bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent 24. Presentation for: The infrastructure of net zero: a unique challenge for Australia
Authors: Ebert Paul
Published: June 2022

Presented on Thursday 19 May: Session 24 In August 2021, Worley and Princeton University’s Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment published a report titled ‘From ambition to reality: Weaving the threads of net-zero delivery’ which examined the challenge of building the assets of net zero. It used as a basis Princeton’s Net-Zero America study which detailed a number of pathways to achieve net-zero, finding for all an enormous infrastructure challenge – like nothing the world has ever seen. This joint publication considered the complex execution challenge of delivering this infrastructure. Extrapolating these results to the world economy, it was obvious that if infrastructure was delivered using historical, linear development and deployment paths then it would not be possible to reach net zero by 2050 regardless of which technology pathway was used. The joint publication developed five key shifts in practice that could bridge the gap between net zero ambition and reality. In this paper we explore the implications of this for the Australian energy markets, focusing on energy exports and the decarbonisation technologies most relevant to the oil and gas sector assuming a net zero ambition. In particular, we consider the shifts that will be needed to deliver these technologies, focusing on key deployment levers that may prove pivotal to meeting this ambition. To access the presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Geoscience Poster G6: Petrophysical characterisation of the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian successions in the Officer Basin
Authors: Wang Liuqi
Published: June 2022

Poster G6 The Neoproterozoic–Paleozoic Officer Basin, located in South Australia and Western Australia, remains a frontier basin for energy exploration, with significant uncertainty due to a paucity of data. As part of Geoscience Australia’s Exploring for the Future (EFTF) program, the objective of this study is to derive the petrophysical properties and to characterise potential reservoirs in the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian sedimentary succession in the Officer Basin through laboratory testing and well log interpretation using both conventional and neural network methods. Laboratory measurements of 41 legacy core samples provide the relationships between gas permeability, Klinkenberg corrected permeability, and nano-scale permeability, as well as grain density, effective and total porosity for various rock types. Conventional log interpretation generates the volume fraction of shale, effective and total porosity from gamma ray and lithology logs. A self-organising map (SOM) was used to cluster the well log data to generate petrophysical group/class index and probability profiles for different classes. Neural network technology was employed to approximate porosity and permeability from logs, conventional interpretation results and class index from SOM modelling. The Neoproterozoic−Cambrian successions have the potential to host both conventional and tight hydrocarbon reservoirs. Neoproterozoic successions are demonstrated to host mainly tight reservoirs with the range in average porosity and geometric mean permeability of 4.77–6.39% and 0.00087–0.01307 mD, respectively, in the different sequences. The range in average porosity and geometric mean permeability of the potential Cambrian conventional reservoirs is 14.54−26.38% and 0.341−103.68 mD, respectively. The Neoproterozoic shales have favourable sealing capacities. This work updates the knowledge of rock properties to further the evaluation of the resource potential of the Officer Basin. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Geoscience Poster G8: Geomechanical rock properties of the Officer Basin
Authors: Bailey Adam H. E.
Published: June 2022

Poster G8 The Officer Basin spanning South Australia and Western Australia is the focus of a regional stratigraphic study being undertaken as part of the Exploring for the Future (EFTF) program, an Australian Government initiative dedicated to increasing investment in resource exploration in Australia. Despite numerous demonstrated oil and gas shows, the Officer Basin remains a frontier basin for energy exploration with significant uncertainties due to data availability. Under the EFTF Officer–Musgrave Project, Geoscience Australia acquired new geomechanical rock property data from forty core samples in five legacy stratigraphic and petroleum exploration wells that intersected Paleozoic and Neoproterozoic aged intervals. These samples were subjected to unconfined compressive rock strength tests, Brazilian tensile strength tests and laboratory ultrasonic measurements. Petrophysical properties were also characterised via X-ray computerised tomography scanning, grain density and porosity-permeability analysis. Accurate characterisation of static geomechanical rock properties through laboratory testing is essential. In the modern exploration environment, these datasets are a precompetitive resource that can simplify investment decisions in prospective frontier regions such as the Officer Basin. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Geoscience Poster G14: Natural hydrogen exploration in Australia – state of knowledge and presentation of a case study
Authors: Langhi Laurent
Published: June 2022

Poster G14 Hydrogen will play a major role in Australia’s transition to a net zero emissions energy future. The hydrogen industry and technology are scaling up with hydrogen produced via two pathways, thermochemical and electrochemical, that involve the use of fossil fuel feedstock or the use of an electrical current to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Exploration for and production of natural hydrogen is one of the most promising ways to get large quantities of green hydrogen cheaper than the ‘blue’ hydrogen produced from methane. Some predictions from this growing industry even estimate that the production of natural hydrogen can quickly become economically viable. We propose to review the state of knowledge of natural hydrogen exploration and production in the world and focus on the exploration of the Australian natural seeps in the frame of the incredible exploration rush we are currently experiencing. Surface emanations often referred to as ‘fairy circles’ are often associated with high hydrogen soil-gas measurement and have been described in numerous countries. In the frame of our research, we recently showed that similar hyrdrogen-emitting structures are present in Australia. New regional scale soil-gas measurements reveal persistent hydrogen concentration along the Darling Fault, in the Perth Basin and on the Yilgarn Craton. Those geological settings promote processes such as deep serpentinisation of ultramafic rocks as potential hydrogen sources that are of massive potential economic value. We review the results of different techniques to explore and quantify the presence of natural hydrogen leakage. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Geoscience Poster G15: Seismic, petrophysical and petrological constraints on the alteration of igneous rocks in the Northern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia: implications for petroleum exploration and drilling operations
Authors: Holford Simon P.
Published: June 2022

Poster G15 The Northern Carnarvon Basin (NCB) hosts an extensive record of Jurassic–Cretaceous rift-related igneous activity, manifested by a >45 000 km2 intrusive complex and series of volcanic centres constrained by seismic mapping. However, there are relatively few well penetrations of these igneous rocks (<1% of ~1500 exploration wells) in comparison to other basins that witness extensive magmatism, and thus, their lithological and petrophysical characteristics are poorly understood. Here, we describe the properties of igneous rocks encountered in nine petroleum exploration wells and scientific boreholes in the NCB and evaluate their impacts on exploration and development issues. Igneous rocks in the NCB are characterised by pervasive alteration, with ramifications for seismic imaging and drilling. For example, low acoustic velocities in mafic lavas altered to clays in Toro-1 were mistaken for overpressure, whilst intrusive rocks in Palta-1 were initially unrecorded and only recognised due to subsequent post-drilling thermal history analysis. The alteration of mafic igneous rocks to clays reduces acoustic impedance contrasts relative to sedimentary host rocks, making their identification prior to drilling more challenging. Whilst the preferential emplacement of intrusive rocks in Triassic strata deeper than reservoir targets is primarily responsible for the paucity of well penetrations, our findings of extensive alteration of igneous rocks in the NCB suggests that additional wells may intersect as yet unrecognised intrusive or extrusive sequences. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Engineering Poster E2: Integrity considerations for dehydration of carbon dioxide
Authors: Weiter Ross
Published: June 2022

Poster E2 Carbon capture, sequestration, and utilisation is widely considered to be one of the key enablers to decarbonising the economy. Transportation of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a key focal area in any carbon capture and storage project. While dehydration of natural gas for transportation is well understood and regulated, the same cannot be said for CO2. This is due to its immaturity relative to natural gas and due to properties of CO2 being radically different to those of hydrocarbons. One of those physical properties is the ability of CO2 to saturate with water. Excessive water in CO2 transportation and injection systems can cause integrity and operability problems such as corrosion, blockages from hydrates and water ice, and slugging due to liquid water dropout. Contaminants present in the CO2 stream such as methanol and hydrogen can also have a significant impact on the phase envelope. Therefore, to mitigate these issues, dehydration specifications need to be selected based on phase envelopes and other important project parameters such as corrosion, ambient temperatures, and hydrate formation. For every individual project, a selection needs to be made to determine the applicable CO2 dehydration specification, considering both the normal and transient operating conditions. Based on the selected specification, the most suitable method for implementing dehydration should be selected, along with the optimum location of the dehydration equipment in the multi-stage pressure-boosting plant. This study explores these challenges and presents a methodology for overcoming them. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Engineering Poster E7: A new approach for production forecasting from individual layers in multi-layer commingled tight gas reservoirs
Authors: Van Der Haar (nee Kosten) Katarina
Published: June 2022

Poster E7 Estimating future production in multi-layer tight gas reservoirs is necessary, but problematic. Initial production looks promising but soon decreases to levels that are much lower than first anticipated. Boundary-dominated flow to which common production data analysis can be applied to, takes up to 8 years to establish, yet future production estimations must be made at the time of drilling. Common industry software does not fully assess individual layer contribution because large uncertainties exist in layer-specific contributions to total production. Many engineers tend to use analysis methods designed for single-layer wells, which leaves future production estimations with large errors, and this can have potentially long ranging consequences for a company. This paper presents a new way of estimating future production in multi-layer tight gas reservoirs by incorporating the uncertainty that can be found in individual layer contributions. Our approach utilises single tank material balance and matches total well production data by changing layer-specific properties. A workflow has been created for the programming language Python that includes a Bayesian element to honour the uncertainty in individual layer effective permeability and individual layer gas in place. Applying this workflow to many wells in a specified area allows probability distribution functions for layer effective permeability and layer gas in place to be generated. This will result in attaining more realistic production forecasts in the form of P10, P50 and P90 for multi-layer tight gas reservoirs, and allowing the engineer to make better-informed early assessments of the future production of wells. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Engineering Poster E9: Modelling of High Point Vents in water gathering systems – a new approach using Simcenter Flomaster
Authors: Sprengel Jurgen
Published: June 2022

Poster E9 The cost-efficient extraction of coal seam gas (CSG) is the ultimate objective of every CSG project. One challenge is that gas holdups in water gathering lines can significantly obstruct water removal by causing higher back pressure on the wells, thus resulting in lower dewatering rates with subsequent delays in expected gas production. Gas holdups originate from entrained gas entering the wellhead pumps and from dissolved gas bubbling off in water gathering pipelines. Gas holdups are mechanically removed by High Point Vents (HPVs) installed at pipeline high points, with the efficiency of gas removal directly impacting project economics. A new hydraulic modelling approach enables the realistic simulation of two-phase flow regimes in a single-phase solver by utilising hydraulic components designed to separate gas and water. This modelling process offers major advantages over the traditional gas water ratio approach, as it enables the addition of individual HPVs to be analysed for their impact on the pressure reduction in water gathering pipelines. Modelling can be performed for any network complexity in either steady-state or transient simulation, enabling the analysis of the entire water gathering network over its life span of several decades. An operating envelope of well and pipeline pressure can be generated for an idealistic gas-free network, showing the lowest pressure and a network with fully developed gas holdups and resulting in the maximum possible back pressure. The paper includes a benchmarking study of an existing complex water gathering system confirming the practicality and accuracy of this game changing modelling approach. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Engineering Poster E10: Carbon capture clusters
Authors: Riordan Helen
Published: June 2022

Poster E10 Net zero is an endeavour that will impact every corner of the world. We need global communication and collaboration. To move fast, the transition must become more efficient and spread the best solutions far and wide. For difficult to decarbonise industries, collaboration is essential. The other essential ingredient is policy. The UK banned diesel and petrol car sales from 2030. This is driving electric vehicle manufacturing and supply chains. The EU banned single-use plastics from 2021. Consequently, Coca Cola Europe announced 100% of their bottles would be based on recycled plastic. Norway introduced a carbon tax in 1991 to encourage research into low-carbon solutions. It became the first country to geologically sequester CO2 and the first to do it from an LNG facility. Ten years after the tax was introduced, Norway’s carbon emissions had dropped by 14%. Policies influence emissions. They drive not only environmental outcomes but also sustainable growth and the ability to future-proof their economies. In 2007 and 2012, the UK announced funding for a commercial-scale carbon capture and storage project, both times the programs were aborted. A third attempt, this time focussing on decarbonising four industrial clusters by 2030, was announced in 2018 along with the first ‘net-zero’ carbon cluster by 2040, with the support of a number of UK policies it is expected to progress to construction. This paper discusses the journey from policy through partnerships to the development of Carbon Capture and Hydrogen Clusters in the UK and looks at lessons learnt for Australia. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
ESG Poster ESG1: Design for decommissioning – focusing on preventative strategies and beneficial impact assessment for managing offshore infrastructure
Authors: Duguid Alison J.
Published: June 2022

Poster ESG1 Offshore oil and gas infrastructure removal can have significant impact to newly developed ecological services, human safety, fuel consumption emissions and unrecoverable costs. Through Net Environmental Benefit Analysis-Comparative Assessments (NEBA-CA) it is evident that in situ alternatives can alleviate some of these impacts. In situ management of infrastructure is currently restricted by state, commonwealth and international legislation in Australia resulting in the base-case of full removal often being favoured. The default to full removal is often due to areas of uncertainty such as long-term infrastructure stability, polymer and material degradation, intergenerational eco-toxicological impact and commercial fisheries risks. This paper will present front-end design alternatives to address these areas of uncertainty and provide a more robust justification for leaving infrastructure in place post decommissioning. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
ESG Poster ESG2: Quantifying the reduction of rehabilitation needs and safety risks in the use of innovative well and flowline decommissioning tools
Authors: Lindsay Geoff
Published: June 2022

Poster ESG2 This paper identifies, measures and demonstrates both the reduction in safety risk and in Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) factors, associated with the traditional cut and cap methods for gas/oil wells and flowlines compared to new innovative internal cutting methods. In 2017 Summit Canada recognised the need to improve the safety of personnel in the oil and gas fields of Canada, during decommisioning of both wellheads and flowlines. The traditionally established method was to excavate a bellhole around the infrastructure and to subsequently cut the wellhead or flowline at 1.5 m below ground level using an oxy-torch. This usually involved an individual standing on a step ladder under a suspended load in an excavation which was often a confined space, not adequately benched or sloped. Comparative data from 5 years of North American and 2 years of Australian experience in decommissioning old wells using internal cuts as opposed to the excavation method are used in the study. The safety risk associated with each method can generally be quantified and given a Hazard Ranking established from crew sizes, kilometres driven and work methods undertaken. Similarly, the ESG factors associated with each method can be quantified in terms of area of disturbance, as well as landholder inconvenience and emissions resulting from number of trucks and personnel movements. A significant reduction in safety risk was the key finding, with the silver lining of also reducing the ESG impacts of gas well and flowline decommissioning activities. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
ESG Poster ESG4: A quantitative method for evaluating ecological risks associated with long-term degradation of deep-sea plastic-containing infrastructure
Authors: Testoff Alexander N.
Published: June 2022

Poster ESG4 Presented herein is a newly developed quantitative approach for assessing potential ecological risk resulting from long-term degradation of deep-sea plastic-containing infrastructure. The risk characterisation involves four iterations of modelled ‘risk’ through forward or backward calculation of a deterministic hazard quotient, mathematically defined as the ratio of estimated exposure to a reference dose (or concentration) for a similar exposure period. The assessment focuses on direct effects of microplastics exposure, wherein exposure concentrations are based on modelled estimates of microplastic mass formation resulting from structure deterioration over time. Predicted no effect concentrations (PNECs) protective of slightly-to-moderately disturbed ecosystems and ecosystems of high conservation value were determined based on a species sensitivity distribution (SSD), in accordance with the current Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Each iteration of risk characterisation is performed irrespective of burial, with varying exposure unit dimensions (i.e. geographically localised and broader regions of microplastic dispersal) and degrees of plastic degradation, designed to conservatively bound the risk characterisation. Additionally, two SSDs derived from different ecotoxicological data sets prioritising either particle shape or marine species are also provided for a sensitivity analysis of the PNEC. Thus, the bounding exercise encompasses all possible outcomes. The risk characterisation approach is reviewed for a case study of two larger plastic-containing flowline assets in an oil production field offshore of Australia. The outcome of the risk assessment is the same for all model iterations: degradation of the subsea plastic-containing flowlines does not pose a risk to the local marine community. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
ESG Poster ESG8: Enhancing the management of decommissioning activities in joint development areas
Authors: Tung Aaron
Published: June 2022

Poster ESG8 Establishing joint development areas is a solution that can be used by sovereign states to exploit resources in areas with maritime disputes. However, when legislation and regulations governing these joint development areas were established, less attention was given to the challenges of oil and gas decommissioning. As part of wider research to investigate stakeholder impacts on oil and gas decommissioning activities in the United Kingdom and Australia, a significant emergent finding was that there are various regulatory uncertainties regarding the rules, standards and procedures that should be adopted when managing oil and gas decommissioning activities in joint development areas. One reason for these uncertainties is because there is still an ongoing debate regarding the nature and definition of joint development areas as political entities. These uncertainties are unfavourable because oil and gas decommissioning activities can have significant social, political, environmental and even economic impacts. Rather than focusing on the debate regarding the definition of joint development areas as political entities, this paper proposes that governments enhance the prescriptiveness of existing joint development agreements to address these regulatory uncertainties. This approach is favourable, as joint development agreements can also be utilised in order to incentivise the sharing of resources and collaboration amongst stakeholders. Such an arrangement can facilitate the better management of oil and gas decommissioning activities in joint development areas, and hence, minimise the overall decommissioning liabilities of organisations, institutions and governments. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Business Poster B2: Strategic decision making to achieve a path to net zero
Authors: Cejka Kris
Published: June 2022

Poster B2 With continued changes to global policy and implementation of greenhouse gas emissions reductions, organisations are increasingly creating goals for net zero emissions. Not knowing where carbon policy is heading and what incentives and penalties will be makes it difficult to make decisions on projects while trying to achieve a path to net zero. Many avenues are currently being investigated from carbon capture and storage (CCS) to operational equipment replacement and leak reduction. There are no standard business models, and this presents significant challenges which need to be understood. Though new, they are not novel, as the industry knows how to face challenges which include evolving policies and tax implications. This paper showcases how energy companies can structure, evaluate and communicate CCS decision making using the Decision Quality process. The fundamentals of Decision Quality are applied to describe a case study which focuses on the challenge for organisations with greenhouse gas emissions, considering which facilities to prioritise, which technologies to cost-effectively capture, how to transport and ultimately how to reuse or store the emissions. The Decision Quality – Scenario Thinking process will be instrumental in understanding the uncertain scenarios in the global carbon arena. We will define the solution space of viable alternative strategies and provide unique insight into the impact of the key risks and uncertainties on the alternatives in play – answering the question, under what terms and conditions might each alternative be viable? Using structured decision techniques, insights into CCS strategies and what it will take to achieve will be gained. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Business Poster B3: Global energy outlooks and Australia’s net zero energy future
Authors: Paz Jerome
Published: June 2022

Poster B3 The release of the Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has escalated and issued a final warning that the world is in a climate emergency and on a trajectory to ecological collapse. The collective target for humanity remains keeping emissions within 1.5 degrees and this will require a monumental shift in attitudes and priorities by governments, industries and individuals. The International Energy Agency’s ‘Net Zero by 2050’ report sets out a roadmap to achieve Net Zero. Many other leading energy data sources, such as BP and DNV, have also now reflected ambitions to achieve the 1.5° target and what this means for energy supply and demand, especially for oil and gas. This paper will discuss energy demand future in the context of these energy outlooks, including the role that various energies are expected to play in the medium- to long-term and what impact does that have on Australia’s energy future. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Optimal integration of battery energy-storage system with high penetration of renewable energy in radial distribution network
Authors: Sheikh Hafsa Imra , Rathi Mahesh Kumar , Soomro Amir Mahmood
Published: June 2022

Considering the intermittent nature of renewable energy, a storage system to reserve power in off-peak hours and then to supply it during peak hours is necessary. However, if these storage devices in a network are not placed in an appropriate manner, the advantages can never be achieved. In this study, the allocation and sizing strategies of a battery energy-storage system (BESS) in an optimal way are proposed to improve the performance of the radial distribution networks. The test network adopted is a standard IEEE 33 bus network that is integrated with solar power. Simulations are carried out in DIgSILENT PowerFactory for the distribution network model and the process of optimization is done through MATLAB®. The optimization algorithm adopted is the genetic algorithm. The system is studied for 24 hours with a step size of 15 minutes, employing a time-sweep analysis of dynamic load. It is studied under three different scenarios and the results are compared. The results illustrate a considerable reduction in power losses in the case of the optimized BESS. The total losses before the optimization process are 16 365.57 kW. The total losses after the employment of the proposed solution are 10 246.5 kW, which means that the losses are reduced by ≤62%.
Prevalence of pain and its treatment among older adults in India: a nationally representative population-based study
Authors: Mohanty Sanjay K. , Ambade Mayanka , Upadhyay Ashish Kumar , Mishra Radhe Shyam , Pedgaonkar Sarang P. , Kampfen Fabrice , O'Donnell Owen , Maurer Jürgen
Published: June 2022

There were no estimates of the prevalence of pain and its treatment in the older population of India obtained from face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample. We addressed this evidence gap by using data on 63,931 individuals aged 45 years and older from the 2017/2018 Longitudinal Ageing Study in India. We identified pain from an affirmative response to the question: Are you often troubled by pain? We also identified those who reported pain that limited usual activities and who received treatment for pain. We estimated age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of pain, pain limiting usual activity and treatment, and compared these estimates across states and sociodemographic groups. We used a multivariable probit model to estimate full adjusted differences in the probability of each outcome across states and sociodemographic groups. We estimated that 36.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.3-37.8) of older adults in India were often troubled by pain and 25.2% (95% CI: 24.2-26.1) experienced pain limiting usual activity. We estimated that 73.3% (95% CI: 71.9-74.6) of those often troubled by pain and 76.4% (95% CI: 74.9-78.0) of those with pain that limited usual activity received treatment. There was large variation in each outcome across states. Fully adjusted prevalence of pain and pain limiting usual activity were higher among individuals who were female, older, less educated, rural residents, and poorer. Prevalence of treatment among those troubled by pain was lower among socially disadvantaged groups.
Monitoring of sedation in mechanically ventilated patients using remote technology
Authors: Hanidziar Dusan , Westover Michael Brandon
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

Two years of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted that excessive sedation in the ICU leading to coma and other adverse outcomes remains pervasive. There is a need to improve monitoring and management of sedation in mechanically ventilated patients. Remote technologies that are based on automated analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) could enhance standard care and alert clinicians real-time when severe EEG suppression or other abnormal brain states are detected.

Recent findings

High rates of drug-induced coma as well as delirium were found in several large cohorts of mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, high doses of sedatives comparable to general anesthesia have been commonly administered without defined EEG endpoints. Continuous limited-channel EEG can reveal pathologic brain states such as burst suppression, that cannot be diagnosed by neurological examination alone. Recent studies documented that machine learning-based analysis of continuous EEG signal is feasible and that this approach can identify burst suppression as well as delirium with high specificity.

Preventing oversedation in the ICU remains a challenge. Continuous monitoring of EEG activity, automated EEG analysis, and generation of alerts to clinicians may reduce drug-induced coma and potentially improve patient outcomes.
Lung aeration, ventilation, and perfusion imaging
Authors: Ball Lorenzo , Scaramuzzo Gaetano , Herrmann Jacob , Cereda Maurizio
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

Lung imaging is a cornerstone of the management of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), providing anatomical and functional information on the respiratory system function. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of mechanisms and applications of conventional and emerging lung imaging techniques in critically ill patients.

Recent findings

Chest radiographs provide information on lung structure and have several limitations in the ICU setting; however, scoring systems can be used to stratify patient severity and predict clinical outcomes. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for assessment of lung aeration but requires moving the patients to the CT facility. Dual-energy CT has been recently applied to simultaneous study of lung aeration and perfusion in patients with respiratory failure. Lung ultrasound has an established role in the routine bedside assessment of ICU patients, but has poor spatial resolution and largely relies on the analysis of artifacts. Electrical impedance tomography is an emerging technique capable of depicting ventilation and perfusion at the bedside and at the regional level.

Clinicians should be confident with the technical aspects, indications, and limitations of each lung imaging technique to improve patient care.
Cholangioscopy in Children and Adolescents: Utilization, Outcomes, and Safety
Authors: Barakat Monique T. , Berquist William E. , Gugig Roberto
Published: June 2022

Background:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increasingly utilized for management of biliary disorders in children and adolescents. Practice patterns surrounding cholangioscopy in pediatric patients, however, are largely uncharacterized.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed all ERCPs in which cholangioscopy was performed on patients 18 and under at our tertiary care children’s hospital from 2015 to 2020 using our institution’s paper and electronic medical record system. Patient demographics, procedure indications, interventions, and associated adverse events were analyzed.

Results:

Over the study period, 307 ERCPs were performed on 282 patients at our children’s hospital. Cholangioscopy was performed in 36 procedures (11.7%) using the SpyGlass cholangioscope (Boston Scientific). Antibiotics to cover biliary organisms were administered to all patients precholangioscopy. Mean patient age was 13.6 years (range 7–18 years). The 2 most common indications for cholangioscopy included electrohydraulic lithotripsy for biliary stone disease and evaluation of biliary stricture (with incidental finding of biliary web in 2 patients and retained suture material in 2 patients). Adverse events were less prevalent in patients who underwent cholangioscopy relative to those who underwent ERCP. 0/36 (0%) developed post-ERCP pancreatitis, one patient had self-limited melena (possible self-limited postsphincterotomy bleeding). Patient care was enhanced by cholangioscopy in 30/36 (83.3%) of these patients.

Conclusions:

These data attest to the safety and clinical utility of cholangioscopy in children and adolescents. Cholangioscopy was performed in just over 11% of pediatric patients who underwent ERCP at our academic medical center—rates similar to those reported in adult patients. The radiation-sparing nature of cholangioscopy, coupled with these data supporting its safety, make it particularly appealing for use in children. Further multi-institution evaluation of the utility, safety, and range of indications for cholangioscopy in other practice settings would be of great interest and help guide endoscopic care.
Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction following Infected Device Explantation: Is a Second Attempt Worth It?
Authors: Asaad Malke , Slovacek Cedar , Mitchell David , Liu Jun , Selber Jesse C. , Clemens Mark W. , Chu Carrie K. , Mericli Alexander F. , Butler Charles E.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Infection is a dreaded complication of implant-based breast reconstruction. There is a paucity of literature on the outcomes of a secondary reconstruction after infected implant-based breast reconstruction explantation.

Methods:

The authors conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent a second implant-based breast reconstruction following a failed infected device between January of 2006 and December of 2019. Surgical and patient-reported outcomes (BREAST-Q) were collected and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 6093 implant-based breast reconstructions were performed during the study period, 298 (5 percent) of which involved device removal because of infection. Eighty-three patients ultimately received 92 second-attempt breast implants. Thirty-six percent of cases developed at least one postoperative complication, with infection [23 breasts (25 percent)] being the most common. Compared with first-attempt implant-based breast reconstruction, we found significantly higher infection rates among second-attempt cases (9 percent and 21 percent, respectively; p = 0.0008). Patient-reported satisfaction with the breast and sexual well-being were lower after second-attempt than after first-attempt implant-based breast reconstruction (p = 0.018 and p = 0.002, respectively) reported in the literature. Mean follow-up was 41 ± 35 months. If we exclude patients with prior radiation therapy and those who received device exchange, the success rate is 88 percent.

Conclusions:

It is reasonable to offer women second-attempt implant-based breast reconstruction after explantation because of infection. However, this patient population has a higher infection and explantation rate and lower patient-reported satisfaction than patients undergoing first-attempt implant-based breast reconstruction. Because of these increased surgical risks and elevated complication rates, patients must be given reasonable expectations during preoperative discussions and when providing informed consent for second-attempt implant-based breast reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Escitalopram, Pramipexole, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Depression in Patients With Parkinson Disease: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Jing , Xu Pengfei , Guo Xunyi , Zou Tao
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to compare the effects of different antidepressant therapies on depression in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and to provide a reference for clinical treatment.

Methods

A total of 328 patients with idiopathic PD were selected consecutively. Subjects met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disease, Fourth Edition, criteria for a depressive disorder, or operationally defined subsyndromal depression, and scored greater than 17 on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17). One hundred thirty-one patients with PD accompanied with depression were enrolled into the experimental group. The subjects were randomly divided into 4 groups, and 118 were eventually completed: routine treatment group (n = 29), routine treatment + escitalopram group (n = 29), routine treatment + pramipexole group (n = 31), and routine treatment + transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) group (n = 29). After 4 weeks of treatments, the efficacy of each treatment was evaluated using HAMD score and reduction rate.

Results

After 4 weeks of treatment, the HAMD score was used for pair-to-pair comparison between the 4 groups. The therapeutic efficiency of escitalopram, pramipexole, and repetitive TMS was superior to routine anti-PD treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between escitalopram and pramipexole, but all of them were superior to rTMS. Further logistic regression analysis suggested that 50% reduction in HAMD score from baseline was associated with the treatment method. Among them, escitalopram had statistical significance (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Escitalopram, pramipexole, and high-frequency TMS had better efficacy in patients with PD complicated with depression. At 4 weeks, escitalopram showed better antidepressant effects and improved patients' quality of life and did not worsen motor function.
X-ray constrained wavefunctions based on Hirshfeld atoms. I. Method and review
Authors: Davidson Max L. , Grabowsky Simon , Jayatilaka Dylan
Published: June 2022

The X-ray constrained wavefunction (XCW) procedure for obtaining an experimentally reconstructed wavefunction from X-ray diffraction data is reviewed. The two-center probability distribution model used to perform nuclear-position averaging in the original paper [Grimwood & Jayatilaka (2001).Acta Cryst.A57, 87–100] is carefully distinguished from the newer one-center probability distribution model. In the one-center model, Hirshfeld atoms are used, and the Hirshfeld atom based X-ray constrained wavefunction (HA-XCW) procedure is described for the first time, as well as its efficient implementation. In this context, the definition of the related X-ray wavefunction refinement (XWR) method is refined. The key halting problem for the XCW method – the procedure by which one determines when overfitting has occurred – is named and work on it reviewed.
X-ray constrained wavefunctions based on Hirshfeld atoms. II. Reproducibility of electron densities in crystals of α-oxalic acid dihydrate
Authors: Davidson Max L. , Grabowsky Simon , Jayatilaka Dylan
Published: June 2022

The Hirshfeld atom-based X-ray constrained wavefunction fitting (HA-XCW) procedure is tested for its reproducibility, and the information content of the fitted wavefunction is critically assessed. Fourteen different α-oxalic acid dihydrate data sets are used for this purpose, and the first joint fitting to 12 of these data sets is reported. There are systematic features in the electron density obtained from all data sets which agree with higher level benchmark calculations, but there are also many other strong systematic features which disagree with the reference calculations, most notably those associated with the electron density near the nuclei. To enhance reproducibility, three new protocols are described and tested to address the halting problem of XCW fitting, namely: an empirical power-function method, which is useful for estimating the accuracy of the structure factor uncertainties; an asymptotic extrapolation method based on ideas from density functional theory; and a `conservative method' whereby the smallest value of the regularization parameter is chosen from a series of data sets, or subsets.
Dynamics and disorder: on the stability of pyrazinamide polymorphs
Authors: Hoser Anna Agnieszka , Rekis Toms , Madsen Anders Østergaard
Published: June 2022

This article focuses on the structure and relative stability of four pyrazinamide polymorphs. New single crystal X-ray diffraction data collected for all forms at 10 K and 122 K are presented. By combining periodic ab
initio DFT calculations with normal-mode refinement against X-ray diffraction data, both enthalpic and entropic contributions to the free energy of all polymorphs are calculated. On the basis of the estimated free energies, the stability order of the polymorphs as a function of temperature and the corresponding solid state phase transition temperatures are anticipated. It can be concluded that the α and γ forms have higher vibrational entropy than that of the β and δ forms and therefore they are significantly more stabilized at higher temperatures. Due to the entropy which arises from the disorder in γ form, it overcomes form α and is the most stable form at temperatures above ∼500 K. Our findings are in qualitative agreement with the experimental calorimetry results.
“You can call me Susan!” Doing gendered class work in luxury service encounters
Authors: Bernauer Vanessa Sandra , Sieben Barbara , Haunschild Axel
Published: June 2022

Purpose

With a focus on service encounters in the luxury segment of hospitality and tourism, the authors analyse how inherent social class distinctions and status differences are (re-)produced and which role gender plays in this process of “doing class”.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors combine concepts of class work and inequality regimes with a focus on intersections of class and gender. The empirical study is based on interviews in Germany with first-class flight attendants, five-star hotel employees, and luxury customers on how they perceive and legitimize luxury services, working conditions and status differences.

Findings

The authors identify perceptions and practices of status enhancement and status dissonance among luxury service workers, as well as gender practices and meanings such as specific feminized roles service workers take on. The authors also conceptualize these intersecting patterns of inequality reproduction as “gendered class work”.

Originality/value

The study broadens empirical accounts of labour relations in the service industries. The concept of organizational class work is extended towards worker–customer interactions. With the concept of gendered class work, the authors contribute to research on the intersectionality of class and gender and the reproduction of inequalities.
International HRM headquarters as a top management group in Israel
Authors: Kidron Aviv
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study extends the understanding of the context of IHRM headquarters as one of the top management groups (TMGs) through the application of both upper echelons theory and contextual theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior Israeli HR managers from international advanced-technology companies.

Findings

This study expands on theory by explaining how contexts act as constraints or opportunities for IHRM headquarter professionals as TMGs. The organizational context in which the IHRM headquarters take part is based on two themes: organizational structure and shared values. This is followed by the context of IHRM headquarters that includes two foundations for integration: strategic IHRM and trust. Finally, integration is derived from two themes: collaborative behaviors and electronic HRM.

Originality/value

This research has yielded a theoretical framework, which makes progress toward developing an integrative paradigm between IHRM headquarters' behavioral integration and organizational features. The paper presents a valuable “toolkit” for facilitating internal integration in IHRM headquarters.
Understanding customer-perceived values for apparel retailing in India
Authors: Kumar Singh Abhishek , Singh Patel Bharat , Samuel Cherian
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Infrastructural revolution, intense competition and customer attraction towards organised apparel retailing in India are potentially affecting traditional retailing. The authors seek to identify the factors that customers perceive during shopping in organised apparel retail store. This study also investigates the indirect effects of identified factors on behavioural outcomes such as loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The study randomly selected the customers immediately after shopping to minimise the experience's carryover effects. A sample of 648 customers was collected. Data were analysed using multivariate analysis of covariance.

Findings

The study has found that in-store logistics is the second order factor with ease of return, on-shelf availability, product accessibility, shopping convenience, and product information as the variables. The result shows that in-store logistics, store environment, store communication, merchandise assortment, perceived price and employee attribute influence customer satisfaction. As expected, these factors indirectly influence the loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on organised multi-brand apparel retailing, and the survey was conducted in a tier-II city of India only. Hence, any attempt to generalise the findings must be undertaken with caution.

Practical implications

In the context of multi-brand retailing, competition is fierce. New entrants and traditional apparel retailers hesitate to adopt organised apparel retailing. The findings of this study can be helpful for new entrants and traditional apparel retailers to adopt organised apparel retailing.

Originality/value

Previous studies in the field of multi-brand retailing have mainly focused on the marketing aspect of retail stores. This study contributes to the operations aspect and tests the impact of operational function (in-store logistics) on customer satisfaction.