bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the Synoptic Causes of Torrential Rainfall Events in the Canary Islands (1950–2020)
Authors: Suárez Pablo Máyer , Söllheim Ángel Luque
Published: December 2024

This work identifies and analyses, from a synoptic point of view, episodes of torrential rainfall (equal to or greater than 200 mm in a single day) that occurred in the Canary Islands between 1950 and 2020. For this purpose, all daily rainfall series available in different databases were used, with a final selection, after applying various filters for the detection of errors, of 88 days on which 200 mm was exceeded. Subsequently, the isobaric configurations at the surface and at 500 hPa were analysed by applying the following two classification methods: the automatic one of Jenkinson and Collinson (1977) and the subjective one of Jorge Olcina (1994). Most of the selected days (63.4%) corresponded to high-altitude isolated depressions (known by their initials in Spanish as DANAs), as well as troughs showing the advection of polar air of different origins (36.5%). According to the Jenkinson and Collinson classification, half of the days were classified as cyclonic or hybrid cyclonic and 37.5% as pure advective or directional (37.5%), with five days classified as undetermined. On only one day, 23 November 1954, was a tropical disturbance observed, with cloud fronts moving from the south of the Canary Islands along the west coast of Africa.
Large Eddy Simulation of Flow Around Twin Tower Buildings in Tandem Arrangements with Upstream Corner Modification
Authors: Zheng Deqian , Wu Xueyuan , Zhu Yuzhe , Ma Wenyong , Fang Pingzhi
Published: December 2024

The aerodynamic performance of twin tall buildings immersed in the atmospheric boundary layer was numerically investigated by adopting the spatial-averaged large eddy simulation (LES) method. This study focused on the effects of corner cutting and chamfering. The buildings were both square and sectional with a width-to-height ratio of 1:6, and were arranged in a tandem configuration with a spacing ratio of 2.0. The corner-cutting and chamfering measures were only applied to the upstream cylinder, with a corner modification rate of 10%. To generate the turbulent inflow boundary condition (IBC) for LES, steady-state equilibrium IBC expressions were introduced into the vortex method, which were implemented in the commercial code Ansys Fluent. The present simulation method and solution parameters were first verified by comparing the simulated wind field and the wind pressure distribution on a single tall building with those of the wind tunnel test. The influences of the corner-cutting and chamfering measures on the wind load of the tandem buildings were then comparatively studied concerning the statistical values of their aerodynamic force coefficients and wind pressure coefficients. The influence mechanism was analyzed based on the simulated time-averaged flow field and the instantaneous vortex structure around the buildings. The results indicated that upstream corner-cutting and chamfering measures can induce a diffusion angle shift in the separated shear flow from the leading edge of the upstream building, thus affecting the separation and reattachment of the separated upstream flow on the downstream building. Among the measures studied, upstream corner cutting is more effective in reducing wind pressure and aerodynamic force coefficients.
A Numerical Simulation of a Fog Event in the Sichuan Basin, China: The Sensitivity to Terrain Elevations
Authors: Gu Ling-Meng , Zeng Xin-Min , Li Cong-Min , Wang Ning , Shao Shuai-Bing , Ullah Irfan
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we utilize the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (ARWv4) to explore how the fog is affected by the basin’s topography during a radiation fog event in the Sichuan Basin in December 2016 by setting up three sets of terrain tests. The simulation results demonstrate that the fog area in the expanded basin terrain emerges 40 min earlier than in the original topography control test (CTL), with the fog area extent marginally reduced. Conversely, the fog area in the reduced basin terrain emerges one hour earlier than in the CTL, with the fog area extent increased by 133.5%. Basin topography is an essential factor influencing the humidity, temperature, and dynamical fields. The expansion of basin topography was shown to be unfavorable for water vapor convergence. Moreover, the area exhibiting relative humidity levels exceeding 95% at the peak of the fog intensity was smaller than that observed in CTL. The impact of radiative cooling was diminished, and the thickness and intensity of the inversion layer were reduced compared to CTL. In addition, the wind speed in the marginal area exceeded 5 m s−1, and the fog formation was observed only in the central portion of the basin, where wind speeds ranged from 0 to 3 m s−1. In contrast, the change in the topography of the narrowed basin resulted in the opposite phenomenon overall. This work emphasizes the importance of basin topography in forming and developing the fog in the Sichuan Basin.
Pomegranate Juice Effect on Physicochemical and Nutraceutical Characteristics of a Craft Fruit Beer
Authors: Meza-Santiago Aldair A. , Hernandez-Herrera Maria Guadalupe , Zuñiga-Estrada Erick A. , Lopez-Perea Patricia
Published: December 2024

While fruit is a common ingredient in beer, our research takes a unique approach by studying the effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) on the physicochemical and nutraceutical characteristics of craft fruit beer. These properties have been studied in PJ and other beverages using pomegranate; however, there is insufficient information on fruit beer. PJ, known for its health benefits, was obtained by compressing the fruit in a manual press and characterizing it. The base beer, a blonde ale with two hops, Cascade (C) and Saaz (S), was used. PJ was added to the beer during the second and third fermentation steps. Beer quality was analyzed using ASBC methods: phenolic compounds, sugars, and ethanol content by HPLC, and antioxidant capacity by ORAC. PJ presented a pH of 3.8 and 14°Brix. The beer evaluated was the third fermentation beer called 3FC and 3FS; due to the type of hops used, in general, 3FS presented better physicochemical characteristics; the relevant result was alcohol content around 6.0%, but ethanol content by HPLC was 7.36% for 3FS and 7.19% for 3FC. PJ in phenolic compounds provides the beer with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, epicatechin, and synaptic acid. However, the hop used influenced the phenolic profile of each beer. The antioxidant capacity of 3FC was higher at 19.75 mm ET/L. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that pomegranate juice in a fruit beer style provides good physicochemical and nutraceutical characteristics, offering a unique twist to the craft beer industry.
The Effect of Thigh Muscle Forces on Knee Contact Force in Female Patients with Severe Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Tingting , Xie Hao , Yan Songhua , Zeng Jizhou , Zhang Kuan
Published: December 2024

Thigh muscles greatly influence knee joint loading, and abnormal loading significantly contributes to the progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Muscle weakness in KOA patients is common, but the specific contribution of each thigh muscle to joint loading is unclear. The gait data from 10 severe female KOA patients and 10 controls were collected, and the maximum isometric forces of the biceps femoris long head (BFL), semitendinosus (ST), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM) were calibrated via ultrasound. Four musculoskeletal (MSK) models were developed based on EMG-assisted optimization, static optimization, and ultrasound data. The ultrasound-calibrated EMG-assisted MSK model achieved higher accuracy (R2 > 0.97, RMSE < 0.045 Nm/kg). Patients exhibited increased VL and VM forces (p < 0.004) and decreased RF force (p < 0.006), along with elevated medial and total joint contact forces (p < 0.001) and reduced lateral forces (p < 0.001) compared to controls. The affected side relied on VL and BFL the most (p < 0.042), while RF was key for the unaffected side (p < 0.003). Ultrasound calibration and EMG-assisted optimization significantly enhanced MSK model accuracy. Patients exerted greater quadriceps and hamstring forces bilaterally, shifting knee loading medially, and depended more on the lateral thigh muscles on the affected side. Hamstrings contributed more to joint contact forces, while quadriceps’ contributions decreased.
Development of Hemispherical 3D Models of Human Brain and B Cell Lymphomas Using On-Chip Cell Dome System
Authors: Kazama Ryotaro , Ishikawa Rina , Sakai Shinji
Published: December 2024

Lymphocytes are generally non-adherent. This makes it challenging to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) structures mimicking the three-dimensional lymphoma microenvironment in vivo. This study presents the fabrication of a hemispherical 3D lymphoma model using the on-chip Cell Dome system with a hemispherical cavity (1 mm in diameter and almost 300 µm in height). Both the human brain lymphoma cell line (TK) and human B cell lymphoma cell line (KML-1) proliferated and filled the cavities. Hypoxic regions were observed in the center of the hemispherical structures. CD19 expression did not change in either cell line, while CD20 expression was slightly upregulated in TK cells and downregulated in KML-1 cells cultured in the Cell Dome compared to those cultured in two-dimensional (2D) flasks. In addition, both TK and KML-1 cells in the hemispherical structures exhibited higher resistance to doxorubicin than those in 2D flasks. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the on-chip Cell Dome for fabricating 3D lymphoma models and provide valuable insights into the study of lymphoma behavior and the development of new drugs for lymphoma treatment.
Complex Large-Deformation Multimodality Image Registration Network for Image-Guided Radiotherapy of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Jiang Ping , Wu Sijia , Qin Wenjian , Xie Yaoqin
Published: December 2024

In recent years, image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer has become an important treatment method for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, and multi-modality image registration technology is a key step in this system. However, due to the patient’s own movement and other factors, the deformation between the different modalities of images is discontinuous, which brings great difficulties to the registration of pelvic computed tomography (CT/) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. In this paper, we propose a multimodality image registration network based on multistage transformation enhancement features (MTEF) to maintain the continuity of the deformation field. The model uses wavelet transform to extract different components of the image and performs fusion and enhancement processing as the input to the model. The model performs multiple registrations from local to global regions. Then, we propose a novel shared pyramid registration network that can accurately extract features from different modalities, optimizing the predicted deformation field through progressive refinement. In order to improve the registration performance, we also propose a deep learning similarity measurement method combined with bistructural morphology. On the basis of deep learning, bistructural morphology is added to the model to train the pelvic area registration evaluator, and the model can obtain parameters covering large deformation for loss function. The model was verified by the actual clinical data of cervical cancer patients. After a large number of experiments, our proposed model achieved the highest dice similarity coefficient (DSC) metric compared with the state-of-the-art registration methods. The DSC index of the MTEF algorithm is 5.64% higher than that of the TransMorph algorithm. It will effectively integrate multi-modal image information, improve the accuracy of tumor localization, and benefit more cervical cancer patients.
Clean Self-Supervised MRI Reconstruction from Noisy, Sub-Sampled Training Data with Robust SSDU
Authors: Millard Charles , Chiew Mark
Published: December 2024

Most existing methods for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reconstruction with deep learning use fully supervised training, which assumes that a fully sampled dataset with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is available for training. In many circumstances, however, such a dataset is highly impractical or even technically infeasible to acquire. Recently, a number of self-supervised methods for MRI reconstruction have been proposed, which use sub-sampled data only. However, the majority of such methods, such as Self-Supervised Learning via Data Undersampling (SSDU), are susceptible to reconstruction errors arising from noise in the measured data. In response, we propose Robust SSDU, which provably recovers clean images from noisy, sub-sampled training data by simultaneously estimating missing k-space samples and denoising the available samples. Robust SSDU trains the reconstruction network to map from a further noisy and sub-sampled version of the data to the original, singly noisy, and sub-sampled data and applies an additive Noisier2Noise correction term upon inference. We also present a related method, Noiser2Full, that recovers clean images when noisy, fully sampled data are available for training. Both proposed methods are applicable to any network architecture, are straightforward to implement, and have a similar computational cost to standard training. We evaluate our methods on the multi-coil fastMRI brain dataset with novel denoising-specific architecture and find that it performs competitively with a benchmark trained on clean, fully sampled data.
Combined Association of Plasma Metabolites with Body Mass Index and Physical Activity Level
Authors: Lambert Mayara , Pedroso Larissa de Castro , Rosini Silva Alex Aparecido , Messias Leonardo Henrique Dalcheco , Porcari Andréia M. , Carvalho Patrícia de Oliveira , Scariot Pedro Paulo Menezes , dos Reis Ivan Gustavo Masselli
Published: December 2024

Metabolomic analysis of the changes in plasma metabolites in obesity along with physical activity interaction may contribute to disease diagnosis and treatment. We sought to make a comprehensive assessment of the plasma metabolite profile of subjects with a lean (n = 20, BMI = 22.3) or overweight/obese (n = 29, BMI = 29) body mass index (BMI) and low (n = 33, IPAQ = 842) or high (n = 16, IPAQ = 6935) index of physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), using an untargeted metabolomic approach. Two-way analysis of variance was applied to the data obtained from liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses and resulted in 64 metabolites, mainly responsible for the data variance among the different groups. Finally, a complex network approach reveals the most relevant metabolites. The majority of the relevant metabolites are oxidized species of phospholipids. Most species of phosphatidylcholine and a species of phosphatidylglycerol were found to be decreased in obese subjects, while most species of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol were increased. Only a single species each of prostaglandin, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylinositol were modulated by IPAQ, but interaction effects between BMI and IPAQ were found for most of the metabolites in the combination of obese BMI with low IPAQ.
Deciphering Drought Resilience in Solanaceae Crops: Unraveling Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms
Authors: Pang Xin , Chen Jun , Li Linzhi , Huang Wenjuan , Liu Jia
Published: December 2024

The Solanaceae family, which includes vital crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes, is increasingly impacted by drought due to climate change. Recent research has concentrated on unraveling the molecular mechanisms behind drought resistance in these crops, with a focus on abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathways, transcription factors (TFs) like MYB (Myeloblastosis), WRKY (WRKY DNA-binding protein), and NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2- NAM: No Apical Meristem, ATAF1/2, and CUC2: Cup-shaped Cotyledon), and the omics approaches. Moreover, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) has been instrumental in identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) crucial for drought adaptation. Proteomics studies further reveal changes in protein expression under drought conditions, elucidating stress response mechanisms. Additionally, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as key regulators in drought response. Advances in proteomics and transcriptomics have highlighted key proteins and genes that respond to drought stress, offering new insights into drought tolerance. To address the challenge of drought, future research should emphasize the development of drought-resistant varieties through precision breeding techniques such as gene editing, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and the integration of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the adoption of environmentally sustainable cultivation practices, including precision irrigation and the use of anti-drought agents, is crucial for improving water-use efficiency and crop resilience. International collaboration and data sharing will be essential to accelerate progress and ensure global food security in increasingly arid conditions. These efforts will enable Solanaceae crops to adapt the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring their productivity and sustainability.
Microbial Corrosion of Copper Under Conditions Simulating Deep Radioactive Waste Disposal
Authors: Abramova Elena , Shapagina Natalia , Artemiev Grigoriy , Safonov Alexey
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the results of microbial corrosion tests on M0-grade copper under conditions simulating a geological repository for radioactive waste at the Yeniseisky site (Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia). The work used a microbial community sampled from a depth of 450 m and stimulated with glucose, hydrogen and sulfate under anaerobic conditions. It was shown that the maximum corrosion rate, reaching 9.8 µm/y, was achieved with the addition of sulfate (1 g/L) with the participation of microorganisms from the families Desulfomicrobiaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae and Desulfuromonadaceae. It was noted that the most important factor leading to copper corrosion was the accumulation of hydrogen sulfide during the activation of sulfate-reducing microorganisms of the genera Desulfomicrobium, Desulfovibrio and Desulfuromonas. During the development of the microbial community under these conditions, the content of copper can have a significant toxic effect at a concentration of more than 250 mg/L.
Mannich Base Derived from Lawsone Inhibits PKM2 and Induces Neoplastic Cell Death
Authors: Rubini-Dias Lucas , Fernandes Tácio V. A. , de Souza Michele P. , Hottz Déborah , Arruda Afonso T. , Borges Amanda de A. , Ouverney Gabriel , da Silva Fernando de C. , Forezi Luana da S. M. , Limaverde-Sousa Gabriel , Robbs Bruno K.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Pyruvate kinase M2, a central regulator of cancer cell metabolism, has garnered significant attention as a promising target for disrupting the metabolic adaptability of tumor cells. This study explores the potential of the Mannich base derived from lawsone (MB-6a) to interfere with PKM2 enzymatic activity both in vitro and in silico. Methods: The antiproliferative potential of MB-6a was tested using MTT assay in various cell lines, including SCC-9, Hep-G2, HT-29, B16-F10, and normal human gingival fibroblast (HGF). The inhibition of PKM2 mediated by MB-6a was assessed using an LDH-coupled assay and by measuring ATP production. Docking studies and molecular dynamics calculations were performed using Autodock 4 and GROMACS, respectively, on the tetrameric PKM2 crystallographic structure. Results: The Mannich base 6a demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against all cancer cell lines tested without affecting cell migration, with the highest selectivity index (SI) of 4.63 in SCC-9, followed by B16-F10 (SI = 3.9), Hep-G2 (SI = 3.4), and HT-29 (SI = 2.03). The compound effectively inhibited PKM2 glycolytic activity, leading to a reduction of ATP production both in the enzymatic reaction and in cells treated with this naphthoquinone derivative. MB-6a showed favorable binding to PKM2 in the ATP-bound monomers through docking studies (PDB ID: 4FXF; binding affinity scores ranging from −6.94 to −9.79 kcal/mol) and MD simulations, revealing binding affinities stabilized by key interactions including hydrogen bonds, halogen bonds, and hydrophobic contacts. Conclusions: The findings suggest that MB-6a exerts its antiproliferative activity by disrupting cell glucose metabolism, consequently reducing ATP production and triggering energetic collapse in cancer cells. This study highlights the potential of MB-6a as a lead compound targeting PKM2 and warrants further investigation into its mechanism of action and potential clinical applications.
Safety Concerns in Neurological Clinical Trials: A Challenge That the FDA Must Resolve
Authors: Niazi Sarfaraz K.
Published: December 2024

Background: Monoclonal antibodies approved by the FDA, lecanemab, donanemab, and aducanumab, are failing to meet the expected efficacy to treat early Alzheimer’s disease, and aducanumab has been recalled. Methods: Recently, it was reported that the clinical trials of these antibodies may have violated patient’s rights and subjected them to high, likely lethal risk. The challenge with developing antibodies to treat neurological disorders is their poor blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetration if the antibody must enter the brain, resulting in almost negligible brain bioavailability, requiring high dosing that can be toxic. Results: The reported efficacy of these drugs should also be reviewed, considering the placebo effects, since all antibodies have shown severe side effects that are not prevented by the placebo responses. In this critical and urgent advice to the FDA, I am suggesting a guideline amendment to all clinical trials requiring proof of sufficient brain bioavailability at the site of action, where it is known. Conclusions: For antibodies to cross the blood–brain barrier, there are proven options such as conjugating with transferrin protein, making clinical trials in its absence more questionable.
The Effect of Increasing the Body’s Core Temperature and Improving Blood Flow by Using Far-Infrared Rays Emitted from Functional Loess Bio-Balls
Authors: Shin Yong-Il , Kim Min-Seok , Yang Yeong-Ae , Jeon Gye-Rok , Kim Jae-Ho , Choi Yeon-Jin , Choi Woo-Cheol , Kim Jae-Hyung
Published: December 2024

Background: Low-energy far-infrared rays (FIRs) are widely used in the treatment of wounds, lymphedema, and various vascular diseases, and various types of products that emit infrared rays are being used at home for patients with blood flow-related diseases without experimental evidence. Methods: Blood flow and epidermal temperature were measured while applying conductive heat and FIRs via an electric mat (non-intervention) or a loess bio-ball mat (intervention). Results: In the control group (n = 30), there was a minimal change in blood flow and epidermal temperature in the right and left middle fingers (LMF, RMF) as the mat temperature gradually increased. In the experimental group (n = 30), when the mat temperature increased from 25 °C to 50 °C, the blood flow increased by 39.80% in the LMF and by 41.83% in the RMF. In addition, the epidermal temperature increased by 8.78% in the LMF and by 8.44% in the RMF. Conclusions: The FIRs emitted from loess bio-balls can be applied to alleviate symptoms not only in patients with blood flow problems in medical settings but also in people who complain of discomfort due to blood flow disorders or cold hands and feet during their daily life and sleep.
Kinematics and Flow Field Analysis of Allomyrina dichotoma Flight
Authors: Shen Huan , Cao Kai , Liu Chao , Mao Zhiyuan , Li Qian , Han Qingfei , Sun Yi , Yang Zhikang , Xu Youzhi , Wu Shutao , Xu Jiajun , Ji Aihong
Published: December 2024

In recent years, bioinspired insect flight has become a prominent research area, with a particular focus on beetle-inspired aerial vehicles. Studying the unique flight mechanisms and structural characteristics of beetles has significant implications for the optimization of biomimetic flying devices. Among beetles, Allomyrina dichotoma (rhinoceros beetle) exhibits a distinct wing deployment–flight–retraction sequence, whereby the interaction between the hindwings and protective elytra contributes to lift generation and maintenance. This study investigates A. dichotoma’s wing deployment, flight, and retraction behaviors through motion analysis, uncovering the critical role of the elytra in wing folding. We capture the kinematic parameters throughout the entire flight process and develop an accurate kinematic model of A. dichotoma flight. Using smoke visualization, we analyze the flow field generated during flight, revealing the formation of enhanced leading-edge vortices and attached vortices during both upstroke and downstroke phases. These findings uncover the high-lift mechanism underlying A. dichotoma’s flight dynamics, offering valuable insights for optimizing beetle-inspired micro aerial vehicles.
Trajectory Tracking Control for Robotic Manipulator Based on Soft Actor–Critic and Generative Adversarial Imitation Learning
Authors: Hu Jintao , Wang Fujie , Li Xing , Qin Yi , Guo Fang , Jiang Ming
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) approach based on generative adversarial imitation learning (GAIL) and long short-term memory (LSTM) is proposed to resolve tracking control problems for robotic manipulators with saturation constraints and random disturbances, without learning the dynamic and kinematic model of the manipulator. Specifically, it limits the torque and joint angle to a certain range. Firstly, in order to cope with the instability problem during training and obtain a stability policy, soft actor–critic (SAC) and LSTM are combined. The changing trends of joint position over time are more comprehensively captured and understood by employing an LSTM architecture designed for robotic manipulator systems, thereby reducing instability during the training of robotic manipulators for tracking control tasks. Secondly, the obtained policy by SAC-LSTM is used as expert data for GAIL to learn a better control policy. This SAC-LSTM-GAIL (SL-GAIL) algorithm does not need to spend time exploring unknown environments and directly learns the control strategy from stable expert data. Finally, it is demonstrated by the simulation results that the end effector of the robot tracking task is effectively accomplished by the proposed SL-GAIL algorithm, and more superior stability is exhibited in a test environment with interference compared with other algorithms.
The Limbic System in Co-Occurring Substance Use and Anxiety Disorders: A Narrative Review Using the RDoC Framework
Authors: Lin Esther R.-H. , Veenker Faith N. , Manza Peter , Yonga Michele-Vera , Abey Sarah , Wang Gene-Jack , Volkow Nora D.
Published: December 2024

Substance use disorders (SUDs) and anxiety disorders (ADs) are highly comorbid, a co-occurrence linked to worse clinical outcomes than either condition alone. While the neurobiological mechanisms involved in SUDs and anxiety disorders are intensively studied separately, the mechanisms underlying their comorbidity remain an emerging area of interest. This narrative review explores the neurobiological processes underlying this comorbidity, using the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework to map disruptions in positive valence, negative valence, and cognitive systems across the three stages of the addiction cycle: binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation. Anxiety and substance use play a reciprocal role at each stage of addiction, marked by significant psychosocial impairment and dysregulation in the brain. A more thorough understanding of the neural underpinnings involved in comorbid SUDs and anxiety disorders will contribute to more tailored and effective therapeutic interventions and assessments.
The Neuroprotective Role of A2A Adenosine Purinoceptor Modulation as a Strategy Against Glioblastoma
Authors: Simões Júlia Leão Batista , Braga Geórgia de Carvalho , Fontana Michelli , Assmann Charles Elias , Bagatini Margarete Dulce
Published: December 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly lethal type of cancer, frequently presenting an unfavorable prognosis. The current treatment options for this neoplasia are still limited, highlighting the need for further research evaluating new drugs to treat GBM or to serve as an adjuvant to improve the efficiency of currently used therapies. In this sense, the inhibition of A2A receptors in the brain has presented a neuroprotective role for several diseases, such as neurodegenerative conditions, and it has been suggested as a possible pharmacological target in some types of cancer; thus, it also can be underscored as a potential target in GBM. Recently, Istradefylline (IST) was approved by the FDA for treating Parkinson’s disease, representing a safe drug that acts through the inhibition of the A2A receptor, and it has also been suggested as an antineoplastic drug. Therefore, this work aims to explore the effects of A2A receptor inhibition as a therapy for GBM and assess the feasibility of this blockage occurring through the effects of IST.
Ketamine Reduces Avoidance Responses During Re-Exposition to Aversive Stimulus: Comparison Between (S)-Isomer and Racemic Mixture
Authors: Moura Clarissa A. , de Sousa-Silva Anne N. , Soares Ana Lívia Mesquita , de Oliveira Torres Carina I. , Belchior Hindiael , da Silva Jr Edilson D. , Gavioli Elaine C.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Recent studies have investigated the effects of ketamine on fear memory in animals. However, it is unclear if ketamine might affect avoidance memory and emotional behaviors concomitantly. In this study, we compared the effects of (R,S)- and (S)-ketamine in modulating avoidance responses, depression- and anxiety-related behaviors in stressed mice. Methods: Mice were previously exposed to inescapable footshock stress, and 24 h later, they were trained in the active avoidance task. (R,S)-ketamine or (S)-isomer was administered 1 h prior to re-exposition to the active avoidance task. Three hours after drug administration, mice were tested in the tail suspension, followed by the open field test. Results: Neither form of ketamine affected avoidance memory retrieval, while (S)-ketamine, and tangentially, (R,S) reduced avoidance responses during re-exposition to aversive stimulus. In the tail suspension test, (R,S)- and (S)-ketamine equally evoked antidepressant effects. In the open field test, the racemic mixture, but not (S)-ketamine, induced anxiolytic actions. Conclusions: These findings reinforce the therapeutic potential of ketamine for the treatment of stress-related disorders, with (R,S)-ketamine being more effective in simultaneously inducing antidepressant and anxiolytic responses and reducing avoidance responses in stressed mice.
Temperament Characteristics of Children in Residential Care and Perceived Acceptance/Rejection and Style of Discipline Used by Care Workers
Authors: Gaitán Sabina D. , Fernández-Sánchez Joanna , Fernández-Baena Francisco Javier , Wallace Agustín , Salas María D.
Published: December 2024

The ability to adapt interpersonal interactions to temperamental characteristics is essential for high-quality care. We analyzed how temperamental and self-regulation differences among children in residential care were related to the affective relationships and discipline styles of their caregivers. A total of 144 children aged 9–16 years (42.6% boys) and their caregivers from 22 residential care homes (Spain) participated. The Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire-Revised (EATQ-R) was used to assess temperament, the Affect Scale and Rules and Demands Scale was used to assess children’s perceptions of affective relationships and discipline styles among their caregivers, and BRIEF-2 was used to assess children’s self-regulation. Perceived warmth/communication was significantly higher than criticism/rejection and children perceived more inductive than rigid or permissive styles. Temperamental-scale fear was positively related to warmth/communication and an inductive style, and negatively related to criticism/rejection and a rigid style, whereas high-intensity pleasure showed the opposite pattern. In addition, some self-regulation and temperament scales explained 26% of the perception of warmth/communication, while others explained 15% of the variability of the rigid discipline style used by care workers. These results can help care workers to adjust their educational strategies according to the temperamental characteristics of this specific population.
The Relationship Between the Interpersonal Relationship and Altruistic Behavior of College Students Majoring in Physical Education: The Mediating Effect of Empathy and the Moderating Effect of Responsibility
Authors: Li Tuojian , Feng Wanxuan , Zhang Hongzhen
Published: December 2024

Students majoring in physical education are the main source of physical education teachers in Chinese schools, and they are the main body in achieving the function of physical education in schools. The improvement of their altruistic behavior helps enhance the educational literacy of outstanding physical education teachers. This study conducted a questionnaire survey on 310 students majoring in physical education from 5 universities in 5 selected regions using the General Interpersonal Communication Objective Scale, Interpersonal Reactivity Index-C, the “responsibility” subscale of the Big Five Inventory Questionnaire, and the Altruistic Behavior of College Students questionnaire. We performed correlation analysis, mediation effect analysis, and moderation effect analysis on the data using SPSS 24.0 and MPLUS 7.4. Empathy partially mediates 30% of the total effect between interpersonal relationships and altruistic behavior; social responsibility has a moderating effect on empathy and altruistic behavior, with higher levels of responsibility having a greater moderating effect. Interpersonal relationships, empathy, and a sense of responsibility affect the current, recent, and long-term states of altruistic behavior, respectively. To improve students’ altruistic behavior throughout the entire process, schools should develop training systems specifically for interpersonal relationships, empathy, and social responsibility.
Integration of Lab Experiments and Simulation for Evaluating Rubberized Asphalt Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt
Authors: Noufal Amr Tarek , Elgendi Elbadr Mohamed Osman , Morsy Tarek Mostafa
Published: December 2024

Road paving costs have significantly increased in the last decades not only because of the increase in oil price globally, which has in turn increased the prices of bitumen, transportation, coarse aggregate and fine aggregate, but also due to the shortage of these virgin materials. Thus, it is essential to find more sustainable and cost-effective road paving solutions. This research focuses on the combination of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and crumb rubber extracted from end-life tires and new asphalt mixtures to assess the enhancement of asphalt performance and cost minimization. The optimal percentage of RAP mixed with new asphalt including crumb rubber with achieves the highest performance, stability, and durability of pavement, while considering the economic and environmental impacts was investigated. Experimental investigations, including a universal testing machine and the Marshall stability test, were implemented to evaluate different mixing percentages of RAP and the new asphalt including crumb rubber at different bitumen contents. Abaqus software was utilized to simulate a model with the new mixture to determine the stress and deformation characteristics under different loading conditions. The findings of the experimental study from testing more than 150 samples of asphalt with different percentages of mixing illustrated that a balanced mix of 50% RAP with 50% new rubberized asphalt with a 5% bitumen content achieved the optimal balance of stability, flow and density characteristics, which will offer a promising solution for more sustainable and cost-effective road-paving solutions.
Impact of Green Roofs and Walls on the Thermal Environment of Pedestrian Heights in Urban Villages
Authors: Lin Chang , Zhang Shawei
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: Urban villages in Guangzhou are high-density communities with challenging outdoor thermal environments, which significantly impact residents’ thermal comfort. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving the quality of life and mitigating heat stress in such environments. (2) Methods: This study utilized a validated ENVI-met microclimate model to explore the synergistic cooling effects of roof greening and facade greening. Three greening types—total greening, facade greening, and roof greening—were analyzed for their impacts on air temperature, mean radiant temperature, and physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) at a pedestrian height of 1.5 m under varying green coverage scenarios. (3) Results: The findings showed that total greening exhibited the greatest cooling potential, especially under high coverage (≥50%), reducing PET by approximately 2.5 °C, from 53.5 °C to 51.0 °C, during midday, and shifting the heat stress level from “extreme heat stress” to “strong heat stress”. Facade greening reduced PET by about 1.5 °C, while roof greening had a limited effect, reducing PET by 1.0 °C. Furthermore, under coverage exceeding 75%, total greening achieved maximum reductions of 3.0 °C in mean radiant temperature and 1.2 °C in air temperature. (4) Conclusions: This study provides scientific evidence supporting total greening as the most effective strategy for mitigating heat stress and improving thermal comfort in high-density urban villages, offering practical insights for optimizing green infrastructure.
Quantitative Analysis of Critical Success Factors in the Development of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project Briefs in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al Saadi Rauda , Abdou Alaa , Alkass Sabah
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the research findings on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) brief development in the United Arab Emirates. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess and rank the relative importance of the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) identified in PPP brief development in the UAE. A quantitative analysis was then conducted on the data gathered from the survey, and the results of the analysis are described. The processes of purifying and computing the measurement instruments are also explored using Cronbach’s alpha to assess the reliability of scale measurements. The statistical analysis focuses on the importance and ranking of the identified thirty-eight (38) CSFs and their Sub-Success Factors (SSFs). The overall assessment of these factors highlights their importance in a brief development process. Accordingly, these factors are grouped into seven categories, and the developed CSF framework is presented. The categories, listed in descending order, are Regulatory and Legal Factors; Finance and Economic Factors; Risk-Related Factors; Public Sector Capacity-Related Factors; Procurement-Related Factors; Stakeholder-Related Factors; and Social, Cultural, and Ethical Factors. The research findings offer a comprehensive framework of CSFs for brief development tailored to the unique PPP environment of the UAE to ensure project success.
Evaluating the Safety Climate in Construction Projects: A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Niu Miaomiao , Leicht Robert M.
Published: December 2024

Safety climate has been extensively studied using survey-based approaches, providing significant insights into safety perceptions and behaviors. However, understanding its dynamics in construction projects requires methods that address temporal and trade-specific variability. This study employs a longitudinal, mixed-methods design to explore safety climate dynamics. Quantitative data analyzed with ANOVA revealed stable overall safety climate scores across project phases, while Item Response Theory (IRT) identified survey items sensitive to safety climate changes. Positive perceptions were associated with management commitment and regular safety meetings, while negative perceptions highlighted challenges such as workplace congestion and impractical safety rules. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews uncovered trade-specific and phase-specific safety challenges, including issues tied to site logistics and workforce dynamics. For instance, transitioning from structural to interior work introduced congestion-related risks and logistical complexities, underscoring the need for phase-adapted strategies. This combination of quantitative stability and qualitative variability provides empirical evidence of safety climate dynamics in construction. The findings emphasize the importance of tailoring safety interventions to address trade-specific and phase-specific risks. This study advances the understanding of the safety climate in dynamic work environments and offers actionable recommendations for improving construction safety management through targeted, proactive strategies.
Incorporating Environmental Sustainability and Supply Chain Management in Contemporary Interior Design: A Study on Chinese Landscape Paintings
Authors: Ma Jie , Zakaria Safial Aqbar Bin
Published: December 2024

The primary objective of this empirical investigation was to comprehensively examine the economic, environmental, and socio-cultural factors that exert a substantial influence on the collective impact of Chinese landscape paintings and modernist interior design. The study applied a complete econometric framework, integrating unit root tests, lag selection criteria, and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models. The results indicate a statistically significant and enduring association between essential factors, such as customer demand, price elasticity, and supply chain costs. The ARDL models demonstrate significant short-term and long-term effects, as seen by the substantial R-squared values reaching 84.4%. These findings confirm the variables’ strength and explanatory capability and incorporate stepwise and robust least squares models, further supportingthe obtained results. The present findings have important implications for professionals in various fields of art interior design. The results provide valuable data-driven insights that can inform the creation of sustainability and economic feasibility in these domains. This study is a crucial reference point for future academic inquiries and practical applications in the interdisciplinary fields of art, design, and supply chain management.
Debonding Analysis of FRP-Strengthened Concrete Beam in High-Temperature Environment: An Enhanced Understanding on Sustainable Structure
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Hao Jianwen , Hou Wei , Yao Jiancheng , Wang Yazhuo , Su Xiaojian , Li Xiangyang
Published: December 2024

FRP (fiber-reinforced composite) is generally regarded as the repair and enhancement material for existing concrete structures in extreme service environments such as high temperatures or fire exposure. In order to reveal the effect of high temperatures (i.e., thermal load) on the interfacial debonding behavior of a FRP-strengthened concrete beam, the novel closed-form analytical model was established and validated while considering the interfacial bond-slip constitutive. Based on the analytical model, solutions to the distributions of interfacial slip, interfacial shear stress, and debonding load were derived. Moreover, the effects of temperature variations and the FRP’s bonded thickness and length on interfacial bond behavior were also evaluated. The results indicated that the increase in temperature variations accelerated the development trends of interfacial slip and shear stress, where the affected range was mainly concentrated in the bonded plate end. The relationship between temperature variations and debonding loads presented a changing linear trend, and a prediction model for the debonding load was also proposed. Meanwhile, the increase in the FRP’s bonded thickness decreased the bond performance and accelerated the degradation trend of the debonding load. However, the increase in FRP’s bonded length improved the bearing capacity of the FRP-strengthened concrete beam. This paper provides meaningful guidelines for the sustainable design and construction of FRP-strengthened concrete structures in high-temperature environments.
Fluid Dynamic Assessment of Tall Buildings with a Variety of Complicated Geometries
Authors: Meena Rahul Kumar , Raj Ritu , Anbukumar S. , Khan Mohammad Iqbal , Khatib Jamal M.
Published: December 2024

The exponential increase in population has led to a shortage of land for constructing tall buildings, resulting in the need to design irregular structures due to the limited availability of land. Assessing the impact of wind-generated effects can be achieved utilizing the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method, specifically employing ANSYS. This involves resolving the intricate fluid dynamics problem through numerical analysis using the ANSYS software. The validation study is performed on a standard shape-building model where the result is compared with experimental values and other international standards. The outcomes are presented in a graphical format, such as mean pressure, streamline, and pressure distribution in the vertical and horizontal planes. This research has studied four building models with equal area and height. Models A and B have regular shapes, while Models C and D exhibit an irregular ‘Y’ shape. The wind incidence angle was adjusted between 0 and 180 degrees at every 15-degree interval. The results were validated to ensure the accuracy of the numerical techniques employed. This involved performing validation and grid sensitivity analyses, which showed consistent results comparable to experimental data and established international standards. Model-C irregular-shaped buildings demonstrated the highest efficiency in minimizing wind loads among the building models examined in this study.
Study on the Classification of Chinese Glazed Pagodas
Authors: Mei Duo , Li Lu , Chen Weizhen , Cheng Yue
Published: December 2024

Glazed tiles are a quintessential ceramic creation applied in architectural systems, with Chinese pagodas serving as emblematic symbols that embody the design philosophy and diverse cultural beliefs of construction. Despite enduring wars, extreme weather, and the passage of millennia, glazed pagodas have withstood the test of time. The erosion of glazed components by wind and rain has not diminished their solemnity but has added a profound historical depth, making these surviving ancient-glazed components even more precious. This study examines the structural and stylistic features of Chinese glazed pagodas, exploring the extent of glazed component coverage. Using quantitative methods, the study zones, calculates, and classifies Chinese glazed pagodas, further elucidating their evolution and development through various historical periods. Additionally, based on a comprehensive survey of Chinese glazed pagodas, the study integrates theories from archaeology, art history, and architecture to deeply analyze their distribution areas, chronological spans, and cultural contexts, offering new perspectives for the systematic classification of Chinese glazed pagodas.