bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A City Shared Bike Dispatch Approach Based on Temporal Graph Convolutional Network and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Ma Ji , Zheng Shenggen , Lin Shangjing , Cheng Yonghong
Published: June 2024

Public transportation scheduling aims to optimize the allocation of resources, enhance efficiency, and increase passenger satisfaction, all of which are crucial for building a sustainable urban transportation system. As a complement to public transportation, bike-sharing systems provide users with a solution for the last mile of travel, compensating for the lack of flexibility in public transportation and helping to improve its utilization rate. Due to the characteristics of shared bikes, including peak usage periods in the morning and evening and significant demand fluctuations across different areas, optimizing shared bike dispatch can better meet user needs, reduce vehicle vacancy rates, and increase operating revenue. To address this issue, this article proposes a comprehensive decision-making approach for spatiotemporal demand prediction and bike dispatch optimization. For demand prediction, we design a T-GCN (Temporal Graph Convolutional Network)-based bike demand prediction model. In terms of dispatch optimization, we consider factors such as dispatch capacity, distance restrictions, and dispatch costs, and design an optimization solution based on genetic algorithms. Finally, we validate the approach using shared bike operating data and show that the T-GCN can effectively predict the short-term demand for shared bikes. Meanwhile, the optimization model based on genetic algorithms provides a complete dispatch solution, verifying the model’s effectiveness. The shared bike dispatch approach proposed in this paper combines demand prediction with resource scheduling. This scheme can also be extended to other transportation scheduling problems with uncertain demand, such as store replenishment delivery and intercity inventory dispatch.
Gibbs Free Energy and Enthalpy–Entropy Compensation in Protein–Ligand Interactions
Authors: Jiménez Juan S. , Benítez María J.
Published: June 2024

The thermodynamics of protein–ligand interactions seems to be associated with a narrow range of Gibbs free energy. As a consequence, a linear enthalpy–entropy relationship showing an apparent enthalpy–entropy compensation (EEC) is frequently associated with protein–ligand interactions. When looking for the most negative values of ∆H to gain affinity, the entropy compensation gives rise to a barely noticeable increase in affinity, therefore negatively affecting the design and discovery of new and more efficient drugs capable of binding protein targets with a higher affinity. Originally attributed to experimental errors, compensation between ∆H and T∆S values is an observable fact, although its molecular origin has remained obscure and controversial. The thermodynamic parameters of a protein–ligand interaction can be interpreted in terms of the changes in molecular weak interactions as well as in vibrational, rotational, and translational energy levels. However, a molecular explanation to an EEC rendering a linear enthalpy–entropy relationship is still lacking. Herein, we show the results of a data search of ∆G values of 3025 protein–ligand interactions and 2558 “in vivo” ligand concentrations from the Protein Data Bank database and the Metabolome Database (2020). These results suggest that the EEC may be plausibly explained as a consequence of the narrow range of ∆G associated with protein–ligand interactions. The Gaussian distribution of the ∆G values matches very well with that of ligands. These results suggest the hypothesis that the set of ∆G values for the protein–ligand interactions is the result of the evolution of proteins. The conformation versatility of present proteins and the exchange of thousands (even millions) of minute amounts of energy with the environment may have functioned as a homeostatic mechanism to make the ∆G of proteins adaptive to changes in the availability of ligands and therefore achieve the maximum regulatory capacity of the protein function. Finally, plausible strategies to avoid the EEC consequences are suggested.
Human Behavior Adaptability in Responsive Buildings: An Exploratory Study in Workplace Settings
Authors: Schaumann Davide
Published: June 2024

The increased uptake of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is fostering the development of responsive buildings that are aware of and respond to human needs. Current approaches mainly focus on adapting building systems to enhance people’s comfort and energy performance. Little is known about how responsive buildings can inform human behavior adaptability to meet the diverse needs of individuals and organizations within built environments. This study recorded the outcomes of six multi-agent simulation projects exploring human behavior adaptability in different workplace settings. The results have been analyzed through the lenses of ‘place’ theory to extrapolate a framework for human behavior adaptability, jointly considering the characteristics of the spaces, the people that inhabit them, and their activities. This framework provides analytical insights on the design and development of adaptability strategies that consider non-linear interactions and dependencies between the characteristics of the built environment, the needs of the inhabitants, and the goals of organizations.
New Frontiers for Raw Wooden Residues, Biochar Production as a Resource for Environmental Challenges
Authors: Di Domenico Giorgia , Bianchini Leonardo , Di Stefano Valerio , Venanzi Rachele , Lo Monaco Angela , Colantoni Andrea , Picchio Rodolfo
Published: June 2024

Biochar has gained significant interest in the agroforestry sector, mainly because of its ability to improve soil quality and sequester carbon in the atmosphere. Among the feedstocks of possible use for biochar production is biomass, understood as products and residues of plant origin from agriculture and forestry. The quality of the biomass used for biochar production is important because the physicochemical characteristics of the final product depend on it. This review examines the use of biochar produced from forest wastes and its impact on agriculture, forest ecosystems and the environment in general. This work demonstrates that the use of biochar not only improves agricultural productivity and production, but also that the sustainable management of the environment and forests and contributes to forest fire risk mitigation. The authors, examining the physico-chemical properties of biochar produced by forest waste, noted that the most critical variable is the process (pyrolysis temperature, residence time and heating rate), but the type of biomass used as a raw material and the forest species used also have a significant impact in determining the characteristics of the final product.
Self-Assessed Educational Needs of Chinese Pediatric Clinicians Regarding Pediatric Palliative Care: A Cross-Sectional Investigation
Authors: Lu Xiaoxia , Wang Yanmei , Li Jingke , Chang Yue-Cune , Peng Niang-Huei
Published: June 2024

Background: An important first step in enhancing professional palliative care training is to investigate the educational needs of pediatric clinicians in this field. The aims of this research were to analyze the extent of end-of-life care experience of Chinese pediatric clinicians and identify the differing educational needs of physicians and nurses as well as associated impact factors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey via a structural questionnaire was used in this research. Results: In total, 187 clinicians, comprising 52 physicians and 135 nurses, participated in this study. The topics “pain management”, “symptom management”, and “discussing the prognosis with family members” were the most expressed educational needs among both physicians and nurses. Compared to nurses, physicians placed greater emphasis on the importance of “communication” and “pain and symptom management” (p < 0.05). Clinicians with more extensive end-of-life care experience more strongly felt the importance of learning about pain management and communication regarding end-of-life care (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Research showed that the education currently provided to pediatric clinicians does not meet their distinctive needs. Future palliative care education must be a continuing multi-level, interdisciplinary program and different education should be provided to physicians and nurses based on their respective needs.
Families of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Variables Associated with Family Quality of Life
Authors: Alnahdi Ghaleb H. , Schwab Susanne
Published: June 2024

Families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities often face unique challenges that significantly impact their quality of life. Understanding the predictors of family quality of life (FQOL) is crucial for developing effective support systems and interventions. Aim: This study investigated the predictors that might influence the perception of families having a member with a disability regarding their quality of life (FQOL). Method: The sample consisted of 320 family members from the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. Results: The overall results showed that participants’ satisfaction with FQOL was at a moderate level. Further results indicated that variables associated with severity, type of disability, and the mother’s age and education were significant predictors of the FQOL. Conclusions: These results emphasize the importance of considering the variables that impact FQOL, such as the severity and type of disability, and mother’s related variables, when directing support to families with a member with a disability. The recommendations and limitations of the study were discussed.
Application of Interferon-γ Release Assay in the Assessment of T-Cell Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in the Cohort of Pediatric Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Kapten Katarzyna , Orczyk Krzysztof , Smolewska Elzbieta
Published: June 2024

Background: an accurate assessment of the immunity against SARS-CoV-2 can facilitate a better understanding and management of not only the recent coronavirus but similar pathogens as well. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate T-cell immunity with reference to antibody titers in a group of pediatric patients with autoimmune arthritides utilizing the widely known Interferon-γ Release Assay (IGRA). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the cohort of 55 children suffering from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). This research analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response measured by a specific quantitative IGRA, followed by a serological ELISA test measuring the presence and quantity of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies in serum. Results: The cellular response to SARS-CoV-2 measured by the IGRA test significantly correlated with the antibody titers, IgA (p < 0.00003, R = 0.537), IgG (p < 0.0001, R = 0.668), and IgG nucleocapsid protein (NCP) (p < 0.003, R = 0.0399), with no correlation with IgM levels. The antibody levels in patients receiving biological agents were significantly lower compared to the rest of the cohort (p = 0.0369), while traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs had no such effect. Limitations: the main limitation of the research is the small sample size, mostly due to the specific cohort of patients and the lack of a healthy control. Conclusions: IGRA appears to be a viable tool in the accurate evaluation of T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2, and serodiagnostics alone is not always sufficient in the assessment of immune responses.
Optimizing the Location of Supports under a Monolithic Floor Slab
Authors: Chepurnenko Anton , Turina Vasilina , Akopyan Vladimir
Published: June 2024

Monolithic reinforced concrete floor slabs are one of the most common types of building structures, and their optimization is an urgent task. The article presents the methodology for finding the optimal position of point supports under a reinforced concrete floor slab of arbitrary configuration at arbitrary load. The slab is considered thin, elastic and isotropic, with constant over-the-area stiffness, that is, the reinforcement is not taken into account or is constant. The solution is performed using the finite element method in combination with the nonlinear optimization methods. Finite element analysis is implemented by authors in MATLAB (R2024a) environment in such a way that the location of the columns may not coincide with the nodes of the finite element mesh of the slab. This allows to significantly increase the efficiency of solving the optimization problem compared to previously used algorithms, including the Monte Carlo method. Boundary conditions are taken into account using the Lagrange multiplier method. As an optimization criterion, the maximum deflection value is used, as well as the value of the potential strain energy. The effectiveness of six nonlinear optimization methods is compared in the example of a square slab under the action of a uniformly distributed load. For solutions obtained using the pattern search, simulated annealing and internal point methods, the maximum deflections are at least 1.2 times higher than for solutions obtained using the particle swarm method and genetic algorithm. An example of real object optimization is also presented. By changing the position of seven columns, it was possible to reduce the maximum deflection of the floor slab by 1.6 times.
Seismic Design and Evaluation of Elevated Steel Tanks Supported by Concentric Braced Frames
Authors: Nascimbene Roberto , Rassati Gian Andrea
Published: June 2024

The current investigation delved into the seismic analysis, design intricacies, and assessment of the response of elevated steel containment tanks when supported by concentrically braced frames. The primary focus was placed on comprehending the behavior of the supporting structure, recognizing its heightened vulnerability to damage under horizontal excitation—insights gleaned from reconnaissance teams studying earthquake aftermaths worldwide. A specific case study unfolded featuring a steel concentrically braced frame as the supporting structure, aligning with prevalent industry norms. Throughout the entire process, spanning design phases, seismic vulnerability assessments, and response evaluations, special emphasis was placed on the internal fluid sloshing phenomena. This nuanced consideration plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamic response of the system. The study introduces two distinct design methods: the first method aligns with relevant international codes, while the second method innovatively incorporates the compressive strength of the braces into its approach. To evaluate the dynamic response of the elevated tank, both linear and nonlinear advanced analyses were employed. The comparative analysis of various strategies underscores the impact of the chosen design methodology on the overall system response. This multifaceted exploration aims to contribute valuable insights to the seismic resilience and design optimization of elevated steel containment tanks, furthering the understanding of their performance under seismic forces.
Lignin Purification from Mild Alkaline Sugarcane Extract via Membrane Filtration
Authors: Pham Nga Thi-Thanh , Beaufils Nicolas , Peydecastaing Jérôme , Behra Philippe , Pontalier Pierre-Yves
Published: June 2024

In this study, the separation of lignin from a mild alkaline sugarcane bagasse extract was studied, and the impacts of different parameters on the filtration performance were evaluated. The tested parameters included transmembrane pressure (0.5–3.0 bar), shear rates (2831–22,696 s−1), temperature (20 and 40 °C), membrane molecular weight cut-off (5 and 10 kDa), and membrane material (polyethersulfone and polysulfone). During the filtration process, the permeate flux and all the main components of the extract were analyzed, including lignins (acid insoluble lignin and acid soluble lignin), sugars (xylose, arabinose, glucose, and galactose), total phenolic compounds, and phenolic acids (p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, vanillin, and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde). It was proved that the tested conditions had a great impact on the permeate flux and molecule retention rate. Increasing the temperature from 20 to 40 °C resulted in a much higher permeate flux for the 5 kDa PES membrane, and the impact of shear rate was greater at 40 °C for this membrane. Although the 5 kDa PES membrane could retain slightly more large molecules, i.e., acid-insoluble lignin and xylose, the 10 kDa membrane afforded greater phenolic acid removal capacity, leading to higher purity. For the 10 kDa PS membrane, the polarization layer began to form at TMP below 0.5 bar. This membrane had a lower retention rate for all molecules than the 10 kDa PES membrane.
Detecting a Midlatitude Island Climate Signature in the Great Lakes Coastal Region of Ontario, Canada
Authors: Gough William A. , Li Zhihui
Published: June 2024

A day-to-day temperature (DTD) variability metric was used to detect marine coastal climates in the province of Ontario, Canada. Eleven of fourteen climate stations on islands, most in the Great Lakes and two in other large water bodies, displayed marine characteristics using a day-to-day temperature metric threshold developed for ocean coastal locations in China and Canada with values below 2.35 for the daily minimum temperature variability. Detailed comparisons with neighbouring coastal stations were conducted for six focal areas in the Great Lakes and the marine effect on the local climate was unambiguously demonstrated in a statistically significant manner. Those displaying marine characteristics were all island climate stations, usually at an elevation close to the lake level, and the marine influence, as measured by day-to-day temperature variability, dropped off rapidly with distance and elevation from the local water body. The DTD metric was compared to a diurnal temperature range (DTR) metric. While DTR was able to distinguish in a statistically significant manner between islands and inland stations, an unambiguous threshold between the two was not possible, unlike DTD.
Different Chain Length Tannic Acid Preparations as Coating Agents for Zein Nanoparticles
Authors: Mallikarachchi Sadeepa Y. , Rotich Nancy C. , Gordon Emma , Hagerman Ann E.
Published: June 2024

Proteins that are amphiphilic and have low water solubility can self-assemble into nanoparticles useful in food science, pharmaceutical science, or biotechnology. However, protein nanoparticles exhibit drawbacks such as low stability unless the particles are coated. In the current study, tannic acid is the coating agent for nanoparticles synthesized from the protein zein. Tannic acid is a hydrolyzable tannin comprising a polyol esterified with galloyl residues. The nominal molecular formula of tannic acid (C76H52O46) suggests the material is decagalloyl glucose, obscuring its complex composition as a mixture of galloyl esters of glucose. We prepared hollow zein nanoparticles and coated them with tannic acid preparations that had short or long galloyl ester chains. The % α-helix of zein in nanoparticles is lower than in native zein but there is no effect of coating the particles with tannic acid. Interactions between the tannic acid and the zein slightly perturb the IR spectrum of the protein but there is no effect of galloyl chain length. We confirmed that tannic acid-coated particles have a more negative zeta potential, suggesting greater stability compared to uncoated particles. Coating with longer chain length tannic acid reduces particle diameter and tends to decrease polydispersity but does not change particle digestibility. Coating with shorter galloyl chain length tannic acid tends not to change particle diameter, reduces polydispersity of the particles, and stabilizes particles to enzymatic digestion. Tannic acid is a naturally occurring tunable coating for nanoparticles that can be used to adjust properties such as particle size, polydispersity, and digestibility for specific purposes.
Two-Dimensional and Spheroid-Based Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Systems: Implications for Drug Discovery in Cancer
Authors: Garnique Anali del Milagro Bernabe , Parducci Natália Sudan , de Miranda Lívia Bassani Lins , de Almeida Bruna Oliveira , Sanches Leonardo , Machado-Neto João Agostinho
Published: June 2024

The monolayer (two-dimensional or 2D) cell culture, while widely used, lacks fidelity in replicating vital cell interactions seen in vivo, leading to a shift toward three-dimensional (3D) models. Although monolayers offer simplicity and cost-effectiveness, spheroids mimic cellular environments better. This is due to its nutrient gradients, which influence drug penetration and provide a more accurate reflection of clinical scenarios than monolayers. Consequently, 3D models are crucial in drug development, especially for anti-cancer therapeutics, enabling the screening of cell cycle inhibitors and combination therapies vital for heterogeneous tumor populations. Inhibiting processes like migration and invasion often require drugs targeting the cytoskeleton, which can exhibit dual functionality with cell cycle inhibitors. Therapeutic approaches with promising anti-cancer potential often exhibit reduced efficacy in 3D cell culture compared to their performance in monolayer settings, primarily due to the heightened complexity inherent in this system. In the face of this scenario, this review aims to survey existing knowledge on compounds utilized in both 2D and 3D cell cultures, assessing their responses across different culture types and discerning the implications for drug screening, particularly those impacting the cell cycle and cytoskeletal dynamics.
Cyclocurcumin, a Minor Curcuminoid, Is a Novel Candidate for Hypopigmentary Skin Disorders with Melanogenesis-Stimulating Capacity
Authors: Goenka Shilpi
Published: June 2024

Effective therapies to treat skin hypopigmentation disorders caused by diminished melanin synthesis or export are limited due to potential side effects. In this work, we explored if cyclocurcumin (CYC), a curcuminoid found in minor amounts in turmeric rhizomes, might enhance the process of melanogenesis. CYC did not demonstrate antioxidant activity as evaluated by the DPPH assay. At noncytotoxic concentrations, CYC robustly enhanced melanin synthesis and melanin export in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells, which was correlated to increased cellular tyrosinase activity. The melanogenesis-stimulating efficacy of CYC was enhanced in B16F10 cocultures with HaCaT cells. Next, our results in MNT-1 human melanoma cells confirmed that CYC is a stimulator of both melanin synthesis and melanin export and acts by upregulating microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) protein, although CYC did not alter tyrosinase protein or tyrosinase activity in MNT-1 cells. Moreover, the examination of CYC in MNT-1:HaCaT cocultures continued to show a more potent effect on stimulating melanin synthesis, as well as its export to recipient keratinocytes. Finally, CYC was shown to demonstrate a potent capacity to stimulate melanin production in primary human melanocytes from a Caucasian donor (HEMn-LP cells), although the effects on cellular tyrosinase activity were biphasic. Taken together, this is the first study to report the novel finding that CYC is a potent promelanogenic candidate that exhibits potential utility in the therapeutic management of skin disorders arising due to hypopigmentation in humans. Future studies that examine the molecular mechanisms and elucidate the promelanogenic efficacy of CYC in vivo are necessary.
The Prognostic Value of Histopathological Features in Early-Stage Mycosis Fungoides: Insights from a Retrospective–Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jerkovic Gulin Sandra , Ilic Ivana , Ceovic Romana
Published: June 2024

Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCLs), especially mycosis fungoides (MF), pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study aims to correlate initial histological features with the disease course and survival in MF patients. A retrospective–prospective cohort study was conducted on 83 patients diagnosed with early-stage MF at the Departments of Dermatovenerology and Pathology, UHC Zagreb, from January 2003 to December 2012. The analyzed histopathological parameters included lichenoid dermal lymphocyte infiltrate, Pautrier microabscesses, and lymphocyte atypia. Patients with more than 30 guardian lymphocytes per 100 keratinocytes exhibited worse overall and progression-free survival. Furthermore, those with over 50% atypical lymphocytes demonstrated a faster progression rate. A dense lichenoid dermal infiltrate and a high count of lymphocyte “keepers” significantly increased the mortality risk within five years of diagnosis. This study did not fully confirm the hypothesis regarding the prognostic value of large Pautrier microabscesses but highlighted the importance of dense lichenoid infiltrates. The study identified new potential histopathological prognostic factors in early-stage MF, suggesting the need for larger studies to confirm these findings. The identification of such predictors could enhance the prognostic stratification and guide more tailored therapeutic approaches for MF patients.
Side- and Sinus-Specific Relationships between Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Ischemic Stroke Using Imaging Analyses
Authors: Cho Eun Hyun , Park Kyung Hoon , Kim Ji Hee , Kim Heejin , Lee Hyo-Jeong , Wee Jee Hye
Published: June 2024

Recent studies have reported chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) as an independent risk factor for stroke. However, the association with stroke depending on the affected sinuses has not been explored. This study aimed to elucidate the side- and sinus-specific relationship between CRS and ischemic stroke through imaging analyses. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with ischemic stroke at a tertiary center. CRS was defined as having a total score of greater than or equal to 4, according to the Lund–Mackay scoring system, through brain magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. We investigated the side- and sinus-specific correlation between CRS and ischemic stroke. Subgroup analyses were performed for different age groups. CRS prevalence in patients with ischemic stroke was 18.4%, which was higher than the previously reported prevalence in the general population. Overall, there was no correlation between the directions of the CRS and ischemic stroke (p > 0.05). When each sinus was analyzed, the frontal (Cramer’s V = 0.479, p < 0.001), anterior (Cramer’s V = 0.396, p < 0.001)/posterior (Cramer’s V = 0.300, p = 0.008) ethmoid, and sphenoid (Cramer’s V = 0.383, p = 0.005) sinuses showed a statistically significant correlation with the side of stroke, but the maxillary sinus (Cramer’s V = 0.138, p = 0.208) did not. In subgroup analyses, a significant right-side correlation between the two diseases was observed in the older-age subgroup (≥65 years old, Cramer’s V = 0.142, p = 0.040). Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 1.596, 95% confidence interval = 1.204–2.116) was identified as an independent risk factor for having CRS in patients with ischemic stroke. CRS of the frontal, anterior/posterior ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses has a directional relationship with ischemic stroke. Our results on which sinuses correlate with stroke advocate for the active surveillance of CRS in patients at high risk of ischemic stroke.
The Effectiveness of Combining Botulinum Toxin Type A and Therapeutic Exercise in Treating Spasticity in a Patient with Complicated Stiff-Person Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Marvulli Riccardo , Raele Maria Vittoria , Riccardi Mariagrazia , Farì Giacomo , Ranieri Maurizio , Megna Marisa
Published: June 2024

Stiff-person syndrome is rare and disabling autoimmune condition that most frequently affects women, with no real predisposition by race. Diagnosis is often arduous, which is why patients concomitantly suffer from anxiety and depression. To date, drug therapy is based on the use of benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and baclofen. Refractory cases are treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, B lymphocyte depletion with rituximab, and even the implantation of intrathecal baclofen devices. Botulinum toxin injection is frequently used, even if it still has an unclear role in the literature. Our case report aims to demonstrate the efficacy of a combined treatment of botulinum toxin and therapeutic exercise in a 65-year-old patient with biceps brachii muscle hypertonia and diffuse spasms of the axial musculature, using rating scales such as the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), joint range of motion (ROM) measurement, and muscle dynamic stiffness mensuration, which is performed by using the MyotonPro®. All the assessments were conducted at the first evaluation (T0), soon after the combined treatment with botulin toxin and therapeutic exercise (T1), three months (T2), six months (T3), and eight months after the botulinum toxin injection (T4). The patient demonstrated benefits for more than 6 months with no side effects. The combined therapy of botulinum toxin and therapeutic exercise had an excellent result in our patient.
Age of Information-Inspired Data Collection and Secure Upload Assisted by the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface in Maritime Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Dawei , Yuan Linfeng , Pang Linna , Xu Qian , He Yixin
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes an age of information (AoI)-inspired secure transmissions strategy for secure transmission from the maritime wireless sensor network to the onshore base station (BS) with the assistance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), in which eavesdroppers exist near the BS. In the proposed scheme, the secure transmission process is divided into the data collection period and the data upload period according to the time sequence to minimize the age of information (AoI) for the privacy information. In the data collection period, we design two scheduling schemes by selecting the sensor with the smallest current AoI or the largest difference in the adjacent AoI. In addition, we propose two heuristic algorithms by adopting the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA) to solve the above two problems. In the data uploading period, the uploading time minimization problem is converted to the secrecy rate maximization problem. We design an iterative optimization algorithm with auxiliary variables that are introduced to optimize the reflection coefficient of the RIS. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can reduce the average AoI by about 10 s compared to the current methods.
Person-Centred Pain Measurement in the ICU: A Multicentre Clinimetric Comparison Study of Pain Behaviour Observation Scales in Critically Ill Adult Patients with Burns
Authors: de Jong Alette E. E. , Tuinebreijer Wim E. , Hofland Helma W. C. , Van Loey Nancy E. E.
Published: June 2024

Pain in critically ill adults with burns should be assessed using structured pain behavioural observation measures. This study tested the clinimetric qualities and usability of the behaviour pain scale (BPS) and the critical-care pain observation tool (CPOT) in this population. This prospective observational cohort study included 132 nurses who rated pain behaviour in 75 patients. The majority of nurses indicated that BPS and CPOT reflect background and procedural pain-specific features (63–72 and 87–80%, respectively). All BPS and CPOT items loaded on one latent variable (≥0.70), except for compliance ventilator and vocalisation for CPOT (0.69 and 0.64, respectively). Internal consistency also met the criterion of ≥0.70 in ventilated and non-ventilated patients for both scales, except for non-ventilated patients observed by BPS (0.67). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of total scores were sufficient (≥0.70), but decreased when patients had facial burns. In general, the scales were fast to administer and easy to understand. Cut-off scores for BPS and CPOT were 4 and 1, respectively. In conclusion, both scales seem valid, reliable, and useful for the measurement of acute pain in ICU patients with burns, including patients with facial burns. Cut-off scores associated with BPS and CPOT for the burn population allow professionals to connect total scores to person-centred treatment protocols.
Research, Science Identity, and Intent to Pursue a Science Career: A BUILD Intervention Evaluation at CSULB
Authors: Ramos Hector V. , Vu Kim-Phuong L.
Published: June 2024

This paper presents an analysis of survey data to examine the association between participating in one of the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) funded Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity Initiative (BUILD) program and students’ intent to pursue a career in science. Data were collected from students at California State University Long Beach (CSULB) to examine the effectiveness of the BUILD Scholars program. Both BUILD Scholars and non-BUILD students were surveyed. Propensity score matching was used to generate the non-BUILD comparison group. Multinomial logistic regression results revealed that students participating in the BUILD intervention were associated with significantly higher intent to pursue a career in science. Results also showed the importance of variables such as science identity and research participation when assessing interest in science careers. These findings have implications for STEM program evaluation and practice in higher education.
Profiles of Occupational Therapy Students: A Cluster Analysis
Authors: Mørk Gry , Gramstad Astrid , Stigen Linda , Johnson Susanne Grødem , Bonsaksen Tore
Published: June 2024

While studies have examined predictors of study performance in various student groups, cluster analytic studies identify groups of students with similar characteristics. The purpose of this study was to explore relevant clusters of occupational therapy students and examine profile differences between participants in different clusters. A total of 177 first-year students from six occupational therapy programs in Norway participated in this study. Data on age, gender, study approaches, study effort, and study performance were collected. A two-step cluster analysis was conducted. Three clusters were identified. Cluster 1, the high-strategic high-performing students, comprised the successful students, mostly females, who invested much effort and used productive approaches to studying. Cluster 2, the high-surface average-performing students, consisted of less successful female students, who used poor study strategies and made little effort. Cluster 3, the low-strategic low-performing students, comprised the least successful students, who were all male, with study efforts and study strategies in the middle range. Overall, this study suggests that occupational therapy students can be classified into clusters based on a combination of measures. To enhance student learning and performance, educators should pay particular attention to male students and to students investing little effort and using poor study strategies.
ChatGPT: The End of Online Exam Integrity?
Authors: Susnjak Teo , McIntosh Timothy
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the significant challenge posed by the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT on the integrity of online examinations, focusing on how these models can undermine academic honesty by demonstrating their latent and advanced reasoning capabilities. An iterative self-reflective strategy was developed for invoking critical thinking and higher-order reasoning in LLMs when responding to complex multimodal exam questions involving both visual and textual data. The proposed strategy was demonstrated and evaluated on real exam questions by subject experts and the performance of ChatGPT (GPT-4) with vision was estimated on an additional dataset of 600 text descriptions of multimodal exam questions. The results indicate that the proposed self-reflective strategy can invoke latent multi-hop reasoning capabilities within LLMs, effectively steering them towards correct answers by integrating critical thinking from each modality into the final response. Meanwhile, ChatGPT demonstrated considerable proficiency in being able to answer multimodal exam questions across 12 subjects. These findings challenge prior assertions about the limitations of LLMs in multimodal reasoning and emphasise the need for robust online exam security measures such as advanced proctoring systems and more sophisticated multimodal exam questions to mitigate potential academic misconduct enabled by AI technologies.
Virtual Power Plants: Challenges, Opportunities, and Profitability Assessment in Current Energy Markets
Authors: Ullah Zahid , Arshad Arshad , Nekahi Azam
Published: June 2024

The arrival of virtual power plants (VPPs) marks important progress in the energy sector, providing optimistic solutions to the increasing need for energy flexibility, resilience, and improved energy systems’ integration. VPPs harness several characteristics to bring together distributed energy resources (DERs), resulting in economic gains and improved power grid reliability. Nevertheless, VPPs encounter major challenges when it comes to engaging in energy markets, mainly because there is no all-encompassing policy and regulatory framework specifically designed to accommodate their unique characteristics. This underscores the necessity for research endeavours to develop more advanced methods and structures for the long-term viability of VPPs. To address this concern, the study advocates for the implementation of a multi-aspect framework (MAF) as a systematic approach to thoroughly examine each aspect of virtual power plants (VPPs). A STEEP (social, technological, environmental, economic, and political) analytical tool is utilized to evaluate the challenges, opportunities, and benefits of a VPP in the existing energy markets. The proposed approach highlights important factors and actions that need to be taken to tackle the challenges related to VPP’ entry into energy markets. This study suggests that further support is required to promote the fast and widespread adoption of long-term VPP implementations. For this reason, a more favourable policy and regulatory framework based on social, technological, economic, environmental, and policy considerations is necessary to realize the genuine contributions of VPPs.
Average Modeling of High Frequency AC Link Three-Port DC/DC/DC Converters
Authors: Vasquez Mayen Eduardo , De Jaeger Emmanuel
Published: June 2024

The current transition towards renewable energies has led to an increased utilization of Photovoltaic (PV) sources and battery energy storage systems to complement the PV panels. To facilitate energy transfer among PVs, batteries, and loads, multiple converters are required. Thus, this transformation in the energy system has resulted in an increase in converter-interfaced elements. Within this context, three-port converters allow for replacing multiple converters with a single one. These three-port converters use a high-frequency AC resonant link for the bidirectional transfer of energy across the different ports. This architecture uses multiple switches and has a variable operating frequency. These characteristics make the simulation of these converters computationally heavy. Thus, averaged models are required, especially for simulating multiple converters connected in parallel or composing a microgrid. In this paper, an averaged model for this type of converter is developed. The methodology is first demonstrated and applied to a two-port DC/DC converter, and subsequently extended to the three-port DC/DC/DC version. Afterwards, control strategies for three-port DC/DC/DC converters are proposed based on the elements connected to their ports. The developed model for three-port DC/DC/DC converters is then implemented in an islanded DC microgrid to demonstrate their parallel operation. The proposed developed averaged models and the test DC microgrid are implemented in MATLAB/Simulink.
The Effect of Different Medium Compositions and LAB Strains on Fermentation Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Analysed by Proton Transfer Reaction-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS)
Authors: Rajendran Sarathadevi , Khomenko Iuliia , Silcock Patrick , Betta Emanuela , Pedrotti Michele , Biasioli Franco , Bremer Phil
Published: June 2024

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation is a viable approach for producing plant-based flavour compounds; however, little is understood about the impact of different LAB strains and medium compositions on the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study investigated the impact of the addition of individual amino acids (AAs) (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-phenylalanine, L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, L-threonine, or L-methionine) to a defined medium (DM) on the generation of VOCs (after 0, 7, and 14 days) by one of three LAB strains (Levilactobacillus brevis WLP672 (LB672), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP100 (LP100), and Pediococcus pentosaceus PP100 (PP100)), using proton transfer reaction-time of flight-mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS). The concentration of m/z 45.031 (t.i. acetaldehyde) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher after 7 days of fermentation by LP100 in the DM supplemented with threonine compared to all other media fermented by all three strains. The concentrations of m/z 49.012 (t.i. methanethiol) and m/z 95.000 (t.i. dimethyl disulfide) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher after 7 days of fermentation by either LP100, PP100, or LB672 in the DM supplemented with methionine compared to all other media. Information on the role of individual AAs on VOCs generation by different LAB strains will help to guide flavour development from the fermentation of plant-based substrates.
Numerical Simulation of Engineering Cementitious Composite Beams Strengthened with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer and Steel Bars
Authors: Shbeeb Nadim I. , Barham Wasim S. , Alyahya Wala’a
Published: June 2024

In this paper, the flexural performance of the Engineering Cementitious Composite (ECC)-concrete composite beam hybrid reinforced by steel and Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bars is assessed using nonlinear finite element analysis. The concrete damage plasticity model is used to model the nonlinear behavior of ECC and concrete materials. A perfect bond is assumed at the interface surface between the ECC and concrete. The validity of the numerical model is established through comparison with a previously published experimental study (overall error of about 5.4%). Consequently, the developed model is utilized to consider the effect of hybrid (FRP/steel) tensile reinforcement ratio, thickness of the ECC layer, type of FRP bars, and compressive strength of concrete on the flexure performance. It was evident from the results that the ratio of hybrid (FRP/steel) tensile reinforcement should be carefully chosen to achieve an adequate balance between ductility and carrying load capacity. Additionally, the thickness of the ECC layer plays a crucial role in controlling the hybrid reinforcement’s tensile ratio to prevent rapid failure following the yielding of steel rebars within the ECC layer. Furthermore, the type of FRP bars used in the hybrid reinforcement has influenced the flexural behavior of the composite beam. Conversely, increasing the compressive strength of the concrete has minimal impact on enhancing the mechanical characteristics of the beams, even when considering a change in the type of FRP bars.
Assessment of Pinus halepensis Forests’ Vulnerability Using the Temporal Dynamics of Carbon Stocks and Fire Traits in Tunisia
Authors: Rezgui Fatma , Mouillot Florent , Semmar Nabil , Zribi Lobna , Khaldi Abdelhamid , Nasr Zouheir , Gharbi Fatma
Published: June 2024

Carbon stocks provide information that is essential for analyzing the role of forests in global climate mitigation, yet they are highly vulnerable to wildfires in Mediterranean ecosystems. These carbon stocks’ exposure to fire is usually estimated from specific allometric equations relating tree height and diameter to the overall amount of aboveground carbon storage. Assessments of vulnerability to fire additionally allow for specific fire resistance (bark thickness, crown basal height) and post-fire recovery traits (cone mass for regeneration, and fine branches or leaves mass for flammability) to be accounted for. These traits are usually considered as static, and their temporal dynamic is rarely assessed, thus preventing a full assessment of carbon stocks’ vulnerability and subsequent cascading effects. This study aimed to measure the pools of carbon stocks of individual trees varying between 30 and 96 years old in the Djbel Mansour Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) forest in semi-arid central Tunisia in the southern range of its distribution to fit a sigmoid equation of the carbon pools and traits recovery according to age as a vulnerability framework. Allometric equations were then developed to establish the relationships between fire vulnerability traits and dendrometric independent variables (diameter at breast height, height, and live crown length) for further use in regional vulnerability assessments. The total carbon stocks in trees varied from 29.05 Mg C ha−1 to 92.47 Mg C ha−1. The soil organic carbon stock (SOC) at a maximum soil depth of 0–40 cm varied from 31.67 Mg C ha−1 to 115.67 Mg C ha−1 at a soil depth of 0–70 cm. We could identify an increasing resistance related to increasing bark thickness and basal crown height with age, and enhanced regeneration capacity after 25 years of age with increasing cone biomass, converging toward increasing vulnerability and potential cascading effects under shorter interval fires. These results should be considered for rigorous forest carbon sequestration assessment under increasing fire hazards due to climate and social changes in the region.