bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Blood-Brain Barrier proteins as Potential Biomarkers in a Murine Model of Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Almusined Meaad , Kakkar Pragati , Yuldasheva Nadira Y. , Viswambharan Hema , Kakkar Tarun , Saha Sikha
Published: September 2023

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as a specialized structure separating the brain from peripheral blood circulation and plays an important role in brain function. Following an ischaemic stroke or cerebral ischaemia, the BBB is damaged leading to degraded proteins being released into blood circulation. However, little is known about cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) induced BBB damage and changes in circulatory biomarkers. This study aims to use both immunohistochemistry and western blotting (WB) to examine neuronal death, glial cell alterations and changes in BBB tight junction (TJ) proteins such as zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin and Claudin-5 in the hippocampus in a murine model of cerebral I/R. The changes in these proteins in the blood serum of this model were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed neuronal death and a significant increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a protein primarily expressed in astrocytes and a significant decrease in TJ proteins, ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-5 in the hippocampus of occluded mice as compared to sham-operated mice. These changes are associated with an increased level of these proteins in blood serum in ischaemic mice, suggesting that these proteins can be used as potential biomarkers for determining ischaemic stroke.
The Effect of Schroth Best Practice Exercises and Cheneau Brace Treatment on Perceptual and Cognitive Asymmetry in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Akçay Burçin , İnanç Gonca
Published: September 2023

Background: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients have been found to exhibit cortical asymmetry. This study aimed to examine the impact of conservative treatments on perceptual and cognitive asymmetry in the auditory system of AIS patients with thoracic major curve. Method: The study involved 30 AIS patients and 21 healthy subjects. The intervention group used a Cheneau brace and performed 18 Schroth Best Practice (SBP) exercise sessions. Auditory lateralization was assessed with a Dichotic Listening Paradigm (DLP) in both groups before and after the intervention. Results: The six-week intervention resulted in a significant increase in left ear responses in the force-left condition in the AIS (p<0.05). Left ear responses were lower in AIS at baseline (p<0.05). Sixth-week results were similar in all conditions (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that SBP exercises and Cheneau brace treatment can improve perceptual and cognitive asymmetry in the auditory system in AIS patients with thoracic major curve. Scoliosis-associated changes in the spine and postural control may affect auditory perception by causing adaptations in sensory and motor networks. Future studies are needed to examine the connectivity in brain regions related to motor control and auditory processing after conservative treatment.
Plants Profile of Sultan Khail Valley, Hindukush Range of Pakistan: Floristic Composition, Biological Spectrum and Its Seasonal Variation
Authors: Rahman Khaista , Akhtar Naveed
Published: September 2023

The present study was conducted to explore the floristic composition, life form, and leaf size spectrum of vegetation, seasonality, and habitat condition of the Sultan Khail valley, Hindu Kush range, Pakistan. Regular trips were arranged during 2017–2019 to collect plant specimens and prepare a checklist of the flora of the area. The life form and leaf size spectrum of vegetation were determined. The plant species were also classified based on their habitat. The area is home to 332 species belonging to 234 genera and 96 families. Asteraceae (32 species) was the dominant family in the area, followed by Rosaceae (28 species) and Lamiaceae (21 species). Therophytes were found to be dominant in the area, followed by phanerophytes, while microphylls were the dominant leaf size class, followed by nanophylls. Seasonal variation in life forms showed that the spring, autumn, and winter seasons' flora was dominated by phanerophytes, while therophytes were dominant in the summer season. Seasonal variation in leaf size spectra showed that microphylls were dominant in the spring and summer, while in the autumn and winter seasons, nanophylls were dominant. The highest numbers of species were found in dry places, followed by forests. The flora of the study area is diverse. The habitat condition of the area is dry. The area's phytoclimate is thero-phanerophytic. The flora of the area is subjected to severe anthropogenic stress and needs proper conservation.
A Conversational Framework for Interstellar Discourse on Fundamental Physical Structures
Authors: Esposito Giampiero , Fionda Valeria
Published: September 2023

This paper considers the possibility that abstract thinking and advanced synthesis skills might be selection criteria for extraterrestrial civilizations to accept communication with mankind on Earth. For this purpose, a notation not relying upon the use of alphabet and numbers is proposed, in order to denote just some basic structures of current physical theories: vector fields, 1-form fields, and tensor fields of arbitrary order. An advanced civilization might appreciate the way here proposed to achieve a concise description of electromagnetism and general relativity, and hence it might accept the challenge of responding to our signals. The abstract symbols introduced in this paper to describe the basic structures of physical theories are encoded into black and white bitmap images that can be easily converted into short bit sequences and modulated on a carrier wave for radio transmission.
Preparing University Chemistry Education for a Sustainable Future in the Age of AI
Authors: Tan Yee Seng , Yeo Chien Ing , Choo Chee-Yan , Ming Long Chiau
Published: September 2023

As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges and the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence (AI), it is crucial for universities to adapt their chemistry education to remain relevant and contribute to sustainability and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report offers critical insights into the development of university chemistry education over the next 10-20 years, forecasts its development over the next 10-20 years, and offers recommendations for the Ministry of Education and universities to ensure the continued relevance of chemistry programs in the face of AI.
A Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Atenolol on All-Cause Mortality Risk among Asians With Chronic Progressive Diseases
Authors: Alkattan Abdullah , Alsalameen Eman , Harmoush Alaa , Farawati Mhd Nour , Alsharif Hind , Mahmoud Nagla , Farawati Mhd Ali , Alfaleh Amjad , Kandeel Mahmoud , Radwan Nashwa
Published: September 2023

Background: The current review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of atenolol on all-cause mortality rate among Asian patients with chronic progressive diseases, mainly diabetes mellitus, primary hypertension, and coronary artery disease.
Methods: We searched the COCHRANE, MEDLINE, TRIP, and EMBASE databases for published articles up to 31 March 2023. Studies that compared all-cause mortality rates among Asian patients who were on atenolol or other medications were included.
Results: The review included 79603 Asian patients from three cohort studies. Out of the studied patients, 36046 were atenolol users and 43557 were non-atenolol users. The review revealed that atenolol users recorded lower all-cause mortality rates compared to non-users with a significant difference (OR= 0.57, CI= 0.44-0.75, P<0.001). The pooled estimate of the all-cause mortality rate was also lower among atenolol users (7.02%) compared to metoprolol tartrate users (13.15%) with a significant difference (OR= 0.50, CI= 0.47-0.53, p < 0.0001). Although the included studies were categorized as having a low risk of bias for most of the studied domains, significant heterogeneity was recorded across these studies (I2 =88%, P=0.001).
Conclusion: This review found that atenolol when compared to a control or metoprolol tartrate, has a significant effect in reducing the all-cause mortality rate among Asian patients with chronic progressive disease.
Epidemiological Evolution and Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the European Union and Worldwide and Effects of Control Strategies on Them: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Caylà Joan A. , Bellmunt Josep M , Jansà Josep M , Marco Andrés , Millet Joan-Pau
Published: September 2023

We evaluated epidemiological evolution and economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the European Union (EU) and worldwide, and the effects of control strategies on them.

We collected incidence, mortality, and gross domestic product (GDP) data between the first quarter of 2020 and of 2023. Then, we reviewed the effectiveness of the mitigation and zero-COVID control strategies. The statistical analysis was done calculating the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of two rates and its 95% confidence interval (CI).

In the EU, COVID-19 presented six epidemic waves. The sixth one at the beginning of 2022 was the biggest. Globally, the biggest wave occurred at the beginning of 2023. Highest mortality rates were observed in the EU during 2020-2021 and globally at the beginning of 2021. In mitigation countries, mortality was much higher than in zero-COVID countries (IRR= 6.82; CI:6.14-7.60; p<0.001). A GDP reduction was observed worldwide, except in Asia. None of the eight zero-COVID countries presented a GDP growth percentage lower than the EU percentage in 2020, and 3/8 in 2022 (p=0.054).

COVID-19 pandemic caused epidemic waves with high mortality rates and a negative impact on GDP. The zero-COVID strategy was more effective in avoiding mortality and potentially had less impact on GDP.
Germline CSF3R Variant in Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia: Linking Genetic Predisposition to Uncommon Hemorrhagic Symptoms
Authors: Bochicchio Maria Teresa , Micucci Giorgia , Asioli Silvia , Ghetti Martina , Simonetti Giorgia , Lucchesi Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a hematological neoplasm characterized by monocytosis, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia and anemia. Moreover, it is associ-ated with SRSF2 mutations and rarely with CSF3R variants. The presented case is an 84-year-old patient with persistent anemia and monocytosis. Due to the presence of dysmorphic granulocytes, monocyte atypia and myeloid precursors in peripheral blood, the patient was submitted to bone marrow examination. The diagnosis was consistent with CMML type 2. Hemocoagulative test showed an increase of fibrinolysis markers. Next generation targeted sequencing showed TET2 and SRSF2 mutations, along with an unexpected CSF3R germline missense variant, rarely encountered in CMML. The pa-tient started Azacitidine treatment reaching normal hemostatic process values. In con-clusion, we identified a heterozygous germline mutation that, cooperating with TET2 and SRSF2 variants, have been responsible for the hemorrhagic manifestation.
Investigating Self-Perceived Use of Spectrum of Teaching Styles in Italian Secondary School Physical Education Teachers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Monacis Domenico , Latino Francesca , D'Arando Cristina , Colella Dario
Published: September 2023

The enhancement of physical and sports literacy in school setting are prerogatives and development aim for the physical education (PE) teachers. Therefore, as part of the teaching of motor activities, the proposal of motor tasks through different organizational modes (individual tasks, in pairs, in small groups, circuits, relay, paths, team games, etc.) is functional to the achievement of the educational objectives set in the didactic learning units. The present study aims to assess PE teachers’ perception about the use of teaching styles during curricular lessons. The sample involved a total of 83 PE teachers (M= 41, F= 42, main age= 43,74±10,76) divided according to years of service (0-4 = 36%, 5-10 = 34%, and over 10 = 30%) and academic training (ISEF= 44% and master’s degree= 56%). Teachers complete a digitalized version of a self-produced questionnaire to assess how many times they use each teaching styles during the last month. Results can be summarized as follows: (a) academic training is significantly associated with the command, inclusion, and guided-discovery styles in PE; (b) command and practice Styles are often used by PE teachers, regardless of years of service and academic training, and (c) guided discovery and convergent/divergent Discovery Styles are most frequently used by graduate teachers, regardless of years of service. The preliminary results of the analysis of PE teachers’ perception of teaching styles reveals the prevalence of the use of some styles over others, and this presuppose not only a different (but similar) teacher’s behavior, but also limits children’s way of learning a certain motor task. Future research and analysis will investigate the perception of different teaching styles according to seniority, school grade and academic training to design training courses for teachers adapted to children’s needs.
Graded Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures with Lightweight, High-Strength and Sound Absorption Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Zhang Mingkang , Liu Chang , Deng Mingjian , Li Yuhao , Li Jinwei , Wang Di
Published: September 2023

In this research, a design method for the graded triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures with lightweight, high-strength, and high sound absorption properties is proposed. The graded TPMS structures are controlled by linear, quadratic, and sine functions. Uniform TPMS and graded TPMS were manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) with AlSi7Mg powder, and an acoustic impedance tube test, compression test, and digital image correlation (DIC) test were ap-plied to obtain the sound absorption and compression properties. The sound absorption coefficient of a uniform Gyroid increases as the number of layers and surface thickness increase, and it in-creases as element size decreases. The sound absorption peak shifts to low frequencies as the number of layers increases. The sound absorption property of Type-Ⅰ graded TPMS is superior to the Type-Ⅱ, and the G-LinearⅠ has the highest sound absorption properties among the three functions. It reveals that the graded TPMS has superior sound absorption performance at low and medium frequencies. The compression and DIC results of graded TPMS also show excellent mechanical properties and energy absorption characteristics.
Valorisation of Tuff and Brick Wastes by Alkali-Activation for Historical Building Remediation
Authors: Capasso Ilaria , D’Angelo Gigliola , Fumo Marina , Del Río Merino Mercedes , Caputo Domenico , Liguori Barbara
Published: September 2023

Nowadays the preservation and restoration of historical building needs to be faced in accordance with a novel sensibility regarding environment to preserve the future generations.
In this context, the scientific community is focusing on novel and sustainable materials and techniques allowing durability and mechanical performances and at the same time compatibility with the existing heritage. Alkali activated materials represent a great challenge to produce new materials starting from the existing ones with reducing consumption, emission of greenhouse gases and environmental impact. This study deals with the valorization of waste materials coming from demolition and construction activities in the manufacture of geocomposites suitable for restoration and conservation of historical heritage. In particular, waste from tuff sawing and brick grinding were used as raw materials, then the geopolymeric samples produced were characterized from physical-chemical and mechanical point of view in order to investigate their performance and evaluate their suitability as materials for historical buildings recovery. Brick waste based geocomposites resulted to be more compact than the tuff-based ones as showed by the higher density values and the lower values of open porosity and water absorption and as further confirmed by the trend of the mechanical performance. Moreover, experimental data showed that physical and mechanical properties of both bricks and tuff waste-based geocomposites, even with different waste content, are compatible with existing building materials and to all the traditional repairing products.
Diverse Bioactive Secondary Metabolites from Aspergillus terreus: Antimicrobial, Anticancer and Anti- SARS-CoV-2 Activity Studies
Authors: Hamed Abdelaaty , Abdel-Razek Ahmed S. , Abdelwahab AHMED B , El Taweel Ahmed , Gaballah Mohamed , Sewald Norbert , Shaaban Mohamed
Published: September 2023

The recently reported microbial natural product N-benzoyl-tryptophane (1) along with twenty-two diverse known bioactive compounds were isolated from the marine Aspergillus terreus LGO13 after its re-cultivation using liquid culture fermentation. Structures of the isolated compounds were established on the basis of HR-ESIMS 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy, and comparison with literature data. The antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and antiviral activities of the microbial extract and the obtained compounds were investigated using a set of microorganisms, cervix carcinoma KB-3-1, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549, and coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), respectively. Molecular docking (MD) simulation was employed to explore the theoretical targets of the isolated metabolites as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Chaetominine (2) seemed to be a potential candidate against papain-like protease (PLpro), one of the viral proteins being aimed by recent research as a possible target of anti-covid agents. Inspired by the MD results, we accordingly assessed the antiviral efficacy of chaetominine (2), fumitremorgin C (6), and azaspirofuran A (9) against SARS-CoV-2. Fumitremorgin C (6) showed a high selectivity index (SI = 20.3), while chaetominine (2) and azaspirofuran A (9) showed moderate selectivity index (SI = 6.6 and 3.2, respectively). These results showed a promising antiviral activity of Fumitremorgin C against SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The Outcome of Antibiotic Overuse before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Oman
Authors: Pandak Nenad , Al Sidairi Hilal , Al-Zakwani Ibrahim , Al Balushi Zakariya , Chhetri Shabnam , Ba'Omar Muna , Al Lawati Sultan , Al-Abri Seif S S , Khamis Faryal
Published: September 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a serious global public health challenge, may have accelerated development during the COVID-19 pandemic because antibiotics were prescribed for COVID-19. This study aimed to assess antibiotics use before and during the pandemic and correlate the results with the rate of resistant microorganisms detected in hospitalized patients during the study period. This single centre study looked retrospectively at four years of data (2018–2021) from Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman. The consumption rate was presented as the antibiotic consumption index, the ratio of defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 bed-days. Analyses were performed using the nonparametric test for trend across the study period. Correlation between antibiotic consumption indexes and the isolated microorganisms in the four-year study period was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. We compared data from the pre-COVID-19 to the COVID-19 period. Though more patients were admitted pre-COVID-19 (132,828 versus 119,191 during COVID-19) more antibiotics were consumed during the pandemic; vancomycin and ceftriaxone had higher consumption during than before the pandemic (p-values 0.001 and 0.036, respectively). Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and Candida. auris were detected more during the COVID-19 period with p-values of 0.026 and 0.004, respectively. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), vancomycin resistant Enterococcus spp., and C. auris were detected more often during the pandemic with p-values of 0.011, 0.002, and 0.03, respectively. Significant positive correlations between antibiotic consumption and drug resistant isolates were noted. This study confirms that the overuse of antibiotics triggers the development of bacterial resistance; our results emphasize the importance of antibiotic control.
Sterilized Polyhexanide-Releasing Chitosan Membranes for Antimicrobial Wound Dressings
Authors: Vaz Luís M. , Branco Rita , Morais Paula V. , Guiomar António Jorge
Published: September 2023

Wound infection is a common complication of chronic wounds. It can impair healing, which may not occur without external help. Antimicrobial dressings (AMDs) are a type of external help to infected chronic wounds. In this study, highly porous membranes made of only chitosan and containing the antiseptic polyhexanide (poly(hexamethylene biguanide); PHMB) were prepared by cryogelation, aiming to be used in AMDs. These membranes exhibited high water swelling capacity, fast water absorption and high water vapor transmission. The best drug loading method involved simultaneous loading by soaking in a PHMB solution and sterilization by autoclaving, resulting in sterilized, drug-loaded membranes. The drug release kinetics was comparable to that of a commercial PHMB-releasing AMD assayed under the same conditions. These membranes exhibited high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are bacterial species commonly found in infected wounds, and blood clotting activity. The obtained results suggest that these membranes may be suitable for use in the development of AMDs.
Novel Testing Method for Absorbing Materials with Comparison of Efficiency and Gain
Authors: Xu Feng
Published: September 2023

The massive use of electronic equipment has raised concerns about electromagnetic (EM) pollution, leading to increased attention to EM shielding in both civil and military applications. EM absorption materials play a crucial role in reducing the energy of microwaves projected onto their surface. In this work, we propose a novel OTA (over-the-air) antenna test method to evaluate and analyze the functionality of EM absorption materials. This method offers a new and practical way to assess the effectiveness of these materials. Measured results indicate that the presence of the EM absorption material led to a decrease in antenna gain of approximately 2-3 dB, a reduction in efficiency of more than 10-15%, and a smaller radiation pattern during the actual testing process. These findings highlight the impact of EM absorption materials on antenna performance. Compared to the traditional S-parameter testing method, the gain comparison testing method exhibits the advantages of higher accuracy and simpler operation in the lower frequency experiment.
Agent-Based Complex Systems Science in the Era of Global Sustainability Crisis
Authors: An Li , Turner II B. L. , Liu Jianguo , Grimm Volker , Zhang Qi , Wang Zhangyang , Huang Ruihong
Published: September 2023

A significant number and range of challenges besetting sustainability can be traced to the actions and interactions of multiple autonomous agents (people mostly) and the entities they create (e.g., institutions, policies, social network) in the corresponding social-environmental systems (SES). To address these challenges, we need to understand decisions made and actions taken by agents, the outcomes of their actions, including the feedbacks on the corresponding agents and environment. The science of Agent-based Complex Systems—ACS science—has a significant potential to handle such challenges. The advantages of ACS science for sustainability are addressed by way of identifying the key elements and challenges in sustainability science, the generic features of ACS, and the key advances and challenges in modeling ACS. Artificial intelligence and data science promise to improve understanding of agents’ behaviors, detect SES structures, and formulate SES mechanisms.
Super Typhoon Saola (2309) affecting Hong Kong in September 2023–Forecasting Aspect
Authors: Chan P.W. , He Y.H. , Lui Y.S.
Published: September 2023

Hong Kong was under strike from Super Typhoon Saola (2309), necessitating the issuance of the highest tropical cyclone warning signal. Saola skirted past the south-southwest of Hong Kong, bringing hurricane force winds and significant storm surge. Saola had its closest approach to Hong Kong on 1 September 2023, posing a unique challenge in forecasting and early warning for the commencement date of the new school term, where higher impact to traffic and public safety was anticipated. This paper covers the challenges on the forecasting aspect of the super typhoon. The predicted tropical cyclone track, intensity and wind structure are reviewed. Experience in this case showed that while there was not a perfect numerical weather prediction model in terms of the forecast track, intensity and wind structure of Saola, multi-model approach provided very use-ful and crucial information for operational weather warning services.
Does Regulated Deficit Irrigation Affect Pear Fruit Texture by Modifying the Stone Cells?
Authors: Peco Jesús D. , Rapoport Hava F , Centeno Ana , Pérez-López David
Published: September 2023

Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies aim to improve water usage without reducing yield. Generally, irrigation strategy effectiveness is measured as fruit yield, with little consideration of fruit quality. As water deficit and increased plant cell sclerification often associated, this study explores the effect of RDI on pear fruit stone cells, a crucial factor affecting flesh texture. The presence, distribution and development of pear fruit stone cells under RDI and full irrigation are compared using Pyrus communis L. cv. Barlett trees, employing recently developed microscope image analysis technology. The Control treatment was maintained under non-stress conditions, while the RDI treatment received an average of 15% of Control water during the latter part of Stage I fruit development. Observations at the end of Stage I and at harvest showed no effect on stone cell presence under the tested RDI strategy. Relative area of stone cells within the flesh was greater at Stage I than at harvest, as stone cell expansion occurred early in development while the (unsclerified) parenchyma cells, dominant component of the fruit flesh, expanded until harvest. Stone cell cluster density was higher near the fruit core than in the cortex center and exterior. These initial results suggest that well-planned RDI strategies will generally not affect pear fruit stone cell content and thus, textural quality. Microscope image analysis supported results from previously used analytical techniques, principally chemical, while providing a tool for better understanding the process and timing of stone cell differentiation and thus testing the factors involved.
The Shrinking and Expanding Eastern Africa Rift Valley Lakes: The Case of Ethiopian and Kenyan Rift Valley Lakes: Review
Authors: Gebreegziabher Gizaw Abera Abera , Degefa Sileshi , Furi Wakgari
Published: September 2023

Morphological study of lakes defines the sensitivity of their watershed. Moreover, it plays important role in safeguarding the lake’s ecosystem services through proper planning and utilization of the lakes’ resources. In the last few decades, the morphology of lakes in Ethiopian and Kenyan Rift (EKR) valley are experiencing contradicting morphological changes. Being in the same system, some are shrinking and others are expanding beyond their natural boundaries.

The objective of this review is to shed light on the trends in spatio-temporal water level fluctuation and their contributing factors for lakes to the academia and decision makers. Peer reviewed article journals, conference proceedings, thesis, and book chapters collected from online sources and supplied by authors on request formed a database of 346 documents where 226 are critically assessed.

The review indicated that lakes in Ethiopian rift are shrinking and expanding, while Kenyan lakes are expanding. The en-dorheic lakes suffered the most fluctuations due to anthropogenic factors at the expense of loss of forest and woodlands in their watershed. While the lakes’ water quality related to the morphological changes are given less attention, the predicted 12 m drop of Lake Turkana due to projects in the Omo catchment did not materialize.
Decreasing access to water and coping strategies to shortage in informal settlements of Calabar, Nigeria.
Authors: Nchor Julius Uti , Ukam Leonard Edadi
Published: September 2023

Calabar is a city where 65 per cent of people are living in poverty in informal settlements with low and decreasing access to improved water. In the low-income informal areas of the city, residents are being made responsible for securing their own water supply through several coping strategies. This paper explores the decreasing access to water and coping strategies to shortage in Calabar, Nigeria. It analyses two complementary pieces of data: (i) the households’ coping strategies and (ii) satisfaction with improved water services. A mixed method was introduced and data was collected via fieldwork at three settlements in Calabar. A household survey of 360 respondents, 27 in-depth interviews and 2 focus groups were conducted. Findings show that households engaged in different coping strategies to access water, including conservation (changing routine/reusing), purchasing (spent a significant proportion of their income on buying water) and pumping as a coping strategy. The household's tenure, socioeconomic status and water accessibility determines their decision to move if services are not provided. A crucial differentiation exists between a larger population being granted less access to water versus certain individuals receiving access to a greater quantity of water.
Chemical Constituents of the Deep-Sea-Derived Penicillium citrinum W17 and Their Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Osteoporotic Bioactivities
Authors: Zhang Yong , Xie Chun-Lan , Wang Yuan , He Xi-Wen , Xie Ming-Min , Li You , Zhang Kai , Zou Zheng-Biao , Yang Long-He , Yang Xian-Wen , Xu Ren
Published: September 2023

Three new polyketides (penidihydrocitrinins A–C, 1–3) and 14 known compounds (4–17) were isolated from the deep-sea-derived Penicillium citrinum W17. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analyses of 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD calculations. Compounds 1–17 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoporotic bioactivities. All isolates exhibited significant inhibitory effects on microglial activation in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells in a dose-response manner. Notably, compound 14 displayed the strongest effect with the IC50 value of 4.7 µM. Moreover, compounds 6, 7, and 8 not only suppressed osteoclastogenesis, but also promoted osteoblast mineralization.
OECD Ülkelerinde Ticari Açıklık ve Ekonomik Büyüme İlişkisi: Panel Veri Analizi
Authors: AKTOP Vildan Saba
Published: September 2023

Amaç: Bu araştırmanın amacı 1997-2020 yılları arasında Ekonomik İşbirliği ve Kalkınma Teşkilatı (OECD) ülkeleri için ticari açıklığın ekonomik büyüme üzerindeki etkisini analiz etmektir.
Tasarım/Yöntem: Bu çalışmada ilgili literatürden yararlanılarak Cobb-Douglas üretim fonksiyonu ticari açıklık değişkeni eklenerek genişletilmiştir. Panel veri analiz yöntemi kullanılan çalışmada Westerlund eşbütünleşme testi uygulanmış ve seriler arasında eşbütünleşme ilişkisi bulunmuştur. Sonrasında değişkenler arasında nedensellik ilişkisinin yönünün tespit edilmesi için Dumitrescu Hurlin Panel Nedensellik Testi uygulanmıştır.
Bulgular: Nedensellik testi sonuçlarına göre dışa açıklık ve ekonomik büyüme arasında çift yönlü nedensellik ilişkisi saptanmıştır. AMG tahmincisi (Augmented Mean Group Estimator) sonuçlarına göre panelin genelinde ticari açıklığın ekonomik büyümeyi olumlu etkilediği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Sınırlılıklar: OECD üyesi ülkelerde kullanılan değişkenlere ait verilerin eksiksiz olarak ele alınması için analiz 1997 yılından başlanmıştır.
Özgünlük/Değer: Ticari açıklığın ekonomik büyüme üzerindeki etkisi her ülkede olumlu ve olumsuz anlamda farklılık göstermektedir. Bu nedenle dışa açılmanın büyüme üzerindeki etkilerinin ülke ve ülke gruplarında nasıl bir etkiye sahip olduğunu tespit etmek önemlidir. OECD örnekleminde bu konunun araştırılmaya devam edilmesi alana katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmüştür.
Milli İktisat Hedefine Giden Yolda Bir “Seferberlik” İlanı: “Tasarruf Terbiyesi ve Kadınlar”
Authors: AYDOĞAN Pınar
Published: September 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, Erken Cumhuriyet döneminde millî iktisat hedefi çerçevesinde, kadınlara verilen görevi ve önemi ele almaktır. Tasarruf terbiyesi kapsamında kadına atfedilen görevin ve önemin aynı zamanda, onun toplumsal konumunun belirlenmesinde ve tanımının yapılmasındaki etkisi incelenecektir.
Tasarım/Yöntem: Çalışmanın yöntemi, belge analizine dayanmaktadır. Çalışmada 06-26 Ocak 1930 tarihleri arasında Akşam gazetesinde yayınlanan Tasarruf Meselesi ve Kadınlarımız başlıklı yazı dizisi taranarak analiz edilmiştir.
Bulgular: 1929 yılında yaşanan ekonomik krizle birlikte, tasarruf terbiyesi verme görevi kadınlara yüklenmiştir. Bu dönem gazeteleri genel olarak kamuoyunun tasarruf konusuna bakışı, hayatın her alanından ya da farklı aktörlerinden ziyade kadınlar üzerine yoğunlaşmıştır. Kadınlar üzerinden yürütülen tartışmaların bu iktisadi seferberlikte, kadınların üzerine düşen görevlerden çok daha farklı bir boyuta evrilerek ele alındığı tespit edilmiştir. Tasarruf konusu bir ekonomi kavramıyla sınırlı olmaktan çıkmış kadının nasıl olması gerektiği, kadın fıtratı tartışmalarına yönelmiştir.
Sınırlılıklar: Çalışmanın kapsamı, tasarruf ve yerli malı kullanımının bir politika olarak ön plana çıktığı bir dönemde Akşam gazetesinde yazı dizisinin yayınlandığı 06-26 Ocak 1930 tarihleriyle sınırlıdır.
Özgünlük/Değer: Literatürde tasarruf ve kadınları konu edinen sınırlı sayıda çalışma mevcuttur. Bu çalışmalarda kadına dair ekonomi çerçevesinde bir bakış açısı söz konusudur. Bu çalışmanın özgünlüğü, tasarruf konusu üzerinden yürütülen görüşlerin ekonomiyle ilgili bir tartışma olmaktan çıkarak, “kadının nasıl olması” gerektiği yönünde bir tartışmayı konu edinmesidir.
A Failsafe Method of Preventing Voltage Generation During Installation and Pulling of ESPs with Permanent Magnet Motors
Authors: Ken Saveth , Charles Booth , Mauricio Oviedo , Dennis Harris
Published: September 2023

With the increased use of permanent magnet motors (PMM) versus less efficient induction motors (IM) comes an increased safety risk. While both the IM and PMM can generate power themselves if their shaft is turned by external forces, the induction motor cannot generate enough power to require additional safety procedures. The PMM when spinning at 2,000 rpm can generate up to 240 volts to create a tremendous safety risk when one considers voltage over 50 volts can be lethal.

The objectives/scope of this paper is to present an alternative method of preventing the shaft of a Permanent Magnet Motor (PMM) from rotating during the install and pull process. The result of implementing this method is the creation of safer working conditions for the field technician. The alternative method presented here utilizes a mechanical lock to physically secure the shaft thereby preventing it from rotating while the lock is in place.

The mechanical lock mechanism is secured to the top end of the equipment string with the lock engaged during the installation of the Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) string. Once the motor is powered, the force generated automatically unlocks the shaft to allow for the normal operation of the ESP. To engage the lock for the pulling of the ESP string, a heavy weight is lowered on top of the shaft lock.

The two present methods to prevent the pump shaft from rotating while installing or pulling are shunting of the cable and plugging the production tubing. Shunting involves tying all three phases of the cable together to short circuit the electrical system. However, the potential to rotate still exists, but requires an extremely large force. Plugging the production tubing contains the fluid column's potential energy from flowing back through the ESP, but this too has its completion and operational issues. The mechanical shaft lock method described in this paper uses shear pins that physically lock the shaft to prevent it from rotating. Only the mechanical motor horsepower has enough force to shear the pins loose; downhole pressure is not enough. Utilizing a PMM mechanical lock mechanism will physically prevent the shaft from rotating while installing or pulling a PMM-ESP string to provide a failsafe method to prevent potentially fatal conditions.
Exploratory Analysis of Electrical Submersible Pumps in Permian Unconventional Wells
Authors: Grohman Lonnie , Morgan Colter , Gamboa Jose
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study is to introduce a framework for the determination of ESP application ranges based on exploratory data analysis (EDA). EDA is carried out over a dataset that includes liquid rate, gas rate, oil rate, gas oil ratio (GOR), gas liquid ratio (GLR), and intake pressure among other variables from more than 100 wells that produce from 9 different reservoirs in the Midland Basin. The dataset contains production records from 30 different ESP pump arrangements. Details about the data cleaning process are provided, including outliner detection. Probability (PDF) and cumulative density functions (CDF) are presented, which are calculated for the entire ESP population and specific pumps models. The application range is determined from data quartile analysis. The results show that most data distribution is positive skew with long right tail, which implies that mean and standard deviation are not sufficient to describe the data range. The application range between different pump models is presented and time dependence of these ranges is demonstrated. K-means unsupervised classification method is then applied to group the data into six groups. Pump models are then identified in some of these groups from the analysis.
A Game Changer: Initiating a Massive Movement of Permanent Magnet Motor Application for ESP Design in Remote Area Operation, Sangasanga Oil Field Indonesia
Authors: Ridlah M. R. , Amal P. I. , Wibowo A. T. , Hidayat T. R. , Almadani N. , Prasetyo G. , Irawan G. , Hutomo T.
Published: September 2023

The application of electric submersible pumps by transforming kinetic energy into boosting pressure is widely recognized in optimizing well performance. However, it becomes challenging under remote area operations due to limited electric power supply resources. Power supply failures result in additional pump maintenance, thus shortening ESP run life and increasing operational costs eventually. This paper will introduce a solution to this challenge, i.e., innovative permanent magnet motor technology (PMM), and present successful PMM applications in the ESP system to reduce power consumption and prevent ESP failure in a mature oil field in Sangasanga, Indonesia.

Permanent magnet motor (PMM) technology is designed with magnetic material and unique apparatus fo r in-situ re-magnetize to generate a constant rotor magnetic field, thus resulting in greater torque and maximum pump rotation and ultimately reducing the power consumption. In addition, it works under high downhole temperatures of up to 480F without de-magnetization risk. In a three-year study, ESP design with PMM technology was implemented in several oil wells. ESP performance is evaluated and compared by parameters, i.e., annual power consumption, ESP run life, and production sustainability. The parameters are presented for three different case studies which compare three production wells equipped with conventional AM motor and PPM motor.

The campaign for PMM installation was started in 2019. Now, 40 % of ESP wells in the Sangasanga field have been equipped with PMM. With conventional AM motors, the average power consumption for ESPs is around 117,582 kWh a year. The number decreases by about 24-30% with PMM. Meanwhile, the operating cost decreases linearly accordingly. Moreover, the installation of PMM shows a promising result in securing production sustainability since it prevents unplanned shutdowns due to power shortages. As a result, the improvement has delivered an additional value of about $ 111,650 for each well annually. In addition, compared to the conventional AM motor, ESP's run life has increased from 2.5 years to 3.5 years by using PMM. The decrease in electricity usage also creates a domino effect on carbon emissions for better environmental sustainability.

The achievement in this study has triggered a massive campaign for a near future project to replace other remaining 60% of conventional AM motor ESPs with PMM technology. Furthermore, an additional power source must be provided to root the artificial lift conversion campaign from the Sucker Rod Pump to ESP to escalate oil production in Sangasanga Field.
New High Performance ESP Gas Separator
Authors: Nicholson Barry , Harryman Scott R. , Brown Donn J. , Sheth Ketan K.
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a new research method, design, and field testing of a new type of mechanical gas separator for electrical submersible pump systems (ESPs) that increases the operating flow range and separation efficiency while decreasing erosion problems and improving reliability.

A state-of-the-art test system was developed to view the internal workings and measure two-phase flow through mechanical separation devices to understand flow paths, recirculation, and separation efficiency, along with the collective and individual performance of various components of a gas separator. The result, a new "helical" design with optimized throughput, has a significant increase in total flow capacity, enhanced erosion protection, and improved gas locking prevention mechanisms.

Field tests of the new gas separators were conducted in conventional, unconventional, and CO2 flooded oil wells in the Permian Basin. Performance was evaluated by monitoring motor cooling, motor current fluctuations, intake pressure (drawdown), and wellhead pressure in wells with a high gas/liquid ratio (GLR) or gas volume fraction (GVF) and gas slugging. Cycling and continuous operations were compared for both conventional gas separators and the new gas separator to demonstrate the improved performance of the ESP in these well conditions.

The hydro-helical separator system is a new generation of downhole gas separator with a higher flow range, better gas separation efficiency, and reduced erosion, and has been proven to work in different types of wells.
ESP Continuous Deployment Monitoring System
Authors: Nicholson Barry , Yicon Carlos , Carreno Fernando , Navo Robert , Bodington Christian , Gutierrez Gibson
Published: September 2023

Electric submersible pumps (ESPs) using permanent magnet motors (PMMs) play a key role in lowering the cost of operations and reducing carbon footprint by reducing power consumption by 15 to 20%. As the use of PMMs becomes more prevalent, concerns about PMM safety are rising, especially during the installation and pull of the ESP system; hence, an automated method to monitor PMMs to safeguard personnel is essential. The ESP continuous deployment monitoring system (CDMS) prevents field personnel's exposure to electrical shock by acquiring and logging valuable downhole and surface measurements while installing or retrieving ESP systems. This tool both maintains the ESP system's electrical integrity and implements the two most important components of HSE: risk elimination and engineering control. Additionally, the device can alert the presence of any back electromotive force (BEMF) that may be generated. This system provides the ability to log the resistances between phases, between phase to ground, and downhole sensor readings without any physical contact with the ESP cable. In addition, this tool maintains the three phases of the ESP cable in short condition, reducing the chance of unplanned motor spinning. It also measures the ESP installation or retrieval operational efficiency. It eliminates the need to stop the operation regularly to measure the integrity of the ESP system. The CDMS is not intended to replace other safety considerations or procedures, but rather to complement them. This paper will illustrate the potential electrical hazards and the measures taken to ensure a safe ESP installation and retrieval during field tests and trials.
Trials of VSD Electrical Signature Analysis Technology for ESP Vibration in High Dog Leg Severity Wells at Surmont
Authors: Walters R. , Ehman K. , Olson K. , O'Reilly A. , Chacin J. , Nespor K. , Badkoubeh A. , Imanfard M.
Published: September 2023

ESPs operating in high dog leg severity (DLS) wells are prone to bending loads and vibration levels that may contribute to early failure modes such as shorted motor stators, rotor strikes and shaft breaks. Electrical signature analysis (ESA) has recently shown potential to identify the operating state of an ESP by analyzing high frequency data (current and voltage) captured at the variable speed drive (VSD).

This paper shows how ESA helped identify the vibration under bending state on three ESPs installed sequentially in a well where the two previous ESP installs had failed prematurely. The premature failures occurred at a high DLS pump setting depth due to rotor strikes under bending. ESA contributed to an enhanced understanding of the operating conditions of ESPs and, in conjunction with other changes (such as ESP length, pump setting depth and operating frequency), helped to significantly extend the runtime of ESPs in this challenging well.
Fighting, Mitigating, and Surviving Againstasphaltenes with a Special Electrical Submersible Pump Design
Authors: Leon C. H. , Escobar Ardila C. H. , Perez L. M.
Published: September 2023

Over the years, Electric submersible pumps have been proven to be a reliable artificial lift method in different fields of the world for a broad range of flow production and different well fluid types. However, harsh environment such as heavy oil, high temperature, asphaltene formation and severe fluid properties generate problems inside the equipment reducing their operating run life.

During the normal operation of the ESP, asphaltenes formation inside protectors are one of the major problems that the operators suffer and due to this, premature failure could occur. This failure usually follows the same pattern and consist in formation and accumulation of solids inside chambers, bags will collapse due to incorrect function of expansion and contraction of the oil due to temperatures (due to frequent shutdowns), and contamination though all internal chambers reaching thrust one, usually resulting in mechanical failure due to a shaft fatigue at the runner level or in an electrical failure due to motor contamination with well fluid. Chemical injection and low drop pressures have been considered to control this effect, however, there is not an ESP configuration developed to mitigate and combat to the presence of asphaltenes inside protector chambers.

The main objective of this paper is to share the results and conclusions of a full study that considers the main reasons for formation, accumulation, and mitigation of asphaltene effects inside ESP systems. This study explains in detail all the root failure analysis, laboratory investigation, R&D process and new ESP design solution, proved at laboratory and in field, that will allows the customerto extend the run life of the ESP systems.