bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maintaining Petroleum Engineering Education To Support the Energy Mix of the Future
Authors: Fahes M. , Hosein R. , Zeynalov G. , Karasalihovic Sedlar D. , Srivastava M. , Swindell G. S. , Kokkinos N. C. , Willhite G. P. , Snyder L. A.
Published: December 2023

Once petroleum engineering was formally established as a degree program, the scope and content of curricula has been evolving to match technological advancements and soft skills requirements to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry. The cyclical nature of the industry has always presented a challenge to the enrollment and the viability of the degree. However, while having to tackle challenges relating to record-low enrollment over the past few years that is the direct result of the recent industry downturn, academic programs are also experiencing mounting pressure that is transforming the core identity of these programs. Much of that pressure can be directly linked to the heightened awareness around the impact of emissions on climate and the environment.

While technological advancements in clean energy is contributing to an accelerated transition in the energy sector that is reducing the share of the energy market need fulfilled by fossil fuels, all of the projections point to oil and gas continuing to be a critical part of the energy market until at least 2050. When considering development and utilization of capture technology, the share of oil and gas in the energy market could continue to remain significant well beyond 2050.

Meeting this demand requires maintaining high-quality petroleum engineering educational programs, hosted in thriving academic departments, educating a steady supply of a trained workforce with both undergraduate and advanced degrees. In addition, it requires diversifying the curriculum to continue to meet the ever-changing skillset needs of the energy industry and the requirements set by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). At the same time, the curriculum should continue to support the needs for a general education that targets a well-rounded graduate that is ready to be a critical thinker and an active participant in society, while also attempting to appeal to the new generations of college students and instilling in them the principles needed to secure the safe, sustainable, just, and responsible energy industry of the future.

Petroleum engineering faculty are at the forefront of these challenges, trying to balance multiple competing demands while keeping up research and educational programs that continue to be relevant. In this article, we bring to light the perspective of the experts, across the globe, that over the past 5 decades educated and prepared the workforce that supported the oil and gas industry. These perspectives were collected using a survey probing what faculty members are experiencing regarding the impact of the energy transition on recruiting students and on strategic directions in academic programs, the impact on their ability to fund their research and train graduate students, and what the faculty need to maintain a curriculum that is relevant to the future careers of their students.
Study Outlines Steps for Dewatering, Transport, and Disposal of Produced Solids
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: December 2023

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This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 210003, “What To Do With Produced Solids After Separation: Dewatering, Transport, and Disposal,” by Charles H. Rawlins, SPE, eProcess Technologies. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

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The primary role of offshore solids handling is to remove and dispose of produced solids properly, without interruption or shutdown. Most sand-management studies focus on the separation component only. However, 80% of the capital expenditure (CAPEX) of the process is attributed to separating devices, and 80% of the operating expenditure (OPEX) involves dewatering, transport, and disposal (DTD). The complete paper outlines questions that must be asked during facility design and provides guidelines, calculations, and examples on each of the steps of the sand-handling process to be implemented after separation.

Facilities Sand Management (FSM)

FSM refers to the solids-handling processes in the hydrocarbon production and processing system from the wellhead to custody transfer, based on engineering knowledge and a certain degree of skill.

FSM is not a waste-stream-treatment exercise but a critical flow-assurance issue. Production and uptime are maintained (or increased) even when solids are present, while the operating costs are minimized or reduced. This is accomplished through the use of a proper facility design incorporating the five steps of sand management to fully manage and handle the sand produced. Each step must be integrated into the facility design. The authors identify these steps as follows:

1. Separate—Partition solid particles from liquid, gas, or multiphase flow into a separate stream.

2. Collect—Gather the partitioned solids into a single central location and remove them from the process pressure and flow.

3. Clean—Remove adsorbed hydrocarbon contaminants from the gathered sand particles with an attrition scrubbing system.

4. Dewater—Remove free water from the sand slurry to minimize the disposal volume dramatically.

5. Transport—Transport the solids to a final disposal location.

Role of DTD

An improperly designed DTD system likely will cause a congestion of the entire solids-management system. The starting point for discussion, when considering the FSM approach, is to identify the proper (final) disposal route of the solids and then work backward to meet that requirement.

The Pareto principle (or the 80/20 rule) applies as equally to sand management as it does to macroeconomics. The 80/20 rule applied to FSM entails that 80% of the CAPEX of an FSM system can be attributed to the separating device (Step 1), while the work accounting for 80% of the OPEX of the FSM system is associated with the DTD method. The clear CAPEX ramification is probably why so much focus has been placed on separating devices. In the long term, however, the OPEX of sand management should be considered.
Trade in the time of Covid-19: an empirical analysis based on Italian data
Authors: Cariola Gianmarco
Published: November 2023

This study aims to analyze the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on international trade. To do so, I exploit a new panel database that includes information on imports and exports at the firm-product-country-year-month level for the universe of Italian traders. I merge it with additional data sources that provide further details on firm characteristics, product types and the lockdown stringency and death rate of Covid-19 both in foreign countries and Italian provinces.
I preliminarily decompose the adjustment to the shock into three different margins: the extensive margin, which accounts for the net contribution of firms’ entry and exit in/from foreign markets; the intensive margin, which captures the variation in the exported/imported value of those varieties (product x country) that firms continue trading; and the sub-extensive margin, that captures the change in the set of exported/imported varieties by continuing exporters/importers. I show that while the intensive margin was prevalent, the sub-extensive margin also accounted for a large share of the collapse in 2020.
Second, I perform a regression analysis to identify the impact of the pandemic in foreign countries on Italian firms’ international trade. My results suggest that the impact on imports and exports was significant during the first wave, and less pronounced for intermediate goods producers. Third, I analyze how the local lockdown policies implemented by the Italian authorities affected trade flows. I find that their effect was not significant.
Finally, I show that less intensively traded varieties had a higher probability of being dropped in the aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis, and that the varieties that were displaced in 2020 had a higher probability of not being traded one year later. This suggests that the pandemic affected the set of varieties traded by Italian firms and that its effects on the composition of imports and exports might be non-transitory.
Impact of Pharmacist-led educational services in promoting breast cancer awareness
Authors: Mehmood Nazish , -ud-Din Fakhar , Khan Amjad , Abbas Sameen , Ans Muhammad , Khan Gul Majid
Published: November 2023

Background
Breast cancer is rapidly increasing worldwide. Pakistan has a high incidence rate of 1 in every nine women. The lack of awareness is the remarkable reason for delayed diagnosis, thus resulting in high mortality. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of pharmacist-led breast cancer education at community pharmacies in promoting breast cancer awareness.
Methodology:
A longitudinal pre-post intervention study was conducted on 319 participants using a self-designed questionnaire. During the pre-intervention phase, participants were interviewed at various community pharmacies and were administered with the questionnaires. The provision of breast cancer educational session followed the session. After three months, the participants were interviewed by phone, and the questionnaires were filled in again during the post-intervention phase. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results
The pre-post phase data evaluation reported improved breast cancer awareness among the study participants, where there was a significant increase (p = 0.000) in awareness of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic techniques. There was also a marked increase (93.8%) in breast self-examination practice during the post-intervention phase. In fact, knowledge about clinical breast examination improved from 8.5% (pre-intervention phase) to 84.4% (post-intervention phase). Additionally, the awareness about mammography as an essential screening technique improved markedly, where approximately 34.7% of eligible women went to have mammography in the post-intervention phase.
Conclusion
Pharmacists, being competent healthcare professionals, play an important role in contributing to public health promotion activities. Therefore, pharmacist-led educational services should be employed to improve breast cancer awareness and for better disease control.
Mitochondrial complex I inhibits mitochondrial ferroptosis independent of mitochondria-localized GPX4 and DHODH
Authors: Yun Jing-ping , Deng Ru , Fu Lingyi , Liang Haoyu , Ai Xixiong , Li Nai , Wu Liyan , Li Shuo , Yang Xia , Lin Yansong , Jiang Neng , Zhou Jing , Lin Censhan , Chen Shilu , Huang Yuhua Yuhua
Published: November 2023

Ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death induced by excessive accumulation of lipid peroxidation products, assumes a pivotal role in the suppression of tumorigenesis. Two prominent mitochondrial ferroptosis defense systems are constituted by Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), both of which are localized within the mitochondria. However, the existence of supplementary cellular defense mechanisms against mitochondrial ferroptosis remains unclear. Our findings unequivocally demonstrate that the inactivation of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I (MCI) engenders lipid peroxidation and consequently invokes ferroptosis across cancer cells. Overexpression of MCI alternative protein yeast NADH-ubiquinone reductase (NDI1), not only serves to quell ferroptosis induced by MCI inhibitors but also confers cellular protection against ferroptosis inducers. Mechanically, MCI inhibitors actuate an elevation in the NADH level while concomitantly diminishing the ubiquinol level. The manifestation of MCI inhibitor-induced ferroptosis can be reversed by the supplementation of mitochondrial-specific analogues of ubiquinol. Notably, MCI operates in parallel to mitochondrial GPX4 and DHODH to inhibit mitochondrial ferroptosis, but independently of cytosolically localized GPX4 or ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1). The MCI inhibitor IACS-010759, is endowed with the ability to induce ferroptosis while concurrently impeding tumor proliferation in vivo. Our results identify a ferroptosis defense mechanism mediated by MCI within the mitochondria and suggest a therapeutic strategy of targeting ferroptosis in cancer treatment.
Effect of Longitudinal Interfacial Defects on fracture Energy variation in DCB Bonded Specimens
Authors: talebali Mahfoudh , JEBRI Zaineb
Published: December 2023

The primary aim of this investigation is to develop an analytical technique that can accurately estimate the fracture energy at the crack front while accounting for the localized interface properties. To achieve this goal, the study employs Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimens made of Aluminium alloys that have been chemically treated, as well as Titanium alloys that have been Laser texturized. Additionally, longitudinal defects are introduced within the bond line, specifically at the interface between the adhesive and adherents, with a parallel orientation to the crack direction. Initially, the investigation involved the characterization of bare surfaces, independent of their adhesive strength. Subsequently, Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) tests were conducted on specimens that had defects of various widths in the bonded region. The results obtained from these experiments confirmed the accuracy of the analytical estimations. It has been explained too that adhesive stiffness has a major role while mixing local fracture energies at crack front. Additionally, using a damage model, the deformation of the crack front was numerically observed and verified by capturing crack front shape while DCB testing. An interpretation was provided to explain the findings.
Elemental Analysis of Printed Circuit Boards of End-of-life Mobile Phones in Accra, Ghana.
Authors: Williams Karikari , Bamford Samuel Akoto , Gyampo Owiredu , Atiemo Sampson , Buah-Kwofie Archibold , Adeti Prince James
Published: November 2023

Mobile phone use has increased significantly over the last few decades all around the world. Ghana, with a significant increase in mobile subscribers, has played an important role in this progress. Agriculture, financial services, health, education, energy, and transportation are just a few of the sectors that have benefited greatly from technological advancements. However, due to the large number of used mobile phones entering the country, a large number of end-of-life (EoL) phones are produced in a short period of time. In Ghana, the study assessed the elemental composition of printed circuit boards of end-of-life mobile phones to assess elements of economic importance. Following X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis, Ti, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Y, Ag, Sn, Ba, Ce, W, Pt, Au, Pb, and Bi were detected in EoL mobile phones. Different types of mobile phones (smart and non-smart) and brands were used in this study. Using the periodic table and pertinent literature, these elements were classed as base, less common, precious, and rare earth metals.
Shifts in structure and dynamics of the soil microbiome in fuel/biofuel blends-affected areas triggered by different bioremediation treatments
Authors: Hidalgo-Martinez Kelly , Gianchi Admir José , Schneider Marcio , Soriano Adriana , Baessa Marcus Paulus , Martins Luiz Fernando , de Oliveira Valéria Maia
Published: December 2023

The use of biofuels has grown in the last decades, due to environmental impacts of fossil fuels use. Elucidating structure, diversity, species interactions and assembly mechanisms of microbiomes is crucial for understanding the influence of environmental disturbances. However, little is known about how contamination with biofuel/petrofuel blends alters the soil microbiome. This study aimed to characterize the soil microbiome of four long term field experimental areas that received controlled releases of E10, E25 or B20 and were submitted to different bioremediation treatments, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon high throughput sequencing. Results indicated that the soil microbiome of biodiesel-areas is more diverse, resilient, and complex. It was also observed that in soils with low diversity and richness, the impact of bioremediation treatments on the microbiomes was higher. The network analysis showed that after applying the bioremediation treatment, the proportion of generalist taxa increased, suggesting a more connected and dynamic assembly. All abundant keystone taxa are well-known degraders, suggesting that the abundant species are core targets for biostimulation in soil remediation. Overall, these findings extend our knowledge of the soil microbiome response triggered by pollution stress and bioremediation treatments, paving the way for future rationalized and efficient pollutant mitigation strategies.
Mapping potentially risky import products in Africa
Authors: SOCRATES MAJUNE KRAIDO , Naluwooza Patricia , Ahmed Abdiaziz Abdikadir
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have exposed Africa’s overreliance on a limited number of countries and products, leading to severe supply chain disruptions and shortages. This study identifies Africa’s potentially risky import products using three criteria: market concentration, relevance (share of product in a country’s total imports), and substitutability. Using bilateral import data for 5,384 products from 1995–2021, we find that 10–15% of Africa’s import commodities are risky. Additionally, 10% of Africa’s current import value stems from risky products. These products are mainly machines and electronics, are intermediate in nature, and originate from Asia, specifically China. Risky imported products have a lower import survival rate than non-risky products, and most industries that rely on them are in the transport and construction sectors. The country-level analysis (five large and five small import countries across sub-regions) reveals that machines and electronics dominate the import volumes and values of their risky import products, among other results. Multilateral organizations and African countries can consider developing a common definition and list of products deemed as potentially risky imports whose trade performance can be tracked regularly. Strengthening global value chains should also be prioritized to reduce Africa’s vulnerability to potentially risky imports.
JEL Codes: F10, F13, F14, F17
Sensible Image Encryption for Military Applications Based on Advanced Encryption Standard Algorithm (AES)
Authors: B Bazeer Ahamed , Krishnamoorthy Murugan
Published: December 2023

With the rapid development of military applications and advanced warfare between the nations, the building of network and communication technology, transmitting sensible information across troops has become a necessary way of information transmission. Therefore, much more attention has been paid to the development of the image encryption technology for military applications. In this paper, we propose a image encryption technology based on AES algorithm, and the algorithm implementation in GNC/GCC. Then, we perform image processing, obtain the password text that can use the AES encryption algorithm, combine both password and secured image. Then, the digital image can be encrypted, and the algorithm is realized in GNU simulation. Through the comparison of the histogram analysis and the analysis of the key, the result has showed that the method can better realize the effect of encryption and decryption with more security for image transmission.
Evaluation of in vitro antidiabetic and anti-microbial activity of edible red seaweed Porphyra vietnamensis
Authors: Ghagane Shridhar , J Vidhyashree , Kumbar Vijay , Nadaf Rubeen , Patil Dhanashree , Shetti Priya
Published: November 2023

Introduction:
Diabetes is one among the top ten leading cause of mortality in the world with an incidence rate of 422 million. The current study aimed at investigating the antidiabetic activity of edible red seaweed Porphyra vietnamensis.
Materials and Methods
Crude extract was subjected to UV- Visible light spectroscopy, phytochemical screening, quantification of total tannin content, DPPH free radical scavenging, alpha amylase inhibition assay and glucose uptake potential by yeast cell assay.
Results
Phytochemicals study revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, lignins, saponins and further, total tannin content was estimated to be 31 ± 0.00125mg/g. The methanolic extract of Porphyra vietnamensis displayed highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 35.19% at 100µg/ml. The alpha amylase inhibition potential of the extract showed 11.5% at 400 and 13.5% at 500µg/ml. Glucose utilization of yeast cells treated with extract with different (5, 15 and 25mM) concentration of glucose showed a linear increase in the glucose uptake percent. The uptake percent was 31.7, 29.5 and 38.27% for 5, 15 and 25mM glucose concentration respectively, exhibiting its ability to transport glucose across the yeast cell membrane. The toxicity study resulted in more than 60% of cell survival rate in all the concentrations taken proving its safety for human consumption.
Conclusion
The result of the study concludes that Porphyra vietnamensis could be utilized as functional food due to its dietary source for treating diabetic conditions naturally. Further research can be done to evaluate the potential on diabetic mouse (in vivo) condition.
The pandemic crisis in Italy: An assessment through a new indicator of firm economic-financial solidity
Authors: Vicarelli Claudio , Boselli Carlo , Costa Stefano , Rinaldi Marco
Published: November 2023

We present a new indicator of economic-financial solidity (EFSI) of Italian firms, considering profitability, solidity and firm liquidity, all evaluated in terms of their sustainability over time. On the basis of EFSI values, we classify firms in four classes, according to their degree of exposure to income and financial risks: Healty, Fragiles, At-risk, Highly at-risk. This indicator shows that in 2011-2020 a tightening process of economic and financial structure took place in the Italian business system, a trend that surprisingly continued also during the pandemic year. To investigate this, we consider the entry of firms into the Highly at-risk class (“downgrades”) in 2019-20. Through a matching technique, we run two counterfactual exercises, estimating at a sector-firm size level what the downgrade rates would have been during the crisis of 2019-20 had the business system had the same economic-financial structure prevailing in 2011 (i.e. at the eve of 201112 crisis) or in 2019 (i.e. the last year of economic growth). By this way, we can evaluate whether, and to what extent, the financial support to firms during 2020 contributed to the resilience of the Italian business system. Our results show that, with respect to pre-Covid year, firm aids limited the negative consequences of the pandemic especially on the smaller firms (those more severely hit by the crisis); with respect the 2011-12 crisis, in several sectors support measures more than fully compensate for the negative effects of the pandemic notwithstanding its stronger economic impact on GDP than the previous crisis episode.
JEL Classification: G01; H12; H81; H84; L60; L80
Can Preoperative Clinicoradiological Profile And Intraoperative Findings Truly Reflect the Outcome Of ETV Done In Infants For The Treatment Of Congenital Hydrocephalus – An Insight Via A Prospective Study
Authors: Verma Rajat
Published: November 2023

Background
Congenital hydrocephalus in infants treated with ETV have variable results in literature. We studied some supposed clinicoradiological parameters which though are considered vital in deciding operative management, have never been thoroughly studied to establish a well-defined association.
Aim and objective
To evaluate the influence of clinicoradiological profile and intraoperative findings over the outcome of ETV done in infants for congenital hydrocephalus.
Materials and methods-
All infants who underwent ETV in King George’s Medical University, Lucknow from January 2019 to February 2020 for congenital hydrocephalus were included. Their clinical, radiological, operative data was gathered. Infants were followed at 1, 3 and 6 months after ETV. ETV success was defined as stabilization of abnormal head growth with resolution of symptoms of raised ICP and no requirement of shunt surgery 6 months post ETV. All the clinicoradiological and intraoperative factors were statistically correlated with the final outcome.
Results
40 infants were operated for congenital hydrocephalus during the study period in our institution. Failure rate was higher in children younger than 3 months (p value of 0.04). Increase in head size was present in all 40 cases and bulging anterior fontanelle in 95% cases. Success rate of ETV at 1, 3 and 6 months was 62.5%, 40% and 35%. Most of failure occurred within 3 months after the procedure. Expiry rate at 1, 3 and 6 month was 15%, 17.5% and 17.5%. None of the intraoperative findings significantly correlated with the final outcome.
Conclusion
ETV can be a luring treatment of congenital hydrocephalus in infants but has limited success with a minimal risk of fatal complications like CSF leak and meningitis associated with it. Age is the only factor which truly reflects the outcome of the procedure.
CUSUM Learning Curve Analysis of TIP Repair for hypospadias: a Study of a Single Surgeon with a Single Surgical Procedure
Authors: Li Jiaqiang , Zhang Jiaqian , Diao Hongwang , Li Shoulin , Yin Jianchun
Published: November 2023

To ascertain the quantity of instances by which a single surgeon achieves competency and proficiency in using tubularized incised plate (TIP) technique for the repair of distal and mid-shaft hypospadias using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. We retrospectively evaluated patients with distal and mid-shaft hypospadias who were treated by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2021, using a single primary TIP technique with a de-epithelialized Byars flap. Data including type of hypospadias, age at surgery, curvature, operation time (OT), length of the reconstructed urethra, and postoperative outcomes were collected and assessed. CUSUM was used to assess the trends in OT and complication rate (CR) in order to generate the learning curve. The evolution of OT and CR can be divided into three phases: learning, competence, and proficiency. CUSUM identified three phases in the learning curves of all TIP repairs. The median OT decreased from 135 min (interquartile range [IQR]=125-155) to 92 min (IQR=80-100) (P<0.001), CR decreased from 28 (28%) to 8 (5.3%) (P<0.001), and reoperations decreased from 15 (15.2%) to 4 (2.6%) (P<0.001). According to the CUSUM learning curve, technical competency plateaued after the 99th case, and both OT and CR entered a significantly declining proficiency phase after the 231st case. Further, when the neourethral length exceeded the total average, total complications, urethrocutaneous fistula, and reoperations increased (P=0.013, P=0.006, and P=0.028, respectively). Our study suggests that surgeons performing TIP repair may reach technical competency and achieve proficiency after operating on 99 231 cases, respectively. Moreover, the longer the neourethral length, the higher is the CR.
Ethylene/α-olefin homo- and copolymerization using a dinuclear catalyst of nickel
Authors: Nokandi Fatemeh , Zohuri Gholam Hossein , Ramezanian Navid , Hasanpour Hossein , Kimiaghalam Mahsa , Khoshsefat Mostafa
Published: November 2023

Considering the essence of high electron density of ligands, frameworks with high electron donating groups are important in the transition-metal catalytic systems. As benzhydrol groups have been investigated for their beneficial electronic effects, a novel homo-dinuclear Ni (II) catalyst based on benzhydrol-substituted ligand was synthesized, characterized, and used for ethylene polymerization. The catalyst was further examined and compared with its mononuclear analogue. The maximum activity for the polymerization was then obtained at molar ratio of Al/Ni: 1500/1, polymerization temperature of 15 ℃ and the monomer pressure of 1.5 bar within 5 min of the polymerization which was 2.64×106 g mol-1Ni h-1. Effects of cocatalyst type (e. g., modified methylalumoxane (MMAO), triisobutylaluminum (TiBA), and triethylaluminum (TEA)) in the polymerization were also investigated wherein MMAO outperformed in terms of the greatest activity. As the polymerization temperature elevated, the polyethylene (PE) microstructure changed from crystalline into amorphous form, while both of the activity of the catalyst and the Viscosity Average Molecular Weight (M̅v) of the obtained polymer were diminished. With regard to increasing of ethylene pressure in the reactor (up to 4 bars), the M̅v increased and reached to the maximum value of 1.44 ×106 g mol-1. The catalyst was also active in the presence of the long-chain α-olefin monomers, such as 1-hexene and 1-octene, the comonomers. The co-monomer addition decreased crystallinity of the polymer (from 25 to 15%) and led to higher branching density of the obtained copolymers.
Prognostic and diagnostic effects of high serum midkine on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Okada Rei , Otsuka Yuichiro , Kajiwara Yoji , Maeda Tetsuya , Ishii Jun , Kimura Kazutaka , Matsumoto Yu , Ito Yuko , Funahashi Kimihiko , Shimada Hideaki
Published: November 2023

BackgroundMidkine (MK) is a soluble cytokine, and its serum levels strongly correspond with protein expression levels in tumors. This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of serum MK (s-MK) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsSerum samples were obtained before surgery from 123 patients with HCC who underwent surgery between 2012 and 2020. Based on the receiver operating characteristics curve, the best cutoff value for s-MK in differentiating HCC from healthy cases was 426 pg/mL. Patients’ clinicopathological variables and overall survival were compared between the s-MK-positive group and the s-MK-negative group.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of s-MK were 82.1%, 97.4%, and 88.0%, respectively. An s-MK-positive status was significantly associated with the number of tumors (≥ 2). The positivity rate of s-MK was significantly higher than that of α-fetoprotein and protein induced by vitamin K absence-II. In total, only 28% of the patients were positive for s-MK. The s-MK positive group showed significantly worse overall survival than the s-MK negative group. The multivariate analysis revealed that an s-MK-positive status was independently associated with poor prognosis.Conclusions-MK was useful in detecting early HCC. A s-MK-positive status was associated with the number of tumors and was an independent prognostic risk factor.
Community Perspectives of Ebola Viral Disease in High-Risk Transmission Border Regions of Tanzania: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Metta Emmy , Mohamed Hussein , Kusena Priscilla , Nyamhanga Tumaini , Bahuguna Shalini , Kakoko Deodatus , Siril Nathanael , Araya Awet , Mwiru Alice , Magesa Stanley , Makene Lulu , Rwechungura Allan , Kirakoya Fatimata B , Kazaura Method , Frumence Gasto
Published: November 2023

Background: Tanzania faces ever-rising concerns due to the recurrence of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. This necessitates a better understanding of the community perspectives in high-risk regions for effective risk communication and preparedness.
Methods: This rapid ethnographic assessment study used explorative qualitative methods to collect data. People from diverse backgrounds participated in 59 in-depth interviews, 57 Key Informant interviews, and 35 focus group discussions. Data was analysed using a thematic analysis approach.
Findings: The study found high awareness of EVD and its symptoms, with radio and television emerging as the primary source of information. However, participants had mixed perceptions of EVD’s cause and transmission, with some believing that bats, monkeys, and wild animal meat caused it. In contrast, others associated the disease with high fever, a dirty environment, changing dietary patterns, and the COVID-19 virus. Physical contact with an infected person, eating cascades of infected wild animals, and contact with an infected person’s fluids were perceived as EVD transmission agents. Due to their daily activities, women, school children, boda-boda riders, and fishermen were perceived as the most susceptible to EVD infection. Preventive measures included avoiding physical contact, touching fluids, and refraining from eating wild animal meat. Prompt reporting of suspected cases to health facilities was reported as crucial for earlier outbreak identification and containment.
Conclusion: The high-risk regions of Tanzania had a high level of awareness and perceived susceptibility to EVD, coupled with varying degrees of misperception about the etiology and its transmission. To improve community perspectives and preparedness in the case of an outbreak, there is a need for ongoing risk communication and involvement in EVD prevention and responses.
The application of three-dimensional printing in the management of a difficult airway due to Treacher Collins syndrome.
Authors: Trincado María , Tapia Blanca , Gutiérrez Alessandro , Aragón Íñigo , Castillo Jose Luis , Cebrián Jose Luis , Uña Rafael
Published: December 2023

This article demonstrates the use of 3D printing for precise airway models, focusing on Treacher Collins syndrome. This rare disorder presents challenges in airway management due to facial bone underdevelopment. Customized 3D models, derived from CT scans, successfully simulated and refined intubation techniques. Transparent models provided clear visualization, aiding in risk assessment and instrument sizing. This technology offers a crucial tool for preanesthetic planning, potentially enhancing patient safety during intubation. The article emphasizes the importance of this approach in complex airway scenarios, advocating for its wider adoption in anesthesia practice.
Blue Carbon assessment in the salt marshes of the Venice Lagoon: dimensions, variability and influence of storm-surge regulation.
Authors: Puppin Alice , Tognin Davide , Paccagnella Michela , Zancato Mirella , Ghinassi Massimiliano , D'Alpaos Chiara , Marani Marco , D'Alpaos Andrea
Published: December 2023

Salt marshes are intertidal coastal ecosystems shaped by complex feedbacks between hydrodynamic, morphological, and biological processes. These crucial yet endangered environments provide a diverse range of ecosystem services but are globally subjected to high anthropogenic pressures, while being severely exposed to climate change impacts. The importance of salt marshes as ‘blue carbon’ sinks, deriving from their primary production coupled with rapid surface accretion, has been increasingly recognized within the framework of climate mitigation strategies. However, large uncertainties remain in salt-marsh carbon stock and sequestration estimation. In order to provide further knowledge in salt-marsh carbon assessment and investigate marsh carbon pool response to management actions, we analysed organic matter content in salt-marsh soils of the Venice Lagoon (Italy) from 60 sediment cores to the depth of 1 m and estimated organic carbon stock and accumulation rates in different areas. Organic carbon stocks and accumulation rates were highly variable in different marshes, being affected by organic and inorganic inputs and preservation conditions. Our estimates suggest that the studied marshes can absorb the same amount of carbon as 130,000 trees. However, flood regulation may reduce by 33% the annual marsh CO2 sequestration potential.
Satellite Imagery-based Hurricane Debris Assessment: Model Development and Application in Rural Florida
Authors: Antwi Richard Boadu , Takyi Samuel , Ozguven Eren Erman , Volcy Kathy , Alam Md. Shaharier , Kim Kyusik , Horner Mark W. , Mardis Marcia A.
Published: November 2023

The Southeastern United States is hit by hurricanes frequently. To provide a quick response to these natural disasters and expedited recovery, state and federal agencies should be provided with information concerning the severity and extent of hurricane damage, specifically in terms of hurricane debris volume and locations. In this paper, we focused on the post-hurricane debris in Calhoun County, Florida, which was hit by Hurricane Michael in 2018 and provided a macro-level assessment using satellite image collections obtained from the Sentinel-2 satellite in Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The specific focus was the assessment of hurricane debris impact on roadways and communities, which were performed in twofold. Firstly, satellite data was used to assess post-hurricane debris impact in the entire county and its population. Secondly, satellite data was used to assess post-hurricane debris with a focus on roadways and its impact on accessibility. Spectral indices from satellite images were used to derive assessment parameters. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values were obtained for both pre-hurricane and post-hurricane images of the study area and NDVI scores of roadway segments were analyzed. Findings indicate that high volumes of vegetative debris were present in the north-eastern parts of the county, which is occupied by the highest population of county residents. The roadway segments in this region also recorded highest debris volumes, which is a critical information for state and local agencies that need to know highly impacted locations.
Impact of Dietary Different Trace Mineral on Performance, Egg Quality, Oxidation Status, and Immune Responses of Female Broiler Breeders
Authors: Cheng Hao , Liu Wuxiong , Chen Juan , Qu XiangYong Y.
Published: November 2023

This study aims to compare the effects of different forms of minerals on the performance, egg quality, oxidation status, and immune response of female broiler breeders. A total of 432 healthy Hubbard white feather female broiler breeders were randomly divided into 3 groups (6 replicates of 24 birds each). Group A was fed a basal diet supplemented with inorganic trace elements, Group B with methionine hydroxyl analog chelated trace minerals, and Group C with proteinate trace minerals for a 56-day feeding trial period. There were no significant differences observed in performance and egg quality between the dietary inorganic and organic trace elements (P > 0.05). However, the inclusion of organic trace elements in the diet led to improved activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as reduced concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma and eggs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared to Group A, Groups B and C exhibited enhanced concentrations of E2, PROG, and LSH in plasma, and Group C showed improved levels of IgA and IgM (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of dietary organic trace elements, specifically metal methionine hydroxyl chelates and metal proteinate, has been shown to enhance antioxidation and immune function in female broiler breeders. Therefore, the use of proteinate trace elements is recommended in broiler breeder diets.
Effect of ABS secondary microplastics on survival, mortality rate, life expectancy and fecundity of the freshwater cladocerans Moina macrocopa
Authors: Manríquez-Guzmán Diana , Chaparro-Herrera Diego de Jesús , Ramírez-García Pedro
Published: November 2023

Microplastics are a ubiquitous pollutant and ingested by living beings, mainly aquatic organisms. Among freshwater organisms, zooplankton is susceptible to the ingestion of microplastics. The cladoceran Daphnia magna is used in most experiments with freshwater zooplankton, and other genera, such as the genus Moina, receive scarce attention. Likewise, are used primary polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics with the same shape, and other types of plastics are rarely used, such as secondary ones, which arise by fragmentation of larger ones. The objective was to determine the possible effects on survival, mortality, life expectancy, and fecundity of Moina macrocopa at different concentrations of secondary microplastics of the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene type. We exposed groups of 10 neonates to a diet of microalgae and microplastics. There were four groups of cladocerans, each with a different concentration of microplastics (5, 10, and 20 mg/L) and a control. Daily we count individuals alive, dead, and their offspring until the last individual of the original cohort died. We demonstrated that microplastics may block the digestive tract and adhere to the carapace of M. macrocopa, thereby disrupting swimming activity. In addition, survival, mortality, life expectancy, and fecundity were negatively affected when exposed to the minimum concentration of microplastics; conversely, there are no significant changes in medium and high concentrations. The decline in neonates could alter the dynamics of M. macropa populations in the long term. Microplastics may be an emerging cause of the alteration of the zooplankton community and violate the base of the trophic webs.
Factors of concern and reluctance to accept foreign care workers in native care workers in geriatric facilities: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tei-tominaga Maki , Tanaka Masae , Nakanishi Miharu
Published: November 2023

Background
Owing to a shortage of care workers because of rapid population aging, geriatric care facilities hiring foreign care workers (FCWs) have increased in many countries. To resolve potential obstacles for FCWs’ acceptance and retention, we aim to clarify the acceptance of FCWs and the factors influencing native care workers’ concerns and reluctance towards FCWs.
Methods
Self-report questionnaires were distributed to all care workers (N = 1,060) in 30 geriatric residential care facilities in Japan (response rate = 71%). The questionnaire covered basic attributes, work and organisational characteristics, wage adequacy perceptions, concerns, ideas towards accepting FCWs, work environment assessment scales, and job stressors. We used data from 589 participants (67.2% women, Mage = 42.63 ± 12.16 years) for analysis, and a multivariable logistic regression analysis focusing on participants who worked in facilities without FCWs was conducted.
Results
The ratio of concerns and reluctance regarding acceptance of FCWs among native care workers showed a significant difference by the presence of FCWs at a facility, while basic attributes, work and organisational characteristics, and wage adequacy did not show any significant differences between the facilities. The multivariate logistic regression analyses for participants without FCWs revealed that those who were in managerial positions (odds ratio [OR] = 1.99), perceived wage inadequacy (OR = 1.75), and more job stressors (OR = 1.13) were more likely to have concerns about FCWs as compared to their counterparts. Those who worked more than 50 hours per week on average (OR = 0.30) and perceived higher ethical leadership (OR = 0.75) were less likely to be reluctant towards FCWs’ acceptance as compared to their counterparts. When the variable of concerns was entered the equation, those who expressed concerns were more likely be reluctant (OR = 3.50), while the significance of working hours remained constant (OR = 0.28), and the significance level of ethical leadership decreased (OR = 0.78).
Conclusions
To formulate strategies to accept FCWs in facilities, countermeasures towards pre-existing issues such as work conditions, leadership, and native care workers’ concerns are required.
Resource Allocation of Massive MIMO NOMA Networks with SWIPT-NOMA Technology
Authors: Shirzad Amirreza , Andargoli Seyed Mehdi Hosseini
Published: November 2023

Massive Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) and Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) techniques have emerged as revolutionary techniques to improve the spectrum efficiency for 5G systems. In this paper, user grouping and power allocation are investigated in NOMA based massive MIMO networks with Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer (SWIPT). We use the Zero Forcing (ZF) beamforming method to group users then the NOMA technique is applied to establish multiple access for the users of each group. In order to cluster the users, we propose a novel method for cluster head selection and user assignment to the group in which challenges related to Successive interference Cancellation (SIC) implementation are considered. In the following, we formulate the sum rate maximization problem based on jointly optimizing power allocation and power splitting factors. Since the formulated optimization problem is a non-convex optimization problem, it is converted to the convex form by some lemmas and relaxations. The relaxed problem is solved by the CVX toolbox of MATLAB software. Simulation results show that proposed strategies improve the sum rate in comparison with benchmark algorithms while the NOMA requirements are satisfied and the implementation challenges are handled.
RETRACTED: Clinical reflection of a common problem in society: internet addiction in adolescents and its relationship with clinical and psychosocial factors
Authors: Kaya Şenay Şermet , Ayyıldız Didem , Düzgün Nurcan
Published: November 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Radiomics analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT for visceral pleural invasion in non-small cell lung cancer with pleural attachment
Authors: Li Yi , Li Qiang , Shen Mengjun , Zhang Fengxian , Li Yuan , Zhao Qingping , Hao Liyan , Wu Xiaodong , Zhao Long , Wang Yin
Published: December 2023

Objective
The aim of this study was to establish and validate a preoperative model that integrates clinical factors and radiomic features from 18F-FDG PET/CT for the prediction of visceral pleural invasion (VPI) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with pleural attachment.
Methods
A total of 814 NSCLC patients with radiological pleural attachment were included in this retrospective study. VPI was confirmed in 350 cases, and non-VPI was confirmed in 464 cases through histopathological examination. The patients were randomly divided into a training set and a test set. Clinical data and 101 radiomic features (51 PET features and 50 CT features) were collected. The optimal predictors from these radiomic features were selected using the Mann-Whitney U test and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm, resulting in the creation of the radiomics score (Rad-score) for the PET/CT radiomics model. Meaningful clinical factors and Rad-scores were incorporated into a combined PET/CT radiomics-clinical model through multivariate logistic regression analysis. The predictive performance and clinical utility of the models were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA). Finally, a nomogram was developed based on the best-performing model.
Results
The combined PET/CT radiomics-clinical model to predict VPI status achieved the areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of 0.840, 0.890, and 0.884, in the training set (n = 569), test set (n = 245), and patients with a maximum tumor diameter (Dmax) ≤ 3 cm (n = 437), respectively, which were significantly higher than 0.763, 0.747, and 0.813 of the clinical model, and 0.723, 0.763, and 0.719 of the PET/CT radiomics model. The DCA showed that the combined model had the highest standardized net benefit among the models in predicting VPI. Subsequently, a nomogram based on the combined model was developed with well-fitted calibration curves.
Conclusions
The combined PET/CT radiomics-clinical model offers an advantage in the prediction of VPI in NSCLC with pleural attachment.