bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Super-resolution reconstruction of turbulent flows with a transformer-based deep learning framework
Authors: Xu Qin , Zhuang Zijian , Pan Yongcai , Wen Binghai
Published: May 2023

Details of flow field are highly relevant to understand the mechanism of turbulence, but obtaining high-resolution turbulence often requires enormous computing resources. Although the super-resolution reconstruction of turbulent flow fields is an efficient way to obtain the details, the traditional interpolation methods are difficult to reconstruct small-scale structures, and the results are too smooth. In this paper, based on the transformer backbone architecture, we present a super-resolution transformer for turbulence to reconstruct turbulent flow fields with high quality. It is supervised and has a broader perceptual field for better extraction of deep-level features. The model is applied to forced isotropic turbulence and turbulent channel flow dataset, and the reconstructed instantaneous flow fields are comprehensively compared and analyzed. The results show that SRTT can recover the turbulent flow fields with high spatial resolution and capture small-scale details. It can obtain either the isotropic or the anisotropic turbulent properties even in complex flow configurations.
Broadband orbital angular momentum beam generation based on polarization-insensitive reflect array
Authors: Zhang Zhengping , Wang Xiong
Published: May 2023

Electromagnetic waves carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) can be applied in various regions. Much research endeavor has been devoted to developing broadband and polarization-insensitive OAM beams that are preferred in many intriguing applications. This work reports a broadband polarization-insensitive millimeter-wave OAM generator based on high-refractive-index brick-shaped dielectric resonators and studies the relationship between the permittivity of the bricks and OAM beam bandwidth. Based on proper design of the resonators, the broadband, polarization-insensitive, and full phase control can be realized in a broad millimeter-wave band. It is also found that the resonator with higher permittivity leads to a wider OAM beam bandwidth. This structure and conclusion can find a variety of applications in imaging, lithography, and information processing.
High piezoelectric response in [001] textured Sm3+ doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Tang Mingyang , Liu Xin , Wang Yike , Ren Xiaodan , Xu Zhuo , Yan Yongke
Published: May 2023

In this work, [001] textured Sm0.025Pb0.9625(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.74Ti0.26O3 (Sm-PMN-26PT) ceramics were synthesized by the templated grain growth method. The dielectric, piezoelectric, and electromechanical properties of untextured and textured ceramics are systematically studied. A high texture degree of 99% was obtained using 1% volume fraction of the BaTiO3 (BT) template. The textured ceramics exhibit an excellent piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 1882 pC/N at room temperature, and an extremely high d33* of 2510 pm/V is obtained. The dielectric, ferroelectric, and strain characteristics reveal that the improvement of piezoelectric properties of textured ceramics comes from the increase of dielectric constant ε33 and electrostriction coefficient Q33. Both the intrinsic response of the domain and the external contribution of the domain wall are enhanced in [001] textured ceramics, which may be the microscopic mechanism of increased piezoelectric activity. The Sm-PMN-26PT textured ceramics exhibit excellent piezoelectric properties, which are very promising for using at room temperature.
Can Australia create ‘super’ basins?
Authors: Rodger Angus , Forbes Anne
Published: May 2023

The world’s need for sustainable energy requires the upstream industry to utilise and deliver renewables and carbon capture and storage (CCS) at scale. To do that we must focus on where the synergies with low-carbon technologies are greatest. We define these as the energy ‘super basins’ of the future – where large hydrocarbon resources are co-located with plentiful clean electricity and CCS potential. These basins provide a viable pathway for industry to become sustainable. Basins without these attributes are disadvantaged, and face being left behind. This paper will focus on where Australian basins sit on this scale – which are the most advantaged through to disadvantaged? Which have the most viable renewables and CCS/CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation and storage) potential? Advantage also depends on cost – renewable energy must be abundant and affordable. In Australia today, upstream resources are plentiful but advantaged resources are not. But that perspective is not fixed, and there is much industry can do to strengthen its outlook. The average upstream emissions intensity of Australian projects is significantly above the global average – due to remote locations, high energy intensity and contaminants. Using renewables and CCUS to cut emissions is a logical step. Government policy, new technologies and exploration can also make a difference. But what of smaller basins without scale? Can Australian operators create ‘boutique’ basins with niche advantages – such as copious wind or solar power – that enable them to extend their longevity? Making Australia’s upstream sector resilient and sustainable is a huge challenge and will require ambitious, innovative basin-level thinking.
Carbon dioxide-enhanced oil recovery in Australia – techno-economic evaluation, carbon dioxide source/sink networks and current policy landscape
Authors: Bason David , Nourollah Hadi , Kuuskraa Vello , Wallace Matt , Duff Tim , Raab Matthias
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the results of a techno-economics analysis to quantify the potential for storing CO2 and producing lower carbon intensity oil from mature, onshore Australian oil fields located in the Cooper/Eromanga and Surat/Bowen Basins. The work explores the impact of incentivisation, identifies possible sources of CO2 to support CO2-EOR (enhanced oil recovery) deployment, and discusses global CO2-EOR policy. The hypothetical ‘carbon incentive’ assessed in this study resulted in unlocking an additional 40 million metric tons (Mt) of CO2 storage and 73 million barrels (MMBO) of domestic oil production compared to the base case scenario that most closely represent Australia’s current policy and economic settings. Further, the results of this study indicated that, with incentivisation, net-negative carbon dioxide emissions could be achieved by deploying CO2-EOR practices in certain mature oil fields. The study found that there are currently sufficient industrial sources of CO2, particularly from black coal-fired power generation and hard-to-abate industries such as cement and steel production, to support this deployment. An opportunity to explore the co-development of ‘stacked storage’ using both CO2-EOR and concurrent geologic storage of CO2 in adjacent, unconnected reservoirs is proposed. This may significantly reduce development costs compared to stand-alone geologic storage projects, providing more favourable techno-economics, and accelerating the physical connection of CO2 sources and sinks.
Electrodialysis Membrane Technology applied to MEG reclamation – a case study
Authors: Leitinger Ben , Dreher Trina , Cavill Michael , Thys Kobe
Published: May 2023

At Beach Energy’s Otway Gas Plant (OGP) the mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) system salt concentration increased significantly following the commissioning of new subsea horizontally completed wells. Therefore, to de-risk future developments, which are anticipated to include similar wells, a salt removal strategy was implemented. The use of MEG for gas hydrate suppression in wet-raw gas subsea or onshore production pipelines is common across the oil and gas industry, with the MEG recycled using well-proven regeneration and/or reclamation technologies. The MEG extracts water that can contain residual salt and minerals, which over time accumulate in the MEG and can lead to several operational issues, including severe fouling in the MEG regeneration plant, production line blockages and production pipeline integrity concerns, such as accelerated corrosion. MEG reclamation is used to minimise salt accumulation and to date, the dominant technologies employed have been vacuum distillation or flash vaporisation. However, since early 2022, electrodialysis (ED) membrane technology has been deployed at the OGP in an effort to find a more cost-effective solution. The technology is proving a viable alternative to a traditional vacuum distillation reclaiming–regeneration process with energy savings of 17–28% for a hybrid ED-Regeneration process with significantly lower capital cost. This paper details the technical and operational challenges overcome to implement the ED reclamation technology in an industry with more stringent regulatory requirements when compared to typical ED applications (e.g. within the water treatment, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries), as well as present the main system performance outcomes following 6 months of operation.
Protecting whistle-blowers – addressing misconduct and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace
Authors: Entriken Shane , Hughes Vince
Published: May 2023

In June 2022, the final report titled Enough is Enough from the WA Parliamentary Inquiry into sexual harassment against women in the fly-in fly-out (FIFO) mining industry uncovered appalling behaviour in the industry. The inquiry called on companies in the resources sector to remove the barriers that deter some workers from making complaints by using anonymous reporting platforms – such as Crime Stoppers WA’s ‘Safe2Say’. This paper, delivered by Shane Entriken, Partner of Piper Alderman and Board Member of Crime Stoppers WA, and Dr Vince Hughes, CEO of Crime Stoppers WA, will briefly touch upon the current laws and requirements on whistle-blower protections, and employer duties to workers and addressing misconduct and inappropriate behaviour. It will then describe how the anonymous two-way integrity reporting platform Safe2Say, enables companies to ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, and build trust. This innovative and not-for-profit platform has been developed by leveraging off Crime Stoppers WA 25 years of experience and expertise. It is a tool that enhances organisational culture, reputation and worker well-being by providing a safe, external, independent, trusted platform to report misconduct or inappropriate workplace behaviour, such as sexual assault, aggression, bullying, harassment. Safe2Say is unique in that it provides a two-way chat facility and guaranteed anonymity to the person making a complaint. It is unique as the reporter cannot be traced.
Creating culturally responsive and safe workplaces for the advancement of First Nations people
Authors: Davis Byron
Published: May 2023

Attempting to close the gap with respect to employment of First Nations people is, rightly, a key goal of most Australian businesses. Many companies are developing Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) or other specific strategies and policies, aimed at engaging, supporting and increasing Indigenous employees within their workforce. However, First Nations people continue to be vastly under-represented in Australia’s workforce; and of those who do obtain work, a much smaller percentage remain in sustainable employment compared to their non-Indigenous colleagues. To achieve meaningful and sustainable change in employment – and therefore the lives – of First Nations people, we must create culturally responsive and safe workplaces. A dedicated Indigenous employment, development and support team at Ventia is doing just that – helping to create an organisational culture that is trauma informed, supports truth-telling conversations, values First Nations people’s unique ways of working, and provides individual and systemic interventions to break down barriers. Using a three-pronged approach – being trauma informed, prioritising personal welfare, and shifting the broader company’s mindset – the TRECCA team is achieving notable results and sustainable advancement for Ventia’s First Nations employees’ and their communities.
Regulation of the Australian carbon capture and storage industry
Authors: Holding Matthew
Published: May 2023

Australia has an emerging carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry, which is developing in support of Australia’s Climate Change Act 2022, Safeguard Mechanism and corporate climate goals. In order for the CCS industry to grow at the rate required to support these requirements, project risks need to be reduced to allow prompt CCS project sanction. However uncertainty exists within the CCS regulatory framework. There are various factors causing this uncertainty, including: Changing regulatory requirements, such as the Safeguard Mechanism; lack of guidelines for some approvals, including Site Closure; and legislation untested on CCS, particularly in key regulatory instruments such as Site Closure, Environment Plans and Safety Cases. The uncertainty these issues create adds to the lack of confidence within industry and investors to progress CCS projects at the rate and scale needed to abate emissions required to meet Australia’s climate goals.
Proppant powder – the protection and the pain – lurking hazards of silicosis
Authors: Barrand Chris , Lucas Radika , Nissen Anne
Published: May 2023

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is the independent regulator for safety and health in Queensland’s resources sector. The Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate (the Inspectorate) administers safety and health regulation for the petroleum and gas industry. RSHQ uses a risk-based and data-driven approach to pursue its vision of zero serious harm for resource sector workers. In Queensland, on average, there are 200 fraccing operations conducted annually on oil and gas wells. For each fraccing operation, up to 450 tonnes of proppant may be used with an estimated 16 340–23 800 tonnes pumped annually. The majority of proppant used in Queensland is refined sand and is a potential source of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) during these operations. In 2020 safe exposure levels for RCS was halved from 0.1 to 0.05 mg/m3. Exposure to levels above this threshold may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, such as respiratory diseases including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. These diseases are progressive, and typically can take at least 10 years of prolonged exposure to develop symptoms. All silica dust-related diseases are preventable through using effective controls. This paper outlines a study on RCS exposure levels in hydraulic fracturing operations in Queensland. The objective of the study was to understand the adequacy of the current controls in place to protect workers against exposure to RCS following the reduction of the safe exposure levels.
Sanding evaluation and real-time sand management decisions in high-rate gas wells, Ichthys Field, Browse Basin Australia
Authors: Khaksar Abbas , Younessi Ahmadreza , Bada Inyau
Published: May 2023

This paper demonstrates the workflow of an integrated petrophysical, geomechanical sanding assessment and cement bond log evaluation to define a simple cut-off for reliable sand production assessments and well completion decisions. This workflow provides valuable insights for timely and fit-for-purpose sand management strategies particularly at early field life where the commonly used sanding prediction methodologies cannot be calibrated with field data because of the lack of sanding observations. The successful application of this methodology is shown in the Ichthys gas field, Browse Basin, with high rate and long high-angle producers with subsea wellheads and a long pipeline to an onshore plant. Advanced geomechanical analysis combing analytical and numerical sanding methodologies are used to define a single property cut-off for well-life sand-free production. The availability of such a simple cut-off has assisted the well construction engineers to follow a quick, cost-effective, simplified but thorough approach for sand production assessment and completion selection as opposed to being empirical, or too time consuming. The field first came on stream in July 2018. The workflow has been used in development wells and its validity and sand control decisions are confirmed, as to date all wells are producing sand-free. A similar workflow is being developed for the secondary target at some 400–500 m deeper for the subsequent phases of field development.
Including sub-surface uncertainties in CCS hub investment decision making – a case history
Authors: Garnett Andrew , Rodger Iain , Lane Joe
Published: May 2023

Large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub investments require design choices regarding sizing (in Mt-CO2/year) and project build-out phasing. Investments in capture and transport represent the majority of overall project capex, with the ‘size’ of that infrastructure ideally optimised to capture and deliver steady rates over the asset lifetime. However, there is a risk that the sub-surface injection (i.e. storage) rate cannot be sustained at the specified capture rate. The investment risk in sizing major capture and transport equipment therefore lies in the uncertainty surrounding future dynamic performance of the storage site(s). This paper builds on a previous investigation for the Surat Basin, examining the role that sub-surface uncertainties play in this hub- sizing risk. Articulating the value of investment in additional appraisal information, shows that the acquisition of critical, uncertainty-defining data can reduce final investment risk in capture and transport, helping to ‘right size’ the hub build. Screening-stage modelling of technical and economic uncertainty plays a crucial role, characterised with a target unit technical cost (UTC) that represents the life-cycle, constant real-terms, carbon price ($/t) required for storage that would result in a break-even economic development. The presence of pre-development uncertainties in long-term dynamic performance, and the need for appraisal to reduce that uncertainty, effectively increase the required break-even storage price. Alternatively, ignoring that uncertainty could lead to under-performance of the storage resource (inability to sequester at the capture design-rates) and significant over-investment in capture and transport infrastructure, increasing the overall cost of CO2 sequestration.
The Walloon Coal Measures resource density: how low can we go?
Authors: Glassborow Brent , Scott Michael , Scott Steven
Published: May 2023

Coal seam gas (CSG) production began from the Walloon Coal Measures of the Surat Basin in 2005. Initial field developments were located within a high production fairway where resource densities are >3.5 PJ/km2. The majority of the Surat Basin CSG is produced by four major consortia with tens of billions of dollars invested in infrastructure. As a result, the industry directly contributes to >30 000 jobs within Queensland and is forecast to contribute >A$5.5 billion in royalties over the next 5 years. Gas offtake is dominated by the export LNG market with a consistent daily throughput of 3–4 PJ. Gross Queensland gas production exceeded 1500 PJ in 2020 with ~80% coming from the Walloon Coal Measures. Historical breakeven wellhead gas prices in high resource density areas in the Surat Basin have been reported as <$5/GJ for undeveloped 2P Reserves with access to infrastructure. Moderate resource density CSG potential in the Surat Basin which is commonly in the shallower margins was historically considered marginal or sub-commercial if the requirement for in-situ standalone infrastructure capital expenditure is factored into economical modelling. Therefore, the potential of these developments will require stakeholder cooperation via existing infrastructure. Accounting for natural decline in current fields, available capacity at existing facilities and pipelines, and the forecast impending east coast gas supply imbalance, the landscape and economics of Queensland CSG production is predicted to transform. The paper explores the lower limit of gas rates and recoveries, on a single well basis, in shallow, moderate resource density underdeveloped areas of the Walloon Coal Measures.
Where to from here for Australian decommissioning
Authors: Norman Francis
Published: May 2023

The size and scale of Australia’s upcoming decommissioning workload isbecoming increasingly apparent with an identified potential offshore decommissioning cost of around US$40 billion, 50% of which is anticipated to commence this decade. Preparing to address this volume of work with little previous local experience and limited access to technologies and facilities is exposing industry to significant risks. Preparation to undertake this work will require all parts of the decommissioning sector to come together in ways industry has not in the past. Solving the decommissioning trilemma of end state, timeliness and cost in a way that delivers the best possible environmental and ESG outcomes will not be easy. Operators need to be able to share future plans to enable them to coordinate vessels and tooling; service sector needs visibility of the workload so they can prepare themselves and offer the best solutions; regulators need to be able to manage their workload, assess activities and ensure compliance without imposing unnecessary burdens or risks on activities, and; governments need to meet their expectations of content, local employment and outcomes. All these need to be achieved in a cost-conscious way alongside growing pressures on the sector from new offshore developments such as wind. This paper will unpack many of the above challenges and highlight CODA’s ongoing work to build an inclusive Australian decommissioning community of practice, ready to undertake the next decades of activity.
Engineered flowback and reservoir evaluation for unconventional wells
Authors: Fontenot Andrew , Nguyen Chau
Published: May 2023

A flowback procedure is presented that uses a wellbore model coupled with thermal and fluid modelling to calculate the bottomhole pressure (BHP) and maximise the safe initial production/drawdown without over-stressing and damaging the fracture system. After obtaining the BHP, it is then possible to determine the fractured reservoir volume, fracture-dominated volume, and matrix contribution. The paper presents a case history validating the model calculations in an unconventional well. Two methods of decline analysis are presented, ‘Conventional’ and ‘Thermodynamic Transient Analysis’ (TTA), and together, these methods provide insights into the fracture system and overall reservoir volumes by recognising and applying the appropriate equation for the proper reservoir flow regime. The early flowback period can be used to determine the frac volume, while later periods will begin showing the increasing amount of matrix contribution. The wellbore flow model and decline analysis calculations are verified by a case history presented in the paper, where this flowback process was utilised on a hydraulically fractured East Texas well. The wellhead pressures (WHPs) in this case study highlight the need to accurately calculate BHPs based on the WHP and rates, due to significant differences between the trends and decline rates of the respective pressures.
End to end emissions monitoring by digitalisation
Authors: Roskoss Alexander
Published: May 2023

With hydrocarbon extraction and transmission networks being consumers of energy, there is high sensitivity across the industry towards carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases being emitted. These emissions need to be measured accurately and reported correctly for commercial and legislative reasons. On any facility there are multiple sources of emissions, both intended and unintended. This paper outlines an approach and technology to measure and report all known sources of emissions consistently accurately, in an auditable and transparent fashion. By calculation of each source’s carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent mass depending on the nature of the emission source, the total emissions of a site can be reported. The calculation of carbon dioxide from any single emissions source is dependent on numerous factors. For sources which consume hydrocarbons, the mass of carbon dioxide and equivalents in exhausts depends on the hydrocarbon composition, combustion mechanism and combustion efficiency and nature, and any treatments of emissions. The gathering of live process data relating to all these factors directly and indirectly is shown through the treatments described to be effective with general and specific treatments of each factor and the contributing data sources for each is described in some specific examples. The combination of these calculated emissions based on live measurement data for multiple emission sources and their totalisation by emission type, emission source, and the relation of these to other key production factors is described. The validation process of emissions calculations, the totalisations and the analysis of emissions by activity is described.
Transition to tolling third-party gas at Karratha Gas Plant: an attractive investment which unlocks infrastructure utilisation
Authors: Lukatela Tom , Thomas Holly
Published: May 2023

In December 2020, the North West Shelf (NWS) Project participants executed fully-termed third-party Gas Processing Agreements with Woodside Burrup Pty Ltd (Woodside Burrup), for gas from the Pluto fields, and with subsidiaries of Mitsui & Co Ltd and Beach Energy Limited (Mitsui and Beach), for the Waitsia Gas Project Stage 2. These agreements underpinned final investment decisions in the infrastructure projects, business processes, and digital tools, necessary to process third-party gas from the Pluto-Karratha Gas Plant (KGP) Interconnector, and the Burrup Extension Pipeline (BEP). Tolling operations commenced at the NWS Project in March 2022 with the processing of gas delivered from Pluto through the Interconnector. The first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cargo produced from gas through the Interconnector was loaded in April 2022. KGP is also expected to commence processing Waitsia gas via the BEP from 2023. Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill stated: ‘The start-up of the Pluto-KGP Interconnector provides access to spare capacity at Karratha Gas Plant to process gas owned by other resource owners, both onshore and offshore Western Australia. The commencement of Pluto gas flowing through the Interconnector is the first example of this… The commercial agreements underpinning third-party gas processing at the North West Shelf reflect the commitment of Woodside and the North West Shelf Project to maximising value from the significant infrastructure on the Burrup Peninsula’. The development of the necessary infrastructure, business/operational processes, and digital tools is a forward looking investment which unlocks an efficient market in third-party gas processing market at KGP.
The road to integrated operations
Authors: Fernando Shawn
Published: May 2023

Woodside Energy is in pursuit of integrated operations. This is achieved by connecting all aspects of the value chain from the reservoir to our customers. The approach is multi-faceted requiring a digital and organisational transformation. At the heart of this transformation is the Pluto Remote Operations Centre, Moorditj Danjoo. This name, chosen in collaboration with our Noongar Traditional Owners and Elders, means Stronger Together. The family friendly ‘live where you work’ lifestyle for operators in the centre has also improved inclusion and diversity in roles that have traditionally been Fly-in-Fly-out (FIFO). In past conferences, Woodside Energy presented our advances in data science, analytics and robotics as part of our innovation strategy. Our partners in innovation have included AWS, NASA and Boston Dynamics. We are now ready to share how these areas of innovation are supporting integrated operations. This paper shares why the transformation is essential, how we are staging the milestones and the associated benefits. Some experiments have already delivered value to the business, and all have provided essential learning. These include ‘Condition-Based Maintenance’ programs as well as autonomous inspections of equipment reducing both cost and risk.
Designing out fabric maintenance on a new offshore development using safety principles
Authors: McKechnie James
Published: May 2023

Most individuals would love to own a car or boat that required little or no maintenance. Woodside is desirous of the same for the 50 000 t Scarborough floating production unit (FPU) located 450 km offshore. This would be beneficial, not just from a cost perspective but also for all the additional benefits associated, such as safety and hazard risk reduction. Woodside's Australian operations typically spend >$300M annually on inspection and maintenance of their assets to maintain them in a safe operating condition. The cost of maintenance at operating offshore facilities is approximately 100 times that of onshore fabrication, with these costs particularly high due to the complexities of conducting maintenance on live hazardous plant. For example, reactive offshore coating maintenance offshore costs ~$3000/m2, preventative offshore coating maintenance ~$1000/m2 and onshore steel fabricator/blast and painting ~$30/m2. To achieve the goal of minimal maintenance, Woodside have been applying a hierarchy of control principles to the Scarborough FPU. This has delivered the following outcomes. (1) Elimination of steel, using fibre-reinforced plastics, which has replaced 10 000 m2 of walkway gratings and stair treads and 3.5 km of handrails. (2) Substitution of steel using corrosion-resistant alloys for pressure equipment, with a reduction in maintenance, chemicals and inspection. (3) Substitution of coated tertiary structural steel with uncoated stainless steels. (4) Specification of higher integrity coatings (glass-fibre reinforced epoxies). (5) Providing additional dedicated resources for assurance during construction that these new controls are implemented correctly. (6) Providing dedicated inspection locations for remote internal inspection to preclude human entry.
Seasonal climate summary for the southern hemisphere (summer 2019–20): a summer of extremes
Authors: Benger Naomi , Chapman Bernard
Published: May 2023

This is a summary of the southern hemisphere atmospheric circulation patterns and meteorological indices for summer 2019–20; an account of seasonal rainfall and temperature for the Australian region is also provided. The antecedent climate conditions and climatic drivers for summer 2019–20 resulted in unprecedented extremes for Australia, with many heat and fire weather extremes. The austral summer of 2019–20 was staged to be hot and dry, with climate drivers supporting higher than average temperatures and lower than average rainfall. These conditions contributed to the highest recorded monthly accumulated national Forest Fire Danger Index. As the dominant climate influence for December receded during the season, dynamic (weather) processes dominated for changeable conditions – particularly in the mid-latitudes. Both January and February were among the 10 hottest on record, although several mid-latitude sites experienced unusually cool days. Across the rest of the hemisphere, conditions were also extreme, with notable drought conditions persisting from spring over large parts of South America. Temperature anomalies for land and ocean areas of the southern hemisphere were respectively the third and second highest on record.
A distinctive architecture design of lateral p–n type GaN ultraviolet photodetectors via a numerical simulation
Authors: Xia Shihong , Li Biaomin , Yang Zhenhai , Guo Wei , Ye Jichun
Published: May 2023

The conventionally vertical p–n type gallium nitride (GaN)-based ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors (PDs) suffer from the drawbacks of insufficient light absorption in the depletion region, thus resulting in poor carrier separation efficiency. The architecture of lateral p–n type GaN-based UV PDs has attracted much attention with applications in numerous fields due to their unique photoelectric properties. However, the potential of this type of devices has not yet been fully unlocked because of lacking a complete understanding of the design principles and working mechanisms. Here, a detailed photoelectronic model was developed to address the processes of carrier generation, transport, recombination and extraction to clarify the underlying mechanisms of the lateral p–n type UV PDs. By comparing with the vertical UV PDs, the lateral PDs show similar optical response, but higher photo-to-dark current ratio and responsivity when GaN is heavily doped. Moreover, it is also confirmed that the performance of the lateral p–n devices is almost independent of GaN thickness, providing significant inspiration for the development of ultra-thin UV PDs.
Cervical spine fracture detection in computed tomography using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Golla Alena-Kathrin , Lorenz Cristian , Buerger Christian , Lossau Tanja , Klinder Tobias , Mutze Sven , Arndt Holger , Spohn Frederik , Mittmann Marlene , Goelz Leonie
Published: May 2023

Objective. In the context of primary in-hospital trauma management timely reading of computed tomography (CT) images is critical. However, assessment of the spine is time consuming, fractures can be very subtle, and the potential for under-diagnosis or delayed diagnosis is relevant. Artificial intelligence is increasingly employed to assist radiologists with the detection of spinal fractures and prioritization of cases. Currently, algorithms focusing on the cervical spine are commercially available. A common approach is the vertebra-wise classification. Instead of a classification task, we formulate fracture detection as a segmentation task aiming to find and display all individual fracture locations presented in the image. Approach. Based on 195 CT examinations, 454 cervical spine fractures were identified and annotated by radiologists at a tertiary trauma center. We trained for the detection a U-Net via four-fold-cross validation to segment spine fractures and the spine via a multi-task loss. We further compared advantages of two image reformation approaches—straightened curved planar reformatted (CPR) around the spine and spinal canal aligned volumes of interest (VOI)—to achieve a unified vertebral alignment in comparison to processing the Cartesian data directly. Main results. Of the three data versions (Cartesian, reformatted, VOI) the VOI approach showed the best detection rate and a reduced computation time. The proposed algorithm was able to detect 87.2% of cervical spine fractures at an average number of false positives of 3.5 per case. Evaluation of the method on a public spine dataset resulted in 0.9 false positive detections per cervical spine case. Significance. The display of individual fracture locations as provided with high sensitivity by the proposed voxel classification based fracture detection has the potential to support the trauma CT reading workflow by reducing missed findings.
Monte Carlo simulation of micro-x-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) based detection of immunomagnetically labeled tumor cells
Authors: Zambianchi P , Zambianchi J K
Published: May 2023

Objective. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) carry crucial information related to the spreading and proliferation of tumors, especially at early stages of the disease. Despite the huge clinical potential held by CTCs in cancer therapy, capture and detection of these cells from the patient's peripheral blood system is rather challenging since CTCs are extremely rare cells. The objective of this paper is, based on Monte Carlo simulations, to propose the detection of immunomagnetically labelled tumor cells by micro-x-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF). Approach. The simulations were carried out with the Monte Carlo N-Particle, version 6.2, (MCNP6.2) code. The model simulates 20 μm cancer cell lines and 10 μm CTCs tagged with Fe3O4@SiO2 spherical nanoparticles of diameters 25 nm, 60 nm and 110 nm. A 17.5 keV monochromatic, micro-focused x-ray beam of diameter 15 μm, impinges on cancer cells immersed in a phosphate-buffered saline solution. The simulations also include a polymeric sample holder and a silicon drift detector with a beryllium window and silver collimator. Main results. The results show the dependence of the signal intensity (Fe Kα line) on cell and nanoparticle sizes. Samples containing two and three CTCs were also simulated in particular geometrical configurations. It is presented how the inter-cell distances and cell positions relative to the incident x-ray beam affect the signal. In addition, within the parameters used in the simulations, μ-XRF method provides a minimum detection limit of 9.4 pg of Fe, which corresponds to detecting a single 10 μm CTC labeled with 110 nm Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles at 6.3% binding. Significance. The μ-XRF based method proposed in this paper for detecting CTCs, combined with immunomagnetic nanoparticles (NPs), has the potential to be innovative in the field of liquid biopsy.
Spontaneous skyrmion conformal lattice and transverse motion during dc and ac compression
Authors: Bellizotti Souza J C , Vizarim N P , Reichhardt C J O , Reichhardt C , Venegas P A
Published: May 2023

We use atomistic-based simulations to investigate the behavior of ferromagnetic skyrmions being continuously compressed against a rigid wall under dc and ac drives. The compressed skyrmions can be annihilated close to the wall and form a conformal crystal with both a size and a density gradient, making it distinct from conformal crystals observed previously for superconducting vortices and colloidal particles. For both dc and ac driving, the skyrmions can move transverse to the compression direction due to a combination of density and size gradients. Forces in the compression direction are converted by the Magnus force into transverse motion. Under ac driving, the amount of skyrmion annihilation is reduced and we find a skyrmion Magnus ratchet pump. We also observe shear banding in which skyrmions near the wall move up to twice as fast as skyrmions further from the wall. When we vary the magnitude of the applied drive, we find a critical current above which the skyrmions are completely annihilated during a time scale that depends on the magnitude of the drive. By varying the magnetic parameters, we find that the transverse motion is strongly dependent on the skyrmion size. Smaller skyrmions are more rigid, which interferes with the size gradient and destroys the transverse motion. We also confirm the role of the size gradient by comparing our atomistic simulations with a particle-based model, where we find that the transverse motion is only transient. Our results are relevant for applications where skyrmions encounter repulsive magnetic walls, domain walls, or interfaces.
Characterization of HZ0412a, a novel potent humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody that blocks IL-6R binding to gp130
Authors: Han Jianzhong , Liu Xiaolei , Xu Yue , Wang Qian , Li Li , Du Kehe , Li Chenchen , Liu Hongjun , Chen Yu , Huang Jian
Published: May 2023

Dysregulated elevation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple pathophysiological states, and the functional neutralization of the IL-6 pathway with monoclonal antibodies has been proven an effective therapeutic method in treating various diseases with abnormally enhanced IL-6 signaling, and its clinical indications are expanding. Here, we report that by using the conventional hybridoma technology and humanization mutation method, we develop a novel humanized anti-IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) antibody—namely, HZ0412a. In our study, we found that HZ0412a exhibits higher binding affinity to soluble recombinant human IL-6R than tocilizumab. Importantly, in contrast to tocilizumab—a humanized anti-IL-6R antibody approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, giant cell arteritis and Castleman’s disease—HZ0412a does not significantly affect the binding of IL-6 to IL-6R. Further analysis revealed that HZ0412a prevents IL-6R from binding to gp130 in vitro, while tocilizumab has a minimal effect under the same condition. Using various cell-based assays, we demonstrate that HZ0412a is noninferior to tocilizumab in inhibiting IL-6 signaling. Finally, we showed that HZ0412a is well tolerated in cynomolgus monkeys after a single subcutaneous injection at a dose of 1 or 5 mg/kg. Taken together, our results indicated that HZ0412a targets an epitope on human IL-6R that is different from that of tocilizumab, and the epitope region is essential for the interaction between IL-6R and gp130. This distinctive mode of action plus its high affinity to IL-6R led to the high potency of HZ0412a in suppressing in vitro IL-6 signaling.
The Anthropocene and the Apocalypse
Authors: Newbury Michael
Published: May 2023

This essay reviews recent scholarly work on EcoHorror and Post-Apocalyptic science fiction. It pays particular attention to the influence of Stacey Alaimo’s call for attention to the ethics of “transcorporeality” when it comes to reading horror, a need to imagine the human and nonhuman not as a binary but as intermeshed and mutually dependent. Hybridity in horror might thus present something not monstrous but politically desirable. Similarly, the essay explores the ways in which scholarship and public intellectuals have tended to see the recent boom in post-apocalyptic writing as either indicating the durability of late capitalism or the moment of its collapse and reshaping into something new.The books under review examine the outpouring of ecological horror and postapocalyptic fiction in the second half of the twentieth century and into the present. Why have such stories come so forcefully into the literary and filmic marketplace over the last 50 years or so?
19 Keynote: Creative Use of Direct Reading Instruments
Authors: Peters Thomas
Published: May 2023

Dr. Peters will present on the use of direct reading instruments to assess workplace exposures. He will discuss various methods to handle data, such as hazard mapping and analysis of time-series data. The presentation will blend education and literature review.
31 Development and Characterization of a Generation System for Airborne Diisocyanates
Authors: Aubin Simon , Wingert Loïc , Gagné Sébastien , Breau Livain , Lesage Jacques
Published: May 2023

Diisocyanates are fast-reacting semi-volatile compounds and one of the main components in the production of polyurethane-based materials. They are known as a predominant causal agent of occupational asthma. Discrepancies within well-documented and validated methods were observed and factual explanations of these discrepancies are not yet available. A more in-depth investigation of isocyanate measurement methods' efficiencies should be undertaken. The objective of this study was to develop a system capable of generating diisocyanate vapor and fine particle atmospheres with control of parameters such as concentration levels and vapor/particle partitioning. Two generation approaches were used: nebulization and heating. A controlled air flow (RH and T°) was combined to the generator's effluent in a mixing chamber and transferred, downstream, to an exposure chamber. A splitter collected eight samples simultaneously. The isocyanate measurement method used a glass fibre filter with 9-methylaminomethyl-anthracene (GF+MAMA). The particles were analyzed using a particle analyzer (Fidas Frog) and the particle size distribution of the isocyanates was obtained using a Marple impactor. Diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate (MDI) was generated with both generation approaches. The system was able to generate stable concentrations over time at different levels (5 to 50 µg/m3). Intratest variability was lower than 10% (RSD). By cross-referencing the data obtained by the particle counter and the Marple impactors, it was possible to document the particle-size distribution and vapor/particle partitioning of the MDI generated within the parameters used. The versatility of this system makes it a highly promising tool for assessing the performance of different diisocyanate measurement methods.
105 Workplace Air Standardisation Projects Related to Biological Agents at European Level : Recent History and Perspectives
Authors: Duquenne Philippe , Kolk Annette , Pogner Clara , Viegas Carla , Oppliger Anne , Crook Brian , Thom Christian , Barzykowski Elisabeth , Madsen Anne-Mette
Published: May 2023

As a significant portion of our time is spend in work places, the occupational exposure is of particular interest for maintaining human health. Within the Technical Committee CEN/TC 137 “Assessment of workplace exposure” the working group named WG5 “Biological Agents” is engaged in the standardization of strategies to assess workplace exposure to bioaerosols. The group already exists since the early 2000s in the European Committee of Standardization (CEN) and was reactivated in 2017 to continue on work items of prevailing interest. Between 2018 and 2021 three standards have been revised and newly published: EN 13098 (general guidelines for measurements), EN 14031 (measurement of airborne endotoxins) and EN 14583 (performance of sampling devices). As the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed, the work on bioaerosols is still important and many questions remain open. Recently, the work group drafted three new topics on which normative documents should be prepared in the future: “the measurement of airborne viruses”, “the measurement of airborne mycotoxins” and “the use of biomolecular methods for the measurement of airborne microorganisms”. As it is still a pressing topic, the work on the new preliminary work items has started with the preparation of a standard on virus measurement. The CEN/TC 137/WG5 has maintained its dynamic over the years and is also encouraging pre-normative researches and networking. The work of the group contributes to a unified approach at the European level on the issue of biological risks assessment and makes it possible to disseminate a better awareness of biological risks.
125 Quality Assured Uptake Rates for Passive Sampling of Indoor Air VOCs
Authors: Schühle Florian , Richter Matthias
Published: May 2023

Passive sampling of VOCs with Tenax® TA and thermal desorption GC-MS analysis is a simple, cost efficient and representative method to determine VOCs concentrations in indoor air. In theory, the uptake into the passive sampler is only dependent on the diffusion coefficient of the analyte in air and the geometry of the sampler (ideal adsorption). For characterization, the uptake rate (UR) is used, defined as the ratio of the uptaken mass and the exposure dose (ED - product of ambient concentration and exposure time). Various reported effective uptake rates (UR,eff) differ considerably from ideal values (UR,id). While existing compilations sort these experimental values essentially by the applicable exposure time, detailed information about the corresponding concentration range and other important influencing factors is often lacking. Moreover, the number of itemized substances is limited. To expand this data, we conducted own laboratory experiments. By quantification of measurement uncertainty and comparison of our own results to several similar laboratory studies, we want to characterize the range of applicability and level of confidence of effective uptake rates for indoor air VOCs.