bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Automated Real-Time Data Analysis Tool for Interpreting Strain Gauge Data
Authors: Mosaiebian Arash , Martogi Debora , Ebrahimi Ali , Ahmadipur Amir
Published: December 2024

Strain gauges are among the common instruments used to monitor pipelines threatened by geohazards. Strain gauges, for the purpose of geohazard monitoring, are installed at three or four locations around the circumference of the pipe to measure strain changes due to ground movement. Data from these gauges are typically collected in near real-time if a telemetry station is installed, offering continuous monitoring.

This paper presents an automated data analysis tool for pipeline strain monitoring, which processes and analyzes the strain gauge data in real-time. In just a few minutes, this tool produces pertinent information from data collected by the strain gauges, including changes in the maximum tensile and compressive strains, changes in bending directions, accumulation of bending strain (or divergence) on the pipe, and axial strains at strain gauge locations along the pipeline’s circumference.

This paper also provides two case studies that highlight the practical application of automated processing of strain gauge data to monitor pipelines affected by geohazards, as well as the process of differentiating geohazard impacts and environmental factors (such as temperature or internal pressure changes). This automated real-time tool expedites the availability of processed data by reducing data processing time and resources significantly while assisting geohazard practitioners in understanding the impact of geohazards on pipelines.
CFD Study on the Effectiveness of Purging and Loading Procedures for Gas Compressor Units Between Isolation Valves
Authors: Leung Teresa , Botros Kamal K. , Hartloper Colin , Lu Jason , Szuch Greg
Published: December 2024

Effective purging and loading procedures during start-up of compressor stations on gas transmission lines are critical in ensuring safe operation. Most gas compressor units have a single small-diameter line (typically NPS 2 or 3) across the unit suction valve for purging/loading and another small diameter line upstream of the unit discharge valve for venting. Due to either the depressurization rate limit on the compressor unit or the desired vent time window, the vent line is typically equipped with a restriction orifice (RO) or a control valve to achieve the desired depressurization rate. Consequently, when gas at mainline pressure is introduced through the small-diameter line to purge the unit, the purge flow rate is also limited by the RO or the control valve, which affects the degree of pressurization within the unit casing and piping. There is no readily available method to determine the purge velocity and system pressure that would minimize the risk of having flammable mixture inside the unit while avoiding an unnecessarily lengthy purge process that could delay unit start-up. CFD simulations are performed to analyze how the flammable zone would evolve during the purge process for different station layouts including detail compressor casing internal geometry, different piping lengths and vent line RO sizes. The time it takes for a system to reach above the rich flammability limit, the size of the flammable zones and the potential for gas-air stratification at different purge pressures inside each system will be analyzed. Furthermore, scenarios where ignition sources are present during purging are also simulated. This is particularly important once loading begins as the vent line will be closed. These results can guide operation in setting acceptable purge times and pressures.
Vibrating Wire Strain Gauges for Pipeline Geohazard Monitoring: Operation, Failure Mechanisms, and Data Interpretation
Authors: Khadka Suraj , Ahmadipur Amir , Mosaiebian Arash , Ebrahimi Ali
Published: December 2024

This paper provides an overview of vibrating wire strain gauges, detailing their operation, common failure mechanisms, recommendations for best practices for installation, and examples of strain gauge data. The investigation explores potential causes of malfunction occurring before, during, and after installation. Preinstallation damages, often stemming from mishandling or transportation issues, underscore the necessity for thorough quality control procedures. Factors contributing to strain gauge malfunction during installation, including welding defects and inadequate coating, are evaluated, along with post-installation risks, such as construction activities and animal interference. A recommended practice is outlined in this paper to prevent any damage during various phase of installation or operation, emphasizing proper quality control and protective measures.

Through a detailed examination of vibrating wire (VW) strain gauge data trends during installation, backfilling, and variations in pipeline operating conditions, this paper shows that malfunctioning trends can be differentiated from those resulting from geohazard activities. By developing a deeper understanding of how the strain gauges work and the complexities in measured strain patterns, pipeline operators can enhance the use of strain gauges for effective geohazard monitoring and geohazard management.
Key Elements and Best Practice in the Management of Circumferential SCC
Authors: Wang Yong-Yi , Warman David , Liu Banglin , Wang Jiawei
Published: December 2024

Circumferential SCC (C-SCC) is an emerging issue for the pipeline industry with no established management practice. Early experience indicated that C-SCC was strongly correlated to high axial/longitudinal stresses caused by geohazards. There is, however, growing evidence that the majority of C-SCC can be located in areas without identifiable geohazards. Effective management of this threat to the pipeline integrity needs a fresh approach.

Most of the current industry practice and experience have been focused on axially-oriented SCC (A-SCC). C-SCC and A-SCC share certain commonalities, but there are several significant differences. For instance, the sources and magnitude of axial/longitudinal stresses that are a key factor for C-SCC management are different from those for hoop stresses. The availability and performance of ILI tools for C-SCC can also be different from those for A-SCC.

This paper covers a few key elements in the management of C-SCC, including:

• Susceptibility,

• Growth rate,

• Fitness-for-service (FFS) assessment,

• Appropriate representation of safety margin in contrast to the concept of burst pressure (Pburst) or failure pressure ratio (FPR), and

• Repair and mitigation options.

Another key element, ILI technology for detecting and characterizing C-SCC, is also briefly discussed.

The state of the art and gaps in technology and understanding in those key elements are noted. For instance, the conventional understanding of a safety margin for A-SCC in the form of FPR (FPR = Pburst / MAOP) is not valid for managing C-SCC. In contrast to the hoop stress, which is a primary driver for A-SCC, axial/longitudinal stresses in pipelines are not well understood. While axial/longitudinal stresses from geohazards are often cited as a key contributor to C-SCC, axial/longitudinal stresses from other sources can be more common. In some cases, the magnitudes of these stresses can be higher than those from geohazards. The characteristics of axial/longitudinal stresses can potentially affect the growth rates and dormancy of C-SCC, the choice of mitigation options, and safety measures in field work when mitigations are performed. This understanding of the axial/longitudinal stresses becomes a major part of C-SCC management, and thus is one of the focuses of this paper.
A Risk Assessment Framework for Illegal Tapping Threat in Natural Gas Pipelines in Mexico
Authors: Siraj Tammeen , Gonzalez Jose Antonio Solis , Lu Dongliang , Garcia Sofia
Published: December 2024

The unauthorized access and siphoning of products from energy pipelines, also known as illegal tapping, is a growing concern for pipeline operators across the globe. In addition to loss of product and revenue, illegal tapping poses a significant threat to the integrity and safe operation of pipelines. Although typically aimed at liquid hydrocarbon pipelines, TC Energy’s (TCE) natural gas pipelines in Mexico have also been compromised in recent years, often due to the mistaken belief that they transport liquid hydrocarbons. Additionally, unintentional damage to nearby third-party pipelines can have severe consequences for TCE’s assets.

Illegal tapping incidents in TCE’s pipelines in Mexico has led to inclusion of this threat in TCE’s pipeline risk assessment process. Detailed review of the illegal tapping incidents indicates that high risk regions can be identified using factors such as elevated rates of hydrocarbon sabotage in specific areas due to active organized criminal activities, locations where foreign gasoline pipelines run in proximity to TCE’s gas pipelines, and population density around the pipelines. The goal of this study is to develop a data driven risk assessment framework for the illegal tapping threat in Mexico. The risk assessment framework will help regional operators to effectively identify high risk pipe segments for illegal tapping and implement risk mitigation plans accordingly.
Linking Satellite InSAR Ground Deformation Data Into Operational Decision-Making
Authors: Froese Corey , Engelbrecht Jeanine
Published: December 2024

Mature pipeline geohazard management programs assess information related to ground movement hazards, such as landslides or subsidence, in conjunction with the condition of the pipeline (vulnerability). This enables the development of site-specific risk rankings and intervention strategies along extensive networks of pipeline infrastructure. As technology and software tools have evolved, pipeline operators are better able to leverage spatial data from a variety of ground observations and remote-sensing data for an improved understanding of the hazard.

Remote sensing data can be used to identify potential geohazard features, monitor known geohazard sites, and assess the rate of ground displacement. When combined with geotechnical subject matter expert (SME) knowledge of ground conditions, gained through desktop assessments, field inspections, and analysis of in-line inspection tool data for example, remote sensing data can inform the prioritization of next actions.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the adoption of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data to support geohazard identification and monitoring. Consequently, numerous pipeline operators are actively seeking enhanced methodologies to leverage this data for risk-informed decision-making. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of InSAR considerations and limitations and explores how the data can be integrated into geohazard management programs. We also delve into the potential to correlate InSAR observations with site-specific risk classifications to determine the timing of operational actions and possible interventions.
Applying Computational Fluid Dynamics to Reduce Greenhouse Gases Emissions in Natural Gas Compressor Stations
Authors: Silva Fernando , Junior Carlos , Saggio Carlo , Fundo Fabio , Silva Matheus
Published: December 2024

Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions are rapidly increasing and becoming a priority in operations involving hydrocarbons. In natural gas transportation systems, compressor stations are commonly found to be the primary sources of emission of these gases. Some compressor stations with emergency depressurization systems are designed with a continuous purge of natural gas into the environment to prevent air ingress into the depressurization system, therefore avoiding formation of an explosive atmosphere within the line. Many of these projects were conceived before the widespread discussion on environmental issues, resulting in less concern about the amount of purged natural gas. To align these stations with emission reduction goals, the industry is seeking for solutions. However, most existing methods require more complex changes to safety characteristics and risk analyses of the plant. This work proposes a rapid and cost-effective method to determine the minimum flow rate of natural gas capable of preventing the formation of an explosive atmosphere in the depressurization piping. The approach involves simulations in Computational Fluid Dynamics, varying boundary conditions. When applied to a compressor station as a test case, the method indicated a flow rate reduction of nearly 50%.
Investigating Weld and HAZ Effects During SMAW of Pipe and Fitting Materials
Authors: Khotenko Nick , McIntosh Cory
Published: December 2024

The primary goal of weldments is to have the longitudinal strain not concentrated in the weld. To date, there is no reliable way to accurately predict this, given the variability of welding techniques, mechanical properties, and manufacturing methods of materials in CSA Z662 pipeline designs.

Several girth welds were completed using SMAW on common carbon steel pipe and fittings used under CSA Z662 designs. The results focus on comparing as-welded joint properties relative to the base metal. The base materials were chosen to be wide ranging in chemistry and manufacturing process. The deposited weld filler metal tensile strength can be relatively and consistently predicted; however, the overall weldment properties are more difficult to estimate.

The results provide an opportunity to learn more about the response of welding on the base metal. The goal is to improve the ability to design and complete weldments that have equal or better mechanical properties than the base metal. Advancements are already being made to new construction best practices, but there is value in understanding how conventional filler metals and base metals are allocated to highest risk welds for new construction and existing assets.
Leak Orientation Effects on Flow-Induced Vibration in Horizontal Multiphase Pipelines
Authors: Chen Haobin , Dang Zhuoran , Bayati Farzaneh , Park Simon , Hugo Ron
Published: December 2024

Multiphase pipe flow can result in strong structural vibrations. In this paper, an experimental investigation of the effects of leak orientation on flow-induced vibration in horizontal multiphase pipe flow is performed. Two leak orientations are investigated, a leak at the top of the pipe and a leak at the bottom of the pipe. Vibration signals are measured and high-speed videos are recorded. A total of four flow patterns including bubbly flow, plug flow, slug flow and stratified wavy flow are studied. Experimental results show that the leak orientation affects leak flow, leak flow rate, leak percentage and inlet flow rate in differing amounts depending on flow pattern. More pronounced changes are induced by a leak at the bottom of the pipe compared to a leak at the top of the pipe. Variance values of the extracted base functions are computed as a numerical indicator for the presence of a leak. A leak in bubbly flow is the easiest scenario to detect regardless of leak orientation. For a leak at the bottom of a pipe, differences in the computed variance values in plug and slug flows are comparable and detectable. A leak in plug flow induces a larger difference in the variance value than for slug flow if the leak is at the top of the pipe. Both leak orientations show difficulty in determining presence of a leak for stratified wavy flow. It is found that the differences in variance values computed using the x-axis (axial) accelerometer signal are smaller than the other two axes, indicating that more significant changes in FIV are induced in the radial and azimuthal directions during a leak event.
Probabilistic Erosion Assessment of Natural Gas Storage Wells
Authors: Veldhuis Sydney , Fraser Alex , Ayton Brent , Shironishi Mari , Shapiro Daniel
Published: December 2024

US operators are required to perform risk assessments for relevant threats on their underground gas storage wells as per 49 CFR 192.12 [1]. Sand brought up from the reservoir can present an erosion threat to the withdrawal piping attached to the wellhead (well laterals), where a failure would result in an immediate release to the atmosphere. This paper outlines a probabilistic model for assessing the erosion of well laterals that is part of a quantitative risk framework for SoCalGas’ underground storage sites in California.

DNV published a recommended practice for managing sand production and erosion (DNVGL-RP-O501)[2], which includes empirical equations to determine the rate of wall thickness loss for piping components such as straight pipe, reducers, target tees, elbows, and production chokes. The inputs are the gas and sand properties, the gas flow rate, and the components’ size and orientation.

The probabilistic model uses statistical distributions to account for the uncertainty in predicting erosion, specifically the variability in operating conditions and the amount of sand produced from wells. Using Monte Carlo simulation, the model assesses each lateral component’s failure probability and determines an overall time to failure for the lateral system while considering the potential for inspections and repairs.

Erosion was modeled for various lateral configurations and operating conditions to demonstrate the potential range in the probability of failure. The probabilistic model quantified the probability of failure and reported an expected year of failure for the more susceptible components. Further, the probabilistic model was used to demonstrate how certain combinations of operating conditions and lateral design lead to potentially erosive environments and how adding a sacrificial erosion probe and/or scheduling inspections of the laterals can effectively mitigate the erosion probability of failure. The potential for high probabilities of failure demonstrates the benefit of well-specific probabilistic assessments to gauge erosion potential and inform decisions on mitigation actions.
Advancing Data Completeness and Strategically Directing Record Reviews With a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Sun Xiaoyu , Bandstra Daryl , He Ziming , Li Carly , Safari Miaad
Published: December 2024

This study presents an innovative machine learning approach for predicting the operating stress level as a percentage of the Specified Minimum Yield Strength (% SMYS) when primary pipeline properties such as grade and wall thickness in steel pipelines were incomplete.

This becomes particularly vital for pipelines where such data is missing, a common challenge in pipeline integrity management. The parameter, % SMYS, is essential for classifying pipeline segments into integrity management and regulatory categories such as Distribution and Transmission. However, missing records often necessitate time-consuming manual reviews of retained documentation to determine the appropriate values to record in their digital pipeline records databases. These reviews, while necessary, may not all have the same impacts on the company’s integrity management approach, decision-making, or mitigation of risks. There may be small diameter (< NPS2), low pressure pipelines operating at a low stress level (< 5% SMYS) ranging up to large diameter (> NPS24) pipelines operating at much higher stress levels (> 30% SMYS). The method’s goal is to strategically steer manual record reviews and enhancement efforts toward segments with the most significant impact, especially those potentially operating above 30% SMYS and above 20% SMYS in the distribution category.

This study employed machine learning tools to estimate the stress level or operating category (e.g., < 20% SMYS, 20%–30% SMYS, and > 30% SMYS) of pipeline segments. The model was trained and tested with a dataset of steel pipe segments with complete records, where stress level is available. The models will be used to estimate the stress levels of pipeline segments with incomplete records. The records that are estimated as high stress levels or operating categories (20%–30% SMYS, and > 30% SMYS) are then prioritized for manual review. When the stress level of the missing record is predicted, the problem is framed as a regression problem, but when the operating stress level category of the missing record is estimated, the problem is framed as a classification problem. The implications and results of these two different frameworks are compared in this study. This paper used data splitting and cross-validation for training, validation, and testing the models. In this study, models including random forest and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) regressor were utilized.

Once records are prioritized and selected for manual records review, the results of the review can then be used to objectively evaluate the performance of the predictive model. In addition, these results can be fed back into the training dataset to improve the future performance of the model. This study provides broad guidance for the use of machine learning for dealing with incomplete data and to facilitate the integrity assessment of large pipeline systems.
Qualifying ILI Technologies Using an API 1163 Approach Hard Spots as the Example
Authors: Hubert Yvan , Winfrey Gary , Kindel Samuel
Published: December 2024

API Standard 1163 “In-Line Inspection System Qualification” sets the requirements for operators to define the scope of the inspection, its goal(s) and validate that a system has met the intent of the inspection. As part of the Integrity Management Program (IMP), an operator often faces the need to bring a new technology or and known technology from a new provider. Over the years, a process was developed with the intent to reduce the learning curve for both the service provider and the operator and reduce the risk of using an unfamiliar technology and/or vendor.

Some of the risks that operators experienced in the past were the pace to which trust in the In-Line Inspection (ILI) tool can be built, the challenge in understanding if the results are truly representative of the total population of features to be managed, first run success and reporting.

The process leverages the requirements laid out in API STD 1163 to define three stages to the qualification:

1. Audit that included testing demonstration of all aspects of the tool or the vendor capacity to meet the goal of the inspection and the reporting deliverables.

2. Performance demonstration that the tool can meet the service provider’s claim.

3. A first inspection to provide overall confidence that the tool does function as intended which includes field validation and all requirements sets by both parties.

The paper will walk through these 3 steps by showing how an operator can apply it to the identification of a capable ILI technology to inspect pipelines for hard spots. It will include the audit process and how specific requirements were developed when needed. How a series of pull through tests were organized to understand the tool performance based on a known dataset of hard spots. Finally, how a ‘run-off’ in a pipeline segment was set up to complete the validation with a series of digs that were compared to each service provider’s ILI tool to validate Probability of Detection (POD), Probability of Identification (POI), and sizing accuracy (SA).

Observations, lessons learned, and recommendations will be drawn from the example to inform other operators on considerations to include in their ILI qualification processes.
Anhydrous Ammonia Pipeline Safety Experience in the United States
Authors: Lee Kenneth Y. , Chawla Sandeep
Published: December 2024

Transporting anhydrous ammonia by pipeline is receiving greater interest with global efforts to decarbonize and transition away from carbon-based energy. In the United States, there are currently over 2,000 miles (3,200 km) of anhydrous ammonia pipelines, which were constructed between 1960 to 1978, to primarily deliver ammonia from producers in the Gulf Coast to agricultural users in the Midwest.

In the United States, significant incidents have occurred with ammonia pipelines, which are regulated under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 49, Part 195, highly volatile liquid (HVL) requirements.

Carbon steels in anhydrous ammonia service are susceptible to internal corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) when certain contaminants are present, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide. SCC can be mitigated by avoiding contamination by air, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, or by the addition of small amounts of water where oxygen may be present. Pipeline experience in the United States has shown that 0.2–0.5 wt% water is effective in preventing SCC.

Specific areas of concern with anhydrous ammonia pipelines include thermal relief, ice formation, commissioning, decommissioning, and leak hazard mitigation. Strict purging practices, limiting contaminants such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, adding 0.2%–0.5% water to inhibit SCC, and operational considerations are important to ensure safe pipeline operation. Anhydrous ammonia pipeline leaks result in significantly greater immediate danger to human life than many other types pipeline leaks, where it is important that leaks are immediately detected and proper hazard mitigation actions are taken.
A Decision-Making Framework for Incorporating Economic and Environmental Factors in the Low Carbon-Oriented Design of Pipelines
Authors: Liu Chunying , Xu Bin , Li Lichao , Zhang Bo , Liao Qi , Liang Yongtu
Published: December 2024

Pipelines are the main transportation mode of oil products, as well as the potential transportation mode of biofuel. The rational design of pipelines determines the efficiency, economy and sustainability of pipeline scheduling in the future. In the past, the research on the optimal design of multi-product pipelines has primarily focused on the construction cost, while seldom considered the impact of carbon emissions on the environment over the pipeline lifespan and the influence of resulting carbon taxes on design schemes. With the growing awareness of environmental protection, the total carbon emissions during the pipeline life and the corresponding carbon taxes have become focal points in pipeline design. Moreover, most of previous work only focused on the pipeline parameters while ignoring the integrated optimization of batch volume and batch numbers, which strongly affect economic cost and carbon emissions during a pipe life cycle.

To avoid these drawbacks, a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is proposed to minimize the total economic cost and carbon taxes in the pipeline life simultaneously. To make it closer to reality, we account for actual process and technical constraints that include pipe construction, pump stations layout, pipeline hydraulic, batch volume and number, and distribution technology of delivery station. Finally, based on the forecast demand of refined products in a certain region of China, the model is successfully applied to a real multi-product pipeline in China. The applicability and sensitivity analysis of the model is illustrated in the case. The results show that the model can get a series of schemes for decision-makers to select in short time, and minimize the pipeline construction cost and the impact of carbon emissions on the environment.
A Novel Strain Capacity Prediction Model of Girth Welded Joints of High-Grade Steel Pipeline Via Machine Learning Techniques and Refined FE Model
Authors: Liu Xiaoben , Zhang Dong , Zhang Haonan , Feng Qingshan , Wang Dongying , Wang Chong , Yang Yue , Zhang Hong
Published: December 2024

In recent years, incidents of fracture failure in girth welds of high-grade steel pipelines have been increasingly frequent, posing a serious threat to the safe operation of these pipelines. Therefore, it is urgent to conduct a comprehensive study on the ultimate strain capacity of pipeline girth welds. The study establishes a three-dimensional finite element simulation model for the crack driving force of the girth weld using ABAQUS, employing parametric programming to quantitatively assess the influence of material properties, geometric structure, and load parameters on the crack driving force. Via parameterized calculation and processing of Python programs and parallel computing, a database of girth weld crack driving forces with 21870 samples is constructed. Additionally, a regression prediction model for the crack propagation driving force of full-size pipeline girth welds considering the influence of multiple factors is established by using neural network technology. The results of Charpy impact tests (CVN value) serve as the fracture toughness, enabling the determination of the ultimate strain capacity of the pipeline girth weld. The model was verified by the verification data of full-scale test and wide plate test. The relative error between the experimental value and the predicted value is basically below 15 %. Comparative analysis with the evaluation results of internationally recognized strain capacity prediction models (PRCI-CRES & Exxon Mobil) reveals that the prediction model proposed in this study achieves a minimal average relative error. These research findings provide valuable insights for the design and safety assessment of girth welds of high-grade steel pipelines, and further ensure the safe operation of pipelines.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Failure Criterion of Girth Welds With I-II Mixed Mode Crack Considering Crack Tip Constraint Effect
Authors: Yang Yue , Zhang Hong , Zhang Han , Zhang Dong , Chen Pengchao , Yan Bingchuan , Wang Hao , Liu Xiaoben
Published: December 2024

In practical engineering scenarios, the establishment of a robust fracture criterion for girth welds featuring mixed mode cracks has become pivotal for ensuring pipeline safety. To account for the influence of shear deformation of micro-voids, the shear-modified Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model for girth welds was determined. Compact-tensile-shear (CTS) tests, employing digital image correlation technology, were conducted to analyze the I-II mixed mode fracture behavior. The area enclosed by the plastic strain contour (Ap) at the crack tip was utilized to characterize the constraint state of the crack tip, while the J-integral was employed to characterize the crack fracture parameters. Employing finite element numerical calculations, the study analyzed the effects of load parameter, material damage parameters, material mechanical properties parameters, and size parameters on resistance curve of I-II mixed mode cracks, and crack tip constraint state of CTS samples. Furthermore, a linear correlation between the constraint state and the fracture toughness of CTS samples was established. Leveraging a neural network regression prediction algorithm, a data-driven prediction model for the fracture toughness of girth welds with I-II mixed mode cracks was proposed. This research serves as a valuable reference and guide for the analysis of fracture behavior and safety evaluation of pipeline girth welds with I-II mixed mode cracks.
Solving the Complexity of Hard Spots by Understanding Their Origin
Authors: Eiken Thomas , Molenda Daniel , Edwards Jason
Published: December 2024

The level of industry knowledge concerning hard spots has increased exponentially over the years. It is now well understood that hard spots are localized changes in microstructure that can take many physical forms, depending on a combination of variables such as steel chemistry and steel manufacturing processes. They can have a range of microstructures, different morphologies in terms of shape, and different hardness profiles, all of which influences the assessment of hard spots using nondestructive methods like in-line inspection (ILI).

The first incarnations of ILI for assessment of hard spots were developed using pull tests with artificially produced hard spots. This was because, until recently, there was limited access to real anomalies that had been removed from service. Despite the fact that more hard spots have been removed from service and can be used for development, the need for artificial hard spots for pull testing and development of ILI performance specifications still exists. Recreating hard spots that accurately represent the anomalies that are present in vintage pipe (pre-1970s) remains a challenge.

The increased level of knowledge about the different types of hard spots that now exists has provided a basis for creating representative anomalies. ROSEN developed a laboratory approach to create artificial anomalies that can be used in combination with the continually expanding set of field validation data to improve the assessment capabilities of ILI in terms of POD, POI, and sizing. This paper presents the work done in developing artificial hard spots for use in pull testing and laboratory research and the detailed investigation of different ILI measurement techniques (high and low magnetization in combination with eddy currents and geometry channels) to optimize the detection, identification, surface discrimination (internal/external), and sizing of different types of hard spots.
Religiones afrobrasileñas en madrid y la agencia de entidades espirituales.
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Lima Lorran
Published: December 2024

Esta investigación se centra en la trayectoria religiosa de un sacerdote uruguayo que practica las religiones Quimbanda, Umbanda y Batuque en el barrio de Salamanca, Madrid, España. Llevada a cabo en 2023 y 2024 mediante una metodología etnográfica, que abarcó desde entrevistas en profundidad hasta un prolongado período de convivencia con los miembros del templo religioso en Madrid, el estudio tiene como propósito fundamental analizar la intrincada dinámica de adaptación religiosa que se manifiesta al trasladar estas tradiciones afrobrasileñas a un contexto cultural y geográfico diferente. La investigación también explora la influencia significativa de la agencia de entidades espirituales en la promoción y preservación de estas tradiciones religiosas, destacando cómo estas entidades ejercen un papel crucial en la transnacionalización de las prácticas espirituales afrobrasileñas en el contexto madrileño. Al profundizar en el análisis, se examinan minuciosamente los cambios y adaptaciones en la realización de los rituales. La observación detallada revela cómo se estructuran las relaciones dentro de la comunidad religiosa, proporcionando valiosas perspectivas sobre cómo la transnacionalización religiosa afrobrasileña se moldea a través de las experiencias tanto individuales como colectivas del sacerdote. Este enfoque integral permite una comprensión más completa de la interacción dinámica entre la tradición religiosa afrobrasileña, la adaptación cultural y las influencias transnacionales en el contexto específico de Madrid, España.
La Ciudadanía Perdida: percepciones y practicas de reconquista
Authors: Basagoiti Rodríguez Manuel
Published: December 2024

En este artículo se recogen los resultados de un proceso de investigación socio antropológico sobre las percepciones de acceso a la ciudadanía de personas en situación de riesgo o de exclusión social. Este proceso etnográfico ha hecho uso de metodologías de Investigación Participativa, que han permitido construir un relato desde la propia voz de las personas afectadas por estas situaciones de exclusión. Para ello, entre 2009 y 2015 se han realizado observaciones y talleres participativos para adentrarnos en las subjetividades de todas estas personas desde un enfoque de diversidad, participando de forma directa en las actividades y espacios de relación del Observatorio de la exclusión y los procesos de inclusión social en la Comunidad de Madrid, haciendo especial hincapié en las Comisiones ciudadanas y los encuentros de ciudadanía. Estos espacios de interacción y encuentro se han manifestado como lugares de análisis y reflexión conjunta, de concientización sobre los derechos, de agencia para el desarrollo de acciones reivindicativas comunes y prácticas de reconquista de la condición de ciudadanos y ciudadanas.
Emancipatory social work: An anticapitalist perspective
Authors: Ballantyne Neil
Published: December 2024

The global definition of social work, as articulated by the International Federation of Social Workers, states that social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that, amongst other things, promotes the empowerment and liberation of people. The knowledge base for social work has a rich history of different theoretical perspectives, frameworks and practice models that have attempted to highlight key aspects of human oppression, discrimination and marginalisation and tease out the implications for social work practice in these domains. These approaches have included anti-discriminatory practice, anti-oppressive practice, anti-racist practice, and feminist and empowerment perspectives. In the same tradition, this paper draws on the work of  US analytical Marxist sociologist,  Eric Olin Wright to consider how his concept of emancipatory social science could be harnessed by social work practitioners, researchers and policymakers to advance human emancipation and what this might mean in different practice domains. The article will focus primarily on a close reading of two of Olin Wright’s publications–Envisioning Real Utopias and How to Be an Anticapitalist in the 21st Century. The article argues for the value of emancipation over empowerment as a concept to convey an authentic commitment to human liberation. It also considers the implications of emancipatory social work for relationships with service users in the context of anti-capitalist struggle and discusses the ramifications for decolonising social work practice in a settler colonial state.
Sustaining the social work workforce in Aotearoa: A whole system challenge
Authors: O'Donoghue Kieran
Published: December 2024

This viewpoint explores social work workforce information and challenges.
Conduction band nonparabolicity, chemical potential, and carrier
concentration of intrinsic InSb as a function of temperature
Authors: Zollner Stefan , Armenta Carlos A. , Yadav Sonam , Menéndez José
Published: December 2024

In this review, the nonparabolicity of the light-hole and electron bands at the Γ-point in cubic diamond or zinc blende semiconductors is derived from Kane’s 8×8k→⋅p→ model in the large spin–orbit splitting approximation. Examples of several approximations are given with InSb as an example, and their accuracy is discussed. To determine the temperature dependence of the effective masses and the nonparabolicity parameters, the unrenormalized bandgap must be utilized. This includes only the redshift of the bandgap due to thermal expansion, not the renormalization due to deformation-potential electron-phonon coupling. As an application of this method, the chemical potential and the charge carrier concentration of intrinsic InSb are calculated from 50 to 800 K and compared with electrical and optical experiments. These results are also relevant for other semiconductors with small bandgaps as needed for mid-infrared detector applications.
Investigating the effects of etching systems and low-temperature thermal processing on hafnium zirconium oxide thin film properties
Authors: Lee Wen-Hsi , Kuo Edward , Hung Chia-Nung , Kuo Tai-Chen
Published: December 2024

This study examines the electrical properties and material characteristics of hafnium zirconium oxide thin films under various annealing and etching processes. High-pressure annealing is shown to significantly enhance the orthorhombic phase fraction, reaching 42% at 700 °C, with supercritical fluids treatment further increasing this to 46%. The impact of atomic layer etching and reactive ion etching on surface roughness is also analyzed, revealing increases of approximately 3.5 and 7 Å, respectively, which are mitigated by subsequent rapid thermal annealing. Additionally, high-pressure annealed capacitors exhibit a reduction in leakage current density from 10−7 to 10−9 A/cm2 and an increase in remnant polarization from 14 to 18 μC/cm2. Transmission electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm these processes’ significant impact on the structure and performance, highlighting their value for future high-performance electronic devices.
An Interpretive Exploration of Australian Triathlon Coaching Practices: Working Toward Optimal Training Load Practice Within Real-World Contexts
Authors: Wells Leighton A. , Kremer Peter , Bruce Lyndell , Hoffmann Samantha M. , Dwyer Dan B.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: This study uses an interpretivist approach to examine and understand triathlon coaching practices as they apply to age group (recreational, nonprofessional) athletes in Australia. It explores how coaches utilize the training load process— prescription, measurement, monitoring, and management—and aspects influencing individual coaching approaches, including contextual factors. Methods: Eight Australian triathlon coaches were interviewed using semistructured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, then coded and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged: “Coaching knowledge and training load process,” “Coaching technology-integrated practice,” “Coaches’ interpretation of life load management,” and “Coach–athlete relationship dynamics.” These themes reveal how coaches adapt their practices based on personal experiences, contextual factors, and interactions with athletes, reflecting the complexity of triathlon coaching and highlighting coaches’ continuous learning, technology integration, athlete life load awareness, and communication competency. Discussion: These themes influence coaches’ perceptions of their relationships with their athletes and coaching decisions. Coaches’ knowledge, unique experiences, perspectives, and personal contexts are central to their practice. In deploying their practices and training load processes, coaches must respond to the athletes’ goals, preferences, and life circumstances. Conclusion: In practical terms, understanding these influences will enable coaches to better identify and manage the factors shaping their decisions, leading to more effective and adaptable training strategies. Coaches are then positioned to place greater value in their unique historical contexts but also be aware of the potential biases they may introduce.
Reconfigurable entanglement distribution network based on pump management of a spontaneous four-wave mixing source
Authors: Liu Jingyuan , Liu Dongning , Jin Zhanping , Lin Zhihao , Li Hao , You Lixing , Feng Xue , Liu Fang , Cui Kaiyu , Zhang Wei , Huang Yidong
Published: December 2024

Leveraging the unique properties of quantum entanglement, quantum entanglement distribution networks support multiple quantum information applications and are essential to the development of quantum networks. However, practical implementation poses fundamental challenges to network scalability and flexibility. Here, we propose a reconfigurable entanglement distribution network scheme based on tunable multipump excitation of a spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM) source and a time-sharing method. We characterize the two-photon correlation under different pump conditions to demonstrate the effect of pump degenerate and pump nondegenerate SFWM processes on the two-photon correlation and its tunability. Then, as a benchmark application, a 10-user fully connected quantum key distribution network is established in a time-sharing way with triple pump lights. Our results provide a promising networking scheme for large-scale entanglement distribution networks owing to its scalability, functionality, and reconfigurability.
Integrated analysis of immunometabolic interactions in Down syndrome
Authors: Gillenwater Lucas A. , Galbraith Matthew D. , Rachubinski Angela L. , Eduthan Neetha Paul , Sullivan Kelly D. , Espinosa Joaquin M. , Costello James C.
Published: December 2024

Down syndrome (DS), caused by trisomy 21 (T21), results in immune and metabolic dysregulation. People with DS experience co-occurring conditions at higher rates than the euploid population. However, the interplay between immune and metabolic alterations and the clinical manifestations of DS are poorly understood. Here, we report an integrated analysis of immunometabolic pathways in DS. Using multi-omics data, we infered cytokine-metabolite relationships mediated by specific transcriptional programs. We observed increased mediation of immunometabolic interactions in those with DS compared to euploid controls by genes in interferon response, heme metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation. Unsupervised clustering of immunometabolic relationships in people with DS revealed subgroups with different frequencies of co-occurring conditions. Across the subgroups, we observed distinct mediation by DNA repair, Hedgehog signaling, and angiogenesis. The molecular stratification associates with the clinical heterogeneity observed in DS, suggesting that integrating multiple omic profiles reveals axes of coordinated dysregulation specific to DS co-occurring conditions.
Bioinspired balloon catheter integrated with stretchable “flounder” electrodes under high voltage for uniform pulsed field ablation
Authors: Shen Xuejing , Jia Erwen , Huang Yin , Ge Dingbang , Sun Zheng , Yang Zhiyan , Zhang Ping , Chen Yihao , Feng Xue
Published: December 2024

Atrial fibrillation leads to severe diseases such as heart failure and strokes. While catheter ablation is prevalent for the treatment, existing techniques hardly can achieve both tissue selectivity and ablation uniformity. Here, we propose a bioinspired strategy for balloon-based pulsed field ablation (PFA) systems based on “flounder” electrodes. Inspired by a flounder skeleton and citrus peels, the microfabricated electrodes are ultrathin, stretchable, and have a scattered configuration, withstanding large balloon deformation (87% compression), high voltage (1200 volts), and owning exceptional tissue conformability (720° twists). Mechanical-electrical coupled stimulation optimizes balloon electrodes with hemispherical electric field uniformity. A water lily–inspired transfer printing method enables one-step integration of multielectrodes with the balloon. A comprehensive PFA system is complemented, achieving ablation depths of 3.8 millimeters (potato), 3.1 millimeters (rabbit), and 2.3 millimeters (swine) with good uniformity and electrophysiological isolation. These results shed light on the quantitative design of PFA systems, with high potential for more precise, safe, and effective catheter ablation therapies.
Smart control lipid-based nanocarriers for fine-tuning gut hormone secretion
Authors: Xu Yining , Michalowski Cécilia Bohns , Koehler Jackie , Darwish Tamana , Guccio Nunzio , Alcaino Constanza , Domingues Inês , Zhang Wunan , Marotti Valentina , Van Hul Matthias , Paone Paola , Koutsoviti Melitini , Boyd Ben J. , Drucker Daniel J. , Cani Patrice D. , Reimann Frank , Gribble Fiona M. , Beloqui Ana
Published: December 2024

Modulating the endogenous stores of gastrointestinal hormones is considered a promising strategy to mimic gut endocrine function, improving metabolic dysfunction. Here, we exploit mouse and human knock-in and knockout intestinal organoids and show that agents used as commercial lipid excipients can activate nutrient-sensitive receptors on enteroendocrine cells (EECs) and, when formulated as lipid nanocarriers, can bestow biological effects through the release of GLP-1, GIP, and PYY from K and L cells. Studies in wild-type, dysglycemic, and gut
Gcg
knockout mice demonstrated that the effect exerted by lipid nanocarriers could be modulated by varying the excipients (e.g., nature and quantities), the formulation methodology, and their physiochemical properties (e.g., size and composition). This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of using nanotechnology to modulate release of multiple endogenous hormones from the enteroendocrine system through a patient-friendly, inexpensive, and noninvasive manner.