bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State of Art Engineering Approach to Optimize Existing Subsea Pipeline Free Span Rectification
Authors: Alhajaj Mohammed Eissa , Marzooqi Ali Abdulla Al , Panambur Sandeep , AlHammadi Mohammed Nasser
Published: October 2023

Free Spanning of existing subsea pipelines is a matter of concern during the operational phase and requires periodic inspection and rectification. Spans are mainly caused by seabed irregularities, scouring, and the movement of the top layer of soil during the operational life cycle. ADNOC has conducted periodic inspections of its existing pipelines through an ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) survey and found numerous pipelines with critical spans that do not meet the allowable span criteria. These spans require further detailed assessment to estimate and optimize the extent of required mitigation without compromising the pipeline's health and integrity. Based on the survey findings and initial screening, it was observed that there were over 4500 free spans requiring a detailed level of assessment before proceeding with the free span correction. In this regard, a state-of-the-art approach was adopted to perform free span assessments, which comprised both analytical methods and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) before proposing a mitigation scheme.

As opposed to the conventional approach of comparing the reported span against the allowable span, three levels of assessment steps were adopted to identify critical spans that require mitigation. Initial screening, location-specific profile mapping, analytical approaches, and representative FEA were undertaken to estimate the actual number of free spans requiring rectification.

This paper aims at highlighting the methodology being adopted to perform the free span assessment of existing pipelines and is mainly focused on the different level/steps adopted in the assessment to optimize free span rectification.
PEM Fuel Cell Retrofit Solutions for Marine Industry
Authors: Skajem C.
Published: October 2023

Although international shipping is critical to global trade, maritime transport is a major source of air pollution, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Despite progress in recent years, the maritime sector still relies almost entirely on fossil fuels. At present, atmospheric emissions fossil fuel powered ships include sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon dioxide (CO2).

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency responsible for preventing air pollution by ships, maritime shipping is responsible for 18 to 30% of NOx, 9% of SOx, and 3.5-4 % of CO2 emissions worldwide. In addition, the maritime risk management and environmental assessment organization RightShip projects, that if no abatement action is taken, global CO2 emissions may increase 50 to 250% by 2050 because of shipping growth. In April 2018, the IMO adopted a non-binding agreement to reduce CO2 emissions. Suggested carbon reduction strategies include improving fuel quality and engine emission standards as well as using new technologies, such as fuel cells.
Offshore Underwater Fixed Structure Integrity Assessment Using LRUT, PEC & ACFM Advanced Technologies with Minimal Marine Growth Removal
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Paramasivam , Tremblay Charles , Jackson Paul
Published: October 2023

Offshore underwater structures degrade over time due to the harsh environment and operating conditions of the structure leading to potential problems such as fatigue cracking or corrosion. This necessitates the need for regular inspection, monitoring, and possibly repair to ensure that the structurescontinue to operate safely. However, conventional inspection techniques face significant challenges when inspecting subsea structures, particularly related to the access of the area of interest. Removal of marine growth in these areas and the safe use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) can be time consuming and problematic. To address these challenges, a unique approach was developed that combines different advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques to maximize productivity and minimize intrusions while ensuring the data collected is the high quality needed for integrity assessment, allowing for the safe operation of critical assets.

This approach involves a combination of long-range ultrasonic testing (LRUT) technology with marinized transducer tooling, underwater Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) testing, and underwater Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM) to inspect subsea structures. The LRUT technology is initially used to screen piles for overall condition with marine growth only needing to be removed at the tool location. PEC is used to verify critical findings without removing any marine growth. ACFM is used to inspect underwater welds for fatigue cracks, all with minimal removal of marine growth.

This approach has successfully implemented in the field, including the use of underwater marinized LRUT collars, to inspect approximately 1000+ piles of circular piles (LRUT for 700+ circular piles and ACFM & PEC for 1000+ piles which includes circular and hexagonal piles) with different diameters and wall thicknesses. This technical paper provides details about the challenges encountered during implementation and how they were overcome. Furthermore, it shares real site experience and results of this innovative inspection program. The results were validated by cross-checking with other techniques such as underwater ultrasonic thickness gauging (UTG) and close visual inspection (CVI) by qualified divers to ensure accuracy and reliability of the results.
Offshore WTG Monopile Installation – Crane Vessel Preparation
Authors: George C. J. , Varghese C. , Kamal F.
Published: October 2023

Oil and Gas EPC contractors in the Middle East are gradually transitioning into the Wind farm development projects in Far East Asia and Europe. NPCC, one of the leading contractors in the EPC of fixed oil and gas platforms in Middle East is executing the installation of Wind turbine generator (WTG) monopile foundations in an offshore field of Northeast Asia. Monopiles are simple type of structural foundation used to support the wind turbines in offshore fields and are designed to withstand the operational and environmental loads on the latter. A simple and common form of WTG foundation would be a single vertical monopile which differs from conventional offshore jacket piles with respect to its large diameter (8 meter) and weight (up to 1,950mt) based on the capacity of WTG. Installation of these piles requires specialized custom-made equipment for lifting, upending and standalone vertical driving.

The foundations of fixed platforms typically consist of a jacket with a mud mat and drilled/driven grouted piles with a maximum diameter of 2.5 meters. These piles are crucial for supporting the process platforms or wellhead topsides. The conventional installation method involves transporting the jacket and piles on a cargo barge and installing them using a simple, dual block lifting system with or without upending clamps on the barge.

However, when dealing with large diameter monopiles, the transport barge can only accommodate two of them. At offshore, these monopiles must be shifted to either a separate barge or a crane vessel equipped with a massive upending hinge for upending prior to installation / driving at final location. The installation aids used for wind farm foundation components are completely different and unique from those used for installing foundations of fixed oil and gas platforms. Unlike fixed jacket foundations where the jacket legs guide the pile installation and driving process, monopiles require a gripping system to hold them vertically in place during installation. Such equipment necessitates careful consideration for layout onboard, and this paper explores the challenges involved in modifying the crane vessel layout to accommodate WTG monopile installation.

Transforming an existing derrick lay floating crane vessel for WTG monopile installation is a highly challenging and critical task. This paper delves into various aspects to be considered when converting a floating vessel to make it suitable for foundation installations on Offshore Wind Farms. The paper extensively covers topics related to Constructability, Mobilization, and Installation, offering valuable insights for the installation engineering of monopiles. Moreover, it serves as a valuable reference for any Installation Contractor venturing into wind farm installations.
Real-Time Monitoring of Coastal & Offshore Construction Noise for Immediate Decision Making
Authors: Troussard Corentin , Dufrechou Laurent , Tremblin Pierre-Alain , Eustache Yvan
Published: October 2023

With the global awareness of the need to make our energies cleaner, marine constructions, typically wind farms, and especially offshore, have multiplied in recent years, and we can expect to see these numbers increase even more rapidly. The presence of marine mammals during offshore infrastructure works (pile driving, drilling, dredging) is now a major environmental concern, as it has been proven that they could be severely harmed by exceeding noises.

In order to safeguard species and their natural habitats, more and more local legislations impose a cap on sound levels caused by all offshore activities. As of 2023, this is the mainly the case in Europe (for instance in the United Kingdom [Joint Nature Conservation Committee - JNCC, Southall et al., 2007; Popper and Hasting, 2009], Germany [Bundesamt fur Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie - BSH (Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency), Muller-BBM, 2011], The Netherlands [Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek - TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research), 2011], Belgium or Denmark [Danish Energy Agency - DEA, Tougaard et al., 2016]), but Asian countries (Taiwan [Environmental Protection Administration - EPA, 2019] being the best example) and American (USA, Canada) are also implementing similar rules. Wind farms developers therefore are required to measure, monitor, and mitigate noise caused by building work, and, today, underwater noise monitoring regulations are enforced as a means of protecting aquatic life.
Optimizing Corrosion Protection: A Data-Driven Approach to Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) Systems for Large Crude Carriers
Authors: Priyadarshan Amit
Published: October 2023

The use of Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) systems in large crude carriers such as very large crude carriers (VLCC) and ultra large crude carriers (ULCC) is universally regarded as an effective means of corrosion protection. However, traditional ICCP systems have certain drawbacks that can be overcome by using data-driven methodologies. This research describes a unique data-driven ICCP system aimed to optimise energy consumption and ICCP system efficacy for large crude carriers. The objective of this project was to develop an AI-based ICCP system that could address existing ICCP system shortcomings such as overprotection, inefficiency, maintenance, corrosion detection, and environmental factors. To achieve this objective, we employed a machine learning approach that utilized historical data to train our AI-based ICCP system.

Our methodology involved collecting data on the environmental conditions, the ICCP system output, and the corrosion rates for several large crude carriers. We then utilised this data to train machine learning algorithms that could anticipate the best current output needed to protect the hull while consuming the least amount of energy. The procedures involved testing the AI-based ICCP system in a simulated setting.

Our study shows that the data-driven ICCP system provides significant benefits for the corrosion protection of large crude carriers. Our results demonstrate that the AI-ML approach is effective in reducing overprotection and optimizing energy consumption, while also predicting maintenance requirements, detecting localized corrosion, and adjusting the ICCP system output based on real-time environmental data. Our observations show that the data-driven ICCP system is able to detect localized corrosion more accurately than traditional ICCP systems, which can lead to early detection and prevention of corrosion. The system is also able to adjust the current output based on real-time environmental data, providing better protection against external factors such as temperature, salinity, and currents.

This research describes a revolutionary data-driven approach to ICCP systems that tackles the shortcomings of standard ICCP systems used in large crude carriers. Our research delivers new insights into optimising energy consumption, reducing overprotection, forecasting maintenance requirements, identifying localised corrosion, and changing the ICCP system output based on real-time environmental data by utilising AI-ML technologies. These results have the potential to significantly help the oil and gas industry by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of corrosion prevention for large crude transporters.
Redefining Dynamic Positioning (DP2) Power Plant Requirements for Sustainable Upstream Operations using Unique Hybrid Technology
Authors: Venkataraman Manoj , Ionescu Adrian , Zrncic Daniel , Santellanes Claudio , surnameAsokan Anish
Published: October 2023

The topics of reduction in emissions, ESG & Sustainability are currently being discussed widely in all modes of media. Not a day passes when there is no coverage of these topics. Associated with them are the topics of increasing concentration of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide emissions caused by fossil fuels, hybrid technology, renewable energy generation, sustainability of the earth's limited resources, and so on. The issues involved are complex. Even though a very large majority of the Sustainability science community agrees on the causes of emissions, differing views do exist on ways to mitigate its adverse effects.

Sustainability is expected to influence the work done by companies/ businesses. The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into cutting edge technology, implemented, and further being optimized on a continuous basis by visionaries of Rawabi Energy with unaverred support from the leadership of the biggest oil major in KSA. Some background on the science of Dynamic positioning, its impacts, keyways to minimize the impact and the roles that the technology can play in redefining rules for Dynamic positioning in upstream operations are hereby included.
Methodological review of NMA bias concepts provides groundwork for the development of a list of concepts for potential inclusion in a new risk of bias tool for network meta-analysis (RoB NMA Tool)
Authors: Lunny Carole , Veroniki Areti-Angeliki , Higgins Julian PT , Dias Sofia , Hutton Brian , Wright James M , White Ian R. , Whiting Penny , Tricco Andrea C
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Network meta-analyses (NMAs) have gained popularity and grown in number due to their ability to provide estimates of comparative effectiveness of multiple treatments for the same condition. The aim of this study is to conduct a methodological review to compile a preliminary list of concepts related to bias in NMAs. Methods and Analysis: We included papers that present items related to bias, reporting, or methodological quality, papers assessing the quality of NMAs, or methods papers. We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane library, and unpublished literature (July 2020). We extracted items related to bias in NMAs. An item was excluded if it related to general systematic review quality or bias, and included in currently available tools such as ROBIS or AMSTAR 2. We reworded items, typically structured as questions, into concepts (i.e. general notions). Results: 181 articles were assessed at full text and 57 were included. Of these articles, 12 were tools, checklists or journal standards, 12 were guidance documents for NMAs, 26 were articles related to bias or methods, and 7 were papers that assessed the quality of NMAs. These studies yielded 99 items of which the majority related to general systematic review quality and biases and were therefore excluded. The items we included were reworded into 22 concepts specific to bias in NMAs. Conclusions: A list of 22 concepts were included. This list is not intended to be used to assess biases in NMAs, but to inform the development of items to be included in our tool.
A week in the life of the human brain: stable states punctuated by chaotic transitions
Authors: Wang Maxwell , G'Sell Max , Castellano James F. , Richardson R. Mark , Ghuman Avniel
Published: October 2023

Many important neurocognitive states, such as ones related to performing natural activities and fluctuations of arousal, shift over minutes-to-days in the real-world. We analyzed 3-12 days of continuous intracranial recordings in twenty participants that freely socialized, used digital devices, slept, etc. to understand how neural dynamics form and change with behavior. Brain networks formed stable states that were predictive of both behavior and physiology. Behavior changes were associated with bursts of rapid neural fluctuations where brain networks chaotically explored many configurations before settling into new states. These trajectories traversed an hourglass-like structure, with awake and sleep at opposite ends, and an attractor state represented by default mode network activation in between. These findings illustrate ways our brains balance stability and flexibility to produce real-world behavior.
Voluntary participation and optimism: How and when outside individual options can facilitate group collaboration
Authors: Mori Ryutaro , Hanaki Nobuyuki , Kameda Tatsuya
Published: October 2023

Whether in business ventures or academic research, voluntary participation is at the heart of collaboration. Yet, previous studies concerning collaboration have primarily focused on the freeriding problem, largely overlooking this mundane but critical aspect. We address this gap by modeling collaborative situations as people’s voluntary choices between joining an uncertain public goods provisioning in groups and pursuing a certain but less profitable individual option. Theoretically and experimentally, we show that this voluntary nature in collaboration increases the likelihood of group success by filtering out otherwise pessimistic defectors or encouraging them toward cooperation. Further, we reconcile our findings with the existing literature highlighting detrimental effects of individual alternatives to collaborative solutions. We argue that whether individual options aid or hinder collaboration hinges on the degree of the “externality” of loners (who pursue the individual option) to the group. As long as the collaboration pertains to local public goods, the externality remains limited, ensuring that the existence of an individual option robustly aids collaborative success by fostering cooperation through improved optimism within groups.
A Methodological Architecture for Spatiotemporal Integration of Heterogeneous Environmental Data
Authors: Slaimi Asma , Scriney Michael , Hegarty Susan , Regan Fiona , O’Connor Noel
Published: October 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Enhancing the anticancer activity of attenuated Listeria monocytogenes by cell wall functionalization with “clickable” doxorubicin
Authors: Lepori Irene , Roncetti Marta , Vitiello Marianna , Barresi Elisabetta , Tentori Paolo , Baldanzi Caterina , Evangelista Monica , Signore Giovanni , Tedeschi Lorena , Gravekamp Claudia , Cardarelli Francesco , Taliani Sabrina , Settimo Federico Da , Siegrist M. Sloan , Poliseno Laura
Published: October 2023

Among bacteria used as anticancer vaccines, attenuated Listeria monocytogenes (Lmat) stands out because it spreads from one infected cancer cell to the next, induces a strong adaptive immune response, and is suitable for repeated injection cycles. Here we use click chemistry to functionalize the Lmat cell wall and turn the bacterium into an “intelligent carrier” of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. Doxorubicin-loaded Lmat retains most of its biological properties and has enhanced cytotoxicity against melanoma cells compared to the control fluorophore-functionalized bacteria. Our results provide the first demonstration of a two-in-one therapeutic approach that in principle combines immunotherapy with chemotherapy through the covalent loading of Lmat cell wall with the drug of interest.
Tunable magnetism and electron correlation in titanium-based Kagome metals RETi3Bi4 (RE = Yb, Pr, and Nd) by rare-earth engineering
Authors: Wang Gang , Chen Long , Zhou Ying , Zhang He , Ji Xuecong , Liao Ke , Ji Yu , Li Ying , Guo Zhongnan , Shen Xi , Yu Richeng , Yu Xiao Hui , Weng Hongming
Published: October 2023

Rare-earth engineering is an effective way to introduce and tune the magnetism in topological Kagome magnets, which has been acting as a fertile platform to investigate the quantum interactions between geometry, topology, spin, and correlation. Here we report the structure and properties of three newly discovered titanium-based Kagome metals RETi3Bi4 (RE = Yb, Pr, and Nd) with various magnetic states. They all crystalize in the orthogonal space group Fmmm (No. 69), where slightly distorted Ti Kagome lattice, RE triangular lattice, Bi honeycomb and triangular lattices stack along the a axis. By changing the rare earth atoms on RE zag-zig chains, the magnetism can be tuned from nonmagnetic YbTi3Bi4 to short-range ordered PrTi3Bi4 (Tanomaly ~ 8.2 K), and finally to ferromagnetic NdTi3Bi4 (Tc ~ 8.5 K). The resistivity and specific heat capacity measurements demonstrate an evolution of electron correlation and density of states near the Fermi level with different rare earth atoms. In-situ resistance measurements of NdTi3Bi4 under high pressure further reveal a potential relationship between the electron correlation and ferromagnetic ordering temperature. These results highlight RETi3Bi4 as a new family of topological Kagome magnets to explore nontrivial band topology and exotic phases in Kagome materials.
Energy Storage Materials Performance and Assessment of Single Solar Distiller using a Natural Dye created by doping TiO2 with Dragon Fruit
Authors: Nagendrababu Arigela , Shanmugan Sengottaiyan , Kabeel Abd-Elnaby , Somlal Jarupula , Awad Mohamed M. , Essa Fadl A.
Published: October 2023

There is no longer a decent water shortage in rural or urban locations, and solar distillers' lower productivity is a result of their low cost and benefits. Therefore, design modifications were developed and tested in the summer (S) and winter (W) to maximize the output of the single solar distiller (SSD). This is accomplished by coating the distiller's absorber plate's backbone with dye made from Dragon fruit peel extract with TiO2 nanoparticles (DFPETN). The absorption spectra of the DFPTEN has a peak value of 535 nm and studied using UV-Vis. techniques. Finally, both conventional solar still (CSS) with & without coated DFPETN using SSD is evaluated in terms of their thermal, exergy, environmental, and economic possibilities. The outcomes showed that the SSD by DFPETN@30% yield was superior to that of the other DFPETN ratios. Moreover, the benefit of DFPETN@30% with coated the basin area to more yield of SSD has been reported as 4.026 kg/m2.daytime in summer (S), 3.958 kg/m2.daytime in winter (W) with a compared to 1.637 kg/m2daytime (S) and 1.629 kg/m2daytime (S) for the CSS, accordingly with improvement by 179% in SSD. The overall SSD efficacies with DFPETN@30% during the S and W have increased by around 38.87% and 34.69%, the exergy efficiency is 5.8% respectively, and CSS is 8.23% in the S and 7.14% in the W. The SSD with DFPETN@30% has an environmental parameter of 12 tones CO2 year and water costs is 0.24 and 0.10 $/L, respectively. We successfully demonstrated the utility of the SSD is utilizing dragon fruit as TiO2 in the creation of an inexpensive, environmental friendly solar distiller.
Research on the Innovative Application of Shen Embroidery Cultural Heritage Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhu Changyong , Zhu Jiajun
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes an innovative research approach using convolutional neural networks to address the issues of limited Shen Embroidery works, insufficient image datasets, and low recognition rates. Firstly, the experimental dataset was expanded through methods such as flipping, rotating, and color variations. Secondly, the MobileNet V1 network, based on deep learning, was selected for image recognition of Shen Embroidery. Then, transfer learning was applied to fine-tune the MobileNet V1 network. Finally, the avg pool in the MobileNet V1 was replaced with Spatial Pyramid Pooling (SPP) to achieve the fusion of local and global features. The experimental results showed that the improved MobileNet V1 achieved a recognition accuracy of 98.45%, which was 2.3% higher than the baseline MobileNet V1 network. The experiments demonstrated that the improved convolutional neural network can efficiently recognize Shen Embroidery and provide technical support for the intelligent development of intangible cultural heritage.
GPT-PACK: Can GenAI act as TPACK Peer Tutor for Preservice Teachers? A Comparative Study on Objective TPACK of Humans and ChatGPT 3.5
Authors: Çelik Ferdi , Ersanlı Ceylan Yangın , Drummond Aaron
Published: October 2023

This study employs a single case-control design to evaluate the objective TPACK performance of ChatGPT by comparing it to human preservice teachers. A purposive sampling method selected ChatGPT 3.5 as a potential GenAI peer tutor and 93 Australian preservice teachers as the normative sample. Objective TPACK performance was measured using an adapted TPACK scale. Bayesian analysis revealed that ChatGPT significantly outperformed the human control group with a substantial effect size. Qualitative data analysis of ChatGPT’s explanations further demonstrated its comprehensive understanding of TPACK dimensions. While certain limitations were identified, including the narrow focus on Australian preservice teachers and the availability of more advanced AI models, the study emphasizes ChatGPT 3.5’s potential as a more knowledgeable other for preservice teachers to enhance their TPACK. This research encourages further investigation into the integration of AI in education and its implications for pedagogical practices. ChatGPT 3.5’s remarkable TPACK performance suggests its role as a valuable peer tutor in TPACK-related domains, complementing human educators while recognizing the irreplaceable human aspects of the learning experience.
A comprehensive study on soil parameters influencing collapsibility of loess through data analysis
Authors: Motameni Sahand , Rostami Fateme , Soroush Abbas
Published: October 2023

Loessial soils may settle and collapse under significant loading or water inundation. Therefore, their mechanical behavior and collapse potential must be assessed before undertaking any construction work. However, conducting a thorough empirical assessment of soil collapsibility would be both costly and time-consuming. Therefore, in this study, a dataset, including the results of 756 oedometer test records on loessial soils, as well as the physical properties of the samples, has been gathered from 27 published papers. Subsequently, a grey relational analysis was used to identify the most influential factors among the thirteen most significant factors. The results showed that the most influential factors on the collapsibility of loess are the plasticity index, dry unit weight, initial void ratio, and degree of saturation. Finally, using the multivariate non-linear regression technique, a prediction equation has been derived to predict the collapse potential of loess with an acceptable level of accuracy.
Epidemiological and Molecular Study of Providencia Rettgeri Outbreak at an University Hospital During the Covid-19 Reference Center
Authors: Pimenta Julia , Magalhaes Gerusa Luciana Gomes , Soncini João Gabriel Material , Lincopan Nilton , Vespero Eliana
Published: October 2023

In 2014, Brazil detected New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing Enterobacterales from a Providencia rettgeri isolate obtained through surveillance swabs in the Southern region. Subsequently, various species have reported several NDM enzymes. However, comprehensive data on the current epidemiology of NDM-producing P.rettgeri in Brazil remains limited. This study, aimed to provide a detailed characterization of the phenotypic, genotypic and epidemiological profile of clinical isolates of P. rettgeri NDM. From April 2020 to December 2022, 18 carbapenem-resistant P. rettgeri strains, previously identified using Vitek2®, were isolated at the University Hospital of Londrina. Resistance and virulence genes were assessed through genetic analysis usig ERIC PCR and NextSeq (Illumina) sequencing. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 2.0. Genomic analysis confirmed the presence of β-lactamase blaNDM-1, blaOXA-1. All isolates showed the presence of the NDM gene and genetic similarity above 90% between isolates. Clinical parameters of patients infected with P. rettgeri exhibited significant association with mechanical ventilation, prior use of carbapenems, and polymixins. We also report a significant association between P. rettgeri infection and death outcome. This study characterizes NDM-1 metallo-β-lactmases isolates, among P. rettgeri isolates from patients at the University Hospital (HU), during the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence of this novel resistance mechanism among P. rettgeri poses a significant challenge, limiting the therapeutic optins for infections in our hospital.
Experimental characterisation of defect-induced phonon lifetime shortening
Authors: Liu Boyao , Kelsall Jack , Ward David , Jardine Andrew
Published: October 2023

Phonon-mediated heat transport is of wide importance, particularly in thermal management for the rapidly advancing microelectronics industry. Since lattice imperfections strongly influence phonon scattering, which in turn determine thermal conductivity, it is crucial to understand phonon lifetimes and how they are influenced by material defects. To date, direct measurements of phonon lifetimes have been extremely limited; most studies have relied on indirect measurements of thermal properties, or theoretical calculations with limited validation. Here, we present direct experimental measurement of defect-induced lifetime shortening of acoustic surface phonons. Defects are found to contribute a temperature-independent component to the linewidths of Rayleigh wave (RW) phonons on a Ni(111) surface. We also characterised the increase in phonon scattering with both surface defect density and phonon wave vector. A quantitative estimate of the strength of the interaction between a phonon-mode and a surface line-defect is extracted from the data. Looking forwards, we anticipate direct characterisation of defect-phonon interactions in 2D systems will be of significant value to the active fields of phononics and nanoscale heat flow.
Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent ST23 Klebsiella pneumoniae with a highly transmissible dual-carbapenemase plasmid in Chile
Authors: Gálvez-Silva Matías , Arros Patricio , Berríos-Pastén Camilo , Villamil Aura , Rodas Paula I. , Araya Ingrid , Iglesias Rodrigo , Araya Pamela , Hormazábal Juan C. , Bohle Constanza , Chen Yahua , Gan Yunn-Hwen , Chávez Francisco P. , Lagos Rosalba , Marcoleta Andrés E.
Published: October 2023

Background
The convergence of hypervirulence and carbapenem resistance in the bacterial pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae represents a critical global health concern. Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) strains, frequently from sequence type 23 (ST23) and having a K1 capsule, have been associated with severe community-acquired invasive infections. Although hvKp reports were initially restricted to Southeast Asia and primarily antibiotic-sensitive, carbapenem-resistant hvKp infections are reported worldwide. Here, within the carbapenemase production Enterobacterales surveillance system headed by the Chilean Public Health Institute, we describe the isolation in Chile of a high-risk ST23 dual-carbapenemase-producing hvKp strain, which carbapenemase genes are encoded in a single conjugative plasmid.
Results
Phenotypic and molecular tests of this strain revealed an extensive resistance to at least 15 antibiotic classes and the production of KPC-2 and VIM-1 carbapenemases. Unexpectedly, this isolate lacked hypermucoviscosity, challenging this commonly used hvKp identification criteria. Complete genome sequencing and analysis confirmed the K1 capsular type, the KpVP-1 virulence plasmid, and the GIE492 and ICEKp10 genomic islands carrying virulence factors strongly associated with hvKp. Although this isolate belonged to the globally disseminated hvKp clonal group CG23-I, it is unique, as it formed a clade apart from a previously reported Chilean ST23 hvKp isolate and acquired an IncN KPC-2 plasmid highly disseminated in South America (absent in other hvKp genomes), but now including a class-I integron carrying blaVIM−1 and other resistance genes. Notably, this isolate was able to conjugate the double carbapenemase plasmid to an E. coli recipient, conferring resistance to 1st -5th generation cephalosporins (including combinations with beta-lactamase inhibitors), penicillins, monobactams, and carbapenems.
Conclusions
We reported the isolation in Chile of high-risk carbapenem-resistant hvKp carrying a highly transmissible conjugative plasmid encoding KPC-2 and VIM-1 carbapenemases, conferring resistance to most beta-lactams. Furthermore, the lack of hypermucoviscosity argues against this trait as a confident hvKp marker. These findings highlight the rapid evolution towards multidrug resistance of hvKp in Chile and globally, and the importance of conjugative plasmids and other mobile genetic elements in this convergence. In this regard, genomic approaches provide valuable support to monitor and obtain essential information on these priority pathogens and mobile elements.
Study on adsorption capacity of corn stalks in decreasing the turbidity of Babura river water with batch operation
Authors: Haryanto Bode , Batubara Fatimah , Ginting Ella Theresia , Situmorang Dicky A. D. , Alexander Vikram
Published: October 2023

The adsorbent is a solid substance that can absorb certain components from the liquid phase. Most of the adsorbents are porous materials and the adsorption process takes place, especially in the porous wall or certain location inside that particle. The main objective of this research is to study the influence of the adsorbent’s surface area based on shape variation from corn stalk with adsorption ability to reduce the water river’s turbidity, the influence of time with adsorption capacity in reducing river water’s turbidity, the influence of adsorbent with water river and adsorption capacity, and defining adsorption kinetics from corn stalks. The shape of corn stalks that have been used such as spherical, half of spherical shape, and quarter of spherical shape. The volume of the sample is 250 mL. The measurement time is 300 minutes. The mass variations that have been used are 10 g, 15 g, and 20 g. The variation of sample takeover in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The measurement of adsorbent adsorption capacity in term of decreasing the turbidity of Babura River’s water is done by inputting the adsorbent into the sample, then the measurement of the water’s turbidity proceed by using a turbidity meter. The analysis result for the influence of the adsorbent’s surface area in decreasing Babura River’s water in the shape’s variation from spherical, half of spherical shape, and quarter of spherical shape is obtained in quarter of spherical shape. The highest amount of adsorbent in decreasing the turbidity of Babura River’s water is 20 g. Adsorption kinetics that has been used in the measurement of decreasing Babura River’s water turbidity is second order kinetics
Development of a methodology for creating an on-line layout assistant for electronic publications for mobile devices
Authors: Hrabovskyi Yevhen , Kots Hryhorii , Veretelnyk Kostiantyn
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for creating an on-line assistant for electronic publications for mobile devices. The survey of experts is determined the basic requirements for an on-line assistant. Based on the results of the survey, the optimal functions and sub-functions of an on-line assistant for the layout of electronic publications for mobile devices are formed. The consistency of experts' opinions was checked. As a result, partial coherence of expert opinions was obtained, the corresponding indicator is 0.68. The main types of internal structure of the online assistant are reviewed and its hybrid structure is developed. QuarkXPress, Adobe InDesign, and Scribus were used as software tools for developing training videos in the structure of the online assistant. The structure of the online assistant for layout of electronic publications for mobile devices was designed. Training videos were created as components of the online assistant. The stages of creating a training video were: script development, development of text material, rehearsal, video recording, video processing, and uploading to a website. The design scheme of the online assistant was chosen in the form of "material design" style. A prototype of the on-line assistant was developed based on the use of a technical website script and text markup in HTML 5, CSS 3 and JavaScript. The practical result of the research is an online assistant with information on how to design electronic publications for mobile devices. The developed online assistant provides an opportunity to remotely contact a qualified specialist in the layout of electronic publications for mobile devices
New Mineral Names: Heavy metal and minerals from China
Authors: Celestian Aaron J.
Published: October 2023

This issue of New Mineral Names summarizes new species that contain toxic heavy metals and rare earth elements with a partial focus on new minerals found in China. All these new minerals have potential uses for environmental and technological applications, and their origins reflect historical mining or cultural significance. Here we look at fluorbritholite-(Nd), napoliite, scenicite, evseeite, haitaite-(La), dongchuanite, liguowuite, and gysinite-(La).
Impact of macroeconomic factors on firm performance: Empirical evidence from India
Authors: Mitra Gaurav , Gupta Vandana , Gupta Gaurav
Published: October 2023

Understanding the macroeconomic factors is essential for all firms operating in the economy. Investment decisions, financing decisions, and risk management of firms are influenced by the existing macroeconomic factors, thereby impacting their performance. This paper examines the effect of macroeconomic factors on the performance of Indian manufacturing firms. Two-step generalized method of moments model is applied in this investigation to analyze the effect of firm performance from the financial year 2004-05 to 2021-22. Firm performance is proxied by two accounting-based measures and a market-based measure, namely, return on assets, return on equity, and Tobin’s Q, respectively, while the macro-economic factor is proxied by annual gross domestic product growth rate. The empirical findings show that firm performance has a positive relationship with macroeconomic factors. In addition, the findings reveal that firm size, firm age, leverage, sales growth, and operating profit impact firm performance. The study further extends to examine the moderating effect of financing constraints (measured by firm size and age) on macroeconomic factors and firm performance. The results show that the effect is more pronounced on small and young firms as compared to large and mature firms. The study also evaluates the impact of macroeconomic factors on firm performance excluding the crisis periods (the financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic) and finds the impact on the market performance to be insignificant during non-crisis periods. This study recommends that lenders, managers, and other stakeholders should take proactive policy measures for any anticipated adverse changes in macroeconomic factors on the performance of Indian firms.
AcknowledgmentsThe financial and infrastructural support provided by FORE School of Management, New Delhi, India in completing this paper is gratefully acknowledged.
Topical issues of sanitary and epidemiological requirements when using technogenic sources of ionizing radiation
Authors: Barkovsky A. N.
Published: October 2023

The current system of regulatory requirements in the Russian Federation for the handling of products containing or being man-made sources of ionizing radiation does not sufficiently take into account differences in the radiation hazard of various types of radiation equipment. For radiation objects of different categories of potential radiation hazard, it is largely the same. In all cases, it is required to issue a sanitary and epidemiological conclusion on the compliance of working conditions with ionizing radiation sources with sanitary rules and licenses, which in this case practically duplicate each other. As one of the possible ways to ensure greater differentiation of regulatory requirements taking into account the real danger of various sources, the formation of a three-level system of sanitary and epidemiological regulation of the use of technogenic sources of ionizing radiation is proposed. The first level is radiation equipment products, the radiation doses of people due to the use of which cannot exceed the established hygienic standards for the population under any conditions of the use for which these products are designed. Their handling is exempt from regulatory control and should be carried out as with products that do not pose a radiation hazard. The second level is radiation technology products that do not pose a serious potential radiation hazard to people, but require certain regulation of their handling to ensure a socially acceptable level of radiation safety. Handling of them is allowed in the presence of sanitary and epidemiological conclusion, and a simplified radiation monitoring system may be allowed. The third level is the products of radiation technology that pose a significant potential radiation hazard to humans. A serious harm to human health is possible in case of violations of the rules for handling such products and in the event of a radiation accident. Handling them is allowed if there is a sanitary and epi- demiological conclusion and a license. Such an approach, while maintaining the achieved level of radiation safety, will significantly simplify the regulatory system and eliminate unreasonable obstacles to the expanded use of radiation technology. It is also necessary to consider the possibility of developing special standards to ensure sanitary and epidemiological requirements of the use of mobile and mobile medical diagnostics using sources of ionizing radiation. The absence of such standards hinders the implementation of modern methods of X-ray diagnostics.
Russian decision support systems in radiation diagnostics as an element of ensuring the radiation safety of patients
Authors: Lantukh Z. A. , Shatenok M. P. , Druzhinina Yu. V. , Tolkachev K. V. , Soldatov I. V. , Ryzhov S. A. , Vodovatov A. V.
Published: October 2023

There is a well-established opinion that the radiation safety of the patient and staff lies within the scope of the activities and responsibilities of the radiation diagnostics departments. However, repeated referrals and unjustified X-ray examinations from clinicians can make a significant contribution to the radiation load of the patient and the workload of the staff. The radiation safety requirements formulated in the article are designed for an effective monitoring tool for unjustified studies – the Clinical Decision Support System. The modern park of domestic software in this area was also analyzed. It was found, that the existing domestic Clinical Decision Support Systems do not fully meet the formulated current radiation safety requirements. The majority of clinical decision support system do not offer a choice of the most sparing methods of X-ray examinations (only 31% offer), and do not contain information about the accumulated patient dose for making a decision on the appointment of studies (only 23% contain). The developed methodology for assessing the Clinical Decision Support Systems will allow choosing and implementing the most optimal system in terms of radiation safety into clinical practice.
Cognitive Functions in Young Adolescence: Features, Interconnections, and Gender Differences
Authors: Tsigichko Elena , Kagan Elena
Published: October 2023

The research featured the development of cognitive gender-related functions in teenagers. It covered statistically significant differences in such indicators as establishing analogies, visual memory volume, and attention span. The indicators of mental operations and memory volume proved to be interconnected, as well as the indicators of mental operations and attention properties. The male group demonstrated direct connections between visual memory volume and the abilities to compare and contrast abstract notions and continue numerical series. Auditory short-term memory volume depended on the ability to perform arithmetic tasks and numerical series. Auditory long-term memory volume also depended on the numerical series performance. Another interconnection was registered between the indicators of auditory memory volume, arithmetic tasks, comparing and contrasting abstract ideas, and numerical series. The test also revealed correlations between the indicators of selective attention and the ability to follow instructions, as well as to compare and contrast abstract notions. In the female group, visual memory volume, auditory long-term memory volume, and auditory-mediated memory volume were connected with the abilities to complete sentences, determine abstract similarities and differences, establish analogies, identify symbols, and follow instructions. Obviously, when working with young teenagers, changes in intellectual development should be forecasted based on memory volume indicators. The study revealed direct connections between indicators of attention properties, i.e., span, distribution, and selectivity, and all indicators of mental development, excluding the ability to interpret symbols. The end-to-end cognitive processes made it possible to predict the cognitive development in young adolescents, based on their individual cognitive profiles.
Inter-Municipal Interaction in the Process of Metropolitan Agglomeration Development in the Russian Federation
Authors: Lisina Natal'ya , Baev Viacheslav
Published: October 2023

The development of metropolitan agglomerations is an urgent issue in the Russian Federation because urban clusters depend on inter-municipal cooperation. The authors analyzed the existing models of inter-municipal cooperation to define the most relevant issues of metropolitan development. Since interaction models must comply with the federal legislation, an ideal form of inter-municipal cooperation does not exist. Subjects of the Russian Federation maintain associative, contractual, and economic cooperation, or a combination of these forms. Sustainable ecological and socio-economic growth of metropolitan agglomerations needs an effective governance arrangement. Inter-municipal cooperation is a legal tool that makes it possible to implement agglomeration projects, to combine financial and labor resources, to solve issues of territorial planning, etc. The form of inter-municipal interaction should be selected in line with the goals and objectives of a particular agglomeration in order to meet the standards of spatial development of the Russian Federation. Municipalities are limited in their autonomy and inter-municipal cooperation by imperative norms of the law. Therefore, inter-municipal cooperation in the sphere of metropolitan development must fully comply with legal regulations and prohibitions.