bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitalized Operation Procedures Provide Rig Automation System with Context to Manage Longer and Broader Sequences of Activities
Authors: Farmanbar Pourya , Berge Anne Siw , Revheim Olav , Chekushev Alexander , Schaefer Serafima
Published: March 2022

The exact definition of all types of activities in well construction, from spud to completion, is an area of great challenges for an automation system to function successfully in. In an operation plan, these activities can be categorized into three subgroups: standard and repetitive sub-activities, customized sub-activities, and manual sub-activities. A digitalized detailed operation procedure (DOP) provides the appropriate context by defining the machine-readable version of these activities.

Digitalizing a DOP is achieved by splitting it into individual parts, categorizing them into activities, checks, risks, lessons learned, best practices, and operational parameters and constraints. This paper focuses on manual sub-activities (e.g. close/open valves or nippling up) in which start and end time are acknowledged manually; pre-defined sub-activities (e.g. drilling and tripping) which are defined by repetitive tasks (e.g. drilling, lower string, lifting string and connections); and custom sub-activities (e.g. recording slack off and pick up weight or pressure tests) which can be customized for a tool, company, or operation with limited tasks (e.g. increase flowrate or reduce rotation).

Adopting this approach guarantees:An unbroken consistency between the planned, executed and reported phases of an operation as the digitalized DOP is directly connected to the automation system and the detailed log of executed activities are recorded.Enabling automation of longer sequences as the rig state transition between activities is managed seamlessly. This also applies when it is interrupted by manual operations like making up casing hangers.Quality check and improvement of the automatically performed activities by using real-time models. This is not limited to the normal repetitive sub-activities such as drilling or tripping. They can be used for every related custom sub-activity, e.g., hydraulic modelling after the opening of a circulation sub or torque and drag calculations after releasing a liner running tool.

Having a software library consisting of categorized, distinguishable manual and automatic activities lets the user describe with precision the operational tasks in a standardized digital format. With each automatic activity being readable and recognizable by the rig automation system, the system can execute longer and broader sequences of activities securely and cost-effectively, where the sequence is well defined.
Model Predictive Control for Automated Drilling Fluid Maintenance
Authors: Feng Ivan , Gul Sercan , Chen Dongmei , van Oort Eric
Published: March 2022

Drilling fluids have a profound influence on drilling performance and well cost, both directly and indirectly through mud-related non-productive time. Despite the evident importance of optimal fluid performance, fluid treatment decisions are often based on superficial calculations or estimates using past experience by the mud engineer. Manual mixing of drilling fluid additives also poses significant environmental, health, and safety (EHS) risks. To help improve upon these issues, this paper introduces a model predictive control (MPC) algorithm for automated drilling fluid maintenance.

MPC is an advanced process control method based on predictive modeling of the system. Using such modeling, an optimization problem is solved to find the optimal input to move the system to the desired reference state. A methodology is proposed here for developing and applying hybrid composition-based models for MPC using machine learning techniques and analytical equations. Advantages of the proposed method are discussed, such as the ability to take advantage of estimated future formation types and rates of penetration for improved prediction of future fluid properties and the ability to implement lag time correction for various chemical additives.

The feasibility of this method was tested experimentally. A compositional model was developed for a simple two-polymer fluid using experimentally collected data. The lag time for chemical addition was also incorporated. Extensive laboratory experiments were conducted in a flow loop with a fully automated mud measurement and maintenance system, including a helical pipe viscometer, Coriolis meter, chemical screw feeders, and peristaltic pumps. A MPC algorithm was developed and tested to control and adjust viscosity at multiple shear rates by controlling the rates of addition of the two polymers. Tests were performed at various conditions; it was shown that the algorithm was able to achieve the desired control objectives.

Automated mud maintenance based on MPC is a promising method that will lead to more consistent and reliable drilling fluid properties. It takes advantage of formation knowledge and prediction to resolve issues inherent with simple PID control. Automated mud maintenance is aimed at eliminating the human error inherent with treatment decisions and manual mixing, leading to reduced fluid over-treatment/under- treatment events and reduced fluid-related non-productive time. Stable and consistent fluid properties will also enable better hydraulics control with improved ECD management in the field.
South Platte: A Case Study for New Deepwater Drilling Fluids
Authors: Champeau Mathieu , Nguyen Chau , Mouloungui Moussavou Juste , Allias Benoit , Szakolczai Cyril , Kenga Yannick , Brunet Jean-Marc
Published: March 2022

Deepwater operators are now exploring new fields that require products and services to be at the forefront of technology. This is especially true in the Gulf of Mexico, where fields with pressure gradients higher than previous developments are particularly demanding. In the coming decade, the Gulf of Mexico will see the first development using equipment rated at 20,000 psi. In such fields, density requirements for drilling fluids regularly exceed 15 lbm/gal, and can surpass 16 lbm/gal. Despite being green fields, narrow drilling windows can be expected, which can prove challenging when optimizing rheology at such mud weights. The South Platte field operated by TotalEnergies faced this challenge after a long absence in the Gulf of Mexico.

This paper presents the design, planning, and field execution for drilling fluids of the South Platte deepwater exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico. The operator drilling team was anticipating several challenges for what would be its deepest well ever drilled, such as, the need of high-density mud (above 16 lbm/gal), with potential side effects such as fluids stability over long static periods, and potential drilling window limitation equivalent circulating density (ECD margin).

The selected high-performance invert emulsion fluid (HPIEF) was designed to address these challenges. Facing one of the most active hurricane seasons on record, with 30 named storms, multiple well suspensions were necessary (6 well suspensions, 4 BOP disconnections). This eventually led to static periods greater than the 15-days stability at downhole conditions. Those periods were targeted at the design stage.
Drug Related Problems in Hospitalized Patients with Kidney Diseases and Clinical Pharmacists' Services—a Prospective Study in China
Authors: Zhang Su , Huang Ping , Ren Yan , Lin Bo , Shao Yanfei , Ye Xiaolan
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe patients with kidney diseases are at high risk of Drug related problems (DRPs) because of the multi-morbidity associated polypharmacy and pharmacokinetic change. The study aimed to identify DRPs in hospitalized patients with kidney diseases and the effectiveness of clinical pharmacists’ service in China.MethodsThe patients, admitted to the Nephrology department of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital between January to December 2020, were enrolled in this prospective study. Clinical pharmacists’ service consisted of medication reconciliation, identifying DRPs and providing suggestions. The DRPs were classified using pharmaceutical care net-work Europe (PCNE) DRPs classification system, as well as all data were statistical calculated via SPSS version 26.0.ResultsFrom 914 patients with renal disease in the study, 45.95% of them had at least one DRP. A total of 463 DRPs were identified, and 84.23% of DRPs were solved with participation of clinical pharmacists. Presence of co-morbidities(AOR = 1.187[1.059–1.329]), polypharmacy (AOR = 1.050[1.031–1.069]) and hospitalization days (AOR = 1.035[1.001–1.071]) were predictors of DRPs.ConclusionDRPs were common in the Nephropathy hospitalized patients. Co-morbidities, polypharmacy and extended length of stay could contribute to form DRPs. Clinical pharmacy service is necessary to the optimization of drug therapy in hospitalized patients with kidney diseases.
Polygalacturonase production enhancement by Piriformospora indica from sugar beet pulp under submerged fermentation using surface methodology
Authors: Kiani somayyeh , rezaei parisa fathi , jamalzadegan sina
Published: March 2022

This study proposed a novel and cost-effective approach to enhance and optimize the polygalacturonase from P. indica. In current investigation, the impact of ammonium sulfate, sugar beet pulp (SBP) and glucose as variables on induction of polygalacturonase from P. indica was optimized using the central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) under submerged fermentation (SmF). Additionally, partial polygalacturonase purification and in situ analysis were performed. The optimal reaction conditions, which resulted in the highest enzyme activity were observed as the following conditions: ammonium sulfate (4 g/L), SBP (20 g/L), glucose (60 g/L). Under the optimized condition, the maximum enzyme activity reached to 19.4 U/ml (127 U/mg) which increased by 5.84 times compared to non-optimized conditions. The partial purified polygalacturonase molecular weight was estimated 60 KDa. In line with the bioinformatic analysis, exo-polygalacturonase sequence of P. indica showed similarity with Rhizoctonia solani’s and Thanateporus cucumeris. These results indicated that SBP act as a cheap and suitable inducer of polygalacturonase production by P. indica in a submerged cultivation. The outcome of this study will be useful for industries to decrease environmental pollution with cost-effective approaches.
Patient reported disease-specific concerns relating to sexuality in multiple myeloma
Authors: Henkelman Megan , Toivonen Kirsti I. , Tay Jason , Beattie Sara , Walker Lauren M.
Published: March 2022

Purpose
There is increasing recognition that cancer and its treatment can have lasting effects on sexuality. However, most studies focus on breast and reproductive cancers while hematological cancers remain understudied. Only one prior study has acknowledged the existence of sexuality concerns among multiple myeloma (MM) survivors but did not expand upon them. This study explored how diagnosis and treatment of MM may affect sexual expression and also examined patient-provider communication about sexuality.
Methods
Men and women with MM (N=65) were recruited internationally for an online survey. The survey included open-ended questions about MM-specific barriers to engaging in sexual activity, methods used to adapt to sexual changes, and communication with healthcare providers. Answers to open-ended questions were summarized using a qualitative descriptive approach.
Results
Participants identified several barriers to sexual activity that may be unique to MM, such as concerns about bone health, infections, and vaginal bleeding and bruising. They also described adapting to sexual challenges by trying sexual medicines/aids, changing their sexual expression, and managing treatment risks. Half of the participants reported speaking to providers about sexuality, with a minority receiving sexual health-related recommendations.
Conclusions
Participants often faced sexual challenges after diagnosis, many of which may be unique to MM. While some were able to adapt to these changes, sexuality concerns were under-discussed and under-treated by healthcare providers. Proposed suggestions for improving patient-provider communication about sexuality and clinical care are offered based on the gaps identified by participants.
Crowding results from optimal integration of visual targets with contextual information
Authors: Cicchini Guido Marco , D'Errico Giovanni , Burr David
Published: March 2022

Crowding is the inability to recognize peripheral objects in clutter, usually considered a fundamental low-level bottleneck to object recognition. Here we advance and test an alternative hypothesis, that crowding, like “serial dependence”, results from optimizing strategies that exploit redundancies in natural scenes. This notion leads to several testable predictions: (1) crowding should be greatest for unreliable targets and reliable flankers; (2) crowding-induced biases should be maximal when target and flankers have similar orientations, falling off for differences around 20°; (3) flanker interference should be associated with higher precision in orientation judgements, leading to lower overall error rate; (4) effects should be maximal when the orientation of the target is near that of the average of the flankers, rather than to that of individual flankers. All these effects were verified, and well simulated with ideal-observer models that maximize performance. The results suggest that while crowding can impact strongly on object recognition, it is best understood not as a processing bottleneck, but as a consequence of efficient exploitation of the spatial redundancies of the natural world.
Assessing Climate Change in the Middle East from the Perspective changes in Air Temperature, Relative Humidity and Vector Wind: Land, Sea and atmosphere Interactions
Authors: Nazemosadat Mohammad Jafar , Heidari Afsaneh , Mehravar Sedighe
Published: March 2022

By utilizing summertime (June-September) gridded data of air temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH) and vector wind (VW), climate change was investigated over the whole of the Middle East (ME) and its ten sub-regions for the period of 1961-2020. Although changes were detected according to each individual variable, their interrelationships are discussed to justify the physical causes of the changes. For assessing the dynamic of climate change, stability in the changes was analyzed when significant results are compared between three choices comprising A) 1961 1990 and 1991-2020, B) 1961-1970 and 2011-2020 and C) 1961-1965 and 2016-2020. We proved that AT (westerly wind and RH) has (have) been predominantly increasing (decreasing) over the study area. The greatest (smallest) frequency of significant results was associated with choice C (A) suggesting changes are on the rise. After proving that the Mediterranean Sea-based northwesterly winds are the main climate controller of the ME, a large part of the observed warming and dryness is attributed to the recent weakness in these circulations. The worrying changes were associated with some populous areas including upstream of the Nile River in Eritrea and Sudan and Euphrates and Tigers Rivers in Turkey, Caucasus regions, north of Egypt, north of Iran, Turkmenistan, Saudi-Arabia and Afghanistan. In contrast to the Mediterranean region, recent enhancements in the southerly (northerly) circulations over the Indian Ocean's northwest (Caspian Sea) have been partially compensated negative impacts of warming and dryness over some areas in Iran, Pakistan and the Arabian Peninsula (south of the Sea).
Establishment of a novel mouse model of adenomyosis suitable for longitudinal and quantitative analysis and perinatal outcome studies
Authors: Elsherbini Mohammed , Koga Kaori , Hiraoka Takehiro , Kumasawa Keiichi , Satake Erina , Taguchi Ayumi , Makabe Tomoko , Takeuchi Arisa , Izumi Gentaro , Takamura Masashi , Harada Miyuki , Hirata Tetsuya , Hirota Yasushi , Wada-Hiraike Osamu , Osuga Yutaka
Published: March 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to establish a novel mouse model of adenomyosis suitable for longitudinal and quantitative analyses and perinatal outcome studies.Methods: Using a 30 G needle, the entire uterine wall of one horn was mechanically punctured at a frequency of 100 times/1 cm (adenomyosis horn). The other horn was left unpunctured (control horn). Mice were sacrificed on day 14 (D14) or day 65 (D65). The uterus was fixed, paraffin-embedded, sliced, and stained. Lesions were detected and counted, and their volumes were measured. Cell proliferation and fibrosis were assessed by Ki67 and Masson’s Trichrome staining, respectively. Blood vessels were detected using CD31 immunostaining. Some of the mice were mated, and the date of delivery, litter size, number of implantations, and number and volume of postpartum lesions were measured.Results: The number of lesions per horn did not differ between D14 and D65. The volume of the entire lesion was significantly greater on D65 than on D14 (p < 0.0001). The volume of the epithelial part of the lesion was significantly greater in D65 (p< 0.0001). The volume of the stromal part of the lesion was also greater on D65 (p < 0.0001). The percentage of Ki67 positive cells in the epithelial part of the lesion was significantly higher on D14 (p < 0.05). In contrast, the percentage of Ki67-positive cells in the stromal part was significantly higher on D65 (p < 0.01). Vascular density in the lesions was higher in on D65 (p < 0.05). The percentage of fibrotic area was significantly higher on D65 (p < 0.01). The date of delivery was slightly earlier than that reported for healthy mice of the same strain. The litter size was smaller than that reported in previous research. The number of implantation sites did not differ between the control and the adenomyosis horn. The number and volume of lesions did not differ between the non-pregnant and postpartum groups.Conclusions: This model can be applied to evaluate the pathogenesis of adenomyosis, validate the efficacy of therapeutic agents, and evaluate the effect of adenomyosis on pregnancy and vice versa.
Social information processing across the life-span in Barbary macaques
Authors: Rathke Eva-Maria , Mundry Roger , Fischer Julia
Published: March 2022

According to the Strength-and-Vulnerability-Integration (SAVI) model, older people are more motivated to avoid negative affect and high arousal than younger ones. To explore the biological roots of this effect, we investigated communicative interactions and social information processing in Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) living at ‘La Forêt des Singes’ in Rocamadour, France. The study combined an analysis of the use of (N = 8185 signals, 84 signalers) and responses to communicative signals (N = 3672 events, 84 receivers) with a field experiment (N = 166 trials, 45 subjects). Here we here show that older monkeys were not more likely to specifically ignore negative social information or to employ avoidance strategies in stressful situations, although they were overall less sociable. We suggest that the monkeys have only a limited capacity for self-regulation within social interactions and rather rely on general avoidance strategies to decrease the risk of potentially hazardous social interactions.
Effectiveness and Economic Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Prostate Resection with a New Surgical Shear with Integrated Energy System: a retrospective study based on a tertiary hospital database in China
Authors: Gao Yi , Zhu Yu , Sun Fukang , Shao Yuan , Huang Tao , He Wei , Xie Xin , Chen Lu , Winberg Debra R. , Xu Danfeng
Published: March 2022

Background: Each year over 1.4 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Surgical prostate resection offers patients with early-stage prostate cancer a high likelihood of remission and has low reoperation rates. A new surgical shear with integrated energy system (Harmonic ACE+7) is an integrated ultrasonic and electrosurgical energy system that can aid surgeons in laparoscopic prostate resections. This study aimed to demonstrate the ACE+7’s value by determining its effectiveness and economic outcomes compared to conventional ultrasonic shear (CUS) in a real-world setting.Methods: This was a multi-center clinical study of adults with prostate cancer undergoing a laparoscopic prostate resection procedure with the ACE+7 shear or CUS between August 2019 and April 2021 at Shanghai Ruijin Hospital and two affiliated centers. Demographic and diagnosis information, intraoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes, and total and categorical costs were collected. 1:1 Propensity Score Matching was performed to form the study population for each clinical group. Data were compared between the two groups using t-tests and chi-squared tests. Results: The ACE+7 was associated with a lower number of hemostatic clips used per surgery (12.8 in the ACE+7 group vs 19.8 in the CUS group, P<0.001), a moderate but not significant difference in average postoperative drainage duration (6.6 ± 2.2 d vs. 7.9 ± 4.1 d, P=0.082), a reduction on total drainage volume (275.5 ± 374.3 ml vs. 492.9 ± 1495.0 ml, P=0.321) and a lower average rate of postoperative hemostatic drug usage (16% vs. 52%, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in total costs between the ACE+7 and CUS groups. Conclusion: This study provides real-world data demonstrating that the ACE+7 shear with integrated energy system improves clinical outcomes compared to CUS and can offer cost savings for hospitals and health systems. Using the ACE+7's during LPRs allows physicians to help their patients achieve better outcomes and not spend additional money.
Climate-driven dynamics of pathogenic microbial taxa in birds and bats
Authors: Xu Yanjie , Poosakkannu Anbu , Suominen Kati , Laine Veronika , Lilley Thomas , Pulliainen Arto , Lehikoinen Aleksi
Published: March 2022

Climate change can facilitate emergence of zoonotic and wildlife diseases, by changing environmental suitability for hosts, ectoparasites, and pathogens. However, the connections between climatic variables and diseases remains equivocal. We compiled a systematic database for the prevalence of 121 pathogenic microbial taxa in birds and bats, including 11,801 observations from over 450,000 individuals across Europe and surrounding regions. Using a space-for-time-substitution approach, we modelled the potential connection of climatic variables on the prevalence of different taxa. The prevalence of viral and in particular bacterial taxa in birds (376 species) and bats (39 species) positively correlated with temperature, while rainfall showed negative and positive correlations with the prevalence of bacterial and viral taxa, respectively. The results suggest that our warming biosphere is subject to an emerging threat by pathogenic microbial taxa.
Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 Serology Testing and Pandemic Anxiety: A Study of Pediatric Healthcare Workers
Authors: Li Natasha , Martin Sarah R. , Heyming Theodore W. , Knudsen-Robbins Chloe , Sanger Terence , Kain Zeev
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Limited access to SARS-CoV-2 testing has been identified as a potential source of anxiety among healthcare workers (HCWs), but the impact of repeated testing on pandemic-related anxiety in pediatric HCWs has not been examined. We sought to understand the impact of repeated SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing on pediatric HCWs COVID-19 anxiety. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study was conducted between April and July 2020. Participants, 362 pediatric HCWs, underwent rapid SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing either every 96 hours or weekly and were asked to rate their COVID-19 anxiety on a visual analog scale. Change in anxiety from baseline was calculated for each testing day response. Bivariate analyses, repeated measures, and logistic regression analyses were performed to examine demographics associated with change in anxiety.Results: Baseline COVID-19 anxiety was significantly higher in HCWs with less than 10 years of experience (Z=-2.63, p=.009), females compared to males (Z=-3.66 p<.001), and nurses compared to other HCWs (F (3,302)=6.04, p =.003). After excluding participants that received a positive test result, repeated measures analyses indicated that anxiety decreased over time (F (5,835)=3.14, p=.008). Of those HCWs that reported decreased anxiety, 57 (29.8%) had a clinically significant decrease (> 30%) and ED HCWs were 1.97 times more likely to report a clinically significant decrease in anxiety (X2(1) = 5.05, p = .025).Conclusion: Results suggest that repeated SARS-CoV-2 antibody serology testing is associated with decreased COVID-19 anxiety in HCWs. Routine screening for disease may be a helpful strategy to attenuate pandemic-related anxiety in pediatric HCWs.
Biodiverse Landscapes and Restoring Benefit: A Connection Through Naturalness
Authors: Chang Joanne , Wu Chia-Ching , Chang Chun-Yen
Published: March 2022

Context
Research has been associating urban nature with health and wellbeing; whereas many focus on the benefits of the availability of green spaces, only a few focus on the quality of natural environments. Moreover, the mental health of urban residents has become an issue in society. Therefore, thinking about ecological health and human health when designing green spaces is critical.
Objectives
This study asked the extent to which biodiversity of landscapes is associated with attention restoration and if naturalness is the characteristic shared between biodiverse landscapes and the restoring perception of landscapes.
Methods
This study conducted laboratory experiments. We used bird survey data of the Taipei Metropolitan area to represent the biodiversity levels of landscapes and took photographs on-site of those survey sites to be the intervention. Participants viewed the images and evaluated their restoring and natural perceptions of landscapes.
Results
There were 128 participants who attended the experiments. This study reported landscapes with greater avian species richness and the avian Shannon diversity index score were evaluated as more natural. Naturalness, the avian species richness, and the avian Shannon diversity index were all associated with higher attention restorativeness. Bird abundance did not find associations with either variable. The findings demonstrated that viewing landscape images of bird biodiverse landscapes reported with same restoring effects.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated direct and measurable mental wellbeing benefits of urban bird diversity from viewing images of landscapes. This research supports previous research findings and suggests the connections between bird diversity and mental wellbeing need more investigation.
ESR1 regulates the obesity and metabolism-differential gene MMAA to inhibit the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yiyin , Cheng Jiaxi , Zhong Cheng , Xia Qiming , Li Yirun , Chen Peng , Fan Xiaoxiao , Mao Qijiang , Lin Hui , Hong Defei
Published: March 2022

Background Obesity is often regarded as one of the factors that promote tumorigenesis, but the role of obesity in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still controversial.Methods We compared the trend change of 14 obesity-related genes in formation and development of HCC in normal, adjacent and HCC tissues. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to verify the relationship between obesity and HCC occurrence. MMAA was discovered as an obesity and metabolism-differential gene, and its function in HCC was testified in vivo and in vitro. Finally, we explored how obese female with originally high expression of female estrogen receptor (ESR1), directly upregulated MMAA to interfere with the progression of HCC.Results Fourteen obesity-related genes were downregulated in adjacent and tumoral tissues compared with normal liver tissues, which indicated that obesity may be inversely related to the occurrence of HCC and was consistent with the result in MR analysis. We also discovered MMAA is a metabolic gene closely related to the occurrence and development of HCC via mining TCGA database, and it functioned as an anti-tumor-promoting role in HCC by damaging the mitochondrial function and preserving the redox balance. We further verified obese female with originally high expression of ESR1 can regulate MMAA to protect HCC from progression. Conclusions This study elucidates obesity might be a protective factor for female HCC patients, as they originally highly expressed ESR1 which could upregulate MMAA to suppress tumor growth and participate in metabolic reprogram.
Annular structures in perturbed low mass disc-shaped gaseous nebulae I : general and standard models
Authors: PLETSER Vladimir
Published: March 2022

This is the first of two papers where we study analytical solutions of a bidimensional low mass gaseous disc rotating around a central mass and submitted to small radial perturbations. Hydrodynamics equations are solved for the equilibrium and perturbed configurations. A wave-like equation for the gas perturbed specific mass is deduced and solved analytically for several cases of exponents of the power law distributions of the unperturbed specific mass and sound speed. It is found that, first, the gas perturbed specific mass displays exponentially spaced maxima, corresponding to zeros of the radial perturbed velocity; second, the distance ratio of successive maxima of the perturbed specific mass is a constant depending on disc characteristics and, following the model, also on the perturbation's frequency; and, third, inward and outward gas flows are induced from zones of minima toward zones of maxima of perturbed specific mass, leading eventually to the possible formation of gaseous annular structures in the disc. The results presented may be applied in various astrophysical contexts to thin gaseous discs of negligible relative mass, submitted to small radial perturbations.
EFFECTS OF CHITOSAN AS COMPATIBILIZER ON THE PROPERTIES OF POLYCAPROLACTONE/TAPIOCA STARCH COMPOSITE FILMS
Authors: EZENKWA OBINNA EMMANUEL , Azmi Nurulhusna , Bakar Aznizam Abu , Samsudin Sani Amril
Published: March 2022

This study investigates the effects of chitosan contents as a compatibilizer on the properties of polycaprolactone (PCL)/tapioca starch composite films. The mechanical and thermal, morphological and biodegradability properties of the composite films were analysed to determine the feasibility of chitosan in enhancing the properties of the composite films by improving the PCL/starch interaction. The incorporation of 2 parts per hundred (pph) chitosan slightly improved the tensile strength while the Young’ modulus, water vapor permeability and biodegradability of composite film increased with the increasing of the chitosan contents from 2 to 8 pph. The melting temperature and degree of crystallization of the composite films with 2 pph chitosan content showed that there was an interaction between PCL and starch via hydrogen bonding which was proven by Fourier transform infra-red spectra (FTIR) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. The micrographs of the composite films reveal the formation of hollow spaces to indicate that there was interaction between PCL and starch with the addition of chitosan as a compatibilizer. Hence, chitosan has successfully acted as a compatibilizer at 2 pph as the properties of composite films improved at this composition.
The value of deep learning-based computer aided diagnostic system in improving diagnostic performance of rib fractures in acute blunt trauma
Authors: Tan Hui , Xu Hui , Yu Nan , Yu Yong , Duan Haifeng , Fan Qiuju , Tian Zhanyu
Published: March 2022

IntroductionTo evaluate the value of a deep learning-based computer-aided diagnostic system (DL-CAD) in improving the diagnostic performance of acute rib fractures in patients with chest trauma.Materials and MethodsCT images of 214 patients with acute blunt chest trauma were retrospectively analyzed by two interns and two attending radiologists independently firstly and then with the assistance of a DL-CAD one month later, in a blinded and randomized manner. The consensus diagnosis of fib fracture by another two senior thoracic radiologists was regarded as reference standard. The rib fracture diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, diagnostic confidence and mean reading time with and without DL-CAD were calculated and compared.ResultsThere were 680 rib fracture lesions confirmed as reference standard among all patients. The diagnostic sensitivity and positive predictive value of interns were significantly improved from (68.82%, 84.50%) to (91.76%, 93.17%) with the assistance of DL-CAD, respectively. Diagnostic sensitivity and positive predictive value of interns assisted by DL-CAD were comparative to those of attendings aided by DL-CAD (94.56%, 86.47%) or not aided (95.67%, 93.83%), respectively. In addition, when radiologists were assisted by DL-CAD, the mean reading time was significantly reduced and diagnostic confidence was significantly enhanced.ConclusionsDL-CAD improves the diagnostic performance of acute rib fracture in chest trauma patients, which increases the diagnostic confidence, sensitivity and positive predictive value for radiologists. DC-CAD can advance the diagnostic consistency of radiologists with different experiences.
Comparison of patient-reported outcomes at one year after injury between limb salvage and amputation: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kurozumi Taketo , Inui Takahiro , Nakayama Yuhei , Honda Akifumi , Matsui Kentaro , Ishii Keisuke , Suzuki Takashi , Watanabe Yoshinobu
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This single-centre, prospective cohort study aimed to compare the patient-reported outcomes at one year after injury between limb salvage and amputation and to elucidate whether amputation contributes to early recovery of functionality and quality of life.Methods: We included 47 limbs of 45 patients with severe open fractures of the lower limb and categorised them into limb salvage and amputation groups. Data on patient-reported outcomes at one year after injury were obtained from the Database of Orthopedic Trauma by the Japanese Society for Fracture Repair at our centre. Patients’ limbs were evaluated using the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and Short-Form 8 (SF-8). Early recovery was evaluated using functionality and quality-of-life questionnaires.Results: Of the 47 limbs, 34 limbs of 34 patients were salvaged and 13 limbs of 11 patients were amputated. Significant differences were noted between the limb salvage and amputation groups in terms of the LEFS scores (mean: 49.5 vs 33.1, P=0.025) and scores for the mental health component (mean: 48.7 vs 38.7, P=0.003), role–physical component (mean: 42.2 vs 33.3, P=0.026), and mental component summary (mean: 48.2 vs 41.3, P=0.042) of the SF-8. The limb salvage group had better scores than did the amputation group. Conclusions: As reconstruction technology has advanced and limb salvaging has become possible, the focus of studies should now be based on the perspective of “how the patient feels”; hence, we believe that the results of this study, which is based on patient-reported outcomes, are meaningful.
Using integrated multi-omics data analysis to identify 5-gene signature for predicting survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Rulin , Wu Junyi , Zhao Yingying , Xu Xiang , Liu Xiaolei , Wu Jun
Published: March 2022

Due to the poor prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presently, a systemic analysis supported by the multi-omics data is extremely necessary to search for gene markers for the clinical prognostic prediction of HCC. The data on RNA-seq, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and copy number variation (CNV), etc. were downloaded from TCGA, leading to a final of 367 samples, which were divided into training set and testing set randomly. In the training set, both prognosis-related genes and those with SNP or CNV were screened, which were incorporated for feature selection using the random forest method. The testing and GEO verification sets (N=265) were used to verify the constructed gene-related prognosis model. qPCR was used to detect the expression of 5 genes in clinical specimens. After including genomic variant and prognosis-related genes, we got 78 candidate genes and 5 feature genes (CISH, LHPP, MGMT, PDRG1, and LCAT) eventually through random forest feature selection. The 5-gene signature is an independent prognostic risk factor for HCC patients. In addition, the signature shows good predicting performance and clinical practicality in train- ing set, testing set and external verification set. The results of qPCR based on clinical samples showed that the expression of PDRG1 was increased in colon cancer tissues and the expression of CISH, LHPP, MGMT and LCAT were decreased in colon cancer tissues. We identify the ability of 5-gene signature to serve as an innovative marker of survival prediction for patients with HCC.
PROBLEMATIKA KONTRAK BAKU DALAM AKAD MUDHARABAH DI LEMBAGA PERBANKAN SYARIAH
Authors: Na’im Muhlishotu Jannati
Published: March 2022

The development of  financing in Islamic banks illustrates that this productenjoyed by many people. Financing is one option the community to cooperatewith the banks, with a profit-sharing system. This paper aims to examine theproblematic raw deal in mudharabah in Islamic banking. These problems willhave an impact on the lives of  customers, where customers will feel aggrievedover contract made unilaterally. At first these customers want to get capital fortheir business because of  the content of  the burdensome contracts, selection of customers simply leave or not so do the financing by banks. If  the customeraccepts the contract of  cooperation, we can be sure the customer is running witha full big responsibility. In addition, the ratio of  part of  the customer will beless commensurate with the contribution of  cooperation that customers provide.
Development of financial inclusion from the standpoint of ensuring financial stability
Authors: Kuznyetsova Аngela , Boiarko Іryna , Khutorna Мyroslava , Zhezherun Yuliia
Published: March 2022

Since 2013–2015, financial inclusion has been considered a determinant of economic and social inclusion. Meanwhile, the impact of financial inclusion on economic development directly depends on financial stability. This paper focuses on the development peculiarities of financial inclusion in relation to ensuring financial stability and provides recommendations to Ukraine. The inclusive development theory and gap theory form the theoretical research base, while generalization, statistical methods, coefficient and graphical analysis, comparison and ranking represent its methodological basis. Financial institution development, financial literacy, income level, cashless economy, and public confidence have been justified as the content-forming factors and impact channels of financial inclusion on financial stability. The development peculiarities of financial inclusion are studied by cross-country analysis considering different financial system models and economic development levels. The weak points of financial inclusion in Ukraine are a sevenfold gap between the banks’ assets and non-bank financial institutions and 37% of the unbanked adult population. Moreover, there is a significant gap between the levels of human capital readiness and information security of banks’ digitalization compared to EU banks – by 2.5 and 1.3 times, respectively, and a critically high level of distrust in banks (70%) with a reasonably high share of payment applications users (58%).Further developing of financial inclusion and ensuring financial stability in Ukraine requires improving credit cooperation by transforming its structure from multi-institutional to mono-institutional and introducing the developed indicative tools for monitoring potential financial stability threats caused by technological innovations.
AcknowledgmentThe study has been conducted within the framework of Applied Research “Ensuring financial stability of the financial sector of Ukraine’s economy on the basis of sustainable development and in the face of the latest epidemiological challenges” with the financial support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (state registration number 0121U113271). The authors are also thankful to the editors and anonymous reviewers for their useful suggestions and comments to improve the quality of this paper.
Enrichment and characterization of Anammox bacteria in a non-woven membrane reactor
Authors: Lyu Yuhua , Yan Song , Gong Zheng , Zhang Shoutong
Published: March 2022

An upflow column reactor packed with nonwoven fabric carrier was used to enrich anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) sludge. After 101 days, the reactor Anammox sludge concentration increased from 470 to 3,118 mg·L−1. In the stable operating stage, the average total nitrogen (TN) volume loading rate was 818.3 mg·L−1, and the maximum removal efficiencies of NH4+-N, NO2−-N and TN were 65.9, 81.2 and 63.8%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the cultivated sludge was dominated by a mix of short rod-shaped and spherical bacteria, which accumulated to the typical cauliflower-like aggregates assumed to be the Anammox culture. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using 16S rRNA showed that the dominant population developed in the reactor when hybridized with both PLA46 and Amx820 gene probes. This indicates that the cultivated biomass may comprise Planctomycetes bacteria. The results of real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) showed that these bacteria formed 45 to 60% of the total bacteria in the Anammox sludge. The study demonstrated successful detection and enrichment of Anammox bacteria in wastewater.
Modification of the World Bank Human Capital Index calculation methodology for Russian regions
Authors: Romashkina Gulnara F. , Andrianov Kirill V.
Published: March 2022

In this paper we modify the methodology for calculating the Human Capital Index that is used by the World Bank. This modification is required due to the inapplicability of the original methodology to the analysis of human capital in the regions of Russia caused by the absence of some of the original data in Russian statistics. The article analyzes the method of calculating the Human Development Index, which is used to estimate human capital in the regions of Russia, and shows the main problems of its application. First of all, these problems are associated with the excessive dependence of the final index on GRP per capita. The main goal of this research is to compare human development of Russian regions via calculating Human Capital Index, which includes modeling based on three subindices — survival, education, and health scores. Due to the complete or partial absence of some of the data necessary to calculate the final index for Russian regions, their proxies were used. The major changes had to be made in the methodology for calculating the education subindex. The main obstacle to the use of the World Bank methodology without changes is the lack of open data that could evaluate the quality of school education in the region. The results were tested on the data of the regions of Russia for 2019. The results made it possible to compile a ranking of Russian regions by the level of human capital development. The ranking of regions with the best development of human capital was headed by St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad region and Moscow. The anti-ranking regions were Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Buryatia and Tyva. A strong dispersion between regions by the level of human capital development was shown. The main contribution to the differentiation of regions according to the constructed index is made by the education subindex. The conclusion is made about the limits and possibilities of applicability of this method in Russian conditions.
“Silver volunteering” as a form of social activity of the older generation: problems and prospects of development (the case of studies in the Republic of Khakassia)
Authors: Kuznetsova Natalia F. , Kochina Elena A.
Published: March 2022

The article analyzes previously unexplored regional aspects of “silver volunteering” as a form of social activity of the older generation, its problems and prospects for development. The purpose of the study is to analyze the “silver volunteering” as a form of social activity of the older generation among the residents of the Republic of Khakassia. The authors of the article, based on the methods of questionnaire and expert survey, identified the content of the “silver volunteer” activity, its priority areas, the motivation of the “silver volunteer” and obstacles to the successful development of the volunteer movement in the region. The theoretical and methodological basis of the article is the approaches of well-known foreign and domestic authors, which identify the actual problems of maintaining stability in society. The authors of the article rely on the activity approach, which includes the concepts of “adaptation”, “mobility”, “motives”, etc. The article presents the results of a survey conducted among the “silver volunteers”, which reflect the respondents’ opinions about the content of volunteer activities, their motivation and interests, their participation in volunteer practices, etc. (n = 155). In addition, the article includes the results of an expert survey (n = 5) conducted in the form of an in-depth interview with the coordinators of volunteer movements in the region, which reflects the current state of the volunteer movement and barriers to its implementation. The study showed that participation in volunteer movements is a successful practice of self-realization, social adaptation of older people. The priority areas of volunteer activity are environmental, educational, cultural and educational. The following are identified barriers to the organization and implementation of the volunteer movement: the lack of training programs for volunteer work; the fear of “silver volunteers” to be incompetent, especially when working with seriously ill people; the lack of criteria for evaluating the effective activity of a volunteer; the lack of systematic methodological assistance and support of volunteer centers.
Eğitim Fakültesi Öğrencilerinin Proaktif Kişilik Özellikleri ile Öz Kontrol ve Akademik Mükemmeliyetçilikleri Arasındaki İlişkilerin İncelenmesi
Authors: Er Emre , Aydemir Arcan
Published: March 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı, eğitim fakültesi öğrencilerinin proaktif kişilik özellikleri ile özkontrol ve akademik mükemmeliyetçilik düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkilerin incelenmesidir. Çalışma kapsamında Artvin Çoruh Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesinde öğrenim gören 357 öğrenciden veri toplanmıştır. Çalışmada “Kısaltılmış Proaktif Kişilik Ölçeği”, “ Kısa Özkontrol Ölçeği” ve “Akademik Mükemmeliyetçilik Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada elde edilen verilerin analizinde Pearson momentler çarpımı korelasyon katsayısı, basit doğrusal regresyon analizi ve t-testi kullanılmıştır. Çalışma sonuçlarına göre katılımcıların proaktif kişilik özellikleri öz kontrol ve akademik mükemmeliyetçiliğin anlamlı yordayıcısıdır. Katılımcıların cinsiyetlerine göre algılarındaki farklılıklar incelendiğinde özkontrol değişkeninde erkekler, akademik mükemmeliyetçilik boyutunda ise kadınlar lehine anlamlı farklılıklar elde edilmiştir.