bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spiers Memorial Lecture: Towards understanding of iontronic systems: electroosmotic flow of monovalent and divalent electrolyte through charged cylindrical nanopores
Authors: Colla Thiago , Telles Igor M. , Arfan Muhammad , dos Santos Alexandre P. , Levin Yan
Published: May 2023

We present a classical density functional theory based on the hypernetted-chain approximation, which allows us to calculate the velocity of electroosmotic flows inside nanopores containing 1 : 1 or 2 : 1 electrolyte solution.
Soluble sulfonated polybenzimidazoles containing phosphine oxide units as proton exchange membranes
Authors: Wang Gang , Yang Shuai , Hua Bing-yan , Lu Ming-xia , Kang Jia-qi , Tang Wen-shuai , Wei Hong-liang , Liu Xian-xian , Cui Li-feng , Chen Xiao-dong
Published: May 2023

Sulfonated bis(4-methyl benzoate) phenylphosphine oxide (sBMPO) was synthesized by the sulfonation and esterification of bis(4-methylbenzoate)phenylphosphine oxide (BMPO).
Preparation of P(AM-co-MA) composite hydrogels by frontal polymerization and its performance study
Authors: Li Bin , Hao Wenrui , Liu Jizhen , Zhou Mengjing , Xu Xiaojia , Wu Aolin
Published: May 2023

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) was synthesized from choline chloride (ChCl) and acrylamide (AM), and P(AM-co-MA) hydrogels were prepared by adding different contents of maleic acid (MA) to DES by frontal polymerization.
Ligand-directed structure evolution from a titanium-oxo cluster to coordination capsule and one-dimensional coordination polymer based on {Ti3O} units
Authors: Meng Min , Liao Lingrong , Zheng Qi , Xuan Weimin
Published: May 2023

With connection of phosphite, {Ti3(μ3-O)} can transform into a discrete {Ti6P2}-based cluster, {Ti9P3}-based coordination capsule and {Ti6P2}-based 1D coordination polymer by tuning the geometry and size of the ligand.
Study of the removal of Pb(ii) and Ni(ii) from aqueous solution by new nano-Mg(OH)2/fly ash adsorbent materials
Authors: Zhao Chunxue , Wang Caili , Wang Zhixue , Wang Bin , Yao Guoxin , Qiu Ying , Yang Runquan
Published: May 2023

Adsorption mechanism of composite powder.
The cosmic waltz of Coma Berenices and Latyshev 2 (Group X)
Authors: Olivares J. , Lodieu N. , Béjar V. J. S. , Martín E. L. , Žerjal M. , Galli P. A. B.
Published: May 2023

Context. Open clusters (OCs) are fundamental benchmarks where theories of star formation and stellar evolution can be tested and validated. Coma Berenices (Coma Ber) and Latyshev 2 (Group X) are the second and third OCs closest to the Sun, making them excellent targets to search for low-mass stars and ultra-cool dwarfs. In addition, this pair will experience a flyby in 10–16 Myr, making it a benchmark to test pair interactions of OCs.

Aims. We aim to analyse the membership, luminosity, mass, phase-space (i.e. positions and velocities), and energy distributions for Coma Ber and Latyshev 2 and test the hypothesis of the mixing of their populations at the encounter time.

Methods. We developed a new phase-space membership methodology and applied it to Gaia data. With the recovered members, we inferred the phase-space, luminosity, and mass distributions using publicly available Bayesian inference codes. Then, with a publicly available orbit integration code and members’ positions and velocities, we integrated their orbits 20 Myr into the future.

Results. In Coma Ber, we identified 302 candidate members distributed in the core and tidal tails. The tails are dynamically cold and asymmetrically populated. The stellar system called Group X is made of two structures: the disrupted OC Latyshev 2 (186 candidate members) and a loose stellar association called Mecayotl 1 (146 candidate members), and both of them will fly by Coma Ber in 11.3 ± 0.5 Myr and 14.0 ± 0.6 Myr, respectively, and each other in 8.1 ± 1.3 Myr.

Conclusions. We study the dynamical properties of the core and tails of Coma Ber and also confirm the existence of the OC Latyshev 2 and its neighbour stellar association Mecayotl 1. Although these three systems will experience encounters, we find no evidence supporting the mixing of their populations.
Impact of Reclaimed Water Irrigation on Rice Yields and Quality
Authors: Gao Rong , Gu Shixiang , Jiang Rucheng , Han Huanhao , Su Jianguang , Zhao Shaoxi , Cui Yuanlai
Published: May 2023

Poultry and livestock farming wastewater is one of the main sources of agricultural non-point source pollution. Using reclaimed poultry and livestock farming wastewater for rice irrigation can not only provide nutrition for rice, but also reduce agricultural water consumption, and also further control non-point source pollution through the self-purification of rice ecosystem. It has been considered to be environmentally friendly and reliable for poultry and livestock farming wastewater treatment. However, the effect of reclaimed water irrigation on rice yield and quality is still unclear. In order to explore the effects of reclaimed water irrigation on rice yield and quality, we conducted a rice reclaimed irrigation experiment in the Erhai lake basin in 2017. The rice yield and quality were compared among different irrigation modes, different irrigation water quality and different fertilization schemes of reclaimed water. The results showed that the yield of W1F2, under intermittent irrigation with reclaimed water, was the highest, reaching 11.7t/hm2. The differences of rice yield and its components between different irrigation and fertilization methods were not significant. The yield and its components of rice under different irrigation and fertilization treatments were not significant. In terms of yield, the intermittent irrigation was 7.6% higher than that of flood irrigation. The amount of fertilizer applied by intermittent irrigation of reclaimed water was 7.0% less than that of clear water, and the yield increased by 3.5%. Correspondingly, the amount of fertilization of flood irrigation of reclaimed water is equivalent to that of clear water, which increases yield by 1.9%. In summary, the effect of reclaimed water irrigation on yield increase is obvious. There were significant differences in brown rice rate and chalky grain rate between different irrigation modes, which showed that the brown rice rate of intermittently irrigated rice was 0.7% smaller than that of flooded rice, and the white grain of intermittently irrigated rice was 45% larger than that of flooded irrigation. Intermittent irrigation has an adverse effect on the processing quality and appearance quality of rice. There were significant differences in brown rice rate, whole milled rice rate, gel consistency and depletion value under different irrigation water quality. The results showed that the brown rice rate and the depletion value of reclaimed water irrigation were smaller than those of clear water, and the whole milled rice rate and gel consistency were larger than that of clear water. Regularity, reclaimed water irrigated rice processing quality and cooking taste quality is better. In terms of nutritional quality of rice, the crude protein content in flooding treatment was 4.2% higher than that in intermittent irrigation, and the irrigation treatment of reclaimed water was 13.8% higher than that in clear water irrigation.
Research Progress in the Application of Single-atom Catalysts in Biomedical Field
Authors: Zhang Peina , Liu Tao , Wu Shujun , Zhang Mingdong
Published: May 2023

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have the highest atom economy, precisely located active sites, unique metal coordination environments. These merits of SACs greatly increase the specific activity of metal atom, thus providing great potential for achieving better catalytic activity and selectivity. The metal catalytic active sites of SACs and natural enzymes are similar in structure, physical and chemical properties, and have better catalytic activity and selectivity. Theoretically, SACs can replace natural enzymes in the field of biomedicine. Based on the latest research work, the preparation technology of SACs and its application in the biomedical field are reviewed in this paper, and the challenges and future development direction of SACS in the biomedical field were briefly prospected.
Codes and methods improvements for safety assessment and LTO: varied approaches
Authors: Cagnac Albannie , Verrier Denis , Pištora Vladislav
Published: May 2023

Nuclear safety has always been at the heart of the concerns of nuclear power plant operators and developers, as well as of various nuclear research organizations and regulatory authorities. Over the last decades, all these nuclear actors have developed and integrated a large number of calculation codes and other tools into their safety work. From the system approach to the local understanding of a phenomenon on a given component, from neutronics to operation optimization for long-term operation, these methods and codes have been constantly evolving since their appearance, in order to be able to integrate new plant designs and components, to improve the results of modeling physical phenomena or quantify and thus reduce the uncertainties on these results. Currently, several H2020 Euratom projects are working on the improvement of these codes and methods. This article will focus on three of these projects: CAMIVVER (Codes And Methods Improvements for VVER comprehensive safety assessment), APAL (Advanced PTS Analysis for LTO), and sCO2-4-NPP (innovative SCO2-based heat removal technology for an increased level of safety of Nuclear Power Plants) in order to illustrate our thinking on the improvement of calculation frameworks. First, we will present the work and the approach adopted with regard to the different calculation codes and methods used in each of these three projects. We will then conclude with an overall analysis of these three approaches, highlighting the difficulties and successes of these three projects, and identifying areas of work for the general improvement of the calculation codes.
Demenz-Screening- und testpsychologische Untersuchungen in deutschen
Haus- und Facharztpraxen unter Bedingungen der Corona Pandemie
Authors: Bohlken Jens , Michalowsky Bernhard , Kostev Karel
Published: May 2023

Ziel Häufigkeitsvergleich der testpsychologischen Untersuchungen
(TPU) in Haus- und Facharztpraxen (HA, FA) vor und während der
Covid-19-Pandemie.

Methoden Deskriptiver Vergleich der durchschnittlichen Anzahl von
Patienten im Alter von≥70Jahren mit mindestens einer TPU in 908 HA- und
107 FA-Praxen aus der IQVIA Disease Analyzer Datenbank zwischen den Jahren
2018–2019 (Prä-Pandemie) und 2020–2021 (Pandemie).

Ergebnisse In FA Praxen zeigte sich ein Rückgang (-18,4%)
von TPU von 2018–2019 zu 2020–2021. In HA-Praxen war dies nicht
der Fall (+ 2.6%). Sowohl bei HA als auch bei FA bestand
eine starke Korrelation zwischen der Anzahl der Patienten mit TPU und neu
diagnostizierter Demenz.

Schlussfolgerung Die Durchführung von Testungen in HA-Praxen
zeigte keinen Pandemie bedingten Leistungsrückgang, welcher in FA-Praxen
deutlich zu sehen war. Weitere Untersuchungen müssen folgen, um
mögliche Ursachen aufzuklären.
Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen – digitale Adipositastherapie (Fortsetzung)
Authors: Bretschneider Maxi Pia , Schwarz Peter E.H.
Published: May 2023

Nachdem in der vorherigen Ausgabe der Diabetes aktuell die Adipositas DiGA zanadio (vorläufige Zulassung 2020, endgültige Zulassung 2022) vorgestellt wurde, wird in diesem Artikel eine weitere Adipositas DiGA unter die Lupe genommen: Oviva Direkt für Adipositas 1. Im Fokus stehen allgemeine Informationen, Patientenklientel, Einblicke in die App, sowie die wissenschaftliche Evidenz.
Prenatal Weight Change Trajectories and Perinatal Outcomes among Twin Gestations
Authors: Nichols Amy R. , Haeri Sina , Rudine Anthony , Burns Natalie , Rathouz Paul J. , Hedderson Monique M. , Abrams Steven A. , Foster Saralyn F. , Rickman Rachel , McDonnold Mollie , Widen Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2023

Objective Despite an increase in twin pregnancies in recent decades, the Institute of Medicine twin weight gain recommendations remain provisional and provide no guidance for the pattern or timing of weight change. We sought to characterize gestational weight change trajectory patterns and examine associations with birth outcomes in a cohort of twin pregnancies.

Study Design Prenatal and delivery records were examined for 320 twin pregnancies from a maternal–fetal medicine practice in Austin, TX 2011-2019. Prenatal weights for those with >1 measured weight in the first trimester and ≥3 prenatal weights were included in analyses. Trajectories were estimated to 32 weeks (mean delivery: 33.7 ± 3.3 weeks) using flexible latent class mixed models with low-rank thin-plate splines. Associations between trajectory classes and infant outcomes were analyzed using multivariable Poisson or linear regression.

Results Weight change from prepregnancy to delivery was 15.4 ± 6.3 kg for people with an underweight body mass index, 15.4 ± 5.8 kg for healthy weight, 14.7 ± 6.9 kg for overweight, and 12.5 ± 6.4 kg for obesity. Three trajectory classes were identified: low (Class 1), moderate (Class 2), or high gain (Class 3). Class 1 (24.7%) maintained weight for 15 weeks and then gained an estimated 6.6 kg at 32 weeks. Class 2 (60.9%) exhibited steady gain with 13.5 kg predicted total gain, and Class 3 (14.4%) showed rapid gain across pregnancy with 21.3 kg predicted gain. Compared to Class 1, Class 3 was associated with higher birth weight z-score (β = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31,0.96), increased risk for large for gestational age (IRR = 5.60, 95% CI: 1.59, 19.67), and birth <32 weeks (IRR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.4) that was attenuated in sensitivity analyses. Class 2 was associated with moderately elevated birth weight z-score (β = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.48, p = 0.050).

Conclusion Gestational weight change followed a low, moderate, or high trajectory; both moderate and high gain patterns were associated with increased infant size outcomes. Optimal patterns of weight change that balance risk during the prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal periods require further investigation, particularly in high-risk twin pregnancies.

Key Points
Exploring Chemical Modifications of Aromatic Amino Acid Residues in Peptides
Authors: Paul Bishwajit , Maji Modhu Sudan , Bhunia Susanta , Purushotham Manasa , Karan Ganesh
Published: May 2023

The chemical diversification of biomolecules set forth a significant area of research that constitutes an important intersection between chemistry and biology. Amino acids and peptides are the fundamental building blocks of proteins and play essential roles in all living organisms. While significant efforts have been geared toward the chemical modification of amino acid residues, particularly the functionalization of reactive functional groups such as lysine NH2 and cysteine SH, the exploration of the aromatic amino acid residues of tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and histidine has been relatively limited. Therefore, this review highlights strategies for the side-chain functionalization of these four aromatic amino acids in peptides, with a focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms. We have also illustrated the use of these modifications in the chemical and biological realm.

1 Introduction

2 Tryptophan Modifications

3 Tyrosine Modifications

4 Phenylalanine Modifications

5 Histidine Modifications

6 Perspectives and Future Outlook
Safe to Sleep in Tennessee: A Statewide Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Gutman Courtney E. , Scott Patricia A. , Morad Anna , Barker Brenda , Scott Theresa A.
Published: May 2023

Objective Sleep-related deaths were the fourth leading cause of infant death in Tennessee between 2014 and 2018. In response, the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care developed a statewide quality improvement project, which focused on the demonstration and enforcement of a safe sleep environment in participating birthing hospitals to help families learn and practice the same at home. The project's aim was to improve the percent of infants audited for safe sleep practices (0–12 mo of age, cared for in participating newborn nurseries or neonatal intensive care units) that were compliant with the practices recommended by the 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Study Design Participating teams were required to develop and implement safe sleep policies in compliance with the AAP recommendations, provide safe sleep education to staff and families, and complete monthly safe sleep audits. A tool was provided to assess whether each audited infant was compliant with safe sleep recommendations and any reason(s) the infant was not compliant. Teams met virtually for monthly huddles and semiannual learning sessions to discuss the development and testing of change ideas.

Results The project teams were able to improve the percent of infants audited that were compliant with safe sleep recommendations by 22% over the course of the project. Audits revealed the main reasons for noncompliance were additional objects in the crib (49%, 329/671), unsafe bedding (27%, 181/671), and head of bed elevation (24%, 164/671).

Conclusion This project demonstrates the positive impact that a statewide quality improvement initiative can have on identifying and addressing barriers, sharing resources and education, and monitoring local and statewide data, which led to increased compliance with safe sleep recommendations in the hospital. Safe sleep education and monitoring should be ongoing as new parents and staff always need to be educated on safe sleep principles.

Key Points
Correlation between the Insertion Side of a Transcondylar Screw for the Surgical Management of Humeral Intracondylar Fissures in Dogs and the Incidence of Postoperative Surgical Site Infection
Authors: Potamopoulou Maria , Brown Gordon , Whitelock Richard
Published: May 2023

Objective An increased rate of surgical site infection (SSI) following treatment of canine humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) with a lateromedially (LM) placed transcondylar screw (TCS) compared with a mediolateral (ML) TCS has been previously postulated. We hypothesized that the direction of insertion of the TCS would not affect the incidence of postoperative SSI.

Study Design It was single-centre retrospective study. Dogs with HIF confirmed by computerized tomography, treated by TCS placement (between 2008 and 2019) and with a minimum follow-up of 12 weeks, were included. The following data were recorded: signalment, presenting clinical signs, direction of placement and size of the utilized TCS, surgical and anaesthetic times, concurrent surgical procedures, presence of concomitant elbow pathology, perioperative and postoperative antibiotic usage and postoperative complications. Recorded data were analysed with a multinomial logistic regression model with a p-value less than or equal to 0.05.

Results Thirty-five dogs (46 elbows) met the inclusion criteria. Median clinical follow-up interval was 52 weeks. Seven of thirty-one elbows with a ML TCS, and 4/15 elbows with a LM TCS developed SSI. Four of nine dogs that underwent bilateral single-surgery TCS placement developed SSI unilaterally.

Conclusion No significant difference was shown in short-term SSI occurrence between the ML and the LM direction of placement of the TCS.
A true random number generator based on double threshold-switching memristors for image encryption
Authors: Bian Jingyao , Tao Ye , Wang Zhongqiang , Dong Yongjun , Li Zhuangzhuang , Zhao Xiaoning , Lin Ya , Xu Haiyang , Liu Yichun
Published: May 2023

True random number generator (TRNG) that cannot be arbitrary attacked with predictable software algorithm is a promising data security solution. Memristors, possessing specific intrinsic stochasticity, are just appropriate to be the random sources for encryption applications. In this work, a TRNG system based on the stochastic duration time of double threshold-switching (TS) memristors is proposed. The reliable stochasticity of this system is mainly attributed to the gradual dissolution of Ag conductive channels and the synergistic effect of these two TS memristors. A digital circuit system based on the micro-controller unit is designed to produce stable random “0” and “1” bitstreams. The random data key generated by this double TS memristor TRNG passed the National Institute of Standards and Technology randomness tests without post-processing procedure. Taking advantage of the true random data key, the binary image can be encrypted and decrypted by executing the XNOR logic operation. In addition, the Gaussian noise effect on the decryption stability of image information secure communication is also analyzed. Although 90% Gaussian noise was applied to the original image, the pristine binary image still can be roughly recognized. This work demonstrates that the double TS memristors-based TRNG system has great potential for hardware security applications.
An electron–ion coincidence spectrometer for commissioning of a synchrotron radiation beamline: Absolute photon intensity and content of higher harmonic radiation
Authors: Pedersen Henrik B. , Lanng Sofie J. , Bastian Björn , Harbo Lasse S. , Hoffmann Søren V. , Jones Nykola C. , Mudrich Marcel , Nielsen Torsten A. , Svendsen Annette , Teiwes Ricky
Published: May 2023

We describe the commissioning of a new electron–ion coincidence spectrometer used to diagnose the photon beam from a plane grating monochromator beamline at the ASTRID2 synchrotron radiation facility. The spectrometer allows determination of the absolute photon intensity by calibration to the photoabsorption cross sections of known gases, such as the rare gases Ar, Kr, and Xe presented here. The spectrometer operates at very low pressure (∼10−8–10−9 mbar) and—due to the coincidence electron–ion detection scheme—the detector efficiencies can be determined routinely; hence, the spectrometer can be recalibrated swiftly. By variation of a single potential of the spectrometer, the content of higher order radiation in the monochromatized synchrotron radiation can be analyzed. The layout and operation of the synchrotron radiation beamline at ASTRID2 and its additional photon diagnostic units are additionally described.
Deep reinforcement learning-based active flow control of vortex-induced vibration of a square cylinder
Authors: Noack Bernd R.
Published: May 2023

We mitigate vortex-induced vibrations of a square cylinder at a Reynolds number of 100 using deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based active flow control (AFC). The proposed method exploits the powerful nonlinear and high-dimensional problem-solving capabilities of DRL, overcoming limitations of linear and model-based control approaches. Three positions of jet actuators including the front, the middle, and the back of the cylinder sides were tested. The DRL agent as a controller is able to optimize the velocity of the jets to minimize drag and lift coefficients and refine the control strategy. The results show that a significant reduction in vibration amplitude of 86%, 79%, and 96% is achieved for the three different positions of the jet actuators, respectively. The DRL-based AFC method is robust under various reduced velocities. This study successfully demonstrates the potential of DRL-based AFC method in mitigating flow-induced instabilities.
A novel method for simultaneous determination of relative permeability and capillary pressure from corefloods (gas/CO2–water systems)
Authors: Hemmati Nassim , Borazjani Sara , Badalyan Alexander , Genolet Luis , Behr Aron , Zeinijahromi Abbas , Bedrikovetsky Pavel
Published: May 2023

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) using CO2 injection is being investigated as a feasible technique for oil reservoirs. The ability of a reservoir to store CO2 for a long time presents an opportunity to create sustainable solutions to the problems posed by the continued use of fossil fuels and climate change, and to support the commitment to regional, national, and global agreements to reduce CO2 emissions. Injection strategies such as water-alternate-gas (WAG) or carbonised water injection (CWI) have been proposed to overcome the issue of low sweep efficiency of CO2 flood in the reservoir. An understanding of the relative permeability and capillary pressure behaviour is necessary to simulate these processes in porous media. The steady-state coreflood test is a widely accepted industrial method to determine relative permeability (Kr), but the capillary pressure (Pc) must be found from other sources (porous plate, mercury injection, and centrifuge tests). A significant difference between the capillary pressure determined from corefloods and by other methods is widely presented in the literature. This work presents a novel coreflood method for the simultaneous determination of relative permeability (Kr) and capillary pressure (Pc). The main idea is to use the stabilised data of the steady-state method along with the transient data of the pressure drop. Therefore, in the proposed steady-state-transient test (SSTT), the transient pressure drop data across the core, between the sequential steady-states, are used instead of the traditionally utilised Pc-curve.
Assessment of CO2 storage capability in Denison Trough, Bowen Basin
Authors: Wang Xingjin , Holmes Chris , Khalili Ahmad Dehghan , Esterle Joan
Published: May 2023

The Bowen–Surat basin in eastern Queensland is a major centre of fossil energy production in Australia, producing 50% of Australia’s coal and 26% of Australia’s gas. Consequently, this region is also a major centre of carbon emissions. In 2018, fugitive emissions from the coal, oil and gas sectors were approximately 19.1 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent, which accounts for 11% of Queensland’s total emissions. The Denison Trough, (central Queensland) is the western depocentre of the Bowen Basin, an area of major natural gas supply for eastern Australia. Since the 1960s, 14 gas fields have been discovered and brought onto production. Denison Gas holds 10 petroleum leases across these discoveries, with a total acreage of 1159 km2. There are over 60 production wells, of which over 20 are depleted or close to depleted, and they provide potential target sites for carbon capture and storage (CCS). Preliminary analysis shows the depleted reservoir in the Aldebaran Sandstone at the Merivale Field (southern Denison Trough) could be the first candidate for CCS. The subsurface depth of the reservoir is 850–1200 m and could retain CO2 in the supercritical phase. The permeability varies from 1 to 2000 mD. As the reservoir pressure has been depleted, it is expected the injection operation at the depleted wells will be achievable. A simulation for estimating storage capacity was performed by Denison Gas. The results show the depleted gas reservoir has the capacity of storing up to 70 BCF (3600 kt) of CO2 in the future. This result encourages further work to determine seal integrity and economic feasibility.
Combating modern slavery in Australian supply chains: a case study of a holistic approach
Authors: Auld Judy , Ryan Sophie
Published: May 2023

It is an appalling reality that about 50 million people worldwide live under the constraints of modern slavery conditions, such as forced labour, worst form of child labour, debt bondage, servitude and deceptive recruitment and so on. In Australia, the federal government has launched the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), which sets mandatory criteria for an applicable entity to issue a modern slavery statement. However, there is a clear absence of actionable guidelines for companies to follow, in order to assess and address risks of modern slavery within their value chain. Ambiguous legislative requirements have resulted in poor monitoring that, ultimately, does not effectively help eradicate modern slavery from Australian supply chains. In order to address this gap and provide a practical tool for organisations to combat modern slavery, this article employs a case study to demonstrate how to conduct effective on-site audits to mitigate modern slavery risks through the supply chain. A set of critical factors and potential solutions to remove barriers are discussed.
The Cretaceous-Cenozoic volcanic record of the Gippsland Basin: origin, nature and significance for the energy transition
Authors: Holford Simon , Meeuws Fun , Swierczek Ernest , Schofield Nick , Bunch Mark
Published: May 2023

Mafic volcanic rocks, typically basalts of mainly late Cretaceous age, have been intersected by Gippsland Basin wells. Intersections of volcanic rocks primarily occur along the basin-bounding Rosedale Fault System in the northern part of the basin, where they exhibit a close spatial correspondence with high-CO2 content gas accumulations. Though petrographic data indicates that the basalts have been variably altered to clays and carbonates, they provide the top seals to numerous hydrocarbon accumulations, most notably at the Kipper Field. Despite the widespread distribution of these volcanics and their relevance to petroleum systems, they have received only sporadic attention over the past few decades. Here we combine petrophysical, geomechanical, geophysical and geochemical datasets to elucidate the origin of the volcanic record of the Gippsland Basin, and to evaluate their potential role in the decarbonisation of the basin, for example through providing opportunities for intra and sub-basaltic storage of CO2.
Preservation of thermal signature of elevated syn-rift heat flow during multiphase extension: a case study from the Duntroon Sub-basin, Great Australian Bight
Authors: Holford Simon , Duddy Ian , Green Paul , Schofield Nick , Hillis Richard , Stoker Martyn
Published: May 2023

Quantifying the thermal histories of rift basins is important for evaluating their resource and CO2 storage potential because temperature controls hydrocarbon generation, and the diagenesis of reservoir rocks. However, in many rift basins, it is difficult to obtain evidence for elevated heat flow accompanying rifting, since paleotemperature data from drilled sections typically record heating related to post-rift burial. Here we integrate geochemical, geophysical and petrophysical data from the Duntroon Sub-basin, Great Australian Bight, that show how strain-migration during multiphase extension can preserve the signature of syn-rift elevated geothermal gradients. During the late Jurassic–early Cretaceous, rifting was focussed along ~ESE-striking normal fault systems in the northern part of the Duntroon Sub-basin. During the late Cretaceous, strain migrated to the southwest through the development of normal faults which accommodated the deposition of Upper Cretaceous strata. The Echidna-1 well was drilled into a basement high, in the footwall of a late Cretaceous fault system, penetrating ~2.5 km of Lower Cretaceous strata. Paleotemperature proxies define an early Cretaceous paleogeothermal gradient of ~60°C km−1, substantially higher than the present-day gradient. Our results indicate that preserved Lower Cretaceous strata were more deeply buried by ~1 km of additional section, which was likely eroded during an episode of mid-Cretaceous exhumation associated with the migrating locus of rifting; this enabled the preservation of thermal signature of elevated syn-rift heat flow. Similar evidence is also observed in the Otway Basin, demonstrating the regional extent of elevated syn-rift heat flow along the southern Australian margin.
Energy transition risk for Australia’s LNG: how to build up resilience for a low-carbon future
Authors: Savenkova Olga
Published: May 2023

Global gas demand is expected to surge 12.5% in the next 8 years, from about 4 trillion cubic meters (Tcm) this year to around 4.5 Tcm in 2030. Demand in the Asia Pacific region is expected to soar about 30% by 2030. Many countries, particularly in the European Union (EU), will look to diversify away from Russian gas supplies in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Liquified natural gas (LNG) is set to play a major role in plugging some of this supply gap – compared to 2021 levels, Europe’s LNG demand increased 60% to 123 million tonnes in 2022. There is no doubt that LNG suppliers with the lowest costs and emissions will stay in demand for longer, as buyers everywhere are not only looking for the cheapest volumes but also for supply with the lowest carbon footprint. In this paper, Rystad Energy benchmarks the carbon intensity of LNG exports from Australia to major Asian markets against other exporters to see how carbon-competitive Australia’s LNG is across the entire value chain: from upstream to regasification. We also take a closer look at specific LNG projects and estimate how much of the value might be at risk due to lower commodity prices and CO2 cost adoption. This type of analysis breaks down the complexity of energy transition risk for the Australian LNG market, allowing companies to implement risk mitigation plans at the earlier stages of the market’s evolution towards a low-carbon future.
Environmental benefits of leaving steel-piled jacket platforms in place
Authors: Veluayitham Sheela , Mayboehm Louise , Martin Katie
Published: May 2023

With many of the Bass Strait reservoirs having reached the end of their productive life, Esso has been planning and preparing for the decommissioning of facilities including the currently non-producing steel-piled jacket platforms (platforms). Given many of these platforms have been in place for several decades, it is important to understand the ecosystem that has established around them to ensure that the environmental impacts and risks of decommissioning are appropriately assessed. Esso undertook an offshore environmental survey in 2021 using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to collect visual imagery of the environment around a representative set of platforms (and pipelines), including reference sites (natural seabed environment), to supplement available literature with site-specific data. The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) performed detailed analysis of the fish and benthic communities that are associating with the infrastructure to provide insights into understanding the habitat value of the infrastructure. An equal or better environmental outcome assessment undertaken by Esso identified that preserving the marine communities that have established on and around the platforms is a key consideration between complete removal of platforms and the proposed end state of retaining the lower sections (minimum 55 m below mean sea level) of selected platforms in situ.
Opportunities for CO2 utilisation in the Northern Territory
Authors: Banfield Dominic , Moisi Anthea , Arora Vidip , Palfreyman Doug
Published: May 2023

The Northern Territory (NT) aims to grow the gross state product to $40 billion by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050. Alongside other carbon abatement approaches, CO2 utilisation technologies have the potential to enable the development of a low-emission manufacturing industry that can support the NT’s decarbonisation and economic growth targets. CO2 utilisation is the process of using CO2, captured from industrial emissions or directly from the atmosphere, to produce valuable products. The Northern Territory is relatively well positioned to deploy CO2 utilisation technologies due to the local established natural gas industry, export links with the Asia-Pacific region and high renewable electricity potential. This report explores the potential to deploy five CO2 utilisation opportunities in the NT: methanol, jet fuel, urea, methane, and mineral carbonates. Techno-economic analysis of the levelised cost of production for each of these products found that they are not cost competitive with conventional products. However, cost reductions are expected as the relevant technologies mature. The full report discusses potential scale-up pathways for each application. Commercial-scale CO2 utilisation will require orders of magnitude increases in the scale of CO2 sources, renewable hydrogen, and renewable electricity. CSIRO is collaborating with industry and government partners to develop a business case for a Northern Territory Low Emissions Hub with a particular focus on carbon capture, utilisation, and storage. This abstract provides the high-level finding from the full public report, which is one input into the development of this business case.
Enabling decarbonisation through the supply chain
Authors: McCarthy Tim , Goodacre Mark
Published: May 2023

The oil and gas industry will play a significant role as the world works to achieve its climate change goals. A lower carbon future will require partnership and collaboration across supply chains because no one company, industry, or nation – acting alone – can meet the world’s energy and climate goals. For 70 years, Chevron Australia has played an important role in delivering oil, natural gas, and other products to power human progress. As the world’s energy demand continues to grow, we aim to grow our traditional energy business, which will continue to be a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. To help advance a lower carbon future, we are striving to reduce the carbon emissions intensity of our traditional operations and seeking to grow lower carbon businesses; while continuing to deliver the reliable, affordable energy the world needs. This paper will share the strategies and efforts underway to reduce the carbon intensity of Chevron Australia’s upstream assets by enabling the supply chains that support our business.
Australia’s regulation of scope 3 emissions
Authors: Holding Matthew
Published: May 2023

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions occur throughout the value chain of petroleum developments, including scope 3 emissions, which occur because of activities related to a development but not controlled or owned by that facility’s business. Scope 3 emissions are created predominately by using hydrocarbon products produced by Australia’s petroleum industry. The Australian petroleum industry is subject to a structured and robust regulatory framework to manage environmental impacts. Recently, scope 3 emissions from Australia’s petroleum sector are facing greater regulatory scrutiny. There are a number of drivers for scope 3 emissions regulation, including: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) section 527E indirect consequences of an action. Western Australian Draft revised Environmental Factor Guideline – Greenhouse Gas Emissions. These mechanisms provide Australian regulators the ability to enforce project proponents to manage their scope 3 emissions. Some measures that project proponents use to meet these requirements are: Assist the upstream supply network (e.g. regasification and distribution) to implement fugitive methane emissions reduction measures such as the Methane Guiding Principles; Undertake an annual review of indirect emissions; and Collaboratively work with customers to reduce emissions. This creates a project-centric approach to scope 3 emissions management. This paper explores regulation of scope 3 emissions, the impacts this regulatory approach has on project proponents and customers, whilst also considering alternative mechanisms to manage these emissions and meet regulatory requirements and climate goals.
Fines migration during coal bed methane production: mathematical and laboratory modelling, field cases
Authors: Hashemi Abolfazl , Dang-Le Bryant , Nguyen Cuong , Loi Grace , Khazali Nastaran
Published: May 2023

Fines migration in coalbed methane (CBM) fields comprises a serious environmental and gas-production challenge. The literature widely reports two kinds of fines: potential coal fines, which are a part of the coal body and can be detached by breakage under a significant drag force exerted from the inflowing water, and detrital coal fines, which are attached to the coal body by electrostatic forces. The theory for detrital coal fines migration is well developed. A theory for potential coal fines, where the drag deforms the coal asperities and detaches fines by rock failure, is not available. The objectives of this study are (1) to derive the governing equations for fines generation by breakage using failure criteria, and (2) to predict well productivity during dewatering and gas production using laboratory-based modelling. The micro-model developed is based on beam theory and comprises static rock deformation by the flow-through water and calculating failure criteria by tensile and shear stresses. The failure condition determines the number of fines that detach after the application of each flow rate, allowing determining the maximum retention function of potential coal fines. The breakage micro-model is incorporated into filtration equations that account for fines mobilisation, migration, straining and consequent permeability decline. Eight series of lab flooding data with coal cores have been treated. The close match between the lab and model validates the model developed. The model allows predicting productivity decline due to permeability reduction by fines breakage and straining.
Underexplored but not forgotten: assessing the energy resources potential of the greater Pedirka Basin region through play-based mapping
Authors: Iwanec Jeremy , Strong Paul , Bernecker Tom
Published: May 2023

The Pedirka, Simpson and western Eromanga basins in central Australia have had a chequered exploration history which has seen only 42 wells drilled across a study area of ~210 000 km2. Exploration initially focused on conventional hydrocarbons from the 1950s–1980s, before shifting towards coal seam gas (CSG) opportunities in the mid-2000s. Active petroleum systems have been proven in the region by a non-commercial oil discovery at Poolowanna 1 in 1977, and by several wells that showed evidence of residual oil columns. CSG exploration programs have confirmed the presence of thick, marginally mature coal intervals on the flanks of the basins, but are yet to evaluate the CSG potential of the deeper troughs. Geoscience Australia, the Northern Territory Geological Survey and the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining have been collaborating on the Australia’s Future Energy Resources project to undertake an assessment of the resource potential for conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons, and the geological storage of CO2 (GSC) potential of the greater Pedirka region. The project has applied a play-based exploration approach to qualitatively assess the resource potential of the region. The Carboniferous to Cretaceous stratigraphic interval was divided into 14 plays which were evaluated for the presence of sediment-hosted energy resources through post-drill analysis, gross depositional environment mapping and common risk segment mapping. The analysis identified energy resources and GSC potential across multiple plays and locations within the study area. These results demonstrate, that while the region is underexplored, it should not be overlooked by future exploration activities.
Australian salt basins – options for underground hydrogen storage
Authors: Bradshaw Marita , Rees Stephanie , Wang Liuqi , Szczepaniak Mike , Cook Wayne , Voegeli Sam , Boreham Christopher , Wainman Carmine , Wong Sebastian , Southby Chris , Feitz Andrew
Published: May 2023

As Australia and the world transition to net zero emissions, hydrogen will continue to grow in importance as a clean energy source, with underground hydrogen storage (UHS) expected to be a key component of this new industry. Salt (halite) caverns are a preferred storage option for hydrogen, given their scale, stability and the high injection and withdrawal rates they can support. The use of salt caverns for storing gas is an established industry in North America and Europe but not in Australia, where exploration for suitable storage locations is in the initial frontier stages. Australia’s known major halite deposits occur in Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic sequences and are predominantly located in western and central Australia. This analysis has identified potential in eastern Australia in addition to the proven thick halite in the Adavale Basin, Queensland. Building on Geoscience Australia’s previous salt studies in the Canning, Polda and Adavale basins, this study expands the portfolio of areas prospective for halite in onshore and offshore basins using both direct and indirect evidence. The study correlates paleogeography and paleoclimate reconstructions with evidence of salt in wells, and in geophysical and geochemical data. Salt cavern design for UHS, the solution mining process, and the preferred salt deposits are also discussed. The results will provide pre-competitive information through a comprehensive inventory of areas that may be prospective for UHS.
Challenges and lessons learnt from Northern Territory (NT) Orphan Well project
Authors: Hingerty Shaun
Published: May 2023

The Orphan Well project evolved from recommendations in the Final Report of the NT Hydraulic Fracturing Inquiry (HFI). The purpose was to assess wells that were drilled under petroleum permit or licence, and which had subsequently been surrendered by the titleholder and are now the responsibility of the NT Government. The project’s objective was to confirm the current status of these wells and to put forward recommendations for remedial works and/or monitoring for wells assessed to have an integrity risk. The assessment primarily focusses on the risk of fugitive methane gas. Two petroleum engineers were employed to undertake the project of assessing 113 orphan wells scattered over 1.4 million km2 of the NT. As it is a requirement to rehabilitate the land after petroleum activities have ceased, access to orphan wells is often not maintained; therefore, logistical consideration was undertaken. The project involved an initial desktop study of well history (construction) followed by a field site inspection. The drilling of these wells date back to the 1960s. These older wells can often have less detail in the well records including survey location, and being pre-GPS, may include location errors of several kilometres. Remote helicopter travel was used to undertake fieldwork and to locate these wells. The site inspections commenced in February 2022 and as at 31 December 2022 on ground field inspections were delivered to 96 wellsites. This paper provides insight as to how the Orphan Well team developed its processes in both desktop study and site investigations.
Integration of the comprehensive Gorgon CO2 surveillance program for history matching of the Dupuy reservoir model
Authors: Haynes Andrew , Jager Karl , Maekivi Jessica , Scoby-Smith Leigh , Shawcross Trent
Published: May 2023

The Gorgon CO2 project (The Gorgon Project is operated by Chevron Australia and is a joint venture of the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (47.3%), ExxonMobil (25%), Shell (25%), Osaka Gas (1.25%), Tokyo Gas (1%) and JERA (0.417%)) is the world’s largest operational Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project dedicated to greenhouse gas abatement. Since starting injection in 2019 it has successfully sequestered more than 7.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (as at 31 January 2023). A comprehensive surveillance program – including reservoir pressure monitoring, 4D seismic, microseismic monitoring, distributed temperature and acoustic sensing, and InSAR surface displacement measurement – provides a wealth of data for developing history-matched static, dynamic and geomechanical models that are instrumental in the operation and development planning of the field. In comparison to modelling of conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, in which maximising production and ultimate recovery are typically the focus, developing and selecting a suite of representative CCS models requires consideration of an additional set of factors. These factors include modelling CO2 plume movement, managing reservoir pressure at key locations and accommodating geomechanical constraints. This paper will explore these differences, and how the various sources of surveillance data have been integrated into the modelling process to better understand and predict the dynamic behaviour of the Dupuy reservoir.