bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low depression scores among pet dog owners – a comparative cross-sectional study from Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Rathish Devarajan , Rajapakse Jayanthe ,   Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Weerakoon Kosala ,   Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
Published: December 2024

Introduction and aim. The role of canine companionship in psychosocial and cardiovascular health is increasingly explored. However, such studies are scarce in South Asia. Hence, we aim to compare psychosocial and cardiovascular indices between pet dog owners and age and sex-matched non-pet owners in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Material and methods. A community-based, comparative, cross-sectional study was done among 52 pet dog owners and 52 age, sex-matched non-pet owners. An allostatic load was calculated using predefined cutoffs. Chi-square (or Fisher’s exact), Mann Whitney U, and Spearman’s rho were performed (p<0.05).
Results. The pet dog owners’ group had a significantly lower mean (SD) [7.8 (7.2)], and median (interquartile range) [6 (2–12.5)] depression score when compared to the non-pet owners [11.2 (8.6)], 10 (6–14.5) respectively (p=0.03). Also, the pet dog owners showed a significant negative correlation between the pet bond scale score and cortisol (r=-0.36, p=0.01).
Conclusion. A significantly lower depression score in the pet dog owners’ group than in the non-pet owners’ group was observed. And, the pet bond score had a significant negative correlation with the stress hormone cortisol. Thus, pet dog ownership could improve psychosocial health and will guide towards one-health interventions and research among South Asian communities.
Phytochemical analysis, stability, and antimicrobial activity of eighteen medicinal plants studied against five multi-drug resistant human pathogens
Authors:   Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, Malya G. Dharshana , Bhattacharjee Jhumpa ,   Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, India, Mukherjee Sahana ,   Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, Deka Shubhajyoti ,   Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, India, Saikia Lahari ,   Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, India, Nandi Shoma Paul ,   Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Published: December 2024

Introduction and aim. Several medicinal plants from India have been reported to be effective against human pathogens, but comprehensive comparative studies are scarce. The aim of this study has been to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial activity, phytochemical composition, and stability at different temperatures and pH of ethanolic extracts of eighteen Indian medicinal plants which are prevalent in North-east India and thrive abundantly.
Material and methods. These plants included Syzygium cumini, Cannabis sativa, Camellia sinensis, Murraya koenigii, Alstonia scholaris, Terminalia chebula, Flemingia strobilifera, Azadirachta indica, Prunus persica, Euphorbia thymifolia, Averrhoa carambola, Paderia foetida, Psidium guajava, Spondias pinnata, Garcinia cowa, Litsea cubeba, Micania macrantha, and Phlogocanthus thyrsiflorus. Their potent medicinal properties made them the ideal choice for this study which included the use of agar well diffusion method and phytochemical analysis.
Results. Agar well diffusion has been used to test their antibacterial activity, which demonstrated higher antibacterial activity of G. cowa extract against Vibrio cholerae and Staphylococcus aureus, whereas S. pinnata extract was most effective against V. cholerae and Enterococcus faecium.
Conclusion. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenols. The antimicrobial activity of these plant extracts remained stable at higher temperatures and varying pH levels.
Perceived COVID-19 anxiety, fear and depression levels among university students during the decreased restrictions of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors:   Department of Medical Services, Tunceli Vocational School, Munzur University, Tunceli, Türkiye, Baş Kazim
Published: December 2024

Introduction and aim. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted human life. It is observed that a significant group affected by this situation are university students. Evaluating the psychological states of students during the transition to normal life from the pandemic period is important. This study was conducted to examine the perceived levels of COVID-19 anxiety, fear, and depression among university students during the descreased restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Material and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1170 university students. The data were collected using “the Introductory Information Form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale – Short Form, and the Depression Scale.
Results. It was observed that there was a difference between gender, class, education level, income level, having had COVID-19, and having a deceased relative due to COVID-19 and perceived COVID-19 anxiety and fear and depression levels among university students (p<0.05).
Conclusion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, although restrictions have been lifted, students still experience moderate levels of COVID-19 anxiety, fear, and depression. Therefore, considering the factors that affect university students’ mental state, there is a need for services that support students’ mental well-being.
A rare case of hypertrophic olivary degeneration in a patient with pontine hemorrhage
Authors:   Department of Clinical and Morphological Disciplines, Salymbekov University, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Mamytova Elmira , Biialieva Gulmira ,   Vedanta University Clinic, International Higher School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Akulich Evgeniya ,   Vedanta University Clinic, International Higher School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Abaeva Tamara ,   Department of Normal and Topographic Anatomy, I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Monolov Nurbek ,   Department of Clinical and Morphological Disciplines, Salymbekov University, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Satybaldiev Masalbek ,   Department of Normal and Topographic Anatomy, I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Chekirbaeva Nursulu ,   Department of Normal and Topographic Anatomy, I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Batyrov Maksatbek ,   Department of Special Clinical Disciplines, International University of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Published: December 2024

Introduction and aim. Hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD) is an extremely rare disease that affects the inferior olivary nucleus (ION) in the medulla oblongata and is also referred to as hypertrophic degeneration of the inferior olives. This type of degeneration is characterized by trans-synaptic degeneration resulting from the blocking of afferent impulses in the ION, which is distinct from HOD. In this report, we present a clinical case of bilateral HOD that was identified and confirmed by neuroimaging two months after pontine hemorrhage.
Description of the case. A 52-year-old male was admitted to a university hospital because of gait imbalance, difficulty in swallowing and speaking, psychomotor agitation, visual hallucinations, and full vertical and horizontal gaze paralysis. He had a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. The patient received symptomatic supportive treatment, without surgery. Ten weeks after the vascular incident, neurological examination revealed six cases of right cranial nerve palsy, vertical pendular nystagmus, dysarthria, decreased throat reflexes, and lingual and pharyngeal paresthesia. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral hyperintense foci of 15×6 mm in the medulla oblongata, as detected by T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery. Two months of treatment with clonazepam, carbamazepine, and vestibular exercise resulted in no positive changes. Rehabilitation and psychotherapy were then continued.
Conclusion. Contrast MRI is required to confirm HOD, whereas non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging is the only method used for imaging and is not always reliable because it can cause neoplasia, infarction, demyelinating disorders, infections, and other similar problems.
Assessment of the quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients – a comparative study of WHOQOL-BREF and DQOL instruments
Authors:   Department of Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Gombong, Kebumen, Indonesia, Asti Arnika Dwi , Sarwono  ,   Department of Community Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Gombong, Kebumen, Indonesia, Kinwati  ,   Wanadadi Community Health Center, Central Java, Indonesia, Suwaryo Putra Agina Widyaswara ,   Department of Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Gombong, Kebumen, Indonesia
Published: December 2024

Introduction and aim. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent health issue that significantly impacts the quality of life of patients. Evaluating quality of life in T2DM patients is crucial for understanding the broader effects of the disease and improving patient care. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the WHOQOL-BREF and DQOL instruments in measuring the quality of life of T2DM patients.
Material and methods. A descriptive quantitative study was conducted from March to June 2023 at Puskesmas Wanadadi 1 Banjarnegara. The sample consisted of 195 T2DM patients selected using purposive sampling based on the following inclusion criteria: diagnosed with T2DM for at least one year, aged 30-70 years, willing to participate, and able to complete the questionnaires. Data were collected using the WHOQOL-BREF and DQOL questionnaires and analyzed descriptively.
Results. The analysis revealed that the WHOQOL-BREF and DQOL instruments provided comprehensive insights into the quality of life of T2DM patients. The WHOQOL-BREF was particularly effective in assessing physical and environmental domains (p<0.05), while the DQOL was more sensitive to diabetes-specific concerns and psychological well-being (p<0.05).
Conclusion. Both the WHOQOL-BREF and DQOL are effective in evaluating the quality of life of T2DM patients, each offering unique strengths in different domains. The findings suggest that a combined use of these instruments could provide a more holistic understanding of the quality of life impacts in T2DM patients, guiding more targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Assessment of behavior and barriers of post-exposure prophylaxis for prevention of rabies in patients attending a tertiary care center in eastern India – a mixed method approach
Authors:   Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, Debata Ipsita , Nayak Rosy ,   Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, Behera Basanta Kumar ,   Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, Panda Prem Sagar ,   Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, Nayak Smrutiranjan ,   Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, Mandal Dibyajyoti ,   Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Published: December 2024

Introduction and aim. Rabies from animal bites, although preventable, is almost 100% fatal, with the dog being the most common infected animal. Several factors influence the timely initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) which needs to be explored. This study aimed to determine the facilitating and inhibiting factors in initiating PEP among animal bite victims attending a tertiary care center in Eastern India.
Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 consenting animal bite victims attending casualty and medicine as out-patients in a tertiary care hospital. A mixed-method study approach was undertaken to explore the facilitating and inhibiting factors for the timely initiation of PEP using a pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.
Results. The most common biting animal were dogs (96.2%). Around 102 patients (68%) were males and 48 (32%) were females. Timely initiation of PEP was seen in 112 (74.7%) of the study sample while delay was seen in 38 (25.3%). The inhibiting factors were the absence of an accompanying person (54.67%), the absence of vaccines and immunoglobulins in the nearest health facility (50.67%), referral from other health facilities (44%) and preferred other modalities of treatment (24.67%). Delays in initiation of PEP was significantly associated with gender (p=0.018), place of residence (p<0.001), those living more than 20 km from a health facility (p=0.014), educational status (p<0.001), and those with monthly income <10000 INR (p<0.01).
Conclusion. Lower economic status, education, and accessibility to health facilities were major inhibiting factors causing a delay in the initiation of PEP. Further, community-based studies are warranted.
The use of topical metronidazole in the management of seborrheic dermatitis – a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors:   School of Pharmacy, IMU University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Lee E. Lyn , Shanmugham Suresh ,   School of Pharmacy, IMU University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kumar Suresh ,   School of Pharmacy, IMU University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Smales Frederick Charles ,   School of Pharmacy, IMU University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ching Siew Mooi ,   Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia, Veettil Sajesh K. ,   School of Pharmacy, IMU University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: December 2024

Introduction and aim. Topical metronidazole, with its well-known anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, could be beneficial for managing seborrheic dermatitis (SD), but studies report conflicting results. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical metronidazole in the treatment of SD.
Material and methods. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL was conducted from inception to April 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing metronidazole to any comparator for SD were included in this study. Data were pooled using random-effects models.
Analysis of the literature. Seven RCTs were included. Overall, topical metronidazole did not significantly reduce SD symptom severity when compared to any comparator/treatment. However, it significantly reduced symptom severity compared to placebo after 4 to 8 weeks (standardized mean difference (SMD) -3.00, 95% CI, -5.21 to -0.78). Specifically for facial SD, metronidazole showed significant symptom reduction (SMD -0.85, 95% CI, -1.41 to -0.29). No significant differences were found in the proportion of patients with clinical improvement or side effect frequency. Most studies had a high risk of bias and lacked information on missing data and assessor masking.
Conclusion. Topical metronidazole demonstrates potential for managing SD, but current trials lack quality. Larger, high-quality trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and compare it with other treatments for SD.
Semaglutide – a long – awaited cure for obesity or an elusive treatment?
Authors:   First Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic in Lublin, Lublin, Poland, Oleksak Izabela , Maliszewska Karolina ,   First Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic in Lublin, Lublin, Poland, Szawłoga Tomasz ,   First Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic in Lublin, Lublin, Poland, Welian-Polus Iwona ,   Specialist Hospital named after Ludwik Rydygier in Kraków, Kraków, Poland, Wilanowska Wiktoria ,   Stefan Kardynał Wyszyński Province Specialist Hospital in Lublin, Lublin, Poland, Babkiewicz-Jahn Kamila ,   First Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic in Lublin, Lublin, Poland, Matuszewska Justyna ,   First Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic in Lublin, Lublin, Poland, Szymańska Adrianna ,   Independent Public Health Care Facility in Puławy, Puławy, Poland
Published: December 2024

Introduction and aim. Obesity is a challenging disease that affects various organs and cannot be easily treated. Therefore, the discovery that taking semaglutide results in weight loss caused great excitement amongst patients and medical professionals. The aim of this literature review is to explore the benefits and dangers of semaglutide and its effectiveness in treating obesity.
Material and methods. Review of articles published in PubMed since 2017 until first quarter of 2024.
Analysis of literature. Obesity is an increasing problem of the world population. There are different approaches in obesity treatment. Semaglutide seems effective in treating diabetes, as well as conditions that emerge from long-lasting obesity. It showed positive influence regarding diabetic neuropathy, cardiovascular risk and more. It is important to remember about possible adverse events. The most prominent are gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. New reports show complications with simultaneous use of anesthesia or coexisting depression. Larger studies on semaglutiderelated side effects will be published in 2025 and in 2026.
Conclusion. Semaglutide is an anti-diabetic drug showing promising effects in treating diabetes and in alleviating conditions caused by obesity. It is worth remembering that its side effects have not yet been fully investigated.
Preiser disease in pediatric population – a review
Authors:   Virgin Mary Provincial Specialist Hospital in Częstochowa, Częstochowa, Poland, Kopcik Katarzyna , Kwinta Robert ,   Municipal Hospital in Zabrze, Zabrze, Poland
Published: December 2024

Introduction and aim. Preiser disease is an avascular necrosis of the scaphoid. It is a rare disease, and even less common among the pediatric population. Disease is idiopathic, occurring without trauma or scaphoid non-union. Diagnostic methods include classic radiology, CT, MRI and bone scan. Treatment may be both surgical and conservative, and main aim is pain relief and widening range of motion of the wrist. The main aim of this paper is to summarize available knowledge about Preiser disease in the pediatric population.
Material and methods. The paper is based on scientific publications available in PubMed and NCBI databases. After evaluation of abstracts, papers were selected and analyzed, considering the references citied.
Analysis of the literature. Preiser disease is rare in the pediatric population. Children tend to present better results after conservative treatment than adults. Currently there are no unified treatment recommendations in Preiser disease, as knowledge about this condition is still limited. Wider research is vital to unify management recommendations.
Conclusion. Preiser disease can affect patients of both sexes at any age, but it is exceedingly rare in children. There is a need for controlled randomized studies to establish the treatment standards, which is challenging due to the rarity of the disease. By now, non-surgical treatment tends to be the most common among the pediatric population. Surgical methods implemented in this condition include vascularized bone grafts and proximal row carpectomy.
Determining treatment success in tubal ectopic pregnancies – the predictive value of the delta neutrophil index in single-dose methotrexate therapy
Authors:   Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye, Korpe Busra , Kose Caner ,   Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye, Celen Sevki ,   Department of Perinatology, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye, Kucukbas Gokce Naz ,   Department of Perinatology, Kocaeli City Hospital, Kocaeli, Türkiye, Ustun Yaprak Engin ,   Women’s Health Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences Etlik Zubeyde Hanım, Ankara, Türkiye
Published: December 2024

Introduction and aim. This study assessed the significance of the Delta neutrophil index (DNI) in predicting the effectiveness of single-dose methotrexate (MTX) treatment for tubal ectopic pregnancy.
Material and methods. In this retrospective study, 214 women diagnosed with tubal ectopic pregnancies and treated with MTX between 2019 and 2022 were included. Group 1 comprised 88 MTX responders, while group 2 consisted of 86 non-re sponders necessitating surgery. HCG and DNI levels were monitored on day 1, 4, and 7 of MTX treatment and compared be tween the groups.
Results. Group 1 exhibited significantly lower HCG and DNI levels compared to group 2 on days 1, 4, and 7 (p<0.001). Both HCG and DNI levels on days 1 and 4 of MTX treatment were significant predictors of treatment failure, with the highest AUC observed for DNI was on day 4. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, elevated DNI levels on day 1 of MTX treatment were associated with a 5.8-fold increased risk, and DNI levels on day 4 were associated with a 4.44-fold increased risk of MTX treatment failure.
Conclusion. DNI emerges as a valuable marker for predicting the success of single-dose methotrexate treatment in tubal ecto pic pregnancies, demonstrating superior predictive power compared to HCG.
Seeking a Space of Equality: The Shifting Role of Salafi Women in Contemporary Indonesia
Authors: Ismail Zaky , Fakhruddin M. Anas , Bariroh Laili , Nurhayati Aniek
Published: December 2024

This article aims to describe the shifting role of women in Muslim Salafist communities in Indonesia. Stereotyped as being oppressed, unrepresented, and not allowed to participate in the public sphere, the Salafi women are not expected to play an active role in their movement. Constructed on a literary study, this study finds that the female members of the Salafist movement can exercise some level of agency within the framework of structural conditions and are aware of their role. Salafist women in Indonesia are determined to play an active role in society and pursue their higher education, thus preparing them to serve as agents in the movement’s da‘wah activities. Although the women’s role is confined to activities within their community, they help recruit new female members and maintain the movement’s social networks.
Fractional-order load frequency control of a microgrid with electricity-hydrogen unit
Authors: Wang Ping , Wei Yahui , Yang Chao , Chen Xi
Published: December 2024

This work focuses on the load frequency control (LFC) of integrated energy microgrids that include traditional fossil fuel power units and variable renewable sources such as solar and wind generators. A pumped storage unit and electric-hydrogen-electric (EHE) units are integrated to stabilize frequency fluctuations of the microgrid. A comprehensive mathematical model is developed, and a fractional-order PID (FOPID) controller is implemented for LFC. A gradient-based optimizer (GBO) is used to adaptively adjust the controller parameters. Case studies and comparisons show that the GBO-FOPID LFC scheme outperforms GBO-PID and WOA-FOPID schemes in frequency deviation metrics. Specifically, in power shortage test scenarios, the proposed GBO-FOPID (EHE) scheme reduces frequency deviation performance indicators, such as the integral of absolute error (IAE), the integral of squared error (ISE), the integral of time multiplied by absolute error (ITAE), and the integral of time multiplied by squared error (ITSE), has decreased by 37.88%, 39.68%, 12.58%, and 12.45%, respectively. While in test scenarios involving power surplus and fluctuations in renewable resources, the proposed control method enables the system to have a similar degree of improvement in the above indicators. These improvements highlight the benefits of integrating EHE units in enhancing microgrid frequency control performance.
A gradation-density-dependent hypoplastic model for calcareous sand with particle crushing
Authors: Tang Yaolan , Wang Shun , Chen Liuxin , Chen Jiarui , Zhang Chunshun
Published: December 2024

The impact of particle crushing and relative density on calcareous sand is substantial; however, relevant studies, particularly in constitutive modelling, remain limited. To address this gap, a gradation-density-dependent hypoplastic model has been developed to predict the behaviour of calcareous sand under crushing conditions. First, particle crushing is quantified and represented through a proposed gradation evolution law. The reduction in void ratio on normal consolidation lines (NCLs) and critical state lines (CSLs) is then decomposed into two components: particle rearranging and crushing. By integrating the developed grain size distribution (GSD) evolution and the void ratio reduction, the model effectively captures the gradation-density-dependent features of NCLs and CSLs. These features are subsequently incorporated into a hypoplastic framework, resulting in a gradation-density-dependent hypoplastic model for calcareous sands. The proposed model demonstrates a strong agreement with a series of experimental results for calcareous sands with varying relative densities.
Exploring the interaction of space atmosphere and conceptual context in architecture and cinema: a study on production processes and narrative effect
Authors: Bölükbaşı Merve , Özdemir Şahika
Published: December 2024

This research explores the complex relationship between architecture and cinema by focusing on the production processes surrounding the concept of space. It focuses on how the spatial experiences of the film are framed within a common framework that both disciplines are critically interested in. This research emphasizes the central role of space in film stories and shows that space transcends its traditional role as a mere backdrop and, on the contrary, appears as a dynamic element that not only influences the layer but also acts as a channel for its transmission. It refers to the central conceptual contexts of a film story.
This study uses an interdisciplinary lens to examine how conceptual contextual approaches are reinforced in spatial production processes. He proposes the use of cinematic narratives in architectural design education to create a basic conceptual framework for design. The aim of the research is to deepen the understanding of the relationship between space and conceptual context through studio studies integrated into design education, ultimately developing design methods and finding innovative ways to create final products.
The research includes studio studies focusing on the basic conceptual elements that shape the spatial configurations, physical layouts and dynamics of the user space through relevant film examples. The research, based on the field of science fiction, creates an infrastructure to explore the relationship between space and conceptual context through the themes of dystopia, utopia and future.
Laboratory modeling of man-made disasters
Authors:   Institute of Continuous Media Mechanics UB RAS, Belyaeva Anna V. , Sukhanovskii Andrey N. ,   Institute of Continuous Media Mechanics UB RAS
Published: December 2024

The paper presents an experimental approach to predicting the consequences of technogenic accidents. This approach consists in laboratory modeling of the process of heavy impurities transfer in conditions of orographically inhomogeneous surface. The paper provides a qualitative description of chlorine release at Soda-Chlorate Ltd in the city of Berezniki, prepared within the framework of this approach. The experimental model is a three-dimensional model of the area that takes into account the relief as well as the height and location of buildings on the territory of almost 6 square kilometers. The parameters of the experiment were selected for qualitative modeling of the process of chlorine/air mixture propagation in the atmosphere. Various scenarios of chlorine emission were considered. It is shown that the terrain plays a significant role in the propagation process. For all cases it is obtained that the impurity does not reach the boundary of residential areas. This result correlates with the data of field observations.
Investment openness of the Russian regions: Transformations over time and influence of the border location
Authors:   Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vasilieva Anastasia V. , Moroshkina Marina V. ,   Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Today, Russia faces a number of challenges and restrictions that might affect foreign economic activity, including attracting foreign investments. However, this influence is not equal over various Russian territories.

Purpose. The paper aims at assessing the investment openness of the Russian regions, identifying spatial trends in investment activities, and determining the impact of the border factor.

Materials and Methods. Investment openness was defined with mathematical tools and statistical data from 2011, 2015, and 2021; hierarchical cluster analysis was used for typology; the results of calculations and typology were visualized in map diagrams.

Results. The study identified groups of regions by their investment openness (outsiders, averagers and leaders); the parameter’s dynamic trends driven by the border factor were determined for the territories of Russia over the period of study.

Conclusions. The border factor has no predominant decisive influence on investment openness of the economies in the Russian regions. However, some regions showed the dependence on the border factors, which could mainly be explained by their geopolitical situation. Considering the importance of investment attractiveness for economic and technological development, there is a need for its scientifically based monitoring. The methodological approach presented in the work can be used to assess the spatial and time changes in investment openness of the economies of the Russian regions, including with regard to the border factor.
Legislative initiatives of Russian regions at the federal level in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors:   Perm Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the RAS, Sulimov K. A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The constituent entities of the Russian Federation have the right
of legislative initiative at the federal level, which is an important element of the institutional
system providing for regional participation in the governance of the entire country. The Russian
regions are quite active in using this right, but there are significant cross-regional variations.
The subject of the study is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, interpreted as an external shock,
on the use of this right by the Russian regions. Objectives: to assess the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on the use of the right of legislative initiative by Russian regions at the federal
level in quantitative and thematic aspects. Methods: data collection and processing, creating
a database on the use of the right of legislative initiative by Russian regions at the federal level,
comparative analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis. Results: based on the State
Duma data on bills submitted by regions, two theoretical assumptions about the reduction
in the number of bills and the change in their subject matter in the context of the pandemic
were tested. Both assumptions were confirmed. The Russian regions have reduced their activity
to a larger extent compared with other large entities (groups of entities) with the right
of legislative initiative (RLI) – the Government of the Russian Federation, deputies of the State
Duma, members of the Federation Council. However, unlike other entities entitled to RLI, their
share in initiating socially oriented bills has increased sharply. Conclusions: despite the fact
that the overall activity of regions in initiating federal laws has decreased, this activity remainsimportant for them, as the external shock has not forced them to abandon it completely.
At the same time, the results show that the regions have chosen different strategies
for adapting to the crisis. While some of them have sharply reduced their activity
due to changes in priorities and the redirection of resources, others, on the contrary, have
increased their activity, primarily due to bills in the sphere of social policy (in a broad sense).
Thus, the constituent entities of the Russian Federation use their right of legislative initiative
at the federal level as a tool for practical solution of regional problems.
Risk factors and situations of illegal labor activity
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Bezdenezhnykh V. M. , Kuznetsov Yu. V. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Kapustina N. V. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Smirnov Vladimir M. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Orlova Liubov N. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: December 2024

Introduction: the article is devoted to the study of processes related to illegal
labor activity (including migrants) and counteraction institutions used by public authorities
at the federal and regional levels, as well as identifying risks and threats to the state
stemming from illegal labor relations and outlining the directions for government regulation
of these processes. Illegal labor activity is defined as a set of processes covering emergence,
implementation and termination of labor relations between an employee and an employer
involving violation or non-compliance with formal norms, as well as labor relations in the illegal
sector of the economy. Objectives: to substantiate the conceptual foundations of the methodology
for assessing situations and risk factors from illegal labor activities, considering the risk owners.
Methods: special economic and general scientific methods that allow us to comprehensively
consider the problems of informal labor activity (content analysis, statistical and economic
analysis, identification of cause-and-effect dependencies). Results: the analysis of the indicators
of the informal labor relations revealed that some industries show a slight decrease
in informal employment, whereas the others show an increase. Traditional approaches divide
the situations of risk from illegal work into risks for an employer and risks for an employee.
The authors propose to supplement the illegal labor activity risk factors with risk factors
for the state. The study provides an overview of possible illegal labor risk situations and provides
recommendations for reducing risks, which clearly illustrates the possibilities of identifying
them and eliminating their causes and conditions of implementation. The authors developed
a classification for illegal labor activity risk factors based on the degree of legality and specifying
the risk factors and their owners (state, employee, employer). Conclusions: the obtained research
results made it possible to substantiate an expanded list of state risk factors from illegal labor,
classify them considering the risk owners, identify risk situations from illegal labor and propose
directions for an integrated approach to assessing the illegal labor risks of the state.
SIMULATION OF COMPLEX TRANSIENT AND POLYMER WATERFLOODING PROCESSES ON HETEROGENEOUS RESERVOIR ROCKS
Authors: Alexandrov V. M. , Zakirov N.N. , Telegin I.G. , Zakirov R.N.
Published: December 2024

Modern, innovative, secondary methods of impact on productive formations have long been used at Russian oil fields to increase oil recovery (especially at late stages of development). These include unsteady (cyclic) waterflooding with changing directions of filtration fluid flows in the reservoir, injection of various polymer compositions, and many others. The list of them can go on and on. There are various modifications of these technologies. The application of each of them gives a certain, and in a number of cases, a significant technological effect. These modifications of existing technologies are considered in detail and are included in the design technological documents for the development of hydrocarbon fields. It would be a dangerous misconception to believe that these methods will not receive further technological development and will not be widely used in oilfield practice in different oil and gas producing regions of the Russian Federation. Specialized literature has long discussed the issue of combined application of hydrodynamic and physicochemical methods, including unsteady cyclic and polymer flooding. According to a number of scientists, this technology will be more effective and economically viable compared to their separate implementation. To realize this approach, it is necessary to develop and implement at oil fields the modern technology of cyclic injection of polymer solution. The ratio of polymer solution and water injection periods should be calculated based on the results of hydrodynamic modeling of a specific area of polymer flooding technology implementation.In order to verify the correctness of the above conclusions, the authors of the article carried out test hydrodynamic calculations on the northeastern end of the deposit of the productive formation B10 one of the fields of the Sredneobskaya oil and gas province of West Siberia. This field object was chosen for test modeling due to the fact that it is composed of heterogeneous rocks characterized by different paleofacial genesis and quite a strong variation of filtration-capacity properties. All calculations were performed on the hydrodynamic simulator «tNavigator».
APPROACH TO DETERMINING THE ABILITY OF TUBING COATINGS TO RESIST AFS DEPOSITS
Authors: Valiakhmetov R.I. , Vinogradov P.V. , Shakirov A.M. , Kozhaeva A.V. , Andrey B. Noskov A.B. , Klyushin I.G.
Published: December 2024

One of the common types of complications in the operation of oil production wells, especially in the development of fields with heavy oil, is the formation of asphalt-tar-paraffin deposits (AFS) on the inner surface of tubing. The formation of AFS leads to a decrease in the internal cross-section of the tubing, a decrease in production, an increase in electricity costs for lifting the product and requires the well to be stopped for cleaning measures. There are several known and widely used technologies to prevent the formation of deposits, as well as methods for their removal. Field development conditions and characteristics of the produced product are diverse and often require an individual approach or the development of new technologies. Many modern methods of combating the formation of AFS only increase the overhaul period of wells for some time, and it is not always possible to completely avoid the formation of deposits. It is necessary to know the composition of deposits, their physicochemical properties and causes of formation. Attention should also be paid to the correct selection of methods that will achieve the greatest efficiency under different operating conditions, and will also be economically feasible.An effective way to prevent AFS in pipes is to use tubing with an internal coating. These coatings, due to low roughness and oleophobia, reduce the intensity of the formation of AFS deposits on the walls of the tubing or completely eliminate it. On the domestic market there are brands of coatings of various manufacturers, differing in production technology and operational characteristics. At the same time, in the regulatory documentation there are no requirements for the characteristics of coatings and methods for testing them for the ability to reduce and prevent AFS. Evaluation of the applicability of tubing coating and its effectiveness is carried out by conducting pilot tests (OPI) of tubing on the existing well stock with AFS complications.The article describes the approach to laboratory evaluation of the ability of the inner coating of tubing to prevent the formation of AFS, as well as the possibility of using one or another coating in the conditions of Rosneft fields, taking into account the physicochemical properties of the hydrocarbons produced. This approach makes it possible to reduce the time of introduction of new protective coatings into production processes due to the rejection of long-term OLP in favor of laboratory tests.
NEW METHODS FOR REDUCING THE IMPACT OF ANNULAR GAS PRESSURE ON DOWNHOLE PUMP OPERATION
Authors: Molchanova V.A.
Published: December 2024

Degassing of oil in the process of its production by mechanized method significantly complicates the operation of downhole pumping equipment. Gas entering the pump inlet can lead to a supply failure and a complete shutdown of production. Gas accumulating in the annulus displaces the liquid level above the pump intake or leads to excessively high pressure at the pump intake and, as a result, to losses in oil production and excessive consumption of the underground part of the pumping equipment. Reducing the impact of annular pressure on the operation of downhole equipment is one of the primary tasks in the conditions of development of fields with a high gas factor. The choice of the annulus pressure reduction method depends on the oil production conditions: well operation method, GOR value and allowable gas content at the pump intake.The article analyzes key and new ways to reduce the impact of annular pressure: gas bypass at the wellhead, gas bypass into tubing, gas pumping by a compressor, maintaining bottomhole pressure below the gas saturation pressure. Methodology of application of each method and equipment required for its implementation are presented. The results of field and laboratory tests of the above methods are consecrated. Along with new ways to reduce the effect of annular gas on the operation of downhole pumping equipment, an author's device for automatic bypass of annular gas has been proposed. From the annular space, by means of the proposed device, gas enters the tubing, where it performs additional work to lift the produced fluid.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE TEMPERATURE GRADIENT UNDER STABLE GAS CONDENSATE COOLING ON THE COMPOSITION PARAFFIN DEPOSITS
Authors: Shafikova E.A. , Belenkova N.G. , Vlasova L.I.
Published: December 2024

The transportation of stable gas condensate, containing high-molecular paraffin hydrocarbons, through an onshore pipeline under low-temperature climatic conditions is complicated by the formation of paraffin deposits when the hydrocarbon feedstock contacts the cold inner wall of the pipeline. In the conditions of stable gas condensate transportation through the pipeline, the precipitated paraffins lead to a decrease of its throughput capacity, an increase of hydraulic resistance, as well as the change of the rheological properties of hydrocarbon raw materials up to the formation of a structure in the whole volume of stable gas condensate and loss of fluidity. As a result of the paraffin deposits formation process when the temperature regime of stable gas condensate transportation changes a significant layer of paraffin deposits may accumulate. The nature of paraffin deposits is determined by a variety of reasons, and the consequence of paraffin deposits can be the appearance of a paraffin layer in the pipeline or equipment as insignificant, practically imperceptible during operation for a long time, and significant, leading to substantial overlap of the cross-section on long sections of the pipeline. The wax deposited in pipelines can increase pressure drop by reducing the area open to flow, which would result in an increase of the transportation cost. The formation of wax deposits in stable gas condensate is possible if two conditions are met: the temperature of the transported liquid is below the temperature of the beginning of wax crystallization (Cloud Point / Paraffin Appearance Temperature) and the positive temperature gradient of the transported liquid and the inner surface of the pipeline wall.The process of formation of a solid paraffin precipitate in stable gas condensate at change of temperature gradient between the solution and the adsorbing surface is investigated in this work. The influence of the process temperature on the amount and the component composition of paraffin hydrocarbons precipitate are shown.
ALGORITHM FOR DETERMINING SIGNS OF FRACTURE ACTIVATION IN INJECTION WELLS PRODUCING CARBONATE RESERVOIRS
Authors: Malov A.G. , Mukhametshin V.Sh. , Khalitov R.R. , Kharisov M.N. , Yakupov R.F.
Published: December 2024

Flooding in carbonate reservoir production is complicated by two most common issues related to natural fracturing activation and technogenic fracturing formation in these deposits: premature encroachment of the production well stock due to the breakthrough of injection water from injection wells and formation pressure drop due to a low injection efficiency factor. Depending on the geological structure of a section and related contrast in its geomechanical properties, these issues are manifested in different extents. For instance, calculations made by the authors demonstrated that the average injection efficiency factor is 50 % for Tournaisian deposits, and 65 % for Kashirskian-Podolskian deposits, which agrees with their geological characteristics.The most reliable existing method to identify the active fracturing signs in injection wells is the inflow performance relationship curve. Currently, only a few percent of the injection well stock in the deposits of the Republic of Bashkortostan have been covered by this method. The proposed algorithm for identifying active fracturing signs is universal and consists in complexing methods (Hall plot and pressure drawdown curve) which are less reliable as compared to the indicator diagram. But most importantly, studies using this method cover practically the entire injection well stock. A total of 93 % of the operating injection wells using carbonate reservoirs of Kashirskian-Podolskian and Tournaisian deposits of the Republic of Bashkortostan have been analyzed using this algorithm. The results of the analysis showed that active fracturing signs simultaneously identified using Hall plots and pressure drawdown curves are present in 9,5 % of the analyzed injection wells. At the same time, oil production increase in the adjacent production wells has been observed for 35 % wells since the occurrence of these signs. For 65 % wells, where oil production in the adjacent production wells has dropped since the occurrence of active fracturing signs, measures for injection well operation control have been suggested and implemented. The estimated additional oil production resulting from these measures is 62.2 thousand tons, and the average specific daily gain is 1,7 tons/day.