bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary minerals deficiency and supplementation on different parts of muscle minerals content in grazing Mongolian sheep
Authors: Meng Lingbo , Jin Xiwei , Qi Zhi , Mi Lan
Published: January 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of dietary deficiency and supplementation of calcium, zinc, copper, cobalt, manganese or selenium on minerals content in the longissimus dorsi (LD), biceps femoris (BF) and triceps brachii (TB) of grazing Mongolian sheep.

Methods

We randomly divided 98 sheep into 7 treatment groups and fed them specific diets for 60 days: a total mineral nutrition diet (LCG), a calcium deficiency diet (LCa), a zinc deficiency diet (LZn), a copper deficiency diet (LCu), a cobalt deficiency diet (LCo), a manganese deficiency diet (LMn) and a selenium deficiency diet (LSe). Then 7 sheep from each group were slaughtered and samples of LD, BF and TB were collected for mineral content analysis. The remaining sheep in each group were subsequently fed specific diets for an additional 41 days: a total mineral nutrition diet (SCG), a calcium supplementation diet (SCa), a zinc supplementation diet (SZn), a copper supplementation diet (SCu), a cobalt supplementation diet (SCo), a manganese supplementation diet (SMn) and a selenium supplementation diet (SSe). Afterward, all sheep were slaughtered, and muscle samples were collected and analyzed.

Results

Significant findings emerged that LCa decreased sulfur (S) content in BF and increased Ca content in LD and BF, while SCa increased S and Ca content in BF and TB, respectively (P < 0.05). LZn decreased Zn, S, and potassium (K) content in LD and BF, while SZn increased Zn and S content in LD and BF, respectively (P < 0.05). LCu decreased Cu and iron (Fe) content in LD and TB, while SCu increased Fe content in TB (P < 0.05). LCo decreased phosphorus, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn content in LD (P < 0.05). LMn decreased Mn content and increased K content in TB, while SMn decreased K content in BF and TB (P < 0.05). LSe and SSe decreased and increased Se content in LD, BF, and TB, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dietary mineral levels have varying effects on lamb meat minerals content. It is important to ensure an adequate intake of minerals in the diet to enhance the mineral nutrition of lamb meat.
Enterovirus D68 circulation between 2014 and 2022 in Slovenian children
Authors: Uršič Tina , Jevšnik Virant Monika , Kogoj Rok , Krivec Uros , Prusnik Joanna , Mramor Minca , Lovšin Sara , Petrovec Miroslav
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) belongs to the Picornaviridae family, genus Enterovirus. It is mostly known as a respiratory virus causing upper and lower respiratory tract infections, but it is also rarely associated with a variety of central nervous system complications, with acute flaccid myelitis being reported most frequently. This study assesses the incidence, seasonality, clinical presentation, and molecular epidemiology of the EV-D68 strain in EV-positive children hospitalized between 2014 and 2022 at the largest pediatric medical center in Slovenia.

Methods

EV-D68 was detected using specific qRT-PCR, whereas partial VP1 sequences were obtained with Sanger sequencing, and further analyzed using the software CLC Main Workbench version 7 and MEGA version X.

Results

EV-D68 was detected in 154 out of 1,145 (13.4%) EV-positive children. In the two epidemic years, 2014 and 2016, EV-D68 was most frequently detected in the summer and early autumn, peaking in September. The median age of EV-D68–infected children was 3 years (IQR 1–3 years), with a female: male ratio of 1:1.17. Rhinorrhea was present in 74.0% of children, respiratory distress in 82.5%, and hypoxemia requiring supplemental oxygen in 44.1%. Out of 154 patients, 80.0% were hospitalized, with a median stay of 2 days (IQR 1–3 days). Lower respiratory tract infection was observed in 89.0% of EV-D68–positive patients, with bronchitis and bronchiolitis being most frequently diagnosed. No central nervous system manifestations of EV-D68 infection were observed in the study cohort. Phylogenetic analysis of partial VP1 sequences of EV-D68 revealed close similarity to the EV-D68 variants that were circulating in other European countries in these years.

Discussion

Slovenia faced two EV-D68 epidemics in 2014 and 2016; however, after 2016 only nine more cases were detected until the end of the study period. Based on the results of this study, EV-D68 was a frequent cause of lower respiratory tract infection among EV-positive patients. However, none of the patients we studied needed ICU treatment, and none developed acute flaccid paralysis. Our results indicate that EV-D68 is not present constantly, so additional monitoring studies should be conducted in the future to better understand the implications of this EV type in human disease.
Framework Based on Simulation of Real-World Message Streams to Evaluate Classification Solutions
Authors: Hojas-Mazo Wenny , Maciá-Pérez Francisco , Berná Martínez José Vicente , Moreno-Espino Mailyn , Lorenzo Fonseca Iren , Pavón Juan
Published: January 2024

Analysing message streams in a dynamic environment is challenging. Various methods and metrics are used to evaluate message classification solutions, but often fail to realistically simulate the actual environment. As a result, the evaluation can produce overly optimistic results, rendering current solution evaluations inadequate for real-world environments. This paper proposes a framework based on the simulation of real-world message streams to evaluate classification solutions. The framework consists of four modules: message stream simulation, processing, classification and evaluation. The simulation module uses techniques and queueing theory to replicate a real-world message stream. The processing module refines the input messages for optimal classification. The classification module categorises the generated message stream using existing solutions. The evaluation module evaluates the performance of the classification solutions by measuring accuracy, precision and recall. The framework can model different behaviours from different sources, such as different spammers with different attack strategies, press media or social network sources. Each profile generates a message stream that is combined into the main stream for greater realism. A spam detection case study is developed that demonstrates the implementation of the proposed framework and identifies latency and message body obfuscation as critical classification quality parameters.
Activation-Based Pruning of Neural Networks
Authors: Ganguli Tushar , Chong Edwin K. P.
Published: January 2024

We present a novel technique for pruning called activation-based pruning to effectively prune fully connected feedforward neural networks for multi-object classification. Our technique is based on the number of times each neuron is activated during model training. We compare the performance of activation-based pruning with a popular pruning method: magnitude-based pruning. Further analysis demonstrated that activation-based pruning can be considered a dimensionality reduction technique, as it leads to a sparse low-rank matrix approximation for each hidden layer of the neural network. We also demonstrate that the rank-reduced neural network generated using activation-based pruning has better accuracy than a rank-reduced network using principal component analysis. We provide empirical results to show that, after each successive pruning, the amount of reduction in the magnitude of singular values of each matrix representing the hidden layers of the network is equivalent to introducing the sum of singular values of the hidden layers as a regularization parameter to the objective function.
The Influence of Students’ Perceptions and Motivation on Accounting and Taxation Careers
Authors: Sampaio Carlos , Régio Mónica , Sebastião João Renato
Published: January 2024

Companies depend on the trust and confidence of the general public to thrive. The integrity of financial reporting practices plays a pivotal role in establishing and sustaining stakeholders’ confidence. This trust serves as a foundational cornerstone in managerial decision-making processes and in facilitating the active participation of a diverse spectrum of stakeholders within organizational frameworks. Despite its reputation for ethical and transparent conduct, the field of accounting often grapples with a perception of mundanity, particularly among student populations. This study uses a structural equation modeling approach to assess the impact of students’ perceptions of the accounting profession on their motivation in academic coursework, using a sample of 92 undergraduate students of accounting and taxation subjects. Additionally, it seeks to investigate how this motivation directly influences their perceptions of future career and how it operates indirectly through their active engagement in accounting and taxation courses. The research findings indicate that students’ perceptions of the accounting profession have a direct and positive effect on the perceptions of future career of individuals enrolled in both accounting and taxation courses. This influence is further mediated by the levels of motivation and engagement observed in the academic domain. Moreover, the results highlight the direct and positive influence of students’ motivation and engagement in their coursework on their perceptions of future career.
Study on the Concentration of Top Air Pollutants in Xuzhou City in Winter 2020 Based on the WRF-Chem and ADMS-Urban Models
Authors: Liu Wenhao , Ling Xiaolu , Xue Yong , Wu Shuhui , Gao Jian , Zhao Liang , He Botao
Published: January 2024

In recent years, the issue of air pollution has garnered significant public attention globally, with a particular emphasis on the challenge of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. The efficient and precise simulation of changes in pollutant concentrations, as well as their spatial and temporal distribution, is essential for effectively addressing the air pollution issue. In this paper, the WRF-Chem model is used to simulate the meteorological elements including temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), and pressure (P), and the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 atmospheric pollutants in December 2020 in Xuzhou City. Simultaneously, the ADMS-Urban model was employed to conduct a higher spatial resolution study of PM2.5 concentrations during the heavy pollution days of 11–12 December 2020 in Xuzhou City. The study shows that the WRF-Chem model can simulate the meteorological conditions of the study time period better, and the correlation coefficients (R) of pressure, temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity are 0.99, 0.87, 0.75, and 0.70, respectively. The WRF-Chem model can accurately simulate the PM2.5 concentration on clean days (R of 0.66), but the simulation of polluted days is not satisfactory. Therefore, the ADMS-Urban model was chosen to simulate the PM2.5 concentration on polluted days in the center of Xuzhou City. The ADMS-Urban model can simulate the distribution characteristics and concentration changes of PM2.5 around roads and buildings in the center of Xuzhou City. Comparing the simulation results of the two models, it was found that the two models have their own advantages in PM2.5 concentration simulation, and how to better couple the two models is the next research direction.
Particle Size, Effects of Distance and Height from Source, Carbon Components, and Source of Dust in Nanchang, Central China
Authors: Huang Hong , Huang Zihan , Zou Changwei , Tang Yuan , Li Jianlong , Yu Chenglong , Zhu Fangxu
Published: January 2024

Regional air quality and major sources can be reflected by dust. 87 dust samples in Nanchang (four residential areas and three roadside points) were collected, with particle size and carbon components determined to discuss the distribution characteristics and the sources. The distribution of dust particle size in different sampling areas was similar, composed mainly of particles larger than 10 μm (over 69.8%). Dust particle size showed a decreasing trend with increasing horizontal distance from the main road and vertical height from the ground. EC in road dust was higher than that in residential dust. EC outdoors was higher than EC indoors in the same area. OC in indoor dust was higher than that in atmospheric dust when there were obvious indoor OC emission sources. The main carbon fractions in residential dust were OC3 and EC1, and in road dust were EC2 and OC3. The distribution of carbon fractions showed that OC3 and EC2 were mainly affected by human activities and motor vehicle emissions, respectively. The ratio of OC/EC and SOC in dust decreased from autumn to winter. SOC in the dust of Nanchang was at a medium level compared to other cities/regions around world. Clustering analysis and principal component analysis indicated that combustion sources (coal and biomass combustion, etc.), motor vehicle exhaust sources (gasoline and diesel vehicles), and human sources (cooking fumes, cigarette smoking, etc.) were the main contributors to the carbon components in dust.
Assessment of Particulate Matters, Metals, and PAHs’ Air Pollution in Industrial vs. Animal Husbandry Areas
Authors: Pascu Luoana-Florentina , Danciulescu Valeriu , Calinescu Simona Mariana , Iancu Vasile Ion , Nicolescu Ileana , Banciu Alina Roxana , Nita-Lazar Mihai , Vasile Gabriela-Geanina
Published: January 2024

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) have been noted to generate a high risk for human health. Their presence and concentration have not been equally distributed in the environment and various anthropic activities favored the environmental presence of specific pollution components. The economic sector of bakery, as well as intensive animal breeding, are well spread worldwide and they represent a priority economic sector due to their direct link to the food industry. In this study, particulate matter (PM) and PAH pollutant compounds were monitored and their presence and concentration were correlated with specific anthropic activities such as bakery and animal husbandry. For the first time, the data analysis established correlations between PM10 or PM2.5 sizes and concentrations with a specific anthropic activity (bakery vs. animal husbandry). PM10 seemed to be more present at sites of animal husbandry activities than bakery ones. The vast majority of high PAH concentrations were detected in industrial sites such as bakeries. Spearman statistical correlation tests of intensive breeding of animals and bakery fields showed a moderate correlation between dimensional fractions of particulate matters, which indicated several emission sources, with different characteristics.
Pretreatment of Lithium Ion Batteries for Safe Recycling with High-Temperature Discharging Approach
Authors: Mondal Arpita , Fu Yuhong , Gao Wei , Mi Chunting Chris
Published: January 2024

The ongoing transition toward electric vehicles is a major factor in the exponential rise in demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). There is a significant effort to recycle battery materials to support the mining industry in ensuring enough raw materials and avoiding supply disruptions, so that there will be enough raw materials to produce LIBs. Nevertheless, LIBs that have reached the end of their useful lives and are sent for recycling may still have some energy left in them, which could be dangerous during handling and processing. Therefore, it is important to conduct discharge pretreatment of LIBs before dismantling and crushing them, especially in cases where pyrometallurgical recycling is not used. Electrochemical discharge in conducting solutions has been commonly studied and implemented for this purpose, but its effectiveness has yet to be fully validated. Non-electrochemical discharge has also been researched as a potentially cleaner and more efficient discharge technology at the same time. This article presents a non-electrochemical discharge process by completely draining the energy from used batteries before recycling. A comprehensive investigation of the behavior of LIBs during discharge and the amount of energy remaining after fully discharging the battery at different temperatures is analyzed in this work. According to the experimental findings, completely discharging the battery at higher temperatures results in a reduced amount of residual energy in the battery. This outcome holds great importance in terms of safe and environmentally friendly recycling of used LIBs, emphasizing that safety and environmentally friendly recycling must go hand in hand with a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
Engineering Dry Electrode Manufacturing for Sustainable Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Bouguern Mohamed Djihad , Madikere Raghunatha Reddy Anil Kumar , Li Xia , Deng Sixu , Laryea Harriet , Zaghib Karim
Published: January 2024

The pursuit of industrializing lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with exceptional energy density and top-tier safety features presents a substantial growth opportunity. The demand for energy storage is steadily rising, driven primarily by the growth in electric vehicles and the need for stationary energy storage systems. However, the manufacturing process of LIBs, which is crucial for these applications, still faces significant challenges in terms of both financial and environmental impacts. Our review paper comprehensively examines the dry battery electrode technology used in LIBs, which implies the use of no solvents to produce dry electrodes or coatings. In contrast, the conventional wet electrode technique includes processes for solvent recovery/drying and the mixing of solvents like N-methyl pyrrolidine (NMP). Methods that use dry films bypass the need for solvent blending and solvent evaporation processes. The advantages of dry processes include a shorter production time, reduced energy consumption, and lower equipment investment. This is because no solvent mixing or drying is required, making the production process much faster and, thus, decreasing the price. This review explores three solvent-free dry film techniques, such as extrusion, binder fibrillation, and dry spraying deposition, applied to LIB electrode coatings. Emphasizing cost-effective large-scale production, the critical methods identified are hot melting, extrusion, and binder fibrillation. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the solvent-free dry-film-making methods, detailing the underlying principles, procedures, and relevant parameters.
Rethinking Clozapine: Lights and Shadows of a Revolutionary Drug
Authors: Dell’Osso Liliana , Bonelli Chiara , Nardi Benedetta , Giovannoni Federico , Pronestì Cristiana , Cremone Ivan Mirko , Amatori Giulia , Pini Stefano , Carpita Barbara
Published: January 2024

The current literature globally highlights the efficacy of Clozapine in several psychiatric disorders all over the world, with an FDA indication for reducing the risk of repeated suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. A growing field of research is also stressing a possible broader beneficial effect of Clozapine in promoting neuroprotection and neurotrophism. However, this drug is linked to several life-threatening side effects, such as agranulocytosis, myocarditis and seizures, that limit its use in daily clinical practice. For this work, a search was performed on PubMed using the terms “Clozapine indications”, “Clozapine adverse effects”, “Clozapine regenerative effects”, and “Clozapine neuroplasticity” with the aim of reviewing the scientific literature on Clozapine’s treatment indications, adverse effects and potential regenerative role. The results confirmed the efficacy of clozapine in clinical practice, although limited by its adverse effects. It appears crucial to raise awareness among clinicians about the potential benefits of using Clozapine, as well educating medical personnel about its risks and the early identification of possible adverse effects and their management.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Ameliorates Stress-Induced Sleep Disruption via Activating Infralimbic-Ventrolateral Preoptic Projections
Authors: Su Yu-Jie , Yi Pei-Lu , Chang Fang-Chia
Published: January 2024

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is acknowledged for its non-invasive modulation of neuronal activity in psychiatric disorders. However, its application in insomnia research yields varied outcomes depending on different tDCS types and patient conditions. Our primary objective is to elucidate its efficiency and uncover the underlying mechanisms in insomnia treatment. We hypothesized that anodal prefrontal cortex stimulation activates glutamatergic projections from the infralimbic cortex (IL) to the ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO) to promote sleep. After administering 0.06 mA of electrical currents for 8 min, our results indicate significant non-rapid eye movement (NREM) enhancement in naïve mice within the initial 3 h post-stimulation, persisting up to 16–24 h. In the insomnia group, tDCS enhanced NREM sleep bout numbers during acute stress response and improved NREM and REM sleep duration in subsequent acute insomnia. Sleep quality, assessed through NREM delta powers, remains unaffected. Interference of the IL-VLPO pathway, utilizing designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) with the cre-DIO system, partially blocked tDCS’s sleep improvement in stress-induced insomnia. This study elucidated that the activation of the IL-VLPO pathway mediates tDCS’s effect on stress-induced insomnia. These findings support the understanding of tDCS effects on sleep disturbances, providing valuable insights for future research and clinical applications in sleep therapy.
Unique Challenges in Biomarkers for Psychotic Disorders
Authors: Chen Eric Y. H. , Wong Stephanie M. Y.
Published: January 2024

Biomarkers are observations that provide information about the risk of certain conditions (predictive) or their underlying mechanisms (explanatory) [...]
Seismic Performance of U-Shaped Connection for Prefabricated Steel Plate Shear Wall
Authors: Zhang Xun , Liu Qiankun , Xiao Weiwei , Yu Fan , Cai Liming , Song Lianzhi
Published: January 2024

In this investigation, a U-shaped connection (U-C) was introduced for a prefabricated steel plate shear wall with beam-only connections. This design replaces a portion of shear bolts with tension bolts to enhance bolt efficiency and reduce the overall bolt count, and it is suitable for a prefabricated high-rise steel structure. Four 1/3 scale specimens were designed, and an array of performance aspects including failure modes, hysteretic behavior, skeleton curves, energy dissipation capacity, stiffness degradation, and key performance indicators were systematically investigated through a combination of quasi-static tests and finite element analyses. The results showed that the combination arrangement of tensile and shear bolts in U-C effectively reduced the usage of bolts used and reduced installation costs; under low cycle reciprocating loads, the ultimate bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity of a beam-only-connected prefabricated steel plate shear wall with U-shaped connection (BPSW-U) had slightly decreased compared with the prefabricated steel plate shear wall with discontinuous cover-plate connection (DCPC). Nevertheless, the BPSW-U excelled in preserving the integrity of the frame beams, channeling structural plastic deformations primarily into the infilled steel plate. This design feature ensures that post-earthquake functionality recovery can be achieved by simply replacing the infilled steel plate.
Optimizing Rebar Consumption and Cutting Waste in Column Reinforcement: Integrated Mechanical Couplers and a Special-Length-Priority Minimization Algorithm
Authors: Widjaja Daniel Darma , Kim Sunkuk , Kim Dong-Jin
Published: January 2024

The construction of reinforced concrete (RC) structures inevitably consumes an excessive number of rebars, leading to significant cutting waste and carbon emissions. Extensive research has been conducted to minimize this issue and its consequences; however, these methods consistently consume a substantial number of rebars. This includes a previous study that utilizes the lap splice position optimization and special-length rebar concept without considering the lapping zone regulation. Moreover, conventional lap splices pose inherent drawbacks that could jeopardize the structural integrity of RC members. In contrast, mechanical couplers eliminate the need for rebar lapping, effectively reducing rebar consumption. This research aims to evaluate the impact of an integrated mechanical coupler and special-length-priority minimization algorithm on the reduction in rebar consumption and cutting waste in RC columns, achieving near-zero cutting waste. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, it was applied to the column rebars of an RC building. The results revealed a significant reduction in the ordered rebar consumption by 18.25%, accompanied by substantial reductions in the cutting waste (8.93%), carbon emissions (12.99%), and total costs (9.94%) compared with a previous study. The outcomes provide the industry with insights into further reducing rebar consumption and its related consequences. Applying the proposed algorithm to various construction projects will further amplify the corresponding benefits.
Special Length Priority Optimization Model: Minimizing Wall Rebar Usage and Cutting Waste
Authors: Kim Dong-Jin , Khant Lwun Poe , Widjaja Daniel Darma , Kim Sunkuk
Published: January 2024

The production of steel rebar is an energy-intensive process that generates CO2 emissions. In construction, waste is generated by cutting stock-length rebar to the required lengths. The reduction rate achieved in most previous studies was limited due to adherence to lap splice positions mandated by building codes and the use of stock-length rebar. A previous study demonstrated a significant reduction in rebar usage and cutting waste, approaching zero, upon optimizing the lap splice position, reducing the number of splices, and utilizing special-length rebar. However, the reference length used to determine the special-length rebar was not clearly optimized. This study proposes a special length priority optimization model to minimize wall rebar usage and waste by reducing the number of splices while simultaneously ensuring an optimal reference length. The proposed model was validated using a case study wall with a standard hook anchorage at the top of the wall reinforcement. The optimization model reduced rebar cutting waste to 0.18% and decreased rebar usage from the original design by 16.16%.
Correlations between Energy Dissipation Characteristics and the Rheological Property Degradation of Asphalt Binders
Authors: Yu Huayang , Deng Yihao , Deng Guansen , Dong Niya
Published: January 2024

Fatigue failure in asphalt pavements, caused by continuous loading, primarily occurs at the interface between the asphalt binder and the aggregate (adhesive failure) or within the asphalt binder itself (cohesive failure). This study conducted variable stress fatigue tests on asphalt binders to investigate the fatigue damage evolution mechanism that aligns most closely with actual road conditions. By altering test conditions such as stress amplitude and loading frequency, the study summarized the patterns of change in the fatigue performance parameters of binder samples and analyzed their fatigue life. The research methods employed are of significant value for refining the existing asphalt fatigue evaluation systems. Indicators such as dissipated energy ratio, cumulative dissipated energy ratio, rate of change in dissipated energy, and the G-R constant n × Gn* were used as criteria for fatigue failure. The fatigue life of samples under different stress levels was calculated, and the applicability of each dissipated energy fatigue indicator was evaluated. The evaluation indicators, like dissipated energy ratio and cumulative dissipated energy ratio, failed under large stress outside the non-linear viscoelastic range, whereas the rate of change in dissipated energy and the G-R constant n × Gn* accurately determined the fatigue life of samples in fatigue tests at all stress levels, covering a broader range of applicable stresses. In variable stress fatigue tests, the rate of change in dissipated energy and the G-R constant were used as indicators for determining fatigue failure. Under a small-to-large loading mode, the second stage of the sample’s fatigue life was too short, causing the G-R constant curve to not reach its peak, and hence it could not accurately determine the sample’s fatigue life. Under a large-to-small loading mode, there are sufficient loading cycles before fatigue failure occurs, allowing the G-R constant curve to reach its peak, demonstrating that the G-R constant remains applicable in this loading mode. Under both small-to-large and large-to-small loading modes, the fatigue failure point of the samples could be determined based on the rate of change in dissipated energy curve. It is recommended to use the rate of change in dissipated energy as the failure criterion for samples in variable stress fatigue tests on asphalt binders.
Acoustic Ambience and Simulation of the Bullring of Ronda (Spain)
Authors: Martín-Castizo Manuel , Girón Sara , Galindo Miguel
Published: January 2024

The bullring of Ronda, one of the oldest in Spain, declared in 1993 as an Asset of Cultural Interest, occupies a paramount place among the buildings of its type thanks to its outstanding beauty. Its configuration as an open-air enclosure with a circular floor plan, as an evocation of the ancient Roman amphitheaters, and its interior with galleries on two levels that house the audience play a fundamental role in the acoustic energy decay and diffusion of the space. The link between architecture and acoustics of the Ronda bullring has been carried out by using on-site measurements and simulation techniques. To this end, an acoustic model is created, which is adjusted by taking the set of 3D impulse responses recorded on-site. The presence of the public and the various sound sources that exist during the bullfight itself are analyzed in the simulations, whereby the conditions of occupation and vacancy are compared, as are the variations due to the location of the sources. Finally, speech intelligibility conditions are simulated with a human directivity source. The precision of the virtual acoustic model enables the sound architecture of this singular space to be ascertained and preserved, thereby incorporating sound as an associated intangible heritage.
Numerical Study of Thermal Efficiency in Light-Gauge Steel Panels Designed with Varying Insulation Ratios
Authors: Chandrasiri Dilanka , Gatheeshgar Perampalam , Ahmadi Hadi Monsef , Simwanda Lenganji
Published: January 2024

In the construction domain, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, resource efficiency, and energy optimisation. Light-gauge steel panels (LGSPs) stand out for their inherent advantages including lightweight construction and energy efficiency. However, the effective management of thermal efficiency, particularly addressing thermal bridges, is crucial. This paper conducts a detailed numerical investigation into the thermal performance of LGSPs, examining varied insulation ratios. Thermal finite element (FE) models were initially developed using the THERM software and validated against code predictions and results available in the literature. A comprehensive parametric study explored different insulation ratios, insulation materials, and wall thicknesses, discovering their impact on thermal transmittance (U-value). Key findings revealed that U-value correlated with insulation material conductivity, with E-PLA insulation exhibiting the lowest values, and increasing wall thickness resulted in decreased U-values. It was found that a strategic use of insulation yielded a U-value reduction of over 65%. New simplified design approaches were developed, featuring insulation ratios linked to accurate U-value predictions for LGSP configurations. The new design approaches were found to provide more accurate and consistent U-value predictions. Moreover, optimum insulation ratios for new builds and existing building extensions were found to be around 0.9 and 0.7 for 275 mm and 325 mm thick walls, respectively. These proposed energy-efficient solutions, facilitated through advanced design, are well-aligned with net-zero construction objectives.
Late Local Recurrence after Neoadjuvant Therapy and Radical Resection for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Salega Adrian , Münch Marina , Renner Philipp , Thon Klaus-Peter , Steurer Wolfgang , Mönch Dina , Koch Jana , Maaß Annika , Schlitt Hans Jürgen , Dahlke Marc-Hendrik , Leibold Tobias
Published: January 2024

Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCT) and lately total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) improved local recurrence rates of rectal cancer significantly compared to total mesorectal excision (TME) alone. Yet the occurrence and impact of late local recurrences after many years appears to be a distinct biological problem. We included n = 188 patients with rectal cancer after RCT and radical resection in this study; n = 38 of which had recurrent disease (sites: local (8.0%), liver (6.4%), lung (3.7%)). We found that 68% of all recurrences developed within the first two years. Four patients, however, experience recurrence >8 years after surgery. Here, we report and characterize four cases of late local recurrence (10% of patients with recurrent disease), suggesting that neoadjuvant therapy in principle delays local recurrence.
Lung Cancer Related Thrombosis (LCART): Focus on Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Charpidou Andriani , Gerotziafas Grigorios , Popat Sanjay , Araujo Antonio , Scherpereel Arnaud , Kopp Hans-Georg , Bironzo Paolo , Massard Gilbert , Jiménez David , Falanga Anna , Kollias Anastasios , Syrigos Konstantinos
Published: January 2024

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a common complication in lung cancer patients. Lung cancer confers an increased risk of thrombosis compared to other solid malignancies across all stages of the disease. Newer treatment agents, including checkpoint immunotherapy and targeted agents, may further increase the risk of CAT. Different risk-assessment models, such as the Khorana Risk Score, and newer approaches that incorporate genetic risk factors have been used in lung cancer patients to evaluate the risk of thrombosis. The management of CAT is based on the results of large prospective trials, which show similar benefits to low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in ambulatory patients. The anticoagulation agent and duration of therapy should be personalized according to lung cancer stage and histology, the presence of driver mutations and use of antineoplastic therapy, including recent curative lung surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Treatment options should be evaluated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been shown to impact the thrombotic risk in cancer patients. This review focuses on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, novel predictive scores and management of CAT in patients with active lung cancer, with a focus on immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Targeted Therapeutic Strategies for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Victoir Benjamin , Croix Cécile , Gouilleux Fabrice , Prié Gildas
Published: January 2024

Extensive research is underway to develop new therapeutic strategies to counteract therapy resistance in cancers. This review presents various strategies to achieve this objective. First, we discuss different vectorization platforms capable of releasing drugs in cancer cells. Second, we delve into multitarget therapies using drug combinations and dual anticancer agents. This section will describe examples of multitarget therapies that have been used to treat solid tumors.
Targeted Therapies and Drug Resistance in Advanced Breast Cancer, Alternative Strategies and the Way beyond
Authors: Nicolini Andrea , Ferrari Paola
Published: January 2024

“Targeted therapy” or “precision medicine” is a therapeutic strategy launched over two decades ago. It relies on drugs that inhibit key molecular mechanisms/pathways or genetic/epigenetic alterations that promote different cancer hallmarks. Many clinical trials, sponsored by multinational drug companies, have been carried out. During this time, research has increasingly uncovered the complexity of advanced breast cancer disease. Despite high expectations, patients have seen limited benefits from these clinical trials. Commonly, only a minority of trials are successful, and the few approved drugs are costly. The spread of this expensive therapeutic strategy has constrained the resources available for alternative research. Meanwhile, due to the high cost/benefit ratio, other therapeutic strategies have been proposed by researchers over time, though they are often not pursued due to a focus on precision medicine. Notable among these are drug repurposing and counteracting micrometastatic disease. The former provides an obvious answer to expensive targeted therapies, while the latter represents a new field to which efforts have recently been devoted, offering a “way beyond” the current research.
What Does Atypical Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Really Mean? A Retrospective Morphological and Immunophenotypic Study
Authors: D’Arena Giovanni , Vitale Candida , Pietrantuono Giuseppe , Villani Oreste , Mansueto Giovanna , D’Auria Fiorella , Statuto Teodora , D’Agostino Simona , Sabetta Rosalaura , Tarasco Angela , Innocenti Idanna , Autore Francesco , Fresa Alberto , Valvano Luciana , Tomasso Annamaria , Cafaro Lorenzo , Lamorte Daniela , Laurenti Luca
Published: January 2024

Atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is still defined according to morphological criteria. However, deviance from the typical surface immunological profile suggests an atypical immunological-based CLL. A large cohort of patients with CLL was retrospectively evaluated aiming at assessing morphological (FAB criteria), immunophenotypical (two or more discordances from the typical profile), and clinical–biological features of atypical CLL. Compared to typical cases, morphologically atypical CLL showed a greater percentage of unmutated IgVH and CD38 positivity, and a higher expression of CD20. Immunophenotypically atypical CLL was characterized by more advanced clinical stages, higher expression of CD20, higher rate of FMC7, CD79b and CD49d positivity, and by an intermediate–high expression of membrane surface immunoglobulin, compared to typical cases. When patients were categorized based on immunophenotypic and morphologic concordance or discordance, no difference emerged. Finally, morphological features better discriminated patients’ prognosis in terms of time-to-first treatment, while concordant atypical cases showed overall a worse prognosis. Discordant cases by immunophenotype and/or morphology did not identify specific prognostic groups. Whether—in the era of molecular markers used as prognostic indicators—it does make sense to focus on morphology and immunophenotype features in CLL is still matter of debate needing further research.
First Record of Sarsia tubulosa (M. Sars, 1835) (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) on Red King Crabs in the Coastal Barents Sea
Authors: Panteleeva Ninel N. , Dvoretsky Alexander G. , Dvoretsky Vladimir G.
Published: January 2024

Sarsia tubulosa (M. Sars, 1835), a colonial hydrozoan of the family Corynidae, is common in the Barents Sea. This study provides new evidence that the species acts as an epibiont of the red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus, a non-indigenous but remarkably abundant decapod crustacean of immense commercial value in the coastal regions of the sea. This finding adds to the current collection of identified epibionts on the red king crab and highlights the prospect of ongoing symbiotic relationships between the crab and the regional fauna. We also provide photographic evidence of S. tubulosa colonies and a comparative morphological evaluation with another closely related corynid, Coryne hincksi Bonnevie, 1898, previously found on the red king crab. The main differences between these two species are the location of the gonophores (reproductive organs) on the hydranths and the final stage of their development: in the form of free-floating medusae (S. tubulosa) or remaining sessile as sporosacs (C. hincksi). Other distinguishing features include variations in hydranth morphology, number and arrangement of tentacles, and structural development of gonophores.
A Multi-Modal Deep-Learning Air Quality Prediction Method Based on Multi-Station Time-Series Data and Remote-Sensing Images: Case Study of Beijing and Tianjin
Authors: Xia Hanzhong , Chen Xiaoxia , Wang Zhen , Chen Xinyi , Dong Fangyan
Published: January 2024

The profound impacts of severe air pollution on human health, ecological balance, and economic stability are undeniable. Precise air quality forecasting stands as a crucial necessity, enabling governmental bodies and vulnerable communities to proactively take essential measures to reduce exposure to detrimental pollutants. Previous research has primarily focused on predicting air quality using only time-series data. However, the importance of remote-sensing image data has received limited attention. This paper proposes a new multi-modal deep-learning model, Res-GCN, which integrates high spatial resolution remote-sensing images and time-series air quality data from multiple stations to forecast future air quality. Res-GCN employs two deep-learning networks, one utilizing the residual network to extract hidden visual information from remote-sensing images, and another using a dynamic spatio-temporal graph convolution network to capture spatio-temporal information from time-series data. By extracting features from two different modalities, improved predictive performance can be achieved. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, experiments were conducted on two real-world datasets. The results show that the Res-GCN model effectively extracts multi-modal features, significantly enhancing the accuracy of multi-step predictions. Compared to the best-performing baseline model, the multi-step prediction’s mean absolute error, root mean square error, and mean absolute percentage error increased by approximately 6%, 7%, and 7%, respectively.
A Comprehensive Review of the Establishment of Safety Zones and Quantitative Risk Analysis during Ship-to-Ship LNG Bunkering
Authors: Duong Phan Anh , Ryu Bo Rim , Jung Jinwon , Kang Hokeun
Published: January 2024

This study comprehensively reviews the current academic literature concerning the safety and risk assessment associated with the utilization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in ship-to-ship bunkering scenarios. Simultaneously, it explores the complex system of regulations, standards, and guidelines that oversee the thorough evaluation of risks linked to ship-to-ship LNG bunkering procedures. Special attention is given to the scrutiny of legal frameworks that encompass a range of safety considerations, such as storage facilities, transportation, bunkering processes, and the vessels involved in both bunkering and receiving. The research questions are formulated to provide a clear direction and objectives for this study’s journey. The main hazards and risks related to LNG bunkering are identified and analyzed. The legal framework for LNG bunkering risk assessment is analyzed, and opportunities for improvement in these legal documents are identified. The general methodology and procedure for the safety assessment of the LNG bunkering process are summarized and established. From an extensive compilation of scholarly articles, 210 high-quality research papers have been deliberately selected for thorough examination. The research gaps are identified and analyzed. Through this analysis, the highlighted studies and key points are mentioned and analyzed. The research gaps are also outlined to predict the future directions of research on establishing safety zones during LNG ship-to-ship bunkering. Recommendations are made to propose improvements to the legal documents and suggest further research on the establishment of safety zones during ship-to-ship LNG bunkering to relevant authorities.
The Impact of Priority in Coordinated Traffic Lights on Tram Energy Consumption
Authors: Górka Anna , Czerepicki Andrzej , Krukowicz Tomasz
Published: January 2024

Traffic signal priority issues have been a research subject for several decades in Poland and worldwide. Traffic control algorithms have evolved considerably during this period and have become increasingly advanced. Most of them operate within coordinated street sequences, which adds to their complexity. Tramway priority affects traffic conditions for other road users, so many aspects must be taken into account when choosing a priority solution. Typically, one of the main criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of priority is reducing travel time for the priority vehicle while ensuring that the travel times of other traffic participants through the intersection are maintained or slightly deteriorated. However, the energy aspects are often overlooked. This publication aims to investigate how local priority for tramways in traffic signals of coordinated streets affects energy consumption for tramway traction needs. The study was conducted using a microscopic modeling method with PTV Vissim software (ver. 2021). The models were built for coordinated sequences with different levels of priority. Real traffic control algorithms with priority were implemented into the model on the sequence of Marymoncka Street and Grochowska Street in Warsaw. Then, by introducing changes to the parameters of the algorithms, their effect on traffic characteristics, including estimated power consumption, was studied. The results obtained from the computer simulation were statistically processed using R software (ver. 4.3.2). The analysis results prove the effectiveness of tramway priority operation, show its impact on electricity consumption, and allow us to determine the limits of its effective application. Thus, they complement the knowledge of the impact of tramway priority on traffic. The research results also have practical value, as they help us to make rational decisions in the process of designing traffic control algorithms at intersections with a multi-criteria approach.