bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AI-based MRI auto-segmentation of brain tumor in rodents, a multicenter study
Authors: Wang Shuncong , Pang Xin , de Keyzer Frederik , Feng Yuanbo , Swinnen Johan V. , Yu Jie , Ni Yicheng
Published: January 2023

Automatic segmentation of rodent brain tumor on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may facilitate biomedical research. The current study aims to prove the feasibility for automatic segmentation by artificial intelligence (AI), and practicability of AI-assisted segmentation. MRI images, including T2WI, T1WI and CE-T1WI, of brain tumor from 57 WAG/Rij rats in KU Leuven and 46 mice from the cancer imaging archive (TCIA) were collected. A 3D U-Net architecture was adopted for segmentation of tumor bearing brain and brain tumor. After training, these models were tested with both datasets after Gaussian noise addition. Reduction of inter-observer disparity by AI-assisted segmentation was also evaluated. The AI model segmented tumor-bearing brain well for both Leuven and TCIA datasets, with Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) of 0.87 and 0.85 respectively. After noise addition, the performance remained unchanged when the signal–noise ratio (SNR) was higher than two or eight, respectively. For the segmentation of tumor lesions, AI-based model yielded DSCs of 0.70 and 0.61 for Leuven and TCIA datasets respectively. Similarly, the performance is uncompromised when the SNR was over two and eight respectively. AI-assisted segmentation could significantly reduce the inter-observer disparities and segmentation time in both rats and mice. Both AI models for segmenting brain or tumor lesions could improve inter-observer agreement and therefore contributed to the standardization of the following biomedical studies.
Second trimester post-abortion family planning uptake and associated factors in 14 public health facilities in Central Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Atuhairwe Susan , Hanson Claudia , Tumwesigye Nazarius Mbona , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina , Byamugisha Josaphat
Published: January 2023

Background

Post-abortion family planning counselling and provision are known high impact practices preventing unintended pregnancies. Little is known, however, about specific needs in the second trimester. Our study aims to assess post-abortion family planning uptake and its associated factors among women with second-trimester incomplete abortion.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1191 women with incomplete second trimester abortion that received treatment at 14 comprehensive emergency obstetric care public health facilities in central Uganda from August 2018 to November 2021. We computed the post-abortion uptake of family planning within 2 weeks of treatment, described the types of methods accepted, and the reasons for declining family planning. We described the socio-demographic, reproductive, abortion-related, and health facility characteristics. We used mixed effects generalized linear models to obtain percentage differences for factors independently associated with post-abortion family planning uptake.

Results

Second-trimester post-abortion family planning uptake was 65.6%. Implants (37.5%) and progestin only injectables (36.5%) were the commonly chosen methods; natural (0.1%), permanent (0.8%), and condoms (4%) were the least chosen methods. 45.2% of the women who declined family planning desired another pregnancy soon. Women whose spouses were aware of the pregnancy or had planned pregnancy had 11% (− 10.5, 95% CI − 17.1 to − 3.8) and 12% (− 11.7, 95% CI − 19.0 to − 4.4) less uptake compared to women whose spouses were not aware of the pregnancy or those with unplanned pregnancies respectively. Uptake was 8% (− 7.8, 95% CI − 12.6% to − 3.0%) lower among Islamic women compared to Anglicans. Women who received post-abortion family planning counselling or had more than four live births had 59% (59.4, 95% CI 42.1 to 76.7) and 13% (13.4, 95% CI 4.0 to 22.8%) higher uptake compared to women who did not receive counselling or women with no live births, respectively.

Conclusions

The uptake of second-trimester post-abortion family planning in Uganda was higher than previous estimates. Post-abortion family planning counselling, grand multiparity, and the need to avoid an unplanned pregnancy enhance post-abortion family planning uptake in the second trimester. Ministry of Health should strengthen post-abortion family planning counselling, especially couple counselling; at all health facilities in the country and also ensure an adequate and accessible supply of a wide contraceptive method mix.
Investigating the components of fintech ecosystem for distributed energy investments with an integrated quantum spherical decision support system
Authors: Ai Rui , Zheng Yuhang , Yüksel Serhat , Dinçer Hasan
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the components of a fintech ecosystem for distributed energy investments. A new decision-making model was created using multiple stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis and elimination and choice translating reality techniques based on quantum spherical fuzzy sets. First, in this model, the criteria for distributed energy investment necessities were weighted. Second, we ranked the components of the fintech ecosystem for distributed energy investments. The main contribution of this study is that appropriate strategies can be presented to design effective fintech ecosystems to increase distributed energy investments, by considering an original fuzzy decision-making model. Capacity is the most critical issue with respect to distributed energy investment necessities because it has the greatest weight (0.261). Pricing is another significant factor for this condition, with a weight of 0.254. Results of the ranking of the components of the fintech ecosystem indicate that end users are of the greatest importance for the effectiveness of this system. It is necessary to develop new techniques for the energy storage process, especially with technological developments, to prevent disruptions in energy production capacity. In addition, customers’ expectations should be considered for the development of effective and user-friendly financial products that are preferred by a wider audience. This would have a positive effect on fintech ecosystem performance.
Micronucleus test using formalin-fixed rat glandular stomach and colon
Authors: Ohyama Wakako , Fujiishi Yohei , Okada Emiko , Narumi Kazunori , Hayashi Makoto
Published: January 2023

Background

Genotoxicity in tissues other than hematopoietic tissues, such as the liver and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is an important focus in the risk assessment of chemicals in humans. We previously developed a rat micronucleus test for the GI tract, which is the first contact tissue where chemicals are introduced into the body through oral exposure. Target cells were obtained from fresh tissue samples by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA) treatment. As an improvement to this method, we have used formalin-fixed tissues instead of fresh tissues; this approach can be used for tissues that are sampled from other toxicological tests and that are archived for several years. This new method can be used for examining micronucleus induction retrospectively when needed. In the present study, we compared the performance of the EDTA method and the new method with formalin-fixed tissues (formalin-fixation method).

Results

Histological examination showed that both the EDTA and formalin-fixation methods could be used for collecting cells located in or above the proliferative zone of the GI tract tissues of rats. In addition, the collected cells were similar in shape. We conducted micronucleus tests with rat GI tract tissues by the two methods using model chemicals, which were used as positive control chemicals (a combination of diethylnitrosamine, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride, and potassium bromate). The two methods showed similar results. We additionally evaluated the aging effect of tissues stored in formalin fixative. The results showed that 1 year of storage did not affect the frequency of micronucleated cells.

Conclusion

The equivalence of the EDTA and formalin-fixation methods was confirmed, and micronucleus analysis was possible up to at least 1 year after formalin fixation of the GI tract, indicating that the formalin-fixation method is valuable for the rat GI tract micronucleus test.
Nanofibrous polypeptide hydrogels with collagen-like structure as biomimetic extracellular matrix
Authors: Zhao Chengkun , Li Xing , Bian Shaoquan , Zeng Weinan , Ronca Alfredo , D’Amora Ugo , Raucci Maria Grazia , Liang Jie , Sun Yong , Jiang Qing , Fan Yujiang , Ambrosio Luigi , Zhang Xingdong
Published: January 2023

Supramolecular peptides exhibit obvious similarities with collagen fibers in terms of self-assembly characteristics, nanofibrous structure, and responsiveness to external stimuli. Here, a series of supramolecular peptides were developed by altering the amino acid sequence, enabling the self-assembly of three types of 4-biphenylacetic acid (BPAA)-tripeptides into fibrous hydrogel through hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking under the influence of ion induction. Transmission electron and scanning electron microscopies revealed that the diameter of the fiber within nanofibrous hydrogels was ~ 10 and ~ 40 nm, respectively, which was similar with the self-assembled collagen fibers. For this reason, these hydrogels could be considered as a biomimetic extracellular substitute. Meanwhile, the gelation concentration induced by ions was even lower than 0.66 wt%, with an elastic modulus of ~ 0.27 kPa, corresponding to a water content of 99.34 wt%. In addition, the three supramolecular hydrogels were found to be good substrates for L929 cell adhesion and MC-3T3 cell proliferation. The overall results implied that BPAA-based hydrogels have a lucrative application potential as cell carriers.

Graphical Abstract
Hemoglobin A1c Variability Metrics Predict Coronary Artery Calcium and Cardiovascular Events in Type 1 Diabetes: The CACTI Study
Authors: Horton William B , Snell-Bergeon Janet K
Published: January 2023

Context

Interventions that decrease mean glucose have reduced rates of micro- and macrovascular complications in type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the difference in cardiovascular risk between people with T1D and the general population endures, suggesting that factors beyond hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) normalization drive cardiovascular outcomes.

Objective

To determine whether various HbA1c metrics predict anatomic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and/or CVD events in people with T1D.

Methods

We used linear regression to analyze the relationship of several HbA1c metrics to anatomic CVD risk factors and then used Cox regression to model their relationship to incident CVD events in the CACTI Study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00005754).

Results

In linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and T1D duration, baseline Hba1c (b = 0.3998, P = 0.0236), mean HbA1c (b = 0.5385, P = 0.0109), and HbA1c SD (b = 1.1521, P = 0.0068) were each positively associated with square root transformed coronary artery calcium volume. Conversely, only mean HbA1c (b = 1.659, P = 0.0048) positively associated with pericardial adipose tissue volume. In survival models adjusted for age, sex, and T1D duration, baseline HbA1c [hazard ratio (HR): 1.471, 95% CI: 1.257-1.721], mean HbA1c (HR: 1.850, 95% CI: 1.511-2.264), time-varying HbA1c (HR: 1.500, 95% CI: 1.236-1.821), and HbA1c SD (HR: 1.665, 95% CI: 1.022-2.711) each independently predicted CVD events over 14.3 ± 5.2 person-years of follow-up.

Conclusions/interpretation

We found that various HbA1c metrics positively correlated with CAC volume and independently predicted incident CVD events in the CACTI T1D cohort. These associations with CVD events persisted for baseline HbA1c, mean HbA1c, and time-varying HbA1c even after adjustment for numerous CVD risk factors.
Resident Physicians as Clinical Educators in Anesthesiology: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hoyler Marguerite M. , Pryor Kane O. , Gotian Ruth , Brumberger Eric D. , Chan June M.
Published: January 2023

The importance of resident physicians as clinical educators is widely acknowledged in many clinical specialties and by national accreditation organizations for medical education. Within anesthesiology training programs, there is growing attention to the role of trainees as clinical educators. This narrative review describes the theoretical and demonstrated benefits of clinical teaching by residents in anesthesiology and other medical fields, summarizes current efforts to support and promote residents as educators, and suggests ways in which anesthesiology training programs can further assess and develop the role of residents as clinical educators.
Meeting Report: First Cardiovascular Outcomes Research in Perioperative Medicine Conference
Authors: Bartels Karsten , Howard-Quijano Kimberly , Prin Meghan , Shaefi Shahzad , Steppan Jochen , Sun Eric C. , Williams Brittney , Fox Amanda A. , Namuyonga Judith , Shaw Andrew D. , Vavilala Monica S. , Sessler Daniel I.
Published: January 2023

The first Cardiovascular Outcomes Research in Perioperative Medicine (COR-PM) conference took place on May 13, 2022, in Palm Springs, CA, and online. Here, we: (1) summarize the background, objective, and aims of the COR-PM meeting; (2) describe the conduct of the meeting; and (3) outline future directions for scientific meetings aimed at fostering high-quality clinical research in the broader perioperative medicine community.
Complications and Technical Consideration of Ultrasound-Guided Rectus Sheath Blocks: A Retrospective Analysis of 4033 Patients
Authors: Kwon Hyun-Jung , Kim Yeon Ju , Kim Youngmu , Kim Seonjin , Cho Hakmoo , Lee Jong-Hyuk , Kim Doo-Hwan , Jeong Sung-Moon
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:

Although the ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block (RSB) is usually regarded as an easy and safe procedure in clinical settings, there is currently no report on complications incidence. Therefore, the present study investigated complications in a large cohort and described the technical considerations to minimize complications of real-time ultrasound-guided RSBs.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent real-time ultrasound-guided RSBs for perioperative pain control in laparoscopic surgery with an umbilical port between February 1, 2017, and February 28, 2021, at the Asan Medical Center in South Korea. All RSBs were performed bilaterally using a 23-gauge Quincke needle, and a bilateral 2-block placement was regarded as 1 RSB. Patient data, including demographics, preoperative laboratory data, preoperative antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication with the duration of discontinuation, and type of surgery, were collected to show the study population characteristics and explore potential factors associated with adverse events such as hematoma. Ultrasound images of patients and adverse events of RSBs, including extrarectus sheath injections, vascular injuries, bowel injury, or local anesthetic systemic toxicity, were also analyzed accordingly.

RESULTS:

A total of 4033 procedures were analyzed. The mean body mass index of the patients was 24.1 (21.8–26.5) kg/m2. The preoperative laboratory data were within normal range in 4028 (99.9%) patients. Preoperative antiplatelets or anticoagulants were administered in 17.3% of the patients. Overall, 96 complications (2.4%) were observed. Among them, extrarectus sheath injection occurred in 88 cases (2.2%), which included preperitoneal injection (0.9%) and intraperitoneal injection (1.3%). Vascular injuries constituted 8 cases (0.2%) and all vascular injuries resulted in hematoma: 7 cases of inferior epigastric artery injury with rectus sheath hematoma and 1 of inferior mesenteric artery injury with retroperitoneal hematoma. Bowel injury or local anesthetic systemic toxicity was not reported.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study of RSBs performed on 4033 patients using a 23-gauge Quincke needle in patients with low body mass index, there were 8 cases (0.2%) of vascular injury, all of which accompanied hematoma.
Beyond Ether Day: Betsey Magoun, The Forgotten Patient
Authors: Firth Paul G.
Published: January 2023

Although the analgesic effects of ether were conclusively established during a series of public demonstrations of anesthesia at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1846, ether anesthesia was neither immediately nor universally introduced into practice. Betsey Magoun, the fourth patient undergoing surgery under anesthesia at the hospital, suffered life-threatening hypoxia and respiratory complications. Severe intraoperative problems witnessed by large audience may have contributed to the cautious introduction of anesthesia into routine practice. Ether inhalation was not commonly used until more effective methods of induction and maintenance of anesthesia were discovered.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE CAPACITY OF THE ROAD NETWORK
Authors: Gasilova Olga S. , Kulakov Konstantin V. , Maltseva Anastasia A. , Sidorov Boris A.
Published: January 2023

Full-scale studies of the movement of vehicles on the street and road network of large cities have been carried out. It is revealed that a large number of realignments are observed during the movement of vehicles, as factors affecting the capacity of the road network. The quantitative characteristics of car rebuilds before relocations are determined. The dependence of the number of vehicle realignments on the number of traffic lanes and the location of the vehicle in a particular lane has been established. The obtained research results should be taken into account when determining the duration of traffic light regulation cycles at intersections.

Purpose – determination of the number of realignments as factors affecting the capacity of the road network.

Methodology statistical methods of processing a full-scale experiment were used in the work.

Results: quantitative characteristics of realignments depending on the number of lanes and the composition of traffic flows are obtained.

Practical implications it is advisable to apply the obtained results in the regulation of road traffic by technical means of traffic management.
RECOGNITION OF HUMAN ACTIVITY BY VIDEO DATA
Authors: Pyataeva Anna V. , Merko Mikhail A. , Zhukovskaya Vladislava A. , Kazakevich Alena A.
Published: January 2023

The paper considers the problem solution of classifying the type of physical activity of a person according to visual data. The authors propose using of deep neural networks to determine the type of activity. The recognizing human activity from video data or a single image systems are currently actively used in various areas of human activity. As the example we can take the system for monitoring the effectiveness of enterprise employees. So solving the problem of recognizing human actions from visual data is an actual task. The authors developed an algorithm for determining the physical activity type by visual data based on the DenseNet121 and MobileNetV2 models. Then the deep neural network model was built and hyperparameters were selected, because pre-trained networks did not provide the required accuracy of detecting the type of physical activity. The software implementation of the model is made in the IDLE environment in the Python programming language. Experimental studies performed on a specialized UCF50 dataset containing 50 different types of human actions confirm the effectiveness of using the proposed approach to solve the problem. Additionally, the representativeness of the test data set was increased with the help of video sequences obtained from YouTube.

Purpose – development of an algorithm for determining a person’s physical activity based on visual data.

Methodology: in the work the methods of computer vision, deep learning methods and object-oriented programming methods were used.

Results: an algorithm for tracking a person’s physical activity based on visual data using deep learning technologies has been developed.

Practical implications: the obtained results can be used in human activity monitoring systems, for example, in tracking criminal activity, in medical diagnostics, in tracking the activity of office employees, etc.
Experiencing security and temporality of personality
Authors: Dukhnovsky Sergey , Korzunin Vladimir , Gaydamashko Igor
Published: January 2023

The article with the involvement of empirical material examines the temporal features of a person experiencing and not experiencing safety. Differences in relation to time, temporal orientation and time functions in subjects are revealed. The respondents in the study were 250 people (139 girls and 111 boys) aged 18 to 22 years. The surveyed are students of Ugra State University and Kurgan State University of full-time education. The survey used the author's set of methods: "Scale of subjective attitude to time," the questionnaire "Subjective assessment of temporal orientation," as well as the questionnaire "Temporal characteristics of personal danger-safety." It has been found that the dominant type of relation to time in the group of subjects experiencing safety is temporary plasticity, while in those not experiencing safety it is temporary dependence. It was revealed that time performs a mobilization function, for subjects experiencing safety, while for those examined not experiencing safety, the "overwhelming" function of time is the leading one. In the temporal orientation of subjects experiencing security, the resource orientation towards the "present" and "future" is expressed, and in the group of subjects not experiencing security, these modalities are of the nature of psycho-modern fixation, thereby determining the destructive nature of their temporal orientation. It has been shown that temporal characteristics of personality - relation to time, its functions and temporal orientation can act as indicators of safety experiences. Thus, the assessment of temporal personality features can be used to diagnose the experience of safety (danger).
Forming ecological awareness when teaching foreign languages: sharing experience
Authors: Dyundik Yuliya
Published: January 2023

In the present article the author raises the problem of ecological awareness formation when studying foreign languages at University. The importance of ecological culture and its necessity for any member of modern society is analyzed. It is pointed out that higher education is the perfect platform for raising ecological awareness, and the author comes to the conclusion that studying foreign languages is one of the best ways to reach the goal, as studying languages you can acquire knowledge in almost any sphere and develop greatly the ability of critical thinking. A foreign language has a great potential overspreading a great number of topics in different spheres of life. It is stated that the peculiarity and certain advantage of studying foreign languages is that all the information about the world you get, all knowledge can be considered both as an aim and a means of studying the subject. Studying the problem through the light of different cultures, you have an opportunity to understand the topic deeper. The author gives arguments to the point that any topic is connected with the topic “Ecology and Environment” and can be paid some attention while studying any other topic. The ar
Digital competence as one of the components of the professional training of a PD inspector
Authors: Gavrilina Anastasiya
Published: January 2023

Today, many researchers note the trend of digitalization, which represents the introduction of innovative technologies in all spheres of public life, while law enforcement is no exception. An absolute novelty of the current time has become the need for the interaction of the PDN inspector with the digital space, which is justified primarily by the increase in the activity of minors in the information space. In modern realities, the PDN inspector must be competent in matters of the digital space, moreover, the digital competence of an employee can help improve the efficiency of professional activities in general. The article substantiates the importance of the formation of digital competence in the PDN inspector, as one of the components of professional training. The subject of the study is digital competence as an integral element of the professional activity of a PDN inspector.

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the importance of the digital competence of the PD inspector, to determine the components of digital competence, as well as to identify the main components of the formation of digital competence.

Based on the results of the study, it was revealed that the formation of digital competence even at the stage of professional training of a PDN inspector allows a specialist to rationally interact with innovative products and apply digital technologies in the process of performing job duties, thus increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of professional activities in general.
Working conditions of medical staff and psychosocial burden during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the example of a selected hospital
Authors: Tomaszewska Katarzyna , Lasota Paulina
Published: January 2023

Nursing staff is a professional group with a high risk of developing health-related disorders. Depression, anxiety and insomnia are the most common symptoms reported by healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these factors lead to a decrease in the quality of life, lower professional performance, cognitive abilities and increase the risk of various diseases among medical staff.
The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between selected aspects of the work environment and the health of nurses.
Material and methods The study was conducted among 115 nurses employed in a hospital in the Podkarpackie Province. The study used the diagnostic survey method with the use of the interview technique. The research tool was the author's questionnaire.
Results The study shows that the group of nurses did not differ from each other in terms of difficulties in concentrating and making decisions, as well as experiencing fear and anxiety while working with a patient with COVID-19. This may be related to getting used to the specificity of work, the intensity and frequency of long-term patient care. Work in the Temporary Covid Ward was not significantly related to lower mental health ratings, worse sleep quality or insomnia, which was indicated as a rare phenomenon (36.5%). The respondents pointed to a shortage of medical personnel (87.8%) and work in PPE (86.1%).
Conclusions The pandemic had an impact on the health of nurses and male nurses during the pandemic. The most common health effects among nurses were dermatological problems caused by disinfection detergents, less often they were problems related to the urinary system. Nurses have knowledge in the field of prevention and taking care of their own health while working in a pandemic. Socio-demographic factors had an impact on the health status of nurses.
Short-term stability of Cs microcell-stabilized lasers using dual-frequency sub-Doppler spectroscopy: erratum
Authors: Gusching A. , Petersen M. , Passilly N. , Brazhnikov D. , Hafiz M. Abdel , Boudot R.
Published: January 2023

This erratum provides a revision for the article by Gusching et al. [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 38, 3254 (2021)JOBPDE0740-322410.1364/JOSAB.438111].
Design, Synthesis, in vitro and in silico Study of 5-(Methylthio)-4-(H)-1,2,4-triazole-2-amine and its Derivatives
Authors: Kadam* Sushama
Published: January 2023

In this work, design and synthesis of 5-(methylthio)-4-(H)-1,2,4-triazole-2-amine and its derivatives were carried out using N-cyano-carbonimidodithioic acid dimethyl ester and methane thiol hydrazine monohydrate to obtain an excellent yield of the desired core molecule. It was observed that free -NH2 group available at 2nd position, which itself acts as a pharmacophore useful to connect with alkyl/aryl substituted isocyanate and form urea moiety as a bridge between 5-(methylthio)-4-(H)-1,2,4-triazole and alkyl/aryl substituent which exhibited the antimicrobial and docking activities of the synthesized molecules. The QSAR, toxicokinetics, docking studies with selected antimicrobial PDBs are useful in silico study of derivatives. In this study, it is emphasised that the results obtained in vitro and in silico correspond with each other and provide a better understanding of how and where medications exert their effects at the molecular level. This is based on the fact that the results were found using the same drug.
Application of Gymnema sylvestre Leaves Extract for Iron Nanoparticles Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity Evaluation
Authors: Kumari Sheetal , Sheoran Poonam , Jangra Suman , Tiwari Vishal
Published: January 2023

In this research study, iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were synthesized using Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae) leaves extract. Iron(III) ions present in ammonium ferrous sulphate hexahydrate were reduced to FeNPs by phytoconstituents in Gymnema sylvestre leaves extract. The characteristics of biosynthesized FeNPs were studied by using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size analyzer (PSA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The typical absorption peak was found to lie within 650-700 nm due to the excitation of surface plasmon vibration in FeNPs. The spherical structures of FeNPs were found in the range of 8-40 nm with average particle size of 405.8 nm. The antibacterial study of the biosynthesized FeNPs was performed against Gram-positive (B. subtilis) bacteria and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria by the agar well dispersion technique. The zone of inhibition of antibacterial activity of FeNPs against B. subtilis and E. coli bacteria was found to be 27.5 and 29 mm, respectively.
Use of Some Metal Ferrites as Catalyst in Aldol Condensation Reaction
Authors: Godha Neha , Vyas Shubhang , Kothari Seema , C. Ameta Suresh
Published: January 2023

Two moles of benzaldehyde and one mole of acetone were condensed to afford dibenzalacetone in presence of sodium hydroxide. This aldol condensation was carried out in presence of magnetic copper ferrite, CuFe2O4, which was synthesized by hydrothermal method. Other magnetic ferrites (where M = Ni, Co, Zn and Mg) were also prepared. As-prepared metal ferrites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The copper ferrite was observed to be square shaped and particle size was 29.71 nm. The yield of product (dibenzalacetone) in presence of copper ferrite was found to be highest (90.6%). A comparative study was made with different metal ferrites as catalyst and found that the activity of metal ferrites followed the order:
CuFe2O4 > ZnFe2O4 > NiFe2O4 > CoFe2O4 > MgFe2O4
ESCALATION OF PROJECT COST DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Mohd Nasir Siti Rashidah , Hasim Sulaiman , Jaafar Muhd Salmizi , Mohd Ali Mohamaad Aimy Shahril
Published: January 2023

The construction sector is known as a major contributor to the overall development and expansion of the country's economy and any delay in a project may cause a cascading effect on the country's economy. In 2020, most countries have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that had a significant impact on construction projects resulting in project delays and project cost overruns. This paper identifies factors that influence the project cost escalation due COVID-19 pandemic and studies the escalation of main construction materials. Questionnaires were conducted online to the target respondents who were involved in the construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research area covers the Klang Valley which is centered in Kuala Lumpur and includes its adjoining cities and towns in the state of Selangor. The findings of this study reveal that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) imposed by the government has significantly increased the project cost, such as hand sanitizer, face masks and Rapid Test Kit (RTK) provided to the workers. As a result, the contractor companies have suffered in maintaining their finances as they have to continue to pay their workers in full even when the companies are still surviving the epidemic of COVID-19. The findings of this study may assist construction parties as well as government bodies in strategically planning the finances in dealing with a similar pandemic situation in the future.
IMPROVING HEALTH AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE IN AN INTERNATIONAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Authors: Smallwood John
Published: January 2023

Many organizations desire to improve their health and safety (H and S) performance. The study reported on is focused on evolving a framework of interventions to improve an international general contractor’s GC’s H and S performance, the objectives being to determine the: importance of project parameters; importance of 122 aspects / interventions / issues / stakeholders in terms of improving the GC’s H and S performance, and respondents’ perceptions regarding the GC’s H and S status. The questionnaire was circulated by the GC to the three levels of management and H and S practitioners in the four entities via e-mail. Top management commitment to H and S, toolbox talks, top management accountability for H and S, a mission of ‘continuous improvement’, and site management accountability for H and S predominate in terms of aspects / interventions / issues / stakeholders contributing to improving the GC’s H and S performance. A healthy H and S culture exists within the GC, which is reinforced by respondents’ perceptions that the GC’s H and S status is between compliant to proactive / proactive, the GC can improve its H and S performance, and the requisite ‘cocktail’ of aspects / interventions / issues / stakeholders must be in place, and each to an optimum extent, to enable the GC to improve H and S performance. The GC should focus on anticipating and preventing H and S issues, and a process of continuous improvement / innovation.
CONSTRUCTION ERGONOMICS: CONSTRUCTION HEALTH AND SAFETY AGENTS’ PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES
Authors: Smallwood John , Deacon Claire
Published: January 2023

Construction is a physically demanding process, which can be mitigated during design, procurement, and construction. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among Construction Health and Safety Agents (CHSAs) due to their legislated role during design, procurement, and construction, to determine, among others, their perceptions and practices relative to construction ergonomics. Construction ergonomics is less important than end-user ergonomics, CHSAs influence construction ergonomics mostly during ‘design development’, and hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) predominates in terms of the potential of various factors to contribute to an improvement in construction ergonomics. CHSAs are appointed at various stages, CHSAs influence construction ergonomics more so during the mid to downstream stages, and there is potential to improve construction ergonomics throughout the phases of projects. CHSAs should be appointed at stage 1 of projects, and design HIRA should feature prominently during the early stages of projects.
AUTOMATED IOT-CONNECTED ON-BOARD FAULT DETECTION IN FAN-COILS: PROTOTYPE CONSTRUCTION AND PRELIMINARY TESTING
Authors: Villa Valentina , Siccardi Stefania , Corneli Alessandra , Piantanida Paolo , Aliev Khurshid
Published: January 2023

The paper focuses on design and implementation of an IoT connected on-board automated fault detection and diagnostics prototype (AFDD) for a nonspecific fan-coil, in turn part of HVAC system and of a distributed digital collaboration framework used in Facility Management. A research on common IoT architecture and maintenance strategies has been carried out besides the theoretical development of a Fault detection diagram on all the typical faults in fan-coil units. A real fan-coil was then inspected to point out its construction details and the points to be monitored. Then it was equipped with the prototype AFDD system. All the components and sensors needed to build the AFDD prototype are commonly available. The design and implementation of automated fault detection and diagnostics (AFDD) for HVAC fan-coils systems fully exploits distributed computing for remote and smart system monitoring, anomaly detection and eventually fault diagnostics to improve maintenance management through the integration of a large number of data locally gathered by smart sensors. Experimental results on the prototype are given about some recurrent fan-coil anomalies. Local intelligence allows a quick and on-site anomaly detection and fault diagnostic, as proven by running the prototype AFDD equipped fan-coil: it could help managing and scheduling maintenance, reducing time-to-fix together with indirect and direct costs, if network connected. Feeding the network with relevant data about the anomalies extracted by the local intelligence allows sharing the information at every level, also in order to statistically rate HAVC components service life and reliability.
IMPORTANCE INDEX THEORY APPLIED TO ALLIANCE PROJECT GEOTECHNICAL RISK STRATEGY
Authors: Gransberg Douglas D. , West Nicola , Cetin Bora
Published: January 2023

Alliance contracts are consummated before the subsurface investigation to support the final geotechnical design is complete, forcing clients and their industry partners to operate with high levels of geotechnical uncertainty during the negotiation of the alliance agreement. Research has shown that perceptions of each stakeholder of this key area of uncertainty are very different, making it challenging to achieve alignment. The purpose of this paper is to propose an objective methodology for alliance members to prioritize geotechnical risk factors during the agreement negotiation process to determine those factors that should be clarified before determining a target outturn cost. This paper proposes an objective methodology based on importance index theory computed from each geotechnical factor’s frequency and impact. Survey data collected from 46 public transportation agency and industry experts provided the input. The paper proposes that a prioritized list of project-specific geotechnical risks be used to guide the negotiations and potentially identify the need for preliminary subsurface investigations to support the development of the target outturn cost. The framework is applied to a typical alliance project to demonstrate its efficacy. The paper’s primary contribution is the importance index-based methodology for ranking geotechnical risk factors, which may be utilized as a checklist to guide negotiations of geotechnical risk distribution in the alliance agreement.
THE ASYMMETRY OF DISPUTANTS IN CONSTRUCTION MEDIATION
Authors: Cao Nan , Cheung Sai On
Published: January 2023

Mediation has been encouraged as a primary alternative dispute resolution mechanism to deal with construction disputes in Hong Kong. Considering its cost and time advantages, mediation is expected to be welcomed by the parties in dispute. However, in the past decade, the rate of mediation adoption has not been particularly outstanding. While it is believed that voluntary participation is pivotal to successful mediation, the unequal footing of the disputing parties may negate voluntary attempts. Past mediation research mostly studied the determinants of mediation, the choice of mediation tactics, outcomes of mediation which is quite descriptive than theoretical. This study examines the forms of asymmetry and their existence or otherwise in construction dispute mediation. Manifestations of asymmetries were operationalized from literature. Data for the study were collected from Hong Kong's construction experienced professionals. The majority of the one hundred ninety-three valid responses are from respondents having over 20 years of work experience in the industry. Three forms of asymmetry were suggested by processing the data through a principal component factor analysis (PCFA). The empirical findings affirm the proposed forms of asymmetry derived from theory. Mediators should assist the disputants to: i) prepare well for the mediation and not to use financial resources to protract the mediation process; ii) investigate the actual happenings leading to the dispute as detailed as possible; and iii) develop genuine attitude for achieving a quick settlement.
WATER-REPELLANT EFFECT OF REINFORCED CONCRETE (RC) BEAM COATED WITH A SURFACE-PENETRANT
Authors: SAYAMA SHOICHI , SAYAMA MASAYUKI , MITANI KOJI , UTSUMI TENSUKE , YOSHITAKE ISAMU
Published: January 2023

Concrete coated with surface-penetrant is an efficient method to improve durability because it can decrease the ingress of deterioration factors such as water and chloride ions. Our previous study had focused on a silane-based penetrant having high water-repellant effect and examined the freeze-thaw (F-T) durability of the concrete coated with the penetrant. As well as F-T action, the water-repellant effect must decrease the possibility of deterioration related to water and chloride ions ingress. It is well known that water in pore of concrete is a compromising factor to decrease the fatigue durability of RC structures. The effect of surface-penetrant may be significantly varied by microscopic pore structures in concrete. Hence, the study prepared concrete cylinders and RC beam specimens made by wide range of water-cement ratios (w/c) from 0.55 to 1.0. Noting that the low-strength concrete made by the w/c = 1.0 is very unusual for structural concrete. However, such low strength properties are occasionally observed in short-span RC bridges constructed in 1960s or earlier. Hence, the study examined the effect of the surface-penetrant by using various w/c concretes. The paper reports the fundamental investigations of penetration depth and fatigue durability of the coated RC beams.
BASIC STUDY ON CARBON DIOXIDE ABSORPTION CHARACTERISTIC OF CONCRETE
Authors: Shimabukuro Atsushi , Kataoka Naoya , Ikeda Yuho
Published: January 2023

Concrete absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) because carbonation occurs due to reacting to CO2. Therefore, it is considered that concrete may contribute to carbon neutrality. The purpose of this study is to experimentally understand the CO2 absorption characteristics of concrete by filling CO2 into a container with concrete specimens and measuring the CO2 concentration in the container. A sealed container and a CO2 concentration meter are applied as the experimental instruments. CO2 is supplied into the container placing specimens until the predefined CO2 concentration value. The CO2 concentration in the container is measured with the elapsed time. The CO2 absorption characteristic is gained as the reduction ratio of the CO2 concentration when the reduction value is gained from the difference between the initial concentration ratio in the container and the measured ratio at the final measuring time. The conditions are focused on the number of specimens, fine aggregate types, and the water-cement ratio. As a result, under the high CO2 concentration condition, it is found that the CO2 absorption characteristics depend on the concrete volume, the water-cement ratio, and fine aggregate types. Also, concrete is difficult to absorb CO2 with increasing the CO2 supply cycle.
LOAD CAPACITY OF TUNNEL LINING CONCRETE STRENGTHENED WITH CARBON-FIBER COMPOSITE CABLE (CFCC)
Authors: YOSHITAKE ISAMU , MORIMOTO SHINGO , ONISHI TAKASHI , YANAGI TAIGA
Published: January 2023

Efficient strengthening systems for tunnel lining concrete (TLC) have not been sufficiently discussed while various systems are available for other structures. The study aims at development of a strengthening system applicable for TLC. In particular, the present study focused on an NSM-FRP strengthening system which is often employed in deck-slabs and girders of bridge. Most of FRP materials used in such supra-structures are laminates and rods. It may be hard to embed FRP materials into inner surface of arched tunnels. Flexible FRP must be a favorable material for strengthening of TLC. The study focused on a carbon-fiber composite cable (CFCC) which is often used in prestressed concrete structures. The CFCC is embedded in inner surface of TLC by using a polymer cementitious mortar and epoxy resin. Fundamental loading test using mock-up TLC models was conducted to examine the strengthening effect of the proposed system. The paper reports the load-carrying capacity of the strengthened TLC models.
EVALUATION OF WATER RETENTION OF RUST LAYER BASED ON ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT
Authors: Hasuike Rina , Yoneyama Ryotaro , Aso Toshihiko
Published: January 2023

Steel corrosion is one of the causes of steel bridge deterioration. In order to corrode the steel, water and oxygen are required. As measuring the water on the steel surface, the wet time is calculated by temperature and humidity or using an ACM sensor etc. However, those methods cannot measure the water inside of the rust layer directly. This research aims to evaluate the water retention of the rust layer, the electrical resistance was measured. First, the electrical resistance under the wet-dry cycle was measured for specimens which have four grades of rust thickness, under 200μm, 200 to 400μm, 400 to 800μm and more than 800μm. As a result, the measured resistance was smaller under a wet environment and the trend was the same in all thickness specimens. Second, the electrical resistance with supplying different water quantities was measured for three grades of rust thickness specimens. For the same water quantity, the larger the rust thickness, the smaller the electrical resistance was. Thus, there is a possibility to evaluate the water retention of the rust layer based on the water quantity in the rust by measuring electrical resistance.
STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING METHODS OF BRIDGESTRUCTURES: AREVIEWOFEXISTING METHODS WITH RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Karimi Saman , Mirza Olivia
Published: January 2023

Bridges are a crucial part of the transport infrastructure and represent an important asset of a society. One of the crucial parts of that asset goes to monitoring and maintenance since the bridge damage could yield to severe consequences in human lives and material damage. Periodic inspection keeps these structures operational and increases bridge integrity. Different methods have been proposed by different researchers for bridge damage detection based on different theories and methodologies. Various review papers on bridge damage detection are published in the literature in the last few decades. In this paper, a concise review of literature on damage detection in bridge structures based on various methodologies is carried out. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine various methods that have been proposed for bridge damage identification along with some recommendations to improve these methods. The gaps, limitations, and superiority of the existing methods have been identified, and future applications which are important for bridge inspection are covered.