Search

This study aims to theoretically explore the technological systems of tropical island zero-carbon building (TIZCB) to scientifically understand the characteristics of these buildings in terms of energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent system mechanisms. The purpose is to address the inefficiencies and resource wastage caused by the traditional segmented approach to building energy consumption management. Thus, it seeks to achieve a comprehensive understanding and application of the zero-carbon building (ZCB) technology system. This article focuses on the demands for energy-efficient comfort and innovative industrialization in construction. Through an analysis of the characteristics of TIZCB and an explanation of their concepts, it establishes a theoretical framework for examining the system mechanisms of these buildings. Additionally, it delves into the energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent system from macro, meso, and micro perspectives. This approach results in the development of an implementation strategy for studying the mechanisms of energy usage, conservation, and intelligent production systems in TIZCB. The results show that: (1) this study delves into the theoretical underpinnings of TIZCB, emphasizing their evolution from a foundation of low-carbon and near-zero energy consumption. The primary goal is to achieve zero carbon emissions during building operation, with reliance on renewable energy sources. Design considerations prioritize adaptation to high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, integrating regional culture along with the utilization of new materials and technologies. (2) A comprehensive technical framework for TIZCB is proposed, encompassing energy utilization, conservation, production capacity, and intelligent systems. Drawing from systems theory, control theory, and synergy theory, the research employs a macro–meso–micro analytical framework, offering extensive theoretical support for the practical aspects of design and optimization. (3) The research implementation plan establishes parameterized models, unveiling the intricate relationships with building performance. It provides optimized intelligent system design parameters for economically viable zero-carbon operations. This study contributes theoretical and practical support for the sustainable development of TIZCB and aligns with the dual carbon strategy in China and the clean energy free trade zone construction in Hainan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with the challenges of global climate change, zero-carbon buildings (ZCB) serve as a crucial means to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, particularly in the development of tropical island regions. This study aims to establish a ZCB technology system suitable for the unique climatic conditions of tropical islands. By employing methods such as energy flow boundaries, parametric design, and data-driven optimization algorithms, the research systematically analyzes the integrated mechanisms and optimization solutions for energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent systems. The study identifies and addresses key technical challenges faced by ZCB in tropical island regions, including the accurate identification of system design parameters, the precise quantification of the relationship between design parameters and building performance, and the comprehensive optimization of technical and economic goals for zero-carbon operational design solutions. The research results not only provide a comprehensive theoretical framework, promoting the development of architectural design theory, but also establish a practical framework for technology and methods, advancing the integration and application of ZCB technology. The study holds significant practical implications for the green transformation of the tropical island construction industry and the realization of national dual-carbon strategic goals. Future research should further explore the applicability of the technology system and the economic feasibility of optimized design solutions, promoting continuous innovation and development in ZCB technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor leading cancer-associated high mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, the most commonly used drug therapeutics not only lack of target ability and efficiency, but also exhibit severe systemic toxicity to normal tissues. Thus, effective and targeted nanodrug of HCC therapy is emerging as a more important issue. Here, we design and develop the novel nanomicelles, namely Mannose-polyethylene glycol 600-Nitroimidazole (Man-NIT). This micelle compound with high purity comprise two parts, which can self-assemble into nanoscale micelle. The outer shell is selected mannose as hydrophilic moiety, while the inner core is nitroimidazole as hydrophobic moiety. In the cell experiment, Man-NIT was more cellular uptake by HCCLM3 cells due to the mannose modification. Mannose as a kind of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) substrate, can specifically recognize and bind to over-expressed GLUT1 on carcinoma cytomembrane. The nitroimidazole moiety of Man-NIT was reduced by the over-expressed nitroreductase with reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) as the cofactor, resulting in transient deletion of NADPH and glutathione (GSH). The increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HCCLM3 cells disturbed the balance of redox, and finally caused the death of tumor cells. Additional in vivo experiment was conducted using twenty-four male BALB/c nude mice to build the tumor model. The results showed that nanomicelles were accumulated in the liver of mice. The tumor size and pathological features were obviously improved after nanomicelles treatment. It indicates that namomicelles have a tumor inhibition effect, especially Man-NIT, which may be a potential nanodrug of chemotherapeutics for HCC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical agents pose a significant threat to social security, highlighting the crucial role of representative chemical agents adsorption in ensuring the safety our environment. This study explored the application of Magnetic Graphene Oxide Nanoplatelet Composites (MGONCs) in adsorbing the representative chemical agents such as Lewisite (L), O-ethyl S-2-diisopropylaminoethyl methylphosphonothiolate (VX), Sarin (GB), and Soman (GD). MGONCs were synthesized through a physical blending method, with the combination of graphene oxide (GO) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles at a mass ratio of 1:1. Optimization of the adsorption process involved investigating the effects of contact time, temperature, and adsorbent dosage. Remarkably, the adsorption rate of L and VX exceeded 99% when the dosage of MGONCs was 2.5 mg, with a contact time of 30 s at room temperature. Furthermore, GB and GD achieved maximum adsorption rates after a contact time of 20 min, with the dosages of MGONCs at 10 mg and 20 mg, respectively. Characterization of the magnetic composite was accomplished through XRD, TEM, VSM, FTIR, TGA, and BET analyses. Kinetical analysis revealed that the adsorption mechanism of GB and GD on MGONCs followed pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetics, exhibiting a high regression coefficient. The calculated q e values were 0.103125 mg/g and 0.081349 mg/g, respectively. This research demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing MGONCs as highly efficient adsorbents for representative chemical agents, particularly in on-site sampling scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the common issues of lacking a comprehensive quantitative assessment system and insufficient dynamic understanding of emergency response capability in prefabricated construction safety, this study proposes a research methodology based on decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) to promote the construction of emergency response capacity. Firstly, a quantitative evaluation indicator system comprising 4 core categories of organizational management, personnel quality, technical measures, and emergency resources, along with 16 main categories, is established using grounded theory and three levels of coding approach. Subsequently, through a combination of expert surveys and quantitative analysis, DEMATEL is employed to unveil the causal relationships and key indicators of the evaluation criteria. Next, the DEMATEL and FCM models are integrated to conduct predictive and diagnostic reasoning analysis based on key indicators. Finally, a case study is conducted to validate the usability and effectiveness of the proposed model and methodology. The results demonstrate that indicators related to organizational management and personnel quality belong to the cause group, while technical measures and emergency resources fall into the effect group. The "completeness of emergency plans" exhibits the most significant influence on other indicators and is also the most influenced indicator by others. Predictive reasoning analysis reveals that well-controlled "emergency organizational structure and procedures" are crucial for enhancing emergency response capacity. Diagnostic reasoning analysis indicates that the improvement of emergency response capability should focus on enhancing the "completeness of emergency plans". The synergistic effect between "emergency organizational structure and procedures" and "completeness of emergency plans" contributes to the enhancement of emergency response capability in prefabricated construction safety. The study holds both theoretical and practical significance for advancing safety management in prefabricated construction. Considering the dynamic coupling of multiple factors will be the primary direction of research in the field of safety management in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the acceleration of urbanization, the construction of urban subway tunnel networks is advancing towards deeper, denser, and larger subterranean forms. Currently, there is a lack of systematic identification and dynamic reasoning analysis of factors throughout the entire process of subway tunnel construction using the mining method. To reduce the probability of accidents and improve safety risk management in the whole process of subway tunnel construction using the mining method, we propose a dynamic safety evaluation method based on Fuzzy Set Theory (FST) and Bayesian Network (BN). Firstly, based on the identification of main stages of the construction process using the Work Breakdown Structure, a safety risk evaluation index system for subway tunnel construction using the mining method was constructed according to the Risk Breakdown Structure. Secondly, by combining Fuzzy Set Theory, the Analytic Hierarchy Process, and the Bayesian Network, we established a dynamic safety risk evaluation model for subway tunnel construction using the mining method, based on FBN. Lastly, taking a large-section tunnel project using the mining method as an example, the effectiveness and accuracy of this model were verified. The results showed: (1) Causal reasoning analysis indicated that, under the condition of known prior probability, if the case reasoning result is greater than 5%, there is a significant possibility of a safety risk incident. The evaluation results of the model are basically consistent with the actual situation. (2) Diagnostic reasoning analysis revealed that factors such as the tunnel excavation method, the quality of the main waterproof construction, the quality of the detailed construction waterproofing, the design of the monitoring and measurement plan, and the results of the monitoring and measurements, are the main influences on the safety of subway tunnel construction using the mining method. (3) Secondary diagnostic reasoning demonstrated that repeated diagnostic reasoning for the main influencing factors, leading to an investigation path dominated by critical risk factors, can effectively reduce the overall project risk. This research is expected to provide useful insights for the scientific management of safety risks in the construction of subway tunnels using the mining method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In grassroots water environment governance, political–community dialog is an unavoidable issue. Traditional policy analysis tools emphasize top-down stages and sequences, often ignoring the essential role of social factors (organizations, resources, or individuals)—outside the policy subsystem—in policy advocacy. The Advocacy Alliance Framework (ACF) provides a perspective on the role of social factors in policy changes and the interaction mechanism driving the relevant stages and alliances. In this study, we re-examine the key elements of the ACF and extract the grassroots logic of policy advocacy by discussing how actors act from policy divergence to policy learning, constructing an action framework to explain grassroots social policy advocacy in China. We find that policy advocacy depends on the joint influence of multiple elements such as the alliance members, alliance belief system and alliance resources. Therefore, social forces can better intervene in the policy agenda and achieve effective political–community dialog by identifying the relevant elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid method based on the structural equation model (SEM) and a fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) was developed to study the influences of the construction safety risks (CSR) of metro tunnels constructed by the mining method on the project risk (PR). An SEM was used to identify and verify the correlations between the CSR and PR. An FCM was developed adopting the verified standardized causality and path coefficient in the SEM. On this basis, predictive reasoning and diagnostic reasoning were performed in the framework of an FCM to simulate the CSR and PR. The feasibility of the developed method was validated based on the construction project of a metro tunnel in Wuhan City, China. The results show that (1) the cause concept node C2 (tunnel excavation) shows the strongest positive correlation with the target concept node CT (PR). According to their risks, the construction stages are ranked in descending order as C2 (tunnel excavation), C1 (advanced support), C6 (auxiliary measures), C4 (structure waterproofing), C3 (primary support), and C5 (secondary lining). (2) The target concept node CT is most sensitive to changes in the cause concept nodes C2 and C1. (3) Close attention should be paid to key risks, such as X9 (over-excavation and under-excavation) and X8 (unreasonable determination of excavation footage and sequence) in stage C2. Originality and significance: (1) A hybrid method that can simulate the dynamic interaction between the CSR and PR is proposed. (2) A new perspective for the dynamic evaluation of a PR is provided. (3) The method can be used as a decision-making tool for controlling the PR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport infrastructure connectivity is a spatial basis for economic development and the spillover and feedback effects of transport infrastructure investment (TII) have become an impetus for economic growth (EG). However, existing research does not consider the spatial effects of TII on the gross EG and the multiple effects of TII on EG structures. To explore the spatial relationships and the functional routes between TII and EG, the spatial Durbin model (SDM) was used to empirically analyze the spatial spillover effect of TII on EG from geographical and economic perspectives based on panel data from 2007 to 2019 of 35 members and partners of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD+). On this basis, a structural equation model (SEM) was established to reveal the multiple mediating effects of TII on EG. Results show that (1) the SDM–SEM hybrid method can model the spatial spillover effect and function routes of TII on EG based on theoretical analysis and empirical research; (2) according to empirical analysis of the SDM model, the spatial spillover effect in high-income OECD+ countries shows a positive effect under the economic distance, while that in the upper-middle-income countries has a negative effect; (3) an empirical analysis of the function route model implies that TII in high-income OECD+ countries exerts multiple mediating effects and it mainly affects EG indirectly by means including industrial structure (IS), and the rate of contribution of the key function route FR3 is 67.25%. The following suggestions are proposed: (1) it is necessary to enhance the intensity of effective investment in transport infrastructure, focus on weak links of transport infrastructure, and pay attention to investment in burgeoning fields of the OECD+ countries; (2) differentiated TII strategies are required to be formulated according to development of OECD+ countries with different income levels; (3) it is necessary to give full play to the spatial spillover effect and multiple mediating effects of TII on EG and the TII structure should be optimized, so as to improve the economic benefits of TII. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the relationship between IT application maturity and management capabilities, the authors conducted a survey study to collect related company information for analysis. Data processing was conducted to obtain valid and reliable variables representing IT application maturity, management institutional capability, and process management capability. Then, they adopted a partial differential equation approach to capture the time dynamics of these variables. The equations were solved analytically, and further empirically estimated through our processed survey data. The validated model demonstrates that both management capabilities have direct enhancement effects on IT application maturity. In addition, process management capability has a greater influence on IT application maturity in comparison with management institutional capability. Furthermore, it is found that there exist local maximums for both enhancement effects, provided that the two management capabilities are well balanced. The findings not only offer practical implications, but also supplement the literature of factors for IS success in light of the dynamic relationship between IT application maturity and management capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mesoporous poly(N , N ′-methylene-bis(1-(3-vinylimidazolium)) chloride), labeled as PDVIm-Cl, with double anions (Cl−) and low monomer molecular weight was synthesized and applied in the adsorption of anionic dyes (acid orange 7 (AO7), sunset yellow (SY), reactive blue 19 (RB19), congo red (CR)). Due to the mesoporous structure, abundant Cl− and positively charged imidazole rings, the poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) exhibited superior adsorption ability towards anionic dyes. What is more, the RB19 adsorption by PDVIm-Cl could achieve the highest capacity (2605 ± 254 mg g−1) which was nearly twice higher than the maximum adsorption capacity of the previously reported materials. All the adsorption kinetic data and isotherms fitted well with the pseudo second-order model and Langmuir-Freundlich model. To better explore the practical potential of the PIL for dye adsorption, the adsorption under different pH values and column adsorption performances were also evaluated. Results showed that PDVIm-Cl exhibited high removal efficiencies for anionic dyes over a wide pH range (2−10). Also, the great reusability could be well demonstrated by the achievable continuous column adsorption-desorption process. It is worth mentioning that the regeneration could be realized with very little desorbent which was far less than the adsorption volume flowing through the column and the desorption efficiency was well maintained after three consecutive cycles. At last, the adsorption mechanism was explored by experiments combined with quantum chemical calculations and showed anionic dyes adsorption by PDVIm-Cl was a joint process dominated by the ion exchange, electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bond and π-π stacking. • PDVIm-Cl is capable to adsorb various anionic dyes with high capacities. • PDVIm-Cl shows unprecedented adsorption capacity of 2605 ± 254 mg g−1 for RB19 dye. • PDVIm-Cl could be used to adsorb different anionic dyes in a wide range of pH. • PDVIm-Cl can easily realize continuous column adsorption-desorption process. • The adsorption mechanism is studied by experimental and theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a chromosome-level, near-complete genome assembly of Thalia dealbata (Marantaceae), a typical emergent wetland plant with high ornamental and environmental value. Based on 36.99 Gb PacBio HiFi reads and 39.44 Gb Hi-C reads, we obtained a 255.05 Mb assembly, of which 251.92 Mb (98.77%) were anchored into eight pseudo-chromosomes. Five pseudo-chromosomes were completely assembled, and the other three had one to two gaps. The final assembly had a high contig N50 value (29.80 Mb) and benchmarking universal single-copy orthologs (BUSCO) recovery score (97.52%). The T. dealbata genome had 100.35 Mb repeat sequences, 24,780 protein-coding genes, and 13,679 non-coding RNAs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that T. dealbata was closest to Zingiber officinale , whose divergence time was approximately 55.41 million years ago. In addition, 48 and 52 significantly expanded and contracted gene families were identified within the T. dealbata genome. Moreover, 309 gene families were specific to T. dealbata , and 1,017 genes were positively selected. The T. dealbata genome reported in this study provides a valuable genomic resource for further research on wetland plant adaptation and the genome evolution dynamics. This genome is also beneficial for the comparative genomics of Zingiberales species and flowering plants., Competing Interests: Authors HL and LW were employed by the company Kunming Novo Medical Laboratory Co., Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Tang, Huang, Ma, Du, Bi, Guo, Lu and Wang.)

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can lead to damage to the myelin sheath in white matter. Through classification and analysis of relevant research results, the discussion in this paper provides a deeper understanding of the spatiotemporal change characteristics, pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment strategies of myelin sheath injury after SAH. The research progress for this condition was also systematically reviewed and compared related to myelin sheath in other fields. Serious deficiencies were identified in the research on myelin sheath injury and treatment after SAH. It is necessary to focus on the overall situation and actively explore different treatment methods based on the spatiotemporal changes in the characteristics of the myelin sheath, as well as the initiation, intersection and common action point of the pathophysiological mechanism, to finally achieve accurate treatment. We hope that this article can help researchers in this field to further clarify the challenges and opportunities in the current research on myelin sheath injury and treatment after SAH., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Chen, Guo, Ru, Chen, Zuo and Feng.)

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heritable form of neurodevelopmental disorder that arises through synaptic dysfunction. Given the involvement of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, we aimed to explore the relationship between the genetic variants in the KCNB1 and KCND2 genes (encoding Kv2.1 and Kv4.2, respectively) and the risk of developing ASD., Methods: A total of 243 patients with ASD and 243 healthy controls were included in the present study. Sixty single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (35 in KCNB1 and 25 in KCND2 ) were genotyped using the Sequenom Mass Array., Results: There were no significant differences in the distribution of allele frequencies and genotype frequencies in KCNB1 between cases and controls. However, the differences were significant in the allelic distribution of KCND2 rs1990429 ( p Bonferroni < 0.005) and rs7793864 ( p Bonferroni < 0.005) between the two groups. KCND2 rs7800545 ( p FDR = 0.045) in the dominant model and rs1990429 ( p FDR < 0.001) and rs7793864 ( p FDR < 0.001) in the over-dominant model were associated with ASD risk. The G/A genotype of rs1990429 in the over-dominant model and the G/A-G/G genotype of rs7800545 in the dominant model were correlated with lower severity in the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) restricted repetitive behavior (RRB) domain., Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that KCND2 gene polymorphism is strongly associated with ASD susceptibility and the severity of RRB., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Liu, Yang, Guo, Wang, Xia, Chen, Zou and Sun.)

The diagnosis and treatment of glioma depends greatly on the rapid extraction of molecular pathological features. In this study, human brain tumor tissues of different grades were analyzed using terahertz (THz) attenuated total reflectance (ATR) time-domain spectroscopy. Substantial differences in THz parameters were observed between paracarcinoma tissue and grade I-IV gliomas, Furthermore, the difference of THz absorption coefficient increases with the increase of THz frequency. It was also demonstrated that the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant and wild-type glioma tissues can be well distinguished using THz spectroscopy. Therefore, THz ATR spectroscopy can realize molecular typing recognition based on molecular pathology. This will provide a theoretical basis for developing intraoperative real-time glioma recognition and diagnosis technology., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to this article., (© 2021 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement.)