bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proactive Personality and Construction Worker Safety Behavior: Safety Self-Efficacy and Team Member Exchange as Mediators and Safety-Specific Transformational Leadership as Moderators
Authors: Mo Junwen , Cui Libing , Wang Ruirui , Cui Xuesong
Published: April 2023

Research on the correlation between personality traits and safety behaviors has been thoroughly explored in previous literature. However, most of these studies are based on explaining the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and safety behavior, with few explaining the relationship between proactive personality and safety behavior. This study relies on trait activation theory, social cognitive theory, and social exchange theory to understand the relationship between proactive personality and safety behavior (safety participation and safety compliance) by using safety self-efficacy and team member exchange as mediating variables and safety-specific transformational leadership as moderating variables. Method: Considering the issue of common method bias, a multi-source and multi-stage data collection research design was used to collect 287 valid questionnaires from construction workers in 10 construction projects and apply regression analysis for hypothesis testing. Conclusions: Research results indicated that proactive personality positively and significantly influenced construction workers’ safety behaviors, while safety self-efficacy and team member exchange partially mediated the relationship between proactive personality and safety behaviors. In addition, safety-specific transformational leadership enhanced the positive relationship between proactive personality and safety behavior. These findings enrich the research on the correlation between personality traits and safety behaviors of construction workers in a safety context.
Investigation of Circular Hollow Concrete Columns Reinforced with GFRP Bars and Spirals
Authors: Ahmad Afaq , Bahrami Alireza , Alajarmeh Omar , Chairman Nida , Yaqub Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcements are useful alternatives to traditional steel bars in concrete structures, particularly in vertical structural elements such as columns, as they are less prone to corrosion, and impart increasing strength and endurance of buildings. There is limited research on the finite element analysis (FEA) of the structural behavior of hollow glass fiber-reinforced polymer reinforced concrete (GFRPRC) columns. The hollow portion can be used for the service duct and for reducing the self-weight of the members. Numerical analysis of the compressive response of circular hollow concrete columns reinforced with GFRP bars and spirals is performed in this study. This article aims to investigate the axial behavior of hollow GFRP concrete columns and compare it with that of solid steel reinforced concrete (RC) columns as well as hollow steel RC columns. The Abaqus software is used to construct finite element models. After calibration of modeling using an experimental test result as a control model, a parametric study is conducted. The columns with the same geometry, loading, and boundary conditions are analyzed in the parametric study. It is resulted that the hollow GFRP concrete columns provide a greater confinement effect than the solid steel RC columns. The average variation in the ultimate axial load-carrying capacities of the experimental results, from that of the FEA values, is noted to be only 3.87%, while the average difference in the corresponding deformations is 7.08%. Moreover, the hollow GFRP concrete columns possess greater axial load and deformation capacities compared with the solid steel RC columns.
Investigation of Stress Concentration Zones in FEM-Based Design of Welded Plated Structures
Authors: Bärnkopf Erzsébet , Kövesdi Balázs , Dunai László
Published: April 2023

The numerical model-based design is commonly applied to steel structures using advanced numerical models and analysis. These models often contain stress concentration zones, which can cause problems for designers within the evaluation process. There are two basic questions to answer in the design: (i) are these stress concentrations real physical stresses or numerical singularities and (ii) should these stresses be considered in the design process or can be neglected? The current paper shows a proposal to separate the real physical stresses from the numerical stress concentrations and an improved design method is introduced to consider or neglect them in the daily design. The proposed evaluation method is presented through a design example taken from the daily bridge design practice. The calculation method of the design check is presented first by using (i) linear analysis and (ii) geometrical and material non-linear analysis. Based on the comparison of these two calculation methods the evaluation process of the stress concentration zone is presented as an example. The paper introduces an evaluation method for the stress concentration zone, which can be applied to different structures similarly.
Research on Hybrid FRP–Steel-Reinforced Concrete Slabs under Blast Load
Authors: Han Zebin , Qu Wenjun , Zhu Peng
Published: April 2023

The service environment of civil air defense engineering structures is relatively harsh, and the corrosion of steel bars is the main reason for reducing the durability of concrete structures in civil air defense engineering. A hybrid FRP–steel-reinforced concrete (hybrid-RC) structure has excellent durability. Therefore, it is a good choice to apply hybrid-RC to civil air defense engineering structures. In order to study the blast resistance of hybrid-RC structures, close blast and contact blast experiments were carried out on hybrid-RC slabs, steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) slabs and GFRP-reinforced concrete (GRC) slabs. For the close blast experiment, the steel reinforcement in the SRC slab first entered the plasticity stage, whereas the GFRP reinforcement in the hybrid-RC slab was in the elastic stage under the close blast. Therefore, the capacity to dissipate energy through the vibration in the hybrid-RC slab was better than that of the SRC slab. The residual deformation in the hybrid-RC slab after the close blast experiment was smaller than that of the SRC slab. The Blast Recovery Index (BRI) was introduced to evaluate the recovery capacity of the concrete slab after the close blast, and damage assessment criteria for the hybrid-RC slabs were proposed according to the maximum support rotation θm and BRI. There was little difference in the size of the local damage in the hybrid-RC slab and the SRC slab under the contact blast. However, since the GFRP reinforcement was still in the elastic stage and the steel reinforcement was plastic after the contact blast, the ratio of the residual bearing capacity to the original bearing capacity in the hybrid-RC concrete slab would be larger than that of the SRC slab. The prediction formula for the top face diameter D and blasting depth L of the hybrid-RC slab was obtained through dimensionless analysis. This research can provide a reference for the anti-blast design of hybrid-RC slabs.
Experimental Study on Influence of Initial Relative Dry Density on K0 of Coarse-Grained Soil
Authors: Jiang Ming-Jie , Xie Huo-Liang , Fang Chao-Rong , Zhang Ke-Xin , Zhu Jun-Gao
Published: April 2023

The coefficient of earth pressure at rest, K0, is a significant mechanical parameter, and the investigation of the K0 of coarse-grained soil has important theoretical significance and applicational value in geotechnical engineering. However, there are few studies on the influence of the initial dry density (ρd) on the K0 of coarse-grained soil due to the limitations of the related test instruments or methods. A series of K0 tests for two types of coarse-grained soils (rockfill soil and sandy-gravel soil) were conducted based on a newly developed large-scale apparatus to reveal the relationship between the K0 and ρd of coarse-grained soil. The test results showed that the K0 of coarse-grained soil decreases with an increase in vertical stress, and this trend tends to be gentle with respect to the increase in vertical stress. The results also implied that there was a negative linear relationship between the K0 of coarse-grained soil and ρd. Furthermore, a comparative analysis between rockfill soil and sandy-gravel soil indicated that the relative equation proposed by the authors was appropriate for any type of coarse-grained soil with any ρd. Moreover, an empirical equation that can accurately describe the effective relationship of σv and ρd with the K0 for coarse-grained soil was proposed, and the accuracy of the empirical equations were verified by the K0 test results concerning sand-gravel soil. Finally, based on the published research findings, the empirical equations’ applicability to any coarse-grained soil was verified.
Effect of Numerous Small Deformations Due to Moderate Earthquakes on Seismic Response of Wooden Houses
Authors: Inoue Ryo , Mori Takuro , Matsumoto Shinya
Published: April 2023

In order to confirm the effect of multiple moderate earthquakes on the response deformation of wooden houses at the time of a major earthquake, an earthquake response analysis, considering performance deterioration due to repeated small deformations, was conducted. As a result, it was found that the effect of multiple moderate earthquakes on the mean response deformation during a major earthquake was small. On the other hand, in some cases, the response deformation was up to 1.2 times larger than that of the sound case. In the case of a house where the response deformation was near the criteria of continuous use and/or collapse, the influence of the response magnification was large. This shows the importance of giving higher seismic performance compared to the standard. The response deformation during repeated medium earthquakes may increase for houses with considerably low seismic performance. However, for the houses that meet current standards, little to no increase in response deformation was seen.
Investigation of an Empirical Creep Constitutive Model of Changsha Red Loam
Authors: Long Lin , Li Zhida , Li Yunyu
Published: April 2023

To describe and predict the creep deformation of Changsha red loam (including sandy soil and silty clay) in China, an empirical creep model was proposed based on a laboratory consolidation compression test. Two classical soil layers were sampled from the deep foundation pit site and fourteen samples were designed for tests under different loading conditions. Results show that the deformation process illustrates deceleration and stabilization creep with its vertical load lower than 500 kPa, while it may illustrate acceleration with its vertical load higher than 500 kPa. By analyzing the experimental results, the empirical creep model of the red loam was established. Adopting the model to predict the deformation of red loam shows the prediction curves match the actual situation, proving that the model plays a significant role in predicting the creep deformation of Changsha red loam.
Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Heterogeneity and Identified Novel Therapeutic Targets for Breast Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Vishnubalaji Radhakrishnan , Alajez Nehad M.
Published: April 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease, which is primarily classified according to hormone receptors and HER2 expression. Despite the many advances in BC diagnosis and management, the identification of novel actionable therapeutic targets expressed by cancerous cells has always been a daunting task due to the large heterogeneity of the disease and the presence of non-cancerous cells (i.e., immune cells and stromal cells) within the tumor microenvironment. In the current study, we employed computational algorithms to decipher the cellular composition of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), HER2+, ER+HER2+, and triple-negative BC (TNBC) subtypes from a total of 49,899 single cells’ publicly available transcriptomic data derived from 26 BC patients. Restricting the analysis to EPCAM+Lin− tumor epithelial cells, we identified the enriched gene sets in each BC molecular subtype. Integration of single-cell transcriptomic with CRISPR-Cas9 functional screen data identified 13 potential therapeutic targets for ER+, 44 potential therapeutic targets for HER2+, and 29 potential therapeutic targets for TNBC. Interestingly, several of the identified therapeutic targets outperformed the current standard of care for each BC subtype. Given the aggressive nature and lack of targeted therapies for TNBC, elevated expression of ENO1, FDPS, CCT6A, TUBB2A, and PGK1 predicted worse relapse-free survival (RFS) in basal BC (n = 442), while elevated expression of ENO1, FDPS, CCT6A, and PGK1 was observed in the most aggressive BLIS TNBC subtype. Mechanistically, targeted depletion of ENO1 and FDPS halted TNBC cell proliferation, colony formation, and organoid tumor growth under 3-dimensional conditions and increased cell death, suggesting their potential use as novel therapeutic targets for TNBC. Differential expression and gene set enrichment analysis in TNBC revealed enrichment in the cycle and mitosis functional categories in FDPShigh, while ENO1high was associated with numerous functional categories, including cell cycle, glycolysis, and ATP metabolic processes. Taken together, our data are the first to unravel the unique gene signatures and to identify novel dependencies and therapeutic vulnerabilities for each BC molecular subtype, thus setting the foundation for the future development of more effective targeted therapies for BC.
Fabrication of a Flower-like Copper Oxide Film-Coated Nanoporous Stainless Steel Using Anodization-Assisted Electrodeposition as a Novel Antibacterial Material
Authors: Wang Hefeng , Lin Naiming , Zhang Jiaojiao , Jia Yiwei , Zhao Hongting
Published: April 2023

In this study, flower-like copper oxide film was prepared on the surface of 316L nanoporous stainless steel (Cu/NPSS) by anodization-assisted electrodeposition. The prepared NPSS and Cu/NPSS were evaluated with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Based on local use of common diseases, the antibacterial activity of Cu/NPSS against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) was investigated. The diameters of the as-formed nanopores were about 93 nm at 50 V. Cu film was successfully deposited on the surface of NPSS. The presence of Cu and O was detected in the surface of Cu/NPSS by EDX analyses. The results obtained for Cu/NPSS revealed a marked antibacterial ability. The growth inhibition rates of Cu/NPSS against E. coli and S. aureus were 99.6% and 97.4% within 12 h, respectively. This may be because of the small size and high surface-to-volume ratio of the material in addition to the release of metal ions in solution. Accordingly, Cu/NPSS will help broaden promising applications in fields of biomedical implants and devices.
An Investigation into Electrodeposited Co−Ni−TiO2 Films with Improved Mechanical and Corrosion Properties
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Miao Zengcheng , Zheng Songlin , Chen Jiahuan , He Zhen
Published: April 2023

This investigation proposes the use of sol-enhanced electrodeposition to create a range of Co−Ni−TiO2 films. The addition of TiO2 sol controls the nucleation process and the properties of the composite films by generating TiO2 nanoparticles in situ in the electrodeposition process. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and zeta potential analyses revealed a relatively homogenous distribution with particle size in the range below 100 nm for the TiO2 nanoparticles produced. Microstructure, phase composition, hardness, friction, and corrosion resistance of Co−Ni−TiO2 films were thoroughly investigated in relation to TiO2 sol concentration. The results show that the addition of a limited content of TiO2 sol upgraded Co−Ni films by producing a Co−Ni−TiO2 film with a high dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles. On the other hand, too much TiO2 sol could cause agglomeration and hinder the metal deposition process, resulting in surface pores and the deterioration of film performance.
Crystallographic and TEM Features of a TBC/Ti2AlC MAX Phase Interface after 1300 °C Burner Rig Oxidation
Authors: Smialek James L. , Garg Anita , Harder Bryan J. , Cuy Michael D.
Published: April 2023

A FIB/STEM interfacial study was performed on a TBC/Ti2AlC MAX phase system, oxidized in an aggressive burner rig test (Mach 0.3 at 1300 °C for 500 h). The 7YSZ TBC, α-Al2O3 TGO, and MAXthal 211TM Ti2AlC base were variously characterized by TEM/STEM, EDS, SADP, and HRTEM. The YSZ was a mix of “clean” featureless and “faulted” high contrast grains. The latter exhibited ferro-elastic domains of high Y content tetragonal t″ variants. No martensite was observed. The TGO was essentially a duplex α-Al2O3 structure of inner columnar plus outer equiaxed grains. It maintained a perfectly intact, clean interface with the Ti2AlC substrate. The Ti2AlC substrate exhibited no interfacial Al-depletion zone but, rather, numerous faults along the basal plane of the hexagonal structure. These are believed to offer a means of depleting Al by forming crystallographic, low-Al planar defects, proposed as Ti2.5AlC1.5. These characterizations support and augment prior optical, SEM, and XRD findings that demonstrated remarkable durability for the YSZ/Ti2AlC MAX phase system in aggressive burner tests.
Midpalatal Suture Maturation Stage in 10- to 25-Year-Olds Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shayani Anis , Merino-Gerlach Marco Andrés , Garay-Carrasco Ivonne Angélica , Navarro-Cáceres Pablo Eliseo , Sandoval-Vidal Héctor Paulo
Published: April 2023

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of midpalatal maturational stages in a Chilean urban sample of adolescents, post-adolescents and young adults, associated with chronological age and sex, by assessing CBCT scan images. Tomographic images in axial sections of the midpalatal sutures from 116 adolescents and young adults (61 females and 55 males, 10–25 years old) were classified according to their morphologic characteristics in five maturational stages (A, B, C, D and E), as proposed by Angelieri et al. The sample was divided into three groups: adolescents, post-adolescents and young adults. Three previously calibrated examiners (radiologist, orthodontist and general dentist) analyzed and classified the images. Stages A, B and C were considered to be an open midpalatal suture, and D and E were considered to be a partially or totally closed midpalatal suture. The most frequent stage of maturation was D (37.9%), followed by C (24%) and E (19.6%). The possibility of finding closed midpalatal sutures in individuals of 10 to 15 years was 58.4%, and in subjects aged 16 to 20 and 21 to 25 years, it was 51.7% and 61.7%, respectively. In males, Stages D and E were present in 45.4%; for females, this prevalence was 68.8%. Individual assessment of the midpalatal suture in each patient is of crucial importance before making the clinical decision of which is the best maxillary expansion method. Due to the extensive calibration and training required, it is advisable to always request a report from a radiologist. Individual evaluation with 3D imaging is recommended because of the great variability observed in the ossification of midpalatal sutures in adolescents, post-adolescents and young adults.
In Vivo Fibroblast Activation of Systemic Sarcoidosis: A 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT Imaging Study
Authors: Wang Jingnan , Huo Li , Lin Lu , Niu Na , Li Xiang
Published: April 2023

A 47-year-old female with cardiac dysfunction and lymphadenopathy underwent 18FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-FAPI-04 imaging for tumor screening. Mild uptake in the left ventricular wall was detected on the oncology 18FDG PET/CT. True myocardiac-involvement could not be distinguished with physiological uptake. The following 68Ga-FAPI-04 showed intense heterogeneous uptake in the left ventricular wall, particularly in the septum and apex area, corresponding with the late gadolinium enhancement regions shown by cardiac MR. Intense uptake was also noted in the mediastinal and bilateral hilar lymph nodes. Endomyocardial biopsy demonstrated sarcoidosis.
Glandular Odontogenic Cyst in the Anterior Mandible: A Case Report of a Conservative Approach and a Recurrence Detection
Authors: de Campos Wladimir Gushiken , Araújo Rita , Martin Victor , Trierveiler Marília , Gomes Pedro , Lemos Celso Augusto
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is considered a rare developmental cyst, with an odontogenic origin and both epithelial and glandular characteristics, with less than 200 reported cases in the literature. Methods: In the present case, a 29-year-old man was referred for evaluation of an asymptomatic slow-growing swelling in the anterior region of the mandible, with one-year history. The patient’s medical history did not reveal any systemic alteration. The extraoral examination did not show enlargement of the facial contour and the intraoral examination showed vestibular and lingual swelling. Panoramic radiography and CT scan revealed a well-defined unilocular radiolucent lesion involving the inferior incisors and canines bilaterally. Results: Histopathological analysis revealed multiple cysts lined by stratified epithelium with varying thickness and characteristics, in addition to duct-like structures filled with PAS-positive amorphous material, suggestive of GOC. Conservative treatment was performed through surgical curettage, peripheral ostectomy of the surgical site and apicectomy of the teeth involved in the lesion. There was one recurrence, which was detected in postoperative follow-up, leading to a new surgical approach. Conclusions: Fifteen months after the second procedure, no signs of recurrence were identified, and bone neoformation within the surgical site occurred, supporting that a conservative approach for the treatment of GOC is viable.
Is There Still a Role for Two-Phase Contrast-Enhanced CT and Virtual Monoenergetic Images in the Era of Photon-Counting Detector CT?
Authors: Estler Arne , Nikolaou Konstantin , Schönberg Stefan O. , Bamberg Fabian , Froelich Matthias F. , Tollens Fabian , Verloh Niklas , Weiss Jakob , Horger Marius , Hagen Florian
Published: April 2023

Background: To compare the diagnostic characteristics between arterial phase imaging versus portal venous phase imaging, applying polychromatic T3D images and low keV virtual monochromatic images using a 1st generation photon-counting CT detector, of CT in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Consecutive patients with HCC, with a clinical indication for CT imaging, were prospectively enrolled. Virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) were reconstructed at 40 to 70 keV for the PCD-CT. Two independent, blinded radiologists counted all hepatic lesions and quantified their size. The lesion-to-background ratio was quantified for both phases. SNR and CNR were determined for T3D and low VMI images; non-parametric statistics were used. Results: Among 49 oncologic patients (mean age 66.9 ± 11.2 years, eight females), HCC was detected in both arterial and portal venous scans. The signal-to-noise ratio, the CNR liver-to-muscle, the CNR tumor-to-liver, and CNR tumor-to-muscle were 6.58 ± 2.86, 1.40 ± 0.42, 1.13 ± 0.49, and 1.53 ± 0.76 in the arterial phase and 5.93 ± 2.97, 1.73 ± 0.38, 0.79 ± 0.30, and 1.36 ± 0.60 in the portal venous phase with PCD-CT, respectively. There was no significant difference in SNR between the arterial and portal venous phases, including between “T3D” and low keV images (p > 0.05). CNRtumor-to-liver differed significantly between arterial and portal venous contrast phases (p < 0.005) for both “T3D” and all reconstructed keV levels. CNRliver-to-muscle and CNRtumor-to-muscle did not differ in either the arterial or portal venous contrast phases. CNRtumor-to-liver increased in the arterial contrast phase with lower keV in addition to SD. In the portal venous contrast phase, CNRtumor-to-liver decreased with lower keV; whereas, CNRtumor-to-muscle increased with lower keV in both arterial and portal venous contrast phases. CTDI and DLP mean values for the arterial upper abdomen phase were 9.03 ± 3.59 and 275 ± 133, respectively. CTDI and DLP mean values for the abdominal portal venous phase were 8.75 ± 2.99 and 448 ± 157 with PCD-CT, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found concerning the inter-reader agreement for any of the (calculated) keV levels in either the arterial or portal-venous contrast phases. Conclusions: The arterial contrast phase imaging provides higher lesion-to-background ratios of HCC lesions using a PCD-CT; especially, at 40 keV. However, the difference was not subjectively perceived as significant.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring for Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in Pregnant Women
Authors: Espeche Walter G. , Salazar Martin R.
Published: April 2023

Hypertension disorders during pregnancy has a wide range of severities, from a mild clinical condition to a life-threatening one. Currently, office BP is still the main method for the diagnosis of hypertension during pregnancy. Despite of the limitation these measurements, in clinical practice office BP of 140/90 mmHg cut point is used to simplify diagnosis and treatment decisions. The out-of-office BP evaluations are it comes to discarding white-coat hypertension with little utility in practice to rule out masked hypertension and nocturnal hypertension. In this revision, we analyzed the current evidence of the role of ABPM in diagnosing and managing pregnant women. ABPM has a defined role in the evaluation of BP levels in pregnant women, being appropriate performing an ABPM to classification of HDP before 20 weeks of gestation and second ABMP performed between 20–30 weeks of gestation to detected of women with a high risk of development of PE. Furthermore, we propose to, discarding white-coat hypertension and detecting masked chronic hypertension in pregnant women with office BP > 125/75 mmHg. Finally, in women who had PE, a third ABPM in the post-partum period could identify those with higher long-term cardiovascular risk related with masked hypertension.
Hydrogen Embrittlement of CrCoNi Medium-Entropy Alloy with Millimeter-Scale Grain Size: An In Situ Hydrogen Charging Study
Authors: Yan Shaohua , He Xipei , Zhu Zhongyin
Published: April 2023

In this study, we examined the effect of charging current density on the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of MEA and the associated HE mechanisms using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). Results show that MEA is susceptible to HE, but is stronger than as-rolled and 3D-printed Cantor alloy and stainless steel. The HE susceptibility of MEA decreases with increasing current density. Ductile fracture with transgranular dimples switches to intergranular brittle fracture with clear slip bands in the interior of grains. EBSD results uncovered that hydrogen facilitates localized slips and deformation twins. Hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity and hydrogen decohesion are the possible HE mechanisms.
Improved Physics-Informed Neural Networks Combined with Small Sample Learning to Solve Two-Dimensional Stefan Problem
Authors: Li Jiawei , Wu Wei , Feng Xinlong
Published: April 2023

With the remarkable development of deep learning in the field of science, deep neural networks provide a new way to solve the Stefan problem. In this paper, deep neural networks combined with small sample learning and a general deep learning framework are proposed to solve the two-dimensional Stefan problem. In the case of adding less sample data, the model can be modified and the prediction accuracy can be improved. In addition, by solving the forward and inverse problems of the two-dimensional single-phase Stefan problem, it is verified that the improved method can accurately predict the solutions of the partial differential equations of the moving boundary and the dynamic interface.
Ranking Plant Network Nodes Based on Their Centrality Measures
Authors: Kumar Nilesh , Mukhtar M. Shahid
Published: April 2023

Biological networks are often large and complex, making it difficult to accurately identify the most important nodes. Node prioritization algorithms are used to identify the most influential nodes in a biological network by considering their relationships with other nodes. These algorithms can help us understand the functioning of the network and the role of individual nodes. We developed CentralityCosDist, an algorithm that ranks nodes based on a combination of centrality measures and seed nodes. We applied this and four other algorithms to protein–protein interactions and co-expression patterns in Arabidopsis thaliana using pathogen effector targets as seed nodes. The accuracy of the algorithms was evaluated through functional enrichment analysis of the top 10 nodes identified by each algorithm. Most enriched terms were similar across algorithms, except for DIAMOnD. CentralityCosDist identified more plant–pathogen interactions and related functions and pathways compared to the other algorithms.
Analysis of the Impact of the Pandemic on the Growth, Use, and Development of E-Business: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Ambrosio-Pérez Milagros , Cabanillas-Carbonell Michael , Iparraguirre-Villanueva Orlando
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various sectors in multiple countries, among them the economic sector has been one of the most affected, so the search for tools or measures for the continuation of sales and processes became recurrent, finding in e-business and its components precise tools to counteract the situation. Therefore, the present research aims to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use, growth, and development of e-business by conducting a systematic literature review using the PRISMA methodology, collecting scientific articles covering the period of the pandemic from databases such as IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Scopus, EBSCO, and IOPScience. Despite the limitations in access to scientific articles, it could be concluded that within the main characteristics identified, e-business tools in general allowed many businesses to continue subsisting and making sales thanks to the increase in online users due to the COVID-19 lockdowns. Although it was identified that the adoption of these tools lacked policies, limitations, and supports from governments, the perception of their use was positive in that they were considered safe and efficient.
Critical Issues and Trends in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Education in the Post-COVID-19 Era in China and Spain
Authors: Qiu Yinglong , García-Aracil Adela , Isusi-Fagoaga Rosa
Published: April 2023

In the post-COVID-19 era, where innovation and entrepreneurship as an engine for economic development is a top priority for each country, acquiring various skills through innovation and entrepreneurship education is a trend for higher education students. We focus our analysis on two public universities in China and Spain with some similarities in the implementation of innovation and entrepreneurship education. To obtain our information, we conducted interviews with multiple experts in both universities. The study shows that both countries provide funding and policies to promote innovation and entrepreneurship education as innovation and entrepreneurship education is seen as making the university more visible, both at the national and international levels, and as providing society with employment opportunities. We conclude that although innovation and entrepreneurship education design and definition in both universities are different, their development characteristics and trends are the same. Moreover, both universities face common difficulties, namely financial support, management support, and integration with different disciplines. Finally, innovation and entrepreneurship education promote also internationalization and regional development, which requires both countries to strengthen foreign language education and the provision of more entrepreneurial support services.
Replacing Exams with Project-Based Assessment: Analysis of Students’ Performance and Experience
Authors: Gratchev Ivan
Published: April 2023

This study seeks to investigate whether project-based assignments can lead to better student performance and learning experience compared to traditional examinations. In an engineering course of soil mechanics, the traditional mid-semester and final exams were replaced by project work which was related to a real-life site investigation. Student performance was evaluated on the basis of student marks whilst student feedback was analysed to understand student experience with project-based assignments. The results indicated that the student average mark for the projects was greater than the average mark for the exams. In addition, their learning experience improved after the exams were replaced with the project-based assignments because students were able to see practical applications of the course content. However, a few issues, including feedback to students delivered at the end of the term, increased teacher’s workload, and the effect of COVID were also identified.
Anonymous Methods Based on Multi-Attribute Clustering and Generalization Constraints
Authors: Fan Yunhui , Shi Xiangbo , Zhang Shuiqiang , Tong Yala
Published: April 2023

The dissemination and sharing of data sheets in IoT applications presents privacy and security challenges that can be addressed using the k-anonymization algorithm. However, this method needs improvement, for example, in areas related to its overgeneralization and its insufficient attribute diversity constraints during the anonymization process. To address these issues, this study proposes a multi-attribute clustering and generalization constraints (k,l)-anonymization method that can be applied to multidimensional data tables. The algorithm first used a greedy strategy to rank the attributes by width first, derived the division into dimensions to construct a multidimensional generalization hierarchy, and then selected the attributes with the most significant width values as the priority generalization attributes. Next, the k-nearest neighbor (KNN) clustering method was introduced to determine the initial clustering center by the width-first results, divide the quasi-identifier attributes into KNN clusters according to a distance metric, and generalize the quasi-identifier attributes in the equivalence class using a hierarchical generalization structure. Then, the proposed method re-evaluated the attributes to be generalized before each generalization operation. Finally, the algorithm employed an improved frequency–diversity constraint to generalize sensitive attributes in order to ensure that there were at least l records that were mutually dissimilar and closest in the equivalence class. While limiting the frequency threshold for the occurrence of sensitive attributes, the sensitive attribute values remained similar within the group, thus achieving protection of anonymity for all the attributes.
Control of Operational Modes of an Urban Distribution Grid under Conditions of Uncertainty
Authors: Tavarov Saidjon Shiralievich , Sidorov Alexander , Čonka Zsolt , Safaraliev Murodbek , Matrenin Pavel , Senyuk Mihail , Beryozkina Svetlana , Zicmane Inga
Published: April 2023

The article is devoted to solving the problem of managing the mode parameters of an urban electrical network in case of a discrepancy between the actual electrical load and the specific load. Such an issue leads to a deviation of the parameters, in particular, voltage asymmetry in phases due to current asymmetry. To optimize the mode parameters, it is required that the effective value of the electrical load corresponds as much as possible to the values of the specific electrical load. This depends on the following: actual power consumption, external (climatic and meteorological) factors, internal factors (structural design of residential buildings, uneven load when distributed over the phases of three-phase lines and inputs, different number of electrical receivers for consumers), and the provision of consumers with other sources of energy (both gas and heat supply, and hot water supply). To establish the influencing factors on the actual power consumption, it is proposed to generalize the uncertainty accounting coefficient which generalizes both more well-known and less considered factors. Therefore, the authors propose models for determining the electrical loads based on the possibility of assessing the mode parameters of the electrical network by electrical loads. The accuracy of the proposed models is based on the use of the proposed forecasting method considering the actual power consumption and the generalized uncertainty coefficient. Applying the obtained data based on models of electrical loads to the constructed model of a part of a distribution electrical network with real parameters of the electrical network in the MathWorks Simulink environment, the correspondence to the mode parameters of the distribution electrical network is determined. As a result, a device for balancing the voltage depending on the load asymmetry is proposed that is related to the discrepancy between the mode parameters allowing control of the mode parameters by bringing them to acceptable values.
Alternative Internal Configurations for Enhancing Heat Transfer in Telecommunication Cabinets
Authors: Jobby Antony , Khatamifar Mehdi , Lin Wenxian
Published: April 2023

Telecommunication systems have become a critical part of society which enables connectivity to many essential and trivial services. Consequently, telecommunication equipment is housed in cabinets to protect the electronics from a variety of hazards; one of which is temperature-related failure. Current practices use a notable amount of power for the thermal management of telecommunication cabinets which can be reduced by considering alternative methods of cooling. In this paper, experiments were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of different internal mounting configurations of electronic components on the thermal performance of a telecommunication cabinet. The investigation tested inclinations (0–90°), different staggered offsets (0–50 mm), changing stream-wise spacing (29–108 mm), and fan speed (with a Reynolds number in the range of 1604 to 5539). The experimental study revealed that heat transfer was enhanced by 9.99% by altering component inclination to 90°, 25.90% by increasing stream-wise spacing from 29 mm to 108 mm, and 36.02% by increasing the Reynolds number from 1604 to 5539. However, the staggered arrangement of internal components decreased Nu by 3.26% for the natural convection condition but increased by 5.69% for the forced convection condition over the tested range and increasing the centre offset of the staggered components with respect to the cabinet did not influence Nu in any significant manner. Natural convection and forced convection also had notable influence on the heat transfer rate. Hence it was seen that alternative internal configurations positively influence heat transfer in telecommunication cabinets for the cases studied.
Analysis of the Level of Efficiency of Control Methods in the Context of Energy Intensity
Authors: Pacana Andrzej , Czerwińska Karolina , Ostasz Grzegorz
Published: April 2023

In enterprises, the management of detection methods usually refers to ensuring the identification of nonconformities. This management is incomplete and incompatible with the concept of sustainability (it ignores electricity consumption and costs). To date, no models have been developed to support the analysis of detection methods in terms of the relationship of efficiency–energy consumption. The purpose of the study was to develop proprietary software to analyse the level of efficiency of detection methods for casting products in the context of their energy intensity. The model supports effective management of the quality control process, optimising the relationship of product quality–energy intensity of the process. The model integrally combines detection methods, so it was possible to identify critical product nonconformities and analyse these methods to determine their effectiveness, time efficiency, cost efficiency, and energy intensity. As a result of the implications of the software, a ranking of the total efficiency of electrical connector detection methods was obtained. The numerical values of the total efficiency index indicated that X-ray testing was the most effective, well ahead of the other methods. The eddy current and ultrasonic tests show similar values for the index analysed. A verification of the software was carried out that confirmed its suitability in foundry enterprises.
Assessing the Carbon Storage Potential of a Young Mangrove Plantation in Myanmar
Authors: Aye Wai Nyein , Tong Xiaojuan , Li Jun , Tun Aung Wunna
Published: April 2023

Mangrove forests provide many ecosystem services to coastal communities and are essential in addressing climate change and coastal erosion. Unfortunately, physical pressures, including timber extraction, firewood, and land conversion to agriculture and aquaculture have threatened this ecosystem. Recognizing the reduction in mangrove coverage, mangrove plantations are widely being utilized in many countries to restore ecosystem services, including capturing and storing atmospheric carbon. However, it is still being determined whether mangrove plantations can sequester carbon as much as natural mangroves. This study investigated the carbon storage potential of the planted mangrove in the Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar. Field data: the diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm and the total tree height (H) ≥ 1 m of all standing trees within each plot were measured and recorded according to species and were used to calculate biomass and carbon storage. The findings of the present study described that the overall average above- and belowground carbon storage of the mangrove plantation was 100.34 ± 50.70 Mg C ha−1 and 34.76 ± 16.59 Mg C ha−1, respectively. Biomass and carbon storage were closely related to the stand basal area. Among species, the Avicennia officinalis species contributed the highest total biomass carbon accumulation. The average amount of carbon sequestration by the planted mangroves was 495.85 MgCO2-eq ha−1. According to the findings, mangrove plantations could achieve benefits in terms of carbon storage and sequestration in biomass with suitable species selection and management. This finding can be applied to mangrove plantation management at the regional and global levels.
Emission Factors for the Burning of Decking Slabs Made of Wood and Thermoplastic with a Cone Calorimeter
Authors: Martinent Bruno , Meerpoel-Pietri Karina , Petlitckaia Svetlana , Barboni Toussaint , Tihay-Felicelli Virginie , Santoni Paul-Antoine
Published: April 2023

Smoke is an important component of wildfires. Specifying the combustion process of different materials allows scientists to better prevent and adopt public health measures. This experimental study contributes to a better characterisation of the smoke emitted by two types of decking, wood and thermoplastic, commonly used in terraces. Emission factors were characterised using a cone calorimeter for different incident fluxes ranging from 10 to 50 kW/m2. The study showed that compared to wooden (pine) decking, thermoplastic (polypropylene) decking produces more gases and aerosols, less VOCs, but with a chemical composition that is more carcinogenic.
Feeding Habit-Specific Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Fish in a Tropical Reservoir in Southern China
Authors: Wu Di , Feng Hao , Zou Ying , Xiao Juan , Zhang Pengfei , Ji Yuxiang , Lek Sovan , Guo Zhiqiang , Fu Qiongyao
Published: April 2023

Dietary uptake is well known as the predominant pathway of heavy metal bioaccumulation in organisms. Our study used a typical tropical reservoir and fish as a modeling system to test the hypothesis that feeding habits and living habitats significantly affect heavy metal bioaccumulation in fish. Specifically, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb concentrations in water, sediment, and fish, and δ13C and δ15N in 13 fish species were detected in the Songtao Reservoir of Hainan Province, southern China. Our results indicated that Zn concentration in carnivorous fish was higher than in omnivorous fish. Principal components analysis visually differentiated pelagic, benthopelagic, and demersal fish groups. Moreover, we found that the fish feeding in the demersal habitat showed higher heavy metal levels than those in the pelagic habitat. Additionally, the heavy metal contents in demersal fish were significantly positively correlated with sediments, while no positive correlation was observed in pelagic-feeding fish. The δ15N and the concentration of Ni, Zn in fish had a significantly positive correlation, suggesting the potential biomagnification. In contrast, Ni, Fe, Cu, and Cd negatively correlated with fish body weight/length, indicating the growth dilution effects. Finally, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the metals was far below the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI), and target hazard quotients (THQ) were <1.0, indicating that the fish had no risk for consumption risks. Overall, our finding partially validated the hypothesis that the feeding habits and living habitats significantly influence heavy metal bioaccumulation in fish, which might be a broad generality for metal exposure scenarios in aquatic environments.
Effect of Photoperiod and Transfer Time on Atlantic Salmon Smolt Quality and Growth in Freshwater and Seawater Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Pino Martinez Enrique , Imsland Albert Kjartan Dagbjartarson , Hosfeld Anne-Camilla Diesen , Handeland Sigurd Olav
Published: April 2023

Smoltification is a key process in Atlantic salmon aquaculture, given it prepares the fish for a successful transit from fresh to seawater. However, industry players have not yet reached a consensus on the best protocols to produce high-quality smolts. In this study, we assessed how the combination of two photoperiod regimes in freshwater (continuous light or LL, and natural photoperiod or LDN) and four transfer times to seawater (February, March, April, and May) affected smolt development and their subsequent growth in seawater until slaughter during commercial production. The results demonstrated that smoltification and growth in freshwater were only slightly modulated by the photoperiod treatment and were instead much more affected by the limiting effect of the low water temperature during that period. In seawater, the growth rate was the highest in the same groups, which had, however, experienced a delay in growth when in freshwater, and consequently, no differences in the final body weight between the eight treatments were found. Such compensatory growth in the sea was probably enhanced by the increasing smolt quality, which could allow for better performance in seawater. A significant link between the weight at slaughter and weight at transfer was observed only in the groups with a lower smolt quality (LL-Feb, LDN-Feb and LDN-Mar), which suggests that larger individuals could cope better with a saline environment. In contrast, smaller smolts probably suffered greater osmotic stress that hindered their performance at sea. Afterwards, as smolt quality increased in the subsequent transfer groups, the relevance of this size effect decreased. This means that the industry may benefit from transferring larger smolts to seawater, especially if these are suspected of having developed suboptimal seawater tolerance. Those individuals are likely to cope better with saline conditions than smaller smolts. Future research should focus on the possible long-term effects of freshwater-rearing regimes on smolt performance in the seawater phase.