bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Flood Segment Review Processes and Utilizing the Voidage Replacement Ratios & Efficiency Indices to Rationalize the Management of Water Floods in North Kuwait
Authors: Al-Otaibi Sabah , Akhter Shamima , Al-Otaibi Yousef , Chetri Hom
Published: February 2024

One of the performance indicators for the assessment of the ongoing water floods is the concept of Voidage Replacement Ratio (VRR). Often, it has been experienced that the VRR numbers are either used or abused during the waterflood management leading to inconsistent decisions. Coupled with the water injection efficiency, VRR becomes a powerful tool to manage mega size water flood in Kuwait. The paper is an attempt to examine various sources of errors in reporting VRRs and suggest a deep-dive approach, rather than simplistic methodology.

Amongst the portfolio of reservoirs under active water flood in Kuwait, there are reservoirs with purely depletion drive mechanism operative while others have some degree of aquifer support. Another category comprises those reservoirs where injected water quickly re-circulates to the nearby producers. There are segments & compartments within the same reservoir. Detailed & comprehensive review is done to have the sub surface understanding by due integration of all data. Once the physics of flow of injected water is known, the VRR computation is performed using databased artificial intelligence, instead of simplistic way of volume-to-volume ratio with a single number for each reservoir. The Water flood segment reviews and diagnostics require to be utilized for scaling the VRR for each segment or block of the reservoir. Water injection efficiency computations help for rationalizing quick decisions.

Various kinds of VRRs are computed such as instantaneous VRRs, Cumulative VRRs, VRRs for areas below Bubble point pressure, VRRs for active segments/ patterns, VRRs in pure depletion mode, VRRs under aquifer support scenario and VRRs with quick re-circulation/ thief zones. Once all of these values are known, pattern/ segment or field management is done in accordance with the reservoir requirements to scale the allowable and re-distribute the injected water for maximum benefit. Water flood optimization in Sabiriyah Mauddud (SAMA) result in 10% reduction of re-circulation water and generated stable water cut performance during last 2 years. In addition, the VRRs could address the reservoir heterogeneity and connectivity to some extent helping the team to take prudent decisions to plan activities for improving water injection efficiency. The chances of over-injection or under-injection are avoided for all areas of SAMA. Various visualization tools using OFM & Spotfire helps in decision making under collaborative platform.

A powerful option to incorporate performance based VRRs & water injection efficiency with a rigorous approach helped the team to utilize the water injection resources smartly.
Navigating Complexity: Success Stories of Decommissioning a Lightweight Marginal Field Platform
Authors: Yee Teh See , Shaharuddin Noor Hidayah , Yuan Shu Shik , Zainai Ts. Ariff Irfan , Samsu Julina
Published: February 2024

As global oil and gas reserves continue to deplete, and aging platforms near the end of their design and production life, the imperative for their removal, commonly referred to as decommissioning, becomes increasingly pronounced. This paper sheds light on a recent offshore decommissioning project in Malaysia, concluded in June 2023, which distinguishes itself through the pioneering reuse and refurbishment of the decommissioned topside for a new oil and gas development project by a different operator. Simultaneously, the substructures underwent complete removal from the site for onshore disposal.

The decommissioned platform, a three-legged conductor-supported structure installed by a jack-up rig, presented unique challenges in its removal. Located just 3.3 nautical miles (approximately 6.1 km) off the coast of Sarawak, Malaysia, the soft soil conditions rendered jack-up rig removal too risky, a lesson learned painfully during the initial platform installation. The shallow water depth of 10 meters MSL further constrained lifting vessel selection and associated marine spread, posing challenges in planning well plug and abandonment (P&A) activities and overall facilities removal. Additionally, the decommissioning methodologies for this ‘conductor-supported platform’ significantly deviated from those typical of wellhead platforms.

This paper provides a comprehensive account of the decommissioning process, addressing challenges across all phases, including well abandonment, pre-abandonment surveys, data gathering, engineering, decommissioning, structural removal and transfer, disposal, and final site clearance. The successful execution hinged on critical factors such as engineering studies, cutting tool selection, removal sequences, and vessel selections.

Beyond the technical hurdles, the paper explores the collaborative efforts of the Project Management Team and Malaysia's regulatory body in optimizing schedule and costs. It aims to engage and inform those interested in platform and facilities abandonment and decommissioning, guiding readers through the entire journey of platform facilities decommissioning and removal.
Development and Successful Field Application of a Novel Low Solids, Brine-Based, HTHP Well Testing Fluid
Authors: Mudgal Punit , Dhavle Mayuresh , Lavale Vaishali , Navarro Raul , Khati Milind , Jadwani H. , Zhou Hui
Published: February 2024

Deep and ultradeep reservoirs are commonly characterized by high temperature and high pressure (HTHP), which poses a severe challenge to well testing operations. The requirement for high-density clear brine drives the overall cost of the well testing operations. There are only a few alternative high-density (>14.5ppg) clear brines in the market that can deliver the hydrostatic pressure requirements for HTHP wells. Zinc-based brines pose health, safety and environment (HSE) concerns, and can show high general corrosion rates as well as issues with elastomer compatibility. There are other alternative high density brine systems that are more benign, but they may have limits with respect to density and crystallization temperature, and/or they may have an extremely high cost per barrel. Considering the challenges of minimizing HSE risks and costs, a high-temperature divalent brine-based completion fluid was designed, utilizing novel synthetic polymer technology. This paper presents the laboratory work and field performance of this newly developed low-solids, brine-based, clay-free fluid system designed for HTHP well testing.

14.2ppg calcium bromide (CaBr2) brine was selected as the base fluid to provide density and minimize the total amount of acid-soluble solids in the fluids (as well as a very low crystallization temperature). Lab studies were conducted for rheological stability across a range of temperatures and for long-term stability under high temperature conditions. Return permeability tests were conducted on the final formulations to validate their suitability for use in the reservoir. The synthetic polymer technology provided excellent rheology and suspension in the fluid systems designed in the laboratory and proven in the field applications.

The fluid was re-utilized multiple times in multiple wells and adjusted as per well requirement of density to control downhole pressure. This reusable well testing fluid resulted in a significant cost reduction to the operator.
Renewable Local Power to Decarbonise Offshore Energy
Authors: Ferreira J. S. , Lewis M. , Silva A. , Crossland I. , Slorach P. , Money N.
Published: February 2024

Momentum is building within the global offshore oil and gas industry to reduce carbon emissions in line with net zero targets and industry agreements around decarbonization such as the North Sea Transition Deal in the UK. As part of this drive to reduce emissions and to decrease reliance on traditional sources of power, integration of renewables within offshore operations is increasingly being seen as a viable solution.

In order to encourage wider adoption of renewables within these operations, successful projects must be demonstrated to show the viability of renewables in this environment, as well as the capability of overcoming the intermittency challenges associated with renewables.

The Renewables for Subsea Power (RSP) project, launched in 2020, is said to be a first-of-a-kind commercial scale demonstrator project which provides a fully integrated offshore power and over-the-horizon communications solution through the integration of a wave energy device and a subsea battery energy storage system. The project demonstrates power export to the subsea energy management system, powering both subsea controls equipment and underwater vehicles through a remote wireless communication link to the subsea equipment.

In this paper, the focus will be on the development and progress within the RSP project. Discussion will include observations from Phase 2 onshore commissioning, as well as the offshore demonstration which began in February 2023 in the UK North Sea and has been operational over a nine-month period.

Beyond innovation in the developed hardware, the project provides a case study of a wider industry collaborative approach, addressing the need to explore ways of achieving a net zero future and work towards enhanced energy security, including for offshore operations. The project is relevant to numerous remote power provision applications across the ever-growing Blue Economy.
Scale Inhibitor Dosage In Seawater Injection: Insights Into Long Term Advantages Of Continuous Dosage and Implications Of Inadequate Dosage
Authors: Uniyal R. , Devshali S.
Published: February 2024

This paper aims to elucidate the various benefits of continuous dosage of suitable scale inhibitor into the reservoir through injection water to prevent down hole deposition of scale in offshore development wells. Various consequences of inadequate chemical dosing have been deliberated. Detailed description of methodology adopted for chemical selection has also been elaborated in the paper.

Most oilfields in India's Western Offshore region are brown/matured fields which have been in production for more than three decades. Reservoir pressure management system, which includes seawater injection as one of the primary techniques, has been in place since the 1990s. Seawater has a high concentration of inorganic minerals which are not always compatible with formation water. The chemical injection plan, part of the larger seawater injection system, had initially included provision for anti-scalant injection. The same was however discontinued at a later stage based on a separate study. The study took into account the water chemistry at the time (late 1990s) and stated that the water was unlikely to scale in the near future. Two decades on and inorganic scaling has plagued majority of the development wells in the field. This has led to a rampant rise in the requirement of scale removal jobs in the field over the past decade or so. Scale prevention is a superior and economical alternative to scale removal due to reduced consumption of chemicals and prolonged life. As part of this study, the feasibility of continuous injection of a suitable scale inhibitor into the reservoir has been re-examined and subsequently, extensive laboratory experiments were performed to identify suitable chemicals. Additionally, the repercussions of not dosing a suitable chemical/ inadequate dosage have been discussed.

As part of the study, injection water samples were collected from strategic locations all over the western offshore injection water network and analysed for scaling tendencies. The results show beyond doubt that decades of production has led to injection water breakthrough/encroachment and with it, the problem of inorganic scaling. Based on a comprehensive literature review and market scouting, six inhibitors were evaluated for their inhibition efficiency, thermal stability and compatibility with the rock formation through laboratory experiments under simulated reservoir conditions. Based on the results, chemical X was identified as being most suitable for continuous injection into the reservoir to combat scaling issues in both injection and development wells.

The study discusses the various pros and cons of continuous scale inhibitor dosing thru seawater injection for an offshore carbonate reservoir. It analyses the feasibility of starting afresh a scale inhibitor injection program, after the field has been in production for more than 3 decades. The entire chemical selection process has also been detailed.
Complex Multi-Stacked Reservoir Development – A Successful Case Study Offshore Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Limniyakul T. , Wasanapradit T. , Chigbo I. , Khunmek T. , Yew Z. , Tan C. , Moses N. , Ornman P.
Published: February 2024

Many fields in the Gulf of Thailand (GoT) consist of multi-stacked reservoirs with various degrees of aquifer strengths and varying reservoir properties. Commingled production with sand control has been challenging due to productivity loss from sand failure, and/or early water breakthrough. This case study demonstrates how a combination of integrated reservoir simulation and out-of-the-box well completion designs were used to enhance recovery and economically develop an otherwise marginal 1500 ft. long small multi-stacked reservoir offshore GoT.

Separate static and dynamic models existed for two of the four reservoirs of interest. A pre-drill study amalgamated the static models into a single stacked model in readiness for a multizone commingled flow study. A high-resolution numerical simulation model was then created, integrating varying rock properties and aquifer strengths observed from historical data. The completion strategy sought to isolate multiple water bearing zones straddling the hydrocarbon zones with swell packers and integrate inflow control to manage the variability in reservoir properties and aquifer sizes. A real-time update of the pre-drill model was required to best optimize the inflow control device (ICD) design.

During the campaign, multiple additional oil-bearing reservoirs were discovered. The team quickly updated the geological models and generated fit-for-purpose high resolution dynamic simulation models, building in multiple scenarios with more than a million active grid cells, to best reflect the understanding of the new reservoirs. This was done within the very short time permitted by operational constraints and helped increase the confidence in ICD nozzle sizing. The reservoir drilling fluids had to be modified to ensure a good swell packer performance for zonal isolation integrity. A total of 8 sands were completed in this well, from 4 originally planned. Post-drill production performance from the well suggests a strong conformance to the pre-drill models as far as inflow goes. The benefit of the ICD deployed in this highly deviated well was demonstrated, with the smaller nozzle sizes limiting inflow from zones with higher productivities and quicker water breakthroughs. The swell packers performed very well judging from the water cut profile from the well. A similar approach is planned to be used in multiple other marginal multi-stacked oil reservoir in this field and others.

This study demonstrates what is possible when different areas of expertise work together to combine/integrate multiple separate existing technologies. High resolution numerical simulation was combined with sand control and inflow control technologies with modified drilling fluids and swell packer designs to make the development of these otherwise uneconomic multi-stacked marginal reservoirs possible.
A Case Study on Extracting Insights from the Initial Implementation of Liner While Drilling Technology in the Western Offshore Region of India
Authors: Bagga Pawandeep , Pethe Sarang , Bhelonde Rajan , Pandey V. K , Gupta Rakesh , Gupta Arpit
Published: February 2024

Objectives/Scope

The Mumbai High field located in the Western offshore of India poses significant challenges for drilling and liner running operations due to reservoir depletion and severe lost circulation conditions. As a result, a pilot project was implemented to address these difficult carbonate reservoirs using a new technology called Liner while Drilling. The operator had previously encountered substantial losses in the zone, resulting in significant rig downtime and damage to the reservoir caused using Loss Circulation Materials (LCM) Pills.

Methods, Procedures, Process

To overcome these challenges, the Steerable Drilling Liner service was employed, which combines a rotary steerable system and Logging while drilling tools with a liner. This innovative approach helps in drilling through zones with lower pressure and unstable shale/coal layers, as well as formations with varying flow and pressure conditions. The integrated Bottom hole Assembly includes an Underreamer to enlarge the drilled hole, enabling the liner to cover the open hole portion during the drilling process. It is worth noting that drilling with a mud motor and low RPM from the surface puts less stress on the formation compared to conventional Rotary Steerable Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). In the second run, cementing is performed with the assistance of a cement retainer assembly. Finally, in the last run, a Completion Packer and Liner Hanger are set to hand over the well to the operator.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

The use of special mud additives and Liner while Drilling technology effectively contained losses. The plastering and smearing effect across the wellbore provided value in addressing the losses. This technology reduced formation damage by eliminating the need for repeated LCM pills. The Steerable Drilling Liner service helps mitigate the risks of hole collapse and formation damage by reducing exposure of the open hole section, minimizing non-productive time (NPT) by eliminating extra trips, and ensuring that the liner is installed at total depth (TD) during the first run.

Novel/Additive Information

This paper will provide a detailed discussion on the application of Liner while Drilling technology in the Indian Western Offshore Field. It will cover lessons learned from two deployments, opportunities for improvement, and the way forward. Additionally, the paper will examine the execution of the technology in two specific wells, addressing the challenges associated with each well and the methodologies employed to overcome them.
Horizontal Drilling and Landing in Thin Reservoir with Interbedding Laminated Formations with Geosteering and Formation Sampling While Drilling in Single Complex BHA
Authors: Soong A. , Azmee K. , Farah K. , Sabrina N. , Gao H. , Gordon H. , Mandal D.
Published: February 2024

Thin challenging reservoirs have often been overlooked due to their uneconomical nature. Humongous amount of produce-able zones are thus left behind in most parts of the world. Field BC has been producing for 3 decades from more accessible reservoirs to good measure. To extend the life of the field, more wells were planned to penetrate into untapped sand reservoirs.

Of the 5 wells planned, 2 wells were designed to land in thin sand reservoirs (~20 ft thickness) with laminated shale-sand layers in between. Horizontal sections of (3500 ft) were planned to maximize exposure in pay zone. This paper aspires to share actual challenges, mitigations and results of drilling the horizontal wells. Conventional methods of geosteering drilling, relying on deep resistivity signal as formation boundary indicator was deemed risky in this situation due to the reported low resistivity contrast between hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon.

This paper explores the challenges and resolves them via combination of tailor made BHA configuration, drilling mud design and special drilling practices. Results from the engineering and execution of drilling this horizontal section should be emulated elsewhere around the world should similar challenging reservoir be encountered.
SMEP Alarm Management Transformation
Authors: Ahmad M. L. , Ahmed S. U. , Yong S.
Published: February 2024

SHELL MALAYSIA EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION (SMEP) Alarm Management journey started back in 2011 as a result of Process Safety Basic Requirement 9 (PSBR9). Alarm management is considered a critical part of Operational Excellence as poor alarm management is recognized as one of the key factors contributing to major process safety incidents that occurred previously in the Esso Longford Gas Plant and BP's Texas City Refinery explosions. In depth understanding of Alarm Management will help improve Process Safety along with increasing the reliability of any plant.

SMEP is considered a pioneer in Malaysia's upstream business when it comes to establishing Alarm Management within Operated Assets. As a result, our in-house expertise was requested by the regulators to assist and share our best practices with other oil and gas majors within Malaysia. A number of challenges were faced as the whole changes in the Operating philosophy along with people's behaviors and mindset. Persistence was also required to encourage the whole organization to further emulate these changes as part of the SMEP CONTINOUS IMPROVEMENT journey.

SMEP has seen tremendous improvements in Alarm Management moving from offline Master Alarm Database (MAD) to Online MAD; Manual Alarm Bad Actor reporting to auto generate Bad Actor and making further use of alarms for troubleshooting and incident investigations. SMEP started with an average facility having more than 100 alarms per hour to 6 alarms per hour, meeting the global standards set and are now looking forward to reducing this to 2.4 alarm per hours, which would be Best in Class within current operations.
CT angiographic patterns predict carotid pseudo-occlusion in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Sachithanandan Sayooja , Ramachandran Harikrishnan , Jayadevan ER , Kannath Santhosh K. , Sreedharan Sapna E. , Sylaja PN
Published: February 2024

Background:

Identifying carotid pseudo-occlusion (PO) from true occlusion (TO) has implications in determining the candidacy and feasibility of successful endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Purpose:

We reviewed the computed tomography angiographic (CTA) patterns differentiating a PO from a TO and analyzed the rate of successful recanalization after EVT.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with AIS and proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion who underwent EVT from 2014 to 2021 were identified. The patterns of carotid occlusion in CTA were classified into beak, dome, and flat patterns and correlated with microcatheter digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as PO and TO. The rates of successful recanalization in PO and TO were analyzed.

Results:

Of the 24 patients, 16 (66%) had ICA PO and eight (33%) had TO in DSA. A beak pattern of the proximal ICA on CTA was significantly higher among the PO group patients (87.5% vs. 25%, P = 0.005), and a flat pattern was significantly higher among the TO group patients (50% vs. 12%, P = 0.005). A gradual contrast decline of the proximal ICA on CTA images was seen only in PO group patients (85.7% vs. 0%, P = 0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of successful recanalization between PO and TO group patients (81.25% vs. 62.5%, P = 0.362).

Conclusion:

Beak pattern and gradual contrast decline at the proximal ICA occlusion site in CTA are suggestive of carotid PO. Identification of PO in CTA can help in planning intervention strategies and prognostication.
Effect of 4-META on microtensile bond strength of cements to ceramics
Authors: Nafisifard Maliheh , Alaghehmand Homayoon , Soleimani Laleh , Mokhtarpour Faraneh
Published: February 2024

Background:

This study assessed the effect of different concentrations of 4-methacryloyloxyethy trimellitate anhydride (4-META) added to silane on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of light-cure and dual-cure resin cement to hybrid and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics.

Materials and Methods:

This in vitro, experimental study was conducted on 32 Celtra Duo and 32 VITA Enamic ceramics bonded to Allcem Veneer light-cure and Allcem dual-cure resin cements using silane impregnated with 4-META in 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10 wt% concentrations in 16 groups (n = 4). The µTBS of specimens was measured by a universal testing machine and analyzed by the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests, and the mode of failure was determined under a stereomicroscope and analyzed by the Chi-square test (alpha = 0.05).

Results:

The lowest mean µTBS was recorded in the Enamic ceramic group with 4-META (0%) bonded to dual-cure cement (14.26 MPa), and the highest mean µTBS was recorded in Enamic ceramic with 4-META (10%) bonded to light-cure cement (18.59 MPa) (P < 0.001). The µTBS of Celtra Duo was significantly higher than that of Enamic in bonding to light-cure cement using 4-META (2.5%) (P = 0.003). All failures (100%) were adhesive in most groups. The frequency of adhesive failure was the lowest (90%) in Celtra Duo bonded to dual-cure cement with 4-META (5%).

Conclusion:

According to the results of this pilot study, the addition of 4-META (10%) to silane caused a significant improvement in µTBS to light-cure cement. The addition of 4-META in all concentrations significantly improved the µTBS to Enamic ceramic in the use of dual-cure cement; however, it had no significant effect on µTBS of Celtra Duo. Nonetheless, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the relatively small sample size.
Comparison of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) scoring system in predicting postoperative mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy: A retrospective study
Authors: Doda Pallavi , Kerai Sukhyanti , Chauhan Kanika , Manchanda Vineet , Saxena Kirti N. , Mishra Anurag
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims:

There is paucity of studies on preoperative risk assessment tools in patients undergoing emergency surgery. The present study evaluated the performance of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) surgical risk calculator and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status (PS) classification system in patients undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 60 adult patients who underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy for perforation peritonitis. The clinical details, ASA PS classification, laboratory investigations and postoperative course of patients were retrieved from their medical records. Based on these details, APACHE II and ACS-NSQIP were calculated for the patients. The study’s primary outcome was the accuracy of the preoperative APACHE II, ACS-NSQIP risk calculator and ASA PS class in predicting the postoperative 30-day mortality of patients.

Results:

The area under the curve (AUC) of APACHE II, ACS-NSQIP score, and ASA PS classification for mortality 30 days after surgery was 0.737, 0.694 and 0.601, respectively. The P value for the Hosmer–Lemeshow (H–L) test of scoring systems was 0.05, 0.25 and 0.05, respectively. AUC for postoperative complications was 0.799 for APACHE II, 0.683 for ACS-NSQIP and 0.601 for ASA PS classification. H–L test of these scoring systems for complications after surgery revealed P values of 0.62, 0.36 and 0.53, respectively.

Conclusion:

Compared to the ACS-NSQIP and ASA PS classification system, the APACHE II score has a better discriminative ability for postoperative complications and mortality in adult patients undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy.
Effects of propofol intravenous general anesthesia and inhalational anesthesia on T-lymphocyte activity after breast cancer surgery: A meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Daqi , Li Kunyue , Chai Ziqi , Wang Lijuan , Gu Shimin , Sun Na , Zhang Yu , Wang Yuxia , Wang Tao
Published: February 2024

Background:

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. General anesthesia is a commonly used anesthesia method for breast cancer surgery, and studies have confirmed that general anesthesia can induce immunosuppression in breast cancer patients and increase the metastasis rate of tumors. However, the difference between the effects of intravenous general anesthesia and inhalation anesthesia on the function of T-lymphocytes is still controversial, and it is necessary to explore reasonable anesthesia methods to reduce immunosuppression caused by surgery and anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:

Databases (Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, and Wanfang) were searched (up to October 2022) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intraoperative inhalation anesthesia and propofol intravenous anesthesia in breast cancer patients, with the outcome of T-lymphocyte subsets. The meta-analysis was performed by STATA 14.0.

Results:

Six RCTs with 352 patients were included in the study. Compared with inhalation anesthesia, there was no difference in T-lymphocyte subsets between the two groups immediately after surgery, but the activities of CD4+ T cells in patients with propofol anesthesia were higher (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.234, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.003–0.466, P = 0.047, I
2 = 44.1%) than those under inhalation anesthesia 1 day after surgery, and CD4+/CD8+ activities in patients with propofol anesthesia were higher (SMD = 304, 95% CI: 0.072–0.537, P = 0.010, I
2 = 48.0%) than those under inhalation anesthesia 1 day after surgery.

Conclusion:

There were no differences in the effects of propofol and inhalation anesthetics on T-lymphocytes immediately after surgery, but the inhibitory effects of inhalation anesthetics on CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ cells were stronger 1 day after surgery.
How much natural ventilation rate can suppress COVID-19 transmission in occupancy zones?
Authors: Nejatian Amir , Sadabad Faranak Ebrahimian , Shirazi Farshad M. , Nejati Seyed Faraz , Nakhaee Samaneh , Mehrpour Omid
Published: February 2024

Background:

Previous research has emphasized the importance of efficient ventilation in suppressing COVID-19 transmission in indoor spaces, yet suitable ventilation rates have not been suggested.

Materials and Methods:

This study investigated the impacts of mechanical, natural, single-sided, cross-ventilation, and three mask types (homemade, surgical, N95) on COVID-19 spread across eight common indoor settings. Viral exposure was quantified using a mass balance calculation of inhaled viral particles, accounting for initial viral load, removal via ventilation, and mask filtration efficiency.

Results:

Results demonstrated that natural cross-ventilation significantly reduced viral load, decreasing from 10,000 to 0 viruses over 15 minutes in a 100 m2 space by providing ~1325 m3/h of outdoor air via two 0.6 m2 openings at 1.5 m/s wind speed. In contrast, single-sided ventilation only halved viral load at best.

Conclusion:

Natural cross-ventilation with masks effectively suppressed airborne viruses, lowering potential infections and disease transmission. The study recommends suitable ventilation rates to reduce COVID-19 infection risks in indoor spaces.
Knowledge, attitude, and perception of radiologists about artificial intelligence in Nigeria
Authors: Akinmoladun Janet Adetinuke , Smart Adaora Ezeani , Atalabi Omolola Mojisola
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be described as a set of tools and programs that operate in similar ways to normal human brain functions during regular tasks. Radiology is a medical specialty that is naturally related to technology, and the introduction of AI to radiology offers opportunities to improve the speed, accuracy, and quality of image interpretation. The applications of AI to radiology have gained a lot of grounds in the developed world, but this is still considered alien in some of the low-middle-income countries.

Aim:

This study aims at evaluating the knowledge level, attitude, and perception of radiologists in Nigeria toward the introduction of AI to the practice of radiology.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional survey carried out on a group of radiologists from all over Nigeria, who were attending an update course in medical imaging. The survey was carried out using a structured interviewee-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitude, and perception of the respondents on the use of AI, machine learning, and deep learning systems in medical imaging.

Results:

One hundred and sixty-three radiologists participated in the study. It was observed that only 12% had good knowledge of AI. Fifty-eight percent of the respondents were willing to embrace the applications if these were introduced in their hospitals. Sixty percent of the respondents had a positive perception toward the opportunity of using of AI systems in radiology practice within their facilities. There was a strong association between the respondents’ knowledge levels and their respective attitude levels with 82% of those with good knowledge having a positive attitude (P< 0.001).

Conclusion:

Knowledge of AI systems in medical imaging is still limited in developing countries like Nigeria, and acceptability of these systems is dependent on the level of knowledge of their applications in medical imaging.
Extension Agents' Perception of Suitability of Selected e-Agriculture Information Documents in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Makinde O. O. , Ogunlade I. , Akinmolafe A. O. , Olambiwonnu G. O.
Published: February 2024

Determining the perception of suitability of selected e-agriculture information documents by Extension agents in Kwara State, Nigeria was the main focus of this study.  Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire among 128 extension agents. Percentage, mean and chi-square were used to analyse data. The result showed that men (87.5%) dominated extension work in Kwara State, the agents' had the required educational qualifications with a mean household size of 6 people, and they were aware of some of the e-agriculture information except legal. The extension agents agreed that 64.7% of the e-agriculture document information from Access Agriculture was suitable for end users. Among others, the non-availability of the desired technology (=1.08) was the severest of the constraints of the e-agriculture information document. Age, annual income and educational qualification had a significant relationship with awareness of e-agriculture information documents. The study concluded that extension agents were aware all items presented on e-agriculture but deficient in the legal aspect, respondents perceived some of the e-agriculture information as suitable while some were not. There is a need for the provision of desired information technology facilities to mobilize extension agents to update farmers on the availability of e-agriculture information documents
Processors’ Acquisition of Productive Assets under National Fadama Development Project III in Southwest, Nigeria
Authors: Oyebode Lukman Abiodun , Akinbile Luqman Abiodun
Published: February 2024

An inquiry into the determinants of sustained acquisition of productive asset by processors under NFDP III in South West Nigeria was conducted. Deploying a multi-stage sampling procedure a total of 126, 120 and 90 cassava, palm oil and palm kernel processors were sampled respectively. An interview schedule was used to elicit information from sample subjects and analysed using both descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage and mean) and inferential statistics (multiple regression analysis). Respondents' adherence to the sustainability component of the project was low for both cassava (71.4%) and palm kernel (72.2%) processors but was high (64.2%) for oil palm processors. Sustained acquisition of productive assets was low 75.0%, 60.0% and 86.7% of cassava, oil palm and palm kernel processors, respectively. The determinant of sustained acquisition of productive assets across the enterprises was adherence to the sustainability component of the project, with (β = 0.284), (β =3.397) and (β = - 1.473) for cassava, oil palm and palm kernel processors respectively. The study recommends the use of groups in the execution of interventions however their cohesiveness is key. It is also recommended that project benefits are given in tranches or phased out, with associated verifiable performance indicators as criterion for assessing the benefits.
In vitro studies on the antidiabetic and antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles with aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaf
Authors: Asuquo Ukorebi U. , Mgbeje Bob I. , Dasofunjo Kayode , Elot Kelvin U.
Published: February 2024

Silver nanoparticles having applications in the field of medicine and biology are shown to have tremendous health benefits. Diabetes is still on rampage and antibacterial resistance is currently a global health challenge. This study focuses on the in-vitro antidiabetic and antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles with aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaf. An aliquot (5 mL) of extract sample was added to 50 mL of 1 mM aqueous AgNO3. Reaction mixtures were heated and maintained at 700C for 10 minutes. Colour change to dark brown solution and a UV-vis spectrum peak at 400 nm confirmed silver nanoparticle synthesis. The antidiabetic activity of the nanoparticle was studied using an in vitro alpha-amylase inhibition assay. Acarbose was used as antidiabetic control drug. Disc diffusion method was used for antibacterial susceptibility testing on Mueller-Hinton agar medium with ampiclox as control antibiotic. Results of the analysis showed significant inhibition of alpha amylase that resembled the activity of acarbose. The highest percentage inhibition of alpha amylase by AgNPs was observed at 65.625% while that of acarbose was 90.357%. Antibacterial inhibition assay revealed that 100% biosynthesized silver nanoparticles had significant (p<0.05) inhibitory effects on Eschericia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Anti-psychotic effects of leaf extracts of Palisota hirsute (Thunb.) K. Schum. (Commelinaceae) and Costus afer Ker-Gawl (Zingiberaceae) on ketamine-induced psychotic mice
Authors: Isola A. O. , Arowona I. T. , Sonibare M. A.
Published: February 2024

This study assessed the anti-psychotic activity of the methanol leaf extracts of Palisota hirsute (Thunb.) K. Schum. (Commelinaceae) and Costus afer Ker-Gawl (Zingiberaceae) in Ketamineinduced psychotic mice. Antipsychotic activity of the two plant extracts (Palisota hirsuta and Costus afer) at different doses were assessed using the Ketamine animal model of psychosis. Locomotor and stereotype behaviours were studied in an open-field and transparent chambers, while the force swim test was investigated in a cylindrical glass containing water. From the locomotion test, both doses of the plant extracts tested for activity showed a significant reduction in hyperactivity. Palisota hirsuta and Costus afer (500 mg/kg) antagonised the stereotypy effect induced by Ketamine in the mice. Furthermore, the two doses of Palisota hirsuta (250 and 500 mg/kg) and Costus afer at 500 mg/kg had high anti-depressant activity in that the immobility time recorded during the force swim test was reduced significantly. Palisota hirsuta extract had a good anti-psychotic effect at both the higher (500 mg/kg) and lower doses (250 mg/kg), whereas Costus afer extract had a greater anti-psychotic effect at a higher dose of 500 mg/kg than at a lower dose and these results are similar to those of the positive control drug (Haloperidol).
HUBUNGAN TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN DAN PARITAS TERHADAP KEPATUHAN IBU HAMIL TRIMESTER III DALAM MELAKSANAKAN KUNJUNGAN ANTENATAL CARE DI PMB ERNIATI
Authors: Afdila Reva , Saputra Mahruri
Published: February 2024

Antenatal care (ANC) merupakan suatu komponen dalam pelayanan kesehatan ibu hamil terpenting untuk meminimalkan serta menurunkan tingkat AKI. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan tingkat pengetahuan dan paritas terhadap kepatuhan ibu hamil trimester III dalam melaksanakan kunjungan antenatal care di PMB Erniati, Amd.Keb Kecamatan Seunuddon Kabupaten Aceh Utara. Jenis penelitian ini bersifat analitik dengan desain studi “cross sectional”, dengan sampel sebanyak 35 orang dari total sampling yaitu seluruh ibu hamil trimester III yang ada di PMB Erniati, Amd.Keb Kecamatan Seunuddon Kabupaten Aceh Utara. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada tanggal 9 sampai dengan 22 Agustus 2022 dengan metode pengukuran penyebaran kuesioner. Pengolahan data dilakukan dengan analisa univariat dan bivariat yang digunakan yaitu uji chi square. Hasil analisis univariat diperoleh bahwa tingkat pengetahuan ibu sebagian besar berada pada kategori kurang sebanyak 51%, paritas ibu sebagian besar berada pada kategori multipara sebanyak 57% dan kepatuhan ibu hamil trimester III dalam melaksanakan kunjungan antenatal care (ANC) sebagian besar berada pada kategori tidak patuh sebanyak 71% sedangkan hasil analisis bivariat diperoleh bahwa terdapat hubungan bermakna antara tingkat pengetahuan dengan kepatuhan ibu hamil trimester III dalam melaksanakan kunjungan antenatal care (ANC) dengan nilai p value sebesar 0.001 dan terdapat hubungan bermakna antara paritas dengan kepatuhan ibu hamil trimester III dalam melaksanakan kunjungan antenatal care (ANC) dengan nilai p value sebesar 0.000. Diharapkan kepada ibu hamil agar dapat menambah informasi dan pengetahuan mengenai hubungan pendampingan suami dengan tingkat kecemasan ibu dalam persalinan.
Medicine formulary writing for hospitals: A systematic review on development, approval, dissemination, and review
Authors: Zimbwe Kauke Bakari , Kizenga Omary Salim , Francis Emiliana Nyafungo , Yona Yusto Julius , Yahya Talhiya Abdulhakim
Published: February 2024

Background: A hospital formulary is a guiding manual developed to enhance the rational prescribing of medicines based on the local prevalence of diseases and hospital settings. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate the existing literature on hospital formulary development and management to ensure the availability of safe, cost-effective, quality, and efficacious medicines that all practitioners must use.
Methods: A qualitative evidence and experience synthesis approach was chosen to create evidence on the development and use of hospital formulary. PubMed was the database used to search for similar reviews using Boolean operators.
Results: Out of 1,347 potentially relevant literature and abstracts identified and screened, 25 publications were used in developing the hospital formulary. The hospital formulary should be developed and reviewed after using the current STG/NEMLIT to use updated medicine lists and indications. Medicines selected for the model are “medicines of choice.” The development of hospital formularies should be based on a comprehensive and transparent process that involves a multidisciplinary team of experts, a clear selection criterion, a reliable and updated source of information, and a regular evaluation of the clinical and economic outcomes.
Conclusion: Hospital formularies promote the rational, safe use of medicines to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare.
Torture and Torturous Violence
Authors: Canning Victoria
Published: February 2024

With growing acknowledgement that torture is too narrowly defined in law, this book offers a nuanced reflection on the definition of torturous violence and its implications for survivors. Drawing on a decade of research with psychologists and women seeking asylum, Canning sets out the implications of social silencing of torture.
Clima psicosocial y bienestar laboral en un hospital de categoría II en Tarma, Perú
Authors: Castañeda-Miguel Suset M. , Gómez-Pardave Ana E. , Gómez-Pardave Dorian A. , Lara-Huallpa Roger L. , Paredes-Pérez Marco A. J.
Published: February 2024

Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre el clima psicosocial y el bienestar laboral en un hospital de categoría II de una región de Perú. Materiales y métodos. La investigacion utilizó el método cuantitativo, fue de tipo básico y nivel correlacional, siendo realizada con un diseño transversal no experimental. Se contó con una población de 80 personas y una muestra de 67, entre los trabajadores del Hospital Félix Mayorca Soto. El instrumento empleado fue un cuestionario utilizando la escala de Likert, con coeficiente de confiabilidad alpha de Cronbach de 0,98 y 0,79, respectivamente. Resultados. De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos, existe una correlación minima de estadística significativa con un p-valor de 0,000072, siendo favorable la fuerza correlacional. Conclusiones. En el ambiente de trabajo se visualiza que el estado del clima psicosocial y el bienestar laboral de los colaboradores influyen el uno sobre el otro, buscando el bienestar general del personal administrativo; de modo que a mejor clima psicosocial también habrá una mejora en el bienestar laboral.
Fibrochondrogenic Differentiation Potential of Human Adiposederived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Type I Collagen-based Meniscus Scaffold with Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Stimulation In-vitro
Authors: Muran Andrew C
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Despite efforts to use scaffolds to treat meniscus tears, minimal progress has been made in facilitating meniscus regeneration and return of function. Our research objective was to develop a meniscus repair and regeneration implant by applying a resorbable scaffold in combination with cells and growth factors. We report here the results of using Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) as a source of growth factors to induce fibrochondrogenic differentiation of human Adipose- Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hADSC) in a three-dimensional (3D) Type I collagen-based scaffold in-vitro.

Methods: Scaffold Preparation: Type I collagen scaffolds were prepared following a protocol previously published. Two different densities of scaffolds, High Density (HD) and Low Density (LD), were produced for in-vitro study. hADSC and PRP Preparation. hADSCs were cultured to the fifth passage to reach the desired number for experimentation. PRP was collected from human blood and activated. Cell Culture Procedure: Effects of PRP on hADSC proliferation and differentiation into fibrochondrogenic cells were examined in four scaffold groups: LD, HD, LD+PRP and HD+PRP. hADSCs were seeded onto scaffolds (n=5) at a concentration of 2 × 106 cells/scaffold. 1% of PRP was added to the experimental media. Cellular proliferation was assessed at 1, 7, 14 and 21 days. Differentiation was measured using qRT-PCR on Days 14 and 21. qRT- PCR analysis of gene expression was completed with primers for COLLAGEN 1 and AGGRECAN. Data Analysis: ANOVAs were conducted (two-tailed tests) at the .05 significance level.

Results: Cellular proliferation of hADSCs seeded on each scaffold increased over time. Similar trend was observed for cells seeded on HD scaffolds with and without PRP. hADSC showed significant increase in cellular proliferation on the LD scaffolds at Days 1 and 7. At Day 21, PRP treatment and LD scaffold had a synergistic positive effect on Type I collagen gene expression. PRP did not elevate type I collagen gene in the HD group, the HD scaffold alone had the same level of type I collagen gene expression as LD+PRP. Aggrecan expression was elevated in the presence of PRP in both the HD and LD scaffold groups, indicating enhanced fibrochondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs. Effective cell infiltration was observed across both HD and LD scaffolds with and without PRP treatment. HD scaffolds displayed larger cell clusters and more extensive cell migration over time compared to LD scaffolds. However, LD scaffolds resulted a more uniform cellular distribution than HD scaffolds.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that PRP can play an important role in directing hADSCs towards fibrochondrogenic differentiation in Type I collagen-based scaffolds in-vitro. Additionally, our study shows that collagen scaffold density can influence the spatial distribution and cellular behavior of infiltrated cells.