bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breeding biology and behaviour of the Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata in subtropical coastal New South Wales
Authors: Fisher Keith , Hil Faye
Published: February 2024

The breeding biology and behaviour of predominantly two pairs of Pacific Bazas Aviceda subcristata were studied in subtropical north-eastern New South Wales from 2007 to 2017, with intensive observations in 2010–2012 (442.5 h). Fifteen breeding attempts were documented: eleven from observed nest sites, and four from observations of dependent juveniles. The pre-laying period occupied late August and September, with nest building taking 6–19 days. The mean incubation period was 31 days, usually from early October to early November. Both male and female shared diurnal incubation (Pair 1: male 42%, female 58%, only the female incubated overnight; Pair 2: male 62%, female 38%, sharing overnight incubation). The mean nestling period was 37.5 days, including a brooding period of 9–14 days. Breeding productivity was 1.87–2.0 fledglings/attempt (n = 15) across all sites combined. Fledging generally occurred in December, but on two occasions occurred in mid–late February. The post-fledging dependence period lasted at least 22 days, with juveniles joining flocks of other broods in the area at c. 40 days, and leaving the study area c. 45–60 days after fledging. Delivered prey was predominantly insects, especially cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea) and phasmatids (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae) by number, and tree frogs Litoria spp. by biomass. Bazas brought prey at a mean rate of 1.2 items/h/juvenile (nestling and post-fledging periods combined), with juvenile intake estimated at 7.6 g/h/juvenile. Various behaviours – nest building, vocalisations, inter- and intraspecific interactions and their frequencies and contexts, and changes in juvenile morphology through the post-fledging period – are described for the years 2010–2012.
Rikkosan’s Short-term Analgesic Effect of Burning Mouth Syndrome: A single-arm cohort study
Authors: Itagaki Tatsuki , Nakamura Keisuke , Tanabe Tougo , Shimura Takumi , Nakai Yu , Sakata Ken-ichiro , Sato Jun , Kitagawa Yoshimasa
Published: February 2024

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic oral pain disorder. There is a theory that BMS is nociplastic pain. Standard treatment for BMS has not yet been established. Kampo medicine is a traditional oriental medicine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of rikkosan—a traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo)—in the treatment of BMS. A single-center retrospective study was conducted in 20 patients who were diagnosed with BMS and treated with rikkosan alone (7.5 g) three times daily for approximately 4 weeks. They were treated with rikkosan alone approximately 4 weeks (29.5 ± 6.5 days) for the initial treatment. They had an average age of 63 years and 90% were being treated for other illnesses, but their medication status was the same during this study period, except for rikkosan. No side effects were observed in patients. Numerical rating scale (NRS) or visual analogue scale (VAS)/10 scores decreased significantly between the time of the initiation of rikkosan and the one-month after (-2.1 ± 1.2, p < 0.05). Rikkosan has a short-term effect of reducing NRS by two levels in BMS patients.
On How to Measure the Subdivision Potential in Nanothermodynamics
Authors: Bedeaux Dick , Kjelstrup Signe
Published: February 2024

We discuss a central concept of nanothermdynamics; the subdivision potential. We explain
how it can be measured or calculated for some typical ensembles, as this has been disputed in
the literature. We proceed to discuss its meaning for particular systems, and predict scaling laws
for three ensembles. The laws depend on the small system geometry in a predictable way for an
ideal gas model with surface adsorption. We provide new equations which relate the subdivision
potential to experimental investigations, and give expressions for grand canonical ensembles of
spheres, cylinders, slit pores and fluids confined in porous media. The subdivision potential is not
compatible with the popular Hadwiger theorem in geometry, and can therefore not be described by
a Minkowski set of variables. It is equivalent to Gibbs descriptions when shape- and size variables
are defined.
Validation of a Mid-fidelity Numerical Approach for Wind Turbine Aerodynamics Characterization
Authors: Savino Alberto , Ferreri Andrea , Zanotti Alex
Published: February 2024

This work is aimed at investigating the capabilities and limits of the mid-fidelity numerical solver DUST for the evaluation of wind turbines aerodynamic performance. In particular, this study was conducted by analysing the benchmarks NREL- 5MW and Phase VI wind turbines, widely investigated in literature by from experimental and numerical activities. The work started by simulating simpler configuration of the NREL- 5MW turbine to progressively integrate complexities such as shaft tilt, cone effects and yawed inflow conditions, offering a detailed portrayal of their collective impact on turbine performance. A particular focus was then given to the evaluation of aerodynamic responses from the tower and nacelle, as well as aerodynamic behavior in yawed inflow condition, crucial for optimizing farm layouts. In the second phase, the work was focused on NREL Phase VI turbine due to the availability of experimental data on this benchmark case. Comparison of DUST simulations results with both experimental data and high-fidelity CFD tools shows the robustness and adaptability of this mid-fidelity solver for this applications, thus opening a new scenario for the use of such mid-fidelity tools for the preliminary design of novel wind turbines configurations or complex environments as wind farms, characterised by robust interactional aerodynamics.
Enhancing the Efficiency of Rotary Thermal Propulsion Systems
Authors: Shen Xuankun , Costall Aaron W.
Published: February 2024

Transport electrification is essential for reducing CO2 emissions, and technologies such as hybrid and range-extended electric vehicles will play a crucial transitional role. Such vehicles employ an internal combustion engine for on-board chemical energy conversion. The Wankel rotary engine should be an excellent candidate for this purpose, offering high power-to-weight ratio, simplicity, compactness, perfect balance, and low cost. Until recently, however, it has not been in production in the automotive market, due, in part, to relatively low combustion efficiency and high fuel consumption and unburnt hydrocarbon emissions, which can be traced to constraints on flame speed, an elongated combustion chamber, and relatively low compression ratios. This work uses large-eddy simulation to study the in-chamber flow in a peripherally ported 225cc Wankel rotary engine, providing insight into these limitations. Flow structures created during the intake phase play a key role in turbulence production but presence of the pinch point inherent to Wankel engine combustion chambers inhibits flame propagation. Two efficiency-enhancement technologies are introduced as disruptive solutions: (i) pre-chamber jet ignition and (ii) the two-stage rotary engine. These concepts overcome the traditional efficiency limitations and show that Wankel rotary engine design can be further enhanced for its role as a range extender in electrified vehicles.
Long-Term Prognosis after St-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Premature Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Savić Lidija , Mrdovic Igor , Asanin Milika , Stankovic Sanja , Lasica Ratko , Krljanac Gordana , Simic Damjan , Matic Dragan
Published: February 2024

Background: A significant percentage of younger patients with myocardial infarction have premature coronary artery disease (CAD). The aims of this study were to analyze all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE- cardiovascular death, non-fatal reinfarction and stroke and target vessel revascularization) during eight-year follow-up in STEMI patients with premature CAD.
Method: we analyzed 2,560 STEMI patients without previous CAD and without cardiogenic shock at admission who were treated with primary PCI. CAD was classified as premature in men aged <50 years and women <55 years.
Results: Of the 2,560 patients analyzed 630(24.6%) patients had premature CAD. Patients with premature CAD have fewer comorbidities and better initial angiographic findings, as compared to patients without premature CAD. The incidence of non-fatal adverse ischemic events was similar to the incidence in older patients. Premature CAD was an independent predictor for lower mortality (HR 0.50, 95%CI 0.28-0.91) and MACE (HR 0.27, 95%CI 0.15-0.47). In patients with premature CAD, EF<40% was the only independent predictor of mortality (HR 5.59 95%CI 2.18-8.52) and MACE (HR 4.18, 95%CI 1.98-8.13).
Conclusion: Premature CAD was an independent predictor for lower mortality and MACE. In patients with premature CAD, EF<40% was an independent predictor of eight-year mortality and MACE.
Use of Alkaline-Activated Energy Waste Raw Materials in Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Nalewajko Marta , Bołtryk Michał
Published: February 2024

Silica fly ash, Certyd aggregate, and an alkaline solution were used to produce lightweight geo-polymer concretes. The compressive strength, water absorption, bulk density and SEM photos showing the structure of the obtained composite were carried out. Tests conducted on the specifi-cation of lightweight geopolymer concretes have revealed significant chemical interactions between the ash aggregate and the geopolymer mortar, particularly when the coarse aggregate surface has been pre-treated with an alkaline solution. Statistical analysis of the experimental data, which in-vestigated the influence of three key variables on compressive strength, water absorption, and bulk density of Lightweight Geopolymer Concrete (LBG), identified the following factors as having the most substantial impact: the quantity of alkali used, the curing temperature, and the concentration of alkali in the mixture. The optimal test series exhibited a commendable compressive strength of 20.14 megapascals (MPa), accompanied by a water absorption rate of 14.72% and a bulk density of 1486.6 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). These findings underscore the importance of alkali con-tent, curing temperature, and alkali concentration in tailoring the properties of lightweight geo-polymer concrete to meet specific performance requirements.
Hydrogen-rich syngas production from gasification of sewage sludge: Catalonia case
Authors: Untoria Sandra , Rouboa Abel , Monteiro Eliseu
Published: February 2024

The continuous tightening of legislation regulating the agricultural usage of sewage sludge in the province of Catalonia (Spain) leads us to propose its gasification to produce hydrogen-rich syngas. A thermodynamic equilibrium model was developed using Aspen Plus® to simulate the air and steam gasification of sewage sludge from a wastewater treatment plant in Catalonia. The syngas generated is analyzed in terms of composition and lower heating value (LHV), as a function of equivalence ratio (ER), gasification temperature, steam-to-biomass ratio (SBR), and moisture content (MC). Results show that air-blown gasification finds the highest LHV of 7.48 MJ/m3 at 1200ºC, ER of 0.2, and MC of 5%. Using steam as the gasifying agent, an LHV of 10.30 MJ/m3 is obtained at SBR of 0.2, MC of 5%, and 1200ºC. A maximum of 69.7% hydrogen molar fraction is obtained at 600ºC, MC of 25%, and SBR of 1.2. This study suggests using steam as a gasifying agent instead of air since it provides a higher LHV of the syngas as well as a hydrogen-richer syngas for the implementation of gasification as an alternative method to sewage sludge treatment in the region of Catalonia. Since the economic aspect should also be considered in this regard, our sensitivity analysis provided important data demonstrating that it is possible to reduce the gasification temperature without significantly decreasing the LHV.
Formulating Treatment to Cure Alzheimer’s Dementia
Authors: Fessel Jeffrey
Published: February 2024

There are two generic approaches to curing any medical condition. The first treats every patient for all of the known possible causes that contribute to pathogenesis; the second individualizes potentially curative therapy by identifying in each separate patient only those components of pathogenesis that are actually operative, and treating those. This article adopts the second approach for formulating a cure of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD).
Components of AD’s pathogenesis are, in alphabetical order: circadian rhythm disturbances, depression, diabetes and insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, mitochondrial dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, TGF-β deficiency, underweight, vascular abnormalities, and Wnt/β-catenin deficiency. For each component, data are described that show the degree by which its prevalence is more in the patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who did not revert to having normal cognition than in those who did, because the former group is the pool of patients from among which future AD may develop. Addressing only those components that are present in a particular individual, is potentially a curative strategy. Published data indicate that curative therapy requires that the number of such components to address should be ≥3. Although structural brain changes cannot be directly addressed, the impaired neural tracts result from many of the reversible causal elements, so correcting them will benefit those tract
Responsibilities of an Executive Leading AI Projects: Navigating Federal Directives for Safe and Inclusive Development
Authors: Douglas Davis Dorran
Published: February 2024

This comprehensive article explores the intricate responsibilities of executives leading AI projects within the framework of Federal Directives, specifically Executive Order 14110 and Executive Order 14091. The executive role is dissected, covering aspects such as defining leadership in the AI context, historical perspectives, current trends, and challenges in AI project leadership. The article delves into the significance of Federal Directives, particularly Executive Order 14110, which emphasizes safe, secure, and trustworthy AI development, and Executive Order 14091, focusing on racial equity and support for underserved communities. Key provisions of these orders are outlined, including safe AI development, secure AI implementation, trustworthy AI use, and commitments to racial equity. The article also highlights steps that should guide documenting case studies that align with successful AI projects, showcasing compliance with Executive Orders and positive impacts on communities and organizations. The future outlook focuses on anticipating regulatory changes, adapting to evolving ethical standards, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement within AI projects. The conclusion summarizes executive responsibilities, emphasizing the call to action for ethical and inclusive AI leadership, contributing to the positive evolution of AI technologies for societal well-being.
Prevalence of Burnout in Health Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Reviews
Authors: Calderon Viviana , Bolaños Cristina , Maldonado Mayra Daniela , Silva Edward , Alzate Juan Pablo , Villegas Juan de Dios , Botero Carvajal Alejandro
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: Burnout syndrome results from chronic stress in the work-place. The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a heavy workload on health professionals, doctors and nurses to respond to first-line health care during the first two years of an emergency caused by this virus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of burnout in healthcare personnel, doctors and nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: This was a review of reviews on the prevalence of professional burnout syndrome in healthcare personnel, doctors and nurses before or during the COVID-19 pandemic, without language restrictions or missing data from the Cochrane Library electronic databases. In total, 48,657 articles were obtained from Pub-Med/MEDLINE and the Web of Science. (3) Results: After completing the examination, 20 articles were included in the review. Of these articles, 7% included nurses in their study population, 72% interviewed doctors from different specialties, and the remaining 21% reported personnel data. Healthcare as a whole: In total, 624 articles with 233,087 participants were included. Regarding the prevalence by subscale, a PD of 33% (95% CI; 33%- 34%), an AE of 37% (95% CI; 37%- 37%) and a PR of 29% (95% CI) were found. %; 29% and 29%). ; (4) Conclusions: The incidences of DP and AE are high, and that of RP is low. These findings demonstrate the high prevalence of burnout according to subscale. Burnout is a problem of great magnitude, and as such, interventions must be implemented immediately at the individual and group levels by institutions and health systems.
Current Knowledge on the Use of Neuromonitoring in Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Wojtczak Beata , Sutkowska-Stępień Karolina , Głód Mateusz , Kaliszewski Krzysztof , Sutkowski Krzysztof , Barczyński Marcin
Published: February 2024

Thyroid surgery rates have tripled over the past 3 decades making it one of the most frequently performed procedures within general surgery. They are associated with the possibility of serious postoperative complications having a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy and the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) palsy are, next to hypoparathyroidism and bleeding after operation, one of the most common complications. The introduction of neuromonitoring into thyroid surgery, enabling both confirmation of anatomical integrity and assessment of laryngeal nerve function, was a milestone that has begun a new era in thyroid surgery. The International Neural Monitoring Study Group made standardization of the technique of RLN and EBSLN monitoring during thyroid and parathyroid surgery which increased prevalence of neural monitoring during thyroidectomy. Current status of IONM and benefits of its use have been presented in this publication.
Identifying the Optimal Valuation Model for Maritime Data Assets with AHP : A Strategic Approach for MASS
Authors: Lim Sangseop , Lee Chang-hee , Bae Jae-Hwan , Jeon Young-Hun
Published: February 2024

Maritime data not only identify financial resources that can significantly enhance the efficiency of shipping companies but also play a pivotal role in promoting eco-friendly and sustainable shipping practices. However, active corporate strategies are required to include maritime data essential for the commercial operation of autonomous ships in the form of corporate assets by transparent evaluating the data. The aim of this study is to review previous studies on da-ta-valuation models, identify a valuation model suitable for maritime business, consider the characteristics of maritime data. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method is used to derive priorities for valuing maritime data assets, with emphasis placed on the characteristics of mari-time data, followed by the character of the future-oriented maritime-data market and the da-ta-valuation model. The results obtained that the most important factors in selecting a maritime data-valuation model by analyzing the AHP method were identified as the characteristics of the maritime data(M1). The next most important factors analyzed were the features of the mari-time-data market(M2) and the features of the maritime data-valuation model(M3) in order. In addition, the characteristics of maritime data were preferentially considered among the main criteria, and the market approach (A2) was selected as the most optimal valuation model. The potential impact of this implementation could contribute to the establishment of an intelligent technology market by estimating the value of data and developing a platform for maritime data trading, allowing for more efficient data sharing and utilization by maritime autonomous sur-face ship(MASS).
Green Human Resource Management and Employee Retention in the Hotel Industry of UAE; the Mediating Effect of Green Innovation
Authors: Hassanein Fida Ragheb , Hassanein Zeina , Daouk Amira , Yassine Diala , Bou Zakhem Najib , El Sayed Ranim
Published: February 2024

The concept of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) is regarded as a major turning point in managing human capital among firms. Sustainable practices, ecofriendly initiatives, and adequate management of employees (i.e. recruitment, training, performance, rewards, and involvement) are fundamental aspects of GHRM, which enable improvements in the performance of firms and enhanced competitiveness among their rivals. In this regard, the current study takes a quantitative approach towards analyzing GHRM practices and their effects on employee retention among hotels of UAE. Furthermore, the indirect effect of green innovation is analyzed as a potential mediating variable that can better explain the GHRM-employee retention relationship. A total of 207 employees from five 5*-hotels were selected as participants to provide information regarding the factors under examination in this research. The collected data is analyzed using Smart-PLS v.3 and via PLS-SEM technique. The perspective of employees on the outcome of GHRM initiatives and their willingness to remain in their firms can greatly contribute to the current understanding of GHRM and its effectiveness on employee retention in the context of hotel industry of UAE, and thus, aid the practitioners and scholars alike.
Trauma Outcomes in Pediatric Nonfatal Road Traffic Accidents
Authors: Popa Ștefan , Bulgaru-Iliescu Diana , Ciongradi Carmen Iulia , Surd Adrian Onisim , Candussi Iuliana-Laura , Popa Irene Paula , Sârbu Ioan
Published: February 2024

Background: By 2025, road traffic injuries are projected to rank third in the global burden of disease, posing a significant challenge that affects health, social well-being, and economic aspects. According to data from the Romanian Police National Statistics Center, there has been an average of 342 traffic accidents per year involving pediatric patients over the past 10 years. Materials and Methods: A retrospective research study was conducted, encompassing 358 cases of road traffic accidents identified for the study. Data collection was conducted at "St. Mary’s" Emergency Hospital for Children in Iasi, Romania, from January 2015 to December 2022. To facilitate statistical analyses, participants were categorized into three specific age groups, correlating between the anatomical region affected and different types of accidents was examined, and the classification of injury types was determined based on the characteristics of the harm inflicted. Results: An oscillating trend is observed from 2015 to 2020, with its lowest value recorded in 2017 at around 6.8% and its peak in 2019 at 20.1%. Notably, post-pandemic (Covid-19), the cases underwent a substantial decline of approximately 50%. At least 78.7% of those who did not undergo orthopedic reduction required surgery, whereas among those who underwent orthopedic reduction, only 23.4% needed surgery. Regarding the frequency of complications 7,9% of the total cases experienced complications. Conclusion: The increased frequency of pediatric traffic accidents is attributed to the extensive services provided by "St. Mary’s" Emergency Hospital for Children, Iasi, to a significant number of patients from both rural and urban areas across the seven counties of the Moldova, Romania.
Genomic Study of Intestinal Microbiota: Assessing the Impact of Probiotics and Healthy Lifestyle on Weight Loss in Adults with Obesity
Authors: FLORENCIO GLAUBER PIMENTEL , Xavier Analicy Rodrigues , Natal Ana Catarina de Castro , Pena Geórgia das Graças , Menezes Ralciane de Paula , Leal Geraldo Sadoyama , Patrizzi Lislei Jorge , Röder Denise Von Dolinger de Brito
Published: February 2024

Background and objective: Obesity is a growing global epidemic. The composition of the intestinal microbiota can be influenced by several factors. Studies highlight the role of intestinal bacteria in the pathophysiology of obesity. So, the objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of probiotics, together with healthy lifestyle habits, contributes to weight reduction in obese indi-viduals by analyzing the intestinal microbiota profile. Methods: A prospective study was carried out with 45 adults with obesity. Participants underwent guidance on healthy lifestyle habits, re-ceived a probiotic component containing different microbiological strains and were followed for 60 days. Clinical parameters, body composition, biochemical analysis and intestinal microbiota assessment were performed before and after treatment. After 60 days, it was observed that the bacterial strains present in the probiotic were present in the patients' intestinal microbiota. Par-ticipants also showed improvements in physical activity, sleep quality, anxiety management, as well as changes in some eating habits, such as a reduction in the consumption of processed foods and a significant increase in water intake. Results: A reduction in BMI, fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides was observed, in addition to an increase in HDL cholesterol, improvement in bowel movement frequency and stool consistency. Analysis of the intestinal microbiota revealed an increase in microbial diversity and a better balance between the bacterial phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Conclusions: The changes related to improving the composition of the intestinal microbiota, dietary habits, increased physical activity, reduced anxiety, and better sleep quality have significantly contributed to weight loss and improvements in physiological parameters in obese individuals.
The Prevalence of Necrotic Black Spot in Cancer pagurus (L.) within a UK Voluntary Marine Reserve.
Authors: Scott Kevin , Harsanyi Petra
Published: February 2024

Black spot disease is associated with the breakdown of chitin by chitinolytic bacteria resulting in extensive black lesions across the body of crustaceans. Black spot is prevalent across most fished crustaceans worldwide. Severely infected individuals are rejected from the fishery resulting in financial loss to both fisher’s and seafood export and processing companies. Ecologically, populations with high infection rates may have increased mortalities resulting in fewer individuals surviving the population. The prevalence and severity of shell disease in the edible crab, Cancer pagurus, of various size classes, was assessed via scaled images taken from crabs sampled within the Berwickshire Marine Reserve, UK. A total of 22.4% of individuals across all size groups were found to contain black spot lesions. Male crabs were more commonly affected (26.21%), with more body parts showing lesions and a greater overall blackspot coverage (1.75%) than females (16.43% and 1% respectively). Crabs under the MLS (140mm) showed a significantly higher black spot coverage, but size did not significantly affect infection rates. Carapace and chelae were the most commonly affected areas. Compared to previous studies the Berwickshire Marine Reserve has a relatively low prevalence of black spot disease in Cancer pagurus.
MSProfileR: An Open-Source Software for Quality Control of MALDI-TOF Spectra
Authors: Ben Hamouda Refka , Estellon Bertrand , Himet Khalil , Cherif Aimen , Marthinet Hugo , Loreau Jean-Marie , Texier Gaetan , Granjeaud Samuel , ALMERAS Lionel
Published: February 2024

In the early 2000s, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) emerged as a performant and relevant tool for identifying micro-organisms. Since then, it has become practically essential for identifying bacteria in microbiological diagnostic laboratories. In the last decade, it was successfully applied for arthropod identification allowing to distinguish vectors from non-vectors of infectious diseases. However, identification failures are not rare, hampering it widely use. Failure is generally attributed either to the absence of respective counter species MS spectra in the database, or to the insufficient quality of query MS spectra (i.e. lower intensity and diversity of MS peaks detected). To avoid matching errors due to non-compliant spectra, the development of a strategy for detecting and excluding outlier MS profiles became compulsory. To this end, we created MSProfileR, an R package leading to a bioinformatics tool through a simple installation, integrating the control quality system of MS spectra and an analysis pipeline including peak detection and MS spectra comparisons. MSProfileR can also add metadata concerning the sample that the spectra are derived from. MSProfileR has been developed in the R environment and offers a user-friendly web interface using the R Shiny framework. It is available on Microsoft Windows as a web browser application by simply navigation using the link of the package on the Github. MSProfileR is therefore accessible to non-computer specialists and is freely available to the scientific community. We evaluated MSProfileR using two datasets including exclusively MS spectra from arthropods. In addition to coherent sample classification, outlier MS spectra were detected in each dataset confirming the value of MSProfileR.
Thermodynamic Insights into Symmetry-Breaking: Exploring Energy Dissipation across Diverse Scales
Authors: Arango-Restrepo Andrés , Rubí J. Miguel
Published: February 2024

Symmetry-breaking is a phenomenon that is observed in various contexts, from the early universe to complex organisms, and is considered a key puzzle in understanding the emergence of life. The presence of enantiomeric amino acids and proteins highlights its critical role. However, the origin of symmetry-breaking has yet to be comprehensively explained, particularly from an energetic standpoint. This article explores a novel approach by considering energy dissipation, specifically lost free energy, as a crucial factor in elucidating symmetry-breaking. Through a thorough thermodynamic analysis applicable to enantiomeric systems at various scales, from elementary particles to aggregated matter like crystals, we present experimental findings that establish a direct correlation between non-equilibrium free energy and energy dissipation during formation processes. Results emphasize the pivotal role of energy dissipation not only as an outcome but as the trigger for symmetry-breaking. This insight suggests that understanding the origins of complex systems, from cells to living beings and the universe itself, requires a lens focused on non-equilibrium processes, ultimately facilitating the formation of non-racemic systems.
The Emerging Drug Delivery System Trend to Asthma
Authors: Prakash Gunjan
Published: February 2024

This report provides a comprehensive overview of occupational asthma and respiratory hypersensitivity, focusing on some chemicals used in the workplace Includes numerous case studies and research papers related to occupational exposure methacrylates, such as HEMA-HPMA, and respiratory hypersensitivity are discussed And the relationship is explored The book also examines asthma pathophysiology, emerging drug delivery systems used to treat asthma, and the potential of nanoparticles , dendrimers and micellar systems have to improve pulmonary drug delivery in detail The worldwide prevalence of asthma is highlighted, with higher rates in high-GDP countries. The book highlights the need to improve asthma diagnosis, treatment and biomarkers, particularly in rural and low-income countries where the disease is often underdiagnosed and inadequately treated, and discusses the role of inflammation in asthma, in particular secondary inflammation characterized by specific cytokines and inflammation cells In addition, the paper explores various drug delivery methods, such as parenteral and parenteral drugs, pressurized inhalers (pMDIs), dry powder inhalers ( DPIs), nebulizers, nanoparticles, liposomes, micellar systems, microparticles , dendrimers, and gene therapy . These systems aim to increase pulmonary delivery of drugs and improve clinical outcomes. The potential of dendrimer bilirubin-based nanoparticles and micellar systems in the treatment of asthma and lung inflammatory diseases, including asthma, has been discussed in summary, this paper provides an overview of occupational asthma and respiratory hypersensitivity, and this discussion highlights the association between methacrylate exposure and respiratory hypersensitivity.
Elastic Critical Buckling Coefficients for Oblique Plates of Steel Structures under Biaxial Normal Stress
Authors: Mitsui Kazuya , Ikarashi Kikuo , Sada Keiichiro
Published: February 2024

In steel structures, oblique thin steel plates serve as panel zones in structures spanning large spaces (e.g., warehouses and gymnasiums). Considerable research has been conducted on the shear buckling of panels due to seismic loads acting on a structure. Conversely, under snow or wind loads, the panel zone may experience compressive and tensile stresses simultaneously from two directions. Considering the economic preference for thin steel plates, evaluating the elastic critical local buckling stresses in the panel zone under biaxial normal stress may provide essential information to structural engineers. In this study, an elastic buckling analysis based on the energy method is performed to clarify the impact of panel geometry and boundary conditions on the elastic local buckling stresses of oblique panel zones. As confirmed, the buckling stresses derived from the energy method could simulate the local buckling stresses with accuracy comparable to that of finite element analysis, and an engineer-friendly design formula was proposed. Finally, we determined the correlation of the buckling stresses under biaxial stresses and presented a method for evaluating this correlation. Engineers can utilize the provided design equations to more efficiently and accurately calculate buckling loads, facilitating safer and more economical design of structures with oblique plates.
Decentralized Composting Analysis Model — The Qualitative Analysis Path
Authors: Asi Omar , Daskal Shira , Sabbah Isam , Ayalon Ofira , Baransi-Karkaby Katie
Published: February 2024

The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is a significant environmental threat, and an economic and social challenge to manage. As such, the efficient treatment of OFMSW is a significant key factor in achieving sustainable waste management. Decentralized Composting (DC) develops a new framework of waste management. The DC Analysis Model (DCAM), proposed in our previous study, provides a powerful tool for decision makers, based on the quantification of the DC project characteristics. In this paper, we focus on the qualitative analysis as a complementary tool to support decision making, in cases where quantitative analysis is unequivocal. The qualitative analysis identifies the main players in the field, the critical stakeholders and the potential conflicts between them. It also reveals the root problems and the core competencies for the project's implementation. DCAM qualitative analysis in Shefa-Amr (case study) indicates that unresolved root problems, such as the “lack of national regulation”, “clear ownership of the project” and “lack of ongoing budget” can result in an unsustainable composting system. Countering that, “the commitment of the municipality”, together with “economic viability” and securing “suitable areas for placing composters” are among the most important core competencies for the effective implementation of DC projects.
A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Dynamic of Human Papillomavirus 6 and 11 Infection in Anogenital Hairs and Eyebrows of Male Patients with Anogenital Warts and Age-Matched Controls
Authors: Tlaker Vesna , Hošnjak Lea , Kolenc Mateja , Zorec Tomaž Mark , Luzar Boštjan , Potočnik Marko , Miljković Jovan , Seme Katja , Poljak Mario
Published: February 2024

To better understand anogenital warts (AGW) natural history and dynamic of HPV6/11 infection in regional hairs, 32 newly diagnosed AGW male patients and 32 age-matched healthy controls were closely followed. During enrollment and six follow-up visits (every 2.6 months) 43 AGW tissue and 1,232 anogenital and eyebrow hair samples were collected. This represents the closest longitudinal monitoring of AGW patients to date. Patients were treated according to standard-of-care. HPV6/11 prevalence was 19.9% in patients’ hair samples (HPV6 B1 in 87.5%) and 0% in controls. The highest HPV6/11 prevalence was found in pubic hairs (29.0%) and lowest in eyebrows (7.1%). Odds for HPV6/11-positive hairs increased with smoking, shaving anogenital region and age. A close association between HPV6/11 presence in hairs and clinically visible AGW was observed. The proportion of patients with visible AGW and HPV6/11-positive hairs declined during follow-up with similar trends. No particular HPV6/11 variant was linked with increased AGW recurrence, but sublineage HPV6 B1 showed significantly higher clearance from hairs. Despite treatment, 78.1% and 62.5% of AGW patients experienced one and two/more post-initial AGW episodes, respectively. Patients having HPV6/11-positive hairs or visible AGW at preceding visit demonstrated substantially higher odds for presenting with visible AGW in subsequent visit.
Perbandingan algoritma classification and regression tree (cart) dan random forest (rf) untuk klasifikasi penggunaan lahan pada google earth engine
Authors: Al Farikhi Faiz , Pramono Retno Widodo Dwi
Published: February 2024

Perubahan penggunaan lahan terus terjadi seiring dengan pertumbuhan jumlah penduduk dan aktivitas ikutannya. Diperlukan analisis yang cepat dan akurat untuk mendukung tatakelolanya. Salah satu yang dibutuhkan adalah teknik klasifikasi penggunan lahan yang cepat dan efektif salah satunya dapat dilakukan melaluiplatform berbasis cloud Google Earth Engine (GEE) dengan memanfaatkan citra multi-spektral dan melibatkan berbagai algoritma pengolahan. Setidaknya terdapat dua metode klasifikasi menggunakan algoritma pohon keputusan (decision tree algorithm) yaitu: Classification and Regression Tree (CART) dan Random Forest (RF). Perbedaan metode klasifikasi memungkinkan terjadinya perbedaan akurasi dari klasifikasi yang dihasilkan. Belum banyak penelitian yang menjelaskan bagaimana perbedaan tingkat akurasi dan efektifitas kedua metode ini. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi metode klasifikasi yang akurat dan efektifdengan membandingakan nilai akurasi kedua metode pada citra Landsat 8 dan Sentinel 2A. Metode RF menunjukkan nilai akurasi yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan metode CART pada citra Landsat 8 dan Sentinel 2A. Proporsi sampel 60:40 merupakan proporsi yang paling optimal dengan nilai akurasi paling tinggi pada masing-masing metode klasifikasi dan citra yang digunakan. Penggunaan citra Landsat 8 dengan proporsi sampel 60:40 menghasilkan nilai akurasi paling tinggi (OA=93,94% dan Kappa=0,927).
Fines Migration Associated with Rock Dry-Out During CO2 Injection
Authors: Nguyen C. , Loi G. , Zulkifli N. N. , Mahamad Amir M. I. , Abdul Manap A. A. , Mohd Shafian S. R. , Badalyan A. , Bedrikovetsky P. , Zeinijahromi A.
Published: February 2024

One of the key risks for a Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) project is injectivity decline. Evaporation of the connate brine in near-wellbore region during Carbon dioxide (CO2) injection may result in migration of clay particles leading to decline rock permeability and consequent loss of well injectivity. This paper presents results of three coreflooding experiments aiming investigation of the effect of rock dry-out during CO2 injection. Three sandstone core plugs with various permeabilities have been used. Pressure drops across the cores, brine saturation and produced clay fines concentration versus Pore Volume Injected (PVI) have been measured. The results show that higher core permeability is associated with a shorter core drying process. Core drying time has a magnitude of 105 PVI. A fast detachment of clay particles has been observed during brine displacement by gaseous CO2 which is explained by dominant detaching capillary force. Further brine evaporation yields additional particle detachment due to disappearance of brine pendular rings holding clay particles on the rock surface. A 1.6 to 4.75-fold of gas permeability reduction has been observed during evaporation of connate brine. Damaged permeability for gas can be explained by both salt precipitation and clay fines migration, while damaged permeability for brine is due to clay fines migration and consequent pore blockage.
The Road for Successful Assessment of Completion Placement in Horizontal Wells
Authors: Ghanmi Ahmed , Bawazir Mustafa
Published: February 2024

Meeting today's energy demand is challenging and requires the application of innovative technologies. Technologies that extend the life of the horizontal wells can help meet the challenge. For maximum well performance, it is imperative to have uniform production and delayed gas/water breakthrough, which can be achieved by installing a downhole inflow control device (ICD). Considering all possible complexities, the ICD will balance the flow profile across all the compartments to optimize the productivity. Production evaluation after running the ICDs includes integrated horizontal production logging tool (HPLT) acquisition to understand and analyze the downhole flow profile. The challenges in maintaining oil production without the use of ICDs are illustrated in Well-X.

Five field examples were studied to assess the role of ICDs in various challenges faced in horizontal wells. In the first ICD example, Well-A, an integrated characterization was accomplished using resistivity images together with the production logging assessment for water control practices. Well-B showed a placement of a horizontal well close to the oil-water contact (OWC). As challenging as it maybe, the ICD completion segmentation was implemented to furtherly produce the oil over years. Well-C was equipped with an ICD to control downhole water production. The production logging methodology facilitated in assembling the inflow profiles and guided in sealing off the water producing ICDs using casing expandable patches. In Well-D, the production log (PL) assisted to evaluate unstable well's performance after the sidetrack. HPLT acquisition suggested that the end-of-completion valve was leaking since high water production was detected from below the bottommost ICD. A water shut-off (WSO) job was planned by setting a mechanical plug and pumping cement through it. In the last example, Well-E, based on the recent HPLT multiphase flow profile, ICD shifting will be conducted to reduce the water cut and increase oil production.

The study of these challenging examples of horizontal wells completed with an ICD system provides value in several ways. The evaluation of the examples can guide the future action plan based on the interpreted data and results. The evaluated examples contribute to our understanding of the reasons for underperformance of existing wells, help in deciding upon workover plans, and provide information for designing an optimum completion strategy for future wells.
Modelling Approach to Predict and Mitigate Formation Damage Due to Halite Deposition During CO2 Storage in Saline Aquifers
Authors: Ogundipe Oluwatosin Matthew , Mackay Eric James , Vasquez Oscar
Published: February 2024

Evaporation of formation brine into the injected CO2-rich stream during permanent CO2 storage in hypersaline aquifers creates the risk of formation damage due to the deposition of halite arising from the "salting out" effect. Such deposition may block pores, negatively impacting porosity, permeability and injectivity, and put the entire project at risk. This paper demonstrates the impact of salt precipitation on formation damage and proposes remediation by using a low-salinity slug ahead of CO2 injection.

Calculations were performed using a reactive transport simulator to account for brine evaporation, halite precipitation, capillary pressure re-imbibition and gravity segregation. This entails including H2O as a component in the Peng Robinson equation of state in two-phase flow simulation, accounting for CO2 solubility in brine using Henry's Law, and modelling of aqueous components such as sodium and chloride and the resulting mineral reaction when the brine becomes supersaturated with respect to halite. 1D and 2D radial models with fine space discretization near-well and large outer blocks were used to achieve good resolution and pressure control, respectively.

These calculations identify that a simple piston-like displacement of formation water away from the well during constant rate CO2 injection, and subsequent evaporation of the "irreducible" water saturation, will not lead to significant formation damage. Indeed, the resulting increase in saturation of the CO2-rich phase leads to an increase in CO2 mobility. However, and very importantly, a combination of gravitational and capillary effects can lead to the replenishment of formation brine in the near well zones experiencing evaporation, leading to a continuous and ongoing process of salt deposition, which over time may build up to levels that can damage injectivity in sections of the well. In the 1D model, it was observed that due to capillary pressure re-imbibition, well injectivity index was reduced by about 85%, and porosity loss was 62%. The 2D model showed similar behaviour but with stronger localised effects of complete blockage in the lower half of the well. A 3,500m3 low salinity preflush slug (0.1Molar brine) was injected to displace formation brine away from the well. The impact was that the formation damage was significantly reduced and well injectivity maintained at almost original.

Modelling the impact of halite-induced formation damage will be useful as a pre-assessment tool to decide the feasibility of CO2 storage. It will provide a platform whereby remediation strategies such as low salinity brine flushes can be used to mitigate the effect of salt clogging and effectively maintain well injectivity. The knowledge gained will be necessary to optimize the size of the preflush to ensure an appropriate volume is injected, avoiding excessive cost.