bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement-Based Tapped Delay Line Channel Modeling for Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Air-to-Ground Communications at S-Band
Authors: Lyu Yue , He Yuanfeng , Liang Zhiwei , Wang Wei , Yu Junyi , Shi Dan
Published: September 2024

Fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are widely considered as a vital candidate of aerial base station in beyond Fifth Generation (B5G) systems. Accurate knowledge of air-to-ground (A2G) wireless propagation is important for A2G communication system development and testing where, however, there is still a lack of A2G wideband channel models for such a purpose. In this paper, we present a wideband fixed-wing UAV-based A2G channel measurement campaign at 2.7 GHz, and consider typical flight phases, based on which a wide-sense stationary uncorrelated scattering (WSSUS)-based tapped delay line (TDL) wideband channel model is proposed. Parameters of individual channel taps are analyzed in terms of gain, amplitude distribution, Rice factor and delay-Doppler spectrum. It is shown that UAV flight phases significantly influence the channel tap parameters. Particularly, the “Bell”-type spectrum is found to be the most suitable model for the delay-Doppler spectrum under various flight scenarios for A2G propagation. The proposed channel model can provide valuable assistance and guidance for UAV communication system evaluation and network planning.
Robust Optimization Research of Cyber–Physical Power System Considering Wind Power Uncertainty and Coupled Relationship
Authors: Dong Jiuling , Song Zilong , Zheng Yuanshuo , Luo Jingtang , Zhang Min , Yang Xiaolong , Ma Hongbing
Published: September 2024

To mitigate the impact of wind power uncertainty and power–communication coupling on the robustness of a new power system, a bi-level mixed-integer robust optimization strategy is proposed. Firstly, a coupled network model is constructed based on complex network theory, taking into account the coupled relationship of energy supply and control dependencies between the power and communication networks. Next, a bi-level mixed-integer robust optimization model is developed to improve power system resilience, incorporating constraints related to the coupling strength, electrical characteristics, and traffic characteristics of the information network. The upper-level model seeks to minimize load shedding by optimizing DC power flow using fuzzy chance constraints, thereby reducing the risk of power imbalances caused by random fluctuations in wind power generation. Furthermore, the deterministic power balance constraints are relaxed into inequality constraints that account for wind power forecasting errors through fuzzy variables. The lower-level model focuses on minimizing traffic load shedding by establishing a topology–function-constrained information network traffic model based on the maximum flow principle in graph theory, thereby improving the efficiency of network flow transmission. Finally, a modified IEEE 39-bus test system with intermittent wind power is used as a case study. Random attack simulations demonstrate that, under the highest link failure rate and wind power penetration, Model 2 outperforms Model 1 by reducing the load loss ratio by 23.6% and improving the node survival ratio by 5.3%.
Obtaining Academic Employment Within the U.S. Context: The Experiences of Strugglers
Authors: Bui Binh Chi , Gonzalez Elsa Maria
Published: September 2024

In the present study, we explored the experiences of Ph.D. graduates in navigating the U.S. academic job market. We used interpretative phenomenology and interview data from 15 Ph.D. graduates. These participants came from different racial/ethnic backgrounds and were either U.S. citizens or international candidates while pursuing their current academic positions. Our findings reveal that during their job search, the participants, especially racially minoritized individuals and immigrants, faced concerns about the best-fit qualities, negotiated their failures with a flexible mindset, and introspected to restore their academic identity. These findings suggest the internal struggles of academic job seekers and the complexities of validating doctoral employability in a highly competitive environment. Strong agency to overcome these challenges is essential to any successful academic job seekers. Given the findings, the study emphasizes the need to further research and enhance the employability of Ph.D. graduates in today’s academic landscape.
A Deep Reinforcement Learning Method Based on a Transformer Model for the Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Xu Shuai , Li Yanwu , Li Qiuyang
Published: September 2024

The flexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSSP), which can significantly enhance production efficiency, is a mathematical optimization problem widely applied in modern manufacturing industries. However, due to its NP-hard nature, finding an optimal solution for all scenarios within a reasonable time frame faces serious challenges. This paper proposes a solution that transforms the FJSSP into a Markov Decision Process (MDP) and employs deep reinforcement learning (DRL) techniques for resolution. First, we represent the state features of the scheduling environment using seven feature vectors and utilize a transformer encoder as a feature extraction module to effectively capture the relationships between state features and enhance representation capability. Second, based on the features of the jobs and machines, we design 16 composite dispatching rules from multiple dimensions, including the job completion rate, processing time, waiting time, and manufacturing resource utilization, to achieve flexible and efficient scheduling decisions. Furthermore, we project an intuitive and dense reward function with the objective of minimizing the total idle time of machines. Finally, to verify the performance and feasibility of the algorithm, we evaluate the proposed policy model on the Brandimarte, Hurink, and Dauzere datasets. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework consistently outperforms traditional dispatching rules, surpasses metaheuristic methods on larger-scale instances, and exceeds the performance of existing DRL-based scheduling methods across most datasets.
Performance Evaluation of UDP-Based Data Transmission with Acknowledgment for Various Network Topologies in IoT Environments
Authors: Bekele Bereket Endale , Tokarz Krzysztof , Gebeyehu Nebiyat Yilikal , Pochopień Bolesław , Mrozek Dariusz
Published: September 2024

The rapid expansion of Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications necessitates a thorough understanding of network configurations to address unique challenges across various use cases. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of three IoT network topologies: linear chain, structured tree, and dynamic transition networks, each designed to meet the specific requirements of industrial automation, home automation, and environmental monitoring. Key performance metrics, including round-trip time (RTT), server processing time (SPT), and power consumption, are evaluated through both simulation and hardware experiments. Additionally, this study introduces an enhanced UDP protocol featuring an acknowledgment mechanism and a power consumption evaluation, aiming to improve data transmission reliability over the standard UDP protocol. Packet loss is specifically measured in hardware experiments to compare the performance of standard and enhanced UDP protocols. The findings show that the enhanced UDP significantly reduces packet loss compared to the standard UDP, enhancing data delivery reliability across dynamic and structured networks, though it comes at the cost of slightly higher power consumption due to additional processing. For network topology performance, the linear chain topology provides stable processing but higher RTT, making it suitable for applications such as tunnel monitoring; the structured tree topology offers low energy consumption and fast communication, ideal for home automation; and the dynamic transition network, suited for industrial Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), encounters challenges with adaptive routing. These insights guide the optimization of communication protocols and network configurations for more efficient and reliable IoT deployments.
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface-Based Backscatter Communication for Data Transmission
Authors: Li Xingquan , Zheng Hongxia , He Chunlong , Wang Yong , Wang Guoqing
Published: September 2024

Data transmission is one of the critical factors in the future of the Internet of Things (IoT). The techniques of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) and backscatter communication (BackCom) are in need of a solution of realizing low-power sustainable transmission, which shows great potential in wireless communication. Hence, this paper introduces an RIS-based BackCom system, where the RIS receives energy from a base station (BS) and sends information by backscattering the signals from the BS. To maximize the sum rate of all IoT devices (IoTDs), we jointly optimized the time allocation, the RIS-reflecting phase shifts and the transmit power of the BS by exploiting an alternative optimization algorithm. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness and the feasibility of the proposed wireless communication scheme and the proposed algorithm in IoT networks.
Specific Emitter Identification Algorithm Based on Time–Frequency Sequence Multimodal Feature Fusion Network
Authors: He Yuxuan , Wang Kunda , Song Qicheng , Li Huixin , Zhang Bozhi
Published: September 2024

Specific emitter identification is a challenge in the field of radar signal processing. Its aims to extract individual fingerprint features of the signal. However, early works are all designed using either signal or time–frequency image and heavily rely on the calculation of hand-crafted features or complex interactions in high-dimensional feature space. This paper introduces the time–frequency multimodal feature fusion network, a novel architecture based on multimodal feature interaction. Specifically, we designed a time–frequency signal feature encoding module, a wvd image feature encoding module, and a multimodal feature fusion module. Additionally, we propose a feature point filtering mechanism named FMM for signal embedding. Our algorithm demonstrates high performance in comparison with the state-of-the-art mainstream identification methods. The results indicate that our algorithm outperforms others, achieving the highest accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, surpassing the second-best by 9.3%, 8.2%, 9.2%, and 9%. Notably, the visual results show that the proposed method aligns with the signal generation mechanism, effectively capturing the distinctive fingerprint features of radar data. This paper establishes a foundational architecture for the subsequent multimodal research in SEI tasks.
A Review of Data-Driven Methods in Building Retrofit and Performance Optimization: From the Perspective of Carbon Emission Reductions
Authors: Luo Shu-Long , Shi Xing , Yang Feng
Published: September 2024

In order to reduce the contribution of the building sector to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, it is important to improve the building performance through retrofits from the perspective of carbon emission reductions. Data-driven methods are now widely used in building retrofit research. To better apply data-driven techniques in low-carbon building retrofits, a better understanding is needed of the connections and interactions in optimization objectives and parameters, as well as optimization methods and tools. This paper provides a bibliometric analysis of selected 45 studies, summarizes current research hotspots in the field, discusses gaps to be filled, and proposes potential directions for future work. The results show that (1) the building-performance optimization (BPO) process established through physical simulation methods combines the site, retrofit variables, and carbon-related objectives, and the generated datasets are either directly processed using multi-objective optimization (MOO) algorithms or trained as a surrogate model and iteratively optimized using MOO methods. When a sufficient amount of data is available, data-driven methods can be used to develop mathematical models and use MOO methods for performance optimization from the perspective of building carbon emission reductions. (2) The benefits of retrofits are maximized by holistically taking environmental, economic, and social factors into account; from the perspectives of carbon emissions, costs, thermal comfort, and more, widely adopted strategies include improving the thermal performance of building envelopes, regulating HVAC systems, and utilizing renewable energy. (3) The optimization process based on data-driven methods, such as optimization algorithms and machine learning, apply mathematical models and methods for automatic iterative calculations and screen out the optimal solutions with computer assistance with high efficiency while ensuring accuracy. (4) Only 2.2% and 6.7% of the literature focus on the impacts of human behavior and climate change on building retrofits, respectively. In the future, it is necessary to give further consideration to user behaviors and long-term climate change in the retrofit process, in addition to improving the accuracy of optimization models and exploring the generalization and migration capabilities of surrogate models.
A Computer Model of a Marx Generator Charging a Coaxial Switched Wave Oscillator
Authors: Chaber Bartosz , Łodyga Wiktor , Starzyński Jacek
Published: September 2024

The paper describes an axisymmetric Finite-Difference Time-Domain computer model of a coaxial Switched Wave Oscillator integrated with a dipole antenna. The model analyzes the operation of a realistic circuit model of a multistage Marx generator that charges the oscillator to a high voltage. The initial field distribution is calculated with an electrostatic finite-difference method solver to speed up the time-domain analysis. The work presents the results of our circuit model of a Marx generator’s simulations of the charging phase, followed by the results from the discharge phase, using our axisymmetric Finite-Difference Time-Domain model. Our work describes new and fast numerical solvers that can observe the operation of Switched Wave Oscillator systems (also considering the connected antenna). The codes could be used in the process of designing such a system. Advanced boundary conditions modeling the spark gap and oscillator’s excitation set our work apart from the other attempts in the literature.
Synergy Effect of High K-Low Ca-High Si Biomass Ash Model System on Syngas Production and Reactivity Characteristics during Petroleum Coke Steam Gasification
Authors: Wei Juntao , Tian Lina , Sun Jiawei , Ding Kuan , Li Bin , Bai Yonghui , Rout Lipeeka , Liu Xia , Xu Guangyu , Yu Guangsuo
Published: September 2024

The synergy effect of high K-low Ca-high Si biomass ash-based model system (BAMS) on the synthesis gas output and reaction characteristics of petroleum coke (PC) steam gasification process was studied using three biomass ash (BA) components, KCl, SiO2, and CaCO3, which were used as the model compounds. In the ternary model system, the steam gasification experiment of PC was conducted using a fixed bed reactor and gas phase chromatography. The synergistic effects of binary and ternary components in the ternary model system on the gasification of PC were obtained. These investigations were based on the data from the gas analysis and examined the gasification reaction process, syngas release behavior, and reaction characteristics. This study examined the effects of binary and ternary components in the ternary model system on the evolution of semi-char structure during PC gasification. This correlation revealed the synergistic effect of the model system on PC gasification. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and surface microstructure of the gasification semi-char. The results showed that the yields of different gases in the ternary model system were in H2 > CO > CO2. Compared with single PC gasification, the yields of H2, CO, syngas, and carbon conversion were increased by 29.42 mmol/g, 20.40 mmol/g, 56.68 mmol/g, and 0.35, respectively. All other components in the ternary model system with high K-low Ca-high Si demonstrated catalytic effect, except for SiO2 and the Ca-Si system, which showed inhibitory effects on syngas release and reaction features. Integrating SEM and Raman spectroscopic analyses, it was elucidated that CaCO3 and KCl diminished the degree of graphitization in semi-char through interactions with the carbonaceous matrix. This phenomenon facilitated the gasification process and exhibited a synergistic effect. Secondly, SiO2 will react with CaCO3 and KCl, producing inert silicates and inactivating these compounds, leading to the decline of catalysis.
Cost of Green Hydrogen
Authors: Kotowicz Janusz , Baszczeńska Oliwia , Niesporek Kamil
Published: September 2024

Acting in accordance with the requirements of the 2015 Paris Agreement, Poland, as well as other European Union countries, have committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. One of the solutions to reduce emissions of harmful substances into the environment is the implementation of large-scale hydrogen technologies. This article presents the cost of producing green hydrogen produced using an alkaline electrolyzer, with electricity supplied from a photovoltaic farm. The analysis was performed using the Monte Carlo method, and for baseline assumptions including an electricity price of 0.053 EUR/kWh, the cost of producing green hydrogen was 5.321 EUR/kgH2. In addition, this article presents a sensitivity analysis showing the impact of the electricity price before and after the energy crisis and other variables on the cost of green hydrogen production. The large change occurring in electricity prices (from 0.035 EUR/kWh to 0.24 EUR/kWh) significantly affected the levelized cost of green hydrogen (LCOH), which could change by up to 14 EUR/kgH2 in recent years. The results of the analysis showed that the parameters that successively have the greatest impact on the cost of green hydrogen production are the operating time of the plant and the unit capital expenditure. The development of green hydrogen production facilities, along with the scaling of technology in the future, can reduce the cost of its production.
Study on the Evolutionary Process and Balancing Mechanism of Net Load in Renewable Energy Power Systems
Authors: Hu Sile , Yang Jiaqiang , Guo Yu , Bi Yue , Nan Jianan
Published: September 2024

With the rapid development of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, the net load characteristics of power systems have undergone fundamental changes. This paper defines quantitative analysis indicators for net load characteristics and examines how these characteristics evolve as the proportion of wind and solar energy increases. By identifying inflection points in the system’s adjustment capabilities, we categorize power systems into low, medium, and high renewable energy penetration. We then establish adjustment models that incorporate traditional coal power, hydropower, natural gas generation, adjustable loads, system interconnections, pumped-storage hydroelectricity, and new energy storage technologies. A genetic algorithm is employed to optimize and balance the net load curves under varying renewable energy proportions, analyzing the mechanism behind net load balance. A case study, based on real operational data from 2023 for a provincial power grid in western China, which is rich in renewable resources, conducts a quantitative analysis of the system’s adjustment capability inflection point and net load balancing strategies. The results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively captures the evolution of the system’s net load and reveals the mechanisms of net load balancing under different renewable energy penetration levels.
State-of-the-Art Power Factor Correction: An Industry Perspective
Authors: Adragna Claudio , Bianco Alberto , Gritti Giovanni , Sucameli Matteo
Published: September 2024

On 1 January 2001, the IEC 61000-3-2 regulation became effective. Since then, mitigating current harmonics has been essential to ensure that electronic equipment connected to single-phase power distribution lines conforms to electromagnetic compatibility directives. Today, high-quality rectification, commonly known as power factor correction (PFC), is a well-established technique widely adopted by the industry for powering various devices from the ac line. The topic has been studied by academia and industry since the mid-1980s; thus, an enormous amount of research has been published and countless solutions have been proposed since then. However, only a few of those solutions have encountered wide industrial usage. So, it is not the authors’ intention to provide a comprehensive review, but to take stock of the most used PFC techniques from an industry perspective. This paper will review the power factor theory with non-sinusoidal currents, the practical and regulatory aspects of using PFC, and the most common industry solutions for power factor correction in equipment operated from the single-phase, public, low-voltage supply system, with a special focus on boost PFC pre-regulators, their control methods, design procedures, and issues.
Effects of Thinning Practices on Soil Properties and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Natural Pure Oriental Beech Forests
Authors: Palta Şahin , Özel Halil Barış , Souza Tancredo Augusto Feitosa de , Baş Eren
Published: September 2024

Thinning intensities in Fagus orientalis Lipsky. stands may influence the soil properties, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi symbiosis, and their interaction through soil quality enhancement. We aimed to investigate the impact of four thinning intensities—control (no thinning); moderate (15%), moderately intense (35%), and intense thinning (55%)—implemented five years ago in pure oriental beech forests. In this context, the percentage indicates the proportion of trees removed by each thinning intensity, based on the total number of trees before thinning. Our focus encompassed soil physical–chemical properties, AM fungi community composition, and root colonization. At the intense thinning sites, the soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available potassium, AMF spore density, and root colonization increased by 209.7, 88.9, 115.8, 404.9, and 448.5%, respectively, when compared to the control sites. This suggests a potential rise in AMF spore density and root colonization—a vital aspect for natural regeneration. These findings highlight the importance of considering management practices in forest systems that can enhance the root system in a sustainable manner to improve plant performance, soil fertility, and symbiosis with AM fungi.
Wildfire Burnt Area and Associated Greenhouse Gas Emissions under Future Climate Change Scenarios in the Mediterranean: Developing a Robust Estimation Approach
Authors: van der Schriek Tim , Varotsos Konstantinos V. , Karali Anna , Giannakopoulos Christos
Published: September 2024

Wildfires burn annually over 400,000 ha in Mediterranean countries. By the end of the 21st century, wildfire Burnt Area (BA) and associated Green House Gas (GHG) emissions may double to triple due to climate change. Regional projections of future BA are urgently required to update wildfire policies. We present a robust methodology for estimating regional wildfire BA and GHG emissions under future climate change scenarios in the Mediterranean. The Fire Weather Index, selected drought indices, and meteorological variables were correlated against BA/GHG emissions data to create area-specific statistical projection models. State-of-the-art regional climate models (horizontal resolution: 12 km), developed within the EURO-CORDEX initiative, simulated data under three climate change scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5) up to 2070. These data drove the statistical models to estimate future wildfire BA and GHG emissions in three pilot areas in Greece, Montenegro, and France. Wildfire BA is projected to increase by 20% to 130% up to 2070, depending on the study area and climate scenario. The future expansion of fire-prone areas into the north Mediterranean and mountain environments is particularly alarming, given the large biomass present here. Fire-smart landscape management may, however, greatly reduce the projected future wildfire BA and GHG increases.
Forecasting the CBOE VIX and SKEW Indices Using Heterogeneous Autoregressive Models
Authors: Guidolin Massimo , Panzeri Giulia F.
Published: September 2024

We analyze the predictability of daily data on the CBOE VIX and SKEW indices, used to capture the average level of risk-neutral risk and downside risk, respectively, as implied by S&P 500 index options. In particular, we use forecast models from the Heterogeneous Autoregressive (HAR) class to test whether and how lagged values of the VIX and of the SKEW may increase the forecasting power of HAR for the SKEW and the VIX. We find that a simple HAR is very hard to beat in out-of-sample experiments aimed at forecasting the VIX. In the case of the SKEW, the benchmarks (the random walk and an AR(1)) are clearly outperformed by HAR models at all the forecast horizons considered and there is evidence that special definitions of the SKEW index based on put options data only yield superior forecasts at all horizons.
Unambiguous Interpretation of the Pathogenicity of the GLA c.547+3A>G Variant Causing Fabry Disease
Authors: Urtis Mario , Cavaliere Claudia , Vilardo Viviana , Paganini Chiara , Smirnova Alexandra , Giorgianni Carmelina , Di Toro Alessandro , Chiapparini Luisa , Pellegrini Carlo , Grasso Maurizia , Arbustini Eloisa
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate the role of case-level American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) criteria, such as familial segregation and pathology data, in providing conclusive evidence for the pathogenicity of ultrarare GLA variants causing Anderson–Fabry disease when gene-level and variant-level criteria provide ambiguous or discrepant results. Case/family description: A 52-year-old woman presented with new-onset shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations. Echocardiography revealed mild left ventricular wall thickening (14 mm) and mild diastolic dysfunction. She was the second of three siblings born to unrelated parents, both of whom died from malignancies. Family screening identified brothers, one affected 55-year-old with hypertension and asthma and one unaffected 47-year-old. The 15-year-old son of the proband complained of exercise-induced burning feet acral pain his electrocardiogram showed a short PR interval and signs of early hypertrophy. Results: Endomyocardial biopsies of the proband and the affected sibling demonstrated substrate accumulation (globotriaosylceramide). The anti-α-galactosidase-A immunostain showed a total loss of the enzyme in the hemizygous male and a mosaic pattern in the heterozygous female. The next-generation sequencing short-read multigene panel identified the c.547+3A>G variant in the GLA gene and excluded variants in other genes; Oxford-Nanopore long-read sequencing excluded known pathogenic deep intronic variants. A Multiplex-Ligation-dependent-Probe-Amplification assay excluded copy number variations. Based on the variant-level and gene-level ACMG criteria, the variant was classified as a Variant of Uncertain Significance or Likely Benign using different bioinformatic tools. By adding case-level functional data (endomyocardial biopsy, PS3_VeryStrong) and familial data (segregation of genotype with phenotype, PP2_Moderate), the variant was classified as Likely Pathogenic/Pathogenic. Conclusion: ACMG case-level data can unambiguously resolve uncertain interpretations of GLA variants.
Expanding the Spectrum of Autosomal Dominant ATP6V1A-Related Disease: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Sirchia Fabio , Taietti Ivan , Donesana Myriam , Bassanese Francesco , Clemente Andrea Martina , Barbato Eliana , Orsini Alessandro , Ferretti Alessandro , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Savasta Salvatore , Foiadelli Thomas
Published: September 2024

Background: Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) are a group of disorders often linked to de novo mutations, including those in the ATP6V1A gene. These mutations, particularly dominant gain-of-function (GOF) variants, have been associated with a spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from severe DEE and infantile spasms to milder conditions like autism spectrum disorder and language delays. Methods: We aim to expand ATP6V1A-related disease spectrum by describing a six-year-old boy who presented with a febrile seizure, mild intellectual disability (ID), language delay, acquired microcephaly, and dysmorphic features. Results: Genetic analysis revealed a novel de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant (c.82G>A, p.Val28Met) in the ATP6V1A gene. He did not develop epilepsy, and neuroimaging remained normal over five years of follow-up. Although ATP6V1A mutations have traditionally been linked to severe neurodevelopmental disorders, often with early-onset epilepsy, they may exhibit milder, non-progressive phenotypes, challenging previous assumptions about the severity of ATP6V1A-related conditions. Conclusions: This case expands the known clinical spectrum, illustrating that not all patients with ATP6V1A mutations exhibit severe neurological impairment or epilepsy and underscoring the importance of including this gene in differential diagnoses for developmental delays, especially when febrile seizures or dysmorphic features are present. Broader genotype–phenotype correlations are essential for improving predictive accuracy and guiding clinical management, especially as more cases with mild presentations are identified.
Experimental Investigation on Shear Strength at the Permeable Concrete–Fine-Grained Soil Interface for Slope Stabilization Using Deep Socket Counterfort Drains
Authors: Ziccarelli Maurizio , Sapienza Giovanni , Casella Antonio
Published: September 2024

In slopes where high pore water pressure exists, deep counterfort drains (also called drainage trenches or trench drains) represent one of the most effective methods for improving stability or mitigating landslide risks. In the cases of deep or very deep slip surfaces, this method represents the only possible intervention. Trench drains can be realized by using panels or secant piles filled with coarse granular material or permeable concrete. If the trenches are adequately “socket” into the stable ground (for example sufficiently below the sliding surface of a landslide or below the critical slip surface of marginally stable slopes) and the filling material has sufficient shear strength and stiffness, like porous concrete, there is a further increase in shear strength due to the “shear keys” effect. The increase in shear strength is due both to the intrinsic resistance of the concrete on the sliding surface and the resistance at the concrete–soil interface (on the lateral surface of the trench). The latter can be very significant in relation to the thickness of the sliding mass, the “socket depth”, and the spacing between the trenches. The increase in shear strength linked to the “shear keys effect” depends on the state of the porous concrete–soil interface. For silty–clayey base soils, it is very significant and is of the same order of magnitude as the increase in shear resistance linked to the permanent reduction on the slip surface in pore water pressure (draining effect). This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the shear strength at the porous interface of concrete and fine-grained soils and demonstrates the high significance and effectiveness of the “shear keys” effect.
Numerical Modeling of Extreme Sea Levels on the Laptev Sea Coast
Authors: Kulikov Mikhail E. , Arkhipkin Victor S. , Medvedev Igor P. , Kovachev Sergey A. , Krylov Artem A.
Published: September 2024

The present study is devoted to the analysis of extreme sea level oscillations of the Laptev Sea using the ADCIRC model. The numerical modeling is performed on a high-resolution grid and verified for sea level observations from three tide gauges. We have revealed regional characteristics of extreme sea level oscillations for different parts of the Laptev Sea coast. The maximum total sea level range was 544 cm in Ebelyakh Bay, while the minimum was 267 cm in Khatanga Bay, where maximum tidal ranges were obtained. Some areas in Khatanga Bay and Anabar Bay had maximum tidal ranges exceeding 200 cm. The study provided an estimation of the possible magnitude of coastal flooding by calculating the extreme total and residual sea levels for different return periods: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 years. The amplitude of extreme surges calculated for the 100-year return period can exceed 300 cm for several sections of the Laptev Sea coast, with the maximum sea level range being about 680 cm for Anabar and Ebelyakh Bays.
Unjust: Publishing Black and African American Children’s Books and School Availability
Authors: Bowlding Karen , Anderson Kathy
Published: September 2024

Traditional book publishing has a pronounced and unjust deficiency of Black and African American voices. White culture, thoughts, and rules are the standard in traditional publishing. Black and African American authors are not typically picked up by white-dominated publishing companies. In traditional publishing, mostly white literary agents are gatekeepers and acquisition editors shut the doors too frequently to non-white authors. Aspiring Black authors then resort to hybrid or vanity press companies that often use unscrupulous practices, charge exorbitant fees, accomplish little or low-quality work, and deny authors’ agency and full rights in the final disposition of a book. Because a majority of traditionally published children’s books featuring Black or African American stories or characters are written by or illustrated by non-Black people, the wide possibilities of adventure, celebrations, discovery, and friendship stories are not published for Black children. Instead, publishers favor stories about slavery, the civil rights movement, famous Black people, and hair tales as well as racially ambiguous characters. Regrettably, Black and African American culturally relevant stories written and illustrated by Black or African Americans are not readily available to children in school and library settings consistent with schools’ community or student demographics. This article shares research findings and viewpoints of Kathy Anderson and Karen Bowlding, two Black children’s book writers and publishing consultants who are also parents. Black and African American students encounter education and cultural injustice because of the practices of traditional publishing companies, educators, and librarians. Parents and guardians can ameliorate these issues with discernment and action. Foremost, publishing company decision-makers must acknowledge their own racial biases that deny representation and authenticity to all children in our US classrooms.
Design and Implementation of a Sickle Cell Disease Electronic Registry in Resource Limited Setting in Nigeria—A Pilot Study
Authors: Idris Muhammad Aminu , Ruggieri Lucia , Ahmad Hafsat Rufai , Hassan Abdulaziz , Ibrahim Ismaila Nda , Adullahi Faruk Jamil , Awwalu Sani , Nasiru Usman , Bonifazi Fedele , Inusa Baba P. D.
Published: September 2024

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive haemoglobin disorder, affecting about 7.74 million individuals worldwide, but it is more prevalent among Africans and Asians. SCD is characterised by many complications, and it is a major health issue in Nigeria, the country with the largest burden of the disease globally. This work aims to present the design and implementation of electronic registries (ER) for SCD in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methods: Registry design was initiated during a staff exchange programme within the ARISE initiative (EU grant agreement no. 824021). Ethical approval was obtained, and paper records were retrieved and transferred into one adult and one paediatric database, developed with Microsoft Access. Results: Data from 2659 SCD patients were entered in the ERs, including 698 (26.3%) adults and 1961 (73.7%) children. There were 287 (41%) male adults, 404 (58%) female and 7 (1%) patients whose gender was missing. There were 1041 (53.1%) male children, 906 (46.2%) female and 14 (0.7%) whose gender was missing. Information on phenotype was available for 2385 subjects, and most of them (2082, 87.3%) were SS. The most prevalent SCD-related complication was painful events (26.6% in adults and 68.7% in children, considering valid cases). Conclusions: About 60% of SCD patients in the centre were included in the ERs providing useful, hands-on recommendations for future ER design in SCD. These ERs might be an appropriate tool for collecting and analysing SCD patients’ data.
Sexual Violence against Adults Aged 50 Years and Older and Implications for Prevention: A Thematic Analysis of Service Providers’ Perceptions
Authors: Hand Michelle D. , Lee Mo Yee , Kaiser Michelle L. , Mengo Cecilia , Dabelko-Schoeny Holly
Published: September 2024

At-risk older adults and older survivors of sexual violence (SV) remain largely absent from SV prevention and intervention, owing to ageism and sexism, as well as other intersectional forms of prejudice, including among service providers (e.g., social workers, healthcare professionals, practitioners in SV organizations, and practitioners who serve older adults). This study explored perceptions, knowledge and experiences with SV against adults 50 years and older. Service providers who work with older adults and/or survivors were recruited, owing to where SV in later life is reported (e.g., healthcare, long-term care, and social service organizations, and to police in addition to SV service organizations), to contribute to the limited research in this area and to advance prevention and intervention. A survey was conducted on SV in later life, exploring knowledge, perceptions and experiences with SV in later life along with potential solutions for prevention and intervention among 126 service providers who worked with survivors and/or older adults. Their responses were thematically analyzed. Five themes were identified: (a) misconceptions of SV in later life and unique barriers to preventing it; (b) needs for knowledge, awareness, research and education; (c) policy and resource development; (d) victim blame and internalized stigma, and (e) ageism, intersectional prejudice and rape culture. The findings offer an in-depth understanding of barriers to prevention, and intervention, and multi-level recommendations for addressing them, which are provided by a diverse group of service providers who have worked with older adults and/or with survivors, reflecting multidisciplinary practice wisdom and experience.
A Multi-Mediation Analysis of the Association between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among South African Adolescents
Authors: Collings Steven J. , Valjee Sachet R.
Published: September 2024

The available research findings suggest that non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) constitutes an important public health issue, with identified risk factors for NSSI having been found to include exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and comorbidity with various mental disorders. However, the available findings have, for the most part, been based on the experiences of individuals living in predominantly high-income countries located in the Global North, and it is not clear whether these findings can be confidently generalised to individuals living in low-resourced countries. As such, this cross-sectional study assessed risk factors for NSSI in a non-clinical sample of 636 South African adolescents (12–18 years old), with the data being analysed using a multi-mediation analysis. ACEs were assessed using a revised version of the ACEs Questionnaire, and NSSI was assessed using items adapted from the Self-Harm subscale of the Risk-Taking and Self-Harm Inventory for Adolescents, with emotion dysregulation, depression, and PTSD being considered as possible mediators. High prevalence rates for NSSI and exposure to five or more ACEs were reported by the participants, with the mediation analysis indicating that significant direct effects of adverse childhood experiences on NSSI were partially mediated by emotion dysregulation. These findings are discussed with respect to their implications for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
Tracking Response and Resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia through Single-Cell DNA Sequencing Helps Uncover New Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Bruno Samantha , Borsi Enrica , Patuelli Agnese , Bandini Lorenza , Mancini Manuela , Forte Dorian , Nanni Jacopo , Barone Martina , Grassi Alessandra , Cristiano Gianluca , Venturi Claudia , Robustelli Valentina , Atzeni Giulia , Mosca Cristina , De Santis Sara , Monaldi Cecilia , Poletti Andrea , Terragna Carolina , Curti Antonio , Cavo Michele , Soverini Simona , Ottaviani Emanuela
Published: September 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic neoplasia with a complex polyclonal architecture. Among driver lesions, those involving the FLT3 gene represent the most frequent mutations identified at diagnosis. The development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has improved the clinical outcomes of FLT3-mutated patients (Pt). However, overcoming resistance to these drugs remains a challenge. To unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying therapy resistance and clonal selection, we conducted a longitudinal analysis using a single-cell DNA sequencing approach (MissionBioTapestri® platform, San Francisco, CA, USA) in two patients with FLT3-mutated AML. To this end, samples were collected at the time of diagnosis, during TKI therapy, and at relapse or complete remission. For Pt #1, disease resistance was associated with clonal expansion of minor clones, and 2nd line TKI therapy with gilteritinib provided a proliferative advantage to the clones carrying NRAS and KIT mutations, thereby responsible for relapse. In Pt #2, clonal architecture was less complex, and 1st line TKI therapy with midostaurin was able to eradicate the leukemic clones. Our results corroborate previous findings about clonal selection driven by TKIs, highlighting the importance of a deeper characterization of individual clonal architectures for choosing the best treatment plan for personalized approaches aimed at optimizing outcomes.
Targeting Calcitriol Metabolism in Acute Vitamin D Toxicity—A Comprehensive Review and Clinical Insight
Authors: Aberger Simon , Schreiber Nikolaus , Pilz Stefan , Eller Kathrin , Rosenkranz Alexander R. , Kirsch Alexander H.
Published: September 2024

High-dose vitamin D supplementation is common in the general population, but unsupervised high-dose supplementation in vitamin D-replete individuals poses a risk of severe toxicity. Susceptibility to vitamin D toxicity shows a significant inter-individual variability that may in part be explained by genetic predispositions (i.e., CYP24A1 polymorphism). The classic manifestation of vitamin D toxicity is hypercalcemia, which may be refractory to conventional therapy. Its causes include the endogenous overaction of 1α-hydroxylase, monogenic alterations affecting vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and exogenous vitamin D intoxication. In this manuscript, we include a literature review of potential pharmacological interventions targeting calcitriol metabolism to treat vitamin D intoxication and present a case of severe, exogenous vitamin D intoxication responding to systemic corticosteroids after the failure of conventional therapy. Systemic glucocorticoids alleviate acute hypercalcemia by inhibiting enteric calcium absorption and increasing the degradation of vitamin D metabolites but may cause adverse effects. Inhibitors of 1α-hydroxylase (keto/fluconazole) and inducers of CYP3A4 (rifampicin) may be considered steroid-sparing alternatives for the treatment of vitamin D intoxication.
Systematic Evaluation of Regiochemistry and Lipidation of Aryl Trehalose Mincle Agonists
Authors: Riel Asia Marie S. , Rungelrath Viktoria , Elwaie Tamer A. , Rasheed Omer K. , Hicks Linda , Ettenger George , You Dai-Chi , Smith Mira , Buhl Cassandra , Abdelwahab Walid , Miller Shannon M. , Smith Alyson J. , Burkhart David , Evans Jay T. , Ryter Kendal T.
Published: September 2024

The Macrophage-Inducible C-type Lectin receptor (Mincle) plays a critical role in innate immune recognition and pathology, and therefore represents a promising target for vaccine adjuvants. Innovative trehalose-based Mincle agonists with improved pharmacology and potency may prove useful in the development of Th17-mediated adaptive immune responses. Herein, we report on in vitro and in silico investigations of specific Mincle ligand–receptor interactions required for the effective receptor engagement and activation of Th17-polarizing cytokines. Specifically, we employed a library of trehalose benzoate scaffolds, varying the degree of aryl lipidation and regiochemistry that produce inflammatory cytokines in a Mincle-dependent fashion. In vitro interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) indicated that the lipid regiochemistry is key to potency and maximum cytokine output, with the tri-substituted compounds inducing higher levels of IL-6 in hPBMCs than the di-substituted derivatives. Additionally, IL-6 production trended higher after stimulation with compounds that contained lipids ranging from five to eight carbons long, compared to shorter (below five) or longer (above eight) carbon chains, across all the substitution patterns. An analysis of the additional cytokines produced by hPBMCs revealed that compound 4d, tri-substituted and five carbons long, induced significantly greater levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and interferon- γ (IFN-γ) than the other compounds tested in this study. An in silico assessment of 4d highlighted the capability of this analogue to bind to the human Mincle carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) efficiently. Together, these data highlight important structure–activity findings regarding Mincle-specific cytokine induction, generating a lead adjuvant candidate for future formulations and immunological evaluations.
Novel Metabolites Associated with Decreased GFR in Finnish Men: A 12-Year Follow-Up of the METSIM Cohort
Authors: Fernandes Silva Lilian , Vangipurapu Jagadish , Oravilahti Anniina , Laakso Markku
Published: September 2024

Identification of the individuals having impaired kidney function is essential in preventing the complications of this disease. We measured 1009 metabolites at the baseline study in 10,159 Finnish men of the METSIM cohort and associated the metabolites with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A total of 7090 men participated in the 12-year follow-up study. Non-targeted metabolomics profiling was performed at Metabolon, Inc. (Morrisville, NC, USA) on EDTA plasma samples obtained after overnight fasting. We applied liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify the metabolites (the Metabolon DiscoveryHD4 platform). We performed association analyses between the eGFR and metabolites using linear regression adjusted for confounding factors. We found 108 metabolites significantly associated with a decrease in eGFR, and 28 of them were novel, including 12 amino acids, 8 xenobiotics, 5 lipids, 1 nucleotide, 1 peptide, and 1 partially characterized molecule. The most significant associations were with five amino acids, N-acetylmethionine, N-acetylvaline, gamma-carboxyglutamate, 3-methylglutaryl-carnitine, and pro-line. We identified 28 novel metabolites associated with decreased eGFR in the 12-year follow-up study of the METSIM cohort. These findings provide novel insights into the role of metabolites and metabolic pathways involved in the decline of kidney function.