bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of front-of-package nutrition labelling systems on objective understanding and purchase intention in Panama: results from a multi-arm parallel-group randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gomes Fabio S , Ríos-Castillo Israel , Correa Leon Ramon Leal , Cruzado Bethy , Rojas Carlos Felipe Urquizar , Ares Devincenzi Gastón , González-Madden Elka , Victoria Jorge
Published: May 2024

Objective:

To assess the effect of different front-of-package labelling (FOPL) schemes on the objective understanding of the nutritional content and intention to purchase products, in Panama.

Design:

Single-blinded multi-arm parallel-group randomised controlled trial.

Setting:

Supermarkets across Panama. Participants were exposed to two-dimensional images of fifteen mock-up products presented at random and balanced orders. Participants assigned to the intervention groups were exposed to mock-ups featuring one FOPL scheme: black octagonal warning labels (OWL), traffic-light labelling (TFL) or guideline daily amounts (GDA). The control group was not exposed to any FOPL scheme.

Participants:

Adult supermarket shoppers (n 1200). Participants were blinded to group assignment.

Results:

A similar number of participants were randomised and analysed in each group: OWL (n 300), TFL (n 300), GDA (n 300) and control (n 300). The odds of choosing to purchase the least harmful or none of the options more often was the highest in the OWL group. Compared with the control group, these odds were two times higher in the OWL group (OR 2·13, 95 % CI 1·60, 2·84) and 57 % higher in the TFL (1·57, 1·40–2·56), with no changes in the GDA (0·97, 0·73–1·29). OWL also resulted in the highest odds for correctly identifying the least harmful option and for correctly identifying a product with excessive amounts of sugars, sodium and/or saturated fats.

Conclusions:

OWL performed best in helping shoppers to correctly identify when a product contained excessive amounts of nutrients of concern, to correctly identify the least harmful option and to decide to purchase the least harmful or none of the options, more often.
Dietary diversity moderates household economic inequalities in the double burden of malnutrition in Tanzania
Authors: Chen Sanmei , Shimpuku Yoko , Honda Takanori , Mwakawanga Dorkasi L , Mwilike Beatrice
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Improved food availability and a growing economy in Tanzania may insufficiently decrease pre-existing nutritional deficiencies and simultaneously increase overweight within the same individual, household or population, causing a double burden of malnutrition (DBM). We investigated economic inequalities in DBM at the household level, expressed as a stunted child with a mother with overweight/obesity, and the moderating role of dietary diversity in these inequalities.

Design:

We used cross-sectional data from the 2015–2016 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey.

Setting:

A nationally representative survey.

Participants:

Totally, 2867 children (aged 6–23 months) and their mothers (aged 15–49 years). The mother–child pairs were categorised into two groups based on dietary diversity score: achieving and not achieving minimum dietary diversity.

Results:

The prevalence of DBM was 5·6 % (sd = 0·6) and significantly varied by region (ranging from 0·6 % to 12·2 %). Significant interaction was observed between dietary diversity and household wealth index (Pfor interaction < 0·001). The prevalence of DBM monotonically increased with greater household wealth among mother–child pairs who did not achieve minimum dietary diversity (Pfor trend < 0·001; however, this association was attenuated in those who achieved minimum dietary diversity (Pfor trend = 0·16), particularly for the richest households (P = 0·44). Analysing household wealth index score as a continuous variable yielded similar results (OR (95 % CI): 2·10 (1·36, 3·25) for non-achievers of minimum dietary diversity, 1·38 (0·76, 2·54) for achievers).

Conclusions:

Greater household wealth was associated with higher odds of DBM in Tanzania; however, the negative impact of household economic status on DBM was mitigated by minimum dietary diversity.
Life, death, and statins: association of statin prescriptions and survival in older general practice patients
Authors: Hodgkins Adam J , Mullan Judy , Mayne Darren J , Bonney Andrew
Published: May 2024

Aims:

This study serves as an exemplar to demonstrate the scalability of a research approach using survival analysis applied to general practice electronic health record data from multiple sites. Collection of these data, the subsequent analysis, and the preparation of practice-specific reports were performed using a bespoke distributed data collection and analysis software tool.

Background:

Statins are a very commonly prescribed medication, yet there is a paucity of evidence for their benefits in older patients. We examine the relationship between statin prescriptions for general practice patients over 75 and all-cause mortality.

Methods:

We carried out a retrospective cohort study using survival analysis applied to data extracted from the electronic health records of five Australian general practices.

Findings:

The data from 8025 patients were analysed. The median duration of follow-up was 6.48 years. Overall, 52 015 patient-years of data were examined, and the outcome of death from any cause was measured in 1657 patients (21%), with the remainder being censored. Adjusted all-cause mortality was similar for participants not prescribed statins versus those who were (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.92–1.20, P = 0.46), except for patients with diabetes for whom all-cause mortality was increased (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.00–1.68, P = 0.05). In contrast, adjusted all-cause mortality was significantly lower for patients deprescribed statins compared to those who were prescribed statins (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70–0.93, P < 0.001), including among females (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61–0.91, P < 0.001) and participants treated for secondary prevention (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60–0.86, P < 0.001). This study demonstrated the scalability of a research approach using survival analysis applied to general practice electronic health record data from multiple sites. We found no evidence of increased mortality due to statin-deprescribing decisions in primary care.
Mantle Flow Induced by the Interplay of Downgoing Slabs Revealed by Seismic Anisotropy Beneath the Sula Block in Eastern Indonesia
Authors: Cao Lingmin , Lü ChuanChuan , He Xiaobo , Rawlinson Nicholas , Hao Tianyao , Widiyantoro Sri , Supendi Pepen , Zhao Liang , Yuan Huaiyu , Zhao Minghui , Qiu Xuelin , Rafie Muhammad Taufiq , Alfian Alfian , Sahara David Prambudi
Published: May 2024

The North Sulawesi subduction zone is characterized by southward subduction of the Celebes Sea slab to a depth of ∼250 km, mainly overlying the Sangihe slab that subducts west from the Molucca Sea and penetrates the mantle transition zone. The palaeo‐subducted Sula slab dips northward and partially underlies both the Sangihe and Celebes Sea slabs. Adjacent subduction zones with horizontal overlapping subducting slabs in the upper mantle have unclear dynamic interactions. An extensive strike‐slip fault forms the western boundary of the active North Sulawesi subduction zone, providing an ideal setting to study mantle flow between overlapping slabs. We use local S‐wave and teleseismic S and SK(K)S waveform splitting analysis to measure seismic anisotropy in the northern Sulawesi region. Our observations reveal typical mantle wedge corner flow within the Sangihe subduction system. In the Gulf of Tomini, the observed trench‐oblique fast‐axis orientations above the Celebes Sea slab are likely a consequence of the interaction between two subducting slabs. The southernmost measurement with an E–W‐trending fast direction in the mantle wedge might be related to the subduction of the Sula slab. Furthermore, fault‐parallel fast‐axis orientations of anisotropy near the southern segment of the Palu‐Koro fault are attributed to large‐scale shearing across this lithospheric‐scale strike‐slip fault system. Overall, our observations suggest that the strain caused by lithospheric and asthenospheric deformation is mainly confined within the microplate, displaying a restricted flow pattern and localized effects due to the size of the plate boundaries, such as the Palu‐Koro fault.
Slab Ocean Component of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM): Development, Evaluation, and Application to Understanding Earth System Sensitivity
Authors: Garuba Oluwayemi , Rasch Philip J. , Leung L. Ruby , Wang Hailong , Hagos Samson , Singh Balwinder
Published: May 2024

This work describes the implementation and evaluation of the Slab Ocean Model component of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 2 (E3SMv2‐SOM) and its application to understanding the climate sensitivity to ocean heat transports (OHTs) and CO2 forcing. E3SMv2‐SOM reproduces the baseline climate and Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity (ECS) of the fully coupled E3SMv2 experiments reasonably well, with a pattern correlation close to 1 and a global mean bias of less than 1% of the fully coupled surface temperature and precipitation. Sea ice extent and volume are also well reproduced in the SOM. Consistent with general model behavior, the ECS estimated from the SOM (4.5 K) exceeds the effective climate sensitivity obtained from extrapolation to equilibrium in the fully coupled model (4.0 K). The E3SMv2 baseline climate also shows a large sensitivity to OHT strengths, with a global surface temperature difference of about 4.0°C between high‐/low‐OHT experiments with prescribed forcings derived from fully coupled experiments with realistic/weak ocean circulation strengths. Similar to their forcing pattern, the surface temperature response occurs mainly over the subpolar regions in both hemispheres. However, the Southern Ocean shows more surface temperature sensitivity to high/low‐OHT forcing due to a positive/negative shortwave cloud radiative effect caused by decreases/increases in mid‐latitude marine low‐level clouds. This large temperature sensitivity also causes an overcompensation between the prescribed OHTs and atmosphere heat transports. The SOM's ECS estimate is also sensitive to the prescribed OHT and the associated baseline climate it is initialized from; the high‐OHT ECS is 0.5 K lower than the low‐OHT ECS.
Catastrophic costs incurred by tuberculosis affected households from Thailand’s first national tuberculosis patient cost survey
Authors: Youngkong Sitaporn , Kamolwat Phalin , Wongrot Phichet , Thavorncharoensap Montarat , Chaikledkaew Usa , Nateniyom Sriprapa , Pungrassami Petchawan , Praditsitthikorn Naiyana , Mahasirimongkol Surakameth , Jittikoon Jiraphun , Nishikiori Nobuyuki , Baena Ines Garcia , Yamanaka Takuya
Published: May 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) causes an economic impact on the patients and their households. Although Thailand has expanded the national health benefit package for TB treatment, there was no data on out-of-pocket payments and income losses due to TB from patients and their household perspectives. This national TB patient cost survey was conducted to examine the TB-related economic burden, and assess the proportion of TB patients and their households facing catastrophic total costs because of TB disease. A cross-sectional TB patient cost survey was employed following WHO methods. Structured interviews with a paper-based questionnaire were conducted from October 2019 to July 2021. Both direct and indirect costs incurred from the patient and their household perspective were valued in 2021 and estimated throughout pre- and post-TB diagnosis episodes. We assessed the proportion of TB-affected households facing costs > 20% of household expenditure due to TB. We analyzed 1400 patients including 1382 TB (first-line treatment) and 18 drug-resistant TB patients (DR-TB). The mean total costs per TB episode for all study participants were 903 USD (95% confident interval; CI 771–1034 USD). Of these, total direct non-medical costs were the highest costs (mean, 402 USD, and 95%CI 334–470 USD) incurred per TB-affected household followed by total indirect costs (mean, 393 USD, and 95%CI 315–472 USD) and total direct medical costs (mean, 107 USD, and 95%CI 81–133 USD, respectively. The proportion of TB-affected households facing catastrophic costs was 29.5% (95%CI 25.1–34.0%) for TB (first-line), 61.1% (95%CI 29.6–88.1%) for DR-TB and 29.9% (95%CI 25.6–34.4%) overall. This first national survey highlighted the economic burden on TB-affected households. Travel, food/nutritional supplementation, and indirect costs contribute to a high proportion of catastrophic total costs. These suggest the need to enhance financial and social protection mechanisms to mitigate the financial burden of TB-affected households.
Detection of fucosylated extracellular vesicles miR-4732-5p related to diagnosis of early lung adenocarcinoma by the electrochemical biosensor
Authors: Zhu Shengting , Chen Jianlin , Yu Lili , Li Jiawen , You Shumin , Zheng Yue , Zhuang Wanzhen , Qiu Bin , Huang Yi
Published: May 2024

Our preliminary investigation has identified the potential of serum fucosylated extracellular vesicles (EVs) miR-4732-5p in the early diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) by a fucose-captured strategy utilizing lentil lectin (LCA)-magnetic beads and subsequent screening of high throughput sequencing and validation of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Considering the relatively complicated procedure, expensive equipment, and stringent laboratory condition, we have constructed an electrochemical biosensor assay for the detection of miR-4732-5p. miR-4732-5p is extremely low in serum, down to the fM level, so it needs to be detected by highly sensitive electrochemical methods based on the Mg2+-dependent DNAzyme splitting nucleic acid lock (NAL) cycle and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) signal amplification. In this study, signal amplification is achieved through the dual amplification reactions using NAL cycle in combination with HCR. In addition, hybridized DNA strands bind to a large number of methylene blue (MB) molecules to enhance signaling. Based on the above strategy, we further enhance our signal amplification strategies to improve detection sensitivity and accuracy. The implementation of this assay proceeded as follows: initially, miR-4732-5p was combined with NAL, and then Mg2+-dependent DNAzyme splitted NAL to release auxiliary DNA (S1) strands, which were subsequently captured by the immobilized capture probe DNA (C1) strands on the electrode surface. Following this, abundant quantities of DNA1 (H1) and DNA2 (H2) tandems were generated by HCR, and S1 strands then hybridized with the H1 and H2 tandems through base complementary pairing. Finally, MB was bonded to the H1 and H2 tandems through π–π stacking interaction, leading to the generation of a signal current upon the detection of a potential capable of inducing a redox change of MB by the electrode. Furthermore, we evaluated the performance of our developed electrochemical biosensor assay. The results demonstrated that our assay is a reliable approach, characterized by its high sensitivity (with a detection limit of 2.6 × 10−17 M), excellent specificity, good accuracy, reproducibility, and stability. Additionally, it is cost-effective, requires simple operation, and is portable, making it suitable for the detection of serum fucosylated extracellular vesicles miR-4732-5p. Ultimately, this development has the potential to enhance the diagnostic efficiency for patients with early-stage LUAD.
Speculative computing for AAFM solutions in large-scale product configurations
Authors: Vidal-Silva Cristian , Duarte Vannessa , Cárdenas-Cobo Jesennia , Veas Iván
Published: May 2024

Parallel computing is a current algorithmic approach to looking for efficient solutions; that is, to define a set of processes in charge of performing at the same time the same task. Advances in hardware permit the massification of accessibility to and applications of parallel computing. Nonetheless, some algorithms include steps that require or depend on the results of other steps that cannot be parallelized. Speculative computing allows parallelizing those tasks and reviewing different execution flows, which can involve executing invalid steps. Speculative computing solutions should reduce those invalid flows. Product configuration refers to selecting features from a set of available options respecting some configuration constraints; a not complex task for small configurations and models, but a complex one for large-scale scenarios. This article exemplifies a videogame product line feature model and a few configurations, valid and non-valid, respectively. Configuring products of large-scale feature models is a complex and time-demanding task requiring algorithmic solutions. Hence, parallel solutions are highly desired to assist the feature model product configuration tasks. Existing solutions follow a sequential computing approach and include steps that depend on others that cannot be parallelized at all, where the speculative computing approach is necessary. This article describes traditional sequential solutions for conflict detection and diagnosis, two relevant tasks in the automated analysis of feature models, and how to define their speculative parallel version, highlighting their computing improvements. Given the current parallel computing world, we remark on the advantages and current applicability of speculative computing for producing faster algorithmic solutions.
Postoperative liver injury after sevoflurane or propofol anesthesia in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ryu Dae Kyun , Park MiHye , Woo Seunghyeon , Cho Hyun Seong , Min Jeong-Jin
Published: May 2024

Although sevoflurane is generally considered safe, reports suggest that sevoflurane may cause postoperative liver injury more frequently than previously believed. Therefore, we aimed to compare the incidence of clinically significant postoperative liver injury following non-cardiac surgery between patients who underwent sevoflurane anesthesia and propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia. We retrospectively reviewed adult surgical patients from January 2010 to September 2022 who underwent general anesthesia in our center using sevoflurane or propofol over 3 h. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the incidence of postoperative liver injury was compared between the two groups. Out of 58,300 patients reviewed, 44,345 patients were included in the analysis. After propensity score matching, 7767 patients were included in each group. The incidence of postoperative liver injury was 1.4% in the sevoflurane group, which was similar to that in the propofol group (1.6%; p = 0.432). Comparison of the severity of postoperative alanine aminotransferase elevation showed that the incidence of borderline and mild elevation was higher in the sevoflurane group, but there was no difference in the incidence of moderate and severe elevation. In conclusion, sevoflurane anesthesia over 3 h was not associated with a higher incidence of clinically significant postoperative liver injury compared to propofol anesthesia.
Comparison of different treatment strategies for T3N1-3 stage gastric cancer based on the SEER database
Authors: Tan Yimei , Liu Shuanghua , Tao Shaohong , Cheng Hui , Huang Menghe , Tang Qizhi
Published: May 2024

Treatment options for T3N1 stage gastric cancer exhibit regional variation, with optimal approach remaining unclear. We derived our data from the SEER database, using Cox proportional risk regression models for univariate and multivariate analyses of 5-years overall survival (5yOS) and 5-years cancer-specific survival (5yCSS). The results showed that younger age, female, non-white race, highly differentiated histologic grade, non-Signet ring cell adenocarcinoma, low N stage, lesser curvature of the stomach, OP followed by adjuvant C/T with or without RT, partial gastrectomy, C/T and others, Radiation therapy, and Chemotherapy were significantly associated with better 5yOS and 5yCSS. For patients with stage T3N1-3 gastric cancer, multimodal treatment regimens demonstrate superior survival outcomes compared to surgery or radiotherapy alone. Among them, OP followed by adjuvant C/T with or without RT emerges as particularly efficacious, potentially offering enhanced benefits for non-Asian populations.
Controlled epitaxy and patterned growth of one-dimensional crystals via surface treatment of two-dimensional templates
Authors: Jang Myeongjin , Kim Minseol , Lee Sol , Kwon Minseok , Kang Hani , Lee Kihyun , Park Jinsub , Hoang Anh Tuan , Ahn Jong-Hyun , Lee Yangjin , Kim Kwanpyo
Published: May 2024

Mixed-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures offer promising platforms for exploring interesting phenomena and functionalities. To exploit their full potential, precise epitaxial processes and well-defined heterointerfaces between different components are essential. Here, we control the growth of one-dimensional (1D) vdW microwires on hexagonal crystals via plasma treatment of the growth templates. AgCN serves as a model 1D system for examining the dependence of the nucleation and growth parameters on the surface treatment conditions and substrate types. The oxygen-plasma-treated transition metal dichalcogenides form step edges mediated by formation of surface metal oxides, leading to robust AgCN epitaxy with an enhanced nucleation density and low horizontal growth rates. Monte Carlo simulations reproduce the experimentally observed growth behaviors and unveil the crucial growth parameters, such as surface diffusivity. The plasma treatment results in distinct effects on graphite and hexagonal boron nitride templates, which undergo plasma-induced amorphization and deactivation of the AgCN vdW epitaxy. We achieve the selective growth of AgCN microwires on graphite using the deactivated vdW epitaxy. This study offers significant insights into the impact of surface treatment on 1D vdW epitaxy, opening avenues for controlled fabrication of mixed-dimensional vdW heterostructures.
Zebularine potentiates anti-tumor immunity by inducing tumor immunogenicity and improving antigen processing through cGAS-STING pathway
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhao Heng , Deng Weili , Lai Junzhong , Sang Kai , Chen Qi
Published: May 2024

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism involved in the anti-tumor immune response, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) have achieved impressive therapeutic outcomes in patients with certain cancer types. However, it is unclear how inhibition of DNA methylation bridges the innate and adaptive immune responses to inhibit tumor growth. Here, we report that DNMTi zebularine reconstructs tumor immunogenicity, in turn promote dendritic cell maturation, antigen-presenting cell activity, tumor cell phagocytosis by APCs, and efficient T cell priming. Further in vivo and in vitro analyses reveal that zebularine stimulates cGAS-STING-NF-κB/IFNβ signaling to enhance tumor cell immunogenicity and upregulate antigen processing and presentation machinery (AgPPM), which promotes effective CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-mediated killing of tumor cells. These findings support the use of combination regimens that include DNMTi and immunotherapy for cancer treatment.
Insights into docking in megasynthases from the investigation of the toblerol trans-AT polyketide synthase: many α-helical means to an end
Authors: Scat Serge , Weissman Kira J. , Chagot Benjamin
Published: May 2024

This work identifies a novel class of docking domains (DDs) from the toblerol modular trans-AT polyketide synthase (PKS) and establishes previously unrecognised architectural relationships between known types of DDs.
Antibacterial properties of oil extracts of black soldier fly larvae reared on bread waste
Authors: Shu Mung Kwan , Li Cheuk Ming , Furtado William Eduardo , Huang Qianjun , St-Hilaire Sophie , Kenéz Ákos
Published: May 2024

Context Farming black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has become an emerging agricultural sector for upcycling food waste into high-quality protein and oil biomass. Depending on the chemical composition of the food waste, the oil extracted from BSFL can reach high levels of lauric acid, a natural antimicrobial compound. Aims We aimed to evaluate whether feeding a bakery waste-based substrate can enhance the lauric acid synthesis of BSFL. In addition, we aimed to test the antibacterial activity of these BSFL oil extracts against E. coli in vitro. Methods In a 12-day-long feeding trial, we reared BSFL either on a ground corn-based control substrate (n = 6) or a substrate based on bread waste sourced from a local bakery in Hong Kong (n = 6). We studied the growth performance, crude fat and lauric acid content, and agar well-diffusion assay-based antibacterial activity of oil samples extracted from the larvae. Key results The BSFL reared on the bread waste had a higher average weight (P < 0.001) and average daily gain (P < 0.001), similar crude fat content (P = 0.17), and higher lauric acid content (P < 0.001) than did the control larvae. Both oil samples moderately inhibited the growth of E. coli in vitro; the inhibition zones were 1.92 ± 1.0 mm and 1.25 ± 0.75 mm (means ± s.d.) big in the bread waste-based and the control oil samples respectively (P = 0.28). Conclusions Our results indicated that locally sourced bread waste is a suitable substrate for farming BSFL, providing a sustainable alternative for waste management. Implications The inclusion of locally produced BSFL oil as a feed ingredient for the local livestock farming sector might be an avenue not only to achieve circular economy, but also to reduce antimicrobial drug use. However, the effects on animal health and productive performance warrant further in vivo experiments.
Practical lessons from implementing a top-down, drone-based methane emissions quantification technology into global oil and gas operations
Authors: Turner David
Published: May 2024

Reliable top-down quantification of methane emissions from oil and gas operations is increasingly crucial but challenging. Many new technologies are emerging that aim to offer solutions, but they vary widely in their actual field performance, cost, and breadth of applicability. Operators need to evaluate and test different technologies, which can be time-consuming and complex. Once a technology has been selected for use, then typically field trials follow before wider introduction to the operation. This process takes considerable time and effort, and frequently requires extensive learning by the teams involved. Additionally, interpretation of performance often depends upon measurement use-case (e.g. regulatory, voluntary, or leak detection and repair). This paper will share some of the learnings made by the users and technology provider in the assessment and global introduction of a high sensitivity drone-based methane emissions detection, localisation, and quantification technology. There will be a particular focus on practical, operational considerations for such introductions to help accelerate the ongoing efforts of others interested in implementing emissions quantification technologies. Examples from Australia and further afield (both onshore and offshore) will be used to illustrate key points within the paper which include the value of third-party technology validation, consistency across multiple operations and scalability/availability of services.
Rehabilitation challenges for the onshore coal seam gas sector in Australia
Authors: Purtill James , Nicolson Louisa
Published: May 2024

The development of conventional oil and gas reserves followed by valorisation of coal seam gas (CSG) reserves in Queensland has seen the installation of over 16,000 wells. These wells are accompanied by thousands of kilometres of gathering lines, compression and water treatment facilities and transmission pipelines. The major rehabilitation challenges for the industry result less from technical challenges but rather from the sheer scale of the task. At present, the CSG industry continues to grow, and few of the CSG wells (other than exploration and appraisal wells) have yet reached the end of their life. The US experience presents a cautionary tale for adequate financial provisioning to mitigate the risks of orphaned wells. Secondly, the rehabilitation of multiple small parcels of land such as drill pads presents logistical challenges. Strategies to aggregate parcels for relinquishment will be required if the industry is to avoid thousands of individual land parcel evaluations at the time of relinquishment. These two rehabilitation challenges will be explored, risks for the industry and community assessed, and a call made for industry and government to work collaboratively to ensure an orderly and responsible rehabilitation program becomes an integral part of ongoing operations.
Australia’s Future Energy Resources project: the untapped potential of onshore low carbon energy resources
Authors: Bernecker Thomas , Bradshaw Barry , Iwanec Jeremy , Bradey Keith , Owens Ryan , Feitz Andrew , Kalinowski Aleksandra , Carr Lidena
Published: May 2024

The ‘Australia’s Future Energy Resources’ (AFER) project, funded under the Government’s ‘Exploring for the Future’ (EFTF) program has been completed. The project’s four modules have evaluated a mixture of energy resource commodities, including natural gas, hydrogen, subsurface storage opportunities for carbon dioxide and hydrogen. They are complemented by several targeted basin inventories which outline the current geological knowledge of energy resources in underexplored, data-poor regions. Several publicly available data sets have been generated and published under the AFER project, including 3750 line-km of reprocessed 2D seismic data, acquired in the Pedirka and western Eromanga basins, of which key lines have been interpreted and integrated with geological and petrophysical well log data. Relative prospectivity maps have been produced for five energy resource commodities from 14 play intervals to show the qualitative variability in prospectivity of these resources, including quantitative resource assessments where warranted. Results from the AFER project have helped to identify and geologically characterise the required energy resource commodities to accelerate Australia’s path to net zero emissions.
Emissions, carbon abatement and data integration: CCS projects
Authors: Terzini Fabio , Morkunas Brett
Published: May 2024

The impacts of climate change and efforts to achieve net zero emissions underscore the importance of a varied range of technologies designed to decrease emissions and handle carbon effectively. As carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects become increasingly integral to decarbonisation efforts, complexities emerge in the management of operations, verification and monitoring, commercial, joint venture (JV) and regulatory requirements. External tools developed in Excel have been commonly used to carry out CCS related calculations, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, carbon credit units, and their allocation between JV participants, as well as generate reports. This approach can prove to have negative long-term impacts as it is difficult to maintain and can lack transparency and auditability, especially when poorly documented. In this paper, we explore how integrating a CCS application into the existing Data Management System (EnergySys), used for production allocation and GHG emissions reporting, can enhance operational efficiency and ensure adherence to both legislative and commercial standards in a transparent and auditable manner.
Deep bed filtration and formation damage by particles with distributed properties
Authors: Khazali Nastaran , Malgaresi Gabriel , Osipov Yuri , Kuzmina Ludmila , Bedrikovetsky Pavel
Published: May 2024

Current models for deep bed filtration describe particles with uniform properties. Yet, the sizes, densities, and mineral composition of particles vary significantly in the same injection well. The aim of this work is to provide an effective mathematical model for water injection of particles with distributed properties and formation damage prediction. We average the set of traditional population balance equations for single-property particles and obtain one upscaled equation. The upscaled equation for particle retention rate contains a non-linear function of suspended concentration, which we call the 'suspension function'. We derive analytical solutions for the upscaled equation for linear (coreflood) and radial (well injectivity) flows. Then we treat lab coreflood data to determine the model suspension function and provide a model for well injectivity prediction. The retention profile for the flow of uniform particles has an exponential form. Frequently reported in the literature, hyper-exponential forms have been hypothetically explained by multiple particle properties. The inverse solution allows revealing the individual filtration coefficients for binary mixtures from total breakthrough concentrations during coreflood. Treatment of the data from lab experiments reveals individual filtration coefficients that belong to common intervals. For the first time, deep bed filtration of particles with distributed properties is upscaled and presented using a single equation that reflects the particle property distribution. This equation provides an effective mathematical model for tuning lab coreflood data, determines the model function, and uses it for injectivity decline prediction.
Real-time chemostratigraphy at wellsite; removing drilling uncertainties
Authors: Riley David , Davidson Morven , Pearce Tim J. , Fuerst Alex , Kinsley Jordan
Published: May 2024

Real-time chemostratigraphy is a workflow deployed at wellsites to remove stratigraphic uncertainty and support drilling operations. This study presents the chemostratigraphic wellsite workflow which, during drilling operations, support either the placement of casing points (using predefined geochemical markers to target a depth above a specific stratigraphic feature) or aid geosteering. Geosteering is typically employed during the drilling of a horizontal well and is done to keep the drill within a certain zone or horizon to maximise production. Wellsite chemostratigraphy has been effectively deployed to wellsites within multiple basins around the globe and has recently been utilised in the Perth Basin. The wellsite workflow starts before the deployment, with offset wells analysed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy within a laboratory-based setting. This builds the correlative element-based framework and identifies the trends required to assist with either core placement, casing point, or geosteering. Samples are analysed by energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence units (these data are then used to confirm the zone previously defined) and can be identified at wellsite using the onsite tool, the selected elements of which are those less likely to be affected by drilling mud contamination and loss of circulation material (LCM). However, during drilling operation, there may be instances where LCM must be added to the drilling muds, which may have an effect on the data quality for certain elements. With a dedicated ICP spectrometry elemental database behind the wellsite operation, machine learning tools may be employed to ‘repair’ correlation critical elements.
Evergreening of seismic data to enable carbon storage screening at scale – a case study from the Barrow-Dampier sub-basins
Authors: Seymour Nigel , Phythian Paul , Gunning Merrie-Ellen , Ferguson Kiran , Chen Suyang , Aini Binti Awang Piut Dayang
Published: May 2024

The Barrow-Dampier carbon capture and storage (CCS) regional study is an industry collaboration between Geoscience Australia, Chevron and SLB. A key objective of the study is a focussed reprocessing, depth imaging and merging of 26,150 km2 of input legacy seismic data. The regional merge is providing a robust foundational dataset for basin-scale CCS screening and play-risk mapping, allowing de-risking of capacity and containment of prospective storage locations.
Critical supply chains and Australian maritime training requirements
Authors: Court Peter , Owen OAM Richard
Published: May 2024

The Offshore and Specialist Ships Australia paper has focussed on two of the program themes being: access to the right skills including STEM, with STEM being a critical part of both Deck and Engineer Officer training and improving and securing supply chain connectivity. We see these two items are critical elements for the Maritime requirements of the Offshore sector for Oil and Gas export plus both construction and demobilisation of offshore facilities, pilotage of vessels and the requirement of internal maritime knowledge within organisations. The focus on this document will be twofold: Firstly, the current critical lack of qualified deck and engineer officers and how this can be rectified. The lack of domestic training has recently been identified by both Maritime Industry Australia Ltd and Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association as being at a crisis point. Secondly, the lack of an Australian strategic fleet (including a viable Australian International Shipping Register (AISR)) and the consequent vulnerability of our critical maritime export and import supply chains. We believe that both these theme items are mutually dependent and are in urgent need of the attention of both the wider energy export industry and Federal and State Governments.
Why global decarbonisation requires cross-sector understanding
Authors: Dwyer Jessica
Published: May 2024

The global private sector is exploring and developing decarbonisation pathways for each of the energy sectors – transportation and its many sub-sectors, power, and industry. Each of these sectors and sub-sectors interacts with the others, and these interactions should be understood and considered at a governance level. As an example, rapid decarbonisation of the maritime sector will impact the refining sector, which in turn will have implications on the availability and cost of fuels for the remaining sectors. This paper examines how decarbonisation of one sector affects other sectors, and how our continued medium-term reliance on oil, in particular, introduces complex constraints. Renewable energy, fossil fuels, low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic fuels will need to be balanced and coordinated in such a way that decarbonisation pathway decisions are not made independently by isolated sectors that will hinder or even set back the decarbonisation efforts and options of other sectors. This paper also looks at the supply chain realities of decarbonising certain transportation sectors.
Comparing hybrid method simulations to hydrogen dispersion and explosion tests
Authors: Roos Juliana F. , Abdel-jawad Madhat
Published: May 2024

With an increase in the production and storage of hydrogen, it is likely that an increased number of explosions in which hydrogen plays a central role will occur unless a step change increase in safety is seen. Modelling releases of hydrogen and explosions arising from the delayed ignition of premixed gas clouds of hydrogen is carried out today using analytical and numerical approaches and most recently, using a hybrid methodology with the commercially available software exploCFD. Hybrid simulation methodology relies on the calculation of an analytically derived source term which is then used as an input for a 2D numerical simulation. In this paper we further our earlier validation work and test the ability of the hybrid methodology to predict flammable gas dispersion and subsequent explosions arising from hydrogen releases. Hydrogen has some particularly unique properties; it is the lightest of fuels – meaning masses involved are very small, and it has the highest laminar burning velocity – an order of magnitude greater than most hydrocarbons. The hybrid methodology is compared against previously documented 3D corner tests and dispersion tests. Excellent agreement between overpressure prediction and the reported experimental data for explosion against equivalence ratio is observed. The data from the hydrogen jet release simulations also compare extremely well to the previously reported experimental data. The results show that it is difficult to justify the use of far more laborious, time and cost-intensive purely numerical methods, or the use of largely uncertain more crude methods still widely used today.
Angel CCS project – decarbonising the hard-to-abate industries of WA
Authors: Kosyak Dmitry
Published: May 2024

The Angel CCS Project is a proposed large-scale multi-user carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub located near Karratha, WA. It is being progressed by the Angel CCS Joint Venture (JV). Angel CCS is ideally located to aggregate emissions from existing sources in the Pilbara region and has the potential to facilitate the development of new lower-carbon industries, such as the production of hydrogen and ammonia, by providing a local solution for emissions. The JV has been awarded greenhouse gas assessment permit G-10-AP, located in the Northern Carnarvon Basin off the north-western coast of Western Australia and is now assessing the technical, regulatory and commercial feasibility of aggregating emissions from existing and potential future facilities and the geological storage of carbon dioxide in the permit area. Notionally, the Angel CCS project is expected to be able to handle up to 5 Mtpa. The proposed project could be the first large scale CCS hub with offshore storage in Australia and potentially one of the largest CCS hubs in the Asia Pacific. The paper provides an overview of the Angel CCS Project, outlines key enabling factors for CCS Hub developments, and explains the key considerations that informed the development concept.
Building a carbon dioxide storage portfolio for the Barrow-Dampier sub-basins through regional screening – an integrated geoscience approach
Authors: Barlass David , Hamilton Ruth , Mehay Sabine , Parent Adeline , Pei Ivan , Schenk Oliver , Gunning Merrie-Ellen , Vonk Adam
Published: May 2024

Safe geological carbon dioxide (CO2) storage (GCS) requires rocks with suitable injectivity, capacity and sealing properties to ensure secure long-term containment of injected CO2. A regional understanding of the subsurface is essential to determine the potential for GCS of a basin and to select target sites. This is best addressed by integrating the basin’s tectono-stratigraphic evolution, its gross depositional environment, and its hydrodynamic, thermal and stress regimes. A basin-scale GCS assessment for the Barrow-Dampier sub-basins was conducted by Geoscience Australia and SLB. The objective of the study is to high-grade geological intervals and sites for potential GCS and to understand potential storage capacity and key risk factors. Stratigraphic and structural mapping of key storage intervals was performed using the reprocessed seismic volume and well database associated with the project. Analysis of critically stressed faults was used to estimate the likelihood of reactivation based on the far-field regional stress field and fault mechanical properties. Pressure, temperature, porosity, permeability, and water geochemistry data have been screened for >500 wells for assessing the storage unit intervals and predicting the hydrodynamic regime. Calibrated 2D basin models provide information on the regional pressure-temperature regime, porosity/permeability distribution, and sealing effectiveness. Potentiometric surface maps for the aquifer systems inform the distribution of potential CO2 plume migration. Results of this integrated regional basin study are used to quantify the risk of identified storage containers and to map the chance of success for GCS at a regional scale. The project results are publicly available via NOPIMS.
The rising significance of the Perth Basin
Authors: Birda Krishan Pal , Ramesh Kaushal , Vahie Arsh
Published: May 2024

Amid a nationwide struggle to revitalise exploration and development activity in the Australian oil and gas industry, the Perth Basin emerges as a beacon of hope. During 2003–2005, the basin experienced a peak in exploration activity, averaging an impressive 13 wells drilled per year. However, mirroring the sector’s broader nationwide trend, the Perth Basin then saw a decline in drilling, with an annual average of just three exploration wells over 2006–2022. Nevertheless, a turnaround is in progress, with the basin poised for the drilling of eight exploration and appraisal wells in 2024. The turning point for the basin can be traced back to the Waitsia discovery in 2014 which rekindled interest and activity in the region, resulting in nine distinct gas discoveries and a subsequent doubling of the basin’s estimated gas resources. Against the backdrop of projected gas shortfalls in Western Australia’s domestic market, players in the basin have ambitious development plans amid rising gas prices. We expect that the Perth Basin could contribute up to 30% of WA’s domestic gas supplies by 2030, compared to a modest 5% in 2023. Notably, a substantial portion of WA’s new gas supplies are expected to originate from the Perth Basin. This paper examines the resurgence of activity and interest in the Perth Basin, driven by surging valuations and its growing significance within the domestic gas market. It also examines the commercialisation pathways in light of the updated ban on onshore gas exports in WA.
Peripheral preprocessing in
Drosophila
facilitates odor classification
Authors: Puri Palka , Wu Shiuan-Tze , Su Chih-Ying , Aljadeff Johnatan
Published: May 2024

The mammalian brain implements sophisticated sensory processing algorithms along multilayered (“deep”) neural networks. Strategies that insects use to meet similar computational demands, while relying on smaller nervous systems with shallow architectures, remain elusive. Using
Drosophila
as a model, we uncover the algorithmic role of odor preprocessing by a shallow network of compartmentalized olfactory receptor neurons. Each compartment operates as a ratiometric unit for specific odor-mixtures. This computation arises from a simple mechanism: electrical coupling between two differently sized neurons. We demonstrate that downstream synaptic connectivity is shaped to optimally leverage amplification of a hedonic value signal in the periphery. Furthermore, peripheral preprocessing is shown to markedly improve novel odor classification in a higher brain center. Together, our work highlights a far-reaching functional role of the sensory periphery for downstream processing. By elucidating the implementation of powerful computations by a shallow network, we provide insights into general principles of efficient sensory processing algorithms.
Deletion of TECRL promotes skeletal muscle repair by up-regulating EGR2
Authors: Geng Sha , Liu Song-Bai , He Wei , Pan Xiangbin , Sun Yi , Xue Ting , Han Shiyuan , Lou Jing , Chang Ying , Zheng Jiqing , Shi Xinghong , Li Yangxin , Song Yao-Hua
Published: May 2024

Myogenic regeneration relies on the proliferation and differentiation of satellite cells. TECRL (trans-2,3-enoyl-CoA reductase like) is an endoplasmic reticulum protein only expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscle. However, its role in myogenesis remains unknown. We show that TECRL expression is increased in response to injury. Satellite cell-specific deletion of TECRL enhances muscle repair by increasing the expression of EGR2 through the activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which in turn promotes the expression of PAX7. We further show that TECRL deletion led to the upregulation of the histone acetyltransferase general control nonderepressible 5, which enhances the transcription of EGR2 through acetylation. Importantly, we showed that AAV9-mediated TECRL silencing improved muscle repair in mice. These findings shed light on myogenic regeneration and muscle repair.