Long-term Potential Research Articles

ESG Performance and its Impact of on Corporate Performance: Take China Everbright Bank as an Example

This paper has investigated China Everbright Bank (CEB)’s performance on ESG and analyzed the impact of ESG performance on CEB’s financial outcome. During the reported period, CEB has been performing well on ESG, especially on social perspective. From environmental perspective, CEB took proactive steps to mitigate its negative environmental impact. This included reducing emission by strictly conduct regulation within the company, assessing environmental risks associated with key industries and clients and setting rules on energy conservation. The bank also prioritized compliance with environmental standards, pollution control, and ecological protection in its credit approval processes. From social perspective, CEB has been actively promoting democracy and equality in employment by combating various discrimination, and continuously ensuring employee welfare besides wages, such as health care and skill training. Regarding governance, CEB has adopted strict supervision on its supply chain, strengthening the management of the procurement process by establishing an intelligent procurement platform. It has also emphasized supplier risk management. Considering the financial metrics of CEB in last years, the study suggests that the long-term profitability, operational capacity and growth potential of CEB have been positively affected, while the market value and the solvency are not. The paper concludes that ESG criteria can be considered as a reliable tool in business evaluation of potential and sustainability, therefore incorporated into business operation and investment.

Fungus mediated synthesis of biogenic palladium catalyst for degradation of azo dye.

Dyes are the coloured substances that are applied on different substrates such as textiles, leather and paper products, etc. Azo dyes release from the industries are toxic and recalcitrant wastewater pollutants, therefore it is necessary to degrade these pollutants from water. In this study, the palladium (0) nanoparticles (PdNPs) were generated through the biological process and exhibited for the catalytic degradation of azo dye. The palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) were synthesized by using the cell-free approach i.e. extract of fungal strain Rhizopus sp. (SG-01), which significantly degrade the azo dye (methyl orange). The amount of catalyst was optimized by varying the concentration of PdNPs (1mg/mL to 4mg/mL) for 10 mL of 50 ppm methyl orange (MO) dye separately. The time dependent study demonstrates the biogenic PdNPs could effectively degrade the methyl orange dye up to 98.7% with minimum concentration (3mg/mL) of PdNPs within 24h of reaction. The long-term stability and effective catalytic potential up to five repeated cycles of biogenic PdNPs have good significance for acceleration the degradation of azo dyes. Thus, the use of biogenic palladium nanoparticles for dye degradation as outlined in the present study can provide an alternative and economical method for the synthesis of PdNPs as well as degradation of azo dyes present in wastewater and is helpful to efficiently remediate textile effluent.

Improving cardiac rehabilitation referral rates in patients with coronary heart disease from diverse communities using an electronic order system

Background: Despite the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), local and national CR referral and participation rates remain low when compared to established cardiovascular therapies especially amongst racial/ethnic groups. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of the implementation of a CR program and electronic order set (EOS) in a large health system on CR referral and participation rates among a diverse group of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: A total of 360 patients from UCSD Health who presented with ACS were prospectively evaluated during initial hospitalization and 6- and 12-weeks post-discharge. Multivariable logistic regression model assessed referral and participation rates by week-1 and -12 post-discharge, adjusting for gender, age, race, ethnicity, geography, and referring physician subspecialty. Results: UCSD CR program implementation led referral rates to increase at week-1 (Pre- 38.6% and Post-54.9%, p = 0.003) and week-12 (Pre- 54.1% and Post- 59.8%, p = 0.386). Post-CR referrals were more likely at week-1 (OR: 1.93, 95% CI 1.27-2.95) and week-12 (OR: 1.26, 95% CI 0.79-2.00). EOS implementation increased referral rates at week-1 (Pre- 40.3% and Post- 58.7%, p<0.001) and week-12 (Pre- 54.9% and Post- 60.4%, p=0.394) with referrals more likely at week-1 (OR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.35-3.29) and week-12 (OR: 1.25, 95% CI 0.795-1.98). Participation in CR following EOS was more likely at both week-1 and week-12. Multivariable analysis revealed disparities in referral based on race, geographic location, and referring physician subspecialty. Conclusion: A CR program and EOS implementation were shown to increase referral rates with long-term potential for increasing referral and participation rates. Condensed Abstract: This prospective study investigated the implementation of a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program and electronic order set (EOS) within the same health system on CR referral and participation rates. 360 patients with ACS were evaluated over a period of 12 weeks. UCSD CR program and EOS implementation led referral rates to increase at week-1 and -12. CR participation was more likely to increase at week-1 and -12 following EOS. Multivariable analysis revealed disparities in referrals disproportionally affecting racial and ethnic minority groups and rural communities. CR and EOS implementation may increase CR referral rates for diverse patients with CHD.

An assessment of the vulnerability and adaptation potential of sugarcane production to water stress, southern Africa

The high spatial variability of precipitation, heightened frequency of droughts and concomitant increases in exposure to water stress across southern Africa due to climate change, presents significant challenges for sugarcane production and the regional sugarcane production value chain. While production has intensified in the past few decades, yields have declined due to increased climatic variability and agronomic management approaches. Increased precipitation variability has enhanced sugarcane vulnerability to water stress and is likely to negatively affect yields. Combining crop simulations and relationships between sugarcane water use and observed rainfall, we introduce a crop productivity ratio (CPR) which assesses sugarcane water stress for six sugarcane mills across southern Africa. The CPR and simulation results were used to assess the adaptation potential or ‘space’ for mill areas that have varying rates of exposure and abilities to adapt to water stress. Simulation results were used to determine the long-term adaption potential of mill areas and to surmise the causes of yield declines. The results were used to offer recommendations to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance adaptation to water stress. We conclude that the amplification of inter-annual precipitation variability will enhance the exposure of sugarcane to water stress and require adaptation interventions. Adapting to external shocks is a multifaceted exercise that requires a holistic approach that includes every aspect of the sugarcane value chain.

Generation and Characterization of Rat Uterus Organoids from Rat Endometrial Epithelial Stem Cells.

Endometrial organoids offer valuable insights into the development and pathophysiology of endometrial diseases and serve as platforms for drug testing. While human and mouse endometrial organoids have been developed, research on rat endometrial organoids remains limited. Given that rats can better simulate certain endometrial pathologies, such as intrauterine adhesions, this study aimed to establish rat endometrial organoids. We present a detailed protocol for the isolation and culture of rat endometrial epithelial stem cells (reESCs) and the generation of rat endometrial organoids. Using a refined reESCs expansion medium, we successfully isolated and stably expanded reESCs, demonstrating their long-term culture potential. The reESC-generated organoids exhibited typical structural and functional characteristics of the endometrium, including hormone responsiveness. Our results showed that rat endometrial organoids could be cultured over a long term with stable proliferation, maintaining the glandular structure, cell polarity, and functional characteristics of the endometrial epithelium. This novel rat-derived endometrial organoid model provides a valuable platform for studying endometrial diseases and testing therapeutic interventions, with potential applications across various mammalian species.

Facile assembly of flexible, stretchable and attachable symmetric microsupercapacitors with wide working voltage windows and favorable durability

With the increasing development of intelligent robots and wearable electronics, the demand for high-performance flexible energy storage devices is drastically increasing. In this study, flexible symmetric microsupercapacitors (MSCs) that could operate in a wide working voltage window were developed by combining laser-direct-writing graphene (LG) electrodes with a phosphoric acid-nonionic surfactant liquid crystal (PA-NI LC) gel electrolyte. To increase the flexibility and enhance the conformal ability of the MSC devices to anisotropic surfaces, after the interdigitated LG formed on the polyimide (PI) film surface, the devices were further transferred onto a flexible, stretchable and transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate; this substrate displayed favorable flexibility and mechanical characteristics in the bending test. Furthermore, the electrochemical performances of the symmetric MSCs with various electrode widths (300, 400, 500 and 600 μm) were evaluated. The findings revealed that symmetric MSC devices could operate in a large voltage range (0–1.5 V); additionally, the device with a 300 μm electrode width (MSC-300) exhibited the largest areal capacitance of 2.3 mF cm−2 at 0.07 mA cm−2 and an areal (volumetric) energy density of 0.72 μWh cm−2 (0.36 mWh cm−3) at 55.07 μW cm−2 (27.54 mW cm−3), along with favorable mechanical and cycling stability. After charging for ~20 s, two MSC-300 devices connected in series could supply energy to a calculator to operate for ~130 s, showing its practical application potential as an energy storage device. Moreover, the device displayed favorable reversibility, stability and durability. After 12 months of aging in air at room temperature, its electrochemical performance was not altered, and after charging-discharging measurements for 5000 cycles at 0.07 mA cm−2, ~93.6% of the areal capacitance was still retained; these results demonstrated its practical long-term application potential as an energy storage device.

The Importance of Fertility Preservation in the Transgender Population

ObjectiveTo call to attention the often-overlooked aspect of pediatric transgender care: the importance of fertility preservation prior to instituting gender-affirming therapy. The transgender population has long been marginalized by society. Societal stigmata, fear to seek care, and dearth of provider knowledge regarding transgender health issues has caused disparities to widen. Gender affirming procedures and hormone therapy affect the long-term reproductive potential of transgender individuals. While cost concerns and insurance coverage regarding oncofertility is a prominent area of discussion, the transgender community is often excluded. MethodsSixteen genetically XY females, followed by their multidisciplinary transgender care teams, were interested in starting hormone therapy due to impending onset and/or progression of puberty. Their physicians were aware of fertility struggles after undergoing hormone therapy and therefore referred to urology. Sperm cryopreservation via open gonadal biopsy, testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC), and semen sample (when age/maturity-appropriate) were discussed. Though requiring surgery, biopsy/TTC relieves patients of the psychological impact of semen sample production. ResultsUnder IRB approval, 15 patients (median age 12 years, range 10-16 years) underwent TTC (Figure 1). One patient (aged years) opted for semen sample. All patients had success with spermatogonial stem cells cryopreserved for future patient use. ConclusionsWith more individuals beginning medical and surgical therapy at a younger age, fertility preservation discussions are essential but often overlooked, depriving these individuals the joy of becoming a biological parent. TTC can be safely done in pediatric populations, though research is necessary to expand beyond current experimental stage of tissue-development.

Limitations in mitochondrial programming restrain the differentiation and maturation of human stem cell-derived β cells.

Pluripotent stem cell (SC)-derived islets offer hope as a renewable source for β cell replacement for type 1 diabetes (T1D), yet functional and metabolic immaturity may limit their long-term therapeutic potential. Here, we show that limitations in mitochondrial transcriptional programming impede the formation and maturation of SC-derived β (SC-β) cells. Utilizing transcriptomic profiling, assessments of chromatin accessibility, mitochondrial phenotyping, and lipidomics analyses, we observed that SC-β cells exhibit reduced oxidative and mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism compared to primary human islets that are related to limitations in key mitochondrial transcriptional networks. Surprisingly, we found that reductions in glucose- stimulated mitochondrial respiration in SC-islets were not associated with alterations in mitochondrial mass, structure, or genome integrity. In contrast, SC-islets show limited expression of targets of PPARIZ and PPARγ, which regulate mitochondrial programming, yet whose functions in β cell differentiation are unknown. Importantly, treatment with WY14643, a potent PPARIZ agonist, induced expression of mitochondrial targets, improved insulin secretion, and increased the formation and maturation of SC-β cells both in vitro and following transplantation. Thus, mitochondrial programming promotes the differentiation and maturation of SC-β cells and may be a promising target to improve β cell replacement efforts for T1D.

Analyzing how well an equity-based, inclusive school reform strategy with MTSS integration can improve the math and reading performance of students with IEPs

Equity-based investments provide a long-term potential for substantial returns. In the long run, stocks have performed better than a lot of other investing options, including bonds or cash. It's important to keep in mind that past performance does not guarantee future results, and there may be ups and downs in the stock market. The goal of the current research was to determine Would a broad, based on stocks educational transformation paradigm nestled inside an Multi-Tiered System Of Support (MTSS) framework might increase the arithmetic and reading test scores of children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). According to descriptive data, pupils with IEPs had higher math state test results throughout the implementation period. The scores were strongly and positively predicted by model fidelity of implementation scores. Students with IEPs improved their math scores in implementing schools in faster rate’s compared with their counterparts in comparable educational institutions, according to a subsequent analysis comparing The approach's efficacy in three institutions that used it faithfully enough compared to non-implementing institutions. The findings on inclusivity as well as the steps taken to enable high-fidelity MTSS adoption are discussed. The consequences were included reform’s approach with the integration go beyond math and reading outcomes, even though this research concentrated exclusively on these areas.

Pyrolysis temperature effect on biochar-derived cow manure: Physicochemical properties and adsorption behavior toward organic dyes

BackgroundThis study investigates the synthesis of biochar from cow manure at various pyrolysis temperatures and its effectiveness in dye adsorption, focusing on how temperature influences the adsorption capacities of biochar towards MB and MO. MethodsBiochar was produced at four pyrolysis temperatures (300, 500, 700, and 900 °C), labeled CMBC-x. Adsorption capacities for MB and MO were tested. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) identified functional groups involved in dye adsorption. FindingsBiochar produced at 900 °C (CMBC900) showed the highest adsorption capacities: 200 mg g-1 for MB and 147 mg g-1 for MO. For a dye mixture, CMBC900 adsorbed 104.5 mg g-1 of MB and 98.7 mg g-1 of MO, indicating efficient separation. CMBC900 maintained high efficiency after ten cycles, with 97.5 % for MB and 90.5 % for MO. These findings highlight the robustness and long-term potential of CMBC900 as an adsorbent. Converting agricultural waste into biochar offers an economically viable solution for waste management and environmental protection by removing harmful dyes from wastewater.

Varietal Response to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Bulb Yield, Storability, and Production Economics of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

The field experiment was conducted in the Rabi season of 2021-22 in the research farm of the Regional Research Center, Raiya (Jhajjar) of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Haryana to examine the impact of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, bulb yield and self-life of two indigenous onion varieties was examined. The treatment combinations comprised seven treatments along with one control that was arranged in a randomized block design (factorial) with four replications and two varieties namely Hisar Onion-2 and Hisar Onion-4. The results of the study showed that bulb yield-related parameters such as average fresh weight of bulbs (82.39 g), yield per plot (26.74 kg), and yield per hectare (29.71 t) were recorded maximum in the treatment T6. However, the better storage life of bulbs was estimated in treatment control which was at par with treatment T3 i.e., physiological loss in weight (20.23%), sprouting (3.14%), and rotting (11.43%) were observed minimum after 120 days of storage period. Hisar onion-4 was found superior in all the bulb yield and shelf-life parameters in comparison to Hisar Onion-2. Treatment consisting of 50% recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through Vermi-compost recorded maximum net return (Rs.1, 97,942) and benefit-cost ratio (2.25). Therefore, it can be inferred that the combined use of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers contributes to the improved shelf life of onion bulbs and enhances the long-term production potential of the soil.

Are clean energy markets hedges for stock markets? A tail quantile connectedness regression

Acknowledging the long-term potential of alternative energy sources, this paper examines the quantile frequency connectedness between clean energy markets and international stock markets, with implications related to hedging effectiveness. The main results point out that spillovers run from the US, the EU, the UK, and the Renewable Energy and Clean Technology Index to Japan and the Global Clean Energy Index. Furthermore, while the transmissions are concentrated in the short run during normal (0.5) and bull market (0.95) conditions, they extend to intermediate and long-term amid busting market (0,05 quantile) states, signifying a long-lasting impact that cannot be absorbed in the short run. Notably, clean energy index roles in information transmissions range from a net sender (Renewable Energy and Clean Technology Index), isolated (Green Bond Index), and a net receiver (Global Clean Energy Index). From a multivariant portfolio design perspective, we notice that a substantial weight should be allocated to clean energy assets, WTI, and CSI300 when compared with the rest of the financial markets. Moreover, the low (high) volatility regime yields lower (higher) weights than the ones reported in the mean state, but the results remain largely similar. Bivariant portfolio weights show that GB should have substantial weight when paired with all assets.

Design and Implementation of Self-Cleaning Coated Rooftop Photovoltaic System Supporting Energy Conservation in Small-Medium Enterprises

The implementation of rooftop solar power system for SMEs is one step to provide an examplified pilot project so that the clean energy transition in the economic sector can also be realized. However, difficult operations and maintenance for rooftop solar power plant require a self-cleaning coating design to passively clean the surface of the solar cell module and hence, the performance of rooftop solar power system is maintained. In this research, the design of a rooftop solar power system utilizes global climate data, i.e., air temperature data and duration of sunlight. Long-term trends in solar radiation levels were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope analysis to assess the long-term solar energy potential. The self-cleaning layer utilized a mixture of ZnO/TiO2 (1:1) dispersed in water/ethanol (7:3). The results of implementing the solar energy system for food-based SMEs in Indramayu showed a positive response. Solar energy supply from rooftop solar power system with the application of ZnO/TiO2 self-cleaning coating can save energy usage by up to 30% of the monthly electricity costs charged for MSME operations and domestic needs. The ZnO/TiO2 self-cleaning layer is found to be able to maintain rooftop solar power system performance of up to 85% during 9 months of observation.

Improving Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral Rates in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease from Diverse Communities Using an Electronic Order System

Introduction: Despite the benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR), local and national CR referral and participation rates remain low when compared to established cardiovascular therapies, especially amongst racial/ethnic groups. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of the implementation of a CR program and electronic order set (EOS) in a large health system on CR referral and participation rates among a diverse group of patients with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Methods: A total of 360 patients from UCSD Health who presented with ACS were prospectively evaluated during initial hospitalization and 6- and 12-weeks post-discharge. The multivariable logistic regression model assessed referral and participation rates by week 1 and -12 post-discharge, adjusting for gender, age, race, ethnicity, geography, and referring physician subspecialty. Results: UCSD CR program implementation led referral rates to increase at week 1 (Pre- 38.6% and Post-54.9%, p = 0.003) and week-12 (Pre- 54.1% and Post- 59.8%, p = 0.386). Post-CR referrals were more likely at week-1 (OR: 1.93, 95% CI 1.27-2.95) and week-12 (OR: 1.26, 95% CI 0.79-2.00). EOS implementation increased referral rates at week-1 (Pre- 40.3% and Post- 58.7%, p < 0.001) and week-12 (Pre- 54.9% and Post- 60.4%, p = 0.394) with referrals more likely at week-1 (OR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.35-3.29) and week-12 (OR: 1.25, 95% CI 0.795-1.98). Participation in CR following EOS was more likely at both week-1 and week-12. Multivariable analysis revealed disparities in referral based on race, geographic location, and referring physician subspecialty. Conclusion: A CR program and EOS implementation were shown to increase referral rates with long-term potential for increasing referral and participation rates. Condensed abstract: This prospective study investigated the implementation of a Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) program and Electronic Order Set (EOS) within the same health system on CR referral and participation rates. 360 patients with ACS were evaluated over 12 weeks. UCSD CR program and EOS implementation led referral rates to increase at week-1 and -12. CR participation was more likely to increase at week-1 and -12 following EOS. Multivariable analysis revealed disparities in referrals disproportionally affecting racial and ethnic minority groups and rural communities. CR and EOS implementation may increase CR referral rates for diverse patients with CHD.

Extended supercooled storage of red blood cells

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions facilitate many life-saving acute and chronic interventions. Transfusions are enabled through the gold-standard hypothermic storage of RBCs. Today, the demand for RBC units is unfulfilled, partially due to the limited storage time, 6 weeks, in hypothermic storage. This time limit stems from high metabolism-driven storage lesions at +1-6 °C. A recent and promising alternative to hypothermic storage is the supercooled storage of RBCs at subzero temperatures, pioneered by our group. Here, we report on long-term supercooled storage of human RBCs at physiological hematocrit levels for up to 23 weeks. Specifically, we assess hypothermic RBC additive solutions for their ability to sustain supercooled storage. We find that a commercially formulated next-generation solution (Erythro-Sol 5) enables the best storage performance and can form the basis for further improvements to supercooled storage. Our analyses indicate that oxidative stress is a prominent time- and temperature-dependent injury during supercooled storage. Thus, we report on improved supercooled storage of RBCs at −5 °C by supplementing Erythro-Sol 5 with the exogenous antioxidants, resveratrol, serotonin, melatonin, and Trolox. Overall, this study shows the long-term preservation potential of supercooled storage of RBCs and establishes a foundation for further improvement toward clinical translation.

Resources time footprint indicator extension for evaluating human interventions in provisioning ecosystem services supply

The growing emphasis on ecosystem services (ES) has enhanced evaluation of their capacity. However, intensive human intervention in the provisioning ecosystem service (P-ES) supply driven by widening spatial gaps between supply sources and demand locations, compromises the long-term ES supply potential. The Resources Time Footprint (RTF) indicator provides numerical insights into these impacts in the form of occupancy rates by comparing resource utilization to allocated capacities over a person's lifespan. Nonetheless, its applicability to major P-ES is currently restricted due to the lack of water and water pollutant occupancy rates concepts. This study attempts to broaden the scope and robustness of RTF by introducing these missing aspects for enhanced P-ES management. Furthermore, by evaluating changes in RTF value around technological and social dynamics, resources requiring management interventions are identified. The extended RTF's potential is finally demonstrated through case studies involving consumable rice, water flow utilized for generating electricity via hydropower (HP), and sugarcane yielding consumable sugar and molasses with bagasse used to generate electricity. Based on prevailing resource conditions, all cases exhibited resource utilization within the allocated capacity. However, potential strain on specific resources such as land and water use in rice (24.63 and 18.69 years), copper in HP (8.46 years), and land and phosphate-potash minerals use in bagasse (22.66 and 23.56 years) highlights the need for interventions to ensure sustained benefits. The precise influence of water and water pollutants is inherently case and location specific; however, this study emphasized the necessity of integrating water use and availability factors into rice and HP supply-flow assessments. Overall, the enhanced RTF proved to be replicable across P-ESs, quantifying pressures, and guiding management strategies to maintain nature's regenerative capacity while meeting human needs.

Genetic analysis of agronomic and physiological traits associated with latex yield revealed complex genetic bases in Hevea brasiliensis

Hevea brasiliensis, a natural rubber producing species, is widely cultivated due to its high rubber yield potential. Natural rubber is synthesised in the rubber particles of laticifers. Latex diagnosis (LD) was established to characterise the physiological state of the laticiferous system by measuring its physiological parameters, i.e., sucrose, inorganic phosphorous (Pi), thiols and total solid content (TSC). Rubber clones are often classified in three groups i.e., quick starters, medium starters and slow starters. To better understand the genetic bases of latex yield, a biparental population was generated from a cross between the quick-starter clone PB 260 and the medium-starter clone SP 217. LD was performed during the peak latex production season and used to calculate sucrose loading. The agronomic and physiological parameters associated with latex yield led to the classification of genotypes according to the rubber clonal typology and to the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) using a high-density map. Inorganic phosphorous content was positively associated with yield during the first year of production thus enabling identification of quick-starter clones. In addition, the LD-based clonal typology led to determine the long-term yield potential and the use of appropriate ethephon stimulation. QTL analysis successfully identified several QTLs related to yield, sucrose, Pi and TSC. One QTL related to sucrose loading was identified in the same position as the QTL for sucrose on linkage group 1. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report QTL analysis for this trait. The use of a high-density map enables the identification of genes underlying QTLs. Several putative genes underlying QTLs related to yield, sucrose and TSC were identified.

The medical and demographic situation in Russia: Long-term trends, prospects and improvement potential

Relevant trends for shaping state social policy, including public health protection, can only be formed relying on accurate assessment and forecast of changes in key medical and demographic indicators. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, which had both direct and indirect adverse effects on population mortality across the globe, interest in evaluating possible future changes in the medical and demographic situation has increased. According to the median projections by the United Nations Population Division and the Federal State Statistics Service, the population of the Russian Federation may decrease by 7.3–10 million people by the beginning of 2046. To reverse this negative trend, substantial efforts should be taken beyond migratory growth, including finding innovative mechanisms to stimulate birth rates and reduce mortality (increase life expectancy at birth) as the primary components influencing natural population growth and, consequently, population dynamics. The aim of this study is to identify long-term medical and demographic trends in the Russian Federation and explore the potential for increasing birth rates, life expectancy at birth, and reducing mortality. The research is based on data from Rosstat on population size, and age-sex structure, birth rates, mortality, and life expectancy at birth both in Russia as a whole and by regions, as well as data on deaths from Federal Register for Medical Death Documentation for the period 1970–2023 (with a forecast up to 2046). Observed current demographic trends in the Russian Federation align with global trends and are described by the demographic transition theory. However, significant regional heterogeneity is noted. Therefore it is challenging to develop a unified universal approach to transforming the healthcare system. Nonetheless, it is possible to identify relevant directions for all regions of the Russian Federation to strengthen demographic potential. The study identifies two priority areas for improving the medical and demographic situation in the country in terms of reducing mortality, each requiring different sets of measures: 1) increasing the average age of death from chronic non-communicable diseases that account for over 70 % of deaths both in Russia and other developed countries; 2) minimizing deaths from external causes (injuries, traffic accidents, suicide, poisoning, etc.) and infectious diseases.

Offshore wind energy potential in Shandong Sea of China revealed by ERA5 reanalysis data and remote sensing

The scale of offshore wind energy has been rapidly growing worldwide in recent years. Accurate assessment of the offshore wind energy potential and emission reduction benefits is essential to realize the ambitious targets for future installations. In this study, the Shandong Sea of China was selected as a case study, and the long-term offshore wind energy potential was assessed using ERA5 reanalysis data for the last 30 years, including the spatio-temporal variation and the technical potential of wind resources. An innovative approach to evaluate the technical potential of installed offshore wind farms based on deep learning, satellite images and ERA5 reanalysis data was proposed and applied to the Shandong Sea. The results show that (1) the highest offshore wind energy potential is observed in the northeast sea of Weihai; (2) the inter-annual variation of wind resources is relatively modest, with a pronounced monthly variability. The richest wind resources are found in the spring; (3) the electricity generation of wind resources is 12.66–30.53 GWh/year, equivalent to a reduction of 9.35–22.55 Kt of CO2 emissions; (4) as of 2023, there were 12 OWFs including 633 offshore wind turbines in Shandong Sea, generating 14,218 GWh/year of clean electricity and reducing 10,505 kt/year of CO2 emissions. The method proposed in this study is applicable to both small- and large-scale areas and allows for an accurate assessment of the electricity generation from installed offshore wind farms.

Effect of Cross-Well Natural Fractures and Fracture Network on Production History Match and Well Location Optimization in an Ultra-Deep Gas Reservoir

Understanding subsurface natural fracture systems is crucial to characterize well production dynamics and long-term productivity potential. In addition, the placement of future wells can benefit from in-depth fracture network connectivity investigations, vastly improving new wells’ profitability and life cycles if they are placed in dense, well-connected natural fracture zones. In this study, a novel natural fracture calibration workflow is proposed. This workflow starts with the extraction of sector geology and a natural fracture model from the pre-built full-field model. Then, a cross wellbore discrete fracture network (CW-DFN) is created using a novel CW-DFN generation tool, based on image log data. An innovative fracture network identification tool is developed to detect the interconnected regional fracture network (IcFN) with CW-DFN. The non-intrusive embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM) is utilized to numerically incorporate the complex IcFN and CW-DFN in a reservoir simulation, and it is history-matched by tuning their conductivities. This workflow is applied to a single vertical well within a natural fracture carbonate reservoir in Northwest China. The study results show that the number of CW-DFNs is 11, and the number of IcFNs is 72. The non-intersected natural fractures only account for 5.5% of the production, and thus can be removed to improve simulation efficiency. The history-matching absolute average relative deviation (AARD) is 15.16%. The calibrated effective fracture permeability is 280 millidarcy, with an aperture of 0.001 m, equating to a conductivity of 0.28 millidarcy-meter. The 30-year gas production forecast is estimated to be 1.66 billion cubic meters based on a history-matched model. Finally, if the well is drilled to the east of the sector, 30-year production declines to 1.33 billion cubic meters (a reduction of 20%). However, if the well is drilled to the west of the sector, 30-year production increases to 2 billion cubic meters (an improvement of 20.5%).