bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Long-Term Rainfall Variability and Trends Using Observed and Satellite Data in Central Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Khalil , Banerjee Abhishek , Rashid Wajid , Xia Zilong , Karim Shahid , Asif Muhammad
Published: December 2022

This study explores the spatio-temporal distribution and trends on monthly, seasonal, and annual scales of rainfall in the central Punjab districts of Punjab province in Pakistan by using observation and satellite data products. The daily observed data was acquired from the Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) between 1983 and 2020, along with one reanalysis, namely the Climate Hazard Infrared Group Precipitation Station (CHIRPS) and one satellite-based daily Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks climate data record (PERSIANN-CDR) using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) web-based API platform to investigate the spatio-temporal fluctuations and inter-annual variability of rainfall in the study domain. Several statistical indices were employed to check the data similarity between observed and remotely sensed data products and applied to each district. Moreover, non-parametric techniques, i.e., Mann–Kendall (MK) and Sen’s slope estimator were applied to measure the long-term spatio-temporal trends. Remotely sensed data products reveal 422.50 mm (CHIRPS) and 571.08 mm (PERSIANN-CDR) mean annual rainfall in central Punjab. Maximum mean rainfall was witnessed during the monsoon season (70.5%), followed by pre-monsoon (15.2%) and winter (10.2%). Monthly exploration divulges that maximum mean rainfall was noticed in July (26.5%), and the minimum was in November (0.84%). The district-wise rainfall estimation shows maximum rainfall in Sialkot (931.4 mm) and minimum in Pakpattan (289.2 mm). Phase-wise analysis of annual, seasonal, and monthly trends demonstrated a sharp decreasing trend in Phase-1, averaging 3.4 mm/decade and an increasing tendency in Phase-2, averaging 9.1 mm/decade. Maximum seasonal rainfall decreased in phase-1 and increased Phase-2 during monsoon season, averaging 2.1 and 4.7 mm/decade, whereas monthly investigation showed similar phase-wise tendencies in July (1.1 mm/decade) and August (2.3 mm/decade). In addition, as district-wise analyses of annual, seasonal, and monthly trends in the last four decades reveal, the maximum declined trend was in Sialkot (18.5 mm/decade), whereas other districts witnessed an overall increasing trend throughout the years. Out of them, Gujrat district experienced the maximum increasing trend in annual terns (50.81 mm/decade), and Faisalabad (25.45 mm/decade) witnessed this during the monsoon season. The uneven variability and trends have had a crucial imprint on the local environment, mainly in the primary activities.
Deep Quantified Visibility Estimation for Traffic Image
Authors: Zhang Fang , Yu Tingzhao , Li Zhimin , Wang Kuoyin , Chen Yu , Huang Yan , Kuang Qiuming
Published: December 2022

Image-based quantified visibility estimation is an important task for both atmospheric science and computer vision. Traditional methods rely largely on meteorological observation or manual camera calibration, which restricts its performance and generality. In this paper, we propose a new end-to-end pipeline for single image-based quantified visibility estimation by an elaborate integration between meteorological physical constraint and deep learning architecture design. Specifically, the proposed Deep Quantified Visibility Estimation Network (abbreviated as DQVENet) consists of three modules, i.e., the Transmission Estimation Module (TEM), the Depth Estimation Module (DEM), and the Extinction coEfficient Estimation Module (E3M). Casting on these modules, the meteorological prior constraint can be combined with deep learning. To validate the performance of DQVENet, this paper also constructs a traffic image dataset (named QVEData) with accurate visibility calibration. Experimental results compared with many state-of-the-art methods on QVEData demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of DQVENet.
Feasibility Study on Automation of Zinc Ash Skimming Process in Batch Galvanising
Authors: Pöpperlová Jana , Ottweiler Stephan , Vossberg Andreas , Krupp Ulrich
Published: December 2022

The aim of the presented feasibility study was to systematically investigate the automation of the skimming (i.e., removal) of zinc ash from the surface of the zinc bath in order to minimise the risks for workers due to mechanical hazards (risk of falling into the zinc kettle) and chemical hazards (inhalation exposure to zinc vapours) by eliminating this activity. As part of the feasibility study, automatic separation and skimming systems from various applications, such as removal systems of slags and metal foam, were identified. For this purpose, their technical feasibility and suitability were considered. Two automated techniques, a mechanical and a gas-based skimming system, were selected for the subsequent laboratory-based evaluation. In the scope of the practical feasibility study, the selected skimming techniques were designed, constructed, and evaluated based on near-process prototype tests on a laboratory scale. The focus was on the efficiency of the skimming systems, related to the removal of zinc ash from the free surface of the molten zinc (general efficiency), as well as to the zinc ash removal with a simulated attachment system of the samples to be galvanised (task-related efficiency). The desired complete removal of zinc ash from the zinc bath surface was demonstrated with two automated methods: a pulse wave method of the mechanical skimming system and a gas-based skimming system in general, operating independently from the attachment system. Additionally, as part of the process-related simulation of the complete batch galvanising process, a fully automated combination of the zinc ash skimming and extraction system was achieved on a laboratory scale.
The Single Axiomatization on CCRL-Fuzzy Rough Approximation Operators and Related Fuzzy Topology
Authors: Xu Yaoliang , Zou Dandan , Li Lingqiang
Published: December 2022

It is well known that lattice-valued rough sets are important branches of fuzzy rough sets. The axiomatic characterization and related topology are the main research directions of lattice-valued rough sets. For L=(L,⊛), a complete co-residuated lattice (CCRL), Qiao recently defined an L-fuzzy lower approximation operator (LFLAO) on the basis of the L-fuzzy relation. In this article, we give a further study on Qiao’s LFLAO around the axiomatic characterization and induced L-topology. Firstly, we investigate and discuss three new LFLAO generated by ⊛-transitive, ⊛-Euclidean and ⊛-mediated L-fuzzy relations. Secondly, we utilize a single axiom to characterize the LFLAO generated by serial, symmetric, reflexive, ⊛-transitive and ⊛-mediate L-fuzzy relations and their compositions. Thirdly, we present a method to generate Alexandrov L-topology (ALTPO) from LFLAO and construct a bijection between ALTPO and ⊛-preorder (i.e., reflexive and ⊛-transitive L-fuzzy relation) on the same underlying set.
On the Convergence Properties of a Stochastic Trust-Region Method with Inexact Restoration
Authors: Bellavia  Stefania , Morini  Benedetta , Rebegoldi Simone
Published: December 2022

We study the convergence properties of SIRTR, a stochastic inexact restoration trust-region method suited for the minimization of a finite sum of continuously differentiable functions. This method combines the trust-region methodology with random function and gradient estimates formed by subsampling. Unlike other existing schemes, it forces the decrease of a merit function by combining the function approximation with an infeasibility term, the latter of which measures the distance of the current sample size from its maximum value. In a previous work, the expected iteration complexity to satisfy an approximate first-order optimality condition was given. Here, we elaborate on the convergence analysis of SIRTR and prove its convergence in probability under suitable accuracy requirements on random function and gradient estimates. Furthermore, we report the numerical results obtained on some nonconvex classification test problems, discussing the impact of the probabilistic requirements on the selection of the sample sizes.
Graph-Based Semi-Supervised Deep Learning for Indonesian Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Chamid Ahmad Abdul , Widowati  , Kusumaningrum Retno
Published: December 2022

Product reviews on the marketplace are interesting to research. Aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA) can be used to find in-depth information from a review. In one review, there can be several aspects with a polarity of sentiment. Previous research has developed ABSA, but it still has limitations in detecting aspects and sentiment classification and requires labeled data, but obtaining labeled data is very difficult. This research used a graph-based and semi-supervised approach to improve ABSA. GCN and GRN methods are used to detect aspect and opinion relationships. CNN and RNN methods are used to improve sentiment classification. A semi-supervised model was used to overcome the limitations of labeled data. The dataset used is an Indonesian-language review taken from the marketplace. A small part is labeled manually, and most are labeled automatically. The experiment results for the aspect classification by comparing the GCN and GRN methods obtained the best model using the GRN method with an F1 score = 0.97144. The experiment for sentiment classification by comparing the CNN and RNN methods obtained the best model using the CNN method with an F1 score = 0.94020. Our model can label most unlabeled data automatically and outperforms existing advanced models.
Purification and Properties of Polyphenol Oxidase of Dried Volvariella bombycina
Authors: Sarsenova Assemgul , Demir Dudu , Çağlayan Kardelen , Abiyev Sardarbek , Darbayeva Talshen , Eken Cafer
Published: December 2022

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was purified and characterized from a dried wild edible and medicinal mushroom (V. bombycina). Using Sepharose 4B-L-tyrosine-p-aminobenzoic acid affinity chromatography, PPO was purified from the dried V. bombycina. The purification was completed with a 33.85-fold purification. On sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), the purified enzyme migrated as a single band. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was estimated by SDS-PAGE to be about 25 kDa. Catechol, 4-methyl catechol, and pyrogallol were used as substrates to determine the enzyme activity and its kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax). At the optimum pH and temperature, dried V. bombycina PPO’s Km and Vmax values for catechol, 4-methyl catechol, and pyrogallol were found to be 1.67 mM–833.33 U/mL, 3.17 mM–158.73 U/mL, and 2.67 mM–3333.33 U/mL, respectively. Also investigated were the effects of pH and temperature on the enzymatic properties of PPO in dried V. bombycina. The optimum pH and temperature values for dried V. bombycina PPO obtained by using catechol, 4-methyl catechol, and pyrogallol as substrates were 6.5, 15 °C; 9.0, 20 °C; and 8.0, 15°C, respectively. This is the first study on the purification and characterization of PPO from dried V. bombycina.
The Dynamics of miR-449a/c Expression during Uterine Cycles Are Associated with Endometrial Development
Authors: Naydenov Mladen , Nikolova Maria , Apostolov Apostol , Glogovitis Ilias , Salumets Andres , Baev Vesselin , Yahubyan Galina
Published: December 2022

The human endometrium is a highly dynamic tissue. Increasing evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRs) play essential roles in human endometrium development. Our previous assay, based on small RNA-sequencing (sRNA-seq) indicated the complexity and dynamics of numerous sequence variants of miRs (isomiRs) that can act together to control genes of functional relevance to the receptive endometrium (RE). Here, we used a greater average depth of sRNA-seq to detect poorly expressed small RNAs. The sequencing data confirmed the up-regulation of miR-449c and uncovered other members of the miR-449 family up-regulated in RE—among them miR-449a, as well as several isoforms of both miR-449a and miR-449c, while the third family member, miR-449b, was not identified. Stem-looped RT-qPCR analysis of miR expression at four-time points of the endometrial cycle verified the increased expression of the miR-449a/c family members in RE, among which the 5′ isoform of miR-449c–miR-449c.1 was the most strongly up-regulated. Moreover, we found in a case study that the expression of miR-449c.1 and its precursor correlated with the histological assessment of the endometrial phase and patient age. We believe this study will promote the clinical investigation and application of the miR-449 family in the diagnosis and prognosis of human reproductive diseases.
A Computer Simulation of SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Spectra for Empirical Data Characterization and Analysis
Authors: Xiao Ming , Ma Fubo , Yu Jun , Xie Jianghang , Zhang Qiaozhen , Liu Peng , Yu Fei , Jiang Yuming , Zhang Le
Published: December 2022

It is very important to compute the mutation spectra, and simulate the intra-host mutation processes by sequencing data, which is not only for the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 genetic mechanism, but also for epidemic prediction, vaccine, and drug design. However, the current intra-host mutation analysis algorithms are not only inaccurate, but also the simulation methods are unable to quickly and precisely predict new SARS-CoV-2 variants generated from the accumulation of mutations. Therefore, this study proposes a novel accurate strand-specific SARS-CoV-2 intra-host mutation spectra computation method, develops an efficient and fast SARS-CoV-2 intra-host mutation simulation method based on mutation spectra, and establishes an online analysis and visualization platform. Our main results include: (1) There is a significant variability in the SARS-CoV-2 intra-host mutation spectra across different lineages, with the major mutations from G- > A, G- > C, G- > U on the positive-sense strand and C- > U, C- > G, C- > A on the negative-sense strand; (2) our mutation simulation reveals the simulation sequence starts to deviate from the base content percentage of Alpha-CoV/Delta-CoV after approximately 620 mutation steps; (3) 2019-NCSS provides an easy-to-use and visualized online platform for SARS-Cov-2 online analysis and mutation simulation.
Druggable Pockets at the RNA Interface Region of Influenza A Virus NS1 Protein Are Conserved across Sequence Variants from Distinct Subtypes
Authors: Naceri Sarah , Marc Daniel , Blot Rachel , Flatters Delphine , Camproux Anne-Claude
Published: December 2022

Influenza A viruses still represent a major health issue, for both humans and animals. One of the main viral proteins of interest to target is the NS1 protein, which counters the host immune response and promotes viral replication. NS1 is a homodimer composed of a dimeric RNA-binding domain (RBD), which is structurally stable and conserved in sequence, and two effector domains that are tethered to the RBD by linker regions. This linker flexibility leads to NS1 polymorphism and can therefore exhibit different forms. Previously, we identified a putative drug-binding site, located in the RBD interface in a crystal structure of NS1. This pocket could be targeted to block RNA binding and inhibit NS1 activities. The objective of the present study is to confirm the presence of this druggable site, whatever the sequence variants, in order to develop a universal therapeutic compound that is insensitive to sequence variations and structural flexibility. Using a set of four NS1 full-length structures, we combined different bioinformatics approaches such as pocket tracking along molecular dynamics simulations, druggability prediction and classification. This protocol successfully confirmed a frequent large binding-site that is highly druggable and shared by different NS1 forms, which is promising for developing a robust NS1-targeted therapy.
The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis and Integrated Electric Fields Modeling Analysis
Authors: Pinto Bianca Silva , Cavendish Beatriz Araújo , da Silva Pedro Henrique Rodrigues , Suen Paulo Jeng Chian , Marinho Kalian Almeida Pereira , Valiengo Leandro da Costa Lane , Vanderhasselt Marie-Anne , Brunoni André Russowsky , Razza Laís Boralli
Published: December 2022

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been showing promising effects for the treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), but there is still no conclusion on its efficacy for this disorder. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of trials using tDCS for OCD and a computer modeling analysis to evaluate the electric field (EF) strengths of different electrode assemblies in brain regions of interest (ROIs) (PROSPERO-42021262465). PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to 25 September 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label studies were included. The primary aim was the effect size (Hedges’ g) of continuous outcomes and potential moderators of response. For EF modeling, SimNIBS software was used. Four RCTs and four open-label trials were included (n = 241). Results revealed a large effect of tDCS in the endpoint, but no significant effect between active and sham protocols. No predictor of response was found. EF analysis revealed that montages using the main electrode over the (pre)supplementary motor area with an extracephalic reference electrode might lead to stronger EFs in the predefined ROIs. Our results revealed that tDCS might be a promising intervention to treat OCD; however, larger studies are warranted.
Non-Invasive Electroretinogram Recording with Simultaneous Optogenetics to Dissect Retinal Ganglion Cells Electrophysiological Dynamics
Authors: Hong Eunji , Glynn Christopher , Wang Qianbin , Rao Siyuan
Published: December 2022

Electroretinography (ERG) is a non-invasive electrophysiological recording technique that detects the electrical signaling of neuronal cells in the visual system. In conventional ERG recordings, the signals are considered a collective electrical response from various neuronal cell populations, including rods, cones, bipolar cells, and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). However, due to the limited ability to control electrophysiological responses from different types of cells, the detailed information underlying ERG signals has not been analyzed and interpreted. Linking the features of ERG signals to the specific neuronal response will advance the understanding of neuronal electrophysiological dynamics and provide more evidence to elucidate pathological mechanisms, such as RGC loss during the progression of glaucoma. Herein, we developed an advanced ERG recording system integrated with a programmable, non-invasive optogenetic stimulation method in mice. In this system, we applied an automatic and unbiased ERG data analysis approach to differentiate a, b wave, negative response, and oscillatory potentials. To differentiate the electrophysiological response of RGCs in ERG recordings, we sensitized mouse RGCs with red-light opsin, ChRmine, through adeno-associated virus (AAV) intravitreal injection. Features of RGC dynamics under red-light stimulation were identified in the ERG readout. This non-invasive ERG recording system, associated with the programmable optogenetics stimulation method, provides a new methodology to dissect neural dynamics under variable physiological and pathological conditions in vivo. With the merits of non-invasiveness, improved sensitivity, and specificity, we envision this system can be further applied for early-stage detection of RGC degeneration and functional progression in neural degenerative diseases, such as glaucoma.
Biosensors: Electrochemical Devices—General Concepts and Performance
Authors: Smutok Oleh , Katz Evgeny
Published: December 2022

This review provides a general overview of different biosensors, mostly concentrating on electrochemical analytical devices, while briefly explaining general approaches to various kinds of biosensors, their construction and performance. A discussion on how all required components of biosensors are brought together to perform analytical work is offered. Different signal-transducing mechanisms are discussed, particularly addressing the immobilization of biomolecular components in the vicinity of a transducer interface and their functional integration with electronic devices. The review is mostly addressing general concepts of the biosensing processes rather than specific modern achievements in the area.
Analyte Sensing with Catalytic Micromotors
Authors: Popescu Mihail N. , Gáspár Szilveszter
Published: December 2022

Catalytic micromotors can be used to detect molecules of interest in several ways. The straightforward approach is to use such motors as sensors of their “fuel” (i.e., of the species consumed for self-propulsion). Another way is in the detection of species which are not fuel but still modulate the catalytic processes facilitating self-propulsion. Both of these require analysis of the motion of the micromotors because the speed (or the diffusion coefficient) of the micromotors is the analytical signal. Alternatively, catalytic micromotors can be used as the means to enhance mass transport, and thus increase the probability of specific recognition events in the sample. This latter approach is based on “classic” (e.g., electrochemical) analytical signals and does not require an analysis of the motion of the micromotors. Together with a discussion of the current limitations faced by sensing concepts based on the speed (or diffusion coefficient) of catalytic micromotors, we review the findings of the studies devoted to the analytical performances of catalytic micromotor sensors. We conclude that the qualitative (rather than quantitative) analysis of small samples, in resource poor environments, is the most promising niche for the catalytic micromotors in analytical chemistry.
Immobilization of Firefly Bioluminescent System: Development and Application of Reagents
Authors: Esimbekova Elena N. , Kirillova Maria A. , Kratasyuk Valentina A.
Published: December 2022

The present study describes the method of preparing reagents containing firefly luciferase (FLuc) and its substrate, D-luciferin, immobilized into gelatin gel separately or together. The addition of stabilizers dithiothreitol (DTT) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the reagent is a factor in achieving higher activity of reagents and their stability during storage. The use of immobilized reagents substantially simplifies the procedure of assay for microbial contamination. The mechanism of action of the reagents is based on the relationship between the intensity of the bioluminescent signal and the level of ATP contained in the solution of the lysed bacterial cells. The highest sensitivity to ATP is achieved by using immobilized FLuc or reagents containing separately immobilized FLuc and D-luciferase. The limit of detection of ATP by the developed reagents is 0.3 pM, which corresponds to 20,000 cells·mL−1. The linear response range is between 0.3 pM and 3 nM ATP. The multicomponent reagent, containing co-immobilized FLuc and D-luciferin, shows insignificantly lower sensitivity to ATP—0.6 pM. Moreover, the proposed method of producing an immobilized firefly luciferin-luciferase system holds considerable promise for the development of bioluminescent biosensors intended for the analysis of microbial contamination.
Water Drinking Behavior Associated with Aversive Arousal in Rats: An Integrative Approach
Authors: Brudzynski Stefan M.
Published: December 2022

Cholinergic muscarinic stimulation of vast areas of the limbic brain induced a well-documented polydipsia in laboratory rats. This excessive water-drinking behavior has not received any convincing biological and physiological interpretation for the last 50 years. This review offers such an interpretation and suggests that cholinergically induced drinking response, mostly by carbachol, is associated with activation of the ascending mesolimbic cholinergic system that serves for initiation of emotional aversive arousal of the organism. The ascending cholinergic system originates from the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, has a diffuse nature, and affects numerous subcortical limbic structures. It is proposed that the carbachol-induced drinking response is related to the state of anxiety and does not serve the regulation of thirst. Instead, the response is anxiety-induced polydipsia that might occur as a soothing procedure that decreases the aversiveness of the negative emotional state induced by carbachol. It is concluded that carbachol-induced water-drinking behavior is a rewarding process that contributes to alleviating the feeling of anxiety by bringing some relief from the cholinergically induced aversive state, and it is a homologue to anxiety-driven polydipsia in humans.
A Large Video Set of Natural Human Actions for Visual and Cognitive Neuroscience Studies and Its Validation with fMRI
Authors: Urgen Burcu A. , Nizamoğlu Hilal , Eroğlu Aslı , Orban Guy A.
Published: December 2022

The investigation of the perception of others’ actions and underlying neural mechanisms has been hampered by the lack of a comprehensive stimulus set covering the human behavioral repertoire. To fill this void, we present a video set showing 100 human actions recorded in natural settings, covering the human repertoire except for emotion-driven (e.g., sexual) actions and those involving implements (e.g., tools). We validated the set using fMRI and showed that observation of the 100 actions activated the well-established action observation network. We also quantified the videos’ low-level visual features (luminance, optic flow, and edges). Thus, this comprehensive video set is a valuable resource for perceptual and neuronal studies.
Leveraging User Comments for the Construction of Recycled Water Infrastructure—Evidence from an Eye-Tracking Experiment
Authors: Zhang Mengjie , Hou Caixia , Zhang Mengmeng , Niu Jiachen , Lai Yu , Fu Hanliang
Published: December 2022

Building sufficient recycled water infrastructure is an effective way to solve problems related to water shortages and environmental degradation, and is of great strategic significance for saving resources, protecting the ecological environment, and promoting sustainable social and economic development. Although recycled water is environmentally friendly, the public is still skeptical about its use, which has led to the failure of a large number of recycled water infrastructure investments; therefore, increasing the public’s willingness to re-use is critical for the construction of recycled water infrastructure. To identify the influence mechanism of user comments on public re-use behaviors, we conducted an eye-tracking experiment in China. The results demonstrated that (1) perceived usefulness, perceived quality, and perceived risk have significant impacts on the public’s willingness to buy; (2) user reviews can enhance the public’s perceived usefulness of recycled products and increase their willingness to buy; and (3) in the process of consumption, the public tends to pay attention to negative reviews, where user reviews alter the perceived risks and perceived prices of recycled products, thereby affecting the willingness to buy of consumers. This study provides a scientific reference for the construction of recycled water infrastructure and the further promotion of recycled water.
Spatiotemporal Differentiation and Influencing Factors of Green Technology Innovation Efficiency in the Construction Industry: A Case Study of Chengdu–Chongqing Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Wang Bo , Chen Hongxi , Ao Yibin , Liao Fangwei
Published: December 2022

In order to support the green and low-carbon transformation of China’s construction industry and accomplish the dual carbon objective, it is vital to accelerate green technology innovation. Therefore, this paper takes the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration of China as the study area, using the super-efficiency slacks-based measure (SBM)model and the gravity model to assess the efficiency of green technology innovation in the construction industry, utilizing geographical detectors to investigate the drivers of green technology innovation in the construction industry further. Additionally, we consider each influencing factor’s level of impact on the efficiency of green technology innovation in the construction sector both under the single factor and double factor scenarios. The findings indicate that there is a considerable difference in the efficiency of green technology innovation in the Chengdu–Chongqing metropolitan agglomeration’s construction industry, and the trend is upward. In addition, the research area exhibited spatially heterogeneous characteristics in terms of the efficiency of green technology innovation in the construction industry, and the spatial spillover effect was significantly limited by distance. Further research revealed that environmental legislation, economic development, public environmental concern, urbanization level, and foreign direct investment were the primary driving factors of green technology innovation efficiency in the construction sector, and industrial size was the potential driving factor. The spatial and temporal differentiation of the green technology innovation efficiency in the construction industry was also more affected by the interaction between the dominating factor and the prospective factor than by either factor acting alone. The research’s findings are useful in advancing the green and low-carbon transformation of the construction sector in the Chengdu–Chongqing metropolitan agglomeration by offering theoretical support and decision-making reference.
Shear Strength of Concrete Beams without Stirrups Made with Recycled Coarse Aggregate
Authors: Sagheer Abdullah M. , Tabsh Sami W.
Published: December 2022

Eco-friendly concrete that considers waste material and requires less energy for production is in demand because it produces less carbon dioxide, reduces the consumption of raw material, and can be a cheaper option to conventional concrete. The objectives of this study are to investigate the shear behavior of reinforced concrete beams made with locally produced recycled coarse aggregate from construction demolition waste, study the important parameters that affect the shear strength and ductility, and check the applicability of the available theoretical shear strength predictive equations to recycled concrete. An experimental program that involved the testing of fifteen half-scale beams in shear without stirrups was carried out with a theoretical component. Results of the study showed that recycled concrete beams employing 50% recycled coarse aggregate had on average 27% lower shear strength than corresponding beams made with natural aggregate when tested at a shear span-to-depth ratio equal to 1.15, and almost the same strength as the natural aggregate beams when subjected to a shear span-to-depth ratio equal to 2.5. On the other hand, the average shear strength of beams utilizing 100% recycled aggregate was lower by 5% than the strength of their natural aggregate counterparts, irrespective of the shear span-to-depth ratio. The longitudinal steel reinforcement ratio had less effect on the shear strength provided by recycled concrete beams than on those made with natural aggregate, possibly due to the reduced ability of such concrete to develop strong dowel action. Although the use of higher strength concrete improved the shear strength of recycled aggregate beams, there was no clear correlation between the square-root of the concrete compressive strength and the shear strength provided by the concrete. The theoretical part of the study showed that the ACI 318 code and the strut-and-tie method can be reliably used to predict the shear strength of concrete made with recycled coarse aggregate employed in shallow and deep beams, respectively.
Optimization of Operations of Air Purifiers for Control of Indoor PM2.5 Using BIM and CFD
Authors: Chen Keyu , Tan Zongneng , Zhou Huadong , Tan Yi
Published: December 2022

Prevention of PM2.5 is attracting increasing attention all over the world as PM2.5 can cause and exacerbate respiratory diseases. Compared with conventional natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation, air purifiers with particular filters are more efficient in the control of indoor PM2.5. Currently, there are limited studies on the operations of portable indoor air purifiers. To improve the efficiency of an air purifier in control of PM2.5, an optimal operational strategy is needed. This paper proposes a framework for the optimization of operations of air purifiers for control of indoor PM2.5 based on building information modeling (BIM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A case study is conducted to validate the proposed optimization framework and the results are discussed. It can be shown from the results that the best location of the air purifier can increase efficiency by up to 33% compared with other locations.
An Automatic Process for the Application of Building Permits
Authors: Battisti Kurt , Dörn Markus , Eggeling Eva , Eichler Christoph , Loës Jan Morten , Scherret Jacqueline , Tsoggerel Zolbayasakh , Ullrich Torsten
Published: December 2022

Building Information Modeling is an essential element for the digitization of the construction industry and forms the basis for the exchange of model-based data. In order to exploit the full potential of digitization, it is necessary for all stakeholders to operate digitally and avoid media discontinuities and format changes. A particular part in this process is given to the building authority, which has to examine and approve every application for a building permit. Our long-term goal is to automate the approval process in Austria; to reach this goal, we investigate which tasks have the highest potential for automation. We address this research question by interviewing the main stakeholders, by evaluating the tasks for the ability to automate them, and by clustering them in order to identify common subroutines and algorithms. As a result, we identify eight algorithmic tasks that can be automated and that are a part of every approval process, and we implemented these algorithms to prove the automation concept. This proof of concept is the basis for future automation steps in the processes of building authorities, whose implementation requires not only changes in the technical but also in the social, societal and political environments.
Molecular Basis of HER2-Targeted Therapy for HER2-Positive Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yoshikawa Ayumu , Nakamura Yoshiaki
Published: December 2022

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification has emerged as a biomarker in colorectal cancer (CRC), occurring in 1–4% of metastatic CRC (mCRC). In addition to conventional methods, such as immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization, next-generation sequencing-based tissue or circulating tumor DNA analysis has recently been used to identify HER2 amplification and assess HER2 overexpression. Prospective clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of HER2-targeted therapies in HER2-positive mCRC. The TRIUMPH study, a phase II study of dual HER2 antibodies, i.e., pertuzumab plus trastuzumab, demonstrated promising efficacy for patients with HER2-positive mCRC confirmed by tissue-and/or blood-based techniques, which led to the regulatory approval of this combination therapy in Japan. The mechanisms associated with efficacy and resistance have also been explored in translational studies that incorporate liquid biopsy in prospective trials. In particular, HER2 copy number and co-alterations have repeatedly been reported as biomarkers related to efficacy. To improve the therapeutic efficacy of the current strategy, many clinical trials with various HER2-targeted agents are ongoing. This review discusses the molecular basis of HER2-targeted therapeutic strategies for patients with HER2-positive mCRC.
Clinicopathological Features and Survival of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Ethiopia: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Abza Getahun Befirdu , Ahmed Jemal Hussien , Yesufe Abdu Adem , Seife Edom , Erkie Mengistu , Spriet Isabel , Chelkeba Legese , Annaert Pieter
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers globally, killing over 700,000 people each year. Despite the rising incidence and mortality rates of HCC in Ethiopia, only few single-centered studies have been conducted; therefore, we aimed to explore the clinicopathological characteristics and survival of patients with HCC in multicenter settings. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 369 patients with confirmed HCC diagnosed between 2016 and 2021. The survival of patients weas determined using the Kaplan–Meier method, and hazard ratios of the prognostic factors were estimated in Cox proportional hazard models. (3) Results: Majority patients were male (67%) and had a mean age of 52.0 ± 15.6 years. The majority of patients (87%) had a large tumor size (>5 cm) at diagnosis and presented with an advanced-stage condition. Cirrhosis (58%) and viral hepatitis (46.5%) were the main risk factors associated with HCC. The median overall survival was 141 days (95% CI: 117–165). Patients who took antivirals for HBV had a higher survival benefit compared to the untreated group (469 vs. 104 days; p < 0.001). The risk of death was 12 times higher in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer-D (BCLC-D) terminal stage HCC compared to patients with an early stage (BCLC-A) HCC. The stage of HCC and treatment against HBV are the most significant survival predictors. (4) Conclusions: The overall survival of HCC patients in Ethiopia is poor. Cirrhosis and viral hepatitis are the primary risk factors linked with HCC. Patients who received antiviral therapy for HBV had a better survival outcome.
The Impact of Mutation of Myelodysplasia-Related Genes in De Novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia Carrying NPM1 Mutation
Authors: Wang Yi , Quesada Andres E. , Zuo Zhuang , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Yin C. Cameron , Li Shaoying , Xu Jie , Borthakur Gautam , Li Yisheng , Yang Chao , Abaza Yasmin , Gao Juehua , Lu Xinyan , You M. James , Zhang Yizhuo , Lin Pei
Published: December 2022

Background: The impact of gene mutations typically associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with NPM1 mutation is unclear. Methods: Using a cohort of 107 patients with NPM1-mutated AML treated with risk-adapted therapy, we compared survival outcomes of patients without MDS-related gene mutations (group A) with those carrying concurrent FLT3-ITD (group B) or with MDS-related gene mutations (group C). Minimal measurable disease (MMD) status assessed by multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS) were reviewed. Results: Among the 69 patients treated intensively, group C showed significantly inferior progression-free survival (PFS, p < 0.0001) but not overall survival (OS, p = 0.055) compared to group A. Though groups A and C had a similar MMD rate, group C patients had a higher relapse rate (p = 0.016). Relapse correlated with MMD status at the end of cycle 2 induction (p = 0.023). Survival of group C patients was similar to that of group B. Conclusion: MDS-related gene mutations are associated with an inferior survival in NPM1-mutated AML.
Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccines Recruit Neutrophils to the Local Draining Lymph Nodes to Prime Natural Killer Cell Responses
Authors: Chan Lily , Mehrani Yeganeh , Wood Geoffrey A. , Bridle Byram W. , Karimi Khalil
Published: December 2022

Dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines are a form of immunotherapy that activates the innate and adaptive immune systems to combat cancers. Neutrophils contribute to cancer biology and have the potential to be exploited by immunotherapeutic platforms to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. We previously showed that DC vaccines elicit the expansion of mouse interferon (IFN)γ-producing mature natural killer (NK) cells to elevate anti-tumor responses. Here, we demonstrate the rapid recruitment of neutrophils to the draining lymph nodes of DC-vaccinated mice. This was accompanied by an increase in the total number of NK cells producing IFNγ and expressing CD107a, a marker of degranulation that demonstrates NK cell functional activity. Furthermore, the depletion of neutrophils in DC-immunized mice resulted in decreased numbers of NK cells in draining lymph nodes compared to the controls. Interestingly, the increased number of IFNγ- and CD107a-expressing NK cells in DC-immunized mice was not detected in mice depleted of neutrophils. Further investigations showed that DC vaccines induced IFNγ− and TNFα-producing CD8+ T cells that also expressed CD107a, but depletion of neutrophils did not have any impact on the CD8+ T cell population. Our findings suggest that neutrophil-mediated anti-tumor immunity induced by a DC vaccine platform could be targeted to provide innovative strategies to enhance its clinical efficacy.
Cellular Senescence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Passenger or the Driver?
Authors: Cai Xiurong , Guillot Adrien , Liu Hanyang
Published: December 2022

With the high morbidity and mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major yet growing burden for our global community. The relapse-prone nature and drug resistance of HCC are regarded as the consequence of varying intracellular processes and extracellular interplay, which actively participate in tumor microenvironment remodeling. Amongst them, cellular senescence is regarded as a fail-safe program, leading to double-sword effects of both cell growth inhibition and tissue repair promotion. Particularly, cellular senescence serves a pivotal role in the progression of chronic inflammatory liver diseases, ultimately leading to carcinogenesis. Given the current challenges in improving the clinical management and outcome of HCC, senescence may exert striking potential in affecting anti-cancer strategies. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have emerged to investigate senescence-associated hepatocarcinogenesis and its derived therapies. In this review, we intend to provide an up-to-date understanding of liver cell senescence and its impacts on treatment modalities of HCC.
The Serum/Glucocorticoid-Regulated Kinase 1 Is Targeted by miR-19a in CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Weidner Julie , Malmhäll Carina , Arabkari Vahid , Barrett Aidan , Boberg Emma , Ekerljung Linda , Rådinger Madeleine
Published: December 2022

The polarization of CD4+ T cells into different T helper subsets is an important process in many diseases, including asthma. Part of the adaptive immune system, T cells are responsible for propagating signals to alert and prime the immune system. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that act on numerous targets in the cell to regulate a variety of cellular processes, including roles in T cell polarization. In this study, we aimed to identify genes dysregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals with asthma. Moreover, we sought to examine miRNAs that may regulate the candidate genes and explore their functional relationship. Utilizing a focused gene array, we identified the serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) gene to be upregulated in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which included T cells, from individuals with asthma. Several miRNAs were bioinformatically identified to target SGK1, but miR-19a was the only screened candidate that negatively correlated to SGK1 expression. Further analysis of the miR-19a-SGK1 relationship showed a negative correlation in CD4+ T cells in situ and direct binding in vitro during T cell activation. Moreover, we observed a negative correlation of miR-19a and SGK1 during early type 2 polarization of CD4+ naïve human T cells. Thus, we suggest that miR-19a has a role in binding and regulating SGK1 transcript levels during T cell development.
Scanning Electron Microscopy and Raman Spectroscopy Characterization of Structural Changes Induced by Thermal Treatment in Innovative Bio-Based Polyamide Nanocomposites
Authors: Brezeștean Ioana Andreea , Marconi Daniel , Colniță Alia , Ciorîță Alexandra , Tripon Septimiu Cassian , Vuluga Zina , Corobea Mihai Cosmin , Dina Nicoleta Elena , Turcu Ioan
Published: December 2022

A comprehensive Raman scattering-based characterization of a full bio-based polyamide loaded with graphene nanoplatelets or layered double hydroxides (LDH) was assessed. The potential of the Raman spectroscopy was used to reveal several particularities of the nanocomposite structures induced by thermal treatment. Thus, a complete morpho-structural picture was obtained in combination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the neat polyamide and polyamide nanocomposites exposed at different thermal conditions (room temperature, 80 °C, and 145 °C). The analysis of G, D and 2D Raman peaks and their relative intensity ratio ID/IG, revealed the fact that the presence of graphene in polyamide is suitable for improving the essential physical properties and is also responsible for the decrease in the defects’ occurrence in the graphene layers. The surface of nanocomposites based on full bio-based polyamide, with different 2D fillers (graphenic and non-graphenic structures), was carefully evaluated before and after the thermal treatment by employing SEM and Raman analyses. The two thermal treatments allowed different chain mobility of the polymer (first temperature being over the polymer Tg and second one close to the melting phase in the viscoelastic stage). The spectroscopic and microscopic investigation was used to determine the conformational changes in filler aggregates and polymer surface, respectively.
Lifesaving Treatments for the Tiniest Patients—A Narrative Description of Old and New Minimally Invasive Approaches in the Arena of Fetal Surgery
Authors: Kohl Thomas
Published: December 2022

Fetal surgery has become a lifesaving reality for hundreds of fetuses each year. The development of a formidable spectrum of safe and effective minimally invasive techniques for fetal interventions since the early 1990s until today has led to an increasing acceptance of novel procedures by both patients and health care providers. From his vast personal experience of more than 20 years as one of the pioneers at the forefront of clinical minimally invasive fetal surgery, the author describes and comments on old and new minimally invasive approaches, highlighting their lifesaving or quality-of-life-improving potential. He provides easy-to-use practical information on how to perform partial amniotic carbon dioxide insufflation (PACI), how to assess lung function in fetuses with pulmonary hypoplasia, how to deal with giant CPAMS, how to insert shunts into fetuses with LUTO and hydrothorax when conventional devices are not available, and how to resuscitate a fetus during fetal cardiac intervention. Furthermore, the author proposes a curriculum for future fetal surgeons, solicits for the centralization of patients, for adequate maternal counseling, for adequate pain management and adequate hygienic conditions during interventions, and last but not least for starting the process of academic recognition of the matured field as an independent specialty. These steps will allow more affected expectant women and their unborn children to gain access to modern minimally invasive fetal surgery and therapy. The opportunity to treat more patients at dedicated centers will also result in more opportunities for the research of rare diseases and conditions, promising even better pre- and postnatal care in the future.