bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drilling Fluids Waste to Sustainable Resources
Authors: Hamdan Tariq , Al Nuaimi Mouza , Alhammami Mohamed , Arena Carmelo , Kostic Tijana
Published: September 2024

Sustainable water management solutions were always a concern due to Scarcity of water resources in UAE and affording a nonstop water supply for drilling operation.

The main objectives of availing a fit for purpose solutions were:

- Saving the underground water resources. - Cost optimization: a- Saving the cost of Haulage transportation. (30-50%) - Save the Total Value of waste disposal injection package. - Saving the cost of salt as the treatment technologies is designed to save the salt content. - Sustainable and HSE advantage by reducing the Transportation requirements. - Simple to implement in all onshore rigs fleet. - Not affecting the rig operation. Dewatering and Recycling of the waste drilling fluid It is the most common and promising treatment technology and Practice.
Securing and Enhancing Avian Diversity Around Onshore O&G Facilities to Improve Biodiversity Restoration: Artificial Nest Box Provision in Ghana
Authors: Sali J. , Pavanel E. , Ahenkorah A. O. , Mawuyra S. M. Y. , Allotey L. , Estrada G. C. D
Published: September 2024

This paper describes the approach and initial results of a trial utilizing artificial nest boxes to support the avian population for seed disbursal for vegetation restoration purposes. The study site is an onshore gas receiving facility (ORF) concession area, located within a globally recognised Key Biodiversity Area (KBA). By applying the mitigation hierarchy, the company has limited the residual impact on natural habitats and is enhancing the forest estate through active and passive forest restoration. Historic land use has resulted in a paucity of natural breeding spaces for cavity-nesting birds, potentially limiting avian abundance and diversity. Artificial nesting boxes are a common technology in newly established and managed woodlands and are considered highly effective at supporting avian conservation objectives. Their effectiveness is correlated with imitating the size, shape and climatic conditions of natural cavities. Hence a trial was necessary to identify the most suitable design for the conditions and species encountered in the project location.

Sixty-five nest boxes were installed with the design, construction material and entrance diameter among variables trialled. Those crafted from a mud-cement mixture showed the greatest durability, although those constructed from solid wood performed adequately and were easier to construct. Nest box occupancy after a year or less remained low; only three of the 65 boxes installed show clear or potential signs of use. Potential occupants showed preference for a "standard" box design. No preference for entrance size or construction material could be construed.

Arthropods were identified residing in the boxes on 10 occasions. Their impact on bird occupancy is uncertain, however insects may hasten the destruction of wooden boxes and render the box uninhabitable for nesting birds or hatchlings. The project also encountered unexpected losses and severe damage to 25 nest boxes, 20 of which were unable to be located and hence could not be assessed.

Although very early in the project, recommendations from these monitoring results can enhance the effectiveness of the technology for other users. Recommendations to improve occupancy include increasing the installation height, checking the correct orientation for the location and minimising the opportunity for eusocial insects to access the nests. Boxes should be securely fixed in place, preferably with two methods to allow for functional redundancy. Finally, engagement with local communities is a critical consideration; projects engaging in the use of this technology should not overlook the need to identify and address negative perceptions or misunderstandings that may negatively affect their use.
E&P Operations in Water Stressed Areas: An Approach to the Identification, Selection and Implementation of Initiatives for a Sustainable Water Management, Withdrawal Reduction and Water Valorization
Authors: Moglia A. , Bracco L. , Chiolo M. , Buffagni M.
Published: September 2024

Water is one of earth's most critical resources, and water scarcity represents an increasing problem worldwide. Demographic growth and economic development are putting unprecedented pressure on water resources, especially in arid regions. Water is crucial for many sectors, and it is also fundamental to meet personal and household needs, for energy and industrial production, to maintain important water-dependent ecosystems and ecosystem services.

Water plays a key role in all the phases of the Oil and Gas business, because of the large amounts of this resource that should be managed, both with respect to withdrawals and to disposal. For these reasons, it is essential to adopt a well-defined and sound approach in order to protect the water resource, also considering that often Oil and Gas activities take place in arid regions.

All these aspects require an integrated and inclusive approach, able to build resilience against worsening factors.
Reconciliation of Source-Level Methane Emissions Measurement with Site-Level Measurement Using a Drone-Mounted Sensor: New Insights for Standardisation and Global Deployment
Authors: Stocker I. , Evans P. , Jupp M. , Bose R. , Smith B.
Published: September 2024

Accurate and transparent reporting of methane emissions is vital for targeted and defensible methane reductions in the energy sector. This is recognised in the United Nations’ new reporting framework (OGMP2.0) where measurement-based reporting of methane emissions that is accompanied with a statement of reconciliation constitutes the highest level of conformance (‘level 5’). A fully traceable top-down measurement system suitable for onshore and offshore deployment was developed to conform with OGMP2.0 level 5 expectations. Site-level methane emissions are measured by means of a drone-mounted methane sensor flown downwind of oil and gas production facilities. The sensor was deployed on quadcopter and fixed-wing drones with comparable results. Atmospheric methane concentrations were converted into an emission rate through mass balance calculations, considering meteorological parameters. Results from 11 offshore surveys acquired between 2021 and 2023 showed generally low emissions of less than 40 kg/h, with two outliers measured at 106 ± 31 kg/h and 347 ± 97 kg/h respectively. Emissions followed a ‘fat-tail’ distribution with 27% of sites accounting for 87% of the total methane emissions in the sample, highlighting the value of top-down measurement in identifying abatement opportunities. Two-thirds of sites measured in 2023 were successfully reconciled to OGMP2.0 level 5. The analysis emphasized the importance of high-quality source-level data for successful reconciliation and sites where such data is available should be prioritized when scheduling top-down measurements. A successful top-down strategy should follow a process of continuous improvement that considers emissions materiality, range of emission rates under normal operating conditions, demonstrable quality of bottom-up inventories, and the option to group sites into representative populations. Standardisation and industry collaboration is needed to ensure consistency in the methodology of both the top-down measurement and reconciliation, including application of uncertainty, which is key for transparent, traceable, and credible reporting of methane emissions from oil and gas facilities.
Sealing Efficiency of Caprock in Fractured Tight Reservoirs Considering Multi-Migration Mechanism Simulated using Improved EDFM
Authors: Shi Luming , Song Peng , Zhao Xurong , Shi Jian , Shi Baishun , Zhao Xin , Awotunde Abeeb A. , Maalouf Elsa
Published: September 2024

Comprehensive flow mechanisms play a crucial role in the transport and distribution of carbon dioxide in the subsurface during geological storage. However, limited researchers have developed models for evaluating the efficiency of the caprock while considering multiple transport mechanisms. Furthermore, most of the models established by scholars do not consider the influence of complex fractures. In this paper, a numerical model for CO2 storage in a composite caprock considering gas adsorption/desorption, diffusion, hydration reaction, and stress sensitivity of fractures is developed to evaluate the leakage risk of the caprock during CO2 storage in tight reservoirs. An improved Embedded Discrete Fracture Model (EDFM) is introduced to describe the transfer flow between matrix-fracture, fracture-fracture, and fracture-well. The effects of caprock permeability, CO2 storage rate, fracture number, and fracture half-length on CO2 storage efficiency are analyzed. The results show that decreasing the caprock permeability, CO2 storage rate, fracture half-length and fracture number can enhance caprock sealing efficiency and safety during long-term storage. Among them, the CO2 storage rate had the most significant influence on the security of the caprock layer for long-term storage, and the ratio of escape could reach 29.20% after 900 years of injection at 60t/d, while that of 20t/d was only 2.62%. The permeability of the caprock have a more significant influence on the security of long-term storage, and the escape ratio of high caprock permeability (690nD) can reach 11.52%. The fracture half-length and the number of fractures have less influence on the security of the caprock for long-term storage, and the escape ratio remains between 6.50% and 7.30%. Hence, this work provides a theoretical basis for the safety evaluation of CO2 geological storage with time.
Shell's Strategic Competence Development: Ensuring Capability and Capacity Building Across the Global Operational Safety Skill Pool
Authors: Gosselin Allan , Abbasi Shariq , Richards Angela
Published: September 2024

Competence development is an important aspect of career growth and development at Shell. As a result of a project in 2023, we now have a global central Competence Development SharePoint site with an electronic Self-Assessment Tool that helps our global Operational Safety skill pool community to identify and develop opportunities from the competencies required for their role (both current and future); assess their level of proficiency; (knowledge, skill and mastery) and create a development plan to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for in-role and career progression and development.

Our vision involves establishing an adaptive and robust Safety discipline, supporting Shell’s strategy to create more value with less emissions. We envisage motivated employees, who know that their expertise is highly valued, have clear visibility of their career options and are empowered to strive for excellence. We aim to achieve this vision through three primary pillars. Capacity: Grow the talent pipeline with organizational focus where we attract, retain and develop talent who are competitive both inside and outside our function. Capability: building capability individual focused, maintain and build the capability to meet the business challenges and delivery of Shell’s strategy. Community: strengthen the technical community through an active and proud community aligned with the business needs, leading safety performance through the energy transition.

The purpose of the Operational Safety skill pool is to achieve Goal Zero by building a strong culture where everyone is motivated to relentlessly pursue no harm to people and to protect the environment. Partnering with businesses, assets, and sites to provide support with general Safety management, Contractor HSSE Management, High Risk Transport, Personal Safety & Human Performance, Project Safety, Safe Systems of Work, Emergency Management, and Incident Investigation & Learning.

For the ¬1200 staff and contractors in the Safety skill pool’s Operational Safety discipline community, this has never been so pivotal as the Shell transforms through its ‘Powering Progress’ strategy, where Shell has an important role to play in providing the energy the world needs today, and in helping to build the low-carbon energy system of the future.
Safe for Life: An HSE Campaign Case Study
Authors: Lowry Jodie , Menezes Ana Leticia S. , Gainza Jorge
Published: September 2024

This paper describes how a global energy technology company developed and implemented a global communications campaign called Safe for Life. The campaign’s intent was to promote safe behaviors by delivering short videos, featuring employees in company facilities and at home with their families.

The campaign aimed to extend safety culture beyond the workplace by reinforcing Life-Saving Rules and other safety messages in a way that resonated with personnel, their families and friends, as well as the company’s customers. The initiative involved creating eleven short impactful videos, using simple safety messaging aligned with IOGP's Life-Saving Rules. These videos empower individuals by illustrating life-saving actions and establishing connections to their application in real-life scenarios.

The videos aimed to resonate with a diverse global audience and learning styles and were supported by a suite of digital media resources including posters, photos, and safety meeting materials. Videos were released on a monthly basis with global business managers and HSE representatives being responsible for widespread dissemination and engagement with the campaign toolkit materials, which were available in multiple languages.

The short video format has been effective in helping individuals to absorb and retain essential messages and avoid information overload. Since the campaign’s launch, the videos have received over 500,000 views via the company’s internal communications channels. The creation of more than 150 posters and graphics, along with the translation of videos into over eight languages, highlights the effectiveness in reaching diverse audiences and catering to various learning styles.

A profound sense of connection has been achieved by featuring actual employees representing the company’s global operations. Featuring these employees at work and at home with their families has contributed significantly to the success of the campaign.

Interest in the campaign was sustained with the release of new videos and digital media on a monthly basis. Safe for Life has proven successful in communicating how people can become more aware of their surroundings and maintain vigilance of potential hazards, and how they can take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others in every aspect of their lives.
Seamless Synergy: Exploring the Interconnection in Learning from Normal Work Tools
Authors: Yasseen Abdelsalam , Nonno Lamberto
Published: September 2024

The oil and gas industries are increasingly embracing Learning from Normal Work, but the synergy among available proactive learning tools remains unclear. This paper addresses this gap by establishing connections between these tools to maximize their collaborative effectiveness.

In our research, the organization under study initiated the adoption and implementation of learning from normal work. Along this journey, three key tools—Learning Teams, Walk Through Talk Through, and Finding the Next Incident—were employed to enhance the learning environment. A significant challenge faced by the organization, both operationally and in HSE functions, was understanding the interlinkages between these tools. To gain widespread acceptance and support from various stakeholders, the organization aimed to demonstrate the unity among these seemingly disparate tools. The research reveals how, when utilized in a specific process, these tools not only interact but also synergize to foster a comprehensive learning experience. The study sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of each tool, emphasizing that leveraging their strengths contributes to a more holistic learning experience from normal work.

The organization introduced a Learning from Normal Work framework, illustrating the overarching view of how the three adopted tools can collaboratively work to enhance the organization's learning experience. The framework not only depicts their interactions but also guides where to start and why, emphasizing the value of transitioning from one tool to another. It offers insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each tool, emphasizing that by building on these strengths, a more comprehensive proactive learning experience can be cultivated, thereby accelerating the organization's shift towards a reliable safety-focused learning approach.
Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Support Following a Disaster: A Corporate Social Responsibility and Humanitarian Approach
Authors: Attard N. , Sarieddine L.
Published: September 2024

In the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding in Derna caused by Storm Daniel in September 2023, a comprehensive psychosocial support (PSS) initiative was implemented as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to address the significant mental health needs of the affected population. Led by three psychologists, the initiative focused on immediate and structured mental health support through individual and group sessions. The team attended locations where displaced individuals were residing after the disaster. A total of 111 adults and 95 children participated voluntarily following informed consent. Most adults experienced the loss of a family member, damage to their homes, and witnessed fatalities. The mental health status of adults was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). These tools highlighted the extent of psychological distress, including anxiety and depression. A total of 211 interventions for adults were implemented, including individual sessions, group sessions, and follow-up sessions. Individual sessions provided personalized counselling, while group therapy fostered a sense of community and shared experience, which is essential for psychological healing. Severe cases were referred for further mental health support. The psychological status of participating children was also assessed. Many exhibited behavioural changes, emotional disturbances, and physical symptoms such as nightmares, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. Individual and group sessions for children included tailored interventions like storytelling, drawing therapy, and group activities to develop coping mechanisms. This mental health initiative highlighted the importance of CSR efforts, playing a pivotal role in humanitarian support during such events. The intervention successfully identified and began addressing severe mental health issues within the flood-affected population, offering immediate psychological relief and establishing a foundation for long-term support strategies. It emphasized the need to combine professional mental health services with community-based support systems to build resilience and facilitate recovery. The PSS initiative in Derna was crucial in mitigating the disaster's mental health impact, underscoring the importance of sustained and integrated mental health support in post-disaster recovery and the humanitarian approach through CSR.
Comparison of Risk Calculation Methods for Offshore O&G Produced Water Discharges
Authors: Cailleaud K. , Ponthieux O. , Chaineau C. H.
Published: September 2024

Offshore produced water (PW) risk assessment methods are subject to debate as regards to the type and number of species tested and the use of assessment factor (AF). These include conservative ones with limited species tested and associated with high AF and less conservative ones with lower or no AF. This study was designed to characterize toxicity and calculate risk of PW discharges from platforms in different world areas using various marine species and different calculation methods.

Five acute or pseudo chronic toxicity tests (bacteria, microalgae, crustacean, oyster, and sea urchin larvae) were performed on PW samples from twenty-two platforms. Results from the tests were derived into four thresholds for risk calculation using European Union guidelines: one conservative approach with three species and a high AF of 1000, five species and Species Sensitivity Distributions extrapolation (SSDs) with lower AF (10) and five species and acute to chronic ration (ACR) with low AF (10). Risk results calculated using DREAM three-dimensional dispersion model for the four methods were discussed against acceptable risk threshold in use in OSPAR area.

The main drivers for risk calculation were first the PW discharge flow rate, then PW toxicity, and sea currents. The results showed that the method with three species (AF of 1000) was the most conservative approach with higher risk figures in 70% of PW samples and the one with 5 species and ACR (AF of 10) in 30% of the samples. Methods using more tests species and statistical extrapolation SSD method (AF of 10) allowed to obtain much lower risk figures. Depending on the risk calculation method used, the number of sites above acceptable risk threshold used in OSPAR area ranged from 17/22 (three species and AF of 10) to 3/22 (five species, SSD and AF of 10).

For this study, the European Union guidelines defined for chemical environmental risk assessment, which are among the most conservative ones in the world, were used. Although the SSD method is already quite conservative, a higher AF was used for this study.

This study showed that selection of risk calculation method is key for offshore PW discharge risk assessment. It also highlights that the use of limited number of species for risk assessment in offshore environment may also lead to significant risk overestimation.
Thermodynamics Behind Rigorous Flared Gas Monetization Analysis
Authors: Hay G. A. , Pomerantz A. E. , Pfeiffer K. R.
Published: September 2024

Associated gas is routinely flared when there are no practical options to sell or use the gas. Many technologies exist that attempt to convert flared gas into sellable products, but the effectiveness of those technologies is inconsistent. The objective of this project was to identify the best approach to monetize flared gas from particular sites in the Uintah Basin within central US, with the goal of reducing the most emissions and creating the highest revenue.

Dozens of gas monetization technologies were considered at the onset of the project, including gas to power, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid fuels, and specialty chemicals. To help determine the performance of each technology they were evaluated using a rigorous thermodynamic techno-economic analysis to determine how much revenue the technology would generate and emissions it would reduce. The analysis relied on simulating process efficiencies of each of the different technologies when applied to representative flaring gas volumes and compositions. The developed simulations also included any utility, pretreatment, or post-treatment requirements in the field. Analysis of the costs to install and operate the equipment, the emissions created by that equipment, and the revenue generated by selling the final product identified which technology was best suited for considered locations.

Shown in Fig. 1 is the generalized workflow concept of building the process simulation model from a working facility installation. Effort was also made to match the performance, utility usage, and efficiencies across multiple feed compositions and volume rates. This way specific feed gas analysis of a studied opportunity would be most accurately represented.
Accelerating Industrial Decarbonization: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Digitalization for Net-Zero
Authors: Finol Renato
Published: September 2024

We describe and compare several options for decarbonisation of Oil & Gas operations, from low hanging fruits to significant design changes to the addition of complete, major processes such as CCUS or electrification of large crackers.

The comparison includes elements of feasibility in brownfield & greenfield, technology availability, implementation costs, timeline & risks, as well as ROI (Return On Investment) and CO2_OI (CO2 reduction impact On Investment).

The analysis and recommendations in this paper are based on the experience of the author and are illustrated by several actual customer projects. The analysis on Low Hanging fruits is confirmed by a developing literature and third-party sources (eg Concawe Report 18/9, IHSMarkit…). The design paradigm shift suggestions are still a nascent domain. The analysis on large projects such as CCUS, Green or Blue Hydrogen or process electrification is also a first of a kind attempt to assess real long-term financial sustainability of these approaches and position them properly versus other decarbonization tracks.

We describe a dozen ‘low hanging’ decarbonization tracks. These start with the right GHG assessment and performance tool, based on the saying that you can't improve what you don't measure. These tracks are technically available and feasible today. They are compared in terms of feasibility in brownfield & greenfield, implementation costs, timeline & risks, as well as ROI and CO2_OI (Return On Investment and CO2 impact reduction On Investment). We also identify a number of design paradigm shifts, applicable for all greenfield projects. We provide some practical examples, from fully remote operations to flaring elimination.

These design paradigm shifts are evaluated in terms of feasibility, ease of deployment. Suggestions are made on how to integrated them in design and operations philosophy. We eventually analyze approaches such as CCUS, Green or Blue Hydrogen or process electrification. These are often the only ones considered for process decarbonization, and benefit from major thought leadership and press coverage.

We identify the pros and cons of these approaches and assess their real long-term financial sustainability. This paper reminds that Low Hanging fruits, mainly relied to Energy Efficiency and usually facilitated by Digital Transformation, present both a very favorable ROI and CO2-OI. The paper also presents a number of design paradigm shifts that are considered necessary to ensure carbon neutral infrastructure and operations. Last but not least, this paper reminds that some approaches like CCUS may have a significant impact on CO2 reduction, but the CO2_OI as well as all risk elements need to be carefully evaluated.
A New Safety Culture Assessment Model: Understanding Employee Engagement in a Company's Safety Program
Authors: Knode T.
Published: September 2024

In order to help organizations understand the maturity of their safety culture, assessment tools have been developed to provide insight into the employee's consideration of messaging and programs. These tools have helped companies identify and address shortcomings in their culture. However, something that can be missed with these surveys is the assessment of employees’ engagement, along with their trust in their management and beliefs in the company's safety programs.

Research has shown a direct link between employee engagement and superior safety performance. If we look at the safety culture maturity of a company through the lens of employee engagement, we should assess culture with a tool designed to understand the level of engagement and barriers to improvement. Using a third-party employee survey tool, new questions were delivered to the organization.

A team of operational and safety leaders created the new questions based on the expectations and programs within a company. These questions included actions and beliefs such as how often employees report incidents, near misses, or stop work when needed. Questions were also designed to identify potential leadership or organizational barriers including how the reports are viewed and valued by those up the chain of command.

Once the questions were reviewed and approved by organizational leadership, they were delivered through an online employee survey tool run by a third party.

One of the challenges when introducing new questions regarding safety culture is internal and external benchmarking. Extensive discussions were held with leadership around the benefits of replacing the third-party standard safety questions with a new set that would not be comparable to historical measures. The belief that insight into specific actions is being taken around programs such as incident reporting, and how the reporting is being received and acted on by leadership was viewed as a more important measure of culture.

The survey itself had a decent participation rate. Data was collected for over 50 sites and lent insight into how employees are engaged in the safety programs and if they believe and trust the organization to respond appropriately.

Some of the results were surprising, including the percentage of employees who stated that they reported all incidents.

This proposed model for safety culture maturity can help an organization understand how engaged their employees are in safety, and what potential barriers there may be to that engagement. There have been decades of research on business performance tied to employee engagement, and the importance of an organization's safety culture, combining the two concepts can help further improve safety performance and reduce risk.
Enhancing Carbon Capture: Analyzing Kinetic Models for CO2 Adsorption on Amine Silica Sorbent—Statistical Insight
Authors: Rahman Saad ur , Lalji Shaine Mohammadali , Ali Syed Imran , Burney Muneeb , Junaid Muhammad , Asad Muhammad , Mustafa Muhammad
Published: September 2024

Carbon capture and storage is an effective way of preventing the greenhouse gases emission and alleviate the effect of global warming. The capturing effect can be performed with the help of adsorption processes, which overcomes the limitations associated with absorption process. During this study, CO2 adsorption on amine functional silica sorbent experimental data was gathered. This data was collect at five different temperatures ranging from 313-393 K and at various CO2 concentration. The main objective of this study is to investigate the performance of different kinetic model in validating the CO2 adsorption experimental data. Four different model namely; zero order model, pseudo first and pseudo second order model and Higuchi model were graphically and statistical compared in terms of predicting the CO2 adsorption data. The results of the study showed that the zero order model weak in validating CO2 adsorption experimental test. It was unable to model the CO2 adsorption experimental data between 0.02-0.34 mole fractions CO2. The decline in zero order model performance was because this model was based on constant adsorption of CO2 on the adsorbent. However, in reality it is mainly dependent on the availability of active sites on the adsorbent. Moreover, the performance of PSO model was the best. This model works effectively when k2 > k1. This relationship was established at all temperature in the current study. Furthermore, the R2 for this model was also close to 1, which further validates its efficacy. In addition, the performance of Higuchi model was also efficient because this model was predominantly developed for the diffusion driven systems only. The adsorption of CO2 is based on external and internal diffusion process, where molecules of CO2 diffuses into the adsorbent. Hence, it can be concluded that except of zero order model all kinetic models demonstrates lower inconsistency in modeling the CO2 adsorption experimental data.
Experiences and Outcomes of Inverted Kidney Transplantation From a Single Vietnamese Institute
Authors: Duc Hung Duong , Viet Khai Ninh , Hai Dang Do , Hoang Tuan , Bao Ngoc Ninh , Ngoc Son Do
Published: September 2024

Background
Inverted kidney transplant (KT) have been applied in many transplant centers, but the experiences and outcomes of this technique was limited.
Aim
To describe the technical characteristics, indications and evaluate the outcomes of inverted kidney transplantation.
Methods
Retrospective study from January 2016 to December 2023, included 74 patients who underwent inverted kidney transplantation with 72 cases of right kidney transplant into the right iliac fossa and 2 cases of left kidney transplant into the left iliac fossa performed in Viet Duc University Hospital.
Results
63 cases in stage 1 (ipsilateral kidney transplant), all kidney graft were transplanted on the same side and 11 cases in stage 2 in which the kidney transplant was performed in some special cases such as recipients with severe atherosclerotic iliac arteries or incompatibility between the arteries and venous. There was 1 case (1.4%) of graft renal artery pseudoaneurysm and 5 cases (6.8%) of ureteral stenosis at the ureter-bladder junction. There was 1 case of graft loss due to chronic graft rejection – immunosuppression inadherence requiring retransplantation after 2 years. 98.6% of cases had normal kidney function when discharged and remained stable until the latest follow-up.
Conclusion
Inverted kidney transplantation is a simple, safe and effective technique and could be a feasible solution for atherosclerotic patients.
The effects of variable spatial aggregation on lymphatic filariasis transmission
Authors: Shaw Callum , McLure Angus , Glass Kathryn
Published: September 2024

Elimination of Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a World Health Organisation goal, with several countries at or near prevalence thresholds. Where LF cases remain after mass drug administration, they tend to be spatially clustered, with an overdispersed individual worm burden. Both individual and spatial heterogeneities can cause aggregation of infection; however, few studies have investigated the drivers of heterogeneity and implications for disease elimination. We used a spatially explicit lymphatic filariasis model to investigate LF transmission in American Samoa at three spatial scales -- a well-mixed Territory-level model, a Village model with 64 groups, and a Sub-Village model with 316 groups. To reproduce American Samoan survey data, models with less spatial structure required increased individual-level bite aggregation. Threshold behaviour was present in the Territory model, but less evident in the models with spatial structure. As such, mass drug administration was most effective in the Territory model, while in the spatially structured models, successive rounds of mass drug administration only gradually increased the likelihood of elimination. With the addition of spatial structure, residual infections remained in limited groups and infection resurgence was slowed. Due to the impacts on potential intervention and surveillance strategies, it is critical that studies consider individual and spatial sources of heterogeneity to accurately model transmission and inform potential policy decisions.
Versatile Application of Fast Green FCF as a Visible Cholangiogram in Adult Mice to Medium-Sized Mammals
Authors: Niimi Tomoyuki , Miyazaki Nanae , Oiki Hironobu , Uemura Mami , Zeng Shihan , Promsut Watcharapon , Ota Noriaki , Takei Hajime , Nittono Hiroshi , Narushima Seiko , Yanagida Ayaka , Hiramatsu Ryuji , Kanai-Azuma Masami , Takami Shohei , Fujishiro Jun , Kanai Yoshiakira
Published: September 2024

The non-toxic visible contrast agent, Fast Green FCF (FG), mimics cholyl-lysyl-fluorescein to visualize embryonic bile flow via single peritoneal injection into intrauterine mouse embryos. Despite its efficacy in embryos, its suitability for adult mice and small to medium-sized mammals remained uncertain. In this study, we investigated FG cholangiography in adult mice, dogs, and goats. The results demonstrate that FG injection enables progressive cholangiography in these species, highlighting its versatility across different animal models without necessitating specialized equipment. To further evaluate diagnostic utility, FG cholangiography was performed in various mouse models of bile flow disorders. FG successfully visualized dilated lumina in the extrahepatic bile duct of BDL mice and revealed aberrant luminal structures in the gallbladder walls of Sox17+/- or Shh-cre; Sox17flox/- mice. In Mab21l1-/- mice with contracted gallbladders, FG influx was limited to the gallbladder neck. Moreover, stereomicroscopic video analysis of FG influx into the gallbladder post-fasting revealed differences in bile composition between Sox17+/- and wild-type mice, suggesting the potential for detecting variations in stored bile properties. These findings underscore the efficacy of FG in facilitating progressive cholangiography across mammalian species.
Adding eltrombopag to intensive immunosuppressive therapy helps adult patients catch up pediatric patients in severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Han Bing , Yang Bixi , Wang Leyu , Fu Lingling , Ma Jie , Chen Miao
Published: September 2024

Direct comparison of immunosuppressive therapy (IST), especially after the addition of thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA), between adult and paediatric patients with severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) has not been enunciated. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in efficacy and survival between adults and children receiving IST ± eltrombopag (EPAG). Baseline characteristics, haematological response, overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), relapse, and clonal evolution were compared in 366 patients (141 adults, 197males, median age 11 years). For IST alone, adults had a similar overall response rate (ORR) but a lower complete response rate (CRR) than did children at 12 months. Moreover, adults had lower OS and EFS. After adding EPAG, the ORR was greater in adults, and the CRR was similar between the two groups. OS and EFS in adults improved significantly and were similar to those in children. Adults had similar relapse rates but higher clonal evolution rates than children, with or without EPAG. Adults had greater clonal evolution, regardless of the addition of EPAG. Adding EPAG to intensive IST improved the ORR, CRR, OS and EFS in adults more than it did in children, bridged the gap previously existed between adult and paediatric patients.
Global burden on drug use disorders from 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2046
Authors: Chen Dongying , Sun Yanyan , Li Xiaowu , Yin Zongyi
Published: September 2024

Despite extensive research, there remains a paucity of comprehensive reports on the spatiotemporal distribution, driving factors, and future trends of drug use disorders (DUDs). We used data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021 to address this gap. In 2021, the global prevalence of DUDs reached 53,115,936 (95% UI: 46,999,805 – 60,949,054), marking a 35.50% increase since 1990 and is projected to continue rising over the next 25 years. The increment in incidence, deaths, and DALYs was 35.50%, 122.22%, and 74.65%, respectively. Despite the declining trends in global rates of incidence, prevalence, and DALYs, mortality still shows an upward trend, increasing from 1.26 to 1.65 per 100,000. Opioid and cocaine use disorders were the primary contributors to the overall increase in DUDs DALYs. Population growth was the primary driver of the increase in DUDs burden (35.31%). Health inequality regarding DUDs remain prominent issues.
Effect of Drying Temperatures on Drying Kinetics and Lycopene Content of Tomato
Authors: Akindele Olubukola Olubumi , Ogunlakin Grace , Olajire Ajekigbe , Oyewo Oluferanmi
Published: September 2024

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) belongs to the genus Lycopersicon under the Solanaceae flowering plant family. It is a popular vegetable that loses moisture during post-harvest. Hence, developing appropriate post-harvest technology like drying is crucial to extend their shelf life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperatures on drying kinetics and lycopene content of dried tomato slices. The fresh tomato fruits were sliced into 4, 6, and 8 mm thicknesses and dried using a cabinet dryer at 60, 70, and 80 0C. The drying rate kinetics (drying rate, moisture ratio, and diffusivity) were determined and dried tomato was evaluated for lycopene content. This study showed that tomatoes subjected to drying at 70 0C gave the best result. Moisture content decreases gradually with an increase in drying time. Effective moisture diffusivity increased with increase in slice thickness and varied from 2.657 x 10-6 to 6.399 x 10-6 m2/s, 1.723 x 10-6 to 1.140 x 10-6 m2/s, 1.164 to 7.626 x 10-6 m2/s for temperatures 60, 70 and 80 0C respectively. The lycopene content ranged from 3.420 to 6.010 mg/g. The results indicated that a reduction in lycopene content occurred in tomatoes during the drying process. The highest value of lycopene was obtained from a slice thickness of 6 mm at 70 0C while the lowest was obtained from a slice thickness of 8 mm at 60 0C. The most appropriate temperature for drying tomatoes among the monitored temperatures was at 70 ℃ for lycopene content retention.
Spatial-Temporal Heterogeneity of Ecosystem Services and Spatial Response of Their Influencing Factors in the Luo River Basin: Integration of the Comprehensive Ecosystem Service Index and Ecosystem Service Bundles
Authors: Zhang Jing , Qiao Xuning , Yang Yongju , Liu Liang , Zheng Jinchan , Chen Yuru , Dai Yulong
Published: September 2024

Exploring the spatial-temporal evolution and driving factors of ecosystem services (ESs) helps managers develop scientifically based ecological conservation and restoration strategies, thereby promoting regional sustainable development. Sen’s trend analysis and the Mann-Kendall significance test are used to show spatiotemporal evolution patterns of ESs in the Luo River basin from 1999 to 2020. The spatial characteristics of various ESs combinations were analyzed based on the Composite Ecosystem Service Index (CESI) and ecosystem service bundles. Geodetector and multi-scale geographically weighted regression methods were used to identify the dominant influencing factors and spatial responses of ESs and the CESI. According to the findings:(1) the distribution of ESs follows a pattern of "low in the northeast, high in the southwest," which is com-parable to the distribution of forest. Water yield(WY), carbon storage(CS), and soil retention(SR) retention generally exhibited an increasing trend at both the annual and spatial scales, whereas habitat quality showed a declining trend. The CESI showed relatively small variation over the time series. Spatially, the index was higher in the upstream than in the downstream regions. Strong provisioning capacities were found for both the comprehensive ecological bundle and key synergy bundle. (2)The impact of natural and climatic factors on ESs exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity. Rainfall positively influenced water yield and the CESI. The normalized difference vegetation index exhibited a “negative in the west, positive in the east” influence pattern on CS. Slope showed a significant positive effect on SR and HQ. (3)The Luo River basin could be split into two primary and four secondary zones based on the principles of spatial clustering of ESs characteristics and driving factors. Based on the characteristics of each zone, reasonable zoning and management recommendations are made in order to provide scientific support for the preservation of the environment and sustainable development.
Malonate is relevant to the lung environment and induces genome-wide stress responses in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bisht Karishma , Elmassry Moamen M. , Mahmud Hafij Al , Bhattacharjee Shubhra , Deonarine Amrika , Black Caroline , Francisco Michael J. San , Hamood Abdul N. , Wakeman Catherine A.
Published: September 2024

Versatility in carbon source utilization is a major contributor to niche adaptation inPseudomonas aeruginosa. Malonate is among the abundant carbon sources in the lung airways, yet it is understudied. Recently, we characterized how malonate impacts quorum sensing regulation, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factor production inP. aeruginosa. Herein, we show that malonate as a carbon source supports more robust growth in comparison to glycerol in several cystic fibrosis isolates ofP. aeruginosa.Furthermore, we show phenotypic responses to malonate were conserved among clinical strains, i.e., formation of biomineralized biofilm-like aggregates, increased tolerance to kanamycin, and increased susceptibility to norfloxacin. Moreover, we explored transcriptional adaptations ofP. aeruginosaUCBPP-PA14 (PA14) in response to malonate versus glycerol as a sole carbon source using transcriptomics. Malonate utilization activated glyoxylate and methylcitrate cycles and induced several stress responses, including oxidative, anaerobic, and metal stress responses associated with increases in intracellular aluminum and strontium. We identified several genes that were required for optimal growth ofP. aeruginosain malonate. Our findings reveal important remodeling ofP. aeruginosagene expression during its growth on malonate as a sole carbon source that is accompanied by several important phenotypic changes. These findings add to the accumulating literature highlighting the role of different carbon sources in the physiology ofP. aeruginosaand its niche adaptation.
Human-in-the-loop Active Learning for Goal-oriented Molecule Generation
Authors: Nahal Yasmine , Menke Janosch , Martinelli Julien , Heinonen Markus , Kabeshov Mikhail , Janet Jon Paul , Nittinger Eva , Engkvist Ola , Kaski Samuel
Published: September 2024

Machine learning (ML) systems have enabled the modelling of quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR) and structure-activity relationships (QSAR) using existing experimental data to predict target properties for new molecules. These property predictors hold significant potential in accelerating drug discovery by guiding generative artificial intelligence (AI) agents to explore desired chemical spaces. However, they often struggle to generalize due to the limited scope of the training data. When optimized by generative agents, this limitation can result in the generation of molecules with artificially high predicted probabilities of satisfying target properties, which subsequently fail experimental validation. To address this challenge, we propose an adaptive approach that integrates active learning (AL) and iterative feedback to refine property predictors, thereby improving the outcomes of their optimization by generative AI agents. Our method leverages the Expected Predictive Information Gain (EPIG) criterion to select additional molecules for evaluation by an oracle. This process aims to provide the greatest reduction in predictive uncertainty, enabling more accurate model evaluations of subsequently generated molecules. Recognizing the impracticality of immediate wet-lab or physics-based experiments due to time and logistical constraints, we propose leveraging human experts for their cost-effectiveness and domain knowledge to effectively augment property predictors, bridging gaps in the limited training data. Empirical evaluations through both simulated and real human-in-the-loop experiments demonstrate that our approach refines property predictors to better align with oracle assessments. Additionally, we observe improved accuracy of predicted properties as well as improved drug-likeness among the top-ranking generated molecules.Scientific contribution: We present an adaptable framework that integrates AL and human expertise to refine property predictors for goal-oriented molecule generation. This approach is robust to noise in human feedback and ensures that navigating chemical space with human-refined predictors leverages human insights to identify molecules that not only satisfy predicted property profiles but also score highly on oracle models. Additionally, it prioritizes practical characteristics such as drug-likeness, synthetic accessibility, and a favorable balance between exploring diverse chemical space and exploiting similarity to existing training data.