bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of social participation in people with disability
Authors: Pasin Tugce , Dogruoz Karatekin Bilinc
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In this study, it is aimed to determine personal wellbeing and social participation levels across different physical disability types and levels of mobility.

Methods

A sample of 85 individuals with physical disabilities, excluding those with mental disabilities were included. Sociodemographics, mobility of the participants, cause, duration of disability were recorded. Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult (PWI-A) scale was used for the assessment of wellbeing and Keele Assessment of Participation (KAP) for social participation.

Results

Female, single, unemployed subjects and individuals with neurologic disability showed significantly higher median KAP-scores(p = 0.009, p = 0.050, p<0.001, p = 0.050, respectively).The median KAP-score of the independently mobile group was significantly lower compared to the other two groups (p = 0.001). The factors affecting KAP were determined as employment, mobility level and personal wellbeing (p = 0.002, p = 0.024, p = 0.050, respectively).

Conclusion

Mobility level, employment and personal wellbeing are the determinants of social participation in people with disabilities. Neurological disability, female gender, being single, unemployment and mobility limitations are factors that reduce social participation.
Assessing the reduction of viral infectivity in HPV16/18-positive women after one, two, and three doses of Gardasil-9 (RIFT): Study protocol
Authors: López-Codony Victoria , de Andrés-Pablo Álvaro , Ferrando-Díez Angelica , Fernández-Montolí Maria Eulàlia , López-Querol Marta , Tous Sara , Ortega-Expósito Carlos , Torrejón-Becerra Juan Carlos , Pérez Yolanda , Ferrer-Artola Anna , Sole-Sedeno Josep Maria , Grau Clara , Rupérez Blas , Saumoy Maria , Sánchez Mónica , Peremiquel-Trillas Paula , Bruni Laia , Alemany Laia , Bosch Francesc Xavier , Pavón Miquel Angel
Published: May 2024

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prophylactic vaccination has proven effective in preventing new infections, but it does not treat existing HPV infections or associated diseases. Hence, there is still an important reservoir of HPV in adults, as vaccination programs are mainly focused on young women. The primary objective of this non-randomized, open-label trial is to evaluate if a 3-dose regimen of Gardasil-9 in HPV16/18-positive women could reduce the infective capacity of their body fluids. We aim to assess if vaccine-induced antibodies could neutralize virions present in the mucosa, thus preventing the release of infective particles and HPV transmission to sexual partners. As our main endpoint, the E1^E4-HaCaT model will be used to assess the infectivity rate of cervical, anal and oral samples, obtained from women before and after vaccination. HPV DNA positivity, virion production, seroconversion, and the presence of antibodies in the exudates, will be evaluated to attribute infectivity reduction to vaccination. Our study will recruit two different cohorts (RIFT-HPV1 and RIFT-HPV2) of non-vaccinated adult women. RIFT-HPV1 will include subjects with an HPV16/18 positive cervical test and no apparent cervical lesions or cervical lesions eligible for conservative treatment. RIFT-HPV2 will include subjects with an HPV16/18 positive anal test and no apparent anal lesions or anal lesions eligible for conservative treatment, as well as women with an HPV16/18 positive cervical test and HPV-associated vulvar lesions. Subjects complying with inclusion criteria for both cohorts will be recruited to the main cohort, RIFT-HPV1. Three doses of Gardasil-9 will be administered intramuscularly at visit 1 (0 months), visit 2 (2 months) and visit 3 (6 months). Even though prophylactic HPV vaccines would not eliminate a pre-existing infection, our results will determine if HPV vaccination could be considered as a new complementary strategy to prevent HPV-associated diseases by reducing viral spread.

Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05334706.
Exploring variations in using emojis in digital communication in the UAE
Authors: Alzara Nada , Mellor Noha
Published: May 2024

This research aims to explore how people in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) use emojis on social media and the communicative functions of emojis, including gender differences in assessing appropriateness. The study is based on in-depth interviews with fifteen participants representing different gender, cultural and age groups. The interviewees include six males and nine females, with an age range from 18 to 45 years. The findings emphasize the importance of diversity of perspectives and sensitivities when using emojis in communication, raising questions about the role of emojis in reinforcing or challenging traditional gender norms within the UAE and how individuals navigate the intricate balance between self-expression and cultural norms in their digital interactions. Moreover, ‘emotional emojis’ were favoured by participants from every generation, apart from those in their 20s, although the specific emojis that best expressed those emotions varied. The findings also indicate the use of emoji as a cultural barometer within the digital realm of the UAE. The nuances in emoji preferences, usage frequencies and interpretations across different cultural groups, particularly between Emirati and non-Emirati populations, vividly portray how emojis mirror the complex tapestry of cultural identity and interaction. These emojis, as digital symbols, emerge as profound reflections of the rich cultural dynamics that shape the UAE’s digital landscape. This study adds to the body of research on digitized communication, particularly in the Arab context, and contributes to understanding how emojis are used to create meaning online.
Podcast confessional: Punk and post-punk archiving, history and ‘afterlife’ conversations on the C86 Show
Authors: Gray David A.
Published: May 2024

Among the recurrent preoccupations of punk and post-punk is a critical consideration of the individual’s relationship to society. The emergence of podcasts in which hosts and musicians engage in historically contextualized conversations therefore presents an intriguing turn of events that will be of interest to punk and post-punk scholars. This article considers the possibilities of conversational podcasts via a discussion of the C86 Show, a popular UK-based podcast featuring interviews with punk, post-punk and indie musicians of the 1980s. Aided by the empathic interviewing style of its host, David Eastaugh, the show’s long-form, in-depth conversations connect musicians’ experiences and memories to historical contexts associated with the Thatcher era. Engaging two main fields of research – audio studies and punk and post-punk scholarship – I argue that the C86 Show offers listeners a rich window into punk, post-punk and indie during that time. By inviting musicians to reflect on their pasts (and their lives since the 1980s), the show sheds light also on how these musical movements and genres are remembered today. No less important, the show’s online collection of over one thousand interviews represents a significant archiving project that will be of interest to punk and post-punk scholars.
Using Machine Learning Models to Identify Factors Associated With 30-Day Readmissions After Posterior Cervical Fusions: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Gonzalez-Suarez Aneysis D. , Rezaii Paymon G. , Herrick Daniel , Tigchelaar Seth Stravers , Ratliff John K. , Rusu Mirabela , Scheinker David , Jeon Ikchan , Desai Atman M.
Published: May 2024

Objective: Readmission rates after posterior cervical fusion (PCF) significantly impact patients and healthcare, with complication rates at 15%–25% and up to 12% 90-day readmission rates. In this study, we aim to test whether machine learning (ML) models that capture interfactorial interactions outperform traditional logistic regression (LR) in identifying readmission-associated factors.Methods: The Optum Clinformatics Data Mart database was used to identify patients who underwent PCF between 2004–2017. To determine factors associated with 30-day readmissions, 5 ML models were generated and evaluated, including a multivariate LR (MLR) model. Then, the best-performing model, Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), was compared to the LACE (Length patient stay in the hospital, Acuity of admission of patient in the hospital, Comorbidity, and Emergency visit) index regarding potential cost savings from algorithm implementation.Results: This study included 4,130 patients, 874 of which were readmitted within 30 days. When analyzed and scaled, we found that patient discharge status, comorbidities, and number of procedure codes were factors that influenced MLR, while patient discharge status, billed admission charge, and length of stay influenced the GBM model. The GBM model significantly outperformed MLR in predicting unplanned readmissions (mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.846 vs. 0.829; p < 0.001), while also projecting an average cost savings of 50% more than the LACE index.Conclusion: Five models (GBM, XGBoost [extreme gradient boosting], RF [random forest], LASSO [least absolute shrinkage and selection operator], and MLR) were evaluated, among which, the GBM model exhibited superior predictive performance, robustness, and accuracy. Factors associated with readmissions impact LR and GBM models differently, suggesting that these models can be used complementarily. When analyzing PCF procedures, the GBM model resulted in greater predictive performance and was associated with higher theoretical cost savings for readmissions associated with PCF complications.
FLOATING DOCK ANALYSIS SUBJECT TO DYNAMIC WAVE LOADS USING COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS
Authors: Luo Honggao , Li Xiongkai , Ni Zihao , Ji Jun , Wang Qian
Published: May 2024

Floating dock systems are widely used in marine and waterfront facilities. Environmental loading and movements applied on these systems can be challenging to predict due to the complex interaction between structures and fluids under dynamic wave loads. Design of floating dock systems requires analysis of wave induced forces, relative movements of the dock, effects of connections, and subsequent loads and deflections in piles or mooring line anchors. Supporting structures such as piles or mooring lines can have significant impacts on load distribution within a floating dock system and shall be analyzed carefully during design. Recent advances in computer hardware and multi-physics computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology have permitted transient dynamic wave analysis of entire floating dock system, to explicitly consider fluid-structure interaction in the analysis and design of floating dock systems. In this study, a CFD technology is applied to investigate the dynamic system characteristics of a floating dock system supported by both piles and mooring lines. CFD analysis is based on software package FLOW-3D® Hydro. Floating dock, piles, and mooring lines are modeled, and analysis results are presented. It is shown to be useful for analyzing floating docks which are typically too complex to accurately evaluate using empirical methods.
IMPACT OF FREEZE-THAW CYCLES ON BACTERIAL VIABILITY IN CONCRETE
Authors: JAKUBOVSKIS Ronaldas , IVAŠKĖ AUGUSTA , GUOBUŽAITĖ SIMONA , Malaiškienė Jurgita
Published: May 2024

Calcium carbonate precipitating bacteria can improve mechanical and physical properties of building materials. Most commonly, bacteria are used for the crack repair, production of self-healing concrete, or as a cementitious agent for low-strength materials. The favorable effect of bacterial metabolism can only be achieved if the sufficient number of cells remain viable in the structural material. Besides the limited amount of oxygen, extremely high pH level and mechanical pressure on cell walls, bacteria must survive the repetitive freezing and thawing in concrete-type materials. Freezing water may generate additional internal pressure damaging the bacterial cells and suppressing the bacterial activity. In present study, the viability two of bacteria strains (Bacillus pseudofirmus and Bacillus cohnii), was studied under repeated freezing and thawing conditions. It was shown that concrete-embedded bacteria may survive fluctuations of low temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles, compromising approximately 50% of viable spores. This survivability may only be achieved if bacterial spores are protected from the concrete environment itself, for example, spores could be injected to the expanded clay particles and coated with the styrene-acrylate emulsion. These findings confirm that Bacillus pseudofirmus and Bacillus cohnii bacteria could be used in cold climatic regions, retaining viable bacteria spores within the concrete.
MECHANICAL AND HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCE OF PERVIOUS RECYCLED AGGREGATE GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE
Authors: Anwar Faiz Habib , El-Hassan Hilal , Hamouda Mohamed , El-Mir Abdulkader , Kim Hung Mo
Published: May 2024

The widespread expansion of the global economy and the increase in human population have been major contributors to pollution and environmental complications. Construction and demolition wastes (CDW), impervious pavement surfaces, and industrial waste disposal sites have emerged as serious environmental challenges over the past decade. These challenges must be addressed through the synergic use of different sustainable practices, including pervious surfaces, CDW, and industrial wastes. Their combined utilization produces a pervious geopolymer concrete made with recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). This research aims to develop and assess the mechanical and hydraulic properties of pervious geopolymer recycled aggregate concrete (PGRAC) with a design porosity of 15%. The mixes were made with two binder blends of ground granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash (1:0 and 1:1) and RCA replacement of 0 and 100%. The mechanical and hydraulic performance were characterized by compressive strength and permeability, respectively. Results showed that pervious concrete made with natural aggregates and comprising a binder blend of slag:fly ash of 1:0 demonstrated 36% higher compressive strength than counterparts having a binder blend of 1:1. Meanwhile, the permeability was unaffected by the variation in the binder. At 100% RCA, the compressive strength of mixes having a binder blend of 1:0 was 192% higher than that of the equivalent mix having a binder blend of 1:1. Yet, the latter had 12% higher permeability than the former. These research findings demonstrate the ability to produce sustainable PGRAC for use in pavement applications.
CONSTRUCTION SITE INFORMATION MODELLING APPLIED TO INFRABIM
Authors: Trani Marco Lorenzo , Madaschi Federica , Predieri Guido
Published: May 2024

Construction industry lags in digitalization due to various factors, not least the complexity of implementing the BIM method in all production stages of the supply chain. This research focuses on CoSIM (Construction Site Information Modelling) design applied to the construction of new infrastructure and particularly addresses the issue of the Level-of-Information-Need structure based on the "model use" approach introduced by ISO 19650-1:2018 and the resulting IDS (Information Delivery Specification). To acquire useful information for the research aim, many site visits were conducted for over a year at a highway construction site in Italy to retrace the design process backward and highlight the available ergo-technical information assets and their shortcomings. As a result of the on-site monitoring, a database structure of ergo-technical information was graphically displayed through tabs. Specifically, the IDS made it possible to operationalize the structure theorized in the database through the Level-of-Information-Need in a machine-user dialogue. The IDS system was then interpreted as a combination of the IFC format, favoring the design process in an openBIM environment. This allowed the definition of specific infrastructure ergo-technics PropertySets and their related properties. The correct acquisition of ergo-technical information related to the project procedure is extremely useful regarding time, costs, and workers' Health & Safety planning. Therefore, the study aims to serve as a starting point for defining the contents of complex documents such as the EIR (Exchange Information Requirements) and/or the BEP (BIM Execution Plan) related to the activities of an infrastructure construction site, developed for the so-called "infraBIM" world.
USE OF CONSTRUCTION INCENTIVE: SECTORAL DIFFERENCES
Authors: Ma Qiuwen , Cheung Sai On , Humphrey Steven , Lee Fong Chung
Published: May 2024

Incentive contracting has been developed to motivate agent teams to render extra effort. Typically, three types of incentive arrangements have been used: incentive/penalty for superior/under performance; risk/reward sharing; and future business opportunities. This study found that there are significant differences in the choice of incentive arrangements between private and public projects in Hong Kong. It is uncommon for public projects to use future business as a performance incentivizer, whereas private developers often signal repeated business together with heavy penalties to tie with their contractors. This study further identified various attributes affecting the use of incentives in both private and public engineering sectors of Hong Kong. The respective preferences were unveiled through a literature review, semi-structured interviews with industry experts, and a survey. The findings reveal that the public and private sectors consider the implementation issues regarding various performance targets critical to the type of incentives to be used. Whilst the primary concern of the public sector is accountability, the private sector is skeptical about the need to provide extra for the contractors for what they have already contracted for.
ELEVATING CONSTRUCTION GRADUATE STUDENTS' PEDAGOGICAL PROWESS THROUGH FACULTY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
Authors: Rokooei Saeed , Shojaei Alireza , Tavakkol Ehsan
Published: May 2024

Faculty development programs improve the performance of academic scholars and instructors by providing up-to-date teaching and research management tools and methods. The overall objective of this research was to organize a pilot faculty development program for recent graduates of construction programs in which participants could improve their teaching capabilities and further prepare for their classes. The overarching question of this research was to investigate the perception of participants about different aspects of a program and factors that impact the program outputs. A program was designed and developed around the main topics in construction curricula. The eligibility criterion for participation was being a Ph.D. student in the last stage of the study in a construction program. A cohort of eight students from different construction schools participated in the program in April 2023. A cross-section survey was designed and distributed to participants during the program in which they evaluated the impact of various factors on their teaching preparedness and improvement. The analysis of the data revealed that the importance and necessity of faculty development programs in the construction was greatly felt. In addition, participants indicated positive effects of the program on the course design and management process. The findings of this study provide a pilot structure for administrators and scholars in construction to design and develop general or specialized faculty development initiatives for junior faculty members who join construction schools without prior ample teaching experience.
COURT EXPERTS’ CONTRIBUTION TO AN EFFICIENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Authors: Provenzano Paola , Quapp Ulrike
Published: May 2024

Court experts advise judges in technical issues and thus support them in finding a fair verdict. That makes them a key pillar of the legal systems of many European countries. The appointing system varies in the respective EU Member States. Additionally, the appointed experts from the traditional national systems, the number of experts appointed according to EN ISO/IEC_17024 increases. Currently, some courts and law firms evaluate the opportunity to create a unified expert register for some kinds of disputes. Italy and Germany both have a national system in appointing experts for technical advice in court cases which differs in some points, but request, among others, a high level of knowledge and personal integrity. The authors compare the national expert systems and analyze the relevance of the new European expert appointment according to EN ISO/IEC_17024. They consider the pros and cons and discuss the creation of a unified expert register for construction disputes. Furthermore, the authors analyze some educational programs able to ensure a body of professionals of excellence for the best resolution of technical disputes. As a conclusion the authors propose standards for a unified expert register following the EN ISO/IEC_17024 accreditation criteria, in order to guarantee a high level of knowledge, personal integrity and professional behavior.
INVESTIGATION OF STEEL ANGLE AND PLATE CONFINEMENT ON CONCRETE UNDER AXIAL LOAD USING DIFFERENT AGGREGATE
Authors: Islam Prof. Dr. Md. Monirul , Ghone Mohammad Osman , Rahman S M Mushfequr , Emu Ali Imam , Emon Emam Hasan , Mahin Rifat Sultana , Hosen Md Rakib , Sornali Aisha Akter , shikdar Md. Ashik
Published: May 2024

Steel and concrete are frequently used to construct composite structures, making steel-concrete composites the most common choice. This research aims to compare the confinement effects observed in stone aggregate, brick aggregate, and recycled brick concrete. This analysis evaluates the impact of various thicknesses of steel angles (3mm and 4mm) and steel plates (3mm and 4mm) on the confinement effect. Each aggregate is studied using 18 cube specimens: six with 3mm steel angle confinement, six with 4mm steel angle confinement, and six without steel angle and plate confinement. This study employed Portland Composite Cement and coarse sand at 1:2:4 and 0.45 water-cement ratios. The concrete is carefully built to meet specifications and retain the slump value. Compressive strength testing is conducted on the concrete specimens at the 28-day and 60-day intervals. Simultaneously, the composite cubes are assessed for their suitability for confinement and vertical displacement. The findings reveal that stone aggregate with steel plate confinement demonstrates the highest compressive strength. Specifically, the compressive strength in stone aggregate with steel plate confinement is 3.04 and 3.52 times greater after 28 days and 60 days, respectively, compared to specimens without confinement.
OPTIMIZING FINE AGGREGATE AND CEMENT REPLACEMENT WITH STONE DUST: IMPACT ON CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
Authors: Kabashi Naser , Krasniqi Enes , Muhaxheri Milot
Published: May 2024

The utilization of stone dust in concrete presents a promising avenue for reducing environmental impact through decreased dependence on traditional fine aggregate and cement components, primarily focusing on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. This study delves into the direct integration of stone dust sourced from stone companies, particularly as random samples collected during the sawing phase of stone manufacturing. Through meticulous analysis, the replacement of stone dust is thoroughly examined to assess its influence on the fresh and hardened characteristics of concrete, aiming to optimize the mix for superior performance. Experimental investigations reveal that quarry dust can effectively substitute for fine aggregate and cement, albeit with the caveat that a comprehensive chemical analysis of the stone dust is imperative prior to integration to ensure compatibility with the concrete mix. Moreover, the study quantifies the compressive strength of concrete across varying percentages of stone dust, evaluating its impact on the concrete class. By analyzing replacement percentages ranging from 5% to 12.5% for fine aggregate and optimal cement replacement, the research explores mix design preparation, fresh property assessments, and hardened concrete sample evaluations, with a particular focus on compressive strength comparisons against reference concrete formulations.
FIRE RESPONSE OF CIRCULAR RC COLUMNS STRENGTHENED WITH PBO FRCM
Authors: Abed Farid , Khalaf Salem , ElRefai Ahmed
Published: May 2024

The use of externally bonded fiber-reinforced system, specifically fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) system, has increased over the past decades due to their demonstrated efficacy in enhancing the structural integrity of various RC members. However, the vulnerability of FRP systems to elevated temperatures has raised a major concern and led researchers to explore different strengthening systems. This paper investigates the fire performance of circular RC columns strengthened with poly-paraphenylene-ben-zobisoxazole (PBO) fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) system. Four identical columns were cast, three of which were strengthened with varying number of layers of PBO-FRCM. The fire exposure followed ASTM E119 standards. The temperature response curves were analyzed, and post-fire conditions were assessed. Initially, columns with a greater number of PBO-FRCM layers exhibited significantly lower temperatures. As the fire exposure time increased, FRCM strengthened columns experienced more significant spalling than the control column, where the reinforcement was visible from all sides. This excessive concrete spalling resulted in matching temperature readings in both the strengthened and non-strengthened columns.
EXPLORING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF CONCRETE BRIDGES
Authors: Amir Sana , Dawaymeh Ahmad , Gouda Hazem
Published: May 2024

After the construction boom of the past 30-40 years, United Arab Emirates has been left with many costly structures that may or may not fulfill modern sustainability requirements. With the on-going economic recession seen by most of the world and a higher awareness among the population regarding the environmental and societal impact of construction, engineers and designers are carrying out sustainability studies for all kinds of infrastructure. Although most of past research has focused on sustainability rating of buildings, recent advances in this area shows a heightened interest in sustainability assessment of bridges as well. Several of the key sustainability indicators for buildings are also applicable for bridge; quantitative (construction cost and assembly, transportation of materials, service life, environmental impact, etc.) and qualitative (aesthetics, safety features, etc.). This paper contributes to an ongoing research project aimed at developing a sustainability rating system for bridges in the UAE. It includes a comprehensive survey designed to evaluate the relevance of current sustainability indicators for bridge projects within the region. The findings and analysis of this survey are discussed, providing insights into the adaptation of these sustainability metrics for UAE bridges.
STRENGTH DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE SECTIONS BASED ON A NUMERICAL OPTIMIZATION METHOD
Authors: Gao Wei , Yi Zhu , Guo Haosen , Ji Jun , Wang Qian
Published: May 2024

Reinforced concrete structures are widely used in construction of civil infrastructures. Classical methods are available for the analysis and design of reinforced concrete members, such as beams or columns, which are typically done by hand or using a spreadsheet program. In this study, an analysis and design approach of reinforced concrete sections is developed based on a numerical optimization method, and applied in accordance with the latest concrete design code. The basic idea of the proposed approach is to derive an optimization formulation in order to determine the minimum steel area required to support a given factored load combinations applied on a concrete section. A rigorously derived analysis and design framework of general beam sections is presented. For practical applications by civil and structural engineers, the readily-available optimization solver in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is used. To illustrate the applicability of the approach, a numerical example with different analysis and design cases is studied. The proposed analysis and design approach using numerical optimization and spreadsheet solver works very well and is easy to implement in the Excel environment. The analysis and design results compare well with hand calculation results based on the classical method.
Evaluating the Performance of Ulee Lheue Ferry Port Facilities and Services in Banda Aceh City using the Importance Performance Analysis Method
Authors: Najwan Nurul , Anggraini Renni , Bulba Alfa Taras
Published: May 2024

The Ulee Lheue Ferry Port connects Banda Aceh City to Sabang City. Passenger services at the port are expected to meet the established service standards to enhance Sabang City tourism and mobility for local residents. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of facilities and services at the Ulee Lheue Ferry Port based on passenger assessment. This study employs a quantitative descriptive method, with a questionnaire instrument delivered to 400 respondents using simple random sampling. Respondents should meet the following criteria: must have used port facilities and services in 2023; be over 22 years old; and have a job and income. The Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method was used to analyse the data. By referring to the service quality (servqual) aspect, 46 indicators are utilized to measure the level of performance and its importance. The findings revealed, only 9 indicators were included in the highest priority (quadrant A), implying low performance but essential problems. Those indicators are health facilities, security facilities, bathroom conditions, service information, officers' concern, officers' responses, officers' reactions to passengers’ problems, officers' friendliness, and officers' service equality. In conclusion, this study suggests that port management and local government should improve facilities and services so that passenger service standards at Ulee Lheue Port would be significantly better.
Impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings at various climate zones
Authors: Mohammad Azim Rasuli , Torii Shuichi
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings across various climate zones. Through a simulation-based approach using the Hourly Analysis Program (HAP), the effectiveness of insulation in reducing energy demand and carbon emissions are evaluated. The research includes multiple climatic regions of Afghanistan, including arid, semi-arid, and mountainous zones. Methodologically, detailed building characteristics, climatic data, and insulation materials are considered, with energy modeling techniques applied to assess the performance of insulation measures. Results indicate varying degrees of energy savings and CO2 emissions reduction associated with insulation across different climate zones, in cities such as Kabul, Herat, Mazar, and Kandahar. Furthermore, the study calculates CO2 emissions reduction resulting from insulation addition, emphasizing the importance of sustainable building practices in mitigating environmental impacts. By underscoring the scientific value of this research in addressing a pressing global challenge and providing actionable insights for building design and energy policy, this study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of sustainable construction and environmental engineering.
Beyond CAR T cells: exploring alternative cell sources for CAR-like cellular therapies
Authors: Tsiverioti Christina Angeliki , Gottschlich Adrian , Trefny Marcel , Theurich Sebastian , Anders Hans-Joachim , Kroiss Matthias , Kobold Sebastian
Published: May 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has led to remarkable clinical outcomes in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, challenges remain, such as limited infiltration into solid tumors, inadequate persistence, systemic toxicities, and manufacturing insufficiencies. The use of alternative cell sources for CAR-based therapies, such as natural killer cells (NK), macrophages (MΦ), invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells, γδT cells, neutrophils, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), has emerged as a promising avenue. By harnessing these cells’ inherent cytotoxic mechanisms and incorporating CAR technology, common CAR-T cell-related limitations can be effectively mitigated. We herein present an overview of the tumoricidal mechanisms, CAR designs, and manufacturing processes of CAR-NK cells, CAR-MΦ, CAR-iNKT cells, CAR-γδT cells, CAR-neutrophils, and iPSC-derived CAR-cells, outlining the advantages, limitations, and potential solutions of these therapeutic strategies.
Numerical investigation of acoustic streaming vortices in cylindrical tube arrays
Authors: Yang Yanfeng , Liu Chaolin , Xin Feng
Published: May 2024

Acoustic streaming has a significant effect on accelerating material mixing and flow field disturbance. To explore the characteristics of acoustic streaming in the cylindrical tube array field under the action of an acoustic wave, we derive the dimensionless acoustic streaming control equation and establish a numerical calculation model of acoustic streaming. The effects of acoustic incidence angle, acoustic Reynolds number, and Strouhal number on the acoustic streaming vortex flow field in the tube array were investigated. The numerical results show that with the change in acoustic parameters, the acoustic streaming in the tube array presents rich changes in the vortex flow field, and there are flow field phenomena such as shrinking, merging, tearing, and splitting of the vortex structure. Toward the walls of each tube, there is a strong acoustic streaming flow velocity. Besides, there is also a large streaming velocity on the interface of the adjacent acoustic streaming vortices. The inner streaming vortex structure in the acoustic boundary layer decreases with the increase in the acoustic Reynolds number, but the intensity of the inner streaming vortex and outer streaming vortex increases rapidly, and the disturbance effect of the flow field is enhanced. With the increase in the dimensionless acoustic frequency (or Strouhal number), although the structure and intensity of the inner streaming vortex decrease, the velocity gradient on the wall of the cylindrical tube increases, which is beneficial to destroy the flow boundary layer of the cylindrical tube wall and accelerate the instability of the wall flow field.
Trying Harder: How Cognitive Effort Sculpts Neural Representations during Working Memory
Authors: Master Sarah L. , Li Shanshan , Curtis Clayton E.
Published: May 2024

While the exertion of mental effort improves performance on cognitive tasks, the neural mechanisms by which motivational factors impact cognition remain unknown. Here, we used fMRI to test how changes in cognitive effort, induced by changes in task difficulty, impact neural representations of working memory (WM). Participants (both sexes) were precued whether WM difficulty would be hard or easy. We hypothesized that hard trials demanded more effort as a later decision required finer mnemonic precision. Behaviorally, pupil size was larger and response times were slower on hard compared with easy trials suggesting our manipulation of effort succeeded. Neurally, we observed robust persistent activity during delay periods in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), especially during hard trials. Yet, details of the memoranda could not be decoded from patterns in prefrontal activity. In the patterns of activity in the visual cortex, however, we found strong decoding of memorized targets, where accuracy was higher on hard trials. To potentially link these across-region effects, we hypothesized that effort, carried by persistent activity in the PFC, impacts the quality of WM representations encoded in the visual cortex. Indeed, we found that the amplitude of delay period activity in the frontal cortex predicted decoded accuracy in the visual cortex on a trial-wise basis. These results indicate that effort-related feedback signals sculpt population activity in the visual cortex, improving mnemonic fidelity.
PLANT-BASED MEAT: A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TO MEAT
Authors: Zor Melek , Menevseoglu Ahmed , Ufuk Seda
Published: May 2024

Due to the increase in the world population, the amount of meat used in human consumption has also increased in recent years. On the other hand, it is clear that animal-based meat production cannot sustain this growth and results in more pollution, land and water use, greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss than the pollution occurring in plant food production. For this reason, there has recently been a trend towards new protein sources that meet the protein requirements of the human diet and improve animal welfare without increasing the carbon footprint. To respond to this increase and to to mitigate the adverse effects associated with animal production, plant-based meat production (PBM) has recently received attention. Here we have tried to provide detailed information about the production methods, product features and consumer preferences of PBM alternatives.
Amplitude-Frequency Effect of Mixed Electric Field on Impedance Spectrum Parameters of Biological Tissue
Authors: Pryimak T.V. , Chervinko D.M. , Voitkiv H.V. , Hasyuk I.M.
Published: May 2024

This work analyzes the electric impedance spectra of liver samples. Nyquist diagrams of experimental samples of different sizes were constructed. Optimal model equivalent electrical circuits of the systems studied were obtained and processed, and the parameters of their components were calculated. Changes in parameters and the tangent of the loss angle were shown. A conclusion was made about the interdependence of the electric field strength and the occurrence of stress, caused by using certain frequencies, on the size of the sample.
İSTENMEYEN GEBELİK ve İSTENMEYEN YAŞAM DAVALARINDA HEKİMİN HUKUKİ SORUMLULUĞUNA İLİŞKİN BİR DEĞERLENDİRME: 22.03.2022 tarihli Yargıtay HGK Karar İncelemesi
Authors: Ercan Cannur
Published: May 2024

Hekimin aydınlatma yükümlülüğüne ilişkin meseleler yargı kararlarına sıkça konu olmaktadır. Gebelik sırasında test ve takiplerin yapılması için başvurulan hekimlerin aydınlatma yükümlülüğünü ihlali, genetik engelli doğumlarla sonuçlanabilmektedir. Aydınlatma yükümlülüğünü ihlal eden hekime karşı annenin (ebeveynin) açabileceği davalar istenmeyen doğum (wrongful birth) olarak adlandırılırken genetik engelli bebeğin açabileceği davalar istenmeyen yaşam (wrongful life) davalarıdır. Söz konusu davalara ilişkin kararlarda, inceleme konumuz olan genetik engelli doğumlar bakımından aydınlatma yükümlülüğünün ihlali nedeniyle hekimin tazminat sorumluluğuna dayanak oluşturabilecek hukuki gerekçeler, ebeveyn ve çocuğun talepleri bakımından farklılaşmaktadır. Genetik engelli bebeğin tazminat talepleri doktrinde tartışmalı olmakla beraber her iki talebin de yasal dayanağı birbirinden ayrılarak değerlendirilmelidir. Oysa bu farklılık, kararlarda çoğu zaman muğlak kalmaktadır. İnceleme konumuzun odak noktası 22.03.2022 tarih ve E. 2020/592 – K. 2022/356 sayılı Yargıtay Hukuk Genel Kurulu kararıdır. Kararda hekimin, prenatal tanı testleri hakkında gebe kadını bilgilendirdiğini ispat edip edemediği meselesine odaklanılmıştır. Somut uyuşmazlık bakımından hekimin aydınlatma yükümlülüğüne dair ispat meselesinin de önem taşıdığı şüphesizdir. Fakat çalışmamızda davacılar tarafından ileri sürülen bazı talepler bakımından aslında ispat meselesinin ele alınmasının çok daha öncesinde bunların yasal dayanaktan yoksun bulunduğuna dikkat çekilmesi amaçlanmaktadır.
Las giras educativas como estrategia de sensibilización para el personal docente durante las clases virtuales en pandemia
Authors: Ugalde Villalobos María Eugenia
Published: May 2024

The Professional Secretarial School (PSS) of the National University of Costa Rica, before the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of an outreach process, conducted two educational tours to the Tele-secondary school of Lanas de Puriscal, San José, Costa Rica. It is located two hours away from the center of this community, with a difficult road to access due to the dirt and mud, where there is hardly any electricity and even less internet in the students' homes. It is worth noting that two of them are now studying at the PSS. PSS professors conducted educational tours to train the students and teachers of that institution in Spanish, English, and Technology topics. However, due to the pandemic, these tours became a sensitization process for some teachers regarding virtual classes, as they were actual witnesses to the situation experienced by these students. Consequently, it is necessary to evaluate the sensitization the teachers underwent and how it modified their behavior with the students from the area during the pandemic. This essay was developed based on the following question: How did the educational tour influence the teachers' treatment of students in virtual classes during the pandemic?
Antioxidant, anti-photoaging, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier-protective effects of Gleichenia japonica extract
Authors: Song Nuri , Shin Seoyeon , Kim Kimin , Choi Sarang , Kim Youngbae , Kim Eun , Kim Sunoh , Park Kyungmok
Published: May 2024

Ferns native to Korea, such as Davallia mariesii, Dicranopteris pedata, and Gleichenia japonica, possess antioxidant and antibacterial properties. However, their inhibitory effects on skin photoaging have not been demonstrated. Measurement and comparison of the antioxidant activity of three types of ferns revealed that the extract from G. japonica had the best effect. This study evaluates the potential of G. japonica extract as a new functional material for preventing skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. G. japonica extracts showed protective effects against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in human epidermal keratinocyte cells; the extracts inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species production. In addition, collagen biosynthesis increased, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 activity and protein expression level decreased in human primary dermal fibroblast irradiated with UVB. The main peak (compound 1) of the extract was separated through high-performance liquid chromatography analysis and preparative liquid chromatography. Compound 1 is strongly inferred to be the main active ingredient because it showed better antioxidant activity and UVB protection effect than G. japonica extract. These results demonstrate the physiological effects of G. japonica extract and suggest its applicability as a new functional substance for preventing skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.
New concept of etiopathogenesis and treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Dmytrivna Rudkovska Oksana
Published: May 2024

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the main causes of irreversible blindness. There is no single theory of POAG development. The trigger of the disease is unknown. Treatment is ineffective. The author's concept: the trigger of the glaucomatous process is a genetically programmed small distance between the ciliary body and the lens equator (less than the age-related norm) in the presbyopic period of life. This causes weakness of accommodation and triggers further pathological changes in the eye. For proof of concept, large-scale studies of the anterior segment of the eye (ultrasound biomicroscopy) should be performed in presbyopes with ophthalmic hypertension, with and without POAG, with measurement of the distance "ciliary body - lens equator". Objective acomodometry is also necessary to determine the volume of accommodation in the above patients. In case of confirmation of the author's concept, a 3-component phased treatment of POAG is proposed: 1. Surgical expansion of the ciliary body ring (scleral thinning) - non-penetrating supraciliary sclerectomy or application of antimetabolites to the supraciliary sclera; 2. Phaco emulsification of the lens with implantation of an IOL model that maximizes the volume of pseudo - accommodation; 3. antiglaucomatous microinvasive surgery.
Syndromic myopia in marfan’s disease: about a case with review of the literature
Authors: Vydalie Eriga Lucrèce Joanelle , Yempabou Yonli Arnaud Hugues , Oumarou Fadhloullahi Khidrou Sambou , Mouzari Yassine , Oubaaz Abdelbarre
Published: May 2024

Objective: To describe a case of myopic syndrome in Marfan disease. Results: The patient was 45 years old, with high myopia and wearing corrective lenses, with no previous history of any particular problem. She was seen for the management of a progressive bilateral decrease in visual acuity in a white, painless eye, with no history of trauma and no other associated signs. On the clinical examination, the corrected visual acuity was estimated at 02/10 in both eyes. The refraction revealed strong myopia at -11D. The examination of the lens after pupillary dilatation reveals a cortical cataract and upward crystalline ectopia in both eyes. At the posterior pole, there was a myopic cone, chorioretinal atrophy and poor macular reflex, with vessels of normal caliber. The retina was flat with no peripheral retinal tears
Evidence-based prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk factors among female sex workers in Port Harcourt, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: O Azuonwu , FB Dimkpa , A Ben-Chioma
Published: May 2024

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic has remained a key public health issue for the sub-Saharan countries including Nigeria. Thus, sex workers in the region are top on the list of key populations with highest vulnerability. The prevalence of HIV among female sex workers is twice the prevalence found in the general population in Sub-Saharan countries. This study evaluated the prevalence of HIV among female sex workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. A respondent-oriented observational sampling technique which involved the use of questionnaire in addition to laboratory-based screening of HIV among female sex workers in Port Harcourt was used. The self-structured questionnaire comprehensively explored socio-demographic characteristics, and risk factors among the subjects. HIV rapid diagnostic test kit from Alere Determine was used to detect HIV infection. This cross sectional study findings recorded that, from a sample of 200 participants drawn, 171 were negative to HIV while 29 subjects were positive to HIV infection with an overall prevalence of 14.5% among female sex workers in Rivers State. Furthermore, the finding demonstrated null association (p>0.05) between HIV and the risk factors measured. The study implies that the risk of HIV among the study population, female sex workers, is not linked to the assumed risk factors measured in this study since the finding failed to establish association at p>0.05. HIV awareness campaigns should be intensified among female sex workers especially on the consistent and correct use of condoms, and possibly bringing HIV testing to the sex partners and clients as secondary prevention strategy to offset the trend in HIV prevalence among this key population. Also implementation of intervention such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis following crucial riskful accident; such as condom breakage is suggested among female sex workers.