bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimizing Fugitive Emissions in Post Fracturing Sand Separation Using A Vortex Separator
Authors: Johnston C. , Natarajan A.
Published: March 2024

The drill-out, clean-up, and testing of a hydraulically fractured well is critical to ensure stimulation success. This period is important both for production and environmental reasons, due to the high risk of gas release. Most wells require a sand separator during clean-up, which are a source of fugitive emissions. These emissions often go unreported during flowback due to the challenge in their quantification.

This work improves on a study by Wasfy et al (SPE, 2019) which investigated sand separator fugitive emissions. The analysis is improved by categorizing the differences in draining mechanisms between four different separator styles: vertical cyclonic separators, horizontal separators, spherical separators, and vortex separators. A simple 3-stage mathematical model is presented to calculate emissions based on drain duration for online sand separators which are drained without isolating the vessel. A vortex separator was found to provide the lowest overall fugitive emissions release. Prior work was found to have significantly underestimated the emissions released by horizontal separators.

Field experiments were performed using freestanding atmospheric gas plume sensors to validate the model. Measured gas releases were within 6% of the volume predicted by the 3-stage model at field conditions. This model can be used by engineers to accurately assess different styles of sand separators in hydraulic fracturing, allowing for more accurate reporting and quantification of fugitive emissions.
Advanced Characterization and Gas Enhanced Oil Recovery in Tuscaloosa Marine Shale
Authors: Yisa F. O. , Saikia B. D. , Rao D. N.
Published: March 2024

This work experimentally determines the viability of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) by gas injection in core samples from Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (TMS) while investigating the effects of gas type, rock dimension, EOR modes and rock brittleness on the EOR performance. TMS is a promising play in Louisiana with estimated reserves of 7 billion barrels of oil. Experimental studies on EOR performance in several shale plays exist but none have been performed to study its viability in TMS.

An Eagle Ford sample with dimensions 1.0-inch diameter by 1.0-inch length, TMS cores with dimensions 1.0-inch diameter by 1.0-inch length, 1.0-inch diameter by 2.0-inchlength, and 1.5-inch diameter by 3.0-inch length from 5 wells were used for this study. The cores were cleaned prior to vacuuming and saturation with TMS oil. The coreflood experiments were run at a pressure of 2000 psi and temperature of 70°F. Nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were used as injectants for the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) experiments. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the mineralogical content of the TMS core plugs.

XRD tests show the fractured cores contain carbonates (5% to 50%) including quartz which makes the rock brittle and more favorable to complex fractures desirable for maximizing recovery in shales, while carbonates are absent in the unfractured cores. Samples E have fractures with higher wt% of quartz and carbonate but lower wt% of clay compared to samples B, C and L. The study shows gas EOR is promising in TMS with CO2 EOR recovery within 22% - 26% compared to N2 EOR recovery within 18% - 19.76%. Gas Assisted Gravity Drainage (GAGD) continuous mode showed higher recovery than GAGD Huff-n-Puff. The ratio of quartz/carbonates to clay in B and C (1.22 - 2.51: 1) was lower compared to the ratio in E (6:1) which explains why B1, B2 and C2 (1.0-in diameter by 2.0-incu length) did not disintegrate prematurely during the experiments compared to E1 with equal dimension. The samples with larger pore volumes, like EL1 (1.5-in diameter by 3.0-in length) displayed more structural integrity than E1(1-in diameter by 2-in length) which disintegrated during its 2nd experiment.

This study shows the potential of gas EOR in TMS shale which is insightful as CO2 sequestration has now become increasingly important. It identifies sweet spots for further exploitation and demonstrates the importance of mineralogical content in geomechanical properties in successfully planning EOR experiments. This extends to field applications of EOR. Furthermore, it reveals important findings regarding optimum saturation periods for shale cores in EOR experiments.
Continuous Feedback Loop Between Surface and Downhole for Autonomously Drilling a Section
Authors: Liu Qiuhua , Ba Samba , Goel Prateek , Kim Jinsoo
Published: March 2024

Advanced AI planner and connected intelligent systems are used to obtain a continuous feedback workflow between surface and downhole. This significantly increases the consistency and efficiency of well construction operations while minimizing human involvement and footprint, advancing efforts towards autonomous operations, and lowering the operational carbon footprints by an order of magnitude.

To send steering instructions to a rotary steerable system (RSS), one often uses modulations of flow or rotation per minute (RPM) called downlinks. The proposed workflow presented here includes an automated downlink detection and an AI planner to determine the optimum downlinking sequence for executing directional drilling decisions. The automated downlink detection is based on an intelligent system that will continuously monitor pressure and RPM waves at the surface and raise an automation event when it detects downlink patterns that match predefined patterns with a certain confidence level. Once the current steering mode is clearly identified and the geometric trajectory to follow has been generated, the next step is to define the optimum downlinking sequence to follow that trajectory path. This is done by the AI planner, which carefully analyzes the current state, the available downlinking map, and the desired state to derive the most favorable path to the desired state.

The autonomous workflow has been tested in the field in many different countries across the world. The automated downlink detection located at the surface has an average detection rate of more than 98% with more than 10,000 downlinks to be detected every month across numerous field locations. On rare occasions, where the surface downlink detection is not picking up the downlink signal, the downhole downlink detection will send downlink confirmation from downhole to surface via the measurement-while-drilling telemetry system. This makes the overall system exceptionally robust. In addition, the intelligent downlink sequence optimization will often find the shortest path from the current tool state to the desired state, thus increasing the efficiency of the drilling operations. With the native cloud monitoring system, domain experts can access the system at any time from wherever they can log into the secure robust network.

The synergy between surface systems and downhole systems has enabled the development of a unique autonomous well construction system that improves performance while reducing the carbon footprint, allowing domain experts from all over the world to remotely monitor their operations without any traveling needed.
Research on coupling coordination between ecological environment and high-quality development in Hebei Province
Authors: He Ling , Du Zhe , Chen Zhesi , Chen Shuqi
Published: March 2024

It is of great significance to explore the ecological environment and high-quality development of Hebei Province and its coupling and coordination degree to promote the integrated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and realize the harmonious coexistence of human and nature. In this paper, the comprehensive index method is used to evaluate the ecological environment quality and high-quality development; the cold-hot spot analysis is used to analyse the spatial distribution pattern of the ecological environment quality, and the local spatial autocorrelation is used to analyse the spatial correlation characteristics; the coupling coordination degree model and geographic detector are used to measure the spatial correlation characteristics. The results show that: (1) there are obvious differences in the ecological environment quality of Hebei province, the relatively low ecological environment quality area is the most widely distributed, accounting for 42.22% of the total area, mainly in the central and eastern plains, and all levels of ecological environment quality show spatial aggregation characteristics; (2) there are only three levels of high-quality development,namely, relatively high,medium and relatively low, and the medium level has the widest distribution, accounting for 51.66% of the total area, and the province has a large area of distribution; (3) high-quality development and ecological environment quality interaction is significant, most of the regions are in the stage of coordinated development, the interaction between the two systems and the factors within the system synergistic effect is significant, any two factors interact with each other after the effect is greater than a single driving factor. The research results can provide decision-making reference for realizing the modernization of ecological civilization construction, high-quality development and harmonious coexistence between human and nature.
State-dependent central synaptic regulation by GLP-1 is essential for energy homeostasis
Authors: Pang Zhiping , Wang Le , Savani Rohan , Bernabucci Matteo , Lu Yi , Singh Ishnoor , Xu Wei , Ouaamari Abdelfattah El , Wheeler Michael , Grill Harvey J , Rossi Mark
Published: March 2024

Central nervous system (CNS) control of metabolism plays a pivotal role in maintaining energy homeostasis. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1, encoded by Gcg), secreted by a distinct population of neurons located within the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), suppresses feeding through projections to multiple brain targets1-3. Although GLP-1 analogs are proven clinically effective in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity4, the mechanisms of GLP-1 action within the brain remain unclear. Here, we investigate the involvement of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) mediated signaling in a descending circuit formed by GLP-1R neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVNGLP-1R) that project to dorsal vagal complex (DVC) neurons of the brain stem in mice. PVNGLP-1R→DVC synapses release glutamate that is augmented by GLP-1 via a presynaptic mechanism. Chemogenetic activation of PVNGLP-1R→DVC neurons suppresses feeding. The PVNGLP-1R→DVC synaptic transmission is dynamically regulated by energy states. In a state of energy deficit, synaptic strength is weaker but is more profoundly augmented by GLP-1R signaling compared to an energy-replete state. In an obese state, the dynamic synaptic strength changes in the PVNGLP-1R→DVC descending circuit are disrupted. Blocking PVNGLP-1R→DVC synaptic release or ablation of GLP-1R in the presynaptic compartment increases food intake and causes obesity, elevated blood glucose, and impaired insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest that the state-dependent synaptic plasticity in this PVNGLP-1R→DVC descending circuit mediated by GLP-1R signaling is an essential regulator of energy homeostasis.
An assessment on the new impetus of green energy development and its impact on climate change: A non-linear perspective
Authors: Xu Bin , Xu Renjing
Published: March 2024

Green energy is an important path to address global climate change. Evaluating the impact of new economic variables on green energy is a prerequisite for effectively promoting green energy growth. The existing literature has used linear methods to investigate green energy, ignoring the non-linear relationships between economic variables. In view of this, based on the 2005–2021 panel data of China’s 30 provinces, this article adopts a data-driven non-parametric additive model to investigate the impact of new impetus on green energy development. The empirical results reveal that the impact of green finance on green energy development is more prominent in the later stage (a U-shaped impact). Fiscal decentralization also eexerts a positive U-shaped impact, meaning that in the later stage, expanding local fiscal autonomy has contributed to green energy growth. Similarly, the impact of oil prices on green energy shows a positive U-shaped pattern. In addition, the impact of foreign direct investment, environmental pressure, and fixed asset investment also exhibits obvious nonlinear characteristics. Furthermore, this article investigates the impact of green energy on climate change and its impact mechanisms. The results exhibit that the impact of green energy on climate change is gradually becoming prominent (a U-shaped pattern). Mechanism analysis shows that industrial structure and energy structure both peoduce a nonlinear impact on climate change.
Pilot Implementation Outcomes of a Community-Based Tele- Practice Model for Identification and Rehabilitation of Children with Hearing loss within a Public-health system of a Rural District in Southern India
Authors: Satheesh Karishmaa , Ramkumar Vidya , Joshi Deepashree , E Bommi
Published: March 2024

Background
The current study is an effort to evaluate pilot outcomes of a comprehensive tele-practice model for identification and rehabilitation of hearing loss among children below 6 years of age which can then inform suitable adaptations prior to the implementation. The outcomes of tele-facilitator training, limited-efficacy measures, and caregiver acceptability and satisfaction with tele-practice were analysed.
Method
Two special educators were trained as tele-facilitators for tele-diagnostic testing. Screening was done using the validated SRESHT screener in the Perambalur district by trained nurses in UPHC’s at all 4 blocks until at least 5 children with ‘refer’ results were obtained. 5 children with hearing loss using amplification devices enrolled in the District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) were enrolled for tele-rehabilitation. To measure the limited- efficacy, the outcomes of pre-pilot and post-pilot were compared. The caregiver acceptability and satisfaction with tele-practice was also assessed
Results
In all 12 children with ‘refer’ results loss underwent tele- diagnostic testing. Tele-rehabilitation outcomes were studied on 5 children with hearing loss already using amplification devices. When comparing the outcomes of limited -efficacy with the existing data it was found that the model identified older children with hearing loss. The time lapse between screening/hearing loss suspicion to diagnosis reduced from a median of 216 days to 8 days. For tele- rehabilitation the number of sessions attended in a span of 3 months increased from a median of zero to 3 sessions. Based on the satisfaction questionnaire, most people had a positive experience, and found the travel time to the testing site convenient and affordable. Few parents reported encountering difficulties as a result of inadequate ventilation and internet connectivity within the mobile van where tele-diagnostic testing was conducted.
Conclusion
The pilot outcomes suggests that a block level service enabled using tele- practice to overcome professional shortages, beneficial in reducing time gap between screening/suspicion to diagnosis and also enhanced attendance for rehabilitation. The pilot outcomes provided insights on adaptations related to screening site, test infrastructure and internet optimization that may be required before implementation.
Perceptions of Antenatal Attendees on Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Services in the Central Region of Ghana.
Authors: Opoku-Danso Rita , Habedi Debbie
Published: March 2024

Background: Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) involves a range of interventions that can be implemented during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding to reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to the child. However, the success of PMTCT programs largely depends on the uptake of services and the perceptions of the target population.
Aim:This study therefore aims to explore the perceptions of antenatal attendees on PMTCT services in the district hospitals in the central region of Ghana.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted using antenatal attendees between the ages of 15 to 49 in the 11 district hospitals in the central region of Ghana. The convenient sampling procedure was used to sample 448 antenatal attendees from the district hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to proceed the data.Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyzed the data. ANOVA was used to assess the statistical significance of difference between perceptions, beliefs and views among antenatal attendees across the three gestational ages.
Results: A total of 448 antenatal attendees were included in the study. Two hundred and nineteen (48.9%) perceived receiving poor care from midwives when tested positive, 318 (71%) admitted that they fear stigmatization associated with PMTCT of HIV services, 224 (50%) of them admitted that distance to the ANCs was a bother to them and 258 (57.6%) were uncomfortable to use condom for HIV prevention. Anova test reported statistically as perception [F (degree of freedom of the groups) = F-statistic 8.957; p-value = 0.001: p<0.05) beliefs, [F (degree of freedom of the groups) = F-statistic 3.138; p-value = 0.025: p<0.05) and views, [F (degree of freedom of the groups) = F-statistic 3.287; p-value = 0.021: p<0.05).
Conclusion: The antenatal attendees generally had poor perceptions towards the services, hence, affecting their participation in the services available. Thus, they had the perceptions of receiving poor care from ANC midwives, feared experiencing stigma when tested positive, hospitals located far from their homes and discomfort with the use of condoms to prevent further transmissions and complications. Also, the advancement in gestational age improves the antenatal attendees’ perception on PMTCT of HIV services.
Induction of complementary immunogenic necroptosis and apoptosis cell death pathways inhibits cancer metastasis and relapse
Authors: Achilefu Samuel , Egbulefu Christopher , Black Kvar , Su Xinming , Karmakar Partha , Habimana-Griffin LeMoyne , Sudlow Gail , Prior Julie , Onejeme Ezugo , Zheleznyak Alexander , Xu Baogang , Xu Yalin , Esser Alison , Mixdorf Matthew , Moss Evan , Manion Brad , Reed Nathan , Gubin Matthew , Lin Chieh-Yu , Schreiber Robert , Weilabaecher Katherine N.
Published: March 2024

Interactions of light-sensitive drugs and materials with Cerenkov radiation-emitting radiopharmaceuticals generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) to inhibit localized and disseminated cancer progression, but the cell death mechanisms underlying this radionuclide stimulated dynamic therapy (RaST) remain elusive. Using ROS-regenerative nanophotosensitizers coated with a tumor-targeting transferrin-titanocene complex (TiO2-TC-Tf) and radiolabeled 2-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG), we found that adherent dying cells maintained metabolic activity with increased membrane permeabilization. Mechanistic assessment of these cells revealed that RaST activated the expression of RIPK-1 and RIPK-3, which mediate necroptosis cell death. Subsequent recruitment of the nuclear factors kappa B and the executioner mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudo kinase (MLKL) triggered plasma membrane permeabilization and pore formation, respectively, followed by the release of cytokines and immunogenic damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). In immune-deficient breast cancer models with adequate stroma and growth factors that recapitulate the human tumor microenvironment, RaST failed to inhibit tumor progression and the ensuing lung metastasis. A similar aggressive tumor model in immunocompetent mice responded to RaST, achieving a remarkable partial response (PR) and complete response (CR) with no evidence of lung metastasis, suggesting active immune system engagement. RaST recruited antitumor CD11b+, CD11c+, and CD8b+ effector immune cells after initiating dual immunogenic apoptosis and necroptosis cell death pathways in responding tumors in vivo. Over time, cancer cells upregulated the expression of negative immune regulating cytokine (TGF-β) and soluble immune checkpoints (sICP) to challenge RaST effect in the CR mice. Using a signal-amplifying cancer-imaging agent, LS301, we identified latent minimal residual disseminated tumors in the lymph nodes (LNs) of the CR group. Despite increased protumor immunogens in the CR mice, RaST prevented cancer relapse and metastasis through dynamic redistribution of ROS-regenerative TiO¬2 from bones at the early treatment stage to the spleen and LNs, maintaining active immunity against cancer progression and migration. This study reveals the immune-mechanistic underpinnings of RaST-mediated antitumor immune response and highlights immunogenic reprogramming of tumors in response to RaST. Overcoming apoptosis resistance through complementary necroptosis activation paves the way for strategic drug combinations to improve cancer treatment.
Workplace Learning: The Bidirectional Relationship between Stress and Self-Regulated Learning in Undergraduates
Authors: Marsch Stephan , Yanagida Takuya , Steinberg Evelyn
Published: March 2024

The present study focused on the relationships between various aspects of self-regulated learning (SRL) and stress among undergraduate health science students in workplace settings. Although both constructs are associated with academic achievement (Ahmady et al., 2021; Cho et al., 2017), it is still unclear how they influence each other. Using longitudinal data, the aim of the present study was to examine whether perceived stress in the previous week impacts SRL-aspects in the current week and, conversely, whether SRL-aspects in the previous week impacts stress in the current week.
Subjects were 192 undergraduate health sciences students in their workplace placements. SRL-aspects and stress were assessed using scales and previously tested single-item measures. The 21 SRL-aspects used in this study included cognition (learning strategies), motivation, emotion, perception of the learning environment, and regulation of these areas on a metalevel (monitoring and control). Data collected over 15 weeks were analyzed using multilevel vector autoregressive models, with the data nested within weeks and one model dedicated to each SRL-aspect and its relationship with stress.
Among the 21 path estimates assessing the impact of prior stress on individual SRL-aspects, 10 were statistically significant. For individual SRL-aspects impacting stress, 7 out of 21 paths were statistically significant (p < .05). Notably, no model showed statistical significance of effects in both directions. Except for two results, cross-lagged relationships were negative, indicating that better SRL-aspects from the previous week resulted in reduced stress in the current week and vice versa. The effects for the cross-lagged paths from SRL-aspects to stress were predominantly of medium size, whereas the influence of stress on individual SRL-aspects was predominantly small.
The present study highlights a potentially causal and mostly negative relationship between stress and various aspects of SRL, but also that the individual relationships require differentiated consideration. The results can be used to develop targeted interventions in the practical part of the training of health science students to reduce stress and improve specific aspects of SRL. Furthermore, these findings underscore assumptions regarding connections between anxiety and increased stress, negative relationships between stress and motivation, and the importance of effective time management strategies for stress reduction.
High-throughput DNA barcoding provides insight into the factors shaping spider diversity in the biodiversity hotspot of Wallacea
Authors: Holmquist Anna J. , Lupiyaningdyah Pungki , Fahri F , Gillespie Rosemary G.
Published: March 2024

Biodiversity hotspots, housing an immense portion of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity, are under severe threat due to anthropogenic change. The prevalence of undescribed taxa in these locations poses a significant challenge to community-level biodiversity monitoring and protection. In this study, we use a DNA mini-barcode to test predictions of biodiversity patterns in Sulawesi, Indonesia, part of the Wallacean biodiversity hotspot. We tested the elevational diversity gradient, the presence of areas of endemism (AOEs), and patterns of diversification in a diverse taxonomic group, the spiders (order Araneae). Our approach utilized individually sequenced adult specimens paired with juvenile specimens sequenced using a metabarcoding approach to assess diversity patterns within and between three mountains. 2,357spiders were sequenced and produced 926 amplicon sequence variants, clustered into 508 operational taxonomic units. Alpha diversity was significantly associated with elevation, peaking at the 1,000-1,500m elevation band, which supports the elevational diversity gradient. Distinct OTUs were found on each mountain, indicating areas of endemism for Sulawesi spider biodiversity. Additionally, communities between neighboring elevation bands within a mountain shared few OTUs; this high elevational turnover demonstrates how mountains act as biodiversity hotspots in and of themselves. Using a coarser sequence clustering approach, we found evidence for extensive in-situ diversification, reflected by a high number of 97% clusters that collapse into a low number of 95% clusters. Patterns of shared clusters between communities showed elevational structuring in line with niche conservatism with limited local diversification occurring between sites within a narrower elevational range. The approach we adopted greatly expanded our knowledge of Sulawesi spider biodiversity while also providing insights into the relative roles of pre-adapted lineages and local diversification in shaping overall diversity patterns across the island.
Research on UAV-NOMA communication system based on improved grey wolf optimization algorithm
Authors: Bai Xiaojuan , Wang Shenghui , Ma Jingwen , Xu Jing
Published: March 2024

Considering that UAVs, serving as base stations, can enhance the flexibility of communication system transmission, reduce transmission delays, and provide temporary communication, this paper proposes a NOMA-assisted UAV downlink communication network model in a Rice fading channel, which is more suitable for air-to-ground transmission. The joint optimization of UAV three-dimensional trajectory, pitch angle, and user clustering is studied to improve the sum rate of the communication system. Among these, clustering users within different time intervals of UAV flight can lead to three scenarios: increasing, reducing, and replacing the number of users. Addressing the issue of nonlinear programming, this paper proposes an improved algorithm that combines the grey wolf optimization algorithm and the particle swarm optimization algorithm to overcome the insufficient global search ability of the grey wolf optimization algorithm. Simulation results show that the GWOPSO algorithm has a better convergence speed and accuracy, and the system also exhibits improved sum rate performance.
Exploring Convective Heat Transfer Mechanism with a BLMS-ANN Analysis of Carreau Fluid over a Rotating Cone
Authors: Ullah Fahim , Ashraf Muhammad Bilal , Ro Jong-Suk
Published: March 2024

This study seeks to investigate the phenomenon of heat transfer in a rotating cone submerged in a non-Newtonian Carreau fluid. The Carreau fluid is highly regarded for its shear-thinning behavior and its wide range of practical applications. Using a shooting method for numerical simulation and an Artificial Neural Network algorithm (ANN), specifically the back-propagation Levenberg-Marquardt Scheme (BLMS), we thoroughly analyze the intricate interplay between buoyancy and centrifugal forces through a rigorous analytical approach. The findings of our study make valuable contributions to the understanding of the fundamental significance of centrifugal forces and buoyancy in the domains of fluid dynamics and heat transfer. An in-depth analysis is conducted on the convective heat transfer process, considering crucial factors like the Nusselt number, Reynolds number, Grashof number, fluid velocity, and cone rotation. This work emphasizes the importance of further research into fluid flow and heat transfer dynamics. It specifically focuses on the interaction between various parameters, including thermal radiation, Thermophoresis, Brownian motion, viscous dissipation, and non-Newtonian complexity. This thorough investigation has the potential to significantly enhance precision and efficiency in various manufacturing applications.
Shear profile in a dense packing of large grains
Authors: quaresima Alessio , Plati Andrea , Gnoli Andrea , Petri Alberto
Published: March 2024

We investigate the shear of a dense bed of refracting supermillimetric grains confined within a transparent horizontal annular cell with a rotating top. The local time correlation functions of interferometric images allow to characterize the shear profile close to the wall, with a spatial resolution well below the grain diameter. For increasing shear, we observe a transition in the system response and the manifestations of anisotropies in the force chains. The employed technique is of easy implementation and is especially suitable for the study of stationary processes.
Language Teachers’ Willingness to Communicate: The Role of Education Level, Workplace, and Locality
Authors: Azad Mohammad Taghei , Ahmadian Moussa
Published: March 2024

The concept of willingness to communicate in a second language (L2 WTC) has long received considerable attention in scholarly research focusing on language learners. However, the scope of L2 WTC in foreign language settings transcends the learner population and encompasses language instructors as well. Limited research exists regarding the potential association between foreign language teachers’ education level, workplace, and locality, and their L2 WTC. Thus, the current study aimed to fill this gap in the literature, investigating how these factors can be associated with Iranian foreign language teachers’ willingness to communicate in second language (FLT WTC). To that purpose, a validated FLT WTC questionnaire was administered to 137 Iranian L2 teachers, and fifteen EFL sessions were observed in three different educational workplaces in Iran. Analytical methods such as multinomial logistic regression (MLR) analysis, ANOVA, and post-hoc Scheffé test were employed to analyze the collected data. It was found that foreign language teachers’ workplace could be a significant factor in their L2 WTC. Yet, their latest education level and teaching locality could not prove to be determining factors. These findings offer valuable insights for foreign language institutions, particularly regarding teacher recruitment considerations. The study also provides significant implications for educators and teacher trainers to pay careful attention to the impact of such factors on language teachers’ L2 WTC across various educational contexts.
Influence of the dual-stage sugar substitution method and the ultrasound on the convective drying of banana slices
Authors: Abrahão Fernanda Rezende , Corrêa Jefferson Luiz Gomes , Sousa Arlley de Brito Magalhães , Silveira Paula Giarolla , Cunha Renata Nepomuceno da
Published: March 2024

The dual-stage sugar substitution (D3S) method was used to incorporate isomaltulose into banana slices. In the first stage of the technique, native fruit sugars were partially removed and, in the second, isomaltulose, a carbohydrate with a low glycemic index, was incorporated into the banana slices. Ultrasonic energy was applied to one or both stages in order to evaluate its influence on the process. Samples subjected to ultrasonic waves (40 kHz) in both stages presented greater water losses (10.007 ± 0.554%) and greater solids gains (4.809 ± 0.195%). The D3S process resulted in longer drying times of the banana slices. The mathematical models used to describe the drying process showed good adjustment, with emphasis on Midilli's (R² > 0.999). The application of the D3S method without ultrasound energy resulted in dried samples with greater longitudinal shrinkage, radial shrinkage, shrinkage coefficient and greater differentiation in terms of color compared to the other treatments. The use of ultrasonic energy in both stages of the method results in better physicochemical characteristics of the final product. Samples subjected to the D3S process showed a lower rehydration capacity.
Predicting RUNX1::RUNX1T1 genetic abnormalities in acute myeloid leukemia from bone marrow smears: Can artificial intelligence do better?
Authors: Cheng Hui , Ding Jing , Wang Juan , Xiao Yujun , Jin Xinyi , Zhang Yan , Yang Yuanyuan , Xu Huangmeng , Cao xinyi , Guo Fangyu , Yang Jianmin , Lou Jiatao , Tang Gusheng
Published: March 2024

Background: The presence of the RUNX1::RUNX1T1 fusion gene in patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subtype is often indicated by distinctive morphological features in myeloblasts from bone marrow (BM) smears. This study aims to evaluate the capacity of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify specific genetic abnormalities based solely on morphological characteristics. The intent is to investigate a non-invasive, cost-effective, and efficient preliminary screening method prior to the application of molecular biological assays.
Methods: This multicenter trial included 205 patients diagnosed with AML, of which 75 were AML with RUNX1::RUNX1T1 fusion. A dataset of 65,039 myeloblasts images collected from the BM smears of these patients was compiled for model training, testing, and validation. The study also undertook a comparative analysis of the discrepancies between manual microscopy and AI-based identification.
Results: The model demonstrated proficiency in adapting to varied clinical scenarios by applying two different threshold values. Under the threshold of 0.59, the testing and validation cohorts showed sensitivities of 92.86% and 95.65%, with corresponding accuracies of 87.04% and 71.88%. Conversely, by setting the threshold at 0.88, specificities of 92.31% and 92.68% were achieved, along with accuracies of 88.89% and 90.63%. Regardless of the threshold, the AI model consistently outperformed manual microscopy (average accuracy: 50.00%).
Conclusion: The model demonstrates a significant capability to discern underlying RUNX1::RUNX1T1 genetic alterations from the morphological attributes of BM nucleated cells with a precision surpassing human observation. This providing a valuable tool highlights its potential for enhancing diagnostic efficiency in clinical practice.
Perioperative and Long-Term Oncological Outcomes of Robotic versus Laparoscopic Total Mesorectal Excision: A Retrospective study of 672 Patients
Authors: Shadmanov Niyaz , Aliyev Vusal , Piozzi Guglielmo Niccolò , Bakır Barıs , Goksel Suha , Asoglu Oktar
Published: March 2024

Backround
Although there's growing information about the long-term oncological effects of robotic surgery for rectal cancer, the procedure is still relatively new. This study aimed to assess the long-term oncological results of total mesorectal excision (TME) performed laparoscopically versus robotically in the setting of rectal cancer.
Methods
Restrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database. A total of 489 laparoscopic (L-TME) and 183 robotic total mesorectal excisions (R-TME) were carried out by a single surgeon between 2013 and 2023. The groups were compared in terms of perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes.
Results
In the R-TME and L-TME groups, male sex predominated (75.4% and 57.3%, respectively), although the robotic group was significantly greater (p = 0.008). There was no conversion in R-TME group, whereas three (0.6%) converted to open surgery in L-TME group. The R-TME group had a statistically significant higher number of distal rectal tumors (85%) compared to the L-TME group (54.6%). Only three (1.7%) patients in the R-TME group received abdomineperineal resection (APR); in contrast, 25 (5%) patients in the L-TME group received APR (p < 0.001). For R-TME, the mean follow-up was 70.7 months (range 18–138) and for L-TME, it was 60 months (range 14–140). Frequency of completed mesorectum was significantly greater in R-TME group (98.9% vs 94.2%, p < 0.001). The 5-year overall survival rates for R-TME and L-TME groups were 89.6% and 88.7%, respectively. The 5-year disease-free survival for R-TME and L-TME groups were 84.1% and 81.1%, respectively. The local recurrences rates were 7.6% and 6.3%, respectively in R-TME and L-TME groups (p = 0.274).
Conclusion
R-TME is characterized by no conversion and improved mesorectal integrity. R-TME had longer operation time. The long-term oncological outcomes were comparable between groups.
Targeted Temperature Management following Traumatic Brain Injury: ESICM / NACCS Consensus Recommendations Guidelines
Authors: Lavinio Andrea , Coles Jonathan P , Robba Chiara , Aries Marcel , Bouzat Pierre , Chean Dara , Frisvold Shirin , Galarza Laura , Helbok Raimund , Hermanides Jeroen , Jagt Mathieu van der , Menon David K , Meyfroidt Geert , Payen Jean-Francois , Poole Daniele , Rasulo Frank , Rhodes Jonathan , Sidlow Emily , Steiner Luzius A , Taccone Fabio S , Takala Riikka
Published: March 2024

Background
The aim of this panel was to develop consensus recommendations and guidance on targeted temperature management (TTM) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and in patients with moderate TBI who deteriorate and require admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for intracranial pressure (ICP) management.
Methods
A group of 18 international neuro-intensive care experts in the acute management of TBI participated in a modified Delphi process. An online anonymised survey was completed ahead of the meeting, before the group convened to explore the level of consensus on TTM following TBI. Outputs from the meeting were combined into a further anonymous online survey round to finalise recommendations. Thresholds of ≥ 16 out of 18 panel members in agreement (≥ 88%) for strong consensus and ≥ 14 out of 18 (≥ 78%) for moderate consensus were prospectively set for all statements.
Results
Strong consensus was reached on TTM being essential for high-quality TBI care. It was recommended that temperature should be monitored continuously, and that fever should be promptly identified and managed in patients perceived to be at risk of secondary brain injury. Controlled normothermia (36.0°C–37.5°C) was strongly recommended as a therapeutic option to be considered in tier 1 and 2 of the Seattle International Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Consensus Conference (SIBICC) ICP management protocol. Temperature management targets should be individualised based on the perceived risk of secondary brain injury and fever aetiology.
Conclusions
Based on a modified Delphi expert consensus process, this report aims to inform on best practices for TTM delivery for patients following TBI, and to highlight areas of need for further research to improve clinical guidelines in this setting.
Multi-Objective Optimization in CLSCM : A Fuzzy Model with Practical Applications
Authors: Nowpada Ravi Shankar , V Madhuri M
Published: March 2024

This study introduces a novel mathematical model for multi-objective optimization in closed-loop supply chain management (CLSCM), addressing the complexities of time, quality, carbon emissions, and profit margin. Leveraging intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, the model effectively manages uncertainties in CLSCM. The interconnected constraints-time, quality, carbon emissions, and profit margin-shape sustainability and profitability. The model harmonizes these objectives, offering a comprehensive tool for CLSCM optimization. By accommodating vagueness with fuzzy numbers, the model enhances decision-making. Trade-offs and synergies among constraints are explored, providing insights for sustainable and financially viable CLSCM. Numerical experiments validate the model’s efficacy, demonstrating practical applicability in diverse scenarios. This research contributes a robust mathematical framework for industry practitioners, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability in CLSCM.
Establishment of a machine learning model for the risk assessment of Perineural invasion in gastric cancer
Authors: song Jiawei , Peng Jiayi , Chen Xihao , Liu Zhiyu , qiao yihuan , Zhu Jun , Qian lei , Li Jipeng
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims:
More and more studies have proved that Perineural Invasion (PNI)plays an important role in cancer development,but the traditional detection methods are cumbersome pathological examinations and extremely dependent on doctors' experience, can not be applied to all hospitals. Therefore, we aim to build a model that predicts PNI using machine learning.
Methods
Outliers were removed using the Isolation Forest method and eligible patients were divided into training and testing cohorts using the Isolation Forest algorithm, and the data were subjected to binary tree segmentation, sample selection, feature selection and segmentation point selection, all using randomisation. The distributions of categorical variables were compared using the Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. AUC, balanced F Score, confusion matrix, Matthews correlation coefficient and diagnostic odds ratio to compare the predictive power of the models.
Results
The X-tree (random forest) model is a convenient and reliable tool for predicting PNI status in gastric cancer patients using preoperative clinical indicators. It has demonstrated excellent performance with an AUC of 0.97, precision of 0.93, and recall of 0.84 for the test set.
Conclusions
PNI is not conducive to the survival of gastric cancer patients, and the study established a model for predicting PNI in patients with gastric cancer based on their preoperative clinical characteristics.
Older People’s Technophilia and Technophobia: Methodological Research on the Psychometric Evaluation of the TechPH Scale among an Iranian Population
Authors: Abdipour Nasim , Rakhshanderou Sakineh , Ghaffari Mohtasham
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim:
Considering the aging of the population, the emergence of numerous technologies and the potential effects that these technologies have on the lives of people, especially elderly people, access to an instrument to measure attitudes toward technology among elderly people is essential. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of psychometrically evaluating the scale for measuring attitudes toward technology (TechPH) in Iranian older people.
Methods
This methodological study was conducted on 420 older people (60 years old and above) in Tehran in 2024 for a psychometric test of attitudes toward technology scale (TechPH). Validation was carried out through translation validity methods in the form of translation-back translation with bilingual experts (n = 2), face validity with a sample of the older population (n = 10), content validity with a panel of 11 experts and construct validity with EFA and CFA (n = 420). Instrument reliability was determined through test-retest and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) methods with a sample of older people (n = 20). SPSS version 16 and EQS 6.4 software were used for the data analysis.
Results
A comparison of Farsi and English translations revealed acceptable translation validity and cultural adaptability for the scale. Each item's Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) were determined, and the total average CVI was 0.95. The results of the EFA obtained from the KMO showed the adequacy of the sample size (KMO = 0.754) and the Bartlett's sphericity test showed a significant correlation between the items (χ2 = 221.819, df = 15, P < 0.0001). EFA indicated that 2 extracted factors explained 41.002% and 18.111% of the total variance. Also, CFA of the items resulted in a suitable estimate based on the general fit indices of the model (RMSEA = 0.061, IFI = 0.979, GFI = 0.983, CFI = 0.978 CMIN/DF = 1.769, MFI = 0.989, AGFI = 0.942). In evaluating the test-retest stability and internal consistency, the values of Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's α were 0.922 and 0.765, respectively, which indicated the appropriate reliability of the scale.
Conclusion
IR.TechPH, the first Persian version of the scale for measuring technophilia and technophobia among Iranian older people, has favorable psychometric properties and can be used as a standard tool to measure older people’s attitudes toward technology in different studies.
Delocalizing Electron Distribution in Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorophors for High-efficiency, Long-lifetime Blue Electroluminescence
Authors: Duan Lian , Huang Tianyu , Wang Qi , Zhang Hai , Xin Yangyang , Zhang Yuewei , Zhang Dongdong
Published: March 2024

Thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) emitters are promising for the next generation organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), yet their efficiency and stability still cannot meet the requirements for commercialization. Here, we establish a design rule for highly efficient and stable TADF emitters by introducing an auxiliary acceptor to delocalize electron distributions, not only enhancing the molecular stability in the negative polaron state but also accelerating the triplet-to-singlet up-conversion and the singlet radiative processes simultaneously. Proof-of-the-concept TADF compounds, based on a multi-carbazole-benzonitrile structure, exhibit near-unity photoluminescent quantum yields, short-lived delays, and improved photo- and electroluminescent stabilities. Deep-blue OLED utilizing one of these molecules as the sensitizer for a multi-resonance emitter achieves a remarkable LT95 (time to 95% of initial luminance) of 221 h at an initial luminance of 1000 cd m-2, together with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 30.8% and Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.14, 0.17). This work would unlock the potential of TADF emitters for practical applications.
A greener approach to transform consumer-waste recycled fibers into grindle yarn employing 2-ply compact-Siro spinning
Authors: Uddin Ahmed Jalal , Rahaman Mostafizur
Published: March 2024

The worldwide manufacturing industries are actively adopting greener and eco-friendly production approaches, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and particularly focusing on Goal 12. This objective strives for responsible material management, with a strong emphasis on significantly decreasing waste generation through preventive measures, recycling, and reusing resources. This research introduces a sustainable method for manufacturing Siro grindle yarn, which involves maximizing the utilization of recycled cotton fibers sourced from pre-consumer fabric waste. The process involved the preparation of two rovings, one colored (red) and the other white, incorporating varying percentages of recycled cotton fibers along with virgin cotton. To achieve a vibrant grindle effect in the yarn, a newly designed 2-ply compact-Siro spinning technique was employed. This technique involves separately compacting two drafted fiber strands before uniting them through twisting. As a point of comparison, Siro grindle yarn was also manufactured in a conventional ring frame. Through skillful engineering, grindle yarns with a count of 20 Ne containing up to 50% recycled fiber were successfully manufactured. The yarns produced using the compact-Siro spinning technique exhibited notable enhancements in both structure (reduced hairiness, unevenness, and imperfections) and properties (increased strength and elongation). These grindle yarns demonstrated suitability for producing knit fabrics with aesthetics comparable to commercial grindle fabrics made entirely with virgin fibers.