bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fixed Choke Constant Outflow Circulation Method for Riser Gas Handling: Full-Scale Tests in Water- and Synthetic-Based Mud with Gauges and Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensors
Authors: Kunju Mahendra , Adeyemi Temitayo , Sharma Jyotsna , Almeida Mauricio
Published: August 2023

Conventional methods of managing gas-in-riser events are not optimal when the drilling riser is isolated from the formation by a closed subsea blowout preventer (BOP) on rigs equipped with mud gas separator (MGS), managed pressure drilling (MPD), or riser gas-handling equipment. The industry is concerned about exceeding the pressure limit of the riser and the flow capacity of the MGS and hence has not been able to reach a consensus on a circulation method for riser gas. This work is an analysis of the first-ever demonstration of the fixed-choke constant-outflow (FCCO) circulation method in synthetic-based mud (SBM) carried out in June 2022. The first-ever demonstration of the FCCO circulation method in water was performed in March 2021. The results from the water tests were discussed in IADC Gas-in-Riser/Riser Gas-Handling Subcommittee meetings, and the new fixed-choke method was named FCCO in November of 2021. The reason for using the acronym FCCO for the new method is that it allows the use of a fixed-choke opening percentage throughout the circulation period by managing the outflow and backpressure by varying only the pump rate. This work includes the comparison of the actual test results from the March 2021 FCCO tests in water with results estimated using a new model. This is followed by a discussion of the results from the June 2022 FCCO test in SBM.

Nitrogen gas was injected into the bottom of an annulus 5,200-ft deep, vertical test well (9 5/8×2 7/8 in. casing/tubing) initially filled with water and instrumented with four downhole pressue and temperature gauges, and distributed fiber-optic sensors [distributed temperature sensing (DTS) and distributed acoustic sensing (DAS)] for water tests, and later filled with SBM. We started direct circulation to produce flow out of the annulus through a choke kept at a fixed open position (%) required for a preplanned applied surface backpressure (ASBP). We reduced pump rate if/as necessary to maintain this ASBP to ensure outflow rate within MGS flow capacity. We performed tests at different fixed-choke positions, different average ASBPs, and initial pump rates. We tested constant bottomhole pressure (CBHP) circulation and fixed pump rate methods also for comparison with the FCCO circulation method.

The results from the FCCO tests demonstrated better control of outflow compared with the other methods. There is no need to use high ASBP. The use of a high ASBP suppressed the value of peak pressure. Installation of more than one gauge inside the riser enhances safety by allowing real-time influx detection capability, estimation of gas position, gas velocity, and gas void fraction. The FCCO method can be preplanned and easily substituted as the preferred circulation method for staying within the handling capacity of the existing MGS on the rig during gas-in-riser situations.
Experimental Evaluation of Kinetic Behavior of Asphaltene Particles: Effect of Temperature, Shear Stress, and Inhibitors
Authors: Hosseini-Moghadam Seyed Mohammad-Amin , Bahrami Masoud , Torkaman Mohammad , Mohammadi Mohammad
Published: August 2023

Asphaltene deposits under a variety of temperatures and shear stresses in reservoirs, wells, and crude oil transmission pipelines, and it is currently one of the most serious problems in the oil industry. The size of asphaltene particles strongly affects the deposition rate. The particle size is mainly determined by aggregation rate that depends on shear rate and temperature. Therefore, different shear rates of 127 s–1 and 254 s−1 were applied within Couette flow at 25°C, 45°C, and 65°C, and the particle size was analyzed by using an optical microscope. Crude oil viscosity and asphaltene solubility were determined using a capillary tube viscometer and IP143 procedure, respectively. In this work, the effects of four additives, namely, dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA), nonyl phenol (NP), salicylic acid (SA), and benzoic acid (BA), were studied on the aggregation of asphaltene particles in a light crude oil. The additives were chosen based on their functional groups. Moreover, asphaltene functional groups were determined using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyzer to better understand the behavior of inhibitors in preventing the aggregation of asphaltene particles at different conditions. DBSA, BA, and SA were inhibitors, and NP behaved as a promoter. According to the results, the presence of acidic groups, SO3H in DBSA and COOH in SA and BA, increases the interaction of inhibitor with asphaltene and so reduces the aggregation of asphaltene particles. The stronger acidic group of DBSA improved its performance compared to other inhibitors. Both increasing temperature and increasing shear stress resulted in higher collisions of asphaltene particles and thus lowered the efficiency of inhibitors at a constant concentration.
Characterizing the Sensitivity of Dielectric Response in Reservoirs with Varying Lithology and Fluid Saturation
Authors: Morte Matthew Kyle , Hascakir Berna
Published: August 2023

This research delivers a comprehensive analysis of complex permittivity’s sensitivity—a key parameter in characterizing electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption and penetration dynamics within oil reservoirs—to various reservoir properties including temperature, pressure, mineralogy (limestone, quartz, and clays), and water saturation. Contemporary estimation techniques, primarily grounded in simplistic mixing rule models, often fail to capture the intricacy inherent to heavy oil reservoirs. Thus, this study, buttressed by extensive experimental data, introduces a distinctive, intrinsically multivariable regression model that better delineates the relationships between dielectric properties and reservoir conditions.

Our investigation uncovers water saturation as a pivotal factor in the sensitivity of the regression model, largely due to water’s inherently polar nature. We note that the complex permittivity of the sample diminishes with increasing quartz content and decreasing limestone content—despite limestone possessing a higher individual dielectric constant. Moreover, the presence of clays, primarily found within the pore space delineated by the quartz and limestone sand’s grain boundaries, accentuates the expansive sensitivity of the dielectric constant to water volume, overshadowing the polarizability induced by the double-layer effect of water-sensitive clays.

The study additionally uncovers temperature-dependent behavior, characterized by an increase in both components of complex permittivity with rising temperatures, particularly for composite materials comprising diverse rock minerals and hydrocarbons. We also explore pressure as a variable and find no discernible impact on complex permittivity due to pressure fluctuations, although samples with high quartz content exhibit dynamic polarization under pressure.

Our multivariable regression model, responsive to all identified parameters, offers a more accurate and realistic interpretation of complex permittivity within the reservoir. The model’s validation on assorted unconsolidated and consolidated core samples underpins its reliability, paving the way for its implementation in any model estimating absorption and penetration dynamics within the reservoir.

In summation, the results of this study hold significant implications for reservoir simulation. The regressed models can be directly integrated to bridge the gap between numerical simulation and experimentally obtained relationships. These findings offer insights into the behavior of complex permittivity and its sensitivity to various reservoir properties. The regression model developed herein provides a more nuanced approach to estimating complex permittivity in oil reservoirs, enhancing our comprehension of EM wave absorption dynamics, and contributing to the advancement of more efficient and sustainable oil extraction methodologies.
A Study of the Potential Effects of Deepening the Corpus Christi Ship Channel on Hurricane Storm Surge
Authors: Valseth Eirik , Dawson Clint , Buskey Edward
Published: August 2023

We present a case study of the potential impact on hurricane storm surge due to deepening the Corpus Christi Ship Channel through Aransas Pass in the region of Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, Texas. Our investigation is based on numerical mathematical models of the circulation of coastal water due to Hurricane Harvey and a synthetic hurricane derived from Harvey. The circulation models are based on the numerical solution of the shallow water equations using finite element and finite difference techniques. The shallow water equations are solved within the framework of the widely used ADvanced CIRCulation (ADCIRC) numerical model. From the models, we ascertain maximum storm surge as well as elevation time series at critical locations in the study region. To assess the effects of a deeper channel, we compare the model outputs for current and proposed future channels. The model results indicate that the changes to maximum storm surge magnitude are small and in large portions of the study area the models indicate a reduction in surge magnitude. However, there are some local areas where the models results show an increase of up to 30 centimeters in a synthetic extreme storm scenario.
Galvanic vestibular stimulation and human-human interface in the spinal cord injury patient
Authors: Boffino Catarina Costa
Published: August 2023

Spinal cord injury is one of the most debilitating conditions in health in some cases and can occur in active young adults. Galvanic vestibular stimulation is a new approach that can help postural control in these patients. The brain-machine interface supports the recovery of these patients as also as invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation. Here we show a case report of a chronic spinal cord injury patient (tetraparesis) submitted to a protocol combining galvanic vestibular stimulation and human-human interface, a device composed of an electroneuromyography (positioned in abdominal muscle), an Arduino programmed with artificial intelligence and linked to control an electro stimulator (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation - tens) (set in paravertebral musculature) that emitted sensory and motor stimulation, to facilitate information infra and supra lesioned. The patient improved in clinical measures, including neurological level and functional scores of autonomy and postural control scores.
RETRACTED: Research on motion and attitude control of unmanned underwater platform
Authors: Jin Taotao , Miao Pei , Cui Xiuhui
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Protocol Update and Baseline Characteristics for the TRIal to slow the Progression of Diabetes (TRIPOD) Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bairavi Joann , Gardner Daphne Su-Lyn , Yeoh Ester , Tham Kwang Wei , Gandhi Mihir , Tan Ngiap Chuan , Lee Phong Ching , Lim Robyn Su May , Adamjee Thofique , Cheung Yin Bun , Bee Yong Mong , Finkelstein Eric Andrew
Published: August 2023

Background: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other adverse health conditions, is on the rise in Singapore. TRIPOD is a randomised controlled trial aimed to determine whether complementing usual care with an evidence-based Diabetes management package (DMP) -comprising access to an evidence-based app, health coaching, pedometer, glucometer and weighing scale, with or without a financial rewards scheme (M-POWER rewards), can improve mean HbA1c levels at Months 6 and 12.
Methods: The protocol was published in Trials, accessible via https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-019-3749-x1. This manuscript updates the protocol with changes to the study design due to challenges with recruitment and presents baseline characteristics. Key updates include changing the arm allocation ratio from 1:1:1 (Arm 1-Usual Care: Arm 2-DMP: Arm 3-DMP+M-POWER rewards) to 10:1:10, the sample size from 339 to 269, the intervention period from two to one year, and the primary hypothesis to focus solely on differences between Usual care and DMP+M-POWER rewards. Recruitment for the study began on 19 October 2019 and ended on 4 June 2022.
Results: The average age of participants was 54.7 (SD 10.0) years old and 64.8% were male. Majority of participants (74.5%) were Chinese, 6.8% Malay and 17.0% Indian. 66.6% had a monthly income of SGD$4,000 or more. The mean baseline HbA1c was 8.13% (SD 0.97) and mean Body Mass Index was 27kg.0/m2 (SD 5.6).
Discussion: The final participant will finish follow-up data collection by 30 June 2023. At this time all pre-planned analyses will be conducted and final results reported.
Trial registration: Registered on clinical trials.gov (NCT03800680) on 11 January 2019, accessible via https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03800680
Psychometric Properties of the Arabic versions of the 3-item General Self-Efficacy Short Scale–3 (GSE-3), and the Internal–External Locus of Control Short Scale–4 (IE-4)
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Hallit Rabih , Malaeb Diana , Dabbous Mariam , Sakr Fouad , Khatib Sami El , Sawma Toni , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: August 2023

Background
Because general self-efficacy (GSE) and locus of control (LoC) interfere with many areas of life and affect numerous health aspects, high-quality measurements of these constructs as context variables for different research areas are a necessary requirement to advance our knowledge in this field and improve people's physical and mental health. We aimed to contribute to this field by validating the Arabic versions of two ultra-short measures, the 3-item General Self-Efficacy Short Scale–3 (GSE-3) and the Internal–External Locus of Control Short Scale–4 (IE-4).
Method
A one-time-point online survey was conducted among Arabic-speaking community adults from the general population of Lebanon (N = 601; mean age 29.91 ± 12.61; 62.7% females). The forward–backward translation procedure was adopted to develop the Arabic versions of the GES-3 and the IE-4.
Results
The results of the Exploratory Factor Analyses showed that the GSE-3’ s items converged over a one-factor solution in the total sample, in men and women respectively. Furthermore, the IE-4’s items converged over a two-factor solution in those three groups, respectively. Internal consistency of the two Arabic scales showed acceptable results in our sample, with Cronbach alpha coefficients of .93 for the GSE-3, of .75 for the internal and .49 for the External LoC factors of the IE-4. Convergent validity evidence was confirmed based on the correlations of the GSE-3 and the IE-4 between each other. Furthermore, we found that Internal LoC and GSE correlated negatively with psychological distress variables (i.e., depression, anxiety and stress), in contrast with external LoC that showed positive correlations with these variables.
Conclusion
Findings suggest that the Arabic GSE-3 and IE-4 are reliable, valid, and suitable to be applied in the large Arabic-speaking adult populations. Clinicians and researchers working in Arabic-speaking settings and nations with limited resources are now offered the possibility of using psychometrically sound measures of GSE, internal and external LoC in a convenient, time-efficient and economical way.
Empowering Students to Learn: The Effect of encouraging assessment
Authors: Ying Gang , Hai Meihong
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the effects of formative assessment, specifically neutral assessment and encouraging assessment, on students' learning performance in the short- and long-term. Through the use of quasi-natural experiments, Propensity Score Matching, and Instrumental Variable methods, the study finds a consistent and significantly positive effect of neutral assessment and encouraging assessment on students' learning. It also reveals an interesting effect: encouraging assessment helps to inspire students to cope with difficult tasks in the long term, while neutral assessment only improves the performance of short-term, loose, and relatively easy tasks. This suggests that encouraging teaching intervention helps to shape students' long-term aptitude for handling difficult tasks, while neutral assessment only boosts short-term, loose, and relatively easy work performance. The findings of this study suggest that formative assessment, and particularly encouraging assessment, can be an effective tool for improving student learning in the short- and long-term.
Impacts for Health and Care Workers of Covid-19 and Other Public Health Emergencies of International Concern: Living Systematic Review, Meta-analysis & Policy Recommendations
Authors: Fronteira Ines , Mathews Verona , Santos Rainalla Lima Bandeira dos , Matsumoto Karen , Amde Woldekidan , Pereira Alessandra , de Oliveira Ana Paula Cavalcante , Craveiro Isabel , Chança Raphael , Boniol Mathieu , Ferrinho Paulo , Poz Mário Roberto Dal
Published: August 2023

Background Health and care workers (HCW) faced the double burden of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: as members of a society affected by a public health emergency and as HWC who experienced fear of becoming infected and of infecting others, stigma, violence, increased workloads, changes in scope of practice, among others. To understand the short and long-term impacts in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies of international concern (PHEICs) on HCW and relevant interventions to address them, we designed and conducted a living systematic review (LSR).Methods We reviewed literature retrieved from MEDLINE - PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, LILACS, the World Health Organization COVID-19 database, the ClinicalTrials.org and the ILO database, published from January 2000 until December 2021. We included quantitative observational studies, experimental studies, quasi-experimental, mixed methods or qualitative studies; addressing workplace hazards, mental health, unplanned absenteeism, attrition and intention to leave the occupation, performance, violence and quality of life. The review targeted HCW, health systems, health services users and the public; and interventions and exposures, implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic or other PHEICs. To assess the risk of bias of included studies we used the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools. Data were qualitatively synthetized using metaggregation and meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled prevalence of some of the outcomes.Key Findings The 1,013 studies included in the review were mainly quantitative research, cross-sectional, with medium risk of bias/ quality, addressing at least one of the following: mental health issue, violence, physical health and well-being, and quality of life. Additionally, interventions to address short- and long-term impact of PHEICs on HCW also included in the review were mainly behavioral and individual oriented, aimed at improving mental health through the development of individual interventions. A lack of interventions addressing organizational or systemic bottlenecks was noted.Conclusions PHEICs impacted the mental and physical health of HCW with the greatest toll on mental health. The impact PHEICs are intricate and complex. The review revealed the consequences for health and care service delivery, with increased unplanned absenteeism, service disruption and occupation turnover that subvert the capacity to answer to the PHEICs, specifically challenging the resilience of health systems.
An Ensemble Learning Based Framework for Smart Landslide Detection, Monitoring, Prediction and Warning in IoT-Cloud Environment
Authors: Sharma Aman , Mohana Rajni , Kukkar Ashima , Chodha Varun , Bansal Pranjal
Published: August 2023

Landslides occur every year during the Monsoon season in hilly areas. Every year, this natural disaster lead to several fatalities, injuries and property destruction. It is crucial to monitor landslides and promptly alert people to looming disasters in light of these injuries and fatalities. Till date no efficient technique is in practice to predict landslides. The tools that are now available monitor landslides at a very high cost and do not offer early warning or forecasts of soil movement. A innovative, low-cost Internet of Things (IoT)-based system for landslip warning, monitoring, and prediction is the major objective of this research. Its assessment, implementation, and development are described in detail.In this study, an IoT-based smart landslide detection, warning, predicting and monitoring system is proposed. The pre and post measures are considered using sensors and other hardware to deal with landslide disaster. It uses real time monitoring of the environment (landslide site) for any changes and providing appropriate output by comparing the threshold values. The proposed system is put to the test on a prototype model, which performed well in our tests. The database was updated 2.5 seconds after the landslide happened, thanks to a steady internet connection. In less than 5 seconds after the event, the thinkspeak channel is able to display a graphical depiction of the data as well as its position. Multiple readings showed an 80–85% system accuracy rate. Further, the proposed ensemble learning based risk prediction model is applied on static and dynamic data to predict the landslide for future references. The ensemble classifier model has 98.67% recall, 96.56% accuracy, 97.35% F1- value and 96.07% precision. The alert SMS are also sent to concerned authority for medical emergency/PWD department/ District administration.
Clinical efficacy and safety analysis of receiving PD-1 inhibitor-containing regimen in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Zhou Juanjuan , Cai Yunlong , Chen Zhen , Zhang Xiaomei , Xiang Xiaojun
Published: August 2023

Background This paper analyzes the clinical efficacy and safety of Programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1) inhibitor-containing regimens in the treatment of elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 51 patients aged ≥ 65 years subjected to anti-PD-1 antibody therapy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between January 2018 and May 2021. We analyzed related factors of patients. Results Only 15.7% of all patients experienced immune-related events. Objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) of patients were 31.4% and 78.4%, respectively. ORR was higher in patients treated with PD-1 inhibitor-containing regimens in first-line compared to second and later-line therapy. In univariate analysis, two or more distant metastatic organs, high Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)group, and non-excellent Lung Immune Prognostic Index (LIPI)score group were associated with poor median progression-free survival (mPFS)and median overall survival (mOS)([HR, 3.745; CI, (1.667–7.244); P < 0.05], [HR, 2.304; CI, (1.137–4.670); P < 0.05], [HR, 2.822; CI, (1.314–6.059); P < 0.01], [HR, 3.024; CI, (1.191–7.677); p < 0.05], [HR, 3.050; CI, (1.302–7.147); p < 0.05], [HR, 2.607; CI, (1.060–6.407); P < 0.05]. First-line therapy was associated with better overall survival (OS)compared to second and later-line therapy (P < 0.05). Additionally, the number of distant metastatic organs was an independent prognostic risk factor for progression-free survival(PFS). Conclusions In summary, PD-1 inhibitor-containing regimens are safe and effective in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer. The use of PD-1 inhibitor-containing regimens for first-line therapy may result in a greater survival benefit for elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer than later-line therapy.
Mechanism of action of NvZhen ErXian HeJi in ovariectomized rats with myocardial infarction based on network pharmacology
Authors: Wu Kai , Guo Shu-Xun , Zhang Jie , Zhang Lin-Li , Zhu Ming-Yang , Guo Wen-Jing , Chen Zhi-Gang , Lin Fei
Published: August 2023

Purpose: NvZhen ErXian HeJi (NZEXHJ) is used to treat perimenopausal syndrome (PS), but its effect on perimenopausal coronary heart disease is unclear. To study the effect of NZEXHJ on perimenopausal coronary heart disease in a rat model based on a network pharmacology approach.
Methods: Based on network pharmacological analysis combined with molecular docking, and that predicted the potential therapeutic target and pharmacological mechanism of NZEXHJ in the treatment of PMCHD. We used an ovariectomized rat (OVR) model to understand the effect of NZEXHJ on myocardial injury and further verify the target of NZEXHJ in the intervention of PMCHD.
Results: We selected 52 active components of NZEXHJ against PMCHD, and an intersection of their targets on network pharmacology, which SCN5A, SER1, AR, and PGR were significantly correlated. Protein-protein interaction network revealed CASP3, CXCL8, IL6, MAPK1, TNF, TP53, and VEGFA, in the treatment of PMCHD with NZEXHJ. The Kaempferol, luteolin, and mistletoe pre-sented good affinity towards the aforementioned targets by Molecular docking NZEXHJ exerted protecting cardiomyocytes for OVR. The mechanism was related to a reduction in the expression levels of the CXCL8, TNF, and regulate PI3K-AKT signaling pathways.
Conclusion: NZEXHJ may protect against myocardial injury after myocardial infarction in ovariectomized rats by regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway through CXCL8, TNF, and other targets. Our study provides new ideas and targets for the treatment of perimenopausal coronary heart disease in the future.
A simple and effective technique for laparoscopic gastrorrhaphy: ModifiedGraham’s patch with barbed suture
Authors: Chou Ta-Chun , Lee Chun-Hui , Soong Ruey-Shyang , Chen YiChan
Published: August 2023

Introduction
Peptic ulcers are caused by unbalanced acid production, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in recent decades have helped to treat peptic ulcers effectively. Meanwhile, the incidence of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) persists and has a high mortality rate if there is no adequate management. Primary closure with a modified Graham’s patch was well performed in early detected PPU with a small size < 2 cm. A laparoscopic approach for PPU was prescribed for decades with proven feasibility and safety. We introduced an effective technique combined with barbed suture and modified Graham’s patch, which can reduce the surgical time without significantly increasing morbidity and mortality compared with traditional interrupted suture.
Patients and method
We retrospectively collected data from 2014/1 to 2020/12 in Keelung Change Gung Memorial Hospital, and a total of 154 patients receiving laparoscopic repair of PPU were included. There were 59 patients in the V-loc group (V group) and 95 patients in the P group.
Results:
The V group had a significantly shorter operation time than the P group (96.93 ± 22.14 mins vs. 123.97 ± 42.14, P < 0.001). Ten patients suffered from morbidity greater than the Clavien‒Dindo classification (CDC_ class 4 (5 from V group, and 5 from P group). Three patients with leakage were reported. Two patients were in the V group, and one patient was in the P group (p = 0.432).
Conclusion
Laparoscopic repair with barbed suture and modified Graham’s patch provides a simple and effective technique in the management of acute abdomen. This technique can be easily performed by experienced surgeons and trainees in minimally invasive surgery without affecting patient safety.
Development of ‘living well’ concept for the elderly with dementia
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Shin Nayeon
Published: August 2023

Background: Understanding how to support people with dementia living well is an important goal in dementia care. It is necessary to conceptualize a definition of “living well” that is suitable for the elderly with dementia and develop the concept from both the subject and caregiver perspectives.
Aim: This study aimed to analyze the concept of 'living well” among elderly people with dementia.
Method: Following Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's hybrid model, this study comprised three phases: theoretical, fieldwork, and final analytical. In the theoretical phase, we reviewed the extant literature. In the fieldwork phase, we conducted in-depth interviews with 12 individuals (five elderly people with dementia, two family members, and five nurses), followed by qualitative content analysis in the final analytical phase, we defined the concept of “living well” by comprehensively analyzing the data from the theoretical stage and the results from the field stage.
Results: “Living well” of the elderly with dementia was analyzed using physical, mental, and social relation dimensions. The physical dimensions derived from the final analytic phase were “ability for daily living” and “symptom management.” The mental dimensions were “psychological health,” “psychological stability,” “identity maintenance and growth,” and “human dignity.” Finally, the social relations dimensions were “maintaining social relations and community connectivity” and “national support.”
Conclusion: The concept analyzed in this study will form the basis for the development of tools and interventions to improve the suitability of “living well” for elderly people with dementia.
New dimension of epilepsy complications: A literature systematic review of visual and retinal disorders
Authors: Negahi Ahmad , Sattarzadeh Mohammad , Zarei Aref
Published: August 2023

Background:
Epilepsy usually causes irreparable brain damage with its convulsive attacks, depending on whether it is localized or general, damage to the brain nerves is not far away.
Aim:
This systematic review, we examined the effect of epilepsy on vision complications.
Method:
This article was written according to PRISMA criteria from January 2018 to January 2022. These articles were selected from PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar (for results follow-up) databases and 98 articles were studied and 11 of them were used in this article. The principle of non-bias was respected and the results were reviewed at the Cochrane Center.
Mesh base Keywords: Epilepsy/seizure, optic nerves, oculomotor nerves,Trochlear nerves, Vision disorders, retinal disorders.
Results:
Epilepsy attacks reduce the thickness of optic nerve ganglions and retinal nerve fibers. Epileptic seizures with damage to retinal nerves and more precisely optic nerve ganglia reduce Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL), Ganglion Cell Layer (GCL). Some studies have stated that hypoplasia of the optic nerve, which is a symptom of focal non-convulsive status epilepticus, has been associated with any kinds of epilepsy. Finally, these propositions ended with the reduction of sensitivity to light in several articles, vision response is reduced in patients with persistent epilepsy.
Conclusion:
visual power decrease and serious retinal nerve damage can be expected from epileptic seizures, that change indicators same as nerve thickness and sensitivity to light.
A Machine Learning Method to Process Voice Samples for Identification of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Iyer Anu , Kemp Aaron , Rahmatallah Yasir , Pillai Lakshmi , Glover Aliyah , Prior Fred , Larson-Prior Linda , Virmani Tuhin
Published: August 2023

Machine learning approaches have been used to develop methods for the automatic detection of Parkinson’s Disease with voice recordings being the most used data type due to the simple and non-invasive nature of acquiring data. While most studies used voice samples recorded under controlled conditions, a few studies have used voice samples acquired via telephone. Although voice recordings captured via telephone or mobile devices allow much easier and wider access for data collection, current conflicting performance results limit their clinical applicability. The contribution of this study is two-fold: First, we show the reliability of telephone-collected voice recordings of the sustained vowel /a/ by collecting samples from 50 people with Parkinson’s Disease and 50 healthy controls and applying machine learning classification with voice features related to phonation. Second, we utilize a novel application of a convolutional neural network with transfer learning to analyze the spectrograms of the sustained vowel from these samples. This approach considers speech intensity estimates across time and frequency scales rather than collapsing measurements across time., We show the superiority of this pre-trained Inception V3 convolutional neural network model with transfer-learning for the task of classifying people with Parkinson’s Disease as distinct from healthy controls.
Accuracy of Patient-Reported Cancer-stage Information: result of a nationwide patient experience survey
Authors: Watanabe Tomone , Ichinose Yuichi , Toida Tsutomu , Higashi Takahiro
Published: August 2023

Background
The accuracy of the patient-reported clinical data remains largely unknown. This study aims to assess the level of agreement between the responses of patients in surveys and actual information obtained from hospital-based cancer registries (HBCR).
Methods
A total of 1,671 patients from 166 hospitals across Japan were randomly selected and invited to participate in the survey, and primary data of a nationwide survey was analyzed, which was collected from January 2019 to July 2019. A group of patients were informed prior to the survey conduction that the validity of their responses would be assessed in correlation with the HBCR. Patient demographics such as age, sex, cancer stage, and cancer sites were noted, and survey responses were compared with the clinical information extracted from hospital-based cancer registries. The agreement rates between the patients’ self-reported demographic information and the information from the registry was compared. Further, logistic regression was used to identify the factors contributing to the accurate reporting of cancer stage information.
Results
It was noted that although patients’ responses regarding age, sex, and cancer site were quite accurate, the agreement rate between patients’ responses and cancer stages mentioned in hospital-based cancer registries was approximately 48.1%. The stage-stratified agreement rate was the highest (67.7%) for stage IV cancers. Younger and female patients were found to have more accurate information than older and male patients.
Conclusions
Although utilizing patient-driven information in the policy-making process is helpful, researchers and policy makers must verify the accuracy of this information.
Fixed-Time, Robust and Fuzzy Adaptive Consensus Control with Event Trigger Mechanism Based on a Novel ZNN Scheme
Authors: Xiao Lin , Luo Jiajie , Ning Yingqiang , Li jichun , Tan Ping
Published: August 2023

As a systematic approach, zeroing neural network (ZNN) is an elegant tool in control applications. However, the application of ZNNs in multi-agent systems still needs further research. Adaptive control schemes with adjustable convergence speed are important in practical application, but researchers mainly use explicit and direct rules to update the convergence parameter, which is less effective than using fuzzy logic system (FLS). In this study, combined with FLS, a novel event-triggered fuzzy adaptive ZNN (ET-FAZNN) model is proposed to solve the consensus problem in a fixed time. With a set of predefined fuzzy rules, the convergence rate is adaptively adjusted after an overall evaluation of the system state. We also boost computing efficiency by introducing the event-triggered mechanism. Specifically, we first present a detailed theoretical analysis to show that the novel ET-FAZNN model is fixed-time stable and robust. Then, we estimated the upper bounds of settling-time functions through a novel method based on the improper integral. Finally, four numerical experiments are presented to further verify the fixed-time convergence, adaptiveness, robustness, and the superior computing efficiency compared with conventional fuzzy adaptive ZNN.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide and alcohol mortality in Sweden
Authors: Norstrom Thor , Ramstedt Mats
Published: August 2023

Several of the interventions implemented by authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19 entailed potential risks for social isolation and loneliness which are risk factors for alcohol and mental health problems. Experiences from previous health shocks suggest that lower socioeconomic groups are more vulnerable. The main aim of this paper is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide and alcohol mortality in Sweden and to assess possible difference across socio-economic groups. In addition, we provide a brief description of SES-differences in COVID-19 mortality. The following causes of deaths were included in the analysis: COVID-19, all-cause mortality excluding COVID-19, suicide and a composite index of alcohol-specific deaths. SARIMA-modelling was used to assess the impact of the pandemic on suicide and alcohol-specific mortality. Two alternative measures of the pandemic were used: (1) a dummy that was coded 1 during the pandemic (March 2020 and onwards), and 0 otherwise, and (2) the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker’s Stringency Index. We used monthly data spanning the period January 2016–December 2021. There was a marked SES-gradient in COVID-19 mortality in the working-age population (25-64) which was larger than for other causes of death. A SES-gradient was also found in the old-age population, but this gradient did not differ from the gradient for other causes of death. The outcome from the SARIMA time-series analyses suggested that the pandemic did not have any impact on suicide or alcohol-specific mortality in any of the gender and educational groups.
Halo traction evaluation of Cranio-cervical instability in hereditary connective tissue disorder patients: Case series
Authors: Bohra Hussain , Maalouly Joseph , Chopra Neha , Stewart Charmian , Diwan Ashish , Seex Kevin , Rao Prashanth J
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Cranio-cervical instability (CCI) is a condition commonly found in patients with connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), leading to various symptoms. Assessing patients for surgical fusion as a treatment for CCI is challenging due to the complex nature of EDS-related symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the role of pre-fusion Halo traction in alleviating symptoms and determining suitable candidates for fusion surgeries.
Methods: A case series of 15 EDS patients with neurological symptoms underwent halo traction between 2019 and 2022. Patients completed a CCI Questionnaire before and after the traction, reporting symptoms related to headache, vision, hearing, equilibrium, and performance. Symptom groups were assigned scores based on patient responses, with one point for each affirmative answer. The scores were statistically analyzed using a paired t-test. Patients experiencing over 50% improvement in the majority of symptoms were considered for fusion surgery, and 7 out of 12 patients subsequently underwent the procedure.
Results: The average age of the patients was 38 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 14:1, consistent with existing literature. Significant improvements were observed in various symptom categories after halo traction, including headache (63% improvement, p < 0.001), brainstem functions (72% improvement, p < 0.001), cerebellar functions (59% improvement,p < 0.001), hearing (65% improvement, p < 0.001), motor functions (62% improvement, p < 0.001), vision (53% improvement, p < 0.001), cardiovascular functions (58% improvement, p< 0.05), sensory and pain (56% improvement, p < 0.001), high cortical functions (54% improvement, p < 0.01), GI functions (41% improvement, p < 0.05), bladder functions (55% improvement, p< 0.001), and Modified Karnofsky score (26% improvement, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: halo traction proved to be a simple and effective method for both evaluating patients for surgery and providing symptomatic relief in EDS-related CCI cases. It also allows surgeons to monitor patients with stable cranio-cervical junctions before committing to surgery. However, the study's limitations include the small sample size and the absence of a validated questionnaire with a scoring system.
Mist Generation Behavior in Ultrasonic Atomizer for Aerosol Jet® Printing
Authors: Feng James , Klett James , Renn Michael
Published: August 2023

Continuous ultrasonic atomization in a closed chamber is expected to generate a mist with an equilibrium droplet concentration and size distribution. Such a mist of microdroplets with controllable mist density has been used for Aerosol Jet® printing in the fabrication of a variety of additively manufactured microscale devices. Despite many unique capabilities demonstrated with the Aerosol Jet® printing technology, its ultrasonic atomization behavior appears to be rather sensitive to the ink properties with gaps in our understanding of the fundamental physics underlying its operation. In this work, we investigate some basic mechanisms in the Aerosol Jet® ultrasonic atomizer with a lumped-parameter kinetic coagulation model for highly concentrated mist. To mitigate the difficulty with unavailable knowledge about the complex turbulent flow inside the atomizer chamber, we present results for several orders of magnitude of the turbulent energy dissipation rates in order to examine a range of possibilities. The same approach is taken for analyzing the scavenging effect of the swirling bulk liquid. Our results also demonstrate the theoretical possibility for achieving a mist saturation condition where the mist output from the atomizer can become insensitive to process variables. As observed in experiments, such a saturated mist is highly desirable for Aerosol Jet® printing with maximized and well-controlled throughput in additive manufacturing.
A Performance Index as a measure of the host suitability to Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Dettler María Antonela , Barrientos Gualterio Nicolas , Ansa María Agustina , Vazquez Florencia Anabella , martínez Emilia , Santadino Marina Vilma , Coviella Carlos Eduardo , Virgala María Begoña Riquelme
Published: August 2023

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, known as spotted wing drosophila (SWD), is an Asiatic invasive fruit pest that has spread over the world in the last fifteen years, due to its high reproductive rate, its tolerance to different environmental conditions, the international fruit trade, and its wide range of host plants. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, blueberry is a major susceptible crop, although other cultivated and non-cultivated fruit species are frequent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the host suitability of commercial and non-cultivated fruit species (blueberries, plums, mulberries and cherries) at two stages of maturity by estimating an index that takes into account biological and biometric parameters. The development and survival of SWD cohorts reared on different fruits were followed from egg to adult emergence. Then, adults were sexed and some biometric traits were measured. The indices: Wing loading, Wing aspect and the Relative Performance Index (RPI) were estimated. The shortest developmental time and the maximum egg to adult survival were observed in the specimens developed in mulberry, in both stages of maturity. Only the length of the thorax showed significant differences between treatments in both sexes, and the largest adults were those reared in the ripe mulberries. The RPI, which relates performance and biometric variables, was the best parameter to evaluate the host suitability of SWD. So, it could be used as an indicator of the nutritional quality of fruits available in a region and to evaluate the importance of alternative hosts in the population dynamic of SWD.
Adaptation and psychometric assessment of a sexual and reproductive empowerment scale in Arabic among refugee and non-refugee adolescent girls.
Authors: Dagher Myriam , Abdulrahim Sawsan , Zeid Berthe Abi , Sieverding Maia
Published: August 2023

Background
Sexual and reproductive empowerment (SRE) is an important determinant of women’s and girls’ health yet measuring it is complex due to cultural and domain-specific variations. This study describes the process of adapting an SRE sale and testing its psychometric properties among Arabic speaking adolescent girls in Lebanon.
Methods
An SRE scale developed in a Western context was adapted in four steps: 1) reviewing the scale and selecting culturally appropriate domains for translation to standard Arabic; 2) conducting cognitive interviews with 30 11-17-year-old adolescent girls in Lebanon; 3) administering the scale to 339 refugee adolescent girls who participated in an early marriage intervention; and 4) conducting confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the data to assess the scale’s psychometric properties.
Results
The original model for the 13-item adapted scale demonstrated poor fit in CFA. After iteratively removing two items, scale properties were improved, albeit not optimal. The best validity and reliability results were obtained for the self-efficacy domain. Qualitative data revealed that Arab adolescent girls understood self-efficacy in relational terms, recognizing that autonomous decision-making is not necessarily favored but is influenced by parents and family.
Conclusions
This study presents an effort to customize an SRE scale to use in studies on the health of adolescent girls in an Arab cultural context. Qualitative findings highlight the importance of taking into consideration relationality in adolescent sexual and reproductive decision-making. The self-efficacy domain in the adapted scale demonstrates good psychometric properties and is recommended for use in health studies to capture SRE.
Reconstruction of the evolution and deformation history of an active fault – implications from the Atera fault, Central Japan
Authors: Zwingmann Horst , Niwa Masakazu , Todd Andrew , Saunders Martin
Published: August 2023

Atera fault clay gouges were collected for age dating near Kawaue, Nakatsugawa city, central Japan and the results integrated within its complex geological history. The results form an internally consistent data set with constraints from existing geochronological data (AFTA, ZFTA, CHIME) and demonstrate the application of gouge dating in providing new data to constrain timing of brittle deformation in Central Japan. The Atera illite age data complete recently obtained limited, illite fault gouge age data from underground exposure in the Toki granite, and the data are identical within error. The age of the heterogenous welded tuff breccia zone (Atera 1) ranges from 40.6 ± 1.0 Ma to 60.0 ± 1.4 Ma whereas ages of the fault core gouge sample (Atera 2) range from 41.8 ± 1.0 Ma to 52.7 ± 1.2 Ma. The finest < 0.1 µm fraction for the fault breccia and fault core gouge yield ages around 41 Ma, identical within error. The obtained data indicate brittle faulting and a subsequent geothermal event occurring in the Paleogene–Eocene, similar to the nearby Toki granite. The brittle deformation and thermal event were synchronous with the post-intrusive exhumation of the pluton. The Atera fault illite age data provide additional insights into an integrated, regional-scale record of tectonic displacement of central Japan, and can be linked to the large scale tectonic processes such as the Emperor sea mount kink around 55 to 46 Ma with fault initiation around 50 Ma and brittle fault cessation or reactivation around 40 Ma in the Eocene.