62970 research outputs found
Sort by
Unraveling the CO₂ Storage Potential of the Hardeman Basin Using Geological Ranking and Simulation Approaches
No full textThe success of CCS initiatives hinges on identifying and characterizing suitable geological reservoirs capable of long-term CO₂ storage while minimizing leakage risks and environmental impacts. To support the development of CCS prospects, this study focuses on the Hardeman Basin, a region traditionally centered on petroleum exploration and production, and seeks to identify opportunities for expanding its use for CO₂ storage. By evaluating its potential for CCS and ranking the reservoirs/fields based on selected criteria, the study aims to offer operators alternative uses for their fields, thereby enhancing their value beyond traditional hydrocarbon extraction. Two approaches are considered: a reservoir-driven approach, which focuses solely on reservoir suitability without considerations to CO₂ source location, and a source-driven approach, which incorporates proximity to CO₂ emission sources. The decommissioned Oklaunion Power Plant in Vernon, Wilbarger County, served as a case study to illustrate the application of a source-driven approach, which evaluates the proximity of identified CO₂ storage sites to potential emission sources for optimized storage planning and infrastructure design. Site characterization was conducted across selected counties in North Texas, including Wilbarger, Hardeman, Foard, Cottle, King, and Knox, to assess the suitability of local formations for CO₂ storage. By leveraging data from the area's hydrocarbon production report and well log data, the study identified and ranked potential reservoirs—including producing, non-producing, depleted, and saline formations—based on their storage potential. Caprocks, primarily shaly intervals, were identified and mapped to assess their effectiveness in ensuring long-term CO₂ containment. Key properties such as porosity, thickness, and lateral extent were evaluated and integrated into the reservoir ranking framework. The application of the evaluation methodologies revealed top potential reservoirs, and establishes a robust approach for identifying suitable CO₂ storage reservoirs within the Hardeman Basin.
The most promising reservoir in both scenarios was further evaluated using CMG Suites to assess CO₂ injection behavior and trapping mechanisms under specific injection conditions. The simulation results identified the Scenario which offers superior long-term containment and trapping efficiency. This performance is attributed to enhanced structural confinement, favorable petrophysical properties, and reduced plume migration risk.
To investigate the potential for injection-induced seismicity, FLAC-TOUGHREACT was employed, with simulations across various scenarios indicating all seismic events had magnitudes below 3.0, suggesting a low seismic risk. Additionally, to improve monitoring strategies, the hydromechanical models were enhanced by integrating fiber-optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). This allowed for detailed analysis of strain evolution during injection. The simulated strain magnitudes fell within the detectable range of DAS tools, confirming their capability to monitor injection-induced deformation both near the wellbore and at greater depths—particularly with the use of vertical sensing components. These results support the integration of DAS technology into carbon capture and storage (CCS) monitoring frameworks.
Overall, this study presents a comprehensive methodology for identifying and evaluating CO₂ storage reservoirs in the Hardeman Basin, providing valuable insights for the development of economically viable and geologically secure CCS and operations
Providing Evidence-based Professional Development to Implement Differentiation and Realize the Efficiency of Adaptive Technology to Address Diverse Student Needs
No full textAddressing diverse student needs through a comprehensive professional development program that integrates evidence-based practices, adaptive technologies and peer learning
Partner Influence on Alcohol Use and Risky Sexual Behavior: A Study among Heterosexual Emerging Adults and Men who have Sex with Men
No full textRisky sexual behavior (RSB) poses a significant public health concern due to its strong association with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies, and it is also linked to alcohol use (AU). Although some studies have explored partner influences on AU and RSB, notable gaps remain. First, previous systematic reviews on partner influence concentrate on either AU or RSB. Second, existing studies have focused on partner types, leaving substantial gaps regarding other partner characteristics that may affect AU and RSB. Third, most of these studies center on heterosexual emerging adults. Consequently, it remains unclear how perceptions of partner attitudes toward sex relate to problem drinking and RSB. This dissertation aimed to address these gaps through three related papers. Paper 1 systematically reviewed the influence of partners on AU and RSB among emerging adults. Paper 2 employed moderated mediation analyses to examine how perceived partner attitudes toward sex is linked to RSB among heterosexual emerging adults, paying specific attention to the mediating roles of sex motives, as well as the interaction effect of problem drinking. Paper 3 explored the link between perceived partner attitudes toward sex and RSB, along with the interaction role of problem drinking. For Papers 2 and 3, separate data were collected via the Prolific platform for heterosexual emerging adults and MSM, respectively. Moderated mediation analyses were conducted to explore the proposed pathways in Paper 2, while a moderation analysis was employed to investigate the interaction role of problem drinking in the link between perceived partner attitudes toward sex and RSB in Paper 3
Assessing the joint model relationship between burnout and departure from employment among child welfare professionals
No full textSurvival analysis extends human resource development (HRD) research by providing insights into factors influencing critical workforce outcomes. This study methodologically advances HRD research by demonstrating the application of joint modeling, a multivariate technique that addresses gaps in analyzing interdependent longitudinal and time-to-event processes (e.g. burnout trajectories and employee departure). Using child welfare workforce data, we demonstrate how this approach overcomes limitations of traditional methods in HRD contexts. Burnout, a significant concern in human service professions, was examined alongside departure risk, uncovering complex interplays between events and factors influencing departure. Survival analysis accounts for censoring and competing risks, empowering HRD researchers to develop evidence-based strategies for employee well-being, organisational performance, and sustainable workforce development
Optimization of Life Support System Wastewater Concentration by Centrifugal Distillation Method in the Course of Long-term Space Expeditions
No full textVolodimir Rifert, LLC "Thermodistillation RV", UkraineRoman Desiateryk, LLC "Thermodistillation RV", UkraineAndriy Solomakha, National Technical University of Ukraine, UkraineMilena Naymark, R&D Space Water, United StatesICES303: Physico-Chemical Life Support- Water Recovery &
Management Systems- Technology and Process DevelopmentThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.The paper presents the results of new experimental tests of
wastewater processing (urine, sweat condensate, hygienic
water) by centrifugal distillation. The data obtained
showed the possibility of recovering clean water from
wastewater with Recovery at the level of 97-98% with a
device productivity of 5-6 l/h and specific energy
consumption of about 100 W*h/l
Consideration of Open Loop Regenerable Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Removal Systems for Lunar Habitats
No full textJames C. Knox, Knox Analytical Solutions, United StatesLyndsey Winslette, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center(MSFC), United StatesDavid Howard, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center(MSFC), United StatesICES302: Physico-Chemical Life Support- Air Revitalization
Systems -Technology and Process DevelopmentThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.As NASA moves towards the development of life support
systems for Lunar Habitats, there has been a renewed
interest in open-loop regenerable carbon dioxide (CO2) and
humidity removal systems. These systems would eliminate the
need for the resupply of consumables associated with
non-regenerable lithium hydroxide-based (LiOH) CO2 removal
systems. This paper reviews flight-proven open-loop
regenerable and non-regenerable CO2 and humidity removal
systems as well as emerging high maturity systems. A new
trade study between a LiOH-based system and a Sorbent-Based
Atmosphere Revitalization (SBAR) system for the initial
Surface Habitat (SH) application is presented. Suitability
for the specific SH mission characteristics, which includes
long dormancy periods at low temperatures, is also
considered
International Space Station as a Testbed for Exploration Environmental Control and Life Support Systems – 2025 Status
No full textAlesha Ridley, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United StatesChristopher Brown, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United StatesJohn Garr II, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United StatesLynda Gavin, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United StatesDavid Hornyak, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United StatesAdam Korona, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United StatesKate Toon, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United StatesPaul Caradec, Leidos Innovations Corporation, United StatesAllen Williams, Leidos Innovations Corporation, United StatesICES506: Human Exploration Beyond Low Earth Orbit: Missions
and TechnologiesThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.Human exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit, such as
NASA’s Artemis Program, present significant challenges to
spacecraft system design and supportability. A particularly
challenging area is the Environmental Control and Life
Support System (ECLSS) that maintains a habitable and
life-sustaining environment for crewmembers. NASA is
utilizing the experience gained from its current and prior
spaceflight programs to mature life support technologies
for exploration missions to deep space. The intent is to
establish a portfolio of life support system capabilities
with proven performance and reliability to enable human
exploration missions and reduce risk to success of those
missions. As a fully operational human-occupied platform in
microgravity, the International Space Station (ISS)
presents a unique opportunity to act as a testbed for
exploration-class ECLSS, such that these systems may be
tested, proven, and refined for eventual deployment on deep
space human exploration missions. This paper will provide
an updated status on the testbed development, including
hardware and ISS vehicle integration progress to date,
lessons learned during development and operation, and
future plans for efforts to design, select, build, test,
and fly Exploration ECLSS on the ISS
Longitudinal assessment of the prevalence of Fusobacterium necrophorum, Fusobacterium varium, and Salmonella enterica in the nasal cavity, ruminal fluid, and feces of finishing beef steers with and without liver abscesses
No full textThe objective was to longitudinally assess the prevalence of F. necrophorum subsp. necrophorum, F. necrophorum subsp. funduliforme, F. varium, and Salmonella enterica in the nasal cavity, ruminal fluid, and feces of finishing beef steers with and without LA. Crossbred steers (n = 225; 353 ± 39.6 kg) were transported to a feedlot and fed a high-concentrate diet. Nasal, ruminal fluid, and fecal samples were collected following feedlot arrival (d 5), 1 week after adaptation to a finishing diet (d 35), and the day before harvest (study end). Livers were collected at harvest and examined for LA, and cattle were subsequently assigned into either control or liver abscess groups. Overall LA prevalence was 18.7%. The concentration and prevalence of Salmonella decreased in ruminal fluid and increased in feces with days on feed (p < 0.01). Conversely, ruminal fluid prevalence of F. necrophorum subsp. necrophorum and F. varium increased with days on feed (p < 0.01). Fusobacterium abundance in ruminal fluid and feces was not indicative of LA development except for F. varium being more abundant in the ruminal fluid of steers with LA (p < 0.01). Abundance of F. necrophorum subsp. necrophorum was greater in abscessed liver tissue than healthy tissue (p = 0.03), although no other differences in bacterial abundance or prevalence were observed in livers. Overall, Fusobacterium and Salmonella prevalence in the nasal cavity, ruminal fluid, and feces were affected by days on feed, but their prevalence and abundance were not indicative of LA occurrence
Perfil del consumidor local de café: Una perspectiva de sostenibilidad: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Perú
No full textThis study examines the coffee consumption patterns and sustainability preferences of local consumers in five Latin American countries: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Peru. Using a sample of 1,300 participants who consume at least one cup of coffee daily, the research explores consumer demographics, consumption habits, and their awareness of sustainability practices in coffee production. Key findings reveal that coffee consumers in the region are predominantly young, well-educated, and have relatively low incomes. Consumption is typically centered around family routines, with breakfast as the primary consumption time. Despite the relatively low familiarity with sustainability certifications like USDA Organic, Fairtrade, and Rainforest Alliance, a substantial portion (35-45%) of consumers expressed a willingness to pay more for coffee with sustainable attributes. The study also identifies several consumer segments based on sustainability preferences, ranging from indifferent consumers to those with strong preferences for socially and environmentally sustainable coffee. These segments, determined using Latent Class Analysis (LCA), reflect varying degrees of awareness and willingness to engage with sustainability practices. The research underscores the need for producers to bridge the gap between consumer demand and sustainability, offering products that align with local preferences to promote long-term sector sustainability.Este proyecto fue cofinanciado por el Fondo Concursable de Apoyo a la Investigación en Café de PROMECAFE-MOCCA, la Escuela Agrícola Panamericana Zamorano, y la Universidad Texas Tech
Mechanisms Linking Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Alzheimer’s Disease: Effects of Polyphenols and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
No full textAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes. It poses a significant global health challenge. AD is associated with the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain, along with chronic inflammation, dysfunctional neurons, and synapse loss. While the prevalence of AD continues to rise, the current FDA-approved drugs offer only limited effectiveness. Emerging evidence suggests that obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are also implicated in AD pathogenesis, with epidemiological studies and animal models confirming the impact of IR on Aβ accumulation, and high-fat diets also exacerbating Aβ accumulation. Since neuroinflammation activated by Aβ involves the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of the activated B cell (NF-κB) pathway, the inhibition of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation are potential therapeutic strategies in AD. Bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, curcumin, and quercetin), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, show promising results in animal studies and clinical trials for reducing Aβ levels, improving cognition and modulating the signaling pathways implicated in AD. This review explores the interplay between obesity, IR, inflammation, and AD pathology, emphasizing the potential of dietary compounds and their role in reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cognitive decline, as viable strategies for AD prevention and treatment. By integrating epidemiological findings, observational studies, and clinical trials, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understating of how metabolic dysfunctions and bioactive compounds influence AD progression