bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Burden of Respiratory Alterations during Sleep on Comorbidities in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Authors: Tondo Pasquale , Fanfulla Francesco , Scioscia Giulia , Sabato Roberto , Salvemini Michela , De Pace Cosimo C. , Foschino Barbaro Maria Pia , Lacedonia Donato
Published: October 2022

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has an important impact on the risk of morbidity and mortality, so we have designed the present study to understand which factor is most involved in the risk of developing a comorbidity between OSA severity and nocturnal hypoxemia. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 617 adult subjects who were referred to our unit for a suspicion of OSA between January 2018 and January 2020. Results: Sleep investigations performed by participants (72% male and obese in 70% of cases) reported an overall mean apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) of 44.0 ± 24.8 events·h−1. Overall, 66% were classified as severe OSA and 76% experienced nocturnal hypoxemia. By analysing the burden of OSA severity and nocturnal hypoxemia on the comorbidities risk, multivariate analysis highlighted the predominant role of age and obesity. Accordingly, after the exclusion of the older and obese participants from the analyses, we noticed that severe OSA was related to the risk of hypertension (odds ratio (OR) = 3.0 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–6.2], p = 0.004) as well as nocturnal hypoxemia (OR = 2.6 [95% CI 1.2–5.4], p = 0.01). Conclusions: The study seems to suggest that in young, non-obese subjects, OSA is a predisposing factor for the risk of developing hypertension.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness as a Moderator of Sleep-Related Associations with Hippocampal Volume and Cognition
Authors: Alfini Alfonso J. , Won Junyeon , Weiss Lauren R. , Nyhuis Casandra C. , Zipunnikov Vadim , Spira Adam P. , Liu-Ambrose Teresa , Shackman Alexander J. , Smith J. Carson
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to understand the associations of sleep and cardiorespiratory fitness with hippocampal volume and global cognition among older adults (n = 30, age = 65.8 years, female = 73.3%). Wrist actigraphy provided objective measures of nighttime sleep including sleep duration, average wake bout length (WBL; sleep disturbance), and wake-to-sleep transition probability (WTSP; sleep consolidation). Cardiorespiratory fitness was quantified via cycle exercise using a modified heart rate recovery approach. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine hippocampal volume and the Mini-Mental State Examination was used to assess global cognition. Fitness moderated associations of sleep with hippocampal volume and cognitive performance, whereby the association of WBL—an index of poor sleep—with hippocampal atrophy was stronger among less-fit individuals, and the association of sleep duration with cognitive performance was stronger among more-fit individuals. Across the fitness levels, a longer WBL was associated with lower cognitive performance, and a higher WTSP—an index of more consolidated sleep—was associated with greater hippocampal volume. Sleep and fitness were unrelated to the volume of an amygdala control region, suggesting a degree of neuroanatomical specificity. In conclusion, higher cardiorespiratory fitness may attenuate sleep disturbance-related hippocampal atrophy and magnify the cognitive benefits of good sleep. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Evidence to the Need for a Unifying Framework: Critical Consciousness and Moral Education in Adolescents Facilitate Altruistic Behaviour in the Community
Authors: Assante Gabriela Monica , Popa Nicoleta Laura , Grădinariu Tudorița
Published: October 2022

Background: Critical consciousness represents an emancipatory pedagogical process whose central goal is developing the necessary skills to identify and act in the direction of changing social limitations. An important kind of action that helps challenge social limitations is altruistic behaviour. Moreover, moral values could enhance the effect of critical consciousness on altruistic behaviour. Method: This study aims to provide some empirical support for the benefits of a unifying framework between moral education and critical consciousness by exploring the association between critical motivation and moral foundations, and the moderating role of groups’ status (disadvantaged versus privileged) within this association. The present research explores the link between critical consciousness, altruistic behaviour, and the mediational role of moral foundations. The data was collected from participants studying in urban areas and disadvantaged rural areas. Hence, the socio-economic status of the individuals (disadvantaged groups versus privileged groups) is considered a moderator in this dynamic. The study sample comprised 1031 adolescents aged 13–19 (M = 16.51, SD = 1.54). Results: The findings emphasise that fairness and care moral foundations mediate the relationship between critical motivation and altruistic behaviour, and the moderator role of group status. In conclusion, the poor development of critical motivation in disadvantaged groups influences moral values development and, ultimately, affects individual behaviour in the community.
Paradoxical Leadership and Involvement in Creative Task via Creative Self-Efficacy: A Moderated Mediation Role of Task Complexity
Authors: Jung Ki Baek , Kang Seung-Wan , Choi Suk Bong
Published: October 2022

Modern organizational environments encounter serious competition and paradoxical situations. This study discusses the effect of paradoxical leadership on overcoming competitive and paradoxical situations happening in the Korean workplace. More specifically, it investigates the dynamic relationship between paradoxical leadership and involvement in creative tasks in a Korean context and examines whether creative self-efficacy positively mediates this relationship. Our research design addresses the moderating role and moderated mediating role of task complexity in the relationship between paradoxical leadership and the involvement in creative tasks via creative self-efficacy. The main hypotheses were tested by using a cross-sectional design and administering questionnaires to 268 employees working in Korean firms. Empirical analysis revealed that paradoxical leadership is positively related to involvement in creative tasks and creative self-efficacy and that creative self-efficacy positively mediated the relationship between paradoxical leadership and involvement in creative tasks. Importantly, as the relationship between paradoxical leadership and creative self-efficacy depends on task complexity, the mediated relationship was effective under high task complexity. Uncovering the relationship between paradoxical leadership and involvement in creative tasks with the mediating role of creative self-efficacy and the moderated mediating role of task complexity can provide useful theoretical and managerial implications.
A Decision Support System for Hospital Configurations in Construction Projects
Authors: Schönbeck Pia , Löfsjögård Malin , Ansell Anders
Published: October 2022

Hospitals are complex buildings and their functionality is essential for patient healthcare. Definition, verification and implementation of accurate configuration information during construction projects are therefore essential. The purpose of this study was to develop a decision support system by establishing a value chain of configuration information with an end-to-end perspective. The approach of this study was explorative, investigating how building data can support construction projects in making hospital configuration decisions. A literature review provided a knowledge base about the configuration decision process flow, which determined the prerequisites for the proposed data and model management. Exchange and relationships of required building data were ensured by using Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and a database model, respectively. The results show that using building model data for configuration decision support is feasible. A case study compared data exchanged in three construction projects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging rooms to those identified in the decision support system. Operational gaps regarding data exchange in the studied cases indicate what changes are required in current data collection and management. The contribution of this study is filling a research gap regarding end-to-end information management to support hospital configuration decisions in construction projects.
A Comparative Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis for Eastern Turkey (Bitlis) Based on Updated Hazard Map and Its Effect on Regular RC Structures
Authors: Işık Ercan , Harirchian Ehsan
Published: October 2022

Determining the earthquake hazard of any settlement is one of the primary studies for reducing earthquake damage. Therefore, earthquake hazard maps used for this purpose must be renewed over time. Turkey Earthquake Hazard Map has been used instead of Turkey Earthquake Zones Map since 2019. A probabilistic seismic hazard was performed by using these last two maps and different attenuation relationships for Bitlis Province (Eastern Turkey) were located in the Lake Van Basin, which has a high seismic risk. The earthquake parameters were determined by considering all districts and neighborhoods in the province. Probabilistic seismic hazard analyses were carried out for these settlements using seismic sources and four different attenuation relationships. The obtained values are compared with the design spectrum stated in the last two earthquake maps. Significant differences exist between the design spectrum obtained according to the different exceedance probabilities. In this study, adaptive pushover analyses of sample-reinforced concrete buildings were performed using the design ground motion level. Structural analyses were carried out using three different design spectra, as given in the last two seismic design codes and the mean spectrum obtained from attenuation relationships. Different design spectra significantly change the target displacements predicted for the performance levels of the buildings.
Identifying Potential Indicators of Neighbourhood Solar Access in Urban Planning
Authors: Czachura Agnieszka , Gentile Niko , Kanters Jouri , Wall Maria
Published: October 2022

Solar access describes the capacity of urban spaces to receive sunlight and daylight. Rapid urbanization and unbridled densification pose a threat to sustainable solar access, reducing the penetration of sunlight and daylight into cities. To effectively assess solar access at such an early design stage, at the urban planning level, it is critical that evaluation metrics are simple and reliable. This paper examines a cross section of solar metrics, from simple to more complex ones, to find potential solar performance indicators for urban planning evaluations. The metric datasets were created based on iterations of homogeneous neighbourhood designs, based on the three commonest typologies in the Swedish context: courtyard, slab, and tower. The results were validated using case studies sampled from districts of Malmö. The findings indicate that simple geometrical and latitudinal metrics may be suitable for assessing the solar access of urban designs due to high correlation with built density. Potential performance indicators aimed at indoor and outdoor evaluation of daylighting (VSC, SVF) and sunlighting (ASH_F, RD_G) in urban planning stages were suggested. Possible methods of applying the provided metric database into assessments were proposed. Future work should find evidence-based thresholds for the metric values to establish performance benchmarks.
Multi-Disciplinary Characteristics of Double-Skin Facades for Computational Modeling Perspective and Practical Design Considerations
Authors: Memari Ali M. , Solnosky Ryan , Hu Chengcong
Published: October 2022

Vertical building enclosures known as Double-skin façades (DSFs) have become recognized as a promising façade type for buildings that place emphasis on sustainable, green, and energy-efficient design performance. DSFs are highly integrated across engineering and architecture; however, there remain limited centralized knowledge repositories that offer designers’ insight into these performance trends, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and tradeoff metrics, as well as how to go about modeling DSFs for performance under applicable loading systems when conducting design. As such, the main objective of this paper is to provide a better understanding of different types of DSF systems and their attributes from the perspective of multiple disciplines, as well as different modeling approaches. The methodology adopted is rooted in the principles of systematic literature review of design standards, research papers, and software manual literature, as well as a qualitative evaluation based on structural performance aspects. From the study, many different configurations of DSFs exist that impact each engineered system, where those system attributes impact multiple systems. This results in a need to parametrically iterate configurations within software to find a balance in DSF performance. Furthermore, there exists software easily capable of simulating these systems, yet the designer must carefully construct the models with different levels of sophistication towards DSFs and the software. This paper contains concise summaries of key attributes that designers need to consider when their project has a DSF system, along with different software modelers from which they can choose, correlating to the complexity of the design stage along with the appropriateness of the calculations.
Method for Designing Prequalified Connections Using Generative Design
Authors: Henríquez Daniela , Herrera Rodrigo F. , Vielma Juan Carlos
Published: October 2022

Designing prequalified connections is a process of iterative calculation, in which certain dimensions are varied until the verifications and restrictions stipulated by the standard are met. This is a slow process that can be automated using various software and optimized using a new design method called generative design, which consists of establishing restrictions so that the script delivers multiple solutions that meet the objectives. This research was conducted based on the design science research (DSR) methodology and focused on developing a method to design moment-resisting steel connections, specifically end-plate connections, using generative design in a building information modeling (BIM) environment. From this, it was possible to obtain several end-plate connection design alternatives, and technical validation was carried out to verify the functionality of the program using a verification method proposed by a civil engineer.
The Impact of the Building Forms of Tall Buildings on Dust Accumulation and Thermal Performance in Hot Climates
Authors: Mushtaha Emad S. , Salameh Tareq , Al Qurneh Deena , Hassan Sahar , Hamad Rawan , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali , Al-Alami Abdul Hai , Olabi Abdul Ghani , Mori Taro
Published: October 2022

This study aims to create an iconic dust-control skyscraper that resembles an environmentally friendly structure, by adapting a new dust simulation design approach. This method seeks to reduce dust dispersion in the air, control dust movement, and siphon it from the ambient air to purify the surrounding environment by implementing design techniques in the skyscrapers of the UAE. To tackle this critical but often overlooked issue, this study focuses on building typologies along the Sheikh Zayed road region in Dubai city due to the area’s importance and the existence of numerous renowned skyscrapers. An analytical study was conducted to categorize the typologies, followed by a performance analysis to assess the impact of accumulated dust on solar radiation and the overall thermal performance of the structures. Fourteen cases were evaluated using ANSYS simulation software selected for their basic typologies and their possible existence in reality. The study’s design guidelines were set according to the results conducted from running the simulation, as the findings suggested that wind streamlines may easily travel around a circular-shaped structure, while a building’s sharp edges act as wind barriers, driving the wind away from the structure and allowing dust to collect on the surfaces. The ideal example, according to the study’s conclusions, was the trapezoid form (case 14), which was established by simulation results that demonstrated a 3.4% reduction in roof conduction and a 1.3% reduction in yearly cooling. On the other hand, a biomimetic design approach was also integrated into the study to devise a design concept that effectively responds to nature. Preliminary ideas and potential future avenues for this project are also discussed.
An Intelligent Detection Logic for Fan-Blade Damage to Wind Turbines Based on Mounted-Accelerometer Data
Authors: Hsu Ming-Hung , Zhuang Zheng-Yun
Published: October 2022

Many wind turbines operate in harsh marine or shore environments. This study assists industry by establishing a real-time condition-monitoring and fault-detection system, with rules for recognizing a wind turbine’s abnormal operation mainly caused by different types of fan-blade damage. This system can ensure ideal wind turbine operation by monitoring the health status of the blades, detecting sudden anomalies, and performing maintenance almost in real time. This is especially significant for wind farms in areas subject to frequent natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes and typhoons). Turbines might fail to endure these because the manufacturers have built them according to the standards developed for areas less prone to natural disasters. The system’s rules are established by utilising concepts and methods from data analytics, digital signal processing (DSP) and statistics to analyse data from the accelerometer, which measures the vibration signals in three dimensions on the platform of the wind turbine’s base. The patterns for those cases involving fan-blade damage are found to establish the rules. With the anomalies detected and reported effectively, repairs and maintenance can be carried out on the faulty wind turbines. This enables ‘maintenance by prediction’ actions for unplanned maintenance as a supplement to the ‘predictive maintenance’ tasks for regular planned maintenance.
Performance Improvement of Construction Workers to Achieve Better Productivity for Labour-Intensive Works
Authors: Bamfo-Agyei Emmanuel , Thwala Didibhuku Wellington , Aigbavboa Clinton
Published: October 2022

This paper develops techniques to improve labour productivity in the construction industry and determine the level of labour productivity in the Ghanaian construction industry. The goal of this study was to develop a framework for determining the optimal productivity of construction workers for labour-intensive projects. There were three main objectives of this study: to identify factors that influence construction labour productivity in Ghana, to determine techniques used to improve construction labour productivity, and to develop a comprehensive framework for improving construction labour productivity in Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative research design that used a questionnaire. Since the country has been divided into zones, a stratified sampling technique was used based on the diverse nature of the population. Meanwhile, since the district offices were not all handling road construction projects, a purposive sampling technique was used to select 40 districts that were involved in road construction projects. A total of 560 respondents were sampled for the study. The data obtained from the study were analysed and are presented in tables and diagrams. The following factors played a significant role: the age of beneficiaries, the knowledge of beneficiaries, compliance with safety regulations, and the motivation of beneficiaries. Growing a project’s beneficiary base has been observed by many sites to be associated with a decrease in overall labour productivity (due to the overcrowding of workers). Recruiting new members should be conducted cautiously, as the government plans to use this medium to benefit the impoverished in the region. Construction workers can use this information to aid in firm decision-making. For planning purposes, this research can also be used as a useful tool for utilizing labour-intensive methods to increase productivity and meet contract deadlines by finishing a task as anticipated.
Influencing Factors Analysis of Supply Chain Resilience of Prefabricated Buildings Based on PF-DEMATEL-ISM
Authors: Lu Jiequn , Wang Junwu , Song Yinghui , Yuan Chunbao , He Juanjuan , Chen Zhao
Published: October 2022

The supply chain for prefabricated buildings (PB) is vulnerable to the operation failure of node enterprises, with frequent damage occurring. Therefore, it is vital to establish an evaluation model of supply chain resilience (SCRE) to improve the ability to resist unanticipated risks. However, existing research falls short of explaining the hierarchy of the influential components. To fill this gap, this paper established an element-based system of PBSCRE affecting factors. The DEMATEL-ISM method, which combines Pythagorean fuzzy sets, was utilized to analyze the factors. The effectiveness of this framework was then verified via a case study. The results showed the following: the top six elements in terms of centrality were risk management level, inventory management, emergency response plan, visibility, environmental risk, and information technology level; all factors were divided into six levels: (1) factors in level 1 are surface direct influence factors, (2) factors in levels 2 to 5 are intermediate transfer factors, and (3) factors in level 6 are deep root factors. There are 4 root factors, namely, supplier level, environmental risk, information technology level, and visibility. The results indicate that the proposed model will assist managers in identifying critical aspects and achieving sustainable management.
Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation of Mixed Reality Seismic Retrofitting Training System
Authors: Liu Zhansheng , Xue Jie
Published: October 2022

Due to the complexity of the construction environment and retrofitting methods, it is difficult to achieve the expected retrofitting effect. Therefore, effective seismic retrofitting training is a necessary way to ensure retrofitting workers acquire enough professional knowledge, skills and safe behaviors, which are critical to retrofitting. Mixed reality has huge potential in construction training. This paper conducts a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the MR seismic retrofitting training system to research the potential of MR in training. The purpose of this research was to provide scientific guidance and reference for the development, improvement and selection of MR training systems in the future. In this research, the evaluation indicators of the MR training system were firstly analyzed. Next, the weight of each evaluation indicator was calculated by the judgment matrix. Then, the evaluation model was established based on the qualitative–quantitative transformation principle of indicators. Finally, the results of the MR seismic retrofitting training system are obtained by combining the evaluation model with the membership matrix. The evaluation result of the training system in this paper is excellent.
Investigation of Development Applications: A GIS Based Spatiotemporal Analysis in the City of Sydney Area 2004–2022
Authors: Zhu Zhiyu , Shirowzhan Sara , Pettit Christopher
Published: October 2022

When proposing and reviewing new developments, urban planners, architects and the broader public must make well-informed planning decisions that fit within the broader urban context to foster a sustainable future and avoid costly and unnecessary redevelopment later on. There is often no comprehensive, publicly available and data-based spatiotemporal body of knowledge to help support these decisions. This paper uses the City of Sydney (CoS) as a case study to show how open data about individual development applications (DAs) can be used to build a critical spatiotemporal information framework to fill this gap and guide important city-shaping design and planning decisions. This research proposes a novel and broadly applicable methodology based on Python data analysis and mapping to extract and visualise spatiotemporal insights from DA data in terms of DA lodgement numbers and locations, DA estimated costs, DA proposed land use and application processing times. The results show a consistent decrease in DA lodgement numbers since 2008, likely accentuated by the COVID pandemic since 2020. This is contrasted by a steady increase in the median cost of DAs since 2005. Development hot spots are identified in the Sydney CBD and the suburb of Zetland, whereas the western and central parts of the local government area (LGA) were found to be lodgement cold spots consistent with higher concentration of heritage conservation areas. DAs proposing new uses fall primarily in the retail category, followed by commercial land uses between 2005–2011 and residential uses since 2012. Analysis of DA assessment time showed that 76% of DAs were approved or refused within 3 months, with a positive but limited correlation between estimated cost and assessment time. All charts and maps are made available in an online dashboard.
Optimization for the Model Predictive Control of Building HVAC System and Experimental Verification
Authors: Si Qiang , Wei Jianjun , Li Yuan , Cai Hao
Published: October 2022

This article presents an optimized prediction model of building dynamic HVAC system load, which simplifies the input parameters of the model while meeting the accuracy requirements of the prediction results. The model was established using the open-source Modelica-based building library, and the linear aggregation method was used to establish the model. A reduced-order model was developed, and the accuracy of the simplified and reduced-order models was verified. A control strategy was constructed using the indoor mean radiant temperature (MRT) aggregated from a simplified prediction model of HVAC system load as the target feedback parameter, and its feasibility was verified experimentally. It was found that the MRT adopted by the new control strategy can reflect the changes in outdoor air temperature and load in a timely manner; moreover, using this as a control parameter can significantly reduce the influence of load changes to maintain a stable indoor temperature. The control system is further simplified by the predictive model, which improves the engineering practicability by maintaining the control accuracy.
Improvisation in Construction Planning: An Agent-Based Simulation Approach
Authors: Alhussein Hasnaa , Shehab Lynn , Hamzeh Farook
Published: October 2022

Improvisation is the decision-making process addressing unexpected obstacles in a spontaneous but rational manner. Although undesirable, as it indicates deviation from plans, improvisation is unavoidable in construction to address issues related to unforeseen uncertainties. An adaptive planning system employing improvisation to react rapidly to unplanned events may therefore boost the performance in construction projects. Accordingly, this research aims to predict the outcomes of construction planning processes from an improvisational perspective by better understanding the dynamics of improvisation. It seeks to identify how different variations of improvisational parameters influence the improvisational outcome. This objective is achieved through an agent-based model used to simulate the improvisation practices at the level of planners interacting together. Parameters relating to planners, projects, and problems influencing each planner’s improvisational means are illustrated in the model. The model’s inputs were validated through data from large-sized projects. Linear regression models that predict the results of the improvisational practices were then developed through simulation experiments. Findings regarding the impacts of different types of improvisors on the improvisational outcomes are presented. The contribution of this study lies in enhancing the overall improvisational performance in construction planning to ultimately guide decision makers and planners to better handle uncertainties in projects.
A Review of Human Settlement Research on Climate Change Response under Carbon-Oriented: Literature Characteristics, Progress and Trends
Authors: An Na , Yao Qiang , Shen Qingji
Published: October 2022

Climate issues have affected the sustainable development of global human settlements, and carbon, an essential factor affecting climate change, has become a hotspot of academic concern. This paper analyzes the research characteristics, stages and planning of carbon-oriented climate change response research in human settlements based on the literature related to research on carbon-oriented human settlements for climate change, hereinafter referred to as RCHSCC, included in the Web of Science core database since 1991, using CiteSpace and VOSviewer bibliometric software. Based on the analysis of the literature and discipline distribution, research hotspots and priorities, this paper classifies the RCHSCC into four stages: early exploration, relationship building, integrated development and deepening collaboration. Based on keyword clustering, annual overlap and keyword emergence analysis, this paper predicts that future research will have three major trends regarding climate risk management, carbon technology enhancement and urban safety and resilience research. The study aims to analyze the distribution characteristics and evolution of research on carbon-oriented human settlements for climate change from 1991 to 2022. The RCHSCC predicts three major trends in the future—climate risk management, carbon technology upgrading and urban security and resilience—and offers three recommendations for governments and planners in terms of climate change adaptation and low-carbon and efficient development in human settlements.
Life Cycle Assessment of an Innovative Hybrid Highway Bridge Made of an Aluminum Deck and Glulam Timber Beams
Authors: Beudon Camille , Oudjene Marc , Djedid Amar , Annan Charles-Darwin , Fafard Mario
Published: October 2022

Reinforced concrete and steel are the most commonly used materials in bridge applications in Quebec (Canada). The production of these materials has a significant environmental impact and contributes to the scarcity of non-renewable resources due to the numerous maintenance requirements during the life of the structure. Consequently, there are governmental initiatives and efforts in the province of Quebec to promote the use of aluminum and engineered wood in the construction and rehabilitation of roadway bridges. Those two materials are not widely used due to the short-term vision of decision makers and the lack of technical knowledge for structural uses in highway bridge structures. However, they can be competitive materials due to their local production, durability and recyclability. The life cycle assessment method allows for an analysis of the use of complementary materials, considering all the stages of the life cycle of a structure. The comparison of a roadway bridge made of an aluminum deck on glulam timber beams against a bridge made of an aluminum deck on steel girders shows that, due to the local production and low environmental impact of glulam timber, the aluminum-to-timber bridge is economically and environmentally more advantageous than the aluminum-to-steel bridge. Similarly, a comparison of this alternative aluminum/wood solution to the conventional concrete slab-on-steel girder bridge solution shows a decrease in overall cost by 86% and a decrease in environmental impacts by 88% due to the ease of prefabrication and the relatively low number of interventions over its lifetime.
Structural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams Containing Nanomaterials Subjected to Monotonic and Cyclic Loadings
Authors: Mohamed Gouda A. , Sallam Ezzaat A. , Elbelacy Ahmed N.
Published: October 2022

The use of nanomaterials improves the performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams in terms of cracking load, failure load, and deflection. To further evaluate this improvement, the behavior of RC beams subjected to cyclic loading has to be experimentally investigated. In the present study, the effect of adding nanomaterials to RC beams was studied experimentally under monotonic and cyclic loadings. Eight RC beams with the dimensions of 2200 mm × 350 mm × 120 mm were prepared and divided into two groups. Both groups were tested under three-point bending, but one group was tested monotonously whereas the other group was tested cyclically. Each group consisted of four beams. The first beam in each group was tested without adding any nanomaterials. Nanotitanium, nanoaluminum, and nanosilica were added to the concrete mixes of the remaining three to replace 1% of the cement content. The performances of the tested beams were compared in terms of load-deflection curves, failure mode, cracking load, failure load, bending stiffness, toughness, and residual strength ratio (RSR). The results from both monotonic and cyclic loadings indicated better performances when nanotitanium was used.
Study on Mechanical Properties and Durability of Alkali-Activated Silicomanganese Slag Concrete (AASSC)
Authors: Luo Baifu , Wang Dong , Mohamed Elchalakani
Published: October 2022

Alkali-activated materials are produced by chemically polymerizing the aluminosilicate materials using alkaline activators, which can effectively lower the greenhouse-gas emissions (approximately 73%) released by ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Silicomanganese slag is a large solid waste discharged from the ferroalloy industry in China that can pollute the environment and occupy resources. In this paper, the slag in alkali-activated material was replaced with silicomanganese slag to address the disposal of silicomangaese slag. The flowability, setting times, compressive and flexural strengths, micro-structure and freeze-thaw resistance of alkali-activated silicomanganese slag concrete (AASSC) with varied substitution ratios, volume fractions of steel fibers and alkali-activated modulus (MS) were exploited. As a results the compressive strengths at 56 days of AASSC with a 10% substitution ratio of silicomanganese slag reached over 80 MPa and over 132 MPa with the 3% steel fiber dosage. AASSC still reached 91 MPa and 45 MPa with 60% and 100% substitution ratios by cooperating 2% steel fibers, respectively. When the freeze-thaw cycle number reached 300, the compressive strengths of AASSC with the replacement ratios of 10%, 60% and 100% were 84%, 74% and 51% of their original values by cooperating 2% steel fibers, respectively; AASSC with the numerous substitutions of 60% and 100% were destroyed at 600 and 300 freeze-thaw cycles, respectively. AASSC with a 10% substitution ratio and 2% steel fiber content is suitable for excellent performance, and a 60% substitution ratio can also be applied to construction for the massive utilization of silicomanganese slag.
Compressive Performance of RC Columns Strengthened with High-Strength Stainless Steel Wire Mesh-ECC under Small Eccentric Compression Load
Authors: Wang Xinling , Li Yunpu , Zhao Yaokang , Wei Yaoxin , Fan Jiajun
Published: October 2022

In this research, a novel composite material, high-strength stainless steel wire mesh-ECC, is proposed and designed to strengthen RC columns. The small eccentric compressive performance of RC columns strengthened with high-strength stainless steel wire mesh-ECC was investigated through compression tests and compared with unstrengthened columns and RC columns strengthened with ECC. Six columns were designed and tested, and the test parameters contained different strengthened methods, eccentricity ratios, and reinforcement ratios of longitudinal high-strength stainless steel strand. The failure patterns, load-carrying capacity, strain of concrete/ECC and reinforcement, etc., were analyzed based on the test results. The high performance of the high-strength stainless steel wire mesh-ECC and the advantages of the proposed strengthened method, including good ductility, excellent crack-control ability and satisfactory failure patterns, were demonstrated when compared with the specimens strengthened with ECC. The stainless steel wire mesh-ECC-reinforced layer can have effective constraint columns and can control the crack ability. The cracking load of the stainless steel wire mesh-ECC-reinforced column is 100.0–113.3% higher than that of the unreinforced column, and the peaking load is 99.8–108.0% higher than that of the unreinforced column. The stainless steel wire mesh-ECC-reinforced column shows good ductile failure characteristics, and compared with the unreinforced column, the ductility is increased by 75.6–77.8%. Based on the analysis of the strain distribution and failure patterns, the mechanical mechanism of RC columns strengthened with the novel composite material high-strength stainless steel wire mesh-ECC is proposed.
Identification of Marketing Strategies Influencing Consumers’ Perception of Healthy Food Products and Triggering Purchasing Decisions
Authors: Miquel Vidal María , Castellano-Tejedor Carmina
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Marketing and advertising strategies for food products are very diverse and have a differential effect on consumers’ behaviours and attitudes towards products. (2) Objectives: To examine the influence of point-of-purchase (PoP) marketing and advertising strategies and the promotion of products employing opinion leaders (celebrities) on the healthy perception of pre-packaged food and buying behaviour of young consumers. (3) Methods: Online survey (N = 130) of 18–31 years old participants. (4) Results: “Price” was the most influential factor when purchasing a snack (66.2%), although “salt and macronutrient content” had a major influence on females (x2(1,N=129) = 14.02, p < 0.001). Participants with low or no weight satisfaction were more prone to consider “low fat” (x2(1,N=130) = 5.02, p = 0.025) and chose “green” as the most suitable colour for healthy snack packaging. Male celebrities were more picked by males than female participants (x2(1,N=129) = 6.41, p = 0.011). (4) Conclusion: Using green packaging, nutritional claims related to low-calorie intakes or accentuating salt and macronutrient content, and using opinion leaders with whom consumers can relate to, were the most influential factors in fostering a healthy perception of pre-packaged food products. These results highlight the need for policies to limit marketing strategies to avoid misleading consumers’ opinion of a product as healthy when it is not.
The Effect of Organizational Transformation and Organizational Culture on Product Performance with Market Orientation as a Mediation Variable
Authors: Waljiyanto Waljiyanto , Musadieq Muhammad Al , Yulianto Edy , Abdillah Yusri
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this research is to develop the concept of product performance, which is influenced by organizational transformation and organizational culture, and is mediated by market orientation. This research uses a quantitative approach, using the sampling method of stratified proportional random sampling, with a sample size of n = 216 employees. The analytical methods used are Important Performance Analysis and SEM—WarpPls. The results of this study indicate that organizational transformation and organizational culture have a significant effect on market orientation, but they have no significant effect on product performance. Moreover, market orientation has a significant effect on product performance. This study combines research variables comprehensively so as to determine the complete relationship between research variables. The novelty of this study is to identify the complete mediating effect of market orientation on the relationship between organizational transformation and product performance.
Parenchymal Sparing Surgery for Lung Cancer: Focus on Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction
Authors: Menna Cecilia , Rendina Erino Angelo , D’Andrilli Antonio
Published: October 2022

Reconstruction of the pulmonary artery (PA) associated with lobectomy for the radical resection of lung cancer has been progressively gaining diffusion in lung cancer surgery as a safe and effective therapeutic option that may allow radical resection when lobectomy is not technically feasible, avoiding pneumonectomy. There are some controversial aspects concerning the intraoperative and perioperative management of a sleeve resection with PA reconstruction that may influence the outcome. In the present article, the authors have analyzed some of the main technical and oncological aspects to take stock of what they have learned from their lung-sparing operations experience over time. PA reconstruction may require prosthetic materials including different options with variable cost. A main concern in vascular reconstructive procedures is avoiding tension on the anastomosis. When PA reconstruction is required, appropriate anticoagulation management is crucial. Results from the main literature data confirm the reliability of lobectomy associated with PA reconstruction in terms of perioperative morbidity and long-term survival. Sleeve lobectomy and PA reconstruction can be performed safely and effectively even after induction therapy.
Clinical Prognosis of Lung Cancer in Patients with Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kim Taehee , Kim Sang Hyuk , Choi Hayoung , Shin Tae Rim , Kim Hwan Il , Jang Seung Hun , Hong Ji Young , Lee Myung Goo , Chung Soojie , Hyun In Gyu , Sim Yun Su
Published: October 2022

The clinical outcomes of patients with lung cancer coexisting with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are reported to have been conflicting. There is insufficient evidence for treatment and prognosis of lung cancer according to renal function in patients with CKD. We evaluate clinical course and prognostic factors of lung cancer according to the renal function of moderate CKD patients. A retrospective, multicenter study of lung cancer patients with moderate CKD was performed. Moderate CKD was defined as having an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. CKD was classified as stage 3, stage 4, and stage 5 according to eGFR. The cumulative mortality of lung cancer was calculated by competing risks survival analysis, and the risk factors were evaluated by the Cox-proportional hazards model. Among the lung cancer patients with moderate CKD (n = 181), median overall survival (OS) was 11.1 (4.2–31.3) months for stage 3 CKD patients, 6.0 (1.8–16.3) months for stage 4 CKD patients, and 4.7 (2.1–40.1) months for stage 5 CKD patients (p = 0.060), respectively. In a subgroup analysis, CKD stage was associated with an increased mortality in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cox regression analysis revealed that age ≥ 75 years (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.581; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.082–2.310), Charlson comorbidity index (aHR, 1.669; 95% CI, 10.69–2.605), and stage IV NSCLC (aHR, 2.395; 95% CI, 1.512–3.796) were associated with increased mortality risk, whereas adenocarcinoma (aHR, 0.580; 95% CI, 0.352–0.956) and stage 3 CKD (aHR, 0.598; 95% CI, 0.399–0.895) were associated with decreased mortality risk. In conclusion, the mortality risk of patients with lung cancer was lower in stage 3 CKD compared with stage 4 or 5 CKD. In addition, in the early stages of NSCLC, the CKD stage affected the prognosis, but not in the advanced stage NSCLC.
Differential Intracellular Protein Distribution in Cancer and Normal Cells—Beta-Catenin and CapG in Gynecologic Malignancies
Authors: Fernandez Maria Kristha , Sinha Molika , Renz Malte
Published: October 2022

It is well-established that cancer and normal cells can be differentiated based on the altered sequence and expression of specific proteins. There are only a few examples, however, showing that cancer and normal cells can be differentiated based on the altered distribution of proteins within intracellular compartments. Here, we review available data on shifts in the intracellular distribution of two proteins, the membrane associated beta-catenin and the actin-binding protein CapG. Both proteins show altered distributions in cancer cells compared to normal cells. These changes are noted (i) in steady state and thus can be visualized by immunohistochemistry—beta-catenin shifts from the plasma membrane to the cell nucleus in cancer cells; and (ii) in the dynamic distribution that can only be revealed using the tools of quantitative live cell microscopy—CapG shuttles faster into the cell nucleus of cancer cells. Both proteins may play a role as prognosticators in gynecologic malignancies: beta-catenin in endometrial cancer and CapG in breast and ovarian cancer. Thus, both proteins may serve as examples of altered intracellular protein distribution in cancer and normal cells.
Trophoblast Cell Surface Antigen 2 (TROP2) as a Predictive Bio-Marker for the Therapeutic Efficacy of Sacituzumab Govitecan in Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus
Authors: Hoppe Sascha , Meder Lydia , Gebauer Florian , Ullrich Roland T. , Zander Thomas , Hillmer Axel M. , Buettner Reinhard , Plum Patrick , Puppe Julian , Malter Wolfram , Quaas Alexander
Published: October 2022

Introduction: The Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) is expressed in many carcinomas and may represent a target for treatment. Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) is a TROP2–directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). Nearly nothing is known about the biological effectiveness of SG in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Material and Methods: We determined the TROP2 expression in nearly 600 human EAC. In addition, we used the EAC cell lines (ESO-26, OACM5.1C, and FLO-1) and a xenograft mouse model to investigate this relationship. Results: Of 598 human EACs analyzed, 88% showed varying degrees of TROP2 positivity. High TROP2 positive ESO-26 and low TROP2 positive OACM5.1C showed high sensitivity to SG in contrast to negative FLO-1. In vivo, the ESO-26 tumor shows a significantly better response to SG than the TROP2-negative FLO-1 tumor. ESO-26 vital tumor cells show similar TROP2 expression on all carcinoma cells as before therapy initiation, FLO-1 is persistently negative. Discussion: Our data suggest that sacituzumab govitecan is a new therapy option in esophageal adenocarcinoma and the TROP2 expression in irinotecan-naïve EAC correlates with the extent of treatment response by sacituzumab govitecan. TROP2 is emerging as a predictive biomarker in completely TROP2-negative tumors. This should be considered in future clinical trials.
AKT Regulation of ORAI1-Mediated Calcium Influx in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Bong Alice Hui Li , Hua Trinh , So Choon Leng , Peters Amelia A. , Robitaille Mélanie , Tan Yin Yi , Roberts-Thomson Sarah J. , Monteith Gregory R.
Published: October 2022

Although breast cancer cells often exhibit both abnormal AKT signaling and calcium signaling, the association between these two pathways is unclear. Using a combination of pharmacological tools, siRNA and CRISPR/Cas9 gene silencing techniques, we investigated the association between PTEN, AKT phosphorylation and calcium signaling in a basal breast cancer cell line. We found that siRNA-mediated PTEN silencing promotes AKT phosphorylation and calcium influx in MDA-MB-231 cells. This increase in AKT phosphorylation and calcium influx was phenocopied by the pharmacological AKT activator, SC79. The increased calcium influx associated with SC79 is inhibited by silencing AKT2, but not AKT1. This increase in calcium influx is suppressed when the store-operated calcium channel, ORAI1 is silenced. The results from this study open a novel avenue for therapeutic targeting of cancer cells with increased AKT activation. Given the association between ORAI1 and breast cancer, ORAI1 is a possible therapeutic target in cancers with abnormal AKT signaling.