bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution is Governed by the Information Laws of Conservation and Speciation
Authors: Crkvenjakov Radomir
Published: October 2022

Others have proposed that living systems are characterized by the possession of a kind of information unique to them. This information, variously called semantic, symbolic, or coding information conveys meaning from senders to recipients, most commonly among genome and other cellular components, different cells, organisms, etc., enabling all biological functions. Unlike other kinds of information, it is only indirectly quantifiable and does not increase by copying. Here, the term system information is used to encompass the entire package of coding information enabling all organisms of a species to complete their life cycles through possession of its copy (Crkvenjakov and Heng 2021). System information grows in a nonreductive evolution only during speciation proper by the acquisition of novel functions by daughter species. Contemporary science agrees that species are units of evolution but has failed to recognize and parse the importance of phases of speciation and stasis for evolution. Confinement of system information change to speciation only explains for the first time why there are species and why their number increases nearly exponentially throughout evolution. More importantly, here we define that evolution as a process operating on a planetary scale, while chance based, is non-random mathematically since it obeys the Laws of Information which dictate the behavior of System information in organisms. Growth and persistence of system information on the non-degenerative portion of Tree of Life follow the law of conservation, which states that its growth is as parsimonious (minimal) as possible and the persistence of parental system information the maximal possible in each unit speciation step. This formulation is a restatement of Loewnstain's (1999) principle of information economy and our lock-in law (Crkvenjakov and Drmanac 2007). The principle holds that since, on chance assumption, the system information change cost is directly proportional to time, more costly pathways of achieving the same new functional goal will be, almost without exception, competed out by the less costly ones. As a corollary of the conservation law, the speciation law states that speciation follows the most economical way of growth of system information while conserving the existing one, which is horizontal information transfer by molecular sex (uptake of exogenous nucleic acid into the progeny genome) by exchange among two parents from maximally possible divergent lineages. The speciation law dictates that molecular sex mode be used since it is the most parsimonious one. The molecular sex cost in information bits is zero to the recipient, which is not the case with the generally accepted mode of vertical accumulation of information bits in a population gene pool within a lineage.
The Effect of Emotional Intelligence with Work-Life Balance and Burnout on Job Satisfaction
Authors: Nathaya Azzahra Dynaeira , Hidayat Nurdin , Dalimunthe Sholatia
Published: October 2022

This study aims to find the effect of Emotional Intelligence with Work-Life Balance and Burnout on Job Satisfaction. The method used is a quantitative method. The sampling technique used purposive sampling which refers to Isaac and Michael's table so that a population of 248 respondents was obtained. The object of research in this study is a teacher at a State Vocational School in DKI Jakarta. Data were collected through a questionnaire using a modified 4-point Likert scale. The results showed that emotional intelligence had a positive effect on job satisfaction, with a t-statistic value > 1.96, which was 8.795. Work-life balance has a positive effect on job satisfaction, with a t-statistic value > 1.96, which is 3,533. Burnout has a negative effect on job satisfaction, with a t-statistical value > 1.96, which is 4.610. Emotional intelligence has a positive effect on work-life balance, with a t-statistic value > 1.96, which is 7.263. Emotional intelligence has a negative effect on Burnout, with a t-statistic value <1.96 which is 7358. Work-life balance mediates the effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction, with a t-statistic value > 1.96, which is 4,021. Burnout mediates the effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction, with a t-statistic value > 1.96, which is 2.859. There is an influence of 54.7% between the dependent variable, namely emotional intelligence (X), work-life balance (Z1) and Burnout (Z2) on the dependent variable in the form of Job Satisfaction (Y).
The Analysis Of The Effect Of Firm Characteristics On The Completeness Of Public Company’s Voluntary Disclosure
Authors: Seran Adiutrix Maria Irayanti
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of firm characteristics and voluntary disclosure levels in the annual reports of listed companies in Indonesia Stock Exchange. The degree of voluntary disclosure is calculated by an index which is based on background information, non-financial statistic, projected information, and management discussion and analysis. This study using 434 companies in 2021 as a sample and applies the multiple regression analysis. The finding of this study shows that firm characteristics; profitability, firm size, liquidity and industry type have significant relationship with voluntary disclosure, while leverage, age and ownership have no significant with voluntary disclosure. This study can be very helpful for the shareholders, creditors and financial management in making decision about giving voluntary disclosure in annual reports as it provides adequate information for decision making. 

Key Words: Voluntary disclosure, Firm characteristic, Annual report
Numerical modeling of mesoscale infrasound propagation in the Arctic
Authors: Wilson D. , Shaw Michael , Ostashev Vladimir , Muhlestein Michael , Alter Ross , Swearingen Michelle , McComas Sarah
Published: October 2022

The impacts of characteristic weather events and seasonal patterns on infrasound propagation in the Arctic region are simulated numerically. The methodology utilizes wide-angle parabolic equation methods for a windy atmosphere with inputs provided by radiosonde observations and a high-resolution reanalysis of Arctic weather. The calculations involve horizontal distances up to 200 km for which interactions with the troposphere and lower stratosphere dominate. Among the events examined are two sudden stratospheric warmings, which are found to weaken upward refraction by temperature gradients while creating strongly asymmetric refraction from disturbances to the circumpolar winds. Also examined are polar low events, which are found to enhance negative temperature gradients in the troposphere and thus lead to strong upward refraction. Smaller-scale and topographically driven phenomena, such as low-level jets, katabatic winds, and surface-based temperature inversions, are found to create frequent surface-based ducting out to 100 km. The simulations suggest that horizontal variations in the atmospheric profiles, in response to changing topography and surface property transitions, such as ice boundaries, play an important role in the propagation.
Stand Equipment and Test Methods of Modern Optical Sights
Authors: Kurganovich A. M. , Stasilovich V. A. , Shishkin I. P. , Shkadarevich A. P.
Published: October 2022

Manufacture of sights with high output characteristics is a prerequisite for achieving the necessary ac- curacy when shooting. The aim of the work was to analyze the influence of pancratic optical sights’ main parameters on their output performance characteristics.

It is shown that in order to achieve the quality level of the world’s best samples, high image quality – no drop in contrast by no more than 30 % of the calculated value, careful manufacturing and control of both mechanical and optical parts, as well as components of the assembly units of products, the technological pro- cess of assembly and alignment is necessary.

Bench equipment and test methods which made it possible significantly increase the level of serial pro- duction are described, also some characteristics of GS3-12×50, GS3-24×56, GS5-25×56 “NTC “LEMT” BelOMO” are presented.
Application of Dual ESP Completion with Remote Monitoring in Offshore Wells Having Variable Flow Conditions
Authors: Prabhu Karthick , Tirawadekar Digambar , Gorde Nilesh , Vasilev Sergei
Published: October 2022

This paper illustrates the benefits of Dual ESP Dual Ytool Systems in Offshore wells where rig intervention costs are high & workover times are huge. It explains how such a completion model along with a Remote Monitoring system can considerably extend the production during the lifetime of a well where a gradual decline in productivity index is expected.

Dual ESP Dual Ytool completions are particularly suited for offshore wells where rig deployment takes time, rig costs are high, and the ESP replacement times last several weeks. Western offshore in India is one such field where a number of such completions have been done and proved to be successful.

The completion model consists of 2 Ytool systems along with 2 sets of ESPs’ where 1 system acts as a redundant system. Wide variation in flow rates is observed due to variation in the productivity index of the well, there is a need to select multiple models of pumps that can produce from the same well. Hence, a higher capacity ESP along with a bigger sized profile of Ytool is used for the upper system and a lower capacity ESP along with a lower sized profile of Ytool is used as a lower system.

At any point in time, only 1 ESP system will be in operation. The second set of ESP will act as a backup and will be operated only if the main ESP fails or if the well conditions change. A sensitivity analysis for all cases is performed to check for possible operating conditions during the design stage. Later on, during the operational stage, the performance is further fine-tuned using Novomet Track © (a remote monitoring system) which offers real-time ESP parameters along with features to check the pump operating point using the last recorded well production data.
The World's First Successful Digital Intelligent Artificial Lift (DIAL) for Dual String Application - A Paradigm Shift for Gas Lift System in Offshore Malaysia
Authors: Salleh Nurfarah Izwana , M Ghazali M Haziq , Rozlan M Rizwan , Wan Mat Syarifah Suliza , Ismail Mohamad Sazwan , Amsidom Amirul Adha , Roh Cheol Hwan , Bakar M Farris , ishak M Faizatulizuddin
Published: October 2022

PETRONAS completed Well H16 in BS field, East Malaysia with a Digital Intelligent Artificial Lift (DIAL) – an improvement to the current applied gas lift system in the field for production optimization system. This DIAL installation represents the first ever successful installation of the technology in an Offshore oil well for Dual String production. This paper provides the details of the installation planning, designing stages, operational process, well unloading and production undertaken to achieve this milestone.

DIAL is a unique technology that enhances the efficiency of gas lift production. Downhole monitoring of production parameters informs remote surface-controlled adjustment of gas lift valves. This enables automation of production optimization removing the need for well intervention which will be challenging in high deviation well (more than 60-degree deviation). With remotely operated, non-pressure dependent multi-valve units, the technology removes the challenges normally associated with gas-injected production operation in a dual completion well i.e., gas robbing and multi-pointing.

DIAL introduces a paradigm shift in design, installation and operation of gas lifted wells. This paper will briefly highlight the justifications of this digital technology in comparison with conventional gas lift techniques. It will consider value added from the design stage, through installation operations, to production optimization. Digitization and automation have become the new concepts in managing the operations in order to boost efficiency that reflected in long-term cost savings especially in Operating Expenditure (OPEX).

This paper focusses on a well completed in November 2020, the fourth well to be installed with the DIAL technology across PETRONAS Assets. The authors will provide details of the well strategy, installation process and production phases: system design, pre-job preparations, improvements implementation, run in hole and surface hook-up. The results of well unloading while utilizing the DIAL system to start up the well and lifting the completion brine will be explained in detail in this paper. For each phase, challenges encountered, and lessons learned will be listed together with observed benefits.

Despite the additional operational & planning complications due to COVID-19 restrictions, the well was completed with zero Non-Productive Time (NPT) and Loss Time Injury (LTI). Once brought online, this DIAL-assisted production well can be remotely monitored and controlled ensuring continuous production optimization, part of PETRONAS’ upstream digitization strategic vision.
Cable Deployed ESP -TransCoil- Retrieval
Authors: Mahmoud Akram Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Over the last few years, we were working to find an alternative deployment solution of the Electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) that help to get rid of the drawbacks associated with the conventional ESP systems:

– Rig availability to install / retrieve ESP systems – Prohibitive intervention costs – Unreliable in-well electrical connections

Finally Saudi ARAMCO and Baker Hughes developed the TransCoil rigless-deployed ESP system to address the issues, help operators bring wells on production faster, and lower overall lifting costs to extend the economic life of producing assets. During the project both system design and deployment method were considered to ensure compliance with ARAMCO standards of engineering, operation, and well controls.

The first TransCoil system was installed in December 2016 as a trial well with a pilot plan to operate the system for six months and pull the system to close the trial. This installation was the first to be done globally to prove that the system developed met the statement of requirements. The system installed and operated for 18 months before it was pulled out in operable condition to close the trial in December 2019. This closed the final step in the trial proving that the system can be deployed and retrieved without a rig and met all the success criteria of the TTR.

To complete the pull-out process, it was necessary to find a way to splice the Coiled Tube cable while continued accessing to the power system for testing throughout the pull-out job. This was achieved by inventing a coupling that not only spool-able and testable during pull-out and re-run, but also immune to Hydrogen embrittlement, non-magnetic, can be nitrided for galling, is cheap to work with and has decent strength.

TransCoil ends are hand drilled and coupled together with the splice coupling by a simple procedure which can be safely done on site. The coupling insulation system can withstand 10KV-AC which is sufficient to conduct a 2500VDC megger test on TransCoil after the down-hole coil and remainder of coil on the spool have been coupled together. in addition, resistance and continuity tests can be done at one phase only as the three conductors are connected as one at both ends of the coupling.

Pulling-out process starting from the TransCoil splice preparation then coupling to completely retrieve the whole BHA took approximately 7~8 hours which is a significant operation time saving in comparison with the conventional ESP pull out which takes at least 18 hours.

This paper shares the background of the system development and trial. Details on the deployment background, de-completion events along with the system benefits.
Proposal - Harmonic Mitigation Challenges in Unconventional ESP Applications
Authors: Hussein Abdelrahman Farouk
Published: October 2022

Permian oil producers are facing increasing pressure from electric utilities to reduce power system harmonics, and the consequences for non-compliance can be severe. This paper details the results of a field-scale effort to reduce harmonics for a ChampionX UNBRIDLED® ESP Systems customer in the Permian basin, and how proper application and troubleshooting of harmonic filters exceeded customer and utility goals.

Electric utilities have long understood that variable speed drives (VSDs) are a significant source of harmonic distortion. However, distortion limits generally have not been imposed on oil producers because utilities have not been significantly impacted, until now.

Due to the large number of VSDs currently operating in the Permian basin (predominantly 6- pulse drives), the harmonics problem for utilities has reached a tipping point. In some locations, distortion of the power grid has become so severe that utilities are no longer able to communicate with smart metering devices – such devices are essential for utility billing and loss of communication with even one of these devices is a serious issue. As a result, Permian utilities have begun mandating harmonic distortion limits, as well as setting deadlines to complete harmonic remediation work. Failure to meet the utility mandates can result in severe consequences for oil producers, including disconnection of electric service or heavy penalties.
Survey on the Recent Design and Tuning Approaches for model-free Fuzzy PID/PI Controllers
Authors: Sabahi Kamel , Mohammadzadeh Ardashir , Tavan Mehdi , Mobayen Saleh , Assawinchaichote Wudhichai
Published: October 2022

There is good experience in applying classical linear proportional, integral and derivative (PID) controllers to industrial plants due to its simple structure and easy tuning property. However, considering the fact that these linear controllers have fixed parameters, the uncertainties and nonlinearities in the controlled system can degrade the control performance. To tackle the mentioned problems in the application of PID controllers, one of the ways is to incorporate fuzzy logic systems (FLSs) into the PIDs and fine-adjust them. Like the PID controllers, one of the advantages of the FLS-based PID controllers is that they do not require a system mathematical model for control problems, thus these controllers have shown to be a viable control solution for various complicated nonlinear systems. This study presents a survey of development and analysis of model-free PIDs incorporated with FLSs. We focus especially on the widely used fuzzy gain scheduling PID (FGPID) and fuzzy PID (FPID) controllers which are two important combinations of the FLSs and PID controllers. In this study, different structures of FGPID and FPID controllers in which type-1 FLS (T1FLS), interval type-2 FLS (IT2FLS), and general type-2 FLS (GT2FLS) are used as the inference realization part, have also been reviewed. Moreover, the tuning methods of FGPID and FPID controllers’ parameters and their closed-loop stability problems are discussed.
Knowledge and experience of midwives and gynecologists about manual rotation of persistent occiput posterior position
Authors: nasab Pouran allahbakhshi , Loripoor Marzeyeh , mirzaie sekineh
Published: October 2022

Background: management of persistent occiput posterior position has always been controversial. Manual rotation by a delivery operator can reduce instrumental delivery and cesarean section.
Aim: This study aims to determine the knowledge and experience of midwives and gynecologists about manual rotation of persistent occiput posterior position.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2022. The questionnaire link was sent to 300 participating midwives and gynecologists via WhatsApp Messenger. Two hundred sixty-two participants completed the questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS22 statistical software and descriptive statistics.
Results: 189 people (73.3%) had limited information about this technique, and 240 (93%) had never performed it. If this technique is recognized as a safe intervention and is included in the national protocol, 239 people (92.6%) want to learn, and 212 (82.2%) are willing to do it.
Conclusion: According to the results, the knowledge and skills of midwives and gynecologists need to be trained and improved for manual rotation of persistent occiput posterior position.
Evaluation of n-phosphonomethyl glycine toxicity in non-disturbed soil leaches
Authors: Narváez Darla Victoria Altamirano , Andrade Santiago Xavier Mafla
Published: October 2022

This study evaluated and determined the toxicity levels of glyphosate and its possible transformed leachates on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Four different microcosms were used: undisturbed soil and chicken manure (SBCB), undisturbed soil and sterile chicken manure (SBCE), sterile soil and manure (SECE), sterilized soil and chicken manure (SECB) and a control group with undisturbed soil and chicken manure. Commercial glyphosate solution was applied at 3, 6 and 9 days of exposure. The quantification of glyphosate for each leachate was evaluated by the HPLC technique. A final concentration of 54.80 ppm was found in the SECE microcosm at 9 days of exposure.
Furthermore, a mutation assay demonstrated mutagenic activity by the herbicide, which increased in the microcosm SBCB after 9 days of exposure to glyphosate. A 70% of mutagenic action.
The cytotoxicity determined in HUVEC cells showed that the SECE microcosm reduced its viability by 66% at 9 days of exposure. Likewise, the microcosm SECE 65% at 6 days, SECB 63% at 9 days and SECB 59% at 6 days of exposure.
A 16s rDNA molecular analysis concluded that the most representative phylum were: Firmicutes (54.55%) and Proteobacteria (18.18%), followed by a fair group of Actinobacteria (9.09%) and Fusobacteria (9.09%)
COVID-19 and driving behavior: Which were the most crucial influencing factors?
Authors: Sekadakis Marios , Katrakazas Christos , Michelaraki Eva , Ziakopoulos Apostolos , Yannis George
Published: October 2022

This paper tries to identify and investigate the most significant factors that influenced the relationship between COVID-19 pandemic metrics (i.e., COVID-19 cases, fatalities and reproduction rate) and restrictions (i.e., stringency index and lockdown measures) with driving behavior in the entire 2020. To that aim, naturalistic driving data for a 12-month timeframe were exploited and analyzed. The examined driving behavior variables included harsh acceleration and harsh braking events concerning the time period before, during and after the lockdown measures in Greece. The harsh events were extracted using data obtained by a specially developed smartphone application which were transmitted to a back-end telematic platform between the 1st of January and the 31st of December, 2020. Based on the collected data, XGBoost feature analysis algorithms were deployed in order to obtain the most significant factors. Furthermore, a comparison among the first COVID-19 lockdown (i.e., February to May 2020), the second one (i.e., August to November 2020) and the period without COVID-19 restrictions was drawn. COVID-19 new cases and new fatalities were the most significant factors related to COVID-19 metrics impacting driving behavior. Additionally, the correlation between driving behavior with other factors (i.e., distance travelled, mobile use, driving requests, driving during risky hours) was revealed. Furthermore, the differences and similarities of the harsh events between the two lockdown periods were identified. This paper tries to fill this gap in existing literature concerning a feature analysis for the entire 2020 and including the first and second lockdown restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece.
Association of Metabolically Healthy Obesity in Young Adulthood with Myocardial Structure and Function
Authors: Wang Peng , Liu Menghui , Zhuang Xiaodong , Guo Yue , Xiong Zhenyu , He Lixiang , Cai Xiaojie , Chen Zhuohui , Peng Longyun , Liao Xinxue
Published: October 2022

Background: Obesity is major cause of cardiovascular diseases. Metabolically health obesity (MHO) may increase heart failure risk early in life, and may be reflected in impaired cardiac structure and function. Therefore, we aimed to examine the relationship between MHO in young adulthood and cardiac structure and function.
Methods: A total of 3,066 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study were included, who completed echocardiography in young adulthood and middle age. The participants were grouped by obesity status (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) and poor metabolic health (≥ 2 criteria for metabolic syndrome) into four metabolic phenotypes as follows: metabolically healthy non-obesity (MHN), MHO, metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUN), metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). The associations of the metabolic phenotypes (MHN serving as the reference) with left ventricular (LV) structure and function were evaluated using multiple linear regression models.
Results: At baseline, mean age was 25 years, 56.4% were women, and 44.7% were black. After a follow-up 25 years, MUN in young adulthood was associated with worse LV diastolic function (E/é ratio, β [95% CI], 0.73 [0.18, 1.28]), worse systolic function (global longitudinal strain [GLS], 0.60 [0.08, 1.12]) in comparison with MHN. MHO and MUO were associated with LV hypertrophy (LV mass index, 7.49 g/m2 [4.63, 10.35]; 18.23 g/m2 [12.47, 23.99], respectively), worse diastolic function (E/é ratio, 0.67 [0.31, 1.02]; 1.47 [0.79, 2.14], respectively), and worse systolic function (GLS, 0.72 [0.38, 1.06]; 1.35 [0.64, 2.05], respectively) in comparison with MHN. These results were consistent in several sensitivity analyses.
Conclusions: In this community-based cohort using data from the CARDIA study, obesity in young adulthood was significantly associated with LV hypertrophy, worse systolic and diastolic function regardless of metabolic status.
Active Moms: A Feasibility Study of a Community-Based and Home-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Low-Income, Ethnic-Minority Mothers
Authors: Arevalo Wendy Miranda , Caicedo Brianna Isabel , Urizar Guido , Schroeder Jan
Published: October 2022

Background: Despite the health benefits of physical activity, increasing regular physical activity levels among low-income, ethnic-minority mothers has remained a significant challenge. Yet, few studies have examined the feasibility of implementing interventions to address physical activity barriers often experienced by this population.
Methods: The current mixed-methods feasibility study explored the impact that a three-month community-based (CBI) and a home-based intervention (HBI) had on improving physical activity and fitness levels, as well as psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy and social support) among low-income, ethnic-minority mothers. Thirty mothers were randomized (parallel assignment design; simple random sampling) to either a three-month community-based intervention (CBI) or a home-based intervention (HBI) and completed pre- and post-intervention assessments of physical activity (self-report, accelerometer), fitness (cardiorespiratory, muscle endurance and strength, flexibility), self-efficacy, and social support. Post-intervention focus groups were also conducted. Repeated Measures ANCOVA analyses were conducted to test for possible intervention by time effects for randomization group (CBI vs. HBI) on physical activity, fitness, and psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy and social support) across four study time points (baseline, one-month, two-month, and three-months), adjusting for baseline fitness levels.
Results: Mothers in both groups (CBI and HBI) showed significant improvements in their physical activity and fitness levels, and short-term improvements in receiving social support for physical activity. However, only mothers in the CBI group showed improvements in their self-efficacy for physical activity. Qualitative responses revealed mothers’ barriers and facilitators to program participation and suggestions for program improvement.
Conclusions: These results support the efficacy of CBIs and HBIs in improving physical activity and fitness levels and have important implications for improving health outcomes among low-income, ethnic-minority mothers (TRN: NCT05540509; 9/12/22; retrospectively registered; ClinicalTrials.org).
A novel spectrogram visual security encryption algorithm based on block compressed sensing and Five-Dimensional chaotic system
Authors: Yan fabaoo , Shen Yupeng , Zou Tao , Wu Zhao , Su Yanrui
Published: October 2022

Based on the block compressed sensing theory (BCS), combined with the five-dimensional chaotic system, we propose and analysis a novel spectrogram visual security encryption algorithm. The research is devoted to solving the compression, encryption and steganography problems of spectrograms with large data volume and high complexity. Firstly, Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is applied to process the spectrogram to generate the coefficient matrix. Then block compressed sensing is applied to compress and pre-encrypt the spectrogram. Secondly, the study designed a new five-dimensional chaotic system. Then several typical evaluation methods, such as phase diagram, Lyapunov exponent (LE), bifurcation diagram and sample entropy (SE) are applied to deeply analyze the chaotic behavior and dynamic performance of the system. Moreover, the corresponding Simulink model has been built, which proves the realizability of the chaotic system. Importantly, the measurement matrix required for compressed sensing is constructed by the chaotic sequence. Thirdly, performing dynamic Josephus scrambling and annular diffusion on the secret image to get the cipher image. Finally, an improved least significant bit embedding method (LSB) and Alpha channel synchronous embedding are designed to obtain the steganographic image with visual security properties. To make the initial keys of each image is completely different from other images, the required keys are produced using the SHA-256 algorithm. The experimental results confirm that the visual security cryptosystem designed in this study has better compression performance, visual security and reconstruction quality, and are able to effectively defense a variety of conventional attack methods, such as statistical attacks and entropy attacks.
Trends and urban-rural disparities in the utilization of Basic Public Health Service projects from 2017 to 2021 in Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Yiting , Wang Chang , Lin Guozhen , Lin Weiquan , Liu Hui , Li Yaohui , Sun Minying , Zhou Qin
Published: October 2022

Background
As national funding for Basic Public Health Service (BPHS) projects continues to increase in China, it is important to evaluate trends and urban-rural disparities in the utilization of the BPHS. This study aimed to identify trends in the utilization of BPHS projects in Guangzhou between 2017 and 2021, and the differences between urban and rural areas.
Methods
Data for this study were collected from the “National BPHS Project Management Information System.” Cochran-Armitage tests for trends were used to analyze trends in the count data, which were reported as rates, and Chi-square tests were used to examine regional differences in the count data.
Results
Over the five-year study period, only the percentage of children aged 0–6 years utidlizing health management services showed a downward trend, while the rest of the indicators showed increasing trens or remained unchanged in Guangzhou. The coverage of paper health records, coverage of electronic health records, percentage of newborn follow-up visits, percentage of older adults utilizing health management services, blood pressure control rate among patients receiving standardized management, rate of tuberculosis (TB) patient management, and rate of health management by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) among older adults in urban areas was lower than that in rural areas. The rest of the indicators did not differ or were lower in rural areas than in urban areas.
Conclusions
The use of the majority of BPHS services has increased dramatically. However, there remains a gap between the implementation of TCM health management and other programs, and it is recommended that they be combined with programs serving similar populations to increase the rate of TCM health management.
THE VALUE OF |ω+1| IN ZF¬C SYSTEM AND THE CONTINUUM HYPOTHESIS
Authors: KUNT İBRAHİM
Published: October 2022

Using the relationship between the ordinal number \(\omega\) and the Cantor Diagonal Method, I study the cardinality of the digits of real numbers in a defined range. Using the results I have reached, I show the value of \(\left|\omega +1\right|\) in the ZF¬C system, and I present some conclusions regarding the Continuum Hypothesis through these results.
Designing embedded retaining walls relying on the Generalized Coefficient of Earth Pressure and the elastic beam theory
Authors: Pantelidis Lysandros
Published: October 2022

Intermediate values of earth pressure occur if the wall movement is insufficient to mobilize the active or passive limiting values. These values are of particular importance for designing embedded retaining walls, due to their flexible characteristics. The methods included in a standard are supposed to reflect the best (current) practice, however, the empirical methods included in EN1997-1:2004 and prEN1997-3:2022 are far from being considered reliable. Very recently, the author proposed a continuum mechanics approach for deriving earth pressure coefficients for any soil state between the at-rest state and the active or passive state, applicable to cohesive-frictional soils and both horizontal and vertical pseudo-static conditions. The same method also provides analytical expression for the calculation of the required wall movement (at any depth) for the mobilization of the active or passive failure state. In the present paper the author suggests a new, fully analytical method for designing embedded retaining walls, combining the aforementioned method with the well-known elastic beam theory. An application example is given indicating remarkable agreement with the finite element method, while when the proposed method is followed, more stable results are obtained.
Interaction-driven Spontaneous Ferromagnetic Insulating States with Odd Chern Numbers
Authors: Phillips Philip , Mai Peizhi , Huang Edwin , Yu Jiachen , Feldman Benjamin Ezekiel
Published: October 2022

Motivated by recent experimental work on moir\'e systems in a strong magnetic field, we compute the compressibility as well as the spin correlations and Hofstadter spectrum of spinful electrons on a honeycomb lattice with Hubbard interactions using determinantal quantum Monte Carlo. While the interactions in general preserve quantum and anomalous Hall states, new features arise corresponding to a Mott insulator at half-filling and other incompressible states following the Chern sequence ± (2N+1). These new odd integer Chern states exhibit strong ferromagnetic correlations and arise spontaneously without any external mechanism for breaking the spin-rotation symmetry. Analogs of these magnetic states should be observable in general interacting quantum Hall systems. In addition, the interacting Hofstadter spectrum is qualitatively similar to the experimental data at intermediate values of the on-site interaction.
Numerical Analysis of a GaAs-based Hybrid Plasmonic Waveguide with Nanoscale Optical Confinement and Low Losses
Authors: sharma tarun
Published: October 2022

Numerical analysis of a hybrid plasmonic (HP) waveguide for deep sub-wavelength optical confinement and long-range propagation with low loss is presented here. Two types of material platforms, namely, Si/SiO2/Au and GaAs/SiO2/Ag were analyzed to optimize the HP waveguide. The mode character, an important and crucial design parameter for HP waveguides, was calculated based on the coupled mode theory, providing the coupling strength between the SPP and optical mode. As for the Si/SiO2/Au HP waveguide, the coupling strength varied from 0.47 to 0.60 with a mode area ranging from 0.0002 to 0.001 /µm2 and mode character near to the SPP mode character (i.e. |a+(tsi, w,td|= 0.47). While for the GaAs/SiO2/Ag HP waveguide, the coupling strength varied from 0.57 to 0.69 with a mode area ranging 0.0002 to 0.0004 /µm2 and mode character to SPP approached as |a+(tGaAs,w,td|= 0.49. Finally, a finite element method (FEM) model was used to investigate the modal properties. The simulation analysis shows that at td = 10 nm the GaAs/SiO2/Ag waveguide gives 50% larger propagation length (205µm), ten times smaller mode area (0.0002) with 60% lower modal propagation loss (0.021db/µm), and 20% stronger coupling strength (0.62) with HPP mode character as 0.48 as compared to Si/SiO2/Au.
Immediate surgical mesh-free implant-based breast reconstruction with fascial flap in breast cancer patients after mastectomy
Authors: Chen Ao-Xiang , Chen Xiao , Yu Yue , Wang Xin , Zhang Bin , Cao Xu-Chen
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Surgical meshes are often used in retro-pectoral implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) to improve lower pole expansion. However, using of surgical meshes is associated with increased complications and costs. To solve this problem, we have adopted a modified fascia-based IBBR technique using fasciae of pectoral major, serratus anterior, and external oblique muscles to form a sling covering the lower pole of prosthesis since 2014.
Methods
Data of 788 retro-pectoral IBBR cases, including 250 fascia-based IBBR cases (fascial group) and 538 traditional IBBR cases (control group), treated between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The surgical outcomes of the fascial and control group were compared. The primary endpoint was the rate of post-operative complications requiring interventions. The secondary endpoint was the rate of explantation. The exploratory endpoint was the time from surgery to complication and explantation.
Results
The fascial group had significantly lower rates of developing major post-operative complications (1.2% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.002) and losing prostheses (1.2% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.025), as compared with the control group. The median time from surgery to complication and explantation were 61 (range, 35–115) days and 92 (range, 77–134) days for the fascial group and 35 (range, 6–239) days and 63 (range, 23–483) days for the control group, respectively.
Conclusions
Fascia-based IBBR technique had low rates of major post-operative complications and explantation. Fascia-based IBBR technique could be considered as an alternative reconstruction method in properly selected patients.
Impact of the coverage of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy by the national insurance system for women with BRCA pathogenic variants in Japan
Authors: Nomura Hidetaka , Abe Akiko , Fusegi Atsushi , Yoshimitsu Teruyuki , Misaka Satoki , Murakami Atsushi , Matsumoto Tsuyoshi , Tsumura Shiho , Kanno Motoko , Aoki Yoichi , Netsu Sachiho , Omi Makiko , Tanigawa Terumi , Okamoto Sanshiro , Omatsu Kohei , Yunokawa Mayu , Kanao Hiroyuki , Habano Eri , Arakawa Hiromi , Kaneko Keika , Ueki Arisa , Haruyama Yurie , Inari Hitoshi , Ueno Takayuki
Published: October 2022

Background
To determine the impact of the coverage of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) and mastectomy (RRM) as well as genetic testing for BRCA pathogenic variants by the national insurance system in Japan.
Methods
We compared the clinical background of women who underwent RRSO at our institution before and after its coverage by the national insurance system.
Results
Those who underwent RRSO between January 2017 and December 2019 and between April 2020 and March 2022 were classified as Period
A and B, respectively. Overall, 134 women underwent RRSO during the study period. In Period A and B, 45 and 89 women underwent RRSO for the study period was 36 and 24 months, respectively. Compared with Period A, the number of women who underwent RRSO per month increased by 3-fold in Period B (p < 0.01). In addition, the number of women who underwent surgery for breast cancer along with RRSO increased in Period B (p < 0.01). Although the number of women who underwent concurrent RRM with RRSO in Period B increased, the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with Period A, the number of women diagnosed with BRCA pathogenic variant increased by 3.9-fold, and the proportion of women who underwent concurrent hysterectomy at the time of RRSO decreased from 66% to 7.9% in Period B (p < 0.01).
Conclusion
Owing to the introduction of the national insurance system, the number of women who underwent RRSO and concurrent surgery for breast cancer at the time of RRSO increased in Japan.
Enhanced β-carotene production in Yarrowia lipolytica through the metabolic and fermentation engineering
Authors: Jing Yiwen , Wang Jingnan , Gao Haiyan , Jiang Yujia , Jiang Wankui , Jiang Min , Xin Fengxue , Zhang Wenming
Published: October 2022

β-Carotene is a kind of high-value tetraterpene compound, which shows various applications in medical, agricultural and industrial areas owing to its antioxidant, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, Yarrowia lipolytica was successfully metabolically modified through the construction and optimization of β-carotene biosynthetic pathway for β-carotene production. The β-carotene titer in the engineered strain Yli-Cwith the introduction of the carotenogenesis genes crtI, crtEand crtYB can reach 34.5 mg/L. With the overexpression of key gene in MVA pathway and the enhanced expression of fatty acid synthesis pathway, the β-carotene titer of the engineered strain Yli-CAH reached 87 mg/L, which was 152% higher than that of the strain Yli-C. Through the further expression of the rate-limiting enzyme tHMGR and the copy number of β-carotene synthesis related genes, the β-carotene production of Yli-C2AH2 strain reached 117.5 mg/L. The final strain Yli-C2AH2 produced 2695.5 mg/L β-carotene titer by fed-batch fermentation in a 5.0 L fermenter. This research will greatly speed up the process of developing microbial cell factories for the commercial production of β-carotene.
Portable and Integrated Microfluidic Flow Control System Using Off-the-shelf Components Towards Organs-on-chip Applications
Authors: Zhu Haoyu , Özkayar Gürhan , Lötters Joost , Tichem Marcel , Ghatkesar Murali Krishna
Published: October 2022

Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) devices require the precise control of various media. This is mostly done using several fluid control components, which are much larger than the typical OoC device and connected through fluidic tubing, i.e., the fluidic system is not integrated, which inhibits the system’s portability.
Here, we explore the limits of fluidic system integration using off-the-shelf fluidic control components. A flow control configuration is proposed that uses a vacuum to generate a fluctuation-free flow and minimizes the number of components used in the system. 3D printing is used to fabricate a custom-designed platform box for mounting the chosen smallest footprint components. It provides flexibility in arranging the various components to create experiment-specific systems.
A demonstrator system is realized for lung-on-a-chip experiments. The 3D-printed platform box is 290 mm long, 240 mm wide and 37 mm tall. After integrating all the components, it weighs 4.8 kg. The system comprises of a switch valve, flow and pressure controllers, and a vacuum pump to control the diverse media flows. The system generates liquid flow rates ranging from 1.5 micro-litre per minute to 68 micro-litre per minute in the cell chambers, and a cyclic vacuum of 280 mbar below atmospheric pressure with 0.5 Hz frequency in the side channels to induce mechanical strain on the cells-substrate. The components are modular for easy exchange. The battery operated platform box can be mounted on either upright or inverted microscopes and fits in a standard incubator.
Overall, it is shown that a compact integrated and portable fluidic system for OoC experiments can be constructed using off-the-shelf components. For further down-scaling, the fluidic control components, like the pump, switch valves, and flow controllers, require significant miniaturization while having a wide flow rate range with high resolution.
PRMT6-CDC20 facilitates glioblastoma progression via the degradation of CDKN1B
Authors: Wang Zhaotao , Wang Ji , Xiao Zongyu , Li Peng , Wu Chunwang , Li Yan , Wang Qing , Chen Yanming , Zhou Honglong , Li Zhi , Lan Qing , Wang Yezhong
Published: October 2022

PRMT6, a type I arginine methyltransferase, di-methylates the arginine residues of both histones and non-histones asymmetrically. Increasing evidence indicates that PRMT6 plays a tumor mediator involved in human malignancies. Here, we aim to uncover the essential role and underlying mechanisms of PRMT6 in promoting glioblastoma (GBM) proliferation. Investigation of PRMT6 expression in glioma tissues demonstrated that PRMT6 is overexpressed, and elevated expression of PRMT6 is negatively correlated with poor prognosis in glioma/GBM patients. Silencing PRMT6 inhibited GBM cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, while overexpressing PRMT6 had opposite results. Further, we found that PRMT6 attenuates the protein stability of CDKN1B by promoting its degradation. Subsequent mechanistic investigations showed that PRMT6 maintains the transcription of CDC20 by activating histone methylation mark (H3R2me2a), and CDC20 interacts with and destabilizes CDKN1B. Rescue experimental results confirmed that PRMT6 promotes the ubiquitinated degradation of CDKN1B and cell proliferation via CDC20. We also verified that the PRMT6 inhibitor (EPZ020411) could attenuate the proliferative effect of GBM cells. Our findings illustrate that PRMT6, an epigenetic mediator, promotes CDC20 transcription via H3R2me2a to mediate the degradation of CDKN1B to facilitate GBM progression. Targeting PRMT6-CDC20-CDKN1B axis might be a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM.
Association between lysozyme and carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan to produce dispersible coacervates for edible coating
Authors: GU Chunye , Zhang XinRu , Huang GuoQing , Geng Xin , Xiao JunXia
Published: October 2022

Lysozyme was subjected to coacervate with carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CMKGM) to check if dispersible coacervates could be formed to extend its application in edible coatings. The results indicated that complex coacervation could occur between lysozyme and CMKGM only within a narrow pH range from pH 2.5 to 6.0 and the maximum interaction was recorded in a moderate temperature of 35 °C in the absence of NaCl. The dispersion status of the lysozyme – CMKGM coacervates was closely related to the phase separation pH as well as lysozyme to CMKGM mixing ratio and conditions that led to the presence of free CMKGM in the solution favored the formation of dispersible coacervates. Rheological measurements revealed the high viscosity of CMKGM solution contributed greatly to the dispersion status of the lysozyme – CMKGM coacervates. Coacervation with CMKGM caused structural changes to lysozyme, but only slightly affected its lytic activity. Contact angle measurement revealed that the lysozyme – CMKGM coacervates were more hydrophobic than the two single polyelectrolytes. Hence, the dispersible lysozyme – CMKGM coacervates were potential in the fabrication of composite antibacterial edible coatings.