bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiments on the settling of carbonate sand–mud suspensions
Authors: Reijmer John J.G. , De Kruijf Max , Slootman Arnoud , Kranenburg L. Jonathan , De Boer Rosa A.
Published: December 2024

This experimental study addresses the settling behavior of natural carbonate sediment suspensions. Natural carbonate suspensions differ hydrodynamically from siliciclastic suspensions due to a broader range of grain sizes, shapes, and solid densities of skeletal grains. These variations also underlie hydrodynamic differences between carbonate and siliciclastic turbidity currents. The experiments used coarse, noncohesive skeletal tropical carbonate sand obtained from the back-reef of Moorea (French Polynesia) and cohesive tropical carbonate mud retrieved from the slopes of Little Bahama Bank. Twenty-one settling experiments were conducted at volumetric sediment concentrations of 9%, 20%, and 30%. The suspensions consisted of carbonate sand mixed with cohesive carbonate mud in sand/mud ratios ranging from 96%/04% to 76%/24%. Textural trends in grain size and composition of the experiment deposits were evaluated by laser diffraction analysis and microscopic observations. Three facies were identified, from base to top: 1) interval A: weakly graded to ungraded rudstone–grainstone to floatstone–packstone, occasionally with a fining-upward base at low bulk concentrations and mud proportions, 2) interval B: normally graded grainstone to packstone, and 3) interval C: normally graded wackestone to mudstone. Interval B, the least muddy (cleanest sand) with the best sorting, has a normalized thickness consistent across experiments and unaffected by sediment concentration or mud proportion. In contrast, interval C thickens at the expense of interval A as mud proportion increased at each sediment concentration, although this trend lessens for deposits of higher-concentration suspensions where interval A is the dominant facies. In deposits of low-concentration suspensions, the fining-upward base of interval A decreased in normalized thickness with increasing sediment concentration and mud proportion. The experiments demonstrate that grain-size segregation becomes less efficient with increasing sediment concentration and/or cohesive-mud proportion. Thus, adding cohesive carbonate mud lowers the critical sediment concentration at which grain-size segregation is suppressed, resulting in thicker ungraded interval A deposits. Compared to previous siliciclastic suspension-settling experiments, grain-size segregation is suppressed at lower sediment concentrations in carbonate suspensions, although the present experiments used much coarser grain sizes. This work contributes to understanding carbonate suspension-flow deposits such as calciturbidites and calcidebrites, by hinting to: i) vertical and longitudinal (proximal to distal) grain-size sorting processes, and ii) grain-shape sorting patterns within individual deposits. Both aspects tie to the hydrodynamic behavior of individual, irregular-shaped grains in sediment suspensions with varying grain composition, as well as rheological changes due to interaction with variable quantities of cohesive carbonate mud.
A Practical Stacking Learning Framework with Hybrid Resampling for New-Well Artificial Lift Mode Selection
Authors: Cao Zhimin , Liang Yang , Han Jian
Published: December 2024

Due to the long-term exploitation of oil and gas resources, the reservoir pressure will inevitably reduce to a level where it can no longer sustain acceptable production rates. Artificial lift provides additional energy to lift resources produced downhole to the wellhead. However, as the result of artificial lift selection will directly affect the productivity, it is crucial to select a suitable lift method. Generally, the more the parameters there are available for artificial lift selection, the higher the quality of the results will be. However, two challenges arise when selecting artificial lift methods for new wells: (A) Fewer parameters are available from new wells and (B) historical data tends to be multiclass imbalanced. To address these problems, we propose a hybrid resampling stacking ensemble learning (HRSE) framework and implement an intelligent optimization method for new-well artificial lift selection in the oil-recovery process. Specifically, HRSE mitigates the problem of limited available parameters by using stacking ensemble learning to extract valuable information from the data. Additionally, HRSE improves the accuracy of minority class samples through hybrid resampling techniques. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, two imbalanced data sets from Daqing Oilfield were used, namely, Data Set A and Data Set B. Experimental results show that the HRSE framework achieves greater than 95% and 98% accuracy in the two minority classes of Data Set A, and with an overall average accuracy of 96%. For Data Set B, the accuracy across five minority classes reaches 95%, 91%, 97%, 94%, and 92%, respectively, and with an overall accuracy of 94%. Obviously, the proposed HRSE framework provides a more objective and scientific decision-making reference for petroleum engineers selecting artificial lift methods for new wells.
Investigation of Dynamic Adsorption and Desorption of Polymer Nanogel in Porous Media through Microfluidics
Authors: Liu Junchen , Bai Fuqiao , Almakimi Abdulaziz A. , Wei Mingzhen , He Xiaoming , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. , Bai Baojun
Published: December 2024

Understanding the transport and retention of elastic nanogel and microgel particles in porous media has been a significant research subject for decades, essential to the application of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). However, a lack of dynamic adsorption and desorption studies, in which the kinetics in porous media are seldom investigated, hinders the design and application of polymer nanogel in underground porous media. In this work, we visualized and quantified the transport and dynamic adsorption of polymer nanogel in 3D glass micromodels that were manufactured by packing glass beads in capillaries. Calibrating the linearity of fluorescence intensity to concentration, we calculated the adsorption kinetics at concentrations of 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, and 0.3 wt% and flow rates of 0.01 mL/h, 0.02 mL/h, and 0.03 mL/h. In addition to time, concentration, and flow rate, the experimental results showed that dynamic adsorption is also a function of transport distance, which is due to the different adsorption abilities of particles. We also found that the uneven adsorption distribution can be attenuated by decreasing nanogel concentration or increasing flow rate. The work provides a new method to obtain adsorption and desorption kinetics and adsorption profile of submicron particles in porous media at flowing conditions through microfluidics.
Innovative Method to Select Optimal Plugging Materials for Preventing Loss Circulation in Deep Fractured Reservoirs Using Machine Learning
Authors: Zhou Jie , Kang Yili , Xu Chengyuan , Ma Chenglin
Published: December 2024

Lost circulation, a critical issue in drilling operations caused by drilling fluid loss into formation fractures, is a significant barrier in the exploration and production of oil, natural gas, and geothermal reservoirs. Effective design of the plugging formula to mitigate such losses is vital for the successful extraction of these resources. To efficiently design the plugging formula, in this paper we determine the key performance parameters of plugging materials based on the formation mechanism of the plugging zone, using them as feature input variables. We then use multitask learning (MTL) to establish a high-precision prediction model for the plugging formula, followed by the development of a mathematical optimization model for selecting performance parameters of the plugging formula, with displacement pressure and cumulative loss volume as the objective functions. An improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to solve this mathematical model and determine the characteristic parameters of the plugging formula. Based on these parameters, the appropriate types of plugging materials, including bridging materials, fillers, and deformable reinforcement materials, are identified for the formula. The results show that the improved PSO algorithm outperforms the basic PSO algorithm, genetic algorithms, and whale optimization algorithms in solving the mathematical optimization model, with a performance improvement of about 10%. Additionally, sensitivity analysis confirms the model’s robustness, revealing that bridging materials play a critical role in the effectiveness of the plugging formula. As the variety of bridging, filling, and deformable reinforcement materials increases, their displacement pressure improves. More specifically, the analysis explores how the friction coefficient, D90 particle-size distribution, thermostability, compressive strength, and acid solubility of bridging materials affect displacement pressure and cumulative loss volume. Experimental findings validate that the innovative method to select optimal plugging materials for deep fractured reservoirs, leveraging MTL and intelligent optimization, facilitates the swift and effective development of deep fracture plugging strategies. This method not only assures effective fracture plugging but also minimizes material consumption in the formulations, thereby reducing overall material costs. The proposed method provides new novel perspectives and a theoretical foundation for the design of the deep fractured reservoir plugging formula.
Investigation of Acid-Etching Evolution in Natural Fractures of Carbonate Reservoirs Under High Closure Stress
Authors: Zeng Mingyong , Zhou Hangyu
Published: December 2024

The acid-etching evolution of local natural fractures in high-stress carbonate rocks is a complex, multifield coupled phenomenon, governed primarily by closure stress loading, acid flow, and mass transfer reaction. To unravel the characteristics of this evolution and the impact of closure stress and acid injection rate on acid-etching effectiveness, a set of numerical models that integrate fluid flow, chemical reaction, and mechanical deformation within local natural fractures is established, and numerical simulations of fracture deformation and fracture acid-etching are conducted. The results show that continuous closure stress loading fosters the emergence of dominant flow channels by means of acid flow and acid-rock reaction. These channels guide most of the acid flow, continuously dissolving and etching the fracture walls, ultimately forming channelized acid-etching fractures. When closure stress ranges between 10 MPa and 15 MPa, a coupling balance between high closure stress and flow reaction enables the acid-etching fractures to attain greater widths and flow channels, significantly enhancing their long-term conductivity and deformation resistance. As the acid injection rate increases, the dominant flow channels merge into a single channelized acid-etching fracture due to competitive propagation and preferential dissolution. The dominant flow channel expands both vertically and horizontally under the scouring effect of high injection rates, leading to an increase in both the width of the channelized acid-etching fracture channel and the overall acid-etching fracture width.
Ecological risk assessment of sewage sludge as soil amendment: lethal and sub-lethal effects in Eisenia fetida
Authors: Vannuccini Maria Luisa , Assenza Ramona , Sturba Lucrezia , Faleri Claudia , Corsi Ilaria
Published: December 2024

Sewage sludge applications as soil amendment calls for a proper ecological risk assessment due to unexpected delivery of toxic chemicals and materials. Standardized acute toxicity assays have proven to provide limited information in terms of potential hazard for soil organisms. Here sub-lethal endpoints as physiological and tissue alterations were proposed as suitable tools for sewage sludge ecological risk assessment. Acute toxicity assay using earthworm Eisenia fetida (OECD n.207) was performed on sewage sludge samples from two wastewater treatment plants (A and B) and mortality, body weight, body morphology and histology of intestinal cavity were evaluated at the end of the exposure period. Sewage sludge dilutions (1:50 and 1:100) from plant B caused a low percentage of mortality (5%) while none was observed in worms exposed to plant A. However, all specimens showed external body alterations as vesicles, swellings, constrictions, and discoloration. Histological sections highlight damages to epidermis, circular and longitudinal muscles and chloragogenic tissue regardless of sewage sludge origin. Our findings confirm that standardized end points of acute toxicity are not sensitive enough in worms exposed to sewage sludges while sub-lethal endpoints as body morphology and tissue histology are thus more suitable and appropriate endpoints for assessing potential detrimental outcomes and ecological risk for soil biota.
Experiences of Women Relocated due to the February 2023 Earthquake in Turkey: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Özer Esra , Şen Yeşim Çetinkaya , Güvenç Gülten , GÜLER Döndü SEVİMLİ
Published: December 2024

Background
Women are disproportionately affected by disasters due to their vulnerability and limited access to resources. The purpose of this study is to investigate the health concerns and experiences of women who relocated to a different city following the February 2023 earthquake in Turkey.
Methods
Data was collected using a constructivist qualitative research design. Between May and June 2023, interviews were conducted with female participants who relocated to a different city after the February 2023 earthquake in Turkey. The collected data underwent qualitative content analysis, adhering to the Standards for Qualitative Research Reporting (SRQR). The study utilized Graneheim and Lundman's content analysis method to analyze the interview data. Interviews were transcribed. The transcripts were analyzed in the qualitative research software package ATLAS.ti 9.
Results
In the study, 32 women aged 19–43 years were interviewed. The results revealed four distinct categories and 17 sub-categories derived from the interviewees' narratives. These four categories were physiological needs, safety concerns, need for love and belonging, and self-actualization.
Conclusions
It was concluded that individuals who experience disasters face multiple hardships, especially related to these categories. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the issues and requirements of survivors, particularly women belonging to vulnerable groups. One should not overlook the fundamental needs of women in service delivery.
The damaging 1932 Uden Earthquake in The Netherlands – revision of cross- border macroseismic data and its impact on source parameters
Authors: Dost Bernard , Neefs Ben , Noten Koen Van , Ruigrok Elmer
Published: December 2024

A re-assessment of the macroseismic intensity data was carried out for the second largest instrumentally recorded event in the Netherlands, i.e. the 1932-11-20 Uden earthquake. This event was widely felt in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The original information (reports/enquiries/letters) for the Netherlands and Belgium have been used to either manually or automatically attribute intensity values according to the EMS98 scale. Existing intensity data from Germany were added to complete the dataset. Macroseismic source parameters for this event (location, magnitude) were calculated from the updated database by applying the Bakun and Wentworth (1997, 1999) algorithm. To capture epistemic uncertainty, four intensity attenuation relations were selected, newly calibrated and their results averaged. Results for only intensity data from the Netherlands show stable solutions within the region of maximum observed intensity. However, when adding Belgian and German data, the source location falls outside the region of maximum observed intensity and becomes less reliable. This is attributed to differences in data gathering in the different countries but is also influenced by regional site effects. Comparison of the confidence levels assigned in the BW method to the outcome of jackknife modelling shows that all jackknife results fall within the 50% confidence region. A more realistic estimate for the location uncertainty was estimated from the jackknife results. The revised source parameters are 51.63°N and 5.61°E ± 2.3 km for the 1932 Uden source location and ML 5.1 ± 0.3 (MS 4.9 ± 0.3) for its magnitude.
Filling a Critical Gap: A Qualitative Study of HIV Prevention and Vulnerability Among Older Sexual Minority Men in Ghana
Authors: Adu-Sarkodie Yaw , Agyarko-Poku Thomas , Beard Jennifer , Asafo Mabel Kissiwah , Sabin Lora L.
Published: December 2024

Background: Ghana’s HIV prevalence in the general population is relatively low at 1.7%, but concentrated at much higher levels among key populations, particularly sexual minority men. Vulnerability will likely increase if a popular bill discriminating against sexual minorities is signed into law. Men over age 30 are at greater risk for HIV compared to their younger counterparts, yet little is known about their prevention needs. We describe a qualitative study that explored protective behaviors and vulnerabilities among older sexual minority men in Kumasi.
Methods: We used snowball sampling to recruit sexual minority men aged 30 and older for in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Semi-structured guides posed questions about HIV knowledge, condom use, alcohol and substance use, transactional sex, and other behaviors.
Results: Forty-four men aged 30 to 48 years participated: 20 in in-depth interviews and 24 in 4 focus group discussions. Most respondents described engaging in protective behaviors, including condom use and HIV testing. Many also revealed vulnerabilities such as HIV knowledge gaps and inconsistent condom use. Stigma and discrimination were persistent challenges.
Conclusion:
This qualitative study helps fill a critical knowledge gap related to the experiences and challenges faced by older sexual minority men. The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill threatens sexual minorities and all health services focused on meeting their needs. If signed into law, it might undo years of HIV prevention and treatment programming. We suggest future avenues for providing health care that meets the specific needs of sexual minority men.
Aquaporin 3 inhibition Attenuates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriatic Symptoms in a Murine Model
Authors: Okubo Ryosuke , Tanaka Manami , Yasui Masato , Hara-Chikuma Mariko
Published: December 2024

Background:
Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) is highly expressed in both keratinocytes and T cells within psoriatic skin. Previous studies have demonstrated that AQP3 knockout mice show reduced development of psoriatic symptoms in murine models. This study aims to evaluate the effect of AQP3 inhibition on psoriasis progression.
Methods and results:
AQP3 conditional knockout mice were generated to assess the role of AQP3 expression in keratinocytes and T cells in psoriasis pathogenesis. In an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model, psoriatic symptoms were mitigated only in mice with keratinocyte-specific AQP3 deletion. Additionally, treatment with an anti-AQP3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) significantly reduced IMQ-induced psoriasis symptoms in wild-type mice.
Conclusions:
AQP3 inhibition presents a promising approach for the treatment of psoriasis.
Therapeutic Potential of AAV2-shmTOR Gene Therapy in Reducing Retinal Inflammation and Preserving Endothelial Integrity in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Kim Jin , Moon Seo Yun , Kang Ho Geun , Kim Hee Jong , Choi Jun Sub , Lee Steven Hyun Seung , Park Keerang , Won So-Yoon
Published: December 2024

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent retinal disorder that leads to central vision loss, mainly due to chronic inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a critical mediator of inflammatory responses within the retinal environment. This study has investigated TNF-α's influence on inflammatory cytokine production and endothelial barrier integrity in human microglial (HMC3) and endothelial (HUVEC) cells. We found that TNF-α significantly elevated the expression and secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in HMC3 cells and disrupted endothelial tight junctions in HUVECs, as evidenced by weakened ZO-1 staining and compromised barrier function. To mitigate these effects and further investigate the in vitro mechanism of actions in CRG-01’s in vivo therapeutic efficacy of anti-inflammation, we employed AAV2-shmTOR, CRG-01, as the candidate for therapeutic vector targeting the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. TNF-α-induced IL-6, IL-1β, and NF-κB signaling in HMC3 cells were significantly reduced by AAV2-shmTOR treatment, which may present a promising avenue for the fight against AMD. It also effectively preserved endothelial tight junction integrity in TNF-α-treated HUVECs, providing reassurance about its effectiveness. Furthermore, the supernatant medium collected from AAV2-shmTOR-treated HMC3 cells decreased oxidative stress, protein oxidation, and cytotoxicity in ARPE retinal pigment epithelial cells. These results strongly suggested that CRG-01, the candidate therapeutic vector of AAV2-shmTOR, may have a therapeutic potential to treat AMD-related retinal inflammation.
Aromatic pi-complexation of 1,5-diisocyanonaphthalene with benzene derivatives
Authors: Kopcsik Erika , Mucsi Zoltán , Schiwert Rajmond , Vanyorek László , Viskolcz Béla , Nagy Miklós
Published: December 2024

Aromatic π-complexes play a significant role in various chemical and biological systems, significantly influencing their physico-chemical and spectroscopic properties. The identification of new compounds capable of π-complex formation is therefore of great interest. The paper investigates the fluorescent properties of 1,5-diisocyanonaphthalene (1,5-DIN) in different aromatic solvents, demonstrating its potential for distinguishing between aromatics based on emission spectra. The resulting spectra can be classified as benzene-, toluene-, and xylene-like types and may be used for the fingerprint identification of benzenes with different electron donating/withdrawing substituents. Comparative studies with related compounds revealed that lower electron density in the naphthalene core favors π-complex formation. The study also found that electron-donating groups in solvents caused more significant redshifts, while electron-withdrawing groups had minimal impact. High-level DFT calculations supported these observations, showing that stronger π-π interactions lead to greater redshifts, particularly in solvents, such as toluene and xylenes. The research suggests that 1,5-DIN's distinct emission behaviors can be leveraged for compositional analysis of benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX) mixtures, with specific emphasis on the influence of electron density and solvent interactions on the emission properties.
Study on material removal of double abrasive grains in ultrasonic-assisted abrasive cloth wheel of GH4169 alloy blade
Authors: Liu De , Li Jiaming , Xian Chao , Wang Chenghu
Published: December 2024

As a critical component of aero-engines, the processing quality of the blade has a significant impact on the engine's overall performance and service life. First, from the perspective of double abrasive grains, two finite element models—simultaneous and sequential scratches—are established. The interaction between the two abrasive grains affects not only the polishing force and chip formation but also the surface morphology of the processed workpiece. Second, the effects of abrasive grain rake angle, grain spacing, and ultrasonic amplitude on polishing force, chip formation, and surface morphology are analyzed using a single-factor method. Finally, conventional polishing and ultrasonic vibration-assisted polishing experiments using an abrasive cloth wheel are conducted. The results show that varying the transverse spacing between the abrasive grains reduces the polishing force on the second abrasive grain and leads to the formation of broken chips. Compared to conventional polishing, ultrasonic vibration-assisted polishing reduces the polishing forces by 9% and 8% in the tangential and normal directions, respectively, while also improving surface morphology and producing crushed chips.
Burnt Sawdust Ash from Timber Species as Partial Cement Replacements on the durability properties for Sustainable Interlocking Blocks
Authors: Sampson Assiamah , Kankam Charles K. , Adinkrah-Appiah Kwadwo , Afrifa Russell Owusu , Banahehe Osei Jack , Agyeman Stephen
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the potential of wood ash (BSDA) from seven timber species as a partial cement replacement in laterite interlocking blocks (LIBs). Using a replacement level of 0–30 BSDA wt% and mix proportion of 1:6 (cement + BSDA: laterite) with a 0.60 water-to-cement ratio, 396 specimens of size 185 mm x 220 mm x 120 mm were produced and cured 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Soil characterization test, particle size distribution, bulk density, water absorption, and erosion resistance were tested. While replacing cement with BSDA generally increased erosion rates, Wawa and Mahogany ashes exhibited superior resistance across all replacement levels. Wood type influenced both properties, with Odum, Ceiba and Mansonia offering better erosion resistance and desirable water absorption at higher sawdust compositions. A positive finding was the decrease in bulk density with increasing BSDA, making blocks lighter and easier to transport. The research findings have some impacts on environmental sustainability, speed construction, and construction cost reduction.
Fluorescence analysis of antibacterial activity of ZnO/TiO 2 electrospun nanofibers: A molecular approach to reveals the insights of physiochemical interactions of materials with bacteria
Authors: Hassan Ali , Anwar Shahzad , Rashid Rashad , Khan Rafaqat Ali , Ibrahim Saba , Khanam Bisma , Shah Attaullah , Raffi Muhammad
Published: December 2024

Fluorescence spectroscopy employed to compute the antibacterial potential of pure ZnO and Titania (TiO2) loaded ZnO (TiO2: 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) electrospun nanofibers. The study of electrospun nanofibers followed by their structural, morphological and antibacterial properties has been revealed through fluorescence spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of nanofibers calcinated at 600°C revealed the presence of polycrystalline wurtzite hexagonal crystallographic planes of ZnO with preferred orientation along (101) direction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that calcination of electrospun nanofibers resulted in smooth and pure ZnO nanofibers due to ethanol evaporation and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) decomposition. Two bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used for fluorescence spectroscopy-based evaluation of antibacterial activity of ZnO and TiO2-ZnO nanofibers. Agar well technique was employed to investigate the antibacterial activity and functioning mechanism of nanofibers against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The consistent zones of inhibition have been observed for pure ZnO and Titania loaded ZnO nanofibers. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed the insights of bacterial killing with nanofibers. The mechanistic study of interaction between nanofibers and bacterial cells leads to cell membrane breakdown and confirmed with SEM imaged micrographs. Furthermore, the nanofibers calcinated at 600°C efficiently ruptured the bacteria resulting in higher antibacterial phenomenon as compare to the other nanofiber structures.
Hand grip strength and quality of life in adult Polish population in 50-90 age of life
Authors: Kaczorowska Antonina , Kozieł Sławomir , Ignasiak Zofia
Published: December 2024

With advancing age, progressive loss of muscle strength as assessed by hand grip strength may also result in poorer health-related quality of life. The aim of this study is to analyse and evaluate the associations of hand grip strength with quality of life in people aged 50–90 years from south-western Poland. The study group comprised 1 446 people, including 351 men and 1 095 women, aged between 50 and 90 years. The WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Hand grip strength of the dominant hand was measured. The general assessment of quality of life shows a significant relationship with hand grip strength. Two domains of quality of life: social and environmental also significantly differentiate hand grip strength. As the number of points in given domains increases, the hand grip strength increases. In men, the relationship between the environmental domain and hand grip strength is significantly stronger than in women (r = 0.12; p < 0.05 and r = 0.06; p < 0.05 for males and females, respectively). Hand grip strength is related to the quality of life of older adults, especially in the social and environmental domains. Actions are necessary to improve the strength of skeletal muscles in adults, and thus their quality of life.
Development of a Radioactivity Estimation Algorithm for an Arbitrary Geometry Radiation Source in Nuclear Power Plant Workspace
Authors: Kim Ji Woo , Kim Ju Young , Kim Min Seong , Lee Dae Ho , Kim Kwang Pyo
Published: December 2024

Nuclear power plant workers can be exposed to radiation under various working conditions such as during normal operation, maintenance period, or emergency. To establish an optimal work plan, radiation dose prediction and assessment must be conducted in advance. Radioactivity data are essential to assess radiation dose. However, in some situations, these data may not be available, and analyzing precise activity of radiation source in all nuclear power plant work environments may require significant time and financial resource. Therefore, an algorithm is needed that can swiftly estimate the radioactivity of the radiation sources by utilizing the radiation dose rate which are readily available data. The objective of this study is to develop an algorithm for estimating the radioactivity of arbitrary geometry radiation sources within the nuclear power plant workspaces. To achieve this, an algorithm was initially developed to estimate the radioactivity of point sources and arbitrary geometry radiation sources. Subsequently, scenarios for the point sources and cylindrical volume sources were established, and the effectiveness of the algorithm was validated with applying these scenarios. In the radioactivity estimation algorithm for the point sources, the radioactivity was estimated by reverse-calculating the external exposure dose assessment equation from the radiation dose rate data. However, various uncertainties may exist in the radiation dose rate data. Because limitations exist in deriving an exact activity value, a numerical analysis method was employed to obtain an optimal solution. The estimation procedure was divided into five steps: 1) obtaining input parameters, 2) establishing the simultaneous equation, 3) deriving an initial solution set, 4) deriving the approximate solution set, and 5) calculating uncertainty and determining the optimal solution. Additionally, a radioactivity estimation algorithm for arbitrary geometry radiation sources was developed integrating the point source radioactivity estimation algorithm and the point-kernel method. The estimation procedure was divided into two steps: 1) point segmentation of the arbitrary geometry radiation source and 2) estimation of radioactivity for the segmented point source. In the validation results of each algorithm, the error rate between the actual and estimated values ranged from approximately 1.19%–11.2%. The results of this study are expected to be utilized in the future for optimizing work plans in nuclear power plant workspaces where radioactivity information is unavailable.
Shift Work Schedules Alter Immune Cell Regulation and Accelerate Cognitive Impairment during Aging
Authors: de Souza Karienn , Jackson Morgan , Chen Justin , Reyes Jocelin , Muayad Judy , Tran Emma , Jackson William , Newell-Rogers Karen , Earnest David
Published: December 2024

Background: Disturbances of the sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms typically precede the age-related deficits in learning and memory, suggesting that these alterations in circadian timekeeping may contribute to the progressive cognitive decline during aging. The present study examined the role of immune cell activation and inflammation in the link between circadian rhythm dysregulation and cognitive impairment in aging.Methods: C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to shifted light-dark (LD) cycles (12hr advance/5d) during early adulthood (from ≈ 4-6mo) or continuously to a “fixed” LD12:12 schedule. At middle age (13-14mo), the long-term effects of circadian rhythm dysregulation on cognitive performance, immune cell regulation and hippocampal microglia were analyzed using behavioral, flow cytometry and immunohistochemical assays.Results: Entrainment of the activity rhythm was stable in all mice on a fixed LD 12:12 cycle but was fully compromised during exposure to shifted LD cycles. Even during “post-treatment” exposure to standard LD 12:12 conditions, re-entrainment in shifted LD mice was marked by altered patterns of entrainment and increased day-to-day variability in activity onset times that persisted into middle-age. These alterations in light-dark entrainment were closely associated with dramatic impairment in the Barnes maze test for the entire group of shifted LD mice at middle age, well before cognitive decline was first observed in aged (18-22mo) animals maintained on fixed LD cycles. In conjunction with the effects of circadian dysregulation on cognition, shifted LD mice at middle age were distinguished by significant expansion of splenic B cells and B cell subtypes expressing the activation marker CD69 or inflammatory marker MHC Class II Invariant peptide (CLIP), differential increases in CLIP+, 41BB-Ligand+, and CD74 + B cells in the meningeal lymphatics, alterations in splenic T cell subtypes, and increased number and altered functional state of microglia in the dentate gyrus. In shifted LD mice, the expansion in splenic B cells was negatively correlated with cognitive performance; when B cell numbers were higher, performance was worse in the Barnes maze. These results indicate that disordered circadian timekeeping associated with early exposure to shift work-like schedules alone accelerates cognitive decline during aging in conjunction with altered regulation of immune cells and microglia in the brain.
Sex-specific outcome after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass for single-vessel disease: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Ma Hao , Pei Fengbo , Han Zengqiang , Lian Bo , Liu Gang , Shi Yi , Zhao Zhou
Published: December 2024

Objective
To evaluate the influence of gender on surgical outcome in patients with single-vessel disease undergoing minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB).
Methods
This retrospective, non-randomized study analyzed 471 patients who underwent MIDCAB between February 2012 and January 2021 through left lateral thoracic small incision in the Department of Cardiac Surgery of our hospital were selected. Data were collected on demographics, clinical characteristics, operative and postoperative outcomes, and follow-up mortality and morbidity. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match patients between the groups.
Results
Before matching, female patients were older, had higher incidence of DM (40.2% Vs 27.3%, p = 0.013), higher LVEF (66.7 ± 8.0 Vs 63.6 ± 10.1, p<0.001) and smaller LVEDD (4.7 ± 0.5 Vs 5.1 ± 0.6, p = 0.001). After matching, the differences in baseline characteristics between both groups were eliminated. PS matching selected 103 matched pairs for final comparison. No significant differences were observed between both groups in terms of in-hospital mortality, the incidence of MACCE, incidence of perioperative MI, incidence of stroke, reoperation for bleeding. Female patients had longer length of stay compared to male patients (18.9 ± 14.3 Vs 15.5 ± 5.9, p = 0.027).
Conclusion
Female sex is not connected with higher risk of mortality or other major events in MIDCAB. Wound healing complications remain the leading attribute associated with female sex.
A geostatistical method applied to the spatial distribution of Rock Mass Rating values in a mineralization zone
Authors: Kiyoumarsi Mohammad Reza , Hassani Hossein , Ramazi Hamid Reza
Published: December 2024

A precise understanding of the spatial distribution of rock mass properties is essential for the safe and economical design of rock structures. This paper adapts geostatistical methodologies, traditionally employed for estimating block ore grades and tonnage, to forecast rock properties crucial for structural modeling. The Rock Mass Rating (RMR) classification system, extensively utilized for evaluating rock mass quality, serves as a framework to inform excavation techniques and ensure slope stability in open-pit mining and rock support systems for tunnel construction.
The study introduces a geostatistical simulation method to create three-dimensional (3D) models of rock mass quality distribution based on RMR. Geotechnical data from 37 drillholes, encompassing a total of 11,278 meters, were collected from the Miduk open pit mine in Iran. Two block models for RMR were constructed using the turning bands simulation method (TBM) with 100 realizations. The research utilized both direct and indirect approaches. In the direct method, the RMR value was considered a singular variable for simulation, whereas the indirect method involved simulating individual RMR parameters and subsequently summing them to derive the final RMR for each block.
Cross-validation indicated strong consistency between the two approaches, reinforced by the 3D model of the faults and the contribution of joints, which were derived from scan-line mapping data collected from 24,160 surface stations. Although both methods yielded similar results, the block model developed via the indirect approach proved to be more comprehensive regarding geomechanical parameters and has thus been established as the final model.
Prostatic Artery Embolization in Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Outcome and Efficacy in Medium Sized Compared to Large Prostates
Authors: Elghitany Noha , Hetta Osama , Hussein Ahmed , Allam Allam
Published: December 2024

Background:
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure commonly performed to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is a validated patient questionnaire quantifying LUTS, Quality of Life (QOL) and postvoiding residual volume (PVR) were used for patient selection for PAE. Prostate volume is an easily estimated objective parameter across multiple imaging modalities specially with ultrasound. We are comparing the result of embolization by comparing it in large (over 80 mL) and medium sized prostates (from 51 to 80 mL) volume. We looked at a sample of 88 cases performed at a large teaching hospital between January 2022 to August 2024 with 6 months follow up.
Embospheres between 300/500 microns were injected into the prostatic arteries bilaterally (if technically feasible). Ultrasound were used to measure to estimate prostatic volume. N = 42 had an estimated volume (range 51-80 mL) and N=46 had an estimate volume> 80 mL. IPSS, QOL, PVR and PV were assessed before and at 1-, 3- and 6-months post-procedure were collected. The aim of this study is to compare efficacy and outcome of PAE in medium sized prostate in comparison to the large prostates.
Results:
Both medium-sized and large prostate groups showed statistically significant reductions in prostate volume, IPSS, QoL, and PVR over time (P-value <0.001). However, while the percentage reduction in prostate volume was comparable between the two groups across all follow-up points (e.g., 56.42% vs. 60.71% at 6 months, p=0.055, NS), the large prostate group had significantly greater reductions in PVR at 1, 3, and 6 months (e.g., 77.46% vs. 63.22% at 6 months, p<0.001). Conversely, the medium-sized group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in IPSS at 1 and 3 months (e.g., 65.02% vs. 59.45% at 3 months, p=0.004), but these differences were not significant by 6 months. QoL improvements were similar between the groups throughout the study. No major complications were recorded.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that prostate volume should not be used to exclude patients for PAE.
Development of a psoralen-conjugated nucleoside mimic for triplex-forming oligonucleotides: Evaluation of the triplex-forming and photo-crosslinking properties
Authors: Mikame Yu , Toyama Haruki , Dohno Chikara , Wada Takehiko , Yamayoshi Asako
Published: December 2024

Psoralen-conjugated triplex-forming oligonucleotides (Ps-TFOs) have been employed for the photodynamic regulation of gene expression by the photo-crosslinking of psoralen with the target DNA. However, stable triplex formation requires a consecutive purine base sequence in one strand of the target DNA duplexes. The pyrimidine-base interruption in the consecutive purine base sequence drastically decreases the thermodynamic stability of the corresponding triplex, which hampers the TFO application. Here, we propose a design of the Ps-TFO for stable triplex formation with target DNA sequences containing pyrimidine-base interruptions under physiological conditions. This Ps-TFO, named 1’(one)-psoralen-conjugated triplex-forming oligonucleotide (OPTO), incorporates a synthesized nucleoside mimic 1’-psoralen-conjugated deoxyribose to increase the thermodynamic stability of the corresponding triplex by the intercalation of psoralen. The triplex-forming abilities of the OPTO were successfully demonstrated in combination with locked nucleic acid (LNA), indicating that the use of OPTO will expand the range of the target sequences of TFO for photodynamic gene regulation.
Wearable Technology in the Management of Complex Chronic Illness: Preliminary Survey Results on Self-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Sawyer Abbey , Preston Rory , Leeming Harry , Martin-Fuller Luke , Proal Amy , Putrino David
Published: December 2024

Chronic illnesses like Long Covid and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome involve fluctuating symptoms, often worsened by exertion. Home monitoring technologies may support symptom tracking and self-management. A survey of 1,301 users of the Visible mobile application found that 77% experienced symptom improvements, 85% felt more in control, and 94% gained better understanding of their energy budget. Home-monitoring-based mobile applications may offer value in managing energy-limiting chronic conditions to achieve better self-management.
Background
Complex chronic illnesses like Long Covid (LC) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) are marked by fluctuating symptoms, often exacerbated by physical, cognitive, or emotional exertion in a phenomenon known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). Home monitoring technologies offer potential benefits by enabling individuals to track symptoms and biometrics, aiding in disease self-management. However, the general effectiveness of such tools is still unknown.
Methods
A random sample of users of the Visible mobile application, aged 18 or older and with self-identified complex chronic illnesses such as LC or ME/CFS, were invited to complete an online survey regarding the impact of the app on their chronic disease self-management. Descriptive statistics related to the responses were analyzed and reported.
Results
The survey was distributed to 2,636 people, with 1,301 participants responding (49.3% response rate). The average age was 46 years, and 82% of respondents were female. Most participants reported having ME/CFS (42%), LC (31%), or both (18%). Of those with at least 30 days of data, 77% saw improvements in symptoms, 85% felt more in control of their illness, and 94% reported a better understanding of their energy budget.
Discussion and Conclusion
Home-monitoring based mobile applications may have utility in helping people with energy-limiting complex chronic illnesses to achieve better chronic disease self-management, and should be considered as a management strategy for people living with these conditions.
Impact of community capital on the well-being of panela-producer families in southwest Colombia
Authors: Moyano Edgar Martinez , Sandoval Brian Bermeo , Motta Dúber Mora , Ramirez Herminton Muñoz , Rojas Ivan Camilo Sánchez , Peña Oscar Raúl Rojas
Published: December 2024

The cultivation of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) for panela production represents one of the most important livelihoods for rural households in Colombia, particularly in the southern region of Huila. To improve the productive development of this crop, it is essential to understand the subsistence strategies associated with panela production and its relationship with the well-being of Colombian households. For this purpose, we analyzed the impact of community capitals and Fundamental Human Needs on the well-being of rural households in southwestern Colombia. The study was conducted with 92 panela-producers families grouped in three typologies, i) diversifiers, ii) avant-garde and iii) traditionalists. We analyzed the correlations between community capitals and typologies. Diversifiers, representing most producers (59.8%), engage in multiple economic activities for income generation, such as coffee cultivation, avocado farming, livestock, sugarcane production, and pig farming, while, avant-garde typology (28.3%) is directly related to sugarcane cultivation, and Traditionalists (11.9%) who panela production is a secondary income source after coffee production. The conditions of sugarcane cultivation in rural households result in differential access to capital resources, households with more developed cultivation practices have achieved greater well-being, where success directly depends on the synergy between community capitals. This study highlights the need to strengthen the skills and knowledge of producers, supporting the social appropriation of knowledge and promoting the development of public policies aimed at greater investment in the agricultural sector, thus improving the well-being of rural families.
Physical, Mechanical, and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Ethyl cellulose/ Polycaprolactone Electrospun Nanofibers Incorporated to Gallic Acid and Natamycin for Cheese Packaging
Authors: Beikzadeh Samira , Ehsani Ali , Mortazavian Amir Mohammad , Sheikhi Zhian , Ghorbani Marjan
Published: December 2024

Electrospinning is a process for producing nanofibers that can be applied for active food packaging. In this study, polymers of ethyl cellulose (ECL) and polycaprolactone (PCL) in weight ratios of 70:30, 80:20, and 90:10% and natamycin (NAT) (1 and 2% w /w) and gallic acid (GAL) (10 and 30% w/w) were used. Nanofibers were produced after the electrospining process (voltage 16 kV, rate of 1 ml/hour, distance of 15 cm). Then, nanofibers were examined for morphological, FTIR, thermal, mechanical, antioxidant, water contact angle, and antifungal properties. The results showed that ECL90/PCL10, ECL80/PCL20, and ECL70/PCL30 had an average diameter of 1250.86 ± 18 nm, 1174 ± 21.4 nm, 754.73 ± 23 nm. ECL and PCL in a ratio of 70 to 30 were selected and combined with NAT and GAL. The average diameter of the produced nanofibers was between 779.32- 924.63 nm. Also, with the addition of NAT and GAL, the thermal stability, mechanical, and antifungal properties of ECL/PCL were increased. The addition of 2% NAT with 10% or 30% GAL completely prevented the growth of both molds. Cheese samples packed with nanofibers containing NAT and GAL in all treatments had a lower increase in mold and yeast during the period than the control sample. Also, the results of the sensory evaluation score did not show a significant difference between the packaged samples.