bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thailand in 2020
Authors: Ockey James
Published: March 2021

In 2020, attention in Thailand focused on the pandemic and on political protest. After some early missteps Thailand managed the pandemic well, eliminating community transmission with a strong curfew, essentially a lockdown, and effective tracking and tracing. Yet the economic impact on Thailand’s tourism-dependent economy will continue into 2021. The pandemic interrupted student-led protests against a regime they considered undemocratic, in the wake of the dissolution of the opposition Future Forward Party. After the pandemic was brought under control, the demonstrations resumed, with students demanding constitutional amendments (already under consideration by the parliament), the resignation of the prime minister, and the dissolution of parliament. They added unprecedented calls for reform of Thailand’s monarchy. Students argued that reforms designed to fully remove the monarchy from politics would increase respect for the institution. But there were concerns that violence between students and royalists or security forces might ensue.
Uncertainty at the Limits of Viability: A Qualitative Study of Antenatal Consultations
Authors: Kaemingk Bethany D. , Carroll Katherine , Thorvilson Megan J. , Schaepe Karen S. , Collura Christopher A.
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Antenatal consultation between a neonatologist and expectant parent(s) may determine if resuscitation is provided for or withheld from neonates born in the gray zone of viability. In this study, we sought to gain a deeper understanding of uncertainties present and neonatologists’ communication strategies regarding such uncertainties in this shared decision-making.

METHODS:

A prospective, qualitative study using transcriptions of audio-recorded antenatal consultations between a neonatologist and expectant parent(s) was conducted. Pregnant women were eligible if anticipating delivery in the gray zone of viability (22 0/7–24 6/7 weeks’ gestation). Over 18 months, 25 of 28 pregnant women approached consented to participate. Applied thematic analysis was used to inductively derive and examine conceptual themes.

RESULTS:

Inductive analysis of consult transcripts revealed uncertainty as a central theme. Several subthemes relating to uncertainty were also derived, including the timing of delivery, NICU course, individual characteristics (of physician, expectant parent(s), and fetus or neonate), and consequences of the decision for the expectant parent(s). Analysis revealed that uncertainty was actively managed by neonatologists through a variety of strategies, including providing more information, acknowledging the limits of medicine, acknowledging and accepting uncertainty, holding hope, and relationship building.

CONCLUSIONS:

Uncertainty is pervasive within the antenatal consultation for periviable neonates and likely plays a significant role in decision-making toward postnatal resuscitative efforts. Uncertainty complicated, or even paralyzed, decision-making efforts while also providing reassurance toward a positive outcome. Directions for future study should consider whether advanced communication training modulates the impact that uncertainty plays in the shared decision-making encounter.
The culture of grade retention in schools organized in cycles
Authors: Almeida Frederico Alves , Alves Maria Teresa Gonzaga
Published: March 2021

RESUMO A reprovação está presente na educação brasileira desde a sua expansão, interferindo na trajetória escolar e na qualidade no ensino. Embora ações tenham sido tomadas para combater o problema, as taxas de reprovação e abandono persistem, retrato da permanência de uma pedagogia da repetência. Este trabalho investigou a crença de educadores sobre a reprovação e sua relação com práticas de avaliação em escolas públicas de ensino fundamental da rede municipal de Contagem-MG, Brasil, bem como a variação existente entre essas escolas. Por meio de um modelo de regressão logística multinível, foram definidas duas escolas em que se realizou uma pesquisa comparativa, com observação e entrevistas a educadores. Os resultados indicam que certas decisões avaliativas por vezes se distanciam de conhecimentos pedagógicos, influenciadas pela crença que a retenção de um aluno favorece o seu aprendizado, além de funcionar como um instrumento de coerção e justiça.
Dynamic and physio-mechanical effects of combined functionalised MWCNTs and nanosilica particles on cement composites
Authors: El-Kattan Ibrahim M. , Farghali Ahmed A. , Elsaeidy Mohamed , Khedr Mohamed H. , Soliman Fayiez N. , Emam Aml A.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this work was to study the single and combined effects of laboratory synthesised, purified, functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nanosilica (NS) particles on the physico-mechanical and dynamic properties of cement mortars. Portland cement was partially substituted by nanostructured MWCNTs (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 wt%), then NS (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 wt%) and finally both MWCNTs and NS in different ratios. The physico-mechanical and dynamic properties of the composite materials (compressive strength, bending strength, water consumption and initial and final setting times) were measured. The morphology of hardened samples was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy was conducted to determine the size of the nanoparticles. The results showed that, compared with control samples, the compressive strength of the cement mortars containing MWCNTs increased by 27% at 28 days and the bending strength increased by 9.9% at early age. SEM images showed that the cement mortar containing 0.4 wt% MWCNTs had a more compact microstructure than then the control samples due to the bridging effect of the MWCNTs.
Effect of acid on the hydrophysical properties of red clay
Authors: Li Shan-mei , Meng Jian-ping , Liu Zhi-kui
Published: March 2021

With the exception of the engineering properties of kaolinite, bentonite, silt and sand, little attention has been paid to how the hydrophysical properties of red clay vary with the pH value, even though acid contamination of red clay occurs widely. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the laws and mechanisms for the hydrophysical properties of red clay treated with dilute hydrochloric acid. Tests were performed on a natural red clay from South China to determine how hydrochloric acid influences the hydraulic conductivity, expansibility and shrinkage. The test data are of the mineral composition, main metal oxide and zeta potential of the red clay before and after being soaked in various acidic solutions with pH values of 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.5. The results show that the consistency decreased with the pH value for decreasing zeta potential. In addition, the hydraulic conductivity first decreased and then increased, but the expansibility and contractility behaved in the opposite manner as the pH value of the solution decreased. These phenomena depend on the decrease in the zeta potential, the water amount entering the montmorillonite crystal cells and the formation of open voids.
YEREL HALKIN TURİZM ALGISI VE TOPLUMSAL YAŞAM KALİTESİ: İĞNEADA ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: ESER Seçkin , AKGÜNDÜZ Yılmaz
Published: March 2021

Destinasyonlarda turizm faaliyetlerinin gelişmesi, olumlu/olumsuz çevresel, ekonomik ve sosyo- kültürel etkiler yaratmaktadır. Turizmin gelişmesi ve geliştikten sonra sürekliliğinin olması ise o bölgedeki yerel halkın tutum ve davranışlarına bağlıdır. Yerel halkın turizmin etkilerini algılama yönü ve düzeyi turizme olan desteğini etkilemektedir. Bu araştırmada, turizmin olumlu ve olumsuz etkilerinin yerel halkın turistlerin varlığına ilişkin algılarını nasıl etkilediği ve yerel halkın toplumsal yaşam kalitesi üzerindeki etkisinin ne olduğu belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Araştırmada veriler turizmin etkileri ölçeğinin ve toplumsal yaşam tatmini ölçeğinin yer aldığı bir anket ile toplanmıştır. Anket, Mart 2019 ayında kolayda örnekleme yöntemi ile İğneada yerel halkına uygulanmıştır. Veri toplama süreci sonunda 188 geçerli ankete ulaşılmıştır. Geçerlilik ve güvenirlik analizlerine bağlı olarak hipotezleri test etmek için çoklu regresyon analizleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Analiz sonuçları turizmin olumlu çevresel ve sosyo-kültürel etkilerinin yerel halkın toplumsal yaşam kalitesini arttırdığını göstermektedir. Turizmin olumlu etkileri yerel halkın turistlerin bölgeye yararlı oldukları yönündeki düşüncelerini güçlendirmektedir. Ayrıca turizmin olumsuz çevresel ve sosyo-kültürel etkileri turistlerin bölge için zararlı oldukları yönündeki yerel halkın algısını güçlendirirken, turizmin olumsuz ekonomik etkileri turistlerin zararlı oldukları yönündeki yerel halkın algısını zayıflatmaktadır.
SOSYAL MEDYADA GÖZETLEME MOTİVASYONLARI: INSTAGRAM KULLANICILARI ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: GÜLEÇ Burcu , KÖKER Nahit
Published: March 2021

Bireylerin birbirlerini gözetlemesi yeni bir olgu olmamakla beraber sosyal medya ile yaygınlık kazanmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, sosyal medya kullanıcılarının gözetleme motivasyonlarının nedenlerine ve gözetlemenin onlar için ne anlam ifade ettiğine açıklık getirmek ek olarak da gündelik hayatlarına olan yansımasını ortaya koymaktadır. Gözetleme ile ilgili çalışmalar incelendiğinde, çalışmaların çoğunda gözetlemenin kuramsal boyutta tartışıldığı, saha araştırmalarının ise geri planda kaldığı ve az sayıdaki saha araştırmasında da sosyal medya kullanıcılarının gözetleme motivasyonlarının incelenmediği tespit edilmiştir. Bu sebeple mevcut çalışmanın sosyal medya kullanıcıları ve gözetleme motivasyonlarını ele alıyor olması bakımından farklılaşacağı ve gelecekte yapılacak araştırmalara katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmüştür. Bu doğrultuda çalışma amacına uygun olarak nitel bir araştırma tasarımı yapılmıştır. Çalışmada yanıtlanmaya çalışılan sorular şu şekilde belirlenmiştir: 1.Sosyal medya kullanıcıları neden gözetleme davranışında bulunmaktadır? 2. Gözetleme davranışı sosyal medya kullanıcıları için ne anlam ifade etmektedir? 3. Sosyal medya kullanıcılarının gözetleme motivasyonları nelerdir? 4. Katılımcılar Instagram’a bir gözetleme aracı olarak nasıl yaklaşmaktadır? 5. Katılıcımlar Instagram'ı bir gözetleme aracı olarak nasıl kullanmaktadırlar? 6. Sosyal medyada gözetleme davranışının gündelik hayatlarına olan yansımaları nedir? Araştırma sorularına uygun olarak nitel araştırma desenlerinden olan olgubilim deseni tercih edilmiştir. Araştırma konusuna ve amacına uygun olarak ölçüt örnekleme yönteminin kullanıldığı çalışmada veri toplama tekniği olarak derinlemesine görüşme yapılmıştır. Veriler analiz edilirken betimsel analiz ve içerik analizi teknikleri kullanılmıştır. Analiz sonucunda, araştırmanın ana problem başlığına ilişkin 9 temaya ulaşılmıştır. Çalışmada, kullanıcıların sosyal medyadaki gözetleme motivasyonlarının; duygusal ihtiyaçlar, bilgi edinmek, sosyal kaygı, kontrol isteği, etkileşim sağlama aracı, merak, ilham almak, boş zaman aktivitesi olarak görmek ve olumsuz eylemler olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Mozzarella Cheese Stretching: A Review
Authors: Correia Gonçalves Mônica , Cardarelli Haíssa Roberta
Published: March 2021

Mozzarella cheese stretching is a thermomechanical treatment influenced by factors such as pH, acidity, stretching time and temperature. The aim of this minireview is to provide information about the stretching step and the effect of the main factors on the functional properties of mozzarella. The presented studies show that stretching under higher temperatures promotes more interactions in the protein matrix, and changes occur in the calcium balance throughout the storage period that influence water mobility, proteolysis and lead to changes in mozzarella properties. Therefore, the information presented in this minireview may facilitate the production of mozzarella cheese with specific functional properties.
Fighting Deepfakes: Media and Internet Giants’ Converging and Diverging Strategies Against Hi-Tech Misinformation
Authors: Vizoso Ángel , Vaz-Álvarez Martín , López-García Xosé
Published: March 2021

Deepfakes, one of the most novel forms of misinformation, have become a real challenge in the communicative environment due to their spread through online news and social media spaces. Although fake news have existed for centuries, its circulation is now more harmful than ever before, thanks to the ease of its production and dissemination. At this juncture, technological development has led to the emergence of deepfakes, doctored videos, audios or photos that use artificial intelligence. Since its inception in 2017, the tools and algorithms that enable the modification of faces and sounds in audiovisual content have evolved to the point where there are mobile apps and web services that allow average users its manipulation. This research tries to show how three renowned media outlets—The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Reuters—and three of the biggest Internet-based companies—Google, Facebook, and Twitter—are dealing with the spread of this new form of fake news. Results show that identification of deepfakes is a common practice for both types of organizations. However, while the media is focused on training journalists for its detection, online platforms tended to fund research projects whose objective is to develop or improve media forensics tools.
Uso potencial de resíduos de abatedouro de suínos como fonte de nutrientes na agricultura
Authors: Ramires Maiara Figueiredo , Souza Eduardo Lorensi de , Fontanive Daniel Erison , Bianchetto Renan , Cezimbra Júlio Cesar Grasel , Antoniolli Zaida Inês
Published: March 2021

O Brasil está entre os maiores produtores e exportadores mundiais de carne suína, com projeções de chegar a 3,7 Mt, em 2024. No entanto, esse cenário de expansão no setor se traduz também em produção de grande quantidade de resíduos de abate, muitas vezes conducente à contaminação do solo por metais e organismos patogênicos. Perante este contexto, faz-se necessário a utilização de estratégias que amenizem o potencial poluidor e que permitam o aproveitamento desse tipo de resíduo orgânico, através do uso na agricultura. Entre essas estratégias, processos de estabilização que possam auxiliar na eliminação ou redução para níveis seguros desses metais e organismos patogênicos podem ser uma possibilidade para o aproveitamento desse material como fonte orgânica de nutrientes para as plantas, através de sua utilização como fertilizante orgânico ou substrato para mudas, pelo seu potencial nutricional. Estudos que relatam o aproveitamento de resíduos de abatedouros provenientes da indústria de carnes como composto orgânico na agricultura são ainda insuficientes. Nesse sentido, a presente revisão bibliográfica tem por objetivo apresentar os problemas causados pelos resíduos de abatedouro de suínos quando aplicados irregularmente no solo, bem como alternativas para o seu aproveitamento na agricultura.
Aspectos biotecnológicos da silagem biológica de resíduos do Tambaqui
Authors: Guimarães Cristiane Cunha , Maciel Ivana Vieira , Silva André Ferreira , Souza Antonio Fábio Lopes de , Carpio Klaramelia Consuelo Ramón , Silva Antônio José Inhamuns da
Published: March 2021

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial de produção de silagem a partir do reaproveitamento dos resíduos provenientes do beneficiamento do tambaqui. Os tratamentos se diferenciaram quanto à quantidade de inóculo (culturas puras da bactéria Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014), sendo de 2,5%; 5,0%; e 7,5% (v/p). O período de inoculação da silagem foi de 35 dias. Os parâmetros de pH foram T1 - 4,81±0,04; T2 - 4,91±0,06; e T3 - 4,85±0,03; para acidez titulável os percentuais de T1 - 3,43±0,03; T2 - 3,43±0,05; e T3 -3,51±0,04. Durante a avaliação centesimal da silagem biológica úmida do resíduo de tambaqui os tratamentos mostraram-se sem diferença significativa e se mantiveram próximos em relação ao resíduo in natura, enquanto que na silagem biológica desidratada as características de rendimento e físico-químicas da silagem em todos os tratamentos apresentaram resultados expressivos e de alta qualidade com PB em T1 - 32,49±0,54; T2 - 33,65±1,26; e T3 - 37,15±1,0; teor lipídico em T1 - 30,44±0,09; T2 - 36,44±4,35; e T3 - 33,92±3,65; cinzas em T1 - 15,44±0,23; T2 - 16,46±0,29; e T3 - 15,67±0,37. O desenvolvimento da silagem de pescado biológico torna-se uma alternativa para a indústria pesqueira, promovendo um destino sustentável e lucrativo aos resíduos gerados durante o processamento, constituindo uma opção de matéria-prima de qualidade para o desenvolvimento de produtos com alto valor agregado de nutrientes, com potencial para utilização na alimentação de animal.
Bromatologia, morfometria e rendimento corporal de Crenicichla punctata: alternativa para sustentabilidade da pesca incidental
Authors: Souza Daiane Machado , Freitas Suzane Fonseca , Oliveira Paulo Leonardo Silva de , Oliveira Rodrigo Ribeiro Bezerra de , Hammes Fernanda Brunner , Pouey Juvêncio Luis Osório Fernandes
Published: March 2021

Os recursos naturais estão se esgotando, enquanto que peixes oriundos da pesca incidental acabam sendo descartados por não apresentarem importância econômica. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o rendimento de filé e as características físico-químicas da espécie nativa Crenicichla punctata de grande ocorrência na pesca incidental artesanal em regiões tropicais e subtropicais do cis-Andina América do Sul do Rio Orinoco e Trinidad, no norte da bacia do Rio Paraná, no Sul, para que possa ser utilizada para alimentação humana ou ser aproveitada em vários nichos do mercado consumidor. Os exemplares foram capturados nas coordenadas 33°16’41.94”S e 52°54’16.67”O, com redes de emalhe de 45mm entrenós, na qual a joaninha (Crenicichla punctata) é mais recorrente, sendo que o alvo de captura são as espécies de importância econômica traíra (Hoplias malabaricus) e jundiá (Rhamdia quelen). O rendimento de filé foi superior a 53% e apresentou características físico-químicas relevantes. O filé é considerado magro e de alto valor proteico, características que demonstram que a espécie é uma fonte de proteína de baixo custo e uma alternativa para a sustentabilidade da pesca
Viabilidade econômica do óleo do resíduo de pescado na alimentação de poedeiras comerciais leves
Authors: Brelaz Kely Cristina Bastos Teixeira Ramos , Cruz Frank George Guimarães , Rufino João Paulo Ferreira , Brasil Ronner Joaquim Mendonça , Rufino André Ferreira
Published: March 2021

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a viabilidade econômica do óleo do resíduo de pescado em rações para poedeiras comerciais leves. Foram utilizadas 192 poedeiras Hisex White com 29 semanas distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado constituído por oito níveis de óleo do resíduo de pescado (0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0; 2,5; 3,0; e 3,5%) e quatro repetições de seis aves cada. O experimento teve duração de 105 dias divididos em cinco períodos de 21 dias. Os dados coletados e calculados nas análises de custo e rentabilidade foram submetidos a ANOVA seguida por análise de regressão polinomial a 5% de significância. A inclusão de óleo do resíduo de pescado nas rações para poedeiras comerciais leves afetou (p < 0,05) significativamente a produção de ovos (percentual e por unidade), consumo de ração acumulado e o custo alimentar, onde o nível de 1,50% apresentou melhores resultados. Na análise de rentabilidade foi observado efeito significativo (p < 0,05) da inclusão do óleo do resíduo de pescado sobre a renda bruta, valor agregado bruto e ponto de equilíbrio, com o nível de 1,50% apresentando melhor rentabilidade. A partir dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que o óleo do resíduo de pescado pode ser utilizado como aditivo em rações para poedeiras comerciais leves, com o nível de 1,50% apresentando melhor viabilidade econômica. O nível de 3,5% de inclusão proporcionou redução no desempenho e perdas econômicas significativas.
Entendendo os processos naturais no meio ambiente: análise dos efeitos das perturbações naturais em fragmentos de Floresta Atlântica no Nordeste brasileiro
Authors: Peres Marcelo Cesar Lima , Benati Kátia Regina , Andrade Alessandra Rodrigues S. de , Dias Marcelo Alves , Melo Tércio da Silva , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles , Carvalho Anderson Abbehusen Freire de
Published: March 2021

Este estudo investiga o efeito das perturbações naturais sobre a biodiversidade local em três fragmentos de Floresta Atlântica da Bahia (Brasil). O estudo foi realizado na Reserva Ecológica Michelin - REM (Igrapiúna - Bahia), num remanescente de 180 ha, Reserva Ecologia de Dois Irmãos (REDI) (Recife - Pernambuco) com 382 ha e Parque Metropolitano de Pituaçu (PMP) com 325 ha. Foram analisadas através de cinco métodos de amostragem, 21 clareiras naturais e 21 trechos de floresta adjacente. Variáveis de microclima e micro-habitat diferiram significativamente entre clareira natural (CN) e floresta adjacente (FA). Observou-se um maior número de espécies exclusivas em áreas de floresta adjacente e diferenças composicionais entre CN e FA foram observadas em um dos fragmentos estudados. Entendemos que as clareiras naturais desempenham um papel acentuado na dinâmica espacial da biodiversidade, e, portanto, contribuem para a prevenção da exclusão competitiva, favorecendo a manutenção da biodiversidade local, inclusive em fragmentos florestais inseridos em paisagens agrícolas.
Analysis of growth and agronomic characteristics of off-season corn grown insuccession with soybean and submitted to nitrogen doses
Authors: Zuffo Alan Mario , Silva Patrícia Vilela Da , Devoz Gabriel Luiz Reis , Silva Natielly Pereira da , Ratke Rafael Felippe , Aguilera Jorge González
Published: March 2021

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer management strategies for the cultivation of off-season corn grown in succession to soybean can be established by growth analysis. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the growth and agronomic performance of corn in the off-season due to nitrogen levels in an Oxisol of the Cerrado of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, arranged in a split-plot scheme, with six replications. The plots were formed by five nitrogen doses (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1 of N), and the time of evaluation of the corn development parameters (30, 45, 60 and 75 days after emergency (DAE)) constituted the subplots. The source of N used was urea (45% N), with 30 DAE applied. The cultivar Invictus Viptera 3 of corn was cultivated in the off-season. Plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, dry mass of the plant shoot, physiological indexes of growth analysis were evaluated at 30, 40, 60 and 75 DAE. In the flowering period of corn, after the emission of the female inflorescence, were determined the indirect readings of the leaf chlorophyll, leaf N, height plant, and height of the ear insertion. At the physiological maturity of the grain was evaluated height of ear insertion, ear length, number of rows per ear, number of grains per row and ear diameter, the mass of a thousand grains, and grain yield. The 160 kg ha-1 dose of N showed better performance and higher morphophysiological indices for corn off-season in succession to the soybean crop. However, the higher grain yield of corn was obtained with the 126 kg ha-1 of N.
Практические рекомендации по лекарственному лечению рака прямой кишки
Authors: Федянин М. Ю. , Артамонова Е. В. , Барсуков Ю. А. , Болотина Л. В. , Гладков О. А. , Глебовская В. В. , Гордеев С. С. , Карачун А. М. , Козлов Н. А. , Любченко Л. Н. , Малихова О. А. , Мамедли З. З. , Михайлов А. И. , Подлужный Д. В. , Проценко С. А. , Рыбаков Е. Г. , Рыков И. В. , Самсонов Д. В. , Сидоров Д. В. , Снеговой А. В. , Ткачёв С. И. , Трякин А. А. , Цуканов А. С. , Черных М. В. , Шелыгин Ю. А.
Published: March 2021

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Remarks on and Characterizations of 2S-Lindley and 2D-Lindley Distributions Introduced by Chesneau et al. (2020)
Authors: Hamedani G.G. , Najaf Mahrokh
Published: March 2021

Chesneau et al.(2020) considered the distributions of sum and diﬀerences of two independent and identically distributed random variables with the common Lindley distribution. They derived, very nicely, the above mentioned distributions and provided certain important mathematical and statistical properties as well as simulations and applications of the new distributions. In this short note, we like to show that the assumption of ”independence” can be replaced with a much weaker assumption of ”sub-independence”. Then we present certain characterizations of the proposed distributions to complete, in someway, their work.
The Diagnostic Value of Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Disease in Emergency Department
Authors: KÜÇÜKCERAN Kadir , KARASAHİN Omer , DELİCE Orhan , BATUR Ali , İBA YILMAZ Sibel , ŞEBİN Engin , ŞENYURT Mahmut
Published: March 2021

Aim: The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system consists of a protease, a receptor (urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, uPAR), and inhibitors that can be expressed on various cell types. Previous literature shows that the amount of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) secreted from affected cells is higher in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) patients than in healthy controls. Thus, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of suPAR in the differential diagnosis of CCHF in emergency services. Material and Methods: Individuals over 16 years old with a preliminary diagnosis of CCHF disease were divided into two groups as real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and/or IgM positive (CCHF group) and RT-PCR and/or IgM negative (control group). Results: Eighty patients were included in this study. Forty patients with CCHF virus PCR and/or CCHF virus IgM were identified as CCHF group and 40 patients included as negative control group. The median age of the patients was 45 (range, 16-91) years, and 49 patients (61.3%) were male. Leukocyte, platelet, and fibrinogen levels were significantly lower, while creatinine kinase, aPTT, and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in CCHF group. There was no statistically significant difference between the control group and CCHF group for SuPAR (p=0.386). In addition, control group patients not diagnosed with CCHF were examined, brucellosis, influenza, and pneumonia were found to be the most common. Conclusion: The use of suPAR as a biomarker in the differentiation of patients with similar findings in emergency services was investigated and found to have no diagnostic value.
Automated Capture-Based NGS Workflow: One Thousand Patients Experience in a Clinical Routine Framework
Authors: Tenedini Elena , Celestini Fabio , Iapicca Pierluigi , Marino Marco , Castellano Sara , Artuso Lucia , Biagiarelli Fiammetta , Cortesi Laura , Toss Angela , Barbieri Elena , Roncucci Luca , Pedroni Monica , Manfredini Rossella , Luppi Mario , Trenti Tommaso , Tagliafico Enrico
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: the NGS based mutational study of hereditary cancer genes is crucial to design tailored prevention strategies in subjects with different hereditary cancer risk. The ease of amplicon-based NGS library construction protocols contrasts with the greater uniformity of enrichment provided by capture-based protocols and so with greater chances for detecting larger genomic rearrangements and copy-number variations. Capture-based protocols, however, are characterized by a higher level of complexity of sample handling, extremely susceptible to human bias. Robotics platforms may definitely help dealing with these limits, reducing hands-on time, limiting random errors and guaranteeing process standardization. (2) Methods: We implemented and validated the complete automation of the SOPHiA GENETICS’ CE-IVD Hereditary Cancer Solution™ (HCS) libraries preparation workflow on the Hamilton’s STARlet platform. (3) Results: We demonstrate that this automated workflow, used for more than 1000 samples achieved the same performances of manual setup in terms of coverages and reads uniformity, with extremely lower variability of reads mapping rate onto the regions of interest. (4) Conclusions: This automated solution offers same reliable and affordable NGS data, but with the essential advantages of a flexible, automated and integrated framework, minimizing possible human errors and depicting a laboratory’s walk-away scenario.
Disability, Caste and Intersectionality: Does Co-Existence of Disability and Caste Compound Marginalization for Women Seeking Maternal Healthcare in Southern Nepal?
Authors: Devkota Hridaya Raj , Clarke Andrew , Murray Emily , Kett Maria , Groce Nora
Published: March 2021

Background: Disability and caste are two different forms of oppression, however Dalits and people with disabilities commonly face similar types of marginalities. Dalit women with disabilities may experience double discrimination because of the intersectionality of disability and caste. This study examines whether the disability and caste identity of women together affects and compounds the utilization of maternal healthcare services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire among a total of 354 Dalit and non-Dalit women, with and without a disability aged between 15 – 49 years. Maternal healthcare service utilization was assessed by Ante-Natal Care (ANC), health facility (HF) delivery, and Post-Natal Care (PNC) during the last pregnancy. Logistic regression was performed to detect the predictors of service utilization and identify whether disability and caste were associated with service utilization. First, disability and caste were fitted separately in models. Secondly, the intersectionality of disability and caste was tested by the inclusion of disability*caste interaction term. Finally, the confounding effect of socio-demographic factors was investigated. Results: Out of surveyed women, 73% had 4+ ANC visits, 65% had HF delivery and 29% had a PNC visit during their last pregnancy. Women with a disability had lower odds of HF delivery (OR 0.50, CI 0.30 – 0.84) and PNC (OR 0.47, CI 0.25 – 0.88) than women without a disability. Adjustment for women’s age and household wealth explained associations in HF delivery by women with disabilities. There was no association between caste and service utilization. Disability overrode caste and there was no other evidence of effect modification by women’s caste status in the utilization. However, a weak interaction effect in the utilization of ANC services was found in the caste group by their education (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05 – 0.74). Conclusions: Disabled women – whether Dalit or non-Dalit - had lower rates of utilizing all maternal healthcare services than non-disabled women. However, Dalit women with disabilities were more likely to receive PNC than non-Dalit women with disabilities. Increasing equity in maternal healthcare service utilization requires that traditional approaches to service development and program intervention to be re-examined and more nuanced interventions considered to ensure improved access and outcome among all vulnerable groups.
Pyogenic Extensor Tenosynovitis of the Wrist—A Cause of Spontaneous Extensor Tendon Rupture
Authors: Crutcher William L. , Iannuzzi Nicholas P.
Published: March 2021

Cases:

We present 2 cases of spontaneous extensor tendon rupture in the setting of pyogenic extensor tenosynovitis of the wrist caused by penetrating wounds—a cat bite and injection drug use in patients 1 and 2, respectively. Patient 1 underwent reconstruction of the extensor digitorum communis tendons with palmaris longus autograft. Patient 2 declined surgical reconstruction.

Conclusions:

These cases highlight a rare but severe complication of dorsal hand/wrist infection. Early surgical intervention should be considered to prevent this complication, which may have permanent functional consequences and requires complex reconstructive and rehabilitative efforts.
Diaphyseal Both-Bone Forearm Fracture Due to a Grip Lock Injury in a Female Pediatric Gymnast
Authors: Colon Roberto , Olivella Gerardo , Pinci Marcantonio , Rivera Claribel , Ramírez Norman , Guzmán Humberto
Published: March 2021

Case:

A 13-year-old female gymnast sustained a diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture due to a grip lock injury.

Conclusion:

This is a report of a diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture due to a grip lock injury in a female pediatric gymnast, successfully treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization. The rare mechanism of injury, education, and treatment have been discussed.
Water and Sediment Supply Requirements for Post-Wildfire Debris Flows in the Western United States
Authors: Santi Paul M. , Macaulay Blaire
Published: March 2021

This work explores two hypotheses related to runoff-related post-wildfire debris flows: 1) their initiation is limited by rainstorm intensity rather than cumulative rainfall depths and 2) they are not sediment supply limited. The first hypothesis suggests that it is common to generate more than enough rainfall to account for the volume of water in the debris flow, but to actually produce a debris flow, the water must be delivered with sufficient intensity. This is demonstrated by data from 44 debris flows from eight burned areas in California, Colorado, and Utah. Assuming a debris flow comprises 30 percent water and 70 percent solids, these events were generated during rainstorms that produced an average of 17 times as much water as necessary to develop a debris flow. Even accounting for infiltration, the rainstorms still generated an overabundance of water. Intensity dependence is also shown by numerous cases in which the exact timing of debris flows can be pinpointed and is contemporaneous with high-intensity bursts of rainfall. The hypothesis is also supported by rainfall intensity-duration thresholds where high-volume storms without high-intensity bursts do not generate debris flows. The second hypothesis of sediment-supply independence for the initiation of debris flows is supported by a significant increase in flow volume occurring directly after wildfire, compared to flows in unburned terrain. Also, repeated flows within short time intervals are only possible with an abundance of channel sediment, dry ravel, and bank failure material that can be mobilized. Field observations confirm these sediment sources, even directly after a debris-flow.
Using High Sample Rate Lidar to Measure Debris-Flow Velocity and Surface Geometry
Authors: Rengers Francis K. , Rapstine Thomas D. , Olsen Michael , Allstadt Kate E. , Iverson Richard M. , Leshchinsky Ben , Obryk Maciej , Smith Joel B.
Published: March 2021

Debris flows evolve in both time and space in complex ways, commonly starting as coherent failures but then quickly developing structures such as roll waves and surges. These processes are readily observed but difficult to study or quantify because of the speed at which they evolve. Many methods for studying debris flows consist of point measurements (e.g., flow height or basal stresses), which are inherently limited in spatial coverage and cannot fully characterize the spatiotemporal evolution of a flow. In this study, we use terrestrial lidar to measure debris-flow profiles at high sampling rates to examine debris-flow movement with high temporal and spatial precision and accuracy. We acquired measurements during gate-release experiments at the U.S. Geological Survey debris-flow flume, a unique experimental facility where debris flows can be artificially generated at a large scale. A lidar scanner was used to record repeat topographic profiles of the moving debris flows along the length of the flume with a narrow swath width (∼1 mm) at a rate of 60 Hz. The high-resolution lidar profiles enabled us to quantify flow front velocity of the debris flows and provided an unprecedented record of the development and evolution of the flow structure with a sub-second time resolution. The findings of this study demonstrate how to obtain quantitative measurements of debris-flow movement. In addition, the data help us to quantitatively define the development of a saltating debris-flow front and roll waves behind the debris-flow front. Such measurements may help constrain future modeling efforts.
Real Time Geosteering Integrated Services. A Key Issue in Maximizing Geothermal Exposure and Minimizing Drilling and Completion Risks. A Paris Basin Case Study
Authors: Ungemach Pierre , Antics Miklos , Di Tommaso Davide , Casali Filippo
Published: March 2021

Geothermal District Heating (GDH) doublets in the Central part of the Paris Basin, particularly in the Capital City suburban areas, face two major concerns:

The replacement of aging and declining, when not damaged, well infrastructures and productive/injective capacities; GDH doublets density, approaching overpopulation in some areas, which limits well replacement opportunities and clouds new development issues bearing in mind the space limitations in urban areas and the thermal breakthrough/reservoir cooling shortcomings.

The Paris suburban Cachan site was considered a relevant candidate for a first implementation of an alternative well architecture design. In March 2018, the second sub-horizontal geothermal injection well, GCAH2, was successfully tested at the Paris suburban Cachan site, thus validating this innovative sub-horizontal well (SHW) architecture, initiated on the previously drilled production well, GCAH1, recorded as a world first with 1000 m 8-1/2 in. open hole horizontal drain.

The sub-horizontal drain sections of the wells were drilled using the geosteering technique in place of the usual geometric pre-planned trajectory. Geosteering was successfully used for optimal well placement of the geothermal injection/production doublet. The real-time data was correlated to reservoir model to design and implement a reliable well trajectory and to increase reservoir exposure. Alongside LWD (logging while drilling), advanced near real-time cuttings analysis utilizing elemental and mineralogical measurements and custom software was used to improve decision making while drilling. The integration of chemo-stratigraphy, mud logging, wireline, logging while drilling and production test results improved the correlation between wells, supporting the building of a proper geological model and reservoir characterization.
Wellbore Stabilizing Technology Enhances Cementing Efforts in the North Sea
Authors: Ilnicka Agnieszka , Bottiglieri Antonio , Jaskiewicz Maja , Kulakofsky David
Published: March 2021

North Sea lithologies are often complex creating a difficult environment to deliver effective zonal isolation with standard cementing practices. With ever-present weak, fractured, and unconsolidated formations, the practice of fully lifting heavier cement up the annular gap between the formation and the casing or liner often times compromises the formation and the cement integrity. Wellbore Stabilizing (WBS) technology has been shown capable of providing zonal isolation under these difficult conditions.

A cementing spacer has been developed that incorporates WBS technology providing a simple way to deliver the technology in front of any cement job, without compromising the cement integrity or requiring any last-minute slurry design or redesign. By separating the placement of the WBS technology from the cement itself, the cement slurry can be designed with the sole focus being on the interval's zonal isolation requirements.

On Askepott wells in the Norwegian part of the North Sea, the Nordland weak zone is encountered after drilling out the 30-inch shoe from the Oseberg Vest H template. Cement back to the seafloor is required when cementing the 20-in casing in these 26-in. holes. Prior to the introduction of the WBS technology, pressure had been observed on the D-annulus, hinting at a lack of sufficient cement circulation. With assistance from this new WBS spacer, pressure is no longer observed in the D-annulus indicating the cement is now being circulated back inside of the conductor string. The WBS spacer has also been used successfully ahead of cement across the production interval in wells where losses were typically expected, and again full returns were observed.

Normally cement spacers are utilized to separate the drilling fluid from the cement as these two fluids are normally incompatible with each other and to help push the drilling fluid out of the well so the annulus may be completely filled with cement. If the drilling fluid is not successfully displaced from the annular space, the zonal isolation intended by the primary cement job is usually less than ideal. In addition to these standard functions in preparation for cementing operations, this specialized WBS spacer also can prevent loss of cement to the formation.
A Comparison of the Measured Properties of Annular Cement with Ultrasonic Cement Evaluation Logs
Authors: Gardner Dave , Skadsem Hans Joakim , Beltrán-Jiménez Katherine , Govil Amit , Obando Palacio Guillermo , Delabroy Laurent
Published: March 2021

Different measurement methods have been utilized to investigate the quality of the cement sheath inside two cemented sandwich sections including high-resolution ultrasonic cement evaluation logs, analysis of samples, mechanical loading, and fluid seepage measurements. The sections were recovered from a North Sea well during a permanent plug and abandonment operation. The measurements have been analyzed with an aim to describe in detail the spatial variations in the cement properties and relate them to the logs.

Ultrasonic cement evaluation logs were recorded to map the acoustic properties of the annular cement in the casing sections. Logging passes were recorded using different annular fluids and with different internal casing pressures to investigate the potential effect on the casing to cement bond response. The casing annulus was pressure tested using water and gas, and seepage rates were recorded whilst varying the annulus and the inner casing pressures. The sections tested were instrumented with an array of annulus pressure sensors. On one section, strain gauges were installed on the casing outer surface to record the transfer of strain through the cement sheath to the outer casing.

The eccentricity of the inner casing was up to 70% compared with the outer casing which results in a substantial variation of the cement sheath thickness. Accordingly, the pressure sensors and strain gauge arrays were positioned to capture both axial and azimuthal variations of the cement sealing properties. Cement mechanical, chemical, and acoustic bulk properties were also measured on core plugs taken from the cement sheath.

The log recordings and sensor measurements showed that the cement sheath properties vary considerably, both along the section length and from the narrow to the wide side of the annulus in the casing sandwich sections. The sealing quality of the cement sheath measured by pressure testing could be correlated with the log response. We observed a nearly linear reduction in seepage rates when increasing the inner casing pressure due to the reduction in size of the annular leakage path. Analysis of bulk properties confirm the presence of cement defects such as mud contamination and microannuli. The logs identified features related to the test cell construction that demonstrated the log spatial resolution and enabled an accurate spatial comparison to be made between the logs and cement sheath sealing properties.

A comprehensive data set has been recorded on casing in casing-cemented sandwich sections with axial and azimuthal variations in the cement sheath quality. The data analysis has improved the understanding of the cement sheath mechanical properties, the seal quality, and the response of the ultrasonic cement evaluation logs.
Fully Automated Directional Drilling is Now a Reality - An Example from the Norwegian Continental Shelf
Authors: Heredia Jorge , Marck Julien , Heller Sara , Ferreira Filipe , Lindal Anders , Kvandal Petter
Published: March 2021

Automated drilling has been discussed for a long time, with much of the discussion being around future ambitions – what could be or might be possible. Given the complexity of a modern drilling operation, the idea of automating all or part of it is daunting. Despite the apparent obstacles, there has recently been significant progress toward this goal, centred on the core process of drilling new boreholes.

This paper presents an automated directional-drilling process executed on a commercial well in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea in 2019, where a next-generation intelligent rotary-steerable system completed a well section in a single run with all drilling commands automatically computed, optimized, and downlinked by a drilling automation platform. The section was complex, comprising two intervals requiring steering in three dimensions, separated by a tangent section. Directional-drilling engineers onshore, who had the authority to override the system if necessary, supervised the operation remotely. No such override was required, and the automated system was able to drill the entire section while automatically sending steering decisions.

The 12¼-in. landing interval required precise positional control to enter the reservoir in the correct location and with the correct attitude. At the end of the section, with over 1500 m drilled, the final well position was 0.28 m above the target position and 3.89 m to the left, with minimal tortuosity, making it easy to land the subsequent casing string. The final build section, from 33 to 71.6° of inclination, was drilled between 100 and 150 m/hr, with a planned dogleg severity of 3°/30 m. To drill such a complex trajectory automatically would have been unthinkable only a short time ago and marks a major milestone in the development of automated drilling technology.
IMoDD: Intelligent Mapping of Downhole Dynamics
Authors: Sims Kelly Scott , Bomidi John Abhishek , Moss William Anthony , Wilson Thomas Andrew
Published: March 2021

With the ever-increasing pressure to drill wells efficiently at lower costs, the utilization of downhole sensors in the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) that reveal true downhole dynamics has become scarce. Surface sensors are notoriously inaccurate in translating readings to an accurate representation of downhole dynamics. The issue of 1 to 1 interpretation of surface to downhole dynamics is prevalent in all sensors and creates a paradigm of inefficient drilling practices and decision making. Intelligent mapping of downhole dynamics (IMoDD) is an analytical suite to address these inefficiencies and maximize the use of surface sensors, thus doing more with less. IMoDD features a new zeroing beyond the traditional workflows of zeroing the surface sensors related to weight and torque at the connection. A new method, Second-order Identifier of Maximum Stand-pipe-pressure: SIMS, is introduced. The method examines changes in stand-pipe pressure and identifies the point before bit-wellbore contact, using a set of conditions. The resulting calculations of weight and torque are verified with measured values of downhole weight and torque, for multiple stands of drilling in vertical, curve-lateral drilling. After the new zero, the deviation of torque-weight correlations is further examined to reveal the downhole weight changes confirmed also by the downhole sensor data. It is demonstrated that an intelligent mapping system that improves downhole characterizations would improve decision making to facilitate smoother energy transfer thus reducing Non-Productive Time (NPT) and increasing BHA life span.