Loss Mitigation Research Articles

Curcumin Mitigates Muscle Atrophy Potentially by Attenuating Calcium Signaling and Inflammation in a Spinal Nerve Ligation Model

Denervation-induced calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activation and inflammation can result in muscle atrophy. Curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin are well known to exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, curcumin has been shown to attenuate CaMKII activation in neuronal cells. This study aimed to examine the effect of curcumin or bisdemethoxycurcumin on CaMKII activation, inflammation, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in spinal nerve ligated rats. Sixteen female rats were assigned to sham (CON), spinal nerve ligation (SNL), SNL+ curcumin 100 mg/kg BW (100CUR), and SNL+ bisdemethoxycurcumin 50 mg/kg BW (50CMO) for 4 weeks. Ipsilateral (surgical) soleus and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles was stained for dystrophin to measure CSA. Ipsilateral and contralateral (non-surgical) plantaris muscles were analyzed for protein content for acetylcholine receptor (AChR), CaMKII, CaMKIIThr286, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NF-κBSer536, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and normalized to α-tubulin and then CON. A significant (p < 0.050) group effect was observed for TA CSA where CON (11,082.25 ± 1617.68 μm2; p < 0.001) and 100CUR (9931.04 ± 2060.87 μm2; p = 0.018) were larger than SNL (4062.25 ± 151.86 μm2). In the ipsilateral plantaris, the SNL (4.49 ± 0.69) group had greater CaMKII activation compared to CON (1.00 ± 0.25; p = 0.010), 100CUR (1.12 ± 0.45; p = 0.017), and 50CMO (0.78 ± 0.19; p = 0.009). The ipsilateral plantaris (2.11 ± 0.66) had greater IL-1β protein content than the contralateral leg (0.65 ± 0.14; p = 0.041) in the SNL group. In plantaris, the SNL (1.65 ± 0.51) group had greater NF-κB activation compared to CON (1.00 ± 0.29; p = 0.021), 100CUR (0.61 ± 0.10; p = 0.003), 50CMO (0.77 ± 0.25; p = 0.009) groups. The observed reduction in Ca2+ signaling and inflammation in type II plantaris muscle fibers might reflect the changes within the type II TA muscle fibers which may contribute to the mitigation of TA mass loss with curcumin supplementation.

Development and Evaluation of ABI-171, a New Fluoro-Catechin Derivative, for the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

The persistent challenge of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), characterized by disease progression and high mortality, underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. We have developed a novel small molecule—catechin derivative ABI-171—selectively targeting dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) and proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 (PIM1) kinases, crucial in the pathogenesis of fibrotic processes. We employed the Bleomycin-induced (intratracheal) mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ABI-171. Mice with induced PF were treated QD with ABI-171, either prophylactically or therapeutically, using oral and intranasal routes. Pirfenidone (100 mg/kg, TID) and Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, 100 mg/kg, QD), a natural catechin currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial, were used as reference compounds. ABI-171, administered prophylactically, led to a significant reduction in hydroxyproline levels and fibrotic tissue formation compared to the control group. Treatment with ABI-171 improved body weight, indicating mitigation of disease-related weight loss. Additionally, ABI-171 demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, reducing lymphocyte and neutrophil infiltration. In the therapeutic setting, ABI-171, administered 7 days post-induction, reduced mortality rates (p = 0.04) compared with the bleomycin and EGCG control groups. ABI-171 also ameliorated the severity of lung injuries assessed by improved Masson’s trichrome scores when administered both orally and intranasally. ABI-171 significantly decreases bleomycin-induced PF and improves survival in mice, showcasing promising therapeutic potential beyond current medications like pirfenidone and EGCG for patients with IPF. Based on these results, further studies with ABI-171 are ongoing in preclinical studies.

Forest Management Assessment Using LASSO and the Critical List of Variables for Sustaining the Commons: Four Cases in the Monarch Reserve

In the Monarch Reserve, four cases were selected for exploratory analysis using the critical list of variables for sustaining the commons and LASSO regression to determine which of these are most influential in the successful maintenance of forest cover over a decade. Forest recovery from degraded to dense forest is found to be inversely related to resource size, consistent with theory. However, in four other categories of forest change, the size of the resource is less influential, though it is still a significant, variable with a positive relationship to forest cover change which is inconsistent with theory. The analysis also showed that less overlap, greater poverty and lower dependence on the resource are associated both with forest gain and with mitigation of forest loss, which is contrary to theory and most research. Also associated with poverty in the LASSO regression are homogeneity of identity and ease of enforcement of rules. These show a negative relation to transitions from non-forest to dense forest, with low coefficients. This is inconsistent with theory. Possible reasons for the divergence from theory are discussed in detail, as is the utility of this approach for assessment and monitoring.

7138 Testosterone Modulation of Muscle Transcriptome Profile During Intensive Lifestyle Intervention in Older Men With Obesity and Hypogonadism

Abstract Disclosure: V. Viola: None. T. Samanta: None. M. Duremdes Nava: None. A. Celli: None. R.C. Villareal: None. N.H. Nguyen: None. G. Colleluori: None. Y. Barnouin: None. N. Napoli: None. C. Qualls: None. B.A. Kaipparettu: None. D.T. Villareal: None. Background: We reported that testosterone replacement added to lifestyle therapy can mitigate weight loss-induced reduction of muscle mass and bone mineral density (BMD) in older men with obesity and hypogonadism (Barnouin et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2021). Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the mitigation of muscle and BMD loss in response to testosterone replacement therapy during intensive lifestyle intervention in this at-risk population. Materials and Methods: Among the 83 older (≥ 65 y) men with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and hypogonadism (early AM testosterone persistently <300 ng/dl) associated with frailty (PPT score ≤ 31) who were randomized into 26-week lifestyle therapy plus testosterone (LT+Test) or placebo (LT+Pbo), 38 underwent serial muscle biopsies for the muscle transcriptomics substudy. Results: Despite a similar 9% weight loss, lean body mass and thigh muscle volume decreased less in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (both -2% vs -4%, respectively; p=0.04). Hip BMD was preserved in LT+Test compared with LT+Pbo (0.4% vs -1.1%; p=0.03). Muscle strength increased similarly in LT+Test and LT+Pbo (23% vs 24%; p=0.95). Total testosterone increased more in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (133% vs 32%; p=0.01). Based on Next Generation Sequencing, of the 39,160 and 39,115 genes detected in LT+Test and LT+Pbo, respectively, 151 genes were differentially expressed (DEGs) in LT+Test and 114 in LT+Pbo group. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses revealed that in the LT+Test group, just four muscle-related terms (muscle organ development, muscle organ morphogenesis, regulation of skeletal muscle contraction, muscle atrophy) were downregulated, and one term (muscle system process) was upregulated while in the LT+Pbo, nine terms related to muscle (muscle system process, muscle tissue development, muscle organ development, skeletal muscle tissue development, skeletal muscle organ development, skeletal muscle cell differentiation, muscle organ morphogenesis, response to stimuli involved in regulation of muscle adaptation, muscle atrophy), and one term related to bone (bone mineralization involved in bone maturation) were downregulated. Notably, muscle system process was upregulated in the LT+Test but downregulated in the LT+Pbo. The RT-PCR analyses showed that LT+Test resulted in a higher expression of MYOD1 (p=0.02) and WNT4 (p= 0.08), key genes involved in muscle and bone metabolism, respectively, compared to LT+Pbo. Furthermore, we observed significantly higher mRNA expression of MYBPH (p=0.01), SCN3B (p=0.02), and DSC2 (p=0.01), genes involved in the muscle system process, in response to LT+Test compared to LT+Pbo. Conclusion: The addition of testosterone replacement to lifestyle therapy mitigates the weight loss-induced reduction of muscle mass and BMD via countering the weight loss-induced downregulation of genes involved in muscle and bone anabolism. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Convolutional neural network for the early identification of weeds: A technological support to biodiversity and yield losses mitigation

Weeds are a major constraint for crop production and food security. Chemical management, the most utilized method for weed control, has serious drawbacks. In this context, the development of more sustainable methods like site-specific weed management (SSWM) is highly deemed. With this study, we assessed the possibility of applying two convolutional neural networks (CNN) for the recognition of different classes of weeds in a winter wheat (T. aestivum) cultivation based on RGB images. By using this methodology, we were able to recognize with a high average precision (AP > 0.6) some species whose abundance and distribution in the field was correlated with the final wheat yield. We demonstrated that where the presence of R. raphanistrum, A. arvensis and P. rhoeas was high at the tillering stage and weed biodiversity indexes were low (Menhinich's Index, Simpson's Reciprocal Index and Shannon's Index), wheat yield was significantly reduced. In contrast, higher weed biodiversity mitigated yield losses. Therefore, CNN is a useful tool for early evaluation of the impact that weeds may have on yield, and it can be used as SSWM classifier for an early mapping of weeds, which is critical to improve our understanding of weed ecology dynamics in agricultural fields.

Field efficacy of urease inhibitors for mitigation of ammonia emissions in agricultural field settings: a systematic review

Globally, ammonia (NH3) is one of the key air pollutants and reducing NH3 emissions and the associated indirect emission of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide remains challenging for the agricultural sector. During the past three decades, a number of urease inhibitors have been placed on the market with the goal of reducing NH3 loss from urea containing fertilisers. N–(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), N–(2-nitrophenyl) phosphoric triamide (2-NPT), a 3:1 ratio of NBPT + N-(n-propyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NPPT) and the maleic and itaconic acid co-polymer (MIP) are registered urease inhibitors under the European Commission Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR). However, the availability of several inhibitor options has raised questions from farmers, policymakers and emissions inventory compiling authorities regarding the field efficacy of the different options available for reducing NH3 loss. Despite many disparate NH3 field studies existing for NBPT, 2-NPT, NBPT + NPPT and MIP there is presently no review that brings these results together, a significant and important knowledge gap. This review addresses the gap by summarising the published field trial literature on NH3 volatilisation mitigation offered by NBPT, 2-NPT, NBPT + NPPT and MIP. Our review identified 48 peer reviewed studies where NH3 loss mitigation was measured in a field setting, giving 256 replicated comparisons. The synthesised literature results revealed that NBPT + NPPT reduced NH3 loss by 75% (95% CI = 58–82% n = 32), 2-NPT reduced NH3 loss by 70% (95% CI = 63–76% n = 19) and NBPT reduced NH3 loss by 61% (95% CI = 57–64% n = 165), giving on average a 69% reduction by these three urease inhibitors. In contrast, MIP increased NH3 loss by 0.3% on average (95% CI = −8–9% n = 40). The results presented in this review broaden the understanding of urease inhibitor efficacy in field conditions and demonstrate that not all products behave the same in terms of field NH3 reduction efficacy. This review is important for farmers, policymakers, emission inventory compilers and other stakeholders.

Accurate high-temperature profile sensing with dense multipoint arrays of regenerated fiber Bragg gratings

A spectrally and spatially dense sensor array consisting of 15 regenerated fiber Bragg gratings (RFBGs) over a length of 30 mm is presented for precise and fast multipoint temperature sensing up to 700°C. For the first time, it could be shown that with a dense fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based sensor array the accuracy requirements of Class 1 thermocouples could be achieved and even exceeded. This also represents the highest spatial density of FBG-based high-temperature multipoint sensing reported so far. The mitigation of broadband losses during the regeneration process was studied, revealing the advantages of the low broadband loss characteristics of the RFBGs, especially when larger numbers of measuring points are required. Low measurement uncertainties were achieved by a new, improved calibration methodology and by an analysis of interferences of an FBG with the side lobes of spectrally neighboring FBGs as well as their suppression by a suitable arrangement of the Bragg wavelengths within the array and corresponding data processing. The capabilities of this multipoint sensor technique were demonstrated by resolving the temperature profile within the calibration volume of a calibration furnace and by resolving the temporal and spatial temperature gradients within the flame of a Bunsen burner. The results are of great importance for fiber-optic sensing of high-temperature profiles in real-world applications.

Interface-Centric Strategies in Kesterite Solar Cells: Addressing Challenges, solutions, and Future Directions for Efficient Solar-Harvesting Technologies.

As reserves of non-renewable energy sources decline, the search for sustainable alternatives becomes increasingly critical. Next-generation energy materials play a key role in this quest by enabling the manipulation of properties for effective energy solutions and understanding interfaces to enhance energy yield. Studying these interfaces is essential for managing charge transport in optoelectronic devices, yet it presents significant challenges. This review emphasizes the critical role of interfaces in kesterite solar cells (KSCs), focusing on interfacial architecture, carrier losses, and non-radiative recombination. This review highlights the importance of addressing interface issues and utilizing advanced characterization tools to reveal interface properties. Current interface problems are addressed, recent advancements in interface engineering are summarized, and perspectives on future challenges and prospects are offered. The goal is to illuminate the nature of interfaces and tackle interface losses, which are crucial for improving device design and performance. Despite their pivotal role in device operation, comprehensive reviews on interfaces are lacking, underscoring the relevance of the work for researchers in material interfaces and device engineering. It is hoped that this article will spark interest and inspire further research into interface studies and the mitigation of interface losses.

376. COMPARISON OF POST-SURGICAL NUTRITIONAL STATUS BETWEEN IVOR-LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY AND PROXIMAL GASTRECTOMY

Abstract Background In our institution, the surgical approach for esophagogastric junction cancer (EG) is determined based on the tumor location and the extent of esophageal invasion, opting for either Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (IL) or proximal gastrectomy (PG). Both procedures necessitate the mitigation of postoperative weight loss, with nutritional therapy using Elemental diet 300 kcal/day initiated postoperatively and nutritional guidance provided by dietitians before discharge, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 pos-operative months (POM). Additionally, quality of life (QOL) assessment using the PGSAS-37 questionnaire is conducted, and feedback is provided to patients. Methods The aim of this study is to compare the weight changes up to 12 POM and the temporal changes in PGSAS-37 scores following IL and PG procedures in our institution. We analyzed 45 cases who underwent IL or PG in our institution between January 2019 and December 2022, excluding cases of early recurrence within 12 months and those without questionnaire responses. Patient demographics, postoperative complications, anastomotic strictures, duration of Elemental intake (months), percentage of body weight loss (BWL) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 POM, and PGSAS-37 scores were extracted from electronic medical records. Results There were 27 IL cases and 18 PG cases. Postoperative complications of Grade 3 or higher were observed in 3 of IL group and 1 of PG group. Anastomotic strictures were observed in 1 of IL group and 6 of PG group. Duration of Elemental intake (months) was 4.5 (0-39) in IL group and 0 (0-8) in PG group (p=0.001). Median BWL (%) at 1/3/6/12 POM was IL: 4.5/8.3/10.3/13.8 and PG: 3.8/8.5/8.7/10.6. Temporal changes in total symptom score were similar in both IL and PG groups, but esophageal reflux subscale at 12 POM was significantly better in PG group (p=0.04). Conclusion The questionnaire response rates were approximately 80% at 12 months for both groups, but below 12 months ranged from 22.2% to 50%, indicating difficulty in assessing temporal changes in QOL. At 12 months, the IL group exhibited a greater percentage of weight loss than the PG group (p=0.027), but QOL evaluations, except for reflux symptoms SS, were comparable between the two groups. Both IL and PG groups experienced rapid weight loss up to 3 POM, with continued decline up to 12 months. However, improving questionnaire response rates is deemed necessary for investigating the relationship with QOL.

Artificial immune systems (GA-AIS) enabled power loss mitigation in distributed generation: X3PAIS optimization approaches

The distribution network is a crucial component of the power system, with industrialization driving increased energy demand. Traditional power-generating techniques, such as thermal and hydroelectric are not enough to meet this demand, leading to the development of Distributed Generation (DG). DG requires an extensive re-evaluation of the current power system, as it modifies energy losses and line flows. Inadequate integration of DG can cause power outages, disruption of protection coordination, and lead to islanding. AI can help overcome this issue by determining the best system architecture. Researchers have been interested in the Artificial Immune System (AIS) algorithm, which has room for development and lacks a fixed template. In order to improve AIS, X3PAIS, a hybridization strategy that combines clonal selection with a three-parent crossover has been developed within the scope of the study. X3PAIS was pre-tested using applications in a planetary gear train, a wastewater treatment facility, and mathematical calculations, showcasing its robustness and versatility. In the context of power distribution, X3PAIS is used in the multiple DG architecture of the power distribution system, reducing power losses by placing DG units in the best locations and sizing them to match load profiles. The four DGs' experiment results show that X3PAIS can minimize power losses by more than 89 %. To optimize power losses in the power distribution system, X3PAIS may be improved with a three-parent multiple-point crossover operation.

A Comprehensive Thermodynamic Analysis of Gas Turbine Combined Cycles With Pressure Gain Combustion Based on Humphrey Cycle

Abstract The paper describes a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of the gas turbine combined cycle (CC) equipped with pressure gain combustion (PGC) based on the Humphrey cycle. PGC is represented by a steady-state zero-dimensional constant volume combustion (CVC) model with practical loss models for a realistic interpretation. Simulations were performed in WTEMP (Web-based Thermo-Economic Modular Program) software, a modular cycle analysis tool developed at the University of Genova. Results were analyzed at the optimistic and realistic PGC loss scenarios. For the PGC open cycle, with optimistic combustor losses, efficiency was higher than Joule at all operating conditions. However, with realistic combustor losses, a higher TIT was found to alleviate some of the losses in the combustor and at a pressure ratio of 25, a 1700°C TIT cycle showed a benefit of 1.7 p.p., while 1300°C TIT showed no advantage. Moreover, with the reduction in first turbine stage efficiency from pulsating outflow, only the high TIT cycle showed benefit at pressure ratios less than 15. Looking into combined cycles with realistic combustor losses, PGC was found to be advantageous in terms of specific work but not efficiency at actual operating conditions. However, with a further reduction of combustor-related losses, the PGC CC could outperform the Joule equivalent in terms of efficiency. The sensitivity analysis with losses showed that the mitigation of constant pressure combustion loss is more important than the inlet pressure loss for PGC in CC application.

Understanding Phosphoric Acid Dynamics in High-Temperature Pemfcs: Mechanisms and Durability of PA-PBI and Ion-Pair-Based Systems.

High-Temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) can operate at > 100 oC under anhydrous conditions, providing benefits such as system simplification and superior contaminant tolerance. Most researches on HT-PEMFC have focused on PA-PBI-based system since 1995, however the durability of this system is still on controversial. Some insisted the stable operation of PA-PBI HT-PEMFC, which showed the stability under mild conditions such as low current density about 0.2 A cm-2, while others pointed out the instability specifically under accelerated stress conditions with higher current densities above 0.6 A cm-2, lower ( < 140 oC) or higher ( > 180 oC) operating temperatures, or dynamic protocols like start-up/shut-down cycles, etc.This limited durability of PA-PBI HT-PEMFC is known to be related to acid loss from the membrane-electrode-assemblies (MEAs). Several mechanisms were proposed to explain the linear and nonlinear acid loss behaviors. PA evaporation and steam-distillation are known to explain the constant PA loss. Despite the extensive efforts on mechanisms and acid loss mitigation strategies, current PA-PBI systems still struggle against the limited durability due to PA loss. To improve the durability of HT-PEMFC, a novel system was introduced based on the quaternary ammonium-biphosphate ion-pair coordinated PEM [1]. Due to a stronger interaction in the ion-pair PEMs, the durability was also improved by alleviating the PA loss during PEMFC operation. Nonetheless, the acid retention mechanism of this novel system is not explored yet.Here, we investigate the mechanisms of PA loss and PA retention within electrodes of both PA-PBI-based and ion-pair-based HT-PEMFC systems. Through PA energetics studies and experimental investigations under controlled stress conditions, we elucidate distinct PA loss/retention mechanisms in these systems, leading to different durability behaviors. Our findings offer insights for enhancing the durability of both HT-PEMFC systems [2].[1] Lim, K. H.; Lee, A. S.; Atanasov, V.; Kerres, J.; Park, E. J.; Adhikari, S.; Maurya, S.; Manriquez, L. D.; Jung, J.; Fujimoto, C.; Matanovic, I.; Jankovic, J.; Hu, Z.; Jia, H.; Kim, Y. S. Protonated phosphonic acid electrodes for high power heavy-duty vehicle fuel cells, Nature Energy, 7, 248 (2022).[2] Lim, K. H.; Matanovic, I.; Maurya, S.; Kim, Y.; Castro, E. S.; Jang, J-H.; Park, H.; Kim, Y. S. High temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells with high phosphoric acid retention, ACS Energy Letters, 8, 529 (2023).

Loss Mitigation Strategies in Sharia Commericial Banks in Indonesia

This research aims to determine the effect of Profit-Sharing Financing, Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR), and Non-Performing Financing (NPF) on Profitability because there are several deviations in theory and there are still ratios in variables that do not comply with standards so this research is needed. This type of research is quantitative using secondary data. The population of this research is Sharia Commercial Banks in Indonesia and there are 9 samples selected using the purposive sampling method. The data analysis techniques used are descriptive statistics, panel data regression test, classical assumption test, hypothesis test and coefficient of determination using the Eviews 12 application. The results of this research show that partially the Profit Sharing Financing variable has no effect on the Profitability of Indonesian Sharia Commercial Banks, the Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR) variable has a significant effect on the Profitability of Indonesian Sharia Commercial Banks, the Non Performing Financing (NPF) variable has no effect on the Profitability of Indonesian Sharia Commercial Banks, and simultaneously Profit Sharing Financing, Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR), Non Performing Financing (NPF) has a significant effect on the Profitability of Indonesian Sharia Commercial Banks. Profit Sharing Financing in this period is considered still low so it cannot influence the Profitability variable and the Profitability variable can be influenced by other financing. A balanced or high FDR can reflect efficiency in managing funds. using customer savings funds, so that banks can reduce their capital costs, which affects the ups and downs of profit margins and profitability, and effective risk management is one of the reasons why NPF has no effect on profitability.

Investigation of Gamma-Induced Changes to Screening Currents and AC Losses in Mono- Versus Multi-filamentary REBCO Coated Conductors Using DC and AC Magnetometry

REBCO (rare-earth barium copper oxide) coated conductor tapes are a highly attractive option for magnet materials in future tokamak fusion power plants. However, the threat of intense neutron and gamma radiation, together with AC losses during magnet coil ramping, has raised concerns around magnet coil lifetimes. Irradiation-induced changes to flux creep rate has been identified as a key performance-limiting factor in REBCO tapes at low temperatures and high fields post-irradiation with gamma rays; spontaneous flux creep contributes to hysteretic AC loss in REBCO cables under applied AC fields. Knowing that multi-filamentary tapes are under consideration for tokamaks as an AC loss mitigation, magnetic measurements and gamma irradiation experiments are presented here on striated and mono-filamentary YBCO tapes to investigate the differences in post-irradiation screening currents and AC losses. Reduction in AC losses improved magnetisation critical current density (Jc) retention after 1 MGy in the multi- relative to the mono-filamentary samples. After the 5 MGy dose, striations then made the multi-filamentary tape more susceptible to Jc degradation because of the thinner individual filament width. Scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis on an analogous GdYBCO mono-filamentary tape did not indicate the introduction of nm-scale amorphisation to the active GdYBCO layer after gamma irradiation. A potential theoretical explanation for the underlying mechanism altering the flux-pinning landscape across the REBCO layer surface in gamma-irradiated tapes is discussed. This work concluded that gamma effects on screening current capability should be considered in future tokamak REBCO tape qualification studies.

Enhancing drilling efficiency: An experimental study on additives for mud loss mitigation in fractured media

Drilling in fractured formations poses a substantial challenge due to mud loss, which not only impedes operations but also leads to substantial costs and delays. Effectively controlling mud loss is crucial for efficient drilling. However, determining the appropriate mud additive to minimize mud loss in fractured formations requires further investigation. This is because proper mud additives can assist in sealing fractures, preventing wellbore instability issues and minimizing formation fluid influx. This study aims to investigate mud loss in fractured porous media by evaluating three additives' performance using an experimental setup that provides different fracture apertures. This setup provides an accurate simulation of down-hole static filtration at high pressure/temperature by flowing pressurized mud through fractured porous media and measuring effluent under different scenarios. The particular focus is on preformed particle gel (PPG), walnut shell, and shell additives. The study examines the effects of these additives, their particle sizes, and their mixture effect on mud loss. An optimal concentration of 8000 ppm of PPG, as well as larger particle sizes (mesh No.200) of walnut shell and shell, are found to be more effective in controlling mud loss, reducing mud loss by 34.4%, 110%, and 20.85%, respectively, compared to the base mud. The results reveal that when mud contains only one additive, the walnut shell is the most effective, reducing the volume of mud loss from 394.2 cc to 150.2 cc, while a mixture of PPG-shell-base mud at elevated temperatures represents the highest performance of additive combinations. The PPG-shell-base mud significantly reduces mud loss from 394.2 cc to 115 cc and 27.8 cc at 50 °C and 80 °C. In conclusion, this research not only contributes valuable insights to the field but also offers practical recommendations for the use of additives to effectively control mud loss during drilling operations in fractured formations, ultimately improving drilling efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Mitigation of Nitrogen Losses in a Plant-Soil System through Incorporation of Nanocellulose and Zinc-Modified Nanocellulose.

Most nitrogen (N) applied to plants as fertilizer is lost through leaching. Here, nanocellulose was used in mitigating N leaching loss. Lettuce-cropped soil was treated with unmodified or Zn-modified nanocellulose (1-2% by wt) in combination with NPK, compared with urea and NPK-only treatments. Consecutive leaching, plant growth, plant N uptake, and soil nitrogen retention were assessed. Nanocellulose + NPK significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced N leaching, compared with urea and NPK-only. 1-and-2 wt % nanocellulose, as well as Zn-modified 1-and-2 wt % nanocellulose, reduced N leaching by 45, 38, 39, and 49% compared with urea and by 43, 36, 37, and 47% compared with NPK-only, respectively. Nitrogen leached mainly as NO3- (98.4%). Compared with urea and NPK, lettuce shoot mass was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased by 30-42% and by 44-57%, respectively, by all nanocellulose treatments, except for the Zn-modified 1 wt % nanocellulose. Leached N negatively correlated to biomass yield. Soil N retention was enhanced by the pristine and Zn-modified nanocelluloses between 27 and 94%. Demonstrably, nanocellulose can be utilized for mitigating N loss in soil and supporting crop production, resource management, and environmental sustainability.

Aloe-emodin alleviates inflammatory bowel disease in mice by modulating intestinal microbiome homeostasis via the IL-4/IL-13 axis

IntroductionInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global health concern. Aloe-emodin (AE) has diverse pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects. However, its role in IBD remains unclear, prompting our investigation of its regulatory effects and mechanisms in an IBD mouse model. MethodsWe studied the therapeutic efficacy of AE in alleviating symptoms and modulating cytokine secretion in a murine model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. BALB/c mice were administered DSS to induce colitis and were subsequently treated with varying doses of AE. Changes in body weight, fecal lipocalin-2 (LCN2) levels, colon tissue histology, and serum cytokine concentrations were evaluated to assess the effects of AE treatment. Additionally, 16 S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota following AE intervention. Finally, the database was used to analyze the signaling pathways associated with IBD in AE and to detect the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-4 pathway using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Exogenous IL-4 was used in rescue experiments to observe its effects on the disease process of IBD under AE regulation. ResultsAE treatment resulted in a dose-dependent mitigation of weight loss, reduction in fecal LCN2 levels, and amelioration of histological damage in DSS-induced colitis in mice. The levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase increased, whereas malondialdehyde decreased following AE treatment, indicating a dose-dependent alleviation of colitis symptoms. Furthermore, AE administration attenuated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and chemokine ligand 1, while promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that AE effectively suppressed the overgrowth of colitis-associated bacterial species and restored microbial homeostasis. Finally, we found that overexpression of IL-4 was able to reverse the therapeutic effect of AE for DSS-induced IBD. ConclusionAE shows promise in alleviating colitis severity, influencing inflammatory cytokines, and modulating the gut microbiota in an IBD mouse model via the IL-4/IL-13 pathway, suggesting its potential as a natural IBD remedy.

Smoothed semicovariance estimation for portfolio selection

AbstractDownside risk measures, such as semivariance, are essential for evaluating investment risk. Focusing on semivariance allows investors to emphasize loss mitigation without considering upside volatility as risk. However, minimizing the semivariance of a portfolio is an analytically intractable and numerically challenging problem due to the endogeneity of the parameters in the semicovariance matrix. We introduce a methodology for consistent estimation of the portfolio semivariance based on a smooth approximation of the empirical semicovariance matrix. Differently from existing methods, the new estimator does not rely on biased surrogate semicovariance models and enables the treatment of large problems with many assets. The extent of smoothing is determined by a single tuning constant, which allows our method to span an entire set of optimal portfolios with limit cases represented by the minimum semivariance and the minimum variance portfolios. The methodology is implemented through an iteratively reweighted algorithm, which is computationally efficient for high-dimensional problems with many assets. Our numerical studies confirm the theoretical convergence of the smoothed semivariance estimator to the traditional sample semivariance. The resulting minimum smoothed semivariance portfolio performs well in- and out-of-sample compared to other popular selection rules.

Interplanted crops and rainfall variability regulate soil erosion in rainfed maize of the Indian Himalayas

AbstractSoil erosion is a serious threat to agriculture and environmental sustainability in the risk‐prone rainfed Himalayan ecosystem. Hence, runoff and soil loss mitigation ability of four maize‐based intensified systems; maize (Zea mays) + turmeric (Curcuma longa), maize + ginger (Zingiber officinale), maize + colocasia (Colocasia esculenta), and maize + sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) were tested against the sole maize. The study recorded 41 erosive events during the 2020–2022 monsoon season. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to transform correlated rainfall parameters into orthogonal principal components. A two‐dimensional biplot analysis examined the relationship between PCs, rainfall events, and rainfall parameters. The rainfall events were divided into three regimes based on cluster analysis using PC. Rainfall regime 1 was characterized by low rainfall, I30, rainfall erosivity (E), and moderate rainfall duration (D), regime2 with moderate rainfall, short duration, high I30, and E, and regime3 with high D, I30, and rainfall erosivity. The soil loss of regime‐3 was 9.29 and 3.24 times higher than regime‐1 and regime‐2, respectively. Cover crops reduced runoff by 21.5%–69.3% and soil loss by 54.1%–77.0% over control. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that rainfall parameters (I30, I60, D, and E) had a significant direct influence across the systems, explaining 37.7%–54.9% of response variable variance, with E being the most influential (47.4%–54.9%), indicating varied impacts on runoff and soil loss. The sweet potato was best suited with maize as an intercrop to minimize soil erosion and maximize the system's profitability.

Gastronomic revaluation of vegetable discards generated in the culinary transformation of products

Currently, food waste and food loss have become issues of great interest worldwide. Approximately 1300 million tons of food are lost or wasted each year worldwide (FAO, 2020). To contribute to the mitigation of food loss, the gastronomy programs of the Universidad Autónoma de Manizales and the Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, along with the Food Engineering Program of the Universidad de Caldas, proposed a project. The project aimed to characterize the vegetable waste (VW) obtained in the cooking workshops of one of the institutions during a regular academic period of 18 weeks. Through this project, they identified 351 kg of VW generated. Based on this information, 16 recipes were designed, formulated, and prepared. Among them, eight recipes were selected based on their gastronomic potential. These selected recipes were then rated on a scale of one to eight by gastronomic experts. Following this evaluation, the first four recipes from the list were chosen. The results of the quality analysis indicated that the products made from vegetable discards are microbiologically viable, meaning they are suitable for consumption. Both acceptance tests and sensory analysis yielded favorable results. However, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among certain samples in terms of preference and attributes such as color, odor, and flavor. In conclusion, vegetables composed of by-products such as hulls and seeds, as well as non-compliant food items, are deemed suitable for gastronomic processing and human consumption.