bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Organizational Framework for Microenterprises to Face Exogenous Shocks: A Viable System Approach
Authors: Suarez Ambriz Denny , Sánchez-Garcia Jacqueline Y. , Núñez-Ríos Juan E.
Published: November 2024

This study examines how integrating the critical components of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) can improve the adaptability of microenterprises by applying the Viable System Model (VSM). Given the crucial role of microenterprises in job creation, entrepreneurship promotion, and social cohesion, the need for approaches that ensure their success in turbulent environments is highlighted. We applied Social Network Analysis (SNA) to analyze a co-occurrence network to identify critical EO factors relevant to microenterprises and to understand how authors relate them to the structure of the VSM using a Californian microenterprise as a conceptual model. These factors include innovation, autonomy, control implementation, market orientation, and change management, organized into the five functions of the VSM. The results suggest that this conceptual framework strengthens organizational responsiveness in disruptive environments, promoting internal cohesion and more informed decision-making. Although the specific characteristics of each microenterprise require adjusting the VSM to their particular needs, this study provides a solid basis for applying the key elements of EO in the VSM, underscoring the need for further research to adapt this approach to different contexts to improve organizational agility in the face of exogenous shocks.
Research on Device and Sensing Technology for Precision Seeding of Potato
Authors: Lu Jinzhu , Liu Senping , Wang Qi , Liao Min
Published: November 2024

The potato industry is crucial to the development of the agricultural economy, and mechanized seeding is an effective aid to its modernization. Due to the metering devices having different sizes and structures, and even control, operation of sudden instability and other characteristics, and the complexity and variability of the farmland environment and other reasons, the mechanical sowing process may be affected by internal and external random and unpredictable factors, thus causing seed potato leakage, reseeding, and other phenomena and resulting in a decline in the quality of potato sowing brought about by the cascade effect: the quality and yield decline, precision sowing has become the modern potato production in the problem of modern potato production needs to be solved. This paper reviews the potato planter around the seeding quality of single seeding, plant spacing, depth and other directions of device optimization and digital sensing technology innovation involved, which single seeding direction from a variety of metering devices and the use of other sowing methods of potato planter detection, replanting, metering and other parts of the entry, and the introduction of the other field crops crop related research to provide a more comprehensive perspective. The advantages and disadvantages of the related research were compared and the existing problems were analyzed, and the future development direction of potato precision sowing technology was prospected.
Immunohistochemical Staining Properties of Osteopontin and Ki-67 in Feline Meningiomas
Authors: Gradner Gabriele , Janssen Janina , Oevermann Anna , Tichy Alexander , Kummer Stefan , Burger Stefanie , Walter Ingrid
Published: November 2024

The high recurrence rate of feline meningioma despite the generally benign histomorphology warrants additional markers of clinical aggressiveness. The Ki-67 index is commonly used as prognostic marker for meningioma recurrence in people. Osteopontin (OPN) is a protein involved in tumor progression and may be a potential malignancy marker. To date, osteopontin expression has not been investigated in feline meningioma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of Ki-67 and osteopontin immunostaining of feline meningioma and to find possible associations with WHO (World Health Organization) grades and subtypes. Fifty-three feline meningioma samples were graded according to the human WHO classification and underwent immunohistochemical examination for Ki-67 and OPN. Fifty samples were classified as WHO grade I and three as WHO grade II. The mean Ki-67 ratio was 9.19 ± 9.47. Osteopontin expression was correspondingly high with a mean OPN IHC score of 150.17 (0–242.8), and a median Allred score of 7 (0–8). There was no significant correlation with Ki-67 index, osteopontin expression, WHO grades, or subtypes. The overall high expressions of osteopontin and Ki-67 may help explain the tendency for recurrence of feline meningioma. The human WHO grading system may not be sufficient to accurately estimate the clinical behavior of meningioma in this species.
Family Husbandry in the Tropical Island of Mayotte: Struggling for Autonomy from Production to Sanitary Problems
Authors: Cabaret Jacques , Mohamed Sittirati , Guégnard Fabrice , Charvet Claude L. , Neveu Cédric , Issouf Mohamed
Published: November 2024

Mayotte is a small tropical island in the Comoros archipelago. It became recently a French department and much of its food, especially meat, is imported from abroad. The development of livestock farming is therefore a necessity. To understand the problems faced by Mahoran farmers, we organised semi-directive interviews with 15 farmers who reared cattle, sheep, goats or poultry. The first difficulty of farmers was limited access to land, especially for ruminants. This led to feed shortages. Another difficulty was the limited access to water and the poor quality of the roads to reach the farms. Poultry farmers were too dependent on importations of feed and laying hen or broiler genotypes from metropolitan France. The lack of organization for independent food productions (absence of abattoirs, cooperatives or organised markets) is also an obstacle to the development of the sector. Animal health, although not considered a major problem, has been a nuisance in the past (anthrax in cattle or salmonella in poultry). Mahoran farmers trust veterinarians or their assistants to manage health, although they complain about the high cost. Surprisingly, farmers use traditional medicine for many of their ailments, mostly based on local plants, but rarely for animals. Overall, our study reveals that larger land areas, better availability of money for investment and access to water and fodder are urgently required to improve livestock production and economic viability of farmers in Mayotte.
The Arterial Circle of the Brain in the Bawean Deer (Axis kuhlii)
Authors: Zdun Maciej , Ruszkowski Jakub Jędrzej , Nabzdyk Maria , Butkiewicz Aleksander F. , Gogulski Maciej , Gołyński Marcin
Published: November 2024

The Bawean deer (Axis kuhlii) is a small deer species endemic to the island of Bawean in Indonesia. The species is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. The current population is assessed to be less than 500 adults living in the wild. The cerebral arterial circle (also called the circle of Willis) is an anastomosis of arteries that supply the brain. The aim of this study was to describe the arterial vascularization of the brain in this species. Three different methods were used to obtain a complete arterial pattern of this region—latex injection, corrosion cast, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The arterial vascularization of the brain was described. The pattern of the arterial vessels supplying the brain in this species was similar to that described previously by ruminants. The vessel with the biggest lumen branching off from the circle of Willis was the medial cerebral artery. The basilar artery is a vessel with a narrow lumen and does not mediate the delivery of blood to the encephalon from the caudal side. The results of the study may be useful in creating veterinary protocols for treating vascular diseases in this species and further studies from the field of pathophysiology or pathology.
Left Ventricular Apical Aneurysm in a Dog—A Case Report
Authors: Hritcu Ozana Maria , Baisan Radu Andrei , Pasca Aurelian Sorin , Daraban Bocaneti Florentina
Published: November 2024

The cadaver of a 16-year-old mixed-breed male dog was presented to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of IULS, Romania, after having been euthanized in a private practice at the owner’s request following acute cardio-respiratory failure. The necropsy revealed a left ventricular apical aneurysm with a bulging fibrous sac measuring about 0.7 cm/0.3 cm. The lesion involved all three structures of the cardiac wall, with mineralization areas and neovascularization. Immunohistochemistry showed strong positivity for desmin and weak positivity for CD-31 in the cardiac muscle fibers, positivity for α-sma in the smooth muscle cells of the vascular walls and positivity for vimentin in the cardiac stroma. MMP-2 and MMP-9 showed strong expression in the cardiomyocytes, whereas TIMP-1 showed positive immunoexpression only in the Eberth’s lines. To the authors’ knowledge, left ventricular apical aneurysm has only been reported once in dogs.
Effects of Spent Substrate of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on Feed Utilization and Liver Serum Indices of Hu Sheep from the Perspective of Duodenal Microorganisms
Authors: Lu Mu-Long , Yuan Guo-Hong , Li Chang-Chang , Hu Li-Hong , Feng Xin-Wei , Jiang Hui , Liu Li-Lin , Rehemujiang Halidai , Xu Gui-Shan
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pleurotus ostreatus spent mushroom substrate (P.SMS), which is characterized by high production but low utilization, on feed utilization and liver serum indices from the perspective of duodenal microorganisms. Forty-five 3-month-old Hu sheep were randomly assigned to five groups and fed diets in which whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) was substituted with P.SMS at levels of 0% (Con), 5% (PSMS5), 10% (PSMS10), 15% (PSMS15), or 20% (PSMS20). The results indicated that the addition of P.SMS complexly influenced the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein, with PSMS10 showing the highest digestibility of these nutrients. P.SMS inclusion significantly affected serum alanine aminotransferase levels, with PSMS5 showing higher levels than both the Con and PSMS20 groups (p < 0.05). Importantly, the inclusion of P.SMS did not affect the richness and diversity of duodenal microorganisms. Significant differences in the phyla Verrucomicrobiota and Spirochaetota were observed between the Con and PSMS20 groups. The observed trend towards an increase in the genus Trichoderma (p = 0.057) suggests that P.SMS is susceptible to contamination by this genus, which in turn affects the structure of the intestinal flora. Furthermore, functional gene predictions indicated differences in amino acid metabolism among the groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding with 10% P.SMS resulted in the highest digestibility without adversely affecting the structure of the duodenal community or liver function.
Seasonal Changes and Age-Related Effects on the Intestinal Microbiota of Captive Chinese Monals (Lophophorus lhuysii)
Authors: Huang Lijing , Zheng Yanchu , Feng Shaohua , Wu Bangyuan , Chen Li , Xu Xiaoqin , Wang Bin , Li Wanhong , Zhou Caiquan , Zhang Long
Published: November 2024

The Chinese monal (Lophophorus lhuysii) is a large-sized and vulnerable (VU in IUCN) bird from southwestern China. This study applied 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to comprehensively examine the gut microbiota of captive Chinese monals (located in Baoxing, Sichuan, China) across varying seasons and life stages. Dominant bacterial phyla identified included Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. Significant seasonal and age-associated shifts were observed within specific bacterial groups, particularly marked by seasonal fluctuations in beta diversity. Moreover, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and functional predictions highlighted distinct winter signatures, indicating possible functional shifts in energy metabolism and disease resistance. In mid-aged adults, an expansion of Gamma-Proteobacteria suggested an elevated susceptibility of the gut microbiota of Chinese monals to chronic disorders and microbial imbalance. Putative pathogenic bacteria exhibited increased abundance in spring and summer, likely driven by temperature, host physiological cycles, interspecies interactions, and competition. These findings imply that the diversity, and structure of the gut microbiota in captive Chinese monals are strongly influenced by seasonal and age-related factors. The insights provided here are essential for improving breeding strategies and preventing gastrointestinal diseases in captivity.
Solid- and Vapor-Phase Antibacterial Activities and Mechanisms of Essential Oils Against Fish Spoilage Bacteria
Authors: Lin Hsuan-Ju , Hsu Pang-Hung , Lin Tze-Chia , Lu Wen-Jung , Lin Hong-Ting Victor
Published: November 2024

Essential oils (EOs), regarded as secondary metabolites from plants, possess effective antibacterial properties. This study investigates the antibacterial efficacy of seven citrus EOs against six spoilage bacteria: Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. harveyi, Photobacterium damselae, Shewanella putrefaciens, Carnobacterium divergens, and Lactobacillus pentosus. The antibacterial activity of these EOs was evaluated using solid- and vapor-phase applications. All tested EOs demonstrated effective antibacterial activity at a concentration of 294 μL/L against Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, lemon and orange EOs exhibited dose-dependent inhibition in both solid- and vapor-phase applications, with minimum effective concentrations ranging from 29.4 to 58.8 μL/L. Following treatment with lemon and orange EOs for 6 h at 1/4 minimum inhibitory concentration, leakage of intracellular DNA and proteins was observed, indicating damage to the cell membrane/wall. Proteomic analysis revealed distinct mechanisms: lemon EO impaired bacterial antioxidant defenses, while orange EO disrupted cell division, leading to reduced bacterial viability. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of different EO application forms in controlling spoilage bacteria.
Innovative Grain Processing: Trends and Technologies
Authors: Codină Georgiana Gabriela , Dabija Adriana
Published: November 2024

Consumers’ desire for a rational and healthy diet has led to an increase in the consumption of grain-based products [...]
Fast Numerical Optimization of Electrode Geometry in a Two-Electrode Electric Resistance Furnace Using a Surrogate Criterion Derived Exclusively from an Electromagnetic Submodel
Authors: Zybała Radosław , Wyciślik Jakub , Golak Sławomir , Ciepliński Piotr , Sak Tomasz , Madej Piotr
Published: November 2024

The Joule heat generated by current flow between electrodes in a resistance furnace not only melts and heats the charge but also induces mixing of the molten material. Increased mixing promotes improved chemical and temperature uniformity within the bath. This paper presents a novel approach to effectively optimizing electrode geometry in resistance furnaces. The method relies on a surrogate criterion derived exclusively from an electromagnetic submodel, which governs the process hydrodynamics. This criterion is based on the location of the Joule heat generation center in the bath. Its idea is to lower this center as much as possible while keeping it close to the vertical bath axis. Owing to this, the best conditions for the development of natural convection were obtained. The developed methodology was demonstrated through an application to a two-electrode furnace. The results showed that the influence of forced MHD convection is negligible in this furnace (with a Lorentz force of only about 0.0015 N/kg). The validation of the optimized geometry, derived using solely the electromagnetic submodel, was carried out using a full process model, including time-consuming hydrodynamic calculations. The proposed optimization methodology enabled a 10-fold increase in the average mixing velocity (from 0.0008 to 0.0084 m/s). The main significance of the presented study is the introduction of a surrogate criterion that allows for a multiple reduction in the time of numerical optimization of the mixing intensity in electrode resistance furnaces in comparison to the standard solution based on the flow velocity criterion determined from the hydrodynamic model.
Enhanced Feature Selection via Hierarchical Concept Modeling
Authors: Saelee Jarunee , Wetchapram Patsita , Wanichsombat Apirat , Intarasit Arthit , Muangprathub Jirapond , Boongasame Laor , Choopradit Boonyarit
Published: November 2024

The objectives of feature selection include simplifying modeling and making the results more understandable, improving data mining efficiency, and providing clean and understandable data preparation. With big data, it also allows us to reduce computational time, improve prediction performance, and better understand the data in machine learning or pattern recognition applications. In this study, we present a new feature selection approach based on hierarchical concept models using formal concept analysis (FCA) and a decision tree (DT) for selecting a subset of attributes. The presented methods are evaluated based on all learned attributes with 10 datasets from the UCI Machine Learning Repository by using three classification algorithms, namely decision trees, support vector machines (SVM), and artificial neural networks (ANN). The hierarchical concept model is built from a dataset, and it is selected by top-down considering features (attributes) node for each level of structure. Moreover, this study is considered to provide a mathematical feature selection approach with optimization based on a paired-samples t-test. To compare the identified models in order to evaluate feature selection effects, the indicators used were information gain (IG) and chi-squared (CS), while both forward selection (FS) and backward elimination (BS) were tested with the datasets to assess whether the presented model was effective in reducing the number of features used. The results show clearly that the proposed models when using DT or using FCA, needed fewer features than the other methods for similar classification performance.
A Review of Harmonic Detection, Suppression, Aggregation, and Estimation Techniques
Authors: Daniel Kamran , Kütt Lauri , Iqbal Muhammad Naveed , Shabbir Noman , Raja Hadi Ashraf , Sardar Muhammad Usman
Published: November 2024

The rapid growth of power electronics-based devices, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, has introduced nonlinear components into power systems, generating high-frequency harmonics that distort current and voltage waveforms. These distortions pose significant risks to the stability of power grids, potentially leading to equipment malfunctions, reduced efficiency, and even system failures. To address these challenges, advanced harmonic detection, suppression, and estimation techniques are required to ensure the reliable operation of modern power systems. This paper comprehensively reviews the most widely used methods for managing harmonic distortions, focusing on recent harmonic detection, suppression, and estimation advancements. Key techniques, such as Fourier analysis and wavelet transforms, are compared alongside emerging machine learning-based approaches and adaptive filtering methods, which offer enhanced accuracy in real-time and dynamic environments. Additionally, advancements in harmonic suppression technologies, including passive, active, and hybrid filtering, are discussed for their effectiveness in mitigating harmonic impacts. Furthermore, the paper explores harmonic aggregation techniques that assess the cumulative impact of multiple harmonic sources and innovative estimation models that improve harmonic quantification under complex grid conditions. With the growing integration of renewable energy and electric vehicles, this review highlights the importance of advanced harmonic management strategies to ensure the safety, efficiency, and long-term stability of power systems.
Design and Implementation of the Python-Driven Digital Horn System: A Novel Approach for Electric Vehicle Sound Systems
Authors: Tekin Hakan , Karşıyaka Hikmet , Ertekin Davut
Published: November 2024

Electric and hybrid vehicles are known for their significant reduction in road noise. However, concerns have emerged regarding their silent operation, potentially increasing risks for other road users. To mitigate this, the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) has been mandated by regulations such as R138 by UNECE in the USA and Europe. This regulation dictates the generation of sound in electric vehicles of categories M and N1 during normal, reverse, and forward motion without the internal combustion engine engaged. Compliance involves meeting specific sound requirements based on vehicle mode and condition. This paper introduces a Python-based approach to designing digital horn sounds, leveraging music theory and signal processing techniques to replace traditional mechanical horns in electric vehicles equipped with AVAS devices. The aim is to offer a practical and efficient means of generating digital horn sounds using this software. The software includes an application capable of producing and customizing horn sounds, with the HornSoundGeneratorGUI class providing a user-friendly interface built with the Tkinter library. To validate the digital horn produced sounds by the software and ensure compliance with AVAS regulations, comprehensive electrical and acoustic tests were conducted in a fully equipped quality laboratory. The results demonstrated that the sound levels achieved met the required 105–107 dB/2 m standard specified by the regulation.
Energy-Efficient Adaptive Dynamic Building Facades: A Review of Their Energy Efficiency and Operating Loads
Authors: Zhangabay Nurlan , Tursunkululy Timur , Ibraimova Ulzhan , Abdikerova Uliya
Published: November 2024

Energy-efficient, adaptive, affordable and durable curtain wall systems have always attracted great interest among the scientific and technical communities. In this regard, the purpose of this work was to conduct a comprehensive review of the issues related to energy-efficient adaptive dynamic facades, taking into account their operating loads, revealing the diversity of the studies conducted in this area. The review of the literature was carried out in three stages. For all stages, the review period was 2001–2024. In the first stage, a review of traditional curtain facade systems was conducted, which emphasized the relevance of this area, identifying a total of 4338 sources. In the second stage, a review of specific issues, such as adaptive dynamic facade systems, yielded 2838 sources, from which the 87 most suitable sources were selected. In the third stage, a review focusing on the issue of operating loads yielded 741 works, from which 43 suitable sources were selected. At the same time, pie charts reflecting the most active international scientific journals were compiled for each area. The conducted review of energy-efficient adaptive dynamic building facades, taking into account their operating loads, could provide significant assistance in further research on the specified issues. As researchers mainly focus on environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness, they often neglect issues such as the systems’ resistance to operating loads, which represents a serious deficiency. In this regard, this review identified a gap in the research on the development of energy-efficient facades with an air layer; on this basis, the further development of adaptive facade systems is required. The review of the selected studies also showed that issues related to energy efficiency and sustainability, taking into account operational loads, have not been addressed in combination; rather, they have only been addressed individually. At the same time, this review shows that the proposed development of an adaptive system of external fencing could be relevant, both nationally and internationally, depending on the natural and climatic conditions of the territory for which the buildings are designed.
Application of Machine Learning in Electroencephalogram and Bio-Electricity Signal Processing
Authors: Doi Hirokazu
Published: November 2024

Since the seminal discovery of alpha waves by Hans Berger [...]
An Iterative Optimization Algorithm for Planning Spacecraft Pathways Through Asteroids
Authors: Santucci Valentino
Published: November 2024

In this article, we explore the use of meta-heuristic algorithms for costly black-box permutation optimization problems. These combinatorial problems are defined by solution spaces that consist of permutations of elements, with an objective function that lacks a closed mathematical representation and is expensive to evaluate. The focus of our investigation is the Asteroid Routing Problem (ARP), which seeks to determine the optimal sequence of asteroids to be visited by a spacecraft while minimizing energy consumption and travel time. Specifically, we assess the performance of a simple algorithm called FAT-RLS, which primarily relies on a randomized local search approach, enhanced with a tabu structure and a mechanism to adjust the perturbation strength. We conducted a series of experiments on well-established instances of the ARP to compare the effectiveness of FAT-RLS against two recognized meta-heuristics designed for this problem, namely, UMM and CEGO. Experiments were conducted in both uninformed and informed settings, where the meta-heuristics are initialized with a specifically designed constructive algorithm for the ARP. The results demonstrate that FAT-RLS is consistently superior to UMM, while there is no conclusive evidence for the comparison with CEGO, though the FAT-RLS results seem slightly better.
Environmental and Atmospheric Influences on Academic Performance: The Role of Green Spaces, Roads, and Wildfires Around Schools and Homes in the Federal District, Brazil
Authors: Requia Weeberb J. , da Silva Luciano Moura
Published: November 2024

Environmental characteristics, such as proximity to green spaces and exposure to roads, can significantly influence atmospheric factors like air quality. For instance, areas with abundant green spaces typically exhibit better air quality, while high road density often correlates with increased air pollution, both of which can affect students’ cognitive functioning and academic performance. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the environmental and atmospheric conditions—specifically green spaces (measured by the NDVI and green space area), roads (total road length), and wildfires—around students’ schools and homes in the Federal District (FD), Brazil, and their impact on academic performance. We analyzed data from 344,175 public school students across 256 schools in the FD, covering the years 2017 to 2020. Using a mixed-effects regression model, we investigated how neighborhood characteristics such as green spaces, road density, and wildfire frequency influence individual-level academic performance while controlling for temporal, socioeconomic, and school-specific factors. Our findings indicate that the environmental factors around schools, particularly green spaces and road density, have significant associations with academic outcomes. Specifically, a higher road density around schools was linked to lower academic performance, whereas green space presence had a generally positive impact, especially around schools. Wildfires, while negatively associated with performance around homes, had mixed effects around schools. These results underscore the importance of considering environmental and atmospheric factors in urban planning and education policy to enhance student performance.
Serum EphA2 as a Promising Biomarker for the Early Detection and Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sakuraba Shunsuke , Koizumi Akihiro , Iwasawa Takumi , Ito Tomoaki , Kato Kazunori
Published: November 2024

Background: EphA2, a receptor-type tyrosine kinase, is overexpressed in several cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), and can be detected as soluble EphA2 in serum. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between soluble EphA2 and CRC. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 65 patients with CRC and 19 healthy individuals. Time-series changes in soluble EphA2 levels were measured in CRC cell lines to verify the release of EphA2 into the culture medium. Results: Soluble EphA2 levels were significantly higher in patients than in healthy individuals (p < 0.0001). Specifically, even in early-stage cancer, there was a notable difference between healthy individuals and patients with Stage I CRC (p = 0.00298), highlighting the potential of EphA2 as a biomarker for early detection. Additionally, correlations were observed with tumor size (p = 0.0346), depth of invasion (p = 0.0311), and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.0431). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90 with 93.8% sensitivity and 78.9% specificity at a cutoff value of 448 pg/mL. Conclusions: These findings suggest that serum EphA2 could serve as a valuable biomarker for the early detection of CRC, offering a practical and minimally invasive alternative to conventional tumor markers.
Acclimation of Hairless Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat to Ambient Temperature Attenuates Hypertension-Induced Pro-Arrhythmic Downregulation of Cx43 in the Left Heart Ventricle of Males
Authors: Andelova Katarina , Sykora Matus , Farkasova Veronika , Stankovicova Tatiana , Szeiffova Bacova Barbara , Knezl Vladimir , Benova Tamara , Pravenec Michal , Tribulova Narcis
Published: November 2024

Objectives: Due to poor treatment adherence and lifestyle-based interventions, chronic hypertension is a dominant risk factor predisposing individuals to heart failure and malignant arrhythmias. We investigated the impact of the postnatal acclimation of hairless SHR to ambient temperature that is, for them, below thermoneutrality, on the electrical coupling protein connexin-43 (Cx43) and pro-fibrotic markers in both heart ventricles of male and female hairless SHR rats compared to the wild SHR. Methods: Some 6-month-acclimated male and female hairless SHR as well as age- and sex-matched wild SHR were included and compared with the non-hypertensive Wistar strain. The left and right heart ventricles were examined for Cx43 topology, myocardial structure, and the histochemistry of capillaries. The protein levels of Cx43, relevant protein kinases, and extracellular matrix proteins (ECMs) were determined by immunoblotting. MMP-2 activity was assessed via zymography, and susceptibility to malignant arrhythmias was tested ex vivo. Results: Cx43 and its phosphorylated variant pCx43368 were significantly reduced in the left heart ventricles of wild SHR males, while to a lesser extent in the hairless SHR. In contrast, these proteins were not significantly altered in the right heart ventricles of males or in both heart ventricles in females, regardless of the rat strain. Pro-arrhythmic Cx43 topology was detected in the left heart ventricle of wild SHR and to a lesser extent in hairless SHR males. TGFβ protein was significantly increased only in the left ventricle of the wild SHR males. MMP-2 activity was increased in the right ventricle but not in the left ventricles of both males and females, regardless of the rat strain. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the postnatal acclimation of hairless SHR to ambient temperature hampers the downregulation of Cx43 in the left heart ventricle compared to wild SHR males. The decline of Cx43 was much less pronounced in females and not observed in the right heart ventricles, regardless of the rat strain. It may impact the susceptibility of the heart to malignant arrhythmias.
Characterization of a Pyranose Oxidase/C-Glycoside Oxidase from Microbacterium sp. 3H14, Belonging to the Unexplored Clade II of Actinobacterial POx/CGOx
Authors: Martschini Andrea , Kostelac Anja , Haltrich Dietmar , Peterbauer Clemens K.
Published: November 2024

Pyranose oxidase (POx) is an FAD-dependent oxidoreductase and belongs to the glucose–methanol–choline (GMC) superfamily of oxidoreductases. As recently reported, POxs and FAD-dependent C-glycoside oxidases (CGOxs) share the same sequence space, and phylogenetic analysis of actinobacterial sequences belonging to this shared sequence space showed that it can be divided into four clades. Here, we report the biochemical characterization of a POx/CGOx from Microbacterium sp. 3H14 (MPOx), belonging to the hitherto unexplored clade II of actinobacterial POx/CGOx. Overall, MPOx demonstrates comparable features to POxs/CGOxs of clades III and IV, including the preference for glycosides over monosaccharides as electron donors. However, as MPOx efficiently oxidizes the C-glycoside aspalathin as well as the O-glycoside phlorizin, it shows activity with yet another set of glycoside structures compared to other POx/CGOx members.
Response–Response Binding: New Evidence from Event-Related Potentials Data
Authors: Wang Biye , Wang Lu , Tao Tao , Guo Wei
Published: November 2024

Background: Response–response (RR) binding, involving the integration of independently planned and executed responses, presents a novel perspective on action control. While behavioral evidence on RR binding has been extensively examined, corresponding electrophysiological evidence remains scarce. This study aims to contribute novel insights into RR binding by event-related potentials (ERP) techniques to provide new evidence for RR binding. Methods: An adapted prime-probe paradigm was employed, in which the required responses could either involve repetition or change conditions from the prime to the probe phase. EEG data were collected from thirty-six participants, and ERP analysis focused on the peak amplitude and latency of the P1 and P3 components. Results: Notably shorter RTs were observed in the response–repetition conditions compared to others, consistent with previous findings on RR binding. Furthermore, the response–repetition conditions exhibited larger P3 amplitudes and shorter P1 and P3 latencies relative to other conditions. Conclusions: In summary, this study strengthens the evidence base for RR binding by bridging both behavioral and electrophysiological perspectives.
The Effect of Protective Barriers on the Dynamic Response of Underground Structures
Authors: Mobaraki Behnam , Vaghefi Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Engineers have dedicated considerable attention over the past ten years to studying the influences of dynamic loads caused by both intentional and unintentional events on infrastructures. As a result, determining how buried structures react to explosions and enhancing their security against blast loads have become crucial subjects in defensive engineering. To achieve this goal, constructing a protective barrier, which is known as a blast wall, in front of structures can be an effective measure. This research focused on examining the impact of a protective barrier on the response of a box-shaped tunnel located in Kobe, Japan, using a comprehensive numerical approach. The results revealed that incorporating a barrier with widths of either 1 m or 2 m resulted in a significant reduction in peak pressure. Specifically, the use of a 1 m wide barrier resulted in a 77% decrease, while a 2 m wide barrier achieved an even greater reduction of 84%. Additionally, it was observed that minimizing the distance between the barrier and the explosion point, as well as increasing the width of the barrier, resulted in reduced peak pressure throughout all sections of the tunnel.
Effect of Traffic Vibration on Compressive Strength of High-Strength Concrete and Tensile Strength of New-to-Old Concrete Interfaces
Authors: Gu Pingping , Wu Hao , Li Luchang , Li Zhanghao , Hong Jingyi , Zhuang Mei-Ling
Published: November 2024

Widening existing bridges is an important way to meet the surge in traffic demand, which is often carried out in a way that does not interrupt traffic. To investigate the effect of traffic vibration on the compressive strength of high-strength concrete and the splitting strength of new-to-old concrete interfaces, the initial to final set time of high-strength concrete C60 was first investigated in this article. Then, the traffic disturbance parameters were determined. Later, the compressive strength of C60 concrete at different stages under traffic disturbance parameters was carried out. Finally, the splitting tensile strength of new-to-old concrete specimens at different stages with different loading modes was tested. The test results indicated that the compressive strength of the specimens vibrated for 3 h and cured for 3, 7, and 28 days was increased by 4.3%, 5.7%, and 11.9%, respectively; those of the specimens vibrated for 7 h and cured for 3, 7, and 28 days was decreased by 13.7%, 20.4%, and 19.9%, respectively; the effect traffic vibration on the compressive strength of the specimens vibrated for 5 h was not obvious. When loaded along the old and new concrete joint, the specimens cracked along the joint; the splitting tensile strengths of the specimen at different disturbed stages were significantly decreased. When loaded perpendicular to the joint, the specimens cured for 3 and 7 days still cracked along the joint, and the splitting tensile strengths of the specimen at different disturbed stages were significantly decreased; while the specimens cured for 28 days cracked in the direction perpendicular to the joint, the tensile strengths of the specimens at different disturbed stages were significantly decreased. This study can promote the widening and improvement of existing concrete highways and bridges, which can save resources and improve land use.
Priorities for a Healthy City: Comparing Expert and Public Views in Small and Midsized Cities
Authors: Luo Jiemei , Ma Mengya , Han Mingqing , Chan Edwin H. W.
Published: November 2024

Healthy City policies are often enforced based on expert assessments, which calls for research on the presence and occurrence of mismatches between experts’ and public opinions. Additionally, the unique challenges in small and midsized cities (SMCs) are often ignored. In this study, we compared the values of experts and the public on achieving a healthy SMC. A survey with both experts and public participants was conducted. An explorative factor analysis (EFA) and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) were adopted to identify the key factors and their importance hierarchy. Both the experts and the public highlight the importance of Environmental Quality and Governance/Service (EQ). More attention could be given to public participation and urban form to reflect the public’s perceptions better, as they prioritized these factors more than the experts did. Both similarities and mismatches between experts and the public were revealed in this study, indicating that more studies are necessary to understand heterogeneous values and achieve mutual understanding. Thus, public participation and involvement are recommended to construct a Healthy City for more comprehensive benefits. Our results also offer valuable insights from the public to plan Healthy Cities in the future, avoiding reactive decision making.
Classifying and Quantifying Resident Engagement in the Sponge-Style Old Community Renewal of China: An Analysis Using the Analytic Network Process–Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations II Method
Authors: Gu Tiantian , Xie Muhan , Hao Enyang , Wang Yongchao , Zhou Shenghua
Published: November 2024

Resident engagement is highlighted as a crucial aspect that directly impacts the residents’ well-being of life in the process of sponge-style old community renewal (SOCR). However, there is a lack of in-depth study on exploring the classification of resident engagement clusters in the SOCR and developing a comprehensive evaluation system to measure this engagement. Therefore, this paper categorizes resident engagement into distinct clusters and develops an evaluation method for quantifying resident engagement in the SOCR. First, this study identified seven types of engagement clusters in the SOCR drawing from educational psychology and Arnstein’s citizen engagement ladder theory. Second, an evaluation indicator system with 5 primary indicators and 21 secondary indicators was developed through a literature review and expert interviews. Third, a hybrid evaluation method combining the Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations II (PROMETHEE II) was established to effectively quantify resident engagement in the SOCR. Finally, 16 typical communities from five Chinese cities were selected as study areas to examine resident engagement in the SOCR. The results demonstrated that the full engagement cluster achieved the highest scores at the individual level, while the non-engagement cluster recorded the lowest scores. At the city level, Shanghai attained the highest overall engagement score, whereas Chizhou recorded the lowest. Several strategies were proposed to improve resident engagement in the SOCR. This study not only contributes to the body of knowledge on resident engagement in the SOCR but also provides guidance for fostering resident engagement in sponge city construction.
The Factors Influencing Safety Compliance Behavior Among New-Generation Construction Workers in China: A Safety Compliance Behavior–Artificial Neural Network Model Approach
Authors: Yuan Meining , Tang Tianpei , Zhao Shengnan , Xue Xiaofan , Luo Bang
Published: November 2024

Amid an aging workforce and labor shortages, this study investigates the key factors influencing construction workers’ safety compliance behavior (SCB). SCB is categorized into three distinct types: non-compliance behavior, general behavior, and compliance behavior. The study compares and analyzes the differences in influencing factors between the new generation and older generation of construction workers. By integrating the SCB framework with a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) model, this research develops a safety compliance behavior–artificial neural network (SCB-ANN) model. An enhanced method for optimizing connection weight (CW) is applied to identify the key determinants of SCB. The findings reveal that the SCB-ANN model offers superior predictive accuracy compared to a standard MLP model. Additionally, the refined CW method significantly improves the neural network’s interpretability. The analysis shows that organizational factors have a stronger influence on the new generation of construction workers (NGCWs), while individual factors play a more crucial role for the older generation (OGCWs). As a result, the study proposes tailored safety management measures for different worker groups to mitigate non-compliance behaviors, providing a robust foundation for future research and the development of safety management strategies.
Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Testis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management. A Comprehensive Review, 1982–2024
Authors: Stella Simona , Ceresoli Giovanni Luca , Dallari Barbara , Barile Rosalba , Maisenti Fabio , Rugarli Sabrina , Marinaccio Alessandro , Consonni Dario , Mensi Carolina
Published: November 2024

Background: Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (MTVT) is an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. The diagnosis and management of MTVT is complex, and no standard treatment protocol is available. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review from 1 January 1982 to 14 March 2024 using PubMed to collect all the available case reports and case series. A descriptive analysis of patient characteristics with clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, therapeutic management, and past asbestos exposure was performed. Survival times of patients treated with different therapeutic approaches were evaluated. Results: Overall, 289 patients with MTVT were included in our analysis. The most common clinical presentations were scrotal/testicular swelling or mass (187 patients, 65%) and the presence of hydrocele (159, 55%). Imaging evaluation, mostly with ultrasonography or CT scan, was reported in two-thirds of cases. Radical surgery (216 patients, 75%) with orchiectomy and, in select cases, hemiscrotectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy was the most frequent therapeutic approach. A minority of patients (49, 17%) received adjuvant therapy after surgery (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two), with no evidence of survival improvement. Conclusions: No standard guidelines for MTVT are available so far. Radical surgery following accurate radiological staging should be the mainstay of treatment. The role of adjuvant treatments remains undefined. Due to its rarity, MTVT should be treated in referral centers, and patients’ data should be collected in a dedicated register in order to improve the knowledge of this exceedingly rare disease and establish optimal diagnostic and therapeutic management.
Mechanism of miRNAs and miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Networks in Modulating Drug Resistance in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: An Integrative Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Vo Thanh Hoa , McNeela Edel A. , O’Donovan Orla , Rani Sweta , Mehta Jai Prakash
Published: November 2024

Background: HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive subtype where innate/acquired resistance to targeted drugs remains a challenge. This study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of HER2 drug resistance through miRNA analysis and target identification. Methods: MiRNA datasets were systematically retrieved from the GEO database, and differential expression analysis was conducted for both miRNA and mRNA datasets. Functional analyses were also conducted to validate the identified miRNAs and assess their clinical relevance. Results: We identified 113 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and 923 target genes. Validation was performed using external mRNA datasets, and intersection with significant genes identified 110 overlapping genes associated with HER2 drug resistance. Further analyses included functional enrichment, construction of a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, identification of key hub genes such as BCL2, FOS, and CXCR4, and assessment of clinical relevance through survival analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assessments. Conclusions: This integrative approach unveils a complex landscape of HER2 drug resistance in breast cancer, identifying crucial miRNAs, target genes, and significant pathways. The findings offer novel insights into the mechanisms governing drug resistance and highlight the potential for enhancing therapeutic strategies. Future studies are necessary for experimental validation to further explore the complex mechanisms involved.
Expression of CK17 and SOX2 in Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia: A Comprehensive Analysis of 150 Vulvar Lesions
Authors: Thuijs Nikki B. , Voss Féline O. , Ewing-Graham Patricia C. , Dasgupta Shatavisha , Berkhof Johannes , Bulten Johan , van de Vijver Koen , Bleeker Maaike C. G.
Published: November 2024

Background: Recently, the immunohistochemical markers cytokeratin 17 (CK17) and SRY-box2 (SOX2) have been evaluated as adjuncts for the diagnosis of high-grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). In the present study, the aim was to assess CK17 and SOX2 expression in VIN by studying 150 vulvar lesions, originally reported as high-grade VIN and to assess the diagnostic accuracy. Methods: All slides (H&E, p16INK4a, p53, Ki-67, CK17, and SOX2 stains) were independently assessed by six pathologists and the final diagnosis was reached in consensus meetings, as follows: 46 human papillomavirus (HPV)-independent VIN (including 30 p53 mutant and 16 p53 wild-type lesions), 58 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), 4 low-grade SILs (LSILs), 37 non-dysplastic lesions, and 5 lesions where the histology was inconclusive. Results: CK17 positivity was observed in 100% p53 wild-type HPV-independent VIN, compared to 73% p53 mutant HPV-independent VIN, 14% HSILs, 0% LSILs, and 24% non-dysplastic lesions. SOX2 positivity was observed in 13% p53 wild-type HPV-independent VIN, 43% p53 mutant HPV-independent VIN, 2% HSILs, 0% LSILs, and 3% non-dysplastic lesions. The highest diagnostic accuracy (89%) for HPV-independent VIN was obtained when combining p53 and CK17 immunohistochemistry. The addition of SOX2 did not further increase diagnostic accuracy. Conclusion: To conclude, aside from p53, both CK17 and SOX2 can be of value for reaching an accurate diagnosis of HPV-independent VIN.