bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Lipidomics of Preadolescent Children: A Hokkaido Study
Authors: Jayaprakash Jayashankar , Gowda Siddabasave Gowda B. , Gowda Divyavani , Ikeda Atsuko , Bamai Yu Ait , Ketema Rahel Mesfin , Kishi Reiko , Chen Yifan , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu-Ping
Published: February 2025

Lipids are the most abundant biomolecules of human plasma, and their balance plays a significant role in health and disease management. Despite the importance of lipids, the studies focused on the comprehensive determination of the plasma lipidome in children are limited. In this study, we investigated the sex, age, and weight‐specific changes in the plasma lipidome of nonfasting preadolescent children aged 9–12 years (n = 342) using a nontargeted liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry technique. A total of 219 lipid species were characterized in the plasma samples. Multivariate analysis revealed that boys and girls have similar lipid profiles, but relatively higher levels of capric acid–composed triacylglycerols (TGs) were observed in plasma samples of boys. Saturated fatty acids are the most abundant fatty acyls followed by mono‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the plasma of both boys and girls. Sphingolipids such as ceramides, hexosylceramides, sphingomyelin, and a phospholipid (phosphatidylinositol) were relatively higher in the plasma of a 10‐year‐old group than other age groups. Plasma levels of TG and phosphatidylserine were increased within age from 9 to 12 years. Furthermore, most of the TG molecular species were increased in the plasma of overweight children compared to the normal range groups. The receiver operating characteristic analysis results show that TG (10:0/10:0/18:1) could be a specific marker for childhood obesity (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.72). Overall, this study highlights the altered plasma lipidome in preadolescent children for sex, age, and percentage of overweight. Early detection of lipid markers for obesity would be a promising target for developing therapeutic strategies.
Maternal Birth Weight From Maternal and Child Health Handbooks Predicts LGA Neonates Better Than Maternal Parameters in Pregnancy
Authors: Dateoka Kaname , Mabuchi Suguru , Nagamine Yuiko , Arai Takanari , Hashimoto Masayoshi
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study is aimed at evaluating maternal birth weight, recorded in Japan’s Maternal and Child Health Handbooks, as a predictor for large for gestational age (LGA) neonates compared to traditional pregnancy factors.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed maternal and neonatal data from 374 singleton, full‐term pregnancies at Keiju General Hospital (2017–2020). Maternal birth weight was obtained from Japan’s Maternal Child Health Handbooks, and fasting plasma glucose was measured during the 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Logistic regression models assessed the predictive contributions of maternal birth weight and fasting plasma glucose, adjusted for maternal and pregnancy factors.

Results: Among 374 patients, 9.8% of neonates were classified as LGA. This group had a higher proportion of a family history of diabetes (p = 0.04) and greater maternal height (p = 0.01), pre‐pregnancy weight (p = 0.004), weight before delivery (p = 0.03), and maternal birth weight (p = 0.001) than the non‐LGA group. Multivariate analysis showed that maternal birth weight remained a significant predictor of neonatal birth weight after adjusting for other risk factors (odds ratios: 2.92 for maternal birth weight between 3500 and 3999 g and 4.77 for birth weight ≥ 4000 g).

Conclusion: This study suggests the potential of incorporating maternal birth weight to improve LGA risk prediction. These findings provide foundational data for further research into the integration of maternal birth weight in risk assessment models and its potential clinical applications.
Taxonomic review of the genus Pseudocaissa Solovyev & Witt, 2009 (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), with description of a new species from Prov. Yunnan, China
Authors: WU JUN , HAN HUI-LIN
Published: February 2025

The third species of the genus Pseudocaissa Solovyev & Witt, 2009, P. yutua sp. nov., is described from northeastern Yunnan Province, China. The new species closely resembles its congeners, P. apiata Solovyev & Witt, 2009 and P. marvelosa (Yoshimoto, 1994), but is distinguished primarily by distinct differences in the male genitalia. Images of male adults and genitalia, as well as a key to Pseudocaissa species and their distributions, are presented.
An Unusual Case of ITB Tuberculosis Leading to Isolated Distal ITB Rupture
Authors: Sharma Gaurav Kant , Dubey Anuja , Modi Lalit Kumar , Chatha Prableen Kaur , Botchu Rajesh
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

This case report aims to describe an extremely rare instance of isolated distal iliotibial band (ITB) rupture due to tuberculosis (TB), a condition that is seldom seen in clinical practice. The goal is to highlight the diagnostic challenges, ultrasound findings and the successful treatment of this condition in a non-athlete patient with non-resolving lateral knee pain.

Methodology:

A 33-year-old female with no history of trauma or pulmonary TB presented with chronic lateral knee pain. Initial ultrasound (USG) suggested ITB friction syndrome, but the symptoms worsened despite treatment. A second USG revealed increased ITB thickness, partial rupture and fluid collection. Histopathological examination of the tissue sample identified granulomatous inflammation and caseous necrosis, while reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed the presence of mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Results:

The diagnosis of musculoskeletal tuberculosis involving the iliotibial band was confirmed, and the patient was successfully treated with anti-tuberculous therapy (ATT). The treatment resulted in the resolution of symptoms and recovery from the rupture.
An evidence-based treatment algorithm for congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Stewart Latoya A , Wu Yeu Sanz , Channing Alexandra , Krishnan Usha S , Leone Tina A , Goldshtrom Nimrod , Vargas Chaves Diana P , Penn Anna , DeFazio Jennifer , Fallon Erica M , Middlesworth William , Stylianos Steven , Duron Vincent P
Published: February 2025

Background

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) affects more than 1100 newborns in the United States each year. Severity of clinical presentation is highly variable. Standardized care improves outcomes by promoting consistency in decision-making and clarifying goals of treatment, but CDH management has not yet been standardized.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive literature review with special consideration for—cardiac dysfunction, indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and timing of repair. In collaboration with experts across specialties, we sought to develop and implement a treatment algorithm based on current CDH literature and our own institutional experience.

Results

Left ventricular (LV) hypoplasia and dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to the severity of clinical presentation and cardiac dysfunction seen with CDH. Cardiac dysfunction is associated with poor outcomes and increased mortality. CDH-associated severe hypoxic respiratory failure refractory to medical therapy is one of the most common indications for ECMO in the neonatal period. The decision to initiate ECMO and selection of configuration should be shared by members of a multidisciplinary care team. The optimal timing of repair with respect to ECMO has been evolving in the last 3 decades.

Conclusion

Following our review, we recommend (1) timely and detailed cardiac evaluation with echocardiogram after birth, and (2) early repair on ECMO for high-risk patients and delayed repair post-ECMO for low-risk patients with anticipated short ECMO run. This treatment algorithm is a step toward standardization of CDH management practices, which we expect will improve CDH outcomes at our institution and others.
Prevalence and outcomes of air leak syndrome and subtypes in neonates in the United States
Authors: Beaton Adam , Sendi Prithvi , Martinez Paul A , Totapally Balagangadhar R
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To describe the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes for neonatal air leak syndrome and its subtypes (pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pulmonary interstitial emphysema, and pneumoperitoneum), evaluate variables associated with the development of air leak, and analyze the national trend of neonatal air leak syndrome in the United States.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of neonates was performed using the Kids’ Inpatient Database. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to compare neonates with and without air leak syndrome and its subtypes using the 2016 and 2019 data. Data from 1997 to 2019 were used for trend analysis.

Results

Of 7.7 million neonatal discharges, 41,814 developed air leak syndrome (5.41/1,000 discharges) in 2016 and 2019, with a mortality rate of 7.2%. Pneumothorax was the most common air leak syndrome (4.3/1,000 discharges). The risk of air leak syndrome increased with decreasing gestational age on univariate analysis. On multivariable analysis, gestational age had a variable effect on developing air leaks depending on the type of air leak syndrome. The presence of meconium aspiration syndrome, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and the use of invasive mechanical ventilation were associated with an increased risk of air leak syndrome. There was an increased linear trend in neonatal air leak syndrome prevalence in the United States from 1997 to 2019.

Conclusions

Air leak syndrome remains a serious and significant issue among the neonatal population and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present a national prevalence and outcomes of various neonatal air leak syndromes in the United States.
Association of timing of surgery and outcomes in preterm infants with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis and intestinal perforation
Authors: Garg Parvesh Mohan , Riddick Robin , Ansari Md Abu Yusuf , Yi Joe , Pittman Isabella , Porcelli Peter , Varshney Neha , Sawaya David , Shenberger Jeffrey , Hillegass William B , Garg Padma P
Published: February 2025

Background: To investigate the association between the timing of surgery from the day of NEC/SIP diagnosis and clinical outcomes in preterm infants. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study comparing clinical outcomes of infants undergoing laparotomy at three clinically relevant time points (less and more than 48 hours, 96 hours, and 168 hours [7 days]) following NEC/SIP diagnosis. Results: Infants with NEC/SIP ( N = 97) receiving surgical invention >96 hours (34/97) had significantly lower gestational age (25.5 weeks [24.0; 26.9] vs 27.0 [25.0; 31.3]; p = 0.006), had lower birth weight (687 grams [600; 902] vs 940 [710; 1495]; p<0.001), had pneumoperitoneum less often on the abdominal x-ray (29.4% vs 57.1%, p = 0.017), had hemorrhagic ( p = 0.04) and reparative ( p = 0.003) lesions more often on intestinal histopathology, had PDA diagnosed more often (76.5% vs 50.8%, p = 0.02), required assisted ventilation more frequently ( p = 0.013), and received parenteral nutrition for longer duration (112 days [76.5; 145] vs 65.0 [23.0; 112], p = 0.004) following surgery compared to the infants receiving surgical intervention before 96 hours ( n = 63/97). In NEC-only sub-cohort, infants receiving laparotomy >48 hours ( n = 29/75) had lower median gestational age, lower birth weight, less pneumoperitoneum, and higher acute kidney injury than those receiving surgery <48 hours. On logistic regression, the odds of death were not significantly different (OR 0.65 [0.28, 1.54], p = 0.32) for infants receiving laparotomy ≤48 hours following NEC/SIP compared to subjects undergoing surgery >48 hours. The odds of intestinal failure (>60 days of parenteral nutrition) were 4.5 times (CI 1.56, 14.3), p = 0.005) higher for those having surgery >96 hours from NEC/SIP diagnosis. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in death among infants receiving surgery within 48 hours following surgical NEC/SIP diagnosis compared to those receiving surgery at ≥ 48 hours of diagnosis. However, infants receiving surgery >96 hours were more likely to receive parenteral nutrition for longer time. A prospective study is needed to understand the continuous relationship between time to surgery and outcomes.
Tumor-derived exosomal KPNA2 activates fibroblasts and interacts with KIFC1 to promote bladder cancer progression, a process inhibited by miR-26b-5p
Authors: Yin Cong , Liufu Cen , Ye Shuai , Zhu Tao , Jiang Jiahao , Wang Mingxia , Zhou Liqun , Yao Lin , Wang Yan , Shi Bentao
Published: February 2025

Background

Recent studies have illuminated the complexities of treating advanced bladder cancer (BCa), underscoring the importance of comprehending its molecular mechanisms for creating novel therapies. While the role of Karyopherin a2 (KPNA2) in promoting BCa growth is established, the precise mechanism remains elusive.

Methods

To investigate the regulatory role of KPNA2 in BCa, we employed a comprehensive approach integrating clinical case data and bioinformatics analysis to evaluate the expression of KPNA2 in BCa tissues. Mechanisms promoting cancer by KPNA2 were examined using both in vivo and in vitro models.

Results

Our research reveals that miR-26b-5p acts as an anticancer factor by targeting and inhibiting KPNA2 expression. Furthermore, we have observed that the interaction between KPNA2 and Kinesin Family Member C1 (KIFC1) facilitates the transition of BCa cells into the G2/M phase, thereby promoting tumor advancement via activation of the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)- Protein Kinase B (AKT) pathway. Importantly, this investigation is the first to identify KPNA2 expression in exosomes originating from BCa tissues. Plasma exosomes from patients with BCa exhibited notably increased levels of KPNA2 compared with healthy controls, suggesting KPNA2 as a potential new tumor indicator. Additionally, KPNA2 from BCa cells triggered the conversion of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which secreted elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), contributing to a tumor-supporting environment.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that KPNA2 is a key gene that promotes BCa progression, can potentially be a novel tumor marker, and may serve as a new therapeutic target for BCa.

Graphical Abstract
The first record of a shortnose chimaera-like egg capsule from the Mesozoic (Late Jurassic, Switzerland)
Authors: Zhao Yang , Bestwick Jordan , Fischer Jan , Bastiaans Dylan , Greif Merle , Klug Christian
Published: February 2025

Chondrichthyan egg capsules, fossil and recent, have a taxonomical significance that can provide important insights into the occurrence and reproductive strategy of their producers. However, the rare occurrence of fossil capsules and their sometimes difficult identification hinder our understanding of their systematics and significance. Laffonia from the Late Jurassic of Switzerland and its probable junior synonym, Pseudocaudina, from the Late Jurassic lithographic limestones of southern Germany, have been interpreted in a variety of ways including as a fructification of a plant, a possible egg capsule of a shark or ray, a presumed holothurian, a possible actinarian, or even a ctenophore. Here, we redescribe the holotype of Laffonia, which has a fusiform body that is ornamented with over seven longitudinal ribs and two narrow striated flanges at its lateral edges. These morphological features are incompatible with a diploblast or echinoderm affinity, but highly resemble the characteristics of certain holocephalan egg capsules in several respects. Our phylogenetic analysis places Laffonia within a group containing the Carboniferous fossil capsules Crookallia and Vetacapsula, as well as recent chimaerid capsules. Thus, we suggest that the Mesozoic Laffonia represents an intermediate morphotype between the Carboniferous species and extant chimaerid capsules. Laffonia is the only known fossil chimaerid-like capsule from the Mesozoic so far, which offers novel insights into the morphology and evolution of holocephalan egg capsules.
Behavioral synchronization of two individuals during cooperative interaction: the role of the mentalization ability as measured by the reading the mind in the eyes test
Authors: Kakuszi Brigitta , Bitter István , Czobor Pál
Published: February 2025

Background

Interpersonally synchronized behaviors play a fundamental role in social interactions. An important prereqvisite for behavioral synchronization is the mentalization ability of the individuals involved in the interaction. While the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) is widely applied to measure mentalization, most studies of RMET used single-subject designs, which lack ecological validity and have limited generalizability for real, on-going, reciprocal social interactions. Using a two-subject design, our objectives were to examine (i) the predictive validity of RMET for the synchronous behavior of two interacting individuals during a reaction time task; (ii) the association of age-related RMET performance with interpersonal coordination; and (iii) the influence of various potentially important covariates on the association, including psychological distress, basic personality domains such as impulsive responding, and lack of attention.

Methods

We investigated 24 dyads, using 48 subjects (mean age 32.9 [SD = 12.8] years). Synchronous behavior was indexed by the correlation of participants’ responses in terms of reaction times (RTs) to visual stimuli. We used the correct recognition rate from the RMET as a measure of mentalization ability.

Results

Our results indicated that the synchronization of the behavioral responses (i.e., RTs) between the interacting pairs and their mentalization ability, as measured by the RMET, showed significant association. Specifically, with good performance (100% correct recognition), the behavioral response synchronization was significantly (F = 153.34, p < 0.0001) higher (Pearson correlation, r = 0.41) than with poor performance (50% correct recognition, r = 0.25). Higher age was inversely related to behavioral synchronization, with no interaction (p > 0.1) with RMET performance). The inclusion of additional covariates (e.g., measures for psychological distress and basic personality domains) in the analyses did not alter the significance of the association between RMET performance and behavioral synchronization (p < 0.05, after adjustment).

Conclusions

Our results confirm the utility of RMET, as a measure of mentalization, to predict participants’ ability to achieve behavioral synchronization during cooperative interaction. These results may facilitate research into mental disorders, where problems with social interactions play a role in symptom presentation. For this purpose, future studies with larger sample size should examine whether our findings can be dimensionally extrapolated to patients with such disorders.
Development and validation of MRI-derived deep learning score for non-invasive prediction of PD-L1 expression and prognostic stratification in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ding Cong , Kang Yue , Bai Fan , Bai Genji , Xian Junfang
Published: February 2025

Background

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and PD-L1 combined positivity score (CPS) scoring is recommended as a biomarker for immunotherapy. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an MRI-based deep learning score (DLS) to non-invasively assess PD-L1 expression status in HNSCC patients and evaluate its potential effeciency in predicting prognostic stratification following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).

Methods

In this study, we collected data from four patient cohorts comprising a total of 610 HNSCC patients from two separate institutions. We developed deep learning models based on the ResNet-101 convolutional neural network to analyze three MRI sequences (T1WI, T2WI, and contrast-enhanced T1WI). Tumor regions were manually segmented, and features extracted from different MRI sequences were fused using a transformer-based model incorporating attention mechanisms. The model’s performance in predicting PD-L1 expression was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and calibration metrics. Survival analyses were conducted using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests to evaluate the prognostic significance of the DLS.

Results

The DLS demonstrated high predictive accuracy for PD-L1 expression, achieving an AUC of 0.981, 0.860 and 0.803 in the training, internal and external validation cohort. Patients with higher DLS scores demonstrated significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in both the internal validation cohort (hazard ratio: 0.491; 95% CI, 0.270–0.892; P = 0.005) and the external validation cohort (hazard ratio: 0.617; 95% CI, 0.391–0.973; P = 0.040). In the ICI-treated cohort, the DLS achieved an AUC of 0.739 for predicting durable clinical benefit (DCB).

Conclusions

The proposed DLS offered a non-invasive and accurate approach for assessing PD-L1 expression in patients with HNSCC and effectively stratified HNSCC patients to benefit from immunotherapy based on PFS.
Empowering students’ agentive engagement through formative assessment in online learning environment
Authors: Mohammadi Zenouzagh Zohre , Admiraal Wilfried , Saab Nadira
Published: February 2025

This study investigated empowering students to engage agentively in formative assessment of their English writing. To this end, student agentic engagement was explored drawing on multiple data collection. A Digitalized Engagement Enhancement Tool (DEET) was utilized to encourage students to record, unpack, plan for actions, and reflect on the feedback they received from the teacher and their peers. A series of content analyses was conducted to codify and track students’ engagement dimensions and practices in multiple writing samples, DEET, and student-revised sample writings. The analysis of the frequency of student engagement codes and their writing performances indicated a significant increase in student engagement at all dimensions. Further Chi-square analysis indicated that student agentic engagement was characterized by reciprocal and proactive practices in the critical assessment of their writing. The analyses indicated significant increase in the quality of student writing performances as well. Thematic analysis of students’ evaluation of self-perceived efficacy of DEET provided insights for teaching practitioners to build on the formative purpose of student engagement enhancement practices. The implications for teaching practitioners were discussed.
Applied umwelt theory in the context of phenomenological triangulation and descriptive phenomenology
Authors: Tønnessen Morten
Published: February 2025

Even though Jakob von Uexküll’s umwelt theory has inspired biosemioticians and phenomenologists alike, most contemporary phenomenological methods are applicable only to studies of human phenomena. In this article I discuss how umwelt theory can be made use of in the contexts of phenomenological triangulation and descriptive phenomenology. This results in a methodological framework for applied umwelt theory in a phenomenological setting. Drawing on methodological advances in cognitive semiotics developed by Jordan Zlatev and his colleagues, I discuss how first-person, second-person and third-person perspectives can be combined in studies of human and animal phenomena. I further outline a more-than-human descriptive phenomenology that is applicable in be- havioural sciences, in health and social studies, in the humanities and the arts, and in speculative studies, with field-specific considerations made. Overall, the aim of the article is to contribute to integrating biosemiotics and phenomenology and demonstrating the relevance of umwelt theory for phenomenology, and vice versa.
Umwelt and time: Extending the humanistic view on temporality through umwelt theory
Authors: Machtyl Katarzyna
Published: February 2025

The article offers a discussion on the way in which the concept of umwelt can be related to the conceptualization of time and temporality in the humanities – in dialogue with other theoretical frameworks as well as with artistic discourse. The paper examines how Jakob von Uexküll himself wrote about time in the context of his umwelt theory, and goes on to consider how his thought has been creatively developed in the field of biosemiotics. This part of the discussion refers to Kalevi Kull’s recent ideas on ‘momentary umwelt’ and ‘umweb’ and proposes enhancing these concepts by employing classic Saussurean categories of signs relations, namely, syntagmatic and paradigmatic orders. The next section offers further extending of the proposed considerations to another level, i.e. juxtaposing them with the thought of Bruno Latour and his concept of ‘situated time’. This idea is compared to the conceptualization of time within both the momentary umwelt as well as the umweb. Finally, the last part of the paper is dedicated to analysing the previously presented theoretical discussion in the light of a mathematical model of the Möbius strip and artistic discourse: Mieke Bal’s thoughts on time and Osmo Valtonen’s kinetic sculpture Circulograph.
Information is primary and central to meaning-making
Authors: Cárdenas-García Jaime F.
Published: February 2025

There is the misconception that the concept of information is not applicable to meaning-making in living beings. What is more generally believed is that Peircean semiosis provides a more robust framework to explain meaning-making. This involves the production, exchange, and interpretation of signs as the basis for meaning to an organism. Semiosis establishes a continuous and developing occurrence of triadic relations between a representamen (sign), an object (the other), and an interpretant as the organism engages with its umwelt, resulting in the appearance of meaning as a factor in its life. However, it is not clear that Peircean semiosis is the most fundamental process by which meaning-making may be instantiated in nature. Here we show that information defined by Gregory Bateson as ‘a difference which makes a difference’ can more fundamentally serve as a basis for meaning-making. Both its etymological origins and Bateson’s dictum naturalize the concept of information to identify its cybernetic dynamic motivated by constitutive absence, or the ability of an organism to find in its environment what it teleologically deems missing. This implies an ability to interpret its environmental surroundings. Furthermore, detecting a difference is the most fundamental of acts, revealing that information is the basis for meaning-making for an organism, allowing any level of intricacy in its interpretative capabilities. Indeed, Peircean semiosis is shown to be a special case of informatic meaning-making. In short, information provides a firm foundation for meaning-making for living beings.
Unveiling the potential: Novel metaphors as cognitive processes for discovery through imagination
Authors: Pistol Ramona
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a new direction within studies of metaphor. It argues that metaphor, rather than functioning as a model for knowledge transfer between concepts, serves as a process of discovery to unveil the potential for novel connections through possibilities and imagination. The discussion acknowledges the significance of two essential features of metaphors, namely ambiguity and hypotheses, in the inferential processes of theorizing metaphor and proposes the application of C. S. Peirce’s notion of abductive reasoning, the method of obtaining new ideas, as well as the application of Bergson’s sensory-motor schema, which Deleuze calls ‘cliché’, to explain how metaphors can become habitual, potentially solidifying thought patterns. Ultimately, this paper aims to transcend the contemporary view of metaphors as mapping processes that promote clarity, uniformity and one-way systematicity to standardized meaning. Instead, it presents metaphors in terms of their multiplicity and the crucial role connotations can play in their effectiveness.
Semiotics now
Authors: Kull Kalevi , Velmezova Ekaterina
Published: February 2025

We present the results of a survey conducted among professional semioticians from around the world, who were asked to answer two questions: (A) what problems should semiotics solve in the near future? and (B) what are the most important publications on semiotics since 2000? The collection of 63 responses received provides a self-description of contemporary semiotics, as well as some material for scholars to learn from one another. In addition, we add responses from the latest versions of a large language simulator (GPT) as a characteristic feature of the current decade.
Semiotics continuing to astonish... again and again: A brief survey of the journals Sign Systems Studies and Semiotica in 2023
Authors: Velmezova Ekaterina , Rosenbaum Richard
Published: February 2025

Semiotics continuing to astonish... again and again: A brief survey of the journals Sign Systems Studies and Semiotica in 2023
Review of Copenhagen Gathering: Reading and foundations
Authors: Mayer-Foulkes Daniel C.
Published: February 2025

Review of Copenhagen Gathering: Reading and foundations
The New Law of Inertia and Explanation of Dark Matter
Authors: Lu Xiang-ren
Published: February 2025

Isaac Newton and Ernst Mach offer differing explanations for the nature of inertia and the choice of reference for acceleration. In addition, since the early 20th century, scientists have observed that celestial bodies on the outskirts of galaxies revolutionized faster than predicted by Newtonian mechanics; this phenomenon still puzzles people today. This paper rejects the idea that acceleration should be referencedto absolute space in Newtonian mechanics by carrying out thought experiments. It supports Mach's idea that whether an object is in a state of variable speed motion should be referred to other objects rather than the absolute space. Taking acceleration as a relative property between objects as a postulate, it is deduced that inertia is the interaction of objects. The elements of inertia force and the relationship between inertia force and other physical quantities will be analyzed, and the calculation formula of inertia force will be concluded. Using the new inertia force law, we can explain why celestial bodies in the outer circle of the planetary system revolve faster than previously calculated results without assuming the existence of dark matter. The article suggested that the reason why celestial bodies in the outer part of the galaxy revolve faster is that there is relatively little inertia in the region of space far from the concentration of mass. This paper also gives predictions about celestial motion phenomena and discusses them based on the new law of inertia.
The effect of Nomad management on the plant biodiversity in rangelands of Tehran province, Iran
Authors: Sharifi Rahman , Mohebbi Ali
Published: February 2025

With the changes made in the management of nomadic rangelands, it is accompanied by the interference of the government and nomads to prepare a new migration calendar. With considering the limitations in the government system, the issue of feasibility of reassigning this responsibility to the nomads and providing the ground for their role-playing in rangeland management has been proposed as one of the ways to leave the inappropriate and inefficient situation of the current management system. Therefore, the Nomadic Affairs Organization, the Forests, Rangelands and Watershed Organization, Research Institute of Forests and Range lands of Iran; considered to interfere to this issue as a logical item based on the research findings. After several meetings, the summer rangelands of Dahaneh Sangheh, Dahaneh Chehel Bareh, Kamar dasht Vasat and Marghsar Lar in Tehran province were selected as a pilot to assess the impact of nomadic management and organization support on vegetation changes in this area. The evaluated indicators were range lands capacity, range lands condition, trend and utilization percentage in two stages before entering and after the leaving the nomads from the range lands. For this purpose, representatives of the nomad were introduced. The study began in 2016 for 4 years. The results of analysis of variance showed significant effect of the year on the percentage of vegetation after grazing and production residue. Besides, the comparison of the average data showed that most of the indicators made changes leading to improve vegetation conditions. The main reason for their success was related to the family management system and the presence of environmental and natural resources protection officers in the region. To sum up, it seems that this model can be generalized in rangeland management in other similar areas provided that the relevant organizations cooperate with the nomadic representatives.
Trend analysis using mann-kendall, sen's slope estimator test and innovative trend analysis method in Yangtze river basin, china: review
Authors: Othman. Ali Rawshan , Rashid Abubaker Shadan
Published: February 2025

Trend analysis of mean monthly flows is fundamental for better water resources management and planning in this study, Mann Kendall (MK), Sen's Method and Åžen's Innovative trend method (ITM) were utilized so as to analyze the possible trends of annual and seasonal flows. In this study, trends of flow of the Yangtze River were reviewed on in seasonal and annual time series utilizing the Mann-Kendall (MK) test, Sen's slope estimator, and innovative trend method (ITM). That is why, the monthly flow information will gather in the stations of Yangtze River Basin. In any case, the seasonal and annual warming magnitudes showed large regional differences, and a higher warming rate was identified in the eastern YRB and the western source area of the Yangtze River on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). In general, a warming wetting trend was identified in the south-eastern and north-western YRB, while there was a warming-drying trend in a middle region. The developed maps of spatial variability of flow trends may help the stakeholders and/or water resource managers to figure out the risk and vulnerability related to climate change in the study region.Â Â Â
MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING IN EARLY STAGE DESIGN: CAPTURING THE DYNAMICS USING UTILITY THEORY
Authors: Serugga Joas , Kagioglou Michail
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces a conceptual framework that captures the key processes in early stage design (ESD) processes mapping out Decision Making (DM) to support value delivery using utility theory. A lot of construction waste in downstream processes can be traced back to the design stage according to research. Yet there's currently little research into interdependences key to value generation in this most dynamic of construction processes. This research identifies the role of the end-user as a key element in the process of value generation in ESD. Understanding the user requirements is just as important a step as it is for the design process to engage in requirement forecasting. This paper explores new ground in understanding of DM processes in ESD in defining and understanding value. The research first explores the theoretical concepts in multi-criteria DM, UT and value generation in ESD. Design science research methodology is used to review literature to inform the framework that's validated with case studies in two design firms.
GREEN ROOFS TO IMPROVE THE ENERGY RENOVATION RESILIENCE OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Authors: Santi Giovanni , Battini Sara
Published: February 2025

The introduction of vegetation in urban areas, through both green roofs and green walls, is a sustainable strategy for improving the environment and the quality of life, as well as crucial for urban biodiversity since the moment it is able to create new habitats for plant and animal species. The design and realization of green roof systems abroad is promoted and stimulated while in Italy, this subject, is still an innovation not supported by many real implementations. The application of this technological green system has a great importance for the redevelopment of existing building heritage, especially for historic buildings, to improve their energy-performance qualities, with respect for their architectural value. The aim of this study is to identify the technical issues for the realization of green roofs in urbanized contexts by focusing on the implementation of a green roof on a building of Leghorn following intervention guidelines developed. This research shows that not only does this system allow higher energy saving, but it also brings a decrease of load bearing on the structure.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES AS CONDOMINIUM JURIDICAL PERSONS
Authors: Aramraks Kanyapa , Gondo Tomoyuki
Published: February 2025

This study examined Bangkok's condominium management system with a particular focus on the role of property management companies as members of juridical persons. The number of condominiums in Bangkok has been proliferating rapidly, particularly in areas near the mass rapid transit system. The Thailand Condominium Act requires that a condominium juridical person be registered upon transfer of ownership of the first condominium unit. This study's analysis of data collected from interviews with 16 condominium juridical persons found that there are three types: 1) property management companies; 2) juridical person employees; and 3) a combination of 1) and 2). All but one condominium-which used the mixed management type-had hired property management companies to oversee management and maintenance. Reasons cited for this overwhelming preference included insufficient management and maintenance knowledge among juridical employees, and limited beneficial connections with outsourcers and suppliers among juridical person employees. The interview results demonstrate that the responsibilities of property management companies extend beyond their job description and include caring for residents, seeking solutions for condominium problems, and creative thinking for innovative proposals for alternative management practices.
ECOLOGY IN MULTI-STORY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS-INTERDEPENDENCY BETWEEN ECOLOGY AND COSTS OF BUILDING MATERIALS
Authors: Koppelhuber Daniela , Wall Johannes
Published: February 2025

More than 95% of multi-story residential buildings in Austria are currently predominantly constructed with conventional mineral construction materials. This fact combined with the increasing demands for a healthy residential living atmosphere demonstrates the great potential for using ecological materials. Life cycle assessments provide information on the ecological performance of buildings, but the corresponding economical aspects are not considered. Nevertheless, the economic aspects of a certain draft are important to clients and designers. Therefore, simplified assessment-tools are needed that take into account the ecological impact as well as the building costs. This paper presents the results of an investigation supplemented by a case study of a multistory residential building, which was finished 2016 in Austria, illustrating the differences between the state-of-the-art material selection and ecologically optimized alternatives. The ecological impacts and the costs for the selected building-system were determined based on the case study. Subsequently, ecological optimization potentials were identified according to the environmental indicator OI3. Finally, the effects on component and construction costs were evaluated. The steps of this simplified process reveal the interdependency between ecological aspects and the costs of materials. This procedure represents a decision-making tool that can be used by clients as well as designers. The results of this research emphasize the large environmental impact improvements with little expenses when implementing sustainability in multi-story residential buildings as a crucial part of a green design.
REDUCTION OF CO2 EMISSIONS IN CEMENT PRODUCTION BY USING PREHEATER
Authors: Xie Haiyan , Solanki Pranshoo , Mojadam Alireza , Liu Wenfang
Published: February 2025

Cement has a pivotal role in the construction industry. However, cement is one of the key contributors to global CO2 emission levels. This is due to the energy-intensive nature of cement production processes. This comparative-descriptive study focuses on the potential factors to reduce the CO2 emission level in cement production and the decision-making process of adopting new environmental-friendly technology in production. Particularly, this study compares alternative technologies in cement manufacturing to reduce CO2 emission. It collects both the industry data and the data from Texas, which is the biggest contributor to CO2 emission in the US, to analyze how a shift in production technology could affect CO2 emission and eventually improve the outcomes of environment protection and energy efficiency. This paper projects a possible improvement of implementing the method of preheater-precalciner in cement production in lieu of wet and long-dry process to upgrade kilns and reduce problematic CO2 emission. This study suggests shifting from wet and dry kilns to preheater-precalciner systems to obtain the potential benefits of CO2 emission reduction in the cement industry.
REHABILITATION OF MARINE TERMINAL PIERS
Authors: Seniwongse Muangsangop
Published: February 2025

This paper presents practical methods and techniques for rehabilitation and strengthening marine terminal piers in the USA. These piers are waterfront structures for berthing of large cargo vessels and cruise vessels. Typically, the piers consist of timber or concrete deck supported on multiple pile bents. The piers are subjected to large impact forces from the mooring of the vessels acting at the fenders and bollards, in addition to the other normal vertical dead and live loads. Depending on the size of the vessels, the design service loads on the bollards are in the range of 100 tons to 200 tons. Other possible severe loads are from the winds and waves during the hurricanes. The piers are continuously exposed to outdoor, marine and coastal environments, which are corrosive in nature. For these reasons, all piers of 15 years or more are normally up for repair/rehabilitation. Typical deteriorations found are: cracked and spalled concrete, rust in exposed reinforcing bars, broken timber piles, timber piles with reduced cross sections, cracked concrete piles, corroded steel piles, and displaced out-of-plumb piles. The paper presents the methods for repairing the above-mentioned defects. For concrete crack and spall repair: sealing with epoxy, concrete patching and shotcrete are used. For pile repair: concrete jacketing of piles is used for splicing or strengthening of piles.
THE APPLICATION OF WELD-BASED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING STEEL TO STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Authors: Laghi Vittoria , Palermo Michele , Gasparini Giada , Silvestri Stefano , Trombetti Tomaso
Published: February 2025

The present work aims at providing the first considerations upon the application of innovative manufacturing technology for civil engineering purposes. In particular, among the 3D printing processes currently available, Weld-Based Additive Manufacturing (WAM) results to be the most suitable technique for the realization of innovative structural forms in metal material. The great potential of taking the printing head "out of the box" allows for the construction of innovative shapes by adding layer upon layer of welded steel. In particular, the study is focused on the realization of the first 3D-printed steel footbridge by a Dutch company held in Amsterdam, called MX3D, and its Additive manufacturing process, which results in specific constraints and limitations to be taken into account for design purposes. First, the design issues are described, by considering the printing parameters to be adopted for the realization of large-dimensions structures, and then the implications in terms of specific geometrical and mechanical characteristics are studied. These first engineering evaluations are intended to pave the way towards the development of a ground-breaking technology for the fully-automated design and construction of novel 3D-printed building structures through innovative robotic manufacturing processes whose parameters are still not fully known
PROJECT PERFORMANCE INDEX FOR CAPITAL INTENSIVE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Syed Shoeb , Elwakil Emad
Published: February 2025

Holistic construction performance measure has been an elusive and highly sought-after goal. The stochastic nature of construction processes and the number of stakeholders involved in these processes have added to the complexity of the problem. Large-scale infrastructure projects produce big data in form of actual site parameters, safety data, risk analysis data, cost data, financial data, quality assurance data and procurement data. This research aims at developing a project performance index. The factors influencing project performance have been grouped together as Critical Success Factors (CSFs) then through survey and expert opinions, relative weights have been collected for these factors. The factors and weights have been modeled through Regression Technique and validated through analytical and mathematical methods. The developed index will benefit the academic researchers and industry practitioners to assess the performance of the project and to increase the efficiency of project performance.
TOWARDS DIGITIZING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: STATE OF THE ART OF CONSTRUCTION 4.0
Authors: Hossain Md Aslam , Nadeem Abid
Published: February 2025

Having a significant economic impact in country's GDP and being a major workforce, construction industry is yet characterized by low production rate, low technological advancement, minimum automation and robotic usage, and so on. With the visionary idea of Industry 4.0 that focuses on digitization of the value chain of a product and improving productivity through a variety of technologies and automated manufacturing environment, this research aims to develop a framework to adopt Construction 4.0 within a construction company. Current state of the art of the technologies in construction associated with the notion of Industry 4.0 (e.g., Building Information Modelling, virtual reality, augmented reality, Drone, etc.) is explored through extensive literature studies. The proposed framework incorporates current technological advancement related to construction industry, legislative requirements, barriers, enterprise transformation requirements and so on. Construction 4.0 would make a great impact in construction industry through improved value chain of construction projects, productivity improvement, and safe and sustainable construction. Indeed, the proposed framework would contribute to the advancement of new knowledge in the worlds' construction companies and provide potentials of new research focuses.
IMPROVING COMPETITIVENESS IN INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Gunhan Suat
Published: February 2025

Historically, U.S. contractors have a successful track record in international markets. They built that track record by bringing advanced technologies and applying efficient project management methodologies to projects. According to ENR data from the early 1980s to early 2008, U.S. contractors led the international construction arena. However, starting from 2009, Chinese construction firms lead the international construction with increasing revenue volume. The study analyzes the U.S. construction firms’ competitiveness in international markets between 1980 and 2017. The results of the analysis indicate that the U.S. contractors need to be competitive in creative financing. Creating joint ventures from companies that are active in Middle East, and Asia can improve the U.S. activities in those markets. To improve capabilities in delivering full-cycle services, U.S. construction companies can acquire facilities management companies. Involvement in emerging delivery methods and contracts such as build-operate-transfer, design-build-finance-maintain-operate, and public-private-partnerships can improve the competitiveness of U.S. contractors in international markets.