bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is There Unusual Hysteresis Between Primary Drainage and Imbibition Relative Permeability for Supercritical Carbon Dioxide?
Authors: Magzymov D. , Jerauld G. , Lyons E. , Richardson S. , Lun L.
Published: September 2024

The objective of this paper is to investigate supercritical CO2 (scCO2) hysteresis behavior between primary drainage and primary imbibition and to directly compare results with known non-wetting nitrogen (N2) gas using the same core, the same experimental apparatus, and the same test conditions. Carbon dioxide injection is a drainage process, whereas post-injection scCO2 plume migration involves imbibition. Typically, supercritical carbon dioxide in aquifer is assumed to be water wet. In this work, we will perform drainage and imbibition relative permeability tests with supercritical carbon dioxide - brine and nitrogen - brine under reservoir conditions and evaluate if there is any unexpected hysteresis specifically associated with scCO2.

Relative permeability experiments are conducted using a steady-state recirculation coreflooding unit with equilibrated fluids. Both scCO2 and nitrogen are equilibrated with brine to generate high confidence data. We use Berea sandstone core to reduce any potential rock-fluid effects. Carbon dioxide and brine typically cannot be directly treated as simple immiscible fluids due to their mutual solubility and sensitivity of phase behavior to temperature and pressure. Thus, carbon dioxide relative permeability studies require the use of equilibrated fluids, close control on temperature, control of pressure differential across the core, corrosion resistant materials, and specialized equipment. We completed both scCO2 – brine and N2 – brine relative permeability tests at the same reservoir conditions and using the same core sample. The results indicate that scCO2 relative permeability is similar to nitrogen, where both fluids show strongly water-wet hysteresis behavior.
The Future is Wireless Control & Monitoring
Authors: Abbott J. , Forrest K.
Published: September 2024

Dynamic downhole well production management has been historically limited to cabled intelligent completion systems. This paper introduces a new technology that provides wireless communication, control, monitoring and autonomy while being retrofittable for existing downhole well completions. The technology has been field deployed in three variants to address different challenges: remediate failed safety valves, restore downhole monitoring and provide flow control at a given interval. The field application of this technology has proven the feasibility and long-term performance of this wireless command, control and monitoring system under downhole conditions. It has also demonstrated the cost and CO2 savings of retrofitting versus recompletion.

The tool is designed to be deployed or retrofitted in an existing completion and record downhole data, responding to wireless commands from surface or operating autonomously in response to a change in a well’s flowing conditions. Most variants were deployed via slickline intervention with the option to retrieve later in the well life. The intelligent safety valve is a fully autonomous system, API14A qualified, device that enables the safe production of wells with failed downhole safety valves. This valve was installed in both oil and gas wells to restore production under a variety of challenging production conditions. The intelligent control valve was installed to provide commanded flow control of a long lateral with a late life risk of water. The wireless gauge was trialled for retrofit to replace a failed downhole gauge and allow continuous downhole measurements in wells without existing gauges. We will review the field applications of this wireless technology and discuss the challenges overcome through application.

The production of five wells was restored by retrofitting the wireless intelligent safety valve. The valve successfully operated under a variety of challenging conditions including cyclic loading, gas lift, velocity string and slug production. The intelligent control valve successfully actuated to provide zonal isolation on a subsea well without intervention. The wireless gauge provided pressure, temperature and gauge diagnostics on a daily basis while recording shut-in data at high rates to capture valuable transients during well shut in. This data was compared with existing downhole gauges as part of a trial to validate the technology. The retrofit ability of this technology significantly reduced environmental impact and overall project costs.

This is the first publication that describes widespread application of this technology to address industry challenges. This is one of the only wireless control and command technology that does not rely on repeaters. The two-way communication method utilizes pressure perturbations in the production fluids to transmit downhole data or tool commands. The communications protocol allows for communication with multiple devices in the well and independent of depth.
Energy Efficiency, Techno-Economic Viability, and Life Cycle Assessment of In-Situ Hydrogen Production from Natural Gas Reservoirs Using Electromagnetic Heating
Authors: Yan Keju , Cappello Vincenzo , Baek Kwang Hoon , Sun Pingping , Yuan Qingwang
Published: September 2024

Recently, a subsurface technology of in-situ hydrogen production using electromagnetic (EM) heating shows great potential for extracting clean hydrogen directly from natural gas reservoirs. However, critical knowledge gaps persist, particularly in technical assessments. This study addresses these gaps by evaluating energy efficiency, techno-economic viability, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the process. We analyze the system energy efficiency under various experimental conditions using sandstone and synthetic catalysts. The results highlight the potential for field improvements through the optimization of catalysts and methane flow rates. Techno-economic analysis (TEA), based on a developed reservoir-scale model, indicates hydrogen production cost can be potentially as low as $0.86/kg with the integration of renewable energy. Key cost drivers include membrane expenses and EM-heating electricity for hydrogen production. Life cycle assessment (LCA) indicates that methane pyrolysis in gas reservoirs does not generate GHG emissions throughout its life cycle. However, GHG emissions associated with electricity use (i.e., EM heating) in the process should be considered. Moreover, the technology's eligibility for Section 45 V of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA 45 V) clean hydrogen credits is contingent upon the source of electricity used. And the qualification for the credits depends on the proportion of renewable energy in the electricity consumption mix. This study provides insights into efficiency optimization, cost competitiveness, and environmental considerations for in-situ hydrogen production from gas reservoirs using EM heating.
Methane Destruction Removal Efficiency Assessment in US Shale Basins Using UAV-Based TDLAS Measurements
Authors: Duyst K. M. , Smith B. J.
Published: September 2024

This observational study assesses the methane combustion efficiency rates (CH4 DRE%) of 42 unique flare systems across two US shale basins: the Bakken and Permian. Employing advanced technology – unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and in-situ tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer(TDLAS) methane sensors – we adopt a bottom-up approach to detect, localize, and quantify CH4 emissionsat three Oil and Gas (O&G) operators.Combustion efficiency iscalculatedusing methane sensors and mass-balance methods thatcompare the mass flux flowrate of unburnt CH4exiting the flare system (i.e., in a flare’s plume) against the mass flowrate of CH4entering the system (flowmeter). Considerations for the volumetric flowrate and the vented gas temperature and pressure are also accounted. Attention to patterned gaps of quality data catalyzed a reassessment analysis:flare systems (27) were chosen for site revisitation if they exhibited hyperbolic combustion efficiency rates (like Site-5C with CH4 DRE% of -5084)orfaced difficulties (flowmeter discrepancies)that resulted in nulldata.Our findings reveal thatout of the 71 totaled flare system observations, 32 flare systems (45%) showcased combustion efficiency rates at or above the global average of 92% (IEA, 2023). 22 of the efficient flare systems were in the Bakken and 10 were in the Permian. Overall, 39 flare system assessments (55%)failed to reach the global combustion efficiency average – a combination of flowmeter discrepancies (18 flare systems) and failed combustion efficiency rates (21 flare systems). All instances of flowmeter discrepancies were in the Bakken basin and41% of revisited flare systems (11) exhibitedCH4 efficiency reevaluations that satisfied the global average.This disproportion between same-site flare efficiency implies one of many complexities in realizing a structured, continual and cohesive, flare combustion efficiency assessment at regional playing fields.Solutions towards regional discrepancies in flare system combustion efficiency require data acquisition strategies propelled by precise measurement techniques if they are to reach global initiatives(i.e., environmental regulations) aimed at mitigatingO&GCH4 emissions. Ultimately, this observational study sheds insight on the emerging potentials of technological and operational improvements for enhancedaccuracy acrossflare system efficiency assessments, vis-à-vis a regional comparison in CH4 DRE% estimates across 42 unique (71 totaled) flare systems in the Bakken and Permian basins.
Transfer Learning for Variable Well Locations and Permeability Distributions in Physics-Aware Deep Learning Reservoir Simulation Proxy Models
Authors: Kompantsev G.
Published: September 2024

Transfer Learning techniques have been utilized in a variety of simulation and optimization problems, enhancing deep machine learning models with the ability converge under changing boundary conditions, varying targets in labeled data, and scenarios with limited data availability. This research proposes applying transfer learning to a physics-aware deep-learning-based proxy reservoir simulator titled Embed to Control and Observe (E2CO).

In this study, the original physics-informed deep neural network proxy model of an existing reservoir is allowed to retrain key layers within the network's structure. Various properties of the data are adjusted, such as well placement, permeability fields, scheduling, and controls. By utilizing a fraction of the training material required for the original model, we quickly re-trained existing models with altered properties. Our tests showed excellent matches for cases of reservoirs with varying well locations for both oil and water production after retraining a model with 4 injectors and 5 producers, and with the addition of new wells. Retraining the model with modified well positions resulted in an average of 3% error on cumulative oil production, and 5% on cumulative water production matches compared to numerical solutions. Modifying permeability fields yielded mixed results.

This methodology is an advancement towards creating a fast and robust replica of high-fidelity models, enabling rapid, low-cost, computational predictions of various reservoir layouts. The system is versatile and non-intrusive, applicable to oil production and carbon sequestration problems alike. This method offers a fast proxy to complement traditional numerical simulation, providing a significant boost in efficiency and flexibility.
A vascularized human lung-on-a-chip reveals compartmentalized inflammatory responses in bacterial pneumonia
Authors: Volek Kelsie , Kang Hellen , Rosin Nicole , Rehan Mohammad , Nelson Theodore , Fatehi-Hassanabad Mortaza , Sinha Sarthak , Yipp Bryan , Biernaskie Jeff , Kamm Roger , Gillrie Mark
Published: September 2024

The lung serves as a primary organ for gas exchange in the human body. However, during clinically apparent lung insults such as bacterial pneumonia, the blood-alveolar barrier is disrupted, immune cells are recruited, and lung biomechanics are altered. These processes impair lung function acutely with major contributions from the lung vasculature. The pulmonary vasculature normally provides an 8km long vascular network interfacing with the 50-100m2 epithelial surface of the lung. This vasculature is a critical regulator of lung development, homeostasis, and function; yet to date, 3D organ-on-a-chip lung models have largely relied on planar vascular structures that do not recapitulate a true microvascular compartment. Here, we generate a human vascularized lung on a chip (LoC) containing a ventilated epithelial lined air-liquid interface surrounded by human lung fibroblasts and a functional microvascular network. We perform detailed transcriptomic, morphologic, and functional characterization of the LoC to demonstrate the physiologic relevance of this model and examine acute inflammation during bacterial pneumonia. Using scRNAseq we observe enhanced cellular differentiation, function, and crosstalk in LoC 3D co-culture. During bacterial infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common bacterial cause of human pneumonia, we identify a sequence of events where infection causes compartmentalized inflammatory responses and intravascular immune cell recruitment. This precedes complete air-blood barrier breakdown, tissue destruction associated with necroptotic cell death, and loss of tissue elasticity. Finally, using selective protease inhibitors we demonstrate a role for ADAM10 sheddase in driving neutrophil infiltration and epithelial dysfunction during pneumococcal pneumonia. This model provides a novel platform to mechanistically explore lung homeostasis and human lung diseases with potential for integration into existing human drug development pipelines.
Research on obstacle avoidance for automatic drill rods replacement robot in coal mines
Authors: Luo Jiangnan , Li Jianping , Zhang Deyi , Zu Zhiyan
Published: September 2024

The replacement of drill rods in coal mine drill rigs is an indispensable step in drilling operations. Obstacle avoidance path planning in environments that are complex and unique presents significant challenges. To address this issue, we propose a method for obstacle detection and path planning based on depth cameras. Firstly, point cloud data of the drilling area are obtained using two depth cameras, and obstacles are identified using deep learning methods. Then, to enhance the efficiency of path planning and address the issue of false collisions caused by the proximity of the drill rod installation position to obstacles, we propose an adaptive depth bounding box fitting method. Lastly, in order to further optimize the path planning process, we propose a CBB-RRT algorithm, which introduces a path length cost function that is positively related to the straight-line distance between the starting point and the end point in the Bi-RRT algorithm. The aforementioned methods have been implemented on the Robot Operating System (ROS). The results show that the proposed method can efficiently and reliably complete the path planning for the drill rods replacement of coal mine drilling rigs.
Trajectory Tracking Control of Differential Drive Mobile Robots using Neural Network Disturbance Compensator
Authors: Sin Yong-Chol , Rim Chol-Min , Yun Chol-Guk , Kim Yong-Nam , Choe Kwang-Pyong
Published: September 2024

Many control methods for trajectory tracking of mobile robots are based on dynamic control strategies, such as computed torque control using coupled nonlinear nominal models in the form of Euler-Lagrange equations. In this paper, we propose a novel control approach to compensate the unknown dynamics of differential drive mobile robots and achieve trajectory tracking using a double integrator-type nominal model and a neural network equivalent disturbance compensator. In the proposed approach, instead of the coupled nonlinear nominal model used in the conventional dynamic control schemes, we introduce a simple double integrator (DI)-type decoupled linear nominal model and treat all the unmodeled dynamics different from that as lumped equivalent disturbances. By estimating and compensating this equivalent disturbance by using neural network, the differential drive mobile robots are resulted in a double integrator-type decoupled linear system and then a control law for trajectory tracking is derived by applying the linear system theory to this system. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified through simulations and experiments that are carried out on a four-wheeled differential drive mobile robots.
The LRRK2 p.L1795F variant causes Parkinson’s disease in the European
population
Authors: Lange Lara , Levine Kristin , Fox Susan , Marras Connie , Ahmed Nazish , Kuznetsov Nicole , Vitale Dan , Iwaki Hirotaka , Lohmann Katja , Marsili Luca , Espay Alberto , Bauer Peter , Beetz Christian , Martin Jessica , Factor Stewart , Higginbotham Lenora , Chen Honglei , Leonard Hampton , Nalls Mike , Mencacci Niccolo E. , Morris Huw , Klein Christine , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Fang Zih-Hua
Published: September 2024

Pathogenic variants in the LRRK2 gene represent the most common cause of autosomal
dominant Parkinson’s disease (PD) worldwide. We identified the LRRK2 p.L1795F variant in
14 White/European ancestry PD patients, including two families with multiple affected carriers
and seven additional affected individuals with familial PD using genotyping and sequencing
data from more than 50,000 individuals through GP2, AMP-PD, PDGENEration, and
CENTOGENE. All variant carriers were of White/European ancestry, and those with available
genotyping data shared a common haplotype. The clinical presentation of p.L1795F carriers
resembles that of other LRRK2 pathogenic variant carriers. Combined with published
functional evidence showing strongly enhanced LRRK2 kinase activity, our findings provide
conclusive evidence that the LRRK2 p.L1795F variant is pathogenic. It represents a rare
cause of PD in the European population but needs to be included in genetic testing efforts and
considered for ongoing gene-specific clinical trials.
Poiseuille Flow in Tubes of Bipolar Cross Sections: An exact hemodynamic analysis for potential mechanisms of aortopathy in bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Ahn Doyeol
Published: September 2024

Steady blood flow, or Poiseuille flow, through compressed or defective blood vessels is a critical issue in hemodynamics, particularly in cardiovascular studies. This research explores a tube with a bipolar cross-section, which simulates the geometry of a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) during an oval systolic opening. The BAV, which typically features two cusps instead of the usual three found in normal tricuspid configurations, introduces unique hemodynamic challenges. This condition, being the most prevalent congenital heart defect, increases the risk of aortic dilation and dissection among patients. A bipolar cross-sectional analysis provides a more accurate geometric approximation for modeling flow through these atypical valve shapes, crucial for understanding the specific fluid dynamics associated with BAV. In this study, we derived an exact solution for the governing equations of Poiseuille flow within a bipolar cross-sectional tube. The results include the velocity field, flow rate, and wall shear stress (WSS). The velocity profiles for the BAV show a remarkable agreement with those obtained in previous studies using coherent multi-scale simulations. These profiles consistently demonstrate the presence of a jet-like flow structure within the fluid, a feature that is notably absent in the tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) scenarios. The analysis reveals that at the center of the entrance, the blood flow velocity for the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is significantly higher than for the tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). However, the BAV bood flow velocity decreases more rapidly towards the vessel wall, creating a steeper vertical velocity gradient. This results in higher wall shear stress for the BAV. Additionally, the WSS, which is inversely proportional to \(\:sin\left({\xi\:}_{*}\right)\), where \(\:{\xi\:}_{*}\) represents the bipolar coordinate at the wall boundary, exceeds that found in a circular cylindrical tube with an equivalent diameter. In cases of aortic valve stenosis, where \(\:{\xi\:}_{*}\) approaches \(\:\pi\:\), the WSS increases very rapidly. This elevated WSS, commonly observed in BAV patients, may detrimentally impact the aortic wall in these structurally abnormal valves, particularly within the ascending aorta.
The interplay of environmental and social factors influences balancing selection: 6Pgdh in bulb mites
Authors: Unnikrishnan Pranav , Spaeth Anna , Trojańska Magdalena , Babik Wieslaw , Plesnar-Bielak Agata
Published: September 2024

Balancing selection, the process by which multiple alleles are maintained in a population, can occur through genotype by environment interactions. The polymorphism of 6Pgdh in bulb mites involves two alleles, S and F, which have opposing effect on male reproductive success. While S-bearing males have a reproductive advantage and the S allele fixes in the laboratory populations, polymorphism is regularly observed in natural populations. We hypothesise that 6Pgdh is under balancing selection in bulb mites, driven by fluctuations of temperature and sexual selection intensity. This study uses experimental evolution to track allele frequency changes over 13 generations under different temperatures (12 °C and 18 °C) and sexual selection intensities (equal and female-biased sex ratios). The results show a significant increase in F allele frequency under higher sexual selection intensity at 12 °C. This suggests that individuals with the F allele gain a reproductive advantage at lower temperatures, and 6Pgdh polymorphism is maintained through a three-way interaction genotype x abiotic (temperature) x social environment. However, in another experiment we did not find significant associations between male genotype and reproductive success across different temperatures. The complex interplay between environmental factors and social dynamics in maintaining genetic polymorphism highlights that multiple factors can interact in driving balancing selection.
See Me, Hear Me: Racial Discrimination Among Women Seeking Breast Cancer Care
Authors: Oshry Lauren , Lederman Ruth , Gagnon Haley , Fikre Tsion , Gundersen Daniel , Revette Anna , Odai-Afotey Ashley , Kantor Olga , Hershman Dawn , Crew Katherine , Keating Nancy , Freedman Rachel , Ko Naomi
Published: September 2024

Discrimination can contribute to worse health outcomes, but its prevalence in breast cancer is not well studied. We aimed to understand how women with stage I-III breast cancer faced discrimination in health care and everyday settings through a cross-sectional survey. 296 women, 178 (60%) Non-Hispanic White (NHW), 76 (26%) Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and 42 (14%) Hispanic participated. NHB women reported significantly more discrimination in everyday life compared to NHW women (score 20.1 vs 16.1, p<.001) and Hispanic women (score 20.1 vs 16.0, p<.001). In the health care setting, NHB had statistically more frequent reports of being ignored (23.7% vs. 5.6%), treated with less respect (21.1% vs. 7.3%), and treated with less courtesy (18.7% vs. 6.2%; all P=<.001) when compared to NHW women. NHB women experience a higher degree of discrimination both inside and outside of health care. Further research to understand discrimination on breast cancer outcomes is warranted.
Dihaploid plant production of red beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris), homozygosity evaluation using isoenzymatic and NGS methods
Authors: Kiszczak Waldemar , Burian Maria , Malinowski Tadeusz , Podwyszyńska Małgorzata , Kowalska Urszula , Domaciuk Marcin , Górecka Krystyna
Published: September 2024

Conditions of in vitro gynogenesis process in red beet was examined. A significant influence of the genotype on the gynogenesis process was demonstrated. Of the eight genotypes, 58.3% planted ovules regenerated embryo-like structures in breeding line 411, 2.1% in RA-10, RA-11, RA-12 breeding lines and 0.9% embryo-like structures in ‘Opolski’. For the gynogenesis induction, B5 medium containing 0.1 mgl-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was the most effective from all tested media. On this medium, the highest number of gynogenetic embryo-like structures was obtained. Most of the plants were regenerated on MS medium supplemented with 30 g l-1 sucrose, 0.2 mg l-1 6-benzylaminopurine and 1 mg l-1 indole-3-acetic acid. Thirty nine percent of the regenerated plants acclimatized. Cytometric evaluation of the gynogenetic plants of four tested genotypes revealed that in three genotypes, 100% of tested plants were haploid. Plants showed diploid ploidy level in one genotype. Isoenzymatic analysis of gynogenetic plants demonstrated that 95% and 70% of examined populations were homozygotic for the phosphohexose isomerase isoenzyme and the aspartato aminotransferase isoenzyme, respectively. During the next generation sequencing, 93% of reads were successfully mapped, from which 83–85% were mapped in pairs. For 15% of pairs it was clear that the obtained sequence was fully homozygous, the rest of the readings were not unambiguous, but similar to the sequence of a homozygous base pair system.
The potential of a hygiene-based message, preferred learning modalities, and “¡Lubricarte, Liberarte, Lavarte+!” or L 3 + for the prevention of HIV/STI in Peru
Authors: Timmons-Vendryes Ricky , Asca Jesus Cisneros , Swendeman Dallas , Silva-Santisteban Alfonso , Konda Kelika , Bazargan Shahzrad , Clark Jesse , Comulada W. Scott , Cáceres Carlos , Morris Franceska Leon
Published: September 2024

Background: Hygiene-based practices of lubrication, genital cleansing, postcoital urination, and rectal douching are common behaviors among populations at higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infections (STI). Yet, the role these behaviors have on HIV/STI risk has not been well elucidated, especially among transgender women (TW) and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Additionally, advances in biomedical strategies have heralded a new era of HIV/AIDS prevention that may be accompanied by behavioral changes that lead to decreases in condom usage and subsequent changes to STI sequelae. Nevertheless, many people at higher risk are not benefiting equally from these options, strengthening the need for more sustainable, evidence-based methods.
Objectives: This study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of hygiene-based practices, proven preventative methods, and preferred learning methods among Peruvian TW and GBMSM. Methods: 30 interviews and 50 questionnaires were conducted with TW (N=35), GBMSM (N=35), healthcare providers (N=5), and key community informants (N=5).
Results: Most participants perceived hygiene-based practices to be common behaviors and a significant aspect of sexual wellbeing. Educational materials utilizing social media and hosting in-person events were also viewed favorably, with value to enhancing HIV/STI knowledge.
Conclusions: Several barriers to autonomy surfaced in the data, including systemic disparities to adequate HIV/STI services, top vs. bottom social dynamics, and PrEP accessibility issues. Continued work is needed to address the barriers to the acceptability, feasibility, and potential efficacy of hygiene-based practices, biomedical/barrier strategies, and L3+.
Effect of spraying and stirring on the formation and decomposition of CH4 hydrates in the presence of copper foam and 1,3-DIOX
Authors: Mi Xinwei , Li Yao , Wang Lanyun , Xu Yongliang , Gao Yibo , Lv Zecheng , Wu Zhengyan , Zhang Kun
Published: September 2024

Gas hydrates are considered as a safe and efficient method for gas storage and transportation. However, slow formation rate and limited storage capacity hinder the industrial application of this technology. In order to accelerate CH4 hydrates formation and enhance CH4 capacity, spraying and stirring method were applied on the kinetic formation of CH4 hydrates in the presence of copper foam (CF) and 5.56 mol% 1,3-dioxolane (1,3-DIOX) under 2.0 MPa to 4.0 MPa. The results show that adding 1,3-DIOX not only can shorten the induction times but also increase the gas consumption, and the CF materials also had a positive effect on the kinetics of CH4 hydrates formation. The 60PPI CF + 1,3-DIOX performed the best on the induction times of only 12.45 min, being reduced by 66.8% compared with that without CF. Comparing to the pure water, 60PPI CF single system and the 1,3-DIOX single system, the 60PPI CF + 1,3-DIOX exhibited the highest gas consumption of 0.1733 mol/molH2O, increased by 261.04%, 136.75% and 74%, respectively. Furthermore, based on programmed heating, the decomposition process of CH4 hydrates was investigated. The results show that the CH4 hydrates formed by the spraying method decompose more easily during the heating process, while the CH4 hydrates formed by the stirring method has the highest stability. Moreover, the CH4 hydrates formed in CF + 1.3-DIOX system can exert a self-preservation effect during the early stage of decomposition and inhibit the initial decomposition of CH4 hydrates to some extent. These results provide a reference for the practical application of hydrate solid-phase safe storage and transportation of gases.
Effect of Different Water and Fertilizer Application Patterns on the Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Greenhouse Tomatoes
Authors: Lyu Xiaona , Hassan Hasnuri Mat , Zan Yaling , Tan Jiongrui
Published: September 2024

China, the largest global producer and consumer of greenhouse tomatoes, faces significant challenges related to water shortages and inefficient use of water and fertilizers, which hinder sustainable agricultural development. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different water and fertilizer application patterns on the growth and physiological characteristics of greenhouse tomatoes. A pot experiment was conducted at Yuncheng University in Shanxi Province, using three irrigation levels: I1 (90%-100% field water holding capacity), I2 (72%-80% field water holding capacity), and I3 (54%-60% field water holding capacity). Four fertilizer application patterns were tested: C1 (soluble organic and chemical fertilizer), C2 (soluble chemical fertilizers only), C3 (sheep manure and chemical fertilizer), and C4 (soluble organic fertilizers only). The results demonstrated significant positive relationships between leaf area (LA), leaf SPAD value, dry matter, and fruit dry matter with the fruit yield of greenhouse tomatoes. The average fruit yield per plant was 2.47 kg under I1, 2.32 kg under I2, and 2.01 kg under I3. Among the fertilizer treatments, C1 was most effective in enhancing LA, stem growth, leaf SPAD, and dry matter of greenhouse tomatoes, showing the greatest dry matter and root-shoot ratio under I2. Conversely, C3 resulted in the highest water consumption at each growth stage but yielded the lowest dry matter and fruit yield under I2. C2 showed the highest water consumption during the seedling, fruit enlargement, and harvest stages under I3 yet consistently produced lower fruit yield and dry matter mass compared to C1. Water Use Efficiency (WUE) significantly decreased with increased irrigation. Under the same irrigation level, WUE followed the order C1 > C2 > C4 > C3, while fruit yield followed the order C1 > C2 > C3 > C4. Overall, the I1C1 treatment was most conducive to promoting fruit yield (2.59 kg per plant), while I2C1 could achieve water-saving greenhouse tomato production in the semi-arid areas of China.
Construction and Validation of Clinical Prediction Model for Gallstone Columnar Chart
Authors: Li Wanzhi , Wu Lizhi
Published: September 2024

Objective: This study aims to develop a nomogram prediction model to predict the exact probability of gallstones in the general population.
Methods: We divided 2282 individuals undergoing physical examinations into a training set (n=1708) and a validation set (n=574). We collected and analyzed their clinical characteristics and liver and gallbladder ultrasound results. Factors for constructing the prediction model were screened through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and an interactive nomogram prediction model was created based on these factors. The performance of the prediction model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, decision curve, and clinical impact curve.
Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, HDL, high TBA (TBA ≥ 2.3μmol/L), RDW, and high NE% (NE% ≥ 58.2%) were independent risk factors for gallstones (P<0.05). An interactive nomogram prediction model was constructed based on these risk factors. Statistical evaluation showed that the model had moderate predictive value [area under the curve (AUC)>0.7] and good calibration, as well as good clinical benefit and impact. Applying the model to the validation set showed that the prediction effect of the validation set was similar to that of the training set (AUC=0.712), indicating that the model’s prediction results were relatively stable and had certain clinical application value.
Conclusion: This nomogram clinical prediction model has good practical application value and generalizability. It can help screen individuals at risk for gallstones, assist medical workers in formulating personalized examination plans, reduce medical costs, save medical resources, and promote the development of public health.
Estimating the impact of airport wildlife hazards management on realized wildlife strike risk
Authors: Altringer Levi , Begier Michael J. , Washburn Jenny E. , Shwiff Stephanie A.
Published: September 2024

Collisions between wildlife and aircraft, commonly referred to as wildlife strikes or bird strikes, are rare events that pose considerable safety and economic risks to the aviation industry. Given the potentially dramatic consequences of such events, airports scheduled for passenger service are required to conduct wildlife hazard assessments and implement wildlife hazard management plans for the purpose of mitigating wildlife strike risk. The evaluation of such management, however, is complicated by imperfect reporting systems that mediate the relationship between realized wildlife strike risk and wildlife strike metrics. In this paper, we shed light on such phenomena by investigating the staggered adoption of a federal wildlife hazards management program at joint-use airports across the contiguous United States. This strategic research design allowed us to exploit variation in both management presence across airports, over time as well as variation in the quality of wildlife strike reporting within airports. As hypothesized, we found that wildlife hazards management intervention has a significant impact on the quality of reporting, as evidenced by a substantial increase in the number of civil strikes reported per 5,000 movements. Where pre-existing reporting mechanisms were more robust, however, we found that wildlife hazards management had a significant impact on realized wildlife strike risk as evidenced by a decrease in strike-induced costs to military aircraft. Overall, we found that estimated economic benefits of the studied airport wildlife hazards management program were 7 times greater than the costs over the management period. Our results have important implications for the measurement of wildlife strike risk and the management of wildlife hazards at airports, as well as important insights pertaining to the use of observational data for causal inference, particularly in the context of risk management.
Association between Physical Activity, Weight-adjusted Waist Index, and All-cause Mortality in Chinese Older Adults:A National Community-Based Cohort Study
Authors: REN Kexin , TAO Yuan , WANG Meihong
Published: September 2024

This study aims to explore interactions between physical activity and weight-adjusted waist index (WWI), as well as their effects on elderly health. Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) for 2011–2018 included 7,034 residents aged ≥ 60 years. We utilized Cox proportional hazard models to assess the relationships between physical activity, WWI, and all-cause mortality, supplemented by subgroup analyses and interaction tests. We conducted a mediation analysis to assess how much of the effect of physical activity on survival status was mediated through WWI. The results showed that active individuals and those transitioning from inactive to active lifestyles exhibited significantly lower all-cause mortality risks, with reductions of 26% (HR = 0.74, CI: 0.65–0.83) and 9% (HR = 0.91, CI: 0.83–0.99), respectively. A positive correlation was found between WWI and all-cause mortality, with a threshold of 11.38 cm/√kg indicating an increased risk. Although no interaction between physical activity and WWI was observed (P = 0.462), mediation analysis showed that 3.06% of the effect of physical activity on survival status was mediated through WWI. The findings provide scientific evidence for developing health promotion strategies aimed at the elderly population.
A Scientometric Analysis of Research on Mealybugs and Its Control Measures
Authors: T POORNAKALA , K SIVASEKARAN , S MUNIASAMY , T RAJAGOPAL , P PONMANICKAM
Published: September 2024

A scientometric search was performed using the keyword “Mealybugs”. There are 1,898 documents related to mealybug research published between 1996 and 2022 in the Web of Science database. The first research question of this study concerns the authors of the most published papers in the field of mealybug research and their H-index generated using Histcite software. Daane, K.M. from the University of California, USA published 50 papers in the area of mealybug with highest H-index of 23, followed by Kaydan, M.B. with 40 papers and Miller, J.G. with 29 papers. The second research question was to identify the most cited authors and journals. Therefore, citation metrics were used and found the following authors: Daane,K.M., Baumann P, Gullan P.J. are among the top 20 authors in the field mealybug research. Additionally, the most cited journals are the Journal of Economic Entomology, Zootaxa and Florida Entomologist. Regarding the third research question, which addressed the most publishing countries on mealybugs, USA places first with highest publishing (531 records) followed by China (178 records). India places third with 152 records. Mealybug is an invasive alien species. Among mealybugs, the papaya mealybug, (Paracoccus marginatus) is recorded from the Oriental Region for the first time, where it was found in Indonesia (Java) and India (Tamil Nadu) in 2008 India (Muniappan et al., 2008). After that only mealybug research is growing up in India. Mealybugs are native to Central America, it spreads to the Caribbean region and South America in the 1990s; since then, it has been accidentally introduced to some islands in the Pacific region. Hence, a vast study on mealybug was reported from the country USA. Finally, this study addressed the most publishing institutions, various funding agencies of mealybug researches, conferences held in mealybug research, Research areas, Languages of publication and the document types. Bibliographic coupling of authors, Organization and countries are constructed using VOSviewer software. From that cluster form of results, we can able to visualize the networks of authors, organization from different countries work on mealybug research.
Predicting the influence of trees on wind environment in pedestrian-level through numerical simulation
Authors: Fan Lei , Jia Hongzuo , Zhou Yan
Published: September 2024

Wind environment is closely related to people's lives and has a great influence on the comfort and safety of the environment. This research examines the influence of trees on wind environment in pedestrian-level. By integrating the theories of CFD simulation method and trees benefits, six canopy morphologies (Spheroid, Cone, Inverted Cone, Cylinder, Ellipsoid, Cuboid) models are proposed and validated. The PHOENICS is used for numerical simulation (144 scenarios), and the data are analyzed using Photoshop and linear regression model. It is found that the influence of trees on wind is linearly correlated with the varying crown width, trunk height and plant spacing. The influence of tree on wind velocity can be expressed by IFwind (the wind reducing ability) and AZ (the area of downwind deceleration zones). The framework and the numerical simulation in this paper are intended to support and guide future studies of wind comfort and wind safety of trees in pedestrian-level, and to contribute to improved wind environmental quality in urban areas through reasonable tree planting.
Sustainable Development Awareness and Integration in Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of Universities in Central Asia, South Caucasus and the EU
Authors: Bespalyy Sergey , Alnazarova Gulmira , Scalcione Vincenzo Nunzio , Vitliemov Pavel , Sichinava Aleksandr , Petrenko Alexandr , Kaptsov Andrey
Published: September 2024

Education for sustainable development in universities is shaping the agenda in this area, demanding continuous improvement in quality. There is a trend towards integrating sustainability issues and the implementation of sustainable development goals into higher education. Universities responsible for educating SD professionals must teach knowledge and develop skills in line with the SDGs. However, there is insufficient attention to this in educational programs; more often it is implemented through disparate initiatives. The article presents research conducted in universities in the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), South Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia) and the European Union (Italy, Bulgaria, Poland). The awareness of students and teachers about the SDGs, the problems of implementing SD were assessed, and ways to solve these problems were analyzed. Countries were divided into clusters for comparative analysis. The results show that students generally have limited knowledge about the global sustainable development goals, while teachers have a higher level of awareness. The article examines the contribution of education to raising students' awareness in the countries studied and their attitudes towards integrating sustainability into the curriculum. The questionnaire showed that the educational intervention significantly influences students' intention to engage in sustainability. Overall, students demonstrate positive attitudes towards incorporating sustainability issues into their education. The results of a study conducted in higher education institutions in Central Asia, South Caucasus and the European Union showed that students are generally unaware of the sustainable development goals, their information received through the Internet, media and university studies is insignificant, while teachers are better informed. Students and teachers expressed the greatest concern about environmental, social and economic problems. At the same time, students of engineering, technical and medical fields are more informed about the SDGs compared to pedagogical and socio-humanitarian fields. To increase awareness, universities are encouraged to integrate sustainability education into various disciplines, conduct seminars, round tables, promote student participation in projects and research, and promote international cooperation and knowledge sharing.
RETRACTED: Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Based on MS-CNN-BO- SVM Algorithm
Authors: Zihao WANG , Junyan SUN , Gaoke HE
Published: September 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Association between maternal religious service attendance and pregnancy loss in the United States: a secondary analysis of the Future Families & Child Wellbeing Study
Authors: Shropshire Stacie , Williams Andrew
Published: September 2024

Background. Accumulating evidence suggests that spirituality and religiosity may be associated with improved health outcomes. However, few studies have examined maternal religiosity as a protective factor for perinatal outcomes. We explored the association between maternal religious attendance and pregnancy loss.
Methods. Data were drawn from the Future Families & Child Wellbeing Study’s first and second waves and medical records (n=1874). Religious attendance was a self-reported response to the question “About how often do you attend religious services?” Pregnancy loss was measured from responses to the second wave survey question, “Since focal child’s birth, have you had any miscarriages/abortions/stillbirths?” Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between maternal religious attendance frequency and pregnancy loss, overall and by race. Models were adjusted for sampling weights, religious preference, socioeconomic and behavioral factors.
Results. 8% (n=164) of mothers reported having a pregnancy loss. Of those with a pregnancy loss, 28% (n=46) attended services hardly ever and 20% (n=20) attended services once a week or more. Women who attended services more frequently had 58% increased odds of not experiencing a pregnancy loss (OR:1.58;95%CI:1.01,2.48) after adjusting for potential confounding. A post hoc analysis found no difference in pregnancy loss type or subsequent reproductive history based on attendance level.
Conclusions. Results suggest that higher maternal religious attendance frequency may be a protective factor for pregnancy loss. Further research is needed to understand the association between maternal religious attendance and mechanisms for pregnancy loss.
Molecular Dynamics Study on the Nano-Friction and Wear Mechanism of Transverse Grain Boundaries in Nickel-Based Alloys
Authors: Chen Weihua , zhang shengbin , Bian Zhiao , Zheng Min , Chen Jiao , Zhu Zongxiao
Published: September 2024

This study employs molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the nanoscale tribological behavior of a single transverse grain boundary in a nickel-based polycrystalline alloy. A series of simulations were conducted using a repetitive rotational friction method to explore the mechanisms by which different grain boundary positions influence variations in wear depth, friction force, friction coefficient, dislocation, stress, and internal damage during repeated friction processes. The results reveal that the grain boundary structure enhances the strength of the nanoscale nickel-based polycrystalline alloy. When the friction surface is far from the transverse grain boundary, the grain boundary's obstructive effect is weaker, leading to larger ranges of atomic displacement and migration of internal defects. This results in smaller fluctuations in friction force and coefficient, along with the formation of numerous densely packed downward defect bundles. At the grain boundary, two grains undergo relative slip along the grain boundary interface, while atoms below the grain boundary remain largely unaffected. When the grain boundary is closer to the friction surface, more wear debris atoms accumulate in front of and on the sides of the friction grinding ball, increasing the friction force during the process. If the friction grinding ball breaches the grain boundary layer, its supporting and strengthening effects are diminished, leading to a significantly greater wear depth compared to when the grain boundary remains intact.