bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of childhood medulloblastoma into WHO‐defined multiple subtypes based on textural analysis
Authors: DAS DAISY , MAHANTA LIPI B. , AHMED SHABNAM , BAISHYA BASANTA K.
Published: April 2020

Childhood medulloblastoma is a case of a childhood brain tumour that requires close attention due to the low survival rate. Effective prognosis depends a lot on accurate detection of its subtype. The present study proposes a texture‐based computer‐aided categorization of childhood medulloblastoma samples. According to the World Health Organization, it has four subtypes (desmoplastic, classic, nodular and large). Classification is done in two levels: (i) normal and abnormal and (ii) its four subtypes. The system is evaluated on indigenous patient samples collected from the region. The main objective of database generation is to create a data set of childhood medulloblastoma samples since there exists no available benchmark data set. The proposed framework for automated classification is based on the architectural property and the distribution of cells. Five texture features were extracted for the feature set, namely: grey‐level co‐occurrence matrix, grey‐level run length matrix, first‐order histogram features, local binary pattern and Tamura features. The performance of each feature set was evaluated, both individually and in combinations, using five different classifiers. Fivefold cross‐validation was used for training and testing the data set. Experiments on both individual feature sets and combinations (best‐2, best‐3, best‐4 and all‐5) of feature sets were evaluated based on the accuracy of performance. It was revealed that the combined best‐4 feature set resulted in the highest accuracy of 91.3%. The precision, recall and specificity were 0.913, 0.913 and 0.97, respectively. Significantly, it implied that the all‐5 feature set is not necessary to have a useful classification. Feature reduction by principal component analysis resulted in increased accuracy of 96.7%.

Lay description

Childhood medulloblastoma is a case of childhood brain tumour that requires high attention due to a low survival rate. Effective prognosis depends a lot on accurate detection of its subtype. The present study proposes a texture‐based computer‐aided categorization of childhood medulloblastoma samples. According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O), it has four subtypes (desmoplastic, classic, nodular, and large). Classification is done in two levels: i) normal and abnormal ii) its four subtypes. The system is evaluated on indigenous patient samples collected from the region. The main objective of database generation is to create a data set of childhood medulloblastoma samples since there exists no available benchmark data set. The proposed framework is a model for the automatic classification of the samples. The tissue samples obtained post‐operation by doctors are converted into images, and then necessary algorithms are applied so that certain features describing each group of the image are known and studied for classification. Later these images are classified using the image features into the subtypes of abnormal samples.
Analysis of a wooden specimen's mechanical properties through acoustic measurements in the very near field
Authors: Pantelić Filip , Mijić Miomir , Šumarac Pavlović Dragana , Ridley-Ellis Daniel , Dudeš Danica
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the method for prediction of some basic mechanical parameters of a wood specimen by using simple instrumentation. The standard acoustic method for assessment of modulus of elasticity using the impulse excitation is extended by using a recording in the very near field. In this way, visualization of vibration patterns of the analyzed sample was accomplished for all modes below 5 kHz. This enables detection of signals with a good signal-to-noise ratio over a wide frequency range which is then used for loss factor assessment.
Can prophylactic drugs keep fragile health systems running?
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: April 2020

A raft of trials will test whether chloroquine and other treatments can protect health workers from COVID-19.
European Union gets in the venture capital game
Authors: Wallace Nicholas
Published: April 2020

Flush with cash, new EU innovation agency buys shares in disruptive technology startups.
United States aims to curb vaccination injury payouts
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: April 2020

Proposal would make it harder to get compensated for shoulder injuries after misplaced injections.
Efficacy of Neuraminidase Inhibitors against H5N6 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in a Nonhuman Primate Model
Authors: Nguyen Cong Thanh , Suzuki Saori , Itoh Yasushi , Ishigaki Hirohito , Nakayama Misako , Hayashi Kaori , Matsuno Keita , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Sakoda Yoshihiro , Kida Hiroshi , Ogasawara Kazumasa
Published: April 2020

Attention has been paid to H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) because of its heavy burden on the poultry industry and human mortality. Since an influenza A virus carrying N6 neuraminidase (NA) has never spread in humans, the potential for H5N6 HPAIV to cause disease in humans and the efficacy of antiviral drugs against the virus need to be urgently assessed. We used nonhuman primates to elucidate the pathogenesis of H5N6 HPAIV as well as to determine the efficacy of antiviral drugs against the virus.
Estimating critical height of unsupported trenches in vadose zone
Authors: Richard Adin , Oh Won Taek , Brennan Gregory
Published: April 2020

Workers are often required to enter unsupported trenches during the construction process, which may present serious risks. Trench failures can result in death or damage to adjacent properties; therefore, trenches should be excavated with extreme precaution. Critical height (i.e., maximum depth that can be excavated without failure) is the most important design consideration for ensuring the stability of unsupported trenches. Because excavation work is often done in the vadose zone, the influence of matric suction should be taken into account when estimating the critical height of an unsupported trench. In this study, an attempt was made to estimate the critical heights of unsupported trenches using three distinct approaches: (i) analytical method based on the extended Rankine earth pressure theory, (ii) finite element coupled stress – pore-water pressure analysis, and (iii) limit equilibrium method (i.e., Bishop’s simplified and Morgenstern–Price method). It was assumed that the trenches were excavated in an engineered sand (Unimin 7030) and Indian Head till, which represent cohesionless and cohesive soils, respectively, considering various practical scenarios. Geotechnical modeling software, GeoStudio (ver. 2016; SIGMA/W and SLOPE/W), was used for both finite element analysis and the limit equilibrium method.
Are Literary Languages Artificial? The Case of the Aramaic of the Zohar
Authors: Bar-Asher Siegal Elitzur A.
Published: April 2020

Few studies have focused on the Aramaic of the Zohar, and to this day, only one of these presents a completed grammatical analysis. Scholars have dealt at large, however, with the question of whether the Aramaic of the Zohar is artificial or not. I briefly review the history of the literature around this question, then propose my own criteria to examine whether a language of a given text is indeed artificial. Finally, I put this methodology into practice, as I investigate the nature of Zoharic Aramaic by examining specific linguistic phenomena in the relevant corpus.
The Reform of the Hirmologion by the Russian Old Ritualists
Authors: Andreev Aleksandr
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the author presents new evidence for the reform of notated manuscripts undertaken by the Russian Old Ritualists (Old Believers) in the second half of the 17th century. The reform was independent of, though contemporaneous with the reform of notated manuscripts undertaken by those who agreed with the liturgical reforms of Patriarch Nikon. The author shows that the purpose of the Old Ritualist reform was to align the text of the notated Hirmologion with the grammatical rules codified in the Grammar of Meletii Smotritskii, as republished in Moscow in 1648, and with the text of the non-notated liturgical books printed at the Moscow Print Yard prior to the tenure of Patriarch Nikon.
Nanoscale Ferroelectric Information Storage Based on Scanning Nonlinear Dielectric Microscopy
Authors: Cho Yasuo
Published: April 2020

An investigation of ultrahigh-density ferroelectric data storage based on scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SNDM) is described. For the purpose of obtaining fundamental knowledge on high-density ferroelectric data storage, several experiments on nanodomain formation in a lithium
tantalate (LiTaO3) single crystal were conducted. Through domain engineering, a domain dot array with an areal density of 1.5 Tbit/inch2 was formed on congruent LiTaO3 (CLT). Sub-nanosecond (500 psec) domain switching speed also has been achieved. Next, actual
information storage is demonstrated at a density of 1 Tbit/inch2. Finally, it is described that application of a very small dc offset voltage is very effective in accelerating the domain switching speed and in stabilizing the reversed nano-domain dots. Applying this offset application
technique, we formed a smallest artificial nano-domain single dot of 5.1 nm in diameter and artificial nano-domain dot-array with a memory density of 10.1 Tbit/inch2 and a bit spacing of 8.0 nm, representing the highest memory density for rewritable data storage reported to date.
Life situation and support during pregnancy among Thai expectant mothers with depressive symptoms and their partners: a qualitative study
Authors: Phoosuwan Nitikorn , Manasatchakun Pornpun , Eriksson Leif , Lundberg Pranee C.
Published: April 2020

Background

Expectant parents may have positive and negative emotions during pregnancy and receive support from different sources. Studies on life situation and support among couples have rarely been conducted. This study aims to explore life situation and support during pregnancy among expectant mothers with depressive symptoms and their partners.

Methods

Twenty-seven expectant mothers, in the last trimester of pregnancy with depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 7) from seven public antenatal care clinics in Sakonnakhon, a north-eastern province of Thailand, and their partners were interviewed. In total, 54 semi-structured interviews were subjected to content analysis.

Results

Four categories emerged: (1) Having obstacles in life, (2) Facing life transition, (3) Enhancing confidence, and (4) Dissatisfaction with support. The informants described obstacles regarding economy, fear of health problems, getting an abnormal child and partners’ behaviours. They received support from family members and social networks, but some were dissatisfied with the support from the healthcare. For example, expectant fathers wished to receive more health information and be more involved.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the influence of cultural and contextual factors when providing antenatal care to expectant parents. Male involvement in the care must not be neglected.
Prevalence and risk factors of postoperative delirium after spinal surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Hua , Ma Hui-Juan , Li Ying-Jia , Yin Ci , Li Zheng
Published: April 2020

Objective

Postoperative delirium (POD) was common after spinal surgery, but the main findings in previous studies remained conflicting. This current meta-analysis was aimed at exploring the prevalence and risk factors of POD after spinal surgery.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched from inception to June 2019. Studies which reported the prevalence and risk factors of POD after spinal surgery were included. STATA version 12.0 was employed to analyze the pooled data. Statistical heterogeneity across included studies was identified using the I2 statistics.

Results

A total of 28 studies with 588,732 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of POD after spinal surgery was 0.85% (95%CI, 0.83–0.88%) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 97.3%). The central nervous system disorder (OR 4.73; 95%CI, 4.30–5.19) was a strong predictor for POD, whereas age (OR 1.16; 95%CI, 1.05–2.47; I2 = 99.2%) and blood loss (OR 1.10; 95%CI, 1.01–1.20; I2 = 93.3%) were weaker predictors. The funnel plot and statistical tests suggested that there existed potential publication bias, but the trim and fill method indicated that the pooled prevalence basically kept stable after adding two “missing” studies.

Conclusions

The pooled POD after spinal surgery ranges from 0.83 to 0.88%. The central nervous system disorder, age, and blood loss were potential risk factors for POD.
Neuroprotective effects of ammonium tetrathiomolybdate, a slow-release sulfide donor, in a rodent model of regional stroke
Authors: Mendonça Bruna Pescador , Cardoso Juliano Dos Santos , Michels Monique , Vieira Ana Carolina , Wendhausen Diogo , Manfredini Andressa , Singer Mervyn , Dal-Pizzol Felipe , Dyson Alex
Published: April 2020

Background

Several therapeutic strategies to rescue the brain from ischemic injury have improved outcomes after stroke; however, there is no treatment as yet for reperfusion injury, the secondary damage caused by necessary revascularization. Recently we characterized ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATTM), a drug used as a copper chelator over many decades in humans, as a new class of sulfide donor that shows efficacy in preclinical injury models. We hypothesized that ATTM could confer neuroprotection in a relevant rodent model of regional stroke.

Methods and results

Brain ischemia was induced by transient (90-min) middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in anesthetized Wistar rats. To mimic a clinical scenario, ATTM (or saline) was administered intravenously just prior to reperfusion. At 24 h or 7 days post-reperfusion, rats were assessed using functional (rotarod test, spontaneous locomotor activity), histological (infarct size), and molecular (anti-oxidant enzyme capacity, oxidative damage, and inflammation) outcome measurements. ATTM-treated animals showed improved functional activity at both 24 h and 7-days post-reperfusion, in parallel with a significant reduction in infarct size. These effects were additionally associated with increased brain antioxidant enzyme capacity, decreased oxidative damage, and a late (7-day) effect on pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and nitric oxide products.

Conclusion

ATTM confers significant neuroprotection that, along with its known safety profile in humans, provides encouragement for its development as a novel adjunct therapy for revascularization following stroke.
Artificial neural network to guide intracorneal ring segments implantation for keratoconus treatment: a pilot study
Authors: Fariselli Chiara , Vega-Estrada Alfredo , Arnalich-Montiel Francisco , Alio Jorge L.
Published: April 2020

Background

To analyze the clinical results of an artificial neural network (ANN) that has been processed in order to improve the predictability of intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) implantation in keratoconus.

Methods

This retrospective, comparative, nonrandomized, pilot, clinical study included a cohort of 20 keratoconic eyes implanted with intracorneal ring segments KeraRing (Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) using the ANN (ANN group) and 20 keratoconic eyes implanted with KeraRing using the manufacturer’s nomograms (nomogram group). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (visual acuity is expressed in decimal value and in LogMAR value in brackets), manifest refraction, corneal topography, tomography, aberrometry, pachymetry and volume analysis (Sirius System. CSO, Firenze, Italy) were performed during the preoperative visit; and the two groups, ANN group and nomogram group, did not differ significantly preoperatively in all of the parameters evaluated. These preoperative values were compared with the results obtained at the third-month visit. Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon test were used for the statistical analyses.

Results

The spherical equivalent and the keratometric values decreased significantly in both groups. The CDVA improved from 0.60 ± 0.23 (0.22 LogMAR) pre-operatively to 0.73 ± 0.21 (0.14 LogMAR) post-operatively in the ANN group (p < 0.005), and from 0.54 ± 0.19 (0.27 LogMAR) pre-operatively to 0.62 ± 0.19 (0.21 LogMAR) post-operatively in the nomogram group (p < 0.01), with statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05), being better in the ANN group. Coma-like aberrations decreased significantly in the ANN group, while in the nomogram group they did not change significantly, but no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups.

Conclusions

ANN to guide ICRS provides an increase in the visual acuity, reduction in the spherical equivalent and improvement in the optical quality of keratoconus patients. ANN gives better results when compared with the manufacturer’s nomograms in terms of better corrected vision and reduction of the coma-like aberrations. The constant inclusion of new cases will make the predictability of ANN increasingly better as the software finetunes its learning.
Full-azimuth, full-offset, high-fidelity vector marine seismic acquisition
Authors: Manin Michel , Haumonté Luc , Bathellier Eric
Published: April 2020

Ten years ago, Kietta launched a project to develop a new method of marine seismic acquisition using midwater stationary cables and autonomous surface vehicles. We present the concept and the technology bricks and recount the successful performance of a commercial pilot survey. The objective of the technology is to enable flexible acquisitions and deliver high-quality, high-fidelity seismic data without sacrificing productivity. After reviewing existing marine seismic acquisition methods, we describe the technology development, including sea trials. The geophysical advantages of acquiring true 3D/four-component data are demonstrated by seismic data analysis, including simultaneous sources and associated productivity calculation.
Years of Arabian Peninsula gravity exploration by Chevron and its legacy companies, including discovery of the Ghawar and Burgan super-giants
Authors: Pawlowski Robert
Published: April 2020

Exploration of the eastern Arabian Platform in the 1930s and 1940s by Chevron and its legacy company Gulf Oil resulted in discovery of Kuwait's super-giant Burgan Field by Gulf Oil in 1938 and Saudi Arabia's super-giant Ghawar Field by California Arabian Standard Oil Company in 1948. Ghawar Field and Burgan Field are widely regarded as the first- and second-largest oil fields in the world, respectively. Gravity methods featured prominently in Gulf's and Chevron's subsurface explorations. Gravity mapping identified the Burgan structure and was important in delineating the Ghawar structural complex. Gravimetric technology continues to provide value for deep exploration in Chevron's Partitioned Zone concession in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Memorial
Authors: Lawton Don , Stewart Rob , Treitel Sven ,   with many of Larry's friends
Published: April 2020

Laurence (Larry) Richard Lines

7 March 1949-25 November 2019
Placement of a Double-Lumen Endotracheal Tube Using a Combined Bronchoscopy and Fluoroscopy Technique: A Case Report
Authors: Muncey Aaron R. , Sweeney Jennifer , Hafez Osama
Published: April 2020

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is a well-established intervention for hemoptysis that requires airway management by a trained anesthesiologist. The use of fluoroscopic guidance for positioning a double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLT) has been described in previous studies. The case presented illustrates a combined fluoroscopic- and bronchoscopic-guided approach for positioning a DLT in a patient with active pulmonary hemorrhage causing obstruction of views on bronchoscopy. This combined technique proved valuable in a situation marked by high clinical urgency.
Plasma Lactate as a Marker for Metabolic Health
Authors: Broskey Nicholas T. , Zou Kai , Dohm G. Lynis , Houmard Joseph A.
Published: April 2020

Blood lactate concentrations traditionally have been used as an index of exercise intensity or clinical hyperlactatemia. However, more recent data suggest that fasting plasma lactate can also be indicative of the risk for subsequent metabolic disease. The hypothesis presented is that fasting blood lactate accumulation reflects impaired mitochondrial substrate use, which in turn influences metabolic disease risk.
FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE NUM CONTEXTO DE INCLUSÃO ESCOLAR: “ALTERIDADE: EU NO LUGAR DO OUTRO”
Authors: Teixeira Adriana Martins Modesto , Vianna Marcia Marin
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo tem como objetivo relatar uma experiência através de uma proposta de intervenção pedagógica realizada em uma escola de educação básica, privada, do município de Itu, interior do Estado de São Paulo. A intervenção se constituiu da oferta e realização de uma oficina pedagógica para formação docente continuada, que teve por título: “Alteridade: eu no lugar do outro”, foi uma proposta de sensibilização para o corpo docente da escola, de modo a trazer o conceito de alteridade como uma vivência, para que os profissionais pudessem refletir sobre o que é uma pessoa com deficiência. Além disso, a ideia era promover a reflexão sobre como poderiam contribuir, de fato, para a inclusão de alunos com deficiência ou qualquer outra peculiaridade no seu processo de aprendizagem. Essa oficina pedagógica teve como propósito incentivar e sensibilizar os professores sobre a importância da inclusão nas instituições de ensino comum; foi dinamizada por meio de atividades prático-reflexivas que visaram à sensibilização e o despertar de um olhar diferenciado dos educadores a todos os alunos com necessidades educacionais especiais. Como resultado observou-se a inquietação do grupo de professores e um novo olhar sobre as temáticas selecionadas. Entretanto, entendemos também que não se tratou de um rompimento definitivo com algumas mentalidades que não estão de acordo com os princípios inclusivos. A oficina pode ser compreendida como geradora de reflexões e incômodos que podem despertar interesse e busca por novas perspectivas para um novo pensar e agir na docência.
How to … develop recordkeeping skills
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: April 2020

During the coronavirus outbreak, events will move fast, and a home may find itself facing unexpected incidents and adjustments to care plans. Effective recordkeeping is essential. Adrian Ashurst outlines the basics for developing these skills
Hiroshi Ishiguro: Android science and 'upstream engagement'
Authors: Sone Yuji
Published: April 2020

This article discusses Hiroshi Ishiguro, a Japanese celebrity roboticist internationally acclaimed for his creation of androids. While his anthropomorphic machines are intended as models for future human-like robots, participating in work and domestic contexts, Ishiguro also regards them as experimental tools for investigations into questions of human identity. Beyond engineering challenges, he is not afraid to ask philosophical questions, such as 'what is the human?' Ishiguro has even had facial plastic surgery to match the appearance of his robot double, Geminoid HI-1. He has been described as the bad boy of Japanese robotics, an eccentric genius who is recognized as such in Japan, and overseas. While Ishiguro conducts scientific experiments, he has also deployed his anthropomorphic robots in popular entertainment contexts such as film, television, theatre and in museum exhibitions. Although Ishiguro's androids have almost always been included in mainstream western journalism's coverage concerning the development of next-generation robots in Japan, his anthropomorphic machines are often shown along with a photo of Ishiguro in his trademark black clothing, and described as 'freaky' and 'creepy'. I argue that Ishiguro's presentation feeds the western fascination with Japanese robot technology. This article examines the relationship between Ishiguro's larger-than-life public persona and his philosophy concerning his work as a kind of storytelling and upstream engagement in the context of robotic science.
Estudos de alternativas locacionais para aterros sanitários nos processos de licenciamento ambiental no Estado de Minas Gerais
Authors: Cruz Guilherme Henrique Santos , Almeida Maria Rita Raimundo e
Published: April 2020

Aterro sanitário é uma tipologia de projeto causadora de significativo impacto, portanto, sujeita ao processo de Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental (AIA), em que o estudo de alternativas se desenvolverá para a escolha de uma opção de área adequada para construção do empreendimento. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar como estão sendo contemplados os estudos de alternativas locacionais para construção de aterros sanitários nos processos de licenciamento com AIA no Estado de Minas Gerais (MG). A metodologia consistiu em investigar os processos de licenciamento ambiental de aterros em MG que consideraram o estudo de alternativas locacionais por meio de Estudo de Impacto Ambiental (EIA) disponíveis no Sistema Integrado de Informações Ambientais. Foram encontrados 1584 processos, sendo que 17 possuíam EIA, 8 estavam disponíveis e apenas 7 dispunham de estudo de alternativas locacionais, os quais foram analisados. Os estudos de caso, principalmente os critérios de seleção de áreas utilizados, foram comparados entre si e, posteriormente, comparados com a literatura. As comparações possibilitaram levantar quais os critérios que estão sendo utilizados e atestar que não existe uma metodologia modelo, resultando em diferentes formas de se adotar critérios e processos de seleção da área de implantação da atividade de disposição final dos resíduos.
A critical assessment of domestic and foreign temporary vertical regulatory loads on road bridge structures, a way to eliminate their identified shortcomings
Authors: Salamahin Pavel , Reshetnikov Ilya
Published: April 2020

The article critically assessed temporary vertical standard combined loads on road bridges in Western European countries, the USA and Russia. They are set with constant values of the parameters of their uniformly distributed loads and loads on the axles of trucks without regard to the composition of road traffic and out of communication with the length and shape of the lines of influence of force and deformation factors in the elements of bridge structures and are used in these and in many other countries in road bridge structures engineering and design.

It is shown that the bridges constructed with different spans on the same road are designed to have different and unknown for designers, engineers and facility managers load capacity, which decreases when the length of the spans increases more than twice, but that is unacceptable for operational and economic reasons. The author found that the use of regulatory documents of other countries as a model for the modernization of domestic standards is unacceptable due to economic considerations.

The article assesses the carrying capacity of such bridges as: the Crimean bridge and the Bugrinsky bridge in Novosibirsk. It is shown that these structures, in case of compliance with the requirements of modern regulatory documents of the Russian Federation, do not allow for the passage of columns of vehicles weighing more than 25–27 tons in a state of congestion.

The ways of eliminating the identified deficiencies of these combined regulatory loads are indicated. The results of calculations are presented, indicating that a further increase in the parameter K of the AK load to large values is not an effective way of ensuring the required carrying capacity of bridge structures.
Investigation of heat release in metals under uniaxial stress state as a parameter of fatigue damage in metal bridges
Authors: Solovyev Leonid
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the issue is to study the process of heat release in metals under a symmetric loading cycle under conditions of uniaxial stress in order to assess the development of fatigue damage in the elements of metal superstructures of railroad and highway bridges. The author considered bending and axial loads of specimens with and without artificial concentrators. During the experiments, the samples were covered with matte paint, which ensured an emission coefficient of 0.95. For simultaneous fixation of thermal radiation on the upper and lower surfaces of the slots, mirrors were used. To eliminate interference from thermal radiation from surrounding objects, a fabric screen was installed between these objects and samples. As a result of experimental work, the author found that in all samples, regardless of their configuration and loading conditions, fatigue failure (the appearance of visible cracks) was preceded by a sharp increase in surface temperature at the same stress level, which the author called critical. The author during the study revealed that the magnitude of the critical stresses for the tested samples under uniaxial stress state and symmetric loading cycle does not depend on the number of concentrators, their sizes and location, but depends on the self-heating temperature and the type of deformation. Thus, the critical stress can be considered a characteristic of the material. The author also noted that at stresses greater than critical, an almost linear dependence of the temperature change on the total value of the stress increment is observed. Summarizing the noted properties of critical stresses, it can be argued that such stresses can be used to assess the development of fatigue damage when assessing the technical condition of a structure during bridge inspections.

The work was performed as part of a dissertation research with the support of a grant from Russian Railways for the development of scientific and pedagogical schools.
The solution of geomechanical tasks in stage technology disclosure of the workings of the great migration in low-strength rock
Authors: Qiaofeng Shen , Frolov Yuri
Published: April 2020

The materials presented in the article will be used in the dissertation for the postgraduate of technical sciences. The paper introduces the construction situation of urban subways in China, and points out that the construction of the station complex adopts closed approach on the newly built subway lines, usually on rocky soils with low-strength. This paper provides research data on the support of the large-span station roadway and the stress deformation of the surrounding soil layer. These data are obtained by numerical analysis based on the finite element method. The main attention is paid to the degree of influence of the sequence of execution of tunneling operations on the sustainability of production when developing the soil enclosed between the internal diaphragms. It is noted the feasibility of these works with the simultaneous destruction of the temporary lining of the side of the pilot tunnels. The numerical simulation results is evaluated according to the surface settlement value, the nature of the soil stress-deformation state, the temporary support of the contour (primary lining) and the vertical and horizontal displacement values of the feature points on the inner wall, and the anchoring force values. The results obtained are presented in tabular and graphical form and analyzed.

Established numerical simulation methods are used to comprehensively assess the stability of large-span tunneling, which will help to make reasonable engineering decisions in the construction of a single station on a subway line.
Lavr Dmitrievich Proskuryakov at the Imperial Moscow Engineering School (IMES)
Authors: Skrjabina Tatjana
Published: April 2020

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of works, teaching methods and bridge structures for the domestic and world bridge building, designed according to the projects of the outstanding engineer Lavr Dmitrievich Proskuryakov. He was the first to use graph – analytical methods for calculating bridges; developed simple statically determinable triangular truss grid systems, more convenient to manufacture and install; developed a methodology for teaching compromising materials on the basis of three principles: visibility, accessibility, quick wit and much more.

L.D. Proskuryakov worked for more than 15 years at IMIU, MIIIPS, MIIT, leaving a rich engineering legacy in the form of: a mechanical laboratory with unique facilities that have been operating to date; a real project of the Moscow Andreevsky bridge in two folios; bridge designs across the Oka – at Murom, Kashira; through the Volkhov, Cheremshanka, etc. Studying the engineering heritage of L.D. Proskuryakov will help him better understand and use this knowledge for work at present.
PENGARUH TINGKAT PENDIDIKAN, PELATIHAN DAN PENGALAMAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN
Authors: Hitalessy Veronica , Roni Hamda , Iswandi Ismi
Published: April 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana tingkat pendidikan, pelatihan dan pengalaman kerja karyawan di bagian garmen PT Seikou Seat Cover, serta mengetahui dan menganalisa bagaimana pengaruh tingkat pendidikan, pelatihan dan pengalaman kerja karyawan di bagian garmen PT Seikou Seat Cover. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif\. Hasil analisis verifikatif dari penelitian ini meyatakan bahwa  R ( Koefisien Korelasi ) sebesar 0.518 atau 51.8%, hal ini menunjukan bahwa terjadi hubungan dalam kondisi sedang antara tingkat pendidikan, pelatihan dan pengalaman kerja dengan kinerja dan hasil analisis koefisiensi determinasi (R2) menunjukan bahwa prosentase sumbangan pengaruh variabel independen yaitu pendidikan, pelatihan dan pengalaman kerja terhadap variabel dependen yaitu kinerja adalah sebesar 26,8%.
BUDAYA ORGANISASI DALAM MENDUKUNG IMPLEMENTASI KNOWLEDGE SHARING DOSEN PADA PERGURUAN TINGGI NEGERI DI KOTA BANDUNG
Authors: Islamy Fahmi Jahidah , Nurjaman Risris
Published: April 2020

Knowledge based view (KBV) merupakan eksistensi baru dari pandangan sumber daya parusahaan dan memberikan teoritis yang kuat dalam mendukung intellectual capital. Knowledge management (KM) hadir dengan konsep untuk dapat mengelola intellectual capital dalam organisasi. Praktik dan pengembangan implementasi KM dalam organisasi terus mengalami peningkatan. Knowledge sharing merupakan salah satu proses inti dalam KM serta berkaitan erat dengan dunia kerja seorang dosen. Keberhasilan implementasi knowledge sharing harus didukung oleh budaya organisasi yang senantiasa mempengaruhi steiap praktik tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor budaya organisasi yang dapat mendukung  implementasi knowledge sharing dosen pada Perguruan Tinggi Negeri (PTN) di Bandung. Dalam penelitian ini metode yang digunakan adalah studi kausal dan teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah probability sampling. Sampel yang diambil adalah dosen tetap PTN di Bandung. Jumlah sampel adalah 119 dosen. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis jalur (path analysis). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa budaya organisasi berpengaruh signifikan terhadap implementasi knowledge sharing.
PENGARUH STRUKTURAL ANALITIK SINTETIK TERGADAP PENINGKATAN MEMBACA PERMULAAN ANAK CEREBRAL PALSY
Authors: Munandar Ana , Sutisna Nia
Published: April 2020

AbstrakMMembaca permulaan merupakan kemampuan paling dasar dan penting untuk mempelajari simbol atau kode yang memiliki makna serta dapat diterjemahkan dalam bunyi atau suara. Komponen membaca permulaan yaitu membaca huruf, suku kata, kata dan kalimat sederhana. Membaca sangat penting untuk setiap orang, begitu juga anak berkebutuhan khusus. Cerebral Palsy adalah individu yang mengalami kerusakan otak menetap yang berdampak pada mobilisasi, gerak, komunikasi, dan lain sebagainya. Metode yang digunakan oleh guru di sekolah kurang dapat meningkatkan kemampuan membaca permulaan. Oleh karena itu, subjek memerlukan metode pembelajaran yang dapat meningkatkan kemampuan membaca permulaannya. Salah satunya yaitu metode pembelajaran Strukrural Analitik Sintetik. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode pembelajaran ini untuk melihat pengaruh kepada kemampuan membaca permulaan pada subjek. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif, eksperimen Single Subject Research dengan desain A-B-A. Jumlah sesi pada A1 tiga sesi, B tujuh sesi, dan A2 tiga sesi. Subjek penelitian ini yaitu anak cerebral palsy spastik yang mengalami hambatan kecerdasan kelas IX SMPLB. etiap sesinya anak memperoleh rata-rata nilai A1 yaitu 59,06%, B 74,80%, dan A2 84,25%. Kesimpulannya metode struktural analitik sintetik dapat berpengaruh signifikan terhadap peningkatan kemampuan membaca permulaan. AbstractPre-reading is the most basic and important ability to learn symbols or codes that have meaning and can be translated in sounds or sounds. The component of pre-reading is reading letters, syllables, words and simple sentences. Reading is very important for everyone, so are children with special needs. Cerebral Palsy is an individual who has permanent brain damage that affects mobilization, movement, communication, and so forth. The method used by teachers in schools is less able to improve pre-reading skills. Therefore, the subject requires learning methods that can improve the ability to read the beginning. One of them is the synthetic analytical structural learning method. This study uses this learning method to see the effect on early reading skills on the subject. The research method uses a quantitative approach, a single subject research experiment with A-B-A design. The number of sessions at A1 is three sessions, B is seven sessions, and A2 is three sessions. The subjects of this study are spastic cerebral palsy children who have intelligence problems in class IX SMPLB. for each session the children obtained an average A1 value of 59.06%, B 74.80%, and A2 84.25%. In conclusion, synthetic analytic structural methods can have a significant effect on improving early reading skills.
Evaluation of a Totally Organic Fluid for Well Completion
Authors: Guimerans Rosalvina , Cigüela Sergio , Fernandez Daniel , Paleo Enrique , Rojas Elinor , Rosas Eglys , Farias Antonio , Salas Jose
Published: April 2020

A completion fluid should not be damaging to the formation, should be solid free, and its weight can vary over a wide range. There is an organic fluid1 that is reusable after recuperating it with a brine and has low toxicity and corrosiveness. Given all these properties, we decided to evaluate it as a completion fluid.

This reusable organic fluid is prepared by dilution of a concentrated very viscous organic base with a low viscosity and toxicity oil to reach concentrations in the range of 9 to 16 ppg.

The permeability tests were conducted in a Hassler type cell using the organic fluid (15.7 ppg) within different sequences of fluids, as is shown in Tables 1 and 2. All the tests were performed at 320°F with cores and oil from Naricual Formation (Venezuela) and soaking times of 3 hrs for mud filtrate or calcium brine and 16 hrs for the organic fluid.

The results in Table 1 show that the organic fluid by itself does not damage the formation but instead is capable of cleaning it, allowing a better mobility of the oil. If the calcium brine (11 ppg) will follow the organic fluid into the formation, a damage of near 30% will appear; this damage can be reduced to almost zero by adding 1% of a surfactant to the brine.

A severe impairment to the oil mobility appeared when mud filtrate had leaked into the formation, which in all three cases shown in Table 2, is enlarged by the calcium brine. The use of the organic fluid as completion fluid partially removed the damage made by the water-based mud filtrates, but it did not clean or added damage in the oil-based mud case.

Table 2 shows a further reduction in the mobility of oil in all three cases if calcium brine goes into the formation after the organic fluid and the mud filtrate; these reductions are not as severe as when no organic fluid was used. Table 2 also shows that the addition of 1% surfactant to the brine lowers the additional damage in all the cases; the effect is more pronounced for the water-based muds.

From the data of this evaluation can be concluded that: The use of this low toxicity organic fluid for completion will partially clean the damage caused by water-based mud filtrates in the formation. The organic completion fluid will not increase the damage produced by the oil-based mud.The use of calcium brine with 1% of surfactant seems the best way to recover the organic fluid in order not to loose the reduction of damage gained by the organic completion fluid.
Induced Permeability Reduction in Water-Bearing Formations: Selecting the Appropriate Method
Authors: Vassilellis G. D. , Graves A. M.
Published: April 2020

This study focuses on methods to reduce the permeability of water bearing formations by injecting chemical solutions through the wellbore. Permeability reduction applies in increasing recovery from waterfloods, water-drive gas reservoirs, and might find application in other fields, like environmental engineering, hydrogeology and construction. Different permeability reduction mechanisms are investigated and recommendations are given to aid in selecting an appropriate permeability reduction mechanism for a given reservoir. The study is conducted through literature search, theoretical and experimental investigations[1].

After examining several permeability reduction methods, it was found that no single technique can be applied universally in all reservoirs. The most common factor affecting the success and applicability of all the methods mentioned above is temperature, fluid salinity and pH. Some methods also depend on shear rate and consequently to rock properties as well as flow rate. The result of this study is a table that according to reservoir temperature, fluid salinity and pH, suggests the most efficient method to reduce permeability in a water bearing formation. Although this table does not provide a final answer to all possible situations, it is a staring point to design the appropriate permeability reduction treatment for a particular formation.
Brief: Computer Survival Skills for the Competitive Petroleum Engineer
Authors: Olson Donald A.
Published: April 2020

Today's competitive petroleum engineers need elaborate computer skills in addition to the necessary engineering skills. This paper identifies the computer skills and knowledge base that an engineer should master to maintain a competitive position in his company and in the industry. The opinions presented here, from experience, professional interaction, and observation, can lead to further analysis of computers and their application to our profession.

Introduction

Statistics show that 91% of petroleum industry professionals have at least one computer on their desk and 80% of those spend at least 25% of their time using it. Many have concluded that the computer is the prime tool to use to achieve productivity improvements in our industry. To be competitive, a superior engineer must understand and be able to apply efficiently the computer skills needed in his organization to function effectively, to reduce costs, to return a profit on investment, and to assess and minimize risk. Frequently, he or she must also be able to impart those talents, priorities, and opinions to others.

It has been suggested1 that petroleum engineers are too busy concentrating on their discipline to devote much time to computing. Yet there are those of us who have used our knowledge of computer techniques to perform more efficiently in our organizations. Are you too busy to question and understand the systems available to you? The competitive engineer will not only be able to anticipate the necessity of increased computer usage but also to recommend the direction and the products needed for general implementation.

This paper organizes various computer skills in three levels: basic skills, competence, and excellence. Each section summarizes the skills needed to move to a higher capability. Readers should find their comfort levels and then proceed to a higher level. Note that the computer skills of competitive engineers are in addition to the professional skills a superior engineer needs.
The Quest for Integration: 3 Pillars
Authors: Peebler Robert P.
Published: April 2020

Published in Oil & Gas Executive, Volume 2, Number 1, 1999, pages 30-36.

As global oil prices create new uncertainties and the industry enters a new era of knowledge-based E&P, many companies have intensified their quest for the Holy Grail of enterprise wide integration. In this business environment, it's easy for oil and gas executives to become hypnotized by the seemingly limitless potential of information technology (IT).

But technology is only part of the ultimate integrated solution. This article also explores the "softer" people and process issues that impact an energy company's ability to perform effectively in this new era.

The Hierarchy of Integration

Landmark started with one technology - a three-dimensional-seismic workstation - in one functional area: geophysical interpretation. As we expanded our product line to cover the full oilfield life cycle - geology, mapping, reservoir engineering, drilling - we quickly realized that we had to move from a functional view of the industry to a process view. We had to understand how to help oil companies use these technologies in more integrated ways. But that increased the challenge almost exponentially. Why?

As E&P companies approach the task of integration, they typically go through four phases, which we call the hierarchy of integration. Level 1involves integrating all the relevant technical, operational, and business data, making it readily accessible to users in digital form. That's not an easy task. Most companies accomplish this in one area at a time. Only then can they move up to Level 2 of the hierarchy. The second level entails integrating the work flow within a particular group, such as geology and geophysics, production engineering, or drilling.

Once that has been accomplished, they can move up to Level 3 - integration of operational processes across various groups. That presents an even greater challenge. In fact, we believe that most new technical and organizational innovations in our industry will take place in the "white space" between existing operational groups. For example, how can we better integrate reservoir engineering with geology? Drilling with the earth model? The surface with the subsurface? Despite progress in recent years, tremendous productivity gains can still be made in the gaps between various parts of the organization.