Macro Parameters Research Articles

Critical insights into ethylene‐1‐alkene copolymers and long‐chain branched polyethylene microstructure on thermo‐rheological and sealing behavior of multicomponent systems

AbstractThe microstructure‐property relationships in multicomponent ethylene‐1‐alkene copolymers with different branching in the microstructures are demonstrated. The metallocene catalyzed linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), was miscible with both autoclave grade low density polyethylene (LDPE‐A) and/or tubular grade low density polyethylene (LDPE‐T). For these multicomponent systems, the rheological response was distinctly differentiating and sensitive to the microstructure of LDPE, at higher shear regimes. The thicker lamellae of LDPE‐T and/or LDPE‐A might co‐crystallize if there is a high density polyethylene‐like fraction present in the mLLDPE. Even though the macro parameters like density and melt index (MI) of the investigated multicomponent systems are comparable, the subtle differences in the microstructure manifested by type and distribution of comonomer and/or branching affected the sealing performance. Both high comonomer content and comonomer distribution in the mLLDPE matrix affording a higher fraction of material melting below 120°C were found to be critical for the heat sealing. The fraction of material melting at lower temperatures, attributed to the tertiary branches present in the hyper‐branched microstructure of LDPE‐A, participate in the sealing process, and lower the sealing temperature. It was evident that mLLDPE with asymmetric distribution of lamellae is more sensitive to the microstructure of the LDPE used.

Small-animal PET study for noninvasive quantification of transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory protein γ-8 (TARP γ-8) in the brain

Transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory protein γ-8 (TARP γ-8) mediates various AMPA receptor functions. Recently, [11C]TARP-2105 was developed as a PET ligand for TARP γ-8 imaging. We performed a full kinetic analysis of [11C]TARP-2105 using PET with [11C]TARP-2105 for the first time. The distribution volume (VT), which is a macro parameter consisting of the K1–k4 rate constants in the two-tissue compartment model analysis, exhibited the following rank order: hippocampus (1.4 ± 0.3) > amygdala (1.0 ± 0.2) > frontal cortex (0.9 ± 0.2) > striatum (0.8 ± 0.2) ≫ cerebellum (0.5 ± 0.1) ≈ thalamus (0.5 ± 0.1) > pons (0.4 ± 0.1 mL/cm3). These heterogenous VT values corresponded with the order of biological distribution of TARP γ-8 in the brain. To validate the reference tissue model, the binding potential (BPND) of [11C]TARP-2105 for TARP γ-8 was estimated using general methods (SRTM, MRTM0, Logan reference model, and ratio method). These BPNDs based on reference models indicated excellent correlation (R2 > 0.9) to the indirect BPNDs based on 2TCM with moderate reproducibility (%variability ≈ 10). PET with [11C]TARP-2105 enabled noninvasive BPND estimation and visual mapping of TARP γ-8 in the living rat brain.

Micro–macro analysis of shear band formation in various normalised reverse fault throws

Two-dimensional discrete-element modelling was adopted to study the engineering and fundamental aspects of shear band formation in reverse faulting through sandy soils of varying densities. The employed discrete-element methodology was verified with experimental centrifuge results. From an engineering perspective, the results showed that the shear bands formed due to a reverse fault consisted of multiple ruptures formed at the different fault throws. These ruptures may deviate towards the hanging or footing wall depending on the faulting angle. The distortion zone outcropping location was captured by the W/H ratio at the 1% normalised fault throw (h/H) step. Various micro and macro aspects of shear banding, such as porosity, coordination number and strong contact forces within the localised areas along the shear bands, were studied. Moreover, a link was established between the micro and macro events occurring inside the shear bands. The results showed that the wedge pressure formed between the shear band and back-thrust rupture in a fault with a dip angle smaller than 45° significantly affected the back-thrust formation and micro–macro parameters in the shearing region.

Effects of manufacturing errors of gear macro-geometry on gear performance

In gear design, gear performance metrics such as safety factors for tooth root stress and surface durability, peak-to-peak static transmission error (PPSTE), efficiency, mass, and volume are considered. They are calculated by the geometric parameters of gear macro- and micro-geometry, and manufacturing errors related to gear geometry significantly affect gear performance. However, previous studies have only focused on the micro-geometry errors. In this study, Monte Carlo-type robustness analysis was performed considering the manufacturing errors for tooth thickness, tip diameter, and center distance. Gear performance metrics except PPSTE were calculated based on the international standards and geometric characteristics. PPSTE was evaluated analytically due to lack of standards. When the errors were considered, two gear pairs with the safety factors satisfying the design requirements and similar performance for PPSTE, efficiency, mass, and volume showed different gear performances. There were many samples in gear pair 1 that could not satisfy the design requirements of safety factors, and gear pair 2 had the robustness of PPSTE not only at the specific torque but also with wide torque range when compared to gear pair 1. These results imply that considering the gear macro-geometry errors and robustness of PPSTE is significantly important when designing gears.

Study on Mechanical Properties and Action Mechanism of Leather Industrial Sludge Aggregate Baking-Free Bricks

Taking an industrial sludge and its preparation of sludge wrap shell aggregates (WSAs) instead of sand to prepare baking-free brick as the research object, the development law of mechanical properties and the influence mechanism of macro and micro characteristic parameters of the bricks under different sludge and WSAs replacement rates were studied through the macroscopic mechanical properties test, with the help of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), transmission electron microscopy-energy spectrum and other testing technology and pores and cracks analysis system (PCAS) software. The results showed that the compressive strength of each sample decreased with the increase of sludge content. When the sludge content was less than 30%, it was mainly affected by the water-binder ratio. When the sludge content was more than 30%, it was mainly affected by the sludge content. At the age of 7 days, with the increase in replacement rate of WSAs, the compressive strength of the S10 and S30 groups was higher than that of the control group. The compressive strength of the S50 experimental group was 30.38 MPa, and the loss of compressive strength was slight compared with the control group. The water absorption rate of the 28 days S100 experimental group increased by 10.71% compared with the control group. When the content of WSAs was less than 50%, the holes above 0.1 μm in the brick can be reduced and transformed into smaller holes, with a decreasing trend of the plane porosity of the brick. The microscopic results of the baking-free brick showed that the three-phase system of WSAs-interface transition area-mortar was poorly bonded and delaminated compared with the gravel aggregate-interface transition area-mortar system, and damage was more likely to occur in the WSAs and interface transition area. The above results show that it is feasible to use sludge and WSAs instead of sand for the preparation of baking-free bricks. This technology not only solves the problem of sludge disposal, but also protects the over-exploitation of mineral resources, and the technology has a broad application prospect and market value.

УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ МЕХАНІЗМУ СТРАТЕГІЧНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ РЕГІОНАЛЬНИМ РОЗВИТКОМ

The successful implementation of the innovative strategies of enterprises in the region is due to the stability parameters of the enterprise as a mini-system and the stability parameters of macro-, meso- and microeconomic systems, of which it is an element. The study of economic development trends that determine the possibility of transition to an innovation model and the features of the regional innovation system showed that in order to activate innovation processes and increase the sustainability of innovation systems, it is necessary to create a mechanism for strategic management of regional development (MSMRD). In an unstable environment, MSMRD should be based on the principles of self-organization of complex systems in the process of their adaptation to ongoing changes. First of all, the principle of dynamic balance, the prerequisite for compliance with which is the performance of the main functions in the innovation system by various subjects of innovation activity, changing according to the stages of the innovation process. MSMRD is presented in the article in the form of a reproductive self-organizing system of increment of economic value added, formed during the implementation of innovative strategies. The systemforming components of the MSMRD are resources (human, financial and material, informational, forming elements of the innovation potential and innovation infrastructure); stages of the innovation process (note that the stages of initiation and marketing in modern conditions of innovation can proceed in parallel); direct and feedback links both between the stages of the innovation process and between elements and the external environment. It is necessary to emphasize the cyclical nature of connections – interactions between participants in the innovation process. Stability management in the implementation of innovative strategies is associated with the use of combined control systems – by deviations and by disturbances. The developed management system for innovative development includes strategic and tactical methods developed within the framework of strategic, investment management and risk management, taking into account the resource potential, sustainability indicators and economic value added of the enterprise in the pre-forecast period.

Математичне моделювання динаміки страхової компанії на основі макропоказників

In the paper we investigate the dynamics of a life insurance company depending on changes in macro indicators. For the sensitivity study, profitability testing is performed for the average life insurance contract. Profitability testing is based on an estimate of the expected present value of future cash flows. Various approaches to the choice of discount rates are investigated. The choice of strategy for using the rates of the zero-coupon yield curve built on the UAH domestic government bonds is substantiated. The dependence of the zero-coupon yield curve on the change in the key rate is shown. The dynamics of the model at different levels of the interest rates, namely guaranteed investment income, average profitability of investment activity, key rate, is considered. The scenario of the predicted decrease in the key rate at the stage of post-war reconstruction of Ukraine is considered. The profitability of the insurance company was tested based on the macro parameters of the specified scenarios. The expediency of using the chosen approach for researching the dynamics of a life insurance company in the conditions of the current high volatility of the Ukrainian economy is shown.

Blue economy, blue finance and ocean governance for achieving sustainable development goals

AbstractThis research paper is an attempt to define and analyse the concept of the blue economy (BE) and its implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study covers aspects such as building a blue economy to achieve SDGs, the importance of a healthy ocean for current and future generations, maintaining the momentum to save the ocean, achievements of the United Nations (UN) conference on the Sustainable Blue Economy, and the highlights of the UN World Water Development Report 2020. This study specifically analyses the health effects and threats to biodiversity, adaptation and mitigation, improved wastewater management, prioritizing water, accessing climate funds, water and climate change, and the relationship between the blue economy and UN SDGs as well as identification of key stakeholders. This is achieved through a detailed literature review on the blue economy that identifies global organizations working on creating a blue economy, elements of the blue economy and current development efforts, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, sustainability and equity, ocean governance, international law and frameworks, and improvement in governance frameworks among other issues. The methodology used attempted to develop a macro, comprehensive, and systematic aggregate database at the country level on macro parameters, namely blue economy, blue finance, BE‐SDGs linkages, water development, marine sector, SDGs data on SDG‐14 (life underwater), SDG‐6 (access to safe drinking water and sanitation), SDG‐3 (good health and well‐being), and optimal management of water resources through scientific techniques, such as building several small reservoirs instead of mega projects, develop small catchment dams and protect wetlands, soil management, micro catchment development, recharging of underground aquifers thus reducing the need for large dams, which has encountered challenges due to data limitations. The results of this research study emphasize broader stakeholder consultations at the global level to resolve the issues relating to blue economy, blue finance, and ocean governance. The most important conclusion and policy implications of the study are that international organizations including the United Nations, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank are working towards achieving the SDGs in general, and the blue economy, blue finance, and ocean governance in particular.

Calculation of the thermal conductivity coefficient of nanocrystals

Mathematical modeling methods are powerful tools in the design of various types of nanosystems and the analysis of processes taking place in them. Note that the main tasks of mathematical modeling in nanoscale systems are: the formation of nanoelements, the interaction of individual elements of the nanosystem, the determination of the structure of the isolated nanosystem in dynamic states, the calculation of the parameters of the nanosystem during its interaction with the environment, the calculation of the macro parameters of the nanosystem. With this work, we continue the consistent presentation of theoretical foundations, methods of modeling, and results of calculations of macro characteristics of nanosystems, based on the work on modeling of processes of formation and structure of different nanosystems. This paper provides the physical basis as well as numerical methods for calculating the thermal conductivity of homogeneous nanosystems. Computer simulation of the calculation of the thermal conductivity coefficient of silicon-based nanocrystals by molecular dynamics was carried out in the LAMMPS software complex. Equations describing multi-particle MEAM potentials are considered. The problem of determining the thermal conductivity coefficient has been solved in several steps. In molecular dynamic calculations, the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient can be calculated in various ways. This work uses the Green - Kubo formalism, which associates the autocorrelation function of heat flow with the coefficient of thermal conductivity. Temperature dependencies of thermal conductivity coefficient for silicon-based materials are determined. Calculations of thermophysical characteristics of homogeneous silicon-based nanosystems were made. The curves of the temperature dependence of thermal conductivity coefficient for systems of different dimensions are presented. Data obtained using MEAM potentials were compared with experimental data. It was found that the nature of the curves and the values obtained during the simulation are well consistent with the experimental data.

COMPARISON BETWEEN PREFERENCE OF SWIFTLET HOUSING DESIGN AND CHARACTERISTICS BY RANCHERS IN SABAH AND SARAWAK

For the past few years, demand for health and beauty products has been high, including bird nests, which has led to the thriving of Malaysia’s swiftlet ranching industry. Hence, the macro parameters related to swiftlet housing characteristics and designs owned by swiftlet ranchers in Sabah and Sarawak were identified. The size of the house, placement of the bird entrance, house orientation, flooring, and location were observed. The descriptive data were analyzed by using ANOVA (p<0.05) and the interaction between variables was determined by using Chi-square regression via SPSS 25.0. The number of swiftlet houses in Sabah was identified as higher than in Sarawak. 57% of the swiftlet houses are in the agricultural area, and 41% of the swiftlet houses are in the forest area. 37% of the chosen orientation by a rancher in Sabah was in the directions of east to west and north to south. This data was significantly different compared to Sarawak as 25% of the houses in Sarawak were constructed from southeast to northwest by the ranchers. The two-floor design was most preferred by the ranchers in Sabah and Sarawak with a total of 43% respectively, followed by a three-floor design at 27% in Sabah and 34% in Sarawak. The size of the swiftlet buildings preferred by ranchers in Sabah and Sarawak was small, with a length and width below 10 feet. Meanwhile, there is no significant difference (p>0.05) in terms of bird entrance, placement, and measurement of the swiftlet houses. Several improvements are needed to reduce the limitation, such as widening the distribution of survey locations or in quantitative aspects, such as edible bird nest production among farmers.

Evaluation of the feasibility application of Malva fibers in cement-based composites

The use of natural fibers as reinforcement in cementitious composites has been explored as an alternative to the development of new materials for civil construction. Research that explores macro and microstructural parameters in a combined way in composites reinforced with natural fibers are still poorly explored. In this work, the compatibility effect of Malva (Urena lobata L.) on fiber-reinforced cement composites was evaluated dosages (0, 2 and 5%) with untreated and treated fibers (30 min in 5% of NaOH solution) were mixture with Portland cement and lime to application as coating mortars. Reaction rate by isothermal conduction calorimetry and 28 days reaction products of pastes were characterized with XRD, SEM, and MIP, as well as technological properties of mortars, such as mechanical strength, water absorption, and consistency were investigated in all dosages. The findings showed an increase in the cross-compatibility index of treated fibers (around 5%), resulting in a denser microstructure with reduced portlandite and calcite formation when compared with untreated Malva, due to the removal of sugar and impurities obtained with the NaOH treatment. MIP results exhibited a reduction on total porosity from ∼12% to ∼6%. Mechanical strength was lower in the untreated fibers (∼35% less than reference) with no significant difference with higher content, nonetheless, fiber treatment presented similar results to the reference. Water absorption were 8% lower to treated fibers. The incorporation of 2% by weight of treated Malva fibers in cement-based mortars presented better efficiency, offering a promising new material for cladding walls in building materials.

Non-Probabilistic Uncertainty Quantification of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Laminate Based on Micro- and Macro-Mechanical Analysis

In this paper, the main aim is to study and predict macro elastic mechanical parameters of fiber-reinforced composite laminates by combining micro-mechanical analysis models and the non-probabilistic set theory. It deals with uncertain input parameters existing in quantification models as interval variables. Here, several kinds of micro-mechanical mathematical models are introduced, and the parameter vertex solution theorem and the Monte Carlo simulation method can be used to perform uncertainty quantification of macro elastic properties for composites. In order to take the correlations between macro elastic properties into consideration, the obtained limited sample points or experimental data are utilized on the basis of the grey mathematical modeling theory, where correlated uncertain macro parameters can be treated as a closed and bounded convex polyhedral model. It can give out a clear analytical description for feasible domains of correlated macro elastic properties in the process of uncertainty quantification. Finally, two numerical examples are carried out to account for the validity and feasibility of the proposed quantification method. The results show that the proposed method can become a powerful and meaningful supplement for uncertainty quantification of composite laminates and provide data support for further uncertainty propagation analysis.

Analysis of macro and micro freezing characteristics of gravelly soil

To investigate the mechanism of effect of different gravel contents on freezing characteristics of gravelly soil, macroscopic and microscopic experiments were combined. Unidirectional freezing experiment and NMR experiment were conducted on gravelly soil, with gravel contents of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%. In unidirectional freezing experiment, final temperature, stratified moisture content and frost swelling of the samples showed a parabolic pattern with an upward opening about the gravel admixture. Among that, it was at the lowest point of 30% content with the closest space between gravel and soil grains, the least consumption of heat conduction, the largest compression of water migration, making the slowest development of frost-heaving and water supply. NMR experiment results showed that freezing characteristic curve was divided into four stages of subcooling-fast-slow-stable freezing, and gravel content was proportional to the subcooling temperature and value of sudden drop of unfrozen water. Combined with the T2 spectrum, it could be seen that larger pore structure of 30% content was relatively stable with well-distributed water migration during freezing process, and order of water freezing was free water went ahead of bound water, leading to a reduction rate of water migration was from fast to slow, with a consistent pattern of the evolution rate of macro parameters. In summary, the addition of a reasonable gravel proportion in engineering applications of cold zone could ensure relatively well-distributed and stable soil properties and pore structure, and relative low difference in temperature, moisture pooling, and frost swelling. Ultimately improving the safety and reliability of the overall operation of the project.

A modified rigid-body-spring method for modeling damage and failure of brittle rocks subjected to triaxial compression

A three-dimensional modified rigid-body-spring method (3D mRBSM) is presented to simulate the progressive damage and failure process of rocks under triaxial compressive conditions. Different from the original RBSM model, the mRBSM employs spring-set groups distributed on interfaces between blocks to approximately describe the progressive failure process of micro-cracks without increasing the size of governing equations. Firstly, the basic equations of 3D mRBSM are derived. A new randomly distributed Voronoi-based mesh technique is proposed to reproduce homogeneous and isotropic rock materials. Then, relationships between macro and micro elastic parameters are established, and a calibration procedure for parameters of failure criterion is adopted based on the trial-and-error procedure. Lastly, the new model is applied to simulate pseudo triaxial and true triaxial compression tests on brittle rocks. Results show that the proposed model correctly captures common mechanical properties of brittle rocks, such as nonlinear stress–strain relationship, brittle-ductile transition, confining pressure dependence of failure mode and medium principal stress effect. The above research demonstrates that the mRBSM is successfully upgraded to three-dimensional version. The new method is a promising tool for simulation of deformation and failure process of rocks under true triaxial stress conditions.

The effects of combined amplitude and high-frequency vibration on physically inactive osteopenic postmenopausal women.

Purpose: To evaluate whole-body vibration (WBV) osteogenic potential in physically inactive postmenopausal women using high-frequency and combined amplitude stimuli. Methods: Two-hundred fifty-five physically inactive postmenopausal women (55–75 years) with 10-year major osteoporotic fracture risk (3%–35%) participated in this 18-month study. For the first 12 months, the vibration group experienced progressive 20-min WBV sessions (up to 3 sessions/week) with rest periods (30–60 s) between exercises. Frequencies (30–50 Hz), with low (0.2–0.4 mm) and high (0.6–0.8 mm) amplitude stimuli were delivered via PowerPlate Pro5 platforms producing accelerations of (0.75–7.04 g). The last 6 months for the treatment group were a follow-up period similar to control. Serum bone remodelling markers [C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type-1 collagen (CTX), procollagen type-1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and sclerostin] were measured at fasting. CTX and P1NP were determined by automated chemiluminescence immunoassay, bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) by automated spectrophotometric immunoassay, and sclerostin by an enzyme-immunoassay. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the whole-body, proximal femur and lumbar vertebrae was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone microarchitecture of the distal non-dominant radius and tibia was measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Results: Femoral neck (p = 0.520) and spine BMD (p = 0.444) failed to improve after 12 months of WBV. Bone macro and microstructural parameters were not impacted by WBV, as well as estimated failure load at the distal radius (p = 0.354) and tibia (p = 0.813). As expected, most DXA and HR-pQCT parameters displayed age-related degradation in this postmenopausal population. BAP and CTX increased over time in both groups, with CTX more marginally elevated in the vibration group when comparing baseline changes to month-12 (480.80 pmol/L; p = 0.039) and month-18 (492.78 pmol/L; p = 0.075). However, no differences were found when comparing group concentrations only at month-12 (506.35 pmol/L; p = 0.415) and month-18 (518.33 pmol/L; p = 0.480), indicating differences below the threshold of clinical significance. Overall, HR-pQCT, DXA bone parameters and bone turnover markers remained unaffected. Conclusion: Combined amplitude and high-frequency training for one year had no ameliorating effect on DXA and HR-pQCT bone parameters in physically inactive postmenopausal women. Serum analysis did not display any significant improvement in formation and resorption markers and also failed to alter sclerostin concentrations between groups.

Rock Macro–Meso Parameter Calibration and Optimization Based on Improved BP Algorithm and Response Surface Method in PFC 3D

In order to obtain the calibration law of rock macro and meso parameters under three-dimensional conditions, based on the parallel bond model, starting with the basic theory of PFC and the qualitative relationship between macro and meso parameters, an orthogonal experimental scheme is designed. An improved BP algorithm is proposed, which has a function with gradient factor, adaptive Nesterov momentum method, and adaptive learning rate for the lightweight analysis of meso parameters. The sensitivity between macro and meso parameters is quantified, and the key meso parameters are screened out. Based on the lightweight model, the correlation and influence mechanisms between macro and meso parameters are analyzed. It was found that the elastic modulus increases linearly with the increase in equivalent modulus. The parallel bond stiffness ratio can inhibit the growth of the elastic modulus, and the elastic modulus decreases greatly when the stiffness is relatively high. There is a linear relationship between Poisson’s ratio and stiffness ratio, and the increase in the friction coefficient will cause the nonlinear decrease in it. The strength parameters have an incentive effect on the peak strength. When the tensile and shear strengths of the parallel bond are at a high level, the combination has the most significant effect on the increase in the peak strength. The internal friction angle mainly has a certain influence on the postpeak strength of the rock, because it has a control effect on the particle sliding on both sides of the shear zone when the sample is loaded after the peak. Based on the central composite experimental design and response surface method, a nonlinear model of macro–meso parameters described by multiple subresponse surfaces is obtained. Finally, the mathematical model of parameter calibration is established, and the optimal solution of rock meso parameters is obtained by using optimization techniques. Through the example verification, it was found that the numerical experiment and laboratory test results are close in the stress characteristics, stress evolution, and failure mode of the sample, which proves the effectiveness and reliability of the calibration method. The research results have a certain reference value for PFC parameter calibration.

Why didn't I make it digital: Indonesian Teachers’ Perception of Dialogical-Based Online Teaching and Socio-Emotional Connections

While it is widely acknowledged that educational technology has been used as an online learning modality, socio-emotional aspects are still in crisis during the post-COVID-19 era. Theorized in Alexander’s dialogic teaching and Delahunty's socio-emotional connection, this phenomenology study addresses two Indonesian teachers’ perceptions of dialogical-based online teaching and socio-emotional connections. The data were empirically garnered from semi-structured interviews and teaching documents. Findings shed some lights on four macro parameters of socio-emotional aspects within dialogic-based online teaching framework: transformation of pedagogical content, learning interaction, sense of community, and identity formation. The present study theoretically and practically contributes to sociocultural dimensions of dialogic teaching construction in online classroom.

Sustainable Participatory Governance: Data-Driven Discovery of Parameters for Planning Online and In-Class Education in Saudi Arabia During COVID-19

Everything about our life is complex. It should not be so. New approaches to governance are needed to tackle these complexities and the rising global challenges. Smartization of cities and societies has the potential to unite us, humans, on a sustainable future for us through its focus on the triple bottom line (TBL) – social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Data-driven analytics are at the heart of this smartization. This study provides a case study on sustainable participatory governance using a data-driven parameter discovery for planning online, in-class, and blended learning in Saudi Arabia evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, we developed a software tool comprising a complete machine learning pipeline and used a dataset comprising around 2 million tweets in the Arabic language collected during a period of over 14 months (October 2020 to December 2021). We discovered fourteen governance parameters grouped into four governance macro parameters. These discovered parameters by the tool demonstrate the possibility and benefits of our sustainable participatory planning and governance approach, allowing the discovery and grasp of important dimensions of the education sector in Saudi Arabia, the complexity of the policy, the procedural and practical issues in continuing learning during the pandemic, the factors that have contributed to the success of teaching and learning during the pandemic times, both its transition to online learning and its return to in-class learning, the challenges public and government have faced related to learning during the pandemic times, and the new opportunities for social, economical, and environmental benefits that can be drawn out of the situation created by the pandemic. The parameters and information learned through the tool can allow governments to have a participatory approach to governance and improve their policies, procedures, and practices, perpetually through public and stakeholder feedback. The data-driven parameter discovery approach we propose is generic and can be applied to the governance of any sector. The specific case study is used to elaborate on the proposed approach.

Сomprehensive assessment of macro- and microcirculation parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and subclinical stage of diabetic peripheral neuropathy during treatment with antihypoxic drug

The leading cause of systemic vascular complications in diabetes mellitus (DM) is partial damage to the vascular wall and hemorheological changes in the lumen of blood vessels against the background of chronic hyperglycemia. Vasoconstriction, edema, ischemia and tissue hypoxia develop as a result of these processes, which, in addition to increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, lead to impaired endoneural circulation. The use of a drug with an antihypoxant effect as a pathogenetic therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a subclinical stage of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN1) makes it possible to slow down the progression of micro- and macrovascular complications, along with achieving sustainable compensation for diabetes.Aim. To assess the effect of a drug with antihypoxic effects (Actovegin®) on the parameters of macro- and microcirculation of the capillary bed, arterial stiffness and endothelial function in patients with T2DM and DPN1.Material and methods. A comparative study of macro- and microcirculation parameters, arterial stiffness and endothelial function in patients with T2DM and DPN1 before and after treatment with Actovegin® (group “A”, n = 20), and a group of patients with T2DM and DPN1 without Actovegin® treatment (group “B”, n = 20).Results. An improvement in the parameters of microcirculation was revealed: expansion of the arterial section of the capillaries during treatment with Actovegin®. In patients with reduced endothelial function during treatment with Actovegin®, there is a significant increase in its function, as well as a decrease in perivascular edema. Treatment with Actovegin® does not affect the indicators of central hemodynamics and indicators of arterial stiffness in patients with T2DM and DPN1.Conclusion. The results of the study clearly demonstrated that the use of a drug with an antihypoxic effect (Actovegin®) in patients with T2DM and DPN1 significantly improves the parameters of microcirculation, and, therefore, can be recommended as pathogenetic therapy at the earliest stages of diabetes development. Integral assessment of microcirculation parameters, as well as a new technology for determining the pulse wave velocity and endothelial function allows to identify patients in need of more intensive monitoring. Conducting this examination before the start of drug therapy can serve as a guideline in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment.

Neutron Response Modeling to Track Lean Gas Plume in Recycled Gas Cap Reservoir in Concurrent Gas Cap-Oil Rim Development: A Step Forward

Summary Gas cap pressure maintenance while developing the associated oil rim is a critical aspect for optimum recovery. Preventing gas cap pressure dropping below dewpoint by injecting lean gas is essential for concurrent gas cap-oil rim development. Reservoir heterogeneity aggravates lean gas override causing preferential movement of lean gas plume. Thus, it is important to track lean gas plume while recycling and understanding the breakthrough potential of lean gas. This paper demonstrates a new workflow to track lean gas plume by estimating phase saturations with a case study from one of the giant oil and gas fields, Onshore, Abu Dhabi. Pulsed neutron capture (PNC) tools are used for reservoir monitoring and surveillance. However, sigma log evaluation is insufficient to derive individual hydrocarbon phase saturations to monitor lean gas plume. Neutron response modeling (NRM) is devised to differentiate between lean and rich gas. NRM is a probabilistic solver with input of mineral and fluid phase parameters into tool response functions in petrophysical evaluation. To distinguish with discrete neutron fluid response between lean and rich gas, pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) data are utilized to derive hydrogen index, capture cross section, thermal decay length, and neutron macro parameters, such as neutron slowing down length and migration length. Neutron response is investigated for lean and rich gas with sensitivity of invasion effects on neutron log by calibrating to core porosity. The response for each phase under thermal neutron and capture modes with corresponding raw neutron log statistics is reviewed in both openhole and casedhole environments in known lean/rich gas intervals. Thirty-five wells spread across gas cap and oil leg with quality neutron log data are modeled and individual phase saturations are estimated. The target reservoir is under development with over three decades of lean gas injection to support oil production. NRM results and phase saturations are validated with recent formation sampling, which enhanced the confidence in the overall workflow. Later, the results are verified to be in excellent agreement with lean gas injection and production history of the target reservoir. The identified movement of lean gas highlights nonuniform geology and gravity segregation of injected lean gas into upper members of the target reservoir. The results also emphasized the need for better injection support to lower members of the target reservoir where gas cap development is ongoing. The solution presented is unique, particularly for lean gas injection projects by utilizing PVT for NRM based on neutron transport mechanism in pore fluids. Existing workflows require a special nuclear modeling platform with computationally expensive processing on data sets acquired using advanced logging technology. In spite of these prerequisites, existing workflows are not able to distinguish lean gas over rich gas. This paper effectively demonstrates NRM workflow distinguishing lean gas plume from rich gas using neutron logs and reveals compelling reservoir management insights. The sensitivity studies and practicality of this workflow highlight the fundamental importance of neutron logs in mature fields.