bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Modeling of Human Reliability Analysis on Dam Failure Caused by Extreme Weather
Authors: Wang Huiwen , Li Dandan , Sheng Taozhen , Sheng Jinbao , Jing Peiran , Zhang Dawei
Published: December 2023

Human factors are introduced into the dam risk analysis method to improve the existing dam risk management theory. This study constructs the path of human factor failure in dam collapse, explores the failure pattern of each node, and obtains the performance shaping factors (PSFs) therein. The resulting model was combined with a Bayesian network, and sensitivity analysis was performed using entropy reduction. The study obtained a human factor failure pathway consisting of four components: monitoring and awareness, state diagnosis, plan formulation and operation execution. Additionally, a PSFs set contains five factors: operator, technology, organization, environment, and task. Operator factors in a BN (Bayesian network) are the most sensitive, while the deeper causes are failures in organizational and managerial factors. The results show that the model can depict the relationship between the factors, explicitly measure the failure probability quantitatively, and identify the causes of high impact for risk control. Governments should improve the significance of the human factor in the dam project, constantly strengthen the safety culture of the organization’s communications, and enhance the psychological quality and professional skills of management personnel through training. This study provides valuable guidelines for the human reliability analysis on dam failure, which has implications for the theoretical research and engineering practice of reservoir dam safety and management.
The Impact of Formulation and Freeze Drying on the Properties and Performance of Freeze-Dried Limosilactobacillus reuteri R2LC
Authors: Tyagi Nisha , Gidlöf Zandra , Osanlóo Daniel Tristan , Collier Elizabeth S. , Kadekar Sandeep , Ringstad Lovisa , Fureby Anna Millqvist , Roos Stefan
Published: December 2023

Freeze drying is a commonly used method for preserving probiotic bacteria and live biotherapeutic products. Before drying, the bacterial cells are formulated with a lyoprotectant, and the design of these two process steps are crucial to achieve a high-quality product. There are several factors that may affect the biological and physicochemical properties of the freeze-dried cells and we have used a Design of Experiment approach to investigate the effects of formulation and freeze-drying parameters on properties and performance of Limosilactobacillus reuteri R2LC. The biological characteristics of the dried bacteria were evaluated by measuring cell survival, metabolic activity and stability, and physicochemical characteristics were studied using visual inspection, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and analysis of residual moisture content and bacterial aggregation. A comparison between the lyoprotectants trehalose and sucrose showed that the latter gave better freeze-drying survival, metabolic activity, and storage stability. We also want to highlight that there was a correlation between bacterial concentration, metabolic activity, and aggregation of bacteria, where a higher concentration (1010 CFU/mL) resulted in both higher metabolic activity and aggregation. Several other process and formulation factors affected both the biological and physicochemical properties of freeze-dried L. reuteri R2LC and it could be concluded that care must be taken to develop a production method that generates a product with high and consistent quality. These results may, or may not, be strain specific.
Photocatalytic Reduction of Methylene Blue by Surface-Engineered Recombinant Escherichia coli as a Whole-Cell Biocatalyst
Authors: Kumaravel Ashokkumar , Selvamani Vidhya , Hong Soon Ho
Published: December 2023

A novel Escherichia coli strain, created by engineering its cell surface with a cobalt-binding peptide CP1, was investigated in this study. The recombinant strain, pBAD30-YiaT-CP1, was structurally modeled to determine its cobalt-binding affinity. Furthermore, the effectiveness and specificity of pBAD30-CP1 in adsorbing and extracting cobalt from artificial wastewater polluted with the metal were investigated. The modified cells were subjected to cobalt concentrations (0.25 mM to 1 mM) and pH levels (pH 3, 5, 7, and 9). When exposed to a pH of 7 and a cobalt concentration of 1 mM, the pBAD30-CP1 strain had the best cobalt recovery efficiency, measuring 1468 mol/g DCW (Dry Cell Weight). Furthermore, pBAD30-CP1 had a higher affinity for cobalt than nickel and manganese. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) were used to examine the physiochemical parameters of the recombinant cells after cobalt adsorption. These approaches revealed the presence of cobalt in a bound state on the cell surface in the form of nanoparticles. In addition, the cobalt-binding recombinant strains were used in the photocatalytic reduction of methylene blue, which resulted in a 59.52% drop in the observed percentage. This study shows that modified E. coli strains have the potential for efficient cobalt recovery and application in environmental remediation operations.
Homogenization of Functional Diversity of Rotifer Communities in Relation to Eutrophication in an Urban River of North China
Authors: Wang Bing , Yin Xuwang
Published: December 2023

Rapid urbanization has triggered nutrient loading, which will inevitably lead to the eutrophication of water bodies and further affect the structure of aquatic populations. At present, eutrophication is a significant challenge for urban aquatic ecosystems. However, we still know little about the correlation between eutrophication in urban rivers and the composition of aquatic functional groups. The effects of urban river eutrophication on rotifer communities were investigated using an annual field survey of the Jinan section of the Xiaoqing River, a typical urban river in northern China. Using functional diversity (FD) and beta diversity, the spatiotemporal variation of the aquatic biological functional groups regime along stretches subject to different eutrophication was investigated. The functional evenness (FEve) and functional divergence (FDiv) decreased significantly with the increment of the trophic level index. Functional diversity exhibits an extremely low level across functional groups, with the richness difference (RichDiff) being an important component. The results indicate that eutrophication led to the homogenization of rotifer communities. This can be attributed to the functional homogenization of the rotifer community in the Jinan section of the Xiaoqing River. The observed homogenization may be due to widely distributed species complementing the ecological niche space. Our findings provide valuable information on the conservation of the urban river under the threat of eutrophication caused by high-intensity human activities.
PHI-1, an Endogenous Inhibitor Protein for Protein Phosphatase-1 and a Pan-Cancer Marker, Regulates Raf-1 Proteostasis
Authors: Kirkbride Jason A. , Nilsson Garbo Young , Kim Jee In , Takeya Kosuke , Tanaka Yoshinori , Tokumitsu Hiroshi , Suizu Futoshi , Eto Masumi
Published: December 2023

Raf-1, a multifunctional kinase, regulates various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration, by phosphorylating MAPK/ERK kinase and interacting with specific kinases. Cellular Raf-1 activity is intricately regulated through pathways involving the binding of regulatory proteins, direct phosphorylation, and the ubiquitin–proteasome axis. In this study, we demonstrate that PHI-1, an endogenous inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1 (PP1), plays a pivotal role in modulating Raf-1 proteostasis within cells. Knocking down endogenous PHI-1 in HEK293 cells using siRNA resulted in increased cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis. This heightened cell proliferation was accompanied by a 15-fold increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Importantly, the observed ERK1/2 hyperphosphorylation was attributable to an upregulation of Raf-1 expression, rather than an increase in Ras levels, Raf-1 Ser338 phosphorylation, or B-Raf levels. The elevated Raf-1 expression, stemming from PHI-1 knockdown, enhanced EGF-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation through MEK. Moreover, PHI-1 knockdown significantly contributed to Raf-1 protein stability without affecting Raf-1 mRNA levels. Conversely, ectopic PHI-1 expression suppressed Raf-1 protein levels in a manner that correlated with PHI-1’s inhibitory potency. Inhibiting PP1 to mimic PHI-1’s function using tautomycin led to a reduction in Raf-1 expression. In summary, our findings highlight that the PHI-1-PP1 signaling axis selectively governs Raf-1 proteostasis and cell survival signals.
MicroRNA193a: An Emerging Mediator of Glomerular Diseases
Authors: Bharati Joyita , Kumar Megan , Kumar Neil , Malhotra Ashwani , Singhal Pravin C.
Published: December 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding small RNAs that regulate the protein expression of coding messenger RNAs. They are used as biomarkers to aid in diagnosing, prognosticating, and surveillance of diseases, especially solid cancers. MiR-193a was shown to be directly pathogenic in an experimental mouse model of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) during the last decade. Its specific binding and downregulation of Wilm’s tumor-1 (WT-1), a transcription factor regulating podocyte phenotype, is documented. Also, miR-193a is a regulator switch causing the transdifferentiation of glomerular parietal epithelial cells to a podocyte phenotype in in vitro study. Interaction between miR-193a and apolipoprotein 1 (APOL1) mRNA in glomeruli (filtration units of kidneys) is potentially involved in the pathogenesis of common glomerular diseases. Since the last decade, there has been an increasing interest in the role of miR-193a in glomerular diseases, including diabetic nephropathy and membranous nephropathy, besides FSGS. Considering the lack of biomarkers to manage FSGS and diabetic nephropathy clinically, it is worthwhile to invest in evaluating miR-193a in the pathogenesis of these diseases. What causes the upregulation of miR-193a in FSGS and how the mechanism is different in different glomerular disorders still need to be elucidated. This narrative review highlights the pathogenic mechanisms of miR-193a elevation in various glomerular diseases and its potential use in clinical management.
Correlations between MSH2 and MSH6 Concentrations in Different Biological Fluids and Clinicopathological Features in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Patients and Their Contribution to Fast and Early Diagnosis of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bratei Alexandru Adrian , Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: The human MutS homolog, hMSH2, is known to be involved in DNA mismatch repair and is responsible for maintaining the stability of the genome. When DNA damage occurs, MSH2 promotes cell apoptosis via the regulation of ATR/Chk2/p53 signal transduction, and MSH2 deficiency is also related to accelerated telomere shortening in humans. MSH2 missense mutations are involved in a defective DNA reparation process, and it can be implied in carcinogenesis, as it is already involved in well-known cancer-related syndromes such as Lynch syndrome. Human MSH6, which stands for mutS homolog 6, is a member of the MMR family that is responsible for the repair of post-replicative mismatched DNA bases. It is also one of the proteins with gene mutations that are associated with a high risk of developing Lynch syndrome, leading to a large series of tumors. (2) Methods: Patients and their clinical and pathological features were selected from the database of the project GRAPHSENSGASTROINTES and used accordingly, with ethics committee approval no. 32647/2018 awarded by the County Emergency Hospital from Targu-Mures. Analyses were conducted on whole blood, saliva, urine, and tumoral tissue samples using a stochastic method with stochastic microsensors. (3) Results: The results obtained using stochastic sensors were correlated with a series of macroscopic and microscopic pathological features for each sample type. Criteria or relationships were established for tumor location, vascular and perineural invasions, lymph node metastases, the presence of tumor deposits, and the presence of a mucus compound in the tumor mass. (4) Conclusions: The correlation between the concentrations of MSH2 in the four types of samples and the pathological features allowed for the fast characterization of a tumor, which can help surgeons and oncologists choose personalized treatments. Also, the colorectal tumor location was correlated with the concentration of MSH2 in whole blood, urine, and saliva. MSH6, which stands for mutS homolog 6, is not only useful in immunohistochemistry but in pathology practice as well. In this paper, the relationships between MSH6 levels in four biological fluids—whole blood, saliva, urine, and tissues—and tumor locations among the colorectal area, gross features, presence of a mucinous compound, molecular subtype, stroma features, and vascular invasions are presented.
The Multicomponent Medicinal Product Hepar Compositum Reduces Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis in a Streptozotocin- and High-Fat Diet-Induced Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease/Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis
Authors: Burmeister Yvonne , Weyer Kathrin , Dörre Achim , Seilheimer Bernd
Published: December 2023

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)—formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Since there is currently no approved pharmacotherapy for MASLD, there is an urgent unmet need for efficacious therapeutics for this disease. Hepar compositum (HC-24) is a multicomponent medicinal product that consists of 24 natural ingredients. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in an obesity-associated MASLD mouse model, but its potential to reduce MASLD-associated fibrosis had not been explored before this study. Here, we investigated the hepatic anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic potential of HC-24 in a streptozotocin (STZ)- and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced model of MASLD. Mice received a single injection of low-dose STZ at 2 days of age, followed by HFD feeding from 4 to 9 weeks of age. Mice were treated every second day with HC-24 or daily with the positive control telmisartan from 6 to 9 weeks of age. A non-diseased control group was included as a healthy reference. An explorative small-scale pilot study demonstrated that HC-24 improved liver histology, resulting in a lower NAFLD activity score and reduced liver fibrosis. A subsequent full study confirmed these effects and showed that HC-24 reduced hepatic inflammation, specifically reducing T helper cell and neutrophil influx, and decreased hepatic fibrosis (with qualitatively reduced collagen type I and type III immunopositivity) in the absence of an effect on body and liver weight, blood glucose or liver steatosis. These results show that HC-24 has hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties in an STZ- and HFD-induced model of MASLD/MASH, suggesting that this multicomponent medicine has therapeutic potential for MASLD patients.
Osteoprotegerin Gene as a Biomarker in the Development of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Przerwa Filip , Uzar Izabela , Bogacz Anna , Kotrych Katarzyna , Sulikowski Tadeusz , Wolek Marlena , Kamiński Adam , Ziętek Paweł , Czerny Bogusław
Published: December 2023

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial and polygenic disease caused by an imbalance between osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis, leading to a decrease in bone mineral density and the occurrence of disorders in the microarchitecture and metabolism of bone tissue. In postmenopausal women, there is a significant decrease in the production of estrogens, which play a key role in maintaining proper bone mineral density. Estrogens have an inhibitory effect on the development and activity of osteoclasts by reducing the synthesis of pro-resorption cytokines and stimulating the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG). Osteoprotegerin is a cytokine that prevents bone loss by inhibiting the process of osteoclastogenesis, reducing bone resorption. The aim of our study was to determine the influence of the rs3102735 (−163A>G), rs3134070 (−245T>G), rs207361 (−950T>C), rs7844539 (6890A>C), and rs2073618 (1181G>C) polymorphisms of the OPG gene on the risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia in postmenopausal Polish women. The study included 802 unrelated women (osteoporosis: n = 317, osteopenia: n = 110, controls: n = 375) at postmenopausal age (54.7 ± 8.6 years). Genetic analysis was performed using real-time PCR. BMD values as well as clinical and bone parameters with the tested polymorphisms were analyzed among the study population. Analysis of the PPARG rs1801282 variants did not show any association with the risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia. However, for the OPG rs207361 polymorphism, we observed a statistically significant association with the risk of osteoporosis, suggesting that the OPG rs207361 variant may be one of the genetic markers associated with the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.
A Bioinspired Astrocyte-Derived Coating Promotes the In Vitro Proliferation of Human Neural Stem Cells While Maintaining Their Stemness
Authors: Jimenez-Vergara Andrea C. , Avina Jacob , Block Travis Jackson , Sheldrake Anne , Koch Carson , Gonzalez Anna , Steele Jennifer , Díaz-Lasprilla Ana M. , Munoz-Pinto Dany J.
Published: December 2023

The repair of neuronal tissue is a challenging process due to the limited proliferative capacity of neurons. Neural stem cells (NSCs) can aid in the regeneration process of neural tissue due to their high proliferation potential and capacity to differentiate into neurons. The therapeutic potential of these cells can only be achieved if sufficient cells are obtained without losing their differentiation potential. Toward this end, an astrocyte-derived coating (HAc) was evaluated as a promising substrate to promote the proliferation of NSCs. Mass spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the HAc. The proliferation rate and the expression of stemness and differentiation markers in NSCs cultured on the HAc were evaluated and compared to the responses of these cells to commonly used coating materials including Poly-L-Ornithine (PLO), and a Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (HiPSC)-based coating. The use of the HAc promotes the in vitro cell growth of NSCs. The expression of the stemness markers Sox2 and Nestin, and the differentiation marker DCX in the HAc group was akin to the expression of these markers in the controls. In summary, HAc supported the proliferation of NSCs while maintaining their stemness and neural differentiation potential.
Early Blood Clot Detection Using Forward Scattering Light Measurements Is Not Superior to Delta Pressure Measurements
Authors: Fischbach Anna , Lamberti Michael , Simons Julia Alexandra , Wrede Erik , Theißen Alexander , Winnersbach Patrick , Rossaint Rolf , Stollenwerk André , Bleilevens Christian
Published: December 2023

The occurrence of thrombus formation within an extracorporeal membrane oxygenator is a common complication during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy and can rapidly result in a life-threatening situation due to arterial thromboembolism, causing stroke, pulmonary embolism, and limb ischemia in the patient. The standard clinical practice is to monitor the pressure at the inlet and outlet of oxygenators, indicating fulminant, obstructive clot formation indicated by an increasing pressure difference (ΔP). However, smaller blood clots at early stages are not detectable. Therefore, there is an unmet need for sensors that can detect blood clots at an early stage to minimize the associated thromboembolic risks for patients. This study aimed to evaluate if forward scattered light (FSL) measurements can be used for early blood clot detection and if it is superior to the current clinical gold standard (pressure measurements). A miniaturized in vitro test circuit, including a custom-made test chamber, was used. Heparinized human whole blood was circulated through the test circuit until clot formation occurred. Four LEDs and four photodiodes were placed along the sidewall of the test chamber in different positions for FSL measurements. The pressure monitor was connected to the inlet and the outlet to detect changes in ΔP across the test chamber. Despite several modifications in the LED positions on the test chamber, the FSL measurements could not reliably detect a blood clot within the in vitro test circuit, although the pressure measurements used as the current clinical gold standard detected fulminant clot formation in 11 independent experiments.
Creativity as a Positive Factor in the Adolescence Stage: Relations with Academic Performance, Stress and Self-Esteem
Authors: González Moreno Alba , Molero Jurado María del Mar
Published: December 2023

Creativity is a construct that aids in conflict resolution. Through the development of creative skills in adolescence, young people can carry out a series of strategies to make decisions or respond to a problem. The possession of creative skills helps students’ personal wellbeing. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationships established between creativity and other individual variables such as academic performance, self-esteem and stress in adolescent students. The following descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with a total sample of 743 adolescent students, between 14 and 19 years of age, from different educational centers in the province of Almería (Spain). The results obtained indicate a positive correlation between creativity and self-esteem and significant differences in the level of creativity among students who have repeated an academic year. Regression analyses indicate that both stress and creativity are two predictor variables of self-esteem. On the other hand, another of the findings obtained is that creativity acts as a mediating variable between self-esteem and repeating an academic year. It is discussed how creativity is a beneficial element in adolescence and, therefore, how its promotion can help the optimal development of adolescent students.
Remembering the Past with Today’s Technology: A Scoping Review of Reminiscence-Based Digital Storytelling with Older Adults
Authors: Xu Ling , Fields Noelle L. , Highfill M. Christine , Troutman Brooke A.
Published: December 2023

Reminiscence has been identified as a potentially effective intervention strategy for the mental health of older adults. It has been suggested that reminiscence work and subsequent production of a life storybook (e.g., DST: digital storytelling) is associated with improvements in the well-being of older adults. The specific objectives of this scoping review are to: (1) examine how reminiscence-based DST is conducted/used with older adults, (2) identify whether and how intergenerational engagement is included in this literature, and (3) report on the outcomes identified in this literature, including older adults as well as other participants such as co-creators and viewers of DST. A scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methods and the Arksey and O’Malley framework examined studies published in English that included reminiscence with older adults and incorporated digital storytelling. The initial search resulted in 702 articles for review, and following screening, 35 studies were included for full-text review. A total of 10 articles specifically on reminiscence-based DST were identified for final review. Only one study intentionally included intergenerational engagement in its design. DST impacted older adults on their personal meaning and catharsis, social connectedness, cognitive function, and spiritual and emotional well-being. Impacts on reviewers and creators were also reported. Overall, the combination of individual reminiscence work with intergenerational engagement and the use of DST is largely understudied. Additional research is warranted given there is a credible evidence base for these types of interventions.
AgiBuild: A Scaled Agile Framework for Building Adaptation Projects
Authors: Ng Pearl Li , Maqsood Tayyab , Khalfan Malik , Rahmani Farshid
Published: December 2023

Agile ways of working have garnered recognition for their capacity to drive innovation, placing a strong emphasis on adaptability to change and a user-centric approach. Inspired by these proven principles, the authors envision that applying scaled agile—an extension of agile methodologies—can serve as a catalyst for revolutionary transformations in how buildings are redesigned, refurbished, and operated, ushering in a new era of practices within the industry. This paper conducts an in-depth literature review to explore the application of agile ways of working in building adaptation projects. Drawing on insights from the literature review and expert validations, the authors propose the development of the Agile Building Adaptation (AgiBuild) framework, delineating its core components and outlining the probable implementation process. Notably, the framework’s successful integration hinges on crucial factors, including effective leadership influence and comprehensive training. By embracing the AgiBuild framework, the building adaptation industry holds the potential to position itself as a highly innovative and user-centered sector, bolstering productivity and performance within the broader construction domain. By aligning with the framework’s principles, the industry can cultivate a culture of adaptability and collaboration, facilitating the delivery of sustainable and customer-focused building adaptation projects that cater to the evolving needs of the built environment.
Optimisation Investigation and Bond-Slip Behaviour of High Strength PVA-Engineered Geopolymer Composite (EGC) Cured in Ambient Temperatures
Authors: Ramesh Vishal , Nikbakht Jarghouyeh Ehsan , Alraeeini Ahmed , Al-Fakih Amin
Published: December 2023

Engineered geopolymer composite (EGC) is becoming an uprising product in the civil industry as a substitute and solution for conventional geopolymer concrete (GPC) as GPC exhibits brittleness and has poor cracking resistance. In this paper, we explored high strength engineered geopolymer composite (EGC) made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibre and without coarse aggregate constituents characterised as high-performance geopolymer concrete. Varying alkaline solution to fly ash ratio (AL/FA) was investigated. Bond-slip behaviour and the mechanical properties, including compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, were studied. PVA-EGC mix designs in this research was optimised using response surface methodology (RSM). Various parameters, including the amount of ground granulated blast slag (GGBS) and silica fume, were included in the parametric and optimisation study. Based on the RSM study, the use of quadratic studies found the responses to be well-fitted. Next, the optimised mix design was utilised for the casting of all the samples for the mechanical and bond-slip tests in this study. The main parameters of bonding behaviour include multiple embedment lengths (7 d, 10 d, 12 d and 15 d) and various sizes of rebar diameter used for pull-out tests. Moreover, the mechanical properties and bond behaviours of EGC were compared with those of conventional geopolymer concrete (GPC). The compressive strength of EGC and GPC at 28 days were designed to be similar for comparison purposes; however, EGC shows higher early compressive strength on day 1 compared to GPC. In addition, results indicate that EGC has superior mechanical properties and bond performance compared to GPC, where EGC is approximately 9 and 150% higher than GPC in terms of flexural and tensile strength, respectively. Pull-out tests showed that EGC samples exhibited higher ductility, as evidenced by the presence of multiple cracks before any exhibited failure in tension and flexure. Ductile failure modes, such as pull-out failure and pull-out splitting failure, are observed in EGC. In contrast, GPC specimens show brittle failure, such as splitting failure.
The Prioritization of Sustainability Features of Buildings from the Viewpoint of Experts
Authors: Delavar Taraneh , Amiri Ali , Borgentorp Eerika , Junnila Seppo
Published: December 2023

The reduction of environmental impact in buildings and the enhancement of environmental performance in the built environment are the key objectives of sustainable development. To achieve this, the adoption of green buildings requires a comprehensive construction approach that focuses on delivering environmentally friendly solutions throughout the entire construction process. This research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and the practical realities of construction in Iran. It proposes essential criteria and assigns weights to them for creating green buildings based on the opinions of experts from different backgrounds. To understand how buildings are influenced by the environment, society and economics, relevant factors were identified using library research. Web-based surveys involving experts, including architects, engineers, and environmental specialists, were conducted to gather insights into these criteria. A total of 14 criteria were accepted and categorized into economic, environmental, and social dimensions. The Analytic Network Process (ANP) methodology was employed to assess the opinions of 45 expert participants, as provided in the questionnaire. The findings indicate that, among sustainability features, the environmental factor holds the highest significance in Iran, while the social factor is considered the least important. Looking at the sub-criteria, reducing water consumption, financial incentives, and achieving energy efficiency at a reasonable cost are given the highest priority within the environmental, economic, and social aspects of green buildings.
Ethane-CO2 Mixture Adsorption in Silicalite: Influence of Tortuosity and Connectivity of Pores on Selectivity
Authors: Gautam Siddharth , Cole David
Published: December 2023

Selective adsorption using nanoporous materials is an efficient strategy for separating gas mixtures. In a nanoporous material, pores can exist in different shapes and can have different degrees of inter-connectivity. In recent studies, both pore connectivity and tortuosity have been found to affect the adsorption and dynamical properties of ethane and CO2 in silicalite differently. Here, using Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate if these two attributes can affect the selective adsorption of one component from a mixture of ethane and CO2 in silicalite. For this, the adsorption of an equimolar mixture of ethane and CO2 is simulated in 12 models of silicalite—SnZm (n, m = 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; with n and m denoting, respectively, the fraction (out of 4) of straight and zigzag channels of silicalite that are available for adsorption)—differing in degrees of pore connectivity and tortuosity. The adsorption selectivity in this system is found to exhibit a reversal with the adsorption dominated by ethane at low pressures (below ~1 atm) and by CO2 at higher pressures (above ~10 atm). Pore connectivity is found to suppress the selective adsorption of CO2 at higher pressures and also shifts the selectivity reversal to higher pressures. The selectivity reversal results from a competition between the polarizability-affected adsorption at lower pressures and efficient packing at higher pressures. The efficient packing of CO2 is a compounded effect resulting from the larger effective pore volume available for CO2 due to its stronger interaction with the pore surface and smaller molecular volume. CO2 molecules show a preference to adsorb in non-tortuous pores, and this preference is found to be stronger in the presence of ethane. The effects of pore connectivity and tortuosity elucidated here should be applicable to a wide range of natural and engineered nanoporous materials, and this knowledge could be used to identify materials with better capability for separating and storing CO2 based on their pore attributes.
Early Age- and Sex-Dependent Regulation of Astrocyte-Mediated Glutamatergic Synapse Elimination in the Rat Prefrontal Cortex: Establishing an Organotypic Brain Slice Culture Investigating Tool
Authors: Vivi Eugenia , Seeholzer Lea R. , Nagumanova Anastasiia , Di Benedetto Barbara
Published: December 2023

Clinical and pre-clinical studies of neuropsychiatric (NP) disorders show altered astrocyte properties and synaptic networks. These are refined during early postnatal developmental (PND) stages. Thus, investigating early brain maturational trajectories is essential to understand NP disorders. However, animal experiments are highly time-/resource-consuming, thereby calling for alternative methodological approaches. The function of MEGF10 in astrocyte-mediated synapse elimination (pruning) is crucial to refine neuronal networks during development and adulthood. To investigate the impact of MEGF10 during PND in the rat prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its putative role in brain disorders, we established and validated an organotypic brain slice culture (OBSC) system. Using Western blot, we characterized the expression of MEGF10 and the synaptic markers synaptophysin and PSD95 in the cortex of developing pups. We then combined immunofluorescent-immunohistochemistry with Imaris-supported 3D analysis to compare age- and sex-dependent astrocyte-mediated pruning within the PFC in pups and OBSCs. We thereby validated this system to investigate age-dependent astrocyte-mediated changes in pruning during PND. However, further optimizations are required to use OBSCs for revealing sex-dependent differences. In conclusion, OBSCs offer a valid alternative to study physiological astrocyte-mediated synaptic remodeling during PND and might be exploited to investigate the pathomechanisms of brain disorders with aberrant synaptic development.
Wnt/β-Catenin-Signaling Modulates Megakaryopoiesis at the Megakaryocyte-Erythrocyte Progenitor Stage in the Hematopoietic System
Authors: Yalcin Burak H. , Macas Jadranka , Wiercinska Eliza , Harter Patrick N. , Fawaz Malak , Schmachtel Tessa , Ghiro Ilaria , Bieniek Ewa , Kosanovic Djuro , Thom Sonja , Fruttiger Marcus , Taketo Makoto M. , Schermuly Ralph T. , Rieger Michael A. , Plate Karl H. , Bonig Halvard , Liebner Stefan
Published: December 2023

The bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic system (HS) gives rise to blood cells originating from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), including megakaryocytes (MKs) and red blood cells (erythrocytes; RBCs). Many steps of the cell-fate decision remain to be elucidated, being important for cancer treatment. To explore the role of Wnt/β-catenin for MK and RBC differentiation, we activated β-catenin signaling in platelet-derived growth factor b (Pdgfb)-expressing cells of the HS using a Cre-lox approach (Ctnnb1BM-GOF). FACS analysis revealed that Pdgfb is mainly expressed by megakaryocytic progenitors (MKPs), MKs and platelets. Recombination resulted in a lethal phenotype in mutants (Ctnnb1BM-GOFwt/fl, Ctnnb1BM-GOFfl/fl) 3 weeks after tamoxifen injection, showing an increase in MKs in the BM and spleen, but no pronounced anemia despite reduced erythrocyte counts. BM transplantation (BMT) of Ctnnb1BM-GOF BM into lethally irradiated wildtype recipients (BMT-Ctnnb1BM-GOF) confirmed the megakaryocytic, but not the lethal phenotype. CFU-MK assays in vitro with BM cells of Ctnnb1BM-GOF mice supported MK skewing at the expense of erythroid colonies. Molecularly, the runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) mRNA, known to suppress erythropoiesis, was upregulated in Ctnnb1BM-GOF BM cells. In conclusion, β-catenin activation plays a key role in cell-fate decision favoring MK development at the expense of erythroid production.
Correction: Mokrushin et al. Chemoresistive Properties of V2CTx MXene and the V2CTx/V3O7 Nanocomposite Based on It. Chemosensors 2023, 11, 142
Authors: Mokrushin Artem S. , Nagornov Ilya A. , Averin Aleksey A. , Simonenko Tatiana L. , Simonenko Nikolay P. , Simonenko Elizaveta P. , Kuznetsov Nikolay T.
Published: December 2023

In the original publication, there was a mistake in “Figure 5 [...]
A Comparative Kidney Transcriptome Analysis of Bicarbonate-Loaded insrr-Null Mice
Authors: Gantsova E. A. , Serova O. V. , Eladari D. , Bobrovskiy D. M. , Petrenko A. G. , Elchaninov A. V. , Deyev I. E.
Published: December 2023

The maintenance of plasma pH is critical for life in all organisms. The kidney plays a critical role in acid–base regulation in vertebrates by controlling the plasma concentration of bicarbonate. The receptor tyrosine kinase IRR (insulin receptor-related receptor) is expressed in renal β-intercalated cells and is involved in alkali sensing due to its ability to autophosphorylate under alkalization of extracellular medium (pH > 7.9). In mice with a knockout of the insrr gene, which encodes for IRR, urinary bicarbonate secretion in response to alkali loading is impaired. The specific regulatory mechanisms in the kidney that are under the control of IRR remain unknown. To address this issue, we analyzed and compared the kidney transcriptomes of wild-type and insrr knockout mice under basal or bicarbonate-loaded conditions. Transcriptomic analyses revealed a differential regulation of a number of genes in the kidney. Using TaqMan real-time PCR, we confirmed different expressions of the slc26a4, rps7, slc5a2, aqp6, plcd1, gapdh, rny3, kcnk5, slc6a6 and atp6v1g3 genes in IRR knockout mice. Also, we found that the expression of the kcnk5 gene is increased in wild-type mice after bicarbonate loading but not in knockout mice. Gene set enrichment analysis between the IRR knockout and wild-type samples identified that insrr knockout causes alterations in expression of genes related mostly to the ATP metabolic and electron transport chain processes.
Residential Wind Loss Mitigation Case Study: An Analysis of Insurance Claim Data for Hurricane Michael
Authors: Grant Aneurin , Atkinson Christopher L.
Published: December 2023

This study analyzes insurance claim data from an 11-county area in the Florida Panhandle following the landfall of Hurricane Michael. The data includes 1467 non-mobile home structures, with 902 (61.5%) storm-damaged structures in Bay County. The analysis focuses on Wind Mitigation form 1802. Specifically, building design variables were analyzed via linear regression as to their influence on the percent claim loss. The building design variables included total square footage, dwelling construction type, age of the building, roof type, roof cover type, roof deck attachment type, roof to wall attachment, the presence of secondary water resistance (or sealed roof deck), opening protection type, and roof shape. Results show that building design variables for insurance claims have a high predictive value relative to a Category 5 hurricane event. However, the predictive values of building design variables are also dependent on the dwelling’s proximity to the coast, its location relative to the strong or weak side of the storm, the diameter of the storm, and other wind field variables.
Climate Change and Extreme Events in Northeast Atlantic and Azores Islands Region
Authors: Carvalho Fernanda Silva , Meirelles Maria Gabriela , Henriques Diamantino , Porteiro João , Navarro Patrícia , Vasconcelos Helena Cristina
Published: December 2023

In small island regions, the influence of climate change assumes particular relevance. In the Azores archipelago, made up of nine islands, the geographical circumstances, oceanic condition, territorial dispersion, land use model and other physiographic constraints reinforce and enhance the vulnerability of the islands to changes in current weather patterns. Coupled Model Intercomparison Phase 6 (CMIP6) projections are used for the northeast Atlantic region to evaluate daily extreme climate events in large scale for the Azores region. Results shows changes in the annual maximum number of consecutive dry days, the annual number of wet days, and especially in the annual number of tropical nights. Despite limitations due to the lack of spatial detail, the large-scale framework suggests changes that may be enhanced by topography, particularly with respect to precipitation. The conclusions point to the need to establish standard rules in the processes of design, reviewing and/or amending territorial management instruments at the municipal scale in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, with the goal of adapting to a different climate from the recent past.
LP-Based Row Generation Using Optimization-Based Sorting Method for Solving Budget Allocation with a Combinatorial Number of Constraints
Authors: Witthayapraphakorn Aphisak , Jaijit Sasarose , Charnsethikul Peerayuth
Published: December 2023

A novel approach was developed that combined LP-based row generation with optimization-based sorting to tackle computational challenges posed by budget allocation problems with combinatorial constraints. The proposed approach dynamically generated constraints using row generation and prioritized them using optimization-based sorting to ensure a high-quality solution. Computational experiments and case studies revealed that as the problem size increased, the proposed approach outperformed simplex solutions in terms of solution search time. Specifically, for a problem with 50 projects (N = 50) and 2,251,799,813,685,250 constraints, the proposed approach found a solution in just 1.4 s, while LP failed due to the problem size. The proposed approach demonstrated enhanced computational efficiency and solution quality compared to traditional LP methods.
An Approach to Implementing High-Performance Computing for Problem Solving in Workflow-Based Energy Infrastructure Resilience Studies
Authors: Feoktistov Alexander , Edelev Alexei , Tchernykh Andrei , Gorsky Sergey , Basharina Olga , Fereferov Evgeniy
Published: December 2023

Implementing high-performance computing (HPC) to solve problems in energy infrastructure resilience research in a heterogeneous environment based on an in-memory data grid (IMDG) presents a challenge to workflow management systems. Large-scale energy infrastructure research needs multi-variant planning and tools to allocate and dispatch distributed computing resources that pool together to let applications share data, taking into account the subject domain specificity, resource characteristics, and quotas for resource use. To that end, we propose an approach to implement HPC-based resilience analysis using our Orlando Tools (OT) framework. To dynamically scale computing resources, we provide their integration with the relevant software, identifying key application parameters that can have a significant impact on the amount of data processed and the amount of resources required. We automate the startup of the IMDG cluster to execute workflows. To demonstrate the advantage of our solution, we apply it to evaluate the resilience of the existing energy infrastructure model. Compared to similar approaches, our solution allows us to investigate large infrastructures by modeling multiple simultaneous failures of different types of elements down to the number of network elements. In terms of task and resource utilization efficiency, we achieve almost linear speedup as the number of nodes of each resource increases.
Evolutionary Computation Techniques for Path Planning Problems in Industrial Robotics: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Juříček Martin , Parák Roman , Kůdela Jakub
Published: December 2023

The significance of robot manipulators in engineering applications and scientific research has increased substantially in recent years. The utilization of robot manipulators to save labor and increase production accuracy is becoming a common practice in industry. Evolutionary computation (EC) techniques are optimization methods that have found their use in diverse engineering fields. This state-of-the-art review focuses on recent developments and progress in their applications for industrial robotics, especially for path planning problems that need to satisfy various constraints that are implied by both the geometry of the robot and its surroundings. We discuss the most-used EC method and the modifications that suit this particular purpose, as well as the different simulation environments that are used for their development. Lastly, we outline the possible research gaps and the expected directions future research in this area will entail.
Digitalisation and Change in the Management of IT
Authors: Wynn Martin , Felser Kerstin
Published: December 2023

As digitalisation sweeps through industries, companies are having to deal with the resultant changes in business models, core processes and organisational structures. This includes the reassessment of the role of the IT department, traditionally the guardians of technology standards and providers of corporate systems and infrastructure, and their ongoing maintenance. This article investigates this dynamic in two research studies. Study 1 focuses on the German automotive industry and adopts a qualitative inductive approach based on interviews with IT practitioners to ascertain the key aspects of digitalisation impacting the industry and to chart the emergence of a new model for the management of IT. Study 2 then reviews the deployment of digital technologies in other industry sectors via questionnaire responses from senior IT professionals in eight organisations. The results suggest that the transfer of IT roles and responsibilities to business functions, evident in the German automotive industry, is being replicated in other organisations in which digital technologies are now embedded in an organisation’s products or services. This article concludes with a model for cross-referencing the role of the IT function with the impact of digital technologies, representing a contribution to the growing literature on digital technology deployment in organisations.
Towards Benchmarking for Evaluating Machine Learning Methods in Detecting Outliers in Process Datasets
Authors: Schindler Thimo F. , Schlicht Simon , Thoben Klaus-Dieter
Published: December 2023

Within the integration and development of data-driven process models, the underlying process is digitally mapped in a model through sensory data acquisition and subsequent modelling. In this process, challenges of different types and degrees of severity arise in each modelling step, according to the Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM). Particularly in the context of data acquisition and integration into the process model, it can be assumed with a sufficiently high degree of probability that the acquired data contain anomalies of various kinds. The outliers must be detected in the data preparation and processing phase and dealt with accordingly. If this is sufficiently implemented, it will positively impact the subsequent modelling in terms of accuracy and precision. Therefore, this paper shows how outliers can be identified using the unsupervised machine learning methods autoencoder, Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN), Isolation Forest (iForest), and One-Class Support Vector Machine (OCSVM). Following implementing these methods, we compared them by applying the Numenta Anomaly Benchmark (NAB) and sufficiently presented the individual strengths and disadvantages. Evaluating the correctness, distinctiveness and robustness criteria described in the paper showed that the One-Class Support Vector Machine was outstanding among the methods considered. This is because the OCSVM achieved acceptable anomaly detections on the available process datasets with comparatively little effort.