bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Constrained Life-Cycle Production Optimization Algorithms Based on Stochastic Simplex Approximate Gradients
Authors: Lutfu Toktas Omer , Minh Nguyen Quang , Onur Mustafa
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on the optimization of net present value (NPV) with respect to well controls such as injection rates and producing bottomhole pressures (BHPs), subject to the nonlinear constraints of field liquid production rate (FLPR) and water rate for producers (WWPR). The core challenge is to maximize NPV while adhering to both linear and nonlinear constraints, crucial for effective reservoir management. The research presents a detailed comparison of three sequential quadratic programming (SQP)-based optimizers—TU-NLCPO, our in-house nonlinear production optimizer, and two publicly available optimizers; namely Sequential Least SQuares Programming optimizer (SLSQP), and Sparse Nonlinear OPTimizer (SNOPT)—highlighting their application in constrained life-cycle production optimization, a key aspect of closed-loop reservoir management. These optimizers are evaluated based on their ability to handle optimization variables like BHPs and well injection rates (WIRs) over fixed control steps. Stochastic simplex approximate gradients (StoSAG) is applied across the three algorithms for a fair comparison. This comparison is performed using the Brugge model for waterflooding, providing a rigorous real-world assessment of each optimizer’s performance. The findings reveal that TU-NLCPO consistently achieves higher NPV compared to SLSQP and SNOPT, indicating its superior optimization capability. Additionally, TU-NLCPO and SLSQP are found to be robust against different initial guesses, demonstrating consistent NPV values, whereas SNOPT shows variability despite reasonable overall performance. When it comes to adhering to nonlinear constraints, SLSQP exhibits superior performance, especially in managing FLPR within set limits. The study also explores the impact of varying the number of perturbations for stochastic gradient generation on optimizer performance, noting an improvement across all methods with more perturbations.
New Plug and Abandonment Solution, Improving the Well Economy and Reduction of the CO2 Footprint on NCS Wells
Authors: Perez Raymundo , Lende Gunnar , Tronstad Hanna , Håpnes Mats , Delabroy Laurent
Published: June 2024

Due to new environmental and cost challenges in the oil and gas industry, operators are looking for solutions to save costs and reduce their CO2 footprint. The main objective of this project was to find a solution to save time in the plug and abandonment (P&A) operation and reduce the CO2 footprint in a manner that can be applied in future P&A operations in the Norwegian Waters.

The first step was to perform a detailed engineering analysis of the new solution, comparing it with the standard P&A technique. Technical requirements, associated costs, additional risks, equipment, NORSOK D010 requirements and blend designs were considered. After this analysis, the decision was made to go for the new P&A solution. This implied placing one long cement plug in one go (1425m) using a sacrificial drill pipe and a disconnect tool. The cement plug was tailored to achieve competent slurry properties for the job, such as fluid loss (FL), free fluid (FF), thickening time (TT), wait on cement (WOC), etc. Pre-job laboratory tests were conducted to assess the suitability of this blend for the new technique.

The project was then planned, and the proper tools, equipment, and slurry design were selected for the job. A detailed cost analysis compared a conventional P&A method, which implied placing 5 – 6 plugs, versus the new method of placing one long plug in one go with a sacrificial pipe and a disconnect tool. The HSE aspects were evaluated, significantly reducing rig time, slop generation, CO2 footprint and people's exposure in the red zone. The job was performed as planned, observing normal circulation throughout the whole cement job and a clear indication of the dart landing and the tool release. The well barrier was verified by tagging and pressure test after WOC confirmed hard cement and isolation at the theoretical top of the cement.

This new P&A method has been used for five jobs in Norway in the last two years. No issues have been recorded. The tool was disconnected as planned, confirming its reliability. Substantial rig time savings and HSE improvements have been achieved on all jobs so far. Improved HSE and reduced CO2 emissions can be achieved with this new P&A method. The paper will also show the advantage of the tool compared with conventional P&A methods and how important this can be for both environmental improvements and cost reductions.
CCS in Depleted Gas Fields: Impact of Imposed Reservoir Pressure Limits on Storage Capacity and Efficiency
Authors: Ravestein T. , Breunese J. N. , Limberger J. , Bijkerk J. F. , Blasweiler M. , Machado C. , Khoshnevis Gargar N. , Remmelts G. , Dalman R. A. F. , van Driel W. W.
Published: June 2024

Storage capacity of CCS in depleted gas fields is mainly controlled by the produced gas volume and the pressure to which a field will be repressurized. While imposing a pressure limit can mitigate CO2 containment risk, it may reduce storage capacity and hence the storage efficiency of a field. The strong pressure dependency of storage efficiency indicates the need to strike the right balance between containment risk and storage efficiency, and the need to investigate legacy well integrity. This will allow a balanced evaluation by policy- and decision makers of the added value of conservative limits and storage efficiency.

A fast analytical method is derived to assess the impact of imposed pressure constraints on storage efficiency, to determine either lost or gained capacity. It provides decision makers with a tool to optimally balance storage capacity and containment. The data for this method is based on the portfolio of CCS projects and proprietary models that the Geological Survey of the Netherlands currently holds. As an extension of the method, a simplified function is proposed to estimate the density of CO2 for realistic pressure and temperature ranges for depleted fields. With this method a series of pressure limits were evaluated. Restricting bottom hole pressures to hydrostatic pressures, instead of planned final average reservoir pressures, could reduce storage capacity with 10 - 12% and storage efficiency with 8 - 10%.
How Thermal Diffusion Properties Work Against Hydrogen Cell Formation
Authors: MacMoy Ian , Kabanov Maxim
Published: June 2024

This paper focuses on two things. What stresses are needed to make a grain structure susceptible to form a hydrogen-cell and the properties of thermal diffused alloys that act as a barrier to those stresses.

Giving a reprieve from metal susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement would and is a major step in controlling and neutralizing the sometimes-catastrophic upsets which are caused to the production process. We look at the difference between a conventional melted alloy substrate material and the properties of a thermally diffused alloy in stress relations such as; wear, chemical, tensile strength, shear, ductility, corrosion, galvanic properties, dissimilar metal, contact corrosion, thermal corrosion, all of which are hydrogen-cell forming stresses.
Successful High Enthalpy Aquifer Technology Field Trials - Hydraulic Stimulation of Shallow Underground Thermal Storage Wells at an Industrial Facility in Norway
Authors: Bastesen E. , Reilly B.
Published: June 2024

Industrial waste heat has enormous energy potential, with up to 50% of industrial energy output being lost as waste heat globally, according to the US Department of Energy (www.energy.gov). This loss is a needless drain on finances for industrial plants and creates enormous greenhouse gas emissions. The concept of a High Enthalpy Aquifer Technology (HEAT) system was developed to store and recover seasonal waste heat from industrial processes and turn bedrock into large-scale natural thermal batteries. The Kvitebjørn Varme (KVAS) district heating waste incineration facility in Tromsø, Norway, was the chosen site for a trial project to commercialize the HEAT concept. This technology has the potential to create huge savings on energy and greenhouse gas emissions for industrial plants.

A hydraulic stimulation method was developed to facilitate the injection and heat storage process, to reactivate the existing natural fractures, and to establish a hydraulic connection between the injector and the ten surrounding producer wells. Multiple closely spaced fractures were needed to increase the fracture volume for storage and improve the thermal exchange capacity of the rock. The formation is naturally fractured and contains brittle hairline clay-filled fractures which can be flushed during the hydraulic stimulation, and then propped with natural sand to facilitate the injection storage process. The planned stimulations involved a rig-less workover unit, specialized high pressure pumping equipment, and a high-pressure jetting tool which enabled selective perforation of the cemented casing and placement of 35 hydraulic stimulation stages.

During each of the stimulation stages, continuous monitoring on the active flowing producers confirmed positive connections to the producer wells. A monitoring system was installed to detect seismic anomaly events and a nearby monitoring well was used to detect ground water level changes during the stimulation. No chemicals were used in the process, only silica sand and water being used. A combined volume of 1,288m3 water and 88 tonnes of silica sand was utilized. The stimulations increased the total flow rate on the producer well with one order of magnitude. The HEAT system installed at Tromsø is now expected to store and to retrieve up to 8.0 GWh from the industrial facility annually.

This HEAT system solution offers a low footprint at surface, utilizing less than 10 wells which is far less than traditional borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) plants. The HEAT system can be installed at any number of industrial plants with a constant high level of waste heat. The heat storage does not incur emissions and has minimal energy loss. This solution does not require rare earth elements (REE) or any other elements to be used for the energy storage process. This trial concept was successfully proven, and operationally has further scope to be streamlined, further reducing the cost of each stored GWh.
Qualification of Tubulars and Connections for Use in Underground Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Albores O. E. , Errandonea D. , Marcolin G. , Busollo C. , Baronio E. , Abdo E. , Smith A. , Bufalini A.
Published: June 2024

With the scope of assessing the capability of Underground Gas Storage wells to manage gas blends starting from 10% Hydrogen content and defining a new "100% Hydrogen ready" design for new wells, a set of dedicated tests have been designed and executed to prove the suitability of tubulars and premium connections. The objective of this paper is to describe the procedure used for the tests and highlight the results qualifying the material for use with hydrogen. Connections pressure testing was split into two phases to cover the full well life cycle. In the first phase, connections were subjected to pressurization-depressurization cycles in 100% Hydrogen to simulate injection and production. The second phase followed the API RP 5C5 4th Edition CAL IV to simulate the real expected stresses, using He (as a pressurizing medium). Helium was chosen to represent hydrogen as both have small atom sizes, but helium is inert, which makes it safe to be used in a conventional full-scale test facility. For metallurgy testing, four-point bending (FPBT) and slow strain rate (SSRT) tests were conducted on a modified L80 Type 1 sample in 100%Hydrogen, 160 bar pressure and temperature between 10 °C and 60 °C, and including H2S and CO2 in the medium. The pressure tests showed no leakage in connection sizes performed even after 100 cycles with 100% Hydrogen at an internal pressure of 250 bar. The second phase of tests at ambient temperature with and without bending and using Helium was successfully performed without leaks. The FPBT results showed that the modified L80 Type 1 material was not susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement under the expected well conditions at 10 °C and 60 °C, even with higher hydrogen ion activity propitiated by the H2S in wet conditions. Some pitting was present, mainly associated with wet acidified environments in the presence of CO2. The dry environment did not produce any type of features. The SSRT results confirmed that an increased Hydrogen embrittlement effect is produced with the addition of H2S in wet environments, requiring a degree of conservatism with such an approach. With the move towards hydrogen use, premium connections and tubular materials for service need to be qualified. There are currently no standards covering this sort of application. Therefore, the work presents a comprehensive experimental approach to satisfactorily assess the suitability of connections and materials at custom conditions for their application.
Pulse Testing: Where do we Stand?
Authors: Fokker P. A. , van Wees J. D. , Borello E. Salina , Viberti D. , Verga F.
Published: June 2024

Harmonic pulse testing has long been around as a technique complementary to conventional well testing. It has the advantages of easy employability, applicability during ongoing production and injection, and low cost. Disadvantages are the longer operation times required, the more complicated interpretation methodology, and the limited availability of interpretation tools. The present contribution will summarize the history and the principle of harmonic pulse testing, sketch the application possibilities and operational caveats, highlight some of the documented field applications, and discuss the method’s potential and further necessary developments.

The application of harmonic pulse testing started with the interference tests measuring pressure responses to injection rate pulses in adjacent wells. This developed into the identification of the pressure response to rate control in the frequency domain. Pulses that are not sinusoidal in shape contain multiple frequency components and when the response is linear, these components can be isolated and interpreted. If the coverage of frequencies is sufficient, an analysis similar to well test analysis can be performed and reservoir properties unveiled.

The simplest application of harmonic pulse testing is in a homogeneous reservoir. For an infinite-acting radial flow system, the interpretation will deliver values for reservoir permeability, compressibility, and skin. Wellbore storage can be taken into account as well. Extensions have been formulated to a reservoir with a partially penetrating or horizontal well, a closed reservoir, and a reservoir bounded at one side with a sealing fault. For injection wells in geothermal applications, correlations that include multiple mobility zones are available, which facilitates the identification of the location of a thermal front.

A successful analysis depends on the availability of good data. The main factors for the data quality are the accuracy of the operational control and the accuracy of the measurements. It is important that the transition between the pulses occurs fast and reproducibly; suboptimal control quickly reduces the number of useable frequency components. Further, the small variations in pressure that constitute the frequency content require precise determination with downhole measurements.

Harmonic pulse testing has great potential in monitoring reservoirs, storages, and geothermal systems, as it is proved by the successful case histories we present. We feel that the development of theory in a more diverse suite of well and reservoir configurations is possible and beneficial. In particular the combination with geomechanics, for instance in reservoirs that are fractured or otherwise stress-sensitive, may have large potential. Further, we see potential in studying the effect of harmonic temperature variations. The application of harmonic pulse testing would be greatly stimulated if tools were available that guide the user through the interpretation and matching steps.
Basic Sorbents for High-pressure CO2-Containing Streams: Experimental Investigations and Energy Evaluations
Authors: Barbacane N. , Ciulla M. , Di Giacomo S. , Wolicki R. D. , Castellani B. , Siani G. , Pilato S. , Moffa S. , Di Profio P.
Published: June 2024

Current liquid sorbents for CO2 capture in post-combustion gas mixtures are based on aqueous solutions of aliphatic alkanolamines, which react with carbon dioxide by forming carbamates. Regeneration of sorbents is therefore energy intensive. The present work shows that aromatic amines can be used advantageously, because of their lower energy demand. CO2 capture experiments are carried out in batch mode, allowing gas to flow into the headspace of a reactor at various pressures and temperatures. Sorption kinetics by the present liquid sorbents are measured by integrating data from a mass flow meter. Tests were conducted under two different pressures (10-20 bar) and temperatures (10-20 °C) for 4M water-ethanol solutions of the aromatic amines. CO2 sorption profiles show faster capture kinetics as the temperature and pressure, independently, increase. Alkylated derivatives are generally faster at sorbing CO2, while sorption amounts at the equilibrium are comparable for several species. Desorption/regeneration of sorbents occurred at a much lower temperature (30 °C) than with common alkanolamines. 80% saturation of some of the sorbents is very fast, being reached in 1-3 minutes. Loading capacities up to 200 mg CO2/g of sorbent solution (4.5 mol CO2/kg solvent) were observed. Energy demand calculations show how the present systems are much cheaper than those based on carbamate-forming sorbents. We propose that such energy savings may be invested in pressurization of a post-combustion flue gas, leading to the possibility of application of imidazole-based sorbents to this industrial process. In fact, it is shown that the energy burden added for pressurization is more than overcome by the drastic reduction of the sorption/desorption temperatures. This cooler process also decreases the corrosion potential of the sorbent.
Unraveling the first world pandemic in an ancient cosmopolitan city with archaeological and genetic evidence
Authors: Jiang Rays , Adapa Swamy Rakesh , Hendrix Karen , Upadhyay Aditya , Dutta Subhajeet , Vianello Andrea , O'Corry-Crowe Gregory , Ferrer Taitana , Monroy Jorge , wood Elizabeth , Ferreira Gloria , Decker Michael , Tripathy Sucheta , Tykot Robert
Published: June 2024

The first world pandemic (541-767 CE) was investigated using archaeological, proteomic, genetic, and genomic technologies. Focusing on a mass burial site in Jerash, present-day Jordan, we generated evidence of a pandemic for the first time in this region of cultural and geopolitical significance. The burial site predates the Black Death by approximately 800 years, located in a unique cosmopolitan city at a cultural crossroad. The excavation results suggest an abrupt outbreak because the burials appeared to have occurred within a relatively short time range, encompassing a wide demographic range that included children, adolescents, and adults in comparable numbers. The stable isotope data revealed a diverse range of birth origins among the victims, suggesting the presence of first-generation immigrants in the population. Through whole genome capture and genetic analysis, we identified a Yersinia pestis lineage in multiple individuals of differing birth origins corresponding to the Justinian plague timeframe. This finding establishes the first genetic connection between plague pathogens and the first world pandemic long recorded in historical accounts.
Huddling substates in mice facilitate dynamic changes in body temperature and are modulated by Shank3b and Trpm8 mutation
Authors: Landen Jason , Vandendoren Morgane , Killmer Samantha , Bedford Nicole , Nelson Adam
Published: June 2024

Social thermoregulation is a means of maintaining homeostatic body temperature. While adult mice are a model organism for studying both social behavior and energy regulation, the relationship between huddling and core body temperature (Tb) is poorly understood. Here, we develop a behavioral paradigm and computational tools to identify active-huddling and quiescent-huddling as distinct thermal substates. We find that huddling is an effective thermoregulatory strategy in female but not male groups. At 23°C (room temperature), but not 30°C (near thermoneutrality), huddling facilitates large reductions in Tb and Tb-variance. Notably, active-huddling is associated with bidirectional changes in Tb, depending on its proximity to bouts of quiescent-huddling. Further, group-housed animals lacking the synaptic scaffolding gene Shank3b have hyperthermic Tb and spend less time huddling. In contrast, individuals lacking the cold-sensing gene Trpm8 have hypothermic Tb – a deficit that is rescued by increased huddling time. These results reveal how huddling behavior facilitates acute adjustments of Tb in a state-dependent manner.
Quantifying Thoracolumbar Fascia Deformation to Discriminate Acute Low Back Pain Patients and Healthy Individuals Using Ultrasound
Authors: Brandl Andreas , Wilke Jan , Horstmann Thomas , Reer Rüdiger , Egner Christoph , Schmidt Tobias , Schleip Robert
Published: June 2024

Reduced shear strain and deformability of the thoracolumbar fascia has been linked to low back pain. A number of ultrasound examination methods have been developed for laboratory rather than clinical practice. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and discriminative validity (patients vs. healthy individuals) of an ultrasound (US) measurement method for the quantification of thoracolumbar fascia deformation (TLFD). A Cross-sectional study with US assessment and rater blinding was conducted in a manual therapy clinic and a university laboratory. 16 acute low back pain (aLBP) patients and 15 healthy individuals performed a standardized trunk extension task. US measurements of TLFD were carried out independently by two raters by imaging the TLF in the starting and ending positions of the movement. Intrarater and interrater reliability were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and minimal detectable changes (MDC) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cut-off for TLFD to discriminate the study groups. Kappa statistics were performed to assess rater agreement in discrimination. The intrarater ICC was .92 with an MDC of 5.54 mm and the interrater ICC was .78 with an MDC of 8.70 mm (all p < .001). The cut-off for TLFD was 6 mm with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93.75%. The raters agreed with a κ of 0.74 (p < .001). The results showed that the reliability of the US method for assessing TLFD is moderate to excellent, and the ability to discriminate aLBP patients from healthy individuals is moderate. The method could be used to capture an additional parameter in morphological aLBP screenings.
Evaluation Methods for Damage of Aircraft Brake Moving Disc Based on Image Segmentation
Authors: WANG Yulin , HE Hu , XIA Zhenghong
Published: June 2024

There exists several problems such as low detection efficiency and strong subjectivity in evaluation for damage of aircraft brake moving disc based on personal experiences. This paper proposes a new evaluation method based on the image segmentation. This study reviews the backgrounds and literature of related researches and analyzes the various categories and features of brake moving disc. The image data set of damage area has been semantically segmented base on U-Net model and the model for quantitative analysis of the rust area and the calculation model for maximum radial width in shedding area have also been constructed. Finally, the image data of brake moving disc on Cessna 525 has been used to validate these models. The results show that: (1) the image segmentation of different categories of brake moving discs based on U-Net model works well and the average accuracy, average recall rate, average pixel accuracy and average ratio of Intersection over Union are 91%, 91%, 90% and 87% respectively. (2) the evaluation result for damage of brake moving disc is consistent with the empirical judgement form mechanics, thus verifying that the proposed algorithm is reasonable and feasible. The research results provide a reference basis for mechanical engineers to scientifically and quantitatively determine the degree of damage to aircraft braking moving disc and replacement needs.
Soil depth and physicochemical properties influence microbial dynamics in the rhizosphere of two Peruvian superfood trees, cherimoya and lucuma, as shown by PacBio-HiFi sequencing
Authors: Estrada Richard , Porras Tatiana , Pérez Wendy E. , Vilcara Edgardo A. , Cruz Juancarlos , Arbizu Carlos I. , Romero Yolanda
Published: June 2024

Characterization of soil microbial community at different depths is essential to understand their impact on nutrient availability, soil fertility, plant growth and stress tolerance. We analyzed the microbial community at three depths (3 cm, 12 cm, and 30 cm) in thenative fruit trees Annona cherimola (cherimoya ) and Pouteria lucuma (lucuma), their fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. We used Pac Bio HiFi, along-read high-throughput sequencing to explore the composition, diversity and functions of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of cherimoya and lucuma at different soil depths. Bacterial diversity, encompassing various phyla, families, and genera, changed with depth. Notable differences were observed in the alpha diversity indices, especially the Shannon index. Beta diversity also varied based on plant type and depth. In cherimoya soils, positive correlations with Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) were found, but negative ones with certain cations. In lucuma soils, indices like the Shannon index showed negative correlations with several metals and specific soil properties. We proposed that differences between the plant rhizosphere environments may explain the variance in their microbial diversity . This is a solid starting point for understanding the impact of microorganisms in different soil depths and their influence on cro p growth and quality.
Estimation bias and serial dependence in speed perception
Authors: Wang Si-Yu , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Sun Qi
Published: June 2024

Studies have found that feature estimates are systematically compressed towards the distribution center, showing a central tendency. Additionally, the estimate of current features is affected by the previously seen feature, showing serial dependence or adaptation effect. However, these all remain unclear in the speed estimation. To address this question, we asked participants to estimate the speed of moving Gabor patches. In Experiment 1, speeds were selected from three uniform distributions with different lower and upper boundaries (i.e., slow, moderate, and fast ranges). In Experiment 2, speeds were arranged in an increasing, uniform, or decreasing distribution. The boundaries of three distributions were the same. The results found that speed estimates were systematically compressed towards the center of the uniform distribution center, showing a central tendency, and its size increased with the range boundaries. However, in the decreasing and increasing distributions, aside from central tendency, the speed estimates were also showed a bias away from the heavy tail of the distributions. Moreover, there was an attractive serial dependence that was not affected by the speed range. In summary, the current study, along with previous studies that reveal a slow-speed bias, comprehensively reveals various estimation biases in speed perception.
Domestic wastewater generation, treatment, and agricultural reuse
Authors: Qadir Manzoor , Jones Edward , Drechsel Pay
Published: June 2024

Safely managed wastewater is critical to water-related sustainable development. With a focus on the domestic wastewater component of SDG 6.3.1, this study reports that household activities worldwide generate 267.5 billion m3 yr− 1 of wastewater, of which 63% (168.8 billion m3 yr− 1) is collected in sewers and septic tanks, and 54.7% (146.3 billion m3 yr− 1) is treated. In comparison, 45.3% (121.2 billion m3) is released to the environment in untreated form, either uncollected (98.7 billion m3 yr− 1) or collected but untreated (22.5 billion m3 yr− 1). The monitoring of and progress on safely managed wastewater remain strongly uneven between the Global North and Global South and between geographic regions and income groups. While there is clear progress in the agricultural reuse of treated wastewater, untreated water reuse requires more attention. Considerable challenges remain because of terminology, informal irrigation, and the usefulness of reporting reuse volumes or areas for health-based targets.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) detects body resistance increase in dogs undergoing blood donation
Authors: Nisini Noemi , Corda Andrea , Birettoni Francesco , Miglio Arianna , Antognoni Maria Teresa
Published: June 2024

The use of raw parameters of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and derived phase angle (PhA) has emerged as an alternative to conventional predictive BIA for body fluid volumes and body composition estimation in human patients, offering an approach independent of predictive equations. Classic predictive equation-based BIA remains unsuitable for veterinary clinical practice due to the high morphological variability within the canine species. This study aimed to validate the feasibility of BIA in dogs and assess its utility in detecting changes in body fluid volumes, particularly in the context of blood donation. Sixty healthy blood donor dogs and ten controls were longitudinally assessed using BIA raw parameters with a portable analyzer at a 50 kHz frequency. Measurements were performed before and after blood donation and at 20 minutes interval in controls. Significant increases in raw bioelectrical parameters were observed after blood donation in the donor group, while differences were not statistically significant in controls. Hematocrit values did not significantly differ in both groups between the two time points. These findings suggest the feasibility of using BIA to detect changes in body fluid volumes in dogs undergoing blood donation, highlighting its potential application in veterinary medicine. Further research should explore the applicability of BIA in spontaneous pathological conditions involving fluid loss or retention and investigate the potential utility of PhA as a prognostic or monitoring tool in veterinary clinical practice. This study provides valuable insights into the use of BIA in canine medicine, paving the way for enhanced diagnostic and monitoring strategies in clinical practice.
Shining Light on Environmental Remediation: A type-II heterojunction MnFe2O4/rGO Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of organic dyes and Bisphenol A
Authors: Mahapatra Priyambada , Mohanty Chirasmayee , Behura Reshma , Das Nigamananda
Published: June 2024

In this study, we addressed the pressing issue of persistent organic pollutants in industrial wastewater by designing and fabricating a magnetically separable MnFe2O4/rGO heterostructure catalyst which uses on the efficient mineralization of bisphenol A (BPA) and dyes such as alizarin red S (anionic) and malachite green (cationic), which are known for their resistance to biodegradation and carcinogenic properties. Through comprehensive structural and magnetic property analyses using techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM/HRTEM, GC-MS, and optical property measurements, the formation of the MnFe2O4/rGO heterostructure (MnFe2O4/rGO-10) with promising catalytic activity was confirmed. Moreover, we assess the stability and recyclability of the catalyst through XRD and VSM studies, demonstrating its consistent performance over multiple uses. Remarkably, the MnFe2O4/rGO-10 catalyst exhibits 100% efficiency in the mineralization of BPA and both dyes under visible light illumination within 60 min. The cost-effectiveness and stability of this catalyst underscore its potential for practical application in wastewater treatment, offering a viable solution to the persistent challenge of removing stubborn organic contaminants.
Urine dipstick test use in Dutch nursing homes: a mixed-methods study to inform strategies for improved guideline-accordance
Authors: Paap Kelly C. , Rutten Jeanine J.J.S. , Loon Anouk M. van , Hertogh Cees M.P.M. , Smalbrugge Martin , Buul Laura W. van
Published: June 2024

Background: Current guidelines stated that urinalysis should no longer be used to confirm a urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis in nursing home (NH) residents, urine dipstick tests are still frequently used by nursing staff in response to a broad array of – often non-UTI related – S&S. This study gain insight into factors associated with guideline non-accordant urine dipstick test use in NHs, and explore the current processes and perceptions regarding urine dipstick test use among nursing staff.
Methods: Mixed-methods study in Dutch NHs.
Participants: NH residents with a suspected UTI and nursing staff members.
Measurements: In an existing dataset of 294 cases of suspected UTI, we compared patient characteristics between guideline-accordant and non-accordant urine dipstick test use. We additionally explored processes and perceptions regarding urine dipstick test use, using data from previously conducted interviews with 9 nursing staff members complemented with 2 newly conducted focus groups with 14 nursing staff members.
Results: A urine dipstick test was performed in 13.7% of 51 residents with an indwelling urinary catheter. A urine dipstick test was performed in 61.3% of 243 suspected cases without an indwelling catheter, 45% of which was not guideline-accordant. Renal or urinary tract abnormalities [OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09─0.96] and mental status change other than delirium (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15─0.77) were associated with more guideline non-accordant dipstick use. Having cloudy urine, urine color change and/or urine odor change (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.06─5.73) was associated with more guideline-accordant urine dipstick test use. The qualitative findings provided in-depth insight into current work processes regarding the urine dipstick test, knowledge and perceptions, and points for improvement.
Conclusions: Guideline non-accordant urine dipstick test use is common in NHs. Improved knowledge and skills of nursing staff is needed, as well as clear work processes. As the urine dipstick test is very much embedded in everyday practice, the change process requires sufficient time, clear and repeated communication, and involvement of nursing staff. Throughout the change process, the perceptions of nursing staff identified in this study are important to consider and address.
Exploring Ghanaian fathers’ involvement in parenting children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Swarray-Deen Rima Maya , Oti-Boadi Mabel , Andoh-Arthur Johnny , Omari Emmanuel Boakye
Published: June 2024

Purpose: Research on neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in Ghana has predominantly focused on mothers, neglecting the role of fathers. Traditional parenting norms assign caregiving to mothers, with fathers primarily providing financial support. This disparity is magnified when raising a child with NDDs, as mothers often handle specialized care.
Methods: A qualitative approach was adopted to study fifteen fathers in Accra, Ghana using the purposive and snowball sampling. A Semi-structured interview guide was used to interview fathers about their experiences and involvement in caring for their children with NDDs.
Results: Using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, four themes were revealed including initial diagnosis, challenges, coping strategies, and areas for improvement. Fathers expressed shock and confusion, discussing difficulties, and coping methods like religious reliance and seeking social support.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for tailored intervention programs considering fathers' experiences in caring for children with NDDs, informing policymakers and therapeutic interventions for this demographic.
Association of Modifiable Risk Factors and Infectious Diseases Among Individuals with Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hu Niandan , Ai Bo , Wang Yaohuai , Ren Yongdong , Chen Hairui , Chen Zhen , Li Wenqiang
Published: June 2024

Background
A comprehensive assessment of combined modifiable risk factors in relation to infectious diseases among individuals with hypertension is lacking, and the potential mechanisms of these associations remain unclear. To investigate the prospective associations of a combination of lifestyle behaviors and cardiometabolic factors with the risk of infectious diseases among individuals with hypertension and to estimate whether and to what extent blood biomarkers mediate these associations.
Methods
This cohort study included 147,188 participants with hypertension and complete data on modifiable risk factors from the UK Biobank. Health score was constructed from eight modifiable risk factors, including four lifestyle behaviors (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and sleep duration) and four cardiometabolic factors (body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the health score and infectious diseases. The mediation analysis was performed to assess the potential intermediation effects of blood biomarkers.
Results
Over a median follow-up of 12.5 years, 27,398 participants with infectious diseases were documented, with 960 respiratory infectious diseases and 7940 digestive infectious diseases. After adjusting for potential confounders, the HR (95% CI) for the highest versus the lowest quartile of health score was 0.64 (0.62, 0.66) for infectious diseases, 0.72 (0.60, 0.86) for respiratory infectious diseases, and 0.66 (0.62, 0.71) for digestive infectious diseases. Stratified factors including duration of hypertension did not modify the associations between the health score and infectious diseases. In addition, biomarkers including inflammation and renal function collectively explained 47.6%-87.7% of the associations between the combined lifestyle factors and infectious disease risk among individuals with hypertension.
Conclusions and relevance
: Ideal management of combined modifiable risk factors was associated with lower risks of infectious diseases and might produce profound changes in blood biomarkers among individuals with hypertension. Additionally, specific biomarkers appeared to serve as an intermediate between combined lifestyle factors and infectious diseases. These insights highlighted the important role of a combination of healthy lifestyle and favorable cardiometabolic status in reducing disease burden and facilitated the understanding of biological mechanisms underlying modifiable risk factors with infectious diseases.
Identifying New Therapeutic Targets in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Piermattei Alessia , De Luca Roberto , Peissert Frederik , Plüss Louis , Puca Emanuele , D’Alessandris Nicoletta , Travaglino Antonio , Sillano Francesca , Pasciuto Tina , Giannarelli Diana , Buttarelli Marianna , Zannoni Gian Franco , Fagotti Anna , Neri Dario , Scambia Giovanni , Nero Camilla
Published: June 2024

Background
Ovarian cancer is a significant health concern, necessitating the identification of potential diagnostic markers and novel therapeutic targets. This study presents, to the best of our knowledge, the first comparative immunohistochemical analysis of five tumor markers, namely the extra-domains A and B of fibronectin, fibroblast activation protein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and MUC16 in human epithelial ovarian cancer tissue samples.
Methods
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human ovarian tissue sections were stained using previously validated antibodies to assess the percentage and intensity of marker expressions.
Results
Our results indicate a similar stromal pattern of expression for fibroblast activation protein, extra-domains A, and extra-domains B, with extra-domains A exhibiting the most intense staining. MUC16 was abundantly expressed on tumor cells of high-grade serous carcinoma samples, while carcinoembryonic antigen was not detected in this indication. Subsequent staining revealed that carcinoembryonic antigen was highly expressed on mucinous ovarian cancer specimens. With respect to clinical features, MUC16 and extra-domains A were found to be highly expressed in the most challenging scenarios namely platinum-resistant (100% and 50% respectively) and BRCA WT (75% and 45% respectively) patients.
Conclusions
The findings of this study highlight that MUC16, extra-domains B, and extra-domains A are attractive targets for the treatment of serous ovarian carcinoma, while carcinoembryonic antigen could be exploited for mucinous ovarian cancer. Clinical investigations are warranted to validate the potential of antibody-based therapies targeting these antigens in the context of ovarian cancer.
The Impact of Rural Residency on Time to Lung Cancer Treatment in West Virginia and Patient Survival
Authors: Nduaguba Sabina , Lumudae Anna , Stout Nicole
Published: June 2024

Purpose: To examine the association of rurality with timely receipt of lung cancer treatment and survival in West Virginia (WV).
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using 1993-2021 WV Cancer Registry data to identify persons diagnosed with NSCLC who received treatment. Participants were classified by rurality (rural vs non-rural), and time to treatment from diagnosis was dichotomized as early treatment (<35 days) or delayed treatment (≥35 days). Descriptive statistics and survival analysis (with univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to address study objectives.
Results: Of 10,463 participants, 678 (6.5%) were rural residents. The majority were male (58.1%), married or partnered (59.9%), and non-Hispanic white (97.5%). 61% received early treatment. 45%, 38%, and 16% received systemic therapy, surgery, and radiation, respectively. There were significantly more non-Hispanic white (99.6% vs 97.3%) patients residing in rural areas compared to non-rural areas, and fewer rural residents were diagnosed at stages 1 (29.4% vs 34.3%) or 2 (10.0% vs 11.6%).
Rurality was not associated with time to treatment but was associated with 9% increase in hazard of death (HR=1.09, 95% CI=1.00-1.18). Significant covariates associated with increasing hazard of treatment included being male (HR=1.08, 95% CI=1.04-1.13) and cancer stage (HR range=1.19-2.38, while being Black and receiving surgery (0.43, 0.30-0.62), radiation (0.48, 0.33-0.68), or systemic therapy (0.33,0.23-0.47) (compared to other treatment) were each associated with reduced hazard of treatment.
Conclusion: In WV, rurality affects lung cancer outcomes but not time to treatment increasing risk of death for NSCLC patients by 9%.
Oral Bacillus subtilis Spores-based Vaccine for Mass Vaccination against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome
Authors: Min Huitae , Cho Hye-Sim , Lee Hoe-Suk , Park Young-Tae , Lee Hujang , Park Hyun-Sik
Published: June 2024

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) poses a significant challenge in the global swine industry, leading to substantial economic losses and reproductive and respiratory complications. The causative agent, PRRS virus (PRRSV), with its high mutation rate, complicates the development of universally effective vaccines. Furthermore, current PRRS vaccines are limited by high costs and complex administration methods. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop an innovative Bacillus subtilis spore-based oral vaccine targeting PRRS. Their oral administration was evaluated in mice and pigs, and blood, saliva, feces, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples were collected for further analyses. Our vaccine induced IgG and IgA immune responses in both models, with swine demonstrating a considerable increase in specific antibody and cytokine levels. These results indicate a potent potential for more effective and economically viable control of PRRS in commercial pig farming. The ease of administration and cost-effectiveness of the vaccine also offer a feasible option for widespread application. Our results suggest a new direction in veterinary vaccine development, underscoring the potential of Bacillus subtilis spores in creating effective vaccines for large-scale, real-world applications in animal health management.
Inferring Trends and Change Attribution Using Regression-Based Unimpaired Runoff to San Francisco Estuary, 1872-2022
Authors: Lai Yuchuan , Hutton Paul H. , Roy Sujoy B.
Published: June 2024

This work utilized recently extended time series of “unimpaired” or “virgin” runoff from ten Sierra Nevada watersheds upstream of California’s San Francisco Estuary to study long-term hydrologic changes on annual and seasonal time scales. The runoff time series, spanning 1872–2022, were reconstructed using a multivariate regression approach that was informed with monthly temperature and precipitation data. Although the annual runoff series were found to be highly variable and were characterized by multi-year wet and dry periods, they were nevertheless found to be stationary over the full study period. This work also showed that April to July runoff, where snowmelt is a large component, exhibited a statistically significant decrease in most watersheds when reported as a fraction of total annual runoff. A linear trend method revealed statistically significant decreases in this metric in nine watersheds over the period of record; in six watersheds, a piecewise linear trend approach identified significant mid-20th century breakpoints signifying stationary conditions followed by substantial declining trends. The last decade of record showed the highest temperatures and greatest temperature-related declines in this metric. A change attribution analysis suggests that not only are warming temperatures driving runoff timing changes, but they are also impacting annual runoff volumes. This work confirms previous research indicating earlier runoff from snow-fed watersheds in western North America (including California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain range) in recent decades; it also highlights the stationarity in this quantity from the late 19th century to the middle of the 20th century before significant warming trends were apparent.