bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustained Annulus Pressure Diagnostics in Offshore Wells by Multisensory Spectral Acoustics
Authors: Shtun Sergei , Senkov Alexander , Abramenko Oleg , Rakitin Mickhail , Nagimov Vener , Trusov Alexander , Frolov Alexander
Published: October 2021

The monitoring of sustainable annulus pressure (SAP) in offshore wells plays an important role in the development of an oil reservoir with a massive gas cap. The method of spectral noise logging and high-precision temperature logging used to identify SAP source presented in work (Shtun 2020) proved to be good in determining the intervals of gas movement, however, the method is limited in answers. The most significant limitation of the spectral noise logging method is associated with the impossibility based on power spectrum to distinguish the zones of gas flow in the annular space and gas inflow zones from reservoir contributing SAP. This information is critical for proper workover planning to eliminate SAP. This limitation relates to the fact that the amplitude and frequency of the resulting signal depend on not only the aperture of space fluid flow through and depend on the turbulence of the fluid flow. The paper describes a novel technology of multisensory passive acoustics of radial location that is designed to differentiate far and near acoustic sources in wells to accurately define the sources of SAP. The results of laboratory and field cases in offshore oil wells were presented in this paper as well as the comparison between single sensor spectral noise logging and multisensory passive acoustics of radial location answers was given at the end of the paper based on real case studies. As shown in the paper the described technology provides a more accurate determination of the source of SAP and the geometry of fluid movement in the near-wellbore zone.
Analytical Solution for Determining Fracture Attenuation
Authors: Rubailo Vadim Andreevich , Isakov Kirill Dmitrievich , Shirobokov Anton Vyacheslavovich
Published: October 2021

This work is devoted to the analytical solution of the damping of the fracture of the hydraulic fracturing. A solution is obtained for changing the dimensionless conductivity of the crack due to a decrease in the conductivity of the proppant and its removal from the crack. The considered crack geometry corresponds to the Perkins-Kern analytical model, which allows us to take into account the change in the crack width depending on its length. To calculate the proppant conductivity, laboratory studies were used, the data of which were extrapolated in order to predict the destruction of proppant balls during the operation of a well with a fractured hydraulic fracturing.
Fracturing Experience of Tyumenskaya and Vikulovskaya Formations: Application of Novel Low-Viscosity Fracturing Fluids as an Alternative to Guar-Based Fluids
Authors: Loskutov Konstantin Yurievich , Sadretdinov Almaz Albertovich , Samoilov Michael Ivanovich , Emelyanov Dmitriy Vasilevich , Delyanov Yuri Aleksandrovich , Pavlova Svetlana Rafailievna
Published: October 2021

Tyumenskaya and Vikulovskya stratas are the major development objects for Rosneft subsidiary – RN- Nyaganneftegaz, characterized by close location of target zones to other layers, breakthrough in which is not desirable.

Thus, target zones of Tyumenskaya group of formations are located close to Abalakskaya strata, and Vikulovskaya group of formations is described by close location of the target hydraulic fracturing intervals to the water-saturated layers. Risks of multi-stage hydraulic fracturing are high due to the use of synthetic geological and geomechanical models and synthetic logging associated with different sections of horizontal wells.

The article presents the implementation experience of specifically developed technological solution in order to increase profitability of development and production of hydrocarbons and decrease the risks of ineffective stimulation: use of low-viscosity viscoelastic hydraulic fracturing fluids based on synthetic polymer- polyacrylamide with inherited ability to control fracture height growth without a need in significant reduction of proppant volume.

The work performed on development and introduction of novel low-viscosity fluids based on polyacrylamide on Vikulovskaya and Tyumenskaya formations - RN-Nyaganneftegaz development objects has become a new stage in the history of hydraulic fracturing of these formations, and as well as for other oilfields with similar geological structure and field development conditions. The gained experience formed a basis for the effective implementation of similar hydraulic fracturing fluid systems and increasing of well productivity following in the result of well stimulation.
Gelled Acid vs. Self-Diverting Systems for Carbonate Matrix Stimulation: an Experimental and Field Study
Authors: Evgenievich Folomeev Alexey , Azatovich Taipov Ildar , Rustemovich Khatmullin Arslan , Khanifovich Mukhametov Flus , Alexandrovich Vakhrushev Sergei , Kanafeevich Mingalishev Fidan , Filusovich Abrarov Vadim , Viktorovich Akimkin Alexandr
Published: October 2021

The paper considers the choice of the optimal acid treatment technology using chemical flow divertion, for low-temperature heterogeneous and depleted carbonates, based on the analysis of field data, a complex of physico-chemical and core studies. To increase the efficiency of acid treatments of wells that operate the specified reservoir, two technologies of chemical flow divertion (using a gelled acid (GA) and a self-diverting acid (SDA) are considered in the paper.

It was revealed that during acid treatments using SDA a longer exposure time of the reagent in the bottom-hole zone (BHZ) of the well is required, as a result of which the planned efficiency for the conditions of the reservoir under consideration is not achieved. By means of core studies, a higher efficiency of using GA under considered conditions was confirmed. The results of physico-chemical and core studies were used to simulate acidizing and adapt treatment designs. Field study of the treatment technology of producing wells with the use of GA was carried out. According to the results of well logging, there is an increase in the working inflow intervals after treatment. The performed field studies confirmed the results of core studies, theoretical studies and physico-chemical surveys.
Complex Approach to Green Fields Development and Fracturing Strategy by the Example of Pilot on the Field by Name of Alexandra Zhagrina
Authors: Kazakov Evgeny Gennadievich , Gaynetdinov Ruslan Ramilevich , Churakov Artem Vladimirovich , Basyrov Ildar Shamilevich , Galysheva Anna Vladimirovna , Musin Roman Faritovich , Fayzullin Ildar Gayazovich , Chebykin Nikolay Vladimirovich , Uchuev Ruslan Pavlovich , Vikhman Ivan Sergeevich , Kamenskiy Andrey Valerevich , Kichigin Egor Nikolaevich
Published: October 2021

The article describes an approach to creating, in conditions of limited input information, a strategy for performing the first hydraulic fracturing operations on deviated and horizontal wells in the A. Zhagrin field. The field is in the active phase of exploration, the planned count is mainly composed of horizontal wells with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing. Approaches to the design of pilot works with control of the height of hydraulic fractures, which have proved their effectiveness by well logging studies and the obtained oil productivity, they have been successfully introduced into the technology of multistage hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wells. Due to the minimum number of reference wells, a significant area of the field (100 km2), the uncertainty of the distribution of water-saturated zones in the target and adjacent formations, the spread in the thickness of clay layers from 10 to 30 m, there is a risk of unwanted introduction of these interlayers by hydraulic fractures. The project team was able to assess the risks in terms of hydraulic fracturing, depending on the geological and physical characteristics (thickness of the target formation and clay layers, saturation) and in joint cross-functional work (with geological, geomechanical and hydrodynamic support) to implement hydraulic fracturing technologies that have confirmed their efficiency in oil production. To test hypotheses at the initial stage, various scenario conditions with a probabilistic assessment of uncertainties were selected at the deviated wells, as a result, the matrix of technological solutions was developed. In directional wells, the capabilities of technologies selected for pilot testing were confirmed using methods for diagnosing the height of hydraulic fracturing. The performed correction of stress profiles in a modern corporate hydraulic fracturing simulator increased the correctness of the 3D geomechanical model, which made it possible to optimize fracture geometry and horizontal wellbore drilling direction. Due to a thorough study of the conditions for the applicability of the considered hydraulic fracturing technologies, it was excluded the inclusion of water-saturated horizons without losing the effective half-length of hydraulic fractures. The workflow, during the implementation of which a matrix of solutions for successful well development was created, will ensure the achievement of planned oil production rates in the future for a field without rich field practice in hydraulic fracturing.
Case Studies of Re-Fracturing Achimov Reservoirs with High-Viscous Friction Reducer on Salym Group of Oilfields
Authors: Chaplygin Dmitry , Khamadaliev Damir , Sednev Alexey , Naimushin Dmitry
Published: October 2021

One of the main objectives for the successful development of the majority of producing oil and gas companies in western Siberia is the development of the Achimov strata. It contains a commercially attractive volume of reserves. This reservoir in most oilfields belongs to the hard-to-recover oil - it has a permeability of less than 2 mD. In this regard, the development of the Achimov strata is impossible without carrying out measures for production enhancement. Where most common is hydraulic fracturing.

The wells tests with hydraulic fracturing conducted at the Salym group of fields showed that not all reserves are economically attractive, and the decline rate in the first year is extremely high. In this connection, the needs of finding more effective solutions for the production enhancement has become urgent.

This article describes the results of pilot work on two wells using a mixture based on a high-viscosity friction reducer (HVFR) as the hydraulic fracturing fluid. The work was carried out at wells where hydraulic fracturing based on cross-linked gel had already been performed and the wells were launched into production.

The results of the work, the lessons learned and the analysis of the subsequent production of these wells is the purpose of this work.
Increasing the Productivity of Horizontal Wells Through Multistage Hydraulic Fracturing Using a Working Fluid Based on a New Biopolymer System
Authors: Migunov Nikolay Mikhaylovich , Alekseev Aleksey Dmitrievich , Bukharov Dinar Farvarovich , Kuznetsov Vadim Alexeevich , Milkov Aleksandr Yuryevich , Prodan Artem Sergeevich , Shevchuk Taras Nickolaevich , Shipilin Georgy Aleksandrovich
Published: October 2021

According to the US Energy Agency (EIA), Russia is the world leader in terms of the volume of technically recoverable "tight oil" resources (U.S. Department of Energy, 2013). To convert them into commercial production, it is necessary to create cost-effective development technologies. For this purpose, a strategy has been adopted, which is implemented at the state level and one of the key elements of which is the development of the high-tech service market. In 2017, the Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation, in accordance with a government executive order (Government Executive Order of the Russian Federation, 2014), awarded the Gazprom Neft project on the creation of a complex of domestic technologies and high-tech equipment for developing the Bazhenov formation with the national status. It is implemented in several directions and covers a wide range of technologies required for the horizontal wells drilling and stimulating flows from them using multi-stage hydraulic fracturing (MS HF) methods.

Within the framework of the technological experiment implemented at the Palyanovskaya area at the Krasnoleninskoye field by the Industrial Integration Center "Gazpromneft - Technological Partnerships" (a subsidiary of Gazprom Neft), from 2015 to 2020, 29 high-tech wells with different lengths of horizontal wellbore were constructed, and multistage hydraulic fracturing operations were performed with various designs. Upon results of 2020, it became possible to increase annual oil production from the Bazhenov formation by 78 % in comparison with up to 100,000 tons in 2019. The advancing of development technologies allowed the enterprise to decrease for more than twice the cost of the Bazhenov oil production from 30 thousand rubles per ton (69$/bbl) at the start of the project in 2015 to 13 thousand rubles (24$/bbl) in 2020.

A significant contribution to the increase in production in 2020 was made by horizontal wells, where MS HF operations were carried out using an experimental process fluid, which is based on the modified Si Bioxan biopolymer. This article is devoted to the background of this experiment and the analysis of its results.
Anakinra Treatment for Refractory Cerebral Autoinflammatory Responses
Authors: Jang Yoonhyuk , Lee Woo-Jin , Lee Han Sang , Chu Kon , Lee Sang Kun , Lee Soon-Tae
Published: October 2021

BackgroundRefractory cerebral autoinflammatory-autoimmune diseases are often associated with dysregulated innate immunity, which are targeted by anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Here, we analyzed the therapeutic effect of anakinra in refractory cerebral autoinflammatory response (CAIR).MethodsWe analyzed single institutional patients treated with anakinra for CAIR from January 2017 to May 2021. Anakinra was sympathetically used for patients with intractable CAIR at 100 mg/day subcutaneously. A good response was defined as any improvement of the modified Rankin Scale, Clinical Assessment Scale in Autoimmune Encephalitis, or Expanded Disability Status Scale.ResultsA total of twelve patients with various diagnostic etiologies were treated with anakinra (mean age=45.1; male=7). Four patients showed good responses, and eight patients had unclear responses. Among the good responders, 75% of the patients had pathologically demonstrated CAIR. The two very good responders had primary progressive multiple sclerosis and cerebral granulomatosis with polyangiitis in each, and microglia/macrophage infiltration was prominent in their brain biopsies. No patient had a serious adverse effect.ConclusionsAnakinra may be a therapeutic option for refractory cerebral autoinflammatory diseases with microglia and macrophage infiltrations.
Immobilized nuclide and leaching mechanism of zircon waste forms efficient synthesized by molten salt
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhang Shengtai , Wang Lingkun , Xu Baoliang , Zuo Xueli , Zhao Qian , Ding Yi , Duan Tao
Published: October 2021

Molten salt has rapid mass transfer and nucleation process, so it can synthesize ceramic solid solution of immobilized high-level radioactive waste at low temperature. The chemical stability in the process of interaction with groundwater determines the ability of matrix phase to prevent radionuclides from entering the biosphere and the release form of radionuclides. Nd-doped ZrSiO4 ceramics with different sintering temperature (1100-1500 ℃), sintering time (3-24 h) and molar ratio of salt to oxide (3:1, 7:1 and 10:1) were prepared by molten salt method. The sintered ceramic is Zr1−xNdxSiO4−x/2, where x is the solubility of Nd in ZrSiO4. The results show that the optimum molar ratio of molten salt to oxide is 10:1, which can quickly synthesize zircon waste form at low temperature. The chemical stability test shows that the normalized leaching rate of trivalent nuclides in zircon structure is in the order of ~10−5 g·m−1·d−1, and the surface layer is dissolved. The experimental results show that zircon structure is an excellent waste form.
Field Application of Nanoliposomes Delivered Quercetin by Inhibiting Specific hsp70 Gene Expression Against Plant Virus Disease
Authors: Wang Jie , Hao Kaiqiang , Yu Fangfei , Shen Lili , Wang Fenglong , Yang Jinguang , Su Chenyu
Published: October 2021

The annual economic loss caused by plant viruses exceeds 10 billion dollars due to the lack of ideal control measures. Quercetin is a flavonol compound that exerts a control effect on plant virus diseases, but its poor solubility and stability limit the control efficiency. Fortunately, the development of nanopesticides has led to new ideas. In this study, 117 nm quercetin nanoliposomes with excellent stability were prepared from biomaterials, and few surfactants and stabilizers were added to optimize the formula. Nbhsp70er-1 and Nbhsp70c-A were found to be the target genes of quercetin, through abiotic and biotic stress, and the nanoliposomes improved the inhibitory effect at the gene and protein levels by 33.6% and 42%, respectively. Finally, the results of field experiment showed that the control efficiency was 38% higher than that of the conventional quercetin formulation and higher than those of other antiviral agents. This research is the first to report the combination of biological antiviral agents and nanotechnology to control plant virus diseases, and it significantly improved the control efficiency and reduced the use of traditional chemical pesticides.
Association of Low Fasting C-Peptide Levels With Cardiovascular Risk, Visit-To-Visit Glucose Variation and Severe Hypoglycemia in The Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT)
Authors: Koska Juraj , Nuyujukian Daniel S. , Bahn Gideon , Zhou Jin J. , Reaven Peter D.
Published: October 2021

Aims
Low C-peptide levels, indicating beta-cell dysfunction, are associated with increased within-day glucose variation and hypoglycemia. In advanced type 2 diabetes, severe hypoglycemia and increased glucose variation predict cardiovascular (CVD) risk. The present study examined the association between C-peptide levels and CVD risk and whether it can be explained by visit-to-visit glucose variation and severe hypoglycemia.
Materials and Methods
Fasting C-peptide levels at baseline, composite CVD outcome, severe hypoglycemia, and visit-to-visit fasting glucose coefficient of variation (CV) and average real variability (ARV) were assessed in 1565 Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial participants.
Results
There was a U-shaped relationship between C-peptide and CVD risk with increased risk with declining levels in the low range (<0.50 nmol/l, HR 1.30 [95%CI 1.05-1.60], p=0.02) and with rising levels in the high range (>1.23 nmol/l, 1.27 [1.00-1.63], p=0.05). C-peptide levels were inversely associated with the risk of severe hypoglycemia (OR 0.68 [0.60-0.77]) and visit-to-visit glucose variation (CV, standardized beta-estimate -0.12 [SE 0.01]; ARV, -0.10 [0.01]) (p<0.0001 all). The association of low C-peptide levels with CVD risk was independent of cardiometabolic risk factors (1.48 [1.17-1.87, p=0.001) and remained associated with CVD when tested in the same model with severe hypoglycemia and glucose CV.
Conclusions
Low C-peptide levels were associated with increased CVD risk in advanced type 2 diabetes. The association was independent of increases in glucose variation or severe hypoglycemia. C-peptide levels may predict future glucose control patterns and CVD risk, and identify phenotypes influencing clinical decision making in advanced type 2 diabetes.
THE WAY UKRAINIANS LEARNT THE CZECH LANGUAGE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA OR UKRAINIAN INTERWAR IMMIGRATION IN THE NEW LINGUISTIC FIELD (1918-1939)
Authors: Zubko O.Y.
Published: October 2021

The phenomenon of cross-linguistic homonymy is the result of closely related languages’ interaction, confusing the same or similar sounding words which have different meanings in different languages. The Ukrainian immigrant community in the interwar Czechoslovakia is no exception. The life of the people of Ukrainian origin in the interwar Czechoslovakia can be conditionally divided into four periods. The first one dates back to 1918-1921 when the detachments of Ukrainian Galicia Army entered the territory of the First Czechoslovak Republic: “Hirska Brygada”, “Stary Tabir”, “Hlyboka”, “Krukenychy”. This first period for the people of Ukrainian origin in the interwar First Czechoslovak Republic is characterized by the lack of interest in learning the Czech language in general as far as most of the campers, who had conversational fluency in German and Polish, were waiting for settling the status of Eastern Galicia, the fate of the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic and solving the conflict in Cieszyn Silesia. The second period dates back to 1921-1925 when the majority of antibolshevik immigration arrived in the interwar First Czechoslovak Republic. Especially this period is characterized by the active learning of the Czech language. The immigrants had two ways of mastering the language. The official way was acquiring the high education in the Czech and Ukrainian educational establishments. However, the most widespread way was the unofficial one, when the language was learnt in the shops, restaurants, bars or other working places where unskilled manual labour was required (for example, at Tomash Batia’s shoe factory, different plants and enterprises); right in the streets after all within different communication situations. The third period in the life of the people of Ukrainian origin on the territory of the interwar First Czechoslovak Republic took place in 1925-1929 and was called “povorontnytstvo”. During this period there was no way of speaking about mastering the Czech language and using cross-linguistic homonyms. In the 1930s due to the world economic crisis and shutting down the access to the Czechoslovak labour market for the people of Ukrainian origin the issue of learning the Czech language was not raised at all. The majority of the people of Ukrainian origin who stayed in Prague and its suburbs or moved to Transcarpathia had already mastered the Czech language by that time. Thus, on the one hand the provocative similarity created a number of obstacles, misunderstandings, it caused tragic and sometimes comic situations. On the other hand, it spiced up the everyday lives of the people of Ukrainian origin.
Simulated Particle and Vapor Drift of Dicamba to ‘Vidal blanc’ Hybrid Grapevine under Missouri Field Conditions
Authors: Dixon Sarah E. , Henry Jerri L. , Volenberg Dean S. , Smeda Reid J.
Published: October 2021

The increasing adoption of dicamba-tolerant soybean (Glycine max) increases the potential exposure of wine grape (Vitis sp.) to dicamba, to which off-target injury may occur via particle drift or vapor drift. In Missouri, at one site in 2017 and at two sites in 2018, research of production vineyards focused on the effects of dicamba on hybrid ‘Vidal blanc’ grapevines. During flowering and early fruit set, bearing grapevines were exposed to low rates of dicamba delivered as a spray solution of 81 or 161 ppm or by vapor from treated soil. Grapevines were highly sensitive to dicamba, and visible symptoms extended throughout the growing season. The severity of dicamba injury (leaf cupping and feathering) was similar at two of three site-years, with greater injury related to particle drift than to vapor drift of dicamba. Early-season injury resulted in dicamba impacting the total soluble solids (TSS) content of grape berries and grape yield. At harvest during two site-years, yield reductions of up to 45% were associated with dicamba exposure at flowering. Across all site-years, no significant effects of dicamba drift were observed in the TSS content of berries during veraison in August, as measured by refractometer. However, the final TSS content of berries at harvest in September was reduced by 12% from dicamba as particle drift. At a minimum detection level of 10 ng⋅mL−1, high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry identified dicamba at levels up to 33 ng⋅mL−1 in grape must over all site-years. Unexpectedly, this was up to 125 d after grapevine exposure despite low levels of visible dicamba symptomology.
Overview on the indoor air pollution sources of the ship cabins and the hyperbaric chambers
Authors: Elena Rita Avram
Published: October 2021

The present paper will be focused on analyzing the factors that influence indoor air qualityof the ship cabins and the hyperbaric chambers taking into account the specific degree of pollution, as oxidation of metal surfaces, vaporization, nature of the paints used, respiration, gases or particles coming from the combustion of fuels, chemicals, and allergens. The article will present a synthesis of the influence of characteristic parameters, such as ventilation rate and exposure to mold or chemicals on indoor air quality, as this is strictly and directly related to health, comfort, and ability to work.
World seaborne trade in the 1990-2019 period and its perspective in COVID ERA
Authors: Romeo Bosneagu
Published: October 2021

In the period 1990-2019 the world economy grew and declined with good and bad periods, with smaller and stronger crises (such as the 2009 one), which seems to have not ended. Word seaborne trade, directly related to international world and merchandise trade followed their upward and downward trends, but with much higher amplitudes. The comparative analysis of global economic developments in 2005-2018 period shows a declining trend of all economic indicators, accentuated in the covid and post-covid 19 era.
Inhibition of ionotropic GluR signaling preserves oligodendrocyte lineage and myelination in an ex vivo rat model of white matter ischemic injury
Authors: Al‑Griw Mohamed , Salter Michael , Wood Ian
Published: October 2021

Preterm infants have a high risk of neonatal white matter injury (WMI). WMI leads to reduced myelination, inflammation, and clinical neurodevelopmental deficits for which there are no effective treatments. Ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) induced excitotoxicity contributes to oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage cell loss and demyelination in brain models of neonatal and adult WMI. Here, we hypothesized that simulated ischemia (oxygen‑glucose deprivation) damages white matter via activation of iGluR signaling, and that iGluR inhibition shortly after WMI could mitigate OL loss, enhance myelination, and suppress inflammation in an ex vivo cerebellar slice model of developing WMI. Inhibition of iGluR signaling by a combined block of AMPA and NMDA receptors, shortly after simulated ischemia, restored myelination, reduced apoptotic OLs, and enhanced OL precursor cell proliferation and maturation as well as upregulated expression of transcription factors regulating OL development and remyelination. Our findings demonstrate that iGluR inhibition post‑injury alleviates OL lineage cell loss and inflammation and promotes myelination upon developing WMI. The findings may help to develop therapeutic interventions for the WMI treatment.
Role of NR2B/ERK signaling in the neuroprotective effect of dexmedetomidine against sevoflurane induced neurological dysfunction in the developing rat brain
Authors: Li Guohua , Cao Fang , Jin Yanwu , Wang Yu , Wang Dawei , Zhou Limin
Published: October 2021

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a potent α‑2 adrenergic receptor agonist and has been widely applied in clinic. The present study explored the protective effect of DEX on sevoflurane‑induced learning and cognitive impairment and examined its underlying mechanism. Sprague‑Dawley rat pups were exposed to 0.85% sevoflurane for 6 h and injected with DEX in different doses. The Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the learning and memory function of rats. Western blot was used for the measurement of protein levels. The water maze results indicated that sevoflurane treatment increased the escape latency but reduced the time spent in the original quadrant of rats. The protein levels of NR2B, phosphorylated ERK were significantly influenced by sevoflurane. Ifenprodil administration alleviated sevoflurane‑induced neurological impairment. DEX treatment reversed the effect of sevoflurane on both escape latency and time in original quadrant in a dose manner, and pretreatment with DEX had the most dramatic effect. DEX regulated the NR2B/ERK signaling in sevoflurane treated rats. NR2B/ERK signaling is involved in sevoflurane induced neurological impairment. DEX may protect against sevoflurane induced neurological dysfunction in the developing rat brain via regulating the NR2B/ERK signaling.
Levels of happiness and depression in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Poland
Authors: Kostiukow Anna , Poniewierski Piotr , Janowska Dominika , Samborski Włodzimierz
Published: October 2021

There are numerous factors that determine the sense of happiness and level of depression in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this paper is to evaluate happiness and depression in/among families with an ASD child and compare with families with neurotypical children. The study included 182 participants. The participants answered questions for two questionnaires: Beck Depression Inventory and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. The outcome of the study identified significant differences for sense of happiness and level of depression among the parents of children with ASD compared with the parents of neurotypical children. It was shown that parents of children with ASD reported a lower sense of happiness and a higher level of depression compared to the parents of neurotypical children. They also showed a significantly higher level of depression relative to the decreased level of happiness. Moreover, parents who have a university education degree and a child with ASD showed a higher sense of happiness and a lower level of depression than parents who had a secondary education degree, in the studied groups.
Effects of cerebral hypoperfusion on the cerebral white matter: a meta‑analysis
Authors: Mun Juyeon , Jung Junyang , Park Chan
Published: October 2021

Decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in aging is known to induce aging‑related cerebral deteriorations, such as neuronal degeneration, white matter (WM) alterations, and vascular deformations. However, the effects of cerebral hypoperfusion on WM alterations remain unclear. This study investigates the relationship between cerebral hypoperfusion and WM total volume changes by assessing the trends in CBF and WM changes by meta‑analysis. In this meta‑analysis, the differences in CBF were compared according to cerebral hypoperfusion type and the effect of cerebral hypoperfusion on the total volume of WM changes in rodents. Using subgroup analysis, 13 studies were evaluated for comparing CBF according to the type of cerebral hypoperfusion; 12 studies were evaluated for comparing the effects of cerebral hypoperfusion on the total volume of WM changes. Our meta‑analysis shows that the total volume of WM decreases with a decrease in CBF. However, the reduction in\r\nthe total volume of WM was greater in normal aging mice than in the cerebral hypoperfusion model mice. These results suggest that the reduction of cerebral WM volume during the aging process is affected by other factors in addition to a decrease in CBF.
THE “CIVILIZATIONAL CHALLENGE / CORRECT RESPONSE” PROBLEM AND THE ARTISTIC LITERATURE OF THE SMALL-NUMBERED PEOPLES OF THE SIBERIAN NORTH: THE CASE OF A. P. NERKAGI
Authors: KOMAROV Sergey A. , LAGUNOVA Olga K.
Published: October 2021

The article covers the reaction strategy of ethnic consciousness of the indigenous small-numbered peoples in the Russian North to the breakdown in understanding of the correctness of the response (Soviet civilization) within the civilizational challenge to the country. This overview is based on the case of tundra Nenets and a Russian-speaking prose writer A. P. Nerkagi. The article introduction presents the humanitarian approaches used in the analysis of the specific functioning of a territorial macro-object receiving a challenge. The concept devoted to the permissibility of the correctness/incorrectness of response, proposed by Arnold Toynbee, allows us to identify the mechanisms in functioning of complex phenomena (the literature of the empire) through segments of large territories and their authoritative subjects (the writer as an exponent of ethnic consciousness in an expanded text). This makes it possible to accumulate material for creating a new sociology of literature, improving its categorical apparatus and intersubject relations. Presented in the concluding section, the thematic complex of abnormalities in the ratio of internal and external in A. P. Nerkagi’s image of the characters supports the research concept of the syncretic and traditionalistic nature of the Nenets writer’s literary creativity. It also proves the existence of different phases in the development of Russian national literatures in accordance with the allocation of a three-link scheme in historical poetics. The purpose of the article is to describe the logic behind the search by an ethnosubject of restoring the supporting bases of world perception and the generation on this basis of a new narrative strategy corresponding to the deep organics of folk culture. All of this is due to such conditions where a total crisis of the previous cultural matrix is manifested.
ASPECT-BASED SENTIMENT ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL DISCOURSE
Authors: Brunova Elena G. , Bidulya Yulia V. , Gorbunov Alexander A.
Published: October 2021

The existing systems for accurate sentiment analysis are mainly based on statistical and mathematical principles. However, more promising are the works that are devoted to the study of the linguistic features of the evaluation expression. The results of this formalization can be applied both in the field of affective computing for further improvement of automatic systems and for linguistics and related sciences.
The novelty of this study lies mainly in the development of an algorithm based on the identified linguistic rules. In addition, the research material is political discourse, which has not yet been studied enough by specialists of affective computing. The relevance of this work is justified by the growing need for categorization of information published on the Internet.
The purpose of the study is to develop a system for machine sentiment analysis of English-language political texts, as well as to identify aspects and their distribution for subsequent use in enhancement. The article discusses the linguistic features of sentiment analysis and suggests a classification of linguistic units with sentiment potential in relation to levels of language structure. The results of an experiment on testing the operation of the sentiment analysis system, conducted on 300 news articles and user comments taken from reddit.com/r/politics, are also presented. The accuracy of the system is 92%. In addition, the selected 40 comments were manually marked up and tagged; during this process the expert identified 25 aspects. Furthermore, 3 formal patterns were identified in the distribution of aspect terms, which is necessary for creating an automatic system. The first peculiarity is that the aspect terms are repeated in two consecutive sentences. The second is that aspect terms are often the themes of sentences. Finally, the third — a high frequency of distribution of aspect terms at the beginning and end of the text (document) was revealed.
Recent Advances in Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Functionalization of 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-triazoles
Authors: Franco Daiana Portella , Caruso Lucas , Nadur Nathalia Fonseca , Pereira Thiago Moreira , Lacerda Renata Barbosa , Kümmerle Arthur Eugen
Published: October 2021

Triazoles are five-membered aromatic heterocyclics, which exhibit two isosteric
forms (1,2,3-triazoles and 1,2,4-triazoles), as well as multiple applications in medicinal, agricultural,
supramolecular, and materials sciences. Famous examples of triazoles include drugs,
such as fluconazole, ribavirin, cefatrizine, and tazobactam, as well as herbicides, such as cafenstrole
and metosulam. This review aims to present the recent major examples of the application
of microwave-assisted organic synthesis (MAOS) to the syntheses and endfunctionalizations
of 1,4- and 1,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles, 1,2,4-triazoles, 3-amino-1,2,4-
triazoles, 1,2,4-triazol-3-one, and 1,2,4-triazol-3-thiol derivatives. Notably, the previous reviews
on triazole syntheses have not exclusively elucidated the relevance of MAOS techniques
in the obtention and derivatization of these compounds.
External Interventions and Consequences in the Horn of Africa
Authors: Bereketeab Redie
Published: October 2021

This paper examines external interventions, subsequent configurations of alliances and consequences in the Horn of Africa (HOA). The HOA, major part of its political history is shaped and reshaped by external interventions and constant shifts of alliances and political configurations. Colonialism, Cold War, war on terror, piracy and scramble for resources have all shaped the politics of the region. Superpower rivalry during Cold War left its interminable print in the region. The GCC crisis and the Yemen war induced greater involvement of those states in the region. Its crucial strategic location makes the region highly coveted by external actors making it an easy prey for external power struggle. This renders the region the most conflicted in the African continent. Recently, the region has witnessed convergence of military forces of major global powers. This in turn sparks reactions of radicalism, fundamentalism and extremism. The paper argues the conflated interventions and constant shifts of alliances generate convolute pathologies that plague the HOA
Designing a Serious Game (Above Water) for Stigma Reduction Surrounding Mental Health: Semistructured Interview Study With Expert Participants
Authors: Wehbe Rina R , Whaley Colin , Eskandari Yasaman , Suarez Ally , Nacke Lennart E , Hammer Jessica , Lank Edward
Published: October 2021

Background

Although in many contexts unsuccessful games targeting learning, social interaction, or behavioral change have few downsides, when covering a sensitive domain such as mental health (MH), care must be taken to avoid harm and stigmatization of people who live with MH conditions. As a result, evaluation of the game to identify benefits and risks is crucial in understanding the game’s success; however, assessment of these apps is often compared with the nongame control condition, resulting in findings specifically regarding entertainment value and user preferences. Research exploring the design process, integrating field experts, and guidelines for designing a successful serious game for sensitive topics is limited.

Objective

The aim of this study is to understand which elements of game design can guide a designer when designing a game for sensitive topics.

Methods

To carefully probe the design space of serious games for MH, we present Above Water (AbW), a game targeting the reduction of stigma surrounding MH, now in its second iteration. The game, AbW, serves as a consistent research probe to solicit expert feedback. Experts were recruited from a range of topic domains related to MH and wellness, game design, and user experience.

Results

By using this deployment as a research probe, this study demonstrates how to synthesize gained insights from multiple expert perspectives and create actionable guidelines for successful design of serious games targeting sensitive topics.

Conclusions

Our work contributes to a better understanding of how to design specialized games to address sensitive topics. We present a set of guidelines for designing games for sensitive subjects, and for each guideline, we present an example of how to apply the finding to the sample game (AbW). Furthermore, we demonstrate the generalizability to other sensitive topics by providing an additional example of a game that could be designed with the presented guidelines.
Measuring the Time to Deterioration for Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer Using a Web-Based Monitoring Application: Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Brusniak Katharina , Feisst Manuel , Sebesteny Linda , Hartkopf Andreas , Graf Joachim , Engler Tobias , Schneeweiss Andreas , Wallwiener Markus , Deutsch Thomas Maximilian
Published: October 2021

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is used to evaluate the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In a long-term therapy setting, HRQoL can be used as an important benchmark for treatment success. With the help of digital apps, HRQoL monitoring can be extended to more remote areas and be administered on a more frequent basis.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate 3 common HRQoL questionnaires in metastasized breast cancer in terms of TTD in a digital, web-based setting. We further aim to examine the development of the HRQoL in different systemic treatment groups in each of these evaluation instruments.

Methods

A total of 192 patients with metastatic breast cancer were analyzed in this bicentric prospective online cohort study at two German university hospitals. Patients completed questionnaires on HRQoL (EuroQol Visual Analog Scale [EQ-VAS], EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level [EQ-5D-5L], European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–Core 30 item [EORTC QLQ-C30]) via an online platform over a 6-month period. Treatment schedules and medical history were retrieved from medical records. Unadjusted Cox regression analysis on treatment-related factors was performed. We conducted subgroup analyses in regard to TTD events between different treatments.

Results

The EQ-VAS showed a higher rate of deterioration after 8 weeks (84/179, 46.9%) than the EQ-5D-5L (47/163, 28.8%) and EORTC QLQ-C30 (65/176, 36.9%). Unadjusted Cox regression revealed significant connections between known metastases in the liver (P=.03, HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.06-2.52) and pleura (P=.04, HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18-0.96) in the EQ-VAS. Significant relations between EQ-VAS events and single EQ-5D-5L items and the EQ-5D-5L summary score were demonstrated. All treatment groups significantly differed from the CDK4/6 inhibition subgroup in the EQ-VAS.

Conclusions

Compared to the EQ-5D-5L and QLQ-C30, the EQ-VAS showed a higher rate of deterioration after 8 weeks. Significant connections to certain metastatic locations were only detected in the EQ-VAS. The EQ-VAS is capable of reflecting the distinctive HRQoL profiles of different systemic treatments as well as the different aspects of HRQoL presented in the EQ-5D-5L. TTD with the EQ-VAS is an adequate mean of examining longitudinal development of HRQoL among breast cancer patients.
Clinician Preimplementation Perspectives of a Decision-Support Tool for the Prediction of Cardiac Arrhythmia Based on Machine Learning: Near-Live Feasibility and Qualitative Study
Authors: Matthiesen Stina , Diederichsen Søren Zöga , Hansen Mikkel Klitzing Hartmann , Villumsen Christina , Lassen Mats Christian Højbjerg , Jacobsen Peter Karl , Risum Niels , Winkel Bo Gregers , Philbert Berit T , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Andersen Tariq Osman
Published: October 2021

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI), such as machine learning (ML), shows great promise for improving clinical decision-making in cardiac diseases by outperforming statistical-based models. However, few AI-based tools have been implemented in cardiology clinics because of the sociotechnical challenges during transitioning from algorithm development to real-world implementation.

Objective

This study explored how an ML-based tool for predicting ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) could support clinical decision-making in the remote monitoring of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

Methods

Seven experienced electrophysiologists participated in a near-live feasibility and qualitative study, which included walkthroughs of 5 blinded retrospective patient cases, use of the prediction tool, and questionnaires and interview questions. All sessions were video recorded, and sessions evaluating the prediction tool were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed through an inductive qualitative approach based on grounded theory.

Results

The prediction tool was found to have potential for supporting decision-making in ICD remote monitoring by providing reassurance, increasing confidence, acting as a second opinion, reducing information search time, and enabling delegation of decisions to nurses and technicians. However, the prediction tool did not lead to changes in clinical action and was found less useful in cases where the quality of data was poor or when VT/VF predictions were found to be irrelevant for evaluating the patient.

Conclusions

When transitioning from AI development to testing its feasibility for clinical implementation, we need to consider the following: expectations must be aligned with the intended use of AI; trust in the prediction tool is likely to emerge from real-world use; and AI accuracy is relational and dependent on available information and local workflows. Addressing the sociotechnical gap between the development and implementation of clinical decision-support tools based on ML in cardiac care is essential for succeeding with adoption. It is suggested to include clinical end-users, clinical contexts, and workflows throughout the overall iterative approach to design, development, and implementation.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy on Social Media: Building a Public Twitter Data Set of Antivaccine Content, Vaccine Misinformation, and Conspiracies
Authors: Muric Goran , Wu Yusong , Ferrara Emilio
Published: October 2021

Background

False claims about COVID-19 vaccines can undermine public trust in ongoing vaccination campaigns, posing a threat to global public health. Misinformation originating from various sources has been spreading on the web since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Antivaccine activists have also begun to use platforms such as Twitter to promote their views. To properly understand the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy through the lens of social media, it is of great importance to gather the relevant data.

Objective

In this paper, we describe a data set of Twitter posts and Twitter accounts that publicly exhibit a strong antivaccine stance. The data set is made available to the research community via our AvaxTweets data set GitHub repository. We characterize the collected accounts in terms of prominent hashtags, shared news sources, and most likely political leaning.

Methods

We started the ongoing data collection on October 18, 2020, leveraging the Twitter streaming application programming interface (API) to follow a set of specific antivaccine-related keywords. Then, we collected the historical tweets of the set of accounts that engaged in spreading antivaccination narratives between October 2020 and December 2020, leveraging the Academic Track Twitter API. The political leaning of the accounts was estimated by measuring the political bias of the media outlets they shared.

Results

We gathered two curated Twitter data collections and made them publicly available: (1) a streaming keyword–centered data collection with more than 1.8 million tweets, and (2) a historical account–level data collection with more than 135 million tweets. The accounts engaged in the antivaccination narratives lean to the right (conservative) direction of the political spectrum. The vaccine hesitancy is fueled by misinformation originating from websites with already questionable credibility.

Conclusions

The vaccine-related misinformation on social media may exacerbate the levels of vaccine hesitancy, hampering progress toward vaccine-induced herd immunity, and could potentially increase the number of infections related to new COVID-19 variants. For these reasons, understanding vaccine hesitancy through the lens of social media is of paramount importance. Because data access is the first obstacle to attain this goal, we published a data set that can be used in studying antivaccine misinformation on social media and enable a better understanding of vaccine hesitancy.