bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Notch Signaling Pathway in Malignant Progression of Glioblastoma and Targeted Therapy
Authors: Wang Shenghao , Gu Sikuan , Chen Junfan , Yuan Zhiqiang , Liang Ping , Cui Hongjuan
Published: April 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive form of glioma and the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system. Despite significant advances in clinical management strategies and diagnostic techniques for GBM in recent years, it remains a fatal disease. The current standard of care includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, but the five-year survival rate for patients is less than 5%. The search for a more precise diagnosis and earlier intervention remains a critical and urgent challenge in clinical practice. The Notch signaling pathway is a critical signaling system that has been extensively studied in the malignant progression of glioblastoma. This highly conserved signaling cascade is central to a variety of biological processes, including growth, proliferation, self-renewal, migration, apoptosis, and metabolism. In GBM, accumulating data suggest that the Notch signaling pathway is hyperactive and contributes to GBM initiation, progression, and treatment resistance. This review summarizes the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of the Notch signaling pathway in GBM, as well as some clinical advances targeting the Notch signaling pathway in cancer and glioblastoma, highlighting its potential as a focus for novel therapeutic strategies.
The Effects of Job Stress on Burnout and Turnover Intention: The Moderating Effects of Job Security and Financial Dependency
Authors: Üngüren Engin , Onur Neslihan , Demirel Hüsne , Tekin Ömer Akgün
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: The hospitality industry is known for exposing employees to work stress, which can lead to work-related burnout and high turnover rates. This study aims to examine the relationships between work stress, work-related burnout, and turnover intention. It also explores the mediating role of work-related burnout and the moderating role of job security and financial dependence. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 494 hotel employees working in five-star hotels in Belek and Manavgat, Türkiye, using a moderated mediation research model. The study found that work stress increases work-related burnout, which in turn increases turnover intention. Additionally, work-related burnout was found to mediate the relationship between work stress and turnover intention. Furthermore, it was found that perceived job security moderates the relationship between work stress levels and work-related burnout. Additionally, the variable of financial dependence was found to moderate the relationship between employees’ levels of work-related burnout and their turnover intentions. Similarly, the study found that the financial dependence variable moderates the effect of work-related burnout on employees’ turnover intention. Additionally, the study found that employees’ perception of job security moderates the impact of work stress on work-related burnout. In conclusion, the study suggests that positive perceptions of job security can mitigate the impact of work stress on work-related burnout. Similarly, the impact of work-related burnout on turnover intention diminishes as the degree of financial dependence rises.
A Single-Session Process-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention Combined with Multimodal Rehabilitation Treatment for Chronic Pain Associated with Emotional Disorders
Authors: Cojocaru Cristiana-Manuela , Popa Cosmin Octavian , Schenk Alina , Jakab Zsolt , Suciu Bogdan Andrei , Olah Peter , Popoviciu Horațiu , Szasz Simona
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives: Defined by chronic pain, rheumatic diseases are often co-occurring with anxiety and depression. Among the available psychological interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapies have an already-proven efficiency in these cases. However, the need to adjust their structure became ubiquitous during the post-pandemic period. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a single-session, process-based cognitive-behavioral intervention for patients with rheumatic conditions within an in-patient setting. Materials and Methods: A total of 31 participants (mean age 58.9 years) completed the single-session intervention. Assessments were conducted prior to the intervention, post-intervention and after one month. Results: Pearson’s correlations, paired samples T tests and a covariance analysis based on the Linear Mixed Model were performed for exploring the relations between baseline variables and evaluating the impact of the SSI intervention. Immediately after the intervention, a significant reduction in cognitive fusion (p = 0.001, d = 1.78), experiential avoidance (p = 0.001, d = 1.4) and dysfunctional behavioral processes was observed. At the one-month evaluation, participants reported decreased pain (p = 0.001, d = 1.11), anxiety (p = 0.004, d = 0.55) and depression (p = 0.001, d = 0.72). Conclusions: The single-session, process-based approach represents a promising intervention in healthcare contexts, as an integrative part of a multimodal rehabilitation treatment in patients with rheumatic conditions.
The Role of Triggers in Physical Activity among College Students: An Extended Model of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Wang Yunbo , Kang Hyoung-Kil
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study aims to extend the Theory of Planned Behavior with Triggers (TPBT) to improve the prediction of physical activity (PA) behavior using the TPB model. Methods: Questionnaires, including the TPB scale, PA rating scale (PARS-3), and triggers scale, were administered to 596 Chinese college students, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 24.0. Results: Subjective norm (SN), attitude (AT), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) all significantly and positively affected behavioral intention (BI). The path coefficient of PA behavior was significantly influenced by the interaction term of three types of triggers and BI, and the TPB with Triggers (TPBT) model improved the explanation rate of PA behavior. Conclusion: Triggers have a moderating effect on the relationship between BI and PA behavior, and the TPBT model better explains college students’ PA behavior. Among the three dimensions of triggers, people are more receptive to facilitator and signal triggers than spark triggers. This has practical implications for practitioners designing interventions to promote PA among college students.
Rehabilitation of Individuals with Special Educational Needs through Music: An Accreditation Model Proposal
Authors: Kurtaslan Hazan , Güleken Ü. Ezgi
Published: April 2024

This study aims to eliminate the current deficiency in the use of music in the field of special education, to increase musical activities in special education, and to present an accreditation model proposal to increase the skills of institutions, educators, and students. The research was designed with a grounded theory study pattern, one of the qualitative research methods. Data for the research were collected examining the necessary documents, and through semi-structured interviews with experts in both the field of special education and music. As a result of the interviews, it was concluded that music was used as both a goal and a tool in the education of individuals receiving special education and that different skills were developed through rhythm, melody, and lyrics. It has been revealed that individuals’ body coordination skills are improved through the rhythm in music, self-care skills are improved through melodies and lyrics, and behavioral disorders are corrected through rhythm, melodies, and lyrics. All these results led to the emergence of an accreditation model proposal to develop and rehabilitate individuals receiving special education through music.
Differential Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence during COVID-19: A Cross-Regional Study in Mexico
Authors: Navarrete Zur Sofia , Sesia Paola M.
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic brought on a marked increase in intimate partner violence (IPV) worldwide, Mexico being no exception. Factors that exacerbated gender-based violence (GBV) in the household during the pandemic include gendered loss of income, regression in access to social and legal justice resources, reversal to more traditional gender norms and roles, and increased alcoholism. While there are studies about the prevalence and determinants of IPV in rural and urban Mexico, there appears to be a lack of information regarding how these realities differed as they interacted with the compounding pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stemming from 10 ethnographic interviews with women across rural and urban localities of Oaxaca, Mexico City, and Mexico State, who were recruited from NGOs providing psychological and legal services against GBV, we analyze some factors associated with the prevalence of IPV during confinement. We conclude that all women in our study experienced IPV both before and during the pandemic, with variations in IPV patterns influenced by their rural or urban residence, socio-economic status, ethnic-racial identity, and proximity to the abuser’s network. We also found that not all impacts were negative, rather COVID-19 measures had a paradoxical effect for some women where restrictions on geographical mobility and decrease in access to alcohol became pivotal protective factors. We recommend that public policymakers and civil society organizations alike pay attention to these differential challenges and benefits in their crisis responses.
Enhancing Human Reliability Prediction in Smart Tower Crane Interfaces: A Refined Approach Using Simplified Plant Analysis Risk–Human Reliability Assessment and the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory–Analytic Network Process
Authors: Si Wen , Niu Lixia
Published: April 2024

With the advent of Industry 4.0, the prevalence of tower cranes equipped with hook visualization is increasing. However, the introduction of new interface management tasks has led to novel patterns of human errors for operators. The Simplified Plant Analysis Risk–Human Reliability Assessment (SPAR-H) method has emerged as a relevant approach for the prediction of human reliability in smart construction tower crane operations. However, the current SPAR-H method is only partially applicable and does not fully meet the requirements of this study. Initially, a text mining approach (TF-IDF-TruncatedSVD-ComplementNB) was employed to identify operator error-specific terms in tower crane operations. These terms were then correlated with the eight Performance Shaping Factors (PSFs) of the SPAR-H method, and corresponding failure modes and potential causes were determined from the literature. This ensured a more objective selection of influencing factors and PSFs during the stratification process, which was validated through questionnaire surveys. Furthermore, standards for SPAR-H PSF levels were established based on the characteristics of tower crane operators. Given the inherent complexity of relationships among SPAR-H PSFs, the DEMATEL-ANP method was applied. This involved analyzing logical interactions and causal relationships between first-level and second-level indicators of PSFs, obtaining weights, and integrating these with the SPAR-H method to determine human reliability. Finally, an analysis and validation were conducted using a case study of an accident involving a smart construction tower crane, confirming the subsequent reliability of operator actions. The result of the accident case study yielded a reliability measure of 4.2 × 10−5. These findings indicate that the evaluation process of this method aligns with scenarios encountered in smart construction tower crane operations.
Daylight Availability of Living Rooms in Dense Residential Areas under Current Planning Regulations: A Cross-Region Case Study in China
Authors: Hong Lishu , Wang Chenxi , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2024

After the pandemic, as it becomes more feasible to study and work from home, the quality of residential daylighting has attracted increasing attention. With the rapid growth of high-density residential areas, China is confronted with the incoordination between site planning and interior daylight availability across a wide region. Therefore, this paper investigates the applicability of planning regulations for daylight availability in dense residential areas under different climates across China, with the aim of providing data to optimize design strategies. ClimateStudio and ALFA were used to calculate the daylight factor (DF), daylight illuminance, spatial daylight autonomy (sDA), useful daylight illuminance (UDI), and melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (m-EDI) of living rooms in four practical mixed housing estates in different Chinese daylight climate zones. The results showed that most of the studied units failed to meet current standards of DF and sDA300,50% for residence. However, more than half of these units still had high potential for UDI and met the recommendation of m-EDI by daylight only. The results verified the importance of integrative consideration of the local daylight climate and interior unit design for residential area layout planning. Finally, this paper suggests two topics for further exploration to bridge the gap between area planning and interior daylight availability in dense residential areas.
Investigation of Drying Shrinkage Characteristics in Lightweight Engineered Cementitious Composites
Authors: Mathew Agnel , Aslani Farhad
Published: April 2024

Lightweight engineered cementitious composites (LW-ECCs) not only offer comparable mechanical strengths compared with conventional concrete, but also increase the tensile strain of the composite and exhibit strain-hardening behavior, and can be utilized in weight-critical structures such as buildings in seismically active areas. Hollow glass microsphere is a type of ultra-lightweight inorganic non-metallic hollow sphere and it has been deemed as one of the potential sustainable fillers of cement composites. This study aims to investigate the drying shrinkage behavior of LW-ECCs mix designs incorporating different types of hollow glass microspheres (HGMs). Eight types of HGMs with different densities (0.2–0.6 g/cm3) and particle size distributions were incorporated to replace fly ash at 80 and 100 vol% with HGMs. Drying shrinkage was measured from the age of 2 days and up to 91 days. The results demonstrate that all LW-ECCs at 91 days showed greater shrinkage than the control mix, deformation ranged from 1140–1877 µε; 80% replacement ratio of HGMs was regarded as the optimum due to less shrinkage than 100% HGM mixes; the mix incorporating 80% H60 type of HGMs was the relatively most desired mix which had the least shrinkage at 91 days compared to other LW-ECCs, and the strains of the mix using H60 were 1140 and 1385 µε at 91 days for 80% and 100% replacement, respectively.
Analytical Solution for the Deformation of Pipe Galleries Adjacent to Deep Excavation
Authors: Xiang Binhui , Liu Ying , Cui Jifei , Yang Zhenkun
Published: April 2024

Deep excavations clearly impact adjacent existing properties and threaten their operational safety. Predicting the deformation of existing infrastructure induced by nearby underground construction is the main concern of urban underground development. This paper presents an analytical calculation method for predicting underground pipe gallery deformations induced by adjacent deep excavations. First, the authors assume the existing pipe gallery to be nonexistent in the soil and propose a solution to calculate the excavation-induced vertical movements of the soil at the position of the existing pipe gallery. Thereafter, the authors simplify the existing pipe gallery as an elastic beam on a Winkler foundation to calculate its deformation. Finally, the method is verified by the good agreement found between the calculated result and the field measurement of the construction of the Shanghai Hongqiao CBD project. The proposed analytical method of this work can provide accurate evaluation results for similar engineering projects.
Integrating Drone Imagery and AI for Improved Construction Site Management through Building Information Modeling
Authors: Choi Wonjun , Na Seunguk , Heo Seokjae
Published: April 2024

In the rapidly advancing field of construction, digital site management and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are pivotal. This study explores the integration of drone imagery into the digital construction site management process, aiming to create BIM models with enhanced object recognition capabilities. Initially, the research sought to achieve photorealistic rendering of point cloud models (PCMs) using blur/sharpen filters and generative adversarial network (GAN) models. However, these techniques did not fully meet the desired outcomes for photorealistic rendering. The research then shifted to investigating additional methods, such as fine-tuning object recognition algorithms with real-world datasets, to improve object recognition accuracy. The study’s findings present a nuanced understanding of the limitations and potential pathways for achieving photorealistic rendering in PCM, underscoring the complexity of the task and laying the groundwork for future innovations in this area. Although the study faced challenges in attaining the original goal of photorealistic rendering for object detection, it contributes valuable insights that may inform future research and technological development in digital construction site management.
Cost Benefits of Net Zero Energy Homes in Australia
Authors: Krarti Moncef , Karrech Ali
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a systematic analysis of energy savings and cost benefits associated with several options for integrating energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The primary goal of this study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of achieving optimal net-zero energy (NZE) designs for residential buildings in Australia. Specifically, the analysis combines a series of sensitivity analyses and multi-objective optimizations to account for a wide range of design strategies for detached homes in four cities representing different Australian climates. The results indicate that not only are NZE designs technically feasible for all the considered Australian cities, but they are also highly cost-effective. This cost-effectiveness is attributed to the lower installation costs of rooftop PV systems as well as the beneficial interactive effects of proven energy efficiency strategies. Indeed, it is found that the deployment costs of rooftop PV systems can be recovered in less than 4 years. Moreover, the addition of thermal insulation in walls and ceilings can reduce both HVAC capacities and annual energy end-use by up to 59%. Based on an optimization-based design, NZE homes in Australia can have lower construction costs and, ultimately, lower life cycle costs than dwellings built to meet current energy efficiency standards based primarily on stringent building envelope thermal performance.
Prediction of Overall Disease Burden in (y)pN1 Breast Cancer Using Knowledge-Based Machine Learning Model
Authors: Chun Seok-Joo , Jang Bum-Sup , Choi Hyeon Seok , Chang Ji Hyun , Shin Kyung Hwan ,   Division for Breast Cancer, Korean Radiation Oncology Group
Published: April 2024

Background: We aimed to construct an expert knowledge-based Bayesian network (BN) model for assessing the overall disease burden (ODB) in (y)pN1 breast cancer patients and compare ODB across arms of ongoing trials. Methods: Utilizing institutional data and expert surveys, we developed a BN model for (y)pN1 breast cancer. Expert-derived probabilities and disability weights for radiotherapy-related benefit (e.g., 7-year disease-free survival [DFS]) and toxicities were integrated into the model. ODB was defined as the sum of disability weights multiplied by probabilities. In silico predictions were conducted for Alliance A011202, PORT-N1, RAPCHEM, and RT-CHARM trials, comparing ODB, 7-year DFS, and side effects. Results: In the Alliance A011202 trial, 7-year DFS was 80.1% in both arms. Axillary lymph node dissection led to higher clinical lymphedema and ODB compared to sentinel lymph node biopsy with full regional nodal irradiation (RNI). In the PORT-N1 trial, the control arm (whole-breast irradiation [WBI] with RNI or post-mastectomy radiotherapy [PMRT]) had an ODB of 0.254, while the experimental arm (WBI alone or no PMRT) had an ODB of 0.255. In the RAPCHEM trial, the radiotherapy field did not impact the 7-year DFS in ypN1 patients. However, there was a mild ODB increase with a larger irradiation field. In the RT-CHARM trial, we identified factors associated with the major complication rate, which ranged from 18.3% to 22.1%. Conclusions: The expert knowledge-based BN model predicted ongoing trial outcomes, validating reported results and assumptions. In addition, the model demonstrated the ODB in different arms, with an emphasis on quality of life.
The Role of Hepatitis Viruses as Drivers of Hepatocancerogenesis
Authors: Capasso Mario , Cossiga Valentina , Guarino Maria , Ranieri Luisa , Morisco Filomena
Published: April 2024

Recently, metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) became the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and one of the most frequent causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, in this epidemiological trend, viral hepatitis remains the major driver in hepatic carcinogenesis. Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma, with an overall attributable risk of approximately 40%, followed by hepatitis C virus (HCV), which accounts for 28–30% of cases, with significant geographic variations between the Eastern and Western world. Considering all the etiologies, HCC risk increases proportionally with the progression of liver disease, but the risk is consistently higher in patients with viral triggers. This evidence indicates that both direct (due to the oncogenic properties of the viruses) and indirect (through the mechanisms of chronic inflammation that lead to cirrhosis) mechanisms are involved, alongside the presence of co-factors contributing to liver damage (smoking, alcohol, and metabolic factors) that synergistically enhance the oncogenic process. The aim of this review is to analyze the oncogenic role of hepatitis viruses in the liver, evaluating epidemiological changes and direct and indirect viral mechanisms that lead to liver cancer.
Prognostic Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Narrative Review of Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Stares Mark , Brown Leo R. , Abhi Dhruv , Phillips Iain
Published: April 2024

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common malignancy and is associated with poor survival outcomes. Biomarkers of systemic inflammation derived from blood tests collected as part of routine clinical care offer prognostic information for patients with NSCLC that may assist clinical decision making. They are an attractive tool, as they are inexpensive, easily measured, and reproducible in a variety of healthcare settings. Despite the wealth of evidence available to support them, these inflammatory biomarkers are not yet routinely used in clinical practice. In this narrative review, the key inflammatory indices reported in the literature and their prognostic significance in NSCLC are described. Key challenges limiting their clinical application are highlighted, including the need to define the optimal biomarker of systemic inflammation, a lack of understanding of the systemic inflammatory landscape of NSCLC as a heterogenous disease, and the lack of clinical relevance in reported outcomes. These challenges may be overcome with standardised recording and reporting of inflammatory biomarkers, clinicopathological factors, and survival outcomes. This will require a collaborative approach, to which this field of research lends itself. This work may be aided by the rise of data-driven research, including the potential to utilise modern electronic patient records and advanced data-analysis techniques.
Gadolinium-Doped Bismuth Ferrite for the Photocatalytic Oxidation of Arsenite to Arsenate under Visible Light
Authors: Chianese Laura , Guastella Salvatore , Tammaro Olimpia , Vaiano Vincenzo , Esposito Serena , Iervolino Giuseppina
Published: April 2024

Arsenic in drinking water is one of the most concerning problems nowadays due to its high toxicity. The aim of this work is the photocatalytic oxidation of As(III) to As(V) under visible light. This study is focused on the use of gadolinium-doped bismuth ferrite as a photocatalyst active under visible light. Different gadolinium amounts were evaluated (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 mol%), and 2 mol% resulted in the best gadolinium amount to reach higher photocatalytic efficiency in terms of As(V) production. The samples were thoroughly characterized in their optical, structural, and morphological properties. The results allowed us to identify an optimal concentration of gadolinium equal to 2 mol%. The reactive oxygen species most responsible for the photocatalytic mechanism, evaluated through the addition of radical scavengers, were O2−● and e−. Finally, a photocatalytic test was performed with a drinking water sample polluted by As(III), showing photocatalytic performance similar to distilled water. Therefore, gadolinium-doped bismuth ferrite can be considered an efficient catalytic material for the oxidation of As(III) to As(V) under visible light.
Synthesis of a Highly Efficient Mesoporous Green Catalyst from Waste Avocado Peels for Biodiesel Production from Used Cooking–Baobab Hybrid Oil
Authors: Etim Anietie O. , Musonge Paul
Published: April 2024

Valorization of waste biomass materials for fuels and other energy products has become one of the effective ways of escalating and improving the bioeconomy. The development of a novel biomass solid catalyst obtained from waste avocado peels and its potentials in transesterification of a bi-hybrid oil of used cooking–baobab oil (UC-BO) was investigated in this study. The catalyst was produced by calcining the burnt char of the dried avocado peels. The produced calcined avocado peels catalyst (CAP) was further characterized using analytical equipment, such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and TGA, to ascertain its catalytic properties. The results revealed that CAP contains some vital elements, such as Mg, P, Cl, Ca, Si, Na, and a high percentage of K content, present in form of oxides, carbonates, chlorides, and mixed metal compounds. The catalyst displayed effective catalytic potential in converting the UC-BO to biodiesel with 100% yield under an optimized condition of 51 min reaction time (RT), 14.5:1 of methanol to oil ratio (MTOR), and 2.73 wt% of catalyst loading (CL) at a constant temperature of 60 °C. The CAP exhibited excellent recyclability potential, achieving 92.85% biodiesel yield after five successive reaction cycles without notable catalytic activity reduction. The fuel properties investigated were all established within the biodiesel quality specifications of EN 14241 and ASTM D6751, demonstrating that it is a practical substitute for petroleum fuel.
Caffeine Adsorption on a Thermally Modified Bentonite: Adsorbent Characterization, Experimental Design, Equilibrium and Kinetics
Authors: Quintero-Jaramillo Javier A. , Carrero Javier Ignacio , Sanabria-González Nancy R.
Published: April 2024

Caffeine is a chemical compound found in various products such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks; therefore, it is common in wastewater and surface water. The present study investigated caffeine adsorption on a thermally modified bentonite-type clay. The effects of the heat treatment of the adsorbent over the temperature range of 60–500 °C, as well as the initial pH of the solution, stirring speed, and contact time, on the removal of caffeine were analyzed. The adsorbent was characterized by XRF, XRD, FT–IR, thermal analysis (TGA–DSC), and N2 physisorption at 77 K. The response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) was used to evaluate and optimize the adsorption of caffeine in aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity of caffeine obtained with the Langmuir model was 80.3 ± 2.1 mg/g (0.41 ± 0.01 mmol/g) at 25 °C under equilibrium conditions (initial pH = 8.0, stirring speed = 400 rpm, contact time = 120 min). A kinetic study showed that the pseudo-second-order and Elovich models adequately describe the adsorption process. Bentonite thermally modified at 400 °C can be considered a low-cost adsorbent with potential application for removing caffeine in aqueous media.
Eco-Designing Cosmetic Products while Preserving the Sensorial-Application Properties: An Instrumental Approach toward Sustainable Formulations
Authors: Tafuro Giovanni , Costantini Alessia , Piatto Mario , Lucchetti Silvia , Francescato Stefano , Busata Laura , Baratto Giovanni , Semenzato Alessandra
Published: April 2024

Driven by growing environmental concerns and regulations, cosmetic companies are seeking reliable methods to promptly assess the possibility of replacing high-impact ingredients with sustainable alternatives. In this work, we exploited rheological and texture analyses to evaluate the possibility of using natural and biodegradable raw materials for reformulating three commercial oil-in-water skin care emulsions from an eco-design perspective. Synthetic texturizers, like nylon-12 and PMMA, were replaced with starch, maltodextrin, and silica, while acrylic rheological modifiers were substituted with polysaccharide associations of sclerotium gum, xanthan gum, diutan gum, and carrageenan. Plant-based emollients and a biodegradable elastomer were used as alternatives to silicone oils. The flow and viscoelastic properties of the samples were characterized using rheological tests under continuous and oscillatory flow conditions. The immersion/de-immersion texture analysis allowed us to measure the mechanical properties of firmness, adhesiveness, and stringiness. A double-blind sensory test assessed the products’ application and sensory characteristics. The results revealed that rheology and texture analysis are complementary and correlated techniques, useful for predicting cosmetics’ sensory characteristics. While perfect replication of the original formulas might not be achievable, this protocol can aid formulators in selecting new eco-friendly ingredients ensuring the products’ desired application and sensory properties without compromising consumer experience.
A Novel Diagnostic and Treatment Approach to an Unusual Case of Dens Invaginatus in a Mandibular Lateral Incisor Using CBCT and 3D Printing Technology
Authors: LaLonde Lindsey , Askar Mazin , Paurazas Susan
Published: April 2024

Background: This case report demonstrates the use of three-dimensional (3D) models produced from a cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) volume to develop a treatment strategy for a rare type of dens invaginatus (DI) in a mandibular incisor. Methods: A patient with DI Type IIIa presented for endodontic treatment. Following CBCT evaluation, the complex morphologic nature of the invagination required additional diagnostic tools for treatment planning. The fabrication of 3D models provided clarity regarding the treatment strategy. Treatment involved intracanal medication with calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2, nonsurgical root canal therapy (NS-RCT) of the main canal, and endodontic surgery for the DI anomaly using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), bone graft, and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane. Results: The use of 3D models provided an invaluable guide for proper treatment. Complicating factors were diagnosed and planned for accordingly. Conclusions: It is difficult to appreciate the anatomical complexity, the extent, and the nature of the invagination of rare Type III DI morphology. CBCT imaging and 3D models played a critical role in the pre-treatment planning to ensure a predictable outcome. A 3D model is recommended as a diagnostic tool in treating complex cases where the DI morphology is wide, oblique, or the foraminal opening is irregular.
Bayesian Non-Parametric Inference for Multivariate Peaks-over-Threshold Models
Authors: Trubey Peter , Sansó Bruno
Published: April 2024

We consider a constructive definition of the multivariate Pareto that factorizes the random vector into a radial component and an independent angular component. The former follows a univariate Pareto distribution, and the latter is defined on the surface of the positive orthant of the infinity norm unit hypercube. We propose a method for inferring the distribution of the angular component by identifying its support as the limit of the positive orthant of the unit p-norm spheres and introduce a projected gamma family of distributions defined through the normalization of a vector of independent random gammas to the space. This serves to construct a flexible family of distributions obtained as a Dirichlet process mixture of projected gammas. For model assessment, we discuss scoring methods appropriate to distributions on the unit hypercube. In particular, working with the energy score criterion, we develop a kernel metric that produces a proper scoring rule and presents a simulation study to compare different modeling choices using the proposed metric. Using our approach, we describe the dependence structure of extreme values in the integrated vapor transport (IVT), data describing the flow of atmospheric moisture along the coast of California. We find clear but heterogeneous geographical dependence.
The Effects of Implementing the Strategy of Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) in Promoting Vocabulary in School-Aged Portuguese Children in Inclusive Schools
Authors: Verde Elisabete , Oliveira Sílvia , Cruz-Santos Anabela , Lima Etelvina
Published: April 2024

Background: The purpose of this study was to apply and analyze the impact of the semantic feature analysis (SFA) strategy on vocabulary development and comprehension of texts and theoretical concepts in Portuguese school-age students with and without special educational needs (SEN) attending inclusive schools. Method: The research design was quasi-experimental. The SFA was administered in ten sessions of approximately 60 min each. The sample was a convenience sample and consisted of selecting three classes in each school: (i) in the first cycle of basic education, 65 students were divided into a control group, an experimental group and a structured teaching group; (ii) in the second cycle of basic education, 55 students were divided into an experimental group, an online virtual school and a control group. Results: (1) The SFA strategy is motivating, appealing, inexpensive, flexible and easy to implement; (2) learning the SFA strategy is easy and can be successfully taught in any classroom; (3) the performance of the students assigned to the experimental groups was significantly higher in both cycles compared to all the other groups; (4) the effect sizes were 0.87 in the first cycle and 0.88 in the second cycle. Conclusion: The SFA strategy effectively promotes the development of vocabulary, concept knowledge and text comprehension in school-age children, being more effective than regular teaching.
How Learning to Speak the Language of a Computer-Based Digital Environment Can Plant Seeds of Algebraic Generalisation: The Case of a 12-Year-Old Student and eXpresser
Authors: Baccaglini-Frank Anna E. , Geraniou Eirini , Hoyles Celia , Noss Richard
Published: April 2024

When learning in a digital interactive mathematics learning environment (DIMLE) designed to foster the development of specific mathematics content, students come to express their ideas through different languages and representations. We devise a method based on the Theory of Instrumental Genesis (TIG) to analyse aspects of a middle school student’s learning about algebraic generalisation in a DIMLE called “eXpresser”. Our analytic scheme allows us to capture changes in her instrumented schemes when accomplishing a certain task repeatedly, gradually modifying her interactions with the system. The results concern both insights into a specific mathematics learning journey in a DIMLE, and methodological progress at a more general level. Indeed, the method we devised and explored in this specific case can be applied to infer students’ schemes from their actions as they interact with other DIMLEs. This possibility yields great potential because more and more actions can now be recognized directly by software. This has important implications for computer-supported personalised learning, and AI in general.
Equipping Teachers for Integrated Language, Science and Technology Instruction: The Design of a 4C/ID-Based Professional Development Program
Authors: Rhodes Miriam J. , Van Keulen Hanno , Gijsel Martine A. R. , Visscher Adrie J.
Published: April 2024

Integrated language, science and technology (ILS&T) instruction is a complex task for primary school teachers that requires professional development. Task-centered educational approaches such as the four-component instructional design (4C/ID) model are well suited for the development of complex professional skills. This article describes the application of the Ten Steps approach to the 4C/ID model in the domain of teacher education. The findings describe a blueprint for a 4C/ID-based teacher professional development program aimed at equipping in-service primary school teachers with the competences for ILS&T instruction, which can support instructional designers, teacher educators and researchers in making informed instructional design decisions.
A Novel Active Anti-Disturbance Control Strategy for Unmanned Aerial Manipulator Based on Variable Coupling Disturbance Compensation
Authors: Li Hai , Li Zhan , Wu Tong , Dong Chen , Xu Quman , Yang Yipeng , Yu Xinghu
Published: April 2024

Inspired by the kangaroo’s active tail wagging to stabilize its body posture while jumping, this paper proposes an active anti-disturbance control strategy for unmanned aerial manipulators based on variable coupling disturbance compensation (AADCVCD), which can achieve the active and energy-saving anti-disturbance performance of “using the enemy’s strength against the enemy” to keep the UAM stable under disturbances. First, the goal of using the coupling disturbance generated by the active swing of the manipulator as a control input signal for active anti-disturbance is clarified. Then, based on the proposed variable coupling disturbance model, this goal is formulated as a nonlinear programming optimization problem under specific physical constraints and solved. Finally, the coupling disturbance torque generated when the manipulator executes an active swing to the solved desired joint angles can be used to compensate and suppress other disturbances of the UAM, thereby achieving active anti-disturbance. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed AADCVCD were validated through two simulations in Simscape. The simulation results demonstrated that our approach achieved a good active anti-disturbance and energy-saving performance, significantly reducing the position offset of the UAM caused by disturbances and improving the UAM’s ability to maintain stability.
Effect of In-Situ H Doping on the Electrical Properties of In2O3 Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Hu Peixuan , Gao Zhixiang , Yang Lu , Li Wanfa , Liu Xiaohan , Li Ting , Qian Yujia , Liang Lingyan , Hu Yufang , Cao Hongtao
Published: April 2024

In this article, this research demonstrates the influence of in-situ introduction of H2 into the working gas on the physical properties of post-annealed In2O3 thin films and the performance of associated devices. A gradual increase in the H2 ratio leads to improved film quality, as indicated by spectroscopic ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscope analyses showing a reduction in defect states such as band-tail states and VO in the film, and a smoother surface morphology with the root mean square roughness approximately 0.446 nm. Furthermore, this hydrogen doping effect results in a distinct shift in the device’s threshold voltage toward the positive direction, and an improvement in the field-effect mobility and subthreshold swing. Consequently, a high-performance In2O3:H TFT is developed, exhibiting a field-effect mobility of 47.8 cm2/Vs, threshold voltage of −4.1 V and subthreshold swing of 0.25 V/dec. These findings highlight the potential of in-situ H doping as a promising approach to regulate In2O3-based TFTs.
On the Regularization of Recursive Least-Squares Adaptive Algorithms Using Line Search Methods
Authors: Stanciu Cristian-Lucian , Anghel Cristian , Fîciu Ionuț-Dorinel , Elisei-Iliescu Camelia , Udrea Mihnea-Radu , Stanciu Lucian
Published: April 2024

Stereophonic acoustic echo cancellation (SAEC) requires the identification of four unknown impulse responses corresponding to four loudspeaker-to-microphone pairs. Recent developments in the field of adaptive filters for SAEC setups have allowed for the handling of a single complex-valued adaptive impulse response, instead of the four classical real-valued adaptive filters. With the simplified framework provided by the widely linear (WL) model, more advanced versions of recursive least-squares (RLS) were employed in order to take advantage of their superior tracking speeds when working with highly correlated input signals (such as speech). Despite the performances and numerical stability provided by using exponentially weighted versions of the RLS family in combination with line search methods (LSMs), the SAEC configurations have limited capabilities in mitigating the negative effects caused by high-level disturbances affecting the two microphone signals. Such is the case of double-talk scenarios, which considerably reduce the update accuracy of the adaptive system. This paper analyzes a regularization technique for the named WL-RLS-LSM adaptive filters by adjusting the correlation matrix associated with the input signals and creating a reaction in the update process. The proposed method is designed to considerably slow (or even freeze) the adaptation process while the disturbance is manifested. Simulation results are discussed in order to validate the theoretical content.
Smart Agriculture and Greenhouse Gas Emission Mitigation: A 6G-IoT Perspective
Authors: Polymeni Sofia , Skoutas Dimitrios N. , Sarigiannidis Panagiotis , Kormentzas Georgios , Skianis Charalabos
Published: April 2024

Smart farming has emerged as a promising approach to address the agriculture industry’s significant contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the effectiveness of current smart farming practices in mitigating GHG emissions remains a matter of ongoing debate. This review paper provides an in-depth examination of the current state of GHG emissions in smart farming, highlighting the limitations of existing practices in reducing GHG emissions and introducing innovative strategies that leverage the advanced capabilities of 6G-enabled IoT (6G-IoT). By enabling precise resource management, facilitating emission source identification and mitigation, and enhancing advanced emission reduction techniques, 6G-IoT integration offers a transformative solution for managing GHG emissions in agriculture. However, while smart agriculture focuses on technological applications for immediate efficiency gains, it also serves as a crucial component of sustainable agriculture by providing the tools necessary for long-term environmental supervision and resource sustainability. As a result, this study also contributes to sustainable agriculture by providing insights and guiding future advancements in smart farming, particularly in the context of 6G-IoT, to develop more effective GHG mitigation strategies for smart farming applications, promoting a more sustainable agricultural future.
An Enhanced Synaptic Plasticity of Electrolyte-Gated Transistors through the Tungsten Doping of an Oxide Semiconductor
Authors: Xie Dongyu , Liang Xiaoci , Geng Di , Wu Qian , Liu Chuan
Published: April 2024

Oxide electrolyte-gated transistors have shown the ability to emulate various synaptic functions, but they still require a high gate voltage to form long-term plasticity. Here, we studied electrolyte-gated transistors based on InOx with tungsten doping (W-InOx). When the tungsten-to-indium ratio increased from 0% to 7.6%, the memory window of the transfer curve increased from 0.2 V to 2 V over a small sweep range of −2 V to 2.5 V. Under 50 pulses with a duty cycle of 2%, the conductance of the transistor increased from 40-fold to 30,000-fold. Furthermore, the W-InOx transistor exhibited improved paired pulse facilitation and successfully passed the Pavlovian test after training. The formation of WO3 within InOx and its ion intercalation into the channel may account for the enhanced synaptic plasticity.
Quantifying the Inverter-Interfaced Renewable Energy Critical Integration Capacity of a Power Grid Based on Short-Circuit Current Over-Limits Probability
Authors: Qian Weiyan , Zhang Ruixuan , Zou Yao , Zhou Niancheng , Wang Qianggang , Yang Ting
Published: April 2024

Power systems with a high proportion of inverter-based sources like photovoltaics require a substantial short-circuit current ratio to ensure strong voltage support capabilities. However, this also increases the system’s short-circuit current capacity and levels, which may potentially affect the safe operation of system equipment and current-carrying conductors. To evaluate the operational risks, this paper proposes a quantitative calculation model for the critical integration proportion of grid-connected inverter-interfaced power sources based on short-circuit current over-limit probability. Firstly, according to the verification criterion about short-circuit current during the selection of the switching equipment and conductors in the power system, the short-circuit current over-limit probability evaluation system with five indices is established. Secondly, considering the impact of the increased grid integration proportion of inverter-based power sources on short-circuit currents, an evaluation process for operational risk probabilities is proposed. Based on this, the critical access proportion for inverter-based power source integration in the power grid can be calculated. Finally, the proposed model is used to assess the operational risk probability for a 220 kV system which includes a high proportion of inverter-based power sources in the Anhui area, China. Through the analysis of cumulative probability distribution curves, the critical grid integration proportion interval for the transition from normal to high proportion stages of inverter-based power sources is determined.
On the Evaluation Framework of Comprehensive Trust for Data Interaction in Intermodal Transport
Authors: Geng Xin , Wen Yinghong , Mo Zhisong , Dong Peng , Kong Fanpeng , Xiong Ke
Published: April 2024

Due to the necessity to realize “building a strong transportation nation”, the construction of intermodal transportation is based on the information resource integration of diverse transport systems. To ensure the data security during the interaction between different transport modes, as well as the effect of data application, the status of entities and data flow in the network should be supervised throughout. Therefore, an evaluation framework of comprehensive trust is proposed in this paper. With feature analysis of transportation big data, a quality assessment is conducted by three-dimensional metric sets, which is considered as a significant factor of trust measurement. Furthermore, a hierarchical trust structure is put forward to assess the trust of entities in different levels, in terms of the static and dynamic evidence. Furthermore, the visualization of a dynamic global information security state is discussed, based on temporal knowledge graphs. As shown in practical application and simulation analysis, this framework can meet the requirements of data security supervision and lay the foundation of further intelligent management. This research is of great significance to improve the data security level in intermodal transport, and to promote the utilization and sharing of public information resources.