bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Application of LWD High-Resolution Ultrasonic Imaging in an Unconventional Horizontal Well in the Najmah Formation: Case Study from Kuwait
Authors: Al-Naqeeb Mohamed Nizar , Ghneej Ali Faleh Abu , Al-Khabbaz Mohammed , Abdulkarim Anar
Published: November 2023

The unconventional Jurassic Najmah carbonate-shale formation in northern Kuwait has been tested and found to be a prolific source rock as well as a producer of gas, condensate, and light oil in different wells. The flow-controlling system, given the very low porosity, is highly dependent on the presence of a natural fracture network.

The Najmah kerogen member, formally known as the Najmah shale, is the source reservoir composed of highly organic-rich argillaceous and calcareous clay, represented by very high total gamma ray values associated with high uranium on spectral gamma ray logs. Average matrix porosity ranges from 2 to 6%, low permeability from 0.01 to 1.5 mD, and total organic content (TOC) from 7 to 12%. Identification and interpretation of fractures, bed boundaries, and borehole breakout from high-resolution images plays a crucial role in optimizing completion design. Using wireline has been a challenge in horizontal wells, making logging-while-drilling (LWD) acquisition preferable.

The case study is from a horizontal exploration well drilled with a rotary steerable system combined with gamma ray and resistivity sensors in the Najmah formation of north Kuwait, where a multi-stage fracking completion was planned. The logging program also included density, neutron porosity, sonic, and high-resolution ultrasonic borehole imaging measurements. To minimize the risk of stuck events, it was decided to use LWD acquisition. Wells in the area are typically drilled in the minimum stress direction (SHmin) to cross natural fractures perpendicularly, to optimize fracking. However, surprisingly, most of the natural fractures were almost parallel to SHmin. Overall, high data quality was achieved, and the results exceeded the end data users’ expectations. In total 96 natural fractures, 16 bed boundaries, and a few breakout intervals were interpreted within a measured-depth interval of 1,610 feet. Some of the fractures could be identified with high confidence on a 1:200 scale log.

The new information about fracture orientation will be considered for future well design planning. The results were also used to facilitate the optimization of future field development and completion design. Further field analysis and studies are planned to be performed to confirm the interpreted results.
Injection Optimization for Oil Production Increase by Quantitative Assessment of Crosswell Interference Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Kim V. U. , Gulyaev D. N. , Voron K. A. , Prilutckiy A. A. , Shigapov I. N.
Published: November 2023

Understanding reservoir pressure dynamics and crosswell interference is crucial for optimizing pressure maintenance systems in heterogeneous reservoirs with complex geology. This paper presents a case study from Eastern Siberia, highlighting the positive impact of applying Multi-Well Retrospective Test (MRT) machine learning technology on production enhancement.

MRT technology relies on mathematical algorithms for annualizing long-term records of bottomhole pressure and surface rates from a group of wells through multiwell deconvolution. It requires historical data of bottomhole pressures for the tested well and flow rate history for all wells under study. Multiwell deconvolution involves a fully or semi-automated search for initial pressure and Unit-rate Transient Response (UTR) for tested wells and cross-well intervals, aligning actual pressure records with total sandface flow rate variation history. It also quantifies the accumulated pressure impact of surrounding wells on the tested well.

The study area featured nine wells with declining production rates, including six producers and three injectors. The primary objective was to assess production enhancement potential, primarily through injection optimization. The seven-year dataset encompassed flow rate and pressure variations during production. Before employing machine learning, data were preprocessed to reduce the number of analysis points, synchronize flow rate and pressure change timings, and remove outliers. Mathematical deconvolution procedures were then applied to derive UTRs, with UTR convolution providing crosswell pressure impact. Two injection wells were found to have a significant cumulative pressure impact on production wells. Mathematical well shut-ins yielded reservoir pressure and well productivity index. UTR interpretation via pressure transient analysis algorithms offered insights into reservoir transmissibility, well skin, and interference-free drainage areas. Machine learning algorithms generated pressure/rate forecasts for different well targets, indicating that the optimal production increase could be achieved through a 1.5x increase in injection rate for one well and a 2.7x increase for another well, resulting in a twofold oil production increase with constant water cut.

Field implementation demonstrated that MRT technology is a powerful tool for optimizing injection targets and increasing oil production. Additionally, MRT provides reservoir pressure data without well shut-ins, enabling the operator company to gather information for reservoir pressure mapping without production deferment, resulting in a significant increase in Net Present Value (NPV).
Real-Time Sand Detection for Gas Wells Using AI Applications
Authors: Maharramli A. , Taghiyev F. , Alkhasli Sh. , Mammadov T. , Yusifov I. , Javadzade R. , Ahmadov Kh.
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a novel approach for real-time sand detection in gas wells using an Autoencoder and a rule-based model ensemble. Accurate identification and early detection of sand in gas wells are crucial for effective sand management. However, the dynamic flow conditions and high-pressure environments of gas wells make sand detection challenging. The study aims to develop a methodology for sand production detection, considering the limitations of surface facilities and laboratory measurements.

The methodology is based on essential features such as Acoustic Sand Detector (ASD) readings, Downhole Pressure, and Production Choke measurements. The methodology was applied for both top-side installed ASDs as well as subsea wells.

To overcome the complexity of sand production patterns, we employ an Autoencoder, a deep learning technique capable of addressing the issue. In conjunction, we develop a rule-based model that leverages domain expertise to detect simpler sand patterns. The combination of these models forms a comprehensive and robust sand detection framework for real-time operations and monitoring.

The proposed model demonstrates high accuracy in sand detection. After running the model on unsupervised data, we manually evaluated the results by inspecting AI estimated sand labels individually. Labels were assigned to classify them as true positives (captured sands) or false positives (false alarms). Accuracy and precision metrics were then calculated.

For the top-side gas wells, the model achieves accuracy ranging from 98% to 100%. Meanwhile, for the subsea wells, the model achieves accuracy ranging from 93% to 100%. The performance of our approach demonstrates its effectiveness in detecting sand based on recordings both from surface and subsea gas wells.

By accurately identifying sand presence, the proposed approach contributes to enhancing sand management strategies in the gas industry. The findings enable proactive maintenance, reduction in equipment damage, and optimization of production processes, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency in gas wells. The algorithm is successfully deployed for the vast gas field located in the Caspian Basin.

The Autoencoder tackles the complexity of sand production patterns, while the rule-based model utilizes domain expertise, creating a comprehensive and robust sand detection framework. The approach demonstrates high accuracy in both top-side and subsea wells, offering an effective solution. These findings contribute to the literature by providing an innovative sand detection methodology, benefiting the petroleum industry in terms of sand management and operational efficiency in gas wells.
Investigation of safe operating conditions for reducing acid corrosion and ABS deposition in rotary air preheater using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Padhi Manas Ranjan , Ghose Prakash , Mishra Vijay Kumar
Published: November 2023

A rotary air preheater is an important energy recovery device that can reduce energy wastage to a great extent. The major issue associated with this device is the blockage inside the rotary matrix mainly due to chemical deposition such as; sulphuric acid and Ammonium Bi sulphate (ABS). Moreover, these compound causes substantial damage to air preheater element in terms of corrosion. The current research has been carried out to explore the optimum parametric conditions such as; inlet air and hot gas temperature, hot gas and air mass flow rate and rotational speed of rotary matrix to minimize the acid corrosion and ABS deposition. The dew point temperature (DPT) of sulphuric acid and Ammonium bi-sulphate (ABS) formation temperature were evaluated using correlations. From the simulation, it is observed that with increase in air/hot flue gas temperature, the acid corrosion area and ABS formation region decreases. When the mass flow rate of air and hot flue gas increases equally, the acid corrosion and ABS formation region increases along the cold airflow direction. With a lower mass flow rate, the ABS deposition and acid corrosion area becomes more uniform near the cold end only. Near the hot end, it seems to be corrosion-free.
On-admission serum 25(OH)D level and mortality within one year in older patients
Authors: Abel Nadav , Stern Felicia , Tal Sari
Published: November 2023

Background
Mounting evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of many chronic non-skeletal, age-associated diseases as well as mortality.
Aim
To determine, in older patients aged ≥ 80, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with comorbidity, laboratory tests, length of stay and mortality within one year from blood withdrawal on admission to acute geriatrics ward.
Methods
We retrospectively surveyed electronic hospital health records of 830 older patients. The recorded data included patient demographics (e.g., age, sex, stay duration, readmissions number, death within one year from blood withdrawal on admission), medical diagnoses, laboratory results, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and medications. We compared the characteristics of the patients who survived to those who died within one year.
Results
On admission, in 53.6% patients, vitamin D levels were lower than 50 nmol/L, and in 32%, the levels were ≤ 35 nmol/L. Persons who died were likely to be older, of male sex, were likely to be admitted for pneumonia or CHF, were likely to have lower level of albumin or hemoglobin, lower level of vitamin D or higher vitamin B12 and higher level of creatinine, were also likely to have had a lengthier hospitalization stay, a greater number of hospitalizations in the last year, a higher number of comorbidities, to have consumption of ≥5 drugs or likely to being treated with insulin, diuretics, antipsychotics, anticoagulants or benzodiazepines. Higher age, male sex, on-admission CHF, higher number of drugs, lower albumin, higher vitamin B12, vitamin D < 50 nmol/L, and consumption of antipsychotics and anticoagulants – were predictors of mortality.
Conclusion
Hypovitaminosis D is predictive of mortality in older patients within one year from hospitalization in the acute geriatric ward, but a causal relationship cannot be deduced. Nevertheless, older patients in acute care settings, because of their health vulnerability, should be considered for vitamin D testing. In the acutely ill patients, early intervention with vitamin D might improve outcomes. Accurate evaluation of mortality predictors in this age group patients may be more challenging and require variables that were not included in our study.
Immune system inspired smart maintenance framework: Tool wear monitoring use case
Authors: Pulikottil Terrin , Martinez-Arellano Giovanna , Barata Jose
Published: November 2023

As manufacturing industry is moving towards the fourth industrial revolution, there is an increasing need for smart maintenance systems which could provide manufacturers a competitive advantage by predicting failures. Despite various efforts by researchers, there are still challenges for these systems to work reliably in industry such as lack of adaptability, resilience, reaction to disturbances and Future-proofing. Bio-inspired frameworks like Artificial immune systems provide an alternative approach in satisfying these challenges. But existing immune based frameworks focus only on adaptive immunity characteristics and ignore innate immunity which is important for quick detection and faster response. There is a need for a holistic view of the immune system in developing a adaptive \& resilient maintenance framework.This paper presents a holistic view of the human immune system with focus on the intelligence \& response mechanism of both innate \& adaptive immunity. Inspired by this holistic view and considering the emerging computer technologies - Internet of Things, Edge \& Cloud computing, Multi-Agent system, Ontology, Big Data, Digital Twin, Machine learning and Augmented Reality - we present a smart maintenance framework. The proposed framework is used for tool condition monitoring to demonstrate its implementation.
Flash flood dynamics in the foothills of NW Himalaya: Insights into hydrological and geological controls
Authors: Sagwal Sumit , Panda Sandeep , Sengupta Dipanwita , Shahrukh Mohd , Kumar Sohan , Kumar Anil , Dutt Som
Published: November 2023

Himalaya experiences several cloudbursts because of its physiography, geomorphology, and geology. Uttarakhand is one of the Indian states circumscribed mostly by Himalayan hills and has experienced a rise in number of cloudburst catastrophes in the last few decades. These catastrophes produce substantial loss of lives and property, still, very less studies are available that characterize these unpredictable cloudburst-flash floods in different regions of Uttarakhand. The present study discusses the geological and hydrological factors associated with the Raipur-Kumalda cloud burst in Uttarakhand's Dehradun district. The flash flood associated with this cloud burst during 20-21st August 2022 significantly damaged roads, bridges, and settlements throughout the valley. This study intends to the geological and geomorphological controls of this event by determining the peak discharge during the flood and assessing the reasons behind this. The basin geomorphometry reveals poor drainage, steep slopes, rapid peak flows, a sharp peak hydrograph, and a short concentration time worsening the impact of the flood. Different flood indices such as rising curve gradient (K), flood magnitude ratio (M), and flood response time (TP) implicitly 50 to 100 times higher discharge during the event when compared with the usual monsoonal discharge. The role of mountain topography, climate, the geology of the region, and irreversible changes of land use–land cover (LULC) associated with urbanization in the intensification of the destruction is also discussed.
Diversity in Lacrimal Pathway Morphology Among Japanese Patients with Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Authors: Nakamura Jutaro , Ohno Tomoko , Asano Mizuki , Takeuchi Masaki , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Matsumura Nozomi
Published: November 2023

Objective:
This prospective observational study aimed to explore the diversity in lacrimal pathway morphology among patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) by examining dacryocystography (DCG) images.
Methods:
The study involved 64 patients who underwent DCG prior to undergoing general anesthesia surgery for unilateral CNLDO. Several parameters were measured from the sagittal section DCG images: (1) The angle between the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct, (2) The angle between the superior orbital rim, the center of the lacrimal sac, and the nasolacrimal duct, (3) The length of the lacrimal sac, (4) The length of the bony nasolacrimal duct. Additionally, following parameters were measured from coronal section images: (5) The angle formed by the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct, (6) The angle formed by the lacrimal sac concerning the midline.
Results:
The average age of the patients was 34.3 months, ranging from 14 to 84 months. The mean ± standard deviation of the measurements of the above parameters were (1) − 1.2 ± 16.5° (range, − 44.6° to + 46.6°), (2) − 5.0 ± 10.3° (range, − 24.0° to + 19.0°), (3) 10.2 ± 2.4 mm (range, 6.5 mm to 16.0 mm), (4) 8.0 ± 2.5 mm (range, 3.1 mm to 14.8 mm), (5) 15.6 ± 11.2° (range, − 16.8° to + 41.0°), (5) 15.1 ± 5.2° (range, + 3.3° to + 29.8°). All parameters, except for parameter (3), conformed to a normal distribution.
Conclusions:
This study offers valuable anthropometric data derived from DCG images, and the results emphasize the substantial variability in lacrimal pathway morphology among individuals.
What is already known on this topic.
Comprehending the morphology of the lacrimal pathway is crucial for the success of probing in CNLDO patients. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of studies delving into the detailed analysis of the lacrimal pathway in pediatric CNLDO.
What this study adds
This study represents the first attempt to measure anthropometric parameters of the lacrimal drainage system in patients with CNLDO using DCG images. Moreover, probing with straight probes was considered anatomically infeasible in 25.0% of cases in the patients included in this study.
How this study might affect research, practice or policy
The results underscore significant variations in the morphology of the lacrimal drainage system among individuals. This information is pivotal for enhancing our understanding of anatomical diversities in CNLDO patients, potentially influencing both diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies.
A Global Assessment of Regional Forest Carbon Leakage
Authors: Daigneault Adam , Sohngen Brent , Belair Ethan , Ellis Peter
Published: November 2023

Globally, improved forest management (IFM) practices are recognized as powerful, low-cost natural climate solutions, but carbon leakage may reduce project efficacy, and uncertainty about the impact of leakage may result in underinvestment in improved forest management. While some carbon project protocols deduct predicted leakage impacts before issuing credits, the methods and rates applied are extrapolated from a small amount of evidence. This paper applies a data-driven approach to quantify project-level forest leakage impacts at regional and global scales. We use a dynamic global forest sector model to estimate the leakage effects of two forest carbon project interventions under varying implementation rates and conditions: extended rotations and permanent set asides. We then apply statistical methods to identify key drivers of varying leakage estimates. We find that leakage is considerably lower than expected—carbon leakage rarely passes 50% and is often negative—especially in the tropics and for set asides. However, rates vary considerably by policy design and are influenced by the project type, measurement period, project implementation rate, and dynamic market and ecological response to harvest schedule changes. The regionalized, condition-specific leakage estimates from this paper provide the most detailed global assessment of carbon project leakage yet assembled. These data provide an evidence base from which to discount forest management carbon projects where needed and can help ensure accurate accounting of IFM interventions’ net climate benefit.
A synchronous atmosphere-cryosphere-land response to climate on the northern Antarctic Peninsula since the mid-Holocene
Authors: Evangelista Heitor , Verkulich Sergei , Mavlyudov Bulat , Echer Mariza P. , Licinio Marcus Vinicius , Dercon Gerd , García-Rodríguez Felipe , Neto Arthur A. , Kusch Stephanie , Abuchacra Rodrigo C. , Oaquim Anna B.J. , Gonçalves Sérgio J. , Pushina Zinaida , Shimizu Marília H , Heiling Maria , Slaets Johanna , Resch Christian , Castillo Alejandra , Gruber Roman
Published: November 2023

West Antarctica plays a pivotal role in sea level rise in projected scenarios with global socioenvironmental and economic consequences. Therefore, describing its recent and past climate history and changes is essential for identifying the main climate controls and past responses. To better understand the climatic sensitivity of this region, we analyzed sedimentary records from newly surveyed proglacial lacustrine profiles dated from the middle Holocene to the present on the North Antarctic Peninsula. We combined atmosphere-glacier-land databases that evidenced a close coupling among these compartments during intense melting events. Our analyses furthermore suggest that a short Neoglacial phase from ~2,000 kyr BP until the onset of the 20th century was possibly influenced by a combined long-term decline in total solar irradiance, Andean volcanism and ENSO.
Evaluation of pharmacy professionals' knowledge, attitude, and practice towards potential drug-drug interactions; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Geremew Derso , Anagaw Yeniewa , Ayenew Wondim , Worku Minichil , Limenh Liknaw , Tessema Tewodros , Simegn Wudneh , Erara Melak , Mitku Melese
Published: November 2023

Background:The use ofmultiple medications the increased risk of potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) (2, 3) and the prevalence of PDDIs in the world is high (4-6), and this is a consequence of the complex adverse drug effects (ADEs)(7-9). This work assessed pharmacy professionals’ ability to recognize clinically significant potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) as well as the information sources they use.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacy professionals in Ethiopia. A self-administered survey was created to assess pharmacists' familiarity with PDDIs and their preferred sources of PDDI information. We employed 16 drug pairs to assess pharmacists' awareness of drug-drug interactions. The regression model was run to look at potential PDDI knowledge predictors.Results:From 183 pharmacy professionals, practical questionnaires were collected. Allopurinol and pyrazinamide received a correctly classified range of 19.7%, whereas acetaminophen/codeine and amoxicillin received a correctly classified range of 66.01% from pharmacy professionals. Only four of the 16 medication pairings evaluated were accurately categorized by more than 50% of the pharmacy professionals. Internet or applications for mobile devices were the most frequently utilized sources by respondents (n = 66, 36.1%) to check PDDI data. Years of work experience and education level regarding PDDIs were found to be the most significant indicators of a higher number of recognized drug pairs in the multiple regression analysis.Conclusion:The results of our research showed that pharmacists are lacking in knowledge and practice towards PDDIs and years of experience and working institutions of participants had strongly associated with pharmacist professionals' knowledge of PDDIs.
Dynamic of dry matter accumulation in berry, bean, and husk of six Coffea canephora genotypes during fruit maturation
Authors: Salvador Henzo , Partelli Fábio Luiz , Ramalho José Cochicho , Semedo José Nobre , Rakocevic Miroslava
Published: November 2023

Knowledge about the dynamics of dry matter (DM) accumulation in the berry components (bean and husk) throughout maturation process could help in the definition of the most adequate moment for the harvest of each genotype. For that, were studied the berry, bean, and husk DM accumulation dynamics during the fruit maturation process of six Coffea canephora genotypes, to identify the best berry harvesting stage. Berry samples were collected every two weeks at nine maturation moments/stages. The DM accumulation was initially the highest for berry and bean, while the highest increases in husk DM happened latter. Second order polynomial regressions were fitted for berry, bean, and husk DM accumulation over time. The berry, bean and husk DM accumulation increased as fruit maturation progressed, attaining the highest values in the final stages of red berries. Beira Rio 8 genotype presented the highest DM accumulation in berries, beans, and husk. Bamburral and P1 showed the lowest berry fresh mass (FM) to bean DM ratios, while A1 showed the greatest berry FM to bean DM ratio. Not only the absolute berry and bean yield must be considered for high productive genotype selection, but also bean DM performance must account in the characterization of commercial coffee yields.
On the Impact of Social Media Recommendations on Consensus of Discrete Opinions
Authors: Auletta Vincenzo , Coppola Antonio , Ferraioli Diodato
Published: November 2023

We consider a discrete opinion formation problem in social networks in a setting where agents are influenced by both information diffused by their social relations and from recommendations received directly from the social media manager. We study how the ''strength'' of the influence of the social media and the homophily ratio affect the probability of the agents of reaching a consensus and how these factors can determine the type of consensus reached.
In a simple 2-symmetric block model we prove that agents converge either to a consensus or to a persistent disagreement. In particular, we show that when the homophily ratio is large, the social media has a very low capacity of determining the outcome of the opinion dynamics. On the other hand, when the homophily ratio is low, the social media influence can have an important effect on the dynamics, either by making harder to reach a consensus or inducing it on extreme opinions.
Finally, in order to extend our analysis to more general and realistic settings we give some experimental evidences that our results still hold on general networks.
Characterisation of APOBEC3B-Mediated RNA Editing in Breast Cancer Cells Reveals Regulatory Roles of NEAT1 and MALAT1 lncRNAs
Authors: Clarke Paul , Zhang Chi , Lu Yujing , Wang Mei , Chen Bingjie , Xiong Feifei , Mitsopoulos Costas , Rosanesse Olivia , Li Xiuling
Published: November 2023

RNA editing is a crucial post-transcriptional process that influences gene expression and increases the diversity of the proteome as a result of amino acid substitution. Recently, the APOBEC3 family has emerged as a significant player in this mechanism, with APOBEC3A (A3A) having prominent roles in base editing during immune and stress responses. APOBEC3B (A3B), another family member, has gained attention for its potential role in generating genomic DNA mutations in breast cancer. In this study, we coupled an inducible expression cell model with a novel methodology for identifying differential variants in RNA (DVRs) to map A3B-mediated RNA editing sites in a breast cancer cell model. Our findings indicate that A3B engages in selective RNA editing including targeting NEAT1 and MALAT1 long non-coding RNAs that are often highly expressed in tumour cells. Notably, the binding of these RNAs sequesters A3B and suppresses global A3B activity against RNA and DNA. Release of A3B from NEAT1/MALAT1 resulted in increased A3B activity at the expense of A3A activity suggesting a regulatory feedback loop between the two family members. This research substantially advances our understanding of A3B's role in RNA editing, its mechanistic underpinnings, and its potential relevance in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.
Metabolic Pathways for Removing Reactive Aldehydes are Diminished in Atrophic Muscle During Heart Failure
Authors: Chaudhari Mamata , Zelko Igor , Lorkiewicz Pawel , Hoetker David , Doelling Benjamin , Brittian Kenneth , Bhatnagar Aruni , Srivast Sanjay , Baba Shahid P
Published: November 2023

Background: Muscle wasting is a serious complication in heart failure patients, and oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of muscle wasting. Oxidative stress leads to the formation of toxic lipid peroxidation products, such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and acrolein, which causemuscle wasting. In tissues, these toxic aldehydes are metabolically removed by enzymes such asaldo keto reductases and endogenous nucleophiles, such as glutathione and carnosine. Whether these metabolic pathways could be affected in skeletal muscle during heart failure has never been studied.
Methods: Male wild-type C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a pressure overload model of hypertrophy by transaortic constriction (TAC) surgery, and echocardiography was performed after 14 weeks. Different skeletal muscle beds were weighed and analyzed for atrophic and inflammatory markers, Atrogin1 and TRIM63, TNF-α and IL-6, respectively, by RT‒PCR. Levels of acrolein and HNE-protein adducts, aldehyde-removing enzymes, aldose reductase (AKR1B1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) were measured by Western blotting, and histidyl dipeptides and histidyl dipeptide aldehyde conjugates were analyzed by LC/MS-MS in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of sham- and TAC-operated mice. Furthermore, histidyl dipeptide synthesizing enzyme carnosine synthase (CARNS) and amino acid transporters (PEPT2 and TAUT)wasmeasured in the gastrocnemius muscles of the sham and TAC-operated mice.
Results: TAC-induced heart failure decreases body weight and gastrocnemius and soleus muscle weights. The expression of the atrophic and inflammatory markers Atrogin1 and TNF-α, respectively, wasincreased (~1.5-2-fold), and the formation of HNE and acrolein-protein adducts was increased in the gastrocnemius muscle of TAC-operated mice. The expression of AKR1B1 remained unchanged, whereas ALDH2 was decreased, in the gastrocnemius muscle of TAC mice. Similarly, in the atrophic gastrocnemius muscle, levels of total histidyl dipeptides (carnosine and anserine) and, in particular,carnosine were decreased. Depletion of histidyl dipeptides diminished the aldehyde removal capacity of the atrophic gastrocnemius muscle. Furthermore, the expression of CARNS and TAUT wasdecreased in the atrophic gastrocnemius muscle.
Conclusions: Collectively, these results show that metabolic pathways involved in the removal of lipid peroxidation products and synthesis of histidyl dipeptides are diminished in atrophic skeletal muscle during heart failure, which could contribute to muscle atrophy.
Exploring Intermediate Paradigms: A Comparative Analysis of Shuffle and Pan-Private Models in Differential Privacy with Emphasis on Trust Levels, Engineering, and Mathematical Perspectives
Authors: Diyora Vishal , Savani Nilesh
Published: November 2023

Differential privacy, a vital concept in data privacy protection, has seen various paradigms emerge, ranging from centralized to localized approaches. This research explores two intermediate models known as the shuffle and pan-private models. These models bridge the gap between central curation and local user-centric data randomization, each offering a distinct balance between privacy and statistical utility. We delve into the necessity for different trust levels in these models, considering both engineering and mathematical viewpoints. In addition, we present a comparative analysis of the two models to clarify their differences.
Whole blood vs serum-derived exosomes for host and pathogen-specific tuberculosis biomarker identification: RNA-seq based machine learning approach
Authors: Magana-Arachchi Dhammika , Madegedara Dushantha , Bandara Upeka
Published: November 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a successful intracellular pathogen that causes tuberculosis (TB) and remains a leading infectious disease responsible for millions of deaths. RNA sequencing is a rapidly growing technique and a great approach to understanding host and pathogen cross-talks via transcriptional responses in diverse biological samples. Even though RNA-seq studies are limited in application due to the high costs involved, this study suggests the collective need for extensive whole blood and exosome-based RNA-seq studies to understand the complete picture of the host and pathogen interplay during the TB infection through a machine learning approach. During the study, host-derived differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in both whole blood and exosomes, whilst exosomes were successful in identifying pathogen-derived DEGs only in latent TB (LTB) individuals. The majority of the DEGs in whole blood were up-regulated between active TB (ATB) and healthy individuals (HC), and ATB and LTB, while down-regulated between LTB and HC, which was vice versa for the exosomes, showing the different mechanisms played in response to different states of TB infection across the two different biological samples. The pathway analysis revealed that whole blood gene signatures were mainly involved in the host immune responses, whilst the exosomal gene signatures were involved in manipulating the host’s cellular responses and Mtb survival. Overall, identifying both host and pathogen-derived gene signatures in different biological samples for intracellular pathogens like Mtb is vital to decipher the complex interplay between the host and the pathogen, ultimately leading to more successful future interventions.
A retrospective comparative study of mid-term outcomes of laparoscopic vaginal stump–round (Kakinuma method) and stump–uterosacral (Shull method) ligament fixation for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Kakinuma Toshiyuki , Kakinuma Kaoru , Ueyama Kyouhei , Shinohara Takumi , Okamoto Rora , Imai Ken , Takeshima Nobuhiro , Yanagida Kaoru , Ohwada Michitaka
Published: November 2023

Background: Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) and robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RSC) using mesh are popular approaches for treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP). However, it is not uncommon that native tissue repair (NTR) should be presented as an option to patients who are expected to have extensive intraperitoneal adhesion or patients for whom LSC or RSC is difficult owing to various risk factors. Laparoscopic vaginal stump–uterosacral ligament fixation (Shull method) has been introduced as a method for NTR in case of POP. However, effective repair using this surgical procedure may not be possible in severe POPs. To solve the problems of the Shull method, we devised the laparoscopic vaginal stump–round ligament fixation (Kakinuma method) in which the vaginal stump is fixed to the uterine round ligament, a histologically strong tissue positioned anatomically higher than the uterosacral ligament. This study aimed to retrospectively and clinically compare the two methods. Methods Of the 78 patients who underwent surgery for POP between January 2017 and June 2022 and postoperative follow-up for at least a year, 40 patients who underwent the Shull method (Shull group) and 38 who underwent the Kakinuma method (Kakinuma group) were retrospectively analyzed. Results No significant differences were observed between the two groups in patient background variables such as mean age, parity, body mass index, and POP-Q stage. The mean operative duration and mean blood loss in the Shull group were 140.5 ± 31.3 min and 91.3 ± 95.0 ml, respectively, whereas the respective values in the Kakinuma group were 114.3 ± 21.9 min and 26.5 ± 39.7 ml, respectively. Thus, compared with the Shull group, the operative duration was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) and blood loss was significantly less (P = 0.003) in the Kakinuma group. Recurrence was observed in six patients (15.0%) in the Shull group and two patients (5.3%) in the Kakinuma group. Hence, compared with the Shull group, recurrence was significantly less in the Kakinuma group (P = 0.015). No patients experienced perioperative complications in either group. Conclusions The results suggest that the Kakinuma method can serve as a novel and viable NTR procedure for POP.
Telehealth Adoption Among Women Post-COVID-19: Barriers, Benefits, and Long-Term Feasibility
Authors: Sadiq Alaa M.
Published: November 2023

This study, conducted between 2022 and 2023, investigates the adoption and impact of telehealth services among women in Iraq post-COVID-19, focusing on the barriers, benefits, and long-term feasibility. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from interviews and focus groups, involving 500 women from diverse regions of Iraq. Throughout 2022 and 2023, the study assessed the extent of telehealth adoption among Iraqi women, considering a range of demographic factors, including age, socioeconomic status, and healthcare needs. Quantitative data analysis was used to identify trends in telehealth usage and influencing factors, while qualitative analysis offered an in-depth understanding of women's experiences and perceptions. The findings reveal a marked increase in telehealth adoption among Iraqi women since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, significant barriers were identified, including technological limitations, gaps in digital literacy, cultural reservations, and concerns about privacy and care quality. Despite these challenges, many participants reported notable benefits of telehealth, such as improved access to healthcare services, especially for women in remote or underserved areas, and convenience in receiving medical consultations. The research also delved into the long-term feasibility of telehealth within the Iraqi healthcare context, considering aspects such as infrastructure development, policy frameworks, and educational initiatives for users. The study concludes that while there are substantial hurdles to surmount, the advantages of telehealth, particularly in enhancing healthcare accessibility for women, are significant. To maximize the effectiveness and adoption of telehealth services in Iraq, strategic investments in technological infrastructure, coupled with targeted educational programs and policy reform, are essential.
The social problems of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: niksolat Maryam
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the healthcare system by exhausting all the available and reserved resources, leading to a global apocalypse menacing the lives of vulnerable human populations. The elderly proved their vulnerability since the chance of infection, developing severe symptoms, and the risk of death in case of virus exposure was considerably higher. Not only were senior citizens at higher risk of being physically affected by COVID, but they also faced more social and mental problems in the COVID-19 era. Social distancing and the COVID lockdown brought about unprecedented social isolation for one and all, but the consequences were more severe for older adults than others. During the pandemic, older people, more than other age groups, reported a feeling of loneliness, symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as sleep problems. They, more than ever, faced ageism, discrimination, and elder abuse; however, it has been more severe for those living alone or in a nursing home or suffering from chronic conditions and dementia, as well as gender minorities. Moreover, not all elderly individuals can cope with technology and virtual communication as a replacement for their connections and relationships with others. In contrast, other generations are more digitally literate and more welcoming to technology. In essence, social isolation and its consequences are more severe for senior citizens; thus, policymakers must find practical plans to meet older adults’ needs by considering these characteristics.
Springing into caves: the dynamics of cave roost use by bats in the Central Himalayas of Nepal.
Authors: Baniya Sanjeev , Neupane Kushal , Thaker Maria , Goswami Varun R , Ramachandran Vivek
Published: November 2023

The seasonal use of caves by bats can be attributed to physiologically demanding activities like mating and reproductions or torpor. Although cave use varies intra- and inter-specifically in bats, the microclimatic characteristics of roost sites have significant implications for the fitness of bat populations. As these microclimates are increasingly influenced by surface level climatic changes, understanding the current patterns of cave utilization is crucial to assess the impact of climate change on bats. Therefore, we monitored cave temperatures and studied the diversity and abundance of bats in 41 caves across a seasonal (mid-winter, late-winter and early-spring) and an elevational (400 to 2700 meters above sea level) gradient in the Central Himalayas. The richness and abundance of bat species exhibited seasonal variations, with more species and individuals present during early spring (n = 15) compared to mid-winter (n = 9). Species richness exhibited a linear decline with elevation in mid-winter, but remained relatively stable until 900 msl and then declined in late-winter and early-spring. Furthermore, species such as Hipposideros armiger (20.14 ± 1.60°C in spring and 17.97 ± 0.88°C in mid-winter), Rhinolophus affinis (19.98 ± 1.76°C in spring and 16.18 ± 3.09°C in mid-winter) and Rhinolophus cf. pusillus (19.55 ± 1.64°C in spring and 15.43 ± 2.87°C in mid-winter) preferred warmer microclimates during early-spring compared to mid-winter. This season- and species- specific cave use suggests that even minor fluctuations in cave temperatures could potentially alter the composition of bat communities inside caves. We recommend that long-term studies in such highly diverse climate vulnerable areas would help understand and predict the responses of cave-dwelling bats to climate change.
JMIR Perioperative Medicine: A Global Journal for Publishing Interdisciplinary Innovations, Research, and Perspectives (Preprint)
Authors: Rohatgi Nidhi
Published: November 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

JMIR Perioperative Medicine supports the dissemination of technological and data science–driven innovative research conducted by interdisciplinary teams in perioperative medicine. We invite contributions on a broad range of topics from clinicians, scientists, and allied health professionals from across the globe.
Correction: Community-Led, Cross-Sector Partnership of Housing and Health Care to Promote Aging in Place (Unite Health Project): Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Skolarus Lesli , Thrash-Sall Erica , Hellem Abby Katherine , Giacalone Jr Michael , Burke James , Lin Chun Chieh , Bailey Sarah , Corches Casey , Dinh Mackenzie , Casetti Amanda , Mansour Maria , Bowie Kaitlyn , Roth Rylyn , Whitfield Candace , Sales Anne
Published: November 2023

UNSTRUCTURED
Estimating deformation process through single shot close range photogrammetry method in Agisoft Metashape
Authors: Kornilov Yu.N. , Romanchikov A.Yu. , Bogolyubova A.A.
Published: November 2023

Active development of digital cameras and computer software has made close-range photogrammetry an extremely popular way to solve various engineering tasks, in particular, to control deformations of constructions and mining objects. Automated measurement of tie points enables reviving traditional techniques of deformation measurement through single shot photogrammetric approach (a zero basis, pseudo parallaxes) at a qualitatively new level. The paper deals with the contour mapping equal displacement method adaptation offered by the first author in the 1970s for processing in Agisoft Metashape. It is proposed to create a virtual basis for two single multi-temporal images by adding a matrix of empty pixels to them. This enables processing those as stereo pair, building virtual point clouds and altitude matrices. In order to test the technique, the authors considered the deflection deformation of various objects under lab conditions and shot their photos with a non-metric camera before and after loading. The obtained images were processed in Metashape, and then the above products were created and contours of equal deformations were plotted. It was found out that the accuracy of displacement value estimation with this method exceeds the spatial resolution of the images more than three times. The technology is applicable for objects deformations monitoring shifting mainly in a single plane, in future it is planned to test it in field at studying slope processes
The role of internal audit and leadership style in increase of fraud prevention: A stewardship theory perspective
Authors: Khikmah Siti Noor , Rohman Abdul , Januarti Indira
Published: November 2023

This research was conducted due to the prevalence of fraud, despite several preventative regulations. The phenomenon of fraud persists in all fields, including state university education. This is quantitative research with a population of 122 internal auditors at state universities to analyze the role of internal audit and transformational leadership style on fraud prevention from a stewardship theory perspective. Purposive sampling was conducted to obtain 65 auditors as samples, and the hypothesis test was analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 (SPSS 25). Based on the results, the first hypothesis indicates that internal audit positively affects fraud prevention. Internal audit is part of the organization and plays a role in detecting and preventing fraud. Meanwhile, the second hypothesis suggests that the transformational leadership style positively affects fraud prevention. Transformational leadership can reduce the fraud committed by subordinates because leaders have good vision, rhetoric, and special management skills, to build strong emotional relationships. For internal auditors and leaders, this research contributes to improving fraud prevention in the university environment by maximizing the role of internal audit and leadership. This can increase the impetus to achieve organizational goals efficiently and effectively. Further research can develop the control environment and manage risk for fraud prevention.
Wpływ zmiany zasad dotowania na chów i hodowlę owiec w Polsce i UE
Authors: Rokicki Tomasz
Published: November 2023

Niższy poziom wsparcia w Polsce i innych krajach UE spowodował spadek pogłowia owiec. Niższe dochody z produkcji owczarskiej wpływały na rezygnację rolników z chowu owiec. W związku z tym produkcja owczarska w wielu krajach UE wymagała dodatkowego wsparcia krajowego. Z mniejszym pogłowiem owiec związana była niższa produkcją mięsa jagnięcego i wyższe jego ceny. W Polsce poziom wsparcia producentów owiec również obniżył się. Zmniejszyło się pogłowie i produkcja mięsa, a ceny utrzymywały się na podobnym poziomie od kilku lat. Produkcja owczarska wymaga więc większego wsparcia, gdyż zmiana sposobu dotowania przyczyniła się do spadku dochodów rolników i pogorszeniu się sytuacji całego sektora owczarskiego
Rozwój rolnictwa ekologicznego w Polsce na tle uwarunkowań przyrodniczych i systemu wsparcia finansowego
Authors: Brodzińska Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

Celem pracy jest analiza uwarunkowań środowiskowych rozwoju rolnictwa ekologicznego w Polsce w aspekcie wsparcia tego systemu gospodarowania w ramach programu rolnośrodowiskowego. W analizach wykorzystano dane GUS, dane GIJHARS oraz dane ARiMR. Z przeprowadzonych analiz wynika, że rozwój rolnictwa ekologicznego jest przede wszystkim uzależniony od istniejących systemów wsparcia finansowego. Istnieje zatem potrzeba zróżnicowania systemów wsparcia finansowego w zależności od celu, który chcemy osiągnąć, w szczególności takich, jak ochrona walorów środowiskowych lub produkcja żywności ekologicznej.
Jakość zasobów ludzkich na obszarach wiejskich
Authors: Kozera Magdalena
Published: November 2023

W artykule zarysowano problem jakości czynnika ludzkiego w rolnictwie polskim na tle UE. Jako miernik jakości wykorzystano formalny poziom edukacji ludności. Wskazano na perspektywy zmian zatrudnienia w rolnictwie. Omówiono wykształceniu ludności wiejskiej w porównaniu do ludności miast i Polski ogółem. Podkreślono znaczenie edukacji dla zwiększenia absorpcji środków pomocowych, zwłaszcza w kontekście postulowanych zmian WPR. Wskazano na istotną rolę dotychczas stosowanych narzędzi poprawy jakości życia ludności obszarów wiejskich.