bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal assessment of syringomyelia in Pomeranians
Authors: Santifort Koen M. , Carrera Ines , Mandigers Paul J. J.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are disorders that, in dogs, affect mainly small and toy breeds, including the Pomeranian. These disorders are linked to a great number of (owner-reported) clinical signs (ORCS) suggestive of pain. Aging was associated with an increased risk of having SM in several studies. However, there are only a few longitudinal studies that assess the presence and severity of CM/SM over time in CKCS dogs and progression of SM was linked to progression of clinical signs. The aim of this study was to investigate ORCS, CM/SM classification, and quantitative syrinx parameters in relation to progression of time (age) within individual Pomeranians.

Materials and methods

Pomeranians with or without ORCS and with or without diagnoses of CM/SM were included that had undergone two (or more) MRI studies of the craniocervicothoracic region between January 2020 and June 2023. Classification of CM/SM and quantitative syrinx measurements were performed. Absolute values as well as ratios for syrinx height, width, and cross-sectional area were included for analysis.

Results

A total of 19 Pomeranians were included in the study, of which 11 were male (58%) and 8 were female (42%). The median age at the time of MRI1 was 26 months (range 7–44 months). The median scan interval was 26 months (range 11–49 months). Eleven dogs (58%) were presented with ORCS at the time of MRI1, whereas the other 8 dogs (42%) had no ORCS at that time. At the time of MRI2, there were 17/19 dogs (89%) with ORCS and 2/19 dogs without ORCS (11%). Dogs were significantly more likely to have ORCS at MRI2 than MRI1 (p = 0. 0411). There was no significant difference between CM/SM classification at the time of MRI1 and MRI2. Significant differences were found between MRI1 and MRI2 for syrinx height (based on transverse images) (absolute value and ratio P = 0.0059), syrinx width (absolute value P = 0.1055, ratio P = 0.0039), and syrinx cross sectional area (absolute value P = 0.0195, ratio P = 0.0217).

Discussion

There are differences in the presence or absence of ORCS as well as quantitative syrinx measurements in Pomeranians at different ages. This finding supports that longitudinal changes occur in the SM status of Pomeranians.
Case report: Sepsis secondary to infected protracted parotid sialocele after maxillofacial oncologic surgery in a dog
Authors: Goldschmidt Stephanie , Anderson Jamie , Evenhuis Janny , Stoopler Eric , Sollecito Thomas P.
Published: May 2024

An 8-year-old male intact mixed breed dog was treated for a 3.7×3×3.6 cm grade 1 multilobular osteochondrosarcoma (MLO) arising from the dorsal aspect of the right coronoid process with a coronoidectomy, a zygomectomy, and a caudal maxillectomy. Ten months later, the dog presented for a swelling near the right angular process, which was presumed to be a locoregional recurrence. Blood work and initial staging tests (abdominal ultrasound) had mild abnormalities of no clinical concern/significance. The dog was hospitalized with a plan for computed tomographic (CT) scan of skull and chest the following day. Overnight, the swelling rapidly increased, and the dog became laterally recumbent, febrile, and hypotensive. Laboratory evaluation revealed hypoglycemia, elevated lactate, and elevated band neutrophils with moderate toxicity, most consistent with sepsis. The dog was stabilized with fluid resuscitation, intravenous (IV) antibiotics, IV dextrose, and pressor support. Once stabilized, a contrast CT scan was performed, which revealed evidence of an infected parotid gland sialocele. To our knowledge, this is the first veterinary case that describes sepsis secondary to an infected protracted parotid sialocele.
Adaptive Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode-Based Direct Yaw Moment Control for DDEV under Emergency Conditions
Authors: Zhang Yixi , Ma Jian , Zhou Yang
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an innovative three-level direct yaw moment control strategy for distributed drive electric vehicles (DDEV) under emergency conditions. The phase plane analysis is used at the supervisory level to design the stability boundary function taking into account the impact of the road adhesion coefficient. To guarantee the performance of finite-time convergence and singularity-free methods, the adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control (ANFTSMC) is developed at the decision level to determine the extra yaw moment for tracking the intended side slip angle and yaw rate. Among this, the unstable domain in the phase plane is further separated into moderately and severely unstable according to the degree of vehicle instability, which is defined by the distance between the state phase point and the stability boundary. Meanwhile, the adaptive weight between the handling and stability is obtained. At the executive level, the quadratic programming algorithm is adopted to allocate four-wheel torque with the objective of optimal tire utilization rate. Finally, the co-simulation test is executed in both closed-loop and open-loop circumstances; according to the simulation results, the presented ANFTSMC method outperforms the SMC, and it can decrease the tracking error and improve the handling and stability.
Use of Infrared Thermography and Heart Rate Variability to Evaluate Autonomic Activity in Domestic Animals
Authors: Ghezzi Marcelo Daniel , Ceriani María Carolina , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , Lendez Pamela Anahí , Olmos-Hernández Adriana , Casas-Alvarado Alejandro , Hernández-Avalos Ismael
Published: May 2024

Most of the responses present in animals when exposed to stressors are mediated by the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system, known as the one responsible for the “fight or flight” reaction, triggers cardiovascular changes such as tachycardia or vasomotor alterations to restore homeostasis. Increase in body temperature in stressed animals also activates peripheral compensatory mechanisms such as cutaneous vasodilation to increase heat exchange. Since changes in skin blood flow influence the amount of heat dissipation, infrared thermography is suggested as a tool that can detect said changes. The present review aims to analyze the application of infrared thermography as a method to assess stress-related autonomic activity, and their association with the cardiovascular and heart rate variability in domestic animals.
Preparation and Application of Carbon Dots Nanozymes
Authors: Kong Jichuan , Zhou Feng
Published: May 2024

Carbon dot (CD) nanozymes have enzyme-like activity. Compared with natural enzymes, CD nanozymes offer several advantages, including simple preparation, easy preservation, good stability and recycling, which has made them a popular research topic in various fields. In recent years, researchers have prepared a variety of CD nanozymes for biosensing detection, medicine and tumor therapy, and many of them are based on oxidative stress regulation and reactive oxygen species clearance. Particularly to expand their potential applications, elemental doping has been utilized to enhance the catalytic capabilities and other properties of CD nanozymes. This review discusses the prevalent techniques utilized in the synthesis of CD nanozymes and presents the diverse applications of CD nanozymes based on their doping characteristics. Finally, the challenges encountered in the current utilization of CD nanozymes are presented. The latest research progress of synthesis, application and the challenges outlined in the review can help and encourage the researchers for the future research on preparation, application and other related researches of CD nanozymes.
Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Sophora flavescens Aiton and Protective Effects against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury and Oxidative Stress in Mice
Authors: Yang Ye Jin , Kim Min Jung , Yang Ju-Hye , Heo Ji Woong , Kim Hun Hwan , Kim Woo H. , Kim Gon Sup , Lee Hu-Jang , Kim Young Woo , Kim Kwang Youn , Park Kwang Il
Published: May 2024

In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective effects of an ethanol extract of Sophora flavescens Aiton (ESF) on an alcohol-induced liver disease mouse model. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) was caused by the administration of ethanol to male C57/BL6 mice who were given a Lieber−DeCarli liquid diet, including ethanol. The alcoholic fatty liver disease mice were orally administered ESF (100 and 200 mg/kg bw/day) or silymarin (50 mg/kg bw/day), which served as a positive control every day for 16 days. The findings suggest that ESF enhances hepatoprotective benefits by significantly decreasing serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), markers for liver injury. Furthermore, ESF alleviated the accumulation of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), increased serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and improved serum alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity in the alcoholic fatty liver disease mice model. Cells and organisms rely on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1- Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) system as a critical defensive mechanism in response to oxidative stress. Therefore, Nrf2 plays an important role in ALD antioxidant responses, and its level is decreased by increased reactive oxidation stress (ROS) in the liver. ESF increased Nrf2, which was decreased in ethanol-damaged livers. Additionally, four polyphenol compounds were identified through a qualitative analysis of the ESF using LC-MS/MS. This study confirmed ESF’s antioxidative and hangover-elimination effects and suggested the possibility of using Sophora flavescens Aiton (SF) to treat ALD.
Use of Optical Redox Imaging to Quantify Alveolar Macrophage Redox State in Infants: Proof of Concept Experiments in a Murine Model and Human Tracheal Aspirates Samples
Authors: Xu He N. , Gonzalves Diego , Hoffman Jonathan H. , Baur Joseph A. , Li Lin Z. , Jensen Erik A.
Published: May 2024

Emerging data indicate that lung macrophages (LM) may provide a novel biomarker to classify disease endotypes in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a form of infant chronic lung disease, and that augmentation of the LM phenotype may be a potential therapeutic target. To contribute to this area of research, we first used Optical Redox Imaging (ORI) to characterize the responses to H2O2-induced oxidative stress and caffeine treatment in an in vitro model of mouse alveolar macrophages (AM). H2O2 caused a dose-dependent decrease in NADH and an increase in FAD-containing flavoproteins (Fp) and the redox ratio Fp/(NADH + Fp). Caffeine treatment did not affect Fp but significantly decreased NADH with doses of ≥50 µM, and 1000 µM caffeine treatment significantly increased the redox ratio and decreased the baseline level of mitochondrial ROS (reactive oxygen species). However, regardless of whether AM were pretreated with caffeine or not, the mitochondrial ROS levels increased to similar levels after H2O2 challenge. We then investigated the feasibility of utilizing ORI to examine macrophage redox status in tracheal aspirate (TA) samples obtained from premature infants receiving invasive ventilation. We observed significant heterogeneity in NADH, Fp, Fp/(NADH + Fp), and mitochondrial ROS of the TA macrophages. We found a possible positive correlation between gestational age and NADH and a negative correlation between mean airway pressure and NADH that provides hypotheses for future testing. Our study demonstrates that ORI is a feasible technique to characterize macrophage redox state in infant TA samples and supports further use of this method to investigate lung macrophage-mediated disease endotypes in BPD.
Effects of Electron Beam Radiation on the Phenolic Composition and Bioactive Properties of Olive Pomace Extracts
Authors: Madureira Joana , Gonçalves Inês , Cardoso Jéssica , Dias Maria Inês , Santos Pedro M. P. , Margaça Fernanda M. A. , Santos-Buelga Celestino , Barros Lillian , Cabo Verde Sandra
Published: May 2024

Olive pomace is an agro-industrial waste product generated from the olive oil industry and constituted by bioactive compounds with potential applications in several industrial sectors. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of electron beam (e-beam) radiation on olive pomace, specifically on phenolic compounds (by HPLC–DAD–ESI/MS) and the bioactive properties (antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial activities) of crude olive pomace (COP) and extracted olive pomace (EOP) extracts. The amount of total flavonoid content and the reducing power of COP extracts were higher than those obtained for EOP extracts. The results suggested that e-beam radiation at 6 kGy increased both total phenolic and total flavonoid contents as well as the reducing power of COP extracts, due to the higher extractability (>2.5-fold) of phenolic compounds from these samples, while decreasing the scavenging activity of extracts. The extracts of both olive pomaces showed antibacterial potential, and COP extracts at 400 µg/mL also presented antiproliferative activity against A549, Caco-2, 293T, and RAW264.7 cell lines, with both properties preserved with the e-beam treatment. All in all, e-beam radiation at 6 kGy appears to be a promising technology to valorize the pollutant wastes of the olive oil industry through enhancing phenolic extractability and bioactive properties, and, furthermore, to contribute to the environmental and economical sustainability of the olive oil industry.
The Management of Irrigation and Potassium Fertilization to Mitigate the Effect of Light Frosts on the Phenolic and Volatile Compounds in Virgin Olive Oils
Authors: Antonelli Suony , Pozas Sebastián , Saavedra-Torrico Jorge , Donders Mauricio , Bustamante Chris , Sepúlveda Betsabet , Tapia Francisco , García-González Diego L. , Romero Nalda
Published: May 2024

The frequency of early frosts has increased in recent years, which are injurious to olive growing, causing losses in the yield and quality of virgin olive oil. In this research, it was studied how the management of agronomic factors mitigates frost damage in Arbequina olives, minimizing the loss of phenols and volatiles in virgin olive oil, at different fruit ripening stages. A Box–Behnken design and multivariate analysis were performed, with three levels of irrigation, potassium fertilization, and foliar copper application (15 treatments). Virgin olive oil was extracted from fresh and frozen olives. Light frost caused a significant decrease in the total phenols and secoiridoid compounds in and the antioxidant capacity of the frost-affected oils, which were perceived as more pungent and had the slight defect of “frostbitten olives”. According to the Box–Behnken design, an 86% reference evapotranspiration (ET0) or higher with 100 potassium oxide units (UK2O) and a 100% ET0 or higher with 250 UK2O would be required to minimize the effect of light frost on phenols and volatiles. Partial Least Squares Regression–Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) differentiated the virgin olive oils according to their ripening stage and fresh and frost conditions. Moreover, PLS-DA positively correlated a 75–100% ET0 and 0 Uk2O with the dialdehydic form of the decarboxymethyl ligstroside aglycone (p-HPEA-EDA), the dialdehydic form of the decarboxymethyl oleuropein aglycone (3,4-DHPEA-EDA), the dialdehydic form of the ligstroside aglycone (p-HPEA-EDA-DLA), and with fruity, pungent, and bitter attributes. Precision agronomic management based on the needs of the crop itself would avoid unnecessary stress on olive trees and oil damage.
Bridging Modalities: A Multimodal Machine Learning Approach for Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis Using EEG and MRI Data
Authors: Alrawis Manal , Al-Ahmadi Saad , Mohammad Farah
Published: May 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a slowly progressing neurological disorder with symptoms that overlap with those of other conditions, making early detection and accurate diagnosis vital for effective treatment and a patient’s quality of life. Symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slow movements, and balance issues, along with psychiatric manifestations, are typical of PD. This study introduces a groundbreaking approach to PD diagnosis, utilizing a multimodal machine learning framework that integrates Electroencephalography (EEG) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data. Focusing on the early detection and accurate classification of PD, the proposed research leverages the distinct yet complementary nature of EEG and MRI datasets to enhance diagnostic precision. We employed a robust algorithmic strategy, including LightGBM and machine learning techniques, to analyze the complex patterns inherent in neurological data. The key steps of the proposed research are preprocessing and feature extraction from both EEG and MRI modalities, followed by their fusion using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction. The fused dataset was then analyzed using a LightGBM model and validated through a 10-fold cross-validation process to ensure reliability and stability. The model’s efficacy was further tested on independent datasets, demonstrating its robustness across diverse patient demographics. The obtained results showcased an accuracy of 97.17%, sensitivity of 96.58%, and specificity of 96.82% in PD classification, outperforming traditional multimodal as well as single-modality diagnostic methods. The integration of EEG and MRI data provided a more comprehensive view of the neurophysiological and neuroanatomical changes associated with PD. Additionally, the use of advanced machine learning algorithms allowed for a nuanced analysis, capturing subtle patterns indicative of early PD stages.
An S–K Band 6-Bit Digital Step Attenuator with Ultra Low Insertion Loss and RMS Amplitude Error in 0.25 μm GaAs p-HEMT Technology
Authors: Liang Quanzhen , Wang Kuisong , Wang Xiao , Yan Yuepeng , Liang Xiaoxin
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an ultra-wideband, low insertion loss, and high accuracy 6-bit digital step attenuator (DSA). To improve the accuracy of amplitude and phase shift of the attenuator, two innovative compensation structures are proposed in this paper: a series inductive compensation structure (SICS) designed to compensate for high frequency attenuation values and a small bit compensation structure (SBCS) intended for large attenuation bits. Additionally, we propose insertion loss reduction techniques (ILRTs) to reduce insertion loss. The fabricated 6-bit DSA core area is only 0.51 mm2, and it exhibits an attenuation range of 31.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps. Measurements reveal that the root-mean-square (RMS) attenuation and phase errors for the 64 attenuation states are within 0.18 dB and 7°, respectively. The insertion loss is better than 2.54 dB; the return loss is better than −17 dB; and the input 1 dB compression point (IP1 dB) is 29 dBm at IF 12 GHz. To the best of our knowledge, this chip presents the highest attenuation accuracy, the lowest insertion loss, the best IP1dB, and a good matching performance in the range of 2–22 GHz using the 0.25 μm GaAs p-HEMT process.
Numerical Study on Failure Mechanisms of Deep Roadway Sidewalls with Different Height-Width Ratios and Lateral Pressures
Authors: Wu Xingzhong , Zhang Yubao , Xing Minglu , Jiang Bo , Fu Jianye
Published: May 2024

The stability of roadway sidewalls is crucial to ensuring people’s safety and production efficiency in coal mining. This paper investigated the deformation and failure of deep roadway sidewalls, particularly the effects of height-width ratios and lateral pressure coefficients. Our research results indicate that brittle failure occurred in the diabase sidewall rock of the Datai coal mine, and a V-shaped pit was formed as a result of shear damage caused by high stress. When the height-width ratio of a roadway increases from 0.25 to 2.00, the tensile and shear plastic failure area of the sidewall increases, and vertical stress is transferred to a deep part of the roadway sidewall. There are two stress concentration zones and two stress peak points in the sidewall of a roadway. When the lateral pressure coefficient increases from 0.10 to 1.00, the tensile plastic zone of rock mass in the sidewall first decreases and gradually reaches stability. On the other hand, the shear failure area increases and then decreases. Similarly, the sidewall horizontal displacement decreases and then increases. Additionally, the vertical stress concentration position is located near the roadway sidewall.
El Niño–Southern Oscillation-Independent Regulation of Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Genesis
Authors: Jian Danlei , Zhao Haikun , Liu Min , Wang Ronghe
Published: May 2024

As the most significant interannual signal in the tropical Pacific, the influence of ENSO on the interannual variability in TC genesis location in the western North Pacific (WNP) has received much attention in previous studies. This paper mainly emphasizes the underlying SST factors independent of the ENSO signal and explores how they modulate interannual tropical cyclone genesis (TCG) latitude variability. Our study finds that the meridional sea temperature gradient (SSTG) between the Kuroshio Extension and the WNP still has a significant effect on the interannual variability in the TCG latitude after removing the effect of ENSO (r = 0.6). The interannual forecasts of the TCG latitude were effectively improved from 0.67 to 0.81 when the ENSO-independent SSTG and ENSO were regressed together in a multi-linear regression. We then propose an ENSO-independent physical mechanism affecting the TCG latitude. The equatorward (poleward) SSTG excited the positive (negative) Pacific–Japan telecorrelation pattern over the WNP, forming Rossby wave trains and propagating northward. A significant cyclonic vortex (anticyclonic vortex) with strong convective development (suppression) developed near 20° N, leading more TCs to the northern (southern) part of the WNP. These findings provide a new perspective for the prediction of the interannual variability in the TCG latitude.
Towards a Model of Snow Accretion for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Carvalho Mateus , Moradi Sadegh , Hosseinnouri Farimah , Keshavan Kiran , Villeneuve Eric , Gultepe Ismail , Komar John , Agelin-Chaab Martin , Hangan Horia
Published: May 2024

Snow accumulation on surfaces exposed to adverse weather conditions has been studied over the years due to a variety of problems observed in different industry sectors, such as aeronautics and wind and civil engineering. With the growing interest in autonomous vehicles (AVs), this concern extends to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Weather stressors, such as snow and icing, negatively influence the sensor functionality of AVs, and their autonomy is not guaranteed by manufacturers during episodes of intense weather precipitation. As a basis for mitigating the negative effects caused by heavy snowfall, models need to be developed to predict snow accumulation over critical surfaces of AVs. The present work proposes a framework for the study of snow accumulation on road vehicles. Existing icing and snow accretion models are reviewed, and adaptations for automotive applications are discussed. Based on the new capabilities developed by the Weather on Wheels (WoW) program at Ontario Tech University, a model architecture is proposed in order to progress toward adequate snow accretion predictions for autonomous vehicle operating conditions, and preliminary results are presented.
Seamless Modeling of Direct and Indirect Aerosol Effects during April 2020 Wildfire Episode in Ukraine
Authors: Savenets Mykhailo , Rybchynska Valeriia , Mahura Alexander , Nuterman Roman , Baklanov Alexander , Kulmala Markku , Petäjä Tuukka
Published: May 2024

Wildfires frequently occur in Ukraine during agricultural open-burning seasons in spring and autumn. High aerosol concentrations from fire emissions can significantly affect meteorological processes via direct and indirect aerosol effects. To study these impacts, we selected a severe wildfire episode from April 2020 in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) and its surrounding area as a case study. We employed the Enviro-HIRLAM modeling system to simulate reference (REF) meteorological conditions, along with direct (DAE), indirect (IDAE), and combined (COMB) aerosol effects. In our simulations, black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) comprised 70–80% of all aerosol mass in the region, represented in two layers of higher concentrations: one near the surface and the other 3–4 km above the surface. Our simulations showed that the inclusion of aerosol effects into the modeling framework led to colder (up to −3 °C) and drier (relative humidity drop up to −20%) conditions near the surface. We also observed localized changes in cloudiness, precipitation (mainly redistribution), and wind speed (up to ±4 m/s), particularly during the movement of atmospheric cold fronts. Larger uncertainties were observed in coarser model simulations when direct aerosol effects were considered. Quantifying the aerosol effects is crucial for predicting and promptly detecting changes that could exacerbate unfavorable weather conditions and wildfires. Such knowledge is essential for improving the effectiveness of emergency response measures.
Assessing Satellite Data’s Role in Substituting Ground Measurements for Urban Surfaces Characterization: A Step towards UHI Mitigation
Authors: Parmeggiani Davide , Despini Francesca , Costanzini Sofia , Silvestri Malvina , Rabuffi Federico , Teggi Sergio , Ghermandi Grazia
Published: May 2024

Urban surfaces play a crucial role in shaping the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect by absorbing and retaining significant solar radiation. This paper explores the potential of high-resolution satellite imagery as an alternative method for characterizing urban surfaces to support UHI mitigation strategies in urban redevelopment plans. We utilized Landsat images spanning the past 40 years to analyze trends in Land Surface Temperature (LST). Additionally, WorldView-3 (WV3) imagery was acquired for surface characterization, and the results were compared with ground truth measurements using the ASD FieldSpec 4 spectroradiometer. Our findings revealed a strong correlation between satellite-derived surface reflectance and ground truth measurements across various urban surfaces, with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values ranging from 0.01 to 0.14. Optimal characterization was observed for surfaces such as bituminous membranes and parking with cobblestones (RMSE < 0.03), although higher RMSE values were noted for tiled roofs, likely due to aging effects. Regarding surface albedo, the differences between satellite-derived data and ground measurements consistently remained below 12% for all surfaces, with the lowest values observed in high heat-absorbing surfaces like bituminous membranes. Despite challenges on certain surfaces, our study highlights the reliability of satellite-derived data for urban surface characterization, thus providing valuable support for UHI mitigation efforts.
FY-4A Measurement of Cloud-Seeding Effect and Validation of a Catalyst T&D Algorithm
Authors: Yan Liangrui , Zhou Yuquan , Wu Yixuan , Cai Miao , Peng Chong , Song Can , Liu Shuoyin , Liu Yubao
Published: May 2024

The transport and dispersion (T&D) of catalyst particles seeded by weather modification aircraft is crucial for assessing their weather modification effects. This study investigates the capabilities of the Chinese geostationary weather satellite FY-4A for identifying the physical response of cloud seeding with AgI-based catalysts and continuously monitoring its evolution for a weather event that occurred on 15 December 2019 in Henan Province, China. Satellite measurements are also used to verify an operational catalyst T&D algorithm. The results show that FY-4A exhibits a remarkable capability of identifying the cloud-seeding tracks and continuously tracing their evolution for a period of over 3 h. About 60 min after the cloud seeding, the cloud crystallization track became clear in the FY-4A tri-channel composite cloud image and lasted for about 218 min. During this time period, the cloud track moved with the cloud system about 153 km downstream (northeast of the operation area). An operational catalyst T&D model was run to simulate the cloud track, and the outputs were extensively compared with the satellite observations. It was found that the forecast cloud track closely agreed with the satellite observations in terms of the track widths, morphology, and movement. Finally, the FY-4A measurements show that there were significant differences in the microphysical properties across the cloud track. The effective cloud radius inside the cloud track was up to 15 μm larger than that of the surrounding clouds; the cloud optical thickness was about 30 μm smaller; and the cloud-top heights inside the cloud track were up to 1 km lower. These features indicate that the cloud-seeding catalysts led to the development of ice-phase processes within the supercooled cloud, with the formation of large ice particles and some precipitation sedimentation.
A Binary-State Continuous-Time Markov Chain Model for Offshoring and Reshoring
Authors: Brambilla Chiara , Grosset Luca , Sartori Elena
Published: May 2024

We present a two-country model (North and South) that describes the phenomenon of offshoring and reshoring. The model is a continuous time-controlled Markov chain with binary states. The main trade-off involves production costs and transaction costs between one country and another. In the first part of this paper, we identify the key parameters of the model: the difference in unit production costs between the two countries considered, the marginal cost of transitioning between countries, and the incentive paid by the North country to all companies that have not relocated at the end of the planning interval. The final goal of our paper is to understand how national tax incentives can influence this process.
Interplay between Energy Supply and Glutamate Toxicity in the Primary Cortical Culture
Authors: Vaglio-Garro Annette , Halasz Andrea , Nováková Ema , Gasser Andreas Sebastian , Zavadskis Sergejs , Weidinger Adelheid , Kozlov Andrey V.
Published: May 2024

Limited substrate availability because of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) has made the brain develop specific molecular mechanisms to survive, using lactate synthesized by astrocytes as a source of energy in neurons. To understand if lactate improves cellular viability and susceptibility to glutamate toxicity, primary cortical cells were incubated in glucose- or lactate-containing media and toxic concentrations of glutamate for 24 h. Cell death was determined by immunostaining and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Mitochondrial membrane potential and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured using Tetramethylrhodamine, methyl ester (TMRM) and 4-Amino-5-Methylamino-2′,7′-Difluorofluorescein Diacetate (DAF-FM) live staining, respectively. LDH activity was quantified in single cells in the presence of lactate (LDH substrate) and oxamate (LDH inhibitor). Nuclei of cells were stained with DAPI and neurons with MAP2. Based on the distance between neurons and glial cells, they were classified as linked (<10 µm) and non-linked (>10 µm) neurons. Lactate increased cell death rate and the mean value of endogenous NO levels compared to glucose incubations. Mitochondrial membrane potential was lower in the cells cultured with lactate, but this effect was reversed when glutamate was added to the lactate medium. LDH activity was higher in linked neurons compared to non-linked neurons, supporting the hypothesis of the existence of the lactate shuttle between astrocytes and at least a portion of neurons. In conclusion, glucose or lactate can equally preserve primary cortical neurons, but those neurons having a low level of LDH activity and incubated with lactate cannot cover high energetic demand solely with lactate and become more susceptible to glutamate toxicity.
Deep-Learning-Based Strong Ground Motion Signal Prediction in Real Time
Authors: AlHamaydeh Mohammad , Tellab Sara , Tariq Usman
Published: May 2024

Processing ground motion signals at early stages can be advantageous for issuing public warnings, deploying first-responder teams, and other time-sensitive measures. Multiple Deep Learning (DL) models are presented herein, which can predict triaxial ground motion accelerations upon processing the first-arriving 0.5 s of recorded acceleration measurements. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the K-means clustering algorithm were utilized to cluster 17,602 accelerograms into 3 clusters using their metadata. The accelerograms were divided into 1 million input–output pairs for training, 100,000 for validation, and 420,000 for testing. Several non-overlapping forecast horizons were explored (1, 10, 50, 100, and 200 points). Various architectures of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were trained and tested, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, and CNN-LSTMs. The utilized training methodology applied different aspects of supervised and unsupervised learning. The LSTM model demonstrated superior performance in terms of short-term prediction. A prediction horizon of 10 timesteps in the future with a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) value of 8.43 × 10−6 g was achieved. In other words, the LSTM model exhibited a performance improvement of 95% compared to the baseline benchmark, i.e., ANN. It is worth noting that all the considered models exhibited acceptable real-time performance (0.01 s) when running in testing mode. The CNN model demonstrated the fastest computational performance among all models. It predicts ground accelerations under 0.5 ms on an Intel Core i9-10900X CPU (10 cores). The models allow for the implementation of real-time structural control responses via intelligent seismic protection systems (e.g., magneto-rheological (MR) dampers).
Open Ground Story Mid-Rise Buildings Represented by Simplified Systems
Authors: Cabrera José L. , Ruiz Sonia E. , Teran-Gilmore Amador
Published: May 2024

An improved methodology for the condensation of Multi-Degree-Of-Freedom (MDOF) systems to equivalent Two-Degree-Of-Freedom (2EDOF) systems is presented. The methodology is applied to mid-rise buildings with Open Ground-Story and verified by means of Nonlinear Time History Analyses. The buildings studied are divided into two main segments: (a) ground story, whose stiffness and lateral strength are both provided only by reinforced concrete moment-resisting frames; and (b) from the second story to the roof, whose stiffness and lateral strength are provided by confined masonry walls. The proposed methodology allows us to do the following: (a) get the closest approximation to the real behavior of the MDOF system through the use of hysteresis rules with strength and stiffness degradation in the simplified system; (b) analyze the behavior of an OGS whose lateral stiffness is lower than the stiffness of the stories above; and (c) identify in which of the two subsystems (either the ground story with reinforced concrete frames or the second story with masonry) the maximum seismic demand of non-linear behavior occurs. For most of the cases studied and different scenarios of non-linear behavior, the 2EDOF simplified system reasonably approximates the MDOF system’s response; however, when a local failure in an upper story causes the collapse mechanism, the 2EDOF system does not adequately approximate the response of the MDOF system.
New and Sustainable Coal Char-Based Paving Blocks for Roadway Applications
Authors: Pandey Suraj Prasad , Yu Hua , Lau Chooikim , Ng Kam
Published: May 2024

Paving blocks are widely used in engineering construction for durable pavement surfaces characterized by their interlocking capability to enhance structural integrity. This study explores the potential use of char as a byproduct from coal pyrolysis and an alternative raw material to natural aggregates in developing paving blocks, aiming to reduce the associated environmental issues associated with the uncontrolled and excessive mining of natural resources. This study finds the paving blocks made from char to have the required engineering properties as mentioned by ASTM standard C936. Trass and trass-lime are added as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to enhance the performance of char-based paving blocks. The incorporation of SCMs as a cement replacement also aims to reduce the carbon footprint arising from increased cement use. The compressive strength increased from 55.7 MPa to 65.71 MPa at 12.5% cement replacement with trass-lime. The water absorption is reduced to 4.63% from 4.95%. Beneficial effects towards freeze–thaw durability and abrasion resistance are also observed on trass-lime-incorporated paving blocks. This study signifies the remarkable potential use of coal-derived char and SCMs in developing light, high-strength, and durable paving blocks, showcasing their competitive engineering performance. These new char-based paving blocks will contribute towards a more sustainable construction environment and advance the current construction and engineering practices.
Comparison of OSC (Off-Site Construction) Level Measurement Methods
Authors: Im Chulwoo , Kim Jung-In , Kim Inhan , Yu Jungho
Published: May 2024

Studies have shown that the implementation of OSC (off-site construction) is beneficial. However, most studies have relied on simulated project data to forecast the potential advantages of OSC, often using surveys or expert consultations as their primary research methods. Others have based their analyses on a specific sample size, focusing on cost savings and reduced construction time. Such approaches inherently possess limitations. In this study, we define “OSC level measurement” as the comprehensive process of quantifying the application of OSC elements throughout the project lifecycle. Numerous studies have proposed methods for OSC level measurements. However, they vary in their applicability to different facility types and project phases and employ country-specific quantification items and methods. These variations complicate the comparison or integration of OSC measurement methods on an international scale. The comprehensiveness of the representations in the existing industry foundation classes (IFCs), which is required to carry out automated OSC level measurement, is not yet investigated. This study aimed to systematically compare and analyze various methods for measuring OSC levels in construction projects. We intend to provide researchers and professionals with the necessary characteristics and requirements to develop standardized OSC level measurement methods in the future. The key takeaways emphasize the need for establishing the necessary standardization of the list of OSC elements, creating a framework for standardized quantification items using IFC elements based on BIM data to measure the extent of OSC elements’ application, and unifying the quantification methods for assessing the proportion of OSC elements. Ultimately, this standardization will pave the way for more informed decision making, innovation, and the implementation of sustainable solutions in the construction industry.
Quantitative Accident Risk Estimation for Infrastructure Facilities Based on Accident Case Analysis
Authors: Lee Jeongung , Jeong Jaewook
Published: May 2024

The construction industry records higher accident rates than other industries, and thus, risk estimation is necessary to manage accident rates. Risk levels differ based on facility type and construction project size. In this sense, this study aims to calculate the quantitative accident risk level according to the construction project size per infrastructure facility type. To this end, the following five-step risk estimation was performed: (1) data collection and classification; (2) calculation of fatality rate based on construction cost; (3) calculation of fatal construction probability by construction cost classification; (4) reclassification of construction cost considering fatal construction probability; and (5) calculation of risk level by facility type and construction cost classification. As a result, the fatality rate per facility type was the highest in ‘Dam’ at 0.01024 (person/USD million). Additionally, the risk level according to the construction project size per facility type was the highest for ‘Dam’ (0.00403 person/USD million) for a construction of less than USD 0.77 million. The risk level presented in this study can be utilized as basic data in the design stage for safety management. Our results also indicate the necessity of preparing a separate construction cost classification for safety management.
Recent Advancement in Diagnosis of Biliary Tract Cancer through Pathological and Molecular Classifications
Authors: Lee Sang-Hoon , Song Si Young
Published: May 2024

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs), including intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinomas, as well as gallbladder cancer, are a diverse group of cancers that exhibit unique molecular characteristics in each of their anatomic and pathological subtypes. The pathological classification of BTCs compromises distinct growth patterns, including mass forming, periductal infiltrating, and intraductal growing types, which can be identified through gross examination. The small-duct and large-duct types of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma have been recently introduced into the WHO classification. The presentation of typical clinical symptoms, as well as the extensive utilization of radiological, endoscopic, and molecular diagnostic methods, is thoroughly detailed in the description. To overcome the limitations of traditional tissue acquisition methods, new diagnostic modalities are being explored. The treatment landscape is also rapidly evolving owing to the emergence of distinct subgroups with unique molecular alterations and corresponding targeted therapies. Furthermore, we emphasize the crucial aspects of diagnosing BTC in practical clinical settings.
Enhancing Hardness and Wear Resistance of MgAl2O4/Fe-Based Laser Cladding Coatings by the Addition of CeO2
Authors: Li Liangxun , Sang Shaobai , Zhu Tianbin , Li Yawei , Wang Heng
Published: May 2024

Laser cladding has unique advantages in improving the wear resistance of materials or workpiece surfaces. CeO2 could play a role in promoting the flow of the molten pool and grain refinement during the laser cladding process, which is likely to further improve the wear resistance of the coating. In this work, CeO2 was introduced into the MgAl2O4/Fe-based laser cladding coating on the surface of GCr15 steel. The effects of the CeO2 content on the phase composition, microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance of the coatings were also systematically investigated. The results showed that the addition of CeO2 enhanced the continuity of the coating and reduced the size of the MgAl2O4 particles, which was associated with the addition of CeO2’s intensification of the melt pool flow. The metal grain size reduced and then increased as the CeO2 content increased, whereas the hardness and wear resistance of the MgAl2O4/Fe-based coatings increased and then decreased. Compared with the MgAl2O4/Fe-based coating without CeO2, the hardness of the MgAl2O4/Fe-based coating with 1.0 wt% CeO2 increased by 10% and the wear rate decreased by 40%, which was attributed to the metal grain refinement and particle dispersion strengthening.
Culture of Interculturality, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (IDEI) Assessment: Lessons from a Social Justice-Based Intercultural Learning Certificate Program for Preservice Teachers
Authors: Miller Dyce Cherrel , Hawthorne Katrice , Wire Jamie
Published: May 2024

Despite the pillars, rubrics, and standards provided by national education organizations and accrediting bodies, many educator preparation programs (EPPs) struggle to prepare teacher candidates to engage effectively with all children across differences in an intercultural context. The ability to engage across differences is especially important for teacher candidates as America’s public schools are more diverse than ever. To increase teacher candidates’ knowledge skills and dispositions, we propose a theory-based program focused on interculturality, diversity, equity, and inclusion (IDEI) that aligns with professional accreditation standards and weaves in effective assessment practices. By intentionally embedding assessment activities in program development, we hope to create a culture of IDEI assessment that not only meets accreditor standards but also results in program improvements and learners’ development.
An Off-Site Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) as a Tool to Protect against Electricity Price Spikes: Developing a Framework for Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Authors: Kapral Karolina , Soetaert Kobe , Castro Rui
Published: May 2024

Significant price spikes occurred as early as 2021, initially driven by low gas storage levels, a post-pandemic economic rebound and then exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The situation had a range of wide-ranging consequences, from rising inflation, increasing energy poverty, food insecurity, business bankruptcies and recession. A well-known tool to protect energy consumers from energy price spikes, while at the same time contributing to the development of sustainable technologies, is Power Purchase Agreements. PPAs are long-term bilateral contracts for the purchase and sale of a certain amount of electricity, usually generated from renewable sources. The primary goal of this paper is to assess how the risk associated with PPAs has evolved between 2020 and 2023. It aims to examine whether, after the events in 2022, PPAs remain a robust solution that protects the off-taker from energy price spikes, ensures greater energy budget stability and enables savings. To achieve this, the probability of PPA prices being higher than market prices is evaluated, considering the changing market landscape. Furthermore, this paper intends to gain a thorough understanding of each risk related to PPAs and the best strategies for mitigating it, to maximize the protection of the off-taker.
Non-Contact Wind Turbine Blade Crack Detection Using Laser Doppler Vibrometers
Authors: Zabihi Ali , Aghdasi Farhood , Ellouzi Chadi , Singh Nand Kishore , Jha Ratneshwar , Shen Chen
Published: May 2024

In response to the growing global demand for both energy and a clean environment, there has been an unprecedented rise in the utilization of renewable energy. Wind energy plays a crucial role in striving for carbon neutrality due to its eco-friendly characteristics. Despite its significance, wind energy infrastructure is susceptible to damage from various factors including wind or sea waves, rapidly changing environmental conditions, delamination, crack formation, and structural deterioration over time. This research focuses on investigating non-destructive testing (NDT) of wind turbine blades (WTBs) using approaches based on the vibration of the structures. To this end, WTBs are first made from glass fiber-reinforcement polymer (GFRP) using composite molding techniques, and then a short pulse is generated in the structure by a piezoelectric actuator made from lead zirconate titanate (PZT-5H) to generate guided waves. A numerical approach is presented based on solving the elastic time-harmonic wave equations, and a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) is utilized to collect the vibrational data in a remote manner, thereby facilitating the crack detection of WTBs. Subsequently, the wave propagation characteristics of intact and damaged structures are analyzed using the Hilbert–Huang transformation (HHT) and fast Fourier transformation (FFT). The results reveal noteworthy distinctions in damaged structures, where the frequency domain exhibits additional components beyond those identified by FFT, and the time domain displays irregularities in proximity to the crack region, as detected by HHT. The results suggest a feasible approach to detecting potential cracks of WTBs in a non-contact and reliable way.