MOPower: an R-shiny application for the simulation and power calculation of multi-omics studies.

Background: Multi-omics studies are increasingly used to help understand the underlying mechanisms of clinical phenotypes, integrating information from the genome, transcriptome, epigenome, metabolome, proteome and microbiome. This integration of data is of particular use in rare disease studies where the sample sizes are often relatively small. Methods development for multi-omics studies is in its early stages due to the complexity of the different individual data types. There is a need for software to perform data simulation and power calculation for multi-omics studies to test these different methodologies and help calculate sample size before the initiation of a study. This software, in turn, will optimise the success of a study. Results: The interactive R shiny application MOPower described below simulates data based on three different omics using statistical distributions. It calculates the power to detect an association with the phenotype through analysis of n number of replicates using a variety of the latest multi-omics analysis models and packages. The simulation study confirms the efficiency of the software when handling thousands of simulations over ten different sample sizes. The average time elapsed for a power calculation run between integration models was approximately 500 seconds. Additionally, for the given study design model, power varied with the increase in the number of features affecting each method differently. For example, using MOFA had an increase in power to detect an association when the study sample size equally matched the number of features. Conclusions: MOPower addresses the need for flexible and user-friendly software that undertakes power calculations for multi-omics studies. MOPower offers users a wide variety of integration methods to test and full customisation of omics features to cover a range of study designs.

Selection of effective methods of increasing oil recovery in dealed fields based on retrospective analysis

The object of research is methods of increasing oil recovery in «old», depleted oilfields. One of the main tasks of the oil-extracting industry in any country in the world was and still is ensuring the project level of oil production at the maximum possible coefficient of its extraction from the subsoil. In this case it is extremely important to study and use technological methods and means of acquired experience in oilfield development. The paper considers the historical aspects of the development of stabilization and oil recovery methods from 1770s to the present day on the example of Ukrainian oilfields. In parallel with the history of the implementation of methods, their physical and technological content and conditions of application are discussed. Of all the methods used to increase the level of oil production, the most effective ones, which have found application at certain stages of the Ukrainian oilfields’ development, are considered. This is, first of all, a vacuum process, areal flooding, cyclic flooding, gas and water-gas repression, injection of surfactants, surfactant polymer-containing systems, polymer flooding, horizontal branched drilling. The methods development analysis is considered against the background of their geological and industrial acceptability and obtaining technical and economic effects. Based on the results of the study, a group of methods has been identified. These methods are advised to apply in geological and industrial conditions, similar to those described, which should ensure the expected efficiency. Undoubtedly, along with this, it is advisable to use the methods of mathematical modeling of oilfield development processes. Proposals are formulated on the conditions and principles of applying the methods under consideration in order to improve the systems for the development of oilfields. It has been established that the most acceptable methods of increasing oil recovery in depleted oilfields are the injection of surfactant solutions both independently and together with an aqueous solution of polyacrylamide, creation of gas-water repression and polymer flooding, in which preference is given to AN132SH and AN125SH reagents of FLOPAAM S series from SNF FlOERGEL.

Value of Cement Bond Logs for Evaluation and Improvement of Cementing Practices in Extended Reach Drilling ERD Wells

This paper discusses the value of cement logs as the core input to analyze the cement quality and validate the improvements made to cementing designs and practices of the intermediate casing string in Extended-Reach Drilling (ERD) wells. The ERD wells are being drilled from artificial islands in a field offshore in the UAE. The primary cementing objectives are isolating the reservoirs from their sublayers and protecting the casing against possible future corrosion across an upper formation. Cementing challenges include higher angle deviation, higher mud weight requirements resulting from an anisotropic, unstable shale formation present above the reservoir section. Effective reservoir management requires sound zonal isolation to eliminate crossflow between different reservoir units. In combination with standard cement bond logs (CBL), ultrasonic technology has provided detailed information about cement quality and a qualitative indication of casing position in the borehole. These have also led to valuable insight into how continued cementing designs and practices improved zonal isolation. Improvements in cement quality seen as a result of enhanced casing centralization, optimized hydraulic model, modified cement rheology, displacement rate impact, among others, were confirmed with the cement log evaluation program. The paper will present the ultrasonic and standard CBL responses, which support the enhancements made to the cementing design and practices that yield the desired results. The cement quality has been improved in the ERD wells intermediate section through strategic modification in cementing practices. Cement evaluation logs have played a significant role in validating the cementing methods’ development. Consistently improved zonal isolation results have opened up the opportunity for future efficiency gains by eliminating routine CBL.

The role of multiparametric magnetic resonance in bladder cancer management

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging with VI-RADS is a newly discussed method of diagnosing bladder cancer. There are more studies suggesting implementation of mpMRI with VI-RADS to the modern scheme of treating bladder cancer. It requires much more observation and trials to give a final recommendations. The aim of the summary is to present VI-RADS scale and possibilities that appear with the method. Many studies, that were made by departments of urology or radiology, showed promising results. Background: estimation of bladder cancer depends on proper tumor staging, grading and assessment of its biological potential. It is provided by a multimodal approach using clinical, histopathological and radiological methods. Development of MRI provides the best imaging technique for locoregional staging in several other tumors. Lately it was adjusted in BCa preoperative evaluation leading to significant improvement in differentiating patients with NMIBCs and MIBCs. Objective: this article aims to approximate the fundamentals of MRI in BCa and to provide an overview of the available data on the role of VI-RADS score in the diagnostic pathway of bladder cancer.

Review on Early Warning Methods for Rockbursts in Tunnel Engineering Based on Microseismic Monitoring

Due to the different geological conditions and construction methods associated with different projects, rockbursts in deep-buried tunnels often present different precursor characteristics, bringing major challenges to the early warning of rockbursts. To adapt to the complexity of engineering, it is necessary to review the latest advancements in rockburst early warning and to discuss general early warning methods. In this article, first, microseismic monitoring and localization methods applicable under tunneling construction are reviewed. Based on the latest engineering examples and research progress, the microseismic evolution characteristics of the rockburst formation process are summarized, and the formation process and mechanism of structure-type and delayed rockbursts are analyzed. The different methods for predicting the risk and level of rockbursts using microseismic indices are reviewed, and the implementation methods and application cases for predicting potential rockburst areas and rockburst probability based on a mechanical model are expounded. Finally, combined with the new practice in early warning methods, development directions for the early warning of rockbursts are put forward.

Methods Development for the Constrained Elastic Modulus Investigation of Organic Material in Natural Soil Conditions

Compressibility is one of the most important mechanical properties of soil. The parameter that characterizes compressibility is the constrained modulus of elasticity. Knowledge of this is important to calculate the settlement of a structure foundation on peat material. According to soil classification by EN ISO 14688-2, peat is an organic soil that contains min. 20% organic matter. It is a highly organic type of soil. Peat material has large compressibility. The value of the constrained elasticity modulus for peat is ca. 400 kPa, while it may be ca 1.0–1.6 MPa for consolidated peat. Due to the extensive range of the modulus, experimental research in this field is proposed. It is suggested to load the peat material layer with an embankment and to determine its total settlement. Based on this, a program was developed to determine the settlement–strain relationship. The authors propose an approach according to two models: the first is based on constant stress distribution in the soil with an oedometer test. The second considers the variability of stresses in the soil and the influence of the loaded area. Both methods were tested based on numerical simulations, and then an experimental field in Szczecin was used. The formulae for the constrained modulus of elasticity measurement were derived; in practical conditions, a uniaxial deformation state can be used with the combination of the total settlement.

Managing Methods Development for the Production Assets of Thermal Power Plants in Conditions of Insufficient Statistical Data

The paper is devoted to the proposal of a method for making managerial decisions on the replacement of production assets of TPPs in conditions of insufficient statistical data on failures and changes in the technical state of an equipment. It is proposed to use a probabilistic method to predict the period of replacement of production assets, based on the formation of a hypothesis about the law of distribution of equipment failures and its reaching the limit state, which determines the stock of possible operating time of a production asset. As an economic criterion for the period of replacement of a production asset, the use of an indicator of production profitability is considered, the advantage of which is the ability to make a decision to change equipment before the expiration of the life resource in the event of an unsatisfactory economic result of its operation, which is critical in solving the problem of ensuring the economic sustainability of TPPs. In the absence of an investment resource for the replacement of a production asset, it will be possible to recommend the conservation of an ineffective asset, which will minimize economic losses.

Scoping reviews: reinforcing and advancing the methodology and application

Scoping reviews are an increasingly common approach to evidence synthesis with a growing suite of methodological guidance and resources to assist review authors with their planning, conduct and reporting. The latest guidance for scoping reviews includes the JBI methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses—Extension for Scoping Reviews. This paper provides readers with a brief update regarding ongoing work to enhance and improve the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews as well as information regarding the future steps in scoping review methods development. The purpose of this paper is to provide readers with a concise source of information regarding the difference between scoping reviews and other review types, the reasons for undertaking scoping reviews, and an update on methodological guidance for the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews.Despite available guidance, some publications use the term ‘scoping review’ without clear consideration of available reporting and methodological tools. Selection of the most appropriate review type for the stated research objectives or questions, standardised use of methodological approaches and terminology in scoping reviews, clarity and consistency of reporting and ensuring that the reporting and presentation of the results clearly addresses the review’s objective(s) and question(s) are critical components for improving the rigour of scoping reviews.Rigourous, high-quality scoping reviews should clearly follow up to date methodological guidance and reporting criteria. Stakeholder engagement is one area where further work could occur to enhance integration of consultation with the results of evidence syntheses and to support effective knowledge translation. Scoping review methodology is evolving as a policy and decision-making tool. Ensuring the integrity of scoping reviews by adherence to up-to-date reporting standards is integral to supporting well-informed decision-making.