bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Study: Conductor-Integrity Monitoring in Subsea Wells in Harsh Environments
Authors: Holden Harald
Published: September 2023

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A decade-long project to monitor drilling operations on subsea wells in harsh environments has delivered interesting results.

Subsea production and exploration wells are subjected to loads from the drilling riser and subsea blowout preventors (BOP). The latter have grown in size and weight over time, resulting in larger wellhead loads.

The main task of a subsea conductor is to transfer these loads into the seabed. The bending load applied on the wellhead is transferred into the conductor, which again transfers the loads through the cement and into the soil.

In cases where the load exerted on the soil and cement exceeds the capacity, the soil around the conductor might fail. The cement filling the cavity between the conductor and the soil can also crack and consequently lose its intended function. This support degradation reduces the conductor’s ability to support the well.

4Subsea’s Subsea Wellhead Integrity Monitoring (SWIM) service for operations on subsea wells has now been in action for more than a decade. Sensors monitoring the motion and loads near the subsea wellhead have been mounted on more than 300 drilling campaigns (Fig. 1). In recent years, more than 70% of the drilling operations with semisubmersible drilling rigs on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) have been monitored using SWIM.

As a part of the service, integrity parameters showing whether the conductor gives the intended amount of support are calculated. A major finding is that loss of conductor support during drilling operations has been observed in several of these campaigns, with different integrity issues detected.

In at the Deep End

Wells in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, and the Barents Sea are often developed as subsea fields. The typical setup while drilling these wells utilizes a mobile drilling unit (semisubmersible or drillship) with a marine riser and subsea BOP. The well foundation must be designed to withstand the imposed loads.

In accordance with Norwegian Safety Authority facility regulations, wells and their foundations must follow strict regulations. These include that the conductor shall provide structural integrity of the well during its service life, and that it shall be evaluated with respect to structural loads and fatigue.

Subsea wells can be divided into two categories based on the type of support of the respective conductor.

- Supported conductors are the most-common configuration for subsea production wells in harsh environments, with a template structure supporting the conductor.

- Unsupported conductors are used for exploration and production wells in less-harsh environments.

During well foundation design, there are typically three different failure modes to consider.

- Extreme load failure (ULS, ALS) of the wellhead system and supporting structures

- Fatigue failure (FLS) of the wellhead system and supporting structure

- Failure of the soil support and cement around the conductor

SWIM covers both fatigue monitoring and detection of issues with the soil and cement support.
Technology Focus: Field Development (September 2023)
Authors: Garmeh Reza
Published: September 2023

The integration of machine learning and physics-based simulation modeling offers a comprehensive approach to optimizing unconventional development and addressing parent-/child-well depletion issues. By combining the predictive capabilities of machine-learning models with the insights gained from physics-based modeling, operators can develop customized solutions tailored to the specific characteristics of the reservoir. Machine-learning models can optimize well-spacing, -placement, and -completion designs, while physics-based simulation modeling provides a deeper understanding of reservoir behavior and performance.

Machine learning has emerged as a powerful tool, leveraging large volumes of data to provide data-driven insights and predictive capabilities. By training machine-learning models on geologic, completion, and spacing data, operators can predict production performance and make informed decisions to enhance production and cost-efficiency.

Parent/child interactions, where production from a parent well negatively affects subsequent child wells, pose challenges in unconventional development. Benchmarking, through the comparison and analysis of performance data, plays a crucial role in understanding and mitigating these issues. By benchmarking production data, completion designs, and reservoir properties, operators can identify best practices and develop strategies to minimize the interference between parent and child wells.

By harnessing the power of data-driven insights and the knowledge gained from physics-based simulation modeling, operators can make informed decisions regarding well spacing, completion designs, and operational strategies. This integrated approach enhances decision-making, reduces uncertainties, and increases overall efficiency in unconventional development projects. As technology continues to advance, the use of machine learning and physics-based simulation modeling will further improve the optimization of unconventional development, driving the industry toward greater efficiency and sustainability.

The selected papers and suggested additional reading provide valuable insights into the evolving field of development optimization using physics-based simulation models and machine learning.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE 205651 Digital Field Development Planning: A Collaboration Between Technology and Process To Enable Fast and Efficient Field Development Planning by Mohd Aminuddin Bin Md Karim, Petronas

SPE 207899 Artificial Intelligence for Infill Well Placement and Design Optimization in Multilayered/Stacked Reservoirs Under Subsurface Uncertainty by Shi Su, SLB, et al.

SPE 208529 A Comprehensive Machine-Learning Approach for Quantitatively Analyzing Development Performance and Optimization for a Heterogeneous Carbonate Reservoir in the Middle East by Ruijie Huang, Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, et al.
Potential Revealed for Hydrogen Production From Offshore Wind in Uruguay
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: September 2023

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This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 31879, “Assessment of the Potential for Hydrogen Production From Bottom‑Fixed Offshore Wind in Uruguay,” by Juan Tomasini, SPE, Pablo Gristo, SPE, and Santiago Ferro, SPE, ANCAP, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2022 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

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With almost the entire electricity matrix having been decarbonized, the next step in the Uruguayan energy transition includes the development of a hydrogen economy. In the complete paper, the authors present the results of the assessment of two regions suitable for bottom-fixed offshore wind energy (OWE) technologies. Results are encouraging and could lead to new possibilities in supporting the development of a hydrogen economy.

Introduction

For Uruguay, hydrogen is expected to play an important role in tackling the various challenges of the second phase of decarbonization; it holds the potential for use in the transport sector and in raw materials and chemical products.

Having no oil production, Uruguay is a net oil importer; therefore, the extensive use of hydrogen in the domestic market may have a profound effect on the national economy and energy sovereignty. Preliminary findings show that Uruguay may have hydrogen production costs between $1.2 and $1.4/kg, placing the country among the world’s net exporters.

Green Hydrogen Production From Offshore Renewable Energy

Compared with onshore wind, OWE presents several advantages, including a greater capacity of each turbine (fewer turbines required for the same wind-farm capacity) and the availability of larger areas (allowing larger wind-farm capacity). Even if bottom-fixed is the predominant technology for OWE projects, floating technology is attracting increasing investment and public policy support because of its potential to access wind resources at water deeper than 40 m, where bottom-fixed may be less feasible technically, economically, or logistically.

Green Hydrogen Production. Contrasting with blue or gray hydrogen (produced from fossil fuels with or without carbon capture and storage, respectively), green hydrogen provides the lowest near-zero-emissions option. Green hydrogen can be produced through the gasification of biomass or the electrolysis of water powered by renewable electricity.

Alkaline electrolysis and proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) technologies are widely available commercially. Alkaline electrolysis is a fully mature technology that represents the lower-cost option, but its operational load limits are not as broad as those for PEM; therefore, its coupling with variable renewable sources should be carefully managed. On the other hand, PEM electrolysis is not yet a fully mature technology, with higher costs that are expected to be reduced in the coming years.
Technology Focus: Oilfield Chemistry (September 2023)
Authors: Fuller Michael
Published: September 2023

Avid readers of recent technical literature in upstream energy can identify an upward trend in the frequency of studies that use large-data-set analysis to improve decision-making regarding production and operations. While big data and artificial intelligence had originally been fascinating concepts without wide examples of practical use, recent studies have showcased more practical uses of these methods of data analytics.

The technical arena of oilfield chemistry, both that of the natural downhole environment and that of chemistry introduced downhole, provides a rich testing ground for advanced uses of data. Whereas early uses of data in the upstream chemical space included use of design of experimentation for vetting or developing new chemistries, today data analytics enables, for example, production allocation based on assessment of produced hydrocarbons. Featured studies showcase this type of application of data analytics to improve production assessment. One example reviewed various geochemical methods to allocate zonal contribution to production by analyzing produced fluid composition and decoupling the contributions of individual zones’ fluids. Another selection measured the carbon isotope signatures of gas from individual zones and used it to determine the thermal maturity of the gases from different reservoirs; this work has the potential for similar zonal allocation assessment of gas production.

In its current maturity, machine learning also provides significant potential to improve our understanding and prediction of downhole chemical reactions. In another featured study, a geochemical data set of staggering proportions was populated with water composition data from many years and wells. Coupled with the equations that govern many downhole reactions to use machine learning, the presented tool allowed improved modeling and prediction of, for example, inorganic scaling behavior under downhole conditions.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE 206091 Asphaltenes: Fundamental Principles to Oilfield Applications by Oliver Mullins, SLB, et al.

SPE 211238 Detection and Monitoring of Corrosive Oilfield Microorganisms Through Novel Biomarker Technologies by Sven Lahme, ExxonMobil, et al.

SPE 207340 Toward the Rational Design of Chemical Formulations for EOR From Carbonates: Molecular-Level Understanding of Carbonate Wettability and Its Reversal by Surfactants and Ions by Shixun Bai, University of Wyoming, et al.
Geochemical Approaches Assist Production Allocation of Commingled Fluids
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: September 2023

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This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 205130, “The Application of Petroleum Geochemical Methods to Production Allocation of Commingled Fluids,” by Richard Patience, Mark Bastow, and Martin Fowler, Applied Petroleum Technology, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

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Geochemical-based methods for production monitoring and allocation are much lower-cost than use of production logging tools because no additional rig time or extra personnel are required at the well site. Additionally, no intervention to the production of hydrocarbons from a well is required, reducing operational risk. The complete paper summarizes these approaches and provides examples and describes a best practice that avoids a one-size-fits-all approach.

Introduction

Production allocation from petroleum geochemistry is defined here as the quantitative determination of the amount or portion of a commingled fluid to be assigned to two or more individual fluid sources at a particular moment in time based on fluid chemistry. It requires knowledge of the original chemical compositions of each of the fluids before mixing (referred to here as the “end members”) and the ability to identify statistically valid differences in their chemistries. The fluid may be oil, gas, or water. The concept is illustrated in Fig. 1a by mixing colors to represent the end members and commingled fluid.

Production monitoring, in contrast, is the analysis of a time series of production fluids from the same source. This is demonstrated in Fig. 1b, where a change in chemistry can be observed between Days 60 and 100. Two data points at the same time are duplicates, proving that the change in chemistry is real and not an artifact.

It is generally qualitative to semiquantitative in comparison with production allocation.

Production allocation, therefore, is inherently more complex, in terms of both the sample requirements and data treatment. Allocation is the main focus of this paper.

Allocation Sampling Strategies

For a production allocation project, the three following distinct stages require samples:

Stage 1: Can Contributing End Members Be Distinguished? In the initial stage, a determination must be made regarding whether end member reservoirs contributing to production can be distinguished based on their chemical composition.

End Members From Conventional Plays. These typically are flowed samples from drillstem tests, bottomhole samples from wireline tools, or production tests, usually taken during the drilling of exploration or appraisal wells.

Several issues must be considered when assessing the usefulness of such samples:

- Are the end member samples representative of the reservoir as a whole?

- Is the end member sample contaminated with organic compounds from drilling fluid?

- When were the end members taken, how were they stored, and has there been significant alteration of the composition of the sample as a result?
Identification and molecular characterization of flavonoid biosynthetic genes and their expression analysis in wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) during leaf rust infection
Authors: Adhikary Maria , Deb Prasanta Kumar , Sarkar Biswatrish , Jha Shailendra Kumar , Kumar Manish , Mukhopadhyay Kunal
Published: September 2023

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major staple food worldwide. Puccinia triticina. forms infectious urediniospores causing leaf rust disease in bread wheat leading to an annual yield loss of ~15% globally. Evolution of new virulent strains and ability of urediniospores to traverse long distances in air pose a challenge on the prevailing leaf rust control techniques. Therefore, significant knowledge is required about the genes in wheat plants that can restrict disease development.Contemporary studies indicate that flavonoid biosynthetic genes are involved in transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation, growth, responses to environmental stimuli and signal transduction. We were able to identify flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin that were synthesized in wheat plants only after leaf rust infection In silico identification of contigs from four SOLiD-SAGE libraries and their functional annotation depicted the involvement of secondary metabolism pathways in retort to the disease development. The flavonoid biosynthetic pathway was discerned through KEGG mapping of the identified contigs and the key genes like Chalcone synthase, Flavanone 3-dioxygenase and Anthocyanidin synthase were characterized. Expression analysis of these genes at varied time points post pathogen infection on both resistant and susceptible wheat Near-Isogenic Lines, revealed their association with development, metabolism, and defense response regulation. Expression of these genes decreased significantly during pathogenesis in susceptible wheat plants compared to the resistant plants, indicating the transition in expression of flavonol accumulation possibly to combat leaf rust disease progression. Consequently, this study focuses on investigating flavonoid biosynthetic genes in wheat and their response during leaf-rust pathogenesis.
I Want To Be Safe: Understanding The Main Drivers Behind Vaccination Choice Throughout The Pandemic
Authors: Marini Marco , Demichelis Alessandro , Menicagli Dario , Mancini Giovanna , Panizza Folco , Bilancini Ennio , Cevolani Gustavo
Published: September 2023

Background Vaccines are one of the most significant achievements of modern medicine. However, vaccine hesitancy and refusal are widespread and can hamper immunization campaigns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy became particularly evident. Beliefs regarding vaccine efficacy and safety are prominent in shaping vaccine acceptance rates. This study investigated the impact of efficacy and safety perception on vaccine uptake in Italy throughout the pandemic.Methods We used a 70-item questionnaire distributed to a representative sample of 600 Italian speakers. The participants were asked to rate how effective/safe they perceived each vaccine dose and their willingness to receive a potential fourth dose.Results Our findings show that vaccine efficacy and safety perception changed during the pandemic, possibly shaping vaccination compliance. If at the time of the first dose the vaccine was deemed as more effective than safe, at the time of the third dose the assessment was reversed. Moreover, regarding a potential future vaccination, the role of beliefs regarding efficacy is negligible, whereas the role of beliefs regarding safety appears as still significant. The results of our experimental manipulation (framing effect) highlighted that framing vaccine-related information in terms of safety is much more effective that framing it in terms of efficacy in boosting the willingness to vaccinate. Moreover, we retraced the diachronic evolution of the reasons behind vaccination choice. We detected a decrease in infection-related reasons and a corresponding increase in social-related ones. Lastly, we reported a different evolution of trust attribution relative to public authorities and the scientific community.Conclusions The perception of vaccines is a constantly evolving process, influenced by various dynamic factors such as perception of efficacy and safety, levels of trust, and individual motivations. Our study sheds light on the complex dynamics that underlie the perception of vaccine safety and efficacy, and their impact on willingness to vaccinate. We discuss these results in light of bounded rationality, loss aversion and classic utility theory. This study traces the pandemic history in Italy by examining the evolution of beliefs, opinions, and trust of a representative sample of the population.
Rhythmicity of neuronal oscillations delineates their cortical and spectral architecture
Authors: Myrov Vladislav , Siebenhühner Felix , Juvonen Joonas , Arnulfo Gabriele , Palva Satu , Palva J. Matias
Published: September 2023

Neuronal oscillations are commonly analyzed with power spectral methods that quantify signal amplitude, but not rhythmicity or "oscillatoriness" per se. Here we introduce a new method, the phase-autocorrelation functon(pACF), for direct quantification of rhythmicity. We applied pACF to human intracerebral stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) data to quantify rhythmicity and uncovered a spectrally and anatomically fine-grained cortical architecture of single- and multi-frequency neuronal oscillations. We also extended the pACF approach to measure "burstiness" of oscillatory processes and characterized regions with stable and bursty oscillations. We found that rhythmicity is double-dissociable from amplitude and constitutes a functionally relevant and dynamic characteristic of neuronal oscillations.
A novel gene-based model for prognosis prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Yanxi , Li Peiran , Liu Yuqi , Geng Wei
Published: September 2023

Background
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant global health challenge. The identification of reliable prognostic biomarkers and construction of an ac-curate prognostic model are crucial.
Methods
In this study, mRNNA expression data and clinical data of HNSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used. Overlapping candidate genes (OCGs) were identified by intersecting differentially expressed genes (DEGs)and prognosis-related genes. Best prognostic genes were selected using LASSO-COX regression based on OCGs, and a risk score was developed using the Cox coefficient of each gene. The prognostic power of the risk score was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and time-dependent ROC analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were performed to identify independent prognostic parameters, which were used to construct a nomogram. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was evaluated using calibration plots. Functional enrichment analysis of risk score related genes was performed to explore the potential biological pathways. External validation was conducted using data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and ArrayExpress databases.
Results
FADS3, TNFRSF12A, TJP3, and FUT6 were screened to be significantly related to prognosis in HNSCC patients. The risk score effectively stratified patients into high-risk group with poor overall survival (OS) and low-risk group with better OS. Risk score, age, clinical M stage, clinical N stage were regarded as independent prognostic parameters by Cox regression analysis and used to construct a nomogram. The nomogram performed well in 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- and 10-year survival predictions. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that tight junction was closely related to the cancer. In addition, the prognostic power of the risk score was validated by external data sets.
Conclusions
This study constructed a gene-based model integrating clinical prognostic parameters to accurately predict prognosis in HNSCC patients.
Development of novel sustainable biocomposite from polycaprolactone and Sesbania rostrata fiber
Authors: Krishnan Raja , Krishnan Raja , Muthusamy Kathirselvam , Shanmugam Senthil Kumar Marudhamuthu , Kadhiresan Santhanam
Published: September 2023

The best way to accelerate the application of polymer composites is by making them an environmentally friendly material that can degrade naturally without harming the environment. Hence, this work focuses on the development of biocomposite by reinforcing bark fibers of Sesbania rostrata (SRF) with polycaprolactone (PCL) biopolymer. Composite samples were fabricated by reinforcing untreated SRF and sodium bicarbonate-treated SRF to PCL at different weight proportions of 10, 15, 20, and 25%. The compressing moulding technique was used to develop the test specimens, and samples were subjected to mechanical, thermal, water absorption, wear, and morphological tests. Biocomposites made of 20 wt.% of chemically treated SRF with PCL yield better mechanical strength than other combinations. The thermal properties of biocomposite were not affected by the inclusion of untreated fibers and were improved by the inclusion of treated fibers. An increased fiber volume fraction in the biocomposites accounts for higher water absorption properties, whereas chemically treated fibers show a significant increase in water resistance. Wear test results expose that the weight loss of the biocomposites is mainly dependent on the contact temperature and adhesion between the SRF surface and the PCL matrix. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis of the fractured biocomposites reveals that failure occurs primarily due to fiber pull-out, debonding, and agglomeration.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with acute coronary syndrome during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Ma Ruchao , Chen Gang , Wang Wei , Wei Taotao , Song Ruixia , Ma Guiqing , Feng Ying , Lin Xin
Published: September 2023

Background
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is feasible for patients with complex coronary atherosclerotic disease in coronary revascularization. The safety and feasibility of Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for circulatory support in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during high-risk PCI remain unclear.
Methods
This single-center retrospective study, 41patients with ACS who received VA-ECMO circulation-assisted PCI in Lanzhou University Second Hospital from January 2021 to September 2022. General clinical data, laboratory test results, short-term outcome, postoperative complications of patients were collected and analyzed.
Results
Among 41 patients, only one failed stent implantation due to severe tortuous vessels, 41 patients were successfully performed PCI, and no patient died during the operation. 12 (29.3%) patients occurred postoperative complications included postoperative infection occurred in 6 (14.6%) patients, 8 (19.1%) patients occurred hypotension, 1 (2.4%) patient occurred cerebral hemorrhage, 1 (2.4%) patient happened death due to retroperitoneal hematoma combined with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock.
Conclusion
The PCI in complex and high-risk coronary artery lesions with VA-ECMO support is safe and feasible. The benefits of PCI with ECMO need to confirm by larger sample and randomized controlled trials in the future.
Analytical performance of free testosterone calculated by direct immunoluminometric method compared with Vermeulen equation: results from a clinical series.
Authors: Dalmiglio Cristina , Bombardieri Alessio , Mattii Elisa , Sestini Fausta , Fioravanti Carla , Castagna Maria Grazia , Fiorini Marcello , Dotta Francesco , Cantara Silvia
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Testosterone is a hormone crucial for primary and secondary sexual development in both males and females. Free testosterone (FT) represents the biologically active form of T, and its measurement holds significant importance in clinical practice. While equilibrium dialysis or ultrafiltration are considered the gold standard for FT assessment, these methods are expensive and not widely accessible. As an alternative, the Vermeulen formula is a commonly utilized calculated method.
Methods: This clinical study involved 190 consecutive patients, comparing FT levels obtained through direct immunoluminometric assay and the Vermeulen formula. The comparison was performed using Passing-Bablok, Deming regressions, as well as the Bland-Altman plot. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were assessed.
Results: The calculated method, employing the Vermeulen formula, was considered the gold standard. Passing-Bablok regression indicated a good agreement between the two methods, with slopes close to 1. The Bland-Altman demonstrated overall agreement, but a potential proportional bias was observed in females. Deming regression confirmed excellent agreement and reliable estimates. Sensitivity and specificity analysis revealed that the direct method had a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 93.4% considering all patients. However, sensitivity improved to 81.0% in males and dropped to 18.2% in females, likely due to the low number of true positive cases.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the direct method exhibited comparable performance to the calculated method, but caution should be exercised when interpreting results, particularly in females. Further studies are necessary to validate its sensitivity and specificity in larger series.
Exploring European consensus about the remaining treatment challenges and subsequent opportunities to improve the management of Invasive Fungal Infection (IFI) in the Intensive Care Unit.
Authors: Hoenigl Martin , Enoch David A , Wichmann Dominic , Wyncoll Duncan , Cortegiani Andrea
Published: September 2023

Background:The global prevalence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) is increasing, particularly within Intensive Care Units (ICU), where Candida spp. and Aspergillusspp. represent the most important pathogens. Diagnosis and management of IFIs becomes progressively challenging, with increasing antifungal resistance and the emergence of rare fungal species.
The aim of this project was to identify challenges around diagnosing and managing IFIs in the ICU through a consensus survey focused on assessing current views on how IFI should be managed, the current status in different countries and perceived challenges to date amongst a multidisciplinary cohort of healthcare professionals involved in the care of IFI in the ICU.
Methods: Using a modified Delphi approach, an expert panel developed 44 Likert scale statements across 6 key domains concerning patient screening and minimal standards for diagnosis of IFIs in ICU; initiation and termination of antifungal treatments and how to minimise their side effects and insights for future research on this topic. These were used to develop an online survey which was distributed on a convenience sampling basis utilising the subscriber list held by an independent provider (M3 Global). This survey was distributed to intensivists, infectious disease specialists, microbiologists and antimicrobial/ICU pharmacists within the UK, Germany, Spain, France and Italy. The threshold for consensus was set at 75%.
Results: A total of 335 responses were received during the five-month period to collect responses. From these, 29/44 (66%) statements attained very high agreement (≥90%), 11/44 (25%) high agreement (<90% and ≥75%), and 4/44 (9%) did not meet threshold for consensus (<75%).
Conclusion: The results outline the need for physicians to be aware of the local incidence of IFI and the associated rate of azole resistance in their ICUs. Where high clinical suspicion exists, treatment should start immediately and prior to receiving the results from any diagnostic test. Beta-D-glucan testing should be available to all ICU centres, with results available within 48 hours, in order to inform the cessation of empirical antifungal therapy. These consensus statements and proposed measures may guide future areas for further research to optimise the management of IFIs in the ICU.
Classification of natural grassland based on attribute mathematical theory
Authors: Chen Xiang , Ren Huan-xia
Published: September 2023

In order to provide reference for the quantitative study of natural grassland classification, the classification model of natural grassland is proposed based on attribute mathematical theory. The inverse trigonometric function curves are adopted to optimize the piecewise linear curves, and construct rigorously the nonlinear attribute measurement functions, avoiding the influence of mutation points and linear variation zones of the piecewise linear functions on the accuracy of the model; the unascertained measurement distance replacing confidence criterion is employed as the attribute recognition criterion. The classification of natural grassland is divided into 3 grades, i.e. temperate desert type, temperate steppe type and meadow grassland type; the evaluation indexes and its classification standards are determined based on the comprehensive analysis of natural grassland attributes such as the ecological situation, reproduction ability and economic condition. The proposed model is applied in the classification of 31 natural grassland samples from western areas of China, the classification results can better reflect the grassland resources attributes between natural grassland samples, and agree well with that of grey relational analysis method, projection pursuit method, projection pursuit dynamic cluster method, set pair analysis method, and SOFM neural network method.
Food quality worsens with the consumption of alcoholic beverages in women with binge eating
Authors: Azevedo Lívia Dayane Sousa , de Souza Ana Paula Leme , Lima Deivson Wendell da Costa , João Luiza Lujan São , Santos Manoel Antônio dos , Pillon Sandra Cristina , Pessa Rosane Pilot
Published: September 2023

Context:
The phenomenon of binge eating occurs simultaneously with disorders related to alcohol consumption due to the similarity between the symptoms of both conditions, such as lack of self-control, impulsivity and increased self-destructive behavior. The aim of the present study was to analyze the pattern of alcohol consumption in women with binge eating and verify its association with food quality.
Methods
This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study with a quantitative approach. Fifty women with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder participated in outpatient follow-up in specialized services for eating disorders in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data, patterns of alcohol consumption, symptoms of binge eating and food intake were collected through 24-hour recall to assess the quality of food. Data were analyzed descriptively and comparatively using SPSS version 21.0. To verify the association between categorical variables, Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used.
Results
The women were young adults, predominantly without a partner, employed and with complete high school education. The majority (68%) had overweight, high cardiovascular risk (62%) and some level of binge eating symptoms. It was found that 38% of the participants showed problematic consumption of alcoholic beverages associated with lower quality food and low consumption of vegetables when compared to women who do not use alcoholic beverages.
Conclusions
Problematic consumption of alcoholic beverages in women with binge eating was frequent and affected the quality of food. These results are worrisome because these behaviors can impair nutritional status and drug therapy and compromise the prognosis of eating disorders.
Health Providers’ Self Reported Provision of Preconception Care and Associated Factors in Kisumu County-kenya
Authors: Morema Everlyne N , Ouma Collins , Egessa Robert , Nyachiro Lydia , Shisanya Morris
Published: September 2023

Background Preconception care (PCC) is the provision of health interventions to women and couples before conception occurs and is valuable in preventing and controlling noncommunicable diseases. In Africa, more so in Kenya, maternal and neonatal health indicators have remained poor. The key constraint limiting progress has been the gap between what is needed and what exists in terms of skills and human resources and infrastructure. This gap was yet to be measured for PCC in Kenya, more so in Kisumu County.
Methods. Using a cross-sectional design, this study specifically sought to determine the rate of self-reported PCC provision and to illustrate how it is influenced by health provider characteristics. Structured interviews were conducted with health providers (n=476) to ascertain their knowledge, perceptions and practice of PCC care. The significance of the differences in proportions was determined by the x2. Student’s t test and linear regression were used to show the relationship between the factors and the PCC provision rate.
Results. Self-reported PCC provision was estimated at 37%. There was a significant difference in the mean for cadres {nurses (M=70.04, SD=8.951) and non-nurses (M=71.90, SD=8.732); t (473) =-2.23, P=0.026)}, years of experience up to 5 years (M=72.04, SD=8.417) and more than 5 years (M=69.89, SD=9.283); t (465) =2.63, P = 0.009. PCC inclusion in reporting tool was a significant predictor (β=0.6, t (26) =8.64, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.46-0.74) of provision. The mean provision per level (M=60.21, SD=4.902; t (26) =-5.06, P<0.001) and type of service (M=69.36, SD=4.924; t (26) =4.63, P<0.001) were significantly different. The health workers felt PCC was an important service whose provision was low due to inadequate human capital investment.
Conclusion. Self-reported provision of PCC by health workers was relatively low and was influenced by the cadre of health workers and their years of experience. It was also demonstrated that the inclusion of PCC in reporting systems, the levels and types of facilities were significant predictors of self-reported provision of PCC. Investing in on-the-job training for health providers, especially nurses, establishing a reporting system for PCC activities, and providing care in primary health facilities in rural areas can improve PCC service delivery.
Predicting flap failure in head and neck surgery: Data Augmentation and Resampling for Data Imbalance
Authors: Tu Cheng Hung , Peng Guan Ju
Published: September 2023

Objective
The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) is hampered by imbalanced data using artificial intelligent models for predicting free flap failure. Thus, we propose a new data preprocessing method with Gaussian Noise and Up-Sampling to increase the AUROC score.
Study design:
Case-control study
Setting:
Data were obtained from patients with head and neck cancer who underwent free flap reconstruction at Changhua Christian Hospital in Taiwan between May 2019 and June 2020.
Methods
The collected dataset was initially divided into training and validation sets. Subsequently, a data augmentation technique was employed on the training dataset to generate additional training data, thereby addressing the issue of imbalanced sample sizes between successful and unsuccessful outcomes. The rebalanced training data are then utilized to optimize the parameters of diverse machine learning frameworks, including logistic regression(LR), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), ensemble models, and multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLP).
Result
The AUROC values derived from the original data were respectively 0.50 for the SVM and 0.53, RF, and augmented data were significantly improved to 0.72 for SVM and LR, 0.58, and 0.57, RF. When the features “Age,’ ’Preoperative Hb level,’ and” total blood loss’ were removed, the dropped AUROC value was 0.3, indicating their highest importance.
Conclusion
The data augmentation method adopted in this study resolves the data imbalance problem and improves the efficacy of most machine learning models used to predict free flap failure in head and neck surgery.
Resource Utilization and Cost Implications of Container Live Migration in Clouds: An Approach Performed on Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Authors: BOUAOUDA Amine , AFDEL Karim , ABOUNACER Rachida
Published: September 2023

Containerization has emerged as a popular technology for deploying applications in cloud environments due to its lightweight and portable nature. As containers become increasingly prevalent, the need for efficient live migration techniques to support workload balancing, fault tolerance, and resource optimization has become evident. In this study, we investigate the impact and cost of container live migration in the context of cloud computing. Leveraging the capabilities of Amazon Web Services (AWS), we establish an experimental approach by using different technologies of AWS like Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), and AWS CloudWatch, to facilitate live migration of containers and tracking its cost implications. Our findings provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and efficiency of container live migration in cloud environments, paving the way for informed decision-making and optimization strategies for containerized workloads in production settings.
Assessment of spatio-temporal pattern of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) dynamics and its nitrogen and phosphorus content of lake koka, south east of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Chane Habetamu , Kumssa Tewodros
Published: September 2023

Background
The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)is often regarded as the world's most notorious invasive species. In Southern eastern Ethiopia, Lake Koka has serious problems related to the alien water hyacinth invasive weed. This study aimed to examine the spatial-temporal pattern of water hyacinth, and its dynamic with seasonal variability and the nutrient (Nitrogen and phosphorus) content of Lake Koka. The area of water hyacinth and surface area of the Lake were mapped using Landsat 7 ETM + and Landsat 8OLI image data from the years 2013, 2017, and 2021 and Sentinel-2 MS I image data of 2017–2021. The amount Total Nitrogen was determined by TNT Persulfate Digestion Method and Total Phosphorus by Molybdovanadate Method.
Result: The annual coverage areas of water hyacinth increased by 328.89%. from 45.74.ha in 2013 to 2123 ha in 2021 over the last nine years. The annual maximum lake surface area was 164.63 km2 occurred in2017 and the minimum was 77.38 in 2021 km2. Seasonal spatial-temporal dynamics of water hyacinth in Lake Koka exhibit a periodic cyclical pattern, The mean percentage seasonal land uses of Water Hyacinth are the maximum on Spring 2.99%, followed by Summer 2.10%, then 1.25% in winter and the list is on the Autumn 0.57%. Total Nitrogen was average ranging from 5.6.-16.5mg/L However, the concentration varied from site to site with the highest concentration site of draining the wet season average value of 13–19 mg/L. Total Phosphorus was average ranged from < .001-0.85mg/L. However, the concentration varied from site to site with the highest concentration site of draining the wet season with average value of 1 -1.3 mg/L.
Conclusion: In general, the significantly increasing spatial coverage of water hyacinth on lake Koka in the last 9 years and impearled with water quality degradation, however, the management and control almost nil wards to the weed infestation. Therefore, a holistic approach, effective and sustainable management strategy, and action must be implemented to stop the spread of water hyacinth on Lake Koka.
A theoretical study on toluene oxidization by OH radical
Authors: Mao Yumin , Yang Lijuan , Liu Siqi , Song Yunchang , Luo Mengchao , Guo Yongxue
Published: September 2023

Toluene, a critical constituent of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), poses significant adverse effects on human health and the environment. The hydroxyl radical (•OH) is an efficient reactive species that actually carries out the oxidation in Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for VOCs removal. In this study, we employed computational quantum mechanical methods and experiments to systematically investigate the process of toluene degradation by •OH. Theoretical studies suggest that •OH may oxidize toluene via three possible reaction pathways: formation of phenol after hydrogen abstraction of the phenyl ring and capture of •OH, addition of •OH to the phenyl ring followed by ring-opening reaction, and side-chain oxidation of toluene to benzoic acid followed by addition of •OH and ring-opening reaction. The latter two oxidation pathways enable toluene's ring-opening via •OH addition, which significantly reduces the energy barrier of the ring-opening process. Therefore, we speculate toluene could be efficiently degraded via these two pathways. The computational results align well with the experimental outcomes derived from GC-MS characterization of intermediates in the post-reaction solution. Experimental results indicate that the predominant free radical species in the UV-H2O2 system are •OH and 1O2, with •OH being the principal active species in the degradation of toluene.
Estimation of Peptic ulcer risk through Mendelian randomization analyses using genetically predicted circulating levels of cytokines
Authors: Liu Xianqiang , Li Dingchang , Gao Wenxing , zhao Wen , Chen Peng , Liu Hao , Zhao Yingjie , Dong Guanglong
Published: September 2023

Background
The association of some inflammatory cytokines such as CRP, IL-1, and TNFα with peptic ulcer has been reported. To investigate the causal relationship between 41 inflammatory cytokines and peptic ulcers, a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted.
Methods:
Two-sample MR was conducted using data available on genetic variation in peptic ulcer from a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) that included 130 individuals of European ancestry with peptic ulcer and 189,695 control participants. Additionally, data on inflammatory cytokines were obtained from a pooled GWAS comprising 8,293 healthy individuals. The causal relationship between exposure and outcome was explored primarily using an inverse variance weighting approach. Furthermore, several sensitivity analysis techniques, such as MR-Egger, weighted median, simple model, weighted model, and MR-PRESSO, were employed to strengthen the robustness of the final findings.
Results:
The acquired data implied that platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF_BB), stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF_1A), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1-a (MIP_1A) may be associated with the risk of peptic ulcer ([ORIVW: 4.148. 95% CI: 1.74-9. 87; P = .0013], MIP_1A [ORIVW: 0.199; 95% CI: 0.067–0.593; P = .0037] SDF_1A [ORIVW: 0.318,0.117–0.866; P = .0249]. Furthermore, the absence of inflammatory factors is considered a consequence of PUD.
Conclusion:
The present study suggests that PDGF_BB, SDF_1A, and MIP_1A may be factors associated with PUD.
Circadian clock-related genome-wide Mendelian randomization identifies putatively genes for ulcerative colitis and its comorbidity
Authors: Lu Yue , Wu Yuan , Li Yiting , Li Zuming , Chen Xueru , Wu Siyi , Li Jiqiang , Chen Jiankun , Feng Yan
Published: September 2023

Background Circadian rhythm is crucial to the function of the immune system. Disorders of the circadian rhythm can lead to inflammatory diseases such as UC. This Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis applies genetic tools to represent the aggregated statistical results of exposure to circadian rhythm disorders and UC and its comorbidities, allowing for causal inferences.
Methods Summary statistics were conducted on UC and its comorbidities, protein expression quantitative trait loci, DNA methylation and gene expression in individuals of European ancestry (pQTL, mQTL, and eQTL, respectively). Genetic variants located within or near 120 circadian clock-related genes and closely related to circadian rhythm disorders were selected as instrumental variables, and the causal relationships with UC and its comorbidities were estimated through aggregated summary data-based MR (SMR) analysis.
Findings Through preliminary SMR analysis, we found a potential causal relationship between circadian clock-related genes and UC and its comorbidities. Our study identified strong evidence of positive correlation of four overlapping genes (CSNK1E, OPRL1, PIWIL2, and RORC) between MWAS and TWAS were identified in UC, three overlapping genes (OPRL1, CHRNB2, and FBXL17) in UC with PSC, and two overlapping genes (ARNTL and USP7) in UC with arthropathy.
Interpretations This SMR study demonstrates the causal effect of circadian rhythm disorders in UC and its comorbidities. In addition, our research identified candidate genes which could serve as potential drug targets.