bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DSC Analysis of the Effect of Cold Deformation on the Precipitation Kinetics of a Binary Cu-SC Alloy
Authors: Henle Ramona Lucy , Dölling Julia , Prahl Ulrich , Nandi Gerrit , Zilly Andreas
Published: April 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cold deformation on the precipitation kinetics of a binary CuSc alloy containing 0.4 wt.% scandium using the experimental analysis method of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Non-deformed and 75% cross-section reduced cold-rolled, supersaturated specimens were tested at non-isothermal DSC runs at up to five different heating rates. The DSC results showed that cold deformation significantly accelerated the precipitation process in the binary alloy, leading to a decrease in the initial and peak temperatures of the exothermic reactions. The activation energies calculated with the Kissinger method, indicated that the precipitation activation energy decreased with increasing cold deformation. The findings of this study provide worthy implications to further optimize the processing of Cu-Sc alloys with improved mechanical properties.
Small RNA Bvs091 in Bacillus velezensis Targets with galT2 mRNA and Contributes to Salt Tolerance
Authors: Li Ying xiang , Xu Ting ting , Zheng Jin yuan , Meng Yuan , Gong Zi fan , Peng Chen , Liu Zhen yu
Published: April 2023

During their growth, bacteria respond to complex environmental changes through equally com-plex and orderly regulatory mechanisms. sRNA has an important role as a post-transcriptional regulator in the environmental adaptation of Bacillus. In this study, we identified an sRNA Bvs091 located in the intergenic region of the Bacillus velezensis, which is widely present in the genus Bacillus and whose expression is upregulated by salt treatment. The deletion of bvs091 in B. ve-lezensis PEBA20 led to a reduced growth rate and a change in the phenotypes, with simple colony structures and low and easily degradable biofilm. Salt tolerance tests indicated that the deletion of bvs091 results in a reduced salt tolerance. galT2 mRNA is supposed to be a direct target of Bvs091 according to results obtained by using the bioinformatic method and performing qRT-PCR analysis. The microscale thermophoresis (MST) analysis showed that Bvs091 could directly bind 28‒51 bases in front of the promoter of galT2. Subsequently, the deletion of galT2 in B. velezensis resulted in increased salt tolerance. Based on the techniques of double plasmids and a half-life period, sRNA Bvs091 is confirmed as a trans-encoded sRNA that negatively regulates the mRNA expression of galT2. In brief, the trans-encoded sRNA Bvs091 acts by pairing the incomplete complementary bases of galT2 mRNA, reducing galT2 mRNA’s stability and affecting the trans-lation efficiency.
On the Challenges of Acoustic Energy Mapping Using a WASN: Synchronization and Audio Capture
Authors: García-Unzueta Emiliano E. , Rascon Caleb , Mendez-Monroy Paul E.
Published: April 2023

Acoustic energy mapping provides the functionality to obtain characteristics of acoustic sources, such as: presence, localization, type and trajectory of sound sources. Several beamforming-based techniques can be used for this purpose, however, they rely on the difference of arrival times of the signal at each capture node (or microphone), so it is of major importance to have synchronized multi-channel recordings. A Wireless Acoustic Sensor Network (WASN) can be very practical to install when used for mapping the acoustic energy of a given acoustic environment. However, they are known for having low synchronization between the recordings from each node. The objective of this paper is to characterize the impact of current popular synchronization methodologies as part of the WASN to capture reliable data to be used for acoustic energy mapping. The two evaluated synchronization protocols are: Network Time Protocol (NTP) y Precision Time Protocol (PTP). Additionally, three different audio capture methodologies were proposed for the WASN to capture the acoustic signal: two of them, recording the data locally and one sending the data through a local wireless network. As a real-life evaluation scenario, a WASN was built using nodes conformed by a Raspberry Pi 4B+ with a single MEMS microphone. Experimental results demonstrate that the most reliable methodology is using the PTP synchronization protocol and audio recording locally.
Regulation of Primary Cilia Length by O-GlcNAc during Neuronal Development in Human Neuron Model
Authors: Tian Jie L. , Huang Chia-Wei , Eslami Farzad , Mannino Michael Philip , Mai Rebecca Lee , Hart Gerald W.
Published: April 2023

The primary cilium plays critical roles in homeostasis and development of neurons. Recent studies demonstrate that cilia length is regulated by the metabolic state of cells, as dictated by processes such as glucose flux and O-GlcNAcylation (OGN). The study of cilia length regulation during neuron development, however, has been an area left largely unexplored. This project aims to elucidate the roles of O-GlcNAc in neuronal development through its regulation of the primary cilium. Here, we present findings suggesting that OGN levels negatively regulate cilia length on differentiated cortical neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. In neurons, cilia length increased significantly during neurons maturation (after day 35), while OGN levels began to drop. Long-term perturbation of OGN via drugs, which inhibit or promote its cycling, during neuron development also have varying effects. Diminishing OGN levels increases cilia length until day 25, when neural stem cells expand and undergo early neurogenesis, before causing cell cycle exit defects and multinucleation. Elevating OGN levels induces greater primary cilia assembly but ultimately results in the development of premature neurons, which have higher insulin sensitivity. These results indicate that OGN levels and primary cilia length are jointly critical in proper neuron development and function. Understanding the interplays between these two nutrient sensors, O-GlcNAc and the primary cilium, during neuron development is important in paving connections between dysfunctional nutrient-sensing and early neurological disorders.
The Influence of the Nature of the Dispersing Agent on the Interaction of DNA Nucleotides with the Surface of YSZ Nanoparticles and the Homogeneity of Lyophilites Based on Them
Authors: Doroshkevich Aleksander S. , Doroshkevich Viktor S. , Zelenyak Tatyana Yu. , Doroshkevich Nelya V. , Lyubchyk Andriy I. , Lyubchyk Sergiy I. , Lyubchyk Svitlana B. , Tatarinova Alisa A. , Stanculescu Anca , Chicea Dan , Mita Carmen , Cornei Nicoleta , Mardare Diana , Oksengendler Boris L. , Nikiforova Nadejda N. , Mirzayev Matlab N. , Popov Evgeni P. , Donkov Alexander A. , Teofilović Vesna , Jasinska Bozena , Khiem Le Hong
Published: April 2023

A variational analysis of dispersion medium (electrolytes and surfactants) was carried out for the best nucleotide interactions with the presence of nanoparticles and the ability to formation of homogeneous coatings upon drying / lyophilization. Using UV-spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, the processes of immobilization of nucleotides on the surface of nanoparti-cles of the composition ZrO2-3mol% Y2O3 (YSZ) in the presence of various dispersing agents were investigated. Promising dispersing agents were established, the optimal composition of suspen-sions based on DNA nucleotides and YSZ nanoparticles, which is potentially suitable for adaptive technologies of bionanoelectronics, was selected. The aim of the work is to obtain and study functional media for molecular electronics based on heterojunctions biological molecule – wide-gap dielectric.
Facile Fabrication of Robust and Fluorine-Free Superhydrophobic PDMS/STA-Coated Cotton Fabric for Highly Efficient Oil-Water Separation
Authors: Liu Enzhou , Tang Daibin
Published: April 2023

Oil-water separation using special wettability materials has received much attention due to its low energy consumption and high separation efficiency. Herein, a fluorine-free superhydrophobic cotton fabric(PDMS/STA -coated cotton fabric) was successfully prepared by a simple impregnation method using hydroxyl-capped polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-OH), tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and stearic acid (STA) as precursors. The Investigation found that the cross-linking reactions between the hydroxyl groups form PDMS-OH, hydrolyzed TEOS made a strong interact of PDMS-OH and cotton fabric. Besides, a suitable roughness surface of coated cotton fabric was established by introducing STA due to its long chain-structure. The contact angle of this composite can reach 158.7°under optical condition due to its low surface energy and desired roughness. The oil/water separation efficiency of PDMS/STA-coated cotton fabric is higher than 90% even after 10 cycles of oil-water separation, the oil flux can reach 11862.42 L m-2 h-1. In addition, PDMS/STA-coated cotton fabric exhibits excellent chemical stability and durability under extreme conditions such as strong acid (HCl, pH=1~2) and alkali (NaOH, pH=13~14), the hydrophobicity of PDMS/STA-coated cotton fabric was decreased to 147° even after 350 cycles of abrasion testing.
Modified Extended Lie Group Method for Hessenberg Differential Algebraic Equations with Index 3
Authors: Tang Juan , Lu Jianguang
Published: April 2023

Hessenberg differential algebraic equations (Hessenberg-DAEs) with high index play a critical role in the modeling of mechanical systems and multibody dynamics. Motivated by the widely used Lie Group Differential Algebraic Equation (LGDAE) method which only handles index 2 systems, we propose a Modified Extended Lie Group Differential Algebraic Equation (MELGDAE) method for solving index 3 Hessenberg-DAEs, and provide theoretical analysis to deepen the foundation of the MELGDAE method.The performance of the MELGDAE method is compared with the standard methods RADAU and MEBDF on index 2 and 3 DAE systems, and it is demonstrated that the MELGDAE integrator exhibits competitive performance in terms of high accuracy and the preservation of algebraic constraints. In particular, all differential variables in index 3 Hessenberg DAEs achieve second-order convergence using the MELGDAE method, which suggests potential for extension to Hessenberg-DAEs with an index of 4 or higher.
Current Cut Points of Three Falls Risk Assessment Tools Are Inferior to Calculated Cut Points in Geriatric Evaluation and Management Units
Authors: Lee Vivian , Appiah-Kubi Linda , Vogrin Sara , Zanker Jesse , Mitropoulos Joanna
Published: April 2023

Background: Falls risk assessment tools are used in hospital inpatient settings to identify pa-tients at increased risk of falls (which may be related to muscle loss/sarcopenia) to guide and target interventions for falls prevention. In 2022, Western Health, Melbourne, Australia, intro-duced a new falls risk assessment tool, the Western Health St. Thomas’ Risk Assessment Tool (WH-STRATIFY), a modified version of The Northern Hospital’s risk tool (TNH-STRATIFY), which replaced the Peninsula Health Risk Screening Tool (PH-FRAT).
Aims: To determine the predictive accuracy of three falls risk assessment tools (PH-FRAT, TNH-STRATIFY and WH-STRATIFY) on admission to Geriatric Evaluation Management (GEM) units.
Method: A retrospective observational study was conducted on four GEM units. Data was col-lected on 54 consecutive patients who fell during admission and 62 randomly sampled patients who did not fall between December 2020 and June 2021. Participants were scored against three falls risk assessment tools. The event rate Youden (Youden IndexER) indices were calculated and compared using default and optimal cut points to determine which tool was most accurate for predicting falls.
Results: Using default cut points to compare falls assessment tools, TNH-STRATIFY had the highest predictive accuracy (Youden IndexER = 0.20, 95% confidence interval CI = 0.07, 0.34). The PH-FRAT (Youden IndexER = 0.01 and 95% CI = -0.04, 0.05) and WH-STRATIFY (Youden IndexER = 0.00 and 95% CI = -0.04, 0.03) were statistically equivalent and not predictive of falls compared to TNH-STRATIFY. When calculated optimal cut points were applied, predictive accuracy im-proved for PH-FRAT (Cut point 17, Youden IndexER = 0.14 and 95% CI = 0.01, 0.29) and WH-STRATIFY (Cut point 7, Youden IndexER = 0.18 and 95% CI = 0.00, 0.35). Overall, all tools had low predictive accuracy for falls.
Conclusion: TNH-STRATIFY had the highest predictive accuracy for falls. The predictive accu-racy of WH-STRATIFY improved and was significant when the calculated optimal cut point was applied. The optimal cut points of falls risk assessment tools should be determined and validated in different clinical settings to optimise local predictive accuracy, enabling targeted falls risk mitigation strategies and resource allocation.
Silica Fume Improves the Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag/Fly Ash Pastes Subjected to Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Wang Sen , Liang Yuqing , Mo Duosi , Zhang Chonghui , Xue Jiwei , Song Xuewen , Wang Yachao
Published: April 2023

Recycling of metallurgical solid waste has intriguing increasing attention for fabricating cementitious materials, due to its low-carbon emission, cost-effectiveness, and environmental conservation. Herein, the effects of silica fume (SF) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of alkali-activated slag/FA (fly ash) pastes subjected to elevated temperatures (150, 500, 850, and 1200℃) are investigated, to clarify the fact that whether or not the SF generates positive roles in mechanical properties of slag/FA geopolymers. The results show that the replacement with 10 wt% SF (silica fume) promotes the increasing pore volume with a diameter of 0.2~3 μm at room temperature, leading to an increase in the compressive or flexural strength, “right shifts” of endothermic peak and the initial-final temperature of mass loss, presenting a denser and compact fracture surface. Meanwhile, the mineral phase of gehlenite and labradorite emerges after exposure above 850℃ from the XRD results. Furthermore, the bloating effect of the incorporated SF occurs due to the formation of a liquid phase altogether with the amorphous silicates after exposure to 1200℃, leading to a greater deformation and enhancement of restructuring involved in the [SiO4]4− and [AlO4]5−. It explores an effective recycling approach for fabricating paste binders using metallurgical solid wastes.
LBFNet: A Tomato Leaf Disease Identification Model based on Three-Channel Attention Mechanism and Quantitative Pruning
Authors: Chen Hailin , Wang Yi , Peng Jialiang , Zhang Ruofan , Jiang Pin
Published: April 2023

The current neural networks for tomato leaf disease recognition have problems such as large model parameters, long training time, and low model accuracy. To solve these problems, a lightweight convolutional neural network LBFNet is proposed in this paper.First, a lightweight convolutional neural network LBFNet is established as the base model. Secondly, a three-channel attention mechanism module is introduced to learn the disease features in tomato leaf disease images and reduce the interference of redundant features. Finally, a cascade module is introduced to increase the depth of the model, solve the gradient descent problem, and reduce the loss caused by increasing the depth of the model. The quantized pruning technique is also used to further compress the model parameters and optimize the model performance. The results show that the LBFNet model achieves 99.06% accuracy on the LBFtomato dataset, with a training time of 996s and a single classification accuracy of over 94%. Further training using the saved weight file after quantized pruning makes the model accuracy reach 97.66%. Compared with the base model, the model accuracy was improved by 28%, and the model parameters were reduced by 96.7% compared with the traditional Resnet50. It was found that LBFNet can quickly and accurately identify tomato leaf diseases in complex environments, providing effective assistance to agricultural producers.
Dark-Induced Effects on Pollen Development and HvGAMYB Expression in Spring Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Genotypes with Contrasting Drought Tolerance
Authors: Ogrodowicz Piotr , Wojciechowicz Maria , Kuczyńska Anetta , Krajewski Paweł , Kempa Michał
Published: April 2023

Drought stress inducing pollen sterility can reduce crop yield worldwide. The regulatory crosstalk associated with the effects of drought on pollen formation at the cellular level have not been explored in detail so far.
In this study, we performed morphological and cytoembryological analysis of anther perturbations and examined pollen development in two spring barley genotypes that differ in earliness and drought tolerance. The Syrian breeding line CamB (drought-tolerant) and the European cultivar Lubuski (drought-sensitive) were used as experimental materials to analyze the drought-induced changes in yield performance, chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, the pollen grain micromorphology and ultrastructure during critical stages of plant development. In addition, fluctuations in HvGAMYB expression were studied, as this transcription factor is closely associated with the anthers development.
In the experiments, the studied plants were affected by drought, as was confirmed by the analyses of yield performance and chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics. However, contrary to our expectations, the pollen development of plants grown under specific conditions was not severely affected. The results also suggest that growth modification, as well as the perturbation in light distribution, can affect the HvGAMYB expression. This study showed that the duration of the vegetation period can influence plant drought responses and, as a consequence, the processes associated with pollen development as every growth modification changes the dynamics of drought effects as well as the duration of plant exposition to drought.
¿A quiénes se cuenta? Narrativas sobre las métricas en salud de la población migrante venezolana en una zona de frontera en Colombia
Authors: Galvis-Malagón María , Martínez-Cabezas Sandra Patricia , Niño Machado Natalia , González-Uribe Catalina
Published: April 2023

Colombia ha sido un país receptor de la migración venezolana originada por la situación sociopolítica del país vecino. Una de las necesidades para dar respuesta a esta crisis es la recolección de datos que permitan visibilizar y monitorear las condiciones de salud de esta población. A partir de un estudio cualitativo centrado en entrevistas y observación etnográfica, el artículo se orienta a caracterizar las variadas dinámicas de inclusión y de exclusión que forman parte de la producción de datos en salud de la población migrante en Cúcuta, un territorio de la frontera colombo-venezolana. A partir de las narrativas de diversos actores que, en el territorio, trabajan directamente en la recolección, el análisis y el uso de datos de salud de la población migrante, el articulo problematiza la construcción de la categoría migrante dentro de las métricas, develando aquello que se visibiliza y aquello que se ignora en el proceso sociotécnico que está detrás de la construcción de estos datos.
Derivation of Newton's law of cooling and heating: Heating the water then cooling it down naturally to the room temperature
Authors: Wibowo Edy , Ulya Naily , Farizi Mohammad Rakha , Fitriyanti Nurwulan
Published: April 2023

A simple experiment has been conducted to study Newton's law of cooling and heating by observing the nature of the increasing and decreasing water temperature by utilizing a data logger, a thermocouple, a pan, a hot plate, and water. The uncovered pan contained water which was subsequently heated on a hot plate. The water was heated at ambient temperature and normal atmospheric pressure to see that the temperature rose exponentially. Conversely, the temperature of hot water decreased exponentially when the heat source was switched off. The model for increasing and decreasing water temperature is following the Newton's law of cooling and heating. It was proven that the experimental data highly fit theoretical models. The temperature increment constant (ka) and the temperature decrement constant (kd) determined the rate of temperature changes. Low values of ka and kd led to the slow change in the temperature, either the increase or the decrease in the water temperature and vice versa. The ka > kd was observed for all given conditions so that the increasing rate in the water temperature was faster than its decrease. The result of this study can be applied as an example of contextual learning of physics for university students.
Law Enforcement Against the Crime of Trading in Protected Animals (Case Study Decision Number: 3295/Pid.B/Lh/2019/Pn.Sby)
Authors: Novanda Sarda , Rosnawati Emy
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze law enforcement practices on the criminal acts of protected wildlife trade and analyze legal considerations by judges on Decision No. 3295/Pid.B/LH/2019/PN. Sby. The results show that law enforcement practices on the criminal act of trafficking protected animals is referring to Law No. 5 of 1990 on Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Ecosystems. The results also showed that the legal consideration by the judge on The Verdict Number: 3295/Pid.B/LH/2019/PN. Sby has considered sociological, philosophical and juridical considerations so that the granting of imprisonment for 1 (one) year and a fine of Rp 25,000,000 (twenty-five million rupiah) provided that if the fine is not paid will be replaced with a fine of 1 (one) month in prison is considered appropriate and effective.
The Effect of Innovation on the Performance of State Civil Apparatus at the Education and Culture Office
Authors: Ersandy Devina , Agustina Isna Fitria
Published: April 2023

In everyday life, we often hear the word Innovation. Innovation appears in the organization was first introduced by Schumpeter in 1934. Innovation is very important in organizations to increase the productivity of agencies. Innovation itself is an idea that is applied, and has a scientific basis. Underlying this research is that in fact there are still several factors that cause performance to be not optimal. The purpose of this research is to prove the effect of innovation on the performance of the State Civil Apparatus at the Education and Culture Office of Sidoarjo. This study uses quantitative methods and data collection techniques using interviews and questionnaires. Sampling used the total population of the State Civil Apparatus of the Education and Culture Office of Sidoarjo, namely 57 employees. The results of this study indicate that innovation has an influence on the performance of the State Civil Apparatus at the Education and Culture Office of Sidoarjo. Keywords – Innovation, employee performance.
Machiavellian Personality, Commitment, and Self-Efficacy: Unraveling Whistleblowing Intentions in Accounting Students
Authors: Azmiyanti Rizdina , Suhartini Dwi , Yunida Putri Sofie
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the relationship between commitment professionalism, Machiavellian personality, and whistleblowing intentions among accounting students, while examining self-efficacy as a moderating variable. Conducted on a sample of 200 7th-semester accounting students at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" Jawa Timur, the study employs a quantitative approach, using primary data collected through an online survey. Analysis with WarpPLS 7.0 reveals that high commitment and professionalism in accounting students can foster whistleblowing intentions without requiring high self-efficacy. Similarly, students with high Machiavellian personalities demonstrate whistleblowing motivation, independent of self-efficacy levels. These findings suggest that accounting students possess a heightened awareness of the importance of whistleblowing, which should be further nurtured through education and reinforcement of ethical principles in order to produce graduates with strong moral character and commitment to professional integrity.Highlights: Personality traits significantly impact whistleblowing intentions. Self-efficacy plays a crucial role in fostering ethical behavior. Enhancing ethical awareness is vital for shaping future accountants. Keywords: whistleblowing intentions, Machiavellian personality, commitment professionalism, self-efficacy, accounting students.
The Miocene World: A Brief Summary
Authors: Waite Lowell E. , Koepnick Richard B. , Markello James R.
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a brief synopsis of the Miocene Epoch, an important transitory chapter in the history of the Earth. It was during the Miocene that the major continents and oceans attained a “modern” configuration in terms of paleogeography and tectonics, oceanic ventilation and circulation, ocean chemistry, and faunal and floral assemblages. It also was during the Miocene that global climate fully transitioned into its current icehouse state, including marked growth of the Antarctic ice sheet and initiation of the Arctic ice cap. Long-term global cooling was controlled by a number of factors including tectonics, the large-scale changes in the distribution of flora, particularly the expansion of grasslands, and by fluctuating orbital parameters of the Earth. This global cooling trend was briefly interrupted by a short period of warming in the middle Miocene.

Miocene sea-level changes consisted of a number of glacio-eustatic third-order (1–5 million year [m.y.] duration) cycles superposed upon three longer-term, second-order (5–20 m.y. duration) supercycles. Development of large-scale tropical carbonate systems in the Miocene was relegated to three main geographic regions: the circum-Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Indo-Pacific. In addition, a pronounced cool-water platform system developed along the southern margin of Australia. Miocene reefal buildups were dominated by tropical to subtropical framework assemblages consisting primarily of large scleractinian corals, encrusting red algae, and rhodoliths (free-living coralline red algae) that grew on platform margins and interiors or on isolated atolls. Miocene carbonates were deposited in a variety of oceanic and structural settings and constitute important petroleum reservoirs, particularly in Southeast Asia. Deep-water terrigenous clastic sediments of Miocene age are also important petroleum reservoirs in some regions. In addition, the Miocene interval contains numerous prolific petroleum source rocks, most composed of Type III (gas-prone) kerogen.
Exploration History of the Central Luconia Carbonate Gas Play
Authors: Van Vliet Arthur , Wannier Mario
Published: April 2023

Central Luconia is a geological province on the Sarawak Shelf characterized by a widespread occurrence of carbonates of (largely) middle to late Miocene age. These carbonates have been a target of petroleum exploration since the late 1960s, leading to the discovery and development of a world-class gas resource mainly supplying the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market.

Carbonate growth in Central Luconia was initiated during a major regional transgression related to accelerated subsidence from crustal stretching associated with the formation of the South China Sea. Similar carbonate developments are seen elsewhere along the margins of the South China Sea, but the scale of Central Luconia, in terms of the large number of carbonate edifices, is unique. After a short “learning” phase, exploration in Central Luconia readily became extremely successful in the early 1970s, although the hoped-for “big oil” did not materialize; instead, large quantities of, almost exclusively nonassociated, gas were found. Being an export gas play, exploration in Central Luconia has been dictated strongly by market demand and therefore has been discontinuous over time, with fairly long periods of only piecemeal activity or even complete inactivity. In recent years, through growing LNG demand and improved commercial incentives, the play has seen a remarkable revival in terms of both activity and success.

Despite its maturity with over 100 exploration wells drilled, the play still has important gaps in understanding, notably with respect to prospect specific charge and retention issues, and as a result, some very significant late-stage discoveries were possible. The carbonates proper have been the least of the concern in the total exploration effort to date; virtually without exception, wells drilled found carbonate reservoir rock of adequate quality for production of gas.
Karst in Miocene Carbonate Buildups of Central Luconia Province, Offshore Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Rahman Siti Sarah Ab , Pöppelreiter Michael C. , Jimenez Grisel , Yusliandi Ari , Rosli Redwan
Published: April 2023

Karst is a common phenomenon in carbonate buildups worldwide. It has significant economic effects on exploration, drilling, field development, and secondary recovery mechanisms. In Malaysia, over 250 Miocene carbonate buildups were mapped offshore in the Central Luconia province of Sarawak, and roughly 65 carbonate buildups have been drilled. Almost every field has encountered indications for high permeability zones likely associated with karst, such as mud losses and drill bit drop during drilling activities; some fields were left abandoned due to mud losses that could not be controlled. Hence, it is important to predict and avoid karst features while drilling, during field operations, and for future carbon dioxide storage, to reduce development costs.

The geometry, distribution, and dimension of karst structures in Central Luconia fields remain poorly known, as there have been very few systematic studies conducted. This paper provides a comprehensive characterization of karst features typical of Miocene carbonate buildups. The analysis was based on core and thin-section description, well-log characterization, and seismic spectral decomposition attribute interpretation. Importantly, the subsurface description is supplemented with the analysis of drilling parameters of some 68 wells from 36 carbonate buildups located across the Central Luconia province. A total of 51 wells encountered mud losses of varying intensities, which have been classified and plotted on maps. Loss circulation depths were recorded and compared to core samples that showed characteristics indicative of dissolution and exposure, such as chalkified texture, and were marked on well logs, which often showed unusually high porosity readings in the karstified intervals. All possible karst intervals were documented for further detailed seismic interpretation. Seismic spectral decomposition attributes techniques were applied to seismic data of Jintan and F6 platforms in order to map karst features, which were observed to be dendritic, round, and elongated patterns of several hundred meters in diameter and tens of meters deep. These features are particularly well-developed below backstepping external buildup geomorphology.

The analysis showed that particularly strong losses occurred in stratigraphic intervals located toward the center of buildups. These were predicted using seismic spectral decomposition attribute signatures of karst features. The most extensive buildups with the strongest karstification were observed in the central part of the Central Luconia province.
A Case of Subcutaneous Schwannoma of the Scalp
Authors: Lee Seungwoo , Sin Eui Gyu
Published: April 2023

Schwannomas are benign neural tumors derived from Schwann cells, which surround the peripheral nerves. Here, we present a case of subcutaneous schwannoma of the scalp, with the goal of increasing awareness of the differential diagnosis of scalp masses. A 45-year-old woman was admitted with a palpable scalp mass on the occiput initially noticed 2 years prior. Palpation revealed a 1.5-cm round subcutaneous mass, which was soft and exhibited a movable tendency. The lesion margin was well-circumscribed and contained under the skin. Computed tomography showed a 6 × 12-mm soft-tissue density subcutaneous nodule in the right paramedian occipital region. Thus, an epidermal cyst or lipoma was suspected. The pathological diagnosis (hematoxylin and eosin staining) revealed evidence indicating a subcutaneous schwannoma of the scalp. We report a subcutaneous schwannoma of the scalp, demonstrating that schwannomas can also occur as subcutaneous scalp lesions. Therefore, we suggest that although the treatment of subcutaneous schwannomas does not differ from other soft-tissue masses, a pathological examination should be performed to establish an exact diagnosis in such cases.
Petrophysical Rock Typing in Uinta Basin Using Models Powered by Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Arengas Carlos L. , Curtis Mark E. , Dang Son T. , Rai Chandra S.
Published: April 2023

The development of unconventional resources in the Uinta basin requires more investigation. Petrophysical characterization is the key to identifying different rock types to optimize hydrocarbon production. Rock-typing can be performed using wireline measurements, such as triple combo and special logs; however, this identification needs to be verified using laboratory characterization to enhance the accuracy of rock-typing prediction models.

In this work, we implement an integrated characterization workflow for 600 ft of the core interval, including total organic carbon, source rock analysis, elemental (X-ray Fluorescence) and mineral (Fourier- transform Infrared Spectroscopy) composition, total porosity (High-pressure pycnometer, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), pore throat size distribution (Mercury Injection Capillary Pressure), elastic moduli (Ultrasonic velocity and nanoindentation) and microstructure (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Wireline measurements include the triple combo and the sonic logs. Principal Component Analysis and K-means (as unsupervised machine learning algorithms) were applied to both datasets to cluster and classify different rock types. In parallel, the petrophysical systematic for each rock type was evaluated.

The Uinta group is vastly diverse, having a wide range of porosity (2-18%) and TOC (0.5-10%). Three main rock types were identified type 1-siliceous rich, type 2-calcite rich, and type 3-dolomite rich. The relative contribution of types 1, 2, and 3 is 47, 31, and 22 %, respectively. The top section of the analyzed core is dominated by rock type 1, which generally has the highest porosity and relatively higher TOC. Most of the bottom section is carbonate-rich rock types, in which calcite-rich and dolomite-rich layers are interbedded; SEM analyses suggest that a fraction of the porosity is associated with organic matter. Between rock types 3 and 2, further studies indicate that the high dolomite rock type tends to have higher porosity, larger pore size, and better-sorted grains, while the high calcite rock type has lower porosity and small pore size. There is a fair agreement in rock type identification between using core-derived and log- derived models.

The Uinta basin leads the hydrocarbon production in Utah. The study provides a comprehensive core analysis dataset highlighting the vertical complexity of the Uinta group. The agreement in rock-typing using core and wireline inputs suggests that log-derived rock-typing can be utilized to identify sweet zones.
Challenges and Recent Advances in Modeling and Simulation of Geothermal Systems
Authors: Yurukcu Mesut , Saldana Jorge Leonardo , Temizel Cenk , Arbabi Sepehr
Published: April 2023

Geothermal sites have unique features that require tailored approaches when it comes to production and recovery forecasts. This article explores the latest technologies, and the current challenges that simulation methods face for these types of systems Objectives are to establish this work as a robust literature reference for researchers searching for a guide to assist their future investigations.

At the end of their cycles, low permeability hydrothermal sites, low fracture reservoirs, or over-exploited wells are ideal candidates to become enhanced geothermal systems, but to get to this point; optimization processes need to be performed on these sites. Building from earlier models that measure both wellhead temperature and pressure and considering the important challenges to current geothermal systems modeling, we advance a framework that embraces more novel computational techniques that strive towards capturing 3D fluid flow dynamics, as well as potential interactions between aqueous fluids, gases, and porosity and permeability changes brought by the dissolution and transformation of minerals inside the well.

The development of more novel models has improved the capabilities for working with increasingly larger quantities of data while also delivering accurate estimations when some data is missing or incomplete. Additionally, the advent of artificial intelligence techniques has aided engineers in modeling quasi-three-dimensional mass transport and fluid flow dynamics, as well as chemical and physical interactions within low-porosity reservoirs. Our review highlights the appearance of two important mathematical models that rely on nonlinear partial differential equations that cover fluid pressure, enthalpy, and boundary conditions. With that said, capturing those interactions in 3D models that are robust and efficient remains a steep challenge for researchers. Through this work, we ultimately offer a roadmap to developing models to combat these limitations.

Geothermal systems have been understudied as some consider these wells afterthoughts within oil and gas operations, but more novel methods can significantly improve reservoir simulation for these sites. This work provides a window into the newest advances and techniques while also providing a framework for their use to engineers looking to optimize them.
Prodrome to Seizure in Transforaminal Endoscopic Surgery: A Series of 9 Cases
Authors: Krishnan Ajay , Chauhan Vikrant , Degulmadi Devanand , Mayi Shivanand , Ranjan Ravi , Dave Mirant B , Bali Shiv Kumar , Charde Pranav Ravi , Anil Abhijith , Krishnan Preety A , Dave Bharat R
Published: April 2023

Objective: Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PTELD) is safe and ef- fective. Perioperative or postoperative seizures are a rare complication that can be prevented by promptly identifying prodromal symptoms and signs. This study aimed to identify prodromal symptoms and risk factors of avoidable seizures in patients undergoing PTELD and to quantify irrigation fluid ingression into the epidural space on immediate postoperative magnetic reso- nance imaging (MRI).Methods: This retrospective analysis included patients who underwent PTELD under local anes- thesia from February 2018 to June 2022. Surgical records were reviewed to identify patients who developed prodromal symptoms, and immediate postoperative MRI was evaluated for ra- diological correlations.Results: Nine patients developed prodromal symptoms of neck pain (n = 6), upper dorsal pain (n = 7), headache (n = 2), confusion (n = 2), visual disturbance (n = 1) and hemodynamic alter- ations (n = 4). No patients had seizures. Calcified lumbar disc herniation-associated posterior apophyseal ring fracture, central lumbar disc herniation, obesity, double-level surgery, use of an automated pump, and a large working channel endoscope were associated with an increased fluid flow rate for epidural work and duration of surgery. MRI showed significant epidural fluid collection cranial to the operative level, reaching the thoracolumbar junction, in patients with prodrome, suggesting increased intracranial pressure due to thecal sac compression. Conclusion: Prodromal symptoms should be considered a red flag for avoidable seizures. The duration of surgery and infusion fluid flow rate are controllable risk factors during surgery. Risk factors should be kept in mind. The judicious use of automated pumps and larger channel work- ing endoscopes is recommended.
Guiding the design of behavioural and lifestyle modification interventions for risk reduction, prevention, and treatment of non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: An overview of relevant literature
Authors: Negussie Abel , Addissie Adamu , Worku Alemayehu , Girma Eshetu
Published: April 2023

Background
The increasing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) calls for the development and dissemination of effective and viable interventions. In this respect, behavioural and lifestyle modification interventions (BLMIs) offer the most effective means of addressing the underlying lifestyle behaviours associated with NCDs at multiple disease prevention levels (primordial, primary, and secondary). This review aims to provide an overview of key features and components of BLMIs, as well as practical considerations when implementing in LMIC settings.
Methods
An exploratory approach was used to provide an overview of salient issues in the design of BLMIs; and the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, as well as grey literature, were searched. Based on the review’s aim, the most important issues/themes were identified using a narrative thematic synthesis and analysis approach.
Results
Thirty-three publications were included as the most relevant literature to the topic, and eight overarching themes were identified: understanding the target health behaviour; using behavioural/psychological theories; applying behaviour change techniques/strategies; providing effective support and follow-up; intervention delivery formats and providers; cultural sensitivity; feasibility consideration; and addressing multiple lifestyle behaviours.
Conclusion
Targeting lifestyle and behavioural modification interventions with a proper understanding of their essential design components and practical contextual considerations is crucial in reducing the rising burden of NCDs in LMICs. Future direction on the importance of conducting original researches and systematic reviews on the subject was also emphasized.
Topo-Iberia CGPS network: A new 3D crustal velocity field in the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco based on eleven years (2008–2019)
Authors: García-Armenteros Juan A.
Published: April 2023

The Topo-Iberia network covering the Spanish part of the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco was established in 2008. Following the first publication of the horizontal velocity field based on an analysis of the first four years (2008–2012) in 2015, a new 3D velocity field based on eleven years (2008–2019) is presented. The double-differencing technique is applied with GAMIT software, and the precise point positioning (PPP) technique is applied with GipsyX software for GPS processing to obtain loosely constrained solutions. Then, a Kalman filter is used to merge both solutions using GLOBK software and produce a velocity solution. The combined velocity solution is presented as a new horizontal velocity field and the first vertical velocity field of the Topo-IberiaCGPS network. A global viewof the data quality from the Topo-Iberia stations is also presented for the first time, as well as a program specifically created to convert GipsyX gdcov files to SINEX files, gdcov2sinex.sh. The results are in good agreement with previous publications, except in the Betic Cordillera, where the new velocities with respect to Eurasia are generally lower and present a higher southwestward component rather than a purely westward motion. The main discrepancy is observed at the ALJI station, where the maximum velocity is reached (3 ± 0.1 mm/yr), showing west‒northwestward motion. The smallest and highest residual displacements with respect to Eurasiaoccur in northern Iberia and Morocco, respectively. The results support the conclusions of other studies that a clockwise block rotation occurs at present in the northern branch of the Gibraltar Arc. The velocities indicate a northwest‒southeast convergence rate of 3.5 ± 0.1 mm/yr with respect to Nubia. A general low subsidence (mean value of 0.5 ± 0.1 mm/yr) is observed in the Iberian Peninsula except for some isolated stations presenting uplift.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of hadal snailfish reveals mechanisms of deep-sea adaptation in vertebrates
Authors: Xu Wen-Jie , Zhu Chenglong , Gao Xueli , Wu Baosheng , Xu Han , Hu Ming-Liang , Zeng Honghui , Gan Xiaoni , Feng Chen-Guang , Zheng Jiangmin , Bo Jing , He Lisheng , Qiu Qiang , Wang Wen , He Shunping , Wang Kun
Published: April 2023

As the deepest vertebrate in the ocean, the hadal snailfish (Pseudoliparis swirei), which lives at a depth of 6,000~8,000m, is a representative case for studying adaptation to extreme environments. Despite some preliminary studies on this species in recent years, including their loss of pigmentation, visual and skeletal calcification genes, and the role of TMAO in adaptation to high-hydrostatic pressure, it is still unknown how they evolved and why they are among the few vertebrate species that have successfully adapted to the deep sea environment. Using genomic data from different trenches, we found that the hadal snailfish may have entered and fully adapted to such extreme environments only in the last few million years. Meanwhile, phylogenetic relationships show that they spread into different trenches in the Pacific Ocean within a million years. Comparative genomic analysis has also revealed that the genes associated with perception, circadian rhythms, and metabolism have been extensively modified in the hadal snailfish to adapt to its unique environment. More importantly, the tandem duplication of a gene encoding ferritin significantly increased their tolerance to reactive oxygen species, which may be one of the important factors in their adaptation to high-hydrostatic pressure.
Development and validation of a predictive model for refracture among elderly patients with vertebral osteoporotic fractures
Authors: ma xinling , Lin Xiaozhen , Wang Limei , Zhou Landao , Liao Qiujiao , Tang Qianli , Luo Liangping , LU Meijiao
Published: April 2023

Background The increasing incidence of and adverse events related to refracture among patients with vertebral osteoporotic fractures have attracted increasing attention. In order to carry out preventive strategy effectively, it is of great significance to identify the risk of refractures. In this study, we developed a prediction model to evaluate the risk of refracture after initial fragility fracture.Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted across four tertiary hospitals in Southwest China between April 2018 and December 2021. X-rays were used to diagnose fractures. Participants from 3 of 4 centers were development set and the 4th as a validation set. The discrimination and calibration of each model was assessed using the validation set.Results A total of 1632 patients were included in this study, of which 428 patients suffered a refracture. A total of 11 factors were identified as candidates for predicting refracture were age, rehabilitate, treatment regimen, alcohol consumption, BMI, duration of medication use, history of comorbidities, fall risk, and levels of BGP, TALP, and Hcy. The average AUC of the nomogram was 0.936 (0.92–0.952) in the training set and 0.922 (0.894–0.949) in the validation set. The values for sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 0.825, 0.908, and 0.885, respectively.Conclusion We identified 11 independent risk factors that impact refracture risk. These factors were diagramed in a nomogram and transform into online calculator, which can be used to evaluate the risk of refracture among patients with initial vertebral osteoporotic fractures.