bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investment Support for Hydrocarbon Production in the United States: Main Trends, Energy Alternatives, and Environmental Determinants
Authors:   Separated Subdivision of National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine “Boyarka Forestry Research Station”, Holian Vasyl A. , Korobka Rostyslav V. ,   Separated Subdivision of National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine “Boyarka Forestry Research Station”, Bardas Vadym М. ,   Public Organization «European Analytical Centre»
Published: April 2024

It is substantiated that the United States are present as the main actor in the global energy market in terms of both forming the supply of energy carriers and ensuring the stability of its functioning. It is found that in recent decades, the production of hydrocarbons in the United States has been regulated by the federal government, based on conjunctural fluctuations in the world hydrocarbon market and the reformatting of the centers of gravity in global energy flows. It is found that in 2010–2022 in the United States, despite the growth of hydrocarbon production, there was a decrease in the volume of investment support for the development of the oil and gas industry. It is proved that the reduction of investment injections into oil and gas production in recent years is due to the diversification of the investment portfolio of «hydrocarbon» TNCs and the change in priorities in the development of hydrocarbon reserves. It is identified that the diversification of the investment portfolio of oil and gas companies occurs through the transfer of financial flows to the development of alternative energy and giving priority to the implementation of small, less risky megaprojects, rather than excessively risky megaprojects. It is substantiated that the United States has formed a diversified investment landscape in the field of natural gas and oil production, which includes large transnational corporations, independent oil and gas companies, financial institutions, and private investment companies. It is agreed that one of the main priorities of investment support for hydrocarbon extraction projects is the extraction of shale gas, based on its significant reserves and taking into account the emergence of new niches in the capacious market of Western Europe as a result of the imposition of sanctions against oil and gas suppliers from terrorist countries. It is verified that an effective form of investment support for shale gas extraction are public-private partnership (PPP) agreements, which provide investment in the development of the infrastructure of technological and innovation centers, which are focused on the development of advanced technologies related to the exploration, production and use of this component of hydrocarbon raw materials. This creates conditions for gaining competitive advantages in the volatile and sensitive global oil and gas market.
AI-Based Customer Churn Prediction Model for Business Markets in the USA: Exploring the Use of AI and Machine Learning Technologies in Preventing Customer Churn
Authors: Nisha Gurung  , Md Rokibul Hasan  , Md Sumon Gazi  , Faiaz Rahat Chowdhury
Published: April 2024

Understanding consumer churn is pivotal for companies in the USA to develop efficient strategies for consumer retention and reduce its negative effects on revenue and profitability. To start with, understanding client churn entails pinpointing the factors that contribute to it. This research paper delved into the application of machine learning algorithms such as Random Forests and Decision Trees for designing churn prediction models and exploring key factors that churn probabilities. The dataset used in this study was sourced from the prominent UCI repository of machine learning databases, preserved at the University of California, Irvine. This dataset provided extensive information on a total of 3333 clients, facilitating in-depth analysis and insights. Models performance evaluation comprised examining the model's efficiency using a confusion matrix. Random Forest seemed to be a relatively better performing model than Decision Tree for this specific classification task. In particular, Random Forest attained higher accuracy (96.25%), precision (91.49), Recall (83.49%), F-measure (0.87), and Phi coefficient (0.85).  By deploying Random Forest and Decision Tree models, government companies can get an in-depth comprehension of the factors that lead to consumer churn. As a result, this information may enable them to tailor targeted retention strategies and interventions. By effectively retaining consumers, government organizations can maintain a stable customer base, leading to sustained revenue and economic growth.
El trabajo de dirigir: apuntes conceptuales sobre la dirección escolar en Argentina, 2001- 2020
Authors: Vicente Maria Eugenia
Published: April 2024

Los aportes del campo de estudio de la dirección escolar acuerdan en posicionar su comprensión y resignificación a lo largo del tiempo, acorde a determinados modelos socio políticos que configuran ciertos vínculos entre educación y sociedad. Desde este encuadre, en la actualidad, las principales conceptualizaciones sobre el tema plantean modos participativos y democráticos de comprender la dirección escolar, a partir de las perspectivas de liderazgo pedagógico o como gobierno. No obstante, la lectura de cada línea muestra determinadas diferencias sobre cómo se comprende y atiende a la participación como estrategia de gestión y a la democracia como forma de gobernabilidad en las escuelas. En este sentido, el tema en el que se inscribe el artículo refiere al estudio de las conceptualizaciones contemporáneas sobre la dirección escolar. Particularmente, el objetivo propuesto se orienta a describir las características de la dirección escolar en las concepciones de liderazgo pedagógico y como gobierno. El enfoque metodológico adoptado es de tipo cualitativo- descriptivo, orientado a reconstruir ciertas dimensiones y vinculaciones particulares sobre un objeto de estudio propio de la administración de la educación. En función de ello, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de cuarenta artículos y libros sobre el tema. El desarrollo del artículo se organiza alrededor de las siguientes dimensiones, definidas ex post a partir de la lectura del corpus bibliográfico, a saber: I) las estructuras, II) las normas, y III) la calidad educativa. Como conclusión, se destaca que el artículo invita a pensar en las agendas de la dirección escolar desde discusiones iniciales, primeras y necesarias, tales como las estructuras educativas desde donde se piensa dicha práctica profesional, las normas que regulan el accionar institucional, y la búsqueda de la calidad en la gestión de los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje.
Comparison of the Radioprotective Properties of Riboxin (Inosine) and Indralin with Prophylactic Administration at Dosages of 100 mg/кg According to the Survival Criterion of Irradiated Mice
Authors:   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia, Romodin L.A. , Nikitenko O.V. ,   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia,   Institute of Biomedical Problems, Moscow, Russia, Bychkova T.M. ,   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia,   Institute of Biomedical Problems, Moscow, Russia, Zrilova Yu.A. ,   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia, Rodionova E.D. ,   Russian Biotechnological University, Moscow, Russia, Bocharov D.A. ,   Russian Biotechnological University, Moscow, Russia
Published: April 2024

Relevance: Due to the high chemical toxicity of all known effective radioprotectors, studies of the radioprotective properties of safer drugs are very relevant. A sufficient number of works are devoted to the radioprotective properties of ribonucleoside riboxin (inosine). However, studies comparing the direct radioprotective properties of riboxin and a recognized radioprotector, for example, indralin, using a survival test in irradiated animals have not yet been carried out. Purpose: Conduct a comparative assessment of the radioprotective properties of riboxin and indralin using a survival test in mice exposed to external X-ray radiation. Material and methods: The experiment was carried out on 200 male ICR (CD-1) mice of the SPF category in duplicate. In each experiment, the animals were divided into the following groups, separated by body weight, 10 animals each: vivar control, not exposed to drugs and radiation, radiation control, with preliminary intraperitoneal administration of sterile water and exposed to external X-ray radiation in doses of 6.0, 6.5 and 6.75 Gy, experimental groups exposed to irradiation in the indicated doses with preliminary intraperitoneal administration of riboxin at a dosage of 100 ml/kg body weight or indralin at a dosage of 100 ml/kg. Survival was assessed for 30 days after irradiation. The dose change factor was determined using probit analysis as the ratio of the radiation dose causing the death of half of the irradiated animals that received the drug to the radiation dose causing the death of half of the irradiated animals without administration of the drug. Results: The use of indralin before X-ray irradiation in doses of 6.0 Gy, 6.5 Gy and 6.75 Gy led to a statistically significant increase in the survival of animals compared to the group receiving Riboxin and control irradiation (р<0,05, log-rank test). Using equations derived from Phinney probit analysis, LD50 doses were calculated for indralin and riboxin, from which dose change factors were calculated to be 1.8 and 1.07, respectively. Conclusion: Since riboxin has not demonstrated radioprotective properties, its preventive use with intraperitoneal administration under the conditions described in this paper, for leveling the effects of radiation can be considered ineffective.
Theoretical Analysis of the Radiation Quality and the Relative Biological Efficiency of Tritium
Authors:   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia, Rodneva S.M. , Guryev D.V. ,   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia,   N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Moscow, Russia
Published: April 2024

Introduction 1. Tritium and reference radiation 1.1 Tritium isotope and its energy spectrum 1.2 Reference radiation 2. Methods for determining the quality of radiation and RBE 2.1 Radiation quality in microdosimetry 2.2 RBE by the number of DNA double-strand breaks 2.3 RBE by fraction of secondary low-energy electrons 3. Analysis of calculations of radiation quality and tritium RBE 3.1 Estimation of tritium emission quality factors 3.2 Evaluation of the RBE of tritium radiation during its action on DNA 3.3 Estimation of the RBE of tritium from the fraction of secondary low-energy electrons 3.4 Quality factors and RBE of tritium with respect to reference emissions Conclusion
Review of the Monograph by Yu.A. Klassovsky «The Effect of External and Internal Irradiation in the Conditions of Formation of Radioactive Traces of Nuclear Explosions. Questions of Etiology and Pathogenesis»
Authors:   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia, Ushakov I.B.
Published: April 2024

In memory of our teachers and the founders of the relevant fields of radiobiology, who studied the consequences and developed protection against the combined effects of external radiation and radionuclides on the body The material included in Yuri Alexandrovich Krasovsky's monograph, designed and published posthumously, is addressed to specialists in radiobiology and medical radiology. It represents unique data that, at the time of their receipt, should be characterized as promising in terms of methodological approach, scientific novelty and meaningful author's generalization, and in modern conditions of time – as non-reproducible and relevant in solving problems of universal value. The reason for this lies in the original methodological approach of the author and his interpretation of the data obtained.
Terapias-alvo no tratamento do glioblastoma em adultos: Uma revisão de escopo
Authors: Ramos Rubia Nara Alves , Matsuda Thelma Yuri Lago , Czepula Alexandra
Published: April 2024

Dentro do espectro das neoplasias primárias do sistema nervoso central, o glioblastoma é o subtipo mais prevalente, agressivo e letal, apesar das intervenções terapêuticas. Nesse cenário, a terapia-alvo, ao desenvolver medicamentos direcionados a moléculas específicas do processo carcinogênico, surge como uma opção verdadeiramente revolucionária. Portanto, esta revisão tem como objetivo mapear na literatura as terapias-alvo que são ou podem ser usadas no tratamento do glioblastoma em adultos visando a regressão do câncer. Este é um estudo metodológico de revisão de escopo. As bases de dados utilizadas foram: BVS, Pubmed, Embase, Scopus e BDTD. No total, foram identificados 637 estudos, dos quais 31 foram selecionados conforme critérios de inclusão; além disso, 4 artigos foram incluídos manualmente. Mediante a leitura, alguns fármacos, como o apatinibe, osimertinibe e cetuximabe, mostraram-se efetivos nos estudos realizados, contudo, carecem de aplicações em ensaios clínicos maiores para embasar sua incorporação nos esquemas de terapia padrão. O bevacizumabe já é consolidado no tratamento de glioblastoma recorrente e/ou terapia de segunda ou terceira linhas. Por fim, concluiu-se que embora o tratamento e prognóstico do paciente com glioblastoma ainda permaneça obscuro atualmente, acredita-se e tem-se esperança de que em um futuro promissor a terapia molecular direcionada servirá como aliada no tratamento curativo para esse câncer, visto que já há evidências de alguns melhorarem a qualidade de vida com alívio de sintomas, aumentarem o tempo livre de progressão da doença e/ou a sobrevida do paciente ainda que por determinado tempo.
Conventional and machine learning-based risk scores for patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ho Chun-Ting , Tan Elise Chia-Hui , Lee Pei-Chang , Chu Chi-Jen , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Huo Teh-Ia , Su Yu-Hui , Hou Ming-Chih , Wu Jaw-Ching , Su Chien-Wei
Published: April 2024

Background/Aims: The performance of machine learning (ML) in predicting the outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain. We aimed to develop risk scores using conventional methods and ML to categorize early-stage HCC patients into distinct prognostic groups.Methods: The study retrospectively enrolled 1,411 consecutive treatment-naïve patients with the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0 to A HCC from 2012 to 2021. The patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (n=988) and validation cohort (n=423). Two risk scores (CATS-IF and CATS-INF) were developed to predict overall survival (OS) in the training cohort using the conventional methods (Cox proportional hazards model) and ML-based methods (LASSO Cox regression), respectively. They were then validated and compared in the validation cohort.Results: In the training cohort, factors for the CATS-IF score were selected by the conventional method, including age, curative treatment, single large HCC, serum creatinine and alpha-fetoprotein levels, fibrosis-4 score, lymphocyte-tomonocyte ratio, and albumin-bilirubin grade. The CATS-INF score, determined by ML-based methods, included the above factors and two additional ones (aspartate aminotransferase and prognostic nutritional index). In the validation cohort, both CATS-IF score and CATS-INF score outperformed other modern prognostic scores in predicting OS, with the CATSINF score having the lowest Akaike information criterion value. A calibration plot exhibited good correlation between predicted and observed outcomes for both scores.Conclusions: Both the conventional Cox-based CATS-IF score and ML-based CATS-INF score effectively stratified patients with early-stage HCC into distinct prognostic groups, with the CATS-INF score showing slightly superior performance.
Attraction and achievement as 2 attributes of gamification in healthcare: an evolutionary concept analysis
Authors: Kim Hyun Kyoung
Published: April 2024

This study conducted a conceptual analysis of gamification in healthcare utilizing Rogers’ evolutionary concept analysis methodology to identify its attributes and provide a method for its applications in the healthcare field. Gamification has recently been used as a health intervention and education method, but the concept is used inconsistently and confusingly. A literature review was conducted to derive definitions, surrogate terms, antecedents, influencing factors, attributes (characteristics with dimensions and features), related concepts, consequences, implications, and hypotheses from various academic fields. A total of 56 journal articles in English and Korean, published between August 2 and August 7, 2023, were extracted from databases such as PubMed Central, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Association for Computing Machinery Digital Library, the Research Information Sharing Service, and the Korean Studies Information Service System, using the keywords “gamification” and “healthcare.” These articles were then analyzed. Gamification in healthcare is defined as the application of game elements in health-related contexts to improve health outcomes. The attributes of this concept were categorized into 2 main areas: attraction and achievement. These categories encompass various strategies for synchronization, enjoyable engagement, visual rewards, and goal-reinforcing frames. Through a multidisciplinary analysis of the concept’s attributes and influencing factors, this paper provides practical strategies for implementing gamification in health interventions. When developing a gamification strategy, healthcare providers can reference this analysis to ensure the game elements are used both appropriately and effectively.
Changing the Game: Interventional Radiology’s Growing Impact on Imaging
Authors: Antoniou Victoria
Published: April 2024

THIS YEAR’s European Congress of Radiology (ECR) took place in Vienna, Austria, from 28ᵗʰ February–3ʳᵈ March, and featured a gripping Innovation in Focus session that delved into the various ways interventional radiology (IR) is changing imaging today. Chaired by Jurgen Fütterer, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands, the session featured talks discussing the evolution of interventional radiology from past to present, and where it will take us next.
A sustainable synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate from stubble waste as a carbon source using Pseudomonas putida MTCC 2475
Authors: Kukreti Neha , Kumar Pravir , Kataria Rashmi
Published: April 2024

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polymers that can be produced from lignocellulosic biomass by microorganisms. Cheap and readily available raw material, such as corn stover waste, has the potential to lessen the cost of PHA synthesis. In this research study, corn stover is pretreated with NaOH under conditions optimized for high cellulose and low lignin with central composite design (CCD) followed by characterization using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Design expert software performed further optimization of alkali pretreated corn stover for high total reducing sugar (TRS) enhancement using CCD using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized condition by RSM produced a TRS yield of 707.19 mg/g. Fermentation using corn stover hydrolysate by Pseudomonas putida MTCC 2475 gave mcl-PHA detected through gaschromatography–tandemmassspectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and characterization of the PHA film by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FTIR, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Thus, this research paper focuses on using agriculture (stubble) waste as an alternative feedstock for PHA production.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of periosteum-derived cells and iPSC-derived chondrocytes encapsulated in GelMA for osteochondral tissue engineering
Authors: Agten Hannah , Van Hoven Inge , Van Hoorick Jasper , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Luyten Frank P. , Bloemen Veerle
Published: April 2024

Osteochondral defects are deep joint surface lesions that affect the articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. In the current study, a tissue engineering approach encompassing individual cells encapsulated in a biocompatible hydrogel is explored in vitro and in vivo. Cell-laden hydrogels containing either human periosteum-derived progenitor cells (PDCs) or human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived chondrocytes encapsulated in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) were evaluated for their potential to regenerate the subchondral mineralized bone and the articular cartilage on the joint surface, respectively. PDCs are easily isolated and expanded progenitor cells that are capable of generating mineralized cartilage and bone tissue in vivo via endochondral ossification. iPSC-derived chondrocytes are an unlimited source of stable and highly metabolically active chondrocytes. Cell-laden hydrogel constructs were cultured for up to 28 days in a serum-free chemically defined chondrogenic medium. On day 1 and day 21 of the differentiation period, the cell-laden constructs were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice to evaluate ectopic tissue formation 4 weeks post-implantation. Taken together, the data suggest that iPSC-derived chondrocytes encapsulated in GelMA can generate hyaline cartilage-like tissue constructs with different levels of maturity, while using periosteum-derived cells in the same construct type generates mineralized tissue and cortical bone in vivo. Therefore, the aforementioned cell-laden hydrogels can be an important part of a multi-component strategy for the manufacturing of an osteochondral implant.
Cancer spreading patterns based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity
Authors: Wang Rui , Yan Zhaopeng
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Metastasis is a major cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring the necessity to discern the rules and patterns of cancer cell spreading. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity contributes to cancer aggressiveness and metastasis. Despite establishing key determinants of cancer aggressiveness and metastatic ability, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism is unknown. We aimed to propose a classification system for cancer cells based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, focusing on hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype.

Methods: We extensively reviewed the concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, specifically considering the hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype.

Results: In this review and hypothesis article, based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, especially the hysteresis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, we proposed a classification of cancer cells, indicating that cancer cells with epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity potential could be classified into four types: irreversible hysteresis, weak hysteresis, strong hysteresis, and hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. These four types of cancer cells had varied biology, spreading features, and prognoses.

Discussion: Our results highlight that the proposed classification system offers insights into the diverse behaviors of cancer cells, providing implications for cancer aggressiveness and metastasis.
Graph learning for particle accelerator operations
Authors: Wang Song , Tennant Chris , Moser Daniel , Larrieu Theo , Li Jundong
Published: April 2024

Particle accelerators play a crucial role in scientific research, enabling the study of fundamental physics and materials science, as well as having important medical applications. This study proposes a novel graph learning approach to classify operational beamline configurations as good or bad. By considering the relationships among beamline elements, we transform data from components into a heterogeneous graph. We propose to learn from historical, unlabeled data via our self-supervised training strategy along with fine-tuning on a smaller, labeled dataset. Additionally, we extract a low-dimensional representation from each configuration that can be visualized in two dimensions. Leveraging our ability for classification, we map out regions of the low-dimensional latent space characterized by good and bad configurations, which in turn can provide valuable feedback to operators. This research demonstrates a paradigm shift in how complex, many-dimensional data from beamlines can be analyzed and leveraged for accelerator operations.
A small molecule inhibitor of leucine carboxyl methyltransferase-1 inhibits cancer cell survival
Authors: Arosarena O. A. , Saribas A. S. , Papadopoulos E. P.
Published: April 2024

Reversible phosphorylation is the basis for signal transduction in eukaryotic cells, and this is tightly controlled by the complex interplay of kinases and phosphatases. Many malignancies are characterized by dysregulation of the delicate protein phosphorylation balance. The targeting of protein phosphatases has been gaining attention as their role in cancer development and progression has been elucidated. The protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A) family of phosphatases are the primary cellular serine/threonine phosphatases. PP2A heterotrimers containing the B55α (PR55α) regulatory subunit have been associated with oncogenic signaling, and B55 subunits are found exclusively in forms of PP2A in which the carboxyl terminus of the catalytic subunit (PP2Ac) is methylated. Methylation of PP2Ac is primarily mediated by leucine carboxyl methyltransferase-1 (LCMT-1). Demethylation is controlled by an esterase, PP2A methylesterase (PME-1). We tested two potential LCMT-1 small molecule inhibitors and found that methyl 4-methyl-2-[(2-methylbenzoyl)amino]-5-[[(3-methylphenyl)amino]carbonyl]-3-thiophenecarboxylate (henceforth referred to as Compound 2) significantly inhibited PP2Ac methylation in vitro (p = 0.0024), and in the MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma (p = 0.0431) and Rosi melanoma (p = 0.0335) cell lines. Compound 2 significantly reduced survival in HEK-293, HS-5, MDA-MB-231 and Rosi cells; and constrained clonogenic colony formation in MCF7, MDA-MB-231 and Rosi cells. The LCMT-1inhibitor induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in Rosi cells (p = 0.0193) and induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells (p < 0.0001). Increased phosphorylation of the receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase-1 (RIPK1) was detected in MDA-MB-231 (p = 0.0273) and Rosi cells (p = 0.0179) in response to treatment with Compound 2. These data add to the body of evidence pointing to LCMT-1 as an oncogenic target.
Application of the target trial emulation framework to external comparator studies
Authors: Arnold Kellyn , Antunes Luis , Coles Briana , Lee Hopin
Published: April 2024

External comparator (EC) studies are increasingly being used to generate evidence that supports the evaluation of emerging pharmacological treatments for regulatory and health technology assessment (HTA) purposes. However, the reliability of evidence generated from EC studies can vary. In this paper, we outline how an existing framework for causal inference, the target trial emulation (TTE) framework, can be appropriately applied to improve the design and analysis of EC studies. Applying the TTE framework involves specifying the protocol of an ideal target trial which would answer the causal question of interest, then emulating its key elements under real-world (RW) settings. We describe each component of the original TTE framework and explain how it can be applied to EC studies, supplemented with practical recommendations. We also highlight special considerations and limitations in applying the TTE framework to EC studies. We describe how the TTE framework can be applied to improve the clarity, transparency, and reliability of evidence generated from EC studies.
Numerical scrutinization of heat transfer subject to physical quantities through bioconvective nanofluid flow via stretching permeable surfaces
Authors: Shang Shanshan , Yu Zikai , Wang Qiaoli , Liu Fengwei , Jin Limin
Published: April 2024

Background: The mechanics of heat and mass transfer via nanofluid flow across many media are currently being discussed. “Nanofluids” are fluids that include highly heat-conductive nanoparticles, and they are essential for resolving engineering problems. Under the effects of activation energy, thermal radiation, and motile microorganisms, the process of heat and mass transfer through steady nanofluid flow crosses over stretched surfaces in this scenario.

Methodology: For mathematical evaluation, the system of partial differential equations (PDEs) is used to describe this physical framework. By introducing suitable similarity variables with a set of boundary conditions, this mathematical system of PDEs has become a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). To obtain numerical results, the MATLAB built-in program “bvp4c” is used to solve the system of first-order equations.

Results: In the findings and discussion section, the resulting outcomes are thoroughly examined and visually shown. The flow rate in these systems increases due to the erratic movement of microorganisms. The graphical representation shows the impacts of involving physical factors on the microorganism, thermal, concentration, and momentum profiles. Variations/changes in these profiles can be observed by adjusting the parametric values, as depicted in the graphs. Consequently, thermal transport is boosted by 25%. Additionally, the skin friction, Nusselt, Sherwood, and microbe density numbers are determined numerically. The findings demonstrate that increasing the magnetic field parameter causes the velocity profile to decrease, increasing the radiation parameter leads to an increase in temperature description, and increasing the Lewis number causes the microorganism profile’s transport rate to decrease.
Optimal design of gas injection development method for enhanced recovery in terrestrial shale oil reservoir
Authors: Cui Xiaoyu , Chen Zhewei , Wang Rui , Han Yi , He Xujiao , Lei Zhengdong
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the shale oil drainage characteristics from the Gulong Sag, The objective is to clarify the development method for effective recovery enhancement of terrestrial shale oil. The investigation employs elastic depletion, CO2 displacement, and CO2 huff and puff coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements and numerical simulation methods. The study found that the elastic depletion, CO2 displacement, and CO2 huff and puff utilization efficiencies were 17.4%, 18.87%, and 21%, respectively. The study evaluated the oil drainage efficiency of different pore sizes in elastic depletion and CO2 huff and puff modes. The results demonstrated a clear trend in the order of micropore, mesoporous and macropore, with micropores exhibiting the highest oil drainage efficiency due to gas channeling during CO2 displacement. The use of CO2 huff and puff has been shown to improve oil drainage efficiency by 6.02%∼9.2% for different pore sizes. The numerical simulation optimization results suggest an injection volume of 3,000 t per round per well, an injection rate of 100 t/d, and a soaking time of 20 d for optimal CO2 huff and puff injection. This will increase oil production by 65,000 m³, resulting in an overall improvement of 24%. The study results provide a strong theoretical foundation for improving the recovery rates of terrestrial shale oil and gas through injection.
The distinctive morphology of caudal neurosecretory system and its impact on Pampus argenteus throughout the breeding season
Authors: Guo Chunyang , Zhang Xiaodong , Song Huiyang , Wang Xubo , Xu Shanliang , Wang Danli
Published: April 2024

The caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) of teleost is intricately linked to reproduction. This study sought to explore the association between the CNSS and the reproductive cycle of Pampus argenteus. Utilizing microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we observed the morphological alterations within the CNSS. Furthermore, we quantified the levels of urotensin-I (U-I), urotensin-II (U-II), cortisol, and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) throughout the reproductive process. Findings revealed that Dahlgren cells, distributed along the spinal cord adjacent to the terminal 6 vertebrae of the silver pomfret’s tail, were primarily concentrated within the final 3 vertebrae. The neurohypophysis was characterized by an elongated oval form when viewed laterally and an almost spherical configuration in ventral perspective. Post-breeding season, the average diameters of Type I and Type II Dahlgren cells decreased by 21.8% and 15.44%, respectively (P < 0.05), accompanied by a reduction in neurosecretory granules to merely 60% of their initial pre-reproductive state (P < 0.05). Variations in the serum and gonadal concentrations of U-I, U-II, cortisol, and CRH indicated a significant correlation with gonadal maturation. In summary, the CNSS plays a crucial role in gonadal development, directly or indirectly influencing and modulating the reproductive activities of P. argenteus.
Imbalance of sediment transport in a meso-tidal bay: effect of tidal pumping and residual circulation
Authors: Kim Su In , Seo Jun Young , Park Jae-Hun , Kim Pyeong Joong , Kim In Gwon , Kim Kyung Man , Ha Ho Kyung
Published: April 2024

In-situ mooring systems with acoustic Doppler current profilers were installed in the western (TM01) and eastern (TM02) parts of Yeosu Bay from September 3 to October 2, 2021, to understand the controlling mechanisms of suspended sediment transport. In the bay, freshwater from the Seomjin River freely exchanges with seawater from the open sea. Over the mooring period, current flows were mainly dominated by ebb tides. Power spectral density analysis of the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) exhibited a quarter-diurnal (6.21 h) frequency at TM01 and a semi-diurnal (12.42 h) frequency at TM02. The results suggested that SSC variations in the western part were driven primarily by local sediment resuspension, while they were influenced predominantly by horizontal advection in the eastern part. Differences in SSC variation at the two stations could be due to the physical properties of the bed sediments (TM01: sandy mud containing shell fragments, TM02: mud). Such current flows and SSC variations over the tidal cycles caused an imbalance of sediment transport. At TM01, the sediment fluxes were dominantly seaward due to tidal pumping (88% of the total) and the discharge of suspended sediments in the surface layer by residual circulation. At TM02, landward sediment fluxes were driven primarily by the residual current (73% of the total). Although the suspended sediment fluxes tended to be compensated and balanced mutually by circulation over the entire period, the suspended sediment fluxes at TM02 were approximately twice higher than those at TM01. This was caused by the difference in SSC asymmetry between flood and ebb at the two stations. The mechanisms controlling the transport of suspended sediment could vary spatially, and the relative contribution of tidal pumping and residual circulation could result in an imbalance of sediment transport.
Modeling sound speed profile based on ocean normal mode
Authors: Qu Ke , Yin Weifeng , Zhu Fengqin , Meng Lei
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Statistical methods such as empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) are often used to model the sound speed profile (SSP). However, their statistical nature often leads to the sample dependence and physical fuzziness.

Method

This study proposes a technique for modeling the SSP from the perspective of ocean dynamics. It employs the ocean normal mode, which is the mode of fluid particles motion, to deduce perturbations in the SSP, which is called the ocean mode basis (OMB).

Result

The results of SSP reconstruction of in-situ samples showed that a few leading orders of the OMB can provide a compact representation of the SSP. Oscillations of the contours and gradient of the sound speed in thermocline were analyzed by using the first two orders of the projection coefficients of the relationship between the OMB and the baroclinic mode. As a physical model, this technique can also be used to characterize the dynamics of internal solitary waves. Furthermore, the OMB derived from archival date was used for SSP inversion. The results showed that the OMB can reconstruct SSP of a reasonable resolution without requiring in-situ samples.

Discussion

Compared with statistical models, the OMB can better explain the ocean dynamics underlying variations in the SSP while requiring fewer samples.
Porewater exchange and iron transformation in a coastal groundwater system: a field investigation, driving mechanisms analysis, and conceptual model
Authors: Cao Wenran , Hofmann Harald , Yan Guanxi , Scheuermann Alexander
Published: April 2024

The high concentration of dissolved iron (Fe) in coastal waters triggers Lyngbya blooms in the Moreton Bay region of Southeast Queensland, Australia. Previous studies have provided a restricted understanding of how land-derived Fe is transported and then transformed into other forms (e.g., Fe oxides) before its release into the ocean. Here, a field investigation was conducted at a sandy beach on the northern end of Deception Bay, Queensland, Australia, focusing on porewater exchange and Fe transformation. This study revealed that tides provided a significant mechanism for driving the groundwater-seawater mixing in the intertidal area. Such forcing formed an upper saline plume (USP) with high dissolved oxygen (DO), creating a dynamic reaction zone for Fe oxidation and precipitation beneath the USP. The spatial distribution of Fe oxides highlighted a substantial Fe content in the subsurface, providing concrete evidence for the transformation of Fe from an aqueous state to a solid form. It also exhibited a low-permeable area that served as a geochemical barrier, absorbing chemical components like phosphate. These findings can assist in constructing a more accurate transport model that couples physical and geochemical processes to quantify the mechanisms driving Fe transformation in coastal areas and further deepen our comprehension of the hydrogeochemical functionalities in land-ocean connectivity via groundwater.
Study on sedimentation stability of silicone oil-based magnetorheological fluids with fumed silica as additive
Authors: Yu Long , Chen Fei , Li Haopeng
Published: April 2024

In order to study the sedimentation stability of silicone oil-based magnetorheological fluids with fumed silica as additive, magnetorheological fluids with different mass fractions of fumed silica, particle sizes of carbonyl iron powder and viscosities of silicone oil were prepared. The sedimentation rate of magnetorheological fluids was calculated by observation method, and the zero-field viscosity of magnetorheological fluids was measured by viscometer. The results show that the sedimentation rate and viscosity of magnetorheological fluids increase gradually with the increase of the mass fraction of fumed silica. The mass fraction of fumed silica should not be constant for magnetorheological fluids, but should be determined according to the content of silicone oil in magnetorheological fluids. With the increase of average diameter of carbonyl iron powder, the sedimentation stability of magnetorheological fluids becomes worse. With the increase of viscosity of silicone oil, the sedimentation stability of magnetorheological fluids does not increase significantly. However, the high viscosity of silicone oil will result in wall hanging phenomenon, and increase the start-up difficulty of magnetorheological device. With 2.5 wt% of fumed silica for silicone oil, the magnetorheological fluids has good sedimentation stability and suitable zero-field viscosity.
Microbiome and lipidomic analysis reveal the interplay between skin bacteria and lipids in a cohort study
Authors: Li Min , Kopylova Evguenia , Mao Junhong , Namkoong Jin , Sanders Jon , Wu Joanna
Published: April 2024

Human skin acts as a protective barrier between the body and the external environment. Skin microbiome and intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum (SC) are essential for maintaining skin barrier function. However, the interplay between skin bacteria and the lipids is not fully understood. In this study, we characterized the skin microbiome and SC lipid profiles from the forearm and face in a cohort of 57 healthy participants. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed the skin microbial composition is significantly different between body locations and genders. Female forearm samples have the highest microbial diversity. The relative abundance of Staphylococcus hominis, Micrococcus luteus, Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum, Finegoldia magna, and Moraxellaceae sp. are significantly higher in the forearm than the face. The predictive functional analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing by Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt2) and ANCOM-BC showed different bacterial metabolic pathway profiles between body locations or genders, and identified 271 differential pathways, including arginine and polyamine biosynthesis, chorismate biosynthesis pathways, which are more abundant in the female forearm, and sulfur oxidation pathway, which is more abundant in the male face. The SC lipid profiles differ between the body locations as well. Total free fatty acids (FFA), cholesterol sulfate and sphingosine are more abundant in the face. Dihydro-/6-hydroxy/phyto-ceramides are more abundant in the forearm. The correlation analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and lipids revealed novel interplay between the bacteria and skin lipids. Shannon entropy and S. hominis negatively correlated with FFA, cholesterol sulfate and sphingosine; while positively correlated with dihydro-/6-hydroxy/phyto-ceramides. The correlation of predictive pathway profiles and lipids identified pathways involved in amino acids metabolism, carbohydrates degradation, aromatic compounds metabolism and fatty acid degradation metabolism are positively correlated with dihydro-/6-hydroxy/phyto-ceramides and negatively correlated with FFA, cholesterol sulfate and sphingosine. This study provides insights on the potential correlation between skin microbiome and lipids.
Assessment of fitting methods and variability of IVIM parameters in muscles of the lumbar spine at rest
Authors: Englund Erin K. , Berry David B. , Behun John J. , Frank Lawrence R. , Ward Samuel R. , Shahidi Bahar
Published: April 2024

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI provides insight into tissue diffusion and perfusion. Here, estimates of perfusion fraction (f), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and diffusion coefficient (D) obtained via different fitting methods are compared to ascertain (1) the optimal analysis strategy for muscles of the lumbar spine and (2) repeatability of IVIM parameters in skeletal muscle at rest. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired in the lumbar spine at rest in 15 healthy participants. Data were fit to the bi-exponential IVIM model to estimate f, D* and D using three variably segmented approaches based on non-linear least squares fitting, and a Bayesian fitting method. Assuming that perfusion and diffusion are temporally stable in skeletal muscle at rest, and spatially uniform within a spinal segment, the optimal analysis strategy was determined as the approach with the lowest temporal or spatial variation and smallest residual between measured and fit data. Inter-session repeatability of IVIM parameters was evaluated in a subset of 11 people. Finally, simulated IVIM signal at varying signal to noise ratio were evaluated to understand precision and bias. Experimental results showed that IVIM parameter values differed depending on the fitting method. A three-step non-linear least squares fitting approach, where D, f, and D* were estimated sequentially, generally yielded the lowest spatial and temporal variation. Solving all parameters simultaneously yielded the lowest residual between measured and fit data, however there was substantial spatial and temporal variability. Results obtained by Bayesian fitting had high spatial and temporal variability in addition to a large residual between measured and fit data. Simulations showed that all fitting methods can fit the IVIM data at signal to noise ratios >35, and that D* was the most challenging to accurately obtain. Overall, this study motivates use of a three-step non-linear least squares fitting strategy to quantify IVIM parameters in skeletal muscle.
Older and younger adults differ in time course of skill acquisition but not in overall improvement in a bimanual visuomotor tracking task
Authors: Zvornik Ana , Andersen Keenie Ayla , Petersen Andreas Deigaard , Novén Mikael , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Lundbye-Jensen Jesper , Karabanov Anke Ninija
Published: April 2024

Manual motor performance declines with age, but the extent to which age influences the acquisition of new skills remains a topic of debate. Here, we examined whether older healthy adults show less training-dependent performance improvements during a single session of a bimanual pinch task than younger adults. We also explored whether physical and cognitive factors, such as grip strength or motor-cognitive ability, are associated with performance improvements. Healthy younger (n = 16) and older (n = 20) adults performed three training blocks separated by short breaks. Participants were tasked with producing visually instructed changes in pinch force using their right and left thumb and index fingers. Task complexity was varied by shifting between bimanual mirror-symmetric and inverse-asymmetric changes in pinch force. Older adults generally displayed higher visuomotor force tracking errors during the more complex inverse-asymmetric task compared to younger adults. Both groups showed a comparable net decrease in visuomotor force tracking error over the entire session, but their improvement trajectories differed. Young adults showed enhanced visuomotor tracking error only in the first block, while older adults exhibited a more gradual improvement over the three training blocks. Furthermore, grip strength and performance on a motor-cognitive test battery scaled positively with individual performance improvements during the first block in both age groups. Together, the results show subtle age-dependent differences in the rate of bimanual visuomotor skill acquisition, while overall short-term learning ability is maintained.
Brain-computer interfaces and human factors: the role of language and cultural differences—Still a missing gap?
Authors: Herbert Cornelia
Published: April 2024

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) aim at the non-invasive investigation of brain activity for supporting communication and interaction of the users with their environment by means of brain-machine assisted technologies. Despite technological progress and promising research aimed at understanding the influence of human factors on BCI effectiveness, some topics still remain unexplored. The aim of this article is to discuss why it is important to consider the language of the user, its embodied grounding in perception, action and emotions, and its interaction with cultural differences in information processing in future BCI research. Based on evidence from recent studies, it is proposed that detection of language abilities and language training are two main topics of enquiry of future BCI studies to extend communication among vulnerable and healthy BCI users from bench to bedside and real world applications. In addition, cultural differences shape perception, actions, cognition, language and emotions subjectively, behaviorally as well as neuronally. Therefore, BCI applications should consider cultural differences in information processing to develop culture- and language-sensitive BCI applications for different user groups and BCIs, and investigate the linguistic and cultural contexts in which the BCI will be used.