bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating from data-driven design to designing with ML: a case study of truck HMI system design
Authors: Luo Yi , Gkouskos Dimitrios , Russo Nancy L. , Wang Minjuan
Published: May 2024

Data-driven design is believed to be empowered by machine learning (ML) with advanced pattern classification and prediction. However, research on how ML can be used to support automotive human-machine interface (HMI) design is lacking. We presented a case study of truck HMI design to understand the current data use and expectations of ML in the design process. Findings show decentralized data practices, the role of expertise in decision-making, and the envisioned reactive use of ML, where we underscore the implications for advancing human-ML collaboration in designing future truck HMI systems.
Large language models in complex system design
Authors: Gomez Alejandro Pradas , Krus Petter , Panarotto Massimo , Isaksson Ola
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) in engineering complex systems, demonstrating how they can support designers on detail design phases. Two aerospace cases, a system architecture definition and a CAD model generation activities are studied. The research reveals LLMs' challenges and opportunities to support designers, and future research areas to further improve their application in engineering tasks. It emphasizes the new paradigm of LLMs support compared to traditional Machine Learning techniques, as they can successfully perform tasks with just a few examples.
Empathic empowerment: an exploration and analysis of a situated interaction through empathic modelling and role-play
Authors: Grech Amy , Wodehouse Andrew , Brisco Ross
Published: May 2024

Empowerment is crucial for eliciting designer empathy. This research explores a distinctive integration of empathic modelling and role-play, termed Empathic Empowerment. Through a qualitative study, this research introduces a novel evaluation system, entitled the Empathic Empowerment Scale, designed to support the optimal level of designer empathy in a situated interaction drawn from habitual user experiences. The goal of this research is to empower designers to create the next generation of human-oriented solutions with enhanced inclusivity and social value, through practical experiences.
Investigating low data consistency in work planning processes – causes, measures, and opportunities
Authors: Dausch Valesko , Langner Christopher , Roth Daniel , Kreimeyer Matthias , Guertler Matthias R.
Published: May 2024

Digital transformation increases the need for interdisciplinary collaboration along the product lifecycle. It is currently hindered by a low data consistency resulting from the use of heterogeneous systems and data models. Especially in work planning, where several data models are combined, this decreases efficiency. Systems Lifecycle management (SysLM) offers a solution to this remedy. However, a sudden switch to SysLM is not possible in brownfields. Thus, it is necessary to examine the challenges and opportunities to derive case-specific measures that enable its adoption in work planning.
Exploring the barriers to innovation adoption in the UK construction industry
Authors: White K-M , Clarkson P. John
Published: May 2024

The UK construction industry is an important aspect of the UK economy; however, it is struggling to keep pace with wider economic growth and if it does not change it will not be able to keep up with demand. There is a gap between academia and practice, and little understanding of how to successfully innovate within the industry. Following a workshop with 25 construction industry professionals on the barriers to innovation in the construction industry, key themes were developed through thematic analysis including regulation, fragmentation and constant change.
Product changes from various viewpoints along the product lifecycle – an empirical study
Authors: Beibl Julia , Krause Dieter
Published: May 2024

From an economic perspective, the appeal of a product diminishes over time. However, volatile markets and divergent technological advancements make it challenging to anticipate when and to what extent changes will be necessary. Therefore, it is important to be able to integrate changes after a product's launch. This paper provides an overview of different perspectives on the product lifecycle. In addition, the paper presents an empirical study on implementing changes at an automobile manufacturer.
AI-based analysis and linking of technical and organisational data using graph models as a basis for decision-making in systems engineering
Authors: Katzung Sebastian , Cinkaya Hüseyin , Kizgin Umut Volkan , Savinov Alexander , Baschin Julian , Vietor Thomas
Published: May 2024

The increased complexity of development projects surpass the capabilities of existing methods. While Model Based Systems Engineering pursues technically holistic approaches to realize complex products, aspects of organization as well as risk management, are still considered separately. The identification and management of risks are crucial in order to take suitable measures to minimize adverse effects on the project or the organization. To counter this, a new graph-based method and tool using AI, tailored to the needs of complex development projects and organizations is introduced here.
Design for the real world: a problem-based learning approach
Authors: Acharya Shakuntala
Published: May 2024

Problem-based Learning is an established learner-centred pedagogical approach for developing skills and competencies. This paper presents the evolutionary development of a Massive Open Online Course, titled "Design for the Real World: A Problem-based Learning Approach", with the aim to empower learners to independently pursue problem-based inquiry using design methods and tools, thereby fostering creativity and life-long learning.
Engineering design education at German universities: potential for a common basis to create personalized e-learning content
Authors: Kossack Frederike , Bender Beate
Published: May 2024

E-learning materials require a high initial development effort but can then be used by a large number of students with little effort. It therefore seems reasonable to develop and use these across universities. Particularly in the field of Engineering Design Education, standardized principles through norms and guidelines lead to a high degree of transferability. For the development of such e-learning offers, however, the context of application must be identified. As a fundament for the development, this publication analyzes Engineering Design Education in Germany.
Approaches for exploration, analysis, and visualization of tradespace for engineering decision-making
Authors: Sutton Meredith , Daniels Julia , Masoudi Nafiseh , Gorsich David , Turner Cameron
Published: May 2024

This paper discusses approaches for tradespace analysis, exploration, and visualization to address multi-objective decision-making. Next, computational tools for early-stage tradespace analysis to enhance programmatic decision-making are introduced via a vehicle design example to demonstrate the effectiveness and capability of the method. Using a smaller sample of technologies in this problem a synthetic tradespace spans the space of potential and available solutions and provides an opportunity for design engineers to develop an insight into possible technologies and solutions within the tradespace.
Weak tie interactions in networking: five types of interaction structures
Authors: Nightingall Georgina , Baxter Weston
Published: May 2024

Weak ties contribute to an individual's happiness, health and career, yet networking events supporting weak ties are often considered ineffective and unenjoyable. More support is needed to aid the design of these experiences. This inductive qualitative study explores how weak tie interactions occurred in a 3-day event for a professional networking community. Data was collected from multiple behavioural settings through direct observation, semi-structured interviews and archival data. Results highlight five structures underpinning weak tie interactions and associated implications for design.
Feedback thought at the intersection of systems and design science
Authors: de Oliveira Igor Czermainski , Guzzo Daniel , Pigosso Daniela C. A.
Published: May 2024

This paper explores the interplay of feedback principles in design and systems science. From their roots in engineering, biology, and economics, it investigates intersections between design, cybernetics and servomechanisms. The synthesis emphasizes the need for considering feedback in anticipating unintended consequences and proposes an integrative view reconciling fundamental assumptions from the different fields through simulation. This holistic approach underscores the pivotal role of feedback in understanding and addressing complex phenomena, such as rebound effects, in design science.
Applying a product modularization approach on the case of a battery pack
Authors: Beibl Julia , Zumach Katharina , Wehrend Sven , Züfle Marc , Hein Eugen , Plaumann Benedikt , Krause Dieter
Published: May 2024

When designing battery packs, opposing target-conflicts and design goals arise due to the different disciplines involved in the development process. Looking at the available technologies for battery pack design, different solutions can be found on the market. The development of a battery pack for use in various scenarios therefore presents an interesting use case to evaluate product modularisation approaches. Hence, this paper discusses the application of the Integrated PKT Approach based on a fictious use case of a modular battery pack to derive potential starting points for its improvement.
Learnings from developing a custom virtual assembly environment for mountability issues of cooling cabinets
Authors: Hackenberg Georg , Zehetner Christian
Published: May 2024

Various industries use computer simulation for verifying product properties in early phases of development. Traditionally, such properties include the stability of mechanical structures or the efficiency of aircraft turbines. More recently, research also focuses on the mountability of industrial products using virtual assembly. While research on virtual assembly already started in the mid-1990s, the applicability in different industries remains largely unclear today. To advance the state-of-the-art, in this paper we present learnings from developing a virtual assembly environment for cooling cabinets.
Enhancing the IFM framework based on a meta-analysis of other design methods
Authors: Krüger Merlin , Gericke Kilian , Zorn Stefan
Published: May 2024

The use of design methods across multiple design phases of the product development process often leads to inconsistency, the loss of transparency, and the rejection of design methods by practitioners. The authors of this work intend to develop a central modelling approach that supports consistency, based on the integrated function modelling (IFM) framework. Therefore, various design methods from the literature were examined for their techniques and content to identify indicators for supporting consistency. The results led to an enhancement of the IFM framework.
The impact of specialized software on concept generation
Authors: Bonde Julian Martinsson , Breimann Richard , Malmqvist Johan , Kirchner Eckhard , Isaksson Ola
Published: May 2024

Software implementations of traditional engineering design methods can potentially enrich the original methods. A study was conducted to better understand how concept generation can be facilitated using software. Participants of the study were asked to generate concepts using either specialized software, or by using traditional means, for applying function-means modeling and morphological matrices. A concept concretization metric was used to evaluate the results, which indicated that there are both positive and negative aspects of performing concept generation using specialized software.
Assessing yacht design processes: a comparison of traditional and integrated methodologies
Authors: Ruggiero Ludovico , Piccioni Massimo , Bionda Arianna
Published: May 2024

Yacht design process currently faces challenges as slow data sharing, lack of flexibility in modelling and inefficient optimisation of shapes. This paper assesses the potential of an integrated approach over the traditional one, using a hypothetical industry scenario. The key aspects of data sharing/project management, modelling system, and shape optimization are compared, and new collaborative tools and technologies are introduced. The research reveals significant benefits of the integrated approach over the traditional one highlighting its potential to foster innovation within the industry.
Decision making support for designers at the early design stage regarding narrowing down the range values of design variables
Authors: Shimada Yoshiyuki , Akutsu Daichi , Kodama Shinnosuke , Kondo Shuichi , Hiramatsu Shigeki , Fukui Seiji , Unesaki Hiroshi , Hatano Takashi , Aoyama Kazuhiro , Inoue Masato
Published: May 2024

This study presents a search method for a solution space that aligns with a designer's design intent. The proposed method uses multiobjective optimization to determine the size of the narrowed solution space and the weakness of the constraint relationships between the design variables. The suitability of the proposed method is tested by applying it to the design problem of an electric motor for an EV, aiming to provide designers with solution spaces that offer a high degree of freedom in the later design stages and that have weaker constraint relationships among the design variables.
Playing against the rules: a new perspective on the potential of games and play as convivial and critical tools for imagining futures
Authors: Meshcheryakova Anna O. , Hemmert Fabian
Published: May 2024

In recent years, we have observed an increased interest within the field of design research in both the concept of conviviality and playful approaches as a pathway to co-design and participation. While play is often associated with freedom of expression and creativity, the implication of rules and mechanics in games poses questions regarding the tension between player agency and designed gameplay. This paper aims to provide reflection on these topics through a lens of ‘critical play’ and presents a model to explore games’ potential as convivial tools for imagining collective futures.
Voicing or register in Jarai dialects? Implications for the reconstruction of Proto-Chamic and for registrogenesis
Authors: Brunelle Marc , Leb Ke , Tạ Thành Tấn , Đinh Lư Giang
Published: May 2024

Jarai is a Chamic language of Vietnam and Cambodia that is traditionally described as preserving the original Austronesian voicing contrast in onset obstruents. However, there is anecdotal evidence that it has developed a register contrast, i.e. a binary contrast based on a bundle of spectral properties like pitch, voice quality and vowel quality. We conducted production and perception experiments of the voicing/register contrast in two Jarai varieties spoken in Saom Kaning, Cambodia, and Ea Sup, Vietnam, to determine if they preserve voicing and/or have developed a register contrast. Results show that both dialects have a register contrast primarily based on vowel height modulations (F1) and that onset voicing has become at best an optional secondary property of register. F1 is also the primary cue used for register identification in both dialects. Implications for the diachronic development of the register contrast in Chamic languages and in Mainland Southeast Asia in general are discussed.
Perceiving welfare state sustainability: fiscal costs, group deservingness, or ideology?
Authors: Kumlin Staffan , Nemčok Miroslav
Published: May 2024

What shapes citizens’ perceptions of long-term welfare state sustainability? Past work hints at three explanations: information about fiscal pressure, deservingness views of recipient groups, and left-right ideology. We consider all three in an experiment exposing people to information about fiscal costs and/or low deservingness in the labor market domain. Left-right ideology functions as a moderator. Unlike past work, which has concentrated on demographic pressures, information about fiscal costs does not generate worries about sustainability (separately or combined with deservingness cues). Rather, left-right ideology moderates reactions. People on the left seem to question and counterargue against fiscal pressure, such that when facing negative information, they develop more positive sustainability views. This counter-reaction coexists with statistically insignificant effects in the negative direction among people on the right. These ideological contingencies arise without partisan cues, suggesting that welfare state pressure itself is ideologically controversial in the labor market domain.
Crystal structures and X-ray powder diffraction data for AAlGe2O6 synthetic leucite analogs (A = K, Rb, Cs)
Authors: Bell Anthony M. T.
Published: May 2024

Leucites are tetrahedrally coordinated silicate framework structures with some of the silicon framework cations that are partially replaced by divalent or trivalent cations. These structures have general formulae A2BSi5O12 and ACSi2O6, where A is a monovalent alkali metal cation, B is a divalent cation, and C is a trivalent cation. There are also leucite analogs with analogous tetrahedrally coordinated germanate framework structures. These have general formulae A2BGe5O12 and ACGe2O6. In this paper, the Rietveld refinements of three synthetic Ge-leucite analogs with stoichiometries of AAlGe2O6 (A = K, Rb, Cs) are discussed. KAlGe2O6 is I41/a tetragonal and is isostructural with KAlSi2O6. RbAlGe2O6 and CsAlGe2O6 are $I\bar{4}3d$ cubic and are isostructural with KBSi2O6.
Shifting goalposts: widening discrepancies between girls’ actual and ideal bodies predict disordered eating from preadolescence to adulthood
Authors: Magel Chantelle A. , Lacroix Emilie , Wilson Sylia , Iacono William G. , von Ranson Kristin M.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Little is known regarding how disordered eating (DE) relates to perceived actual body size, ideal body size, and their discrepancy. This study examined changes in perceived actual body size, ideal body size, and actual-ideal discrepancies over time, and their relationship with subsequent DE.

Methods:

Participants were 759 female twins from the Minnesota Twin Family Study who reported on body image and DE every three to five years between approximately ages 11 to 29. We used multilevel modeling to examine developmental trajectories of body mass index (BMI) and Body Rating Scale Actual, Ideal, and Actual-Ideal discrepancy scores and compared the degree to which BMI, BRS body size perceptions, and body dissatisfaction predicted DE behaviors and attitudes over time. Participants were treated as singletons in analyses.

Results:

Perceived Actual body sizes and BMIs increased from age 10 to 33, whereas Ideal body sizes remained largely stable across time, resulting in growing Actual-Ideal discrepancies. Body size perceptions and Actual–Ideal discrepancies predicted subsequent DE behaviors and attitudes more strongly than did body dissatisfaction as measured by self-report questionnaires.

Conclusions:

This research advances understanding of how female body size perceptions and ideals change across development and highlights their relationship with subsequent DE.
Binary pattern retrieval with Kuramoto-type oscillators via a least orthogonal lift of three patterns
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxue , Li Zhuchun
Published: May 2024

Given a set of standard binary patterns and a defective pattern, the pattern retrieval task is to find the closest pattern to the defective one among these standard patterns. The Hebbian network of Kuramoto oscillators with second-order coupling provides a dynamical model for this task, and the mutual orthogonality in memorised patterns enables us to distinguish these memorised patterns from most others in terms of stability. For the sake of error-free retrieval for general problems lacking orthogonality, a unified approach was proposed which transforms the problem into a series of subproblems with orthogonality using the orthogonal lift for two patterns. In this work, we propose the least orthogonal lift for three patterns, which evidently reduces the time of solving subproblems and even the dimensions of subproblems. Furthermore, we provide an estimate for the critical strength for stability/instability of binary patterns, which is convenient in practical use. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Native aortic root thrombus leading to myocardial infarction in a single ventricle patient
Authors: Shinozaki Rod M. , Johnson Mark C. , Gazit Avihu Z.
Published: May 2024

We report a 14-month-old male with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, mitral stenosis, and aortic stenosis with native aortic root thrombus. He developed a wide complex ventricular tachycardia and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with troponin I levels peaking at 388 ng/mL. He was treated safely with systemic alteplase with a resolution of his regional wall motion abnormality 18 hours later.
John Stuart Mill on the Suez Canal and the limits of self-defence
Authors: Beaumont Tim
Published: May 2024

Michael Walzer's use of John Stuart Mill's A Few Words on Non-Intervention (1859) helped to inaugurate it as a canonical text of international theory. However, Walzer's use of the text was highly selective because he viewed the first half as a historically parochial discussion of British foreign policy, and his interest in the second was restricted to the passages in which Mill proposes principles of international morality to govern foreign military interventions to protect third parties. As a result, theorists tend to see those canonized passages as if through a glass darkly. Attention to the detail and context of Mill's first-half critique of Lord Palmerston's opposition to the Suez Canal project reveals that his discussion of purely protective intervention is embedded in a broader exploration of the limits of self-defence, including the moral permissibility of preventive military force and the use of protective interventions for defensive purposes. Moreover, reading the text holistically facilitates a refutation of some objections directed at it by Michael Doyle to the effect that Mill's conception of self-defence incorporates elements of aggression which makes it extremely dangerous when adapted for application to the contemporary world.
Integrated management of cheat (Bromus secalinus L.) and downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.) in Oklahoma grain-only winter wheat
Authors: Lindell Hannah C. , Manuchehri Misha R. , Kimura Emi , Baughman Todd A. , Basinger Nicholas T.
Published: May 2024

In Oklahoma, downy brome and cheat are difficult-to-control winter annual grasses. In the past, cheat infested most of the winter wheat hectares harvested in Oklahoma. Biotypes that are cross-resistant to acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides have left growers with minimal management options for conventional and herbicide-tolerant systems. Field trials near Lahoma, Oklahoma, in 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 evaluated integrated management of cheat and downy brome using three strategies: planting date (optimal, delayed, and late), cultivar selection (high and low competitiveness), and herbicide choice (no herbicide, sulfosulfuron at 35.2 g ai ha−1 and pyroxsulam at 18.4 g ai ha−1). Visual control, weed species present, wheat biomass at heading, and grain yield data were collected. In 2019–2020, 8 to 9 wk after treatment, visual control increased by 15% with the delayed planting compared with the optimal planting date and 14% with the late planting date. In 2020–2021, similar control (∼99%) was recorded for delayed and late plantings with 23% greater control than the optimal timing. Due to a lack of weed coverage, weed biomass in 2019–2020 had no response to planting date, cultivar, or herbicide treatment. Downy brome biomass during 2020–2021 was approximately 90% lower with delayed to late planting dates than the optimal planting date. In the same year, downy brome and cheat biomass were low (≤0.4 and 0.2 g m−2) and 98% less after an herbicide application than a nontreated area. Wheat grain yield at the optimal planting date was greater than yields from delayed and late plantings in 2019–2020. A delay in planting from the optimal date to delayed or late timings decreased wheat yield by 14% and 21%, respectively. In 2020–2021, wheat yield from the late planting was reduced by 57% compared with the optimal planting yield. Delaying the planting date and the use of a common herbicide can suppress cheat and downy brome, but a decline in wheat yield may occur.
Die Bedeutung der Selbstregulation für die Moral von Kindern
Authors: Wilke Jessica
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung: Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die Bedeutung der Selbstregulation für die Entwicklung von Kindern wird intensiv diskutiert. Die Rolle der Selbstregulation für die Moral ist jedoch ungeklärt. Fragestellung: Ziel ist, der Frage nach Zusammenhängen zwischen verschiedenen Aspekten der Selbstregulation (temperamentsbezogene Selbstregulation, exekutive Funktionen und Emotionsregulation) und der Moral (moralisches Selbst und Urteil) bei Kindern in der mittleren Kindheit nachzugehen und zu analysieren, welche dieser Selbstregulationsaspekte in einem integrativen Modell den stärksten Zusammenhang mit der moralischen Entwicklung zeigen. Methode: 348 Kinder (5 – 11 Jahre) nahmen an der Querschnittsstudie teil. Verschiedene Selbstregulationsaspekte (exekutive Funktionen, Temperament, Emotionsregulation) wurden als Prädiktoren für Moral in einem Strukturgleichungsmodell analysiert. Ergebnisse: Emotionsregulation hatte den stärksten Effekt auf Moral, gefolgt von Impulsivität, dem Arbeitsgedächtnis und der Inhibitionskontrolle. Risikobereitschaft zeigte keine signifikanten Assoziationen mit der Moral. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung: Selbstregulation zeigte Zusammenhänge mit der Moral von Kindern. Die Förderung der Selbstregulation für die Moralentwicklung sollte in Praxis und Forschung fokussiert werden.
Common food additive carrageenan inhibits proglucagon expression and GLP-1 secretion by human enteroendocrine L-cells
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sumit , Borthakur Alip , Tobacman Joanne K.
Published: May 2024

Proglucagon mRNA expression and GLP-1 secretion by cultured human L-cells (NCI-H716) were inhibited following exposure to λ-carrageenan, a commonly used additive in processed foods. Carrageenan is composed of sulfated or unsulfated galactose residues linked in alternating alpha-1,3 and beta-1,4 bonds and resembles the endogenous sulfated glycosaminoglycans. However, carrageenan has unusual alpha-1,3-galactosidic bonds, which are not innate to human cells and are implicated in immune responses. Exposure to carrageenan predictably causes inflammation, and carrageenan impairs glucose tolerance and contributes to insulin resistance. When cultured human L-cells were deprived overnight of glucose and serum and then exposed to high glucose, 10% FBS, and λ-carrageenan (1 µg/ml) for 10 minutes, 1 h, and 24 h, mRNA expression of proglucagon and secretion of GLP-1 were significantly reduced, compared to control cells not exposed to carrageenan. mRNA expression of proglucagon by mouse L-cells (STC-1) was also significantly reduced and supports the findings in the human cells. Exposure of co-cultured human intestinal epithelial cells (LS174T) to the spent media of the carrageenan-treated L-cells led to a decline in mRNA expression of GLUT-2 at 24 h. These findings suggest that ingestion of carrageenan-containing processed foods may impair the production of GLP-1, counteract the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists and induce secondary effects on intestinal epithelial cells.
MiR-1976/NCAPH/P65 axis inhibits the malignant phenotypes of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Peiluo , Zhao Hongtao , Sun Ruonan , Liu Chunyan , Wu Lei , Wang Yao , Gan Zhengwei , Yang Xiuzhen , Du Juan
Published: May 2024

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a malignancy with an abysmal survival rate. High metastasis is the leading cause of the low survival rate of LUAD. NCAPH, an oncogene, is involved in the carcinogenesis of LUAD. However, the regulation of NCAPH in LUAD remains controversial. In this work, we identified an up-regulation of NCAPH in LUAD tissues. Patients who expressed more NCAPH had shorter overall survival (OS). Furthermore, NCAPH overexpression promoted LUAD cell migration while inhibiting apoptosis. MiR-1976 and miR-133b were predicted to target NCAPH expression by searching TargetScan and linkedomics databases. Following that, we confirmed that miR-1976 suppressed NCAPH by directly targeting a 7-bp region of NCAPH 3′ untranslated regions (UTR). In addition, increased expression of miR-1976 decreased the proliferation & migration and promoted apoptosis of LUAD cells, and the re-introduction of NCAPH reversed these influences. Furthermore, the xenograft and metastasis mouse models also confirmed that miR-1976 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo by targeting NCAPH. Finally, we found that MiR-1976 targeting NCAPH blocked the activation of NF-κB. In conclusion, miR-1976 inhibits NCAPH activity in LUAD and acts as a tumor suppressor. The miR-1976/NCAPH/NF-κB axis may, in the future, represent crucial diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and promising therapeutic options.
The miR-641-STIM1 and SATB1 axes play important roles in the regulation of the Th17/Treg balance in ITP
Authors: Zhu Hongkai , Ruan Xueqin , Zhao Kexin , Kuang Wenyong , Liu Sufang , Yan Wenzhe , Fu Xianming , Cheng Zhao , Li Ruijuan , Peng Hongling
Published: May 2024

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease caused by T-cell dysfunction. Recently, several studies have shown that a disturbed Th17/Treg balance contributes to the development of ITP. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA moleculesthat posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression. Emerging evidences have demonstrated that miRNAs play an important role in regulating the Th17/Treg balance. In the present study, we found that miR-641 was upregulated in ITP patients. In primary T cells, overexpression of miR-641 could cause downregulation of its target genes STIM1 and SATB1, thus inducing a Th17 (upregulated)/Treg (downregulated) imbalance. Inhibition of miR-641 by a miR-641 sponge in primary T cells of ITP patients or by antagomiR-641 in an ITP murine model could cause upregulation of STIM1 and SATB1, thus restoring Th17/Treg homeostasis. These results suggested that the miR-641-STIM/SATB1 axis plays an important role in regulating the Th17/Treg balance in ITP.
CRTAC1 identified as a promising diagnosis and prognostic biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tan Lin , Zhang Han , Ding Yun , Huang Yangyun , Sun Daqiang
Published: May 2024

CRTAC1, one of the pyroptosis-related genes, has been identified as a protective factor in certain kinds of cancer, such as gastric adenocarcinoma and bladder cancer. The study aimed to investigate the role of CRTAC1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). LUAD datasets were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), pyroptosis-related genes from GeneCard. Limma package used to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and weighted genes co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify CRTAC1 as hub gene. CRTAC1 expression was confirmed in a real-world cohort using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western Blot (WB) analyses. Cellular experiments were conducted to investigate CRTAC1’s potential oncogenic mechanisms. CRTAC1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in LUAD tissues (p < 0.05) and showed high accuracy in diagnosing LUAD. Reduced CRTAC1 expression was associated with a poor prognosis. Higher CRTAC1 expression correlated with increased immune cell infiltration. Individuals with high CRTAC1 expression showed increased drug sensitivity. Additionally, qPCR and WB analyses showed that CRTAC1 expression was lower in tumor tissue compared to adjacent normal tissue at both the RNA and protein levels. Upregulation of CRTAC1 significantly inhibited LUAD cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in cellular experiments. CRTAC1 has the potential to serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in LUAD.
A Picture May Be Worth 1,000 Words, but Is It Worth a Letter? Examining Whether the Choice of Label Affects the Perception of Speech Sounds
Authors: Levi Susannah V. , Cheng Hung-Shao , O'Brien Gabrielle , Harel Daphna
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

Researchers often use identification or goodness rating tasks to assess speech perception for different populations. These tasks provide useful information about a listener's willingness to accept a range of acoustically variable stimuli as belonging to the same category and also about assessing how stimuli that are labeled the same may not be perceived as equally good versions of a particular speech sound. Many methodological aspects of these simple tasks have been tested, but one aspect that has not is the choice of label. In this study, we examine response patterns to images versus letters, as studies with different populations (children vs. adults) or different methods (typical behavioral study vs. visual world paradigm) may vary in the type of label used.

Method:

Eighty-one adult listeners completed phoneme identification and goodness ratings tasks with either images of response options (a picture of a bear and a picture of a pear) or with letter labels (a capital B and P).

Results:

The results suggest that choice of label does not alter performance within the tasks studied here. In addition, the results did show the expected finding that the slope of the response curve is steeper in an identification task than in a goodness rating task.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that it is possible to compare across studies that use different response options, a benefit to research and practice because letter labels can be used for nonimageable words and nonwords, whereas images may be best used for participants who are younger or have poorer reading skills.
Critical incidents: what the psychologist sees
Authors: Hart Zara
Published: May 2024

In the life span of a critical incident, every decision counts. The opportunity to prevent the event has passed, so the avoidance and mitigation of risk becomes the primary goal. The same is true of early intervention in trauma. This paper shares the experience of these events from the perspective of a visiting psychologist. It will include tips for Emergency Management Teams (EMTs) in setting the psychologist up for effective interventions. Also, a triage model that can be used to mitigate psychological harm and channel the most impacted crew members towards help is discussed. It will also suggest ways that operators can collaborate with Employee Assistance Providers to ensure that impacted crew members receive trauma informed care post crisis.
A Mesoproterozoic (~1.25 Ga) ‘fossilised’ oil column in the Moroak Sandstone of the Beetaloo Sub-basin, NT
Authors: Kempton Richard , Perera Siyumini , Faiz Mohinudeen , Verrall Michael
Published: May 2024

The Beetaloo Sub-basin hosts a large unconventional ‘shale gas’ resource within organic-rich Mesoproterozoic shales of the Velkerri and Kyalla formations; however, little has been done to understand conventional oil charge to the associated sandstone reservoirs. Using Grains containing Oil Inclusions, we show that an ancient ‘fossilised’ oil column once existed at the top of the Moroak Sandstone in the Elliott-1 well. The column had a minimum height of 18.02 m, with a possible paleo–oil–water contact at the base of a resistive zone on logs at ~1348 m and a change in core colour. Fluid inclusion oil is entrapped in quartz cement and is inferred to be a light oil of >42°API gravity from its near-blue fluorescence colour. Post-oil solid bitumen is still present in the reservoir sandstone, and we assert that this helped to retard the crystallisation of quartz cement that elsewhere occluded porosity. From burial history models that utilise a refined source rock maturity evaluation method, we claim this to be the remnant of Australia’s oldest yet known conventional oil accumulation at ~1.25 Ga. Analogous bituminous paleo-reservoirs from the North China Craton, dated at 1327 ± 2 Ma, were likely sourced from similar oil-prone cyanobacterial shales that formed during their shared connection with the North Australian Craton on the ancient supercontinent Nuna during the Mesoproterozoic.
Brownfield modifications to convert existing gas production facilities for CCS operations
Authors: Jones Christopher
Published: May 2024

In recent years, traditional oil and gas operators have found novel means of extending the life of their assets and deferring onerous decommissioning costs by converting their facilities from gas production into carbon dioxide (CO2) injection. While the task of designing for CO2 may sound simple, CO2 injection works in counter-intuitive ways, with previously established heuristics derived from years of experience in gas condensate systems being quickly challenged as potentially dangerous. The world of designing CO2 systems is back-to-front compared with hydrocarbons; it isn’t simply a case of a change in flow direction. Some of the design challenges explored in this paper include: large density variability in CO2 systems where a small change in the ambient temperature can significantly impact the pressure of a shut-in system; optimal pressure ratings of the vents and drains systems and how previous safety margins may be unsafe; pipeline hydraulic modelling focussed on new areas outside of the traditional suite of analysis, such as assurance of the supercritical phase; understanding liquid water dropout being more of a concern than hydrate formation; injection wells counter-intuitively flowing from low pressure to high pressure; whether to vent CO2 above or below an offshore platform; and optimal liquefied CO2 storage vessel conditions and safeguarding.
Australia’s 2024 decommissioning landscape
Authors: Norman Francis , Sadler Shaun
Published: May 2024

Australia’s decommissioning workload has continued to grow at a pace in the past year, several scopes are now awarded, and significant progress is being achieved on a number of studies. However, there is still a lot to do for Australia to deliver its decommissioning outcomes efficiently, safely and to best achievable standards. This paper will provide an update on decommissioning developments across Australia as well as highlighting some key activities helping grow a sustainable local industry. Coming off a low historic volume of activity of the previous decade, Australia’s decommissioning industry has had to rapidly scale and skill-up to address the significant volume of activity anticipated for the remainder of the decade. This increase has impacted the entire value chain, with everyone struggling to find experienced staff, access technologies and secure the all-important vessels to execute the work. Government is moving to support local companies grow into the industry. Regulators are working to balance societal expectations and industry plans. The service sector is mobilising into Australia, and everyone is looking for access to facilities to land equipment and to understand recycling and disposal chains. Meanwhile the workforce, keen to understand where to position themselves for the energy transition, are looking for opportunities. CODA has continued to work strategically to build the local industry. In the past 12 months, CODA has been developing a new online lookahead, completed several port studies, started to map industry skills needs and looked deeper into materials disposal and recycling.
Developing a ‘fit for purpose’ approach to measuring methane emissions
Authors: Joynes Ian , O’Keeffe Rory , Manolas Yvette
Published: May 2024

Tackling methane emissions from fossil fuel operations represents one of the best near- and medium-term opportunities for limiting the effects of climate change. Over the last few years, independent methane studies have challenged the accuracy and completeness of publicly disclosed emissions estimates. To address this, new methane accounting and reporting frameworks have been developed. Central to these frameworks are key principles linked to measurement, monitoring, reporting, verification (MMRV) and reduction. Woodside has taken specific actions to measure and reduce its methane emissions and is developing a pathway to embed ongoing and sustainable measurements technologies in its operations. Previously, Woodside discussed the management and valuation of methane reductions, this paper will describe the approach taken to develop methane measurement plans including (i) the objective of measurement plans, (ii) measurement technology attributes and (iii) the identification of measurement technology use cases. It also overviews measurement techniques such as satellite, aerial, drone, handheld and continuous monitoring which can form part of a curated multi-scale approach to MMRV across a portfolio of assets.
The bystander approach to prevention
Authors: Orugun Bukkie , Cooper Dean , Clifford Hannah
Published: May 2024

In 2018, the Australian Human Rights Commission identified that in 40% of sexual harassment cases at least one other person witnessed the incident, and that in most of those incidents (69%), bystanders did not intervene. The oil and gas sector has normalised stop work and intervene as a workplace health and safety practice. What if, as an industry, our workforce was as confident and capable in intervening in harassment as they are when witnessing risks to physical safety? At MATE (Motivating Action Through Empowerment, Griffith University), we believe that change starts with the individual. Our training is based on the idea that not only do we have an opportunity to do the important work around raising the bar on acceptable behaviour, we have a responsibility. It is the work we do at an individual level with our peers that has a ripple effect on the people within our sphere of influence and ultimately makes the difference. This is the philosophy that underpins our approach to creating respectful workplaces. We help to develop effective leaders who have the tools to action change within our workplaces and our greater community. Since 2022, TechnipFMC Australia’s STRIVE (Supporting TechnipFMC to Reach Its Vision of Equity) team has been working closely with MATE to roll out a training package to its workforce, building an understanding of the role of the bystander in creating a safe and respectful workplace. The content will explore the benefits of active bystander behaviour, why TechnipFMC sees value in investing in the program and the impact of the program post-session.
Petroleum systems analysis of the onshore Otway Basin, South Australia
Authors: Edwards Casey , Rady Tim , Cubitt Chris , Kirk Rob , Tiainen Sharon
Published: May 2024

An updated Petroleum Systems Model was built for the South Australian onshore Otway Basin, incorporating new seismic interpretation, seismic stratigraphy, core interpretations and a recent chemostratigraphy study. The Otway Basin is a divergent passive continental margin, with the Penola Trough the most significant hydrocarbon province discovered to date. Revision of the existing geochemistry database and seismic stratigraphy along with source rock model indicates potential good quality, liquids prone lacustrine source rocks are present in the Jurassic Casterton Formation (S0-P5) and the Early Cretaceous Basal Shale (McEachern Sand equivalent)/Lower Sawpit Shale (S1-P1/S1-P2). Gas prone source rocks are modelled in the Valanginian Upper Sawpit Shale (S1-P4/S1-P5) and Hauterivian Laira Formation (S1-P6–S1-P10). Modelling suggests liquid hydrocarbons were expelled from the Lower Sawpit Shale between 126 and 70 Ma, with the majority sourced from the Penola and Robe Troughs. Gas/condensate expulsion also took place up to 30 Ma from the Upper and Lower Sawpit Shale in the Penola and Robe Troughs. Gas is modelled to have been expelled from the Laira Formation in the Tantanoola Trough, between 100 Ma and present day.
Are Australian carbon prices sufficient to support decarbonisation in gas production?
Authors: Wong Daniel Lorng Yon , Agrawal Prabhat
Published: May 2024

Recent years have seen a rapid increase in the push for energy transition in Australia. Carbon prices have been introduced through the Safeguard Mechanism and Australian Carbon Credit Units. Consumers of hydrocarbon products are beginning to demand carbon neutral products. Oil and gas operators are pledging net-zero emissions targets. The decarbonisation efforts that ensue are expected to drive a paradigm shift in upstream development approaches. In this work, we investigate how an anonymised high carbon dioxide (CO2) gas field may be developed under prevailing carbon prices. We identify three project archetypes and estimate economically recoverable resources under each project; we also analyse the economic performance of each project. In the first archetype, we consider a project where CO2 is separated from the produced gas and vented into the atmosphere. In the second archetype, we consider a carbon sequestration project in which CO2 is transported via pipeline for storage in an onshore depleted gas reservoir. Lastly, we consider a case in which the gas buyer demands a fully carbon neutral product; as such, we study the feasibility of producing blue hydrogen using the produced gas, and how this impacts project economics and reserves. The case studies quantify by how much decarbonisation efforts negatively impact project economics and how they are the least objectionable when carbon prices are high. The analysis shows that carbon prices in Australia are currently sufficient to enable commercial development in ideal situations, but need to be higher to enable wider decarbonisation.
Corporate positioning in Australia for a new investment outlook
Authors: Harwood Andrew
Published: May 2024

Government intervention and increased regulatory scrutiny have altered the investment environment for the energy sector in Australia. Asia’s efforts to decarbonise will drive long-term investment in Australia’s renewable, hydrogen and carbon capture potential. But as the energy sector shifts emphasis back towards security of supply and affordability, Australia remains a key destination for upstream investment. Looking closer at Australia’s oil and gas sector, how are companies positioned to manage the rising complexity and uncertainty faced when making long-term capital decisions? Are Australia’s homegrown players leaders or laggards when pitched against their international peers? And how competitive are Australia’s oil and gas champions in the context of the country’s wider natural resources sector? Benchmarking corporate positioning through the lens of near-term resilience and long-term sustainability, we will identify the challenges, opportunities and strategic implications for Australia’s corporate oil and gas landscape.