bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Speed Three-Dimensional Aerial Vehicle Evasion Based on a Multi-Stage Dueling Deep Q-Network
Authors: Yang Yefeng , Huang Tao , Wang Xinxin , Wen Chih-Yung , Huang Xianlin
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a multi-stage dueling deep Q-network (MS-DDQN) algorithm to address the high-speed aerial vehicle evasion problem. High-speed aerial vehicle pursuit and evasion are an ongoing game attracting significant research attention in the field of autonomous aerial vehicle decision making. However, traditional maneuvering methods are usually not applicable in high-speed scenarios. Independent of the aerial vehicle model, the implemented MS-DDQN-based method searches for an approximate optimal maneuvering policy by iteratively interacting with the environment. Furthermore, the multi-stage learning mechanism was introduced to improve the training data quality. Simulation experiments were conducted to compare the proposed method with several typical evasion maneuvering policies and to reveal the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed MS-DDQN algorithm.
Effect of Nutrient Management on Soil Carbon Quantities, Qualities, and Stock under Rice-Wheat Production System
Authors: Meena Sunita K. , Dwivedi Brahma S. , Meena Mahesh C. , Datta Saba P. , Singh Vinod K. , Mishra Rajendra P. , Chakraborty Debashish , Dey Abir , Meena Vijay S.
Published: November 2022

The nutrient management options have been contemplated to be sustainable strategies to sustain rice-wheat production systems and a conceivable option to maintain soil organic carbon (SOC) in soil systems. We hypothesized that carbon fraction could be a critical factor in improving carbon storage in cereal-based production systems. The results suggested that the adoption of IPNS legumes (berseem and cowpea), STCR, and OF improved SOC concentrations. It was observed that significantly higher (57%) contribution in carbon concentration very labile carbon (VLC) was trailed by the non-labile carbon (NLC, 23%), labile carbon (LC, 12%), and less labile carbon (LLC 8%) in the surface soil layer. Results showed that carbon stock varied from 11.73 to 18.39 and 9.95 to 11.75 t ha−1 in the surface and subsurface soil depths, respectively, and significantly higher carbon stock was maintained in OF in both soil depths over the other nutrient management practices. Results showed that for the surface layer C-stocks registered in the following order (0–15 cm soil depth) OF (18.39 t ha−1) > IPNS + C (17.54 t ha−1) > IPNS + B (17.26 t ha−1) > IPNS (16.86 t ha−1) > STCR (15.54 t ha−1) > NPK (15.32 t ha−1) and unfertilized control (11.73 t ha−1). Overall, results suggested that the adoption of IPNS options addition of legumes significantly enhanced all carbon pools.
Effect of Foliar Silicon Application on Nutrient Content in Early Crop Potato Tubers
Authors: Wadas Wanda
Published: November 2022

As some trace elements can enhance plant nutrient uptake and assimilation, it was hypothesized that foliar silicon application could enhance nutrient content in early-crop potato tubers. The effect of dosage (23.25 g Si∙ha−1 or 46.50 g Si∙ha−1) and time (the leaf development stage—BBCH 14–16, tuber initiation stage—BBCH 40–41, at both the leaf development stage and tuber initiation stage) of the silicon application on the nutrient contents in early crop potato tubers was investigated. Silicon had no effect on the potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), or magnesium (Mg) contents in potato tubers, but it reduced sodium (Na) accumulation, especially under water deficit conditions during tuber bulking. This resulted in a reduction in the mass ratios of Na+/Ca2+ and Na+/Mg2+ in tubers. Silicon dosage significantly affected the Na accumulation by potato tubers only in the warm and very dry growing season. Under drought stress, silicon at 46.50 g Si∙ha–1 reduced the Na content in potato tubers more than at 23.25 g Si∙ha−1. Under periodic water deficits, the time of silicon application affected the Na accumulation by potato tubers more than the silicon dosage. The Na content in tubers was the highest with two silicon applications. Although silicon reduced the Na accumulation, the ratio of the sum of univalent cations to the sum of bivalent cations (K+ + Na+)/(Ca2+ + Mg2+) in tubers was at the same level, both in cultivations with and without silicon.
Climatology, Bioclimatology and Vegetation Cover: Tools to Mitigate Climate Change in Olive Groves
Authors: Cano-Ortiz Ana , Fuentes Jose Carlos Piñar , Gea Felipe Leiva , Ighbareyeh Jehad Mahmoud Hussein , Quinto Canas Ricardo Jorje , Meireles Catarina Isabel Rodrigues , Raposo Mauro , Gomes Carlos Jose Pinto , Spampinato Giovanni , del Río González Sara , Musarella Carmelo Maria , Cano Eusebio
Published: November 2022

This work establishes the relationship between bioclimatology and agronomy. Bioclimatic indices are obtained for several areas under olive cultivation and correlated with olive yields. Due to the effect of climate change on cultivation and the high economic losses it produces, we propose a sustainable development model for the territorial classification of crops based on bioclimatic knowledge. Bioclimatic diagrams are prepared to provide information on water stress in crops so that irrigation can be carried out at the most effective time, a measure that has been shown to lead to water and energy savings for growers. In addition to this development model, we propose the application of non-aggressive cultivation techniques such as the use of living plant cover to ensure the protection of the soil and avoid losses due to climate irregularities. Studies conducted up to the present on applied bioclimatology have yielded promising results in the fields of farming and forestry. The maps and bioclimatic indices of Professor Rivas-Martínez, Ic, Io and It/Itc, are essential for bioclimatic classification. The agricultural development model with a bioclimatic basis ensures economic savings for growers and minimizes the environmental impact of cultivation. In the case of olive cultivation we detected that in 2005 all the cultivated areas that were not in their thermoclimatic optimum were damaged by frost. The widespread cultivation of olive groves in the Mediterranean basin, and mainly in the south of Spain, is reason enough to establish a relationship between its production and its bioclimatic environment. The ombroclimatic study in certain localities under olive cultivation shows that areas with Io <2.5 are unproductive (Jodar, Tabernas), and that their low Io value needs to be supplemented with irrigation water. This means extracting water from aquifers for agricultural use, when the current climate irregularities do not allow the excessive use of subsoil water. For the time being the only way of mitigating this situation is with sustainable development, which requires a bioclimatic understanding of the territory; and the use of appropriate cultivation techniques, including herbaceous plant covers. In this last case a knowledge of the plant associations in the phytosociological class Stellarietea mediae constitutes the basis for establishing either natural or sown vegetation cover.
Prompt and Appropriate Antimicrobial Therapy Improves Outcomes of NDM-Producing and KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Bloodstream Infections in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: A Comparative Retrospective Case-Series
Authors: Bavaro Davide Fiore , Belati Alessandra , Diella Lucia , Poli Melita Anna , Calamo Angela , De Candia Giovanna , Altamura Maurantonio , Spadavecchia Felicia Anna , Brindicci Gaetano , De Gennaro Nicolò , Di Gennaro Francesco , Saracino Annalisa , Carbonara Sergio
Published: November 2022

Secondary bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by KPC- and NDM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.p.) during the course of COVID-19 infections lead to significant mortality. Herein, a comparative retrospective case series of KPC- or NDM-K.p. BSIs occurring in COVID-19 subjects treated with Ceftazidime/Avibactam (CAZ/AVI) for KPC-K.p., or CAZ/AVI+ Aztreonam (ATM) for NDM-K.p is reported. All patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in two Italian hospitals with a BSI between March and September 2021 were included. The main outcome was 14-day mortality. Overall, 44 patients were included: 23 with KPC-K.p. and 21 with NDM-K.p. BSIs. The median (q1–q3) age was 67 (57–75) years, and 32 (72%) were males. The two groups were similar in terms of baseline comorbidity, or severity of COVID-19. Notably, 14-day mortality of KPC-K.p. BSIs and NDM-K.p. BSIs (26% vs. 38%, p = 0.521) and 28-day mortality (35% vs. 48%, p = 0.541) were similar. A Cox regression model of delayed initiation of an appropriate antibiotic therapy after the onset of symptoms independently predicted mortality: initiation between 24 and 72 h (aHR = 12.03; 95% CI = 1.10–130, p = 0.041); and initiation after 72h (aHR = 36.9, 95% CI = 3.22–424, p = 0.004). Moreover, a trend towards an increased risk of mortality was observed for polymicrobial infections (aHR = 3.73, 95% CI = 0.87–15.8, p = 0.074), while a protective effect was observed for a beta-lactam loading dose at the start of treatment (aHR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.02–1.10, p = 0.064). The high mortality of KPC and NDM-K.p. BSIs in COVID-19 patients may be reduced by an early and appropriate antibiotic therapy. Further efforts should be made to develop antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programs in COVID-19 wards.
Targeting Thymidylate Synthase and tRNA-Derived Non-Coding RNAs Improves Therapeutic Sensitivity in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yang Changwon , Song Jisoo , Park Sunwoo , Ham Jiyeon , Park Wonhyoung , Park Hahyun , An Garam , Hong Taeyeon , Kim Hee Seung , Song Gwonhwa , Lim Whasun
Published: November 2022

Some colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are resistant to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and high expression levels of thymidylate synthase (TS) contribute to this resistance. This study investigated whether quercetin, a representative polyphenol compound, could enhance the effect of 5-FU in CRC cells. Quercetin suppressed TS levels that were increased by 5-FU in CRC cells and promoted the expression of p53. Quercetin also induced intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and Ca2+ dysregulation in a 5-FU-independent pathway in CRC cells. Furthermore, quercetin decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in CRC cells and inhibited mitochondrial respiration. Moreover, quercetin regulated the expression of specific tiRNAs, including tiRNAHisGTG, and transfection of a tiRNAHisGTG mimic further enhanced the apoptotic effect of quercetin in CRC cells. An enhanced sensitivity to 5-FU was also confirmed in colitis-associated CRC mice treated with quercetin. The treatment of quercetin decreased survival rates of the CRC mouse model, with reductions in the number of tumors and in the disease activity index. Also, quercetin suppressed TS and PCNA protein expression in the distal colon tissue of CRC mice. These results suggest that quercetin has the potential to be used as an adjuvant with 5-FU for the treatment of CRC.
Integrated Technology for Cereal Bran Valorization: Perspectives for a Sustainable Industrial Approach
Authors: Nemes Silvia Amalia , Călinoiu Lavinia Florina , Dulf Francisc Vasile , Fărcas Anca Corina , Vodnar Dan Cristian
Published: November 2022

Current research focuses on improving the bioaccessibility of functional components bound to cereal bran cell walls. The main bioactive components in cereal bran that have major biological activities include phenolic acids, biopeptides, dietary fiber, and novel carbohydrates. Because of the bound form in which these bioactive compounds exist in the bran matrix, their bioaccessibility is limited. This paper aims to comprehensively analyze the functionality of an integrated technology comprising pretreatment techniques applied to bran substrate followed by fermentation bioprocesses to improve the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of the functional components. The integrated technology of specific physical, chemical, and biological pretreatments coupled with fermentation strategies applied to cereal bran previously-pretreated substrate provide a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of cereal bran and the development of related functional foods and drugs.
Interaction of Uric Acid and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Cardiometabolic Risk Stratification and Prognosis in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Del Turco Serena , Bastiani Luca , Minichilli Fabrizio , Landi Patrizia , Basta Giuseppina , Pingitore Alessandro , Vassalle Cristina
Published: November 2022

Oxidative stress and inflammation are key factors in cardiometabolic diseases. We set out to evaluate the relationship between serum uric acid (UA) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with cardiometabolic risk factors in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, and their additive and multiplicative interactive effects on outcomes (cardiac death/CD and hard events (HE)—death plus reinfarction). A total of 2712 patients (67 ± 11 years, 1960 males) who underwent coronary angiography was retrospectively analyzed and categorized into no-CAD patients (n = 806), stable-CAD patients (n = 1545), and patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (n = 361). UA and NLR were reciprocally correlated and associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. During a mean follow-up period of 27 ± 20 months, 99 ± 3.6% deaths, and 213 ± 7.8% HE were registered. The Kaplan–Meier survival estimates showed significantly worse outcomes in patients with elevated UA or NLR levels. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that NLR independently predicted CD and HE. There was no multiplicative interaction between UA and NLR; however, the use of measures of additive interaction evidenced a positive additive interaction between UA and NLR for CD and HE. Although it is clear that correlation does not imply causation, the coexistence of NRL and UA appears to have a synergistic effect, providing further information for the risk stratification of CAD patients.
Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Properties of Goat-Milk Powder Fortified with Grape-Pomace-Seed Extract after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors: Milinčić Danijel D. , Stanisavljević Nemanja S. , Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Gašić Uroš M. , Stanojević Slađana P. , Tešić Živoslav Lj. , Pešić Mirjana B.
Published: November 2022

This study deals with the evaluation of the bioaccessibility and antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds from heat-treated skim goat-milk powder fortified with grape-pomace-seed extract, after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD MS/MS) analysis confirmed the abundant presence of phenolic acids and flavan-3-ols in the grape-pomace-seed extract (SE) and heat-treated skim goat-milk/seed-extract powder (TME). After in vitro digestion of TME powder and recovery of total quantified phenolics, flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids were 18.11%, 24.54%, and 1.17%, respectively. Low recovery of grape-pomace-seed phenolics indicated strong milk protein–phenolic interactions. Electrophoretic analysis of a soluble fraction of digested heat-treated skim goat milk (TM) and TME samples showed the absence of bands originating from milk proteins, indicating their hydrolysis during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The digested TME sample had better antioxidant properties in comparison to the digested TM sample (except for the ferrous ion-chelating capacity, FCC), due to the presence of bioaccessible phenolics. Taking into account the contribution of the digestive cocktail, digested TME sample had lower values of total phenolic content (TPC), in vitro phosphomolybdenum reducing capacity (TAC) and ferric reducing power (FRP), compared to the undigested TME sample. These results could be attributed to low recovery of phenolic compounds. TME powder could be a good carrier of phenolics to the colon; thus, TME powder could be a promising ingredient in the formulation of functional food.
Integrated Metabolomics, Lipidomics, and Genomics Reveal the Presence of a New Biomarker, Butanediol Glucuronide, Associated with the Activation of Liver Ketogenesis and Lipid Oxidation by Tomato-Based Sofrito in Obese Rats
Authors: Rinaldi de Alvarenga José Fernando , Garcia-Aloy Mar , Ulaszewska Marynka , Zagmutt Sebastian , Perez-Montero Marta , Vrhovsek Urska , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa M. , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Rosalia
Published: November 2022

The increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide has promoted research on human metabolism and foods such as sofrito, a tomato and olive oil-based sauce from the Mediterranean diet, has shown beneficial effects on obesity and related complications. Sofrito has been associated with better cardiovascular health, metabolic syndrome, and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to understand how sofrito intake could contribute to the control of energy metabolism in obese rats. For this purpose, integrative untargeted lipidomics, metabolomics, and targeted gene expression approaches were used in the liver and adipose tissue to identify metabolic changes and the mechanism of action promoted by sofrito intake. A new biomarker was identified in the liver, butanediol glucuronide, an indicator of ketogenic activation and lipid oxidation after the sofrito intervention. Gene expression analysis revealed an increase in the uptake and liver oxidation of lipids for energy production and ketogenesis activation as fuel for other tissues in sofrito-fed animals. Sofrito altered the lipidomic profile in the fat depots of obese rats. This multiomics study identifies a new biomarker linked to the beneficial actions of sofrito against obesity and provides further insight into the beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet components.
LETCP: A Label-Efficient Transformer-Based Contrastive Pre-Training Method for Brain Tumor Segmentation
Authors: Chen Shoucun , Zhang Jing , Zhang Tianchi
Published: November 2022

The manual annotation of brain tumor images is costly and relies heavily on physician expertise, which limits the implementation of automated and accurate brain tumor segmentation in clinical practice. Meanwhile, unlabeled images are readily available but not well-exploited. In this paper, a novel brain tumor segmentation method for improving the efficiency of labeled images is proposed, dubbed LETCP. Specifically, it presents a contrastive pre-training strategy that utilises unlabeled data for model pre-training. The segmentation model in this approach is constructed based on a self-attention transformer. Extensive evaluation of the method is performed on three public datasets. By using pre-training with unlabeled data and then fine-tuning with small amounts of labeled data, this method achieves segmentation performance surpassing other semi-supervised methods and shows competitive performance compared with supervised methods.
Hemostatic Agents for the Management of Bleeding Risk Associated with Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Following Tooth Extraction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nisi Marco , Carli Elisabetta , Gennai Stefano , Gulia Francesco , Izzetti Rossana
Published: November 2022

The occurrence of bleeding following dental extraction is a relatively common complication. A history of therapy with oral anticoagulants represents a major favoring factor, both in patients treated with vitamin K-antagonists (especially warfarin) and with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Several local hemostatic measures can be applied to limit the bleeding risk in these patients. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate what measures can be adopted to limit the bleeding risk following dental extractions in patients treated with oral anticoagulants. A literature search was performed, and 116 articles were retrieved. Titles and abstract analyses excluded 91 articles, and three more articles were excluded following full-text analysis. The systematic review was performed on 22 articles. Among the included articles, 20 studies reported on patients treated with warfarin, and two studies on patients treated with DOACs. The agents employed included local intra-alveolar agents, tranexamic acid, and PRF. The included studies were all at moderate/high risk of bias. Moreover, limited evidence is available on hemostasis in patients treated with DOACs. The available evidence hinders stating the superiority of one agent over the others. Further research is advised to increase the level of evidence of the application of hemostatic agents in patients treated with oral anticoagulants.
Digital Calibration for Gain, Time Skew, and Bandwidth Mismatch in Under-Sampling Time-Interleaved System
Authors: Hu Min , Yi Pengxing
Published: November 2022

This paper presents an all-digital background calibration method for gain, time skew, and bandwidth mismatch in M-channel under-sampling time-interleaved analog-to-digital converters (TI-ADCs) systems. Firstly, the characteristics of offset, gain, time skew, and bandwidth mismatch on the TI-ADCs system are analyzed. Secondly, a parameter vector is constructed to correct gain, time skew, and bandwidth mismatch. Then, the constructed parameter vector is calculated with the bandpass fractional delay filter and least squares (LS) algorithm. Based on the bandpass fractional delay filter, the proposed technique can work for ultra-high frequency signals. Additionally, the constructed parameter vector has a smaller number of filter taps than the derivative filter or Hilbert filter. Therefore, fewer computing resources are used to correct the input signal after obtaining the proposed parameter vector. Finally, there are matrix inversions in the LS algorithm. Additionally, implementing matrix inversion within FPGA is complex. For this reason, solving a system of linear equations is used to replace matrix inversions. The LS algorithm is affected by quantization error and white Gaussian noise. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm when the SNR of sub-ADC is from 30 dB to 100 dB or the ENOB of sub-ADC is from 5-bit to 16-bit. They show that the proposed algorithm is not limited by the first sub-ADC Nyquist. Additionally, the measurement results show that the proposed method is effective in the actual time-Interleaved system.
Security of Blockchain and AI-Empowered Smart Healthcare: Application-Based Analysis
Authors: Alabdulatif Abdulatif , Khalil Ibrahim , Saidur Rahman Mohammad
Published: November 2022

A smart device carries a great amount of sensitive patient data as it offers innovative and enhanced functionalities in the smart healthcare system. Moreover, the components of healthcare systems are interconnected via the Internet, bringing significant changes to the delivery of healthcare services to individuals. However, easy access to healthcare services and applications has given rise to severe risks and vulnerabilities that hamper the performance of a smart healthcare system. Moreover, a large number of heterogeneous devices accumulate data that vary in terms of size and formats, making it challenging to manage the data in the healthcare repository and secure it from attackers who seek to profit from the data. Thus, smart healthcare systems are susceptible to numerous security threats and risks, such as hardware and software-based attacks, system-level attacks, and network attacks that have the potential to place patients’ lives at risk. An analysis of the literature revealed a research gap in that most security surveys on the healthcare ecosystem examined only the security challenges and did not explore the possibility of integrating modern technologies to alleviate security issues in the smart healthcare system. Therefore, in this article, we conduct a comprehensive review of the various most recent security challenges and their countermeasures in the smart healthcare environment. In addition, an artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain-based secure architecture is proposed as a case study to analyse malware and network attacks on wearable devices. The proposed architecture is evaluated using various performance metrics such as blockchain scalability, accuracy, and dynamic malware analysis. Lastly, we highlight different open issues and research challenges facing smart healthcare systems.
Sustainable Transport in a Smart City: Prediction of Short-Term Parking Space through Improvement of LSTM Algorithm
Authors: Jin Bowen , Zhao Yu , Ni Jing
Published: November 2022

The carbon emission of fuel vehicles is a major consideration that affects the dual carbon goal in urban traffic. The problem of “difficult parking and disorderly parking” in static traffic can easily lead to traffic congestion, an increase in vehicle exhaust emissions, and air pollution. In particulate, when vehicles make an invalid detour and wait for parking with long hours, it often causes extra energy consumption and carbon emission. In this paper, adding a weather influence feature, a short-term parking occupancy rate prediction algorithm based on the long short-term model (LSTM) is proposed. The data used in this model is from Melbourne public data sets, and parking occupancy rates are predicted through historical parking data, weather information, and location information. At the same time, three commonly prediction models, i.e., simple LSTM model, multiple linear regression model (MLR), and support vector regression (SVR), are also used as comparison models. Taking MAE and RMSE as evaluation indexes, the parking occupancy rate during 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min are predicted. The experimental results show that the improved LSTM method achieves better accuracy and stability in the prediction of parking lots. The average MAE and RMSE of the proposed LSTM prediction during intervals of 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min with the weather influence feature algorithm is lower than that of simple LSTM, MLR and that of SVR.
Reputation-Based Blockchain for Spatial Crowdsourcing in Vehicular Networks
Authors: Guo Wenlong , Chang Zheng , Su Yunfei , Guo Xijuan , Hämäläinen Timo , Li Jian , Li Yuan
Published: November 2022

The sharing of high-quality traffic information plays a crucial role in enhancing the driving experience and safety performance for vehicular networks, especially in the development of electric vehicles (EVs). The crowdsourcing-based real-time navigation of charging piles is characterized by low delay and high accuracy. However, due to the lack of an effective incentive mechanism and the resource-consuming bottleneck of sharing real-time road conditions, methods to recruit or motivate more EVs to provide high-quality information gathering has attracted considerable interest. In this paper, we first introduce a blockchain platform, where EVs act as the blockchain nodes, and a reputation-based incentive mechanism for vehicular networks. The reputations of blockchain nodes are calculated according to their historical behavior and interactions. Further, we design and implement algorithms for updating honest-behavior-based reputation as well as for screening low-reputation miners, to optimize the profits of miners and address spatial crowdsourcing tasks for sharing information on road conditions. The experimental results show that the proposed reputation-based incentive method can improve the reputation and profits of vehicle users and ensure data timeliness and reliability.
Underlying Factors and Strategies for Organizational BIM Capabilities: The Case of Iran
Authors: Rajabi Mohammad Sadra , Rezaeiashtiani Mohammad , Radzi Afiqah R. , Famili Alireza , Rezaeiashtiani Amirhossein , Rahman Rahimi A.
Published: November 2022

Building information modeling (BIM) has a significant role in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industries. Most BIM benefits have not been grasped due to the lack of organizational BIM capabilities (OBIMCs). Accordingly, organizations must develop intuitive strategies to support BIM implementation and to fulfill the promised benefits. This study investigates the impact of different capability factors on OBIMC and the underlying strategies to improve OBIMC in Iran. Particularly, this study builds a structural equation model to explain the links between the capability factors and strategies linked to OBIMC in Iran. A systematic literature review of twenty-six papers and semi-structured interviews with fifteen BIM specialists identified nineteen capability factors and fourteen strategies. A survey of 126 BIM professionals was used to assess the importance of the capability factors and strategies. To analyze the collected data, first, an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed. Then, Partial Least-Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed. The EFA generated two constructs for the capability factors: OBIMC and organizational capabilities (OCA). Furthermore, it categorized the strategies into two constructs: BIM capability requirement (BIMCR) and organizational culture (OCU). The structural equation model demonstrates that BIMCR and OCU enhance OCA and OBIMC. These two elements are also positively impacted by BIMCR. Industry professionals and policymakers can use these findings to develop strategic plans and to prioritize efforts. The significant contribution of this study is to illuminate the interrelationship between capability factors and strategies related to OBIMC in Iran.
Assessing Air Pollution and Determining the Composition of Airborne Dust in Urbanized Areas: Granulometric Characteristics
Authors: Kozlov Andrey , Gura Dmitry , Repeva Anastasia , Lushkov Richard
Published: November 2022

The article focuses on the problem of atmospheric pollution in urban areas caused by particulate matter, which is a problem for most industrial cities. The work aims to assess air pollution by particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5; determine the composition of airborne dust in a zone free of any industrial activity; obtain statistical characteristics of dust distribution in the atmospheric air of urbanized areas according to granulometric characteristics. The issues of PM10 and PM2.5 presence in the atmospheric air of urban and industrial centers in major European cities were analyzed. The degree of air pollution by PM10 and PM2.5 in the autumn-winter season 2020–2021 in Chelyabinsk city was assessed by gravimetry, considering the air quality standards valid in Russia and the European Union. It was found that the average concentration of particulate matter in the air of the urbanized areas of Chelyabinsk in the six months of the autumn-winter period 2020–2021 was 83 µg/m3 and exceeded the MPC (maximum permissible concentration) 2.1 times. The average value of the concentration of fine dust fractions for six months of the study period was 67 µg/m3, exceeding the MPC by 2.7 times. The obtained results indicate that there is a big problem of pollution, therefore it is important to apply the necessary actions to restore the state of air quality standards, which do not cause health risks to the population exposed to ultrafine particulate matter.
Review of the Research Status of Cost-Effective Zinc–Iron Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Zhang Huan , Sun Chuanyu , Ge Mingming
Published: November 2022

Zinc–iron redox flow batteries (ZIRFBs) possess intrinsic safety and stability and have been the research focus of electrochemical energy storage technology due to their low electrolyte cost. This review introduces the characteristics of ZIRFBs which can be operated within a wide pH range, including the acidic ZIRFB taking advantage of Fen+ with high solubility, the alkaline ZIRFB operating at a relatively high open-circuit potential and current densities, and the neutral ZIRFB providing a non-toxic, harmless, and mild environment. No matter what kind of ZIRFB, there are always zinc dendrites limiting areal capacity on the anode, which has become an obstacle that must be considered in zinc-based RFBs. Therefore, we focus on the current research progress, especially the summarizing and analysis of zinc dendrites, Fe(III) hydrolysis, and electrolytes. Given these challenges, this review reports the optimization of the electrolyte, electrode, membrane/separator, battery structure, and numerical simulations, aiming to promote the performance and development of ZIRFBs as a practical application technology. Based on these investigations, we also provide the prospects and development direction of ZIRFBs.
Sensitivity Analysis of Cardiac Alternans and Tachyarrhythmia to Ion Channel Conductance Using Population Modeling
Authors: Jeong Da Un , Marcellinus Aroli , Lim Ki Moo
Published: November 2022

Action potential duration (APD) alternans, an alternating phenomenon between action potentials in cardiomyocytes, causes heart arrhythmia when the heart rate is high. However, some of the APD alternans observed in clinical trials occurs under slow heart rate conditions of 100 to 120 bpm, increasing the likelihood of heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Advanced studies have identified the occurrence of this type of APD alternans in terms of electrophysiological ion channel currents in cells. However, they only identified physiological phenomena, such as action potential due to random changes in a particular ion channel’s conductivity through ion models specializing in specific ion channel currents. In this study, we performed parameter sensitivity analysis via population modeling using a validated human ventricular physiology model to check the sensitivity of APD alternans to ion channel conductances. Through population modeling, we expressed the changes in alternans onset cycle length (AOCL) and mean APD in AOCL (AO meanAPD) according to the variations in ion channel conductance. Finally, we identified the ion channel that maximally affected the occurrence of APD alternans. AOCL and AO meanAPD were sensitive to changes in the plateau Ca2+ current. Accordingly, it was expected that APD alternans would be vulnerable to changes in intracellular calcium concentration.
The Role of the Assembly Force in the Tribocorrosion Behaviour of Hip Implant Head-Neck Junctions: An Adaptive Finite Element Approach
Authors: Fallahnezhad Khosro , Feyzi Mohsen , Hashemi Reza , Taylor Mark
Published: November 2022

The cyclic loading, in the corrosive medium of the human body, results in tribocorrosion at the interface of the head-neck taper junction of hip implants. The resulting metal ions and wear debris adversely affect the local tissues. The force applied by surgeons to assemble the junction has proven to play a major role in the mechanics of the taper junction which, in turn, can influence the tribocorrosion damage. Recently, finite element method has been used to predict the material loss at the head-neck interface. However, in most finite element studies, the contribution of electrochemical corrosion has been ignored. Therefore, a detailed study to investigate the influence of the assembly force on the tribocorrosive behaviour of the head-neck junction, which considers both the mechanical and chemical material removal, is of paramount interest. In this study, a finite-element-based algorithm was used to investigate the effect of assembly force on the tribocorrosion damage at the junction interface, for over four million cycles of simulated level gait. The patterns of the material removal in the modelling results were compared with the damage patterns observed in a group of retrieved modular hip implants. The results of this study showed that for different cases, chemical wear was in the range of 25–50% of the total material loss, after four million cycles. A minimum assembly force (4 kN for the studied cases) was needed to maintain the interlock in the junction. The computational model was able to predict the damage pattern at the retrieved head-neck interface.
Structural Consequences of Deproteinating the 50S Ribosome
Authors: Larsson Daniel S. D. , Kanchugal P Sandesh , Selmer Maria
Published: November 2022

Ribosomes are complex ribonucleoprotein particles. Purified 50S ribosomes subjected to high-salt wash, removing a subset of ribosomal proteins (r-proteins), were shown as competent for in vitro assembly into functional 50S subunits. Here, we used cryo-EM to determine the structures of such LiCl core particles derived from E. coli 50S subunits. A wide range of complexes with large variations in the extent of the ordered 23S rRNA and the occupancy of r-proteins were resolved to between 2.8 Å and 9 Å resolution. Many of these particles showed high similarity to in vivo and in vitro assembly intermediates, supporting the inherent stability or metastability of these states. Similar to states in early ribosome assembly, the main class showed an ordered density for the particle base around the exit tunnel, with domain V and the 3′-half of domain IV disordered. In addition, smaller core particles were discovered, where either domain II or IV was unfolded. Our data support a multi-pathway in vitro disassembly process, similar but reverse to assembly. Dependencies between complex tertiary RNA structures and RNA-protein interactions were observed, where protein extensions dissociated before the globular domains. We observed the formation of a non-native RNA structure upon protein dissociation, demonstrating that r-proteins stabilize native RNA structures and prevent non-native interactions also after folding.
Is It All about Endothelial Dysfunction? Focusing on the Alteration in Endothelial Integrity as a Key Determinant of Different Pathological Mechanisms
Authors: Ambrosino Pasquale , D’Anna Silvestro Ennio , Grassi Guido , Maniscalco Mauro
Published: November 2022

The endothelium is composed of a monolayer of endothelial cells (ECs) covering the inner side of arterial, venous and lymphatic vessels [...]
Impact of Bone Metastases on Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma or Melanoma Treated with Combotherapy Ipilimumab Plus Nivolumab
Authors: Pham Félix , Belkaid Samy , Maillet Denis , Confavreux Cyrille B. , Dalle Stéphane , Péron Julien
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Ipilimumab plus nivolumab (combo-ICI) improves overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or melanoma. The impact of bone metastases (BM) on survival outcomes of combo-ICI-treated patients is unknown. (2) Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study involved 36 combo-ICI-treated patients with advanced RCC and 35 with melanoma. Clinical and laboratory data preceding the initiation of combo-ICI were collected. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the effect of BM on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). (3) Results: zNine RCC and 11 melanoma patients had baseline BM. In unadjusted analysis, baseline BM was associated with a poorer OS in the RCC cohort. Baseline BM did not have any impact on survival outcomes in melanoma patients. After adjustment on baseline performance status and on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the impact of BM was no longer significant, but a NLR ≥ 3 was significantly associated with a poorer OS in the RCC cohort. (4) Conclusions: The presence of baseline BM seems to be associated with worse outcomes in RCC combo-ICI-treated patients, while its effect might not be independent from the inflammatory state (approximated by the NLR). BM seems to have no impact on the outcomes of melanoma combo-ICI-treated patients.
Functional Modulation of Human Macrophages by Secreted Phospholipases A2: Implications in Cancer
Authors: Galdiero Maria Rosaria , Mormile Ilaria , Granata Francescopaolo , Loffredo Stefania , Detoraki Aikaterini , Della Casa Francesca , Trocchia Maria Luisa , Ventrici Annagioia , de Paulis Amato , Rossi Francesca Wanda
Published: November 2022

Cancer-related inflammation has recently emerged as an important component of cancer pathogenesis that is able to promote tumor initiation and progression, and the acquisition of the known hallmark capabilities, including evasion from immunosurveillance. Several soluble and cellular mediators participate in tumor microenvironment formation, leading to cancer initiation and progression. In this view, Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) are pivotal players and, due to their characteristic plasticity, can acquire a variety of distinct phenotypes and contribute in different ways to the different phases of carcinogenesis. Different stimuli have been shown to modulate macrophage polarization. Secreted phospholipase A2 enzymes (sPLA2s) exert multiple biological effects on cancer-related inflammation due to their enzymatic activity and ability to activate inflammatory cells by non-enzymatic mechanisms. Among the different sPLA2 isoforms, several studies have suggested that group IIA and group X are mainly involved in a wide variety of cancer types. A deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating the link between tumor-infiltrating immune cells and cancer could lead to identifying new prognostic/predictive biomarkers and a broader view of cancer immunotherapy.
Urinary miRNAs as a Diagnostic Tool for Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Grimaldi Anna Maria , Lapucci Cristina , Salvatore Marco , Incoronato Mariarosaria , Ferrari Maurizio
Published: November 2022

Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer type worldwide. Cystoscopy represents the gold standard for bladder cancer diagnosis, but this procedure is invasive and painful, hence the need to identify new biomarkers through noninvasive procedures. microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered to be promising diagnostic molecules, because they are very stable in biological fluids (including urine) and easily detectable. This systematic review analyses the power of urine miRNAs as bladder cancer diagnostic markers. We conducted this systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A total of 293 records related to miRNAs and their diagnostic significance in BC were retrieved from the PubMed and Embase databases. A systematic search of the literature was performed, and a total of 25 articles (N = 4054 participants) were identified and reviewed. Although many of the selected studies were of high scientific quality, the results proved to be quite heterogeneous, because we did not identify a univocal consensus for a specific miRNA signature but only isolated the signatures. We did not identify a univocal consensus for a specific diagnostic miRNA signature but only isolated the signatures, some of them with better diagnostic power compared to the others.
Photoacoustic Imaging Probes for Theranostic Applications
Authors: He Cailing , Zhu Jiayuan , Zhang Huayue , Qiao Ruirui , Zhang Run
Published: November 2022

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI), an emerging biomedical imaging technology, capitalizes on a wide range of endogenous chromophores and exogenous contrast agents to offer detailed information related to the functional and molecular content of diseased biological tissues. Compared with traditional imaging technologies, PAI offers outstanding advantages, such as a higher spatial resolution, deeper penetrability in biological tissues, and improved imaging contrast. Based on nanomaterials and small molecular organic dyes, a huge number of contrast agents have recently been developed as PAI probes for disease diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we report the recent advances in the development of nanomaterials and organic dye-based PAI probes. The current challenges in the field and future research directions for the designing and fabrication of PAI probes are proposed.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitutions as Predictors for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yap Sin Yee , Ng Foong Leng , Subramaniam Menaga , Lim Yang Mooi , Foo Chai Nien
Published: November 2022

Traditional Chinese medicine body constitution (TCMBC) reflects a person’s vulnerability to diseases. Thus, identifying body constitutions prone to depression can help prevent and treat depression. The review aimed to assess and summarize the existing evidence that explores the relationship between TCMBC and depression. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, MEDLINE, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed, Embase, VIP, CINAHL, and CMJ were searched from inception to April 2021. Observational studies assessing the association between TCMBC and depression were selected. The quality of the included studies were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review and thirteen in the meta-analysis. The pooled odd ratios of developing depression for Qi-stagnation, Qi-deficiency, Yang-deficiency, Yin-deficiency, and Balanced constitutions were 3.12 (95% CI, 1.80–5.40; I2 = 94%), 2.15 (95% CI, 1.54–3.01; I2 = 89%), 1.89 (95% CI, 0.71–5.03; I2 = 81%), 1.41 (95% CI, 0.91–2.20; I2 = 57%), and 0.60 (95% CI, 0.40–0.90; I2 = 94%), respectively. The findings suggest that the evaluation of a person’s TCMBC could be useful the in prevention and treatment of depression. However, more case-control and cohort studies are required to further confirm the association between TCMBC and depression.
Integrating BIM in Construction Dispute Resolution: Development of a Contractual Framework
Authors: Muhammad Rabiah , Nasir Abdur Rehman
Published: November 2022

Building information modeling (BIM), through its data-rich digital representation of building elements, has revolutionized the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Facilitating the process of its implementation, several legal aspects of BIM have been discussed and standardized in the published contract systems, but legal provisions for dispute resolution through BIM are yet to be established. With more enhanced use of BIM, there is a need for a dedicated protocol for utilizing BIM in construction dispute resolution. This study aims to identify, analyze, and classify the potential legal aspects for integrating BIM into the construction dispute resolution process and thereby determine the corresponding provisions required in BIM-enabled contracts. Potential legal aspects were extracted through an analysis of published literature, including research papers, FIDIC contracts, and standard BIM contract documents. A questionnaire survey involving 140 respondents was conducted from which the 24 identified legal aspects were validated to be incorporated in BIM contracts as contract provisions. The proposed BIM-DRes framework maps the legal aspects and finalized contractual provisions with the phases of a construction project and highlights the main stakeholders associated with or affected by these aspects. The developed framework was further validated by three experts from the construction industry. This research explores this overlooked area and expands the body of knowledge on BIM-based dispute resolution, setting the ground for the extension of BIM-enabled contracts.
A Systematic Literature Review of the Adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on Life Cycle Cost (LCC)
Authors: Alasmari Esam , Martinez-Vazquez Pedro , Baniotopoulos Charalampos
Published: November 2022

The need for embedding sustainability in construction development contributed to the introduction of Building information Modelling (BIM) to be adopted into the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) process. Through BIM, project information used during design can be shared to estimate the project’s end of life costs. LCC enables to assess the overall cost of an asset (building) through its life cycle via functionalities including the original investment costs, maintenance expenses, operating expenses, and the remaining value of the asset at the end of its life. The objective of this paper is to discuss the merging of BIM into LCC through four prevalent aspects; methodology, design software used, benefits, and challenges. A total of 20 studies were reviewed upon filtering process using PRISMA method. These studies discussed at least one of the aspects mentioned and contributed to the information regarding BIM and LCC. This paper thus aims to expanding studies on BIM adoption on LCC through the collected information sourced from peer-reviewed publications.