bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal characteristics of precipitation processes in the Dabie Mountains of China and their response to ENSO
Authors: Zhao Yongmei , Sun Wenjun , Chen Ting , Zhu Changming , Luo Yuan , Zhou Fang
Published: September 2022

Using daily precipitation data (1960–2019) from five meteorological observation stations in Lu’an City (China), this study analyzed the impact of various El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events on the spatiotemporal characteristics of regional precipitation. Results showed that precipitation in Lu’an City increased in intensity and became more dispersed temporally over the 60-year period. Such characteristics of precipitation were especially prominent in Jinzhai, Huoshan, and Lu’an counties. In comparison with precipitation indexes of normal years, the annual total and maximum consecutive precipitation amounts increased in years with central Pacific warming. Additionally, the annual maximum numbers of consecutive days with/without precipitation were extended in years with eastern Pacific cooling, whereas the annual total and maximum numbers of consecutive days with precipitation were extended in years with eastern Pacific warming. Various ENSO events had distinct impact on rainstorms and 6-d consecutive precipitation. During ENSO years, the high-value centers of days with rainstorms and 6-d consecutive precipitation were distributed predominantly in the southwestern mountainous regions of Jinzhai and Huoshan. Flood hazards were more likely to occur during ENSO years with an extreme value of the rainstorm anomaly index, or during years with eastern Pacific cooling and central Pacific warming with an extreme value of the 6-d consecutive precipitation anomaly index. For improved flood relief in Lu’an City, particular attention should be paid to precipitation in years with such climatic extremes.
Graphene Oxide Fibers: Synthesis Method and Correlation among Compositional, Vibrational, and Electrical Properties
Authors: Castro-Ladino J. R. , Prías-Barragán J. J.
Published: September 2022

The synthesis method and correlation among compositional, vibrational, and electrical properties in graphene oxide fibers (GOF) are presented and discussed here. The GOF samples were synthesized from rice husk (RH) as source material, via a thermal decomposition method employing an automated pyrolysis system with a controlled nitrogen atmosphere, varying carbonization temperature (TCA) from 773 to 1273 K. The samples were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and current-voltage curves at four points of collinear electrical contacts. Oxide concentration (OC) of samples varied from 0.21 (at TCA = 1273 K) to 0.28 (TCA = 773 K), influenced by TCA. The GOF samples exhibited fiber morphology composed of porous structures with sizes between 5 and 30 μm; peaks in the XPS spectrum at ≈ 538 and 284 eV were associated with O1s and C1s, respectively. Analysis of the results corroborates the graphite oxide vibrational behavior with crystal sizes varying from 3.52 to 4.88 nm, and boundary defects density of 3.12-3.6 x 10-4 cm-2, as expected. The electrical response shows that OC decreases and increases electrical conductivity from 4.66 x 10-2 to 4.45 S/m at the polycrystalline phase, possibly attributed to the desorption of some oxides and organic compounds. Likewise, the physical correlations between OC and vibrational response revealed that decreased OC generates an increase in boundary defects density and decreased crystal size, as a consequence of thermal decomposition processes. The correlations between electrical and vibrational properties revealed that increased electrical conductivity increases defects density and decreases crystal size in GOF samples, possibly attributed to hydroxyl and epoxy bridges getting carbons atoms out of plane and modifying the band-gap energy (Eg) and graphitic structure. These results suggest that by controlling the TCA and OC in the synthesis of GOF samples, modification of vibrational and electrical properties, of great interest in the electronic development of sensors and devices, has been made possible.
Implementation of FPGA-based Phase Detection and Improving the Accuracy Using Machine Learning
Authors: Salehi Seyedeh Akram , AFARIDEH Hossein , Asadi Mohammad Saleh Sharifi , Rahimi Mohammad Sadegh , Ghergherehchi Mitra , Chai Jong Seo
Published: September 2022

In cyclotron accelerators, Digital Low-Level RF or DLLRF system plays a major role in the detection and control of the RF amplitude and phase which means it is necessary to utilize accurate, reliable, stable, and high-speed digital hardware. In this project, Field- Programmable Gate Array or FPGA was selected to design and implement a special phase detection algorithm that is not only independent of the RF amplitude changes, but inde- pendent of the sampling speed of analog-to-digital converter or ADC and the RF frequency. Thus, it will be proved that using the ADCs is possible, without considering the RF amplitude changes, which enables us to detect and control the RF phase in a broad range of frequencies. Finally, the accuracy of this project is maximized by using a linear regression model in machine learning to predict phase differences precisely.
Ultrastrong coupling regime of the two-photon quantum Rabi model: a Numerical Approach
Authors: Hammani M , Jineral R El , Bennai M
Published: September 2022

In this paper, some physical observables such as the energy spectra and time dynamics as well as the photon statistics of the two-photon quantum Rabi model in the ultrastrong coupling regime are numerically explored. The main aim of this work is to show the effect of the number of cavity fock states N on the spectral properties, particularly the special feature spectral collapse at critical coupling gc=ꞷc/2. We have shown that for a large number of cavity fock states the numberof discrete energy levels decreases down to only one at the collapse point. Secondly, we have simulated the time dynamics behaviors as well as the photon statistics, at the final state, of the two-photon quantum Rabi model in the ultrastrong coupling regime.
PACS numbers: 03.67.Lx, 85.25.Dq, 42.50.Dv
LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 regulates apoptosis and ECM degradation of NP cells via miR-199a-5p/ACTG1 axis in IDD models
Authors: Ma Yuan , Cao Sheng , Yang Hou-zhi , Li Yuqiao , Zhao Hui , Ye Xiang-yang , Li Guang , Liu Yang , Tang Qiong , Sun Tianwei
Published: September 2022

Background: It has been reported that lncRNA KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) involved in various disease progression. However, the role of KCNQ1OT1 in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and its underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear.
Objective: To explore the role of KCNQ1OT1 in IDD progression and its underlying molecular mechanism.
Methods: IL-1β (10 ng/mL) treated NP cells for 24 h to induce IDD models in vitro. The interaction among KCNQ1OT1, miR-199a-5p and ACTG1 was predicted by Starbase bioinformatics and verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP assay. CCK-8 assay was performed to assess cell viability, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, Western blot and qRT-PCR were performed to examine the level of genes and proteins.
Results: Our results illustrated that overexpression of KCNQ1OT1 inhibited NP cells apoptosis and ECM degradation in IDD models. KCNQ1OT1 bound to miR-199a-5p and deregulated miR-199a-5p expression, and KCNQ1OT1 regulated NP cells apoptosis and ECM degradation via miR-199a-5p in IDD models. Furthermore, miR-199a-5p knockdown inhibited NP cells apoptosis and ECM degradation via targeting ACTG1, and the decrease of NP cells apoptosis and ECM degradation induced by miR-199a-5p knockdown was reversed by inhibiting ACTG1 in IDD models.
Conclusion: KCNQ1OT1 overexpression inhibited NP cells apoptosis and ECM degradation via miR-199a-5p/ACTG1 axis in IDD models. Our findings illustrated the specific molecular mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 regulating IDD progression.
In-vitro inhibitory impacts of fulvic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles on the amyloid fibril aggregations
Authors: Jomehpour Dalia , Sheikhlary Sara , Heydari Esmaeil , Ara Mohammad Hossein Majles
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s Disease is a multi-factor malady, the main hallmarks of which are, extracellular amyloid-beta and intracellular tau protein aggregations, leading to a pathological cascade of events and ultimately neural death. With this in mind, most of the studies have been concentrated on eliminating the amyloid and tau aggregations. Fulvic acid is one of the polyphenolic compounds which exhibits strong anti-inflammation and anti-amyloidogenic activity. On the other hand, iron oxide nanoparticles exhibit anti-amyloid activity on their own, therefore, this study investigates the interactions between fulvic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles and the commonly used in-vitro model, lysozyme from chicken egg white, that forms the amyloid aggregation under acidic pH and appropriate heat. The average size of nanoparticles was 10.7±2.7nm. FESEM, XRD, and FTIR characterization confirmed that fulvic acid was coated onto the surface of the nanoparticles. The inhibitory effects of the fulvic acid coated iron oxide nanoparticles were verified by Thioflavin T assay, circular dichroism (CD), and FESEM analysis. Furthermore, the toxicity of the nanoparticles on the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y human cell line was assessed through MTT assay. Our results indicate that fulvic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles can efficiently inhibit formation of amyloid aggregations while exhibiting no in-vitro toxicity. This data shed light on the anti-amyloid activity of combination of fulvic acid and iron oxide nanoparticles; paving the way for future drug development for treating Alzheimer’s Disease.
21 Multi-level Inverters based on Cascaded H-Bridge Converter using Nearest Level Modulation
Authors: Raja R. , Sudha V. , Kalaivani C.
Published: September 2022

In recent years, due to the increasing demand for electricity from grid users and the emergence of high-power energy-consuming industries, the energy demand from society for grids has significantly increased, which has led to an increase in the global power generation from traditional energy sources. Therefore, the penetration of renewable energy (wind power, photovoltaic power) resources into the grid has increased significantly, making the grid unstable due to fluctuations in its output. In order to overcome grid fluctuations, this research proposes 21 multi-level inverters (MLI) based on cascaded H-bridge inverters to solve the problems mentioned above in large-scale energy storage systems. This article focuses on the number of components in a variety of multi-level converters with different topologies (neutral point clamped inverter (NPC), flying capacitor inverter (FC), cascaded H-bridge multi-level converter), the control program and the complexity of the hardware circuit, the power state and the system loss are studied and compared, and the inverter with the cascaded H-bridge as the main topology is established and its characteristics are studied. This paper depicts the three different modulation techniques, namely phase-disposition sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PD-SPWM), carrier phase shift pulse width modulation (CPS-SPWM), and nearest level modulation (NLM) applied to modular Multiple Stage (MMCs). It further details the implementation and analysis of each modulation technique. The performance of 5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19 and 21 level MMC with three aforementioned modulation techniques is evaluated and compared in terms of output voltage, current and harmonic distortion. The simulation is carried out using Matlab/Simulink software. The simulation results are presented and validated.
Patterns of medication management and associated medical and clinical features among home-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study in central Portugal
Authors: Dixe Maria dos Anjos , Pinho Joana , Pereira Filipa , Verloo Henk , Meyer-Massetti Carla , Pereira Sonia Gonçalves
Published: September 2022

Background: Ageing is frequently associated with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Frailty and cognitive impairment are other important contributors to the multidimensional aspects affecting older adults’ health status. The present study aimed to explore the adequacy of medication management patterns among home-dwelling older adults in central Portugal by considering their medical conditions, frailty and cognitive status. Reducing numbers of adverse events through effective medication management increases the chances of older adults remaining in their homes for longer periods. Providing patients and caregivers with an overview of potential improvements in this area is very relevant for Portugal’s ageing population.
Methods: Within the scope of this cross-sectional observational study, older adults (≥ 65 years) living in the community were assessed via face-to-face interviews. Frailty and cognitive status were assessed using validated tools. Medication management, clinical and sociodemographic variables were assessed by questioning patients or caregivers directly. Descriptive statistics, associations and odds ratios were calculated.
Results: A total of 112 older adults were assessed. Mean participant age was 76.6 ± 7.1 years (median = 76), 53.6% were women, and 40.2% lived alone. More than half were categorised as frail (58.9%), and 19.6% presented moderate cognitive impairment. About 91.1% were multimorbid (3.5 ± 1.5 chronic diseases), and 60.7% were polymedicated (≥ 5 medications per day), with most medications being prescribed by a family physician. No associations were found between polymedication and medication self-management, using over-the-counter medications, living alone, poor understanding of pharmacological therapy and/or pathology, or having more than one prescriber. Self-management was associated with age, the number of medications, frailty and cognitive status. Binary regressions showed that cognitive impairment had statistically dependent correlations with external medication management, a poor understanding of pharmacological therapy and/or pathology, having one prescriber and using over-the-counter medications.
Conclusion: Most of the older adult participants were multimorbid and many were frail, but only two-thirds were polymedicated, potentially suggesting cautious prescription approaches, but further studies are required. Most participants managed their own medication, and only cognitive impairment affected this ability, among a multitude of features. Measures to prevent medication-related problems in home-dwelling older adults are to be recommended.
Serum exosome-mediated expression of ITGAX in hippocampus as a novel mechanism of blood-brain barrier dysfunction in epilepsy
Authors: wei nian , Wang Jing , Tai Zhenzhen , Yu Changyin , Xu Zucai
Published: September 2022

Background
Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases, of which up to one third of patients have drug-resistant epilepsy. Recently, there is increasing evidence that exosomes play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. Based on the previous results of serum exosome proteomics, this study aims to explore the pathogenesis of epilepsy from the perspective of exosomes.
Methods
The protein ITGAX was identified in previous proteomic studies. Firstly, ITGAX adeno-associated virus was injected through tail vein and exosome inhibitor was intraperitoneally injected to intervene the content of ITGAX in peripheral circulation and serum exosomes respectively, and then the expression of ITGAX in hippocampus was detected after intervention, so as to confirm the relationship between exosomes and the pathogenesis of epilepsy from the perspective of protein. Then, the effects of ITGAX expression changes on seizure latency and blood-brain barrier were observed by ethology and the detection of the blood-brain barrier-related molecules by Western blotting and ELISA.
Results
The results showed that, for epilepsy model, the expression of ITGAX in serum exosomes and hippocampus were both up-regulated. After reducing the expression of ITGAX in peripheral circulation and exosomes in serum, the level of ITGAX in hippocampus also decreased correspondingly. Behavioral results showed that down-regulation of ITGAX expression in hippocampus could prolong the latency of seizures and ameliorate the damage of blood-brain barrier.
Conclusions
This study is the first to demonstrate that exosomes are involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy from the perspective of the transport of exosomes from the peripheral circulation to the central nervous system, and it indicates that ITGAX is highly expressed in the hippocampus from peripheral serum into the central nervous system mediated by exosomes, and its involvement in epileptic seizure mechanism may be related to changes in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier.
Dissection of a Cell Atlas of Developing Somatic Embryos in Cotton by Single-cell RNA-sequencing and Spatial Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses
Authors: Ge Xiaoyang , Yu Xiaole , Liu Zhixin , Yuan Jiachen , Qin Aizhi , Wang Ye , Chen Yanli , Qin Wenqiang , Liu Yumeng , Liu Xingxing , Zhou Yaping , Wang Peng , Yang Jincheng , Liu Hao , Zhao Zihao , Hu Mengke , Zhang Yixin , Sun Susu , Herrera-Estrella Luis , Tran Lam-Son Phan , Sun Xuwu , Li Fuguang
Published: September 2022

Somatic embryogenesis is a major pathway for the regeneration of cotton in tissue culture, and a major technique used for cotton breeding and improvement. The signaling pathway regulating the process of somatic embryogenesis in cotton are extremely complex and still poorly characterized. Little is known about the mechanisms regulating the changes that occur in gene expression and metabolites during somatic embryogenesis at a single-cell resolution. Here, we investigated the spatial and single-cell expression profiles of key genes and metabolic patterns of key metabolites by integrated single-cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and spatial metabolomics. To evaluate the results of the above analyses, we characterized the potential roles of two representative marker genes AATP1 and DOX2 in the regulation of somatic embryo development. A publicly accessible web-based resource database (http://cottonsomaticembryo.cricaas.com.cn) was generated to facilitate future studies designed to analyze the expression patterns of marker genes at specific developmental stages.
The Non-fragile H∞ State Observer Design forthe Uncertain Time-Delay Systems
Authors: Ma Chao , Wang Tianbo , Ding Yang
Published: September 2022

This paper studies the non-fragile H∞ state observer design problem for a classof uncertain time delay systems by using the Lyapunov stability theory and thelinear matrix inequality technique. Several results which ensure these systems tobe asymptotic stability are obtained. The obtained results are given by the linearmatrix inequality and can be solved easily. Moreover, the gain matrix of theobserver can vary appropriately. Finally, a numerical simulation shows that theprovided results are effectiveness.
Federated Learning Design and FunctionalModels: Survey
Authors: A John , Utomo Sapdo , Rouniyar Adarsh , Hsu Hsiu-Chu , Hsiung Pao-Ann
Published: September 2022

Federated learning is a multiple device collaboration setup designed tosolve machine learning problems under framework for aggregation andknowledge transfer in distributed local data. This distributed modelensures the privacy of data at each local node. Owing to its relevance,there has been extensive research activities and outcomes in federatedlearning with expanded applicability to different areas by the researchcommunity. As such, there is a vast research archive made available by thecommunity with research work and articles related to the various aspectsof federated learning such as applications, challenges, privacy, function-alities, and design. With respect to the function and design of federatedlearning, client selection, aggregation, knowledge transfer, managementof distributed data (Non-IID), Incentive of data and communication costare of paramount importance. Any effective design of federated learningrequires these aspects to be well considered.There are numerous surveyarticles found among the available literature that focus on its applica-tion and challenges, opportunities, data privacy and protection, as wellas on federated learning on internet of things, federated learning on edgecomputing, etc.1
In this paper, a review of the available literature on the various ele-ments of design and functionalities in federated learning has been carriedout with an aim to lay emphasis on the important challenges andresearch opportunities. More specifically, this work has endeavored tounderstand and summarize the various functional methods available,along with their techniques and goals. Additionally, it has strived toget a bird’s eye view of how various functions and designs of feder-ated learning have been used in applications, and how it has helpeduncover challenges and promising research directions for the future.
Biomarkers of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Chen Xiaowen , Li Junrong , Lv Yingying , Zhang Wei , Xu xiujian , Kong Delian
Published: September 2022

Objective The present study was to investigate the potential of uric acid, for predicating neurological function and progression rate of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Methods All enrolled ALS patients were given corresponding serological tests at the initial diagnosis. The Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) were evaluated. The detected indexes in blood tests wasuric acid. Data analysis was performed by SPSS22.0 statistical software.
Results There were significant differences in uric acid, between the two groups (P<0.05). The levels of uric acid of ALS group were lower than those of the control group, 2.
Conclusion 1. There were significant metabolic abnormalities in ALS patients. 2. Uric acid could be used as reliable indicators to evaluate the ALSFRS-R and DPR of ALS patients.
Deep Q-Learning framework based Solar Energy Generation Prediction
Authors: Bera Souvik , Gupta Gauri Shanker , KUMAR DEEPAK , Kumar S. Shiva , Gupta Karunesh Kumar
Published: September 2022

In the recent years, the power system market has seen a huge shift towards the utilisation of Renewable energy sources (RES) as candidates of power generation since they proved to be a great alternative of conventional sources due to its low carbon footprints and less dependency over fossil fuels, thereby increasing the penetration of RES in microgrids. RES sources like Wind, Tidal, Hydro, Solar etc. are widely available today, among which Solar is the most popular source of energy due to its cheap running cost and easy installation. However, Solar faces complications such as intermittency which is a very big drawback to its applicability and reliability thus requiring additional strategies to increase its resiliency. A short term forecasting of solar generation might be a great solution to observe the intermittency and predict the future generation based on various factors. In this research work a Deep Q-learning framework was proposed to predict the Solar Generation and provide predictive results for special months and days like Spring equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice. The Deep Q-learning (DQNN) framework is an amalgamation of Deep Learning networks and Q-learning technique that exploits the properties of Deep Learning networks and Q-learning technique to map the state-Q-value pair and perform the prediction process. The simulations of DQN network was performed in an open-source platform known as Keras and the prediction results were compared both in simulated and experimental datasets with other well known Deep learning networks such as CNN, LSTM, GRU and CNN-LSTM.
Learning Approaches Among Medical Undergraduates and Pre-intern Doctors of a Selected University in Sri Lanka
Authors: Edirisinghe Sajith , Silva Dulmini , Devmini Movini Thisara , Pathmaperuma Shanaka , Liyanage Indunil , Niluka Malith , Madushika Kasuni , Deegodagamage Sandeepani , Wijesundara Chanuka , Dissanayake Harsha , Yasawardene Surangi
Published: September 2022

Background: Medical education is constantly evolving to suit the changes in the field. It is a challenge to acquire the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills within limited time period in order to become a proficient doctor. This study aims to determine and compare the learning approaches (deep, strategic, superficial) used by medical undergraduates and pre-intern doctors.
Methods: Learning approaches of 138 pre-clinical medical undergraduates and pre-intern doctors of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura were assessed using the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS v-16 and Brown-Forsythe test.
Results: The strategic approach was identified as the predominant learning approach among 138 participants. One hundred and eight (108) participants (78.3%) used this method while 21 (15.2%) and 9 (6.5%) participants used the deep approach and the surface apathetic approach, respectively. Majority of both undergraduates [77.6% (83/107)] and pre-interns [80.6% (25/31)] used the strategic approach. This finding was also consistent between the 2 genders with a majority of males [69.6% (32/46)] as well as females [82.6% (76/92)] who follow the strategic approach. No significant difference in learning approaches was found to be present between undergraduate and pre-intern groups.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a majority of medical undergraduates and pre-intern doctors prefer the strategic learning approach. This implies that the medical curriculum has not promoted the deep learning approach over the five-year period of studentship and this needs to be addressed in a subsequent curriculum change in order to promote a deep learning approach.
PATRIMÔNIO, MEMÓRIA, IDENTIDADE SOCIAL E O PALACETE CEARÁ EM FORTALEZA
Authors: Pontes João Pedro Barbosa , Araújo Leonardo Gomes , Da Silva Nubelia Moreira , Da Cruz Maria Auxiliadora Gadelha
Published: September 2022

O presente artigo objetiva analisar a importância do patrimônio arquitetônico para a compreensão da evolução histórico-geográfica dos lugares e dos grupos sociais que os habitam. O trabalho também apresenta como objetivos específicos: entender a função do conjunto patrimonial histórico arquitetônico para a construção da memória social sobre a cidade de Fortaleza; discutir a relevância das formas de proteção e salvaguarda do patrimônio histórico arquitetônico; apresentar o Palacete do Ceará, relevante patrimônio histórico arquitetônico e sua relação com a memória e a identidade socioespacial fortalezense e entender a visão da sociedade local, quanto aos patrimônios arquitetônicos. O percurso metodológico qualitativo, baseia-se em uma revisão de literatura especializada e a realização de questionário online via google formulário. Os resultados da pesquisa evidenciam que o patrimônio promove e fortalece a identidade de um povo assim como o senso de pertencimento ao lugar habitado. Percebe-se também, que a sociedade fortalezense reconhece a importância da preservação patrimonial e demonstra interesse em conhecer a história desses patrimônios.
ACESSIBILIDADE, TECNOLOGIAS DIGITAIS E INCLUSÃO ESCOLAR DE PESSOAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA DE LITERATURA
Authors: Barreto Silva Maria Aurinolia , Barros David Priscila , Lima Vasconcelos Francisco Herbert
Published: September 2022

Este estudo tem como objetivo principal investigar o uso de tecnologias digitais no processo de inclusão escolar de alunos com deficiência, entendendo-as como recursos pedagógicos de acessibilidade. Para tal, foi desenvolvida uma revisão sistemática de literatura de artigos nacionais publicados entre 2011 a 2020 nas bases da Scielo e do Portal de Periódicos da CAPES. Os resultados indicam uma baixa produção relacionada à essa temática, revelando uma preocupação em relação à inclusão de pessoas com deficiência, tendo em vista que o acesso à escola comum nem sempre está acompanhado pela dimensão da permanência. Ao mesmo tempo, verificou-se as potencialidades das tecnologias digitais para a inclusão desse público, de modo a desenvolver habilidades tecnológicas e novas formas de aprendizagem.
Engineering Geological Assessment of Lin Ma Hang Mine Caverns Using Handheld LiDAR Scanner
Authors: Leung Samson , Pook Geoffrey , Kwok Ming , Lo Cloud , Wright Michael
Published: September 2022

Lin Ma Hang Mine, in the former closed border zone in the northeast New Territories, rewards intrepid visitors with impressive 19th century mine caverns. As part of the planned establishment of the Robin’s Nest Country Park, the caverns have been earmarked for revitalization to increase public awareness and accessibility. A key aspect of the scheme is to assess the stability of the accessible caverns. Maintaining the natural heritage and appearance of the historical mine workings is forefront in tailoring specific solutions. Faced with a highly irregular cavern layout due to a complex history of mining activities, the engineering geological assessment was facilitated by 3D digitalisation of the cavern developed from handheld and aerial LiDAR scanning. Point cloud data obtained provided a fast and efficient means to form models for 3D and 2D assessment and visualisation. The ability to handle data through GIS and Common Data Environments (CDE) means management of vast point cloud sets is no longer a daunting task. The digital model developed will be showcased as part of the planned public engagement and educational information about the capabilities of digital geoscience and also to further explore in virtual reality the mine cavern extent.
An Alternative Approach for Semi-Automatic Delineation of Rock Blocks on 3D Meshes and Engineering Application
Authors: Tsui Regine , Hart Jonathan , Hou Wenzhu , Ng Alan
Published: September 2022

Auto-identification of rock blocks on 3D models is a useful new tool for rock engineering. It has the potential, when undertaken with rock engineering professionals, to delineate remotely, potentially unstable rock blocks associated with adverse discontinuities. An alternative approach is proposed to semi-automatically delineate rock blocks on 3D meshes, which does not require prior extraction and fitting of discontinuity planes. The proposed approach starts with trace extraction, exploiting the fact that the contact between two rock blocks is most often manifested by a trace (i.e., an exposed line) on the rock surface. Geometrically, the trace is usually either a concave edge or a depressed line. These traces are first extracted due to their higher concavity or darkness compared to their neighbouring mesh faces. After post-processing, the mesh is segmented into sub-meshes around the extracted trace lines. The algorithms are implemented in Python and are tested on three rock slopes, including: (1) a rock slope in Ouray, USA; (2) a natural rock outcrop in Ma Shi Chau, Hong Kong; and (3) a rock slope in a former quarry currently being redeveloped as part of a large-scale site development in Hong Kong. Our approach can enrich the rock mapping results and help identify critical rock blocks which may be at risk of planar failure.
Technical Developments Related to Deep Cement Mixing Method in Hong Kong
Authors: Chung Philip , Chu Florence , Cheung Henry , Yan C H , Cheung Chris , Wong Anthony
Published: September 2022

In recent years, deep cement mixing (DCM) method, a non-dredged ground improvement technique, has been adopted in several local large-scale reclamation works. It is also a robust ground improvement solution and can expedite land formation. Currently, design and construction methods adopted in Hong Kong are mostly referred to the practice or guidelines developed in other countries. With more local experience gained and in view of the potential application in possible coming mega development projects which involve reclamation and ground treatment works, it is considered worthwhile and timely to conduct more detailed studies to understand the engineering properties of the materials improved by this technique and to harness the design and construction practice, with a view to enhancing the cost effectiveness of DCM works. This paper briefly introduces some on-going research related to DCM method covering several design and construction aspects including engineering properties, ground investigation and laboratory testing using laboratory mixed and field mixed cores. The objectives, potential application and preliminary results of the studies are presented and discussed in the paper.
Developing Hong Kong’s First Materials Testing Laboratory and Archives Centre in Caverns - Technical Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Chan Ivan H H , Ho Y K , Cheung Carrie
Published: September 2022

In Hong Kong, cavern development is entering a new era, from a narrow range of uses in the past to the recent widespread applications in the territory (Ho et al. 2020). Rock caverns are now engineered to become a viable source of land supply for sustainable development of Hong Kong. With four decades of knowledge and experience accumulation, Hong Kong has proclaimed its readiness in taking on a new path following the launch of the award-winning Cavern Master Plan along with a suite of enabling measures to foster wider applications of rock caverns in Hong Kong. A number of cavern projects are in the pipeline, covering not only traditional “Not In My Back Yard” (NIMBY) uses but also some new types of facilities. Among all, the Geotechnical Engineering Office of the Civil Engineering and Development Department is now undertaking a joint cavern development project at Anderson Road Quarry Site, which involves two first-of-its-kind cavern facilities in Hong Kong ¾ a materials testing laboratory and an archives centre. This paper will introduce the background of the project and use it as an illustration to highlight various challenges encountered when housing facilities in caverns, such as operation requirements of the facilities, fire safety considerations, site constraints, and the need for preserving the future potential of Strategic Cavern Area concerned. This paper will also discuss some novel design approaches contemplated and other potential solutions to tackle these challenges.
An Unprecedented Land Supply Means in Hong Kong: Under-ground Quarrying-cum-Cavern Development
Authors: Tsang W H , Ho Y K , Chan Clayton Y K
Published: September 2022

Cavern development is a viable source of land supply, which can provide solution space for a broad variety of land uses and preserve the valuable ecology and green environment at the ground surface. While most of the caverns are purposely built to house various facilities, underground quarrying-cum-cavern development at suitable sites is a viable means of creating a valuable cavern land bank. With thoughtful planning and prudent site selection, the operation of an underground quarry associated with concrete batching and asphalt production operations can be a self-financing or even profitable business in the short to medium term, while the cavern space created can be utilized for other strategic uses in the long term. To take forward this initiative, the Civil Engineering and Development Department has completed a technical study to establish the technical feasibility and possible implementation arrangement of underground quarrying-cum-cavern development in Hong Kong. A prototype reference design based on the site setting of the Lam Tei Quarry has been produced, considering factors including technical, operational and logistic considerations. This paper presents the findings of the study, including the reference design and implementation model, and discusses the prospect of the underground quarry-cum-cavern development as a land supply means in Hong Kong.
Rock Load Transfer Mechanisms and Interactions at Cavern Junctions
Authors: Seto Andrew K W , Kwong Alan K L , Wong Joel Y F
Published: September 2022

Rock at depth is subjected to stresses resulting from the weight of the overlying strata. When an underground opening is excavated, the stress field in this rock mass is locally disrupted and induces a new set of stresses surrounding the new opening. At tunnel and cavern associated junctions, the re-distributed stresses will alter the stress fields of adjacent openings. For example, loadings from a taller cavern will be transferred through the rock arch and concentrated as additional vertical stress above the crown of the shorter cavern. The load transferring mechanisms in this paper refer to the construction of the cavern complex, which involves developing new sewage treatment works in caverns to be constructed at Nui Po Shan, A Kung Kok, Sha Tin, to replace the existing Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works (STSTW). Upon functioning of the new STSTW, the existing site will be released for other uses beneficial to the development of Hong Kong.The works at the new STSTW occupies about 14 hectares in the area comprising of Main Access Tunnel (MAT), Secondary Access Tunnel (SAT), fifteen Process Caverns, the Main Driveway (MD), Secondary Driveway (SD), four Branch Driveways, Ventilation Shaft, Ventilation Adit, two Effluent Pipelines, and lining and portal structure of MAT and SAT. These structures are excavated mainly by the drill-and-blast method in hard rock, with rock covering more than half of the excavation span/height above the crown. They are designed as drained and are primarily supported by the rock arch, reinforced by systematic permanent rock bolts with permanent sprayed concrete. In addition, drained cast-in-situ reinforced concrete lining is proposed for poor ground conditions.For the proposed cavern complex, most of the Branch Driveways are taller than Process Caverns and MD/SD except for the middle cavern for sludge treatment (STC) purposes. STC's design span and height are 30 m and 35 m, respectively. Therefore, additional stresses are expected to transfer from Branch Driveways and STC to other Process Caverns and MD/SD. Numerical modeling using finite element methods has been established, where two-dimensional design models and three-dimensional verification models in accordance with the varying excavation profiles, overburden depth, and rock mass quality have been carried out. By observing the stress redistribution from the taller STC to other Process Caverns, the two-dimensional and three-dimensional models aim to study the stress concentration zones and the extent of the influence zone at tunnel and cavern associated junctions. The maximum deformation is located along with the crown of STC and intruding corners at the associated junctions, in which the Process Caverns with the largest excavation span and height are proposed.This paper provided a detailed description of the geology, cavern complex geometrical arrangements, rock mass properties for the modeling, methodology of modeling, and mechanism of load redistribution observed at the junctions.
Wall-Soil Interaction Effects on Ground Movements Adjacent to Excavations
Authors: Wong L W
Published: September 2022

Accurate prediction of ground movements is essential for assessing the potential risk of damaging structures adjacent to deep excavations. Numerous studies have previously been conducted to estimate the magnitudes and the distributions of ground movements. However, the wall-soil interaction effects have not been fully explored. Particularly, the soft toe condition, the effects of vertical loading on walls and the effects of the excavation widths have seldom been discussed. Presented herein is a parametric study conducted to quantify the influence of wall movements on vertical ground movements. A case history of the excavation in soft ground in the Taipei basin is collected for the studies. The excavation was retained by diaphragm walls of 31.5 m in length. Six cases with excavation widths of 11.2 m and 41.2 m with and without soft toes have been analyzed. The non-linear Hardening-Soil with Small Strain constitutive soil model is adopted. The stiffness parameters for the HSS soil model are validated by comparing the results of analyses with the observed ground movements.
Numerical Analyses on Wall Deflections and Ground Surface Settlements in Excavations
Authors: Wong L W
Published: September 2022

Ground movements may cause damages to structures. Accurate estimations of ground movements are therefore essential for the risk assessment programs for projects involving underground constructions. Presented herein is a study on the influence of various parameters on the magnitudes and the distributions of ground movements during deep excavations with emphasis on the shapes of settlement troughs. Two-dimensional finite element analyses were conducted on 5 cases for the east end of Xiaonanmen Station in Taipei Metro. The hardening soil with small-strain stiffness was adopted to simulate the nonlinear stress-strain relationship of soils. The results indicate that the shapes of the settlement troughs are primarily affected by the depths of excavations and are relatively insensitive to the width of excavation or the thickness of the retaining wall. Based on the results obtained, the relationship between the width of the influence zone of settlement and the depth of excavation is established.
Factors influencing Generation Y male students’ fashion leadership: A marketing case
Authors: van Deventer Marko , Mangezi Tami , Bevan-Dye Ayesha
Published: September 2022

Fashion leaders significantly contribute to an economy’s clothing segment, given their unique role in influencing fashion followers to purchase fashion clothing. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors that influence the sizeable and lucrative Generation Y male student cohort’s fashion leadership. The study conveniently sampled 400 Generation Y male students between 18 and 24 years old enrolled at two public South African higher education institutions. The study used a descriptive research design. A standardized self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data analysis included computing the descriptive statistics, the internal consistency reliability, the nomological validity, collinearity diagnostics, and multiple linear regression. The study results suggest that although product knowledge, fashion consciousness, mood enhancement, and brand switching behavior have a statistically significant favorable influence on Generation Y male students’ fashion leadership tendencies, decision-making confidence was not a statistically significant predictor. The study offers valuable insights that could assist marketing practitioners and fashion retail stores in understanding and better influencing the Generation Y male cohort’s fashion leadership. This, in turn, will aid them in rethinking and adapting their marketing endeavors to appeal to this market segment.
Network Pharmacology Integrated Molecular Docking to Reveal the Autism and
Mechanism of Baohewan Heshiwei Wen Dan Tang
Authors: Chen Yongjian , Ma Kang , Si Hongzong , Duan Yunbo , Zhai Honglin
Published: September 2022

Background:

In recent years, the prevalence and mortality of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have
been increasing. The clinical features are different with different cases, so the treatment ways are different for
each one.

Objective:

Baohewan Heshiwei Wen Dan Tang (BHWDT) has been recommended for treating autistic
spectrum disorder. To investigate the mechanism of action and how the compounds interact with ASD targets,
network pharmacology and molecular docking methods were used in this study.

Methods:

Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) was used to screen the active components
according to index of oral bio-activity and drug-likeness. Then, TCMSP and Swiss Target Prediction
databases were used to screen potential target genes of active components. The related target genes of ASD
were obtained from the Gene Cards database. Matescape database was utilized to get gene ontology (GO) function
enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway annotation of gene targets. Composition-
target-pathway (C-T-P) and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were built with Cytoscape 3.8.2
software.

Results:

The interaction of the main active components of BHWDT was verified by molecular docking.
The key targets of MAPK1, IL6, CXCL8 and TP53 of BHWDT were obtained. The key active components
Quercetin, Kaempferol and Iuteolin of BHWDT could bind with MAPK1, IL6, CXCL8 and TP53 of BHWDT,
respectively.

Conclusion:

BHWDT can be highly effective for treating ASD and this study can help us to understand multiple
targets and multiple pathways mechanism.
Study on Multi-Target Synergistic Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Based on Metal Chelators
Authors: Shen Rui , Kou Xiaodi , Yang Aihong , Wu Jianhua , Chen Yuhong
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become the fourth leading cause of death in the world. Due to its complex pathogenesis, there is still a lack of effective drug treatments. Studies have found that the metal dyshomeostasis is closely related to other pathogeneses of AD such as oxidative stress, β-amyloid protein deposits, etc. Therefore, it becomes an important target to find the appropriate metal chelating agents to regulate the metal homeostasis. At the same time, because of the complex pathogenesis, single target drugs cannot achieve good effects. Therefore, current studies are mainly focused on exploring multi-target therapy for AD. In this work, the multi-target studies based on metal chelators and other targets with synergistic anti-AD activities were reviewed. The structural characteristics of different chelating agents were summarized and the structure-activity relationship was analyzed, which provided some valuable clues for the subsequent development of anti-AD multi-target drugs based on metal chelating agents.
The Prognostic Value of Previous Coronary Stent Implantation in Patients
Undergoing Myocardial Revascularization Surgery
Authors: Villaescusa-Catalan Jose Manuel , Rodríguez-Capitán Jorge , Sanz-Sánchez Cristina Isabel , Sánchez-Espín Gemma , Guerrero-Orriach José Luis , Morón Francisco Javier Pavón , Fernández-Romero Lourdes , Melero-Tejedor José María , Such-Martínez Miguel , Porras-Martín Carlos , Jiménez-Navarro Manuel
Published: September 2022

Background:

Currently, studies are underway to determine whether coronary stent implantation
with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty before a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
influences the prognosis of surgery. This study aimed to assess the need for future revascularisation or
all-cause mortality as a composite endpoint after CABG surgery among patients with previous stent
implantation.

Methods:

A retrospective, non-randomised study was performed on 721 patients who underwent
CABGin our centre between 2012 and 2017. This single-centre study compared two groups: 1) the previous
stent group, patients with previous stent implantation (n=144), and 2) the non-previous stent
group, patients without previous stent implantation (n=577).

Results:

After a median follow-up of 36 months, the previous stent group presented a decreased combined
event-free survival at 1, 3 and 5 years compared with the non-previous stent group (67.4, 43.5 and
23.0% vs. 91.0, 80.3 and 63.0%, respectively; p<0.01). There was also higher mortality in the previous
stent group than in the non-previous stent group (96.1, 90.5 and 79.4 vs. 91.9, 75.9 and 51.0, respectively;
p=0.01). The multivariable analysis of demographics, baseline comorbidity and surgical data showed
previous stent implantation as an independent predictor of the composite endpoint (Hazard Ratio=3.00
and 95% confident interval=2.09-4.32; p<0.01).

Conclusions:

Patients with percutaneous coronary intervention before CABG present higher comorbidities
and clinical events during follow-up than those who do not undergo stenting.