bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUBSTANTIATION OF BULLDOZER-EXCAVATOR-AUTOMOBILE COMPLEX FOR REMOVAL OF OVERBURDEN LAYER OF FLUVIOGLACIAL DEPOSITS IN THE CONDITIONS OF SOSNIVSKY GRANITE DEPOSIT
Authors: Frolov Oleksandr Oleksandrovych , Lytvynchuk I. D.
Published: December 2022

Purpose and task. The aim of the research is to substantiate the expediency and efficiency of using a bulldozer-excavator-automobile complex with the use of ripper bulldozers to remove the overburden layer of fluvioglacial deposits in the conditions of the Sosnivsky granite deposit. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to: establish the patterns of distribution and features of fluvioglacial deposits; to analyze possible technological schemes of development of gravel and sand deposits; justify the need and effectiveness of the technological complex of equipment for the removal of fluvioglacial deposits in the quarry; to establish the dependence of the variable productivity of the excavator on the average size of the piece of rock.
Research methods. An integrated approach was used to solve the set tasks: analysis and generalization of previous research on the peculiarities of fluvioglacial deposits and the possibility of using equipment complexes for the development of gravel and sand mountains; technological substantiation of the offered engineering and scientific decisions; analytical calculation of variable productivity of the excavator depending on the average size of a piece of rock.
Scientific novelty. The possibility of using a bulldozer-excavator-automobile complex of equipment for removing the overburden layer of fluvioglacial deposits in rock quarries has been substantiated. The analytical dependence of the change in excavator productivity on the average piece size of fluvioglacial deposits is obtained.
Conclusions and practical significance. It is established that when the average size of gravel-sand material changes from 20 to 200 mm, the productivity of the excavator decreases by 1,59 times. It is proved that the productivity of the excavator type "straight shovel" is 17% higher than the productivity of the backhoe excavator. For the conditions of the Sosnivsky granite deposit quarry, where the weighted average size of a piece of fluvioglacial sediment is 171 mm, the variable productivity of the excavator is: according to the first technological scheme (hydraulic backhoe excavator placed on the roof of the sediment) – 474,1 m3/shift; according to the second technological scheme (excavator "straight shovel" is located on the lower production horizon) – 553,1 m3/shift.
Keywords: fluvioglacial deposits, quarry, technological schemes, equipment complex, excavator productivity, gravel-sand rocks.
Undergraduate Student Perceptions on Virtual Online Versus On-campus Teaching – Learning Modes of Delivery and Assessment in Public Universities
Authors: Imonje Rosemary Khitieyi
Published: December 2022

On the onset of COVID 19 Pandemic, educational institutions took up either virtual online or blended modes of delivery and learning; as an intervention of solving programmed learning retention, transition and completion concerns among students in institutions of higher learning. In spite of the fact that online learning faces access learning challenges; there seems to be myriad issues with online assessment procedures. Despite this, there is still much debate on whether online assessments, particularly examinations, offer the same academic integrity as the traditional on- campus face to face paper assessment (Paulli and Ferrelli 2020). The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of undergraduate students on virtual online versus on-campus teaching- learning mode of delivery and assessment. The study anchored on descriptive survey design. A sample of 200 students across different years of study at the Faculty of Education, Kikuyu Campus, University of Nairobi, were targeted. The study used online google form to collect data. Descriptive statistics were applied in data analysis. Data was presented through tables, percentages and graphs. 140 students participated in the study. 86.1% of the respondents were in learning session and 13.9% were not in session. The most preferred mode of delivery is face to face on campus with 69.7 % responses, Virtual online – 21.8% and both, was 8.5%. The major reason for preference was that there are subjects such as mathematics, Kiswahili and English which require physical classroom student – lecturer real interactions and immediate instructional feedback for quality acquisition of skills, knowledge and values; which is completely lacking in online virtual learning; and that online virtual pedagogy flow is usually interrupted with network issues causing in-consistency in coverage of course content. Blended learning was recommended for courses that require intense practical sessions, while the other courses can take up online mode of pedagogy. Conclusively, there is need for further review of online pedagogical approaches, and curriculum policies in order to have aligned online assessments that consider equity in access to online pedagogy, in line with student socio-economic backgrounds and conducive learning environments. More research is needed for effective online pedagogical alignments.
Pioneering Organelle Structural Biology: Golgi Apparatus Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and Cancer
Authors: Gómez Daniel
Published: December 2022

The Golgi apparatus (GA) dysfunctions in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), cancer, and organelle structural biology (OSB) can provide insights into therapeutic targets, gene therapy, and drug design. Primary defects and fragmentation within the GA are implicated in a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases. GA defects typically result in mislocation of proteins, accumulation of undegraded proteins, and impaired glycosylation of proteins. Inhibition of vesicular trafficking by α-synuclein (aSyn) may affect the dopamine-producing neurons and neuromodulators. GA regulates apoptosis during pathological mechanisms of neurological diseases and could provide new avenues in treatments through translation research. PD patients bearing the hereditary E46K disease mutation manifest the clinical picture of parkinsonism. How do we provide high resolution nanoimages of the GA during disease to capture dysfunction? Could we visualize the aSyn traffic jam between vesicles in the organelles ER and GA? OSB is emerging as a field as more technology advances and is more accessible. Structural studies of the GA will advance the field of neurological disease forward with an in depth understanding of dysfunction, fragmentation, and defects. Discoveries of the GA in PD, NDDs, and cancer would break new ground and provide translational medicine data of these diseases. Future research could be visualizing high angle annular dark field-STEM (HAADF-STEM) tomograms, cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET), multiplex correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM), nanobody-assisted tissue immunostaining for volumetric EM (NATIVE) and using soft X-ray tomography (SXT) and computational reconstruction of the GA.
The DUX4-HIF1α Axis in Murine and Human Muscle Cells: A Link More Complex Than Expected
Authors: Nguyen Thuy-Hang , Bouhmidi Sihame , Paprzycki Lise , Legrand Alexandre , Declèves Anne-Emilie , Heher Philipp , Belayew Alexandra , Banerji Christopher R. S. , Zammit Peter S. , Tassin Alexandra
Published: December 2022

FacioScapuloHumeral Dystrophy (FSHD) is one of the most frequent inherited muscle disorders, and is linked to the inappropriate expression of the DUX4 transcription factor in adult muscles. The deregulated molecular network causing FSHD skeletal muscle dysfunction and pathology is still not well understood. It has been shown that the hypoxia response factor HIF1α is critically disturbed in FSHD and has a major role in DUX4 induced cell death. In this study, we further explore the relationship between DUX4 and HIF1α. We found that the DUX4 and HIF1α link differed according to the stage of myogenic differentiation and was conserved between human and mouse muscle. Finally, we found that HIF1α knock-down in an FSHD mouse model exacerbated DUX4-mediated muscle damages. Our data indicate that the suggested role of HIF1α in DUX4 toxicity is complex and that targeting HIF1α might be challenging in the context of FSHD therapeutic approaches.
Graphene Introduces the Second Negative Fine Structure Constant, Negative Speed of Light, and the Imaginary Set of Base Planck Units
Authors: Łukaszyk Szymon
Published: December 2022

The reflectance $R$ of monolayer graphene for the normal incidence of electromagnetic radiation is known to be remarkably defined only by $\pi$ and the fine structure constant $\alpha$. It is shown in this paper that the reflectance (or the sum of transmittance and absorptance) of monolayer graphene, expressed as a quadratic equation with respect to the fine structure constant $\alpha$ must unsurprisingly introduce the \emph{2$^\text{nd}$} fine structure constant $\alpha_2$, as the root of this equation. It turns out that this 2$^\text{nd}$ fine structure constant is negative and the sum of its reciprocal with the reciprocal of the \emph{physical} fine structure constant $\alpha$ is independent of the reflectance value $R$ and remarkably equals $-\pi$. Particular algebraic definition of the fine structure constant $\alpha^{-1} = 4\pi^3 + \pi^2 + \pi$, containing the free $\pi$ term, when introduced to this sum, yields $\alpha_2^{-1} = -4\pi^3 - \pi^2 - 2\pi < 0$. Assuming universal validity of the physical definition of $\alpha$, $\alpha_2$ defines the negative speed of light in vacuum $c_n$ and introduces the imaginary set of base Planck units. The average of this speed and the speed of light in vacuum is in the range of the Fermi velocity ($10^6$ m/s).
Hydrogeological Aquifer Characterization using a Multi-Technique Framework: Application to the Lower Casas Grandes Basin, Chihuahua, Mexico
Authors: Granados-Olivas Alfredo , Rascon-Mendoza Ezequiel , Gomez-Dominguez Francisco Javier , Romero-Gameros Carlo Ivan , Robertson Andrew J. , Mirchi Ali , Garcia-Vasquez Ana Cristina , Bravo-Peña Luis Carlos , Fernald Alexander , Hawley John W. , Alatorre-Cejudo Luis Carlos , Samimi Maryam , Vazquez-Galvez Felipe Adrian , Pinales-Munguía Adán , Ibañez-Hernandez Oscar Fidencio , Heyman Josiah M. , Mayer Alex , Hargrove William
Published: December 2022

Groundwater is a strategic resource for economic development, social justice, environmental sustainability, and water governance. The Lower Casas Grandes Basin located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico is in a semi-arid region that has increasing groundwater demands while confronting regional challenges such as adverse climate change scenarios and depleting aquifers. Even though there is official information about the availability of groundwater, comprehensive aquifer characterization is still uncertain and needs interdisciplinary investigation using a diverse suite of tools and multiple data sources. This study presents a multi-technique framework to evaluate potential sites to drill for groundwater resources. The main components of the methodology included: wellhead leveling correction with a differential global positioning survey to define piezometric levels, principal component analysis using Landsat-8 images, application of geospatial tools, geophysics using Time Domain Electromagnetic Surveys and Vertical Electric Soundings and structural geohydrology to define aquifer characteristics. Results show that the application of the framework enhances the possibility of successful drilling for groundwater while saving time and money using “pin-point” positioning for drilling sites as compared to a traditional extensive groundwater exploration approach. Low resistivity values (35 Ohm-m) were found at depths from 50m to 85m at sites where the regional static water level reached 245 m deep adding a shallow groundwater potential at sites where the intersection of fracture trace was identified. This procedure can be used at other sites where limited or minimum information is available for groundwater exploration to reduce the risk of drilling dry wells in complex hydrogeological environments.
How Industry 4.0 and Sensors Can Leverage Product Design: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Rosário Albérico Travassos , Dias Joana Carmo
Published: December 2022

The fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, has led to an increased transition towards automation and reliance on data-driven innovations and strategies. Companies in the manufacturing sector are heavily integrating Industry 4.0 technologies, including cloud compu-ting, cyber-physical systems (CPS), big data analytics, horizontal and vertical system integration, the internet of things (IoT), and additive manufacturing (3d printing). The interconnected systems and processes have significantly increased operational efficiency, enhanced organizational capacity to monitor and control functions, reduced costs, and improved product quality. One significant way that companies have achieved these benefits is by integrating diverse sensor technologies within these innovations, allowing critical data collection on products, equipment performance, and maintenance. The sensors connect systems and machines, allowing them to communicate and track operations for enhanced operations. While numerous research has been conducted to show the role of sensors in industry 4.0, limited studies show how these innovations can leverage product design to maximize benefits and opportunities. Given the rapidly changing market conditions, Industry 4.0 requires new products and business models to ensure companies adjust to the current and future changes. These requirements call for the evolutions in product design processes to accommodate design features and principles applicable in the current dynamic business environment. This research paper employs a systematic bibliometric literature review (LRSB) methodology to explore and synthesize data on how Industry 4.0 and sensors can leverage product design. The results show that various product design features create opportunities to be leveraged to guarantee the success of Industry 4.0 and sensor technologies. However, the research also identifies numerous challenges that undermine the ongoing transition towards intelligent factories and products.
Motif-based Graph Representation Learning with Application to Chemical Molecules
Authors: Wang Yifei , Chen Shiyang , Chen Guobin , Shurberg Ethan , Liu Hang , Hong Pengyu
Published: December 2022

This work considers the task of representation learning on the attributed relational graph (ARG). Both the nodes and edges in an ARG are associated with attributes/features allowing ARGs to encode rich structural information widely observed in real applications. Existing graph neural networks offer limited ability to capture complex interactions within local structural contexts, which hinders them from taking advantage of the expression power of ARGs. We propose Motif Convolution Module (MCM), a new motif-based graph representation learning technique to better utilize local structural information. The ability to handle continuous edge and node features is one of MCM’s advantages over existing motif-based models. MCM builds a motif vocabulary in an unsupervised way and deploys a novel motif convolution operation to extract the local structural context of individual nodes, which is then used to learn higher-level node representations via multilayer perceptron and/or message passing in graph neural networks. When compared with other graph learning approaches to classifying synthetic graphs, our approach is substantially better in capturing structural context. We also demonstrate the performance and explainability advantages of our approach by applying it to several molecular benchmarks.
Human Adipose Stem Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles Induce Immune Responses in Mice but Not in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Kim Dong Oh , Choi Young Chan , Kim Woojin , Choi Ji Suk , Lee Kyoung Soo , Cho Yong Woo , Lee Byoung-Seok , Yoo Min Heui
Published: December 2022

Human adipose stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (hASC-EVs) are key mediators of paracrine signaling with promising therapeutic applications. Although hASC-EVs are derived from human cells and are less immunogenic, their immunogenicity cannot be completely excluded. Here, we evaluate the immune responses of ICR and C57BL/6 mice to high doses of hASC-EVs for 10 days after injection. Lymphocyte subpopulations are analyzed using flow cytometry at 0.5, 1, 3 and 24 h post injection. In the spleen and blood of C57BL/6 mice, neutrophils sharply increased at 0.5 h and decreased at 3 h following hASC-EV treatment. We observe increased proportions of monocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells at 3 h but returned to similar level of vehicle control at 24 h post injection in the spleen and blood of ICR mice. Although the in vivo experiments reveal different immune responses to hASC-EV treatment in C57BL/6 and ICR strains, no major changes occur in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell composition after applying hASC-EVs in vitro. In conclusion, unlike those in mice, immune responses to hASC-EVs in humans are not detectable, indicating a minimal risk of fatal side-effects from hASC-EV-based therapies.
Comprehensive Review on Bio-Briquettes Developed from Processed Cashew Nut Shell Wastes
Authors: Srinivasan Gokul Raghavendra , Mahajan Aditya , Seth Rajiv , Mahajan Rakesh
Published: December 2022

Cashew nut shells (CNS) are the primary waste produced during the processing of cashew nuts; and needs constant attention to handle or valorize these wastes effectively. As a result, these CNS wastes are processed into solid briquettes citing their significant calorific content, thus making them as a promising renewable biofuel for combustion based applications. In most cases, these wastes are pre-treated either through de-oiling or carbonizing prior to compaction, thus removing the harmful hydrocarbons present in them in form of CNS liquids. Presently, this chapter focus on summarising various data related to these CNS wastes and their briquettes in terms of their availability, chemical characteristics, pre-treatment and processing technique, fuel and combustion properties as reported in various literatures. Here, availability depicts the current trend in global consumption of these snack nuts and the proportionate amount of waste shells produced; while, chemical characteristics focused on discussing their anatomy, proximate, lignocellulosic and elemental compositions. Following this, pre-treatment and processing techniques list out the various practises followed to remove CNSL, process de-oiled CNS cakes into bio-char through carbonization, and briquetting of pre-treated CNS wastes along with their compacting techniques prescribed by various researchers. Lastly, fuel and combustion properties brief out about the fuel traits of developed CNS briquettes along with their burning characteristics; and include parameters like proximate and elemental compositions, density and compressive strength, and results related to their combustion and water boiling tests. Moreover, all the reported results and data in this study were in accordance with the international testing standards; and ranged in between their permissible range.
A New Statistical Model Based on the Novel Generalized Odd Beta Prime Family of Continuous Probability Distributions with Applications to Cancer Disease Data Sets
Authors: Suleiman Ahmad Abubakar , Othman Mahmod , Ishaq Aliyu Ismail , Abdullah Mohd Lazim , Indawati Rachmah , Daud Hanita , Sokkalingam Rajalingam
Published: December 2022

Statistical modeling of lifetime data plays an essential role in a wide range of practical fields, such as health and engineering. There have been a lot of studies done to develop statistical models that can better describe health data than traditional models. For the first time, we pioneer a novel family of continuous probability distributions called the generalized odd beta prime generalized (GOBP-G) family of distributions. The cumulative distribution and probability density functions of the new family are presented. A new generalization of the Weibull distribution called "generalized odd beta prime-Weibull" (GOBPW) is proposed using the pioneered GOBP-G family. The mixture representations of the new distribution are defined and derived. Some formal statistical properties of the GOBPW distribution, such as the moments, moment generating function, incomplete moments, information generating function, entropies, stress-strength function, quantile function, and order statistics, are derived. The estimation of the parameters of the proposed distribution is evaluated using the maximum likelihood estimation approach. Different cancer disease data sets, such as the bladder, head and neck, acute bone, and blood cancers, are used to illustrate the applicability and usefulness of the new model and were compared using several statistical accuracy measures with that of well-established extended Weibull distributions, which are the beta modified Weibull distribution, Kumaraswamy modified Weibull distribution, gamma generalized modified Weibull distribution, gamma log-logistic Weibull distribution, and beta log-logistic Weibull distribution. The results show that the proposed model gives better results than the competitive models. This study could guide the relevant stakeholders in choosing a suitable statistical model for the health data instead of relying on traditional models to enhance decision-making.
Penerapan Cooperative Learning Pada Pembelajaran Daring Mata Pelajaran Informatika Ditinjau Dari Keaktifan dan Prestasi Belajar Siswa di SMP.
Authors: Karim Rifa'i Abdul , Maryono Dwi , Liantoni Febri
Published: December 2022

This study aims to increase student activity and learning achievement through the application of Cooperative Learning Type STAD in Informatics online learning by utilizing the Google Jamboard application. This research is included in the quasi-experimental type of research with the design of One Group Pretest-Posttest.  The population in this study was all grade VII students of a state owned school. The sample used was class VII G students with a total of 32 students. The sampling technique uses cluster random sampling. Data collection techniques use questionnaires and tests. The technologyk data analysis used is a normality test, homogeneity test, and hypothesis test using a paired sample t test. The results of the study, which were reviewed in terms of learning activity, statistically there was an increase from an average score  of 72.90 to 80.69. Meanwhile, in terms of learning achievement, it showsthat statistically the average pre-test score is46.56 and  the average  post test score is 65.03 so that there is an increase through the application of Cooperative Learning Type STAD in informatics online learning.
The Implementation of Decision Tree Classification Techniques to Predict the Duration of Students Completing the Thesis at PTIK FKIP UNS
Authors: Kesuma Halim Perdana , Maryono Dwi , Liantoni Febri
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to determine the reasons why students take a long time in compiling their thesis. The slowness of students in compiling will have an impact on their graduation. This is a serious problem faced by educational institutions. Out of 328 students at PTIK FKIP UNS who took thesis credits, only 85 were able to graduate on time. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the causes. The research data was taken from the alumnus class of 2012 to 2017. The data was processed using RapidMiner software. The technique used was the decision tree classification technique with the C4.5 algorithm, and to optimize the accuracy of the model, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm was also added. This study got an accuracy rate of 76% and an AUC score of 0.733.
Modeling the Process of Obtaining Liquid Pyrolysis Products of Plant Biomass Taking into Account the Rate of their Cooling
Authors: Vasilevich S. V. , Malko M. V. , Degterov D. V. , Asadchy A. N.
Published: December 2022

The article presents the results of computational and experimental studies of thermochemical conversion of wood biomass to obtain liquid pyrolysis products taking into account their cooling rate. The method of calculating the optimal operating parameters (temperature and cooling rate) of the techno-logical process is presented. An expression is proposed to determine the consumption of wood raw materials depending on the temperature of the thermochemical conversion process. It is noted that the mass yield of liquid pyrolysis products from the reactor poorly depends on temperature and is approximately 0.45 in the range from 573 to 923 K. To assess the effect of the cooling rate of liquid pyrolysis products, a third-order differential equation was used for a model limited by the reaction rate. It has been shown that when liquid pyrolysis products are cooled, the degree of their conversion tends to a certain value other than 1 (depending on the cooling rate). Calculated data on the dependence of the degrees of conversion of liquid wood pyrolysis products on time at different cooling rates and temperatures of thermochemical conversion of biomass have been obtained. It has been established also that the ratio of the mass yield of cooled liquid pyrolysis products to the initial loading of the pyrolysis reactor makes it possible to find optimal cooling conditions for the primary products of biomass pyrolysis carried out at certain temperatures. Graphs of the dependence of this parameter on the temperature of the thermochemical conversion of wood biomass for different cooling rates of liquid pyrolysis products are presented. It is shown that the maximum possible yield of liquid products is provided at a reactor temperature of 923–973 K and a cooling rate of 700000–1200000 degrees/min. However, achieving such cooling rates is rather a difficult technical task. Therefore, more limited temperature 773–800 K is accepted, at which a practically realizable cooling rate of primary biomass de-composition products is achieved.
Calculation of Parameters of Technological Equipment of Hydraulic Elevator Installation for Removing Sand Plugs from Wells
Authors: Medvedeva J. A. , Ivashechkin V. V. , Satsuta E. S.
Published: December 2022

The paper considers the technological scheme of the hydraulic elevator installation, according to which water from a pressure tank is supplied by a working pump to the well through two parallel pipelines: a hydraulic monitor with a washing nozzle for destroying a sand plug and a supply pipeline that is connected to the working nozzle of a hydraulic elevator containing suction and supply pipelines for taking slurry and cleaning single- and double-column water wells from sand plugs The methodology for calculation and selection of parameters of technological equipment of the installation is given. Based on the compiled equations of fluid motion along the supply pipeline with an active nozzle and the hydraulic monitoring pipeline with a scouring nozzle, expressions have been obtained for constructing the pressure characteristics of these pipelines. A graphic-analytical method is proposed for determining water flow rates in them by constructing the characteristics of a working pump and pipelines and finding the coordinates of the operating point. By varying the parameters of the pipelines and the characteristics of the working pump, without changing the parameters of the jet pump-hydraulic elevator, the values of the useful lifting height of the hydraulic elevator were calculated, which has made it possible to select two options for the technological equipment of the hydraulic elevator installation (for polypropylene and steel pipes) for removing sand plugs from water wells with a maximum depth of 50 and 75 m.
Improving the Efficiency of Information Application in the Organization of Passenger Transportation in Cities
Authors: Kapskiy D. V. , Semchenkov S. S. , Larin O. N.
Published: December 2022

The problem of organizing passenger transportation in cities is becoming more and more important every day. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the spontaneous growth of motorization leads to a drop in the capacity of streets, environmental pollution, destruction of ecosystems, and an increase in social tension. It became obvious that the creation of cities convenient for life is impossible without a system of route passenger transport. And here, improvement of the quality of passenger transportation in cities by increasing the efficiency of using the information necessary to manage the transportation process is of particular relevance. There is a need to create a unified information space in the field of transportation, involving all participants in the process. This, in turn, will help to provide reliable information to users (passengers) of route passenger transport, increase its reliability and passengers' trust in it. An important role here is played by the information sup-port of the transportation management process with the choice of the correct model for collecting reliable information about the movement of route vehicles and its correct use, which will lead to an increase in the reliability of the route passenger transport, and the provision of open reliable information about the movement of route vehicles will contribute to increasing user confidence in route passenger transport and at the same time discipline carriers and operators.
Development of Method for Optimization of Diagnostic Algorithms for Car Engines
Authors: Serebryakov I. A.
Published: December 2022

In modern practice of diagnosing complex technical devices, along with developing built-in diagnostic systems, a wide niche is still occupied by troubleshooting based on logical patterns. Logical algorithms for troubleshooting are the basis for diagnostic maps of car power plants. They do not always have an optimal structure in terms of achieving the lowest cost and time indicators of the diagnostic process. Thus, the problem of structural optimization of logical diagnostic algorithms is relevant, as well as the formation of a simple and understandable standardized procedure for optimizing diagnostic algorithms. The paper substantiates the criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of a diagnostic algorithm and the structure of the initial data for calculating the criterion. Variants of visual formalization of a diagnostic map are proposed in order to increase visibility and carry out further actions to optimize its structure, as well as options for formalizing visual information in digital form for its processing by computing means. The procedure for optimizing the structure in the JavaScript programming language has been developed and implemented. The reverse transition from a digital form to graphic one is described, which will immediately introduce the results into the practice of car service organizations. An analysis of a sample of 22 diagnostic maps has shown that the proposed optimization method will reduce the average cost of diagnostics up to 17 %.
Theory and Practice of a Flexible Fiber-Optic Cable in a Horizontal Well Used for Crosswell and Microseismic Hydraulic Fracture Monitoring
Authors: LeBlanc Michel , Suh Kwang , Machovoe Sean , Byrd Dane , Jaaskelainen Mikko , Bland Henry , Stokes Joshua , Henao Tito , Sahdev Neha
Published: December 2022

A flexible optical fiber cable, either as a wireline or a disposable fiber deployed using a pumped fiber payout shuttle, in a horizontal well, can be used to measure distributed near-static or dynamic strain. These measurements can be used to monitor the hydraulic fracturing treatment of nearby wells. We present a theoretical framework for the understanding of the cable behavior and to compare the theory with field measurements.

The theory predicts the conditions under which slippage occurs between the optical fiber cable and the wellbore, if coupling is provided by Coulomb friction. For near-static strain, as used in crosswell strain monitoring, the theory explains the broadening of the strain zone detected with a wireline cable or disposable fiber when slippage occurs. However, for a grease-covered disposable fiber, the theory underestimates the coupling where the grease provides a level of adhesion between the fiber and the wellbore. Understanding the fundamental theory explains measured data and enables confident data interpretation regardless of sensing cable configuration.

For the dynamic strain, the theory confirms the generally good response observed using the flexible cables for microseismic monitoring due to the low amplitude of the dynamic strains involved. The low amplitude of the strains means that the strain gradients and inertial forces are also small, such that Coulomb friction is sufficient to provide the needed coupling.

An interesting result of the theory is the existence of a resonance condition allowing for large amplitudes to be detected faithfully even if only Coulomb friction is present. This resonance does not depend on signal frequency but on the match between the intrinsic travel speed of a disturbance on the cable and the apparent phase velocity of the seismic signal in the well direction.

Most importantly, the theory enables (i) a comparison of different cable types for the near-static and dynamic strain applications, and (ii) better data interpretation and associated decisions.

Field examples are provided to show both when the theory is applicable and where the obtained coupling exceeds what is predicted by the theory. The novel aspect of the paper is the first presentation of a theoretical background for the understanding of the performance of flexible cables inside horizontal wells used as static or dynamic strain sensors for the monitoring of hydraulic fracturing jobs.
Evaluation of Pressure and Temperature Sensitivity of Heavy Oil Sands in North Sea through Laboratory Measurement and Rock-Physical Modeling
Authors: Yuan Hemin , Wang Yun , Han De-hua
Published: December 2022

We investigate the elastic properties of heavy oil sands from the North Sea through laboratory measurements and rock-physical modeling. Four samples are measured under changing pressure and temperature conditions, during which the velocity and porosity variations are recorded and analyzed. The pore fluids effect (saturation) is also investigated through comparing the dry and wet sample measurements. Besides, the influence of pressure type (pore pressure vs. confining pressure) is studied by comparing the measurements under the same differential pressure but different confining and pore pressures. Measurement results reveal that pressure and temperature have significant influences on the porosity and velocity of the samples; fluid saturation significantly increases the P-wave velocity while it slightly decreases the S-wave velocity; different pressure types cause evident differences in the P-wave velocities. In the rock-physical modeling, we apply four theoretical models and improve the modeling results by integrating the variations of porosity and pore fluids moduli at different pressures and temperatures. Comparison with measured data justifies that the updated modeling results improve the prediction, and among the four models, cementation theory achieves the best prediction results. This study quantitatively characterizes the pressure- and temperature-dependent elastic properties of North Sea heavy oil sands, which can provide a better understanding of the in-situ properties and also facilitate future exploration and production monitoring of the heavy oil reservoirs.
The impact of placental genetic risk for schizophrenia and birth asphyxia on brain development
Authors: Wortinger Laura , Shadrin Alexey , Szabo Attila , Nerland Stener , Smelror Runar , Jørgensen Kjetil , Barth Claudia , Andreou Dimitrios , Thoresen Marianne , Andreassen Ole , Djurovic Srdjan , Ursini Gianluca , Agartz Ingrid
Published: December 2022

The placenta plays a role in fetal brain development, and pregnancy and birth complications can be signs of placental dysfunction. Birth asphyxia is associated with smaller head size and higher risk of developing schizophrenia (SZ), but whether birth asphyxia and placental genetic risk factors associated with SZ are related and how they might impact brain development is unclear. 433 adult patients with SZ and 870 healthy controls were clinically evaluated and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging. Pregnancy and birth information were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) from the latest genome-wide association study in SZ were differentiated into placental PRS (PlacPRS) and non-placental PRS. If the interaction between PRSs and birth asphyxia on case-control status was significant, neonatal head circumference (nHC) and adult intracranial volume (ICV) were further evaluated with these variables using multiple regression. PlacPRS in individuals with a history of birth asphyxia was associated with a higher likelihood of being a patient with SZ (t=2.10, p=.018). We found a significant interaction between PlacPRS and birth asphyxia on nHC in the whole sample (t=-2.14, p=.017), with higher placental PRS for SZ associated with lower nHC in those with birth asphyxia. This relationship was specific to males (t=-2.41, p=.010) and also found with their adult ICV (t=-1.97, p=.028). These findings suggest that placental pathophysiology and birth asphyxia may affect early and late trajectories of brain development, particularly in males with a higher vulnerability to SZ. This knowledge might lead to new strategies of treatment and prevention in SZ.
L-fuzzy generalized neighborhood systems-based pessimistic L-fuzzy rough sets and its applications
Authors: Gao Lu , Yao Bingxue , Li Lingqiang
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a notion of L-fuzzy generalized neighborhood system is introduced and then a novel L-fuzzy rough sets based on it are defined and discussed. It is verified that model is an extension of Pang’s generalized neighborhood system-based pessimistic rough sets, and so called L-fuzzy generalized neighborhood system-based pessimistic L-fuzzy rough sets. Firstly, the basic properties of the pessimistic L-fuzzy rough sets is studied. Later, to regain some Pawlak’s prop- erties those are lost in pessimistic L-fuzzy rough sets, the serial, reflexive, transitive and symmetric conditions for L-fuzzy general neighborhood systems are defined. Secondly, the axiomatic researches of the pessimistic L- fuzzy rough sets (include the serial, reflexive and sym- metric cases) are given. Thirdly, a reduction theory based on preserving L-fuzzy approximation operators is established. Finally, one applied in information system, i.e., a three-way decision model based on pessimistic L- fuzzy rough sets, is builded. A simple practical example to show the effectiveness of our model is also presented.
IGSF6 is a biomarker associated with anti-tumor immune response in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zheng Qisi , Li Miao , Jiang Gechen , Ni Jun , Shen Han , Zhang Zhi , Tian Xinyu
Published: December 2022

Background: Immunoglobulin superfamily 6 (IGSF6) is a novel member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, and it is related to multiple diseases. However, the association of IGSF6 with the prognosis and anti-tumor immune response in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unknown.
Results: By analyzing IGSF6 expression in different cancers based on the pan-cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), it was found that IGSF6 expression was decreased in LUAD. Results of quantitative-real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR), western-blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining further confirmed this finding in paired tumor and normal tissues of LUAD patients. Meanwhile, promoter methylation level of IGSF6in LUAD samples increased compared to that in peritumor samples, implying a potential mechanism that leads to the aberrant expression of IGSF6 in LUAD. By estimating the correlation between IGSF6 expression and the prognosis of LUAD, we found that low IGSF6 expression was significantly related to a worse survival rate. The enrichment analysis of IGSF6 co-expression showed that IGSF6 expression was closely associated with gene sets involved in immune cell proliferation and exogenous antigen presentation. In addition, high IGSF6 expression was positively correlated with immune infiltrates with anti-tumor activity, including M1 macropahges, dendritic cells (DCs), and T helper 1 (Th1) cells. Finally, IGSF6 protein was indicated to be mainly located on the membrane of macrophages in LUAD, which might enable exogenous antigen uptake and presentation so as to regulate anti-tumor immune response.
Conclusions:IGSF6 is a biomarker for LUAD, which may promote the anti-tumor immune response leading to ameliorative prognosis.
Exploring the presence of bovine leukemia virus among breast cancer tumors in a rural state
Authors: Amato Stas , Ramsey Jon , Ahern Thomas P. , Rovnak Joel , Barlow John , Weaver Donald , Eyasu Lud H , Cintolo-Gonzalez Jessica
Published: December 2022

Purpose: The bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a deltaretrovirus that causes malignant lymphoma and lymphosarcomas in cattle globally and has high prevalence among large scale U.S. dairy herds. Associations between presence of BLV DNA in human mammary tissue and human breast cancer incidence have been reported. We sought to estimate the prevalence of BLV DNA in breast cancer tissue samples in a rural state with an active dairy industry.
Methods: We purified genomic DNA from 56 fresh-frozen breast cancer tissue samples (51 tumor samples, 5 samples representing adjacent normal breast tissue) banked between 2016-2019. Using nested PCR assays, multiple BLV taxsequence primers and primers for the long terminal repeat (LTR) were used to detect BLV DNA in tissue samples and known positive control samples, including the permanently infected fetal lamb kidney cell line (FLK-BLV) and blood from BLV positive cattle.
Results: The median age of patients from which samples were obtained at the time of treatment was 60 (40-93) and all were female. Ninety percent of patients had invasive ductal carcinoma. The majority were poorly differentiated (60%). On PCR assay, none of the tumor samples tested positive for BLV DNA, despite having consistent signals in positive controls.
Conclusion: We did not find BLV DNA in fresh-frozen breast cancer tumors from patients presenting to a hospital in Vermont. Our findings suggest a low prevalence of BLV in our patient population and a need to reevaluate the association between BLV and human breast cancer.
Trends in Antiplatelet Strategies 12-months Following Coronary Stent Placement in Anticoagulated Patients
Authors: Gamvroulas Eleni M , Jones Aubrey E , Saunders John A , Jones Tara L , Witt Daniel M
Published: December 2022

Background Antithrombotic guidelines for patients that undergo percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and also require anticoagulant medications are evolving. The objective of this study was to describe changes to antithrombotic therapy and associated outcomes occurring 12-months following PCI in patients requiring ongoing anticoagulation therapy.
Methods Records of patients identified from queries of electronic medical records were manually reviewed to verify changes to antithrombotic therapy from discharge to 12-months and at 12-months following PCI, and episodes of major bleeding, clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB), major adverse cardiovascular or neurological events (MACNE), and all-cause mortality outcomes during an additional 6-months follow-up.
Results Patients (n=114) receiving anticoagulation therapy at 12 months post PCI were classified into the following groups according to antiplatelet therapy status at that time: no antiplatelet therapy (n=16), single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) (n=81), and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) (n=17). During the initial 12 months post PCI, there were 73 outcome events including MACNE (32.5%), major bleeding (8.3%), and CRNMB (13.3%). Between 12- and 18-months following PCI there were 2 major bleeds, 7 CRNMB, 6 MACNE, 2 venous thromboembolisms, and 5 deaths. All but one bleeding episode occurred in the SAPT group.
Conclusions Most anticoagulated patients were continued on antiplatelet therapy after 12-months post PCI. Bleeding was numerically more common in anticoagulated patients continuing SAPT therapy beyond 12 months. There was significant variability in antithrombotic prescribing patterns 12-months post PCI suggesting a potential opportunity for standardizing care in this patient population.
Intratumoral and Peritumoral Radiomics Based on Contrast-enhanced MRI for Preoperatively Predicting Treatment Response of Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Ying , Zhang Jian , Wang Nan , Xu Qihao , Liu Yuhui , Liu Jinghong , Zhang Qinhe , Zhang Xinyuan , Chen Anliang , Chen Lihua , Sheng Liuji , Song Qingwei , Wang Feng , Guo Yan , Liu Ailian
Published: December 2022

Background
Noninvasive and precise methods to estimate treatment response and identify hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who could benefit from transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are urgently required. The present study aimed to investigate the ability of intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics based on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) to preoperatively predict tumor response to TACE in HCC patients.
Methods
This retrospective study involved 138 HCC patients (objective response, n = 73 vs. non-response, n = 65) who were divided into the training (n = 96) and validation (n = 42) cohorts. Total 1206 radiomics features were extracted from arterial, venous, and delayed phases images. Radiomics models on intratumoral region (TR) and peritumoral region (PTR) (3 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm) were established using logistic regression. Three integrated radiomics models, including intratumoral and peritumoral region (T-PTR) (3 mm), T-PTR (5 mm), and T-PTR (10 mm) models, were constructed by using TR and PTR radiomics scores. A clinical-radiological model and a combined model incorporating the optimal radiomics score and selected clinical-radiological predictors were constructed, and the combined model was presented as a nomogram. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical utilities were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis, respectively.
Results
The (T-PTR) (3 mm) radiomics model demonstrated the best performance among all radiomics models with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.911 (95% confidence interval(CI), 0.825–0.975) in the validation cohort. The (T-PTR) (3 mm) radiomics score, alkaline phosphatase, tumor size, and satellite nodule were combined to construct a combined nomogram. The combined nomogram outperformed the clinical-radiological model with the AUCs of 0.918 (95%CI, 0.831–0.986) and 0.782 (95%CI, 0.660–0.902) and achieved good calibration capability and clinical utility.
Conclusions
CE-MRI-based intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics approach can provide an effective tool for the precise and individualized estimation of treatment response for HCC patients treated with TACE.