bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multicomponent telerehabilitation program for veterans with multimorbidity: A randomized controlled feasibility study
Authors: Rauzi Michelle R. , Abbate Lauren M. , Churchill Laura , Garbin Alexander J. , Forster Jeri E. , Christiansen Cory L. , Stevens‐Lapsley Jennifer E. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundOlder veterans with multimorbidity experience physical and social vulnerabilities that complicate receipt of and adherence to physical rehabilitation services. Thus, traditional physical rehabilitation programs are insufficient to address this population's heterogenous clinical presentation.ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a MultiComponent TeleRehabilitation (MCTR) program for older veterans with multimorbidity.DesignRandomized controlled cross‐over feasibility study.SettingTelehealth from Veterans Affairs Medical Center to participants' homes.ParticipantsFifty U.S. military veterans, age ≥60 years (mean ± SD; 69.2 ± 6.7) with ≥3 comorbidities (6.0 ± 1.9), and impaired physical function were randomized and allocated equally to two groups.InterventionThe MCTR program consisted of high‐intensity rehabilitation, coaching, social support, and technologies. Physical therapists delivered 12 individual and 20 group telerehabilitation sessions/participant. Participants in the education group started the MCTR program after 12 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was combined adherence (>75% of participants attending ≥80% sessions). Acceptability was measured by the Acceptability of Intervention Measure. Secondary outcomes included safety, participant surveys, and physical function. Patient‐level outcomes were collected at baseline, 12 (primary time point), and 24 weeks.ResultsOf 50 participants, 39 adhered to total session attendance (0.78 [95% confidence interval: 0.64–0.88], p = .76), 45 adhered to individual sessions (0.90 [95% confidence interval: 0.78–0.97], p = .01), and 48 rated the program as acceptable (0.96 [95% confidence interval: 0.85–0.99], p < .001). Thirty‐five participants reported 78 safety events, and 12 (15%) had some degree of relatedness to the protocol. Most patient‐level outcomes were similar between groups at 12‐weeks.ConclusionsThe MCTR program was feasible based on high adherence to individual sessions and high acceptability. Adherence results were consistent with previous exercise studies in older adults. Most in‐session safety events were related to underlying medical conditions and consistent with in‐person physical rehabilitation safety events. These results can inform use of telerehabilitation for similar populations.
Psychological Distress in Patients With Asbestos‐Related Diseases and Their Families: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Franzoi Isabella Giulia , Sauta Maria Domenica , Bonafede Michela , Francioso Giulia , De Luca Alessandra , Barbagli Francesca , Granieri Antonella 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundExposure to asbestos in the workplace is currently recognized as one of the leading causes of work‐related deaths, with more than half of deaths attributable to cancer.AimsThe aim of this systematic literature review was to investigate the mental health and psychological distress of patients affected by asbestos‐related diseases and their caregivers.MethodsThe review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. The studies were identified in October 2023 by searching four electronic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and PsycInfo/PsycArtcicles. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI checklist.ResultsFourteen articles were identified. The studies focused exclusively on the psychological distress of patients with malignant mesothelioma (MM) and their caregivers. MM appears to have traumatic effects on both patients and caregivers, who may experience anxiety and depression, an impoverished emotional life, somatization, social withdrawal, and a deterioration in their quality of life. In addition, a need for information about MM, its progression and associated care tasks was identified, and patients and caregivers reported frequently seeking information from online sources.ConclusionsOur review has shown that there are still few studies addressing psychological distress in MM patients and their caregivers, and none addressing distress in the context of other asbestos‐related diseases. The somatopsychic consequences of MM in patients and caregivers should encourage institutions and health professionals to develop assessment and intervention models that are tailored to the specific suffering and needs of MM patients and their caregivers and promote their residual vitality.
Overview of Peptides and Their Potential Roles in Skin Health and Beauty
Authors: Wang Leyang , Wu Zhijing , Wang Xinyu , Wang Xiaoli , Mao Jingzhuo , Yan Yan , Zhang Lu , Zhang Zhuzhen 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPeptides are molecules that consist of at least two amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The difference between peptides and proteins is primarily based on size and structure. Typically, oligopeptides consist of fewer than about 10–20 amino acids, and polypeptides consist of more than 20 amino acids, whereas proteins usually are made up more than 50 amino acids and often contain multiple peptide subunits as stated in the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry rules. Beyond the nutritional properties, peptides are also structural components of hormones, enzymes, toxins, and antibiotics and play several fundamental physiological roles in the body. Since the introduction of the first commercial peptide drug, insulin, peptide‐based drugs have gained increased interest. So far, more than 80 peptide‐based drugs have reached the market for a wide range of conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and urological disorders. Meanwhile, peptides have also gained significant attention in the cosmetic industry because of their potential in boosting skin health. In this review, peptides were comprehensively summarized in the aspects of sources, function, the use of peptides in cosmetics and skin care, and indications for the delivery of cosmetic peptides.
Comprehensive Parent‐Metabolite PBPK/PD Modeling Insights Into Methotrexate Personalized Dosing Strategies in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wang Xin , Wu Jiangfan , Ye Hongjiang , Zhao Xiaofang , Zhu Shenyin 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major public health concern, which can cause serious outcomes. Low‐dose methotrexate (MTX) is a cornerstone in RA treatment, but there is significant heterogeneity in clinical response. To evaluate underlying sources of pharmacokinetic variability and clinical response of MTX, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model was developed using PK‐sim and Mobi (version 11.1). The PBPK model included metabolism and transportation by AXO1, FPGS, GGH, RFC, and MRP2, with renal and biliary excretion. We also developed various degrees of renal insufficiency populations with subsequent dosing optimizations. A total of 23 MTX plasma concentration‐time profiles were used, with 97% of predicted plasma concentrations within a two‐fold range compared to observed data. The PBPK/PD modeling and simulation demonstrated that variability in renal clearance and enzymes related to MTX are likely important drivers of PK variability and there is a quantitative relationship between MTX‐PG3 and RA treatment response. The PBPK/PD model could be used to guide improvement in MTX dose regimens for RA patients.
On Gain Scheduling Trajectory Stabilization for Nonlinear Systems: Theoretical Insights and Experimental Results
Authors: Kessler Nicolas , Fagiano Lorenzo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTSteering a nonlinear system from an initial state to a desired one is a common task in control. While a nominal trajectory can be obtained rather systematically using a model, for example, via numerical optimization, heuristics, or reinforcement learning, the design of a computationally fast and reliable feedback control law that guarantees bounded deviations around the found trajectory can be much more involved. An approach that does not require high online computational power and is well‐accepted in industry is gain‐scheduling. The results presented here pertain to the boundedness guarantees and the set of safe initial conditions of gain‐scheduled control laws, based on subsequent linearizations along the reference trajectory. The approach bounds the uncertainty arising from the linearization process, builds polytopic sets of linear time‐varying systems covering the nonlinear dynamics along the trajectory, and exploits sufficient conditions for the existence of a robust polyquadratic Lyapunov function to attempt the derivation of the desired gain‐scheduled controller via the solution of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A result to estimate an ellipsoidal set of safe initial conditions is provided too. Moreover, arbitrary scheduling strategies between the control gains are considered in the analysis, and the method can also be used to check/assess the boundedness properties obtained with an existing gain‐scheduled law. The approach is demonstrated experimentally on a small quadcopter, as well as in simulation to design a scheduled controller for a chemical reactor model and to validate an existing control law for a gantry crane model.
Mineral nitrogen availability from co‐digested biodigester products as affected by feedstock pretreatment
Authors: Ajayi‐Banji Ademola A. , Cihacek Larry , Rahman Shafiqur , Sunoj Shajahan , Igathinathane Cannayen 
Published: January 2025

AbstractDigestion of animal manures with crop residues to produce methane (CH4) gas is a promising technique to generate “green” energy from agricultural wastes while producing biofertilizers. This study was conducted to understand nitrogen (N) release by biofertilizers from the products of solid‐state anaerobic digestion of untreated corn stover and stover treated with aqueous ammonia (NH4OH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), or Ca(OH)2 plus Fe3O4 nanoparticles blended with dairy manure. Eight biofertilizer materials (feedstocks and digestates) from anaerobic digestion were incubated in the lab for 28 days and the NH4–N and NO3–N data obtained were used to predict N release for seasonal plant availability. Of the untreated and alkaline pretreated biofertilizer materials examined, only calcium hydroxide‐pretreated digestate (CaD) had greater N release (220 mg kg−1) than the untreated soil control (155 mg kg−1) after 28 days of incubation time. In addition, CaD had the most rapid N release rate (0.16 mg kg−1 day−1) and shortest lag phase time (41 days) with a predicted mineral N release of 777 mg kg−1 at 120 days. However, including Fe3O4 nanoparticles slightly suppressed N release. Thus, applying calcium hydroxide‐pretreated digestate to soil could complement N supply for crop cultivation as facilitated by the initial carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio, despite slight N immobilization when iron nanoparticles were added.
Probabilistic operating rules for Thika Dam in Kenya
Authors: Macharia Racheal , Ndiritu John , Gathenya John M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThika Dam, with a storage capacity of 70,000,000 m3 at full capacity and situated at an altitude of 2041 m above sea level, supplies 84% of the total water used by Nairobi city and its surrounding areas. Since becoming operational in 1994, the dam has been providing water through the Ngethu Water Treatment Plant. Due to rapid population growth in Nairobi and neighboring towns, water demand has risen significantly, leading to the construction of the Northern Collector Tunnel (NCT 1) to augment the dam's inflows. The Kigoro Treatment Plant was also constructed to help meet demand, supplying 1.6 m3/s, while Ngethu supplies 4.8 m3/s. To ensure that the reservoir meets the demand and maintains high reliability, the operations are based on policies developed in 2018. However, the 2018 rules were developed based entirely on historical river flows and excluded the Kayuyu River, which contributes 20% of the dam's inflows. Additionally, it was assumed that all the river inflows into the system of the same exceedance probability coincide over time, which is unlikely to happen in practice. This study, therefore, aimed to develop new operating rules that do not have the above‐mentioned limitations of the current rules. The rules were developed in four steps: (i) hydrological simulation of the historical river flows for 26 years from 1997 to 2022; (ii) the stochastic generation of 101 temporary‐correlated streamflow, rainfall, and evaporation sequences using the variable length block bootstrap (VLB) model, each 1000 years long; (iii) multiple monthly short‐term (5‐year long) system simulations for different decision months and initial reservoir storage states, to obtain 505 stochastic base yields for each combination of decision month and initial storage state; (iv) the use of the base yields to formulate probabilistic operating rules that are considered more robust and more straightforward to use than the current rules.
Unbiased estimation of the OLS covariance matrix when the errors are clustered
Authors: Boot Tom , Niccodemi Gianmaria , Wansbeek Tom 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWhen data are clustered, common practice has become to do OLS and use an estimator of the covariance matrix of the OLS estimator that comes close to unbiasedness. In this paper, we derive an estimator that is unbiased when the random-effects model holds. We do the same for two more general structures. We study the usefulness of these estimators against others by simulation, the size of the t-test being the criterion. Our findings suggest that the choice of estimator hardly matters when the regressor has the same distribution over the clusters. But when the regressor is a cluster-specific treatment variable, the choice does matter and the unbiased estimator we propose for the random-effects model shows excellent performance, even when the clusters are highly unbalanced.
Performance Evaluation of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars in Bridge Decks
Authors: Azad Shadi , Shafei Behrouz 
Published: January 2025

AbstractGlass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars have been used as a viable environment-friendly alternative to the steel reinforcement in bridge decks. The GFRP bars have comparable structural performance while providing a non-corrosive option for corrosion-prone-reinforced concrete bridge decks. This study presents the results of the performance evaluation of two similar bridge decks, one reinforced with GFRP bars and the other one reinforced with steel bars. The two bridges were instrumented using several vibrating wire strain gauges to collect their long-term data over time in response to the seasonal temperature changes. The GFRP bars were also tested in the lab to extract their stress–strain behavior and compare their mechanical properties to those of the conventional steel. Finally, the two bridge decks were compared in terms of economical characteristics through a set of life-cycle cost analysis based on the initial cost, bridge deck reconstruction, and also repair and rehabilitation costs during the service life of the bridges. The study revealed no concerning difference between the structural performance of a GFRP-reinforced and a steel-reinforced bridge decks, showing that GFRP bars could be used as a viable alternative material in bridge decks.
Advancing Sustainability Through Structural Optimization: Innovations in Material Efficiency and Environmental Impact Reduction
Authors: Plevris Vagelis , Almutairi Abdulaziz , Rios Alejandro Jiménez 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe escalating demand for sustainable development, coupled with the urgent need to mitigate the environmental impact of construction practices, has propelled the advancement of structural optimization as a pivotal approach in engineering. This chapter delves into the transformative potential of structural optimization techniques to foster the creation of more sustainable and environment-friendly structural systems. Through the lens of innovative material efficiency, we explore how the strategic use of materials—not merely reducing their quantity but optimizing their application—can lead to structures that uphold or enhance quality, safety, and functionality, while significantly diminishing the environmental footprint of construction activities. We commence with a comprehensive overview of the current state of structural optimization methodologies, including topology, shape, and size optimization, highlighting their relevance and application in the pursuit of sustainability. Furthermore, we discuss the benefits of optimization in structural design, such as the potential to minimize material usage without compromising structural integrity, while also addressing the challenges and limitations inherent in this endeavor.
Life Cycle Analysis of Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Concepts
Authors: Shakori Ramin , Chaudhuri Arnab 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe offshore wind (OW) energy plays a crucial role in the transition to a clean energy future aligned with the European Union’s Green Deal and Net Zero 2050 strategy and Norway’s commitment and contribution to achieving the climate goals. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the building- and construction sector represented 39% of energy and process-related CO2 emissions in 2018—of which 11% was related to steel and concrete. This work aims to assess the environmental impact of floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) structures, comparing steel and concrete hulls through life cycle assessment (LCA). While OW offers a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, the manufacturing and transportation of FOWT structures contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We address the knowledge gap in LCA studies for FOWT structures by comparing two scenario objectives, (1) Steel hull, produced in China and shipped to Norway and and (2) Concrete hull, produced and installed near the Norwegian deployment site. We performed a literature review, and LCA study, to find CO2-equivalent emissions per ton, by breaking down the calculations in 30 FOWT units in steel versus concrete, by using material data to perform an assessment resulting in the Global Warming Potential (GWP) stated in tons of CO2e/T. The study reveals the importance of material selection and local production in reducing the environmental impact of FOWT structures, and concrete hulls exhibit significantly lower carbon footprint compared to steel hulls, with calculated emissions of 0.404 tons CO2-equivalent (CO2e) per ton of concrete and 2.76 tons CO2e per ton of steel. The study encourages further research in this area, highlighting the need for transparent data on the embodied carbon of materials and the potential benefits of incorporating recycled materials. By choosing FOWT structures with lower carbon footprints, decision-makers in the OW industry can contribute significantly to achieving the UN SDGs.
Feasibility of Utilizing Treated Domestic Wastewater (TDW) for the Production of Concrete
Authors: Beushausen Hans , Manuel Zaid , Ndawula Joanitta , Randall Dyllon 
Published: January 2025

AbstractFreshwater scarcity is expected to become one of the biggest concerns globally, with the construction industry accounting for as much as 30% of global freshwater use over the life cycle of civil infrastructure today. Water management and its potential to practically alleviate water scarcity and increase the sustainability of concrete therefore need more consideration in scientific research. Existing research suggests that non-potable water such as treated domestic wastewater (TDW) could be used to produce structurally sound concrete for the construction industry. Consequently, this research study was conducted as a pilot project to assess the feasibility of utilizing treated domestic water to produce good quality and durable concrete in South Africa. Chemical analyses of the TDW samples, evaluation of the concrete setting time, slump retention and 7-day and 28-day compressive strength tests were performed in the study. While no definitive correlations of using TDW on the setting time and workability of concrete could be deduced, the majority of the recorded effects were surmised to be acceptable for the concrete industry in South Africa. In addition, while using TDW as mixing water delayed the compressive strength development of the concrete samples, the samples still attained sufficient compressive strength at 28 days to pass the stipulations of the standard. The findings of this study show that TDW produces concrete with sufficient workability, setting time, and compressive strength to be used in the local construction industry. However, quality control of the TDW is vital to ensure the consistent production of good quality concrete.
Effects of Superabsorbent Polymers and Natural Zeolite on the Properties and Pore Structure of Ultra-High-Performance Concretes
Authors: Tan Yuxiang , Shi Weizhuo , Li Bo , Chen Yung-Tsang 
Published: January 2025

AbstractUltra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) often faces challenges due to its low water-to-binder ratio. In this case, cement particles will be unable to fully hydrate, resulting in a high degree of initial dimensional instability. As a promising solution, superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and natural zeolite have potential in mitigating shrinkage and achieving self-stressing properties. Despite prior research on strength, shrinkage, and hydration of UHPC, no systematic study has examined the effects of SAP and natural zeolite on porosity and pore structure. To address this gap, a holistic testing program was established in this study to investigate how these materials affect the microstructural properties of UHPC, especially porosity and pore distribution. This included compressive strength, drying shrinkage, and autogenous shrinkage. The hardened mixtures were also characterized using mercury intrusion porosimetry, while nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology was used to evaluate the pore parameters. The results show that UHPC incorporated with zeolite experiences less autogenous shrinkage than SAP due to the internal curing effect of zeolite particles. The compressive strength, however, is reduced attributed to a more porous microstructure. The outcome of this study provided valuable insights into optimizing the balance between durability and mechanical performance, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective applications of UHPC in modern construction practices.
Developing Eco-friendly Ultra-High-Performance Concrete by Utilizing Recycled Alternatives
Authors: Wivast Jennifer , Nyland Anette , Nia Saeed Bozorgmehr , Kioumarsi Mahdi , Shafei Behrouz 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis research delves into the integration of economically sustainable materials—Portland limestone cement (PLC) and recycled glass powder (GP)—into ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) formulations. The emphasis is on mitigating UHPC’s reliance on high-cost, high content of cement, and proprietary additives, which elevate both the expense and environmental impact of infrastructure projects. By evaluating the effects of PLC and GP on the structural performance of UHPC, the study aims to provide affordable, locally sourced, and customizable options. This study investigates the enhancement of UHPC by testing six mortar mixes that contrast the use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with the more sustainable PLC, enriched with silica fume (SF) and recycled glass powder. The introduction of glass powder notably increased UHPC’s compressive strength, and PLC mixes showed enhanced early strength and reduced shrinkage. This underscores the potential of PLC and recycled glass for making UHPC more sustainable, while highlighting their beneficial roles in enhancing structural properties, marking a stride toward more eco-friendly construction materials.