bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Modified Polycarboxylate Paraffin Inhibitor Blends Reduce C30+ Wax Deposits in South Texas
Authors: Xu Liang , Zhuk Iryna , Sirak Sofia
Published: June 2023

A typical challenge encountered during shale oil and condensate production in South Texas is severe wax deposition on fractured rock surface near the wellbore and flowlines from wellheads to separators, potentially reducing surface areas for oil and gas flow. Commonly used surfactant dispersants and wax inhibitors such as comb shaped polyacrylate/methacrylate (PAMA) and alpha-olefin modified maleic anhydride (OMAC) sometimes fall short and do not always address challenges associated with C30+ waxy crude oil and condensate. This is typically due to the mismatch of molecular weights and the incorrect ratio of polar and non-polar groups between the polymeric additive and the targeted wax species.

In this study, we present the findings of a new modified polycarboxylate and polyacrylate blend that provides a balanced approach of optimized non-polar and polar groups on the polymer backbone. Additionally, the inherent long polymer chains with a broad chain density distribution appear to interact well with C30+ waxy compounds, effectively lowering pour point, reducing wax appearance temperature (WAT) and suppressing wax deposition.

A gradual reduction of WATs in polymer treated waxy deposit was observed via DSC/CPM measurements when the polymer blends were varied with polyacrylate/methacrylate/modified carboxylate ratios. Cold finger tests were performed at selected temperature differentials that closely represented field conditions in order to demonstrate the efficacy of the optimized blend, in which deposits of C30+ waxy compounds were significantly eliminated.

It's commonly accepted that comb shaped polymers interact with wax crystals via incorporation and perturbation. The polymer blend presented here, with an optimized ratio of non-polar and polar groups, appear to enable a secondary mechanism that introduces a repulsive force between growing wax crystals, which is reminiscent of interfacial polarization of charged wax crystals under an external electric field. Through Zeta Potential, Cold Finger, Yield Stress, DSC, SARA and HTGC analysis, it was demonstrated that this additional interference rendered the comb shaped polymer blend much more effective, against other PAMAs, OMACs, and linear polymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
Predicting Reservoir Souring in the Alba Field Using Produced Water Compositions – A Study of Biogenic Sulfate Loss
Authors: Ness Giulia , Sorbie Kenneth , Lugo Nancy , de Rezende Julia R. , Shi Xiang
Published: June 2023

Microbial reservoir souring poses a significant threat to safe oil and gas production and operations and it is difficult to control and mitigate. Predicting future H2S trends with reservoir souring models is done in an attempt to define the worst-case scenario and make critical decisions related to the asset field life. Unfortunately, these predictions often prove wrong because of the large uncertainties around parameters used within these models and because predicting the behaviour of living microorganisms is much more complex than dealing with most other chemical challenges in oil & gas.

This work proposes an alternative data-driven and mechanistic approach to the investigation of the souring problem in Alba, a mature North Sea field water flooded since 1994. A comprehensive dataset including water chemistry analyses, gas composition trends, fluid rates etc. is used to find important correlations between produced fluid compositions and changes in H2S production. The concept of biogenic sulfate loss is introduced to allow the comparison of results for wells located in different parts of the field and drilled at different stages of the field life.

When looking at produced sulfate concentration, injection water fraction (IWF) and produced H2S we clearly identify 5 stages of H2S generation in the Alba field. Sulfate loss in produced fluids is detected first and it is followed by a delayed H2S production. Eventually both biogenic sulfate loss and H2S generation reach a plateau although it is not easy to determine the end members of these concentrations.

Produced water data shows a significant sulfate loss in excess of 1000 mg/l caused by reservoir biogenic souring. To account for sulfate loss caused by changes in the IWF, the biogenic sulfate loss is calculated. This is defined as the SO42− drop from the expected SO42− concentration calculated using injection water fraction based on boron.

A plot of maximum produced H2S and biogenic sulfate loss is constructed to compare all wells, show the souring trend and bracket the maximum H2S generation for the field. Sulfate and BTEX are not the limiting factor in H2S generation in this field but the maximum concentration of sulfide that bacteria can tolerate determines how high H2S can rise.

This work shows for the first time how the change in produced sulfate concentration can be used to study the different stages of well reservoir souring in high sulfate waters. A new method of comparing wells based on biogenic sulfate loss and H2S production is proposed to bracket the maximum H2S generation expected in this field. This straightforward data analysis method is generally applicable in fields that are souring due to microbial activity and where the produced fluid compositions are available.
An Integrated Variable Viscosity Acidizing and Fracturing Dual-Use System
Authors: Ma Yingxian , Tian Bohan , Guo Jianchun , Mao Yuan , Ren Shan , Tang Chaojun
Published: June 2023

At present, carbonate reservoirs are becoming more and more complex, and multi-stage alternating injection acidification and acid fracturing process is required. Therefore, we have developed an integrated variable viscosity thickener based on a copolymer of a series of designed functional monomers and acrylamide. With this thickener, six liquid systems including slick water, linear glue, glue liquid, drag-reducing acid, gelling acid, and high-viscosity gelling acid could be prepared online in one dose. The viscosity of fracturing fluid could reach 195 mPa·s at a concentration of 6.0 wt% without any cross-linking agent. At the same concentration, the viscosity of the acidizing fluid was 150 mPa·s, with only a 23% decrease in viscosity compared to the fracturing fluid. And by changing the length hydrophobic chain, the thickening time in hydrochloric acid could reach 2 to 8min adjustable. Both fracturing fluid and acid fluids showed a good temperature resistance and shear resistance. Under high temperature and high-speed shear conditions, the viscosity retention rate was above 65%. And the lower reaction level of variable viscous acid indicated that the liquid performance was more stable when reacting in the formation. In a word, the suspension-type thickener could prepare six types of fluids with one agent with convenient construction, high time efficiency, and high temperature resistance and superior retardation performance, which could meet the demand of complex and variable fracturing and acidizing transformation process of deep and ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs in real time.
Extended Field Study Tracking the Performance of the Preservative Biocides, THNM and DMO, in Unconventional Wells
Authors: Silva Veronica , Wunch Kenneth , Solomon Ethan , Maun Philip
Published: June 2023

Hydraulic fracturing is prone to microbial contamination due to the large volumes of water used to recover oil and gas from the reservoir. Biocides are frequently added during hydraulic fracturing to mitigate operational problems such as souring, corrosion, and biofouling. In this multi-year case study, the preservative biocides, 4,4-dimethyloxazolidine (DMO) and tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane (THNM), were applied during completions for the long-term control of microbial contamination capable of surviving harsh reservoir conditions and to optimize hydrocarbon recovery.

A suite of high temperature, high pressure (HPHT) bioreactors were developed to investigate the ability of biocides to prevent souring in model hydraulic fracturing systems. The above-mentioned preservative biocides, known for their endurance, were selected for inoculation into the reactors. These results were compared to an identical biocide field application in the Vaca Muerta basin in Argentina. A multi-year study was conducted measuring efficacy of the biocide program in the produced fluids by measuring ATP, qPCR, most probable number (MPN) and NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) in selected samples. Concurrently, the operator measured H2S levels in the production fluids and calculated the estimated savings in H2S scavengers top side by implementing preservative biocides.

Results indicated that both DMO and THNM were able to effectively control souring and microbial growth in treated reactors at 60°C compared to the untreated control. When comparing reactor results to field applications, both biocides were successful in maintaining control of the field microbial populations and produced H2S from flowback through a few years of production. Furthermore, observations of nearby wells treated with non-preservative biocides indicated those wells lost control of the microbial population in the reservoirs after approximately 10 months of production. This microbial control study allows the correlation of lab bioreactor performance to real-world field results and demonstrates the effectiveness of the preservative biocides, DMO and THNM, in the long-term control of microbial biofouling in an unconventional reservoir.
Criteria for Robust Mercury Sampling and Analysis; A Review of Case Studies and Lessons Learnt
Authors: Langford Michael
Published: June 2023

A set of criteria is proposed that will deliver a robust sampling and analysis programme for the trace measurement of mercury in reservoir fluids. Criteria are presented in the context of examples of sub-optimal mercury analysis, where lessons can be learnt.

This paper reviews a number of anonymised case studies to identify and highlight the limitations of flawed mercury analysis programmes which have either utilised offsite analysis, incorrect sampling techniques or failed to consider mercury analysis early enough in an appraisal and development schedule. Examples are presented from the last five years which illustrate the most commonly seen failings and the lessons that can be learnt from them. Potential consequences, including costly production delays and contaminated products, are demonstrated.

In each instance, due to incomplete or incorrect sampling and analysis, initial mercury estimates were demonstrated to be incorrect; generally, this was only identified once the field had commenced production, without mercury mitigation measures in place. In all cases, further testing was required to establish representative mercury concentrations, and identify the root cause of the initial inaccuracies. In some cases, mercury levels previously reported to be low during exploration and appraisal testing were subsequently found to be considerably higher during testing and clean up of development or production wells. Deferral of start-up, while mercury abatement measures were explored and implemented, significantly delayed production from the reservoir.

Based on the lessons learnt from these examples, a simple set of criteria has been identified which, when considered during the development of a test campaign, maximises the chance of obtaining representative and reliable mercury data, and avoids the most common pitfalls. Increased numbers of higher quality samples, analysed at the wellsite following structured measurement and quality control procedures, would improve the reliability of generated data and thus reduce the uncertainty around reservoir concentrations.

The findings of this paper will add clarity and structure to the design of mercury-target sampling and analysis campaigns, either standalone or part of a wider test programme.
Polymer Flood Pilot to Recover Heavy Oil Using Heated Water
Authors: Solairaj Sriram , Pope Gary , Pin Erica
Published: June 2023

The Days Chapel area of the Slocum oilfield was investigated as a target for conducting a polymer flood using heated water. The crude oil in the Carrizo zone of the Slocum oilfield is a heavy oil with an API gravity of about 19 degrees and a viscosity of about 1000 cp. The Carrizo formation is a shallow sand with high porosity and permeability. A new well was drilled for the purpose of obtaining log and core data needed to characterize the target area. Simulations using these data were used to assess its potential in this area of the field. Polymer flooding using heated water is significantly more complicated than conventional polymer flooding with respect to the surface facilities, the design and prediction of the flood, the operation of the flood, and the reservoir performance. One of the most important variables is the temperature of the heated water. Higher temperature results in lower oil viscosity, but it also results in higher heat losses from the wellbores and reservoir, and higher energy costs to heat the injected polymer solution. Injection and production rates are also key variables. Another important design variable is the duration of hot water injection before starting hot polymer flooding. Preliminary results indicate this innovative approach to polymer flooding of heavy oil zones is promising and should be evaluated in other heavy oil reservoirs.
Research on the Chemistry of Emulsifiers for Nonaqueous Drilling Fluids
Authors: Barmatov Evgeny , Khramov Dimitri
Published: June 2023

High-performance nonaqueous fluids (HP NAF) are complex engineering systems. The emulsifier is the backbone of any NAF; therefore, highest return on investment is likely to come from the development of emulsifier chemistry. The objective of the present research is to improve the knowledge of different reactions that occur during synthesis of an emulsifier and investigate how the different products of the synthesis impact emulsifier performance in a NAF.

Creating a new emulsifier is a one-step process of C18 amine condensation and various cyclic anhydrides. Reaction time and temperature was varied in this work to generate different reaction products, and analytical techniques, such as 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography were used to investigate the mechanism of the chemical reaction and for reaction process optimization.

The reaction is a simple formation of a monoamide between the amine and the cyclic anhydride; however, secondary reactions are possible that decrease the emulsifier performance. The monoamide that forms initially can be transformed into other species under elevated temperatures, which no longer function as emulsifiers. This paper presents the performance of a new emulsifier in a HP NAF and provides a systematic insight into various chemical transformations that are possible when attempting to use this amide-formation reaction to create an emulsifier.

Development of structure-activity relationships for chemical components of emulsifiers and a systematic knowledge of invert emulsion performance will improve the comprehension of emulsifier performance in an HP NAF. This knowledge can be applied to improve emulsion stability and rheology of a drilling fluid.
The finished vehicle routing problem with a heterogeneous transport fleet
Authors: Liu Jiansheng , Yuan Bin , Zan Yang
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a new variant of the vehicle routing problem, known as the heterogeneous multi-type fleet vehicle routing problem in finished vehicle logistics (HVRP–FVL), which is modeled and solved. The HVRP–FVL considers various transportation costs, such as highway tolls, labor costs, power costs, time penalty costs, and carbon emissions costs. Moreover, the highway toll is charged based on the transport vehicle model, loading weight, and traveled distance, which adds to the complexity of the problem. The objective of the problem is to minimize the total cost of the vehicle fleet. To solve the HVRP–FVL, a metaheuristic is proposed using a genetic algorithm (GA) metaheuristic. The GA incorporates a dual-chromosome encoding method with adaptive crossover, mutation, and climbing operators to improve computational performance. A case study from a logistics company is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, and a series of experiments are conducted. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach performs well and satisfies users in practice. The contributions of the paper are the effective modeling and solution of a natural and complex vehicle routing problem in finished vehicle logistics.
Global profiling of functional histidines in live cells using small molecule photosensitizer and chemical probe relay labeling
Authors: Zhai Yansheng , Zhang Xinyu , Yan Dingyuan , Wang Xianghe , Tian Kailu , Zhang Zhe , Huang Yan , Sun Wen , Yang Xi , Wang Dong , Tsai Yu-Hsuan , Li Gang
Published: June 2023

Recent advances in chemical proteomics have focused on developing chemical probes reacting with nucleophilic amino acid residues throughout the proteome. Among the nucleophilic amino acids, histidine is an attractive candidate due to its presence in enzyme active sites, metal-binding sites, and protein-protein interaction interfaces. However, histidine has moderate nucleophilicity, and its modification is easily influenced by cysteine and lysine, resulting in poor selectivity and narrow proteome coverage. Here, we report a singlet oxygen and chemical probe relay labeling method that achieves exquisite selectivity towards histidine. A small molecular photosensitizer library is screened together with a chemical probe library to optimize the histidine labeling, enabling histidine profiling in live cells with over 7500 unique sites. We applied this method to discover unannotated histidine sites for metalloproteins and characterize the key histidine residues H309 for metabolic enzyme IDH1 and H73 for CRIP1. Finally, we used this method to probe the accessibility of histidine residues in mitophagy, revealing H138 of PARK7 as the key residue influencing the protein subcellular localization and stability. These findings demonstrate the applicability of our method in discovering functional histidine sites in the human proteome.
Exploring factors influencing the uptake of Kangaroo Mother Care: Key Informant Interviews with Parents
Authors: Foong Wai Cheng , Foong Siew Cheng , Ho Jacqueline J. , Gautam Divya , Leong Jen Jen , Tan Pek Yong , Baskaran Mehala
Published: June 2023

Background
The updated World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline recommends immediate kangaroo mother care (KMC) for all infants, particularly those born premature. However, its uptake and sustainability have been unsatisfactory. Therefore, we aimed to gain deeper insight into factors influencing the uptake of KMC practice in our setting, and thereby identify possible solutions for the development of relevant interventions to improve its adoption and make a KMC routine practice for all infants.
Methods
Using the Triandis model of social behaviour as our framework, we conducted key informant interviews with parents and healthcare providers. Trained interviewers conducted interviews with nine parents, recruited via purposive sampling. These parents were parents of preterm infants who had been introduced to KMC. Data was transcribed and analysed based on Triandis theory of social behaviour. This paper only reports the results of the parent interviews.
Results
Major findings were how positive feelings like warmth and contentment, the sense of parenthood with KMC, the benefits of KMC for their infant and parents being enablers for KMC uptake. Conversely, the lack of KMC awareness, the initial negative feelings such as fear, uncertainty and embarrassment, the prioritization of time for milk expression, overcrowding in the ward, lack of space and privacy, limited visiting hours, lack of support and poor communication resulting in misapprehension about KMC were major barriers.
Conclusion
A deeper understanding of the factors influencing the uptake of KMC using the Triandis behavioural model provided a way forward to help improve its uptake and sustainability in our settings.
Trial registration
This study was registered with the National Medical Research Registry (NMRR-17-2984-39191).
Simulation of particle transmission in an emergency waiting hall and management proposals
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Jia Ning , Xu Qing , Wang Zhongxu , Zhou Xiaoying , Tian Haoyuan , Sun Xin , Zhang Meibian
Published: June 2023

Background: Particle transmission is relevant to nosocomial infection of respiratory infectious disease. It is essential to understand the particle concentration and movement and effect of respiratory protection in hospital to improve management proposals.
Methods: The particle number concentration, air condition wind velocity and temperature were collected from 6 locations in an emergency waiting hall. The particle concentration in waiting area and consulting room and coughing exhaled particle transmission were calculated by Lattice Boltzmann Method, Convection-Diffusion Equation and Discrete Phase Model, respectively. Fit tests of 4 respirators among 577 health care workers in the hospital were carried out.
Results: The wind velocity of air conditioner outlet was correlated negatively with particle concentration of diameter no more than 1μm(r=-0.671,P=0.000), either more than 1μm(r=-0.261,P=0.000). The particle concentration in the waiting area was higher than that in the consulting room both by field measurement and simulation. Particles exhaled by someone coughing can spread to several people around him or her within 1s. 60% of exhaled particles suspend for a few minutes or longer. The passing rates were 50%, 93.3%, 80.3% and 5.9% for 3M 9132, Siwo D918(hook), Siwo D918(headband) and Wenjian medical N95 respirator, respectively. The difference was significant in the same population(χ2=163.433, p=0.000).
Conclusion: Protective strategies should be strengthened in the waiting area during respiratory infectious disease epidemic. Fit test is essential to health care workers to select respirators.
Identification of Prognosis-Related Genes and Key Target Genes for Pancreatic cancer : A Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Patient Woulaidjei Ntomo Nicaise , Shang Zhong-Hua , Ntiak Achi , Apeku Ernestina.
Published: June 2023

Objective:
The mortality and morbidity rates associated with pancreatic cancer ( PaCa) are extremely high. Various studies have demonstrated that pancreatic cancer will be the fourth cancer-related death by 20230, raising more concern for scholars to find effective methods to prevent and treat in order to improve the pancreatic cancer outcome. Using bioinformatic analysis, this study aims to pinpoint key genes that could impact PaCa patients' prognosis and could be used as therapeutic targets.
Methods:
The TCGA and GEO datasets were integratively analyzed to identify prognosis-related differentially expressed genes. Next, the STRING database was used to develop PPI networks, and the MCODE and CytoNCA Cytoscape in Cytoscape was used to screen for critical genes. Through CytoNCA, three kinds of topology analysis were considered ( degree, betweenness, and eigenvector). Essential genes were confirmed as potential target treatment through Go function and pathways enrichment analysis, a developed predictive risk model based on multivariate analysis, and the establishment of nomograms using the clinical information.
Results:
Overall, the GSE183795 and TCGA datasets associated 1311 and 2244 genes to pancreatic cancer prognosis, respectively. We identified 132 genes that were present in both datasets. The PPI network analysis using, the centrality analysis approach with the CytoNCA plug-in, showed that, CDK2, PLK1, CCNB1, and TOP2A ranked in the top 5% across all three metrics .The independent analysis of a risk model, revealed that the four keys genes had a Hazard Ratio (HR) > 1. The monogram showed the predictive risk model and individual patient survival predictions were accurate.The results indicate that the effect of the selected vital genes was significant and that they could be used as biomarkers to predict a patient's outcome and as possible target therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer. GO function and pathway analysis demonstrated that crucial genes might affect the P53 signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway, through which Meiotic nuclear division and cell cycle may have a significant function in essential genes affecting the outcome of patients who have pancreatic cancer.
Conclusions:
This study suggests that CDK2, CCNB1, PLK1 and TOP2A are four key genes having a significant influence on PaCa migration and proliferation. CDK2, CCNB1, PLK1, and TOP2A can be used as potential PaCa prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, experimental validation is necessary to confirm these predictions. Ours study comes into contributions to the development of personalized target therapy for pancreatic cancer patients
Strongly coupled C@MoSe2@OMWCNT heterostructure as an anode for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Yang Yincai , Wang Feng , Biang Mengru , Chen Youwen , Zhang Shiguo , Yu Zhen-Qiang , Au Chak-Tong , Yin Shuang-Feng , Qiu Renhua
Published: June 2023

The advancement of high-performance sodium ion batteries (SIBs) necessitates the creation and production of sophisticated anode materials that can provide high capacity, exceptional rate capability, and prolonged cycle life. In this investigation, we have successfully synthesized C@MoSe2@OMWCNT (oxidized multiwall carbon nanotubes) materials utilizing OMWCNTs as a foundation. Theoretical analysis has revealed that the utilization of OMWCNTs not only enhances the structural stability of the anode materials but also improves the electrical conductivity and Na+ ion mobility (the Na+ diffusion barrier: (MoSe2) 0.91 eV vs (C@MoSe2@OMWCNT) 0.41 eV) of the C@MoSe2@OMWCNT. These properties make C@MoSe2@OMWCNT a promising candidate for the development of high-performance SIBs. When C@MoSe2@OMWCNT is employed as the anode for the SIB, it exhibits exceptional cycle stability, with a capacity of 303 mA h g-1 and 189 mA h g-1 after 500 and 3000 cycles, respectively, under a current density of 5 A g-1. Overall, this investigation provides valuable insights into the design and synthesis of advanced anode materials for SIBs, which could have significant implications for the development of next-generation energy storage devices.
clinical manifestations of pediatric patients with preseptal and orbital cellulitis in chongqing(Western China)
Authors: chen si , pi lianhong , Xiong Haibo
Published: June 2023

Background
To characterize the clinical manifestations of pediatric patients with preseptal and orbital cellulitis in chongqing(Western China).
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 82 pediatric patients over a 10-years period (January 2012 to December 2022) was conducted.
Results
57 patients with preseptal and 25 with orbital cellulitis were included.Sinusitis was the main cause of both groups, followed by upper respiratory tract infections. The orbital cellulitis group was more likely to cause severe consequences such as eye fixation, eye protrusion, and vision impairment. Upon admission, the white blood cell count and [(21.40±5.30)×10^9/L] and C-reactive protein level [(58.10±32.54) mg/L] in the orbital cellulitis group were higher than those in the preseptal cellulitis group [(15.45±7.64)×10^9/L, (20.55±11.30) mg/L] (P<0.001).The orbital cellulitis group had a longer duration of antibiotic treatment [(10.05±1.94) d vs. (9.26±1.17) d, P<0.05] and a longer hospital stay [(9.04±1.37) d vs. (8.10±1.29) d, P<0.001]; regarding the use of hormone therapy and the occurrence of complications.The orbital cellulitis group (32%, 40%) was more likely to develop complications compared to the pre-septal group (3.5%, 5.3%) (P<0.01). All 82 patients were clinically cured.The incidence of complications in the orbital cellulitis group (40%) was significantly higher than that in the pre-septal cellulitis group (5.3%) (P<0.001). Complications gradually improved after the cured patients were discharged, and no recurrence of orbital cellulitis was observed during the 12-week follow-up.
Conclusion
Patients in the orbital cellulitis group had more severe infections and complications. WBC and CRP can be used as indicators to assess infection severity. Topical and systemic antibiotics, combined with surgery if necessary, can effectively cure preseptal and orbital cellulitis.
SiamSMN: Similarity Map Fusion Siamese Network for Visual Object Tracking
Authors: Cheng Xu , Chen Fengjiao
Published: June 2023

The existing Siamese trackers have achieved increasingly successful results in visual object tracking. However, the interactive fusion among multi-layer similarity maps after cross-correlation has not been fully studied in previous Siamese network-based methods. To address this issue, we propose a novel SiamSMN for visual object tracking, which consists of feature extraction network, multi-scale fusion module and prediction head. First, the feature extraction network is used to extract the features of the template image and the search image, which is calculated by a depth-wise cross-correlation operation to produce multiple similarity feature maps. Second, we propose an effective multi-scale fusion module that can extract global context information for object search and learn the interdependencies between multi-level similarity maps. In addition, to further improve tracking accuracy, we design a learnable prediction head module to generate a boundary point for each side based on the coarse bounding box, which can solve the problem of inconsistent classification and regression during the tracking. Extensive experiments on four public benchmarks demonstrate that the proposed tracker has a competitive performance among other state-of-the-art trackers.
Ceres—No further organic-rich sites: Implications for its evolution
Authors: Nathues Andreas , Cloutis Ed , Hoffmann Martin , Singh Pragya , Thangjam Guneshwar , Hernandez Jorge , Sarkar Ranjan
Published: June 2023

Ceres—a potential ocean world—displays multiple signs of recent/current geological activity. There are indications of a high carbon content in its crust, but the exact form of this carbon is elusive. Spectral data acquired by NASA’s Dawn mission revealed local occurrences of aliphatic organics, which are also characterized by spectral redness in the wavelength range between 0.4 and 0.9 µm. But ambiguities in the geologic context led to uncertainties in whether the organics are endogenic or in-fall deposits. Our global search for similar red-sloped spectra reveals that there are no further sites with a detectable amount of organic material; but this observation cannot be extended to imply their complete absence outside the known areas. In addition, there is another surface type that displays red-sloped spectra; but instead of organics, the redness is due to the ongoing exposure of fresh, hydrated materials on the walls and floors of mid-latitude craters.
Voltage Drop Improvement by using Fast Fault Detection in order to Increase the Resilience of Multi-Carrier Microgrids
Authors: Ebrahimi Reza , Moradi Mohammad Hasan , Jahangiri Alireza , Abedini Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Power quality has become a vital factor because of the simultaneous use of electric and gas energies in a network (multi-carrier grid) as well as the use of modern electrical equipment. Poor electricity quality is defined as the presence of changes, distortions, or disturbances in voltage, current, and frequency quantities that cause the failure or improper operation of the subscribers' equipment. In this research, we aim to improve the voltage drop and increase the resilience of the multi-carrier distribution network (Energy Hub) in the event of a short-circuit fault, resulting in the provision of 10% of the total load and an improvement in subscriber welfare. To improve the voltage drop, we first need fast fault detection, which is accomplished by using an FCL filter, which is capable of detecting any short-circuit fault in the shortest amount of time by combining the method of estimating frequency fluctuations and the Prony method. After detecting the fault, a combination of DVR and D-STATCOM (DDS) is used to compensate for the voltage drop. The amount of increase in subscriber resilience and welfare will then be investigated. The simulation results show proper performance in identifying the short-circuit fault to prevent the subscribers' collapse and blackout.
Energy Consumption in Microservices Architectures: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Araújo Gabriel , Sabino Arthur , Lima Luiz , Costa Vandirleya , Brito Carlos , Rego Paulo , Fé Iure , Silva Francisco Airton
Published: June 2023

Cloud computing is a paradigm that delivers technology resources on demand through service virtualization.
Virtualization allows sharing of hardware by applications compartmentalized into multiple independent modules.
Microservices architecture uses the ability of virtualization to adopt a software architecture approach based on building applications composed of several interdependent and loosely coupled modules.
However, microservices architectures can incur large energy costs to achieve the required levels of performance and availability.
Several research topics related to energy consumption in microservice architectures have already been explored, such as elasticity, reliability, performance, and availability.
However, given the variety of problems and solutions, identifying research trends and gaps related to microservices is complex.
We aim to systematically identify, rank, and compare existing research trends and gaps around energy consumption in microservices.
This paper presents a systematic review of energy consumption in microservices architectures.
This work also provides a list of references to find the mapped works, thus being able to guide searches more safely.
paper selection started with 3625 papers, followed by three refinement processes in which 37 papers were selected for a full review.
The remaining 37 papers were cataloged and classified according to some criteria, such as metrics, evaluation method and type of architecture.
Thus, the review revealed research gaps and trends in energy consumption in microservices architectures.
In addition, significant research challenges and directions were identified.
The research challenges are presented based on the metrics that guide each work in this systematic review: performance, elasticity, scalability, reliability, sustainability, and availability.
Multi-Strategy Whale Optimization Algorithm for global optimization and engineering applications
Authors: Wang Xingwang , Zhang Qingyang , Yang Shengxiang , Dong Yongquan
Published: June 2023

The Whale Optimization Algorithm(WOA), a population-based meta-heuristic technique,which mimics the hunting behavior of humpback whales and has been successfully applied to solve many real-world problems. The standard WOA algorithm suffers from uneven population distribution and premature convergence. In this paper, a multiple strategy whale optimization algorithm (MSWOA) is proposed. Firstly, the population is initialized using the sobol sequence, local search around each individual is performed to improve the quality of the initial solution. Secondly, global search is implemented by introducing levy flight and improved pa factor. Thirdly, an adaptive weight strategy is proposed to improve the global exploration and local development capabilities of the algorithm. Finally, the genetic variation operator is introduced to enhance the ability of escaping from local optimum. To verify the performance of the proposed technique, MSWOA is compared with six state-of-the-art meta-heuristics on 23 benchmark functions and three engineering optimization problems. The experimental results show that MSWOA has better performance on most of benchmark functions and is competitive in solving engineering design problems.
All-solid-state lithium batteries in cold environments of -20 ℃ enabled by amorphous halide-based electrolytes LiNbCl5X and LiTaCl5X
Authors: Ishiguro Yoshitaka , Iida Genshi , Ueno Kenji , Nishimura Sayaka , Igarashib Yasuo
Published: June 2023

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) using inorganic solid state electrolytes (SSEs) have earn good reputation owing to their good performances at room temperature, including high safety, long cycling life and high energy density. However, at extremely low-temperature environments, ASSLBs can hardly operate well due to seriously enlarged inner resistance arising from impedances from SSEs themselves and interfaces between electrodes and SSEs. In this work, to solve the problem, we introduce amorphous halide electrolytes LiNbCl5Xn- 1/n and LiTaCl5Xn- 1/n (Xn- = Cl-, O2-, F-) with ultrahigh room-temperature ionic conductivity higher than 10 mS/cm and even retaining 4 mS/cm at -20 ℃. Their grain boundary free characteristic and high Li+ migration speed even at extremely low temperatures realize efficient and effective ion transport throughout the ASSLBs inside. To determine an appropriate running voltage for LiNbCl5Xn- 1/n and LiTaCl5Xn- 1/n, their high cathode interface stability at potential 4.3 V is examined by TOF-SIMS. It is attractive that they enable ASSLBs using high nickel cathode (LiNi0.91Co0.06Mn0.03O2) to retain 94 % capacity after 3,000 cycles and 85 % capacity after 4,000 cycles (4.4 V, ~25 mg/cm2 loading, >5 mAh/cm2, 1.3 C rate) under -20 ℃. This work will contribute to realizing high performance ASSLBs at extremely low-temperature environments using amorphous SSEs.
A Survey of Small Object Detection Based on Deep Learning in Aerial Images
Authors: Hua Wei , Chen Qili
Published: June 2023

Small object detection poses a formidable challenge in the field of computer vision, particularly when it comes to analyzing aerial remote sensing images. Despite the rapid development of deep learning and significant progress in detection techniques in natural scenes, the migration of these algorithms to aerial images has not met expectations. This is primarily due to limitations in imaging acquisition conditions, including small target size, viewpoint specificity, background complexity, as well as scale and orientation diversity. Although the increasing application of deep learning-based algorithms to overcome these problems, few studies have summarized the optimization of different deep learning strategies used for small target detection in aerial images. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the application of deep learning methods for small object detection in aerial images. The primary challenges in small object detection in aerial images will be summarized. Next, a meticulous analysis and categorization of the prevailing deep learning optimization strategies employed to surmount the challenges encountered in aerial image detection is undertaken. Following that, we provide a comprehensive presentation of the object detection datasets utilized in aerial remote sensing images, along with the evaluation metrics employed. Additionally, we furnish experimental data pertaining to the currently proposed detection algorithms. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of various optimization strategies and potential development trends are discussed. Hopefully, it can provide a reference for researchers in this field.
On the zeros of a Lacunary type of Quaternionic Polynomial with restricted coefficients
Authors: Tripathi D.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we are concerned with the problem of locating the zeros of lacunary polynomials of a quaternionic variable with restricted real and quaternionic coefficients. We derive bounds of Eneström-Kakeya type for the zeros of these polynomials by virtue of a maximum modulus theorem. Our results generalize some recently proved results about the distribution of zeros of a quaternionic polynomial.
AMS 2010 Subject Classification: 30E10, 30G35, 16K20.
Association between non-pharmaceutical interventions and the spread of infectious disease during the Covid-19 outbreak in Germany: Application of a hierarchical Bayesian Approach
Authors: Khazaei Yeganeh , Küchenhoff Helmut , Hoffmann Sabine , Syliqi Diella , Rehms Raphael
Published: June 2023

Background: Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) are community mitigation strategies, aimed at reducing the spread of illnesses like the coronavirus pandemic, without relying on pharmaceutical drug treatments. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different NPIs across sixteen states of Germany, for a time period of 21 months of the pandemic.
Methods: We used a Bayesian hierarchical approach that combines different sub-models and merges information from complementary sources, to estimate the true and unknown number of infections. In this framework, we used data on reported cases, hospitalizations, intensive care unit occupancy, and deaths to estimate the effect of NPIs.The list of NPIs includes: “contact restriction (up to 5 people)”, “strict contact restriction”, “curfew”, “events permitted up to 100 people”, “mask requirement in shopping malls”, “restaurant closure”, “restaurants permitted only with test”, “school closure” and “general behavioral changes”.
Results: We found a considerable reduction in the instantaneous reproduction number by “general behavioral changes”, “strict contact restriction”, “restaurants permitted only with test”, “contact restriction (up to 5 people)”, “restaurant closure” and “curfew”. No association with school closures could be found.
Conclusions: This study suggests that some public health measures, including general behavioral changes, strict contact restrictions, and restaurants permitted only with tests are associated with containing the Covid-19 pandemic. Future research is needed to better understand the effectiveness of NPIs in the context of Covid-19 vaccination.
Real-World Efficacy of N95, Surgical, and Cloth Masks in Mitigating SARS-CoV-2 Respiratory Infections: A Comprehensive Comparative Study
Authors: Cai Jun , Yan Ying , Pan Zhigeng , CHEOK Adrian
Published: June 2023

The effectiveness of different types of masks in mitigating respiratory infections, particularly those caused by SARS-CoV-2, has been a topic of significant interest during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of the real-world efficacy of N95, surgical, and cloth masks in reducing the transmission of respiratory infections. Using a large sample size and rigorous data collection methods, we evaluated the protective capabilities of each mask type by assessing the number of infections among individuals wearing these masks in various settings. Our findings reveal that N95 masks exhibited the highest level of protection, followed by surgical masks and cloth masks. However, even cloth masks provided a significant level of protection compared to no mask usage. The results of our study underscore the importance of widespread mask usage as a critical public health measure to control the spread of respiratory infections. These findings have significant implications for public health policies and highlight the need for continued adherence to mask-wearing practices.
Amphibien und Reptilien des nördlichen Rheinlandes
Authors: Glandt Dieter
Published: June 2023

Die Herpetofauna des nördlichen Rheinlandes (Bezirk „Nordrhein") setzt sich aus 23 Arten (Amphibia: 16, Reptilia: 7) zusammen, deren Verbreitung dargestellt wird. Darüber hinaus werden ökologische Hinweise gegeben, vor allem einige aktuelle Probleme diskutiert.
Molluskenschalen als Wandschmuck in der Kapelle von Schloß Falkenlust bei Brühl
Authors: Huwe Barbara , Stein Günther
Published: June 2023

Die Verfasser geben eine Zusammenstellung von Mollusken-Arten, deren Schalen in der Kapelle von Schloß Falkenlust bei Brühl im 18. Jahrhundert zu Wandschmuck verarbeitet wurden.
Palaeotologie, Fazies, Palaeogeographie und Stratigraphie der turonen Grünsande (Oberkreide) im Raum Mülheim/Broich/Speldorf (Westfalen) mit einer Beschreibung der Cephalopodenfauna
Authors: Lommerzheim Andree
Published: June 2023

Es werden die Turonfolgen von 4 Lokalitäten des Mülheimer Raumes beschrieben. Die Gesteine gehören palaeogeographisch zu einer kleinen Bucht am SW-Rand des Münsterländer Beckens. Faziell gesehen handelt es sich bei den untersuchten Gesteinen immer um litorale Sedimente, die unter verschiedenen Umweltbedingungen abgelagert wurden. So befanden sich die Stillwasserbereiche des Steinbruchs Rauen wahrscheinlich im Süßwassereinfluß. Die Sedimente der anderen Aufschlüsse wurden in einem wesentlich bewegteren Milieu abgelagert, in dem Wassertiefe und -bewegung mehrfach schwankten. An den klassischen Fundpunkten am Kassenberg und einigen Baustellen in Mülheim-Speldorf kamen geringmächtige und sehr fossilreiche Flachwassersedimente zur Ablagerung. Die sehr arten- und fossilreichen Flachwasserfaunen, die bisher wenig untersucht und aus dem deutschen Turon in dieser Ausbildung kaum bekannt sind, umfassen insgesamt mehr als 250 Arten, darunter auch eine ganze Anzahl von neuen und wenig untersuchten Formen. Gesondert beschrieben wird die reiche, insgesamt 25 Arten umfassende Cephalopodenfauna, die eine ganze Anzahl von bisher aus Deutschland unbekannten Formen enthält. Die deutsche Form des amerikanischen Baculites fairbanksi wird auf Grund von Gehäuseunterschieden als neue Unterart abgetrennt. Fernerhin wird eine wahrscheinlich neue Art der Gattung Lewesiceras unter offener Nomenklatur beschrieben und abgegrenzt sowie der Lewesiceras peramplus-Formenkreis in mehrere Unterarten aufgeteilt. Durch den Nachweis von zahlreichen bisher bei uns unbekannten Leitammoniten besonders der Gattungen Subprionocyclus, Coilopoceras, Pseudoxybeloceras u. a., war es im Anschluß an neuere Arbeiten des In- und Auslandes möglich, eine neue Zonengliederung für Deutschland einzuführen, die Vergleiche mit den Gliederungen vieler europäischer und asiatischer Länder erlaubt. Nur die Parallelisierung der höchsten Turonschichten ist noch problematisch, da eine zusammenfassende Bearbeitung der betreffenden, meist armen Ammonitenfaunen Deutschlands noch fehlt.
außergewöhnliches "periglaziales" Frostbodenvorkommen bei Bonn
Authors: Höllermann Peter
Published: June 2023

In dieser Mitteilung wird ein Vorkommen gestreiften Auffrierbodens oder - richtiger - gestreiften Auftaubodens vom Sportplatz Lengsdorf bei Bonn in nur NN + 122 bis 125 m beschrieben und in seinen Bildungsbedingungen näher untersucht. Die 1-3 cm hohe Auffrierung der lehmig-sandigen Aschenauflage vollzog sich durch flachgründigen nächtlichen Ausstrahlungsfrost, wohingegen die Streifung in Richtung der Sonneneinstrahlung während der fortschreitenden Auftauphase im Laufe des Vormittags zustande kam. Gegenüber den bisher bekannten Formen dieser Art in der periglazialen Höhenstufe der Gebirge ist das Vorkommen bei Bonn durch seine ungewöhnlich tiefe Lage bemerkenswert. Zusammen mit Beobachtungen über tiefgelegene Miniaturformen von Frostmusterböden und Erdbülten in der Gegend von Göttingen und Gießen (H. Rohdenburg & D. Walther 1968, H. Stingl 1971, D. Kelletat 1969) liegt mit diesem Vorkommen gestreiften Auffrierbodens ein weiteres Beispiel dafür vor, daß in Abhängigkeit vom Witterungsgeschehen kurzfristig entstehende Frostbodenformen unter besonderen Bedingungen auch weit abseits des rezenten Periglazialbereichs auftreten können. Daher erscheint Zurückhaltung angebracht, Einzelvorkommen rasch entstehender Frostbodenformen als Indikatoren einer periglazialen Morphodynamik oder als Grenzkriterien zu werten.