bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Damage Importance Analysis for Pavement Condition Index Using Machine-Learning Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Pérez Alejandro , Sánchez Claudia N. , Velasco Jonás
Published: September 2024

The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is a prevalent metric for assessing the condition of rigid pavements. The PCI calculation involves evaluating 19 types of damage. This study aims to analyze how different types of damage impact the PCI calculation and the impact of the performance of prediction models of PCI by reducing the number of evaluated damages. The Municipality of León, Gto., Mexico, provided a dataset of 5271 records. We evaluated five different decision-tree models to predict the PCI value. The Extra Trees model, which exhibited the best performance, was used to assess the feature importance of each type of damage, revealing their relative impacts on PCI predictions. To explore the potential for reducing the complexity of the PCI evaluation, we applied Sequential Forward Search and Brute Force Search techniques to analyze the performance of models with various feature combinations. Our findings indicate no significant statistical difference in terms of Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and the coefficient of determination (R2) between models trained with 13 features compared to those trained with all 17 features. For instance, a model using only eight damages achieved an MAE of 4.35 and an R2 of 0.89, comparable to the 3.56 MAE and 0.92 R2 obtained with a model using all 17 features. These results suggest that omitting some damages from the PCI calculation has a minimal impact on prediction accuracy but can substantially reduce the evaluation’s time and cost. In addition, knowing the most significant damages opens up the possibility of automating the evaluation of PCI using artificial intelligence.
Thermal Shock Resistance of Commercial Oxide-Bonded Silicon Carbide Reticulated Foams under Concentrated Solar Radiation at PSA: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Costa Oliveira Fernando de Almeida , Galindo José , Rodríguez José , Cañadas Inmaculada , Cruz Fernandes Jorge
Published: September 2024

Volumetric ceramic receivers can be regarded as a promising technology to heat air above 1000 °C for solar thermal electricity production. In this study, the thermal shock behavior of commercial 10 ppi (A) and 20 ppi (B) oxide-bonded silicon carbide (ob-SiC) reticulated porous ceramic (RPC) foams was evaluated using the SF60 solar furnace at Plataforma Solar de Almería. The foams were subjected to well-controlled temperature cycles ranging from 800 to 1000, 1200, 1300 or 1400 °C, for 25, 100, and 150 cycles. The extent of the damage after thermal shock was determined by crushing tests. The damage was found to be critically dependent on both the bulk density and cell size. Decreasing both the bulk density and cell size resulted in better thermal shock resistance. The B foam exhibited approximately half the stress degradation compared to the A foam when exposed to a temperature difference of 600 K (in the range of 800 to 1400 °C) and subjected to 150 cycles.
Functional Connectome Controllability in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment after Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Papallo Simone , Di Nardo Federica , Siciliano Mattia , Esposito Sabrina , Canale Fabrizio , Cirillo Giovanni , Cirillo Mario , Trojsi Francesca , Esposito Fabrizio
Published: September 2024

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown therapeutic effects in neurological patients by inducing neural plasticity. In this pilot study, we analyzed the modifying effects of high-frequency (HF-)rTMS applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using an advanced approach of functional connectome analysis based on network control theory (NCT). Methods: Using local-to-global functional parcellation, average and modal controllability (AC/MC) were estimated for DLPFC nodes of prefrontal-lateral control networks (R/LH_Cont_PFCl_3/4) from a resting-state fMRI series acquired at three time points (T0 = baseline, T1 = T0 + 4 weeks, T2 = T1 + 20 weeks) in MCI patients receiving regular daily sessions of 10 Hz HF-rTMS (n = 10, 68.00 ± 8.16 y, 4 males) or sham (n = 10, 63.80 ± 9.95 y, 5 males) stimulation, between T0 and T1. Longitudinal (group) effects on AC/MC were assessed with non-parametric statistics. Spearman correlations (ρ) of AC/MC vs. neuropsychological (RBANS) score %change (at T1, T2 vs. T0) were calculated. Results: AC median was reduced in MCI-rTMS, compared to the control group, for RH_Cont_PFCl_3/4 at T1 and T2 (vs. T0). In MCI-rTMS patients, for RH_Cont_PFCl_3, AC % change at T1 (vs. T0) was negatively correlated with semantic fluency (ρ = −0.7939, p = 0.045) and MC % change at T2 (vs. T0) was positively correlated with story memory (ρ = 0.7416, p = 0.045). Conclusions: HF-rTMS stimulation of DLFC nodes significantly affects the controllability of the functional connectome in MCI patients. Emerging correlations between AC/MC controllability and cognitive performance changes, immediately (T1 vs. T0) and six months (T2 vs. T0) after treatment, suggest NCT could help explain the HF-rTMS impact on prefrontal-lateral control network, monitoring induced neural plasticity effects in MCI patients.
The Role of Downsizing of Large-Bore Percutaneous Femoral Access for Pelvic and Lower Limb Perfusion in Transfemoral Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Sarhan Daour Yousef Al , Kölbel Tilo , Grandi Alessandro , Nana Petroula , Torrealba José I. , Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Panuccio Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

Background: Transfemoral access (TFA) is a valuable alternative to upper extremity access (UEA) for branched endovascular aortic repair (bEVAR). However, TFA requires large introducer sheaths, which can reduce blood flow to lower limbs and the pelvis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sheath downsizing to maintain lower limb perfusion during TFA–bEVAR. Methods: A single-center retrospective review was conducted including patients managed with TFA-performed bEVAR between December 2020 and May 2021. Intra-operative lower limb perfusion was assessed using non-invasive ankle blood pressure measurements and great toe pulse oximetry, with measurements being taken prior to puncture (baseline), one minute after 10F-sheath insertion, three minutes after the main body delivery system insertion, and three minutes after downsizing to a 14F sheath. Outcomes included the incidence of limb perfusion reduction (LPR), defined as a drop in the ankle–brachial index (ABI) < 0.5 or peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) < 90%. Results: Out of 47 patients, 24 met the inclusion criteria. LPR occurred in 4.2% of cases after 10F-sheath placement, and 87.5% after main body delivery system placement, and decreased to 12.6% after downsizing to a 14F sheath. No periprocedural major bleeding occurred. Two patients required revision for inadequate hemostasis post-operatively. SCI occurred in 16% of patients, all recovered by discharge. Pre-operative hypogastric artery occlusion was related to persistent LPR after downsizing (100% vs. 16%, p = 0.009). Conclusions: Downsizing the introducer sheath during bEVAR is feasible and safe to restore lower limb and pelvic perfusion. Further research is needed to clarify the access downsizing value during bEVAR.
Roles of the NR2F Family in the Development, Disease, and Cancer of the Lung
Authors: Yang Jiaxin , Sun Wenjing , Cui Guizhong
Published: September 2024

The NR2F family, including NR2F1, NR2F2, and NR2F6, belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily. NR2F family members function as transcription factors and play essential roles in the development of multiple organs or tissues in mammals, including the central nervous system, veins and arteries, kidneys, uterus, and vasculature. In the central nervous system, NR2F1/2 coordinate with each other to regulate the development of specific brain subregions or cell types. In addition, NR2F family members are associated with various cancers, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and esophageal cancer. Nonetheless, the roles of the NR2F family in the development and diseases of the lung have not been systematically summarized. In this review, we mainly focus on the lung, including recent findings regarding the roles of the NR2F family in development, physiological function, and cancer.
Evidence for the Beneficial Effect of Reward on Working Memory: A Meta-Analytic Study
Authors: Wang Weiyu , Yan Xin , He Xinyu , Qian Jiehui
Published: September 2024

Rewards act as external motivators and can improve performance in various cognitive tasks. However, previous research demonstrated mixed findings regarding the effect of reward on working memory (WM) performance, and the question of whether reward enhances WM performance is arguable. It remains unclear how the effect of reward on WM can be influenced by various factors, such as types of reward and experimental paradigms. In this meta-analytic study, we systematically investigated the effect of reward on WM by analyzing data from 51 eligible studies involving a total of 1767 participants. Our results showed that reward robustly enhanced WM performance, with non-monetary rewards inducing more benefits than monetary rewards. This may be because, while both types of reward could induce extrinsic motivation, non-monetary rewards enhanced intrinsic motivation while monetary rewards reduced it. Notably, all three reward methods—reward binding, reward expectation, and subliminal reward—effectively improved WM performance, with the reward binding paradigm exhibiting the greatest effects. This finding suggests that the reward effect can be attributed to both increasing the total amount of WM resources and improving the flexibility of resource reallocation. Moreover, the type of WM, the experimental paradigms, and the outcome measures are three moderators that should be jointly considered when assessing the reward effects on WM. Overall, this meta-analytic study provides solid evidence that reward improves WM performance and reveals possible mechanisms underlying these improvements.
Deep Learning Based Characterization of Cold-Water Coral Habitat at Central Cantabrian Natura 2000 Sites Using YOLOv8
Authors: Gayá-Vilar Alberto , Abad-Uribarren Alberto , Rodríguez-Basalo Augusto , Ríos Pilar , Cristobo Javier , Prado Elena
Published: September 2024

Cold-water coral (CWC) reefs, such as those formed by Desmophyllum pertusum and Madrepora oculata, are vital yet vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs). The need for accurate and efficient monitoring of these habitats has driven the exploration of innovative approaches. This study presents a novel application of the YOLOv8l-seg deep learning model for the automated detection and segmentation of these key CWC species in underwater imagery. The model was trained and validated on images collected at two Natura 2000 sites in the Cantabrian Sea: the Avilés Canyon System (ACS) and El Cachucho Seamount (CSM). Results demonstrate the model’s high accuracy in identifying and delineating individual coral colonies, enabling the assessment of coral cover and spatial distribution. The study revealed significant variability in coral cover between and within the study areas, highlighting the patchy nature of CWC habitats. Three distinct coral community groups were identified based on percentage coverage composition and abundance, with the highest coral cover group being located exclusively in the La Gaviera canyon head within the ACS. This research underscores the potential of deep learning models for efficient and accurate monitoring of VMEs, facilitating the acquisition of high-resolution data essential for understanding CWC distribution, abundance, and community structure, and ultimately contributing to the development of effective conservation strategies.
Verification and Validation Analysis on Marine Applications
Authors: Mancini Simone , Terziev Momchil
Published: September 2024

Both users and developers of computational simulations are facing a crucial dilemma—how can confidence in modelling and simulation be properly evaluated [...]
Multi-Gene Phylogenetic Analyses Reveals Heteroxylaria Gen. Nov. and New Contributions to Xylariaceae (Ascomycota) from China
Authors: Zhu An-Hong , Song Zi-Kun , Wang Jun-Fang , Guan Hao-Wen , Qu Zhi , Ma Hai-Xia
Published: September 2024

An in-depth study of the phylogenetic relationships of Xylaria species associated with nutshells of fruits and seeds within the genus Xylaria and related genera of Xylaceaecea was conducted in China. The multi-gene phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on ITS, RPB2, and TUB sequences of 100 species of 16 known genera in Xylariaceae around the world. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, morphological observations, and ecological habitats, a new genus, Heteroxylaria, is established to accommodate four new species, viz. H. cordiicola, H. juglandicola, H. meliicola, and H. terminaliicola, and four new combinations, viz. H. oxyacanthae, H. palmicola, H. reevesiae, and H. rohrensis. The genus is characterized by cylindrical stromata with conspicuous to inconspicuous perithecial mounds, surface black, having brown to dark brown ascospores with a germ slit, and it grows on nutshell of fruits. The combined ITS+RPB2+TUB sequence dataset of representative taxa in the Xylariaceae demonstrate that Heteroxylaria is grouped with Hypocreodendron but forms a monophyletic lineage. All novelties described herein are morphologically illustrated and compared to similar species and phylogeny is investigated to establish new genera and species.
Evaluating the Impact of Living Plant Architectural Spaces on Regulating Emotions by Using the Profile of Mood State Scale
Authors: Lyu Bingyang , Peng Taisen , Zhang Jialing , Chen Qibing
Published: September 2024

With the acceleration of urbanization, there has been a growing focus on health concerns, particularly mental health. Multiple prior studies have shown a correlation between urban green space, architecture, green plants, and human health. Living plant architecture, which integrates architectural elements with green plants, possesses the defining features of both and represents a burgeoning manifestation of urban green spaces. It has the characteristics of improving the regional environment, reducing building energy consumption, and achieving sustainable development. Currently, few studies focus on the connection between living plant architecture and human emotional regulation. This research investigated the impact of three distinct architectural environments on emotional regulation: traditional architectural spaces, traditional buildings covered by plants, and living plant architectural spaces. All experimental sites were located in Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China. A total of 90 participants were randomly allocated into three groups, each consisting of 30 individuals (15 males and 15 females). Each subject was required to complete the spatial experience of a single site independently, and the duration of the experience was 15 min. The length of the spatial experience was the same for each group. During this period, the subjects were permitted to ambulate within the area and enjoy the scenery, but they were prohibited from engaging in strenuous physical activity. The subjects completed the Profile of Mood States questionnaire before and after the experiment, and the results were used as an indicator of the subjects’ emotional state. The results revealed that the living plant architectural space had the strongest effect on emotional regulation, with the order of living plant architectural space > plant-covered traditional architectural space > traditional architectural space. With a larger sample size, the results of this experiment would be more scientific, rigorous and objective.
Hiatal Hernias Revisited—A Systematic Review of Definitions, Classifications, and Applications
Authors: Fuchs Karl Hermann , Kafetzis Ioannis , Hann Alexander , Meining Alexander
Published: September 2024

Introduction: A hiatal hernia (HH) can be defined as a condition in which elements from the abdominal cavity herniate through the oesophageal hiatus in the mediastinum and, in the majority of cases, parts of the proximal stomach. Today, the role of HHs within the complex entity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is very important with regard to its pathophysiology, severity, and therapeutic and prognostic options. Despite this, the application and stringent use of the worldwide accepted classification (Skinner and Belsey: Types I–IV) are lacking. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the clinical applications of HH classifications and scientific documentation over time, considering their value in diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Following the PRISMA concept, all abstracts published on pubmed.gov until 12/2023 (hiatal hernia) were reviewed, and those with a focus and clear description of the application of the current HH classification in the full-text version were analysed to determine the level of classification and its use within the therapeutic context. Results: In total, 9342 abstracts were screened. In 9199 of the abstracts, the reports had a different focus than HH, or the HH classification was not used or was incompletely applied. After further investigation, 60 papers were used for a detailed analysis, which included more than 12,000 patient datapoints. Among the 8904 patients, 83% had a Type I HH; 4% had Type II; 11% had Type III; and 1% had Type IV. Further subgroup analyses were performed. Overall, the precise application of the HH classification has been insufficient, considering that only 1% of all papers and only 54% of those with a special focus on HH have documented its use. Conclusions: The application and documentation of a precise HH classification in clinical practice and scientific reports are decreasing, which should be rectified for the purpose of scientific comparability.
Medication-Overuse Headache: Update on Management
Authors: Koonalintip Prut , Phillips Katherine , Wakerley Benjamin R.
Published: September 2024

Long-term frequent use of acute pain medication for the treatment of headaches has paradoxically been shown to increase the frequency of headaches. So-called medication-overuse headache (MOH) is particularly problematic in patients with migraine who overuse triptans and opioids. Prevention through education remains the most important management strategy. Once established, MOH can be difficult to treat. Although complete or near-complete withdrawal of acute pain medication for 8–12 weeks has been shown to benefit most patients, this can be hard to achieve. The use of OnabotulinumtoxinA and drugs that target the calcitonin gene-related peptide system for the prevention of migraines have been shown to benefit patients with MOH. Furthermore, the use of novel acute pain medication for migraines, including Gepants and Ditans, which do not cause MOH, are likely to improve patient outcomes. In this review article we examine the following: the burden of MOH; who develops MOH; the pathophysiological mechanisms; and the treatment strategies.
New Piezoceramic SrBi2Nb2-2xWxSnxO9: Crystal Structure, Microstructure and Dielectric Properties
Authors: Zubkov Sergei V. , Parinov Ivan A. , Nazarenko Alexander V.
Published: September 2024

By using the method of high-temperature solid-phase reaction, the new piezoceramic SrBi2Nb2-2xWxSnxO9 was obtained, where partial substitution of niobium (Nb) atoms with Sn4+ and W6+ atoms in the compound SrBi2Nb2O9 occurred in the octahedra of the perovskite layer (B-position). X-ray diffraction investigations showed that these compounds are single-phase SrBi2Nb2-2xWxSnxO9 (x = 0.1, 0.2) and two-phase SrBi2Nb2-2xWxSnxO9 (x = 0.3, 0.4), but all of them had the structure of Aurivillius-Smolensky phases (ASPs) with close parameters of orthorhombic unit cells. It corresponded to the space group A21am. The temperature dependences of the relative permittivity ε/ε0 and the tangent of the dielectric loss angle tan d were defined at various frequencies. It was found that doping SrBi2Nb2-2xWxSnxO9 (x = 0.1) improved the electrophysical properties of the compound: losses decreased, and the relative permittivity increased. This result was obtained for the first time. Moreover, a new result was obtained that indicated an improvement in the electrophysical properties of SrBi2Nb2O9 using the chemical element Sn (tin). This refutes the previously existing opinion about the impossibility to use Sn as a doping element.
Mixed-Ligand Engineering to Enhance Luminescence of Mn2+-Based Metal Halides for Wide Color Gamut Display
Authors: Wu Zhi , Tang Huidong , Dai Tianhao , Long Yuxi , Luo Dan , Jiang Pengcheng , Xiong Xin , Xu Yanqiao , Zhang Xiaojun , Hu Qing
Published: September 2024

Lead-free Mn2+-based metal halide materials are now being considered as clean candidates for backlight displays and lights due to the d–d transition, diverse components, and environmental friendliness. Therefore, efficient and stable Mn2+-based metal halide phosphors are in great demand for practical applications. In this work, adopting the mixed-ligand strategy, a series of [(CH3)4N]2−x[(C2H5)4N]xMnCl4 phosphors were synthesized by mechanochemical process. With the increase molar ratio of (CH3)4N/(C2H5)4N, the phase of phosphors is transformed from orthorhombic to tetragonal. Compared to [(CH3)4N]2MnCl4 and [(C2H5)4N]2MnCl4 phosphors, the mixed-ligand strategy significantly boosts the green emission intensity of Mn2+-based metal halide phosphors. The obtained [(CH3)4N][(C2H5)4N]MnCl4 phosphors exhibit a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 83.78% under 450 nm excitation, which is attributed to the modulation of the adjacent [MnCl4]2- distance by using the different chain length of organic cations, effectively suppressing non-radiative recombination. Additionally, the [(CH3)4N][(C2H5)4N]MnCl4 phosphors exhibit a green emission at 516 nm, narrow full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 45.53 nm, and good thermal stability. The constructed white light-emitting diode (WLED) device exhibits a wide color gamut of 108.3% National Television System Committee, demonstrating the suitability of the [(CH3)4N][(C2H5)4N]MnCl4 phosphors as a green emitter for WLED displays and lightings. This work provides a new way to modulate the PL performance of manganese-based metal halides for application in the optoelectronic field.
The High-Cycle Tensile–Shear Fatigue Properties and Failure Mechanism of Resistance Spot-Welded Advanced High-Strength Steel with a Zn Coating
Authors: Sun Yu , Zhou Jiayi , Hu Rongxun , Pan Hua , Ding Kai , Lei Ming , Gao Yulai
Published: September 2024

Advanced high-strength steels (AHSSs) with Zn coatings are commonly joined by the resistance spot welding (RSW) technique. However, Zn coatings could possibly cause the formation of liquid metal embrittlement (LME) cracks during the RSW process. The role of a Zn coating in the tensile–shear fatigue properties of a welding joint has not been systematically explored. In this study, the fatigue properties of tensile–shear RSW joints for bare and Zn-coated advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) specimens were comparatively studied. In particular, more severe LME cracks were triggered by employing a tilted welding electrode because much more stress was caused in the joint. LME cracks had clearly occurred in the Zn-coated steel RSW joints, as observed via optical microscopy. On the contrary, no LME cracks could be found in the RSW joints prepared with the bare steel sheets. The fatigue test results showed that the tensile–shear fatigue properties remained nearly unchanged, regardless of whether bare or Zn-coated steel was used for the RSW joints. Furthermore, Zn mapping adjacent to the crack initiation source was obtained by an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), and it showed no segregation of the Zn element. Thus, the failure of the RSW joints with the Zn coating had not initiated from the LME cracks. It was concluded that the fatigue cracks were initiated by the stress concentration in the notch position between the two bonded steel sheets.
Unified Gas Kinetic Simulations of Lid-Driven Cavity Flows: Effect of Compressibility and Rarefaction on Vortex Structures
Authors: Venugopal Vishnu , Iphineni Haneesha , Praturi Divya Sri , Girimaji Sharath S.
Published: September 2024

We investigate and characterize the effect of compressibility and rarefaction on vortex structures in the benchmark lid-driven cavity flow. Direct numerical simulations are performed, employing the unified gas kinetic scheme to examine the changes in vortex generation mechanisms and the resulting flow structures at different Mach and Knudsen numbers. At high degrees of rarefaction, where inter-molecular interactions are minimal, the molecules mainly collide with the walls. Consequently, the dominant flow structure is a single vortex in the shape of the cavity. It is shown that increasing compressibility or decreasing rarefaction lead to higher molecular density in the cavity corners, due to more frequent inter-molecular collisions. This results in lower flow velocities, creating conditions conducive to the development of secondary and corner vortices. The physical processes underlying vortex formations at different Knudsen numbers, Mach numbers, and cavity shapes are explicated. A parametric map that classifies different regimes of vortex structures as a function of compressibility, rarefaction, and cavity shape is developed.
Causal Modeling of Academic Activity and Study Process Management
Authors: Gudas Saulius , Denisovas Vitalijus , Tekutov Jurij
Published: September 2024

This article presents a causal modeling approach for analyzing the processes of an academic institution. Academic processes consist of activities that are considered self-managed systems and are defined as management transactions (MTs). The purpose of this article is to present a method of causal modeling of organizational processes, which helps to determine the internal model of the current process under consideration, its activities, and the processes’ causal dependencies in the management hierarchy of the institution, as well as horizontal and vertical coordination interactions and their content. Internal models of the identified activities were created, corresponding to the MT framework. In the second step, based on the causal model, a taxonomy of characteristics is presented, which helps to systematize the process quality assessment and ensures the completeness of the characteristics and indicators. Predefined structures of characteristic types are the basis of activity content description templates. Based on the proposed method, two causal models are created: the “to-be” causal model of the target study process (based on expert knowledge) and the “as-is” documented (existing) model of the study process used to evaluate the study process’s quality. The principles and examples of comparing the created “to-be” causal model with the existing study process monitoring method are presented, enabling the detection of the shortcomings in the existing method for assessing academic performance. Causal modeling allows for the rethinking of existing interactions and the identification of necessary interactions to improve the quality of studies. The comparison based on causal modeling allows for a systematic analysis of regulations and the consistent identification of new characteristics (indicators) that evaluate relevant aspects of academic processes and activities.
Optimal Epidemic Control with Nonmedical and Medical Interventions
Authors: Smirnova Alexandra , Baroonian Mona , Ye Xiaojing
Published: September 2024

In this study, we investigate different epidemic control scenarios through theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. To account for two important types of control at the early ascending stage of an outbreak, nonmedical interventions, and medical treatments, a compartmental model is considered with the first control aimed at lowering the disease transmission rate through behavioral changes and the second control set to lower the period of infectiousness by means of antiviral medications and other forms of medical care. In all experiments, the implementation of control strategies reduces the daily cumulative number of cases and successfully “flattens the curve”. The reduction in the cumulative cases is achieved by eliminating or delaying new cases. This delay is incredibly valuable, as it provides public health organizations with more time to advance antiviral treatments and devise alternative preventive measures. The main theoretical result of the paper, Theorem 1, concludes that the two optimal control functions may be increasing initially. However, beyond a certain point, both controls decline (possibly causing the number of newly infected people to grow). The numerical simulations conducted by the authors confirm theoretical findings, which indicates that, ideally, around the time that early interventions become less effective, the control strategy must be upgraded through the addition of new and improved tools, such as vaccines, therapeutics, testing, air ventilation, and others, in order to successfully battle the virus going forward.
An Efficient and Automatic Simplification Method for Arbitrary Complex Networks in Mine Ventilation
Authors: Zhong Deyun , Wen Lixue , Bi Lin , Liu Yulong
Published: September 2024

The simplification of complex networks is a research field closely related to graph theory in discrete mathematics. The existing methods are typically limited to simplifying the series sub-networks, parallel sub-networks, diagonal sub-networks, and nested simple sub-networks. From the current perspective, there are no available methods that can handle complex sub-networks and nested complex sub-networks. In this paper, we innovatively propose an efficient and automatic equivalence simplification method for arbitrary complex ventilation networks. The method enables, for the first time, the maximum possible equivalence simplification of nested simple sub-networks and nested complex sub-networks. In order to avoid the NP-hard problem caused by the searching of simplifiable sub-networks, it is necessary to analyze the intrinsic topology relationship between simplifiable sub-networks and spanning sub-graphs to optimize the searching process. One of our main contributions is that we present an efficient searching method for arbitrarily nested reducible sub-networks based on the bidirectional traversal process of a directed tree. The method optimizes the searching process for simplifiable node pairs by combining the characteristics of a directed tree with the judgment rules of simplifiable sub-networks. Moreover, by deriving the formula of an equivalent air resistance calculation for complex sub-networks, another one of our main contributions is that we present an equivalent calculation and simplification method for arbitrarily complex sub-networks based on the principle of energy conservation. The basic idea of the method is to calculate the equivalent air resistance using the ventilation network resolution of the constructed virtual sub-networks. We realize the simplification method of arbitrarily complex mine ventilation networks, and we validate the reliability of the simplification method by comparing the air distribution results using the network solution method before and after simplification. It can be determined that, with appropriate modifications to meet specific requirements, the proposed method can also be applicable to equivalent simplification instances of other types of complex networks. Based on the results analysis of several real-world mine ventilation network examples, the effectiveness of the proposed method is further verified, which can satisfactorily meet the requirements for simplifying complex networks.
A Study of Tennis Tournaments by Means of an Agent-Based Model Calibrated with a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Prestipino Salvatore , Rapisarda Andrea
Published: September 2024

In this work, we study the sport of tennis, with the aim of understanding competitions and the associated quantities that determine their outcome. We construct an agent-based model that is able to produce data analogous to real data taken from Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tournaments. This model depends on three parameters: the talent weight, the talent distribution width, and the chance distribution width. Unlike other similar works, we do not fix the values of these parameters and we calibrate the model results with the help of a genetic algorithm, thus exploring all possible combinations of parameters in the parameter space that are able to reproduce real system data. We show that the model fits the real data well only for limited regions of the parameter space. Limiting the region of interest in the parameter space allows us to perform further calibrations of the model that give us more information about the competition under study. Finally, we are able to provide useful information about tennis competitions, obtaining quantitative information about all of the important parameters and quantities related to these competitions with very limited a priori constraints. Through our approach, differing from those of other works, we confirm the importance of chance in the studied competitions, which has a weight of around 80% in determining the outcome of tennis competitions.
Simultaneous Prostate and Bladder Cancer with Collision Lymph Node Metastasis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Buzoianu Maximilian , Andras Iulia , Giurgiu Lorin , Militaru Claudia Florentina , Popa Andrei , Căta Emanuel Darius , Medan Paul Alexandru , Apetrei Marius Cosmin , Bungărdean Catalina , Bungărdean Maria , Crișan Nicolae
Published: September 2024

Synchronous prostatic adenocarcinoma found in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) that undergo radical cistoprostatectomy is not uncommon. Nonetheless, the occurrence of collision metastasis, where both prostate cancer and bladder cancer involve the same lymph node, is exceptionally uncommon, with few cases being reported in the literature. We present a case of a 65-year-old patient diagnosed with MIBC who underwent laparoscopic radical cistoprostatectomy with extended lymph node dissection and intracorporeal ileal conduit. The final pathology revealed urothelial carcinoma pT3bN1 as well as prostatic adenocarcinoma pT3bN1. One lymph node presented metastasis from both bladder cancer and prostate cancer.
Copper Serum Levels in the Hemodialysis Patient Population
Authors: Gembillo Guido , Peritore Luigi , Labbozzetta Vincenzo , Giuffrida Alfio Edoardo , Lipari Antonella , Spallino Eugenia , Calabrese Vincenzo , Visconti Luca , Santoro Domenico
Published: September 2024

Copper is an essential element in the diet of mammals, including humans. It plays an important role in the physiological regulation of various enzymes and is consequently involved in several biological processes such as angiogenesis, oxidative stress regulation, neuromodulation, and erythropoiesis. Copper is essential for facilitating the transfer of iron from cells to the bloodstream, which is necessary for proper absorption of dietary iron and the distribution of iron throughout the body. In particular, patients with end-stage renal failure who require renal replacement therapy are at increased risk for disorders of copper metabolism. Many studies on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant patients have focused on serum copper levels. Some reported mild deficiency, while others reported elevated levels or even toxicity. In some cases, it has been reported that alterations in copper metabolism lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, malnutrition, anemia, or mielopathy. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of copper in patients undergoing hemodialysis and its potential clinical implications.
Additive Manufacturing of Metal Materials for Construction Engineering: An Overview on Technologies and Applications
Authors: Capasso Ilaria , Andreacola Francesca Romana , Brando Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

Additive manufacturing, better known as 3D printing, is an innovative manufacturing technique which allows the production of parts, with complex and challenging shapes, layer by layer mainly through melting powder particles (metallic, polymeric, or composite) or extruding material in the form of wire, depending on the specific technique. Three-dimensional printing is already widely employed in several sectors, especially aerospace and automotive, although its large-scale use still requires the gain of know-how and to overcome certain limitations related to the production process and high costs. In particular, this innovative technology aims to overtake some of the shortcomings of conventional production methods and to obtain many additional advantages, such as reduction in material consumption and waste production, high level of customisation and automation, environmental sustainability, great design freedom, and reduction in stockpiles. This article aims to give a detailed review of the state of scientific research and progress in the industrial field of metal additive manufacturing, with a detailed view to its potential use in civil engineering and construction. After a comprehensive overview of the current most adopted additive manufacturing techniques, the fundamental printing process parameters to achieve successful results in terms of quality, precision, and strength are debated. Then, the already existing applications of metal 3D printing in the field of construction and civil engineering are widely discussed. Moreover, the strategic potentiality of the use of additive manufacturing both combined with topological optimisation and for the eventual repair of existing structures is presented. It can be stated that the discussed findings led us to conclude that the use of metal additive manufacturing in the building sector is very promising because of the several benefits that this technology is able to offer.
Evaluation of Shear-Punched Surface Layer Damage in Ultrahigh-Strength TRIP-Aided Steels with Bainitic Ferrite and/or Martensite Matrix Structure
Authors: Sugimoto Koh-ichi , Shioiri Shoya , Kobayashi Junya , Hojo Tomohiko
Published: September 2024

The damage to the shear-punched surface layers such as strain-hardening, strain-induced martensite transformation, and micro-void initiation behaviors was evaluated in the third-generation low-carbon advanced ultrahigh-strength TRIP-aided bainitic ferrite (TBF), bainitic ferrite–martensite (TBM), and martensite (TM) steels. In addition, the surface layer damage was related to (1) the mean normal stress generated during shear-punching and (2) microstructural properties such as the matrix structure, retained austenite characteristics, and second-phase properties. The shear-punched surface layer damage was produced under the mean normal stress between zero and negative in all the steels. The TBM and TM steels achieved relatively small surface layer damage. The small surface layer damage resulted in excellent cold stretch-flangeability, with a high crack-propagation/void-connection resistance on hole expansion.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Synergistic Activity and the Mechanism of the Combination of Naringenin and Amikacin Against Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Yi Lankun , Cao Mingze , Chen Xu , Bai Yubin , Wang Weiwei , Wei Xiaojuan , Shi Yuxiang , Zhang Yongying , Ma Tenghe , Zhu Zhen , Zhang Jiyu
Published: September 2024

Bacterial drug resistance is becoming an increasingly serious problem, and the development of antibacterial synergists is urgently needed. Combining existing antibiotics with promising nonantibiotic agents is one strategy that has been shown to be effective at overcoming the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial activities and mechanism of naringenin (NG) combined with amikacin (AMK) against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli). We first measured the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of NG combined with antibiotics via the checkerboard method. The results indicated that the combination of NG and AMK had a synergistic effect on E. coli ATCC 25922 and E. coli C7F3. In addition, this synergistic effect was verified by time-kill assays. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe cell morphology. The results showed that the cell wall of E. coli was destroyed. Furthermore, we assessed the leakage of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), K+, and protein. The extracellular AKP activity increased after the combinational group of 1/2MIC NG and 1/2MIC AMK, suggesting an impairment in cell wall permeability. An increase in the leakage of intracellular K+ and protein indicated an increase in cell inner membrane permeability. These results revealed that NG and AMK inhibited E. coli by damaging cell walls and membranes. In addition, PI uptake rapidly increased after treatment with NG and AMK. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that NG caused cell wall and cell membrane damage in E. coli. In summary, our results provide a new strategy for responding to the development of E. coli drug resistance.
Computational Exploration of the Mechanism of Action of a Sorafenib-Containing Ruthenium Complex as an Anticancer Agent for Photoactivated Chemotherapy
Authors: Barretta Pierraffaele , Ponte Fortuna , Escudero Daniel , Mazzone Gloria
Published: September 2024

Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes are being tested as potential anticancer agents in different therapies, which include conventional chemotherapy and light-activated approaches. A mechanistic study on a recently synthesized dual-action Ru(II) complex [Ru(bpy)2(sora)Cl]+ is described here. It is characterized by two mono-dentate leaving ligands, namely, chloride and sorafenib ligands, which make it possible to form a di-aquo complex able to bind DNA. At the same time, while the released sorafenib can induce ferroptosis, the complex is also able to act as a photosensitizer according to type II photodynamic therapy processes, thus generating one of the most harmful cytotoxic species, 1O2. In order to clarify the mechanism of action of the drug, computational strategies based on density functional theory are exploited. The photophysical properties of the complex, which include the absorption spectrum, the kinetics of ISC, and the character of all the excited states potentially involved in 1O2 generation, as well as the pathway providing the di-aquo complex, are fully explored. Interestingly, the outcomes show that light is needed to form the mono–aquo complex, after releasing both chloride and sorafenib ligands, while the second solvent molecule enters the coordination sphere of the metal once the system has come back to the ground-state potential energy surface. In order to simulate the interaction with canonical DNA, the di-aquo complex interaction with a guanine nucleobase as a model has also been studied. The whole study aims to elucidate the intricate details of the photodissociation process, which could help with designing tailored metal complexes as potential anticancer agents.
Antibiotics Amoxicillin, Ampicillin and Their Mixture—Impact on Bacteria, Fungi, Ostracods and Plants
Authors: Pawłowska Barbara , Sysa Marcin , Godela Agnieszka , Biczak Robert
Published: September 2024

Ampicillin (AMP) and amoxicillin (AMX) are popular antibiotics, which are penicillin derivatives, and are used in both human and veterinary medicine. In the conducted study, AMP, AMX and their mixtures did not cause major changes in the total bacterial counts in soil samples, and even an increase in the bacterial counts from 3,700,000 to 6,260,000 colony-forming units (cfu) per gram of soil dry weight (g of soil DW) was observed for minimal amounts of these drugs in the soil. The total abundance of fungi, on the other hand, increased from values ranging from 17,000 to 148,000 cfu∙g−1 of soil DW to a level of 32,000 to 131,000 cfu∙g−1 of soil DW. The tested antibiotics and their mixtures had no significant effect on the mortality and growth of H. incongruens. AMX and the AMP + AMX mixture also showed no effect on the plant fresh weight yield, plant aboveground part length and dry weight content of wheat seedlings. In contrast, AMP caused an increase in the plant fresh weight yield and wheat seedling length compared to the control. The drug also caused a slight decrease in the seedling dry weight content. Both AMP and AMX showed inhibitory effects on the plant root length at the highest concentrations of the compounds.
Antifungal Activity and Multi-Target Mechanism of Action of Methylaervine on Candida albicans
Authors: Liu Jinyi , Wang Luyao , Sun Yifan , Xiong Yingyan , Li Runchu , Sui Meixia , Gao Zhenzhen , Wang Wei , Sun Hao , Dai Jiangkun
Published: September 2024

The discovery of a lead compound against Candida albicans is urgently needed because of the lack of clinically available antifungal drugs and the increase in drug resistance. Herein, a β-carboline alkaloid methylaervine (MET) exhibited potential activity against C. albicans (MIC = 16–128 μg/mL), no hemolytic toxicity, and a low tendency to induce drug resistance. An antifungal mechanism study indicated that MET effectively inhibited the biofilm formation and disrupted the mature biofilm. Moreover, filamentation formation and spore germination were also weakened. The electron microscopy analysis revealed that MET could damage the cell structure, including the cell wall, membrane, and cytoplasm. In particular, the permeability and integrity of the cell membrane were destroyed. When it entered the fungi cell, it interfered with the redox homeostasis and DNA function. Overall, MET can inhibit the growth of C. albicans from multiple channels, such as biofilm, filamentation, cell structure, and intracellular targets, which are difficult to mutate at the same time to generate drug resistance. This work provides a promising lead compound for the creation of new antifungal agents against C. albicans.
PET Glycolysis to BHET Efficiently Catalyzed by Stable and Recyclable Pd-Cu/γ-Al2O3
Authors: Zhou Lei , Qin Enbo , Huang Hao , Wang Yuanyou , Li Mingxin
Published: September 2024

Glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a prospective way for degradation of PET to its monomer bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), providing the possibility for a permanent loop recycling. However, most reported glycolysis catalysts are homogeneous, making the catalyst difficult to recover and contaminating the products. Herein, we reported on the Pd-Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst and applied it in the glycolysis of PET as catalyst. The formed structure gave Pd-Cu/γ-Al2O3 a high active surface area, which enabled these micro-particles to work more efficiently. The PET conversion and BHET yield reached 99% and 86%, respectively, in the presence of 5 wt% of Pd-Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst within 80 min at 160 °C. After the reaction, the catalyst can be quickly separated by filtration, so it can be easily reused without significant loss of reactivity at least five times. Therefore, the Pd-Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst may contribute to an economically and environmentally improved large-scale recycling of PET fiber waste.