bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Child-Child Fracture Driven Interactions Analysis and their Application with Field Case Studies
Authors: Weimann Mauro Ivan , d'Huteau Yann Facundo , Paladino Cristian Abel
Published: March 2023

For unconventional shale reservoirs, understanding the relationship between well spacing, fracture dimensions and extensions are key components for achieve optimal oil and gas production without leaving undrained areas. The analysis of Fracture Driven Interactions (FDI) will contribute with this understanding. Pressure interference data, in a pad with several new wells (child-child) or between parent and child pads (parent-child), are obtained with gauges connected at the wellheads that record pressure continuously, while the sequence of hydraulic stimulations is carried out.

Following the development of unconventional fields in Argentina, this type of information has been acquired more frequently and has become more relevant for the characterization of the different subsurface effects going on between adjacent wells (parent and child-child) during fracturing.

These pressure connections between active and passive wells are not necessarily negative, and a certain level of communication may be desired since the total absence of interaction could be interpreted as volumes of rock unstimulated and, therefore, unproduced. Part of the initial process described in this work involves the steps to collect and process, simply and efficiently, all the child-child interaction data; to generate a reliable database that can be analyzed and integrated with other field observations.

In this work, we present case studies where the child-child FDI data were analyzed using different tools, with the main objective of characterizing the hydraulic fractures generated with different stimulation designs and understanding their relationship with the vertical (different landing) and horizontal (same landing) spacing. Also, we present cases showing examples where child-child interferences are integrated with other field data acquisition (chemical tracers, microseismic, etc.) to improve and complement the understanding of the subsurface effects occurring during hydraulic fracturing operations.

Finally, the main conclusions are:

Stronger interferences were detected between wells located in the same landing zone, and vertical interactions tended to be weaker. The depletion regions from parent wells have an influence on the FDI responses between child wells. The "parent-child" condition produced irregular responses on the child-child FDI that are interpreted to be associated with possible asymmetrical growth of the fracture lengths. Fluid volume per cluster (fracture design parameter) shows a relevant impact on the child-child FDI responses, demonstrating that this variable is an important driver for these interferences. Cocina wells tend to have more and stronger interactions (longer fracture lateral growth or more interconnection among natural fractures) that the Lower Organic ones. Data integration between child-child FDI and other data acquisitions (e.g., chemical tracer and microseismic) helps to understand and conclude about subsurface characteristics.
Pre-Operational Environmental Baseline in a Tight Gas Reservoir: Hydrochemical Assessment and GeoChemical Background of Surface Water in São Francisco Basin (Brazil)
Authors: Lima Gustavo Filemon Costa , Lima Jussara Da Silva Diniz , Duarte Joyce Castro de Menezes , Ferreira Vinícius Gonçalves , Filho Carlos Alberto De Carvalho , Dufilho Ana Cecília , Moreira Rubens Martins , Ciminelli Renato Ribeiro
Published: March 2023

The definition of a predominant geogenic source of ions and its respective background ranges are powerful tools for detecting contaminations coming from the unconventional gas industry at earlier stages. Reference data to compare pre- vs post-drilling may enforce the planning, monitoring, and management in favor of unconventional production sustainability in the long-term. In 2022, the Brazilian Government launched a pilot project named "Transparent well" for public consultation, intending to foment its incipient unconventional hydrocarbon industry. In this context, this study presents preliminary results to compound an environmental baseline to structure reference data about water resources in a pre-drilling scenario. Then, a characterization of surface water and a geochemical background proposal of Indaiá and Borrachudo basins, two potential tight gas plays inside the São Francisco Basin, was performed to understand hydrochemical processes and susceptibilities previously the unconventional industry development. Two sampling campaigns collecting 13 samples each were made to characterize the study area in two different scenarios. Chemical analysis was performed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry. To settle a hydrochemical background and its respective environmental thresholds, the ±2 Median Absolute Deviation method was applied. Piper and Chadha's diagrams were used to define water-type and the major cations/anions dynamics in the environment. Piper diagram shows three distinct predominant water-type in the study area, Group 1 (Ca-Mg-HCO3-type); Group 2(Na-K-Ca-HCO3-type); and Group 3 (Ca-Na-HCO3-type). Groups 1 and 2 reflect a geological control in the hydrochemistry due to an interaction between the surface water and interlayered strata of Carbonates and Siltstones from the Bambuí Group whereas Group 3 suggest a seasonal influences in water chemistry. Background values and Upper/Lower environmental thresholds for nineteen elements in two different seasons were also proposed for the study area. Reference data to compare pre- vs post-drilling may enforce the planning, monitoring, and management in favor of unconventional production sustainability in the long-term. Environmental baselines focused on water resources may be a key to the responsible development of the incipient unconventional gas industry in Brazil.
Vaca Muerta: Naturally Fractured and Oil-Wet Shale Characteristics Revealed by Water Saturation (Sw) Modeling Using Archie's Equation and Pickett Plot
Authors: Abd Karim Rahimah , Aguilera Roberto , Bernhardt Carolina , Bouhier Julia Elena
Published: March 2023

Sw modeling in Vaca Muerta using ‘resistivity-based’ methods has been recognized as challenging due to the complex mineralogical and depositional settings of Vaca Muerta. Consequently, ‘resistivity-free’ methods are commonly preferable. In this study, Sw modeling using Archie's equation (1942) and Pickett plots (1966, 1973) have been used with the inclusion of thin bed heterogeneity. Despite the complexity, the analysis reveals the variability of both naturally fractured and oil-wet shale characteristics of Vaca Muerta.

Several published studies have used Archie's equation to model Sw in Vaca Muerta, but often assumed that the porosity exponent, m is equal to the water saturation exponent, n. In this study, a new approach is presented using Archie's equation, but this time with the m and n being determined from Pickett plots for each stratigraphic unit. Although this method is simple, no such application has been published for the studied area. This technique is very powerful as it helps to relate the vertical variation of m and n to the complex pore system and wettability characteristics in Vaca Muerta.

The Sw analysis using Archie's equation and Pickett plots shows vertical variability in m and n values in each stratigraphic unit of a vertical well. The decreasing m and increasing n values with depth are corroborated by the increasing natural fractures intensity and oil wettability towards the Lower Vaca Muerta (LVM), as indicated by the cuttings descriptions, micro-resistivity images and a published Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) study. Better reservoir quality lies in the deeper section, especially the LVM with lower Sw, higher Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and porosity. The organic rich unit also has a higher intensity of thin bed heterogeneity, which comprises bedding parallel calcite-filled microfractures (beef), ash beds and calcite nodules. This emphasizes the criticality of including them in petrophysical evaluation. The most pronounced effect of thin bed heterogeneity is on the resistivity log. Despite the complexity, the modelled Sw matches well the Sw determined from retort and Dean Stark measurements. This shows that resistivity and porosity-based techniques, such as Archie's equation and Pickett plots are applicable in the complex Vaca Muerta shale.

Through analysis of Sw modeling using Archie's equation and Pickett plot, the variability of naturally fractured and oil-wet shale characteristics are revealed in each stratigraphic unit of a vertical well in Vaca Muerta. Despite its complexity, the analysis also includes, for the first time, thin bed heterogeneity. These challenges do not hinder the application of the above resistivity and porosity-based techniques which are proven to be powerful tools for characterizing the complex Vaca Muerta shale.
Increasing Infill Recovery by Drilling Extended Lateral Wells in Vaca Muerta Unconventional Reservoir
Authors: Calegari Nicolas , Vera Leonel , Bahl Cristian , Aparicio Tarcisio , Cabanilla Jhonny
Published: March 2023

Vaca Muerta is main UCR in Argentina and most of the concessions in country, drill horizontal wells with lateral lengths (landing point to well TD) of 2500-2800 m. Loma Campana Project developed strategy to develop complex areas by changing well architecture and methodology to drill wells with lateral lengths >4000 m. The team evaluated the feasibility of the project by generating potential well scenarios, prepared specific procedures and documentation during the Planning Phase and defined the Engineering and tools required to drill. Team executed pilot wells and immediately optimized results to massify development with new architecture.
Synergistic Hydrate Inhibition by Red Seaweed Extract K-Carrageenan With Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors
Authors: Singh Ankur , Suri Ajay , Mamani Eduardo Edmundo , Mishra Akshay
Published: March 2023

The synergy between a plant-based polysaccharide k-carrageenan (k-crgn and two well-known kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs), polyvinyl caprolactam (PVCap) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), is investigated, to achieve a higher hydrate inhibition performance. The effectiveness of the hydrate inhibition is assessed by measuring the induction time (IT) required for hydrate formation and by the growth rate of the hydrate plugs after nucleation. Hydrate formation tests are conducted using a constant cooling rate of 1°C/h. Experimental results of PVP and PVCap at 0.5 wt% are compared with solutions of 0.25 wt% KHIs (PVP or PVCap) blended with 0.25 wt% k-crgn to keep the equal total inhibitor concentration for a fair comparison. Results indicated that the blended mixtures (k-crgn + KHI) have higher induction times by 20–35% and up to 90% lower hydrate growth rates when compared to the IT and growth rates of PVP and PVCap. This suggests k-crgn to be an excellent hydrate inhibitor synergist to PVP and PVCap and possibly to the other commercial hydrate inhibitors.
Gas Lift Optimization in Unconventional Wells – Vaca Muerta Case Study
Authors: Masud Luciana , Cortez Verónica Lorena , Ottulich Mario Antonio , Valderrama María Paz , Ghilardi Julia , Sanchez Graff Leonardo Andres , Biondi José , Sapag Fernando
Published: March 2023

Gas lift was the selected artificial lift system for Vaca Muerta formation in the Bajada del Palo Oeste field, a shale oil reservoir in Argentina. At an early stage, the main goal was to successfully overcome the design challenge of facilities and downhole installation for wells with very wide and constantly changing liquid production ranges. At a later stage, to establish an optimization methodology that could be updated at a rate comparable to production changes.

Several projects were implemented for optimizing the gas lift field.

First, work was oriented toward improving the prevention and mitigation of wax deposition. Several chemicals were tested and tried different ways of injecting them into the system, via capillary string and gas lift. For each stage of production, alternative treatments were determined, and wax deposition was controlled and mitigated.

The need for slickline interventions was reduced by running wellbore completion with IPO valves installed instead of dummy valves. Also, efficiency was improved by changing the slickline unit to a faster one and by strategically scheduling the unit to synergize with other needs.

For the optimization of gas injection, the conventional methodology of building a performance curve was used as the first option. It was found that this methodology would be useful for wells where the flow pattern remains stable or pseudo-stable, but in the case of unconventional wells, was not the best methodology to optimize the field. Optimization Curves were not concluding. Wells took so long to stabilize, that the production decline affected the results.

That's when the AI-based model became relevant. In addition to global field optimization, gas optimization should be at the PAD level, not only at the well level.

This paper describes the drawbacks of trying to optimize an unconventional gas lift field with traditional methodologies, and the search for innovative ways to achieve it. Finally, to share a vision of what we believe should be the state of the art of an unconventional gas lift operation: an intelligent artificial field that is fully instrumented and monitored.
Optimization of Drilling Parameters During Drilling with Casing in Unconventionals
Authors: Bahl Cristian , Martín Rodrigo , Muzzio Juan , Codega Darío , Rebasa Nicolás , Mercado Federico
Published: March 2023

Drilling with Casing (DWC) has been used in over 2200 strings in the last 10 years in Argentina and Bolivia. More than 1400 of the total strings were for surface casing applications.

In Argentina and Bolivia, drilling with casing has been used extensively in mature fields and shale applications. In all the cases, the objective was to reduce cost and improve efficiency during drilling. However the drivers where not always identical, in some cases the technology aimed to overcome drilling difficulties as wellbore stability and circulation losses; in others reduce drilling time and increase efficiency.

The objective of this paper is to present the approach taken for the optimization of drilling parameters and reliability of the Drilling with Casing operation in the 13 3/8" sections of Vaca Muerta. A detailed and engineered path followed since the beginning of this initiative shows steps taken in the casing string design to minimize the possibility of failures and at the same time allow for an increased Rate of Penetration, contributing to well optimization by reducing drilling times and risks.

YPF has standardized DwC for surface section (9 5/8") of their slim wells in Vaca Muerta, and has begun to extend this application to robust design wells with 13 3/8" surface casing sections.

DwC operations with 13 3/8" started successfully in two wells in La Amarga Chica field. However, two consecutive failures occurred later in Las Cavernas field, creating uncertainty on the method. This led to a reevaluation of the technology and the need of looking for alternative solutions, such as the strengthening of the BHA with thicker pipes to prevent casing buckling and fatigue. This includes the possibility of considering hardfacing centralization to increase the stiffness of the string.

These actions were implemented for the following DwC operations in 13 3/8" in La Amarga Chica. In addition the Shoe Track was eliminated, resulting a successful initiative, but with opportunities of improvement in terms of optimization of drilling parameters.

In the subsequent 13 3/8" DwC jobs of Loma La Lata and Las Cavernas fields, the dynamics of the drilling procees where monitored by means of the measuring device coupled with a visualization tool developed for this purpose.
Antigenicity prediction of peptides generated by chimeric transcripts provides proof-of-concept of tumor-specific cryptic neoepitopes
Authors: Dixit Vaishnavi M , Wagle Arpita K , Bapat Sharmila
Published: March 2023

Considerable recent interest lies in the immunogenicity of non-canonical neoantigens harboured in alternative open reading frames generated by non-synonymous mutations, nucleotide insertions / deletions, exonization of untranslated regions of the genome, non-coding transcripts, transposable elements, etc. Amongst these ‘cryptic’ epitopes, those generated by chimeric transcripts [CTs], which represent sequences from more than one gene remain undefined, and their translational potential and immunogenicity is relatively unexplored. In the present study, we predicted and assessed neoepitopes generated by CTs in ovarian cancer. Development and application of a customized targeted peptide database, further led to the identification of unique peptides and reading-frame isoforms [sense/anti-sense] of such transcripts. Prediction of antigenicity of these novel peptides and proteins was achieved considering their stability, proteasomal processing, and likelihood of being presented to MHC-I in an allele-specific manner. Further docking of peptide MHC and peptide-MHC-TCR complexes provided validation and proof-of-concept of generation of a small number of putative neoepitopes of CTs that are recognized by specific TCRs. Importantly, our findings identify that relaxed/perturbed rigidity of canonical transcription and translation in cancer may present new opportunities in immunotherapy.
Oral Microbes are a Signature of Disease in the Gut
Authors: Khan Saad , Kelly Libusha
Published: March 2023

Case-control studies have identified human gut microbiome taxa associated with diseases including diabetes, inflammatory bowel, and colorectal cancer. However, many taxa are significantly associated with different diseases, confounding the utility of taxa as disease-specific diagnostics and potentially indicating underlying similarities in physiologically distinct diseases. Using a meta-analysis of 4446 gut metagenomic samples linked to 55 diseases across 21 datasets, we identify taxa consistently associated with health or disease and validate these results on external datasets. We find that taxa associated with disease in the gut are either oral microbiome commensals or are members of the polyphyletic class Clostridiales, whereas healthy taxa are gut specialists. Prevalence of organisms in the oral cavity correlates with gut disease association, revealing a novel, conserved relationship between disease and the gut microbiome. Our work highlights a major limitation of traditional metagenomics analysis methods for identifying disease-specific markers, a key goal of many microbiome studies.
Household drinking water quality and its predictors in flood-prone settings of Northwest Ethiopia: a cross- sectional community-based study
Authors: Birhan Tsegaye Adane , Destaw Bikes , Dagne Henok , Eyachew Dagnachew , Azanaw Jember , Andualem Zewudu , Dessie Awrajaw , Guyasa Gebisa , Getaneh Alem , Addisu Ayenew , Genet Mengesha , Tadege Garedew , Tesfaye Amensisa Hailu
Published: March 2023

Background
In many nations, the deterioration of drinking water quality is a major problem that may be caused by a variety of interrelated biological, physical, and chemical causes. Human feces, animal waste, and effluent farming activities are the main pollutants of water supplies. Even if the source is clean, the process of collecting, transporting, storing, and drawing water in the home can all lead to faecal contamination. In addition, without improved water storage and sanitation, a better water supply doesn't always result in full health benefits. Because of this, it's important to have regular quality control procedures. This study is aimed to assess the level of physioco-chemical and bacteriological quality of hosehold drinking water and its contributing factors in flood-prone settlements of South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.
Methods
In villages in the South Gondar Zone that are prone to flooding, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2021. Using standardized water sampling methods, samples of household water were gathered from each residence. Data on socioeconomic conditions and behavioral patterns were gathered through in-person interviews with structured questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used for both univariate and multivariate studies.
Results
The survey included a total of 675 households. The South Gondar Zone's settlements that are prone to flooding had a prevalence of 62.2 percent (n = 417) with [95% CI (53–60)] positive fecal coliform in household water samples. Family size [AOR = 2.205, 95% CI (1.375–3.536), latrine presence [AOR = 3.449, 95% CI (1.349–8.823)], and utilizing a separate container to draw water from its storage [AOR = 0.454, 95% CI (0.249–0.827)] are variables identified as predictors for fecal coliform contamination of household water.
Conclusion
In this study, there was a high proportion of fecal contamination in drinking water. The presence of fecal coliforms in household drinking water was found to be significantly related to family size, the availability of a toilet, and the usage of a separate can to draw water from its storage.
On the Use of Mega Constellation Services in Space
Authors: Capez Gabriel Maiolini , Caceres Mauricio , Bridges Christopher , Frey Stefan , Armellin Roberto , Garello Roberto , Bargellini Pier
Published: March 2023

Mega-constellations are being deployed to offer innovative services to Earth’s users. Our work shows how they can provide seamless connectivity to LEO spacecrafts, too, and transform them into highly responsive space network nodes, thus enabling a myriad of innovative applications. For realizing the new mega-constellation services in space paradigm, in this paper we present a complete design of the LEO space terminal, suitable to any hosting platform, even CubeSats and SmallSats. By focusing on existing mega-constellations, like OneWeb and Starlink, we derive the service performance for four terminal configurations under realistic scenarios and show that Tbit/day- scale capacity is the common case for space users, by constant data dripping. Finally, we compare this new paradigm with existing services like Ground Station Networks and Data Relay Systems. All the results show that the new approach can be potentially disruptive for the space ecosystem, by transforming each satellite into a 24/7 available node characterized by high throughput, low latency, and low cost.
PRMT5 and CDK4/6 inhibition result in distinctive patterns of alternative splicing in melanoma
Authors: Chan Lok Hang , Wang Peihan , Abuhammad Shatha , Cursons Joseph , Sheppard Karen E , Goode David L
Published: March 2023

Drugs targeting cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) are promising new treatments for melanoma and other solid malignancies. In studies on CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance, protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) regulation of alternative splicing was shown to be an important downstream component of the CDK4/6 pathway. However, the full effects of inhibition of CDK4/6 on splicing events in melanoma and the extent to which they are dependent on PRMT5 has not been established. We performed full-length mRNA sequencing on CHL1 melanoma cell lines treated with the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib and the PRMT5 inhibitor GSK3326595 and analysed data for differential gene expression and differential pre-mRNA splicing induced by these agents. Changes in gene expression and RNA splicing were more extensive under PRMT5 inhibition than under CDK4/6 inhibition. Although PRMT5 inhibition and CDK4/6 inhibition induced common RNA splicing events and gene expression profiles, the majority of events induced by CDK4/6 inhibition were distinct. This indicates CDK4/6 is able to regulate alternative splicing in a manner that is distinct from PRMT5, resulting in divergent changes in gene expression under each therapy. These results have important implications for developing treatment strategies that prevent emergence of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition in melanoma.
Internet-of-Things Technologies-Based Smart Cities: Challenges and Suggested Methods
Authors: jawad mohammed , Hameed Muntadhar
Published: March 2023

The conception of smart city refers to the structure, system and identity of settlements that are brought to life by telecommunications technology. Natural and real communications and activities are mostly virtualized in these biological complexes. As a result, forms and spaces also find new geometric, perceptual and conceptual frames. Remote work, remote purchasing, smart banking, education and remote treatment are practical examples of activities that, while providing more freedom for people and urban spaces, transform the existing systems of the general unit of the city and public areas. Urban planners and designers not only encounter new issues and phenomena in the urban planning process, especially the design of residential neighborhoods, road networks and public places, but also go towards virtualization of the urban planning process. Therefore, the present study tens to investigate the dimensions and characteristics of smart city and its capabilities to solve the problems of current urban life, which is a descriptive-analytical method derived from the study of scientific research related to the theory of urban smart. The results indicated that smart cities, in spite of the unique opportunities they provide for predicting, preventing and controlling crises, also pose threats at heart. Although these threats are not significant compared to the opportunities that these cities provide for the optimal management of crises; but, they should not be ignored, but the necessary measures should be taken to reduce these threats.
Performance of artificial intelligence for the detection of pathological myopia from colour fundus images: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Prashar Jai , Tay Nicole
Published: March 2023

Background
Pathological myopia (PM) is a major cause of worldwide blindness and represents a serious threat to eye health globally. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods are gaining traction in ophthalmology as highly sensitive and specific tools for screening and diagnosis of many eye diseases. However, there is currently a lack of high-quality evidence for their use in the diagnosis of PM.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of AI-based tools in PM was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance. Five electronic databases were searched, results were assessed against the inclusion criteria and a quality assessment was conducted for included studies. Model sensitivity and specificity were pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird (random-effects) model. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed.
Results
Of 1021 citations identified, 17 studies were included in the systematic review and 11 studies, evaluating 165,787 eyes, were included in the meta-analysis. The area under the summary receiver operator curve (SROC) was 0.9905. The pooled sensitivity was 95.9% [95.5%-96.2%], and the overall pooled specificity was 96.5% [96.3%-96.6%]. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for detection of PM was 841.26 [418.37-1691.61].
Conclusions
This systematic review and meta-analysis provides robust early evidence that AI-based, particularly deep-learning based, diagnostic tools are a highly specific and sensitive modality for the detection of PM. There is potential for such tools to be incorporated into ophthalmic public health screening programmes, particularly in resource-poor areas with a substantial prevalence of high myopia.
Security in VANET*
Authors: Hostak Richard , Baronak Ivan
Published: March 2023

Despite the fact that VANET brings huge benefits they present many challenges in terms of communication security. Traffic safety and management require real-time information and can influence life or death decisions. Without security, the system is wide open to a number of attacks, the spread of false warnings but also the suppression of real warnings leading to traffic accidents. The article presents the classification of different types of attacks in VANET. In addition, there are different types of adversaries and attackers. We focus on demonstrating network attacks in order to assess their impact on parameters affecting the quality and availability of services such as delay, throughput and data loss. Thanks to the implementation of the transport protocols UDP, TCP and the ICMP service protocol, we were able to monitor the impact of attacks on individual data transmissions depending on the growing probability of packet infiltration. The increasing probability of infiltration leads to a complete degradation of the quality and availability of services, which also reduces the reliability of the network. In general, the purpose of this article is to provide information about security and privacy in VANET and to point out to security risks that may lead to suppression of the availability of services and increase the complexity of the network.
Interventions Co-designed by Providers and Clients for Improving Therapeutic Relationships in Maternal and Child Healthcare: A Human Centered Design Study in Rural Tanzania
Authors: Isangula Kahabi , Pallangyo Eunice S. , Ndirangu-Mugo Eunice
Published: March 2023

Background
Evidence indicates that poor provider-client relationships within maternal and child health (MCH) continue to impact trust in formal health care systems, service uptake, continuity with care, and MCH outcomes.
Objective
The study aimed at co-designing an intervention package (prototype) for improving nurse-client relationships using a human-centred design (HCD) approach.
Methods
A 5-step HCD approach was employed: (1) community-driven discovery through qualitative descriptive research methods using 9 focus group discussions (FGDs) with nurses and clients and 12 key informant interviews (KIIs) with MCH administrators; (2) consultative ideation and co-creation meetings with 10 nurses, 10 clients, and 10 administrators to co-design a rough prototype model; (3) rough prototype validation through qualitative insight gathering using 6 FGDs with nurses and clients; (4) refinement and adaptation meetings with 14 nurses, 14 clients and 12 administrators; and (5) documentation and sharing of lessons learnt.
Results
From community-driven discovery, nurse contributors to poor nurse-client relationships included poor hospitality, lack of care, poor communication, negative attitude, and job dissatisfaction. Client contributors included nonadherence to procedures, negative attitudes, poor communication, inadequate education, poverty, and faith in traditional healers. Health system contributors were inadequate resources, poor management practices, inadequate policy implementation and the absence of an independent agency for gathering and management complaints. In response, three ideation and co-creating meetings resulted in 24 interventions. Seven (7) of these were rated as more acceptable and feasible in the local context and formed a rough prototype. During validation, there were some disagreements on the feasibility of curriculum and resource-related interventions. Refinement meetings resulted in a final prototype including four interventions: (i)promotion of patient-centred care; (ii) awards and recognition for nurses; (iii) strengthening complaints mechanisms and (iv) disciplinary measures for abusive nurses and clients. The lessons learnt have been shared through publications and institutional research meetings.
Conclusions
HCD approach provides a novel entry point for providers and clients to examine the problems and design interventions for strengthening their therapeutic relationships in MCH care. Researchers, practitioners, and policy developers are welcome to consider the emerging prototype as it was deemed acceptable and potentially feasible in rural African contexts.
Evaluation of vertical distribution characteristics of microplastics under 20 μm in lake and river waters in South Korea
Authors: Lee Junho , Ju Seonghyeon , Lim Chaehwi , Kim Kyung Tae , Kye Homin , Kim Jiyoon , Lee Jihoon , Yu Hye-Won , Lee Ingyu , Kim Hyunook , Yoon Yeojoon
Published: March 2023

Following the alarming reports of microplastic pollution in the marine environment, increased attention has been given to microplastics in other environmental media. Despite the attention, there is limited information on the effects of microplastics distribution in freshwater systems. Further, because the size of microplastics varies widely in the environment, the commonly used sampling devices are not suitable for selectively extracting microplastics without causing cross-contamination. Thus, we developed a suitable device for microplastics of size 5–20 µm and studied microplastics distribution in freshwater at various depths by considering various types of microplastics and aqueous systems. Lake and river, two major water sources in South Korea, were selected for the study of microplastics distribution in water system. The microplastics distribution characteristics in both water systems showed that polypropylene and polyethylene were the most abundant across all depths because of their production volume. Plastic types with higher density were found only at the lower layers, and polystyrene was found in the upper layers because of the environmental effects on its buoyancy caused pore diameter and surface area. The lake and river had higher microplastics distribution in the lower layer and upper layer, respectively. This was because the flow rate in river was higher than that of lake. The higher flow rate reduced the settling velocity in river. Thus, hydrodynamic stability influences the vertical distribution and concentrations of microplastics in the water systems. These results are expected to be used for understanding the behavioral characteristics of microplastics in water systems and to manage water sources.
Role of regulatory monitoring in the Indian Oil and Gas Sector for Risk Reduction
Authors: Tata LN Murthy , Salwan Prashant
Published: March 2023

OALP was introduced in 2016 by GoI with a less regulatory burden to the government and pricing freedom to investing firms. Earlier policy NELP was with exploration and production cost recovery and price control by GoI. The new policy OALP is with no-cost recovery (exploration and production cost), revenue sharing, and pricing freedom to the firm. The Oil and gas industry is involved with a wide variety of risks. In OALP, there is no regulatory monitoring and no cost recovery; this has increased the risk to the Indian oil and gas industry; a firm may go for cheap alternatives, which can cause accidents and create direct loss to the industry and the country's reputation. In addition, pricing freedom for the firm can increase the natural gas price, and the gas-dependent sectors face trouble in purchasing. This paper studied the role of regulatory monitoring in risk reduction in the Indian oil and gas sector.
Spectral kissing and its dynamical consequences in the squeezed Kerr-nonlinear oscillator
Authors: Chávez-Carlos Jorge , Lezama Talía , Cortiñas Rodrigo , Venkatraman Jayameenakshi , Devoret Michel , Batista Victor , Pérez-Bernal Francisco , Santos Lea
Published: March 2023

Transmon qubits are the predominant element in circuit-based quantum information processing, such as existing quantum computers, due to their controllability and ease of engineering implementation. But more than qubits, transmons are multilevel nonlinear oscillators that can be employed in the discovery of new fundamental physics. Here, they are explored as simulators of excited state quantum phase transitions (ESQPTs), which are generalizations of quantum phase transitions to excited states. We show that the spectral kissing (coalescence of pairs of energy levels) experimentally observed in the effective Hamiltonian of a driven SNAIL-transmon is an ESQPT precursor. We explore the dynamical consequences of the ESQPT, which includes the exponential growth of out-of-time-ordered correlators, followed by periodic revivals, and the slow evolution of the survival probability due to localization. These signatures of ESQPT are within reach for current superconducting circuits platforms and are of interest to experiments with cold atoms and ion traps.
An Efficient Distance and Connectivity Based Traffic Density Stable Routing Protocol (TDSRP-DC) for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Selvaraj Dhana Sekaran , Ramalingam S. , Mohan Abdullah , Kedir Beshir
Published: March 2023

Vehicle ad-hoc networks (VANETs) have become a prominent research topic in recent years due to rapid dynamic topology, high vehicle mobility, frequent link failures and significant delay constraints. The mobility of the vehicle nodes increases, and the overhead of control traffic due to the high dynamics of the VANET. Efficient routing algorithms are necessary for VANETs to ensure reliable transmission (VANETs). This work proposes a Traffic Density Stable Routing Protocol based on Connection- and Distance (TDSRP-DC) to avoid data packet collisions at intersections and an adaptive routing schedule based on the selection at every instant. Our approach is based on vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Ground vehicles identify the most appropriate next junction and transfer the data packet to the receiver to find the optimal multi-hop route. It relies on transferring the data between all vehicles to estimate real-time traffic fluctuations sporadically. Network formation, neighbor realization, fitness value prediction, and routing methodology are the conceptual process needed in this research. Valid parameters for finding the optimum path in the conceptual model include node distance, node speed, node azimuth, link stability, and link reliability. The suggested solution's simulation was performed in comparison to traditional algorithms. Compared to existing TFOR algorithms on complex traffic, the proposed TDSRP-DC provides tremendous improvements based on packet delivery rate (10%) and performance (35%). The demonstrated results and comparisons illustrate the proposed routing protocol's significance with enhanced quality of service performance.
Determining the Critical Factors in the Transportation of Explosives and Hazardous Materials to Protect the Environment and Human Life
Authors: ÖZGÜNER Zeynep , SEYHAN Ercan , KESER Ahmet
Published: March 2023

The study’s main objective is to determine the critical factors in the transportation of explosives to prevent the possible damage that might be given to the environment. In this study, the “Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL)” method is applied as one of the multi-criteria decision-making techniques. A direct relationship matrix is created based on the knowledge of 9 experts. The answers provided by these experts were used in determining important criteria in explosives transportation. The main influencing factor is determined as the recognition/awareness of the Procedures and Policies, especially by the shipping country. The second influencing factor is determined as the supply of adequate and appropriate equipment and tools. When the applicability of explosive transport is examined according to the weights of the factors affected by the process, it is seen that the most affected factor is optimum efficiency. Therefore, ensuring optimum process efficiency is of high importance to protecting the environment human life, and public health.
The incidence and influencing factors of prolonged QTc interval in patients with HBV-ACLF.
Authors: Zhang Rou , Gao Heng , Fu MengJun , Li Juan , Zhou MiMi , Feng YaLi , Liu JinFeng , Zhao YingRen , He Yingli
Published: March 2023

Background

Although a large number of studies have shown that QTc interphase prolongation is common in patients with cirrhosis, there are few studies on the relationship between QTc interphase prolongation and Acute-on-Chronic liver (ACLF) patients in China. In addition, the cause of liver failure that our country causes are different from abroad. This paper attempts to discuss the incidence and potential risk factors of QTc interphase prolongation of HBV-ACLF patients in China.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 206 HBV-ACLF patients admitted to our study from January 2016 to December 2021 and 94 healthy controls during the same period. The heart rate (HR) and QT interval of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) of patients after admission were collected, and the corrected QTc interval was calculated by Bazett formula. According to the QTc interval > 440milliseconds, patients were divided into extended group.

Results

Among 206 HBV-ACLF patients, 68 cases (33%) showed prolonged QTc interval, which was significantly different from 3 cases (3.19%) in the healthy control group (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that RBC, CHOL, CRE, K, FIB, Ascites, HBV-DNA and Child–Pugh class had statistical significance (P < 0.05), and binary logistic regression analysis showed that K, CRE, HBV-DNA and Ascites (P < 0.05) were the independent influencing factors for the prolonged QTc interval in HBV-ACLF patients.

Conclusions

In this study, it was found that the incidence of QTc interval prolongation was about 33% in HBV-ACLF patients. K, CRE, HBV-DNA and Ascites are independent factors influencing the prolonged QTc interval in patients with HBV-ACLF.
What can the citations of systematic reviews of ethical literature tell us about their use? - An explorative empirical analysis of 31 reviews
Authors: Nobile Hélène , Moshtaghin Natali Lilie Randjbar , Lüddecke Zoë , Schnarr Antje , Mertz Marcel
Published: March 2023

Background: Systematic reviews of ethical literature (SREL) aim at providing an overview of ethical issues, arguments or concepts on a specific ethical topic. As SREL are expanding, their methodology and possible impact are increasingly subjected to critical discussions. Because they analyse and synthetise normative literature, SREL are likely to be used differently than typical systematic reviews. Still, the uses and the expected purposes of SREL were, to date, mainly theoretically discussed. Our explorative study aimed at gaining first empirical insights into the actual uses of SREL.
Methods: Citations of SREL in publications, both scientific and non-scientific, were taken as proxy for SREL uses. A convenience sample of 31 published SREL was determined, the citations of which were systematically searched on Google Scholar. Each citation was qualitatively analysed to determine its function. SREL citations were further quantitatively investigated to unveil possible trends.
Results: The analysis of the resulting sample of SREL citations (n=1812) showed that the selected SREL were mostly cited to support claims about ethical issues, arguments or concepts, but also to merely mention the existence of literature on a given topic. In this sample, SREL were cited predominantly in empirical publications within journals from various academic fields, indicating a broad, field-independent use of such systematic reviews. The selected SREL were also used as methodological orientations either for the conduct of SREL or for the practical and ethically-sensitive conduct of empirical studies.
Conclusions: In our sample, SREL were rarely used for deriving or justifying ethical recommendations or in guideline development, as it is mostly postulated in the theoretical literature. The findings of this study constitute a valuable preliminary empirical input in the current methodological debate on SREL and could contribute to developing strategies to align expected purposes with actual uses of SREL.
Sex-Specific Optimal Blood Pressure Targets to Prevent Primary Stroke: A Nationwide Observational Study
Authors: Ryu So Im , Kim Young-Deok , Kim Tackeun , Ban Seung Pil , Bang Jae Seung , Kwon O-ki , Oh Chang Wan , Lee Si Un
Published: March 2023

There are few reports on the preventative value of intensive blood pressure (BP) management for stroke in the literature since the new criteria for hypertension (HTN) were announced by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association in 2017. To identify the optimal BP for the primary prevention of stroke in a healthy population aged between 19 and 65 years, we conducted a 10-year observational study on the risk of stroke, subclassified as hemorrhagic stroke (hSTK) and ischemic stroke (iSTK), according to BP categories (e.g., low-normal BP, high-normal BP, elevated BP, stage 1 HTN and stage 2 HTN) using the National Health Insurance Service Database. Of the 8,327,751 participants who had a health checkup in 2008, 949,551 were ultimately enrolled in this study and observed from 2009 to 2018. The risk of hSTK was significantly increased from stage 2 HTN (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 3.036 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.159–4.252]) in men and from stage 1 HTN (AHR 2.972 [95% CI, 2.256–3.897]) in women. The risk of iSTK was significantly increased among both men (AHR 1.404 [95% CI, 1.164–1.693]) and women (AHR 2.012 [95% CI, 1.603–2.526]) with stage 1 HTN. The risk of overall stroke was significantly increased in men (AHR 1.386 [95% CI, 1.180–1.629]) and women (AHR 2.363 [95% CI, 1.973–2.830]) from stage 1 HTN. Therefore, for the primary prevention of overall stroke, adults under the age of 65 should manage their BP from stage 1 HTN.
Periodontal disease and COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Wu Yuyan , Gao Juan , Ji Guangju , Feng Linya , Yau Vicky , Li Yaru , Nanola John Patrick , Sun Chenyu
Published: March 2023

Background: A larger proportion of people with severe cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to have comorbidities compared to the general population. However, evidence regarding the roles of periodontal disease(PD), in context of Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19), is limited. Thus, to explore the association between PD and COVID-19, this systematic review and meta analysis was conducted.
Methods: 7 online databases were searched by January 31, 2023. Heterogeneity was tested by I2 index. OR and 95% CI were pooled through either random-effect or fixed-effect models. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias assessments were also conducted.
Results: Of the 823 articles identified and reviewed, 11 articles with 16,708 subjects met inclusion criteria and were included. PD was found to be associated with a statistically significant increase in risk of progression to severe diseases for COVID-19 patients(OR=2.20, 95% CI=1.38-3.49). Further analysis suggested that PD was associated with assisted ventilation(OR=5.01, 95% CI:2.61-9.63), ICU admission(OR=1.61, 95% CI:1.24-2.09), pneumonia(OR=5.19, 95% CI:1.17-23.00), and death(OR=2.25, 95% CI:1.55-3.28) for COVID-19 cases.
Conclusions: Our results show that individuals with PD have an increased risk for ICU admission, assisted mechanical ventilation therapy, and a significantly increased risk of pneumonia and death. This suggests, to some extent, that the oral cavity is the gateway to COVID-19 infection; in other words, periodontitis is a risk factor for COVID-19 severity.
Hemoglobin Signal Network Mapping Reveals Novel Indicators for Precision Medicine
Authors: Barbour Randall L. , Graber Harry L. , Barbour San-Lian S.
Published: March 2023

We introduce methodology, applied to a representative physiological time series measure (fNIRS) and disease type (breast cancer), that provides access to features more typical of molecular-cellular processes but here are observed from intact tissue. The methodology adopts a novel approach to generating a multivariate ordinal partition transition network to enable quantitative descriptions of short-term dynamics (<1sec). Accessed are several classes of adjacency matrices whose exploration and associated co-dependent behaviors unexpectedly reveals features of structured dynamics, some of which are shown to exhibit enzyme-like behaviors and sensitivity to recognized molecular markers of disease. Constituting class measures that are often easily applied and widely accessible, such sensitivities may afford novel extensions to on-demand phenotypic measures that have thus far had limited utility for complementing precision medicine strategies. Discussed are exemplary uses in support of this aim, and extension to other forms of physiological time series measures.