bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination Methods of the Risk Factors in Food Based on Nanozymes: A Review
Authors: Lang Yihan , Zhang Biao , Cai Danfeng , Tu Wanjun , Zhang Jingyi , Shentu Xuping , Ye Zihong , Yu Xiaoping
Published: January 2023

Food safety issues caused by foodborne pathogens, chemical pollutants, and heavy metals have aroused widespread concern because they are closely related to human health. Nanozyme-based biosensors have excellent characteristics such as high sensitivity, selectivity, and cost-effectiveness and have been used to detect the risk factors in foods. In this work, the common detection methods for pathogenic microorganisms, toxins, heavy metals, pesticide residues, veterinary drugs, and illegal additives are firstly reviewed. Then, the principles and applications of immunosensors based on various nanozymes are reviewed and explained. Applying nanozymes to the detection of pathogenic bacteria holds great potential for real-time evaluation and detection protocols for food risk factors.
Wearable Polarization Conversion Metasurface MIMO Antenna for Biomedical Applications in 5 GHz WBAN
Authors: Wu Rigeng , Dong Jian , Wang Meng
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a wearable metasurface multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna for biomedical applications in a 5 GHz wireless body area network (WBAN) with broadband, circular polarization (CP), and high gain. The physical properties of the MIMO antenna element and the principles of polarization conversion are analyzed in-depth using characteristic mode analysis. For the proposed MIMO antenna, the measured −10 dB impedance bandwidth is 34.87% (4.76–6.77 GHz), and the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth is 22.94% (4.9–6.17 GHz). By adding an isolation strip, the measured isolation of the two antenna elements is greater than 19.85 dB. The overall size of the MIMO antenna is 1.67λ0 × 0.81λ0 × 0.07λ0 at 5.6 GHz, and the maximum gain is 7.95 dBic. The envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) is less than 0.007, with the maximum diversity gain greater than 9.98 dB, and the channel capacity loss is less than 0.29 b/s/Hz. The specific absorption rate (SAR) of the wearable MIMO antenna is simulated by the human tissue model, which proves that the proposed antenna conforms to international standards and is harmless to humans. The proposed wearable metasurface MIMO antenna has CP, broadband, high gain, low ECC, and low SAR, which can be used in wearable devices for biomedical applications.
Estimation Strategy Utilization Is Modulated by Implicit Emotion Regulation: Evidence from Behavioral and Event-Related Potentials Studies
Authors: Zhu Chuanlin , Zhao Xinyi , Lu Feng , Wang Yun , Zhao Yuan , Kou Dongquan , Liu Dianzhi , Luo Wenbo
Published: January 2023

A large number of studies have studied the influence of emotional experience on an individual’s estimation performance, but the influence of implicit emotion regulation is still unknown. Participants were asked to complete the following tasks in order: idiom matching task, multiplication computational estimation task (MCE task), gender judgment task (GJ task), and emotional experience intensity assessment task. The words matching task was adopted to achieve the purpose of implicit emotion regulation (implicit reappraisal and implicit suppression). Behavioral results showed that implicit reappraisal and implicit suppression equally contributed to improving an individual’s estimation speed (but not ACC (accuracy)). The MCE task related ERP (event-related potential) results showed that the influence of implicit emotion regulation on estimation consisted of two phases. In the first phase (encoding phase), implicit reappraisal both enhanced (larger P1 amplitudes) and weakened (smaller N170 amplitudes) an individual’s encoding sensitivity, while implicit suppression enhanced an individual’s encoding sensitivity (larger P1 amplitudes). In the second phase (estimation strategies retrieval phase), implicit reappraisal (but not implicit suppression) cost more attention resources (larger LPC2 and LPC3 amplitudes). The present study suggested that both implicit reappraisal and implicit suppression contributed to improving an individual’s estimation performance, and the regulation effect of implicit suppression (vs. implicit reappraisal) was better.
Relationship among Connectivity of the Frontal Aslant Tract, Executive Functions, and Speech and Language Impairment in Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Bombonato Clara , Cipriano Emilio , Pecini Chiara , Casalini Claudia , Bosco Paolo , Podda Irina , Tosetti Michela , Biagi Laura , Chilosi Anna Maria
Published: January 2023

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a subtype of motor speech disorder usually co-occurring with language impairment. A supramodal processing difficulty, involving executive functions (EFs), might contribute to the cognitive endophenotypes and behavioral manifestations. The present study aimed to profile the EFs in CAS, investigating the relationship between EFs, speech and language severity, and the connectivity of the frontal aslant tract (FAT), a white matter tract involved in both speech and EFs. A total of 30 preschool children with CAS underwent speech, language, and EF assessments and brain MRIs. Their FAT connectivity metrics were compared to those of 30 children without other neurodevelopmental disorders (NoNDs), who also underwent brain MRIs. Alterations in some basic EF components were found. Inhibition and working memory correlated with speech and language severity. Compared to NoND children, a weak, significant reduction in fractional anisotropy (FA) in the left presupplementary motor area (preSMA) FAT component was found. Only speech severity correlated and predicted FA values along with the FAT in both of its components, and visual-spatial working memory moderated the relationship between speech severity and FA in the left SMA. Our study supports the conceptualization of a composite and complex picture of CAS, not limited to the speech core deficit, but also involving high-order cognitive skills.
Application of Immersive Virtual-Reality-Based Puzzle Games in Elderly Patients with Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Liu Zhilan , He Zhijie , Yuan Jing , Lin Hua , Fu Conghui , Zhang Yan , Wang Nian , Li Guo , Bu Jing , Chen Mei , Jia Jie
Published: January 2023

Background: The society is aging in China, and the cognitive level of elderly post-stroke patients gradually declines. Face-to-face cognitive functional training is no longer sufficient. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a promising rehabilitation training device. In this study, we developed an IVR-based puzzle game to explore its effectiveness, feasibility, and safety in elderly stroke patients with cognitive dysfunction. Methods: A total of 30 patients with mild post-stroke cognitive impairment after stroke were randomly assigned to a control or IVR group. Patients in both groups received routine rehabilitation therapy. Patients in the control group received traditional cognitive training, and those in the IVR group received IVR-based puzzle game therapy. Before and after treatment, Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA), trail-making test-A (TMT-A), digit symbol substitution test (DSST), digital span test (DST), verbal fluency test (VFT), and modified Barthel index (MBI) were evaluated in both groups. In addition, the IVR group was administered a self-report questionnaire to obtain feedback on user experience. Results: There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups. After six weeks of treatment, the cognitive assessment scores were improved in both groups. Moreover, the IVR group showed more improvements than the control group in the DSST (Z = 2.203, p = 0.028 < 0.05, η2 = 0.16); MOCA (T = 1.186, p = 0.246 > 0.05, d = 0.44), TMT-A (T = 1.791, p = 0.084 > 0.05, d = 0.65), MBI (T = 0.783, p = 0.44 > 0.05, d = 0.28), FDST (Z = 0.78, p = 0.435 > 0.05, η2 = 0.02), BDST (Z = 0.347, p = 0.728 > 0.05, η2 = 0.004), and VFT(Z = 1.087, p = 0.277 > 0.05, η2 = 0.039) did not significantly improve. The significant difference in DSST represents an improvement in executive function and visual–spatial cognitive characteristics. The other assessment scores did not show such features. Therefore, we did not observe significant differences through this measure. According to the results of the self-report questionnaire, most of the patients were satisfied with the equipment stability and training content. Several individuals reported mild adverse reactions. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that IVR-based puzzle games are a promising approach to improve post-stroke cognitive function, especially executive cognitive function, and visual–spatial attention in older adults.
Resting-State Brain Activity Dysfunctions in Schizophrenia and Their Associations with Negative Symptom Domains: An fMRI Study
Authors: Giordano Giulia Maria , Pezzella Pasquale , Giuliani Luigi , Fazio Leonardo , Mucci Armida , Perrottelli Andrea , Blasi Giuseppe , Amore Mario , Rocca Paola , Rossi Alessandro , Bertolino Alessandro , Galderisi Silvana ,   Italian Network for Research on Psychoses
Published: January 2023

The aim of the present study was to examine the neurobiological correlates of the two negative symptom domains of schizophrenia, the Motivational Deficit domain (including avolition, anhedonia, and asociality) and the Expressive Deficit domain (including blunted affect and alogia), focusing on brain areas that are most commonly found to be associated with negative symptoms in previous literature. Resting-state (rs) fMRI data were analyzed in 62 subjects affected by schizophrenia (SZs) and 46 healthy controls (HCs). The SZs, compared to the HCs, showed higher rs brain activity in the right inferior parietal lobule and the right temporoparietal junction, and lower rs brain activity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the bilateral anterior dorsal cingulate cortex, and the ventral and dorsal caudate. Furthermore, in the SZs, the rs brain activity in the left orbitofrontal cortex correlated with negative symptoms (r = −0.436, p = 0.006), in particular with the Motivational Deficit domain (r = −0.424, p = 0.002), even after controlling for confounding factors. The left ventral caudate correlated with negative symptoms (r = −0.407, p = 0.003), especially with the Expressive Deficit domain (r = −0.401, p = 0.003); however, these results seemed to be affected by confounding factors. In line with the literature, our results demonstrated that the two negative symptom domains might be underpinned by different neurobiological mechanisms.
Trust Relationship with Suppliers, Collaborative Action, and Manufacturer Resilience in the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Yang Jianhua , Liu Yuying , Kholaif Moustafa Mohamed Nazief Haggag Kotb
Published: January 2023

Frequent emergencies highlight the importance of corporate resilience, and relationship governance behaviors have received much attention for improving firms’ resilience. This study uses structural equation modeling to test hypotheses based on trust theory and synergy theory. It investigates the impact of the behavioral operations management approach of collaborative action on manufacturers’ resilience in Chinese manufacturing firms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental uncertainty is used as a moderating variable to explore its role between the trust relationship with suppliers and collaborative action, which are two types of relationship management behaviors. The results show that collaborative action positively affects each of the three stages of manufacturer resilience. Moreover, collaborative action mediates between the trust relationship with suppliers and the different dimensions of manufacturer resilience. Environmental uncertainty does not moderate the facilitative effect of the trust relationship with suppliers on collaborative action. This study examines the relational governance behavior of firms in the context of a particular Chinese culture to build a bridge between relational governance behavioral science and firm resilience management. This study tries to provide inspiration for managers to improve the risk management ability of manufacturing enterprises by using relationship management theory and behavioral science.
Gender Differences in Emotional Valence and Social Media Content Engagement Behaviors in Pandemic Diaries: An Analysis Based on Microblog Texts
Authors: Feng Ran , Ivanov Alex
Published: January 2023

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are individualized, which means that our emotions and behaviors would experience changes of different degrees. These changes have led to subtle connections within the social media context. This study concentrates on pandemic diaries posted on microblog sites during the lockdown period in China and explores the association between gender, emotional valence in diaries, and social media content engagement behaviors. Through computational methods, this study found that males and females tended to present significantly different emotional valence and social media content engagement behaviors. A negative correlation existed between emotional valence and comment behavior in female diary texts. Moreover, the pandemic proximity had a moderating effect on emotional valence and social media content engagement behaviors. This article attempts to explain the emotional and behavioral characteristics related to social media diaries and express concerns for the emotional health of disadvantaged blog users in the severely affected area during the pandemic.
The Prevalence of Mild, Moderate, and Severe Nomophobia Symptoms: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression
Authors: Jahrami Haitham , Trabelsi Khaled , Boukhris Omar , Hussain Jumana Hasan , Alenezi Ahmad F. , Humood Ali , Saif Zahra , Pandi-Perumal Seithikurippu R. , Seeman Mary V.
Published: January 2023

NOMOPHOBIA, or NO MObile PHone Phobia, refers to a psychological condition in which people fear being disconnected from their mobile phones. The purpose of this review was to establish the prevalence of nomophobia symptoms in youth and young adults according to severity, country, culture, population, measurement tool, and year of data collection. An electronic search of fourteen databases, two digital preservation services, and three content aggregator services was conducted from the inception of each database until 15 September 2021. A total of 52 studies involving 47,399 participants from 20 countries were included in the analyses. The prevalence of nomophobia was defined as the proportion of individuals scoring at or above established cut-offs on validated measures. Based on a random-effects meta-analysis, approximately 20% of individuals showed mild symptoms of nomophobia, 50% showed moderate symptoms, and 20% showed severe symptoms. Our results showed that university students from non-Western cultures are the most likely to suffer severe symptoms. In the year 2021, the prevalence rate of nomophobia increased. The instrument that was best able to detect nomophobia was the nomophobia questionnaire. Most individuals who own mobile phones experience mild or moderate symptoms of nomophobia. Severe symptoms deserve attention from clinicians and research scientists. A valid method of identifying individuals with a severe addiction to their mobile phones will help with timely and effective therapeutic management.
Leadership, Innovative Behavior and the Case of Innovative Climate—When the Mediator Becomes the Mediated
Authors: Lecic Milan S , Milic Bojana , Visnjic Ruzica , Culibrk Jelena
Published: January 2023

This study investigates how leadership, more precisely leader–member exchange (LMX), affects innovative behavior through an innovative climate as well as, indirectly, through organizational commitment and internal trust. A total of 1114 samples were collected from employees working in firms in Slovenia and Serbia. The quantitative data and the proposed model were analyzed with the partial least squares—SEM technique. The results indicate that an innovative climate is a mediator in the relationship between leadership and innovative behavior, and this relationship is also further mediated by internal trust and organizational commitment. These results reveal serial mediation or the complex role of an innovative climate in the process of influencing innovative work behavior. Implications for theory and recommendations for practice are discussed.
Developing a BIM Single Source of Truth Prototype Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: Hijazi Amer A. , Perera Srinath , Alashwal Ali M. , Calheiros Rodrigo N.
Published: January 2023

Blockchain technology has been proposed as a potential solution for coordinating information and trust to aid the development of a single source of the truth data model, going beyond peer-to-peer cash transactions. It is, therefore, argued that the construction supply chain (CSC) will resolve issues related to the lack of reliable platforms for construction and asset management operations once blockchain technology and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are integrated. Though there is no longer any debate about the importance of integrating blockchain technology with BIM, there is still a lack of academic literature on its proof of concept. This study aims to create a thorough proof of concept for integrating blockchain technology and BIM for supply chain data delivery. It demonstrated a step-by-step methodology starting from understanding the current business scenario and proposing logical system architecture, followed by selecting a blockchain platform, designing system architecture related to technologies, prototyping, and evaluating through a virtual business scenario. The software prototype presented in this paper helps establish the technological viability of a single source of the truth data model for integrating blockchain technology and BIM. The supply chain data delivery for handover was considered in this software prototype. However, the process used to create this software prototype can be replicated in future work on blockchain technology-based built environment applications or digital transformation in the built environment research.
Numerical and Experimental Study on Large-Diameter FRP Cable Anchoring System with Dispersed Tendons
Authors: Zhou Jingyang , Wang Xin , Ding Lining , Liu Shui , Wu Zhishen
Published: January 2023

Based on a previously designed variable-stiffness load transfer component (LTC), a novel dispersed-tendon cable anchor system (CAS) was developed to increase the anchoring efficiency of large-diameter basalt-fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) cables. The static behaviors of the CAS are then numerically evaluated by a simplified three-dimensional finite-element (FE) model and implemented in a full-scale BFRP cable. The FE results indicated that the accuracy of the simplified dispersed-tendon model could be effectively ensured by dividing the revised compensation factor. The anchor behavior of the dispersed-tendon CAS was superior to that of the parallel-tendon CAS when the same cable was applied. The radial stress and tensile stress difference can be reduced by decreasing the tendon spacing. The testing and simulated results agreed well with the load–displacement relationship and axial displacement. All tendons fractured in the testing section, and the LTC suffered minimal damage. The ultimate force of the cable with 127 4-mm-diameter tendons was 2419 kN, and the corresponding anchoring efficiency was 93%. The cable axial tensile strain in the anchoring zone decreased linearly from the loading end to the free end. The cable shear stress concentration at the loading end can be avoided by employing a variable-stiffness anchoring method.
Characteristics of Smart Farms for Architectural Planning and Design
Authors: Shon Donghwa , Lee Eunseok , Lee Yejin , Lee Jieun , Byun Nahyang
Published: January 2023

In the 21st century, humanity is facing unprecedented climate and food crises caused by population growth, urbanization, environmental pollution, and carbon emissions. As a response to the climate and food crisis, the following concept has emerged: smart urban agriculture that can reduce carbon emissions from buildings and achieve self-sufficiency in food. Various architectural designs that include smart farms are being explored worldwide. Nevertheless, the concept does not seem to have gained sufficient popular traction. This study attempted to materialize the concept by presenting types and characteristics from an architectural planning and design perspective by examining cases of smart farm constructions worldwide. After collecting 171 smart farm cases from around the world and building a database in terms of city, architecture, environment, and crops, the types were classified through SOM analysis, an artificial neural network-based cluster analysis methodology. As a result of the analysis, smart farm types were classified into seven types, and the characteristics of architectural planning and design were extracted for each type. It is meaningful that a specific form was presented so that planning and design can be easily accessed according to the situation placed through the type of smart farm.
Innovative Seismic Strengthening Techniques to Be Used in RC Beams’ Critical Zones
Authors: Gião Rita , Lúcio Válter , Chastre Carlos
Published: January 2023

The seismic performance of a structural frame system can be enhanced by strengthening the RC beams’ critical zones. In this paper is presented an experimental study on the improvement of the beam behaviour, subjected to an alternative cyclic procedure which considers the gravity loads reflecting the real demands on the beams’ critical zone. Two strengthening solutions are presented: unbounded post-tension (PT) tendon strengthening to increase resistance and limit residual deformations, and unbounded post-tensioning with jacketing of the RC beam with unidirectional fibre mat reinforced grout (UFRG) to limit compression damage, improving section confinement, thus delaying concrete crushing and buckling of longitudinal reinforcement. The original UFRG material was developed within this study, to apply as a small thickness jacketing material for strengthening RC structures. The main idea was that the steadiness provided by preplacing continuous fibre mats into the mould reduced the fibres’ segregation tendency during the high-performance grout pouring and allowed for the optimisation of their percentage and alignment, attaining a higher tensile strength. The experimental response of the tested Specimens is presented and evaluated through performance parameters that are properly discussed and adjusted to the alternative cyclic procedure. Finally, theoretical predictions are presented, and an adjustable multilinear model is proposed to estimate the strengthening solution’s response.
The Interfacial Friction Loss of Prestressed Carbon-Fiber Tendons in a Bending State
Authors: Fu Jiaping , Zeng Tian , Wang Bing , Zhuge Ping , Xia Jiajun , Cai Wanyun
Published: January 2023

Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is ideal for bridge reinforcement due to its high strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. Studies on the friction loss of CFRP tendons in a bending state form an important part of advancing the application of CFRP materials to external prestressing strengthening technology. To understand the magnitude and variation of interfacial friction loss of prestressed CFRP tendons under bending conditions, 12 single-bending prestressing tension tests and 4 three-consecutive-bending prestressing tension tests were conducted in this study. Two bending radii of 1.5 m and 2 m, two bending angles of 20° and 30°, and three contact surfaces with different friction coefficients were selected for the steering block condition to measure the friction loss under each stage of tensioning prestress. On this basis, a model for calculating the friction loss rate on the surface of prestressed CFRP tendons was derived for the change of contact stress between CFRP tendons and deflectors during the installation and tensioning stages. The results show that the friction loss of external prestressed CFRP tendons is mainly related to four external factors: bending radius, steering angle, friction coefficient, and the magnitude of tensioning prestress; with the increase of prestress, the friction loss rate goes through three stages, the rising stage, the falling stage, and the stable stage; in the process of friction loss rate change, the main influencing factor controlling the magnitude of friction loss rate changes from bending radius to steering angle. In the theoretical calculation model of friction loss rate, the calculation model of the prestressed CFRP tendons under multiple successive bends can be simplified to a combination of several calculation models for a single bend. This study provides a reference for the engineering field of strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) beams using external prestressed CFRP tendons.
Identifying Barriers to the Digitalization of China’s Real Estate Enterprises in Operations Management with an Integrated FTA–DEMATEL–ISM Approach
Authors: Xiang Ying , Jiang Qiaoyun , Zhang Yicheng , Zhou Wangyue
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to identify indicators of the obstacles that affect the digitalization of real estate enterprises in their operations management, and analyze the influence, hierarchy and relationships of these indicators. The indicators of obstacles that affect the digitalization of real estate enterprise operations management were explored by searching the literature and using the Delphi method and a word cloud diagram. The obstacle indicator system was built according to the upstream, middle and downstream levels of the value chain. The FTA obstacle model was used to analyze the influence of obstacle index, and the DEMATEL–ISM model was used to analyze the hierarchical structure and correlations between indicators. The results are as follows. The biggest barriers in real estate digitalization are in the upstream level, such as the difficulty in adopting new technologies, lack of information technology talent and the high cost of digital software. According to analysis from the DEMATEL–ISM, the difficulty of enterprises to use new technologies has a deep-rooted influence on the digitalization of real estate enterprises. Lack of information technology talent and the high cost of digital software in the upstream level as well as barriers related to a company’s development strategy and investment willingness constitute barriers in the midstream level. These barriers not only affect the external and internal links, but also influence each other. The lack of overall regulation and supervision can explain the reason for these barriers.
Analytical Prediction of the Distortional Buckling Loads for Cold-Formed Channel Beams with Edge-Stiffened Rectangular Web Openings
Authors: Liu Can , Duan Liping
Published: January 2023

Recently, there has been an increasing number of studies on the distortional buckling analyses of cold-formed steel (CFS) channels with web edge-stiffened holes. However, the literature about the analytical solutions is scarce, and the current design rules, e.g., the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI 2016) and the Australian/New Zealand standards (AS/NZ 4600: 2018), provide little design advice for CFS channels with edge-stiffened holes. This paper presents an analytical method for estimating the bearing capacity for the distortional buckling of CFS channel beams with edge-stiffened rectangular web holes. To validate the proposed method, comprehensive finite element (FE) analyses were performed. The proposed design equations accurately forecast the distortional buckling moment capacities of the CFS channels with edge-stiffened holes. Specifically, the average error of the critical moment predictions for the distortional buckling of perforated CFS channel beams obtained by the proposed analytical method and the finite element method (FEM) is only 6.59%, where the maximum error reaches 17.76%. Moreover, a parameter study on the effect of the edge-stiffener length on the bearing capacity was carried out as well, and the results show that the edge stiffener indeed significantly enhanced the critical moment when it is below a threshold length, but the enhancement becomes unobvious once surpassing the threshold length.
Multizone Modeling of Airborne SARS-CoV-2 Quanta Transmission and Infection Mitigation Strategies in Office, Hotel, Retail, and School Buildings
Authors: Yan Shujie , Wang Liangzhu (Leon) , Birnkrant Michael J. , Zhai Zhiqiang (John) , Miller Shelly L.
Published: January 2023

Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 mostly occurs indoors, and effective mitigation strategies for specific building types are needed. Most guidance provided during the pandemic focused on general strategies that may not be applicable for all buildings. A systematic evaluation of infection risk mitigation strategies for different public and commercial buildings would facilitate their reopening process as well as post-pandemic operation. This study evaluates engineering mitigation strategies for five selected US Department of Energy prototype commercial buildings (i.e., Medium Office, Large Office, Small Hotel, Stand-Alone Retail, and Secondary School). The evaluation applied the multizone airflow and contaminant simulation software, CONTAM, with a newly developed CONTAM-quanta approach for infection risk assessment. The zone-to-zone quanta transmission and quanta fate were analyzed. The effectiveness of mechanical ventilation, and in-duct and in-room air treatment mitigation strategies were evaluated and compared. The efficacy of mitigation strategies was evaluated for full, 75%, 50% and 25% of design occupancy of these buildings under no-mask and mask-wearing conditions. Results suggested that for small spaces, in-duct air treatment would be insufficient for mitigating infection risks and additional in-room treatment devices would be needed. To avoid assessing mitigation strategies by simulating every building configuration, correlations of individual infection risk as a function of building mitigation parameters were developed upon extensive parametric studies.
Spatial Reconstruction and Cultural Practice of Linear Cultural Heritage: A Case Study of Meiguan Historical Trail, Guangdong, China
Authors: Wu Zhicai , Ma Jing , Zhang Heqing
Published: January 2023

Linear cultural heritage is a unique and emerging type of large-scale heritage primarily located in rural areas. Despite the fact that much literature has concentrated on the importance of heritage to rural revitalization and development in Western countries, linear cultural heritage production has remained largely absent from accounts of rural studies in the context of China. This article aims to address this neglect by examining the spatial reconstruction process of the Meiguan Historical Trail. Based on the theory of the production of space, this article reveals the cultural practice of local ruling elites in mobilizing linear cultural heritage to promote regional competitiveness and how ordinary people question the official space reconstruction policy. The article finds that residents are obedient to government’s efforts, while tourists are suspicious of the superficial cultural restoration. The findings further deepen the understanding of linear cultural heritage production as a rural development location policy. In addition, as an important dynamic force, culture participates in the spatial production of linear cultural heritage, which enriches the cultural dimension of spatial production to a certain extent. The findings offer theoretical direction and policy recommendations for the development and sustainability of linear cultural heritage worldwide.
Peak Stress Method-Based Fatigue Predictions for Steel Crane Girder Variable-Section Supports
Authors: Zhao Xiaoqing , Xing Kuntao , Jin Nan
Published: January 2023

Engineering applications have shown that variable-section supports of steel crane girders are prone to fatigue fracture, and traditional fatigue prediction experience is not applicable to these types of supports due to the complex internal stresses caused by their unique geometries. In this paper, a new fatigue prediction approach was proposed for variable-section supports of steel crane girders based on the peak stress method; this approach can locate the fatigue initiation sites and predict the fatigue lives of variable-section supports under axial and bending loading. Then, some constant-amplitude fatigue test results were presented for typical variable-section supports of steel crane girders. A comparison was made between the experimental results and theoretical estimations using the peak stress method. The results indicated that the peak stress method is appropriate to estimate fatigue life up to crack initiation in variable-section supports of steel crane girders subjected to axial and bending loads.
IR Building Analysis with Extraction of Elements Using Image Segmentation and RetinaNet
Authors: Walter Ivana , Tanasković Marko , Stanković Miloš
Published: January 2023

Thermography is being increasingly used in building inspection due to its capability to determine various defects, as this enables the development of improvement strategies for efficient energy consumption. In this paper, AI algorithms are combined, and new segmentation strategies are proposed to improve the accuracy of building insulation assessments. Paired visual and IR pictures taken from the same angle are used complementarily to feed different sequential neural networks employed to extract the characteristic segments of buildings. The optical images contain the information required to identify and separate objects, such as windows, doors, and walls. The IR pictures contain the information required for the insulation assessment. This enables an automated analysis of a large number of objects within the same assessment with respect to the proper viewing angle and resolution. Variations in measured temperatures for segmented regions are estimated by referring to their representations in the IR frames, which allows for general conclusions concerning insulation state to be drawn, and by using a trained neural network, heat losses are localized in the frames. The output levels of consecutive IR frames are compared to determine the effects on IR object representation due to different recording aspects.
Refugee Children’s Access to Play in Meso-Environments: A Novel Approach Using Space Syntax and GIS
Authors: Chen Siqi , Knöll Martin
Published: January 2023

Being able to explore and play in quality open spaces in the neighbourhood is crucial for refugee children since refugee facilities often have inadequate playspaces indoors and outdoors. Access to meso-environment playspaces (around refugee accommodations) would provide refugee children with the opportunity for optimal physical, cognitive, emotional and social development and support their social inclusion. This study explores refugee children’s access to play areas in meso environments with six study sites in Berlin. Active space for refugee children’s play is assessed using: (1) open-source data collection, (2) method notions of perceived distance and spaces, (3) staff survey with site investigation and (4) space syntax theories of potential accessibility. Results indicated the fact of unequal playspace distributions for refugee children in Berlin with children-oriented assessment. The utilisation of space syntax in the context of refugee children is relatively unexplored. This study is thereby contributing to the space syntax literature by exploring the broader application potential of its methods. Further studies should broaden study sites with more precise environmental measures.
Study on Restoring Force Model of Cold-Formed Thin-Walled Steel Lipped Channel Beam-Columns under Cyclic Load
Authors: Yao Xingyou , Yang Jiabao , Guo Yanli
Published: January 2023

In order to study the hysteretic behavior and restoring force model of cold-formed thin-walled steel (CFTWS) lipped channel beam-column, a finite element analysis (FEA) model considering the material and geometric nonlinearity and the influence of the initial geometric imperfection under cyclic loading was established by ABAQUS software. Based on the verified FEA model, the hysteretic behavior of CFTWS lipped channel beam-column members with different influencing factors was analyzed by parameterization. The effects of width-to-thickness ratio, axial compression ratio and slenderness ratio on ductility, energy dissipation capacity and stiffness degradation were studied. Based on the results of parameter analysis and the theoretical and regression analysis, the calculation formula of each characteristic point of the trilinear skeleton curve of beam-column member was proposed. Based on the hysteresis curve analysis of beam-column member, the simplified restoring force model (SRFM) of CFTWS lipped channel beam-column was established according to different hysteresis rules for the different buckling modes. The results showed that the SRFM under different buckling modes was in good agreement with the hysteretic curve of FEA, which can better indicate the hysteretic behavior of the member. The proposed SRFM was accurate and applicable, and can provide a fundament for the seismic analysis of the CFTWS lipped channel beam-column.
Location Optimization of Tower Cranes on High-Rise Modular Housing Projects
Authors: Zhou Cong , Dai Fu , Xiao Zerui , Liu Wei
Published: January 2023

In high-rise modular housing complex projects, tower crane layout planning is the key to ensuring the efficient lifting of components during construction. To improve the lifting efficiency of the cranes and control costs, the layout plan should minimize the distance the tower cranes must move the prefabricated units. The distance between the trailer holding the components, the tower crane, and the structure under construction should be kept to a minimum. However, most current studies consider the relative positions of the tower crane and the trailer without fully considering the movement efficiency of the trailer, and when multiple trailers and multiple tower cranes are involved, the optimization scheme is more complicated. In this study, a mathematical model based on mixed integer linear programming (MILP) is built to determine the type and location of tower cranes as well as the location of trailers to solve the problem of situating multiple tower cranes in a high-rise modular housing complex project. Finally, the validity and practicality of the model are demonstrated with case studies.
Stable Carbon Dots from Microwave-Heated Carbon Nanoparticles Generating Organic Radicals for In Situ Additions
Authors: Liang Weixiong , Singh Buta , Cao Elton Y. , Bunker Christopher E. , Cannon William , Petta Lauren , Wang Ping , Yang Liju , Cao Li , Scorzari Annalise , Sun Ya-Ping
Published: January 2023

Carbon dots (CDots) are small carbon nanoparticles with effective surface passivation by organic functionalization. In the reported work, the surface functionalization of preexisting small carbon nanoparticles with N-ethylcarbazole (NEC) was achieved by the NEC radical addition. Due to the major difference in microwave absorption between the carbon nanoparticles and organic species such as NEC, the nanoparticles could be selectively heated via microwave irradiation to enable the hydrogen abstraction in NEC to generate NEC radicals, followed by in situ additions of the radicals to the nanoparticles. The resulting NEC-CDots were characterized by microscopy and spectroscopy techniques including quantitative proton and 13C NMR methods. The optical spectroscopic properties of the dot sample were found to be largely the same as those of CDots from other organic functionalization schemes. The high structural stability of NEC-CDots benefiting from the radical addition functionalization is highlighted and discussed.
Dynamic Prediction of Resectability for Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer Undergoing Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Application of Joint Model for Longitudinal CA-125 Levels
Authors: Amroun Koceila , Chaltiel Raphael , Reyal Fabien , Kianmanesh Reza , Savoye Aude-Marie , Perrier Marine , Djerada Zoubir , Bouché Olivier
Published: January 2023

In patients with advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), predicting the feasibility of complete interval cytoreductive surgery (ICRS) is helpful and may avoid unnecessary laparotomy. A joint model (JM) is a dynamic individual predictive model. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive JM combining CA-125 kinetics during NAC with patients’ and clinical factors to predict resectability after NAC in patients with AOC. A retrospective study included 77 patients with AOC treated with NAC. A linear mixed effect (LME) sub-model was used to describe the evolution of CA-125 during NAC considering factors influencing the biomarker levels. A Cox sub-model screened the covariates associated with resectability. The JM combined the LME sub-model with the Cox sub-model. Using the LME sub-model, we observed that CA-125 levels were influenced by the number of NAC cycles and the performance of paracentesis. In the Cox sub-model, complete resectability was associated with Performance Status (HR = 0.57, [0.34–0.95], p = 0.03) and the presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis in the epigastric region (HR = 0.39, [0.19–0.80], p = 0.01). The JM accuracy to predict complete ICRS was 88% [82–100] with a predictive error of 2.24% [0–2.32]. Using a JM of a longitudinal CA-125 level during NAC could be a reliable predictor of complete ICRS.
Prolonged Survival after Recurrence in HCC Resected Patients Using Repeated Curative Therapies: Never Give Up!
Authors: Toubert Cyprien , Guiu Boris , Al Taweel Bader , Assenat Eric , Panaro Fabrizio , Souche François-Regis , Ursic-Bedoya Jose , Navarro Francis , Herrero Astrid
Published: January 2023

Surgical resection is the optimal treatment for HCC, despite a high risk of recurrence. Few data are available on patient’s survival after resection. This is a retrospective study of tumor recurrence occurring after hepatectomy for HCC from 2000 to 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors of survival after recurrence (SAR). Among 387 patients, 226 recurred (58.4%) with a median SAR of 26 months. Curative treatments (liver transplantation, repeat hepatectomy, thermal ablation) were performed for 44.7% of patients. Independent prognostic factors for SAR were micro-vascular invasion on the primary surgical specimen, size of the initial tumor >5 cm, preoperative AFP, albumin and platelet levels, male gender, number, size and localization of tumors at recurrence, time to recurrence, Child–Pugh score and treatment at recurrence. In subgroup analysis, early recurrence (46%) was associated with a decrease in SAR, by contrast with late recurrence. However, the overall survival (OS) of patients with early recurrence and curative treatment did not significantly differ from that of non-recurring patients. For late recurrence, OS did not significantly differ from that of non-recurring patients, regardless of the proposed treatment. Aggressive and repeat treatments are therefore key to improve prognosis of patients with HCC.
Clinical Usefulness of Surgical Resection Including the Complementary Use of Radiofrequency Ablation for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ohama Hideko , Hiraoka Atsushi , Tada Fujimasa , Kato Kanako , Fukunishi Yoshiko , Yanagihara Emi , Kato Masaya , Saneto Hironobu , Izumoto Hirofumi , Ueki Hidetaro , Yoshino Takeaki , Kitahata Shogo , Kawamura Tomoe , Kuroda Taira , Suga Yoshifumi , Miyata Hideki , Hanaoka Jun , Watanabe Jota , Ohtani Hiromi , Hirooka Masashi , Abe Masanori , Matsuura Bunzo , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: January 2023

Background/Aim: For intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer [BCLC]-B) cases, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is recognized as the standard treatment, while systemic therapy is recommended for TACE-unsuitable HCC. However, because the curative potential is not high, this study was conducted to elucidate the potential outcomes of surgical resection (SR) for BCLC-B HCC cases. Materials/Methods: From January 2000 to July 2022, 70 patients with BCLC-B HCC treated with surgery as the initial treatment were enrolled (median age 67.5 years, beyond up-to-7 criteria 44). Forty-five were treated with SR only (SR group), while twenty-five underwent that with complemental radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (Comb group). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively evaluated in both groups. Results: The median albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score was better in the SR as compared with the Comb group (−2.74 vs. −2.52, p = 0.02), while there were no significant differences between them for median RFS (17.7 vs. 13.1 months; p = 0.70) or median OS (66.6 vs. 72.0 months p = 0.54). As for those beyond up-to-7 criteria, there were no significant differences for median RFS (18.2 vs. 13.0 months; p = 0.36) or median OS (66.5 vs. 72.0 months; p = 0.57). An acceptable five-year cumulative survival rate (>50%) was obtained in both groups (54% vs. 64%). Conclusion: This retrospective study found no significant differences for RFS or OS between the present SR and Comb groups with BCLC-B HCC. When possible to perform, the outcome of SR for BCLC-B is favorable, with a five-year survival rate greater than 50%.
The Impact of PSMA-PET on Oncologic Control in Prostate Cancer Patients Who Experienced PSA Persistence or Recurrence
Authors: Bianchi Lorenzo , Ceci Francesco , Costa Francesco , Balestrazzi Eleonora , Droghetti Matteo , Piazza Pietro , Pissavini Alessandro , Mei Riccardo , Farolfi Andrea , Castellucci Paolo , Puliatti Stefano , Larcher Alessandro , Gandaglia Giorgio , Robesti Daniele , Mottrie Alexandre , Briganti Alberto , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe , Fanti Stefano , Montorsi Francesco , Schiavina Riccardo , Brunocilla Eugenio
Published: January 2023

Background: Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen-Positron Emission Tomography (PSMA-PET) is currently recommended to restage prostate cancer (PCa) and to guide the delivery of salvage treatments. We aim to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of patients with recurrent PCa who received PSMA-PET. Methods: 324 hormone-sensitive PCa with PSA relapse after radical prostatectomy who underwent PSMA-PET in three high-volume European Centres. Patients have been stratified as pre-salvage who never received salvage treatments (n = 134), and post-salvage, including patients who received previous salvage therapies (n = 190). Patients with oligorecurrent (≤3 lesions), PSMA-positive disease underwent PSMA-directed treatments: salvage radiotherapy (sRT) or Metastases-directed therapy (MDT). Patients with polirecurrent (>3 lesions) PSMA-positive disease were treated with systemic therapy. Patients with negative PSMA-PET were treated with sRT or systemic therapies or observation. The primary outcome of the study was Progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes were: Metastases-free survival (MFS) and Castration Resistant Pca free survival (CRPC-FS). Results: median follow up was 23 months. In the pre-salvage setting, the PFS, MFS and CRPC-FS estimates at 3 years were 66.2% vs. 38.9%, 95.2% vs. 73.7% and 94.9% vs. 93.1% in patients with negative vs. positive PSMA-PET, respectively (all p ≥ 0.2). In the post-salvage setting, the PFS, MFS and CRPC-FS estimates at 3 years were 59.5% vs. 29.1%, 92.7% vs. 65.1% and 98.8% vs. 88.8% in patients with negative vs. positive PSMA-PET, respectively (all p ≤ 0.01). At multivariable analyses, a positive PSMA-PET was an independent predictor of progression (HR = 2.15) and metastatic disease (HR 2.37; all p ≤ 0.03). Conclusion: PSMA-PET in recurrent PCa detects the site of recurrence guiding salvage treatments and has a prognostic role in patients who received previous salvage treatments.