bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graph Convolutional Network Surrogate Model for Mesh-Based Structure-Borne Noise Simulation
Authors: Lee Sang-Yun , Lee Sang-Kwon
Published: August 2023

This study presents a unique method of building a surrogate model using a graph convolutional network (GCN) for mesh-based structure-borne noise analysis of a fluid–structure coupled system. Structure-borne noise generated from irregular shape panel vibration and sound pressure was measured in a closed-volume cavity coupled with the panel. The proposed network was trained to predict the sound pressure level with three steps. The first step is predicting the natural frequency of panels and cavities using the graph convolutional network, the second step is to predict the averaged vibration and acoustic response of the panel and cavity, respectively, in a given excitation condition using a triangular wave-type inference function based on the natural frequency predicted from the first step, and the third step is to predict the sound pressure in a cavity using a panel and cavity average response as an input to a 2D convolutional neural network (CNN). This method is an efficient way to build a surrogate model for predicting the response of a system which consisted of several sub-systems, like a full vehicle system model. We predicted the response of each sub-system and then combined this to obtain the response of the whole system. Using this method, an average 0.86 r-square value was achieved to predict the panel-induced structure-borne noise in a cavity from 10 to 500 Hz range in 1/12 octave band. This study is the first step towards creating a surrogate model of an engineering system with various sub-systems by changing it into a heterogeneous graph.
Operational Improvements to Reduce the Climate Impact of Aviation—A Comparative Study from EU Project ClimOP
Authors: Zengerling Zarah Lea , Dal Gesso Sara , Linke Florian , Clococeanu Maximilian , Gollnick Volker , Peter Patrick , Matthes Sigrun , Baspinar Baris , Ozkol Ibrahim , Noorafza Mahdi , Roling Paul , Branchini Elena , Grampella Mattia , Abate Carlo , Tedeschi Alessandra
Published: August 2023

Aviation significantly contributes to anthropogenic radiative forcing with both CO2 and non-CO2 emissions. In contrast to technical advancements to mitigate the climate impact, operational measures can benefit from short implementation times and thus are expected to be of high relevance in the near future. This study evaluates the climate mitigation potential of nine operational improvements, covering both in-flight and ground operations. For this purpose, an innovative approach is presented to compare the results of measure-specific case studies, despite the wide differences in the underlying modeling assumptions and boundary conditions. To this end, a selection of KPIs is identified to estimate the impact of the studied operational improvements on both climate and the stakeholders of the air transport system. This article presents a comparative method to scale the results of the individual studies to a comparable reference, considering differences in traffic sample size as well as CO2 and non-CO2 climate effects. A quantitative comparison is performed for operational improvements belonging to the same category, i.e., trajectory-related, network-related, and ground-related measures, and a qualitative comparison is carried out among all considered operational improvements. Results show that the in-flight operational improvements are more effective in mitigating the impact on climate with respect to ground operations. However, the latter generally have a weaker impact on the aviation industry and a higher maturity level. Further research could expand this study by assessing the effects of implementation enablers, such as actions at the regulatory level, to facilitate the acceptance of the studied measures in the aviation industry.
A Network Traffic Abnormal Detection Method: Sketch-Based Profile Evolution
Authors: Yi Junkai , Zhang Shuo , Tan Lingling , Tian Yongbo
Published: August 2023

Network anomaly detection faces unique challenges from dynamic traffic, including large data volume, few attributes, and human factors that influence it, making it difficult to identify typical behavioral characteristics. To address this, we propose using Sketch-based Profile Evolution (SPE) to detect network traffic anomalies. Firstly, the Traffic Graph (TG) of the network terminal is generated using Sketch to identify abnormal data flow positions. Next, the Convolutional Neural Network and Long Short-Term Memory Network (CNN-LSTM) are used to develop traffic behavior profiles, which are then continuously updated using Evolution to detect behavior pattern changes in real-time data streams. SPE allows for direct processing of raw traffic datasets and continuous detection of constantly updated data streams. In experiments using real network traffic datasets, the SPE algorithm was found to be far more efficient and accurate than PCA and Basic Evolution for outlier detection. It is important to note that the value of φ can affect the results of anomaly detection.
Rise in Mid-Tropospheric Temperature Trend (MSU/AMSU 1978–2022) over the Tibet and Eastern Himalayas
Authors: Desinayak Nirasindhu , Prasad Anup Krishna , Vinod Arya , Mishra Sameeksha , Shukla Anubhav , Nayak Suren
Published: August 2023

The high-altitude Hindu Kush-Himalayan region (HKH, average ~5 km from msl) and the adjacent Indo-Gangetic plains (IG plains, ~0–250 m msl), due to their geographical location and complex topography, are reported to be highly sensitive to climatic changes. Recent studies show that the impacts of climate change and associated changes in water resources (glacial/snow melt water and rainfall) in this region are multifaceted, thereby affecting ecosystems, agriculture, industries, and inhabitants. In this study, 45 years of Microwave Sounding Unit/Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU/AMSU)-derived mid-tropospheric temperature (TMT, 3–7 km altitude) and lower tropospheric temperature (TLT, 0–3 km altitude) data from the Remote Sensing Systems (RSS Version 4.0) were utilized to analyze the overall changes in tropospheric temperature in terms of annual/monthly trends and anomalies. The current study shows that the mid-tropospheric temperature (0–3 km altitude over the HKH region) has already alarmingly increased (statistically significant) in Tibet, the western Himalayas, and the eastern Himalayas by 1.49 °K, 1.30 °K, and 1.35 °K, respectively, over the last 45 years (1978–2022). As compared to a previous report (TMT trend for 30 years, 1979–2008), the present study of TMT trends for 45 years (1978–2022) exhibits a rise in percent change in the trend component in the high-altitude regions of Tibet, the western Himalayas, and the eastern Himalayas by approximately 310%, 80%, and 170%, respectively. In contrast, the same for adjacent plains (the western and eastern IG plains) shows a negligible or much lower percent change (0% and 40%, respectively) over the last 14 years. Similarly, dust source regions in Africa, Arabia, the Middle East, Iran, and Pakistan show only a 130% change in warming trends over the past 14 years. In the monthly breakup, the ‘November to March’ period usually shows a higher TMT trend (with peaks in December, February, and March) compared to the rest of the months, except in the western Himalayas, where the peak is observed in May, which can be attributed to the peak dust storm activity (March to May). Snow cover over the HKH region, where the growing season is known to be from September to February, is also reported to show the highest snow cover in February (with the peak in January, February, or March), which coincides with the warmest period in terms of anomaly and trend observed in the long-term mid-tropospheric temperature data (1978–2022). Thus, the current study highlights that the statistically significant and positive TMT warming trend (95% CI) and its observed acceleration over the high-altitude region (since 2008) can be attributed to being one of the major factors causing an acceleration in the rate of melting of snow cover and glaciers, particularly in Tibet and the Eastern Himalayas.
Real-Time Interactive Parallel Visualization of Large-Scale Flow-Field Data
Authors: He Zhouqiao , Chen Cheng , Wu Yadong , Tian Xiaokun , Chu Qikai , Huang Zhengbin , Zhang Weihan
Published: August 2023

With the increasing demand for high precision in numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the use of large-scale grids for discretized solutions has become a trend, resulting in an explosive growth of flow-field data size. To address the challenges posed by large-scale flow-field data for real-time interactive visualization, this paper proposes novel strategies for data partitioning and communication management. Firstly, we propose a data-partitioning strategy based on grid segmentation. This approach constructs metadata to create file viewports for each process and performs grid partitioning. Subsequently, it reconstructs sub-grids within each process and utilizes a coordinate-mapping algorithm to map global coordinates to local process coordinates, facilitating access to attribute variables through a lookup table. Secondly, we introduce a real-time interactive method for large-scale flow fields. This method leverages the system architecture of high-speed interconnection among compute nodes in a cluster environment and low-speed interconnection between service nodes and rendering nodes. It enables coordinated management of parallel rendering and synchronized rendering methods. The experimental results on typical flow-field data demonstrate that the proposed data-partitioning strategy improves the loading speed of millions of grid-level data by a factor of 7, surpassing ParaView’s performance by 1.5 times. Furthermore, it achieves system load balancing. Real-time interaction experiments with datasets containing 500 million and 800 million grid cells exhibit millisecond-level latencies, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed communication management method in meeting the real-time interactive visualization demands of large-scale flow-field data.
Visual Odometry of a Low-Profile Pallet Robot Based on Ortho-Rectified Ground Plane Image from Fisheye Camera
Authors: Park Soon-Yong , Lee Ung-Gyo , Baek Seung-Hae
Published: August 2023

This study presents a visual-only odometry technique of a low-profile pallet robot using image feature tracking in ground plane images generated from a fisheye camera. The fisheye camera is commonly used in many robot vision applications because it provides a larger field of view (FoV) around a robot. However, because of the large radial distortion, the fisheye image is generally converted to a pinhole image for visual feature tracking or matching. Although the radial distortion can be eliminated via image undistortion with the lens calibration parameters, it causes several side effects, such as degraded image resolution and a significant reduction in the FoV. In this paper, instead of using the pinhole model, we propose to generate a ground plane image (GPI) from the fisheye image. GPI is a virtual top-view image that only contains the ground plane at the front of the robot. First, the original fisheye image is projected to several virtual pinhole images to generate a cubemap. Second, the front and bottom faces of the cubemap are projected to a GPI. Third, the GPI is homographically transformed again to further reduce image distortion. As a result, an accurate ortho-rectified ground plane image is obtained from the virtual top-view camera. For visual odometry using the ortho-rectified GPI, a number of 2D motion vectors are obtained using feature extraction and tracking between the previous and current frames in the GPI. By calculating a scaled motion vector, which is the measurement of the virtual wheel encoder of the mobile robot, we estimate the velocity and steering angle of the virtual wheel using the motion vector. Finally, we estimate the pose of the mobile robot by applying a kinematic model to the mobile robot.
Inter-Segmental Coordination of the Swimming Start among Paralympic Swimmers: A Comparative Study between S9, S10, and S12 Swimmers
Authors: Zhou Zhanyi , Li Shudong , Yang Luqi , Gao Zixiang , Lin Yi , Radak Zsolt , Gu Yaodong
Published: August 2023

The swimming start, which involves interactions with both water and air, has predominantly been studied primarily in terms of spatio-temporal parameters, while its motor control aspects have received limited attention. This study aims to investigate and compare the coordination patterns between the arm and trunk, as well as the thigh and trunk, in S9, S10, and S12 Paralympic swimmers using the continuous relative phase. The study included twenty-one Paralympic swimmers, and the results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) from spm1d (ANOVA) in both arm-trunk and thigh-trunk CRP among the three classes of swimmers. Significant differences were observed in the arm-trunk CRP during the initial (0–8% of time) and end (30–41% of time) parts of the block phase. Both of these two differences are from the comparison of S10 and S12. The thigh-trunk CRP also showed significant differences at the end of the block phase (35–41% of time) and during the flight phase before entry (58–61% of time). Significant differences were observed in post hoc tests between S9 and S10 and between S12 and S10 for the first significant difference. The second significant difference was found between S12 and S10. The results indicate that Paralympic swimmers classified as S9, S10, and S12 tend to exhibit distinct inter-segmental coordination patterns during the dive start. By recognizing different patterns of motor coordination, coaches and trainers can develop individualized training methods to optimize the start performance for swimmers with different impairments (different classifications) and maximize their competitive potential.
Mechanics Model of Floor Heave: Case Study on Thin Coal Seam with Soft Roof and Floor
Authors: Huang Peng , Li Meng , Xie Jing , Ren Guohui , Zhao Chengyi , Simao Francisco Chano
Published: August 2023

The fully mechanized caving roadway’s floor heave has a significant impact on the stability of the narrow coal pillars, the filling body next to the roadway, as well as the entire roadway. Significant floor heave necessitates extensive maintenance and rebuilding work, which has a negative impact on the mine’s regular operations. The costs of sustaining and maintaining the roads are significantly increased by production. In this study, a mechanical model of the floor heave of the road along the goaf is established using the Winker elastic foundation theory model. The mechanical model of the floor heave of the roadway is confirmed when combined with engineering cases. The findings of the study indicate that there is almost no deformation of the side floor of the roadside support and the solid coal. The floor deformation of the roadway area exhibits non-positive symmetry and a “parabolic” characteristic. Roadway width, burial depth, and roadway floor heave all have linearly positive correlations, but elastic modulus of the floor, burial depth, and highway floor heave all have negatively exponential correlations. The maximum deformation of the floor heave, which has a maximum value of 628 mm, is close to the side of the roadway support body; the theoretical model’s maximum value for the floor heave after 100 days of actual deformation monitoring is 645 mm. Between the maximum value and the maximum value as measured, there is a 2.6% error. The paper has important guiding significance for explaining the mechanism of floor heave in goaf roadway and controlling the deformation of the roadway floor.
Handling a Commensurate, Incommensurate, and Singular Fractional-Order Linear Time-Invariant System
Authors: Batiha Iqbal M. , Talafha Omar , Ababneh Osama Y. , Alshorm Shameseddin , Momani Shaher
Published: August 2023

From the perspective of the importance of the fractional-order linear time-invariant (FoLTI) system in plenty of applied science fields, such as control theory, signal processing, and communications, this work aims to provide certain generic solutions for commensurate and incommensurate cases of these systems in light of the Adomian decomposition method. Accordingly, we also generate another general solution of the singular FoLTI system with the use of the same methodology. Several more numerical examples are given to illustrate the core points of the perturbations of the considered singular FoLTI systems that can ultimately generate a variety of corresponding solutions.
Glucocorticoids and Their Receptor Isoforms: Roles in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy, and Foetal Development
Authors: Bhaumik Sreeparna , Lockett Jack , Cuffe James , Clifton Vicki L.
Published: August 2023

Alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and associated changes in circulating levels of glucocorticoids are integral to an organism’s response to stressful stimuli. Glucocorticoids acting via glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) play a role in fertility, reproduction, placental function, and foetal development. GRs are ubiquitously expressed throughout the female reproductive system and regulate normal reproductive function. Stress-induced glucocorticoids have been shown to inhibit reproduction and affect female gonadal function by suppressing the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis at each level. Furthermore, during pregnancy, a mother’s exposure to prenatal stress or external glucocorticoids can result in long-lasting alterations to the foetal HPA and neuroendocrine function. Several GR isoforms generated via alternative splicing or translation initiation from the GR gene have been identified in the mammalian ovary and uterus. The GR isoforms identified include the splice variants, GRα and GRβ, and GRγ and GR-P. Glucocorticoids can exert both stimulatory and inhibitory effects and both pro- and anti-inflammatory functions in the ovary, in vitro. In the placenta, thirteen GR isoforms have been identified in humans, guinea pigs, sheep, rats, and mice, indicating they are conserved across species and may be important in mediating a differential response to stress. Distinctive responses to glucocorticoids, differential birth outcomes in pregnancy complications, and sex-based variations in the response to stress could all potentially be dependent on a particular GR expression pattern. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the structure and function of the GR in relation to female fertility and reproduction and discusses the changes in the GR and glucocorticoid signalling during pregnancy. To generate this overview, an extensive non-systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with a focus on original research articles, meta-analyses, and previous review papers addressing the subject. This review integrates the current understanding of GR variants and their roles in glucocorticoid signalling, reproduction, placental function, and foetal growth.
Regulation of Pol II Pausing during Daily Gene Transcription in Mouse Liver
Authors: Xu Wei , Li Xiaodong
Published: August 2023

Cell autonomous circadian oscillation is present in central and various peripheral tissues. The intrinsic tissue clock and various extrinsic cues drive gene expression rhythms. Transcription regulation is thought to be the main driving force for gene rhythms. However, how transcription rhythms arise remains to be fully characterized due to the fact that transcription is regulated at multiple steps. In particular, Pol II recruitment, pause release, and premature transcription termination are critical regulatory steps that determine the status of Pol II pausing and transcription output near the transcription start site (TSS) of the promoter. Recently, we showed that Pol II pausing exhibits genome-wide changes during daily transcription in mouse liver. In this article, we review historical as well as recent findings on the regulation of transcription rhythms by the circadian clock and other transcription factors, and the potential limitations of those results in explaining rhythmic transcription at the TSS. We then discuss our results on the genome-wide characteristics of daily changes in Pol II pausing, the possible regulatory mechanisms involved, and their relevance to future research on circadian transcription regulation.
Investigation of PRKN Mutations in Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
Authors: Bispo Ana Gabrielle , Silva Caio S. , Sena-dos-Santos Camille , Dalledone Moura Dafne , Koshimoto Brenda Hanae Bentes , Santos-Lobato Bruno Lopes , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea , Cavalcante Giovanna C.
Published: August 2023

Mitophagy is an important process that participates in mitochondrial quality control. Dysfunctions in this process can be caused by mutations in genes like PRKN and are associated with the development and progression of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The most used drug in the treatment of PD is levodopa (LD), but it can cause adverse effects, such as dyskinesia. Currently, few studies are searching for biomarkers for an effective use of lLD for this disease, especially regarding mitophagy genetics. Thus, this work investigates the association of 14 variants of the PRKN gene with LD in the treatment of PD. We recruited 70 patients with PD undergoing treatment with LD (39 without dyskinesia and 31 with dyskinesia). Genotyping was based on Sanger sequencing. Our results reinforce that age at onset of symptoms, duration of PD, and treatment and dosage of LD can influence the occurrence of dyskinesia but not the investigated PRKN variants. The perspective presented here of variants of mitophagy-related genes in the context of treatment with LD is still underexplored, although an association has been indicated in previous studies. We suggest that other variants in PRKN or in other mitophagy genes may participate in the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in PD treatment.
Enhancing Immunogenicity in Metastatic Melanoma: Adjuvant Therapies to Promote the Anti-Tumor Immune Response
Authors: Pelka Sandra , Guha Chandan
Published: August 2023

Advanced melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer characterized by low survival rates. Less than 50% of advanced melanoma patients respond to current therapies, and of those patients that do respond, many present with tumor recurrence due to resistance. The immunosuppressive tumor-immune microenvironment (TIME) remains a major obstacle in melanoma therapy. Adjuvant treatment modalities that enhance anti-tumor immune cell function are associated with improved patient response. One potential mechanism to stimulate the anti-tumor immune response is by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumors. ICD leads to the release of damage-associated molecular patterns within the TIME, subsequently promoting antigen presentation and anti-tumor immunity. This review summarizes relevant concepts and mechanisms underlying ICD and introduces the potential of non-ablative low-intensity focused ultrasound (LOFU) as an immune-priming therapy that can be combined with ICD-inducing focal ablative therapies to promote an anti-melanoma immune response.
Association between the Use of Statins and Brain Tumors
Authors: Jang Sarang , Choi Hyo Gun , Kwon Mi Jung , Kim Ji Hee , Kim Joo-Hee , Kim So Young
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of statin use on the incidence of brain tumors. The Korean National Health Insurance Service—National Sample Cohort from 2005 to 2019 was used. The 1893 patients who were diagnosed with brain tumors were matched with 7572 control patients for demographic variables. The history of dyslipidemia was collected, and their history of prescription of statins before diagnosis of brain tumor was examined. The participants without dyslipidemia were set as a reference population. Then, the odds for brain tumors were analyzed in dyslipidemia patients without statin use, dyslipidemia patients who were prescribed statins for less than 365 days, and dyslipidemia patients who were prescribed statins for 365 days or more. Propensity score overlap weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis was used and adjusted for demographics and comorbidities. Secondary analyses were conducted according to types of statins, malignancy of brain tumors, and histories of demographics or comorbidities. A total of 11.78% of brain tumor patients and 10.95% of control participants had histories of statin use for 365 days or more. Dyslipidemia patients with 365 days or more duration of statin use demonstrated 1.22 times higher odds for brain tumors than normal participants (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.06–1.14, p = 0.007). Dyslipidemia patients with less than 365 days of statin use had higher odds of brain tumors than other groups (odds ratio = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.36–1.87, p < 0.001). The higher odds for brain tumors in short-term statin users (<365 days) than in long-term statin users (≥365 days) were consistent in secondary analyses according to types of statins, malignancy of brain tumors, and histories of demographics or comorbidities. Long-term statin use in dyslipidemia patients was related to a lower risk of brain tumors than short-term statin use in patients with dyslipidemia.
PECSO: An Improved Chicken Swarm Optimization Algorithm with Performance-Enhanced Strategy and Its Application
Authors: Zhang Yufei , Wang Limin , Zhao Jianping
Published: August 2023

To solve the problems of low convergence accuracy, slow speed, and common falls into local optima of the Chicken Swarm Optimization Algorithm (CSO), a performance enhancement strategy of the CSO algorithm (PECSO) is proposed with the aim of overcoming its deficiencies. Firstly, the hierarchy is established by the free grouping mechanism, which enhances the diversity of individuals in the hierarchy and expands the exploration range of the search space. Secondly, the number of niches is divided, with the hen as the center. By introducing synchronous updating and spiral learning strategies among the individuals in the niche, the balance between exploration and exploitation can be maintained more effectively. Finally, the performance of the PECSO algorithm is verified by the CEC2017 benchmark function. Experiments show that, compared with other algorithms, the proposed algorithm has the advantages of fast convergence, high precision and strong stability. Meanwhile, in order to investigate the potential of the PECSO algorithm in dealing with practical problems, three engineering optimization cases and the inverse kinematic solution of the robot are considered. The simulation results indicate that the PECSO algorithm can obtain a good solution to engineering optimization problems and has a better competitive effect on solving the inverse kinematics of robots.
Biogenesis, Isolation, and Detection of Exosomes and Their Potential in Therapeutics and Diagnostics
Authors: Sonbhadra Smrity , Mehak  , Pandey Lalit M.
Published: August 2023

The increasing research and rapid developments in the field of exosomes provide insights into their role and significance in human health. Exosomes derived from various sources, such as mesenchymal stem cells, cardiac cells, and tumor cells, to name a few, can be potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases and could also serve as biomarkers for the early detection of diseases. Cellular components of exosomes, several proteins, lipids, and miRNAs hold promise as novel biomarkers for the detection of various diseases. The structure of exosomes enables them as drug delivery vehicles. Since exosomes exhibit potential therapeutic applications, their efficient isolation from complex biological/clinical samples and precise real-time analysis becomes significant. With the advent of microfluidics, nano-biosensors are being designed to capture exosomes efficiently and rapidly. Herein, we have summarized the history, biogenesis, characteristics, functions, and applications of exosomes, along with the isolation, detection, and quantification techniques. The implications of surface modifications to enhance specificity have been outlined. The review also sheds light on the engineered nanoplatforms being developed for exosome detection and capture.
Preliminary Observations of Personalized Repetitive Magnetic Stimulation (PrTMS) Guided by EEG Spectra for Concussion
Authors: Makale Milan T. , Nybo Chad , Keifer Jason , Blum Kenneth , Dennen Catherine A. , Baron David , Sunder Keerthy , Elman Igor , Makale Miles R. , Thanos Panayotis K. , Murphy Kevin T.
Published: August 2023

There are no FDA-approved treatments for the chronic sequelae of concussion. Repetitive magnetic transcranial stimulation (rTMS) has been explored as a therapy but outcomes have been inconsistent. To address this we developed a personalized rTMS (PrTMS) protocol involving continual rTMS stimulus frequency adjustment and progressive activation of multiple cortical sites, guided by spectral electroencephalogram (EEG)-based analyses and psychological questionnaires. We acquired pilot clinical data for 185 symptomatic brain concussion patients who underwent the PrTMS protocol over an approximate 6 week period. The PrTMS protocol used a proprietary EEG spectral frequency algorithm to define an initial stimulation frequency based on an anteriorly graded projection of the measured occipital alpha center peak, which was then used to interpolate and adjust regional stimulation frequency according to weekly EEG spectral acquisitions. PrTMS improved concussion indices and normalized the cortical alpha band center frequency and peak EEG amplitude. This potentially reflected changed neurotransmitter, cognitive, and perceptual status. PrTMS may be a promising treatment choice for patients with persistent concussion symptoms. This clinical observational study was limited in that there was no control group and a number of variables were not recorded, such as time since injury and levels of depression. While the present observations are indeed preliminary and cursory, they may suggest further prospective research on PrTMS in concussion, and exploration of the spectral EEG as a concussion biomarker, with the ultimate goals of confirmation and determining optimal PrTMS treatment parameters.
The Role of the Low-Density Lipoprotein/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio as an Atherogenic Risk Factor in Young Adults with Ischemic Stroke: A Case—Control Study
Authors: Ciplak Sibel , Adiguzel Ahmet , Deniz Yusuf Ziya , Aba Melike , Ozturk Unal
Published: August 2023

Dyslipidemia is a major atherogenic risk factor for ischemic stroke. Stroke patients tend to have high levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Therefore, it is noteworthy that there has been an increase in ischemic stroke cases in young and elderly individuals in recent years. This study investigated the TC/HDL-C ratio and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, which may be more specific and common lipid parameters in young patients with ischemic stroke. This study aimed to demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios as atherogenic markers for young adult ischemic strokes. This trial was conducted as a retrospective case—control study. A total of 123 patients (patient group) and 86 healthy individuals (control group) aged 18–50 years were randomly selected from four different hospitals. Lipid parameters and TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were compared between these two groups. The mean age was 38.8 ± 7.3 years in patients and 37.7 ± 9 years in controls (p > 005). The HDL-C levels were 39.1 ± 10.8 mg/dL in patients and 48.4 ± 13.8 mg/dL in controls (p < 0.001). LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were 3.23 ± 1.74 and 2.38 ± 0.87, and TC/HDL-C ratios were 5.24 ± 2.31 and 4.10 ± 1.25 in the patient and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C cutoff values in ROC analyses were 2.61 and 4.40 respectively; the AUCs (95% CI) were determined to be 0.680 (0.608–0.753) and 0.683 (0.610–0.755) (p < 0.001), respectively. An increased risk of stroke was observed in those with a high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (OR = 1.827; 95% CI = 1.341–2.488; p < 0.001). Our study obtained similar results when we compared the mean TC and LDL-C levels between the two groups. However, considering the TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios, it is noteworthy that there was a significant difference between the patient and control groups.
Critical Thinking, Generalized Anxiety in Satisfaction with Studies: The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy in Medical Students
Authors: Huamán-Tapia Elbert , Almanza-Cabe Robinson B. , Sairitupa-Sanchez Liset Z. , Morales-García Sandra B. , Rivera-Lozada Oriana , Flores-Paredes Alcides , Morales-García Wilter C.
Published: August 2023

Background: The academic and emotional challenges faced by medical students can affect critical thinking and may also contribute to the development of increased generalized anxiety. Similarly, critical thinking and generalized anxiety can impact study satisfaction through the mediating mechanism of academic self-efficacy. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the mediating role of academic self-efficacy between critical thinking and generalized anxiety in study satisfaction among medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional and explanatory study was conducted involving 259 Peruvian medical students aged between 18 and 35 (M = 20.29, SD = 2.84). The evaluation was based on self-reported questionnaires covering critical thinking, generalized anxiety, academic self-efficacy, and study satisfaction. Furthermore, a structural equation modeling (SEM) and mediation approach was employed to examine the relationships between variables. Results: The results showed an adequate fit of the model [χ2 (87) = 155, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.05 (CI: 0.04–0.07), SRMR = 0.07], demonstrating the impact of critical thinking and generalized anxiety. It was confirmed that academic self-efficacy has a positive effect on study satisfaction. Moreover, the mediating role of academic self-efficacy was confirmed between critical thinking and study satisfaction, as well as between generalized anxiety and study satisfaction. Conclusions: Due to the high academic load on medical students, academic self-efficacy plays a mediating role in the relationship between critical thinking, generalized anxiety, and satisfaction with studies. The development of educational strategies will help to promote critical thinking and academic self-efficacy, as well as provide support to students with generalized anxiety, to enhance study satisfaction.
Landscape Preference: The Role of Attractiveness and Spatial Openness of the Environment
Authors: Franěk Marek
Published: August 2023

To live a healthy lifestyle, urban residents need contact with nature and restoration in a natural environment. Environmental psychology has investigated the types and features of natural environments that could be optimal for restoration. Using a sample of undergraduates from the Czech Republic, the present study explored whether attractive and open natural environments are liked more and perceived as more restorative than unattractive and closed environments. Furthermore, this study explored which spatio-cognitive dimensions and emotional qualities of the environments are associated with the liking and perceived restoration of the environments. It was found that attractive and open environments were liked significantly more and had a significantly higher level of perceived restoration than attractive closed environments, but in the nonattractive environments, the openness of the environments had no significant effects on liking and perceived restoration. Although we only found a significant contribution of the spatio-cognitive dimension of mystery to liking and perceived restoration, emotional qualities of the environment were a good predictor for the liking and perceived restoration of natural environments. The effects of the aesthetic qualities of images and the photographic techniques used should also be considered. The results are discussed in connection with the fact that preference for attractive landscapes may lead to an underestimation of the value of ordinary nature in neighborhoods.
Effect of Graphene Oxide as a Nanomaterial on the Durability Behaviors of Engineered Cementitious Composites by Applying RSM Modelling and Optimization
Authors: Bheel Naraindas , Mohammed Bashar S. , Liew M. S. , Zawawi Noor Amila Wan Abdullah
Published: August 2023

Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) are widely used in various structures due to their high strength, durability, and ductility. However, they are still vulnerable to environmental factors such as sulphate and acid attack. These attacks damage the concrete matrix, which leads to cracking and corrosion of the reinforcing steel. To mitigate these issues, various techniques have been developed, including the addition of graphene oxide to the ECC mix. Graphene oxide has shown potential in improving the mechanical properties and durability of ECC. The purpose of this study was to use multi-objective optimization to identify an appropriate GO by the weight of the cement and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber volume fraction in an ECC mixture. Using RSM’s central composite design (CCD), thirteen mixtures of various possible combinations of variables (GO: 0.05 percent to 0.08 percent, PVA: 1–2 percent) were established, and eight response responses (compressive strength, change in length, weight loss, pH test, weight gain, expansion, rapid chloride permeability test and water absorption) were examined. However, analysis of variance was used to effectively design and evaluate eight (six quadratic and two linear) response models. All the models had extremely high R2 values, ranging from 84 percent to 99 percent. The multi-objective optimization produced ideal variable values (GO: 0.05 percent and PVA: 1%) and projected optimum response values. The predicted values were verified experimentally and found to correlate extremely well with the experimental data, with less than a 5% error. The outcome showed that the maximum increase of 30% in the compressive strength was recorded at 0.05% of GO as a nanomaterial in ECC. In addition, the expansion due to sulfate resistance and change in length due to acid attack were decreased by 0.0023% and 0.28%, respectively, when the use of 0.08% of GO as a nanomaterial in the ECC matrix was reinforced with 1% PVA fiber for 28 days. Moreover, the weight loss and weight gain of ECC combined with 1% of PVA fiber due to chemical attack decreased by 66.70% and 77.80%, respectively, at 0.08% of GO as a nanoscale particle than that of the reference mix for 28 days. In addition, the pH value due to acid attack, rapid chloride permeability test value, water absorption, and slump flow of the fresh mixture were decreased as the concentration of GO rose in ECC. The results indicated that the incorporation of 0.05% GO as a nanomaterial and 1 to 1.5% of PVA fiber will provide the best outcomes for the construction industry.
Spatial Variation Characteristics of Housing Conditions in China
Authors: Wang Yang , You Youyang , Yue Xiaoli , Wu Yingmei , Zhou Yan , Zhang Hong’ou
Published: August 2023

The evaluation of housing conditions is a crucial aspect of determining the well-being of residents and the sustainable development of settlements. Assessing housing conditions at a macro-level is imperative to understand the differences in well-being and livability among residents in various regions within a country. Unfortunately, the spatial variation characteristics of housing conditions in China have not been extensively studied at the county scale. Thus, this study examines the housing conditions in China by using 2846 counties as the basic research unit. A housing condition evaluation index system, comprising seven indicators, is constructed based on three aspects: housing spaciousness, internal facilities, and elevator configuration. The entropy value method is used to determine the weights of the indicators, and the spatial difference patterns and spatial autocorrelation characteristics of the housing conditions and types of housing conditions in China are analyzed. The correlation analysis method is used to analyze the correlation between the subtypes of housing conditions and county fundamentals (population density, urbanization, foreign population, and rental housing). The results show that: (1) the configuration of elevators is the most important indicator of the differences in housing conditions in China; (2) the better housing conditions in China are distributed on the southeast side of the “Hu Line”, while the worse areas are distributed on the northwest side of the “Hu Line”, showing significant spatial clustering characteristics, while the distribution of the different subtypes of housing conditions and their distribution in the H–H and L–L zones also have significant variability; (3) housing conditions in China’s urban areas are generally better than those in non-urban areas, and the internal infrastructure conditions of urban housing and the degree of elevator configuration are better than those in non-urban areas; and (4) the correlation between housing conditions and county fundamentals varies depending on the regional level. At the national and urban levels, a negative correlation exists between county fundamentals and housing spaciousness, although a positive correlation exists with internal infrastructure and elevator configuration. Urbanization has the greatest impact on housing conditions in these areas. In non-urban areas, there is significant variability in the correlation between county fundamentals and housing conditions.
Development and Mechanical Property Analysis of a Novel Uplift Pile Incorporating Composite Anchors
Authors: Mao Zongyuan , Jiang Jiaqi , Guo Hao , Wang Enzhi
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a novel design for uplift piles incorporating a composite-anchor system. The composite-anchor system consists of steel strands, a non-expansion grouting body, and a high-strength steel pile. The aim of this design is to enhance the mechanical performance, durability, and economic efficiency of uplift piles. To evaluate the performance of the new pile, three sets of full-scale load tests were conducted, focusing on their in situ capacity, deformation, and stress characteristics. Despite a significantly lower reinforcement ratio of 0.75% compared to conventional piles with a ratio of 3.84%, the new uplift piles exhibit an exceptional uplift bearing performance. The utilization of the lateral friction resistance of the lower pile body is significantly improved, leading to enhanced load distribution and stress transfer mechanisms. Furthermore, a numerical model was developed and validated against the experimental results, demonstrating its reliability in simulating the bearing characteristics of the new uplift piles. The multi-interface design of the composite-anchor system ensures the efficient transmission of internal forces induced by external uplift loads, resulting in an improved stress state within the pile body. Moreover, the multi-layer structure of the composite main bar enhances the durability of the uplift piles. In comparison to conventional piles, the new uplift pile design offers substantial advantages, including an 80% reduction in reinforcement ratio, a 65% reduction in reinforcement cage welding, a cost reduction of approximately 30%, and a shortened construction time by around 20%. These findings highlight the potential of the new composite-anchor-pile design to revolutionize the field of uplift pile applications, offering improved efficiency and effectiveness.
Passively Maintained Closed Cavity Façade—Experimental Validation of the Mathematical Thermal Model
Authors: Veršić Zoran , Binički Marin , Nosil Mešić Mateja , Galić Josip
Published: August 2023

Although glass façades have been on the market for over a century, new improvements, following sustainable standards, are still being invented. An improvement of the actively maintained CCF has occurred in passive maintenance with natural ventilation of the cavity and insulation glass unit placed on the external side, which has served as a true motivation for further research. To develop the idea, a new type of CCF was invented, followed by the creation of the software, whose purpose is to determine optimal CCF façade components. During this research, an experimental and mathematical model was made regarding the thermal behavior, later validated by the measurements on-site in Rugvica, Croatia. Using simplified but unconventional methods, numerous formulae and variables, a simulation of climatic loads onto the CCF was conducted. Validations of the thermal model were made during winter and summer periods for southern and western façade orientation, explaining how heat transfers from the environment to close cavity façade elements. It was found from the analysis that air temperatures of the façade elements follow the outer air temperature, by constant air exchange with the outer space. The results showed great potential with up to 3 °C (5–10%) of difference in experimental and calculated results, thus creating a basis for further improvement of the software with the addition of structural and hygric behavior of the façade element, regarding climate conditions.
Durability Behaviours of Engineered Cementitious Composites Blended with Carbon Nanotubes against Sulphate and Acid Attacks by Applying RSM Modelling and Optimization
Authors: Bheel Naraindas , Mohammed Bashar S. , Liew M. S. , Zawawi Noor Amila Wan Abdullah
Published: August 2023

Chemical deterioration, including sulphate and acid attacks, is a major issue affecting the long-term durability of engineered cementitious composite (ECC) constructions that contact water from various sources, including groundwater, seawater, sewer water, and drinking water. This research enhances ECCs’ strength and resilience against chemical attack by combining cementitious composites with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibre volume fractions using multiobjective optimization. The central composite design (CCD) of RSM was applied to generate thirteen mixes of different potential combinations of factors (multiwalled CNTs: 0.05% to 0.08%, PVA: 1–2%) and eight outcome responses were studied, although eight response models—six quadratic and two linear—were successfully designed and assessed using analysis of variance. The coefficients associated with R2 for all the models were exceptionally high, with values varying from 84 to 99 percent. The multiobjective optimization predicted the best outcomes and developed optimal values for both variables (CNTs: 0.05% and PVA: 1%). The results showed that, at 0.05% of CNTs in ECCs, an ultimate improvement of 23% in compressive strength was seen. Additionally, when CNTs are used to grow in the ECC matrix, the expansion owing to sulphate resistance and length change due to acid attack are both reduced. In addition, when the percentage of CNTs increases in ECCs, the weight loss and pH value owing to acid attack, as well as the rate of chloride permeability test results, are reduced. Furthermore, CNTs and PVA fibres with 0.05% and 1–1.5% concentrations offer optimal construction sector outcomes.
Copper-Catalyzed Reaction of N-Monosubstituted Hydrazones with CBr4: Unexpected Fragmentation and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Nenajdenko Valentine G. , Kazakova Anna A. , Novikov Alexander S. , Shikhaliyev Namig G. , Maharramov Abel M. , Qajar Ayten M. , Atakishiyeva Gulnar T. , Niyazova Aytan A. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Shastin Alexey V. , Tskhovrebov Alexander G.
Published: August 2023

The copper catalyzed reaction of N-monosubstituted hydrazones with carbon tetrabromide leads to formation of expected dibromodiazadienes and unexpected dibromostyrenes. The experimental and theoretical study of the reaction revealed a key role of N-centered radicals, which can eliminate aryl radicals to form the corresponding dibromostyrenes. Alternatively, the oxidation of intermediate N-centered radicals by Cu(II) results in the corresponding diazadienes. These two reaction pathways are competitive directions of the reaction. Consequently, the reaction can be useful for the synthesis of both dibromostyrenes and rare dibromodiazadienes.