bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Drought and Arsenic Resistance in Oryza sativa by Hyperexpression of Aquaporin Genes
Authors: Bhat Prisha
Published: May 2024

Drought and arsenic contamination pose a serious threat to global rice crop yield. Existing solutions focus on either heavy metal or drought remediation, but not both. Examination of the Oryza sativa metagenome via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database revealed promising candidates within the aquaporin gene family capable of efficiently mitigating both arsenic toxicity and drought stress. Rice cotyledons were genetically augmented with arsenic-resistant OsNIP2;1 and OsNIP3;2 genes, and drought-resistant OsPIP2;2 genes. In moderate drought conditions and 25 ppm arsenic-contaminated soil, transgenic plants showed drought tolerance and reduced translocation of arsenic from root to shoot. Soil arsenic levels plummeted from 25 ppm to 5 ppm, demonstrating the strategy's efficacy. Statistical significance was confirmed using T tests. Thus, aquaporin-augmented Oryza sativa offers a promising solution to mitigate both arsenic and drought stress in rice plants improving crop yield and facilitating soil decontamination.
The Biocultural Resilience Index (BRI): A New Tool for Assessing the Sustainability of Multifunctional Landscapes
Authors: Costea Andreea , Gligor Viorel , Nicula Emanuela-Adina , Domnița Matei , Alexe Mircea
Published: May 2024

Multifunctional landscapes are complex systems that integrate biophysical, cultural-historical and socio-economic components into unique territorial structures and regional ensembles. Facing increasing pressures generated by urbanization, climate change and overexploitation of natural resources, assessing the sustainability of these landscapes has become an urgent priority. The present research is based on the development and parametrization of a new tool for evaluating the sustainability of multifunctional landscapes that aims to measure the level of biocultural resilience of a landscape, integrating biological, cultural and socio-economic indicators in a single analytical framework. This index, called the biocultural resilience index (BRI), provides a holistic perspective on the dynamics of landscapes, allowing the identification of vulnerability areas and the development of conservation and sustainable management strategies. The evaluation of the of multifunctional landscapes sustainability requires a comprehensive approach that has to integrate both biological aspects, such as biodiversity and ecosystem health, as well as identity and cultural aspects, such as cultural value and the relationship of the local communities with the environment. In this context, this study highlights the fact that the development of appropriate tools and methods for assessing and monitoring the sustainability of multifunctional landscapes becomes essential for their sustainable management and for protecting the benefits they offer to society. Our findings show that the biocultural resilience index (BRI) can be used in a variety of contexts and fields, including spatial planning, biodiversity conservation, sustainable rural development and ecotourism. In the meanwhile, this index offers a robust and flexible analytical framework, adaptable to the needs and particularities of different regions and communities.
MNEs’ Contribution to Sustainable Development: Examining the Mediating Role of Environmental, Social Performance, and SDGs’ Alignment.
Authors: Kamihanda Mesiet William , El Bekri Hafsa
Published: May 2024

The current global business landscape demands an acute commitment of international businesses’ sustainable practices to attain a global sustainability agenda. This paper examines the intricate nexus of Multinational Enterprises' (MNEs) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices, particularly environmental innovation, business ethics, CSR reporting and their environmental performance, social performance, as well as the influence of their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using data from Refinitiv Eikon workspace for 91 MNEs from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as a point of the study, the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) results underline the potential and significant involvement of MNEs in sustainable development shaping, especially in developing and emerging countries. The harmonization and convergence of MNEs’ CSR practices and their adoption of the SDGs emerges as a pivotal approach to enhance MNEs’ contribution to a global development and sustainability agenda.
Convolutional Neural Network-Based ECG Signal Classification Model: A Study on Addressing Class Imbalance and Enhancing Model Interpretability
Authors: Wang Guanjun , Zheng Shuwen , Yang Xuejun , Song Yena , Tang Zushen , Jiang Yueyue , Huo and Jiangtao
Published: May 2024

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are often criticized for their lack of transparency, acting as 'black boxes' in decision-making, a challenge compounded by class imbalance in ECG datasets, which limits their clinical application. This study introduces a CNN-based ECG signal classification model that enhances interpretability and addresses class imbalance through the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE). The model also integrates Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) for dimensionality reduction and SHAP value analysis, facilitating the visualization of decision boundaries and the assessment of feature contributions. Our evaluation using the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database highlights the model's high performance, with accuracy and precision nearing 1.00 for Normal ECG (NOR), Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB), Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB), and Ventricular Premature Beat (PVC) in the six-class task. In the ten-class task, the model demonstrated robustness, particularly with an accuracy of 0.9846, precision of 0.9783, recall of 0.9736, and F1 score of 0.9760 in Pacemaker Fusion Beat (PFHB), supported by an AUC of 0.9999 and AP of 0.9885. These results underscore the model's efficacy in cardiac rhythm recognition and resilience to class imbalance. Future research will explore sophisticated model architectures and feature extraction methods to enhance the model's generalization and clinical applicability for early heart disease diagnosis and personalized treatment.
A Comprehensive Report on Same-Day Discharge (SDD) Following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA): A Multi-Center Database Analysis of 235,393 Patients and 25,388 Same-Day Discharges
Authors: Bulut Halil , Maestre Maria , Tomey Daniel
Published: May 2024

Introduction:The concept of same-day discharge has garnered increasing significance within orthopedic surgery, particularly in hip and knee procedures. Despite initial concerns surrounding the absence of prolonged hospital care, a burgeoning body of evidence highlights numerous advantages associated with same-day discharge, ranging from mitigating in-hospital infections to offering substantial financial and psychosocial benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. In this study, we aim to scrutinize the trends in same-day discharge specifically within the realm of total hip arthroplasties. Method:This retrospective analysis delves into the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database spanning from 2016 to 2021. Result:In this study, same-day hip patients skewed younger, comprising 48.3%females compared to 55.6% in hospitalized hip patients. Operatively, same-day hip surgeries boasted shorter durations, averaging 83.9 minutes, in contrast to the 92.3minutes for hospitalized hip procedures. Postoperatively, same-day hip patients exhibited significantly diminished rates of 30-day readmissions (1.7%vs. 3.5%), procedure-related readmissions (1.0%vs.2.1%), reoperations (1.1%vs.1.9%), and mortality (0.02% vs. 0.04%). In addition, we found that that unplanned readmissions in the same-day group are significantly predicted by being over 65 years old (OR: 2.0), having hypertension (OR: 1.6), chronic steroid usage (OR: 2.2), and severe COPD (OR: 2.0), while gender, emergent surgery indication, and smoking were not significant predictors. Moreover, the prevalence of the same-day discharge concept experienced a remarkable ascent from 2016 to 2021, with rates escalating from 1.5% to 25.6% of all total hip arthroplasties over a span of just six years. Conclusion:In conclusion, same-day discharge is a feasible and safe option for selected THA patients, improving healthcare efficiency and patient satisfaction.
Palaeoecological Conditions in the South-Eastern and Western Baltic Sea during the Last Millennium
Authors: Ponomarenko Ekaterina , Pugacheva Tatiana , Kuleshova Liubov
Published: May 2024

The paper presents the reconstruction of paleoenvironmental conditions in the Gdansk, Bornholm and Arcona Basins of the Baltic Sea over the last millennium. A complex study (including geochemical, XRF, grain size, AMS and micropalaeontological analyses) of five sediment cores, retrieved by short gravity corer of Niemistö type, was performed. The cores are mainly represented by undisturbed silty muds of olive-grey and grey colours. The age models for the cores were built based on Pb distribution along the sediment sequences as radiocarbon dating resulted in excessively old age. Despite generally very low foraminiferal amount and diversity the increased inflow activity was reconstructed during the Medieval Climate Anomaly. The strongly positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index during this period led to a prevalence of westerlies over the Baltic region and stronger saltwater intrusions. In the recent sediments, the reconstructed inflow frequency demonstrates a decadal variability rather than the reduction, although, the general decline compared to the Medieval Climate Anomaly is seen.
Nexus between Green Technological Innovation, Renewable Energy Development, and Green Economic Growth: Role of Green Finance
Authors: Liang Caiqing , bin Yacob Mohd Rusli , Siong Hookc Law , binti Haruna Irina , Peng Bo
Published: May 2024

To meet the dual-carbon objective, China's economy needs to move from a carbon-intensive to a green economy. Green technology innovation and renewable energy development are key to promoting green economic growth. The study uses 2010–2022 provincial panel data from 30 Chinese provinces. The super-efficient SBM model measures the province's green economic growth index. A panel fixed-effects model is used to experimentally evaluate how green technology innovation and renewable energy development affect green economic growth. Green financing moderates and a panel threshold model tests the threshold effect of renewable energy development on green economic growth. The results demonstrate that (1) China's green economic growth is rising and has a "U" shape. (2) all selected variables significantly impact green economic growth. However, population density, government intervention, and industrial structure are inversely associated with GEG. Green economic growth is significantly boosted by the moderate role of green finance in the development of renewable energy and green technological innovation. (3) Renewable energy development has a single threshold non-linear effect on green economic growth, depending on its development level and green technological innovation. Considering China's current condition and research findings, this study examines the green energy transition to promote green economic growth and high-quality economic development. Meanwhile, puts forward some important policy recommendations.
Safety and Effectiveness of Coronary Sinus Reducer in the Therapy of Refractory Angina Pectoris - Mid-Term Results of the Real-Life Cohort
Authors: Włodarczak Szymon , Rola Piotr , Jastrzębski Artur , Turkiewicz Karol , Korda Andrzej , Włodarczak Piotr , Barycki Mateusz , Kulczycki Jan Jakub , Furtan Łukasz , Włodarczak Adrian , Lesiak Maciej
Published: May 2024

Background: Despite continuous improvements in revascularization techniques, refractory angina without potential revascularization options remains a relevant clinical issue with significant impact on patient’s quality of life. Recently, a novel device, the Coronary Sinus Reducer (CSR), has been introduced into clinical practice as a therapeutic option for patients with disabling angina pectoris. In this single-center, observational study, we evaluated the mid-term (3-month) safety and efficacy of the CSR in a real-world cohort. Methods: The study population consisted of 55 patients with refractory angina without potential revascularization options, predominantly men (87.3%) with a high cardiovascular risk factor burden and advanced angina (baseline CCS angina class 3.15 ± 0.6). In terms of procedure safety, all patients underwent successful device deployment with only one periprocedural complication. Results: At the 3-month follow-up we observed statistically significant improvement in angina control measured CCS class and SAQ-7 Total questionnaire along with increased abolition of physical limitation – 6-MWT (233.3 ± 107.1 vs 305.2 ± 126.8; p<0.0001). Additionally, we observed significant improvement in terms of quality of life measurements SF-36, the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, and the EQ-VAS. Conclusions: Our real-world data suggest that CSR implantation is a relatively safe procedure and appears to be particularly effective in relieving angina symptoms and improving quality of life in subjects with refractory angina.
Can Change in Forest Cover Be Linked with the Management Effectiveness of Protected Areas? The Indian Scenario
Authors: Sen Monali , Mohan Dhananjai
Published: May 2024

Protected areas serve as an effective mechanism usually supported by a statute to conserve and protect wildlife-rich areas worldwide. Such extensive external management needs elaborate planning, regular monitoring, and periodic assessment of results. Thus, management effective evaluation (MEE) has emerged as one of the major tools for quantifying the performance of any protected area, globally since 2006. India has successfully conducted a complete round of management effectiveness evaluation of all its terrestrial protected areas (except conservation reserves and community reserves), with 25 such areas already undergoing a repeat assessment. Simultaneously, India biennially carries out a country-wide status of forest cover in all its states and union territories. This study has correlated the trend in change of forest cover for the states that contain those 25 repeat evaluated protected areas with their change in MEE scores over the same period. Our study found a positive correlation between the change in forest cover and the change in management effectiveness score from 2005-06 to 2018-19. Owing to increased protection regimes in the PAs including the degraded areas if they make part of such areas, the habitat often shows recovery. Effective habitat conservation is thus intertwined with the monitoring and preserving the wildlife populations in the protected areas, thereby, reduction in forest cover equally impacts the management scores. However, in states where the loss in forest cover has been reported, more protected areas need to be assessed to plan complementary strategies for both habitat and species conservation.
Navigating the Future of PHA Composites: A Review of Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Thakur Abhishek , Musiol̥ Marta , Duale Khadar , Kowalczuk Marek
Published: May 2024

The article offers a comprehensive overview of recent breakthroughs in eco-friendly polymers and polymer composites, underscoring their pivotal role in addressing sustainability challenges across diverse industrial sectors. Despite encountering obstacles related to performance and processability, biopolymers sourced from renewable materials emerge as promising alternatives for the plastics that are currently used by human beings. Natural fillers are highlighted as a strategic avenue for crafting sustainable composites, with residual natural fillers being particularly explored. Heightened environmental concerns propel discussions on the criticality of integrating biodegradable materials with natural fillers, underlining the urgency for clear frameworks and financial incentives to support adoption of these materials. Additionally, the article examines the potential of biodegradable polymers and polymer composites, with a specific emphasis on the utilization of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in composite materials and its market prospects. Moreover, it emphasizes the indispensable need for ongoing research and development endeavors to address environmental challenges within the polymer sector, reflecting a mounting interest in sustainable materials across industries.
Methodological Approaches and Literature Analysis in the Study of Soil Carbon in Urban Green Spaces: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tomatis Francisco , Diaz De Oleo Dileyni , Correa-Guimaraes Adriana , Hernández-Navarro Salvador , Navas-Gracia Luis Manuel
Published: May 2024

This review examines methodologies studying soil carbon in urban green spaces, a field requiring higher attention as their ecosystem services are valued and urban mitigation plans against climate change are developed. In the growing global urbanization, urban green spaces play a crucial role as nature-based solutions to address climate challenges, demanding efficient carbon accounting and reduction strategies. In this research, a systematic review was conducted assessing publications from 2021 to 2023 in the databases Web of Science and Scopus. Findings expose the lack of standardization in the methodologies used to study soil carbon in urban green spaces, evidencing in situ measurements at different sampling depths and studies without longitudinal monitoring over time. In addition, studies originated primarily in universities from China, United States and Spain, which focused on carbon in the form of Soil Organic Carbon and Total Carbon. Based on these findings, recommendations are made advocating for the combination and standardizing methodologies. This review offers valuable insights that shed light on an ignore and often overseen issue. Further studies and standardized methodology are needed, to help cities efforts in their pursuit of carbon neutrality by acknowledging the influential role of urban soils, especially green spaces.
Clostridial Bovine Infections: A Review Focusing on Diseases in Brazil
Authors: Salvarani Felipe Masiero
Published: May 2024

Clostridial infections in cattle are a significant concern for Brazilian livestock. These diseases are caused by various species of Clostridium, which are known for their ability to produce potent toxins. Botulism in cattle is a serious and often fatal condition caused by the ingestion of neurotoxins produced by C. botulinum. This bacterium thrives in decomposing organic matter, such as spoiled feed, carcasses, and contaminated water. Tetanus while less common, tetanus is a serious disease following contamination of wounds with Clostridium tetani spores. It results in muscle stiffness, spasms, and often death due to respiratory failure. Blackleg (C. chauvoei) is this disease primarily affects young cattle, leading to acute lameness, swelling, and high fever. Malignant edema (C. septicum and others) is characterized by rapid onset of swelling at wound sites, malignant edema can occur after injuries or surgical procedures. Enterotoxemia is triggered by the rapid growth of C. perfringens in the gut following excessive carbohydrate intake. This leads to toxin production that causing sudden death. In conclusion, clostridial bovine infections remain a persistent challenge for Brazilian cattle farmers. With continued focus on vaccination, good management practices, and research, the impact of these diseases can be minimized, safeguarding the livestock industry's economic viability.
Tutorial on Deep Generative Model
Authors: Nguyen Loc
Published: May 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a current trend in computer science, which extends itself its amazing capacities to other technologies such as mechatronics and robotics. Going beyond technological applications, the philosophy behind AI is that there is a vague and potential convergence of artificial manufacture and natural world although the limiting approach may be still very far away, but why? The implicit problem is that Darwin theory of evolution focuses on natural world where breeding conservation is the cornerstone of the existence of creature world but there is no similar concept of breeding conservation in artificial world whose things are created by human. However, after developing for a long time until now, AI issues an interesting concept of generation in which artifacts created by computer science can derive their new generations inheriting their aspects / characteristics. Such generated artifacts make us look back on offsprings by the process of breeding conservation in natural world. Therefore, it is possible to think that AI generation, which is a recent subject of AI, is a significant development in computer science as well as high-tech domain. AI generation does not help us to reach near biological evolution even in the case that AI can combine with biological technology but, AI generation can help us to extend our viewpoint about Darwin theory of evolution as well as there may exist some uncertain relationship between man-made world and natural world. Anyhow AI generation is a current important subject in AI and there are two main generative models in computer science: 1) generative model that applies large language model into generating natural language texts understandable by human and 2) generative model that applies deep neural network into generating digital content such as sound, image, and video. This technical report focuses on deep generative model (DGM) for digital content generation, which is a short summary of approaches to implement DGMs. Researchers can read this work as an introduction to DGM with easily understandable explanations.
Smear Classification of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Techniques and Devices
Authors: Iftikhar Muhammad Feras , Iftikhar Linta , Hassan Shahzad , Hanif Muhammad Iftikhar
Published: May 2024

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a widely practiced lifesaving skill. Conventional CPR is based on manual chest compressions and delivering mouth-to-mouth breaths. There has been advancement in biomedical technology over the last few decades which has led to the introduction of new techniques and devices in CPR as well. In light of these advancements, we propose SMEAR (Standard, Mechanical, ECMO Assisted, Augmented virtual and Remote) classification system to provide structured overview from traditional to novel methods and devices. The standard or Manual CPR, widely practiced by the general public during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, combines active chest compressions with or without mouth breathing. However, to enhance CPR’s efficacy, various mechanical devices have been developed, encompassing Active Chest Compression, Passive Decompression, and those integrated with Automated External Defibrillators. Feedback sensor-equipped devices, include the Metronome, Accelerometer, Barometer, and Triaxial Field Induction. Mechanical devices, classified by their compression mechanisms, can be isolated – like the Piston-driven, Load-distributing, and Active Compression-Decompression (ACD) – or combined, as in ACD-ITV (Impedance Threshold Device), ACD-IAC (Interposed Abdominal Compression), and ACD-ITV-EECP (Enhanced External Counter Pulsation). Beyond mechanics, Extracorporeal CPR offers veno-arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in refractory cardiac arrest and can improve outcomes. Augmented Virtual Reality usage in training and provision of CPR is at the early stages. It has the potential of expanded usage in training public to provide high-quality CPR. A provider can be remotely guided step by step via telephone or smartphone applications, ensuring continuous support until professional assistance arrives.
Deep Learning Based Geomorphic Features Identification in Dredge Pit Marine Environment
Authors: Zhang Wenqiang , Chen Xiaobing , Zhou Xiangwei , Chen Jianhua , Yuan Jianguo , Zhao Taibiao , Xu Kehui
Published: May 2024

Deep learning methods paired with sidescan sonar (SSS) are commonly used in underwater search and rescue operations for drowning victims, wrecks, and airplanes. However, these techniques are primarily designed to detect mine-like objects and are rarely applied to identifying features in dynamic dredge pit environments, due to a lack of datasets. In this study, we present a Sandy Point Dredge Pit (SPDP) dataset, in which high-resolution SSS data were collected from the west flank of Mississippi bird foot delta of the Louisiana inner shelf. This dataset contains a total of 385 SSS images. We introduce an Effective Geomorphology Classification model (EGC). By ablation studies, we analyze the utility of transfer learning on different model architectures and the impact of data augmentations on model performance. This EGC model will make geomorphic features identification in dredge pit environments quick and efficient which requires extensive experience and professional knowledge. The combination of SSS images and EGC model is a cost-effective and valuable toolkit for hazards monitoring in marine dredge pit environment. The SPDP SSS images dataset, especially the feature of pit wall without rotational slump, is also valuable for other machine learning modelers.
Anthropometric and Biochemical Analysis and Dietary Habits in Elite Spanish Female Football Players
Authors: Mora-Fernandez Agustin , Rojas Julia Peinado , Gimenez-Blasi Nuria , Conde-Pipo Javier , Latorre Jose Antonio , Mariscal-Arcas Miguel
Published: May 2024

There is a recent growth and development with regard to the female athlete. This trend has been reflected in a greater concern for aspects such as nutrition, body composition and the health of female athletes, given the repercussion of these factors on their sporting performance. The aim was to carry out an anthropometric and nutritional assessment of elite Spanish female football athletes based on different biochemical parameters. Ethical consent was obtained from a total of 21 players from a Spanish elite women's football team(20-33years). Anthropometric analysis was carried out using the International Society for the Advancement of Kineanthropometry(ISAK). Clinical analyses were performed by the club's medical staff at the beginning of the season through serum and fasting urine samples taken by the players. The athletes presented fat% of 19.1(SD±2.89). 100% of the players had Mg values within the reference values. Values below reference values were observed for Hb (85.7%), vit.D (33.3%), ferritin (23.8%), serum iron (28.6%), transferrin (4.8%) and TSI (42.9%); and above for CK (42.9%), basal cortisol (38.1%), testosterone (19%) and creatinine, total cholesterol, iron, transferrin, TSI and serotonin (4.8%). Differences in Mg levels were only observed between playing positions (p<0.05). There were associations between age and vit.D levels (r=0.607), and weight with vit.D levels (-0.464) and blood cholesterol (-0.487) among others. Given the nutritional knowledge of Spanish elite female football players, as well as the prevalence of deficiencies in iron metabolism parameters and vit.D levels in athletes, the need to implement a correct nutritional assessment and education in this type of athletes is highlighted
Enhancing Liver Transplant Outcomes Through Liver Precooling to Mitigate Inflammatory Response and Protect Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Tran Minh H , Gao Jie , Liu Ruisheng , Parris Colby L , Esquivel Carlos , Fan Yingxiang , Wang Lei
Published: May 2024

Transplanted organs experience several episodes of ischemia and Ischemia-reperfusion. The graft injury resulting from ischemia-reperfusion (IRI) remains a significant obstacle to the successful survival of transplanted grafts. Temperature plays an important role in cellular metabolic rates since biochemical reactions are highly temperature dependent. Therefore, ischemia-triggered degradative reactions could be mitigated by lowering temperature. Whether a local hypothermia on liver before blockage of blood flow protects liver grafts against IRI has not been investigated. In this study, we applied local hypothermia to mouse donor livers for a specific duration before stopping blood flow to liver lobes, a procedure called "liver precooling." Mouse donor liver temperature in control groups was controlled at 37ºC. Subsequently, the liver donors were preserved in cold University of Wisconsin solution for various durations followed by orthotopic liver transplantation. Liver graft injury, function and inflammation were assessed at 1- and 2-days post-transplantation. Liver precooling exhibited a significant improvement in graft function, revealing more than a 47% decrease in plasma aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, coupled with a remarkable reduction of approximately 50% in liver graft histological damage compared to the control group. The protective effects of liver precooling were associated with the preservation of mitochondrial function, substantial reduction in hepatocyte cell death, and a significantly attenuated inflammatory response. A retrospective analysis of patient data revealed a close correlation between hypothermia and enhanced liver graft function. Taken together, reduction of the cellular metabolism and enzymatic activity to a minimum level before ischemia protects against IRI during transplantation.
Evaluation of the Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathway in the Hearts of Hypertensive Rats of Various Etiology
Authors: Młynarczyk Maryla , Domian Natalia , Kasacka Irena
Published: May 2024

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling deregulation is associated with the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including hypertension and heart disease. The aim of the study was to immunohisto-chemically evaluate and compare the expression of Fzd8, WNT1, GSK-3ß and β-catenin genes in the hearts of rats with spontaneous hypertension (SHR) and DOCA-salt- induced hypertension. The myocardial expression Fzd8, WNT1, GSK-3ß and β-catenin was detected by immunohisto-chemistry and the gene expression was assessed with real-time PCR method. In SHR immunore-activity of Fzd8, WNT1, GSK-3β and β-catenin was attenuated in comparison to normotensive animals. In DOCA-salt immunoreactivity of Fzd8, WNT1, GSK-3β and β-catenin was enhanced. In SHR, decrease in the expression of genes encoding Fzd8, WNT1, GSK-3ß and β-catenin was observed compared to the control group. Increased expression of genes encoding Fzd8, WNT1, GSK-3ß and β-catenin was demonstrated in the hearts of rats DOCA-salt. Wnt signaling may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension and the accompanying heart damage. Obtained results may constitute the basis for further research aimed at better under-standing the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the functioning of the heart.
The Temperature Dependence of Hydrogen Bonds Is More Uniform in Stable Proteins: Analysis of NMR h3JNC’ Couplings in Four Protein States
Authors: Alexandrescu Andrei T , Dregni Aurelio J
Published: May 2024

Long-range HNCO NMR spectra for proteins show crosspeaks due to 1JNC, 2JNC, 3JNCg and h3JNC couplings. The h3JNC couplings are transmitted through hydrogen bonds and are correlated to hydrogen bond lengths. We collected long-range HNCO data at a series of temperatures for four protein states. P22i and CUS-3i are six-stranded beta-barrel I-domains from phages P22 and CUS-3 that share less than 40% sequence identity. The cis and trans states of the C-terminal domain from pore-forming toxin hemolysin ΙΙ (HlyIIC) arise from isomerization of a single G404-P405 peptide bond. For P22i and CUS-3i the hydrogen bonds detected by NMR agree with those observed in the corresponding domains from cryoEM structures of the two phages. Hydrogen bond lengths derived from the h3JNC couplings, however, are poorly conserved between the distantly related CUS-3i and P22i domains and show differences even between the cis and trans states of HlyIIC. This is consistent with hydrogen bond lengths being determined by local differences in structure rather than the overall folding topology. With increasing temperature hydrogen bonds typically show an apparent increase in length, which has been attributed to protein thermal expansion. Some hydrogen bonds are invariant with temperature, however, while others show apparent decreases in length suggesting they become stabilized with increasing temperature. Considering the data for the three proteins in this study and previously published data for ubiquitin and GB3, lowered protein folding stability and cooperativity correlates with a larger range of temperature responses for hydrogen bonds. This suggests a partial uncoupling of hydrogen bond energetics from global unfolding cooperativity as protein stability decreases.
Comparison of Naïve Bayes, CART, dan CART Adaboost Methods in Predicting Tire Product Sales
Authors: Aprihartha Moch anjas , Astutik Fitri , Sulistianingsih Nani
Published: May 2024

Data mining is a term to describe the process of moving through large databases in search of certain previously unknown patterns. In finding certain patterns, you need a supporting technique, called machine learning. Machine learning involves learning hidden patterns in data and further using patterns to classify or predict an event related to a problem. One of the problems can be solved with machine learning such as predicting the sales rate of tire products. This can help companies predict tire products that are selling well in the market. In producing an accurate prediction model, it will be compared with decision tree classification methods of CART, CART + Discrete Adaboost, and Naive Bayes applied to tire sales data by PT. Mitra Mekar Mandiri. The results of the study based on successive model performance evaluations are model Naive Bayes < model CART < model CART+Discrete Adaboost. The Discrete Adaboost model with a data proportion of 90:10 is the best model for predicting tire sales. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity values for the model were 79.17%; 89.47%; and 68.84%. The AUC value is 0.8 which indicates the model is good
Indonesia's Breakthrough in Efficient Shellfish Cleaning Transforms Seafood Industry
Authors: Setiawan Ari Rio De , Jakaria Ribangun Bamban , Sari Indah Apriliana , Sukmono Tedjo
Published: May 2024

This research aims to design an efficient cleaning tool for bloody cockles to help business actors meet high demand with limited production systems. Conducted in Sidoarjo, data was collected from literature, government reports, and interviews with local business actors, revealing that manual processing of 50 kg of cockles takes 6-8 hours. Using the morphological method, several design concepts were evaluated for maintenance ease, performance, safety, and durability. The selected design (concept 3) showed the highest efficiency with a 37.5% score. This tool is expected to reduce cleaning time and improve outcomes, enhancing productivity and quality in the seafood processing industry.
Highlight:

Efficient Design: Reduces cleaning time from 6-8 hours significantly.
High Demand: Meets increased consumer demand with limited resources.
Optimal Concept: Concept 3 excels in maintenance, safety, and efficiency.

Keywoard: Bloody Cockles, Cleaning Tool, Morphological Method, Efficiency, Seafood Processing
Analyzing Communication and Satisfaction in Mental Health Online Consults for Students
Authors: Mirawati Ira , Wirakusumah Teddy Kurnia , Rahmawan Detta
Published: May 2024

Online mental health consultation applications have become increasingly prevalent in Indonesia. Teenagers, including college students use these applications to communicate their problems and seek solutions. This study aims to describe final year students' experiences in using these applications. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an online mental health consultation service through the perceptions of 118 users, utilizing a Likert scale across three key dimensions: usefulness, usability, also integration and infrastructure. The findings indicate a generally positive reception of the service.  In the usefulness dimension, the service scored well in terms of meeting advertised expectations, maintaining consistent quality, fostering optimism, providing clarity on mental health issues, and making users feel at ease. The usability dimension highlighted the enjoyable nature of the application and its benefits, though it revealed a need for improvement in accessibility for users with disabilities. The integration and infrastructure dimension reflected positively on the service's intuitive design and user-friendliness, with high scores in data confidentiality, responsiveness of counsellors, clarity of communication, and effectiveness in addressing user issues. Users also expressed a willingness to reuse the service for future mental health needs, indicating its perceived value and reliability.
Pressure- and Rate-Transient Model for an Array of Interfering Fractured Horizontal Wells in Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Ozkan Erdal , Makhatova Meruyert
Published: May 2024

An analytical solution is presented for pressure- and rate-transient behavior of an array of n parallel and fractured horizontal wells in an unconventional reservoir. Wells are of equal length but otherwise of unidentical properties. Each well has an arbitrary number of uniformly spaced identical, finite-conductivity fractures and is surrounded by a stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). The properties of hydraulic fractures (HFs) and SRVs may vary from well to well. Different properties may also be assigned to the unstimulated reservoir sections between wells. Natural fractures in stimulated and unstimulated reservoir volumes are accounted for by transient dual-porosity idealization. The flow domain is divided into blocks of 1D flow under the trilinear-flow assumption. Solution for each block is obtained analytically and coupled with the solutions for the neighboring blocks by the continuity of pressure and flux at the block interfaces. Drainage volumes of wells are adjusted based on the variation of well production rates because of moving no-flow boundaries between wells. The superposition principle is applied to consider variable-production conditions as well as nonsynchronous production and shut-in schedules of wells. The final solution is in the form of a matrix-vector equation in the Laplace transform domain and inverted into the time domain numerically. The model is robust and reasonably accurate for most practical applications of single-phase oil and gas production from multiple wells in an unconventional reservoir. It is an efficient tool to assess well interference effects for different well completion designs and varying reservoir characteristics. The speed of the model makes it useful for pressure-transient and production-data analysis, as well as for the initial calibration and verification of more complex numerical models.
Fitness for Service of 13CrS and Q-125 OCTG Material for Sour Service
Authors: Tlatlik Harald , Hatscher Stephan , Johnsen Ståle
Published: May 2024

During well clean-up of four subsea wells in a new gas field, elevated concentrations of H2S were unexpectedly measured. The concentrations left the tubing (13CrS) and casing material (Q-125) outside of the pre-qualified areas of ISO 15156. Therefore, it was required to demonstrate the fitness of the materials against relevant environmental cracking corrosion. This publication describes the methods and processes followed to qualify the materials and well barriers for service.

Testing was performed conservatively to NACE TM0177 to establish the stability of the materials against Sulphide Stress Cracking (SSC) and Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC). The testing atmosphere designs included both partial pressure as well as fugacity approaches. As part of the Fitness for Service analysis, the mechanical stress as realistically expected in the wells was used in those experiments. However, for the casing and due to expected deviations from the ideal circular hollow cylinder geometry of the tubulars and the uncertainty on the casing wear evaluations, a 90% Actual Yield Stress (AYS) experiment was conducted on the casing material as well, and a statistical approach was selected to evaluate the risk of SSC, using Monte Carlo simulations including Finite Element Analysis. The laboratory testing for the tubing was passed with an adjusted stress level in an environment exhibiting the shut-in H2S partial pressure. For the casing, the simulations including casing wear indicated potential stresses above the yield strength in the deterministic scenario. For those, the Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated that significantly lower stresses are realistic and thus, the risk for local stresses exceeding the established crack-safe stress level was very low. Further layers of well integrity were implemented, such as H2S scavenger injection or short-notice readiness of a rig for the unlikely event of communication to annulus A. Subsequently, all four wells could be successfully started up.
Unconventional Solution for Well Operation and Maintenance: A Successful Case History of Surface and Downhole Leak Repair Using Robust Chemical Sealant
Authors: Saharuddin M. K. , Fadzin K. A. , Aziz M. F. , Ghaffar M. F. A. , Kasim M. H. , Mursalim M. H. , Xintee C. , Khalid M. S. , Chua H. L. , Choi Y. X. , Mokhtar M. K. M.
Published: May 2024

Operating and maintaining a healthy well is a demanding task for every energy producer worldwide. The loss of production and emerging environmental issues due to leaks is a concerning event and needs an immediate solution. Surface and downhole leaks on any well indicate a loss of well integrity barrier. The utilization of high-performance chemical sealant to reinstate the well barrier is evaluated during a non-routine well integrity campaign.

The approach was to gather and analyse the well leaked info data for each leak case. A methodology was then developed to properly design the diagnostic and rectification plan. Various leak-sealing principles were investigated during this stage. Several system integrity tests (SIT) were performed to demonstrate and approve the leak-sealing concept on a laboratory scale. Combinations of Pressure-activated sealant (PAS) and time-activated sealant (TAS), either polymer and epoxy resin-based, provide a wide range of leak-sealing opportunities for surface and downhole leaks.

A total of 10 well barrier elements (WBE) on different wells were diagnosed and rectified using high-pressure sealant, which includes downhole packer, surface wellhead component, sub-surface control line, and conductor casing. Most of the WBE reported experiencing unique leaks during diagnostic, and the correct sealant was deployed according to the design methodology and procedure. Acceptance criteria of well barrier enveloped were followed to qualify the rectification works. Ultimately, all 10 WBE managed to be rectified riglessly during the campaign.

The paper delineates the process of choosing a leak-sealing methodology and sealant working principle for each individual well integrity rectification, while also emphasizing the various factors that must be considered during the engineering study, diagnostic, and rectification activities, and the deployment strategy. Additionally, the paper shares the experiences and lessons learned during the execution phase. Finally, the paper also summarizes the post-monitoring result after one year of leak sealing application.
Maximize Well Integrity During Plug and Abandonment Through Perforate and Wash Operation
Authors: Tayar Abdulrahman A. , Betancourt Joya Mauricio G. , Aramco Saudi
Published: May 2024

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of implementing Perforate and Wash operations as a proposed solution for maximizing well integrity during single and dual lateral well abandonment operations. The objective is to analyze the efficacy of these operations in preserving the structural integrity of the wellbore and preventing potential issues such as fluid migration or tubing-casing annuls communication after the abandonment. Through a comprehensive analysis and evaluation, this paper seeks to provide insights into the benefits and challenges associated with the proposed solution, contributing to the optimization of well abandonment practices and ensuring the long-term integrity of wells. The primary methodology involves studying and comparing different examples where the technique has been employed. Additionally, the approach integrates an experience-based methodology, complemented by direct observation of the implementation results and its impact on well integrity. The basic idea of implementing a Perforate and Wash operation is comprised of three key steps. It starts with perforating the casing at the desired interval. Then it includes washing and cleaning the annulus by removing unconsolidated solids behind the perforated casing. Lastly, cement is pumped in the newly cleaned annulus, creating a barrier that meets the standards for plug and abandonment of a well or a lateral. The advantage of implementing this approach than conventional plug and abandonment operation is that it maximizes the well integrity by eliminating any pressure communication through channels and achieve radial zonal isolation, minimizing the risk of cement contamination. Another advantage is that in multi-lateral system, it eliminates the risk of an abandoned lateral to have any pressure communication with other laterals. Depending on the results, this technique could open a new approach to be applied widely with higher rate of success and with a much higher confidence in terms of Well Integrity to achieve proper Zonal Isolation, even this technology has the potential to be used to correct Primary Cement jobs when Zonal Isolation was not achieved and other methods like squeeze cement are not successful.
Material and Equipment Testing Methodology in Simulated CO2 Storage and Transportation Environments Using Test Flow Loop facility
Authors: Khasanova L. , Fornitz K. H. , Kashefi K.
Published: May 2024

The rapid emergence of the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) industry as a relevant measure to mitigate global climate change, has resulted in a growing number of carbon storage projects. The captured CO2 is going to be safely transported and permanently stored underground in the geological reservoirs. To ensure safe and sealed storage of the injected CO2, the integrity of the injector wells will need to be assured. This can be done through a thorough understanding of the downhole or transportation environment during operational/transporting activities, as well as the impact of CO2 state and content.

The objective of this work is to describe different testing methods using a Test Flow Loop facility and the approach towards simulating, e.g., CO2 injector well environment in critical operational scenarios such as a shut-in period where formation water flow back may occur or a scenario of possible check valve failure where small amounts of formation water may enter and settle on the surface of the completion string causing severe corrosion.

The scenarios and test conditions are based on multiple tests for two CCS projects in Denmark, as well as from other CCS projects in the pipeline.

The work explores the test setup, corrosion tests, and approaches around replenishment of the impurities to simulate worst-case scenarios.

Additionally, a description of the methodology to perform qualification of full-size specialized equipment for CCS applications using the Test Flow Loop facility by simulating various injection or transportation scenarios, pressure and temperature envelope, and associated CO2 states.