bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covid-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: Incidence and Outcome in a French Multicenter Observational Cohort (APICOVID)
Authors: Desmedt Luc , Raymond Matthieu , Thuaut Aurélie Le , Asfar Pierre , Darreau Cédric , Reizine Florian , Colin Gwenhaël , Auchabie Johann , Lorber Julien , Combe Béatrice La , Kergoat Pierre , Hourmant Baptiste , Delbove Agathe , Frérou Aurélien , Morin Jean , Ergreteau Pierre Yves , Seguin Philippe , Martin Maëlle , Reignier Jean , Lascarrou Jean-Baptiste , Canet Emmanuel
Published: July 2023

Background
Recent studies identified coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a risk factor for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) but produced conflicting data on IPA incidence and impact on patient outcomes. We aimed to determine the incidence and outcomes of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in mechanically ventilated patients.
Methods
We performed an observational cohort study in consecutive adults admitted to 15 French intensive care units (ICUs) in 2020 for COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation. CAPA was diagnosed and graded according to 2020 ECMM/ISHAM consensus criteria. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of proven/probable CAPA, and the secondary objectives were to identify risk factors for proven/probable CAPA and to assess the impact of proven/probable CAPA on patient outcomes.
Results
The 708 included patients (522 [73.7%] men) had a mean age of 65.2 ± 10.8 years, a mean mechanical ventilation duration of 21.0 ± 20.5 days, and a day-90 mortality rate of 28.5%. Underlying immunosuppression was present in 113 (16.0%) patients. Corticosteroids were used in 348 (63.1%) patients. Criteria for probable CAPA were met by 18 (2.5%) patients; no patient had histologically proven CAPA. Age was the only factor significantly associated with probable CAPA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95%CI, 1.00–1.09; P = 0.04). Probable CAPA was associated with a significantly higher day-90 mortality (HR, 2.07; 95%CI, 1.32–3.25; P = 0.001) but not with longer mechanical ventilation or ICU length of stay.
Conclusion
Probable CAPA is a rare but serious complication of severe COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation and is associated with higher day-90 mortality.
Analysis of the effect of surgery on the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients with single-organ extrathoracic metastases based on the SEER database
Authors: Zheng Lijing , Wu Weishuai , Luo Shiyin , Lin Yuanfeng , Wu Jingyu , Huang Chen , Chen Qianshun , Lin Yidan , Xu Xunyu , Dai Yongmei
Published: July 2023

Purpose: We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to explore the effect of primary or metastatic tumor surgery vs. no surgery on the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with single-organ extrathoracic metastases.
Methods: NSCLC patients with single-organ extrathoracic metastases were extracted from the SEER database. The characteristics of patients with different metastasis sites were balanced by progression-free survival, and the Kaplan‒Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare differences in cancer-specific survival (CSS). Multivariate Cox regression was performed to identify prognostic factors.
Results: There were 8592, 11886, and 2814 eligible patients with brain metastases, bone metastases, and liver metastases, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that surgical intervention was independently associated with the CSS of patients (P < 0.001). The surgical and nonsurgical groups were subjected to propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1). After PSM, the patients who underwent surgery in the brain metastasis and bone metastasis cohorts had a better CSS (P < 0.001). Different surgical modalities for primary tumors showed greater survival benefits before and after PSM than no surgery. After PSM, the CSS of the brain metastasis cohort receiving metastatic surgery was better than that of the nonsurgical group (P < 0.001). The median CSS of patients who underwent PMTR was longer than that of patients who underwent other surgical methods (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: In NSCLC patients with single-organ extrathoracic metastases, both primary tumor surgery and metastatic surgery exhibited better prognoses than no surgery.
Tree–wheat vertical fine root distribution in a four-year-old temperate alley-cropping system
Authors: O'Connor Claire , Choma Caroline , Delbende François , Zeller Bernhard , Manouvirer Eric , Desmyttère Hélène , Siah Ali , Waterlot Chirstophe , Andrianarisoa Kasaina Sitraka
Published: July 2023

Competition or complementarity between associated plants due to belowground interactions has been observed in alley-cropping systems (ACs), but the initialization of these processes remains poorly investigated. Here, we used the core-break and soil coring method to quantify the vertical tree and wheat fine root abundance and biomass down to 120 cm in a 4-year-old temperate AC. Fine roots were measured at 2 m from a reference tree (hornbeam, wild cherry or willow) in tree–wheat AC, pure-forest associated with ryegrass (FC) and wheat sole-crop (CC) plots at the Ramecourt experimental site. The mean wheat fine root abundance (WFRA) was twice as high in the CC plot (874 ± 152 m− 2) as in the AC plot (437 ± 47 m− 2). It was significantly higher for wheat associated with hornbeam than for willow, particularly at the 10 cm depth. Tree fine root abundance (TFRA) was linearly correlated with tree fine root biomass (TFRB) for hornbeam (R² = 0.79***), willow (R² = 0.77***) and wild cherry (R² = 0.54***). Using TFRA, the van Noordwijk's equation gave a better prediction of the TFRB for willow and wild cherry than for hornbeam. The mean value of the TFRA was seven times higher in the FC plot (1116 ± 97 m− 2) as in the AF plot (146 ± 24 m− 2) for all soil depths and all tree species due to the lack of nutrients from the absence of fertilization. At 4 years old, willow and hornbeam fine roots cohabited with wheat in the upper soil layer, whereas wild cherry had already developed deep fine roots under the crop rooting zone.
Novel anti-inflammatory Artemisia Naphta oil extract efficacious in in vivo mouse models of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis
Authors: Huang Hu , Tao Kan , Qin Ziyan , Guo Lili , Fitzgerald Corey , Fernández José R. , Pérez Eduardo
Published: July 2023

Background:Artemisia annuahas been used in traditional Chinese medicine and has recently emerged in contemporary medicine as an anti-malaria treatment due to the presence of artemisinin, and topically for cosmetics. Since Chinese regulations prohibit the use of artemisinin in consumer products, we previously developed a novel, topical, artemisinin-freeA. annuaextract byproduct called artemisia naphta (AN) oil. We demonstrated that AN oil extract was effectivein vitroand clinically in subjects with sensitive and/or acne prone skin. Given these findings, we sought to determine the therapeutic potential of AN oil extract for atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis.Results:Utilizing human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we screened for AN oil extract’s ability to inhibit T-cell mediated inflammation, a hallmark of AD and psoriasis. Results showed that AN oil extract significantly reduced T-cell Receptor induced IL-4 and IL-17A pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Given these promisingin vitroresults, we then tested AN oil extract’s activity in topicalin vivomodels for both AD and psoriasis. In the calcipotriol or MC903-AD-induced model, AN oil extract demonstrated reduction in mouse ear thickness (edema) and several serum cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and IgE. Furthermore, AN oil extract was also effectively ameliorated lesions, significantly reduced psoriasis area and severity index score down to 5.4 and inhibited serum inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model.Conclusions:The results presented here make AN oil extract an attractive candidate for further development to treat AD and psoriasis as well as continued usage as a cosmetic ingredient.
A new color image secret sharing protocol
Authors: Farrán José Ignacio , Cerezo David
Published: July 2023

Visual cryptography aims to protect images against their possible illegitimate use. Thus, one can cipher, hash, or add watermarks for protecting copyright, among others. In this paper we provide a new solution to the problem of secret sharing for the case when the secret is an image. Our method combines the Shamir scheme for secret sharing using finite fields of characteristic 2 with the CBC mode of operation of a secure symmetric cryptographic scheme like AES, so that the security relies on that of the mentioned techniques. The resulting shares have the same resolution as that of the original image. The idea of the method could be generalized to other multimedia formats like audio or video, adapting the method to the corresponding encoded information.
MSC Classification: 68P25 , 68U10 , 94A60 , 94A62
Risk Factors and Clinical Features of Septic Arthritis in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hutaif Mohammad Qasim
Published: July 2023

Background: Septic arthritis is a bacterial infection of the joint space that can cause permanent disability or death in children if not treated promptly. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published from 1980 to December 2022 to synthesize the evidence on risk factors and clinical features of septic arthritis in children.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases using the terms “septic arthritis”, “children”, “risk factors”, and “clinical features”. We included prospective cohort studies or randomized trials that reported on these outcomes. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool or the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We pooled the results using random-effects models and calculated odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results: We included 42 studies with a total of 6,120 children. Risk factors for septic arthritis included age younger than 3 years (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.87-3.46), male sex (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.14-1.53), previous joint problems or surgery (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.50-3.20), immunodeficiency (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.86-4.10), and recent infection or injury (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.72-3.49). Clinical features varied but commonly included fever (OR 5.67, 95% CI 3.66-8.79), joint pain (OR 9.23, 95% CI 5.97-14.28), swelling (OR 8.41, 95% CI 5.44-13.01), and reduced movement (OR 10.12, 95% CI 6.55-15.65). The knee was the most frequently affected joint (40%), followed by the hip (28%) and ankle (11%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common cause of infection (40%), followed by Streptococcus pyogenes (12%) and Kingella kingae (11%).
Conclusions: This review provides a comprehensive summary of risk factors and clinical features of septic arthritis in children, which can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment to prevent joint damage and systemic complications.
Conservation equations for open-channel flow: effects of bed roughness and secondary currents
Authors: Zampiron Andrea , Ouro Pablo , Cameron Stuart Murray , Stoesser Thorsten , Nikora Vladimir Ivanovic
Published: July 2023

Time-averaged velocity fields in uniform open-channel flows over rough beds may exhibit local spatial heterogeneities due to the effects of bed roughness and secondary currents (SCs). The latter typically originate from the turbulence anisotropy and spatial heterogeneity introduced by the solid and mixed corners (i.e., between sidewalls and water surface), but may also appear due to roughness spanwise heterogeneities, e.g., associated with patchy vegetation distributions or streamwise sediment ridges on the channel bed. In this paper, we propose rigorous conservation equations for momentum, kinetic energy and fluid stresses accounting for the contributions of bed roughness and SCs, separately. Particular attention is given to the terms regulating the energy exchanges between roughness-induced and SC-related motions, which are expected to provide information on the physical mechanisms leading to the generation of roughness-induced SCs.The proposed approach is illustrated using a large-eddy simulation of a rough-bed open-channel flow.
Species diversity of Calliphoridae (Insecta: Diptera) using Hill numbers approach in Kashmir Himalaya, India
Authors: Dar Tanveer Ahmad , Mir Altaf Hussain , Bharti Meenakshi
Published: July 2023

Background: Blowflies are of immense importance in medical, veterinary and forensic sciences; besides this, they also act as pollinators, parasites, predators and play an important role in decomposition and nutrient cycling. The first assessment of species richness of the Calliphoridae in the Kashmir Himalaya, an exceptionally biodiverse rich area located at an altitude of 1065 to 5441 meters above sea level in India has been recorded using Hill numbers approach.
Results: Differences were analyzed in species diversity among thirty distinct assemblages using size-based rarefaction and extrapolation approaches. The highest species richness and Shannon’s diversity were observed in the assemblages, Hafthrada (34.450 N, 74.060 E) and Arin (34.420 N, 74.640 E) due to the large sample size however, Simpson’s diversity showed altogether a different result from that of the species richness and Shannon’s diversity indicating that the available data was sufficient to determine the true species richness among the various assemblages of the research area with accuracy.
Conclusion: The present study provides baseline information on Calliphoridae diversity among thirty distinct assemblages which may prove pivotal for futuristic studies including the role of the flies in medical, veterinary and forensic sciences in the Kashmir Himalaya region, north of India.
Multi-objective Optimization Model of Truck Scheduling Problem using Cross-Dock in Supply Chain Management: NSGA-II & NRGA
Authors: Haqhgoie Ahsan , Irajpour Alireza , Hamidi Nasser
Published: July 2023

A large percentage of the cost of most products is related to shipping and distribution costs. By the proper design of the product distribution network, as an important part of the supply chain, these costs can be reduced in the logistic activities. The use of cross-docks between suppliers and customers is a solution utilized in supply chain management to reduce costs. Cross-docks are one of the most important options for reducing time in the supply chain. Accordingly, this paper develops a multi-objective problem of scheduling the operations of trucks entering and exiting cross-docks by considering that the number of products that are unloaded or loaded by trucks is fuzzy logistic. The first objective function minimizes the maximum time to receive the products. The second objective function minimizes the emission cost of trucks. Finally, the third objective function minimizes the number of trucks assigned to the entrance and exit doors. Then, two steps are implemented to validate and modify the proposed model. In the first step, two random numerical examples in small dimensions were solved by GAMS software with min-max objective function as well as Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). In the second step, due to the increasing dimensions of the problem and computational complexity, the problem in question is part of the NP-Hard problem and therefore multi-objective meta-heuristic algorithms are utilized along with validation and parameter adjustment. Therefore, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and non-dominated ranking genetic algorithm (NSGA) are employed to solve 30 random problems in high dimensions. Then, the algorithms were ranked using the TOPSIS method for each problem according to the results obtained from the evaluation criteria. The analysis of the results confirms the applicability of the proposed model and solution methods.
Why am I lagging? Reduced dynamics of perception and occipital cortex in depression
Authors: Song Xue Mei , Gao Yuan , Hu Yu-Ting , Scalabrini Andrea , Benedetti Francesco , Poletti Sara , Vai Benedetta , Liu Dong-Yu , Tan Zhong-Lin , Northoff Georg
Published: July 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by reduced dynamic with abnormal slowness in emotion, thought/cognition, and movements. Is the reduced dynamic also manifest in visual perception and neural activity of occipital cortex? Various findings show reduced activity in occipital cortex including in subareas like human MT complex (hMT+) cortex in MDD; its meaning for the dynamics of visual perception in MDD remains yet unclear, though. Combining novel data in three independents acute MDD samples (totally, 109 MDD, 113 HC), we characterize hMT+ in MDD in a dynamic way on perceptual (visual motion paradigm) and neural (rest/task fMRI) levels. Our main findings in MDD are: (i) reduced duration threshold difference for discriminating fast and slow-speed stimuli, leading to (ii) the perception of a longer distance for faster-speed moving gratings; (iii) reduced global representation of the brain’s spontaneous activity in hMT+ in especially faster infra slow frequencies with reverberation to subcortical and higher-order cortical regions; (iv) reduced beta value in hMT+ and higher-order cortical regions to especially faster visual stimuli; (v) correlation of these psychophysical and neural changes with symptom severity. We demonstrate reduced occipital activity in faster timescales on perceptual, and neural levels. Occipital cortex (hMT+) activity in MDD is characterized by reduced dynamics which shapes these subjects’ visual perception in an abnormal way. Beyond further establishing a basic dynamic deficit characterizing the visual system in MDD on both neural and perceptual levels, our results provide clinical opportunities for occipital-based diagnostic markers and novel therapeutic interventions in MDD.
Real-Time Traffic Prediction with Deep Reinforcement Learning and Meteorology Data
Authors: Shen Zhou (Eric)
Published: July 2023

Real-time traffic prediction plays a crucial role in optimizing transportation efficiency and mitigating congestion in urban road networks. In this paper, we propose a novel approach that combines deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and meteorology data for real-time traffic prediction. By integrating DRL algorithms, our approach captures the dynamic decision-making processes involved in traffic prediction, while the inclusion of meteorology data allows for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of weather conditions on traffic patterns. We conduct extensive experiments on a real-world traffic dataset and compare our method with state-of-the-art approaches. The results demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method in terms of prediction accuracy, outperforming traditional statistical models, machine learning-based approaches, and deep learning techniques. Our approach provides valuable insights for traffic management, route planning, and resource allocation in urban road networks.
Formulation and Evaluation of Voriconazole Loaded Nanoemulgel for the treatment of Onychomycosis
Authors: Lavate Shweta , Chaudhari Shilpa
Published: July 2023

Background: Voriconazole has been given a more potent antifungal action in-vitro and is the most commonly used drug for the treatment of onychomycosis. In this voriconazole-loaded nanoemulgel for the management of onychomycosis was developed and evaluated. This development preparation mainly delivers poorly aqueous soluble drugs across the nail. Different types of components, such as o/w nanoemulsions, were mildly stirred using the aqueous titration technique before being homogenized under high pressure to minimize the particle size. DOE software is used to develop various batches for the selection of optimized batches. Nanoemulsion containing was prepared by using, olive as oil, Tween 80, and PEG 400 as used as a surfactant and co-surfactant respectively. The gelling agent is Carbopol 934. Thioglycolic acid is used as a nail penetration enhancer. The optimized batch was evaluated for physical appearance, pH, viscosity, stress stability study, vesicle size, particle size, drug release, drug content, and stability study.
Result: Drug polymer compatibility study show that drug and excipient are compatible with each other, The formulation was found to be clear and pH is a 5.2 it is suitable for nail pH.
A nanoemulgel study of in vitro drug release revealed improved drug release, i.e. that is 68% in 8th hrs. Thus more than 90% of drug release will happen in 24th hrs. which shows good controlled release. Zone of inhibition of optimized batch was found to be 9.8mm.
Conclusion: Voriconazole-loaded nanoemulsion was created in the current study by utilizing olive oil, Tween 80, and PEG 400. As a result of the drug's antifungal effectiveness against C. albicans, the F16 may be able to alleviate onychomycosis symptoms more quickly than with traditional treatment. Thus, nanoemulgel is a formulation for the topical treatment of onychomycosis that is safe and effective.
Psychometric Properties of Turkish Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory in a Clinical Adolescent Sample
Authors: Turan Bahadır , Yıldırım Selman , Bilginer Samiye Çilem , Akıncı Mehmet Akif
Published: July 2023

PURPOSE:
Orthorexic tendencies are increasingly prevalent among children and adolescents This study set out to investigate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) in a clinical adolescent sample.
METHODS:
266 adolescents aged 12-18 years, who applied to the Department of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry were included in the study. Participants completed sociodemographic data form, Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI), Eating Attitude Test, Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-Child Version and ORTO-15 scales.
RESULTS:
The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the ONI reached 0.92, indicating very good internal consistency. Total factor scores and Cronbach alpha values for behaviors, impairments, and emotions were found to be 0.84, 0.84, and 0.83, respectively. The CFA performed supported the three-factor structure of the ONI obtained in the first sample. The minimum discrepancy per degree of freedom = 1.89 and the model generally fit well to the structure (RMSEA = 0.058, SRMR = 0.033, CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.91).
DISCUSSION:
This study has shown that the Turkish version of the ONI is a valid and reliable scale for specifying the tendency for Orthorexia Nervosa in a Turkish adolescent population. These findings contribute in several ways to our understanding of orthorexic tendencies and provide a basis for more concrete research data that can be obtained by using the ONI, which is a reliable scale in studies to be conducted among adolescents.
Level of evidence
Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
In vitro assessment of copper nanoparticle gel as a futuristic drug delivery agent against periodontal pathogens
Authors: Mahale Swapna , Dhadse Prasad , Mahale Arunkumar
Published: July 2023

Background
Nanotechnology delivers a novel mode for restricting alveolar infections. The particles intermingle through the bacterial cell wall improving antimicrobial action. Its amalgamation and glazing displayed greater germicidal properties. Arraying nanoparticles show sustained delivery of bactericidal property which ultimately aims the dentinal matrix. This study aimed to in vitro appraise the physical properties, antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, time-kill assay, anti-biofilm formation, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Cu nanoparticle gel against periodontal pathogens.
Materials & Methods
Copper nanoparticles (procured from the Nano Research Laboratory, Jharkhand, India) gel was prepared and assessed for minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration, MTT assay (cytotoxicity against periodontal and mouse fibroblasts), and time-kill assay at different time intervals against periodontal pathogens. Antibiofilm formation by the cell culture method, anti-inflammatory activity against MMP-9 using zymography and antioxidant properties by the DPPH assay was assessed.
Results
The pH of CuNP gel was 5.76 and the viscosity at room temperature was 322.5 cPs. The IC50 value of CuNP for mouse fibroblasts (L939) was 49.12 ± 1.67, and against periodontal fibroblasts was at 3.12 µg/ml, displayed 98% of cell viability. At 1hr, the time-kill assay exhibited no growth of periodontal pathogens when followed for 48 hr. The MIC value at a concentration of 0.4 µg/ml for P.gingivalis, F.nucleatum, P. intermedia, T. forsythia, and at 3.12 µg/ml for A.a were sensitive to CuNP gel. Whereas the MBC value at 0.4 µg/ml to F. nucleatum and T forsythia, at 0.8 µg/ml to P. intermedia, at 1.6 µg/ml to P. gingivalis and at 25 µg/ml to A.a disclosed no growth. Antioxidant assay determined inhibition at 55.6%. Anti-inflammatory and anti-biofilm activity presented weak activity against copper nanoparticle gel as compared to chlorhexidine.
Conclusion
Copper nanoparticles prepared by biological synthesis are cost-effective, eco-friendly and its in-vivo assessment as local drug delivery in the treatment of periodontal pocket is desired.
Careers of Algerian Women Managers: The Psychological Drivers of Discrimination in Professional Careers
Authors: Guedjali Assia
Published: July 2023

Today, the texts governing the Algerian economy claim equality between men and women in the labour market: no training, no profession, and no position of responsibility is legally closed to women. Algerian law prohibits all discrimination in hiring and career development. The imbalance has even been reversed in one essential respect: women are entering the university field more than men and are more successful. However, they account for only 19% (ONS, 2020) of the working population and are still only marginally present in positions of responsibility in the public and private sectors. However, this progressive and constant access of women to so-called ‘male’ bastions has led to the emergence of a professional category, namely female managers. The reason that led us to choose this research object is the desire to understand and apprehend the professional pathway of this category of women (executives), to attempt, through professional and family representations and perceptions, to understand the identity construction of women occupying executive positions. In this perspective, empirical research built on a qualitative approach, based on semi-directive interviews with 20 women executives working in a public paramilitary institution, appeared relevant. This research aimed to understand the career path through the professional experiences of women managers insofar as it highlighted professional trajectories interacting with family life and different professional rhythms in terms of career. More generally, how women managers in this institution articulate their private and professional life and place them in an organisational context. In this sense, studying the practices and social representations of women managers means understanding the codes, values, and ideologies that women’s work occupies in Algerian society as a whole and this paramilitary institution.
String stepped screen design and main parameters
Authors: Demchenko Igor , Ignatova Olga
Published: July 2023

Introduction. Obtaining energy is the most important problem of mankind. Coal-fired generation has solved, and will solve this problem in the foreseeable future due to its extensive resource base and relatively stable and low price. At the same time, the efficiency of the generating enterprises depends on the quality of the fuel supplied. For generating enterprises and domestic household using a layered method of burning fuel, it is very important to use high-grade coal, which increases the efficiency of their work. Obtaining high-grade coal, i.e. its separation by size classes is carried out by gravity screens. The advantages of the gravity screens are simple design and the absence of a drive during the sorting operation. Low sorting quality is the disadvantage. Therefore, the creation of new gravity screen designs and the development of existing ones to improve the sorting quality is of great importance. Methods of research. The Siberian Federal University has developed a design of a string stepped screen which uses a gravitational method of sorted material separation by size classes. To introduce it to industry, it is important to know the basic design parameters inherent in the proposed design. The article offers a mathematical model for calculating string stepped screen parameters and presents the results of calculating screen dimensions depending on other changing parameters. Mathematical modeling (construction of a mathematical calculation model) and analysis for string stepped screen design have been carried out to determine its basic parameters. Research results. A string stepped screen design is presented. A mathematical model for basic parameters calculation has been developed. Graphs have been constructed showing the dependence of the changing screen dimensions on other changing values. The string stepped screen design has been analysed. Conclusion. Based on the conducted research, a mathematical model for string stepped screen parameters calculation is constructed. The dependences of length and height on the front wall and screening section angles are constructed. The obtained dependences will allow to determine the string stepped screen parameters for the specified values of the screened material size.
Solving the Lamé problem in the quasi-brittle setting to substantiate the solution scheme for rock breaking by the blast-hole method
Authors: Pershin Gennadii , Pshenichnaia Elena
Published: July 2023

Introduction. The blast-hole method of mining and preparing rocks for excavation has been used by mankind since ancient times. However, there are no generally accepted and generally recognized design and calculation methods for this process, which was established in the review part of this work. Research objective is to develop a basic analytical model for hard rock quasi-brittle materials breaking by a blast-hole method using static thrusts. Methods of research. A detailed analysis of the breaking mechanism through the transition state from the rock material continuity to its separation is the methodological basis of the developed quasi-static model for calculating the energy-power indicators of the process of separating volumes (pieces) of rock into separate parts. It makes it possible to justify and determine: the irreversible energy of rupture through the energy constant rock material in relation to the process energy efficiency, critical load resulting in local breaking, the size and number of the primordial tension cracks, as well as the number of through cracks. Result. The obtained indicators and parameters formed the body of the energy balance equation of the irreversible energy of rupture of rock pieces. The developed methodology for setting and solving the problem of the limiting state of quasi-brittle materials rupture in the form of a thickwalled cylinder (the Lamé problem) that simulates a certain solid volume deformed by a uniformly distributed blast-hole pressure of thrusts, is universal and can serve as a base for assessing a set of issues related to mining. The resulting interrelation of indicators made it possible to derive an equation for the energy balance of the rock volumes rupture. Due to the solution for this equation, the critical value of the blast-hole pressure that results in local breaking, the size of primordial cracks, and the corresponding limiting burst pressure were obtained for the first time. Theoretical novelty. Within the framework of the general approach of the quasi-brittle materials breaking linear theory, based on the developed methodology, the problem of the limiting state of the rock in the form of natural joint loaded with a static thrust through a single blast-hole, was correctly stated and solved by the energy method for the first time. As a result of the research, an analytical dependence of the rock static breaking energy intensity was obtained, which includes both the volumetric specific energy of potential deformation and the specific surface energy
Searching for the relationship between the temperature and humidity of tailings material by processing digital photographs of laboratory experiments and color models
Authors: Amosov Pavel V. , Goriachev Andrei , Malodushev Kirill , Makarov Dmitrii , Masloboev Vladimir
Published: July 2023

Relevance. Tailings beach surface dries and deflates, which intensifies the dusting process, results in ecosystems disruption on the adjacent territories, and adversely impacts health of population. The use of digital photographs, including those obtained with the help of unmanned aerial vehicles, seems to be promising in terms of reagents application simplification and dusting minimization. Research objective is to determine the quantitative relationship between the temperature and humidity of tailings materials by analyzing the digital photographs of laboratory experiments using RGB and Lab methods. Methods of research. Standard equipment was used to perform a laboratory experiment to determine the temperature and humidity of tailing dump surface layer samples. Digital photographs were taken in natural light and UV light. At the first stage, the images were processed to obtain the values of the components of two color models, RGB (redness and saturation indices were calculated) and Lab (the color difference index was calculated, two standards of black and white were used). At the second stage, as a “zero” approximation, the simplest (linear) analytical dependence between temperature and humidity was studied. Results and analysis. The coefficients of calculated linear dependences are compared with the corresponding coefficients of direct experimental data processing. It is shown that in natural light: the smallest deviations for the dependence of temperature on humidity correspond to the redness index in the RGB method and the black standard in the Lab method; the smallest deviations for the dependence of humidity on temperature correspond to the saturation index in the RGB method and the black standard in the Lab method. It is shown that in UV light: the smallest deviations for the dependence of temperature on humidity correspond to the saturation index in the RGB method and the black standard in the Lab method; the smallest deviations of the dependence of humidity on temperature correspond to the redness index in the RGB method and the white standard in the Lab method. Conclusions and scope. The mentioned indices and colors of standards can be recommended when processing similar laboratory experiments and natural studies directly on the dusting site.
Systematization of industrial technogenic risks at mining enterprises
Authors: Alenichev Viktor
Published: July 2023

Research objective is to develop a general approach to systematizing the signs of mining territories, natural and man-made features safety. Research relevance is due to the need to ensure the safety of economic activity in the territory of mining. Methods of research. Subsoil use implies taking into account multiple factors that lead to the risk of decisions implementation. Risk is considered as a potential, numerically estimated probability of the unfavorable events (situations), their consequences in the form of accidents, human casualties, losses, damages, material losses, etc. Risk is a quantitative assessment of the hazards characterizing a situation with uncertain outcome and obligatory manifestation of unfavorable consequences. It is advisable to assess the safety status of any mining enterprise site by a number of indicators that characterize the system’s resilience to negative impacts caused by infrastructural, natural, geological, technological, economic and financial factors. The risk situation caused by statistical processes is associated with accompanying conditions: the presence of uncertainty, the need for an alternative choice, and the possibility of accepted options (alternatives) probabilistic evaluation. Negative phenomena in subsoil use are manifested in the form of deformation of pit walls and dumps, collapse of an individual or a group of pit benches, destruction of transport lines and power supply utilities, rockfall, beneficiation process flow deviations from the designed one, violations of man-made features and the ecological and biological environment, which should be interpreted as man-made disasters of an industrial nature. Results. The classification of risks as a multidimensional category is justified by the factors (causes) of occurrence, the driving force of which generates a negative process and determines its characteristics or individual features. Conclusions. The systematization of various risks based on infrastructural, mining-geological, process flow and environmental factors ensures, at the initial stage of risk formation, the determination of their characteristics and the development of a system of management measures to ensure the sustainable functioning of a mining enterprise.
Economic and technological approach to the design of offshore field development. Review of foreign practices
Authors:   Gubkin University, Papadmitrieva Larisa Vladimirovna , Kazakovtsev Dmitriy Vladimirovich ,   LLC ‟Morneftegazproekt"
Published: July 2023

Relevance. The high profitability potential of hydrocarbon production on the Russian Arctic shelf is one of the significant factors for the further development of the Russian oil and gas complex. For decades, international oil and gas companies (OGCs) have been successfully implementing large capital-intensive projects to develop offshore fields in underdeveloped regions with severe climatic conditions, including at unfavorable oil prices. The purpose of the research is to identify the features of the methodology used by international oil and gas companies to implement projects that ensure their success. Methodology. Systematic approach, methods of analysis, comparison, differentiation. Results. In the course of the study, the content of a systematic approach to the development of offshore fields was disclosed as the basis of the methodology in terms of the optimal choice and integration of technologies in the field development system in terms of cost and efficiency. The concepts and relationships between the system, subsystem and technology are defined. It is shown that the profitability of field development is ensured by compliance with the necessary criteria for the applicability of technologies as part of the development system. At the same time, the technologies must be confirmed by the practice of performing a similar production task under comparable conditions and are available for purchase in a competitive market, and they must also meet the requirements for the efficiency of performing a production task and restrictions on the cost of developing a field. The theoretical aspects of the methodology are illustrated with practical examples of the assessment and selection of technologies according to the specified criteria, including the implemented system of offshore field development in a poorly developed region. Based on the results of the study, recommendations were formulated on the selection of offshore fields for priority development and exploitation, the choice of technologies for field construction, as well as the application of accepted international regulations for more active implementation of oil and gas projects on the Russian Arctic shelf. Conclusions. Based on the review of foreign practices, it is recommended to: 1) focus primarily on projects using proven and available technologies; 2) clearly form a set of requirements for the developed projects; 3) apply the principles and rules laid down in the design regulations of foreign oil and gas companies and EPC companies.
On the issue of attracting investments in improving energy efficiency
Authors:   JSC ‟Institute of Regional Economic Research (IREI)”, Poletaev Il’ya Yur’evich
Published: July 2023

The purpose and relevance of the work. The problem of saving all types of energy and the efficiency of using fossil fuels is a key one for Russia. Financing of measures to improve the efficiency of the use of energy resources is still an urgent problem of our time. The most important issue is to determine the conditions necessary for the successful attraction of investment capital in national and regional measures to improve energy efficiency in the Russian Federation. The relevance of the study is due to the need to improve measures in this area. Methodology. Based on the analysis of existing regulatory documents in the field of energy saving and energy efficiency and the practice of their implementation, theoretical and methodological issues and the possibility of attracting investment capital in the field of energy saving and energy efficiency are considered. Results and scope of application. The defining role of state, municipal and regional executive authorities and the banking sector in promoting investments in energy efficiency measures is shown. Special attention is paid to the importance of work to stimulate energy-saving behavior of energy consumers (organizations and the population), as well as to the need to increase the responsibility of federal executive authorities and heads of enterprises and organizations of all sectors of the economy for the implementation of planned energy conservation and energy efficiency measures. The materials of the work can be used in the process of formation and implementation of federal and regional target programs in the field of energy conservation. Conclusions. The author formulates a conclusion about the need to strengthen state support for increasing the investment attractiveness of energy efficiency measures, to correct state policy in terms of popularizing these measures and strengthening state control over their implementation.
Natural resource potential of the region: state and assessment
Authors:   Institute of Economics of the Ural Brunch of RAS, Loginov Vladimir Grigor’evich
Published: July 2023

The purpose of the study is to analyze the state and assess the natural resource potential of the raw material regions of Russia. Relevance. The natural resource potential remains the basis for the industrial development of not only raw materials territories, but also the country as a whole, which is due to huge reserves, high efficiency in the development of non-renewable natural resources, and the needs of the Russian and world markets. The article analyzes their condition, notes their role in the country’s economy and substantiates methodological approaches to the valuation of mining operations. The research methodology consists in summarizing and analyzing information related to the valuation of mining in resource areas. Particular attention is paid to the oil and gas potential of the Ural North. In preparing the article, the following methods were used: statistical, retrospective, comparative and cluster analysis, comparison, grouping, analogy. The information base of this study is the data of federal, regional and municipal statistics. Results. In the course of the study, a characteristic of the natural resource potential was given, and the grouping and ranking of raw material regions in terms of the volume of mining was carried out. The dependence of estimated indicators on the raw specialization of the region is revealed. The special role of oil and gas resources in the country’s economy was emphasized. Methodological approaches to the assessment of the natural resource potential from the point of view of its actual use in the economic activity of the raw material subjects of the federation and municipalities are proposed. Conclusions. Methodological approaches to assessing the natural resource potential of the country’s raw material regions are proposed. Forms of open regional and municipal statistics concerning the production of the gross regional product, the production account by type of economic activity and the volume of mineral extraction were used as indicators of the assessment toolkit.
Challenges and threats to modern subsoil use using the example of the Ural Federal District
Authors:   Institute of Economics of the Ural Branch of RAS, Polyanskaya Irina Gennadʹevna , Yurak Vera Vasilʹevna ,   Institute of Economics of the Ural Branch of RAS, Strovskiy Vladimir Evgenʹevich ,   Ural State Mining University
Published: July 2023

Relevance. Environmentally sustainable subsoil use requires full coordination of socio-economic and environmental subsystems. The growing economic problems, the deterioration of international relations, the approaching environmental crisis are causing challenges and threats that provoke disruptions in the operation of enterprises in the industry, which makes it necessary to identify threats and challenges in order to take systemic measures to mitigate the consequences or prevent them. The purpose of the study is to identify challenges and threats that pose a danger to subsoil use (using the example of the Ural Federal District). Research methods – generalization and analysis, methods of analogy, groupings, logical analysis, expert assessments. Results. The conceptual and categorical tools of the study have been clarified, the main challenges and threats that provoke the occurrence of adverse events for subsoil use, including the emergence of economic, social and environmental threats with a decoding of their characteristics, have been identified. Using the Delphi method in a lite variation by D. Peskov, three basic threats to the subsoil use of the Ural Federal District were identified with the involvement of 26 experts for evaluation. A detailed analysis of each of these threats has been carried out. The depletion of the mineral resource potential within the Ural Federal District and the need to meet the demand for raw materials through external and internal supplies were confirmed. Among the solid minerals are coal, manganese and chromium ores, copper raw materials, etc. An insufficient level of funding for geological exploration has also been determined. The analysis of the threat associated with the dependence of the industry on foreign IT products was performed in great detail. Data on the assessment of the current situation at enterprises engaged in subsoil use in the Ural Federal District are given. Possible ways out of the current critical situation are considered. Conclusions. The consequences of the identified threats for subsoil use are formulated. The need to reduce the impact of threats is substantiated: the depletion of the mineral resource potential, the reduction in funding for geological exploration and the dependence of the industry on foreign IT products.
Gold of the upper horizons of the Berezovsky ore field
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Kuzin Aleksey Vasilʹevich
Published: July 2023

The calculation of gold reserves (14–25 tons) in the upper part of the ore field (to a depth of 20 m) was made in the 30s of the twentieth century. Their diligent development was carried out until the 60s of the twentieth century. When conducting engineering and geophysical survey work for industrial and civilian construction in the Rudny Field (in fact, in the territory of the city of Berezovsky) it is possible to clarify the position of well-known and untouched famous golden berets and quartz veins, as well as detect golden-bearing facilities to the minological service of the mines. Modern legislation prohibits the prey of minerals in the territory of cities. The extraction of gold of the upper part of the ore field can be organized subject to sampling from the volumes of construction boilers of gold-containing birch trees, quartz cores, marshallite kaolinite loams of cortical corticals and granite porpherfires. Such a small enterprise should be organized by the owners of the Berezovsky land: a mine or a municipality.