bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the epidemiological and economic effects of a third-party certification policy for restaurants with COVID-19 prevention measures
Authors: Hirokawa Kazuya , Hirota Jumpei , Kawaguchi Daiji , Masaki Yusuke , Onita Chiaki
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the effects of a third-party certification policy for restaurants (including bars) that comply with indoor infection-prevention measures on COVID-19 cases and economic activities. We focus on the case of Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan, which introduced a third-party certification policy that accredits facilities, predominantly restaurants, that comply with the designated guidelines. We employ a difference-in-differences design for each of our epidemiological and economic analyses. The estimation results show that, from July 2020 to April 2021, the certification policy reduced the total number of new infection cases by approximately 45.3% (848 cases), while increasing total sales and the number of customers per restaurant by approximately 12.8% (3.21 million Japanese yen or $30,000) and 30.3% (2909 customers), respectively, compared to the non-intervention scenarios. The results suggest that a third-party certification policy can be an effective policy to mitigate the trade-off between economic activities and infection prevention during a pandemic, especially when effective vaccines are not widely available.
Potential drivers of human tick-borne encephalitis in the Örebro region of Sweden, 2010–2021
Authors: Kjær Lene Jung , Johansson Magnus , Lindgren Per-Eric , Asghar Naveed , Wilhelmsson Peter , Fredlund Hans , Christensson Madeleine , Wallenhammar Amélie , Bødker René , Rasmussen Gunløg , Kjellander Petter
Published: May 2023

Incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has increased during the last years in Scandinavia, but the underlying mechanism is not understood. TBE human case data reported between 2010 and 2021 were aggregated into postal codes within Örebro County, south-central Sweden, along with tick abundance and environmental data to analyse spatial patterns and identify drivers of TBE. We identified a substantial and continuing increase of TBE incidence in Örebro County during the study period. Spatial cluster analyses showed significant hotspots (higher number of cases than expected) in the southern and northern parts of Örebro County, whereas a cold spot (lower number of cases than expected) was found in the central part comprising Örebro municipality. Generalised linear models showed that the risk of acquiring TBE increased by 12.5% and 72.3% for every percent increase in relative humidity and proportion of wetland forest, respectively, whereas the risk decreased by 52.8% for every degree Celsius increase in annual temperature range. However, models had relatively low goodness of fit (R2 < 0.27). Results suggest that TBE in Örebro County is spatially clustered, however variables used in this study, i.e., climatic variables, forest cover, water, tick abundance, sheep as indicator species, alone do not explain this pattern.
Long-term effect of using hard contact lenses on corneal endothelial cell density and morphology in ophthalmologically healthy individuals in Japan
Authors: Ono Takashi , Sakisaka Toshihiro , Takada Keita , Tokuda Shota , Mori Yosai , Nejima Ryohei , Iwasaki Takuya , Miyai Takashi , Miyata Kazunori
Published: May 2023

The adverse effects of hard contact lenses (HCL) on the corneal endothelium have been studied in the short term; however, long-term effects remain still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the effect of long-term HCL use on corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphology in healthy Japanese individuals. This cross-sectional observational study included individuals using HCL for refractive errors examined at a single specialty eye hospital. Patient age, duration of HCL usage, ECD, coefficient of variation of the cell area (CV), and rate of appearance of hexagonal cells (6A) obtained via non-contact specular microscopy were assessed. We analyzed 8604 eyes (mean age: 35.6 ± 10.0 years, 837 males, 3465 females). The mean duration of HCL usage was 14.7 ± 9.1 (range, 1–50) years. Multivariate analysis revealed that ECD significantly correlated with age (P < 0.001) but not with duration of usage; however, CV and 6A significantly correlated with both factors (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that CV and 6A correlated with duration of usage (all, P < 0.001). According to our results, CV and 6A correlated with the duration of HCL usage in ophthalmologically healthy Japanese individuals. Therefore, it is important to monitor corneal endothelial morphology in long-term HCL wearers.
Comparison of the effects of oxidative and inflammatory stresses on rat chondrocyte senescence
Authors: Yagi Misaki , Endo Kentaro , Komori Keiichiro , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: May 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related degenerative joint disease that causes progressive cartilage loss. Chondrocyte senescence is a fundamental mechanism that contributes to the imbalance of matrix homeostasis in OA by inducing senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Although OA chondrocytes are mainly exposed to oxidative and inflammatory stresses, the role of these individual stresses in chondrocyte senescence remains unclear. In this study, we compared the effects of these stresses on the senescence of rat chondrocytes. Rat chondrocytes were treated with H2O2 and a combination of IL-1β and TNF-α (IL/TNF) to compare their in vitro effect on senescent phenotypes. For in vivo evaluation, H2O2 and IL/TNF were injected into rat knee joints for 4 weeks. The in vitro results showed that H2O2 treatment increased reactive oxygen species, γ-H2AX, and p21 levels, stopped cell proliferation, and decreased glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-producing ability. In contrast, IL/TNF increased the expression of p16 and SASP factors, resulting in increased GAG degradation. Intraarticular injections of H2O2 did not cause any changes in senescent markers; however, IL/TNF injections reduced safranin O staining and increased the proportion of p16- and SASP factor-positive chondrocytes. Our results indicate that oxidative and inflammatory stresses have significantly different effects on the senescence of rat chondrocytes.
Construction and integrated analysis of the ceRNA network hsa_circ_0000672/miR-516a-5p/TRAF6 and its potential function in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Liu Xing , Wu Mingxing , He Yan , Gui Chun , Wen Weiming , Jiang Zhiyuan , Zhong Guoqiang
Published: May 2023

Atrial fibrosis is a crucial contributor to initiation and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to identify a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network related to atrial fibrosis in AF, especially to validate hsa_circ_0000672/hsa_miR-516a-5p/TRAF6 ceRNA axis in AF preliminarily. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network associated with AF fibrosis was constructed using bioinformatic tools and literature reviews. Left atrium (LA) low voltage was used to represent LA fibrosis by using LA voltage matrix mapping. Ten controls with sinus rhythm (SR), and 20 patients with persistent AF including 12 patients with LA low voltage and 8 patients with LA normal voltage were enrolled in this study. The ceRNA regulatory network associated with atrial fibrosis was successfully constructed, which included up-regulated hsa_circ_0000672 and hsa_circ_0003916, down-regulated miR-516a-5p and five up-regulated hub genes (KRAS, SMAD2, TRAF6, MAPK11 and SMURF1). In addition, according to the results of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, these hub genes were clustered in TGF-beta and MAPK signaling pathway. In the patients with persistent AF, hsa_circ_0000672 expression in peripheral blood monocytes was significantly higher than those in controls with SR by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, hsa_circ_0000672 expression was higher in peripheral blood monocytes of persistent AF patients with LA low voltage than those with LA normal voltage (p-value = 0.002). The dual-luciferase activity assay confirmed that hsa_circ_0000672 exerted biological functions as a sponge of miR-516a-5p to regulate expression of its target gene TRAF6. Hsa_circ_0000672 expression in peripheral blood monocytes may be associated with atrial fibrosis. The hsa_circ_0000672 may be involved in atrial fibrosis by indirectly regulating TRAF6 as a ceRNA by sponging miR-516a-5p.
1-Oleate-2-palmitate-3-linoleate glycerol improves lipid metabolism and gut microbiota and decreases the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Wei Teng , Tan Dengfeng , Zhong Shengyue , Zhang Hong , Deng Zeyuan , Li Jing
Published: May 2023

A high OPL diet (HOPL) improves the mice’s liver lipid parameters and level of inflammatory factors relative to low OPL feeding (LOPL). Mechanistically, mice supplemented with OPL alter body lipid metabolism concurrent with shifts in gut bacteria.
One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of a carbon quantum dot/CaFe2O4 hybrid nanocomposite for carcinogenic Congo red dye degradation
Authors: Innam ur Rahman Muhammad , Khan Hasan M. , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Islam Misbah Ul , Buzdar Saeed Ahmad , Sadiq Imran , Honey Shehla , Batool Zahida , Sheikh Rizwan , Zahid Muhammad , Assiri Mohammad A. , Imran Muhammad , Alshahrani Thamraa
Published: May 2023

A novel CaFe2O4/CQDs 90% degradation of carcinogenic Congo red dye observed. Modification of CaFe2O4 with CQDs narrowed its bandgap.
A simple method for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles from metastable intermediates
Authors: Lu Ruihan , Hao Wuchang , Kong Long , Zhao Keliang , Bai Hao , Liu Zhenguo
Published: May 2023

The two-step green synthesis of highly stable and well-dispersed copper nanoparticles are obtained by the two-step dehydrogenation mechanism of l-ascorbic acid. The copper nanoparticles can be applied in the biomedicine and flexible electronics.
Growth kinetics of the adsorbed layer of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) and its effect on the glass transition behavior in thin films
Authors: Omar Hassan , Hidde Gundula , Szymoniak Paulina , Hertwig Andreas , Schönhals Andreas
Published: May 2023

The growth kinetics of the adsorbed layer of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) was studied by a leaching approach and AFM.
Search mechanism for data contents based on bloom filter and tree hybrid structure in system wide information management
Authors: Zhang Lizhe , Bai Zhuoning , Cui Bohua , Wu Zhijun
Published: May 2023

The system wide information management (SWIM) system infrastructure layer uses information‐centric networking (ICN) to implement the cache routing and sharing of air traffic information data. The SWIM network searches and forwards routes on the basis of content names. The variable length, hierarchical name structure, and routing updates caused by the frequent publication and deletion of content make the implementation of fast name routing lookup algorithms a significant but arduous task. To address this problem, this study designed a name matching mechanism on the basis of the hybrid structure of the Bloom filter and the Tree. Compared with the traditional Bloom filter search scheme, this search mechanism reduces the quantity of Bloom filter insertion entries and reduces the possibility of hash collisions. Compared with the traditional Tree search scheme, the proposed mechanism can effectively solve the problem of numerous memory accesses caused by extremely long name prefixes, improving the query efficiency. In addition, the proposed composite structure is compared with several methods, such as DIPIT and NPT, by analyzing the effects of layering, global delay and search speed. The experimental results show that the proposed structure has a favourable performance in terms of storage overhead and search speed.
A delay tolerant network routing algorithm based on multi‐step double Q‐learning
Authors: Wu Jiagao , Jin Hongyu , Cai Shenlei , Liu Linfeng
Published: May 2023

Delay tolerant networks (DTNs) refer to a kind of novel wireless mobile network, where there is no constant end‐to‐end connection between network nodes due to frequent movement, sparse distribution and limited communication range of nodes. Instead of the traditional store‐forward routing strategy, in DTNs, the new store‐carry‐forward routing strategy is adopted for data transmission. Therefore, how to select the best next‐hop node among network nodes is the main challenge of the routing in DTNs. To this end, here, a k‐step double Q‐learning routing (K‐DQLR) algorithm is proposed, which integrates the multi‐step and double Q‐learning algorithms to make an unbiased, accurate and efficient routing decision in DTNs. Besides, a new dynamic reward mechanism is proposed, which combines the number of routing hops and the node centrality to adopt the dynamic network environment of DTNs. The simulation results show that K‐DQLR can significantly increase the delivery ratio while reducing the delivery delay and overhead compared with the related state‐of‐the‐art routing protocols of DTNs.
Control of arc suppression devices for reducing powerline bushfires in resonant grounded power distribution networks using global terminal sliding mode controller
Authors: Roy Tushar Kanti , Mahmud Md Apel
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a global terminal‐sliding mode controller (GT‐SMC) to compensate powerline bushfires due to electric faults in power distribution networks using arc suppression devices (ASDs). A GT‐sliding surface along with a new quick reaching law is used to design the controller. The major control objective is to compensate the fault current caused by single line‐to‐ground (SLG) faults to a value that cannot ignite fires in bushfire prone areas. A T‐type residual current compensator inverter within an ASD is controlled to achieve the goal. An integral‐sliding mode controller (I‐SMC) is also designed using a conventional reaching law for comparing the performance. Simulations studies and processor‐in‐loop implementations are carried out to investigate the ability of the GT‐SMC over an I‐SMC over a range of fault impedance scenarios. Dynamic properties of the voltage and current due to SLG faults along with the current injection by the ASD are analyzed against the standard criteria, to be followed to get rid of powerline bushfires. Results under different operating scenarios indicate that both controllers are capable to maintain standard criteria for preventing powerline bushfires though the GT‐SMC is proven to exhibit superior transient responses to that of the I‐SMC and integral backstepping controller.
Graph transformer based dynamic multiple graph convolution networks for traffic flow forecasting
Authors: Hu Yongli , Peng Ting , Guo Kan , Sun Yanfeng , Gao Junbin , Yin Baocai
Published: May 2023

Traffic prediction is an important part of intelligent transportation system. Recently, graph convolution network (GCN) is introduced for traffic flow forecasting and achieves good performance due to its superiority of representing the graph traffic road structure network. Moreover, the dynamic GCN is put forward to model the temporal property of the traffic flow. Although great progress has been made, most GCN based traffic flow forecasting methods utilize a single graph for convolution, which is considered not enough to reveal the inherent property of traffic graph as it is influenced by many factors, for example weather, season and traffic accidents etc. In this paper, an exotic graph transformer based dynamic multiple graph convolution networks (GTDMGCN) is conceived for traffic flow forecasting. Instead of the single graph, multiple graphs are constructed to modulate the complex traffic network by the proposed graph transformer network. Additionally, a temporal gate convolution is proposed to get the temporal property of traffic flow. The proposed GTDMGCN model is evaluated on four real traffic datasets of PEMS03, PEMS04, PEMS07, PEMS08, and there are average increments of 9.78%, 7.80%, 5.96% under MAE, RMSE, and MAPE metrics compared with the current results.
Quantitative Study of the Effect of Nanoparticles on the Mechanical Properties of Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Cui Haobo , Xu Hongmei , Li Jingxin , Zhang Ziyu , Liu Xuwei , Yuan Lixin , Wang Ying , Wang Zuobin
Published: May 2023

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are often used as drug-carrying particles for targeted therapy of tumors. Studying their effects on cell activity and mechanical properties is of great significance for the targeted treatment of tumors. In this paper, we used a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescent labeling to study the mechanical properties of cells after the endocytosis of MNPs. Colon cancer cells SW480 were selected to co-culture with MNPs with a particle size of 50 nm, and the cell viability was measured and systematically analyzed under different conditions. The results showed that the safe dose of MNPs to colon cancer cells SW480 was 50 µg/mL, and when the amount exceeded 50 µg/mL, the cell viability decreased significantly. Increase the concentration of MNPs step by step within the safe dose of 0-50 µg/mL. Through the analysis of a large number of data measured by AFM, the results show that the mechanical properties of cells change significantly with the increase of MNPs concentration. In this paper, the experimental results are analyzed by comparing concentration gradients. The concentrations are set to 0, 30, and 50 µg/mL , respectively, to verify the influence of MNPs on the mechanical properties of cells.
Preparation, Assay and Stability Analysis of Curcumin-Polysaccharide Complexes
Authors: Qiao Yun
Published: May 2023

Curcumin is a hydrophobic plant polyphenol with various functional properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, blood lipid regulator, hypotensive and anti-tumour, etc. However, it is sensitive to environmental factors such as light, oxygen and heat, and is prone to oxidative degradation and loss of biological activity during processing, storage and transportation, thus limiting its application. In this paper, chitosan and curcumin were used to form a complex to encapsulate and protect curcumin, and some modern assay techniques were used to examine the structural and functional properties of the complex and analyze its stability. RESULTS: Chitosan and curcumin could form a nanocomplex and the resistance of curcumin to light and heat was greatly enhanced after the formation of the complex. Significance: This study is of great importance to solve the problems of poor water dispersion, unstable physicochemical properties and difficult application of curcumin, and is of academic and practical significance for the future development and utilization of curcumin.
Phylogenetic Tree of 50 Medicinal Plants in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Zhang Xuezhong , Dapar Mark Lloyd G.
Published: May 2023

Medicinal plants are a valuable resource for a variety of products which are important for human needs. The fundamental step in the process has always been the characterization of species. This is the reason which connects the phytopharmaceutical sciences with taxonomy and species identification. The DNA-based method of identification has revolutionized this field in taking the taxonomy to the molecular level. 50 medicinal plants were selected. Two nucleotide sequences of each collected plant were selected and 100 nucleotide sequences downloaded from the NCBI database. MEGA11 Software was used to analyze those nucleotide sequences, and then Maximum Likelihood tree was reconstructed to reveal genetic relationship of 50 medicinal plants. The phylogenetic tree showed that majority nucleotide sequences of 50 medicinal plants can be clustered on the same branch with the same plants of their network.
Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Zn in Three Riverine Animals
Authors: Sun Lin
Published: May 2023

In the context of black smelly rivers and urban pollution control, heavy metal pollution of river sediments has attracted widespread attention. Heavy metals can accumulate in the sediment through hydrolysis and complexation, and cause secondary pollution through diffusion and migration. River animals play an important role in river ecosystems, and their feeding, excretion and disturbance activities can have a significant impact on the transport and transformation of heavy metals in the sediment. This paper investigates the effects of river animals on the transport and transformation of Zn, typical heavy metals in the sediment, and evaluates the contamination and risk of the sediment and river animals before and after the experiment.
Research Status of Aurcularia Auricular Polysaccharides Extraction and Functional Food: A Review
Authors: Shi Xiaofeng , Li Na , Cao Ying , Zhang Xuan
Published: May 2023

Aurcularia auricular polysaccharide (AAP) is a kind of acidic heteropoly sugar containing β-D-glucan, it has good biological activities. In this paper, the main components, extraction methods and development and application of AAP were systematically introduced, in order to provide new ideas and theoretical basis for promoting the creation of new products of AAP.
Ejection Fraction Measurement Based on Impedance Cardiography
Authors: Xie Yao , Li Jian , Chen Hongkai , Zhang Meng
Published: May 2023

Ejection fraction (EF) is an important indicator of cardiac function, especially in clinical conditions. Unlike imaging technology such as echocardiography, impedance cardiography (ICG) is a low-cost, non-invasive and continuous method of monitoring EF. However, the accuracy of the ICG method to evaluate the EF value needs to be further improved. This paper uses a simplified ventricular model to simplify the complex relationship between the EF value and the relevant ICG parameters, and proposes a method for calculating the EF value through these relevant ICG parameters. We tested this method with 52 subjects. Experimental results show that compared with the traditional ICG method, the proposed method has a higher correlation and closer agreement with the EF measurement by echocardiography. The proposed scheme effectively improves the reliability of the measurement of the EF value relying on the ICG signal.
A Preliminary Exploration of the Effects of Different Sound Types on the Behavior of Melopsittacus undulates (Budgerigar)
Authors: Zhu Yuhan
Published: May 2023

Objective: To explore the effects of different sound types (including different species, frequencies, and volumes on Melopsittacus undulatus singing and approach and avoidance behaviors. Methods: The experimental or test group was set up with different combinations of sound types, frequencies, and volume, and its effects on Melopsittacus undulatus singing and approach and avoidance response were observed. Results: The immediate and sustained effects of noise on Melopsittacus undulatus singing behavior were significantly increased compared to musical tones; under the same volume, high frequency and undulating sounds led to an increase in both immediate and subsequent calls of Melopsittacus undulatus; under the same frequency, a high volume will lead to an increase in the number of tweeting made by Melopsittacus undulatus; a combined increase in frequency and volume will lead to a highly significant increase in the number of tweeting made by Melopsittacus undulatus. An 85dB noise triggers a singing response from Melopsittacus undulatus and produces a clear source avoidance behavior; a frequency of 2048Hz triggers a singing response from Melopsittacus undulatus. Conclusion: This study revealed that noise was more likely to elicit an increase in the number of tweeting made by Melopsittacus undulatus than musical sounds. Loudness volumes of 85dB and above and frequency of 2048Hz and above were more likely to trigger the singing and approach and avoidance response in Melopsittacus undulatus.
Screening of Effective Insecticides Against Diaghania Pyloalis in Mulberry Fields
Authors: Fan Zhimin , Chen Li , Ren Jiequn , Tan Lixin , Zeng Xinyu , Chen Quan , Pan Mingan , Zheng Zhangyun , Zhang Minghai
Published: May 2023

In recent years, with the rapid development of the sericulture industry, the pests of mulberry trees are also increasing. Diaghania pyloalis Walker is one of the main pests of mulberry trees, has strong fecundity and very large food intake, especially in Sichuan and Chongqing areas. In order to find out the insecticides which can effectively control D. pyloalis, the screening test of high-efficiency control efficacy was carried out. In the summer of 2020, the 3rd instar larvae of D. pyloalis were selected as the test objects, and the indoor bioassay of 10 insecticides on D. pyloalis was carried out, and the results of the indoor bioassay were tested by field experiments in the autumn. The results show that 2000 times liquid of Dursban, Spinetoram, Chlorantraniliprole, and 1000 times liquid of Dichlorvos and Phoxim had the best control effect on D. pyloalis. Secondly, 2000 times liquid of Imidacloprid and Chlorfenapyr had the better control effect on D. pyloalis. Finally 2000 times liquid of Pymetrozine and Cyromazine had poor control effect, and 1000 times liquid of Azadirachtin had the worst control effect on D. pyloalis. To control D. pyloalis, 2000 dilution of Dursban and Spinetoram, and 1000 times liquid of Dichlorvos can be used in sericultural production. When using Chlorantraniliprole to control D. pyloalis, the leaves of mulberry should be picked with long interval to avoid affecting the quality of cocoons, and it is not recommended to use Cyromazine, Azadirachtin to control D. pyloalis.
Visualization Analysis of Research Hotspots and Development Trends of The Integration of Medical Care in China Based on Citespace
Authors: Han Changjuan , Cao Shikui
Published: May 2023

Objective This study analyzes, summarizes and summarizes the hot spots and trends of integrated medical and nursing care in China, and provides theoretical basis for the future related scientific research. Methods The CiteSpace Knowledge Graph visualization and analysis tool was used to conduct a basic statistical analysis of the literature on the theme of “health care integration” collected in the China Knowledge Network (CNKI) database from 2005 to 2022, to understand the annual publication volume and trends, research institutions and authors, high frequency keyword co-occurrences analysis. Results A total of 3534 articles were included. The analysis shows an explosive growth in the number of articles published each year after 2013.High-frequency keywords include medical and health care integration, elderly care services and elderly care models. Conclusion In recent years, the hot research fields of the combination of medical and nursing care in China include elderly care service, smart community home care model, and research on the elderly and disabled elderly. This paper predicts that the research field of the combination of medical and nursing care will continue to expand, and the research on the combination of medical and nursing care will develop toward the trend of diversification.
Characteristics of Anal Sphincter Electromyography in Patients with Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Meng Meng , Xu Xiaotong , Li Xiuhua , Xu Changbo , Jin Dongmei
Published: May 2023

In this study, the characteristics of external anal sphincter electromyography (EAS-EMG) in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) were analyzed, and its value in the diagnosis of MSA was discussed. The data of 23 patients with MSA who underwent EAS-EMG examination between January 2019 and December 2021 were selected to analyze examination data such as the average duration of motor unit potentials (MUPs), average amplitude, satellite potentials, and the percentage of polyphasic waves, and to explore the correlation between the results of EAS-EMG and autonomic dysfunction in patients with MSA based on their data characteristics. The results of data analysis showed that the most common symptoms in 23 patients with MSA were urination and defecation disorders, sleep disorders, and unsteady walking, the most common signs were increased muscle tone, postural hypotension, and ataxia, and the most common autonomic dysfunction was rectal and bladder dysfunction, orthostatic hypotension, and sexual dysfunction. The average duration of MUPs was 11.6 (10.1-13.9) ms, the average amplitude was 885 (683-1198) μV, and the percentage of polyphasic waves was 26.2 (12.5-50.0)%. Patients with satellite potentials had longer disease duration. There were no significant differences in parameters between different types of autonomic dysfunction. The results suggested that abnormal changes in EAS-EMG may indicate an impaired autonomic function in patients with MSA, and this conclusion may not limit to patients with urination and defecation disorders.
Hinterm Tellerrand gehtʼs weiter – Die Komfortzone verlassen
Authors: Hertlein Margit
Published: May 2023

Erwachsen werden passiert von selbst, erwachsen handeln nicht. Dazu gehören die innere Haltung und nicht nur auf das zu schauen, was auf dem eigenen Tellerchen liegt. Lesen Sie, warum der Blick über den Rand und das Verlassen der Komfortzone sich lohnen.
„Jeder Meter zählt“ – Im Gespräch mit Sabine Lamprecht
Authors: Köhler Elisa
Published: May 2023

Das Spektrum der Symptome bei neurologischen Erkrankungen wie Multiple Sklerose oder Schlaganfall ist enorm groß. Patient*innen haben mit geringfügigen bis hin zu massiven Einschränkungen der Motorik und damit beim Gehen zu kämpfen. Infolgedessen empfehlen nationale und internationale Leitlinien, dass die Gangrehabilitation ein wichtiger Bestandteil der physiotherapeutischen Behandlung sein sollte. Sabine Lamprecht gibt im Interview Einblicke, wie sich eine evidenzbasierte Gangrehabilitation in der Praxis gestalten lässt.
Fehlt uns manchmal der Mut? – Therapeuten-induzierte Kinesiophobie
Authors: Danler Andreas
Published: May 2023

Bei muskuloskelettalen Beschwerden blockiert oft die irrationale Angst vor Bewegung die Genesung. Das als „Kinesiophobie“ bekannte Phänomen ist wissenschaftlich etabliert. Der Einfluss von Bewegungsangst bei Therapeut*innen auf deren Behandlung wurde hingegen kaum erforscht. Die bisherigen Studien zeigen jedoch, wie viele von ihnen unbewusste Bewegungsängste haben und diese auf Patient*innen übertragen.
Therapie und Training bei Tendinopathien
Authors: Köcker Sebastian , Kubosch Eva Johanna , Morath Oliver , Buhl Julian
Published: May 2023

Tendinopathien sind ein häufiges Krankheitsbild in der physiotherapeutischen Praxis, und es stellt sich die Frage, wie wirksam trotz der Schmerzsymptomatik Therapie und Training sind. Dies vor allem auch vor dem Hintergrund, dass der genaue Mechanismus für das Entstehen einer Tendinopathie nicht vollständig geklärt ist. Dieser Refresher-Artikel erklärt die aktuellen Hypothesen zur Entstehung einer Tendinopathie und zeigt Therapieansätze sowie Trainingsprinzipien für das im Wesentlichen überlastungsinduzierte Beschwerdebild.
„Therapeut*innen sind für dieses Handlungsfeld prädestiniert“ – Betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung
Authors: Mischner Julia
Published: May 2023

Dorothea Bünemann-Geissler, MSc, berät seit Jahren überregional Unternehmen zu betrieblicher Gesundheitsförderung. Sie ist der Meinung, dass Heilmittelerbringende genau die Kompetenzen mitbringen, die dafür nötig sind, und plädiert für mehr Mut, sich dieses Handlungsfeld zu erschließen.
Nicht aus jeder Zitrone muss Limonade werden! – Toxische Positivität
Authors: Holtmeier Lisa
Published: May 2023

Aufmunternde Sätze, die erst einmal gut gemeint sind, haben nicht automatisch etwas mit gesunder Kommunikation zu tun. Denn gut gemeint ist nicht gleich gut gemacht. Immer mehr Menschen tappen in die Falle der toxischen Positivität und erreichen genau das Gegenteil von Positivität, Motivation und Gesundheit. Lesen Sie, was toxische Positivität ist und wie Sie vermeiden, toxisch positiv zu sein.
Design of a Real-World Observational Study in Previously Untreated and Minimally Treated Hemophilia A Patients: Protect-NOW
Authors: Oldenburg Johannes , Halimeh Susan , Hall Georgina W. , Klamroth Robert , Vera Pascual Marco , Jansen Martina , Mathias Mary
Published: May 2023

Background The efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of each of Octapharma's factor VIII (FVIII) products, Nuwiq, octanate, and wilate, have been investigated in previously untreated patients (PUPs) with severe hemophilia A in prospective clinical trials. The aim of the Protect-NOW study is to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and utilization patterns of Nuwiq, octanate, and wilate in PUPs and minimally treated patients (MTPs; <5 exposure days [EDs] to FVIII concentrates or other blood products containing FVIII) with severe hemophilia A in a real-world setting. Real-world data provide valuable information that complement data obtained from interventional clinical trials.

Methods Protect-NOW (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03695978; ISRCTN identifier: 11492145) is a real-world study in PUPs and MTPs treated with either the human cell line-derived recombinant FVIII Nuwiq (simoctocog alfa) or a plasma-derived FVIII concentrate containing von Willebrand factor (octanate or wilate). It is a prospective and (partly) retrospective, observational, international, noncontrolled, noninterventional study. A total of 140 PUPs and MTPs with severe hemophilia A will be enrolled across around 50 specialized centers worldwide and followed for either 100 EDs or a maximum period of 3 years from ED1. The primary objectives are to assess effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of bleeding episodes and overall safety, including inhibitor development. The secondary objectives are to assess utilization patterns (including dosage and frequency of administration) and the effectiveness in surgical prophylaxis.

Conclusions The Protect-NOW study will provide information on the treatment of PUPs and MTPs in routine clinical practice, which will help guide clinical decision making for treating these patients in the future.
Preliminary investigation of the hydrogen storage potential in the Port Campbell Embayment, Otway Basin, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Eid Rami , Goldie Divko Louise
Published: May 2023

To understand Victoria’s potential for underground hydrogen storage (UHS), the depleted, unproduced and repurposed fields of the Port Campbell Embayment were assessed for subsurface storage suitability. Additionally, the saline reservoir storage potential of the area was investigated. Data from historic exploration and previous studies in the Port Campbell Embayment were used to undertake geological investigations and storage capacity estimates. The fields investigated in this preliminary study have potential, with the Waarre Formation-Belfast Mudstone reservoir-seal pair highly favourable for UHS. Reservoir injectivity assessments suggest the existing fields are capable of multiple cycles of injection and withdrawal. Seal capacity analysis indicates that the Belfast Mudstone is capable of retaining column heights of hydrogen ranging from 55 to 1267 m, which mostly exceed the greatest known vertical closures in the onshore Otway Basin. The hydrogen storage capacity and injectivity results were used to rank the fields. The Iona field is the most prospective site, with an estimated working gas capacity of 9.1  petajoules (PJ). The total working gas capacity for hydrogen storage in the Port Campbell Embayment fields is approximately 42.7 PJ. Further storage in the area is possible within the Waarre saline reservoir play, with an estimated range of 50.7 to 202.7 PJ.
A geopolitical nightmare: the battle of energy security and the energy transition
Authors: Toleman Daniel , Cullen Lucy , Thompson Gavin
Published: May 2023

War in Europe has transformed the global geopolitical landscape and Russia has weaponised its commodities. Europe’s energy market is now out of control. Europe will never rely on Russia for anything again. But, can Europe live with no gas supply from Russia at all? This has had far-reaching consequences for the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. Volatility and sky-high prices are now an enormous risk to gas demand. Long hailed the ‘transition fuel’. Record gas prices pose a dilemma for governments who must balance climate change goals with mounting energy security concerns. Affordability is particularly pressing in the booming Asian markets that are underpinning much of the next wave of supply. It is in these markets that gas should play a critical role to facilitate the power sector transition from coal to renewables. In addition, about half of gas demand is in non-power sectors, contributing as industrial feedstock and heating fuel. In many of these sectors, gas simply cannot be replaced by renewables, and despite all eyes on Europe for now, the longer-term LNG story will remain centred around Asia. In this paper, Wood Mackenzie will argue that Asian gas demand can rebound and will remain robust as new supply emerges, reinforcing the longevity of LNG investments. But the race is on. Australian LNG must reduce its emissions and ensure contractual attractiveness to remain competitive against a wave of new low-cost, low-emission projects that are rapidly moving forwards around the world.
Conversion of offshore hydrocarbon facilities for use in carbon capture and storage – challenges and solutions
Authors: Brown Nick , Weiter Ross
Published: May 2023

The ability to store large volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2) is becoming critical to the success of resource projects and sustainable industrial development, particularly in the context of net zero emissions (NZE) goals. Converting ageing hydrocarbon facilities for use as part of an overall carbon capture and storage (CCS) system can be a very cost-effective strategy. However, there are many significant challenges which need to be addressed to assure CCS system safety, functionality, operability and integrity. This paper summarises the key elements of the repurposing process for conversion of ageing offshore hydrocarbon production facilities and associated pipeline infrastructure for use in CCS systems, highlighting key challenges and solutions. The repurposing elements addressed are facility development for CO2 service, facility life extension, operational conversion and Safety Case development. Key challenges identified include development of design and operating philosophies, safety management including loss of containment characterisation and pipeline requalification. The paper is based on experience in assessing the suitability of offshore gas production facilities for high-volume CO2 injection.
The human side of transition – putting people at the heart of energy transformation so no-one gets left behind
Authors: Pogmore Louise , Wheeler Benn
Published: May 2023

Attitudes and behaviours towards energy transformation are varied and evolving – understanding them is critical to inform enterprise decisions. Proactive and inclusive engagement is needed to build trust, reputation and social licence. There will be more interest and acceptance in adopting new energy products and services when they are better understood and there is a shared benefit. Trust needs to be solidified as the technology and transition evolves – there are three characteristics of a trustworthy organisation: purpose, culture and reputation. If any of these are missing, trust will be undermined, and poses significant risk to reputation and social licence. Whilst some industries have embedded a customer-centric mindset – for others on the energy transformation journey it’s new. As the energy mix continues to evolve, the oil and gas industry needs to play a part in this narrative. Now is the critical time to be more human-centric as the imbalance of the energy trilemma begins to demonstrate its impact on end users. Individuals, communities and consumers can become more engaged and educated through technology and communication platforms, however anyone who will face barriers to participate or who may find the increasingly complex energy market difficult to navigate must also be considered. Principles of a more human-centric engagement need to move beyond tick the box, compliance and one off – it needs to be embedded to stay abreast of evolving needs. As transformation progresses, all must be understood, included to ensure no-one gets left behind.
Decommissioning and restoration (D&R) timing: is later always better?
Authors: Duncan Andrew
Published: May 2023

Due to offshore oil and gas field maturity and recent news coverage, decommissioning and restoration costs have received increasing management attention in recent years. This paper discusses the issues impacting decommissioning timing and analyses the economics of a hypothetical offshore development over 30 years to compare the economic impact of various decommissioning strategies – accelerated or deferred. Full-cycle and late-life pre-tax net present values (NPVs) are compared to illustrate the differing impact of decommissioning costs on the original project developer compared with the view of a late-life asset specialist. The analysis shows that it is advantageous (where possible) to integrate decommissioning into ongoing operations, rather than to defer this activity to the end of field life. However, the economics of this decision are often obscured by analysis at a discount rate above 10% which tends to reduce the impact of long-term costs.
New 3D seismic imaging of Late Cretaceous extrusive volcanics in the deep-water Gippsland Basin: implications and insights for paleo-depositional environments and petroleum systems
Authors: Grahame Jarrad Paul
Published: May 2023

The presence of Late Cretaceous volcanics has been well documented within the marginal areas of the Gippsland Basin, Australia. A new basin-scale 3D seismic survey recently acquired by CGG, has expanded 3D data coverage, and revealed the presence of previously unseen depositional features and extensive intrusive and extrusive volcanic complexes in the deep-water areas. A well-preserved and previously undetected extrusive volcanic edifice has been identified in the deep-water area at the crest of a large basement high and correlated with Emperor–Golden Beach Subgroup successions. These large basement structures and faults compartmentalise the deep-water areas of the Gippsland Basin and exert a structural control and focal mechanism for vertical migration and upwelling of basaltic volcanics. The volcanic features discussed herein are characteristic of early-rift, intra-cratonic tectonic settings and are the first of their kind to be imaged in the deep-water areas of the basin. Depositional features that have been identified in association with the extrusive volcanics, exhibit seismic characteristics consistent with massive, very fine-grained facies. The presence of these features, which can be correlated with the early opening of the Tasman Sea provide important clues into paleo-depositional environments with implications for source rock development in the deep-water areas.
Towards 2030: transforming asset emissions in Australian production operations
Authors: Carydias Peter , Nielsen Preben
Published: May 2023

Operators are building roadmaps to reduce emissions at an increasing rate because of initiatives such as the Australian Government’s Safeguard Mechanism and global draft proposals to make emissions from plants auditable. There are three main levers for integrated gas operators: (1) Optimising existing operations to improve efficiency. (2) Designing sustainable developments and modifications. (3) Rebalancing portfolios to lower carbon equivalent intensity assets. Large capital projects are typically proposed as responses to the second lever – such as carbon capture and electrification. However, operating assets hold pressing challenges to reduce ~10–20% of emissions and need to develop viable roadmaps. Through our work in Australian integrated gas industry, we found that the majority of CO2-e operational emissions reduction opportunities can be addressed by discrete improvement programmes on rotating reliability, process optimisation and methane leak reduction. We discuss how asset operators can drive their Operations, Energy Transition and Digital Functions to realise these significant CO2-e benefits on a scale of months by: (1) Developing a value-driven decarbonisation strategy for operations, identifying benefits in production, cost and emissions, front-loaded with high impact, rapid 20–30% reduction initiatives that can be realised in the next 1–2 years. (2) Implementing effective and auditable real-time monitoring of plant emissions direct from existing control systems, sensors and imaging techniques. (3) Deriving a programme of tech-enabled optimisation levers and bringing this into new designs for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification projects for maximum benefits.
Delivery through adversity: the planning and execution of Beach Energy’s multi-year Offshore Otway Program
Authors: Storey Jason , Ross David , Zambonini Mike , Di Prinzio Sergio
Published: May 2023

Beach Energy conducted the only integrated offshore program, during Covid-19, consisting of drilling six development wells and one successful exploration well along with installation of the subsea infrastructure to connect the first two development wells at the Geographe Field. All of this was delivered during the height of the pandemic from 2020 through to 2022, with installation activities continuing to complete the installation of the four subsea Thylacine wells in 2023. To deliver an integrated offshore program required a fully integrated and aligned one-team approach within our organisation, and joint venture (JV), to deal with and adapt to constant changes associated with the pandemic. Dealing with the attendant supply chain issues built on this flexible approach. The program delivered new gas in January 2022 into the Otway Gas Plant from two new wells in the Geographe Field only 9 months from the spud of the first of the two wells in the field.
Re-purposing onshore and offshore infrastructure for CCUS in Gippsland
Authors: Black Alan , Duthie Xavier
Published: May 2023

With the race to decarbonise in full swing how do carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) projects get a head start? This paper explores the journey the Gippsland Basin Joint Venture has gone through to identify and exploit the advantages that its existing infrastructure presents in order to progress world-class CCUS opportunities. Drawing on examples across the full CO2 supply chain it details how re-use of existing infrastructures can achieve positive results in terms of cost, schedule and the environment. Hydrocarbon production from the Bream Field ceased in 2020. Normally this would put the platform and associated infrastructure on the path to decommissioning and removal. Instead Bream will continue to have a bright future storing CO2 supplied via a re-used gas export pipeline. Technical evaluations have considered how to safely handle CO2, what parts of the asset could be re-used, what new kit is required and what should be decommissioned. Powered by a hybrid renewables system the new-look injection platform will be remotely operated storing up to 2 MTA. At the Longford Gas Plant the focus has been how to efficiently capture CO2 in order to meet the requirements of multiple purification plants and the Bream sequestration project. Plant trials and testing have determined how to optimise gas processing for integrated CCUS operations. Opportunities to leverage existing power, utilities and process equipment have been included in design through careful brownfield assessment. Supporting this is a cross-functional team rapidly enhancing their hydrocarbon toolkit with the opportunities that CCUS integration presents.