Entire Suite Research Articles

Molecular and morphological data provide evidence for only one alien species of pearl oyster in the Mediterranean Sea

Taxonomic identification of alien bivalve species in the Mediterranean Sea can be challenging because of high morphological variability and the occurrence of cryptic species complexes, as in the case of pearl oysters. While the presence of the Lessepsian species Pinctada radiata is well-established in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the presence of P. fucata was recently suggested based on morphological data. In this study we performed an integrative assessment based on morphological and genetic data on pearl oysters collected across the Mediterranean Basin. Molecular species delimitation and phylogenetic analyses allowed a straightforward taxonomic assignment of all collected specimens to P. radiata. These specimens show the entire suite of morphological character states considered diagnostic of either P. fucata or P. radiata by previous studies. This finding clearly demonstrates that these morphological characters have no taxonomic value, and their variability observed in specimens from the Mediterranean Sea represents (part of) the intraspecific variability of P. radiata. While no evidence has been found for the presence of P. fucata, the earlier occurrences of P. radiata from the eastern and southern Mediterranean Sea are complemented with verified occurrence in the western and northern regions, demonstrating a further spreading of this non-native species throughout the Mediterranean Sea. This study clarifies the taxonomic identification and geographical distribution of pearl oysters in the Mediterranean Sea and substantiates the importance of molecular identification of alien bivalves characterized by extensive variation in shell characters.

Multi-image encryption scheme using cross-plane coupling permutation and plain-by-plain wave diffusion

Images contain a wealth of visual information, are susceptible to unauthorized access due to their vulnerability and sensitivity. This paper designs a novel multi-image encryption scheme for protecting the privacy of images of different sizes and types. Initially, a 2D memristive hyperchaotic map (2D-MHM) is designed and subjected to various dynamic analyses and randomness evaluations. The results demonstrate that the proposed map possesses an exceptionally large parameter space, high Lyapunov exponent and sample entropy, and has successfully passed the entire suite of NIST test, verifying its feasibility for confidential communication. Then we present a multi-image encryption scheme combining cross-plane coupling permutation and plain-by-plain wave diffusion to realize random exchange and global variation of pixels in different planes. The performance evaluation and numerical analysis demonstrate that the scheme is resilient against multifarious types of attacks, possesses great security while effectively enhancing encryption efficiency. Finally, the proposed scheme is compared with advanced algorithms and its application in healthcare is discussed, exhibiting its superiority in multiple aspects.

Magma storage conditions of Lascar andesites, central volcanic zone, Chile

Abstract. Lascar volcano, located in northern Chile, is among the most active volcanoes of the Andean Central Volcanic Zone (CVZ). Its activity culminated in the last major explosive eruption in April 1993. Lascar andesites which erupted in April 1993 have a phase assemblage composed of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, Fe–Ti oxides, and rhyolitic glass. To better constrain storage conditions and mechanisms of magmatic differentiation for andesitic magmas in a thick continental crust, crystallization experiments were performed in internally heated pressure vessels at 300 and 500 MPa, in the temperature (T) range of 900–1050 °C, at various water activities (aH2O) and oxygen fugacities (logfO2 between QFM+1.5 and QFM+3.3 at aH2O =1; QFM is quartz–fayalite–magnetite oxygen buffer). The comparison of experimental products with natural phase assemblages, phase compositions, and whole-rock compositions was used to estimate magma storage conditions and to reconstruct the magma plumbing system. We estimate that Lascar two-pyroxene andesitic magmas were stored at 975±25 °C, 300±50 MPa, and logfO2 of QFM+1.5±0.5, under H2O-undersaturated conditions with 2.5 wt % to 4.5 wt % H2O in the melt. The geochemical characteristics of the entire suite of Lascar volcanics indicates that a fractionating magmatic system located at a depth of 10–13 km is periodically replenished with less evolved magma. Some eruptive stages were dominated by volcanic products resulting most probably from the mixing of a mafic andesitic magma with a felsic component, whereas compositional variations in other eruptive stages are better explained by crystal fractionation processes. The relative importance of these two mechanisms (mixing vs. crystal fractionation) may be related to the amount and frequency of magma recharge in the reservoir.

Constructing sympatry networks to assess potential introgression pathways within the major oak sections in the contiguous US states

Societal Impact StatementIncreasing evidence indicates gene flow commonly occurs between closely related species in diverse plant genera and can involve numerous species. Here, we present a simple method to quantify and characterize the potential for gene flow among “sympatric” species (they share some part of their geographic distribution), using oaks as a case study. The resulting sympatry networks provide insight into potential interspecific gene flow, from the perspective of each species and across the entire suite of interfertile species. In a rapidly changing world, interspecific gene flow will play an increasingly important role in the conservation of endangered species, both positive and negative.Summary We provide a simple method, using geographic distribution data, to quantify and characterize sympatry networks among a suite of interfertile species to assess potential routes for introgressive hybridization (IH). Sympatry is a necessary condition for IH and is easily determined from widely available geographic distribution data. Oaks, famous for hybridization, present an excellent case study. We use county‐level data for 94 oak species in the contiguous US states to determine patterns of sympatry of species within the four sections, assumed to be interfertile. The pairwise sympatry relationships can generate species‐centric local networks or a syngameon‐wide network. Two different measures of sympatry are used: proportional and relative. Most oak species are exposed to IH from many species, with red oaks having slightly higher local levels of sympatry (5.7 vs. 3.8 spp per county) than white oaks but lower total numbers of sympatric species (13.7 vs. 14.8). The nature of potential IH generally differs for threatened species, which are often embedded in the much larger distributions of widespread species. Potential IH within oak sections is widespread and disproportionately affects rare species. Given that IH has potentially positive or negative impacts on species cohesion, persistence, and adaptation, the geographic connections among species and the ‘local sympatry effect’ can serve as a springboard for hypothesis generation and genetic investigation of introgression patterns.

An efficient test suit reduction methodology for regression testing

<span lang="EN-US">This paper's goal is to provide a more effective algorithm for reducing the amount of test cases in a test suit during the regression testing phase. This algorithm divide the entire test suit into equivalence classes in first step and then apply boundary value coverage to select test case out of repeated test cases which has same importance in test suit. This algorithm is based on the concept that before selecting best test cases out of repeated test case in test suit to prepare reduced test suit we can divide all test cases in number of equivalence classes so number of test case under consideration reduced by great extend. This paper proposed a method of experimentation involving test cases from different software application areas; minimization algorithms and the maths and algorithms of minimization algorithms in details. Test case techniques are equivalence portioning and boundary value analysis. Along with this concept, I also discuss a case study to verify and check new algorithm for its efficiency, for that I apply my algorithm on one of the program or group of program. This complete proposed methodology shall be applied to different software applications belonging to soft computing, Engineering software, Financial Software, Cloud Applications, Business Applications, AI and Machine Learning, Data Analytics are being identified. This selection has been made keeping in mind the trends, industrial importance, economic values and research challenges. Minimization in test cases would lead to lesser testing effort and desirable test completion.</span>

Ten principles for responsible quantum innovation

This paper proposes a set of guiding principles for responsible quantum innovation. The principles are organized into three functional categories: safeguarding, engaging, and advancing (SEA), and are linked to central values in responsible research and innovation (RRI). Utilizing a global equity normative framework and literature-based methodology, we connect the quantum-SEA categories to promise and perils specific to quantum technology (QT). The paper operationalizes the responsible QT framework by proposing ten actionable principles to help address the risks, challenges, and opportunities associated with the entire suite of second-generation QTs, which includes the quantum computing, sensing, simulation, and networking domains. Each quantum domain has different technology readiness levels, risks, and affordances, with sensing and simulation arguably being closest to market entrance. Our proposal aims to catalyze a much-needed interdisciplinary effort within the quantum community to establish a foundation of quantum-specific and quantum-tailored principles for responsible quantum innovation. The overarching objective of this interdisciplinary effort is to steer the development and use of QT in a direction not only consistent with a values-based society but also a direction that contributes to addressing some of society’s most pressing needs and goals.

Body mass index–dependent shifts along large-scale gradients in human cortical organization explain dietary regulatory success

Making healthy dietary choices is essential for keeping weight within a normal range. Yet many people struggle with dietary self-control despite good intentions. What distinguishes neural processing in those who succeed or fail to implement healthy eating goals? Does this vary by weight status? To examine these questions, we utilized an analytical framework of gradients that characterize systematic spatial patterns of large-scale neural activity, which have the advantage of considering the entire suite of processes subserving self-control and potential regulatory tactics at the whole-brain level. Using an established laboratory food task capturing brain responses in natural and regulatory conditions (N = 123), we demonstrate that regulatory changes of dietary brain states in the gradient space predict individual differences in dietary success. Better regulators required smaller shifts in brain states to achieve larger goal-consistent changes in dietary behaviors, pointing toward efficient network organization. This pattern was most pronounced in individuals with lower weight status (low-BMI, body mass index) but absent in high-BMI individuals. Consistent with prior work, regulatory goals increased activity in frontoparietal brain circuits. However, this shift in brain states alone did not predict variance in dietary success. Instead, regulatory success emerged from combined changes along multiple gradients, showcasing the interplay of different large-scale brain networks subserving dietary control and possible regulatory strategies. Our results provide insights into how the brain might solve the problem of dietary control: Dietary success may be easier for people who adopt modes of large-scale brain activation that do not require significant reconfigurations across contexts and goals.

SwCUDA: Auto parallel code translation framework from CUDA to ATHREAD for new generation sunway supercomputer

Since specific hardware characteristics and low-level programming model are adapted to both NVIDIA GPU and new generation Sunway architecture, automatically translating mature CUDA kernels to Sunway ATHREAD kernels are realistic but challenging work. To address this issue, swCUDA, an auto parallel code translation framework is proposed. To that end, we create scale affine translation to transform CUDA thread hierarchy to Sunway index, directive based memory hierarchy and data redirection optimization to assign optimal memory usage and data stride strategy, directive based grouping-calculation-asynchronous-reduction (GCAR) algorithm to provide general solution for random access issue. swCUDA utilizes code generator ANTLR as compiler frontend to parse CUDA kernel and integrate novel algorithms in the node of abstracted syntax tree (AST) depending on directives. Automatically translation is performed on the entire Polybench suite and NBody simulation benchmark. We get an average 40x speedup compared with baseline on the Sunway architecture, average speedup of 15x compared to x86 CPU and average 27 percentage higher than NVIDIA GPU. Further, swCUDA is implemented to translate major kernels of the real world application Gromacs. The translated version achieves up to 17x speedup.

Some Thoughts on the Baroque Organ Suite

This article deals with the Baroque organ suite, which arose in France in the Reign of Louis XIV, when the tradition of publishing organ books was formed. And such books usually consisted of liturgical versets, grouped according to certain church tones. Since the musicological literature does not have a clear understanding of what an organ suite is as a genre, the author decided to clearly differentiate it among organ masses, magnificats and hymns that are similar in structure. In his opinion, an organ suite is an ordered collection of different musical pieces (usually from 6 to 13) in a single tone, without a common liturgical name. In total, there are approximately 75 such suites written by Nivers, Lebègue, Clérambault, Marchand and other masters of the French Baroque, although only a few samples are designated as Suite. Organ suites were not generally characterized by structural unification. However, they usually begin with a piece in the character of a solemn introduction, which is called Prélude or Plein jeu (by type of registration). The second most often is Fugue. Next follows a diverse group of textural and register genres. And as the completion of the entire suite, as a rule, are full-sounded Grand jeu or Plein jeu. At the same time, performance of the suites entirely “in one sitting”, as in modern concert practice, was not intended. French organ suites were addressed primarily to provincial organists, who could use individual pieces both as a guide for their own improvisations, and in the form of already “ready-made” versets for various services. If necessary, they could also combine these pieces, including other music. Therefore, any attempts of modern musicologists to find in the structure of the Baroque organ suite any purely musical meaning and to analyze them on the model of multi-movement compositions of later times have nothing in common with the authentic practice.

Application and Analysis of Array Production Logging Technology for Multiphase Flow in Horizontal Wells

Production logging (PL) instruments play a pivotal role in the comprehensive management and monitoring of oil and gas reservoirs. These devices facilitate the resolution of complex flow diagnosis challenges throughout the life cycle of hydrocarbon field exploitation. However, the advent of highly deviated well drilling technology has exposed certain limitations inherent in conventional centralized logging sensing techniques. When fluid flow within horizontal wells becomes segregated or even laminar, these traditional methods struggle to accurately decipher the zonal productions of oil, gas, and water. To address this challenge, multi-array production logging tools were developed in the late 1990s. Historically, these tools were characterized by considerable lengths, reaching up to 30 feet for an entire suite incorporating flow speed and holdup sensors that were not always collocated. Despite the integration of multiple sensors, uncertainties in determining flow profiles persisted. In this paper, we propose a novel integrated multi-parameter evaluation method based on measurements from a recently developed ultracompact flow array sensing tool, aimed at enhancing the accuracy of reservoir evaluation. The validity of the multi-parameter method is substantiated through a comparison of the new tool with an industry benchmark array PL tool on the same well. By combining the monitoring results, an optimization strategy for oil and gas extraction is presented, which is expected to improve the oil and gas recovery rate, thereby providing guidance for subsequent extraction endeavors. Moreover, we demonstrate how this innovative integrated workflow significantly enhances energy savings and efficiency, further underlining its value in modern oil and gas field management.

Perceptions of paramedic educators on assessments used in the first year of a paramedic programme: a qualitative exploration

BackgroundIn Ireland, there are currently three educational institutions (recognised institutions- RIs) providing paramedic programmes, accredited by the regulator, the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). Each RI assesses their students in-house, and in order to acquire a licence to practice, students must also pass summative assessments provided by PHECC. These assessments comprise multiple choice questions, short answer questions and skills assessments. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of paramedic educators of assessments used within their institution and by the regulator to provide insights that could inform the future design of paramedic assessments.MethodsA qualitative study with an interpretivist approach and purposive sampling strategy was performed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with educators from one RI, across their three sites. Data were analysed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis.ResultsFour major themes were identified in the data: improving assessments by enhancing authenticity, modifying the current process of assessment, aligning the PHECC and RI examinations and opportunities to use assessment as learning.ConclusionsThis study identifies perceived deficits and opportunities in the assessments currently used for paramedic students and ways in which these assessments could be improved. While participants were relatively content with their own RI assessments, they identified ways to improve both the RI and PHECC assessments. Modifying some of the current methods could be a useful first step. In particular, assessments used by PHECC could be improved by reflecting ‘real-world’ practice. The inclusion of additional assessment methods by PHECC, a continuous assessment process or devolvement of the entire assessment suite, to the RI/University has the potential to enhance assessments, particularly summative assessments, for paramedic students.

3D atlas of tinamou (Neornithes: Tinamidae) pectoral morphology: Implications for reconstructing the ancestral neornithine flight apparatus.

Palaeognathae, the extant avian clade comprising the flightless ratites and flight-capable tinamous (Tinamidae), is the sister group to all other living birds, and recent phylogenetic studies illustrate that tinamous are phylogenetically nested within a paraphyletic assemblage of ratites. As the only extant palaeognaths that have retained the ability to fly, tinamous may provide key information on the nature of the flight apparatus of ancestral crown palaeognaths-and, in turn, crown birds-as well as insight into convergent modifications to the wing apparatus among extant ratite lineages. To reveal new information about the musculoskeletal anatomy of tinamous and facilitate development of computational biomechanical models of tinamou wing function, we generated a three-dimensional musculoskeletal model of the flight apparatus of the extant Andean tinamou (Nothoprocta pentlandii) using diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT). Origins and insertions of the pectoral flight musculature of N. pentlandii are generally consistent with those of other extant volant birds specialized for burst flight, and the entire suite of presumed ancestral neornithine flight muscles are present in N. pentlandii with the exception of the biceps slip. The pectoralis and supracoracoideus muscles are robust, similar to the condition in other extant burst-flying birds such as many extant Galliformes. Contrary to the condition in most extant Neognathae (the sister clade to Palaeognathae), the insertion of the pronator superficialis has a greater distal extent than the pronator profundus, although most other anatomical observations are broadly consistent with the conditions observed in extant neognaths. This work will help form a basis for future comparative studies of the avian musculoskeletal system, with implications for reconstructing the flight apparatus of ancestral crown birds and clarifying musculoskeletal modifications underlying the convergent origins of ratite flightlessness.

A receptor-centric decision support system for the mitigation of nuclear power atmospheric release incidents

The history of incidents involving nuclear power plants underscores the imperative for robust consequence assessment and countermeasure plans. Additionally, the recent energy crisis has reaffirmed the enduring necessity of nuclear energy. While a host of assessments, planning, and response fundamentals exist, the literature lacks specific directives for their implementation. Notably, despite a wealth of studies employing the entire suite of available tools (i.e., source release, atmospheric dispersion and deposition, food contamination, and human exposure) for hypothetical or actual cases, the majority tend to focus on the source and fate of nucleoids. Given these circumstances, we propose a receptor-centric and data-driven framework to guide the selection and evaluation of such planning. This framework, which utilizes time-dependent source terms and the JRODOS system, is exemplified within a region home to multiple nuclear plants. Significantly, this new approach proved more robust than traditional wind-rose and worst-case methodologies in capturing a broader spectrum of potential outcomes. Though it was possible to prioritize and validate certain countermeasures, such as sheltering and food restrictions, using the innovative visualization methods within the framework, we identified several limitations. These weaknesses, along with potential avenues for future research, are discussed in this study, contributing valuable insights to this crucial field.

DISTRIBUTION AND ANALYSIS OF CHEST RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN COVID-19 POSITIVE SYMPTOMATIC AND ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS – ANALYSIS OF 668 PATIENTS IN INDIA

Current COVID-19 radiological literature is dominated by CT and a detailed description of chest x-ray (CXR) appearances in relation to the disease time course is lacking. However, it poses a great challenge on the radiology department,as it is difficult to decontaminate entire CT suite(Zhao et al.,2020)11. This study is aimed to correlate clinical symptoms with the chest X-ray findings in COVID positive patients and to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of chest x ray in diagnosing COVID 19. The present study compares frequency and distribution of chest radiographic findings in COVID 19 positive symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Patients with a RT-PCR-positive results for COVID 19 infection were 668.Of these,437 were males (65.4%),230 females (34.4%) and 1 transgender (0.04%) with a mean age of 44 years (range 2–87 years). Only 18 CXRs were negative for radiological thoracic involvement (6.4%) among symptomatic patients (280). Among the baseline CXR of 668 patients, 375 (56.1%) were normal and 293 (43.8%) were abnormal. Sensitivity and specificity of CXR were 93.91% and 93.3% respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 90.97% and 95.51% respectively. We found a statistically significant relationship between CXR severity score and age, symptoms, death (P<0.001).We even found significant relationship between age and symptoms, death of COVID positive patients (P<0.001). The relationship between CXR severity and gender, age and gender were not significant (P=0.539,P=0.864 respectively).

A probabilistic approach to provenance studies using whole object elemental composition: Chert (flint) as a case study

Provenancing archeological artefacts and “whole rock” fragments, such as cobbles and pebbles, is important both for studying past societies and reconstructing geomorphological and sedimentary processes. Determining the provenance of archaeological artefacts, for example, is helpful in the study of various aspects of human society such as mobility, trade routes, raw material procurement strategies and societal development, whereas whole rock fragments are useful indicators of sediment transportation routes and landscape evolution. In this paper, we introduce a novel probabilistic approach for exploring the limitations and potential of provenance studies utilizing trace element composition of archaeological artefacts and bulk rock fragments through a set of statistical analyses, demonstrated using a dataset of chert (flint) samples from the eastern Mediterranean as a case study. Because our general goal is to identify sediment provenance at the highest possible resolution, and attribute it to specific outcrops, the robustness of such classifications must consider the inherent variability of the studied samples, which poses a complex problem when an entire suite of elements is considered.In the current study, a scheme for evaluating the possible resolution and potential of provenance studies of flint artefacts is illustrated by applying a set of statistical techniques. The data is investigated across the different labelling hierarchy using Spearman correlation and the Kruskal-Wallis test, and a synthetic dataset that follows the statistical properties of the original data is generated using multidimensional copulas that mimic the correlation of the different elements within each subset. The synthetic dataset is then iteratively sampled, filtered and passed into a classifier that is evaluated using a set of classification metrics (e.g., accuracy, recall, etc.). Using this probabilistic approach, the power of supervised classification is determined for the different hierarchy levels and classes based on their distributions, and the number of specimens required for distinguishing sources at different levels (e.g., era, age, formation and site) is evaluated. We show that 10–20 specimens are needed to determine the geological era and age of the strata from which flint was collected with reasonable certainty (accuracy >0.9), whereas specific outcrops cannot be reliably identified even when a large number of specimens are considered. This approach has the potential to enable the classification of items of unknown origin and the associated uncertainty by comparing them against a dataset of possible sources that can be expanded over time.

Case Study: Drilling at the Cutting Edge of Performance With Shaped-Cutter Technology

_ Shaped cutters are not new to the industry. They were introduced decades ago when drilling environments began to change and more complex formations introduced new challenges, and they have been part of drill-bit technology portfolios since the 1990s. For many years, development teams have been investigating downhole conditions that were causing cutter damage and drilling dysfunctions, continually playing with the balance between materials and geometry. That knowledge has been a springboard for focused R&D efforts to improve cutter designs to contend with demanding drilling conditions and more complex wellbores. Today, shaped cutters push performance to new limits in applications that traverse multiple formations on a single run, from interbedded, to hard rock and abrasive formations, through sand, clay, sandstone, and limestone. Developing Shaped-Cutter Technology An entire suite of shaped cutters (Fig. 1) has been developed using the latest in materials research to address a range of challenging formation types and applications. Drilling engineers can place combinations of specialized cutters on a single bit to drill efficiently through complex formations. One of the advanced cutters (Fig. 1a) that emerged from these development efforts is a design that improves performance in hard formations. The resulting cutter has novel edge geometry to stand up to high-impact loads and a secondary chamfer on the diamond face that enables it to withstand higher loads than polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutters. This allows it to maintain drilling efficiency in hard, interbedded formations, leading to a higher overall rate of penetration (ROP) for the interval. When drilling in hard, abrasive formations, heat generated from the rock-cutter interaction can break down the integrity of the cutter, leading to premature wear and reduced performance. Engineers focused on enhancing the improved cutter tip to develop a cutter (Fig. 1b) that remains cool in hard, abrasive formations and is particularly effective in sandstone, where it exhibits considerably less microfracturing and wear than traditional cutters. Complex runs often mean that bits must drill through very different formations, from interbedded, hard rock to more abrasive formations. To contend with these varying conditions, a cutter must be effective in high-impact loading conditions and still be functional at end of run. Another specialized cutter (Fig. 1c) was developed to deliver this balanced performance, reducing friction and heat generation at cutter/rock interface, breaking up rock cuttings, and enabling faster drilling and longer runs with a lower weight on bit (WOB) requirement for a given ROP. Conditions where point loading is required, such as drilling through evaporites or high-mud-weight environments and in drilling runs where WOB is limited, require a cutter with the ability to distribute more weight to a smaller portion of the rock. Baker Hughes designed a cutter (Fig. 1d) for these conditions that penetrates the formation more effectively than standard cutters by generating a larger depth of cut using the energy available to deliver faster drilling runs. The most recent addition (Fig. 1e) to the specialized cutter portfolio takes on even more demanding conditions with a design that delivers greater durability with the inclusion of secondary chamfering, a relief in the center of the cutter, and enhanced point-loading capability.

Frequencies of Multivariate Air Masses Drive Tree Growth

AbstractMidlatitude surface meteorological conditions are embedded within—and affected by—synoptic‐scale systems, including the movement and persistence of air masses (AMs). Changes in AM frequencies (number of daily occurrences) over the past several decades could have large effects on ecosystems: each organism is exposed to the synergistic effects of the entire suite of atmospheric variables acting upon it—an inherently multivariate environment—which is best captured using AMs. Utilizing a global‐scale AM classification system and a large network of tree‐ring chronologies, we investigate how variation in AM frequency impacts tree growth at over 900 locations. We find that AM frequencies are well‐correlated with tree growth, especially in the 12‐month period from July in the year prior to growth through June in the year of growth. The most impactful AMs are Dry‐Warm and Humid‐Cool AMs, which exhibit average correlations of ρ = −0.4 and ρ = +0.4 with tree growth, respectively, for certain tree species, with correlations at some sites exceeding ρ = ±0.8 in some seasons. Compared to empirical models based solely on temperature and precipitation, modeling using only AM frequencies proved superior at nearly 60% of the sites and for over 80% of the well‐sampled (n ≥ 10) species. These results should provide a foundation for using AMs to improve forecasts of tree growth, tree stress and wildfire potential. Long‐term reconstructions of AM frequencies back several centuries may also be feasible using tree‐ring data, which will help contextualize and temporally extend multivariate perspectives of climate change that utilize such air masses.

METHODS AND INDICATORS OF ASSESSING MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE IN THE ORGANIZATION

At the current stage of society's development, during the greatest scientific-technical and socio-economic period. To be a successful organization for a long time, to survive and achieve its goal, the organization must be both efficient and effective. Performance management combines methodologies, indicators, processes, software, and systems for managing the organization's activities. The essence of performance management is to make the right decisions, the correctness of which will be confirmed and ultimately measured by the results of actions. Performance management increases the predictability of outcomes, clarifies the connections between strategic, operational, and financial goals, and makes them clear to managers and groups of employees, which allows them to act instead of waiting for instructions from superiors. Performance management allows quantifying the effectiveness of cost planning using key performance indicators derived from strategic maps and balanced scorecards. Knowing these strategic goals and their relative importance, managers and employee teams select appropriate tools from the entire performance management suite. It has been established that several different types of organizational results can be viewed and compared. It is emphasized that the assessment of management performance is a complex task and a necessary preliminary stage of improving the management system. Therefore there are many criteria for such an assessment that consider various factors affecting performance and allow a comprehensive evaluation of the company's implemented strategy. Effectiveness is not only a question of what is done but also how. Excellent results are made possible by appropriate behavior, especially voluntary behavior, and the effective application of the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies. Performance management allows us to understand precisely how results are achieved, as it allows us to understand what activities are needed for the organization's further growth. Managers must be ready, willing, and able to identify and address improvement needs as soon as they arise. It is necessary to strive for the maximum possible integration of knowledge and professional practice. This means encouraging managers in every possible way to learn from successful examples, difficulties, and problems. Keywords: productivity, assessment, management, organization, indicators.

Automated real-time formation evaluation from cuttings and drilling data analysis: State of the art

Traditional formation evaluation via laboratory testing and wireline logging of horizontal wells and deep formations face challenges due to several reasons and lead to uncertain results. Real-time cuttings and drilling data analysis of horizontal wells is an actively developing alternative approach to formation evaluation that can overcome several challenges faced by laboratory testing and wireline logging in providing improved estimates of formation parameters relevant to reservoir and completion quality. This study presents a state-of-the-art review of the latest methods and technologies in drill cuttings analysis to enable real-time characterization of the entire suite of formation properties, including chemical composition, densities and porosity, permeability, lithology, geomechanical properties, and characterization of fracture patterns. Specifically, the methods/techniques that enable characterizing drill cuttings in real-time and critically reviewed in this study include Raman spectroscopy for chemical composition, nuclear magnetic resonance for densities and porosity, liquid pressure pulse for permeability, deep learning for rock classification, 7 different methods for geomechanical properties, and mud loss signatures for characterization of fracture patterns. Benchmark comparison of drill cuttings analysis with the measurements from the core samples at similar depths is also reviewed. Key learnings are provided in 4 areas: to address the uncertainties in estimates of specific parameters affected by physical deformations due to drill bits, minimum cutting size for reliable nuclear magnetic resonance data, sweet spot identification, and power and network considerations for real-time analysis, respectively. Cited as: Singh, H., Li, C., Cheng, P., Wang, X., Hao, G., Liu, Q. Automated real-time formation evaluation from cuttings and drilling data analysis: State of the art. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2023, 8(1): 19-36. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2023.04.03

Assessing the spatial variability of the ~3 μm OH/H2O absorption feature in CM2 carbonaceous chondrites

AbstractH2O and OH are readily detected in hydrated minerals in CM chondrites via reflectance spectroscopy due to their characteristic vibration absorptions at infrared wavelengths. Previous spectroscopic work on bulk powdered CM chondrites has shown that spectral parameters, like the wavelength position of the “3 μm absorption feature,” vary systematically with the extent to which the samples have been aqueously altered. However, it is yet unclear how these spectral features may vary across an intact meteorite chip when measured at spatial scales smaller than that of the individual components of the meteorite. Here, we explore the spatial variability of this spectral feature and others on intact CM2 chips which, unlike powders, retain their petrologic and textural characteristics. We also model the modal mineralogy of the bulk meteorite powders and correlate this with key spectral features, demonstrating that microscope Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic mapping provides a powerful, rapid, and non‐destructive technique for assessing compositional diversity and variations in water–rock interactions in chondritic planetary materials. In all CM2 chondrites studied here, we find that variations in the position, shape, and strength of the 3 μm absorption feature reveal a single chondrite can exhibit as much spectral variation as the entire suite of CM2 chondrites. The observed variations in the position and shape of the 3 μm feature within individual CM2 chondrite chips suggest a range of alteration products (e.g., Mg‐rich to Fe‐rich phyllosilicates) are present and record sub‐mm scale variations in the amount and/or chemistry of the altering fluids. The samples having experienced the most progressive aqueous alteration show the least amount of variability in features like the 3 μm absorption band minimum position, whereas the least altered samples exhibit the most variability. We also find that the bulk spectral signatures in the least altered samples appear to be biased toward the spectral signatures of clasts versus matrix. By extension, asteroid reflectance spectra exhibiting 3 μm absorption features consistent with those measured here may be interpreted in a similar framework in which the spectrum of what may appear to be the least altered asteroids represents an average that belies the true diversity of mineralogy and chemistry of the body.