bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Recovery Improvement Opportunities for a Brownfield Deepwater Asset Using Analytic Methods
Authors: Michael Ogbu , Adewale Ogunleye , Edith Mbanefo
Published: August 2024

Identifying opportunities to improve hydrocarbon recovery in a brownfield is usually preceded by an assessment of the effectiveness of the development strategy and the gap to potential ultimate recoverable. In recent times, the use of numerical reservoir modeling techniques has dominated the assessment of reservoir performance and prediction, leading to an improved understanding of reservoir and production systems. Despite the obvious benefits of numerical reservoir models, the development of robust reservoir models is resource-intensive and, thus, can be less attractive (on a cost-versus-benefit basis) for certain projects. In situations such as this, engineers often deploy classical analytical techniques to assess reservoir performance and predict performance within the limitations therein.

This paper presents how analytical methods were used in assessing the recovery potential of a matured reservoir system, thus driving decisions on ways to improve the asset value of the brownfield. The reservoir is situated in a deep-water turbidite environment and has twelve (12) water and four (4) gas injection wells and twenty-seven (27) oil producers. Production commenced in 2006 and peaked at 207 Mbopd. Currently, production has declined to an average of 64 Mbopd, with rapidly increasing water cut and Gas-Oil-Ratio trends in some wells, among other production challenges. This decline necessitated the need for a review of the system to identify short- to medium-term opportunities to arrest the production decline. The legacy subsurface models for the reservoir were deemed not reasonably representative as the performance history could not be replicated with these models. Thus, the subsurface team deployed a fit-for-purpose value-adding alternative workflow to address a prioritized list of key asset gaps within the agreed timeframe.

The workflow involved using a collection of analytic techniques such as Recovery Factor versus initial Hydrocarbon Pore Volume Curves, Reservoir Management Dashboard, etc. to understand the gas and water flood performance in the field, identify opportunities to optimize recovery, generate a range of estimates for the gap to potential, etc. Thus, deepening the integrated understanding of the reservoir. The knowledge built from the study formed the basis for the development of an updated reservoir management strategy for the reservoir.
Improving Natural Gas Utilization in Nigeria: An Analysis of the Domestic Gas Industry From 2010-2022
Authors: Mmesomachukwu Chuma-Udeh Paula , Uchechukwu Okereke Ndubuisi
Published: August 2024

This paper undertakes a comprehensive exploration of natural gas utilization in Nigeria over a twenty-year period (2010-2022), with a focus on forecasting future trends in demand, production, and consumption. The primary objective is to identify challenges and propose strategic measures for enhancing the effective use of Nigeria's abundant natural gas resources.

The study adopts a forecast method, leveraging the Scrapy web scraping tool for systematic data collection from official websites. Validation processes ensure the accuracy and reliability of the collected data, maintaining ethical considerations outlined by website terms of use. The analysis employs trend analysis, utilizing a linear trend equation to forecast yearly demand. The process involves rigorous equations, validation checks, and reliability assessments, presenting findings through tables and charts.

Findings reveal a paradox wherein Nigeria's vast natural gas reserves fail to effectively address energy shortfalls. The power sector, a significant consumer of natural gas, faces a liquidity crisis impacting gas pricing and per-capita electricity generation. The study concludes that strategic investments, policy consistency, and regulatory enhancements are critical for maximizing the benefits of natural gas utilization. Economic implications include potential revenue generation, job creation, and trade balance improvement.

The paper emphasizes the need for Nigeria to emerge as a regional leader in natural gas utilization, outlining a holistic vision. It calls for increased environmental considerations, awareness campaigns, and diversification of natural gas applications beyond electricity generation. The study recommends further research on greenhouse gas emission reduction, a critical analysis of the legal framework in the petroleum industry and addressing gas flaring as a wasteful practice of natural resources.

The study identified the challenges hindering the effective utilization of natural gas as: inadequate infrastructure, poor investment, policy inconsistencies, and regulatory shortcomings. However, this study sheds light on the potential solutions that can lead to a transformative change in Nigeria's energy landscape. This study also developed a roadmap towards the optimization of gas production from assets within Nigeria.
Successful Management of Fracture Gradient and Mud Weight Issues to Avert Lost Circulation in a Brownfield Development Drilling Campaign: A Case Study of Well X
Authors: Ezenobi Eric , Briggs Tamunoseleipiri , Farayola Adesola , Tichelaar Bart , Ayodele Bunmi
Published: August 2024

Loss of drilling mud circulation presents one of the biggest threats to safe wells delivery, hence it is pertinent to understand fracture gradient and loss circulation mechanisms across the different lithologies in well drilling operations.

The fracture gradient is an important parameter for drilling mud weight design. If the downhole mud weight is higher than the formation fracture gradient, then the wellbore will have tensile failures (i.e, the formation will be fractured), causing loss of drilling mud or even lost circulation (total losses of the mud). Therefore, fracture gradient prediction is directly related to drilling safety.

The paper presents a case study of Well X situated in the coastal depobelt terrain of Niger Delta. The well is an oil development well targeting two (2) brown reservoirs. The top-hole section was drilled safely and subsequently cased-off. While drilling the next hole section with intervals of hard sandstone streaks, using a relatively high mud weight as predicted from a pre-drill borehole stability study, erratic torque was recorded and 18bbls/hr downhole mud losses occurred, in the Q reservoir – an intermediate water bearing reservoir. These mud losses were cured, and drilling resumed, though with persistent erratic torque and Rate of Penetration (ROP) as low as 4ft/hr. To improve the ROP, the Weight on Bit (WOB) was increased, which resulted in high Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD). Due to the high ECD, the hard sandstone streaks were fractured, total mud losses occurred (i.e., no mud returns to surface), the drill string stalled and got stuck in the freshwater-bearing Q reservoir. All effort to recover the stuck drill string and Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA), proved abortive. The drill pipe was severed, while the BHA was permanently abandoned with cement plugs and the main hole was lost. A cased hole sidetrack was initiated, and the well was thereafter successfully drilled to well Total Depth (TD).

This paper therefore details the strategy adopted by the integrated subsurface and wells team in the planning and execution of the sidetrack for Well X, as well as technical considerations and operational decisions taken to avert a loss circulation.
Driving Profitability in Oil and Gas production Operations by Leveraging on Business Process Automation Solutions: The AI Journey
Authors: Ifalade Oluwajuwon , Adeleke Opeyemi
Published: August 2024

The Oil and Gas industry, traditionally non-digital native, is experiencing a significant uptick in the adoption of technology throughout its value chain. This paper unveils a compelling use case of the Microsoft Power series—Power BI, specifically—in revolutionizing reporting, streamlining approval processes, and optimizing for maximum economic outcomes.

NNPC E & P Limited (NEPL) is the upstream operating subsidiary of the national oil company, NNPC Limited. This role presents a unique challenge of managing assets across various operational models. This raises the question of finding a way around creating a central production reporting system from which insights can be drawn for data-driven decision-making. This also opens the door to the potentially leverage on predictive analytics and artificial intelligence in revenue forecasting.

The current challenge can be is summarized as lack of a standardized reporting template, long lead times in producing management reports, duplication of efforts in data entry and lack of a single source of truth.

The Microsoft Power series, encompassing Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate, offers a versatile and integrated solution that empowers organizations to streamline processes, enhance data visualization, and automate workflows. In this paper, we delve into the areas where Power Platform has been successfully implemented to improve operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration across various facets of Oil and Gas production in NEPL.

Data Entry and Processing: Microsoft’s collaborative workspace of SharePoint, Microsoft Teams and OneDrive played a pivotal role in setting up a data pipeline that streams data onto a central database in real-time.

Data Manipulation: Data entry is partially decoupled from data manipulation as the ETL (Extract, Transform and Load) protocol is used.

Data Visualization and Analytics: Power BI was used to create dynamic dashboards, enabling real-time monitoring of critical production metrics, reservoir performance, and equipment health. This was replicated across the different levels of organizational hierarchy.

Conclusion & Outlook: The implementation of this solution has successfully led to the creation of a database with single-point entries, eliminated the duplication of efforts, automated the production management reports, and laid the foundation for a digitally transformed future where AI is leveraged for maximum profit. All these has been done at no cost. The outlook is to explore the predictive capabilities using the collected data and AI algorithms.
Terminalia Catappa Leave Extract (TCLE) as Green Hydrate Inhibitor for Deep Water Operations
Authors: Akpan A. M. , Ikiensikimama S. S. , Wachikwu-Elechi Virtue Urunwo , Okon O. E.
Published: August 2024

The formation of gas hydrates poses a significant obstacle to the efficient and safe transportation of hydrocarbons in offshore pipelines. As the oil and gas industry expands into deeper and more challenging environments, the risk of gas hydrate-induced flow assurance issues escalates. Various inhibition methods have been adopted such as the low dosage inhibitors (LDIs) like the kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHI), anti-agglomerants (AAs), thermodynamic hydrate inhibitors (THIs) etc., but these synthetic chemicals are contributing to environmental concerns and prompting a crucial need for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the inhibitory properties of natural extracts from the Terminalia catappa leaves. The extract was got via Soxhlet extract of dry terminalia catappa leaves (TCLE) and screened in a locally fabricated laboratory mini flow loop. Assessment of effectiveness of TCLE was made using a conventional inhibitor, Monoethyleneglycol (MEG). Pressure decline in the mini flow loop rapidly indicates formation of gas hydrates and is used as a basis of assessing the inhibitory capacities of the inhibitors. Final pressure reading at the end of 120 minutes for TCLE used in concentrations of 0.01-0.03wt% are 104, 98 and 123 psi respectively while those of 1-3wt% MEG for the same time interval are 105, 99 and 120 psi. The changes in pressure values at the end of the experiment for 0.01-0.03wt% TCLE were 46, 52 and 27 psi respectively while1-3wt% MEG had change in pressure values of 45, 51 and 30 psi respectively. The results show that 0.01 and 0.02wt% TCLE competed favourably with 1-2wt% MEG having just 1 psi difference in pressure and outperformed MEG in 0.03wt% with a pressure difference of 3 psi. This is in spite of the fact that TCLE was used in smaller concentrations (0.01-0.03wt%) compared to the concentration of MEG (1-3wt%). TCLE can be harnessed and further developed as an eco-friendly and effective solution for inhibiting gas hydrate formation, mitigating the operational disruptions, safety hazards associated with the transport of hydrocarbons through offshore pipelines, and also promoting the industry’s growing commitment to greener practices.
OPEX Reduction Through De-Risked Multi-Zone Gravel Pack De-Completion/Workover - An OML 54 Case
Authors: Okoronkwo Leonard , Madubulum Kenechukwu , Aduba Anthony , Okogbule Maxson
Published: August 2024

The cardinal objective of working over an oil or gas well is to increase the well’s production performance. It involves stimulating existing production zone(s) with impaired production due to skin or other near-wellbore damage situations, pulling an existing completion, accessing new zones behind the casing, and installing a new completion. A direct option to work over is a side-track from the existing wellbore after partial or complete removal of the previously installed completions depending on depths of behind-casing opportunities. Workover is preferred to side-track due to cost. However, to achieve the cost reduction benefit of workover, the operational steps involved must be fully de-risked. Risk, especially that seen with de-completing dual completions to fishing of single or dual gravel packs, is the primary driver behind most operators undertaking side-track over traditional workover options.

This paper shares experience from working over a dual-string multi-zone gravel pack well located in OML 54, onshore Niger Delta. The overall cost of de-completing and completing the well was compared with a side-track option, the result was 30% savings. The project team zeroed in and scrutinized operational cost drivers and concluded that de-risking each of the de-completion operational stages was key.

The candidate well was completed as a two-zone gravel pack and produced via two production strings. In de-risking the operations, the project team considered the following: Age of the existing dual completionSize of the production strings and the gravel packs.Complexity of the completionWell budget (AFE – authorization for expenditure)Expected recovery from each of the new zones.

The well was successfully de-completed and completed by adhering to an operational flowchart. The chart provided a step-by-step roadmap from retrieving the upper dual completions, the upper gravel pack screen, the lower gravel pack screens, and installing a new two-string multi-zone completion.
A Novel QI Screening Technique for Identifying Deep-Water AVO False Positive: Learnings from Well X
Authors: Chudi Obinna , Hernandez Jaume , Kumar Gautam , Chikezie Chima , Anaevune Austin , Gesbert Stephane , Osimobi Jude , Ogunlana Ayodeji , Oguntola Somime , Osayande Francesca , Akingbade Kolawole , Johnbosco Uche , Obilaja Segun , Falade Oladipo
Published: August 2024

The quest for hydrocarbon has led explorationist to investigate amplitude anomalies popularly known as direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHI) from seismic data. Although DHI technology has proven to be a reliable tool in reducing exploration risk leading to many discoveries, it is not infallible and therefore can lead to disappointing outcomes of drilling into water bearing reservoirs that are classed as false positives which were characterized at predrill phase as hydrocarbon bearing sands. Hence the effectiveness of DHI's should properly be ranked particularly on the backdrop of sound geological and geophysical models. This paper presents a study from a deep-water field where an integrated QI workflow has revealed a distinction between false positives and conventional hydrocarbon bearing sands. An Exploration well - Well X was recently drilled targeting Body X sand - a channelized lobe displaying high amplitude anomaly and Class II/III AVO signature. The well turned out to be a 78ft thick brine sand with 32% porosity and 100% net-to-gross.

A post-mortem rock physics analysis of this sand and other false positives that were previously encountered in the field indicate that false positives show a distinct behavior compared to conventional oil and brine bearing sands. Two elastic properties; - LambdaRho, a fluid indicator and MuRho - a proxy for lithology, formed the basis of this analysis. From the rock physics cross plot, false positives are observed to be more rigid with higher MuRho values compared to conventional hydrocarbon and brine filled sands. LambdaRho and MuRho deterministic seismic inversion attributes were generated directly from broadband angle stacks that highlighted the high rigidity values of the false positives in line with the rock physics cross plot. This technique therefore serves as a first pass screening tool for identifying false positives that could improve our predrill prediction and future risking of potential hydrocarbon opportunities in Nigeria Deep-water operations.
Evaluation and Monitoring of CO2 Storage: Utilizing Mathematical Models to Analyze Well Log Data in Response to Incremental CO2 Saturation
Authors: Naseer Nazeer , Dawaki Adamu
Published: August 2024

Sequestration and Injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) in a geological formation will cause changes in rock seismic velocities. The goal of geological CO2sequestration is to store large quantities of CO2within the underground rock formation. It will be required to know with a high level of confidence that the sequestered CO2remains permanently within the formation. Seismic monitoring could play an important role and ensure safe, effective storage of CO2. This work attempts to model the response of well log data to increasing CO2 saturation, with the objectivesofperforming fluid substitution in the reservoir from brine to CO2 in incremental saturations, and generation ofregression models to relate CO2 saturation to density and sonic log changes. This is achievedthrough Gassmann fluid substitution and regression analysis using well log data from the Norwegian North Sea. Multiple linear regression was generated for both density and sonic velocity to establish a relationship between a constant C, which represents the percentage of the elastic parameter (Vp, Vs or RHO) relative to its original value, and CO2 saturation, shale volume and porosity.The general trend, as expected, is an increase in CO2saturation resulting in increased Vs and decreased Vpand density. The regression models generated from the multiple linear regression can be used to predict the change in VS as well as density (RHO) which can be used to determine the Vs and density changes resulting from changing CO2 saturation. This work serves as a precursor to saturation inversion from time-lapse seismic monitoring of CO2 stored in the subsurface.
Transformative Hydrogen: A Framework for Nuclear Integration in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Adeyeye Isaac
Published: August 2024

The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) emphasized nuclear energy's role in combating climate change, leading to the Ministerial Declaration on Nuclear Energy and the Net Zero Nuclear Industry Pledge. This project capitalizes on this momentum by exploring the fusion of nuclear technology with the oil and gas industry to produce clean hydrogen. By integrating nuclear energy's emission-free power generation capabilities with the existing infrastructure and expertise of the oil and gas sector, a novel approach for hydrogen production is proposed. The integration idea involves leveraging nuclear heat for steam methane reforming (SMR), reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. A comprehensive framework utilizing Aspen Plus for process simulation is presented to model key processes and assess technical feasibility and economic viability. The proposed system design includes a high-temperature reactor to provide heat for SMR, resulting in enhanced hydrogen production and reduced emissions. The study compares the performance of the integrated system with conventional methods, highlighting its potential for increased efficiency and sustainability. Results demonstrate improved methane conversion rates and hydrogen production, indicating the viability of the proposed approach. The project contributes to the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable hydrogen economy by facilitating the seamless integration of nuclear and oil and gas technologies.
A Comparative Analysis of Natural Flow and Water Flooding for a Black Oil Reservoir Using CMG IMEX Simulator
Authors: Iserhienrhien O. B. , Taiwo O. A. , Ojukwu I. N. , Olafuyi O. A.
Published: August 2024

Maintaining oil and gas production presents a significant and ever-growing challenge within the hydrocarbon industry. As hydrocarbons are extracted from a reservoir, the natural pressure that drives their flow toward the wellbore inevitably declines. This phenomenon, known as reservoir pressure depletion, significantly hinders the effectiveness of primary recovery methods, which rely solely on this inherent pressure for production. The limitations of relying solely on natural flow for hydrocarbon recovery cannot be overstressed. The study underscores the significant benefits of implementing improved oil recovery techniques, particularly water flooding, to maximize oil and gas production from the reservoir.

This study investigated the effectiveness of improved oil recovery techniques for a black oil reservoir using CMG IMEX reservoir simulation software. A detailed digital reservoir model was constructed, incorporating fluid properties, rock characteristics, and well configurations representative of a mature oil field. The reservoir initially contained an estimated 88.8 million stock tank barrels (STB) of oil, 132 million STB of water, and 122 billion standard cubic feet (SCF) of gas. The research compared two recovery scenarios simulated over 20 years (2016-2036).

Natural depletion, relying solely on solution gas drive without aquifer support, resulted in a low ultimate recovery, reaching only 9% of the original oil in place (OOIP) and 20% of the initial gas in place (IGIP). While the presence of an aquifer slightly improved recovery, it also substantially increased water production.

Implemented with 10 producers and 2 injectors, water flooding demonstrated improved sweep efficiency. This technique recovered approximately 21% OOIP and 45% GIIP without aquifer support. Water flooding yielded even better results when combined with aquifer support, reaching 27% OOIP and over 50% GIIP.
Environmental and Economic Considerations for the Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Infrastructure in Nigeria
Authors: Ayeni M. , Iyalla I. , Mahon R.
Published: August 2024

When offshore structures reach their end of life it becomes necessary to remove them and return the environment to its initial state. Generally, there are three options for decommissioning which are complete removal, leave in place, and partial removal. The choice of option takes into consideration, economic environmental, technical, safety, stakeholders, and regulatory factors. This work aims to critically evaluates the environmental, economic, and regulatory aspects of oil and gas facility decommissioning in Nigeria and assesses the feasibility of various strategies in minimizing environmental impact and decommissioning cost. Following best practices of the United Kingdom, a leading country that has decommissioned several offshore facilities, the study highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with the Nigeria environment. A systematic approach was employed to evaluate the strategies, utilizing both ranking systems and sensitivity analysis. The findings indicate that the choice of decommissioning strategy has multifaceted implications, necessitating a thorough evaluation process. The study also proposes establishing a "Decommissioning Fund" and offering tax incentives for decommissioning activities. Technological advancements such as modern bond logging techniques, rig less intervention equipment and innovative containment approaches is deemed crucial for cost reduction and enhancing efficiency of decommissioning process. Theoretical insights derived from this study offer a fresh perspective on decommissioning in the Oil and Gas sector, highlighting both its challenges and opportunities. Practical implications of the findings are also discussed, providing industry practitioners with actionable recommendations.
Inclusion of children and youth in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Reports (AR1-AR6)
Authors: Donger Elizabeth , Bhatia Amiya , Pegram Joni , Kelly Orla
Published: August 2024

This Analysis assesses how children and youth are included in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Reports. We quantify how frequently these groups are referenced in past Assessment Reports (AR1-AR6) and conduct a thematic analysis of AR6 to unpack how climate impacts on children and youth are and are not included; references to these groups in discussions of mitigation and adaptation strategies; and the conceptual frameworks used when they are referenced. Evidence on children and youth has grown steadily in the IPCC reports, with a notable jump in AR6. In this most recent report, there is an emphasis on climate-related risks to children’s physical health and the power of youth climate activism. There is however a critical need for further funding and inclusion of research on marginalised children’s unique and intersecting vulnerabilities beyond physical health, and on the meaningful participation of both children and youth in climate measures.
The association between headphones use during study and concentration among medical students at King Khalid University: A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Alshaikh Ayoub Ali , AlAmri Ali Mohammed , Albraik Meteb Ahmad , Amer Khaled Abdulwahab N. , Alqahtani Ali Abdullah A. , Almugharrid Rayan Mohammed S. , Alzuhari Abdulmohsin Mohammed S. , Alshahrani Omair Mohammed O. , Mahmood Syed Esam
Published: August 2024

Background: This study assessed the relationship between headphone use during study sessions and concentration levels among medical students.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 359 medical students at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Demographic information, headphone usage habits, concentration levels during studying, perceived advantages and disadvantages of headphone use, and anxiety status were assessed.
Results: Among the surveyed participants, 40% (n=143) reported using headphones during study sessions. The prevalence of headphone use was higher among females (59.2%), sixth-degree students (33.1%), and individuals from higher-income families (43.7%). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between demographic factors and headphone use. Headphone use was significantly associated with higher concentration levels during studying, particularly among those who used headphones for longer durations and reported differences in learning outcomes. Advantages of using headphones included blocking external distractions (53.5%), improving focus (47.9%), and enhanced enjoyment of studying (39.6%), while disadvantages included reduced awareness (52.8%). Higher volume levels were associated with higher concentration levels, with participants using high volume more likely to exhibit very high concentration levels (50%). Logistic regression analysis also demonstrated a significant association between family income level and concentration while studying with headphones, with students from higher-income families exhibiting higher concentration levels.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that headphone use during study sessions is associated with increased concentration levels among medical students. Understanding the factors influencing headphone usage patterns and their effects on academic performance is essential for optimizing study environments and promoting effective learning strategies in medical education.
Early depassivation of reinforcing steel due to accelerated-carbonation in limestone calcined clay cement concretes
Authors: Mayorga Luis Felipe Salazar , Lizarazo-Marriaga Juan , Arango-L Juan F
Published: August 2024

The effect of carbonation on corrosion of reinforced steel was investigated in five limestone and calcined clay (LC3) concrete mixtures designed adjusting their cement SO3 content. Accelerated carbonation tests were carried out according to BS EN 12390-12, while simultaneously the rebar corrosion activity was also monitored using electrochemical tests such as the linear polarization resistance (LPR). This paper reports on the methodology proposed to evaluate the reinforcement's response to corrosion while concrete carbonates. Results showed that LC3 concretes had a significant increase in the carbonation rate, and showed from a Carbonation Index (CI), defined as the carbonation depth to the concrete cover ratio, that there is an early depassivation of the rebar. It means that steel corrosion processes begin before the carbonation front reaches the rebar, demonstrating that concrete using very high limestone and calcined clay replacement levels are much more vulnerable to accelerated carbonation.
Progranulin preserves mitochondrial health and turnover in neurons under hyperglycemic stress in a p97-dependent manner
Authors: Dedert Cass , Xu Fenglian
Published: August 2024

Type II diabetes (T2D) affects over half a billion adults and is a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease. A major component of T2D, hyperglycemia (chronic excess blood glucose) causes mitochondrial damage while impairing their clearance via mitophagy, leading to neuronal cell death. Conversely, restoring mitochondrial turnover to maintain overall mitochondrial health is a means of neuroprotection. We investigated whether progranulin (PGRN), an endogenously-expressed neurotrophic factor that has been shown to be protective against frontotemporal dementia, also protects against hyperglycemic stress at the mitochondrial level. In vitro studies of primary cortex showed that high glucose led to mitochondrial dysfunction that was prevented with PGRN co-treatment. Additionally, we found that the expression and localization of key mitophagy proteins PTEN-INduced Kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, and p97 are affected by PGRN. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of p97 prevented many of PGRN’s protective benefits under high-glucose conditions. These data showcase a novel mechanism of PGRN’s protection and a newly-characterized connection between PGRN and p97. While further studies in vivo are necessary to validate these findings, they provide unique insights into the protective mechanisms of PGRN against diabetic neurodegeneration.
Effects of prebiotics on microbial diversity and abundance in young children with acute malnutrition: Study protocol for a multi-centered, double-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saleem Javeria , Zakar Rubeena , Iqbal Sanaullah , Arshad Muhammad , Shahzad Ruhma , Batool Munazza , Nawaz Muhammad , Butt Muhammad Salman , Fischer Florian
Published: August 2024

Background: The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits of prebiotics may present an affordable and cost-effective strategy in not only the prevention but also treatment of malnutrition. Therefore, the present trial has been designed with the aim to evaluate the role of prebiotics on the gut microbiome of severe acute malnourished (SAM) children.
Methods: The study is designed as a prospective, double-blinded, triple-armed, multi-centered randomized controlled trial, with 6–59 months old uncomplicated SAM children recruited to experimental group receiving RUTF+prebiotics and active comparator group receiving RUTF+starch. Healthy children with matching age and gender will be recruited to placebo comparator group and will receive starch as a placebo. A total of 53 participants will be recruited to each arm with 1:1:1 allocation ratio following a pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria for eight weeks. The results of the gut microbiome diversity will serve as the primary outcome, while weight-for-height/length z-score, mid-upper-arm circumference, neurodevelopment assessment and body mass accumulation will serve as the secondary outcome. Data collection and evaluations will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the trial (week 8) while the safety monitoring will be conducted at every second week. For analysis, the principles of intention-to-treat will be followed.
Conclusions: Conclusively, the results of the present trial would provide useful insights and high-quality data for the treatment and management of SAM children by evaluating the effect of RUTF+prebiotic on the gut microbiome diversity of children, leading to medical evidence for designing the large-scale studies.
Trial registration: The present trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier No: NCT06155474 and registration date 04/12/23.
Fabrication and in vivo testing of a sub-mm duckbill valve for hydrocephalus treatment
Authors: Christen Jennifer Blain , Jung Yuna , Gulick Daniel
Published: August 2024

Purpose: Hydrocephalus is characterized by the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cranium due to an imbalance between production and absorption of CSF. The standard treatment involves the implantation of a shunt to divert excess CSF into the peritoneal cavity, but these shunts exhibit high failure rates over time. In pursuit of improved reliability and performance, this study proposes a miniaturized valve designed to mimic the natural one-way valve function of the arachnoid granulations and thereby replace the shunts.
Methods: A benchtop testing setup was employed to characterize the behavior of the fabricated valve. Additionally, an animal study was conducted to assess the valve’s in vivo performance. This involved the injection of saline into the lateral ventricle to elevate intracranial pressure (ICP), followed by the drainage of the saline through the valve inserted into the cisterna magna (CM) to reduce pressure.
Results: Our prototype features a silicone duckbill valve design combined with a silicone tube as an inlet. Through benchtop testing, the valve exhibited unidirectional flow with negligible reverse leakage, revealing that critical parameters such as the width of the fluid channel (W) and bill length (L) could be controlled to optimize valve performance. Notably, the valve configuration with W = 0.8 mm and L <0.5 mm achieved the lowest cracking pressure (2.22 ± 0.07 mmHg) and outflow resistance (22.00 ± 0.70 mmHg/mL/min) within the low cracking pressure range of conventional shunts. Our observations of the in vivo test demonstrated that when untreated states, pressure differences from baseline to peak exceeded 20 mmHg due to the absence of drainage, resulting in sustained pressure elevation. Conversely, upon treating states by removing the clamp, pressure differences from baseline to peak remained below 5 mmHg, indicating effective drainage of injected saline through the valve.
Conclusion: These promising results highlight the potential of the miniaturized duckbill valve as an alternative for ICP management in hydrocephalus, offering improved control and reliability compared to conventional shunting systems. Further research is required to evaluate the valve’s performance as a chronic implant.
A long-term (2012-2021) measurement and modelling evapotranspiration of the Biebrza Valley wetland area (Poland)
Authors: Siedlecki Mariusz , Fortuniak Krzysztof , Pawlak Włodzimierz
Published: August 2024

The primary goal of the study is to characterize the evapotranspiration of wetlands against the background of changing meteorological conditions. The relatively long measurement period makes it possible to show the dynamics of this process both under conditions of high precipitation and periods of drought. Moreover, the analyzed period also includes measurements of evapotranspiration under conditions of rapid recovery of wetland vegetation after fire. The accomplishment of the research objectives was based on measurements using the eddy covariance method in the Biebrza National Park in northeastern Poland. The measurement period covers the years 2013–2021. Latent heat flux Qe is characterized by a distinct annual cycle with the highest values in the summer season. Average daily values of Qe from July to August were in the range of 6–10 MJ m− 2 d− 1, which is on average 60–70% of the value of the radiation balance. The relatively long measurement period showed that the evapotranspiration of the wetland surface is characterized by very high stability. The achieved values of daily as well as monthly totals during periods of drought were very close to those recorded in seasons with high precipitation. The high rate of evapotranspiration led to a decrease in groundwater levels and a significant deterioration in the water resources of the wetland environment.
A new synthesis of (Z)-arylbenzoyl(phenethyl)carbamothioic-N-phenylbenzohydrazonic thioanhydride derivatives by reaction of secondary amides, carbon disulfide and hydrazonoyl chlorides
Authors: Mansournejad Azam , Khalili Gholamhossein
Published: August 2024

A new synthesis of (Z)-arylbenzoyl(phenethyl)carbamothioic-N-phenylbenzohydrazonic thioanhydride derivatives is described using amides, substituted hydrazonoyl chlorides in presence carbon disulfide and MeONa as the base in DMF at room temperature. The approach requires no complex equipment and utilizes inexpensive, and easy to handle hydrazonoyl chloride as third component of starting materials to afford of this novel class of compounds.
Comprehensive Assessment of Ecological Environment Based on Market Fuzzy Optimization Model
Authors: He Hailang , Wang Weiwei , Wang Zhengxing , Li Shu
Published: August 2024

The proliferation of developmental projects exerts a profound impact on biodiversity and environmental degradation. In pursuit of assessing ecosystem services, this study introduces an innovative combination optimization methodology that melds direct market assessment with mathematical fuzzy analysis. This approach is designed to elucidate the authentic economic repercussions of land utilization endeavors, facilitating a nuanced exploration of the cost-benefit dynamics across projects of varying magnitudes. This research posits that when ecosystem services are factored into the equation, environmental costs augment the conventional cost structures.Employing a combination optimization model, the research delineates the distinct characteristics of assorted environmental costs. The model integrates direct market valuation, conceptualizing environmental remediation expenses as financial detriments ensuing from environmental contamination. Concurrently, it employs mathematical fuzzy algorithms for the appraisal of potential environmental costs. Subsequently, a synthesis of comprehensive evaluation scores across different project phases is conducted.This investigation selected a residential community and a thermal power station to represent small-scale community initiatives and large-scale national projects, respectively. Cost-benefit analyses were executed based on the ratios derived from the combination optimization model. The MATLAB software was utilized to assess the ecological milieu at various temporal junctures. Findings indicate that the cost-benefit ratio for the small-scale community project stood at 1.051, whereas the large-scale national project yielded a ratio of 24.979. In sum, the combination optimization model demonstrated its efficacy in accurately quantifying the cost-benefits associated with the ecological environment, thereby furnishing comprehensive evaluative outcomes.
Comparative Assessment of Acute Pulmonary Effects Induced by Heated Tobacco (IQOS) Aerosol Inhalation in a Murine Model
Authors: Kim Beong Ki , Yang Won Jin , Seong Ye Seul , Choi Yong Jun , Park Hye Jung , Byun Min Kwang , Chang Yoon Soo , Cho Jae Hwa , Kim Chi Young
Published: August 2024

Tobacco smoking remains a major global health concern, causing preventable deaths and economic strain. Although new tobacco products such as heat-no-burn (HnB) are safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, research on their associated risks remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HnB smoke exposure on the lungs compared with traditional cigarettes and the combined use of HnB and cigarettes through experiments using a mouse model. We quantitatively analyzed changes in the levels of 92 blood plasma proteins using the proximity extension assay method and observed significant changes in their levels in mice exposed to different smoke conditions. Specifically, certain proteins increased in the HnB smoke-exposed group, including CCL20, CXCL1, and PDGF receptor, suggesting activation of the nicotine pathway. Comparative analysis with traditional cigarette smoke-exposed mice further highlighted similarities and differences in their protein expression profiles. This study contributes to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the harmful effects of alternative nicotine delivery systems and identifies potential biomarkers associated with the harmful effects of HnB smoke exposure. However, the precise impact of nicotine on the immune system may be influenced by various factors, necessitating further research.
Optimum machine learning models for osteosarcoma cancer detection and classification
Authors: Gyasi-Agyei Amoakoh
Published: August 2024

Osteosarcoma is a bone-forming tumor which is more common with children and young adults than adults. Timely detection and classification of its type is crucial to its proper treatment and possible survival. Machine learning models, trained on datasets of the disease, are more effective detection and classification tool than hand-crafted features which are highly dependent on pathologists’ expertise. Publicly available raw osteosarcoma dataset was explored and preprocessed (including data denoising and data normalization). Three different datasets were then derived: the preprocessed dataset, and the preprocessed dataset with features selected via principal component analysis and a combination of analysis of variance and mutual information gain. Using the three datasets and eight machine learning (ML) algorithms, this study proposed three sets of optimum ML models (altogether 24 models) with their hyperparameters optimized using grid search. Then, the learned ML models were compared and validated using repeated stratified 10-fold cross-validation and 5 × 2 cross-validation paired t-test to select the best for our task. The ML model based on k-nearest neighbors algorithm proved to be the best, as it detected and classified osteosarcoma cancer in 344 ms with 100% Top-1 accuracy and F1- score and zero Type I and Type II errors. This performance exceeds those of existing algorithms for osteosarcoma cancer prediction. Thus, the proposed models are promising cutting-edge techniques for detecting osteosarcoma cancer to aid timely diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
The mediating effect of engagement in the relationship between self-efficacy and perceived learning in the online mathematics environment among Chinese students
Authors: Huang Zhuofan , Hidayat Riyan , AYUB AHMAD FAUZI MOHD
Published: August 2024

Perceived learning is considered an indicator of actual learning and is a crucial component of course evaluation. This study explored the mediating effect of learning engagement on the relationship between learning self-efficacy and perceived learning in an online mathematics environment. Using a predictive correlational research methodology, the study examined how the three elements of learning engagement influence the relationship between learning self-efficacy and perceived learning. A randomly selected sample of 605 students enrolled in online mathematics courses in Guangzhou participated in the survey. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with AMOS version 24.0 was used to evaluate the hypothesized model. The maximum likelihood estimation results indicated that the measurement model for learning self-efficacy, engagement, and perceived learning had an acceptable fit. The findings demonstrated that learning self-efficacy directly predicts all three sub-constructs of learning engagement in an online mathematics environment. Furthermore, the results revealed a direct relationship between learning self-efficacy and perceived learning, with all three dimensions of learning engagement partially mediating this link. Overall, the intricate interplay between these factors highlights the importance of enhancing student self-efficacy and engagement to foster effective online learning experiences and outcomes.
Thermal deformation prediction for additive manufacturing of thin-walled components based on multi-layer transfer learning
Authors: WANG Linxuan , XU Jinghua , ZHANG Shuyou , TAN Jianrong , FEI Shaomei
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a thermal deformation prediction method for additive manufacturing of thin-walled components based on multi-layer transfer learning (MTL). The printability is forwardly designed via multi-objective optimization (MOO) by evaluating scanning length, spot amount and segment amount, accompanied by support material. To avoid the burdened and time-consuming simulation of FEM for various geometric characteristics of thin-walled components, the feed-forward multi-layer perceptron was constructed as the main structure of MTL to rapidly obtain temperature and deformation distributions of manufactured parts. The proposed method is verified by the SLM of mechanical unshrouded turbine. The metallographic diagrams of manufactured components were generated to observe the fabricating quality and verify the effectiveness of the MTL-based method. The metallographic experiment of the fabricated piece proves that the main microstructure of the cross-section of molten pool is spindly columnar crystals. The cross-section morphology and size of the molten pool is different due to different process parameters, making the width of grain is about 1µm. The proposed method is especially useful for metal 3D printing under uncertainty.