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Modelling and Simulation of the Entrapment of Non-Wetting Fluids Within Disordered Porous Materials
Get PDFThe phenomenon known as non-wetting phase (nwp) entrapment, and the multiphase fluid flow within porous media that gives rise to it, is important in several areas such as contaminant transport and subsequent remediation, subsurface energy storage, oil recovery, carbon dioxide sequestration, and pore structural characterisation. The aim of this review was to survey the various different modelling and simulation approaches used to predict the pore-scale processes involved in the entrapment of nwp in disordered porous media, and the impact of pore structural features on the level of entrapment. The various modelling and simulation approaches considered included empirical models, pore network models (PNMs), percolation models, models derived directly from imaging data, and thermodynamic and statistical mechanical techniques. Dynamic flow simulations within models derived from images have validated the quasi-static idealisation for low capillary number, often used with PNMs. Modelling using this approximation has demonstrated the importance of pore connectivity and macroscopic heterogeneities in the spatial distribution of pore sizes in determining entrapment. Dynamic simulations in image-derived models have also shown the need for proper representation of menisci configurations in the complex void spaces of mixed-wetting systems in order to accurately predict entrapment, something that is not always currently possible
The role of supercluster filaments in shaping galaxy clusters
Get PDFContext. In a hierarchical ΛCDM Universe, cosmic filaments serve as the primary channels for matter accretion into galaxy clusters, influencing the shape of their dark matter halos.Aims. We investigate whether the elongation of galaxy clusters correlates with the orientation of surrounding filaments, providing the first observational test of this relationship in large supercluster regions.Methods. We identified and characterized cosmic filaments in two dimensions within the two superclusters that are part of the low-redshift sub-survey of the Chilean Cluster Galaxy Evolution Survey (CHANCES): the Shapley supercluster and the Horologium-Reticulum supercluster. We analyzed the alignment between filament directions–traced by galaxy distributions–and the triaxiality of cluster gravitational potentials–traced by X-ray emission–using publicly available optical and X-ray data.Results We have found that most (82%) of the X-ray clusters are associated with and interconnected by the optically detected filaments. The clusters-filaments alignment analysis shows that the elongation of most clusters is well aligned with nearby filaments, providing observational confirmation of theoretical predictions, with the alignment progressively reducing at larger cluster-centric distances (> 1.6r200).Conclusions. Overall, our results support the notion that filaments are the main source of galaxy accretion at redshift below 0.1, and additionally provide evidence that matter accretion through filaments shapes the gravitational potential of galaxy clusters. We propose this measurement as a simple observational proxy to determine the direction of accretion in clusters, which is key to understanding both galaxy evolution and the merger history of galaxy clusters
Quantification of root biomass in barley variety mixtures using variety-specific genetic markers
Get PDFBackground: Variety mixtures combining crop varieties with different root system properties have the potential to improve soil exploration through belowground niche complementarity, which can improve soil resource acquisition and crop productivity. However, there is a lack of appropriate methods to distinguish and quantify roots of different varieties, which limits our ability to elucidate belowground processes that underpin soil exploration and resource uptake by plants in variety mixtures. Results: In the present study, we developed a method to quantify root biomass and distribution patterns of different barley varieties grown together in mixtures using DNA extraction and quantitative PCR with variety-specific genetic markers. Two field experiments, one in Sweden and one in Denmark, were conducted that included two barley varieties grown either alone in pure stands or together in the same plot. The genetic markers were highly variety-specific, enabling accurate detection of the roots of each individual variety in the mixture. We found that the contribution of varieties to total root biomass in the mixture differed between the two locations, indicating the effects of the environment on root distribution patterns in variety mixtures. Conclusions: The method presented here opens new possibilities for rapid quantification of root biomass and can provide new insights into belowground processes underpinning the functioning of mixed variety systems. Ultimately, such understanding is needed to assess the potential to adopt mixed variety systems in practical agriculture
Harnessing primary, secondary and tertiary genepools for durable wheat disease resistance
Get PDFBread wheat (Triticum aestivum), a cornerstone of global food security contributing ~ 20% of daily caloric intake, faces increasing vulnerability to rapidly evolving pathogens. This is due in part to a narrowed genetic base following domestication and modern breeding. Wild and ancestral wheat relatives are critical reservoirs of disease resistance genes for breeding new, resilient varieties. This review explores the contributions of primary, secondary, and tertiary genepools of wheat to disease resistance, highlighting loci effective against fungal pathogens that threaten European wheat production. It examines the challenges of alien gene transfer including crossability barriers, hybrid necrosis, and suppressor loci and reviews modern breeding tools such as marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and genome editing for harnessing exotic germplasm. By synthesising current knowledge, this review highlights the vital contribution of ancestral wheat germplasm in enhancing the resilience and productivity of future wheat crops against increasing biotic stresses
Evaluation of a pro-recovery training intervention (REFOCUS-RETAFORM) in specialist mental health services across France: stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial protocol
Get PDFBACKGROUND: While recovery orientation is national policy in many countries, evidence remains limited for the effectiveness at a service level. This paper describes the protocol for implementing a pro-recovery training intervention (REFOCUS-RETAFORM) in specialist mental health services across France. The aim is to evaluate whether REFOCUS-RETAFORM plus usual care leads to improved outcomes for adolescent and adult mental health service users compared with usual care alone. METHODS: A two-step stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted, with a nested qualitative sub-study exploring stakeholders' views on changes in staff-user relationships and implementation influences. The REFOCUS-RETAFORM intervention is a training intervention for mental health staff, to develop recovery-promoting relationships and pro-recovery working practices. Clusters are services, which transition sequentially from control to intervention condition in a randomised order. Eight clusters are randomised to deliver REFOCUS-RETAFORM in year one and eight clusters in year two. Each cluster delivers REFOCUS-RETAFORM to two teams from their organisation (32 teams in total). Participants are a) service users aged 13-65years attending services implementing REFOCUS-RETAFORM, and b) staff receiving the intervention. The primary outcome is the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery. Secondary outcomes include perceived stigma and coercion, self-stigma and wellbeing for service users, and recovery-orientation for staff. Data will be collected from 540 service users (180 at baseline, 180 at month 12, 180 at month 24) and 220 staff. We will use multilevel mixed-effects models, adjusting for secular trends and thematic analysis for the qualitative interview data. DISCUSSION: Findings will inform the continued transformation of French specialist mental health services toward a recovery orientation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT05824234, registered 21 April 2023
Gendered effects of corruption: the South African state capture experience
Get PDFCorruption, a profound ethical failure, disproportionately affects women and girls, exacerbating existing inequalities and leading to gender-specific repercussions, such as increased vulnerability to gender-based violence, disruptions in essential services, and deepened levels of poverty and unemployment. Recognising the moral imperative to address this injustice, this paper examines the case of state capture in South Africa to explore the gendered impact of corruption on women and girls. Drawing on evidence from the Zondo Commission Report, and other archival data, and employing Tamale’s Afro-feminism as a philosophical framework, alongside Ubuntu and the Ethics of Care as guiding ethical frameworks, this article provides critical insights and offers actionable recommendations for stakeholders dedicated to promoting the well-being and flourishing of women and girls. This article is published in the thematic collection ‘Decolonising Gender Knowledge in Sub-Saharan Africa: Empirical Insights and Theoretical Innovations from Early Career Researchers’, edited by Alicia Bowman, Evelyn Garwe and Juliet Thondhlana
Feasibility assessment into the use of hybrid gas-hydride tanks for use in improving the flexibility of offshore hydrogen production using wind power
Get PDFOffshore hydrogen production offers a promising solution for harnessing wind energy far from shore by using hydrogen as an energy carrier instead of electrical cables. Flexibility in hydrogen production systems is crucial to maximising the conversion of intermittent wind energy into hydrogen. To improve the performance of low-pressure compressed gas buffer stores, hybrid gas-hydride tanks have been identified as a viable solution, increasing useable storage density from 1.2 kg m−3 to 6.3 kg m−3 with just a 5 vol% addition of hydride. This study evaluates the reduction in tank volume, reduction in cost, and enhancements in useable storage density achieved by integrating different hydrides under varying temperature conditions. Using hydrogen mass flow rate profiles, a storage mass target was determined for optimisation. The results demonstrate that hybrid gas-hydride tanks can reduce tank size by around 80 %, lowering costs by 24 %, and achieve a 5.1-fold improvement in useable storage density
Mapping Disjuncture: Internationalism and Palestine
Get PDFThis paper reflects on our ‘Map Conversation’ session at the 2024 RGS-IBG Annual Conference. The session explored internationalism through cartographic depictions of the League of Nations and Palestine. The reflection is structured in three parts. First, we introduce maps that popularised the League of Nations, reflecting on the role of cartography in fostering international consciousness in the 1920s. Second, we analyse Palestine maps from the mid-nineteenth century to early twenty-first century and chart the colonial and settler-colonial encroachment in Palestine, culminating with the partition of Palestine in the Nakba of 1947–48. Third, we consider these maps through the lens of disjuncture. We argue that disjuncture, rather than a shortcoming, is a valuable tool for engaging with map collections in the context of the unfolding crisis in Gaza
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas: recommendations from the EBMT PH&G Committee
Get PDFThis manuscript provides expert recommendations on the role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), specifically Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sezary Syndrome (SS). Critical aspects such as patient selection, timing, and bridging therapy are addressed, as well as donor source, conditioning regimens and post-transplant management. These consensus guidelines are based on a thorough literature review and discussions among leading dermatologists and hematologists. These recommendations aim to harmonise clinical practice towards improving patient outcomes in these rare but aggressive lymphomas. It is of critical importance to consider allo-HCT early in the management of eligible patients with high-risk disease. Advanced stage, large-cell transformation, relapsed or refractory disease following systemic treatment, and N3-stage lymph node involvement are indicators that should trigger consultation with a transplant hematologist in parallel with a donor search. Early interaction between dermatologists and transplant hematologists is vital to avoiding delays, which can significantly impact post-transplant outcomes and survival
Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas: Recommendations from the EBMT PH&G Committee
Get PDFThis manuscript provides expert recommendations on the role of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), specifically mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS). Critical aspects such as patient selection, timing, and bridging therapy are addressed, as well as donor source, conditioning regimens and post-transplant management. These consensus guidelines are based on a thorough literature review and discussions among leading dermatologists and haematologists. These recommendations aim to harmonize clinical practice towards improving patient outcomes in these rare but aggressive lymphomas. It is of critical importance to consider allo-HCT early in the management of eligible patients with high-risk disease. Advanced stage, large-cell transformation, relapsed or refractory disease following systemic treatment, and N3-stage lymph node involvement are indicators that should trigger consultation with a transplant haematologist in parallel with a donor search. Early interaction between dermatologists and transplant haematologists is vital to avoiding delays, which can significantly impact post-transplant outcomes and survival
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