bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The UNFSS+2 Stocktaking moment: tracking progress amidst absent global targets?
Authors:   TMG Research gGmbH, Hoffmann Harry , Stiem-Bhatia Larissa ,   TMG Research gGmbH, Montas Daniel ,   TMG Research gGmbH, Rybak Constance ,   Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin,   Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
Published: April 2024

This short communication discusses the need to transform food systems towards sustainability and focuses on recent political events. Especially the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) from 2021 and the respective stocktaking event, which took place in July 2023, are presented and critically analyzed as the process has faced criticism for its lack of transparency, corporate influence, and perceived disregard for human rights frameworks. In this context, the recent UNFSS +2 Stocktaking Moment (STM) in Rome aimed to assess developments in 2021. While over 100 countries presented their progress, many reports focused more on intentions rather than measurable achievements. The outcomes of the STM were perceived as mixed messaging, as no binding agreement or declaration was signed by member states. A major point of criticism is the absence of comparable targets and indicators for tracking and comparing progress across countries, which hinders effective global stocktaking. The paper also underlines the need for universally agreed-upon targets and indicators to provide a clear direction for food systems transformation. It proposes the development of a roadmap with intermediate targets and gradual steps. Alignment with international frameworks such as the Agenda 2030 and the Rio Conventions is also recommended. Collaboration among policymakers, marginalized groups, civil society, scientists, and business leaders is highlighted as being crucial, ensuring inclusive participation and addressing diverse perspectives. Furthermore, the importance of addressing food systems injustices (such as unfair trade practices, exploitative working conditions, and the disproportionate impact of climate change), particularly in Africa, is highlighted. Overall, the paper highlights the challenges and complexities involved in transforming food systems towards sustainability and calls for concerted efforts to address these issues at both global and local levels.
Artemisla annua L. as an alternative potential weed control option
Authors:   Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, Abate Solomon , Damtew Z , Mengesha B
Published: April 2024

Weeds cause great problems to humankind by interfering food production, health, economic stability and welfare. They reduce crop yield, increase the cost of production, degrade the quality of harvested product and reduce the quality of market product. They are not only problematic from agricultural point of view but are also a great threat to the plant diversity of nearby flora and their subsequent spread reducing the diversity of native plants [1]
Effect of heat and alkaline hydrolysis on the amino acid profile of jatropha curcas seed cake
Authors:   University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Ameen Mubarak , Usman LA ,   University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, Muhammed NO , Okeola OF , Boluwarin EO , Fadey OO
Published: April 2024

In recent times, Jatropha curcas has attracted attention of various research organizations, governments, public and international developmental agencies and industries in the tropics and subtropics due to its adaptability to semi-arid marginal sites, the possibility of using its oil as a diesel fuel substitute and its role in erosion control. In tropical countries it is well known for its medicinal properties and as an oilseed. The seeds of J. curcas are a good source of oil, yielding between 40 – 80 % oil. Although the seed cake meal is rich in protein, it is toxic to rats, mice, ruminants and humans due to the presence of antinutritional factors; thus, its use as food or feed source has not been encouraging. However, recent findings indicate that after a proper detoxification process the seed meal can serve as a protein substitute in feed meals of animal feeds. The seeds of J. curcas were collected, dehulled, grounded and defatted to obtain the seed cake. The seed cake was divided into five portions, 60 g of each of the cake portion was separately moistened with 1 M, 2 M, 3 M, 4 M and 5 M NaOH solutions, respectively and autoclaved. Each of the autoclaved samples was washed with water and later with ethanol. A 60 g of the seed cake which was not treated with NaOH, water and ethanol was labeled untreated. The treated and untreated seed cakes were thus analyzed for their crude protein contents as well as amino acid profile. The untreated seed cake afforded 63.02 % yield of crude protein, while the crude protein content of the treated seed cake was 70.53, 71.46, 67.76, 60.82 and 56.19 % for the 1 – 5 M NaOH treated seed cake, respectively with the 2 M NaOH treated seed cake having the highest yield. The amino acid profile of the treated seed cake was similar and comparable to the values of WHO/FAO standard and those of soybeans. The seed can thus be used as an alternative protein source in animal feed formulation after it has been properly detoxified. If well processed, it would reduce competition between man and livestock for the conventional sources of proteins.
Sorting is an Affordable Technology that can Reduce Mycotoxin Contamination to Safe Levels.
Authors:   FOSTEP-Kenya, Odongo Nicanor
Published: April 2024

Africa as a whole has been hit by mycotoxin contamination, with Aflatoxin recording the highest occurrence among the mycotoxins. Some of the countries that have reported high aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts and cereal grain include: Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda. Nigeria and Kenya have had to destroy contaminated produce
Peru's Matrel launches animal protein bread fortified with omega
Authors:   Av República de Panamá, Matrel Peru's
Published: April 2024

A new bread fortified with Proteinol will soon be launched in the city of Lima. This is a protein powder obtained from Peru's giant squid. Its creators assure that this is a much cheaper and more nutritious product than other animal proteins. The fortified bread will be available to Peru's consumers by means of a strategic alliance between the raw material provider Provipan and Matrel, a Peruvian company engaged in the research, development and elaboration of nutritional products. Luis Felipe Olaechea, the company general manager, told IntraFish that its product Proteinol is a concentrated animal protein, whose aim is to replace egg and milk proteins, which have a high cost in developing countries.
The presence of Homo in Sicily: evidence, hypotheses and uncorroborated ideas. An archaeo-anthropological perspective
Authors: Portaro Claudia , Varotto Elena , Sineo Luca , Galassi Francesco M.
Published: April 2024

This article summarises the main findings and data on the ancient peopling of the Mediterranean island of Sicily through an archaeo-anthropological perspective. The hypothesis surrounding the presence of the Lower Palaeolithic in Sicily with more ancestral species of Homo is also extensively reviewed and it is explained why there are not sufficient elements to maintain it. Finally, future multidisciplinary proposals are made to fill the gap on Sicilian cave archaeology.
Actual y futura disponibilidad del agua en un contexto de inseguridad hídrica en la subcuenca de Parón, cuenca del río Santa, Perú
Authors: Izaguirre Liviac Marcos Fabio , Drenkhan Fabian , Timaná Martín
Published: April 2024

La seguridad hídrica en las cuencas andinas depende de una gestión adaptativa del agua ante los impactos glaciohidrológicos y socioeconómicos. La subcuenca Parón en la cuenca del río Santa (Áncash, Perú) representa un caso idóneo en este aspecto. El agua es regulada mediante una compuerta en la laguna Parón, convertida en un punto focal de conflicto social. Este estudio analiza el balance hídrico de esta subcuenca mediante un modelo hidrológico semidistribuido para el presente (2006-2016) y futuro (2030-2050), considerando diferentes escenarios de variación de la precipitación, derretimiento glaciar e incremento de la demanda del agua. Sin regulación de la laguna, la subcuenca entraría en un fuerte déficit hídrico en los meses de estiaje (junio-agosto). Hasta el 2030 (2050), asumiendo una regulación máxima de 2.6 m³/s, un aumento de la precipitación en 15% (35%) y una disminución de la contribución glaciar al caudal en 10% (26%) a nivel anual, la disponibilidad hídrica se reduciría en 37% (35%). En un escenario pesimista con una disminución de la precipitación en 15% (35%), la disponibilidad hídrica se reduciría aún en 47% (56%) anualmente. Estos resultados resaltan la necesidad de mantener un mínimo de caudal de agua (>2 m³/s) socialmente aceptable para evitar niveles críticos de escasez hídrica en los meses de estiaje y para satisfacer las necesidades de los usuarios de agua locales.
Growth Performance, Quantitative Analysis and Economics of Broiler Chickens as Influenced by Herbal Dietary Additives as Alternative Growth Booster
Authors: Ajaykumar R. , Harishankar K. , Rangasami S.R. Shri , Saravanakumar V. , Yazhini G. , Rajanbabu V. , Premalatha K.
Published: April 2024

Background: The range of synthetic medications and growth promoters fed to broilers is expensive, negatively impacts the health of the birds and has long-term side effects. Refocusing their efforts, poultry farmers are looking for herbal extracts that have therapeutic properties and may be used safely to boost productivity. This study was conducted to assess the effect of Garlic (Allium sativum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) on the growth performance of broiler chickens. Methods: One hundred and forty day old broiler chicks were distributed randomly into seven treatment groups viz., T0 (Control: basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 0.5% Garlic), T2 (basal diet + 0.5% Ginger), T3 (basal diet + 0.5% Cinnamon), T4 (basal diet + 0.25% Garlic + 0.25% Ginger), T5 (basal diet + 0.25% Garlic + 0.25% Cinnamon), T6 (basal diet + 0.25% Ginger + 0.25% Cinnamon) having 70 chicks in each group with 10 replicates. Result: The results (0-6 weeks) of present study indicated that supplementation of 0.25% garlic and 0.25% ginger to the basal diet of broilers (T4) significantly improved overall average daily gain (ADG), better feed conversion ratio (FCR) and broiler performance efficiency index (BPEI) and body weight (BW) of broilers followed by diet supplemented with combination of 0.25% ginger and 0.25% cinnamon (T6) were better than control as well as other groups. Highest profit per bird (Rs. 25.17) and benefit cost ratio (1.59) was observed in T4 followed by T6. It can be concluded that dietary supplementation of garlic (0.25 %) along with ginger (0.25%) has the potential to improve growth performance of broiler chickens.
Advances in human–robot collaboration in agricultural robotics
Authors:   Agricultural Research Institute, Cyprus, Adamides George , Edan Yael ,   Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
Published: April 2024

Introduction of robotics into agriculture has the potential to lower production costs, reduce the drudgery of tedious manual labor, increase the level of accuracy of mechanized operations, and improve environmental control. Unlike industrial applications that often deal with relatively simple, repetitive, well-defined, and known a priori tasks, agriculture robots usually require advanced technologies to deal with the relatively more complex and highly unstructured and dynamic nature of both biological produce and the environment. This chapter reviews agricultural robotic systems with a focus on recent advances in human–robot collaboration.
Advances in grasping techniques in agricultural robots
Authors:   Carnegie Mellon University, USA, Kantor George , Yandun Francisco ,   Carnegie Mellon University, USA
Published: April 2024

This chapter provides an overview of the state of the art for grasping and manipulation in agricultural settings. It begins with a review of the robotic mechanisms commonly used for manipulation and grasping. The discussion then addresses issues associated with the integration of different technologies required to create fieldable manipulation systems, namely perception and control. Finally, a review of some specific application areas being addressed is provided, including harvest, pruning and food handling. The chapter is intended to serve as an useful starting point for researchers and practitioners interested in learning more about the challenges and associated approaches being used for grasping and manipulation for agricultural applications.
Advances in soft grasping in agriculture
Authors:   Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands, Leylavi Shoushtari Ali ,   Wageningen Robotics, The Netherlands
Published: April 2024

Robotics and automation face several challenges in agriculture due to the high variability of products, task complexity, crop quality requirement, and dense vegetation. Such a set of challenges demands a more versatile and safe robotic system. Soft robotics is a new yet promising field of research aimed at enhancing current rigid robots, making it a good potential solution for these challenges. In this chapter, we review a potential group of soft grippers used for handling and harvesting crops and their suitability for agriculture, including challenges such as safety in handling and adaptability to different crops. The review aims to show why and to what extent soft grippers have been successful in handling agricultural tasks. This analysis provides a framework for future, systematic design of soft robots for a range of agricultural tasks.
Improving fault detection and isolation in agricultural robotics
Authors:   Université Clermont Auvergne, France, Tricot Nicolas , Almasri Mahmoud ,   Université Clermont Auvergne, France, Lenain Roland ,   Université Clermont Auvergne, France
Published: April 2024

The robotization of agricultural tasks is booming globally, made possible thanks to the development of robotic platforms equipped with agricultural tools. These technological tools (sensors, effectors, etc.) can cause faults which compromise productivity. This chapter presents a review of state of the art of fault diagnosis methods followed by presentation of a Robot Fault Diagnosis Supervision System (S2D2R). S2D2R which is composed of a hybrid diagnostic method (MHD) and a human robot interaction module (MIHR) aims to detect faults as quickly as possible and then inform an operator in order to resolve the problem. Evaluation of the system in real conditions for faults such as wheel locks and in simulation for GPS faults or IMU faults is presented.
Advances in the use of robotics in crop phenotyping
Authors:   Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Israel, Wattad M. , Alchanatis V. ,   Volcani Institute – Agricultural Research Organization, Israel, Edan Y. ,   Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, Shriki S. ,   Volcani Institute – Agricultural Research Organization, Israel,   Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, Sandovsky T. ,   Volcani Institute – Agricultural Research Organization, Israel,   Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, Filin S. ,   Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Israel
Published: April 2024

This chapter reviews advances in the use of robotics in crop phenotyping. It first highlights the role of robotics in phenotyping, then moves on to discuss three forms of dimensional imaging and analysis: two dimensional (2D), 3D and 4D. A section is dedicated to each. The chapter also provides two case studies, the first focuses on models to detect abiotic stress in corn plants using spectral reflectance and hyperspectral images of plant leaves. The second case study draws attention to biotic stress and compares leaf point spectra and whole plant hyperspectral images in the early detection of Fusarium infection in corn plants.
Advances in the use of robots in field crop cultivation
Authors:   Agricultural Research Organization, Israel, Bechar Avital , Bochtis Dionysis ,   Institute for Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology (iBO), Greece
Published: April 2024

This chapter reviews the use of robots in field crop cultivation. The chapter begins by providing an overview of current requirements for robots involved in field cultivation, then goes on to describe enabling technologies for in-field robots. The chapter also provides several examples of in field crop cultivation robot application, such as for transplanting, monitoring and control of weeds, plant diseases and pests and also harvesting.
Advances in the use of robotics in greenhouse cultivation
Authors:   Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands, Hemming Jochen , Balendonck Jos ,   Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands
Published: April 2024

This chapter discusses the role of robotics in greenhouse cultivation, starting with key challenges. Current technology is then presented, grouped by the main tasks executed by the robots. The selective harvesting of major greenhouse crops (e.g. tomato, cucumber, sweet pepper, strawberries and flowers) is explored, followed by a description of crop maintenance operations, including automatic leaf removal. Plant propagation operations, including grafting and autonomous planting of cuttings, are then analyzed. Attention is then given to crop scouting and the detection of disease and insects and control tasks using robots and drones. A section on autonomous transport and logistics in the greenhouse concludes this section, before future trends in greenhouse robotics research are discussed. Despite considerable technical advances, success rates, accuracy and speed of most developed systems remain insufficient. Future research is needed in most areas, including enhancement of grippers, sensors and manipulators. Using artificial intelligence for sensing and control of greenhouse robots is expected to intensify in the future.
Evaluating the impact of team formulation on staff perceptions of patients and impact on care in an acute inpatient setting
Authors: Wasiewska Wiktoria , Stephens Emma-Jane , Abdi Fadumo , Wilkinson-Tough Megan
Published: April 2024

Team formulation is a widely used method of conceptualising mental health needs and aims to develop staff understanding of the complex challenges and behaviours that can occur when providing care; however, research understanding application to acute wards is limited. This study assessed
whether team formulation using the Comprehend Cope Connect model in an acute inpatient setting impacted staff perceptions of patients, and whether it influenced subsequent care. A mixed- methods study with a primary repeated-measures, quantitative questionnaire design was used with staff
self-rating their knowledge, understanding, confidence and motivation pre- and post-team formulation meetings and providing feedback about the helpfulness of the formulation. Patient notes were examined for evidence of formulation plan action points. Staff ratings increased significantly on
all areas of knowledge (t = 10.89;p <0.001), understanding (t = 7.96;p <0.001), confidence (t = 7.74;p <0.001) and motivation (t = 11.12;p <0.001) following team formulation, with a significantly greater increase in confidence
reported by less experienced staff. Feedback was positive, with the opportunity to learn and share information particularly valued. An inspection of clinical notes two weeks later found evidence of completion for almost 40% of actions identified in the plan from the formulation meeting (a
65% completion rate if actions which were unlikely to have been recorded in clinical notes within two weeks were excluded from the calculation). The results provide evidence of a positive impact on staff perceptions and patient care, and suggests that team formulation may particularly help
less experienced staff to feel more confident.
A new surgical method for the treatment of pilonidal coccyx cyst (clinical case)
Authors: Pakhomova R. A. , Klimenko K. V. , Kochetova L. V.
Published: April 2024

Relevance. The pilonidal cyst of the coccyx is a narrow channel lined with epithelium containing hair follicles, sebaceous glands, which opens on the skin of the interdigital fold more often with one or more punctate openings. The question of the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease is still controversial. The development of methods of surgical treatment of this disease began in the middle of the XIX century, during which time a huge number of options for interventions were proposed, but to date there is no single approach to the surgical treatment of pilonidal disease.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of treatment of pilonidal coccyx cyst with a new surgical method.

Material and methods. The article describes the author's method of surgical treatment of a pilonidal cyst, protected by patent RU 2,760,094. Early and longterm treatment results are presented.

Results. When using a new method of surgical treatment of pilonidal coccyx cyst, the time of wound epithelialization, inpatient bed-day and time of disability of patients decrease, the percentage of postoperative complications decreases, the cosmetic result of surgery and the quality of life of patients significantly improve.

Conclusions. A new surgical method for the treatment of pilonidal coccyx cyst improves the quality of life and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Determination of the infarct‐related artery in patients with myocardial infarction without ST segment elevation
Authors: Khalilov Sh. J.
Published: April 2024

In patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), it is difficult to identify the infarct‐related artery.

Purpose – to identify the infarct- related artery (IRA) in patients with NSTEMI using the method of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and comparison with X-ray coronary angiography.

Object and methods. 86 patients with NSTEMI of both sexes were examined. All patients underwent a standard 12-lead ECG at admission. Coronary angiography and CMR were used to detect IRA. In the blood serum, lipid profile indicators, troponin T concentration, and creatine kinase-MB activity were determined. The average age of the patients was 62.8±5.8 years, body mass index – 28.0±3.53 kg/m2. Men made up 73.3%. Multivessel lesion was observed in 38.4% of cases. Burdened heredity for coronary artery disease occurred in 39.5% of patients. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia were noted by 66.3%, 18.6% and 37.2% of patients, respectively. ECG changes were detected in 83.7% of patients.

Results. According to coronary angiography data, IRA was detected in 62.8% and was not detected in 37.2% of patients; the left descending artery was the most common by localization (42.6%). According to CMR, an infarct-related artery was detected in 80.2% of patients. The probability of identifying IRA using CMP was OR=2.405 (95% CI 1.209-4.784, p ˂ 0.05). The infarct-related artery in patients with 3-vessel disease was more often detected using CMR (64.7%). Of the 32 patients who failed to detect IRA by coronary angiography, 13 patients had multivessel atherosclerotic disease. These patients had an area of hyperenhanced myocardium.

Conclusion. Main results: 1) coronary angiography did not reveal an infarct-related artery in 37.2% of patients with NSTEMI, and in 19.8% of patients with cardiovascular magnetic resonance; 2) a significant probability of identifying an infarct-associated artery occurred on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (OR=2.405, 95% CI 1.209-4.784, p ˂ 0.05). The results of the study may be relevant for NSTEMI patients with high-risk criteria.
Interview with Drew Weissman, 2023 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Authors: Lederman Michael , Greenspan Neil
Published: April 2024

Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, received the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine together with Katalin Karikó, PhD. Dr. Weissman received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, in 1981. He received his MD and PhD in 1987 from Boston University, Boston, MA, and this was followed by a residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. He then completed a fellowship at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases under the supervision of Anthony Fauci, MD. He joined the Faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in 1997, where, in collaboration with Dr. Katalin Karikó, he explored the use of messenger RNA (mRNA) to drive heterologous gene expression in human cells. They overcame the notorious susceptibility of RNAs to degradation by packaging the mRNA in lipid nanoparticles and learned to both optimize protein expression and attenuate the inflammatory response to the exogenous RNAs by [covalently] modifying bases in the RNA sequence. This work has revolutionized immunization technology and allowed for the production of the most effective vaccines to prevent COVID-19.
Research progress of amorphous catalysts in the field of electrocatalysis
Authors: Yu Zhenyang , Sun Qi , Zhang Lianwang , Yang Huan , Chen Yuefang , Guo Junpeng , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhang Zhijia , Jiang Yong
Published: April 2024

Amorphous materials feature unique structures and physicochemical properties, resulting in their synthesis and applications becoming a dynamic and fascinating new research direction. The high specific surface area, abundant active sites, and good electron transport properties endow amorphous materials with excellent electrocatalytic properties, thus appealing to increasing attention. Based on this, the summary of the current research status of amorphous catalysts in the field of electrocatalysis is urgent and important. In this review, the research progress of amorphous catalysts in electrocatalysis is systematically introduced, focusing on the classification, synthesis methods, modification strategies, characterizations, and electrocatalytic application (including hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, and nitrogen reduction reaction). Finally, this review proposes the prospects and challenges for the future development of high-active and high-selectivity amorphous electrocatalysts.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATION FEATURES OF CHIARI TYPE 0, 1, AND “BORDERLINE” MALFORMATIONS
Authors:   Kazan State Medical University, SAKOVETS TATYANA G. , RYBKINA NADEZHDA L. ,   Kazan State Medical Academy
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Introduction of advanced neuroimaging methods has made it possible to identify subtle structural features of the posterior cranial fossa and craniovertebral junction, as well as the dislocation of cerebellar tonsils into the foramen magnum, which have clinically overt and subclinical forms. Aim: To study the clinical manifestation features of Chiari type 0, 1, and “borderline” malformations. Materials and Methods. For literature analysis, the sources were used from international databases, such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, and the Russian library system, eLibrary. Results and Discussion. The most common pathology of the posterior cranial fossa is Chiari type 1 malformation associated with a mesodermal defect and with discrepancies between the sizes of the posterior cranial fossa and the neural structures that ﬁll it. To assess the Chiari malformation grade, it is advisable to specify the dislocation grades of cerebellar tonsils. There is a common classiﬁcation of cerebellar tonsil dislocations, in which the dislocation grade 1 of cerebellar tonsils is characterized by the descent of cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum level; grade 2 is inherent in dislocation of the cerebellar tonsils down to the C2 vertebra level in combination with displacing the pons and medulla oblongata below the Twining line. Grade 3 dislocation of the cerebellar tonsils is where the cerebellum tonsil displacement is combined with intracranial hypertension. In case of the degree 4 dislocation of the cerebellar tonsils, cerebellar hypoplasia is observed, accompanied by a displacement of the medulla oblongata. The occurrence of syringomyelia in Chiari type 0 malformation is associated with liquor dynamic disorders in the craniovertebral junction region; the similar liquor circulation disorders are detected in Chiari type 1 malformation. Chiari type 1 and “borderline”- type malformations manifest as persistent cranialgia, pain in the cervical spine, otoneurologic and visual disorders, respiratory, psychological, and cognitive disorders, damage to the cerebellar and stem structures of the brain, damage to the spinal cord, and other, more rare signs of damage to the central nervous system. Conclusions. Thus, it is necessary to further study the features of developing clinical symptoms in Chiari type 1, 0, and “borderline” malformations to assess the changes in the course of the disease and select an adequate treatment strategy.
RENAL HEREDITARY TUBULOPATHIES: PHOSPHATE DIABETES (Two clinical cases)
Authors:   Astrakhan State Medical University, DAVYDOVA OKSANA V. , ANTONOVA ALYONA A ,   Astrakhan State Medical University, DERBENEVA LARISA I. ,   Astrakhan State Medical University, GERNER MARINA G. ,   Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital named after N.N. Silishcheva, Astrakhan, RABEEVA ALINA G. ,   Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital named after N.N. Silishcheva, Astrakhan, TORISHNEVA ZHANNA E. ,   Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital named after N.N. Silishcheva, Astrakhan
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Phosphate diabetes is a representative of a group of diseases known as tubulopathies. It is more often of a hereditary nature. The disease manifests at an early age with symptoms similar to alimentary rickets, which creates problems for diagnosing and prescribing an adequate therapy. In this case, the current situation leads to the development of bone deformities and disability, delayed physical development, and the need for surgical treatment, which reduces the quality of life of the patients for a long time. Aim: To consider two clinical cases of phosphate diabetes with typical symptoms, demonstrate the diagnosing challenges, and analyze the treatment eﬀects. Materials and Methods. Two clinical cases of phosphate diabetes are presented. The ﬁrst patient: 16 years old, observed from the age of 2, and takes vitamin D and inorganic phosphates from the diagnosis date. The geneticist found the autosomal dominant of the pathology. The girl underwent two surgeries for her leg deformity. The second patient, 10 years old, was diagnosed at the age of 4 years. DNA diagnostics detected a mutation in the COL9A3 gene. They refused the complete DNA exome sequencing. From the diagnosis date, the patient is treated with the active vitamin D metabolite and inorganic phosphates. Results and Discussion. Clinician-observed: Patient 1 had leg deformities, painful legs, and disharmonious physical development caused by her growth retardation. Blood concentrations of calcium and phosphorus are within normal, there is hypocalciuria typical of phosphate diabetes in the urine, while phosphates are within normal. The patient’s kidney function is not impaired. Clinician-observed: Patient 2 is physically retarded, there are varus foot deformities and pes planovalgus feet. Kidney function is not impaired, the level of alkaline phosphatase is increased, the total blood calcium levels are decreased with phosphorus indicating normal values, and the urine phosphaturia and hypocalciuria are within normal ranges. Due to the COL9A3 mutation detected, Stickler syndrome was excluded. Orthopedic surgeon recommended surgical treatment of her leg deformities. Conclusions. The examination showed that the therapy allows keeping phosphate diabetes under control and avoiding the side eﬀects of taking vitamin D.
Enhancing Geosteering With AI: Integrating a Decision-Making Robot Into a Cloud-Based Environment and Benchmarking Against Human Experts
Authors: Muhammad Ressi Bonti , Cheraghi Yasaman , Alyaev Sergey , Srivastava Apoorv , Bratvold Reidar Brumer
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to demonstrate the application of a new automatic geosteering method that combines probabilistic interpretation with artificial intelligence (AI) for look-ahead decision-making. We expand on our previous synthetic workflow by integrating the geosteering "robot" into a commercial cloud-based geosteering environment through its web application programming interface (API). We bench- mark the robot against 100 active human participants of the ROGII Geosteering World Cup (GWC) 2021.

Our automatic geosteering method combines a Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithm with the Particle Filter (PF) method. PF continuously assimilates real-time log measurements obtained during geosteering operations, producing hundreds of most likely geology interpretations. Simultaneously, RL uses the information gathered from PF outputs to optimize steering decisions. The robot implemen- tation automatically collects the new well trajectory and logs and passes the latest data through the PF. The RL uses the most likely interpretations to balance the short- and long-term steering priorities and outputs a single recommendation that the robot sends back to the cloud.

Our combined PF and RL ("PLuRalistic") method achieves a remarkable reservoir contact percentage of approximately 80 % for thin and faulty target layers in our synthetic environments. The "PLuRalistic" robot expands this promising methodology to the commercial cloud environment. As part of our results, we provide a detailed account of the integration process to the cloud environment via the Solo Cloud Python SDK. This SDK is the conduit for retrieving real-time log measurements and delivering automated decisions, enabling a closed-loop geosteering decision-making framework for GWC and real geosteering in the future. The operation of our robot significantly surpasses real-time operation requirements, making one steering decision in approximately 4 seconds, far below the two-minute-per- stand drilling time allocated for the GWC. With the adjustments of the robot to pre-drill geology and GWC operational constraints, it managed to achieve 74.8% percent reservoir contact and top-quartile performance among human geosteerers.

The fully automated decision-making robot represents a radical innovation in geosteering workflows. High-fidelity simulation of the GWC gives a unique opportunity to verify and improve the AI technology. More importantly, the simulated environment with tools familiar to experts allows testing and improving user-system interaction. In particular, we utilize population data from experts for the proposal distribution of geology for the PF and evaluation of the decisions generated by RL.
Shedding New Light on Old Problems, Understanding Why Conventional PDC Bits Struggle to Drill Soft Sand Formations in the Norwegian North Sea
Authors: Lunney Iain , Sturdee Dan , BP Aker
Published: April 2024

Whilst drilling development wells in the Norwegian North Sea over the last several years, significant drilling dysfunction in the form of bottom hole assembly (BHA) whirl has presented while drilling both the Grid and Skade sandstone units which resulted in trip for failures and non-productive time. These sandstone units form part of the overburden section and are laterally extensive across many fields in the Norwegian continental shelf. The historical consensus with regards to the causative mechanism was that the cleaner intervals of the sandstone units was being hydraulically enlarged by the flow exiting the bit and subsequently providing the bottom hole assembly room to move within the wellbore and develop damaging vibration mechanisms.

During a recent campaign of both exploration and development wells, the BHA whirl vibration mechanism once again presented itself where the occurrence was documented across a range of hole sizes, wellbore inclinations and drive types from rotary assemblies to rotary steerable tools. While the whirling dysfunction had caused non-productive time on historical drilling campaigns, there was not a documented root cause in place to clearly tie the dysfunction to wellbore enlargement.

After the initial instances of BHA whirl during the recent drilling campaign, a multi-disciplined investigation was initiated to evaluate the root cause of the drilling dysfunction in the clean Grid and Skade sandstone units where the corrective action was to re-evaluate the drill bit design criteria and hydraulic configuration. The data and interpretation presented in this paper will demonstrate that the source of the drilling dysfunction originates at the drill bit / rock interface and is not initiated by a mass-imbalance mechanism due to wellbore hydraulic enlargement. To conclude on the data interpretation, the stability benefits of a different bit type will be presented to demonstrate the effectiveness in eliminating bit induced whirl and the criticality of interpretating drillstring dynamics data inn both the time and depth domains.
The Effect of Bismuth Plug Expansion on Cement Sheath Integrity
Authors: Hmadeh Lewaa , Feneuil Blandine , Wiggen Even , Skorpa Ragnhild , Sangesland Sigbjørn , Elahifar Behzad , Anuncição Jaculli Marcelo
Published: April 2024

In the North Sea, around 2000 off-shore wells are scheduled to be plugged-and-abandoned over the upcoming decades, requiring new cost-effective solutions. Among those, bismuth alloy plugs are raising a major interest, as they have high sealing abilities and require less material volume than cement plugs. Bismuth is well-known for its expansion during solidification as its main sealing mechanism. In this work we investigate whether this expansion may damage the annular barrier material set behind the casing.

In this study, we examine a laboratory-scale well section composed of a sandstone rock (diameter 15 cm and height 20 cm), a 2mm thick casing, and a temperature-resistant silica-Portland G cement blend placed in the annulus and cured at 110°C for one week. The setup has been designed to allow for bismuth alloy placement in the casing and curing at relevant field conditions: 160°C and 60 bar. With an X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanner, we take 3D pictures of the sample with a resolution of 100 µm to evaluate the development of any cracks.

To assess the impact of bismuth expansion on cement and separate it from temperature and pressure effects, we conduct X-ray imaging at various stages. Initially, we image before placing bismuth where we examine the cement and rock for existing flaws, like voids and cracks, right after the cement cures. Next, we expose the sample to 160°C and 60bar with water inside the pipe to check whether the annulus cement can withstand the testing conditions, followed by imaging. In the third phase, we pour the Bismuth alloy into the pipe and leave it to cool at standard conditions. At this stage, the alloy is not expected to expand much in the radial direction. Following these initial scans, we remelt the alloy inside the pipe at 60bar and 160°C using an in-house designed test cell, and then take CT images after 8 hours of curing under 60 bar, and one after 4 days and another after 4 weeks. Finally, we perform a final CT scan after melting out the bismuth alloy to verify the integrity of the annulus cement.

In this study, we address a major concern related to bismuth alloy plugs, specifically, the impact of their expansion on the pre-existing well barrier materials such as the cement in the annulus. The findings of this study will be used to refine our experimental methodology at later stages in this extensive research and support the qualification process of bismuth alloys as an alternative sealing material in P&A operations.
Rock Type Modelling of a Heterogeneous Tidal Reservoir of the Tilje Formation
Authors: Fitzsimons D. , Johansen O. , Legler B. , Lubeseder S.
Published: April 2024

Heterolithic tidal reservoirs, like those of the Tilje Formation, are challenging to model. In addition to primary facies, diagenetic overprint adds to the heterogeneous character of the reservoir. A rock type modelling approach is presented to enable the use and integration of conventional core data, whole core computer tomography (CT) scans, wireline data and well test data to characterise the reservoir.

Whole core CT data oriented to image log has allowed paleocurrent data, depositional facies and rock types to be interpreted at very fine scale. The combination of these data allows a better understanding of permeability distribution and anisotropy.

Permeability for given porosity class can have several orders of magnitude difference. The best rock type has permeability in excess of 1000 mD due to the presence of chlorite coating around grains which prevents the development of quartz overgrowths expected at the burial depths of the reservoir (4.5-5 km TVDSS). Rock type with reduced grainsize and/or thicker chlorite coating have reduced pore throats reducing permeability to 10 to 100 mD. In the absence of chlorite coating permeabilities are below 1 mD.

Well test interpretation suggests the presence of barriers close to the well bore with good connectivity in alternate directions. It is not known if the barriers are due to sealing faults or due to depositional or diagenetic features. The geological model has been built to ensure that the heterogeneity observed in logs and core and the response from well test is captured to allow production and injection well scenarios to be tested.

Rock types have been classified on the basis of Rock Quality Index (RQI) which is related to both original depositional textures (sorting and grain size) and diagenesis. Once defined at the plug scale whole core CT scans have been used to propagate the rock type in cored intervals. The resulting rock type curve was then used as a training data set for machine learning algorithms to populate rock types in un-cored intervals. Permeability thickness (kh) from well tests has been used to quality control and calibrate the rock type model. Once propagated to wells a multi scenario 3D rock type model was built.
Revealing Complex Oil Water Contacts Driven by Faulting
Authors: Clegg N. , Paredes R. Ameneiro , Arcano N. Suarez , Krueger M. , Hermansen E.
Published: April 2024

Oil-water contacts in mature fields where injection water results in complex sweep patterns display rugose morphologies. Understanding the driving factors behind the distribution of fluids is critical to advance reservoir understanding and therefore better exploit the reservoir. Mapping fluid boundaries with electromagnetic (EM) tools and integrating the resultant models with independent logging while drilling (LWD) tools is the key to increasing interpretation confidence.

Deep EM LWD inversion allows mapping of resistivity boundaries in the region of 25 to 30 feet from the wellbore. In a perceived massive carbonate reservoir these boundaries are dominated by low resistivity water and high resistivity hydrocarbons. Mapping these fluids can reveal complexities in the reservoir architecture and lithologic variation which facilitates optimal well placement and improved reservoir understanding. Increasing the confidence in EM inversions through data integration increases the capability of higher resolution fluid distribution interpretations.

In this example, a series of small sub-seismic stepped faults are revealed in the EM inversion results. The stepped appearance of the reservoir with sharp contrast between high and low resistivity zones reveals the underlying small scale reservoir structure. This supports two controls on fluid distribution: faulting and lithology. In some cases, hydrocarbon saturated porosities with high resistivities are at identical true vertical depths (TVD) to water flooded low resistivity zones. Faults are exhibited by thin, high apparent angle, low resistivity streaks, suggesting water movement parallel to the interpreted fault plane. However, zones immediately adjacent to interpreted faults retain high resistivity, suggesting water movement perpendicular to the fault plane is impeded. The position of the structural elements can be supported by analysis of density image logs displaying the same high angle features and the fluid distribution from analysis of EM images which are independent of the inversion results. Integration of multiple independent measures from multiple tools and methods reveals the sub-seismic reservoir architecture in detail.

Understanding how complex structural and stratigraphic elements contribute to the distribution of fluids in a reservoir can help to define the controls on production-time fluid movement in complex systems. To adequately capture the resolution required for detailed fluid boundary interpretation, data acquisition programs must consider tradeoffs of depth-of-investigation and resolution. Assessment of production and water flooding controls at different scales demonstrates the strength of a holistic approach to data analysis and interpretation.
Performance Optimization of Water Injection Wells Using Autonomous Outflow Control Device Technology in Offshore Norway
Authors: Kvilaas G. F. , Moradi M. , Voll B. , Mortensen P. H.
Published: April 2024

Making good horizontal water injection wells is more challenging than making good horizontal producers, linked to the uncertainty around formation impairment (if no or limited clean-up) and the possible problem of "thief zones" that steal a major part of the injected water and deliver low sweep efficiency. Autonomous Outflow Control Devices (AOCD) can reduce the problem of "thief zones" and were piloted in a recent well in the Ivar Aasen water injector offshore Norway.

To limit injection into possible thief zones (or limit the chance of making such thief zones) normal ICDs, often used for injectors as well as producers, were installed in combination with the new technology that close at a certain differential pressure or injection rate. As a dual system, this should give quite an even injection along the whole well. Completion design studies were performed in both the full dynamic reservoir model and a simpler steady-state inflow/outflow wellbore modelling pre-drill. The completion design was finalized post-drill by quickly updating the model with the actual log data from the drilled well.

While tracers indicated a clean well after the initial clean-up, the well surveillance during injection logging confirmed injection along the entire completed interval of the wellbore. Also, a significant breaking point on the step-rate test (SRT) was observed which was different behaviour than what has been conventionally observed from the wells completed with non-AOCD completion.

Improved water management is key for many assets such as Ivar Aasen field. The first pilot installations of AOCD technology in Norway in this field demonstrated this technology could help to make better wells and improve sweep efficiency in difficult geological formations. This again improves the environmental measures such as power usage and the need for chemicals to treat injected and produced water.
Pyintegrity: An Open-Source Toolbox for Processing Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Well Integrity Log Data
Authors: Viggen E. M. , Diez A. , Johansen T. F.
Published: April 2024

Many companies offer similarly designed wireline tools using ultrasonic pulse-echo measurements to evaluate barrier integrity in cased-hole wells. While these tools provide very similar data, different companies process their data using different algorithms, typically to estimate the pipe wall thickness and the outer material's acoustic impedance. While the algorithms themselves are public, no openly available software implementations are available. Therefore, we have developed an open-source software toolbox called Pyintegrity implementing many of these algorithms. In this article, we demonstrate Pyintegrity by applying its algorithm implementations to a well integrity log from the open Volve Data Village dataset. Our results demonstrate that it is quite possible to process data recorded by a particular tool using processing algorithms developed for use with other similar tools, and we find a good correspondence between the different processing algorithms. Comparing the results produced by the different processing algorithms lets us confidently identify certain features in some of the results as processing artifacts that do not reflect the physical state of the well.