Elevated Areas Research Articles

Evaluating the Association Between Vastus Medialis Oblique Characteristics and Patellar Instability: A Comprehensive Case-Control Study.

The contribution of vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO) weakness or dysfunction to patellofemoral pain syndrome is well recognized, yet its role in lateral patellar instability and recurrent patellar dislocations remains unclear. This study investigates the association between VMO characteristics and patellar instability. Altered VMO structure, characterized by differences in muscle elevation and cross-sectional area (CSA), is associated with patellar instability. A case-control study. Level 3. The study included 204 participants, matched on a 1:1 ratio by age and sex, from a local hospital registry from 2005 to 2020. VMO measurements were taken via magnetic resonance imaging, and included muscle elevation, CSA, fiber angulation, and CSA-to-thigh circumference ratio. Univariate analysis, and multivariable regression model with adjustment for potential confounders were constructed. In addition, a secondary analysis was performed to evaluate the variations in VMO characteristics and mass across primary and recurrent patellar instability groups. Patients with patellar instability demonstrated significant differences in VMO characteristics compared with controls, including increased muscle elevation (13 mm vs 5.9 mm; P < 0.01), increased muscle fiber angulation (42.5° vs 35.3°; P < 0.01), reduced CSA (716 mm2 vs 902 mm2; P < 0.01), and a lower CSA-to-thigh circumference ratio (0.05 vs 0.07; P < 0.01). These findings remained significant in the multivariable adjusted model. Moreover, the secondary analysis revealed that both primary and recurrent instability patients had similar VMO characteristics alterations compared with controls, with slightly more pronounced reductions in VMO CSA in those sustaining recurrent instability episodes. This study confirms a statistically significant association between altered VMO characteristics and patellar instability, emphasizing the importance of considering VMO characteristics in the evaluation and management of patients with patellar instability.

Scale-dependent interactions in coastal biogeomorphic landscapes: Pioneer both inhibits and facilitates primary foredune builder across spatial scales

Ecosystem engineers often drive landscape formation and vegetation succession by modifying environmental conditions. Along the Northwestern European coast, dune formation is classically believed to be pioneered by sand couch (Elytrigia juncea), followed by the primary foredune builder marram grass (Calamagrostis arenaria, formerly Ammophila arenaria) once sufficiently large dunes have formed. However, these ideas lack experimental validation, leaving the specific relationship between sand couch, the landscape they form, and marram grass establishment unknown. Here, we experimentally investigated this relationship by planting 975 young marram grass plants in two sand couch dominated, embryonic dune systems. Using structural equation models, we examined the effect of sand couch and the landscape attributes (i.e., elevation, distance to sea and elevation change) on marram grass establishment. Results reveal indirect local inhibition by sand couch via landscape modifications on survival of establishing marram grass. Specifically, sand couch elevated the environment. In turn, elevated areas eroded (i.e., changed in elevation) more in winter, which was the key factor reducing marram grass survival. At the landscape scale, however, we observed the highest survival in relatively stable and sheltered microsites formed because of sand couch induced dune building. While the indirect local inhibition by sand couch for marram grass survival was found at both locations, the direct effect of sand couch on marram grass survival and shoot formation were location and thus context dependent. For marram grass survival, the relation with sand couch was neutral in exposed and positive in sheltered conditions and for shoot formation it was negative in exposed and neutral in sheltered conditions. Similar to scale-dependent interactions found in other biogeomorphic landscapes (e.g., salt marshes, seagrass, mussel beds), we suggest that interspecific facilitation acts on larger spatial scales rather than the commonly suggested small-scale facilitation through created elevation. More specifically, we suggest that dune formation by pioneer species leads to the creation of stable and sheltered microsites beneficial for establishment of later successional species at the landscape-scale.

Drivers of Anuran Assemblage Structure in a Subtropical Montane Region.

Elevation gradients provide excellent semi-experimental conditions to investigate how the spatial distribution of biodiversity is shaped by the environment. Here, we investigate how temperature, productivity, and elevation are related to the diversity of anuran assemblages in a montane region of the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We sampled 20 half-hectare plots between 2020 and 2021, distributed along a sharp elevation gradient. Anuran species richness and abundance decreased with increasing elevation. We show a positive relationship between ambient temperature and frog species richness and abundance, highlighting the importance of temperature in shaping assemblages along the elevation gradient. In contrast, productivity did not affect species richness and abundance, suggesting that available energy via resources does not limit local frog diversity. We further observed marked differences in the composition of anuran assemblages between low and high elevation areas, which were related to temperature. Beta diversity is mainly driven by species replacements among assemblages, which were likely related to environmental conditions. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating protected areas that encompass the entire range of elevations to capture the full complement of landscape-scale diversity. This is crucial as species showed limited distributions, and the marked effects of temperature should be explicitly considered under future scenarios of elevated upslope warming.

Elevation dependency of snowfall changes under climate change over the tibetan plateau: Evidence from CMIP6 GCMs

Snowfall plays a crucial role in the mountainous cryosphere cycle and is significantly influenced by climate change. This study utilizes the global climate models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) with multivariate bias correction (MBC) to explore potential future variations in snowfall and its elevation dependency across the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Findings indicate a consistent decline in annual snowfall across the majority of the TP by the end of the century, except for certain high-elevation regions in the northwest. The decreasing trend is projected to intensify with strengthen Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios and exhibits elevation dependency below 5000 m. Specifically, under the SSP5–8.5 scenario, snowfall over the TP is expected to decrease by 39.74 % in the far future (2071–2100), with the elevation zone below 2000 m experiencing the most intense decline of approximately 62 %. This trend is largely attributed to the significant warming, which reduces the snow fraction as more precipitation falls as rain rather than snow. This shift is evidenced by the identification of turning points in snow fraction in the mid-2040s to 2050s, coinciding with rapid temperature increases. Furthermore, substantial decreases in future (heavy) snowfall days contribute to the overall reduction in snowfall. However, complex interplay between increased precipitation and temperature effects results in a slight increase in snowfall over high elevation areas in the northern edge. Uncertainty analysis indicates model uncertainty as the dominant source in snowfall projections, accounting for over 50 % of total variance. The projected declines in snowfall and snow fraction, as well as shortened snowfall days could considerably impact the cryosphere, hydrological and ecological systems of the TP.

Hydrochemical and Isotopic Characterization of Groundwater in the Nakivale Sub-Catchment of the Transboundary Lake Victoria Basin, Uganda

This study characterized groundwater resources for the Nakivale sub-catchment of the transboundary Victoria Basin in Uganda using classical hydrochemical and stable isotopic approaches. Groundwater in the study area is essential for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. As a sub-domain of the larger Victoria Basin, it also plays a crucial role in shaping the hydrological characteristics of this vital transboundary basin, both in terms of quality and quantity fronts. This makes its sustainable management and development vital. The predominant groundwater type is Ca-SO4, with other types including Ca-HCO3, Na-Cl, Na-HCO3, and Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl. Hydrochemical facies analysis highlights the importance of rock–water interactions in controlling groundwater chemistry, mainly through incongruent chemical weathering of Ca-rich plagioclase feldspars and the oxidation of sulfide minerals, such as pyrite, which are prevalent in the study area. Groundwater recharge is primarily influenced by the area’s topography, with recharge zones characterized by lineament networks, located in elevated areas. Stable isotope analyses indicate that groundwater mainly originates from local precipitation, while tritium data suggest the presence of both recent and older groundwater (likely over 20 years old). The study’s comprehensive approach and findings contribute significantly to the understanding of groundwater systems in the region, thus providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders involved in water resource management and development strategies.

Deuterium in drinking water and its effects on cancer and longevity

ABSTRACT This study investigates the spatial distribution of longevity levels, deuterium in drinking water, and cancer incidence rates, and further examines the impact of deuterium in drinking water on longevity and cancer incidence. Methods such as correlation coefficients and Kriging spatial interpolation were employed to uncover the characteristics of spatial distribution and identify correlations. Findings reveal that regions with higher longevity levels are mostly located on the eastern side of the Hu Huanyong Line (Heihe-Tengchong Line). Deuterium in drinking water decreases from low latitude, low elevation, and coastal areas to high latitude, high elevation, and inland regions. Notably, there is a positive correlation between deuterium content in drinking water and longevity levels, indicating that higher deuterium content is associated with increased longevity. Additionally, counties with lower deuterium content in drinking water show a reduced incidence of cancer cases.

A new species of the genus Scincella (Squamata: Scincidae) from Mount Fansipan, Hoang Lien Son Range, northwestern Vietnam.

We describe a new species of the genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 from northwestern Vietnam, based on a new collection of ground skinks from Mount Fansipan of the Hoang Lien Son Range in Lao Cai Province. Scincella fansipanensis sp. nov. is distinguished from other Scincella species in the Indochina region and southern China by body size (SVL), separation of prefrontals, number of midbody scale rows, paravertebral scale rows, nuchals and subdigital lamellae on toe IV, separation of toe from finger when limbs are adpressed along the body, and dorsal color pattern. The new species is further distinguished from its congeners by uncorrected genetic distances of 14.60-21.41% (COI gene). The new species is currently known only from high elevation areas of Mt. Fansipan in Vietnam.

Immunothrombosis and plasma fibrinolytic function for pediatric COVID-19: a secondary analysis from the COVAC-TP trial

AbstractThe relationship between fibrinolysis, inflammation, and prothrombotic risk among children hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–related illness is ill defined. To investigate the association between plasma fibrinolytic capacity and proinflammatory cytokine concentrations among children hospitalized for primary COVID-19 infection and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), we hypothesized that cytokine concentrations differ by clinical phenotype and are associated with hypofibrinolysis. We analyzed banked plasma specimens serially collected from children aged <18 years admitted for primary COVID-19 or MIS-C and enrolled in the COVID-19 Anticoagulation in Children–Thromboprophylaxis multicenter trial, an open-label, multicenter, phase 2 clinical trial conducted between July 2020 and May 2021. Plasma coagulative and fibrinolytic function were measured via the clot formation and lysis (CloFAL) assay and modified mini-euglobulin clot lysis assay (ECLA). Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α were measured by the Meso Scale Discovery assay. Correlations were evaluated using Spearman rank testing. A total of 132 banked plasma specimens from 38 participants (COVID-19: n = 18; MIS-C: n = 20) were analyzed. Overall, increased coagulative function (ie, elevated CloFAL area under the curve) and impaired fibrinolytic function (ie, reduced CloFAL fibrinolytic index [FI] and elevated modified mini-ECLA clot lysis time ratio [CLTR]) were observed but most notably among those with MIS-C. Plasma cytokine concentrations correlated with assay indices of hypofibrinolysis (ie, modified mini-ECLA CLTR and CloFAL FI). In summary, among children hospitalized for COVID-19–related illness, hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolysis are mediated, in part, by inflammation that may contribute to prothrombotic risk. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT04354155.

Forest disturbance shapes habitat selection but not migratory tendency for partially migratory ungulates

AbstractIn forest management settings, disturbance resets forests to earlier successional stages, typically improving forage conditions for mule deer. Examining how forest disturbance influences mule deer behavior is important for guiding forest and wildlife management. We used GPS collar data collected between 2017 and 2019 from 136 adult female mule deer in three populations throughout western Montana, United States, to investigate how disturbance from burns (wildfire and prescribed fire) and timber harvest influenced three aspects of space‐use behaviors: (1) probability of migration from winter range to summer range, (2) home range (second‐order) selection by migrants on summer range, and (3) within‐home range (third‐order) selection. We hypothesized that deer would maximize use of disturbances during summer for nutritional benefits, predicting that deer with higher proportionate disturbance in their winter home range would be less likely to migrate away from those disturbances during summer. We predicted that migrants would select disturbances at the second and third orders. We found that proportionate disturbance in winter home ranges had no effect on the probability of migration. Among migrants, deer generally selected burns, timber harvests, and open‐canopy habitat at the second order in all study areas, with particularly strong selection for 6‐ to 15‐year‐old disturbances. At population levels, selection for disturbances ceased at the third order. At individual levels, however, third‐order selection for burns increased with availability, whereas selection for harvests decreased, suggesting burns may satisfy more resource needs than harvests. Our results emphasize how space‐use fidelity constrains mule deer habitat selection. During summer, adherence to migratory strategies constrains the habitat available for second‐order selection, preventing deer from exploiting disturbances that would otherwise be available had they remained resident in wintering areas. Second‐order selection then determines disturbance availability within home ranges, affecting third‐order behaviors. Although variance in selection behaviors among individuals was high, population‐level patterns were remarkably similar among study areas, suggesting these responses may be generalizable to mule deer throughout the northern Rocky Mountains. Forest management practices like timber harvest, prescribed burns, and wildfire management within higher elevation areas of summer range used by migrants could yield the greatest nutritional benefits for mule deer.

Interaction law between mining stress and fault activation and the effect of fault dip angle in longwall working face

Study of the interaction between fault activation and mining stress evolution in the longwall working face is helpful to provide a targeted area for fault type heavy mine pressure disaster control. Combining theoretical analysis, physical and numerical simulation, the mechanical mechanism of fault activation is analyzed, the interaction law between mining stress and fault activation is studied, and the influence of fault dip angle on the evolution of fault activation and mining stress is discussed. The minimum critical dip angles α of normal and reverse fault activation are π/4 + φ/2 and π/4-φ/2, respectively. During the mining process, the activation position of the fault surface, the peak values of stress and displacement gradually increase and transfer from the high position of the fault to the low position, and the peak value of the advance abutment pressure reaches the maximum at the fault. The advancing distance of the working face required for fault activation gradually decreases with the decrease of the fault dip angle, and the peak elevation area of the working face gradually increases with the decrease of the fault dip angle. Combined with the on-site microseismic monitoring results, it can be seen that when the working face is about 20 m away from the fault, the stress and energy increase sharply, which is the main control area of the impact disaster.

Air‐Pyrolysis Precision Synthesis of Functional Porous Carbon Materials

AbstractCarbon materials play a pivo tal role across various advanced applications, yet their synthesis traditionally necessitates inert atmospheres to avert oxidation at high temperatures, thus inflating production costs and resource utilization. Achieving precision synthesis of functional porous carbon materials via air‐pyrolysis remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a streamlined, one‐step lava‐like carbonization approach is introduced enabling the fabrication of porous carbons boasting tailored morphologies (0‐3D), elevated specific surface areas (540.7–1047.6 m2g⁻¹), heteroatom doping, and commendable carbon yields (20‐39.1%) through direct pyrolysis within an air environment. Leveraging recyclable boric acid as a reaction medium, a lava‐like flowing protective barrier above 170 °C is engendered that spontaneously creates an oxygen‐free‐like milieu devoid of high pressure or intricate procedures. This boron‐containing lava serves dually as a template and chemical activator, facilitating pore formation and catalyzing porous carbon production. Notably, the method accommodates a spectrum of carbon sources, encompassing sugars, proteins, graphene oxide, and their metal mixtures. The resultant morphologically customizable carbons exhibit excellent performance in areas as diverse as microwave absorption and electrocatalysis. This work pioneers a novel pathway for large‐scale precision synthesis of high‐quality carbon materials via air‐pyrolysis under mild conditions.

Enhanced organic aerosol formation induced by inorganic aerosol formed in laboratory photochemical experiments

Atmospheric inorganic gases such as NOx, SO2, and NH3 have diverse effects on the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). A comprehensive investigation is necessary to fully understand the atmospheric processing of SOA. In this study, we examined the photooxidation of xylene isomers in the presence of inorganic gases using a combined facility comprising a smog chamber (SC) and an oxidation flow reactor (OFR). SC experiments at higher xylene concentrations and humid conditions revealed SOA yields of 37%, 39%, and 39% with NH3, compared to 15%, 11%, and 13% without NH3, for o-, m-, and p-xylene, respectively. This increase was primarily attributed to the enhanced formation of secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA) in the presence of NH3, consequently increasing aerosol surface area and aerosol water content (AWC). Vapor wall losses (VWL), estimated using a kinetic method, were substantial even with the elevated aerosol surface area provided by SIA. Additional photochemical reactions in the OFR showed a gradual increase in SOA mass and yield over an atmospheric equivalent aging time of 0.5–4.0 days. In the OFR, the SOA yield increased significantly when negligible xylene remained after SC reactions. Fresh SOA formation in the OFR might have decreased the oxygen-to-carbon ratio and oxidation state of carbon, which gradually increased with increasing OFR aging. High OH radical exposure in the OFR likely caused the photodegradation of SC-formed ON, as evidenced by an abrupt decrease in the NO+/NO2+ ratio measured. This study indicates that SOA formation potential of the aromatic hydrocarbon is highly underestimated without considering the combined effects of inorganic gases along with aging.

Exploring Topography Downscaling Methods for Hyper‐Resolution Land Surface Modeling

AbstractHyper‐resolution land surface modeling provides an unprecedented opportunity to simulate locally relevant water and energy cycles. However, the available meteorological forcing data is often insufficient to fulfill the requirements of hyper‐resolution modeling. Here, we developed a comprehensive downscaling framework based on topography‐adjusted methods and automated machine learning (AutoML). With this framework, a 90 m and hourly atmospheric forcing data set was developed from ERA5 data at a 0.25° resolution, and the Common Land Model (CoLM) was then forced with the developed forcing data over two complex terrain regions (the Heihe River Basin and Upper Colorado River Basin). We systematically evaluated the downscaled forcing and the CoLM outputs against both in situ observations and gridded data. The ground‐based validation results suggested consistent improvements for all downscaled forcing variables with mean RMSE improved by 6.362%–95.86%. The downscaled forcings, which incorporated detailed topographic features, offered improved magnitude estimates, achieving a comparable level of performance to that of regional reanalysis forcing data. The downscaled forcing driving the CoLM model showed comparable or better skills in simulating water and energy fluxes, as verified by in situ validations. The hyper‐resolution simulations provided a detailed and more reasonable description of land surface processes and attained similar spatial patterns and magnitudes with high‐resolution land surface data, especially over highly elevated areas. Additionally, this study highlighted the benefits of using mountain radiation theory‐based shortwave radiation downscaling models and AutoML‐assisted precipitation downscaling models. These findings emphasized the significance of integrating topography‐based downscaling methods for hillslope‐scale simulations.

Mapping cellular coverage suitability: a GIS-Based approach to identifying poor service areas

Cellular coverage is a critical component of modern telecommunications, providing essential services for communication, commerce, and emergency response. Despite its importance, many regions, particularly those with challenging terrain or low population density, experience inadequate cellular service. This study focuses on the commune of Laghouat, Algeria, employing a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) to assess cellular coverage suitability. Using ArcGIS Pro, four key factors were integrated: cell tower locations, terrain elevation, population distribution, and restricted areas. The methodology includes performing a Viewshed analysis to identify dead zones, converting population data into raster format to map demand, and digitizing restricted areas where telecommunication infrastructure development is prohibited. All factors were standardized to a common scale to ensure comparability and a weighted overlay analysis was conducted to generate a comprehensive suitability map. The map highlights areas of poor cellular coverage, guiding the placement of new infrastructure. Additionally, the research considers regulatory restrictions on land use, ensuring compliance with governmental policies. The resulting suitability map provides valuable insights for telecommunications providers and policymakers, enabling them to target underserved regions for infrastructure improvements while adhering to legal constraints. This study offers a robust, scalable framework for identifying and addressing cellular coverage gaps, applicable to other regions with similar geographic and demographic challenges.

MODELLING GBM RECURRENCE: THE INflUENCE OF PERI-LESIONAL OEDEMA AND THE DISCONNECTOME

Abstract AIMS Residual tumour burden after surgery in GBM patients is a prognostic imaging biomarker, often involving the area of T2 signal elevation surrounding the tumour core, histopathologically representing infiltrative oedema with tumour cells. We present the first stage of a model to improve the prediction GBM recurrence by specifically investigating the peri-lesional oedema compartment. METHOD UK-wide sample of histologically proven IDHwt GBMs with MRIs at the time of diagnosis underwent state-of- the-art in-house tumour segmentation pipeline and radiomic feature extraction of whole-tumour, enhancing, non-enhancing and oedema components, and masked disconnectome map components. Of these, early GBM recurrence, within 6 months after completion of radiotherapy, was curated and distribution mapped across the brain. RESULTS 1464 patients were identified: male = 901, median age 63 years, average overall survival 597 days. The radiomic features: Compactness 1 and 2, Surface Area, Spherical Disproportion, Sphericity, and Maximum 2D Diameter column of the disconnectome-related perilesional oedema compartment were most predictive of survival outcome (p value &amp;lt;0.01). Of these, 47 patients with average overall survival 357 days and average time from end of radiotherapy to progression of 131 days were identified. CONCLUSION Our early results reveal the relationship between perilesional oedema MRI features and survival, with disconnectome-related perilesional oedema features most predictive. This suggests that extended brain network aberrations caused by gliomas may also influence tumour recurrence. Further work will focus on the development of more robust predictive models of tumour recurrence that have potential for significant impact on surgical and radiotherapy planning.

Potential of nail cortisol for welfare assessment in shelter and owned cats

Shelter cats often experience considerable stressors, such as confinement and unfamiliar surroundings, leading to welfare challenges. Evaluating and enhancing their well-being is crucial, and measuring cortisol levels in cats’ nails offers a minimally invasive method for assessing stress and welfare. This study compared nail cortisol concentrations (NCCs) between owned cats (OC), and shelter cats in favorable conditions (FS) and unfavorable conditions (UFS) in Thailand and Vietnam. Nails from 31 OC, 29 FS, and 27 UFS cats were collected twice, approximately 28 days apart, with details of living conditions recorded at the second collection. Nail clippings were processed for NCC measurement using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. NCC levels of UFS cats were significantly higher than those of FS and OC cats in both collections, with no gender-based differences. NCCs positively correlated with dog exposure, and negatively correlated with space allowance, number of litterboxes, free-roaming time, air conditioning, and the presence and variety of enrichment (hiding places, elevated areas, outdoor views, scratching structures, and toys). These findings indicate that improved living conditions positively impact welfare, as indicated by NCCs. Nail cortisol can serve as a minimally invasive method for assessing cat welfare, particularly considering long-term factors, and offers valuable insights into the well-being of cats in various conditions.

Geologic Evolution of Imdr Regio, Venus: Insight Into the Origin of a Possible Young/Active Hot Spot

AbstractLarge topographic rises on Venus are regions thought to be formed in response to the presence of a mantle plume or mantle upwelling, equivalent to hot spots on Earth. In this work, we study the geology and evolution of one of these large topographic rises, Imdr Regio, based on geologic mapping and analysis of geophysical data of the area. Imdr Regio presents a complex structure with two very different areas: (a) an elevated southeast area that is dominated by volcanism associated with Idunn Mons, a large volcano that has been proposed as a site of recent or even active volcanism; (b) another elevated area in the northwest area that also has a large volcano (Arasy Mons), but that is dominated by volcanism and tectonic activity associated with the formation of the Olapa Chasma rift system. These two very differentiated topographically elevated areas also exhibit differences in their geology, volcanic and tectonic style, and geophysical characteristics, which leads us to suggest that more than the classic volcano‐dominated rise classification attributed to Imdr Regio the area could rather be considered as an intermediate or hybrid volcano‐rift dominated large topographic rise. The evaluation of the different genetic scenarios and its correspondence with the observed geology in the area suggests that the complex geology of Imdr Regio could be better explained if we consider models of hot spot evolution that involve the presence of several mantle plumes or secondary upwellings derived from a mantle plume emplaced at a deeper rheological boundary.

Effect of wave aspect ratio of skewed sinusoidal corrugated channel and copper metal foam inserts on thermohydraulic characteristics

The present study examines numerically the wave aspect ratio of skewed sinusoidal corrugated (SSC) channel and partially inserted open-cell metal foam (OCMF) made of copper effects on the forced convective heat transfer and airflow characteristics. The computations are conducted employing ANSYS Fluent 19.2 for various wave aspect ratios (2a/λ = 0.3–0.075) at the laminar Reynolds number range (Re = 700–1700). Additionally, the foam is fixed on the corrugated surfaces' upper and lower wave peaks in staggered arrangements with a pore density range of (10–40) pores per inch (PPI). The results show that the three-dimensional, incompressible and steady airflow through the SSC channel increases the average Nusselt number (Nuavg), friction factor (f), and thermo-hydraulic performance (THP) with increasing the aspect ratio at constant Re due to the increased surface area and due to increased flow restriction associated with the secondary flows. Moreover, using partial OCMF inserts improves fluid mixing, resulting in a higher heat transfer rate and friction along the channel. Results further illustrate that Nuavg, f, and THP increase with increasing PPI, primarily because of the elevated foam surface area and reduced permeability. A maximum THP value of 1.5 is achieved for the SSC channel with 40 PPI.

Basement Depth Map Estimation and Linear Features Detection Depending on Interpretation of Magnetic Data at Qarun Oil Field and Surrounding Areas, North Western Desert, Egypt

This investigation primarily targets a specific area situated in the northeastern Western Desert and northwest Beni-Suef, covering Wadi Al Rayan area, Gindi basin, Kattaniya inversion, and El-Fayum depression. It extends to the east of the river Nile. This study aims to Evaluate the depth of the basement complex in the area under investigation. The total aeromagnetic intensity data was reduced to the north pole (RTP) for clarity. 2D modeling of this RTP data was then used to evaluate the basement depth. The analysis of basement depth maps revealed significant variations in the subsurface structure of the study area, showing both elevated features (horsts) and depressed areas (grabens). The elevated basement (horsts) was found to be at a depth of approximately 813 meters, while the deepest depression (grabens) reached down to 7600 meters. Based on magnetic data combined with eight wells drilled into the basement complex, a basement lineament map of the area is delineated as a result of the investigation. This map shows a series of large alternating highs and valleys in ENE-WSW, NE-SW and E-W trending bands. Together with other minor trends, these major trends have shaped the basement surface into several tilted fault blocks, creating anticlinal and syncline zones of different depths and directions to form the Qattrani-El Gindi low trends. Whereas the high trend is located in El Fayum, El-Sagha, and Abu Rawash areas. The study helped to re-evaluate the subsurface structures affecting the Qarun oil field's hydrocarbon accumulation.

Toward the reliable use of reanalysis data as a reference for bias correction in climate models: A multivariate perspective

General circulation models are vital tools in climate change research, profoundly influencing numerous hydroclimatological studies, but often exhibit systematic biases due to limitations in parameterization. To correct these biases, bias correction (BC) methods, which are heavily dependent on the quality of historical reference data, are employed. Ideally, accurate data comes from a dense network of gauges, but due to their limited availability, reanalysis data is frequently used instead. Although reanalysis data provides consistent global and temporal coverage, its assimilated nature can introduce additional biases, potentially increasing error propagation particularly in the multivariate perspective. Thus, this study investigates the reliability of reanalysis data as a reference for multivariate bias correction (MBC) and utilizes a two-stage bias correction approach that integrates both gauge and reanalysis data to leverage their respective strengths. Conducting a case study in South Korea, we utilized gauge data, ERA5 reanalysis data, and outputs from 10 CMIP6 General Circulation Models. We implemented three-nested experiments to test the robustness of this two-stage approach across various dimensions. Results show that using reanalysis data as a reference can lead to bias propagation, especially misrepresenting precipitation and wind dependencies in high elevation areas. However, the two-stage approach has shown an enhancement in mitigating these limitations, even when gauge data is temporally sparse, and across different combinations of MBC methods. Finally, we highlight the current limitations and potential for future research to focus on effectively combining gauge and reanalysis data to compensate for each other’s weaknesses, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability in future climate realizations.