bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A. Durán Ayago. Derechos humanos y método de reconocimiento de situaciones jurídicas: Hacia la libre circulación de personas y familias. Perspectiva internacional y europea.
Authors: Hernández Rodríguez Aurora
Published: March 2024

Este artículo reseña:

A. Durán Ayago. Derechos humanos y método de reconocimiento de situaciones jurídicas: Hacia la libre circulación de personas y familias. Perspectiva internacional y europea. Aranzadi, Cizur Menor, 2023, 208 pp. ISBN: 978.84-1162-106-9
Conservation Imperatives: Securing the Last Unprotected Terrestrial Sites Harboring Irreplaceable Biodiversity
Authors: Dinerstein Eric , Joshi Anup R. , Hahn Nathan R. , Lee Andy T. L. , Vynne Carly , Burkart Karl , Asner Greg P. , Beckham Charlotte , Ceballos Gerardo , Cuthbert Richard , Dirzo Rodolfo , Fankem Oliver , Hertel Sarah , Li Binbin V. , Mellin Haley , Pharand-Deschênes Felix , Olson David , Pandav Bivash , Peres Carlos , Putra Rudi , Rosenthal Amy , Verwer Caspar , Wikramanayake Eric , Zolli Andrew
Published: March 2024

Ambitious biodiversity goals to protect 30% or more of the Earth’s surface by 2030 (30x30) require strategic near-term targets. To define areas that must be protected to prevent the most likely and imminent extinctions, we propose Conservation Imperatives—16,825 unprotected sites harboring rare and threatened species and spanning ~164 Mha of the terrestrial realm. We estimate that protecting the Conservation Imperatives would cost approximately US$169 billion [90% probability: $146 — $228 billion]. Globally, 38% of the 16,825 sites are either adjacent to or within 2.5 km of an existing protected area, potentially reducing land acquisition and management costs. These sites should be prioritized for conservation action over the next five years as part of a broader strategy to expand the global protected area network. The expansion of global protected areas between 2018–2023 incorporated only 7% of sites harboring range-limited and threatened species, highlighting a renewed urgency to conserve these habitats. Permanently protecting only 0.74% of land found in the tropics, where Conservation Imperatives are concentrated, could prevent the majority of predicted near-term extinctions once adequately resourced. We estimate this cost to be US$29 billion to US$46 billion per year over the next five years. Multiple approaches will be required to meet long-term protection goals: providing rights and title to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) conserving traditional lands, government designation of new protected areas on federal and state lands, and land purchase or long-term leasing of privately held lands.
Acoustic Characterization of Potential Quiet Areas in Dortmund, Germany
Authors: Lawrence Bryce T. , Frücht Andreas , Heying Damian , Schröer Kai , Gruehn Dietwald
Published: March 2024

German noise action plans aim to reduce negative health outcomes from noise exposure and identify quiet areas free of noise pollution. Quiet area identification in German noise action plans is based primarily on noise mapping and spatial analysis and not empirical or qualitative data about acoustic environments, thus leaving a gap in the understanding of the quality of formally recognized quiet areas in noise action plans. This work presents a comparative empirical case study in Dortmund, Germany, with the aim to describe the diurnal dB(A) and biophonic properties of quiet areas versus noise 'hot spots'. Sound observations were collected (n=282,764) in five different natural or recreational land use patch types larger than four acres within 33 proposed quiet areas in Dortmund (n=70) and 23 noise hot spots between April 27th, 2022 and March 2nd, 2023. We find that quiet areas are on average more than 20 dB(A) quieter than noise hot spots almost every hour of the day. Forests, managed tree stands, cemeteries, and agriculture diel patterns are dominated by dawn dusk chorus in spring and summer, whereas sport and recreation as well as noise hot spots are dominated by traffic and human noise. A novel composite biophony mapping procedure is presented that finds distinct temporal distribution of biophony in forested and agriculture peri-urban locations positively associated with patch size, distance away from LDEN > 55, proximity to water, and the number of vegetation layers in the plant community. Anthrophony distribution dominates urban land uses in all hours of the day, but expands during day and evening and contracts at night and in dusk hours. The procedures presented here illustrate how qualitative information regarding quiet areas can be integrated into German noise action planning.
Influenza Virus-Based Antiviral Strategy: A Broad-Spectrum Potential of a Marine Bacterium Targeting Future Pandemics
Authors: Moon Kyeong-Seo , Choi Grace , Jung Su-Bin , Kim Hyo-Jin , Park Jun-Gyu , Kwon Yong Min , Cho Eun-Seo , Shin Mi Yeong , Yu Jae-Yeong , Choi Ji Ae , Baek Yeong-Bin , Park Sang-Ik
Published: March 2024

The influenza virus has been the primary cause of the pandemic, posing a constant threat to human society. Due to its genetic evolution and continuous outbreak, antiviral research currently focuses on exploring a novel lead agent. A comprehensive antiviral screening discovered a marine bacterium whose extract exerted excellent efficacy against influenza viruses. Parerythrobacter sp. M20A3S10, a novel strain under the family Erythrobacteraceae, could produce carotenoids exhibiting antiviral and anticancer activity by enhancing the cellular immune system. Post-treatment of M20A3S10 extract showed outstanding therapeutic indexes: against influenza virus A/PR8 (H1N1) [selectivity index (SI) = 24.0], A/Wisconsin/15/2009 (H3N2) (SI = 30.1) and B/Florida/78/2015 (SI = 38.2). Comparably, the effectiveness was demonstrated against Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus type 2 (DENV2) with an SI of 22.5 and 24.1, respectively, namely broad-spectrum activity. Of note, the antiviral responses resulted from the common replication mechanism between IAV, ZIKV, and DENV2. The stimulation of apoptosis-mediated cellular immunity prevented the viral release and protected the host, suggesting that switching from necroptosis to apoptosis is a novel antiviral target. Although the specific compound affecting the antiviral activity was not identified, its promising efficacy with broad activity will contribute to developing a strategy for preventing future pandemics.
The Use of AI in Software Engineering: Synthetic Knowledge Synthesis of Recent Research Literature
Authors: Kokol Peter
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has witnessed an exponential increase in its use in various applications. Recently, the academic community started to research and inject new AI-based approaches to provide solutions to traditional software engineering problems. However, a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the current status is missing. To close the above gap, synthetic knowledge synthesis was used to induce a research landscape of the contemporary research literature on the use of AI in software engineering. The synthesis resulted in 15 research categories and five themes, namely natural language processing in software engineering, use of artificial intelligence in the management of software development life cycle, use of machine learning in fault/defect prediction and effort estimation, employment of deep learning in intelligent software engineering and code management, and mining software repositories to improve software quality. The most productive country was China (n=2042), followed by the United States (n=1193), India (n=934), Germany (n=445), and Canada (n=381). A high percentage (n=47.4%) of papers were funded, showing a strong interest in this research topic. The convergence of AI and software engineering can significantly reduce needed resources, improve quality, increase user experience, and improve the well-being of software developers.
Investigations on Motion Responses of Suspended Submersible in Internal Solitary Wave Field
Authors: He Zhenyang , Wu Wenbin , Wang Junrong , Ding Lan , Chang Qiangbo , Huang Yahao
Published: March 2024

While the underwater submersible encounters internal solitary wave (ISW), its loadings and motions would be seriously disturbed. To investigate the interaction effect between the suspended submersible and ISW, a three dimensional ISW-submersible interaction numerical model was established based on the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. The generation and propagation of ISW was simulated in a two-layer fluid numerical wave tank according to the eKdV theory. The standard operation equation of submersible was introduced to simulate the six degree of freedom (6DoF) motions of submersible combined with the overset dynamic mesh method. The motion simulation method of submersible was effectively validated by comparing with published experimental results on the motion responses of the slender body under the ISW. Based on the constructed numerical model, the dynamic mechanism between the suspended submersible and ISW were studied, and the effects of the initial submerged depths and the ISW amplitudes on the dynamic responses of the submersible were revealed. According to the numerical results, the motions of the submersible have been significantly determined by its initial submerged depths. The submersible located above the ISW interface has a significant motion along the propagation direction of ISW and its motion trajectory resembles a counterclockwise semi ellipse. The motions of the submersible located below the ISW interface follows with the trace of the lower layer fluid which presented as an unclosed clockwise ellipse. The corresponding motions of the submersible would be increased as the increase of the ISW amplitudes.
Genomic and Phenotypic Analysis of Salmonella enterica Bac-Teriophages Identifies Two Novel Phage Species
Authors: Bhandare Sudhakar , Lawal Opeyemi U. , Colavecchio Anna , Cadieux Brigitte , Zahirovich-Jovich Yella , Zhong Zeyan , Tompkins Elizabeth , Amitrano Margot , Kukavica-Ibrulj Irena , Boyle Brian , Wang Siyun , Levesque Roger C. , Delaquis Pascal , Danyluk Michelle , Goodridge Lawrence
Published: March 2024

Bacteriophages (phages) are potential alternatives to chemical antimicrobials against pathogens of public health significance. Understanding the diversity and host specificity of phages is important for developing effective phage biocontrol approaches. Here, we assessed the host range, morphology, and genetic diversity of eight Salmonella enterica phages isolated from a wastewater treatment plant. The host range analysis revealed that six out of eight phages lysed more than 81% of the 43 Salmonella enterica isolates tested. The genomic sequences of all phages were determined. Whole genome sequencing data (WGS) data revealed that phage genome sizes ranged from 41 to 114 kb with GC contents be-tween 39.9 and 50.0 %. Two of the phages SB13 and SB28 represent new species Epsep-timavirus SB13 and genera Macdonaldcampvirus, respectively as designated by the In-ternational Committee for the Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) as per genome based taxonomic classification. One phage (SB18) belonged to the Myoviridae morphotype while the re-maining phages belonged to the Siphoviridae morphotype. The gene content analyses showed that none of the phages possessed virulence, toxin, antibiotic resistance, type I-VI toxin-antitoxin modules or lysogeny genes. Three (SB3, SB15 and SB18) out of the eight phages possessed tailspike proteins. Whole genome-based phylogeny of the eight phages with their 113 homologs revealed three clusters A, B, C and seven subclusters (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1 and C2). While cluster C1 phages were predominantly isolated from animal sources, cluster B contained phages from both wastewater and animal sources. The broad host range of these phages highlights their potential use to control the presence of S. enterica in foods.
A Mathematical Model of Stochastic Synaptic Noise Dynamics Based Spontaneous Action Potential in Non-neural Cell
Authors: Mahapatra Chitaranjan , Samuilik Inna
Published: March 2024

The main sources of intrinsic noise in excitable cells at the microcircuit and network levels are the stochastic characteristics of ion channel gating and activation of the synaptic conductance. Studies using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico methods to examine the effects of synaptic background activity were not adequately investigated in non-neuronal excitatory cells, where neurotransmitter-based innervation also occurs. We created a mathematical model to replicate the background synaptic noise dynamics in a non-neuronal cell. We utilized the stochastic Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process to represent excitatory synaptic conductance, which was incorporated into a whole-cell model to produce spontaneous and evoked cellular electrical activities. The single-cell model includes many biophysically detailed ion channels represented by a set of ordinary differential equations in Hodgkin-Huxley and Markov formalisms. This paradigm effectively induced irregular spontaneous depolarizations (SDs) and spontaneous action potential (sAP) resembling in vitro-like electrical activity in the cells. The input resistance decreased by multiple factors, and the spontaneous action potential firing rate elevated. The potential to reach the action potential threshold is altered. Background synaptic activity can alter the input/output characteristics of non-neuronal excitatory cells. Suppressing these baseline activities would facilitate the discovery of new pharmaceutical targets for different clinical diseases.
DiabetesCheck: A Mobile Application for Predicting the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Health Care
Authors: Bressan Glaucia Maria , Junior Paulo Afonso Pereira , Jesus Isabela Cristina de , Lizzi Elisângela Ap. da Silva , Costa Heitor
Published: March 2024

The late diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus can occur due to lack of access to the primary health care system and the non-manifestation of symptoms. Faced with this problem, this work presents the creation of a mobile application, called DiabetesCheck, for predicting the risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. A mathematical model is used, which classifies the risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for a group of patients with intervention and for a comparative group, using Fuzzy Classification and Decision Trees. The proposed application allows the health professional to monitor patients through the history stored in a database, allowing a representation of the evolution of patients and indication of medications. Therefore, this proposal aims to carry out the diagnosis in the initial phase of the disease and help in the prescription of more effective treatments and in the proposition of public policy strategies in epidemiology and screening.
Climate-Affected Australian Tropical Montane Cloud Forest Plants: Metabolomic Profiles, Isolated Phytochemicals, and Bioactivities
Authors: Gempo Ngawang , Yeshi Karma , Crayn Darren , Wangchuk And Phurpa
Published: March 2024

The Australian tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF) is home to approximately 18 percent of the nation’s total vascular plant species. Over the past century, human activity and industrial development have caused global climate changes, posing a severe and irreversible danger to the entire land-based ecosystem, and WTWHA is no exception. The current average annual temperature of WTWHA in FNQ is 24 °C. However, in the coming years (by 2030), the average annual temperature increase is estimated to be between 0.5 and 1.4 °C compared to the climate observed between 1986 and 2005. Looking further ahead to 2070, the anticipated temperature rise is projected to be between 1.0 and 3.2 °C, with the exact range depending on future emissions. We identified 84 plant species endemic to the WTWHA in FNQ, which are already experiencing climate change threats. Few of these plants are used in herbal medicines. This study comprehensively reviewed metabolomics studies conducted on these 84 plant species until now toward understanding their physiological and metabolomics responses to global climate change. This review also discusses: i) recent developments in plant metabolomics studies that can be applied to study and understand the interactions of wet tropical plants with climatic stress, ii) medicinal plants and isolated phytochemicals with structural diversity, and iii) reported biological activities of crude extracts and isolated compounds.
New Horizons of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Surgery
Authors: Lutenco Valerii , Țocu George , Guliciuc Mădălin , Moraru Monica , Candussi Iuliana Laura , Dănilă Marius , Luțenco Verginia , Dimofte Florentin , Mihailov Oana Mariana , Mihailov Raul
Published: March 2024

Ideas about Artificial Intelligence appeared about half a century ago, but only now is it becoming an essential element of everyday life. The data provided is getting bigger and bigger and, in this case, we need artificial intelligence that helps us with superhuman powers. The interaction with medicine is getting closer and closer, medicine being a field that continues to be perfected. Machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, computer vision are some of the mechanisms that are already applied in medicine, becoming a trend in healthcare worldwide. Artificial intelligence will be the thing that will change contemporary medicine. Developed countries such as Japan, France, Germany have already implemented artificial intelligence in their medical systems. The help is in medical diagnosis, patient monitoring, personalized therapy, and workflow optimization. Artificial intelligence will help surgeons to perfect their skills, to standardize techniques, to choose the best surgical technique. The goal is to predict complications, reduce diagnostic time, diagnose complex pathologies, guide the surgeon intraoperatively and reduce medical errors. We are at the beginning but the potential is enormous.
Effectiveness of Atezolizumab in Metastatic Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Lung and the Predictive Value of miR-375. The LANCE Trial, a Pilot Study
Authors: Evangelou Georgios , Trontzas Ioannis P. , Gkiozos Ioannis , Vamvakaris Ioannis , Grammoustianou Maria , Paraskeva Christina , Gomatou Georgia , Tsamis Ioannis , Vathiotis Ioannis A. , Anagnostakis Maximilian , Koliaraki Vasiliki , Syrigos Konstantinos
Published: March 2024

Background: Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma presents significant treatment challenges owing to its rarity and limited therapeutic options. The LANCE study was designed to explore the survival benefits of incorporating atezolizumab in chemotherapy for metastatic LCNEC.
Methods: In this non-randomized study, patients with metastatic LCNEC were treated with ei-ther standard chemotherapy plus atezolizumab or standard chemotherapy alone. The primary outcomes measured were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), with an ex-ploratory analysis of miR375 in plasma as a potential biomarker.
Results: Of the 22 screened patients, 17 met the inclusion criteria and were stratified into the atezolizumab and chemotherapy (n=10) or chemotherapy alone(n=7) groups. After a median follow-up of 23.3 months, the 12-month survival rate for the atezolizumab group was 57.1% (95% CI: 32.6%-100%) and 45.7% at 24 months (95% CI: 22.4%-93.2%). In contrast, the chemotherapy group had a 14.3% survival rate at both 12 and 24 months (95% CI: 2.33%-87.7%). The log-rank test for survival showed a statistically significant difference in the atezolizumab-treated group (chi-squared = 4, df = 1, p = 0.04). A non-significant correlation was found between disease pro-gression and elevated levels of miR375.
Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that atezolizumab combined with chemotherapy may be effective in treating metastatic LCNEC. The non-significant correlation between plasma miR375 levels and disease progression suggests its biomarker potential, warranting further validation research.
Investigation of Inter- and Intra-Chain Interactions in Mixtures of Long-Chain Polymer Monomer with Relations to Applications in agriculture of Plant Cuticular Waxes: Using n-Nonadecane and 1-Octadecanol Mixture as example
Authors: Guo Wentao , Xing Yi , Wen Wei , Su Wei , Hou Changjiang , Li Guotao , Ye Lyumeng
Published: March 2024

The article delves into the intricate phase transitions of 1-Octadecanol and n-Nonadecane within a binary system, unveiling dynamic structural changes under varying conditions. Through Fouri-er-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, specific molecular vibrations were identified, shedding light on the molecular composition and interactions. The study highlights the challenges in detecting subtle phase transitions and emphasizes the individuality of molecular behaviours in closely related compounds. The findings underscore the complexity of phase transitions in binary systems and advocate for a nuanced approach to studying molecular structures and behaviours. Addi-tionally, the research contributes valuable insights into the molecular dynamics of Organic Polymer Functional Adsorption Materials, offering implications for synthetic waxy layers in plant epidermis.
Progress and Evaluation of Compressed Carbon Dioxide Energy Storage Systems: A Review
Authors: Ma Hailing , Tong Yao , Wang Xiao , Wang Hongxu
Published: March 2024

Compressed carbon dioxide energy storage (CCES) offers several benefits over other existing energy storage systems, including ease of liquefaction, high energy storage density, and environmental friendliness. As a result, the research progress, economic and technological feasibility, and system operation of the CCES system are all discussed in depth in this study. The system evaluation method is summarized and the compressed carbon dioxide storage is analyzed, and the performance optimization direction of the compressed carbon dioxide energy storage technology is discussed. When the overall performance of a transcritical CCES system, a supercritical CCES system and a liquid CCES system are compared, it is discovered that the supercritical CCES system has better thermodynamic characteristics and a simpler system configuration, making it suitable for large-scale development and use. The goal of the CCES system's future development is to create a design with an optimum compression and expansion ratio, a more precise analysis and system model, and multi-field coupling. This review's discussion serves as a guide for the best design and use of the CCES system.
Centenary Dynamics in Physical Development of Moscow School Girls
Authors: Skoblina Natalia Aleksandrovna , Milushkina Olga Yurjevna , Bokareva Natalia Andreevna , Sazonova Olga Viktorovna , Gavryushin Mikhail Yurievich , Tatarinchik Andrey Aleksandrovich , Skoblina Elena Vadimovna
Published: March 2024

This article objective was to identify a centenary trend in the growth and development of girls in the metropolis of Moscow. Material and methods — The physical development (body length and weight, chest circumference, right hand muscle strength, and menstrual function development) of Moscow girls was studied during the period from 1920 to 2020. The amount of own observations was 4581 girls aged 8-17 years. Results – A comparative analysis of the physical development of Moscow school girls of different decades revealed a statistically significant increase in body length by 3-5 cm and a significant increase in chest circumference in all age groups of girls of the beginning of the XXI century, compared with their peers in the 1960s and 1980s, which indicates the completion of the gracialization processes that have been observed since the 1980s. However, in all age groups, a decrease in the muscle strength of the right hand is still being noticed. Earlier terms of menarshe onset in modern Moscow school girls (12 years 9 months) and a shift in growth jumps to earlier terms were established. It is shown that the age of menstruation depends on the level of family wealth. Conclusions. In Moscow girls in the centenary dynamics, a tendency to increase the total body size and shift the terms of biological maturation to earlier terms was revealed.
Assessment of Sustainable Mobility Patterns of University Students and Staff: Case of a LMIC
Authors: Fondzenyuy Stephen Kome , Jackai II Isaac Ndumbe , Tezong Steffel Ludivin Feudjio , Usami Davide Shingo , Gonzalez-Hernandez Brayan , WOUNBA Jean François , ELAMBO George NKENG , Persia Luca
Published: March 2024

The transition to sustainable mobility is a recognized socio-economic and environmental challenge, particularly among young adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper addresses the lack of comprehensive research on mobility patterns for LMICs by examining the travel patterns of students, staff, and lecturers at the National Advanced School of Public Works, Yaoundé (NASPW) to understand transport mode choices and barriers to the use of public and active transport modes. Data was collected through online questionnaires from 425 participants. Findings revealed that most students (27.5%) used multiple modes of transport, with moto-taxis being the most common (21%). Lecturers primarily used private cars (50%), while staff relied on taxis or multiple modes (33%). Accessibility, vehicle speed, and flexibility appeared as the most important reasons for the preferred modes of transport. Barriers included long waiting times and traffic congestion for public transport, and distance and inadequate infrastructure for active mobility. The usage of public transportation was encouraged by its affordability and reduced travel time, whilst active options were preferred due to their cost savings and health benefits. To promote sustainable mobility for campus travel, it is crucial to encourage active modes, develop mass transport systems, and raise awareness through symposiums and conferences among students and staff.
Biopolymeric additive manufacturing: The bidirectional interplay of synthetic and natural systems
Authors: Lew Andrew James , Lai Audrey Fu , Wyman Spencer Philip
Published: March 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized the field of biopolymers by providing a range of opportunities to create complex and intricate structures. Here we provide an overview of developments in biopolymer AM, first in the context of how natural systems have impacted the synthetic processes of AM, and secondly in the context of how synthetically derived structures can be used for biomedical applications. In particular, we explore the range of biopolymers developed for AM, AM techniques for biopolymers, and potential biocompatible medical applications with a focus on four categories of tissue in the human body: skin, bone, heart, and nerve. Despite the current challenges of the technology, exciting results in tissue regeneration, synthetic replacements for natural grafts, and complex dynamic organoids have already come to pass - with many more possible in the future.
Statistical Methodologies for Detecting Drug-Drug Interaction Using Spontaneous Reporting System
Authors: Won Heehyun , Cho Haerin , Choi Hyunyoung , Choi Nam-Kyong
Published: March 2024

Statistical methodologies of signal detection for drug-drug interactions (DDIs) have been developed and used. In this study, we review methodologies for DDI signal detection using the spontaneous reporting system. We describe the characteristics of the additive and multiplicative risk model, logistic regression model, Multi-item Gamma-Poisson Shrinker, Ω shrinkage measure model, and Chi-square statistics model. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology along with examples, providing researchers with information to choose the most appropriate methodology for their study.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Due to Household Type and Economic Status during COVID-19 Pandemic: Focusing on Gender Differences
Authors: Cha Ye Eun , Hwang Ju Yeong , Nam Jin Young
Published: March 2024

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine whether household type and economic status affect generalized anxiety disorder during COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019).Methods: This study included 5,615 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2021). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between household type, economic status and generalized anxiety disorder. Additionally by combining the two variables of interest, we examined the combined effect of sex on household type and economic status.Results: The unemployed in single person-households had 3.4 times more likely to become a high-risk group for generalized anxiety disorder than the employed in multiple person-households (odds ratio, OR = 3.42, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.99-5.85). In male, the unemployed in single person-households was 7.1 times more likely to be a high-risk group than the employed in multiple person-households (OR = 7.11, 95% CI: 2.49-20.31) and was 2.8 times more likely to be a high-risk group than the reference group in female (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.46-5.44).Conclusions: This study confirmed that during COVID-19 pandemic, the unemployed and single person-households tended to be a high-risk group for generalized anxiety disorder and differed by sex and age. Therefore, generalized anxiety disorder policies for single person-households and the unemployed and customized welfare by sex are needed.
A Method for Detection of Methane Leaks from Idle and Orphaned Wells Using High-Precision Sensor and a Ventilation Canopy
Authors: Daneshvarjejad Nima , Khodaparast Pooya , Cho Young , Paul Donald , Farhadi Shahram , Ershaghi Iraj
Published: March 2024

A framework for monitoring and detecting methane emissions from point sources with IOT capability, especially in abandoned wells, is essential to address environmental concerns about reducing greenhouse gases. Our novel design can monitor emissions from abandoned and poorly sealed oil and gas wells in real time, factoring in environmental variables such as weather, moisture, and wind conditions.

The research presented in this paper is based on data from extensive experimental work using the point source emission of pure methane. To simulate the process, we measured methane emissions using a specially designed canopy enclosing the gas release point with the state-of-the-art sensor that can detect ultra-low leak rates of methane released from a controlled source. The novel canopy system was constructed to mount the sensor and to minimize wind and meteorological effects. Numerous field tests using wide-scale land surfaces were performed to optimize the design parameters of the canopy system. A wind sensor was incorporated into the framework to examine the wind's local, real-time effect on detected concentration and leak rates.

Using the unique arrangement of our combined canopy, barrier, and local wind sensor system, we can successfully detect and monitor methane emissions from abandoned wells at rates nearing one gram per hour, which is not detectable with previously available technologies. The effect of wind is minimized while allowing for natural ventilation and notifying operators of asset integrity in real-time. This solution decreases costs, and offers scalability, and remote sensing ability.
Adapting Corporate Strategies for Energy Transition: A Case Study on Production Liability Management
Authors: Orozco E. , Caro W.
Published: March 2024

This article analyzes what effects a transition from hydrocarbon investments to renewable alternatives may have on Well Integrity, identifying how organizational changes are required to maintain regulatory compliance and the management of legal and financial responsibilities associated with the production of oil and natural gas., the correct management of risks associated with assets in production and the mitigation of environmental impacts.

It is determined through an analysis from the point of view of market margins, incentives, advantages and disadvantages in which O&G organizational area between upstream, midstream and downstream the management functions of investments in renewable alternative energies should focus.
Characterization of Wormhole Growth and Propagation Dynamics During CHOPS Processes by Integrating Rate Transient Analysis and a Pressure-Gradient-Based Sand Failure Criterion in the Presence of Foamy Oil Flow
Authors: Jiang Liwu , Liu Jinju , Liu Tongjing , Yang Daoyong
Published: March 2024

Characterization of the wormhole growth and propagation dynamics has been made possible with the semi-analytical models developed in this work by integrating both rate transient analysis (RTA) and a pressure-gradient-based (PGB) sand failure criterion in the presence of foamy oil flow. As for the theoretical RTA models incorporated with a PGB sand failure criterion and foamy oil properties, the nonlinearity caused by the latter is linearized by using the pseudofunctions. A sequential method is adopted to solve the coupling fluid-solid problem, while the source function and finite difference methods are applied to obtain the solutions for fluid flow in the matrix and wormhole subsystems, respectively. New wormhole segments can be generated once the PGB sand failure criterion has been achieved, while their updated petrophysical properties conditioned to the new pressure field can be sent back to obtain the solutions for the fluid flow in the next time interval. Furthermore, influence of sand failure/fluidizing and foamy oil properties on the dynamic wormhole network can be investigated with the generated type curves. Both wormhole growth and foamy oil flow dictate an upward fluid production at the early times, while the production-induced pressure depletion dominates the declining production at the late times. The fractal wormhole networks can be dynamically characterized by history matching the field fluid and sand production profiles. Both the sand failure degree and foamy oil properties dictate the effective wormhole coverage and intensity. Sand production is found to be influenced by both the breakdown pressure gradient and wormhole conductivities, while oil production rate can be dominated by the wormhole coverage and intensity. Foamy oil flow can increase oil production rate and increase the wormhole coverage compared with the conventional oil. The newly developed method in this work has been validated and then applied in field-scale to dynamically characterize the wormhole growth and propagation by considering both sand failure phenomenon and foamy oil properties within a unified, consistent, and accurate framework. In this work, a rigorously semi-analytical method has been proposed to dynamically characterize the wormhole growth and propagation for the first time by incorporating the RTA, PGB sand failure criterion, and foamy oil properties. Compared to the conventional numerical simulations, not only is this proposed method accurate for wormhole characterization conditioned to fluid and sand production profiles, but also such delineated wormholes can be readily integrated with any reservoir numerical simulators to assess and optimize any potential EOR methods in post-CHOPS reservoirs.
Exploring Pressure Interactions Between Geological CO2 Storage Projects in Alberta Using Analytical and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Mirzayev Mammad , McCoy Sean , Cooper Joanna , Lawton Don , Jiang Liangliang
Published: March 2024

Deep saline aquifers are considered as attractive hosts for geological CO2 storage (GCS). The Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) comprises numerous saline aquifers. Depending on formation geochemistry, in-situ conditions, and petrophysical properties, each formation will have different storage capacity and efficiency. There are currently 25 proposed projects in the province of Alberta that, if they were all approved with pore space tenure, would inject large volumes of CO2 at relatively large rates into the WCSB. The goal of this study is to present characterizations of potential storage formations and examine the potential for interactions between proposed projects in proximity.

We use numerical and analytical simulation to assess the evolution and interaction of pressure fields from proposed projects over time in the Wabamun Area CO2 Sequestration Project (WASP) region and infer how this affects cumulative storage capacity in the target formations. We compare the result from simple, relatively easy-to-use analytical tools against numerical simulation results to determine whether existing screening tools could accurately capture potential interactions between proximal projects. The results reveal that with increasing length of injection years, the radial extent of the CO2 pressure distribution increases as well. The analytical solution cannot accurately capture formation compressibility and variation in fluid properties, which leads to deviations from the simulated values. Nonetheless, these tools could serve as a quick method to identify areas of concern, and both can provide useful information about the likely extent of the pressure plume in a GCS project.
Critical Elements Extraction from Flowback and Produced Water: From Lab to Field
Authors: Ghanizadeh A. , Clarkson C. R. , Bader A. , Tutolo B. , Younis A. , Shabani M.
Published: March 2024

Flowback and produced water (FPW) from multi-fractured horizontal wells (MFHWs) are possible sources of critical elements (CE) from unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. The objective of this study is to compare temporal variations of CE (Li, Mg) concentrations in FPW at lab- and field-scales, with examples from prominent Canadian unconventional hydrocarbon plays. A secondary objective was to evaluate whether CE could be extracted (i.e. ‘leached’) from reservoir rocks by FPW. Quantifying elemental leaching is important for reserves evaluation and identifying the relative importance of mechanisms contributing to CE enrichment in FPW (e.g., fluid mixing vs. fluid-rock interaction).

High-temperature (150 °C), high-pressure (2200 psi) fluid-rock interaction experiments were conducted on three crushed-rock Montney (siltstones/sandstones) and Duvernay (organic/clay-rich shales) samples with variable composition, fabric, and reservoir quality. Time-lapsed fluid analysis (+30 days), using spectroscopy and ion chromatography (ICP-OES/IC) enabled observations of Li and Mg concentration profiles at the lab-scale. Lab-scale Li and Mg concentration profiles were then compared to post-fracture Li and Mg concentration profiles from multiple MFHWs completed in the Montney and Duvernay formations (public data).

At the lab-scale, maximum measured Li concentrations for the Montney and Duvernay samples were 0.27 mg/L and 0.53 mg/L, respectively. Maximum lab-scale Li recoveries were significantly (about two orders of magnitude) smaller than those measured in the field (28-72 mg/L for the Montney wells, 26-54 mg/L for the Duvernay wells). This could be attributed to the 1) dominance of the fluid mixing mechanism in the field, relative to fluid-rock interaction, 2) variable rock-water mass ratios at lab and field scales, and/or limited (initial) content of Li in the analyzed samples, amongst other factors. Lab-scale Li and Mg concentration profiles exhibited similarities to and discrepancies with those observed in the field. Notably, larger Li concentrations (up to twice) were associated with lower pH, in agreement with field observations. Interestingly, lab-scale Li and Sr concentrations appear to co-vary for the Duvernay FPW, in agreement with field observations, suggesting the possibility of using Sr as a ‘proxy element’ for predicting Li anomalies in the Duvernay FPW.

Quantifying temporal evolution of CE concentrations in FPW is essential for evaluating the feasibility of CE recovery from MFHWs and the selection of optimal Li extraction technologies over the well lifetime. This study provides the first-time comparison between lab- and field-scale temporal variations of CE concentrations in FPW for the purpose of evaluating CE extraction from unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Coupled Geomechanical Model and 3D Dynamic Flow Simulation for the Potential CO2 Injection into Deep Aquifer Siluro-Devonian Carbonate Formations, Delaware Basin
Authors: Nguyen S. T. , Tu J. , Nguyen T. C. , Ampomah W. , Simmons J. , Bui D.
Published: March 2024

One of the main foundations for increasing trust in geological carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration is a geomechanical application. A complex geological process for long-term CO2 storage in deep aquifer carbonate formation would irreversibly change the assumed stable state of the sedimentary basin that evolved over millions of years. The proposed project is expected to sequester 13 MMSCFD of CO2 and H2S into Devonian and Silurian formations deeper than 16,000 feet below Lea County in New Mexico's Delaware Basin, a sub-basin of the Permian. The intensive integration of geomechanical parameters and 3D flow simulation can provide insights into storage mechanisms, migration patterns and effects on caprock integrity over 30-year injection and 100 years of shut-in.

This research illustrates the comprehensive development of a 3D structural framework on interpreted surfaces and spatial variability of porosity and permeability. The dynamic flow is subsequently furnished with the boundary parameters of relative permeability, geochemical fluid components, temperature, pressure, and injection rate to simulate gas accumulation and diffusion trends. Furthermore, the findings of geomechanical rock properties and strengths are incorporated into the dynamic model to evaluate further the impact of CO2 flow on Woodford caprock stability across injection and shut-in times.

Through 3D dynamic simulation, it is estimated that gas storage could reach 7.04 million metric tons with a maximum daily injection rate over the course of 30 years. The gas plume would migrate around 834 acres in the planned sequestration zone, or a radius of 0.64 miles from the injection well. The coupled geomechanical model and CO2 flow assist in exploring the caprock failure on Mohr-Coulomb circle analysis, shear, and tensile safety factors in both spatial and time dimensions of dynamic flow simulation. Despite the thermal effects, stress changes, and geochemical interactions that occur over the injection period, the caprock retains its elastic modulus and is assessed to be far from failures.

The study involves solving equations of motion and stress-strain relationships to determine how the caprock will respond to changes in pressure and fluid flow. The exceptional durability of Woodford Shale seal rock will promote the success of the CO2 storage in aquifer Siluro-Devonian carbonate rocks underneath New Mexico and pave the solid way for further long-term CO2 injection wells across the Delaware Basin in the coming decades.
Advances in Understanding the Wettability of the Viking Formation
Authors: Mohammadi Saman , Lan Tianyi , Dehghanpour Hassan
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive laboratory protocol to evaluate and characterize the in-situ rock and fluid samples from the Viking Formation in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB). The experiments are performed in four stages. In stage 1, we conduct Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques on the dry end-pieces of the plugs for pore-scale visualization and compositional analysis. In stage 2, we measure the contact angle (CA) of the equilibrated oil and brine droplets on the surface of the rock samples in the presence of air, and that of the equilibrated oil droplets on oil-saturated rock samples immersed in brine and DIW (deionized water). In stage 3, we perform co-current spontaneous imbibition experiments on a set of twin plugs to compare the rate of brine and oil uptake by capillary suction. In stage 4, we conduct counter-current imbibition experiments on oil-saturated plugs to evaluate oil recovery by DIW and brine.

Co-current spontaneous imbibition results show excess brine uptake compared with oil during the early times (first 120 hours). The XRD results show the presence of 11.66 wt. % pore-filling clay minerals (10 wt.% kaolinite and 1.66 wt. % illite) in the selected rock samples. These clay minerals are dispersed in the pore structure of the selected rock samples, as observed in the SEM images taken from these samples. Therefore, it can be concluded that water adsorption by pore-filling clay minerals is the main reason for the excess brine uptake compared with oil at the early times. Although brine imbibes faster and more than oil at the early times, the final imbibed volume of oil is higher than brine, which indicates the presence of small hydrophobic pores with more affinity towards oil than brine. The CA of the equilibrated oil droplet on the surface of the oil-saturated reservoir rock immersed in brine is 114.0°, while that in DIW is 70.43°, indicating that DIW enhances the water-wetness of the reservoir rock by 43.6°. The results of the counter-current imbibition experiments on the oil-saturated plugs show that oil recovery by DIW is 33% of the initial oil volume in the plug, which is 5% more oil than that by the reservoir brine, primarily due to more significant osmotic potential.
A Study of DME-Steam Co-Injection Using a Large-Scale Physical Model
Authors: Amer H. , Sheng K. , Okuno R. , Filstein A. , French M. , Sanchez J. , Al-Gawfi A. , Nakutnyy P.
Published: March 2024

Dimethyl ether (DME) as a water-soluble solvent has been studied as a potential additive to steam for improving the energy efficiency of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). The main objective of this research was to study in-situ flow characteristics and energy efficiency of DME-SAGD using a large-scale physical model. Results from DME-SAGD were compared with the control experiment of SAGD with no solvent injection using the same experimental setup. The main novelty of this research lies in the experimental data that demonstrated enhanced bitumen drainage by DME-SAGD in comparison to SAGD.

The experiment was conducted in a cylindrical pressure vessel with a diameter of 0.425 m and a length of 1.22 m, which contained a sand pack with a porosity of 0.34 and a permeability of 5.0 D. The DME-SAGD experiment used a DME concentration of 10 mol% and a steam co-injection rate of 27.6 cm3/min [cold-water equivalent (CWE)] at 3000 kPa. Temperature distributions within the sand pack, along with injection and production histories, were recorded during the experiment. Subsequently, numerical simulations were performed to history-match the experimental data, and the calibrated simulation model was used to analyze details of compositional flow characteristics.

Results showed that the 10 mol% DME-SAGD experiment yielded a recovery factor of 92.7% in 4.2 days, and the SAGD experiment yielded a recovery factor of 68.6% in 6.0 days, for both of which the first 2 days were the preheating and the steam-only injection (SAGD) stages. The peak rate of bitumen production was 43.8 mL/min in the DME-SAGD experiment, which was more than twice greater than the peak rates observed in the SAGD experiment. The substantially increased rate of bitumen production resulted in a cumulative steam-to-oil ratio in DME-SAGD that was less than half of that in SAGD.

Analysis of experimental results indicated that the solubility of DME in the aqueous and oleic phases caused different flow characteristics between DME-SAGD and SAGD. For example, the oleic and aqueous phases were more uniformly distributed in the sand pack in the former. Simulations indicated that DME-SAGD had a uniform distribution of greater grid-scale Bond numbers and increased oleic-phase mobilities in comparison to SAGD.