bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State of the Art Review of Attributes and Mechanical Properties of Hempcrete
Authors: Asghari Nima , Memari Ali M.
Published: February 2024

The global surge in environmental pollution, largely attributed to industrialization, has fueled a pressing need for sustainable solutions. In response, the construction sector is increasingly focusing on bio-based materials such as hemp, recognized for its low environmental footprint and prominent carbon-negative quality. As designers, housebuilders, and an environmentally conscious society pivot towards ecological alternatives to standard building materials, hempcrete emerges as a promising candidate. As a composite material mainly made from hemp hurd/shiv, water, and lime, hempcrete offers the ability to sequester carbon long after its incorporation into structures. As a result, the hemp cultivation process—which can be completed within less than four months—ensures that more carbon is absorbed during production and deployment than emitted, e.g., per one study, sequestration on the order of 300 kg of CO2 per m3 of hempcrete. In comparison to concrete, hempcrete offers a more sustainable footprint, given its recyclability post life cycle. This state-of-the-art review paper delves deep into different aspects of hempcrete, summarizing its multifaceted attributes, particularly its compressive strength. Based on the study conducted, the paper also suggests strategies to augment this strength, thereby transitioning hempcrete from a non-load-bearing material to one capable of shouldering significant weight. As architects and designers consistently strive to align their projects with high ecological standards, focusing not just on aesthetic appeal but also environmental compatibility, hempcrete becomes an increasingly fitting solution for the future of construction.
Extraction of Cellulases Produced through Solid-State Fermentation by Trichoderma reesei CCT-2768 Using Green Coconut Fibers Pretreated by Steam Explosion Combined with Alkali
Authors: Campos Alan O. , Asevedo Estéfani A. , Souza Filho Pedro F. , Santos Everaldo S. dos
Published: February 2024

The industrial processing of coconut to produce valuable foods, such as water and milk, generates large volumes of waste, especially the fruit shell. Despite this, material can be used in bioprocess applications, e.g., the production of enzymes, its recalcitrance hinders the cultivation of microorganisms, and low productivity is usually achieved. In this study, the production of cellulolytic enzymes through solid-state fermentation (SSF) and their extraction was investigated using the green coconut fiber pretreated by steam explosion, followed by alkali. The fungus Trichoderma reesei CCT-2768 was cultivated, using an experimental design, to study the effect of the water activity and the amount of biomass in the reactor. The combination of the pretreatment strategies yielded more porous biomass, with less hemicellulose (5.38%, compared to 10.15% of the raw biomass) and more cellulose (47.77% and 33.96% in the pretreated and raw biomasses, respectively). The water activity significantly affected the production of cellulases, with maximum activity yielded at the highest investigated value (0.995). Lastly, the extraction of the enzymes from the cultivation medium was studied, and a 9 g/L NaCl solution recovered the highest CMCase and FPase activities (5.19 and 1.19 U/g, respectively). This study provides an important contribution to the valorization of the coconut residue through (i) the application of the steam explosion technology to optimize the production of cellulases using the SSF technology and (ii) their extraction using different solvents.
Beneficial Effect of Sirolimus-Pretreated Mesenchymal Stem Cell Implantation on Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats
Authors: Kang Nanyoung , Jung Ji Seung , Hwang Jiyi , Park Sang-Eun , Kwon Myeongjee , Yoon Haerin , Yong Jungyeon , Woo Heung-Myong , Park Kyung-Mee
Published: February 2024

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a vision-threatening complication that affects virtually all diabetic patients. Various treatments have been attempted, but they have many side effects and limitations. Alternatively, stem cell therapy is being actively researched, but it faces challenges due to a low cell survival rate. In this study, stem cells were pretreated with sirolimus, which is known to promote cell differentiation and enhance the survival rate. Additionally, the subconjunctival route was employed to reduce complications following intravitreal injections. Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ), and DR was confirmed at 10 weeks after DM induction through electroretinogram (ERG). The rats were divided into four groups: intact control group (INT), diabetic retinopathy group (DR), DR group with subconjunctival MSC injection (DR-MSC), and DR group with subconjunctival sirolimus-pretreated MSC injection (DR-MSC-S). The effects of transplantation were evaluated using ERG and histological examinations. Results: The ERG results showed that the DR-MSC-S group did not significantly differ from the INT in b-wave amplitude and exhibited significantly higher values than the DR-MSC and DR groups (p < 0.01). The flicker amplitude results showed that the DR-MSC and DR-MSC-S groups had significantly higher values than the DR group (p < 0.01). Histological examination revealed that the retinal layers were thinner in the DR-induced groups compared to the INT group, with the DR-MSC-S group showing the thickest retinal layers among them. Conclusions: Subconjunctival injection of sirolimus-pretreated MSCs can enhance retinal function and mitigate histological changes in the STZ-induced DR rat model.
Combination of Anti-Angiogenics and Immunotherapies in Renal Cell Carcinoma Show Their Limits: Targeting Fibrosis to Break through the Glass Ceiling?
Authors: Teisseire Manon , Giuliano Sandy , Pagès Gilles
Published: February 2024

This review explores treating metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) through current therapeutic modalities—anti-angiogenic therapies and immunotherapies. While these approaches represent the forefront, their limitations and variable patient responses highlight the need to comprehend underlying resistance mechanisms. We specifically investigate the role of fibrosis, prevalent in chronic kidney disease, influencing tumour growth and treatment resistance. Our focus extends to unravelling the intricate interplay between fibrosis, immunotherapy resistance, and the tumour microenvironment for effective therapy development. The analysis centres on connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), revealing its multifaceted role in ccRCC—promoting fibrosis, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. We discuss the potential of targeting CTGF to address the problem of fibrosis in ccRCC. Emphasising the crucial relationship between fibrosis and the immune system in ccRCC, we propose that targeting CTGF holds promise for overcoming obstacles to cancer treatment. However, we recognise that an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms and potential limitations is imperative and, therefore, advocate for further research. This is an essential prerequisite for the successful integration of CTGF-targeted therapies into the clinical landscape.
Sirtuins Affect Cancer Stem Cells via Epigenetic Regulation of Autophagy
Authors: Sipos Ferenc , Műzes Györgyi
Published: February 2024

Sirtuins (SIRTs) are stress-responsive proteins that regulate several post-translational modifications, partly by acetylation, deacetylation, and affecting DNA methylation. As a result, they significantly regulate several cellular processes. In essence, they prolong lifespan and control the occurrence of spontaneous tumor growth. Members of the SIRT family have the ability to govern embryonic, hematopoietic, and other adult stem cells in certain tissues and cell types in distinct ways. Likewise, they can have both pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects on cancer stem cells, contingent upon the specific tissue from which they originate. The impact of autophagy on cancer stem cells, which varies depending on the specific circumstances, is a very intricate phenomenon that has significant significance for clinical and therapeutic purposes. SIRTs exert an impact on the autophagy process, whereas autophagy reciprocally affects the activity of certain SIRTs. The mechanism behind this connection in cancer stem cells remains poorly understood. This review presents the latest findings that position SIRTs at the point where cancer cells and autophagy interact. Our objective is to highlight the various roles of distinct SIRTs in cancer stem cell-related functions through autophagy. This would demonstrate their significance in the genesis and recurrence of cancer and offer a more precise understanding of their treatment possibilities in relation to autophagy.
Early Detection of Disease Progression in Metastatic Cancers: Could CTCs Improve RECIST Criteria?
Authors: Magri Valentina , Marino Luca , De Renzi Gianluigi , De Meo Michela , Salvatori Francesca , Buccilli Dorelsa , Bianco Vincenzo , Santini Daniele , Nicolazzo Chiara , Gazzaniga Paola
Published: February 2024

Early detection of disease progression is a crucial issue in the management of cancer patients, especially in metastatic settings. Currently, treatment selection mostly relies on criteria based on radiologic evaluations (RECIST). The aim of the present retrospective study is to evaluate the potential inclusion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in hybrid criteria. CTC counts from a total of 160 patients with different metastatic tumors were analyzed for this purpose. In our cohort, 73 patients were affected by breast cancer, 69 by colorectal cancer and 18 by prostate cancer. PFS and OS were evaluated according to the corresponding prediction of disease progression by CTCs and RECIST criteria. In breast cancer, CTC-I has an important impact on the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) values. When CTC-I predicted earlier than RECIST-I, the disease progression, the PFS and OS were shorter with respect to the opposite case. In particular, PFS was 11 (5–16) vs. 34 (23–45)—with p < 0.001—and OS was 80 (22–138) vs. 116 (43–189), p = 0.33. The results suggest a promising role of CTCs as complementary information which could significantly improve the clinical outcomes, and they encourage consideration of future trials to evaluate new hybrid criteria, particularly for patients with breast cancer.
Expression and Purification of Cp3GT: Structural Analysis and Modeling of a Key Plant Flavonol-3-O Glucosyltransferase from Citrus paradisi
Authors: Birchfield Aaron S. , McIntosh Cecilia A.
Published: February 2024

Glycosyltransferases (GTs) are pivotal enzymes in the biosynthesis of various biological molecules. This study focuses on the scale-up, expression, and purification of a plant flavonol-specific 3-O glucosyltransferase (Cp3GT), a key enzyme from Citrus paradisi, for structural analysis and modeling. The challenges associated with recombinant protein production in Pichia pastoris, such as proteolytic degradation, were addressed through the optimization of culture conditions and purification processes. The purification strategy employed affinity, anion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography, leading to greater than 95% homogeneity for Cp3GT. In silico modeling, using D-I-TASSER and COFACTOR integrated with the AlphaFold2 pipeline, provided insights into the structural dynamics of Cp3GT and its ligand binding sites, offering predictions for enzyme–substrate interactions. These models were compared to experimentally derived structures, enhancing understanding of the enzyme’s functional mechanisms. The findings present a comprehensive approach to produce a highly purified Cp3GT which is suitable for crystallographic studies and to shed light on the structural basis of flavonol specificity in plant GTs. The significant implications of these results for synthetic biology and enzyme engineering in pharmaceutical applications are also considered.
Salience Beats Individual Cue Preferences
Authors: Larousse Oceane , Mettke-Hofmann Claudia
Published: February 2024

Animals can use different cues to memorise food resources, which can be broadly divided into spatial and feature cues. Differences in species-specific preferences for spatial or feature cues has been historically linked to their reliance on spatial information (food-caching and migratory species prefer spatial cues), but more recently, attention has shifted to procedural differences largely affecting the salience of cues. Here, we investigated cue preferences in the colour-polymorphic Gouldian Finch to test a range of hypotheses. Birds were trained to find food either in a white or coloured feeder always positioned in the same location. In experimental trials, feeders were swapped, dissociating the feature and the spatial cue from the feature cue rewarded. Similar numbers of birds preferred the feature or the spatial cue in the first experimental trial. Preferences were not affected by head colour morph, sex or age group. However, birds with a spatial preference changed their choices over time, resulting in a significant number of birds choosing the feature cue at the end of the experiment. These results indicate that Gouldian Finches have individual preferences for one cue type or the other but can change their preference flexibly depending on the salience of the cue.
The Role of Peace Attitudes on Sustainable Behaviors: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Fabio Rosa Angela , Croce Alessandra
Published: February 2024

This study delves into the intricate relationship among peace attitudes, personality traits, and sustainable behaviors in a diverse sample of 279 adults from different regions of Italy. Building upon the existing literature, this research affirms the influence of agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness as primary personality traits associated with sustainable behaviors. Additionally, this study scrutinizes the unique predictive power of peace attitudes. The Peace Attitude Scale (PAS), the Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ), and the Sustainable Behaviors Scale (SBS) were utilized to evaluate peace attitudes, personality traits, and sustainable behaviors. The analysis reveals that peace attitudes significantly predict sustainable behaviors, accounting for 31% of the variance. This predictability is attributed to intrinsic motivation and value alignment. Importantly, peace attitudes extend beyond environmental concerns to embrace social justice and equity, integral components of sustainability. The findings underscore the unique and substantial contribution of peace attitudes to understanding sustainable behavior. This study not only confirms the role of personality traits but also emphasizes the importance of intrinsic values in propelling pro-environmental actions.
The Performance and Reaction Mechanism of Untreated Steel Slag Used as a Microexpanding Agent in Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers
Authors: Zang Jun , Yao Chunlei , Ma Bing , Shao Zhiyuan , Zhang Houhu , Wang Jiaqing , Qian Binbin , Zhou Hao , Hu Yueyang
Published: February 2024

Steel slag is an industrial by-product of the steelmaking process, which is under-utilized and of low value due to its characteristics. Alkali-activated technology offers the possibility of high utilization and increased value of steel slag. A geopolymer composition was composed of steel slag, fly ash, and calcium hydroxide. Four experimental groups utilizing steel slag to substitute fly ash are established based on varying replacement levels: 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% by mass. The final samples were characterized by compressive strength tests, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy measurements, thermogravimetric measurements, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mercury intrusion porosimetry were used to investigate the chemical composition and microstructure of the final products. Higher steel slag/fly ash ratios lead to a lower bulk density and lower compressive strength. The compressive strength ranges from 3.7 MPa to 5.6 MPa, and the bulk density ranges from 0.85 g/cm3 to 1.13 g/cm3. Microstructural and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses show that the final geopolymer products were a type of composite consisting of both calcium aluminate silicate hydrate and sodium aluminate silicate hydrate, with the unreacted crystalline phases acting as fillers.
Role of Optimization in RNA–Protein-Binding Prediction
Authors: Alsenan Shrooq , Al-Turaiki Isra , Aldayel Mashael , Tounsi Mohamed
Published: February 2024

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play an important role in regulating biological processes, such as gene regulation. Understanding their behaviors, for example, their binding site, can be helpful in understanding RBP-related diseases. Studies have focused on predicting RNA binding by means of machine learning algorithms including deep convolutional neural network models. One of the integral parts of modeling deep learning is achieving optimal hyperparameter tuning and minimizing a loss function using optimization algorithms. In this paper, we investigate the role of optimization in the RBP classification problem using the CLIP-Seq 21 dataset. Three optimization methods are employed on the RNA–protein binding CNN prediction model; namely, grid search, random search, and Bayesian optimizer. The empirical results show an AUC of 94.42%, 93.78%, 93.23% and 92.68% on the ELAVL1C, ELAVL1B, ELAVL1A, and HNRNPC datasets, respectively, and a mean AUC of 85.30 on 24 datasets. This paper’s findings provide evidence on the role of optimizers in improving the performance of RNA–protein binding prediction.
Modulating Golgi Stress Signaling Ameliorates Cell Morphological Phenotypes Induced by CHMP2B with Frontotemporal Dementia-Associated p.Asp148Tyr
Authors: Fukatsu Shoya , Okawa Maho , Okabe Miyu , Cho Mizuka , Isogai Mikinori , Yokoi Takanori , Shirai Remina , Oizumi Hiroaki , Yamamoto Masahiro , Ohbuchi Katsuya , Miyamoto Yuki , Yamauchi Junji
Published: February 2024

Some charged multivesicular body protein 2B (CHMP2B) mutations are associated with autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative frontotemporal dementia and/or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 7 (FTDALS7). The main aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between the expression of mutated CHMP2B protein displaying FTD symptoms and defective neuronal differentiation. First, we illustrate that the expression of CHMP2B with the Asp148Tyr (D148Y) mutation, which preferentially displays FTD phenotypes, blunts neurite process elongation in rat primary cortical neurons. Similar results were observed in the N1E-115 cell line, a model that undergoes neurite elongation. Second, these effects were also accompanied by changes in neuronal differentiation marker protein expression. Third, wild-type CHMP2B protein was indeed localized in the endosomal sorting complexes required to transport (ESCRT)-like structures throughout the cytoplasm. In contrast, CHMP2B with the D148Y mutation exhibited aggregation-like structures and accumulated in the Golgi body. Fourth, among currently known Golgi stress regulators, the expression levels of Hsp47, which has protective effects on the Golgi body, were decreased in cells expressing CHMP2B with the D148Y mutation. Fifth, Arf4, another Golgi stress-signaling molecule, was increased in mutant-expressing cells. Finally, when transfecting Hsp47 or knocking down Arf4 with small interfering (si)RNA, cellular phenotypes in mutant-expressing cells were recovered. These results suggest that CHMP2B with the D148Y mutation, acting through Golgi stress signaling, is negatively involved in the regulation of neuronal cell morphological differentiation, providing evidence that a molecule controlling Golgi stress may be one of the potential FTD therapeutic targets at the molecular and cellular levels.
Association between Donor Age and Osteogenic Potential of Human Adipose Stem Cells in Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Sattar Md Abdus , Lingens Lara F. , Guillaume Vincent G. J. , Goetzl Rebekka , Beier Justus P. , Ruhl Tim
Published: February 2024

Adipose stem cells (ASCs) have multilineage differentiation capacity and hold great potential for regenerative medicine. Compared to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs), ASCs are easier to isolate from abundant sources with significantly higher yields. It is generally accepted that bmMSCs show age-related changes in their proliferation and differentiation potentials, whereas this aspect is still controversial in the case of ASCs. In this review, we evaluated the existing data on the effect of donor age on the osteogenic potential of human ASCs. Overall, a poor agreement has been achieved because of inconsistent findings in the previous studies. Finally, we attempted to delineate the possible reasons behind the lack of agreements reported in the literature. ASCs represent a heterogeneous cell population, and the osteogenic potential of ASCs can be influenced by donor-related factors such as age, but also gender, lifestyle, and the underlying health and metabolic state of donors. Furthermore, future studies should consider experimental factors in in vitro conditions, including passaging, cryopreservation, culture conditions, variations in differentiation protocols, and readout methods.
Effect of YC-1102 on the Improvement of Obesity in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Yu Hwa-Young , Kim Kyoung Kon , Baek Sin Hwa , Park Cho I , Jeon Hye Jin , Song Ae Ri , Park Hyun-Je , Park Il Bum , Kang Jong Soo , Kim Jung Min , Kim Tae Woo , Jang Sun Min , Cha Joo Young , Kim Junghyun
Published: February 2024

Obesity is one of the major risk factors for metabolic diseases worldwide. This study examined the effects of YC-1102, an extract derived from the roots of Rosa multiflora, on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. In vivo experiments involved the oral administration of YC-1102 (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) daily to mice for eight weeks. YC-1102 was found to downregulate the expressions of PPARγ and C/EBPα during adipogenesis, inhibiting adipocyte differentiation and upregulating the expression of PGC-1α for energy metabolism to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. It has been shown that daily administration of YC-1102 to mice receiving a HFD prevented an increase in body weight and the accumulation of body fat. YC-1102 administration also reduced TG, TC, and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as glucose and leptin levels, and increased adiponectin levels, thus effectively inhibiting the metabolism of lipids. YC-1102-treated mice showed significant reductions in the mRNA expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα. The levels of PGC-1α involved in energy metabolism increased significantly in the YC-1102-treated mice when compared to the HFD-treated mice. According to the findings of this study, YC-1102 has a dual mechanism that reduces transcription factors that promote the differentiation of adipocytes and increases transcription factors that promote energy consumption.
Finite Element Model of Concrete-Filled, Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Tubes for Small-Scale Wind Turbine Towers
Authors: Gong Yikai , Noël Martin
Published: February 2024

The finite element method was used to study the feasibility of concrete-filled, fiber-reinforced polymer tubes (CFFTs) for small-scale wind turbine towers in remote areas. Although CFFTs have been successfully employed for a variety of structural applications, their use for wind turbine towers is novel and has yet to be investigated in detail. The objective of the study was to identify, for the first time, the most important parameters for design and compare the behavior of CFFT towers versus conventional steel and concrete towers. The model was first validated using experimental results reported in the literature followed by a series of parametric studies to evaluate the importance of several key parameters. In the first phase, the effect of different geometric properties (taper and concrete filling ratio) and reinforcement configurations (FRP laminate configuration, steel reinforcement ratio, and prestressing level) were investigated for cantilever tower models with concentrated lateral loads. A 10 m high CFFT wind turbine tower model was subsequently modeled and studied under different loading configurations. The influence of the height-to-diameter (h/D) ratio on cantilever CFFT models was also studied and a conservative preliminary design that can be refined for specific turbine systems and wind conditions was adopted using the h/D ratio. The CFFT tower model was compared to concrete and steel tubular models with similar geometry to study the advantages of CFFT towers and showed that CFFTs can be an efficient alternative.
Ensuring Structural Integrity: An Evaluation of Vertical Shortening in Tall Concrete Buildings
Authors: Filaj Esmerald , Deneko Enio , Moezzi Reza , Gheibi Mohammad , Annuk Andres
Published: February 2024

Vertical shortening, a phenomenon inherent to concrete structures, plays a key role in the quality and safety of construction, particularly in tall reinforced concrete buildings. This behavior is intrinsically linked to the time-dependent properties of concrete, encompassing both creep and shrinkage. Neglecting these aspects, especially when non-uniformly distributed, can give rise to various structural issues, including partition distress, overloading, and potential cracking in horizontal elements. This paper delves into the principal factors influencing vertical shortening and presents a rigorous approach to their evaluation, treating creep and shrinkage as critical parameters. The investigation employs two illustrative case studies: the first revolves around a 15-story reinforced concrete building with single columns supporting tributary areas at various levels, acting as a calibration case; the second encompasses a 30-story reinforced concrete structure employing a dual system, providing a broader perspective applicable to three-dimensional structures. A diverse array of analyses is conducted, incorporating considerations for concrete’s linear and nonlinear behavior as well as the impact of construction stages. Our findings reveal that vertical shortening is directly proportional to the building’s height and inversely related to concrete strength, longitudinal reinforcement ratios, member dimensions, volume-to-surface ratios, age of the structure upon load application, and relative humidity. Consequently, precise assessments of differential shortening effects are paramount. The utilization of staged construction analysis and time-dependent effects is recommended as the most suitable approach for evaluating vertical shortening effects.
Ranking of Independent Small-Scale Electricity Generation Systems
Authors: Kramens Janis , Valtere Megija , Krigers Guntars , Kirsanovs Vladimirs , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: February 2024

The EU’s energy targets are to achieve at least 32% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Part of the solution is strengthening consumer rights by empowering individuals to generate their own electricity. The aim of this study was to identify the most suitable energy system for electricity generation of up to 50 kW in the EU residential sector. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis was used to compare four systems: proton exchange membrane fuel cell with photovoltaic panels, photovoltaic panels, biomass-powered Stirling engine, and solar-powered Stirling engine. Based on the results, the most beneficial system for household electricity generation is the biomass-fueled Stirling engine system due to its affordability, reliability, and low environmental impact. Governments and businesses can use these findings to improve information for the residential sector and enable the transition to renewable energy.
Are Maternal Vitamin D (25(OH)D) Levels a Predisposing Risk Factor for Neonatal Growth? A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kokkinari Artemisia , Dagla Maria , Antoniou Evangelia , Lykeridou Aikaterini , Iatrakis Georgios
Published: February 2024

Background: Neonatal bone mass may potentially be influenced by existing maternal vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels. Few studies evaluated maternal vitamin D deficiency (VDD) with neonatal anthropometrics such as weight, height and head circumference (HC), especially in Greece, which is a Mediterranean country with plenty of sunshine and consequently benefits the synthesis of 25(OH)D. We investigated this potential association in Greece, taking into account the administration or not of prenatal vitamin D supplements. The purpose of our study is to ascertain if there is a possible association between maternal VDD and neonatal specific anthropometric characteristics (weight, height and HC) at birth. If this is confirmed by future clinical studies, it would be of interest to develop a prenatal pregnancy selection program that would detect VDD early or during pregnancy in order to improve fetal–neonatal development in a Mediterranean country like ours. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study on 248 early early term infants (after 37 + 0 to 38 + 6 weeks of gestation) but also on full-term infants (after 39 to 40 weeks of gestation) and their Greek mothers from September 2019 to January 2022. Blood samples of 25(OH)D were taken from the mother at the beginning of labor and cord blood was taken from the newborn. Pregnant women were divided into two groups: those who received or did not receive a normal dose of calcium (500 mg/day) and vitamin D supplements (400–800 IU/day) as instructed by their treating physicians. Results: Our findings revealed a positive association between maternal VDD and low neonate birth weight (LBW) in women receiving vitamin D during pregnancy and no association between maternal VDD and neonatal height or head circumference (HC) at birth. Conclusions: Overall, this study highlighted the association between maternal VDD at the end of gestation and LBW neonates born to mothers who received vitamin D supplementation. We did not find any correlation in two of the three somatometric characteristics studied, height and HC. In any case, more clinical studies are needed to further corroborate any potential association of maternal VDD with other neonatal somatometric characteristics.
Coastal Retreat on the Spanish Mediterranean Coast in a Climate Change Context: Effects of the Regulation of the Segura River at Its Mouth and the Coastal Sand Dune in Guardamar del Segura (Alicante, Spain)
Authors: Oliva Antonio , Olcina Jorge , Ollero Alfredo
Published: February 2024

Coastal retreat processes are usually associated with many anthropogenic actions, such as the regulation of river basins, the construction of hydraulic storm defence works in coastal areas and the building of housing on the beach. To all of this, we should also add the increase in sea levels due to the effect of climate change. The chosen area of study corresponds to the coastal area of the municipality of Guardamar del Segura, belonging to the Segura River Basin. The methodology applied in this study comprised the gathering of historical information, the extraction of data using GIS, the compiling of data using official organisations and the analysis of all these data from a geographical perspective. The obtained results show the chronology of the regulation works in the Segura Basin and their relationship with the reduction and negative trend in average ordinary flows (1940–2023) and the extraordinary, swelled flows recorded in the period 1994–2023. Furthermore, the coastlines from 1923 to 2023 were mapped, enabling us to determine the evolution of the coastline retreat processes experienced in the dune ridge of Guardamar del Segura and the increase in the frequency of impacts due to storms on Babilonia Beach. Finally, data on wind, waves and marine currents recorded at a gauging station were incorporated, enabling us to understand their impact on this coastal sector. The results obtained are discussed, and they indicate the need to incorporate data on sediment into the study in order to complete it. The conclusions reveal the existence of a relationship between all these anthropogenic elements in the beach erosion processes experienced in the village of Guardamar del Segura.
Geometric Loci and ChatGPT: Caveat Emptor!
Authors: Botana Francisco , Recio Tomas
Published: February 2024

We compare the performance of two systems, ChatGPT 3.5 and GeoGebra 5, in a restricted, but quite relevant, benchmark from the realm of classical geometry: the determination of geometric loci, focusing, in particular, on the computation of envelopes of families of plane curves. In order to study the loci calculation abilities of ChatGPT, we begin by entering an informal description of a geometric construction involving a locus or an envelope and then we ask ChatGPT to compute its equation. The chatbot fails in most situations, showing that it is not mature enough to deal with the subject. Then, the same constructions are also approached through the automated reasoning tools implemented in the dynamic geometry program, GeoGebra Discovery, which successfully resolves most of them. Furthermore, although ChatGPT is able to write general computer code, it cannot currently output that of GeoGebra. Thus, we consider describing a simple method for ChatGPT to generate GeoGebra constructions. Finally, in case GeoGebra fails, or gives an incorrect solution, we refer to the need for improved computer algebra algorithms to solve the loci/envelope constructions. Other than exhibiting the current problematic performance of the involved programs in this geometric context, our comparison aims to show the relevance and benefits of analyzing the interaction between them.
“Air Sign” in Misdiagnosed Mandibular Fractures Based on CT and CBCT Evaluation
Authors: Gontarz Michał , Bargiel Jakub , Gąsiorowski Krzysztof , Marecik Tomasz , Szczurowski Paweł , Zapała Jan , Wyszyńska-Pawelec Grażyna
Published: February 2024

Background: Diagnostic errors constitute one of the reasons for the improper and often delayed treatment of mandibular fractures. The aim of this study was to present a series of cases involving undiagnosed concomitant secondary fractures in the mandibular body during preoperative diagnostics. Additionally, this study aimed to describe the “air sign” as an indirect indicator of a mandibular body fracture. Methods: A retrospective analysis of CT/CBCT scans conducted before surgery was performed on patients misdiagnosed with a mandibular body fracture within a one-year period. Results: Among the 75 patients who underwent surgical treatment for mandibular fractures, mandibular body fractures were missed in 3 cases (4%) before surgery. The analysis of CT/CBCT before surgery revealed the presence of an air collection, termed the “air sign”, in the soft tissue adjacent to each misdiagnosed fracture of the mandibular body. Conclusions: The “air sign” in a CT/CBCT scan may serve as an additional indirect indication of a fracture in the mandibular body. Its presence should prompt the surgeon to conduct a more thorough clinical examination of the patient under general anesthesia after completing the ORIF procedure in order to rule-out additional fractures.
Making Experts: The Boundary Crossing of Knowledge and the Emergence of Relational Expertise in a School Makerspace
Authors: Leskinen Jasmiina , Kumpulainen Kristiina , Kajamaa Anu
Published: February 2024

Existing research has illuminated the multidimensional nature of knowledge creation in school makerspaces. Yet, limited research exists on the boundary crossing of knowledge in makerspaces and how it can lead to the emergence of relational expertise. Using video records of interactions between 10–13-year-old students and their teachers in a school makerspace, this ethnographic case study applied mediated discourse analysis to investigate the boundary crossing of knowledge and the emergence of relational expertise—i.e., engaging with one’s own expertise, while recognizing, responding to, and building on others’ expertise. The results demonstrate how relational expertise emerged through boundary crossing of knowledge, with increased opportunities for students to identify themselves as experts. The boundary crossing of knowledge was mediated by participating students and teachers as well as material objects, evidencing the social and material nature of relational expertise in the makerspace. By recognizing the makerspace as a boundary object and an epistemic tool, the study enhances current understanding of the boundary crossing of knowledge and the emergence of relational expertise within creative and digitally enhanced learning environments.
Underwater-Acoustic-OFDM Channel Estimation Based on Deep Learning and Data Augmentation
Authors: Guo Jiasheng , Guo Tieliang , Li Mingran , Wu Thomas , Lin Hangyu
Published: February 2024

In UnderWater-Acoustic-Orthogonal-Frequency-Division-Multiplexing-(UWA-OFDM) communication, the traditional interpolated channel estimation method produces error codes, due to the small number of user pilots, uneven distribution, and complex channel characteristics. In this paper, we propose a novel UWA-channel-estimation method based on Deep Learning (DL). First, based on a small number of channel samples, we used the CWGAN-GP model to generate enhanced classified underwater-acoustic channel samples to have semantic similarity to the real samples and also to present the diversity of the samples. After obtaining the channel sample, the pilot estimation matrix was processed in a similar image way. Here, we extracted the channel features by constructing a convolutional network structure similar to U-Net, weakening the impact of feature information loss. A Channel-Attention-Denoising-(CAD) module was also designed, to further optimize the reconstructed channel information. The simulation results verified the superiority of the proposed algorithm, in terms of Mean Square Error (MSE) and Bit-Error Rate (BER) compared to the existing Least-Squares-(LS), Deep-Neural-Network-(DNN), and ChannelNet algorithms.
Re-Conceptualizing Vertical Subdivision Development for Sustainable, Affordable Housing Delivery
Authors: Tetteh Nathan , Noguchi Masa
Published: February 2024

Research on sustainable, affordable housing is evolving. Yet, its conceptual efficacy in light of the changing needs of today’s cities and targeted low-to-middle-income households remains unknown. In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, understanding the conceptual relevance and importance of land use planning tools such as vertical subdivision to the delivery of sustainable housing is tenable. In response to this knowledge gap, this entry inquires, how can the delivery of affordable housing be configured in a manner that leverages the potential of a redefined vertical subdivision development to optimize densities and ensure that housing affordability is sustainable? Here, this entry re-defines vertical subdivision development as a housing planning and design tool that allows for the segregation of air spaces into individual volumetric land parcels that mimic the environmental features of the land-on-ground, such that housing construction within such volumetric spaces is a function of the contextually relevant needs of occupants. This entry demonstrates a paradigm shift from existing housing infrastructure planning models and narratives to one that responds to and addresses all three dimensions of sustainability: economic (sustainable affordability), environmental (sustainable densities), and social (occupant wellness) in the housing infrastructure planning and delivery process.
Robo Advising and Investor Profiling
Authors: Gaspar Raquel M. , Oliveira Madalena
Published: February 2024

The rise of digital technology and artificial intelligence has led to a significant change in the way financial services are delivered. One such development is the emergence of robo advising, which is an automated investment advisory service that utilizes algorithms to provide investment advice and portfolio management to investors. Robo advisors gather information about clients’ preferences, financial situations, and future goals through questionnaires. Subsequently, they recommend ETF-based portfolios tailored to match the investor’s risk profile. However, these questionnaires often appear vague, and robo advisors seldom disclose the methodologies employed for investor profiling or asset allocation. This study aims to contribute by introducing an investor profiling method relying solely on investors’ relative risk aversion (RRA), which, in addition, allows for the determination of optimal allocations. We also show that, for the period under analysis and using the same ETF universe, our RRA portfolios consistently outperform those recommended by the Riskalyze platform, which may suffer from ultraconservadorism in terms of the proposed volatility.
Bootstrapping Long-Run Covariance of Stationary Functional Time Series
Authors: Shang Han Lin
Published: February 2024

A key summary statistic in a stationary functional time series is the long-run covariance function that measures serial dependence. It can be consistently estimated via a kernel sandwich estimator, which is the core of dynamic functional principal component regression for forecasting functional time series. To measure the uncertainty of the long-run covariance estimation, we consider sieve and functional autoregressive (FAR) bootstrap methods to generate pseudo-functional time series and study variability associated with the long-run covariance. The sieve bootstrap method is nonparametric (i.e., model-free), while the FAR bootstrap method is semi-parametric. The sieve bootstrap method relies on functional principal component analysis to decompose a functional time series into a set of estimated functional principal components and their associated scores. The scores can be bootstrapped via a vector autoregressive representation. The bootstrapped functional time series are obtained by multiplying the bootstrapped scores by the estimated functional principal components. The FAR bootstrap method relies on the FAR of order 1 to model the conditional mean of a functional time series, while residual functions can be bootstrapped via independent and identically distributed resampling. Through a series of Monte Carlo simulations, we evaluate and compare the finite-sample accuracy between the sieve and FAR bootstrap methods for quantifying the estimation uncertainty of the long-run covariance of a stationary functional time series.
Redefining Absentee: Towards Understanding Place Attachment and Stewardship in Non-Residential Landowners in Texas, USA
Authors: Lopez Christina W. , Spears Evgenia , Hartwick Tyler C. , Killough John C. , Schuett Michael A.
Published: February 2024

Approximately 30% of the private land in Texas, USA is under absentee ownership. Understanding who absentee landowners are and their land management behaviors is vital for the protection of privately owned landscapes and the ecosystem services that they support, including surface water quality. By focusing on absentee landowners with properties in five watersheds in Texas, we utilized the theory of place attachment to gain insights into absentee landowners’ land management decisions and their involvement in water quality conservation programs, such as watershed protection plans (WPPs). By conducting a mail-out survey, we obtained 100 responses, which were analyzed using an exploratory factor analysis and a series of nonparametric assessments. The results revealed that, contrary to the term “absentee”, the landowners in our study demonstrated strong feelings of place attachment and heightened land stewardship. Based on these findings, we suggest that instead of considering absentee landowners as obstacles to collaborative conservation initiatives, such as WPPs, natural resource practitioners should recognize and capitalize on the emotional attachment that these landowners have to their properties, thereby fostering their involvement. By demonstrating the owner–land relationship and its behavioral outcomes among absentee landowners, this study provides a novel contribution to the existing literature on place attachment in the context of private land management and conservation.
Young Women’s Needs Regarding Sexual Preventive Behaviours and Unwanted Pregnancies
Authors: Martin-Payo Ruben , Fernandez-Alvarez María del Mar , Gonzalez-Mendez Xana , Muñoz-Mancisidor Aránzazu , Lopez-Dicastillo Olga
Published: February 2024

Unwanted pregnancies are considered a public health problem that affects women’s mental health and quality of life. The aim of this paper was to access university students’ understanding and behaviours regarding unwanted pregnancies and identify their needs to prevent them. Qualitative descriptive design was used, and 13 semi-structured interviews were carried out. Women between 18 and 20 years old participated. They discussed a lack of training for themselves, their partners, and their families, their desire to have access to non-in-person health care resources, and their belief that contraception was expensive. Emotional aspects were relevant, affecting the way communication is established with those close to them and with health professionals. Despite the existence of access to sexual health resources, the findings show the existence of needs related to the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. The findings are presented grouping the main identified needs as “related to capability”, “related to opportunity”, and “related to motivation”. Among the aspects to consider when designing interventions to prevent unwanted pregnancies are the feelings shown by these women, the inclusion of couples and family members in educational programs, and access to non-face-to-face health resources and less expensive contraceptive methods. Interventions for social support and understanding of women are necessary both to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to support adolescents with unwanted pregnancies by avoiding criminalization or blame.
New Contributions Regarding the Barniz de Pasto Collection at the Museo de América, Madrid
Authors: Zabía de la Mata Ana
Published: February 2024

This article describes the objects in the barniz de Pasto collection at the Museo de América, Madrid. The barniz de Pasto technique will be described, as well as the historical documentary sources that have previously discussed this varnish. The article will also mention the historical reasons why Spain is the European country in which the greatest number of objects decorated with varnish have been found, in both religious and private collections. The main body of the article discusses all the barniz de Pasto objects held in the Museum collection, focuses on the history of their arrival at the Museum, and investigates their possible origin, with the help of ample photographs. The final section examines the Museum’s three most recent acquisitions, completed in the second half of 2022, in detail.