bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multi-View Interactive Approach for Multimodal Sarcasm Detection in Social Internet of Things with Knowledge Enhancement
Authors: Liu Hao , Yang Bo , Yu Zhiwen
Published: March 2024

Multimodal sarcasm detection is a developing research field in social Internet of Things, which is the foundation of artificial intelligence and human psychology research. Sarcastic comments issued on social media often imply people’s real attitudes toward the events they are commenting on, reflecting their current emotional and psychological state. Additionally, the limited memory of Internet of Things mobile devices has posed challenges in deploying sarcastic detection models. An abundance of parameters also leads to an increase in the model’s inference time. Social networking platforms such as Twitter and WeChat have generated a large amount of multimodal data. Compared to unimodal data, multimodal data can provide more comprehensive information. Therefore, when studying sarcasm detection on social Internet of Things, it is necessary to simultaneously consider the inter-modal interaction and the number of model parameters. In this paper, we propose a lightweight multimodal interaction model with knowledge enhancement based on deep learning. By integrating visual commonsense knowledge into the sarcasm detection model, we can enrich the semantic information of image and text modal representation. Additionally, we develop a multi-view interaction method to facilitate the interaction between modalities from different modal perspectives. The experimental results indicate that the model proposed in this paper outperforms the unimodal baselines. Compared to multimodal baselines, it also has similar performance with a small number of parameters.
Fast Fake: Easy-to-Train Face Swap Model
Authors: Walczyna Tomasz , Piotrowski Zbigniew
Published: March 2024

The proliferation of “Deep fake” technologies, particularly those facilitating face-swapping in images or videos, poses significant challenges and opportunities in digital media manipulation. Despite considerable advancements, existing methodologies often struggle with maintaining visual coherence, especially in preserving background features and ensuring the realistic integration of identity traits. This study introduces a novel face replacement model that leverages a singular framework to address these issues, employing the Adaptive Attentional Denormalization mechanism from FaceShifter and integrating identity features via ArcFace and BiSeNet for enhanced attribute extraction. Key to our approach is the utilization of Fast GAN, optimizing the training efficiency of our model on relatively small datasets. We demonstrate the model’s efficacy in generating convincing face swaps with high fidelity, showcasing a significant improvement in blending identities seamlessly with the original background context. Our findings contribute to visual deepfake generation by enhancing realism and training efficiency but also highlight the potential for applications where authentic visual representation is crucial.
Cloud Characteristics during Intense Cold Air Outbreaks over the Barents Sea Based on Satellite Data
Authors: Narizhnaya Alexandra , Chernokulsky Alexander
Published: March 2024

The Arctic experiences remarkable changes in environmental parameters that affect fluctuations in the surface energy budget, including radiation and sensible and latent heat fluxes. Cold air masses and cloud transformations during marine cold air outbreaks (MCAOs) substantially influence the radiative fluxes, thereby shaping the link between large-scale dynamics, sea ice conditions, and the surface energy budget. In this study, we investigate various cloud characteristics during intense MCAOs over the Barents Sea from 2000 to 2018 using satellite data. We identify 72 intense MCAO events that propagated southward using reanalysis data of the surface temperature and potential temperature at the 800 hPa level. We investigate the macro- and microphysical parameters and radiative properties of clouds within selected MCAOs, their dependence on sea ice concentration, and their initial air mass properties using satellite data. A significant increase in low-level clouds near the ice edge (up to +25% anomalies) and a smooth transition to upper-level clouds is revealed. The total cloud top height during intense MCAOs is generally 500–700 m lower than under neutral conditions. MCAOs induce a positive net cloud radiative effect, which peaks at +20 W m−2 (100 km from the ice edge) and gradually decreases towards the continent (−2.3 W m−2 per 100 km). Our study provides evidence for the importance of changes in the cloud radiative effect within MCAOs, which should be accurately simulated in regional and global climate models.
A Novel Approach to Assessing Light Extinction with Decade-Long Observations of Chemical and Optical Properties in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Park Seung-Myung , Park Jong Sung , Song In-Ho , Kim Jeonghwan , Kim Hyun Woong , Lee Jaeyun , Park Jung Min , Kim Jeong-ho , Choi Yongjoo , Shin Hye Jung , Ahn Joon Young , Jang Yu Woon , Lee Taehyoung , Lee Gangwoong
Published: March 2024

We performed continuous long-term measurements of PM2.5 mass, comprehensive chemical composition, and optical properties, including scattering and absorption coefficients, from March 2011 to December 2020 at the Metropolitan Air Quality Research Center in Seoul, South Korea. PM2.5 peaked at 38 μg/m3 in 2013 and has been declining steadily since then, reaching 22 μg/m3 in 2020. The extinction coefficients also decreased with the decline in PM2.5, but the correlation between the two factors was not as pronounced. This deviation was mainly attributed to the rapid changes in the chemical composition of PM2.5 over the same period. The mass contribution of sulphate to PM2.5 decreased from 33.9 to 24.1%, but the fraction of nitrate and organic carbon increased from 23.4 and 20.0 to 34.1 and 32.2%, respectively, indicating that sulphate has been replaced by nitrate and organic carbon over the past decade. To assess the effect of changing aerosol chemical compositions on light extinction, we compared the measured extinction coefficients with those estimated via the various existing light extinction approaches, including the revised IMPROVE algorithm. We found that the simplified linear regression model provided the best fit to our data, with a slope of 1.03 and R2 of 0.87, and that all non-linear methods, such as the IMPROVE algorithms, overestimated the observed long-term light extinction by 23 to 48%. This suggests that the simple linear regression scheme may be more appropriate for reflecting the varying aerosol conditions over long periods of time, especially for urban air. However, for conditions where the chemical composition does not change much, non-linear methods such as the IMPROVE scheme are likely to be more appropriate for reproducing light extinction.
Analysis of Dual-Polarimetric Radar Observations of Precipitation Phase during Snowstorm Events in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Yi , Liu Mei , Chen Wei , Li Chiqin
Published: March 2024

Based on ground observed data, S-band dual-polarization radar data, and ERA-5 reanalysis data, the statistical characteristics of polarimetric parameters and the application of melting layer (ML) and hydrometeor classification (HCL) products during eight snowstorm events in Jiangsu Province from 2020 to 2022 were investigated. A heavy snowstorm that went through different phases of rain, sleet, and pure snow and that occurred on 29 December 2020 was also analyzed as a typical example. The results showed the following: During the phase transition between rain and snow in the Jiangsu region, the basic reflectivity factor ZH ≥ 27 dBZ, the zero-order lag correlation coefficient CC ≤ 0.93, and the differential reflectivity ZDR ≥ 1.0 dB were important indicators for judging the melting layer while the specific differential phase KDP changed slightly. The snowstorm event was well observed and recorded by the Yancheng dual-polarimetric radar, whose low value area of CC coincided mostly with the melting layer. The ML products and HCL products based on fuzzy-logic hydrometeor classification algorithms can help identify the melting layer and the properties of precipitation particles. ML products are more reliable when the melting layer is high and can better show the trends of melting layer decline. They can certainly serve as a reference for detecting and judging precipitation phase changes in winter in Jiangsu Province.
A State-of-Health Estimation Method for Lithium Batteries Based on Fennec Fox Optimization Algorithm–Mixed Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Sun Chongbin , Qin Wenhu , Yun Zhonghua
Published: March 2024

A reliable and accurate estimation of the state-of-health (SOH) of lithium batteries is critical to safely operating electric vehicles and other equipment. This paper proposes a state-of-health estimation method based on fennec fox optimization algorithm–mixed extreme learning machine (FFA-MELM). Firstly, health indicators are extracted from lithium-battery-charging data, and grey relational analysis (GRA) is employed to identify highly correlated features with the state-of-health of the battery. Subsequently, a state-of-health estimation model based on mixed extreme learning machine is constructed, and the hyperparameters of the model are optimized using the fennec fox optimization algorithm to improve estimation accuracy and convergence speed. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has significantly improved the accuracy of the state-of-health estimation for lithium batteries compared to the extreme learning machine. Furthermore, it can achieve precise state-of-health estimation results for multiple batteries, even under complex operating conditions and with limited charge/discharge cycle data.
An Investigation into the Viability of Battery Technologies for Electric Buses in the UK
Authors: Muhith Tahmid , Behara Santosh , Reddy Munnangi Anji
Published: March 2024

This study explores the feasibility of integrating battery technology into electric buses, addressing the imperative to reduce carbon emissions within the transport sector. A comprehensive review and analysis of diverse literature sources establish the present and prospective landscape of battery electric buses within the public transportation domain. Existing battery technology and infrastructure constraints hinder the comprehensive deployment of electric buses across all routes currently served by internal combustion engine counterparts. However, forward-looking insights indicate a promising trajectory with the potential for substantial advancements in battery technology coupled with significant investments in charging infrastructure. Such developments hold promise for electric buses to fulfill a considerable portion of a nation’s public transit requirements. Significant findings emphasize that electric buses showcase considerably lower emissions than fossil-fuel-driven counterparts, especially when operated with zero-carbon electricity sources, thereby significantly mitigating the perils of climate change.
Does Deep Squat Quality Affect the Propulsion of Baseball Throwing?
Authors: Lin Wei-Hsuan , Huang Tsung-Yu , Chen Shu-Wei , Hamill Joseph , Kung Jung-Tang , Tang Wen-Tzu
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the influence of the quality of the “deep squat” movement, adapted from the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) system, on the lower extremity movement pattern during baseball throwing, and its potential impact on throwing performance and propulsion efficiency. Twenty-two baseball players were recruited and categorized into two groups: 13 in the high-score squat group (HSS) and 9 in the low-score squat group (LSS), based on their deep squat screening results. This research explored disparities in ball velocity, propulsion efficiency, propulsion ground reaction force (GRF) characteristics, and throwing kinematics between these two groups. The findings revealed no significant difference in ball velocity between the groups. However, the LSS group demonstrated a lower propulsion GRF efficiency (p < 0.030, ES = 0.46), along with a higher vertical peak GRF (p < 0.002, ES = 0.66). In the pivot leg, the HSS group exhibited significantly lower impulse forces in the Impulse Fresultant (p < 0.035, ES = 0.45), throwing direction (p < 0.049, ES = 0.42), and vertical direction (p < 0.048, ES = 0.42). Additionally, the contribution to the ball velocity of the pivot leg was significantly greater in the HSS group, along with significantly better efficiency in Impulse Fresultant (p < 0.035, ES = 0.45), throwing direction (p < 0.053, ES = 0.41), and vertical direction (p < 0.032, ES = 0.46). In the leading leg, the HSS group demonstrated significantly lower impulse forces in the Impulse Fresultant (p < 0.001, ES = 0.69), throwing direction (p < 0.007, ES = 0.58), and vertical direction (p < 0.001, ES = 0.70). Moreover, the contribution to the ball velocity of the leading leg was significantly greater in the HSS group, accompanied by significantly better efficiency in Impulse Fresultant (p < 0.003, ES = 0.63), throwing direction (p < 0.005, ES = 0.60), and vertical direction (p < 0.021, ES = 0.49). In conclusion, this study suggests that squat screening is a valuable tool for assessing propulsion efficiency. Coaches and trainers should be mindful of players with low squat quality but high throwing performance, as they may face increased impact and injury risks in the future.
Profile of a Multivariate Observation under Destructive Sampling—A Monte Carlo Approach to a Case of Spina Bifida
Authors: Guan Tianyuan , Tatu Rigwed , Wima Koffi , Oria Marc , Peiro Jose , Lin Chia-Ying , Rao Marepalli.
Published: March 2024

A biodegradable hybrid polymer patch was invented at the University of Cincinnati to cover gaps on the skin over the spinal column of a growing fetus, characterized by the medical condition spina bifida. The inserted patch faces amniotic fluid (AF) on one side and cerebrospinal fluid on the other side. The goal is to provide a profile of the roughness of a patch over time at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks with a 95% confidence band. The patch is soaked in a test tube filled with either amniotic fluid (AF) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in the lab. If roughness is measured at any time point for a patch, the patch is destroyed. Thus, it is impossible to measure roughness at all weeks of interest for any patch. It is important to assess the roughness of a patch because the rougher the patch is, the faster the skin grows under the patch. We use a model-based approach with Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the profile over time with a 95% confidence band. The roughness profiles are similar with both liquids. The profile can be used as a template for future experiments on the composition of patches.
The Cardiometabolic Impact of Rebaudioside A Exposure during the Reproductive Stage
Authors: Bracchi Isabella , Morais Juliana , Coelho João , Ferreira Ana , Alves Inês , Mendes Cláudia , Correia Beatriz , Gonçalves Alexandre , Guimarães João , Falcão-Pires Inês , Keating Elisa , Negrão Rita
Published: March 2024

The consumption of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) has increased during pregnancy. The European Food Safety Agency suggested that steviol glycosides, such as Rebaudioside A (RebA), the major sweetener component of stevia, are safe for humans up to a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight/day. However, the World Health Organization recommended in 2023 the restraint of using NSS, including stevia, at any life stage, highlighting the need to study NSS safety in early periods of development. We aimed to study the mitochondrial and cardiometabolic effects of long-term RebA consumption during the reproductive stage of the life cycle. Female rats were exposed to RebA (4 mg steviol equivalents/kg body weight/day) in the drinking water from 4 weeks before mating until weaning. Morphometry, food and water consumption, glucose and lipid homeostasis, heart structure, function, and mitochondrial function were assessed. RebA showed an atrophic effect in the heart, decreasing cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area and myocardial fibrosis without repercussions on cardiac function. Mitochondrial and myofilamentary functions were not altered. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were not affected, but fasting glycemia and total plasma cholesterol decreased. This work suggests that this RebA dose is safe for female consumption during the reproductive stage, from a cardiometabolic perspective. However, studies on the effects of RebA exposure on the offspring are mandatory.
Increased NLRP1 mRNA and Protein Expression Suggests Inflammasome Activation in the Dorsolateral Prefrontal and Medial Orbitofrontal Cortex in Schizophrenia
Authors: Španić Popovački Ena , Vogrinc Dora , Fuller Heidi R. , Langer Horvat Lea , Mayer Davor , Kopić Janja , Pintarić Klara , Babić Leko Mirjana , Pravica Mihaela , Krsnik Željka , Marčinko Darko , Šagud Marina , Hof Patrick R. , Mladinov Mihovil , Šimić Goran
Published: March 2024

Schizophrenia is a complex mental condition, with key symptoms marked for diagnosis including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, reduced emotional expression, and social dysfunction. In the context of major developmental hypotheses of schizophrenia, notably those concerning maternal immune activation and neuroinflammation, we studied NLRP1 expression and content in the postmortem brain tissue of 10 schizophrenia and 10 control subjects. In the medial orbitofrontal cortex (Brodmann’s area 11/12) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (area 46) from both hemispheres of six schizophrenia subjects, the NLRP1 mRNA expression was significantly higher than in six control brains (p < 0.05). As the expression difference was highest for the medial orbitofrontal cortex in the right hemisphere, we assessed NLRP1-immunoreactive pyramidal neurons in layers III, V, and VI in the medial orbitofrontal cortex in the right hemisphere of seven schizophrenia and five control brains. Compared to controls, we quantified a significantly higher number of NLRP1-positive pyramidal neurons in the schizophrenia brains (p < 0.01), suggesting NLRP1 inflammasome activation in schizophrenia subjects. Layer III pyramidal neuron dysfunction aligns with working memory deficits, while impairments of pyramidal neurons in layers V and VI likely disrupt predictive processing. We propose NLRP1 inflammasome as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in schizophrenia.
Understanding the Pathophysiology of Ischemic Stroke: The Basis of Current Therapies and Opportunity for New Ones
Authors: Salaudeen Maryam A. , Bello Nura , Danraka Rabiu N. , Ammani Maryam L.
Published: March 2024

The majority of approved therapies for many diseases are developed to target their underlying pathophysiology. Understanding disease pathophysiology has thus proven vital to the successful development of clinically useful medications. Stroke is generally accepted as the leading cause of adult disability globally and ischemic stroke accounts for the most common form of the two main stroke types. Despite its health and socioeconomic burden, there is still minimal availability of effective pharmacological therapies for its treatment. In this review, we take an in-depth look at the etiology and pathophysiology of ischemic stroke, including molecular and cellular changes. This is followed by a highlight of drugs, cellular therapies, and complementary medicines that are approved or undergoing clinical trials for the treatment and management of ischemic stroke. We also identify unexplored potential targets in stroke pathogenesis that can be exploited to increase the pool of effective anti-stroke and neuroprotective agents through de novo drug development and drug repurposing.
Telomere Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients with Differences/Disorders of Sexual Development
Authors: Younoussa Haifaou , Gadji Macoura , Soumboundou Mamadou , Colicchio Bruno , Said Ahmed , Ndoye Ndeye Aby , Junker Steffen , Plesch Andreas , Heidingsfelder Leonhard , Diagne Ndeye Rama , Dieterlen Alain , Voisin Philippe , Carde Patrice , Jeandidier Eric , M’kacher Radhia
Published: March 2024

Differences/Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are conditions in which the development of chromosomal, gonadal, and anatomical sexes is atypical. DSDs are relatively rare, but their incidence is becoming alarmingly common in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Their etiologies and mechanisms are poorly understood. Therefore, we have investigated cytogenetic profiles, including telomere dysfunction, in a retrospective cohort of Senegalese DSD patients. Materials and methods: Peripheral blood lymphocytes were sampled from 35 DSD patients (mean age: 3.3 years; range 0–18 years) admitted to two hospital centers in Dakar. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 150 healthy donors were used as a control. Conventional cytogenetics, telomere, and centromere staining followed by multiplex FISH, as well as FISH with SRY-specific probes, were employed. Results: Cytogenetic analysis identified 19 male and 13 female patients with apparently normal karyotypes, two patients with Turner syndrome, and one patient with Klinefelter syndrome. Additional structural chromosome aberrations were detected in 22% of the patients (8/35). Telomere analysis revealed a reduction in mean telomere lengths of DSD patients compared to those of healthy donors of similar age. This reduction in telomere length was associated with an increased rate of telomere aberrations (telomere loss and the formation of telomere doublets) and the presence of additional chromosomal aberrations. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a correlation between telomere dysfunction and DSDs. Further studies may reveal the link between telomere dysfunction and possible mechanisms involved in the disease itself, such as DNA repair deficiency or specific gene mutations. The present study demonstrates the relevance of implementing telomere analysis in prenatal tests as well as in diagnosed genetic DSD disorders.
Application of Machine Learning in Chronic Kidney Disease: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Delrue Charlotte , De Bruyne Sander , Speeckaert Marijn M.
Published: March 2024

The emergence of artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) has revolutionized the landscape of clinical medicine, offering opportunities to improve medical practice and research. This narrative review explores the current status and prospects of applying ML to chronic kidney disease (CKD). ML, at the intersection of statistics and computer science, enables computers to derive insights from extensive datasets, thereby presenting an interesting landscape for constructing statistical models and improving data interpretation. The integration of ML into clinical algorithms aims to increase efficiency and promote its adoption as a standard approach to data interpretation in nephrology. As the field of ML continues to evolve, collaboration between clinicians and data scientists is essential for defining data-sharing and usage policies, ultimately contributing to the advancement of precision diagnostics and personalized medicine in the context of CKD.
Nephrotic Syndrome: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Frățilă Valentina-Georgiana , Lupușoru Gabriela , Sorohan Bogdan Marian , Obrișcă Bogdan , Mocanu Valentin , Lupușoru Mircea , Ismail Gener
Published: March 2024

Nephrotic edema stands out as one of the most common complications of nephrotic syndrome. The effective management of hypervolemia is paramount in addressing this condition. Initially, “the underfill hypothesis” suggested that proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia led to fluid extravasation into the interstitial space, causing the intravascular hypovolemia and activation of neurohormonal compensatory mechanisms, which increased the retention of salt and water. Consequently, the recommended management involved diuretics and human-albumin infusion. However, recent findings from human and animal studies have unveiled a kidney-limited sodium-reabsorption mechanism, attributed to the presence of various serine proteases in the tubular lumen-activating ENaC channels, thereby causing sodium reabsorption. There is currently no standardized guideline for diuretic therapy. In clinical practice, loop diuretics continue to be the preferred initial choice. It is noteworthy that patients often exhibit diuretic resistance due to various factors such as high-sodium diets, poor drug compliance, changes in pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics, kidney dysfunction, decreased renal flow, nephron remodeling and proteasuria. Considering these challenges, combining diuretics may be a rational approach to overcoming diuretic resistance. Despite the limited data available on diuretic treatment in nephrotic syndrome complicated by hypervolemia, ENaC blockers emerge as a potential add-on treatment for nephrotic edema.
Solid Phase Synthesis and TAR RNA-Binding Activity of Nucleopeptides Containing Nucleobases Linked to the Side Chains via 1,4-Linked-1,2,3-triazole
Authors: Mucha Piotr , Pieszko Małgorzata , Bylińska Irena , Wiczk Wiesław , Ruczyński Jarosław , Prochera Katarzyna , Rekowski Piotr
Published: March 2024

Nucleopeptides (NPs) represent synthetic polymers created by attaching nucleobases to the side chains of amino acid residues within peptides. These compounds amalgamate the characteristics of peptides and nucleic acids, showcasing a unique ability to recognize RNA structures. In this study, we present the design and synthesis of Fmoc-protected nucleobase amino acids (1,4-TzlNBAs) and a new class of NPs, where canonical nucleobases are affixed to the side chain of L-homoalanine (Hal) through a 1,4-linked-1,2,3-triazole (HalTzl). Fmoc-protected 1,4-TzlNBAs suitable for HalTzl synthesis were obtained via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) conjugation of Fmoc-L-azidohomoalanine (Fmoc-Aha) and N1- or N9-propargylated nucleobases or their derivatives. Following this, two trinucleopeptides, HalTzlAAA and HalTzlAGA, and the hexanucleopeptide HalTzlTCCCAG, designed to complement bulge and outer loop structures of TAR (trans-activation response element) RNA HIV-1, were synthesized using the classical solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) protocol. The binding between HalTzls and fluorescently labeled 5′-(FAM(6))-TAR UCU and UUU mutant was characterized using circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy. CD results confirmed the binding of HalTzls to TAR RNA, which was evident by a decrease in ellipticity band intensity around 265 nm during complexation. CD thermal denaturation studies indicated a relatively modest effect of complexation on the stability of TAR RNA structure. The binding of HalTzls at an equimolar ratio only marginally increased the melting temperature (Tm) of the TAR RNA structure, with an increment of less than 2 °C in most cases. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that HalTzlAAA and HalTzlAGA, complementary to UUU or UCU bulges, respectively, exhibited disparate affinities for the TAR RNA structure (with Kd ≈ 30 and 256 µM, respectively). Hexamer HalTzlTCCCAG, binding to the outer loop of TARUCU, demonstrated a moderate affinity with Kd ≈ 38 µM. This study demonstrates that newly designed HalTzls effectively bind the TAR RNA structure, presenting a potential new class of RNA binders and may be a promising scaffold for the development of a new class of antiviral drugs.
Bio-Inspired Dark Adaptive Nighttime Object Detection
Authors: Hung Kuo-Feng , Lin Kang-Ping
Published: March 2024

Nighttime object detection is challenging due to dim, uneven lighting. The IIHS research conducted in 2022 shows that pedestrian anti-collision systems are less effective at night. Common solutions utilize costly sensors, such as thermal imaging and LiDAR, aiming for highly accurate detection. Conversely, this study employs a low-cost 2D image approach to address the problem by drawing inspiration from biological dark adaptation mechanisms, simulating functions like pupils and photoreceptor cells. Instead of relying on extensive machine learning with day-to-night image conversions, it focuses on image fusion and gamma correction to train deep neural networks for dark adaptation. This research also involves creating a simulated environment ranging from 0 lux to high brightness, testing the limits of object detection, and offering a high dynamic range testing method. Results indicate that the dark adaptation model developed in this study improves the mean average precision (mAP) by 1.5−6% compared to traditional models. Our model is capable of functioning in both twilight and night, showcasing academic novelty. Future developments could include using virtual light in specific image areas or integrating with smart car lighting to enhance detection accuracy, thereby improving safety for pedestrians and drivers.
Highly Sensitive and Wide-Range Detection of Thiabendazole via Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Using Bimetallic Nanoparticle-Functionalized Nanopillars
Authors: Park Hyunjun , Kim Gayoung , Kim Woochang , Park Eugene , Park Joohyung , Park Jinsung
Published: March 2024

Thiabendazole (TBZ) is a benzimidazole; owing to its potent antimicrobial properties, TBZ is extensively employed in agriculture as a fungicide and pesticide. However, TBZ poses environmental risks, and excessive exposure to TBZ through various leakage pathways can cause adverse effects in humans. Therefore, a method must be developed for early and sensitive detection of TBZ over a range of concentrations, considering both human and environmental perspectives. In this study, we used silver nanopillar structures (SNPis) and Au@Ag bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) to fabricate a BNP@SNPi substrate. This substrate exhibited a broad reaction surface with significantly enhanced surface-enhanced Raman scattering hotspots, demonstrating excellent Raman performance, along with high reproducibility, sensitivity, and selectivity for TBZ detection. Ultimately, the BNP@SNPi substrate successfully detected TBZ across a wide concentration range in samples of tap water, drinking water, juice, and human serum, with respective limits of detection of 146.5, 245.5, 195.6, and 219.4 pM. This study highlights BNP@SNPi as a promising sensor platform for TBZ detection in diverse environments and contributes to environmental monitoring and bioanalytical studies.
White Matter Integrity and Motor Function Disruption Due to Traumatic Brain Injury in Piglets: Impacts on Motor-Related Brain Fibers
Authors: Fagan Madison M. , Scheulin Kelly M. , Sneed Sydney E. , Sun Wenwu , Welch Christina B. , Cheek Savannah R. , Kaiser Erin E. , Zhao Qun , Duberstein Kylee J. , West Franklin D.
Published: March 2024

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) often induces significant disability in patients, including long-term motor deficits. Early detection of injury severity is key in determining a prognosis and creating appropriate intervention and rehabilitation plans. However, conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, such as T2 Weighted (T2W) sequences, do not reliably assess the extent of microstructural white matter injury. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography enables three-dimensional reconstruction of specific white matter tracts throughout the brain in order to detect white matter injury based on anisotropic diffusion. The objective of this study was to employ DTI tractography to detect acute changes to white matter integrity within the intersecting fibers of key motor-related brain regions following TBI. Piglets were assigned to either the sham craniectomy group (sham; n = 6) or the controlled cortical impact TBI group (TBI; n = 6). Gait and MRI were collected at seven days post-surgery (DPS). T2W sequences confirmed a localized injury predominately in the ipsilateral hemisphere in TBI animals. TBI animals, relative to sham animals, showed an increased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in fiber bundles associated with key brain regions involved in motor function. TBI animals exhibited gait deficits, including stride and step length, compared to sham animals. Together these data demonstrate acute reductions in the white matter integrity, measured by DTI tractography, of fibers intersecting key brain regions that strongly corresponded with acute motor deficits in a pediatric piglet TBI model. These results provide the foundation for the further development of DTI-based biomarkers to evaluate motor outcomes following TBI.
Communicating Nutritional Knowledge to the Chinese Public: Examining Predictive Factors of User Engagement on TikTok in China
Authors: Zhu Min , Che ShaoPeng
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study aims to identify content variables that theoretical research suggests should be considered as strategic approaches to facilitate science communication with the public and to assess their practical effects on user engagement metrics. Methods: Data were collected from the official Chinese TikTok account (Douyin) of the Nutrition Research Institute of China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation, China’s largest state-owned food processing conglomerate. Dependent variables included likes, shares, comments, subscription increases. Independent variables encompassed explanation of jargon (metaphor, personification, science visualization), communication remarks (conclusion presence, recommendation presence), and content themes. Descriptive analysis and negative binomial regression were employed, with statistical significance set at 0.05. Results: First, subscription increases were positively associated with personification (p < 0.05, 0.024) and science visualization (p < 0.01, 0.000). Second, a positive relationship existed between comments and communicator recommendations (p < 0.01, 0.000), while presenting conclusions negatively correlated with shares (p < 0.05, 0.012). Conclusions: Different strategies yielded improvements in various engagement metrics. This can provide practical guidance for communicators, emphasizing the need to balance scholarly presentation with sustaining appealing statistics.
Intervention Effect of Group Sensory Integration Training on Social Responsiveness and N170 Event-Related Potential of Children with Autism
Authors: Shu Deming , Zhang Gongliang , Xue Chang , Lai Qiqi , He Yueyao , Feng Yifei , Zhang Jianxin , Jia Fengqin , Liu Dianzhi
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study was to examine the intervention effect of group sensory integration training on social responsiveness, and the latency and amplitude of N170 event-related potential of children with autism. The social responsiveness scale was employed to assess alterations in the social response of individuals with ASD before and after training, while event-related potentials were utilized to measure changes in N170 latency and amplitude. This study revealed that group sensory integration training can significantly enhance social responsiveness in children diagnosed with ASD. Children with ASD exhibit atypical N170 responses to faces in the right parietal region. The latency of N170 changes may serve as a valuable indicator for assessing the effectiveness of an intervention or diagnosing ASD.
Multi-Span Box Girder Bridge Sensitivity Analysis in Response to Damage Scenarios
Authors: Brinissat Marame , Ray Richard Paul , Kuti Rajmund
Published: March 2024

Due to their distinct features, including structural simplicity and exceptional load-carrying capacity, steel box girder bridges play a critical role in transportation networks. However, they are categorized as fracture-critical structures and face significant challenges. These challenges stem from the overloading and the relentless effects of corrosion and aging on critical structural components. As a result, these bridges require thorough inspections to ensure their safety and integrity. This paper introduces generalized approaches based on vibration-based structural health monitoring in response to this need. This approach assesses the condition of critical members in a steel girder bridge and evaluates their sensitivity to damage. A rigorous analytical evaluation demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach in evaluating the Szapáry multi-span continuous highway bridge under various damage scenarios. This evaluation necessitates extensive vibration measurements, with piezoelectric sensors capturing ambient vibrations and developing detailed finite element models of the bridge to simulate the structural behavior accurately. The results obtained from this study showed that bridge frequencies are sufficiently sensitive for identifying significant fractures in long bridges. However, the mode shape results show a better resolution when compared to the frequency changes. The findings are usually sensitive enough to identify damage at the affected locations. Amplitude changes in the mode shape help determine the location of damage. The modal assurance criterion (MAC) served to identify damage as well. Finally, the results show a distinct pattern of frequency and mode shape variations for every damage scenario, which helps to identify the damage type, severity, and location along the bridge. The analysis results reported in this study serve as a reference benchmark for the Szapáry Bridge health monitoring.
Experimental Investigation into the Evolution of Probabilistic Characteristics of Early-Age Concrete
Authors: Moita Giuseppe Ciaramella , Fairbairn Eduardo M. R. , Toledo Filho Romildo D. , Rossi Pierre
Published: March 2024

This paper presents original findings on the heterogeneity of the mechanical properties of concrete of an early age, dependent on the evolution of the hydration reaction. The properties investigated are the compressive strength, the Young’s modulus, and the flexural tensile strength. To achieve this, we employed a testing apparatus in which the samples underwent curing in a chamber that followed the same temperature profile as an adiabatic calorimeter. This method enabled us to monitor the hydration progress across multiple samples. We used a function derived from the literature, with specific adaptations, to model the evolution of normalized properties in relation to hydration. Heterogeneity was quantified through the use of the dispersion coefficient. The key finding of this study is that the dispersion coefficient for the analyzed mechanical properties diminishes with the advancement of hydration, until reaching a specific threshold. Beyond this point, the impact of microcracking on the various properties becomes increasingly pronounced, varying according to the particular property being examined. Moreover, this paper presents initial functions designed to offer formulas that assist in modeling concrete within probabilistic numerical simulations from the early stages of its development.
Viscoelastic Characteristics and Mechanical Performances of Asphalt Mastic and Mixtures with Fly Ash from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Residues
Authors: Xu Ling , Du Yinfei , Bruno Salvatore , Loprencipe Giuseppe , Moretti Laura
Published: March 2024

The extraction and utilization of non-renewable mineral resources impose significant transportation and economic challenges in infrastructure construction. At the same time, recycling fly ash derived from the bottom ash in municipal solid waste incineration residues (MSWIRs) presents a waste management hurdle. This study investigates the viscoelastic characteristics and mechanical performances at different scales of asphalt mastic and mixture with fly ash from MSWIRs. Firstly, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) was adopted to distinguish the physically blended states of asphalt and fillers. Then, a frequency test using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) was conducted to construct viscoelastic master curves, focusing on asphalt mastic. A dynamic modulus test characterized the viscoelastic behavior at the asphalt mixture scale. Furthermore, the mechanical performances of asphalt mixtures were evaluated, including the resilient modulus through indirect tension tests, moisture susceptibility via the immersed Marshall stability test, and anti-cracking properties with a low-temperature bending test. The FA incorporation in the mixture decreased the immersion residual stability by 7.40%, and increased the flexural tensile strength by 5.03% and the stiffness modulus by 78.67%. The mechanical evaluation of the mixture with FA could meet the application requirements of the asphalt layer. Finally, statistical analyses were conducted to present strong correlations (coefficient R2 over 0.70) among the mechanical results. Fly ash in asphalt mixtures revealed potential as a sustainable approach for waste reuse in road construction. Additionally, substituting mineral fillers at the mastic scale significantly influences the viscoelastic characteristics and mechanical performances of asphalt materials at the mixture scale.
Common Defects of Prefabricated Prestressed Elements for Industrial Construction
Authors: Krzywoń Rafał , Hulimka Jacek
Published: March 2024

This manuscript attempts to classify typical errors occurring during the design, production, and use of prefabricated and prestressed concrete girders and slabs manufactured in Poland for industrial buildings since the 1950s. Although the cases discussed concern Poland, most of them have a universal character, and as such are also found in other countries. The defects and errors are illustrated with examples and the causes of their occurrence are also discussed. A method of classifying flaws based on the period of their occurrence was proposed. Most of the examples discussed were encountered by the authors during their professional work. In most of the presented cases, repair was possible, enabling further safe operation. This paper shows how important it is to periodically check the technical condition of prestressed structures and how common and at the same time trivial mistakes may be made by designers and contractors of this type of structure, despite the experience of over 70 years of their mass use. The quality of modern prestressed structures is undoubtedly higher. Using the experience of previous generations, designers and contractors abandoned the less durable post-tensioned concrete lattice girders. Errors, if they appear, are most often at the stage of implementing new products or are the result of poor workmanship or disregard for unfavorable weather conditions.
A Review of Evaluation Methods of Standards for Structural Vibration Serviceability under Crowd Walking
Authors: Xiong Jiecheng , Liu Zhihao , Duan Shuqian , Qian Hui
Published: March 2024

Structures such as long-span footbridges, floors, and long cantilevers are vulnerable to vibration serviceability problems under crowd walking, which should be taken into consideration during the structural design, operation, and maintenance stages. Standards have been developed to enable designers to assess the vibration serviceability of structures using simplified load models that simulate crowd-induced loading. To facilitate engineers in quickly selecting appropriate standards for vibration serviceability design, ten current standards were collected which deal with the assessment of structural vibration serviceability under walking loads, including the French “Assessment of vibrational behavior of footbridges under pedestrian loading” (2006), the German “Design of footbridges guideline” (2007), the Chinese “Technical standard for human comfort of the floor vibration” (2019), etc. The ten standards were reviewed and evaluated from three aspects including the crowd loading model, structural response calculation method, and vibration serviceability evaluation standard in this paper. Through summary and comparison between standards, three directions for future improvement and perfection of the standards were proposed: the challenges of the improvement of the standards focus on the establishment of the refined stochastic load model, the analysis of the crowd–structure coupling system, and the modelling of multifactor coupling serviceability evaluation indexes.
Reduced Volume Approach to Evaluate Biaxial Bubbled Slabs’ Resistance to Punching Shear
Authors: Oukaili Nazar , Merie Hammad , Allawi Abbas , Wardeh George
Published: March 2024

The bubbled slab, a type of reinforced concrete (RC) slab with plastic voids, is an innovative design that employs a biaxial distribution of voiding formers within the slab to reduce the slab’s self-weight while preserving a load-carrying capacity that is approximately comparable to that of solid slabs. This paper presents a new approach for figuring out the effective critical shear perimeter of voided slabs using the reduced-volume concept of concrete. This approach aims to reduce the coefficient of variation of the current design standards, namely the ACI 318-19 and Eurocode 2, for assessing the slabs’ resistance to punching shear. Our experimental program investigated the impact of voiding former patterns and the location of an opening near a column on the punching shear resistance of biaxial hollow slabs. The factors under consideration included the opening’s size, location, and distance from the loaded area, as well as the voiding formers’ placement concerning the critical shear boundaries. The results of experiments on 10 full-scale, 2000 × 2000 × 230 mm, reinforced concrete biaxial voided slabs with an opening are presented in this study. Two design expressions were used to estimate the biaxial hollow slabs’ shear strength. These expressions take into account the reduced volume of concrete and the distribution of voiding formers up to the section 4d from the periphery of the column. The proposed approach to determine the effective punching shear perimeter has the lowest coefficient of variation among the methods suggested by these standards. This indicates the validity of our proposed expressions. The coefficient of variation of the proposed expressions does not exceed 0.057.
Effect of Na2CO3 Replacement Quantity and Activator Modulus on Static Mechanical and Environmental Behaviours of Alkali-Activated-Strain-Hardening-Ultra-High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Zhuo Ke-Xian , Chen Gai , Luo Rui-Hao , Chen Yi-Wu , Li De-Hui , Lin Jia-Xiang
Published: March 2024

The application of alkali-activated concrete (AAC) shows promise in reducing carbon emissions within the construction industry. However, the pursuit of enhanced performance of AAC has led to a notable increase in carbon emissions, with alkali activators identified as the primary contributors. In an effort to mitigate carbon emissions, this study introduces Na2CO3 as a supplementary activator, partially replacing sodium silicate. The objective is to develop a low-carbon alkali-activated-strain-hardening-ultra-high-performance concrete (ASUHPC). The experimental investigation explores the impact of varying levels of Na2CO3 replacement quantity (0, 0.75 Na2O%, and 1.5 Na2O%) and activator modulus (1.35, 1.5, and 1.65) on the fresh and hardened properties of ASUHPC. The augmentation of Na2CO3 replacement quantity and activator modulus are observed to extend the setting time of the paste, indicating an increase in the modulus of the activator and Na2CO3 replacement quantity would delay the setting time. While the use of Na2CO3 intensifies clustering in the fresh paste, it optimizes particle grading, resulting in higher compressive strength of ASUHPC. The tensile crack width of ASUHPC conforms to the Weibull distribution. ASUHPC with a Na2CO3 replacement quantity of 0.75 Na2O% exhibits superior crack control capabilities, maintaining a mean crack width during tension below 65.78 μm. The tensile properties of ASUHPC exhibit improvement with increasing Na2CO3 replacement quantity and activator modulus, achieving a tensile strength exceeding 9 MPa; otherwise, increasing the activator modulus to 1.5 improves the deformation capacity, reaching 8.58%. Moreover, it is observed that incorporating Na2CO3 as a supplementary activator reduces the carbon emissions of ASUHPC. After considering the tensile performance indicators, increasing the activator modulus can significantly improve environmental performance. The outcomes of this study establish a theoretical foundation for the design of low-carbon, high-performance-alkali-activated-strain-hardening-ultra—high-performance concrete.