bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-Driven Facies Prediction Using Surface Drilling Parameters and Formation Elastic Properties – A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Hussain Sadam
Published: August 2023

Unconventional reservoirs comprise of various heterogeneous productive and non-productive units which can be correlated with facies. To focus a target zone during drilling, it is essential to understand and identify unique zones in real-time. However, real-time LWD/MWD tools provide formation properties data with depth and time delay. Machine learning (ML) can help in predicting productive/non-productive facies/rock types without any time and depth delay enabling early decisions resulting in optimization of rig time and cost. In this study, ML approach has been employed to predict the frackable facies in a horizontal well in an unconventional reservoir using real-time surface drilling parameters and formation stress properties.

Initially, the whole data was pre-processed by visualizing through matrix scatterplots and histograms and outliers were removed. Optimum number of clusters were estimated using sum of squares within (SSW) and Silhouttee techniques. MinMax scaling methodology was used to scale up the elastic properties before clustering/labelling. Drilling data was also scaled in the supervised learning before predicting the labels. In the unsupervised learning, the data was labelled through K-means Clustering with 3 number of clusters. The supervised learning techniques used were 1) K-Nearest Neighbors (KNNs) classifier; 2) Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier; and 3) Random Forest (RF) classifier. 80% of drilling data was used to train the classifier, whereas 20% of the data used to test the ML classifier. The hyperparameter grid optimization with 10 cross fold validations was also performed to optimize the parameters of all the classifiers. The variable importance was also evaluated through RF classifier to analyze the impact of sensitive drilling parameters on the predicted facies. Furthermore, confusion matrix and accuracy score of the best parameters also obtained and compared.

This study showed that KNNs, SVM, and RF classifiers predicted frackable facies with 78%, 78.5% and 76.6% accuracy respectively on 20% test data set. These results are based on hyperparameter grid optimization. Also, facie (2) was found to have the highest brittleness index where facie (3) was found to have the highest ductility. The accuracy of KNNs, SVM and RF classifiers based on confusion matrix was 79%, 74% and 77% respectively. The KNNs classifier outperformed both SVM and RF based on testing data. Additionally, it was observed that gamma radiation at bit and standpipe pressure were the most critical parameters in relating to confusion matrix accuracy and had variable importance of ~30% each. The supervised learning algorithms predicted lithology with over 75% accuracy, showing the robustness of data-driven modeling approach.

The success of ML based modeling approach can improve real-time decision making. This data-driven predictive model can also be extended to other wells in conventional rock formations.
Adding Life to Gas Wells Through Deliquification
Authors: Khan Z. H. , Iqbal F. , Ahmed R.
Published: August 2023

This work highlights the successful application of Gas Wells Deliquification techniques in UEP wells for improving recoveries and optimizing production from wells. Liquid loading is one the major challenge that gas well possess at the end of its life cycle. Gas well load-up is a major production challenge that can result in loss of recovery if not addressed cautiously. Most of the production comes from gas wells that are depleted and subject to liquid loading that leads to pre-mature wells load-up when the gas velocity in the tubing/casing is less than critical velocity.

In the continuous effort of production optimization and abandonment pressure reduction for improving recoveries, Gas Wells Deliquification as a project was introduced which included short term and long-term approach of mitigating liquid loading along with competency development. An integrated multi-disciplinary approach was taken to identify candidate wells and phased wise approach of implementing new technologies of soap sticks deployment, plunger lift and coiled tubing gas lift installation. Technology availability is considered as one of the main challenges in the application of these techniques.

The results are very positive in bringing back the production from load-up and shut-in wells. Some of the wells have revived back on production and added ~5-8 BCF reserves. During initial assessment of 300+ wells, ~50 wells are potential deliq candidates that can add potentially ~15-17 BCF of reserves with NPV of 7-10 MM$ in next 2-3 years.
New Similarity and Entropy Measures of Temporal Complex Neutrosophic Set and Its application in Multi-Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Lan Luong Thi Hong , Thong Nguyen Tho , Giang Nguyen Long , Smarandache Florentin , Nam Vo Si , Dzung Dinh Van
Published: August 2023

The Temporal complex neutrosophic set (TCNS) is an effective structure for dealing with information that has uncertain, indeterminate, and time-related factors in decision-making problems. In the last decade, many researchers focused on measuring the uncertainty and vagueness in knowledge using the properties of neutrosophic sets or extensions of neutrosophic sets. Information measures such as similarity and entropy measures are valuable tools for solving real-world multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems. However, the existing method did not care or interest in the information measures of TCNS. This paper proposes several new similarity and entropy measures under the TCNS environment. The proposed measures have been verified and proven to comply with the axiomatic definition of the similarity and entropy measure for the TCNS. Finally, a numerical example related to choosing a tourist destination in Vietnam is given to demonstrate the practical applicability of the proposed measures. The numerical example proves that the proposed similarity and entropy measures of TCNS can produce accurate and reasonable results for decision-making problems in the real world.
Reflexology in oncological treatment – a systematic review
Authors: Klaus Moritz , Kutschan Sabine , Maennle Heidrun , Hübner Jutta , Dörfler Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Background:
As cancer and its therapy comes with a wide range of negative effects, people look for options to mitigate these effects. Reflexology is among the options of complementary medicine.
Method:
In March 2022 a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Medline) to find studies concerning the use, effectiveness and potential harm of reflexology on cancer patients.
Results:
From all 821 search results, 29 publications concerning 26 studies with 2465 patients were included in this systematic review. The patients treated with reflexology were mainly diagnosed with breast, lung, gastrointestinal and hematological cancer. Outcomes were mainly pain, quality of life, anxiety, depression, fatigue. The studies had moderate to low quality and reported heterogeneous results: Some studies reported significant improvements in above mentioned outcomes while other studies did not find any changes concerning these endpoints.
Conclusion:
Due to the very heterogeneous results and methodical limitations of the included studies, a clear statement regarding the effectiveness of reflexology on cancer patients is not possible. The current evidence indicates that reflexology is superior to passive control groups for pain, quality of life and fatigue, however, more studies with comparable active control groups are needed.
EaveTubes for Control of Vector Borne Diseases in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: N’Guessan Raphael , Assi Serge-Brice , Koffi Alphonsine , Phamien Ahoua Alou , Mian Anatole , Achee Nicole L , Fustec Benedicte , Grieco John P. , Liu Fang , Kumar Santosh , Noffsinger Matthew , Hudson Ashley , Möhlmann Tim , Farenhorst Marit
Published: August 2023

Background: Vector control tools, long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), have significantly contributed to malaria prevention efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. However, insecticide resistance has seriously hampered their efficacy in recent years and new tools are essential to further progress. In2Care® EaveTubes (ETs) are an inexpensive, new resistance-breaking vector control product under World Health Organization (WHO) evaluation informed by mosquito ecology to efficiently target malaria vectors. By installing ETs in the walls of the house at eave level that funnel the natural airflow, mosquitoes are drawn in by the same heat and odor cues that typically attract them through open eaves. Once inside an ET, mosquitoes are exposed to insecticide-treated netting placed inside the ET. The aim of this study is to test whether ETs as stand-alone tool have an effect on the epidemiology of malaria in villages where houses have been modified with the ET intervention.
Methods: A two-armed, cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the effect of ETs on clinical malaria incidence in children living in Côte d’Ivoire. Thirty-four villages will be selected based on population size and the proportion of houses suitable for modification with ETs (17 treatment arm (ETs + LLINs, 17 control arm (LLINs only)). Based on the population census, 55 households per cluster with eligible children (i.e. between the ages of 6 months to 8 years old at the start of the study) will be randomly selected for recruitment into the active detection cohorts. In the treatment arm, we will enroll eligible children who reside in ET-treated houses. The intervention and control cohorts will be followed for 4 months for baseline covariate measurements and 24 months with intervention. During case detection visits, blood samples will be taken from all febrile children and tested for malaria infection with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). All positive clinical malaria infections will be treated. To estimate the impact of the ET on malaria vector densities, entomological measurements (indoor sampling with CDC traps) will be conducted monthly in 20 clusters (10 ET, 10 Control) in 10 randomly selected households per cluster. To estimate the infectiousness of malaria vectors, sporozoite rates will be measured in subsets of the collected mosquito samples.
Discussion: Findings will serve as an efficacy trial of ETs and will be submitted to the WHO Vector Control Advisory Group (VCAG) for assessment of public health value. Entomological outcomes will also be measured as proxies of malaria transmission to help develop guidelines for the evaluation of future In2Care® ETs products.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05736679. Registered February 10, 2023.
Superconducting-insulating quantum phase transition associated with valence change in compressed perovskite bismuth-oxides
Authors: Sun Liling , Han Jinyu , Zhu Xiangde , Zhang Jian-Feng , Cai Shu , Guo Jing , Zhou Yazhou , Zhao Jinyu , Wang Pengyu , Wang Lihua , Wei Xiangjun , Jiang Sheng , Yang Ke , Gong Yu , Li Yanchun , Li Xiaodong , Cao Lixin , Tian Mingliang , Wu Qi , Xiang Tao
Published: August 2023

Searching for a universal trend by the same tuning method in different high-temperature superconductors with a similar crystal structure is a common strategy to find clues for a better understanding the superconducting mechanism in a unified way. It is known that the hole-doped bismuth-oxide Ba1-xKxBiO3 possesses a similar perovskite structure to that of the hole-doped copper-oxide (cuprate) superconductors but also holds a comparatively high superconducting transition temperature. In this study, we report the first observation of the pressure-induced quantum phase transition (QPT) from superconducting to insulating states in a series of Ba1-xKxBiO3 single-crystal samples. A similar QPT has also been observed recently in the compressed cuprate superconductors1. Significantly, we found that the QPT observed in Ba1-xKxBiO3 is intriguingly associated with the valence change of the Bi ions in the material. These results lead us to propose that the pressure-induced valence change from Bi3+ to Bi5+ destroys the hole-doping effect on stabilizing the conductivity and corresponding superconductivity. By comparing the high-pressure behaviors observed in these two kinds of oxides, we identified another prominent feature shared by them - the more the hole-doping concentration, the higher the critical pressure required for driving the QPT.
A systematic review of school-based student peer-led oral health interventions to promote the oral health of schoolchildren
Authors: Elsadek Yasmen E. , Edwebi Sakina , Turner Abigail , Vinall-Collier Karen , Csikar Julia , Pavitt Sue
Published: August 2023

Background: Poor oral health in children highlights the need for prevention and effective interventions. During late childhood and adolescence, peer relationships can play a vital role in adopting and maintaining positive health behaviours.
Aim: To explore the change in oral health outcome measures of school-based student peer-led oral health interventions to promote oral health compared to other modes of delivery.
Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a search strategy was developed, piloted, and run in four electronic databases: Medline via Ovid, Web of Science, CINAHL via EBSCO, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) using key concepts of peer, oral health and adolescent in the school context. Methodological quality was assessed using QuaDs quality assessment tool. All articles were independently screened by two researchers and data was analysed using narrative data synthesis.
Results: There were 7572 identified, 24 studies progressed to full-text review, ten studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Only six studies based their interventions on psychological & behavioural theory. Intervention delivered by peers showed improvements in both clinical and self-reported outcomes when compared to other delivery methods (e.g., professionals). Quality of included studies was reported according to QuaDs guidance.
Conclusion: Peer-led interventions were more effective in improving oral health status and behaviours when compared to other modes of delivery. Future research should assess if a bi-directional impact of peer-led interventions can be seen. Specifically, if there is added value for peer-leader's oral behaviours.
Equity Centered Post Discharge Support for Medicaid Insured: A Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness Implementation Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial Study Protocol For The ‘THRIVE’ Clinical Pathway
Authors: Carthon J Margo Brooks , Brom Heather , Grantham-Murillo Marsha , Sliwinski Kathy , Mason Aleigha , Roeser Mindi , Miles Donna , Garcia Dianne , Bennett Jovan , Harhay Michael O , Flores Emilia , Clark Rebecca
Published: August 2023

Background
Disparities in posthospitalization outcomes for people with chronic medical conditions and insured by Medicaid are well documented, yet interventions that mitigate them are lacking. Prevailing transitional care interventions narrowly target people over age 65, with specific disease processes, or limitedly focus on individual-level behavioral change such as self-care or symptom management, thus failing to adequately provide a holistic approach to ensure an optimal post-hospital care continuum. The current study evaluates the implementation of THRIVE – an evidence-based, equity-focused clinical pathway that supports Medicaid-insured individuals with multiple chronic conditions transitioning from hospital to home by focusing on the social determinants of health and systemic and structural barriers in health care delivery. THRIVE services include coordinating care, standardizing interdisciplinary communication, and addressing unmet clinical and social needs following hospital discharge.
Methods
Type I Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial
Discussion
The implementation and evaluation of the THRIVE clinical pathway will identify clinical supports and practice factors that influence success.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.govNCT05714605. Registered February 6, 2023 – Implementation and Evaluation of a Health Innovation to Support Medicaid-Insured Individuals Following Hospitalization
Efficacy of early warning score systems as prediction tools for detecting critically ill patients in an outpatient setting
Authors: Ehara Jun , Ohde Sachiko , Hiraoka Eiji , Homma Yosuke , Fuijitani Shigeki
Published: August 2023

No systematic methods exist for triaging outpatients with serious conditions. Our previous pilot study showed that the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) could predict admissions and unexpected intensive care unit (ICU) transfers in rapid response system-activated outpatients. The Visensia Score Index (VSI) is another artificial intelligence-based Early Warning Score Systems that automatically collates and analyzes data from bedside monitors. This single-center retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate and compare efficacy of NEWS and VSI as a prediction tool among whole first-visit patients of our internal medicine clinic. From June 1, 2018 to November 30, 2018 at a 350-bed teaching community hospital in Japan. Patient age and sex, and physiological measurements, NEWS, VSI as well as disposition and outcomes were collected. This study included 3301 patients. There were 108 (3.3%), 16 (0.5%), and 5 (0.2%) patients admitted to the general ward, high dependency unit (HDU), and ICU, respectively. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of the NEWS for hospital admission, HDU or ICU admission, and ICU admission were 0.71 (95% CI, 0.66–0.76), 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80–0.97), and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.996–1.0), respectively. The AUCs of the VSI for admission, HDU or ICU admission, and ICU admission were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.60–0.71), 0.82 (95% CI, 0.71–0.93), and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96–0.98), respectively. The AUC of the NEWS was significantly superior to that of the VSI for hospital (p = 0.03) and ICU admission (p < 0.01). The NEWS could triage patients with serious conditions in an outpatient setting.
Standardization of process parameters for enhanced prodigiosin production from wheat bran using Taguchi methodology
Authors: Tripathi Abhishek Dutt , Maurya Kamlesh Kumar , Kumar Deepak , Panesar Parmjit S , Paul Veena , Agarwal Aparna
Published: August 2023

Prodigiosin finds tremendous application in the food industry owing to its physicochemical and non-toxic attributes. In the present investigation, microbial production of food color (prodigiosin) was done by Serratia marcescens NCIM 5246 under solid-state fermentation (SSF). For economical prodigiosin yield, initial substrate screening was conducted using agro-waste such as rice bran, wheat bran, orange peel powder, green gram husk and cane molasses. A maximum pigment yield of 1059.67 ± 1.53 µg/L was observed on wheat bran media. Further, Taguchi Design of the experiment (DOE) using Qualitek-4 software with bigger is better as quality attributes was done for process optimization. The Taguchi (DOE) comprised five independent variables, i.e., pH, temperature, substrate concentration, trace metal concentration, and inoculum size at two levels. The software deduced independent variables’ individual and interactive effects on product yield by performing an L8 orthogonal array (OA). The output variable (prodigiosin yield) was improved based on the S/N ratio. Under optimized cultural conditions maximum prodigiosin yield of 1320.2 ± 20 µg/L was obtained. The expected prodigiosin yield of 1386.60 µg/L showed a 95% resemblance with the actual yield, showed model validation, and 24.57% improvement in overall yield. The extracted pigment was purified by TLC and was characterized as prodigiosin by absorption spectroscopy and FTIR.
A new vaccine strategy based on VLSs for use against SARS-CoV-2 variants: Evaluation of their immune effectiveness and investigation of the mechanism
Authors: Li Qihan , Zhang Jingjing , Li Yanmei , Mu Changyong , Liu Change , Wang Lichun , Peng Xiaowu , He Liping , Su Yanrui , Li Hongbing , Wang An , Feng Lin , Gao Dongxiu , Zhang Zhixiao , Xu Gang , Wang Yixuan , Zeng Fengyuan , Yue Rong , Si Junbo , Zheng Lichun , Zhang Xiong , He Fuyun , Yi Hongkun , Tang Zhongshu , Li Gaocan , Li Yuhua , Ma Kaili
Published: August 2023

A new lipid system broadening the capacity of antigen carriage, including mRNA and protein, is established, and an assembled virus-like-structure (VLS) encapsulated mRNA of S1 protein from XBB.1 and loaded S1 protein from omicron BA.1 on the surface is identified. This characterized VLS enables to specifically augment mRNA expression in human respiratory epithelial cells and macrophages via its loaded S1 protein on the surface interacting with ACE2 or DC-SIGN molecules of cells. It also archives effective mRNA expression in mouse dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages via surface S1 protein binding to DC-SIGN molecules followed by the activation of DCs and macrophages in mice. The intensive antibody response against viral variants in Balb/c mice immunized by VLS was observed to be greater than those immunized by mRNA or protein vaccine alone, while ACE+/+ mice and hamsters immunized with VLS were observed to be more effective for restraining viral replication of the Omicron or Wuhan strain challenge. The mechanism of this robust immunity elicited by VLS was found being involved in the integrated effect of diverse signals from activated innate immunity to the adaptive immune system.
Solutions of Localized Induction Equation Associated with Involute Evolute Curves
Authors: Eren Kemal , Myrzakulova Zhaidary , Ersoy Soley , Myrzakulov Ratbay
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we derive the surfaces, which are called Hasimoto surfaces, corresponding to solutions of the localized induction equation for involute evolute curves. We investigate the differential geometric properties of these surfaces associated with the involute evolute curves. Moreover, we calculate the Gaussian and mean curvatures of Hasimoto surfaces in terms of curvatures of the curve pairs. Then, we determine the conditions for these surfaces' parameter curves to be the geodesics, asymptotics, and/or lines of curvature of the surface. We have demonstrated the evolutions of involute evolute curves in examples.
Valorization of deodorizing distillate palm oil residue for larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and synergistic effect of their free fatty acids
Authors: Ribeiro Arlefe Noite , LOPES SAMUEL QUEIROZ , Marinho Victor H. , Araújo Inana F. , Ramos Ryan da S. , Souto Raimundo N. P. , Nazaré Alex O. , Luque Rafael , Nascimento Luís Adriano S. do , Ferreira Irlon
Published: August 2023

Increased consumption of palm oil results in more palm oil by-products. To meet environmental sustainability, deodorizing distillate palm oil (DDPO) also calls attention to diversifying its technological or commercial application. Because of this, the present work, to present new economic-scientific alternatives for this by-product, aimed to evaluate the larvicide effect of DDPO, well as to investigate the synergistic effect of the combination of these fatty acid present in the composition of DDPO, against larvae of 3rd instar of Ae. aegypti. The DDPO larvicide assay showed a high mortality rate, with an LC50 of 6.18 µg.mL− 1 at 24 h and 8.73 µg.mL− 1 at 48 h of treatment. In addition, the results of LC50, among saturated fatty foods and between the combination of fatty acid (myristic, lauric, stearic and oleic) with palmitic acid, were met positively by second-degree polynomial regression analysis. Finally, the study of molecular docking, corroborated, as potential inhibitors of the binding of juvenile hormones. Together, the results suggest that DDPO can be a potential natural larvicide agent, making it an alternative to the excessive use of synthetic insecticides, thus minimizing its impacts on the environment and promoting new technologies for the use of this palm oil by-product.
The nature of edge pinning and vanishing friction in microscale structural superlubric graphite contact
Authors: Ma Ming , Hu Hengqian , Wang Jin , Tian Kaiwen , Zheng Quanshui
Published: August 2023

Structural superlubricity (SSL), a state of ultralow friction and no wear between two solid surfaces in contact, offers a fundamental solution for reducing friction and wear. Recent studies find that the edge pinning of SSL contact dominates the friction. However, its nature remains mysterious due to the lack of direct characterizations on atomic scale, especially for graphite, one of the most widely used materials for SSL. Here, for microscale graphite mesa, with detailed characterizations using atomic force microscopy, friction force microscopy, focused ion beam, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we unambiguously reveal the atomic structure and chemical composition of the disordered edge. The friction stress for each contact condition, namely, edge/edge, edge/surface, and surface/surface contacts are quantified, with the ratio being 104:103:1. The mechanism is revealed by full-atomic molecular dynamic simulations, which reproduce the measured friction quantitatively. Inspired by such understanding, through fabricating SixNy caps with tensile stress, we further eliminate the friction caused by the edges through disengaging the edges from the substrate. As a result, an SSL contact with ultralow friction stress of 0.1 kPa or lower is achieved directly. Such a vanishing friction is 1-2 orders lower than all the values ever reported and approaches the theoretical limit of friction for structural superlubric contact.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on retinopathy of prematurity services in low resource settings
Authors: Gilbert Clare
Published: August 2023

Background and objectives
Retinopathy of prematurity is an increasingly important cause of blindness children in low- and middle-income countries. Timely screening and treatment greatly reduce blindness. This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ROP services in low- and middle-income countries.
Methods
An online survey with closed and open-ended questions in Microsoft Teams was sent to 304 ophthalmologists providing screening, treatment and/or vitreoretinal services(January 15 to March 12 2021). Categories were used to report impact on services. 28 participants were purposively selected for interview.
Results
184/201 completed forms from 32 countries were received. Two thirds of participants worked in government facilities and 45.6% were pediatric ophthalmologists. A moderate to severe impact was reported by 13% for screening, 9% for treatment and 16% for vitreoretinal surgery with some variation between government, private and not-for-profit sectors. 22% thought services would take a year to recover. Fifteen ophthalmologists from 12 countries were interviewed. Many reported fewer neonatal admissions, and several reported more ROP blind infants once restrictions lifted. Themes associated with services continuing included limited lockdown, autonomy and flexibility, commitment, advocacy and technology. Themes associated with a negative impact include fear and panic, closure of facilities, COVID infection or quarantining of health workers and parents, lack of transport and exacerbation of poverty.
Conclusions
The COVID pandemic had a very variable impact on the provision of ROP services. In some countries where the impact was great, more infants became blind from ROP. Lessons can be learnt for planning pandemic preparedness.
A novel stepwise catheter ablation method of the mitral isthmus for persistent atrial fibrillation: efficacy and reproducibility
Authors: Li Jingchao , Cui Shihua , Song Huihui , Cui Luqian , Yu Haijia , Chu Yingjie , Dong Shujuan
Published: August 2023

Background: Ethanol infusion of the vein of Marshall (EI-VOM) has been widely used to facilitate mitral isthmus (MI) ablation. According to the literature, the success rate of achieving a bidirectional conduction block across the MI ranges from 51% to 96%, and there is no standardized strategy or method for other cardiac electrophysiologists.
Objectives: This study aimed to introduce and evaluate a novel ablation method of MI.
Methods: Consecutive patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) that underwent catheter ablation were included. The MI ablation procedure followed a stepwise approach. In step 1, Ethanol infusion of the vein of Marshall (EI-VOM) was performed; in step 2, a "V-shape" endocardial linear ablation connecting the left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV) to mitral annulus (MA) was performed; in step 3, earliest activation sites(EASs) near the ablation line were identified using activation mapping and reinforced ablation was performed; in step 4, precise epicardial ablation was performed, with the catheter introduced into the coronary sinus(CS) to aim at key ablation targets (KATs).
Results: 135 patients with PeAF underwent catheter ablation. Finally, 119 of them were included in the stepwise ablation method. Bidirectional conduction blocks were achieved in 117 patients (98.3%). The block rates of every step were 0%, 58.0%, 44.0%, and 92.9%, and the cumulative block rates for the four steps were 0%, 58.0%, 76.5%, and 98.3%, respectively. No patient suffered from fatal complications.
Conclusions: Our novel stepwise catheter ablation method for MI demonstrated a high bidirectional block rate with high reproducibility.
Influence of bioconvection on Williamson MHD fluid flow through extending porous surface
Authors: Basit Abdul , Zahid Muhammad , Liśkiewicz Grzegorz
Published: August 2023

The primary goal of this research is to investigate the consequences of Brownian motion and thermophoresis diffusion in Williamson MHD fluid flow across an extended porous sheet, as well as thermal radiation and microorganism bioconvection. Similarity functions are used to convert partial differential equations (PDEs) into equivalent ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to achieve this goal. The Runge-Kutta (RK) method with shooting strategy is then utilised to obtain the desired outcomes using a MATLAB script. In the presence of a strong magnetic parameter, the fluid velocity decreases, but it increases with mixed convection. As thermophoresis (Nt) and Brownian motion (Nb) parameters are increased, the temperature rises. The velocity field is decreased by theLewis number of bioconvection.
Adsorption of pyrolysis oil model compound (phenol) with plasma-modified hydro-chars and mechanism exploration
Authors: An Qing , Chen Dezhen , Tang Yuzhen , Hu Yuyan , Feng Yuheng , Qian Kezhen , Yin Lijie
Published: August 2023

Phenol is one of the important ingredients of pyrolysis oil, contributing to the high biotoxicity of pyrolysis oil. To promote the degradation and conversion of phenol during anaerobic digestion, hydro-chars with high phenol adsorption capacity were produced. The phenol adsorption capabilities of the plain hydro-char, plasma modified hydro-char at 25 ℃ (HC-NH3-P-25), and plasma modified hydro-char at 500 ℃ (HC-NH3-P-500), and their adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics were explored. Experimental results indicate that the phenol adsorption capability of HC-NH3-P-500 was the highest. The phenol adsorption kinetics of all samples followed the Pseudo-second-order equation and interparticle diffusion model, indicating that the adsorption rate of phenol was controlled by interparticle diffusion and chemistry adsorption simultaneously. By DFT calculations, π-π stacking and hydrogen bond are the main interactions for phenol adsorption. It was observed that an enriched graphite N content decreased the average vertical distance between hydro-chars and phenol in π-π stacking complex, from 3.5120 Å to 3.4532 Å, causing an increase in the negative adsorption energy between phenol and hydro-char from 13.9330 to 23.4181 kJ/mol. For hydrogen bond complex, the average vertical distance decreased from 3.4885 Å to 3.3386 Å due to the increase in graphite N content; causing the corresponding negative adsorption energy increased from 19.0233 to 19.9517 kJ/mol. Additionally, the presence of graphite N in the hydro-char created a positive diffusion region and enhanced the electron density between hydro-char and phenol. Analyses suggest that enriched graphite N contributed to the adsorption complex stability, resulting in an improved phenol adsorption capacity.
Physicochemical assessment, characterization, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of essential oil extracted from peel of different galgal (Citrus pseudolimon) cultivars
Authors: Grover Sumit , Sachdev Poonam , Kaur Sukhpreet , Yadav Rahul , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2023

Purpose
The extraction of essential oil from citrus fruit peel is an innovative way to make use of a valuable component that is often considered waste. This research focused on extracting essential oil from three different galgal cultivars (Punjab Galgal; PBG, Haryana Galgal; HRG, and Himachal Galgal; HPG) using various methods. The extracted oils were tested for bioactive components, which were subsequently investigated for antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Method
The peel obtained from various fruit cultivars were examined for physicochemical and phytochemical properties. The essential oils were then extracted from peel by employing different techniques and the yield was calculated to adopt best possible method. The characterization of bioactive components in essential oils was done using gas chromatography mass spectrometry method. Finally, the essential oils were studied for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Results
The pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, moisture, color, proteins, fat, fibers, total carotenoids, chlorophyll, and ash content of fruit peel varied across different fruit varieties. Among the methods tested for essential oil extraction, the Clevenger method demonstrated superior performance compared to supercritical fluid, steam distillation, microwave-assisted, and ultrasound-assisted extraction. The essential oils extracted from the fruit peels contained varying amounts of D-limonene, a-ocimene, a-myrcene, and a-pinene, with variations observed among different cultivars. Furthermore, all essential oils exhibited good antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Conclusion
The utilization of essential oils as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents in foods is an effective strategy for fruit industry waste valorization, and it could also best serve as a substitute for various chemical preservatives.
Quantitative comparison of spark plasma's influence on parameters affecting rejuvenation of the skin at two different voltages
Authors: Ghasemi Erfan , Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Khani Mohammadreza , Amirkhani Mohammad Amir , Nouri Maryam , Charipoor Parisa , Shokri Babak
Published: August 2023

The skin is the body's largest organ and protects against mechanical, thermal, and physical harm. However, the skin's function and appearance decrease visibly with age due to repeated exposure to adverse environmental impacts such as UV rays and toxic substances and the development of oxidative stress in aging. During aging, these factors cause phenotypic changes in the skin, such as wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of elasticity, and moisture. SPARK plasma has been found in studies to preserve skin against aging effectively. The effects of two separate spark plasma device modes with voltages of 3.44 and 4.88 kV on skin health, including pigmentation, skin firmness, elasticity, and moisture loss, were studied using the MPA9 multifunctional skin tester in this study. In addition, utilizing ultrasound, the effectiveness of two plasma modes on skin density and thickness was examined. The findings of this study suggest that spark plasma may slow the skin's aging process by enhancing its elasticity, density, and thickness. However, there were no difficulties or scars at the treatment location at the end of this study, indicating that Spark plasma can be utilized as a new way to delay the aging process.
Study on the influence of bond length on the bond properties of CFRP-concrete interface under Sulfate environment
Authors: Cheng YANG , ZHANG Shize , ZHANG Jiyuan
Published: August 2023

Sulfate attack is an important factor in the degradation of CFRP-concrete interface properties. The sulfate test was simulated by the accelerated dry-wet cycle test to study the effect of interface bond length on the bond performance of CFRP-concrete interface under sulfate attack. The results show that: 1) After the dry-wet cycle of sulfate, the bond performance of CFRP-concrete interface deteriorated, and the ultimate bearing capacity, ultimate slip and bond stiffness of the CFRP-concrete decreased significantly with the increase of erosion time; 2) As the time of sulfate attack increases, the failure mode of the interface changes, the failure surface is closer to the glue layer, and the triangular shear zone is no longer generated at the loading end; 3) After the dry and wet cycle of sulfuric acid, the effective bond length of the interface increases; 4) Through the fitting analysis of the test data, the formula for calculating the effective bond length considering the influence of the dry and wet cycles of sulfate is given.
Spatial distribution patterns and structure of epigeal nests of soldierless termites in livestock systems in the northwestern Colombian Amazon
Authors: Duran-Bautista Ervin Humprey , Salzar Juan Carlos Suárez , Yalanda-Sepulveda Katherin
Published: August 2023

Soil-feeding termites have adapted to homogeneous and highly disturbed landscapes such as pastures dedicated to cattle ranching, where they build numerous mounds that can affect the useful area of pastures due to the high density of nests. This study evaluated the spatial distribution pattern and structure of the mounds built by two species of soil-feeding termites Patawatermes turricola and Rustitermes boteroi. This work was carried out in pastures of livestock systems in El Doncello municipality in acid soils and low fertility, twenty-five plots of 400 m2 were established where the mounds number present were counted and georeferenced, and the basal perimeter, height, and distance to the nearest neighbor were measured to determine the density of mounds and spatial distribution pattern. Results show a high nest density of 62.5 mounds/ha; however, the presence of these mounds does not compromise the useful area of the pastures due to their low percentage of total area (0.08%). The study showed two distribution patterns (random and regular) that can be related with intraspecific and interspecific competition, environmental conditions and flight distance of the species. P. turricola presented higher mounds and moved the greatest amount of soil; in contrast, R. boteroi presented nests with greater volume and basal perimeter. In general, study showed that presence of numerous mounds in livestock systems does not affect useful area of pastures, since they occupy less than 1% of the area that freely allows livestock activity without any affectation.
Patient-specific computational models of retinal prostheses
Authors: Kish Kathleen E. , Yuan Alex , Weiland James D.
Published: August 2023

Retinal prostheses stimulate inner retinal neurons to create visual perception for blind patients. Implanted arrays have many small electrodes, which act as pixels. Not all electrodes induce perception at the same stimulus amplitude, requiring clinicians to manually establish a visual perception threshold for each one. Phosphenes created by single-electrode stimuli can also vary in shape, size, and brightness. Computational models provide a tool to predict inter-electrode variability and automate device programming. In this study, we created statistical and patient-specific field-cable models to investigate inter-electrode variability across seven epiretinal prosthesis users. Our statistical analysis revealed that retinal thickness beneath the electrode correlated with perceptual threshold, with a significant fixed effect across participants. Electrode-retina distance and electrode impedance also correlated with perceptual threshold for some participants, but these effects varied by individual. We developed a novel method to construct patient-specific field-cable models from optical coherence tomography images. Predictions with these models significantly correlated with perceptual threshold for 80% of participants. Additionally, we demonstrated that patient-specific field-cable models could predict retinal activity and phosphene size. These computational models could be beneficial for determining optimal stimulation settings in silico, circumventing the trial-and-error testing of a large parameter space in clinic.
PPARα suppresses low-intensity-noise-induced body weight gain in mice: the aggravation of fatty liver is covered up
Authors: Liu Aiming , yan zheng , Luo Jia , Dai Manyun , Su Mingli , Jiang Lei , Yang Julin
Published: August 2023

Background As the second risky environmental pollution, noise imposes threats to human health. Exposure to high-intensity noise causes hearing impairment, psychotic disorders, endocrine modifications. However, the relationship among low-intensity noise, obesity and lipid-regulating nuclear factor PPARα is not yet clear.Methods In this study, wild-type (WT) and Pparα-null (KO) mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) were exposed to 75 dB noise for 12 weeks to explore the effect of low-intensity noise on obesity development and the role of PPARα. 3T3-L1 cells were treated with dexamethasone (DEX) to verify the down-stream effect of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation on the adipose tissues.Results The average body weight gain (BWG) of WT mice on HFD exposed to noise was inhibited by 34.6%, which was not observed in KO mice. The mass and adipocyte size of adipose tissues accounted for the above difference of BWG tendency. In WT mice on HFD, the adrenocorticotropic hormone level was increased by the noise challenge. The aggravation of fatty liver by noise exposure occurred in both mouse lines, and the transport of hepatic redundant lipid to adipose tissues were similar. The lipid metabolism in adipose tissue driven by HPA axis accorded with the BWG inhibition, validated in 3T3-L1 adipogenic stem cell model.Conclusion Chronic exposure to low-intensity noise aggravated fatty liver in both WT and KO mice. BWG inhibition was observed only in WT mice, which covered up the aggravation of fatty liver by noise exposure. Lipid metabolism in adipose tissues driven by HPA axis activation contributed to the disassociation of BWG and fatty liver development in WT mice.
Analysis of the relationship of axial length, optic disc morphology, and regional variations in retinal vessel density in young adults with healthy eyes
Authors: Chen yanhui , Rong Hua , Liu Yuling , Sun Ziwen , Dang Weiyu , Lu Kunpeng , Mi Baoyue , Li Jing , Wei Ruihua , Gao Huijuan
Published: August 2023

Background
To investigate the relationship between optic disc morphology, axial length, and regional distribution of retinal vessels in healthy eyes of young adults.
Methods
Eighty-hundred and seventy-one healthy eyes were enrolled in this university-based, cross-sectional study. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography measured the parapapillary retinal vessel density. We evaluated the optic disc tilt and rotation in scanning laser ophthalmoscopy images. Relationships between optic disc rotation, optic disc tilt, parapapillary vessel density, and other ocular parameters were analyzed using regression models.
Results
During axial length, optic disc morphology became more tilted and rotated inferiorly. The superficial vessel density (SVD) and radial peripapillary capillaries density (RPCD) decreased gradually in all regions except for the temporal quadrant. Increased temporal SVD (OR [95% CI] = 1.081 [1.039, 1.124], P < 0.001), reduced nasal SVD, (OR [95% CI] = 0.898 [0.861, 0.937], P < 0.01) and short relative lens position (OR [95% CI] = 0.126 [0.032, 0.495], P = 0.003) were significantly associated with the presence of tilted disc. Inferiorly rotated of the optic disc was associated with decreased superior deep vessel density (DVD) and increased inferior DVD and temporal DVD after adjusting the sex and axial length.
Conclusion
The ovality and inferior rotation of optic discs increased with the axial length elongation, and the tilted and rotated discs were associated with the distribution of SVD and DVD, respectively. We should fully consider the influence of optic disc morphology on parapapillary vessel density in eyes with myopia.
Microbes and Microbial Strategies in Carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Remediation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Banerjee Sandipan , Gupta Nitu , Pramanik Krishnendu , Gope Manash , GhoshThakur Richik , Karmakar Animesh , Gogoi Nayanmoni , Hoque Raza Rafiqul , Mandal Narayan Chandra , Balachandran Srinivasan
Published: August 2023

Degradation, detoxification or removal of the omnipresent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the ecosphere as well as their prevention from entering into food chain has never appeared simple. In this context, cost-effective, eco-friendly and sustainable solutions like microbes-mediated strategies have been adopted worldwide. With this connection, measures have been taken by multifarious modes of microbial remedial strategies, i.e., enzymatic degradation, biofilm and biosurfactant production, application of biochar immobilized microbes, lactic acid bacteria, rhizospheric-phyllospheric-endophytic microorganisms, genetically engineered microorganisms, and microbial fuel cell techniques etc. In this review, a nine-way directional approach which is based on the microbial resources reported over the last couple of decades has been described. Fungi found as the most dominant taxa among the CPAH-degrading microbial community constituting 52.2%, while bacteria, algae and yeasts occupied 37.4%, 9.1% and 1.3%, respectively. In addition to these, category-wise CPAH degrading efficiencies of each microbial taxa, consortium-based applications, CPAH-degradation related molecular tool, and factors affecting CPAH-degradation are the other important aspects of this review in light of their appropriate selection and application in the PAH-contaminated environment for better human-health management in order to achieve a sustainable ecosystem.
Development, characterization, and consumer acceptance evaluation of thermally stable capsule beads containing mixed extracts of green tea and turmeric
Authors: Singh Kanjana , Adhikari Benu , Low Julia , Brennan Margaret Anne , Newman Lisa , Brennan Charles Stephen , Utama-ang Niramon
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of shell (coating) formulations comprised of alginate and glucono delta lactone (GDL) to encapsulate a mixture of green tea and turmeric extracts. Three concentrations (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%, w/v) of alginate and GDL were used, and their solid ratio was varied using a factorial design. A response surface model was applied to optimize the retention of catechin and curcuminoid contents, encapsulation efficiency, and minimize undesirable flavor and taste. Increasing the concentration of alginate and GDL significantly increased the retention of catechin and curcuminoid contents, encapsulation efficiency, and consumer acceptance (p < 0.05). The encapsulating solution containing 1% of each alginate and GDL performed the best against each criterion. The thermal treatment carried out at boiling point of water for 15 min had a significant impact on retention of catechin and curcuminoid content which in thermally treated beads was 5.15 and 3.85 times higher than unencapsulated, respectively. The consumer acceptance of the encapsulated beads after thermal treatment was higher than unencapsulated formulations as they exhibited lesser pungent flavor and bitterness. Thus, the optimized encapsulating formulations can be used to produce thermally stable microcapsules containing polyphenol-rich mixed plant extracts and used as functional ingredients.