bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerating the Host Country National (HCN) Technical Competencies Towards Sustainable and Safe Operation (Control # 23GOTS-P-434-SPE)
Authors: Yusof Yushafidi Bin , Mohamad Nor Mohamad Hafiz Bin , Hussain Ruslizan Bin
Published: March 2023

The paper aims to describe the methodology and processes that PETRONAS Upstream International Operation has established via the Local Talent capability Development Acceleration Framework which accelerate talent competency and progression that provides assurance on the talents technical capabilities operating the facilities around the world. It is imperative that the Local Talents are given the right and ample opportunities to develop themselves as the oil and gas industry demands capable people to operate the business efficiently in an extremely risky & complex environment.

The framework was designed as a structured competency acceleration program with rigorous monitoring aims to produce a robust and competent local workforce that can operate the plant independently. The program is phased out for up to seven (7) years with each year having specific indicators identified and determined to be achieved based on the requirements of the respective position. Local candidates are assigned to a technical coach and are tracked and monitored religiously on a bi-weekly basis to ensure they are always on track to meet the target. There are two (2) stages being set with each stage having a different target.

Stage 1 focuses on equipping the talents with minimum critical skills to perform operation critical position task in the plant with minimal guidance and supervision from the expert. Stage 2 focuses on upskilling the candidates to the "skill level" which makes them ready to execute critical position task without requirement of direct supervision.

In developing the local talent, understanding the ground rules and regulations such as the limitation on employing staff within a certain province where the plant is operated lead to a limited pools of experienced and quality talents e.g. fresh graduates. It has been observed an improvement of 35% of talents meeting the target indicators within 2 years of program implementation. A few enhancements were made along the way based on the analysis to further improve the outcome.

This paper provides some insights on the best practices/lesson learnt that can be replicated by other O&G Operators across the world in accelerating the capabilities development towards sustainable talents pool from the local talent's resources.
Comprehensive Approach for Tracing Back Potential Sources of Organic Chloride in Crude Oil
Authors: El Sayed Mohamed , Khammo Michel , Al Amri Mohamed , Al Hebshi Mona , Mousa Hisham , Elwan Mahmoud , Koriesh Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

Organic Chloride is organic compound that have chlorine atoms as part of its chemical composition. Over the last four years, there has been continuous increase of number of research papers addressing the corrosion impact of organic chlorides in processes that includes high temperature like distillation towers. Where chlorine atoms start to detach and form free radicals in moisture wetting metal surfaces and result in severe corrosion of distillation towers. The Fact that led regulatory agencies to set a threshold number for maximum allowable content of organic chloride in crude beyond which crude is either not accepted or depreciated. That puts pressure on oil producers to maintain acceptable levels of organic chloride content.

Companies working in Refineries are more familiar with organic chlorides than upstream operators are. Having the regulatory agencies pushing on setting limits on maximum allowable content of organic chlorides in crude. Now many operators are looking for a way to keep monitoring OC within limits and to define potential sources.

Organic Chlorides rarely naturally exist in crude oil. That means there should be external source to contaminate crude such as chemicals used during the extensive operations in the oil field from drilling chemicals, stimulation, production, process, ETC.

A leading example from Gulf of Suez, late 2021 a concern was raised on organic chlorides levels in crude of one of the prolific fields and the risk was to have negative impact on crude oil pricing. The risk would be dramatic on the large scale since all crude from different fields gather at the processing facilities then goes to same storage tank.

An integrated Multidisciplinary in house task force team was formed to investigate the root causes for OC levels. The team reviewed MSDS of all chemicals consumed in all operations, qualified a Lab from Local Market for testing OC in crude Following ASTM D4929. Developed a comprehensive sampling and tracing strategy to be able to trace back to root causes.

Over 5 Months of Monitoring, tracing and correlation between ongoing daily operations and OC levels. In addition to testing chemicals for OC. It was concluded that batches of organic solvent from one supplier are contaminated by OC. Contaminated Batches were quarantined and not used for daily operations. Another supplier was qualified for temporary supply of this type of solvent.

As a result of the deep investigation a set of lessons learnt and recommended practices were generated and communicated with different disciplines for awareness and compliance to maintain OC levels manageable. Which in return saved operator company from the risk of depreciation of Crude oil price.

Testing Chemicals with organic components are key for eliminating OC in crude and this should be done in Batch basis.
Design and Implementation of India’s First Successful Commercial ASP Flooding Project: A Case Study
Authors: Bajpai Anuj Bajpai , Kumari Anita Kumari , Biswas Mrinmoy Biswas , Kumar Ajay Kumar
Published: March 2023

Present paper is aimed at disseminating learnings of designing and implementation of ASP flooding, a novel EOR technique, in a mature onshore field of ONGC. Scope encompasses ideation to successful field implementation including laboratory studies, pilot design & its execution and finally scaling up to full-field commercial implementation. Paper also covers monitoring strategies & methodologies used in the project which gave necessary insights for mid-course corrections resulting in around 200% improvement in production.

Pilot implemented in inverted 5-spot pattern with 4 injectors and 9 oil producers. Based on lessons learnt, field scale ASP with injection rate of 1120 m3/d through 14 patterns with 35 oil producers was implemented from July-19 with Alkali-2.5%, Surfactant-2500 ppm and Polymer-1500 ppm. Gradually, liquid withdrawal improved to ~1300m3/d from ~400 m3/d by optimizing oil wells. It resulted in oil improvement from 50 to 138 tpd. Initially, scheme could not perform. Maintaining ASP formulation and regular monitoring are crucial for success. Regular collection and analysis of ASP slug samples is done. Analysis revealed, reduction of Alkali may improve production.

It was observed, ASP slug viscosity of ~4cP is achieved with the used formulation against expected viscosity of 9.3 cP. It can happen with variation in water quality and slug parameters at field level. After detail analysis and revisiting laboratory studies it was confirmed that the lower than envisaged slug viscosity is the main reason behind sub optimal performance of the scheme. Because of low ASP slug viscosity the required mobility ratio could not be achieved which leads to poor sweep efficiency. It was also confirmed that reduction of Alkali shall improve slug viscosity.

Accordingly, ASP injection was carried out with ~1.2% Alkali along with Surfactant & Polymer of recommended concentration since Dec-21. The impact of improving sweep efficiency and regular intervention for optimizing oil wells improved oil production from 126 in Feb-22 to 250 tpd in Jun-22 with drop of water cut from 91% to 83%. Presently, it is producing 220 tpd with ~85% water cut.

Success of project is the outcome of rigorous efforts by deliberating mid-course correction to optimize quality and quantity of ASP solution, pattern balancing by tweaking withdrawal rates of producers so as to have a uniform flood movement and improve sweep efficiency.

ASP process provides synergistic benefit of three different types of chemicals to mobilize trapped oil in chemical EOR. The best way is to look back in lab to re-investigate how much tuning can be done to overcome field challenges. The side effect of alkali is studied and lowering its concentration is considered to be a better solution. Project success and its learning shall go a long way in implementation of future Chemical EOR projects.
Data Driven Approach to Evaluating Cement Sheath Properties in Existing and Abandoned Wells for Field Redevelopment
Authors: James Abraham Jocin , Devers Cameron , Amani Mahmood , Teodoriu Catalin
Published: March 2023

Higher price and declining ‘easy’ reserves have forced many oil and gas producers to increasingly focus on producing from challenging unconventional reservoirs or by redeveloping existing or abandoned fields to target an improved recovery. This can especially be seen from the widespread proliferation of fracturing operations, EOR and IOR processes as well as the widespread field redevelopment projects across the Middle East. However, in many operations, especially in deep reservoirs cement layer failures and well integrity issues are commonly observed. In line with this trend, demand for increased understanding of cement behavior over the course of the lifetime of the well has also increased.

Cement layer properties and the rate at which they change, will depend on: cement composition, environmental conditions, production conditions, and many other factors. Because of this, it may be more optimal to create a diverse batch of controlled composition cement tested over set time intervals and implement machine learning algorithms to populate the missing data; both as a function of time and cement composition. Research done as part of this project has developed a dataset of cement properties from controlled laboratory testing and various applications of machine learning will be applied on cement properties in order to create artificial data. The dataset contains laboratory testing of over 1000 samples comprised of class H and C cement, cured at both 25 and 75 degrees Celsius. Each sample has a recorded density, UPV, and UCS, as well as dimensional measurements. The dataset is properly organized for each method of analysis, with 30% of the dataset removed to function as the validation group. The tests are run with two versions of the dataset, one identical for all and one with a unique set of removed samples. After all testing is complete; the resultant information is organized and analyzed appropriately.

Machine learning methods show promise in accurately forecasting both the UCS and UPV for cement given enough information. It appears a combination of methods may be the best, as some methods are better at populating missing data across the same time interval, and other methods are better forecasting forward in time. Investigations into the correct combination of these methods, as well as calculating the statistical confidence of each forecasted dataset will likely result in the best method of for generating accurate data regarding any particular cement slurry.

While there is notable work regarding machine learning ant cement properties, a significant portion of that work is in surface construction in the fields of civil and industrial engineering. This work also works to highlight any effect curing conditions may have on results.
Reservoir Rock Typing: Integration of Geological Attributes and Petrophysical Properties: Case Study from Yamama Reservoir
Authors: Qiu Maojun , Yi Jiaju
Published: March 2023

To build full-field static and dynamic models for supporting appraisal and development activities in F-Field in the southern part of Iraq, a comprehensive reservoir rock typing study for the Yamama carbonate reservoir was carried out by integrating geological information and petrophysical properties. This process involved first the integration of geological information (MICP, CT, thin section) to find the link between pore-throat sizes and petrographic information. The relationships were cross-checked by core descriptions with the depositional background information. After involving porosity and permeability from routine core analysis (RCAL), the rock types were identified and further grouped in the cross-plots. Because not all the plugs with permeability and porosity have MICP & thin section information, it was necessary to apply empirical rock typing methods, like rock fabrics number (RFN), flow zone indicator (FZI). Winland’s R35, to determine which method/classification could provide a better approach to classify the reservoir rock types (RRTs) with geological meanings based on core descriptions and petrographic description, which includes diagenetic overprints.

The FZI method shows a better match with Yamama reservoir Rock Typing. Sw-Height functions for each RRT were also created by using the Lamda method, and the parameters were tuned by wireline log-derived Sw. During the initialization of the dynamic model, the relative consistency of Sw distribution between static and dynamic models was reached. The relative permeability from special core analysis (SCAL) was assigned for each RRT. During the history matching process, a good pressure and production rate match was achieved.

This paper presents a RRT workflow for the typical matrix-based carbonate reservoirs with relatively limited core analysis data. By integrating the geological attributes and petrophysical properties, a better history match was achieved in the dynamic modelling, which could be used in forecasts and future reservoir management activities.
Using the Complete History Flow to Avoid the Misleading Boundary Effects in Well Testing
Authors: Chen Yanfang
Published: March 2023

The objective of this paper is to correct the inappropriate common practice of using the incomplete flow history before the main Build-up in well test interpretation and pressure transient analysis for eliminating the misleading understanding of boundary effects behavior.

Generally, during a short-term well test, wells are usually in the transition flow regime. And bottom hole and well head pressure change noticeably with time especially in the lower permeability reservoirs. The length of the flow period should be long enough to attain a radius of investigation and stabilize the well production and fluid composition for evaluating well deliverability and flow performance as well as determine critical rate for water or gas coning etc. The unknown duration of flow period mainly is based on the inaccurate analogy in well test design. It is widely recognized that the determination of enough Build-up period is more important in the reservoirs with low permeability for investigating of boundary effects. While the significance of the proper length of pressure drawdown or flow period is usually overlooked in PBU interpretation.

PBU interpretation with main flow period and final Build-up period in the well surveillance stage is a common practice. After the pressure gauges are retrieved, the on-site interpretation will be conducted in accordance with data collection with no regard to the flow history prior to PBU. During this process, the misleading boundary effects are observed which might lead to misinterpretation that the pressure behavior is influenced by boundary configuration, interference from offset wells, reservoir heterogeneity and fluid OWC in late time regime. In addition, the determination of reservoir permeability and skin factor as well as drainage area and boundary effects identification all require the proper input of complete flow history. Therefore, the complete flow history must be utilized appropriately to avoid the misleading boundary effects in well testing for more accurate interpretation of reservoir and its boundary characterization as well as hydrocarbon volume estimation. The significant difference will be clarified and demonstrated by comparison and sensitivity analysis between the different length of flow duration scenarios for better understanding the misleading boundary effects so as to avoid the misinterpretation and inappropriate decision-making.
Post-Waterflooding Oil Reservoir Surveillance Using Pulsed Neutron Well Logging in Upper Burgan Formation, Northern Kuwait
Authors: Kim Yonghwee , Al-Quoud Khaled Jamal Ibrahim , Sahib Mohammad Raffi Madar , Sergeev Evgeny
Published: March 2023

Operators commonly adopt waterflooding as a secondary recovery method to maintain reservoir pressure and displace remaining oil for production enhancement. Effluent and seawater have been injected into the Upper Burgan formation, which contains multiple layers of sand reservoirs, in the North Kuwait Raudhatain field. Well-based surveillance to understand post-waterflooding hydrocarbon distribution is essential for new perforation additions.

Formation saturation monitoring for cased wells is widely performed with pulsed neutron well logging techniques. Pulsed neutron well logging provides time-based thermal neutron capture cross-section (i.e., sigma log) and energy-based element-specific ratios (i.e., carbon/oxygen (C/O) logs). Formation water salinity must be known and high to use sigma data to quantify formation fluids. When formation water salinity becomes a variable due to effluent and seawater injection, sigma log-based saturation analysis is not applicable. A salinity-independent measurement that distinguishes between oil and water is required; consequently, a C/O log must be used to obtain saturation profiles in mixed-water salinity reservoirs.

The Upper Burgan formation’s initial water salinity in the Raudhatain field is high (i.e., approximately 220-240 kppm NaCl equivalent); thus, water saturation computation was performed with a sigma log. After the injection of effluent and seawater (mixed-water salinity ranges from 50 kppm to 170 kppm) was started, formation oil volumes must be evaluated using C/O logging. A well-specific Monte Carlo Neutron Particle (MCNP) model and two-detector-balanced C/O data sets were combined to compute oil saturation.

We demonstrate multi-well case examples delineating well-based formation saturation profiles in post-injection reservoir conditions. A comparison of sigma- and C/O-based saturation analyses revealed water-flooded zones. Time-lapse sigma data sets highlighted how the water injection impacted thermal neutron capture cross-section measurements. Additionally, multi-detector, time-based nuclear attributes were used to evaluate formation properties and the presence of hydrocarbon-bearing sands. Following pulsed neutron log interpretation, subsequent add-perforation activities were performed; consequently, by-passed or remaining hydrocarbon was successfully produced.

Evaluation of current formation fluid distribution in areas of the field where mixed-water salinity exists is challenging. Integrating sigma, C/O, and auxiliary pulsed neutron logs determined the remaining formation oil distribution and volume. The optimized perforation strategy to maximize oil production from existing wellbores was executed.
Pelvic floor dysfunction at 3 and 6 months postpartum. A sub-analysis of the Perineal Massage and Warm Compresses technique during second stage of labor randomized controlled trial (PeMWaC)
Authors: Rodrigues Silvia , Silva Paulo , Borges Ana Catarina , de Sousa Natacha Quintal , Silva João Neves , Escuriet Ramon
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The influence of perineal trauma in pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) has been described. Although the perineal massage and warm compresses techniques during the second stage of labor reduce perineal trauma, but the impact of combined perineal massage and warm compresses technique in PFD has never been investigated. To evaluate the effects of combined perineal massage and warm compresses or hands-on technique on PFD symptoms at 3 and 6 months. Methods: Randomised controlled trial (PeMWaC - Perineal Massage and Warm Compresses) was carried out at Hospital of Braga from March 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2020. The sample included 496 women (242 perineal massage and warm compresses and 254 hands-on) who had a singleton term spontaneous vaginal delivery. A sub-analysis of primary data was performed to assess postpartum PFD symptoms, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) survey was applied at 3 and 6 months postpartum.
Results: Of the 800 women recruited, 496 were included, 48.8% with combined perineal massage and warm compresses and 51.2% with standard-care. Frequency of intact perineum (p<0.001) and vaginal tears (p<0.001) were significantly higher in combined perineal massage and warm compresses. At 3 months postpartum, women undergoing standard care during the second stage of labor had higher Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI) score and global score with no differences at 6 months. After controlling for confounding variables, combined perineal massage and warm compresses technique were associated with lower UDI scores at 3 months postpartum.
Conclusion: Combined perineal massage and warm compresses technique, seems to be associated with a lower prevalence of early PFD symptoms, mainly regarding urinary distress.
The free-range production system decreases foot pad lesions and the risk of bacterial infection in broilers
Authors: Mbato Peter , Mutinda Wanzila Usyu , Maritim Noah Kipkoech , Odongo Nicholas Edwin
Published: March 2023

Commercial broilers have high growth rates and are raised in total confinement systems. Birds spend more time lying down predisposing them to skin lesions from moist litter. This study aimed to determine whether the free-range production system (FRPS) for broiler birds would reduce footpad lesions and the risk of bacterial infection using four treatments. Treatments A, B and C, where the birds were under FRPS at 2, 3 and 4 weeks of age, respectively, and the conventional complete confinement, treatment D (control). The broilers were weighed and their footpad lesions evaluated at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. Broiler liver samples were collected at 8 weeks of age and processed for culture and sensitivity. Relative risk analysis (RR) was used to determine the association between confinement as a risk factor and bacterial infection. Birds in the FRPS had lower body weights and therefore less pressure on their skeleton. Birds in treatment D had the highest pressure. Treatment D birds had severe footpad lesions (P < 0.05) compared to the other treatments at weeks 6, 7 and 8 and the severity decreased with increasing duration of FRPS. Complete confinement treatment was significantly associated with bacterial infection (RR = 3) at week 8. These results show that broilers in FRPS significantly lower body weight pressure on their skeleton and fewer footpad lesions, reducing bacterial infection and antibiotic use. Reduced antibiotic residues and pathogens in meat suggest improved meat quality. The free-range broiler production system would be a better production system to improve the welfare and quality of the meat produced.
Randomised pilot and feasibility trial of a group intervention for men who perpetrate intimate partner violence against women
Authors: Cramer Helen , Gaunt Daisy M. , Shallcross Rebekah , Bates Lis , Kandiyali Rebecca , Sardinha LynnMarie , Rice Caoimhe T. , Man Mei-See , Feder Gene , Peters Tim J. , Morgan Karen
Published: March 2023

Background
There is a need for robust evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of domestic abuse perpetrator programmes in reducing abusive behaviour and improving wellbeing for victim/survivors. While any randomised controlled trial can present difficulties in terms of recruitment and retention, conducting such a trial with domestic abuse perpetrators is particularly challenging. This paper reports the pilot and feasibility trial of a voluntary domestic abuse perpetrator group programme in the United Kingdom.
Methods
This was a pragmatic individually randomised pilot and feasibility trial with an integrated qualitative study in one site (covering three local-authority areas) in England. Male perpetrators were randomised to either the intervention or usual care. The intervention was a 23-week group programme for male perpetrators in heterosexual relationships, with a planned average of three additional one-to-one sessions, and one-to-one support for female current- or ex-partners was delivered by third sector organisations. There was no active control treatment for men, and partners of control men were signposted towards domestic abuse support services. Data were collected at three-monthly intervals for nine months from both male and female participants. The objectives assessed were recruitment, retention, data completeness, fidelity to the intervention model, and acceptability of the trial design.
Results
This study recruited 36 men (22 randomly allocated to attend the intervention group programme, 14 to usual care), and 15 current- or ex-partners (39% of eligible partners). Retention and completeness of data were high: 67% of male, and 80% of female participants completed the self-reported questionnaire at nine-months. A framework for assessing fidelity to the intervention was developed. In interviews, men who completed all or most of the intervention gave positive feedback and reported changes in their own behaviour. Partners were also largely supportive of the trial and were positive about the intervention. Participants who were not allocated to the intervention group reported feeling disappointed but understood the rationale for the trial.
Conclusions
It was feasible to recruit, randomise and retain male perpetrators and female victim/survivors of abuse and collect self-reported outcome data. Participants were engaged in the intervention and reported positive benefits. The trial design was seen as acceptable.
Trial registration: ISRCTN71797549, registered 27/05/2022
Immunoassay and Drug prediction of Cuproptosis-related genes in Sepsis based on ssGSEA
Authors: Huang Di , Liang Minghao , Zhao Jiting , Ruan Zhishen , Xu Yifei , Qiu Zhanjun , Chen Xianhai
Published: March 2023

Background
Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in critically ill patients worldwide due to its complex pathogenesis, poor prognosis, and high mortality rate. The diagnosis and treatment of sepsis are still a severe challenge for clinicians. The immune analysis of Sepsis Cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) was performed based on the single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. The purpose of clarifying the correlation between CRGs and sepsis immunity is to explore new targets and potential clinical values for the immune mechanism of sepsis and to provide a new perspective for the basic and clinical research of sepsis.
Method
The data set of the sepsis whole blood gene expression matrix was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, from which CRGs expression was extracted. The infiltration matrix of immune cells and functions was obtained by ssGSEA function, and the differences in immune cells and immune function between sepsis and healthy control groups were analyzed. The correlation coefficient was calculated by cor-function. Test function to analyze the correlation between CRGs and immune cells and immune function in sepsis and to screen out target genes. Target genes were used to perform KEGG and go enrichment analysis, predict miRNA regulatory relationships, and predict potential drugs in the Enrichr database.
Results
There were significant differences in immune cells and immune function between the sepsis group and the healthy control group. Eleven target genes were screened out, which were closely related to immunity in sepsis. The citrate cycle was the most enriched pathway. The biological process was mainly enriched in metabolic processes, copper ion transport, etc. The cell component was significantly enriched in the mitochondrial matrix and the like. The molecular function was mainly concentrated in transition metal ion transmembrane transporter activity, cuprous ion binding, and so on. The Enrichr database was applied to screen six human miRNAs with potential regulatory relationships with sepsis CRGs, and a variety of chemical and natural drug components were screened as potential therapeutic agents.
Conclusion
CRGs in sepsis are closely related to immune cells and immune functions. As a new form of cell death, cuproptosis may play an important role in the development of sepsis.
Effects of a continuing care program based on the long-term care insurance policy for stroke survivors: a quasi-experimental trial
Authors: Liu Zhu-Yun , Zhang Xiao-Pei , Wei Lin , Ye Ri-Chun , Hu Cai-Xia , Nie Dan , Wu Jiao-Yang
Published: March 2023

Background

There were 28.76 million stroke patients in China, with 3.94 million new strokes annually. Around 70% of survivors live with varying degrees of permanent disability, placing a heavy burden on families and society. Stroke patients have a complex and high need for continuing care services after discharge from the hospital. The study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the continuing care program on the activity of daily life, the degree of disability, stroke recurrence and readmission in patients with stroke, based on the long-term care insurance policy.

Methods

Eighty-eight stroke patients were recruited from February 2021 to January 2022. They were allocated to either intervention group (N = 44) or control group (N = 44) based on whether the long-term care insurance application was successful. The intervention consisted of discharge education, 3-month in-home care and remote counseling. The activity of daily life, disability, recurrence and readmission of patients were evaluated between the groups before the intervention, at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after discharge.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in clinical characteristics at baseline. We detected significant interaction effects between time and group (p < 0.001), indicating that the scores of two outcomes changed differently over time in intervention and control groups. It was found that the participants of the intervention group had a statistically significant improvement in activity of daily life and disability than the control group at baseline and follow-up periods. The decrease in readmission of the intervention group was statistically significant than in the control group (χ2 = 6.040, p = 0.014; χ2 = 7.216, p = 0.007) at 1 and 2 months after discharge, but no significant difference was found at 3 and 6 months after discharge. At follow-up, there was no significant difference between groups regarding stroke recurrence rates (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the positive effects of a continuing care program based on the long-term care insurance policy on activity of daily life and disability in people with stroke. The effectiveness and feasibility of this intervention program suggest that its application should be promoted to promote the care and rehabilitation of stroke patients.
Trail registration: The trail was not registered as a quasi-experimental trail.
Efficiency of Different Doses of Potassium on Yield of Rice Under Different Establishment Methods
Authors: Sigdel Adarsha , Karkee Suraj , Dhakal Suman , Maraseni Tek
Published: March 2023

Disproportionate use of fertilizer in various systems of rice establishment amidst poor knowledge of nutrient use and availability under different soil and environmental condition had added further challenges to rice production. Among the substantial loss of major macronutrients from the rice field, potassium stands after nitrogen. The traditional approach of applying potassium fertilizer only at the initial growth stages has confined their availability during the crucial stage of flowering and grain filling. However, the application of potassium fertilizer on a split basis, meaning applying them at multiple growth stages throughout the growing season, could increase the nutrient availability leading to uniform grain filling during the reproductive stage resulting in higher yields and reduced sterility. Thus to track down the impacts of potassium split application on patterns of growth and yield of rice, a field experiment was conducted by plying different establishment methods and the varied amount and methods of potassium application. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with four replication in the sub-tropical climate of the inner terai of Nepal. The main plot treatment consisted of two establishment methods namely, direct seed rice (DSR) and transplanted rice (TPR) while sub-plot treatment consisted of seven potassium management practices i.e. potassium omission, 30kg K ha− 1 basal dose, 30kg K ha− 1 with two splits (15 kg K ha− 1as basal and 15 kg K ha− 1 at PI stage), 60kg K ha− 1 basal, 60kg K ha− 1 with two splits(30 kg K ha− 1as basal and 30 kg K ha− 1 at PI stage), 90kg K ha− 1 basal and 90kg K ha− 1 with two splits(45 kg K ha− 1as basal and 45 kg K ha− 1 at PI stage). The research revealed that grain yield was not significantly influenced by establishment methods but the straw yield was significantly influenced. Comparatively high grain yield was obtained in TPR (3.88 t ha− 1) compared to DSR (3.73 t ha− 1). Potassium applied at 60kg K ha− 1 with two splits resulted in a significantly higher (P < 0.05) yield (4.21t ha− 1). The overall analysis revealed that potassium applied at 60kg K ha− 1 and 90kg K ha− 1 with two splits under TPR resulted in high grain yield. The findings suggest that rice yield could be obtained through an efficient supply of potassium in splits at different crucial growth stages reducing sterility and enhancing rice growth.
Influence of Foveal Avascular Zone on Postoperative Visual Acuity in Macular Hole Surgery
Authors: An Hongbang , Wang Shu’na , Yu Wenxuan , Gao Meng , Li Lihua , Hao Fengqin , Liang Bing , Yongliang Cao
Published: March 2023

Background: To investigate the correlation between the pre- and post-operative foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and visual acuity in patients with idiopathic macular hole (IMH).
Methods: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to measure the values of the pre- and post-operative FAZ in IMH patients, and all patients were followed up for at least 3 months with changes in visual acuity recorded.
Results: A total of 30 IMH patients were included, 13 males and 17 females. All patients showed varying degrees of improvement in visual acuity after surgery. The correlation analysis results showed that the preoperative superficial, deep, and full-thickness FAZ were closely related to the best-corrected visual acuity at 3 months after surgery (r=0.521, 0.605, and 0.704, P＜0.05, ＜0.01, and ＜0.01), with the deep and full-thickness FAZ showing a more significant correlation than the superficial FAZ. At 1 week after surgery, the superficial, deep, and full-thickness FAZ showed significant differences compared to the preoperative values (t=4.8, P＜0.01, t=7.1, P＜0.01, and t=4.4, P＜0.01). At 1 month after surgery, the superficial, deep, and full-thickness FAZ showed significant differences compared to each layer's FAZ at 1 week after surgery (t=-2.1, P=0.046, t=-2.9, P＜0.01, and t=-4.1, P＜0.01).
Conclusion: There is a correlation between preoperative FAZ and postoperative visual acuity in IMH patients, with smaller preoperative FAZ associated with better postoperative visual acuity recovery.
Different genetic landscapes of papillary thyroid carcinoma and paired benign nodules revealed by integrated multi-omics analysis
Authors: yuan lijuan , yang ping , chen songhao , wei GANG , lu jianguo , hu xi'e , yang lin , he xianli , bao guoqiang
Published: March 2023

Background: Alterations in the genetic landscape of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) compared with coincidental benign thyroid nodules, especially adenomatoid nodules, remain to be demonstrated.
Methods: Multi-omics profiling of whole-exome sequencing, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq), and transcriptome sequencing were used for analysis.
Results: Chromatin accessibility in the PTC was lower than that in the benign nodules around the transcription start sites (distance <1 kb) with high interpatient heterogeneity of chromatin profiles and distinct open chromatin accessibility. The gene regions around the mutation loci that were only detected in PTC exhibited altered chromatin accessibility between the PTC and benign nodules. Through integrated ATAC-Seq and RNA-Seq analysis, ARHGEF28 and ARHGEF24, genes not previously related to PTC or adenomatoid nodules, were identified. They were overexpressed and hyperaccessible in adenomatoid nodules compared to those in PTC. They were regulated by TEAD4, and hyperaccessible binding sites were enriched in differentially accessible regions in benign nodules. In addition, extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) analysis derived from ATAC-sequencing showed indolent character, but no PTC-diver genes in the eccDNA was found.
Conclusions: This compendium of multi-omics data provides valuable insights and a resource for understanding the landscape of open chromatin features and regulatory networks in PTC and benign nodule pathogeneses.
Characterizing Microcracks in Carbonate Rock Subsurfaces in Tunisia Using Ultrasonic Velocity Variations
Authors: Abdelhedi Mohamed , Abbes Chedly
Published: March 2023

The recent, catastrophic earthquake that struck Turkey and surrounding regions in February 2023 has emphasized the need for an accurate and efficient method for identifying subsurface microfractures. These cracks, which are not visible to the naked eye, pose a significant threat to human safety. To tackle this issue, this study explores the use of ultrasonic waves for detecting and characterizing microfractures in carbonate rock subsurfaces in Tunisia.
The study involves collecting carbonate rock samples from subsurface formations in Tunisia and analyzing their ultrasonic wave velocity and velocity variations under uniaxial compressive stress in the laboratory. Our results show that ultrasonic methods are a reliable and effective means of detecting microfractures in subsurface materials, even in comparison to other seismic methods.
These findings have significant implications for subsurface exploration and the protection of critical structures and highlight the potential of ultrasonic methods for characterizing microfractures in carbonate rock subsurfaces. This study underscores the importance of continued research in this area and highlights the urgency of developing effective methods for detecting subsurface cracks to ensure the safety of communities in seismically active regions.
Bank financing for private sector development in sub-Saharan Africa: Do resilience and spillover effects matter?
Authors: SIRY Abdoulaye , OUEDRAOGO Adama , OUEDRAOGO Idrissa M.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to highlight the effect of bank resilience and spatial spillover effects on bank financing for the private sector in sub-Saharan Africa. Spatial autocorrelation tests were first performed over the period 2011–2020, followed by parametric tests that allowed the selection of the random-effects Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) as the appropriate technique for estimating the model of bank financing for the private sector in 27 sub-Saharan African countries. The results show that the more resilient banks are, the more incentive they have to extend credit directly to the private sector in the long run. Moreover, endogenous spatial effects through bank lending and exogenous spatial effects through remittances, trade openness, external debt stocks, bank profitability, government spending, and inflation are found in the long run. This means, for example, that an average increase in remittances or trade openness in neighbouring countries stimulates bank credit to the private sector in a given country. Incentives for banks to finance the private sector in the region should focus on building bank resilience, increasing public spending, fighting corruption and inflation at the national level, and limiting external debt. These different policies’ effects must be weighed against the expected positive spillover effects of remittances, trade openness, external debt stocks, bank profitability, and public spending in neighbouring countries. The expected negative effects of inflation must also be taken into account. The study differs from previous studies as it includes spatial spillover effects beyond direct effects.
JEL classification : G21, R12, C33, Q56
Swift and exhaustive Omicron outbreak in China after sudden exit from ‘zero-COVID’ policy
Authors: Ke Ruian , Goldberg Emma , Lin Qianying , Romero-Severson Ethan
Published: March 2023

In late 2022, China transitioned from a strict ‘zero-COVID’ policy to rapidly abandoning nearly all interventions and data reporting. This raised great concern about the presumably-rapid but undisclosed spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in a very large population of very low pre-existing immunity. By modeling a combination of case count and survey data, we show that Omicron spread extremely rapidly, at a rate of 0.42/day (95% CrI: [0.35, 0.51]/day) after the full exit from zero-COVID on Dec. 7, 2022. Consequently, we estimate that the vast majority of the population (97% [95%, 99%]) was infected during December, with the nation-wide epidemic peaking on Dec. 23. Overall, our results highlight the extremely high transmissibility of the variant and the importance of proper design of intervention exit strategies to avoid large infection waves.
Whole-genome identification of GRAS family and their potential roles in high-temperature stress of lettuce
Authors: Chen Li , Qin Yong , Fan Shuangxi
Published: March 2023

Lettuce is one of the most popular leafy vegetables in the world, but it is prone to high-temperature stress in the cultivation process leading to bolting, which affects the yield. The plant-specific transcription factors, GRAS proteins, play an important role which regulates plant growth development and abiotic stress. However, there is no comprehensive study of the GRAS gene family in lettuce. In this study, the complete LsGRAS genome was identified its expression was analyzed. The results showed that the 59 LsGRAS genes were classified phylogenetically divided into 4 conserved subfamilies and distributed unevenly on 9 chromosomes, with 50% physically adjacent to at least one another and 100% localized on the nucleus. Chromosome localization and gene structure analysis suggested that duplication events and a large number presence of intronless genes might be the reason why the LsGRAS gene family expands massively. Combined with gene annotation and interaction network analysis, the expression pattern of the LsGRAS gene under high-temperature treatment was analyzed, revealing the potential different functions of the LsGRAS gene under high-temperature stress. In conclusion, this study provides valuable information and candidate genes for improving the ability of lettuce to tolerate high-temperature stress.
Constructing and validating a novel nomogram based on nutritional biomarkers to predict prognosis postresection intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cases
Authors: Yao Jiangqiao , Zhu Xuewen , Deng LiMing , Yu Haitao , He Bangjie , Zhang Baofu , Lin Zixia , Yang Jinhuan , Yu Zhengping , Jin Bin , Chen Gang , Bao Wenming
Published: March 2023

Background:The intent of this study is to construct a novel nomogram using the psoas muscle index (PMI) and prognostic nutritional indexes (PNI) to identify high-risk intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma postresection cases.Methods:In total, 178 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after hepatectomy in multiple hospitals between August 2012 and October 2019 were enrolled. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed the overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to screen for the risk factors for overall and recurrence-free survival. A nomogram was established to predict the prognoses of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.Results:A total of 178 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were included. The overall survival was worse for patients with low psoas muscle and prognostic nutritional indexes combined (P < 0.01). The psoas muscle index, prognostic nutritional index, lymph node metastasis, and tumor differentiation were used to establish the nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the nomogram’s 1-, 3-, and 5-years predicted survival was 0.721, 0.777, and 0.752, respectively. Similarly, we verified the model’s satisfactory applicability through recurrence-free survival (AUC = 0.690, 0.784, and 0.744). The dichloroacetate curves revealed that the overall and recurrence-free survival models had clinical benefits. In addition, the difference between the patients at high and low risk was significant (P < 0.001).Conclusion:Our nomogram, using the psoas muscle and prognostic nutritional indexes, can identify patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with the highest risk of poor prognosis and helps to improve poor prognosis.
Unveiling the Impact of Climate Variability on Forest Fire Occurrence in Namibia: A Modelling Study
Authors: Nikodemus Andreas , Trubin Aleksei , Bernal Diana Carolina Huertas , Kapuka Alpo , Hájek Miroslav , Ndeinoma Albertina , Purwestri Ratna Chrismiari
Published: March 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor presenting with fever and polyarthralgia: A case report
Authors: Ma Ping-chuan , Cheng Ai -ping , Sun Ying-ying , Wang Li-Juan
Published: March 2023

Background: SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4-UT) is a rare tumor that is independent of lung cancer and is classified as undifferentiated carcinoma of epithelial tumors according to the 2021 WHO classification of thoracic tumors. Loss of BRG1 expression due to SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 gene defects is a possible pathogenic mechanism. The pathological features are mainly nest-like rhabdoid cells with necrosis. Currently, there is a lack of well-recognized and convincing regimens for the treatment of SMARCA4-UT. Because the lesions are mainly located in the mediastinum and lung, patients can present with thoracic-related symptoms. We report the case of a middle-aged male patient with SMARCA4-UT who was admitted to the hospital with polyarthralgia and fever and lacked typical thoracic-related symptoms. This may be the first case report of SMARCA4-UT with fever and polyarthralgia as the initial symptoms, and its diagnostic idea and case characteristics are worthy of consideration and reference.
Case Description: A 57-year-old male fisherman with a long history of smoking and emphysema was initially admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology because of fever and polyarthralgia as the initial symptoms. The imaging examination suggested a mediastinal mass. With the gradual advancement of the examination, the riddle of fever and polyarthralgia was gradually revealed. After symptom control with steroids, he underwent thoracoscopic surgery for mediastinal lymph node biopsy, and SMARCA4-UT was finally diagnosed. He was evaluated and transferred to the oncology department for one cycle of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and he was discharged with good symptom control after discharge.We lost follow-ups of patients after they were discharged.
Conclusions: Although fever and multiple arthralgias are not uncommon in neoplastic lesions, as atypical initial symptoms of rare tumors, clinicians should be aware of this when diagnosing tumors and not limited to SMARCA4-UT. In addition, the pathological and imaging features of SMARCA4-UT should be fully understood.