bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPERTISE AND FORECASTING IN THE CONTEXT OF POST-NORMAL SCIENCE
Authors:   V.M. Koretsky Institute of State and Law of Natiopnal Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv) Ukraine, Stoiko Olena
Published: September 2023

In today’s context, the knowledge base of postnormal science must be extremely diverse and diversified to take into account a wide range of potentially useful knowledge and sources of relevant experience. At the same time, reliability is ensured primarily by the political strategy, not the knowledge base: what is most useful for a person, not the most correct scientific interpretation. In a postnormal environment, we should strive for adaptability based on attention to weak signals, preservation of diversity, and flexible management. In the context of the interaction between politics and science, it is necessary, at a minimum, to jointly develop research programmes, and ideally, to jointly produce, interpret and use scientific knowledge with policy makers. The emphasis should not be on knowledge transfer, but on establishing a dialogue to understand and shape what knowledge is needed, how it is understood and used. It is proved that the practical application of a politically grounded approach to knowledge production in scientific institutions is facilitated by post-normal science, the use of which is most promising in the work of interdisciplinary teams on a wide range of issues (environmental problems, sustainable development) and the development of strategic documents. The author analyses the special place of experts in the context of postnormal science, which does not consider science, politics and society as clearly delimited phenomena. Accordingly, the assessment of the quality of decision-making and evidence used in decision-making processes should involve a wide community of colleagues. The author presents the classifications of experts by J. Pielke, J. Wittmayer er and N. Schapke, E. Turnhout, and W. Tuinstra, which substantiate the requirements for experts to be aware of themselves as sharing and (co) creating knowledge together with policy makers and other stakeholders. It is noted that the change in the role of experts also implies a change in methodological approaches to forecasting and problem solving. In the context of post-normal science, four alternative scientific theories of decision-making suitable for situations of radical uncertainty can be distinguished: the concept of an extended peer communities; conviction narrative theory; the dynamic causal model; and quantitative story-telling.
Marine Stations Helgoland and Sylt operated by the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
Authors: Dummermuth Angelika , Wiltshire Karen Helen , Kirstein Inga , Brodte Eva-Maria , Wichels Antje , Shama Lisa , Bergmann Anna , Hofmann Claudia , Fischer Philipp , Mölter Kerstin , Strasser Matthias
Published: September 2023

The Marine Stations Helgoland and Sylt are permanent coastal stations in the German Bight operated as one joint research infrastructure by the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). Using both stations, the south-west region of the North Sea and its ecosystem features are tightly monitored via ecological time series, which are recorded and made available to government offices, professional associations, and research institutes world-wide. The stations are a hub for national and transnational access for guest researchers and visiting scientists in the German Bight. For over fifty years, the stations have served as centres of student education by providing facilities for university courses. The stations operate the coastal research vessels Mya II, Uthörn and Aade. The Biologische Anstalt Helgoland (BAH) is home to the AWI Centre for Scientific Diving, which conducts, promotes, and supports diver-related underwater science within the framework of all AWI research themes. The BAH is also home to the school laboratory OPENSEA, which offers high school students a scientific environment to explore marine science. The Wadden Sea Station on the island of Sylt offers 24 seawater mesocosms for ecological studies of future climate scenarios. Public outreach centres are associated with both locations (BLUEHOUSE and Erlebniszentrum Naturgewalten).
Current State of Knee Arthroplasty in Russia: Analysis of 36,350 Сases from the Register of the Vreden National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics
Authors: Preobrazhensky Petr M. , Fil Alexey S. , Kornilov Nikolay N. , Panteleev Alexander N. , Guatsaev Maksim S. , Kazemirsky Alexander V. , Mazurenko Andrey V. , Sereda Andrey
Published: September 2023

Background.Nowadays the knee arthroplasty register of the Vreden National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics (hereinafter referred to as the Vreden Center) contains clinical and statistical data on more than 39,000 primary and revision knee replacements, that mimics current state of this kind of surgery in Russia.
Aimofthestudy to analyze the last decade trends in primary knee arthroplasty in largest Russian arthroplasty center.
Methods.Data were obtained from the register of the Vreden Center for the period from 2011 to 2022. Information on knee arthroplasty included epidemiologic and numerous peri-operative data including type of surgery and implant, degree of constrain, primary patella resurfacing etc.
Resultsanddiscussion.From 2011 to 2022, 36,350 (92.3%) primary arthroplasties performed at the Vreden Center.
The number of interventions increased more than twice: from 1,678 in 2011 to 3,924 in 2022. Similar trends observed in Australia and Sweden, where the number of knee arthroplasties increased by 8.2% and 8% in 2021 compared to 2020, respectively. The frequency of primary patellar resurfacing at the Vreden Center was 2.2% over the entire period of observation. On the contrary, the rate of patella replacement increased from 41% in 2005 to 76.1% in 2021 in Australia and from 24.4% in 2015 to 31.9% in 2020 in Switzerland. The partial knee arthroplasty showed enormous growth more than 14 times: from 0.3% in 2011 to 4.3% in 2022 at the Vreden Center. Worldwide unicompartmental knee replacement is still less popular than total and its number widely varies: 4.2% in the USA, 6.9% in Australia, 9.2% in Canada, 11.9% in Norway, 12.8% in Sweden, and 18.4% in Switzerland. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining total knee arthroplasties (TKA) prevailed at the Vreden Center: 68.3%, while in other countries it utilize even more widely: 70.5% in Norway, 75% in New Zealand and 93.5% in Sweden.
The total length of hospital stay (LOS) decreased dramatically from 19.6 in 2011 to 8.6 in 2022 at the Vreden Center. Nevertheless, there are still opportunities to improve it: by the way in Canada the average LOS for TKA is 2.3 and the USA 0.8 and 1.7 for partial and total arthroplasty, respectively.
Conclusion.The main current trends of knee arthroplasty in Russia are the following: increase the number of surgeries, reduced LOS, TKA without patella resurfacing and with PCL retention, finally the growth of partial knee arthroplasties.
A simple, effective and inexpensive method to isolate the nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) from a single tick for molecular detection of various pathogens
Authors: BHATİA Sudhir , BAERSCH Gudrun
Published: September 2023

Objectives: Ticks are vectors of a number of pathogens, which cause diseases with fatal consequences, therefore it is essential to detect such pathogens from single tick. Molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are offering such possibilities. At present, cumbersome methods involving liquid nitrogen, cutting ticks with scalpels as well as pooled ticks are being used worldwide. Our goal is to develop a reliable and fast method to obtain nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) from the single tick shipped at room temperature to detect various pathogens.
Methods: We developed a mechanical crushing method with mini column nucleic acid isolation from a single tick shipped at room temperature with postal or currier service in a letter. PCR detection was done for Borrelia burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis virus as examples.
Results: This method was used successfully for the isolation of nucleic acid from single tick and later used for PCR detection of B. burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis virus on 17 single tick samples as examples, but for last 18 years, this method was used on more than 250 ticks from Germany. Spectrometric values indicate the presence of sufficient yield of DNA and RNA (up to 900 µg/mL per tick) during the isolation.
Conclusions: This may be the first report about a number of one single tick cases, which were sent at room temperature in letters with postal services for isolation of the nucleic acid with mini column kit and used later on for PCR detection of various pathogens. This inexpensive and simple method may be used in any laboratory worldwide for monitoring the presence of tick-borne pathogens.
Energy Level Quantization in the 1D Quantum Well in Case of Instantaneous Stationary State with the Non-Relativistic Wall and Particle Motion
Authors: Yurasov N.I.
Published: September 2023

The paper considers the problem of finding energy levels in the 1D quantum well in case of its width alteration at the nonrelativistic rate. According to the reviewed literature, the exact solution is known only in the case of nonrelativistic motion of the 1D quantum well wall at the constant rate. It is shown that motion with the constant rate is physically unrealizable. Therefore, it is necessary to find at least small areas of the Schrodinger equation solution for a wider range of nonrelativistic alterations in the 1D quantum well width. Analysis results presented in the study show existence of such areas. The found areas correspond to the instantaneous stationary states satisfying the Bohr quantization condition. In this case, the Dirichlet condition is also satisfied on the moving wall. It means that in this case energy of the level with the n number also becomes a function of the k second quantum number, which takes into account dynamic alteration in the 1D quantum well width. Variants were found of the k second quantum number spectrum and of the quantum level spectrum in various cases of the wall continuous motion with zero initial speed and finite acceleration. Within the framework of the analysis used, formulas were obtained to change the difference between energies of the two arbitrary levels. An analysis was made for the boundaries of the wall speed and the 1D quantum well width in considering the nonrelativistic problem. The obtained results and their possible applications are under discussion, including analysis of the problems related to nanotechnology
Investigation of the PAH and Carbon Nanoparticles Formation Processes in the Ethylene Pyrolysis with the Tetrahydrofuran Addition Behind the Shock Waves
Authors: Drakon A.V. , Eremin A.V. , Korshunova M.R. , Mikheyeva E.Yu.
Published: September 2023

Currently, substances are being actively sought that could serve as the alternative fuel or fuel additive reducing formation and emission of the carbon nanoparticles. Here, processes of the polyaromatic hydrocarbons (precursors of the carbon condensed phase formation) and carbon black nanoparticles formation during the ethylene pyrolysis with addition of the tetrahydrofuran were studied by laser-induced fluorescence and laser extinction methods. Spectral dependences of laser-induced fluorescence of the polyaromatic hydrocarbons were obtained by laser-induced fluorescence at various temperatures and pyrolysis stages, and optical density of the reacting gas mixtures at wavelengths of 405 and 633 nm was obtained by laser extinction. Measurements were carried out on a shock tube behind the reflected shock waves in the temperature range of 1,695--2,500 K and pressure range of 2.7--4.1 atm. It is shown that during the ethylene pyrolysis with the tetrahydrofuran addition soot formation process is intensifying, and the temperature range of the carbon nanoparticles formation is expanding. Using the kinetic simulation, it was found that acceleration in the carbon nanoparticles formation was caused by formation of methyl radical and propylene in the tetrahydrofuran pyrolysis
Identification of homozygosity-rich regions in the Holstein genome
Authors: Smaragdov M. G.
Published: September 2023

In this study, 371 Holstein cows from six herds and 26 Holstein bulls, which were used in these herds, were genotyped by the Illumina BovineSNP50 array. For runs of homozygosity (ROH) identification, consecutive and sliding runs were performed by the detectRUNS and Plink software. The missing calls did not significantly affect the ROH data. The mean number of ROH identified by consecutive runs was 95.4 ± 2.7, and that by sliding runs was 86.0 ± 2.6 in cows, while this number for Holstein bulls was lower 58.9 ± 1.9. The length of the ROH segments varied from 1 Mb to over 16 Mb, with the largest number of ROH having a length of 1–2 Mb. Of the 29 chromosomes, BTA 14, BTA 16, and BTA 7 were the most covered by ROH. The mean coefficient of inbreeding across the herds was 0.111 ± 0.003 and 0.104 ± 0.004 based on consecutive and sliding runs, respectively, and 0.078 ± 0.005 for bulls based on consecutive runs. These values do not exceed those for Holstein cattle in North America. The results of this study confirmed the more accurate identification of ROH by consecutive runs, and also that the number of allowed heterozygous SNPs may have a significant effect on ROH data.
Correlación entre la sintomatología ocular asociada al síndrome visual informático e insuficiencia de convergencia
Authors: Ruiz Sanabria César Luis , Niño Vega Erika Yuliana , Jurado Sandra Patricia
Published: September 2023

El incremento en la demanda de uso de dispositivos electrónicos y pantallas digitales ha provocado la aparición de trastornos músculo esqueléticos, psicosociales y visuales; dentro de estos últimos se encuentra el trastorno denominado síndrome visual informático (svi), que se ha reportado desde hace más de veinte años; su tasa en la población oscila entre el 37 % y el 70 % (1). La alta recurrencia de alteraciones visuales dentro del svi permite relacionarlo con disfunciones de la visión binocular como la insuficiencia de convergencia (ic). Objetivo general: identificar la correlación existente entre la sintomatología ocular asociada al síndrome visual informático y la insuficiencia de convergencia. Materiales y métodos: estudio mixto, de diseño prospectivo. Se aplicaron los cuestionarios validados CVSS17 y CISS-V15 a 66 estudiantes de optometría y se determinó la prevalencia de sintomatología asociada al svi y la ic, analizando los síntomas más frecuentes y recurrentes entre ambas entidades. Resultados: el 37 % de los encuestados fueron sintomáticos para svi y el 52 % para ic, los síntomas más frecuentes asociados al svi fueron cansancio visual, pesadez palpebral y ardor ocular, y los más frecuentes asociados a ic fueron sensación de sueño al leer y sensación de ojos cansados. Se evidenció que aquellos síntomas con mayor conexión entre las dos alteraciones fueron esfuerzo o incomodidad visual, visión borrosa, ardor y pesadez ocular. Conclusión: este estudio demuestra que el 70 % de los estudiantes que presentaron síntomas de svi tienen síntomas relacionados con la ic; además, el puntaje obtenido con los cuestionarios CVSS17 y CISS-V15 señala que existe correlación entre la sintomatología reportada por los estudiantes, lo cual confirma que aquellos que manifestaron un alto nivel de síntomas relacionados con el svi tienen una alta probabilidad de presentar síntomas relacionados con la ic.
Relationship between Marital Status and Mental Workload with Work Stress for Work From Home Workers
Authors: Sinta Lydia Elsa , Dwiyanti Endang
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the work culture in Indonesia has changed. Many companies are implementing the Work From Home (WFH) system. This can cause a dilemma for the workforce due to the assumption that home is a place to rest, not to work. The benefits can be felt since the implementation of Work From Home (WFH). However, there are also negative impacts can be felt by the workforce due to disturbances outside of work. Conflicts between families are also common. The purpose of this study is to determine the strong relationship between marital status and mental workload with work stress in Work From Home (WFH) workers. Methods: This study is a survey research and used a cross-sectional study. The sample in this study is total population of workers in the Group of Digital BolaSport Kompas Gramedia Jakarta, which is 20 people. The variables used in this study were marital status, mental workload, and work stress. The data in this study were obtained by filling out questionnaires about individual characteristic (marital status), mental workload, and work stress. Results: Most of the workers have not married status (60%), high mental workload (55%), and medium work stress (55%). The correlation coefficient value between marital status and work stress is 0.373. Meanwhile, between mental workload and work stress it is 0.667. Conclusion: In Work From Home workers, there is a weak relationship between marital status and work stress. Besides that, there is a strong relationship between mental workload and work stress.
Association Between Cadmium Exposure and Kidney Disorder Among Workers in the Battery Industry
Authors: Choirunnisa’ Aulia , Retno Adriyani  , Aanisah Yusrina Nurul , Ibrahim Ilyas , Aziz Mohd Yusmaidie
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Workers in the battery industry are at risk of being exposed to cadmium (Cd), which can cause various health problems, including kidney disorders. This study aims to investigate the association between biomarkers of Cd exposure and effect with kidney disorders among workers in the battery industry. Methods: A systematic review approach was used in this study, employing relevant keywords and inclusion criteria to search electronic databases, such as Google scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Research Gate. The selected articles included research articles published between 2010 and 2020, with cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control study designs. To ensure the quality of the articles reviewed, the Critical Appraisal Skill Programme (CASP) was used. Results: The CASP tools facilitated the exploration of trustworthy and relevant articles for the literature review. Previous studies revealed that individuals of various ages, ranging from teenagers to adults aged 12-60, both males and females, are commonly employed in the battery industry. Cadmium was detected in the hair, urine, and blood samples of these workers. Previous studies also identified kidney disorders among these workers by analyzing biomarkers such as creatinine, retinol-binding protein, blood urea nitrogen, and hemoglobin, which were all found to be above the normal range. Furthermore, increased Cd levels in the blood of workers caused glomerular disorder and tubular dysfunction, eventually resulting in kidney function disorders. Conclusion: Cd levels in the bodies of workers in the battery industry serves as a reliable biomarker of Cd exposure, and are closely related to the number of effect biomarkers that can contribute to kidney disorders. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring Cd exposure levels among workers in the battery industry.
Ethnic identity, leadership style on teacher efficacy, and student learning outcomes at the Huaulu ındigenous ınland school, North Seram Island
Authors: Utari Tria Ina
Published: September 2023

Personality and habits that exist in the group will shape ethnic identity, especially in shaping experiences and leadership roles in the group. Ethnic identity was used to investigate how behavior correlates in terms of leadership style and teacher efficacy when in organizations (schools). This study aims to determine the various influences that appear in all research variables. This study uses the Smart PLS 3 program. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire. Based on the findings of the ethnic identity variable at the Huaulu Interior Elementary School, it shows that only the relationship between ethnic identity and teacher efficacy has a positive and significant effect of 0.755. Ethnic identity has no significant effect on leadership style 0.669. Ethnic identity has no significant effect on student learning outcomes, which is 0.943. Leadership style has no significant effect on student learning outcomes, namely 0.83. Teacher efficacy has no significant effect on student learning outcomes, namely 0.560. This study concludes that ethnic identity has the most significant effect on improving teacher self-efficacy. In the future, this study can become a reference for the development of effective cross-ethnic leadership by adding diversity to develop leader-follower relationships.
Mongolia: Foreign Trade and Infrastructure Development
Authors: Makarov A. , Makarova E. , Beshentsev A.
Published: September 2023

The paper reveals the modern specifics of the economy and plans for the development of infrastructure in Mongolia. The influence of anti-COVID restrictions on foreign trade is being studied. It is shown that the problems of export and raw material development and inland Mongolian isolation in the face of restrictions on crossing the border with China for vehicles were exacerbated by the poor development of the railway network. As a result of these restrictions, coal production and exports from Mongolia to China more than halved in 2020–2021. Together with the fall in coal prices in 2020 and the collapse in the services sector, this led to the deepest recession in the Mongolian economy since 1992. Plans for the development of international transport and energy corridors through Mongolia are being considered. Based on actual data, the insignificant role of Mongolia in the dynamically growing transit of container cargo in the direction of China–Europe–China is shown. The unsatisfactory condition of the Trans-Mongolian Railway and the absence of railways in a number of promising directions of freight flows prevent the full realization of the transit potential of Mongolian freight traffic. In connection with Russia’s reorientation of export flows to Asia, the Eastern Railway Corridor stands out as a promising corridor through Mongolia. A strategically significant initiative, which in the context of anti-Russian sanctions will seriously strengthen economic cooperation in the regional triangle Russia-Mongolia-China, is the plan to build a Soyuz-Vostok transit gas pipeline through Mongolia. This project will allow redirecting gas supplies from the West Siberian region of Russia, previously supplied to Europe, directly to the capital region of China. Mongolia is also interested in the implementation of this large-scale project, which seeks to obtain new opportunities for economic development. The implementation of these infrastructure development plans will allow Mongolia to not only take advantage of its location between Russia and China and strengthen the economic base for cooperation with them, but also, in general, lay the foundation for economic diversification and deeper integration into the global economic system.
Bioelectrical impedance devices in clinical practice: a narrative review
Authors: Benedetti Rodrigues Fabio , Bertemes-Filho Pedro
Published: September 2023

The increase in the world population renders constant the search for innovative health technologies. Bioelectrical impedance is in the spotlight because of its wide range of uses and its inexpensiveness compared to other non-invasive technologies. Bioelectrical impedance can monitor the body composition by estimating the nutrition status, obesity levels, and the hydration status. Beyond this, it can help in mechanical ventilation and measure glucose in a non-invasive way. So why has this technology been less used in clinical practice? One of the answers concerns how little information physicians have access to in the literature on bioelectrical impedance devices. This is a multifactorial problem that ranges from the specific database used to the way in which the articles are written. This narrative review aims to bring bioelectric impedance knowledge closer to health care workers. Therefore, we have simplified the technical information and prioritized the use indications, making the information more accessible to health care professionals.
Workflow for Optimizing Horizontal Well Completions in Thinly Bedded Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Zhang Junjing , Zwarich Nola , Nozaki Manabu , Davis Eric , Metzgar Kyle
Published: September 2023

Recently appraised reservoirs in Alaska have hydrocarbons stored in highly laminated reservoirs with sandstone pays interbedded with tight mudstone and siltstone non-pays. Vertical flow barriers exist such that long horizontal wells with multi-stage longitudinal hydraulic fractures prove to be an effective way to connect the separated pay intervals and to increase the waterflooding sweep efficiency. This study presents a workflow to optimize the lower completion and hydraulic fracturing design for developing reservoirs with very limited vertical permeability.

Laboratory tests were performed to characterize the rock mechanical properties. The test results are used to predict formation failure and determine whether the lateral needs to be cemented to isolate weak rock. Fracture conductivity laboratory tests were also performed to determine the resultant conductivity for different proppant types and concentrations. A series of well inflow models were then constructed to investigate the completion design parameters such as the optimum frac sleeve spacing and required proppant concentration. Fracture models were built to determine the fracturing design that can deliver these parameters for the optimal reservoir development.

Laboratory geomechanics testing of thinly bedded laminated rock proved challenging and best practices to determine Poisson's ratio and UCS are presented. Formation failure modeling shows that a cemented completion is preferred when the wellbore is widely exposed to the weak, water-sensitive layers which are predicted to fail during early flowback period. In un-cemented liner completions, the weak intervals need to be mechanically isolated so that the failed rocks do not impede flow through the annulus between the openhole and production liner, sleeve ports or tubing. Fracture conductivity testing showed high proppant concentrations are required to achieve the conductivity targets due to a significant loss of fracture conductivity. Under idealistic conditions, un-cemented completions result in higher well productivity than cemented completions if the longitudinal fractures are fully aligned with the wellbore and the openhole annulus stays unplugged during the well life. However, well productivity for un-cemented liner completion decreases drastically when the wellbore misaligns with the fracture or formation failure occurs near the sleeve ports. Well productivity with cemented completions can be significantly improved by minimizing the near-field pressure drop through higher fracture conductivity and tighter frac sleeve spacing.

This study presents an integrated workflow to design effective completions for reservoirs with very limited vertical permeability. This couples the inflow performance model with the fracture model results for horizontal wells with multi-stage longitudinal fractures to optimize critical completion and fracture design parameters.
Case Study of Water Injection Frac Strategy at Bahja Rima Field at South Salt Oman Basin to Maximize Efficiency of Fields Recovery
Authors: Hadhrami Issa Al , Kalbani Mahmood Al , Musalami Sabriya Al , Saadi Faisal Al , Christiawan Arya , Yuyan Rioka
Published: September 2023

The Bahja Rima cluster consists of multiple fields which primarily target tight Cambro-Ordovician and Carboniforous-Permian oil sandstone reservoirs at the South Oman Salt basin petroleum system. The hydraulic propped fracturing has been the preferred practice of enhancing the well production performance at oil producers, with over 50 hydraulic fracturing works completed at this cluster in the last couple years from none. The well candidates are both from newly drilled wells and existing wells (NFA, No Further Activity) in which some of them are located within the perimeter of highly depleted pressure areas that need further strategy to maintain reservoir drive to flow the hydrocarbon.

At the reservoir scale study, it is determined to infill drilled numbers of water injector wells also some conversion injector wells. The same formation waters from the produced layer, presumably as the most compatible water source, were utilized as injection water. Throughout time however, the injectivity index was substantially dropped along with incremental injection pressure due to various issues including self-scaling from single source water at different pressure and temperature exposure. Throughout collaboration of multi-companies and multi-disciplines function, from Reservoir Engineering, Geologist, Petrophysicist, Production Technology and Frac Completion Specialist, it is determined hydraulic propped fracturing as the most economic method of improving the injectivity index hence impacting nearby producer wells production. Several specific boundary and criteria need to be investigated however, in order to properly deploy hydraulic fracturing on injector well candidate, this to include well integrity aspect, frac fluids and source water compatibility, optimum frac penetration, understanding of frac orientation towards water flood aerial sweeping, understanding of frac height towards water injection vertical sweeping effectiveness.

This paper describes the lesson learnt from fracturing design execution perspective and review of post fracture well injectivity performance in this cluster from 5 injector wells fracturing works performed in 2022 & 2023, and other offset producers well fracturing. The study results were summarized as best practice and recommendation moving forward for future injector wells fracturing on existing wells and also as drilling and completion strategy for new wells
Project Value Continuous Improvement: Invested Dollar with High Return in Oman
Authors: Al Shueili A. , Al Salmi H. , Jaboob M. , Al Qassabi M. , Kayumov R.
Published: September 2023

A holistic vision of potential stimulation-related continuous improvement projects in the early stages of the Khazzan project has led to massive cost reductions and high project value. bp took over operatorship of a tight gas block (Block 61) in the Sultanate of Oman in 2007, recognizing the huge potential upside in value through the placement of massive hydraulic fractures and associated cost and efficiency improvements by implementing a stimulation-related continuous improvement plan.

From the previous experiences across the globe, bp placed extensive focus on ways to continuously improve multiple components of fracture stimulations such as fracture design, fracturing fluids, proppants, flowback, fracturing equipment, fracturing logistics and many others. Since the first well was stimulated with hydraulic fracturing 13 years ago, cost savings and production enhancements have been realized through an aggressive approach to continuously push back the economic envelope. Every year the previous year's improvements have been evaluated and updated for potential further enhancements and incremental opportunities.

The continuous improvement program to date has resulted in an estimated cost savings of 30% per well with outstanding production performance. The continuous improvement plan for the next 5 years targets even more cost reduction and better production performance after hydraulic fracturing treatments.

This paper provides the reader with an example of an exhaustive program of cost and performance improvement that should apply to most fracturing operations around the globe.
Borehole-to-Surface Electrical Imaging Technology for Dynamic Monitoring of Underground Gas Storage and Case Study
Authors: Yang Qinrun , Tan Maojin , Chen Zhixin , Xu Bin , Zhang Fulai , Wang Bincheng , Yu Zhen , Zhao Haoyan
Published: September 2023

To solve the issue of seasonal gas peak shaving, building underground gas storage is an effective solution. Geophysical monitoring technology is necessary for dynamic gas storage management. However, as these technologies are not highly accurate in the lateral direction, new technologies need to be developed. In recent years, borehole-to-surface electrical imaging (BSEI) technology has been widely used in reservoir and fracturing monitoring. In the dynamic monitoring of gas storage, high-power direct current is applied to the borehole through the steel casing, and the potential is measured on the surface. Then, resistivity inversion is performed to analyze the transverse distribution of the injected gas. To prove the feasibility of monitoring injected gas, a 3D forward case is simulated using the finite difference method (FDM). The model-structure-constrained inversion approach is verified. Based on the forward simulation results and the formation pressure period, the gas storage observation scheme is designed. The case study shows that the gas storage inversion results constrained by the upper formation have a high resolution and clearly show the transverse boundary of the target reservoir, which is consistent with the fault boundary determined by seismic prospecting. Therefore, 3D resistivity imaging can clearly show the distribution of gas reservoirs during injection and production. This study shows that BSEI is an effective technique for dynamic monitoring of gas storage and has good application prospects.
Complete Combinatorial Mutational Enumeration of a protein functional site enables sequence-landscape mapping and identifies highly-mutated variants that retain activity
Authors: Colom Mireia Solà , Vucinic Jelena , Adolf-Bryfogle Jared , Bowman James W. , Verel Sébastien , Moczygemba Isabelle , Schiex Thomas , Simoncini David , Bahl Christopher D.
Published: September 2023

Understanding how proteins evolve under selective pressure is a longstanding challenge. The immensity of the search space has limited efforts to systematically evaluate the impact of multiple simultaneous mutations, so mutations have typically been assessed individually. However, epistasis, or the way in which mutations interact, prevents accurate prediction of combinatorial mutations based on measurements of individual mutations. Here, we use artificial intelligence to define the entire functional sequence landscape of a protein binding site in silico, and we call this approach Complete Combinatorial Mutational Enumeration (CCME). By leveraging CCME, we are able to construct a comprehensive map of the evolutionary connectivity within this functional sequence landscape. As a proof of concept, we applied CCME to the ACE2 binding site of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain. We selected representative variants from across the functional sequence landscape for testing in the laboratory. We identified variants that retained functionality to bind ACE2 despite changing over 40% of evaluated residue positions, and the variants now escape binding and neutralization by monoclonal antibodies. This work represents a crucial initial stride towards achieving precise predictions of pathogen evolution, opening avenues for proactive mitigation.
Network pharmacological analysis of hydroxychloroquine intervention in the treatment of IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Zou Meng-xiao , Guo Kang-lin , Qian Duo , Cheng Yi-chun , Xu Gang , Ge Shu-wang
Published: September 2023

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most prevalent primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and has a high propensity to develop into End-stage renal disease (ESRD). Hydroxychloroquine has been proven to reduce proteinuria in patients with IgAN, while the precise mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we use network pharmacology to investigate the mechanism.
Methods: We utilized PubChem and SwissADME databases to acquire the structure of hydroxychloroquine. Then, we utilized SwissTargetPrediction, PharmMapper, DrugBank, TargetNet, and BATMAN-TCM databases to get the targets. Furthermore, the target genes related to IgAN were gathered from the databases, including GeneCards, PHARMGKB, DrugBank, OMIM, and DisGeNET. And common targets were obtained by UniProt. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were undertaken to define the main molecular mechanisms and pathways. Moreover, we constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) network by using the STRING tool and got the core targets by utilizing Cytoscape. Finally, the molecular docking between the core targets and hydroxychloroquine was performed.
Results: We acquired 167 common target genes by overlapping. The core targets were TNF, ALB, IL1B, JUN, FOS, SRC, and MMP9. The GO and KEGG results indicated the targets were related to the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and were engaged in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the molecular docking results demonstrated that the core targets all combined with hydroxychloroquine closely.
Conclusion: Our study indicated that hydroxychloroquine may treat IgAN through the TLR signaling pathway, and the restraint of TNF, TLR, ALB, and JUN may be crucial to the treatment.
The economic and technical feasibility analysis for solar power plant
Authors: Sandilya Rajeev Ranjan
Published: September 2023

Solar power plants connected to the grid have emerged as reliable sources of renewable energy to supplement conventional fossil fuel power plants connected to the grid. The capital investment for solar power projects has become economical in the present time due to the advancement in photovoltaic module technology. The investment in a solar power project is non-recourse in financial structure. The case study for project finance in the renewable energy domain is narrated with the help of the operation research methodology of mathematical models for financial statements. The economic viability of a project is analysed by financial metrics, i.e., internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), and debt service coverage ratio (DSCR). The mathematical model for financial statements provides forecasts of revenue and cash flow. The mathematical model provides a risk assessment for credit. The identification of technical requirements for a greenfield project is described for the assessment of the technical feasibility of the project. The decrease in capital and operating costs associated with the increase in efficiency of solar power plants, accompanied by the financial incentive scheme introduced by the government, provides attractive business opportunities for the renewable energy value chain.
Effective Strategies for Fecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT) Programs to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake Among Populations with Limited Access to the Healthcare System: A Rapid Systematic Review
Authors: Belon Ana Paula , McKenzie Emily , Teare Gary , Nykiforuk Candace I.J. , Nieuwendyk Laura , Kim Minji (Olivia) , Lee Bernice , Adhikari Kamala
Published: September 2023

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death globally. CRC screening can reduce the incidence and mortality of CRC. However, socially disadvantaged groups may disproportionately benefit less from screening programs due to their limited access to healthcare. This poor access to healthcare services is further aggravated by intersecting, cumulative social factors associated with their sociocultural background and living conditions. This rapid review systematically reviewed and synthesized evidence on the effectiveness of Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) programs in increasing CRC screening in populations who do not have a regular healthcare provider or who have limited healthcare system access.Methods We used three databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and EBSCOhost CINAHL. We searched for systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and quantitative and mixed-methods studies focusing on effectiveness of FIT programs (request or receipt of FIT kit, completion rates of FIT screening, and participation rates in follow-up colonoscopy after FIT positive results). For evidence synthesis, deductive and inductive thematic analysis was conducted. The findings were also classified using the Cochrane Methods Equity PROGRESS-PLUS framework. The quality of the included studies was assessed.Results Findings from the 25 included primary studies were organized into three intervention design-focused themes. Delivery of culturally-tailored programs (e.g., use of language and interpretive services) were effective in increasing CRC screening. Regarding the method of delivery for FIT, specific strategies combined with mail-out programs (e.g., motivational screening letter) or in-person delivery (e.g., demonstration of FIT specimen collection procedure) enhanced the success of FIT programs. The follow-up reminder theme (e.g., spaced out and live reminders) were generally effective. Additionally, we found evidence of the social determinants of health affecting FIT uptake (e.g., place of residence, race/ethnicity/culture/language, gender and/or sex).Conclusions Findings from this rapid review suggest multicomponent interventions combined with tailored strategies addressing the diverse, unique needs and priorities of the population with no regular healthcare provider or limited access to the healthcare system may be more effective in increasing FIT screening. Decision-makers and practitioners should consider equity and social factors when developing resources and coordinating efforts in the delivery and implementation of FIT screening strategies.
SARS-CoV-2 Bottlenecks and Tissue-Specific Adaptation in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Richner Justin , Class Jacob , Simons Lacy , Lorenzo-Redondo Ramon , Cooper Laura , Dangi Tanushree , Penaloza-MacMaster Pablo , Ozer Egon , Rong Lijun , Hultquist Judd
Published: September 2023

Severe COVID-19 and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are associated with neurological complications that may be linked to direct infection of the central nervous system (CNS), but the selective pressures ruling neuroinvasion are poorly defined. Here, we assessed SARS-CoV-2 evolution in the lung versus CNS of infected mice. Higher levels of viral diversity were observed in the CNS than the lung after intranasal challenge with a high frequency of mutations in the Spike furin cleavage site (FCS). Deletion of the FCS significantly attenuated virulence after intranasal challenge, with lower viral titers and decreased morbidity compared to the wild-type virus. Intracranial inoculation of the FCS-deleted virus, however, was sufficient to restore virulence. After intracranial inoculation, both viruses established infection in the lung, but this required reversion of the FCS deletion. Cumulatively, these data suggest a critical role for the FCS in determining SARS-CoV-2 tropism and compartmentalization with possible implications for the treatment of neuroinvasive COVID-19.
Symptom burden and time from symptom onset to cancer diagnosis in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer: a multicenter retrospective analysis
Authors: Baronas Victoria , Arif Arif A. , Bhang Eric , Ladua Gale K. , Brown Carl J. , Donnellan Fergal , Gill Sharlene , Stuart Heather C. , Loree Jonathan M.
Published: September 2023

Background
The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is decreasing in individuals > 50 years due to organised screening but has increased for younger individuals. We characterized symptoms and their timing before diagnosis in young individuals.
Methods
We identified all patients diagnosed with CRC between 1990–2017 in British Columbia, Canada. Individuals < 50 years (N = 2544, EoCRC) and a matched cohort > 50 (N = 2570, LoCRC) underwent chart review to identify CRC related symptoms at diagnosis and determine time from symptom onset to diagnosis.
Results
The most common symptoms at presentation for EoCRC and LoCRC are bloody stools (61.0% vs 40.2%, OR 2.3, 95%CI 2.1–2.6, p < 0.0001) and abdominal pain (51.8% vs 27.2%, OR 2.9, 95%CI 2.5–3.2, p < 0.0001). Across all stages of CRC, EoCRC presented with significantly more symptoms than LoCRC (Stage 1 mean ± SD: 1.3 ± 0.9 vs 0.7 ± 0.9, p = 0.0008; Stage 4: 3.3 ± 1.5 vs 2.3 ± 1.7, p < 0.0001). Greater symptom burden at diagnosis was associated with worse survival in both EoCRC (p < 0.0001) and LoCRC (p < 0.0001). The median time from symptom onset to cancer diagnosis was significantly longer for patients with EoCRC than LoCRC (143 days, 95%CI 134–154 vs 95 days, 95%CI 88–101, p < 0.0001). Despite this delay, survival for EoCRC presenting with a symptom duration > 6 months did not differ from those with shorter symptom duration (p = 0.58). When controlling for cancer stage, both age (HR 0.87, 95%CI 0.8-1.0, p = 0.008) and increasing symptom number were independently associated with worse survival in multivariate models.
Conclusions
Patients with EoCRC present with a greater number of symptoms of longer duration than LoCRC, however time from patient reported symptom onset was not associated with worse outcomes.
The causal role of insomnia in multiple chronic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Mendelian randomization studies
Authors: Wang Chi , Jiang Jing , Liu Chengyong , Wang Xiaoqiu , Wan Qingyun , Yuan Xiya , Liu Kai , Wu Wenzhong
Published: September 2023

Background: Insomnia is a significant public health issue interconnected with multiple chronic diseases, though the causal association remains elusive. Thus, the objective of this investigation is to undertake a meta-analysis of relevant Mendelian randomization research endeavors to validate the causal connection between insomnia and a spectrum of persistent afflictions.
Methods: The study searched databases for Mendelian randomization(MR) studies exploring the causal relationship between insomnia and chronic diseases, extracted data, and performed quality assessment. A meta-analysis was performed based on all MR studies that met the criteria and on the results of a de novo analysis based on data from the FinnGen consortium.
Results: Genetically predicted insomnia was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 13 circulatory disease, 7 neuropsychological diseases, 3 digestive diseases, 10 pain diseases, asthma, and osteoarthritis as well as cancers of the respiratory system. In contrast, genetically predicted insomnia was not associated with 4 circulatory diseases, 8 neuropsychological diseases, 4 digestive diseases, tuberculosis, and 2 skeletal musculature diseases.
Conclusions: Insomnia has a causal association with numerous chronic diseases. Timely identification and management of insomnia are essential to prevent secondary illnesses, improve quality of life, and optimize healthcare resource utilization.