bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure Analysis of Resistance Spot-Welded Structure Using XFEM: Lifetime Assessment
Authors: Demiral Murat , Duran Ertugrul Tolga
Published: October 2023

Due to their effective and affordable joining capabilities, resistance spot-welded (RSW) structures are widely used in many industries, including the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. Because spot-welded structures are frequently subjected to cyclic stress conditions while in service, fatigue failure is a serious concern. It is essential to comprehend and predict their fatigue behavior in order to guarantee the dependability and durability of the relevant engineering products. The analysis of fatigue failure in spot-welded structures is the main topic of this paper, along with the prediction of fatigue life (Nf) and identification of failure mechanisms. Also, the effects of parameters such as the amount of cyclic load applied, the load ratio, and size of the spot-welding on the Nf were investigated. To achieve this, the fatigue performance of spot-welded joints was simulated using the extended finite element method (XFEM). The XFEM method is particularly suited for capturing intricate crack patterns in spot-welded structures because it allows for the modeling of crack propagation without the need for remeshing. It was observed that when the cycling load was decreased by 20%, Nf increased by around 250%. On the other hand, the fatigue life of the structure, and, hence, the crack propagation rate, was significantly affected by the load ratio and diameter of the spot-welding. This paper presents the details of the novel approach to studying spot-weld fatigue characterization using XFEMs to simulate crack propagation.
Cyclic Loading Test of Rectangular Tube-Type Buckling-Restrained Braces with Enhancements to Prevent Local Bulging Failure
Authors: Kwak Byeong-Hun , Park Ji-Hun , Ahn Sook-Jin
Published: October 2023

In this study, innovative enhancements of rectangular tube-type buckling-restrained braces are proposed to prevent bulging failure on the surface of the outer restrainer and validated experimentally. First, an inner restrainer composed of a bent plate, which increases the stiffness and strength to resist outward force exerted by the steel core subjected to higher-mode buckling, is installed inside the outer restrainer. Second, the unbonding material surrounding the steel core is partially thickened to create additional space to prevent the outward force from being transferred directly along the centerline of the cross-section. Buckling-restrained braces with and without the enhancements are tested via cycling loading to validate the efficiency of the proposed enhancements. Improvements in strength and deformation capacity are evaluated quantitatively. The proposed enhancements increased the compressive strength and cumulative inelastic deformation capacity of the buckling-restrained braces. However, the increased outward force owing to the compression-hardening phenomenon led to bulging failure, where the added inner restrainer terminated. An analytical formula is proposed to estimate the outward-force-resisting capacity of the inner restrainer, which predicted bulging failure adequately.
Evaluating the Strength and Durability of Eco-Friendly Stabilized Soil Bricks Incorporating Wood Chips
Authors: Youn Ilro , Bang Seongtaek , Jeong Yoseok , Oh Sewook
Published: October 2023

The production of commercially used cement-based bricks has significant environmental implications, necessitating the development of robust, environmentally friendly alternatives. This study assesses the strength and durability of soil bricks by utilizing an eco-friendly stabilizer, which includes lime and natural-fiber-derived staple fibers. Soil bricks, each sized 50 mm × 100 mm and featuring varying proportions of stabilizer and wood chips, were subjected to unconfined compression and bending strength tests, permeability assessments, steel ball/golf ball (SB/GB) evaluations, and wetting–drying tests. The results demonstrated that higher stabilizer ratios and lower wood chip ratios led to enhanced unconfined compressive strength. Additionally, repeated wetting–drying cycles reduced the strength by up to 63%, while the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity decreased by as much as 45% with increasing wetting–drying cycles. Notably, the eco-friendly stabilizer significantly improved soil shear strength, ultimately enhancing the durability of the soil bricks.
Sustainable Impact of Coarse Aggregate Crushing Waste (CACW) in Decreasing Carbon Footprint and Enhancing Geotechnical Properties of Silty Sand Soil
Authors: Abdullah Gamil M. S. , Abd El Aal Ahmed , Al Saiari Mabkhoot , Radwan Ahmed E.
Published: October 2023

People are forced to use all types of soil, especially bad soils, as infrastructure demands grow. Different procedures must be used to ameliorate these poor soils, which are fragile during building. Natural resource depletion and the rising costs of available materials force us to consider alternative supplies. For several years, researchers have investigated the use of by-products from industry and associated approaches to improve the qualities of various soils. Coarse Aggregate Crushing Waste (CACW) is a waste product that results from the primary crushing of aggregates. Massive amounts of CACW are produced in the business, posing serious issues from handling to disposal. As a result, the widespread use of CACW for diverse purposes has been recommended in the civil engineering profession to address these concerns. Because some natural resources, such as gravel, are nonrenewable, it is vital to decrease their consumption and replace them with recycled, cost-effective, and ecologically acceptable alternatives. This research aimed to investigate the possibility of reusing CACW to improve the geotechnical properties of silty sand (SM) soil available in the Najran region. In this research, soil samples were collected from Najran city and subjected to a variety of lab experiments to determine their characterization. Mixes were designed for a parent soil with a range of percentages of CACW with/without 2% cement. The designed mixes were examined through a set of lab tests to obtain the optimum design for use in road construction. The findings of the tests showed that the optimum dosage is 10% CACW with 2% cement, raising the undrained shear strength of silty sand soil by 323%, CBR by 286%, and P-wave by 180%. The durability tests show that soil mixed with 10% CACW and 2% cement fulfills the requirements and stays within the 14% weight loss limit imposed by the Portland Cement Association (PCA). The microscopic investigation results confirmed the outcomes obtained by macro tests. As a result, the carbon footprint values decrease when CAWA is added, making this treatment approach almost carbon neutral. This study clarifies the long-term effects of CACW on improving the geotechnical characteristics of silty sand soil in the Najran Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other comparable soils globally.
Activity Recognition Using Different Sensor Modalities and Deep Learning
Authors: Ascioglu Gokmen , Senol Yavuz
Published: October 2023

In recent years, human activity monitoring and recognition have gained importance in providing valuable information to improve the quality of life. A lack of activity can cause health problems including falling, depression, and decreased mobility. Continuous activity monitoring can be useful to prevent progressive health problems. With this purpose, this study presents a wireless smart insole with four force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) that monitor foot contact states during activities for both indoor and outdoor use. The designed insole is a compact solution and provides walking comfort with a slim and flexible structure. Moreover, the inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors designed in our previous study were used to collect 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope outputs. Smart insoles were located in the shoe sole for both right and left feet, and two IMU sensors were attached to the thigh area of each leg. The sensor outputs were collected and recorded from forty healthy volunteers for eight different gait-based activities including walking uphill and descending stairs. The obtained datasets were separated into three categories; foot contact states, the combination of acceleration and gyroscope outputs, and a set of all sensor outputs. The dataset for each category was separately fed into deep learning algorithms, namely, convolutional long–short-term memory neural networks. The performance of each neural network for each category type was examined. The results show that the neural network using only foot contact states presents 90.1% accuracy and provides better performance than the combination of acceleration and gyroscope datasets for activity recognition. Moreover, the neural network presents the best results with 93.4% accuracy using a combination of all the data compared with the other two categories.
Heat-Flow Coupling Law for Freezing a Pipe Reinforcement with Varying Curvatures
Authors: Yang Kun , Hu Jun , Wang Tao
Published: October 2023

Using the temperature and seepage field-coupling module within COMSOL Multiphysics software, we examined freezing behavior and its evolving patterns in curved underground freezing pipes. This study employed transient states, with the Darcy’s law and porous-media heat-transfer options activated in the Physical Field Interface of the Physical Field and Variable Selection column. The models were created to establish numerical models of freezing reinforcement for both single and multiple pipes with various curvatures. These models were designed to simulate the evolving temperature and seepage fields of soil under diverse freezing conditions. Subsequently, this research utilized the models to simulate the freezing and consolidation conditions of a shallowly buried tunnel within the context of shallow tunnel conditions. The study reveals that after freezing a single pipe using water flow, the change in thickness of the frozen wall in curved pipes is notably smaller than that in straight pipes. This difference is particularly pronounced in the upstream section. Specifically, at a distance of −2000 mm from the main surface, the change in thickness of the frozen wall in straight pipes exceeds that in s = 7 curved pipes by approximately 350 mm. The smaller the long arc ratio s, the greater the arc of the freezing tube and the better the water-blocking effect. In the multi-pipe freezing model, the s = 7 curved pipes exhibit a frozen-wall thickness approximately 120 mm greater than that of straight pipes at a distance of −2000 mm from the main surface. Under the condition of a shallow buried concealed excavation with surging water, a pipe with a long arc ratio s = 7 arc freezing at 46 d attains a permafrost curtain thickness that is equivalent to that achieved by the straight pipe freezing at 58 d. This reduction in thickness shortens the working period by 12 days, resulting in a more efficient process. The successful application of the freezing method in the water-rich aquifer is expected to be a valuable reference for similar projects in the future.
Development and Future Trends of Digital Product-Service Systems: A Bibliometric Analysis Approach
Authors: Rakic Slavko , Medic Nenad , Leoste Janika , Vuckovic Teodora , Marjanovic Ugljesa
Published: October 2023

As a plan, Industry 4.0 encourages manufacturing companies to switch from conventional Product-Service Systems to Digital Product-Service Systems. Systems of goods, services, and digital technologies known as “Digital Product-Service Systems” are provided to improve consumer satisfaction and business success in the marketplace. Previous studies have looked into various elements of this area for industrial companies and academic institutions. Digital Product-Service Systems’ overall worth and expected course of growth are still ignored. The authors use bibliometric analysis to organize the body of prior knowledge in this discipline and, more significantly, to identify areas for further study in order to cover the literature deficit. The results of the most esteemed authors, nations, and sources in the subject were given by this study. The findings also show that terms like digitization, sustainability, and business have grown in popularity over the previous year. This study also offered insight into how Industry 5.0, a new manufacturing strategy, would include Digital Product-Service Systems. Finally, the findings of this research demonstrate three new service orientations, namely resilient, sustainable, and human-centric, in manufacturing firms.
Characteristics of Temporal and Spatial Changes in Ozone and PM2.5 and Correlation Analysis in Heilongjiang Province
Authors: Xuan Lichun , Li Lei , Wang Pengjie , Xing Yanfeng , Feng Chengcheng , Zhang Rui
Published: October 2023

The escalating ambient ozone (O3) pollution in China has garnered significant attention, necessitating an intensified focus on O3 pollution control and the coordinated management of PM2.5 and O3. This study reviews and analyzes the spatiotemporal characteristics of O3 and PM2.5 concentrations in 13 cities within Heilongjiang Province from 2019 to 2021. The analysis is based on data sourced from the ecological environment monitoring network. In addition to this, correlation analyses were executed to explore the interaction between the two pollutants. The findings reveal a declining trajectory in PM2.5 concentration over the past three years, while O3 concentration has exhibited an upward trend. Temporally, both O3 and PM2.5 concentrations display pronounced seasonal variations, with peaks evident during the spring and summer (May to July), as well as in the winter (January, February, and December). From a spatial standpoint, elevated O3 concentrations were identified in the southwestern cities of Harbin, Daqing, and Suihua, while the northwestern cities of Daxinganling and Heihe exhibited comparatively lower O3 concentrations, but the difference was not significant. Conversely, PM2.5 concentrations demonstrated substantial variation among the 13 cities (districts). Regarding their correlation, a noteworthy positive correlation between the two pollutants was observed in April and May, contrasted by a negative correlation in November and December. Weather categories such as excellent, good, lightly polluted, moderately polluted, and other weather showed a lower correlation, whereas heavily polluted and severely polluted categories demonstrated a stronger correlation. Furthermore, the correlation with severe pollution is greater than that with heavily polluted, further indicating that heavier air pollution is more conducive to the coexistence of O3 and PM2.5 to form composite pollution. On a provincial scale, the correlation between the two pollutants is progressively increasing annually. This signifies a closely intertwined and intricate interaction and transformation relationship between O3 and PM2.5, accentuating the urgency for synergistic control measures.
On the Normalized Laplacian Spectrum of the Linear Pentagonal Derivation Chain and Its Application
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Ma Xiaoling
Published: October 2023

A novel distance function named resistance distance was introduced on the basis of electrical network theory. The resistance distance between any two vertices u and v in graph G is defined to be the effective resistance between them when unit resistors are placed on every edge of G. The degree-Kirchhoff index of G is the sum of the product of resistance distances and degrees between all pairs of vertices of G. In this article, according to the decomposition theorem for the normalized Laplacian polynomial of the linear pentagonal derivation chain QPn, the normalize Laplacian spectrum of QPn is determined. Combining with the relationship between the roots and the coefficients of the characteristic polynomials, the explicit closed-form formulas for degree-Kirchhoff index and the number of spanning trees of QPn can be obtained, respectively. Moreover, we also obtain the Gutman index of QPn and we discovery that the degree-Kirchhoff index of QPn is almost half of its Gutman index.
Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Type I Diabetes
Authors: Fedulovs Aleksejs , Tzivian Lilian , Zalizko Polina , Ivanova Santa , Bumane Renāte , Janeviča Jana , Krūzmane Lelde , Krustins Eduards , Sokolovska Jelizaveta
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Little research is conducted on the link between diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression and diabetic gastroenteropathy in type 1 diabetes (T1D). (2) Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study with 100 T1D patients; 27 of them had progressive DKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline ≥3 mL/min/year or increased albuminuria stage, over a mean follow-up time of 5.89 ± 1.73 years. A newly developed score with 17 questions on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms was used. Faecal calprotectin was measured by ELISA. Lower GI endoscopies were performed in 21 patients. (3) Results: The gastrointestinal symptom score demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.78). Patients with progressive DKD had higher GI symptom scores compared to those with stable DKD (p = 0.019). The former group demonstrated more frequent bowel movement disorders (p < 0.01). The scores correlated negatively with eGFR (r = −0.335; p = 0.001), positively with albuminuria (r = 0.245; p = 0.015), Hba1c (r = 0.305; p = 0.002), and diabetes duration (r = 0.251; p = 0.012). Faecal calprotectin levels did not differ between DKD groups significantly. The most commonly reported histopathological findings of enteric mucosa were infiltration with eosinophils, lymphocytes, plasmacytes, the presence of lymphoid follicles, and lymphoid aggregates. Conclusion: The progression of DKD is positively correlated with gastrointestinal symptoms; however, more research is needed to clarify the causal relationships of the gut-kidney axis in T1D.
Apabetalone, a Clinical-Stage, Selective BET Inhibitor, Opposes DUX4 Target Gene Expression in Primary Human FSHD Muscle Cells
Authors: Sarsons Christopher D. , Gilham Dean , Tsujikawa Laura M. , Wasiak Sylwia , Fu Li , Rakai Brooke D. , Stotz Stephanie C. , Carestia Agostina , Sweeney Michael , Kulikowski Ewelina
Published: October 2023

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is a muscle disease caused by inappropriate expression of the double homeobox 4 (DUX4) gene in skeletal muscle, and its downstream activation of pro-apoptotic transcriptional programs. Inhibitors of DUX4 expression have the potential to treat FSHD. Apabetalone is a clinical-stage bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitor, selective for the second bromodomain on BET proteins. Using primary human skeletal muscle cells from FSHD type 1 patients, we evaluated apabetalone for its ability to counter DUX4′s deleterious effects and compared it with the pan-BET inhibitor JQ1, and the p38 MAPK inhibitor—and DUX4 transcriptional repressor—losmapimod. We applied RNA-sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to detect treatment-associated impacts on the transcriptome of these cells. Apabetalone inhibited the expression of DUX4 downstream markers, reversing hallmarks of FSHD gene expression in differentiated muscle cells. JQ1, but not apabetalone, was found to induce apoptosis. While both BET inhibitors modestly impacted differentiation marker expression, they did not affect myotube fusion. Losmapimod also reduced expression of DUX4 target genes but differed in its impact on FSHD-associated pathways. These findings demonstrate that apabetalone inhibits DUX4 target gene expression and reverses transcriptional programs that contribute to FSHD pathology, making this drug a promising candidate therapeutic for FSHD.
Teaching–Learning Optimization Algorithm Based on the Cadre–Mass Relationship with Tutor Mechanism for Solving Complex Optimization Problems
Authors: Wu Xiao , Li Shaobo , Wu Fengbin , Jiang Xinghe
Published: October 2023

The teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm, which has gained popularity among scholars for addressing practical issues, suffers from several drawbacks including slow convergence speed, susceptibility to local optima, and suboptimal performance. To overcome these limitations, this paper presents a novel algorithm called the teaching–learning optimization algorithm, based on the cadre–mass relationship with the tutor mechanism (TLOCTO). Building upon the original teaching foundation, this algorithm incorporates the characteristics of class cadre settings and extracurricular learning institutions. It proposes a new learner strategy, cadre–mass relationship strategy, and tutor mechanism. The experimental results on 23 test functions and CEC-2020 benchmark functions demonstrate that the enhanced algorithm exhibits strong competitiveness in terms of convergence speed, solution accuracy, and robustness. Additionally, the superiority of the proposed algorithm over other popular optimizers is confirmed through the Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test. Furthermore, the algorithm’s practical applicability is demonstrated by successfully applying it to three complex engineering design problems.
The Impact of Left Ventricular Assist Device Outflow Graft Positioning on Aortic Hemodynamics: Improving Flow Dynamics to Mitigate Aortic Insufficiency
Authors: Gu Zhuohan , Ong Chi Wei , Mi Yongzhen , Seetharaman Ashwin , Ling Ryan Ruiyang , Ramanathan Kollengode , Leo Hwa Liang
Published: October 2023

Heart failure is a global health concern with significant implications for healthcare systems. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) provide mechanical support for patients with severe heart failure. However, the placement of the LVAD outflow graft within the aorta has substantial implications for hemodynamics and can lead to aortic insufficiency during long-term support. This study employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to investigate the impact of different LVAD outflow graft locations on aortic hemodynamics. The introduction of valve morphology within the aorta geometry allows for a more detailed analysis of hemodynamics at the aortic root. The results demonstrate that the formation of vortex rings and subsequent vortices during the high-velocity jet flow from the graft interacted with the aortic wall. Time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) indicate that modification of the outflow graft location changes mechanical states within the aortic wall and aortic valve. Among the studied geometric factors, both the height and inclination angle of the LVAD outflow graft are important in controlling retrograde flow to the aortic root, while the azimuthal angle primarily determines the rotational direction of blood flow in the aortic arch. Thus, precise positioning of the LVAD outflow graft emerges as a critical factor in optimizing patient outcomes by improving the hemodynamic environment.
Application of Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory to Adaptive Streaming for Internet of Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Huang Chenn-Jung , Hu Kai-Wen , Cheng Hao-Wen
Published: October 2023

It is expected that interconnected networks of autonomous vehicles, especially during peak traffic, will face congestion challenges. Moreover, the existing literature lacks discussions on integrating next-generation wireless communication technologies into connected vehicular networks. Hence, this paper introduces a tailored bandwidth management algorithm for streaming applications of autonomous vehicle passengers. It leverages cutting-edge 6G wireless technology to create a network with high-speed transmission and broad coverage, ensuring smooth streaming application performance. The key features of bandwidth allocation for diverse streaming applications in this work include bandwidth relay and pre-loading of video clips assisted by vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Through simulations, this research effectively showcases the algorithm’s ability to fulfill the bandwidth needs of diverse streaming applications for autonomous vehicle passengers. Specifically, during periods of peak user bandwidth demand, it notably increases the bandwidth accessible for streaming applications. On average, users experience a substantial 55% improvement in the bandwidth they can access. This validation affirms the viability and promise of the proposed approach in efficiently managing the intricate complexities of bandwidth allocation issues for streaming services within the connected autonomous vehicular networks.
A Classification Bias and an Exclusion Bias Jointly Overinflated the Estimation of Publication Biases in Bilingualism Research
Authors: Leivada Evelina
Published: October 2023

A publication bias has been argued to affect the fate of results in bilingualism research. It was repeatedly suggested that studies presenting evidence for bilingual advantages are more likely to be published compared to studies that do not report results in favor of the bilingual advantage hypothesis. This work goes back to the original claim and re-examines both the dataset and the classification of the studies that were employed. We find that the exclusion of published works such as doctoral dissertations, book chapters, and conference proceedings from the original dataset significantly inflated the presumed publication bias. Moreover, the estimation of the publication bias was affected by a classification bias that uses a mega-category that consists of both null and negative outcomes. Yet finding evidence for a bilingual disadvantage is not synonymous with obtaining a result indistinguishable from zero. Consequently, grouping together null and negative findings in a mega-category has various ramifications, not only for the estimation of the presumed publication bias but also for the field’s ability to appreciate the insofar hidden correlations between bilingual advantages and disadvantages. Tracking biases that inflate scientific results is important, but it is not enough. The next step is recognizing the nested Matryoshka doll effect of bias-within-bias, and this entails raising awareness for one’s own bias blind spots in science.
Explaining the Green Development Behavior of Local Governments for Sustainable Development: Evidence from China
Authors: Du Jianguo , Zhu Xiaowen , Li Xingwei , Ünal Enes , Longhurst Philip
Published: October 2023

Although researchers have examined organizational sustainability practices, a specific interpretation of local government green development practices remains for supplemental analysis. This study conducted an empirical survey of 53 local officials from departments related to green development to understand the key processes and practices of green development behavior of local governments in China. The key findings indicate that the main stakeholders involved in the green development practices of Chinese local governments consist of enterprises and residents. In part, local government green development practices emphasize the greening of enterprises, especially in the step of process environmental regulation. The new institutionalism theory and the organizational process research provide dependable insights into green development behaviors. Our findings further shed light on the process of cross-sectoral cooperation across local government departments in green development, contributing to local multi-sectoral interactions for regional green development.
Evaluation Model for Seismic Resilience of Urban Building Groups
Authors: Ren Hao , Rong Chong , Tian Qinhu , Zhang Weichao , Shao Dan
Published: October 2023

This paper analyzed the factors that influence the seismic resilience of urban building groups and studied the laws that influence internal factors and external factors. Based on the data from the first national comprehensive risk survey of natural disasters, a refined classification study of urban building groups was carried out. Based on the existing evaluation methods of seismic resilience of individual buildings, the recovery time was selected as the resilience evaluation index to calculate the effect of internal factors on the seismic resilience of urban building groups. Then, we studied the quantitative relationship between external factors (i.e., disaster relief capacity, population density, and economic level) and the evaluation indicators of seismic resilience of urban building groups, and we proposed the kilometer grid coefficient. Based on that, we proposed a calculation method of the effect of external factors on the seismic resilience of urban building groups. Considering the influence of internal and external factors, the evaluation model for the seismic resilience of urban building groups was established. And the model was applied in a typical city. This paper proposes a method to evaluate the seismic resilience of urban building groups, which can master the functional recovery time of urban building groups after an earthquake. Based on the proposed model, we can optimize the functional recovery path and emergency rescue path of the disaster area, as well as improve the resilience of urban building systems and the construction of resilient cities.
Chemical Activation of Apricot Pit-Derived Carbon Sorbents for the Effective Removal of Dyes in Environmental Remediation
Authors: Vashchynskyi Vitalii , Okhay Olena , Boychuk Tetiana
Published: October 2023

The aim of this work is to study the properties of carbon materials prepared from apricot stones by carbonization at 300–900 °C and chemical activation by KOH with different ratios between components. It was found that increasing the carbonization temperature to 800–900 °C leads to the degradation of narrow micropores and the carbon matrix. The adsorbent materials were characterized with FTIR and SEM, and a specific surface area was calculated. Moreover, additional activation by HNO3 and annealing at 450 °C led to an increase in surface area up to 1300 m2/g. The obtained N-enriched sorbents show adsorption activities of 190–235 mg/g for methylene blue and 210–260 mg/g for methyl orange. The results of this study can be useful for future scale-up using the apricot material as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of dyes in environmental remediation production.
The Potential of Dendritic Cell Subsets in the Development of Personalized Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Gorodilova Anna Valerevna , Kitaeva Kristina Viktorovna , Filin Ivan Yurevich , Mayasin Yuri Pavlovich , Kharisova Chulpan Bulatovna , Issa Shaza S. , Solovyeva Valeriya Vladimirovna , Rizvanov Albert Anatolyevich
Published: October 2023

Since the discovery of dendritic cells (DCs) in 1973 by Ralph Steinman, a tremendous amount of knowledge regarding these innate immunity cells has been accumulating. Their role in regulating both innate and adaptive immune processes is gradually being uncovered. DCs are proficient antigen-presenting cells capable of activating naive T-lymphocytes to initiate and generate effective anti-tumor responses. Although DC-based immunotherapy has not yielded significant results, the substantial number of ongoing clinical trials underscores the relevance of DC vaccines, particularly as adjunctive therapy or in combination with other treatment options. This review presents an overview of current knowledge regarding human DCs, their classification, and the functions of distinct DC populations. The stepwise process of developing therapeutic DC vaccines to treat oncological diseases is discussed, along with speculation on the potential of combined therapy approaches and the role of DC vaccines in modern immunotherapy.
Machine Learning for Simulation of Urban Heat Island Dynamics Based on Large-Scale Meteorological Conditions
Authors: Varentsov Mikhail , Krinitskiy Mikhail , Stepanenko Victor
Published: October 2023

This study considers the problem of approximating the temporal dynamics of the urban-rural temperature difference (ΔT) in Moscow megacity using machine learning (ML) models and predictors characterizing large-scale weather conditions. We compare several ML models, including random forests, gradient boosting, support vectors, and multi-layer perceptrons. These models, trained on a 21-year (2001–2021) dataset, successfully capture the diurnal, synoptic-scale, and seasonal variations of the observed ΔT based on predictors derived from rural weather observations or ERA5 reanalysis. Evaluation scores are further improved when using both sources of predictors simultaneously and involving additional features characterizing their temporal dynamics (tendencies and moving averages). Boosting models and support vectors demonstrate the best quality, with RMSE of 0.7 K and R2 > 0.8 on average over 21 years. For three selected summer and winter months, the best ML models forced only by reanalysis outperform the comprehensive hydrodynamic mesoscale model COSMO, supplied by an urban canopy scheme with detailed city-descriptive parameters and forced by the same reanalysis. However, for a longer period (1977–2023), the ML models are not able to fully reproduce the observed trend of ΔT increase, confirming that this trend is largely (by 60–70%) driven by megacity growth. Feature importance assessment indicates the atmospheric boundary layer height as the most important control factor for the ΔT and highlights the relevance of temperature tendencies as additional predictors.
Individual Differences in Auditory Training Benefits for Hearing Aid Users
Authors: Barda Ayelet , Shapira Yair , Fostick Leah
Published: October 2023

The present study aimed to examine whether individual differences in baseline speech perception could serve as predictors for the effectiveness and generalization of auditory training (AT) to non-trained tasks. Twelve adults, aged 60–75 years with bilateral hearing loss, completed a two-month, home-based, computerized AT program, involving sessions four times per week. Training tasks included the identification of vowel frontal, height, manner of articulation, point of articulation, voicing, and open-set consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words. Non-trained speech perception tests were conducted one month before AT, prior to training, after one and two months of training, and during a two-month follow-up. The results showed that one month of AT improved performance in most trained tasks, with generalization observed in the CVC words test and HeBio sentences with speech-shaped noise (SSN). No evidence of spontaneous learning or added benefit from an extra month of training was found. Most importantly, baseline speech perception predicted improvements in both training and post-training generalization tasks. This emphasizes the significance of adopting an individualized approach when determining the potential effectiveness of AT, applicable in both clinical and research contexts.
Efficacy of a Novel SPF Booster Based on Research Aboard the International Space Station
Authors: Landry Kyle S. , Young Elizabeth , Avery Timothy S. , Gropman Julia
Published: October 2023

The use of sunscreen is the most effective way to minimize sun damage to the skin. Excessive UV exposure is linked to an increased risk of melanoma and accelerated skin aging. Currently, approved UV filters fall into two categories: chemical- or mineral-based filters. Besides approved filters, there are numerous SPF-boosting additives that can be added to sunscreen products to enhance their efficacy. This manuscript shows the potential application of the novel SPF booster, Bacillus Lysate, developed from Bacillus pumilus PTA-126909, which was derived from research aboard the International Space Station. The addition of the 3.5%, 7%, or 10% Bacillus Lysate resulted in a 33%, 29%, and 22% boost in the SPF values of an SPF 30 sunscreen, respectively. The potential use of extremophiles and their byproducts, like the Bacillus Lysate presented here, may be a promising alternative SPF booster for the sunscreen industry.
Towards Sustainable Color Cosmetics Packaging
Authors: Dube Manu , Dube Sema
Published: October 2023

In spite of the significant progress towards sustainable cosmetics, mass-produced sustainable packaging has proven to be a challenge. The complexity of environmental, economic, social, technological, and policy considerations in conjunction with varying consumer behaviors and corporate goals can make it difficult to select an optimal strategy across heterogeneous supply chain components spread over the globe, and the cost and effort of developing, testing, and validating alternative strategies discourages empirical exploration of potential alternatives. This review discusses the challenges that can be expected in the context of broader sustainability efforts, as well as the experience gained in related fields, such as sustainable cosmetics and sustainable packaging, to identify potential pitfalls as well as promising trends towards the development of sustainable color cosmetics packaging. The findings suggest there may be little to be gained from attempting to induce customers to change their behavior, waiting for a significant increase in global recycling infrastructure, or expecting regulatory constraints to substitute for the lack of technological and business solutions. A research strategy is delineated towards the development of sustainable packaging that, with appropriate policy support, could minimize externalities and provide mass-produced packaging that is acceptable to both consumers and producers.
A Systematic Review of the Effect of Cystic Fibrosis Treatments on the Nasal Potential Difference Test in Animals and Humans
Authors: Leenaars Cathalijn , Häger Christine , Stafleu Frans , Nieraad Hendrik , Bleich André
Published: October 2023

To address unmet treatment needs in cystic fibrosis (CF), preclinical and clinical studies are warranted. Because it directly reflects the function of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR), the nasal potential difference test (nPD) can not only be used as a reliable diagnostic test for CF but also to assess efficacy of experimental treatments. We performed a full comprehensive systematic review of the effect of CF treatments on the nPD compared to control conditions tested in separate groups of animal and human subjects. Our review followed a preregistered protocol. We included 34 references: 20 describing mouse studies, 12 describing human studies, and 2 describing both. We provide a comprehensive list of these studies, which assessed the effects of antibiotics, bone marrow transplant, CFTR protein, CFTR RNA, directly and indirectly CFTR-targeting drugs, non-viral and viral gene transfer, and other treatments. Our results support the nPD representing a reliable method for testing treatment effects in both animal models and human patients, as well as for diagnosing CF. However, we also observed the need for improved reporting to ensure reproducibility of the experiments and quantitative comparability of the results within and between species (e.g., with meta-analyses). Currently, data gaps warrant further primary studies.
A Deep Learning Framework with Explainability for the Prediction of Lateral Locoregional Recurrences in Rectal Cancer Patients with Suspicious Lateral Lymph Nodes
Authors: Sluckin Tania C. , Hekhuis Marije , Kol Sabrine Q. , Nederend Joost , Horsthuis Karin , Beets-Tan Regina G. H. , Beets Geerard L. , Burger Jacobus W. A. , Tuynman Jurriaan B. , Rutten Harm J. T. , Kusters Miranda , Benson Sean
Published: October 2023

Malignant lateral lymph nodes (LLNs) in low, locally advanced rectal cancer can cause (ipsi-lateral) local recurrences ((L)LR). Accurate identification is, therefore, essential. This study explored LLN features to create an artificial intelligence prediction model, estimating the risk of (L)LR. This retrospective multicentre cohort study examined 196 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer between 2008 and 2020 from three tertiary centres in the Netherlands. Primary and restaging T2W magnetic resonance imaging and clinical features were used. Visible LLNs were segmented and used for a multi-channel convolutional neural network. A deep learning model was developed and trained for the prediction of (L)LR according to malignant LLNs. Combined imaging and clinical features resulted in AUCs of 0.78 and 0.80 for LR and LLR, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% and 67.6%, respectively. Class activation map explainability methods were applied and consistently identified the same high-risk regions with structural similarity indices ranging from 0.772–0.930. This model resulted in good predictive value for (L)LR rates and can form the basis of future auto-segmentation programs to assist in the identification of high-risk patients and the development of risk stratification models.
Subtle Changes in Myocardial Work Indices Assessed by 2D-Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Are Linked with Pathological LV Remodeling and MACEs Following an Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated by Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Arnautu Diana-Aurora , Gheorghiu Alexandru , Arnautu Sergiu-Florin , Tomescu Mirela-Cleopatra , Malita Claudiu-Daniel , Banciu Christian , Vacarescu Cristina , Ionac Ioana , Luca Silvia , Cozma Dragos , Mornos Cristian , Gaita Dan , Luca Constantin-Tudor
Published: October 2023

The goal of this study was to assess whether subtle changes in myocardial work indices may predict left ventricular (LV) remodeling and major cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with a first ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) and preserved LVEF after successful myocardial revascularization with PCI. Methods. Consecutive STEMI patients in sinus rhythm and with an LV ejection fraction ≥ 50% following a successful PCI were recruited. Conventional and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) was conducted within 36 h of the PCI and 3 months later. Patients having an increase of more than 20% in LV diastolic volume were included in the LV remodeling group. MACEs were noted throughout a four-year period of follow-up. Results: The study comprised 246 STEMI patients with a mean age of 66; 72% of whom were men. In 24% (58) of the patients, LV remodeling developed. These patients were older, more frequently hypertensive, and had a smoking history. They also exhibited significantly lower baseline and 3-month values for the myocardial global index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), and global myocardial efficiency (GWE). The cut-off values of 1670 mmHg% for GWI and 83% for GWE were predictive of LV remodeling (p < 0.0001). During the four-year follow-up period, 19% of STEMI patients experienced a MACE, involving 15% from non-LV remodelers and 34% from LV remodelers (p = 0.01). The cut-off values for baseline GWI of 1680 mmHg% and baseline GWE of 84% had the best accuracy in predicting MACEs. In conclusion, non-invasive myocardial work indices offered a reproducible and accurate method to predict post-MI LV remodeling and MACEs.
“The Strange Case of Dr Pump and Mr Acardiac”: The Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence in Two Monochorionic Monoamniotic (MCMA) Twin Pregnancies—Diagnosis, Prognosis and Management: Review of Literature
Authors: Nicolì Pierpaolo , Damiani Gianluca Raffaello , Gaetani Maria , Dellino Miriam , Vitagliano Amerigo , Malvasi Antonio , Cazzato Gerardo , Cascardi Eliano , Marzullo Andrea , Alfonso Raffaello , Cicinelli Ettore , Vimercati Antonella
Published: October 2023

The Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence is an extremely rare complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies, with one severely malformed twin (the “acardiac”) lacking autonomous placental blood supply and being perfused by the co-twin (the “pump”), through arterio-arterial (and sometimes also veno-venous) vascular anastomoses located on the placental surface. The prognosis is poor: mortality is 100% in the acardiac twin because of its severe malformations and about 50–55% in the pump twin, mainly due to heart failure and prematurity. So, the goal of perinatal management of the TRAP twin pregnancy is to deliver a healthy and near-term pump twin without heart failure or fetal hydrops. Intuitively, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome. Herein, we report two cases of monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twin pregnancies complicated by the TRAP Sequence, which are of interest since the objective of early diagnosis was achieved by means of transvaginal and 3D ultrasound, two techniques which revealed themselves as being useful to this purpose but are underused in the literature. The second aim of this study is to provide an overview of literature data about the diagnosis, prognosis establishment, and management of this rare condition, which are still debated and unclear due to negligible poor-quality evidence.
Prognostic Role of Preoperative Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Recurrence at First Evaluation after Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) Induction in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Lee Junghoon , Yoo Sangjun , Choo Min Soo , Cho Min Chul , Son Hwancheol , Jeong Hyeon
Published: October 2023

We investigated the prognosis of BCG induction-only treatment and non-complete response (CR) at the first 3-month evaluation and examined factors associated with CR. In total, 209 patients with moderate- and high-risk NMIBC who received BCG induction-only treatment between 2008 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed based on the initial NMIBC stage. PFS and associated factors of non-CR compared to CR were also assessed. Initial T1 high-grade (HG) (n = 93) had poorer RFS and PFS after BCG induction-only treatment than Ta low-grade (LG) (p = 0.029, p = 0.002). Non-CR (n = 37) had a different neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (2.81 ± 1.02 vs. 1.97 ± 0.92) and T staging from CR (p < 0.001, p = 0.008). T1HG recurrence was associated with a worse PFS compared to non-T1HG (13.7 months vs. 101.7 months, p < 0.001). There was no difference in PFS between T1HG and T1LG. T1 and NLR were predictors of response at 3 months in multivariable analysis (p = 0.004, p = 0.029). NLR was also found to be an associated factor with RFS and PFS of bladder cancer (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). BCG induction-only treatment was effective for high-risk TaLG but not for T1HG. T1HG recurrence at 3 months after BCG induction has a poor prognosis for bladder cancer. Preoperative NLR and T1 were predictors of non-CR, and NLR was also associated with the long-term prognosis of bladder cancer.
Dental Student Perceptions of Distance Education over Time: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Yeh Susanna Y. , Puttige Ramesh Nithya , Kaczmarek-Stewart Kristie , Ahn Chiho , Li Alice Z. , Ohyama Hiroe
Published: October 2023

Objectives: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition to distance learning raised pertinent questions regarding advantages and challenges compared to traditional in-person learning. This study aimed to investigate dental students’ perceptions of distance learning throughout the pandemic, examining its impact on their education. Methods: This study employed a convergent mixed-methods design. Three online surveys were conducted in 2020, 2021, and 2022 to collect quantitative data. Additionally, qualitative semi-structured interviews were carried out in 2022. Interviews were recorded and transcribed; then, thematic analysis was performed following an inductive approach. Results: As perceived by the participants, distance learning entails advantages and challenges. Initially, they felt uncertainty and negativity about the new environment with distance learning. However, their perceptions shifted positively as they adapted, even after returning to hybrid and in-person modules. Furthermore, most participants felt that distance learning is better suited for didactic content. It was suggested that didactic courses contain approximately 25–50% of online methods. Conclusions: Distance learning has provided valuable opportunities to reinforce curricula and improve learning efficacy during the pandemic. Our findings suggest that a hybrid learning model that combines traditional and distance modules appears to be an effective approach for future dental education.