bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi-Analytical Prediction of Ground Surface Heave Induced by Shield Tunneling Considering Three-Dimensional Space Effect
Authors: Qi Jianfeng , Zhang Guohua , Jiao Yuyong , Shen Luyi , Zheng Fei , Zou Junpeng , Zhang Peng
Published: October 2023

The ground surface deformation induced by shield tunnels passing through enclosure structures of existing tunnels is a particular underground construction scenario that has been encountered in Wuhan Metro Line 12 engineering cases in China. Timely ground deformation prediction is important to keep shield tunneling safe. However, the classic ground deformation theory is difficult to accurately predict for this ground deformation. This paper develops a semi-analytical method to predict ground heave considering the space effect in this engineering condition. Based on the improved ground deformation theory, a novel deformation prediction method for the ground and enclosure structure is derived and combined with Kirchhoff plate theory. Comparing with field deformation measurements, the maximum difference between the measured and calculated deformation is 14.6%, which demonstrates that the proposed method can be used to predict the ground heave induced by shield tunnels passing through the enclosure structure of existing tunnels. The parameters of the underground diaphragm wall used in Wuhan Metro Line 12 are further studied in detail. The results show that the ground heaves have a positive correlation with the embedded ratio of the diaphragm wall, but a negative correlation with its elastic modulus and thickness. However, the thickness and embedded ratio have a limited effect on ground heaves. This study provides a technical reference for optimizing the setting of enclosure structures in order to protect existing buildings.
Threat Detection Model for WLAN of Simulated Data Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Bashi Omar I. Dallal , Jameel Shymaa Mohammed , Kubaisi Yasir Mahmood Al , Hameed Husamuldeen K. , Sabry Ahmad H.
Published: October 2023

Security identification solutions against WLAN network attacks according to straightforward digital detectors, such as SSID, IP addresses, and MAC addresses, are not efficient in identifying such hacking or router impersonation. These detectors can be simply mocked. Therefore, a further protected key uses new information by combining these simple digital identifiers with an RF signature of the radio link. In this work, a design of a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on fingerprinting radio frequency (RF) is developed with computer-generated data. The developed CNN is trained with beacon frames of a wireless local area network (WLAN) that is simulated as a result of identified and unidentified router nodes of fingerprinting RF. The proposed CNN is able to detect router impersonators by comparing the data pair of the MAC address and RF signature of the received signal from the known and unknown routers. ADAM optimizer, which is the extended version of stochastic gradient descent, has been used with a developed deep learning convolutional neural network containing three fully connected and two convolutional layers. According to the training progress graphic, the network converges to around 100% accuracy within the first epoch, which indicates that the developed architecture was efficient in detecting router impersonations.
Investigation on the Microstructural Diversity of a Three-Dimensional Porous Hydroxyapatite/Wollastonite Skeleton via Biomineralization in Simulated Body Fluids
Authors: Jiang Bin , Li Xin , Yang Bozhi , Yang Shujie , Chen Xinyi , Chen Junhong , Fang Minghao , Huang Zhaohui , Min Xin , Hu Xiaozhi
Published: October 2023

The occurrence of fractures has emerged as one of the most prevalent injuries in the human body. In bone reconstruction surgery, after the implantation of porous hydroxyapatite materials, there is an initial infiltration of body fluids into the porous implant, followed by biomineralization-mediated apatite crystal formation and the subsequent ingrowth of bone cells. Despite extensive research efforts in this field, previous investigations have primarily focused on the formation of apatite crystals on exposed surfaces, with limited literature available regarding the formation of apatite crystals within the internal microstructures of bone implants. Herein, we demonstrate the occurrence of dynamic biomineralization within a three-dimensional porous hydroxyapatite/wollastonite (HA/WS) skeleton, leading to the abundant formation of nano-sized apatite crystals across diverse internal environments. Our findings reveal that these apatite nanocrystals demonstrate distinct rates of nucleation, packing densities, and crystal forms in comparison to those formed on the surface. Therefore, the objective of this study was to elucidate the temporal evolution of biomineralization processes by investigating the microstructures of nanocrystals on the internal surfaces of HA/WS three-dimensional porous materials at distinct stages of biomineralization and subsequently explore the biological activity exhibited by HA/WS when combined with cell investigation into apatite crystal biomineralization mechanisms at the nanoscale, aiming to comprehend natural bone formation processes and develop efficacious biomimetic implants for tissue engineering applications. The simultaneous examination of bone cell attachment and its interaction with ongoing internal nanocrystal formation will provide valuable insights for designing optimal scaffolds conducive to bone cell growth, which is imperative in tissue engineering endeavors.
Integral Analysis of a Vehicle and Electric Power Steering Logic for Improving Steering Feel Performance
Authors: Woo Seunghoon , Heo Chanwoo , Jeong Man-Ok , Lee Jun-Mo
Published: October 2023

This research aims to investigate steering feel by analyzing a steering system and an electric power steering logic. First, steering feel is defined based on previous research, and methods for evaluating it are discussed. Second, a sensitivity analysis is conducted by modeling our developed vehicle and that of a competitor known for its excellent steering feel via a multi-body simulation. We then propose a straightforward method to determine the parameters associated with steering feel to achieve the desired steering characteristics. Last, by modifying the electric power steering control system, we achieve a steering feel in our vehicle that matches the desired steering characteristics.
Special Issue on New Trends in Nonlinear Optics in Nanostructures and Plasmonics
Authors: Mikheev Gennady M.
Published: October 2023

Nonlinear optics, which emerged in the early 60s of the 20th century, immediately after the invention of powerful lasers, had a significant influence on the formation of modern photonics [...]
“Amphions Harp gaue sence vnto stone Walles”: The Five Senses and Musical–Visual Affect
Authors: Bank Katie
Published: October 2023

In 1582 George Whetstone described the feeling of entering a barren Great Chamber the morning after a night of sparkling social and musical entertainments. Recounting the previous night’s activities, he reflected on the relationship between musical activity and space, saying ‘the Poets fayned not without reason, that Amphions Harp gaue sence vnto stone Walles’. This article explores the complex relationships between sensing, sociability, activity, and space through an in-depth examination of a late sixteenth- and seventeenth-century English interior design trend: personifications of the Five Senses. Using active imagining, it considers how the Five Senses engaged early modern English subjects in a dialectic between sensory/bodily absence and presence as a mode for exploring the precarious pleasure of holding the passions on the edge of balance. Looking at the spatial and musical-ritual framings of the Five Senses decoration at Knole House, Kent, it investigates how feeling, sensing bodies experienced musical–visual sensory interplay in early modern elite households. It seeks to better understand the aesthetic, emotional experiences of those who gave life to the musical, social situations in such spaces.
Adapting Almond Production to Climate Change through Deficit Irrigation and Foliar Kaolin Application in a Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Barreales David , Capitão Susana , Bento Albino António , Casquero Pedro A. , Ribeiro António Castro
Published: October 2023

Irrigation is the best strategy to reduce the adverse effects of water stress on almond trees [Prunus dulcis (Mill) D.A. Web] and improve their productivity. However, in the current context of climatic change, in which the amount of water available for irrigation is increasingly limited, deficit irrigation (DI) strategies have become essential in the almond orchards of southern Europe. Other practices, such as the foliar application of reflective compounds, are being implemented. A three-year experiment (2019–2021) was set in a factorial design in which the effect of regulated deficit irrigation and foliar kaolin spray was evaluated on physiological (predawn leaf water potential, relative water content, leaf area, leaf gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence) and agronomic parameters (yield, yield components, and water use efficiency (WUE)). The treatments include full irrigation (FI), which received 100% of ETc (crop evapotranspiration) during all irrigation seasons; regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), which received 100% of ETc until the kernel-filling stage, reducing the application to 35% ETc during the kernel-filling stage until harvest; and both irrigation regimes combined with kaolin application and two cultivars, Constantí and Vairo. More negative water potential values were observed in the RDI treatments compared to the FI treatments. There were no significant differences in the stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, or transpiration rate between treatments with RDI and FI, demonstrating the almond tree’s good adaptation to irrigation reduction in the kernel-filling stage. The two cultivars had different responses in cumulative yield throughout the three years of the trial. The cv. Constantí did not present significant differences between the FI and RDI treatments, translating into improved WUE. In contrast, the cv. Vairo suffered a reduction in accumulated performance in the RDI treatments with respect to the FI. The foliar application of kaolin did not present differences in yield and very few in the physiological activity of the almond trees. With the results obtained, we can suggest that under the conditions of our experiment, the combination of RDI and the kaolin foliar application can help save irrigation water and produce almonds more sustainably.
Lipschitz Continuity for Harmonic Functions and Solutions of the α¯-Poisson Equation
Authors: Mateljević Miodrag , Mutavdžić Nikola , Khalfallah Adel
Published: October 2023

In this paper we investigate the solutions of the so-called α¯-Poisson equation in the complex plane. In particular, we will give sufficient conditions for Lipschitz continuity of such solutions. We also review some recently obtained results. As a corollary, we can restate results for harmonic and (p,q)-harmonic functions.
Optimality Conditions for Approximate Solutions of Set Optimization Problems with the Minkowski Difference
Authors: Zhang Yuhe , Wang Qilin
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we study the optimality conditions for set optimization problems with set criterion. Firstly, we establish a few important properties of the Minkowski difference for sets. Then, we introduce the generalized second-order lower radial epiderivative for a set-valued maps by Minkowski difference, and discuss some of its properties. Finally, by virtue of the generalized second-order lower radial epiderivatives and the generalized second-order radial epiderivatives, we establish the necessary optimality conditions and sufficient optimality conditions of approximate Benson proper efficient solutions and approximate weakly minimal solutions of unconstrained set optimization problems without convexity conditions, respectively. Some examples are provided to illustrate the main results obtained.
Nonlinear 2D C1 Quadratic Spline Quasi-Interpolants on Triangulations for the Approximation of Piecewise Smooth Functions
Authors: Aràndiga Francesc , Remogna Sara
Published: October 2023

The aim of this paper is to present and study nonlinear bivariate C1 quadratic spline quasi-interpolants on uniform criss-cross triangulations for the approximation of piecewise smooth functions. Indeed, by using classical spline quasi-interpolants, the Gibbs phenomenon appears when approximating near discontinuities. Here, we use weighted essentially non-oscillatory techniques to modify classical quasi-interpolants in order to avoid oscillations near discontinuities and maintain high-order accuracy in smooth regions. We study the convergence properties of the proposed quasi-interpolants and we provide some numerical and graphical tests confirming the theoretical results.
The Effect of Different Amounts of Conductive Carbon Material on the Electrochemical Performance of the LiFePO4 Cathode in Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Mohanty Debabrata , Chang Min-Jie , Hung I-Ming
Published: October 2023

LiFePO4 (LFP) has undergone extensive research and is a promising cathode material for Li-ion batteries. The high interest is due to its low raw material cost, good electrochemical stability, and high-capacity retention. However, poor electronic conductivity and a low Li+ diffusion rate decrease its electrochemical reactivity, especially at fast charge/discharge rates. In this work, the volumetric energy density of lithium-ion batteries is successfully increased by using different amounts of conductive carbon (Super P) in the active material content. The particle size and morphology of the electrode material samples are studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Two-point-probe DC measurements and adhesive force tests are used to determine the conductivity and evaluate adhesion for the positive electrode. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and charge/discharge tests are used to analyze the electrochemical properties of the battery. The samples containing 88% LFP, 5.5% Super P, and 6.5% PVDF perform best, with discharge capacities reaching 169.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, and they can also manage charging/discharging of 5 C. EIS indicates that this combination produces the lowest charge-transfer impedance (67 Ω) and the highest Li+ ion diffusion coefficient (5.76 × 10−14 cm2 s−1).
Do Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species Have a Similar Effect on Digestive Processes in Carnivorous Nepenthes Plants and Humans?
Authors: Krasuska Urszula , Wal Agnieszka , Staszek Paweł , Ciacka Katarzyna , Gniazdowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2023

Carnivorous plants attract animals, trap and kill them, and absorb nutrients from the digested bodies. This unusual (for autotrophs) type of nutrient acquisition evolved through the conversion of photosynthetically active leaves into specialised organs commonly called traps. The genus Nepenthes (pitcher plants) consists of approximately 169 species belonging to the group of carnivorous plants. Pitcher plants are characterised by specialised passive traps filled with a digestive fluid. The digestion that occurs inside the traps of carnivorous plants depends on the activities of many enzymes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) also participate in the digestive process, but their action is poorly recognised. ROS and RNS, named together as RONS, exhibit concentration-dependent bimodal functions (toxic or signalling). They act as antimicrobial agents, participate in protein modification, and are components of signal transduction cascades. In the human stomach, ROS are considered as the cause of different diseases. RNS have multifaceted functions in the gastrointestinal tract, with both positive and negative impacts on digestion. This review describes the documented and potential impacts of RONS on the digestion in pitcher plant traps, which may be considered as an external stomach.
The Functional and Anatomical Impacts of Healthy Muscle Ageing
Authors: Charles James P. , Bates Karl T.
Published: October 2023

Even “healthy” muscle ageing is often associated with substantial changes in muscle form and function and can lead to increased injury risks and significant negative impacts on quality of life. However, the impacts of healthy muscle ageing on the fibre architecture and microstructure of different muscles and muscle groups throughout the lower limb, and how these are related to their functional capabilities, are not fully understood. Here, a previously established framework of magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor imaging was used to measure the muscle volumes, intramuscular fat, fibre lengths and physiological cross-sectional areas of 12 lower limb muscles in a cohort of healthily aged individuals, which were compared to the same data from a young population. Maximum muscle forces were also measured from an isokinetic dynamometer. The more substantial interpopulation differences in architecture and functional performance were located within the knee extensor muscles, while the aged muscles were also more heterogeneous in muscle fibre type and atrophy. The relationships between architecture and muscle strength were also more significant in the knee extensors compared to other functional groups. These data highlight the importance of the knee extensors as a potential focus for interventions to negate the impacts of muscle ageing.
An Introduced RNA-Only Approach for Plasmid Curing via the CRISPR-Cpf1 System in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chen Bo-Chou , Chen Yu-Zhen , Lin Huan-Yu
Published: October 2023

The CRISPR-Cas system has been widely used for genome editing due to its convenience, simplicity and flexibility. Using a plasmid-carrying Cas protein and crRNA or sgRNA expression cassettes is an efficient strategy in the CRISPR-Cas genome editing system. However, the plasmid remains in the cells after genome editing. Development of general plasmid-curing strategies is necessary. Based on our previous CRISPR-Cpf1 genome-editing system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the crRNA, designed for the replication origin of the CRISPR-Cpf1 plasmid, and the ssDNA, as a template for homologous recombination, were introduced for plasmid curing. The efficiency of the plasmid curing was 96 ± 4%. In addition, we further simplified the plasmid curing system by transforming only one crRNA into S. cerevisiae, and the curing efficiency was about 70%. In summary, we have developed a CRISPR-mediated plasmid-curing system. The RNA-only plasmid curing system is fast and easy. This plasmid curing strategy can be applied in broad hosts by designing crRNA specific for the replication origin of the plasmid. The plasmid curing system via CRISPR-Cas editing technology can be applied to produce traceless products without foreign genes and to perform iterative processes in multiple rounds of genome editing.
Bioinspired Design Rules from Highly Mineralized Natural Composites for Two-Dimensional Composite Design
Authors: Prasad Anamika , Varshney Vikas , Nepal Dhriti , Frank Geoffrey J.
Published: October 2023

Discoveries of two-dimensional (2D) materials, exemplified by the recent entry of MXene, have ushered in a new era of multifunctional materials for applications from electronics to biomedical sensors due to their superior combination of mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties. MXene, for example, can be designed for specialized applications using a plethora of element combinations and surface termination layers, making them attractive for highly optimized multifunctional composites. Although multiple critical engineering applications demand that such composites balance specialized functions with mechanical demands, the current knowledge of the mechanical performance and optimized traits necessary for such composite design is severely limited. In response to this pressing need, this paper critically reviews structure–function connections for highly mineralized 2D natural composites, such as nacre and exoskeletal of windowpane oysters, to extract fundamental bioinspired design principles that provide pathways for multifunctional 2D-based engineered systems. This paper highlights key bioinspired design features, including controlling flake geometry, enhancing interface interlocks, and utilizing polymer interphases, to address the limitations of the current design. Challenges in processing, such as flake size control and incorporating interlocking mechanisms of tablet stitching and nanotube forest, are discussed along with alternative potential solutions, such as roughened interfaces and surface waviness. Finally, this paper discusses future perspectives and opportunities, including bridging the gap between theory and practice with multiscale modeling and machine learning design approaches. Overall, this review underscores the potential of bioinspired design for engineered 2D composites while acknowledging the complexities involved and providing valuable insights for researchers and engineers in this rapidly evolving field.
Frontiers of Cranial Base Surgery: Integrating Technique, Technology, and Teamwork for the Future of Neurosurgery
Authors: Toader Corneliu , Eva Lucian , Tataru Catalina-Ioana , Covache-Busuioc Razvan-Adrian , Bratu Bogdan-Gabriel , Dumitrascu David-Ioan , Costin Horia Petre , Glavan Luca-Andrei , Ciurea Alexandru Vlad
Published: October 2023

The landscape of cranial base surgery has undergone monumental transformations over the past several decades. This article serves as a comprehensive survey, detailing both the historical and current techniques and technologies that have propelled this field into an era of unprecedented capabilities and sophistication. In the prologue, we traverse the historical evolution from rudimentary interventions to the state-of-the-art neurosurgical methodologies that define today’s practice. Subsequent sections delve into the anatomical complexities of the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossa, shedding light on the intricacies that dictate surgical approaches. In a section dedicated to advanced techniques and modalities, we explore cutting-edge evolutions in minimally invasive procedures, pituitary surgery, and cranial base reconstruction. Here, we highlight the seamless integration of endocrinology, biomaterial science, and engineering into neurosurgical craftsmanship. The article emphasizes the paradigm shift towards “Functionally” Guided Surgery facilitated by intraoperative neuromonitoring. We explore its historical origins, current technologies, and its invaluable role in tailoring surgical interventions across diverse pathologies. Additionally, the digital era’s contributions to cranial base surgery are examined. This includes breakthroughs in endoscopic technology, robotics, augmented reality, and the potential of machine learning and AI-assisted diagnostic and surgical planning. The discussion extends to radiosurgery and radiotherapy, focusing on the harmonization of precision and efficacy through advanced modalities such as Gamma Knife and CyberKnife. The article also evaluates newer protocols that optimize tumor control while preserving neural structures. In acknowledging the holistic nature of cranial base surgery, we advocate for an interdisciplinary approach. The ecosystem of this surgical field is presented as an amalgamation of various medical disciplines, including neurology, radiology, oncology, and rehabilitation, and is further enriched by insights from patient narratives and quality-of-life metrics. The epilogue contemplates future challenges and opportunities, pinpointing potential breakthroughs in stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and genomic tailoring. Ultimately, the article reaffirms the ethos of continuous learning, global collaboration, and patient-first principles, projecting an optimistic trajectory for the field of cranial base surgery in the coming decade.
The Neural Correlates of Narcissism: Is There a Connection with Desire for Fame and Celebrity Worship?
Authors: Ash Sydney , Greenwood Dara , Keenan Julian Paul
Published: October 2023

(1) Objective: Narcissism is characterized by emotional regulation deficits, a lack of empathy for others, and extreme self-focus. Narcissism has also been linked to an increased desire for fame and celebrity worship. Here, the neuroscience underlying narcissism is examined in order to determine what regions and networks of the brain are altered when non-narcissistic individuals are compared to participants with both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. (2) Methods: The behavioral relationships between grandiose narcissism and desire for fame and vulnerable narcissism and celebrity worship are explored, along with a possible relationship at the neural level between these constructs. In this paper, we review research demonstrating that increased levels of grandiose narcissism are associated with an increase in obsession with fame, while vulnerable narcissism is associated with celebrity worship. (3) Results: Based on current data, the frontal regions underlie narcissism and also likely underlie celebrity worship and desire for fame. This tenuous conclusion is based on a limited number of studies. (4) Conclusions: The brain areas associated with grandiose narcissism may be associated with an intense desire for fame as well, while brain regions associated with vulnerable narcissism may be similar in celebrity worshipers. Future research studies on the brain that are specifically designed to test these relationships at a neurological level are needed.
Association between Loneliness and Memory Function through White Matter Hyperintensities in Older Adults: The Moderating Role of Gender
Authors: Park Hyeyoung , Kim Hairin , Kwak Seyul , Youm Yoosik , Chey Jeanyung
Published: October 2023

Loneliness has an important impact on memory function in late life. However, the neural mechanism by which loneliness detrimentally influences memory function remains elusive. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the association between loneliness and memory function varies by gender. The current study aimed to investigate the neural mechanism underlying the association between loneliness and episodic memory function and explore whether it varies with gender among cognitively normal older adults. A total of 173 community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older from the Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (KSHAP) study (mean age = 71.87) underwent an assessment of loneliness, neuropsychological testing, and structural magnetic resonance imaging. The association between loneliness and episodic memory function was mediated by the volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), but not by hippocampal or gray matter volumes. In addition, the association between loneliness and memory function through WMHs was significantly moderated by gender; specifically, the indirect effect was significant among men but not among women. The study suggests that WMHs may be a potential neurological mechanism that causes late-life memory dysfunction associated with loneliness in older men. The findings underscore the need for gender-specific interventions to mitigate memory impairment associated with late-life loneliness, with significant public health implications.
Dispel the Clouds and See the Sun: Influencing Factors and Multiple Paths of User Retention Intention Formation
Authors: Zhang Hongjin , Hu Longying , Kim Yeom
Published: October 2023

To achieve user retention through multifactor synergy, Internet enterprises must reduce costs and increase efficiency and sustainable development. In response to the dilemma that Internet companies are experiencing increasingly high user acquisition costs and serious user churn, this paper investigates a sample of 46,695 user reviews of nine product series from Xiaomi Ecological Chain. Case studies and qualitative comparative analysis are used to explore the influence mechanisms of quality of experience, brand trust, and brand attachment on users’ retention intentions. Our findings are as follows. (1) Brand attachment alone is not necessary for high user retention intention, but user perception, cognition, and brand trust are necessary. (2) Quality of experience positively impacts brand trust, attachment, and user retention intention. Therefore, improving user perception and cognition is critical in generating high user retention intention. (3) Five configuration paths can achieve high user retention intention, while three configuration paths lead to low user retention intention, and there is an asymmetric relationship between these paths. Among them, the role of quality of experience-driven configuration paths in generating user retention intention is the most prominent. (4) User perception and cognition can substitute with brand trust and attachment in the substitution relationship between configuration paths. Our findings have important theoretical and practical implications for revealing the realization paths of high user retention intention in Internet companies and provide a new perspective for future research.
The Mediating Role of Innovative Behavior on the Effect of Digital Leadership on Intrapreneurship Intention and Job Performance
Authors: Sagbas Murat , Oktaysoy Onur , Topcuoglu Ethem , Kaygin Erdogan , Erdogan Fahri Alp
Published: October 2023

Depending on technological developments, digital transformation represents an inevitable reality for organizations. Based on this reality, digital leadership, which is a new understanding of leadership, has emerged. In accordance with the literature, digital leaders are expected to transform organizations under the leadership of innovation, thus encouraging high performance and efficiency. The present study aimed to measure the mediating effect of innovative behavior on the effect of digital leadership on job performance and intrapreneurship intention using data collected from 390 people working in the IT sector in Istanbul and a structural equation modeling method. The data obtained in this structural equation modeling study were analyzed in the Smart-PLS program. It is anticipated that the present study, in which the relationship between the variables is supported by various theories, will contribute to the extant literature. The results of this study indicate that innovative behavior has a fully mediating impact on the effect of digital leadership on intrapreneurship intention. Furthermore, it is observed that innovative behavior has a partially mediating impact on the effect of digital leadership on job performance. Considering the results, this study proves that digital leaders need to adopt innovative behavior so as to ensure performance and intrapreneurship in an organization.
Seismic Risk Assessment of Typical Reinforced Concrete Frame School Buildings in Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeysiriwardena Tharindu Malinga , Wijesundara Kushan Kalmith , Nascimbene Roberto
Published: October 2023

The assessment of seismic risk for critical and strategic structures like schools and hospitals remains crucial, even in regions with low seismic activity. Presently, operational school buildings in Sri Lanka are primarily designed to handle gravitational loads without considering capacity-based design principles. Consequently, these structures may lack the necessary lateral resistance to mitigate potential damage or collapse during future earthquakes in Sri Lanka. Hence, conducting seismic risk assessments for such school buildings is imperative to ensure the safety of their occupants. In this research paper, we utilize a recently developed probabilistic seismic hazard map for Sri Lanka to evaluate seismic risk. We employ two nonlinear 3-D finite element models of school buildings created in OpenSees. Incremental Dynamic Analysis is conducted using a well-established set of ground motions, continuing until the structure approaches the point of collapse, to determine the probability of collapse prevention. Subsequently, we develop fragility functions for two limit states, immediate occupancy, and collapse prevention. These fragility curves are then used to compute the probability of exceeding these limit states, aiding in the assessment of the structural safety of the school buildings. A key outcome of this analysis reveals a general trend of increased damage probabilities as the number of stories in the buildings increases despite the distinct structural characteristics of each building. It is also important to note that the disparities between the immediate occupancy and more severe damage cases, such as collapse prevention, are notably pronounced in both two- and three-story school buildings.
Mechanical Properties of PVC Fiber-Reinforced Concrete—Effects of Fiber Content and Length
Authors: Islam Tarikul , Safiuddin Md. , Roman Rezwan Ahmed , Chakma Bodhijit , Al Maroof Abdullah
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the key mechanical properties of PVC fiber-reinforced concrete. Six concrete mixtures were produced using plastic fibers obtained from clear PVC sheets. Three concrete mixtures were made using 20 mm long PVC fibers, whereas the other three were prepared with 40 mm long PVC fibers. The fiber content was varied in the range of 0–1.5 wt.% of cement for each length of fiber. The fresh concrete mixtures were tested for workability in terms of the slump. The hardened concretes were tested for their compressive and splitting tensile strengths, flexural strength and toughness, static elastic modulus, and impact resistance and toughness. The effects of the fiber content and fiber length on the workability and above-mentioned mechanical properties were observed. In addition, the correlations between various mechanical properties were sought. The test results revealed that the workability of concrete was reduced for both fiber lengths as the fiber content increased. The compressive strength, flexural strength and toughness, elastic modulus, and impact resistance and toughness increased at up to 1 wt.% fiber content, then decreased for 1.5 wt.% fibers. A similar trend was also noticed for the splitting tensile strength, particularly in the case of 20 mm long PVC fibers. Compared to the fiber length, the fiber content exhibited a more pronounced effect on the mechanical properties of concrete. The optimum fiber content was 1 wt.%, which produced the best performance in this study. Furthermore, excellent correlations were observed for the tested mechanical properties of concrete, except for splitting tensile strength, which was not well-correlated with compressive strength.
An Experimental Study on Innovative Concrete Block Solutions for Reconstruction
Authors: Yılmaz Mahmut Cem , Aswad Ahmad , Mercimek Ömer
Published: October 2023

In this study, an experiment was conducted to innovate a new design of interlocking concrete blocks (ICBs) containing recycled aggregates (RAs) by reducing the consumed time and cost in construction using an environmental approach. Accordingly, the designed ICBs were produced manually using RAs, and wallettes were easily built with a mortarless mechanism by stacking the blocks without any mortar layers. In the experiments, besides the individual compression tests of the two types of ICB with natural and recycled aggregates, the wallette samples that were produced using ICBs, containing either 100% natural aggregates or 100% Ras, were tested under axial compressive loading. The experimental results were assessed considering the compressive strength, displacement, and failure mode. In the obtained results, we noticed that the average compressive strengths of the wallettes that were produced with natural or recycled aggregate ICBs were large enough to meet the standards of Syrian regulations, which are considered an example reference. The resulting displacement values were acceptable and could be negligible in some wallette specimens. It was concluded that the innovative ICBs with both normal or recycled aggregates could be a good alternative to traditional blocks, especially in post-disaster or post-war areas.
Barriers to Attracting and Retaining Female Construction Graduates into Academic Careers in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Owolabi James Dele , Ogundipe Kunle Elizah , Ogunbayo Babatunde Fatai , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis
Published: October 2023

Increasing women’s representation in male-dominated professions has become an unending debate due to different gender barriers across various sectors. This study examined the barriers to female construction graduates’ employment as construction faculty in Nigerian higher education institutions. This study developed a quantitative questionnaire to examine the barriers to female construction graduates entering academic careers using purposive sampling technique to identify Master of Science graduate students in higher education institutions in southwestern Nigeria. Three hundred copies of the questionnaire were administered to female construction graduate students, while two hundred and fifty-nine retrieved data were analysed. Firstly, data validity and reliability were determined using Cronbach’s alpha, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test, and Bartlett’s sphericity tests, followed by descriptive and exploratory factor analysis. The exploratory factor analysis clustered five factors of barriers to female graduate student recruitment as faculty in higher education institutions: gender profiling, academics competency requirements, non-prioritised support for female careers in academics, female enrolment, graduation, and job position difficulties and perceived difficulties in women’s recruitment, workload, and growth. The study recommends establishing grassroots female careers support, improving female enrolment and graduation rates, campaigning against gender profiling, and establishing career pathways in academics to improve gender inclusiveness in higher education institutions when recruiting female construction graduates as faculty.
Cell Membrane Sialome: Sialic Acids as Therapeutic Targets and Regulators of Drug Resistance in Human Cancer Management
Authors: Jastrząb Patrycja , Narejko Karolina , Car Halina , Wielgat Przemyslaw
Published: October 2023

A cellular sialome is a physiologically active and dynamically changing component of the cell membrane. Sialylation plays a crucial role in tumor progression, and alterations in cellular sialylation patterns have been described as modulators of chemotherapy effectiveness. However, the precise mechanisms through which altered sialylation contributes to drug resistance in cancer are not yet fully understood. This review focuses on the intricate interplay between sialylation and cancer treatment. It presents the role of sialic acids in modulating cell–cell interactions, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the immunosuppressive processes within the context of cancer. The issue of drug resistance is also discussed, and the mechanisms that involve transporters, the tumor microenvironment, and metabolism are analyzed. The review explores drugs and therapeutic approaches that may induce modifications in sialylation processes with a primary focus on their impact on sialyltransferases or sialidases. Despite advancements in cellular glycobiology and glycoengineering, an interdisciplinary effort is required to decipher and comprehend the biological characteristics and consequences of altered sialylation. Additionally, understanding the modulatory role of sialoglycans in drug sensitivity is crucial to applying this knowledge in clinical practice for the benefit of cancer patients.
Combining Mass Cytometry Data by CyTOFmerge Reveals Additional Cell Phenotypes in the Heterogeneous Ovarian Cancer Tumor Microenvironment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Thomsen Liv Cecilie Vestrheim , Kleinmanns Katrin , Anandan Shamundeeswari , Gullaksen Stein-Erik , Abdelaal Tamim , Iversen Grete Alrek , Akslen Lars Andreas , McCormack Emmet , Bjørge Line
Published: October 2023

The prognosis of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is poor, and treatment selection is challenging. A heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) characterizes HGSOC and influences tumor growth, progression, and therapy response. Better characterization with multidimensional approaches for simultaneous identification and categorization of the various cell populations is needed to map the TME complexity. While mass cytometry allows the simultaneous detection of around 40 proteins, the CyTOFmerge MATLAB algorithm integrates data sets and extends the phenotyping. This pilot study explored the potential of combining two datasets for improved TME phenotyping by profiling single-cell suspensions from ten chemo-naïve HGSOC tumors by mass cytometry. A 35-marker pan-tumor dataset and a 34-marker pan-immune dataset were analyzed separately and combined with the CyTOFmerge, merging 18 shared markers. While the merged analysis confirmed heterogeneity across patients, it also identified a main tumor cell subset, additionally to the nine identified by the pan-tumor panel. Furthermore, the expression of traditional immune cell markers on tumor and stromal cells was revealed, as were marker combinations that have rarely been examined on individual cells. This study demonstrates the potential of merging mass cytometry data to generate new hypotheses on tumor biology and predictive biomarker research in HGSOC that could improve treatment effectiveness.
Regional Immunotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in Gastroesophageal Cancer: Emerging Strategies to Re-Condition a Maladaptive Tumor Environment
Authors: Lewis Catherine R. , Dadgar Neda , Yellin Samuel A. , Donnenberg Vera S. , Donnenberg Albert D. , Bartlett David L. , Allen Casey J. , Wagner Patrick L.
Published: October 2023

Peritoneal carcinomatosis originating from gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC-PC) occurs in a defined subset of gastric cancer patients with unique clinical, pathologic, molecular and immunologic characteristics that create significant obstacles to effective treatment with modern therapy. Although systemic chemo- and immuno- therapy have yielded disappointing results in GC-PC, recent advances in the characterization of GC-PC and peritoneal immune biology present new opportunities for targeted therapeutics. In this review article, we discuss the distinct properties of GC-PC and the peritoneal immune environment as they pertain to current and investigative treatment strategies. We discuss pre-clinical studies and clinical trials relevant to the modulation of the peritoneal environment as a therapeutic intervention in GC-PC. Finally, we present a road map for future combinatorial strategies based on the conception of the peritoneal cavity as a bioreactor. Within this isolated compartment, prevailing immunosuppressive conditions can be altered through regional interventions toward an adaptive phenotype that would support the effectiveness of regionally delivered cellular therapy products. It is hoped that novel combination strategies would promote efficacy not only in the sequestered peritoneal environment, but also via migration into the circulation of tumor-reactive lymphocytes to produce durable systemic disease control, thereby improving oncologic outcome and quality of life in patients with GC-PC.
Sudden Cardiac Death in Biventricular Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: A New Undescribed Variant of the MYH6 Gene
Authors: Garcia Brás Pedro , Cardoso Isabel , Viegas José , Antunes Diana , Rosa Sílvia
Published: October 2023

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) may present with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), and demonstration of a pathogenic variant in ACM-related genes is crucial for its definitive diagnosis. A 42-year-old female patient with family history of sudden cardiac death (SCD) was referred to the cardiomyopathy clinic after two episodes of aborted SCA. In the second episode, the patient was transported under cardiopulmonary resuscitation (downtime of 57 min) until extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was implanted. A thorough diagnostic work-up led to a diagnosis of biventricular ACM. Genetic testing revealed a previously undescribed variant in ACM patients in the MYH6 gene, c.3673G>T p.(Glu 1225*), which inserts a premature stop codon. This was considered a possible pathogenic variant originating a truncated protein, previously undescribed in ACM. The patient’s 23-year-old daughter was positive for the MYH6 variant and had ECG abnormalities suggestive of ACM. This case details the complex differential diagnosis of SCA and explores the current recommendations for the diagnosis of biventricular ACM. The identification of a MYH6 variant in a patient with ACM, recurrent SCA, and family history of SCD appears to support the hypothesis of the pathogenicity of MYH6 variants in ACM, in which the association of phenotype with sarcomere variants is still unclear.
S2O82−/CeO2 Solid Superacid Catalyst Prepared by Radio-Frequency Plasma-Assisted Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Wang Kaiqiang , Zhu Changhui , Zhang Xudong , Tian Baohe , Zhu Wenchao , Huang Bangdou
Published: October 2023

CeO2 was prepared using a hydrothermal method, modified by radio-frequency plasma in the form of glow discharge, and then the solid superacid S2O82−/CeO2 was prepared by the impregnation method. A series of properties such as pore structure was characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption experiments, surface morphology was characterized by TEM, crystal phase was characterized by XRD, and surface acidity of the catalyst was characterized by Py-IR and Hammett titration. The methyl esterification reaction of tryptophan was used to evaluate the activity of the solid superacid. The results showed that the catalyst modified by radio-frequency plasma had a larger specific surface area, more surface oxygen vacancies, smaller particle size, and higher total acid content. The yield of tryptophan methyl ester reached a higher level of 94.5% (150 °C, 1 MPa, 2 h), catalyzed by the modified S2O82−/CeO2. This work verified the feasibility of plasma technology in the field of catalytic activity enhancement of solid superacid.
Suspension-Induced Stem Cell Transition: A Non-Transgenic Method to Generate Adult Stem Cells from Mouse and Human Somatic Cells
Authors: Yeganeh Behzad , Yeganeh Azadeh , Malone Kyle , Beug Shawn T. , Jankov Robert P.
Published: October 2023

Adult stem cells (ASCs) can be cultured with difficulty from most tissues, often requiring chemical or transgenic modification to achieve adequate quantities. We show here that mouse primary fibroblasts, grown in suspension, change from the elongated and flattened morphology observed under standard adherent culture conditions of generating rounded cells with large nuclei and scant cytoplasm and expressing the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) marker (Sca1; Ly6A) within 24 h. Based on this initial observation, we describe here a suspension culture method that, irrespective of the lineage used, mouse fibroblast or primary human somatic cells (fibroblasts, hepatocytes and keratinocytes), is capable of generating a high yield of cells in spheroid form which display the expression of ASC surface markers, circumventing the anoikis which often occurs at this stage. Moreover, mouse fibroblast-derived spheroids can be differentiated into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. An analysis of single-cell RNA sequence data in mouse fibroblasts identified eight distinct cell clusters with one in particular comprising approximately 10% of the cells showing high levels of proliferative capacity expressing high levels of genes related to MSCs and self-renewal as well as the extracellular matrix (ECM). We believe the rapid, high-yield generation of proliferative, multi-potent ASC-like cells via the process we term suspension-induced stem cell transition (SIST) could have significant implications for regenerative medicine.