bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study Outlines Steps for Dewatering, Transport, and Disposal of Produced Solids
Authors: Carpenter Chris 
Published: December 2023

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 The paper has not been peer reviewed.

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

Facilities Sand Management (FSM)
FSM refers to the solids-handling processes in the hydrocarbon production and processing system from the wellhead to custody transfer, based on engineering knowledge and a certain degree of skill.
FSM is not a waste-stream-treatment exercise but a critical flow-assurance issue. Production and uptime are maintained (or increased) even when solids are present, while the operating costs are minimized or reduced. This is accomplished through the use of a proper facility design incorporating the five steps of sand management to fully manage and handle the sand produced. Each step must be integrated into the facility design. The authors identify these steps as follows:
1. Separate—Partition solid particles from liquid, gas, or multiphase flow into a separate stream.
2. Collect—Gather the partitioned solids into a single central location and remove them from the process pressure and flow.
3. Clean—Remove adsorbed hydrocarbon contaminants from the gathered sand particles with an attrition scrubbing system.
4. Dewater—Remove free water from the sand slurry to minimize the disposal volume dramatically.
5. Transport—Transport the solids to a final disposal location.

Role of DTD
An improperly designed DTD system likely will cause a congestion of the entire solids-management system. The starting point for discussion, when considering the FSM approach, is to identify the proper (final) disposal route of the solids and then work backward to meet that requirement.
The Pareto principle (or the 80/20 rule) applies as equally to sand management as it does to macroeconomics. The 80/20 rule applied to FSM entails that 80% of the CAPEX of an FSM system can be attributed to the separating device (Step 1), while the work accounting for 80% of the OPEX of the FSM system is associated with the DTD method. The clear CAPEX ramification is probably why so much focus has been placed on separating devices. In the long term, however, the OPEX of sand management should be considered.
Trade in the time of Covid-19: an empirical analysis based on Italian data
Authors: Cariola Gianmarco 
Published: November 2023

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

Abstract

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