence of building envelope performance characteristics on adaptive façade optimization design. This paper aims to reveal the potential functional relationship between building façade performance characteristics and adaptive façade design. It proposes an adaptive façade optimization design framework based on building envelope performance characteristics. The method was then applied to a typical office building in northern China. This framework utilizes a K-means clustering algorithm to analyze building envelope performance characteristics, establish a link to adaptive façade design, and use the optimization algorithm and machine learning to make multi-objective optimization predictions. Finally, Pearson’s correlation analysis and visual decision tools were employed to explore the optimization potential of adaptive façades concerning indoor daylighting performance, view performance, and solar energy utilization. The results showed that the optimized adaptive façade design enhances useful daylight illuminance (UDI) by 0.52%, quality of view (QV) by 5.36%, and beneficial solar radiation energy (BSR) by 14.93% compared to traditional blinds. In addition, each office unit can generate 309.94 KWh of photovoltaic power per year using photovoltaic shading systems. The framework provides new perspectives and methods for adaptive façade optimization design, which helps to achieve multiple performance objectives for buildings.
Low-Temperature Annealing of Nanoscale Defects in Polycrystalline Graphite
Authors: Liu Gongyuan , Oh Hajin , Rahman Md Hafijur , Du Jing , Windes William , Haque Aman
Published: August 2024

Polycrystalline graphite contains multi-scale defects, which are difficult to anneal thermally because of the extremely high temperatures involved in the manufacturing process. In this study, we demonstrate annealing of nuclear graphite NBG-18 at temperatures below 28 °C, exploiting the electron wind force, a non-thermal stimulus. High current density pulses were passed through the specimens with a very low-duty cycle so that the electron momentum could mobilize the defects without heating the specimen. The effectiveness of this technique is presented with a significant decrease in electrical resistivity, defect counts from X-ray computed tomography, Raman spectroscopy, and nanoindentation-based mechanical characterization. Such multi-modal evidence highlights the feasibility of nanoscale defect control at temperatures about two orders of magnitude below the graphitization temperature.
Osteopontin Regulates Treg Cell Stability and Function with Implications for Anti-Tumor Immunity and Autoimmunity
Authors: Vakrakou Aigli G. , Kourepini Evangelia , Skordos Ioannis , Nieto Natalia , Panoutsakopoulou Vily , Paschalidis Nikolaos
Published: August 2024

Foxp3-expressing regulatory T (Treg) cells represent the most highly immunosuppressive cell in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that halts effective anti-tumor immunity. Osteopontin (Opn), an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycophosphoprotein, plays key roles in many types of immune-related diseases and is associated with cancer aggressiveness when expressed by tumor cells. However, its role in Foxp3Treg heterogeneity, function, and stability in the TME is poorly defined. We generated mice with a Foxp3-specific deletion of Opn and assessed the ability of Opn-deficient Tregs to suppress inflammation. As these mice aged, they developed a scurfy-like syndrome characterized by aberrant and excessive activation of effector T cells. We evaluated and further confirmed the reduced suppressive capacity of Opn-deficient Tregs in an in vivo suppression assay of colitis. We also found that mice with Opn-deficient Foxp3+ Tregs have enhanced anti-tumor immunity and reduced tumor burden, associated with an unstable Treg phenotype, paralleled by reduced Foxp3 expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Finally, we observed reduced Foxp3 and Helios expression in Opn-deficient Tregs compared to wild-type controls after in vitro activation. Our findings indicate that targeting Opn in Tregs reveals vigorous and effective ways of promoting Treg instability and dysfunction in the TME, facilitating anti-tumor immunity.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: From Diagnosis to Follow-Up
Authors: Comune Rosita , Ruggiero Angelo , Portarapillo Antonio , Villani Alessia , Megna Matteo , Tamburrini Stefania , Masala Salvatore , Sica Giacomo , Sandomenico Fabio , Bortolotto Chandra , Preda Lorenzo , Scaglione Mariano
Published: August 2024

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most frequent skin cancer, accounting for approximately 20% of all cutaneous malignancies, and with an increasing incidence due to the progressive increment of the average age of life. The diagnosis is usually firstly suspected based on clinical manifestations; however, dermoscopic features may improve diagnostic sensitivity in cases of an uncertain diagnosis and may guide the biopsy, which should be performed to histopathologically prove the tumor. New diagnostic strategies may improve the sensitivity of the cutaneous SCC, such as reflectance confocal microscopy and line-field confocal optical coherence, for which increasing data have been recently published. Imaging has a central role in the staging of the diseases, while its exact role, as well as the choice of the best techniques, during the follow-up are not fully clarified. The aim of this literature review is to describe diagnostic clinical and instrumental tools of cutaneous SCC, with an insight into the role of imaging in the diagnosis and follow-up of cutaneous SCC.
Mesenchymal Tumor Management: Integrating Surgical and Non-Surgical Strategies in Different Clinical Scenarios
Authors: Samà Laura , Rodda Giorgia Amy , Ruspi Laura , Sicoli Federico , D’Amato Vittoria , Renne Salvatore Lorenzo , Laffi Alice , Baldaccini Davide , Clerici Elena , Navarria Pierina , Scorsetti Marta , Bertuzzi Alexia Francesca , Quagliuolo Vittorio Lorenzo , Cananzi Ferdinando Carlo Maria
Published: August 2024

Mesenchymal tumors originate from mesenchymal cells and can be either benign or malignant, such as bone, soft tissue, and visceral sarcomas. Surgery is a cornerstone treatment in the management of mesenchymal tumors, often requiring complex procedures performed in high-volume referral centers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted this need for alternative non-surgical approaches due to limited access to surgical resources. This review explores the role of non-surgical treatments in different clinical scenarios: for improving surgical outcomes, as a bridge to surgery, as better alternatives to surgery, and for non-curative treatment when surgery is not feasible. We discuss the effectiveness of active surveillance, cryoablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound, and other ablative techniques in managing these tumors. Additionally, we examine the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in gastrointestinal stromal tumors and hypofractionated radiotherapy in soft tissue sarcomas. The Sarculator tool is highlighted for its role in stratifying high-risk sarcoma patients and personalizing treatment plans. While surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, integrating advanced non-surgical strategies can enhance therapeutic possibilities and patient care, especially in specific clinical settings with limitations. A multidisciplinary approach in referral centers is vital to determine the optimal treatment course for each patient.
Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Dermoscopy for the Diagnosis of Solitary Hypopigmented Pink Lesions: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ambrosio Luca , Pogorzelska-Antkowiak Anna , Retrosi Chiara , Di Lella Giovanni , Spadafora Marco , Zalaudek Iris , Longo Caterina , Pellacani Giovanni , Conforti Claudio
Published: August 2024

Diagnosing solitary pink skin lesions poses a significant challenge due to the scarcity of specific clinical and dermoscopic criteria. Several benign lesions, such as cherry angioma, clear cell acanthoma, dermal nevus, keloid, hypertrophic scar, and Spitz nevus, often exhibit similar clinical and dermoscopic features. This similarity extends to some malignant lesions, including basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and amelanotic melanoma, making differentiation difficult. Recent studies highlight the enhanced diagnostic accuracy of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), which offers increased sensitivity and specificity compared to dermoscopy alone for diagnosing skin cancer. This study aims to summarize the application of dermoscopy and RCM in distinguishing between benign and malignant pinkish–reddish skin lesions. The integration of RCM with traditional dermoscopic techniques improves the ability to accurately identify and differentiate these lesions. However, it is crucial to note that for any suspicious lesions, a final diagnosis must be confirmed through surgical excision and histopathological evaluation. This comprehensive approach ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, highlighting the importance of combining advanced imaging techniques in clinical practice.
Impact of Cryopreserved Placental Allografts on Biochemical Recurrence in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gottlieb Josh , Hanes Douglas A. , Bustos Matias A. , Choe Jane , Luu Albert , Seizer Daniel , Hoon Dave S. B. , Wilson Timothy G.
Published: August 2024

Background: Human placental allografts are widely used to promote wound healing. Placental (or amniotic membrane/umbilical cord) allografts are placed along the neurovascular bundles during radical prostatectomy to improve continence and erectile function recovery. It is unknown whether placental allografts impact biochemical recurrence (BCR). Methods: This was a single-surgeon retrospective study of 566 robotic radical prostatectomies performed from April 2015 to March 2021. The patients were divided into three groups: the negative control, Brand A, and Brand B. Brand A and Brand B were both cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) allografts. A total of 324 cases were included for BCR Kaplan–Meier and risk-adjusted multivariate analyses (362 for continence analysis). In vitro analyses were performed to determine the effect of CAM allografts on prostate cancer (PCa) cell line growth. Results: For propensity score-matched analysis (adjusting for pre-operative PSA, tumor stage, Gleason Grade, and margin status), (1) the allograft groups did not show differences in time to BCR vs. the negative control group (p = 0.7), and (2) combined allograft treatment groups showed better continence recovery vs. the negative controls (p = 0.01). In vitro, placental allografts reduced PCa cell line growth in co-culture assays. Conclusions: cryopreserved AM allografts (combined or individual brands) did not show a significant effect on BCR but improved continence recovery for PCa patients.
TiO2-Supported Catalysts in Low-Temperature Selective Reduction of NOx with NH3: A Review of Recent Progress
Authors: Bian Xue , Wang Jing , Bai Yuting , Li Yanping , Wu Wenyuan , Yang Yuming
Published: August 2024

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) stands out as a pivotal method for curbing NOx emissions from flue gas. The support, crucially, for SCR efficacy, loads and interacts with the active components within the catalyst. The catalysts could be amplified by the denitration performance of the catalyst by enhancements in support pore structure, acidity, and mechanical robustness. These improvements ensure efficient interaction between the support and active materials, thereby optimizing the structure and property of the catalysts. TiO2 is the most commonly used support of the NH3-SCR catalyst. The catalyst with TiO2 support has poor thermal stability and a narrow temperature range, which can be improved. This paper reviews the research progress on the effects of various aspects of TiO2 support on the NH3-SCR catalyst’s performance, focusing on the TiO2 crystal type, TiO2 crystal surface, different TiO2 structures, TiO2 support preparation methods, and the effects of TiO2-X composite support on the NH3-SCR catalyst’s performance. The reaction mechanism, denitrification performance, and anti-SO2/H2O poisoning performance and mechanism of TiO2 support with different characteristics were described. At the same time, the development trend of the NH3-SCR catalyst using TiO2 as the support is prospected. It is hoped that this work can provide optimization ideas for SCR catalyst research.
Fabrication of Platinum-Decorated NiCo-Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoflowers for Electrocatalytic Ammonia Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Gong Yujie , Cai Hongli , Han Yue , Gu Jiali , Zhang Liang , Zhao Chun
Published: August 2024

The complete anodic oxidation of ammonia is an important part of direct ammonia fuel cells. Fabricating a high-performance electrocatalyst for ammonia oxidation reaction is meaningful for developing a direct ammonia fuel cell. Herein, we designed one platinum-decorated NiCo-layered double hydroxide nanoflower on Ni foam (Pt-NiCo-LDH-Ni foam) and measured the electrocatalytic performance via the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. The experimental results demonstrated that the optimized Pt-NiCo-LDH-Ni foam showed great electrocatalytic performance, with a low overpotential with a value of −0.573 V, a high current density of 17.75 mA cm−2 for the ammonia oxidation reaction, and good stability.
Advancements in Cobalt-Based Catalysts for Enhanced CO2 Hydrogenation: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions: A Short Review
Authors: He Xixue , Wang Xinyu , Xu Hao
Published: August 2024

In 2020, China put forward the national energy and economic development strategy goal of “carbon peak and carbon neutrality”; in this context, the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide into clean energy and high-value-added chemicals can effectively alleviate the current environmental pressure. This process represents a crucial avenue for the advancement of green energy and the realisation of a sustainable energy development strategy. Among the efficient catalysts designed for CO2 hydrogenation reactions, transition metal cobalt has garnered extensive attention from researchers due to its relatively abundant reserves and low economic cost. This paper first introduces the thermodynamic process of carbon dioxide hydrogenation and discusses methods to improve the efficiency of the catalytic reaction from a thermodynamic perspective. It then briefly describes the reaction mechanism of cobalt-based catalysts in the carbon dioxide hydrogenation reaction. Based on this understanding, this paper reviews recent research on the application of cobalt-based catalysts in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to produce methane, hydrocarbon chemicals, and alcohols. Finally, the methods to improve the catalytic efficiency of these catalysts are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.
Improvement of Power Density and COD Removal in a Sediment Microbial Fuel Cell with α-FeOOH Nanoparticles
Authors: Mejía-López Monica , Lastres Orlando , Alemán-Ramírez José Luis , Verde Antonio , Alvarez José Campos , Torres-Arellano Soleyda , Trejo-Díaz Gabriela N. , Sebastian Pathiyamattom J. , Verea Laura
Published: August 2024

Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFC) are bioelectrochemical systems that can use different wastes for energy production. This work studied the implementation of nanoparticles (NPs) of α-FeOOH (goethite, which is well-known as a photoactive catalyst) in the electrodes of an SMFC for its potential use for dye removal. The results obtained demonstrate the feasibility of the NPs activation with the electrical potential generated in the electrodes in the SMFC instead of the activation with light. The NPs of α-FeOOH were synthesized using a hydrothermal process, and the feasibility of a conductive bio-composite (biofilm and NPs) formation was proven by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical techniques. The improvement of the power density in the cell was more than twelve times higher with the application of the bio-composite, and it is attributed mostly to the presence of NPs. The results also demonstrate the NPs effect on the increase of the electron transfer, which resulted in 99% of the COD removal. The total electrical energy produced in 30 days in the SMFC was 1.2 kWh based on 1 m2 of the geometric area of the anode. The results confirm that NPs of α-FeOOH can be used to improve organic matter removal. Moreover, the energy produced due to its activation through the potential generated between the electrodes suggests the feasibility of its implementation for dye removal.
Numerical Investigation of Equilibrium and Kinetic Aspects for Hydrogenation of CO2
Authors: Rakhi  , Mauss Fabian
Published: August 2024

Even if huge efforts are made to push alternative mobility concepts, such as electric cars and fuel-cell-powered cars, the significance and use of liquid fuels is anticipated to stay high during the 2030s. Biomethane and synthetic natural gas (SNG) might play a major role in this context, as they are raw material for chemical industry that is easy to be stored and distribute via existing infrastructure, and are a versatile energy carrier for power generation and mobile applications. Since biomethane and synthetic natural gas are suitable for power generation and for mobile applications, they can therefore replace natural gas without any infrastructure changes, thus playing a major role.In this paper, we aim to comprehend the direct production of synthetic natural gas from CO2 and H2 in a Sabatier process based on a thermodynamic analysis as well as a multi-step kinetic approach. For this purpose, we thoroughly discuss CO2 methanation to control emissions in order to maximize the methane formation along with minimizing the CO formation and to understand the complex methanation process. We consider an equilibrium and kinetic modeling study on the NiO-SiO2 catalyst for methanation focusing on CO2-derived SNG. The thermodynamic analysis of CO2 hydrogenation is preformed to define the optimal process parameters followed by the kinetic simulations for catalyst development. The investigation presented in this paper can also be used for developing machine learning algorithms for methanation processes.