bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Indirect-Heated Microwave Thermal Desorption Treatment on Engineering Properties of Lubricant-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Lee Donggeun , Koh Taehoon , Park Duhee
Published: May 2022

Soil pollution caused by oil leakage from various industrial facilities such as gas stations, oil plants, military bases, and railway depots has become a serious global environmental and geotechnical issue. The indirect-heated microwave thermal desorption technology has been developed in this study for economical and efficient remediation of oil or organic pollutants. The conclusions were made based on laboratory tests and analyses of the environmental (TPH; total petroleum hydrocarbons) and geotechnical (physical and mechanical) properties of the soil before and after treatments. (1) As the newly-developed equipment was operated for 3 h with the electric power of 32 kW to reach target temperature of 600 °C, more than 99.8% of TPH was removed. (2) In the aspect of geotechnical properties, the internal friction angle, maximum dry density and permeability coefficient of the soil were reduced by oil contamination and were finally restored to the almost initial level of the soil after treatment. Therefore, treated soil is expected to be reusable for geotechnical construction purposes such as construction fill materials. (3) It was also found that the developed technology reduces 75% of energy cost and 25% of CO2 emissions for the remediation of lubricant oil-contaminated soil comparing with conventional one.
Influence of Internal Flow on the Performance of High-Speed Centrifugal Pumps with a Fully Sealed Structure
Authors: Lin Xinyi , Zhang Beile , Zhang Ming , Zhao Yongli , Lai Tianwei , Chen Liang , Xue Rong
Published: May 2022

A high-speed centrifugal pump with a fully sealed structure has the advantages of a small size, no external leakage, and being pollution-free. The inner leakage passage of a pump with a fully sealed structure includes the tip clearance and the hub clearance. The hub clearance, the lubrication passage of the bearing, and the clearance between the stator and the rotor of the built-in motor constitute the internal flow channel. As a consequence of hub leakage, the complexity of the flow field increases and performance of the pump is affected. However, hub leakage also lubricates the bearing and cools the motor by flowing through the internal flow channel. To obtain the actual flow field distribution and external characteristics of the pump, a coupling calculation based on a conventional CFX simulation and MATLAB was carried out. The results show that hub leakage promotes an increase in tip leakage and changes the distribution of the main flow field. Moreover, hub leakage also significantly affects the efficiency of the pump. Compared with hub leakage, the internal flow has a greater impact on the performance of the pump. The numerical simulation results of the internal flow model are similar to the experimental results, with the maximum absolute error of the head at 0.3 m and the maximum absolute error of the efficiency at 1.7%, indicating that the internal flow model is effective at predicting the performance of the high-speed centrifugal pump with a fully sealed structure.
Single Puncture TIPS—A 3D Fusion Image-Guided Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS): An Experimental Study
Authors: Lee Edward Wolfgang , Shahrouki Puja , Saab Sammy , Kaldas Fady , Eghbalieh Navid , McWilliams Justin , Ding Peng-Xu , Kee Stephen T.
Published: May 2022

Background: The use of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been established as an effective treatment for portal hypertension. Despite the rapid development of this use, serious peri-procedural complications have been reported in over 10% of cases. This has largely been attributed to the access to the portal vein, also referred to as a “blind puncture”, which often requires multiple attempts. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety, reproducibility and accuracy of the use of real-time 3D fusion image-guided (3DFIG) single puncture TIPS to minimize the complications that are related to the “blind puncture” of TIPS procedures. Methods: A 3DFIG TIPS approach was utilized on 22 pigs by combining pre-procedural cross-sectional imaging (CT, MR or CBCT) with intra-procedural cone beam CT or angiogram imaging, which allowed for the improved 3D visual spatial orientation of the portal vein and real-time tracking of the needle in 3D. Results: Thirty-five portosystemic shunts were successfully deployed in all 22 subjects without any peri-procedural complications. Overall, 91% (32/35) of the procedures were carried out using a single puncture. In addition, the mean fluoroscopy time in our study was more than 12 times lower than the proposed reference level that has previously been proposed for TIPS procedures. Conclusion: Multi-modality real-time 3DFIG TIPS can be performed safely using a single puncture, without complications, and can potentially be used in both emergency and non-emergency clinical situations.
A Double-Level Calculation Model for the Construction Schedule Planning of Urban Rail Transit Network
Authors: Li Songsong , Liang Qinghuai , Han Kuo , Wang Heng , Xu Jun
Published: May 2022

The construction of urban rail transit (URT) guides and promotes urban development. Different URT line construction schedule, including construction sequence (priority order of line construction) and construction timing (when to build), will have different effects on urban traffic and development. Therefore, the planning of construction schedule is an important part of URT network planning. At present, the determination of construction schedule is mainly based on qualitative analysis methods (i.e., experience, comparisons with other cities, and expert opinion) in engineering practice. In this study, based on an analysis of the main factors affecting the construction sequence and the construction timing data of existing URT lines, a quantitative double-level model of a construction schedule is proposed. The model consists of construction sequence and construction timing sub-models. The construction sequence sub-model employs an improved Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) with Rough Set method; the construction timing sub-model takes the results of the construction sequence model and the factors associated with urban development characteristics into account and presents an improved Logistic-β method. The model is verified using the Chengdu rail transit network as the case study. The results of the study show that the double-level calculation model could provide quantitative theoretical support for the construction schedule planning of URT network.
XG Boost Algorithm to Simultaneous Prediction of Rock Fragmentation and Induced Ground Vibration Using Unique Blast Data
Authors: Chandrahas N. Sri , Choudhary Bhanwar Singh , Teja M. Vishnu , Venkataramayya M. S. , Prasad N. S. R. Krishna
Published: May 2022

The two most frequently heard terms in the mining industry are safety and production. These two terms put a lot of pressure on blasting engineers and crew to give more while consuming less. The key to achieving the optimum blasting results is sophisticated bench analysis, which must be combined with design blast parameters for good fragmentation and safe ground vibration. Thus, a unique solution for forecasting both optimum fragmentation and reduced ground vibration using rock mass joint angle and blast design parameters will aid the blasting operations in terms of cost savings. To arrive at a proper understanding and a solution, 152 blasts were carried out in various mines by adjusting blast design parameters concerning the measured joint angle. The XG Boost, K-Nearest Neighbor, and Random Forest algorithms were evaluated, and the XG Boost outputs were shown to be superior in terms of Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Co-efficient of determination (R2) values. Using XG Boost, the decision-tree-based ensemble Machine Learning algorithm that uses a gradient-boosting framework and a simultaneous formula was developed to predict both fragmentation and ground vibration using joint angle and the same set of parameters.
Investigation of Tip Leakage Vortex Structure and Trajectory in a Centrifugal Pump with a New Omega Vortex Identification Method
Authors: Qian Bing , Cai Yinhui , Ding Qiang , Zhao Daoli , Sun Weipeng , Wang Like
Published: May 2022

Semi-open centrifugal pumps are widely used in various fields. However, the tip leakage vortex (TLV) has a malign effect on the impeller flow field. The structure and trajectory of a TLV under different discharge conditions were simulated and are discussed herein. Then, the characteristics of the TLV were analyzed using a new omega vortex identification method. The external characteristic and pressure fluctuation of the simulation and experiment were consistent. A secondary leakage vortex near the blade outlet was formed under the high-discharge condition. A leading-edge overflow phenomenon under the low-discharge condition and led to the formation of a reverse-flow vortex. The interface between the main flow and tip leakage flow moved toward the impeller upstream with decreased discharge. As a result, the peak of the entropy production curve moved upstream, and leading-edge overflow and reverse flow occurred. The tip leakage flow changed the blade pressure distribution, resulting in a decrease in the blade load.
Variable Structure PID Controller for Satellite Attitude Control Considering Actuator Failure
Authors: Qi Yong , Jing Haizhao , Wu Xiwei
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a variable structure PID controller with a good convergence rate and robustness for satellite attitude is proposed. In order to improve the system convergence rate, the variable structure for the proportional and differential term was designed, and an angular velocity curve with a better convergence rate was achieved by this variable structure. In addition, an integral partitioning algorithm was designed, and the system robustness to disturbance torque was improved; meanwhile, the negative effect of the integral term was avoided during the converging process. The actuator failure condition was also considered, and a fault tolerant control algorithm was designed. System stability was analyzed by the Lyapunov method, and its performance was demonstrated by numerical simulation.
The New Method of Searching Cut-Sets in the System Reliability Analysis of Plane Steel Trusses
Authors: Kubicka Katarzyna
Published: May 2022

This paper focuses on the new method of searching cut-sets, which enables us to conduct the system reliability analysis for plane trusses. As the result of such, the analysis of the reliability index for the whole structure is obtained, not only for the single elements. In the case of truss structures, the huge number of cut-sets could be generated if only the geometry of the structure is taken into account. Considering also the effects of actions and the load capacity, it is possible to reduce the number of cut-sets: what makes the whole analysis faster and more effective. The structures were considered not only in persistent design situations, but also in accidental-under-fire influence. The effect of action in individual elements was computed using the Robot Structural Analysis program. The temperature of the elements under fire load and the load-bearing capacity of the elements were calculated according to the Eurocode procedure in the Mathematica script. The proposed method allows to reduce the number of cut-sets, what makes the whole procedure of system reliability analysis much more efficient. All cut-sets were found by using a C++ console application prepared by author.
Augmented Reality in Orthopedic Surgery and Its Application in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rossi Stefano Marco Paolo , Mancino Fabio , Sangaletti Rudy , Perticarini Loris , Lucenti Ludovico , Benazzo Francesco
Published: May 2022

The development of augmented reality (AR) and its application in total joint arthroplasty aims at improving the accuracy and precision in implant components’ positioning, hopefully leading to increased outcomes and survivorship. However, this field is far from being thoroughly explored. We therefore performed a systematic review of the literature in order to examine the application, the results, and the different AR systems available in TJA. A systematic review of the literature according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed. A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted for English articles on the application of augmented reality in total joint arthroplasty using various combinations of keywords since the inception of the database to 31 March 2022. Accuracy was intended as the mean error from the targeted positioning angle and compared as mean values and standard deviations. In all, 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. Among them, four studies reported on the application of AR in total knee arthroplasty, six studies on total hip arthroplasty, three studies reported on reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and one study on total elbow arthroplasty. Nine of the included studies were preclinical (sawbones or cadaveric), while five of them reported results of AR’s clinical application. The main common feature was the high accuracy and precision when implant positioning was compared with preoperative targeted angles with errors ≤2 mm and/or ≤2°. Despite the promising results in terms of increased accuracy and precision, this technology is far from being widely adopted in daily clinical practice. However, the recent exponential growth in machine learning techniques and technologies may eventually lead to the resolution of the ongoing limitations including depth perception and their high complexity, favorably encouraging the widespread usage of AR systems.
Optimization of Apron Support Vehicle Operation Scheduling Based on Multi-Layer Coding Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Jichao , Chong Xiaolei , Wei Yazhi , Bi Zheng , Yu Qingkun
Published: May 2022

Operation scheduling of apron support vehicles is an important factor affecting aircraft support capability. However, at present, the traditional support methods have the problems of low utilization rate of support vehicles and low support efficiency in multi-aircraft support. In this paper, a vehicle scheduling model is constructed, and a multi-layer coding genetic algorithm is designed to solve the vehicle scheduling problem. In this paper, the apron support vehicle operation scheduling problem is regarded as a Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP), and the support vehicles and their support procedures are adjusted via the sequential sorting method to achieve the optimization goals of shortening the support time and improving the vehicle utilization rate. Based on a specific example, the job scheduling before and after the optimization of the number of support vehicles is simulated using a multi-layer coding genetic algorithm. The results show that compared with the traditional support scheme, the vehicle scheduling time optimized via the multi-layer coding genetic algorithm is obviously shortened; after the number of vehicles is optimized, the support time is further shortened and the average utilization rate of vehicles is improved. Finally, the optimized apron support vehicle number configuration and the best scheduling scheme are given.
Study on Multi-Scale Coral Reef Pore Structure Identification and Characterization
Authors: Wang Jinchao , Guo Qijun , Chen Wei , Liu Houceng
Published: May 2022

In order to more accurately realize the automatic identification and quantitative characterization of coral reef multi-scale pore structure, this paper has carried out such research. On the basis of using multiple information acquisition technology, it can effectively collect field measured data and indoor observation data to form a high-precision digital image of the development characteristics of multi-scale coral reef pore structure. By constructing the multi-scale structure information correlation and fusion function of coral reef pore structure, it can formulate the positioning and search strategy for the key areas of coral reef pore structure development characteristics. In this paper, a fine identification and quantitative characterization method suitable for the pore structure of “millimeter–micron–nanometer” is formed. At the same time, combined with the actual project requirements, the multi-scale pore structure feature area location method of coral reef is constructed, which combines the distribution characteristics, variation characteristics, fractal characteristics and shape characteristics in a certain range, and realizes the search of pore key areas between different scales and different regions of the same scale through the similarity matching algorithm, which can effectively realize the automatic search of key areas in the “millimeter–micron–nanometer”-scale image of coral reefs. Finally, the correctness and feasibility of this method are verified by multi-angle example data comparison. It shows that this method can effectively solve the productivity prediction and evaluation problem of coral reef oil and gas reservoirs.
Automatic Measurements of Garment Sizes Using Computer Vision Deep Learning Models and Point Cloud Data
Authors: Kim Seounggeun , Moon Haejun , Oh Jaehoon , Lee Yonghak , Kwon Hyun , Kim Sunghwan
Published: May 2022

Automatic garment size measurement approaches using computer vision algorithms have been attempted in various ways, but there are still many limitations to overcome. One limitation is that the process involves 2D images, which results in constraints in the process of determining the actual distance between the estimated points. To solve this problem, in this paper, we propose an automated method for measuring garment sizes using computer vision deep learning models and point cloud data. In the proposed method, a deep learning-based keypoint estimation model is first used to capture the clothing size measurement points from 2D images. Then, point cloud data from a LiDAR sensor are used to provide real-world distance information to calculate the actual clothing sizes. As the proposed method uses a mobile device equipped with a LiDAR sensor and camera, it is also more easily configurable than extant methods, which have varied constraints. Experimental results show that our method is not only precise but also robust in measuring the size regardless of the shape, direction, or design of the clothes in two different environments, with 1.59% and 2.08% of the average relative error, respectively.
The Effect of the Addition of Hemp Seeds, Amaranth, and Golden Flaxseed on the Nutritional Value, Physical, Sensory Characteristics, and Safety of Poultry Pâté
Authors: Augustyńska-Prejsnar Anna , Ormian Małgorzata , Sokołowicz Zofia , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: May 2022

Food producers’ interest in improving the nutritional and pro-health values of meat products has grown. The study aims to assess the effect of replacing poultry pâté products wheat roll (24% group I) in recipes with a mixture of hemp seeds (8% each in groups II, III, IV), amaranth (10% group II, 6% group III, 8% group IV) and golden flaxseed (6% group II, 10% group III, 8% group IV). The quality assessment covered nutritional value, physical properties, the total number of bacteria and assessment of sensory characteristics. The findings indicate that replacing wheat roll with seed mixtures increased the nutritional value (protein, ash, fat, proportion of polyunsaturated and polyene acids) of pâtés in all groups while decreasing the proportion of saturated fatty acids and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 acids (3:1). This resulted in enhanced brightness and hardness pâtés, as well as greater microbiological safety. Although the spread and firmness of pâtés with seed addition were rated lower than the control, their taste desirability and bonding were rated highest for pâté with 8% plant additives. Pâtés with 24% hemp, amaranth and flaxseed mixture fulfil the requirements to be referred to as functional meat products.
Simulation of the Formation and Growth of Soot Aerosol Particles in a Premixed Combustion Process Using a Soot Aerosol Dynamics Model
Authors: Park Sung Hoon
Published: May 2022

Recently, an aerosol dynamics model—the Soot Aggregate Moment Model (SAMM)—that can efficiently trace the size distribution and morphology of soot particles was developed. In order to examine the applicability of SAMM in association with open-source CFD and combustion chemistry solvers, the formation and growth of soot particles in a premixed ethylene/air combustion were simulated by connecting SAMM with OpenSMOKE++ in this study. The simulation results were compared with available measurements and with the results of a previous study conducted using SAMM connected with an in-house CFD code and the CHEMKIN combustion chemistry package. Both CHEMKIN and OpenSMOKE++ underestimated C2H2 concentration compared to previous measurements, with deviation from the measured data being smaller for OpenSMOKE++. The chemical mechanism adopted in the CHEMKIN package was found to underestimate pyrene concentration by a factor of several tens. OpenSMOKE++ predicted much higher soot precursor concentrations than CHEMKIN, leading to a higher nucleation rate and a faster surface growth in the latter part of the reactor. This resulted in a reasonable soot production rate without introducing an artificial condensation enhancement factor. The overestimation of low-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the latter part of the reactor and the neglect of sintering led to an overprediction of soot production and primary particle number. This result indicates that accounting only for obliteration without sintering in SAMM could not simulate the merging of primary particles sufficiently. This indication merits further investigation.
Plant C and N Pools Improved by N Addition Levels but Not Frequencies in a Typical Grassland of Northern China
Authors: Hao Jie , Sun Jianping , Dong Kuanhu , Wang Changhui
Published: May 2022

The pools of plant community carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are important sources of soil organic matter in terrestrial ecosystems and directly affect soil C and N cycling. A large amount of studies were manipulated with multiple N levels on soil C and N pools. However, how and whether the frequency of N addition can affect the plant C and N pools is still unclear. In order to comprehensively understand the N addition effects (including frequencies and levels) on C and N pools of the plant community, we executed a randomized complete block experiment with the addition of five levels of N, including 0, 2, 10, 20 and 50 g N m−2 yr−1 (designated as N-0, N-2, N-10, N-20 and N-50) and two N addition frequencies (twice a year vs. monthly, F2, F12) in August of 2008. After 5 years of treatment, the physical-chemical properties of the plants and soil were measured in 2013. The results indicated that with increasing N addition levels, the C and N pools of the plant community significantly increased, while N addition frequency had no significant effects. Moreover, significant interactions between N addition levels and the frequencies on the C and N pools of the plant community were also found in this typical grassland. Under different frequencies of N addition treatment, the plant community C and N pools showed different response patterns along with N addition levels in plants aboveground and belowground, respectively. Under different frequencies of N addition, the changes in the C and N pools of the plant community caused by N addition were regulated by different environmental factors. We highlight that long-term N deposition could affect the plant community C and N pools and would influence C and N cycling of terrestrial ecosystems based on global climate change in the future.
Long-Term Surgical Results of Cortical Mastoid Bone Osteomas
Authors: Donati Giulia , Redaelli de Zinis Luca Oscar
Published: May 2022

Background: Though osteomas can commonly arise in the cranial bones, an extra canalicular mastoid bone location is a rare entity with less than 200 cases described to date. We present three cases of cortical mastoid bone osteomas and compare them with cases presented in the literature. Methods: In this study, we used a retrospective chart analysis. Results: All three patients presented after years of progressively increasing postauricular swelling without symptoms. Temporal bone non-contrast CT allowed accurate preoperative diagnosis. Surgical treatment was performed for cosmetic issues with minimal postoperative morbidity. Complete excision was achieved in all cases, and to date, there is no evidence of recurrence. Conclusions: Mastoid osteomas are rare benign slow-growing tumors. They usually present as a painless cosmetic disfigurement and are otherwise asymptomatic. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice when they cause esthetic discomfort or are symptomatic. Recurrences are infrequently reported.
Effective Microorganism Solution and High Volume of Fly Ash Blended Sustainable Bio-Concrete
Authors: Huseien Ghasan Fahim , Saleh Ali Taha , Ghoshal Sib K.
Published: May 2022

Currently, the production of sustainable concrete with high strength, durability, and fewer environmental problems has become a priority of concrete industries worldwide. Based on this fact, the effective microorganism (EM) solution was included in the concrete mixtures to modify the engineering properties. Concrete specimens prepared with 50% fly ash (FA) as an ordinary Portland cement (OPC) replacement were considered as the control sample. The influence of EM solution inclusion (at various contents of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% weight) in the cement matrix as water replacement was examined to determine the optimum ratio that can enhance the early and late strength of the proposed bio-concrete. The compressive strength, porosity, carbonation depth, resistance to sulphuric acid attack, and the environmental benefits of the prepared bio-concrete were evaluated. The results showed that the mechanical properties and durability performance of the bio-concrete were improved due to the addition of EM and FA. Furthermore, the inclusion of 10% EM could increase the compressive strength of the bio-concrete at 3 (early) and 28 days by 42.5% and 14.6%, respectively. The durability performance revealed a similar trend wherein the addition of 50% FA and 10% EM into the bio-concrete could improve its resistance against acid attack by 35.1% compared to the control specimen. The concrete mix designed with 10% EM was discerned to be optimum, with approximately 49.3% lower carbon dioxide emission compared to traditional cement.
Wearing a Mask Shapes Interpersonal Space during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Biggio Monica , Bisio Ambra , Bruno Valentina , Garbarini Francesca , Bove Marco
Published: May 2022

Social distancing norms have been promoted after the COVID-19 pandemic. In this work, we tested interpersonal space (IPS) in 107 subjects through a reaching-comfort distance estimation task. In the main experiment, subjects had to estimate the comfort and reach space between an avatar wearing or not wearing a face mask. We found that IPS was greater between avatars not wearing a mask with respect to stimuli with the mask on, while reaching space was not modulated. IPS increment in the NoMask condition with respect to the Mask condition correlated with anxiety traits, as shown with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, rather than with transient aspects related to the pandemic situation. In the control experiment, the avatars with a mask were removed to further explore the conditioning effect provided by the presence of the facial protection in the main experiment. We found a significant difference comparing this condition with the same condition of the main experiment, namely, the distances kept between avatars not wearing a mask in the main experiment were greater than those between the same stimuli in the control experiment. This showed a contextual adaptation of IPS when elements related to the actual pandemic situation were relevant. Additionally, no significant differences were found between the control experiment and the Mask condition of the main experiment, suggesting that participants had internalized social distancing norms and wearing a mask has become the new normal. Our results highlight the tendency of people in underestimating the risk of contagion when in the presence of someone wearing a mask.
Gym-Goers’ Self-Identification with Physically Attractive Fitness Trainers and Intention to Exercise
Authors: Soekmawati  , Nathan Robert Jeyakumar , Victor Vijay , Pei Kian Tan
Published: May 2022

Gym-goers often socially compare themselves with their trainers as they strive to look as attractive as their fitness trainers. The aim of this study was to better understand this phenomenon in the fitness industry. Relying on social comparison theory and social identity theory, self-identification with a physically attractive fitness trainer was posited to have a strong mediating effect on the relationship between appearance motive, weight management motive and gym-goers’ intention to exercise. The moderation effects of gym-goers’ age and gender in the direct relationships between appearance motive, weight management motive and exercise intention were also examined. The primary outcome of this study revealed that gym-goers who were influenced by appearance and weight management motives are more likely to identify with physically attractive fitness trainers. Additionally, gender significantly moderates the relationships between appearance motive, weight management motive and exercise intention. Appearance and weight management motives are the primary factors that influence the exercise intention of female gym-goers as compared to their male counterparts. This study sheds new insights into understanding the influence of the physical attractiveness of fitness trainers and its impact on gym-goers’ exercise intentions via self and social identification process.
Numerical Analysis of Shallow Foundations with Varying Loading and Soil Conditions
Authors: Hakro Muhammad Rehan , Kumar Aneel , Ali Mujahid , Habib Agha Faisal , de Azevedo Afonso R. G. , Fediuk Roman , Sabri Mohanad Muayad Sabri , Salmi Abdelatif , Awad Youssef Ahmed
Published: May 2022

The load–deformation relationship under the footing is essential for foundation design. Shallow foundations are subjected to changes in hydrological conditions such as rainfall and drought, affecting their saturation level and conditions. The actual load–settlement response for design and reconstructions is determined experimentally, numerically, or utilizing both approaches. Ssettlement computation is performed through large-scale physical modeling or extensive laboratory testing. It is expensive, labor intensive, and time consuming. This study is carried out to determine the effect of different saturation degrees and loading conditions on settlement shallow foundations using numerical modeling in Plaxis 2D, Bentley Systems, Exton, Pennsylvania, US. Plastic was used for dry soil calculation, while fully coupled flow deformation was used for partially saturated soil. Pore pressure and deformation changes were computed in fully coupled deformation. The Mohr–Columb model was used in the simulation, and model parameters were calculated from experimental results. The study results show that the degree of saturation is more critical to soil settlement than loading conditions. When a 200 KPa load was applied at the center of the footing, settlement was recored as 28.81 mm, which was less than 42.96 mm in the case of the full-depth shale layer; therefore, settlement was reduced by 30% in the underlying limestone rock layer. Regarding settlement under various degrees of saturation (DOS), settlment is increased by an increased degree of saturation, which increases pore pressure and decreases the shear strength of the soil. Settlement was observed as 0.69 mm at 0% saturation, 1.93 mm at 40% saturation, 2.21 mm at 50% saturation, 2.77 mm at 70% saturation, and 2.84 mm at 90% saturation of soil.
Some Issues in the Seismic Assessment of Shear-Wall Buildings through Code-Compliant Dynamic Analyses
Authors: Porcu Maria Cristina , Vielma Pérez Juan Carlos , Pais Gavino , Osorio Bravo Diego , Vielma Quintero Juan Carlos
Published: May 2022

Due to their excellent seismic behavior, shear wall-type concrete buildings are very popular in earthquake-prone countries like Chile. According to current seismic regulations, the performance of such structures can be indifferently assessed through linear or non-linear methods of analysis. Although all the code-compliant approaches supposedly lead to a safe design, linear approaches may be in fact less precise for catching the actual seismic performance of ductile and dissipative structures, which can even result in unconservative design where comparatively stiff buildings like reinforced-concrete shear-wall (RC-SW) buildings are concerned. By referring to a mid-rise multistory RC-SW building built in Chile and designed according to the current seismic Chilean code, the paper investigates the effectiveness of the linear dynamic analyses to predict the seismic performance of such kind of structures. The findings show that the code-compliant linear approaches (Modal Response Spectrum Analysis and Linear Time-History Analysis) may significantly underestimate the displacement demand in RC-SW buildings. This is highlighted by the comparison with the results obtained from the Non-Linear Time-History Analysis, which is expected to give more realistic results. A set of ten spectrum-consistent Chilean earthquakes was considered to carry out the time-history analyses while a distributed-plasticity fiber-based approach was adopted to model the non-linear behavior of the considered building. The paper highlights how the risk of an unsafe design may become higher when reference is made to the Chilean code, the latter considering only the Modal Response Spectrum Analysis (MRSA) without even providing corrective factors to estimate the inelastic displacement demand. The paper checks the effectiveness of some amplifying factors taken from the literature with reference to the case-study shear-wall building, concluding that they are not effective enough. The paper also warns against the danger of local soft-story collapse mechanisms, which are typical of reinforced concrete frames but may also affect RC-SW buildings when weaker structural parts made by column-like walls are present at the ground floor.
Axial Compression Prediction and GUI Design for CCFST Column Using Machine Learning and Shapley Additive Explanation
Authors: Liu Xuerui , Wu Yanqi , Zhou Yisong
Published: May 2022

Axial bearing capacity is the key index of circular concrete-filled steel tubes (CCFST). A hybrid PSO-ANN model consisting of an artificial neural network (ANN) optimized with particle swarm algorithm (PSO) was proposed to reliably and accurately predict the axial bearing capacity in this paper. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated and compared with the EC4 code and original ANN based on a dataset of 227 experiments, and a graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to achieve the automatic output of the results. The influence of each design parameter on the bearing capacity was analyzed and quantified using the Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) method and sensitivity analysis. The results show that the prediction performance of the PSO-ANN model is superior, and can be recommended as a candidate for the prediction of axial compression bearing capacity of the CCFST column in terms of performance indices. Shapley additive explanation-based parameter analysis indicated that the diameter and thickness of the steel tube are the most two important parameters to the bearing capacity; in particular, the fluctuation of the diameter under the stochastic environment leads to the variation of the axial compression bearing capacity beyond the diameter itself.
LCIA Parameters and the Role of BIM towards Sustainability: Regional and Temporal Trends
Authors: Ahmad Tayyab , Thaheem Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Building materials with a low environmental impact are critical to the sustainability of the built environment. The environmental impact of materials can be determined by a Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA), which constitutes multiple parameters such as the water used in a material’s life cycle. To use the LCIA approach for building material selection, its parameters need to be assigned different weights, which is the primary objective of this study. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can play an influential role when using LCIA during the building design process. With this consideration, we study the attention given to environmental sustainability in buildings and the responsiveness of BIM in this case. A multi-regional survey of 120 experts from academia and industry was conducted. The results show the relative importance of LCIA parameters and the focus of the building sector on environmental sustainability. The current and the future responsiveness of BIM towards environmental sustainability is also indicated. To promote the integration of LCIA in building design and performance assessment, the future role of BIM applications is explored. The results will contribute to research and practice in the sustainable built environment by helping select environment-friendly building materials.
Modeling Profitability-Influencing Risk Factors for Construction Projects: A System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Jahan Shah , Khan Khurram , Thaheem Muhammad , Ullah Fahim , Alqurashi Muwaffaq , Alsulami Badr
Published: May 2022

This study addressed the complexity involved in integrating the causative risk factors influencing construction profitability. Most of the existing studies cover the individual effects of profitability influencing factors. Very few focus on the systematic impact without incorporating the complexity and associated dynamics, presenting a gap targeted by the current study. The current study aimed to assess causative interrelations and interdependencies between profitability influencing risk factors (PIRF), through systems thinking (ST) and system dynamics (SD) modeling. The SD approach was used to evaluate the integrated impacts on profitability-influencing risk categories (PIRC) in construction projects. The causative influencing factors affecting construction profitability were identified through a comprehensive literature review. These were ranked using content analysis, and categorized into significant issues. Through 250 structured surveys and 15 expert opinion meetings, the path for quantitative and qualitative evaluations was prepared. Following these investigations, a causal loop diagram (CLD) was established using the ST technique, and the integrated effect was quantified using SD modeling. The study finds the rising cost of material, supply chain process, payment issues, planning and scheduling problems, financial difficulties, and effective control of manpower and equipment resources as the most critical PIRFs. The integrated effects of PIRFs on PIRC were quantified using SD modeling. This study helps field professionals with profitability-influencing factors, diagnosing issues, and integrating impacts regarding decision-making and policy formulation. For researchers, it presents a list of factors that can be investigated in detail, and the holistic interrelationships established.
Strategies to Achieve Breast Health Equity in the St. Louis Region and Beyond over 15+ Years
Authors: Drake Bettina , James Aimee , Miller Heidi , Anandarajah Akila , Davis Kia L. , Jackson Sheryll , Colditz Graham A , Thompson Vetta Sanders
Published: May 2022

Community-based participatory strategies are a promising approach to addressing disparities in community health outcomes. This paper details the efforts of Siteman Cancer Center to achieve breast health equity over the past 15+ years. We begin by describing the activities and successes arising from our breast health community partnerships including identifying priorities, developing recommendations, and implementing patient navigation services to advance breast health. This system-wide coordinated navigation approach that includes primary and specialty care providers helped to increase potential impact on reducing breast health disparities by expediting care, increasing care efficiency, and standardizing referral procedures across systems for all women including those who are uninsured and underinsured. We also discuss a mobile mammography unit that has been deployed to serve women living in both urban and rural regions. The van reached a particularly vulnerable population that was mostly poor, uninsured, and with limited educational backgrounds regardless of their zip code of service. This work shows that collaborations between academic and community partners have resulted in decreased late stage at diagnosis and improved access to mammography. Furthermore, we offer lessons learned and recommendations that may be applicable to other communities.
Deep-Learning-Based Automatic Detection and Segmentation of Brain Metastases with Small Volume for Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy
Authors: Yoo Sang Kyun , Kim Tae Hyung , Chun Jaehee , Choi Byong Su , Kim Hojin , Yang Sejung , Yoon Hong In , Kim Jin Sung
Published: May 2022

Recently, several efforts have been made to develop the deep learning (DL) algorithms for automatic detection and segmentation of brain metastases (BM). In this study, we developed an advanced DL model to BM detection and segmentation, especially for small-volume BM. From the institutional cancer registry, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images of 65 patients and 603 BM were collected to train and evaluate our DL model. Of the 65 patients, 12 patients with 58 BM were assigned to test-set for performance evaluation. Ground-truth for BM was assigned to one radiation oncologist to manually delineate BM and another one to cross-check. Unlike other previous studies, our study dealt with relatively small BM, so the area occupied by the BM in the high-resolution images were small. Our study applied training techniques such as the overlapping patch technique and 2.5-dimensional (2.5D) training to the well-known U-Net architecture to learn better in smaller BM. As a DL architecture, 2D U-Net was utilized by 2.5D training. For better efficacy and accuracy of a two-dimensional U-Net, we applied effective preprocessing include 2.5D overlapping patch technique. The sensitivity and average false positive rate were measured as detection performance, and their values were 97% and 1.25 per patient, respectively. The dice coefficient with dilation and 95% Hausdorff distance were measured as segmentation performance, and their values were 75% and 2.057 mm, respectively. Our DL model can detect and segment BM with small volume with good performance. Our model provides considerable benefit for clinicians with automatic detection and segmentation of BM for stereotactic ablative radiotherapy.
Selection Criteria for Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) Treatment in Patients with Peritoneal Metastases
Authors: Balmer Aurélie , Clerc Daniel , Toussaint Laura , Sgarbura Olivia , Taïbi Abdelkader , Hübner Martin , Teixeira Farinha Hugo
Published: May 2022

Background: The standard treatment protocol for PIPAC consists of three procedures. Completion of treatment has been shown to be prognostic of improved survival. The aim of this study was to identify predictors for completion of treatment. Methods: Retrospective multicentric cohort study of patients with peritoneal metastases undergoing PIPAC in three PIPAC expert centers. Per protocol (PP) treatment was defined as patients receiving ≥3 PIPACs and was compared to patients receiving <3. Results: Overall, 183 patients had 517 PIPACs. The main reasons for stopping PIPAC were disease progression in 50% patients, bowel obstruction in 15%, patient’s refusal to pursue in 10%, conversion to cytoreductive surgery in 7%, and medical reasons in 8%. Overall, 95 patients (52%) had PP treatment. The PP median OS was 17 vs. 7 months, p = 0.001. PP patients had r ascites (410 ± 100 mL vs. 960 ± 188 mL, p = 0.001), no prior history of bowel obstruction (12% vs. 24%, p = 0.028), and more bimodal treatment (39% vs. 13%, p < 0.001). After multiple regression, bimodal treatment was found as an independent predictive factor for completing PP (OR = 4.202, 95%CI [1.813, 10.630], p < 0.001), along with prior bowel obstruction (OR = 0.389, 95%CI [0.153, 0.920], p = 0.037). Conclusion: The absence of ascites and prior bowel obstruction can help to select patients suitable for PIPAC. Best results seem to be achieved when PIPAC is combined with systemic chemotherapy.
Ascorbate Plus Buformin in AML: A Metabolic Targeted Treatment
Authors: Banella Cristina , Catalano Gianfranco , Travaglini Serena , Pelosi Elvira , Ottone Tiziana , Zaza Alessandra , Guerrera Gisella , Angelini Daniela Francesca , Niscola Pasquale , Divona Mariadomenica , Battistini Luca , Screnci Maria , Ammatuna Emanuele , Testa Ugo , Nervi Clara , Voso Maria Teresa , Noguera Nelida Ines
Published: May 2022

In the present study, we characterized the metabolic background of different Acute Myeloid Leukemias’ (AMLs) cells and described a heterogeneous and highly flexible energetic metabolism. Using the Seahorse XF Agilent, we compared the metabolism of normal hematopoietic progenitors with that of primary AML blasts and five different AML cell lines. We assessed the efficacy and mechanism of action of the association of high doses of ascorbate, a powerful oxidant, with the metabolic inhibitor buformin, which inhibits mitochondrial complex I and completely shuts down mitochondrial contributions in ATP production. Primary blasts from seventeen AML patients, assayed for annexin V and live/dead exclusion by flow cytometry, showed an increase in the apoptotic effect using the drug combination, as compared with ascorbate alone. We show that ascorbate inhibits glycolysis through interfering with HK1/2 and GLUT1 functions in hematopoietic cells. Ascorbate combined with buformin decreases mitochondrial respiration and ATP production and downregulates glycolysis, enhancing the apoptotic effect of ascorbate in primary blasts from AMLs and sparing normal CD34+ bone marrow progenitors. In conclusion, our data have therapeutic implications especially in fragile patients since both agents have an excellent safety profile, and the data also support the clinical evaluation of ascorbate–buformin in association with different mechanism drugs for the treatment of refractory/relapsing AML patients with no other therapeutic options.
Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation for High-Risk Neuroblastoma: Historical and Critical Review
Authors: Mora Jaume
Published: May 2022

Curing high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) is a challenging endeavor, which involves the optimal application of several therapeutic modalities. Treatment intensity for cancer became highly appealing in the 1990s. Investigative trials assumed that tumor response correlated with the dosage or intensity of drug(s) administered, and that this response would translate into improved survival. It was postulated that, if myelotoxicity could be reversed by stem-cell rescue, cure might be possible by increasing the dose intensity of treatment. The principle supported autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) strategies. High-dose therapy transformed clinical practice, legislation, and public health policy, and it drove a two-decade period of entrepreneurial oncology. However, today, no ASCT strategies remain for any solid tumor indication in adults. As with most solid malignancies, higher dosing of cytotoxic agents has not resulted in a clear benefit in survival for HR-NB patients, whereas the long-term toxicity has been well defined. Fortunately, novel approaches such as anti-GD2 immunotherapy have demonstrated a significant survival benefit with a much less adverse impact on the patient’s wellbeing. On the basis of extensive experience, persisting with administering myeloablative chemotherapy as the standard to treat children with HR-NB is not consistent with the overall aim in pediatric oncology of curing with as little toxicity as possible.