bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anonymous Access System with Limited Number of Uses in a Trustless Environment
Authors: Garcia-Grau Francesc , Herrera-Joancomartí Jordi , Dorca Josa Aleix
Published: September 2024

This article proposes a novel method for managing usage counters within an anonymous credential system, addressing the limitation of traditional anonymous credentials in tracking repeated use. The method takes advantage of blockchain technology through Smart Contracts deployed on the Ethereum network to enforce a predetermined maximum number of uses for a given credential. Users retain control over increments by providing zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) demonstrating private key possession and agreement on the increment value. This approach prevents replay attacks and ensures transparency and security. A prototype implementation on a private Ethereum blockchain demonstrates the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method, paving the way for its potential deployment in real-world applications requiring both anonymity and usage tracking.
Stress Evolution and Rock Burst Prevention in Triangle Coal Pillars under the Influence of Penetrating Faults: A Case Study
Authors: Guo Wenhao , Ma Xuezhou , Wen Yingyuan , Cao Xiaojie
Published: September 2024

The occurrence of rock bursts due to penetrating faults are frequent in China, thereby limiting the safe production of coal mines. Based on the engineering background of a 501 working face in a TB coal mine, this paper investigates stress and energy evolution during the excavation of this working face due to multiple penetrating faults. Utilizing both theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, this study reveals the rock burst mechanism within the triangular coal pillar influenced by the penetrating faults. Based on the evolution of stress within the triangular coal pillar, a stress index has been devised to categorize both the rock burst danger regions and the levels of rock burst risks associated with the triangular coal pillar. Furthermore, targeted stress relief measures are proposed for various energy accumulation areas within the triangular coal pillar. The results demonstrate that: (1) the superimposed tectonic stress resulting from the T6 and T5 penetrating faults exhibits asymmetric distribution and has an influence range of about 90 m in the triangular coal pillar, reaching a peak value of 11.21 MPa at a distance of 13 m from the fault plane; (2) affected by the barrier effect of penetrating faults, the abutment stress of the working face is concentrated in the triangular coal pillar, and the magnitude of the abutment stress is positively and negatively correlated with the fault plane barrier effect and the width of the triangular coal pillar, respectively; (3) the exponential increase in abutment stress and tectonic stress as the width of the triangular coal pillar decreases leads to a high concentration of static stress, which induces pillar burst under the disturbance of dynamic stress from fault activation; (4) the numerical simulation shows that when the working face is 150 m away from the fault, the static stress and accumulated energy in the triangle coal pillar begins to rise, reaching the peak at 50 m away from the fault, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis; (5) the constructed stress index indicates that the triangular coal pillar exhibits moderate rock burst risks when its width is between 73 to 200 m, and exhibits high rock burst risks when the width is within 0 to 73 m. The energy accumulation pattern of the triangular coal pillar reveals that separate stress relief measures should be implemented within the ranges of 50 to 150 m and 0 to 50 m, respectively, in order to enhance the effectiveness of stress relief. Blasting stress relief measures for the roof and coal are proposed, and the effectiveness of these measures is subsequently verified.
Classification of Urea Content in Fish Using Absorbance Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Machine Learning
Authors: Ninh Duy Khanh , Phan Kha Duy , Nguyen Thu Thi Anh , Dang Minh Nhat , Le Thanh Nhan , Ferrero Fabien
Published: September 2024

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has become a popular technique for assessing food quality due to its advantages over complex chemical analysis methods. However, the application of NIR spectroscopy for evaluating fish quality based on urea content has not been extensively explored. This study investigates the use of NIR spectroscopy in combination with machine learning (ML) techniques to classify fish samples into two safety classes—Safe and Unsafe—based on their urea content. A comprehensive NIR dataset comprising 11,960 spectra collected from eight distinct positions within the fish body was obtained from 299 fish samples of mackerel, tuna, and pompano species. ML experiments were conducted to classify fish samples based on whether their urea content exceeded the permissible limit of 1000 ppm. To address class imbalance and optimize ML models, various data pre-processing and feature extraction techniques, as well as ML algorithms, were explored. The results demonstrated that utilizing NIR data specifically obtained from the outer skin of the stomach yielded superior models for fish safety classification. A feature extraction method employing pre-processed NIR spectra and their first derivatives, combined with an optimized convolutional neural network architecture, outperformed traditional ML classifiers, achieving an accuracy of up to 83.9%.
Real-Time Detection of Insulator Defects with Channel Pruning and Channel Distillation
Authors: Meng Dewei , Xu Xuemei , Jiang Zhaohui , Xu Lei
Published: September 2024

Insulators are essential for electrical insulation and structural support in transmission lines. With the advancement of deep learning, object detection algorithms have become primary tools for detecting insulator defects. However, challenges such as low detection accuracy for small targets, weak feature map representation, the insufficient extraction of key information, and a lack of comprehensive datasets persist. This paper introduces OD (Omni-dimensional dynamic)-YOLOV7-tiny, an enhanced insulator defect detection method. We replace the YOLOv7-tiny backbone with FasterNet and optimize the convolution structure using PConv, improving spatial feature extraction efficiency and operational speed. Additionally, we incorporate the OD (Omni-dimensional dynamic)-SlimNeck feature fusion module and a decoupled detection head to enhance accuracy. For deployment on edge devices, channel pruning and channel-wise distillation are applied, significantly reducing model parameters while maintaining high accuracy. Experimental results show that the improved model reduces parameters by 53% and increases accuracy and mean average precision (mAP) by 3.9% and 2.2%, respectively. These enhancements confirm the effectiveness of our lightweight model for insulator defect detection on edge devices.
Factorial Numbers and Their Practical Applications
Authors: Borysenko Oleksiy , Horiachev Oleksii , Matsenko Svitlana , Novhorodtsev Anatolii , Berezhna Olga , Bobrovs Vjaceslavs , Salgals Toms , Porins Jurgis
Published: September 2024

This paper develops the theory of factorial numbers formed by positional number systems with mixed-base factorial number systems. The fundamentals of the theory of factorial numbers are outlined, a method for obtaining them is given, their range is determined, and noise immunity is assessed. The addition and subtraction operations on factorial numbers are considered, and examples of their implementation are given. Methods for transitioning from positional numbers to factorial numbers and back are proposed. Methods are given for converting factorial numbers into permutations and permutations into factorial numbers. The operations of adding and subtracting permutations using factorial numbers are described. The noise immunity of permutations and the ability to detect and correct errors are assessed. The prospects of using permutations formed by factorial numbers for constructing noise-resistant ciphers are shown.
Research on Dual-Emotion Feature Fusion and Performance Improvement in Rumor Detection
Authors: Jiang Wen , Zhang Xiong , Yan Facheng , Ren Kelan , Wei Bin , Zhang Mingshu
Published: September 2024

At present, a large number of rumors are mixed in with various kinds of news, such as current affairs, politics, social economy, and military activities, which seriously reduces the credibility of Internet information and hinders the positive development of various fields. In previous research on rumors, most scholars have focused their attention on the textual features, contextual semantic features, or single-emotion features of rumors but have not paid attention to the chain reaction caused by the hidden emotions in comments in social groups. Therefore, this paper comprehensively uses the emotional signals in rumor texts and comments to extract emotional features and determines the relationship between them to establish dual-emotion features. The main research achievements include the following aspects: (1) this study verifies that, in the field of affective characteristics, the combination of rumor-text emotion and comment emotion is superior to other baseline affective characteristics, and the detection performance of each component is outstanding; (2) the results prove that the combination of dual-emotion features and a semantic-feature-based detector (BiGRU and CNN) can improve the effectiveness of the detector; (3) this paper proposes reconstructing the dataset according to time series to verify the generalization ability of dual affective features; (4) the attention mechanism is used to combine domain features and semantic features to extract more fine-grained features. A large number of data experiments show that the dual-emotion features can be effectively compatible with an existing rumor detector, enhance the detector’s performance, and improve the detection accuracy.
Degradation of a Sauce-Glazed Ware from the Song Dynasty Salvaged Out of Water at the Dalian Island Wharf: Part II—The Effect of Surface-Attached Marine Organism Remains
Authors: Ding Rao , Li Weidong , Yang Zelin , Xu Changsong , Lu Xiaoke
Published: September 2024

Dalian Island, located in the northwest of Pingtan County, Fujian Province, China, has been an important junction on the Maritime Silk Road since the Tang dynasty. This study focuses on sauce-glazed ceramic ware from the Song dynasty salvaged from the waters near Dalian Island Wharf. The composition, phase attributes, and microstructures of the marine organism remains attached to the ceramic ware were analyzed using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and micro-Raman spectrometer to investigate the influence of marine organisms on the degradation of the ceramic ware. Long-term abrasion by sea wave-borne debris led to the increased surface roughness and wettability of the ceramic ware, facilitating the attachment of marine organisms. Differences in surface roughness between the inner and outer walls led to varying levels of biomass. Coralline algae secreted inducers to attract the larvae of macrofoulers. The attachment of different types of marine organisms had varying effects on the degradation of the ceramic ware. Firmly attached unitary organisms could alleviate the scouring of sea wave-borne debris and hinder the intrusion of foreign pollutants, thereby playing a ‘bio-protective’ role. In contrast, the group skeletons of modular organisms could reinforce the mechanically damaged surface but failed to block the intrusion of iron rust and other pollutants, resulting in chemical alterations of the glaze. Therefore, the specific species of the attached marine organisms should be considered in subsequent conservation efforts.
Multi-Layer Objective Model and Progressive Optimization Mechanism for Multi-Satellite Imaging Mission Planning in Large-Scale Target Scenarios
Authors: Yang Xueying , Hu Min , Huang Gang , Huang Feiyao
Published: September 2024

With the continuous increase in the number of in-orbit satellites and the explosive growth in the demand for observation targets, satellite resource allocation and mission scheduling are faced with the problems of declining benefits and stagnant algorithm performance. This work proposes a progressive optimization mechanism and population size adaptive strategy for an improved differential evolution algorithm (POM-PSASIDEA) in large-scale multi-satellite imaging mission planning to address the above challenges. (1) MSIMPLTS based on Multi-layer Objective Optimization is constructed, and the MSIMPLTS is processed hierarchically by setting up three sub-models (superstructure, mesostructure, and understructure) to achieve a diversity of resource selection and step-by-step refinement of optimization objectives to improve the task benefits. (2) Construct the progressive optimization mechanism, which contains the allocation optimization, time window optimization, and global optimization phases, to reduce task conflicts through the progressive decision-making of the task planning scheme in stages. (3) A population size adaptive strategy for an improved differential evolution algorithm is proposed to dynamically adjust the population size according to the evolution of the population to avoid the algorithm falling into the local optimum. The experimental results show that POM-PSASIDEA has outstanding advantages over other algorithms, such as high task benefits and a high task allocation rate when solved in a shorter time.
Predicting the Influence of Vibration from Trains in the Throat Area of a Metro Depot on Over-Track Buildings
Authors: Di Guoqing , Li Hanxin , Guo Jingyi
Published: September 2024

Urban land resources are scarce in China. To utilize land effectively and economically, many cities are developing over-track buildings above metro depots. The vibration from the entrance and exit lines of metro depots under an over-track platform would significantly impact over-track buildings. To study the influence of train vibration in the throat area of a metro depot on over-track buildings, a simulation model was established using a finite element method. The reasonability of the simulation method and parameter settings was verified through comparing the vibration simulation results with vibration test results in the throat area of a metro depot. Furthermore, the impact of parameters of over-track platform and building on indoor vibration induced by a train was quantitatively studied. According to simulation results, a prediction model was developed to predict the impact of train vibration on over-track buildings in metro depots. From the perspective of architectural planning and design, this study provides a theoretical and technical basis for the prevention and control of indoor vibrations in over-track buildings of urban metro depots.
Feasibility Assessment of Mudstone Aggregate as an Alternative Material for Colored Asphalt Pavement in South Korea
Authors: Kim Je Won , Elipse Carlo
Published: September 2024

Colored asphalt pavements have been implemented in South Korea to enhance visibility and lane distinction; however, color fading, accelerated deterioration, and increased pothole occurrence have been noticed. As a solution, alternative materials that can be used for the construction of colored asphalt pavements are being explored. This study evaluates the feasibility of using mudstone aggregate in constructing colored asphalt pavement in South Korea. Initially, aggregate quality tests were conducted on mudstone samples to assess their suitability compared to standard criteria. To enhance the visibility and color retention of colored asphalt, addition of pigment in the colored asphalt pavement mixture was considered and evaluated. The asphalt mixtures were evaluated for deformation, crack and viscoelastic properties using the Kim test, indirect tensile (IDT) strength test, and dynamic modulus test, respectively. Results showed that mudstone aggregate exceeded quality standards and the colored asphalt mixtures demonstrated superior deformation strength and crack resistance compared to typical SMA. However, the addition of pigment slightly reduced these properties. Overall, the findings suggest mudstone aggregate as a viable alternative for constructing colored asphalt pavements, offering potential improvements in durability and color retention.
Cascaded Frequency Selective Surfaces with Matryoshka Geometry for Ultra-Wideband Bandwidth
Authors: Coutinho Ianes , Madeiro Francisco , Queiroz Wamberto
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this paper is to present cascaded frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) with matryoshka geometry to increase the effective bandwidth. We carry out an analysis of the influence of the spacing between the surfaces on the FSSs frequency response. The application involves a two-layer cascaded FSS, one as a band-stop filter with a matryoshka geometry and the other as a band-pass filter with inverted or negative matryoshka geometry. With this framework, it is possible to extend an ultra-wideband (UWB) of a bandwidth up to 2 GHz in the 1.8 GHz to 3.8 GHz range with just two layers and an air gap of 12 mm, in addition to a bandwidth of 2 GHz to 3.2 GHz with a smaller 4 mm gap between layers.
Machine Learning in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Methodology for the Estimation of the Production Time
Authors: Urban Maria , Koblasa František , Mendřický Radomír
Published: September 2024

Data mining (DM) and machine learning (ML) are widely used in production planning and scheduling. Their application to production time estimation leads to improved planning and scheduling accuracy, resulting in increased overall efficiency. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often have a small amount of data, which results in the limited adoption of DM and ML. Instead, production time estimation is still performed using rough approximations, which are inaccurate and non-reproducible. Therefore, this article proposes an ML methodology for production time estimation. It is adapted to the needs of SMEs and is applied with limited data. The methodology is based on the categorization of four job types (from A to D), the partitioning of data according to the limit theorem of data convergence, and the definition of risk based on metrics of probability and statistics. ML was applied by WEKA Workbench (Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis). It is also integrated into the Cross Industry Standard Process for DM. The methodology was implemented on data from a medium-sized company, Schoepstal Maschinenbau GmbH, for job types A and B to estimate machine/job cycle time, manufacturing cycle time, and lead time. Different accuracies were obtained for individual estimation models, confirming the strong dependence of the models on data quality. Suitable models were found for the implementation of the estimation of the manufacturing cycle time and the machine/job cycle time. The modeling of lead time estimation was unsuccessful. This was due to the weak dependence between the learning values and the values of the selected model attributes. The implementation of the methodology for job types C and D is the subject of further research.
PFAS: The Journey from Wonder Chemicals to Environmental Nightmares and the Search for Solutions
Authors: Perera Duwage C. , Meegoda Jay N.
Published: September 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are diverse synthetic chemicals manufactured over seven decades. It is an aliphatic molecule with a basic hydrophobic structure of carbon and fluorine linked to a hydrophilic end group. Due to their physicochemical properties associated with the unique structure, PFAS has been used in a wide variety of applications including aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), paper, carpets, non-stick cookware, etc. as they make products resistant to water, heat, and stains. These molecules have drawn great attention recently for their unique properties, high stability and low degradability, and so-called “Forever Chemicals”. PFAS has the strongest carbon-fluorine bond which makes them persistent in the environment. Hence it contaminates natural resources and endangers public health. This review discusses the discovery, development, and evolution of PFAS from the wonder chemical era to a nightmare chemical era, exposure and its impacts on human health and the environment, current remediation techniques, and future trends of PFAS molecules and related products. The primary objective of this review is to identify knowledge gaps on PFAS contamination, remediation methods, and possible PFAS alternatives.
Threshold Determination for Effective Water Injection in Coal Seams: Insights from Numerical Simulation
Authors: Liu Lei , Huang Gun , Zhao Yunfei
Published: September 2024

Coal seam water injection is the most basic and effective dust control technology used on the coal mining face. Numerical simulations are helpful for predicting the humidity range of coal seam water injection. The results can provide guidance for the field design of coal seam water injection process parameters. In order to understand the influence of coal seam water injection pressure and water injection time on the coal seam wetting effect, this paper uses the Fluent 17.0 software system to study the process parameters of the coal seam water injection seepage process under different conditions. It is found that in the process of coal seam water injection, with the increase in water injection pressure and the prolongation of water injection time, there is a specific threshold value for the change in coal seam permeability. Only when the water injection pressure and time increase to the threshold value will the permeability of the coal seam be significantly enhanced and the wetting effect improved. The pressure threshold of the mine is 15 MPa–20 MPa, and the time threshold is the first 42 h.
Feasibility of a Novel Movement Preference Approach to Classify Case Complexity for Adults with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Kwok Boon Chong , Lim Justin Xuan Li , Kong Pui Wah
Published: September 2024

The non-specific nature of low back pain (LBP) poses challenges in its diagnosis and clinical management. Classifying case complexity with an exercise method may help overcome these challenges. The present study proposed a movement-based classification system based on Dance Medicine Australia (DMA) Clinical Pilates for patients with non-specific chronic LBP. To test the feasibility of the proposed system, 40 adults with non-specific chronic LBP were assessed on their movement preference (i.e., movement directions that can relieve pain or are pain-free) through the DMA Clinical Pilates method. The movement preferences could be a combination of each of the following movement directions: (1) flexion or extension, (2) left or right lateral flexion and/or (3) left or right rotation. For cases that had central or bilateral pain, the number of movement preferences identified was used to guide the classification. Using the proposed system, all 40 (100%) LBP cases were successfully classified into basic (n = 8, 20%), intermediate (n = 17, 42.5%), advanced (n = 8, 20%) or expert (n = 7, 17.5%) levels of complexity. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that the proposed movement-based classification system was a feasible method for classifying case complexity in adults with non-specific chronic LBP. Future clinical intervention studies are needed to confirm if this classification system can enhance therapeutic outcomes in patients.
Correlation between Peak Height of Polar Mesospheric Clouds and Mesopause Temperature
Authors: Li Yuxin , Gao Haiyang , Sun Shaoyang , Li Xiang
Published: September 2024

Polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) are ice crystal clouds formed in the mesosphere of high-latitude regions in both the northern (NH) and southern hemispheres (SH). Peak height is an important physical characteristic of PMCs. Satellite observation data from solar occultation for ice experiments (SOFIE) during seven PMC seasons from 2007 to 2014 show that the difference between the height of the mesopause and the peak height of the PMCs (Zmes-Zmax) were inversely correlated with the atmospheric mesopause temperature. The Zmes-Zmax averages for all seasons for the NH and SH were 3.54 km and 2.66 km, respectively. They were smaller at the starting and ending stages of each PMC season and larger in the middle stages. Analysis of the individual cases and statistical results simulated by the PMCs 0-D model also revealed the inverse correlations between the Zmes-Zmax and mesopause temperature, with correlation coefficients of −0.71 and −0.62 for the NH and SH, respectively. The corresponding rates of change of Zmes-Zmax with respect to mesopause temperature were found to be −0.21 km/K and −0.14 km/K, respectively. The formation mechanism of PMCs suggests that a lower temperature around the mesopause can lead to a greater distance and longer time for ice crystals to condense and grow in clouds. Thus, ice crystals sediment to a lower height, making the peak height of the PMCs further away from the mesopause. In addition, disturbances in small-scale dynamic processes tend to weaken the impact of temperature on the peak height of PMCs.
Astrocyte-Mediated Neuroinflammation in Neurological Conditions
Authors: Zhao Yanxiang , Huang Yingying , Cao Ying , Yang Jing
Published: September 2024

Astrocytes are one of the key glial types of the central nervous system (CNS), accounting for over 20% of total glial cells in the brain. Extensive evidence has established their indispensable functions in the maintenance of CNS homeostasis, as well as their broad involvement in neurological conditions. In particular, astrocytes can participate in various neuroinflammatory processes, e.g., releasing a repertoire of cytokines and chemokines or specific neurotrophic factors, which result in both beneficial and detrimental effects. It has become increasingly clear that such astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation, together with its complex crosstalk with other glial cells or immune cells, designates neuronal survival and the functional integrity of neurocircuits, thus critically contributing to disease onset and progression. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge of the neuroinflammatory responses of astrocytes, summarizing their common features in neurological conditions. Moreover, we highlight several vital questions for future research that promise novel insights into diagnostic or therapeutic strategies against those debilitating CNS diseases.
Impact of SDF-1 and AMD3100 on Hair Follicle Dynamics in a Chronic Stress Model
Authors: Zhao Yinglin , Liang Wenzi , Liu Zhehui , Chen Xiuwen , Lin Changmin
Published: September 2024

Chronic stress is a common cause of hair loss, involving inflammatory responses and changes in cellular signaling pathways. This study explores the mechanism of action of the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling axis in chronic stress-induced hair loss. The research indicates that SDF-1 promotes hair follicle growth through the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes in the skin of normal and stressed mice, with key genes SDF-1/CXCR4 selected through machine learning and a protein-protein interaction network established. A chronic stress mouse model was created, with injections of SDF-1 and AMD3100 administered to observe hair growth, weight changes, and behavioral alterations and validate hair follicle activity. Skin SDF-1 concentrations were measured, differentially expressed genes were screened, and pathways were enriched. Activation of the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways was assessed, and siRNA technology was used in vitro to inhibit the expression of SDF-1 or CXCR4. SDF-1 promoted hair follicle activity, with the combined injection of SDF-1 and AMD3100 weakening this effect. The activation of the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways was observed in the SDF-1 injection group, confirmed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Silencing SDF-1 through siRNA-mediated inhibition reduced cell proliferation and migration abilities. SDF-1 promotes hair growth in chronic stress mice by activating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT pathways, an effect reversible by AMD3100. The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target for stress-induced hair loss.
Comprehensive High-Depth Proteomic Analysis of Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Containing Preparations in Rett Syndrome
Authors: Hagiwara Sho , Shiohama Tadashi , Takahashi Satoru , Ishikawa Masaki , Kawashima Yusuke , Sato Hironori , Sawada Daisuke , Uchida Tomoko , Uchikawa Hideki , Kobayashi Hironobu , Shiota Megumi , Nabatame Shin , Tsujimura Keita , Hamada Hiromichi , Suzuki Keiichiro
Published: September 2024

Backgroud: Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in 10,000 females. Various treatments have been explored; however, no effective treatments have been reported to date, except for trofinetide, a synthetic analog of glycine-proline-glutamic acid, which was approved by the FDA in 2023. Serological biomarkers that correlate with the disease status of RTT are needed to promote early diagnosis and to develop novel agents. Methods: In this study, we performed a high-depth proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles containing preparations extracted from patient plasma samples to identify novel biomarkers. Results: We identified 33 upregulated and 17 downregulated candidate proteins among a total of 4273 proteins in RTT compared to the healthy controls. Among these, UBE3B was predominantly increased in patients with Rett syndrome and exhibited a strong correlation with the clinical severity score, indicating the severity of the disease. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the proteomics of high-depth extracellular vesicles containing preparations in rare diseases could be valuable in identifying new disease biomarkers and understanding their pathophysiology.
Targeted Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer: A New Era of Precision Medicine
Authors: Li Bingyu , Zhang Qiong , Castaneda Claire , Cook Shelly
Published: September 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, presents significant treatment challenges due to its late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Despite advances, the five-year survival rates remain dismally low, with only a fraction of patients eligible for potentially curative surgical interventions. This review aims to comprehensively examine the current landscape of targeted therapies in PDAC, focusing on recent developments in precision medicine approaches. We explore various molecular targets, including KRAS mutations, DNA damage repair deficiencies, mismatch repair pathway alterations, and rare genetic fusions. The review discusses emerging therapies, such as PARP inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and novel targeted agents, like RET and NTRK inhibitors. We analyze the results of key clinical trials and highlight the potential of these targeted approaches in specific patient subgroups. Recent developments in PDAC research have emphasized precision oncology, facilitated by next-generation sequencing and the identification of genetic and epigenetic alterations. This approach tailors treatments to individual genetic profiles, improving outcomes and reducing side effects. Significant strides have been made in classifying PDAC into various subtypes, enhancing therapeutic precision. The identification of specific mutations in genes like KRAS, along with advancements in targeted therapies, including small molecule inhibitors, offers new hope. Furthermore, emerging therapies targeting DNA repair pathways and immunotherapeutic strategies also show promising results. As research evolves, integrating these targeted therapies with conventional treatments might improve survival rates and quality of life for PDAC patients, underscoring the shift towards a more personalized treatment paradigm.
Resveratrol Effect on α-Lactalbumin Thermal Stability
Authors: Precupas Aurica , Gheorghe Daniela , Leonties Anca Ruxandra , Popa Vlad Tudor
Published: September 2024

The effect of resveratrol (RESV) on α-lactalbumin (α-LA) thermal stability was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), circular dichroism (CD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Complementary information offered by molecular docking served to identify the binding site of the ligand on the native structure of protein and the type of interacting forces. DSC thermograms revealed a double-endotherm pattern with partial overlapping of the two components. The most relevant effect of RESV is manifested in the narrowing of the protein thermal fingerprint: the first process (peak temperature T1) is shifted to higher temperatures while the second one (peak temperature T2) to lower values. The CD data indicated partial conformational changes in the protein non-α-helix domain at T1, resulting in a β-sheet richer intermediate (BSRI) with an unaffected, native-like α-helix backbone. The RESV influence on this process may be defined as slightly demoting, at least within DSC conditions (linear heating rate of 1 K min−1). On further heating, unfolding of the α-helix domain takes place at T2, with RESV acting as a promoter of the process. Long time incubation at 333 K produced the same type of BSRI: no significant effect of RESV on the secondary structure content was detected by CD spectroscopy. Nevertheless, the size distribution of the protein population obtained from DLS measurements revealed the free (non-bound) RESV action manifested in the developing of larger size aggregates.
Central Neck Dissection in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Benefits and Doubts in the Era of Thyroid Lobectomy
Authors: Zocchi Jacopo , Giugliano Gioacchino , Mossinelli Chiara , Mariani Cecilia , Pietrobon Giacomo , Bandi Francesco , Malpede Stefano , Grosso Enrica , Manzoni Marco Federico , De Fiori Elvio , Mauri Giovanni , Rubino Manila , Tagliabue Marta , Ansarin Mohssen
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Surgery is still the main line of treatment for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with a current trend for de-intensified treatment based on an excellent prognosis. The role of a routine prophylactic central neck dissection (PCND) is still debated as its impact on oncologic outcomes has never been cleared by a randomized clinical trial. In this study, we aimed to report our long-standing experience in PCND and its potential contemporary role in the treatment of PTC. Methods: A retrospective institutional review was performed on all patients who underwent operation for PTC including PCND between 1998 and 2021. The primary outcomes were the rate of central lymph node metastases (CLNMs), cancer recurrence and incidence of complications. Survivals were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazard models. Results: A total of 657 patients were included in this study with a median follow-up of 78 months (48–114 months). Two hundred and one patients presented occult CLNMs (30.6%). The presence of a pathological node represented the unique reason for a completion thyroidectomy and I131 therapy in 12.5% of the population. Age lower than 55 years, microscopic or macroscopic extra-thyroid extension (ETE) and multifocality were independent factors predicting CLNMs. The rate of recurrence in the whole population was 2.7% (18 patients). Five-year and ten-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 96.5% (94.7–97.7) and 93.3% (90.3–95.5), respectively. Two patients relapsed in the central neck compartment (0.3%). Age (>55 years), pathological staging (pT) and extranodal extension (ENE) were independent factors associated with a worse DFS. The rate of temporary and permanent vocal fold palsy was 12.8% and 1.8%, respectively, and did not depend on the type of surgical procedure performed. Hypoparathyroidism was temporary in 42.2% and permanent in 11.9% of the patients. A sub-analysis upon cT1b-T2 patients treated primarily with thyroid lobectomy and ipsilateral PCND demonstrated a 2.6% rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Conclusions: PCND allows for a high disease-free survival and a proper selection of patients needing adjuvant treatment, in particular, those treated with a unilateral procedure. On the other hand, bilateral approach is burdened by a not-neglectable rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism.
Black Silicon Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Biosensors: Current Advances and Prospects
Authors: Padrez Yaraslau , Golubewa Lena
Published: September 2024

Black silicon was discovered by accident and considered an undesirable by-product of the silicon industry. A highly modified surface, consisting of pyramids, needles, holes, pillars, etc., provides high light absorption from the UV to the NIR range and gives black silicon its color—matte black. Although black silicon has already attracted some interest as a promising material for sensitive sensors, the potential of this material has not yet been fully exploited. Over the past three decades, black silicon has been actively introduced as a substrate for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)—a molecule-specific vibrational spectroscopy technique—and successful proof-of-concept experiments have been conducted. This review focuses on the current progress in black silicon SERS biosensor fabrication, the recent advances in the design of the surface morphology and an analysis of the relation of surface micro-structuring and SERS efficiency and sensitivity. Much attention is paid to problems of non-invasiveness of the technique and biocompatibility of black silicon, its advantages over other SERS biosensors, cost-effectiveness and reproducibility, as well as the expansion of black silicon applications. The question of existing limitations and ways to overcome them is also addressed.
Perceptions of Temporal Selves: Continuity, Psychological Outcomes, and the Significance of a Disadvantaged Background
Authors: McMichael Samantha L. , Redifer Kevin D. , Kwan Virginia S. Y.
Published: September 2024

Psychologists and philosophers have argued that a consistent self-concept is essential for mental health and well-being. Differences in individuals’ backgrounds—specifically, their financial resources—may be instrumental to understanding these relationships. This research: (1) tested the continuity of self-perceptions, (2) investigated if perceptions of the past and future self predicted depression and well-being, and (3) explored whether continuity and its relationship to psychological outcomes varied across SES. The findings suggest: (1) moderate continuity; (2) perceptions of past and future were unique predictors of psychological outcomes; and (3) significant differences in continuity and how it predicted meaning-in-life by SES. The results extend the understanding of continuity and its significance for psychological outcomes while establishing the importance of individuals’ backgrounds in these relationships.
The Antecedents and Outcomes of Public Service Motivation: A Meta-Analysis Using the Job Demands–Resources Model
Authors: Tang Hanyu , An Shiwen , Zhang Luoyi , Xiao Yun , Li Xia
Published: September 2024

Understanding what drives public service motivation and its impacts is crucial for improving public sector performance. This meta-analysis synthesized the antecedents and outcomes of public service motivation based on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model. Incorporating 177 studies and 179 independent samples, with a total of 319 effect sizes, the results indicated the following: (1) Job resources and personal resources were positively related to public service motivation, while hindrance demands were negatively related to it. (2) Public service motivation had a positive relationship with overall job attitudes, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and work engagement. It also had a positive relationship with overall job performance, in-role performance, and extra-role performance. (3) In terms of the antecedents, individualism/collectivism moderated the relationship between job resources and public service motivation, as well as the relationship between hindrance demands and public service motivation. As for the outcomes, individualism/collectivism moderated the relationship between public service motivation and both job attitudes and job performance. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the antecedents and outcomes of public service motivation, offering valuable insights for future research and serving as a reference for theory development and practical application.
Promoting Teachers’ Organizational Commitment: The Effects of Authentic Leadership, Teachers’ Well-Being and Social–Emotional Competence
Authors: Xu Zeqing , Pang Nicholas Sun-Keung
Published: September 2024

Committed and satisfied teachers have been increasingly recognized as valuable assets in enhancing the effectiveness of schools and adapting to evolving education reforms. This study investigates how and under what conditions principals’ authentic leadership contributes to teachers’ organizational commitment. Valid data collected from 476 teachers in seven primary schools in mainland China were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), regression analysis and bootstrapping tests. The results yielded a partial mediation model, finding a significant direct effect of principals’ authentic leadership on teachers’ organizational commitment and an indirect effect through the mediating role of teachers’ well-being. Moreover, teachers’ social–emotional competence positively moderated the relationship between principals’ authentic leadership and teachers’ organizational commitment. This study underscores the theoretical importance of teachers’ affective pathways and the boundary condition linking principals’ authentic leadership to teachers’ organizational commitment, while it also offers practical recommendations for school leaders.
Investigation of Indirect Shear Strength of Black Shale for Urban Deep Excavation
Authors: Kim Mintae
Published: September 2024

This study thoroughly investigated the compressive and tensile strength characteristics of black shale using both experimental and analytical approaches. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted to determine the elastic constants of black shale modeled as idealized, linear elastic, homogeneous, and transversely isotropic. Additionally, Brazilian tests were carried out on shale, considering it a transversely isotropic material. Strain measurements were recorded at the center of disc specimens subjected to diametric loading. By placing strain gages at the disc centers, the five elastic constants were accurately estimated. The effects of experimental methods and diametric loading on the elastic constant determination were evaluated and analyzed, and the indirect shear strength of the black shale, considering anisotropy, was determined using the estimated stress concentration coefficient. This study revealed that the indirect tensile strength of black shale is significantly influenced by the angle between the anisotropic planes and the diametric loading direction. Moreover, it was revealed that the stress concentration coefficients for anisotropic rocks vary from those of isotropic rocks, depending on the inclination angle of the bedding planes. This study confirms that the shear (tensile) strength of anisotropic black shale is not constant but varies with the orientation of the anisotropic planes in relation to the applied load.
Life-Cycle Performance Modeling for Sustainable and Resilient Structures under Structural Degradation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Anwar Ghazanfar Ali , Akber Muhammad Zeshan , Ahmed Hafiz Asfandyar , Hussain Mudasir , Nawaz Mehmood , Anwar Jehanzaib , Chan Wai-Kit , Lee Hiu-Hung
Published: September 2024

The performance of structures degrades during their service life due to deterioration and extreme events, compromising the social development and economic growth of structure and infrastructure systems. Buildings and bridges play a vital role in the socioeconomic development of the built environment. Hence, it is essential to understand existing tools and methodologies to efficiently model the performance of these structures during their life cycle. In this context, this paper aims to explore the existing literature on the life-cycle performance modeling, assessment, enhancement, and decision making of buildings and bridge infrastructure systems under deterioration and extreme events for a sustainable and resilient built environment. The main objectives are to (1) systematically review the existing literature on life-cycle performance modeling of buildings and bridges based on the PRISMA methodology, (2) provide a bibliometric analysis of the systematically assessed journal articles, (3) perform an analysis of the included articles based on the identified components of life-cycle performance modeling, and (4) provide a discussion on the utilized tools, techniques, methodologies, and frameworks for buildings and bridge infrastructure systems in the life-cycle context. The provided systematic literature review and subsequent discussions could provide an overview to the reader regarding the individual components and existing methodologies of life-cycle performance management under deterioration and extreme events.
Numerical Simulation Study on Evolution Process of Carrying-Soil Effect of Rectangular Pipe Jacking
Authors: Ye Peng , Lan Bin , Zhang Peng , Zeng Cong , Xu Tianshuo , Xu Yong , Wu Rudong
Published: September 2024

The carrying-soil effect is an important factor affecting the success or failure of rectangular pipe jacking construction. Because it is difficult to explore the dynamic evolution process of the carrying-soil effect in the field test, this paper relies on the pipe jacking project of a comprehensive pipe gallery in Suzhou City, and uses ABAQUS 2021 finite element software to simulate the jacking process of rectangular pipe jacking. Based on the theory of plastic mechanics of rock and soil and the related research and application status, the equivalent plastic strain index is introduced as the basis for judging the failure boundary of soil in the numerical simulation results, and the boundary between the carrying-soil area and the surrounding soil is determined, that is, the shear fracture surface. According to the principle of plastic potential energy, the development direction of the fracture surface is consistent with the direction of plastic flow, so as to predict the development direction of the boundary of the carrying-soil area. According to the change in the equivalent plastic strain cloud map with the jacking mileage, the evolution process of the carrying-soil effect is clarified, and the dynamic evolution law of the carrying-soil area is revealed, which is of great significance for predicting the disturbance of the surrounding soil during the construction of rectangular pipe jacking and accurately evaluating the environmental effect of the construction.