bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SALUD OCUPACIONAL: MIRADA NORMATIVA PARA EL DIAGNÓSTICO DE SILICOSIS
Authors:   Universidad de Aconcagua, Delgado-García Diemen
Published: November 2023

Silicosis is an occupational lung fibrosis caused by the inhalation of dust containing free crystalline silica. Its prevalence can vary in different countries and regions. In the case of Chile, silicosis has been recognized as a significant occupational health problem. The clinical presentation of silicosis largely depends on the intensity and duration of exposure. Initially, there may be no signs or symptoms. The differential diagnosis is mainly performed with pulmonary tuberculosis, pulmonary aspergillosis, pulmonary metastasis, sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and other pneumoconiosis. After confirming the diagnosis, the process of determining the origin of the pathology begins, for which an Occupational History is required to describe occupational exposure to the risk agent (silica) in terms of time, magnitude, and/or intensity sufficient to develop an occupational-related disease. A Chest X-ray using the ILO (International Labour Organization) technique is necessary, classified as category 1 according to the ILO Classification, and should be interpreted by certified readers. The similarity in radiographic readings necessitates a greater emphasis on the differential diagnosis among these conditions. A high- resolution chest computed tomography without contrast and a lung biopsy should be considered in case of comorbidity, if these diagnostic tests are available. Finally, it is suggested that workers diagnosed with silicosis in the early stages should be identified and removed from silica exposure to prevent disability through medical surveillance.
Quantifying Variation in Unconventional Gas Production Using the Continuous Wavelet Transformation
Authors: McPherson Matthew , Kuznetsov Dan
Published: November 2023

Within the Queensland energy industry, unconventional gas, such as Coal Seam Gas (CSG) production holds significant importance. This study employs the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) to analyze variations in CSG production, aiming to comprehend its complex production dynamics. The primary objectives of this research are to identify and categorize gas rate production variations, quantify their attributes—such as frequencies, durations, and magnitudes—and explore their integration into forecasting models.

The study's results demonstrate successful identification and categorization of significant variations, specifically categorizing two types of variations impulse and step events. Through the CWT, the attributes of these events are quantified. Moreover, the obtained attributes are used to refine production forecasting via applying recreated production variations to conventionally smooth forecasting models such as type curves or history matching.

The broader impact of the study lies in its ability to provide deeper insights into CSG reservoir behavior. By uncovering patterns often obscured by traditional analysis methods, the CWT approach allows for better understanding of the operational dynamics. Quantifying the production variation into meaningful metrics results in more accurate and reliable production forecasts and more informed decision-making in optimizing production strategies.
Successful Application of Co2 Foam Fracturing Enables Paradigm Shift in Stimulation Strategy of Kuwait Jurassic Depleted Reservoirs
Authors: Al-Mefleh Kholoud , Fidan Erkan , Abdul-Samad Zamzam , Al-Salali Yousef , Al-Muhanna Danah , Abdel-Basset Mohamed
Published: November 2023

The first ever CO2 foam fracturing new technology in Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) history was executed flawlessly in late 2021. Three treatments were executed. Co2 Foam Fracturing proved its significant added value of improving productivity in deep depleted tight carbonate Jurassic reservoirs, enhance flow back, reduce water consumption and carbon emission, and enable early production plus improving operation efficiency and cost saving. The stimulation operation has proven to be a huge success for all multidisciplinary teams involved as preliminary results showed over 50-70% production increase compared to offset wells.

The main challenges of acid fracturing stimulation in depleted reservoirs are the need for extended formation cleanup to flow back the injected fluids via prolonging Nitrogen lift that add higher operational costs and intervention operations. Therefore, energetic high foam efficiency frac fluid becomes essential to assist flowback and retrieve pumped frac fluids from reservoir. To tackle these challenges, Carbon Dioxide CO2 is pumped in liquid phase as energetic fluid together with normal frac fluids. Due to CO2 liquid nature, high foam efficiency can be reached (40 – 50%) at much lower friction losses. So, it enables achieving pumping frac at high rates and high foam efficiency. The main benefits of CO2 Foam frac are better fracture cleanup due to expansion of the stored compressed gas in the liquid CO2, fluid loss control that is provided by foam, minimized fracture conductivity damage, and the increase in hydrostatic pressure while pumping that translates to lower surface pressures during injection.

The selected pilot well is in depleted deep tight carbonate reservoir area of North Kuwait Jurassic gas fields. The executed acid fracturing operation required close planning starting from Q1-2021. Many challenges faced from logistical issues, lack of infrastructure and CO2 resources for the multi-faceted operation due to COVID-19 pandemic limitations. These challenges were tackled ahead with the integration of technical and operations teams to bridge the knowledge gap and to enable executing the operation safely.

The pilot well’s net incremental production gain is estimated at 50-70% compared to offset wells, with improved flowback and formation cleanup with less well intervention. The resulting time and cost savings as well as the incremental well productivity and better operation efficiency confirmed high perspectives for the implemented foam acid fracturing approach. Another two CO2 Foam acid fracturing wells were executed with good results too.

This paper will demonstrate the value of CO2 foam fracturing in depleted reservoir and KOC experience post first application and its plans to expand CO2 Foam Fracturing application across KOC different fields.
Investigating Causal Associations Among Gut Microbiota, Metabolites, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhou Chen , Yi Ying , Taishi Yezi , Wang Lei , Qu Jie
Published: November 2023

Background
Growing numbers of evidence indicates that changes in the gut microbiota and its metabolites are associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But their causality has not been clarified.
Methods
We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics to estimate the effects of gut microbiota and its metabolites on IBS. FinnGen GWAS (4605 IBS cases and 182423 controls) and UKB GWAS (1121 cases and 360073 controls) were utilized. The discovery set came from the FinnGen consortium while the replication set came from the UK Biobank. Wald ratio (WR), inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median (WM) were the methods to analyze causality, and MR results are verified by several sensitivity analyses.
Results
Combining the results of the discovery set and the replication set, we demonstrated a potential causal relationship between Class Actinobacteria (PIVW:9.31E-06, OR:0.632, CI:0.516–0.774), Genus Bifidobacterium (PIVW:3.01E-06, OR:0.667, CI:0.563–0.790), and deoxycholate (PWR: 0.043, OR: 3.412, CI: 1.041–11.180) and IBS. We found that Class Actinobacteria and Genus Bifidobacterium reduced the risk of IBS while deoxycholate increased its risk. In reverse MR analysis, the IVW results revealed no causal relationship between IBS and gut microbiota and its metabolites which were positive results screened in the discovery set. Further analysis of heterogeneity (P > 0.05) and pleiotropy (P > 0.05) confirmed the robustness of MR results.
Conclusions
We proved a potential causal relationship between the gut microbiota and its metabolites and IBS, providing new biomarkers for gut health and IBS treatment targets, However, further research is needed to determine their exact relationships.
Proteomic Analysis of Collagen: A Mass Spectrometry Approach to Material Identification of Shadow Puppet Cultural Relics
Authors: Duan Yangbo , Zhang Muzi , Min Chen , Lin Yalun , Li Li
Published: November 2023

Shadow puppets are a popular art form in various regions, including China, Indonesia, and Turkey, and are rich in cultural significance. However, there is a considerable lack of research on the materials, diseases and conservation techniques related to shadow puppet relics. Material identification is the basis for understanding the production process of ancient shadow puppet relics and evaluating their deterioration degree. The microscopic morphology and infrared spectroscopy results in our experiments showed that the traditional methods of ancient skin identification were not effective in the shadow puppet samples. In order to achieve accurate identification, we used biomass spectrometry in proteomics to examine two puppet relics and commercially available modern shadow puppets. The results showed that the above samples could be detected by mass spectrometry with abundant peptides, including peptides specific for bovine skin. These peptides cannot be found in other commonly used materials for making shadow puppets, including the skins of pig, sheep, deer and horse. It is worth mentioning that we have found the peptides specific to yellow cowhide in two ancient shadow puppet relics samples. Therefore, the proteomic evidence shows that the raw materials of the two shadow puppet relics samples are yellow cowhide. Four modern samples also confirmed the reliability of material identification using proteomics. The proteomic evidence shows that the biological mass spectrometry will contribute to the scientific research of shadow puppet relics and other skin and leather cultural relics.
A Comparative Analysis of Topsis and Fuzzy- Topsis for Groundwater Potentiality Prediction in Basement Terrain Using Geophysical Data Sets
Authors: Mogaji Kehinde Anthony , SALAU Raheem Bodunde
Published: November 2023

This research combined remote sensing, geology and geophysical methods, fifty five (55) Vertical Electrical Sounding was carried out in the study area for proper groundwater potential investigation. In order to map groundwater potential of the area, eight thematic factors that influence groundwater occurrences and movement such as geophysical data (aquifer transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, overburden thickness, recharge rate and aquifer resistivity), geologic data (lithology) and remote sensing data (slope and lineament) were ranked based on technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and the developed Fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS). The groundwater potential model map was evaluated using the developed FTOPSIS (Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and conventional TOPSIS. The groundwater potential of the area of study was qualitatively classified into five classes, namely; very high, high, moderate, low, and very low which account for 19%, 21%, 23.5%, 31.5%, and 5% of the total area respectively. The quantitative validated result of the developed GPM map (FTOPSIS) using the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) technique, yielded the result of 0.84 which indicates 84% prediction accuracy while the prediction rate for the TOPSIS based model 0.75 representing 75% prediction accuracy respectively.
Optimization of Production Process Parameters for Polishing Machine Tools in Crankshaft Abrasive Belt based on BP Neural Network and NSGA-II
Authors: HE Xiao , LI Taifu , LI Qiaoyue , YANG Jie
Published: November 2023

In order to improve the polishing quality of the connecting rod journals of crankshafts and reduce polishing time for abrasive belt polishing machines, a method for optimizing the polishing process parameters for connecting rod journals is proposed, combining BP neural network and NSGA-II algorithm. Firstly, the factors affecting the polishing quality are screened, and in consideration of practical production requirements, a five-factor four-level orthogonal experiment is designed. Then, a BP neural network is used to establish a nonlinear mapping relationship between the polishing process parameters and the polishing quality of the connecting rod journals. The predicted results from the BP neural network are used as fitness values, and the NSGA-II algorithm is employed to obtain the Pareto frontier optimal solution set and the corresponding combination of polishing process parameters. Based on the optimization results, two sets of recommended process parameter schemes are provided. Compared to the initial process parameters of the polishing machine, one group can improve the polishing quality by 0.101 \(\mu\) m and reduce the polishing time by 5 seconds, while the other group can achieve an additional polishing time of 10 seconds in exchange for an improvement in polishing quality of 0.151$\mu$m. Finally, experimental validation has been conducted for the two sets of polishing process parameters, and the results align with the optimization expectations.
Dento-dental volumetric analysis in sagittal skeletal discrepancies: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Guarnieri Rosanna , Squillace Francesca , Rachele Podda , Monterossi Salvatore , Giorgio Roberto Di , Cassetta Michele , Galluccio Gabriella , Barbato Ersilia
Published: November 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between skeletal Class and dental dimensions analyzed through linear, surface area and volumetric measurements.
Methods: The sample consisted of 90 patients with an average age of 18 years (44>x>12).
In order to investigate any correlation between skeletal Class and tooth size, the following tests were used: Hoeffding test, Cramer's V test, the analysis of variance test (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey’s post hoc hds test and the Logit model. The significance level was set at 0.050.
Results: The Hoeffding test showed a weak non-linear association between ANB and tooth values, expressed in millimetres, of element 1.4 (D = 0.0034, p < 0.05) and element 3.2 (D = 0.0042, p < 0.05). The same test also identified a non-linear association, also weak, between ANB and the lower (D = 0.0053, p < 0.05) and anterior (D = 0.0049, p < 0.05) total volumetric values. Cramér's V test indicated a weak association between skeletal Class (I, II, III) and total Bolton index (V = 0.167, p < 0.01). The results of the ANOVA test showed that the total inferior volume and the anterior inferior volume were respectively significantly greater (p = 0.012; p = 0.012) in the skeletal Class III (p = 0.012) than in the other two skeletal Classes. The total upper surface area was significantly greater in patients in skeletal Class III compared to those in Classes II and I (p = 0.029). The anterior superior surface area was significantly, greater in skeletal Class III than in Class II and I (p = 0.028). From the results of Logit analysis, it is possible to state that the third model is able to explain greater variability (21%) in terms of the distribution of results in the variables considered than the first (20%) and the second (14%).
Conclusions: Class III skeletal malocclusions are characterized by increased tooth surface and volumetric dimensions compared to Class I and Class II.
Proposal for analysis of minimum ecological flow regimes based on the achievement of technical and environmental objectives: Tagus river basin case study
Authors: Sanz Domingo Baeza , Iribas Beatriz Larranz , Calvo Patricia Chacón
Published: November 2023

An environmental flow regime can be used as a specific restoration measure to manage impacts on the river environment resulting from hydrological alterations or loss of structural or functional complexity of the ecosystem. With the entry into force of the WFD (Water Frame Directive), it is now also a measure to help achieve good environmental status. Once the values of its components are known, the regime should be tested to see if it can contribute to the achievement of the proposed objectives. However, the analysis of the validity of the proposal and its subsequent monitoring is not always carried out adequately. This paper presents a four-stage methodology for analysing the validity of a particular proposal prior to its implementation. The four stages include comparison with the natural regime, hydraulic simulation, validity in terms of habitability for fauna, its capacity to create habitat for fauna and a contrast with other proposals. This process is applied to the official environmental flow regime proposal for the third planning cycle in four sections of the middle course of the Tagus River (Spain). The results show that the official environmental flow regime is far from the natural regime, with very low minimum flows that do not contribute to the improvement of the fish habitat or to the conservation of the riverbanks. An alternative regime proposal is presented that gives better results than the official proposal. This proposed methodology can be useful as a control strategy prior to the implementation of an evironmental flow regime.
A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials in combination Gemcitabine with Erlotinib in the pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yan Longxiang , Lu Wenming , Huang Wenjin , Zoa Alexis Bindzi , Zheng Jiang , Qin Mingbai , Du Jing , Xiao Qiuxiang , Liu Zhiping , Tian Yuantong
Published: November 2023

Background and aim: Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of combining Gemcitabine and Erlotinib (Gem-Erlo) for the treatment of pancreatic cancer (PaC). However, there is a limited number of clinical studies and multiple prospective randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) have yielded inconsistent conclusions. The question of whether Gem-Erlo has significant advantages over conventional chemotherapy in the treatment of PaC has been controversial. In order to provide valuable insights for PaC treatment, this study conducted a meta-analysis based on the current evidence from RCTs.
Method: We searched several databases including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase, as well as relevant conference abstracts from the beginning of their inception to July 2023. We used the patient/population, intervention, comparison, outcomes and study design (PICOS) principle to screen the literature. After title, abstract and full text filtering, we extract the data from each study to assess the risk of bias by examining the quality of the literature. We used a meta-analysis with random effects model to synthesize and summarize the results regarding objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), median progression-free survival (median PFS), median overall survival (median OS) and one-year survival rate.
Results: Seven RCTs were included, involving 2,152 PaC patients treated with either Gem-Erlo or Gemcitabine alone. The results showed that Gem-Erlosignificantly improved DCR (DCR = 1.74; 95% CI=[1.03, 2.92]; P = 0.04); but did not significantly improve median OS (SMD = −0.20; 95%CI=[−1.46, 1.06]; P = 0.75), median PFS (SMD = −0.97; 95%CI=[−4.01, 2.07]; P = 0.53), ORR (ORR = 1.29; 95%CI=[0.84, 1.97]), or one-year survival rate (ORR = 1.18; 95%CI=[0.88, 1.57]). The most common adverse events (AEs) were rash, diarrhea, fatigue, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in both groups, but the Gem-Erlo group is more often than the Gemcitabine alone (ORR = 1.40, 95% CI= [1.19, 1.65]; P < 0.0001), and all AEs were within the acceptable range for patients.
Conclusion: Gem-Erlo can improve DCR when compared to Gemcitabine. There was no statistically significant improvement in median PFS, median OS, ORR and one-year survival rate. However, sensitivity analysis showed a statistical difference in the median OS. Our study indicated that Gem-Erlo had better efficacy than Gemcitabine alone in PaC therapy. The occurrence of AEs is under the acceptable range for patients.
A Theoretical Model of Microscallop in Shear Thinning and Shear Thickening Fluids
Authors: Murthy Yashaswini
Published: November 2023

The article develops a Lagrangian based model for a two-link mechanism termed a microscallop, moving in a low Reynolds number environment in a shear thinning/thickening fluid. The modelling proceeds through the conventional Lagrangian construction for a two-link mechanism and then goes on to model the external fluid forces using empirically based models for viscosity to complete the dynamic model. The derived model is then simulated for different initial conditions and key parameters of the shear thinning/thickening fluid - mainly time independent fluids such as shear thinning and shear thickening fluids, and the results are corroborated with existing experimental results on a similar mechanism under identical conditions. The resulting analytical model with complex nonlinearities is then simplified for further control-theoretic analysis. A few simulation-verified simplifications are introduced to study the accessibility of the system at various initial states. The final goal is to determine control algorithms for such a system to enable manipulation in its fluid environment.
Variation among cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) genotypes for storage root yield, yield components and response to cassava mosaic disease at advanced breeding stage
Authors: Mahamane Abdoul-Razak Oumarou , Olasanmi Bunmi , Oluwadamilola Udemba Ibukunoluwa , Mbanjo Edwige Gaby-Nkouaya
Published: November 2023

Cassava is a crucial starchy root crop cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical areas. Its preferred traits are continually been improved to enhance food and nutritional security. However, adoption of new varieties of cassava can be influenced by its yield performance which can be affected by cassava mosaic disease (CMD). This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the performance of selected cassava genotypes at advanced breeding stage across two years. Using a randomized complete block design with two replications, 16 genotypes; a yellow root variety (TMS07/0593) and a white root (TMS30572) as checks were evaluated for yield, yield related traits and response to CMD. There were highly significant (P < 0.001) variations among the cassava genotypes for yield-related traits but no genetic variation was reported for fresh root yield and dry root yield. The effect of season and genotypes x season interaction on all traits was not significant except season for harvest index. Genotype UIC-17-2428 and the two national check varieties (TMS07/0593 and TMS30572) did not exhibit complete resistance to CMD. At harvest, genotype UIC-17-2031 had the highest fresh root yield (39.0 t/ha), dry root yield (10.5 t/ha), and harvest index (0.63). Genotype UIC-17-58 had the highest dry matter content (37.2%) at harvesting followed by UIC-17-46 (36.4%) while genotype UIC-17-583 had the lowest value (22.8%). The genotypes evaluated have promising premium agronomic traits. Genotypes with outstanding dry root yield need to be evaluated across multiple environments to assess their stability.
Robots and inequality in Latin America: whose wages improve when automation is imported?
Authors: Olarte Susana Herrero , Galarraga Julio , Torrent Joan , Aguirre Kamila
Published: November 2023

We explore the consequences of robotization on labor income of all deciles in Latin America by estimating an unbalanced two-way fixed effects panel for 2004–2017. Results show that a raise in Latin American robotization favors middle skilled workers, specifically the labor income of deciles 5 and 6, which can be explained by the complementarity effect between machines and workers in the occupations associated to these deciles. Imports of robots in these countries are characterized by their reduced technology, which could increase the productivity of the majority of medium-skilled workers in deciles 5 and 6, that are non-agricultural workers, drivers of machinery and transport vehicles. Since the wages of low-skilled workers in Latin America are low compared to the cost of robots, these types of workers are not yet affected.
An easy-to-use Nomogram for Predicting Antituberculosis Drug- Induced Hepatotoxicity in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Tang Daoyan , Wu Shouquan , Wang Minggui , He Jian-Qing
Published: November 2023

Background & aims:
Anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH) is one of the most deleterious side effects of anti-TB treatment. However, published data regarding prediction and prevalence of ATDH among TB patients were lacking.
Methods:
Hospitalized TB patients with retrospective data were extracted from the West China Hospital, Sichuan University. The predictors for ATDH were acquired by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) and multivariate logistic regression methods were used to obtain the features related to ATDH.
Results:
279 ATDH cases and 725 non-ATDH controls were enrolled in the training group, and 150 patients were included in the validation group, including 33 ATDH.. C-index for discriminating between those with and without ATDH was 0.656 (95% CI: 0.619, 0.693) in training set, and the independent validation with 1000 bootstrap replications was 0.742 (95% CI: 0.652, 0.831). The decision curve analysis indicated that the threshold probability of ATDH was 15–67%.
Conclusion:
Our nomogram was a valuable tool to identify patients at high risk of ATDH in hospitalized TB patients and could improve the management of ATDH.
The effect of immune cell traits on efficacy and adverse drug reactions of platinum drugs： A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Li Wanting , Yu Bing , Xiao Qi , Huang Hanxue , Cui Jiajia , Zheng Jifang , Qi Guangying , Yin Jiye , Liu Zhaoqian , Li Xi , McLeod Howard L.
Published: November 2023

Background
Platinum drugs are widely used in tumor chemotherapy, but the immune characteristics of different individuals have different effects on the sensitivity and side effects of platinum drugs. Therefore, we use Mendel randomized analysis to study whether peripheral blood immune cells have a causal relationship with the efficacy and adverse reactions of platinum drugs.
Methods
We used 731 kinds of peripheral blood immune cell traits of 3757 healthy individuals and 429 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University to conduct a Mendel randomized analysis with two samples, in order to find out the causal relationship between some immune cell traits and the efficacy and adverse reactions of platinum drugs.
Results
First of all, we found 28 immune cell traits significantly related to the efficacy of platinum drugs, including 16 protective factors and 12 risk factors. Secondly, the protective factors of renal injury, BAFF-R is our focus, accounting for one third of all factors. Finally, we found that naïve-mature B cell is a protective factor for gastrointestinal upset and cutaneous toxicity.
Conclusions
This study emphasizes that B cell-related traits mainly affected gastrointestinal upset and cutaneous toxicity, while T cell-related traits mainly affected other outcome variables. These findings may promote our understanding of the relationship between the efficacy and adverse reactions of platinum drugs and the immune system, and promote the future development of biomarkers for predicting the efficacy and adverse reactions of platinum drugs.
Association between sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices and the risk of subclinical kidney damage in euthyroid adults: an NHANES Study (2007-2010) from United States
Authors: Wang Shen , Wang Yue , Sun Shuaifeng , Li Fadong , Pang Shuo , Wu Xiaofan
Published: November 2023

Objectives
subclinical kidney damage (SKD) and thyroid diseases are both common clinical diseases that lead to multi-system organ disfunction, and the relationship between the two diseases and their detailed mechanism have not been well described. This study aims to explore the correlation between thyroid function and SKD from a new perspective of sensitivity to thyroid hormone.
Methods
A total of 3451 United States euthyroid adults were included and divided according to quartiles of sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010. Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (TFQI), Thyrotroph Thyroxine Resistance Index (TT4RI, Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSHI), and Free Triiodothyronine /Free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) represent the sensitivity of Hypothalamus-pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) axis and peripheral tissue to thyroid hormone, respectively. We apply logistic regression to analyze the associations between those indices with SKD.
Results
Subjects with SKD had elevated TSHI, TT4RI, and TFQI levels, and lower FT3/FT4 levels compared to those without SKD. Logistic regression analyses showed that higher TSHI, TT4RI, and TFQI levels were positively with SKD, but FT3/FT4 was negatively associated with the risk of SKD. In subgroup analyses stratified by gender and age, the associations between sensitivity to thyroid hormones and SKD were more obvious in men than in women and in age < = 65 years old than in age > 65 years old(P < 0.05). FT3/FT4 ratio performed better than TFQI, TSHI, and TT4RI on ROC analyses for SKD prediction. When thyroid parameters are categorized into quartiles, we found an interesting a “Simpson’s Paradox” phenomenon between sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices and SKD in the logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion
Impaired sensitivity to thyroid hormones was associated with SKD in United States euthyroid adults which illustrates the correlation between the thyroid system and SKD.
Inhibition of Importin 7-mediated IPO7/c-Myc/IPO7 positive feedback loop suppresses DNA damage repair and improves sorafenib sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xue Song , Wu Yumeng , Zhang Xiubing , Xu Jian , Cai Hongyu
Published: November 2023

Background：Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide with an increasing incidence. Sorafenib is currently the first-line treatment for HCC. However, drug resistance resulting from patients' insensitivity to the medication remains a major cause of high mortality. The specific mechanisms underlying sorafenib resistance in HCC have not yet been fully elucidated.
Methods：We have established the function of Importin7 (IPO7) in enhancing sorafenib sensitivity through DNA damage repair pathway through biological information. The expression of IPO7 in hepatocellular carcinoma and normal tissue and cell lines was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot.Wound healing assay and Transwell assay were employed to examine the function of IPO7. The effect of γ-h2ax on the sensitivity of sorafenib was investigated by down-regulating IPO7. The mechanism between IPO7 and c-Myc was verified by bioinformatics prediction, western blotting, immunoprecipitation (IP), and immunofluorescence assay.
Results：Upregulation of IPO7 in liver cancer tissues correlates with an unfavorable prognosis for individuals with liver cancer. The suppression of IPO7 demonstrates a substantial inhibitory effect on the migratory and invasive capabilities of tumor cells. At the same time, inhibition of IPO7 can significantly up-regulate the expression of DNA damage repair factor γH2AX, and improve the sensitivity of sorafenib. Additionally, our findings demonstrate that IPO7 promotes the nuclear translocation of c-Myc, leading to the activation of the IPO7-driven DNA damage repair response to sorafenib. Conclusion: Our results provide new insights into the sensitivity of IPO7 to sorafenib and provide new potential targets for further investigation.
A multi-task learning model using RR intervals and respiratory effort to assess sleep disordered breathing
Authors: Xie Jiali , Fonseca Pedro , Dijk Johannes van , Overeem Sebastiaan , Long Xi
Published: November 2023

Background
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects a significant portion of the population. As such, there is a need for accessible and affordable assessment methods for diagnosis but also case-finding and long-term follow-up. Research has focused on exploiting cardiac and respiratory signals to extract proxy measures for sleep combined with SDB event detection. We introduce a novel multi-task model combining cardiac activity and respiratory effort to perform sleep-wake classification and SDB event detection in order to automatically estimate the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as severity indicator.
Methods
The proposed multi-task model utilized both convolutional and recurrent neural networks and was formed by a shared part for common feature extraction, a task-specific part for sleep-wake classification, and a task-specific part for SDB event detection. The model was trained with RR intervals derived from electrocardiographic and respiratory effort signals. To assess performance, overnight polysomnography (PSG) recordings from 198 patients with varying degree of SDB were included, with manually annotated sleep stages and SDB events.
Results
We achieved a Cohen’s kappa of 0.70 in the sleep-wake classification task, corresponding to a Spearman’s correlation coefficient (R) of 0.830 between the estimated total sleep time (TST) and the TST obtained from PSG-based sleep scoring. Combining the sleep-wake classification and SDB detection results of the multi-task model, we obtained an R of 0.891 between the estimated and the reference AHI. For severity classification of SBD groups based on AHI, a Cohen's kappa of 0.58 was achieved. The multi-task model performed better than a single-task model proposed in a previous study for AHI estimation, in particular for patients with a lower sleep efficiency (R of 0.861 with the multi-task model and R of 0.746 with single-task model with subjects having sleep efficiency < 60%)
Conclusion
Assisted with automatic sleep-wake classification, our multi-task model demonstrated proficiency in estimating AHI and assessing SDB severity based on AHI in a fully automatic manner using RR intervals and respiratory effort. This shows the potential for improving SDB screening with unobtrusive sensors also for subjects with low sleep efficiency without adding additional sensors for sleep-wake detection.
Soil conditions of lawns on public green spaces of the city of St. Petersburg in various microclimatic conditions
Authors: Богданова Л.С. , Двадцатова Т.В. , Мельничук И.А. , Субота М.Б. , Яковлев А.А.
Published: November 2023

Целью данного исследования является изучение плодородия почвы на участках газона с разными микроклиматическими условиями среды. Отбор почв проведен на территории шести объектов зеленых насаждений общего пользования Санкт-Петербурга: Обуховский сквер, Сад Ивана Фомина, Муринский парк, Удельный парк, Южно-Приморский парк, сквер вдоль р. Ивановки. Определение основных агрохимических показателей производилось в лабораторных условиях по общепринятым методикам в нескольких повторностях. Данные исследования проводятся в рамках междисциплинарного проекта Российского научного фонда «Газон как индикатор устойчивой городской среды и адаптации к изменениям климата» при поддержке администрации Санкт-Петербурга. Изучение почвенных условий газонов является одной из важных составляющих при планировании мер ухода и содержания. Полученные данные показали, что почвы на исследуемых территориях слабо и очень слабо обеспечены калием и фосфором; азотом почвы парков обеспечены в разной степени, однако бедных почв больше. Также наблюдается высокая положительная корреляционная зависимость содержания подвижного калия от содержания подвижного фосфора в исследуемых почвах.

The purpose of this research is to study soil fertility in lawn areas with different microclimatic environmental conditions. Soil sampling was carried out on the territory of six public green spaces in St. Petersburg: Obukhov Square, Ivan Fomin Garden, Murinsky Park, Udelny Park, Yuzhno-Primorskiy Park, Ivanovka River Square. The determination of the main agrochemical indicators was carried out in the laboratory according to generally accepted methods in several repetitions. These studies are carried out within the framework of the interdisciplinary project of the Russian Science Foundation with the support of the administration of St. Petersburg «Lawn as an indicator of a sustainable urban environment and adaptation to climate change». The study of the soil conditions of lawns is one of the important components in the planning of care and maintenance measures. The data obtained showed that the soils in the studied territories are poorly supplied with potassium and phosphorus; nitrogen supply differs, but most soils are poor ones. High positive correlation between the content of available potassium and the content of available phosphorus in the studied soils is revealed.
Vibration load of the feller buncher machine operator
Authors: Александров В.А. , Александров А.В. , Бучников А.А.
Published: November 2023

Разработана динамическая модель системы «Оператор - ВПМ - предмет труда - дерево». Математическое описание составлено в форме уравнения Лагранжа 2-го рода. Система уравнений решена относительно упругой деформации спинки сиденья оператора методом Рунге-Кутта, с помощью среды программирования MathCAD. Апробация модели осуществлена на примере серийно выпускаемых валочно-пакетирующих машин ЛП-19А.

A dynamic model of the «operator - feller-buncher machine - object of labor - tree» has been developed. The mathematical description is in the form of the Lagrange equation of the second kind. The system of equations is solved for the elastic deformation of the operator's seat back by the Runge-Kutta method, using the MathCAD programming environment. Approbation of the model was carried out on the example of commercially available feller-bunchers machines LP-19A.
Efficient method of extinguishing peat fires in winter
Authors: Секерин И.М. , Ерицов А.М. , Кректунов А.А. , Залесов С.В.
Published: November 2023

Установлено увеличение количества торфяных пожаров в последние годы на территории Свердловской области. Экспериментально доказано, что тушение торфяных пожаров, не потушенных в летне-осенний период, целесообразно проводить в зимний период. Оптимальным периодом тушения является конец февраля - март. При развитии торфяных пожаров формируются, как правило, многоочаговые лесные пожары. Тушение таких пожаров следует начинать с аэроразведки, используя при этом беспилотные летательные аппараты, оснащенные тепловизорами. Работы по разведке следует проводить при пасмурной погоде и температуре до -10 С. Установлено, что тушение следует начинать с выкорчевывания имеющихся в очаге горения деревьев, если таковые имеются, и перемещения их на выгоревший участок. Корчевка деревьев и последующее расталкивание горящего торфа производится бульдозером марки Б-10М. При перемещении бульдозер расталкивает горящий торф слоем до 10 см, перемешивая его со снегом и негорящими слоями торфа. При обратном движении бульдозера производится уплотнение тлеющего торфа с целью лучшего его охлаждения. За одну смену, используя бульдозер, можно потушить от 0,5 до 2,0 га активных очагов лесных торфяных пожаров. Указанный способ позволил зимой 2021-2022 гг. потушить 28 торфяных пожаров. Случаев повторного возгорания торфа на потушенных участках не зафиксировано.

In the territory of the Sverdlovsk region increasing the number of plat fires in recent years is established. It has been experimentally proved that it is advisable to extinguish plat fires that are not extinguished in the summer autumn period in the winter period. The optimal extinguishing period is the end of February-March. With the development of peat fires, as a rule, multifocal forest fires are formed. The extinguishing of such fires should begin with aeroreconnaissance using unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with thermal imagers. Exploration work should be carried out in cloud weather and temperatures down to minus 10 degrees. It has been established that extinguishing should begin with uprooting trees in the fire center, if any, and moving them to the burned area. Uprooting of trees and subsequent pushing of burning plat is carried out by a 13-10 m bulldozer. When moving the bulldozer is pushing the burning plat with a layer up to 19 cm mixing it with snow and non-burning layers of plat. In reverse movement of the bulldozer, the smoldering plat is compacted in order to cool it better. In on shift, using a bulldozer it is possible to extinguish from 0.5 to 2.0 ha active forest plat fires. This method allowed to put out 28 plat fires in the winter of 2021-2022. Cases of re-ignition of plat in extinguished areas were not recorded.
Simulation modeling of wood harvesting processes
Authors: Соколов А.П.
Published: November 2023

В статье описывается разработанная автором новая имитационная модель процессов заготовки древесины, реализованная в среде пакета программ AnyLogic. Модель позволяет описывать лесосеки любой конфигурации, варьировать характеристики древостоя и моделировать как сплошные, так и несплошные рубки, моделировать работу комплексов лесозаготовительных и лесотранспортных машин разного состава (харвестер+форвардер, ВПМ+скиддер и т. п.), изменять число задействованных трелевочных машин, учитывать ограничения по безопасности выполнения работ и технологические ограничения пространственного характера. Наглядная анимация моделируемых производственных процессов существенно облегчает работу с моделью.

The article describes a new simulation model of wood harvesting processes developed by the author and implemented in the AnyLogic software package. The model allows to describe cutting areas of any configuration, vary the characteristics of the forest stand and simulate both clearcut and non-clear cuts, simulate the operation of logging and timber transport machines of various compositions (harvester + forwarder, feller bunchers + skidders, etc.), change the number of involved forwarders and skidders, take into account the restrictions on the safety of work and spatial technological limitations. Animation of the simulating processes greatly facilitates the work with the model.
Enhanced forecasting of multi-step ahead daily soil temperature using advanced hybrid vote algorithm-based tree models
Authors: Hatamiafkoueieh Javad , Heddam Salim , Khoshtinat Saeed , Khazaei Solmaz , Osmani Abdol-Baset , Nohani Ebrahim , Kiomarzi Mohammad , Sharafi Ehsan , Tiefenbacher John
Published: November 2023

In this study, the vote algorithm used to improve the performances of three machine-learning models including M5Prime (M5P), random forest (RF), and random tree (RT) is developed (i.e. V-M5P, V-RF, and V-RT). Developed models were tested for forecasting soil temperature (TS) at 1, 2, and 3 days ahead at depths of 5 and 50 cm. All models were developed using different climatic variables, including mean, minimum, and maximum air temperatures; sunshine hours; evaporation; and solar radiation, which were evaluated. Correlation coefficients of 0.95 for the V-M5P model, 0.95 for the V-RF model, and 0.91 for the V-RT model were recorded for both 1- and 2-day ahead forecasting at a depth of 5 cm. For 3-day ahead forecasting, V-RF was the superior model with Nash–Sutcliff efficiency (NSE) values of 0.85, compared to V-M5P's value of 0.81 and V-RT's value of 0.81. The results at a depth of 5 cm indicate that V-RT was the least effective model. At a depth of 50 cm, forecasted TsS was in good agreement with measurements, and the V-RF was slightly superior. Among the limitations of the current work is that the models were unable to improve their performances by increasing the forecasting horizon.
Assessing the vulnerability of flash floods to climate change in arid zones: Amman–Zarqa Basin, Jordan
Authors: Al Saodi Rihan , Al Kuisi Mustafa , Al Salaymeh Ahmed
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of flash floods to future climate change in the Amman–Zarqa Basin, Jordan. Historical daily rainfall and temperature data from 1970 to 2018 were collected, along with projected daily data derived from general circulation models (GCMs) forecast spanning 2019–2060. The methodology involved analyzing historical and model forecast data, conducting trend analysis, mapping changes in land use, estimating runoff volume, selecting indicators, assigning their weights through the analytical hierarchy process, and generating vulnerability maps. Analysis of precipitation trends revealed a 14.61% decrease in total annual rainfall over the past 48 years; however, future projections indicate a 5.26% increase. Downstream sub-catchments in the arid portion are projected to receive higher rainfall, while upstream sub-catchments are expected to experience a substantial decline, resulting in an overall reduction in runoff. Moreover, our findings demonstrate a rising trend in mean temperature, which is expected to persist. Remote sensing data indicate a 14.76% expansion of urban areas, indicative of rapid population growth. Although no highly vulnerable sub-catchments were identified, downstream sub-catchments 8 and 9 exhibited moderate vulnerability to flash floods, which can be attributed to the increase in rainfall and insufficient stormwater infrastructure.
Chemical risks in drinking water of inhabitants in the basin of the Tonle Sap Great Lake
Authors: Phan Kongkea , Hoeng Sophanith , Phin Samnang , The Noreaksatya , Sriv Tharith , Sao Vibol , Chey Chan Oeurn
Published: November 2023

The present study aimed to assess chemical risks in the drinking water of inhabitants in the basin of the Tonle Sap Great Lake. Water samples from tube wells (n = 52), dug wells (n = 13), stored rain water (n = 39), ponds/lakes (n = 19), canals/rivers (n = 24), and household pipe water (n = 45) were collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties, as well as microbial and chemical qualities using standard methods. Analytical results revealed that 42.1% of tube wells had As > 10 μg L−1 while 8.3% had Cr > 0.05 mg L−1. Concurrently, 55.2 and 11.8% of tube wells had Cd > 3.00 μg L–1 and Pb > 10 μg L−1, respectively. Moreover, 35.0% of pipe water had Fe > 0.3 mg L−1, whereas 85.7% of tube wells and 69.2% of dug wells had Mn > 0.1 mg L−1. All water sources including pipe water could pose risks of non-carcinogenic effects of chemical mixtures to all exposure groups through their drinking water pathway. Children were at a higher risk of chemical mixtures in their drinking water than adults. This study suggests that advanced treatment technologies should be applied to the current water treatment plants to provide inhabitants with safe drinking water.
Evaluation of the yield and photosynthetic parameters of corn by some amendatory materials under deficit irrigation conditions
Authors: Khodadadi Dehkordi Davoud , Shamsnia Seyed Amir , Asadilour Mehdi
Published: November 2023

Irrigation is essential for corn plants. Because this plant is a summer crop, irrigation is critical to its production, and an absence of moisture is a significant constraint on its development. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of hydrophilic polymer (HP) and fulvic acid (Fu-A) as amendatory materials on yield, yield component, and photosynthetic parameters of corn plants under the deficit irrigation (DI) situation. The treatments were performed by mixing two water provision groups, including complete irrigation (CI) and DI, two soil improvements, including the application of without HP or with HP, and two foliar amendments, including spraying without Fu-A or with Fu-A, with four replications. According to the results, under DI and CI situations, the co-treatment of two amendatory materials, Fu-A and HP, enhanced corn yield significantly. These enhancements were higher than enhancements attained by using them alone. Besides, the moisture and leaf proline available for the plant during DI circumstances were increased by utilizing both amendatory materials. Under DI treatment, using Fu-A and HP amendatory materials together may thus be more significant and beneficial for increasing production and boosting photosynthetic mechanisms.