bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Ultraviolet Aging Duration on the Rheological Properties of Sasobit/SBS/Nano-TiO2-Modified Asphalt Binder
Authors: Yang Shengfeng , Yan Kezhen , Liu Wenyao
Published: October 2022

In recent years, nanoparticles have been introduced into warm-mix-modified asphalt to improve asphalt performance after sustaining ultraviolet (UV) aging, yet the evaluation of aging performance is often a descriptive characterization of rheological properties. This study extends rheological characterization with viscoelastic mechanical modeling to evaluate resistance to UV aging using Sasobit and SBS compound-modified binder blended with nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2). The extended method comprises characterizations using several rheological properties and a viscoelastic mechanical model, named the 2S2P1D model, on modified asphalt after 3 days, 6 days and 9 days of ultraviolet (UV) aging. The rheological properties of the UV-aged binders were tested at high and medium temperatures in terms of viscosity, complex modulus, phase angle and fatigue factor. Rheological test results showed that nanoparticles generally had no apparent effect on the complex modulus of aged binders regardless of UV aging times. However, the aged binder with nanoparticles showed better fatigue resistance than aged binders without nanoparticles after 3 days of UV aging. As an extension, the black space diagram and 2S2P1D model were used to investigate the viscoelastic properties of these aged binders. The k and h values, as important model parameters, were almost the same and less than one for all UV-aged binders. All investigated aged asphalt binders showed characteristics of a viscoelastic solid in terms of the master curves of the complex modulus and phase angle, and the master curves of the phase angle for all UV-aged binders did not meet the time–temperature equivalence. Moreover, these observations from the 2S2P1D model revealed that aging durations did not affect the viscoelastic mechanical characteristics of warm mix asphalt in this study. The method adopted in this study may promote a comprehensive evaluation of asphalt properties after UV aging, especially considering the viscoelastic mechanical performance.
Experimental Investigation on Flow-Induced Rotation of Two Mechanically Tandem-Coupled Cylinders
Authors: Liu Fang , Feng Weipeng , Yan Xiang , Ran Danjie , Shao Nan , Wang Xiaoqun , Yang Defeng
Published: October 2022

The flow-induced rotational motion of tandem double cylinders has rarely been studied in existing papers. In order to further study the flow-induced rotation (FIR) of two mechanically tandem-coupled cylinders, an FIR device was designed in this paper, and the theoretical basis of this system was established. On this basis, a series of variable spacing ratio (L/D) tests were carried out in a recirculating water tunnel. The range of L/D was 4.0 ≤ L/D ≤ 9.0. The main experimental conclusions can be summarized as follows: (1) When L/D = 4.0 and 4.5, the rotational response was similar to vortex-induced vibration (VIV), which is different from typical VIV, in that the rotational oscillation would appear to be a re-growth region when velocitycontinued to increase after the oscillation entered the lower branch of VIV. Additionally, the oscillation was at a low level and the maximum arc length ratio (A*) was less than 0.55 in these two cases; (2) For L/D = 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0, the rotational responses all showed typical VIV. When the oscillation reached a high level, the maximum A* was more than 0.85 for each case; (3) When L/D = 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0, the rotational responses still presented typical VIV. The oscillation was at a medium level, and the maximum A* was between 0.53 and 0.72, but these three cases had a wider synchronization interval than the other cases, and the range showed an increasing trend with the growth of L/D.
Mode-Locking Dynamics in an All-PM Figure-Nine Tm-Doped Fiber Laser
Authors: Łaszczych Zbigniew , Krakowski Mikołaj , Soboń Grzegorz
Published: October 2022

We report a study on pulse dynamics in figure-nine Tm-doped all-polarization maintaining fiber laser. We analyzed laser operation from self-starting with multi-pulse dynamic to single-pulse operation by decreasing the pump power from the mode-locking threshold. By choosing a reliable setting of waveplates, our laser was generating pulses at the central wavelength of 1985 nm with a half-width of the spectrum, pulse duration, and pulse energy equal 6.4 nm, 650 fs, 177 pJ for the output port and 19.2 nm, 1279 fs, 57 pJ for the reject port in the single-pulse state. In the multi-pulse state, we recorded optical spectra, temporal waveforms, and average power at both exit ports. By analyzing temporal traces and output to reject port ratio power, we can distinguish between eight states of operation which follow an exact pattern. In the case of the single-pulse regime, we performed a further laser characterization, including relative intensity noise.
Assessment of 3D Models Placement Methods in Augmented Reality
Authors: El Barhoumi Nabil , Hajji Rafika , Bouali Zakaria , Ben Brahim Youssef , Kharroubi Abderrazzaq
Published: October 2022

Augmented reality (AR) is a relevant technology, which has demonstrated to be efficient for several applications, especially in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) domain, where the integration of building information modeling (BIM) and AR has proved to be optimal in handling construction projects. However, the main challenge when integrating a virtual 3D model in an AR environment is the lack of precision and accuracy of placement that can occur between the real and the virtual environments. Although methods for placement via AR have been reported in the literature, there is a lack of investigations addressing their evaluation. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodology to perform a quantitative and qualitative assessment of several AR placement methods and a discussion about their usability in the specific context of AECO. We adopt root mean square error (RMSE) to quantify the placement accuracy of a 3D model and standard deviation to examine its stability (jittering). The results revealed that the AR placement error range is extremely wide (from a few centimeters up to meters). In marker-based methods, the results showed centimeter-range in both indoor and outdoor environments, compared to other methods (Inertial, Marker-less, etc.), while marker-less methods have widely varying error range from centimeters to a few meters. Other commercial solutions based on placement-sensors (GNSS and IMU), such as Trimble SiteVision, have proven placement performance in manual mode with centimeter order, while for the automatic mode, the order of placement and stability is metric, due to the low coverage of RTX (real time extended) in the study area.
FocalMatch: Mitigating Class Imbalance of Pseudo Labels in Semi-Supervised Learning
Authors: Deng Yongkun , Zhang Chenghao , Yang Nan , Chen Huaming
Published: October 2022

Semi-supervised learning (SSL) is a popular research area in machine learning which utilizes both labeled and unlabeled data. As an important method for the generation of artificial hard labels for unlabeled data, the pseudo-labeling method is introduced by applying a high and fixed threshold in most state-of-the-art SSL models. However, early models prefer certain classes that are easy to learn, which results in a high-skewed class imbalance in the generated hard labels. The class imbalance will lead to less effective learning of other minority classes and slower convergence for the training model. The aim of this paper is to mitigate the performance degradation caused by class imbalance and gradually reduce the class imbalance in the unsupervised part. To achieve this objective, we propose FocalMatch, a novel SSL method that combines FixMatch and focal loss. Our contribution of FocalMatch adjusts the loss weight of various data depending on how well their predictions match up with their pseudo labels, which can accelerate system learning and model convergence and achieve state-of-the-art performance on several semi-supervised learning benchmarks. Particularly, its effectiveness is demonstrated with the dataset that has extremely limited labeled data.
Rerooted and Reimagined: Dance, Palestinian Women, and the Reclamation of Urban Spaces
Authors: Ophir Hodel
Published: October 2022

Manar Hasan employs the term “memoricide” to describe the systematic eradication of Palestinian society from modern memory, a process, she points out, that occurred not only through the destruction of its major cities, but also through the erasure from public consciousness the inhabitants of those cities, and specifically the Palestinian women who once played highly visible, integral roles within them. This paper enters into conversation with Hasan’s argument in its exploration of the work of Palestinian choreographer Shaden Abu Elasal, focusing on dances performed in urban spaces—locations from which she draws historical and creative inspiration to imbue her choreography with layers of meaning. I show how through her choreography, Abu Elasal reroots and uproots herself from the place in the very same acts of dance. She resurrects both the city and the women, revealing the obscured and retrieving the forgotten. I argue, then, that in staging dances in what Marc Augé terms “anthropological places” in Israel/Palestine, locations saturated with historical and conceptual significance, Abu Elasal both deepens her roots to the land, her land, and rises anew from it, freeing herself of its heavy shackles. Moreover, by reintroducing specifically Palestinian women dancers as elements of the “flesh and stone” of Israel/Palestine, spaces rife with histories of trauma, dominated by patriarchy and a Zionist ideology that privileges Jewishness and whiteness, Abu Elasal excavates a forgotten past, negotiates a restrictive present, and shapes a future for herself and her community. The paper brings together the ideas of anthropological space, which recognizes the identity of place as not merely physical but comprised of the breadth of human activity (symbolism, history, imagination, vision) that has taken and is taking place in it; and dance’s power to inspire a sense of losing oneself or transcending the existing, tangible world. In both ideas, consciousness and the material, stone and body, entwine and shape one another in the ongoing process of (re)forming identity and reclaiming history.
Advanced Oxidation Processes to Reduce Odor Emissions from Municipal Wastewater—Comprehensive Studies and Technological Concepts
Authors: Dębowski Marcin , Kazimierowicz Joanna , Zieliński Marcin
Published: October 2022

Municipal facilities can generate odors caused by substances such as fatty acids, organosulfur compounds, aldehydes, and inorganic gases, especially H2S. Identifying an effective and cost-efficient solution to the problem is a priority for communities in areas at risk of exposure to odors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) involving Fenton’s reagents (Fe2+/H2O2, Fe3+/H2O2) on wastewater profiles and their capacity to reduce putrescibility, H2S emissions, and odor concentration in the air. The Fe2+/H2O2 system proved to be the most efficient in terms of inhibiting the process of redox conditions development, removing organic matter in the wastewater, inhibiting H2S formation, and reducing odor emissions. H2S generation in raw wastewater was triggered as early as on day 2 of anaerobic retention, with levels of 5.6 ppm to 64 ppm. After introduction of 0.1 g Fe2+/dm3 and 2.0 g H2O2/dm3, no H2S was detected in the gas for 8 days. The odor concentration (OC) of raw wastewater (2980 ± 110 oue/m3) was reduced by 96.3 ± 1.9% to a level of 100 ± 15 oue/m3. The Fe2+/H2O2 system maintained its oxidizing capacity up until day 7, with OC reduction by 96.0 ± 0.8% to a level of 120 ± 10 oue/m3. On day 10, the OC showed a marked increase to a level 1310 ± 140 oue/m3. The conducted research has proven that Fenton-based AOP systems are a technologically and commercially viable method of deodorization of sewage facilities.
Analysis of Ionospheric Perturbations Possibly Related to Yangbi Ms6.4 and Maduo Ms7.4 Earthquakes on 21 May 2021 in China Using GPS TEC and GIM TEC Data
Authors: Dong Lei , Zhang Xuemin , Du Xiaohui
Published: October 2022

On 21 May 2021 (UT), Yangbi Ms6.4 and Maduo Ms7.4 earthquakes occurred in mainland China. This paper analyzed the ionospheric perturbations possibly related to the earthquake, based on global positioning system (GPS) total electron content (TEC) and global ionosphere map (GIM) TEC data. We identified GPS TEC anomalies by the sliding quartile, based on statistical analysis. After eliminating the days with high solar activity levels and strong geomagnetic disturbances, the time series analysis of GPS TEC data showed that there were significant TEC anomalies from 5 to 10 May. TEC anomalies were mainly positive anomalies. We obtained the spatial and temporal distributions of TEC anomalies using natural neighbor interpolation (NNI). The results showed that the TEC anomalies were distributed in the seismogenic zone and surrounded the epicenters of the Maduo and Yangbi earthquakes, indicating that they may be related to the earthquakes. From the GIM TEC difference map, we found the TEC enhancement in the seismogenic zone and its magnetic conjugate area of the Maduo and Yangbi earthquakes at 10:00–12:00 (UT) on the 5 and 6 May. We discussed our results according to the lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling mechanism. Finally, based our results, we suggested that the Yangbi and Maduo earthquakes may affect the ionosphere through seismogenic electric field and thermal anomalies generated during the process of lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling.
Predicting Risks of a COVID-19 Outbreak by Using Outdoor Air Pollution Indicators and Population Flow with Queuing Theory
Authors: Chiang Yi-Fang , Chu Ka-Ui , Chen Ling-Jyh , Ho Yao-Hua
Published: October 2022

COVID-19 has been widespread in all countries since it was first discovered in December 2019. The high infectivity of COVID-19 is primarily transmitted between people via respiratory droplets on contact routes, which makes it more difficult to prevent it. Air quality has been considered to be highly correlated with respiratory diseases. In addition, population movement increases contact routes, which increases the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks. For epidemic prevention, the government’s strategies are also one of the factors that affect the risk of outbreaks, including whether it is mandatory to wear masks, stay-at-home orders, or vaccination. Wearing masks can reduce the risk of droplet infection, while stay-at-home orders can reduce contact between people. In this study, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and active cases of COVID-19 will be estimated according to the population movement, outdoor air pollution, and vaccination rates. Using the estimated results, the average recovery time will be predicted by Queuing Theory. The predicted average recovery time will be brought into risk analysis to estimate the possible high-risk periods. We compare the estimated high-risk periods with epidemic-prevention measures to provide a reference to evaluate the epidemic prevention plans enforced by relevant government agencies to achieve an improved control measure over the epidemic situation.
A Novel Approach in Solving Improper Integrals
Authors: Abu-Ghuwaleh Mohammad , Saadeh Rania , Qazza Ahmad
Published: October 2022

To resolve several challenging applications in many scientific domains, general formulas of improper integrals are provided and established for use in this article. The suggested theorems can be considered generators for new improper integrals with precise solutions, without requiring complex computations. New criteria for handling improper integrals are illustrated in tables to simplify the usage and the applications of the obtained outcomes. The results of this research are compared with those obtained by I.S. Gradshteyn and I.M. Ryzhik in the classical table of integrations. Some well-known theorems on improper integrals are considered to be simple cases in the context of our work. Some applications related to finding Green’s function, one-dimensional vibrating string problems, wave motion in elastic solids, and computing Fourier transforms are presented.
Reich-Type and (α, F)-Contractions in Partially Ordered Double-Controlled Metric-Type Spaces with Applications to Non-Linear Fractional Differential Equations and Monotonic Iterative Method
Authors: Farhan Muhammad , Ishtiaq Umar , Saeed Muhammad , Hussain Aftab , Al Sulami Hamed
Published: October 2022

In this manuscript, we defined (α, F)-contractions in the context of double-controlled metric spaces and partially ordered double-controlled metric spaces. We established new fixed-point results and defined the notion of double-controlled metric space on a Reich-type contraction. Our findings are generalizations of a few well-known findings in the literature. Some non-trivial examples and certain consequences are also provided to illustrate the significance of the presented results. The existence and uniqueness of the solution of non-linear fractional differential equations and the monotone iterative method are also determined using the fixed-point method.
The First Finding of Francisella tularensis subsp. mediasiatica in Krasnoyarsk Territory, Siberia, and an Update of the Subspecies Genetic Diversity
Authors: Timofeev Vitalii , Bakhteeva Irina , Mokrievich Alexander , Vakhrameeva Galina , Gritskova Elena , Anisimov Yuriy , Rozhdestvensky Evgeny , Bazarova Galina , Zhumakaev Rostislav , Dyatlov Ivan , Vergnaud Gilles
Published: October 2022

Tularemia is a severe infectious disease caused by the Gram-negative bacteria Francisella tularensis. F. tularensis is currently divided into three subspecies, holarctica, tularensis, and mediasiatica, which differ in their virulence and geographic distribution. Subspecies mediasiatica is the least studied because of its very low documented virulence for humans and limited geographic distribution. It was discovered in sparsely populated regions of Central Asia. Since 2011, a new subsp. mediasiatica lineage was identified in Altai (Russia). In 2021, we isolated one subsp. mediasiatica strain in Krasnoyarsk Territory. In spite of its geographic origin, 500 km east from Altai, this strain belongs to the Altai lineage and contributes surprisingly little genetic diversity to previous knowledge.
Proteo-Molecular Investigation of Cultivated Rice, Wild Rice, and Barley Provides Clues of Defense Responses against Rhizoctonia solani Infection
Authors: Shamim Md. , Sharma Divakar , Bisht Deepa , Maurya Rashmi , Kaashyap Mayank , Srivastava Deepti , Mishra Anurag , Kumar Deepak , Kumar Mahesh , Juturu Vijaya Naresh , Khan N. A. , Chaudhary Sameer , Hussain Raja , Singh K. N.
Published: October 2022

Rhizoctonia solani is a soil-borne fungus causing sheath blight disease in cereal crops including rice. Genetic resistance to sheath blight disease in cereal crops is not well understood in most of the host(s). Aside from this, a comparative study on the different hosts at the biochemical and proteomic level upon R. solani infection was not reported earlier. Here, we performed proteomic based analysis and studied defense pathways among cultivated rice (cv. Pusa Basmati-1), wild rice accession (Oryza grandiglumis), and barley (cv. NDB-1445) after inoculation with R. solani. Increased levels of phenol, peroxidase, and β-1, 3-glucanase were observed in infected tissue as compared to the control in all of the hosts. Wild rice accession O. grandiglumis showed a higher level of biochemical signals than barley cv. NDB 1445 and cultivated rice cv. Pusa Basmati-1. Using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and mass spectrometry (MS), differently expressed proteins were also studied in control and after inoculation with R. solani. Wild rice accession O. grandiglumis induced a cysteine protease inhibitor and zinc finger proteins, which have defense functions and resistance against fungal pathogens. On the other hand, barley cv. NDB-1445 and cultivated rice cv. Pusa Basmati-1 mainly induce energy metabolism-related proteins/signals after inoculation with R. solani in comparison to wild rice accession O. grandiglumis. The present comprehensive study of R. solani interaction using three hosts, namely, Pusa Basmati-1 (cultivated rice), O. grandiglumis (wild rice), and NDB-1445 (barley) would interpret wider possibilities in the dissection of the protein(s) induced during the infection process. These proteins may further be correlated to the gene(s) and other related molecular tools that will help for the marker-assisted breeding and/or gene editing for this distressing disease among the major cereal crops.
Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Validation of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Implications for the Injury Mechanism
Authors: Ren Shuang , Shi Huijuan , Liu Zhenlong , Zhang Jiahao , Li Hanjun , Huang Hongshi , Ao Yingfang
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to establish a finite element model that vividly reflected the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) geometry and investigated the ACL stress distribution under different loading conditions. The ACL’s three-dimensional finite element model was based on a human cadaveric knee. Simulations of three loading conditions (134 N anterior tibial load, 5 Nm external tibial torque, 5 Nm internal tibial torque) on the knee model were performed. Experiments were performed on a knee specimen using a robotic universal force/moment sensor testing system to validate the model. The simulation results of the established model were in good agreement with the experimental results. Under the anterior tibial load, the highest maximal principal stresses (14.884 MPa) were localized at the femoral insertion of the ACL. Under the external and internal tibial torque, the highest maximal principal stresses (0.815 MPa and 0.933 MPa, respectively) were mainly concentrated in the mid-substance of the ACL and near the tibial insertion site, respectively. Combining the location of maximum stress and the location of common clinical ACL rupture, the most dangerous load during ACL injury may be the anterior tibial load. ACL injuries were more frequently loaded by external tibial than internal tibial torque.
Nervous System Development and Neuropeptides Characterization in Embryo and Larva: Insights from a Non-Chordate Deuterostome, the Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Zheng Yingqiu , Cong Xiao , Liu Huachen , Wang Yixin , Storey Kenneth B. , Chen Muyan
Published: October 2022

Here, we described the complex nervous system at five early developmental stages (blastula, gastrula, auricularia, doliolaria and pentactula) of a holothurian species with highly economic value, Apostichopus japonicus. The results revealed that the nervous system of embryos and larvae is mainly distributed in the anterior apical region, ciliary bands or rings, and the feeding and attachment organs, and that serotonergic immunoreactivity was not observed until the embryo developed into the late gastrula; these are evolutionarily conserved features of echinoderm, hemichordate and protostome larvae. Furthermore, based on available transcriptome data, we reported the neuropeptide precursors profile at different embryonic and larval developmental stages. This analysis showed that 40 neuropeptide precursors present in adult sea cucumbers were also identified at different developmental stages of embryos and larvae, and only four neuropeptide precursors (SWYG precursor 2, GYWKDLDNYVKAHKT precursor, Neuropeptide precursor 14-like precursor, GLRFAmprecursor-like precursor) predicted in adults were absent in embryos and larvae. Combining the quantitative expression of ten specific neuropeptide precursor genes (NPs) by qRT-PCR, we revealed the potential important roles of neuropeptides in embryo development, feeding and attachment in A. japonicus larvae. In conclusion, this work provides novel perspectives on the diverse physiological functions of neuropeptides and contributes to understanding the evolution of neuropeptidergic systems in echinoderm embryos and larvae.
Memory Modulation by Exercise in Young Adults Is Related to Lactate and Not Affected by Sex or BDNF Polymorphism
Authors: Ballester-Ferrer Juan Arturo , Roldan Alba , Cervelló Eduardo , Pastor Diego
Published: October 2022

Currently, high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) is on the rise compared to moderate-intensity exercise (MIE) due to its similar benefits for health and performance with low time requirements. Recent studies show how physical exercise can also influence cognitive function, although the optimal dose and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, in our study, we have compared the effects on visuospatial and declarative memory of different exercise intensities (HIIE vs. MIE), including possible implicated factors such as lactate released after each session and the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) genotype. Thirty-six undergraduate students participated in this study. The HIIE session consisted of a 3 min warm-up, four 2 min sets at 90–95% of the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) with 2 min of passive recovery between sets, and a 3 min cooldown, and the MIE session implies the same total duration of continuous exercise at 60% of the MAS. Better improvements were found after HIIE than MIE on the backward condition of the visuospatial memory test (p = 0.014, ηp2 = 0.17) and the 48 h retention of the declarative memory test (p = 0.04; d = 0.34). No differences were observed in the forward condition of the visuospatial memory test and the 7-day retention of the declarative memory test (p > 0.05). Moreover, non-modifiable parameters such as biological sex and BDNF polymorphism (Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/Met) did not modulate the cognitive response to exercise. Curiously, the correlational analysis showed associations (p < 0.05) between changes in memory (visuospatial and declarative) and lactate release. In this sense, our results suggest an important role for intensity in improving cognitive function with exercise, regardless of genetic factors such as biological sex or BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.
New Insights into Adiponectin and Leptin Roles in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Coimbra Susana , Rocha Susana , Valente Maria João , Catarino Cristina , Bronze-da-Rocha Elsa , Belo Luís , Santos-Silva Alice
Published: October 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly associated with a high burden of comorbidities and poor clinical outcomes. Malnutrition–inflammation–atherosclerosis syndrome is common in the more severe stages of CKD, suggesting a close interplay for these three comorbid conditions. Both malnutrition and obesity are associated with a disturbed adipokine profile and inflammation, contributing to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Adiponectin and leptin have important roles in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and in the inflammatory process. The effects of adiponectin and leptin alterations in CKD, which are usually increased, and their association with the different comorbidities found in CKD, will be focused on to understand their crosstalk with the risk of CVD events. Nonetheless, although adiponectin and leptin contribute to a higher risk of CVD events, further studies are warranted to fully clarify their roles, especially when different comorbidities exist.
Neuroprotective Effects of gH625-lipoPACAP in an In Vitro Fluid Dynamic Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Barra Teresa , Falanga Annarita , Bellavita Rosa , Pisano Jessica , Laforgia Vincenza , Prisco Marina , Galdiero Stefania , Valiante Salvatore
Published: October 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an aggressive and devastating age-related disorder. Although the causes are still unclear, several factors, including genetic and environmental, are involved. Except for symptomatic drugs, there are not, to date, any real cures for PD. For this purpose, it is necessary develop a model to better study this disease. Neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y, differentiated with retinoic acid represents a good in vitro model to explore PD, since it maintains growth cells to differentiated neurons. In the present study, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), a neurotoxin that induces Parkinsonism, and the neuroprotective effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), delivered by functionalized liposomes in a blood–brain barrier fluid dynamic model, were evaluated. We demonstrated PACAP neuroprotective effects when delivered by gH625-liposome on MPP+-damaged SH-SY5Y spheroids.
Investigation of the Effect of Exendin-4 on Oleic Acid-Induced Steatosis in HepG2 Cells Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Khalifa Olfa , H. Mroue Kamal , Mall Raghvendra , Ullah Ehsan , S. Al-Akl Nayla , Arredouani Abdelilah
Published: October 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver lesion that is untreatable with medications. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have recently emerged as a potential NAFLD pharmacotherapy. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these drugs’ beneficial effects are not fully understood. Using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, we sought to investigate the biochemical changes in a steatosis cell model treated or not with the GLP-1R agonist Exendin-4 (Ex-4). HepG2 cells were made steatotic with 400 µM of oleic acid and then treated with 200 nM Ex-4 in order to reduce lipid accumulation. We quantified steatosis using the Oil Red O staining method. We investigated the biochemical alterations induced by steatosis and Ex-4 treatment using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometric analyses. Analysis of the Oil Red O staining showed that Ex-4 significantly reduces steatosis. This reduction was confirmed by FTIR analysis, as the phospholipid band (C=O) at 1740 cm−1 in Ex-4 treated cells is significantly decreased compared to steatotic cells. The principal component analysis score plots for both the lipid and protein regions showed that the untreated and Ex-4-treated samples, while still separated, are clustered close to each other, far from the steatotic cells. The biochemical and structural changes induced by OA-induced lipotoxicity are at least partially reversed upon Ex-4 treatment. FTIR and chemometric analyses revealed that Ex-4 significantly reduces OA-induced lipid accumulation, and Ex-4 also restored the lipid and protein biochemical alterations caused by lipotoxicity-induced oxidative stress. In combination with chemometric analyses, FTIR spectroscopy may offer new approaches for investigating the mechanisms underpinning NAFLD.
Motivation from Agency and Reward in Typical Development and Autism: Narrative Review of Behavioral and Neural Evidence
Authors: Valori Irene , Carnevali Laura , Mantovani Giulia , Farroni Teresa
Published: October 2022

Our ability to perform voluntary actions and make choices is shaped by the motivation from having control over the resulting effects (agency) and positive outcomes (reward). We offer an overview of distinct and common behavioral and neural signatures of agency and reward. We discuss their typical and atypical developmental trajectories, focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is characterized by neurodiverse processes underlying action selection. We propose that reduced sensitivity to agency and reward in ASD may be related to atypical multisensory processes and motor planning, with potential for understanding restricted and repetitive behaviors. We emphasize the limitations of the existing literature, and prospects for future research. Understanding the neurocognitive processes that shape the way people with ASD select actions and perceive outcomes is essential to support not only learning, but also volition and self-determination.
Advances on Cellular Clonotypic Immunity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Schirò Giuseppe , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Iacono Salvatore , Lupica Antonino , Brighina Filippo , Monastero Roberto , Balistreri Carmela
Published: October 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease, characterized by the progressive degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons in the cortex and spinal cord. Although the pathogenesis of ALS remains unclear, evidence concerning the role of the clonotypic immune system is growing. Adaptive immunity cells often appear changed in number, or in terms of their activation profiles, both peripherally and centrally; however, their role in ALS appears conflictive. Data from human and animal model studies, which are currently reported in the literature, show that each subset of lymphocytes and their mediators may mediate a protective or toxic mechanism in ALS, affecting both its progression and risk of death. In the present review, an attempt is made to shed light on the actual role of cellular clonotypic immunity in ALS by integrating recent clinical studies and experimental observations.
Development of a Framework to Support Whole-Life-Cycle Net-Zero-Carbon Buildings through Integration of Building Information Modelling and Digital Twins
Authors: Shen Kaining , Ding Lan , Wang Cynthia
Published: October 2022

Decision-making on whole-life-cycle net-zero-carbon buildings is critical for addressing carbon emission and environmental problems. However, there is a lack of a data integration framework and an open international standard approach integrating key decision variables to support scientific computations and decision-making for whole-life-cycle net-zero-carbon buildings. Building information modelling (BIM) is an open international standard representing building information. Digital Twin (DT) can capture and monitor real-time building conditions to facilitate building operation. Integrating information acquired by DT with BIM has considerable potential to enable an open international standard based computational representation of key decision variables throughout the whole-building life cycle process. This paper aims to develop a novel conceptual framework that integrates BIM and DT to support net-zero-carbon buildings. The framework is developed using an open international standard approach and the ontology-based representation method, to define key decision variables using entities, properties, and relationships, and integrates captured data via DT. The research makes significant contributions to enable net-zero-carbon buildings and paves the way for future research on an automated system to support decision-making for the whole-life-cycle net-zero-carbon buildings.
BIM Roles and Responsibilities in Developing Countries: A Dedicated Matrix for Design-Bid-Build Projects
Authors: Habib Um , Nasir Abdur , Ullah Fahim , Qayyum Siddra , Thaheem Muhammad
Published: October 2022

Building information modeling (BIM) through data-rich digital representation has revolutionized the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. BIM implementation in the AEC industry has noticeably increased over the last decade. Various BIM roles have been discussed in the literature to ease the process of BIM implementation, but the BIM roles related to project delivery methods have not been standardized. Stimulated by this need, this study develops a BIM roles and responsibilities matrix (BIM-R&R) in the context of the design−bid−build (DBB) projects for developing countries. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted, followed by a questionnaire survey comprising 105 responses. The results were analyzed to formulate a BIM-R&R matrix, on which the expert opinion was obtained from the BIM experts. The proposed BIM-R&R matrix describes all the roles and their corresponding responsibilities required along the project life cycle phases of DBB projects. The incorporation of BIM roles in the DBB procurement process will aid in the efficient management of all information and data that may be lost due to the fragmented nature of DBB. BIM roles with enhanced communication and coordination will also help in reducing time and cost overruns while maintaining a high-quality product. This study helps the associated construction industry in its efforts to implement BIM on their projects by providing a method by which to assess which BIM roles are necessary. Moreover, it will provide project and construction managers with a clear understanding of the BIM roles in DBB projects.
Automation of Construction Progress Monitoring by Integrating 3D Point Cloud Data with an IFC-Based BIM Model
Authors: Kavaliauskas Paulius , Fernandez Jaime B. , McGuinness Kevin , Jurelionis Andrius
Published: October 2022

Automated construction progress monitoring using as-planned building information modeling (BIM) and as-built point cloud data integration has substantial potential and could lead to the fast-tracking of construction work and identifying discrepancies. Laser scanning is becoming mainstream for conducting construction surveys due to the accuracy of the data obtained and the speed of the process; however, construction progress monitoring techniques are still limited because of the complexity of the methods, incompleteness of the scanned areas, or the obstructions by temporary objects in construction sites. The novel method proposed within this study enables the extracting of BIM data, calculating the plane equation of the faces, and performing a point-to-plane distance estimation, which successfully overcomes some limitations reported in previous studies, including automated object detection in an occluded environment. Six datasets consisting of point clouds collected by static and mobile laser scanning techniques including the corresponding BIM models were analyzed. In all the analyzed cases, the proposed method automatically detected whether the construction of an object was completed or not in the as-built point cloud compared to the provided as-planned BIM model.
Climate Change Performance of nZEB Buildings
Authors: Ramos Ruiz Germán , Olloqui del Olmo Alba
Published: October 2022

Buildings are one of the key factors in working towards a low-carbon economy to help mitigate climate change. For this reason, many of the current regulations aim to reduce their consumption and increase their efficiency, as is the case in the European Union with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Terms such as nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB) or zero-emission buildings (ZEB) are increasingly used. However, these terms and regulations focus on energy and emissions, ignoring user comfort. This research shows the performance of these buildings in the face of climate change, as their strengths are not limited to energy consumption or emissions, but also to improving user comfort. By examining the compliance of a real semi-detached house with the different Spanish energy regulations (NBE-CTE 79, CTE-DB HE 2013 and CTE-DB HE 2019), its performance in terms of energy and comfort in different future scenarios defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is evaluated. The results show that the building with nZEB criteria (CTE-DB-HE 2019) reduces its energy consumption by an average of 84.36% compared to the other two energy standards. In terms of comfort, measured according to the Fanger criteria (steady state model), the hours throughout the year in the “neutral” thermal sensation category are similar; however, the hours in the “slightly cool” category are reduced by 57%, improving by up to eight times the “slightly warm” category. The nZEB building proves to be more resilient to climate change by mitigating and homogenizing its response to climatic variations.
Lean and Sustainable Project Delivery in Building Construction: Development of a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Moradi Sina , Sormunen Piia
Published: October 2022

The shortage of constructive philosophies, principles, techniques, and tools in construction project delivery and sustainability before the 1990s, together with the abundance of them after 2000, creates two different eras which are of prime importance. The former one’s considerable advantage was a common understanding and set of practices (e.g., the critical path method for scheduling), which seems to be a goal to achieve in the later one. In this regard, the combination and integration of best practices, tools, and techniques in construction project delivery can be considerably helpful for benefiting from their advantages and covering their limitations. Thus, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework for lean and sustainable project delivery in building construction projects. To do so, a systematic literature review was carried out, through which 230 studies were located and analyzed via thematic analysis to realize the purpose of this study. The findings present a conceptual framework for project delivery which combines and integrates sustainability, lean construction, and building information modeling in terms of principles, practices, tools, and techniques. Practically, this study’s results inform practitioners in the construction industry on the lean and sustainable delivery of building construction projects.
Impact of Tumour Segmentation Accuracy on Efficacy of Quantitative MRI Biomarkers of Radiotherapy Outcome in Brain Metastasis
Authors: Jalalifar Seyed Ali , Soliman Hany , Sahgal Arjun , Sadeghi-Naini Ali
Published: October 2022

Significantly affecting patients’ clinical course and quality of life, a growing number of cancer cases are diagnosed with brain metastasis (BM) annually. Stereotactic radiotherapy is now a major treatment option for patients with BM. However, it may take months before the local response of BM to stereotactic radiation treatment is apparent on standard follow-up imaging. While machine learning in conjunction with radiomics has shown great promise in predicting the local response of BM before or early after radiotherapy, further development and widespread application of such techniques has been hindered by their dependency on manual tumour delineation. In this study, we explored the impact of using less-accurate automatically generated segmentation masks on the efficacy of radiomic features for radiotherapy outcome prediction in BM. The findings of this study demonstrate that while the effect of tumour delineation accuracy is substantial for segmentation models with lower dice scores (dice score ≤ 0.85), radiomic features and prediction models are rather resilient to imperfections in the produced tumour masks. Specifically, the selected radiomic features (six shared features out of seven) and performance of the prediction model (accuracy of 80% versus 80%, AUC of 0.81 versus 0.78) were fairly similar for the ground-truth and automatically generated segmentation masks, with dice scores close to 0.90. The positive outcome of this work paves the way for adopting high-throughput automatically generated tumour masks for discovering diagnostic and prognostic imaging biomarkers in BM without sacrificing accuracy.
Management of Brain Metastases from Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Positive (HER2+) Breast Cancer
Authors: McGranahan Tresa M. , Bonm Alipi V. , Specht Jennifer M. , Venur Vyshak , Lo Simon S.
Published: October 2022

In the past 5 years, the treatment options available to patients with HER2+ breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) have expanded. The longer survival of patients with HER2+ BCBM renders understanding the toxicities of local therapies even more important to consider. After reviewing the available literature for HER2 targeted systemic therapies as well as local therapies, we present a simplified algorithm for when to prioritize systemic therapies over local therapies in patients with HER2+ BCBM.
Mapping Lymph Node during Indocyanine Green Fluorescence-Imaging Guided Gastric Oncologic Surgery: Current Applications and Future Directions
Authors: Liao Yiqun , Zhao Jiahao , Chen Yuji , Zhao Bin , Fang Yongkun , Wang Fei , Wei Chen , Ma Yichao , Ji Hao , Wang Daorong , Tang Dong
Published: October 2022

Huge strides have been made in the navigation of gastric cancer surgery thanks to the improvement of intraoperative techniques. For now, the use of indocyanine green (ICG) enhanced fluorescence imaging has received promising results in detecting sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and tracing lymphatic drainages, which make it applicable for limited and precise lymphadenectomy. Nevertheless, issues of the lack of specificity and unpredictable false-negative lymph nodes were encountered in gastric oncologic surgery practice using ICG-enhanced fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI), which restrict its application. Here, we reviewed the current application of ICG-FI and assessed potential approaches to improving ICG-FI.
Longitudinal Body Composition Changes Detected by [18F]FDG PET/CT during and after Chemotherapy and Their Prognostic Role in Elderly Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Albano Domenico , Dondi Francesco , Treglia Giorgio , Tucci Alessandra , Ravanelli Marco , Farina Davide , Bertagna Francesco
Published: October 2022

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the longitudinal body changes in terms of muscle and adipose areas and their prognostic role in elderly (>65 years) patients affected by Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), and total dispose tissue (TAT) were measured using the computed tomography (CT) of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT ([18F]FDG PET/CT) in 88 patients who undertook baseline, interim (after two cycles of chemotherapy), and end-of-treatment (after 6 cycles of chemotherapy) PET/CT scans. Metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured at pre-treatment PET/CT. Metabolic response applying Deauville score was evaluated at interim and end-of-treatment PET/CT. Survival curves, such as progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), were calculated for the whole population. Fifty-eight (66%) patients had sarcopenia at baseline and sarcopenia rate increased at interim scan with 68 (77%) cases and at end-of-treatment scan with 73 (83%) cases. Muscular areas (SMA and SMI) declined significantly during the treatment (p < 0.001), decreasing from baseline by 5% and 7% at interim and end-of-treatment evaluation, respectively. Instead, VAT, SAT, IMAT, and TAT increased significantly over this time (p < 0.001). Sarcopenia was significantly related with comprehensive geriatric assessment. PET/CT response at interim and end-of-treatment, MTV, TLG, and baseline sarcopenia were independent prognostic factors for PFS. Instead, metabolic response at interim and end-of-treatment PET, baseline sarcopenia, ΔSMI at interim, and ΔSMI at end-of-treatment for OS were independent prognostic factors.