bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent 22. Presentation for: Lessons Learned – incorporation of action management for inherent learning and prioritisation through opportunity matrix
Authors: Williams Mark
Published: June 2022

Presented on Thursday 19 May: Session 22 There are many potential improvement opportunities in corporate or industry learning to enable better and faster decisions. 'Lessons Learned' has long been a respected mechanism for ensuring mistakes of the past aren’t repeated. This may lead to operational improvements, business excellence as well as reduced health, safety and environment incidents. In the collective experience of the authors in the energy industry, as consultants and software developers working in the Lessons Learned area, although there is general approval of the Lessons Learned concept and a desire to leverage expertise, companies are not achieving their desired value and assurance of continuous improvement. To truly learn lessons, they need to have become inherently amalgamated into the processes. This may be through policies/procedures ranging from governing documentation to short-form checklists. Too often, a Lesson Learned process goes no further than airing frustrations from imperfect execution, and lessons are lost beyond the personnel directly involved or, at best, they become a repository of infrequently accessed and poorly categorised lessons of reduced value. In order to maximise knowledge transfer, workshop methodology and categorisation are key. Actions must be assigned and a prioritisation system put in place based on the level of concern and the potential opportunity for improvement. The well-accepted Risk Matrix can be applied to prioritise areas using filtering and to allow different areas of the business to focus on their speciality as well as grouping action types to aid the continuous improvement cycle. This paper provides insights into a new system of Lessons Learned, which allows accelerated execution, increased collaboration and innovation, thereby capturing company knowledge and empowering employees. To access the presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Concurrent 22. Presentation for: Integrated Asset Performance Management: a true, holistic view of asset health and risk
Authors: Engdahl Chris , Hattrick David
Published: June 2022

Presented on Thursday 19 May: Session 22 The benefits of optimised operational asset effectiveness are compelling; however, deployment of Asset Performance Management (APM) platforms has often been handicapped by organisational demarcation, localised APM ‘heroes’ driving for success against the headwind of a reactive business culture and ongoing erosion of corporate operational asset knowledge. Increasingly, APM initiatives are also overrun by the increasing scope of corporate ‘Big Data’ projects, whereby data volume rather than informational context inadvertently becomes the objective. Execution of maintenance strategies is one of the single biggest influencers on asset performance, and optimising that program requires accurate insight into the constantly changing operating context, environment and asset health. Asset maintenance plans need to change dynamically, ideally updating in real time. Integrated APM harmonises the asset management functions, which may otherwise sit in independent silos, including reliability strategy, asset health, root cause analysis and defect elimination. Integration ensures consistency and standardisation in policies and strategies, accelerating improvement and enabling corporate learning and best practice to propagate. This paper illustrates how edge data processing, Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) connectivity and cloud computing come together to deliver real outcomes for innovative enterprises. Plant-wide data systems that link failure-mode specific data sets directly with asset strategy, lead to faster root cause determination, work planning and execution. Practical examples of where this crucial step of parsing machinery information according to operating context and known failure modes drives tangible benefits within the integrated APM process are discussed. Well-considered technologies, policies and practices will deliver predictable, optimal asset performance and the ensuing business benefits. To access the presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Concurrent 23. Presentation for: Cradle to grave: planning for all well decommissioning
Authors: O’Keeffe Derrick
Published: June 2022

Presented on Thursday 19 May: Session 23 As the Australian offshore oil and gas sector continues to mature, there is an increasing level of activity in the final phase of the well lifecycle: well decommissioning (well abandonment). Several decommissioning projects are either already in progress or being planned in Australian waters. Since the 1960s, the eventual decommissioning of wells has been an expectation within the law. Whilst this fundamental obligation has not changed, the expectations for the management of offshore wells and equipment have changed for both the industry and regulators. In the meantime, the number of unused wells grew. In 2021, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) published a Decommissioning Compliance Strategy and Decommissioning Compliance Plan. From this, all wells will have been risk assessed and have accepted abandonment plans in place by the end of 2023, and all wells will be permanently abandoned within 3 years of cessation of well operation by the end of 2025. The industry has an immediate challenge catching up on the backlog of abandoning wells, some of which have been in an unused state for decades. Going forward, well abandonment should be actively considered throughout the well lifecycle, including design, construction and operation phases. This will enable decommissioning objectives to be achieved in a safe, timely and efficient manner. This paper will provide an overview of recent domestic and international developments related to well decommissioning, from a regulatory perspective, and the importance of proactive well decommissioning planning and collaboration. To access the presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Geoscience Poster G2: The Reids Dome beds and its coal seam gas characteristics – Queensland’s latest coal seam gas target
Authors: Scott Steven G.
Published: June 2022

Poster G2 Queensland’s coal seam gas production industry began in 1996 with production from the Permian Baralaba Coal Measures and Bandanna Formation located in the eastern and western Bowen Basin, respectively. It went to another level when production commenced from the Jurassic Walloon Coal Measures in 2005. Production in 2018/2019 amounted to nearly 1500 PJ with nearly 80% coming from the Walloon Coal Measures. The remaining 20% is sourced from the Late Permian Bandanna Formation, Baralaba Coal Measures and Moranbah Coal Measures. A minor volume comes from the Early Permian Cattle Creek Formation. The Early Permian Reids Dome beds are located in the Denison Trough, a graben complex located in the southwest Bowen Basin. The Reids Dome beds were deposited as the basal unit of variably sized grabens and half-grabens. The unit varies in thickness from 9 to >2770 m but the unit hasn’t been fully intersected where it is thickest. Net coal within the formation is also highly variable (<1 to >65 m). At present there has been no commercial production from the coals of the Reids Dome beds, but a number of small fields have reported commercial production from coals of the Early Permian Cattle Creek Formation. By definition, the Cattle Creek Formation was deposited in a marine environment and is contemporaneous with the upper Reids Dome beds. It is here suggested that coals intersected at these producing locations are located in the Reids Dome beds. The interpreted depositional centres for the Reids Dome beds underlie or are immediately adjacent to major Late Permian field developments with access to infrastructure and transmission. Ongoing exploration and appraisal work is continuing across the Denison Trough to fully understand the potential of these coals. Coals from the Reids Dome beds average >10 m3/tonne, >90% saturation >70% methane and up to 20% ethane. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Geoscience Poster G9: Optimising value in the mature Turrum Field: integrating modern seismic, high-resolution sequence stratigraphy and production data in a 3D geological model
Authors: Debenham Natalie
Published: June 2022

Poster G9 The Turrum Field in the offshore Gippsland Basin has been a significant producing field since first development in 2004 and remains a keystone gas resource for the future as many of the Gippsland assets continue to deplete. The Turrum Field is a faulted anticlinal structure with multiple, stacked, Paleocene-aged fluvial to lagoonal reservoirs that stratigraphically sit below the overlying Marlin Field gas cap. This field was developed in two phases with drilling campaigns in 2004 and 2015 and includes a dedicated platform (Marlin B) for the higher pressure, higher CO2 gas. Leveraging the 2018 reprocessed Northern Margins 3D seismic survey with a modern broadband processing workflow and wider bandwidth and higher signal-to-noise ratio has led to a seismic image with greater resolution and allowed improved reservoir characterisation. The uplift in seismic data together with the colour blending capabilities in GeoTeric®, has led to the seismic identification of large-scale fluvial reservoir systems. These products have been integrated with a revised field-wide sequence stratigraphic framework, petrophysical analysis and incorporated into a full-field 3D geological model of the Turrum Field. The resultant geological model has improved our understanding of reservoir connectivity and will enable rapid integration of production and surveillance data to optimise gas deliverability. This will also provide increased confidence for future field depletion planning including the identification of potential bypassed gas opportunities prior to end of field life. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Engineering Poster E5: Digitalisation and automation for the development of modern engineering workflows
Authors: Hernandez Alan , Sinclair Michael
Published: June 2022

Poster E5 Automation, as part of the Energy Industry’s Digital Transformation, is producing significant time savings in modern engineering workflows whilst minimising opportunity for human error. A challenge we face is ensuring these automated workflows are accessible to people in the industry without programming experience. Xodus’ solution to this problem is FLUX. FLUX works as an object-oriented, ‘no-code’, web-based platform which tracks, stores and executes both technical and non-technical workflows. Workflows are first automated in-house by developing scripts, which are then hosted on FLUX allowing them to be easily shared across the business without requiring programming knowledge. A popular use case for FLUX is in the concept engineering phase of a project when performing parametric analyses. Multiple simulation cases (typically thousands) assessing all the different possible combinations of design parameters can be interrogated at once. FLUX can then automatically output an interactive parallel coordinate plot to highlight the impact of each parameter on the overall system. Platforms such as FLUX are an effective solution to increasing accessibility to automation for the industry via ‘no-code’ mechanisms, the ability to interface through an intuitive digital platform where project data is stored, exchanged and analysed through automated calculations is a step forward in engineering workflow efficiency. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Engineering Poster E6: Route selection with artificial intelligence: pseudocode and demonstration of a multi-use artificial intelligence algorithm to perform offshore pipeline, cable and umbilical route selection and optimisation
Authors: Sage Drew
Published: June 2022

Poster E6 Routing pipelines, cables and umbilicals in offshore locations represents a key activity with potential impacts for design, installation and operation. Deficient routing may result in (a) increased offshore construction durations (b) requirements for engineered mitigations from geophysical/geotechnical constraints and (c) unforeseen requirements for intervention during operations. Despite this, offshore route selection is restricted to repetitive, inefficient, and iterative processes between draughters, engineers and asset owners. Now, digital technologies enable optimised solutions for cables and pipelines. This paper presents the development and application of a complex routing algorithm using modern software code frameworks. The algorithm serves as an artificial intelligence platform by replicating engineering expertise. This identifies commonly encountered routing constraints such as geophysical features, seabed gradients, existing offshore facilities. Ideal geometric parameters are then determined to minimise route costs. The algorithm structure will be presented in pseudocode, which will define/describe the digital simulation of route selection within the algorithm. This includes sequences such as (a) processing of offshore geotechnical survey data, (b) recreating offshore locales and routes in a data environment, (c) implementation of geospatial intersection detection, (d) 3-dimensional route length optimisation and (e) automated route selection criteria. This replicates the sequence of manual processes undertaken by engineering experts into a digital realm, thus eliminating time-consumption, repetition and human error. Finally, the algorithm will be demonstrated in offshore case studies with challenging conditions such as highly disturbed seabeds and routing obstacles. Thus, engineers in the future developments can better answer the question ‘What is the best route?’. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
ESG Poster ESG3: Can hologram technology promote family connection and combat anxiety and depression in oil and gas employees?
Authors: Valadez Albert A. , Jeremijenko Andrew
Published: June 2022

Poster ESG3 Younger oil and gas workers suffer more from anxiety and depression than their older counterparts. Several factors contribute to emotional distress, but isolation and family disconnect are two predominant contributing conditions. Separation from social support results in missed milestones such as holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. A large sector of oil and gas employees is young, primarily male, with an average age of 36, with 22% being between 20 and 24 years of age. For some, employment in oil and gas marks the first time they are separated from family. Others are parents with children under the age of ten. These young employees are members of Gen-Z and technology natives who have a natural preference for innovative telecommunications. Members in this demographic are familiar and comfortable with virtual reality in gaming and communication. In the post-Covid era, most have grown accustomed to web communication. Presently, technology has evolved beyond two-dimensional interaction. Mixed reality involves using holograms to provide ‘telepresence’ through holo-teleportation and provides an in vivo experience for both the employee and his family members. This technology allows participants to have a virtual presence resulting in a live-lived experience with loved ones complete with familiar surroundings and objects. A realistic virtual presence is thought to mitigate the effects of separation. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Business Poster B4: Environmental genomics applications for environmental management activities in the oil and gas industry: state-of-the-art review and future research needs
Authors: Marnane Michael
Published: June 2022

Poster B4 Environmental genomics is a rapidly advancing field that promises to revolutionise the way in which industry conducts biodiversity monitoring. The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers Environmental Genomics Joint Industry Program (JIP) was formed in June 2019 with the aim of facilitating the development and uptake of environmental genomics within the oil and gas industry. Towards this goal, a white paper was produced that summarises the state‐of‐the‐art in environmental genomics research, and the opportunities and limitations of applying environmental genomics within industry. The white paper included a comprehensive literature review, and importantly, involved consultation with professionals from academic, regulatory and industry backgrounds from across the globe that had expertise in environmental genomics applications. While this consultation revealed a consensus that the application of environmental genomics has advanced greatly in a brief period, with demonstrable benefits, there was an acknowledgement that key aspects are still lacking that would allow confident application of genomics approaches within industry. Through the review and consultation process, a range of knowledge gaps and areas requiring further development were identified. To elucidate which of these areas were most critical to the successful application of environmental genomics within industry, the JIP is drafting guidance that describes sampling design considerations, minimum standards for laboratory analyses and approaches to genomics data interpretation. Through the drafting of guidance, the JIP hopes to determine which gaps are most critical, enabling these to be prioritised for targeted research. The guidance will then be updated regularly to capture the latest research outcomes. To access the poster click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Systematic monitoring of 2-Cys peroxiredoxin-derived redox signals unveiled its role in attenuating carbon assimilation rate
Authors: Lampl Nardy , Lev Raz , Nissan Idan , Gilad Gal , Hipsch Matanel , Rosenwasser Shilo
Published: June 2022

Significance

Identifying the intrinsic factors that regulate leaf photosynthetic rate may pave the way toward developing new strategies to enhance carbon assimilation. While the dependence of photosynthesis on the reductive activation of the Calvin–Benson cycle enzymes is well established, the role of oxidative signals in counterbalancing the reductive activity is just beginning to be explored. By developing 2-Cys peroxiredoxin-based genetically encoded biosensors, we demonstrated the induction of photosynthetically derived oxidative signals under habitual light conditions, a phenomenon typically masked by the dominance of the reductive power. Moreover, we unraveled the simultaneous activation of reductive and oxidative signals during photosynthesis induction phase and showed that 2-Cys peroxiredoxin activity attenuates carbon assimilation rates, demonstrating the restrictions imposed on photosynthetic performance by oxidative signals.
Mediation and uptake in manuscript revision
Authors: Shaw Oliver
Published: June 2022

In line with recent interest in mediation as a widespread phenomenon in multilingual academic publication in English, this paper describes and exemplifies a method of researching production practices that is based on text histories. The evolution of rhetorical patterning in two published articles by established Spanish biomedical authors is used to explore the authors’ writing and how their texts were evaluated by an in-house language editor and later by journal gatekeepers. Semi-structured interviews with the two authors using talk around texts reveals commonalities and differences in author orientations towards mediation from discourse community members (journal gatekeepers) and the language professional (the in-house editor). Textual analysis as exemplified by a single rhetorically significant modification proposed by the language editor to each of the two manuscripts is used to compare the selective engagement of one author with the language editor’s contributions against the extensive reassessment of the other author in response to similar feedback. Discussion highlights the advantages and limitations of the modified text history and genre approach to understanding mediation and author orientations to mediation. Implications for textual mediation practices are discussed.
The dynamics of academic knowledge making in a multilingual world
Authors: Lillis Theresa , Curry Mary Jane
Published: June 2022

The use of ‘text history’ and ‘text trajectory’ constitutes an epistemological break from historically static approaches to the study of academic writing for publication. However, there is a need to further develop dynamic approaches to professional academic text production in ways which are robustly grounded in scholars’ lived practices. The paper briefly reviews the use of ‘text history’ and ‘text trajectory’, signalling their value and some limitations, and offers a heuristic foregrounding the importance of chronotope (Bakhtin, 1981 [1935];Blommaert, 2018), ‘text cluster’, and multi/translingual practice. Drawing on a range of data relating to 12 multilingual scholars in four national sites from the longitudinal study Professional Academic Writing in a Global Context – interviews, observations, curriculum vitae – the paper foregrounds three key chronotopic dimensions in the dynamics of textual academic knowledge making:micro time, specific moments of text production;meso timetrajectories of texts; andmacro time, text production practices over scholars’ life trajectories. The paper challenges the widely repeated and taken-for-granted mantra that English is currently the (only) language of science and academic knowledge production and, as such, seeks to contribute to strategies of ‘delinking’ (Mignolo, 2007) in the field of academic writing studies.
α-Catenin links integrin adhesions to F-actin to regulate ECM mechanosensing and rigidity dependence
Authors: Mukherjee Abhishek , Melamed Shay , Damouny-Khoury Hana , Amer Malak , Feld Lea , Nadjar-Boger Elisabeth , Sheetz Michael P. , Wolfenson Haguy
Published: June 2022

Both cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesions are regulated by mechanical signals, but the mechanobiological processes that mediate the cross talk between these structures are poorly understood. Here we show that α-catenin, a mechanosensitive protein that is classically linked with cadherin-based adhesions, associates with and regulates integrin adhesions. α-Catenin is recruited to the edges of mesenchymal cells, where it interacts with F-actin. This is followed by mutual retrograde flow of α-catenin and F-actin from the cell edge, during which α-catenin interacts with vinculin within integrin adhesions. This interaction affects adhesion maturation, stress-fiber assembly, and force transmission to the matrix. In epithelial cells, α-catenin is present in cell–cell adhesions and absent from cell–matrix adhesions. However, when these cells undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, α-catenin transitions to the cell edge, where it facilitates proper mechanosensing. This is highlighted by the ability of α-catenin–depleted cells to grow on soft matrices. These results suggest a dual role of α-catenin in mechanosensing, through both cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesions.
Tailoring of Bandgap and Spin-Orbit Splitting in ZrSe2 with Low Substitution of Ti for Zr
Authors: Wang Sheng , Rehman Zia ur , Liu Zhanfeng , Li Tongrui , Li Yuliang , Wu Yunbo , Zhu Hongen , Cui Shengtao , Liu Yi , Zhang Guobin , Song Li , Sun Zhe
Published: June 2022

Tuning the bandgap in layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) is crucial for their versatile applications in many fields. The ternary formation is a viable method to tune the bandgap as well as other intrinsic properties of TMDCs, because the multi-elemental characteristics provide additional tunability at the atomic level and advantageously alter the physical properties of TMDCs. Herein, ternary Ti
x
Zr1 – x
Se2 single crystals were synthesized using the chemical-vapor-transport method. The changes in electronic structures of ZrSe2 induced by Ti substitution were revealed using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Our data show that at a low level of Ti substitution, the bandgap of Ti
x
Zr1 – x
Se2 decreases monotonically, and the electronic system undergoes a transition from a semiconducting to a metallic state without a significant variation of dispersions of valence bands. Meanwhile, the size of spin-orbit splitting dominated by Se 4p orbitals decreases with the increase of Ti doping. Our work shows a convenient way to alter the bandgap and spin-orbit coupling in TMDCs at the low level of substitution of transition metals.
Barrier-discharge source of cold hydrogen atoms in supersonic beams: Stark effect in the 1s–2s transition
Authors: Scheidegger Simon , Schlander David , Agner Josef A , Schmutz Hansjürg , Jansen Paul , Merkt Frédéric
Published: June 2022

An intense source of cold hydrogen atoms in a supersonic beam is presented. H and D atoms are produced from pure samples of H2 and D2 using a barrier discharge near the orifice of a cryogenic pulsed valve. The atoms are entrained in the supersonic expansion of the precursor molecules and cool down to translational temperatures as low as

∼
15

mK. The H-atom density at a distance of 1.2 m from the valve orifice is estimated to be around 108 cm−3. The mean velocity of the supersonic beam containing the H (D) atoms can be adjusted between 2600 and 1200 m s−1 (between 1850 and 820 m s−1). The barrier discharge also produces

H

n

+

and

D

n

+

ions with n ranging from 2 to 8, which can be deflected off the beam by electric fields. The use of this H-atom source in spectroscopic measurements is demonstrated by an investigation of the Stark effect in the 1s–2s two-photon transition of H and D. A near-Fourier-transform-limited pulsed laser generating pulses of UV radiation of adjustable pulse length between 10 and 200 ns near 243 nm is used to record spectra with full resolution of the hyperfine structure in the s states, providing a textbook example of the Stark effect in the simplest set of near-degenerate states of one-electron atoms.
Predicting power–voltage characteristics and mode transitions in the COST reference microplasma jet
Authors: Mouchtouris Sotiris , Kokkoris George , Boudouvis Andreas G
Published: June 2022

A 2D cross-field plasma fluid model (CFPM) is applied to He and He/O2 discharges in the CΟoperation in Science and Technology (COST) reference microplasma jet to investigate the operating modes, namely α-, α–γ, and γ-mode. The model not only captures the measured spatiotemporal behavior of He excitation to He metastable but also quantitatively predicts measured power–voltage (PV) characteristics for He/O2 discharges; although not addressed by previous studies, this is a prerequisite for the reliability of the model predictions for the critical-for-applications densities of reactive species. Through a comparison to time-averaged emission profiles and allowed by the dimensionality of the CFPM, the localized, close to the outlet of the discharge channel, onset of γ-mode for He discharges is predicted and justified. Τhe sheath boundary is defined by the maximum of the electron density derivative and the model results compare well to measurements of time-averaged sheath width. Criteria for the transition between the operating modes are formulated. It is considered that when the production rate of He metastable in the sheaths reaches 10% of its total production rate, transition from α- to α–γ mode takes place. When this percentage reaches ∼50%, i.e. α- and γ- modes have an almost equal contribution to the discharge, the electron temperature becomes maximum. Finally, the sensitivity of PV characteristics on the secondary electron emission coefficients, condition of the electrode surface, and fabrication or assembly mishits of the COST jet, is investigated.
Critical structure and emergent symmetry of Dirac fermion systems
Authors: Zhou Jiang
Published: June 2022

Emergent symmetry in Dirac system means that the system acquires an enlargement of two basic symmetries at some special critical point. The continuous quantum criticality between the two symmetry broken phases can be described within the framework of Gross–Neveu–Yukawa (GNY) model. Using the first-order ε expansion in

4
−
ϵ

dimensions, we study the critical structure and emergent symmetry of the O(N)-GNY model with N

f
flavors of four-component Dirac fermions coupled strongly to an O(N) scalar field under a small O(N)-symmetry breaking perturbation. After determining the stable fixed point, we calculate the inverse correlation length exponent and the anomalous dimensions (bosonic and fermionic) for general N and N

f
. Further, we discuss the emergent-symmetry and the emergent supersymmetric critical point for

N
⩾
4

on the basis of O(N)-GNY model. It turns out that the O(N)-GNY universality class is physically meaningful if and only if

N
<
2

N
f

+
4

. On this premise, the small O(N)-symmetry breaking perturbation is always irrelevant in the O(N)-GNY universality class. Our studies show that the emergent symmetry in Dirac systems has an upper limit

O
(
2

N
f

+
3
)

, depending on the flavor numbers N

f
. As a result, the emergent-O(4) and O(5) symmetries are possible to be found in Dirac systems with fermion flavor

N
f

=
1

, and the emergent-O(4), O(5), O(6) and O(7) symmetries are expected to be found in the systems with fermion flavor

N
f

=
2

. Our result suggests some richer transitions with emergent-

Z
2

×
O
(
2
)
×
O
(
3
)

symmetry, and so on. Interestingly, in the O(4)-GNY universality class, we find that there is a new supersymmetric critical point which is expected to be found in Dirac systems with fermion flavor

N
f

=
1

.
Surface nanopatterning by ion beam irradiation: compositional effects
Authors: Vázquez L , Redondo-Cubero A , Lorenz K , Palomares F J , Cuerno R
Published: June 2022

Surface nanopatterning induced by ion beam irradiation (IBI) has emerged as an effective nanostructuring technique since it induces patterns on large areas of a wide variety of materials, in short time, and at low cost. Nowadays, two main subfields can be distinguished within IBI nanopatterning depending on the irrelevant or relevant role played by the surface composition. In this review, we give an up-dated account of the progress reached when surface composition plays a relevant role, with a main focus on IBI surface patterning with simultaneous co-deposition of foreign atoms. In addition, we also review the advances in IBI of compound surfaces as well as IBI systems where the ion employed is not a noble gas species. In particular, for the IBI with concurrent metal co-deposition, we detail the chronological evolution of these studies because it helps us to clarify some contradictory early reports. We describe the main patterns obtained with this technique as a function of the foreign atom deposition pathway, also focusing in those systematic studies that have contributed to identify the main mechanisms leading to the surface pattern formation and development. Likewise, we explain the main theoretical models aimed at describing these nanopattern formation processes. Finally, we address two main special features of the patterns induced by this technique, namely, the enhanced pattern ordering and the possibility to produce both morphological and chemical patterns.
Process characterization in industrial vessels by flow-following sensor particles
Authors: Reinecke Sebastian Felix , Buntkiel Lukas , Kipping Ragna , Hampel Uwe
Published: June 2022

Instrumented flow-following sensor particles have been developed for investigation of hydrodynamic and biochemical processes in chemical reactors and bioreactors, where standard measurement techniques are not applicable. The sensor particles allow autonomous long-term measurement of spatially distributed process parameters in the chemically and mechanically harsh environments of e.g. agitated industrial vessels. Each sensor particle comprises of an on-board measurement electronics that logs the signals of the embedded sensors. A buoyancy control unit enables automated taring to achieve neutral buoyancy of the sensor particles. Moreover, controlled floating of the sensor particles is possible to expose them for recovery from the liquid surface. Macro-flow tracking of the sensor particles is validated with circulation time reference measurements by means of salt tracer experiments in a stirred model reactor and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Moreover, process characterization with sensor particles is demonstrated in three further applications, namely a biogas pilot digester, an air–water column and a biological wastewater treatment basin. Acquired data were used to fit mixing model parameters, namely effective circulation time, circulation number, degree of suspension and Péclet number.
Emerging technologies in the field of thermometry
Authors: Dedyulin S , Ahmed Z , Machin G
Published: June 2022

The past decade saw the emergence of new temperature sensors that have the potential to disrupt a century-old measurement infrastructure based on resistance thermometry. In this review we present an overview of emerging technologies that are either in the earliest stages of metrological assessment or in the earliest stages of commercial development and thus merit further consideration by the measurement community. The following emerging technologies are reviewed: Johnson noise thermometry, optical refractive-index gas thermometry, Doppler line broadening thermometry, optomechanical thermometry, fiber-coupled phosphor thermometry, fiber-optic thermometry based on Rayleigh, Brillouin and Raman scattering, fiber-Bragg-grating thermometry, Bragg-waveguide-grating thermometry, ring-resonator thermometry, and photonic-crystal-cavity thermometry. For each emerging technology, we explain the working principle, highlight the best known performance, list advantages and drawbacks of the new temperature sensor and present possibilities for future developments.
Tannic acid modified PdAu alloy nanowires as efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalysts
Authors: Wang Hongjing , Jiao Shiqian , Liu Songliang , Yin Shuli , Zhou Tongqing , Xu You , Li Xiaonian , Wang Ziqiang , Wang Liang
Published: June 2022

Design of the structure, composition and interface of the catalysts is very important to improve oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic activity under alkaline environment. Herein, we propose a direct method to rapid synthesis of tannic acid (TA) modified PdAu alloy nanowires (PdAu@TA NWs). Compared with pure PdAu NWs and commercial Pt/C, the PdAu@TA NWs exhibit superior ORR electrocatalytic activity (mass activity: 0.73 A mg−1
metal and specific activity: 3.50 mA cm−2), stability, and methanol tolerance in an alkaline medium because PdAu@TA NWs possess sufficient active sites and synergistic effect that can effectively promote the oxygen reduction, inhibit the oxidation of the catalyst and improve the methanol tolerance of the catalyst. This synthetic method is a promising strategy to prepare metallic catalyst with surface functionalization.
Assessing the insulating properties of an ultrathin SrTiO3 shell grown around GaAs nanowires with molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Peric N , Dursap T , Becdelievre J , Berthe M , Addad A , Romeo P Rojo , Bachelet R , Saint-Girons G , Lancry O , Legendre S , Biadala L , Penuelas J , Grandidier B
Published: June 2022

We have studied electronic transport in undoped GaAs/SrTiO3 core–shell nanowires standing on their Si substrate with two-tip scanning tunneling microscopy in ultrahigh vacuum. The resistance profile along the nanowires is proportional to the tip separation with resistances per unit length of a few GΩ/μm. Examination of the different transport pathways parallel to the nanowire growth axis reveals that the measured resistance is consistent with a conduction along the interfacial states at the GaAs{110} sidewalls, the 2 nm thick SrTiO3 shell being as much as resistive, despite oxygen deficient growth conditions. The origin of the shell resistivity is discussed in light of the nanowire analysis with transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, providing good grounds for the use of SrTiO3 shells as gate insulators.
Absorption enhancement in visible range from Fano resonant silicon nanoparticle arrays embedded in single crystal Mg:Er:LiNbO3 synthesized by direct ion implantation
Authors: Ma Changdong , Liu Kaijing , Ma Changsheng , Liu Yifan , Xu Yuhang , Yu Shuang
Published: June 2022

Fano resonant Si nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized in single-crystal Mg:Er:LiNbO3 using ion implantation and subsequent thermal annealing. The structural and optical properties of the Si NPs embedded in the crystal have been investigated. Spherical particles with radius of about 60 nm are observed by cross-sectional transmission electron microscope, while ion beam analysis are used to characterize the NPs formation process. The absorption of the Mg:Er:LiNbO3 crystals have been enhanced significantly due to the embedded Si NPs, which are induced by the Fano resonance effect in the visible light wavelength band. Periodic structures of spherical Si particles model is proposed and analyzed using the Mie theory to study the optical response features and local fields. As a result, numerical simulations demonstrate that periodicities of the array of Si NPs can yield narrow resonant peaks connected with multiple light scattering by the NPs and displaying a Fano-type resonant profile. The wavelengths of the absorption peak show clear red shift with increasing the radius of NPs and the peak intensity can be enhanced by decreasing the array period. This work opens an avenue to modulate the optical filed by embedding Fano resonant Si NPs for potential application in optical devices.
A toughening design for stretchable composite embedded with strain-rate stiffening elastomer
Authors: Zhao Chunyu , Wang Yu , Ni Mingyang , Wang Bochao , Deng Huaxia , Xuan Shouhu , Gong Xinglong
Published: June 2022

Herein, a macroscopic double-network (DN) design for stretchable composite is proposed by embedding strain-rate stiffening elastomer (SSE) reinforced bars into the Ecoflex matrix. Due to the complementarity of mechanical properties between the soft-phase Ecoflex and hard-phase SSE as well as the strong interfacial bond strength, the Ecoflex/SSE composite achieves higher toughness and fatigue threshold than traditional single-network elastomers. Besides, based on the crack propagation characterization, strain-field evolution investigation, and finite element analysis, the fracture toughness of the Ecoflex/SSE composite is proved to be enhanced with the increase of the external strain rates. Interestingly, a sideway crack-arrest morphology is observed above 0.1 s−1, displaying a better anti-crack ability of the Ecoflex/SSE composite at the higher strain rate. As a fundamental research in macroscopic DN composite, the method in this work provides a new idea for the toughening optimization of the strain-rate stiffening material. With the high fracture toughness, fatigue threshold, and flexibility, the Ecoflex/SSE composite has broad application prospects in designing high-performance stretchable elastomers.
Performance evaluation of a superconducting flywheel energy storage system incorporating an AC homopolar motor layout
Authors: Bao Ze , Jing Hailian , Liu Wei , Hou Jinsong , Zhang Yumin
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a novel high-temperature superconducting flywheel energy storage system (SFESS) is proposed. The SFESS adopts both a superconducting magnetic bearing and a superconducting alternating current (AC) homopolar motor. The superconducting AC homopolar motor has structural advantages in high-speed operation, however performance of the high-temperature superconducting (HTS) field coil is easily affected by the external magnetic field generated by armature windings in the process of flywheel charge and discharge, and should be paid attention. We established an electromagnetic-thermal co-calculation model of the HTS coil to analyze the coil characteristics in this application. Simulation results demonstrate that the magnetic flux density is small near the central region of the coil and is the largest at the edges of the coil. The temperature rise caused by the change of magnetic field distribution reduces the critical current density of the tapes and increases AC loss. Furthermore, we studied the grid connection control strategy of the SFESS, which adopts double closed-loop control and direct power control, and verified the feasibility of the control strategy by multi software real-time and dynamic co-simulation. Works in this paper give some guidance to further development of a 50 kW·h SFESS prototype. All the configurations of the SFESS, the method of calculating AC loss of HTS field coil, and the control strategy of the SFESS system could be extended to large commercial units.
Chemical characterization of ceramides isolated from a gliding marine bacterium Aureispira marina
Authors: Kawahara Kazuyoshi , Yokota Akira
Published: June 2022

Ceramides containing 2-hydroxy fatty acids were purified from a gliding marine bacterium Aureispira marina, and their chemical structure was investigated. The ceramide molecules contained 2-hydroxy-15-methyl-hexadecanoic acid and 2-hydroxy-15-methyl-hexadecenoic acid, and the double bond of the latter fatty acid was proved to be located between the positions C3 and C4. The major portion of these 2-hydroxy fatty acids was determined to have D-configuration (S-configuration) after diastereomeric derivatization. Three carbon skeletons were found in sphingosines from ceramides, i.e. 1: 1,3-dihydroxy-2-amino-4-octadecen, 2: 1,3-dihydroxy-2-amino-17-methyl-4-octadecen, and 3: 1,3-dihydroxy-2-amino-9-methyl-4-octadecen. Molecules with additional double bonds were found in sphingosines with structures 1 and 3. The presence of ceramides with these chemical characteristics would be a significant feature for the taxonomy of A. marina and related bacteria.
Bowel recovery after intra vs extracorporeal anastomosis for oncologic laparoscopic right hemicolectomy within an ERAS protocol: A retrospective study
Authors: Popeskou S-G , Bernardi L , Mongelli F , Roesel R , Cristaudi A , Garofalo F , Christoforidis D
Published: June 2022

Objective

Restoring bowel continuity after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with an intra-corporeal (IC) rather than an extracorporeal (EC) ileocolic anastomosis, may offer advantages in post-operative recovery. The aim of this study was to compare bowel function recovery between these two techniques, in a context of complete mesocolic excision within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent oncologic laparoscopic right hemicolectomy from January 2012 until February 2021 in our institution were included in the study. Data were gathered from the prospectively maintained official ERAS (EIAS) database and completed through our institution's electronic health records. The primary endpoint was Prolonged Postoperative Ileus (PPOI), defined as the need to insert a nasogastric tube, or refractory nausea VAS > 4, on or after the third postoperative day. Secondary endpoints were postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay (LoS).

Results

122 patients met the inclusion criteria, 36 (30%) had IC, and 86 (70%) EC anastomosis. Baseline characteristics were similar. Operative time was longer in the IC group (197 min (176–223) vs. 160 min (140–189, p<0.001). There was no difference in post-operative morbidity between groups. PPOI occurred in 2 (5.6%) patients in the IC group vs. 10 (11.6%) in the EC group (p=0.306). Patients in the IC group had an earlier first passage of gas (1.5 days (1–2) vs. 2 days (1–3), p=0.035) and stool (2 days (2–4) vs. 3 days (2–4), p=0.029). Upon multivariate analysis, pain VAS scores at 24 h, age and complications Clavien-Dindo >III, but not the anastomotic technique were independent predictors of slower bowel function recovery. IC anastomosis was an independent predictor of lower pain VAS scores at 24 h (OR 0.341, 95%CI [0.151–0.767], p=0.009) and shorter LoS (OR 0.346, 95%CI [0.132–0.910], p=0.031).

Conclusion

Although IC anastomosis was not significantly associated to lower rates of PPOI, it conferred advantages in terms of less post-operative pain, a trend for faster bowel recovery and shorter LoS at the expense of longer operating times.
Practices and knowledge of socio-environmental organisations and movements in Maule, Chile and Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Ramírez Naranjo Nélida
Published: June 2022

It is generally accepted that the effects of climate change are a significant threat to human ecosystems, culture and health, and to global economic development as a whole. In response to these environmental changes and the attendant human vulnerability, it is imperative that social workers can more consciously lead the planning and social advocacy efforts needed to meet this challenge. The poorest and most vulnerable communities generally suffer the worst effects of climate change, and it is, therefore, essential to understand the different experiences of socio-environmental organisations and movements in response to environmental justice issues. This article presents the results of a comparative exploratory research study on Chile and Colombia, focusing on the practices and knowledge of socio-environmental organisations and movements in the Maule Region, Chile and the Department of Antioquia, Colombia. The research uses qualitative methodology and considers the views of nine social actors and leaders, four in Chile and five in Colombia. The conclusions indicate that these socio-environmental organisations see their purpose as defending water and territory, they fulfil a local advocacy role and they raise awareness and provide education on issues through participation and collective action.
Houston, We Have a Problem: Reports of Clostridioides difficile Isolates With Reduced Vancomycin Susceptibility
Authors: Greentree David Henry , Rice Louis B , Donskey Curtis J
Published: June 2022

During the past 4 decades, oral vancomycin has been a mainstay of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) therapy with no reports of treatment failure due to emergence of vancomycin resistance. However, C. difficile isolates with high-level phenotypic resistance to vancomycin have recently been reported in 3 distinct geographic regions. There is an urgent need for surveillance to determine if strains with reduced vancomycin susceptibility are circulating in other areas. In a Cleveland-area hospital, screening of 176 CDI stool specimens yielded no C. difficile isolates with reduced vancomycin susceptibility and highlighted the potential for false-positive results due to contamination with vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Additional studies are needed to clarify whether reduced vancomycin susceptibility is an emerging problem that will alter clinical practice. Clinicians should alert their health department if they observe a substantial increase in the frequency of vancomycin treatment failure in patients diagnosed with CDI with no alternative explanation for diarrhea.