bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Methodology Linking Tamping Processes and Railway Track Behaviour
Authors: Offenbacher Stefan , Koczwara Christian , Landgraf Matthias , Marschnig Stefan
Published: February 2023

Today’s railway transport is built upon high-performance infrastructure. Cost-effective yet sustainable infrastructure presumes tracks with a precise and durable geometry. At ballasted tracks, the geometry is created and restored through tamping machines, which position the track panel and compact the ballast beneath the sleepers. It is commonly agreed that the ballast compaction plays an important role in the long-term stability of the track. Yet, there is no method available which allows a direct correlation between the compactness of the ballast and the stability of the track geometry. Available studies either model track behaviour without considering the bedding, or analyse ballast compactness locally while disregarding its influence on the track geometry. This paper presents a new methodology which establishes a relation between these two topics—ballast compaction during tamping and subsequent track behaviour. A state-of-the-art tamping machine has been equipped with an experimental measurement setup, constantly recording relevant data during every tamping process. These data can be used to derive an indication for the achieved compaction under every sleeper. Utilising the tamping machine’s internal measuring system for track geometry documentation, every tamping process (every sleeper) is assigned to the precise position along the track. The data set is merged and synchronised with regular track geometry measurements of the infrastructure manager. The result is a comprehensive data set which allows precise analyses between tamping machine measurements and track behaviour. This data set provides the foundation for future research, aiming towards a better understanding of the tamping process and its influence on the quality and durability of the established track geometry.
Hatchability and Survival of Lamproglena clariae Fryer, 1956 Exposed to Increasing Concentrations of Aqueous Aluminium
Authors: Pretorius Marilie , Avenant-Oldewage Annemariè
Published: February 2023

The effect of increased aluminium concentration on the hatchability and survival of Lamproglena clariae is unknown. During October 2019 and October 2020, infected C. gariepinus were collected from the Vaal River and transferred to a controlled aquarium room. Parasite infection was established on acclimated C. gariepinus. Adult female parasites (F2 and F3 generation) on live fish were inspected for egg strings. Viable egg strings were removed, leaving females attached to produce more eggs. Bioassays were performed in varying concentrations of Al (control, 5 µg/L, 30 µg/L, 60 µg/L, and 120 µg/L). Egg development was monitored. In situ physical and chemical water quality parameters were measured, and water samples were collected every 24 h for metal analysis using inductively coupled mass spectrometry. The experiment terminated when all juveniles perished. Five percent of exposed eggs did not hatch in the control solution, compared to 26% in 120 µg/L Al. Hatchability and survival of L. clariae were negatively affected by increased Al concentrations. By removing this ectoparasite from living fish, the need to euthanise the host organism is eliminated, emphasising the usefulness of L. clariae as a bioindicator for metal pollution.
Identifying Indoor Objects Using Neutrosophic Reasoning for Mobility Assisting Visually Impaired People
Authors: Darwish Saad M. , Salah Mohamed A. , Elzoghabi Adel A.
Published: February 2023

Indoor object detection is a fundamental activity for the development of applications of mobility-assistive technology for visually impaired people (VIP). The challenge of seeing interior objects in a real indoor environment is a challenging one since there are numerous complicated issues that need to be taken into consideration, such as the complexity of the background, occlusions, and viewpoint shifts. Electronic travel aids that are composed of the necessary sensors may assist VIPs with their navigation. The sensors have the ability to detect any obstacles, regardless of whether they are static or dynamic, and offer information on the context of an interior scene. The characteristics of an interior scene are not very clear and are subject to a great deal of variation. Recent years have seen the emergence of methods for dealing with issues of this kind, some of which include the use of neural networks, probabilistic methods, and fuzzy logic. This study describes a method for detecting indoor objects using a rotational ultrasonic array and neutrosophic logic. A neutrosophic set has been seen as the next evolution of the fuzzy set because of its indeterminate membership value, which is absent from conventional fuzzy sets. The suggested method is constructed to reflect the position of the walls (obstacle distance) and to direct the VIP to move freely (ahead, to the right, or to the left) depending on the degree of truthiness, the degree of indeterminacy, and the degree of falsity for the reflected distance. The results of the experiments show that the suggested indoor object detecting system has good performance, as its accuracy rate (a mean average precision) is 97.2 ± 1%.
Fungi-Templated Silver Nanoparticle Composite: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Applications
Authors: Joy Francis , Devasia Jyothis , Nizam Aatika , Lakshmaiah Vasantha Veerappa , Krishna Suresh Babu Naidu
Published: February 2023

The self-assembly of nanoparticles on living bio-templates is a promising synthetic methodology adopted for synthesizing nano/microstructures with high efficiency. Therefore, the method of bio-templating offers various advantages in controlling the geometries of nano/microstructures, thereby increasing the efficiency of the synthesized material towards various functional applications. Herein, we utilized a filamentous fungus (Sclerotium rolfsii) as a soft bio-template to generate silver nanoparticle (AgNP) microtubules adhering to the fungal hyphae. The resulting composite combines the unique properties of silver nanoparticles with the biological activity of the fungi. The 3D fungal hyphae–silver nanoparticle (FH-AgNP) composite was characterized using SEM, elemental analysis, and the X-ray diffraction technique. Additionally, to highlight the functional application of the synthesized composite, dye degradation studies of methylene blue under visible light was effectuated, and a percentage degradation of 67.86% was obtained within 60 min, which highlights the potent catalytic activity of FH-AgNPs in dye degradation. Further, the antibacterial study of the composite was carried out against the bacterium Escherichia coli, and it was found that 200 μg of the composite exhibited maximum antibacterial properties against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Overall, fungi-templated silver nanoparticle composites are a promising area of research due to their combination of biological activity and unique physical and chemical properties.
Metaheuristics with Deep Learning Model for Cybersecurity and Android Malware Detection and Classification
Authors: Albakri Ashwag , Alhayan Fatimah , Alturki Nazik , Ahamed Saahirabanu , Shamsudheen Shermin
Published: February 2023

Since the development of information systems during the last decade, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for many groups, organizations, and institutions. Malware applications are among the commonly used tools and tactics for perpetrating a cyberattack on Android devices, and it is becoming a challenging task to develop novel ways of identifying them. There are various malware detection models available to strengthen the Android operating system against such attacks. These malware detectors categorize the target applications based on the patterns that exist in the features present in the Android applications. As the analytics data continue to grow, they negatively affect the Android defense mechanisms. Since large numbers of unwanted features create a performance bottleneck for the detection mechanism, feature selection techniques are found to be beneficial. This work presents a Rock Hyrax Swarm Optimization with deep learning-based Android malware detection (RHSODL-AMD) model. The technique presented includes finding the Application Programming Interfaces (API) calls and the most significant permissions, which results in effective discrimination between the good ware and malware applications. Therefore, an RHSO based feature subset selection (RHSO-FS) technique is derived to improve the classification results. In addition, the Adamax optimizer with attention recurrent autoencoder (ARAE) model is employed for Android malware detection. The experimental validation of the RHSODL-AMD technique on the Andro-AutoPsy dataset exhibits its promising performance, with a maximum accuracy of 99.05%.
Measurement of Atmospheric Volatile and Intermediate Volatility Organic Compounds: Development of a New Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Kaltsonoudis Christos , Zografou Olga , Matrali Angeliki , Panagiotopoulos Elias , Lekkas Alexandros , Kosmopoulou Mariangela , Papanastasiou Dimitris , Eleftheriadis Konstantinos , Pandis Spyros N.
Published: February 2023

A new gas inlet port combined with a novel ionization scheme have been developed and coupled to a high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF MS) for the detection and measurement of atmospheric volatile (VOCs) and intermediate volatility organic compounds (IVOCs). Ions are produced predominantly by charge transfer reactions in a low-temperature plasma ionization source with minimal fragmentation. Enhanced sensitivity is accomplished by incorporating an increased-size inlet capillary in a transverse arrangement to maximize throughput in the ionization source. Additional design aspects of the new mass spectrometer enabling superior transmission include a large acceptance ion funnel and a segmented radio frequency (RF) ion guide with increased space charge storage capacity. An orthogonal TOF analyzer equipped with a two-stage reflectron and tuned to second order is employed for the determination of the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions, with a mass resolving power of >20 k at mass 500 Th. The performance of the instrument was evaluated in tests using VOC standards and in atmospheric chamber experiments to demonstrate the ability to measure a wide range of organic compounds with different functional groups. Linear signal response is demonstrated over a wide range of VOCs used in the calibration processes in the ppb range, while the instrument exhibits linear response in the ppt range as well. Detection limits as low as 1 ppt are accomplished. The potential applications of this new TOF MS instrument were demonstrated in a pilot atmospheric simulation chamber experiment.
Ideals of Projections According to σ-Algebras and Unbounded Measurements
Authors: Matvejchuk Marjan
Published: February 2023

A theory of unbounded measures is constructed based on the quantum logics of orthogonal projections. As an analogue of the ring of sets, the projector ideal is proposed. Finite and maximal measures regarding the projector ideals are described. Analogues of a number of classical theorems of measure theory are found. A wide class of unbounded measures on projection ideals is characterized. A number of sufficient conditions are found to extend unbounded measures to an integral of the entire algebra. The problem of describing unbounded σ-finite measures in semifinite algebras using von Neumann is similar to the Gleason problem.
Estimations of Modified Lindley Parameters Using Progressive Type-II Censoring with Applications
Authors: Alotaibi Refah , Nassar Mazen , Elshahhat Ahmed
Published: February 2023

This study addresses the estimation problems of the modified Lindley distribution using a progressive Type-II censoring plan. Using the maximum likelihood and maximum product of spacing and Bayesian estimation methods, the unknown parameter, reliability, and hazard rate functions are estimated. Employing the assumption of the gamma prior and a symmetric loss function, Bayes estimators are investigated when the observed data are obtained using the likelihood and product of spacing functions. Additionally, the approximate confidence intervals using both classical methods and the highest posterior density credible intervals are also discussed. To assess the different estimating strategies, a comprehensive simulation experiment that considers various sample sizes and censoring schemes is implemented. Finally, two actual data sets are examined to verify the utility of the modified Lindley distribution and the usefulness of the suggested estimators. The findings demonstrate that, in order to obtain the necessary estimators, the maximum product of the spacing method is preferred over the maximum likelihood method; whereas, when compared to the conventional techniques, the Bayesian approach using the likelihood and product of spacing functions provides more acceptable estimates.
Research on the Frequency Regulation Characteristics and Control Strategy of Wind Power Generation with Energy Storage Synergy
Authors: Li Jianlin , Xin Dixi , Liu Chang’an , Hou Xiaohui , Li Donghui
Published: February 2023

With the high penetration of wind power, the power system has put forward technical requirements for the frequency regulation capability of wind farms. Due to the energy storage system’s fast response and flexible control characteristics, the synergistic participation of wind power and energy storage in frequency regulation is valuable for research. This paper established a frequency characteristic model of a power system, including wind power and energy storage, and analyzed the influence of different frequency regulation methods on system stability. Based on the established model, a fuzzy PID-based energy management strategy was designed for different disturbance scenarios, which offered the advantages of simple parameter design and easy online operation of the project. This paper used a case based on the actual parameters for verification. The energy storage, rated at 10% of the wind farm’s rated power, provided 56% frequency drop suppression and 89% frequency fluctuation rate suppression, according to the proposed model in this paper. The proposed fuzzy PID control strategy achieved adaptive control of the controller parameters under strong disturbances and was able to provide an additional frequency rejection capability of 10–25%.
N-Amidation of Nitrogen-Containing Heterocyclic Compounds: Can We Apply Enzymatic Tools?
Authors: Yang Anran , Miao Xue , Yang Liu , Xu Chao , Liu Wei , Xian Mo , Zou Huibin
Published: February 2023

Amide bond is often seen in value-added nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, which can present promising chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical significance. However, current synthesis methods in the preparation of amide-containing N-heterocyclic compounds have low specificity (large amount of by-products) and efficiency. In this study, we focused on reviewing the feasible enzymes (nitrogen acetyltransferase, carboxylic acid reductase, lipase, and cutinase) for the amidation of N-heterocyclic compounds; summarizing their advantages and weakness in the specific applications; and further predicting candidate enzymes through in silico structure-functional analysis. For future prospects, current enzymes demand further engineering and improving for practical industrial applications and more enzymatic tools need to be explored and developed for a broader range of N-heterocyclic substrates.
Semi-Supervised Medical Image Segmentation Guided by Bi-Directional Constrained Dual-Task Consistency
Authors: Pan Ming-Zhang , Liao Xiao-Lan , Li Zhen , Deng Ya-Wen , Chen Yuan , Bian Gui-Bin
Published: February 2023

Background: Medical image processing tasks represented by multi-object segmentation are of great significance for surgical planning, robot-assisted surgery, and surgical safety. However, the exceptionally low contrast among tissues and limited available annotated data makes developing an automatic segmentation algorithm for pelvic CT challenging. Methods: A bi-direction constrained dual-task consistency model named PICT is proposed to improve segmentation quality by leveraging free unlabeled data. First, to learn more unmarked data features, it encourages the model prediction of the interpolated image to be consistent with the interpolation of the model prediction at the pixel, model, and data levels. Moreover, to constrain the error prediction of interpolation interference, PICT designs an auxiliary pseudo-supervision task that focuses on the underlying information of non-interpolation data. Finally, an effective loss algorithm for both consistency tasks is designed to ensure the complementary manner and produce more reliable predictions. Results: Quantitative experiments show that the proposed PICT achieves 87.18%, 96.42%, and 79.41% mean DSC score on ACDC, CTPelvic1k, and the individual Multi-tissue Pelvis dataset with gains of around 0.8%, 0.5%, and 1% compared to the state-of-the-art semi-supervised method. Compared to the baseline supervised method, the PICT brings over 3–9% improvements. Conclusions: The developed PICT model can effectively leverage unlabeled data to improve segmentation quality of low contrast medical images. The segmentation result could improve the precision of surgical path planning and provide input for robot-assisted surgery.
Mechanical Characterization of Human Fascia Lata: Uniaxial Tensile Tests from Fresh-Frozen Cadaver Samples and Constitutive Modelling
Authors: Bonaldi Lorenza , Berardo Alice , Pirri Carmelo , Stecco Carla , Carniel Emanuele Luigi , Fontanella Chiara Giulia
Published: February 2023

Human Fascia Lata (FL) is a connective tissue with a multilayered organization also known as aponeurotic fascia. FL biomechanics is influenced by its composite structure formed by fibrous layers (usually two) separated by loose connective tissue. In each layer, most of the collagen fibers run parallel in a distinct direction (with an interlayer angle that usually ranges from 75–80°), mirroring the fascia’s ability to adapt and withstand specific tensile loads. Although FL is a key structure in several musculoskeletal dysfunctions and in tissue engineering, literature still lacks the evidence that proves tissue anisotropy according to predominant collagen fiber directions. For this purpose, this work aims to analyze the biomechanical properties of ex-vivo FL (collected from fresh-frozen human donors) by performing uniaxial tensile tests in order to highlight any differences with respect to loading directions. The experimental outcomes showed a strong anisotropic behavior in accordance with principal collagen fibers directions, which characterize the composite structure. These findings have been implemented to propose a first constitutive model able to mimic the intra- and interlayer interactions. Both approaches could potentially support surgeons in daily practices (such as graft preparation and placement), engineers during in silico simulation, and physiotherapists during musculoskeletal rehabilitation, to customize a medical intervention based on each specific patient and clinical condition.
Plastid Phylogenomic Insights into the Inter-Tribal Relationships of Plantaginaceae
Authors: Xie Pingxuan , Tang Lilei , Luo Yanzhen , Liu Changkun , Yan Hanjing
Published: February 2023

Plantaginaceae, consisting of 12 tribes, is a diverse, cosmopolitan family. To date, the inter-tribal relationships of this family have been unresolved, and the plastome structure and composition within Plantaginaceae have seldom been comprehensively investigated. In this study, we compared the plastomes from 41 Plantaginaceae species (including 6 newly sequenced samples and 35 publicly representative species) representing 11 tribes. To clarify the inter-tribal relationships of Plantaginaceae, we inferred phylogenic relationships based on the concatenated and coalescent analyses of 68 plastid protein-coding genes. PhyParts analysis was performed to assess the level of concordance and conflict among gene trees across the species tree. The results indicate that most plastomes of Plantaginaceae are largely conserved in terms of genome structure and gene content. In contrast to most previous studies, a robust phylogeny was recovered using plastome data, providing new insights for better understanding the inter-tribal relationships of Plantaginaceae. Both concatenated and coalescent phylogenies favored the sister relationship between Plantagineae and Digitalideae, as well as between Veroniceae and Hemiphragmeae. Sibthorpieae diverged into a separate branch which was sister to a clade comprising the four tribes mentioned above. Furthermore, the sister relationship between Russelieae and Cheloneae is strongly supported. The results of PhyParts showed gene tree congruence and conflict to varying degrees, but most plastid genes were uninformative for phylogenetic nodes, revealing the defects of previous studies using single or multiple plastid DNA sequences to infer the phylogeny of Plantaginaceae.
The Cd/Zn Axis: Emerging Concepts in Cellular Fate and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Johns Colleen Elsa , Gattu Mrudula , Camilli Samuel , Desaraju Apoorva , Kolliputi Narasaiah , Galam Lakshmi
Published: February 2023

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic and carcinogenic substance that is present in the natural environment. The underlying biomolecular mechanisms of Cd toxicity are not completely understood, and it continues to be a significant research target due to its impact on public health. The primary routes of exposure are through ingestion of contaminated food and water and inhalation. Cd’s long biological half-life of 10–30 years allows it to accumulate in the body, leading to organ dysfunction notably in the kidney, liver, bone, and lungs. Cd has similar biochemical characteristics to Zinc (Zn). It shares the import transporters, ZIP8 and ZIP14, to enter the cells. This competitive behavior can be observed in multiple instances throughout the progression of Cd toxicity. Future studies on the biochemical interactions of Cd and Zn will elucidate the potential protective effects of Zn supplementation in reducing the effects of Cd toxicity. In addition, research can be focused on discovering key proteins and effective pathways for Cd elimination that confer fewer adverse effects than current antioxidant therapies.
Evolution and Role of Proteases in Campylobacter jejuni Lifestyle and Pathogenesis
Authors: Linz Bodo , Sharafutdinov Irshad , Tegtmeyer Nicole , Backert Steffen
Published: February 2023

Infection with the main human food-borne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni causes campylobacteriosis that accounts for a substantial percentage of gastrointestinal infections. The disease usually manifests as diarrhea that lasts for up to two weeks. C. jejuni possesses an array of peptidases and proteases that are critical for its lifestyle and pathogenesis. These include serine proteases Cj1365c, Cj0511 and HtrA; AAA+ group proteases ClpP, Lon and FtsH; and zinc-dependent protease PqqE, proline aminopeptidase PepP, oligopeptidase PepF and peptidase C26. Here, we review the numerous critical roles of these peptide bond-dissolving enzymes in cellular processes of C. jejuni that include protein quality control; protein transport across the inner and outer membranes into the periplasm, cell surface or extracellular space; acquisition of amino acids and biofilm formation and dispersal. In addition, we highlight their role as virulence factors that inflict intestinal tissue damage by promoting cell invasion and mediating cleavage of crucial host cell factors such as epithelial cell junction proteins. Furthermore, we reconstruct the evolution of these proteases in 34 species of the Campylobacter genus. Finally, we discuss to what extent C. jejuni proteases have initiated the search for inhibitor compounds as prospective novel anti-bacterial therapies.
Lower-Extremity Kinematics of Soccer Players with Chronic Ankle Instability during Running: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Tamura Akihiro , Shimura Keita , Inoue Yuri
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of lower-extremity kinematics during the running of soccer players with chronic ankle instability (CAI) in comparison to those without CAI. Twenty-two male college soccer players participated in this study. Twelve players were assigned to the CAI group and ten players to the non-CAI group, and players were diagnosed according to the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. Kinematic data of the hip, knee, ankle, foot, and ground reaction force components during the stance phase of running were obtained using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The results revealed that soccer players with CAI who landed with ankle inversion and other characteristic kinematics in their lower extremity during the stance phase of running were similar to those without CAI. These results show that running kinematics in soccer players are not affected by the presence or absence of CAI. Future studies based on the results of this study may contribute to the analysis of the risk of developing CAI during soccer and may also help prevent lateral ankle sprains.
A Proteome-Wide Effect of PHF8 Knockdown on Cortical Neurons Shows Downregulation of Parkinson’s Disease-Associated Protein Alpha-Synuclein and Its Interactors
Authors: Oey Nicodemus E. , Zhou Lei , Chan Christine Hui Shan , VanDongen Antonius M. J. , Tan Eng King
Published: February 2023

Synaptic dysfunction may underlie the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a presently incurable condition characterized by motor and cognitive symptoms. Here, we used quantitative proteomics to study the role of PHD Finger Protein 8 (PHF8), a histone demethylating enzyme found to be mutated in X-linked intellectual disability and identified as a genetic marker of PD, in regulating the expression of PD-related synaptic plasticity proteins. Amongst the list of proteins found to be affected by PHF8 knockdown were Parkinson’s-disease-associated SNCA (alpha synuclein) and PD-linked genes DNAJC6 (auxilin), SYNJ1 (synaptojanin 1), and the PD risk gene SH3GL2 (endophilin A1). Findings in this study show that depletion of PHF8 in cortical neurons affects the activity-induced expression of proteins involved in synaptic plasticity, synaptic structure, vesicular release and membrane trafficking, spanning the spectrum of pre-synaptic and post-synaptic transmission. Given that the depletion of even a single chromatin-modifying enzyme can affect synaptic protein expression in such a concerted manner, more in-depth studies will be needed to show whether such a mechanism can be exploited as a potential disease-modifying therapeutic drug target in PD.
Production of a Monoclonal Antibody for the Detection of Forchlorfenuron: Application in an Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Immunochromatographic Strip
Authors: Lei Xingmei , Abd El-Aty A. M. , Xu Lingyuan , Zhao Jing , Li Jia , Gao Song , Zhao Yun , She Yongxin , Jin Fen , Wang Jing , Zheng Lufei , Jin Maojun , Hammock Bruce D.
Published: February 2023

In this study, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific to forchlorfenuron (CPPU) with high sensitivity and specificity was produced and designated (9G9). To detect CPPU in cucumber samples, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) and a colloidal gold nanobead immunochromatographic test strip (CGN-ICTS) were established using 9G9. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and the LOD for the developed ic-ELISA were determined to be 0.19 ng/mL and 0.04 ng/mL in the sample dilution buffer, respectively. The results indicate that the sensitivity of the antibodies prepared in this study (9G9 mAb) was higher than those reported in the previous literature. On the other hand, in order to achieve rapid and accurate detection of CPPU, CGN-ICTS is indispensable. The IC50 and the LOD for the CGN-ICTS were determined to be 27 ng/mL and 6.1 ng/mL. The average recoveries of the CGN-ICTS ranged from 68 to 82%. The CGN-ICTS and ic-ELISA quantitative results were all confirmed by liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with 84–92% recoveries, which indicated the methods developed herein are appropriate for detecting CPPU in cucumber. The CGN-ICTS method is capable of both qualitative and semiquantitative analysis of CPPU, which makes it a suitable alternative complex instrument method for on-site detection of CPPU in cucumber samples since it does not require specialized equipment.
“Corp-Osa-Mente”, a Combined Psychosocial–Neuropsychological Intervention for Adolescents and Young Adults with Fragile X Syndrome: An Explorative Study
Authors: Montanaro Federica Alice Maria , Alfieri Paolo , Vicari Stefano
Published: February 2023

Fragile X Syndrome is the most known inherited form of intellectual disability due to an expansion in the full mutation range (>200 CGG repeats) of the promoter region of the FMR1 gene located on X chromosomes leading to gene silencing. Despite clear knowledge of the cognitive-behavioral phenotype of FXS and the necessity of tailored interventions, empirical research on the effectiveness of behavioral treatments among patients with FXS is still lacking, with studies on adolescents and young adults even more insufficient. Here we present “Corposamente”, a combined psychosocial–neuropsychological intervention conducted with a group of ten adolescents/young adults with FXS, who are non-ASD and without significant behavioral problems. In total, 20 sessions were performed, alternating between online and face-to-face meetings. At the end of the intervention, participants, family members and participants’ educators anonymously completed a survey that was designed around key areas of improvement as well as treatment satisfaction. The survey results indicated that participants improved mostly in their ability to cope with negative emotions and that occupational intervention was considered the most effective technique both from families and participants. Our exploratory study suggests that group therapy for the management of the FXS cognitive-behavioral phenotype may be a promising approach to continue to pursue, mostly in adolescence when the environmental demands increase.
Habitual Videogame Playing Does Not Compromise Subjective Sleep Quality and Is Associated with Improved Daytime Functioning
Authors: De Rosa Oreste , Conte Francesca , D’Onofrio Paolo , Malloggi Serena , Alterio Anna , Rescott Marissa Lynn , Giganti Fiorenza , Ficca Gianluca
Published: February 2023

Research on the effects of videogames (VGs) on health has produced mixed results. Here, we assess the relationships of VG playing with sleep; chronotype; sleepiness; and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress; and how they are modulated by the level of exposure to VGs. Four hundred-and two adult participants (age = 26.2 ± 7.84; 227 F) completed an online survey including questions on VG use and a set of standardized questionnaires. The sample was divided into three groups: habitual gamers (HGs, 42.2%), nonhabitual gamers (NHGs, 36.5%), and non-gamers (NGs, 21.3%). No between-group differences emerged in sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index measures except the sleep disturbances subscore, which was higher in NHGs. HGs showed delayed bed- and risetimes and higher eveningness (reduced Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire). HGs and NHGs showed higher depression subscores (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) but remained in the subclinical range. Moreover, hours/week of VG playing predicted delayed sleep timing, lower daytime dysfunction, and lower sleepiness. Our data suggest that VG playing does not necessarily compromise sleep quality and may even benefit daytime functioning, underlining the need to reconsider the relationships between VG use and health by taking into account possible modulating factors such as habitual VG exposure.
Growing in Adversity: A Narrative Study of Resilience Generation in Chinese Families of Children with ASD
Authors: Gao Xin , Lu Xianmin , Drani Syazwani
Published: February 2023

Referring to Walsh’s theoretical framework of family resilience while taking into account China’s own cultural and institutional context, this study discussed the process of resilience generation in Chinese families of children with ASD. A qualitative approach was taken, using narrative research on 10 Chinese families of children with ASD. Category-content analysis of the data suggests that the generation of resilience in Chinese families of children with ASD is influenced by four factors: (A) cultivating positive family beliefs; (B) adjustment of the family’s organizational pattern; (C) extending external resources positively; and (D) optimizing family communication. Unlike family resilience generation mechanisms in Western countries that emphasize religious beliefs, intrinsic traits, and resources, the resilience of Chinese families of children with ASD is based on a family value system based on a sense of responsibility and the application of internal and external family resources, which is undoubtedly related to China’s long-standing emphasis on collectivist culture. This study has theoretical reference value for the implementation of related social work services.
Parental Rejection and Adolescents’ Learning Ability: A Multiple Mediating Effects of Values and Self-Esteem
Authors: Lan Lili , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: February 2023

Today’s society has been paying increasing attention to the important impact of family parenting practices on the development of adolescents. Adolescents with poor parenting practices may have poor academic performance in school, have low self-evaluation, and are more likely to be captured by video games and short videos. The present research explored the mediating role of fashion values and self-esteem in the relationship between a negative parenting style and adolescent learning ability. We aimed to deepen our understanding of the relationship between family parenting and adolescent value identity, as well as between individual self-esteem and school adaptation. We based our research on a total of 997 students in Shanghai from grades 6, 8 and 10. Furthermore, we made use of parenting behaviour, Chinese adolescent values, and of the revised Chinese version of the class drama questionnaires and of the Children’s self-awareness scale. The chain mediation model was used to analyse the mediating effect of fashion values and self-esteem on parental rejection and peer evaluation learning ability. The results showed that fashion values played a partial mediating role between parental rejection and adolescent learning ability, and that parental rejection positively predicted fashion values, and fashion values negatively predicted learning ability. Self-esteem played a partial mediating role between parental rejection and adolescent learning ability, while parental rejection negatively predicted self-esteem and self-esteem positively predicted learning ability. Fashion values and self-esteem played a chain mediating role between parental rejection and adolescent learning ability, as parental rejection negatively predicted fashion values, fashion values positively predicted self-esteem, and self-esteem positively predicted learning ability. In conclusion, a negative parenting style influenced the development of adolescent value recognition and self-esteem, and affected the development of adolescent learning ability. That said, we should encourage families to adopt a positive parenting style and adolescent quality education to positively impact adolescent development.
Energy-Use and Indoor Thermal Performance in Junior High School Building after Air-Conditioning Installation with the Private Finance Initiative
Authors: Sekartaji Dian , Ryu Yuji , Novianto Didit , Eto Kazuma , Gao Weijun
Published: February 2023

Japan’s government has adopted the “Private Finance Initiative (PFI)” as a project method for monitoring “air-conditioning (AC)” performance after AC installation projects to overcome heatstroke increase in schools during the summer. However, this project was conducted long after schools were built, which raises the question: what is the AC “energy-use (EU)” and how comfortable will the classroom be when it is installed without going through the planning stage? Minimizing AC EU while keeping indoor thermal comfort is the main concern for low-carbon building design technology development. This research aims to evaluate the AC EU and summer indoor thermal comfort in classrooms by position and zone. This research method analyzes PFI monitoring data, field measurement data, and questionnaires with sensitivity analysis. It found that AC EU in the summer was higher than in the winter. In addition, the AC setting temperatures in the summer (cooling) were below the government-recommended value of 28 °C. Although the indoor thermal comfort percentage in the summer had reached 75.3%, there was a seating position with a smaller comfort percentage than others. The result further shows that most students felt “neutral”. However, the number of students who felt “slightly cool” and “cool” were more than those who felt “slightly warm” and “warm”.
Insights into End Users’ Acceptance and Participation in Energy Flexibility Strategies
Authors: Tomat Valentina , Ramallo-González Alfonso P. , Skarmeta-Gómez Antonio , Georgopoulos Giannis , Papadopoulos Panagiotis
Published: February 2023

Ahead of the energy crisis, several countermeasures to reduce the energy demand require an active change in the end users’ energy patterns. There are strategies known as demand response (DR) programs that have been tested in recent years, and they have showed us that users’ behaviours can considerably reduce their effectiveness. This is due to a lack of sufficient knowledge, which leads to a lack of acceptance and participation. The key aim of this research is to detect which aspects influence acceptance of energy flexibility strategies the most. Through a series of tools, such as direct questionnaires, brief and user-friendly explanations, and analysis of variance, these aspects are studied by delving into specific topics such as smart home technologies, change in habits and patterns of energy use, and DR programs. In the literature, these topics have been studied separately, but they all contribute to the global acceptance: a comprehensive vision of the matter is the novelty of this work. The key findings are encouraging: 72% of the respondents demonstrated their willingness to enrol in a DR program. A reluctance to change habits was shown, in particular, among the age range 26–40, while women were more environmentally aware and more likely to participate in energy flexibility strategies. The modality of direct load control (which gives control to the utility company) is confirmed to be harder to be accepted (from 13 to 27% less acceptance depending on the category), with people who share a flat being the most likely to try it, and people who live with their parents being the less inclined ones. Acceptance increased when we provided plain language explanations, as seen in the case of smart home technologies: 97% of people who never tried them were declared to be willing to test smart technologies after a simple elucidation that was included in the questionnaire, showing that a right approach to the users led to a greater show of interest. This research highlights that the users’ background and demographics characteristics (namely age, gender, educational level, home situation, home tenure, presence of children, and average income) should be taken into account when it comes to designing new energy flexibility strategies, since differences in the acceptance among groups have been found. The work also presents insights on the payback periods of legacy equipment in the EU energy context, demonstrating that a timely intervention can require half the time compared to that of the period prior to the crisis.
A Practice-Oriented Proposal to Consider the Flange Effect in Equivalent Frame Modeling of Masonry Buildings
Authors: Cattari Serena , Alfano Sara , Lagomarsino Sergio
Published: February 2023

This paper focuses on the so-called “flange effect” in unreinforced masonry buildings when the connection among walls is good, thus forming a 3D assembly of intersecting piers (with L-, C-, T-, or I-shaped cross-sections). Given the direction of the horizontal seismic action, the presence of such flanges (the piers loaded out-of-plane) can influence the response of the in-plane loaded pier (the web) in terms of failure modes, maximum strength, and displacement capacity. Specific rules are proposed in codes to evaluate the effective width of the flange, for the in-plane verification of a single masonry wall. However, in the case of 3D equivalent frame (EF) modeling of the whole building, all the intersecting piers should be considered entirely, to model the response in both the orthogonal directions as well as the torsional behavior, but this may lead to overestimating the flange effect if a perfect connection is assumed. This paper investigates the capability of simulating the actual behavior in EF models by introducing an elastic shear connection at the intersection between two piers using an “equivalent beam”, coupling the nodes at the top of piers. A practice-oriented analytical formulation is proposed to calibrate such a flange effect on the basis of the geometric features and material properties of the web and the flange. Its reliability is tested at the scale of simple 3D assemblies and entire buildings as well. Finite element parametric analyses on masonry panels with symmetrical I- and T-shaped cross-sections have been performed to investigate the axial load redistribution between the flanges and the web and the consequent repercussion on the overall performance of the web. The results have proven that, after a calibration of the shear connection, the variation of axial force between the web and the flanges is correctly reproduced and the strength criteria for 2D panels provide reliable results. Finally, in the conclusions, some practical hints for simulating an imperfect wall-to-wall connection are also provided, since this case is relevant in historic masonry buildings, which are characterized by different masonry types, transformations over time, and already-cracked conditions.
Recent Progress in Chitosan-Containing Composite Materials for Sustainable Approaches to Adsorption and Catalysis
Authors: Nikoshvili Linda Z. , Tikhonov Boris B. , Ivanov Pavel E. , Stadolnikova Polina Y. , Sulman Mikhail G. , Matveeva Valentina G.
Published: February 2023

In recent years, composite materials including organic–inorganic systems have drawn special attention due to their enhanced properties such as adsorbents and heterogeneous catalysts. At the same time, large-scale production of environmentally benign functionalized biopolymers, such as chitosan (CS), allows for constantly developing new materials, since CS reveals remarkable properties as a stabilizing agent for metal-containing compounds and enzymes and as an adsorbent of organic molecules. This review is focused on CS-based materials and on the composite systems including CS-oxide and CS-metal composites in particular for application as adsorbents and supports for catalytically active metal nanoparticles and enzymes.
Performance of Particulate and Structured Pt/TiO2-Based Catalysts for the WGS Reaction under Realistic High- and Low-Temperature Shift Conditions
Authors: Kouroumlidis Andreas , Bampos Georgios , Panagiotopoulou Paraskevi , Kondarides Dimitris I.
Published: February 2023

The water–gas shift (WGS) activity of Pt/TiO2-based powdered and structured catalysts was investigated using realistic feed compositions that are relevant to the high-temperature shift (HTS) and low-temperature shift (LTS) reaction conditions. The promotion of the TiO2 support with small amounts of alkali- or alkaline earth-metals resulted in the enhancement of the WGS activity of 0.5%Pt/TiO2(X) catalysts (X = Na, Cs, Ca, Sr). The use of bimetallic (Pt–M)/TiO2 catalysts (M = Ru, Cr, Fe, Cu) can also shift the CO conversion curve toward lower temperatures, but this is accompanied by the production of relatively large amounts of unwanted CH4 at temperatures above ca. 300 °C. Among the powdered catalysts investigated, Pt/TiO2(Ca) exhibited the best performance under both HTS and LTS conditions. Therefore, this material was selected for the preparation of structured catalysts in the form of pellets as well as ceramic and metallic catalyst monoliths. The 0.5%Pt/TiO2(Ca) pellet catalyst exhibited comparable activity with that of a commercial WGS pellet catalyst, and its performance was further improved when the Pt loading was increased to 1.0 wt.%. Among the structured catalysts investigated, the best results were obtained for the sample coated on the metallic monolith, which exhibited excellent WGS performance in the 300–350 °C temperature range. In conclusion, proper selection of the catalyst structure and reaction parameters can shift the CO conversion curves toward sufficiently low temperatures, rendering the Pt/TiO2(Ca) catalyst suitable for practical applications.
Prophylactic Glatiramer Acetate Treatment Positively Attenuates Spontaneous Opticospinal Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Koc Ümmügülsüm , Haupeltshofer Steffen , Klöster Katharina , Demir Seray , Gold Ralf , Faissner Simon
Published: February 2023

Background: Glatiramer acetate (GA) is a well-established treatment option for patients with clinically isolated syndrome and relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) with few side effects. The double transgenic mouse model spontaneous opticospinal encephalomyelitis (OSE), based on recombinant myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein35-55 reactive T and B cells, mimicks features of chronic inflammation and degeneration in MS and related disorders. Here, we investigated the effects of prophylactic GA treatment on the clinical course, histological alterations and peripheral immune cells in OSE. Objective: To investigate the effects of prophylactic glatiramer acetate (GA) treatment in a mouse model of spontaneous opticospinal encephalomyelitis (OSE). Methods: OSE mice with a postnatal age of 21 to 28 days without signs of encephalomyelitis were treated once daily either with 150 µg GA or vehicle intraperitoneally (i. p.). The animals were scored daily regarding clinical signs and weight. The animals were sacrificed after 30 days of treatment or after having reached a score of 7.0 due to animal care guidelines. We performed immunohistochemistry of spinal cord sections and flow cytometry analysis of immune cells. Results: Preventive treatment with 150 µg GA i. p. once daily significantly reduced clinical disease progression with a mean score of 3.9 ± 1.0 compared to 6.2 ± 0.7 in control animals (p < 0.01) after 30 d in accordance with positive effects on weight (p < 0.001). The immunohistochemistry showed that general inflammation, demyelination or CD11c+ dendritic cell infiltration did not differ. There was, however, a modest reduction of the Iba1+ area (p < 0.05) and F4/80+ area upon GA treatment (p < 0.05). The immune cell composition of secondary lymphoid organs showed a trend towards an upregulation of regulatory T cells, which lacked significance. Conclusions: Preventive treatment with GA reduces disease progression in OSE in line with modest effects on microglia/macrophages. Due to the lack of established prophylactic treatment options for chronic autoimmune diseases with a high risk of disability, our study could provide valuable indications for translational medicine.