bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering Frontline Workers to Work Effectively with Hands-Free Computing Devices
Authors: Alyassi Hussain Ahmed Saeed
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this document is to provide an insight to ADNOC's latest technology ‘Digital Workforce’ which supports the ‘Wearable Device’ for the frontline workers at ‘ADNOC Onshore’ facilities. Mobility and real-time data exchange are of primary importance to enhance operational efficiency, safety and reliability in oil and gas industries. In the past, the trend was to equip field workers with industrial smartphones or similar devices to ensure uninterrupted communication. ‘Wearable technology’ aims to take the advantage of the hands-free functionality allowing workers to perform their duties while maintaining the communication remotely with the control room. The application, ‘Digital Workforce’, provides an effective software solution for the device to work efficient and flawless. The methodologies adopted aids to overcome the limitations of using such devices in areas with limited network bandwidth while adhering to the security parameters set by ADNOC. The document discusses on the technical specifics of the application, the advantages and the limitations of the current version of the solution.
Shell Autonomous Integrity Recognition - Machine Vision Application for Inspections
Authors: Blom David , Berchenko Ilya , Samie Farid , Frajberg Darian
Published: October 2022

Shell Autonomous Integrity Recognition (AIR) on C3 AI Platform is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) application that allows pressure equipment and structural steel inspectors to quickly and easily make use of automated image capture and evaluation to support execution of external integrity inspections. By processing data in the cloud coming from inspections carried out with handheld devices, drones and robots, this application enables inspectors to objectively evaluate issues, identify items that may have been overlooked, reduce the time needed to generate reports, and improve inputs to maintenance planning. By using Shell Autonomous Integrity Recognition on C3 AI Platform, users can improve the quality, efficiency, and standardization of visual inspections.
Successful Implementation of Electronically Delivering the Limit Project for Drilling Process Optimization
Authors: Lamki Hamood , Kalbani Abdallah , Khatri Fahad , Joshi Ashish , Wahaibi Amira
Published: October 2022

Drilling is a complex process and delivering a successful well requires identifying proper technologies and utilizing them efficiently to save time & cost. Today in Oil & Gas industry there is a huge focus on digital technologies to improve Drilling Process efficiency and PDO decided to implement an innovative approach of process optimization by implementing a unique project "electronically Delivering the Limit (eDtL)".

The overall approach with eDtL project was to implement a platform which can provide Drilling Operations team the technical limit for all Drilling Activities, which is the theoretical minimum time required to perform an activity, based on available knowledge and technology.

eDtL system utilizes rig sensors data transmitted in Real-Time from Drilling Rigs to automatically detect the Rig Activity and focus on identifying the areas of Drilling Performance Improvements and minimizing redundant tasks for rig and office teams. The identified opportunities are communicated with rig team for implementation and the performance is tracked again to highlight the improvements.

eDtL system also provides capability for continuous improvement of organizational processes by introducing automation of redundant tasks. One of such improvement was partial automation of Daily Drilling Report which was historically manually recorded by rig team daily.
Automatic Drilling Operations Coding and Classification Utilizing Text Recognition Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Amer Mustafa Mohamed , Otaibi Bader M , Othman Amr I
Published: October 2022

Digital transformation is becoming a major goal for oil and gas (O&G) companies, and one major component of digital transformation initiatives is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms/techniques to automate critical business processes for the sake of consistency and objectivity. Drilling operations classification and coding is always challenging due to the subjectivity of end users; however, using machine learning and big data to automate operations classification based on natural language operations descriptions provided by drilling personnel can ensure objective and consistent classification.

In this paper, a new approach is introduced for using ML algorithms to classify drilling operations based on the operation description provided by rig personnel in their morning reports, with time broken down using natural language.

The new ML predictive model learns from historical data how to define the proper coding of drilling operations based on operation description to minimize human interaction with the coding system for drilling operations. The approach utilizes a set of prediction models to predict the proper code combinations that classify the activity carried out on the rig floor. Each model of these proposed models will feed its prediction into the next model to define the next level of code predictions. The model was trained using around 800,000 records to define the coding patterns based on operation remarks and then predicted a multi-level operational coding for any given operational remarks.

The model has been tested and validated with around 800,000 records from datasets from multiple years, and showed significate results when compared to recent reports and subject matter expert evaluations showing a very good level of consistency and level of accuracy of more than 80%.

The result of this work is an ML classification model that can reduce daily morning report data entry by 40% and improve the operational classification quality and consistency significantly. This approach also improves internal processes such as services invoicing verification, bit selection and end-of-well reporting.
Expert System for Question Answering on Anomalous Events and Mitigation Strategies Using Bidirectional Transformers and Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Sreekantan Jaijith , Hutchison Chad , Amatya Pratuat
Published: October 2022

Daily drilling reports provide vital information for well planning as they capture anomalous events and mitigation measures during drilling operations. Previous works predominantly focus on search frameworks for information retrieval from these reports. However, the context between searches is lost, preventing users from narrowing down to the exact answer. Here, we present a transformer-based closed domain conversational agent for longer dialogues to guide users to contextual information for anomalous drilling events through natural language.

Automated text extraction, cleaning and validation tasks are initially performed to resolve data quality issues prior to language modeling on a validated data set. Subsequently, a knowledge-based graph is created by node embedding using entity extractions and by learning the semantic-level relationships between entity nodes such as well names and events. Further, conversational agents are trained on the knowledge graphs for natural dialogue generation using neural machine translation models. Here, users’ questions are translated into a query in a structured language that is evaluated directly over the knowledge graph in order to generate the desired answers.

The workflow was tested on an asset with multiple wells experiencing several anomalous events during drilling such as stuck pipe, circulation losses and kicks. The end-to-end workflow was tested on its ability to retrieve anomalous events and present mitigation measures in the aforementioned data set based on the descriptions input by survey participants. Performance on the anomaly extraction, attribute mapping and mitigation performance were evaluated through F1 scores. A significantly high F1 score was recorded for anomaly extraction. This is predominantly driven by high precision due to explicit modeling of the reports as a knowledge graph. In addition to testing the workflow end to end, we tested the knowledge graph representation in isolation. For this, ranking metrics and triple classification with negative samples were used for the evaluation. The adjusted mean rank index was close to one, indicating high performance. Structured querying on the knowledge graphs also showed high accuracy for classifying anomalous events in the drilling report.

The work described in this paper automates the end-to-end workflow for building an expert system for answering questions about anomalous events and mitigation strategies using daily drilling reports. Our novel approach using a knowledge graph with a transformer-based conversational agent enables users to perform detailed interactive investigation of anomalous events observed in daily drilling reports and create mitigation strategies. The workflow also allows for incorporating prior domain knowledge from drilling experts.
Cultural adaptation and administration of public awareness questionnaire on hearing health and hearing loss in Karnataka
Authors: Cherian Jincy Mary , P.G Bhargavi
Published: October 2022

Background: Good hearing health is necessary for an individual to communicate and stay oriented within the environment. Certain factors like present lifestyle, trauma, illness, genetic disorders, age, and leisure activities can lead to hearing loss when left unattended. The study aims to culturally adapt, administer, and assess public awareness of Karnataka's hearing loss and hearing health.
Method: The design used in this study was a cross-sectional survey design. The sampling method used in this study was Quota sampling. In total, 720 participants aged 20-60 completed a culturally adapted questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 22 questions targeting the awareness of hearing loss and hearing health, focusing on four domains: (1) Knowledge about infant hearing loss, (2) Cleaning and treatment, (3) The effect of overexposure to noise and loud sounds, (4) Diagnostic delay.
Results: Approximately 70% of the correct responses were given to almost all the statements. However, specific essential Knowledge was lacking. Only 56% and 50.23% knew about specialized tests available for a hearing evaluation and the recommended standards on the duration of noise exposure.
Conclusion: There is a general lack of public awareness about ringing sensation and its impact on an individual's daily activities. Most people were also unaware of recommendation guidelines regarding reducing exposure duration to high-intensity noises; hence, these findings support the need for noise reduction informative initiatives. In conclusion, this audiological questionnaire appeared to be a simple, practical, and reliable tool.
The outcome showed a need for continued development of comprehensive hearing conservation programs focusing on hearing aid management, early infant hearing loss detection, and noise exposure prevention, which will be necessary to continue developing.
Information Infrastructure, Spatial Spillover and the Status of Digital Trade
Authors: Chunbao Ge , Jinping Yu , Na Li , Yapan Liu , Xiaojin Yuan
Published: October 2022

Based on the value-added trade data of UNCTAD from 2003 to 2018, this paper firstly constructs a topological network of digital industry value-added directional trade along the 'Belt and Road' route(B&R) using the complex network method. Moreover, it analyzes the evolution characteristics of the digital trade status(DTS) of each country. Then we construct a theoretical model of the trade network of three countries to analyze the relationship between information infrastructure and its spatial spillover and DTS and conducts empirical tests. The results show that: (1) The digital value-added trade network of the countries along B&R has gradually expanded and formed a "Three-Legged" distribution pattern with China, Singapore, and Malaysia as the core and stable structure, but the DTS of most countries is relatively low. (2) There is the apparent positive spatial spillover of information infrastructure in the countries along B&R, and each country's division of labor and trade in the digital industry shows a "complementary promotion" relationship. (3) The improvement of information infrastructure in the countries along B&R will not only directly promote the DTS of the country but also indirectly promote the improvement of information infrastructure in the neighboring geographic countries through spatial spillover, thus indirectly and more positively affecting the DTS of the country. (4) The positive spatial spillover of information infrastructure is affected by the degree of digital trade competition among countries, and too high a degree of competition will hinder its spillover effect.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids play roles in skeletal muscle-adipose tissue crosstalk through myokines
Authors: Wei Wenting , Zeng Huanting , Mao Limei
Published: October 2022

Skeletal muscle-adipose tissue crosstalk is important for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Myokines play an indispensable role in the skeletal muscle-adipose tissue crosstalk. This study was conducted to elucidate the association between Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and myokine in vitro and figure out the role of n-3 PUFAs in the skeletal muscle-adipose tissue crosstalk. As result, different forms of n-3 PUFAs increased the expression of multiple myokines in C2C12 myotubes. The expression of p-AMPK and PGC-1α in C2C12 myotubes were up-regulated by DHA/EPA mixture. The culture supernatant of myotube cells incubated with the DHA/EPA mixture regulated the lipid metabolism-related genes and stimulated browning in adipocytes. Therefore, n-3 PUFAs play roles in the skeletal muscle-adipose tissue crosstalk by regulating the expression and release of myokines associated with lipid metabolism and browning. Part of the mechanism of this process should be attributed to n-3 PUFAs activating AMPK signaling in C2C12 myotube.
Predictive and prognostic markers from endoscopic ultrasound with biopsies during definitive chemoradiation therapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Du Qingwu , Wu Xiaoyue , Zhang Kunning , Cao Fuliang , Zhao Gang , Wei Xiaoying , Guo Zhoubo , Li Yang , Dong Jie , Zhang Tian , Zhang Wencheng , Wang Ping , Chen Xi , Pang Qingsong
Published: October 2022

Introduction:
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may play a role in evaluating treatment response after definitive chemoradiation therapy (dCRT) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study explored the prognostic markers of EUS with biopsies and developed two nomograms for survival prediction.
Methods
A total of 821 patients newly diagnosed with ESCC between January 2015 and December 2019 were reviewed. We investigated the prognostic value of the changes in tumor imaging characteristics and histopathological markers by an interim response evaluation, including presence of stenosis, ulceration, tumor length, tumor thickness, lumen involvement, and tumor remission. Independent prognostic factors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using Cox regression analysis and further selected to build two nomogram models for survival prediction. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to respectively assess its discriminatory capacity, predictive accuracy, and clinical usefulness.
Results
A total of 155 patients were enrolled in this study and divided into the training (109 cases) and validation (46 cases) cohorts. Tumor length, residual tumor thickness, reduction in tumor thickness, lumen involvement, and excellent remission (ER) of spatial luminal involvement in ESCC (ER/SLI) differed significantly between responders and non-responders. For patients undergoing dCRT, TNM stage (P = 0.001, 0.002), tumor length (P = 0.013, 0.008), > 0.36 reduction in tumor thickness (P = 0.004, 0.004) and ER/SLI (P = 0.041, 0.031) were independent prognostic markers for both PFS and OS. Time-dependent ROC curves, calibration curves, and DCA indicated that the predicted survival rates of our two established nomogram models were highly accurate.
Conclusion
Our nomogram showed high accuracy in predicting PFS and OS for ESCC after dCRT. External validation and complementation of other biomarkers are needed in further studies.
Dry Needling on Latent and Active Myofascial Trigger Points Versus Oral Diclofenac in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ma Yan-Tao , Dong Yu-Lin , Wang Bo , Xie Wen-Pin , Huang Qiang-Min , Zheng Yong-Jun
Published: October 2022

Background: Latent and active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in knee-associated muscles may play a key role in pain management among patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dry needling treatment on pain intensity, disability, and range of motion (ROM) in patients with KOA.
Methods: This randomized, single-blinded, clinical trial was carried out for 6 weeks of treatment and 6-monthfollow-up. A total of 98 patients met the entry criteria and were randomly assigned to the dry needling latent and active myofascial trigger point (MTrPs) with the stretching group or the oral diclofenacwith the stretching group. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and ROM were statistically analyzed before and after treatment and at the 6-month follow-up.
Results: A total of 42 patients in the dry needling group (DNG)and 35 patients in the diclofenac group (DG), respectively,completed the study, and there was no significant difference in the general data between the two groups. After treatments, both the groups showed a good effect in knee pain, function, and ROM, However, the DNG showed asignificantly better result than the DG. Especially in the results of the 6-month follow-up, the DNG showed much better results than the DG.
Conclusions: Dry needling on latent and active MTrPscombined with stretching and oral diclofenac combined with stretching can effectively relieve pain, improve function, and restore knee ROM affected by KOA. However, the effects of dry needling and stretching are better and longer lasting than those of oral diclofenac and stretchingfor at least 6 months.
Trial registration: Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn) in 17/11/2017 with the following code: ChiCTR-INR-17013432.
Socio-demographic factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and refusal among Ugandan women
Authors: Backhaus Andreas
Published: October 2022

Background: This paper analyzes associations of socio-demographic factors with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, the refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and various reasons stated for refusing vaccination against COVID-19 among a representative sample of Ugandan women.
Methods: This paper utilizes a representative survey collected among women aged 15-49 years in Uganda between September and November 2021. Regression analyses are used to study the associations of a broad range of socio-demographic characteristics with COVID-19 vaccine uptake, refusal of vaccination, and reasons for refusal among the respondents.
Results: 4287 women were included in the analysis. 11.26% of them were vaccinated against COVID-19, 75.48% were willing to get vaccinated, 13.26% were unwilling to get vaccinated. Fear of side effects is the most commonly stated reason for refusing vaccination (68%). Factors significantly and positively associated with being vaccinated against COVID-19 are age, higher education, urban residency, recent labor supply, having savings, partial instead of complete income loss during the pandemic, and usage of modern contraceptives. Factors significantly and positively associated with refusing vaccination against COVID-19 are urban residency and current pregnancy, while age, relative household wealth, having savings, and using modern contraceptives are factors associated with a lower likelihood of refusing vaccination, albeit with varying statistical significance. Few factors are strongly related to the stated reasons for refusing the vaccines; the fear of side effects significantly increases with age, while having received negative information on the vaccines is significantly less common among women with higher education.
Conclusions: This study reveals a low COVID-19 vaccination rate and a high willingness to get vaccinated in the future among Ugandan women aged 15-49 years in the second half of 2021. Positive age and education gradients in vaccine uptake point to inequity in access to vaccination, potentially resulting from prioritizations of groups at particularly high risk. Unwillingness to be vaccinated is relatively low, but systematic factors behind vaccine refusal are hardly to be found, even less so for particular reasons given for refusal.
The intersection of childcare and health among women at a U.S. safety-net hospital system during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study
Authors: Jain Seema , Higashi Robin T. , Salmeron Carolina , Bhavan Kavita
Published: October 2022

Background
Lack of childcare has been linked to missed healthcare appointments, especially among lower-income women. The COVID-19 pandemic created additional stressors for many low-income families that already struggled to meet childcare and healthcare needs, impacting women’s health and daily life experiences in unknown ways. By exploring the experiences of women who were referred for childcare services at a US safety-net health system, we aimed to understand the challenges women faced in managing their health and childcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants in Dallas County, TX between August 2021 and February 2022. All participants were referred from the county’s safety-net hospital system’s women’s health clinics to an on-site drop-off childcare center by staff who identified lack of childcare as a barrier to accessing healthcare. Participants were the primary caregiver for at least 1 child ≤ 13 years. Interviews were conducted in English or Spanish. We analyzed data using thematic content analysis.
Results
We interviewed 22 female participants (mean age 34 years); participants had on average 3 children and primarily identified as Hispanic or African American. Three interrelated themes emerged from the data: disruptions in access to healthcare, the inextricable link between childcare and health, and emotional distress.
Conclusions
Our findings emphasize the intersectionality of family and social context with a patient’s health and add to our understanding of childcare as a social need.
Investigation of the Clinical Utility of Adhesion Molecules in the Management of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Rabi Larissa Teodoro , Peres Karina Colombera , Nascimento Matheus , Teixeira Elizangela Souza , de Freitas Leandro Luiz Lopes , Barreto Icléia Siqueira , Geraldo Murilo Vieira , Assumpção Lígia Vera Montalli , Maximo Valdemar , Tincani Alfio José , Bufalo Natassia Elena , Ward Laura Sterian
Published: October 2022

Objective:To better understand the relationship among cell adhesion molecules (CAM) and investigate the clinical diagnostic and prognostic application of ICAM-1 (ICAM1), LFA-1 (ITGAL), and L-selectin (SELL) proteins and mRNA corresponding expression in thyroid cancer.Design andMethods:Gene expression was evaluated by RT–qPCR, and protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We evaluated 275 patients (218 women, 57 men, 48.4±14.5 years old), including 102 benign and 173 malignant nodules. The 143 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and 30 follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) patients were managed according to current guidelines and followed-up for 78.7±54.2 months.Results:Malignant and benign nodules differed concerning mRNA (p=0.0027) and protein (p=0.0020 for nuclear) expression of L-selectin and ICAM-1 (mRNA: p=0.0001 and protein: p=0.0014) and protein expression of LFA-1 (p=0.0168), but not mRNA expression of LFA-1 (p=0.2131).SELLexpression was more intense in malignant tumors (p=0.0027).ICAM1(p=0.0064) andITGAL(p=0.0244) mRNA expression was higher in tumors with lymphocyte infiltrate. ICAM-1 expression correlated with younger age at diagnosis (p=0.0312) and smaller tumor size (p=0.0443). Also, LFA-1 expression correlated with higher age at diagnosis (p=0.0376) and was more intense at stage III and IV(p=0.0077).Conclusion:In general, the protein expression of the 3 CAM decreased as the process of cellular dedifferentiation occurred. We suggest that theSELLandICAM1genesand L-selectin and LFA-1 protein expression may help confirm malignancy and assist in the histological characterization of follicular patterned lesions, but we were unable to correlate these CAMs with patient outcomes.
The Value of |ω+1| in ZF¬C System and the Continuum Hypothesis
Authors: KUNT İBRAHİM
Published: October 2022

Using the relationship between the ordinal number \(\omega\) and the Cantor Diagonal Method, I study the cardinality of the digits of real numbers in a defined range. Using the results I have reached, I show the value of \(\left|\omega +1\right|\) in the ZF¬C system, and I present some conclusions regarding the Continuum Hypothesis through these results.
Hyperspectral Image Reconstruction from Colored Natural Flame Luminosity Imaging in a Tri-Fuel Optical Engine
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Karimkashi Shervin , Ahmad Zeeshan , Kaario Ossi , Vuorinen Ville , Larmi Martti
Published: October 2022

The detection of chemiluminescence from various radicals and molecules in a hydrocarbon flame can provide valuable information on the rate of local heat release, combustion stability, and combustion completeness. In this study, chemiluminescence from the combustion process is detected using a high-speed color camera within the broadband spectrum of visible light. Whereon, a novel hyperspectral reconstruction approach based on the physically plausible spectral reconstruction (PPSR) is employed to reconstruct the spectral chemiluminescence signals from 400 to 700 nm with a resolution of 10nm to provide 31 different spectral channels. The reconstructed key chemiluminescence signals (e.g., CH*, CH2O*, C2*, and CO2*) from the color images are further analyzed to characterize the chemical kinetics and combustion processes under engine conditions. The spectral chemiluminescence evolution with engine crank angle is identified to comprehend the effect of H2 fraction on flame characteristics and combustion kinetics. Additionally, in this study, a detailed kinetic mechanism is adopted to deepen the theoretical understanding and describe the spectral chemiluminescence from H2/CH4 and H2/CH4/n-dodecane flames at relevant conditions for various species including OH*, CH*, C2*, and CO2*. The results indicate that the PPSR is an adequately reliable approach to reconstructing spectral wavelengths based on chemiluminescence signals from the color images, which can potentially provide qualitative information about the evolution of various species during combustion. Here, the reconstructed chemiluminescence images show less than 1% errors compared to the raw images in red, green, and blue channels. Furthermore, the reconstructed chemiluminescence trends of CH*, CH2O*, C2*, and CO2* show a good agreement with the detailed kinetics 0D simulation.
Risk Factors for Contralateral Progression after Unilateral Burr-Hole Evacuation of Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Wu Liang , Zhu Bingcheng , Ou Yunwei , Yu Xiaofan , Guo Xufei , Liu Weiming
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Contralateral hematoma progression (CHP) is a common condition among bilateral chronic subdural hematoma (bCSDH) patients after the unilateral evacuation. Investigations focusing on this topic are limited. The author aims to identify risk factors correlated with the CHP.
Methods
82 patients with bCSDH who underwent the unilateral evacuation in Beijing Tiantan Hospital from 2011 to 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Clinical information and radiological features of these patients were collected and analyzed. Chi Square test, Student t test and Mann-Whitney test was performed to find variables which were statistically significant (p < 0.05), then multivariate analysis was applied to identify the independent risk factors.
Results
In our research, the progression rate was up to 13.41% (11/82). The mean age of CHP patients was significantly higher than non-CHP patients (72.45 ± 12.78 vs 62.85 ± 13.91, p = 0.025). Contralateral hematoma locating on the curved side was more likely to progress (p = 0.007). The other risk factors including pre- and post-operative volume of hematoma in the non-surgical side and the wide type of contralateral hematoma. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the wide type of contralateral hematoma was one of the independent risk factors for CHP (OR = 8.769, p = 0.020, 95%CI 1.410-54.545). Moreover, the opposite hematoma locating on the curved side was also associated with the contralateral progression independently (OR = 7.103, p = 0.033, 95%CI 1.168–43.213).
Conclusion
For bCSDH patients, wide contralateral hematoma may increase the risk of CHP. Moreover, non-operative hematoma which locates on the curved side of skull is also an independent risk factor for the enlargement of opposite hematoma. Patients with such radiological characteristic may need additional medical treatment and rigorous follow-up to prevent the progression of contralateral hematoma.
Age-related changes in adipose tissue metabolomics and inflammation, cardiolipin metabolism, and ferroptosis markers in an aged rat model
Authors: Wang Zhuang-Zhi , Li Fang-Hui , Ni Pin-Shi , Sun Lei , Zhang Chen-Kai , Li Bo-Ming , He Jia-Han , Yu Xiao-Ming
Published: October 2022

Aging adipose tissue shows elevated levels of inflammation, which can lead to age-related metabolic dysfunction. However, which metabolic changes in adipose tissue caused by aging are related to the occurrence of inflammation remain unclear. Therefore, we assessed the changes in metabolic phenotypes in the adipose tissue of 18 months adult sedentary (ASED) and 26 months old sedentary (OSED) rats compared with the tissue of 8 months young sedentary (YSED) rats used as the control group. Compared with YSED, ASED and OSED rats had increased body weight and Lee's index, and decreased grasp power and handing time. The expression of adipose tissue senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in the ASED and OSED groups was increased compared with that in the YSED group. The results of metabolomic studies showed increased levels of palmitic acid, elaidic acid, 1-heptadecanol, and α-tocopherol in the ASED and OSED groups compared with the YSED group, while sarcosine levels were decreased. Furthermore, stearic acid was specifically elevated in the ASED group. Cholesterol was upregulated, whereas linoleic acid and phosphate were specifically downregulated in the OSED group. The ASED group was associated with fatty acid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism. In contrast, the OSED group was associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, steroid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and linoleic acid metabolism. Additionally, increased levels of ferroptosis were found in both the ASED and OSED groups, whereas mitochondrial dysfunction due to abnormal cardiolipin metabolism was more pronounced in the OSED group. In conclusion, both the ASED and OSED can affect the lipid storage capacity of adipose tissue and oxidative stress leading to inflammation. Furthermore, OSED can further affect the metabolism of cardiolipin leading to abnormal mitochondrial function.
Considering ecosystem modeling by examining the creation of microcosms for Daphnia coexistence using an inorganic medium
Authors: Kakazu Kunihiko
Published: October 2022

To conserve natural ecosystems, we require suitable experimental methods with which to investigate them. Ecosystem models, called microcosms, have the potential to predict and improve our understanding of the phenomena in natural ecosystems. However, it is known that there are discrepancies between microcosms and natural ecosystems, such as different phosphorus circulation depending on the scale of the microcosm. Therefore, it is necessary to understand why the differences appear and to consider the coexistence of species, the medium composition, and the internal structure of microcosms in order to reproduce more of the phenomena that occur in natural ecosystems. To address this, in this investigation a microcosm (DMC) was constructed in which a variety of organisms could coexist by circulating the necessary nutrients which had been biosynthesized from essential elements (31 elements) inserted into the medium as inorganic substances. The growth of Daphnia, which requires vitamins (B12, B1, B7), was then observed by changing the sediment inside the microcosm with the inorganic medium containing all the essential elements. Using quartz sand with a particle size of 0.3–0.6 mm as the sediment, resulted in the stable growth of Daphnia, from 3 to approximately 26 individuals over 35 days, due to the growth of algae such as diatoms, which are feed for Daphnia. This suggests that 0.5 mm particle spaces are suitable for anaerobic bacteria, and that the nutrients necessary for the organisms, such as vitamins, were biosynthesized from the essential elements in the space. These results indicate that the DMC, which can duplicate the cycles that occur in natural ecosystems, such as the production of nutrients from inorganic substances, and the diversification of organisms in the microcosm, will be a useful tool for understanding natural ecosystems and factors that impact them, such as the effects of chemicals.
Effect of chemical composition on the anaerobic co-digestion of source segregated organic fraction of municipal solid wastes
Authors: Jakki Narasimha Rao , Ahammed M. Mansoor , Parsai Tanushree
Published: October 2022

Recently waste to energy projects gaining more attraction due to rapid waste generation due to increased urbanization. Improper municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment resulting in environmental risks such as air pollution, ground, and surface water contamination. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the best method to treat organic solid waste. Mono-AD of organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (OFMSW) leads to lower methane yield due to the accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Mixing of two or more substrates (Co-digestion) dilutes the toxic compounds and increases the methane yield by providing proper environment for microbes. In this study anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) of source segregated OFMSW (particularly food waste, fruit waste, and vegetable waste) with chicken fecal matter (co-substrate), and cow dung (inoculum) was investigated by using batch studies (Duration of 30 days). AcoD carried out in three different batch reactors viz. R1 (food mix), R2 (vegetable mix), and R3 (fruit mix) feed with substrates (S1& S2) and inoculum (I) (S1: S2: I = 0.5:0.5:2). The methane percentage obtained for reactor R1 was 69.60%, which is higher compared to the other reactors (R2- 61.2%, and R3- 57.37%). R1 reactor had higher methane yield due to its higher lipids (higher VFAs), and proteins (sufficient buffer capacity). R3 reactor had lowest methane yield due to its highest carbohydrates (rapid acidification), and lower proteins (lower buffer capacity). Modified Gompertz model gave better results near to experimental studies. The present study proved that mixing OFMSW with proper co-substrate (protein-rich) increases the methane yield by providing proper buffer capacity.
New Record of Echinoderms from Gili Ketapang Island by Combining DNA Barcoding and Morphology: A Baseline Report
Authors: Nugroho Endik Deni , Ardiansyah Reza , Kurniawan Nia , Widodo Widodo , Rahayu Dwi Anggorowati
Published: October 2022

Echinoderms are marine water invertebrates that are showing diverse morphologies and grouped in five classes, however the reports on this species from Gili Ketapang Island, East Java is currently limited. DNA barcodes (DNA fragments of the 5' end of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, COI) have been used to support the morphological examination in identifying evolutionary lineages. This study aims to identify the morphology and supplement of COI sequence and phylogenetic of Echinoderms from Gili Ketapang Island. A total of sixteen samples of Echinoderms were collected from Gili Ketapang, Probolinggo, Indonesia, then identified based on morphological characters, and supports identification was confirmed using molecular data. Subsequently, molecular characterization and identification was conducted based on 503 bp of COI gene similarity, sequence variation, genetic distance, phylogenetic topology, and BOLD System. According to the results, sixteen sample were identified asDiadema setosum;Macrophiothrix longipeda;Archaster typicus;Echinometra mathaei,Holothuria atra;Linckia laevigata,Bohadschia argus, andOphiactis savignyi.Each species was associated with a specific DNA barcode cluster and the relationship among these species was clearly revealed. Each species based on morphological identification and COI sequence clusters were congruent. The median joining network and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) analysis showed thisEchinodermspopulation from Probolinggo had relatives of 14 haplotypes and divided into eight haplogroups. Furthermore, the population belonged to the same haplogroup but had different haplotypes. This newly records established sequence reference library for the Gili Ketapang Island.
A Master-slave Multi-chain Vehicle Networking Architecture
Authors: Li Hui , Zou Lian , Jiang Tianyang , Liao Dan , Zhang Ming , Chen Xue
Published: October 2022

The existing research on the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) based on blockchain adopts the single chain mode. However, in the face of large-scale data environment, it is difficult to ensure the security and efficiency of large-scale data storage by using single chain. Thus, this paper is devoted to the research on the master-slave multi-chain IoV architecture. In the proposed architecture, there are two major innovations: 1) By defining three different data structures, micro-block, key-block and verification-block, the master-slave multi-chain model based on hash anchoring is designed to break through the data of the whole network. It ensures the consistency and integrity of IoV data, and solves the problem of privacy disclosure caused by insecure data storage; 2) A data upload and access mechanism based on attribute encryption is designed between users and RSU nodes. It solves the problem of privacy disclosure caused by insecure transmission outside the data chain. Finally, we verify that the proposed architecture is more suitable for large-scale data scenario by simulation analysis of system response time and encryption/decryption overhead.
Modeling and Performance Evaluation of North East National Grid of Afghanistan
Authors: Sherzay Samiullah Sherzay , Perveen Rehana
Published: October 2022

Electrical power is the base and backbone of all technologies and improvements, with an increase in load in day to day life, the need for utility has also grown up tremendously so as to fulfill the load requirements. Load flow study shows an insight regarding active and reactive power on each line, voltage phase angles on each bus and voltage losses on transmission lines, cables, transformers, and entire system of a grid. Short circuit study is most needed on electrical networks in order to properly size different equipment's and devices used in a system so as to properly handle short circuit currents. Stability analysis is essential for both design and performance monitoring for reliable and efficient grid operation. In this research work a vast and detailed investigation of status and performance evaluation of power system in North East Afghanistan had been performed. Particularly performance evaluation is applied on Afghanistan’s national power grid and concentrated on Kabul super grid. Kabul super grid is deeply evaluated by its modeling and performance evaluation. Evaluation of the network is performed based upon the power losses, voltage status, transmission line loading, and harmonic study as per the power flow results.
Recognizing and classifying the naturally fractured reservoirs (NFRs) system for the cretaceous carbonate formation exposed along the Bagnotar-Baragali Section, north Pakistan: Implications from surface fractures, petrography and geochemistry
Authors: Yaseen Muhammad , Zeeshan Muhammad , Ahmad Jawad , Naseem Abbas Ali
Published: October 2022

The current work deals with the classification of NRFs system for reservoirs characterization of Cretaceous Kawagarh Formation along Bagnotar-Baragali Section, Lesser Himalaya Northern Pakistan. Surface fracture data were collected including orientation, attitude (Dip/Strike), fracture density (F.D), frequency and their distribution. The methodology implemented comprises of surface fracture data and subsequent statistical calculations by Monte Carlo equation followed by scanline circle inventory method. The data was collected from 198 different stations with 75 fractures inventories. The statistical data is then compared with the petrography, SEM and EDX data already available. Additional, the NFRs system was classified and recognised for the studied carbonate units based on the comparative analysis. Likewise, stress analysis was integrated with the results which displays that major stresses in NW directions whereas minor stresses were acting in NEE direction. The Stereonet diagram shows that the maximum fractures are NW-SE oriented, average amount of fracture are NE-SW oriented while Minimum amount of fracture are oriented in NEE-SWW direction. The fractures direction show three sets of joints making X-shape, which indicate that these fractures are interconnected and due to which the reservoir potential can be heightened. The average Fracture Density (FD), Porosity and permeability were calculated as 0.043136, 3.212509 and 0.282299 values respectively. The X-plots of Fracture Density (FD) vs. Porosity and Permeability is weak which decrease reservoir potential while the interrelationship of Fracture Porosity and permeability is very strong which yields supposed to enhancing reservoir potential of Kawagarh formation. The analysed formations show intermediate to low porosity and permeability and classified as Type 2 or Types 3 in NFRs system based on the Visual porosity (V.P) calculated from petrography and the fracture data from the outcrop. This further shows that, the fractures provide essential permeability only in case of types 2 while in case of type 3 the fractures provide a permeability assistance. Classification of Natural Fractured Reservoir (NFR) (Nelson, 2001) Shows that Kawagarh formation is type three (Poor) reservoir. The comparative analysis also shows that Kawagarh formation has a poor reservoir potential in Qamar Mela (Nizampur Basin) and Kala Chitta Ranges.
Anti-inflammatory activity of a novel steroid isolated from Ziziphus jujube (L.) Gaertn. var Hysudrica Edgew.
Authors: Shahwar Dure-E- , Shahzadi Naureen , Butt Saba Zia , Ahmad Maqsood , Saleem Mohammad , Bukhari Nadeem Irfan , Hussain Khalid
Published: October 2022

Inflammation is a hallmark in autoimmune diseases and cancer. The present study was carried out to evaluate antiinflammatory potential of a novel steroid isolated from chloroform extract of stem bark of Ziziphus jujube (L.) Gaertn. Var. hysudrica Edgew. (Family: Rhmanaceae). The dried material was extracted by maceration at room temperature using methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and chloroform. All extracts were subjected to in vitro screening studies employed to assess their anti-inflammatory activity and extract that exhibited significant biological activity was subjected to column chromatography that yielded a crystalline compound. The structure of compound was elucidated using X-ray crystallography. The isolated compound as well as most active extract were also investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced paw ooedema model. Moreover, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was also done to evaluate inhibitory action on inflammatory biomarkers. Results revealed that chloroform extract showed higher anti-inflammatory activity in all in vitro models as compared to other extracts (p ˂ 0.05). The isolated compound-2 was found to be a novel steroid and showed comparable anti-inflammatory effects with dexamethasone. In addition, downregulation in concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κβ, and COX-2) was also noted. Histopathological analysis showed intact structure of paws in all treatment groups. On the basis of findings, it is concluded that chloroform extract of Ziziphus jujube and isolated compound-2 possess good anti-inflammatory attributes and can be developed as drug to manage inflammatory conditions in future. Furthermore, long clinical trials and efficacy studies of compound-2 are still required to be elucidated.
Prognosis and stratification of breast cancer immune infiltration status based on a mitochondria-related gene signature.
Authors: Wang yang , Wang Ding-yuan , Bu Kena , Zhang Bai-lin , Gao Ji-dong
Published: October 2022

Background
Tumor metabolic reprogramming has attracted extensive attention, and mitochondria play a vital role in this process as a metabolic hub. Despite increasing evidence that mitochondria are involved in breast tumorigenesis, the impact of mitochondria-related genes on breast cancer remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to construct a novel mitochondria-related gene signature through bioinformatic strategies to predict and stratify the prognosis, immune infiltration, and treatment response of breast cancer patients.
Methods
The transcriptomic data and clinical features of breast cancer samples were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium databases. We constructed a mitochondria-related gene signature to predict survival, and Cox regression and receiver operating characteristic were used to evaluate the overall predictive performance. Subsequently, we combined the risk scores with corresponding clinical features to construct a nomogram model and evaluated the model’s accuracy by clinical calibration curve and decision curve analysis. After dividing patients based on risk scores, several immune-related analyses were performed to compare the immune infiltration status between different groups. Finally, we compared the mutation status and drug sensitivity to explore the treatment response and underlying mechanism of the difference in prognosis.
Results
We constructed an eight mitochondria-related gene risk signature by bioinformatic strategies and verified it by Cox regression, receiver operating characteristic, calibration curve and decision curve analyses. Patients with low-risk score have a better prognosis, enhanced immune infiltration, significantly different mutation landscapes, and a more sensitive response to antitumor drugs, which may account for the favorable survival.
Conclusion
The mitochondria-related gene signature is a novel prognostic risk signature that can be used as a predictor for patient stratification in breast cancer. In addition, this signature can effectively distinguish the immune infiltration and drug sensitivity status of patients. This may provide a new perspective for the treatment of breast cancer focusing on mitochondria.