bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-evolution of tourism and industrial sectors: the case of the Bełchatów industrial district
Authors: Napierała Tomasz , Leśniewska-Napierała Katarzyna , Nalej Marta , Pielesiak Iwona
Published: March 2023

The goal of the study is to explore the co-evolution of the tourism and industrial sectors. This paper addresses the concept of inter-path dependency as the theoretical framework for this study. The case study of Bełchatów industrial district is applied to discuss the co-evolution of tourism and heavy industries. Tourism and heavy industries are usually seen as mutually exclusive. However, in the case of the Bełchatów industrial district, tourism (starting from social tourism, through business tourism and educational tourism) is confirmed as being complementary to the industrial path shaped by triggering events (launch of radical industrialisation, and economic transition). Recently, implementation of the Just Transition Mechanism was planned and includes development of leisure tourism in the case study area. Some doubts of that intersectoral linkages are discussed in the paper – mainly in the context of the expected sustainable development of the Bełchatów industrial district – and followed by policy recommendations.
The spatial, temporal and structural approach to interregional tourism inflows’ sustainability – on the example of four Erasmus+ SPOT project case study regions
Authors: Mazur Marcin , Czapiewski Konrad , Cerić Denis
Published: March 2023

Based on produced regional data on tourism arrivals across 297 NUTS2 regions of the EU and EFTA countries covering the temporal scope of 2010–2018, the spatial concentration of tourist inflow in Europe, average annual dynamics of tourist inflow between 2010–2018, and a relative position of the tourist branch of the economy in a given region has been determined. An attempt was made to present a typology of regions according to the weighted intensity and spatial concentration of tourist inflow. Special attention has been given to SPOT project case study regions: Piemonte in Italy, Innlandet in Norway, Łódzkie in Poland, and Centro in Portugal.
Planning for sustainable city tourism in the Netherlands
Authors: Nientied Peter , Toto Rudina
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this paper is to examine policies and planning for sustainable city tourism in Amsterdam and Rotterdam and relate them to the notions of ‘tourism reset’ that emerged during the COVID pandemic period. Amsterdam is a prime European tourist city and has been suffering from problems associated with overtourism. Rotterdam receives much less tourists and can be seen as an emerging tourist city. Both cities have recently adopted new tourism policies, essentially future tourism visions. The case of Amsterdam and to a lesser extent that of Rotterdam show that formulating and agreeing on a tourism policy vision is easier than the decision-making process and implementing a vision. The instruments and powers of local government to manage the quantity and qualities of tourism are limited. Overtourism problems have stimulated carrying capacity thinking, which is considered inadequate for a multi-faceted problem like urban tourism.
Challenges of the tourism sector in Lithuania in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: State aid instruments and the efficiency of the tourism business support
Authors: Pociute-Sereikiene Gintare , Baranauskienė Viktorija , Liutikas Darius , Kriaučiūnas Edis , Burneika Donatas
Published: March 2023

At the beginning of 2020 Lithuania, and many other European countries, introduced quarantine and began restricting movement across the country’s borders. The imposed restrictive measures have greatly impacted and led to the stagnation of tourism sector. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, the number of international tourist arrivals sharply decreased. In 2021 the majority of restrictions have been eased due to the decreasing morbidity, but it did not reinstate the tourism into the previous level. According to statistics, the decline in tourist flows in Lithuania in 2021 still continued, albeit the decrease was smaller. The increase in the number of local tourists (especially in 2021) has somewhat compensated the loss of international tourism, but has not changed it. The tourism business is still going through a difficult period. This article emphasizes the issues of local and inbound tourism business in Lithuania in the context of Covid-19 pandemic. The greatest attention is placed on the instruments proposed by the Lithuanian Government to mitigate the negative consequences of the pandemic on tourism service. The research combines secondary and primary data sources. Secondary data was used for the analysis of official Lithuanian statistics in order to introduce general trends of the development of tourism sector during the last decade. Primary data was received using the methods of focus group and survey (a questionnaire to collect data sets from tourism business enterprises in Lithuania). The statistical analysis revealed that the difficult situation was noticed in all fields of tourism sector, however, the main losers of the pandemic were those relying on the international tourist. The analysis of official documents disclosed, that even though the tourism business was able to benefit from the variety of offered governmental aid packages in 2020–2021, the quantity and quality of support was not enough and strongly criticized. Our survey results pointed out the instruments that were most effective among the tourism enterprises. Moreover, from the collected answers we noticed, that at least part of tourism enterprises took the opportunity to use the support not only for compensation of pandemic related costs but also to look forward and the received financial support invested in innovative solutions in the tourism business, so pandemic potentially had some positive effects as well. Also, the survey results reviled that there are considerable opportunities for tourism related development of the nature rich, non-metropolitan regions, though at the moment these activities quite often remain outside the market relations and do not produce new incomes and jobs.
Morphological Assessment of Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) Fruit and Seed for the Development of Mechanical Seed Separator
Authors: Jayakumar Jikky , Rajkumar P. , Sudha P. , Kumaran K. , Gurusamy K. , Subramanian P.
Published: March 2023

Background: The development of post-harvest equipment or machinery is vital for agricultural productivity. Bixin, a natural colourant derived from annatto seeds, is still separated manually, which may result in pigment loss. The engineering properties of annatto fruits and seeds must be analyzed in this note for the development of a mechanical seed separator. Methods: The fruits were collected from Forest College and Research Institute, TNAU, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu. Engineering properties such as physical, gravimetric and frictional properties, colour and bixin content were determined for two dried annatto fruit and seed varieties (A1 and A2). The Z-test and t-test (p less than 0.05) were used to statistically analyze the data. Result: The morphological characteristics of annatto fruits A1 and A2 differed noticeably and significantly. The surface area and volume of the A1 fruit were higher. The fruit and seed were merely spherical and conical. The lowest static friction was observed for stainless steel in both fruit and seeds. The mean bixin content of the A1 and A2 seeds was 1.5±0.4% and 1.84±0.57%, respectively. These engineering properties will be used to design a mechanical separator without much loss of pigment.
Genetic Improvement in Neem-A Potential Multipurpose Tree: A Review
Authors: Swati Shedage , Dhaka Ravindra Kumar , Ayate Dipika
Published: March 2023

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) is an important woody angiosperm belonging to the order Rutales, family Meliaceae. Neem is a botanical relative of mahogany and is native to India and Burma.The studies on genetic improvement of Neem are not well documented so for the effective use of Neem resources, effective exploration and improvement required. The current paper aimed to review all the studies related to genetic improvement of neem to understand genetic variability in Neem and its improvement can be done in this medicinally important tree species. In thispaper various studies has been reviewed that provided status of the improvement work on Neem all over the world. Tree breeders assessed the genetic resources available for improvement, selecting genes with high utility and economic value and packaging them into genotypes that may be utilized to start commercial plantations. Researchers used biotechnological, traditional tools to improve this species. Despite its widespread ranged studies and numerous researches for better understanding breeding efforts must be expanded.
Landslide Soil Failure Parameters Characterization Using Geoelectrical Resistivity Methods in Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Uwaezuoke Charles Chinedu , Airen Osariere John
Published: March 2023

Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) were deployed over Uruagu landslide area. The main purpose of the geoelectrical resistivity surveys was to characterize the landslide failure parameters in order to identify the soil failure mechanisms. Ten profiles of 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) measuring 200 m each, and thirty Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), with three VES along each profile, were executed. Nine of the ten profiles were executed within the landslide site while one profile was executed in a residential street as a control profile. Four soil samples were also taken for physical and geotechnical laboratory index analysis. The PASI resistivity meter was used for the geoelectrical resistivity measurements. The Wenner-Schlumberger array was deployed for the ERI with a minimum electrode spacing of 10 m. The Schlumberger array was deployed for the VES with a maximum current spacing of 130 m. ERI resistivity data analysis involved inversion using RES2DINV software package involving mean model residual and construction of iso-apparent resistivity contour maps. VES resistivity data analysis involved calculated parameters from plotted field data on log-log graph then used as initial models in an iterative forward modeling WinResist software package. The results of the ERI and VES for the control profile reveal that the subsurface strata are originally composed of silty clay of resistivity values (16.7 – 60.9) Ωm, clayey silty sand having resistivity values (116 – 800) Ωm and sandstone layer with resistivity values (>814 Ωm). The ERI and VES results for the devastated landslide site reveal counteraction material of resistivity values (>814 Ωm), colluvia and regoliths (116 - 300 Ωm) and variably wet weathered sandstones of resistivity values (<60.9 Ωm). The laboratory results revealed the landslide site is majorly composed of silty sandy clay, silty clay, sandy silty clay and sandstones as the pre-landslide existing lithologies. The natural water content ranges from 10.6% to 14.0%. The liquid limit ranges from 44.0% to 46.0%, the plastic limit ranges from 15.0% to 17.0% and the plasticity index from 28.0% to 29.1%. The geophysical and laboratory results revealed consistency in the lithological units in agreement to the characteristic geology of the study area. The landslide site has high gully slope gradients and collects large volume of floods during intense rainy season. These soils during intense rainfall, imbibe more water, following their high plasticity, slid along the sandstone to activate the soil failure.
Exploring the Role of Decentralization in Resource Marginalization in Kenya
Authors: Otieno Ajwang’ Nicholas Walter
Published: March 2023

Against a background of increased decentralization, limited previous research examines its role in resource marginalization in Kenya. Specific objectives include identifying the socioeconomic sources of resource marginalization and identifying solutions to the socio-economic resource marginalization. The results of the study will improve our understanding of decentralization. Qualitative data was collected and analysed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data was collected and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found that decentralisation has led to some form of marginalization. Recommendations for policy and further studies are made from the conclusions emanating from the academic study.
Division, Persecution and Rearrangement - The AKP’s Controversial Relationship with Turkish Civil Society
Authors: Turkmen Seref
Published: March 2023

Throughout history, and especially in the Ottoman Empire, Turkish culture has attached great importance to foundations. In the past, mosques, schools, public baths, free kitchens, and hospitals alike, all operated in the form of foundations. After the proclamation of the republic in 1923, much of this structure was abolished by the state founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk because he believed that they were tied to the Muslim clergy by a thousand threads. In the initial period of the republic, Turkish civil society was slowly reorganized following Western examples. It lived its second heyday as a result of the introduction of the new constitution in 1982 and Turgut Ozal’s liberal economic policy, and his media market liberalization after 1983. After the Justice and Development Party came to power in 2002, the civil society in Turkey was significantly rearranged. Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s party favored some with a system of opportunities, and sued those who put the government in a politically awkward position. Building on some of the scandalous cases of the second half of 2010s, this article seeks to explain the current situation of Turkish civil society and the conflicts that characterize it. The article highlights the campaign against Amnesty International and the Open Society Foundation, which by November 2021 was only partially over. In the case of current events, in the absence of scientific sources, the writings of renowned Turkish journalists at world-famous news portals were used as a basis. However, in order to substantiate the theory, an abundant literature in Turkish and English was also used.
Una aproximación geográfica de los feminicidios ocurridos en el departamento de Boyacá, Colombia, entre 2017 y 2021. Una Mirada al caso de Nobsa
Authors: Alvarez Moreno Blanca Yanneth
Published: March 2023

El objetivo en este artículo es realizar una aproximación geográfica a la comprensión del fenómeno del feminicidio en Boyacá, Colombia, a partir de los hechos ocurridos en este departamento, entre 2017 y 2021. Para ello, se realizó una revisión documental para conocer el estado de la cuestión del feminicidio en Colombia, particularmente en el departamento de Boyacá. Así mismo, utilizando como técnica la entrevista a profundidad, se recogió la historia de vida de una mujer habitante de la región, madre cabeza de hogar, quien padeció el feminicidio de su hija menor de edad en el año 2017. Posteriormente, se trianguló la información secundaria con el testimonio de la entrevistada, para identificar patrones en esta conducta. Se encontró que, a pesar de que las cifras de feminicidios en el departamento son bajas en comparación con otros departamentos del país, se deben atender y prevenir con urgencia otro tipo de violencias como la física o la sexual que potencialmente desencadenan este tipo de asesinatos y que han venido aumentando en la región en los últimos años.
Using remote and proximal sensor data in precision agriculture applications
Authors:   Louisiana State University, USA, Shiratsuchi Luciano S. , Carneiro Franciele M. ,   Louisiana State University, USA, Ferreira Francielle M. ,   São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil, Lanza Phillip ,   Louisiana State University, USA, Rontani Fagner A. ,   Louisiana State University, USA, Brito Filho Armando L. ,   São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil, Seben Junior Getúlio F. ,   State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Brazil, Brandao Ziany N. ,   Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil, Silva Junior Carlos A. ,   State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Brazil, Teodoro Paulo E. ,   Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Brazil, Dodla Syam ,   Louisiana State University, USA
Published: March 2023

This chapter reviews key issues in using sensor data in precision agriculture (PA) and, in particular, their mode of deployment (proximal or remote). It assesses relative strengths and weaknesses of proximal sensing techniques, compared with imaging data typically acquired from remote sensing platforms, before assessing trade-offs in sensor data resolution, as well as sources of error in the way data is processed. The chapter concludes by looking at ways of integrating remote and proximal sensor data, to utilize the beneficial characteristics of each type of data to improve the impact precision agriculture in improving efficiency and sustainability.
Using machine learning to identify and diagnose crop disease
Authors:   John Innes Centre, UK, Long Megan
Published: March 2023

Crop diseases can cause major yield losses and the ability to detect and identify them in their early stages is important for disease control. Machine learning methods, in particular deep learning, have shown promise in classifying multiple diseases across many different crop types. In this chapter we give an introduction to how deep learning for image analysis and classification works and explain the requirements for collecting a dataset of plant disease images for use with deep learning networks. We discuss the results and successes of various previous studies and highlight pitfalls with individual methods. It is clear that deep learning is capable of handling complex disease classification problems where one disease is present. There is plenty of room for growth to work with the presence of multiple diseases in a single image or to quantify the amount of disease present.
Redoble por Rancas: el mito desesperado como mímesis heterogénea
Authors: Loera Ramírez Alfredo
Published: March 2023

Este artículo propone el análisis de la novela Redoble por Rancas de Manuel Scorza, bajo la perspectiva desarrollada por Rodrigo García de la Sienra, a partir de la teoría de Antonio Cornejo Polar, sobre el concepto de “mímesis heterogénea”. Tras establecer el marco de estudio, se plantea cómo la novela de Scorza puede ser leída con esta nueva manera de entender la mímesis y su relación con la metáfora del cuerpo y la nación, para así establecer una hermenéutica más acorde a la representación de la sociedad indígena en el contexto de la literatura peruana.
„Ist das nicht dasselbe?“ –„Nein, aber es gehört zusammen!“ : Versionstypen für Publikationen in DSpace
Authors: Rumpf Louise , Gantner Florian
Published: March 2023

Literaturangabe, Preprint, Retrodigitalisat: Wenn ein Publikationsserver gleichzeitig als Unibibliografie dient, gibt es zu einem Text oft mehrere Einträge. Das freut das auf bibliografische Korrektheit gepolte Bibliothekar:innenherz, aber verwirrt Autor:innen, Leser:innen und Entwickler:innen. Im Vortrag stellen wir vor, wie wir dieses Dilemma im Forschungsinformationssystem der Universität Bamberg gelöst haben, nämlich über eine Verknüpfung der zusammengehörigen Einträge und Textversionen. Dabei gehen wir sowohl auf organisatorische als auch auf technische Aspekte ein und klären die Unterschiede zum Item Level Versioning in DSpace.
Proporsionalitas Perjanjian Penerbit Dan Penyelenggara Securities Crowdfunding
Authors: Wardhani Adelia Kusuma
Published: March 2023

The agreement between the issuer and the organizer of the crowdfunding securities can be made in the form of a notarial deed. However, the clauses to be included in such agreement have been regulated through Regulation of Financial Services Authority (POJK) No. 57/POJK.04/2020 on Crowdfunding Services Through Information Technology-Based Securities Offerings. The regulated clause does not describe a balance for both parties. The formulation of the problem in this study is whether the principle of proportionality is required in the agreement between the issuer and the organizer of crowdfunding securities and what the role of the notary should be in formulating the agreement of the issuer and organizer of crowdfunding securities. This is a normative legal research conducted with a statutory and a conceptual approaches. The results of the research and discussion conclude that the Principle of Proportionality in the agreement of issuers and organizers of crowdfunding securities needs to be used to provide legal protection for investors. In addition, the role of the notary is to provide legal counseling to publishers and administrators regarding the agreements that will be made. Even though the clause that has been regulated by the Financial Services Authority cannot be violated, the notary continues to provide legal counseling regarding the legal consequences that will be faced by the parties to the agreement. This is a form of preventive legal protection by a notary for the parties to anticipate the legal consequences that will occur in the future.
An Issue in Einstein’s Concept of Time
Authors: Niemz Markolf H. , Stein Siegfried W.
Published: March 2023

Today’s concept of time is based on Einstein’s theories of special (SR) and general relativity (GR). Many physicists anticipate that GR has an issue since it is not compatible with quantum mechanics. Here we show: Predictions made by SR and GR are correct, but “Einstein time” (Einstein’s concept of time, proper time of one observer) has an issue. SR and GR work well for one observer describing his reality and for another observer describing his reality, but they lack a “master reference frame” from which the reality of either one can be deduced at once. We replace Einstein time with Euclidean time (proper time of all objects/observers) and SR/GR with Euclidean relativity (ER). In Euclidean spacetime (ES), all energy is moving radially away from an “origin” (Big Bang) at the speed of light. For each object, time flows in a unique 4D direction related to its position. Unlike other ER models, we claim that an observer’s reality is only created by projecting ES to his proper 3D space and to his proper flow of time. ER gives us the same Lorentz factor as in SR and the same gravitational time dilation as in GR. Curved trajectories in Cartesian ES coordinates replace “curved spacetime” in GR. ER outperforms SR in explaining time’s arrow and mc2. ER outperforms a GR-based cosmology in solving competing Hubble constants and declaring cosmic inflation, expansion of space, and dark energy redundant. Most important, ER is compatible with quantum mechanics: It solves the wave–particle duality and quantum entanglement while declaring non-locality redundant.
Art and Urbanization of Violence
Authors: López-Cabrales Maria del Mar , Cabeza-Lainez Ioseph , Rodríguez Cunill Inmaculada
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyse the ways of visualization of hidden violence through a map of the city of violence called La Manada City, in its transformation from defensive to artistic strategies. For this analysis, firstly we propose the contextualization of the artwork and its authorship, and later, the research about the artistic and visual resources of the 257 items that make up the map and its guide street, in a sort of rustic hypertext of the emotions linked to the violence in the territory. The main findings of this study demonstrate the strength of the strategy used as a survival method in cases of bullying. As a conclusion, in spite of the therapeutic effects, this work cannot be understood as Art Therapy, but as combat art: it provides an understanding of the emotional city, of the disadvantaged groups that inhabit it, from the most local (as a transcript of the city of Seville) to global and universal effects on community life.
Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccines Against the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Srinivasan Rajsri Kritika , Singh Meena , Rao Mana
Published: March 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant of concern has been the dominant cause of worldwide COVID-19 cases since 2022. All the Omicron sublineage viruses have demonstrated high transmissibility and an ability to escape vaccine-induced immunity. While first-generation vaccines, including monovalent vaccines, continue to provide protection against severe disease, hospitalization and mortality, their efficacy against Omicron sub variants remains sparse. These vaccines have also been associated with rapidly waning protection against primary COVID-19 and COVID-19 reinfections conferred by evolving Omicron sublineages.. This led to the development and deployment of updated vaccines and the introduction of the bivalent booster. Through this review, we highlight the brief journey of the variants of concern leading to the dominance of Omicron and the effectiveness of the key vaccines against these variants, including the updated (bivalent) boosters.
1-Click Gamer Network Optimization Tool
Authors: JosephNg Poh Soon , Ho Tze Hooi , Phan Koo Yuen
Published: March 2023

In the fast-paced internet world that we live in today, internet technologies and tools that enable us to connect online are rapidly changing and improving. To adapt to the changing environment, many game developers are changing their business models to adjust to this online environment by developing games that are centred around online gaming. As such, the internet demands of consumers such as gamers are increasing because of the need for quality internet connection for optimal gameplay. There are too many factors that can affect online gameplay. Moreover, not all gamers are equipped with the network knowledge and skills to diagnose and troubleshoot any internet issues that may arise during their gameplay session. The main contribution of this research was to gather insights from Malaysian broadband internet consumers, mainly from gamers and general users regarding their opinions of their ISP service experience in gaming, general use and service quality. A 1-click solution is presented as a smart autonomous network monitoring tool that can autonomously monitor, diagnose, and troubleshoot network problems with minimal input from the user. This research was conducted using a mixed-mode research methodology where the participants were asked to fill up a questionnaire regarding the user experience of their Internet Service Provider (ISP), and their perception of the 1 click-automated networking tool for their personal use. It is shown that there is a market demand for a 1 click-automated networking tool as gamers and general users both agree that such a tool would be beneficial to them by improving the internet quality of a network.
Thermal Diffusivity of Aqueous Dispersions of Silicon Oxide Nanoparticles by Dual-Beam Thermal-Lens Spectrometry
Authors: Khabibullin Vladislav R. , Usoltseva Liliya O. , Mikheev Ivan V. , Proskurnin Mikhail A.
Published: March 2023

The growing interest in heat-conducting nanofluids requires highly sensitive methods for analyzing thermal properties. Thermal-lens spectrometry, despite its advantages over classical methods, does not have a general approach to measuring and interpreting results for dispersed systems. In this paper, by the example of nanofluids of silicon oxide in water in a wide range of concentrations and sizes, the selection of measurement parameters for transient and steady-state thermal lensing is justified, and the interpretation of the results of thermal diffusivity measurements is substantiated. The features of measurements of thermal diffusivity by thermal lens spectrometry under stationary state for dispersed systems are considered. Using this approach, it is possible to detect and distinguish thermal effects with high accuracy. For dispersions of silicon oxide, with increasing concentration, the thermal diffusivity passes through a minimum. Silicon oxide dispersions can be used both as a coolant or as a heat-removing liquid by selecting the particle size and concentration.
Characterization of Excavated Silver Alloy (Billon) Coins from Amheida, Dakhla Oasis, Egypt
Authors: El-Gohary Mohamed A. , Rifai Mai M , Hussein Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

The importance of understanding the corrosion mechanisms of excavated metal artefacts help in determining the physico-chemical parameters of the burial environment and the formation of different corrosion products. These products can be observed and analysed with the help of various techniques that provide information on their morphology, chemical composition and structure. The analysis of ancient coins is extremely challenging in the presence of heavily corroded surfaces; as quantitative information may not exactly concur with its bulk composition. In the case of silver coins, the use of surface information can be used as a guide for bulk composition only. The current study carries out investigation and characterization of selected coins from a large coin hoard excavated from Amheida, Dakhla oasis, Egypt. The study and analysis of the alloy composition and corrosion products was performed using a multi-technique approach which included Light optical microscopes, Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis. Investigation of the coins revealed the presence of a thick active inhomogeneous corrosion crust, while analysis showed that the coins were made from a binary silver copper alloy (billon) while the corrosion crust was rich in chlorides and carbonates, later identified by XRD analysis as Paratacamite, Malachite and Chrysocolla.
Factors Associated With Adherence or Hesitation to Protective Measures That Influenced the Control of COVID-19 in Brazil in the Pre-vaccine Era
Authors: De Araújo Juliana Soares Tenório , Delpino Felipe Mendes , Moura Heriederson Sávio Dias , Ramos Antonio Carlos Vieira , Nascimento Murilo César do , Berra Thaís Zamboni , Soares Debora de Almeida , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: March 2023

Preventive behavior is one of the main strategies to contain the spread of the coronavirus, understand the factors that influence adherence or hesitation to protective measures and the way the population behaves during a health crisis is of great importance. Aim: To analyze the factors associated with adherence to protection measures against Covid-19 in Brazil. Method: cross-sectional study, survey type online, between the period of August 2020 and February 2021. The population included in the study were Brazilians, aged 18 years or older. Non-probabilistic sampling was used to obtain the sample. The data was stored on the "Redcap" platform and analyzed in a descriptive and inferential approach. Results: The sample consisted of 1,516 people, women adopted 10% more protective measures than men, people with higher education level and higher income, within the age group between 40-59 years, were those who most adhered to the measures imposed by health agencies. Carrier of Asthma, Diabetes Mellitus, Systemic Arterial Hypertension, Obesity and smoking were factors that increased the adherence of protective measures in the fight against COVID-19. Conclusion: Being female, aged between 40 and 59 years, higher education, smoking, not having a religion, having health insurance, and being a carrier of chronic diseases were associated with greater adherence to protective measures against COVID-19.
Development of a Microfluidic Chip Powered by EWOD for In Vitro Manipulation of Bovine Embryos
Authors: Karcz Adriana , Van Soom Ann , Smits Katrien , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Verplancke Rik , Bogado Pascottini Osvaldo , Van den Abbeel Etienne , Vanfleteren Jan
Published: March 2023

Digital microfluidics (DMF) holds great potential for the alleviation of laboratory procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) provides dynamic culture conditions in vitro that may better mimic the natural embryo microenvironment. Thus far, EWOD microdevices have been proposed for in vitro gamete and embryo handling in mice and for analyzing the human embryo secretome. This article presents the development of the first microfluidic chip utilizing EWOD technology designed for the manipulation of bovine embryos in vitro. The prototype sustains the cell cycles of embryos manipulated individually on the chips during in vitro culture (IVC). Challenges related to the chip fabrication as well as to its application during bovine embryo IVC in accordance with the adapted on-chip protocol are thoroughly discussed, and future directions for DMF in ARTs are indicated.
A New Procedure for Reconstructing the Knee Extension Mechanism After Resection of the Knee Joint and Patella
Authors: Yokoyama Naoaki , Yanagawa Takashi , Saito Kenichi , Chikuda Hirotaka
Published: March 2023

Case:

We reconstructed the knee extension mechanism using a novel procedure for a 16-year-old adolescent girl with osteosarcoma that invaded her femur, patella, and patellar tendon. The knee joint was replaced with a megaprosthesis, and the extension mechanism was reconstructed using artificial ligaments sandwiched with bone cement forming a patella. At the one-year follow-up, she could walk using a knee orthosis without crutches.

Conclusions:

Reconstruction of the knee extension mechanism after patellectomy remains challenging. Our new method achieved an acceptable knee function and is, therefore, useful for patients undergoing excision of the knee joint and extension mechanism.
A 5-Year Update and Comparison of Factors Related to the Sex Diversity of Orthopaedic Residency Programs in the United States
Authors: Julian Kaitlyn R. , Anand Malini , Sobel Andrew D. , Mulcahey Mary K. , Wong Stephanie E.
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Female physicians have been historically underrepresented in orthopaedic surgery residencies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether sex diversity among orthopaedic residency programs and faculty is associated with an increased number of female residents matriculating into that program. In addition, we sought to analyze female resident matriculation trends in the past 5 years.

Methods:

The American Medical Association Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database was used to identify all allopathic orthopaedic surgery residency programs during the 2021 to 2022 academic year. The number of female residents and interns; the number of female faculty, professors, and associate professors; and the number of women in leadership positions were compared with data from the academic year 2016 to 2017. Continuous data were analyzed with independent t-tests, and significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:

A total of 696 female residents (19.2%) were identified from 3,624 orthopaedic residents, an increase from 13.5% in 2016. Programs in the top quartile of female residents had 3 times the number of female residents per program when compared to other quartiles and almost double the number of female interns per program. Programs in the top quartile of female residents had a significantly greater number of female faculty per program than the lower quartiles; 5.76 vs. 4.18. Compared with 2016 to 2017, there were significant increases in female faculty per program from 2.77 to 4.54 along with female full professors from 0.274 to 0.694. These increases contribute to the overall growth in the number of women in leadership positions per program over the past 5 years to 1.01 from 0.35 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In the past 5 years, the percentage of female residents has increased from 13.5% to 19.2%. Furthermore, women make up 22.1% of interns. Orthopaedic surgery residency programs with higher percentages of female faculty had higher numbers of female residents. By encouraging programs to promote female representation within leadership and residents, we may continue to see the gap in orthopaedic sex diversity close.

Level of Evidence:

III.
Workshop Report: Is Mathematics Inclusive or Exclusive? Putting colour, culture and context in the curriculum
Authors: Falconer Isobel , Hunsicker Eugenie , Johnston-Wilder Sue , Teeluck Vijay , Zychaluk Kamila
Published: March 2023

The workshop, “Is Mathematics Inclusive or Exclusive?  Putting colour, culture and context in the curriculum” was held in January 2022 with the goal of supporting a national discussion around race and the mathematics curriculum in UK higher education.  This report summarises the talks and discussion, which related to racial and ethnic inclusion in the history of mathematics, race and culture in mathematics education, and ethics and inclusion in mathematics.   It concludes with a proposal of actions for individuals, departments and institutions and the mathematics community in UK higher education to move work on this area forward.
Abandonment Barrier Placement with Novel Analysis Spells Success in Deepwater
Authors: Kehlenbeck II Donnie , McNicol Jim
Published: March 2023

A major Deepwater operator in the Gulf of Mexico needed to set a 330 ft cross sectional cement barrier in 13 5/8" × 20" casing. This well in over 6, 000 ft+ MD water depth required a cement barrier placed just above the 20" casing shoe in order to meet the qualifications to plug and abandon the well. The 13 5/8" Perf/Wash/Cement system was the best solution to circulate/place cement in a controlled and focused area.

The 330 ft long section was planned to be washed and cemented in one run and verified by pressure testing and tagging top of cement. Careful study of Cement Bond Logs and fluid hydraulic calculations was shared in extensive meetings with product experts, engineers, and other 3rd party vendors involved with the job. This novel analysis, great teamwork and a fit for purpose tool helped ensure that the job was successfully completed.

The 13 5/8" Perforate, Wash and Cement Tool was successfully deployed for washing and cementing of the interval with even rates at 1200 lpm. After performing the operation the Operator tagged top of cement 6 feet above planned height which proved our analysis and calculations, and a confirmed positive/negative test allowed them to move on with the completion of the plug and abandonment of the well.

This was the first operation of its kind in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico and proved to be a viable solution to accurately place an approved and quality cement job behind casing free of unwanted debris that could create micro annuli. This type of operation requires thorough analysis and calculations to ensure the well conditions and tool are fit for purpose and will result in a successful operation. This achievement was the precursor to many more jobs that are suited for this application in the region.
New Approaches to Improve Rheological Characterization of KCl/Polymer Muds
Authors: Gucuyener ismail Hakki , Yanik Samet , Gurcay Onur Kazim , Ay Ahmet
Published: March 2023

Representing the first-generation high-performance water-based drilling fluid, KCl/Polymer drilling fluids are widely used to drill troublesome shale formations containing water-sensitive clay minerals. In addition to maintaining wellbore stability, its rheological properties also play a crucial role in enhancing overall drilling performance. An accurate description of the rheological behavior of drilling fluids is essential in optimizing drilling fluid hydraulics. This study evaluates traditional and novel optimization algorithms for the parameterization of rheological models using an extensive field rheological database of KCl/Polymer drilling fluids. An objective function based on a symmetric mean absolute percent error is used in parameterizing rheological models. Golden Section Search (GSS), Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG), and Trust Region (TR) methods are used as new alternatives to traditional Gaussian-Newton (GN) and linear/semi-linear regression (LR/QLR) methods. As a more statistically plausible criterion, the symmetric mean absolute percentage error is also used to measure the goodness of fit of rheological models with datasets. It has been shown that GRG and TR algorithms outperform conventional methods in finding optimal model parameters. The three- and four-parameter models fitted the rheological data best, with a more uniform symmetrical error distribution than the two-parameter models.
Annuli Material Pseudo-Density Estimation from Standard Integrity Logging Data
Authors: Merciu Ioan - Alexandru
Published: March 2023

Bonding to casing material characterization is a topic of interest in the context of well barrier evaluation. There is a consolidated need directed to log data interpreters to answer questions related to the type of material present in the casing annuli of a given well. The objective of this work is to explore the possibility to provide a complementary answer to current general acoustic impedance and attenuation practice.

We reiterate that knowledge about the density of the annuli material can reduce the well barrier evaluation uncertainty. We are describing and exemplifying a rapid method to estimate the "pseudo – density" of the material in the annuli at the time of data acquisition. We define "pseudo-density" as the ratio between estimated impedance (from ultrasonic pulse-echo) and annuli apparent velocities (from ultrasonic oblique incidence techniques). Resulting "pseudo-density" maps are constrained with prior information from geology, logging, and drilling data. This allows the interpreter to judge the uncertainty in the current interpretation practice and contextualization of the annuli material into the borehole reality.

The examples provided show that when the underlying physics principles are met, the results are clear and a robust interpretation at scale along the entire logged path is possible. The estimated complementary results are affected by inherent errors and uncertainty associated with acoustic impedance and velocity estimation. However, using prior knowledge information, intervals with high uncertainty (such as unusually high impedances or large errors in the velocity estimation) are flagged providing the interpreter with information background easy to be used for final delivery.

Along with standard applications, the proposed method includes the basic mandatory tool for evaluating, validating, and incorporating the forecasted growth based on nuclear integrity logging behind the casing evaluation techniques.
Automated Detection of Rig Events from Real-Time Surface Data Using Spectral Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Robinson Timothy S. , Revheim Olav
Published: March 2023

The authors present a method for automated, high-fidelity detection of rig events characterized by complex temporal signals, such as downlinking, or wave-induced heave affecting floating rigs. These can adversely impact other systems utilizing relevant data streams, for example downlinking via mud pulse telemetry can interfere with detection of pressure changes that might indicate hole cleaning problems. Identifying these events using classification techniques applied to time-domain data is difficult, hence spectral (frequency domain) techniques, combined with Machine Learning (ML), were applied to solving this problem. Surface measurements from a variety of wells, fields, regions, service companies and operators were used to develop and validate the detection methods. Data was preprocessed using time-frequency analysis, and then input to discriminative classifiers to identify rig events of interest.

For downlinking state detection, high recall and precision scores (both >93%) were achieved on independent holdout well data, and thus false positive rates were low. Successful detection was demonstrated on wells separate from the training data, hence the method is expected to generalize to new well operations. The detection method enhances situational awareness, and can actively support other software in improved automated decision-making by providing operational context in real-time, such as suppression of false warnings from monitoring pressure or modelled ECD for detecting signs of poor hole cleaning. These techniques are not limited to downlinking or heave detection, and can be applied more generally to scenarios with complex periodic signals.
Improved Drilling Line Fatigue Model Reveals a Need for Revising Slip and Cut Procedures
Authors: Kyllingstad Åge , Hørsdal Rolf , Rajic Ivan
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a state-of-the-art bending fatigue model for wire ropes and applies it to optimize slip and cut intervals of drawworks drilling lines. The new model considers many parameters and variables, such as specific line tension, sheave-to-line diameter ratio, optional reverse bending, drum diameter, and excessive bending curvature at the crossover intervals of multilayer drums. The new model transforms block motion and hook load statistics into a high-resolution distribution of cumulative fatigue damage along the drilling line. In turn, the model justifies that the cut length and the energy transfer (in ton-miles) per cut length can be substantially increased relative to common practice today. The calculated fatigue damage distribution can also be used to pick peak fatigue damage line spots, most suited for focused inspection and optional strength testing after it is cut away.
Casing Design Implications of Managed Pressure Drilling and Cementing, and How to Consider Them in the Design of the Well and Operations
Authors: Gabaldon Oscar R , Suryanarayana P V , Gonzalez Luis Romar A , Cavalcanti de Sousa Pedro
Published: March 2023

Managed pressure drilling (MPD) and managed pressure cementing (MPC) typically use lighter fluids than in conventional drilling. One consequence of this is that the fluid behind the casing being run and cemented is lighter than would be the case with conventional drilling. This has implications to the casing design for two reasons: the burst loads on the casing are augmented due to the lower external density profile, and the annular pressure buildup (APB) loads are different. It is important to consider these design implications while performing the casing design, particularly for deepwater wells. Unfortunately, this is not common at present, since the MPD/MPC design work and the casing design work are often distinct and separate, both physically and temporally. When the lower density external fluid from MPD/MPC is considered in the casing design, it is possible that the casing in question has to be upgraded (increased weight and grade) to accommodate the loads post MPD/MPC. This paper presents such a case, where the consequence of having drilled the section using MPD and cementing the casing using MPC was to upgrade the casing. The paper further presents a solution to this problem- modifying the MPC procedures such that a heavier mud than that used during MPD can be placed above the top of the cement behind the casing, thus mitigating the loads and eliminating the need for a heavier or higher-grade casing. The authors show how this can be achieved, by managing the densities of the different fluids and cement during the MPC operation. The authors hope that this work highlights the interconnectedness of well design and MPD/MPC operations, and engenders more interaction between the two groups during well engineering.