bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of Personal Driving Styles and Experienced System Characteristics on Driving Style Preferences in Automated Driving
Authors: Vasile Laurin , Seitz Barbara , Staab Verena , Liebherr Magnus , Däsch Christoph , Schramm Dieter
Published: August 2023

As automated driving technology continues to advance, the question of how users prefer to be driven in their new, more passive role is becoming increasingly relevant. In this paper, a real-world study on a German motorway with 42 participants was conducted to analyze driving style preferences for conditional automated driving, taking the participants’ personal driving style into account. In the first part, participants’ personal driving style (PDS) was recorded during a manual drive in the first half on a given route. For the second half, participants were asked to demonstrate their desired driving style (DDS) for conditional automated driving. In the second part, participants were driven on the same route in a defensive automated vehicle (AV) while rating driving comfort and safety. Subsequently, the relationship between driving style differences and ratings was analyzed. Furthermore, a comparison between PDS and DDS was performed. The results show that very defensive to moderate drivers perceived the AV’s driving style, being similar to their own, as equally safe but significantly more comfortable than moderate to very aggressive drivers. No influence of driving style differences was found on the increase in trust. However, a significant increase in trust after experiencing an automated vehicle has been observed. Furthermore, the rated system characteristics of anthropomorphism, safety, and overall driving strategy had a significant influence on driving style preferences for AVs. This study makes an important contribution to answering the question of how users want to be driven in conditional automated driving.
ReliaMatch: Semi-Supervised Classification with Reliable Match
Authors: Jiang Tao , Chen Luyao , Chen Wanqing , Meng Wenjuan , Qi Peihan
Published: August 2023

Deep learning has been widely used in various tasks such as computer vision, natural language processing, predictive analysis, and recommendation systems in the past decade. However, practical scenarios often lack labeled data, posing challenges for traditional supervised methods. Semi-supervised classification methods address this by leveraging both labeled and unlabeled data to enhance model performance, but they face challenges in effectively utilizing unlabeled data and distinguishing reliable information from unreliable sources. This paper introduced ReliaMatch, a semi-supervised classification method that addresses these challenges by using a confidence threshold. It incorporates a curriculum learning stage, feature filtering, and pseudo-label filtering to improve classification accuracy and reliability. The feature filtering module eliminates ambiguous semantic features by comparing labeled and unlabeled data in the feature space. The pseudo-label filtering module removes unreliable pseudo-labels with low confidence, enhancing algorithm reliability. ReliaMatch employs a curriculum learning training mode, gradually increasing training dataset difficulty by combining selected samples and pseudo-labels with labeled data. This supervised approach enhances classification performance. Experimental results show that ReliaMatch effectively overcomes challenges associated with the underutilization of unlabeled data and the introduction of error information, outperforming the pseudo-label strategy in semi-supervised classification.
Exploring the Impact of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on Temperature Distribution Using Remote Sensing: A Case Study in Kuching City
Authors: Kemarau Ricky Anak , Eboy Oliver Valentine
Published: August 2023

Malaysia’s location in Southeast Asia exposes it to various weather patterns influenced by El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), monsoons, the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). To overcome the limitations of previous studies due to insufficient spatial information, this study utilizes remote sensing (RS) data from Landsat and MODIS satellites, along with the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI), to analyze the spatial distribution of temperature affected by El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This study employs radiometric and atmospheric corrections on remote sensing (RS) data, converting them to surface temperature data. Our analysis reveals a correlation coefficient of 0.73 (MODIS) and 0.71 (Landsat) between the ONI and RS temperature data. During El Niño events, Landsat recorded temperature increases of 0–1.6 °C, while MODIS showed increases of 2.2–2.8 °C. The spatial information obtained assists in identifying affected areas and facilitating the implementation of mitigation measures by the government. By utilizing RS data, this research enhances our understanding of the ENSO–temperature relationship, surpassing previous limitations and providing valuable insights into climate dynamics.
HydroLab: A Module for the Investigation of Fertigation Strategies in Hydroponics
Authors: Guerrero Luis Humberto , Barbieri Giacomo
Published: August 2023

In recent times, hydroponics has gained popularity as a viable solution to the challenges facing traditional agriculture, as it offers an environmentally friendly option with higher crop yields and improved quality, eliminating the need for soil. Despite these benefits, hydroponics still encounters significant difficulties, particularly in optimizing fertigation strategies. The literature contains several studies focusing on test benches for investigating technological recommendations related to fertigation strategies. However, there has been no proposed test bench capable of simultaneously exploring various types of fertigation strategies. In this work, HydroLab is introduced: a hydroponic module that allows for the simultaneous comparison of two types of fertigation strategies and enables remote monitoring and control through IoT functionality. Additionally, HydroLab’s potential to generate technological recommendations has been validated through a case study comparing time-based and solar radiation-based fertigation in lettuce cultivation. The case study successfully showcases the capability of HydroLab to investigate and compare different fertigation strategies. Given the global importance of food security challenges, this work is expected to contribute to the investigation of fertigation strategies in hydroponics.
Impact of Air- and Freeze-Drying Methods on Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Fistulina antarctica and Ramaria patagonica Fructification
Authors: González Gabriela C. , Rugolo Maximiliano , Finimundy Tiane C. , Ohaco Elizabeth , Pildain Maria B. , Barroetaveña Carolina
Published: August 2023

Fistulina antarctica and Ramaria patagonica are wild edible fungi from Patagonia, which produce mushrooms that have been consumed since ancient times by those in local communities. Both species possess high protein and low fat contents and other bioactive compounds with remarkable antioxidant activity. Drying is a widely and commonly practiced preservation technique that is cost-effective. However, the process of drying can have an impact on the levels of bioactive compounds. In this study, the effects of drying methods on the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity in the fructification of F. antarctica and R. patagonica were estimated. The analysis was conducted using fructifications that were fresh-frozen, dried at 50, 60, and 70 °C, and freeze-dried. The TPC was significantly higher for the fructifications that were fresh-frozen and dried at 60 °C in R. patagonica (with values of 14.78 and 13.67 mg GAE/mg of extract, respectively). Also, the fresh-freezing, freeze-drying. and 60 °C methods exhibited the highest inhibition of free radicals. In addition, R. patagonica had a notably higher concentration of phenols and showed higher antioxidant capacity than F. antarctica. The greatest losses concerning phenols occur in F. antarctica in the three evaluated air-drying temperatures (36.57, 29.76, 39.47% in 50, 60 and 70 °C respectively, compared with fresh-frozen). TPC and antioxidant activity were higher in fresh-frozen and freeze-dried samples. A drying temperature of 60 °C is advisable for both species, considering drying time and bioactivity. Overall, the fructifications from different processing methods exhibited unique functional properties. This information can be utilized to optimize the postharvest preservation and maximize the potential applications of these mushrooms.
The Influence of Pandemic Lockdowns on Municipal Wastewater Quality as a Consequence of Not Discharging Food Waste from Restaurants
Authors: Rodziewicz Joanna , Pesta Jarosław , Janczukowicz Wojciech , Mielcarek Artur
Published: August 2023

The use of food waste disposers in gastronomical facilities influences municipal wastewater composition. Ground food waste poses problems in the operation of the sewerage network and generates high electric energy consumption in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This study aimed to determine, for five towns with a PE (Population Equivalent) ranging from 4000 to 220,000, the volumes of catering waste discharged to the WWTPs. The towns differed in the number of inhabitants, beds in hotels, and catering places. The calculations were undertaken based on data received from the operators of the WWTPs. The pollutant concentrations in 2019 were compared with data from the “pandemic” year—2020. The loads of catering waste entering the sewerage system in 2019 ranged from 32.7 to 1062 tons. In the town with the largest tourist base, the BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) value in 2020 accounted for 62.3% of the 2019 value. In the largest town, the annual energy consumption for food waste treatment could be up to 2,539,770 kWh. If the waste was fermented, up to 1,376,650 m3 of methane could be obtained. There is a strong need to implement a collection system for food waste from catering facilities, and the fermentation of this waste to produce methane, which can be used for energy purposes.
Research on the Optimal Deployment of Expressway Roadside Units under the Fusion Perception of Intelligent Connected Vehicles
Authors: Wang Peng , Lu Youfu , Chen Ning , Zhang Luyu , Kong Weilin , Wang Qingbin , Qin Guizhi , Mou Zhenhua
Published: August 2023

At present, there is still a lack of relevant theoretical guidance on the deployment of roadside RSU on expressways. In the face of the coexistence of V2V and V2I communication in the future, the deployment adjustment after the penetration of intelligent vehicles is not considered. Therefore, this paper proposes a roadside RSU deployment income model in consideration of the influence of V2V and V2I communication. Based on the optimal income of roadside RSU nodes, it achieves the optimization of the RSU deployment range and determines the optimal deployment spacing through the forwarding and relaying role of V2V communication so as to achieve cost savings. In terms of RSU coverage of positive income, it considers the impact of intelligent vehicles and reconstructs the traditional information flow–traffic flow coupling theory to innovatively realize the modeling of income within the information life cycle. In terms of the information transmission deficit, the WSN node energy loss model is reconstructed with permeability. Also, in terms of the construction and maintenance costs, the cost models are constructed for different cluster lengths. In order to provide a basis for expressway sensor network deployment, MATLAB software (version R2016B) is used to analyze the three-dimensional relationship between expressway traffic density, intelligent vehicle permeability, and roadside RSU deployment spacing as well as to determine the optimal roadside RSU deployment spacing with the income model. Finally, the model reliability is validated by the Warshell algorithm and the Kmeans clustering algorithm.
Intermediality in Academia: Creative Research through Film
Authors: Dovey Lindiwe
Published: August 2023

This article provides an overview of the recent flourishing of research and pedagogy in higher education that seeks a greater rapprochement between criticism and creativity, bringing together diverse media, disciplines, and modes of knowledge production and expression. It focuses on transformations in film and screen studies and on the ethical and aesthetic possibilities of conducting creative, intermedial research through filmmaking, drawing on the author’s recent, first-hand experiences of conducting such research through her making of two films about the African women filmmakers Judy Kibinge (from Kenya) and Bongiwe Selane (from South Africa). The author gives specific examples from her filmmaking process to show how she has attempted to unsettle the generic space between documentary filmmaking, curatorial practice, and video-essay making to engage in a collaborative research practice with Kibinge, Selane, and their communities, as well as her research teams. Grounding itself in a decolonial feminist framework, this article draws on the perspectives of a wide range of thinkers and filmmaker scholars to explore ways in which the colonial, patriarchal values that have haunted many academic institutions can be reformed to allow for the envisioning of new futures that will lead to a more self-reflexive, socially just higher education environment.
21st Century Warming, Site Aspect, and Reversal of Age-Related Growth Decline in Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) in North Carolina, USA
Authors: Lewis Hunter S. , Knapp Paul A.
Published: August 2023

We examined the influence of significant 21st century warming on the radial growth patterns of shortleaf pine growing on adjacent north/northeast- and south/southwest-facing slopes (hereafter NS and SS), in the Uwharrie Mountains of North Carolina, USA. Using two chronologies developed from old-growth trees dating to the 1700s, we compared raw radial growth rates (hereafter radial growth) associated with earlywood, latewood, and totalwood during 1935–2020. Both chronologies exhibited similar (r = 0.951, p < 0.001) age-related growth decreases through the 20th century. However, both chronologies experienced abrupt increases in radial growth with less fidelity (r = 0.86, p < 0.001), correlating with the onset of warming mean annual temperatures (r = 0.58, p < 0.01) and warming winter temperatures (r = 0.55, p < 0.05) in 2002. These results show that shortleaf pine growing on both NS and SS have experienced significant radial growth increases since the early 21st century, but that aspect affected growth rates. During 2002–2020, NS radial growth increased significantly (p < 0.05) more than SS earlywood, latewood, and totalwood, indicating that the effects of warming were greater for NS trees. We conclude that old-growth shortleaf pine trees retain climatic sensitivity to significant environmental changes associated with a warming climate and can reverse age-related growth declines.
AlCl3-NaCl-ZnCl2 Secondary Electrolyte in Next-Generation ZEBRA (Na-ZnCl2) Battery
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Ding Wenjin , Hoffmann Ralf , Sieuw Louis , Heinz Meike V. F. , Weber Norbert , Bonk Alexander
Published: August 2023

Increasing demand to store intermittent renewable electricity from, e.g., photovoltaic and wind energy, has led to much research and development in large-scale stationary energy storage, for example, ZEBRA batteries (Na-NiCl2 solid electrolyte batteries). Replacing Ni with abundant and low-cost Zn makes the ZEBRA battery more cost-effective. However, few studies were performed on this next-generation ZEBRA (Na-ZnCl2) battery system, particularly on its AlCl3-NaCl-ZnCl2 secondary electrolyte. Its properties such as phase diagrams and vapor pressures are vital for the cell design and optimization. In our previous work, a simulation-assisted method for molten salt electrolyte selection has shown its successful application in development of molten salt batteries. The same method is used here to in-depth study the AlCl3-NaCl-ZnCl2 salt electrolyte in terms of its phase diagrams and vapor pressures via FactSageTM and thermo-analytical techniques (Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and OptiMeltTM), and their effects on battery performance such as operation safety and charging/discharging reaction mechanism. The DSC and OptiMelt results show that the experimental data such as melting temperatures and phase changes agree well with the simulated phase diagrams. Moreover, the FactSageTM simulation shows that the salt vapor pressure increases significantly with increasing temperature and molar fraction of AlCl3. The obtained phase diagrams and vapor pressures will be used in the secondary electrolyte selection, cell design and battery operation.
Erector Spinae Plane Block and Chronic Pain: An Updated Review and Possible Future Directions
Authors: De Cassai Alessandro , Geraldini Federico , Freo Ulderico , Boscolo Annalisa , Pettenuzzo Tommaso , Zarantonello Francesco , Sella Nicolò , Tulgar Serkan , Busetto Veronica , Negro Sebastiano , Munari Marina , Navalesi Paolo
Published: August 2023

Chronic pain is a common, pervasive, and often disabling medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Disease survey, painful chronic conditions are causing the largest numbers of years lived with disability worldwide. In America, more than one in five adults experiences chronic pain. Erector spinae plane block is a novel regional anesthesia technique used to provide analgesia with multiple possible uses and a relatively low learning curve and complication rate. Here, we review the erector spinae plane block rationale, mechanism of action and possible complications, and discuss its potential use for chronic pain with possible future directions for research
CXCL10 Is Associated with Increased Cerebrospinal Fluid Immune Cell Infiltration and Disease Duration in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Blandford Stephanie N. , Fudge Neva J. , Moore Craig S.
Published: August 2023

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an important sampling site for putative biomarkers and contains immune cells. CXCL10 is a multiple sclerosis (MS)-relevant chemokine that is present in the injured central nervous system and recruits CXCR3+ immune cells toward injured tissues. Objective: Perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine a potential relationship between CXCL10 and various immune cell subsets in the CNS of MS and control cases. Methods: In MS and control cases, CXCL10 was measured in the CSF and plasma by ELISA. Immune cells within both the CSF and peripheral blood were quantified by flow cytometry. Results: Compared to non-inflammatory neurological disease (NIND) cases, MS cases had significantly higher CXCL10 in CSF (p = 0.021); CXCL10 was also correlated with total cell numbers in CSF (p = 0.04) and T cell infiltrates (CD3+, p = 0.01; CD4+, p = 0.01; CD8+, p = 0.02); expression of CXCR3 on peripheral immune cell subsets was not associated with CSF CXCL10. Conclusions: Elevated levels of CXCL10 in the CSF of MS cases are associated with increased T cells but appear to be independent of peripheral CXCR3 expression. These results support the importance of elevated CXCL10 in MS and suggest the presence of an alternative mechanism of CXCL10 outside of solely influencing immune cell trafficking.
Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: New Approaches towards Cure
Authors: Ogunnaike Mojisola , Das Srijanee , Raut Samiksha S. , Sultana Ashrafi , Nayan Mohammad Ullah , Ganesan Murali , Edagwa Benson J. , Osna Natalia A. , Poluektova Larisa Y.
Published: August 2023

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Lifelong treatment with nucleotides/nucleoside antiviral agents is effective at suppressing HBV replication, however, adherence to daily therapy can be challenging. This review discusses recent advances in the development of long-acting formulations for HBV treatment and prevention, which could potentially improve adherence. Promising new compounds that target distinct steps of the virus life cycle are summarized. In addition to treatments that suppress viral replication, curative strategies are focused on the elimination of covalently closed circular DNA and the inactivation of the integrated viral DNA from infected hepatocytes. We highlight promising long-acting antivirals and genome editing strategies for the elimination or deactivation of persistent viral DNA products in development.
Sirtuins: Promising Therapeutic Targets to Treat Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Liu Yue , Wang Liuding , Yang Guang , Chi Xiansu , Liang Xiao , Zhang Yunling
Published: August 2023

Stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability globally, with ischemic stroke (IS) accounting for over 80% of all stroke cases. The pathological process of IS involves numerous signal molecules, among which are the highly conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent enzymes known as sirtuins (SIRTs). SIRTs modulate various biological processes, including cell differentiation, energy metabolism, DNA repair, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Importantly, several studies have reported a correlation between SIRTs and IS. This review introduces the general aspects of SIRTs, including their distribution, subcellular location, enzyme activity, and substrate. We also discuss their regulatory roles and potential mechanisms in IS. Finally, we describe the current therapeutic methods based on SIRTs, such as pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological therapeutic/rehabilitative interventions, epigenetic regulators, potential molecules, and stem cell-derived exosome therapy. The data collected in this study will potentially contribute to both clinical and fundamental research on SIRTs, geared towards developing effective therapeutic candidates for future treatment of IS.
Analysis of Calprotectin as an Early Marker of Infections Is Economically Advantageous in Intensive Care-Treated Patients
Authors: Havelka Aleksandra , Larsson Anders O. , Mårtensson Johan , Bell Max , Hultström Michael , Lipcsey Miklós , Eriksson Mats
Published: August 2023

Calprotectin is released from neutrophil granulocytes upon activation. Several studies have indicated that plasma calprotectin is an early determinant of bacterial infections, which may serve as a diagnostic tool facilitating decision making on antibiotic treatment. The study objective was to explore the health and economic implications of calprotectin as a predictive tool to initiate antimicrobial therapy in a cohort of critically ill patients. Thus, data obtained from a previously published study on calprotectin as a hypothetical early biomarker of bacterial infections in critically ill patients were evaluated regarding the potential cost-effective impact of early analysis of calprotectin on an earlier start of antibiotic treatment. Under the assumption that calprotectin is used predictively and comparators (white blood cells, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein) are used diagnostically, a cost-effective impact of EUR 11,000–12,000 per patient would be obtained. If calprotectin would be used predictively and comparators would be used predictively for 50% of patients, it is hypothesized that cost-effectiveness would be between EUR 6000 and 7000 per patient, based on reduced stay in the ICU and general ward, respectively. Furthermore, predictive use of calprotectin seems to reduce both mortality and the length of hospital stay. This health economic analysis on the predictive use of plasma calprotectin, which facilitates clinical decision making in cases of suspected sepsis, indicates that such determination has a cost-saving and life-saving impact on the healthcare system.
Hormone Receptors and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Recent Advances in Biology and Treatment Options
Authors: Borella Fulvio , Fucina Stefano , Mangherini Luca , Cosma Stefano , Carosso Andrea Roberto , Cusato Jessica , Cassoni Paola , Bertero Luca , Katsaros Dionyssios , Benedetto Chiara
Published: August 2023

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, EOC remains a challenging disease to manage, and the 5-year survival rate is still poor. The role of hormone receptors (HRs) in EOC carcinogenesis and prognosis has been actively explored; however, the role of hormone therapy (HT) in the treatment of these tumors is not well established. Most available data on HT mainly come from retrospective series and small early clinical trials. Several of these studies suggest that HT may have a role in adjuvant, maintenance therapy, or in the case of recurrent disease, especially for some subtypes of EOC (e.g., low-grade serous EOC). Furthermore, HT has recently been combined with targeted therapies, but most studies evaluating these combinations are still ongoing. The main aim of this review is to provide an overview of the progress made in the last decade to characterize the biological and prognostic role of HRs for EOC and the developments in their therapeutic targeting through HT.
A Small-Scale Hopper Design Using a Power Spring-Based Linear Actuator
Authors: Yang Seon-Gyo , Lee Dong-Jun , Kim Chan , Jung Gwang-Pil
Published: August 2023

Hopping locomotion has the potential to enable small-scale robots to maneuver lands quickly while overcoming obstacles bigger than themselves. To make this possible, in this paper, we propose a novel design of a high-power linear actuator for a small-scale hopper. The key design principle of the linear actuator is to use a power spring and an active clutch. The power spring provides a near constant torque along the wide range of output displacement. The active clutch controls the moving direction and operation timing of the linear actuator, which enables the hopper to take off at the right timing. As a result, the hopper has a size of 143 mm, a mass of 45.9 g, and hops up to 0.58 m.
Relationship between Motor Corticospinal System, Endogenous Pain Modulation Mechanisms and Clinical Symptoms in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: New Perspectives on an Old Disease
Authors: Martel Marylie , Gaudreault Nathaly , Pelletier René , Houde Francis , Harvey Marie-Philippe , Giguère Caroline , Balg Frédéric , Leonard Guillaume
Published: August 2023

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition characterized by joint and bone changes. A growing number of studies suggest that these changes only partially explain the pain experienced by individuals with OA. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate if corticospinal and bulbospinal projection measurements were interrelated in patients with knee OA, and to explore the relationship between these neurophysiological measures and temporal summation (excitatory mechanisms of pain) on one hand, and clinical symptoms on the other. Twenty-eight (28) patients with knee OA were recruited. Corticospinal projections were measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation, while bulbospinal projections were evaluated with a conditioned pain modulation (CPM) protocol using a counter-irritation paradigm. Validated questionnaires were used to document clinical and psychological manifestations. All participants suffered from moderate to severe pain. There was a positive association between corticospinal excitability and the effectiveness of the CPM (rs = 0.67, p = 0.01, n = 13). There was also a positive relationship between pain intensity and corticospinal excitability (rs = 0.45, p = 0.03, n = 23), and between pain intensity and temporal summation (rs = 0.58, p = 0.01, n = 18). The results of this study highlight some of the central nervous system changes that could be involved in knee OA and underline the importance of interindividual variability to better understand and explain the semiology and pathophysiology of knee OA.
The Construction Technology of Column Replacement Integral Accumulation Sliding at Uneven Elevation for Steel Structures
Authors: Ruan Ruolin , Chen Yewei , Lin Weichao , Wei Lin , Huang Jielong
Published: August 2023

Steel structures have been widely used in large public venues and super-high-rise buildings due to their strong spatial flexibility, good seismic performance, and beautiful appearance. For buildings with high lighting requirements, such as shopping malls, stadiums, and exhibition halls, a super-large day-lighting roof with light-transmitting steel structures is to be designed on top. However, it is impossible to directly hoist large steel structures with cranes in buildings, and the installation of steel structures at uneven roof elevations usually requires full hall scaffolding, which is inefficient and time-consuming. Based on the existing construction methods, this paper proposes a construction technology for column replacement integral accumulation sliding at uneven elevations for steel structures. This technology can improve the construction efficiency and reduce the construction cost of steel structures at uneven elevations.
Blast Fragment Impact of Angle-Ply Composite Structures for Buildings Wall Protection
Authors: Barros Daniel , Mota Carlos , Bessa João , Cunha Fernando , Rosa Pedro , Fangueiro Raul
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the fragment performance of several composite panels for attaching to the inside walls of a building structure. These panels were developed using different types of fiber woven fabrics (W0, W90) combined with distinct layers orientations (angle-ply effect) of L0/0 and L0/15. Aramid, E-glass, and S-glass fiber fabrics impregnated with thermosetting epoxy resin, and a prepreg of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HB24) were employed. The panels are subjected to ballistic impact using different fragments under impact velocities in the range of 120 to 420 m/s. In order to measure the energy absorbed by the ballistic panels, the impact velocity and the residual velocity of the fragment were measured with laser chronographs placed before and after the laminated test specimens. The paper demonstrates quantitatively that the angle-ply laminates produced using L0/15 woven fabric orientation presented a higher impact energy absorption, promoting higher reductions on the fragment residual velocity compared to the L0/0 orientations. The laminates produced using UHMWPE fibers (HB24) presented better ballistic properties compared to the other fibers. Furthermore, it was noted that the energy dissipation rate is linearly correlated with the impact velocity and is independent of the fragment geometry.
The Influence of GGBFS as an Additive Replacement on the Kinetics of Cement Hydration and the Mechanical Properties of Cement Mortars
Authors: Jozić Dražan , Ljubičić Branimir , Petrović Andrija , Čović Anđela , Juradin Sandra
Published: August 2023

Granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) is a byproduct of the iron production process. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), used as a replacement admixture (0–40 wt.%) for ordinary Portland cement (OPC), on the setting time, the heat of hydration, and the mechanical properties of cement mortar. The influence of GGBFS as a replacement additive on the setting time shows that it has an accelerating effect on cement hydration. Calorimetric measurements were performed on the cement paste system to determine the effects of GGBFS on the hydration of OPC. Calorimetric measurements carried out show that the replacement of GGBFS in an amount up to 40 wt.% reduces the total heat of hydration by up to 26.36% compared to the reference specimen. The kinetic analysis performed on the calorimetric data confirms the role of GGBFS as an accelerator by shortening the time during which the process of nucleation and growth (NG), as the most active part of hydration, is reduced up to 2.5 h. The value of the Avrami–Erofee constant indicates polydispersity and heterogeneous crystallization. Mechanical tests of cement mortars were performed after 3, 7, 14, 28, 70, and 90 days of hydration and showed that replacement addition of GGBFS slightly reduced the mechanical properties in the early phase of hydration, while in the later phase of hydration it contributed to an increase in the mechanical properties.
Mixed Reality for Safe and Reliable Human-Robot Collaboration in Timber Frame Construction
Authors: González-Böhme Luis Felipe , Valenzuela-Astudillo Eduardo
Published: August 2023

In the field of construction, human-robot collaboration and mixed reality (MR) open new possibilities. However, safety and reliability issues persist. The lack of flexibility and adaptability in current preprogrammed systems hampers real-time human-robot collaboration. A key gap in this area lies in the ability of the robot to interpret and accurately execute operations based on the real-time visual instructions and restrictions provided by the human collaborator and the working environment. This paper focuses on an MR-based human-robot collaboration method through visual feedback from a vision-based collaborative industrial robot system for use in wood stereotomy which we are developing. This method is applied to an alternating workflow in which a skilled carpenter lays out the joinery on the workpiece, and the robot cuts it. Cutting operations are instructed to the robot only through lines and conventional “carpenter’s marks”, which are drawn on the timbers by the carpenter. The robot system’s accuracy in locating and interpreting marks as cutting operations is evaluated by automatically constructing a 3D model of the cut shape from the vision system data. A digital twin of the robot allows the carpenter to previsualize all motions that are required by the robot for task validation and to know when to enter the collaborative workspace. Our experimental results offer some insights into human-robot communication requirements for collaborative robot system applications in timber frame construction.
Impact of Polypropylene Fiber on the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Pervious Concrete: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Wu Jian , Hu Liangjie , Hu Chaoqun , Wang Yuxi , Zhou Jian , Li Xue
Published: August 2023

It is important to balance the characteristics of pervious concrete, such as mechanical, physical, and durability properties. To obtain a better performance, adding fibers is very effective. In this study, samples with different polypropylene fiber content (0 kg/m3, 3 kg/m3, 6 kg/m3, and 9 kg/m3) were designed to test the strength, porosity, permeability, acid corrosion behavior, and low-temperature performance of pervious concrete. It can be found from the experimental results that, compared to the control samples (without the addition of fibers), when the mixing amount of fiber is 6 kg/m3, the cubic compressive strength, axial compressive strength, and flexural tensile strength increase by 35.32%, 37.16%, and 13.04%, respectively; the porosity and permeability coefficient decrease by 36.32 % and 49.30%, respectively; the strength of samples with acidic corrosion times of 0 d, 20 d, 40 d, and 60 d increased by 30.96%, 17.41%, 15.47%, and 20.87%, respectively; and the strength of samples at temperatures of −20 °C, −10 °C, 0 °C, and 25 °C decrease by 14.17%, 15.45%, 22.97%, and 30.96%, respectively. The meso-structure of pervious concrete is studied using industrial computed tomography (ICT) to investigate the relationships between the characteristics. It could be seen that the optimal dosage of polypropylene fiber is 6 kg/m3, which is more suitable for application in engineering.
Unplanned 30-Day Readmission in Glioblastoma Patients: Implications for the Extent of Resection and Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Kasper Johannes , Wach Johannes , Vychopen Martin , Arlt Felix , Güresir Erdem , Wende Tim , Wilhelmy Florian
Published: August 2023

Background: Unplanned early readmission (UER) within 30 days after hospital release is a negative prognostic marker for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM). This work analyzes the impact of UER on the effects of standard therapy modalities for GBM patients, including the extent of resection (EOR) and adjuvant therapy regimen. Methods: Records were searched for patients with newly diagnosed GBM between 2014 and 2020 who were treated at our facility. Exclusion criteria were being aged below 18 years or missing data. An overall survival (OS) analysis (Kaplan–Meier estimate; Cox regression) was performed on various GBM patient sub-cohorts. Results: A total of 276 patients were included in the study. UER occurred in 13.4% (n = 37) of all cases, significantly reduced median OS (5.7 vs. 14.5 months, p < 0.001 by logrank), and was associated with an increased hazard of mortality (hazard ratio 3.875, p < 0.001) in multivariate Cox regression when other clinical parameters were applied as confounders. The Kaplan–Meier analysis also showed that patients experiencing UER still benefitted from adjuvant radio-chemotherapy when compared to radiotherapy or no adjuvant therapy (p < 0.001 by logrank). A higher EOR did not improve OS in GBM patients with UER (p = 0.659). Conclusion: UER is negatively associated with survival in GBM patients. In contrast to EOR, adjuvant radio-chemotherapy was beneficial, even after UER.
Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia: Challenges and the Opportunity for Precision Prevention
Authors: Tjandra Douglas , Busuttil Rita A. , Boussioutas Alex
Published: August 2023

GIM is a persistent, premalignant lesion whereby gastric mucosa is replaced by metaplastic mucosa resembling intestinal tissue, arising in the setting of chronic inflammation, particularly in the context of Helicobacter pylori. While the overall rates of progression to gastric adenocarcinoma are low, estimated at from 0.25 to 2.5%, there are features that confer a much higher risk and warrant follow-up. In this review, we collate and summarise the current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of GIM, and the clinical, endoscopic and histologic risk factors for cancer. We examine the current state-of-practice with regard to the diagnosis and management of GIM, which varies widely in the published guidelines and in practice. We consider the emerging evidence in population studies, artificial intelligence and molecular markers, which will guide future models of care. The ultimate goal is to increase the detection of early gastric dysplasia/neoplasia that can be cured while avoiding unnecessary surveillance in very low-risk individuals.
Novel Discovery of the Somatostatin Receptor (SSTR2) in Pleomorphic Adenomas via Immunohistochemical Analysis of Tumors of the Salivary Glands
Authors: Johnson Felix , Hofauer Benedikt , Wirth Markus , Wollenberg Barbara , Stögbauer Fabian , Notohamiprodjo Susan , Haller Bernhard , Reschke Robin , Knopf Andreas , Strassen Ulrich
Published: August 2023

Reliable preoperative diagnosis between salivary gland tumor entities is difficult. In this monocentric retrospective study, we examined the somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) status of salivary gland tumors after salivary gland tumor resection via immunohistochemistry (IHC), and stains were compared in analogy to the HER2 mamma scale. A total of 42.3% of all pleomorphic adenoma (PA) tumors (42 of 99, 95% confidence interval 32.5–52.8%) demonstrated ≥20% of cells displaying the SSTR2 as compared to just 1% of all other tumors (1/160, 95% CI 0.02–3.4%). The other tumor was a neuroendocrine carcinoma. PA had a higher intensity of SSTR2 staining, with 90.9% staining ≥ an intensity of 2 (moderate). Tumors with an intensity of SSTR2 expression equal to or greater than 2 had an 89.9% likelihood of being a PA (95% CI: 82.2–95.0%, AUC: 0.928). Only one Warthin tumor demonstrated a ‘strong’ SSTR2 staining intensity. No Warthin tumor showed a percentage of cells staining for SSTR2 above ≥20%. This result demonstrates consistent and strong expression of SSTR2 in PAs as compared to Warthin tumors, which may allow physicians to utilize radioligand-somatostatin analog PET CT/MR imaging to diagnose the PA. SSTR2 positivity, if shown to be clinically relevant, may allow peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in the future.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Alter Homologous Recombination Repair Gene Expression and Sensitize BRCA Wild-Type Ovarian Cancer Cells to Olaparib
Authors: Roberts Cai M. , Rojas-Alexandre Mehida , Hanna Ruth E. , Lin Z. Ping , Ratner Elena S.
Published: August 2023

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, largely due to metastasis and drug resistant recurrences. Fifteen percent of ovarian tumors carry mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, rendering them vulnerable to treatment with PARP inhibitors such as olaparib. Recent studies have shown that TGFβ can induce “BRCAness” in BRCA wild-type cancer cells. Given that TGFβ is a known driver of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the connection between EMT and metastatic spread in EOC and other cancers, we asked if TGFβ and EMT alter the susceptibility of EOC to PARP inhibition. Epithelial EOC cells were transiently treated with soluble TGFβ, and their clonogenic potential, expression, and function of EMT and DNA repair genes, and response to PARP inhibitors compared with untreated controls. A second epithelial cell line was compared to its mesenchymal derivative for EMT and DNA repair gene expression and drug responses. We found that TGFβ and EMT resulted in the downregulation of genes responsible for homologous recombination (HR) and sensitized cells to olaparib. HR efficiency was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, mesenchymal cells displayed sensitivity to olaparib, cisplatin, and the DNA-PK inhibitor Nu-7441. Therefore, the treatment of disseminated, mesenchymal tumors may represent an opportunity to expand the clinical utility of PARP inhibitors and similar agents.
High- or Intermediate-Risk Histologic Features in Patients with Clinical Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Planned for Fertility-Sparing Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wolswinkel Janneke T. , Eikelder Mieke L. G. ten , Verhoef Cornelia G. , Zusterzeel Petra L. M.
Published: August 2023

Background: Fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) is a viable option for young women with early-stage cervical cancer (ECC); however, certain risk factors may necessitate additional treatments and impact fertility. This review examines the prevalence of these risk factors and available treatment options. Methods: A systematic search was conducted of studies including patients with ECC (IA1 with LVSI, IA2, IB1 (FIGO 2009)) who underwent FSS. Results: Sixty-four articles, comprising a total of 4118 women planned for FSS, were included. High- or intermediate-risk histologic features were found in 638 (15.5%) women: 5.1% had positive lymph node(s), 4.1% had positive resection margins, 0.3% had parametrial involvement, 1.0% had unspecified high-risk features, and 5.1% had intermediate-risk histology (primarily based on the Sedlis criteria). Adjuvant treatment impaired fertility in all women with adjuvant hysterectomy and/or (chemo)radiation (58.7%). Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to 1351 (32.8%) patients, which may reduce fertility. Conclusions: Fertility preservation could be achieved in most women; but high- or intermediate-risk factors necessitate more extensive surgery or radiotherapy leading to infertility. Adjuvant chemotherapy could be an alternative treatment option considering its effectiveness, safety and higher change in fertility preservation. The low incidence of parametrial involvement justifies waiving parametrectomy in tumors < 2 cm.
Apoptotic Cell-Derived CD14(+) Microparticles Promote the Phagocytic Activity of Neutrophilic Precursor Cells in the Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Authors: Lin Yu-Chieh , Tsai Wen-Hui , Chang Shao-Chi , Hsu Hui-Chi
Published: August 2023

Membranous CD14 is crucial in the phagocytic activity of neutrophils. However, the role of CD14(+) microparticles (MPs) derived from apoptotic neutrophils (apo-MP) during the phagocytic process is not clear. All trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) induces acute promyelocytic leukemic NB4 cells along granulocytic differentiation. In this study, we investigated the role of CD14(+)apo-MP in the cell–cell interaction during the phagocytic process of apoptotic cells by viable ATRA-NB4 cells. We firstly demonstrate that CD14 expression and phagocytic activity of NB4 cells were upregulated simultaneously after ATRA treatment in a time-dependent manner, and both were significantly enhanced via concurrent lipopolysaccharide treatment. The phagocytic activity of ATRA-NB4 cells and lipopolysaccharide-treated ATRA-NB4 cells were both significantly attenuated by pre-treating cells with an antibody specific to either CD14 or TLR4. Further flow cytometric analysis demonstrates that apoptotic ATRA-NB4 cells release CD14(+)apo-MP in an idarubicin dosage-dependent manner. Both CD14 expression and the phagocytic activity of viable ATRA-NB4 cells were significantly enhanced after incubation with apo-MP harvested from apoptotic ATRA-NB4 cells, and the apo-MP-enhanced phagocytic activity was significantly attenuated by pre-treating apo-MP with an anti-CD14 antibody before incubation with viable cells. We conclude that CD14(+)apo-MP derived from apoptotic ATRA-NB4 cells promotes the phagocytic activity of viable ATRA-NB4 cells in engulfing apoptotic cells.
Determination of Extra- and Intra-Cellular pH Using Characteristic Absorption of Water by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Jiani , Liang Fanfan , Han Li , Yu Xiaoxuan , Liu Dingbin , Cai Wensheng , Shao Xueguang
Published: August 2023

Accurate determination of extra-cellular pH (pHe) and intra-cellular pH (pHi) is important to cancer diagnosis and treatment because tumor cells exhibit a lower pHe and a slightly higher pHi than normal cells. In this work, the characteristic absorption of water in the near-infrared (NIR) region was utilized for the determination of pHe and pHi. Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium (DMEM) and bis (2-ethylhexyl) succinate sodium sulfonate reverse micelles (RM) were employed to simulate the extra- and intra-cellular fluids, respectively. Continuous wavelet transform (CWT) was used to enhance the resolution of the spectra. Quantitative models for pHe and pHi were established using partial least squares (PLS) regression, producing relative errors of validation samples in a range of −0.74–2.07% and −1.40–0.83%, respectively. Variable selection was performed, and the correspondence between the selected wavenumbers and water structures was obtained. Therefore, water with different hydrogen bonds may serve as a good probe to sense pH within biological systems.
Fluorophores-Assisted Excitation Emission Matrix Fluorescence Method for the Origin Traceability of Lily
Authors: Fang Huan , Wu Hailong , Wang Tong , Chen Yao , Yu Ruqin
Published: August 2023

In this work, a fluorophores-assisted excitation/emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence method was proposed to trace the origin of lily in the Chinese market. There are few active components in lilies that have fluorescent signals, and too few characteristic variables may lead to unsatisfactory accuracy in the subsequent classification. Therefore, three fluorophores, 2-Aminoethyl diphenylborinate (DPBA), o-Phthalaldehyde (OPA) and Rhodamine B (RB), were used to enrich the information of the fluorescent fingerprint of lily, which can improve the classification accuracy. The lily samples were characterized by using EEM fluorescence coupled with the alternating trilinear decomposition (ATLD) algorithm, which was able to extract information of various fluorophores in lily samples. Two chemical pattern recognition methods, principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and partial least squares-discrimination analysis (PLS-DA), were used to model and trace the origin of different lilies. When the fluorophores were added, the accuracy of the test set and prediction set obtained by the classification model increased from 71.4% to 92.9% and 66.7% to 100%, respectively. The proposed method combined fluorophores-assisted EEM fluorescence with multi-way chemometric methods to extract comprehensive information on the samples, which provided a potential method for the origin traceability of traditional Chinese medicine.