Icelandia

ABSTRACT We propose a new, sunken continent beneath the North Atlantic Ocean that we name Icelandia. It may comprise blocks of full-thickness continental lithosphere or extended, magma-inflated continental layers that form hybrid continental-oceanic lithosphere. It underlies the Greenland-Iceland-Faroe Ridge and the Jan Mayen microplate complex, covering an area of ~600,000 km2. It is contiguous with the Faroe Plateau and known parts of the submarine continental rifted margin offshore Britain. If these are included in a “Greater Icelandia,” the entire area is ~1,000,000 km2 in size. The existence of Icelandia needs to be tested. Candidate approaches include magnetotelluric surveying in Iceland; ultralong, full-crust-penetrating reflection profiling along the length of the Greenland-Iceland-Faroe Ridge; dating zircons collected in Iceland; deep drilling; and reappraisal of the geology of Iceland. Some of these methods could be applied to other candidate sunken continents that are common in the oceans.

A spatiotemporal analysis of COVID-19 transmission in Jakarta, Indonesia for pandemic decision support

With 25% confirmed cases of the country’s total number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on 31 January 2021, Jakarta has the highest confirmed cases of in Indonesia. The city holds a significant role as the centre of government and national economic activity for which pandemic have had a huge impact. Spatiotemporal analysis was employed to identify the current condition of disease transmission and to provide comprehensive information on the COVID-19 outbreak in Jakarta. We applied space-time analysis to visualise the pattern of COVID-19 hotspots in each time series. We also mapped area capacity of the referral hospitals covering the entire area of Jakarta to understand the hospital service range. This research was conducted in 4 stages: i) disease mapping; ii) spatial autocorrelation analysis; iii) space-time pattern analysis; and iv) areal capacity mapping. The analysis resulted in 144 sub-districts categorised as high vulnerability. Autocorrelation studies by Moran’s I identified cluster patterns and the emerging hotspot results indicated successful interventions as the number of hotspots fell in the first period of social restrictions. The results presented should be beneficial for policy makers.

Terms of sowing forage crops for haylage production under the conditions of Central Yakutia

In recent years the agricultural production in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) has been introducing the technology of haylage production, which can replace part of the silage and hay in the ration of animals. However, stable raw materials of herbage are not enough for the technology of haylage production in Yakutia. Natural forage lands cannot provide a new technology of haylage production with herbage, since the entire area of haymaking goes to hay harvesting. Therefore, the selection of forage crops to create a reliable raw material base for haylage is a very relevant research topic. The purpose of the research was to study the terms of sowing forage crops for haylage production under the conditions in the Central Yakutia. The research has been carried out in the research and production permanent out-station in the M. G. Safronov Yakut Scientifi c Research Institute of Agriculture for three years. The experimental site was located on the second above-fl oodplain terrace of the Lena River Valley. The objects of research were the following varieties of zoned annual crops – oats of Pokrovsky variety 9, peas of Capital variety, spring vetch of Priobskaya variety 25, barley of Tammy variety. It has been found as a result of research that in the soil and climatic conditions in the Central Yakutia for the production of haylage for plant growth and development, dynamics of accumulation of dry matter, yield and nutritional qualities, the most effective mixtures are: vetch (1,2 million pcs/ha) + oats (2,5 million pcs/ha) and peas (0,8 million pcs/ha) + oats (2,5 million pcs/ha) germinating seeds. As the result of the conducted research, the optimal terms for sowing annual grasses for haylage have been established such as the 1st term (sowing in the third decade of May, harvesting in the first decade of August), the 2nd term (sowing in the second decade of June, harvesting in the third decade of August), the 3rd term (sowing in the first decade of July, harvesting in the first decade of September) in the phase of milk-wax ripeness in cereals and in the phase of fruit formation in legumes.

THE PROS AND CONS OF CO2 CT ANGIOGRAPHY VERSUS CONVENTIONAL CONTRAST ENHANCED CT ANGIOGRAPHY IN THE TREATMENT OF PERIPHERAL VASCULAR OCCLUSIONS

Over the past two decades, the field of vascular surgery has experienced tremendous advances in technique and technology. After the description of vascular anastomosis by Dr. Alexis Carrel almost one hundred years ago, the subsequent years were slowly crowned by the differentiation of general and vascular surgeons (Friedman 2016). Notably, surgeons were able to distinguish themselves by developing and acquiring techniques that are specific to operations in vascular surgery. This type of surgery involves diseases associated with the vascular system, which specifically includes the arteries, veins, and the lymphatic structure. Thus, vascular surgery provides treatment for diseases associated with the veins and arteries and is used in cases where less invasive methods cannot be incorporated (Reis and Roever 2017). Importantly, vascular diseases arise from damaged vessels or the presence of inflammations or blood clots leading to the occurrence of illnesses like peripheral vascular disease or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that is occlusive in nature. Notably, vascular occlusion can be defined as the blockage of blood vessels due to the growth of an abnormality or the accumulation of fat or calcium in the inner lining of the venous structure. Occlusion is a common characteristic of PAD where the diameter of the blood vessels narrows considerably (Rotzinger, Lu, Kawkabani, Marques-Vidal, Fetz and Qanadli 2020). Another good example of peripheral vascular occlusion arises from atherosclerosis. This is an occlusive disease where the arteries harden due to fat or calcium, leading to the narrowing of the internal diameter of the vessels (Rotzinger et al. 2020). Over time, this diameter narrows greatly resulting in the formation of clots that restrict the supply of blood to the entire area past the blockage, leading to the development of PVD/PAD.

Functional set of axiological dominants within English discourse-communicative space

The article is devoted to the problem of multifunctionality of value dominants in the discourse space of English communication. The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that it is aimed at clarifying the conceptual guidelines of discourse-communicative linguoaxiology as a direction that is experiencing a stage of development of its own theoretical platform. English communication acts as a zone of manifestation of axiological attitudes, which serve as nuclear elements of both personal axiospheres of speakers and the social value system of English-speaking linguocultural communities. Nevertheless, the analysis of the functional system of axiological vectors has so far been sporadic and fragmentary. The article makes an attempt at the analysis of multifunctional loading of axiological dominants within the boundaries of the discourse field of English-based interpersonal communication. The purpose of the study is to develop a functional axiological set, i.e. a complex of interrelated functions fulfilled by value dominants in English discourse-communicative practices. The relevant methods of comparative content analysis and comparative analytical systematization have been employed as the methodological apparatus of the research. The results of the study consist in the formation of a five-component system-functional axiological set, implemented in the process of English communication, the analysis of functional potential of value dominants in terms of axiological levels, as well as the identification of the specificity of each component within the developed paradigm. Based on the results of the study, the authors formulate a reasoned conclusion that value dominants lay deep foundation that systematically defines the entire area of interpersonal communication due to the simultaneous realization of multifunctional potential. The components of functional axiological set, namely the social-regulatory, motivational, cultural-integrative, structure-forming and pragma-axiological functions, in the process of communicative actualization determine the speech behavior of those who participate in verbal interaction.

Solve the Problem of Chess Board in the Shape of the Letter L with Three different Patterns Using Artificial Intelligence & Algorithms

In recent years, the chess game has begun to develop successful programming solutions. Computers were programmed to play chess in the middle of the twentieth century. Computer skills have become better and higher than the skills of chess players in the world, and from here this study has made it possible to find the optimal solution for the four square pieces in the form of a letter (L) without repetition and quick access to fill the sites and voids and to complete the entire area. It is our task to cover a (2n×2n) Chessboard with L-shaped tiles each tile is a (2×2) square with a (1×1) square removed from one corner. We are working to cover the Chessboard in such a way that there is a single 1×1 box left in the ‘corner’ of the Chessboard (by the 'corner' we mean one corner of the box should be uncovered). In this task, we will solve this problem with three approaches, the C programming approach, the second by dividing and conquering approach and the last by a greedy method approach. Three algorithms were used and a comparison was made between them, and the fastest method was achieved by a greedy method, with eight cases comparing one and four cases, respectively.

The Effect of Cobalt on the Deformation Behaviour of a Porous TiNi-Based Alloy Obtained by Sintering

This research investigates the effect of cobalt on the deformation behaviour of a porous TiNi-based alloy that was obtained by sintering. Porous TiNi-based alloys with cobalt additives, accounting for 0–2 at. % and with a pitch of 0.5, were obtained. The structural-phase state of the porous material was researched by X-ray structural analysis. The effect of different amounts of Co (used as an alloying additive) on the deformation behaviour was investigated by tensile to fracture. The fractograms of fracture of the experimental samples were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. For the first time, the present research shows a diagram of the deformation of a porous TiNi-based alloy that was obtained by sintering under tensile. The stages of deformation were described according to the physical nature of the processes taking place. The effect of the cobalt-alloying additive on the change in the critical stress of martensitic shear was investigated. It was found that the behaviour of the concentration dependency of stress at concentrations under 1.5 at. % Co was determined by an increase in the stress in the TiNi solid solution. This phenomenon is attributed to the arrangement of Co atoms on the Ti sublattice, as well as an increase in the fraction of the B19′ phase in the matrix. The steep rise of the developed forces on the concentration dependency of the martensitic shear stress at 2 at. % Co is presumably attributed to the precipitation hardening of austenite due to the precipitation of finely dispersed coherent Ti3Ni4 phase following the decrease of fraction of martensite. An analysis of fractograms showed that as more cobalt was added, areas of fracture with traces of martensite plates of the B19′ phase started to prevail. At 2 at. % Co these plates fill almost the entire area of the fracture. The research findings presented in this work are of great importance, since they can be used to achieve the set of physical and mechanical properties required for the development of biocompatible materials for implantology.

Successful Improvement of Ultimate Recovery of Complex Deep Tight Gas Field via Combined Gas Lift De-Liquification Techniques

The Amin top structure is Well defined in seismic data and can be easily interpreted across the entire area of North Oman. It is being identified as an extremely tight, disconnected, low porosity, low permeability, and HPHT reservoir, and thus presents unique challenges to harness its full production potential. Approximately, 15 years after production began with significant pressure depletion below dew point, a significant loss in Well productivity occurred in some of the Wells. Furthermore, during shutdowns or sudden trips of production stations, more Wells faced difficulties to restart again due to mainly, condensate banking and other probable reasons like formation water cross-flow during shut-in, which created a water bank and impaired inflow performance liquid loading due to low Well bore pressure which caused higher static head at the Well tubing. Common practice of N2 lifting CTU becoming no economical with increase number of Wells suffer from Liquid loading and represented a major challenge to look for cheaper economic alternatives. To reduce the higher OPEX associated with nitrogen lifting of Wells, multiple options were considered and evaluated thoroughly including extensive study of several artificial lift methods which were thought to defer liquid loading and mitigate kick-off issues such as Foam lift, Plunger lift, Beam Pump, ESP, Jet Pump and Gas lift (Concentric gas lift). The optimum gas Well de-liquification method has been identified based on the highest UR considering connected GIIP and inflow resistance A (Forchheimer equation Laminar flow). The outcome of the study indicated that a gas lift technology combined with well retubing was recommended as the optimum solution. The injected gas has reduced the density of the liquid resulting in reducing the static head at the tubing which increased the Well bore pressure allowing the Well to flow. A successful robust pilot which has been completed in two Wells and gave conclusive results. The surface development concept encompasses the development, with long term testing. The outstanding successful outcomes of the pilot succeeding in restoring Wells back with economic prolific production rates have led to expedite a full field implementation plan in three fields covering (33 Wells) in the next 5 years. These Wells have similar sub-surface and surface conditions. This paper will highlight the full story of the Gas lift technology implementation and describe in details the entire process starting from the Well candidate selection screening criteria, concept detailed design, critical success factors, project assurances and controls, Injection rate and operating parameters, facility capex, life time cycle and the result tested gas & condensate and water production. Also, the learning and challenges like halite accumulation effects will be shared along with the proven practical mitigation plan that ensured and sustained Well production resulting to significant project success of the technology.

Monitoring and Evaluation for Rural Sanitation and Hygiene: Framework

The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) Guidelines and Framework presented in this document (and in the accompanying M&E Indicator Framework) aim to encourage stakeholders in the rural sanitation and hygiene sector to take a more comprehensive, comparable and people focused approach to monitoring and evaluation. Many M&E frameworks currently reflect the interests and ambitions of particular implementing agencies – that is, community-led total sanitation (CLTS) interventions focused on open-defecation free (ODF) outcomes in triggered communities; market-based sanitation interventions focused on the number of products sold and whether sanitation businesses were profitable; and sanitation finance interventions reporting the number of facilities built using financial support. Few M&E frameworks have been designed to examine the overall sanitation and hygiene situation – to assess how interventions have affected sanitation and hygiene outcomes across an entire area (rather than just in specific target communities); to look at who (from the overall population) benefitted from the intervention, and who did not; to report on the level and quality of service used; or examine whether public health has improved. Since 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have extended and deepened the international monitoring requirements for sanitation and hygiene. The 2030 SDG sanitation target 6.2 includes requirements to: • Achieve access to adequate sanitation and hygiene for all • Achieve access to equitable sanitation and hygiene for all • End open defecation • Pay special attention to the needs of women and girls • Pay special attention to those in vulnerable situations The 2030 SDG sanitation target calls for universal use of basic sanitation services, and for the elimination of open defecation, both of which require M&E systems that cover entire administration areas (i.e. every person and community within a district) and which are able to identify people and groups that lack services, or continue unsafe practices. Fortunately, the SDG requirements are well aligned with the sector trend towards system strengthening, in recognition that governments are responsible both for the provision of sustainable services and for monitoring the achievement of sustained outcomes. This document provides guidelines on the monitoring and evaluation of rural sanitation and hygiene, and presents an M&E framework that outlines core elements and features for reporting on progress towards the 2030 SDG sanitation target (and related national goals and targets for rural sanitation and hygiene), while also encouraging learning and accountability. Given wide variations in the ambition, capacity and resources available for monitoring and evaluation, it is apparent that not all of the M&E processes and indicators described will be appropriate for all stakeholders. The intention is to provide guidelines and details on useful and progressive approaches to monitoring rural sanitation and hygiene, from which a range of rural sanitation and hygiene duty bearers and practitioners – including governments, implementation agencies, development partners and service providers – can select and use those most appropriate to their needs. Eventually, it is hoped that all of the more progressive M&E elements and features will become standard, and be incorporated in all sector monitoring systems.

Application of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) for rock mass quality evaluation

Rock mass quality evaluation is a challenging task in geotechnical investigations given the natural heterogeneity and the limited data. These investigations mainly depend on the traditional drilling tests. However, such tests are expensive and time consuming, provide point measurements, and cannot be conducted in steep topographic areas, and thus cause uncertainties in the geological model. Conversely, geophysical methods such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) are non-invasive, user-friendly, and fast. In this work, we establish empirical correlation between ERT and limited drilling data to obtain rock mass integrity coefficient (Kv). The estimated Kv provides 2D/3D imaging of the rock mass quality evaluation via weathered/unweathered rock and faults detection in order to cover the entire area even where no drilling test exists. Compared with the past geotechnical investigations, our work reduce the ambiguities caused by the inadequate well tests and provide more accurate geological model for infrastructures design. Our work proposes that, in case of sparse borehole data, the established empirical equations can be used to determine Kv along different geophysical profiles via 2D/3D insight of the subsurface. Our approach is applicable in any hard rock setting, and the established correlations can be used in areas even where no well test exists.