bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Riscos nas atividades de prevenção, preparação e resposta rápida (P2R2) com o transporte de produtos químicos e perigosos em Foz do Iguaçu, PR
Authors: Silva Laestanislaula Sousa da , Marchi Jamur Johnas , Castro Virgínia Aparecida
Published: May 2023

A cidade de Foz do Iguaçu, PR, está localizada na tríplice fronteira Brasil-Paraguai-Argentina e sedia um dos maiores portos secos da América Latina. Este estudo teve o objetivo de identificar os produtos químicos e artigos perigosos movimentados por meio desse porto, entre 2014 e 2018, assim como os riscos que afetam as organizações locais na prevenção, preparação e resposta rápida (P2R2) a emergências envolvendo esses produtos. A partir do COMEX STAT, foi realizada a identificação dos produtos e, pela técnica de entrevista, foram apontados os riscos organizacionais. Como resultado, foram descritos 284 produtos, totalizando 8.948 transações econômicas e 10.556 milhões de quilos, que foram alocados em 8 classes e 18 subclasses de risco. Por meio do Método de Pareto, foi avaliada a frequência acumulada das transações econômicas e de suas quantidades, verificando-se que, no período estudado, a Classe 3 – Líquidos Inflamáveis e a Classe 8 – Substâncias Corrosivas, juntas, representaram 25% das classes de risco, 70,51% da frequência acumulada das transações econômicas e 80% da quantidade de produtos comercializados. Quanto aos riscos organizacionais, verificou-se que 29,46% das evidências pertencem à categoria “riscos estratégicos”; 28,68%, a “riscos operacionais”; 20,16%, a “riscos de imagem”; 15,50%, a “riscos orçamentários”; e 6,20%, a “riscos legais”. Estes resultados contribuem para que agentes públicos desenvolvam programas de gestão de riscos associados à P2R2 em nível local.
A difusão de tecnologias no meio agrícola na Caatinga – a região de clima semiárido brasileiro
Authors: Borba Marcelo da Costa , Ramos Josefa Edileide Santos , Barros José Eduardo Melo , Machado João Armando Dessimon
Published: May 2023

O uso de tecnologias influencia diretamente a produtividade no agronegócio, sendo elas determinantes para uma produção economicamente viável em ambientes com condições climáticas adversas, como o semiárido brasileiro. Assim, este artigo faz a análise, por meio de uma revisão sistemática, das tecnologias usadas no meio agrícola na região de clima semiárido brasileira, o bioma Caatinga. Os resultados apresentam inicialmente as tecnologias de convivência com o semiárido ou técnicas sociais, com destaque para os métodos de manejo do solo, aproveitamento da água da chuva e preparo de ração animal. Já em relação às tecnologias propriamente ditas, as evidências convergem para a utilização tecnológica direcionada à viabilidade da produção, diversificação e ao tempo de colheita, principalmente de culturas irrigadas. Outrossim, o melhoramento genético contribuiu para a propagação de culturas resistentes e para o aumento da população de animais. Ao mesmo tempo que foi possível identificar o nível tecnológico da atividade agrícola na Caatinga, a qual, na maior parte do bioma, apresenta baixo uso de tecnologias, caracterizado por atividades de subsistência, mão de obra familiar e monocultura, por outro lado, em polos locais agrícolas, ocorre a utilização de sistemas integrados e agropecuária de base biológica.
Partnering for Lead User Innovation Success: Investigating the Role and Number of Partnerships
Authors: Otieno Geoffrey Peter , Kiraka Ruth
Published: May 2023

: The objective of this work is to elucidate the role of partnerships and the number of partners necessary for lead user innovation outcomes. Lead user theory identifies these users as being ahead of market trends and experiencing significant benefits from innovating. So far, most lead user research has concentrated on firms and not individual lead users’ perspective. Data were obtained using a quantitative design during which 321 respondents participated. The SPSS software was used to analyze the data and determine significance. These findings indicate a connection between number of partners and lead user innovation success. This demonstrates that number of partners is significant in determining the success or failure of an innovation. This study provides empirical evidence that the number of partners is an essential factor that influences the success of innovation, and establishes the absolute numbers for achievement of successful innovation. Future studies must investigate the possible implications of integrating the partner variables with other characteristics of the lead user.
Asymptomatic Pulmonary Embolism in Cancer Patients About a Serial of 12 cases
Authors: Channane Hamid , Atay Selim , Sandica Andreea Maria , Snopok Iurii , Viebahn Richard
Published: May 2023

Abstract: Cancer patients are explored by CT-scans more than others. The study reports the local prevalence of these embolisms, the oncological profile of the cases as well as the therapeutic management. Patients and methods: The work was based on the Analysis of the CT-examinations performed on patients of the Radiology department, for reasons other than the search for pulmonary embolism. The examinations are interpreted by 2 radiologist doctors. Results: In 389 patients, 12 cases of asymptomatic pulmonary embolism were detected, representing a prevalence of the order of 3%. The mean age of onset is 67 years. 11 patients had metastatic cancer at the time of diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. 4 PE patients are proximal, while 8 others had segmental and / or sub-segmental PE. 10 patients are treated for carcinomas, the rest for melanoma and splenic lymphoma. After analysis of clinical records, 3 of the 4 proximal pulmonary embolisms were manifested by a discrete clinical symptom attributed to diagnoses other than pulmonary embolism. 10 patients are undergoing chemotherapy alone or combined with radiotherapy, surgery or hormone therapy. At the time of the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, 3 patients were hospitalized, while 9 were followed up on an outpatient basis. Conclusion: Asymptomatic pulmonary embolism in cancer patients is becoming more frequent. Asymptomatic pulmonary embolisms are mainly peripheral, segmental or sub-segmental. As for symptomatic VTE, asymptomatic pulmonary embolism is diagnosed in patients with metastatic cancer, especially carcinoma type, and treated with chemotherapy.
Coarse and Fine Two-Stage Calibration Method for Enhancing the Accuracy of Inverse Finite Element Method.
Authors: Lu Jiewei , He Dahang , Zhao Zhenyi , Bao Hong
Published: May 2023

The inverse finite element method (iFEM) is a novel method for reconstructing the full-field displacement of structures by discrete measurement strain. In practical engineering applications, the accuracy of iFEM is reduced due to the positional offset of strain sensors during installation, and errors in structural installation. Therefore, coarse and fine two-stage calibration (CFTSC) method is proposed to enhance the accuracy of the reconstruction of structures. Firstly, the coarse calibration is based on a single-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm to optimize the displacement-strain transformation matrix related to the sensor position. Secondly, as selecting different training data can affect the training effect of self-constructed fuzzy networks, this paper proposes to screen the appropriate training data based on residual analysis. Finally, the experiments of the wing integrated antenna structure verify the efficient of the method on the reconstruction accuracy of the structural body displacement field.
Pengembangan E-Modul PKN Materi Arti Gambar pada Lambang Negara Indonesia Kelas III Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Rusnaini Rusnaini , Cahyono Anang Hadi , Puniman Achmad
Published: May 2023

This study aims to develop the PKN E-Module meaning the image on the Indonesian state symbol "Garuda Pancasila" as teaching material in the process of learning activities in schools and online learning. The research method used is Research and Development with the 4-D (Four-D) development model which is modified into three stages, namely the define stage, the design stage and the development stage. the stage of dissemination (disseminate) was not used due to limitations in the study. The developed PKN E-Module contains material on the meaning of the image on the Indonesian state symbol "Garuda Pancasila". The trial used in this study used a large-scale initial trial. The test subjects in this study were 19 grade III elementary school students. The results of this development research can be seen from the results of expert validation in the form of a Likert scale questionnaire and student responses using the Ghuttman scale questionnaire. The results of the material validation get a percentage of 93.18% in the proper category. The results of the design expert validation get a percentage of 97.5% in the feasible category. Student responses received positive responses in the initial large-scale trials which can be seen from the average results of 99% in the very good category. From these data, the PKN E-Module material for the meaning of images on the Indonesian state symbol for class III elementary schools is declared suitable for use as teaching material.
Mutu Layanan Pendidikan Madrasah (Penelitian Pelayanan Terpadu Satu Pintu di MTsN 1 Ponorogo)
Authors: Rifqi Nashrul Fuad Amrulloh  , Ahmadi Ahmadi
Published: May 2023

Mutu layanan pendidikan madrasah sangat penting bagi pemerintah dan masyarakat. Salah satu permasalahan madrasah yang dihadapi bangsa Indonesia saat ini adalah rendahnya kualitas layanan di semua jenis dan jenjang pada lembaga pendidikan. Berbagai upaya telah ditempuh untuk meningkatkan kualitas layanan pendidikan madrasah, diantaranya dengan berbagai pelatihan bagi pendidik dan peningkatan kompetensi tenaga kependidikan, pengadaan bahan baca, perbaikan sarana penunjang dan prasarana. Akan tetapi peningkatan kualitas layanan pendidikan madrasah belum menampakkan hasil yang signifikan dan menyeluruh. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif deskriptif, adalah penelitian yang menggambarkan atau memaparkan data yang diperoleh peneliti yang berkaitan dengan pembahasan tentang mutu layanan pendidikan madrasah di MTsN 1 Ponorogo. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Sedangkan teknik analisis data dengan 3 tahapan yaitu, kondensasi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Kemudian pengecekan keabsahan data dengan triangulasi sumber dan triangulasi metode.  Berdasarkan proses pengumpulan dan analis data, Penulis menghasilkan: 1. Perencanaan mutu layanan pendidikan madrasah dilakukan dengan penetapan arah mutu prima, strategi mencapai mutu prima, dan penetapan strategi mencapai mutu prima. 2. Pelaksanaan mutu layanan pendidikan madrasah berfokus terhadap pemenuhan kebutuhan pembelajaran, pelayanan terpadu satu pintu (PTSP), pelayanan berbasis digital, serta pelayanan sarana dan prasarana. 3. Peningkatan mutu layanan pendidikan madrasah berfokus terhadap peningkatan sistem layanan, peningkatan progam layanan pendidikan, peningkatan mutu tenaga kependidikan/nonkependidikan, dan peningkatan sistem layanan digital. 4. Evaluasi mutu layanan pendidikan madrasah dilakukan dengan memberikan pengawasan secara langsung yang dilakukan kepala madrasah dengan terjun ke lapangan, evaluasi secara personal, evaluasi secara rapat dinas setiap sebulan sekali, evaluasi progam-progam madrasah, dan evaluasi kualitas layanan dengan memberikan reward kepada tenaga pendidik, karyawan dan tenaga/staf administrasi.
Implementasi Metode Hanifida dalam Meningkatkan Hafalan Al-Qur’an Santri Pondok Pesantren Supercamp La Raiba Hanifida Jombang
Authors: Fadlilah Kusnul , Sugiyar
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penerapan metode Hanifida, pengelolaan metode Hanifida, dan dampak pengelolaan metode Hanifida dalam meningkatkan hafalan al-Qur’an santri. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Pondok Pesantren Supercamp La Raiba Hanifida Jombang. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Kemudian data di analisis dengan kondensasi data, menyajikan data, dan menarik kesimpulan. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu, implementasi metode Hanifida dalam meningkatkan hafalan al-Qur’an memberikan stimulus dalam proses menghafal al-Qur’an santri. Pengelolaan pada penerapan metode Hanifida sudah berjalan dengan baik secara keseluruhan. Akan tetapi, terdapat poin-poin catatan yang perlu diperhatikan terutama pada fungsi pengawasan. Dampak pengelolaan metode Hanifida berpengaruh terhadap keberhasilan santri dalam menyelesaikan menghafal al-Qur’an, akan tetapi perlu peningkatan dalam ilmu tajwid santri.
Gaya Pengambilan Keputusan dalam Lembaga Pendidikan Islam: Studi Atas Perilaku Pengelola Lembaga Pendidikan Islam
Authors: Fuadah Luluk , Kolis Nur
Published: May 2023

Pengambilan keputusan merupakan suatu proses menentukan pilihan berdasarkan pertimbangan untuk menyelesaikan masalah. Dalam menentukan keputusan, setiap individu atau kelompok memiliki gaya yang berbeda-beda. Gaya dalam pengambilan keputusan meliputi gaya direktif, gaya analitik, gaya konseptual, dan gaya perilaku. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis bagaimana gaya pengambilan keputusan yang ada di MTs AL-Mukarrom, Ponorogo. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi. Lokasi penelitian di MTs Al-Mukarrom dengan responden Guru sejumlah 35 orang. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi dan angket. Instrument mengumpulan data menggunakan lembar kuisioner gaya pengambilan keputusan. Teknik analisis data mengacu pada model Miles dan Huberman dengan tahapan reduksi data, penyajian data, dan verifikasi. Adapun teknik keabsahan data dilihat menggunakan ketekunan dalam mengamati, triangulasi, dan member check. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa gaya pengambilan keputusan di MTs Al-Mukarrom menggunakan kombinasi antara gaya perilaku dan gaya direktif.
Guest Editorial: How To Leverage E&P Expertise for the New Energy Economy
Authors: Mishra Srikanta , Datta-Gupta Akhil
Published: May 2023

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The term “new energy economy” broadly refers to the transition to a low-carbon future for sustaining human development while reducing CO2 emissions.

Such a shift is considered to be the third energy transition of the modern era, after the shift from biomass to coal as the primary source of energy in the early 1900s, followed by oil overtaking coal’s dominant position in the 1960s–1970s.

This trend towards decarbonization (i.e., diversification from carbon-intensive fossil fuels to sustainable greener energy feedstocks and carriers) is motivated by the understanding that emissions need to be reduced to moderate the potential impacts of global temperature rise on future climatic changes.

Strategies common to proposed decarbonization pathways include

- Improving energy efficiency (i.e., slower increase in energy demand compared to GDP/population increase).

- Increasing energy supply from renewable sources (i.e., wind, solar, geothermal, nuclear) coupled with hydrogen underground storage (HUS) as a way of storing surplus electrical energy.

- Switching to low-carbon energy carriers (i.e., hydrogen) for end-use applications in transportation, buildings, and industry.

- Removing carbon emissions, via carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), from fossil-fuel-fired power plants and hard-to-abate industrial sources.

The key takeaway for readers is how the two subsurface-oriented decarbonization strategies—CCUS and HUS—are relevant for application/adaptation of expertise from the exploration and production (E&P) sector of the oil and gas industry. Their rise will be built upon decades of experience with CO2-EOR, gas injection, produced-water disposal, and underground natural gas storage (NGS).

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)

As shown in Fig. 1, CCUS involves capturing CO2 from a fossil-fuel-fired power plant or industrial facility and processing it to a practically pure form, transporting it to a nearby geologic storage site using pipelines, and injecting it into saline aquifers for long-term sequestration or depleted oil/gas fields for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and associated storage.

Research and field demonstration projects over the past few decades have demonstrated that CCUS is a viable technology for curtailing atmospheric CO2 emissions buildup.

Some of the key elements of CCUS projects and their overlap with corresponding E&P expertise are summarized below.
Technology Focus: Completions (April 2023)
Authors: Pedroso Carlos Alberto
Published: May 2023

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A few years ago, exaggerating a figure of speech, I coined the expression, “We work in a water industry; oil is just a supporting actor.” In fact, producing water is the final destination of every oil field, but obviously the objective was to highlight the importance of water management in the hydrocarbon-production process. Since the beginning, well completion and stimulation strategies have always sought to optimize water management and, extending the concept, management of all fluids produced.

Selective completions in vertical and multilateral wells (combined with sand control or not) and segmentation of horizontal wells are good examples of this effort. These technologies, combined with intelligent completion, have brought very positive results. Intelligent completion in open hole, currently used in the Brazilian presalt, has allowed the reduction of the carbon footprint, so necessary nowadays. The optimal application of intelligent completion is the subject of paper SPE 209965, an excellent compendium of best practices on the topic.

In recent years, driven by technological advances, good results, and the need to increase operational efficiency, we have experienced a major increase in the use of devices for flow equalization and selective fluid production [e.g., inflow control devices, autonomous inflow control devices (AICDs), and autonomous inflow control valves]. A significant reduction in water and gas production has been reported in several technical papers. In fact, this is the most published completion topic in the past 3 years, and many good articles are available.

Apart from new and exciting trends, conventional solutions continue to play their important role. Basic themes long discussed continue to evolve and bring new insights. This is the case with paper SPE 204185, which deals with perforating for fracturing.

Finally, paper SPE 210417 discusses the use of AICD technology in the Singue Field in Ecuador, which resulted in an increase in cumulative oil rate and a decrease in cumulative water.

Recommended additional reading

SPE 210205 Successful Autonomous Inflow-Control Device Application To Reduce Water Production in a Heavy Oil Greenfield by Carlos A. Pedroso, Enauta, et al.

SPE 206213 Automated Well Production and Gas Lift System Diagnostics and Optimization Using an Augmented Artificial Intelligence Approach in a Complex Offshore Field by Mahmoud Elwan, Dragon Oil, et al.

OTC 31483 Case Study: How the Newest Generation of Autonomous Inflow Control Devices Helps To Control Excessive Well-Water Production Within a Major Sultanate of Oman Oilfield by Salim Buwauqi, Petroleum Development Oman, et al.
Technology Focus: Heavy Oil (April 2023)
Authors: Izadi Mehdi
Published: May 2023

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Heavy oils are characterized by high-density, high-viscosity, and high-heavy-fraction components. One of the more common characteristics of heavy oil reservoirs is a low primary recovery factor, which is mainly because of unfavorable mobility ratios between oil and water, negligible solution drives, and faster decline of reservoir pressures because of relatively low oil compressibility. Most of the technologies that apply to heavy oil reservoirs need to address the mobility ratio or viscous forces before any flooding. Given the complex nature of heavy oil reservoirs, paper SPE 209328 present a comprehensive review of the latest technologies and work flows developed for heavy oil reservoir management.

Although secondary oil production methods such as waterflooding, water-alternating-gas injection, and gas drive might not be efficient in recovery from heavy oil reservoirs, the applicability and success of these methods can be analyzed on a reservoir basis.

The offtake and throughput management philosophy for heavy oil waterflooding is not the same as for classical light oil, and it could play a major role in recovery efficiency. The key point is to understand the nature of heavy oil and reservoir heterogeneity regarding their fluid and rock properties. Recent technology advances in hardware and software have enabled the industry with tools that allow achieving full-field high-resolution simulation modeling; therefore, performing a realistic reservoir simulation is achievable. This might decrease the loss of millions of dollars before field applications. Paper SPE 210185 presents an example of taking advantage of recent simulation technologies and presents a method and work flow under subsurface uncertainty for a large heavy oil field with complex geological characteristics, a long production history, and many wells. The work-flow design is applicable for other fields with similar characteristics and delivery objectives.

Paper SPE 203783 discusses the results of a recovery-optimization study conducted in a heavy oil field in south Oman aimed at improving the understanding of deep bottom-up water injection.

Recommended additional reading

SPE 205449 First Successful Controlled Dumpflood in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Results in Promising Incremental Rate and Recovery by Bilal A. Hakim, Talos Energy, et al.

URTeC 2021-5077 Heavy Oil Polymer Enhanced Oil Recovery in the Challenging Alaskan Arctic—It Works! by A. Dandekar, University of Alaska Fairbanks, et al.

SPE 212387 Evaluation of the Oil Recovery and Economic Benefit of the First-Ever Polymer flood Field Pilot To Enhance the Recovery of Heavy Oils on Alaska’s North Slope Using Machine-Assisted Reservoir Simulation by Cody Douglas Keith, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Technology Focus: History Matching and Forecasting (April 2023)
Authors: Nalla Gopi
Published: May 2023

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This year’s history matching and forecasting selections cover topics that include performance prediction of a polymerflood pilot in a heavy oil reservoir, multivariate characterization and modeling of a paleo zone, and multiwell pressure history matching in an unconventional reservoir.

The authors of paper SPE 206247 developed a history-matched reservoir simulation model for a polymerflood pilot to enhance heavy oil recovery on the Alaska North Slope. According to the authors, the viscous fingering effect in the reservoir during waterflooding and the restoration of injection conformance during polymerflooding were effectively represented. Using the history-matched model, studies were conducted to investigate the oil-recovery performance under different development strategies, with consideration for sensitivity to polymer parameter uncertainties.

In paper IPTC 22034, the authors present an approach that incorporates characterization of paleo zones, parameterization of paleo-zone conductivity, and application of flow profiles as a guide in the history-matching study of a conceptual reservoir simulation model under reservoir uncertainty. The authors conclude that the modeled paleo zone acts as a baffle inducing a partial confinement of the injectors.

Solving a global optimization problem to minimize the mismatch between the instantaneous shut-in pressure and treatment pressures measured in the field and simulated by the model, for all stages and all wells, is the subject of paper SPE 204162. According to the authors, the technique reduces overfitting by minimizing the number of variables used for history matching, by increasing the number of wells and stages that are simultaneously matched, and by reproducing the dominant behavior of all stages instead of capturing the detailed behavior of specific stages.

Recommended additional reading

SPE 210224 Rate-Transient-Analysis-Assisted Numerical History Matching and Co-Optimization of CO2 Storage and Huff ’n’ Puff Performance for a Near-Critical Gas Condensate Shale Well by Hamidreza Hamdi, University of Calgary, et al.

URTeC 3724391 Fractional Dimension Rate-Transient Analysis in Unconventional Wells: Application in Multiphase Analysis, History Matching, Forecasting, and Interference Evaluation by Behnam Zanganeh, Chevron, et al.

SPE 200908 Application of an Integrated Ensemble-Based History-Matching Approach—An Offshore Field Case Study by Usman Aslam, Emerson, et al.
Identification of Key Ischemic Stroke Genes by Computational Systems Biology
Authors: Yue Rongting , Dutta Abhishek
Published: May 2023

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in humans. Even if patients survive from stroke, they may suffer sequelae such as disability. Treatment for strokes remains unsatisfactory due to an incomplete understanding of its mechanisms. This study investigates Ischemic Stroke (IS), a primary subtype of stroke, through gene differential expressions (Limma) and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) based on RNA-seq data from GSE137482 (GEO database). A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to identify 112 hub genes among 1,117 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene co-expression patterns were obtained to cluster genes, and the most disease-related gene cluster with 179 hub genes was identified. The intersection of hub gene sets based on DEGs and co-expressions results in a total of 7 common hub genes, including Actb, Itgb1, Stat3, Fn1, Pecam1, Kdr and Csf1r. Based on our analyses, we hypothesize that these hubs might play a key role in the onset and progression of IS. The result suggests the potential of identifying the unexplored key regulators by the systemic method used in this work.
Finite element and regression analysis for improving Terzaghi’s, Meyerhof’s, Hansen’s and Vesic’s bearing capacity methods
Authors: Pantelidis Lysandros
Published: May 2023

The bearing capacity of shallow foundations is one of the major fields in soil mechanics and foundation engineering. Since 1943, when Terzaghi suggested his famous equation with the three N-factors, several dozens of bearing capacity methods for centrically-vertically loaded strip footings have been proposed in the literature, mainly focusing on refining the Nγ factor. However, the methods proposed by Terzaghi, Meyerhof, Hansen and Vesic remain by far the most popular ones, with the last one to be component of many contemporary design codes. In this paper, the author put these four methods into extensive comparison against the finite element method. A common characteristic of the results is the great scatter of values, while none of these methods seems to be superior to the others. The regression analysis carried out by the author, however, clearly showed that it is not Nγ that prevents us from having a reliable analytical prediction for the bearing capacity of (strip) footings. Instead, all methods need a) to get rid of all original depth factors and b) calibration against the Df⁄B parameter (use of the same parameter for all three N-factors). In this respect, the author calibrated these methods applying (both non-linear and linear) regression analysis. Generally, the performance of all these methods was significantly improved after using a suitably calibrated term of the form (const_1+ const_2∙Df⁄B), as multiplier in front of the original, but naked from the depth factors, bearing capacity formula. Finally, the author offered corrected expressions for the four methods mentioned above, not only for the case of rigid footings but also for the case of flexible footings, as regression analysis was also carried out against the respective finite element results. In addition to the above it is mentioned that, in the calibration procedure against finite element analysis, the author considered the non-associated flow rule (ψ=0°). As known, an analysis with a non-associated flow rule is more representative of the actual soil behavior, while it is on the safe side.
Expression and biogenesis analysis of 21-nt and 24-nt phased small interfering RNAs in maize tissues
Authors: Yu Shuai , Dang Dongdong , Yin Yanzhe , Dai Yuxin , Zhang Xiaoyu , Sun Yixuan , Dong Xiaomei , Ruan Yanye
Published: May 2023

Phased secondary small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) are generated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNAs), which are cleaved by Dicer as a phase set. So far, hundreds of 21-nt and 24-nt phasiRNAs have been identified in male reproductive organs of rice and maize. Whereas, the expression profile of phasiRNAs among maize tissues is still exclusive. In this study, to identify 21-nt and 24-nt phasiRNAs among tissues, about 600 million signatures from nine tissues were got including root, seedling, embryo, pollen, anther, immature tassel, immature ear, premature ear and silk. As a result, 269 and 135 21-nt and 24-nt PHAS (phasiRNA precursors) loci were identified, respectively. Interestingly, except male tissues, 21-nt and 24-nt phasiRNAs also were identified in immature ear and silk, respectively, which highly overlapped with those characterized in male reproductive organs. But few phasiRNAs were identified in root, seedling and embryo. 93.4% and 81.3% of 21-nt and 24-nt PHAS loci contained 22-nt motif which matched well with miR2118 and miR2275, respectively. The expression levels of miR2118 and miR2275 in tissues accorded well with that of phasiRNAs. Finally, we found that DCL1 might be the direct Dicer nuclease to promote the maturation of 22-nt miR2118 and miR2275 in maize, because the levels of miR2118 and miR2275 were reduced in seedling and tassel primordia of dcl1 mutants. We provided profiling information of 21-nt and 24-nt phasiRNAs among tissues in maize. It could be helpful to understand the biogenesis of phasiRNAs in maize.
Aspirin attenuates hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting PD-L1 expression
Authors: Wang Yi-kai , Wang Mu-qi , Liu Chen-rui , Hao Miao , Wang Wen-jun , Li Ya-ping , Shi Juan-juan , Zhang Xin , Dang Shuang-suo
Published: May 2023

Background and aims:
Aspirin, as a widely used anti-inflammatory drug, has been shown to exert anti-cancer effects in a variety of cancers. PD-L1 is widely expressed in tumor cells and inhibits anti-tumor immunity. This study aims to clarify whether aspirin exerts its anti-HCC effect by inhibiting PD-L1 expression.
Methods
Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into the DEN, DEN + ASA, ASA, and control groups. The rats in the DEN and DEN + ASA groups were fed with 0.01% diethylnitrosamine freely to establish a liver cancer model. Rats in the DEN + ASA and ASA groups were treated with aspirin by gavage. The expression of PD-L1 in the liver was detected by Western Blot.
Results
The tumor number and liver weight ratio in the DEN + ASA group were significantly lower than those in the DEN group (P = 0.006, P = 0.046). Biochemical indexes showed that there were significant differences in all indexes between the DEN and control group (P < 0.05). The levels of DBIL, ALP, and TT in the DEN + ASA group were significantly lower than those in the DEN group (P = 0.038, P = 0.042, P = 0.031). In the DEN group, there was an obvious fibrous capsule around the tumor, and the portal vein was dilated. The pathological changes were mild in the DEN + ASA group. The expression of PD-L1 in the DEN group was significantly higher than that in the other three groups (P < 0.05); Aspirin could significantly inhibit the expression of PD-L1 in liver cancer tissues (P = 0.0495).
Conclusions
Aspirin can inhibit the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and reduce tumor burden by targeting PD-L1.
Sensation-seeking traits influence risk adjustment through reward sensitivity during dynamic risky decisions
Authors: Yin Qianlan , Dong Wei , Hou Tianya , Cai Wenpeng , Deng Guanghui
Published: May 2023

Objective
A prominent question has emerged about how individual differences shape the way decision results drive subsequent risk-taking behavior. Sensation seeking (SS) and reward sensitivity (RS) are important pathological personalities for behavioral disorders such as gamble and material addictive disorders. However, previous studies have shown behavioral heterogeneity is a pervasive feature of risk-taking and decision-making, yet a neural trait approach can at least partially explain the heterogeneity in behavior by stable brain-based characteristics of individuals. Hence, to study their impacts on reward-driven risk-taking behaviors, we combined the Reinforcement Learning (RL) model and the neural measure of a dynamic risky decision task to explore the relationship between SS, RS, and risk adjustment (RA) to rewards.
Methods
A task characterized by the unknown but ordered risk was designed to quantify the RA with the RL model and adapted from the Balloon Analog Risk Task. In Study 1, 43 young participants completed the task; in Study 2, 37 young participants finished the task while wearing an electroencephalography device. The recorded behavioral data and EEG signal were analyzed using the computational model, event-related potentials and spectral perturbations analysis, and bayesian multi-model linear regression.
Results
Results of Study 1 showed the choice deviations were larger in the higher SS participants with a lower level of RS. Meanwhile, results from Event-related potential and Time-frequency analysis of Study 2 showed higher SS participants were less sensitive to the reward feedback. Based on Study 1 and Study 2, Bayesian multi-model linear regression showed the saliently direct effect of RS on RA and the moderating effect of SS.
Conclusions
SS might indirectly relate to RA through RS. In conclusion, RS impacts the entire process of reward prediction and learning and is vital for intervening in risky behaviors, especially in individuals with high SS.
Effect of Natural Gas Usage as Fuel in Gasoline- Based Vehicle Using 100% Substitution Method
Authors: Syafrinaldy Ade , Saputro Frendy Rian , Muharto Bambang , Anggoro Trisno , Masfuri Imron , - Siswanto , Rosyadi Erlan , Nolandy Henry , Sugeng Dhani Avianto
Published: May 2023

This study performed a comparative experimental analysis of vehicle performance, fueled with domestic gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG). A passenger vehicle, with 1.5 L, 4-cylinder gasoline engine was used as tool through a road test, dyno test and idling emission measurement. The 100% substitution method was applied in all experiments. The road test covered the distance of Serpong-Bandung (Route I, 237 km) and Bandung-Jakarta (Route II, 142.4 km). In general, this study revealed that all engine performance parameters decreased by CNG usage, but CNG has advantages over gasoline, including considerable emission and cost reductions. In term of fuel economy, gasoline was more efficient by covering longer distance per liter fuel, but CNG gave almost 50% fuel cost cutting per kilometer due to price difference. CNG came 13–20% short in term of engine output torque and horsepower, most likely because incomplete gas combustion in the engine cylinder. CNG emitted lower carbon oxides, but higher nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. The slow CNG flame speed seemingly caused relatively high proportion of unburnt methane. Interesting fact was that CNG performed better on rougher Route I than on Route II, demonstrated the suitability of CNG to heavy-duty vehicles.
Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing with MultiPrime A Reliable and Efficient Tool for Global Pathogen Detection
Authors: Yang Junbo
Published: May 2023

Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) offers a cost-effective option for pathogen diagnostics and therapeutics. Nevertheless, the design of multiplex primers constrains its wide-spectrum target coverage. Herein, we present multiPrime, which enables a more extensive coverage of pathogen spectra while maintaining high multiplexing compatibility. Our study demonstrates that multiPrime outperforms DegePrime with fewer primers and greater coverage on 8 viruses. Furthermore, multiPrime-designed primers successfully amplified all target amplicons across these viruses. We utilized multiPrime to design primers for a tNGS panel that covers 30 viruses, validating the panel's performance in 80 clinical specimens, achieving 94% sensitivity and 89% specificity.
Optimizing Interfacial Interaction between Cu and Metal Oxides Boosts Methanol Yield in CO 2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Xia Yudong , Xu Yangzhou , Li Haitao , Huang Jiangchao , Yao Jie , Zhao Heng , Gao Xinhua , Yu Jinghao , Guo Lisheng , Li Jie
Published: May 2023

Thermocatalytic conversion of redundant CO2 to useful methanol is an attractive route to address both energy and environmental crises simultaneously. However, existing copper/oxide catalysts widely used in these thermocatalytic processes still suffer from low methanol yield under mild reaction conditions. In this work, we design inverse oxide/Cu catalysts to achieve superior thermal catalytic performance for CO2 hydrogenation. The optimized ZnO/Cu-1.0 catalyst exhibits maximum CH3OH selectivity of 83.4% and space-time yield (STY) of 170.9 gCH3OH·kgcat−1·h− 1 in CO2 hydrogenation at 210°C, nearly 2-fold higher STY than the previous optimal inverse ZnO/Cu catalysts (89.6 gCH3OH·kgcat−1·h− 1 at 250°C). Importantly, ZnO/Cu-1.0 catalyst displayed not only a satisfactory catalytic stability but also a superior CH3OH STY with a time-on-stream of 24 h. Such inverse configuration of catalysts will pave the way for new strategies to design high-performance thermocatalytic catalysts and promote their commercialization.
Long and accurate PCR (LA-PCR) detection of azole-resistant Trichophyton indotineae
Authors: Yamada Tsuyoshi , Kano Rui
Published: May 2023

Trichophyton indotineae, a species newly designated in 2020 independent of T. interdigitale, comprises highly terbinafine (TRF)-resistant dermatophytosis that is epidemic in North India and spreading worldwide. Some clinical isolates of T. indotineae have shown resistance to both TRF and azoles that might have been related to treatment failure. To detect the azole-resistant strains, we developed a long and accurate polymerase chain reaction (LA-PCR) method for detecting the tandem repeat of CYP51B (encoding sterol 14α-demethylase gene) in T. indotineae. Comparing the drug susceptibility test results with the LA-PCR results confirmed a trend toward low susceptibility to azole antifungal agents in strains with amplifications of 9.5 kbp or greater (3 or more copies of CYP51B). Our results suggest that the method could rapidly detect strains with low susceptibility to azole antifungal agents.
Differential abundance of lipids and metabolites related to SARS- CoV-2 infection and susceptibility
Authors: Albóniga Oihane E. , Olmo Elena Moreno del , Martínez-Sanz Javier , Vizcarra Pilar , Ron Raquel , Diaz Jorge , Rosas Marta , Sánchez-Conde Matilde , Galán Juan Carlos , Angulo Santiago , Moreno Santiago , Barbas Coral , Serrano-Villar Sergio
Published: May 2023

Background: The mechanisms driving SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility remain poorly understood, especially the factors determining why unvaccinated individuals remain uninfected despite high-risk exposures.
Objective: to understand lipid and metabolite profiles related with COVID-19 susceptibility and disease progression.
Methods: we collected samples from an exceptional group of unvaccinated healthcare workers heavily exposed to SARS-CoV-2 but not infected (‘non-susceptible’) and subjects who became infected during the follow-up (‘susceptible’), including non-hospitalized and hospitalized patients with different disease severity providing samples at early disease stages. Then, we analyzed their plasma metabolomic profiles using mass spectrometry coupled with liquid and gas chromatography.
Results:we show specific lipids profiles and metabolites that could explain SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and COVID-19 severity. More importantly, non-susceptible individuals show a unique lipidomic pattern characterized by the upregulation of most lipids, especially ceramides and sphingomyelin, which could be interpreted as markers of low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Conclusion: this study strengthens the findings of other researchers about the importance of studying lipid profiles as relevant markers of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
Clinical outcomes in elderly patients with infections caused by NDM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Results from a real-life retrospective single center study in an endemic area
Authors: Mura Maddalena , Longo Benedetta , Andreini Roberto , Sbrana Francesco , Ripoli Andrea , Andreoli Elisabetta , Sani Spartaco , Tumbarello Mario , Meini Simone
Published: May 2023

Real-life outcomes data for elderly patients with infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae producing New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-Kp) are lacking. We conducted a retrospective cohort study enrolling 33 consecutive adult patients (mean age 77.4 years; 48.5% males; mean Charlson Comorbidity Index-CCI 5.9) hospitalized for NDM-Kp infections during a 24 months period in an Italian highly endemic area. 78.8% were admitted to Internal Medicine ward. 45.4% of patients had bloodstream infections (BSI), 39.4% urinary tract infections (UTI) without BSI, 9.1% respiratory tract infections and 6.1% intra-abdominal infections. 93.9% had rectal colonization. Adequate definitive antibiotic therapy (mainly represented by aztreonam plus ceftazidime/avibactam) was provided to 36.4% of cases. Mean age and CCI of patients adequately treated were significantly lower than those inadequately treated (71.2 vs 80.9 years, p = 0.041, and 4.6 vs 6.7, p = 0.040, respectively). Patients adequately treated had a mean hospitalization length significantly higher (28 vs 15 days, p = 0.016). The overall 30 day-survival rate of patients adequately and inadequately treated was 83.3% and 57.1%, respectively: this difference was not statistically significant. Mean age and CCI of 22 patients who survived at 30 days were lower than those of 11 patients who died (73.7 vs 84.8 years, p = 0.003, and 5.3 vs 7.2, p = 0.049, respectively). Twelve survivors received an inadequate therapy: 8/12 had UTI. Six of 9 patients inadequately treated who died within 30 days, died before microbiological diagnosis. Our study provides real-life data on outcomes of elderly and multimorbid patients hospitalized for infections caused by NDM-Kp. Further studies with larger sample size are warranted.
Inhibition of DJ-1 degradation by TrkB promotes the progression and maintenance of traits of cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: minsoo kim , Lee WonSung , Jin Wook
Published: May 2023

Although TrkB may be associated with the pathogenesis of various cancer by upregulation, how upregulation of TrkB led to tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the signaling mechanisms by which TrkB induces motility, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and acquisition of self-renewal traits have remained unclear. Here, we demonstrated that TrkB was significantly upregulated in highly metastatic HCC cells and HCC patients. Also, increased TrkB levels were significantly correlated with tumor stages and poor survival of HCC patients. Furthermore, upregulated TrkB expression enhances the metastatic ability of HCC cells through reduced anoikis sensitivity, induced migration, colony formation. Most strikingly, TrkB markedly enhances the activation of STAT3 by preventing DJ-1 degradation through the formation of the TrkB/DJ-1 complex. This signaling mechanism is responsible for triggering cellular traits of highly aggressive HCC. The activation of the EMT program of HCC via increasing DJ-1 stability by TrkB induces the gain of cancer stem cell states and chemoresistance via the upregulation of stem cells cell markers and ABC transporters. Also, TrkB-mediated inhibition of DJ-1 degradation promotes tumor formation and metastasizes to other organs in vivo. Our observations illustrate that TrkB is a prognostic and therapeutic targeting in promoting aggressiveness and metastasis of HCC.
Design of Roll-Forming Process for U-Profile Rail
Authors: Kim Dongbum
Published: May 2023

Roll forming is a manufacturing process that involves plastic forming via bending using a rolling motion. During roll forming, a coil or blank is formed incrementally in a stepless and continuous process with the aid of rolls to fabricate profile rails. The shape of the rolls predicted the incremental deformation in the cross-sections of the U-profile rails. However, the final shape after the roll-forming process is entirely different from the modeled parts because of the springback caused by the mechanical properties of the materials. The design of roll-forming processes has been investigated to address typical plastic defects, such as springback and residual stress. Roll flower diagrams were developed in the initial stage of the design of the roll-forming processes. These diagrams show the cross-sectional shapes of the product at various stages of the process, superimposed on each other. The diagrams contain information for the process design, including the incremental deformation, number of passes, and setup angle of the rolls. There is no standard method for designing roll–flower diagrams. These were developed based on the designer’s experience with the material properties and multiple shapes. In this study, roll flower diagrams were designed using the developed formula, considering constant radius-of-curvature or length-of-curvature zones in the cross-sections of U-profile rails. Roll-forming processes were simulated using the commercial FEM code Abaqus to measure the loads of the rolls, springback of the blank, and residual-stress history. Simulation and experimental results regarding the shapes of the U-profile rails were compared to validate the process design method.
USP11 deubiquitinates E-cadherin and maintains luminal fate of mammary cells to suppress breast cancer
Authors: Qian Tao , Bai Feng , Zhang Shiwen , Xu Yuping , Wang Yuchan , Yuan Shuping , Liu Xiong , Du Yaru , Peng Bin , Zhu Wei-Guo , Xu Xingzhi , Pei Xin-Hai
Published: May 2023

Background: Basal-like breast cancer may originate from luminal epithelial or cancerous cells. Inadequately repaired DNA damage impairs luminal differentiation and promotes aberrant luminal to basal trans-differentiation in mammary epithelial cells. USP11, a deubiquitinase, plays a critical role in DNA damage repair. The role of USP11 in controlling mammary cell differentiation and tumorigenesis remains poorly understood.
Methods: We generated Usp11 knock-out mice and breast cancer cell lines expressing wild type and mutant form of USP11. By using these mutant mice, cell lines, and human USP11 deficient and proficient breast cancer tissues, we tested how USP11 controls mammary cell fate.
Results: We generated Usp11 knock-out mice and found that deletion of Usp11 impaired luminal differentiation and promoted DNA damage in mammary epithelial cells. Over-expression of wild-type (WT) USP11, not a deubiquitinase-inactive mutant form of USP11, promoted luminal and epithelial differentiation, enhanced DNA damage repair, and suppressed tumorigenesis in mice. Mechanistically, we found that Usp11 enhanced the protein expression of E-cadherin dependent on its deubiquitinase activity. We discovered that USP11 bound to E-cadherin through its C-terminal region, and that USP11 was a deubiquitinase of E-cadherin. In human breast cancers, expression of USP11 was positively correlated with that of E-cadherin and high USP11 predicted a better recurrence-free survival.
Conclusions: Our findings provide compelling genetic and biochemical evidence that USP11 not only promotes DNA damage repair, but also deubiquitinates E-cadherin and maintains the luminal feature of mammary epithelial and cancerous cells, to suppress breast cancer.