bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oocyte Vitrification for Fertility Preservation in Women with Benign Gynecologic Disease: National Clinical Practice Guidelines Developed by a Modified Delphi Consensus Process
Authors: Courbiere Blandine , Le Roux Enora , Mathieu d’Argent Emmanuelle , Torre Antoine , Patrat Catherine , Poncelet Christophe , Montagut Jacques , Gremeau Anne-Sophie , Creux Hélène , Peigné Maëliss , Chanavaz-Lacheray Isabella , Dirian Lara , Fritel Xavier , Pouly Jean-Luc , Fauconnier Arnaud
Published: July 2021

International guidelines are published in oncology to provide standardized information and fertility preservation (FP) care for adults and children with cancer. For benign gynecologic diseases (BGD), many recommendations are based on data coming from oncofertility studies rather than studies with a stronger and broader evidence base. The purpose of the study was to conduct a modified Delphi process for generating FP guidelines for BGD. A steering committee identified 42 potential FP practices for BGD. Then 114 key stakeholders were asked to participate in a modified Delphi process via two online survey rounds and a final meeting. Consensus was reached for 28 items. Among them, stakeholders rated age-specific information concerning the risk of diminished ovarian reserve after surgery as important but rejected proposals setting various upper and lower age limits for FP. All women should be informed about the benefit/risk balance of oocyte vitrification, in particular about the likelihood of live birth according to age. FP should not be offered in rASRM stages I and II endometriosis without endometriomas. These guidelines could be useful for gynecologists to identify situations at risk of infertility and to better inform women with BGDs who might need personalized counseling for FP.
Influence of the Initial Sugar Concentration and Supplementation with Yeast Extract on the Succinic Acid Fermentation from Lactose Based Medium
Authors: Terboven Christiane , Abendroth Christian , Laumer Janin , Herrmann Christiane , Schneider Roland , Ramm Patrice , Venus Joachim , Plöchl Matthias
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate succinic acid production from lactose concentrate, a by-product of cheese-making, using Actinobacillus succinogenes and Basfia succiniciproducens. Although the capability of these strains to metabolize different sugars is already known, their application in the conversion of lactose bears high potential for optimization. With regard to B. succiniciproducens this approach is completely novel. In particular the influence of the mediums sugar concentration and its supplementation with yeast extract to prevent a lack of proteins and vitamins were examined. Lactose based media containing sugar concentrations between 20 and 65 g L-1 and 5 g L-1 yeast extract were fermented, whereby both strains showed comparable performances. The best results in succinic acid yield and acid concentration, 0.57 g g-1 initial sugar and 23 g L1, were achieved at an initial sugar concentration of 43 g L-1. The necessity of yeast extract was demonstrated using the sugar optimized medium without supplementation. As a result, yield and concentration of succinic acid dropped to 0.34 g g-1 and 13 g L-1, the sugar consumption decreased from more than 99 to less than 55 %. Therefore the supplementation amount of 5 g L-1 yeast extract can be regarded as well-balanced.
The Syntactic Role of Arabic Language on Accusative Adjunct in The Book Nashā'iḥul-‘Ibād: An Overview to The Grammar Role and Reference
Authors: Maulana Khabib Akbar , Masrukhi Moh
Published: July 2021

This research explains the categories and syntactic roles of Arabic in the book Nashâ? Iħul-ʕIbâd by Syekh Nawawi Al-Bantani based on the theory of roles and references grammar. This research is a descriptive qualitative with a purposive sampling method of presenting data that is separated from 112 data. The research method used in this study is the Agih method with basic techniques for direct elements using advanced techniques in the form of markup reading techniques on lingual element in Arabic grammar. The theory for determining the accusative adjunct markers of Arabic used is Valin's (1993) role and reference grammar theory using Kroeger's (2005) definition to look for core and peripheral elements in sentences. This research has found that the word categories of accusative adjunct can be the noun 'ism', the determiner 'muhaddad', the adjective 'naʕt', the adverb 'dharf', and the negation 'nafi', while the phrase category is the nominal phrase 'al-ʕibarah. al-ismiyyah ', the adverbial phrase 'al-ʕibarah adh-dharfiyyah ', and the adjective phrase' al-ʕibarah an-naʕʈiyyah '. In terms of the role of grammar syntax role and reference, adjunct can have any function as a clause modifier with evidential functions, as a core modifier with a function of manner, place, location, cause, and quantity, and also as a nucleus modifier with a affirmating function.
Meanings of Poetry in The Classical Book Ta’līmu Al-Muta’allim by Burhānuddīn Az-Zarnūji (A Study of The Levels of The Roman Ingarden Norms)
Authors: Nafiudin M. Ibnu , Makruf Imam
Published: July 2021

This research aims to describe the structure of the text and the meaning of the poetry on the book Ta'līmu Al-Muta'allīm by Burhānuddīn Az-Zarnūji. This research will be analyzed through structural and Roman Ingarden's strata of norm approach which reveals about educational values. This descriptive qualitative research employs observation and note technique as a method of data collection, in which the researcher records data in the form of verses in the Ta'līmu Al-Muta'allīm book, especially those in chapter 5. The poetry data found, is analyzed by using data triangulation. The results of the research show that the text structure of the poetry of the book Ta'līmu Al-Muta'allīm by Burhānuddīn Az-Zarnūji consists of five layers, including 1) sound layer, 2) meaning layer, 3) layers of things that are stated, 4) the world layer, and 5) the metaphysical layer. Meanwhile, the educational values contain in the meaning of the poetry include the values of religious education, the values of moral education, the values of social education, the values of cultural education, and the values of aesthetic education.
The Systematic Procurement: Educational Supply Chain Management System
Authors: Kyaw Zay Ya  , Rizal Fahmi , Ramadhan Anugrah Agung
Published: July 2021

Procurement is one of the functions involving in the Educational Supply Chain. It is highly important for teaching-learning process, more specifically Engineering programs that are comprised with practical teaching and theory teaching. For practical teaching, the supplies of equipment, facilities, tools and learning materials are dependent on the systematic procurement. This study is aimed to discover the procurement system of the Engineering Faculty, Universitas Negeri Padang, as a single case study. This is the qualitative research which uses semi-structured interview. Thirteen academicians and thirty five management practitioners were interviewed to gain in-depth information about the procurement existing in the case faculty. Purposive sampling method and simple random sampling method were used to select the research subjects. O'Connor & Gibson (2003)’s step-by-step qualitative analysis method was employed to analyze the data. The study resulted the regular procurement system and urgent procurement system in the faculty.
THE Factors In Building Employee Commitment: Mediating Role Of Job Satisfaction At Bank Central Asia.
Authors: Kustiawan Bambang , Gunawan Kazan , Akbar Ma'ruf
Published: July 2021

The condition of the use of the logistics workforce in the development of human resources of the TNI can still occur imbalances resulting from the aspects that’s not synergized well affecting the improvement of the quality of human resources of the TNI. The purpose of this study is to gather information related to the implementation evaluation results of the use of the logistics workforce in the construction of Human Resources in TNI with its evaluation by using William Dunn policy evaluation with evaluation criteria such as effectiveness, adequacy, alignment, responsiveness and accuracy. The qualitative method is used under the design of case study research.

            This research shows that from the evaluation of the implementation of the logistics workforce usage in the construction of  TNI Human Resources in supporting the main tasks of the Indonesian National Army Headquarter with the findings: (1) The effectiveness of the use of logistics workers has a strategic function in achieving the performance of the TNI logistics workforce (2) The efficiency of the use of logistics workforce with diverse contributions, starting from planning, implementation and evaluation of logistical support, (3) Adequacy is interpreted to achieve conducive policy results, (4) Alignment/Justice leads to the issue of balance of results obtained will be comparable to the contribution given, (5) Responsivity cultures optimal service as TNI Logistics Staff, and (6) Accuracy of carrying out work by the respective task areas is in lined with  the objectives of the implementation of activities to support the main tasks of the TNI

Keywords: Policy Evaluation, Labor Use, Human Resources Development of the TNI
Effect of Quality of Work Life on Performance Employees with Variables Work Commitments Intervening in Millenial Generation Employees in PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II (Persero) Head Office
Authors: Fatchiya Fella , R. Sudiarditha I Ketut , Eryanto Henry
Published: July 2021

Abstract: This study aims to analyze the influence of quality of work life on employee performance with work commitment as an intervening variable on employees of the millennial generation of PT head office. Port of Indonesia II (Persero). Determination of samples using Probability Sampling method with 160 respondents and analyzed using Structural Equation Model Partial Least Square (SEM PLS) analysis method. The results of the study showed that 1) the quality of work life has a positive and significant effect on employee performance, indicating that if the quality of work life in employees of the millennial generation of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II (Persero) the better the employee performance will increase, 2) the quality of work life will have a positive and significant effect on work commitment, indicating that if the Quality of Work Life in employees of the millennial generation of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II (Persero) the better then the employee's work commitment will increase , 3) work commitments have a positive and significant effect on employee performance, indicating that if the Work Commitment to millennial employees of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II (Persero) is getting better then the Employee Performance will increase, and 4) the quality of work life on employee performance through work commitment has a positive and significant influence, showing an increase in the Work Commitment of millennial employees of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II (Persero) able to mediate the influence of Quality of Work Life on Employee Performance.
Metrological characterisation of rotating-coil magnetometer systems
Authors: Sorti Stefano , Petrone Carlo , Russenschuck Stephan , Braghin Francesco
Published: July 2021

Rotating-coil magnetometers are among the most common and most accurate transducers for measuring the integral magnetic-field harmonics in accelerator magnets. The measurement uncertainty depends on the mechanical properties of the shafts, bearings, drive systems, and supports. Therefore, rotating coils require a careful analysis of the mechanical phenomena (static and dynamic) affecting the measurements, both in the design and in operation phases. The design phase involves the estimation of worst-case scenarios in terms of mechanical disturbances, while the operation phase reveals the actual mechanical characteristics of the system. In previous publications, we focused on modelling the rotating-coil mechanics for the design of novel devices. In this paper, we characterise a complete system in operation. First, the mechanical model is employed for estimating the forces arising during shaft rotation. Then, the effect of the estimated disturbances is evaluated in a simulated measurement. This measurement is then performed in the laboratory and the two results are compared. In order to characterise the robustness of the system against mechanical vibrations, different revolution speeds are evaluated. This work thus presents a complete procedure for characterising a rotating-coil magnetometer system.
On the design and characterisation of a microwave microstrip resonator for gas sensing applications
Authors: Gugliandolo Giovanni , Aloisio Davide , Campobello Giuseppe , Crupi Giovanni , Donato Nicola
Published: July 2021

This study focuses on the microwave characterisation of a microstrip resonator aimed for gas sensing applications. The developed one-port microstrip resonator, consisting of three concentric rings with a central disk, is coupled to a 50-Ohm microstrip feedline through a small gap. A humidity sensing layer is deposited on this gap by drop-coating an aqueous solution of Ag@alpha-Fe2O3 nanocomposite. The operation principle of the developed humidity sensor is based on the change of the dielectric properties of the Ag@alpha-Fe2O3 nanocomposite when the relative humidity is varied. However, it should be underlined that, depending on the choice of the sensing material, different target gases of interest can be detected with the proposed structure. The frequency-dependent response of the sensor is obtained using the reflection coefficient measured from 3.5 GHz to 5.6 GHz with relative humidity ranging from 0 %rh to 83 %rh. The variation of the humidity concentration strongly impacts on the two resonances detected in the measured reflection coefficient. In particular, an increase of the humidity level leads to lowering both resonant frequencies, which can be used as sensing parameters for humidity monitoring purpose. An exponential function has been used to accurately model the two resonant frequencies as a function of the humidity.
System for an acoustic detection, localisation and classification
Authors: Svatos Jakub , Holub Jan , Belak Jan
Published: July 2021

Currently, acoustic detection techniques of gunshots (gunshot detection and its classification) are increasingly being used not only for military applications but also for civilian purposes. Detection, localisation, and classification of a dangerous event such as gunshots employing acoustic detection is a perspective alternative to visual detection, which is commonly used. In some situations, to detect and localise the source of a gunshot, an automatic acoustic detection system, which can classify the caliber, may be preferable. This paper presents a system for acoustic detection, which can detect, localise and classify acoustic events such as gunshots. The system has been tested in open and closed shooting ranges and tested firearms are 9 mm short gun, 6.35 mm short gun, .22 short gun, and .22 rifle gun with various subsonic and supersonic ammunition. As ‘false alarms’, sets of different impulse acoustic events like door slams, breaking glass, etc. have been used. Localisation and classification algorithms are also introduced. To successfully classify the tested acoustic signals, Continuous Wavelet and Mel Frequency Transformation methods have been used for the signal processing, and the fully two-layer connected neural network has been implemented. The results show that the acoustic detector can be used for reliable gunshot detection, localisation, and classification.
Comparative evaluation of three image analysis methods for angular displacement measurement in a MEMS microgripper prototype: a preliminary study
Authors: Vurchio Federica , Fiori Giorgia , Scorza Andrea , Sciuto Salvatore Andrea
Published: July 2021

The functional characterization of MEMS devices is relevant today since it aims at verifying the behavior of these devices, as well as improving their design. In this regard, this study focused on the functional characterization of a MEMS microgripper prototype suitable in biomedical applications: the measurement of the angular displacement of the microgripper comb-drive is carried out by means of two novel automatic procedures, based on an image analysis method, SURF-based (Angular Displacement Measurement based on Speeded Up Robust Features, ADMSURF) and FFT-based (Angular Displacement Measurement based on Fast Fourier Transform, ADMFFT) method, respectively. Moreover, the measurement results are compared with a Semi-Automatic Method (SAM), to evaluate which of them is the most suitable for the functional characterization of the device. The curve fitting of the outcomes from SAM and ADMSURF, showed a quadratic trend in agreement with the analytical model. Moreover, the ADMSURF measurements below 1° are affected by an uncertainty of about 0.08° for voltages less than 14 V, confirming its suitability for microgripper characterization. It was also evaluated that the ADMFFT is more suitable for measurement of rotations greater than 1° (up to 30°), with a measurement uncertainty of 0.02°, at 95% of confidence level.
A preliminary study on an image analysis based method for lowest detectable signal measurements in Pulsed Wave Doppler ultrasounds
Authors: Fiori Giorgia , Fuiano Fabio , Scorza Andrea , Galo Jan , Conforto Silvia , Sciuto Salvatore Andrea
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, Doppler system performance evaluation is a widespread issue because a shared worldwide standard is still awaited. Among the recommended Doppler test parameters, the lowest detectable signal could be considered mandatory in Quality Control (QC) protocols for Pulsed Wave (PW) Doppler. Such parameter is defined as the minimum signal level that can be clearly distinguished from noise and therefore, it is considered as related to PW Doppler sensitivity. The present study focuses on proposing and validating a novel image analysis based method for the estimation of the Lowest Detectable Signal in the spectrogram image (LDSIMG), namely Automatic Doppler Sensitivity Measurement Method (ADSMM), as well as to compare its results with the outcomes retrieved from the Naked Eye Doppler Sensitivity Method (NEDSM), based on the mean judgment of three independent observers. Data have been collected from a Doppler flow phantom, through three ultrasound systems for general purpose imaging, equipped with two linear array probes each and with two configuration settings. Results are globally compatible among the proposed methods, US systems and settings. Further studies could be carried out on a higher number of US diagnostic systems, Doppler frequencies and observers, as well as with different probe and phantom models.
PMMA-coated fiber Bragg grating sensor for measurement of Ethanol in liquid solution: manufacturing and metrological evaluation
Authors: Quattrocchi Antonino , Montanini Roberto , Latino Mariangela , Donato Nicola
Published: July 2021

The sensitivity of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) to the variation of a specific parameter can be improved by choosing a suitable coating material. This paper explores the possibility of measuring the concentration of Ethanol in aqueous solutions by using poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as coating material of a single-mode FBG. The basic measurement principle relies in the absorption of liquid Ethanol which produces controlled swallowing of the coating, straining the underneath Bragg grating. The PMMA coating was deposited on the FBG by means of a specifically designed dip coating test bench, able to accurately control the thickness of the applied layer. Metrological performances of the developed PMMA-coated FBG Ethanol sensor have been assessed for Ethanol concentrations in the range of 0-38 % in distilled water at 25 °C constant temperature. The prototype shows good repeatability and better sensitivity when compared to an uncoated FBG, especially at low Ethanol concentrations. The dynamic behavior of the sensor (which depends on the kinetics of the absorption mechanism) has been assessed as well, showing a response time of about 290 s, while the recovery time (660 s) was almost twice.
NILM techniques applied to a real-time monitoring system of the electricity consumption
Authors: Cannas Barbara , Carcangiu Sara , Carta Daniele , Fanni Alessandra , Muscas Carlo , Sias Giuliana , Canetto Beatrice , Fresi Luca , Porcu Paolo
Published: July 2021

Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) allows providing appliance-level electricity consumption information and decomposing the overall power consumption by using simple hardware (one sensor) with a suitable software. This paper presents a low-frequency NILM-based monitoring system suitable for a typical house. The proposed solution is a hybrid event-detection approach including an event-detection algorithm for devices with a finite number of states and an auxiliary algorithm for appliances characterized by complex patterns. The system was developed using data collected at households in Italy and tested also with data from BLUED, a widely used dataset of real-world power consumption data. Results show that the proposed approach works well in detecting and classifying what appliance is working and its consumption in complex household load dataset.
Towards the development of a cyber-physical measurement system (CPMS): case study of a bioinspired soft growing robot for remote measurement and monitoring applications
Authors: Grazioso Stanislao , Tedesco Annarita , Selvaggio Mario , Debei Stefano , Chiodini Sebastiano
Published: July 2021

The most effective expression of the 4.0 Era is represented by cyber-physical systems (CPSs). Historically, measurement and monitoring systems (MMSs) have been an essential part of CPSs; however, by introducing the 4.0 enabling technologies into MMSs, a MMS can evolve into a cyber-physical measurement system (CPMS). Starting from this consideration, this work reports a preliminary case study of a CPMS, namely an innovative robotic platform to be used for measurement systems in confined and constrained remote environments. The innovative system is a soft growing robot composed of a robot base, to be placed outside the remote environments and a robot body that accesses the site through growth. A pneumatic actuation mechanism enables the controllable growth of the system through lengthening at its tip, as well as its controllable steering. The system can be endowed with sensors to enable remote measurement and monitoring tasks, or can be used to transport sensors in remote locations. A digital twin of the system is developed for simulation of a practical measurement scenario. The ultimate goal is to achieve a self-adapting, fully autonomous system for remote monitoring operations to be used reliably and safely for the inspection of unknown and/or constrained environments.
A colour-based image segmentation method for the measurement of masticatory performance in older adults
Authors: Scalise Lorenzo , Napolitano Rachele , Verdenelli Lorenzo , Spinsante Susanna , Rappelli Giorgio
Published: July 2021

Masticatory efficiency in older adults is an important parameter for the assessment of their oral health and quality of life. This study presents a measurement method based on the automatic segmentation of two-coloured chewing gum based on a K-means clustering algorithm. The solution proposed aims to quantify the mixed areas of colour in order to evaluate masticatory performance in different dental conditions. The samples were provided by ‘two-colour mixing’ tests, currently the most used technique for the evaluation of masticatory efficacy, because of its simplicity, low acquisition times and reduced cost. The image analysis results demonstrated a high discriminative power, providing results in an automatic manner and reducing errors caused by manual segmentation. This approach thus provides a feasible and robust solution for the segmentation of chewed samples. Validation was carried out by means of a reference software, demonstrating a good correlation (R2 = 0.64) and the higher sensitivity of the proposed method (+75 %). Tests on patients with different oral conditions demonstrated that the K-means segmentation method enabled the automatic classification of patients with different masticatory conditions, providing results in a shorter time period (20 chewing cycles instead of 50).
Assessing the level of confidence for expressing extended uncertainty: a model based on control errors in the measurement of ion activity
Authors: Vasilevskyi Oleksandr
Published: July 2021

A method for estimating the level of confidence when determining the coverage factor based on control errors is proposed, using the example of measurements of ion activity. Using information on tolerances and uncertainty, it is possible to establish a reasonable interval around the measurement result, within which most of the values that can be justified are assigned to the measured value.
Design and validation of an e-textile-based wearable system for remote health monitoring
Authors: Coccia Armando , Amitrano Federica , Donisi Leandro , Cesarelli Giuseppe , Pagano Gaetano , Cesarelli Mario , D'Addio Giovanni
Published: July 2021

The paper presents a new e-textile-based system, named SWEET Shirt, for the remote monitoring of biomedical signals. The system includes a textile sensing shirt, an electronic unit for data transmission, a custom-made Android application for real-time signal visualisation and a software desktop for advanced digital signal processing. The device allows for the acquisition of electrocardiographic, bicep electromyographic and trunk acceleration signals. The sensors, electrodes, and bus structures are all integrated within the textile garment, without any discomfort for users. A wide-ranging set of algorithms for signal processing were also developed for use within the system, allowing clinicians to rapidly obtain a complete and schematic overview of a patient’s clinical status. The aim of this work was to present the design and development of the device and to provide a validation analysis of the electrocardiographic measurement and digital processing. The results demonstrate that the information contained in the signals recorded by the novel system is comparable to that obtained via a standard medical device commonly used in clinical environments. Similarly encouraging results were obtained in the comparison of the variables derived from the signal processing.
Revision Lateral Ankle Reconstruction 40 Years After Chrisman-Snook Procedure
Authors: Hellwinkel Justin E. , Confino Jamie E. , Vosseller J. Turner
Published: July 2021

Case:

A 70-year-old active woman presented with lateral ankle instability 40 years after a lateral ankle reconstruction procedure. Examination demonstrated gross instability, and advanced imaging revealed attenuation of her previous graft. She underwent anatomic reconstruction through a modified Brostrom-Gould technique and was able to return to hiking without pain.

Conclusion:

Recurrent lateral ankle instability after reconstruction represents a unique challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. Utilization of a modified Brostrom-Gould procedure with suture tape augmentation is a promising alternative to allograft or autograft reconstruction for patients with active lifestyle goals in the context of recurrent instability.
АНАЛИЗ СОВРЕМЕННОГО СОСТОЯНИЯ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ КОНКУРЕНТНОЙ БОРЬБЫ НА СТРАХОВОМ РЫНКЕ РОССИИ
Authors: СЕМЁНОВА А.
Published: July 2021

В статье проведен анализ современного состояния страхового рынка России, рассмотрена динамика концентрации страхового рынка, перераспределение долей основных участников рынка страхования по годам, приведены экспертные мнения относительно состояния и перспектив развития рынка страхования и конкурентной борьбы участников рынка.
Graduates’ employability skills in East Africa
Authors: Guàrdia Lourdes , Mancini Federica , Jacobetty Pedro , Maina Marcelo
Published: July 2021

This paper reports a study about the perceptions of the academic community, employers and civil servants regarding graduates’ employability skills in East Africa. Specifically, it focuses on the mismatch between skills acquired in Higher Education (HE) and those in demand by employers, and explores factors influencing the situation. A mixed method approach was implemented including a survey and a set of focus groups. The questionnaire on employability skills was distributed among regional stakeholders attending the Open Day events organised by three East African HE Institutions. A Principal Components Analysis was applied for the categorisation of the most in-demand skills and the identification of four major workplace skill sets. To gain further insights into the stakeholders’ perceptions of the graduate employability skills gap, 11 focus groups were organised at the same universities. The general results showed that employability skills were mostly perceived as insufficiently developed during the students’ progress in their programs. The final results enabled a better understanding of the nuanced relationship between labour market valuation and graduates’ acquisition of each skill set. It also allowed us to identify problems and barriers, and suggest possible solutions to overcome the shortcomings experienced by the sub-Saharan HE system.
Catastrophic Events and Human Error: A Few Rotten Apples or Organizational Dysfunction?
Authors: Bridle Peter Vincent
Published: July 2021

In July 2021, commemorations will be held to mark the 33 years since the 1988 Piper Alpha tragedy in the UK sector of the North Sea where 167 oil field workers lost their lives. Without question, the incident was a watershed event for the international oil and gas industry not simply because of the immediate toll in human lives lost, but also in terms of the devasting aftermath endured by countless friends, families and loved ones whose lives were forever changed. The tragedy also served to illustrate just how poorly the oil and gas industry really understood and managed those operating risks that possessed the potential for catastrophic loss, both in terms of business cost and overall reputational impact.

In the wake of the public enquiry that followed and chaired by Lord Cullen of Whitekirk, one of the principal recommendations required that the international oil and gas industry do a much better job in determining both its major hazards (i.e. major operating risks) and also in creating the necessary operating conditions to demonstrate that such things were being well managed. The objective being to provide tangible assurance that the likelihood of the industry ever incurring such a calamitous event again in the future had been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

In taking its responsibilities very seriously, the international oil and gas industry responded by raising the profile of the management of Health, Safety and the Environment (HSE) across the wide spectrum of its global operations. By the mid-nineties, the industry had implemented comprehensive and structured systems of work within the framework of purposely built HSE Management Systems using templates designed and developed for the industry via the International Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP)*.
Analysis of the interannual variability in satellite gravity solutions: detection of climate modes in water mass displacements across continents and oceans
Authors: Pfeffer Julia , Cazenave Anny , Barnoud Anne
Published: July 2021

This study analyzes the interannual variability of the water mass transport measured by satellite gravity missions in regard to eight major climate modes known to influence the Earth’s climate from regional to global scales. Using sparsity promoting techniques (i.e., LASSO), we automatically select the most relevant predictors of the climate variability among the eight candidates considered. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation, Southern Annular Mode and Arctic Oscillation are shown to account for a large part the interannual variability of the water mass transport observed in extratropical ocean basins (up to 40%) and shallow seas (up to 70%). A combination of three Pacific and one Atlantic modes is needed to account for most (up to 60%) of the interannual variability of the terrestrial water storage observed in the North Amazon, Parana and Zambezi basins. With our technique, the impact of climate modes on water mass changes can be tracked across distinct water reservoirs (oceans, continents and ice-covered regions) and we show that a combination of climate modes is necessary to explain at best the natural variability in water mass transport. The climate modes predictions based on LASSO inversions can be used to reduce the interannual variability in satellite gravity measurements and detect processes unrelated with the natural variability of climate but with similar spatio-temporal signatures. However, significant residuals in the satellite gravity measurements remain unexplained at interannual time scales and more complex models solving the water mass balance should be employed to better predict the variability of water mass distributions.
The Consolidated Mathews Stability Graph for Open Stope Design
Authors: Mortazavi Ali , Osserbay Bakytzhan
Published: July 2021

The stability graph method of stope design is one of the most widely used methods of stability assessments of stopes in underground polymetallic mines. The primary objective of this work is to introduce a new stability chart, which includes all relevant case histories, and to exclude parameters with uncertainties in the determination of stability number. The modified stability number was used to achieve this goal, and the Extended Mathews database was recalculated and compared with the new stability graph. In this study, a new refined Consolidated stability graph was developed by excluding the entry mining methods data from the Extended graph data, and only the non-entry methods data was used. The applicability of the proposed Consolidated stability chart was demonstrated by an open stope example. The stability for each stope surface was evaluated by a probabilistic approach employing a logistic regression model and the developed Consolidated stability chart. Comparing the stability analysis results with that of other published works of the same example shows that the determined Consolidated chart, in which the entry-method data is excluded, produces a more conservative and safer design. In conclusion, the size and quality of the dataset dictate the reliability of this approach.
Lower Handgrip Strength is Associated with Worse Quality of Life and More Fatigue and Disability in Long-term Colorectal Cancer Survivors
Authors: Heinsbergen Maarten van , Janssen-Heijnen ML , Konsten JL , Bouvy ND , Weijenberg MP , Bours MJL
Published: July 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment negatively affects anthropometric measures, which in turn can result, either directly or indirectly, in fatigue and a lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Since anthropometric measures are modifiable, we examined which of these are associated with HRQoL, fatigue, and disability in long-term CRC survivors. In this cross-sectional study, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, handgrip strength (HGS) and mid-upper arm muscle area of 155 stage I-III CRC survivors at 2–10 years after treatment were assessed during home visits (response rate 42%). HRQoL was measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30, fatigue by the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS), and disability by the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS-II). Associations between anthropometric measures and HRQoL, fatigue and disability were analyzed by confounder-adjusted linear regression. Mean time since CRC diagnosis was 5.7 years (SD = 1.8), and mean age was 70.1 years (SD = 8.9). After adjustment for patient and treatment characteristics, only HGS was independently associated with HRQoL. Each increase in participants’ HGS of 5 kg was significantly associated with an increase of 2.3 points (95% CI = 0.3, 4.3) in global quality of life, 2.9 points (95% CI = 0.9, 5.0) in physical functioning, 3.3 points (95% CI = 1.3, 5.3) in social functioning, and a decrease of 5.9 points (95% CI = -8.7, -3.0) in fatigue symptoms and 2.5 points (95% CI = -4.1, -0.9) in disability. We conclude that HGS, as a measure of physical functioning in CRC survivors, was independently associated with HRQoL, fatigue and disability. Future prospective research should focus underlying and causal factors in the association between HGS and HRQoL after CRC treatment and on possible interventions to promote HRQoL outcomes through improving physical functioning.
Experimental Investigation on the Evolution of Damage and Seepage Characteristics for Red Sandstone under Thermal-mechanical Coupling Conditions
Authors: Jiang Haopeng , Jiang Annan , Zhang Fengrui
Published: July 2021

Rock masses in underground space usually experience the coupling of high-temperature field, stress field and seepage field, which gives them complex mechanical behavior and permeability characteristics. In order to study the mechanical properties and permeability characteristics of red sandstone under different temperature environments, a seepage test under high temperature and triaxial compression is carried out based on the RLW-2000 multi-field coupling tester. The results show that the plastic flow of red sandstone at the stress peak under the same temperature is more obvious with the increase of confining pressure. In addition, as the confining pressure gradient increases, the permeability decreases and the trend becomes slower. And the higher the operating temperature, the easier to produce seepage channels inside the rock sample. The development of fissures is rapidly developed under the effect of temperature, so the seepage channels are widened and increased, and the permeability is greatly increased. The constitutive model of rock statistical damage considering the interaction of high temperature and osmotic pressure was constructed based on the experimental data and combining theoretical methods to reveal the characteristics of permeability evolution induced by thermal damage of rocks. The research results can be used as a reference for monitoring rock stability during geological engineering projects involving thermal-seepage-stress coupling conditions.
Recent Rainfall Variability Over a Dryland Ecosystem of North Western India
Authors: SAINI DIVYA , BHARDWAJ PANKAJ , Singh Omvir
Published: July 2021

In this study, an attempt has been made to examine the recent rainfall variability by means of daily rainfall data of 33 well spread stations over dryland ecosystem of Rajasthan in north western India during 1961-2017. For trend analysis, Mann-Kendall, Sen’s slope estimator and simple linear regression test have been used (at 95% confidence level). The results have shown a high interannual variability in rainfall occurrence varying from 277 mm (in year 2002) to 839 mm (in year 1975) with mean of 583 mm over this dryland ecosystem. Most of the rainfall deficit years have occurred with El-Nino years. The mean annual rainfall has shown a marginal non-significant upward trend over the ecosystem. The station-wise mean annual rainfall has revealed a significant rising trend over Barmer, Churu, Ganganagar, Jaisalmer and Pratapgarh stations. Interestingly, three year running average has shown a cyclic pattern of rainfall over dryland ecosystem under the changing climatic conditions. The spatial pattern has exhibited that the mean annual rainfall decreases from east and south east (more than 850 mm) to west and north west (less than 400 mm), which is mainly associated with the presence of Aravalli Mountains spreading north east to south west in central Rajasthan. Remarkably, majority of stations positioned in western parts of dryland ecosystem have shown increasing rainfall trends, whereas some stations located in eastern parts have recorded a non-significant declining trend. The magnitude of significant rising trend has varied from 5.34 mm/year (Pratapgarh station) to 2.17 mm/year (Jaisalmer station). Also, the frequency of heavy rainfall events has shown a positive trend with significant increasing trends over Bharatpur, Jaisalmer and Pratapgarh stations, whereas Bundi station has shown significant decreasing trend.
Evaluation of 21st Century CMIP5 GCM Outputs for Climate Change Impact Assessments in Shire River Basin in Malawi
Authors: Zuzani Petros Nandolo , Ngongondo Cosmo , Mwale Faides , Willems Patrick
Published: July 2021

Data scarcity globally has impeded our understanding of hydrological processes. This study was aimed at evaluating skills of models in reproducing past climate in the Shire River Basin (SRB) in Malawi for future climate impact assessments. The study used data, simulated by Global Climate Models (GCMs), participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). A total of 52 models were considered comprising a mixture of models in the Representative Concentration Pathways of RCP4.5 and RCP6.0. The mean annual bias, correlation, extreme precipitation indices obtained from the RClimdex package of R software program and frequency distributions were used to quantify the accuracy of the GCM simulations. On the precipitation indices, emphasis was placed on the frequency indices (number of heavy precipitation days (RR ≥ 10 mm), R10mm, number of very heavy precipitation days (RR ≥ 20 mm), R20mm, number of extremely heavy precipitation days (RR ≥ 25 mm), R25mm, Consecutive Dry Days (RR < 1 mm), CDD and Consecutive Wet Days (RR ≥ 1 mm), CWD and on the intensity indices (daily maximum precipitation, RX1day, 5-day maximum precipitation, RX5days, annual total wet-day precipitation, PRCPTOT and very wet days, (R95P). Study results have revealed that there is variation in the performances of individual models and that the overall performance of the models over the SRB is generally low. Some individual models perform better than the multi-model ensemble. Results have also shown the better performance of the following models: ACCESS1-3_rcp45_r1i1p1, BNU-ESM_rcp45_r1i1p1, CSIRO-Mk3-6-0_rcp45_r3i1p1, CSIRO-Mk3-6-0_rcp45_r8i1p1 and GFDL-ESM2G_rcp45_r1i1p1 of medium-low emission pathway, RCP4.5, in replicating the historical extreme precipitation for Shire River Basin.
Spin-orbit coupling effect on electronic, linear and nonlinear optical properties of Bi2S3 and the Ternary Bismuth Sulfide Bi2S2.75Se0.25: Ab-initio calculations
Authors: Abdallah Houda Ben , Ouerghui Walid
Published: July 2021

Although the relevant properties of the bismuthinite \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{3}\), it was recently approved that the substitution of Se atoms in the \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{3}\) lattice can significantly enhance its electro-optical properties. In the present work, a detailed study on the structural, electronic and optical properties of \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{2.75}{Se}_{0.25}\) has been carried out based on first principle calculations. The simultaneous effect of Se-doping and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) on bismuth sulfide \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{3}\) was investigated. Our calculations show that \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{2.75}{Se}_{0.25}\) exhibits a narrow direct band gap of 1.062 eV after inclusion of the (SOC). The calculation of the carrier effective masses indicates that \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{2.75}{Se}_{0.25}\) may possess a high electron mobility material which is in accordance with experimental studies. The linear absorption optical spectra for both \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{3}\) and \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{2.75}{Se}_{0.25}\)show that doping bismuthinite with (Se) increases the optical absorption coefficient in the visible range and takes a value up to \(10 {10}^{5}{cm}^{-1}\). In addition, the dielectric function, optical conductivity and the energy loss function of \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{3}\) and \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{2.75}{Se}_{0.25}\)were also derived. The addition of the (Se) content induces a red shift in agreement with experimental studies. A noticeable effect of the (SOC) on the linear optical parameters was observed. The stability of the excitons was also studied by the estimation of the binding energy value. The dispersion energy parameters of \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{3}\) and \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{2.75}{Se}_{0.25}\)were estimated using a single oscillator model. Some nonlinearities have been computed with and without inclusion of (SOC) showing that \({Bi}_{2}{S}_{2.75}{Se}_{0.25}\)with large nonlinear optical parameters is promising candidate in photonic switching applications.
Compact Dualband Mimo Antenna for Wireless Communication
Authors: Tummala Vijetha , Ramakrishna D , Karthik R
Published: July 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
On the classic Solution of Fuzzy Linear Matrix Equations
Authors: Jin Zhijie , Zhou Jieyong , He Qixiang
Published: July 2021

Since most time-dependent models may be represented as linear or non-linear dynamical systems, fuzzy linear matrix equations are quite general in signal processing, control and system theory. A uniform method of finding the classic solution of fuzzy linear matrix equations is presented in this paper. Conditions of solution existence are also studied here. Under the framework, a numerical method to solve fuzzy generalized Lyapunov matrix equations is developed. In order to show the validation and efficiency, some selected examples and numerical tests are presented.
Effects of Invasive Jumping Worms (Amynthas spp.) On Microhabitat and Trophic Interactions of Native Herpetofauna
Authors: Crone Erin Renee , Sauer Erin L , Herrick Bradley M , Drake David , Preston Daniel L
Published: July 2021

Invasive species can affect native communities through multiple mechanisms, including ecosystem engineering and trophic interactions. In North America, invasive jumping worms ( Amynthas spp.) may alter microhabitats used by native herpetofauna or serve as a novel food resource for herpetofauna predators. We investigated effects of Amynthas on leaf litter microhabitat and trophic interactions of native herpetofauna using an outdoor mesocosm experiment, laboratory feeding trials, and field surveys of predator stomach contents in Wisconsin, USA. In mesocosms, Amynthas reduced leaf litter biomass but did not have clear effects on soil conditions (pH, moisture, and temperature) or survival of American toad metamorphs ( Anaxyrus americanus ). In laboratory trials, American toads preyed on Amynthas, though toads were less successful at capturing Amynthas compared with alternative prey, namely European earthworms ( Lumbricus spp.) and crickets ( Acheta domesticus). The differences in prey attack success were likely due to unique defensive behaviors of Amynthas . Amynthas also spent less time moving than Lumbricus , which was associated with later prey detection times by toads. Based on diet surveys, Amynthas are consumed by common garter snakes ( Thamnophis sirtalis ) in southern Wisconsin. We did not find evidence of Amynthas consumption by American toads or red-bellied snakes ( Storeria occipitomaculata ), although additional surveys will be needed to definitively determine whether these taxa are consuming Amynthas . Our findings highlight the importance of studying multiple mechanisms by which invasive species affect native communities and suggest that unique anti-predator behaviors may influence how Amynthas are incorporated into food webs as a novel prey resource.