bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Various InDel-II Variants of the White Spot Syndrome Virus Isolated from Frozen Shrimp and Bivalves Obtained in the Korean Commercial Market
Authors: Min Joon-Gyu , Jeong Hyun-Do , Kim Kwang-Il
Published: October 2023

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) poses a significant threat to the global shrimp industry. We investigated the presence of WSSV in frozen shrimp (n = 86) and shellfish (n = 185) from the Korean market (2010–2018). The detection rate of first-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in domestic shrimp was 36.8% (7/19), whereas that in imported shrimp was 0.01% (1/67). Furthermore, the WSSV genome was amplified from domestic bivalve mollusks by first- and second-step PCR with accuracies of 3.4% (5/147) and 15.6% (23/147), respectively. The genetic relatedness of InDel-II regions among WSSVs detected in domestic shrimp groups revealed four variants (777, 5649, 11,070 and 13,046 bp insertion or deletion), and imported shrimp groups had four variants (10,778, 11,086, 11,500 and 13,210 bp) compared with the putative ancestor WSSV strain. The 5649 bp variant was the dominant type among the WSSV variants detected in domestic shrimp (54.5%, 6/11). Notably, bivalve mollusks exhibited six variants (777, 5649, 5783, 5876, 11,070 and 13,046 bp), including four variants detected in shrimp, indicating that bivalve mollusks could facilitate WSSV tracking. In a challenge test, whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) exhibited varying mortality rates, indicating a link between InDel-II deletion and viral replication. These findings highlight the complexity of WSSV transmission.
Daptomycin-Impregnated PMMA Cement against Vancomycin-Resistant Germs: Dosage, Handling, Elution, Mechanical Stability, and Effectiveness
Authors: Humez Martina , Domann Eugen , Thormann Kai M. , Fölsch Christian , Strathausen Rainer , Vogt Sebastian , Alt Volker , Kühn Klaus-Dieter
Published: October 2023

Background: The number of periprosthetic joint infections caused by vancomycin-resistant pathogens is increasing. Currently, no PMMA cement is commercially available to cover VRE. Daptomycin shows promising results in treating infection, offering a good safety profile and a reduced risk of developing resistance. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the mechanical stability, handling properties, elution behavior, and antimicrobial effectiveness of PMMA cement loaded with three different daptomycin concentrations in comparison to commercially available antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC). Methods: Mechanical properties and handling characteristics (ISO 5833, DIN 53435), HPLC elution, antimicrobial effectiveness with proliferation assay (DIN 17025), and inhibition zone testing were investigated. Results: All tested daptomycin concentrations met the ISO and DIN standards for mechanical strength. Loading of 40 g of PMMA cement with 0.5 g of daptomycin did not show any antimicrobial effectiveness, in contrast to 1.0 g and 1.5 g. PMMA cement with 1.5 g of daptomycin was the best in terms of elution and effectiveness, and it showed good ISO mechanical strength; ISO doughing was sticky for a little longer and setting was faster compared to the vancomycin-containing reference cement. Conclusion: PMMA cement containing 0.5 g of gentamicin and 1.5 g of daptomycin could be a good alternative to the already established COPAL® (Wehrheim, Germany) G+V for the treatment of PJIs caused by VRE.
Spatial-Temporal Distribution and the Influencing Factors of Water Conservation Function in Yunnan, China
Authors: Qin Zhuo , Yang Jiameng , Qiu Mengyuan , Liu Zhiyong
Published: October 2023

Assessing the spatial and quantitative evaluation of water conservation within regional ecosystems holds vital significance for effective regional water resource management, allocation optimization, and enhanced ecological protection. In this study, we focus on Yunnan Province as our research subject and utilize land use data spanning from 2000 to 2018. The InVEST model serves as a key tool for evaluating Yunnan Province’s water conservation capacity over the past two decades. Furthermore, we employ Geographical detectors and ArcGIS 10.2 to delve into the spatial distribution patterns and the impact of both natural environmental and socio-economic factors on changes in water conservation capacity. The research findings reveal a spatial trend in regional water source conservation, characterized by a decreasing gradient from the southwest to the northeast. Over the past two decades, we have observed an initial decline followed by a subsequent increase in regional water source conservation, resulting in an overall upward trajectory. Precipitation displays the strongest correlation among natural environmental factors, indicating a significant influence on water conservation. Additionally, socio-economic data exhibit a noteworthy positive correlation with alterations in water conservation, primarily attributed to urbanization and the expansion of impermeable surfaces like urban construction land, which bolster regional water conservation efforts. This research offers valuable insights that can serve as a foundation for establishing local water source protection measures and ecological compensation mechanisms.
The Development of a Secure Online System to Protect Social Networking Platforms from Security Attacks
Authors: Alothman Basil , Alibrahim Omar , Alenezi Nourah , Alhashemi Abrar , Alhashemi Maryam , Almardasi Dalal , Khattab Omar , Joumaa Chibli , Khan Murad
Published: October 2023

Due to the rapid advancement of social media, a huge amount of data is generated daily. Due to this great spread and expansion of the data at the social or professional level, the risks of securing the information become a challenging job. In this regard, we conducted an in-depth interview to gather specific information about how infected users may be provided with information about recovering their hacked social networking accounts. Further, we have introduced a complete solution to help social network users to improve the idea of using different applications from one appropriate platform. In order to build this secure platform for accessing the security applications such as bank accounts, etc., we set various security methods to access social network websites, such as sending an OTP to their respective mobile devices, email or by fingerprint. Further, we also added a camera to identify the wrong or fake registration process of an intruder. The camera captures an image of the intruder registering to a social network website using the legitimate user’s information. In addition, the application also has a solution for forgetting the password or security questions that are sent to the user via email. Finally, the application saves the password, which can be recovered when the user forgets it.
An Improved Two-Dimensional Simplification Calculation Method for Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Wu Hongxue , Zhou Yiheng , Yang Xiaobao
Published: October 2023

The axial flux permanent magnet synchronous motor (APMSM) has the advantages of short axial size, high efficiency, and high power density. However, the three-dimensional magnetic circuit structure of this type of motor results in a longer calculation time, which is not conducive to rapid design and optimization. In order to quickly and accurately complete the preliminary calculation and optimization of axial flux permanent magnet synchronous motors, this paper proposes an improved equivalent calculation method for two-dimensional multi-layer linear motors. This method is based on the traditional two-dimensional multi-layer linear motor equivalent method, taking into account the complexity of geometric model establishment and simulation condition settings and applying the principle of analogy to achieve significant simplification of geometric modeling and simulation settings. The article elaborates on the correlation and differences between the proposed method and existing methods and verifies the calculation accuracy through finite element calculation. The results indicate that the improved two-dimensional multi-layer linear motor equivalent calculation method proposed in this article can significantly reduce calculation time while ensuring calculation accuracy and has good application prospects in preliminary design and parameter optimization processes.
AccFlow: Defending against the Low-Rate TCP DoS Attack in Drones
Authors: Cao Yuan , Li Haotian , Han Lijuan , Zhao Xiaojin , Pan Xiaofang , Yao Enyi
Published: October 2023

As drones are widely employed in various industries and daily life, concerns regarding their safety have been gradually emerging. Denial of service (DoS) attacks have become one of the most significant threats to the stability of resource-constrained sensor nodes. Traditional brute-force and high-rate distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are easily detectable and mitigated. However, low-rate TCP DoS attacks can considerably impair TCP throughput and evade DoS prevention systems by inconspicuously consuming a small portion of network capacity, and whereas the literature offers effective defense mechanisms against DDoS attacks, there is a gap in defending against Low-Rate TCP DoS attacks. In this paper, we introduce AccFlow, an incrementally deployable Software-Defined Networking (SDN)-based protocol designed to counter low-rate TCP DoS attacks. The main idea of AccFlow is to make the attacking flows accountable for the congestion by dropping their packets according to their loss rates. AccFlow drops their packets more aggressively as the loss rates increase. Through extensive simulations, we illustrate that AccFlow can effectively safeguard against low-rate TCP DoS attacks, even when attackers employ varying strategies involving different scales and data rates. Furthermore, whereas AccFlow primarily addresses low-rate TCP DoS attacks, our research reveals its effectiveness in defending against general DoS attacks. These general attacks do not rely on the TCP retransmission timeout mechanism but rather deplete network resources, ultimately resulting in a denial of service for legitimate users. Additionally, we delve into the scalability of AccFlow and its viability for practical deployment in real-world networks. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of AccFlow in safeguarding network resources.
Special Issue on Synthesis of Novel Heterocyclic Compounds and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Pawełczyk Anna , Zaprutko Lucjusz
Published: October 2023

Since their discovery or, to be exact, their definition, the chemistry of heterocyclic compounds has rapidly developed, and the range of their application has grown wider [...]
Special Issue: Numerical Simulation and Thermo-Mechanical Investigation of Composite Structures
Authors: Dhimole Vivek Kumar , Cho Chongdu
Published: October 2023

Material behavior is the key aspect of composite research [...]
Control Strategies for Piston Trajectory in Ionic Compressors for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Guo Yi , Tang Yuming , Cao Junhao , Diao Anna , Peng Xueyuan
Published: October 2023

The ionic compressor is a new and prospective technology applied for hydrogen storage which adopts a hydraulic system in which the hydraulic drive unit is a solid piston in the compression cavity. Controlling the trajectory of the solid piston is critical for achieving the designed thermodynamic process of compression. However, a strategy for controlling the position of a piston in an ionic compressor has not been reported in the open literature. In this paper, three valve-controlled methodologies are proposed for the effective control of a piston’s trajectory in an ionic compressor. A transient numerical model of the entire compression system was built using AMESim 2021 software. The performances of the proposed control methods were simulated and compared. The results show that the maximum isothermal efficiency, 50.28%, was obtained in the system using Position-P control, for which the highest hydrogen discharge mass for a single compression cycle of 1.14 g, a relatively low specific energy consumption of 2395.17 J/g, and a relatively small velocity control error of 0.32 m/s were observed. Although the lowest specific energy consumption was found in the case of the Dual-PS control method, the smallest mass product was also found for this case. Therefore, the Position-S control strategy was identified as the optimal method for a hydraulically driven ionic liquid compressor system.
Dynamic Disturbance Propagation Model of Pedestrian Panic Behaviors and Lyapunov-Based Crowd Stability Analysis
Authors: Li Cuiling , Zhao Rongyong , Han Chuanfeng , Arifur Rahman , Ma Yunlong , Liu Qiong
Published: October 2023

In public places, pedestrian panic behaviors have received increasing attention due to their dangerous impact on normal pedestrian flow. To address this issue, this study considered crowd panic behaviors as two-dimensional Gaussian disturbances quantitatively triggered by accidents and analyzed the stability of the pedestrian crowd based on Lyapunov criterion. First, this study established a two-dimensional static model for the disturbance pressure in a crowd. Then, a dynamic disturbance–propagation model (DPM) of crowd panic behaviors was proposed based on the conservation law of fluid dynamics. The anisotropy of the disturbance pressure propagation was proven with theoretical derivations and simulation experiments, which kept consistent with ground truth. Further, a stability criterion was proposed for pedestrian crowd flow under disturbances based on Lyapunov theory. To validate the proposed DPM, we simulated a disturbance scenario in the waiting hall of Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. Subsequently, the visual disturbance propagation dynamics and crowd state evolution due to a panic behavior disturbance in a pedestrian crowd were investigated; Finally, the experimental results demonstrated that disturbance pressures and pedestrian density fluctuated and diffused with the panic behavior outbreak point as the disturbance center, showing heterogeneous characteristics. This study shows how we can locate the high-risk areas affected by pedestrian panic behaviors in advance, and further help control crowd flow to keep a pedestrian crowd safe in public buildings.
A Clustering Routing Algorithm Based on Improved Ant Colony Optimization for an Urban Rail Transit Ad Hoc Network
Authors: Su Zhaoyang , Xiao Xiao , Han Zijie , Liu Liu
Published: October 2023

As traffic pressure increases, urban rail transit has attracted attention because of its high speed and growing capacity in recent years. However, the traditional vehicle–ground communication systems of urban rail transit have been unable to meet the increasing requirements for communication. In this paper, we introduce an ad hoc network for urban rail transit to improve communication reliability, reduce end-to-end latency, and improve throughput of vehicle–ground communication. A novel clustering algorithm based on improved ant colony optimization is presented, which integrates various variables to elect cluster heads and adopts a low-latency queuing strategy. In addition, the algorithm can also replace the cluster heads adaptively to optimize the communication quality. Through the simulation results, the proposed algorithm can reduce the packet loss rate by about 60%, reduce the delay by about 50%, and improve the throughput by about 40% compared with the classical clustering routing protocol.
L-Band Erbium Fiber Laser with Tunable and Narrow Sub-kHz Linewidth Output
Authors: Chen Lan-Yin , Lai Yu-Ting , Yeh Chien-Hung , Lin Chun-Yen , Cheng Kuan-Ming , Chen Jing-Heng , Chow Chi-Wai
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a wavelength-selectable erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser in L-band bandwidth with a simple structure and low cost is described. To obtain stable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) and narrow laser linewidth, the 2 m unpumped EDF-based saturable absorber (SA) and 100 m single-mode fiber (SMF)-induced Rayleigh backscattering (RB) injection effect are cascaded in the ring cavity of the fiber laser. The EDF SA and feedback RB injection can cause the auto-tracking ultra-narrow bandwidth filter effect to suppress the multiple longitudinal mode oscillations and narrow the laser linewidth. Thus, the tunable SLM wavelength output of the EDF laser with sub-kHz linewidth can be achieved. In the measurement, two EDF ring lasers can be executed when the placement of EDF-based SA and SMF-induced RB are switched to experiment with different output characteristics. The experimental results show that the wavelength bandwidths of the two lasers are between 1558.0 and 1618.0 nm. Additionally, the optimal optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR), wavelength linewidth, output power, and stability of the presented EDF laser configuration are also achieved and discussed.
Multi-Scale Indoor Scene Geometry Modeling Algorithm Based on Segmentation Results
Authors: Wang Changfa , Yao Tuo , Yang Qinghua
Published: October 2023

Due to the numerous objects with regular structures in indoor environments, identifying and modeling the regular objects in scenes aids indoor robots in sensing unknown environments. Typically, point cloud preprocessing can obtain highly complete object segmentation results in scenes which can be utilized as the objects for geometric analysis and modeling, thus ensuring modeling accuracy and speed. However, due to the lack of a complete object model, it is not possible to recognize and model segmented objects through matching methods. To achieve a greater understanding of scene point clouds, this paper proposes a direct geometric modeling algorithm based on segmentation results, which focuses on extracting regular geometries in the scene, rather than objects with geometric details or combinations of multiple primitives. This paper suggests using simpler geometric models to describe the corresponding point cloud data. By fully utilizing the surface structure information of segmented objects, the paper analyzes the types of faces and their relationships to classify regular geometric objects into two categories: planar and curved. Different types of geometric objects are fitted using random sampling consistency algorithms with type classification results as prior knowledge, and segmented results are modeled through a combination of size information associated with directed bounding boxes. For indoor scenes with occlusion and stacking, utilizing a higher-level semantic expression can effectively simplify the scene, complete scene abstraction and structural modeling, and aid indoor robots’ understanding and further operation in unknown environments.
“Lo que se ve, no se pregunta”: Creating Queer Space in the Work of José Villalobos
Authors: Coates Alana J.
Published: October 2023

This article examines the work of multidisciplinary artist José Villalobos through a queer Latinx lens using the theory of “disidentification” as put forth by José Esteban Muñoz and argues that Villalobos makes space for queer visibility and representation within Tejano norteño culture by subverting culturally specific objects that often perpetuate, sometimes violently, traditional Mexican and Mexican-American gender norms. By critically analyzing two artworks, Soledad (loneliness) (2022), a mixed-media triptych that takes the form of an ex-voto, and a performance, A Las Escondidas (Hide-and-Seek) (2019), this study demonstrates how Villalobos challenges gender-normative thinking in border culture through his artworks by incorporating the body and its adornments. Villalobos utilizes his body in his performances and the implied body in his installations and assemblages to critique and subvert homophobia. By doing so, he grafts queer identity onto norteño iconography to carve out space for representation and inclusion for himself and other members of the queer community.
Personalized E-Learning Recommender System Based on Autoencoders
Authors: El Youbi El Idrissi Lamyae , Akharraz Ismail , Ahaitouf Abdelaziz
Published: October 2023

Through the Internet, learners can access available information on e-learning platforms to facilitate their studies or to acquire new skills. However, finding the right information for their specific needs among the numerous available choices is a tedious task due to information overload. Recommender systems are a good solution to personalize e-learning by proposing useful and relevant information adapted to each learner using a set of techniques and algorithms. Collaborative filtering (CF) is one of the techniques widely used in such systems. However, the high dimensions and sparsity of the data are major problems. Since the concept of deep learning has grown in popularity, various studies have emerged to improve this form of filtering. In this work, we used an autoencoder, which is a powerful model in data dimension reduction, feature extraction and data reconstruction, to learn and predict student preferences in an e-learning recommendation system based on collaborative filtering. Experimental results obtained using the database created by Kulkarni et al. show that this model is more accurate and outperforms models based on K-nearest neighbor (KNN), singular value decomposition (SVD), singular value decomposition plus plus (SVD++) and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) in terms of the root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE).
Approximation of Functions of the Classes CβψHα by Linear Methods Summation of Their Fourier Series
Authors: Kharkevych Yurii , Kal’chuk Inna
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we considered arbitrary linear summation methods of Fourier series specified by a set of continuous functions dependent on the real parameter and established their approximation properties. We obtained asymptotic formulas for the exact upper bounds of the deviations of operators generated by λ-methods of Fourier series summation from the functions of the classes CβψHα under certain restrictions on the functions ψ.
Simulation of an Elastic Rod Whirling Instabilities by Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method Combined with an Immersed Boundary Method
Authors: Alapati Suresh , Che Wooseong , Rao Sunkara Srinivasa , Phan Giang T. T.
Published: October 2023

Mathematical modeling and analysis of biologically inspired systems has been a fascinating research topic in recent years. In this work, we present the results obtained from the simulation of an elastic rod (that mimics a flagellum axoneme) rotational motion in a viscous fluid by using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) combined with an immersed boundary method (IBM). A finite element model consists of a set of beam and truss elements used to discretize the flagellum axoneme while the fluid flow is solved by the well-known LBM. The hydrodynamic coupling to maintain the no-slip boundary condition between the fluid and the elastic rod is conducted with the IBM. The rod is actuated with a torque applied at its base cross-section that acts as a driving motor of the axoneme. We simulated the rotational dynamics of the rod for three different rotational frequencies (low, medium, and high) of the motor. To compare with previous publication results, we chose the sperm number Sp=L(4πμω)/(EI)1/4 as the validation parameter. We found that at the low rotational frequency, f = 1.5 Hz, the rod performs stable twirling motion after attaining an equilibrium state (the rod undergoes rigid rotation about its axis). At the medium frequency, f = 2.65 Hz, the rod undergoes whirling motion, where the tip of the rod rotates about the central rotational axis of the driving motor. When the frequency increases further, i.e., when it reaches the critical value, fc ≈ 2.7 Hz, the whirling motion becomes over-whirling, where the tip of the filament falls back to the base and performs a steady crank-shafting motion. All three rotational dynamics, twirling, whirling, and over-whirling, and the critical value of rotational frequency are in good agreement with the previously published results. We also observed that our present simulation technique is computationally more efficient than previous works.
To Go Where Nature Leads: Focus on Palmitoylethanolamide and Related ALIAmides as Innovative Approach to Neuroinflammatory and Pain-Related Disease States in Honor of Doctor Francesco Della Valle
Authors: Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Crupi Rosalia
Published: October 2023

Dr [...]
Aflatoxin B1 Exposure Aggravates Neurobehavioral Deficits and Immune Dysfunctions of Th1, Th9, Th17, Th22, and T Regulatory Cell-Related Transcription Factor Signaling in the BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J Mouse Model of Autism
Authors: Alwetaid Mohammad Y. , Almanaa Taghreed N. , Bakheet Saleh A. , Ansari Mushtaq A. , Nadeem Ahmed , Attia Sabry M. , Hussein Marwa H. , Ahmad Sheikh F.
Published: October 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease characterized by impaired communication, reciprocal social interactions, restricted sociability deficits, and stereotyped behavioral patterns. Environmental factors and genetic susceptibility have been implicated in an increased risk of ASD. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a typical contaminant of food and feed that causes severe immune dysfunction in humans and animals. Nevertheless, the impact of ASD on behavioral and immunological responses has not been thoroughly examined. To investigate this phenomenon, we subjected BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice to AFB1 and evaluated their marble-burying and self-grooming behaviors and their sociability. The exposure to AFB1 resulted in a notable escalation in marble-burying and self-grooming activities while concurrently leading to a decline in social contacts. In addition, we investigated the potential molecular mechanisms that underlie the impact of AFB1 on the production of Th1 (IFN-γ, STAT1, and T-bet), Th9 (IL-9 and IRF4), Th17 (IL-17A, IL-21, RORγT, and STAT3), Th22 (IL-22, AhR, and TNF-α), and T regulatory (Treg) (IL-10, TGF-β1, and FoxP3) cells in the spleen. This was achieved using RT-PCR and Western blot analyses to assess mRNA and protein expression in brain tissue. The exposure to AFB1 resulted in a significant upregulation of various immune-related factors, including IFN-γ, STAT1, T-bet, IL-9, IRF4, IL-17A, IL-21, RORγ, STAT3, IL-22, AhR, and TNF-α in BTBR mice. Conversely, the production of IL-10, TGF-β1, and FoxP3 by CD4+ T cells was observed to be downregulated. Exposure to AFB1 demonstrated a notable rise in Th1/Th9/Th22/Th17 levels and a decrease in mRNA and protein expression of Treg. The results above underscore the significance of AFB1 exposure in intensifying neurobehavioral and immunological abnormalities in BTBR mice, hence indicating the necessity for a more comprehensive investigation into the contribution of AFB1 to the development of ASD.
Classification of Multiaxial Behaviour of Fine-Grained Concrete for the Calibration of a Microplane Plasticity Model
Authors: Betz Peter , Curosu Verena , Loehnert Stefan , Marx Steffen , Curbach Manfred
Published: October 2023

Fine-grained high-strength concrete has already been tested extensively regarding its uniaxial strength. However, there is a lack of research on the multiaxial performance. In this contribution, some biaxial tests are investigated in order to compare the multiaxial load-bearing behaviour of fine-grained concretes with that of high-strength concretes with normal aggregate from the literature. The comparison pertains to the general biaxial load-bearing behaviour of concrete, the applicability of already existing fracture criteria and the extrapolation for the numerical investigation. This provides an insight into the applicability of existing data for the material characterisation of this fine-grained concrete and, in particular, to compensate for the lack of investigations on fine-grained concretes in general. It is shown, that the calibration of material models for fine-grained concretes based on literature results or normal-grained concrete with similar strength capacity is possible, as long as the uniaxial strength values and the modulus of elasticity are known. For the numerical simulation, a Microplane Drucker–Prager cap plasticity model is introduced and fitted in the first step to the biaxial compression tests. The model parameters are set into relation with the macroscopic quantities, gained from the observable behaviour of the concrete under uniaxial and biaxial compressive loading. It is shown that the model is able to capture the yielding and hardening effects of fine-grained high-strength concrete in different directions.
A Study on Recommendations for Improving Minimum Housing Standards
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Sim Hyunnam , Kim Seiyong
Published: October 2023

Minimum housing standards aim to safeguard housing rights and enhance residential conditions. Governments develop housing policies, including provision, preservation, and support for welfare programs, guided by the status of households below these standards. Growing nations commonly utilize this approach to decrease the proportion of households not meeting these criteria. In South Korea, the ratio of households below these standards was 4.5% in 2021, down from 16.6% in 2006, as indicated by the initial Korea Housing Survey. However, this downward trend has stalled over the past decade. With the 2004 and 2011 revisions, the standards have been effective for 12 years, yet no longer mirror current housing realities due to ongoing improvements. This study aimed to propose enhancements to Korea’s minimum housing standards. Through analyzing laws, prior research, present household statuses, international cases, and expert insights, recommendations emerged. Categorizing households by size, we developed precise standards covering area, facility, and location aspects. These new standards led to an 8.4% non-compliance rate in 2021. This research’s findings anticipate aiding the revision of minimum housing standards, formulating pragmatic policies for enhancing residential conditions in line with present situations.
A Review of the Digital Skills Needed in the Construction Industry: Towards a Taxonomy of Skills
Authors: Siddiqui Fida Hussain , Thaheem Muhammad Jamaluddin , Abdekhodaee Amir
Published: October 2023

The construction industry is slowly embracing digitalisation in line with the Industry 4.0 revolution and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, progress has been sluggish due to stakeholders’ limited awareness of digital skills. This study addresses this issue by developing a comprehensive taxonomy of digital skills required to successfully implement the Industry 4.0 principles of digitalisation in the construction industry. A systematic literature review was conducted by mining the Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify relevant literature and map the skills currently used or needed for digitalisation. The study also examined publication trends and outlets to gain insight into developments. Additionally, VOSviewer was used to conduct a scientometric analysis of the shortlisted articles to identify important keywords and authorship collaboration networks within this research domain. A total of thirty-five digital skills were identified from the literature. These skills were organised into a taxonomy with categories named automation and robotics, coding and programming, design, drafting and engineering, digital data acquisition and integration, digital literacy, digitisation and virtualisation, modelling and simulation, and planning and estimation. The developed taxonomy will help stakeholders plan strategically to provide digital skills to the new graduates joining the workforce, enabling a more comprehensive approach to the digitalisation of the construction industry.
Recent Research Advances in High-Performance Steel Tubular Members: Material Properties, Stub Columns, and Beams
Authors: Li Yaohan , Lee Chi-Chung , Cai Yancheng
Published: October 2023

This paper presents recent advances in research on high-performance steel tubular members, including beams and columns. The term high-performance steel has been used for steels that have unparalleled characteristics such as high strength, cold formability, corrosion resistance, and ductility. Stainless steel (SS) and high-strength steel (HSS) are classified as high-performance steel. In the context of this paper, high-performance steel refers to SS and HSS, where HSS is with a nominal yield strength equal to or higher than 690 MPa. This paper initially illustrates the applications of high-performance steel as a construction material for buildings and infrastructures. Subsequently, the material properties of high-performance steel with constitutive models in response to the stress–strain curves are summarized. Furthermore, this paper reviews research on the structural performance of high-performance steel stub columns and beams and presents the associated design equations. Finally, insights into future work on the structural behavior of high-performance steel to promote its widespread use for building and infrastructure construction are provided.
CFD Analysis of Building Cross-Ventilation with Different Angled Gable Roofs and Opening Locations
Authors: Shi Jingyuan , Zhao Changkai , Liu Yanan
Published: October 2023

The geometric shape of the roof and the opening position are important parameters influencing the internal cross-ventilation of buildings. Although there has been extensive research on natural ventilation, most of it has focused on flat or sloping roofs with the same opening positions. There is still limited research on the impact of different opening positions and sloping roofs on natural ventilation. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to investigate the air exchange efficiency (AEE) in general isolated buildings. These buildings encompassed three distinct opening configurations (top–top, top–bottom, and bottom–top) and six varying slope angles for gable roofs (0°, 9°, 18°, 27°, 36°, and 45°). Computational simulations were carried out using the SST k-omega turbulence model, and validation was performed against experimental data supplied by the Japanese AIJ Wind Tunnel Laboratory. Grid independence validation was also conducted to ensure the reliability of the CFD simulation results. The study revealed that the highest AEE was 48.1%, achieved with the top–bottom opening configuration and a gable roof slope angle of 45°. Conversely, the lowest AEE was 31.4%, attained with the bottom–top opening configuration and a gable roof slope angle of 27°. Furthermore, it was observed that when the opening configuration was set to top–top and bottom–top, the slope angle of the gable roof had minimal influence on AEE, with an average AEE of only around 33%. When the opening configuration was top–bottom, it was found that there was a positive correlation between the gable roof slope angle and AEE.
Different Oncologic Outcomes According to Margin Status (High-Grade Dysplasia vs. Carcinoma) in Patients Who Underwent Hilar Resection for Mid-Bile Duct Cancer
Authors: Alramadhan Hani Jassim , Lim Soo-Yeun , Jeong Hye-Jeong , Jeon Hyun-Jeong , Chae Hochang , Yoon So-Jeong , Shin Sang-Hyun , Han In-Woong , Heo Jin-Seok , Kim Hongbeom
Published: October 2023

Margin positivity after hilar resection (HR) for bile duct cancer is commonly observed due to its longitudinal spread along the subepithelial plane; nevertheless, we cannot draw conclusions regarding the prognostic effects of margins with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or carcinoma. We aimed to investigate the oncologic effect according to the margin status after HR, particularly between the R1 HGD and the R1 carcinoma. From 2008 to 2017, 149 patients diagnosed with mid-bile duct cancer in Samsung Medical Center, South Korea, were divided according to margin status after HR and retrospectively analyzed. Recurrence patterns were also analyzed between the groups. There were 126 patients with R0 margins, nine with R1 HGD, and 14 with R1 carcinoma. The mean age of the patients was 68.3 (±8.1); most patients were male. The mean age was higher in R1 carcinoma patients than in R1 HGD and R0 patients (p = 0.014). The R1 HGD and R1 carcinoma groups had more patients with a higher T-stage than R0 (p = 0.079). In univariate analysis, the prognostic factors affecting overall survival were age, T- and N-stage, CA19-9, and margin status. The survival rate of R0 was comparable to that of R1 HGD, but the survival rate of R0 was significantly better compared to R1 carcinoma (R0 vs. R1 HGD, p = 0.215, R0 vs. R1 carcinoma, p = 0.042, respectively). The recurrence pattern between the margin groups did not differ significantly (p = 0.604). Extended surgery should be considered for R1 carcinoma; however, in R1 HGD, extended operation may not be necessary, as it may achieve oncologic outcomes similar to R0 margins with HR.
The Evolving Landscape: Exploring the Future of Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment with Dr. Rami Komrokji
Authors: Jackewicz Sean Henry , Coloma Helena S. , Cortiana Viviana , Joshi Muskan , Menon Gayathri P. , Balasubramanian Maduri , Park Chandler H. , Leyfman Yan
Published: October 2023

This perspective delves into the evolving landscape of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) treatment. MDS presents a significant clinical challenge, often progressing to acute myeloid leukemia. For low-risk MDS, the emphasis is on personalized care through comprehensive risk assessment, clinical monitoring, and tailored interventions, including promising agents like erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, lenalidomide, and luspatercept, with the anticipation of an expanding therapeutic arsenal and early intervention for improved outcomes. In contrast, high-risk MDS treatment is evolving towards upfront doublet or triplet therapies with a focus on minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring. A holistic approach integrates various modalities, including stem cell transplant and post-transplant maintenance, all guided by individual patient circumstances. Risk-adapted strategies are crucial for enhancing patient outcomes. Precision medicine for MDS treatment is budding, largely driven by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). NGS aids in early diagnosis, prognostication, and the targeting of specific mutations, with molecular data increasingly informing treatment responses and allowing for tailored interventions. Clinical trials within homogeneous patient groups with similar molecular profiles are becoming more common, enhancing treatment precision. In conclusion, the future of MDS treatment is moving towards personalized medicine, leveraging advanced technologies like NGS and molecular insights to improve outcomes in the realm of hematological malignancies.
Current and Future Use of Long Axial Field-of-View Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Scanners in Clinical Oncology
Authors: Roya Mostafa , Mostafapour Samaneh , Mohr Philipp , Providência Laura , Li Zekai , van Snick Johannes H. , Brouwers Adrienne H. , Noordzij Walter , Willemsen Antoon T. M. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , Lammertsma Adriaan A. , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , Tsoumpas Charalampos , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , van Sluis Joyce
Published: October 2023

The latest technical development in the field of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging has been the extension of the PET axial field-of-view. As a result of the increased number of detectors, the long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET systems are not only characterized by a larger anatomical coverage but also by a substantially improved sensitivity, compared with conventional short axial field-of-view PET systems. In clinical practice, this innovation has led to the following optimization: (1) improved overall image quality, (2) decreased duration of PET examinations, (3) decreased amount of radioactivity administered to the patient, or (4) a combination of any of the above. In this review, novel applications of LAFOV PET in oncology are highlighted and future directions are discussed.
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Macrophages and Cytokines Profile in the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Kwiecień Iwona , Rutkowska Elżbieta , Raniszewska Agata , Rzeszotarska Agnieszka , Polubiec-Kownacka Małgorzata , Domagała-Kulawik Joanna , Korsak Jolanta , Rzepecki Piotr
Published: October 2023

Macrophages play an important role in the suppression and activation of immune anti-cancer response, but little is known about dominant macrophage phenotype in the lung cancer environment, evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The aim of this study was to characterize macrophages in BALF from a lung affected by cancer (cBALF) and a healthy lung (hBALF) of the same patient regarding their individual macrophage polarization and selected cytokines profile. A total of 36 patients with confirmed lung cancer were investigated. Macrophages markers: CD206 CD163 CD80 CD86 CD40 CD45, Arginase-1, and CD68 were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cytokines (IL-1 RA, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-23, and TGF-β) profile was analyzed. There was higher median proportion of macrophages in Cbalf than in Hbalf. The population of macrophages presented immunophenotype: Ccd68+bright CD206+bright CD163+bright CD80+ CD86+ CD40+bright CD45+ cArginase+. We observed some trends in the expression of the analyzed antigens in clBALF and hlBLAF. The highest concentrations of IL-1RA and IL-6 were in Cbalf and Hbalf supernatant. There were the correlations between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The findings showed that macrophages include a diverse and plastic group with the presence of different antigens and cytokines, and determining the target phenotype is a complex and variable process.
Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: From Classic to Novel Clinicopathogenetic Implications
Authors: Romeo Mario , Dallio Marcello , Scognamiglio Flavia , Ventriglia Lorenzo , Cipullo Marina , Coppola Annachiara , Tammaro Chiara , Scafuro Giuseppe , Iodice Patrizia , Federico Alessandro
Published: October 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a predominant malignancy with increasing incidences and mortalities worldwide. In Western countries, the progressive affirmation of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) as the main chronic liver disorder in which HCC occurrence is appreciable even in non-cirrhotic stages, constitutes a real health emergency. In light of this, a further comprehension of molecular pathways supporting HCC onset and progression represents a current research challenge to achieve more tailored prognostic models and appropriate therapeutic approaches. RNA non-coding transcripts (ncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of several cancer-related processes, including HCC. When dysregulated, these molecules, conventionally classified as “small ncRNAs” (sncRNAs) and “long ncRNAs” (lncRNAs) have been reported to markedly influence HCC-related progression mechanisms. In this review, we describe the main dysregulated ncRNAs and the relative molecular pathways involved in HCC progression, analyzing their implications in certain etiologically related contexts, and their applicability in clinical practice as novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools. Finally, given the growing evidence supporting the immune system response, the oxidative stress-regulated mechanisms, and the gut microbiota composition as relevant emerging elements mutually influencing liver-cancerogenesis processes, we investigate the relationship of ncRNAs with this triad, shedding light on novel pathogenetic frontiers of HCC progression.
A Study on a New Type of High-Performance Resin-Coated Sand for Petroleum Fracturing Proppants
Authors: Wei Xiaohong , Wang Yuting , Yang Tian , Song Yaru
Published: October 2023

This study investigates a new type of high-performance coated sand as a petroleum fracturing proppant material. Modified quartz sand was coated with a layer of low-density resin to reduce the overall density of the proppant, thereby improving the suspension of the proppant in the fracturing fluid. Resins play an important role in the preparation of coated sand fracturing proppants. The mechanism of sand formation was studied by examining the phase composition and microstructure of the coated sand proppant. The results demonstrate that when the polyimide resin content is 6% and the curing temperature is 180 °C, the proppant exhibited the best performance with an apparent density of 1.592 g/cm3 and a breakage ratio of only 3.22% under 55.2 MPa. Compared with the widely used epoxy resin-coated support agent and phenolic resin-coated support agent in the early stage, their crushing rate decreased by 5% and their acid solubility decreased by 2%. Hence, this study is worthy of attention.
Multi-Wavelength Angle-Resolved Scattering of Randomly Rough Surfaces Based on the Scalar Diffraction Theory
Authors: Šulc Václav , Vohánka Jiří , Ohlídal Ivan , Klapetek Petr , Ohlídal Miloslav , Kaur Nupinder Jeet , Vižďa František
Published: October 2023

Angle-resolved scattering was measured for four samples of silicon exhibiting different surface roughnesses. The measurements were performed for three wavelengths: 457.9 nm, 514.5 nm, and 647.1 nm. Three approaches were used to evaluate the experimental data. The first approach corresponds to the exact formula derived using the scalar diffraction theory. This formula is quite complicated, and numerical methods must be used for its evaluation. For this reason, another two approaches representing approximations by much simpler formulae were considered. The use of several wavelengths allowed us not only to recover the power spectral density function in a limited interval of spatial frequencies but also to determine the total rms values of the heights, which represent the quantity of roughness for all spatial frequencies. The possibility of recovering the total rms values of the heights using the multi-wavelength approach is the most important result of this work. The results obtained from the scattering experiment and atomic force microscopy are compared.
A Review of Novel Oximetry Parameters for the Prediction of Cardiovascular Disease in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Authors: He Siying , Cistulli Peter A. , de Chazal Philip
Published: October 2023

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder with repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep, which leads to intermittent hypoxic events overnight, adverse neurocognitive, metabolic complications, and ultimately an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The standard diagnostic parameter for OSA, apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI), is inadequate to predict CVD morbidity and mortality, because it focuses only on the frequency of apnoea and hypopnoea events, and fails to reveal other physiological information for the prediction of CVD events. Novel parameters have been introduced to compensate for the deficiencies of AHI. However, the calculation methods and criteria for these parameters are unclear, hindering their use in cross-study analysis and studies. This review aims to discuss novel parameters for predicting CVD events from oximetry signals and to summarise the corresponding computational methods.