bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Tools to Enable the UK Construction Industry to Adopt the Active Building Concept for Net Zero Carbon Buildings
Authors: Clarke Joanna , Littlewood John R. , Karani George
Published: January 2023

The research project discussed in this paper is driven by the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) need to reduce operational energy and carbon by promoting the adoption of the Active Building (AB) concept for UK building projects. The AB concept offers a practical solution to reducing the operational energy use and carbon emissions of buildings by using emerging technologies applied to architectural design; thus, helping the UK meet its decarbonisation targets and, consequently, helping to combat the global problem of climate change. The aim of the project was to design and implement an AB Protocol with an AB Toolkit, to provide a knowledge base and sustainable architectural design guidance to aid the design of ABs. The AB Toolkit was tested, evaluated, and refined by engaging with architectural designers in the UK through focus groups (FGs) that combined data collection with knowledge dissemination—a method which provided a contribution to the continuous professional development (CPD) of architectural designers in the UK, while aiding the research project. The FG data proved the original hypothesis that a whole host of measures are needed to support the adoption of the AB concept (as outlined in the AB Protocol), but that some design guidance was needed initially to enable the development of other supporting measures. Therefore, the main output of this research project was the development of a structured approach to enable architectural designers and other built-environment professionals to adopt the AB concept for the delivery of net zero operational energy buildings, supporting the aims of the SPECIFIC Innovation and Knowledge Centre, Swansea University, and the Active Building Centre (ABC). The method of data collection developed, and the structured approach to enabling the adoption of a new concept outlined, could be beneficial to other researchers.
Structural Performance of Cold-Formed Steel Face-to-Face Built-Up Channel Sections under Axial Compression at High Temperatures through Finite Element Modelling
Authors: Dai Yecheng , Roy Krishanu , Fang Zhiyuan , Raftery Gary M. , Lim James B. P.
Published: January 2023

This paper studies the structural performance of cold-formed steel (CFS) face-to-face (FTF) built-up channel sections subjected to axial compression at high temperatures. The material properties of G250 and G450 CFS channel sections at room and high temperatures were acquired from the literature, and the range of temperatures was from 20 to 700 °C. The influences of the section thickness, member length, screw number, and high temperature on the structural performance of such channel sections were examined via a comprehensive parametric analysis involving 576 validated finite element models. As the temperature increased from 20 to 700 °C, the mean axial capacity of the CFS-FTF built-up unlipped and lipped channel sections decreased by 88.9% and 90.2%, respectively. Based on the results of the parametric study, new design equations for the axial capacity of CFS-FTF built-up channel sections at high temperatures were proposed. The mean ratio of the EWM strengths calculated using the American standard (AISI 2016) and Australian/New Zealand standard (AS/NZS 2018) to the FE strengths was 0.77, while the mean ratio of the proposed design strengths to the FE strengths was 1.01. Finally, a reliability analysis was conducted, and it was found that the proposed equations could come close in predicting the axial capacity of CFS-FTF built-up channel sections at high temperatures.
Investigations into the Flexural-Torsional Buckling Behavior of Steel Open-Section Beam-Columns
Authors: Barszcz Anna M. , Gizejowski Marian A. , Papangelis John P.
Published: January 2023

This paper is in the field of elastic flexural-torsional buckling of steel beam-columns of bisymmetric narrow-flange and wide-flange I-section shape. Investigations are focused on the derivation of the strain components and the energy equation, based on the displacement-field formulation in the deflected configuration. At the same time, a review of analytical solutions based on the classical and refined energy-equations are summarized, presented and discussed. The relationship between the maximum in-plane bending moment and the compressive force of beam-columns is the main objective of this research investigation. Simple boundary conditions of end-sections free to deflect and to warp are considered, together with an arbitrary loading-pattern. The principle of superposition and the moment amplification rule for considering the second-order effects are widely used. The main conclusions are drawn in relation to the flexural-torsional resistance-evaluation design of steel beam-columns in modern design codes for steelwork.
A Methodological Study on the Design Defending Baffles Based on Mangrove Bionics
Authors: Bi Yu-Zhang , Wang Xin-Yi , Wang Dong-Po , Li Zhuo-Fan , Lovati Marco , Zhang Bei
Published: January 2023

In terms of the failure of giving considerations to both aesthetic ornamental and low-carbon function for the current disaster prevention and mitigation engineering. This study proposes the debris-disaster prevention baffles applicable to natural scenic areas which designed based on mangroves properties, to solve this problem by adopting bionic design method. The research methodology is as follows: (1) To propose a Six Elements and Ten Steps Design Method for extracting the critical bionic elements of mangrove plants that contributes to the prevention of winds and waves. (2) To construct a decision objective model based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process method (AHP). Prioritize the critical bionic design elements and build a geometric structure model. (3) To compare the disaster mitigation performance through numerical simulations, and thus select an optimal one for further studies. (4) To design the final disaster prevention product based on the above theoretical guidance, low-carbon concept, efficient protection orientation, and environment-friendly principles. This study indicates that the use of bionic design satisfies aesthetic ornamental, and low-carbon demands. The appliance of AHP avoids subjective one-sidedness in design process when considering the priority of bionic elements. The numerical simulation experiments adopted in this study aim to compare the blocking effect of different baffle models and achieve the optimization the performance in disaster prevention of traditional baffle groups. In this study, the bionic product design methodology is adopted for baffle design to solve existing aesthetic and environmental problems. The particle accumulation mass after the new baffles can be effectively reduced by 2–3 times compared to the traditional baffles. Furthermore, the new baffle is more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional ones.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of C-Journal of Carbon Research in 2022
Authors:   C-Journal of Carbon Research Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Follicular Thyroid Adenoma and Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma—A Common or Distinct Background? Loss of Heterozygosity in Comprehensive Microarray Study
Authors: Borowczyk Martyna , Dobosz Paula , Szczepanek-Parulska Ewelina , Budny Bartłomiej , Dębicki Szymon , Filipowicz Dorota , Wrotkowska Elżbieta , Oszywa Michalina , Verburg Frederik A. , Janicka-Jedyńska Małgorzata , Ziemnicka Katarzyna , Ruchała Marek
Published: January 2023

Pre- and postsurgical differentiation between follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) and follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) represents a significant diagnostic challenge. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether they share a common or distinct background and what the mechanisms underlying follicular thyroid lesions malignancy are. The study aimed to compare FTA and FTC by the comprehensive microarray and to identify recurrent regions of loss of heterozygosity (LOH). We analyzed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples acquired from 32 Caucasian patients diagnosed with FTA (16) and FTC (16). We used the OncoScan™ microarray assay (Affymetrix, USA), using highly multiplexed molecular inversion probes for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The total number of LOH was higher in FTC compared with FTA (18 vs. 15). The most common LOH present in 21 cases, in both FTA (10 cases) and FTC (11 cases), was 16p12.1, which encompasses many cancer-related genes, such as TP53, and was followed by 3p21.31. The only LOH present exclusively in FTA patients (56% vs. 0%) was 11p11.2-p11.12. The alteration which tended to be detected more often in FTC (6 vs. 1 in FTA) was 12q24.11-q24.13 overlapping FOXN4, MYL2, PTPN11 genes. FTA and FTC may share a common genetic background, even though differentiating rearrangements may also be detected.
Mixed Hepatocellular Cholangiocarcinoma: A Comparison of Survival between Mixed Tumors, Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma from a Single Center
Authors: Penzkofer Lea , Gröger Lisa-Katharina , Hoppe-Lotichius Maria , Baumgart Janine , Heinrich Stefan , Mittler Jens , Gerber Tiemo S. , Straub Beate K. , Weinmann Arndt , Bartsch Fabian , Lang Hauke
Published: January 2023

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver malignancy, followed by intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). In addition, there is a mixed form for which only limited data are available. The aim of this study was to compare recurrence and survival of the mixed form within the cohorts of patients with HCC and ICC from a single center. Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2020, all patients who underwent surgical exploration for ICC, HCC, or mixed hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (mHC-CC) were included in this retrospective analysis. The data were analyzed, focusing on preoperative and operative details, histological outcome, and tumor recurrence, as well as overall and recurrence-free survival. Results: A total of 673 surgical explorations were performed, resulting in 202 resections for ICC, 344 for HCC (225 non-cirrhotic HCC, ncHCC; 119 cirrhotic HCC, cHCC), and 14 for mHC-CC. In addition, six patients underwent orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) in the belief of dealing with HCC. In 107 patients, tumors were irresectable (resection rate of 84%). Except for the cHCC group, major or even extended liver resections were required. Vascular or visceral extensions were performed regularly. Overall survival (OS) was highly variable, with a median OS of 17.6 months for ICC, 26 months for mHC-CC, 31.8 months for cHCC, and 37.2 months for ncHCC. Tumor recurrence was common, with a rate of 45% for mHC-CC, 48.9% for ncHCC, 60.4% for ICC, and 67.2% for cHCC. The median recurrence-free survival was 7.3 months for ICC, 14.4 months for cHCC, 16 months for mHC-CC, and 17 months for ncHCC. The patients who underwent OLT for mHC-CC showed a median OS of 57.5 and RFS of 56.5 months. Conclusions: mHC-CC has a comparable course and outcome to ICC. The cholangiocarcinoma component seems to be the dominant one and, therefore, may be responsible for the prognosis. ‘Accidental’ liver transplant for mHC-CC within the Milan criteria offers a good long-term outcome. This might be an option in countries with no or minor organ shortage.
Increased Prevalence of EBV Infection in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients: A Six-Year Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Anazi Abdullah E. , Alanazi Bader S. , Alshanbari Huda M. , Masuadi Emad , Hamed Maaweya E. , Dandachi Iman , Alkathiri Abdulrahman , Hanif Atif , Nour Islam , Fatani Hanadi , Alsaran Hadel , AlKhareeb Fahad , Al Zahrani Ali , Alsharm Abdullah A. , Eifan Saleh , Alosaimi Bandar
Published: January 2023

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is implicated in the carcinogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and currently associated with at least 1% of global cancers. The differential prognosis analysis of NPC in EBV genotypes remains to be elucidated. Medical, radiological, pathological, and laboratory reports of 146 NPC patients were collected retrospectively over a 6-year period between 2015 and 2020. From the pathology archives, DNA was extracted from tumor blocks and used for EBV nuclear antigen 3C (EBNA-3C) genotyping by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found a high prevalence of 96% of EBV infection in NPC patients with a predominance of genotype I detected in 73% of NPC samples. Histopathological examination showed that most of the NPC patients were in the advanced stages of cancer: stage III (38.4%) or stage IV-B (37.7%). Only keratinized squamous cell carcinoma was significantly higher in EBV negative NPC patients compared with those who were EBV positive (OR = 0.01, 95%CI = (0.004–0.32; p = 0.009)), whereas the majority of patients (91.8%) had undifferentiated, non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, followed by differentiated, non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (7.5%). Although NPC had metastasized to 16% of other body sites, it was not associated with EBV infection, except for lung metastasis. A statistically significant reverse association was observed between EBV infection and lung metastasis (OR = 0.07, 95%CI = (0.01–0.51; p = 0.008)). Although 13% of NPC patients died, the overall survival (OS) mean time was 5.59 years. Given the high prevalence of EBV-associated NPC in our population, Saudi could be considered as an area with a high incidence of EBV-associated NPC with a predominance of EBV genotype I. A future multi-center study with a larger sample size is needed to assess the true burden of EBV-associated NPC in Saudi Arabia.
An Optimized Single Nucleotide Polymorphism-Based Detection Method Suggests That Allelic Variants in the 3’ Untranslated Region of RRAS2 Correlate with Treatment Response in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients
Authors: Hortal Alejandro , Lacuna Marta , Cifuentes Claudia , Alcoceba Miguel , Bustelo Xosé R. , González Marcos , Alarcón Balbino
Published: January 2023

Unlike classical RAS genes, oncogenic mutations on RRAS2 are seldomly found in human cancer. By contrast, RRAS2 is frequently found overexpressed in a number of human tumors, including B and T cell lymphomas, breast, gastric, head and neck cancers. In this regard, we have recently shown that overexpression of wild-type RRAS2 drives the formation of both chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and breast cancer in mice. In support for the relevance of overexpression of wild type RRAS2 in human cancer, we have found that RRAS2 expression is influenced by the presence of a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the 3’-untranslated region (UTR) of the RRAS2 mRNA. Perhaps more importantly, the presence of the alternate C, rather than the G allele, at the RRAS2 SNP designated as rs8570 is also associated with worse patient prognosis in CLL. This indicates that the detection of this SNP allelic variants can be informative to predict RRAS2 expression levels and disease long-term evolution in patients. Here, we describe a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method that facilitates the rapid and easy determination of G and C allelic variants of the SNP. Using this approach, we confirm that the C allelic variant is associated with higher expression levels of RRAS2 transcripts and poor patient prognosis. However, we have also found that expression of the C allelic variants correlates with better response to ibrutinib, a Bruton kinase inhibitor commonly used in CLL treatments. This suggests that this method for detecting the RRAS2 rs8570 SNP might be a useful as a tool to predict both patient prognosis and response to targeted therapy in CLL.
Selective Synthesis of Renewable Bio-Jet Fuel Precursors from Furfural and 2-Butanone via Heterogeneously Catalyzed Aldol Condensation
Authors: Chottiratanachote Atikhun , Suttipong Manaswee , Rashid Umer , Parasuk Vudhichai , Kondo Junko Nomura , Yokoi Toshiyuki , Alsalme Ali , Ngamcharussrivichai Chawalit
Published: January 2023

This study aims to synthesize α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with branched structures via aldol condensation of furfural and 2-butanone using magnesium–aluminum (MgAl) mixed oxides as heterogeneous acid–base catalysts. Regarding the molecular structure of 2-butanone, there are two possible enolate ions generated by subtracting the α-hydrogen atoms at the methyl or methylene groups of 2-butanone. The branched-chain C9 products, derived from the methylene enolate ion, can be applied as bio-jet fuel precursors. The most suitable catalyst, contributing the highest furfural conversion (63%) and selectivity of the branched-chain C9 products (77%), is LDO3, the mixed oxides with 3:1 Mg:Al atomic ratio, with a high surface area and a large number of medium basic sites. The suitable reaction conditions to produce the branched-chain C9 ketones are 1:5 furfural:2-butanone molar ratio, 5 wt.% catalyst loading, 120 °C reaction temperature, and 8 h reaction time. Additionally, this study investigates the adsorption of 2-butanone onto a mixed oxide using in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; the results of which suggest that the methylene enolate of 2-butanone is the likely dominant surface intermediate at elevated temperatures. Accordingly, the calculation, based on density functional theory, indicates that the methylene enolate ion of 2-butanone is the kinetically favorable intermediate on an MgO(100) as a model oxide surface.
Regulatory Functions and Mechanisms of Circular RNAs in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Nokkeaw Archittapon , Thamjamrassri Pannathon , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Ariyachet Chaiyaboot
Published: January 2023

Chronic liver injury induces the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into myofibroblasts, which produce excessive amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in tissue fibrosis. If the injury persists, these fibrous scars could be permanent and disrupt liver architecture and function. Currently, effective anti-fibrotic therapies are lacking; hence, understanding molecular mechanisms that control HSC activation could hold a key to the development of new treatments. Recently, emerging studies have revealed roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs that was initially assumed to be the result of splicing errors, as new regulators in HSC activation. These circRNAs can modulate the activity of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their interacting protein partners involved in regulating fibrogenic signaling cascades. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of this class of non-coding RNAs for their molecular function in HSC activation and liver fibrosis progression.
Molecular Aspects of Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Izmailovich Marina , Semenova Yuliya , Abdushukurova Gulzada , Mukhamejanova Ainur , Dyussupova Azhar , Faizova Raida , Gazaliyeva Meruert , Akhvlediani Leila , Glushkova Natalya , Kalmakhanov Sundetgali , Bjørklund Geir
Published: January 2023

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of publications was undertaken to analyze the role of component-resolved diagnosis technology in identifying polysensitization for the provision of allergen-specific immunotherapy to patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. A search of publications was carried out in electronic databases in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search helped to identify 568 publications, 12 of which were included in this review. Overall, 3302 patients were enrolled. The major finding was that component-resolved diagnostics change the choice of relevant allergens for allergen-specific immunotherapy in at least 50% of cases. Sensitization to allergen components differs with age, type of disease, and overall disease duration. Patients who had both bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis were sensitized to a larger number of allergens than patients who had bronchial asthma alone.
A Group of Tumor-Suppressive micro-RNAs Changes Expression Coordinately in Colon Cancer
Authors: Farc Ovidiu , Budisan Liviuta , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Braicu Cornelia , Zanoaga Oana , Zaharie Florin , Cristea Victor
Published: January 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are molecules with a role in the post-transcriptional regulation of messenger RNA, being involved in a wide range of biological and pathological processes. In the present study, we aim to characterize the behavior of a few miRNAs with roles in the cell cycle and differentiation of colon cancer (CC) cells. The present work considers miRNAs as reflections of the complex cellular processes in which they are generated, their observed variations being used to characterize the molecular networks in which they are part and through which cell proliferation is achieved. Tumoral and adjacent normal tissue samples were obtained from 40 CC patients, and the expression of miR-29a, miR-146a, miR-215 and miR-449 were determined by qRT-PCR analysis. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis was performed to highlight the transcription factors (TFs) network that regulate the miRNAs and functionally characterizes this network. There was a significant decrease in the expression of all miRNAs in tumor tissue. All miRNAs were positively correlated with each other. The analysis of the TF network showed tightly connected functional modules related to the cell cycle and associated processes. The four miRNAs are downregulated in CC; they are strongly correlated, showing coherence within the cellular network that regulates them and highlighting possible approach strategies.
Assessment of AF4 Parylene Cohesion/Adhesion on Si and SiO2 Substrates by Means of Pull-Off Energy
Authors: Sinani Taulant , Solonenko Dmytro , Miskovic Goran
Published: January 2023

Advanced packaging solutions require insulation and passivation materials with exceptional properties which can also fulfill the reliability needs of electronics devices such as MEMS, sensors or power modules. Since bonding (cohesive/adhesive) properties of packaging coatings are very important for reliable functioning of electronics devices, the bonding of aliphatic fluorinate-4 (AF4) parylene coatings was assessed in this work. As there is a lack of data regarding its bonding towards different substrates, pull-off tests of 1.6 and 2.5 μm thick AF4 coatings on silicon (Si) and glass (SiO2) substrates were performed. These showed a clear difference in the pull-off F/s curves between the AF4 coatings on Si and SiO2 substrates. This difference is parameterized by the pull-off energy, which will be presented in this work. To further understand the origin of the distinction in the pull-off energies between the AF4-Si and AF4-SiO2 samples and subsequently the cohesive/adhesive properties, mechanical and structural characterization was conducted on the AF4 coatings, where a clear difference in the E-modulus and crystallinity was observed. The Si and SiO2 wafers were shown to facilitate the CVD growth of the AF4 film distinctively, which likely relates to the divergent thermal properties of the substrates. Understanding of the cohesive/adhesive properties of AF4 coatings on different substrate materials advances the usage of the AF4 in electronics packaging technologies.
Cu Metallization of Al2O3 Ceramic by Coating Deposition from Cooled- and Hot-Target Magnetrons
Authors: Kaziev Andrey V. , Kolodko Dobrynya V. , Lisenkov Vladislav Yu. , Tumarkin Alexander V. , Kharkov Maksim M. , Samotaev Nikolay N. , Oblov Konstantin Yu.
Published: January 2023

We examined the feasibility of alumina substrate metallization by magnetron deposition of copper coatings with thickness of several tens µm for its prospective applications in production of ceramic PCBs and packaging. The films were prepared in magnetron sputtering systems with cooled and thermally insulated (hot) targets. Substrates with different geometries were used, including those with through-holes. Thickness, adhesive properties, and electrical resistivity of produced coatings were analyzed. If the film thickness exceeded ~20 µm, we observed its systematic delamination, unless the dedicated CuxOy sub-layer of was introduced between the substrate and the main Cu film. Intermediate copper oxide films were investigated separately by SEM, EDS, and XRD methods, and deposition conditions for predominant growth of favorable tenorite CuO were determined. Prepared composite two-layer CuO + Cu coatings with total thickness of ~100 µm demonstrated good adhesion to alumina substrates in scratch-testing and performed much better than Cu-only films both in soldering and thermal cycling tests. We discuss an approach for constructing a reliable metallizing coating by plasma-assisted PVD methods that could be beneficial for complex-shaped ceramic PCBs and packaging.
Spark Plasma Sintering of Si3N4 Ceramics with Y2O3–Al2O3 (3%–10% wt.) as Sintering Additive
Authors: Andreev Pavel , Drozhilkin Pavel , Alekseeva Lyudmila , Smetanina Ksenia , Rostokina Elena , Balabanov Stanislav , Boldin Maksim , Murashov Artem , Shcherbak Gleb
Published: January 2023

The ceramic samples fabricated by spark plasma sintering of powder mixtures based on silicon nitride (Si3N4) were investigated. The powder mixtures were made by wet chemical methods from commercial α-Si3N4 powder (the particle size <5 μm) and Y2O3-Al2O3 sintering additive (3% to 10% wt.). Sintering was carried out at the heating rate of 50 °C/min and the load of 70 MPa until the shrinkage end. The powder mixtures and ceramic samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The shrinkage of the powder mixtures during sintering was analyzed, and the activation energy of sintering was calculated according to the Young-Cutler model. The density, microhardness, and fracture toughness of the ceramic samples were also measured. All samples had high relative densities (98%–99%), Vickers microhardness 15.5–17.4 GPa, and Palmquist fracture toughness, 3.8–5.1 MPa∙m1/2. An increase in the amount of sintering additive led to a decrease in the shrinkage temperature of the powder mixtures. The amount of β-Si3N4 in the ceramics decreased monotonically with the increasing amount of sintering additive. The shrinkage rate did not decrease to zero when the maximum compaction was reached at 3% wt. of the sintering additive. On the contrary, it increased sharply due to the beginning of the Si3N4 decomposition.
Cracking Behavior of Atmospheric Plasma-Sprayed 8YSZ Thermal Barrier Coatings during Thermal Shock Test
Authors: Huang Jibo , Sun Wen , Huang Renzhong , Ma Wenhua
Published: January 2023

The failure of plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) during service is usually related to the cracking behavior. In this study, plasma-sprayed TBCs were prepared with two kinds of agglomerated sintered yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powders with different particle sizes. The evolution of mechanical properties and crack propagation behavior of the coatings during the whole life stage were studied by a thermal shock test. The effect of powder particle size on the cracking behavior of the TBCs during thermal shock was analyzed from the aspect of pore structure, mechanical properties, and stress state of the coatings. The crack propagation and coalescence in the direction parallel to the substrate in the coating is the main factor leading to the spalling failure of the coating during thermal shock. Although the coating prepared by fine YSZ has higher fracture toughness, the lower strain tolerance will increase the cracking driving force on the crack tip of the coating during thermal shock, and the cracks in the coating propagate merge at a faster rate during thermal shock. The larger porosity and pore size of the coating prepared by coarse YSZ help the coating suffer less thermal stress during thermal shock. Although the existence of pores reduces the fracture toughness of the coating to a certain extent, the increase of strain tolerance reduces the crack growth rate in the coating, so the coating has a longer life.
Optimization of La2−xSrxCuO4 Single Crystal Film Growth via Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: He Xi , Xu Xiaotao , Shi Xiaoyan , Božović Ivan
Published: January 2023

Atomic layer-by-layer molecular beam epitaxy (ALL-MBE) combined with ozone is one of the best methods to fabricate single-crystal thin films of complex oxides. Cuprate such as La2−xSrxCuO4 (LSCO) is a representative complex-oxide high-temperature superconductor (HTS) material. Our group utilizes this method to produce high-quality single-crystal HTS films with atomically smooth surfaces and interfaces. In addition, ALL-MBE enables us to engineer multilayer heterostructures with atomic precision. This allows the fabrication of tunnel junctions, various nanostructures, and other HTS devices of interest for superconducting electronics. We have synthesized over three thousand LSCO thin films in the past two decades. These films’ structural and electronic properties have been studied and characterized by various methods. Here, we distill the extensive experience we accumulated into a step-by-step protocol to fabricate atomically perfect LSCO films. The recipe includes substrate preparation, ozone generation and distillation, source calibration, the in situ monitoring of the film synthesis, post-growth annealing, and ex situ characterization. It discloses a reproducible way to fabricate single-crystal LSCO films for basic research and HTS electronic applications.
Radiomics and Artificial Intelligence Can Predict Malignancy of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules in the Elderly
Authors: Elia Stefano , Pompeo Eugenio , Santone Antonella , Rigoli Rebecca , Chiocchi Marcello , Patirelis Alexandro , Mercaldo Francesco , Mancuso Leonardo , Brunese Luca
Published: January 2023

Solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for thoracic surgeons. Although such lesions are usually benign, the risk of malignancy remains significant, particularly in elderly patients, who represent a large segment of the affected population. Surgical treatment in this subset, which usually presents several comorbidities, requires careful evaluation, especially when pre-operative biopsy is not feasible and comorbidities may jeopardize the outcome. Radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) are progressively being applied in predicting malignancy in suspicious nodules and assisting the decision-making process. In this study, we analyzed features of the radiomic images of 71 patients with SPN aged more than 75 years (median 79, IQR 76–81) who had undergone upfront pulmonary resection based on CT and PET-CT findings. Three different machine learning algorithms were applied—functional tree, Rep Tree and J48. Histology was malignant in 64.8% of nodules and the best predictive value was achieved by the J48 model (AUC 0.9). The use of AI analysis of radiomic features may be applied to the decision-making process in elderly frail patients with suspicious SPNs to minimize the false positive rate and reduce the incidence of unnecessary surgery.
Light-Dermo: A Lightweight Pretrained Convolution Neural Network for the Diagnosis of Multiclass Skin Lesions
Authors: Baig Abdul Rauf , Abbas Qaisar , Almakki Riyad , Ibrahim Mostafa E. A. , AlSuwaidan Lulwah , Ahmed Alaa E. S.
Published: January 2023

Skin cancer develops due to the unusual growth of skin cells. Early detection is critical for the recognition of multiclass pigmented skin lesions (PSLs). At an early stage, the manual work by ophthalmologists takes time to recognize the PSLs. Therefore, several “computer-aided diagnosis (CAD)” systems are developed by using image processing, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) techniques. Deep-CNN models outperformed traditional ML approaches in extracting complex features from PSLs. In this study, a special transfer learning (TL)-based CNN model is suggested for the diagnosis of seven classes of PSLs. A novel approach (Light-Dermo) is developed that is based on a lightweight CNN model and applies the channelwise attention (CA) mechanism with a focus on computational efficiency. The ShuffleNet architecture is chosen as the backbone, and squeeze-and-excitation (SE) blocks are incorporated as the technique to enhance the original ShuffleNet architecture. Initially, an accessible dataset with 14,000 images of PSLs from seven classes is used to validate the Light-Dermo model. To increase the size of the dataset and control its imbalance, we have applied data augmentation techniques to seven classes of PSLs. By applying this technique, we collected 28,000 images from the HAM10000, ISIS-2019, and ISIC-2020 datasets. The outcomes of the experiments show that the suggested approach outperforms compared techniques in many cases. The most accurately trained model has an accuracy of 99.14%, a specificity of 98.20%, a sensitivity of 97.45%, and an F1-score of 98.1%, with fewer parameters compared to state-of-the-art DL models. The experimental results show that Light-Dermo assists the dermatologist in the better diagnosis of PSLs. The Light-Dermo code is available to the public on GitHub so that researchers can use it and improve it.
Radiofrequency Ablation, Cryoablation, and Microwave Ablation for the Treatment of Small Renal Masses: Efficacy and Complications
Authors: Bertolotti Lorenzo , Bazzocchi Maria Vittoria , Iemma Enrico , Pagnini Francesco , Ziglioli Francesco , Maestroni Umberto , Patera Annalisa , Natale Matteo Pio , Martini Chiara , De Filippo Massimo
Published: January 2023

Over the last two decades the detection rate of small renal masses has increased, due to improving diagnostic accuracy, and nephron-sparing treatments have become the first-choice curative option for small renal masses. As a minimally invasive alternative, thermal ablation has increased in popularity, offering a good clinical outcome and low recurrence rate. Radiofrequency ablation, Cryoablation, and Microwave ablation are the main ablative techniques. All of them are mostly overlapping in term of cancer specific free survival and outcomes. These techniques require imaging study to assess lesions features and to plan the procedure: US, CT, and both of them together are the leading guidance alternatives. Imaging findings guide the interventional radiologist in assessing the risk of complication and possible residual disease after procedure. The purpose of this review is to compare different ablative modalities and different imaging guides, underlining the effectiveness, outcomes, and complications related to each of them, in order to assist the interventional radiologist in choosing the best option for the patient.
A Rational Risk Policy? Why Path Dependence Matters
Authors: Geboers Hans , Depaire Benoît
Published: January 2023

The Kelly criterion determines optimal bet sizes that maximize long-term growth. While growth is definitely an important consideration, the focus on growth alone can lead to significant drawdowns, leading to psychological discomfort for a risk-taker. Path-dependent risk measures, such as drawdown risk, provide a means to assess the risk of significant portfolio retracements. In this paper, we provide a flexible framework for assessing path dependent risk for a trading or investment operation. Given a certain set of profitable trading characteristics, a risk-taker who maximizes expected growth can still be faced with significant drawdowns to the point where a strategy becomes unsustainable. We demonstrate, through a series of experiments, the importance of path dependent risks in the case of outcomes subject to various return distributions. Based on Monte Carlo simulation, we analyze the medium-term behavior of different cumulative return paths and study the impact of different return outcome distributions. We show that in the case of heavier tailed outcomes, extra care is needed, and optimal might not be so optimal in the end.
Female Dynamics in Authorship of Scientific Publications in the Public Library of Science: A 10-year Bibliometric Analysis of Biomedical Research
Authors: Giannos Panagiotis , Katsikas Triantafyllidis Konstantinos , Paraskevaidi Maria , Kyrgiou Maria , Kechagias Konstantinos S.
Published: January 2023

Women are generally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As scientific production reflects scholarly impact and participation in the scientific process, the number of journal publications forms a pertinent measure of academic productivity. This study examined the prevalence and evolution of female representation in prominent author positions across multidisciplinary biomedical research. Publications from seven exemplar cross-specialty journals of the Public Library of Science (PLoS Medicine, PLoS Biology, PLoS One, PLoS Computational Biology, PLoS Genetics, PLoS Pathogens, and PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases) between January 2010 and December 2020 were extracted from Web of Science. Using Genderize.io, the gender of authors from their first names was estimated using a 75% threshold. The association between female prevalence in first and last authorship and journal was evaluated using a binary logistic regression, and odds ratios were estimated against a 50:50 reference on gender. In 266,739 publications, 43.3% of first authors and 26.7% of last authors were females. Across the ten-year period, female first authorship increased by 19.6% and last authorship by 3.2%. Among all journals, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases had the greatest total proportion of female first authors (45.7%) and PLoS Medicine of female last authors (32%), while PLoS Computational Biology had the lowest proportion in these categories (23.7% and 17.2%). First authors were less likely to be females in all PLoS journals (p < 0.05) except for PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (odds ratio: 0.84, 95% confidence interval: 0.71–1.00), where the odds of female authorship were not significantly different (p = 0.054). Last authors were not more likely to be females in all PLoS journals (p < 0.001). Overall, women still appear underrepresented as first authors in biomedical publications and their representation as last authors has severely lagged. Efforts towards gender equality in scholarly authorship will contribute to the representation of women in biomedical research and ensure that their potential is not lost.
A Metamodeling Approach for IoT Forensic Investigation
Authors: Saleh Muhammed , Othman Siti Hajar , Driss Maha , Al-dhaqm Arafat , Ali Abdulalem , Yafooz Wael M. S. , Emara Abdel-Hamid M.
Published: January 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) Investigation of Forensics (IoTFI) is one of the subdomains of Digital Forensics that aims to record and evaluate incidents involving the Internet of Things (IoT). Because of the many different standards, operating systems, and infrastructure-based aspects that make up the Internet of Things industry, this sector is extremely varied, ambiguate, and complicated. Many distinct IoTFI models and frameworks were developed, each one based on a unique set of investigation procedures and activities tailored to a particular IoT scenario. Because of these models, the domain becomes increasingly complicated and disorganized among those who perform domain forensics. As a result, the IoTFI domain does not have a general model for managing, sharing, and reusing the processes and activities that it offers. With the use of the metamodeling development process, this work aims to create an Internet of Things Forensic Investigation Metamodel (IoTFIM) for the IoTFI domain. Utilizing the metamodeling development process allows for the construction and validation of a metamodel and the verification that the metamodel is both comprehensive and consistent. The IoTFIM is divided into two phases: the first phase identifies the problem, and the second phase develops the IoTFIM. It is utilized to structure and organize IoTFI domain knowledge, which makes it easier for domain forensic practitioners to manage, organize, share, and reuse IoTFI domain knowledge. The purpose of this is to detect, recognize, extract, and match various IoTFI processes, concepts, activities, and tasks from various IoTFI models in an IoTFIM that was established, facilitating the process of deriving and instantiating solution models for domain practitioners. Utilizing several metamodeling methodologies, we were able to validate the generated IoTFMI’s consistency as well as its applicability (comparison against other models, frequency-based selection). Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the built IoTFIM is consistent and coherent. This makes it possible for domain forensic practitioners to simply instantiate new solution models by picking and combining concept elements (attribute and operations) based on the requirements of their models.
Flexible Networked Machine Integrated Scheduling Algorithm Based on the Dynamic Root Node Operation Set Considering Reverse Scheduling
Authors: Wang Qian , Xie Zhiqiang , Gao Yilong
Published: January 2023

Aiming at the problem that the previous flexible machine network integrated scheduling algorithm only considers positive sequence scheduling, which leads to the extension of product completion time, a reverse-order machine network integrated scheduling algorithm based on the dynamic root node operation set is proposed. In order to avoid the constraints of multi-predecessor operations in the process of forward-order scheduling, an encoding method based on dynamic root node operation set is proposed to ensure the validity of constraints among operations. The crossover methods based on crossover row vector and subtree are proposed to ensure the legitimacy of offspring individuals. The chaotic mutation method based on sibling operation and the random mutation method based on mutation row vector are proposed, respectively, to ensure the diversity of the population. A local search strategy based on the critical operation machine set is proposed, which enhances the search ability of the algorithm for optimal solutions. The comparative experimental results show that the proposed algorithm’s solving speed and solution quality outperform other comparison algorithms.
Investigating the Operational Complexity of Digital Workflows Based on Human Cognitive Aspects
Authors: Horváth Ildikó , Berki Borbála
Published: January 2023

In recent decades, the everyday working environment has increasingly shifted into the digital realm. Accordingly, the assessment of human working performance has become strongly influenced by the level, frequency, and mode of interaction with the digital environment. This paper presents a system-level comparative analysis of human–computer interactions in 2D versus 3D digital environments, focusing on human behavior in different environments and interfaces. For the purposes of this analysis, a new methodology is proposed—inspired by a set of new concepts and metrics—that can be used to evaluate digital interfaces based on the number and complexity of user operations. Beyond the use of objective indicators, the study was supplemented by a user survey of 52 people to map the congruence of digital systems and user requirements. According to the research results, in 3D virtual work environments, users perform at least 30 percent fewer elementary operations. The Information Access Cost is 54 percent less in immersive VR than in classical 2D user interfaces. Based on these figures, we conclude that the development trends behind 3D VR-based working environments coincide with the intention to extend human cognitive capabilities.
Energy Loss Savings Using Direct Current Distribution in a Residential Building with Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Storage
Authors: Ollas Patrik , Thiringer Torbjörn , Persson Mattias , Markusson Caroline
Published: January 2023

This work presents a comparison of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) distribution systems for a residential building equipped with solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and battery storage. Using measured PV and load data from a residential building in Sweden, the study evaluated the annual losses, PV utilization, and energy savings of the two topologies. The analysis considered the load-dependent efficiency characteristics of power electronic converters (PECs) and battery storage to account for variations in operating conditions. The results show that DC distribution, coupled with PV generation and battery storage, offered significant loss savings due to lower conversion losses than the AC case. Assuming fixed efficiency for conversion gave a 34% yearly loss discrepancy compared with the case of implementing load-dependent losses. The results also highlight the effect on annual system losses of adding PV and battery storage of varying sizes. A yearly loss reduction of 15.8% was achieved with DC operation for the studied residential building when adding PV and battery storage. Additionally, the analysis of daily and seasonal variations in performance revealed under what circumstances DC could outperform AC and how the magnitude of the savings could vary with time.
Study on the Separation Effect and Mechanism of 6–0.5 mm Coal in Fluidized Bed with Vibratory Combined Force Field
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhang Mingrui , Ren Guangjian , Yao Shaoyu , Zhou Enhui
Published: January 2023

As a crucial power source, the separation of fine coal has gradually become a research focus in the coal separation field. In this study, the vibratory combined force field fluidized bed has been introduced into fine coal (6–0.5 mm) separation research. The kinematic characteristics of the fluidized bed was studied. The spatial distribution of coal on the bed under the action of vibration and air was clarified. The influence of different factors on the degree of ash segregation (Sash) was analyzed, and the optimal operation parameters were evaluated. The results showed that the vibratory combined force field fluidized bed was characterized by round-trip periodic movement. The maximum vibration amplitude on the X-axis of the main vibration direction was 6.88 mm, the velocity amplitude was 287.60 mm/s, and the acceleration amplitude was 10.43 m/s2. At 34 Hz and 5.68 m/s for vibration frequency and air speed, the maximum ash segregation of the product was 1.896, and the yield and ash contents were 85.28% and 10.69%, respectively.
Online Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis of the Effect of Stress Changes on the Porosity and Permeability of Shale Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Yao Lanlan , Lei Qihong , Yang Zhengming , He Youan , Li Haibo , Zhao Guoxi , Zheng Zigang , Hou Haitao , Du Meng , Cheng Liangbing
Published: January 2023

In the process of volumetric fracturing of shale oil, physical property changes caused by stress changes will affect the recovery, so it is urgent to conduct an analysis and evaluation of physical property changes caused by stress changes. In this research, a physical simulation experiment with constant confining pressure and variable pore pressure combined with an online nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique was constructed. The results show that the increased range of the macropore (IRM) and the total pore (IRT) of matrix samples is 11.70~13.24% and 10.54~14.27% with the increase of pore pressure, respectively. That of fractured samples are 7.94~8.48% and 9.21~10.51%. It indicates that increasing pore pressure is more effective for matrix reservoirs. The decreased range of the macropore (DRM) and the total pore (DRT) of matrix samples is 10.29~13.89% and 10.38~21.24% with the unloading of pore pressure, respectively. That of fractured samples are 8.49~9.66% and 10.91~11.10%. It indicates that unloading pressure has less influence on fractured reservoirs. The increased range of permeability of matrix rock samples is 99~120% with the increase of pore pressure. Greatly supplementing formation energy is an effective means to improve the permeability of matrix reservoirs. Compared with matrix reservoirs, unloading pore pressure is more damaging to fractured reservoirs.