bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐33 links asthma to alopecia areata: Mendelian randomization and mediation analysis
Authors: Wu Pingfan , Tian Kai , Gao Suyue , Jia Zou , Xu Wushuang , Wang Xiaoyun , Wu Lijun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study is to elucidate the causal association between asthma and alopecia areata (AA) through the application of Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, leveraging summary data from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Additionally, it explores potential mediating factors.Materials and MethodsMendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed to investigate the causal relationship between asthma and AA using genetic instrumental variables (IVs) for asthma, 91 circulating inflammatory proteins, and AA extracted from large‐scale GWAS. The primary analytical approach utilized the inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by weighted median and MR‐Egger methods to assess robustness. Tests for heterogeneity and pleiotropy were conducted to ensure result reliability. Furthermore, the study examined the mediating role of circulating inflammatory proteins in the asthma‐AA relationship.ResultsThe findings revealed an increased risk of AA among asthma patients (odds ratio (OR) = 14.070; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.410–140.435; P = 0.024). Interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) emerged as a significant mediator in the asthma‐AA relationship, explaining 13.1% of the mediation effect. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses did not establish a causal effect of AA on asthma occurrence.ConclusionThis study, utilizing Mendelian Randomization, elucidates the causal link between asthma and AA, highlighting the mediating role of IL‐33. These findings underscore the importance of considering AA risk in asthma management and offer insights for potential therapeutic strategies targeting IL‐33. Future research should explore additional biomarkers and mediating mechanisms between asthma and AA to enhance treatment approaches and patient quality of life.
Effects of biochar addition on soil fauna communities—A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Tao , Jiao Yan , Liu Tingting , Gu Hongyu , Li Zhihe , Wang Shaoqing , Liu Jianbiao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSoil fauna is an important part of global biodiversity and plays a vital role in ecosystems. The microbial communities in soil fauna can have significant impacts on soil fertility, as microbial communities play a pivotal role in soil function by supporting ecological integrity and agricultural productivity. This study assesses the effect of biochar on soil fauna and response of microbial communities. Biochar is a highly porous organic carbon material, and the impact of biochar on microbial communities in soil fauna remains unclear. To date, no quantitative or comprehensive investigation has been undertaken to examine the effects of biochar on microbial communities in soil fauna. In this paper, we aim to quantify the effects of biochar on the abundance and diversity of soil fauna communities in various environments by conducting a meta‐analysis of 24 studies and analysing 459 observations. The impact of biochar on soil fauna communities was determined by analysing the responses of soil fauna that included differences in biochar feedstock, pH and pyrolysis, application rates and application times, as well as soil fauna with different physiological characteristics (body size, presence of exoskeletons). The results showed that biochar had a neutral (non‐significant) effect on the soil fauna community, with a total mean effect size (Hedge's g) = −0.04 (CI: −0.28; −0.20). Results Data validation using Egger regression showed no publication bias. Higher pH biochar and biochar from conventional pyrolysis were beneficial to soil fauna, but not significant (QM (df = 3) = 4.07, p = .25). In addition, body size of soil animals significantly reflected different sensitivities to biochar application, with Medium‐sized animals benefiting the most from biochar addition (0.35; CI: 0.05; 0.65; n = 6; 56). Animals with (n = 11; 125) and without exoskeletons (n = 17; 308) also showed favourable and unfavourable responses to biochar addition, respectively. This study can provide basic data for the evolutionary pattern of animal communities during biochar soil amendment, as well as information for the comprehensive evaluation of the environmental and biological effects of biochar.
Boosting pro‐vitamin A content and bioaccessibility in leaves by combining engineered biosynthesis and storage pathways with high‐light treatments
Authors: Morelli Luca , Perez‐Colao Pablo , Reig‐Lopez Diego , Di Xueni , Llorente Briardo , Rodriguez‐Concepcion Manuel 
Published: August 2024

SUMMARYBiofortification of green leafy vegetables with pro‐vitamin A carotenoids, such as β‐carotene, has remained challenging to date. Here, we combined two strategies to achieve this goal. One of them involves producing β‐carotene in the cytosol of leaf cells to avoid the negative impacts on photosynthesis derived from changing the balance of carotenoids and chlorophylls in chloroplasts. The second approach involves the conversion of chloroplasts into non‐photosynthetic, carotenoid‐overaccumulating chromoplasts in leaves agroinfiltrated or infected with constructs encoding the bacterial phytoene synthase crtB, leaving other non‐engineered leaves of the plant to sustain normal growth. A combination of these two strategies, referred to as strategy C (for cytosolic production) and strategy P (for plastid conversion mediated by crtB), resulted in a 5‐fold increase in the amount of β‐carotene in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Following several attempts to further improve β‐carotene leaf contents by metabolic engineering, hormone treatments and genetic screenings, it was found that promoting the proliferation of plastoglobules with increased light‐intensity treatments not only improved β‐carotene accumulation but it also resulted in a much higher bioaccessibility. The combination of strategies C and P together with a more intense light treatment increased the levels of accessible β‐carotene 30‐fold compared to controls. We further demonstrated that stimulating plastoglobule proliferation with strategy P, but also with a higher‐light treatment alone, also improved β‐carotene contents and bioaccessibility in edible lettuce (Lactuca sativa) leaves.
Sex differences in cervical disc height and neck muscle activation during manipulation of external load from helmets
Authors: Yin Nai‐Hao , Giulio Irene Di , Hodkinson Peter D. , Formenti Federico , Pollock Ross D. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNeck pain associated with helmet‐wear is an occupational health problem often observed in helicopter pilots and aircrew. Whether aircrew helmet wearing is associated with physiological and biomechanical differences between sexes is currently unknown. This study investigated neuromuscular activation patterns during different helmet‐wearing conditions. The helmet load was manipulated through a novel Helmet Balancing System (HBS) in healthy, non‐pilot male and female participants (n = 10 each, age 19–45 years) in two phases. Phase A assessed the acute effects of helmet‐wear on neck muscles activation during head movements. Phase B examined changes in muscle activity and cervical disc height after wearing a helmet for 45 min. In Phase A, muscle activity was similar between sexes in many movements, but it was higher in female participants when wearing a helmet than in males. The HBS reduced muscle activity in both sexes. In Phase B, female participants exhibited a greater level of muscular fatigue, and male participants’ cervical disc height was significantly decreased [5.7 (1.4) vs. 4.4 (1.5) mm, P < 0.001] after continuous wearing. Both sexes showed no significant change in muscle fatigue and disc height [male: 5.0 (1.3) vs. 5.2 (1.4) mm, P = 0.604] after applying HBS. These findings demonstrate sex‐specific physiological and biomechanical responses to wearing a helmet. They may indicate different postural and motor control strategies, associated with different neck pain aetiologies in male and female aircrew, the knowledge of which is important to reduce or prevent musculoskeletal injuries associated with helmet wearing.
Thermal-Hydraulic Investigation of the Delta–Nabla Channel Arrangement in a Solar Collector
Authors: Tariq Muhammad Hasnain , Cheema Taqi Ahmad , Khan Farooq , Mohib-Ur-Rehman M. , Asif Muhammad , Park Cheol Woo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
A novel solar collector consisting of a delta–nabla configuration of flow channels is investigated in the present study. In the proposed design, triangular channels connected in series act as an absorber having more exposed area to the sunlight with an ability to store 21 L of water inside it that serves as a sensible energy storage to mitigate the intermittency issues. At the stage of proof of concept, the effectiveness of the novel collector design is not known. Moreover, its performance comparison with the existing solar thermal collector configurations is yet to be explored. Hence, there is a need to develop a comprehensive numerical model that can be used as a design template to predict the performance of the proposed collector configuration in a range of climatic conditions. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to investigate the thermal-hydraulic performance of the proposed collector, and transient numerical simulations are conducted. For accurate prediction, the effects of flowrate, inlet temperature, and irradiative flux on the outlet temperature are analyzed through a parametric study using the real-time data of ambient temperature and solar irradiative flux. The results of the numerical study are used to calculate the derived parameters such as Nusselt number, heat losses, and collector thermal efficiency by varying the water flowrate. The study shows that the heat transfer characteristics increase with an increase in flowrate and the collector can operate up to overall efficiencies between 29% and 62% at flowrates ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 L/min in winter. Moreover, the numerical model has predicted improved thermal performance of the proposed delta–nabla configurations when compared with a conventional solar collector design.
Investigations of Axially Compressed Tubular Structures Subjected to Lateral Indentations
Authors: Wang Xintong , Yu Zhaolong , Amdahl Jørgen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Tubular structures serve as fundamental designs in the offshore industry, indented to support dead weights and endure additional environmental loads. When such structures face potential lateral loads from events like ship collisions or falling objects, alongside working and environmental loadings, their unstable response in the post-buckling stage can lead to catastrophic consequences. It has been observed that existing compressive loads significantly degrade the energy absorption capacity of these structures. Investigations into axially compressed members subjected to lateral indentations are still necessary.
In this study, nonlinear finite element methods were employed to explore the responses of typical offshore tubular structures, including a leg of jacket platforms and a monopile of offshore wind turbines. Scaled models were built to maintain consistent diameter/thickness and length/diameter ratios as practical structure. Initial imperfections were introduced in line with offshore standards. Uniaxial compression tests, and lateral indentation tests with varying levels of pre-compression were conducted. Numerical results were compared to predictions based on design rules and previous research. The findings were summarized and discussed.
Structural Assessment of Functionally Graded Coped Beam Stiffeners Used in Offshore Topside
Authors: Chandrasekaran Srinivasan , M. Thennavan , Amirthalingam Murugaiyan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the utilization of functionally graded materials (FGM) for various innovative applications. Coped beams contribute to the establishment of a structured, protected, and uninterrupted environment for the installation of service mains and fire hydrants on the offshore topside. In their absence, the functionality and structural integrity of the system are compromised. Functionally graded materials (FGM) are employed in the present investigation as a means to reinforce the coped beam by acting as a stiffener. The enhancement of the mechanical properties of constituent materials, specifically Stellite-6 and Carbon Manganese steel, is achieved by functional grading to cater to structural engineering applications. This research investigates the microstructure evaluation and mechanical properties of FGM (Functionally Graded Material), namely Stellite-6 and Carbon Manganese steel, produced using wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technique. The assessment of alloy grain structure, precipitated phases, and improved mechanical properties is conducted by the utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination. The utilization of FGM material is expected to be widespread in offshore topside, heavy industries, particularly in situations where coped beams are necessary to fit the service mains.
Development and Tuning of a Linear Model Predictive Controller for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines to Tackle Platform Pitch Instability and Load Alleviation
Authors: Pérez Moreno Carlos 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The operation of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWT) poses several challenges due to the added dynamics of the floating platform. Amongst them, the appearance of the platform pitch instability at above rated wind speeds limits the traditional PI controllers’ bandwidth. Therefore, several solutions have been proposed, including controller detuning or parallel compensation. This work explores the application of a linear Model Predictive Controller (MPC) at high wind speeds to limit the platform pitch motions and the loads. The MPC is compared to a gain-scheduled Proportional – Integral (PI) controller with parallel compensation. The linear MPC uses a fairly simple model with 3 independent Degrees of Freedom (DOF), namely platform pitch and surge, and rotor speed which allows for a thorough study on the tuning procedure. On the other hand, using a simple model limits the performance improvements close to rated wind speed due to inherent aerodynamic non-linearities. The controller objectives are explicitly stated as tracking the rotor speed and minimizing the platform pitch velocity, while a penalty to the demanded blade pitch rate is imposed. Turbulent time-domain simulations are used to generate Pareto fronts where objective function weights are swept to find optimal tradeoffs. The mean-wind speed, and turbulence intensity are found to impact the tuning procedure, and thus a set of weights is provided per wind speed. These optimal weights per wind speed are used to perform a load analysis. Great improvements in electrical power output, platform motion minimization, and shaft torsion and tower base load alleviations are achieved.
Develop AI-Aid Drilling Environment via Micro Service Systems
Authors: Sahebi Hamed , Sui Dan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The growing need for effective and precise guidance and decision-making in the ever-changing field of modern drilling operations has resulted in the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods into drilling systems. This paper presents a comprehensive software architecture designed to facilitate realtime drilling operations (performance monitoring and prediction) using AI technologies. In this study, an AI-aid drilling software environment has been developed via micro-service systems. Micro-service architecture plays a crucial role in real-time operations by providing a flexible and scalable framework to manage various AI components and services. It allows for the modularization of AI algorithms and data processing tasks, enabling easy integration of new AI models and technologies as they evolve. Moreover, micro-services facilitate real-time data exchange and communication between different AI modules, ensuring smooth coordination and collaboration among them, ultimately improving overall performance and adaptability.
The proposed architecture harnesses the power of AI algorithms to manage and interpret real-time data streams measured during drilling operations instantaneously. By leveraging data-driven technologies, the architecture empowers drilling engineers to make informed decisions promptly, enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing downtime. The paper outlines its key components, including data acquisition, storage, pre-processing, feature engineering, integration of AI models, and the critical stages of result visualization and validation. Notably, the architecture underscores its adaptability and scalability, emphasizing its ability to a wide range of drilling scenarios and accommodate various AI methodologies. The effectiveness of the proposed software architecture is demonstrated through two drilling scenarios, showcasing its ability to enhance accurate predictions and improve overall drilling efficiency. By presenting a holistic approach to integrating AI into drilling operations, our work contributes to the advancement of intelligent drilling systems and shows the transformative potential of AI in the energy sector.
Plug and Abandonment of Oil and Gas Wells: Experimental Study of Suspension Fluid Placements in a Confined Geometry With Insights Into the Dump Bailing Method
Authors: Faramarzi Mohsen , Akbari Soheil , Hassanzadeh Hossein , Hafezi Mohammad , Taghavi Seyed Mohammad 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Plug and abandonment (P&A) of oil and gas wells is a promising technique for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, groundwater contamination, and ecological damage caused by reservoir fluid leakages from wells at the end of their lifespan. In this operation, precise cement plug placement is crucial at specific intervals within the wellbore to achieve highest cement placement efficiency, while minimizing mixing between the wellbore fluid and cement. Several techniques are used for cement plug placement, among which the dump-bailing method stands out as a ringless, fast, and cost-effective approach widely used worldwide. This method involves the injection of cement slurry from a bailer and allowing it to settle on top of a permanent bridge plug. Fluid flow dynamics during this process is governed by several critical parameters, including the properties of the in-situ and injected fluids, geometric parameters, and operational conditions. In this study, we examine injection of heavy suspension fluid (representative of cement slurry) into a near-vertical closed-end pipe filled with a light Newtonian fluid (representative of wellbore fluid) through a scaled-down experimental setup. We focus on the impact of the suspension injection rate on placement efficiency. By utilizing high-speed camera imaging, detailed flow dynamics is captured. Our experimental results indicate that an increasing injection rate improves suspension placement within the pipe. The findings of this study can help us better understand the fluid dynamics involved in cementing processes using the dump-bailing method, as well as the importance of injection rate as a primary operational parameter when cement slurry is considered as a suspension.
Axial Cyclic Behavior of Unbonded Flexible Riser Under Cyclic Axial Loads
Authors: Liu Qingsheng , Qu Zhongyuan , Liu Xiaoya , He Jiawei , Wang Gang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Unbonded flexible risers consist of several helical and cylindrical layers, which can undergo large bending deformation and can be installed to different configurations to adapt harsh marine environment, thus can be applied to transport oil and gas resources from Ultra Deep Waters (UDW). The special construction of the structure results the complicated cross-sectional properties and has always been the research hotspot in the field of ocean engineering, and the structural behavior under long-term marine loads is the research challenges. In this paper, different from the previous studies on the cross-sectional mechanical properties of unbonded flexible riser, the cyclic tensile and compressive behavior is studied. Considering the deformation characteristics of each layer in unbonded flexible riser model and the contact deformation between adjacent layers, a theoretical method is established, and a corresponding numerical method in consideration of the detailed geometric properties of unbonded flexible riser is built up for verification. Firstly, based on a typical 2.5-inches 8-layer unbonded flexible riser model and taking the deformation characteristics of helical layer and cylindrical layer under axisymmetric loading into account, the balance equation of each layer considering the axial, radial, circumferential strains and torsional angle is established by functional principle, and the corresponding geometric relationship between adjacent layers is also included to build up the overall theoretical model of unbonded flexible riser. Then the corresponding numerical model containing all the geometric properties of unbonded flexible riser is modeled within Abaqus software and the ratio of kinetic energy to internal energy is very small to ensure the calculation accuracy. After verified through experimental results, the behavior of unbonded flexible riser under cyclic axial tension and cyclic axial compression is analyzed by the proposed theoretical and numerical methods. The theoretical and numerical results are in good agreement and the results show that: unbonded flexible riser model presents some hysteresis characteristics under cyclic axial forces and the axial tensile and compressive stiffness varies within a certain range, albeit insignificantly. Besides, the external pressure would enhance the axial stiffness of unbonded flexible riser, especially for the axial compression, where the axial compressive stiffness has significant strengthening.