bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superb Microvascular Imaging as a Novel Tool for the Assessment of Blood Flow Velocity in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: A Single-Center Feasibility Study
Authors: Rademacher Jan-Gerd , Buschfort Rosa Marie , Asendorf Thomas , Korendovych Viktor , Tampe Björn , Korsten Peter
Published: November 2021

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by organ fibrosis and vasculopathy. Almost all patients suffer from Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP). Currently, several imaging techniques are available; nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) is the most widely available, but flow quantification is not possible with NVC. Novel imaging techniques are of interest in this population. We performed a single-center feasibility study using Micro Vascular Imaging (MVI) as a novel imaging technique for flow quantification of small fingertip vessels. We compared a group of 20 healthy controls (HCs) with 20 Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients. In HCs, flow measurements assessed with MVI were statistically significantly higher in individual fingers and combined for all fingers (p<0.0001). As a cut-off value to discriminate HCs from SSc, a peak systolic (PS) flow velocity of <6.9 cm/s and an end-diastolic (ED) flow velocity of <2.68 cm/s was determined. Test characteristics for PS flow velocity showed moderate sensitivity (0.69, 95% CI 0.58-0.78) but high specificity (0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.93). Similar test characteristics for ED flow velocity were obtained. The optimal cut-off point was estimated at <2.68 cm/s, sensitivity was moderate (0.65, 95% CI 0.53-0.75), specificity was 0.80 (95% CI 0.70-0.87). Here, we present the first study on the use of MVI to assess blood flow in the fingertips with high specificity in SSc patients. Future studies need to investigate correlations with the risk for organ complications, such as digital ulcers or pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Host Restriction Factors Modulating HIV Latency and Replication in Myeloid Cells
Authors: Poli Guido , Pagani Isabel , Demela Pietro , Ghezzi Silvia , Vicenzi Elisa
Published: November 2021

In addition to CD4+ T lymphocytes, myeloid cells, and, particularly, differentiated macrophages, are targets of the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection via interaction of gp120Env with CD4 and CCR5 or CXCR4. Both T cells and macrophages support virus replication although with substantial differences. In contrast to activated CD4+ T lymphocytes, HIV-1 replication in macrophages occurs in nondividing cells and it is characterized by virtual absence of cytopathicity both in vitro and in vivo. These general features should be considered in evaluating the role of cell-associated restriction factors aiming at preventing of curtailing virus replication in macrophages and T cells particularly in the context of designing strategies to tackle the viral reservoir in infected individuals receiving combination antiretroviral therapy. In this regard, we will here also discuss a model of reversible HIV-1 latency in primary human macrophages and the role of host factor determining restriction or reactivation of virus replication in myeloid cells.
Changes in Inequality in Utilization of Maternal Health Care: Evidence from Skilled Birth Attendance in Mauritania for the Period 2007-2015
Authors: Taleb El Hassen Mohamed Vadel , Cabasés Juan M. , Zine Eddine El Idrissi Moulay Driss
Published: November 2021

Background: The presence of a skilled health professional at delivery is critical to reduce infant and maternal mortality. Health development plans and strategies, especially in developing countries, consider equity in access to maternal health care services as a priority. This study aimed to measure and analyze the inequality in the use of skilled births attendance services in Mauritania. The study identifies the inequality determinants and to explore its changes over the period 2007–2015. Methods: The concentration curve, concentration index, decomposition of the concentration index and Oaxaca-type decomposition technique were performed to measure socio-economics related inequalities in skilled birth attendance services utilization and identify contribution of different determinants to such inequality as well as the changes in inequality overtime using data from Mauritania Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) 2007, 2011 and 2015. Results: The concentration index for skilled birth attendance services utilization dropped from 0.6324 [P < 0.001] in 2007 to 0.5852 [P < 0.001] in 2015. Prenatal care, household wealth Status and urban-rural location made the biggest contributions to socio-economic related inequalities. Decomposition of the concentration index and Oaxaca-type decomposition revealed changes prenatal care, rural-urban location made positive contributions to decline in inequality. However, alternation in household wealth score, woman’s age, her education level and the number of living children pushed the equality toward deterioration. Conclusion: Clearly, the pro-rich inequality in skilled birth attendance is high in Mauritania despite a slight decrease during the study period. Policy actions on eliminating urban-rural and wealth index disparity should target increase access to skilled birth attendance. Multisectoral Policy actions is needed to improve social determinants of health and to remove health system bottlenecks including socio-economic empowerment of women and girls, enhancing availability and affordability of Reproductive and Maternal Health commodities, improving availability of obstetrical providers in rural area, promoting a better distribution and quality of health infrastructure particularly health posts and health centers, and replacing user fees by an equitable, efficient and sustainable financing scheme under an universal health coverage vision.
Synthetic Data Generation to Speed-up the Object Recognition Pipeline
Authors: Perri Damiano , Simonetti Marco , Gervasi Osvaldo
Published: November 2021

This paper provides a methodology for the production of synthetic images for training neural networks to recognise shapes and objects. There are many scenarios in which it is difficult, expensive and even dangerous to produce a set of images that is satisfactory for the training of a neural network. The development of 3D modelling software has nowadays reached such a level of realism and ease of use that it seemed natural to explore this innovative path and to give an answer regarding the reliability of this method that bases the training of the neural network on synthetic images. The results obtained in the two proposed use cases, that of the recognition of a pictorial style and that of the recognition of migrants at sea, leads us to support the validity of the approach, provided that the work is conducted in a very scrupulous and rigorous manner, exploiting the full potential of the modelling software. The code produced, which automatically generates the transformations necessary for the data augmentation of each image, and the generation of random environmental conditions in the case of Blender and Unity3D software, is available under the GPL licence on GitHub. The results obtained lead us to affirm that through the good practices presented in the article, we have defined a simple, reliable, economic and safe method to feed the training phase of a neural network dedicated to the recognition of objects and features, to be applied to various contexts.
Sex-based Clinical Outcome in Advanced NSCLC Patients Undergoing PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitor Therapy - a Retrospective Bi-Centric Cohort Study
Authors: Lang David , Brauner Anna , Huemer Florian , Rinnerthaler Gabriel , Horner Andreas , Wass Romana , Brehm Elmar , Kaiser Bernhard , Greil Richard , Lamprecht Bernd
Published: November 2021

Men with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a more favorable response to immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy, while women especially benefit from ICI-chemotherapy (CHT) combinations. To elucidate such sex differences in clinical practice, we retrospectively analyzed two cohorts treated with either ICI monotherapy (n=228) or ICI-CHT combination treatment (n=80) for advanced NSCLC. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to calculate progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS), influencing variables were evaluated using Cox-regression analyses. No significant sex differences for PFS/OS could be detected in either cohort. Men receiving ICI monotherapy had a statistically significant independent impact on PFS by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG) ≥2 (hazard ratio (HR) 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-3.29, p=0.021), higher C-reactive protein (CRP; HR 1.06, 95%CI: 1.00-1.11, p=0.037) and negative programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status (HR 2.04, 95%CI: 1.32-3.15, p=0.001), and on OS by CRP (HR 1.09, 95%CI: 1.03-1.14, p=0.002). In men on ICI-CHT combinations, multivariate analyses (MVA) revealed squamous histology (HR 4.00, 95%CI: 1.41-11.2, p=0.009) significant for PFS; ECOG≥2 (HR 5.58, 95%CI: 1.88-16.5, p=0.002) and CRP (HR 1.19, 95%CI: 1.06-1.32, p=0.002) for OS. Among women undergoing ICI monotherapy, no variable proved significant for PFS, ECOG≥2 had a significant interaction with OS (HR 1.90, 95%CI 1.04-3.46, p=0.037). Women treated with ICI-CHT had significant MVA findings for CRP with both PFS (HR 1.09, 95%CI: 1.02-1.16, p=0.007) and OS (HR 1.11, 95%CI: 1.03-1.19, p=0.004). Although men and women responded similarly to both ICI mono- and ICI-CHT treatment, predictors of response differed by sex.
Economic and Technical Feasibility of AnchoisFert Organic Fertilizer Production
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Scurria Antonino , Pizzone Daniela Maria , Calabrò Paolo Salvatore , Muscolo Adele , Mauriello Francesco , Pagliaro Mario
Published: November 2021

Is the production of the “AnchoisFert” organic fertilizer via the circular economy process based on omega-3 lipid extraction of milled anchovy fillet leftovers with citrus limonene followed by mild drying economically and technically viable? This study answers this question and identifies the main obstacles, chiefly of economic and organizational nature, to be overcome prior to commercialization of this new organic fertilizer. Along with non-variable and proven efficacy, successful competition with conventional organic and inorganic fertilizers requires affordable cost and regular supply. This, inter alia, requires to establish new and mutually beneficial relationship between bioeconomy firms and fish processing companies.
Southern African Large Frame Indigenous Veld Goat and Boer Goat Wether and Buck Tenderness and Colour of Six Muscles
Authors: van Wyk Gertruida L. , Hoffman Louwrens C. , Strydom Phillip E. , Frylinck Lorinda
Published: November 2021

Meat tenderness, water holding capacity (WHC) and colour attributes of six muscles (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), Semimembranosus (SM), Biceps femoris (BF), Supraspinatus (SS), Infraspinatus (IS), Semitendinosus (ST)) from large frame Indigenous Veld Goats (IVG) and Boer Goats (BG) were studied. Weaner male Boer Goats (BG; n = 18; 10 bucks and 8 wethers) and large frame Indigenous Veld Goats (IVG; n = 19; 9 bucks and 10 wethers) were raised on hay and natural grass, and on a commercial pelleted diet to a live weight of 30 - 35 kg. All goats were slaughtered at a commercial abattoir and the dressed carcasses chilled at 4°C within 1-hour post-mortem. The muscles were dissected from both sides 24-hours post-mortem and aged for 1-day and 4-days. Variations in meat characteristics such as ultimate pH, WHC, percentage purge, myofibril fragment length, intramuscular fat, connective tissue characteristics, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. Bucks had higher L* and Hue-angle values, whereas wethers had increased a* and Chroma values. The muscle baseline-data will allow informed decisions to support muscle-specific marketing strategies, which may be used to improve consumer acceptability of chevon.
Low-Phosphate Meals Accompanied by a Minimum Dose of CaCO3 Downregulates Pro-inflammation by Reducing CKD-MBD Indicators and Triggers by Decreasing Dietary Phosphate Intake
Authors: Chen Barbara Ying-Jung , Wu Mei-Yi , Chin Mei-Yun , Wu Mai-Szu , Chen Jiun-Rong
Published: November 2021

High dietary phosphate intake and poor adherence to phosphate-binding-therapy elevate the risk of hyperphosphatemia in maintenance hemodialysis (HD; MHD) patients. Therefore, chronic kidney disease-related mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) indicators increase; consequently, risks of CKD-MBDs and inflammation are elevated. This double-blind, randomized control trial intervention study was designed to investigate the possibility of reducing blood CKD-MBD indicators and modulating inflammatory indicators by consuming low-phosphate (LP) meals accompanied by a minimum dose of a calcium-based phosphate binder (CaCO3). MHD patients were recruited and randomly assigned to an LP meal group (LP group) or a control group. After initial data collection, blood collection, and dietary counseling, subjects were asked to consume a washout diet for 1 week. During the washout diet period, subjects consumed their usual diet but took 1 tablet of calcium carbonate (1CaCO3) as a phosphate binder with each meal. After the washout diet period, subjects in the LP group and control group respectively consumed LP meals and regular meals twice a day for 1 week. Meat in the LP meals was boiled before the regular cooking process, but meat in control meals was not. All meals were supplied by a central kitchen so that the contents of phosphate and other nutrients could be identified. In total, 40 MHD patients completed the study program. After 1 week of the dietary intervention, the blood Ca x P product and dietary phosphate had significantly decreased in the LP group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The LP group had significantly lower variations in dietary phosphate intake, blood calcium, Ca x P product, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α than the control group by comparing differences between after the dietary intervention and the baseline (△after intervention - baseline, p<0.05). The increase in dietary phosphate intake (△3rd - 2nd dietary phosphate intake) augmented the increase in the TNF-α level by 6.24-fold (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 6.24 [1.12~34.92], p<0.05). These results highlighted the conclusion that LP meals accompanied by a minimum dose of CaCO3 downregulated pro-inflammation by reducing CKD-MBD indicators which was triggered by decreasing dietary phosphate intake.
Dynamic Programming for Computing Power Indices for Weighted Voting Games with Precoalitions
Authors: Staudacher Jochen , Wagner Felix , Filipp Jan
Published: November 2021

We study the efficient computation of power indices for weighted voting games with precoalitions amongst subsets of players (reflecting, e.g., ideological proximity) using the paradigm of dynamic programming. Starting from the state-of-the-art algorithms for computing the Banzhaf and Shapley-Shubik indices for weighted voting games we present a framework for fast algorithms for the three most common power indices with precoalitions, i.e. the Owen index, the Banzhaf-Owen index and the Symmetric Coalitional Banzhaf index, and point out why our new algorithms are applicable for large numbers of players. We discuss implementations of our algorithms for the three power indices with precoalitions in C++ and review computing times as well as storage requirements.
Integrаtion the UTАUT2 Model: Аdoption of E-Commerce as Solution for Fаshion Industry in Bаndung Fаcing the COVID-19 Pаndemic
Authors: Wulandari Astri , Junipriansa Donni , Suryawardani Bethani , Marcelino Dandy
Published: November 2021

The growth of the fаshion industry in Bаndung, which is increаsing every yeаr, if it is not bаlаnced with the аpplicаtion of digitаlizаtion аnd the use of the lаtest technology, it would be very unfortunаte. Аpаrt from the increаse in the number of internet users, the online shopping style by the community is аlso one of the driving forces for the growth of e-commerce, especiаlly in the midst of the current Covid pаndemic situаtion. This study will exаmine the аdoption of e-commerce technology to sell online in the midst of the Covid pаndemic to fаshion industry plаyers in Bаndung using these vаriаbles: effort expectаncy, performаnce expectаncy, fаcilitаting conditions, sociаl influence, existing hаbits, hedonic motivаtion, and also the price vаlue in the UTАUT2 model. So thаt it cаn show how the contribution of the аdoption of e-commerce technology to the behаviourаl intention аnd use behaviour of the fаshion industry consumers in Bаndung. Our research use quаntitаtive approach, cаusаl research/study with Structurаl Equаtion Modeling (SEM) аnаlysis technique using the SMАRTPLS 3.2.9 softwаre. Reseаrchers chose the аccidentаl sаmpling with а totаl of 400 respondents. Аll exogenous vаriаbles аffect behаviourаl intention by 80.9% аnd 54.9% on use behаviour.
Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Ferric Ions Into the Ionic Liquids
Authors: Cubova Katerina , Semelova Miroslava , Nemec Mojmir , Benes Vit
Published: November 2021

(200 words) Imidazolium ionic liquids containing acetylacetone, thenoyltrifluoroacetone, or 8-hydroxyquinoline, respectively, were used as the extracting agents for the separation of traces of iron (III) from its aqueous solutions with or without citric and oxalic acids. The results show that 8-hydroxyquinoline in imidazolium ionic liquids extract iron quantitatively from all the tested solutions including complexing ones, regardless indications of unexpected iron behavior/speciation.
The Tyme Wear Smart Shirt is Reliable and Valid at Detecting Personalized Ventilatory Thresholds in Recreationally Active Individuals
Authors: Gouw Aaron H , Van Guilder Gary P , Cullen Gillian G , Dalleck Lance C.
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which the Tyme Wear smart shirt is as reliable and valid in detecting personalized ventilatory thresholds when compared to the Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400. In this validation study, 19 subjects were recruited to conduct two graded exercise test (GXT) trials. Each GXT trial was separated by seven to ten days of rest. During the GXT, gas exchange and heart rate data were collected by the TrueOne 2400 (TRUE) in addition to the ventilation data collected by the Tyme Wear smart shirt (S-PRED). Gas exchange data from TRUE was used to detect VT1 and VT2. TRUE and S-PRED VT1 and VT2 were compared to determine the reliability and validity of the smart shirt. Of the 19 subjects, data from 15 subjects were used during analysis. S-PRED exhibited excellent (ICC > 0.90) reliability for detection of VT1 and VT2 utilizing time point and workload and moderate (0.90 > ICC > 0.75 ) reliability utilizing heart rate. TRUE exhibited excellent reliability for detection of VT1 and VT2 utilizing time point, workload, and heart rate. When compared to TRUE, S-PRED appears to underestimate the VT1 workload (p > 0.05) across both trials and heart rate (p < 0.05) for trial 1. However, S-PRED appears to underestimate VT2 workload (p < 0.05) and heart rate (p < 0.05) across both trials. The result from this study suggests that the Tyme Wear smart shirt is less valid but is comparable in reliability when compared to the gold standard. Moreover, despite the underestimation of S-PRED VT1 and VT2, the S-PRED detected personalized ventilatory thresholds will provide an adequate training workload for most individuals. In conclusion, the Tyme Wear smart shirt provides easily accessible testing to establish threshold-guided training zones but does not devalue the long-standing laboratory equivalent.
Influence of No-Till Practices on the Organic Matter Chemical Composition of Protocalcic, Endocalcic and Pantocalcic Chernozems
Authors: Kholodov Vladimir Alexeevich , Farkhodov Yulian Robertovich , Yaroslavtseva Nadezhda Vasilievna , Maximovich Svyatoslav Vadimovich , Yudin Sergei Anatolievich , Ermolaev Nikita Romanovich , Dridiger Victor Korneevich , Ilyin Boris Sergeevich , Lazarev Vladimir Ivanovich , Belobrov Victor Petrovich
Published: November 2021

Reducing the amount of precipitation in summer in the Chernozems area alters soil organic matter (SOM). To compensate for the lack of moisture, farmers are introducing new agricultural technologies such as no-till cultivation. In turn, no-till practices influence the composition of SOM. We examined the impacts of the rise of aridity and no-till technology on the chemical composition of bioavailable and recalcitrant pools of OM. The properties of SOM were assessed using double-shot pyrolysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The thermolabile substances that are volatilised in the first stage of pyrolysis (300°C) are considered the bioavailable pool. Accordingly, substances are obtained in the second pyrolysis stage (500°C) were attributed to the recalcitrant pool. Identified in both steps of pyrolysis, products were assigned to different chemical groups (lignin-derivative, polysaccharide-fragments, indoles, etc.) and relative abundances were calculated. In work for the separation of substances, a polar column was used for chromatography of the thermolabile fraction. With an increase in aridity in Сhernozems, the content in the bioavailable pool of polysaccharide fragments decreased and the proportion of indoles increased. In the recalcitrant pool, the abundance of six-membered rings with nitrogen and aromatic compounds decreases at the same time the contents of unsubstituted and O-substituted acyclic compounds as well as pyridine increases. The influence of the NT was more noticeable in the recalcitrant OM. The NT practice promotes biological activity and to rich in nitrogen compounds the bioavailable OM; this process contributes to the accumulation of carbon in the recalcitrant OM.
Reactive Transport: A Review of Basic Concepts with Emphasis on Biochemical Processes
Authors: Carrera Jesus , Saaltink Maarten W. , Soler-Sagarra Joaquim , Wang Jingjing , Valhondo Cristina
Published: November 2021

Reactive transport (RT) couples bio-geo-chemical reactions and transport. RT is important to understand numerous scientific questions and solve some engineering problems. RT is highly multidisciplinary, which hinders the development of a body of knowledge shared by RT modelers and developers. The goal of this paper is to review the basic conceptual issues shared by all RT problems, so as to facilitate advance along the current frontier: biochemical reactions. To this end, we review the basic equations to point that chemical systems are controlled by the set of equilibrium reactions, which are easy to model, but whose rate is controlled by mixing. Since mixing is not properly represented by the standard advection-dispersion equation (ADE), we conclude that this equation is poor for RT. This leads us to review alternative transport formulations, and the methods to solve RT problems using both the ADE and alternative equations. Since equilibrium is easy, difficulties arise for kinetic reactions, which is especially true for biochemistry, where numerous frontiers are open (how to represent microbial communities, impact of genomics, effect of biofilms on flow and transport, etc.). We conclude with the basic 10 issues that we consider fundamental for any conceptually sound RT effort.
Pectin: New Science and Forthcoming Applications of the Most Valued Hydrocolloid
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Fidalgo Alexandra , Scurria Antonino , Ilharco Laura , Pagliaro Mario
Published: November 2021

From new understanding of pectin molecular structure and physiological effects on man up to new production methods and new applications, significant new knowledge of pectin has emerged in the last two decades (2010-2020). These developments open the route to new and unexpected applications of this uniquely complex heteropolysaccharide ubiquitous in plants and fruits well beyond its traditional use as food hydrocolloid. This study provides a unified perspective on the new science and technology of pectin. Furthermore, we offer an insight into forthcoming pectin uses from an expanded perspective taking into account selected technology and economic factors that, we argue in this study, will shortly impact the pectin production and uptake in many countries.
A Blockchain-based Edge Computing Architecture for the Internet of Things
Authors: Tošić Aleksandar , Vičič Jernej , Burnard Michael David , Mrissa Michael
Published: November 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) is experiencing widespread adoption across industry sectors ranging from supply chain management to smart cities, buildings, and health monitoring. However, most software architectures for IoT deployment rely on centralized cloud computing infrastructures to provide storage and computing power, as cloud providers have high economic incentives to organize their infrastructure into clusters. Despite these incentives, there has been a recent shift from centralized to decentralized architecture that harnesses the potential of edge devices, reduces network latency, and lowers infrastructure cost to support IoT applications. This shift has resulted in new edge computing architectures, but many still rely on centralized solutions for managing applications. A truly decentralized approach would offer interesting properties required for IoT use cases. To address these concerns, we introduce a decentralized architecture tailored for large scale deployments of peer-to-peer IoT sensor networks and capable of run-time application migration. The solution combines a blockchain consensus algorithm and verifiable random functions to ensure scalability, fault tolerance, transparency, and no single point of failure. We build on our previously presented theoretical simulations with many protocol improvements and an implementation tested in a use case related to monitoring a Slovenian cultural heritage building located in Bled, Slovenia.
A New Taxon of Sideroxylon mascatense in Oman
Authors: Hopkins Eric , Al-Yahyai Rashid , Ghazanfar Shahina
Published: November 2021

A new subspecies of Sideroxylon mascatense (A.DC.) T.D.Penn. in the Western Hajar Mountains, differing from the type subspecies in the colour of the mature fruit, is described. The two colour forms are genetically isolated, showing that these two are distinct taxa.
Impact of Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme (OMEALS) on the Enrolment and Retention of Rural Primary School Pupils in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Olajubutu Damilola , Adebayo Bolanle , Olajubutu Olabisi
Published: November 2021

School Feeding Programmes are social safety net interventions providing educational and health benefits to vulnerable children in developing countries. This study assessed the impact of Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme (O-MEALS) on the enrolment and retention of rural primary schools in Osun State. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select 188 respondents while data was collected through interview schedule. Percentages, Chi-square, PPMC and T-test were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that over half (51.6%) of the respondents were male, aged 9.38 ± 1.84 years and majority (83.0%) had a family size of 6-10 people. Food incentives (=1.25), health challenge (=0.69), and peer influence (=0.67) were major factors affecting school attendance. More than half (53.2%) of the respondents had unfavourable perception towards the school feeding programme. Results showed a significant difference between pupils’ enrolment (t = 5.332, p = 0.006) and retention rate (t = 58.386, p = 0.000) before and after the commencement of O-MEALS. Furthermore, pupils’ enrolment and retention (r = 0.993, p = 0.001) after the commencement of O-MEALS was significantly related. Food incentive was a major factor affecting school attendance, which fostered an improvement in the poor enrolment and retention previously experienced. Since a good number of the pupils possessed unfavourably perception towards the school feeding programme, it was recommended that effective monitoring be established to checkmate food vendors’ activities in delivering quality and satisfactory services. Likewise, the Government’s policies on school restructuring and levy, which had proved counterproductive, should be reviewed.
Seasonal Variation in the Nutritional Analysis of Caprella scaura (Amphipoda: Caprellidae) from the Biofouling of Fish Farm Cages in Central Greece
Authors: Lolas Alexios , Pier Psofakis , T. Karapanagiotidis Ioannis
Published: November 2021

The total lipid and protein content of the invasive caprellid amphipod Caprella scaura, from the biofouling communities of fish farm cages in the Pagasitikos Gulf were analyzed and compared among seasons. Proteins were the most abundant component (48.5 – 49.3%). Lipid content was relatively lower, with a wider range (6.7 – 34%) and showed a distinct seasonal fluctuation with high values in the winter population and a gradual decrease in spring and summer, with the lowest values in Autumn. Composition of the fatty acids profile was consistent among the seasons, with palmitic (16:0), Oleic (18:1n-9), Eicosapentanoic (20:5n-3)(EPA) and Docosahexanoic acid (22:6n-3 )(DHA) being the most abundant fatty acids. The presence of high levels of EPA and DHA fatty acids makes the species a potential candidate for use of these organisms in aquaculture.
Anatomical Differences in the Abdominal Wall Between Species with Implications for the Transversus Abdominis Plane Block
Authors: Cevik Jevan , Hunter-Smith David J , Rozen Warren Matthew
Published: November 2021

With the increased use of simulation based training using animal models for the education of surgical and anaesthetic techniques, an increased understanding of the anatomy of such models and how they compare to humans is required. The transversus abdominis plane block is a regional anaesthetic technique that requires an understanding of the abdominal wall anatomy along with proficient ultrasound use. The current review aims to compare the anatomy of the abdominal wall across species, particularly focussing on the pertinent differences within the class of mammals, and secondarily, it aims to address the implications of these differences for simulation based training of the transversus abdominis plane block. To achieve this, the PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant literature. The mammalian abdominal wall differs in its musculature, vasculature or innervation from that of amphibians, birds or reptiles, however, among species of mammals, the structure of the abdominal wall follows a similar framework. Particular differences among mammals include the additional muscular layer of the panniculus carnosus found in most mammals other than humans, the variable arterial origins and dominant vascular supply of the abdominal wall and the number of thoracolumbar nerves innervating the abdominal wall. When using animal models for simulation based training, the pig is recommended for the transversus abdominis plane block given its closely homologous abdominal wall structure, availability and larger comparative size.
Recovery of Global Symmetries in a 't Hooftian Universe
Authors: Furtado Neto Alexandre
Published: November 2021

All fundamental Planck scale symmetries are restored on a global level when a new charge is postulated in a finite, closed, Euclidean discrete space. Gravity emerges as a residual effect of the electromagnetic force in this scenario, resulting in a deterministic toy universe driven by a single input parameter. Randomness is identified using a Chaintin argument. Aleph0 definite value is tied to the size of the universe. This is not an interpretation of Quantum Mechanics, but a deeper attempt to describe nature.
Geochemistry of the Organic Matter of Ulug-Khem Basin Coals
Authors: Bushnev D.A. , Ondar S.A. , Burdel’naya N.S.
Published: November 2021

—The composition of the organic matter (OM) of coals of the Ulug-Khem Basin has been studied. According to Rock-Eval pyrolysis data, this OM is a type III kerogen, sometimes significantly oxidized. The coal of low-grade metamorphism has a high hydrocarbon potential. Based on the gas–liquid chromatography and chromatography–mass spectrometry data on the distribution of n-alkanes, isoprenoids, polycyclic biomarkers, and aromatic hydrocarbons, we have established the composition of the primary OM of the coals and the grade of OM metamorphism. The primary OM of the coals consists mainly of remains of aquatic vegetation and terrigenous OM. The latter includes conifer remains, which are identified from the presence of 4β(H)-19-norisopimarane in the aliphatic fraction of bitumen and from the domination of retene over cadalene and 6-isopropyl-1-isohexyl-2-methylnaphthalene in the aromatic fraction.
Trilobites, Biostratigraphy, and Geochemistry of the Middle Cambrian Kuonamka Formation (Northeastern Siberian Platform, Kyulenke River)
Authors: Korovnikov I.V. , Parfenova T.M.
Published: November 2021

—We studied the middle Cambrian unit of the Kuonamka Formation section on the Kyulenke River (Siberian Platform) and performed its biostratigraphic subdivision based on trilobites. The middle Cambrian section has intervals corresponding to the regional zones of the Amginian Stage. Six levels with mass accumulation of fauna remains have been identified: Two levels are located within the Ovatoryctocara Zone; the third level is at the boundary between the Ovatoryctocara and Kounamkites zones; the fourth layer is confined to the roof of the Triplagnostus gibbus Zone; and the fifth and sixth levels are located within the Tomagnostus fissus–Paradoxides sacheri Zone. The composition of rocks and bitumens of their organic matter (OM) has been studied, including the geochemical specifics of the mineral components of rocks (iron, sulfur, and CO2) and of saturated hydrocarbons of bitumens as well as noncarbonate carbon isotopes in the OM. It has been established that the OM sedimentation took place under normal aeration of the sea basin waters, without hydrogen sulfide contamination of the bottom waters. The intensity of chemical and biochemical transformations of mineral and organic components during diagenesis was controlled by the contents of organic carbon and sulfate ion, the activity of the anaerobic prokaryote community, and the rate of sediment mineralization. We have also established relationships between the content of organic carbon in potentially oil source rocks and the contents of iron oxide, total sulfur, and sulfide and sulfate sulfur as well as the ratios of saturated hydrocarbons. The alternation of highly carbonaceous black shales and carbonaceous rocks is apparently due to a change in the composition of biologic communities of microorganisms (sources of hydrocarbon biomarkers) and in the intensity of OM transformation during diagenesis. We assume that the OM transformation included sulfate reduction and dealkylation of high-molecular steroids in the unconsolidated OM-enriched marine sediments with the participation of bacteria. The intensity of these processes depended on the mass of the primary OM, the amount of sulfate ion, and, hence, the pH and Eh of the medium.
Gravity-Fed Riserless Coiled Tubing Operations in Ultra-Deepwater: A Milestone Achievement for Riserless Intervention and Plug and Abandonment
Authors: Sbordone Andrea , Gramstad Bernt , Buset Per , Rossi Rafael , Tramier Charlie , Barclay David , Stenløkk Jan , Sandstå Nils Rune
Published: November 2021

In a continuous effort to reduce cost and improve efficiency, the Oil and Gas industry has been trying for the last 10 years to develop methods to perform subsea Coiled Tubing (CT) operations from a vessel and without a riser.

In September 2020 a large campaign of Riserless Coiled Tubing (RLCT) coring was successfully executed in the Norwegian Sea, on the Mohns Ridge, approximately 330 nautical miles from the coast.

The campaign was performed from a small Anchor Handler Tug Supply vessel, the Island Valiant.

A total of 14 open water gravity-fed RLCT runs were executed in water depths between 2780 and 3085 m.

The system performed extremely well and proved to be very robust, efficient and effective for these innovative operations. This was the first time that RLCT coring operations were completed without the use of a subsea injector, in the so-called gravity-fed mode, and in such ultra-deep water.

This paper describes the project in detail, including the system setup used, a summary of the operations and the actual results achieved, before discussing future improvements and applications of the RLCT technology.
Synchronized Service Delivers Desired Outcomes
Authors: Morris David , Atkinson Malcolm , Avery Mike , Gillespie David
Published: November 2021

As the subsea well intervention sector ascends from a double-dip downturn, operators are motivated to execute projects with increased agility. By adopting new rationale and supported by strategic partnerships, an enhanced focus on operating efficiency is targeted.

This paper discusses how operators can

– deliver predictable operational expenditure (opex) results, safeguarding life-of-field economics through routine interventions and robust risk mitigation – align objectives with service providers through technology, strategy, and process – realize value of integrated alliances in the subsea intervention sector.

Reliability is the cornerstone on which operational integrity is established. Repeatability is the foundation on which partnerships are formed, forging a synchronized philosophy; pledging operational efficiency as commanded in a dynamic environment; bringing to market a holistic, multileveled, multiskilled solution to subsea interventions; and uniting product and operational experts to evaluate the range of scope requirements selecting fit-for-purpose solutions, delivered with synchronized processes.

Here we describe how this approach, coupled with repeatable field-proven product and service reliability and driven by true customer-centric thinking, minimizes operating risk to deliver predictable outcomes.

This ethos is demonstrated in action via three case studies that discuss the benefits of combining customer expertise with product and operational specialists during the initiation and planning phases of subsea well intervention projects.

The shared examples demonstrate how inculcating a continuous improvement mindset and applying lessons learned to product design, process, and procedures can drive operating efficiency to new levels.

Campaigns executed in 2020 by the supplier delivered best-in-class results, exceeding customer expectations. The campaign represented the first fully synchronized service operation on the Q5000 intervention vessel at 90% operating efficiency. In addition, they demonstrated outstanding versatility by outperforming budget on the first deployment of the 15,000 psi intervention riser system (IRS) from the Q4000 intervention vessel. Less than 1% operating nonproductive time (NPT) was attributed to the well access package for the campaign.

Sustaining this level of success via collaborative performance management is the next step on the roadmap to ensure this becomes the new normal. Conclusions drawn from customer feedback indicated expectations were surpassed, and that synchronicity is the key that unlocks the door to sustainability in the subsea deepwater intervention sector.
Thermal Wellbore Failure Detection Case Studies: A High Temperature Multi-Finger Caliper Surveillance Approach
Authors: Khastoo Reza , Mostafa Sameer , Fraser Alastair
Published: November 2021

Cooling of thermal wellbores such as steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) and cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) wells, is a common prerequistite to allow deployment of logging instruments due to the temperature limitation of imaging instruments’ electronics (<150°C). This paper presents a memory caliper technology housed in a thermoshield that can perform at up to 220°C, with the acquired data used to evaluate the integrity of tubulars and completion items (metal loss, deposition, deformation, and gap/hole damage), negating the need for cooling before deployment.

Two cases are presented. One is a SAGD well with liner screens across the lateral section. The memory multi-finger caliper was deployed using coiled tubing and the data were successfully obtained across the lateral section with a maximum recorded temperature of 169°C. The second example is a vertical well in a steam flood field. Because of the uncertainty over the downhole temperature at the time of the well intervention, a temperature sensor was deployed in surface read-out mode above the caliper. This ensured the 220° temperature limit of the caliper would not be breached, and a maximum temperature of 208°C was recorded.

The data confirm the feasibility of acquiring high accuracy/high resolution data from thermal wellbores without having to resort to manipulative cooling techniques to attain a temperature below 150°C. Enlargement of a limited entry perforation (LEP) was observed in the horizontal well and buckling was clearly detected in the vertical well. The broad measurement range of the caliper – 1.85" – 7.2" – enabled both the tubing and liner to be logged in a single well intervention, which facilitated a swift resumption of of steam injection activities. Ultimately, the high temperature MFC's ability to minimize deliberate cooling the thermal wellsbore before deployment, has time and cost saving implications throughout the life cycle of the well.

Much of the existing literature examining downhole data acquistion in thermal wells, for the diagnosis of wellbore integrity issues, has relied on technologies that are unable to withstand temperatures much greater than 150°C. The ability to execute well interventions for data acquistion at higher temperatures offers the potential for empirical studies that compare the status and integrity of the wellbore completion in thermal and cooled conditions.
Enabling and Shaping Decommissioning Alternatives in Malaysia
Authors: Raja Yeop Raja Azizah , Tan Sian Chin , Zainai Ariff Irfan
Published: November 2021

This paper is to demonstrate the significance of structured planning, holistic assessment and synergies, as key value drivers in enabling and shaping decommissioning alternatives leading to sustainable decommissioning and circular economy.

PETRONAS as the regulator of Malaysia's Upstream activities manage decommissioning obligations through Production Sharing Contracts, internal guidelines and other relevant procedures and standards. The Decommissioning Options Assessment (DOA) is the process used to land on the most feasible option.

Throughout PETRONAS’ 18-year decommissioning journey thus far, decommissioning projects were successfully executed using various alternatives. The valuable learnings gained are applied to further strengthen our decommissioning processes in regulating, enabling and shaping future executions at the lowest cost with safety of life and protection of the environment as our utmost priority.

Upon a decision to proceed with decommissioning, a gated technical review process is used as the governing process to ensure safety, protection to the environment and cost efficiency. It is during this gated technical review that DOA is conducted. The output from the DOA is deliberated within the ambit of five (5) key criteria, i.e. Health, Safety & Security, Environment, Society, Technical & Operational, and Economy. Upon completion of execution, lessons learnt coupled with findings from post-decommissioning surveys are analyzed and applied to future projects.

Synergies and collaborations are key drivers in shaping sustainable and replicable alternative decommissioning solutions. PETRONAS continuously pursues strategic collaborations with all stakeholders, including but not limited to, government ministries/agencies, academia, and industry players to tap into global decommissioning solutions, scientific researches, technologies, and best practices. This key lever will be discussed in the paper.

From actual experiences, supported by studies, it is evident that decommissioning alternatives, including Rigs-to-Reef, add value in terms of marine habitat protection, biodiversity enhancement, fish aggregation, etc. It has also contributed positively to the livelihoods and well-being of society. Re-using platforms for new field development maximizes value by extending the platform's useful life. In addition, PETRONAS also advocates the ‘design for decommissioning’ mindset during a field's development phase in achieving a robust life cycle cost. PETRONAS further believes the values gained from these decommissioning alternatives will contribute to the decommissioning ecosystem in Malaysia.

Moving forward, PETRONAS aspires to elevate the sustainable decommissioning model with the mindset that, ‘no single piece of an abandoned structure goes to waste’. There is a need to mature studies, collaborations and supply chain readiness in realizing more options on the 3Rs (Reduce, Re-use and Recycle).
Pipeline Decommissioning: Comparative Study of Pipeline Corrosion in the North Sea and the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Campins Bravo Jose
Published: November 2021

The long-term degradation of decommissioned pipelines left in situ is an important topic in decommissioning projects. These constitute a long-term health and safety challenge in the form of snagging risk to other users of the sea. An accurate forecast of the long-term behavior of the pipelines in the marine environment would allow to make an informed decision regarding the feasibility of leave in place option for pipeline decommissioning.

This paper aims to summarize the effect that individual environmental factors in marine corrosion have on the corrosion rate and to discuss in detail a chosen corrosion model that could be used to predict the long-term corrosion of in situ decommissioned subsea carbon steel pipelines in the marine environment.

In addition, the long-term degradation will be predicted with the chosen corrosion model and the results will be compared for a range of subsea pipelines to be decommissioned in the North Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. With the chosen corrosion loss model, considering the higher average annual seabed temperature in the Gulf of Thailand in comparison with the North Sea, the predicted long-term corrosion rate of unprotected carbon steel is 0.053 mm/y for the North Sea and 0.069 mm/y for the Gulf of Thailand.